WWE SmackDown returned live on October 24, 2025, from the Mullett Arena in Tempe, Arizona, delivering a night packed with intense promos, explosive matches, and storyline heat building toward WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event. The main focus centered on the simmering rivalry between Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and challenger Drew McIntyre, alongside United States Champion Ilja Dragunov’s ongoing open challenge. The women’s division also saw Tiffany Stratton take on Kiana James in a heated non-title clash.
Rhodes and McIntyre Confrontation Sets the Stage for Saturday Night’s Main Event
The show opened with a much-anticipated face-to-face segment involving Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre, heightening tension ahead of their Undisputed WWE Championship bout at Saturday Night’s Main Event on November 1. Cody, fresh off a controversial finish last week where he struck McIntyre with the title belt and won via disqualification, addressed the crowd about whether he owes an apology for his uncharacteristic behavior.
Drew McIntyre interrupted from the crowd, dismissing any apologies and accusing the fans of being “complicit” and “brainwashed by corporate propaganda” for supporting Cody. McIntyre emphasized his desire to finish their feud and reclaim the title next week while also denying any involvement in an attack on Jacob Fatu, instead hinting Jimmy Uso could be responsible.
The segment escalated quickly when Jimmy Uso attacked McIntyre, leading to a chaotic brawl that required multiple security personnel to break apart. The volatile encounter underscored the combustible feud between Rhodes and McIntyre, promising a high-stakes showdown at Saturday Night’s Main Event. According to a WWE insider, “There’s genuine animosity backstage between Cody and Drew — both want to prove who’s truly the face of the company going forward” [3][6].
Ilja Dragunov Continues United States Title Open Challenge
Ilja Dragunov, fresh off winning the United States Championship by defeating Sami Zayn, announced he would continue defending the title via open challenges to build his legacy. His first title defense aired on SmackDown, though the opponent was not confirmed live during the broadcast. Dragunov’s fighting spirit and tenacity as a champion have won over fans and peers alike, solidifying him as a defining figure in the mid-card ranks.
Sources close to WWE confirm that Dragunov is set for several open challenge matches leading to Saturday Night’s Main Event, aiming to elevate the prestige of the United States Championship further [3][9].
MFTs Defeat Shinsuke Nakamura and Rey Fenix in Tag Team Match
In tag team action, The MFTs (Tama Tonga and JC Mateo), with the support of Tonga Loa, Tala Tonga, and Solo Sikoa, took on the talented pairing of Shinsuke Nakamura and Rey Fenix. The match featured high-impact maneuvers and marked Tama Tonga’s underhanded tactics, including an attack on Fenix behind the referee’s back that gave his team the upper hand.
Ultimately, the MFTs emerged victorious, building momentum for their faction as they continue to assert dominance on SmackDown. This win also adds layers to Nakamura and Fenix’s storyline, positioning them for potential redemption in future shows [1][2][10].
Tiffany Stratton Battles Kiana James Amid Rising Tensions
In the women’s division, WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton squared off against Kiana James in a non-title battle. The match was intense, showcasing Stratton’s technical prowess and James’ relentless aggression, with James playing her typical heel role, aided by ally Giulia, the Women’s United States Champion. Despite the hostile environment, Stratton secured a hard-fought victory.
The rivalry between Stratton and Kiana James, with Giulia’s involvement, continues to build toward a possible title confrontation. Insiders reveal that this storyline aims to spotlight the evolving competitive landscape of the women’s division heading into the final quarter of 2025 [3][4][5].
Backstage Atmosphere: A Tense Build-Up to Saturday Night’s Main Event
Backstage buzz suggests that the SmackDown roster is abuzz with excitement and nerves leading into the November 1 main event. According to a WWE insider, “The energy around Cody and Drew is electric — the locker room is split, and everyone is eagerly waiting for these two to finally settle their score. The United States title picture with Ilja Dragunov keeps the mid-card scene vibrant, and the women’s division is sharpening their claws. WWE is setting the table for a huge night” [3].
Looking Ahead
WWE SmackDown continues its crucial role in building storylines and setting up marquee matches for Saturday Night’s Main Event. The heated exchanges between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre promise a blockbuster showdown that could define the landscape of WWE for months to come. Meanwhile, Ilja Dragunov’s open challenge keeps the US Title scene unpredictable, and the women’s division remains full of potential explosive encounters.
Fans should keep an eye on further developments regarding McIntyre’s claims about the Jacob Fatu attack, as this subplot may unfold with unexpected twists in coming weeks. With the MFTs growing in power and the rising feud involving Tiffany Stratton and Kiana James, WWE SmackDown remains essential viewing for November’s big event build-up.
Key Results Recap:
- MFTs (Tama Tonga & JC Mateo) defeated Shinsuke Nakamura & Rey Fenix
- Tiffany Stratton defeated Kiana James (non-title match)
- Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre confrontation led to a backstage brawl
- Ilja Dragunov announced continuation of his United States title open challenges
WWE SmackDown will continue to broadcast live every Friday, providing crucial developments as the road to Saturday Night’s Main Event accelerates.