Summary

WWE has added two more featured items to the April 3 episode of SmackDown. United States Champion Sami Zayn is scheduled to address the audience, and Rhea Ripley is set for a singles match against Michin.

Zayn heads into the appearance after beating Carmelo Hayes for the United States Championship on last week's SmackDown. He is also already lined up to defend the title against Trick Williams at WrestleMania 42.

Ripley's match comes with Jade Cargill and B-Fab attached to the bout at ringside.

Updated SmackDown lineup

The current lineup for the April 3 show includes Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton appearing, along with Jacob Fatu and Drew McIntyre.

The newly announced additions are Ripley vs. Michin and a speaking segment for Zayn as WWE continues to fill out the show.

What Sami Zayn and Rhea Ripley bring to this SmackDown

Sami Zayn's segment gives WWE a clear chance to push the United States Championship program with Trick Williams one step closer to WrestleMania 42. With the title change still fresh, any follow-up from Zayn can help define the tone of that feud before the biggest show of the season.

Rhea Ripley facing Michin also keeps one of WWE's top women's stars active on the same night Jade Cargill is set to be at ringside. That creates immediate value for SmackDown even without announcing anything beyond the match itself, because Ripley's side of the WrestleMania picture remains one of the show's biggest talking points.

Sources

As reported by Fightful.