The John Report: WWE SmackDown 12/05/25 Review

This is WWE SmackDown with LA Knight facing Gunther in the finals of the Last Time Is Now Tournament, Cody Rhodes in the building, and more.

The Survivor Series PLE was last Saturday, and now there are no PLEs until the Royal Rumble at the end of January, which means they have nearly two months until that event. It’s kind of a slow period for WWE as we head toward the end of the year. December 13th is Saturday Night’s Main Event featuring John Cena’s last match against LA Knight or Gunther, and we’ll find out who that person is on this week’s show.

From the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, this is SmackDown for episode #1372. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

A video package aired about Survivor Series.

There was some pre-show walking shown of Alexa Bliss with Charlotte Flair, Kairi Sane with Asuka, LA Knight rocking a cowboy hat, and Gunther.

There was a white RAM truck in the parking lot when Drew McIntyre was shown getting out of the car. Drew argued with SmackDown GM Nick Aldis, who said that Drew is still suspended. Nick told Drew to get back in the car and leave. Drew said that he wants the security guys to go home to their families. Drew told Nick he is hurting the fans. Cody Rhodes was in the passenger side of the car and he grabbed Drew’s face. The security guys pulled Cody off. Drew drove away. Aldis told Cody to calm down, but Cody walked by him and walked toward the arena.

Analysis: Drew McIntyre attacked Cody Rhodes on his tour bus, so Cody was seeking revenge for that.

Let’s Hear from Cody Rhodes

The WWE Champion Cody Rhodes made his entrance in a tracksuit without the WWE Title. Cody didn’t even pose for the WHOA-OH for his song because he was so fired up.

Cody Rhodes called for Nick Aldis to reinstate Drew McIntyre. Cody said that Drew came onto Drew’s home away from home on his bus where his wife sleeps and his kids play. Cody called Drew WWE’s resident cockroach. Cody said that Drew never even beat him, but he may be the one man who broke Cody. Cody said that Nick wants to reinstate Drew so he can do what people do to a cockroach – stomp him out. Cody threw the microphone down.

Analysis: Cody Rhodes was all business here. It was right to the point about wanting Drew McIntyre to be reinstated, and it will likely happen. That will lead to yet another match between them, and I don’t think Drew is taking the WWE Title, even though I’d like to see it just because I’m a big Drew fan. That’s nothing against Cody, who I also like a lot. I just think Drew as champ would be cool to see.

Tommaso Ciampa was backstage with Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae. Gargano had Axiom’s mask that Ciampa stole. They had Axiom’s mask backstage. Ciampa said something about going after the US Title, so Carmelo Hayes walked by to say he’s going for that and he’s got next…jackass. Poor Ciampa.

The US Champion Ilja Dragunov made his entrance for a title defense up next.

The WrestleMania 42 commercial aired, featuring the women’s division.

(Commercial)

Damian Priest was featured in a video talking about how Aleister Black has delayed the inevitable. Priest said that you brought in your wife – your family – so now Priest gets to bring in his family. Rhea Ripley showed up saying they have been through hell and back. Ripley said she’s willing to be by his side. Ripley said that Zelia thought she could get under Priest’s skin because all she’s done is sign her death wish. Ripley said that next week it’s a mixed tag team match and you’ll find out why nobody survives the Terror Twins.

Analysis: There’s a Damian Priest-Rhea Ripley team reunion that was teased last week on the show. They have a brother-sister type of relationship. The fans like them together obviously. Ripley is technically a Raw superstar, but the brand extension is ignored a lot these days.

The commentary team was Michael Cole and Corey Graves. Mark Nash was the ring announcer.

Carmelo Hayes answered the US Title open challenge. Cole noted the US Title changed hands five times so far this year.

United States Championship: Ilja Dragunov vs. Carmelo Hayes

These two had some great matches in NXT together and I think I rated one of them five stars, or close to that. Cole mentioned they had three matches together in 2023 for the NXT Title.

Melo with a shoulder tackle, but Ilja came back with a bigger one that knocked Melo down. Melo chopped Ilja several times. Ilja bounced off the ropes with a boot to the face. Melo came back with a kick that stunned Ilja on the apron. Ilja came back with a chop and a boot to the face. Ilja went up top, so Melo slammed him down. Ilja hit a running kick that sent Melo off the apron to the floor. They went to a break for some fans as the action continued. Ilja slammed Melo on the apron. Melo tried some punches, but Ilja hit a jumping kick to the head, and a running knee. Ilja hit a body slam and a knee drop. Melo got an inside cradle for two. Ilja came back with a clothesline. Ilja hit a suplex into a pin for two. Ilja applied an armbar.

