WWE SmackDown Results
October 17, 2025
SAP Center in San Jose, California
Commentary: Vic Joseph & Corey Graves
Results by: wrestly.com
Introduction
SmackDown on October 17, 2025 delivered one of the most action-packed episodes of the entire year, blending championship drama, unexpected appearances, faction warfare, and intense in-ring action that left fans buzzing heading into Saturday Night’s Main Event. This particular episode didn’t just advance storylines—it completely reshaped them. From Cody Rhodes’ emotional and fiery presence as the Undisputed WWE Champion to Ilja Dragunov’s thunderous and unpredictable return, the show was filled with moments that felt explosive, raw, and deeply character-driven.
If you watched it live, you probably felt the energy shift every few minutes. One second, Cody Rhodes was discussing his future challenger; the next moment, the arena erupted as Dragunov marched down the ramp to accept Sami Zayn’s open challenge. And if that wasn’t enough chaos, The Wyatt Sicks cast their shadow once again, sparking faction-versus-faction tension that felt like the beginning of something massive. And let’s not forget the dramatic closing moments involving Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes, which turned from an impromptu match to a full-scale meltdown requiring officials to step in.
This recap dives deep into every match, every shock, and every twist. It’s written to feel human, engaging, conversational, and packed with enough detail to satisfy both casual fans and hardcore followers. So, whether you missed the show or want a deeper breakdown, this is your complete guide to everything that happened on SmackDown October 17, 2025.
Table of Contents
Cody Rhodes Looks Ahead to Saturday Night’s Main Event
Cody Rhodes opened the show with a promo that instantly set the tone for the night. There’s something special about the way Cody delivers a message—calm, confident, but always carrying that underlying fire that explodes when pushed too far. As the Undisputed WWE Champion, every word he speaks feels like it’s laced with purpose, and tonight was no different. He talked about Saturday Night’s Main Event not as a challenge, but as an opportunity—an opportunity to prove, once again, why he sits at the top of WWE.
Cody didn’t just hype the match; he acknowledged the weight of being champion. He addressed the locker room, the fans, and his potential challengers with a seriousness that made the stakes feel higher than ever. There was also a sense of frustration bubbling just beneath the surface—perhaps lingering tension with Drew McIntyre, or maybe anticipation of another ambush from factions like The MFTs or The Wyatt Sicks. No one knows for sure, but the atmosphere felt different.
Backstage energy seemed tense too. Camera cuts showed superstars watching Cody closely, and commentary pointed out that Jacob Fatu, a major player in the storyline, still hadn’t arrived at the arena. You could almost feel the pressure mounting on Cody, like the weight of the championship and everything happening around him was pressing down. But he stood tall, firm, and ready to fight anyone bold enough to challenge him.
His promo wasn’t about flashy insults or exaggerated threats—this was about legacy, responsibility, and the reminder that Cody Rhodes is not a champion in name only. He’s a champion in battle.
Cody’s segment would later come full circle in the closing moments of the show… but more on that later.
Full SmackDown Match Card & Results Table
Below is a complete table summarizing every match, winner, and major highlight from SmackDown October 17, 2025.
| Match | Result | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair vs. Sol Ruca & Zaria | Bliss & Flair def. Ruca & Zaria | Ruca hit Sol Snatcher; Bliss broke pin; Monroe distracts Ruca; Flair wins via Figure-Eight |
| Carmelo Hayes attacks The Miz | No match | Hayes blindsides Miz before he can accept the Open Challenge |
| Sami Zayn vs. Ilja Dragunov — U.S. Title | Dragunov def. Zayn (New Champion) | Top-rope Michinoku Driver; Solo Sikoa distraction; Torpedo + H-Bomb finish |
| The MFTs attack Zayn, Dragunov, Rey Fenix | Segment | Post-match assault before Wyatt Sicks appear |
| Motor City Machine Guns vs. Los Garza | MCMG def. Los Garza | Skull and Bones on Angel; anniversary celebration |
| Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre | McIntyre def. Rhodes via DQ | Cody bites McIntyre; Cody uses title belt outside ring |
Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair vs. Sol Ruca & Zaria
This match was easily one of the strongest women’s tag team performances we’ve seen in months. The chemistry between Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair continues to stand out—they’re different in almost every way, but when the bell rings, they operate like a finely tuned machine. Sol Ruca and Zaria came into this match with unbelievable momentum. Ruca, holding two NXT titles at the same time, walked into the arena like she had something to prove, and honestly? She delivered.
