WWE SmackDown Preview - September 26, 2025: Triple Threat Showdown, Zayn’s Open Challenge & Crown Jewel Build
The road to Crown Jewel heats up this Friday as WWE SmackDown rolls into the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. With just weeks before the Women’s Crown Jewel Championship clash in Australia, the question looms large: who will walk into Perth holding the blue brand’s top prize?
How to Watch WWE SmackDown Tonight
- TV: USA Network
- Streaming: Peacock, Fubo TV, YouTube TV, DirecTV, Hulu + Live TV
- Start Time: 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT
- Location: Kia Center, Orlando, Florida
Announced Match Card
- Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Jade Cargill vs. Nia Jax – WWE Women’s Championship
- Cody Rhodes live appearance
- Sami Zayn’s United States Championship Open Challenge
- Michin & B-Fab vs. Giulia & Kiana James
WWE Women’s Championship Triple Threat Match
Tiffany Stratton has carried herself like a star since cashing in Money in the Bank on Nia Jax 265 days ago, cementing one of the most impressive rookie championship reigns in recent memory. She’s turned back legends like Charlotte Flair, Bayley, and even Hall of Famer Trish Stratus. But tonight, her biggest challenge yet awaits.
Former champion Nia Jax is still fueled by revenge, while Jade Cargill, riding the momentum of her Queen of the Ring victory, is desperate for her breakthrough moment. It’s a dangerous mix of power, speed, and hunger in this high-stakes Triple Threat. If Stratton survives, she’ll head into Crown Jewel with all eyes on “Tiffy Time” vs. Stephanie Vaquer. But if not, history could be rewritten before the plane even takes off for Australia.
Cody Rhodes Appears Live
Fresh off his successful title defense over Drew McIntyre at Wrestlepalooza, WWE Champion Cody Rhodes is set to appear in Orlando. The American Nightmare is locked in for Crown Jewel against World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins in a champion vs. champion collision. But where does Drew McIntyre stand after yet another crushing setback, this time caused by injury? Expect fireworks when both men are in the building.
Sami Zayn’s Open Challenge
Since toppling Solo Sikoa to claim the United States Championship, Sami Zayn has brought back John Cena’s legacy with a weekly open challenge. Rey Fenix and Carmelo Hayes fell short the past two weeks — but who will step up tonight to test Zayn’s heart, grit, and gold?
Women’s Tag Team Match
Michin hasn’t given up her pursuit of Giulia’s United States Women’s Championship. Tonight, she teams with B-Fab to take on Giulia and Kiana James. With James costing Michin a title shot earlier this month, this tag match is more than personal — it could be the stepping stone Michin needs to secure another crack at the belt.
🗣️ Wrestling.news | Backstage Take
SmackDown feels like a crossroads tonight. Tiffany Stratton’s reign is either heading toward an international showcase against Stephanie Vaquer or crashing down at the hands of Jade Cargill or Nia Jax. Sami Zayn’s U.S. Title run has added a fresh layer of unpredictability to every show, while the looming Crown Jewel clash between Rhodes and Rollins has fans buzzing. This isn’t just a filler episode on the way to a PLE — it’s a must-see night that could reshape WWE’s fall calendar.
