WWE SmackDown Results - September 26, 2025: Explosive Opener, Surprise Return, and Title Drama Rock Orlando

The Kia Center in Orlando, Florida played host to a wild episode of WWE SmackDown on September 26, 2025. With the fallout from WrestlePalooza still fresh and Crown Jewel on the horizon, tensions boiled over inside and outside the ring in a night filled with chaos, surprise, and hard-hitting action.

Paul Heyman & Cody Rhodes Start the Fire

The show opened with Paul Heyman in the ring, introducing himself in trademark fashion and teasing the crowd with topics ranging from Seth Rollins to Bron Breakker to the always-rumored Brock Lesnar. Heyman stirred the pot as only he can—until Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes interrupted.

Cody admitted he was wrong to call Heyman a “goon” last week, instead calling him the smartest man he knows. He pushed Heyman to admit what fans were already speculating—that Brock Lesnar’s return at WrestlePalooza wasn’t just a one-off. Heyman, smiling slyly, told Cody he was speaking to “the GOAT” and warned that while Lesnar wasn’t in the building, danger still lurked.

Enter Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker. The two Heyman protégés confronted Cody, who dared them to fight. Cody held his own briefly before Breakker’s lariat shifted the momentum. Just when the numbers game seemed too much, the roof nearly blew off the Kia Center as Randy Orton made his return. The Viper cleared house, laying out Reed with an RKO and standing tall with Rhodes to close a scorching opening segment.

👉 Full Breakdown of Segment With Video Clips

Street Profits Earn a Title Shot

In the night’s first big match, The Street Profits defeated Carmelo Hayes & The Miz in a tag team #1 Contender’s bout. After Hayes and Miz struggled to stay on the same page, Montez Ford sealed the win with his signature frog splash on Miz. The Profits now have a clear path toward WWE Tag Team Championship gold.

Giulia & Kiana James Keep Rolling

The team of Giulia & Kiana James scored an impressive win over Michin & B-FAB after Giulia hit Arrivederci on Mia Yim. The match showcased Giulia’s dominance as U.S. Champion while continuing Michin’s uphill chase toward a title opportunity.

Jacob Fatu Returns, Targets Drew McIntyre

Later in the night, a limping Drew McIntyre vented about his WrestlePalooza loss to Cody Rhodes, blaming referees and hinting at corruption. SmackDown GM Nick Aldis wasn’t buying it and told Drew to stop making excuses.

Enter Jacob Fatu. The Samoan Werewolf made his surprise return and absolutely destroyed McIntyre, tearing off his walking boot and blasting him with it before standing tall. This instantly set the stage for a fiery new rivalry.

👉 Full Segment Breakdown With Video Clips

Sami Zayn Retains Against NXT’s Je’Von Evans

Answering Zayn’s U.S. Open Challenge was NXT’s rising star Je’Von Evans, who electrified the crowd with jaw-dropping athleticism. Evans nearly pulled off the upset with a breathtaking avalanche Frankensteiner, but Zayn survived and finished the challenger with a Blue Thunder Driver. Post-match, Sami applauded Evans and raised his hand in respect, giving the Orlando crowd a true “star-making” moment.

Women’s Division Chaos Continues

Backstage segments continued to highlight tensions in the women’s division, with Tiffany Stratton, Jade Cargill, and Nia Jax all jockeying for position ahead of Crown Jewel.

The main event saw Stratton defend her WWE Women’s Championship in a triple threat against Jax and Cargill. The action was wild, with Cargill busting Jax open on the steel steps before Stratton capitalized, hitting her Prettiest Moonsault Ever to retain the title.

Afterward, Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer confronted Stratton, teasing their Champion vs. Champion clash at Crown Jewel. The staredown left fans buzzing.

🗣️ Wrestling.news | Backstage Take

This week’s SmackDown set the stage for a huge fall season. Randy Orton’s return provided a jolt of adrenaline, and Jacob Fatu’s beatdown of Drew McIntyre was exactly the kind of fresh spark fans crave. Meanwhile, the women’s division feels like it’s entering a golden period with Stratton, Vaquer, Cargill, and Jax all circling the spotlight. WWE leaned hard into surprises and long-term teases, leaving fans guessing what Crown Jewel will bring.

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