WWE SmackDown Highlights: Cody Rhodes defends against Drew McIntyre; Crown Jewel aftermath; Jacob Fatu left bloodied backstage; Ilja Dragunov returns & more (October 17, 2025)

Hello everyone and welcome to Khel Now’s HIGHLIGHTS and RESULTS of the WWE Friday Night SmackDown (October 17, 2025). The start of the show is just a few hours away! I’m your host, Abhijit, and I’ll be keeping you company through what promises to be a fascinating evening of pro wrestling action. Please wait 30 seconds for the Live blog to load.

The October 17 episode of Friday Night SmackDown is set to air live from the SAP Center in San Jose, California. The episode will serve as the fallout show from Crown Jewel, which concluded on October 11 in Perth, Australia.

Multiple top names, including Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, Tiffany Stratton, Sami Zayn, Jade Cargill, and Jacob Fatu, among others, are advertised for the show. The upcoming show will feature the aftermath of the PLE, likley kicking off the build towards WWE SNME and Survivor Series. The promotion has announced a grudge match, a WWE Tag Team title match, and an appearance by Cody Rhodes.

Announced matches & segments for WWE SmackDown (October 17, 2025)

• Cody Rhodes to address his Crown Jewel loss
• Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss (c) vs Zaria & Sol Ruca – WWE Tag Team titles match
• Drew McIntyre vs Jacob Fatu
• Crown Jewel aftermath
• Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, Tiffany Stratton, Sami Zayn, Jade Cargill & Jacob Fatu are listed as featured superstars

Cody Rhodes to address his Crown Jewel loss

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes is scheduled to make an appearance on the fallout show. Rhodes is set to address the loss against Seth Rollins, where the men’s Crown Jewel title was on the line. The Undisputed Champion, who is used to getting pinned, will address the fans in San Jose.

Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss (c) vs Zaria & Sol Rucan – WWE Tag Team titles match

In a backstage segment last week, NXT’s Sol Ruca and Zaria caught up with WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, once again putting forth their demand for a title shot. Ruca and Zaria have got their wish as they are set to battle Flair and Bliss for the Women’s Tag Team titles on this week’s fallout show.

Drew McIntyre vs Jacob Fatu

During last week’s show, both Drew McIntyre and Jacob Fatu continued their feud, brawling on two different occasions, forcing General Manager Nick Aldis to announce a match between the two in Fatu’s backyard for this week. After brawling nonstop, the two heavyweights will finally settle their score inside the ring.

Crown Jewel aftermath

As mentioned, the show will also serve as the fallout show from Crown Jewel, which concluded last Saturday in Perth. Unlike previous PLEs, both Champions from SmackDown failed to capture the Crown Jewel title.

Cody Rhodes, who was the 2024 men’s Crown Jewel Champion, failed to defend it against Seth Rollins last Saturday. Both Champions are likely going to address their future following the loss.

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