On the final SmackDown of 2025 — and the final two-hour edition before a return to three hours starting next week — Drew McIntyre makes his return to SmackDown to address being granted another WWE Championship shot against Cody Rhodes.

WWE Friday Night Smackdown airs on Friday nights at 8 p.m. There are several ways to watch with a free live stream. Friday, Dec. 19 will serve as the 51st episode of Season 27, and it will air on USA.

You can stream “WWE SmackDown!” live or on demand without a cable subscription by using several streaming platforms that offer USA Network, including DIRECTV (free trial) and Sling. fuboTV is currently not a viable option, due to the ongoing dispute with NBCU causing NBC-owned channels to be blacked out on the service.

WWE SmackDown (December 19, 2025) Venue: Van Andel Arena City: Grand Rapids, MI Time: 8 pm ET How To Watch: USA Network (US), Netflix (International) WWE United State Championship Open Challenge: Ilja Dragunov (c) vs. TBA

John Cena's retirement match is one night away as WWE Smackdown broadcasts live from Pennsylvania today. Find out how to watch for free.

Hendry makes his SmackDown debut against The Miz in a Miracle on 34th Street Fight, and Charlotte Flair squares off against Lash Legend. The big story tonight, however, is Carmelo Hayes facing Ilja Dragunov in the champion's final Open Challenge match for the United States Championship.

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After John Cena's retirement at Saturday Night's Main Event, find out what's next for the flagship WWE series.