Location: SAP Center in San Jose, California
Date: October 17, 2025
Show: WWE Friday Night SmackDown
Friday Night SmackDown delivered another explosive night of drama, returns, and shocking title changes. From Ilja Dragunov’s surprise comeback to Cody Rhodes’ heated confrontation with Drew McIntyre, the road to WWE Crown Jewel and beyond just got a lot more intense.
🔹 Nick Aldis Kicks Off SmackDown
SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis opened the show with a major announcement:
The winner of tonight’s main event between Drew McIntyre and Jacob Fatu would become the #1 Contender for Cody Rhodes’ Undisputed WWE Championship.
This instantly raised the stakes for the night, but things wouldn’t go as planned…
🔹 WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Match
Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss (c) def. Sol Ruca & Zaria
The reigning champions Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss successfully defended their WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles, defeating Sol Ruca and Zaria in a competitive contest.
Flair’s Figure Eight sealed the win as Bliss celebrated alongside her partner.
🔹 Sami Zayn Issues Another Open Challenge
After retaining the United States Championship in recent weeks, Sami Zayn once again stepped up with an Open Challenge—but this time, the challenger shocked everyone.
🔹 Ilja Dragunov Returns and Wins the U.S. Title!
Answering the challenge was The Mad Dragon – Ilja Dragunov, returning to WWE after more than a year away.
The two put on a hard-hitting, emotional battle that had the crowd on its feet.
In a stunning moment, Ilja Dragunov defeated Sami Zayn to become the new United States Champion, marking a triumphant comeback on SmackDown!
🔹 “My Family Tree” Strikes Back
Moments after Dragunov’s victory, Solo Sikoa and his group My Family Tree ambushed both Zayn and Dragunov, laying waste to the new and former champions.
Solo declared:
“I made a promise to my family that we will take back everything we lost — and become champions again.”
But before they could celebrate, The Wyatt Sicks appeared, confronting Solo and his faction in an eerie, tension-filled standoff that left the WWE Universe buzzing.
🔹 The Motor City Machine Guns Def. Los Garza
In tag team action, The Motor City Machine Guns scored a strong win over Los Garza, continuing their dominant run since debuting on SmackDown.
🔹 Jacob Fatu Attacked Backstage
Before his high-stakes match against Drew McIntyre, Jacob Fatu was found attacked backstage and taken out of the arena.
No one took credit, leaving the WWE Universe wondering — who took out Jacob Fatu?
🔹 Main Event: Drew McIntyre vs. Cody Rhodes
With Fatu out of action, Drew McIntyre stepped into the ring against Cody Rhodes in a high-voltage confrontation.
The match ended in chaos as Cody Rhodes was disqualified after striking McIntyre with the Undisputed WWE Title.
SmackDown closed with a furious McIntyre standing tall, while Rhodes clutched his title, knowing his actions could have serious consequences heading into the next premium live event.
⚡ SmackDown Takeaways:
- Ilja Dragunov makes a stunning return and becomes the new U.S. Champion.
- Solo Sikoa’s “My Family Tree” declares war on everyone.
- The Wyatt Sicks send a chilling message.
- Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre rivalry intensifies before Crown Jewel.