Ilja remained in control with two German Suplexes. Ilja elbowed Melo a few times to the upper body. Melo came back with punches and chops. Melo hit a knee to the face. Melo avoided a move, and Melo hit a springboard clothesline. Melo spun around Ilja and sent him face first into the mat with a facebuster for two. The fans popped big for that as a nearfall. Melo went for the double knees, but Ilja caught him and hit a Powerbomb. Ilja went for the forearm smash, but Melo got the knees up and a cradle for two. Ilja hit a jumping kick to the head. Ilja slammed Melo into the mat. The fans chanted, “Let’s go Melo” for Hayes. Ilja slowly went to the turnbuckle and Melo hit a jumping kick to knock Ilja down. Melo hit a DDT on the apron and Melo sent Ilja into the barricade. Melo went up top, but Tommaso Ciampa showed up to crotch Melo on the top. The fans booed loudly. The referee was looking at Ilja, so he missed it. Ilja hit the Torpedo Moscow and the H-Bomb forearm for the pinfall win. Ciampa was shown sitting behind the barricade and laughing. It went about 10 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Ilja Dragunov

Analysis: ***1/2 That was a great match for the time given. It felt like about half of what would be an outstanding match if it went about 17-20 minutes, but it was cut short due to Ciampa. Ilja got a lot of offense, Melo sold really well and then made the comeback and the fans got into it. The crowd was loud for obvious wo counts. I hate that it was a cheap win, but it also continues the story of Ciampa wanting a shot at Ilja.

After the match, Dragunov saw the replay, and he was yelling about what happened with Ciampa ruining the match.

Analysis: It puts over Dragunov as an honorable babyface champion who wants to do things the right way. It also could lead to Ciampa getting a legit title shot since he constantly ruins these matches.

Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair were interviewed by Cathy Kelley backstage. Flair joined the Survivor Series because Lexie needed her and she’d be lost without her. Bliss said that WarGames was good for Charlotte’s social skills and their bond has gotten stronger. Flair said that WarGames was fun, but they are back to winning the Tag Team Championships and beating Kairi Sane tonight.

The Last Time Is Now Tournament highlights were next.

(Commercial)

A video package aired showing highlights of The Last Time Is Now Tournament, featuring 16 wrestlers. I don’t think it’s been an epic tournament or anything like that, but it has produced some solid matches. I would have liked to see them book some upsets instead of having the favorites win nearly every match. On Raw in the semifinals, LA Knight beat Jey Uso and Gunther beat Solo Sikoa to set up the Knight-Gunther finals.

LA Knight was interviewed by Cathy Kelley in the backstage area. Knight said he doesn’t care about dream opponents. Knight said that beating John Cena cements his legacy. Knight said that the last time is now for him or Gunther. Knight mentioned Gunther is a former Intercontinental and World Champion. Knight said that tonight is going to be a fight and busted out “alright, alright, alright” like Matthew McConaughey and he’ll drop Gunther on his head…yeah.

Analysis: Nice promo. The reason for the Matthew McConaughey reference is that he’s a big Texas Longhorns supporter, especially for the football team, so the local fans in Austin, Texas, loved it. Who does Matthew McConaughey share a birthday with on November 4th? Me. And P. Diddy, but let’s not celebrate that idiot.

Kairi Sane and Asuka made their entrance as the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. Sane was in action up next.

(Commercial)

Alexa Bliss (w/Charlotte Flair) vs. Kairi Sane (w/Asuka)

They are both shorter women, but Sane seemed to like that she had a slight size advantage. Bliss tripped up Sane with an STO, followed by a senton splash onto Sane. After Sane left the ring, she got in Flair’s face, the referee was looking at that, and Asuka tripped up Bliss on the apron. Sane slammed Bliss into the barricade. They went on a break for some fans, and I’ll take a break too.

They showed highlights of the Royal Rumble 2017 classic that saw John Cena beat AJ Styles for the WWE Title for the 16th time. There were comments from some people talking about it and AJ Styles put over Cena’s role in his WWE career. It was one of the best matches in the careers of both men, and certainly one of my favorite matches in the career of both of those legends.

There was a shot of comedian Tony Hinchcliffe at ringside.

Alexa Bliss made her entrance, joined by Charlotte Flair. They showed highlights from Raw when a bunch of women’s tag teams got into a wild brawl to end the show. That included Asuka & Sane and Flair & Bliss. The three women from The Judgment Day – Rodriguez, Morgan & Perez – stood tall to end it.

Alexa Bliss (w/Charlotte Flair) vs. Kairi Sane (w/Asuka)

They are both shorter women, but Sane seemed to like that she had a slight size advantage. Bliss tripped up Sane with an STO, followed by a senton splash onto Sane. After Sane left the ring, she got in Flair’s face, the referee was looking at that and Asuka tripped up Bliss on the apron. Sane slammed Bliss into the barricade. They went on a break for some fans and I’ll take a break too.

