Cody Rhodes Set to Appear on Next Week’s WWE SmackDown

WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes is set to be featured on next week’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown. The American Nightmare was brutally attacked by Randy Orton during their contract signing segment for WrestleMania 42 on the March 13 episode of SmackDown. Cody didn’t appear on last night’s episode.

Earlier today, WWE announced that Cody will return to television this coming Friday. It reads as follows:

“After being viciously attacked by his former friend and WrestleMania challenger, Randy Orton, Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes is returning to SmackDown. How will The American Nightmare respond to the unspeakable betrayal by The Viper? Will he get payback en route to their title clash at The Showcase of the Immortals?”

Meanwhile, Randy Orton explained his actions last night, claiming that Cody Rhodes’ urging him to bring out the best version of himself and to listen to the voices in his head served as a trigger point for him to annihilate Rhodes. He also attacked Matt Cardona during the course of the episode.

The March 27, 2026, episode of WWE SmackDown will be hosted by the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Below is the updated lineup:

* Jelly Roll vs. Kit Wilson
* Giulia (c) vs. Tiffany Stratton for the WWE Women’s US Championship
* The Bella Twins vs. Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair
* Cody Rhodes returns