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'WWE SmackDown' Preview: Cody Rhodes Returns With Message for John Cena

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Fernando Quiles Jr. | Last updated Apr 11, 2025 4:38 PM ET

The penultimate episode of "WWE SmackDown" before "WrestleMania 41" takes place in Seattle.

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes will return to the blue brand to discuss dropping John Cena with Cross Rhodes in their last in-ring meeting. The two will collide for "SmackDown's" top male prize at "WrestleMania." Cena isn't expected to be featured on Friday's episode, but he will be making an appearance next week.

Last week, Rey Fenix made his successful WWE debut against "NXT" star Nathan Frazer. Berto of Legado Del Fantasma was not impressed by Fenix. Santos Escobar convinced "WWE SmackDown" General Manager Nick Aldis to book Fenix against Berto.

During the blue brand's final trip on WWE's European tour, Damian Priest delivered a chokeslam to Drew McIntyre onto the hood of a vehicle. The windshield shattered, and McIntyre claimed a piece of glass got into his eye. Priest will address his feud with McIntyre leading up to their singles match at "WrestleMania 41."

Plus, what will the fallout be from last week's controversial in-ring segment between WWE Women's Champion Tiffany Stratton and Charlotte Flair? The two hurled personal digs at each other in a promo battle that quickly went south. Will the two be seen in the ring together again before "WrestleMania?"

The WWE Tag Team Championship picture appears to be loaded with several teams vying for and receiving title opportunities over the past few weeks. Could we be in for a "WrestleMania" announcement involving the current champions, The Street Profits?

The action will be held inside Climate Pledge Arena, and it'll start at 8 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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