Major Cody Rhodes segment announced for WWE SmackDown; Survivor Series match could become official

Tonight's loaded WWE SmackDown is set to be a major stop on the road to Survivor Series: WarGames. Despite his ongoing storylines, Cody Rhodes' status has been up in the air for a few weeks, but now he's set for SmackDown and what may be a big announcement for the PLE.

The American Nightmare is currently battling former ally Kevin Owens. The current Undisputed Champion previously indicated that he would miss Survivor Series, and then sources provided a similar update on Cody's status for the 38th annual Survivor Series PLE.

The Prizefighter's war with Cody has picked up in recent weeks, and now the two top stars will face off on tonight's live SmackDown. WWE touted how intense this face-to-face interaction would be.

"Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens will share the ring. Kevin Owens mercilessly assaulted Rhodes’ ally Randy Orton at WWE Crown Jewel and on last week’s SmackDown, leaving The American Nightmare enraged. Will Rhodes and Owens come to blows during an intense face-to-face? Find out tonight at 8/7 C on USA!" reads the official SmackDown preview.

Tonight's SmackDown will air live from the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, UT, and next Friday's Survivor Series go-home show will be taped as well. Also announced for this week's episode is Chelsea Green vs. Blair Davenport vs. Bianca Belair in the tournament to crown the inaugural Women's United States Champion next month.