Smackdown Returns with New Champion Sami Zayn as SummerSlam Buildup Intensifies This Friday
New champion Sami Zayn will make his first appearance as Smackdown’s titleholder this Friday as the blue brand builds toward SummerSlam. Zayn secured his championship status at Night of Champions by defeating Cody Rhodes and Gunther, and now faces new challengers and emerging feuds in the upcoming broadcast.
The Friday Night Smackdown event takes place at 8 p.m. EST on USA Network from the Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, where the show was taped on Monday due to the holiday schedule. The two-hour program will also be available on Peacock the following day.
The card features several key matches including Cody Rhodes versus Jey Uso in a No. 1 contenders match, plus Jade Cargill, B-Fab, and Michin taking on Charlotte Flair, Chelsea Green, and Tiffany Stratton. Additional bouts include Phoenix King versus The Viking’s Son and Brie Bella facing Lainey Reid.
