Tonight’s WWE SmackDown on December 26, 2025, was live from the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The show opened with Cody Rhodes dealing with the Drew McIntyre situation. Joe Hendry brought a fun holiday vibe to the ring, which quickly turned chaotic after The Miz complained about disrespect. Charlotte Flair also faced Lash Legend in a tough match.
The night got even bigger with Ilja Dragunov’s United States Championship open challenge, which Carmelo Hayes accepted. Giulia and Kiana James also faced Alba Fyre and Chelsea Green in tag team action. The show closed with heavy tension between McIntyre and Cody Rhodes for a Three Stages of Hell match in Berlin.
WWE SmackDown Highlights
Opening Segment
The show opened with Rhodes arriving backstage and speaking with Nick Aldis about Drew McIntyre. Aldis confirmed that Drew had signed the contract and was on his way but warned Cody that he could not touch Drew once the fine was paid and an apology was made, or he would lose the title. The Miz later confronted Aldis and demanded that Joe Hendry be sent to the ring without music.
Joe Hendry came to the ring with Akira Tozawa, Otis, and a holiday-themed group, wished everyone a Merry Christmas, and began a festive song. The Miz interrupted and complained about being disrespected, saying he is chasing a legacy and deserves to lead the locker room. Joe mocked Miz’s frustration, and Aldis announced that their match would be a Miracle on 34th Street Fight.
The Miz vs Joe Hendry
Joe Hendry defeated The Miz in a Miracle on 34th Street Fight after a chaotic, holiday-themed match. Both men used Christmas props like presents, trees, instruments, cookies, and a table wrapped with a bow. Miz tried multiple Skull Crushing Finales, but Hendry escaped each time. Otis, Akira Tozawa, and a bunny got involved, with the bunny later revealed to be R-Truth, who hit Miz with the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Hendry finished the match by smashing Miz with a guitar and hitting the Standing Ovation through the table. Hendry, Otis, Tozawa, and R-Truth celebrated together in the ring after the win.
Singles Match: Charlotte Flair vs Lash Legend
Charlotte Flair defeated Lash Legend in a competitive singles match. Early on, Lash used her strength and size to control most of the match with power bombs, elbows, and power-slams. Flair countered with chops and a near-fall moonsault. Alexa Bliss neutralized Nia Jax at ringside when she attempted to obstruct Flair by diverting her attention. Taking advantage of the situation, Flair hit Natural Selection and countered Lash in the corner to win.
Ilja Dragunov vs Carmelo Hayes
Hayes defeated Ilja Dragunov to win the WWE United States Championship in the Open Challenge. The match was hard-hitting from the start, with both men trading chops, forearms, and kicks. Both men survived each other’s biggest moves, including multiple near finishes. In the closing moments, Hayes countered Dragunov’s Coast to Coast and hit the First 48, followed by Nothing But Net, to secure the pinfall. After the match, Dragunov showed respect by placing the title around Hayes’ waist and raising his hand.
Giulia and Kiana James vs Alba Fyre and Chelsea Green
Giulia and Kiana James defeated Alba Fyre and Chelsea Green in the tag team match. Chelsea Green chose to start the match and briefly traded slaps and roll-ups with Kiana James. Alba Fyre later tagged in and had momentum with a superkick and tornado DDT, but the advantage shifted after delays and tags. Giulia took control when she entered, dominating Chelsea Green with power and strikes. Giulia cleared Alba Fyre from the ring, then hit a Northern Lights Bomb on Green to score the pinfall victory.
Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes Set for Three Stages of Hell Match
Nick Aldis and referee Dan Engler came to the ring to address McIntyre. Aldis said the situation had gone too far and blamed both Drew and Rhodes, stating the real turning point was Drew assaulting Engler. Drew paid the fine, apologized for attacking the referee, and Engler accepted the apology. Drew then mocked Engler, insulting his career and his family and calling him a coward, while provoking him to retaliate.
Cody Rhodes interrupted and came to the ring. Aldis tried to calm the situation as Drew encouraged Cody to attack him. Drew taunted Cody, mocking his emotions and making personal insults about his family and wife. Drew revealed the stipulation for their match, announcing a Three Stages of Hell match against Rhodes in Berlin. Cody accepted the challenge.
Afterward, Drew added a final taunt about Cody’s father. As tensions escalated, Cody broke free, but Drew hit him with a Claymore. Drew stood over Cody holding the championship belt as the show ended.
FAQs
Q. What was the date of this WWE SmackDown episode?
A. On December 26, 2025, this WWE SmackDown episode aired.
Q. Who prevailed in the 34th Street Miracle Fight?
A. The Miz was defeated by Joe Hendry in the Miracle on 34th Street Fight, which had a holiday theme.
Q. Who was the WWE United States Championship match winner?
A. Hayes won the WWE United States Championship by defeating Ilja Dragunov.
Q. What match between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre was announced?
A. Cody Rhodes accepted McIntyre’s challenge to a Three Stages of Hell match in Berlin.
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