SmackDown Review

September 12, 2025

Norfolk Scope: Norfolk, VA

• Take us back to the Monday Night War. This was the building that, while hosting WCW Monday Nitro, DX famously drove a tank up to the doors and fired a shot. Were you there for that Nitro? Was Eric’s decision to close the doors the right thing to do?

Brock Lesnar Returns:

• In your opinion, was returning Ron Killings back to the R-Truth persona the right thing to do? Has he more to offer at this stage of his career in a comedic role?
• Should Brock, in his current heel role, have mouthpiece?
• With Brock being in a top-line return feud with John Cena, that pits an Alpha vs. Alpha. An A+ vs. an A+… As the working relationship continues? SHOULD Brock be used to elevate younger talent, or should he be used in that Andre The Giant special attraction role?

Solo Sikoa Vignette:

• Preference of character… OG Bloodline Enforcer or Head of the New Bloodline (MFT)?
• What needs to be done to take him to that next level?

WWE U.S. Title Open Challenge:

• Sami Zayn vs. Rey Fenix

• First time ever match… I love the Open Challenge concept. It provides a showcase to shine for athletes that might not be involved in current on-screen feuds. Who else would you like to see gain some TV time?
• Sami’s timing and ring awareness are exceptional. Opinions of dodging/countering finishers as opposed to kick outs…
• The US Title Open Challenge… is Sami Zayn the right person to hold this position? 100% in my opinion.
• Fantastic match!! Did everything it needed to entertain fans without coming over as a campy spot-fest.
• Rey Fenix / Penta debuting as singles characters on separate brands. Is there more room for expansion this way?

Wyatt Sicks Vignette

• I appreciate the differences in production, making these segments seem more sinister; teasing the poison lingering between the Street Profits.

• Guilia vs. B-Fab

• Match never begins due to interference from Kiana James & Michin.

• The BIGeGEST and MOST controversial news of the week. WrestleMania 43 is coming to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Let’s open Pandora’s box, and explain what this means to talent, fans and the WWE landscape moving forward? Right decision? Is money everything (this is a business after all)?

Aleister Black Promo:

• What I took from this segment is that I want to see more of Black…
• With Black having one of the more unique gimmicks in pro-wrestling today, I’m going to take Adam Bomb back to gimmick heaven…. WINNER STAYS ON… Gimmicks of WWF’s New Generation

WWE Women’s Championship Match:

• Tiffany Stratton vs. Jade Cargill

• Stratton going undefeated in 2025 is a fantastic stat. Wrath knows all about undefeated streaks; talk to us about the pros and cons of holding that distinction…

• The brilliance of Chelsea Green. She shines so brightly, that in a black & white world; she’s full colour.
• Carmelo Hayes next in line for the US Title.

Main Event:

• Drew McIntyre vs. Randy Orton