Cody Rhodes returns as WWE SmackDown airs live from Corpus Christi on September 18, 2026

WWE SmackDown will air live on September 18, 2026, from the Hilliard Center in Corpus Christi, Texas, and will feature the return of Cody Rhodes. The show is also set to include an appearance by newly crowned Undisputed Champion Sami Zayn.

After last week’s SmackDown in Mexico City, the blue brand returns to the United States for Friday’s broadcast. Rhodes will make his first appearance since losing to Randy Orton in the WrestleMania 42 rematch at Sunday Night’s Main Event two weeks ago, and Michael Cole is scheduled to conduct a sit-down interview with the former WWE World Champion. Sami Zayn, who defeated CM Punk last week to regain the title and kick off his second World title reign, is listed to appear on the program.

Qualifying matches for the men’s and women’s Money in the Bank began on last Monday’s Raw and will continue on tonight’s SmackDown. Two spots in each MITB match have already been filled on the past two editions of Raw, and wrestlers from the Blue brand will have the opportunity to secure the third spot on Friday.

On the women’s side, Tatum Paxley, Jade Cargill and Jacy Jayne will face off in a triple threat match with the third qualifying position for the women’s MITB on the line. The winner will take the next available place in the Money in the Bank ladder match field.

The program is also expected to address the controversial finish involving Kevin Owens, Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae, a sequence the preview notes could lead to a chaotic segment on the show. Promoters have billed multiple storyline developments around that result for tonight’s broadcast.

Money in the Bank 2026 is set for October 10, 2026, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. Roman Reigns vs LA Knight for the World Heavyweight title has been announced for the PLE, which will also feature the men’s and women’s MITB ladder matches.

Results and winners from tonight’s qualifying matches will help determine part of the roster that will compete at Money in the Bank on October 10 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.