In this WWE SmackDown 10/3/25 review, here are five thoughts on Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton vs. Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, another Sami Zayn United States Title Open Challenge, and much more
Let’s jump in!
1. Paul Heyman’s prophecy came true.
The Oracle pontificated a possible scenario for the main event. What if Cody wasn’t there to help Orton when he needed it? That’s how it played out, with Breakker sending Cody through the barricade before Seth Rollins interfered to allow Reed to score the win on Orton. It’s yet another intriguing development in the long-running tease of a Cody vs. Orton feud. Orton also gave a few innocent – but really not-so-innocent – glances at the Undisputed WWE Championship during the show. There aren’t many options on the blue brand for Cody’s next big title program, so Orton being next up would make sense. Maybe Kevin Owens was right about Cody after all.
2. What will Heyman think of Rollins ignoring his advice?
Speaking of The Oracle, he also tried to instill some wisdom on the World Heavyweight Champion. Rollins has become consumed by his lack of success against Rhodes, so despite Heyman’s warning to not get back in the ring after the match, ‘The Visionary’ did so anyways. It didn’t go as planned. Cody countered a Curb Stomp attempt into a Cross Rhodes, once again getting the better of his rival. WWE has teased a power struggle between Rollins and Heyman within The Vision, so the response from both me should be interesting.
3. Sami Zayn does it again.
Another week, another great match in the United States Title Open Challenge. I liked the tease of Carmelo Hayes accepting it again right after he broke up with The Miz. A new ‘Melo is coming to win the title! And then, of course, Miz got some revenge. That set up Aleister Black to stroll down as Zayn’s new opponent. To no one’s surprise, the match was a lot of fun. This is still the best thing going on SmackDown each week. Who will Zayn face next week in Perth? Miz could be an option to allow Carmelo to return the favor.
4. Solo Sikoa is teasing something interesting.
There is no doubt that Solo and the MFTs have lost some momentum after the Jacob Fatu feud. Can they regain it with the tease of a new member? Solo said on SmackDown that the group is still missing something, and once they find it, they’re gonna destroy everyone. Is it the return of Tama Tonga? A potential Zilla Fatu debut? How many other members of The Bloodline are out there? It’s going to be a challenge for this group to jump back into the upper echelon on SmackDown, but I’m at least curious what they’re cooking up.
5. Giulia. Oh, Giulia.
The Women’s United States title picture is the complete opposite of the men’s. The lack of reaction for Giulia and Kiana James is something, even when they’re interacting with top champions like Tiffany Stratton and Stephanie Vaquer. Giulia was a star in NXT, but she’s not getting the same opportunities that Stratton, Vaquer, and Roxanne Perez – all former NXT champs as well – have on the main roster. Maybe it’s an English language thing. Maybe WWE has just dropped the ball on her. Or perhaps it’s something else. Either way, Giulia deserves better. So does the SmackDown women’s division.
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