WWE has announced a heavily loaded card for this Friday’s episode of SmackDown, which is set to feature several key developments on the road to SummerSlam. The July 18 show from the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, will include a major championship contract signing, a pivotal match to determine new title contenders, and the return of a destructive force.
The broadcast will be anchored by the first face-to-face contract signing between Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena and challenger Cody Rhodes. Their segment formalizes the main event for SummerSlam, which takes place on August 2-3. The match stems from Cena’s heel victory over Rhodes at WrestleMania 41, with Rhodes earning his championship rematch by winning the 2025 King of the Ring tournament. This marks a significant stop on Cena’s road to retirement, as it will be his final appearance at the summer event.
A massive Fatal 4-Way tag team match will determine the next challengers for the WWE Tag Team Titles. The high-stakes contest will feature Fraxiom, the Motor City Machine Guns, Andrade & Rey Fenix, and #DIY, with the winners securing a championship match at SummerSlam.
The show will also see the return of Jacob Fatu to SmackDown. His appearance follows a recent and chaotic run-in with Solo Sikoa and The Bloodline, with his next move being a major point of interest.
Two significant women’s singles matches are also confirmed. Charlotte Flair will face Raquel Rodriguez in a clash of powerhouses that could impact the title picture. Additionally, Stephanie Vaquer will go one-on-one with Alba Fyre, as the women’s division continues to build following the Evolution 2 event.
WWE SmackDown airs live at 8 PM ET on the USA Network, with global streaming available on Netflix.