WWE Friday Night SmackDown: UK start time and segments announced on the Road to WrestleMania 42

Tonight’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown (March 13) is set to be one of the most explosive on the Road to WrestleMania.

With only weeks to go until the Showcase of the Immortals, tensions are reaching a breaking point across both the Men's and Women's divisions - if what is happening on the Red Brand is anything to go by, at least.

The fallout from RAW has sent shockwaves through the locker room following the latest twist in the CM Punk v Roman Reigns saga.

After Punk’s visceral comment that he would “bury Roman next to his father" (the legendary Sika Anoa'i), the Usos made it clear they are no longer standing by their supposed friend.

Jey and Jimmy confronted the World Heavyweight Champion for dragging their family’s legacy into the feud, leading to a physical confrontation in which the Usos officially dropped Punk.

By making it personal with the Anoa'i dynasty, the ‘Best in the World’ may have just turned his most powerful allies into his newest enemies heading into Vegas.

From historic contract signings to "tune-up" matches with major title implications, here is everything you need to know before the show goes live.

What time is WWE Friday Night SmackDown starting in the UK tonight?

With the clocks in the United States having moved recently, it’s a slightly earlier start for UK fans of the WWE.

This evening’s episode of SmackDown is scheduled to air exclusively on Netflix from 12am on March 14, with on-demand repeats available shortly after its initial broadcast.

What has been announced so far for WWE Friday Night SmackDown?

Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton sign their WrestleMania 42 contract

The Night 1 main event for WrestleMania 42 is official—but tonight, it becomes legally binding.

Just one week after Cody Rhodes climbed the mountain for a third time, defeating Drew McIntyre to reclaim the Undisputed WWE Championship, he sits across the table from his former mentor. Randy Orton, who punched his ticket to Vegas with a dominant performance inside the Elimination Chamber, is looking to secure his 15th World Championship.

This has been a decade-long story of student vs. teacher; while the pens are ready, in the world of SmackDown, contract signings rarely end with just a signature. Expect fireworks when The American Nightmare and The Viper meet face-to-face.

Jade Cargill v Michin

WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill has been a force of nature since capturing the gold, but her focus is currently split.

While a massive WrestleMania clash against 2026 Elimination Chamber winner Rhea Ripley looms on the horizon, Cargill must first deal with a persistent threat in Michin.

Michin has been poking the bear for weeks, and tonight she finally gets her wish in a high-stakes non-title match. Cargill is in a fighting mood following last week’s intense war of words with Ripley, and Michin will need to bring everything in her arsenal—including her signature Kendo stick—if she hopes to derail "The Storm" before Vegas.

What matches are rumoured to be happening at WrestleMania 42?

There’s been various discussions across the internet about what could be booked for WrestleMania 42, to join those confirmed matches - and with Jelly Roll appearing this evening, could that lead to the annual celebrity involvement at The Showcase of the Immortals?

There is also talk who will accept Brock Lesnar’s open challenge, with many speculating that Oba Femi could be the man to take up the challenge, while the recent turn of Finn Balor against The Judgement Day, and Gunther’s pre-occupation with luchadores, might play into a potential career on the line match with one of the WWE’s most beloved superstars.

As of writing, the following matches are tipped somehow to make their way onto the Las Vegas card:

• Open Challenge: Brock Lesnar v Oba Femi
• Finn Balor v Dominik Mysterio
• Career-Threatening Match: Gunther v Rey Mysterio
• Drew McIntyre v Jacob Fatu
• Asuka v IYO SKY
• Logan Paul and Austin Theory v Seth Rollins and Jelly Roll