WWE SmackDown Results Dec. 12, 2025: Cena Tribute Live

After the match, Gargano jumped in the ring for the double team against Dragunov, but he was saved by Carmelo Hayes.

Hayes getting involved to set up a potential tag match against DIY makes perfect sense, considering that he was screwed over by them last week.

Great match. Great selling of the knee by Dragunov. Ciampa focused on the knee, and Dragunov sold it like his career depended on it.

These two beat the brakes off each other, and the crowd was into every second of it. If WWE gives these four a tag match next week, we're in for another banger.

Oba Femi Interrupts, Raises the Stakes

Right in the middle of Cody's promo, guess who interrupts? Oba Femi.

The two-time NXT Champion who just beat Ricky Saints at Deadline last Saturday walked out like he owned the building and cut a promo that had teeth. Femi told Rhodes that the future is now, didn't flinch once, and made it clear he's ready for the biggest fight of his life tomorrow at Saturday Night's Main Event.

Rhodes, as always, delivered. But here's the thing — Femi didn't just hold his own. He looked like he belongs in this spot, period. The Wilkes-Barre crowd bought in too, treating him like a legitimate threat instead of just another NXT call-up getting his moment before Cody steamrolls him.

If you weren't sold on this match before, you are now. Rhodes and Femi just made tomorrow night must-see TV.

SmackDown hits Wilkes-Barre tonight as the final pit stop before John Cena walks into the sunset tomorrow at Saturday Night's Main Event. This is it — the last SmackDown before Cena vs. Gunther, the last chance to get the crowd hyped for what might be the most-watched match of 2025.

Three matches are on the card, but let's be real: tonight's all about the talking. Expect tributes, expect promos, expect chaos.

John Cena Tribute Without Cena

WWE will honor John Cena tonight even though he won't be in the building. The 17-time world champion retires tomorrow at Saturday Night's Main Event, and SmackDown's sending him off with a tribute package before his final match against Gunther.

Expect video montages, maybe some legend appearances via satellite, and plenty of "thank you Cena" chants from the Wilkes-Barre crowd. It won't have the same impact as if Cena were actually there, but WWE's been building this farewell tour all year — they'll make it work.

Cody Wants McIntyre Back — Badly

Cody Rhodes is out for blood. Drew McIntyre destroyed him in that parking lot ambush weeks ago, and now the Undisputed WWE Champion is practically begging Nick Aldis to reinstate the Scottish Psycho so he can exact revenge.

Will Aldis pull the trigger tonight? Smart money says yes. This feud's too hot to keep McIntyre on the shelf, and Rhodes needs a dance partner heading into the Royal Rumble season.

Dragunov vs. Ciampa Should Deliver

Ilja Dragunov defends his United States Championship against Tommaso Ciampa, and this one's got "sleeper match of the night" written all over it. Ciampa's been terrorizing Dragunov for weeks, costing him matches and pushing every button the Mad Dragon has.

These two beat the brakes off each other whenever they're in the ring together. Don't be shocked if this steals the show — assuming WWE gives them the time they deserve.

Lash Legend's SmackDown Debut

Lash Legend finally gets her SmackDown singles match against Alexa Bliss. WWE didn't call Legend up from NXT to job her out on match one, so expect the 6-foot powerhouse to make a statement.

Legend and Nia Jax jumped Bliss and Charlotte Flair last week. Tonight's payback time — or at least that's what Bliss thinks.

Mixed Tag Action: Priest & Ripley Return

Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley team up against Aleister Black and Zelina Vega. The Terror Twins have that chemistry that just works, and this should be a fun showcase for both teams.

Expect a screwy finish that sets up a rematch. WWE loves dragging these feuds out, and this has "match one of a series" vibes all over it.

How to Watch WWE SmackDown:

• Network: USA Network
• Time: 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT
• Location: Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania