WWE SmackDown Review: October 17, 2025
The latest episode of WWE SmackDown has come and gone, leaving fans with a mix of exciting moments and disappointing segments. The show featured title changes, impromptu title matches, and a plethora of backstage segments. In this review, we’ll break down the good, the bad, and the ugly of the October 17 broadcast.
Loved: Blake Monroe and ZaRuca’s Feud Heats Up
One of the highlights of the show was the continuation of the feud between Blake Monroe and ZaRuca (Sol Ruca and Zaria) from NXT. Monroe’s presence at ringside added an extra layer of tension to the Women’s Tag Team Championship match, and her distraction of Ruca ultimately led to the title change. This storyline has the potential to be a great example of how WWE can effectively integrate its developmental talent into the main roster.
Hated: Carmelo Hayes’ Lack of Progress
On the other hand, Carmelo Hayes’ ongoing feud with The Miz has been underwhelming. Despite his impressive skills and potential, Hayes has been stuck in a go-nowhere feud that has failed to showcase his abilities. With other former NXT champions like Bron Breakker and Ilja Dragunov making waves on the main roster, it’s disappointing to see Hayes languishing in a lackluster storyline.
Loved: Sami Zayn’s United States Open Challenge
The United States Open Challenge has been a highlight of SmackDown in recent weeks, and this episode was no exception. Sami Zayn’s match against Ilja Dragunov was an instant classic, with both men delivering impressive performances. The addition of other storylines, including the Carmelo Hayes and Miz feud, added to the chaos and excitement of the segment.
Hated: Too Many Backstage Segments
One of the major drawbacks of the episode was the excessive number of backstage segments. While some of these segments were necessary to advance storylines, others felt like filler and disrupted the flow of the show. With so many exciting matches and storylines, it’s a shame that more time wasn’t devoted to in-ring action.
Loved: A Fight in the Main Event
The main event of the show was a highlight, with Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes engaging in a intense brawl. The fight, which started in the ring and spilled out into the crowd, was a great way to build tension and excitement for their upcoming title match.
Hated: The Handling of Jacob Fatu’s Injury
The handling of Jacob Fatu’s injury was disappointing, with the show’s writers relying on a contrived and cheesy plot device to explain his absence. The subsequent brawl between McIntyre and Rhodes was exciting, but the lead-up to it felt disjointed and unclear.
For more information on this episode of WWE SmackDown, check out the full review Here
