WWE SmackDown Notes: Gunther Wins The Last Time Is Now Tournament, Cody Rhodes Demands Drew McIntyre’s Suspension Be Lifted, Terror Twins Reunite, Oba Femi, Ricky Saints, & Sol Ruca Appears, vs. John Cena, Bayley vs. Sol Ruca, & More Set for for 12/13 SNME, 12/12 Show Card

WWE
Dec 5, 2025

Gunther Wins The Last Time Is Now Tournament

Friday’s WWE SmackDown show at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas featured Gunther defeating LA Knight in the Finals of WWE’s The Last Time Is Now Tournament.

This tournament determined the official challenger for John Cena’s retirement match at the December 13th WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event show.

As a result of his victory, Gunther will be facing off against John Cena for Cena’s retirement match at WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event show on December 13th in Washington, D.C.

Cody Rhodes Demands for Drew McIntyre’s Suspension Be Lifted & Wants Another Fight

Friday’s WWE SmackDown show also featured Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes demanding for Drew McIntyre’s suspension be lifted and challenged him to a future match.

During the show, McIntyre was seen being berated backstage by SmackDown GM Nick Aldis surrounded by security. Aldis informed McIntyre that he was still suspended regardless of what McIntyre thinks and Paul Heyman’s antics to get him on The Vision’s team for WarGames. Aldis then demanded for McIntyre to leave, which McIntyre stated he would do so not because of Aldis but because he doesn’t want to hurt security. McIntyre then got into his van but before he could drive away, Rhodes attacked him and tried to gouge out his eye. Rhodes was then pulled away by security as McIntyre drove away.

An angry Rhodes made his way out to the ring and grabbed a microphone. Rhodes demanded for Aldis to lift McIntyre’s suspension and talked about McIntyre breaking an unwritten rule of this sport when he broke into his bus where his wife sleeps and his kids sleep. After some more heated words, Rhodes issued a challenge to McIntyre for a future match between the two in a WWE ring.

Damian Priest & Rhea Ripley Reunite As The Terror Twins

Friday’s WWE SmackDown show also featured Damien Priest and Rhea Ripley reuniting as The Terror Twins.

During the show, a video aired featuring Priest talking about his bad blood issues with Aleister Black and Zelina. Priest talked about how Black brought his wife Zelina by his side but he has someone on his side now. This led to Ripley showing up and talked about how Black and Zelina poked a bear and she is now there with him. Ripley then stated that next week it will be Black & Zelina versus her and Damian as the reunited Terror Twins.

Oba Femi & Ricky Saints Appears & Rhodes Issues Special Challenge for 12/13 SNME

Friday’s WWE SmackDown show also featured NXT talent Oba Femi and current NXT Champion Ricky Saints making a surprise appearance.

During the show, SmackDown GM Nick Aldis was seen waiting outside of his office. Undisputed WWE Champion Cody showed up and Aldis asked Cody if he is ready to do this and Rhodes responded saying that he is. Aldis and Rhodes walked into the office to see Femi and Saints waiting for them. Femi and Saints asked Aldis why they are in his office, which Aldis responded stating that all will be revealed but not by him. Rhodes responded stating that the winner of their NXT Championship match at NXT Deadline 2025 will be facing him at next week’s Saturday Night’s Main Event show.

Bayley vs. Sol Ruca Announced for Dec. 13th WWE SNME Show

Friday’s WWE SmackDown show also featured the third of three new matches announced for the card of WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event show on December 13th at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

This new match announced was a singles match of Bayley vs. Sol Ruca.

This new match was setup following a backstage promo segment involving SmackDown GM Nick Aldis, Bayley, and Ruca.

Current card for December 13th WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event show:

  • John Cena’s Final Match – John Cena vs. Gunther
  • Cody Rhodes vs. winner of Oba Femi/Ricky Saints
  • Bayley vs. Sol Ruca

Current Card for Next Week’s Show

Friday’s WWE SmackDown show also featured three new matches announced for the card of next week’s show on December 12th at the Mohegan Arena At Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

Current card for December 12th WWE SmackDown show:

  • WWE United States Championship – Tommaso Ciampa vs. Ilja Dragunov (c)
  • Mixed Tag Team match – The Terror Twins (Damian Priest & Rhea Ripley) vs. Aleister Black & Zelina
  • Alexa Bliss vs. Lash Legend
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