The opening moments were fast-paced, full of athletic counters, and built perfectly around each woman’s strengths. Zaria, with her raw power, took control early by overpowering Bliss and keeping her grounded. Every time Bliss tried to tag in Flair, Zaria was right there—cutting her off, dragging her back, and making sure Flair stayed isolated on the apron. It was a simple strategy but incredibly effective.
Ruca brought her dynamic high-flying offense, showcasing why she’s called one of the most innovative athletes in the women’s division. The arena came alive when she hit the Sol Snatcher on Charlotte Flair—an incredible moment that came within a split second of crowning new champions. But Alexa Bliss saved the match just in time, diving in with an interruption that changed the momentum completely.
The real twist came when Blake Monroe, watching the match closely from the front row, distracted Sol Ruca. The tension between Monroe and Ruca is already high heading into Halloween Havoc, and this little moment added even more fuel to the fire. That brief distraction allowed Flair to strike with a chop block and seamlessly lock in the Figure-Eight Leglock. Ruca had no choice but to tap, ending the match but not the rivalry.
Bliss and Flair looked dominant. Ruca and Zaria looked impressive even in defeat. And Monroe? She walked away knowing she just made a bigger statement than anyone expected.
Blake Monroe Scouts Sol Ruca From Ringside
Blake Monroe’s presence at ringside during the women’s tag team championship match added a fascinating layer of tension to the already high-stakes environment. Unlike most NXT call-ups or cross-brand appearances, Monroe wasn’t there to merely observe—she was studying Sol Ruca with the kind of focus usually reserved for big-fight strategists. The camera repeatedly cut to her reactions, each one more telling than the last, and commentary made sure fans understood the importance of what was unfolding: Monroe wasn’t scouting for fun. She was scouting for destruction.
As Ruca showcased her explosive athleticism, Monroe didn’t look impressed—she looked analytical. Every flip, every landing, every moment where Ruca gained momentum was met with Monroe narrowing her eyes, tilting her head, or whispering something to herself. You could sense the wheels turning in her mind, like she was mapping out every counter she planned to use at Halloween Havoc. It wasn’t just scouting; it was psychological warfare. By simply sitting there, Monroe forced Ruca to wrestle under pressure, knowing that one of her biggest threats was staring at her from just feet away.
The pivotal moment came when Monroe stood up from her seat during the closing minutes of the match, drawing Ruca’s attention just long enough to break her focus. It was subtle—Monroe didn’t grab her, yell, or even taunt—but it was enough distraction to throw Ruca off-balance. Flair capitalized instantly, chopping Ruca’s knee and locking in the Figure-Eight Leglock. Ruca tapping out wasn’t just a loss; it was a message from Monroe.
And the best part? Monroe didn’t say a single word.
This moment elevated both women. Ruca looked strong enough to challenge top-tier champions, while Monroe proved she doesn’t need to lay a hand on someone to influence the outcome. Their upcoming match at Halloween Havoc suddenly feels bigger—more personal, more unpredictable, and packed with the kind of tension that makes fans sit up a little straighter.
One thing is clear: Monroe vs. Ruca is going to be explosive.
Carmelo Hayes Blindsides The Miz
Before The Miz could even respond to Sami Zayn’s United States Championship Open Challenge, Carmelo Hayes reminded the world exactly who he is—and why you should never underestimate him. The backstage area was buzzing, the crowd was anticipating a match announcement, and Miz stood center ring with the microphone in hand. But Hayes had absolutely no intention of waiting for an invitation. He struck like lightning—quick, vicious, and completely self-assured.
