Cody Rhodes, Tag Team Action Highlight WWE SmackDown Ahead of Main Event

STAMFORD, Conn. — WWE SmackDown delivered a packed three-hour episode Friday night, setting the stage for Saturday Night’s Main Event with a mix of high-energy matches and dramatic promos. The show, which featured several unadvertised segments, showcased top stars including Cody Rhodes, Kevin Owens, and LA Knight.

The night kicked off with Cody Rhodes addressing the crowd in an interview with Joe Tessitore. Rhodes discussed his upcoming match against Kevin Owens, setting the tone for the evening. The segment concluded without incident, leading into a tag team match featuring Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley of Motor City Machine Guns against Pretty Deadly‘s Kit Wilson and Elton Prince. Despite Pretty Deadly’s size advantage, MCMG secured the win with their signature Skull and Crossbones maneuver.

Kevin Owens later took the mic to criticize Rhodes’ growing popularity, only to be interrupted and attacked by Jimmy Uso. Meanwhile, Carmelo Hayes expressed frustration to General Manager Nick Aldis about a canceled match, leading to a surprise opponent announcement.

In the women’s division, Tiffany Stratton‘s promo was interrupted by Rhea Ripley, sparking a chaotic six-woman tag match. The bout, featuring Nia Jax, Candice LeRae, Liv Morgan, Bianca Belair, Naomi, and Ripley, lacked urgency but culminated in Morgan pinning Belair for the win.

Apollo Crews made a rare TV appearance, defeating Johnny Gargano in a singles match after interference from Tommaso Ciampa. The night’s main event saw LA Knight triumph over Tama Tonga in a hard-hitting contest, despite interference from Tonga’s ally, Fatu. Braun Strowman later intervened to even the odds after Fatu attacked Knight post-match.

Overall, the episode balanced in-ring action and storyline development, building anticipation for Saturday Night’s Main Event.