The John Report: WWE SmackDown 10/03/25 Review
This is WWE SmackDown featuring Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton facing off against Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker in a big tag team match.
I usually don’t address this stuff here, but I was sad to see Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer call the Tiffany Stratton-Jade Cargill-Nia Jax match from last week’s SmackDown the worst match of the year. I think that was a ridiculous statement to make. They worked hard, they had some good spots and nearfalls, and the fans were into it. Yes, the finish was messed up because Stratton was late to break up a pin with a dropkick. That led to Jax awkwardly kicking out after the referee stopped counting. Jax went on to talk to the referee, and they improvised a finish with Stratton winning as planned. I thought the finish was poorly executed, and I did criticize them a bit, but it’s very disrespectful to say it’s the worst match of the year. It really wasn’t that bad. I don’t know what the worst match of the year is. I just think the ladies deserve credit for working hard instead of shitting on their performance because somebody was off by two seconds. Nobody is perfect. That’s life.
WWE is on the road to Crown Jewel in Perth, Australia, with next week’s SmackDown on October 10th, Crown Jewel on October 11th, and Raw on October 13th airing live from Australia. Early start times for a lot of us (I believe they will be at 8 a.m. ET), but I don’t mind it at all.
Go Toronto Blue Jays over the New York Yankees in the MLB ALDS. I’m excited about the baseball playoffs and hopefully my Jays get a long run, but it also wouldn’t shock me if they lose quickly. It’s hard to have a lot of confidence against an experienced team like the Yankees.
From the Heritage Bank Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, this is SmackDown for episode #1362. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
The Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes made his entrance for the opening promo of the show.
It’s Michael Cole and WWE Hall of Famer Booker T on commentary. Booker is filling in for Corey Graves after he was attacked by Brock Lesnar a few weeks ago. Mark Nash is the ring announcer.
Let’s Hear from Cody Rhodes
The fans were singing Cody Rhodes’ song and cheering the WWE Champion a lot as usual. There were “Cody” chants before he said a word. Cody: “So Cincinnati, what do you wanna talk about?” Paul Heyman interrupted and showed up at ringside with a microphone, saying he’s glad Cody asked that question. Heyman was with Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker.
Randy Orton arrived in the ring and stood beside Cody while Reed and Breakker were on the apron. Heyman introduced himself as if we didn’t know who he was. Heyman said that he came out there to talk to Randy Orton. Heyman said that Orton doesn’t answer calls or texts. Heyman claimed they knew Orton would show up if they confronted Rhodes. Heyman said that no matter what their strategy is, the fact is they will lose to Breakker and Reed. Heyman said that’s a spoiler, not a prediction.
Heyman said when you lose tonight and they beat Rhodes, Orton is gonna look at Rhodes and say that’s the Undisputed Champion? Heyman said Orton will think he can do so much better than that. Heyman said if they beat Orton, then Orton would wonder where Cody was. Heyman told Cody and Randy that their friendship can’t last. Heyman said that’s not a prediction, that’s a prophecy. Orton stared at Cody’s WWE Title during most of this. Heyman and the Bron boys left.
Analysis: It sets the stage for the tag team main event match with Paul Heyman planting the seed that perhaps Randy Orton is jealous of Cody Rhodes as WWE Champion, so maybe it will lead to The Viper turning on his partner. I think a lot of fans think that, so it’s a matter of “if” and not when. What I liked about it is that it didn’t drag on too long, and it was done in under ten minutes. Sometimes these promo segments run so long, and they don’t have to, so I like how Heyman got the point quickly.
They showed some pre-show walking of Tiffany Stratton.
Carmelo Hayes was shown walking backstage, where The Miz mentioned that Melo watched Miz get pinned last week. Melo said that Miz should have kicked out, but Miz said he took three finishers. Miz said that Melo should have watched his back. Melo told Miz that this is done. Miz didn’t seem sure about that. Melo said that normally he shoots first, and he said they’re good. Melo walked off while Miz looked angry.
Analysis: It felt like that pairing was done to turn Melo into a babyface, so we’ll see if it happens in the coming weeks. I hope it works out for him. Based on how Miz reacted, it seems likely that he’ll attack Melo soon.
Sami Zayn made his entrance as the United States Champion for an open challenge up next.
A commercial aired for WWE Crown Jewel next Saturday, October 11th, in Perth, Australia.
(Commercial)
They showed two members of the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals at ringside.
Carmelo Hayes did a promo saying he already answered Sami Zayn’s US Title challenge, but this time, he doesn’t have somebody holding him back. Melo said that you know how great he is and tonight in Cincinnati, he’s the best he has ever been. Melo said he was about to show you why he is “Him” and there’s The Miz with a Skull Crushing Finale on the floor. Melo was down selling as officials checked on him and sent Miz away.
Analysis: There’s the attack from The Miz on Melo. That was earlier than I expected, but now it sets the stage for Melo to be a babyface.
Aleister Black walked out to say that it is so unfortunate. Black said he’ll take the US Title challenge.
United States Championship: Sami Zayn vs. Aleister Black
Zayn hit three armdrags leading into an armbar. Black shoved Zayn against the ropes and hit a jumping kick to the chest. Black sent Zayn into the turnbuckle, followed by a kick to the head. Black worked over Zayn with kicks to the body. Zayn kicked Black, but Black came back with a springboard moonsault onto a standing Zayn. They went on a break for some fans as the action continued. Black hit a suplex for two. They battled over a suplex, with Zayn hitting a suplex. Zayn charged, but Black kicked Zayn to knock him down. Zayn hit some forearms and Black hit a high elbow to knock Zayn down. Black hit a knee drop. Black headbutted Zayn to remain in control.
The match continued with Zayn punching Black repeatedly against the turnbuckle. Zayn did a leapfrog over Black, followed by a clothesline to send Black out of the ring. Zayn hit a top rope springboard moonsault onto Black on the floor. Back in the ring, Zayn hit a Michinoku Driver for two. Black came back with kicks, including a kick to the head, and Black hit a German Suplex for two. Black hit a knee and a sweep kick, followed by an aggressive cradle for a two count. Black went to the top rope and Zayn hit a superplex. They went to another break for some fans as the action continued. Black continued the attack with another nearfall for two. Black stomped on Zayn a few times against the turnbuckle. Black teased a superplex, but Zayn fought out of it and Zayn hit a Sunset Flip Powerbomb for a two count.
Zayn went up top as Black hit a kick to stop that. Zayn jumped off the top, and Black hit a knee to the head for a two count. That knee looked nasty, and Zayn sold it perfectly, so it was a great nearfall. Black worked over Zayn with kicks to the body. Black hit another kick. Black went to the turnbuckle, Zayn followed with a Helluva Kick attempt, Black avoided it, and Black hit a Meteora double knee attack for a two count. Damian Priest showed up at ringside, so Black stared at him. Zayn hit a Helluva Kick on a distracted Black, and Zayn hit a Blue Thunder Bomb for the pinfall win after 16 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Sami Zayn
Analysis: ***3/4 A very good match between two talented veterans, which is not a surprise. These Zayn US Title matches are always fun to watch because of how well Zayn sells moves and looks like he might lose it before he pulled out the win. Black was distracted by Priest, and it cost Black the match, even though he did well for most of the match. Zayn wins again with a Helluva Kick followed by a Blue Thunder Bomb, which I like to see because it’s a cool move and it should win Zayn some matches.
After the match, Damian Priest cleared off the commentary table. Priest asked: “What did you think was gonna happen?” Priest gave Black a Razor’s Edge through the commentary table, and Black, going through the table, broke the table. The fans cheered.
Analysis: The Priest/Black feud must continue, apparently. That’s okay. I like the rivalry.
The SmackDown GM, Nick Aldis, spoke to Sol Ruca and Zaria from NXT. Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre interrupted. Sol said that they beat Green and Secret Hervice in NXT. Zaria said that they are looking to be contenders for the Women’s Tag Team Titles. The argument led to Sol & Zaria issuing a match challenge, so Aldis booked it.
Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre entered for tag team action.
(Commercial)
Sol Ruca & Zaria vs. Chelsea Green & Alba Fyre
I missed the first few minutes of this. Green and Zaria took control of Ruca when Green hit a cheap shot and the heels took over. Fyre suplexed Ruca into the mat, and Green hit a slam, sending Ruca’s face into the mat. Zaria attacked Fyre on the floor and sent Fyre into the barricade. Green went for her finisher, but Ruca shoved Green into the turnbuckle, and Sol hit the Soul Snatcher for the pinfall win. It went about five minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Sol Ruca & Zaria
Analysis: **1/4 Easy win for Sol and Zaria to likely set them up for a Women’s Tag Team Title match. The Soul Snatcher is an incredible move, no matter what show it is on.
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss were interviewed as the Women’s Tag Team Champions. Flair said that Sol and Zaria were impressive. Bliss said when the time comes, they’d better be ready. Flair did a “Woo” and Bliss didn’t want to, so Cathy did it. They laughed.
Stephanie Vaquer was shown walking backstage as the Women’s World Champion for a contract signing up next.
(Commercial)
A replay was shown of the WWE Raw main event from Monday when Roman Reigns made his return to help The Usos beat Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker in a Tornado Tag Team Match.
Roman Reigns will be on Raw this Monday, and he’ll open the show. It’s an 8 p.m. ET start time.
Analysis: Roman Reigns is featured on the Crown Jewel graphic/poster, so he’s likely going to be in a Crown Jewel match against Breakker or Reed. It could also be a tag team match.
Cody Rhodes walked up to Randy Orton in the locker room. Rhodes mentioned Paul Heyman and Orton said who cares what Heyman thinks? Cody said he has Orton’s back. Orton touched fists with Cody and left.
Women’s Crown Jewel Championship Contract Signing
The SmackDown GM, Nick Aldis, was in the ring moderating the contract signing. There was a table in the ring along with chairs and the contract. The WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton was up first, as Cole noted she was undefeated this year. The Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer was up next. Both women were cheered by the fans. I don’t think either woman got a louder ovation than the other. They were both solid reactions.
Vaquer told Stratton that she respects her. Vaquer said that Stratton is a great champion. Vaquer said she knows she has been a champion for only two weeks. Vaquer said she won’t be losing any match and said next week, may the best woman win.
Stratton said she couldn’t wait to get into the ring with her. Stratton said they have proved they are some of the best. Stratton said there will only be one woman walking out of Crown Jewel as the champion, and it will be here. Stratton said it doesn’t matter where we are, including Cincinnati (cheap pop), because it will always be Tiffy Time. Stratton and Vaquer each signed the contracts. Aldis reminded us it’s for the Women’s Crown Jewel Champion at Crown Jewel Perth. Stratton let the ring first.
Analysis: That was the most uneventful contract signing ever, and the promos were about as generic as it gets. It’s a match between two babyfaces without a storyline, so there isn’t much of a story. They did use two heels right after it to try to make us care more.
The Women’s US Champion, Giulia, showed up with Kiana James, and Giulia knocked down Stratton from behind. James got into the ring with Giulia. James said that Vaquer is a star, but she’s not a superstar yet. Vaquer said that she is cornering the market by taking Giulia to the top, and she outshines Stratton as the best women’s champion on SmackDown. James said that she can make Vaquer the Women’s Crown Jewel Champion, Stratton was back up, and she pulled James out of the ring. Stratton punched James. Vaquer grabbed Giulia and tried to use the SVB, but Giulia slipped out of it. Giulia left with James while Stratton and Vaquer were in the ring.
Analysis: That will probably lead to Stratton and Vaquer teaming against Giulia and James next week. I assume James will take the pin in that match too.
The SmackDown GM, Nick Aldis, was shown talking to NXT’s Je’Von Evans earlier in the day. Aldis told Evans he had a bright future and to keep in touch. Rey Fenix talked to Evans about how great he is and said they could have a great match together. Los Garza’s Angel & Berto were interrupted, which led to insults, and a tag team match was made.
Je’Von Evans made his entrance, followed by Rey Fenix.
(Commercial)
Jacob Fatu was featured in a video package about his confrontation with Drew McIntyre last week on SmackDown. Fatu said that he’s going straight to the p. Fatu said he’s no breaks with it, yaddadimean?
Los Garza – Angel & Berto vs. Rey Fenix & Je’Von Evans
Evans bounced off the ropes and got a rollup for two. Evans hit a springboard crossbody black. Berto hit a jumping kick to the head. Berto worked over Evans with strikes. Berto hit a dropkick to keep control of Evans. Evans hit a springboard hurricanrana. Angel tagged in and hit a superkick, plus a punch to the face. Rey sent both heels out of the ring, followed by a twisting splash on Angel. Berto hit a moonsault onto Fenix on the floor. Evans jumped over the ropes and cleared them easily with a huge leap, as Evans went crashing onto the three guys in the ring. Great spot. They went on a break for some fans, and I’ll take a break too.
Los Garza was in control of Fenix. Angel was on the turnbuckle, but Fenix hit a running uppercut to stop that. Evans hit a cross body block on Berto to send them out of the ring. Fenix kicked Angel in the face. Berto and Angel did an impressive move, with Berto hitting a springboard kick on Evans while Angel slammed both opponents down. Fenix hit a jawbreaker and an enziguri kick. Angel hit a running clothesline. Evans got the hot tag against Berto and Evans splashed Berto against the turnbuckle. Evans hit a suicide dive onto Angel and the camera guy. Evans and Berto each got pin attempts. Evans hit a running knee on Berto for two. Evans hit a twisting kick on Angel. Fenix tagged in and hit a jumping kick to Berto’s face. Evans hit an OG Cutter on Angel. Fenix hit the Mexican Muscle Buster on Berto for the pinfall win after about 10 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Je’Von Evans and Rey Fenix
Analysis: ***1/4 The team of Evans and Fenix are so talented. They are incredible to watch. Evans is being featured a lot more since he was on SmackDown last week, so I think it’s a case of WWE realizing the fans love the guy and they want to feature him more often. I’d love to see Fenix with his brother to reunite the Lucha Bros, but for now, they are on opposite brands. Los Garza are a skilled heel team. They just don’t get a lot of wins.
Damian Priest was interviewed by Cathy Kelley. Kit Wilson of Pretty Deadly interrupted while in a wheelchair. Wilson said that Priest can try to put him down as much as he wants, but Wilson will show him what true masculinity is. Wilson got up and Priest said he really is positively masculine. Priest shoved Wilson into his wheelchair. Priest sent Wilson rolling away with the wheelchair. Priest challenged Aleister Black to a Last Man Standing Match next week on SmackDown. The fans cheered.
Analysis: Good match for next week. I think Priest will win. I’m not sure what the point of the Kit Wilson thing is, but maybe he’ll try to cost Priest the match and fail.
Solo Sikoa was backstage with My Family Tree. Solo told Talla Tonga that his loyalty will be rewarded as long as he is part of Solo’s family tree. Talla said that he loved him, and Solo said he loved him too. Solo said that something is missing, but once he finds that missing part, everyone is on notice.
Analysis: That means My Family Tree is growing unless it’s just Tama Tonga returning.
The Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes made his entrance for the main event.
(Commercial)
The Street Profits and B-Fab were interviewed by Cathy Kelley, who mentioned the Profits get a WWE Tag Team Title shot against Wyatt Sicks next Friday on SmackDown. Angelo Dawkins said that this right here isn’t worth giving up. Montez Ford said they aren’t just fighting for the Tag Team Titles, they fight for eachother. Ford said that they want the smoke. The Wyatt Sicks appeared in a video. It was Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis and Nikki Cross. They all had one line where they warned The Street Profits and wondered if they would survive. Rowan told them to run. There was no Bo Dallas with them.
Next week on SmackDown from Perth, Australia.
* WWE Tag Team Championships: The Wyatt Sicks – Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis vs. The Street Profits – Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins
* Sami Zayn’s US Title Open Challenge
* Tiffany Stratton & Stephanie Vaquer vs. Giulia & Kiana James
* Last Man Standing Match: Damian Priest vs. Aleister Black
Cody Rhodes was still in the ring as his music played again, so he could pose for the fans. Randy Orton joined Cody for the main event. There were some fans singing Orton’s “Voices” song and even some kids taking part in that. The Visions’ Bron Boys were up next with Paul Heyman.
The Vision – Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed (w/Paul Heyman) vs. Cody Rhodes & Randy Orton
Orton sent Bron over the top with a clothesline. They went on a break quickly. The action continued during the break. Bron took control as he worked over Orton with punches. Orton got back into it with a kick and he tossed Bron out of the ring. Bron sent Orton into the hood of the commentary table. Bron tried the clothesline onto Orton on the table, but Orton avoided it and Orton hit a belly-to-back table slam. Orton hit another belly-to-back table slam. Heyman distracted the referee, so Reed hit Heyman in the back and Reed slammed Orton onto the commentary table. The heels were in control.
