This article includes spoilers and results from WWE Friday Night SmackDown, held on December 26, 2025. Following Christmas, the excitement was high among WWE superstars, including The Miz. This festive episode featured notable appearances from Drew McIntyre and Joe Hendry, each bringing their unique hype to the event.
Joe Hendry made his SmackDown debut by defeating The Miz in a thrilling Miracle at 34th Street Fight. Charlotte Flair secured a win against Rush Legend, while Carmelo Hayes triumphed over Ilya Dragunov in the final open challenge for the United States Championship, claiming the title. Additionally, Julia and Kiana James defeated Chesley Greene and Alba Fire.
Some key moments included Cody Rhodes addressing the show and discussing Drew McIntyre’s pending arrival with GM Nick Aldis and Rose. Hendry and his allies challenged The Miz by parodying his theme song, setting the tone for their intense match. WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill issued a fiery backstage promo aimed at Meechin, promising an end to their feud soon. Backstage, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss talked about the Women’s Tag Team Championship when Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY, Rush Legend, Nia Jax, and the Kabuki Warriors interrupted, culminating in Nick Aldis announcing an eight-woman tag match for next week.
Drew McIntyre eventually appeared, addressing earlier incidents with referee Dan Engler and escalating tensions with Rose, promising a brutal three-stage match in Berlin, concluding SmackDown by staking his claim prominently with the championship.
Carmelo Hayes’ victory was a standout moment as he captured his first main roster title, injecting fresh energy into the United States Championship scene similar to John Cena’s early reign. With several rising stars like Oba Femi, Jevon Evans, Joe Hendry, and Trick Williams as challengers, the division looks set for dynamic storylines.
Julia, once highlighted as a future WWE female star alongside Zarya and Stefanie Vaquer, has experienced a stop-start run. Her match against Chelsea Green was engaging, but fans hope to see higher stakes and more consistent booking for her in 2026 to fulfill her potential.
Fan Take: This SmackDown episode was crucial as it reshaped several storylines, especially with Carmelo Hayes emerging as a new U.S. Champion and Drew McIntyre delivering intense promos that hype future battles. These moments not only boost fan engagement but also set the stage for captivating rivalries that could elevate WWE’s competitive spirit in the coming months.
