
Show Name: WWE Friday Night SmackDown
Release Date: December 26, 2025
Location: Amalie Arena, Tampa, Florida, USA
Broadcast On: USA Network (USA) & Netflix (International)
Event Type: Weekly flagship WWE SmackDown television show
Available In: Full HD (1080p)
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Preview:
After delivering more than 50 episodes throughout 2025, Friday Night SmackDown closes out the year with its December 26 broadcast, marking the final two-hour episode of the Blue Brand for the foreseeable future. Beginning in 2026, SmackDown will officially return to a three-hour format, making this episode a symbolic turning point as WWE heads into the new year.
Tonight’s WWE SmackDown (December 26, 2025) is expected to be a news-heavy year-end finale, featuring major returns, championship action, and storyline progression heading into 2026. The episode was pre-taped on December 19 at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan, due to the Christmas holiday schedule, and spoilers have already begun circulating online.
One of the biggest highlights of the night is the in-ring return of Drew McIntyre, whose suspension officially expired after last month’s events. As part of his reinstatement, McIntyre was promised a future Undisputed WWE Championship match against Cody Rhodes, with the strict stipulation that Rhodes cannot lay a finger on him before the title bout. Fans can expect McIntyre to address his future and intentions as 2026 approaches.
The episode will also feature Joe Hendry’s SmackDown in-ring debut, as he goes one-on-one with The Miz in a festive Miracle on 34th Street Fight. Miz personally requested the match from SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis after being humiliated by Hendry at John Cena’s retirement show earlier this month, setting the stage for a heated and entertaining clash.
In the women’s division, Charlotte Flair looks to continue her momentum as she battles Lash Legend in singles competition. Meanwhile, tensions remain high surrounding WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill, who was attacked last week by Michin with a kendo stick—an incident that has only delayed their inevitable collision.
The United States Championship will also be on the line, as champion Ilja Dragunov defends his title against Carmelo Hayes. Dragunov appears to be finished with Tommaso Ciampa after teaming with Hayes to defeat DIY last week, but tonight’s title match could change the landscape of the Blue Brand heading into the new year.
With WWE pre-taping episodes to give talent time off before the annual winter holiday tour, this SmackDown serves as both a year-end wrap-up and a launchpad for what’s to come in 2026.
Match Card:
Miracle on 34th Street Fight
Joe Hendry vs. The MizSingles Match
Charlotte Flair vs. Lash LegendWWE United States Championship Match
Ilja Dragunov (c) vs. Carmelo HayesTag Team Match
Giulia & Kiana James vs. The Green RegimePossible debuts and storyline developments to build toward SmackDown’s three-hour return in 2026
More cards expected
Location & Date:
Show: WWE SmackDown 12/26/25
Location: Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Date & Time: Friday, December 26, 2025 | 8:00 PM ET – 6:00 AM PT
Broadcast: FOX (USA) & Netflix (International)
Available In: Full HD (1080p)




