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KELLER’S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT
SEPTEMBER 26, 2025
ORLANDO, FLA.
AIRED LIVE ON USA NETWORK
-They opened with a scene of Orlando, Fla.
-Michael Cole introduced the show from ringside along with Booker T. He said Booker was filling in for Corey Graves who would miss at least a couple of weeks due to Brock Lesnar’s attack.
-Paul Heyman stood mid-ring and said he had so much to talk about out, it’s unfortunate they only have two hours. He said everyone in Gorilla can relax, as he will paraphrase the pseudo-champion. He asked, “What do you want to talk about?” He asked if they want to talk about Seth “Freakin'” Rollins. He said Seth’s greatness is above their pay grade. Fans chanted “OTC! OTC!”
Heyman said he’d love to talk about the OTC, “but it’s disrespectful to speak of the injured when he got his ass stretchered out of Paris by Big Bronson Reed.”
He asked if they should talk about the “dog” who is going to headline WrestleMania ten straight years and lead WWE into the 2030s and maybe the 2040s, Bron Breakker.
He said they could also talk about “the conspiracy theories and rumors regarding Brock Lesnar.” He was interrupted by Cody Rhodes’s music.
As Cody came out, Cole hyped Crown Jewel from Perth, Australia featuring Seth vs. Cody in a champion vs. champion match. Cody played to cheering fans. Fans sang “Cody, Cody Rhodes.” (I love that Cody doesn’t seem to enjoy that at all and just waits it out without encouraging it, but seems itching to just get to his promo the whole time.)
Cody asked if everyone watched the Wrestlepalooza recap. He told Heyman he made a mistake last week calling him a goon. He said he doesn’t think he’s a goon. He said he’s one of the smartest men he knows. He said he knows Heyman loves to stir things up. “Tell me about Brock Lesnar,” Cody said.
Cody pointed at an image of Heyman and Lesnar together at Wrestpalooza. He said it doesn’t look like “just a one-night thing” to him. He asked if he was talking to the Oracle or the Wiseman or the Advocate. “You are talking to the GOAT,” he said. He said as the greatest of all-time, he respects that he’s talking to him about Brock. He said when Brock is there, everyone is in danger.
He said, “A little bit of good news for you.” Fans stood and gasped and alerted Cody by pointing to ringside as Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker showed up. They entered the ring and stood in front of Cody.
Cody said he keeps hearing how dangerous they are and how they’re supposed to “inherit all of this.” He said Heyman probably tells them both that they’re future WrestleMania main eventers. Cody said when he was their age, he’d have killed to be a Paul Heyman Guy.
He said he had unsolicited advice for them. He said he grew up studying his dad and Verne (Gagne) and Bill Watts “and I saw it all.” He said you could always tell what they were doing it for and why. He said no one has figured out Heyman yet. He asked who he is loyal to. “One thing I can guarantee, it ain’t you,” Cody said.
Breakker tore off his t-shirt. Cody took off his jacket in response. Fans cheered. “I’m not sure this is wise,” said Cole. Cody said it looks like they want to fight. He threw a punch at Reed. Then he turned to Breakker. Reed mistakenly splashed Breakker in the corner. Booker said Cody was holding his own. Cody set up a Crossroads on Reed, but Breakker broke it up with a leaping lariat. Cole said numbers caught up to Cody.
As Reed and Breakker set up an attack, Randy Orton came out to his music for the save. They cleared the ring. Orton picked up Cody’s belt and eyed it before handing it to Cody and then patting Cody on the chest.
-Cathy Kelley interviewed The Street Profits backstage. She said they are close to another WWE Tag Team Title opportunity. Montez Ford said when they come up short, it makes them hungrier for what is theirs. Angelo Dawkins they go at it from time to time, “but that’s just how it is.” Ford said they’re want the smoke and then turned to head to the ring.
-The Profits made their entrance. [c]
-They showed Noah Lyles, an Olympic Gold Medalist, in the front row.
(1) THE STREET PROFITS (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) vs. MIZ & CARMELO HAYES
The bell rang 26 minutes into the hour. Ford got in early two counts on Hayes and then tagged in Dawkins. Four-way action broke out and the Profits dropped Miz onto Hayes, then clotheslined Miz over the top rope to the floor. The Profits played to the crowd. Dawkins then charged at Miz, but Hayes surprised him with a dropkick. Hayes smiled and signaled to Miz he was there for him. They shook hands. They cut to a break at 2:00. [c]
Hayes and Miz were in control after the break. Ford eventually broke free and went for a hot tag to Dawkins, but Miz yanked Dawkins to the floor out of reach. Hayes then landed The First 48 on Ford. When he climbed to the top rope, Miz tagged himself in. Hayes grabbed Miz’s wrist. Ford, meanwhile, tagged in Dawkins as Hayes and Miz argued. Dawkins clotheslined Miz and followed with a flurry of offense. Ford tagged back in and landed his top rope frog splash for the win. Cole said Miz’s attempt to “steal the glory” cost his team the match.
