Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for March 20, 2026

Drew McIntyre is seen attacking Jacob Fatu outside of the arena after smashing his car into Jacob's. Officials and security have to pull McIntyre off of a bloodied Jacob. Drew McIntyre then heads towards the ring, stating that he should have been in the main event of WrestleMania and that it was taken away from him. He warns anyone who tries to wrong him that their ass belongs to him. General Manager Nick Aldis shows up with security calling McIntyre the most self-sabotaging person he has ever met as he asks what his problem is, and states that McIntyre is only on his way to unemployment. He says that Donovan - Aldis' son - should be ashamed of having such a corporate stooge for a father. All of a sudden, Jacob Fatu shows up, and McIntyre and Jacob brawl again. This time around, Jacob gets the upper hand, and after tossing McIntyre over the announce table, security and officials try to force Jacob away from McIntyre, but Jacob runs through them in the crowd and splashes McIntyre through the table.

Damian Priest and R-Truth beat The MFTs (JC Mateo and Tama Tonga) to become the WWE Tag Team Champions! During the match, The Wyatt Sicks (Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis) show up and brawl with the rest of the rest of The MFT's (Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga, Solo Sikoa), with Uncle Howdy getting Solo Sikoa with a Mandible Claw on the outside while Rowan, Gacy and Lumis brawl with Loa, Talla and Tama. JC Mateo saves Solo Sikoa saves Solo from the Mandible Claw with a superkick, but runs into a flurry of offense and an Attitude Adjustment from R-Truth for the pin, the win and the championships when he runs back into the ring.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews The Bella Twins (Brie and Nikki Bella). Brie says they can beat The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) tonight and that anyone underestimating them is making a big mistake. Nikki says they paved the way for the women's tag titles to exist, then Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss show up with pints of ice cream. Charlotte calls The Bellas selfish for getting to the front of the line by getting involved in their match, then says they have whoever wins the women's tag titles tonight. Nikki tells Charlotte to watch the match to see how legends get it done, then Brie takes Alexa's spoon.

Backstage, Danhausen shows up as Candice LeRae checks on Johnny Gargano, asks for "twenty human dollars" when Candice asks for help, then runs away before The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) pass by. Sabin reminds Shelley they have a match.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Sami Zayn. Sami says he should be focused on his match with Aleister Black, as he is dangerous, but he cannot stop think about "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes despite all they have been through recently. He says that Cody is a good person who goes the extra mile, and yet he gets taken out and put on a stretcher after Orton does what he does. Sami admits he does not know what to think about this, and feels the more he does the right thing, the more things go wrong and the more he believes that the world he believes in does not exist. Trick Williams interrupts, and Sami takes this as a challenge. Trick says he will be watching and might be giving a few pointers, and Sami tells him to get a very good look.

The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) beat Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom). During the match, Candice LeRae watches from the entrance ramp, and near the end of the match, Candice attacks Nathan Frazer on the outside, allowing Sabin to get the pin and the win.

Randy Orton heads to the ring. Once in the ring, Orton grabs a metal folding chair and sits in it in the center of the ring. Orton says that for years, when his entrance music hit, everyone sang along, and says that he showed love and gave back to the fans in return, which he admits puts a smile on his face. He then says that this smile is the most emptiest feeling he has felt in his entire life, and that while he has been in the business longer than most, nothing last forever, and he wants his legacy measured in the amount of world championships around his waist. Orton mentions winning the Elimination Chamber match, and while he knew who he needed to be to beat Drew McIntyre, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes beat McIntyre first. He says that he loves Cody and still does, but Cody took that burden off his chest by telling him to be the best version of himself not just for him and the fans, but for himself, and to listen to the voices. Orton states that sometimes when listening to the voices, he does not always have control, and while he and others can get hurt, he needs that killer instinct to become a fifteen-time world champion. Orton then says that he hears voices in his head, and that they counsel him, they understand, and they talk to him and tell him that he will beat Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at the main event of WrestleMania.

Backstage, Randy Orton receives stares from fellow Superstars, then confronts Matt Cardona. Orton says he has no beef with Cardona, who confronts him for what he did to "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes last week. Orton asks Cardona if he has action figures to play with before calling him "a mark-ass stooge" and an "indy nerd" before forearming him and telling him to stay out of his business.

Before the next match starts, Trick Williams shows up to watch from the announce table.

Aleister Black beats Sami Zayn after Trick Williams throws his drink at Sami Zayn for shoving his foot off the announce table, which causes Sami to punch Trick a couple of times before sliding back into the ring only to run smack into a Black Mass.

Backstage, Matt Cardona wants General Manager Nick Aldis to give him a match with Randy Orton, but Aldis says it is not happening. Cardona leaves, then Carmelo Hayes shows up and finds out that the United Stats Open Challenge has been closed because somebody made a compelling argument to be the next opponent. Ilja Dragunov shows up and says he thought about what Carmelo told him, saying that Carmelo is right and that while he will always be fighting himself, he cannot be the best if he does not take the shots that are right in front of him. Carmelo says that for one of them, tonight will be champagne, but for the other it will just be pain. Dragunov says the pain will entertain, but asks if it will be his or Carmelo's.

We hear from The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend). Nia says it has been years since since The Bella Twins (Brie and Nikki Bella) have teamed up and have never won tag team gold, and that they have a snowball's chance in Hell of beating them. Lash Legend says that The Bella Twins are just trying to relive their glory days and trying desperately to stay on their heels, then says that other people want their titles and that it is time to put them all in check. Nia says The Bella Twins will be lucky to survive tonight after they demolish them, and all The Bella Twins can do about it is nothing and like it.

Jade Cargill heads to the ring. Cargill says she is not here to play around and calls out Rhea Ripley, as she knows she is backstage. Rhea Ripley shows up and heads to the ring. Rhea says that they said all that there is to say and that she does not feel like talking to her anymore, but Cargill says that while Rhea Ripley needs the WWE Women's Championship, she does not need the title or the fans. She says that Rhea Ripley has fought to be something, then says that with or without professional wrestling, she has always been "that bitch." Rhea is right about Cargill saying she needs the title, as she lives for this after having fought for this since she was sixteen years old. Cargill says she does not care about Rhea has had to sacrifice or the rest of the locker room, as she made wrestling matter, and without her, Rhea disappears. Rhea takes exception to the disrespect that Cargill is showing, and says that as long as the WWE Women's Championship has been around Cargill's waist, the title needs her, and now she wants that title and she is going to take it. Rhea then welcomes Cargill to the big leagues and dares Cargill to hit her after stating that they are done talking, but Cargill says she will do it on her time and leaves. As Cargill is on her way out, she is confronted by "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab, the former carrying a shinai, but instead of being against Cargill, they join her, and the three of them surround the ring. Rhea fends them off, but the numbers game takes over, and Michin and B-Fab hold Rhea down for a superkick to the face from Cargill followed by Jaded.

Backstage, Kit Wilson speaks with The Miz as he talks about dealing with Jelly Roll. The Miz is preoccupied with how his recent vacation was ruined, then Danhausen shows up wanting to be The Miz's enforcer. Kit Wilson says neither of them want Danhausen around, and when Danhausen tells Miz he can stay cursed, a ladder falls behind him as Danhausen leaves. The Miz tells Kit Wilson to go out there and implement "The Miz Method," then another ladder falls and lands on him after Kit Wilson leaves.

Backstage, Solo Sikoa is furious with The MFTs (Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga, JC Mateo) with losing the WWE Tag Team Championships and blames it all on JC Mateo and Tama Tonga. Tama Tonga tells Solo Sikoa to return the lantern back to The Wyatt Sicks, as he has not been acting like himself since he took it and that he is now sounding like Roman Reigns. All of a sudden, Jacob Fatu and Drew McIntyre brawl again, and McIntyre goes for Jacob's eyes as security and officials have to break up yet another backstage brawl.

Carmelo Hayes retains the WWE United States Championship against Ilja Dragunov.

