The Saudi capital witnessed one of the most thrilling nights in wrestling as “SmackDown” lit up Kingdom Arena on Friday as part of Riyadh Season 2025, with a packed audience filling the stands—another testament to WWE’s growing fan base in the Kingdom.
The night kicked off with a surprise moment when Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton made an unexpected entrance, setting the stage for their highly anticipated showdown tomorrow during “Night of Champions.” Orton addressed the crowd saying, “It’s an honor to be in your country. You are great people with a rich culture,” adding, “Saudi Arabia is incredible. Every time I fly 15 hours to get here, I’m happier than the last time.”
On the competition side, three fiery title bouts captured the spotlight.
In the WWE United States Women’s Championship, rising star Julia captured the title after a well-earned victory over Zelina Vega, blending Vega’s experience with Julia’s sharp performance—marking her third career championship win.
In one of the night’s most brutal matches, Tiffany Stratton retained her title in a “Last Woman Standing” bout against Nia Jax. The match—culminating weeks of tension—was filled with ringside destruction and intense moments.
For the Tag Team Championship, The Street Profits defended their titles against The Wyatt Sicks in a chaotic match filled with energy and suspense. However, it ended without a winner following a massive brawl, with expectations high for a rematch.
Rising duo Andrea and Rina Vaklis pulled off a standout win against D.A.W., with the crowd erupting during their powerful finish that sealed the victory.
Elsewhere, rising star J.C. Matteo secured a big win over veteran Jimmy Uso, showcasing smart counterattacks and resilience that earned the crowd’s admiration and cemented his place as a name to watch in WWE’s future.
Looking ahead, fans are gearing up for Saturday’s highly anticipated “Night of Champions”, featuring blockbuster showdowns as part of the King and Queen of the Ring tournament.
The evening will feature an undisputed WWE Championship match between legends John Cena and CM Punk, revisiting one of the most iconic rivalries in wrestling history.
Cody Rhodes will battle Randy Orton in the King of the Ring final, while Jade Cargill faces Japanese star Asuka for the Queen of the Ring crown.
Tensions rise as Jacob Fatu takes on Solo Sikoa for the United States Championship, while Rhea Ripley faces Raquel Rodriguez in a high-stakes Street Fight. The evening concludes with a thrilling clash between Sami Zayn and Karrion Kross in what is expected to be an explosive main event.