On the August 22 episode of "SmackDown", Roode made his main roster debut as a face, defeating Aiden English in a singles match and later defeated Mike Kanellis on the following episode of "SmackDown Live". On the September 26 episode of "SmackDown Live", Roode confronted and challenged Dolph Ziggler for a match on October 8 at Hell in a Cell which Roode won with a roll-up whilst holding Ziggler's tights. Afterwards, Ziggler attacked Roode and demanded a rematch on the following episode of "SmackDown Live" which Roode accepted, suffering his first pinfall loss on the main roster as this time it was Ziggler who held Roode's tights. On the October 24 episode of "SmackDown Live", Roode interrupted a backstage interview with Ziggler and Renee Young, suggesting a two out of three falls match next week on "SmackDown Live" with Ziggler, which he accepted. Roode then defeated Ziggler two falls to one, ending their feud and also earning a spot on Team SmackDown at Survivor Series. On November 19 at Survivor Series, Roode was eliminated second overall by Braun Strowman and Team SmackDown then eventually lost to Team Raw. In late November, Roode started a rivalry with United States Champion Baron Corbin, leading to a match for the title on December 17 at "Clash of Champions" also involving Ziggler, who won the title by pinning Corbin.