Top five storylines to watch on WWE SmackDown tonight (August 22, 2025); John Cena returns, Cody Rhodes appears & more

Tonight’s episode of SmackDown will emanate from Dublin!

Tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown is set to air live from the 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland. This will be the first show of WWE in Europe ahead of Clash in Paris. The promotion has also planned episodes of Raw and live shows on the continent.

The show will continue the build towards Clash in Paris on this week’s show. WWE has announced multiple matches and segments from the show, including an appearance from John Cena, along with two singles matches and two tag team matches.

Ahead of tonight’s show in Dublin, Ireland, let us take a look at the top five storylines that will be in play on this week’s WWE SmackDown.

5. The Wyatt Sicks chooses their next victim

Following the successful WWE Tag Team title defense at SummerSlam 2025 by Joe Gacy and Dexter Lumis, the Wyatt Sicks faction is once again pursuing their next target. Nikki Cross was seen lurking in the reflection during a backstage segment between Kiana James and Tiffany Stratton.

On the other hand, Erick Rowan was seen lurking in the distance with his giant hammer during a segment where Solo Sikoa and his MFT (Talla Tonga, JC Mateo & Tonga Loa) interrupted The Street Profits. Reports indicate a planned feud between the Wyatt Sicks and the MFTs, with things likely kicking off tonight.

Also Read: WWE SmackDown (August 22, 2025): Preview, match card, news, timings, where to watch & more

4. The Green Regime

Chelsea Green, along with her Secret Hervice (Piper Niven & Alba Fyre), have been targeting the WWE Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair for the past couple of weeks.

Despite losing on both occasions the Green Regime has attacked the Tag Champs. Charlotte Flair is now set to settle the score with Piper Niven tonight.

3. Sami Zayn eyes the US title

After realizing that the United States title was the only WWE title he hadn’t held, besides the World title, Sami Zayn confronted Solo Sikoa last week. The confrontation led to an attack by Sikoa’s MFTs, where Jimmy Uso saved Zayn, leading to a tag team match between the two teams.

Tonight, the feud between the two will likely pick up steam, either leading to a title showdown at the upcoming Clash in Paris or at Wrestlepalooza.

2. Cody Rhodes retaliates

WWE Champion Cody Rhodes was brutally attacked by Drew McIntyre on the August 8 episode of SmackDown. McIntyre made an appearance last week, justifying the attack and sending a warning to Rhodes.

Reports suggest that there’s backstage talk at that Cody is expected to defend the title against McIntyre at the upcoming Wrestlepalooza. The Champion will likely make an appearance tonight to retaliate.

Also Read: All superstars confirmed for WWE SmackDown (August 22, 2025): John Cena, Cody Rhodes, The Miz & more

1. John Cena returns

John Cena is set to make an appearance tonight in Dublin. This follows his appearance on the August 8 show, where he was challenged to a match at Clash in Paris, a challenge he accepted. 

The 17-time World Champion will likely cut a promo intensifying the build towards the clash, and fans can expect an appearance from Logan Paul as well.

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