During Friday’s WWE SmackDown, Randy Orton made a dramatic intervention by rescuing Cody Rhodes from an attack by Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, who were acting under Paul Heyman’s orders. After the confrontation, Orton held the WWE Championship belt in his hands, signaling a possible upcoming title match against Rhodes, his former protege. This unexpected development has stirred anticipation for new WWE SmackDown title matches involving these top stars.
BUSINESS JUST PICKED UP.RANDY ORTON IS HERE AND JUST HELPED CODY RHODES TAKE OUT THE VISION!!! 🐍 pic.twitter.com/Bv8wVFQzP4
Je’Von Evans Challenges United States Champion Sami Zayn
Je’Von Evans, recently announced as the next contender for TNA’s X-Division Championship at Bound for Glory, appeared on WWE SmackDown to answer Sami Zayn’s open challenge for the United States Championship. Although Evans ultimately lost the match, the competitive encounter highlighted his ambitions beyond TNA. This appearance also reinforced the ongoing storyline tension around the United States title.
Nothing but respect between @SamiZayn and @WWEJeVonEvans! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/nOHIeVQCS8
The Street Profits Earn WWE Tag Team Title Opportunity
Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins of The Street Profits secured a key victory over Carmelo Hayes and The Miz on SmackDown, earning the number one contender position for the WWE Tag Team Championship. Dexter Lumis and Joe Gacy, known collectively as The Wyatt Sicks, currently hold the titles after defeating The Street Profits in July, setting up a rematch that promises high stakes and intense action.
THEY’RE HERE. ⭕AND THEY’RE WATCHING. pic.twitter.com/UXarRACNAz
Booker T Replaces Corey Graves on Commentary
Booker T took over commentary duties on Friday’s SmackDown following an announcement that Corey Graves will be absent for several weeks due to injuries sustained during a recent attack by Brock Lesnar. Booker T’s presence provided a steady voice for the broadcast as the roster continued to build multiple storylines.
Hey, it’s Booker T! #SmackDown is on RIGHT NOW! #WWE pic.twitter.com/l9uhDydJJg
Women’s Title Three-Way Match Ends in Controversy
The main event featured a WWE Women’s Championship triple threat match between Tiffany Stratton, Nia Jax, and Jade Cargill. The contest broke down in the closing moments after Cargill was injured during a confrontation with Jax, who was slammed onto steel steps with a Samoan Drop. Later, a dubious moment occurred when Jax appeared not to kick out from a pinfall, though the referee signaled otherwise. Despite the chaos, Stratton retained her title and is now set to face Stephanie Vaquer for the Crown Jewel Women’s Championship at the upcoming PLE event in Perth, Australia on October 11.
Jade Cargill sends Nia Jax onto the steel steps with a Samoan Drop!#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/UHW1kyc9dj
?????#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/FHfAJ1grhI
Significance and Future Outlook
Friday’s WWE SmackDown established several compelling storylines that directly influence WWE SmackDown title matches moving forward. Randy Orton’s ominous return with the WWE Championship in hand sets the stage for a highly anticipated showdown with Cody Rhodes. Meanwhile, The Street Profits’ victory has clarified the path for a renewed tag team title contest, and the unresolved tensions in the women’s division promise further dramatic encounters. With Corey Graves sidelined, commentators like Booker T will help maintain coverage intensity as storylines evolve. Fans can expect increasing excitement as events build toward the Crown Jewel pay-per-view in October and other forthcoming specials.
BUSINESS JUST PICKED UP.
RANDY ORTON IS HERE AND JUST HELPED CODY RHODES TAKE OUT THE VISION!!! 🐍 pic.twitter.com/Bv8wVFQzP4
— WWE (@WWE) September 27, 2025
Nothing but respect between @SamiZayn and @WWEJeVonEvans! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/nOHIeVQCS8
— WWE (@WWE) September 27, 2025
THEY’RE HERE. ⭕
AND THEY’RE WATCHING. pic.twitter.com/UXarRACNAz
— WWE (@WWE) September 27, 2025
Hey, it's Booker T! #SmackDown is on RIGHT NOW! #WWE pic.twitter.com/l9uhDydJJg
— USA Network (@USANetwork) September 27, 2025
Jade Cargill sends Nia Jax onto the steel steps with a Samoan Drop!#SmackDown
— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) September 27, 2025
?????#SmackDown
— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) September 27, 2025
