Sami Zayn US title open challenge, Stratton and Priest set for Cinci

WWE will stage Friday Night SmackDown at the Heritage Bank Center in Cincinnati on October 3, and the promotional lineup confirmed continued United States Championship open challenges from champion Sami Zayn, an appearance by WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton and action involving Damian Priest. The company billed the program as part of the build to its international events, with Stratton’s appearance timed ahead of her scheduled title match at Crown Jewel in Perth, Australia.

Zayn’s weekly open challenge has been a focal point of recent SmackDown broadcasts. Since winning the United States Title, Zayn has defended the belt against a range of opponents, including John Cena, Rey Fenix, Carmelo Hayes and JeVon Evans, and the company has promoted another open-challenge defense for the October 3 show. On the most recent episode, Zayn retained the title over Aleister Black after Damian Priest appeared at ringside and distracted Black, allowing Zayn to secure the victory.

The Crown Jewel build will also bring Stratton back to SmackDown. The company said she will appear as she prepares to defend the WWE Women’s Crown Jewel Championship against reigning Women’s World Champion...