The first episode of WWE SmackDown post Wrestlepalooza was filled with fireworks, where fans still could not process the horrendous booking and botches that took place on the PPV. The first episode of the live show witnessed the absence of Brock Lesnar, who had given a tough time to John Cena (via Instagram). However, that did not stop the show from delivering to the audience.
The September 26, 2025, segment of the Blue Brand was live exclusively from the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. Epic matches took place featuring Tiffany Stratton in a Triple Threat Match for her WWE Women’s Championship, Sami Zayn issuing another US Open Challenge, and more. With that being said, here’s everything that went down in tonight’s show!
Cody Rhodes Walks into an Ambush from Paul Heyman and The Vision
Tonight’s segment of SmackDown was kicked off by Paul Heyman, who asked the fans if they would love for him to talk about the “greatness” surrounding Seth Rollins. The fans booed him and started chanting “OTC.” Heyman responded that he would have loved to talk about him, but it is disrespectful because his last exit was in a stretcher after he was taken out by ‘Big’ Bronson Reed.
The Oracle then started wondering if they would like to talk about Bron Breakker, who is talented enough to main event WrestleMania. He even mentioned Brock Lesnar, and if the fans are interested in surrounding the rumors around him. Before he could continue, Cody Rhodes’ theme started playing, and he came out, and fans were thrilled to see him.
Rhodes mentioned how Heyman was a disruptor and then showcased an image of Heyman announcing The Beast Incarnate. He then asked if he was talking to “the advocate.” He replied that Rhodes was talking to “the GOAT.” While the two were talking, the two Brons made their way to the ring.
The Vision sized up the Undisputed WWE Champion, and he responded by bringing the fight to them. They softened up Rhodes with the numbers advantage ahead of his match against Rollins. Randy Orton came out to his rescue, taking out both Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed.
The Street Profits Overcome Tension to Defeat Melo Don’t Miz for Top Contender Spot
In a brief backstage segment, Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins seemed to be on the same page, as they believe that they have put the tension behind them and now have their sights set on the WWE Tag Team Championships. The segment ended, and they made their way to the ring, as they were going to compete against Melo Don’t Miz for the #1 Contenders spot for the titles.
The match commenced with The Miz starting off things in their favor and giving a quick tag to his partner, Carmello. Montez Ford quickly brought the momentum in their favor, but Dawkins was dazed after taking a dropkick from Melo and then took quite a beating from his opponents. After the hot tag from both teams, Ford became a man on fire, but his momentum soon ended as they witnessed the unmatched chemistry from Melo Don’t Miz.
Ford tried to create an opening, but he was intercepted by his opponents. Melo looked forward to ending the match, but The Miz tried to steal the glory, and he was not having it. This eventually cost them the match as The Street Profits picked up the win.
LA Knight’s Relationship With The Undertaker’s Manager, Paul Bearer
Giulia and Kiana James Play Dirty to Steal the Win from Michin and B-Fab
The match kicked off strongly, as tension was evident with Michin wanting to take revenge against Giulia and Kiana James for their attacks in the past weeks. The squared circle could not contain their tension, as James pulled her partner outside, only to take a missile dropkick from Michin.
The Women’s US Champion made a tag to James, who targeted the midsection of B-Fab, making quick tags to have their fair share of revenge on her. Giulia went for cover, but B-Fab kicked out and created an opening to successfully tag Michin.
However, James raked the eyes of Michin, tagging Giulia, who delivered a Northern Lights suplex to pick up the win.
Drew McIntyre Accuses WWE and Cody Rhodes of Corruption Over Wrestlepalooza Match Ending
Drew McIntyre walks towards the WWE ring, addressing the events that happened at Wrestlepalooza, where the referee cost him the match on two separate occasions. Nick Aldis came out, interrupting him, and told him to stop accusing Cody Rhodes of corruption, after which he headed backstage.
The Scottish Psychopath continued with his rant, but this time, Jacob Fatu came out and grabbed the microphone from McIntyre’s hand, telling him to “shut up.” But that was not all, because he gave him a reality check on how he blames others for his losses.
The tension amped up between the two men as McIntyre gave a headbutt to Fatu. This angered The Samoan Werewolf, who delivered a superkick to The Scottish Warrior, hit him with the medical boot on his head, and left the ring.
Je Von Evans Answers Sami Zayn’s Open US Challenge
The WWE Universe was hyped to see Je Von Evans and Sami Zayn square off inside the squared circle, displaying technical brilliance and going back and forth. The Champion was taken by the athleticism of the challenger as he kicked out of a two-count.
Zayn was not letting Evans off the hook, as he used his experience to put the young wrestler back in his place. Evans tried to create an opening for himself, but it backfired on him, barely escaping a near pinfall. In the process, it triggered Zayn’s injury from last week, giving him a breather that he desperately needed.
Je Von Evans once again flaunted his explosive speed, countering Sami Zayn to deliver a hurricanrana from the top rope, and also delivered an OG Cutter, nearly becoming the new US Champion. However, that all came down to nothing as Sami Zayn delivered a Helluva Kick and a Blue Thunder Bomb to retain his WWE US Championship.
Despite the epic win, he showed respect to the young wrestler for how he flaunted his in-ring finesse and entertained the fans with an absolute banger of a match.
WWE Star Tiffany Stratton’s Collab With $5.34 Billion Company is as Iconic as It Gets
Aleister Black Gifts Damian Priest an Unwanted Birthday Present
In a backstage segment, Damian Priest once again confronted Kit Wilson, who was in a wheelchair from the previous week. Wilson tripped and fell, making Priest say, “B**ches be tripping,” but his moment was marred by Aleister Black, delivering a Black Mass, putting him on the floor.
Black mentioned that they were getting somewhere and concluded the segment by wishing “Happy Birthday” to The Archer of Infamy.
Tiffany Stratton Retains WWE Women’s Championship Against Jade Cargill and Nia Jax
The main event of SmackDown was weeks in the making, as this was a result of Nia Jax picking on Jade Cargill and Tiffany Stratton after their match ended in a double countout. Right off the bat, the three women were for themselves, and their tension could not be contained inside the WWE ring, as Jax sent Cargill face-first to the steel post.
The action is now inside the squared circle as Jax delivered a massive leg drop from the top rope to The Storm, with Stratton barely escaping it. Cargill and Stratton were exchanging punches, but they were too distracted as they got taken out by Jax.
The Irresistible Force took to the top rope, but she was stopped in her tracks as Cargill and Stratton briefly teamed up to deliver a superplex to her. The fans were enjoying the match, chanting, “This is awesome.” Once again, Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill exchanged blows, delivering her finisher to the champion, only for Jax to cost her the match.
The Storm was upset and went outside, clearing the announce table, but was once again sent face-first to the steel steps, busting her open. Cargill delivered an Eye of the Storm for a near fall, but Stratton capitalized on the moment after an absurd moment took place, leaving everyone divided, as she retained her gold.
The night was not over yet, as Stephanie Vaquer came out to confront Tiffany Stratton, as the two women would be meeting in the ring at Crown Jewel.
The first SmackDown after Wrestlepalooza delivered epic matches and kicked off new rivalries. Which part of tonight’s show was your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
WWE SmackDown can currently be streamed on Netflix.