WINNERS: The Street Profits in 10:00.
-After the match, The Wyatt Sicks (sans Uncle Howdy) stood and sat on the announce desk and stared at the Profits.
-Kelley interviewed Jade Cargill backstage about facing Mia Jax and Tiffany Stratton. Jade said she’s so sick and tired of those women, she’ll feel great becoming the new WWE Women’s Champion. Stephanie Vaquer walked in and eyed Jade. Jade said a storm is coming her way at Crown Jewel after she wins the title.
-Giulia and Kiana James made their ring entrance. [c]
-A clip aired of Tyrese Haliburton being interviewed by Stephanie McMahon on her “What’s Your Story?” Podcast.
(2) MICHIN & B-FAB vs. GIULIA & KIANA JAMES
The bell rang 45 minutes into the hour. At 3:00, James tried to call a timeout at ringside with Giulia when B-Fab leaped off the steps into both of them. Giulia then tossed Michin over the announce desk. She played to the camera. When she turned, Michin leaped off the announce desk with a dropkick. With all four at ringside, they cut to a break. [c]
Back from the break, Kiana was in control against B-Fab. Giulia tagged in and landed a top rope dropkick on B-Fab. Booker T said Giulia “is like the wind; you can feel it but you can’t touch it, but you know it’s there.” Cole complimented his way with words. Booker said, “Thank you very much.”
B-Fab tagged in Michin who rallied against Kiana. She scored a near fall, broken up by Giulia. B-Fab nailed Giulia with a pump kick. They rolled to the floor as Michin and Kiana battled. Kiana raked Michin’s eyes and then tagged in Giulia. Giulia then quickly finished Michin with he Northern Lights Bomb.
WINNERS: Giulia & Kiana James in 11:00.
(Keller’s Analysis: Nice action throughout.)
-Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss were chatting backstage when in walked Sol Ruca and Zaria. Zaria said they should get a shot at their tag titles. Charlotte said they haven’t earned it. Zaria said that is rich coming from Charlotte. Sol said she didn’t mean that. Sol and Zaria bickered. Alexa said they don’t even act like a team. She told them to get their act together and get in line. Zaria and Sol left. Charlotte told Bliss, “That was harsh; I’m so proud of you!”
-Drew McIntyre made his ring entrance wearing a walking boot. [c]
-Cole announced John Cena vs. A.J. Styles was added to the Crown Jewel line-up. Cole said WWE fans demanded it and they got it.
-Drew McIntyre stood mid-ring. His music faded. Drew said it just occurred to him when he walked out there that he was in the arena he made his return in back in 2017. He said he isn’t a champion because of Cody. He said he had Cody beat on Saturday and everyone could see it in his eyes. He said Cody is a “master chess player.” He said the ref took six seconds to count a cover he had. He said he had Cody set up for Claymore, but the ref got between them. He asked if it would have been a DQ if he gave Cody a Claymore into the steps. He said it wouldn’t have been. He asked if the referees in WWE work for WWE or Cody.
Drew said he forgives the referee because he has a family to provide for. He said he blames Cody because he uses his great power in a corrupt way. G.M. Nick Aldis walked out and interrupted. He said he actually thinks Drew is making sense and he agrees with his point of view on some things. He said it just wasn’t his night, but he shouldn’t make excuses. He said he should know better than that.
Aldis noted Drew was in a protective boot for an injured foot. He said he saw him kick the table, but the boot didn’t come from their medical team. Drew said the WWE medical team might as well be Cody’s medical team. He said he has his own medical team. Aldis said, “Enough with the excuses.” He asked if he’s really claiming he isn’t champion because of corruption. He said that’s insane. He said the ref decision is final. He turned to leave.
Drew said everyone knows he’s the champion without a championship. Jacob Fatu’s entrance theme played and he made his return. He entered the ring and stared at Drew. Fans chanted, “Fatu! Fatu” Fatu yanked the mic out of Drew’s hand. “Man, shut your ass up!” he said. Fans laughed and cheered. He told him to “stop bitching” also.
