WWE Friday Night SmackDown on the USA Network | October 17th, 2025 — The Episode Preview:

WWE Champion Cody Rhodes is set to kick things off tonight. Don't miss WWE Friday Night SmackDown at 08:00 PM ET / 05:00 PM PT on the USA Network. (Photo by WWE)

The October 17th Episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown — The Episode Rundown:

• Cody Rhodes, the WWE Champion, will open up SmackDown. After suffering the big loss at WWE Crown Jewel, what’s on the mind of Cody Rhodes?

• Jacob Fatu will take on Drew McIntyre. Last week, these two went to blows backstage as they were brawling, and tonight in the Main Event, we’ll see who’s the better man.

• Sami Zayn will have his 7th Edition of the WWE US Open Challenge. Who’ll step up to face Sami Zayn tonight on SmackDown?

The Matches Announced for the October 17th Episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown:

1. Jacob Fatu vs. Drew McIntyre in a Singles Match.

2. Sami Zayn (c) vs. ??? in a WWE United States Title Match.

The Segments Announced for the October 17th Episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown:

1. WWE Champion Cody Rhodes will open up the show.