Tonight’s episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown will be broadcast live from the LDLC Arena in Lyon, France, marking WWE’s final event before the Clash in Paris this Sunday. The show follows the conclusion of WWE’s recent tour stops in Ireland and the UK, including episodes of RAW and SmackDown as well as four house shows. The focus keyword for this event is the John Cena WWE SmackDown appearance, which has generated significant excitement among fans.
John Cena, one of WWE’s most iconic figures, is confirmed to make a surprise appearance on tonight’s SmackDown. This event gains added significance as Cena is scheduled for one of his final WWE matches during Clash in Paris, where he will face Logan Paul. Fans have eagerly anticipated his presence in Lyon, which adds to the energy leading into the weekend’s major pay-per-view.
John Cena Expresses Excitement for Lyon Crowd
During a recent visit to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to promote the new season of DC’s Peacemaker, John Cena shared his enthusiasm about performing in Lyon. He highlighted the unique reputation of the local WWE fanbase, stating,
“I’ve done a ton of stuff in my career, I’ve been in front of some crazy crowds, but I’ve never been in front of the crowd that our current roster calls “the greatest crowd in WWE history” in Lyon, France. All the stuff I’ve ever done in my career, I’ve never heard the so-called ‘greatest crowd in WWE history’, and it’s supposedly in Lyon.”
—John Cena, WWE Superstar and Actor
Cena’s remarks underline the high regard in which the Lyon fanbase is held within WWE circles, setting the stage for a memorable night.
Historic Role of Lyon in WWE’s European Expansion
Lyon has become a landmark location in WWE’s international outreach, having hosted Backlash last year. Despite several highly successful major live events in cities like Glasgow and Berlin, Lyon’s crowds have earned legendary status, contributing some of the most memorable chants and fan traditions in recent WWE history.
Unique crowd chants such as il est vraiment for AJ Styles, the singing of Randy Orton’s name, and the Cody Cody Rhodes chant inspired by Boney M.’s “Daddy Cool” have all emerged in Lyon. These fan rituals have since spread throughout WWE events worldwide, reinforcing Lyon’s impact on the culture of WWE audiences. Additionally, Lyon played a significant role in shaping Jey Uso’s ascent as a main event performer, due to the electric atmosphere generated by fans during his matches.
Details of Tonight’s SmackDown Match Card
The live SmackDown show from Lyon features several high-stakes matches that will influence title scenes heading into Clash in Paris. The event will air globally on Netflix at 8 PM local time (7 PM BST, 6 PM GMT, 11:30 PM IST), while in the United States, it will be broadcast on tape delay via the USA Network at 8 PM ET (7 PM CT, 5 PM PT).
Solo Sikoa is set to defend the United States Championship against SmackDown’s latest signing, Sami Zayn, adding intrigue to the title picture. Additionally, the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships will be contested as Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss challenge the reigning champions Chelsea Green and Piper Niven.
A No. 1 Contenders match for the WWE Tag Team Championships will also take place, featuring The Street Profits (Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins) against the team known as Melo Don’t Miz (The Miz and Carmelo Hayes). This match is anticipated to further develop the dynamic between Miz and Hayes, providing character-driven entertainment alongside the competitive wrestling.
The Importance of Tonight’s Event for WWE’s European Tour
This SmackDown episode represents a critical moment for WWE as it gears up for Clash in Paris, leveraging the enthusiastic Lyon crowd that is widely celebrated within the wrestling community. John Cena’s surprise appearance not only bolsters the show’s appeal but also reinforces WWE’s commitment to delivering marquee moments during its European visits.
The exceptional fan atmosphere in Lyon has influenced several wrestlers’ careers and continues to contribute to WWE’s global growth strategy. With multiple title matches and storylines developing live, tonight’s SmackDown could set the tone for the weekend’s major pay-per-view, providing momentum for WWE as it concludes its international tour stops.
