WWE SmackDown’s final two-hour edition of 2025 did not disappoint, delivering a night filled with shocking title changes, new faces, and familiar favorites. The event had a lot to live up to, but it ultimately exceeded expectations, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what’s to come in the New Year.
Title Change Shines in the Spotlight
One of the main storylines of the evening centered around the Intercontinental Championship, which saw a title change at the hands of the new challenger, Austin Theory. Theory, known for his cunning and relentless pursuit of greatness, proved himself to be a force to be reckoned with as he dethroned the reigning champion, Karrion Kross. The match was a closely contested affair, with both competitors giving it their all, but in the end, Theory emerged victorious.
According to a WWE insider, Theory’s title win was a long time coming, and it’s a testament to his hard work and dedication. “Austin has been knocking on the door for a while now, and finally, he’s getting the recognition he deserves,” said the insider. “He’s got the charisma, the talent, and the drive to be a top-tier superstar, and I think this title win is just the beginning of a bright future for him.”
New Faces Make an Impact
In addition to the title change, WWE SmackDown also saw the introduction of several new faces to the roster. One of the most notable newcomers was the high-flying sensation, Rey Fenix, who made a splash in his debut match against the reigning US Champion, Dolph Ziggler. Fenix’s incredible athleticism and aerial abilities left the crowd in awe, and it’s clear that he’s going to be a fan favorite in the coming weeks and months.
Another newcomer, the dominant powerhouse, Mauro Ranallo, also made a strong impression in his debut match against the likes of Big E. Ranallo’s impressive size and strength proved to be too much for his opponent, and it’s likely that we’ll see him continue to make waves on the SmackDown roster.
The Usual Suspects Shine
While the new faces certainly stole the show, the familiar favorites didn’t disappoint either. Sasha Banks and Naomi continued their reign of terror, taking down the Women’s Tag Team Champions, Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler, in a thrilling match that showcased the incredible talents of all four competitors.
Meanwhile, the rivalry between Cody Rhodes and the returning Finn Bálor continued to heat up, with Bálor delivering a stunning promo that left Rhodes reeling. According to sources close to Cody Rhodes, he’s more determined than ever to take down his nemesis and prove himself as the number one contender for the Undisputed Championship.
What We Hated
While WWE SmackDown had its fair share of highlights, there were a few moments that left fans feeling underwhelmed. One of the main issues was the lackluster performance of the commentary team, who struggled to keep up with the action and often found themselves at odds with the in-ring product.
Additionally, the pacing of the show felt a bit off at times, with some matches feeling rushed and others feeling overly long. It’s clear that the writers are still working out the kinks, but with a bit more attention to detail, they could have avoided some of the issues that plagued the evening.
What We Loved
Despite the few hiccups, WWE SmackDown had plenty to love. The title change was a highlight of the evening, and the introduction of new faces to the roster added a fresh dynamic to the show. The Usual Suspects also delivered, with Sasha Banks and Naomi putting on a show-stopping performance and Cody Rhodes and Finn Bálor continuing their epic rivalry.
As the New Year approaches, it’s clear that WWE SmackDown is primed for a big 2026. With new faces, new storylines, and plenty of excitement on tap, fans have plenty to look forward to in the coming months. Will Theory continue to reign supreme as Intercontinental Champion, or will he face stiff competition from the growing ranks of contenders? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: WWE SmackDown is going to be a wild ride in the months to come.
WWE SmackDown continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in professional wrestling, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds.