Top five storylines to watch on WWE SmackDown tonight (August 29, 2025); Clash in Paris build-up; US title & more

The US title will be contested on tonight’s SmackDown!

Tonight’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown is set to air live from LDLC Arena in Lyon, France. The episode will serve as the go-home show for the upcoming Clash in Paris, which is set for Sunday in Paris.

Multiple big names, including John Cena, Cody Rhodes, Tiffany Stratton, Randy Orton, Jade Cargill, and LA Knight, are advertised for the show. Additionally, the show will air as usual at 8 PM ET on USA Network, but for international fans, the show will air at France local time, 08 PM CET on Netflix. 

The go-home show is also set to feature two title clashes, along with a #1 Contenders match for the WWE Tag Team titles. Ahead of tonight’s show in Lyon, France, let us take a look at the top five storylines that will be in play on this week’s WWE SmackDown.

5. The Archer of Infamy

Damian Priest made his return on last week’s show in Dublin and kicked off a brawl with Aleister Black, who was the reason for his absence. Black’s attack forced Priest out of action due to a broken jaw.

With his return, the feud between the two stars will likely pick up steam, leading to a PLE showdown possibly next month at Wrestlepalooza.

Also Read: WWE SmackDown (August 29, 2025): Preview, match card, news, timings, where to watch & more

4. #1 Contenders match

With their win against the MFTs, the Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) are set for a #1 Contenders match for the WWE Tag Team titles against Melo Don’t Miz (The Miz & Carmelo Hayes), who defeated Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) to secure the spot.

The winner of the match will go on to battle the current WWE Tag Team Champions, the Wyatt Sicks (Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis).

3. Oh, Drew McIntyre!

On last week’s show, Drew McIntyre was cutting a promo on Cody Rhodes, mentioning how he has no friends left, when Randy Orton appeared from behind and took out McIntyre with an RKO outta nowhere.

The two stars recently competed in a tag team match at SummerSlam, and this might be the fuel to reignite the feud. The possibility of WWE Champion Cody Rhodes making his return and confronting McIntyre as reports of their title clash at Wrestlepalooza are rife.

2. United States title

During last week’s show, Solo Sikoa’s MFTs (JC Mateo & Tonga Loa) were battling the Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) when Talla Tonga started interfering. Jimmy Uso took out Talla while Sami Zayn appeared, taking out Solo with a helluva kick.

Solo and Sami are now set to collide this week, where Sikoa’s United States title will be on the line. Despite the reports of their match planned for the Clash in Paris, they will battle tonight, and this might just be the beginning of the feud, which could end up in a rematch at Wrestlepalooza.

Also Read: All superstars confirmed for WWE SmackDown (August 29, 2025): John Cena, Sami Zayn, Charlotte Flair & more

1. Clash in Paris build-up

Clash in Paris 2025 will take place on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at the Paris La Défense Arena in Nanterre, Paris, France. As mentioned, tonight’s episode will serve as the go-home show and will feature the final segments building towards the PLE.

There are reports of WWE adding a potential clash between Randy and McIntyre, which would mean a fiery segment between the two tonight. Additionally, stars set to clash at the PLE will meet for the final time in Lyon.

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