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WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT
SEPTEMBER 12, 2025
NORFOLK, VA. AT THE SCOPE
AIRED LIVE ON USA NETWORK
REPORT BY WADE KELLER, PWTORCH EDITOR
Commentators: Michael Cole, Corey Graves
Ring Announcer: Mark Nash
Attendance: Wrestletix reports that 8,552 were distributed headed into the show. The arena was set up for 8,592. The arena has a capacity of approximately 13,000 when configured for concerts. (Prior time at the arena: Sept. 11, 2023 it drew 7,447 for a Raw.)
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PWTorch editor Wade Keller will be joined by PWTorch’s Christopher Maitland to review WWE Smackdown LIVE on YouTube. We’ll be incorporating live viewer comments into the show so join us LIVE!
Email our post-show at wadekellerpodcast@gmail.com with your comments and questions about Smackdown. We’ll read your emails live during the post-show.
If you can’t join us live on YouTube, stream the show on demand later at YouTube or listen or stream later on a podcast app. Subscribe to all of our free podcasts by searching “wade keller” and “pwtorch” in your podcast app of choice including Spotify and Apple Podcasts and most other iOS and Android apps.
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[HOUR ONE]
-They opened with an aerial view of Norfolk, Va. as Vic Joseph introduced the show. They showed the arrival of Randy Orton, Drew McIntyre, Tiffany Stratton, and Jade Cargill,
-They went to Joseph and Booker T at ringside. Joseph said Booker was the worst G.M. in Smackdown history. (He got the thing that Booker is worst at wrong.) He went for a high-five, but Booker left him hanging. “Do your damn job,” Booker said.
-A video package aired on Brock Lesnar crashing the Sami Zayn vs. John Cena match for the U.S. Title.
-Lesnar made his ring entrance. Booker celebrated Lesnar as “no bread, no water, just beef, oh yeah, he’s a carnivore!” (A little insensitive of Booker perhaps, since Lesnar almost died from a condition – diverticulitis – that is attributed to a high red meat, low fiber diet and low water intake. Anyway…) Fans chanted “You suck!” at him loudly after his music stopped. He shot some pretty intense looks at the crowd. He seemed to zoom in one person in particular (who might need a change of clothes after that). R-Truth then sang his way to the ring before Lesnar could speak.
Truth entered the ring and asked, “What’s up?” Lesnar said, “Man, shut up.” Truth said he was going to go a different route and be the first WWE Superstar to say, “Brock, welcome back!” Lesnar smiled and laughed. He said he used to be scared of Lesnar, but he isn’t any longer. Lesnar said, “Whoa, whoa, whoa, I don’t even know who you are.” He said he better have “a damn good reason for coming out here.” Truth said Cena is both is childhood hero and older brother. Lesnar asked, “How old are you and what is your name.” Truth said, “R-Truth.” (Not Ron Killings, by the way.)
Lesnar cut off Truth and said he was there for one thing – Cena. He asked if he knows where Cena is. Truth said, “No, I don’t.” Lesnar asked, “Then why are you in my ring right now.” Lesnar then asked if Cena is his brother. Truth said, “Older brother.” Truth said, “My name is Ron Cena.” Fans chanted, “Ron Cena!”
Lesnar asked again if he knows where Cena is. Truth said he didn’t. Lesnar asked why he was there. Truth said he is there to stop the disrespect. He said Cena is built different now. He said he went crazy this year. He said he made a little kid cry. He said he Cena won’t be running from The Beast, “he’ll be feeding on him.” Lesnar asked again if Truth is his brother. He said they have the same father. Lesnar asked if he knows he is missing a tooth. He then gave Truth an F5. Fans booed.
Lesnar tore his jeans when he did the move. There was a big tear in the back. He patted his butt and then pointed his ass at the crowd, who gasped and laughed. He then wiggled and danced a little. Good thing he wore underwear. He slapped a fans’ extended hand on his way back and smiled some more and said, “Blue underwear!”
(Keller’s Analysis: I think Lesnar was a mix of amused and embarrassed, and he certainly broke character a bit with his reaction. Truth and Lesnar had a fun dynamic. There’s no sense, though, that Lesnar faces any consequences for interrupting a title match and attacking two men unprovoked. It sorta dampens the intended purpose of a heel attacking babyfaces – to get heel heat – if nobody seems to care.)
