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WWE SmackDown Preview (4/4/25): Start Time, Match Card, How to Watch & Live Stream

The Road to WrestleMania 41 is bringing CM Punk back home to Chicago, Illinois as WWE Friday Night SmackDown goes live from the Allstate Arena.
Rick Ucchino|
CM Punk advertised for SmackDown
CM Punk advertised for SmackDown | WWE.com

CM Punk is heading to the main event of WrestleMania 41, but before he finally checks off his career bucket list item, the road to Las Vegas goes through his hometown of Chicago, Illinois tonight for Friday Night SmackDown.

The Second City Saint will be at the Allstate Arena, seven days removed from telling Roman Reigns that headlining the 'Showcase of the Immortals' does not make them even for Punk joining Team Bloodline at Survivor Series: WarGames this past November.

The OTC and Seth Rollins will also be in the building tonight. Will Punk finally reveal the favor he's owed from Paul Heyman or will he continue to keep that hidden in his back pocket?

Naomi's hatred for Jade Cargill has now spilled over to other members of the SmackDown Women's Division. She showed last week that if anyone offers their support to Jade, then its best to proceed with caution moving forward. B-Fab bore the brunt of Naomi's wrath in London. She'll get her shot at revenge in Chicago.

The rivalry between Braun Strowman and Jacob Fatu finally comes to a head tonight as these two behemoths meet to determine the next challenger for the Men's United States Championship, while MCMG and #DIY fight for the right to face the Street Profits for the WWE Tag Team Titles.

WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, WWE Women's Champion Tiffany Stratton and her WrestleMania 41 opponent Charlotte Flair are all advertised for the show, and former AEW star Rey Fenix is set to make his WWE debut as well! Here's everything we currently know about tonight's episode of Friday Night SmackDown from Chicago:

Who will be the last man standing between Braun Strowman vs. Jacob Fatu?

Braun Strowman vs. Jacob Fatu
Braun Strowman vs. Jacob Fatu | WWE.com

Braun Strowman and Jacob Fatu have beaten each other to a pulp all across the globe these past few months and they'll do it again for (presumably) the final time tonight on SmackDown. Both of these monsters want another shot at the United States Championship and the winner of tonight's match, which was originally billed as a Last Man Standing Match, will be next in line for L.A. Knight.

B-Fab looks to get even with Naomi

B-Fab vs. Naomi
B-Fab vs. Naomi | WWE.com

Naomi has put the SmackDown Women's Division on notice. Don't even think about offering support to Jade Cargill or you'll suffer the consequences. B-Fab and Michin found that out the hard way last week in London when they were attacked prior to Michin's match with Charlotte Flair. B-Fab is looking for a measure of revenge when she gets Naomi one-on-one tonight in Chicago.

How to Watch WWE SmackDown Tonight

TV Channel: USA Network

Streaming: Fubo TV, Peacock, YouTube TV, DirecTV, Hulu+ Live TV

WWE SmackDown Start Time

Time: 8 p.m. EST / 7 p.m. CST

WWE SmackDown Location

Location: Allstate Arena, Chicago, Illinois

Match Card (Announced)

Braun Strowman vs. Jacob Fatu in a United States Championship No. 1 Contender's Match

Naomi vs. B-Fab

Rey Fenix makes WWE debut

Motor City Machine Guns vs. #DIY in a No. 1 Contender's Match for WWE Tag Team Championships

Published | Modified
Rick Ucchino
RICK UCCHINO

Rick Ucchino is the Assistant Editor & Content Coordinator for The Takedown on SI. He also works full-time for 700WLW Radio in Cincinnati, Ohio as a local news and sports anchor, in addition to his time covering the Cincinnati Bengals for Sirius XM. Rick has been on the professional wrestling beat since 2019, having provided coverage for a number of outlets, including Fightful, SB Nation’s Cageside Seats and the Bleav Podcast Network. With an educational background in theater, creative writing and journalism, Rick focuses primarily on the storytelling aspect of pro wrestling, but he’s no stranger to the squared circle himself. He had the privilege of training with former WWE & WCW cruiserweight Jimmy Wang Yang for nearly two years and retired early due to back issues with a perfect 1-0 record in singles competition. Rick is a married father of two incredibly adorable children, who are budding pro wrestling fans themselves. Much to the chagrin of their mother. You can reach Rick at rwucchino@gmail.com

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