He said he comes out there every week and cries and complains and blames everyone else for his wrongdoing. He said he should just sit his peg-ass leg down. Drew yanked the mic from him and, in a rage, asked who the hell he thinks he is. Drew said Fatu has had a great run the past year, but he’s Drew McIntyre. He said if he wasn’t hurt right now – at which point Fatu yanked the mic back. Fatu asked, “Or what?” He said he’s all gas, no brakes. Drew head-butted Fatu. Fatu kicked Drew and then yanked off his medical boot and hit Drew in the head wit it. Drew went out flat on his back. Fatu stood over him as his music played. Cole said Fatu said what many people wanted to say to Drew but didn’t have the guts to.
-Vaquer approached Tiffany. She said she’d be watching her later and maybe they’d meet at Crown Jewel. Tiffany said if they wrestle, Vaquer will end up on the ground and she’ll be Crown Jewel champion.
-Sami Zayn told Rey Fenix that their match was one of the best he’s had in a while. Fenix asked who Sami would be facing. Sami said it could be anyone from Raw or Smackdown. He then noted they were in Orlando, implying NXT, and said it could be anybody. Sami turned and made his ring entrance. [c]
-A vignette aired with Solo Sikoa talking up J.C. Mateo. He said he’s pound for pound the strongest and baddest guy he knows. He said he has won titles around the world. He said he loves him for believing in him. He said anyone who gets out of line, he puts back in their place. He said his loyalty will be rewarded as long as he’s part of his family tree. “I love you so much,” he concluded.
(3) SAMI ZAYN vs. JE’VON EVANS – U.S. Title Open Challenge
Evans, a standout from NXT, was revealed to be the mystery challenger. Cole called him “breath-taking” and “dynamic.” Cole said he will face Josh Briggs at No Mercy tomorrow night. The cell rang 20 minutes into the hour. Booker T said he’s special and extraordinary and has “an abundance of energy.”
The bell rang 20 minutes into the hour. After a rapid-fire exchange where Sami came out on top, Evans retreated into the corner to regroup. Sami offered his hand and helped him up in a sign of good sportsmanship. Evans landed a hard chop to Sami’s chest. Sami looked at him and nodded as if he was impressed. Sami then landed a vicious series of chops.
Evans springboard launched himself onto Sami with a clothesline leading to a two count. He followed with an Arabian Rana for a two count. He then landed a standing high dropkick Jim Brunzell style. Sami rolled the floor, but then quickly returned and surprised a charging Evans with a clothesline. Cole said Evans was “over-exuberant.” They cut to a break at 3:00. [c]
Sami was in control after the break, but Evans side-stepped a charging Sami and sent him to ringside. He then landed a soaring leap over the top rope onto Sami.
Back in the ring, Sami went for a Blue Thunder Bomb, but Evans blocked it and scored a two count seconds later. Evans put Sami on the top turnbuckle and set up a top rope move, but Sami battled back and chopped Evans to the mat.
Sami then leaped off the top rope, but Evans met him up there and landed a huracanrana for a dramatic near fall. Evans looked up at the ref full of hope it was a three count. Cole said Evans almost pulled off the upset of the year. Fans chanted, “This is awesome!” Sami came back with an exploder suplex and then charged for a Helluva kick, but Evans countered with a high knee to the chin.
Evans went for the double-spring tornado splash, but Sami moved. Sami charged with a Helluva kick, but Evans avoided it and then hit his OG – a double-jump from the top rope into a cutter – for a dramatic near fall. When Sami kicked out, fans chanted, “Ref, you suck!”
Sami ducked a leaping evans and landed a quick Helluva kick followed by his Blue Thunder Bomb for the win. Sami helps Evans sit up and pointed at him with respect, encouraging the crowd to cheer him. He then lifted his arm before rolling out of the ring with his belt.
WINNER: Sami in 10:00 to retain the U.S. Title.
(Keller’s Analysis: Really good ten minute match that introduced a bigger audience to the standout athletic style of Evans.)
-Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre approached Nia Jax and offered her a job within her cabinet. Jax tore it up and walked away like she thought they were clowns. Jax then walked up to Stephanie Vaquer and said she could drop her where she stands right now, but she’d rather do it at Crown Jewel and become champion. [c]
-Damien Priest bumped into Kit Wilson. He said Priest is the personification of toxic masculinity. He said he is toxic and shoved him. Priest gave him a mean look so Wilson turned and tried to flee, but tripped over a wheelchair. Aleister Black was watching from behind. He came up to Priest and landed a spinning side kick to take Priest down. He then sat next to him and said it appears they’re getting somewhere now. He wished him a happy birthday and walked away.
