WWE Friday Night SmackDown on the USA Network | October 24th, 2025 — The Episode Recap:

Drew McIntyre left the WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso lifeless as they were taken out at the end of Friday Night SmackDown by Drew McIntyre. (Photo by WWE)

The October 24th Episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown — The Match Results:

The Opening Match: MFT (JC Mateo & Tama Tonga) (with Solo Sikoa, Talla Tonga & Tonga Loa) defeated Rey Fenix & Shinsuke Nakamura in a Tag Team Match | via Pin-Fall — (11:36)

The 2nd Match: Tiffany Stratton defeated Kiana James (with Giulia) in a Singles Match | via Pin-Fall — (09:52)

The 3rd Match: Ilja Dragunov (c) defeated Aleister Black (with Zelina Vega) in a WWE United States Title Match | via Pin-Fall — (15:42)

The Main Event Match: Drew McIntyre defeated Jimmy Uso in a No Disqualification Match | via Pin-Fall — (12:25)

My Thoughts on the October 24th Episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown:

My Thoughts: This episode of SmackDown felt very inconsistent. My biggest disappointment was with the match card; I really wanted to see Giulia vs. Tiffany Stratton added and a match featuring Carmelo Hayes. I’m not a fan of the MFTs as a group—they just aren’t entertaining to me. Honestly, I think they should bring back the G.O.D. for Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa, let them run wild again, and restore their intense New Japan theme. Talla Tonga could step in as the enforcer, and Jeff Cobb returning as a major threat would be awesome. Ilja Dragunov and Aleister Black delivered the match of the night, but the main event was just average — I thought Drew McIntyre would win, and I believe he needs to pick up the victory at WWE Saturday Night Main Event. While SmackDown is improving, there’s more progress needed. For instance, where are the tag champs, the Wyatt Sicks? Why isn’t the younger talent being featured? There are still many issues that need to be addressed by year’s end.

The October 24th Episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown — The Match Ratings:

The Opening Match: MFT (JC Mateo & Tama Tonga) (with Solo Sikoa, Talla Tonga & Tonga Loa) vs. Rey Fenix & Shinsuke Nakamura in a Tag Team Match | The Match Rating: **.50 — This match was easily going to have the MFTs looking strong as they took down Rey Fenix and Shinsuke Nakamura. They rebranded this team to be more menacing, and I'm not going to lie, I'm not interested in a Temu Version of the Bloodline again. This is like American Psycho 2; it went straight to DVD, and it couldn't recreate the magic of the 1st American Psycho with Christian Bale. It's not ideal to see how Rey Fenix has been used, and I'm assuming Shinsuke Nakamura isn't done with the MFTs. But this was a very lackluster and a let-down of a match, and I just want this group to end because they aren't entertaining, or have any substance. Just bring back G.O.D. and have Solo Sikoahave his own act and reintroduce Jeff Cobb, it's plain and simple.

The 2nd Match: Tiffany Stratton vs. Kiana James (with Giulia) in a Singles Match | The Match Rating: **.75 — This was was okay match. Kiana James' biggest match to date on the Main Roster, and she didn't look out of place whatsoever, which I was very happy about. She looked like improved a lot. Tiffany Stratton got her bounce back win against Kiana James, and after the match, she was saved by Jade Cargill. And as everyone thought it was all peace and love, Jade Cargil, for the 1st time in her WWE career, er has turned heel and brutally attacked Tiffany Stratton and left her motionless. This was needed. Jade Cargill kept losing as she lost to Tiffany Stratton, and couldn't get a grip of the WWE Women's Title, and now the rumored match for WWE Saturday Night Main Event seems to be happening with what had transpired.

The 3rd Match: Ilja Dragunov (c) vs. Aleister Black (with Zelina Vega) in a WWE United States Title Match | The Match Rating: **** — This was a very fun first open challenge opponent for Ilja Dragunov as Aleister Black stepped up to face him, accompanied at ringside by his real-life wife. The match itself was hard-hitting, with a lot of intensity from Ilja Dragunov. He wrestles like his life depends on it, which I find amusing because he puts 110% into every move. Zelina Vega tried some dirty outside tactics but was caught by the referee. Moments later, Damian Priest came out, distracting Aleister Black and costing him the WWE United States Title match. Priest and Black began brawling, but Zelina Vega saved Black by raking Damian Priest’s eyes as they ran off. Overall, it was a very fun match, but I want the feud between Aleister Black and Damian Priest to end—it's been going on since July, and it's time for some fresh rivalries.

The Main Event Match: Drew McIntyre vs. Jimmy Uso in a No Disqualification Match | The Match Rating: ***.25 — This wasn't a bad DQ Match at all. Drew McIntyre and Jimmy Uso fought like a billion times earlier this year, and this was easily the best match between the two this year because of the added stipulation. Jimmy Uso had some solid offense, but it wasn't enough as Drew McIntyre got the win and took out Cody Rhodes and Jimmy Uso after the match. Drew McIntyre needs to win next Saturday. This is the final chance to do so, and I think WWE would be stupid not to.

The October 24th WWE Friday Night SmackDown — The Match of the Night: Ilja Dragunov (c) vs. Aleister Black (with Zelina Vega) in a WWE United States Title Match | The Match Rating: ****

The October 24th Episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown — The Episode Grade: 6/10 (C) — This was a very up-and-down episode of SmackDown. What upset me most was the match card. I would have liked to see Giulia vs. Tiffany Stratton added, as well as a Carmelo Hayes match. I don’t enjoy the MFTs as a unit—they aren’t entertaining, and I feel they should just reform G.O.D. for Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa, let them go wild, and bring back their intense New Japan theme. Talla Tonga could serve as an enforcer, and reintroducing Jeff Cobb as a formidable threat would be great. Ilja Dragunov and Aleister Black put on the Match of the Night. The main event was just okay—I expected Drew McIntyre to win, and they need to have him go over at WWE Saturday Night Main Event. SmackDown has been improving, but there’s still work to do. For example, where are the tag champions, the Wyatt Sicks? Why isn’t younger talent being showcased? There are a lot of holes that need fixing by the end of the year.

Next Week, October 31st, Episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown: Halloween Episode in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA — The Announced Matches & Segments:

1. Carmelo Hayes vs. Kit Wilson in a Singles Match.

2. Ilja Dragunov (c) vs. ??? in a WWE United States Title Match.

3. Alexa Bliss (with Charlotte Flair) vs. Nia Jax in a Singles Match.