Summary

Cody Rhodes will open the May 1 episode of WWE SmackDown, with the company confirming the segment on Friday morning.

The Undisputed WWE Champion addressed Randy Orton's punt attack and the fallout from WrestleMania on last week's show. Now Rhodes is set to kick off Friday night's episode as WWE continues to build the next step in that story.

The segment joins a lineup that also includes Ricky Saints' debut, Jacy Jayne vs. Charlotte Flair, and an advertised appearance by Jacob Fatu.

SmackDown lineup for May 1

As of Friday morning, WWE has announced the following for SmackDown:

  • Ricky Saints debut
  • Jacy Jayne vs. Charlotte Flair
  • Cody Rhodes to open the show
  • Jacob Fatu to appear

Rhodes has recently remained central to the blue brand's biggest angles, including a previous SmackDown lineup built around Rhodes and Randy Orton.

Quote from WWE

"After addressing Randy Orton's vicious punt attack and the aftermath of WrestleMania last week, what will be the next challenge facing the Undisputed WWE Champion?"

"The American Nightmare kicks off SmackDown tonight. Experience all the action on SmackDown, Friday at 8 ET/7 CT on USA."

What Cody Rhodes opening means for SmackDown

Putting Cody Rhodes in the opening segment suggests WWE wants the show's biggest post-WrestleMania issue front and center again, especially after Randy Orton's attack was already positioned as a major thread last week.

It also gives SmackDown an early chance to define Rhodes' next challenger or escalate the Orton situation before Jacob Fatu's appearance later in the night adds another major name to the episode.

Sources

WWE Press Release