Get ready, wrestling fans, because WWE SmackDown on December 12, 2025, was a night to remember, especially with John Cena's retirement looming! The show, broadcast live from the Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, served as the final stop before Cena's farewell at Saturday Night’s Main Event. But that's not all – the night was packed with action, including a WWE Championship appearance, a tag team match, and a United States Championship showdown.
The evening kicked off with a recap of the ongoing rivalry between Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes. Nick Aldis, aiming to reinstate McIntyre, faced a hurdle as Drew refused contact. Backstage, Aldis shared a legal letter from McIntyre with Cody, citing an unsafe work environment. Cody, dismissing the claims, entered the ring and addressed the crowd, questioning McIntyre's commitment and suggesting he'd be fired if he were in charge.
Enter Oba Femi, the NXT Champion, who interrupted Cody, declaring that Drew wasn't the main concern. He then formally introduced himself, setting the stage for their match at Saturday Night’s Main Event. This segment cleverly played on the 'past vs. future' theme, a nod to Cena's legacy. Cody, referencing Cena, was then stopped by Oba, who raised the NXT Championship, creating a tense moment.
The show then moved into a series of matches, beginning with the United States Championship bout between Ilja Dragunov and Tommaso Ciampa. The match was a hard-hitting affair, with both wrestlers exchanging brutal strikes and near falls. After a series of dramatic turns, Dragunov emerged victorious, retaining his title. Post-match, Carmelo Hayes made the save for Dragunov after an attack by #DIY.
A highlight of the show was a pre-recorded interview clip featuring John Cena, where he discussed his future role as a WWE ambassador.
Backstage drama unfolded as Je’Von Evans was interviewed about his upcoming tag match. The Miz, upset about Evans getting airtime without a match, challenged him to a match that night.
The Wyatts then made their presence known, with Uncle Howdy calling out Solo Sikoa and the MFTs. Howdy challenged them to come and take the tag titles, setting the stage for a future showdown.
Before the next match, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss had a pep talk.
Alexa Bliss vs. Lash Legend
The match details were not provided in the original content.
This SmackDown episode was a whirlwind of action, drama, and anticipation for Cena's retirement. What did you think of the show? Did you agree with Cody's assessment of McIntyre? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