Backstage, Jelly Roll congratulates Damian Priest and R-Truth on becoming tag team champions, then Priest asks Jelly Roll to join them for drinks later. He and R-Truth leave, then Jelly Roll meets Randy Orton. Orton apologizes to Jelly Roll, but Jelly Roll says he is worried about him and knows what it is like to be the bad guy and judged for the worst thing he ever did, and reminds him of how he fought from being feared backstage to being loved and giving back. He says he does not understand why Orton would go back. Orton admits he was out of line with Matt Cardona and does not know where to begin, but Jelly Roll just tells him to do the right thing and work from there.

Kit Wilson heads to the ring. After the commercial break, Kit Wilson states that Jelly Roll started everything when he crossed a line, then says that they will finish this as he calls Jelly Roll out. Jelly Roll heads to the ring, and Kit Wilson rolls out of the ring as Jelly Roll gets in. Jelly Roll tells Kit Wilson says that if this is what he wants, this is what he gets. He then calls for a referee so they can have a match. Kit Wilson says that they should settle things like civilized gentlemen, saying he fights with his words, not his fists. Jelly Roll is surprised that Kit Wilson wants a rap battle, stating that he is a decent dancer, but not a rapper. Kit Wilson then proposes a slam poetry battle, then proceeds to mock Jelly Roll's face tattoos, criminal history and weight loss. Jelly Roll fires back by mentioning Kit Wilson's mother more than once. Kit Wilson attacks Jelly Roll from behind, then goes up to the top rope for a corkscrew elbow and nails him with it.

Backstage, Giulia tells Kiana James that she did not get the job done and that she is going to put Tiffany Stratton in her place. Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre show up, and Chelsea proposes they team up against Tiffany. Giulia says she does not need any help from her, then she and Kiana leave. The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) show up, and Nia shoves Chelsea - and her wheelchair - out of the way.

Backstage, Jelly Roll meets with General Manager Nick Aldis demanding a match with Kit Wilson. Aldis gives it to him for next week.

The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) retain the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships against The Bella Twins (Brie and Nikki Bella) by disqualification after Charlotte Flair attacks Nia Jax on the outside. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss show up early in the match to watch from ringside, and after the match, all three teams are going at it. The Irresistible Forces soon come out on top in the three-team brawl.

Backstage, Randy Orton is on the phone. He tells the person on the other end that he will go into the ring and "fix it."

Randy Orton heads to the ring again. Once again, he has a metal folding chair in his hand. At first, Orton sits down in the center of the ring, but decides against it before stating that he has an apology to make and asking that Matt Cardona come to the ring. Orton says that he has been out of his head and is legitimately sorry for how he treated both him and his hobbies, then asks Cardona to forgive him. Both men shake hands and hug, then Orton kicks Cardona in the groin, hits an RKO, rips his shirt off and tosses him out of the ring. Orton then pummels Cardona on the announce table. An official shows up to stop Orton as he ready the ring steps, and more officials and security show up soon after. Orton stops, then grabs Cardona and tosses him back in the ring. Officials and security flood the ring as Orton wraps the metal folding chair around Cardona's left arm, and Orton stops again. When Orton is given room, he turns around, then turns back to Cardona and stomps the chair, injuring Cardona's arm. Orton and Cardona are separated, and as Orton is forced to the back, something is happening in the parking lot. Drew McIntyre and Jacob Fatu are brawling again, and Nick Aldis shows up with security. Both men drop from a balcony on the side of a building as Aldis as officials yell at them to stop, and the show fades to black.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

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

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for February 20, 2026

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Before he can say much, however, Jacob Fatu makes his way to the ring. Jacob says Cody would not even be out here talking about the Elimination Chamber if it were not for Drew McIntyre, and that he had Cody and Sami beaten and that they both know it. He then says his concern right now is not with Cody, but with McIntyre, who he then calls out so he can dog walk all over Fort Lauderdale, Florida. General Manager Nick Aldis shows up and announces that he gave McIntyre the night off as he saw this coming, and that he cannot take any unnecessary risk given what is happening on the road to WrestleMania. Aldis tells Jacob to come to his office so they can discuss Jacob getting his hands on McIntyre, who is unexpectedly in the luxury box. McIntyre appreciates the night off, but tells Aldis that he is the champion, he does what he wants and that he bought the entire luxury box to watch tonight's show because he loves SmackDown so much. He then tells Jacob Fatu what he is going to do about it, and Jacob Fatu almost jumps the barricade only for Aldis to stop him and remove him from the building. McIntyre says that the whole world is against him, and that everyone is jealous and wants to be him because he is the champion. Cody disagrees, saying McIntyre is an asshole.

Backstage, Ilja Dragunov meets with Carmelo Hayes and says that Carmelo is not only the United States Champion and that he does not miss when he shoots, but he will qualify for and win the Elimination Chamber Match and go on to WrestleMania. Carmelo tells Dragunov he does not need him to tell him that, but Dragunov does mention that there is still a fight open for the United States Championship. He then tells him that he has some business to take care of with Tama Tonga.

Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis tells Jacob Fatu to be patient and wait, as he will give him Drew McIntyre, but Jacob Fatu says he will not wait much longer before he leaves the building.

Tama Tonga beats Ilja Dragunov following the distraction by Tama Tonga. After the match, Solo Sikoa says that he is not playing, then Dragunov attacks Solo from behind only to be manhandled by The MFT's. Matt Cardona runs to the ring, but he is also overpowered. Apollo Crews runs to the ring and is also decimated by Talla Tonga, then the lights go out and Uncle Howdy appears on the TitanTron. He tells Solo that he uses his family as a crutch and that it is time hat he proves he can stand on his own. Uncle Howdy says that the next time he is in the ring, he will be alone and he will expose all of Solo's securities to the Fireflies, then asks if Solo will show up.

Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis confronts Drew McIntyre and dares McIntyre to keep testing him.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Randy Orton. Orton says the competition for the Elimination Chamber is on edge, then Zelina Vega shows up and says there is only road left. Aleister Black says there was a time when the locker room would not be able to get close to Orton as they would wake up with a headache from the punt. Aleister wants to know where the old Orton is and wants to get in his head a bit, and Orton tells Aleister that he will see him in the ring. Aleister says that Orton may consider the old him buried, but he will dig it back up.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Nia Jax and Lash Legend. Nia says this is the busiest time of the year for the busiest Superstars, and that she plans on qualifying for the Elimination Chamber. Lash Legend says that they are coming for it all, and any doubt that anyone has against them will be wiped out at WrestleMania.

Jade Cargill heads to the ring. Cargill says that she defends her title on her time, and says that Jordynne Grace's best was not good enough. He says that everyone runs their mouth, but when they step up, they fold. She addresses Liv Morgan's WrestleMania decision and says she wants to hear it face-to-face, then says that regardless of whoever comes out of the Elimination Chamber, she is walking out of WrestleMania as champion. Charlotte Flair heads to the ring for the next match as Cargill is on her way to the back, and Cargill gets in her face. A referee has to show up to get Cargill away from Charlotte.

Kiana James beats Charlotte Flair and Nia Jax in a women's Elimination Chamber qualifier after getting under Charlotte as she has Nia in the Figure Eight and pins her shoulders to the mat.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky. Rhea is impressed that Kiana James has qualified for the Elimination Chamber, then Iyo Sky says Giulia will not be so lucky. Rhea says they are both focused on the Elimination Chamber, but they are tag team champions for a reason. Iyo Sky says The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane) do not stand a chance.

Oba Femi beats Kit Wilson. During the match, Kit Wilson tries to reason with Oba Femi by reading him a poem where he tries to compliment him. He then says he sees a teddy bear instead of a brute, and Oba grabs Kit Wilson and demands that he read another poem. Kit Wilson then reads a poem called "Nine Things I Hate About Men," then gets thrown back in the ring as soon as he mentions Oba Femi again. One Fall From Grace later, Oba Femi wins.

Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis is met by R-Truth, who thinks that "an Elimination Chamber award" is in the giant crate. Aldis thinks that R-Truth has it confused with a Slammy award (which R-Truth states he has never head of), then has the crate taken back to Raw before Damian Priest shows up. R-Truth tells Damian Priest that only one of them is heading to WrestleMania, but Aldis tells him that only Priest has an Elimination Chamber qualifier. R-Truth says that Aldis got the balls mixed up and that he wants "the bald Nick Aldis" back before he leaves.

