WWE Smackdown results (12/12): A fresh, expanded retelling of the night’s key moments, focusing on the U.S. Title clash between Ilja Dragunov and Tommaso Ciampa, the high-stakes dynamic between Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley versus Aleister Black and Zelina, and the celebratory moments surrounding John Cena. This rewrite preserves every essential detail while presenting the events in a new, more accessible voice.
But here’s where it gets controversial... this show foregrounds Cody Rhodes’s ongoing feud with Drew McIntyre as a distraction from other big matches, inviting debate about where the real focus should lie on Smackdown. And this is the part most people miss: the night also plants seeds for upcoming confrontations, hinting at rivalries that could redefine the brand in the coming weeks.
Episode: WWE Smackdown (Episode 1,373)
Date: December 12, 2025
Location: Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Broadcast: Simulcast on USA Network (also available on Netflix internationally)
Hour One recap: The show opens with a recap of last week’s Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre storyline developments, setting the table for tonight’s twists and turns.
Commentators: Michael Cole and Corey Graves return to ringside, noting that John Cena’s final match is scheduled for Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Backstage developments: A video is shown of Smackdown General Manager Nick Aldis explaining that he has tried reaching out to Drew McIntyre after suspending him, but McIntyre has stopped taking calls. Cody Rhodes encounters Aldis backstage, who hands him paperwork from a lawyer claiming Smackdown is an unsafe work environment. Cody dismisses the paperwork and walks away.
Main event setup: WWE Champion Cody Rhodes enters in a sharp suit and addresses the crowd. He explains that McIntyre believes Smackdown is unsafe and argues that McIntyre is only half-in, which is why Cody isn’t the champion and why he won’t sweat McIntyre. Cody asserts he can fire McIntyre if he were his boss, but since he can’t, he vows to whip his ass instead.
NXT contrast: Oba Femi, the NXT Champion, arrives and immediately confronts Cody in the ring. The broadcast team promotes their upcoming match for Saturday Night’s Main Event. Oba tells Cody that Cody is worried about the wrong person—it's McIntyre who’s preoccupied him, not the NXT champion in the building. Introducing himself, Oba lists his nicknames and declares that the future is now, proclaiming, “Your time is up, and my time is now.” He adds a nod to a famous Cena quote when Cody mentions Cena as a source of inspiration.
Cody’s response: Cody brags about being the man who defeated Cena for the WWE Championship, then attempts to leave, but Oba stops him. Both men raise their belts in the air before Cody exits.
Powell’s analysis: This segment is a straightforward setup showing Cody distracted by his feud with McIntyre, leaving the Oba match underdeveloped at this moment. The anticipation for Oba vs. Cody is strong, though the match’s full attention comes later.
Backstage/arrival shots: Michael Cole narrates arrivals and segments featuring Aleister Black and Zelina, Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, and Lash Legend with Nia Jax. Cole teases Bliss vs. Legend for later in the program.
U.S. Championship tease: Ilja Dragunov is seen backstage when Natalya Frazer and Axiom approach him. Frazer warns they’ll crush DIY’s teeth, while Axiom tempers the threat by saying they’ve got Dragunov’s back. Dragunov notes he may need to handle things on his own, and Axiom wishes him good luck.
Ciampa entrance: Tommaso Ciampa makes his way to the ring for the U.S. Title match, introduced by ring announcer Mark Nash ahead of the first commercial break.
End of segment notes: The show builds anticipation for the next phase, balancing personal rivalries with title ambitions and hinting at a broader network of feuds that will unfold in coming weeks.
Would you like this rewritten version tailored for a specific audience (e.g., casual fans, die-hard followers, or newcomers) or adjusted to emphasize different matchups and storylines?
