Major spoilers for next week's episode of WWE SmackDown - Reports
WWE is set to tape next week's SmackDown episode so that the top superstars of the blue brand will be available to appear. Sources from backstage have just leaked plans for next Friday ahead of the tapings of tonight's live episode.
Superstars of both brands are scheduled to return to The Land of The Rising Sun next week. WWE currently has three non-televised SuperShow live events scheduled for Japan at Edion Arena in Osaka on Thursday, July 25, then in Tokyo at Sumo Hall that Friday and Saturday. Due to the overseas tour, next Friday's SmackDown will be taped tonight at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska.
WWE has plans to crown new challengers for DIY on next week's SmackDown, according to Fightful Select. There will be six tag teams featured in a number-one contender's Gauntlet Match, which is scheduled to take place across four television segments.
It's likely that the winners will challenge Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa for the WWE Tag Team Championship at SummerSlam. Current plans call for the following teams to be featured in the Gauntlet: The Street Profits, Baron Corbin and Apollo Crews, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, Pretty Deadly, Cruz Del Toro and Joaquin Wilde, plus two members of The Bloodline.
A-Town Down Under is also scheduled to appear on next week's SmackDown, but only for a promo segment. This is interesting as they are not featured in the Tag Team Gauntlet, and are rumored for a split. Grayson Waller and Austin Theory dropped the titles to DIY on July 5, then came up short in last week's rematch.
Action in the SmackDown women's division will also pick up for next Friday with Nia Jax and Tiffany Stratton vs. Bayley and Mia Yim, which will be the follow-up to Michin vs. Stratton on tonight's live show. Furthermore, Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair are scheduled for an in-ring promo segment with Isla Dawn and Alba Fyre, the current Women's Tag Team Champions.
Other top superstars will continue their journeys to SummerSlam next week. LA Knight vs. Santos Escobar is planned, and there will be some sort of involvement from United States Champion Logan Paul. And finally, Cody Rhodes is scheduled for a sit-down interview for next Friday's tapings.
WWE SmackDown updated lineup for tonight
World Wrestling Entertainment will air a live SmackDown on FOX tonight from the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska.
Nick Aldis has confirmed that Cody Rhodes will be in the ring to open SmackDown tonight. Below is the updated lineup:
- Cody Rhodes opens SmackDown to address The Bloodline
- Tiffany Stratton vs. Mia Yim
- Andrade vs. Carmelo Hayes
- SummerSlam contract signing for LA Knight vs. United States Champion Logan Paul
The WWE Universe is speculating on a major Bloodline spoiler for tonight's tapings, but nothing is confirmed. It was just revealed that a new star has reportedly joined the company.