Clash in Italy has been announced for Sunday, May 31st.

Tiffany Stratton beats Alba Fyre despite the distraction by Chelsea Green.

Backstage, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes meets with Sami Zayn. Cody tells Sami he has nothing to be ashamed of regarding their Elimination Chamber qualifier, but Sami says that Cody should be ashamed of himself after he hit him with a Cross Rhodes. Rhodes says it was an opportunity and that opportunities have to be taken advantage of, which is why Sami is not WWE Champion. Sami says that is easy for Cody to say as he has finished his story, but he has tried to do the right thing and it has never worked. Cody says he has been in that situation and it cost him everything, then tells Sami that the only thing in his way is himself. Cody leaves, Sami gets angry, and Trick Williams shows up and says he will get the job done, unlike Sami. Trick leaves, then Sami catches up with Cody and apologizes before telling him he is right. He says that Cody will be WWE Champion again, and to remember that he had a little help along the way.

Trick Williams beats Damian Priest and Carmelo Hayes in a men's Elimination Chamber qualifier after hitting Damian Priest with two Trick Shots as Priest goes for the Razor's Edge on Carmelo.

Backstage, the tag team division are near the giant crate. General Manager Nick Aldis and Candice LeRae show up, and Johnny Gargano is sulking and lying on the top of the crate. Jordynne Grace shows up, and Candice tells Jordyne to wait her turn as she talks to Aldis. Jordynne takes exception to this, and Aldis makes a match between Jordynne and Candice for next week.

Backstage, Jade Cargill runs into B-Fab after a photo shoot. Michin shows up with a shinai and confronts Cargill for injuring her months ago before threatening to take Cargill's title.

Rhea Ripley beats Giulia by disqualificaton after being booted in the face by Lash Legend as she knocks Nia Jax off the apron. After the match, Nia and Lash gang up on Rhea, but Iyo Sky shows up and makes the save so that Rhea can clean house.

Backstage, Oba Femi is met by The Miz, who congratulates him on tonight's win and says that he is a WrestleMania main event waiting to happen. He says that he wants to fill John Cena's spot as locker room leader by getting the next generation ready and showing them the ropes, and Oba takes this as a challenge. Oba says he will talk to General Manager Nick Aldis and get a match set up for next week. It is only after Oba Femi leaves that The Miz realizes what he has gotten himself into.

Backstage, Charlotte Flair is met by Alexa Bliss. Charlotte says she knows she lost and that Alexa will be okay, and that she is not upset. Kiana James and Giulia show up to mock the two of them, and Kiana claims she and Giulia are the most powerful duo on the roster. Alexa tells Kiana to prove it, and Giulia screams at Alexa until Kiana pulls her out of the room.

Backstage, The MFT's (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga, JC Mateo) are leaving the building. Solo Sikoa congratulates Tama Tonga on the big win tonight, and says that he has never betrayed him and that he will be United States Champion one day. He says that for now, they must focus on The Wyatt Sicks (Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross), for without the lantern, they are nothing. Solo leaves, then Shinsuke Nakamura shows up and tells Tama Tonga that Solo Sikoa has been led into a war where he is nothing but a soldier and he is being held back from being his own man. Nakamura then wants to see what Tama Tonga is truly capable of.

Aleister Black beats Randy Orton after Drew McIntyre blasts Orton with the WWE Championship on the outside before being chased out through the crowd by "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, which allows Aleister to hit Black Mass for the win. After the match, Cody Rhodes checks on Randy Orton, then notices Drew McIntyre in the crowd.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

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

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for February 6, 2026

Drew McIntyre heads to the ring to start tonight's show. As he heads over to the ring, however, he is suddenly attacked by "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes. Officials have to break up the brawl as Drew McIntyre flees through the crowd back to the ramp and to the back. Cody gets in the ring and warns McIntyre that things will not be the same after McIntyre eliminated him from the Royal Rumble match that he was not even in. He also states that he was excited for Roman Reigns and CM Punk declaring their championship match before mentioning his own discomfort and shame in coming back to where he was from empty-handed. Cody says that McIntyre was made that he was once WWE Champion, then says that his shame and discomfort will become McIntyre's downfall and that McIntyre will not make it to WrestleMania.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Giulia and Kiana James. Kiana says the women's tag titles are a stepping stone to Giulia becoming a triple champion, and that they will win the titles before Giulia goes on to win at Elimination Chamber.

Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis tells Cody Rhodes that he must qualify for the Elimination Chamber and that he must control his emotions before Cody is escorted from the building.

Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky retain the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships against Giulia and Kiana James. During the match, it is announced that SmackDown will be on SyFy for the next two weeks (this is due to the Winter Olympics).

Backstage, Ilja Dragunov is confronted by The Miz, who tells him that he can consider the United States open challenge closed. Carmelo Hayes shows up and says that Dragunov has gotten his title shot, and that the only thing Miz is getting is "an ass-whuppin' in the 704."

Carmelo Hayes beats The Miz after rolling out of the Skull Crushing Finale and hitting the First 48.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Tiffany Stratton, who says that her sights are on Elimination Chamber when Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre show up. Chelsea says that she was robbed of her WrestleMania moment and that she is the only one newsworthy around here, but Tiffany tells her that she will have to look for her name in the obituaries.

We hear from Bo Dallas. He says that Solo Sikoa took the lantern and left The Wyatt Sicks (Bo Dallas, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross) in the dark not because he is alone, but because he is afraid of being left behind in the dark all by himself. He says that Solo holds the light close to keep everyone tight, but fear does not show up until one is all alone.

The Bennett Family are the recipients of the Papa Johns seat upgrade.

Tiffany Stratton beats Chelsea Green and Lash Legend in an Elimination Chamber qualifier.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Randy Orton. Orton is not happy about his Royal Rumble performance despite the daunting odds, but he looks forward to entering the Elimination Chamber and using his experience to win. Aleister Black and Zelina Vega show up, and Aleister says that while they have had to say goodbye to Jon Cena and AJ Styles, they are still blessed to have at least one part of Randy Orton.

NASCAR Cup Series drivers Ty Dillon, Zane Smith and Todd Gilliland are seen in the front row.

Kit Wilson heads to the ring. He says that what he saw at Royal Rumble: thirty chauvinistic pigs and ugly meatheads, sweating and grunting and temper tantrums, all battling to be on top. He says they did not want him in the match he is a true real man who has confidence in his emotions as well as moisturizes. Kit Wilson also states that nobody can handle a man who moves his hips like he does, then calls all the fans toxic before calling out anyone who was in the men's Royal Rumble for a one-on-one match. His challenge is answered by Oba Femi. When Oba Femi shows up, Kit Wilson says that he is a feminist and that Oba Femi is toxic before Oba Femi utterly annihilates him. Oba Femi beats Kit Wilson.

Backstage, R-Truth and Damian Priest have seen Oba Femi in the ring. R-Truth is impressed by Oba Femi, but as he and Damian Priest talk about Oba, Drew McIntyre bumps into R-Truth. Priest warns McIntyre that he has his own problems and that he does not need another one.

Drew McIntyre heads to the ring. Before Drew McIntyre can do much of anything, however, Jacob Fatu suddenly rushes into the ring and attacks McIntyre. When security shows up, Jacob Fatu manhandles them. McIntyre is forced to flee through the crowd to the back.

Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis tells Jacob Fatu to qualify for the Elimination Chamber next week, then tells him to go home before he kisses his chance goodbye. Jacob tells Aldis to line them all up next week, then shoves security on the way out.

Tama Tonga beats Shinsuke Nakamura after JC Mateo distracts the referee so that Tonga Loa can hold Nakamura down by the foot at the corner, allowing Tama Tonga to hit Cutthroat for a second time to win.

