Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for October 10, 2025

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Cody gets the "Daddy Cool" chant before addressing recent events regarding Seth "Freakin'" Rollins and Paul Heyman, stating that Rollins is becoming the type of person who he sacrificed himself to beat. He says that he will be Rollins' Achilles heel much like he was Roman Reigns' Achilles heel and says that he cannot blame Rollins falling into this trap, for when one loves WWE like Rollins does, one will do anything to protect it and keep it sacred. He then says that when one thinks they are the only person who can do all of that, that leads to one's downfall. Cody says that as much as he would love to be a leader, he is part of the greatest team to ever be assembled, and if he cannot pull his weight, there is someone else who can do it. He says there are other men and women like Randy Orton, Roman Reigns, Rhea Ripley, "Main Event" Jey Uso and CM Punk, and that Rollins could also be one of those people if he were not so envious of the spot he is in. This leads to a "Seth is a wanker!" chant, which Wade Barrett has to, in fact, confirm is a "Seth is a wanker!" chant before Cody states that Rollins thinks the world revolves around him and that he himself is the man that Rollins cannot beat.

Backstage, Chelsea Green congratulates Stephanie Vaquer on becoming Women's World Championship and says that she "has it," then offers her a position as a "Secret Hervice Slaygent" before Tiffany Stratton arrives. Chelsea leaves, and Stephanie says that she and Tiffany will have each others' backs tonight before they become competitors tomorrow.

Backstage, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes runs into Jacob Fatu, who says that he wants to face Cody for the Undisputed WWE Championship when Cody is done with Seth "Freakin'" Rollins. Cody says "Good," then walks away. General Manager Nick Aldis shows up and says he loves nothing more than somebody leveling up in real time, and asks him to see him in his office about something. Aldis leaves, then Jacob is attacked from behind by Drew McIntyre. Aldis returns with officials to stop McIntyre from doing further harm.

Sami Zayn's next open challenge opponent is revealed to be Shinsuke Nakamura.

Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Sami Zayn for the WWE United States Championship ends in a no-contest. Sami Zayn retains the WWE United States Championship. During the match, Nakamura is pulled out of the ring and attacked by a man in a black hoodie, who is revealed to be a returning Tama Tonga in facepaint. Talla Tonga, Tonga Loa and JC Mateo also show up in facepaint, and the four of them gang up on both Sami and Nakamura before Solo Sikoa shows up and stands alongside them.

Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis confronts Drew McIntyre and tells him that next week, he will face Jacob Fatu in a one-on-one match. McIntyre is okay with this before he is attacked out of nowhere by Jacob, and Aldis and officials have to restore order.

Stephanie Vaquer and Tiffany Stratton beat Giulia and Kiana James.

Backstage, Sol Ruca asks Zaria questions about Australia when Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss show up. Charlotte warns Sol Ruca and Zaria that facing them is not just another match, and Alexa says that being in a match is a very big deal. Zaria says they are not waiting for their turn, and dares them to prove that they are not ready yet. Charlotte finds this disrespectful, yet bold. Sol Ruca admits they respect them, and states they just want a shot to prove they are among the best. Charlotte accepts, but Alexa warns them that they will not hold back.

The Wyatt Sicks (Joe Gacy and Dexter Lumis) retain the WWE Tag Team Championships against The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) following the distraction from Erick Rowan, Nikki Cross attacking B-Fab on the outside, and Dexter Lumis saving Joe Gacy from a top rope splash by Montez Ford. After the match, MFT (Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga, JC Mateo) shows up and stares down The Wyatt Sicks (Gacy, Dexter, Rowan, Nikki). Nikki steps up to Solo Sikoa when he gets in the ring, and Solo Sikoa calls his men off before demanding Uncle Howdy and leaving the ring.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews The Miz, who says that he saw potential in Carmelo Hayes and wanted to mentor him, yet Carmelo had the audacity to say he was done with him. He says that he is the spotlight and can turn into a star, and says that Carmelo blew it. He says that you can either rise with him or fall against him, and tells Carmelo Hayes that he missed.

We see a video package chronicling the events between Damian Priest and Aleister Black leading to tonight's main event Last Man Standing Match.

Aleister Black beats Damian Priest in a Last Man Standing Match after Priest gets Aleister on a platform near the crowd only for Zelina Vega - Aleister Black's real-life wife - to show up from out of the crowd and protect Aleister while begging Damian Priest off. This gives Aleister enough time to throw a fireball into Priest's face so he can kick him off the platform and through a table with Black Mass for the win.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!