On September 26, 2025, WWE Smackdown aired live from the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida, featuring intense showdowns and emerging rivalries that spotlight the focus keyword Cody Rhodes WWE Smackdown. With an announced attendance of 9,831 fans in an arena set for over 10,000, the evening saw major developments setting the stage for upcoming events like Crown Jewel and WrestleMania.
Mark Nash served as the ring announcer, while Michael Cole welcomed viewers alongside guest commentator Booker T, who filled in for Corey Graves following Graves’ recent assault by Brock Lesnar. Highlights from the previous Wrestlepalooza PLE on ESPN also featured prominently during the broadcast.
Paul Heyman Challenges the Crowd as Cody Rhodes Faces New Dangers
Paul Heyman opened the evening with a deft monologue, directing the audience’s attention away from World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins and the injured Roman Reigns, urging fans instead to consider upcoming stars like Bron Breakker as the future of WWE through the next decades. Heyman also teased conspiracy rumors about Brock Lesnar’s involvement backstage, reinforcing his mystique as a disruptive force.
Amid Heyman’s provocations, Cody Rhodes made a dramatic entrance wearing a light blue suit, confronting Heyman directly. Rhodes acknowledged the sharp intellect and influence Heyman wields, retracting a prior insult while questioning whose interests Heyman truly serves—especially given his association with Lesnar. The atmosphere intensified as Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker joined the ring, confronting Rhodes and underscoring the looming threats he faces.
Though Rhodes valiantly fought back, the numbers game overwhelmed him. Suddenly, the iconic entrance music of Randy Orton erupted, and Orton stormed ringside to save Rhodes by neutralizing Reed and Breakker with his signature RKO. This alliance moment sent the crowd into vigorous approval as Rhodes and Orton embraced in the ring.
“what do you want to talk about? The World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins?” Paul Heyman, WWE Executive
Street Profits Overcome Melo Don’t Miz to Become Top Contenders
Backstage, interviewer Cathey Kelley addressed the previously hinted tension in The Street Profits, who assured fans their focus remained unwavering. The team—Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins—headlined the opening match against the formidable duo Melo Don’t Miz, consisting of Carmelo Hayes and The Miz.
The match was a back-and-forth display of strategy and nearfalls, marked by dynamic tag combinations and signature maneuvers including Hayes’ First 48 codebreaker and Ford’s five-star frog splash. Despite violent interference attempts and a complicated sequence involving miscommunication, The Street Profits secured a decisive pinfall victory, earning themselves the #1 contender spot for the WWE Tag Team Championships.
Post-match, the eerie presence of the Wyatt Sicks loomed as they perched ominously on the announce table, foreshadowing further chaos to come.
Women’s Division Build-Up: Jade Cargill, Tiffany Stratton, and Stephanie Vaquer
Jade Cargill expressed strong confidence in her impending championship performance during a backstage interview, promising significant impact on her future rival Stephanie Vaquer, who casually wished her luck and hinted at a potential clash at Crown Jewel. This tension set the stage for the evening’s WWE Women’s Championship triple threat match involving Cargill, Stratton, and Nia Jax.
Giulia and Kiana James Triumph Over Michin and B-Fab in Tag Match
The women’s tag team match featured Giulia and Kiana James facing Michin and B-Fab in a contest defined by high-energy maneuvers. Michin’s missile dropkick through the announce table and the aggressive teamwork contrast ended with Giulia and James executing a running knee followed by a delayed northern lights bomb, securing the pinfall.
Despite B-Fab and Michin’s spirited effort, the match concluded predictably with Giulia and Kiana James emerging victorious, leaving open questions about future challengers within the women’s tag team division.
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss Respond to NXT Contenders’ Callout
Watching the previous match remotely, Women’s Tag Team Champions Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss were confronted by NXT hopefuls Sol Ruca and Zaria, who demanded a title opportunity. The champions denied the request, pointing out Ruca and Zaria’s inexperience as a cohesive team, while emphasizing that although Flair and Bliss often argue, their unity in the ring is undeniable.
Drew McIntyre’s Controversial Remarks and Jacob Fatu’s Return
Making an entrance wearing a walking boot, Drew McIntyre reflected on his past successes in the Orlando arena, contrasting this with his current frustration over losing the WWE Championship to Cody Rhodes due to what he called referee interference. Assertions of corruption and speculation about the legitimacy of his injury set up conflict with Smackdown General Manager Nick Aldis, who challenged McIntyre’s claims and medical authenticity.
The atmosphere turned volatile when Jacob Fatu made a surprise return, confronting McIntyre and accusing him of repeated excuses and self-pity. Their verbal altercation escalated quickly, ending with Fatu delivering a superkick and using McIntyre’s walking boot as a weapon, signaling a fierce rivalry brewing between the two competitors.
“He comes out every week to cry and complain and blame everyone else for his wrongdoing. Just sit his peg leg ass down.” Jacob Fatu, WWE Wrestler
Tiffany Stratton Eyes Her Championship Defense and Crown Jewel Prospects
As she prepared for her title defense, Tiffany Stratton appeared confident ahead of her triple threat match against Jade Cargill and Nia Jax, expressing respect yet unwavering belief in her victory. The interaction with Stephanie Vaquer highlighted the brewing dynamic between the competitors, especially with future Crown Jewel implications.
Sami Zayn’s Open Challenge Leads to Surprise Pinfalls
United States Champion Sami Zayn engaged in a backstage discussion with Rey Fenix, reminiscing about their impressive previous encounter. With some ambiguity surrounding his challenger’s identity—possibly from Raw or Smackdown—Zayn entered the ring for an open challenge that culminated in Andrade and Rey Fenix teaming to secure the win via pinfall after a grueling 16-minute contest.
Looking Ahead: Next Week’s Smackdown Lineup Unveiled
The broadcast concluded with announcements teasing the upcoming card, including R-Truth versus Aleister Black, and The Street Profits defending their #1 contender status against Joe Gacy and Dexter Lumis for the WWE Tag Team Championship. The lineup promises continued intrigue and high stakes heading toward major Pay-Per-View events.
Analysis: Emerging Rivalries and Unfolding Storylines Shape Smackdown
The night’s central storyline revolved around Cody Rhodes facing multiple threats under Paul Heyman’s manipulations, heightened by Randy Orton’s timely intervention. This angle firmly establishes Rhodes as a resilient protagonist ready to confront powerful adversaries. The presence of Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed introduces complex loyalties that could steer future faction dynamics, potentially reshaping WWE’s hierarchy.
The tag team division continues to evolve with The Street Profits ascending as key players, while signs of fragmentation between Carmelo Hayes and The Miz suggest upcoming shifts. Women’s divisions maintained momentum through champion confrontations and competitive tag matches, emphasizing ongoing competitiveness and future title opportunities.
Drew McIntyre’s contentious discourse and Jacob Fatu’s unexpected return injected palpable tension, signaling renewed feuds that heighten audience anticipation for decisive confrontations. These elements, combined with open challenges and the promotion of Crown Jewel bouts, position WWE Smackdown as a crucial nexus for storyline progression and championship developments.
WWE Friday Night SmackDown
Fri • Sep 26, 2025 • 7:30 PM
Kia Center, Orlando, FLAvailable Tickets: 462
Current Setup: 10,293
Tickets Distributed: 9,831📺 Tonight's TV
📈 +684 since the last update
📊 YTD Show Avg: 11,293
🔢 Total # of seats on map: 16,845
⏮ 12/28/2024: WWE… pic.twitter.com/aGvGPpEMhQ— WrestleTix (@WrestleTix) September 26, 2025