Backstage, Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom) and The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) run into Candice LeRae and Johnny Gargano, the latter of whom has is lying face down on a road crate after having lost Axiom's mask. As Fraxiom heads to Nick Aldis' office, Candice asks the Machine Guns to help, but Sabin reminds her of #DIY's (Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) betrayal, and The Motor City Machine Guns leave.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky. Iyo says Kiana James and Giulia put up a good fight, but they are still champions. Rhea says everyone is on their A-game, including them, and their titles are not going anywhere. She hopes to take this momentum straight to Raw and get more gold, then Nia Jax and Lash Legend show up. Nia says a spot in the Elimination Chamber would be wasted on Rhea and that Lash should have won tonight. Rhea says that Nia and Lash are just making excuses, and Nia says that if they were their opponents tonight, she and Lash would be champions right now. Iyo takes this as a challenge, and Nia says that Rhea and Iyo have been ducking them for long enough and that she will be getting their tag team title match. After Nia, Lash and Cathy Kelley leave, Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez head to the ring.

Backstage, Kit Wilson confronts Matt Cardona and Apollo Creed, blaming everything happening to him on Cardona. Apollo laughs as Wilson calls Cardona toxic, then says it is not over. Cardona tells Kit Wilson that he is always ready.

General Manager Nick Aldis introduces Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez to the ring. Liv declares herself the greatest women's Royal Rumble winner of all time as well as the hottest, smartest, funniest, most charismatic, most talented, and most iconic in the history of WWE. She says that this comes with great power, which comes with great responsibility, then says she does not have a lot of time to choose which champion she wants to face: Stephanie Vaquer for the Women's World Championship, or Jade Cargill for the WWE Women's Championship. Liv then mentions that there is a huge elephant in the room that she needs to address the elephant in the room, and when she mentions Raquel, Raquel takes the microphone to mention the elephant in the room. They are both interrupted by Jade Cargill, who heads to the ring and tells Liv that if she chooses her, she will beat that ass as WrestleMania. She then asks Raquel what she is looking at. Liv Morgan tells Jade Cargill to watch what she says, as she can choose to face Stephanie Vaquer and leave Raquel to take Jade's title. Jordynne Grace shows up and congratulates Liv for winning the Royal Rumble, then says that if she could get Cargill to defend her title, it might be her that Liv faces at WrestleMania. When Liv talks back, Jordynne and Cargill tell her to shut up. Aldis stops the argument and makes a tag team match with Cargill and Jordynne against Liv and Raquel, which happens right now.

Jade Cargill and Jordynne Grace beat The Judgment Day (Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez). During the match, Jade Cargill inadvertently takes out Jordynne Grace, and Raquel Rodriguez inadvertently takes out Liv Morgan, As Cargill and Raquel are about to square off, Jordynne shoves Raquel into Cargill before winning the match with a schoolkid pin.

Backstage, Sami Zayn is distraught after losing to Drew McIntyre at Royal Rumble. Rey Fenix shows up and tells Sami that he is a big inspiration to him and to not give up, then Trick Williams shows up and says that Sami is like Charles Barkley and makes it to the playoffs but cannot win the ring. Trick says he knows how to get the job done, but Fenix says Trick has a big mouth and warns him that he will knock his teeth out if he keeps talking.

Backstage, Jade Cargill and Jordynne Grace are arguing when General Manager Nick Aldis shows up and puts Jordynne in a WWE Women's Championship match against Cargill next week.

Drew McIntyre returns to the commentary table, adamant on saying what he wants to say. He says "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes and Jacob Fatu should be banned from qualifying for the Elimination Chamber, then brags about crushing Sami Zayn as well as anyone who gets in the ring with him. He admits that he was disappointed with what both CM Punk and Roman Reigns had to say, as they were big Superstars yet came across to him as very insecure and making SmackDown seem second-rate. McIntyre says he has gone through hell to become WWE Champion again and that he has earned the title, which he considers "the number one title." He says Roman picked CM Punk because he would kill Roman without his "Samoan army," then says that he has the entire roster climbing over each other to face him while Roman and Punk keep "aura farming." As McIntyre makes his way to the back, Trick Williams shows up and says that he will watch the main event from ringside, then says McIntyre is worried about all the wrong things when he should be worried about him taking his title at WrestleMania. McIntyre gives kudos to Trick for stepping up, but tells him to walk before he runs, because he will "stick those lemon pepper steppers where the sun don't shine."

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Solo Sikoa as he is looking for The MFT's (Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga, JC Mateo). He says that he wants his family out there as he is going to the Elimination Chamber and taking it all.

Randy Orton beats Solo Sikoa and Aleister Black in an Elimination Chamber qualifier after moving backwards into Solo Sikoa - who is ready to hit a Samoan Spike - and hitting an RKO out of nowhere.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

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

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for January 2, 2026

The Miz suddenly hijacks the start of the show to air his 2025 grievances, saying that no one will move on to 2026 until he does. He takes exception to not facing John Cena one last time and not being the one to tap him out. He talks about how he offered his advice and expertise to younger talent, who he says should be chomping at the bit to learn him from him, only to be met with ungratefulness and entitlement. He says that respect is not demanded, it is expected. The Miz also mentions Joe Hendry and R-Truth ruining his last SmackDown of 2025 and bringing back the "tiny balls" nickname, then says there is a silver lining and that John Cena is gone in 2026, saying nobody wants to see Cena anymore. He declares himself the new face of WWE, saying that unlike Buffalo, New York, he actually wins championships. Miz lists his accomplishments as a double Grand Slam champion, and says he is the locker room leader and the adult in the room full of brats. Suddenly, Randy Orton shows up and bumps into The Miz, who is suddenly happy to see him back on SmackDown as he says that they are both the locker room leaders, the faces of WWE and the adults in the room. The Miz then proposes they could both be "Miz-K-O," but gets met with an RKO. Orton hen comically shakes Miz's hand and pats him on the chest before wishing him a happy new year and hitting him with another RKO.

Backstage, The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane) are met by Nia Jax and Lash Legend. Nia calls teaming up with them "a little difficult," but Lash says it will be worth it when they help them to a victory tonight on the way to the women's tag team titles. When Nia Jax says they want a shot at the women's tag team titles after Monday, Asuka says they will be glad to owe them a beating after they keep the women's tag team titles. Asuka leaves, then Kairi Sane tells Nia and Lash that they should be ready for them.

Backstage, Randy Orton runs into "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes and tells him that once he beats Drew McIntyre, he is coming for the WWE Championship. Orton leaves, then General Manager Nick Aldis shows up to remind Cody about Drew McIntyre being in the building for the Three Stages of Hell stipulations and the "no physicality" clause. Cody says he will not put the WWE Championship in jeopardy.

Rhea Ripley, Iyo Sky, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss beat Nia Jax, Lash Legend and The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane) in an eight-woman tag match.

Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis meets with Jordynne Grace when Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre show up. Chelsea Green does not want to wrestle tonight, but Aldis threatens to strip her of the United States Women's Champion if she does not.

Members of the Buffalo Bills NFL football team are seen in the front row.

Before the next match, Kit Wilson talks about how he is redefining masculinity and how Buffalo, New York has some of the most toxic sports fans in all of America. All of a sudden, Zack Ryder shows up, this time as Matt Cardona. It is finally recognized on commentary that Zack Ryder and Matt Cardona are the same person.

Matt Cardona beats Kit Wilson. During the match, it is announced that Matt Cardona is now part of the SmackDown roster.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Damian Priest. Priest says he has gone to war with Aleister Black for six months and that this ends tonight. He says Aleister tried to change and break him, but he is not his creator, and all he has done is wake something up that even Aleister will not understand. He hopes to stuff Aleister in an ambulance and send him to the ER, for he will be the one to fade to black.

We hear from The Wyatt Sicks (Bo Dallas, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross). Bo Dallas asks Solo Sikoa what the meaning of family is, as he has been searching for that since The Bloodline split up and has claimed that The Wyatt Sicks are not a family. He says that Solo has not taken the time to contemplate the force he is up against and mocks what he does not understand. He says that his family is not made up of who he sees, and that it is filled with millions of Fireflies around the world who will always remember. He says it is time to chop down Solo's family tree at the root, for when the dust settles, The Wyatt Sicks will be the ones.

