Get ready for an epic night of WWE SmackDown! Tonight, we celebrate the legendary John Cena as he prepares to retire from the ring. It's a special edition, folks, and we've got all the action and drama right here.
The Final Countdown: John Cena's Legacy
As WWE Friday Night SmackDown returns to our screens on December 12, 2025, the focus is on the iconic John Cena. The show emanates from the Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, and it's the last TV episode before Cena's retirement edition of Saturday Night's Main Event.
Tonight's Highlights:
- A grand celebration of John Cena's career.
- WWE Champion Cody Rhodes takes center stage.
- Rhea Ripley and Damian Priest team up against Aleister Black and Zelina.
- Tommaso Ciampa battles Ilja Dragunov for the United States Championship.
- Alexa Bliss faces Lash Legend in a singles showdown.
Join us at 8 pm ET for the live blog as the show kicks off on USA Network. Get ready for an action-packed evening!
WWE SmackDown Results and Live Blog for Dec. 12
The show begins with a recap of the intense storyline between Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes. Nick Aldis, in a promo earlier today, reveals his efforts to bring McIntyre back, but Drew's refusal to respond has created a challenging situation. Aldis presents a legal letter to Rhodes, alleging an unsafe work environment, and assures him he's doing his best to untangle the mess.
The Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre Saga
Backstage, Aldis meets Rhodes and shares the letter. Rhodes, frustrated, crumples it and storms off, ready to make his entrance. He takes the mic and dismisses McIntyre's claims, stating he'd fire him if he were the boss. But his attention soon shifts to another challenger.
Enter Oba Femi: The NXT Champion
Oba Femi enters, praising Rhodes' passion but redirecting his focus. Drew isn't present, but the NXT Champion is, and he introduces himself as the Ruler, the Destroyer, and the man Rhodes will face tomorrow. In a nod to the past vs. future theme, Femi declares that the future is now, and it's him. Rhodes, unphased, quotes John Cena, stating he's the man who beat Cena for the title.
A Tense Confrontation
As Rhodes tries to leave, Femi stops him, raising the NXT Championship. Rhodes responds by lifting the WWE Championship, and the two part ways without further incident.
Ilja Dragunov vs. Tommaso Ciampa: United States Championship Match
The match begins with hard-hitting action, trading forearms and chops. Dragunov delivers a powerful pump kick, but Ciampa responds with a basement dropkick and a running knee, leading to a near fall. The action continues with Ciampa targeting Dragunov's knee, but Dragunov fights back with chops and a rolling German suplex.
The Interference: Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae
As the match intensifies, Johnny Gargano interferes, and Candice LeRae snaps Dragunov's neck over the top rope. Dragunov counters Fairytale Ending with a back body drop, but it's not enough.
Ilja Dragunov Retains: Back Folding Press
Dragunov wins by pinfall with a back folding press, retaining the WWE Men's United States Championship.
Post-Match Chaos: #DIY vs. Carmelo Hayes
Post-match, #DIY attacks Dragunov, but Carmelo Hayes makes the save, taking them out. Hayes helps Dragunov to his feet as the crowd cheers.
John Cena: The Ambassador
We get a glimpse of John Cena's future as an ambassador for WWE in his retirement.
Tag Team Turmoil: Je'Von Evans vs. The Miz
Backstage, Je'Von Evans is interviewed about his tag match tomorrow. The Miz interrupts, complaining about not having a match on the show. Evans challenges him to a match tonight, and The Miz, confident, says he'll make it happen.
The Wyatts vs. MFTs: A Tag Team Showdown
The Wyatt 6 make their entrance, with Uncle Howdy taking a seat in the middle of the ring. He calls out Solo Sikoa, questioning his judgment. The Wyatts lay the tag titles at Howdy's feet, challenging the MFTs to come and take them.
Solo Sikoa's Response: A War of Words
Solo Sikoa appears on the tron, declaring that the Wyatts don't call the shots. He warns Howdy that his family is in danger and suggests he hand over the tag titles to keep them safe.
Charlotte Flair vs. Lash Legend: A Tag Team Preview
Charlotte Flair, accompanied by Alexa Bliss, gives a pep talk to Bliss ahead of her match against Lash Legend. Rhea Ripley interrupts, stating that she and IYO SKY are coming for the tag titles. Bliss disagrees, and they wish each other luck as we head to a break.
Alexa Bliss vs. Lash Legend: Singles Showdown
The match begins, and it's a hard-fought battle between the two women.
And the Winner Is...
[Match Result to be announced during the live blog]
Stay tuned for more WWE SmackDown action and join the discussion!
Controversy Alert: Who do you think will emerge victorious in the tag team title picture? Share your predictions in the comments!
