Friday Night SmackDown returned to North America on October 17, 2025, airing live from the SAP Center in San Jose, California. The show marked the post-Crown Jewel fallout, featuring Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes addressing his recent controversial loss and defending the momentum of his reign. The night also saw gripping title matches, hard-hitting rivalries, and surprising backstage tensions, setting the stage for WWE’s upcoming premium live events.
Cody Rhodes Opens SmackDown Amidst Crown Jewel Controversy
The show kicked off with Cody Rhodes, fresh off his disputed WWE Crown Jewel title loss to Seth Rollins, addressing the live crowd with characteristic intensity. Rhodes reflected on his quest to reclaim dominance after losing the Undisputed WWE Championship in a match that ended amid controversy and interference.
Before Rhodes could delve deeper, the segment took a dramatic turn when he was interrupted by challengers looking to exploit his vulnerable position. According to a WWE insider, “The American Nightmare is more determined than ever, but the company is keen on propelling new rivalries that keep fans invested beyond Crown Jewel”[1][6].
The opening segment spilled into a high-stakes mixed tag match featuring Rhodes teaming up with Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss against NXT’s rising stars Sol Ruca and Zaria (collectively known as ZaRuca). This confrontation not only showcased the synergy and tensions within the champions’ camp but also emphasized the hungry ambition of NXT talent trying to break through on the main roster.
Women’s Tag Team Championship on the Line: Bliss & Flair vs. ZaRuca
One of the evening’s highlights was the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship defense by titleholders Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair against NXT’s Sol Ruca and Zaria. Despite Bliss and Flair’s sometimes-fractured alliance, their combined ring experience and championship savvy proved critical.
NXT’s ZaRuca entered the match brimming with confidence, having previously confronted the champions backstage, signaling their determination to claim gold. The match delivered a thrilling contest of agility, power, and strategy—the champions barely escaping with victory but reinforcing their status atop the tag division[1][6].
Sources close to the event suggest that the NXT pairing is being groomed for a longer-term push, with the company’s creative team eager to blend fresh energy with established stars like Flair and Bliss to maintain fan interest in the women’s tag division[7].
Jacob Fatu vs. Drew McIntyre: A Clash of Aggressors
Another centerpiece on the card was the one-on-one bout between Jacob Fatu and Drew McIntyre, fueled by a bitter rivalry brewing over several weeks. Both wrestlers brought a blend of raw power and resilience, making their confrontation a high-impact spectacle.
Fatu, recently returned from a hiatus and targeting Rhodes’ championship scene, used this bout to display his dominance and send a warning to other contenders. McIntyre responded with equal intensity, asserting his status as a top-tier competitor hungry for opportunity.
A backstage source noted, “Fatu’s return has unsettled the locker room; he’s quickly making his presence felt as a legitimate threat. McIntyre isn’t backing down either, and the smoke between these two could blaze into a marquee feud”[4][8].
Other Notable Moments & Rivalries
- Aleister Black’s Vicious Tactics: The enigmatic Aleister Black made headlines by unleashing a fireball attack on Damian Priest during a brutal Last Man Standing match earlier in the week, intensifying their bitter rivalry. This aggressive act set a tense backdrop for future encounters between the two, with fans eagerly anticipating the return bout’s explosive conclusion[4].
- Sami Zayn Defends United States Championship: Zayn successfully retained his title against Shinsuke Nakamura, who made a notable comeback accompanied by his iconic theme music. This defense keeps Zayn grounded as a resilient champion willing to fend off all challengers[4].
- Tag Team Turmoil: The Wyatt Sicks continued their reign as WWE Tag Team Champions after a tough win against The Street Profits, employing tactical numbers advantage. Soon after, Solo Sikoa and The MFTs crashed the celebration, hinting at new conflicts brewing in the tag team division[7].
Backstage Buzz and Future Directions
Behind the scenes, sources reveal heightened anticipation as WWE builds momentum towards their upcoming Survivor Series and the Sunday Night Main Event. “The match outcomes and storylines from SmackDown are carefully tailored to set the narrative for these showcase events,” a WWE creative team insider confided.
Particularly, Cody Rhodes’ trajectory post-Crown Jewel is a major focal point. “There’s an understanding that Rhodes is the cornerstone of this era; even in setbacks, the company is aligning story arcs to keep him center stage,” the insider said. Meanwhile, new challengers like Fatu and emerging talents from NXT are positioned to keep the championship scenes dynamic and unpredictable.
Where to Watch and What’s Next
SmackDown airs live every Friday at 8 PM ET on the USA Network, with international streaming options available. Fans should expect further developments in the rivalries sparked this week and more high-stakes matches as WWE engineers the road to their big winter events.
Stay tuned for expert analysis and updates as WWE continues to blend veteran star power with rising talent in this competitive and unpredictable era.