WWE SmackDown Preview 12/26
The final SmackDown of 2025 emanates from the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan, featuring a United States Championship match, Joe Hendry’s SmackDown debut, and the culmination of Drew McIntyre’s return storyline. This marks the last two-hour SmackDown before the show expands to three hours in 2026.
United States Championship: Ilja Dragunov (c) vs. Carmelo Hayes
After announcing the end of his United States Championship Open Challenge, Ilja Dragunov grants Carmelo Hayes one final rematch. The two men teamed together on last week’s SmackDown to defeat DIY, but now it’s every man for himself. Hayes previously challenged Dragunov unsuccessfully earlier this month, and this represents Melo’s best opportunity to capture his first main roster singles championship. Given the respect these competitors have shown each other, expect a hard-hitting contest regardless of outcome.
Miracle on 34th Street Fight: Joe Hendry vs. The Miz
Former TNA World Champion Joe Hendry makes his in-ring SmackDown debut in holiday-appropriate fashion. The show opens with a Hendry concert featuring a festive remix of “Jingle Bells” directed at his opponent. The Miz has been demanding this match since Hendry embarrassed him at Saturday Night’s Main Event, and now he gets his wish — with a Christmas twist. Expect tables, trees, and presents to come into play, plus Alpha Academy at ringside with Otis dressed as Santa Claus, Tozawa as an elf, and R-Truth joining the festivities.
Charlotte Flair vs. Lash Legend
The Queen looks to build momentum as she returns to championship contention. Lash Legend has been making waves alongside Nia Jax, but Charlotte Flair remains one of the most decorated women in WWE history. A win here keeps Flair in position for future title opportunities.
Giulia & Kiana James vs. Chelsea Green & Alba Fyre
The women’s tag team division heats up as four competitors battle to establish dominance. A backstage confrontation between multiple women’s teams sets up an 8-woman tag match for the first SmackDown of January to determine #1 contenders for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship. Tonight’s winners will carry serious momentum into that crucial bout.
Segments to Watch
Drew McIntyre’s return reaches its climax as he finally addresses the WWE Universe. Since being suspended by Nick Aldis last month, McIntyre has been at the center of controversy — including Cody Rhodes invading his home. Tonight, McIntyre promises “all the answers” as he confronts both the referee he blames for costing him and The American Nightmare himself. Expect fireworks as the stipulation for their championship match gets revealed.
Additionally, WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill has words for Michin, with B-Fab backing up her partner. An Oba Femi hype package also airs, building anticipation for the NXT Champion’s next move.
Looking Ahead
- January 3: First SmackDown of 2026 featuring an 8-woman tag match for #1 contender status
- January 6: Monday Night Raw on Netflix
- January 9: SmackDown from Berlin, Germany at Uber Arena — Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre in a Three Stages of Hell Match for the Undisputed WWE Championship
- January 31: Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia
WWE SmackDown airs Friday at 8/7c on USA Network. This episode was pre-taped December 19 at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
