The WWE Universe was left buzzing after a wild episode of Friday Night SmackDown on September 12, 2025. Fans tuning in were treated to a rollercoaster of surprises, controversy, and a dash of unexpected levity—all culminating in Cody Rhodes making a shocking return to the blue brand. With Wrestlepalooza looming and blockbuster movie roles on the horizon, the night was packed with moments that had everyone talking, both inside the arena and across social media.
Let’s start with the headline-grabbing moment: Cody Rhodes, the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion, returned to SmackDown in dramatic fashion. Most fans—and even many in the locker room—had assumed Rhodes would be absent, given his ongoing commitment to filming the American martial arts movie 'Street Fighter', where he’s set to play the iconic Guile. But in classic WWE fashion, expectations were upended. Moments after Drew McIntyre notched a controversial victory over Randy Orton, the arena lights dimmed, the crowd erupted, and Rhodes stormed the ring, unleashing a furious attack on McIntyre. Talk about a homecoming!
This surprise appearance wasn’t just a cameo. It reignited a bitter feud that’s been brewing for weeks. The tension between Rhodes and McIntyre reached a boiling point earlier in the summer when McIntyre, known as 'The Scottish Psychopath', blindsided Rhodes with a devastating Claymore Kick, sending the champion crashing through the announce table. That attack set the stage for their collision course toward Wrestlepalooza, but few predicted that Rhodes would strike back so soon—or so decisively—given his Hollywood commitments.
Rhodes’ return was met with a thunderous ovation from the WWE Universe. Addressing the crowd, the champion shared a deeply personal update, blending his professional and personal triumphs. "Thank you guys so much. There is more action tonight, but before that happens, I just want to thank you all because it has been a hell of a month for me. I had a new baby girl and I got cast as Guile in Street Fighter. Tonight I had to come back home, thank you guys very very very much," Rhodes said, his gratitude palpable as fans cheered him on. The birth of his daughter and his casting in a major film have made 2025 a year to remember for the American Nightmare.
But let’s not forget the other headline acts of the night. The episode featured a hard-fought showdown between Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton. McIntyre, riding high on his recent aggression, managed to defeat Orton, though controversy swirled around the finish. The match’s aftermath was even more explosive, with Rhodes’ return shifting the spotlight and setting the stage for their Wrestlepalooza clash—a bout that’s quickly becoming the most anticipated match on the WWE calendar.
Elsewhere on the card, fans witnessed a double-countout between Jade Cargill and Tiffany Stratton. The bout was physical and intense, but ended without a clear winner, leaving both competitors—and their fans—hungry for a rematch. Some fans and analysts were quick to point out that the commentary team didn’t quite sell the chaos of the post-match heel attacks, sparking debate about how best to capture the drama unfolding in the ring.
And who could forget the segment featuring Brock Lesnar and R-Truth? In a moment that’s already gone viral, Lesnar delivered his trademark F-5 to R-Truth. But in the process, Lesnar’s jeans ripped, revealing his blue underwear—a sight that drew laughter from the audience and even cracked Lesnar’s usually unflappable demeanor. The incident led to speculation on the PWTorch Post-Show podcast about whether Lesnar broke character too much for a supposed vicious heel. "Did he break character too much for a vicious heel?" pondered PWTorch’s Chris Maitland, reflecting the lighthearted debate among fans and pundits alike.
The night wasn’t all laughs, though. The Wyatt Sicks delivered a dark, cryptic vignette that drew comparisons to Aleister Black’s earlier work, adding an edge of mystery and anticipation for what’s next in their storyline. Meanwhile, Sami Zayn squared off against Rey Fenix in a fast-paced contest that showcased both men’s athleticism, though neither managed to steal the spotlight from the night’s larger stories.
All of this comes as WWE rides a wave of momentum, both inside and outside the squared circle. Cody Rhodes’ journey this year has been nothing short of cinematic. After losing his Undisputed WWE Championship to John Cena earlier in 2025—a moment that many thought would mark a downturn—Rhodes rebounded in spectacular fashion, reclaiming the title from Cena at SummerSlam on August 3. That victory, coupled with his high-profile casting in 'Street Fighter', has cemented his status as one of WWE’s most versatile and marketable stars.
The upcoming 'Street Fighter' movie, directed by Kitao Sakurai, is generating its own buzz. Not only is Rhodes set to portray Guile, but Roman Reigns—another WWE megastar—has been tapped to play Akuma. The film is rumored to hit theaters on October 16, 2026, adding another layer of crossover appeal for wrestling fans and moviegoers alike. With Rhodes juggling his championship duties and his burgeoning film career, the WWE Universe is left wondering: can he maintain his momentum in both worlds?
Back in the ring, the feud between Rhodes and McIntyre is only heating up. Their rivalry has become the talk of the wrestling world, with each man determined to prove himself on the grandest stage. McIntyre’s brutal attack weeks ago was a clear message, but Rhodes’ return and retaliatory strike sent shockwaves through the roster. With Wrestlepalooza on the horizon, anticipation is building for a showdown that promises to be physical, personal, and unpredictable.
Meanwhile, the rest of the SmackDown roster isn’t sitting idle. Jade Cargill and Tiffany Stratton’s unresolved battle, the eerie Wyatt Sicks vignette, and the ongoing antics of Brock Lesnar and R-Truth ensure that every episode is appointment viewing. Add in the rising speculation about future international events and possible roster shakeups, and it’s clear that WWE is pulling out all the stops as 2025 heads into its final stretch.
As the dust settles from a chaotic SmackDown, one thing’s certain: Cody Rhodes’ return has reshaped the landscape of WWE. With Wrestlepalooza approaching, the stage is set for a clash that could define the year. Whether in the ring or on the silver screen, Rhodes continues to capture the imagination of fans worldwide. The WWE Universe will be watching closely as this story unfolds, eager to see who will emerge victorious—and what surprises await around the next corner.