Sami Zayn heads to the ring. Sami admits he feels good to be back after the last couple of weeks after watching John Cena's last match with his son in the front row, and admits that the match made him realize that while John Cena has won a world title seventeen times, he has not won one. He says that as long as his son has been able to watch wrestling, his son has been confused as to why he has never been world champion. Sami then says he is not here to talk about being world champion; he is here to do it. After Sami declares that he is coming for the WWE Championship, Trick Williams suddenly shows up and announces that he has finally arrived before introducing himself to Sami. Trick says he is here for one reason and one reason only: the WWE Championship. He says that they are not the same, and says that unlike Sami Zayn, he is not "the one that almost gets the job done." Sami says he has been watching and is impressed, but tells Trick that he has yet to be humbled, and since Trick has no problem interrupting him, he has no problem Sami a lesson and teaching Trick to be humbled.

Backstage, Carmelo Hayes is met by Ilja Dragunov, who says he wanted to fight the best version of the best last week and that Carmelo gave him exactly that. Dragunov hints that this may not be the last time, and when asked if he will continue the open challenge, Carmelo says yes. Carmelo Hayes suddenly runs into The Miz and thanks him for making this possible...by leaving him alone so he could be the greatest he has ever been.

General Manager Nick Aldis meets backstage with Rey Fenix when Trick Williams shows up fuming about Sami Zayn. Fenix tells Trick that he has a lot to learn, but Trick says Fenix needs to learn to keep his mouth shut when grown men are talking. Aldis puts Trick in his SmackDown debut match with Rey Fenix next week.

Carmelo Hayes retains the WWE United States Championship against Johnny Gargano.

Backstage, Tama Tonga is met by Shinsuke Nakamura. They both speak to each other in Japanese, and after Nakamura leaves, Solo asks if everything is okay. Tama says yes, then finds out that The MFT's (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga, JC Mateo) will face The Wyatt Sicks (Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross) in an eight-man tag match next week and soon take back the WWE Tag Team Championships.

We hear from Aleister Black and Zelina Vega. Aleister says that it does not matter what Damian Priest says at this point, and says that Priest can beat him as many times as he wants, as nothing will change. He says Priest is the only thing that has changed, and that after tonight, nothing will be the same ever again. Zelina says it is time to put the final nail in the coffin of Priest's own delusions.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Jade Cargill, who says that she injured "Michin" Mia Yim on purpose during the recent holiday tour and that injuries happen when pigeons do not know their place. Jordynne Grace shows up wanting to get a good look at the champion as she looks at all her options, and Cargill tells her to sign somewhere else. Jordynne is not impressed with Cargill's threats.

Backstage, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes runs into Sami Zayn, who has not seen Drew McIntyre. Cody says he has heard what Sami had to say and that everyone is being honest tonight, and while Sami says he thinks the world of Cody, Cody understands where he is coming from. General Manager Nick Aldis shows up, and after Aldis admits he has not seen McIntyre, Cody heads to the ring.

We see a video package for Oba Femi.

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring. Cody asks what makes one a WWE Champion, and Cody says it is his mentality when it comes to facing anyone in a WWE ring. He says he shows up with the WWE Championship early so that everybody can "see [him] seeing them," then says that while Drew McIntyre reeks of envy, he is grateful that McIntyre is a mountain to climb and cannot wait to have their fight. Cody then says that he sees McIntyre as lunch while he sees himself as the champion, and that this will not change in Berlin, Germany. McIntyre appears on the TitanTron and says Cody is so predictable because he is old-school and traditional and that Cody is "as vanilla as it gets," then says he has come up with the best way to hurt him. McIntyre finally names the Three Stages of Hell's stipulations. The first match will be a straight wrestling match, but in the second match, falls will count anywhere. He then says that if the match goes to a third fall, it will end in an old-fashioned steel cage where two men enter and one champion leaves. McIntyre says that is assuming Cody is still champion, then admits that he has been in Cody's tour bus and that one item inside stood out more than any other: a picture of Cody with his father Dusty Rhodes. McIntyre says that he wishes Dusty was still here today to see the man Cody has become, then says Dusty would be ashamed and hopes Dusty has a coat when Hell freezes over after he becomes champion before throwing the picture frame down and stomping it to pieces. McIntyre destroys the Cody then runs to the back to confront McIntyre, and General Manager Nick Aldis and a band of referees hold Cody back. All of a sudden, Drew McIntyre is in the ring with a trash can while carrying the photo in his hands. Cody is held back by the referees as McIntyre sets the photo on fire and throws it in the trash can. McIntyre taunts Cody as everyone keeps Cody back.

Giulia beats Chelsa Green to become the WWE United States Women's Champion for a second time after Kiana James distracts the referee as Chelsea has the match won with the Un-Pretty-Her.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky. Rhea says that she and Iyo have been waiting a long time to get their hands on The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane) and that the Women's Tag Team Champonship are finally coming back. Iyo says that the two of them will finally be champions together. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss show up, and Alexa wishes Rhea and Iyo good luck, stating that The Kabuki Warriors can be a little sneaky. After Charlotte says that they are next in line, Rhea says that this will soon become her and Iyo's pain as well as theirs.

Backstage, Candice LeRae and Johnny Gargano are met by Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom). Nathan Frazer notes that Gargano is not doing well without Tommaso Ciampa. Axiom then demands his blue mask back, but Gargano considers the mask a gift for Candice. Axiom heads to General Manager Nick Aldis for a match to get the mask back.

Damian Priest beats Aleister Black in an ambulance match. During the match, Zelina Vega is the first to open the doors, and when she does, Rhea Ripley comes out and chases Zelina to the ring before hitting her with a Riptide. Aleister goes into the ambulance following a choke slam from the top of the ambulance to two tables brought into the match by Priest.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

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

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for December 12, 2025

We hear from General Manager Nick Aldis, who says that bringing Drew McIntyre back has become difficult, as McInytre has returned none of his calls. He gives Drew McIntyre an invitation to come to SmackDown so they can come to a resolution to bring him back. Backstage, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes is met by Aldis, who tells him that he has a document where McIntyre has declared SmackDown an unsafe working environment. Aldis also states that he is heading straight to McIntyre's home in order to come to a resolution. Cody wads it up and throws it to the floor on the way to the ring to start tonight's show. In the ring, Cody brings up McIntyre's claims of SmackDown being an unsafe working environment, and says that McIntyre is in the position he is in because he is "half in," and if he were McIntyre's boss, he would fire him. Since he cannot fire McIntyre, however, he can whip his ass. All of a sudden, Oba Femi shows up and heads to the ring. Oba notes that Cody is all fired up, but tells Cody that he should be worried about him instead of McIntyre before introducing himself. He notes that their match at Saturday Night's Main Event is being viewed as "present vs. future," then says that the future is now and here and it is him. He says that Cody's time is up, and his time is now. Cody notes their mutual respect for John Cena before telling Oba that he beat Cena for the WWE Championship. Oba stops Cody on his way out, and both men raise their respective titles in a brief staredown.

Backstage, Fraxiom meet up with Ilja Dragunov, telling him that they will have his back in case #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae) gets involved. Dragunov appreciates but rejects the assistance, saying he must do in the painful but honest way. He says he will put Ciampa in his place, and he must do it alone. Dragunov states that John Cena never gave up and never backed down, and that Ciampa will learn that pain will entertain him if he messes with him.

Ilja Dragunov retains the WWE United States Championship against Tommaso Ciampa despite the interference of Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae. After the match, Gargano and Ciamapa gang up on Dragunov, then Carmelo Hayes runs into the ring and fights off both of them, sending them into a retreat. He then helps Dragunov up.

We see an John Cena interview snippet about what is next. Cena says he will be an ambassador for WWE for the next five years.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Je'Von Evans. Je'Von says that he is on the biggest stage of his career, but he will not be there alone. All of a sudden, The Miz shows up, saying he should be the one being interviewed. Je'Von not only reminds Miz that he blew his chances to face Cena, then challenges to a match. Miz tells him that if he injures him, he will not make it to Saturday. We then see a message from Uncle Howdy saying "We're here."

