WWE Friday Night SmackDown returned to our screens on September 12, 2025, live from the Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia. The show packed in big names, heated promos, and high-stakes matches from start to finish. From Brock Lesnar’s chaotic opening with R-Truth to Sami Zayn’s United States Championship defense against Rey Fenix, the night delivered both comedy and hard-hitting action. New rivalries heated up, titles were on the line, and Cody Rhodes made a dramatic return to close the show. Catch WWE SmackDown September 12 Results, Winners, Grades, and Analysis.
Brock Lesnar Opened WWE SmackDown
Brock Lesnar came out to speak, but R-Truth interrupted him in his funny, lighthearted style. Truth welcomed Brock back and said he used to be scared of him, but is not anymore. He claimed Brock had been disrespecting John Cena, whom he hilariously referred to as his “older brother.”
Brock was confused, kept asking if Cena was really his brother, and even questioned Truth’s name. Truth doubled down, calling himself “Ron Cena” and saying he was there to defend John. He added that Cena is on another level now, making kids cry, and he would stop Brock with “hustle, loyalty, and respect.”
Lesnar did not take him seriously. After some back-and-forth, he hit R-Truth with an F-5. In the process, Brock’s pants ripped, and he played it off by wiggling and laughing before leaving.
Grades: B
Analysis: It was a fun segment to kick off Friday Night SmackDown. WWE used R-Truth in the absence of John Cena. Also, Lesnar and Truth had a memorable, funny segment in the past, and this one brought back memories. The ending came when Lesnar delivered an F-5 to Truth, ripping his pants in the process.
Backstage
Sami Zayn was backstage, saying he’s glad to face his first challenger. He noted their shared journeys around the world, but mentioned they had never wrestled before. He promised it would be a great match and wished him luck. The camera revealed Rey Fenix, who shook Sami’s hand and thanked him for the chance.
After the break, several stars were shown backstage: Penta alone, then Dorian Roldan and Marisela Pena, followed by Shawn Michaels, Triple H, and The Undertaker together, promoting Worlds Collide.
Later, Solo Sikoa spoke in a dark promo. He said he has lost his Bloodline, the tribal chief’s garland, and his title. But now he vowed to lead his family, reclaim everything, and make others live in the shadow of his family legacy.
Rey Fenix vs Sami Zayn WWE United States Championship
The match started fast with both Sami Zayn and Rey Fenix showing off speed and counters. Fenix impressed early with his high-flying moves, including a springboard arm drag and a tornillo dive to the outside.
After the break, Zayn slowed things down with power moves, hitting a backbreaker and trying for the Blue Thunder Driver, but Fenix countered with sharp elbows and a Frankensteiner. Fenix came close to winning after a superplex and a moonsault, but Sami avoided it just in time.
The closing stretch was intense, with counters back and forth. Sami finally connected with a corner exploder suplex and, after narrowly surviving Fenix’s attacks, hit the Helluva Kick to seal the victory. Sami Zayn pinned Rey Fenix with the Helluva Kick to retain the United States Championship.
Winner: Sami Zayn
Grades: B+
Analysis: It was a fine match. The US Title Open Challenge by Sami Zayn can do wonders for his reign. It will allow the fans to witness multiple stars getting opportunities every week. Sami Zayn asked for John Cena’s permission to carry on the legacy of open challenge on last week’s SmackDown. The GOAT agreed, and we can witness history here if booked well.
Backstage
In backstage footage from earlier in the day, Kiana James and Giulia confronted B-FAB. They mocked her for what happened to her friend Mia Yim. B-FAB shot back, saying she’s free to fight right now. Kiana stepped in, asking why she thought she could talk to her client that way. Giulia calmed things down but told B-FAB it’s fine if she wants a fight; she can have one tonight.
Giulia vs B-Fab for Women’s US Championship
A Wyatt 6 VHS promo aired with Erick Rowan. He said people do not value things until they are gone. He spoke about the Street Profits’ brotherhood being rotten. He compared it to a disease. You either cut it off or let it spread.
Later, B-FAB was attacked before her match. Kiana James and Giulia hit her with a kick. The Beautiful Madness prepared a surfboard stomp. Mia Yim came out with a kendo stick. She struck Kiana on the ramp. She entered the ring. Giulia ran away and dropped her WWE Women’s United States Championship belt in the ring.
Winner: Giulia
Grades: C
Analysis: It was a short match. Giulia’s run had faded quickly. The pairing with Kiana James hasn’t worked so far. Also, there’s a lack of opponents and stories. Michin has been chasing the title for a long time, and we see repeated stuff every week.
Backstage
Aleister Black cut a promo. He said he has poisoned Damian Priest. He called himself both the sickness and the cure. Priest can keep fighting and live by his code. Then Aleister will remain the sickness. Or Priest can stop fighting. Then together they will show the world how hateful and destructive they can be.
