The ultimate WWE “SmackDown” of 2025 revealed uncommon stipulations for 2 massive upcoming matches, a remedy normally reserved for the ultimate conflict of a rivalry. And that could possibly be the case for the lengthy feuds between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre, in addition to between Damian Priest and Aleister Black.
We additionally obtained a shock title change — stunning not due to who received the belt, however due to the timing. Late December is historically a transition interval between the autumn and the buildup to WrestleMania, which begins with Royal Rumble on Jan. 31.
Dec. 26 ‘SmackDown’ outcomes
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Joe Hendry def. The Miz
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Charlotte Aptitude def. Lash Legend
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Carmelo Hayes def. Ilja Dragunov to win the US Championship
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Giulia and Kiana James def. Chelsea Inexperienced and Alba Fyre
Three Phases of Hell is again
Drew McIntyre challenged Cody Rhodes to a Three Phases of Hell Match for the Undisputed WWE Championship at “SmackDown” on Jan. 9 in Berlin, Germany. McIntyre, of Scotland, defined the problem by saying he wished a good match held exterior the US and nearer to residence.
Three Phases of Hell is a uncommon best-two-out-of-three-falls match that originated in 2001, with a distinct stipulation for every fall. For Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels in 2002, for instance, the Three Phases of Hell match was a avenue battle, adopted by a metal cage match, then a ladder match. This format can get inventive, bringing in several parts used all through the wrestlers’ rivalry. And the match is more likely to go to the third fall, so anticipate the match to be 1-1 after two falls.
McIntyre scoring a fall would go away the door open for him to assert that he obtained a win on Rhodes and was cheated out of the opposite two falls, which might result in one other future match. However I hope that is the final one for the foreseeable future, it is time for each opponents to maneuver on to different opponents.
Extra ‘SmackDown’ takeaways
“The rationale your upset is trigger we began the track with out you!”@joehendry stated run it again, however @mikethemiz wasn’t having it… 😬@RealNickAldis pic.twitter.com/3FjV0Q8Asz
— WWE (@WWE) December 27, 2025
• Joe Hendry obtained to indicate off his singing chops and R-Reality offered laughs throughout their “Miracle of thirty fourth Road” match. This format is a time-honored WWE custom throughout this time of 12 months. Otis got here dressed as Santa Claus, Akira Tozawa as an elf and R-Reality because the Easter Bunny. Hendry obtained the win over a longtime WWE star in The Miz, and can doubtless transfer on to going through Carmelo Hayes within the speedy future as a result of …
HE DID IT!!!! @Carmelo_WWE beat @UNBESIEGBAR_ZAR for the US Championship!! 👏 pic.twitter.com/n56mC6xVzE
— WWE (@WWE) December 27, 2025
• … Hayes defeated Ilja Dragunov to win the US Championship. Hayes is a star, and it is a nice win for him. As for Dragunov, will he lastly face Tommaso Ciampa now? Though it might be an entertaining match, the buildup of Dragunov calling Ciampa a “jackass” was lackluster. In the meantime, Ciampa would doubtless wish to transfer on to Hayes as a result of Dragunov shouldn’t be the champion anymore. Hopefully Hayes retains up the bit that Ciampa would not get a title shot as a result of everybody thinks he is a “jackass.” Johnny Gargano, Ciampa’s tag crew companion in #DIY, laid out Hayes backstage after the match. May that be sufficient to earn Ciampa a shot at Hayes?
.@Aleister_Blxck & @ZelinaVegaWWE have a message for @ArcherOfInfamy… 👀 pic.twitter.com/5L8sqyvT1o
— WWE (@WWE) December 27, 2025
• Aleister Black and Damian Priest will face off in an Ambulance Match at subsequent week’s “SmackDown” in Buffalo, New York, on Jan. 2. The purpose of an Ambulance Match is to harm your opponent so badly that they’re despatched to the hospital. That visible will doubtless finish the lengthy rivalry between them, however do not be stunned if shenanigans happen at the back of the ambulance, main to a different match between them.
• NXT’s Trick Williams was backstage speaking with “SmackDown” basic supervisor Nick Aldis, which bodes nicely for an impending primary roster callup. Williams can be a terrific addition to both “Uncooked” or “SmackDown.” I would like to see Williams and Hayes face off for the US Championship.
