Austin Theory will defend the WWE United States Championship on the May 26 episode of WWE SmackDown.
On the May 19 episode, Sheamus interrupted Theory when he was bragging about his accomplishments and dropped him with a Brogue Kick. WWE then confirmed that “The Celtic Warrior” will challenge for gold next Friday.
Plus, ahead of their Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship match at Night of Champions, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn will host will Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa on a special episode of the KO Show. The two teams came face to face on Friday, and The Usos attacked Zayn and Owens.
Elsewhere in the show, Raquel Rodriguez and a partner of her choosing will take on Bayley and IYO SKY. Rodriguez had been one-half of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions with Liv Morgan, but WWE announced that the duo had to relinquish the titles due to an injury to Morgan on Friday.
Finally, AJ Styles will face off against Karrion Kross. On Friday, Kross targeted Styles with a heated message and revealed that the veteran’s face was on his newest tarot card. Styles will face Seth Rollins in a match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WWE Night of Champions.
The announced card for the May 26 episode of WWE SmackDown is as follows:
- KO Show with Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa
- Raquel Rodriguez and TBA vs. Bayley and IYO SKY
- AJ Styles vs. Karrion Kross
- WWE United States Championship: Austin Theory vs. Sheamus