Friday night’s WWE SmackDown delivered high-octane action from the Heritage Bank Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, setting the stage for the impending Crown Jewel showdown. The card was headlined by a thrilling tag team confrontation featuring Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes teaming with Randy Orton against the imposing duo known as The Vision — Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed. This event also advanced key storylines, including Sami Zayn’s ongoing United States Championship open challenge and promising contract tensions between Tiffany Stratton and Stephanie Vaquer.
Cody Rhodes & Randy Orton Unite Against The Vision
The night kicked off with an intense atmosphere as Cody Rhodes was initially attacked by The Vision. However, Randy Orton rushingly came to Rhodes’ aid, setting the tone for their main event tag match. Known for their past mentor-protégé relationship, Rhodes and Orton’s uneasy alliance brought palpable electricity to the crowd. Despite Paul Heyman’s backstage efforts to sow discord between the two veterans, their combined resilience proved too strong.
The main event saw Rhodes and Orton leverage experience and teamwork against the raw power and youth of Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed. The match was a violent chess match of strategy and strength, featuring high-impact moves and near falls that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Ultimately, Rhodes and Orton secured the win, reinforcing Cody’s momentum ahead of his Crown Jewel title defense.
An insider revealed backstage, “There’s a real focus on bolstering Cody’s narrative as the fighting champion, and Orton’s presence adds a veteran edge that enhances Rhodes’ preparation for Crown Jewel. Heyman’s attempts to create friction only sharpen this alliance’s resolve”[1][4][5].
Sami Zayn’s United States Championship Open Challenge Continues
Sami Zayn, carrying the United States Championship with pride, maintained his reputation as the division’s relentless fighting champion by issuing yet another open challenge. This week’s potential challengers were eagerly anticipated, adding layers of uncertainty and excitement.
Initially, Carmelo Hayes entered the picture to respond to Sami’s challenge, but the tension escalated when The Miz unexpectedly attacked Hayes, reigniting their complex history. After the commotion, Aleister Black stepped up to face Sami in a hard-fought title defense. Black’s clinical striking and psychological warfare added depth and variety to the U.S. Championship scene.
This ongoing series of open challenges is seen by many insiders as a way to elevate the status of the United States title and provide fresh matchups ahead of Crown Jewel. “Sami Zayn’s willingness to defend against all comers is refreshing and gives the title legitimacy. It’s a smart creative choice that keeps fans engaged week to week,” noted a WWE source[1][3].
Building Tensions: Tiffany Stratton vs. Stephanie Vaquer Contract Signing
The night also spotlighted the rising rivalry between WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton and Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer. Following Stratton’s dominant Triple Threat title defense last week, she officially set her sights on Stephanie Vaquer and their upcoming Crown Jewel clash.
A contract signing was arranged, adding a formal and intense layer to their feud. Verbal sparring punctuated the segment, where both women firmly declared their intentions to unify or retain their distinctions at Crown Jewel.
WWE insiders suggest this feud is a focal point for women’s division storytelling with an eye toward increasing stakes for the women’s title scene at international events. “The Stratton-Vaquer dynamic is heating up quickly. The contract signing was loaded with psychological games, hinting at a deeply personal rivalry that will climax on a major stage,” a backstage figure shared[3][5].
Notable Moments and Other Highlights
Damian Priest made a strong in-ring appearance during the night, adding to the overall intensity of the card.
The Miz’s surprise attack on Carmelo Hayes not only reignited their past complications but also increased intrigue around future segments and matches.
Ongoing narratives involving Seth Rollins and his stable’s attention toward Cody Rhodes were subtly referenced, reminding fans of the looming Crown Jewel rematch between Rhodes and Rollins.
Looking Ahead to Crown Jewel
The events of SmackDown on October 3, 2025, are unmistakably steering storylines toward the impending WWE Crown Jewel pay-per-view. Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes emerges fortified with Randy Orton’s backing and a string of decisive victories, positioning him as the firm favorite going into his high-stakes matches.
Meanwhile, Sami Zayn’s relentless defense of the United States Championship and the escalating tensions between Tiffany Stratton and Stephanie Vaquer promise to deliver captivating subplots that expand beyond Crown Jewel itself.
As a WWE insider put it, “Everything this Friday was designed to heighten anticipation for Crown Jewel. Title defenses, personal rivalries, and alliances all received vital development. The energy backstage is electric, and everyone knows the big moments are just around the corner”[1][4].
With its blend of veteran savvy, young talent clashes, and championship intrigue, the October 3 SmackDown edition has set a compelling course for WWE’s next monumental event. Fans should stay tuned for more explosive developments on the road to Crown Jewel.