Imagine the thrill of a rising star bursting onto the scene, ready to shake up the entire WWE universe—tonight, that's exactly what's happening as Joe Hendry makes his grand entrance on SmackDown! But here's where it gets exciting: after years of building hype, is this the night that transforms the blue brand forever? As a beginner getting into wrestling, think of WWE like a massive theatrical production with different shows (called 'brands')—SmackDown is one of them, known for its high-energy storylines and star power. Airing live tonight (December 26) from Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan, this taped episode marks the fourth installment in a nine-week ramp-up to the Royal Rumble event on January 31 in Saudi Arabia. It's also the last two-hour SmackDown before the show expands to three hours starting in 2026, which means WWE is scrambling to beef up its talent pool. Whispers abound that NXT star Trick Williams might already be slated to join SmackDown internally, adding fuel to the fire. And this is the part most people miss: expanding the show isn't just about more time—it's about creating deeper, more intricate rivalries that keep fans hooked all night long.
The spotlight, of course, shines brightest on Joe Hendry, whose journey from NXT to the main roster is the stuff of legend. Flash back to that unforgettable night at Saturday Night's Main Event when John Cena retired—Hendry popped up in a hilarious skit with The Miz and R-Truth, ending with The Miz getting a well-deserved beatdown from the babyfaces (the good guys in wrestling lingo). Fans even belted out Hendry's infectious theme song as he posed victoriously. Now, The Miz is fuming from that embarrassment and has demanded a showdown, which GM Nick Aldis has approved. For newcomers, GM stands for General Manager, the behind-the-scenes boss who books matches and storylines. This matchup isn't just any debut; it's Hendry's official launch on SmackDown, and given WWE's track record, they won't let him stumble against a mid-tier opponent like The Miz (who, by the way, has been a fun-loving heel—bad guy—for years). As a former TNA world champion, Hendry's charisma and athleticism could make him a instant fan favorite, perhaps even outshining holiday myths like Santa Claus. But here's where it gets controversial: if Hendry wins big, does that mean WWE is signaling a shift toward more underdog stories, or is this just hype that fizzles out? Tune in to witness if saying 'Joe Hendry' on the blue brand sparks a revolution or just another chapter in wrestling's wild world.
Diving into the rest of the card, Drew McIntyre—still under suspension, technically— is set to make an appearance. He and GM Aldis need to iron out reinstatement details, including scheduling his WWE Championship clash with Cody Rhodes and maybe offering an apology to referee Dan Engler. McIntyre gets to pick the match stipulations, and it's intriguing because Rhodes risks losing his title if he touches Drew, but Drew can dish out punishment without repercussions. This asymmetry could set up a brutal beatdown for Rhodes as Drew's suspension lifts, potentially sparking debates on fairness in sports entertainment. Is this setup genius storytelling, or does it unfairly stack the deck? And this is the part most people miss: in wrestling, stipulations like these add layers of drama, turning a simple fight into a psychological chess game.
United States Champion Ilja Dragunov seems to have wrapped up his drama with Tommaso Ciampa after teaming with Carmelo Hayes to defeat DIY last week. With Ciampa sidelined, Dragunov's open challenge for a title shot looms—who will rise to the occasion? Could Tama Tonga seize the moment, or is he content to lurk menacingly in the shadows, adding to the intrigue?
Other elements to watch include the ongoing tension between Aleister Black and Damian Priest, which escalated last week with a surprise shovel attack. Are they gearing up for an extreme match like Buried Alive, where the loser gets 'buried' in a spectacle of theatrical peril? Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss chased off Nia Jax and Lash Legend after their non-title win over WWE Women's Tag Team Champions Asuka and Kairi Sane. With Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY eyeing the next title shot on Raw (January 5), could all four groups collide tonight in a verbal or physical showdown?
Michin struck back at Women's Champion Jade Cargill with a kendo stick last week, but it's clear Cargill is untouchable for now. When will Aldis schedule that inevitable title defense so Cargill can dominate and advance? If not tonight, she'll end 2025 without a single defense since claiming the belt on November 1— a rare feat that might raise eyebrows about her reign's legitimacy.
Mystery still shrouds the attack on Jacob Fatu from two months ago—has Aldis uncovered any clues?
Last week's tag title clash between Solo Sikoa's MFT and Uncle Howdy's Wyatt Sicks ended in chaos, a no-contest with brawls spilling everywhere. Will we see a solo duel between Sikoa and Howdy first, or a full-blown family feud?
Giulia, outraged after losing to Women's United States Champion Chelsea Green, seeks a rematch. After defeating Alba Fyre last week, will she earn it, or must she prove herself further?
WWE often surprises with holiday-themed matches, like a Miracle on 34th Street Fight around Christmas—could tonight bring another festive twist?
And where on earth is Randy Orton hiding these days?
So, what are you excited to see unfold on SmackDown? Do you believe Joe Hendry will captivate the WWE audience right away, or is this overhyped? What do you think of the unequal stipulations in Drew McIntyre's title match—fair play or biased drama? Should WWE prioritize more diverse storylines like Hendry's rise? Drop your thoughts in the comments; I'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have a wild prediction!
