WWE SmackDown Recap: What We Loved and Hated from October 10, 2025

Welcome to the Show!

As the lights dimmed and the familiar theme music boomed, WWE SmackDown took over Perth, Australia, and fans eagerly tuned in. If you're like me, you were anticipating a thrilling night filled with high stakes and unexpected surprises. But as the show unfolded, there were a mix of emotions, which is why I'm here to share my take on three things we loved and hated from this episode.

What We Hated

Cody Rhodes' Confusing Promo

Cody Rhodes kicked off the show, but instead of elevating the excitement for his upcoming match with Seth Rollins at Crown Jewel, his promo left me scratching my head. It seemed like the WWE was trying to generate last-minute hype, but the execution fell flat. The disjointed nature of his message, filled with vague references and a lack of focus, did a disservice to his character and the significance of the match.

“It's rare to see Rhodes get like this, but this was easily a very low point for me and felt incredibly underwhelming.”

Another Heatless Babyface Feud

Not all feuds need to be based on animosity, but the clash between Stephanie Vaquer and Tiffany Stratton just felt flat. They're two capable performers, but their storyline lacks depth since they're both babyfaces fighting solely because they share a title. This creative decision leads to predictable match setups and zero investment from the audience.

“Two babyfaces feuding, they team up against heels, and then that's it. I find it hard to invest enthusiasm when there's no storyline.”

ZaRuca's Missed Opportunity

I was truly hoping to see WWE capitalize on Zaria's hometown advantage during this episode. The absence of a showcase for Zaria and Sol Ruca against the Women's Tag Team Champions Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss left a bittersweet feeling. It's moments like this that remind us of the importance of geographical storytelling, yet we were left with a mere backstage segment that could have aired anywhere.

What We Loved

Shinsuke Nakamura's Return

On the flip side, Shinsuke Nakamura's return excited both the crowd and me. As he answered Sami Zayn's U.S. Championship open challenge, it evoked nostalgia, showcasing the Nakamura we fell in love with. The match itself was electric, even though it ended in a less-than-ideal disqualification, thanks to the surprise appearance of Tama Tonga.

“It's exhilarating to see Nakamura back in action, bringing that unique presence and flair to the ring.”

The MFTs vs. The Wyatts

Another highlight was the confrontation between the newly re-established MFTs and the Wyatt family. It was thrilling to see these two factions engage, and the energy was palpable. The build-up through video vignettes leading up to this moment creates anticipation not just for tag team matches but for future interactions, suggesting a deeper narrative brewing in the background.

“This angle felt refreshing, and I'm looking forward to seeing where WWE is headed with these newly established rivalries.”

Main Event Madness: Last Wife Standing

The main event featured a gripping Last Man Standing match between Damian Priest and Aleister Black. Not only did it provide a physical spectacle, but it also served to bring closure to their saga, with a creative finish facilitated by Zelina Vega. The overall execution showed that while WWE has its highs and lows, when they get it right, they really make it count.

“It's moments like these that remind me why I love wrestling: the unexpected twists and thrilling storylines that keep us engaged.”

Final Thoughts

This edition of SmackDown showcased a mix of missed opportunities and exhilarating moments. While certain segments fell flat, there were also sparks that reignited my passion for the product. As we look ahead to Crown Jewel, I can only hope to see more cohesive stories, thrilling matches, and moments that encapsulate the heart of professional wrestling.

In the game where every move counts, we need to keep the audience engaged, excited, and coming back for more. Here's to hoping that WWE continues to evolve its storytelling and character development moving forward!