The Wyatt Sicks (Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross) head to the ring. Uncle Howdy addresses Solo Sikoa and his claims from last week, saying he has discredited him and his family before asking who Solo is to pass judgment. He says Solo does not have the power to look within himself, but The Wyatt Sicks do. He says that Solo's real family has all turned their backs on him, as he used and abused those who claimed to love him. He says that Solo is disillusioned and out of his mind, saying that The MFT's (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga, JC Mateo) run SmackDown. Howdy tells Solo to rip the scales from his eyes, as The MFT's run nothing while The Wyatt Sicks hold the WWE Tag Team Championships. He states that if The MFT's want the titles, then they can come and get them. The MFT's show up on the TitanTron, with Solo stating that he, not Uncle Howdy, calls the shots, and this time, they will do things his way. Next week, they will come to take the titles, and tells The Wyatt Sicks to be ready for war. He says that if Uncle Howdy wants to keep his family safe, then he should give The MFT's the tag team titles, or else all he can do is run.

Backstage, Charlotte Flair warns Alexa Bliss to be careful against Lash Legend on their road back to the women's tag titles. Rhea Ripley shows up and makes it known that she and Iyo want the women's tag titles, but Alexa says that she and Charlotte do not step aside for anyone.

Tom Brady, Snoop Dogg, Peyton Manning, Jelly Roll and Jimmy Fallon, all congratulate John Cena for his retirement and incredible career.

Sol Ruca and Bayley are seen in the crowd.

Lash Legend beats Alexa Bliss after hitting Charlotte Flair on the outside with a pump kick for taking out Nia Jax.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Aleister Black and Zelian Vega. Zelina says it did not have to come to this, but Damian Priest does not like the man that he is and that Rhea Ripley will not make him whole. Aleister says that if Priest is so keen to drag his friends to Hell with him, then so be it.

It is announced that SmackDown goes back to three hours on January 2nd.

Je'Von Evans beats The Miz.

Backstage, Rhea Ripley is met by Nia Jax and Lash Legend. They put Rhea on notice, but Rhea is not threatened and says Nia has been brave since she got backup. She warns Nia that she is a problem that she will not solve. Nia and Lash leave. Damian Priest shows up, saying he needs this energy in the ring. He leaves, then Jade Cargill shows up and looks at Rhea briefly before heading to the ring.

We hear from "Michin" Mia Yim, who says that Jade Cargill has been picking on the women's division and that it pisses her off, and says that while Jade will give her all that she has got, she will do the same to Jade. Suddenly, Jade Cargill attacks Michin before heading to the ring. Jade Cargill says that this is what happens women do not know their place in the back, then says that anyone can step up and get stepped on. Michin shows up with a shinai in her hand and officials behind her, and Michin smacks Cargill with the shinai. Cargill hits Michin with a pump kick, then hits her with a choke slam back in the ring.

We see a video package for Oba Femi.

Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley beat Aleister Black and Zelina Vega.

Here are the highlights for tonight's show!

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

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for November 7, 2025

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Cody talks about how he retained at Saturday Night's Main Event, and says that while he has been reluctant to pull the trigger on opponents in the past, he had no problem with McIntyre, who he says has a lot of charisma but keeps self-sabotaging. Cody states that he is moving on from McInytre, and from here, me might as well sit with the fans and see who is next in line for the Undisputed WWE Championship. Aleister Black and Zelina Vega show up, with Aleister Black saying he is ready to move on to something new after setting Damian Priest on fire and that he has a chip on his shoulder the size of the Undisputed WWE Championship. Zelina tells Cody that his nightmare begins now, then slaps Cody in the face. Suddenly, General Manager Nick Aldis shows up and makes Cody vs. Aleister tonight's main event.

Ilja Dragunov briefly runs into Tama Tonga while on his way to the ring.

Before the next match, Ilja Dragunov wants to know who will step up before stating that pain will entertain everyone. The challenge is answered by #DIY (Johnny Gargano, Tommaso Ciampa, Candice LeRae), and Ciampa addresses what happened last week and says that nobody calls him a jackass. Ciampa then states that the United States Championship is his, and when he gets in the ring, Dragunov says Ciampa is right, and accepts the challenge. Instead of Ciampa challenging Dragunov, however, it is Johnny Gargano.

Ilja Dragunov retains the WWE United States Championship against Johnny Gargano in a United States Open Challenge match.

Backstage, Sami Zayn meets with General Manager Nick Aldis and asks to be at ringside for Rey Fenix's match, but Aldis wants Sami to get healthy. Sami warns Aldis that he will not stand by and watch for much longer. Sami leaves, then R-Truth arrives. R-Truth wants a match with John Cena and puts two tumbler balls in Aldis' hands, saying "I came here to put my balls in your hands." Aldis tells R-Truth his name is already in the tumbler, and R-Truth says he doesn't want his balls touching Aldis' balls before leaving.

Backstage, Tommaso Ciampa is stewing when Johnny Gargano shows up with Candice LeRae and apologizes. Fraxiom shows up and laughs about Ciampa being shot down by Dragunov twice.

Jade Cargill heads to the ring and declares that she is "that bitch." Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss show up before Jade Cargill gets to the back for the next match, and Charlotte and Cargill have a war of words. Alexa has to hold Charlotte back very briefly before they get to the ring.

Backstage, Chelsea Green talks with Alba Fyre when B-Fab and "Michin" Mia Yim show up. Chelsea Green says that she will be a double champion and the greatest champion on SmackDown when Jade Cargill shows up. Chelsea and Alba retreat, Cargill yells at B-Fab to back off, then Cargill challenges B-Fab to a match next week - which B-Fab accepts - when B-Fab starts talking about Cargill behind her back.

Nia Jax beats Charlotte Flair with the A-Nia-Lator after Lash Legend shows up from behind the barricade and chokes Alexa Bliss out.

Nick Aldis announces that for the next two matches in the The Last Time Is Now Tournament, The Miz will face "Main Event" Jey Uso while LA Knight will take on an opponent whose identity Aldis leaves as a surprise.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Nia Jax and Lash Legend. Nia says she would have beaten Charlotte Flair, then says that Lash Legend is a formidable adversary and a good friend after facing her. Lash Legend says she is everything she says she is, and she and Nia are going straight to the top, with tonight being just the beginning.

Chelsea Green beats Giulia to become the WWE Women's United States Champion after Alba Fyre superkicks Kiana James on the outside for getting involved and Chelsea Green uses the ropes for leverage when she pins a distracted Giulia with a stack-up pin.

Backstage, Solo Sikoa tells The MFT's (Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga, JC Mateo) did well last week, but Sami Zayn is still walking around and both The Wyatt Sicks (Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross) and Ilja Dragunov have championship gold that they want back. He tells Talla Tonga to make a statement and warn everyone not to disrespect his family. As The MFT's leave, The Wyatt Sicks meet up, and Erick Rowan says "Not yet."

Backstage, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss are in the trainer's room when they are handed a bag of ice by Asuka, who spits blue mist into their faces.

The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) and Shinsuke Nakamura take out Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa and JC Mateo before the next match begins.

Talla Tonga beats Rey Fenix. After the match, Talla Tonga is about to choke slam Fenix again when Sami Zayn chases Talla Tonga and Solo Sikoa out of the ring with a metal folding chair.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews The Miz. The Miz says that he simply reminded Carmelo Hayes of what he is capable of when he attacked him, then takes offense to the fact that there is a tournament to decide John Cena's final opponent when he is standing right here. Miz then says that he will beat "Main Event" Jey Uso, win the tournament and make everyone cry when he ends John Cena's career.