Jade Cargill vs Tiffany Stratton for WWE Women’s Championship
Jade Cargill started strong, but Tiffany Stratton fought back with a dropkick. Tiffany hit fast moves, but Jade answered with a powerslam. They went back and forth with power and agility. Stratton landed a senton but was unable to finish the match.
Both women had close nearfalls. Tiffany hit an Alabama Slam but missed a moonsault. Jade struck with a pump kick but could not follow up. They battled on the apron. Jade hit a superkick but went into the ringpost. Tiffany tried a big moonsault to the floor but missed. Jade then rammed her through the barricade.
The referee counted them both out. The match ended in a double count-out draw. After the match, Nia Jax attacked. She threw Jade into the post and steps, then hit her with a Samoan Drop. She also beat down Tiffany, cutting her off with a headbutt. Nia finished with a Banzai Drop on Stratton to stand tall.
Winner: Double count-out.
Grades: B-
Analysis: It was a brief battle that ended before it gained momentum. Nia Jax has returned and is once again targeting the Women’s Champion. WWE has revisited this rivalry multiple times, and the spark is already dead in Stratton’s reign. Jade Cargill rose to the top quickly but has failed to capture the title.
Backstage
Nick Aldis left his office and ran into Chelsea Green. She demanded to know why she and her partner had not received their tag title match. Nick told her Charlotte Flair’s injury is real. Chelsea accused him of collusion and warned him not to test the “Hot Mess.”
Nick explained the champions already have a defense scheduled in NXT. He promised that Chelsea and the Secret Service would get the winners. That answer calmed her.
The Miz then walked up. Nick cut him off and said he let Carmelo Hayes take his chance. Miz accepted it and seemed satisfied. He then made a strange remark to Chelsea about moving from diapers to big boy pants.
Rey Mysterio was interviewed backstage. He spoke about Worlds Collide. Dominik Mysterio interrupted. He said he would be the first Mysterio to win the AAA Mega Championship. He told Rey to raise his hand and put the belt around his waist when he wins. Rey agreed to do it if Dom wins. After Rey left, Finn Balor appeared. He told Dom to prove he is the best luchador by winning the title on his own.
Elsewhere, Sami Zayn was interviewed. He praised Rey Fenix and promised more open challenges. Carmelo Hayes arrived. He asked for a chance at the US title. Sami told him to take his shot and not miss.
The Miz walked up. He said Nick Aldis told him Carmelo asked for a title opportunity. He assumed it was the tag titles. Carmelo corrected him and said it was for the US title. Miz complained that he was trying to guide him into the tag scene. Carmelo replied that if he wins the US title, they can also win the tag titles.
Miz reminded him how hard that is. Carmelo pointed out that Miz had done it before. He asked Miz to trust him. Miz finally agreed and bumped fists with him.
Randy Oton vs Drew McIntyre
Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton locked up. McIntyre pushed Randy into the corners with strikes. Orton fired back with lariats and uppercuts. He knocked Drew to the floor as the match went to a break.
After the break, Orton hit a suplex and the Garvin Stomp. He landed a knee drop but came up limping. Drew saw the weakness and went after the knee. He hit a chop block, shoulder kneebreaker, and locked in a figure four. Randy screamed but managed to reverse it. Drew reached the ropes.
Orton hit elbows and a back suplex, sending Drew to the floor. Outside, he smashed Drew’s face on the announce desk. Drew raked his eyes and hit his own back suplex on the desk. He laughed after a chop block as the match went to another break.
Back again, Drew kept punishing the leg. Orton fought back with an eyepoke and sent Drew face-first into the turnbuckles. Orton hit a scoop powerslam but was unable to cover. On the floor, Orton returned the favor with two back suplexes into the announce desk.
Inside, Drew surprised him with a Claymore, but Randy rolled outside to avoid the pin. Drew pushed him back in. Orton struck with an RKO out of nowhere. Drew rolled outside this time. Back inside, Randy hit the hanging DDT and set up for the Punt. With blood running from his head, the referee warned him. Drew dodged, shoved Randy into the referee, and in the confusion landed another Claymore for the pinfall win.
After the match, Drew tried to finish Orton with a running kick through the announce table. Before he could, Cody Rhodes ran in to save Randy. Cody tackled Drew with punches. He landed a Cody Cutter and fired up the crowd. Cody grabbed a microphone. He declared that the champion is back. He promised Drew he would see him at Wrestlepalooza.
Winner: Drew McIntyre
Grades: B+
Analysis: It was a decent battle in the main event where Drew McIntyre defeated Randy Orton before Cody Rhodes returned. Cody and McIntyre will clash at Wrestlepalooza for the Undisputed WWE Title. Cody returned after a weeks-long absence, and the crowd erupted for the American Nightmare. The hype is rising for Wrestlepalooza.
Hope you enjoyed WWE SmackDown September 12 Results?
