The John Report: WWE SmackDown 12/19/25 Review
This is WWE SmackDown with the Wyatt Sicks facing MFTs, words from Cody Rhodes, plenty of tag team action, and more.
There are just two episodes of SmackDown left in 2025. This show was taped on Monday night, and next week’s SmackDown will be taped tonight. It’s a way to give talent some time off before Christmas and the final week of the year with WWE’s big holiday live event tour. When I read spoilers for this week’s show, I wasn’t that impressed with the SmackDown lineup. It’s certainly not a hot period for the blue brand.
Regarding the Cody Rhodes-Drew McIntyre feud, WWE did an angle in a video posted online where SmackDown GM Nick Aldis went to Drew’s house to talk to him. Aldis granted McIntyre a WWE Title match against Rhodes, but McIntyre wanted it in writing that Rhodes couldn’t touch McIntyre before the match. That led to Rhodes showing up at Drew’s house, and they got into a fight with security involved. I wonder if they do the Rhodes-McIntyre on the first SmackDown of 2026 on January 2nd, when the show goes back to three hours.
The tentative posting day for my 17th Annual WWE Johnny Awards is December 26th. I’ll do my best to get it done by that date. It’s one week from today.
From the GIANT Center in Hershey, PA, this is SmackDown for episode #1374. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
On the Netflix version of SmackDown that I’m watching, they have edited the commercials out, so there won’t be action during the break like a live show. I won’t even mention the commercials in my review. The runtime is 1 hour, 22 minutes. The whole show was available at 8 p.m. ET, so of course I’ll go in order.
The opening video package was about John Cena’s last match at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, when he lost to Gunther. It also included post match when Cena left his shoes in the ring and said goodbye to the fans.
It was Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett on commentary. They have been the Raw commentary team since early September, but here they are on SmackDown again.
Cody Rhodes was shown exiting his bus, and they also showed Solo Sikoa with the MFTs.
Let’s Hear from Damian Priest
Damian Priest made his entrance in his street clothes for a promo. Priest said it was nice to hear that energy. Priest said that at Saturday Night’s Main Event, they said goodbye to the career of John Cena. The fans booed and Priest said he agreed with that emotion. Priest said that Cena is the Greatest of All Time, and we say, “Thank You Cena,” so the fans chanted that. Priest reminded us of last week’s SmackDown when Zelina and Aleister got their asses dropped by the Terror Twins, referring to Rhea Ripley and himself. Priest said that has been handled.
Zelina interrupted Priest, saying that Priest didn’t even get the pin, and he calls that salvation. Zelina said that Priest can’t stand that Aleister broke him.
Aleister Black attacked Damian Priest from behind and attacked him with elbows. Priest came back with punches. Black avoided a move, followed by a forearm and a jumping knee. Priest got a hold of Black and gave him a Chokeslam on the ring apron. Priest took a table out from under the ring. Black attacked Priest with a couple of chair shots to the body. Priest got a hold of Black, but Black shoved him into the ring post. Black hit a roundhouse kick to the head. Black hit a spinning back elbow to the head. Black jumped off the apron and hit a double knee attack to drive Priest through the table. The WWE Officials and referees finally showed up, so Black left while Priest was on the broken table.
Analysis: I thought that perhaps the Priest/Black feud was done last week, but that’s not the case. It just keeps on going. The physicality looked good with Black getting the upper hand. There is likely a final grudge match coming. I mentioned the first SmackDown of the year on January 2nd, and I think that will be a bigger-than-usual episode with SD going back to three hours, so maybe we’ll see it there.
Lash Legend and Nia Jax were interviewed by Byron Saxton backstage. Jax didn’t like Saxton saying that Lash beat Alexa Bliss in an upset. Lash said that Little Lexie didn’t stand a chance against Lash. Lash said that they are moving on. Lash said when they annihilate the Kabuki Warriors, they’ll become the Tag Team Champions. Saxton mentioned Iyo Sky & Rhea Ripley have a Tag Team Titles. Jax said it didn’t matter who the champions were, and Lash said they are coming after those titles.
The Kabuki Warriors entered for tag team action.