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes vs. Aleister Black ends in a no contest. During the match, referee Dan Engler is levelled out of nowhere by a Claymore Kick from Drew McIntyre. McIntyre and Aleister gang up on Cody, then Damian Priest shows up and fights them both off. Aleister rakes Priest's eyes and escapes with Zelina, then Cody hits McIntyre with a Cody Cutter. General Manager Nick Aldis then shows up and suspends Drew McIntyre for his actions to end the show.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

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

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for October 24, 2025

Backstage, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes is met by Jimmy Uso. Jimmy thanks Cody for what he did for Jacob Fatu, then says he is looking for General Manager Nick Aldis. Cody asks Jimmy if everything is okay with Jey Uso, but Jimmy says that Cody has to have seen what has happened. Cody tells Jimmy that he gets what is happening and that he has to do what is right for himself. Cody then heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Cody talks about how he smacked the WWE Championship across Drew McIntyre's head, and almost as soon as Cody asks if he should apologize for that, McIntyre shows up out of the crowd not wanting an apology from Cody. He questions the fans for what he thinks is having the gall for cheering for Cody and booing him, stating that the fans are complicit in Cody's crimes and that the fans have been brainwashed by "Corporate Cody's propaganda" and keep cheering no matter what he does. McIntyre says he has been screwed so many times that it is now about him finishing his own story and that he will finish it next week at Saturday Night's Main Event. McIntyre says that everyone wants to blame him and says it is always him, then starts blaming Jimmy Uso before Cody interrupts him, stating that he will fight McIntyre right now if he wants another fight. As McIntyre approaches the ring, he is attacked from out of the crowd by Jimmy Uso. Security and officials quickly move in to separate both men, even as Jimmy hits McIntyre with a tope suicida. Even Cody has to calm Jimmy down as General Manager Nick Aldis is in the background, and MFT (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga, JC Mateo) soon heads to the ring for the next match.

Backstage, Drew McIntyre is arguing with General Manager Nick Aldis when he is attacked by Jimmy Uso again. Security shows up again to break up the brawl.

MFT (JC Mateo and Tama Tonga) beats Rey Fenix and Shinsuke Nakamura after Solo Sikoa distracts the referee so that Talla Tonga can choke slam Rey Fenix into the ring apron.

Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis tells Jimmy Uso, who now wants to take things into his own hands, that he cannot have any more chaos and says he and Drew McIntyre can have a match, but Jimmy says he wants a fight. Aldis makes their match no-disqualification.

Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre meet with Giulia to run a campaign with Chelsea as champion and Giulia as "Vice President." Kiana James shows up and says Giulia has no time for her before mentioning her match with Tiffany Stratton. Alba Fyre tries to give Giulia a flyer to fill the position for a new member of The Secret Hervice, but Giulia rejects it.

Tiffany Stratton beats Kiana James. After the match, Tiffany is attacked from behind by Giulia, who hits Tiffany with the Arrivederci before Jade Cargill runs into the ring and lays Giulia out. Cargill then helps Tiffany up and shakes and raiser her hand before handing the WWE Women's Championship to her. Jade then turns to leave before clocking Tiffany with a clothesline, attacking her further and throwing her into the ring post. Cargill continues to attack Tiffany on the outside even as referees try to keep her back, even stomping her left knee into the ring steps.

Backstage, Ilja Dragunov runs into Sami Zayn, who congratulates Dragunov on his win. Dragunov tells Sami that he respects him as a fighter and his open challenges were legendary, then Sami passes the open challenge on to Dragunov, knowing that he can leave it in the ring every single week.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Jade Cargill, who says that consequences only happen when one makes mistakes and that she made a mistake allowing patience to be rewarded rather than power. She says that she will take the WWE Women's Championship.

Before the next match, Ilja Dragunov says that he has missed the fans and that his year of recovery has had many highs and lows, but he does not give up, and because of the obsession in his heart, he stands as the new WWE United States Champion. He says that he will defend the title with all his obsession after winning it from a great man in Sami Zayn and that he must continue the legacy of the open challenge. The open challenge is answered by Aleister Black.

Ilja Dragunov retains the WWE United States Championship against Aleister Black in an open challenge after Zelina Vega gets ejected from ringside for tripping Dragunov on the outside and Damian Priest shows up to show the burn around his left eye. After the match, Damian Priest gives Aleister Black a beating. He goes for a Con-Chair-To on the announce table, but Zelina Vega goes for Priest's bad eye, allowing both her and Aleister to escape.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Carmelo Hayes, who says that while The Miz taught him a lot and he is a future Hall of Famer, he crossed a line. He says that he and Miz are even and that he is back to fulfilling his destiny. He says that he owes it to his fans and himself to get back on track to being "Him," then Kit Wilson shows up and tells Carmelo Hayes that his patriarchal and hierarchal. Carmelo tells Kit Wilson he will see him in the ring next week.

Backstage, Ilja Dragunov runs into Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom). Both of them look forward to facing Dragunov in the open challenge, and Dragunov says he will look forward to seeing them. He leaves, then #DIY (Johnny Gargano, Tommaso Ciampa, Candice LeRae) shows up and tells them to make their dreams smaller. Axiom says Gargano wanted to wrestle him, then chalks it up to Gargano being scared. Candice LeRae says they are not worth their time, then they leave. Tama Tonga then shows up and makes a throat slash gesture towards them.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss. Charlotte and Alexa accept Bayley and Lyra Valkyria's challenge, then Nia Jax shows up wanting to see Charlotte and Alexa stab each other in the back. Charlotte says Nia is projecting, but Nia mentions her history with Alexa. Alexa says people can change, but if Nia is looking for the old her, she is not hard to find. Nia takes this as a challenge and says she will see Alexa next week.

Drew McIntyre beats Jimmy Uso in a no-disqualification match after throwing a chair into Jimmy's face as Jimmy goes for an Uso Splash before hitting him with a Claymore Kick for the win. After the match, McIntyre wraps a chair around Jimmy's throat and tries to choke Jimmy out with it. Officials show up to try to stop McIntyre, then "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes rush into the ring and fights McIntyre. He takes out McIntyre before checking on Jimmy Uso, but McIntyre gets back in the ring and hits Cody with a Claymore Kick.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

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

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!

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for October 3, 2025

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Before Cody can talk about anything, Paul Heyman shows up from out of the crowd with Bron Breakker and "Big" Bronson Reed. Randy Orton suddenly shows up and stands alongside Cody. Heyman says that he, Breakker and Bronson are not here to talk to Cody, but to Orton, who Heyman considers "a tough guy to get a hold of" and that he knew that if they confronted Cody, Orton would show up. Heyman also states that Cody and Orton will lose to Breakker and Bronson tonight before trying to drive a wedge between Cody and Orton by stating that Orton will blame Cody when they lose. He states that Cody and Orton's partnership cannot last, then says that is not a prediction from an oracle, but a prophecy.

Backstage, The Miz confronts Carmelo Hayes. Carmelo says there is nothing to explain, and The Miz wants to know why Carmelo did not save him. Carmelo says that Miz has his back yet keeps being in his way, and says that they are done. Carmelo says that he is trying to be cool about this whole ordeal, then leaves.

Members of the Cincinnati Bengals NFL team are seen in the front row.

Sami Zayn's open challenge opponent is revealed to be Carmelo Hayes. Carmelo says he is here, and this time, he does not have anyone clouding his vision of winning championship gold. He says both he and Sami know how good he is and that he is the best he has ever been tonight. He is then attacked from behind by The Miz with a Skull Crushing Finale. Officials then have to keep Miz away from Carmelo. All of a sudden, Aleister Black walks by, takes the microphone and says he will take Sami Zayn's challenge.

Sami Zayn retains the WWE United States Championship against Aleister Black following the distraction by Damian Priest. After the match, Damian Priest pulls Aleister Black out of the ring and puts him through the announce table with a Razor's Edge.

In backstage footage from earlier today, General Manager Nick Aldis is talking with Sol Ruca and Zaria when Chrlsea Green and Alba Fyre offer them a position in the Secret Hervice. Sol Ruca says they are not interested and that they have been beaten them before, and Zaria says they are more interested in being women' tag team champions. Sol Ruca and Zarian then challenge Chelsea and Alba to a match tonight, which Aldis makes official. Chelsea and Alba are livid.

Sol Ruca and Zaria beat Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair. Charlotte and Alexa agree that Sol Ruca and Zaria were impressive and that they have come far. Charlotte says she can understand why they want to face them, and Alexa says they will get their shot when the time comes.

Backstage, Randy Orton is met by "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes in the locker room. Orton tells Cody that he has his back and that he does not care about what Paul Heyman says.