-Sami was shown telling someone off camera that it means a lot to him that Cena gave him a green light to keep the U.S. Title Open Challenges going. He said they both traveled the world, and their paths never crossed until tonight, and he’s looking forward to a hell of a match. He wished him luck. The camera panned over to reveal Rey Fenix. They shook hands. [c]
(1) SAMI ZAYN vs. REY FENIX – U.S. Title match
As Sami made his entrance, Booker said he watched Sami grow up to become a man. Rey Fenix made his entrance. The bell rang 25 minutes into the hour. After rapid-fire back-and-forth, Fenix teased a dive to the floor at Sami. Sami moved, so Fenix held up. Fenix struck a pose as they cut to a break at 1:00. [c]
Sami was in control after the break. He landed a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for a near fall. Fenix made a comeback and landed a top rope crossbody block. Sami rallied and went for a Helluva kick, but Fenix avoided it and landed a DDT for a very near fall. Joseph said, “You could’ve slid a piece of paper under the referee’s hand.” They cut to another break at 8:00. [c]
Fenix landed a leaping double-stomp off the top rope to the back of Sami’s neck and back leading to a two count. Fenix followed up with a double-jump turning Fire Flip for another two count. Sami countered with a Blue Thunder Bomb for a near fall. They cut to crowd reactions of fans going bonkers. Sami set up another Helluva, but Fenix countered into a roll-up for a near fall. Fans chanted, “This is awesome!”
Fenix ran the top rope, but Sami ducked him when he leaped at him. He then took his time following up, playing to the crowd. Joseph and Booker said he was wasting valuable time. Sami recovered during that time and took over and connected with a Helluva kick for the win.
WINNER: Sami in 16:00.
(Keller’s Analysis: A helluva match. Will any luchador ever lose as a result of anything other than completely losing focus by playing to the crowd, having the announcers call them out for it, paying a price by having their opponent recover during that time, and then go on to win? I’m all for a long U.S. Title Open Challenge with Sami.)
-They went to Joseph and Booker who threw to a clip of B-Fab, whom Joseph said was having a long day.
-They went backstage to B-Fab who was exasperated after leaving a voice message for someone. (She should try texting instead. Nobody listens to their voicemails in 2025.) Giulia and Kiana James were hanging out nearby. Giulia then said they made an example of Michin last week. She said that’s what happens to people who step up to them. B-Fab said she’s been busy with The Street Profits, but she’s available now. This led to Giulia agreeing to face B-Fab later.
-Joseph plugged that Worlds Collide starts immediately after Smackdown on YouTube.
(Keller’s Analysis: WWE does realize that AEW Rampage has been cancelled long ago, right? Why are they running late Friday night if it doesn’t counter AEW programming??)
-They showed Rey Mysterio, Mr. Iguana, El Hijo del Vikingo, and Dominik Mysterio arriving at the arena for Worlds Collide.
-A Wyatt Sicks vignette aired. Bo Dallas/Uncle Howdy asked, “Where do the Profits go from here?” He said they tried and tested them in Paris and they failed. Erick Rowan said the people don’t appreciate what they have until it’s gone. He said they have a tough choice ahead of them. He said brotherhood is infected, so they can amputate and save themselves or let the disease consume them. Bo said they are not the ones to blame. They said they just sowed the seeds and now they’re sprouting horns. “Follow the buzzards,” Howdy said.
(Keller’s Analysis: That was one of the better Wyatt Sicks vignettes. It had a target and a clearer-than-usual message.)
-As B-Fab entered the ring, James went after her. Giulia then kicked B-Fab off the ring apron to the floor. Giulia and James double-teamed B-Fab. Giulia then kneed her in the chin. Michin ran out with a kendo stick to make the save. James and Giula retreated. Apparently the match is off, but nobody said anything.
(Keller’s Analysis: Why was the match called off, or why did it just not happen after a break. B-Fab looked fine enough, standing on her feet? Does WWE care at all about consistency in how they react to situations?)