Damian Priest was getting helped backstage by WWE Officials when Aleister Black showed up with an attack. Black sent Priest into some objects and hit Priest in the back with a shovel to the back. Black said he’ll decide when it’s done. Black hit Priest with a Black Mass kick into a garage door. Priest sold it like he was possibly concussed.
Analysis: That’s a lot of heat on Black for that cheap attack. I expect Priest to get the win when they have their final match.
Kabuki Warriors – Asuka & Kairi Sane vs. Nia Jax & Lash Legend
This is not for the Women’s Tag Team Titles held by the Kabuki Warriors. Both teams are heels. The Kabuki Warriors are on the side of the ring where the face team usually faces the camera.
Sane used her speed to hit a headscissors, but Lash came back with an uppercut smash. Jax splashed Sane against the turnbuckle and Lash hit a splash too. Jax went for an elbow drop, but Sane moved. Asuka tagged in, and the Kabukis worked over Jax with kicks for a one count. Jax lifted up Asuka and hit a headbutt. Asuka hit Jax with double knees. The Kabukis hit a double dropkick to send Jax out of the ring. Asuka knocked Lash off the apron. Sane went up top and hit an Insane Elbow on both opponents at the same time.
There was action shown from during the break where Lash hit a pump kick on Sane as Jax/Lash took over. Lash hit Sane with a forearm to the back. Jax was back in to punch Asuka off the apron. Sane countered a double suplex attempt into a double DDT. Asuka got the hot tag and hit a missile dropkick. Asuka hit roundhouse kicks to both opponents. Asuka kicked Jax a few times, along with a takedown into an armbar attempt. Jax powered back up, Asuka broke free and hit a running kick for two because Lash made the save. Sane was back in with a spinning back first and kick on Lash. Lash was able to counter Sane and hit a forearm. Asuka superkicked Lash. Asuka sent Jax into the turnbuckle. Asuka battled Jax by the turnbuckle and hit a sunset flip Powerbomb. Lash sent Asuka into the steel steps. Sane had tagged in before that. Sane jumped onto Lash on the floor. Sane went up top, jumped off, Jax was back up and Jax hit a Chokeslam. Jax hit the Annihilator on Sane for the pinfall win after about 9 minutes without the commercial.
Winners by pinfall: Nia Jax & Lash Legend
Analysis: **3/4 The match was okay. Asuka and Sane were the faces in the match, even though they have been heels all year. I think they were just faces for this match because of their opponents. The Sane/Asuka team got some offense and hit some cool moves, but this was all about putting over Jax and Lash as a threat.
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss ran out to the ring. Flair sent Jax into the turnbuckle and hit a superkick on Lash. Bliss hit a few kicks and a dropkick on Lash. Bliss kicked Jax out of the ring. Flair hit a superkick on Lash. Bliss went up top, and Jax pulled Lash out of the ring. Flair and Bliss held up the Women’s Tag Team Titles.
Analysis: There are a lot of women teams coming after the Tag Team Titles, so it makes me think there’s a multi-team Ladder Match coming, unless there’s some other stipulation they could go with.
Kiana James and Giulia were interviewed by Jackie Redmond. James was rude to Redmond, who apologized that she normally doesn’t do this show. Giulia claimed Chelsea Green wants to hide with the Women’s US Title, so Giulia will take out Alba Fyre. Giulia told Green that time is running out.
Drew McIntyre Meeting With Nick Aldis
The Drew McIntyre meeting with Nick Aldis was shown at Drew’s home. Aldis brought security with him. Aldis said that Cody Rhodes wants Drew reinstated. Aldis said Drew is a top talent in WWE and an integral part of SmackDown. Aldis proposed that Drew get a WWE Title shot, but he wants Drew to publicly apologize to referee Dan Engler. Aldis said that Drew will be heavily fined, but his payday from Survivor Series will cover that. Drew said he wants the WWE Title more than anything. Drew said no. Drew claimed this is what Cody and Nick want. Drew told Nick it’s an unsafe working environment because Drew will get screwed again. Aldis said he wants what is fair. Drew said that if he comes back, he gets his WWE Title shot, but he wants to pick the stipulation, and Nick said he can live with that. Drew said he wants Nick to get his lawyers and draw up documents that say that Cody can’t lay a finger on Drew before his championship match, or Cody is stripped of the WWE Title. Aldis said he hates this, but to get the match in the ring, you’ve got a deal. They shook hands. Drew laughed.
