WWE SmackDown results: Live recap, grades as Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes meet ahead of WrestleMania 39

Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes are expected to stand across from each other for the first time ahead of their headlining showdown at WrestleMania 39. Rhodes makes the trek to SmackDown to measure up the champion after winning the Royal Rumble. SmackDown kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on Friday from the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC.

Rhodes has been verbally dueling with Paul Heyman, special counsel to Reigns, ever since he earned the right to challenge the dominant champion. The build-up has been emotionally charged with Rhodes and Heyman repeatedly mentioning Rhodes’ late father, “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes. Reigns has been occupied with his own family turmoil, trying to keep The Bloodline together amid a heated feud with Sami Zayn. The undisputed champion must redirect his focus to Rhodes ahead of their monumental clash.

Two matches have been announced for Friday. Zayn’s commitment to sinking The Bloodline continues when he fights former ally Solo Sikoa in a one-on-one contest. Rhea Ripley seeks to knock off former SmackDown women’s champion Liv Morgan ahead of Ripley’s own SmackDown women’s title match at WrestleMania. Ripley won this year’s women’s Rumble and laid out the challenge to the blue brand’s reigning champion, Charlotte Flair.

CBS Sports is with you all night with recaps and highlights of all the action from Capital One Arena in Washington.