Live from the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan
WWE SmackDown heads to Grand Rapids for the final episode before the holidays, serving as the fallout show from Saturday Night's Main Event, where John Cena wrestled his final match ever. The show also addresses the fallout from Drew McIntyre's attack on Cody Rhodes during his match with NXT Champion Oba Femi. With multiple storylines heating up heading into the new year, tonight's episode promises significant developments across multiple feuds.
Match Card
- Ilja Dragunov & Carmelo Hayes vs. DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa)
- Nia Jax & Lash Legend vs. The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka & Kairi Sane)
- JC Mateo & Tonga Loa vs. The Wyatt Sicks (Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis) - No Contest Expected
Damian Priest Under Siege
Following the Terror Twins' victory over Aleister Black and Zelina Vega at last week's SmackDown, Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley reunited to defeat the married couple in mixed tag team action. However, the feud appears far from over. Sources have identified that Black and Zelina will launch another assault on Priest during tonight's broadcast.
The Archer of Infamy recently enlisted Ripley's help after months of dealing with Black's mind games and Zelina's interference. While the Terror Twins secured the win last week with their signature Razor's Edge combination and Ripley's Riptide, Black has shown no signs of backing down. With Ripley currently focused on her own rivalries on Raw, Priest may find himself outnumbered once again when Black and Zelina strike.
This feud dates back several months, with Black defeating Priest in a Last Man Standing Match thanks to Zelina's involvement. Black then escalated matters by blasting Priest in the face with a fireball. Tonight's attack could set up a stipulation match or further enlarge this personal rivalry heading into the Royal Rumble season.
Ilja Dragunov & Carmelo Hayes vs. DIY
In an unlikely pairing, United States Champion Ilja Dragunov teams with Carmelo Hayes to battle the veteran duo of DIY. This match brings together four competitors with vastly different recent trajectories on SmackDown.
Dragunov successfully retained his United States Championship against Tommaso Ciampa last week after weeks of Ciampa's psychological warfare. The Mad Dragon has made it clear he wants to carry the title with honor, refusing backup from Nathan Frazer and Axiom despite Ciampa's mind games. His partnership with Hayes tonight represents an intriguing dynamic, as both men possess intense, high-impact styles.
Hayes, meanwhile, was part of John Cena's Last Time is Now Tournament last month, advancing past Bronson Reed before falling to Gunther in the quarterfinals. The former NXT Champion continues seeking his footing on the main roster, and a victory over the established DIY could provide significant momentum.
Johnny Gargano and Ciampa reformed DIY earlier this year, and despite their recent setbacks, they remain one of the most accomplished tag teams in WWE history. Ciampa's frustration after failing to capture the United States Championship could make him especially dangerous tonight. The chemistry between Gargano and Ciampa contrasts sharply with the ad hoc pairing of Dragunov and Hayes, potentially giving DIY the advantage.
Women's Tag Team Action
Nia Jax and Lash Legend face The Kabuki Warriors in what promises to be a physical encounter. Jax and Legend have been aligned for several weeks, targeting former WWE Women's Tag Team Champions Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair. The duo secured a victory last week, and tonight they look to continue building momentum.
The Kabuki Warriors, Asuka and Kairi Sane, represent one of the most decorated teams in women's wrestling history. Their speed and technical prowess clash with the power-based offense of Jax and the athleticism of Legend. Following their match, expect Bliss and Flair to make an appearance, as their rivalry with Jax and Legend remains unresolved heading into the new year.
The Wyatt Sicks Continue Their Chaos
The mysterious Wyatt Sicks faction faces MFT members JC Mateo and Tonga Loa in what's expected to end in chaos rather than a clean finish. Joe Gacy and Dexter Lumis have been wreaking havoc on SmackDown since their arrival, and their unpredictable nature makes any match involving them a potential spectacle.
The MFTs, representing the Sol Ruca-aligned group, have struggled to contain the psychological warfare employed by The Wyatt Sicks. Tonight's no-contest will likely see the faction's full presence felt, potentially setting up a larger confrontation down the line.
Segments to Watch
Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre Fallout: After McIntyre's interference ruined Rhodes' match with Oba Femi at Saturday Night's Main Event, the Undisputed WWE Champion will likely address the ongoing harassment from The Scottish Psychopath. Rhodes earned a WWE Championship match against McIntyre on Raw after their recent brawl at Rhodes' home, and tonight could feature further developments in this intensely personal rivalry.
Randy Orton, Tiffany Stratton, Jade Cargill, and Jacob Fatu Appearances: Multiple top stars are advertised for tonight's show, suggesting potential segment work or surprise confrontations that could set up future matches and storylines.
Looking Ahead
- SmackDown expands to three hours starting January 3, 2025, from Phoenix, Arizona
- The Royal Rumble season approaches, with storylines beginning to take shape for the January 31 event
- Cody Rhodes' next challenger for the Undisputed WWE Championship remains unclear beyond his upcoming match with Drew McIntyre
- The United States Championship picture continues to develop with multiple contenders circling Ilja Dragunov
- Women's division rivalries intensify heading into the new year with multiple unresolved feuds
WWE SmackDown airs tonight at 8 PM ET / 7 PM CT on the USA Network from the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan.