WWE SmackDown tonight is back in the United States and kicks off July 2026 as it goes back to its original running time oftwo hours. Last week, WWE Night of Champions 2026 saw the crowning of a new King and Queen of the Ring.

El Hijo del Vikingo Undisputed WWE Champion Sami Zayn to speak Fightful will have live coverage of SmackDown on Friday followed by a post-show podcast on our YouTube channel. Grab your EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal by going to to get a Huge Discount off your NordVPN Plan + a Bonus Gift!

WWE recorded a post–Monday Night Raw bout in Atlantic City featuring an AAA World Cruiserweight title match, underscoring its collaboration with Lucha Libre AAA. In the taping, Rey Fenix faced El

Following a physical altercation at Night of Champions, journalist Dave Metlzer believes that Nick Aldis will wrestle at WWE SummerSlam.

A women’s bout has been added to WWE SmackDown. World Wrestling Entertainment announced that one-half of the Women’s Tag Team Champions, Brie Bella, will take on Fatal Influence member Lainey Reid on the July 3 episode of SmackDown.

Less than 24 hours before Night of Champions, Cody Rhodes will address Gunther and Sami Zayn.

Just 24 hours before WWE presents Night of Champions from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, it presented an episode of SmackDown, taped from London's O2 Arena, headlined by Cody Rhodes addressing Gunther and Sami Zayn ahead of their Undisputed WWE Championship Match.

Last Friday’s Night of Champions go-home edition of WWE SmackDown averaged 1.206 million viewers on USA, up 1.3% from the previous week and their highest marks in five weeks. The show averaged a 0.22 rating in the 18-49 demo which was down 12% from the prior week and ties the second lowest rating it has done in that category since January 23.

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Brian Mazique has covered combat sports and video games since 2011. The first WWE show of 2026 is also the first three-hour SmackDown—a permanent format change An Ambulance Match ...

Cody Rhodes was reminded of that on the final WWE SmackDown before Night of Champions. Rhodes is scheduled to defe