Backstage Update: Announcements Coming on Raw and SmackDown—Major Title Matches Expected for Clash in Paris
With one week left before WWE invades France for its first-ever premium live event in Paris, the buzz around Clash in Paris has hit a fever pitch. According to a report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, three more championship bouts are expected to be made official on Raw and SmackDown’s go-home episodes, other reports hint at a total of four championship matches—upping the stakes for what’s already shaping into one of WWE’s biggest international shows of the year. Last night Solo vs Sami was made official for the United States Heavyweight Championship for next Friday on SmackDown, but we have some details regarding that match.
Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre: A Rivalry Reaches Its Boiling Point
Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes is reportedly set to defend his gold against Drew McIntyre. The Scottish star has been ruthless since embracing his darker side, and his laser-focused vendetta against Rhodes makes this showdown feel inevitable.
For Rhodes, this would be his second PLE defense since toppling John Cena at SummerSlam. For McIntyre, it marks his first shot at the Undisputed Title since his heartbreaking loss to Roman Reigns at Clash at the Castle in 2022. Paris could be the night where McIntyre’s frustration boils over—or where Rhodes proves once again that he’s WWE’s definitive top guy.
Stephanie Vaquer vs. ⁉️
Notably, the Women’s World Championship was absent from WWE’s internal rundown for Clash in Paris. Stephanie Vaquer, who earned a title opportunity by winning the Women’s Battle Royal at Evolution last month, currently has no champion to challenge after Naomi relinquished the belt on Raw this past Monday due to her pregnancy.
Commentary hinted that answers would come on the August 25 episode of Raw in Birmingham, UK, with several scenarios on the table. A tournament, another Battle Royal, or even a high-stakes Fatal 4-Way match—potentially featuring Vaquer—have all been discussed backstage. One thing is certain: fans should expect a major announcement regarding the future of the Women’s World Championship on Raw.
Becky Lynch vs. Nikki Bella: A Hall of Famer’s Bold Challenge
In a surprise twist, Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch is slated to defend against Nikki Bella. The Hall of Famer made her return earlier this year at the Royal Rumble and has since reignited her feud with “The Man.” For Lynch, this defense follows her SummerSlam victory over Lyra Valkyria, while Nikki enters only her second singles match since returning. The clash between a modern cornerstone and a Hall of Fame icon adds star power and nostalgia to the Paris card.
Sami Zayn’s Grand Slam Dream
Solo Sikoa vs. Sami Zayn for the United States Championship was made official on the SmackDown edition from Ireland yesterday for next week on SmackDown on August 29th in Lyon-Décines, France and this is more than just a title match—it’s about redemption. Expect this match on SmackDown to end in a disqualification or possibly never get started due to a brawl and be moved up to the Clash Card.
Zayn has openly declared his mission to capture the U.S. Title and cement himself as a Grand Slam Champion. Standing in his way is none other than the new leader of The Bloodline, Solo Sikoa.
The story practically wrote itself: Zayn, once “Honorary Uce,” now stands against the family that betrayed him. With the Paris crowd behind him, this could be Zayn’s moment to complete his WWE journey.
The Updated Clash in Paris Lineup (subject to confirmation)
- Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Drew McIntyre
- World Heavyweight Championship – Fatal 4-Way: Seth Rollins (c) vs. CM Punk vs. LA Knight vs. Jey Uso
- John Cena vs. Logan Paul
- Roman Reigns vs. Bronson Reed
- United States Championship: Solo Sikoa (c) vs. Sami Zayn
- Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch (c) vs. Nikki Bella
- Good Ol’ Fashioned Donnybrook Match: Sheamus vs. Rusev
🗣️ Wrestling.news | Backstage Take
Clash in Paris is looking like a landmark show. WWE isn’t just delivering a stacked card—it’s mixing generational battles, long-term storytelling, and high-stakes title bouts that feel fresh on an international stage. Cody vs. McIntyre is a marquee matchup fans have been craving, while Zayn’s pursuit of the U.S. Title has all the emotional depth to steal the night. Adding Nikki Bella to the mix gives WWE mainstream attention, something they’ll want as they debut in a new market. Paris is about to feel the full weight of WWE’s global era.
