Professional wrestling fans kicked off the post-Christmas week with an electrifying WWE SmackDown episode that not only dominated cable ratings but also set the stage for an epic international championship showdown. The final two-hour broadcast of 2025 proved that the blue brand continues to captivate audiences with high-stakes drama and unexpected twists.

The December 26 episode drew an impressive 1,138,000 viewers, marking a significant 14 percent increase from the previous week's viewership. Wrestling enthusiasts were treated to a ratings boost that saw the show climb to the top of cable programming, with a robust 0.27 rating in the crucial 18-49 demographic.

In a headline-grabbing moment, Carmelo Hayes dethroned Ilja Dragunov during a United States Championship Open Challenge, demonstrating the dynamic talent that keeps WWE fans on the edge of their seats. The episode also unveiled an exciting international confrontation, announcing that Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes will face his dangerous rival Drew McIntyre in a Three Stages of Hell Match in Berlin, Germany on January 9.

The night's entertainment didn't stop there. WWE NXT star Joe Hendry engaged in a spirited Miracle on 34th Street Fight against The Miz, receiving unexpected assistance from fan-favorite R-Truth. Meanwhile, Women's United States Champion Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre scored a tag team victory over Giulia and Kiana James, showcasing the depth of talent across WWE's diverse roster.

While the ratings showed a 42 percent decline compared to the same quarter in 2024, the episode's energy and storyline developments suggest the brand remains committed to delivering compelling entertainment. The carefully crafted post-holiday broadcast demonstrated WWE's ability to maintain audience engagement during a traditionally challenging viewing period.

As fans look forward to the upcoming Berlin showdown and the next chapter of ongoing rivalries, this SmackDown episode reinforced WWE's reputation for dynamic storytelling and athletic spectacle. The combination of surprising match outcomes, international intrigue, and star power continues to make professional wrestling a must-watch experience for millions of fans worldwide.