A Star-Studded Lineup Headlines the Final SmackDown of 2025
Last night’s episode of WWE SmackDown, broadcast from the historic Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan, was a night to remember as the WWE U.S. Championship Open Challenge stole the show. In a series of thrilling matches, Ilja Dragunov put his title on the line against a plethora of worthy challengers. Meanwhile, The Miz clashed with Joe Hendry in a hard-hitting contest, and Drew McIntyre made a much-anticipated return to the SmackDown roster.
Ilja Dragunov’s U.S. Championship Open Challenge Reignites the Competition
The evening kicked off with Ilja Dragunov putting his U.S. Championship on the line in a high-stakes Open Challenge. The challenge, which has been a staple of recent SmackDown episodes, attracted a talented pool of competitors, all vying for a chance to dethrone the reigning champion.
Dragunov’s first challenger of the night was none other than the high-flying Danny Burch. The British Superstar showcased his acrobatic skills, delivering a series of daring leaps and aerial attacks, but ultimately fell short against the cunning Dragunov, who utilized his technical grappling skills to secure a dominant victory.
“I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I’m glad to have put on a show for the fans in Grand Rapids,” a confident Dragunov said in a post-match interview. “But I’m not complacent – I know there are many other talented wrestlers out there who would love to take my title, and I’m ready for the challenge.”
The U.S. Championship Open Challenge continued, with Dragunov facing off against his next challenger, the formidable Bronson Matthews. This bout promised to be an intense and physical contest, with both men trading blows and showcasing their respective strengths. Matthews, known for his raw power and aggression, pushed Dragunov to his limits, but ultimately, the champion’s quickness and agility allowed him to outmaneuver his opponent and secure another victory.
The final challenger of the night was none other than the hard-hitting Dominik Mysterio, who, fueled by a desire to avenge his recent losses, entered the fray with a fierce determination. Mysterio’s relentless assault on Dragunov proved to be a formidable challenge, but the champion’s cunning and experience ultimately allowed him to outwit and outmaneuver his opponent, securing another hard-fought victory.
The Miz and Joe Hendry Engage in a Thrilling Contest
While Dragunov’s U.S. Championship Open Challenge stole the show, The Miz and Joe Hendry delivered a thrilling contest that showcased their respective skills and styles. The hard-hitting Hendry, known for his formidable size and strength, clashed with the cunning and experienced Miz in a battle that promised to be a closely contested affair.
The bout began with both men trading blows, each attempting to gain the upper hand. Hendry, fueled by his aggressive nature, unleashed a flurry of powerful attacks, but Miz’s quickness and agility allowed him to evade and counter with a series of devastating strikes. Hendry’s size and strength proved to be a significant advantage, allowing him to overpower Miz and send him crashing to the mat.
However, Miz’s cunning and experience ultimately allowed him to outmaneuver Hendry, securing a narrow victory and sending a clear message to his opponent: he is not to be underestimated.
Drew McIntyre Returns to SmackDown
The evening’s main event saw the return of Drew McIntyre, the former WWE Champion, to the SmackDown roster. McIntyre, who has been absent from the show for several months, made a grand entrance, greeting the Grand Rapids crowd with his trademark intensity and charisma.
McIntyre’s initial intentions were unclear, but it soon became apparent that he was there to confront none other than Roman Reigns, the current WWE Universal Champion. The two men, known for their long history of rivalry, traded verbal barbs and physical blows, setting the stage for a potential showdown in the near future.
“I’ve been watching from the sidelines for far too long,” McIntyre said in a post-match interview. “It’s time for me to take center stage and reclaim my rightful place in the WWE. Roman Reigns may be the champion, but I’m the one who’s going to bring him down.”
Conclusion
Last night’s episode of WWE SmackDown was a night to remember, with Ilja Dragunov’s U.S. Championship Open Challenge delivering a series of thrilling contests that showcased the talents of a range of WWE Superstars. The Miz and Joe Hendry clashed in a thrilling match, while Drew McIntyre’s return to the SmackDown roster set the stage for a potential showdown with Roman Reigns in the near future.
As the final episode of 2025 comes to a close, the WWE roster is set to embark on a new year, filled with challenges, opportunities, and rivalries that promise to be just as intense and thrilling. One thing is certain: the world of WWE is about to get a whole lot more interesting.