Sami Zayn appearance, Vikingo vs. Rey Fenix part of WWE SmackDown announcements
The first appearance of Sami Zayn as WWE Champion headlines this Friday’s WWE SmackDown.
Acting SmackDown general manager Adam Pearce announced the news on X Thursday during one of his famous walks, saying he expects Zayn has a lot to say in his first appearance since winning the title for the first time at this past Saturday’s Night of Champions.
In a AAA showcase, reigning Cruiserweight Champion Rey Fenix will defend against El Hijo del Vikingo in his SmackDown debut.
The announced action will also see Charlotte Flair, Tiffany Stratton & Chelsea Green against Jade Cargill, B-Fab, & Michin as part of the fallout from Night of Champions.
The show was filmed in Atlantic City, New Jersey, this past Monday after Raw. In a bit of bad timing all the way around, Vikingo was injured the following day while preparing for an NXT match and was written off with an injury storyline. However, his match will still be aired as if he was healthy.
Announced WWE SmackDown lineup | This Friday
- Sami Zayn appearance
- AAA Cruiserweight Champion Rey Fenix defends against El Hijo del Vikingo
- Charlotte Flair, Tiffany Stratton & Chelsea Green vs. Jade Cargill, B-Fab, & Michin
Since 2011, Josh has been a contributing editor to Wrestling Observer/F4WOnline.com and also hosts the Punch-Out podcast. He has also written for Fight Magazine, Bloody Elbow, Bleacher Report, and other websites. He's a 2000 graduate of the University of Maine, worked in pro sports, and once was an indie ring announcer.