Drew got a notification on his phone that showed him security footage of Cody Rhodes at Drew’s house. Drew claimed Aldis set him up, but Aldis said he didn’t do it. Aldis confronted Cody, wondering what he was doing. Cody went after Drew, and they got into a fight at Drew’s property. The cops/indy wrestlers restrained them. Cody: “Merry Christmas, a**hole.”
Analysis: It was a bit over dramatic in some ways, but I liked it overall. It’s a different way to further an angle by having a cinematic scene leading to a fight. The ending was a bit cheesy with Cody’s line, but again it fit the story of two intense guys who don’t like eachother.
Nick Aldis was interviewed by Byron Saxton. Aldis talked about how chaotic the WWE Title situation was. Aldis said what Cody did was out of line. Aldis said it’s up to local authorities to determine what happened to Cody, and he’ll meet with Cody. The Miz interrupted to complain that Joe Hendry ruined it last week. Miz said he wants a match on SmackDown with Hendry. Aldis said he’ll talk to Ava to see if Hendry can come, or all Miz has to do is say his name. R-Truth was there to say, “I believe in Joe Pesci.” That’s close, I guess. Miz left. Truth said Miz was mad that Truth saw Nick’s British balls. Oh, what a line.
Giulia made her entrance for singles action, joined by Kiana James.
Giulia (w/Kiana James) vs. Alba Fyre (w/Chelsea Green)
This is also a heel-heel match. Giulia was aggressive with kicks and a dropkick. Giulia hit a running knee attack, along with a suplex. Fyre was able to come back with a Tornado DDT. Giulia got a hair pull takedown and a hair toss across the ring. Giulia worked over Fyre with elbows to the ribs. They rolled around the ring, going for pin attempts. Giulia was bleeding from the mouth. Fyre hit a superkick and got a two count. Giulia got a backslide pin for two. Giulia hit the knee smash along with a Michinoku Driver and stared at Green during the pinfall win. It went about 4 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Giulia
Analysis: *1/2 Easy win for Giulia. Fyre just isn’t pushed very much and is usually there to lose to set up a match against Green. The fans weren’t into the match much since it was between two heels.
Post match, Giulia stared at Green, who fell over in the aisle to sell in an over the top way.
The Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes was shown walking backstage for a promo up next.
The Wyatt Sicks were featured in a video with Uncle Howdy issuing a warning for Solo Sikoa and the MFTs. Howdy said there will be nowhere for you to run. Howdy said Solo will go on a journey that will force his family to surrender.
Let’s Hear from Cody Rhodes
The Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes made his entrance in dress clothes. They showed highlights of Cody’s match at SNME with Oba Femi, which was ruined by Drew McIntyre’s interference. Cody and Femi teamed up to beat up Drew to end it.
Cody Rhodes admitted that things got physical at Drew McIntyre’s. Cody said that Drew claims that WWE is an unsafe working environment. Cody said that Drew is surrounded by pro athletes, so what would be a safe environment…Staples? Cody said that the yard brawl is 1/10th of what should happen for them in this very ring.
SmackDown GM Nick Aldis walked out saying that he had to make a bad deal because Cody made him look like a liar. Aldis talked to Cody as a friend said that Cody is not above the law and Aldis can’t help him with that. Aldis wanted Cody to trust him. Aldis said if Drew pays the fine and makes the public apology to Dan Engler then Cody can’t lay a finger on Drew. Cody asked: “Or what?” Aldis said he would strip him of the WWE Championship. Cody said he can guarantee Nick that he won’t touch Drew. Cody said he feels like Nick has forgotten who he is talking to. Cody told him to ask their mutual friend, Wade Barrett, or Marty on the camera. Cody said that he’s the one who sent the tweet that changed the game, he won the Royal Rumble twice, he is the reigning King of the Ring, he defeated Roman Reigns and defeated John Cena for this title – he is QB1. Cody said as long as heh as this title, he is the law. Cody said that while he is holding this title, he works for the fans. Cody told Aldis that he works for Cody. The champ left while Aldis looked on.
