WWE SmackDown Preview (10/17/25) – Friday After Perth

WWE took over Australia last week, with an exciting edition of the Blue brand, plus a fantastic WWE Crown Jewel Perth Premium Live event. This week, we deal with the fallout from the things that went down in the “Land Down Under.” There’s no need for any lead-up, since we all know you’re ready for another thrilling Friday night fight night. Without further ado, let’s run down this week’s WWE SmackDown preview for October 17th, 2025.

A Silver Bullet for the Samoan Werewolf?

By now, the WWE Universe is already used to the constant complaining of the “Scottish Psychopath” Drew McIntyre. Bad things happen to McIntyre; it’s always someone’s fault. This cycle has been going on for the better part of two years, to the point that everyone has learned to live in this reality. Unfortunately for McIntyre, a particular “Samoan Werewolf” was already sick of his antics, calling him a “whiny b*tch” and he should be accountable for whatever he went through.

Instead of taking the advice of Jacob Fatu, McIntyre went the exact opposite way. Last week on SmackDown, Fatu was in the middle of talking to Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, informing him that sooner rather than later, he’d want a shot at the champ. Rhodes was more than willing to give Fatu the opportunity. SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis was around to hear this conversation, immediately opening the dialogue with Jacob about this potential match.

The talks between Aldis and Fatu wouldn’t go on longer, as McIntyre would beat down Fatu backstage, absolutely dismantling the former United States Champion. Enraged by McIntyre’s conduct, Nick Aldis would sanction a match between the two live in San Diego, California. Before all these things happened, everyone knew that Jacob Fatu and Drew McIntyre were bound for a collision course sooner rather than later, and the time is now.