Reed was working over Orton with a chinlock. Reed charged, Orton moved and Reed went shoulder-first into the ring post. Cody got the tag, leading to forearm smashes and a springboard Disaster Kick. Cody sent Reed out of the ring. Cody clotheslined Bron over the top to the floor. Cody hit a suicide dive on Reed on the floor. Cody covered Reed for a two count. Back in the ring, the referee was looking at Reed, so Bron cheap-shotted Cody without the referee seeing it. Cody tried to break free, but Reed caught him and hit the World’s Strongest Slam. Bron ran the ropes and clotheslined Cody, who did a great flip bump to sell that. The show went on a break for some fans again as Bron and Reed isolated Cody as the face in peril for a few minutes.
The heels remained in control with Bron hitting shoulder tackles to Cody’s ribs. Reed tagged in with forearms to Cody’s back. Cody punched Bron a few times, but then Cody tripped him up to break free. Cody kicked Bron to the corner, so Reed tagged in and prevented a tag. Reed charged, Cody moved and Reed went crashing into the turnbuckle. Cody avoided a senton splash. Orton got the hot tag against Bron as Orton unleashed with two clotheslines and a powerslam. Orton caught Bron and hit a powerslam. Reed was back in with a Jagged Edge on Orton. Reed went up top, but Orton was back up quickly, and Orton worked on Reed with punches. Orton likes a superplex in that spot, so he hit a superplex from the middle turnbuckle for a two count because Bron made the save. Cody fought with Bron on the floor as Bron sent Cody into the ring post. Bron jumped off the apron and hit a knee smash to send Cody through the barricade at ringside. That was creative and impressive. Orton got a hold of Reed and hit a vintage draping DDT. Heyman was on the apron, so Seth Rollins showed up and hit The Stomp on Orton. The referee never saw it. Reed went up top and Reed hit a Tsunami on Orton for the pinfall win after 14 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: The Vision – Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed
Analysis: ***1/2 I thought it was a great main event. It felt like the kind of match where the babyfaces would win, so I was a bit surprised when The Vision won because of Seth Rollins showing up to cost the babyfaces the match. Cool spot with Bron taking out Cody at ringside, so that left Orton alone with Reed, but it also meant that Rollins could help his buddy get the win, and that led to the top rope splash by Reed for the win. Those kinds of wins are going to give The Vision a boost as a group.
After the match, Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker wanted to go after Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton some more, but Rollins said that the job is done, so let’s go. Rollins teased going back into the ring. Heyman told Rollins not to do this, but Rollins saw Cody in the ring. Rollins went for Cross Rhodes, Cody avoided it, and Cody hit Cross Rhodes. Cole made the point that when it’s one-on-one, Cody has Seth’s number. Cole said that Cody is in Seth’s head. Rollins rolled out of the ring while Cody stood tall to end the show.
Analysis: It continued the story that Cody is in Seth’s head and Cody is good at outsmarting Rollins whenever they get in the ring together. I think Seth should win at Crown Jewel, but I’m not sure if he will.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Sami Zayn and Aleister Black
- Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker
- Je’Von Evans and Rey Fenix
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The Scoreboard
7.75 out of 10
Last week: 7.25
2025 Average: 7.35
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Final Thoughts on WWE SmackDown
I thought it was a better-than-usual SmackDown this week. The Sami Zayn US Title challenge continues to be the highlight of the show, and I liked his match with Aleister Black a lot. There were other fun matches on the show, like Je’Von Evans & Rey Fenix teaming up, while it was cool to see Sol Ruca & Zaria on the show too. You can tell they wanted to feature some NXT stars to get some youth on the show.
The main event was well done with Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed beating Cody Rhodes & Randy Orton, thanks to the cheap shot by Seth Rollins. Post match, Rollins tried to get the upper hand on Rhodes, but he couldn’t get that done. The possibility of Orton turning on Rhodes was teased, so that could be coming soon.
The Tiffany Stratton-Stephanie Vaquer contract signing had the most generic promos ever, with both women doing the same, “I respect you, but I’m going to beat you” speech. The creative team could be more creative. Anyway, they are tagging up next week and should get a win there. I wish there was more of a story for their match instead of simply the winner gets a meaningless Crown Jewel Championship prize.
The next WWE PLE is Crown Jewel on October 11th. Here’s the lineup so far.
* Men’s Crown Jewel Championship: Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes vs. World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins
* Women’s Crown Jewel Championship: WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton vs. Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer
* John Cena vs. AJ Styles
* Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky vs. Kabuki Warriors – Asuka & Kairi Sane
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Thanks for reading. Go Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Rams. You can contact me using any of the methods below.
John Canton
Email: [email protected]
Twitter/X: @johnreport