(4) TIFFANY STRATTON vs. NIA JAX vs. JADE CARGILL – WWE Women’s Title match
Jade Cargill’s ring entrance took place. Booker said, “She’s a specimen.” Cole said she’s still in search of her first title in WWE. Booker said, “Just wait.” Nia Jax then made her entrance. They noted Jade is the 2025 Queen of the Ring and Jax was the 2024 Queen of the Ring.
Tiffany Stratton then made her entrance. Cole noted she has the third-longest title reign of all WWE Women’s Champions, with only Bianca Belair and Becky Lynch with longer reigns. He said she’s the only unbeaten wrestler on Raw or Smackdown.
Formal ring introductions took place with Mark Nash. Fans chanted “Tiffy Time!” Cole noted there is no champion’s advantage and there are no DQs or count outs. The bell rang 44 minutes into the hour.
Jax shoved Stratton into Jade a the start and then bodyslammed Tiffany onto Jade. Jade and Jax collided mid-ring seconds later. Tiffany dropkicked them both. Jax rolled to ringside as they cut to a double-box break. [c/db]
Tiffany got in offense during the break. Jax then took over and battered Jade at ringside. Jade fought back. Tiffany ran and leaped through the ropes toward both, but her boot caught a rope and she came up short and barely grazed Jax as she fell hard to the mat. Jade then gave Tiffany a fallaway slam on the floor. She threw Tiffany back into the ring. Jax shoved Jade into the ringpost.
Jax then shoved Tiffany into the corner and splashed he. Jade re-entered the ring and knocked Jax down. Tiffany and Jade battled. Jade gave Tiffany a pump-handle slam for a two count count, broken up with force by Jax. (That’s how it’s done!) Jax head-butted Jade and then climbed to the second rope. Tiffany rolled up Jade from behind and went for a pin. Jax leg dropped Jade after Tiffany mov4ed. Tiffany landed a dropkick. Tiffany then leaped off the top rope onto Jax with a Swanton. Jade kicked her in the head, but she knocked her onto Jax for a two count. All three were down and slow to get up. They cut to another double-box break. [c/db]
During the break, Jade hung Tiffany upside down in the corner. Jax took over and splashed Tiffany and then dragged her back to center ring for a two count at 8:00.
Back from the break, Tiffany and Jade superplexed Jax off the top rope. Fans chanted, “This is awesome!” Tiffany landed a Prettiest Moonsault Ever on Jax for a two count after Jade moved out of the path at the last second.
Tiffany countered a lift-and-drop powerbomb attempt by Jade with a huracanrana takeover. She followed with a handspring back elbow, but Jade caught her and delivered a Jaded, which had an awkward setup. When Jade made the cover, Jax pulled the ref out of the ring. Cole noted (the absurd and ridiculous) “no DQ” stip in Triple Threat matches, saying Jax “can do anything she wants.” (I still can’t stress enough how disqualifying stupid the no-DQ rule in Triple Threat matches is, and how much it undermines any sense of the better wrestler actually winning the match, and how much it makes babyface look like suckers for not beating heels to the punch of using every otherwise illegal technique possible to win. The easy solution is to DQ a person if they cheat and then turn the match into a one-on-one.)
Jade cleared the announce desk of everything on it and tried to lift Jax. Jax didn’t go up. Jax then shoved Jade into the ringside steps. Jax then tossed the top part of the steps aside and set up a suplex off the base of the steps. Jade blocked it and then lifted Jax onto her shoulders and delivered a Samoan Drop onto the steps. Jade looked into the ringside camera which showed she was bleeding from above her eye. The ref ran over to check on her cut.
Jax charged at Jade in the ring, but Jade landed an Eye of the Storm on Jax. Jax kicked out as Tiffany was charging in to break up the pin with a dropkick. (I assume she was a second too late so Jax had to kick out.) Tiffany made the cover. The ref counted to two, but Jax didn’t kick out and the ref just stopped her count. Jax had some words for the ref and the ref said something back to her. Jax then lifted her shoulder. The fans booed.
Jax rolled onto her back while still having words with the ref. Tiffany dropped an elbow on her and then landed a Prettiest Moonsault Ever for the win.
WINNER: Stratton to retain the WWE Women’s Title.
(Keller’s Analysis: It seems mostly likely a Prettiest Moonsault Ever was the planned finish, so it seems most likely Jax was supposed to kick out. If Tiffany was scheduled to win, the ref should’ve just counted to three anyway. What happened was the worst-case scenario compared to Tiffany pinning Jax 30 seconds sooner than planned when it would be Jax’s fault for not kicking out in the first place. It’s also possible the Prettiest Moonsault Ever was just an improvise after the match was supposed to end, if indeed the ref just messed up.)
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