Reviews

The John Report: WWE SmackDown 10/24/25 Review

By John Canton • Published Oct 24, 2025 23:10 EDT
WWE SmackDown October 24

This is WWE SmackDown featuring Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre, plus the new US Champion Ilja Dragunov in action, and more.

Last week’s WWE SmackDown episode saw Ilja Dragunov beat Sami Zayn to win the US Title in Dragunov’s first match in over a year. It was one of the best TV matches of the year. Also, the Cody Rhodes-Drew McIntyre feud picked up again. It has also been announced that Cody will defend the Undisputed WWE Title against Drew McIntyre at Saturday Night’s Main Event next Saturday, November 1st.

From the Mullett Arena in Tempe, Arizona, this is SmackDown for episode #1365. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

Cody Rhodes was backstage with the Undisputed WWE Championship. Jimmy Uso walked up to Cody thanking him for helping Jacob Fatu last week. Jimmy said he was there to talk to SmackDown GM Nick Aldis about it. Cody asked about how Jimmy felt about what Jey Uso did on Raw. Cody said he knows Jey will do what’s right for him and Jimmy should do what’s right for him. While they were talking, Drew McIntyre was shown watching in the background.

It was Michael Cole and new dad Corey Graves on commentary. Mark Nash was the ring announcer.

Let’s Hear from Cody Rhodes

The Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes made his entrance for the show’s opening promo. The fans were loud for Cody as usual and sang along with his “Kingdom” song.

Cody asked Tempe, “What do you wanna talk about?” When Cody mentioned Drew McIntyre, the fans booed. Cody said that he took this title and he smacked it across Drew’s head last week. Cody wondered if he should apologize, so the fans chanted “No” for that.

Drew McIntyre interrupted the promo without his music playing. Drew was in the crowd, and he walked down toward the ring. Drew trashed the fans for cheering Cody and booing Drew, who stood on the commentary table. Drew said that the fans are complicit in Cody’s crimes. Drew thinks the fans are brainwashed by Corporate Cody’s propaganda. Drew said he got screwed at Wrestlepalooza by a referee, last week he got bashed with the title, and the fans still cheer. Drew said he’s been screwed so many times that this has been about Drew finishing the story. Drew said he’ll finish it next week at Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Drew mentioned who attacked Jacob Fatu. Drew said that he hates that family, but he is innocent. Drew said that he saw Cody talking to Jimmy, and Drew said Jey has another World Title shot. Drew kept on going, so Cody said enough and Cody said he’ll fight him right now.

Jimmy Uso showed up at ringside and he attacked Drew with punches. Jimmy sent Drew into the commentary table. Security guys went to ringside to separate the wrestlers. Jimmy hit a suicide dive on Drew into the commentary table. Security and WWE Officials broke it up.

Analysis: It was a solid opening segment with Cody Rhodes doing his usual promo, and Drew McIntyre made some valid points. Jimmy Uso attacking Drew was done because Jimmy thinks that Drew attacked Jimmy’s cousin, Jacob Fatu, last week, so Jimmy wants revenge for that. It will likely set up a match.

Solo Sikoa and MFTs entered or tag team action. MFTs had their faces painted white and black.

(Commercial)

Drew McIntyre was backstage yelling at SmackDown GM Nick Aldis, and Drew was saying that Nick wouldn’t have put him in the WWE Title match if he thought Drew was guilty. Jimmy Uso attacked Drew with punches. Security showed up to break it up again.

MFTs – JC Mateo & Tama Tonga (w/Solo Sikoa, Talla Tonga & Tonga Loa) vs. Rey Fenix & Shinsuke Nakamura

Tama knocked down Nakamura with some punches. Nakamura came back with punches of his own, but Tama hit a running elbow. Nakamura got a knock down leading to a knee drop. Fenix tagged in against JC, leading to Fenix kicking JC in the head, and Fenix hit an impressive arm drag. Fenix hit a dropkick. Nakamura was back in with a kick and Fenix hit another dropkick. The heels bailed to the floor, so Nakamura and Fenix said, “Come on” as the show went to a break for some fans. I’ll take a break as well.

The MFT heel side was in control, which is common after there’s a break. Tama sent Fenix into the turnbuckle and hit a clothesline. JC hit a pumphandle slam for a two count. Fenix broke free and hit a jumping kick to the head. Nakamura hit a leaping kick to the head after the hot tag. Nakamura connected with an enziguri kick to the head as well. Nakamura put JC on the top turnbuckle and hit a rising knee to the ribs. Nakamura with a knee to the ribs, but JC came back with a twisting belly to back suplex. Tama was back in with a splash. Nakamura kicked Tama and Fenix was back in with a kick. Nakamura kicked Tama in the back. Fenix went up top and hit a moonsault onto a standing Tama for two. Tama hit a forearm to the jaw. Fenix avoided a kick and hit a kick to the head. Rey ran the ropes and kicked Tama in the head. Fenix went up top and hit a cross body block for two because JC made the save. Nakamura cleared the ring of JC and knocked Tonga Loa down. Fenix sent Tama out of the ring. Fenix went up top and hit a twisting cross body block on two guys on the floor. Solo went on the apron, so Talla grabbed Fenix and Talla gave Fenix a Chokeslam on the apron, which the referee didn’t see. Tama hit a running elbow smash called the Cutthroat for the pinfall win after 12 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: MFTs – JC Mateo & Tama Tonga

