Cody Rhodes will address his defeat to Randy Orton when he returns to WWE SmackDown on September 18.

Michael Cole will conduct a sit-down interview with Rhodes during next Friday’s show at the Hilliard Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. It will be Rhodes’ first SmackDown appearance since losing to Orton at Sunday Night’s Main Event in his hometown of Atlanta.

Rhodes missed the September 11 episode, but Orton appeared and had plenty to say about his rival. Calling Rhodes a “good man,” Orton suggested he lacks the killer instinct that The Viper believes will carry him to a 15th world championship.

The title picture then took a major turn later in the evening, as Sami Zayn defeated CM Punk to become the new Undisputed WWE Champion.

Away from the ring, Rhodes and his family have been mourning the loss of their dog, Pharaoh. Rhodes announced his passing on September 8 after more than a decade with the family.

Despite his absence from SmackDown, Rhodes has continued wrestling Orton during WWE’s house show tour in Mexico this week.

Next Friday’s episode will also feature more men’s and women’s Money in the Bank qualifying matches. Bron Breakker and Sol Ruca have already booked their places at the October 10 premium live event.

The announced line-up for September 18 is:

• Cody Rhodes joins Michael Cole for a sit-down interview.
• Men’s and women’s Money in the Bank qualifying continues.