This week’s «SmackDown» highlighted that the conflict between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre is far from resolved, as Rhodes remains furious at the sight of McIntyre.
This installment also acted as a precursor for next week’s «SmackDown,» where we might witness the escalating rivalry for the United States Championship reach its climax, along with a mixed-tag team match featuring a terrifying comeback. It hinted at future rivalries, as two colossal teams clashed (and had a physical confrontation) in the ring, in addition to the Main Event on Saturday Night, Dec. 13, where we will finally find out who will challenge John Cena in his last match.
Friday ‘SmackDown’ outcomes
• Ilja Dragunov triumphed over Carmelo Hayes to maintain possession of the United States Championship
• Alexa Bliss triumphed over Kairi Sane
• Jade Cargill overcame Alba Fyre to keep the WWE Women’s Championship
• Gunther won against LA Knight in the final of «The Last Time Is Now» tournament
Is Gunther the ideal contender for John Cena’s concluding match?
Gunther just keeps going 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/WdalxZ7Y2c
— WWE (@WWE) December 6, 2025
Gunther emerged victorious against LA Knight to seize «The Last Time Is Now» tournament and the opportunity to challenge Cena in his final WWE bout on Dec. 13 at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington, D.C.
I have no issue with Gunther being the chosen opponent, though it doesn’t align perfectly with the Saturday Night’s Main Event concept of highlighting upcoming talent. A couple of months back, I envisioned Dominik Mysterio facing Cena in his last match. Mysterio hasn’t captured the world title yet, but he is definitely on track to do so and would gain immensely from the prestige associated with defeating the «Greatest of All Time» in his concluding match. Nonetheless, «Dirty Dom» did achieve a victory over Cena in his hometown of San Diego at Survivor Series, and one could argue that’s equally impactful for his career. Gunther is already a previous world champion and a main event talent, so a win against Cena could be seen as just another accomplishment for him. Moreover, having retired two pro wrestling legends in one calendar year (Gunther already defeated Goldberg in his final match back in July) is quite an achievement, and a «Legend Killer» era for Gunther would be intriguing. Perhaps he faces Randy Orton in 2026 — «Legend Killer vs. Legend Killer» — and fans are buzzing about a potential Chris Jericho WWE retirement storyline.
But that’s a discussion for another time. Let’s focus on next week’s encounter between Cena and Gunther.
Logically, Gunther should emerge victorious in this bout. He’s staying while Cena is bowing out. He will be part of the talent that supports WWE for years ahead. The only scenario I can envision for Cena’s win, if you’re looking for one, is that the match is in Washington, D.C., where a «Cena wins one for America in the capital» adds a nice touch. But that’s the sole situation I could possibly foresee for a Cena triumph. Cena holds immense respect for WWE and professional wrestling. He would prefer to, and desire to exit on a high note. Ultimately, the result is secondary. The homage is what counts. The post-match festivities are what matter. I hope it’s a long celebration in the ring full of appreciation and respect. Because the «Greatest of All Time» certainly deserves it.
Additional insights/storylines
NEXT WEEK
THE TERROR TWINS vs. ALEISTER BLACK & ZELINA
Looks like you messed with the wrong person, Aleister Black… 👀 pic.twitter.com/bmhE62xHnf
— WWE (@WWE) December 6, 2025
• Damien Priest and Rhea Ripley disclosed that the «Terror Twins» have returned. Next week on «SmackDown,» Priest and Ripley will face Aleister Black and Zelina Vega, which should prove to be quite entertaining. I can envision this feud extending into 2026, maybe even kicking off the first «SmackDown» of the year, in a cage or another thrilling specialty match.
Come on, Ciampa! 😡 pic.twitter.com/frHVoXU1CY
— WWE (@WWE) December 6, 2025
• Tommaso Ciampa interrupted the open challenge match for the United States Championship between Ilja Dragunov and Carmelo Hayes, causing Hayes to lose the match while Dragunov remained unaware. However, Dragunov noticed the replay on the large screen as he walked back up the aisle and became furious. Eventually, Dragunov will reach a breaking point with Ciampa — who has been requesting the challenge — and grant him a title shot. I wouldn’t mind Ciampa securing a win through questionable means while Dragunov chases him all the way to WrestleMania.
Tomorrow night just got a whole lot bigger!
The winner of the NXT Championship Match at NXT Deadline will be facing Cody Rhodes NEXT WEEK at Saturday Night’s Main Event 🤯 pic.twitter.com/SigcbWNSIW
— WWE (@WWE) December 6, 2025
• WWE Undisputed champion Cody Rhodes spoke with NXT champion Ricky Saints and contender Oba Femi, who will collide in the main event of NXT Deadline on Saturday. Rhodes announced that the victor of that bout will take on him at Saturday Night’s Main Event, which matches the show’s theme of showcasing upcoming talent. Rhodes and Saints have a long-standing rivalry filled with significant respect. That match would certainly be an exciting addition to Saturday Night’s Main Event.
WHAT THE?!
Cody Rhodes just ATTACKED Drew McIntyre! 😱 pic.twitter.com/42RnboVPUO
— WWE (@WWE) December 6, 2025
• … and more on Rhodes, whose feud with Drew McIntyre persisted for an additional week. McIntyre arrived at the arena believing he was no longer suspended after his team’s victory at Survivor Series: WarGames, but «SmackDown» general manager Adam Pearce expelled him — once more — but not before Rhodes assaulted him inside McIntyre’s own vehicle (a nice nod to McIntyre’s earlier confrontation with Rhodes on his bus a few weeks back). Once it concluded, Rhodes pleaded with Pearce to reinstate McIntyre. Could that be their last encounter, and will it take place on «SmackDown» or at the Royal Rumble?
«You do not deserve the name Wyatt…»
Solo Sikoa just made this real personal… 😬 pic.twitter.com/3AqVd22Y0O
— WWE (@WWE) December 6, 2025
• Solo Sikoa and MFT have finally confronted the Wyatt Sicks directly.
«Everything that was his … that is yours … will be mine,» Sikoa declared. «You do not deserve the name Wyatt.» He proceeded to assert that he will take it all away «because I can … all I have to do is Bo-Lieve.» This prompted the Wyatt Sicks to enter, with Uncle Howdy in the ring, accompanied by the rest of the Sicks. The segment concluded with both factions exchanging blows. Erik Rowan tossed Tala Tonga out of the ring, and the Wyatts emerged victorious, gaining the upper hand.
