Bold claim: SmackDown on December 5, 2025, is shaping up to be the defining night of the Last Time is Now Tournament, with LA Knight facing Gunther in a clash that could determine who finally tests John Cena at Saturday Night’s Main Event. And this is the part most people miss—every move on this card builds toward bigger, real-world implications for top stars and title contention.
What to expect on Friday’s episode of SmackDown on USA at 8/7 CT:
- LA Knight vs. Gunther in the Last Time is Now Tournament Finals, a high-stakes bout that could reshape the landscape for Cena’s forthcoming opponent.
- A focal update on Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes following Survivor Series: WarGames, with implications for his trajectory and challengers moving forward.
- Ilja Dragunov issuing an United States Championship Open Challenge, inviting any challenger to step up and test the champion’s reign.
- Jade Cargill defending the WWE Women's Championship against Alba Fyre, a contest that pits the reigning champion against a formidable challenger from Chelsea Green’s Secret Hervice.
- The Storm’s mandate: a potential onslaught of momentum that could tilt SmackDown’s momentum in multiple directions and spark debate about who truly leads the show.
- Alexa Bliss aiming to regain momentum in the WWE Women’s Tag Team Title scene against Kairi Sane, following the chaos of WarGames and setting the stage for renewed title pictures alongside Charlotte Flair.
Where and when to watch: SmackDown airs tonight on USA at 8 ET/7 CT.
Additional context: Solo Sikoa is expected to address the startling finish from last week’s SmackDown, while The MFT has plans for The Wyatt Sicks, keeping the weekly dynamic tense and full of surprises.
Note: The SmackDown archive for reference runs from late November through November 2025, with a history of episodes leading up to the current event.
Question to readers: Do you see LA Knight finally breaking through Gunther’s momentum, or does Gunther’s run continue to extend its dominance? Share your take in the comments and explain what moves you think would best set up Cena’s return opponent.
