Seth Rollins targets new rival on SmackDown during the first episode following WWE’s Money in the Bank, set to air live from Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky. With several major announcements and surprises anticipated, Friday Night SmackDown is positioned to reshape the WWE landscape, drawing focus to new rivalries and pivotal returns.
Major Fallout Expected Following Money in the Bank
The aftermath of the recent Money in the Bank event is setting the tone for tonight’s SmackDown. Both the men’s and women’s MITB Ladder Match winners now have briefcases in their possession, opening up the possibility for surprise cash-ins that could disrupt any WWE Champion’s reign. Key alliances have shifted after dramatic events at the premium live event, with these changes directly affecting multiple WWE Superstars and storylines heading into SmackDown.
One of the night’s most shocking moments came when Jacob Fatu loudly expressed his betrayal by screaming “I hate you” at Solo Sikoa before sabotaging Sikoa’s chance at the ladder match victory. This pivotal interference allowed Seth Rollins to secure his second Men’s Money in the Bank briefcase. Meanwhile, Naomi achieved a significant milestone, outlasting competitors like Alexa Bliss, Giulia, Stephanie Vaquer, Rhea Ripley, and Roxanne Perez to claim her first Women’s MITB briefcase, signaling that both men’s and women’s divisions are on the brink of fresh title pursuits.
Nick Aldis Unveils Anticipated SmackDown Segments
In advance of SmackDown, General Manager Nick Aldis used WWE’s official X channel to announce the show’s venue and to tease highly anticipated segments. John Cena is confirmed to be present, likely to address the fallout from last week’s MITB and the recent episode of Monday Night RAW. Fans are also set to hear directly from Naomi following her ladder match victory, as well as from Jacob Fatu in the aftermath of his fierce betrayal of Solo Sikoa.
The night promises the continuation of the King and Queen of the Ring Tournaments, with one match from each division scheduled. While these elements are confirmed, Aldis suggested there are three additional segments being kept under wraps, hinting at surprises that could send shockwaves through the arena in Lexington.
Randy Orton Primed for a Comeback in King of the Ring Competition
Randy Orton, absent from WWE television since his clash with John Cena at 2025 Backlash, is strongly rumored to be making his return tonight. His entry in the SmackDown bracket of the King of the Ring Tournament positions him alongside LA Knight, Aleister Black, and Carmelo Hayes, promising fierce competition. While Nick Aldis has yet to confirm which portion of the tournament will unfold tonight, expectations are high for Orton’s return on SmackDown in the Blue Grass State.
Fans are eager to see the “Mayor of Viperville” back in action, anticipating electrifying moments such as his iconic RKOs. Orton’s involvement would inject further unpredictability into an already stacked card, potentially setting the stage for new rivalries and blockbuster matchups moving forward.
Solo Sikoa Strengthens The Bloodline With Hikuleo’s Arrival
Jacob Fatu’s betrayal at Money in the Bank was a defining twist—not only did it cost Solo Sikoa the ladder match, but it also destabilized The Bloodline’s internal dynamics. Fatu, who entered the ring with JC Mateo and at first seemed to assist Sikoa, turned on him at a critical moment, altering the match’s outcome and ushering in uncertainty for the group’s future.
In response, The New Tribal Chief has wasted no time bolstering The Bloodline, reportedly bringing in NJPW standout Hikuleo as a fresh addition. According to BodySlam, a respected source in wrestling news, Hikuleo is expected to debut on tonight’s SmackDown, giving the stable renewed strength and lending international star power. Hikuleo’s experience across NJPW, TNA, and AEW amplifies his impact and raises the stakes for faction rivalries on Friday nights.
The developing rivalry between Jacob Fatu and Solo Sikoa—and now, with Hikuleo’s expected involvement—sets the stage for a storyline with the magnitude of a pay-per-view headliner. With CCO Paul “Triple H” Levesque reportedly taking special interest in Fatu, fans can anticipate high intensity and complex emotions as alliances shift.
Seth Rollins and His Faction Zero In on LA Knight
The path to tonight’s showdown is further electrified by the actions of LA Knight during the most recent Monday Night RAW. Knight intervened in a King of the Ring Tournament match featuring Bron Breakker, delivering his signature BFT move and helping Sami Zayn advance in the bracket. This interference placed LA Knight squarely in the sights of Seth Rollins and his newly formed faction.
With the possibility that the SmackDown bracket featuring LA Knight will be contested tonight, speculation is mounting that Rollins and his group, fresh off his MITB victory, may target Knight and escalate their feud. Such a confrontation would reinforce Rollins’ growing dominance and demonstrate the cohesion of his mercenaries. The ongoing conflict underscores the rising unpredictability on the blue brand, with alliances, betrayals, and pursuits of power converging in a high-stakes environment.
What Lies Ahead for WWE’s Blue Brand
The atmosphere heading into SmackDown is charged with expectation. With headline segments featuring the fallout from Money in the Bank, Nick Aldis’ concealed surprises, the anticipated return of Randy Orton, the debut of Hikuleo in The Bloodline, and Seth Rollins targeting LA Knight, the stage is set for an action-packed episode. Every development tonight holds the potential to redirect championship trajectories, intensify ongoing feuds, and further entangle WWE Superstars like John Cena, Naomi, Jacob Fatu, and Solo Sikoa in layered drama.
WWE fans worldwide can tune into Friday Night SmackDown at 8ET/7CT on USA Network, with the international broadcast available via Netflix. The blue brand’s upcoming episode is not only poised to entertain but also to redefine key alliances and rivalries as the road to future pay-per-view events continues.