Analysis: I like it when Cody Rhodes brings the intensity during his promos. The fans react strongly to him when he does it because a lot of Cody promos repeat the same things, so at least when he does his yelling promos, the fans can get into it more. The point of this was for Cody to accept Drew’s terms. Aldis is fine in his role as the babyface GM, but I wonder if this story and what Cody said about Aldis working for him could lead to Aldis being more of a heel. I don’t know if that’s the direction, though. I’m just saying the GMs Aldis and Pearce would be more interesting if one of them went heel at some point.
Ilja Dragunov spoke to Carmelo Hayes in the background while Tama Tonga was in the background looking on. Ilja thanked Melo and Melo appreciated it. Melo said he knows Melo doesn’t like the attacks from behind…not anymore. Ilja said they will put #DIY down. Fraxiom’s Nathan Frazer and Axiom said that they want to get their hands on #DIY too. Melo said they don’t miss. Frazer said if you miss, then Fraxiom will be there. Ilja said Ciampa is not just a jackass, he is Ilja’s prey.
The #DIY team of Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano (w/Candice LeRae) made their entrance. There wasn’t much of a reaction.
A graphic aired letting us know that John Cena ended his career with 726 televised matches. I probably reviewed about 70% of them. Just saying.
Ilja Dragunov & Carmelo Hayes vs. #DIY – Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano (w/Candice LeRae)
Ilja is the US Champion. This is like an NXT All-Star match, considering the legacies of all four of these guys in NXT. Melo and Ilja were aggressive early on with knees on Ciampa, along with Ilja hitting a boot to the face. Ilja chopped Ciampa to knock him down. Melo was back in with an elbow smash and a leg drop. Ilja hit a slam on Ciampa. LeRae distracted the referee, so Gargano knocked Ilja off the turnbuckle. Ciampa hit a knee smash (with loud leg slap) to knock Ilja off the apron and into the commentary table.
Ciampa and Gargano had isolated Ilja for a bit, but Ilja broke free with a clothesline. Melo got the hot tag and hit a springboard clothesline on Gargano. Melo flipped around Gargano with a La Mistica slam. Ilja tagged in and Melo hit a somersault dive over the top on Ciampa on the floor. Ilja hit a top rope senton splash for a two count. Melo made the tag, but Ciampa held Melo’s leg and Gargano hit a superkick. Ciampa hit a Project Ciampa onto the knees for two because Ilja broke up the pin. Gargano sent Ilja into the ring post. Melo hit a superkick on a charging Ciampa. Melo went to the ropes again, but LeRae tripped him up. The referee never saw it. Ciampa hit a knee smash for two. Gargano hit a superkick into a Fairytale Ending by Ciampa and Gargano covered for two. Ilja was back in with a flying headbutt on Gargano and Melo hit First 48 on Ciampa. Ilja hit an H-Bomb forearm on Ciampa. Melo was back in and hit a Nothing But Net leg drop to the back of Ciampa’s head for the pinfall win after about 8 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Ilja Dragunov & Carmelo Hayes
Analysis: ***1/4 A good match between four very good in-ring performers. If it had some more time, then I think they would have a terrific tag, but as it was, they did a nice job in the time given. I like Dragunov and Melo as a babyface team, while #DIY has lost a lot of momentum. The entire tag team division isn’t as strong as it was earlier this year.
Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair were interviewed by Jackie Redmond in the backstage area. Bliss said that if you look too far in the future, you tend to forget who is standing in front of you. Flair said that Jax and Legend were in their way. Bliss said whoever wins the Tag Team Titles, they’ll be waiting. Jade Cargill showed up with her WWE Women’s Title, so Flair and Bliss left.
Jade Cargill was interviewed by Jackie Redmond. Jade said she was shocked to see Michin get back up after Jade knocked her down. Jade said she’ll give her some spotlight and knock her out. Michin attacked Jade with a kendo stick to the back. There were some WWE Officials who showed up to check on Jade.
Analysis: That should set up the Jade-Michin match, and that should be a win for Jade, obviously.
