WWE isn’t wasting any time putting its brand-new Undisputed WWE Champion in the spotlight tonight. Sami Zayn is set to open the September 18 episode of Friday Night SmackDown, just one week after taking the title from CM Punk in Mexico City.
According to Viper Reports, the early rundown for tonight’s show has Zayn’s segment kicking off SmackDown. This is still an early lineup, so WWE can move segments around or make other changes before the show hits the air.
Zayn has plenty to talk about after what happened last week. He defeated CM Punk to recapture the Undisputed WWE Championship and end Punk’s 67-day reign, and WWE has already confirmed that Zayn will appear on the September 18 episode of SmackDown.
Putting Zayn out there first also gives WWE a wide-open lane to immediately throw another problem in his face. Punk, Kevin Owens, Gunther, Finn Balor, Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes and Johnny Gargano have all been circling the championship picture, so Zayn may not get much time to enjoy being champion before somebody comes looking for him.
The opening segment isn’t the only thing WWE has loaded onto the show. Cody Rhodes is scheduled to sit down with Michael Cole after his loss to Randy Orton, while both the men’s and women’s Money in the Bank qualifying matches will continue.
Randy Orton will have to deal with two champions in his qualifier when he faces United States Champion Trick Williams and AAA Cruiserweight Champion Rey Fenix. On the women’s side, Alexa Bliss, Jade Cargill and Jacy Jayne will battle for another spot in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
MFT will also be in action against BAKUSAI. With Money in the Bank getting closer, WWE has plenty of moving pieces on tonight’s card and several matches that could shake up the upcoming Premium Live Event.
Here’s everything currently confirmed for the September 18 episode of WWE SmackDown:
- Undisputed WWE Champion Sami Zayn appears
- Cody Rhodes sits down with Michael Cole
- Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifier: Randy Orton vs. United States Champion Trick Williams vs. AAA Cruiserweight Champion Rey Fenix
- Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifier: Alexa Bliss vs. Jade Cargill vs. Jacy Jayne
- MFT vs. BAKUSAI
Ringside News will have full coverage of the September 18 episode of WWE SmackDown, including live results, highlights and all the major moments as they happen.
What do you think WWE has planned for Sami Zayn in the opening segment of SmackDown tonight? Let us know what you think and leave your feedback in the comments.
