Friday night in Tempe, Arizona, the energy at Mullett Arena was nothing short of electric as WWE SmackDown rolled into town on October 24, 2025. But while the blue brand delivered a show packed with high-octane drama and surprise twists, another WWE superstar was embarking on a very different kind of journey—one that swapped suplexes for supper. Braun Strowman, the former WWE Universal Champion, officially debuted his new food and travel series, Everything On The Menu, on USA Network. However, the much-anticipated premiere came with a bittersweet twist: Strowman himself was too sick to celebrate in person.
According to his own Instagram post, Strowman was sidelined by a raging fever that spiked to 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39.4°C). He admitted to fans, "I’m absolutely gutted to miss the premiere of my show, but there’s just no way I could be out and about feeling like this." Even so, the show went on—airing right after SmackDown—introducing viewers to Strowman’s larger-than-life appetite and infectious enthusiasm as he crisscrosses America in search of its most iconic eats.
The timing of Strowman’s new venture couldn’t be more significant. As reported by USA Network and detailed by VICE, Everything On The Menu is his first major project since being released from WWE earlier this year, marking his second exit from the company in just four years. For fans who’ve watched Strowman wreak havoc in the ring, this new chapter offers a glimpse into his passion for food, travel, and the stories behind the dishes that define American cities.
So, what’s the premise? Each episode follows Strowman as he visits local restaurants across eight different cities—Fort Worth, Washington D.C., Orlando, Las Vegas, Chicago, Milwaukee, New Orleans, and Tampa. The "Monster Among Men" doesn’t just sample the food; he obliterates every dish in his path, bonds with the culinary warriors behind the counter, and ultimately picks his favorite from each city’s most iconic flavors. As USA Network puts it, "Braun doesn’t just eat, he obliterates every single dish in his path, bonds with the culinary warriors behind the counter, and picks his favorite from each city’s most iconic flavors."
For those without cable, the show is widely accessible. USA Network and VICE both highlight that Everything On The Menu is available for streaming via FuboTV, DIRECTV, and Sling TV, each offering free trials or promotional discounts. It’s a smart move, ensuring that fans who’ve cut the cord can still follow Strowman’s culinary escapades without missing a beat.
Meanwhile, back in Tempe, the SmackDown episode airing just before Strowman’s premiere was a whirlwind of action. According to VICE, WWE.com, and local coverage, the show was headlined by a brutal No Disqualification match between Drew McIntyre and Jimmy Uso. The match, which sprawled from the ring to the crowd and back again, saw both men wielding steel chairs and tables with reckless abandon. McIntyre ultimately secured the win with his signature Claymore Kick, but the chaos didn’t end there. After the bell, McIntyre continued his assault on Uso—prompting WWE Champion Cody Rhodes to rush to the rescue, only to be felled by another devastating Claymore.
This storyline is part of a larger narrative arc that’s been unfolding over recent weeks. Last week, Jacob Fatu was brutally attacked backstage before his WWE Championship No. 1 Contender’s Match. While Drew McIntyre has denied any involvement, he’s certainly reaped the benefits—earning himself a title shot against Cody Rhodes at the upcoming Saturday Night’s Main Event. The identity of Fatu’s mysterious assailant remains unresolved, fueling speculation and tension among fans and wrestlers alike.
The drama didn’t stop there. The women’s division saw its own share of fireworks, as Tiffany Stratton successfully defended her WWE Women’s Championship against Kiana James, only to be ambushed post-match by Jade Cargill. As VICE and WWE.com reported, Cargill’s attack was particularly vicious, bouncing Stratton’s knee off the steel steps and leaving serious questions about the champion’s health. In a backstage promo, Cargill declared, "I’ve run out of patience and I’m coming for the WWE Women’s Championship." The two are now set to clash at Saturday Night’s Main Event—assuming Stratton is medically cleared to compete.
Elsewhere on the card, Ilja Dragunov continued his mission to restore prestige to the United States Championship, issuing an open challenge that was answered by Aleister Black. Despite interference from Black’s wife, Zelina Vega, and a ringside distraction by Damian Priest, Dragunov retained his title with a decisive H-Bomb. The ongoing feud between Black and Priest added another layer of intrigue, as the two brawled through the crowd after the match.
Tag team action was equally intense, with Tama Tonga and JC Mateo overcoming Rey Fenix and Shinsuke Nakamura, thanks in part to interference from Solo Sikoa. The MFTs, led by Sikoa, remain a dominant force on SmackDown, clashing with the Wyatt Sicks and targeting other top stars like Sami Zayn and United States Champion Ilja Dragunov.
The women’s tag division also heated up, with Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair—the reigning champions—being put on notice by the Kabuki Warriors, Asuka and Kairi Sane. Fans are eagerly awaiting a potential showdown between these two dynamic teams in the coming weeks.
For those keeping score at home, SmackDown’s legacy as one of television’s longest-running weekly programs remains unchallenged. Since its debut in April 1999, the show has evolved through multiple rebrandings and continues to serve as a launchpad for new storylines, rivalries, and, as this week proved, cross-promotional opportunities like Strowman’s new show.
With Everything On The Menu now officially on the air, Braun Strowman is carving out a new path, proving that there’s life—and plenty of flavor—beyond the squared circle. As for WWE SmackDown, the road to Survivor Series and Saturday Night’s Main Event looks as unpredictable as ever. Whether you’re tuning in for the body slams or the barbecue, Friday nights on USA Network are serving up something for everyone.
In a week where the lines between sports entertainment and lifestyle television blurred, fans were treated to a feast of storylines, surprises, and, of course, a hearty helping of Braun Strowman’s signature appetite. It’s safe to say that both the wrestling ring and the dining table are set for plenty more drama in the weeks ahead.
