Significant change quietly made to WWE SmackDown match

WWE has released the preview for this Friday’s SmackDown in Pittsburgh, and it includes a notable change to one of the advertised matches. The show takes place at PPG Paints Arena and will feature Randy Orton. 

He is expected to continue his path of destruction heading into his Undisputed WWE Championship match against Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 42. After attacking Rhodes during the contract signing on SmackDown two weeks ago and then targeting Matt Cardona last week, WWE is teasing that Orton has his sights set on yet another victim this Friday.

WWE’s preview reads: “Just one week after savagely attacking his former friend and brother, Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton unleashed another vicious assault on Matt Cardona. Which Superstar will The Legend Killer ambush next?”

Also on the show, SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis is expected to address the status of both Jacob Fatu and Drew McIntyre following the show-closing brawl last week that ended with both men crashing off a ledge. A match between the two is expected to be added to the WrestleMania 42 card in the near future, and Friday’s update from Aldis will likely serve as the next building block in that direction.

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The card also includes a matchup between Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss against the Bella Twins, continuing the Women’s Tag Team Championship pursuit storyline involving Nikki and Brie. Jelly Roll will also compete against Kit Wilson, carrying on the program that has been building on SmackDown in recent weeks.

One adjustment worth noting is the change to the Giulia and Tiffany Stratton match. What was originally advertised as a Women’s United States Championship match has since been updated on WWE.com to a non-title bout. No explanation has been provided for the change, though the downgrade suggests the title match may be held for a later date, potentially WrestleMania 42.

WrestleMania 42 takes place April 18-19 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

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