The moment Carmelo Hayes’ music hit, you could feel the energy shift. The Miz looked confused for half a second, but that was all Hayes needed. Sliding under the bottom rope with that trademark swagger, he exploded into action and took Miz down with a brutal shot that landed with a thud echoing through the arena. This wasn’t just an attack; it was a statement—“I’m still here, and I’m still HIM.”
Fans who’ve followed the history between Miz and Hayes know that their partnership never ended peacefully. Hayes’ betrayal months ago still lingers, and tonight felt like a continuation of the story rather than a random assault. The commentary team immediately connected the dots, emphasizing that Hayes wasn’t going to let Miz get another opportunity handed to him. Hayes wanted that spotlight—and he wanted it uninterrupted.
What made this attack even more intriguing was the timing. With the U.S. Title Open Challenge looming, Hayes inserted himself into the conversation once again. But instead of answering the challenge, he made sure Miz couldn’t. Hayes sent a message: he doesn’t wait his turn—he takes it.
This chaos opened the door for Ilja Dragunov’s return just moments later, but we’ll get to that next. For now, the takeaway is simple: Carmelo Hayes isn’t fading into the background. If anything, he’s more dangerous than ever. And after tonight’s ambush, The Miz has unfinished business that’s only going to heat up in the weeks ahead.
Sami Zayn vs. Ilja Dragunov — United States Title Match
This was the match that stole the night. The second Dragunov’s music hit, the entire arena erupted with a reaction you rarely hear anymore—pure shock mixed with explosive excitement. Fans didn’t just cheer; they screamed, jumped, and practically shook the building. Dragunov hadn’t been seen in months, but the moment he stepped back through that curtain, it felt like he never missed a beat.
Sami Zayn, ever the fighting champion, accepted the challenge without hesitation. And within seconds of the bell ringing, the match erupted into a storm of strikes, counters, and heart-stopping near-falls. It was a masterpiece of intensity—Zayn’s technical precision against Dragunov’s chaotic brutality. Every moment felt important. Every strike felt like it had weight.
The first major turning point came when Zayn went for the Helluva Kick, only for Dragunov to counter with a stiff boot of his own that knocked Zayn flat. The crowd gasped as Dragunov nearly scored the three-count. Zayn retaliated moments later with a Michinoku Driver from the top rope—a move so dangerous it made the entire crowd stand up. Somehow Dragunov kicked out, and the arena exploded all over again.
Dragunov launched himself like a missile with a top-rope senton, followed by a superplex that shook the ring. But when he went for the H-Bomb, Zayn got his boots up, stopping Dragunov mid-air. The match was absolute chaos in the best way possible.
Then came Solo Sikoa.
Just as Zayn prepared for another Helluva Kick, Solo appeared ringside like a ghost materializing out of nowhere. The distraction was just enough. Dragunov hit the Torpedo, followed by the H-Bomb, securing the pin and becoming the new United States Champion.
The arena reaction was unreal.
Dragunov winning the U.S. Title on his return instantly shifts the championship landscape. Zayn fought like a warrior, but Solo’s presence can’t be ignored. Dragunov stands tall once again—but new champion means new enemies, and tonight was only the beginning.
Post-Match Chaos: The MFTs Attack Zayn, Dragunov & Rey Fenix
Just when fans thought the night couldn’t get any more chaotic following Ilja Dragunov’s emotional U.S. Title win, SmackDown delivered one of its most shocking post-match segments of 2025. The moment Dragunov’s hand was raised in victory, the arena barely had time to celebrate before the lights flickered and The MFTs launched a full-scale assault on not only Sami Zayn and Dragunov, but also Rey Fenix, who rushed to the ring to help. What unfolded next wasn’t a simple beatdown—it felt more like a coordinated warning shot.
The MFTs moved with eerie synchronization, ambushing Zayn first. Still exhausted from the match, Zayn had no chance to defend himself. He was blasted into the steel steps before being tossed into the barricade like luggage. Dragunov tried to step in, showing the same unbreakable spirit he always has, but the numbers game was too strong. Even with a fresh championship belt in hand, he was swarmed by repeated strikes, stomps, and blindside hits.