-They showed Drew McIntyre lifting weights backstage.
-They showed a split-screen Tiffany and Jade walking in the back halls. [c]
-A clip aired of Paul Levesque announcing that WrestleMania 43 in 2027 will be in Saudi Arabia. They left off all the chat comments during the live stream of people expressing displeasure with the announcement.
-A vignette aired with Aleister Black. He sent a message to Damien Priest. He said he thought he had poisoned Priest enough. He said, “Not with venom, but with doubt.” He said he is the sickness and the cure. He told him to live by the code. “Violence begets violence, and I shall be its prophet.”
-Jade Cargill’s ring entrance took place. [c]
(2) TIFFANY STRATTON vs. JADE CARGILL – WWE Women’s Title match
After Jade’s entrance, they replayed Tiffany stopping a pinfall loss to Jade at Summerslam by putting her foot on the bottom rope. Tiffany then made her entrance. Joseph said Rhea Ripley & Tiffany are facing Fatal Influence on NXT next week. The bell rang 2 minutes into the hour.
Tiffany side-stepped a quick Jade kick attempt. Jade shoved Tiffany into the ropes and then blocked a Tiffany armdrag attempt. Tiffany dropkicked Jade and then did her handspring back elbow, but Jade caught her. Jade then powerslammed Tiffany for a two count at 1:00. Nice opening minute.
Jade gloated a bit, then lifted Tiffany for a suplex. They slipped and stumbled backwards thanks to a knee by Tiffany to Jade’s temple as she was upside down. Tiffany rolled up Jade for a two count. Tiffany side-stepped a charging Jade and then flung herself over the top rope onto Jade at ringside. They cut to a double-box break. [c/db]
Jade took over offense during the break. Back from the break, Tiffany rallied. She landed a handspring back elbow into the corner this time. She followed with a basement dropkick and then followed up with a top rope swanton. She overshot Jade and just grazed her ribs. She scored a two count at 7:00.
Jade came back with a superkick, sending Tiffany to ringside. Jade yanked Tiffany by her legs and slammed her into the ring apron. Back in the ring, Tiffany rallied and set up a Prettiest Moonsault Ever, but Jade shoved her off the top rope and then landed a Jaded for a near fall.
They continued a back-and-forth battle with counters. Tiffany landed an Alabama Slam. Jade countered with a pump kick to the chest. Both were down and slow to get up. A “Let’s Go Jade!” chant rang out. Joseph said the crowd was split. (They were chanting for wrestlers, not chanting “This is awesome!” That’s a sign of success.) They exchanged strikes mid-ring. Tiffany avoided another pump kick.
They battled on the ring apron. Jade charged, but Tiffany moved. Jade went shoulder-first into the ringpost. Tiffany then dropkicked Jade to the floor. She followed up with a top rope moonsault attempt. Jade moved. Tiffany landed with a thud. Jade tackled Tiffany through the ringside barricade. The bell rang and the ref had counted them out.
WINNER: Double countout in 12:00.
-Nia Jax attacked both of them at ringside immediately. Jax threw Tiffany into the ring and swatted her down as she flew at her. She then dragged her to the corner and landed her Annihilator sit-splash. Jax stood and laughed as Joseph said, “Nia Jax showed her dominance again tonight.”
(Keller’s Analysis: That was easily one of Jade’s better matches. I’m still irritated by announcers showing no judgment of heel attacks. The genesis and entire point of a heel attack is to get heel heat so fans are more likely to cheer for the babyface. If the announcers don’t condemn the heel cheating, then it just seems like it’s part of the show or considered within the rules of engagement to “show dominance” or “make a point” or “weaken a future opponent.” That makes the heels seem resourceful rather than shameful. It’s so easy to fix, and I don’t get the culture of WWE’s presentation that more often than not simply chooses not to criticize the actions of heels within the way they tell their stories.)
-Backstage, Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre approached G.M. Nick Aldis. Green expressed doubt Charlotte was injured and said he is protecting her. Aldis said she was injured. Green ranted. Aldis said Charlotte & Alexa Bliss have to defend their titles next week at NXT Homecoming, but they can face the winners. Green was happy. Miz walked up to Aldis. Aldis said he gave Carmelo Hayes what he wanted. Miz assumed it was a tag team title match. Aldis let him believe that.