Next week on SmackDown:
* Ilja Dragunov’s US Title Open Challenge vs. ???
* Joe Hendry vs. The Miz
* Drew McIntyre returns
Solo Sikoa did a promo in the backstage area with the MFTs walking with him. Solo said when it comes to his family, he doesn’t play games. Solo said that they will embarrass Howdy and the Wyatt Sicks in front of the whole world. Solo claimed the fireflies were there and they will watch MFTs take the Tag Team Titles. Solo claimed he’s got the whole world in his hands, so it was a way to mock Bray Wyatt’s legacy.
The MFTs made their entrance with Solo Sikoa. It was JC Mateo and Tonga Loa dressed for action. That main event match is next.
WWE Tag Team Championships: The Wyatt Sicks – Dexter Lumis & Joe Gacy (w/Uncle Howdy, Nikki Cross & Erick Rowan) vs. JC Mateo & Tonga Loa (w/Solo Sikoa, Talla Tonga & Tama Tonga)
Lumis worked over Loa with punches and a leg drop. After Gacy tagged in, Loa worked him over with stomps against the turnbuckle. JC worked over Gacy with kicks. Gacy hit a dropkick. Lumis hit an atomic drop and Gacy hit a clothesline. Lumis hit a senton splash for two. JC bailed to the floor, Gacy went after him, and Loa hit a clothesline. Lumis tried jumping onto JC, who caught him and slammed Lumis into the ring post.
It was Loa in control with a body slam and a leg drop. Loa worked over Lumis with punches and kicks. JC tagged in with a spinning powerslam for two. Loa hit a running powerslam for two. Lumis hit a superkick. JC tagged in, Lumis kicked in, and Gacy got the hot tag to very little reaction. Gacy worked over JC with punches and a suplex. Gacy hit a belly-to-back suplex on JC for two. Gacy tried a springboard moonsault. JC hit his Tour of the Islands spinning slam for a two count. Gacy hit his upside-down lariat on JC, and he did the same lariat to Loa, too. Gacy hit a dive over the top onto both opponents. Lumis and Gacy hit a suplex/Powerbomb combo. Lumis went up top and hit a Superfly Splash, but Loa saved before there was a pin. Loa sent Gacy out of the ring and Talla hit a boot to knock Gacy down. Rowan knocked Talla down on the floor. The MFTs tackled Rowan over the commentary table. Howdy got into a fight with Solo. Lumis and the other wrestlers in the match were fighting too, so the bell rang. It went about 8 minutes.
Match Result: No Contest
Analysis: **1/2 A very average tag team match with a lame finish. The fans barely get behind the Wyatt Sicks as faces, so that doesn’t help. Tonga Loa is about as boring as it gets as a wrestler. All he does are the most basic moves. Gacy did a good job of bringing the intensity when he got in there.
The Wyatt Sicks and Solo’s MFT group got into a big brawl at ringside. They were fighting in the ring as well. Talla went up top and hit a cross body block on the Wyatt Sicks guys and his teammates fell down too. Rowan was back in with a dropkick and a clothesline to knock Talla out of the ring. Rowan picked up Cross and Powerbombed her onto Talla on the floor. Good catch. Solo was back in with a Samoan Spike on Rowan. Howdy teased Sister Abigail on Solo, but Tama Tonga made the save. The teams got into a brawl again to end the show.
Analysis: I don’t find the feud to be that interesting, but all that brawling likely sets up an 8-man tag team match soon and maybe a title rematch.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Cody Rhodes
- Ilja Dragunov & Carmelo Hayes
- Nia Jax & Lash Legend
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The Scoreboard
6 out of 10
Last week: 7.25
2025 Average: 7.32
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Final Thoughts on WWE SmackDown
A below average show with not a lot to get excited about. SmackDown needs an overhaul in a lot of ways. The creative team needs to be better and make it a more exciting show. Raw is a lot better most weeks. I know this episode was taped, but that’s no excuse. It just wasn’t that interesting.
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Thanks for reading. Go Los Angeles Rams, Toronto Raptors and Toronto Maple Leafs. You can contact me using any of the methods below.
John Canton
Email: [email protected]
Twitter/X: @johnreport