Hold onto your wrestling boots, because tonight’s SmackDown might just flip the script in ways you never saw coming! What if the show you’re about to watch isn’t live at all? That’s right—reports have been swirling about tonight’s SmackDown, and the truth is more tangled than a Royal Rumble match. Let’s break it down in a way that even wrestling newcomers can follow.
Earlier this week, spoilers from the SmackDown taping in Hershey, Pennsylvania, on December 15 started making the rounds. Many assumed these were for the December 26 episode, especially since WWE is known for pre-taping around the holidays. But here’s where it gets controversial: not everyone agreed. Wrestling legend Dave Meltzer dropped a bombshell on Wrestling Observer Radio, claiming those spoilers are actually for tonight’s show. Yes, you read that right—tonight’s SmackDown might be pre-taped, even though it’s airing on a Friday. And this is the part most people miss: WWE is reportedly juggling multiple tapings this week, including a Raw episode for December 22 and another SmackDown for December 26, all while fans in Grand Rapids, Michigan, think they’re watching live action.
Why does this matter? For one, it means SmackDown won’t be live on Netflix for most of the world, which is a rare occurrence. But more importantly, it raises questions about transparency in wrestling scheduling. Are fans being misled, or is this just the wrestling business as usual? Let’s dive into what Meltzer’s sources say we’ll see tonight—if they’re right.
Here’s a sneak peek at the rumored lineup:
- Damian Priest delivers a promo, only to be brutally interrupted by Aleister Black, who later takes him out backstage.
- Nia Jax and Lash Legend face off against the Kabuki Warriors in a match that ends with Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss crashing the party.
- Giulia shines in a backstage promo before defeating Alba Fyre in a high-octane match.
- Ilja Dragunov and Carmelo Hayes team up to take down #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa).
- A chaotic tag match between The Wyatt Sicks’ Dexter Lumis and Joe Gacy and MFTs’ JC Mateo and Tonga Loa ends in a no contest.
Expect plenty of highlight reels and backstage segments to round out the show, as SmackDown won’t return to its three-hour format until early next year. But the real question is: does this pre-taping drama change how you feel about tonight’s episode? Is WWE pulling the wool over fans’ eyes, or is this just the holiday hustle we’ve come to expect? Sound off in the comments—we want to hear your take!
Join us tonight for our live blog as we unravel the mystery of this week’s SmackDown together. Will it live up to the hype, or will the pre-taped nature leave you feeling flat? Only one way to find out!
