Updated WWE SmackDown card: Open challenge, Tiffany Stratton appears, more

Some new announcements have been made for this Friday’s WWE SmackDown card.

Taking place at Heritage Bank Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, the episode will be headlined by Cody Rhodes & Randy Orton teaming up against Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed of The Vision. Three new announcements for the show have now been made, with Sami Zayn, Tiffany Stratton, and Damian Priest set to appear.

– Zayn will continue his United States Championship open challenge series. With the aim of being a fighting champion, Zayn has made weekly title defenses the staple of his reign. He’s defended the belt against John Cena, Rey Fenix, Carmelo Hayes, and Je’Von Evans in consecutive weeks. His fifth defense will take place this Friday against a yet-to-be-announced opponent.

– Stratton retained her WWE Women’s Championship over Nia Jax and Jade Cargill last week. She now is slated to face Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer at Crown Jewel: Perth on October 11 to decide the 2025 women’s Crown Jewel Champion. Stratton will look ahead to that matchup on Friday’s SmackDown.

– Priest, who is involved in an ongoing feud with Aleister Black, will be in action on the episode. His opponent has not been announced.

WWE SmackDown (Friday, October 3) —

  • Cody Rhodes & Randy Orton vs. Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed
  • Sami Zayn United States Championship open challenge
  • Tiffany Stratton looks ahead to Crown Jewel: Perth match against Stephanie Vaquer
  • Damian Priest in action
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Joseph Currier
Joseph Currier

Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.

In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.