The journey toward the WWE SmackDown Wrestlepalooza 2025 event intensified on September 12 at Norfolk’s Scope Arena, where the latest edition of Friday Night SmackDown brought high stakes and thrilling action. This week’s show featured prominent names including the returning WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, Drew McIntyre, Brock Lesnar, Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton, and new United States Champion Sami Zayn, heightening anticipation for the premium live event.
Brock Lesnar Clashes with R-Truth and Suffers Wardrobe Malfunction
Brock Lesnar made a strong statement in his return to WWE programming by confronting R-Truth on SmackDown. Lesnar arrived intending to cut a promo targeting John Cena, but was interrupted by R-Truth, who challenged Lesnar’s disrespect toward Cena, Cena’s top supporter. The two exchanged words on the microphone until Lesnar lost patience and delivered an F5 to R-Truth. During the physical altercation, Lesnar’s pants tore, a moment he exaggerated by showing it off to the audience and camera operator Stu. Although the segment received mixed reactions, Lesnar’s presence reaffirmed his ability to generate star power on the blue brand.
Sami Zayn Retains United States Title in Impressive Bout Against Rey Fenix
In what was widely regarded as SmackDown’s best contest of the night, Sami Zayn defended his United States Championship against Rey Fenix, who answered Zayn’s open challenge. The match featured fluid counters, dynamic sequences, and impactful strikes that showcased the wrestlers’ chemistry. Zayn secured the victory by landing a decisive Helluva Kick, maintaining his championship status. Notably, Rey Fenix delivered a standout performance, marking arguably his finest singles match since joining WWE earlier this year. This match further elevated the prestige of the United States Title open challenge series that began the prior week.
Women’s Title Match: Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill Deliver Excitement Despite Controversial Finish
The women’s championship clash between Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill was marked by intense physicality and a compelling display of skill. Their bout included powerful counters, impressive strength from Cargill, and several near-falls that kept the crowd engaged. The match, however, ended abruptly in a double countout after the competitors crashed through the barricade. Following the conclusion, Nia Jax made a surprise attack on both Stratton and Cargill. Despite the unsatisfying finish, the encounter highlighted the growing rivalry and established the women’s division as a focal point ahead of Wrestlepalooza.
Cody Rhodes Returns to Save Randy Orton and Challenges Drew McIntyre for Wrestlepalooza
The main event featured another chapter in the heated rivalry between Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton. The contest was hard-fought and intense, ending controversially when the referee halted Orton’s punt kick attempt, allowing McIntyre to regain control and score the win. After the match, McIntyre aimed to inflict further damage on Orton, only for WWE Champion Cody Rhodes to make a surprise return after more than a month’s absence. Rhodes intervened to rescue Orton, then grabbed a microphone to officially announce his WWE Championship match against McIntyre at Wrestlepalooza. Rhodes’ return was a crucial moment for SmackDown, rekindling excitement and setting the stage for the highly anticipated showdown.
This episode of Friday Night SmackDown not only elevated storylines heading into Wrestlepalooza 2025 but also underscored the unpredictability and intensity that have become synonymous with WWE’s blue brand. The return of Cody Rhodes added urgency and promise to the WWE Championship narrative, while the performances of Sami Zayn, Rey Fenix, Tiffany Stratton, and Jade Cargill demonstrated the depth of talent preparing to headline the premium live event. Fans can expect the momentum built on this night to continue shaping rivalries and title defenses in the weeks to come.