The real shocker came when Rey Fenix sprinted down the ramp. His arrival popped the crowd, who expected him to even the odds with his speed and agility. But even he was overwhelmed within seconds. The MFTs caught him mid-springboard attempt and slammed him down violently, completely neutralizing one of the fastest men in the company.
Everything about this attack felt calculated. It wasn’t chaotic rage—it was strategic dominance. Each member of The MFTs targeted a different superstar, making sure none of them could regroup. Zayn was dismantled first, Dragunov was punished for winning the title, and Fenix was used as an example of what happens when anyone interferes.
As the camera zoomed in on the destruction left behind, you could see a mix of frustration, pain, and defiance on the faces of all three victims. Zayn clutched his ribs. Fenix barely moved. Dragunov, somehow still conscious, stared daggers upward—as if promising revenge the second he could stand.
This wasn’t just faction violence. This was the beginning of something bigger. And SmackDown wasn’t done surprising us yet…
The Wyatt Sicks Confront The MFTs
If the attack by The MFTs wasn’t enough to shake the foundation of the show, what came next turned the entire arena ice-cold. As The MFTs stood tall in the ring, reveling in the destruction they caused, the lights dimmed to near darkness. A strange hush fell over the crowd, and a familiar, eerie tune began to play—signaling the ominous arrival of The Wyatt Sicks.
Every time this faction appears, the atmosphere becomes something entirely unique. SmackDown stops feeling like a wrestling show and starts feeling like a horror movie unfolding in real time. The MFTs suddenly looked less dominant and more aware that something much more dangerous was stepping into their space.
One by one, the members of The Wyatt Sicks emerged through smoke, their silhouettes outlined by flickering lighting. The crowd erupted, but the cheers quickly faded into silence as fans waited to see what would happen. The ring transformed into a silent battleground with these two factions staring each other down—no punches thrown, no words spoken, just raw, electric tension.
The visual was powerful: The Wyatt Sicks stood in unsettling formation, their presence almost supernatural, while The MFTs looked ready for a fight but noticeably cautious. This wasn’t a group they could jump easily. This wasn’t Zayn, Dragunov, or Fenix. This was something darker—something unknown.
For nearly a full minute, the two groups simply stared each other down. The crowd didn’t chant. They didn’t boo. They just watched. That’s how intense the aura was.
Then, without warning, The Wyatt Sicks took one slow, synchronized step forward.
The MFTs froze.
Another step.
And just when fans thought all hell was about to break loose, The Wyatt Sicks abruptly stopped. Their leader tilted his head in that signature haunting way, almost signaling they were not ready to strike—yet. Instead, they came to deliver a message:
“We see you.”
With that, the lights cut out entirely. When they came back on, The Wyatt Sicks were gone, leaving The MFTs looking shaken for the first time since forming.
This confrontation didn’t need a punch to be unforgettable. It was psychological warfare at its finest. And it set the stage for a future collision that fans are already calling faction warfare of the decade.
Motor City Machine Guns vs. Los Garza
This match was a celebration, a reunion, and a statement all wrapped into one. On the one-year anniversary of their WWE debut, the Motor City Machine Guns—Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley—stepped into the ring against the very team they defeated in their first WWE match: Los Garza. But this wasn’t a nostalgic re-run. This was a full-power showcase reminding the world exactly why the Machine Guns remain one of the greatest tag teams in wrestling history.
From the opening bell, Los Garza came out aggressive, clearly intent on getting revenge for last year’s loss. Angel and Humberto attacked with a faster pace than usual, combining high-flying offense with sharp strikes designed to keep the Machine Guns grounded. For a few minutes, it worked. Shelley found himself on the defensive while Sabin was cut off on the apron. Los Garza isolated Shelley beautifully, forcing him into defensive counters instead of offensive bursts.