Analysis: ***1/4 A pretty good tag team match that went as expected, with MFTs cheating to get the win, as you would expect, since three guys were outside the ring. Fenix is a guy that they need to do more with because he’s so talented in the ring, but he really hasn’t been used that great on SmackDown so far. I like Nakamura back in the babyface role. Anyway, this was all about making the MFTs get some momentum since they are likely going to be in the Tag Team Title picture soon, since their rivalry with the Wyatt Sicks has been teased in the past.

Jimmy Uso talked to Nick Aldis backstage, and Jimmy said everybody knows that Drew is the one who attacked Jimmy’s cousin, Jacob Fatu. Nick suggested a match for Jimmy against Drew. Jimmy said that he wanted a fight. Nick said okay, it can be Jimmy against Drew in a No Disqualification Match. Jimmy liked that.

Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre approached Women’s US Champion Giulia backstage. Nikki Cross was lurking in the background. Green bragged about being the first and best Women’s US Champion. Green wanted to work together or something along those lines. Kiana James walked in, saying that Giulia was booked for the foreseeable future. James left for her match against Tiffany Stratton. Giulia said something in Japanese to Green, and Green said she thinks that Giulia said yes in Italian.

Analysis: The usual silliness from Chelsea Green, which she pulls off well.

Tiffany Stratton made her entrance as the WWE Women’s Champion, and she was cheered by the fans.

(Commercial)

The main event was confirmed. Drew McIntyre facing Jimmy Uso in a No Disqualification Match.

Tiffany Stratton vs. Kiana James (w/Giulia)

This is not for Stratton’s WWE Women’s Title. They each showed some gymnastics moves since that’s their background. Stratton grabbed an armbar. James sent Stratton into the turnbuckle. Stratton got a rollup for two. James went for a leaping move, but Stratton hit a dropkick, along with a running splash on James’ back against the ropes. James went for a moonsault on the floor, but Stratton avoided it and James bumped to the floor. Giulia distracted Stratton, so James sent Stratton into the barricade. They went to a break for some fans as James took control. James choked Stratton across the middle ropes. James sent Stratton out of the ring so that Giulia could stomp on Stratton on the floor. James sent Stratton back into the ring for a two count. James hit a shoulder tackle, long with some punches. James grabbed a chinlock.

The match continued with James working over Stratton with kicks. James hit a running shoulder tackle to the ribs, and a running kick to the head. Stratton and James did a double hair pull takedown so both women were down. Stratton and James exchanged strikes. Stratton hit a couple of clotheslines and a handspring back elbow. Stratton hit the Alabama Slam. The fans came alive as Stratton hit the rolling senton, but James avoided the moonsault. James kicked Stratton and hit a Falcon Arrow for two. They went up top and Stratton shoved James down. Stratton hit a Swanton Bomb. Stratton went back up and hit a Prettiest Moonsault Ever for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Tiffany Stratton

Analysis: *** It was a solid match that was competitive. That was more offense from James than I was expecting. Once Stratton got the momentum going, it only took a couple of moves for her to get the win. I hope James gets a solid push in the future, or at least some consistent TV time. It was a match with a predictable result.

After the match, Giulia went into the ring and attacked Stratton. Giulia hit a knee to the face. Jade Cargill made the save. Jade kicked Giulia and hit a pump kick on Giulia after that. Jade punched James off the apron and the heels retreated.

Jade Cargill helped Tiffany Stratton back to her feet. Stratton posed with Jade and Stratton held up the WWE Women’s Title in the air. Jade looked like she was about to leave, but then Jade clotheslined Stratton! Heel turn! The fans booed. Jade sent Stratton into the ring post. Stratton bumped to the floor, so Jade tossed Stratton into the steel steps. Jade attacked Stratton with punches and kicks while WWE Officials tried to break it up. Jade stomped on Stratton’s left knee while she was on the floor. Jade picked up the WWE Women’s Title, and the fans booed her. Jade tossed the title down.

Analysis: There’s the heel turn of Jade Cargill, which certainly could lead to a title change when they do this match. Jade has been frustrated about not being able to win the title, so that’s likely why she is now a heel. It’s a classic reason for somebody to turn. Stratton hasn’t had an interesting feud for a while, so at least now there’s a heel going after her. I think Jade is going to win the title too.

Ilja Dragunov was shown winning the US Title last week from Sami Zayn. The MFTs attacked them after the match.

Sami Zayn congratulated Ilja Dragunov backstage. Ilja thanked Zayn so much as a fighter, and he said those open challenges are legendary. Zayn said that John Cena started them, he passed them onto Zayn, and now Zayn is passing them onto Ilja. Zayn fired up Ilja, saying he knows Ilja is the guy to do it. Zayn told Ilja to do it, and Ilja thanked him.

(Commercial)

A replay was shown of Jade Cargill attacking Tiffany Stratton.

