Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes announced just minutes before airtime that he would open the September 26 edition of Friday Night SmackDown, live from the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. The confirmation came through a social media post, immediately setting the agenda for a broadcast positioned on the road to Crown Jewel: Perth.
Rhodes wrote, “Orlando, FL 📍 Top of the hour 👀 #SmackDown,” only 15 minutes before the show began. His appearance ties directly into the build for his upcoming champion vs. champion match against World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins on October 11 in Perth. That contest will determine the 2025 Men’s Crown Jewel Champion.
Also scheduled for the Orlando event is a WWE Women’s Championship Triple Threat match. Titleholder Tiffany Stratton defends against Jade Cargill and Nia Jax, with the winner advancing to challenge Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer at Crown Jewel.
The broadcast will also feature Sami Zayn’s fourth consecutive open challenge for the United States Championship. Since defeating Solo Sikoa for the title in August, Zayn has successfully defended the belt against John Cena, Rey Fenix, and Carmelo Hayes.
Additionally, a women’s tag team bout is on the card as Michin and B-Fab face Giulia and Kiana James. WWE SmackDown airs live at 8:00 PM ET on USA Network and is available for streaming internationally on Netflix.