General Manager Nick Aldis is in the ring to oversee a contract signing between Tiffany Stratton and Stephanie Vaquer for their WWE Women's Crown Jewel Championship match. Tiffany is introduced first, followed by Vaquer. Vaquer tells Tiffany that she respects her and thinks Tiffany is a great champion, but she will soon show her who she is. Tiffany says she cannot wait to step foot into the ring with Vaquer as they have both proven they are the best, but only one women will walk out of Crown Jewel and it will be her. After Tiffany says that it will be Tiffy Time no matter when or where, she signs the contract, and Vaquer immediately follows suit. Both women then shake hands. As Tiffany leaves, she is suddenly attacked by Giulia, and Kiana James makes a business proposal for Vaquer. Kiana says Vaquer is a star, but not a superstar, and that she can make that happen if she accepts her services. She says her costs are high, but the prestige she will gain is priceless, and Giulia overshadows Tiffany as the best champion on SmackDown. As Kiana says she can make Vaquer the Women's Crown Jewel Champion, Tiffany drags Kiana out of the ring and punches her. Vaquer almost hits Giulia with the SVB, but Giulia escapes, and Kiana helps Giulia out of the ring.

In backstage footage from earlier today, General Manager Nick Aldis meets with Je'Von Evans and asks him to keep in touch. Rey Fenix shows up and congratulates Je'Von on his match from last week, then Los Garza (Angel and Berto) show up and mockingly call Je'Von a rookie. Je'Von proposes they have a tag team match, and the match is made official for tonight.

We hear from Jacob Fatu, who says that he is tired of people lying, crying and wasting time with "BS stories." He says people like to talk until the situation gets spicy, then says he has been in a low place before and that he will beat people down for sleeping on him. He says that he will light up anybody who gets in his way to the top, for he is all gas and no brakes.

Je'Von Evans and Rey Fenix beat Los Garza (Angel and Berto).

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Damian Priest, who says that everyone's luck eventually runs out before Kit Wilson shows up in a wheelchair and dares Priest to overthrow him, calls him toxic, and threatens to show what true masculinity is as he stands up. Priest pushes Kit Wilson back into his wheelchair with one finger and shoves him down the ramp into a road crate, then challenges Aleister Black to a Last Man Standing Match for next week.

We hear from Solo Sikoa, who addresses Talla Tonga, stating he helped him win his first main roster championship. He says there is a monster in Talla and that Talla needs to bring it out and show it to everyone and show his loyalty. Talla tells Solo he loves him. Solo then says someone is missing, and when he finds that missing partner, everyone is on notice.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) and B-Fab. B-Fab says The Street Profits are on the same page. Dawkins says they have been through a lot in the past couple of months, but their partnership is not worth giving up. Montez says they are not fighting just for the tag team championships, but also for each other. The Wyatt Sicks (Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross) show up on the nearby monitor. Erick Rowan says The Street Profits may be brothers, but asks if that brotherhodd will survive after their next match. Gacy says their house is burning and surrounded by flames that will take everything from them, and Dexter Lumis says they will choke on the smoke of everything they desire. Nikki Cross says they will be nothing but a pile of ashes. Erick Rowan says "From my family...to yours" before The Wyatt Sicks laugh.

The Vision (Bron Breakker and "Big" Bronson Reed) beat "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton after Paul Heyman distracts the referee so that Seth "Freakin'" Rollins can get in the ring and hit Rollins with The Stomp. After the match, Seth "Freakin'" Rollins goes from a celebratory mood to an angry mood, as as Heyman dares him not to do anything, Rollins runs into the ring to hit Cody with The Stomp only for Cody to get up and hit Rollins with the Cross Rhodes.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

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

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for September 5, 2025

John Cena heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Cena says that tonight is a special night and looks back on the start of his retirement tour, and says that he was coming off some bad years and wanted to make up for it by doing great work and leaving it all in the ring. He says that he has nothing planned and that tonight is about having fun, for he has given everything he has during this tour and, and tonight, he is taking it in. Cena states that Chicago, Illinois being unable to use their voices is what makes Chicago special, and that everyone is in for one exciting night, for it is the last time he will be here in WWE and his last time on SmackDown. He says that in this exact same city, he debuted and slapped Kurt Angle and started the ride that has lasted for over two decades. He talks about how he has faced Triple H, has held United States Open Challenges and even lost to CM Punk in this city. He says he was honored and thankful to start in Chicago and experience everything that he could in the city, which leads to "Thank You, Cena!" chants as he says that the city let him experience joy. Cena thanks the fans for "a beautiful ride" and tells everyone to enjoy tonight's show before Sami Zayn suddenly shows up. Sami says he has watched Cena over the past year and that it would not feel right not to thank him on behalf of the locker room for everything he has done for them as well as for him. He talks about how he made his main roster debut against John Cena for the United States Championship and how he now holds the title, then says he wants to pay it forward like Cena did with honor and dignity. Sami asks for Cena's blessing to start his own United States open challenge, which Cena gives him before Sami states that if this is the last chance they share a ring together, then he must pay Cena back with a United States title match right now. Cena accepts the challenge and shakes Sami's hand before calling for a referee.

John Cena vs. Sami Zayn for the WWE United States Championship ends in a no-contest. During the match, Brock Lesnar shows up, pulls the referee out of the ring and hits Sami with an F-5 before doing the same to Cena. Lesnar then picks Cena up again for a second F-5 before leaving.

Backstage, Brock Lesnar tells John Cena that he will see him at Wrestlepalooza.

Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis is met by Melo Don't Miz (Carmelo Hayes and The Miz), who get a tag team title match from a distracted Aldis. After Aldis leaves, Becky Lynch shows up at the arena.

We hear from Aleister Black, who says that he hoped that WWE would change only to find that the well is still poisoned. He says that he must purify the well and if that leads to his own ruin, so be it. He says that Priest will be the king who falls on his sword and that Priest always follows the rules, unlike him, who follows them until he does not.

Aleister Black beats Damian Priest after attacking him mercilessly before the match and grabbing onto referee Ryan Tran's shirt collar to block Priest's choke slam before hitting Priest with Black Mass for the win.

We see a video package for the feud between Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Tiffany Stratton. Tiffany says that all the talk from Jade Cargill will come to an end next week. Meanwhile, Cargill watches the interview from elsewhere before Nia Jax shows up. Jade says that when she wins the WWE Women's Championship, Nia can come get her shot.

Backstage, Becky Lynch is met by General Manager Nick Aldis, who warns her that she cannot have any more issues tonight, as CM Punk is in the building.

Coby White of the Chicago Bulls is seen in the front row.

Giulia retains the WWE Women's United States Championship against "Michin" Mia Yim following the distraction by Kiana James. Kiana punches Michin a few times after the match.

Backstage, Alexa Bliss meets Charlotte Flair in the trainer's room. Charlotte wants revenge, but Alexa says now is not the time and that Charlotte needs to rest up.

Seth "Freakin'" Rollins shows up in the crowd. He says that tonight, the legend of CM Punk dies, right here, right now, and to do the honors, he introduces Becky Lynch. Becky heads to the ring and chastises the fans for chanting for Punk while she is in the ring, then goes on to ask Chicago, Illinois if they know what greatness looks like before bashing all of the city's sports teams (except the Chicago Bears) as well as the fans and Punk. CM Punk soon shows up and heads to the ring, then says it is not about Becky and more about Rollins, who he calls a coward. Becky asks Punk if he is embarrassed, but Punk says he has nothing to be embarrassed about, unlike Rollins, who keeps hiding. Becky asks Punk how his face and pride are feeling as the crowd chants "AJ Lee." Becky tells the crowd to shut up, but Punk takes offense to that and says he has people who can kick her ass. Becky eventually slaps CM Punk multiple times again while Rollins has fun in the crowd. Punk leaves the ring, and Becky tells Punk to run away and calls him an embarrassment to Chicago. Punk says he was trying to avoid this situation, as he would never put his hands on a lady, then says he has somebody who will: AJ Lee, who shows up for the first time in over ten years. Becky charges at AJ Lee, but AJ Lee gets the upper hand with the ground and pound before slapping Becky in the face. Becky flees before Punk joins AJ Lee in the ring and Rollins regroups with Becky to end the show.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

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