WWE SmackDown Preview - October 03, 2025: Cody & Orton Unite, Zayn’s Open Challenge, and Stratton Responds to Vaquer

WWE Friday Night SmackDown storms into Cincinnati’s Heritage Bank Center tonight, just one week away from Crown Jewel 2025 in Perth, Australia. The blue brand is stacked with tension, surprises, and big names as the road to WWE’s fall spectacular heats up.

How to Watch WWE SmackDown Tonight

• TV Channel: USA Network
• Streaming: Peacock, Netflix (International)
• Start Time: 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT
• Location: Heritage Bank Center – Cincinnati, Ohio

WWE SmackDown Card (Announced)

• Cody Rhodes & Randy Orton vs. Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed
• Tiffany Stratton to appear ahead of Crown Jewel showdown with Stephanie Vaquer
• Sami Zayn U.S. Championship Open Challenge
• Damian Priest in action
• Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss live on SmackDown

Main Event: Cody Rhodes & Randy Orton vs. Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed

Cody Rhodes isn’t just looking ahead to his Crown Jewel showdown with Seth Rollins—he’s fighting for survival tonight. Rhodes will team up with his longtime mentor Randy Orton to battle the powerhouse duo of Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed.

Breakker and Reed blindsided Cody last week, but in classic Orton fashion, The Viper slithered in to even the odds. Now, the past and present unite in a colossal interbrand clash orchestrated by GMs Adam Pearce and Nick Aldis. Expect chaos, veteran guile, and raw strength colliding when these four step inside the ropes.

Tiffany Stratton Responds to Stephanie Vaquer

Still riding high after her Triple Threat victory over Nia Jax and Jade Cargill, WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton has Crown Jewel locked in her sights. But the reigning “Center of the Universe” may finally have met her match in Stephanie Vaquer, fresh off her Wrestlepalooza triumph.

Stratton is set to address Vaquer tonight in Cincinnati, making this one of the most anticipated face-offs on the road to Perth.

Women’s Tag Champs Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss Return to Ohio

The Women’s Tag Team Champions, Charlotte Flair and hometown favorite Alexa Bliss, are scheduled for an in-ring appearance. With championship business on the agenda, all eyes will be on how “The Queen” and “The Goddess” stir up the women’s division.

Sami Zayn’s U.S. Championship Open Challenge

Since dethroning Solo Sikoa, Sami Zayn has transformed the United States Title into a weekly proving ground. From NXT’s rising stars to main roster vets, challengers keep lining up—but Zayn keeps knocking them down.

Who dares to step through the curtain tonight and test Zayn’s streak? Whoever it is, expect another classic in the making.

Damian Priest Looks for Payback

After suffering yet another Black Mass from Aleister Black last week, Damian Priest is ready to unleash frustration on anyone unfortunate enough to stand across the ring from him. Priest’s anger could spell a short night for his opponent.

Also Advertised

• Jacob Fatu
• Aleister Black
• The Street Profits
• Jade Cargill

With a lineup this loaded, Cincinnati could witness one of the most pivotal SmackDowns of 2025.

Wrestling.news | Backstage Take

This SmackDown feels less like a weekly show and more like a high-stakes dress rehearsal for Crown Jewel. Cody and Orton teaming together again is the kind of nostalgic pop that WWE knows how to milk, while Breakker and Reed represent the new breed looking to smash their way into the main event scene. Tiffany Stratton vs. Stephanie Vaquer has sleeper potential to steal the entire show in Perth, and Zayn’s open challenges continue to deliver fresh matchups that keep fans buzzing. The only question? Can Damian Priest regain momentum before Aleister Black completely lives in his head rent-free.

#WWENews #WWESmackDown