The planned lineup for tonight’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown from the Allstate Arena in Chicago has been revealed. The show is set to be a noteworthy one, featuring what is expected to be the final SmackDown appearance of John Cena’s career, a hometown appearance from CM Punk, and several surprises.
According to a new report from PWInsiderElite.com, John Cena is confirmed to open tonight’s broadcast. The current plan is for him to have an in-ring interaction with the new United States Champion, Sami Zayn, which will set up a match between the two for later in the show.
This is expected to be Cena’s final appearance on the “blue brand,” bringing his legendary career full circle. His WWE television debut took place on SmackDown in the very same building on June 27, 2002.
The report also details the rest of the planned lineup for tonight. A match is scheduled between Aleister Black and The Judgment Day’s Damian Priest. In women’s division action, the Women’s US Champion, Giulia, will take on Michin. The show will also feature a segment between Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre to continue their rivalry.
Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch is scheduled for a promo, and with CM Punk also advertised for his hometown, it is expected that the two will have a confrontation to continue the storyline that is reportedly leading to the return of AJ Lee.
It was also noted that AJ Styles and The New Day are in Chicago and are slated for dark matches for the live crowd. Friday Night SmackDown airs live tonight at 8 p.m. ET on the USA Network. The full report on the planned lineup can be found on PWInsiderElite.com.
