WWE has some big plans for tonight’s SmackDown, and it looks like Undisputed WWE Champion Sami Zayn will be kicking things off. With Crown Jewel getting closer, WWE isn’t wasting any time putting its top champion in front of the crowd.
According to Viper Reports, Zayn is currently listed to open the October 23, 2026 episode of Friday Night SmackDown. The information comes from the show’s early rundown, which has the Undisputed WWE Champion scheduled for the opening segment. There’s no word yet on exactly what Zayn will be doing or who might get involved.
The timing is interesting with Crown Jewel coming up on November 7. WWE has been building toward the Premium Live Event, and putting Zayn in the opening spot gives the company an opportunity to move his storyline forward before the show.
Tonight’s SmackDown already has a loaded lineup, including Chelsea Green defending the WWE Women’s Championship against Roxanne Perez. Green is currently scheduled to face Liv Morgan in a Champion vs. Champion match at Crown Jewel, but that could change if Perez manages to take the title.
Giulia and Blake Monroe are also scheduled to settle their issues in a Street Fight, while Alexa Bliss and Tatum Paxley defend the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships against Michin and B-Fab. The MFTs will face Bakusai in another tag team match as well.
For now, Zayn opening the show is the latest piece of information to come out ahead of tonight’s broadcast. Since this comes from an early rundown, WWE could still make changes before SmackDown goes live.
WWE SmackDown takes place at the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California, and airs at 8 PM ET on the USA Network. With Zayn currently positioned to start the night, all eyes will be on what the Undisputed WWE Champion has to say as Crown Jewel approaches.
What do you think WWE has planned for Sami Zayn in tonight’s opening segment, and who would you like to see confront him? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
