Friday Night SmackDown returns live from the Mullett Arena in Tempe, Arizona, on October 24, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET with a stacked card featuring critical championship defenses and rekindled rivalries that set the stage for Saturday Night’s Main Event and the looming Survivor Series pay-per-view.
Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre: WWE Championship on the Line Again
The spotlight on this week’s SmackDown shines brightest on WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and his simmering rivalry with Drew McIntyre. After an intense, impromptu title defense last week where Rhodes was disqualified following a heated encounter with McIntyre, tensions remain high. Rhodes took exception to McIntyre’s failure to condemn the violent backstage attack on No. 1 contender Jacob Fatu, which directly affected their scheduled contender’s match. Rhodes’ frustration boiled over, leading to his uncharacteristic disqualification after McIntyre struck him with the championship belt.
Sources close to WWE reveal that SmackDown General Manager has mandated Rhodes to defend his WWE Championship once more against McIntyre at Saturday Night’s Main Event, with both competitors expected to be present during tonight’s show to escalate their brewing feud in the build-up. According to a WWE insider, “The animosity between Rhodes and McIntyre has reached a boiling point, and expect them to push boundaries on SmackDown as they prepare for their high-stakes rematch.” This storyline promises high drama and physicality heading into the weekend[1][2].
Women’s Division Spotlight: Tiffany Stratton vs. Kiana James
In the women’s division, Tiffany Stratton aims to rebound from her recent setback at Crown Jewel, where she lost to Stephanie Vaquer. The reigning WWE Women’s Champion is set to face off against Kiana James in what is expected to be a high-energy contest. Verbal confrontations earlier this week between the two have intensified the rivalry, making this match a pivotal moment for Stratton to reaffirm her dominance on SmackDown.
Kiana James, still building momentum on the main roster, is eager to secure a signature win against the top champion. Industry observers note that this bout could serve as a launching pad for James if she manages to upset Stratton. “Tiffany is determined not to let her loss define her season,” an insider shared. “But James has a chip on her shoulder and is training hard to shock the WWE Universe tonight.” Fans can watch this compelling storyline unfold live, adding significant stakes to the night’s card[1][2][3].
Tag Team Turmoil: Fraxiom and #DIY Renew Their Rivalry
The SmackDown tag team division also heats up with a clash between Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom) and the reunited #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa). Their tension traces back several months when Fraxiom pulled off an upset victory over #DIY shortly after joining SmackDown.
Both teams have been sidelined recently but are now aggressively positioning themselves back into the tag team championship conversation, where The Mass of Humanity currently resides. This match is more than just a contest; it represents a struggle for tag team supremacy and momentum with Survivor Series approaching.
Reports from backstage suggest that the stakes are particularly high, as “#DIY refuses to let Fraxiom’s previous win define their legacy, and they are poised to make a statement tonight.” Expect fast-paced action and emotionally charged exchanges as these bitter rivals collide[1][4][5].
Additional Key Appearances and Matches
Besides the highlighted matches, fans can anticipate encounters involving notable superstars such as Randy Orton, Aleister Black, and Zelina Vega, adding more excitement to the evening’s lineup[2][5][7]. Axiom also faces Johnny Gargano in a singles match that builds on their ongoing storylines within the tag ranks.
United States Champion Ilja Dragunov, newly crowned after toppling Sami Zayn last week, may continue the surprise open challenge that showcased his resurgence after a long hiatus. SmackDown promises to deliver several surprises and developments across its roster.
How to Watch and Start Time
This episode of SmackDown will air live on the USA Network at 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. CT), originating from the Mullett Arena in Tempe, Arizona. International viewers can stream the show via WWE’s global platforms, including Netflix in multiple markets.
Fans are urged to tune in early, as this episode is crucial in escalating feuds ahead of Saturday Night’s Main Event and the upcoming Survivor Series event, where many of these storylines are expected to have major payoffs[1][4][6].
WWE SmackDown on October 24, 2025, promises a potent mix of championship matches, personal vendettas, and tag team warfare that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. With Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre’s rivalry intensifying and multiple division shakeups underway, this night is essential viewing in the road to WrestleMania celebrations later this season.