CONFIRMED: Major WWE Star Set To Kick Off 1/5 SmackDown
This massive WWE star will kick off this week’s SmackDown episode.
Cody Rhodes is the Undisputed WWE Champion. He retained his title against Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42 by defying the odds that were stacked against him in the build-up to the match, with the inclusion of former WWE commentator and NFL punter Pat McAfee in the storyline to help Orton win his 15th WWE World Title.
Things took a dark turn after Rhodes’ WrestleMania victory over Orton, however, when The Viper attacked him and delivered his formerly illegal punt kick to take out a battered Rhodes. The American Nightmare also suffered a legitimate eye injury during the bout when one of Orton’s punches landed on his eye.
Rhodes came out with a black eye to confront former World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk on Raw the night after ‘Mania. Punk lost his title to Roman Reigns at the Show of Shows, and he and Rhodes had a confrontation in the ring that ended with the pair teasing a match for Rhodes’ WWE Title in the future.
Last Friday on SmackDown, Rhodes cut an intense promo letting everyone know he means business, saying that he’s easy to find but hard to beat, in a mic-drop segment.
While Rhodes did enter concussion protocol following WrestleMania 42 due to his eye injury, it is unclear whether he will embark on a storyline or feud before the Backlash PLE on May 9th.
Fans will be able to find out by tuning in to the upcoming episode of SmackDown, in which it has now been confirmed that Rhodes will be opening the show with an appearance.
WWE Champion Cody Rhodes To Open Next SmackDown Episode
It was announced on WWE’s official social media that Rhodes is going to open the next episode of the blue brand.
A fan account shared the news on X.
After addressing Randy Orton’s vicious punt attack and the aftermath of WrestleMania last week, what will be the next challenge facing Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes?
Cody Rhodes is set to kick off tonight’s episode of Smackdown!
LET’S GOOOOO!!! So excited to hear what he has to say 💥#Smackdownpic.twitter.com/vg5EaqTknr
— Eleanor (@Its_Eleanor) May 1, 2026
Rhodes’ recent promos have been honest and intense, something that has gotten the fans to side with him and cheer him on, at least for bits of them, after he was heavily booed in the build-up to his WrestleMania program with Randy Orton despite being a babyface.
Rhodes has acknowledged fans booing him in podcasts recently and understands why they might be doing it.
It would be interesting to see what The American Nightmare has to say on the mic in the next SmackDown episode on Friday, May 1, 2026, at the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.