SPOILER: Major Change Affects Tonight’s WWE SmackDown – A significant change has reportedly taken place ahead of tonight’s WWE Friday Night SmackDown from the SAP Center in San Jose, California.

Jacob Fatu has been pulled from the show despite being backstage. As noted, Fatu is expected to be out of action for an extended period following a serious non-wrestling-related injury, with reports indicating his return may not come until sometime in 2026.

According to sources, Fatu will not compete on tonight’s broadcast as originally planned. WWE has instead made a late adjustment to the main event, which will now feature Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes taking on Drew McIntyre in a rematch from their clash at the inaugural WrestlePalooza event on ESPN. The change is said to have been decided only minutes before the live broadcast.

As previously noted, Ilja Dragunov is scheduled to make his return to in-ring action after more than a year away. He will answer Sami Zayn’s open challenge in what marks his first WWE match since his extended absence.

Tonight’s post-Crown Jewel: Perth edition of SmackDown will also feature a WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship defense. Champions Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss are set to face NXT duo Zaria and Sol Ruca, continuing the growing crossover between the main roster and NXT brands.

With Jacob Fatu’s removal and the reshuffled lineup, tonight’s SmackDown promises to deliver an unpredictable night of action as WWE moves forward from its international premium live event.

SPOILER: Major Change Affects Tonight’s WWE SmackDown

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