WWE SmackDown delivered a thrilling episode on October 24, 2025, live from the Mullett Arena in Tempe, Arizona, packed with high-stakes confrontations, championship defenses, and intriguing backstage moments. The show set the tone for the upcoming Saturday Night’s Main Event, especially with the explosive build-up between Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre.
Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre: Tensions Boil Over
The night kicked off with a heated backstage exchange involving Cody Rhodes and Jimmy Uso, reflecting the complex family and ally dynamics surrounding Jacob Fatu. The developing storyline adds a rich layer of intrigue as Jimmy promises to confront Nick Aldis about what happened to Fatu, while Rhodes prepares to face the consequences of his alliances.
Shortly after, Drew McIntyre made his way to the ring to confront Cody Rhodes directly. McIntyre boldly proclaimed his intent to win the undisputed WWE Championship at Saturday Night’s Main Event, clarifying he was not behind the recent attack on Jacob Fatu—a point that gave some credence to his pursuit but did not calm the brewing storm. The showdown became physical when Jimmy Uso attacked McIntyre, prompting a heavy security intervention[1][2][6].
According to a WWE insider, “The rivalry between Rhodes and McIntyre is the most intense we’ve seen this year. Both men are deeply invested, not just professionally but personally, which is why their upcoming clash is expected to steal the show”[2].
Tiffany Stratton vs. Kiana James: Women’s Division Spotlight
In a non-title match, WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton faced off against Kiana James, who has been causing waves aligned with Women’s United States Champion Giulia. The contest was a back-and-forth technical and high-impact performance, showcasing both competitors’ growing momentum.
Though the match was set as non-title, tensions between the two women hint at a possible championship feud looming in the near future, especially given James’s persistence and her alliance with Giulia—who has been a vocal presence at ringside[2][4][8].
Intercontinental Title Open Challenge: Ilja Dragunov Defends With Authority
One of the night’s highlights was the Intercontinental Championship Open Challenge by champion Ilja Dragunov. The challengers remained undisclosed ahead of the show, adding suspense to Dragunov’s title defense.
Dragunov executed his signature intense style and technical prowess to retain his title, further cementing his reign as one of SmackDown’s most dominant champions[1][3][10].
Tag Team Action: Shinsuke Nakamura & Rey Fenix vs. MFT
In a highly anticipated tag team bout, Shinsuke Nakamura and Rey Fenix took on the team of MFT (Tama Tonga and JC Mateo), who were accompanied by Tonga Loa, Tala Tonga, and Solo Sikoa. This match brought explosive athleticism and veteran savvy to the ring, with Nakamura and Fenix employing their striking and aerial maneuvers to counter the raw power of MFT’s faction.
Sources close to WWE reveal the match was pivotal to advancing tensions between factions on SmackDown, signaling potential storyline escalations heading towards Survivor Series[1][4].
Behind the Scenes: Backstage Dynamics and Future Storylines
Backstage interactions highlighted the intricate character relationships of SmackDown’s roster. The conversation between Cody Rhodes and Jimmy Uso underscored ongoing family loyalty conflicts and foreshadowed multiple alliances and betrayals in the weeks ahead. Jimmy’s vow to address external interferences involving Nick Aldis suggests fresh rivalries will intensify.
A WWE creative team member shared on condition of anonymity: “The goal is to blend personal grudges with championship aspirations, creating layered narratives that keep viewers emotionally invested. Expect the Rhodes-McIntyre saga to reach a boiling point this Saturday, with fallout that will affect nearly every division”[2].
Key Takeaways from WWE SmackDown October 24, 2025
- Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre heated confrontation foreshadows a monumental title clash at Saturday Night’s Main Event, with personal vendettas fueling their rivalry.
- Tiffany Stratton’s win over Kiana James sets the women’s division on edge, hinting at a future title match.
- Ilja Dragunov successfully defends the Intercontinental Title during his open challenge, adding prestige to his championship run.
- The tag match featuring Nakamura & Fenix vs. MFT injects high-energy faction warfare into SmackDown’s landscape.
- Backstage storylines involving Jimmy Uso, Jacob Fatu, and Nick Aldis deepen character complexity and plotlines across the board.
What to Watch Next
With momentum building on SmackDown, fans should keep an eye on the unresolved tensions between the Rhodes camp and Drew McIntyre, as well as the looming championship challenges in the women’s division. The upcoming Saturday Night’s Main Event promises to be a defining moment in WWE 2025.
SmackDown’s mixture of dynamic in-ring action and compelling storytelling continues to elevate the brand, setting the stage for what could be one of the most memorable WWE seasons in years.
Stay tuned for more updates and detailed analysis as WWE SmackDown primes its roster for the biggest events on the horizon.
