Tonight, WWE’s blue brand takes center stage in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, delivering a supersized edition of Friday Night SmackDown just 24 hours before the Night of Champions premium live event. But if you thought the championship drama was waiting until tomorrow—think again. With three titles set to be defended, this international edition of SmackDown is shaping up to be a can’t-miss event worthy of the grand stage.
In the main event scene, all eyes are on John Cena, who returns tonight just one night before he defends the Undisputed WWE Championship against longtime rival CM Punk in a match over a decade in the making. Their last one-on-one bout dates back to 2013, but their story goes far deeper. Punk’s legendary “pipebomb” promo in 2011 sent shockwaves through the industry, calling out Cena, WWE management, and the system itself. Now, Cena—fresh off claiming his record-breaking 17th world title—has fired back with his own verbal assault, declaring himself the last real champion. As these two icons prepare for battle, Cena takes the stage tonight to address Punk one final time before their generational clash.
The WWE Tag Team Championships are on the line as The Street Profits—Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins—defend against the eerie and enigmatic Wyatt Sicks. Since dethroning DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) on the March 14th episode of SmackDown, The Profits have stood tall atop the division. But the darkness looms. With Bo Dallas and his unhinged faction slowly infecting the WWE landscape, this could be the night gold turns to dust. Are The Profits ready for war against the unknown?
On the women’s side, tensions will reach a boiling point in a deeply personal showdown. Tiffany Stratton, the current WWE Women’s Champion, defends her title against former Queen of the Ring and mentor-turned-rival Nia Jax in a Last Woman Standing Match. Stratton’s reign began in ruthless fashion this past January, cashing in her Money in the Bank contract on Jax after a grueling title defense. Since then, “The Center of the Universe” has flaunted her reign with style and savagery. But Jax hasn’t forgotten—and tonight, the Irresistible Force seeks both vengeance and vindication in one of the most brutal stipulations imaginable.
And rounding out tonight’s championship triple threat is a first-time clash between two dynamic forces. Zelina Vega, the reigning WWE Women’s United States Champion, defends her title against the internationally acclaimed and recently debuted Giulia. After dethroning Chelsea Green to capture the title, Vega has proven to be a fighting champion. But Giulia—a former NXT Women’s Champion and a global sensation—arrives with momentum, mystique, and something to prove. Can Vega continue her Cinderella run, or will the spotlight shift to the woman who’s already conquered every stage she’s set foot on?
With three championships on the line and legends ready to clash, tonight’s SmackDown is more than just a go-home show—it’s the true start of Night of Champions weekend. Buckle up.
Here is everything advertised for tonight’s show:
We’ll hear from Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena
Zelina Vega (c) vs Giulia (Women’s United States Championship)
The Street Profits (c) vs The Wyatt Sicks (WWE Tag Team Championship)
Tiffany Stratton (c) vs Nia Jax (Last Woman Standing Match for the WWE Women’s Championship)
Current WWE Night of Champions Card:
John Cena (c) vs CM Punk (Undisputed WWE Championship)
Jacob Fatu (c) vs Solo Sioka (WWE United States Championship)
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Raquel Rodriguez vs Rhea Ripley (Street Fight)
Sami Zayn vs Karrion Kross W/Scarlett
Cody Rhodes vs Randy Orton (King of the Ring Finals)
Asuka vs Jade Cargill (Queen of the Rings Finals)
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