Sane went to the top rope and Bliss went after her there. Sane set up Bliss upside down against the turnbuckle and hit a double foot stomp. Bliss came back with punches and a basement dropkick. Bliss hit a Natural Selection neckbreaker. Asuka distracted on the apron, so Bliss rolled up Sane for two. Flair tripped up Asuka and kicked Asuka to knock her down. Sane hit a spinning back fist on Bliss. Sane went up top, jumped off and Bliss was back up with the Sister Abigail DDT for the pinfall win after about 8 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Alexa Bliss

Analysis: **3/4 It was a pretty good match with Charlotte Flair watching Alexa Bliss’ back, which led to the win. When a tag team champion is in a singles match, they lose matches like this to try to build up future challengers, so that’s how this was booked.

After the match, Nia Jax and Lash Legend attacked Flair and Bliss. Lash smashed Bliss with a forearm smash. Jax hit a Samoan Drop on Flair. Jax hit a spinebuster on Asuka and Lash hit a boot to Sane’s face to knock her down. Asuka saved Sane from an Annihilator splash by Jax. Lash and Jax held up the Women’s Tag Team Titles.

Analysis: The Women’s Tag Team Title picture continues to add teams wanting to go for the titles. I mentioned a multi-team ladder match possibly coming soon. I don’t know if that’s the plan, but it’s a way to get five or six teams in a match with the titles on the line.

SmackDown GM Nick Aldis spoke to referee Daphanie LaShaunn, telling her to keep an eye on the parking lot, likely to look out for Drew McIntyre trying to come back. Cody Rhodes approached Nick to talk.

The NXT Champion, Ricky Saints, and Oba Femi were in Nick Aldis’ office. Cody Rhodes joined Nick in the room. They asked Aldis what they were doing there. Cody said that whoever wins tomorrow at NXT Deadline for the NXT Championship will be wrestling Cody at Saturday Night’s Main Event next Saturday night. Cody wished them good luck. Ricky and Oba had a staredown.

Analysis: That’s a cool idea to have Cody Rhodes against a top NXT wrestler. As I wrote in my NXT Deadline preview, I have Ricky Saints beating Oba Femi in their match, but that could be wrong. Cody and Ricky are very good friends, as most of us know, so I’m sure they would love having a big match in a WWE ring.

Jade Cargill, the WWE Women’s Champion, made her entrance for a match.

A commercial aired promoting the WWE 2K25 video game and showing John Cena in action in the game. There’s a Farewell Tour Edition add-on to the game.

(Commercial)

Nia Jax and Lash Legend were interviewed by Cathy Kelley backstage. Jax said that the Kabuki Warriors got what they deserved because Asuka misted Lash in the WarGames match. Lash said that it’s just a taste of what they are capable of. Lash said there’s nothing the other teams can do about it.

Jade Cargill vs. Alba Fyre (w/Chelsea Green)

Fyre hit a dropkick while Jade was looking at Green. Fyre hit a hurricanrana into the turnbuckle. Fyre countered a move by Jade and hit a superkick. Green cheap-shotted Green with a slap to the face. Kiana James approached Green, tapped her on the shoulder and Giulia attacked Green with punches. They went fighting up the aisle. Fyre was distracted. Jade hit a spinebuster. Jade hit a pump kick. Jade hit Jaded on Fyre for the pinfall win after less than two minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Jade Cargill

Analysis: * A dominant win by Jade Cargill. Fyre got some offense early, but then Green getting attacked led to the distraction and Jade hit three moves to get the win. Easy victory by the champion. It’s still early in Jade’s title reign that will likely be a lengthy reign. I’m assuming Tiffany Stratton returns soon to try to get the title back.

Fraxiom’s Nathan Frazer & Axiom was backstage talking to GM Aldis. They complained about #DIY and Axiom said they had to do something about it. Ilja Dragunov walked in to say Tommaso Ciampa ruined the integrity of the US Title open challenge. Ilja said he wants the match and Aldis booked Ilja against Ciampa for next week with the US Title on the line. Ilja said after he’s done with him, Fraxiom can have whatever is left. Tama Tonga was there to stare at Ilja. Solo Sikoa and the MFTs were also there and Solo left with the group for a promo up next.

The women’s WrestleMania 42 commercial aired with Rhea Ripley talking about how it’s not everybody’s game, it’s her game.

(Commercial)

Jade Cargill was shown walking backstage with the WWE Women’s Title. B-Fab walked by her. Jade said you’ve seen what she did to Alba, so does it remind her of something? Michin walked up with a kendo stick. They exchanged words with Jade saying she’ll talk to Nick Aldis so that Michin can step up and get stepped on. Jade left.

Analysis: That should be another easy win for Jade Cargill.

Let’s Hear from Solo Sikoa with MFTs

Solo Sikoa made his entrance with My Family Tree’s Tama Tonga, JC Mateo, Talla Tonga and Tonga Loa. They showed last Friday’s SmackDown when The Wyatt Sicks stared at Solo and Uncle Howdy dropped Solo with a Sister Abigail.

Solo did a promo saying that he said they would handle the Sami Zayn problem and that’s what they did because they took Sami’s ass out. Solo said now they can finally move forward. Solo mentioned The Wyatt Sicks and Uncle Howdy. Solo said that Howdy has been watching them, but Solo has been watching them too. Solo said his name, while adding that this is his ring, this is his show and this is his family tree. Solo claimed that the WWE Tag Team Titles belong to them. Solo issued a warning to the Wyatt Sicks. Solo said that everything that was his (pointed up, referring to Bray Wyatt) that’s now yours will become Solo’s because he’ll take everything away from you. Solo said that he will show that you do not deserve the name Wyatt. Solo said he’ll take it away because he can, and all he has to do is Bo-lieve. The MFTs left the ring, but Solo did not.

The lights went out in the building and the scratchy Wyatt Sicks logo was on the screen. Uncle Howdy went face to face with Solo, so Solo dared Howdy to attack. The fans chanted, “You F**ked Up” at Solo. The two groups started fighting and Nikki Cross even jumped onto JC’s back. Rowan cleared the ring on one side and Talla cleared the ring on the other side. Rowan and Talla got into a staredown.

Analysis: It was the usual Solo Sikoa promo. They did a good job of having Rowan match up with Talla at the end there. I don’t think they’d have a great match if they had a match, but it is still interesting to see two bigger guys fight like that. Anyway, it should lead to a WWE Tag Team Title match soon.

The Miz was in SmackDown GM Nick Aldis’ office to complain about things. Miz said he should be on Saturday Night’s Main Event and Nick said he’s not on the show. Bayley was in Aldis’ office and Bayley was told she’ll be in action on Saturday Night’s Main Event. Sol Ruca walked in as Bayley’s opponent as SNME. They exchanged some friendly words and Bayley said she’d watch her at NXT Deadline.

Gunther was interviewed backstage by Cathy Kelley. Gunther said that he’ll beat LA Knight and beat John Cena in his final night at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Gunther said that this tournament is a foregone conclusion. Gunther wants Cena to watch and pay attention not to the fact that he’s going to beat LA Knight, but pay attention to how he’ll beat LA Knight.

Analysis: Just like LA Knight earlier, Gunther was very confident going into this match.

A commercial aired for NXT Deadline on Saturday night, December 6th. It’s on Peacock in the US and Netflix internationally.

(Commercial)

A graphic was shown about how WWE’s YouTube channel has surpassed 100 billion views.

Aleister Black and his wife Zelina were featured in a promo. Black spoke about how Damian Priest stood by people who didn’t stand by him. Black said that he might be everyone’s enemy, but he’s the one person who will give it to you straight. Zelina walked in saying she’s the succubus that tempts you to remind you of the past. Zelina said that The Judgment Day that you knew is over. Priest said if it’s the inferno you want then Black will guide him through it.

Next Friday on SmackDown:

* Damian Priest & Rhea Ripley vs. Aleister Black & Zelina

* US Championship: Ilja Dragunov vs. Tommaso Ciampa

* Alexa Bliss vs. Lash Legend

There was a John Cena interview clip about the fraternity of pro wrestling. Cena has done a lot of interviews lately and that one with Tom Rinaldi will be on WWE’s YouTube channel after Raw this week.

LA Knight made his entrance for the main event…yeah. The fans popped for him as usual. Knight beat Zack Ryder, The Miz and Jey Uso to reach the finals. Gunther beat Je’Von Evans, Carmelo Hayes and Solo Sikoa to reach the finals.

The former World Champion Gunther was up next. Mark Nash did the in-ring introductions for this big match.

The Last Time Is Now Tournament Finals: LA Knight vs. Gunther

They started in the ring but it quickly went to the floor. They went on a break for some fans as Knight rammed Gunther’s head into the commentary table a few times. Gunther sent Knight back into the ring. Knight tried getting some momentum with punches, but Gunther stopped him with a boot to the head and a clothesline. Knight came back with a neckbreaker for two. Gunther hit a body slam to take control again. Knight connected with some punches, Gunther applied a Sleeper, Knight sent Gunther out of the ring and Knight hit a clothesline on the floor. Gunther chopped Knight and hit a belly-to-back slam on the apron.