This week's SmackDown serves as the final stop before John Cena's farewell match at Saturday Night's Main Event. The show emanates live from the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, airing at 8/7c on USA Network. (Tickets)
Mixed Tag Match: Damian Priest & Rhea Ripley vs. Aleister Black & Zelina Vega
The Terror Twins reunite for the first time since their split to take on the villainous duo of Aleister Black and Zelina Vega. Priest and Black have been embroiled in a bitter feud throughout 2025, with Black seemingly ending things after defeating Priest in a Last Man Standing Match — punctuated by Zelina throwing a fireball in Priest's face. With the numbers game finally even, Priest and Ripley look to deliver payback.
United States Championship Match: Ilja Dragunov (c) vs. Tommaso Ciampa
Tommaso Ciampa finally gets his shot at the US Title after weeks of provocation. Dragunov has repeatedly dismissed Ciampa as "not worthy," leading Ciampa to interfere in matches and assault the champion. Dragunov enters with something to prove after Ciampa's interference cost him a clean victory over Carmelo Hayes last week.
Alexa Bliss vs. Lash Legend
The rivalry between their respective factions continues as Alexa Bliss faces Lash Legend in singles action. Bliss' team emerged victorious in the Women's WarGames match at Survivor Series, giving her momentum heading into this encounter.
Expected Segments
Saturday Night's Main Event Build: With Cody Rhodes facing NXT Champion Oba Femi tomorrow night at SNME, expect both to appear on SmackDown. Femi has been sending warnings to the Undisputed WWE Champion, vowing to "break The American Nightmare" and prove he's "the now" of WWE. Rhodes may also have to deal with Drew McIntyre, who remains a thorn in his side after their backstage brawl last week.
John Cena's Final SmackDown Appearance: With his retirement match against Gunther set for Saturday, the 16-time World Champion could make his final blue brand appearance to address the WWE Universe one last time.
Looking Ahead
- December 13 — Saturday Night's Main Event (Peacock):
- John Cena vs. Gunther (Cena's Final Match)
- Cody Rhodes vs. Oba Femi (Champion vs. Champion)
- Bayley vs. Sol Ruca
- AJ Styles & Dragon Lee vs. Je'Von Evans & Leon Slater
- December 15: RAW/SmackDown double taping in Hershey, PA
- January 6, 2026: NXT New Year's Evil — Oba Femi vs. Je'Von Evans for NXT Title