SmackDown Shockers & Highlights: Full Results and Recap – September 26, 2025

WWE SmackDown Results
September 26, 2025
Orlando, Florida (Kia Center)
Results by: wrestly.com

Introduction

This past Friday, WWE SmackDown delivered a night full of drama, title defenses, surprise returns, and unforgettable moments. From Randy Orton’s timely interference to a controversial triple threat finish for the Women’s Championship, the September 26, 2025 edition set the stage for major feuds heading toward Crown Jewel and beyond.

Let’s get into it.

SmackDown Results Table (Sept 26, 2025)

Segment Rundown & Story Notes

Opening Angle/Surprise Help

The show opened with tension between Cody Rhodes and Paul Heyman, as Heyman’s loyalty was questioned. Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed attacked Rhodes, placing him in peril. Just when things were dire, Randy Orton made a shock return and assisted Rhodes in turning the tables, helping knock out both Breakker and Reed. That unexpected save set the tone early.

Street Profits vs Melo Don’t Miz – No.1 Contenders

This match was explosive and fast-paced. Carmelo Hayes tagging himself in repeatedly upset his partner Miz, who signaled his displeasure. The chemistry disruption proved costly. The Street Profits capitalized, with Montez Ford’s From the Heavens finishing off their opponents, earning them the No. 1 contender spot for the Tag Team Championships.

Women’s Tag / Giulia’s Team vs Michin & B-FAB

In a match that continued Giulia’s push, she teamed with Kiana James to face Michin and B-Fab. The victory came via disqualification/controversial tactics — James used underhanded methods (eye rake) to create an opening, and Giulia finished things off. This furthers tension for Michin’s pursuit of the Women’s U.S. Title.

Sami Zayn vs. Je’Von Evans (Open Challenge)

Sami Zayn continues to prove why his open challenges are must-watch. He answered Je’Von Evans’ call and overcame the NXT star with a decisive Helluva Kick + Blue Thunder Bomb combo to retain his United States Championship.

Main Event: Triple Threat – Tiffany Stratton vs Jade Cargill vs Nia Jax

This match had everything: drama, athletic risks, and one glaring referee error. Cargill hit Eye of the Storm but got only a two count even though Jax didn’t kick out. Stratton intervened with a dropkick, attempted to steal a pin, and then finally hit Prettiest Moonsault Ever for a controversial but official win. The botched count left fans and wrestlers visibly confused.
Critics and observers noted the finish problem as a major blemish.

McIntyre vs Fatu – Tension Ignites

Drew McIntyre, already visibly worn from injury, confronted Jacob Fatu in a tense swapping of barbs. When McIntyre struck first with a Glasgow Kiss, Fatu retaliated ferociously with McIntyre’s own protective boot, leaving the Scotsman in pain. That physical exchange cements a fresh feud heading into the coming weeks.

What This Means Going Forward

• Orton & Rhodes Alliance: Randy Orton’s intervention raises questions. Will he align formally with Rhodes, or is it short-term opportunism?
• Tag Team Title Picture: With The Street Profits now No.1 contenders, a showdown with champions Dexter Lumis & Joe Gacy is inevitable.
• Women’s Title Drama: Stratton’s win is overshadowed by the botch. Jade Cargill and Nia Jax have legitimate grievances. This sets up further grudge matches, possibly with stricter officiating or stipulations.
• McIntyre vs. Fatu: That confrontation may drive a midcard or main card feud, likely involving title implications or retribution.
• Sami Zayn’s Momentum: His open challenge remains a successful formula; he may attract even bigger challengers from NXT or main roster talent.

Full Recap Highlights (Narrative)

SmackDown’s opening was built around tension between Cody Rhodes and the Paul Heyman narrative. After Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed ambushed Rhodes, chaos seemed imminent — until Randy Orton returned in dramatic fashion to lend a hand, helping Rhodes fend off both attackers. That moment got the crowd buzzing and immediately added intrigue to the allies and enemies lists going forward.

In the tag picture, The Street Profits took advantage of internal discord within Melo Don’t Miz. Carmelo Hayes kept tagging himself in over Miz’s objections, creating friction that The Street Profits exploited. The fast, high-flying offense culminated with Montez Ford’s aerial finish gathering the victory and a shot at the Tag Team titles.

Meanwhile, on the women’s side, Giulia and Kiana James prevailed over Michin and B-Fab in a match colored by interference and rules bending. James’ eye rake on Michin was the turning point — Giulia followed up with a decisive blow for the pin. The result keeps Giulia’s momentum strong and continues a rivalry with Michin.

Sami Zayn’s open challenge remains a highlight of SmackDown nights. Je’Von Evans rose to accept, but in the end, Zayn’s veteran savvy and trademark combo — Helluva Kick followed by the Blue Thunder Bomb — proved too much. Zayn holds firm as U.S. Champion and continues stacking name after name in his challengers’ list.

The triple threat for the Women’s Championship was supposed to be the night’s crowning moment — but instead, it fell under scrutiny. The match saw spotty timing, awkward sequences, and a particularly egregious referee count during Jade Cargill’s sudden near-fall on Nia Jax. Although Stratton ultimately landed her moonsault and secured the pin, many walked away questioning the legitimacy of the result. It’s the kind of finish that creates lingering tension and gives challengers legitimate gripe going forward.

Finally, Drew McIntyre and Jacob Fatu faced off verbally and physically. Despite McIntyre’s injury, he had the audacity to start a confrontation. Fatu answered forcefully, using McIntyre’s own protective boot against him and leaving no doubt that this is just the beginning of a heated rivalry.

Conclusion

SmackDown on September 26, 2025 delivered both riveting moments and frustrating missteps. While Orton’s return and Rhodes’ survival became key talking points, the women’s main event controversy might overshadow much of the evening. Still, each match carried stakes, and each outcome sets up pivotal storylines as WWE marches toward Crown Jewel.

If you’re a WWE fan or content creator, this episode offers multiple jumping-in points: tag team title shots, women’s title controversy, new feuds emerging. Use this as your reference for what’s important and where things may head next.

Let me know if you want previews for Crown Jewel, wrestler profiles, or predictions for upcoming shows.

FAQs

1. Was the referee error in the women’s main event a storyline or genuine mistake?
   It’s not officially confirmed, but it was widely criticized as a genuine botch by on-site observers and journalists.
2. Who did The Street Profits beat to become No.1 contenders?
   They defeated the team “Melo Don’t Miz” (Carmelo Hayes & The Miz).
3. Is Randy Orton now aligned with Cody Rhodes?
   It’s unclear — his interference looks beneficial, but WWE often leaves alliances ambiguous until paid events.
4. What’s next for Tiffany Stratton’s title reign?
   She will likely defend against Jade Cargill or Nia Jax under stipulations or more controlled officiating.
5. Did Drew McIntyre get injured again during the segment with Fatu?
   No, it appears to have been a heated promo and attack rather than a match, but his prior injuries make every assault more impactful.

WWE Raw Results

WWE SmackDown Results

Full SmackDown highlights: Sept. 26, 2025