Undisputed WWE Champion Sami Zayn will kick off tonight’s Friday Night SmackDown. According to Viper Reports, Zayn is currently listed to open the October 23, 2026 episode from the show’s early rundown — putting the company’s top champion in front of the crowd with Crown Jewel just two weeks away.
There is no word yet on exactly what Zayn will be doing in the opening segment or who might get involved, and since this comes from an early rundown, WWE could still make changes before the show goes live.
Sami Zayn (Credits: Ringside News)
Sami Zayn Opens October 23 SmackDown Ahead of Crown Jewel on November 7
The timing is no accident. Crown Jewel takes place on November 7, and WWE is deep into building toward the Premium Live Event. Putting Zayn in the opening spot gives the company an opportunity to move his storyline forward at the top of the show, and all eyes will be on what the Undisputed WWE Champion has to say.
Tonight’s SmackDown takes place at the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California, and airs at 8 PM ET on the USA Network.
Full Loaded Lineup for Tonight’s SmackDown
Zayn’s opening segment is just the start of a stacked card. Chelsea Green defends the WWE Women’s Championship against Roxanne Perez — a match with big implications, since Green is currently scheduled to face Liv Morgan in a Champion vs. Champion match at Crown Jewel. That could all change if Perez walks out with the title.
Also on the card: Giulia and Blake Monroe settle their issues in a Street Fight, Alexa Bliss and Tatum Paxley defend the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships against Michin and B-Fab, and the MFTs take on Bakusai in tag team action.
With the Undisputed WWE Champion opening the show and title matches across the card, tonight’s SmackDown looks like a must-watch stop on the road to Crown Jewel.
Also Read: WWE NXT Viewership Drops Below 700,000 Viewers for October 20 Episode
Source: Ringside News — read the full story there.
