Mixed-tag team match; Cody Rhodes vs Drew McIntyre & other storylines to watch on WWE SmackDown tonight (December 12, 2025)

The Terror Twins will make their in-ring return tonight.

Tonight’s edition of Friday Night SmackDown will air live from the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Multiple big names, including Cody Rhodes, Jade Cargill, Sami Zayn, Rhea Ripley, Damian Priest, and Ilja Dragunov, among others.

The episode will serve as the go-home show for the upcoming Saturday Night’s Main Event, which is set to feature John Cena’s retirement match against Gunther.

Three massive matches have been announced for the show, including a mixed tag, a U.S. Title bout, and a high-octane singles showdown. Ahead of tonight’s show in Pennsylvania, here are the top four storylines to watch out for on tonight’s WWE SmackDown.

4. Mixed-tag team match

During last week’s show, Damian Priest delivered a promo, insisting he couldn’t be broken and wasn’t delusional, saying Aleister Black burning his face only slowed down what was bound to happen anyway.

Priest added that since Black involved his wife, Zelina Vega, he was bringing Rhea Ripley into the fight. The two will take on Priest and Black tonight in a mixed-tag team match.

The addition of Ripley into the feud has made things more intriguing for fans, who have been waiting for someone to counter Vega, aiding Priest against Black. It remains to be seen if this reunion is a one-time affair or if WWE continues the storyline after the match.

Also Read: WWE SmackDown Preview (December 12, 2025): Match card, news, timings & where to watch

3. US title match

Tomasso Ciampa finally got his wish after attacking Carmelo Hayes last week and inadvertently helping Ilja Dragunov retain the title this week. Dragunov asked for the match himself and will now defend the United States title against Ciampa.

Ciampa has been turned down for the title opportunity several times, even after answering the open challenge. Now, the question is whether he can finally seize the chance he worked so hard to create for himself.

2. Tag team division

After the attack by Nia Jax and Lash Legend on Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss following Bliss’ win over Kairi Sane, Bliss is set to take on Legend in a singles action tonight. The women’s Tag Team division reached a boiling point last week in the aftermath of Survivor Series.

Multiple contenders, including former tag champions, have stepped up to challenge The Kabuki Warriors’ (Kairi Sane & Asuka) reign. Nia Jax and Lash Legend have also dominated the division with sheer power, aiming not only to stop Flair and Bliss from reclaiming the titles but to dethrone the Kabuki Warriors themselves and claim the championships.

1. Cody Rhodes vs Drew McIntyre

With reports indicating that the rivalry between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre will continue with another match looming, and after Cody’s attack on Drew in the opening moments of the show, it appears the Scottish Warrior is ready to respond with brute force.

However, WWE either needs to give the title to McIntyre or pause the storylines, as repeatedly building him up only for Drew to lose significantly undermines his credibility and momentum.

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