WWE SmackDown Highlights: Major Contracts Signed Ahead of Wrestlepalooza
The final episode of WWE SmackDown before Wrestlepalooza delivered significant moments, including a contractual signing between Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre. The event, taking place on September 20, 2025, promises to be an exciting night, with Rhodes and McIntyre set to clash for the championship. Other highlights included a strong performance by Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, who retained their Women’s Tag Team Championship, and Sami Zayn defending his United States title.
The contract signing, a traditional setup in wrestling, was anything but straightforward. As is customary, physicality ensued shortly after the signing. Initially, Rhodes and McIntyre appeared cordial, with Rhodes recalling their shared history as tag team champions 15 years prior. However, tensions escalated when Rhodes accused McIntyre of prioritizing social media over competition. McIntyre’s response was equally sharp, acknowledging Rhodes’ integrity while expressing his own ambitions. After a brief handshake, the atmosphere turned chaotic, with McIntyre refraining from incapacitating Rhodes, keeping the champion fit for their match at Wrestlepalooza.
Brock Lesnar made a notable appearance, showcasing his menacing presence. He delivered an unexpected attack on announcers Michael Cole and Corey Graves. Lesnar’s antics included lifting Cole as if he were a toy and executing multiple F5s on Graves, marking a rare physical confrontation involving the former wrestler turned commentator. Lesnar’s message to John Cena was clear: he is ready to claim victory at Wrestlepalooza, stating, “It’s D Day for you, John. I’m coming for blood.”
Women’s Tag Team Championship and Other Matches
In the women’s division, Flair and Bliss showcased their growing chemistry, overcoming challengers Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre to secure their titles. The match demonstrated their ability to work cohesively, a positive sign for their future as champions. The two have been on a winning streak since claiming the championship at Summerslam in August.
Another exciting match featured Zayn defending his United States Championship against Carmelo Hayes. Zayn’s performance was met with acclaim, reinforcing his status as a formidable champion in the ring. His open challenge has become an anticipated event, thrilling fans with competitive bouts against top-tier opponents.
Additionally, the show set the stage for future conflicts, as Nia Jax confronted Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill, leading to a chaotic brawl that prompted general manager Nick Aldis to announce a triple threat match for the following week. This decision has raised anticipation among fans for the next episode of SmackDown.
The evening concluded with a well-produced mini-documentary reflecting on the careers of Cena and Lesnar. This storytelling technique effectively builds excitement for their upcoming match, showcasing WWE’s ability to engage the audience through compelling narratives.
As Wrestlepalooza approaches, fans can look forward to an action-packed event featuring high-stakes matches and dramatic rivalries. The intensity displayed on SmackDown suggests that the pay-per-view will be a pivotal moment in the WWE calendar.
