The lineup for the second and final post-SummerSlam episode of weekly WWE television continues to take shape.
Heading into the August 7 episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown on USA Network from the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, WWE only had a few appearances and one match advertised.
Now there’s one more.
As noted, following his surprise return at WWE SummerSlam 2026 where he won a match to become the new No. 1 Contender to Undisputed WWE Champion CM Punk, “The Prize Fighter” Kevin Owens will be in the building tonight in “The City of Brotherly Love” for his WWE TV return.
Additionally, WWE has advertised Charlotte Flair vs. Jade Cargill in women’s singles action for the 8/7 blue brand show, as well as appearances by Undisputed WWE Champion CM Punk, “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes and newly crowned Interim Women’s Champion Chelsea Green.
There were rumors that Randy Orton, who made his surprise return at WWE SummerSlam 2026 in a match-altering moment, hitting an ‘RKO out of nowhere’ on Cody Rhodes, leading to CM Punk defeating him to retain his title, would also be making his WWE TV return tonight.
Those rumors were, in fact, true.
Just hours before the 8/7 SmackDown in Philly, WWE confirmed rumors that began when the official X account of the Xfinity Mobile Arena, the host venue for tonight’s show, advertised an appearance by “The Viper” this evening.
Now, WWE is advertising “The Apex Predator” for the post-SummerSlam episode of SmackDown this evening.
“TONIGHT on SmackDown, The Viper is back,” WWE’s social media announcement began. “Randy Orton made his shocking return at SummerSlam, striking Cody Rhodes with an RKO during the Undisputed WWE Championship Match! How will Rhodes respond?”
Make sure to join us here at WrestlingHeadlines.com tonight at 8/7c for live WWE SmackDown Results coverage from Philadelphia, PA.
TONIGHT on #SmackDown:
The Viper is back! @RandyOrton made his shocking return at #SummerSlam, striking @CodyRhodes with an RKO during the Undisputed WWE Championship Match! How will Rhodes respond? 🐍
📺 8 ET/7 CT on @USANetwork
📍 Philadelphia, PA
🎟️ https://t.co/lwFd96I1PY pic.twitter.com/eBrVkjjrwz— WWE (@WWE) August 7, 2026
TONIGHT on #SmackDown: @MsCharlotteWWE goes one-on-one with @Jade_Cargill… who leaves with the W tonight? 👀🔥
📺 8e/7c on @USANetwork
📍 Philadelphia, PA
🎟️ https://t.co/lwFd96IzFw pic.twitter.com/nrKImFj8zJ— WWE (@WWE) August 7, 2026
TONIGHT on #SmackDown:@ImChelseaGreen returns after #SummerSlam as Interim WWE Women's Champion!!! 🔥👏
📺 8e/7c on @USANetwork
📍 Philadelphia, PA
🎟️ https://t.co/lwFd96I1PY pic.twitter.com/xTpPpWW24N— WWE (@WWE) August 7, 2026
TONIGHT on #SmackDown:
We've waited a long time for this… @FightOwensFight is back and he's the No. 1 Contender for @CMPunk's WWE Championship! 👀🏆
📺 8e/7c on @USANetwork
📍 Philadelphia, PA
🎟️ https://t.co/lwFd96I1PY pic.twitter.com/DtsAxldefE— WWE (@WWE) August 7, 2026
