Five storylines to watch on WWE SmackDown tonight: Cody Rhodes' absence; Women's title clash & more (September 12, 2025)

Tiffany Stratton will be in action on tonight’s SmackDown!

Tonight’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown is set to air from the Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia, USA. Multiple big names, including Brock Lesnar, WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton, Randy Orton, and Jade Cargill, are advertised for the show.

The show will feature a singles clash as well as a title clash where Tiffany Stratton will defend the strap against Jade Cargill. Ahead of tonight’s show in Norfolk, Virginia, let us take a look at the top five storylines that will be in play on this week’s WWE SmackDown.

5. Damian Priest retaliates

On last week’s show, Aleister Black dominantly shot down every offense from Damian Priest and took him out to register another win.

However, the animosity between the two would likely continue to front and centre in the coming weeks. The humiliating loss would irk Priest even more, who likely would be looking for revenge.

Also Read: WWE SmackDown (September 12, 2025) Preview, match card, news, timings, where to watch & more

4. United States Championship

On the August 29 show of SmackDown, Sami Zayn pinned Solo Sikoa to capture the United States title for the very first time. Zayn defended the title last week against John Cena, which ended in a no-contest due to the interference of Brock Lesnar.

Nevertheless, Solo is likely going to make an appearance tonight and could ask for a rematch. Solo’s absence last week was likely due to give Cena a great send-off with the title match in his last SmackDown appearance.

3. Brock Lesnar’s appearance

On last week’s show, Brock Lesnar made his highly anticipated return and took out Sami Zayn before turning his attention to John Cena. Following the attack, WWE made a match between the two official for the upcoming Wrestlepalooza.

Lesnar is now set to make an appearance tonight after the attack, while Cena will make an appearance on next week’s Monday Night Raw.

2. WWE Women’s title

Following their backstage interaction last week, WWE announced a title rematch where WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton will defend the crown against Jade Cargill. This will be their first meeting since SummerSlam, where Tiffany defeated Cargill to retain the title.

It seems unlikely that the title will change hands ahead of the Wrestlepalooza PLE. The addition of Nia Jax into the mix once again means the match could end in disqualification.

Also Read: All superstars confirmed for WWE SmackDown (September 12, 2025): Brock Lesnar, Tiffany Stratton & more

1. Cody Rhodes’ absence

Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre are set to settle the score inside the squared circle next week as they go head-to-head. This comes in the backdrop of WWE CCO Triple H confirming that Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes is scheduled for the upcoming Wrestlepalooza.

What these points towards is Rhodes likley making his return during the match as he was involved in a program with McIntyre, who Claymored him through the announce desk on the August 8 episode. Reports suggest a title clash between the two, which might be announced following his potential return tonight.

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