WWE SmackDown Recap: New Champions, McIntyre Suspended, Rhodes' Future (2025)

Friday's WWE 'SmackDown' was a game-changer! A night of twists and turns, it left fans buzzing with excitement and anticipation for what's next. But let's dive into the chaos and break down the key moments.

A New Champion and a Suspended Superstar:
The night saw a new champion crowned as Ilja Dragunov successfully defended the United States Championship against Johnny Gargano. But the real shocker came when Drew McIntyre, who had a heated confrontation with Cody Rhodes and Aleister Black earlier, was suspended by general manager Nick Aldis for attacking the referee. This suspension opens up a world of possibilities for the title picture, potentially setting up a Fatal 4-Way match with the inclusion of Damian Priest.

The Rhodes-Black Encounter:
Rhodes and Black's non-title match ended in a no contest due to McIntyre's interference. Black, an intriguing challenger, might not be the one to dethrone Rhodes just yet. But what if WWE brings back Brandi Rhodes for a 'husband vs. wife' match, reminiscent of the Rollins/Lynch vs. Punk/Lee showdown? Now that's a storyline worth exploring!

Open Challenge Drama:
The U.S. Championship open challenge continues to deliver, with Sami Zayn and Ilja Dragunov setting the bar high. Tommaso Ciampa has been eager to join the fray, but Dragunov's refusal to face him last Friday hints at a brewing feud. Will Ciampa finally get his shot, or will this drama unfold further?

Jade Cargill's Dominance:
Cargill's short and sweet promo showcased her star power. Her backstage segment with Chelsea Green and B-Fab was unnecessary to establish her dominance, as her actions speak louder than words. The potential rivalry with Charlotte Flair and the possibility of Cargill defeating the decorated champion are tantalizing prospects.

Lash Legend's Return:
Lash Legend made a surprising return to help Nia Jax defeat Charlotte Flair, seemingly forming an alliance. Their challenge for the Flair and Alexa Bliss tag titles is an exciting prospect, especially with Jax's past battles with Legend in NXT.

Chelsea Green's Double Championship Glory:
Green's victory over Giulia to reclaim the Women's United States Championship adds to her AAA Mixed Tag Team Championship win with Ethan Page. This strategic move allows the duo to dominate North America. Green's entertainment value and Page's readiness for the spotlight make them a formidable pair.

Sami Zayn's Heroic Return:
Despite being injured, Zayn made a heroic return to save Rey Fenix from Solo Sikoa's post-match attack. With Michael Cole hinting at various superstars' issues with MFT, could this be a setup for a Survivor Series match? Only time will tell.

But here's where it gets controversial... With McIntyre's suspension, do you think WWE is setting up a long-awaited return of a fan-favorite superstar to challenge for the title? And what about the potential return of Brandi Rhodes? Will WWE capitalize on the 'husband vs. wife' match idea? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below! The wrestling world is buzzing, and we want to hear from you!

WWE SmackDown Recap: New Champions, McIntyre Suspended, Rhodes' Future (2025)
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