-They showed Orton warming up. [c]
-A video package aired on the history of John Cena and Brock Lesnar.
-Drew McIntyre made his ring entrance. [c]
-Veri Rodriguez interviewed Mysterio in Las Vegas about his son wrestling for the AAA Mega-Championship. Dominik interrupted and dismissed Rey’s comments. Dom said he’s going to be the first Mysterio to become Mega-Champion. He told Rey to come to the ring and wrap the belt around the winner’s waist. Rey said if he wins, he will put the title around his waist. Finn Balor walked in and said the best way for Dom to show he’s the best luchador is to go to the ring and win the title alone. Dom didn’t like that.
-Cathy Kelley interviewed Sami. He said Fenix is great and a future champion. Hayes walked in and called his shot. “I got next,” he said. Sami said, “Alright, Melo, don’t miss.” Hayes smiled and nodded. Miz approached Hayes and chewed him out about going after a singles title. He asked if he has any idea what it takes to be U.S. Champion. Miz told Hayes he needs him to guide him. Melo assured Miz he got it and he won’t miss.
(3) RANDY ORTON vs. DREW MCINTYRE
Orton made his entrance. Fans chanted, “Randy!” The bell rang 41 minutes into the hour. Orton took early control and punched away at Drew in the corner. They cut to a very early break. [c]
Orton was in control after the break, but he favored his knee after a kneedrop. Drew kicked his knee and then clipped it from behind. Drew put Orton a figure-four leglock. Orton forced a break and took over at ringside. They cut to a double-break break at 9:00. [c/db]
Drew took over again and worked over Orton’s knee. After fighting at ringside, Orton rammed Drew into the corner turnbuckles. Drew reverse-whipped Orton into the corner. Orton’s leg buckled. Drew went for a figure-four again. Orton kicked him off.
Orton landed a snap powerslam. Both were down and slow to get up. Fans chanted, “RKO!” They fought to the floor where Orton dropped Drew on the announce desk. Fans chanted, “One more time!” Orton slammed him again and then threw him into the ring. Drew surprised Orton with a Claymore. Orton caught Drew with an RKO, but he clutched his knee and wasn’t able to follow-up. Drew rolled to the floor.
Orton, with a cut on the bridge of his nose, landed a draping DDT. Fans chanted for an RKO. Instead, Drew was in position for a stomp. The ref got in his path and implored him not to. That gave Drew a chance to recover enough to avoid the stomp and then landed a Claymore to a frustrated Orton for the win.
WINNER: McIntyre in 17:00.
-As Drew set up a kick to Orton against the ringside table just like he did to Cody Rhodes, Cody charged out for the save and got a huge pop. Cody then yelled, “Drew McIntyre, the champ is back!” Fans cheered. He said he’d see him at WrestlePalooza.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO OUR POST-SHOW PODCAST
JOIN US LIVE ON YOUTUBE TONIGHT FOR THE VIDEO-FORMAT OF OUR LIVE POST-SHOWS…
PWTorch editor Wade Keller will be joined by PWTorch’s Christopher Maitland to review WWE Smackdown LIVE on YouTube. We’ll be incorporating live viewer comments into the show so join us LIVE!
Email our post-show at wadekellerpodcast@gmail.com with your comments and questions about Smackdown. We’ll read your emails live during the post-show.
If you can’t join us live on YouTube, stream the show on demand later at YouTube or listen or stream later on a podcast app. Subscribe to all of our free podcasts by searching “wade keller” and “pwtorch” in your podcast app of choice including Spotify and Apple Podcasts and most other iOS and Android apps.
VIP MEMBER EXCLUSIVE VIDEO CALLER CODE: CLICK HERE
LINK TO BE A VIP CALLER: https://streamyard.com/yajkvcu28b
Click that link during the post-show to enter the waiting room as “live video caller” (or just audio if you turn off your cam, which is fine).
OPEN TO EVERYONE – LINK TO WATCH LIVE RIGHT AFTER WWE SMACKDOWN TONIGHT: CLICK HERE
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