WWE SmackDown’s October 3, 2025, episode from the Heritage Bank Center in Cincinnati delivered a mix of excitement and frustration for fans. The night centered heavily around the main event featuring Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes teaming with Randy Orton against The Vision’s Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed. Despite some engrossing moments, the show experienced both high points and missteps that shaped the evening.
Below, we break down three things we loved and three things we hated about this SmackDown to provide a comprehensive recap with backstage insights.
3 Things We Loved on WWE SmackDown 10/3/2025
1. Cody Rhodes’ Magnetic Opening and Crowd Connection
Right from the start, the Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes established a compelling presence, walking to the ring amid loud pyrotechnics and heartfelt fan chants of his name. His ability to engage the Cincinnati crowd set a strong tone for the show. Partnered with Booker T’s insightful commentary, Rhodes brought energy and authenticity to his interaction with fans, eliciting a genuine emotional connection that’s vital for main-event caliber stars[1][2].
2. The Vision’s Dominant Victory
Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, known collectively as The Vision, secured an impressive win over Rhodes and Orton. This victory was a highlight of the night because it cemented The Vision as an ascending force in WWE’s tag scene, showcasing raw power and teamwork in a competitive 15-minute bout. Bronson Reed’s finishing Tsunami move sealed the win after Seth Rollins controversially interfered, underpinning the ongoing tension among top stars leading into Crown Jewel[1][3][5].
3. Contract Signing Extravaganza for Women’s Crown Jewel Match
Another well-executed segment was the contract signing between Tiffany Stratton and Stephanie Vaquer for the upcoming Women’s Crown Jewel Championship clash. It added star power and anticipation for the pay-per-view, emphasizing WWE’s commitment to elevating the women’s division[3]. Segments like these build valuable hype while giving talent moments to display their charisma beyond in-ring work.
3 Things We Hated on WWE SmackDown 10/3/2025
1. Rollins’ Interference and Its Impact on Match Integrity
Perhaps the most divisive moment of the night was Seth Rollins’ interference against Randy Orton during the main event. While interference is a classic WWE storytelling tool, Rollins’ Stomp on Orton, allowing Reed to pin him, came across as predictable and detracted from what could have been a clean, thrilling win for The Vision. This booking choice undermined Orton’s momentum and felt overly contrived, leaving viewers wishing for a more straightforward contest[1][2][3].
2. Overly Familiar Storytelling Between Rhodes, Orton, and Rollins
The storyline dynamics between Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, and Seth Rollins felt repetitive, with echoes of past betrayals and alliance breakdowns. Paul Heyman’s promo sowed seeds of discord between Rhodes and Orton, hinting at their partnership’s imminent collapse. Yet, many fans felt this narrative had been revisited too frequently without fresh development, resulting in a less engaging emotional investment compared to previous years[1][2][4].
3. Lack of Memorable Moments Outside the Main Event
Although the main event drew the most attention, the rest of the card lacked standout highlights. Matches and segments outside the spotlight, including Je’Von Evans and Rey Fenix’s tag team bout, were solid but fleeting. The absence of multiple memorable or surprise moments contributed to a somewhat uneven show pacing, limiting overall excitement and talkability post-show[3][5].
Backstage Insights: Tensions and Intentions
According to a WWE insider close to the creative team, the intention behind incorporating Rollins’ interference was to ignite a three-way rivalry heading into Crown Jewel, with plans to further complicate alliances and fuel dramatic tension:
“The goal was to shake up the status quo and give fans a reason to tune in next week. They’re building something more long-term with these stars, even if it meant this week’s result looked messy to some.”
Additionally, sources close to Cody Rhodes have shared that despite the setback on SmackDown, Rhodes remains confident that the storyline complexity will elevate his upcoming matches and deepen fan engagement[1][2].
Looking Ahead: What to Expect for Crown Jewel
The fallout from this episode sets the stage for several key encounters at Crown Jewel, including the anticipated title defenses and a potential fallout between Orton and Rhodes. Seth Rollins’ vendetta against Rhodes appears poised to culminate in a high-stakes showdown, with the contract signing for the Women’s Championship adding to the event’s buildup.
Fans will be closely watching how WWE balances intricate storytelling with satisfying in-ring payoffs next week. The Vision’s rise suggests new challengers for tag gold are coming, pressing veteran stars to prove their dominance[3][5].
WWE SmackDown on October 3, 2025, delivered a blend of strong performances and storyline friction—with some moments sparking excitement and others drawing criticism. The ongoing saga between Rhodes, Orton, Rollins, and The Vision remains the central narrative thread as the road to Crown Jewel intensifies.