Jade Cargill was asked by Cathy Kelley if she was worried about the consequences of her attack. Jade said that the only mistake she made was thinking that this world rewards patience. Jade said it rewards power. Jade said she’s not asking for it, she’s taking it starting with the WWE Women’s Championship.

The new United States Champion Ilja Dragunov made his entrance for a match. The fans chanted, “you deserve it” and Ilja said he missed them. Ilja said that this year had some highs and some devastating lows over the last year. Ilja admitted he doesn’t know how to give up. Ilja said because of the obsession in his heart, he’s the new US Champion. Ilja said he’ll defend this belt with this obsession. Ilja said he’ll defend for the great man Sami Zayn and he’ll continue the legacy of the open challenge. Ilja said pain shall entertain you.

Aleister Black answered the challenge and he was joined by his wife, Zelina Vega. Black has a cool entrance on his own and Vega added to it nicely.

United States Championship: Ilja Dragunov vs. Aleister Black (w/Zelina Vega)

Black hit some kicks, but Ilja hit chop to the body, and Black kicked Ilja out of the ring. Vega gave Ilja a hurricanrana into the barricade. Black kicked Ilja and they went to a break for some fans. I’ll take a break too as Black controlled the action.

It was Black in control as he worked over Ilja with punches. Black hit a jumping knee, Ilja with a kick, Black with another kick and Ilja hit a jumping enziguri kick. Ilja hit a running splash, along with a running boot. Ilja hit two German Suplexes in a row. Ilja hooked the arms and hit an overhead suplex for two. Black used a distraction from Vega and hit double knees, followed by a bridging German Suplex for two. Black came back with a knee and a jumping kick for two. Black was in control for a few minutes more as they were into a break.

Ilja knocked Black down off the turnbuckle and Ilja hit a dropkick off the top when Black was near the ropes. Ilja went up top and hit a Senton Bomb for two. Ilja charged, but Black hit a jumping knee. Black hit a brainbuster for two. Black went for a kick, Ilja avoided it and Ilja hit the Torpedo Moscow headbutt. Ilja tried a move, but Vega tripped him up. The referee saw it, so he ejected her from ringside. The fans popped for that. Damian Priest’s music played and made his entrance wearing sunglasses. Priest took the sunglasses off and he had burn marks on the left side of his face to sell the idea that he had fire thrown into his face. Black looked at Priest the entire time, then Black turned around and Ilja hit the Torpedo Moscow headbutt for the pinfall win after 16 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Ilja Dragunov

Analysis: ***1/2 It was a very good match. It wasn’t at the level of the Dragunov/Zayn match from last week, but I still enjoyed it a lot. Black got plenty of offense and nearly won in the match, although I didn’t expect a title change here. Black could use a title at some point in his career. I think maybe next year we’ll see Black with a singles title. I like Dragunov doing these US Title challenges because they will always be entertaining matches.

After the match, Priest attacked Black. They went over to the commentary table where Priest tossed Black onto the table. Priest went for a chair attack, but Vega was back and she jumped on Black’s back and raked his eyes. Black and Vega left while Priest was selling the attack.

Analysis: This feud is obviously going to continue. I don’t mind that because I like both guys.

Carmelo Hayes was interviewed by Cathy Kelley. Melo said that The Miz taught him a lot and he was grateful. Melo said that Miz put his hands on him, so Melo had payback for him. Melo claimed that he was even with The Miz. Melo said he feels the support, so he’ll get back on track to being Him. Kit Wilson of Pretty Deadly trashed Melo saying he was using toxic language. Melo challenged Wilson to a match for next week and Wilson said he’d expose him.

(Commercial)

Ilja Dragunov was backstage with the US Title. Fraxiom’s Nathan Frazer and Axiom wanted to challenge him for the US Title. Ilja said the open challenge is for anyone. Ilja left and said he’d see them around.

#DIY’s Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano interrupted with Candice LeRae. They mocked Axiom for his stupid mask. Axiom said that he thought Gargano wanted to wrestle him, so Axiom thinks that Gargano didn’t want to wrestle him. Gargano mentioned there are no earholes on Axiom’s mask, so he probably can’t hear. Tama Tonga approached Fraxiom and did his “yeah yeah yeah” bit at them.

The Women’s Tag Team Champions Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss were interviewed backstage. They said they saw Bayley’s challenge on social media. Nia Jax trashed Flair and Bliss. Jax spoke about her past with Bliss when they were friends and Bliss turned on her. Jax and Bliss talked about having a match, so Jax said she’d beat her next week. Jax left. Flair said Jax is clearly going through something.

Drew McIntyre made his entrance for the main event.

(Commercial)

===

I am updating as I watch. I watched the first hour of the show, then I hit pause and watched my Toronto Blue Jays beat the LA Dodgers to win game 1 of the MLB World Series. At about 11:45 p.m. ET I continued this review.

Here are the other match results on the show..

* Drew McIntyre defeated Jimmy Uso in a No Disqualification Match.

After the match, Drew hit Cody Rhodes with a Claymore Kick. That ended SmackDown.