While it may not match the scale of WrestleMania 2, WWE will once again broadcast a full night of action from remote locations.
This Friday, SmackDown airs from the historic Scope Arena in Norfolk, VA — a venue that hosted Starrcade in 1988 and 1991. Here’s what’s been announced:
- WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Jade Cargill
- Drew McIntyre vs. Randy Orton
- An appearance by Brock Lesnar
Since returning at SummerSlam after a two-year hiatus, Lesnar is expected to speak for the first time. Fans will likely learn why he’s targeting John Cena ahead of their first clash in a decade at Wrestlepalooza on Sept. 20.
This episode could also bring two storylines to a head. Jade Cargill looks to avenge her SummerSlam loss to Tiffany Stratton, while Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre may finally settle their rivalry. With McIntyre sidelining Cody Rhodes — a close friend of Orton’s — don’t be surprised if Rhodes makes a return seeking revenge on the “Scottish Warrior.”
Immediately following SmackDown, fans can switch to YouTube as WWE’s AAA division brings its brand of lucha libre to the spotlight with Worlds Collide. The late show begins at 10 p.m. ET and features:
- AAA Mega Championship: El Hijo del Vikingo (c) vs. Dominik Mysterio
- AAA World Tag Team Championship: Psycho Clown & Pagano (c) vs. The New Day
- AAA Reina de Reinas Championship No. 1 Contender’s Match: Natalya vs. Faby Apache
- Mixed Tag Team Match: Finn Bálor & Roxanne Perez vs. Mr. Iguana & Lola Vice
- AAA Latin American Championship 4-Way: El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. (c) vs. Dragon Lee vs. JD McDonagh vs. Ethan Page
- Lucha Showcase: La Parka, Mascarita Sagrada, Octagón Jr. & Niño Hamburguesa vs. Cruz Del Toro, Joaquin Wilde, Lince Dorado & Mini Abismo Negro
Besides the main event, which could see Intercontinental titleholder Dominik Mysterio leave as a double champion, there are some key matches for fans to look for.
Ethan Page, the current NXT North American Champion, can cement his claim of being the greatest North American by winning the AAA Latin American Title. The New Day, who have been mourning Raw’s tag team division, can begin the healing process by capturing AAA’s tag team titles.
But the wild card may be the mixed tag match featuring Judgment Day’s Finn Bálor and Roxanne Perez vs. Mr. Iguana and Lola Vice. At Triplemanía last month, Bálor and Iguana made headlines when Bálor’s puppet, Demonito, devoured Iguana’s puppet sidekick, La Yesca. With intergender rules and puppets involved, don’t be surprised if this turns into a chaotic, super mixed trios bout featuring men, women — and hand puppets.
With action stretching from Norfolk to Las Vegas, the night draws clear parallels to WrestleMania 2, which famously broadcast from New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. That event drew mixed reviews for its split-location format. But today’s WWE — with vastly improved production and digital reach — is better built to handle the chaos.
As fans move from USA Network to YouTube, the transition should feel seamless as they go from SmackDown and step into the world of lucha libre.
One thing is certain: Friday will be a night worth settling in for. Stock up on snacks, dear readers — this is going to be an action marathon.
