Bold statement: SmackDown on Dec. 12, 2025 delivered drama, surprise twists, and momentum-shifting moments that kept fans gripping their seats from bell to bell. But here’s where it gets controversial: the night’s headline exchanges and early confrontation hints at bigger programs ahead, setting the stage for what could become a stand-out run into the next pay-per-view cycle.
Oba Femi confronted Cody Rhodes
In a heated moment, the newly crowned NXT Champion Oba Femi interrupted Cody Rhodes, who remained frustrated about not securing a piece of Drew McIntyre. The clash teased an upcoming Saturday Night’s Main Event showdown, with tensions simmering as both stars look for a defining win as the new champion asserts his presence on the global stage.
United States Champion Ilja Dragunov def. Tommaso Ciampa
Ilja Dragunov narrowly retained the United States Championship after a grueling battle with Tommaso Ciampa. Ciampa targeted Dragunov’s knee early, aiming to limit the champion’s power. Despite the damage, Dragunov refused to concede, continuing his offense and even admonishing Ciampa in the corner, insisting he won’t relinquish the title.
Out of nowhere, Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae appeared to aid Ciampa, but Dragunov rolled them up for the pin and the win.
Carmelo Hayes then stepped in to support Dragunov against Ciampa and Gargano, highlighting a potential DIY reunion in the future. After the match, DIY attempted to weaken Dragunov, only to be repelled by Hayes, signaling a possible six-man or interbrand collision brewing next.
Solo Sikoa claims the MFTs will capture The Wyatt Sicks’ tag titles
Bo Dallas and Solo Sikoa traded sharp words, escalating into a challenge for a WWE Tag Team Title clash. The exchange underscored Sikoa’s growing confidence and the MFTs’ ambition to claim top gold.
Lash Legend def. Alexa Bliss
Lash Legend announced herself with a statement victory over Alexa Bliss. Legend delivered a dominant performance, including a decisive forearm that sent Bliss to the outside and a big boot that left the ring crowd buzzing. She followed up with a signature Lash Extension to seal the win, signaling Legend’s rising trajectory in women’s competition.
Je’Von Evans def. The Miz
In a high-energy showdown, Je’Von Evans defeated The Miz, reinforcing that he’s a rising force ahead of Saturday Night’s Main Event where Evans will clash with Leon Slater. Evans showcased his athleticism with several aerial moves, and a counter to Miz’s Skull-Crushing Finale culminated in an OG Cutter for the pin.
Jade Cargill overpowers Michin during Kendo stick clash
Before their scheduled match, WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill confronted Michin, stifling Michin’s explosive counterattacks. The pre-match aggression set the tone for a confrontation that underscored Cargill’s intimidation and dominance.
Damian Priest & Rhea Ripley def. Aleister Black & Zelina Vega (Mixed Tag Team Match)
The Terror Twins reunited for a high-stakes Mixed Tag Team Match against Aleister Black and Zelina Vega. Priest and Ripley used their synergy to dominate, with Ripley quick to tag in and torque the matchup in their favor. Black gave his team a late spark, nearly finishing Vega with a Code Red for a two-count, but Ripley redirected the momentum with a powerful headbutt and executed their signature duo finish—Razor’s Edge variations into a final Riptide on Vega.
Takeaway and questions for the audience
The night built several carryover storylines that could reshape feuds across SmackDown and its companion brands. Will Oba Femi’s bravado translate into a dominant title reign, or will Cody Rhodes and his allies carve out a path back to the spotlight? Can Dragunov’s resilience sustain against rising challengers, or does Ciampa’s targeting strategy signal a longer rivalry? And with Lash Legend’s breakout win, is the women’s division poised for a fresh wave of challengers to Bliss’s aura of certainty?
Your thoughts: Which development from this show do you think will have the most lasting impact, and do you side with the emerging rivalries or see alternative outcomes that could alter the course of these storylines?
