WWE has overhauled tonight’s SmackDown card just hours before the show, canceling the advertised United States Championship match between Shinsuke Nakamura and LA Knight. In its place, WWE announced a one-night tournament to determine the next challenger for Nakamura’s title.
SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis revealed the changes through a breaking news video released Friday evening. The tournament will feature three first-round matches: LA Knight vs. Santos Escobar, Carmelo Hayes vs. Braun Strowman, and Andrade vs. Solo Sikoa. The winners will later compete in a triple-threat match, with the victor earning a future shot at Nakamura’s championship.
🚨 🚨 🚨 @RealNickAldis has some HUGE news regarding the United States Championship picture, and how TONIGHT on #SmackDown, we will find ourselves a definitive No. 1 Contender to @ShinsukeN's title!
— WWE (@WWE) February 28, 2025
📺 8ET/7CT on @USANetwork pic.twitter.com/0wsD6c7fau
The revamped show structure comes during the final SmackDown before Saturday’s Elimination Chamber premium live event in Toronto.
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Despite the card changes, several previously advertised segments remain intact, including appearances by Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus. Women’s United States Champion Chelsea Green will also compete against an opponent yet to be announced.
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