But tag teams with years of chemistry don’t stay down long. The moment Shelley slipped out of a double-team attempt, everything shifted. He tagged in Sabin, who exploded into the ring with the kind of energy that instantly wakes up a crowd. The Machine Guns started firing off rapid combinations—strikes, synchronized kicks, double-team grapples—each one more precise than the last.
The match built toward its peak when Los Garza attempted a risky top-rope maneuver, but Sabin caught them at just the right moment. Shelley capitalized, pulling Angel into position. Fans knew what was coming. The commentary team could barely contain their excitement.
Skull and Bones.
A move that has ended countless matches over the years—and it ended this one cleanly, decisively, and spectacularly.
The crowd erupted as the referee counted the three. Sabin and Shelley celebrated their anniversary win with genuine emotion, reminding fans just how special it is to watch them compete in WWE. Los Garza walked away frustrated but not defeated—they delivered a strong performance that showed they’re evolving.
But tonight? The night belonged to the Machine Guns.
Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre — Impromptu Match
The night took a sharp, dramatic turn when news broke backstage that Jacob Fatu had been found unconscious. No one knew who attacked him, and the camera only showed medical staff crowding around his fallen body. That moment alone created a ripple of tension throughout the arena—but Cody Rhodes took it personally. Very personally. Within minutes, Cody stormed to the ring, still wearing street clothes, and called out Drew McIntyre with raw emotion dripping from every word.
This wasn’t the polished, confident Undisputed WWE Champion we’re used to. This was a furious, protective, and unhinged version of Cody who was done waiting for answers. Drew McIntyre didn’t back down either. He marched to the ring looking ready for war, not caring that this wasn’t a scheduled match. The bell rang almost instantly, and the two clashed in a way that felt more like a bar fight than a wrestling bout.
Cody fought like a man possessed. He launched himself at Drew before the commentary team even finished announcing the match. His strikes were stiff, reckless, emotional—nothing like his usual precise technique. McIntyre relied on brute strength to slow Cody down, throwing him into corners and hammering him with heavy forearms. But Cody kept coming back with equal fury.
The most shocking moment came when Cody bit McIntyre in the shoulder, an act completely out of character but perfectly in line with the emotional chaos of the night. The fans gasped, unsure whether to cheer the raw intensity or recoil from the sheer savagery of it. Cody wasn’t thinking like a champion—he was thinking like a man defending his family and his pride.
The fight eventually spilled outside the ring, and that’s where things went from wild to downright unhinged. Cody grabbed the WWE Championship belt and smashed McIntyre in the face with it. That one move sealed the match, instantly drawing a disqualification. The referee had no choice, even though Cody clearly didn’t care about the consequences.
Drew technically won, but nobody walked away feeling like there was a winner. This match wasn’t about victories—it was about rage, betrayal, and the unraveling of a champion under pressure. And SmackDown still wasn’t done.
Post-Match Brawl Between Rhodes & McIntyre
The match may have ended by disqualification, but the chaos was far from over. The moment Cody smashed Drew with the title belt, McIntyre responded like a man ignited with gasoline. The fight continued outside the ring in a blur of fists, slams, and guttural yelling. Security rushed in immediately, but even ten officials couldn’t separate these two men.
Cody kept trying to lunge forward, screaming in anger, while McIntyre roared back, pushing past officials with sheer brute force. They collided multiple times—each time breaking out of restraint and tackling one another like they were in an out-of-control street brawl. The arena erupted in chants of “Let them fight!”, feeding into the intensity of the moment.
At one point, Cody tried to climb over two referees to get at Drew again. McIntyre shoved three security guards out of his way like they were nothing. Chairs were knocked over, the commentary desk shook from the impact, and the cameras struggled to keep up. It felt real. It felt like something personal had snapped between them.
What made this moment even more compelling was that both men had logical motives. Cody believed Drew may have been involved with Jacob Fatu’s backstage attack—or at the very least, he needed someone to blame. Drew, insulted by Cody’s accusations and blind rage, fought back with equally explosive emotion.
