WWE SmackDown Preview (Dec. 26): It’s Joe Hendry’s World, We Just Live In It

If you thought Santa was the only one delivering gifts this week, you haven’t been paying attention to the blue brand. Tonight’s post-Christmas SmackDown is rolling into the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and while it might be a taped show (blame the holiday hangover), the lineup is juicier than the leftover ham in your fridge. We’ve got debuts, grudges, and the kind of chaos only WWE can cook up right before the new year.

Joe Hendry’s Main Roster Takeover Begins

Say his name, and he appears! Joe Hendry is finally getting his shot on the big stage, and honestly, it’s about time. The man has more charisma in his pinky finger than half the roster combined. After that cameo at “Saturday Night’s Main Event” where he and R-Truth absolutely embarrassed The Miz (while the crowd serenaded them, naturally), Miz is out for blood. Or at least, as much blood as Miz can muster these days.

Tonight on SmackDown, Hendry makes his official in-ring debut on SmackDown. GM Nick Aldis greenlit the match because, let’s face it, watching Miz get humbled is a global pastime. Is Hendry going to walk in and immediately become the most over guy on the show? Probably. Is Miz going to eat a pin and complain about it for the next three weeks? Definitely. Get your clapping hands ready, because we believe.

Drew McIntyre: Angry, Scottish, and Back With a Vengeance

If you’ve been missing 6-foot-5 of pure Scottish rage, good news: Drew McIntyre is back in the building. Technically, he’s still fresh off suspension, but when has a little thing like “rules” stopped Drew? He’s got unfinished business with Cody Rhodes after their little domestic dispute (you know, the one where they brawled at Drew’s actual house).

Aldis is letting him pick the stipulation for their upcoming Undisputed WWE Championship match, which sounds like a recipe for disaster for the American Nightmare. Expect Drew to pick something sadistic, and expect Cody to look suitably concerned in a suit. Will Drew apologize to the ref he terrorized? Unlikely. Will he threaten to Claymore everyone in sight? Odds are good.

The United States Open Challenge: Who Wants Smoke?

Ilja Dragunov has been running through the SmackDown roster like a buzzsaw since October. The “Mad Dragon” isn’t just defending the U.S. Title; he’s actively hunting for people to hurt. Tonight, the open challenge is back.

With Tommaso Ciampa seemingly dealt with, thanks to a little help from Carmelo Hayes, the door is wide open. Will Tama Tonga finally stop lurking in the shadows and step up on SmackDown? Or will some other poor soul decide they want their chest caved in by a Dragunov chop? Either way, expect violence. It’s what Ilja does best.

The Rest of the Chaos

• Women’s Tag Team Turmoil: Nia Jax and Lash Legend are wrecking shop, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss are circling like sharks, and the champs (The Kabuki Warriors) are probably wondering why everyone can’t just get along. Spoiler: They won’t.
• Jade Cargill’s “Dominance”: Michin tried the kendo stick approach last week. It didn’t work. We’re still waiting for a real challenger to step up to Jade, or for Nick Aldis to book a match that lasts longer than a commercial break.
• Where is Randy Orton? Seriously, has anyone checked on the Viper?

It’s the last SmackDown of 2025. The road to the Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia is heating up, and things are about to get messy. Grab your leftovers, sit back, and enjoy the show.