On the latest episode of WWE SmackDown held at the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida, Cody Rhodes made a notable return as part of the ongoing storyline leading to Crown Jewel: Perth. Rhodes, the current WWE Champion, is scheduled to face World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins at the October 11 pay-per-view event to unify the men’s titles and crown the 2025 Crown Jewel Champion. This appearance highlights the growing anticipation for their high-stakes match.
Sami Zayn Continues United States Title Defenses with Open Challenge
Sami Zayn will defend the United States Championship once again on SmackDown, marking his fourth consecutive week issuing an open challenge for the title. Since winning the championship from Solo Sikoa in August, Zayn has taken a fighting champion’s approach by facing challengers such as John Cena, Rey Fenix, and Carmelo Hayes. The mystery opponent for tonight’s open challenge has yet to be announced, keeping fans eager for who will step up next.
Women’s Triple Threat Match Decides Crown Jewel Contender
The episode also featured a pivotal triple threat match involving WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton, Jade Cargill, and Nia Jax. The winner of this bout will earn the right to challenge Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer at Crown Jewel in Perth, determining SmackDown’s representative for the women’s title confrontation. This contest adds significant stakes to the night’s lineup as the women’s division intensifies.
Tag Team Action Highlights Undercard
Adding to the card, Michin joined forces with B-Fab to face the team of Giulia and Kiana James in a tag team match. This match contributes to the evening’s dynamic roster and builds momentum for the competitive season ahead.
Overall, tonight’s WWE SmackDown event served as a crucial step in the lead-up to Crown Jewel, showcasing championship defense, title contenders, and prominent storylines, all taking place in the vibrant setting of Orlando’s Kia Center. Fans can expect these developments to shape the landscape leading into the October 11 event in Perth.