The visual of Cody being restrained by six officials while he shouted threats at Drew is one fans won’t forget anytime soon. Commentary emphasized that this rivalry has escalated far beyond championship gold and is now rooted in distrust, anger, and unresolved violence. Drew, meanwhile, stared back at Cody with a mix of fury and cold determination, wiping blood from his mouth as if promising that this wasn’t over.
This segment added a layer of unpredictability to Saturday Night’s Main Event. Fans left the arena buzzing with questions:
– Who attacked Jacob Fatu?
– Has Cody finally snapped?
– Is Drew being falsely blamed—or hiding something?
– What happens next when these two meet again?
One thing is certain: this feud has evolved into one of WWE’s most emotionally charged rivalries of 2025.
Full Episode Analysis — Storyline Direction & Character Arcs
If there’s one thing this episode of SmackDown accomplished, it was pushing nearly every major storyline into deeper, more layered territory. From the women’s division to the U.S. Title picture and the ongoing faction wars, the show didn’t just move stories forward—it tangled them together in ways that promise massive payoffs.
The women’s tag team division shined with a match showcasing both athleticism and storytelling. Sol Ruca’s rise continues, Zaria is developing into a powerhouse, Bliss and Flair remain dominant, and the presence of Blake Monroe added an entirely new subplot. The women’s roster feels deeper and more interconnected than ever.
The U.S. Title scene was arguably the biggest shift. Dragunov’s return instantly reenergized the championship scene. Sami Zayn remains one of the most beloved competitors, and his title loss—especially due to Solo Sikoa’s interference—creates multiple branching paths. Zayn vs. Solo is now hotter than ever. Dragunov’s win opens the door for challengers from both Raw and SmackDown. And Carmelo Hayes lurking in the background only adds more fuel.
The factions—The MFTs and The Wyatt Sicks—quietly stole the night with their interactions. Their near-confrontation felt like the start of a much larger war that could dominate the next several months. WWE hasn’t seen faction tension like this since The Shield or The Wyatt Family’s original era, and the eerie, cinematic presentation of The Wyatt Sicks adds a level of unpredictability unmatched by any other group.
Finally, Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre’s storyline has become deeply personal. It’s rare to see Cody pushed to the emotional breaking point, and tonight showed a side of him fans hardly recognize. Drew, meanwhile, is walking a fine line between righteous fury and villainous opportunism. Their Saturday Night’s Main Event clash now carries emotional stakes far beyond the championship.
This episode wasn’t just entertaining—it was pivotal. Every segment mattered. Every storyline escalated. And WWE made sure fans left wanting more.
Conclusion
SmackDown October 17, 2025 wasn’t just another episode—it was a defining turning point for multiple storylines heading into one of the biggest weekends of the year. From Dragunov’s triumphant return and shocking U.S. Title victory to the chilling confrontation between The Wyatt Sicks and The MFTs, the night delivered everything fans crave: action, drama, surprises, character development, and unforgettable moments.
Cody Rhodes’ emotional unraveling and violent collision with Drew McIntyre added a layer of intensity rarely seen in today’s WWE. Meanwhile, the women’s division continues to evolve in exciting new directions, with rising stars like Sol Ruca pushing closer to the spotlight.
If this show proved anything, it’s that SmackDown is entering one of its strongest eras in years. The road to Saturday Night’s Main Event just became more unpredictable—and more exciting—than anyone expected.
FAQs
1. Who won the United States Championship on SmackDown October 17, 2025?
Ilja Dragunov returned and defeated Sami Zayn to become the new United States Champion.
2. Did Cody Rhodes wrestle on SmackDown?
Yes, he faced Drew McIntyre in an impromptu match but lost via disqualification after hitting Drew with the WWE Title.
3. Why did The Wyatt Sicks appear?
They confronted The MFTs after their post-match assault, escalating the ongoing faction tension.
4. What happened in the women’s tag team match?
Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair retained their titles by defeating Sol Ruca and Zaria.
5. Did Carmelo Hayes wrestle?
No, but he attacked The Miz before the U.S. Title Open Challenge could begin.
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