5 Things WWE subtly told us on the final episode of SmackDown of 2025

The final episode of WWE SmackDown in 2025 ended with Drew McIntyre, Cody Rhodes, and Nick Aldis. This week's edition of the blue brand was a pre-recorded one, but it still featured a massive title change when Carmelo Hayes defeated Ilja Dragunov to become the new United States Champion.

In this article, we will be looking at five things WWE subtly told us on the final episode of Friday Night SmackDown in 2025.

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#5. Oba Femi is coming to SmackDown soon

This week, SmackDown on WWE aired a teaser for Oba Femi, highlighting his dominance on the NXT brand. The vignette also features a glimpse of his latest highlight from his match against Cody Rhodes.

Usually, such vignettes of NXT stars aired to either promote them on the big shows or to indicate the company's plans for their main roster call-up. In the case of Oba Femi, it's likely Triple H plans to bring him to the blue brand, given the buzz around his name online.

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#4. WWE is done pushing IIja Dragunov

Ilja Dragunov lost to Carmelo Hayes and is no longer the United States Champion. Over the past two months, the Mad Dragon delivered great performances on the show, but his title loss subtly confirms that WWE is done pushing him.

As of now, there are no signs that the Triple H-led promotion will put Ilja in a world title picture. So he could be booked in a normal feud now, or could be part of the Men's Royal Rumble match 2026 buildup.

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#3. Nick Aldis could cost Cody Rhodes his Undisputed WWE Championship

In the main event segment, Cody Rhodes, Nick Aldis, and Drew McIntyre were seen in a heated face-off. The Scottish Warrior provoked the American Nightmare as if he attacked him; he would be stripped of the Undisputed title.

When the National Treasure attempted to stop Rhodes from attacking McIntyre, Cody pushed Aldis and eventually took him out. This could be the start of a major heel turn in the upcoming weeks when Nick could cost Cody his Undisputed title.

For a long time, fans have been anticipating the WWE in-ring debut of Aldis, and it seems that it will start against Cody Rhodes.

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#2. The company is high on Joe Hendry

Joe Hendry got a special segment on SmackDown where he performed a concert. Later, this turned into a match against The Miz, where Hendry defeated the A-Lister.

The inclusion of Joe in the main roster and defeating the former champion subtly hints that the Triple H-led creative regime is high on him. Additionally, it seems that he will soon be part of the SmackDown brand.

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#1. Trick Williams could be SmackDown’s new acquisition

Trick William was seen in a backstage segment with Nick Aldis, where the NXT star marked himself as a free agent. This means that he is no longer associated with the Black and Silver brand, and the main roster General Managers can offer him a deal.

Soon after this, Trick confronted Cody Rhodes and asserted that if Aldis made the right decision, the American Nightmare needed to hold the Undisputed WWE Title tight.

Williams' words seemingly confirmed that he is the newest acquisition for the blue brand.

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Edited by Angana Roy