Hershey, Pennsylvania gets the honors of closing out WWE's year with a handful of shows, including Friday's latest "SmackDown." That year-end malaise could really be felt on this show, as an extra hour of programming looms large to start 2026.

Cody Rhodes has some explaining to do. The undisputed WWE champion stormed onto Drew McIntyre's property earlier this week, seeking revenge on his longtime rival. Rhodes returns to SmackDown on Friday to explain his actions.

Former WWE star Eva Marie recalls what made her decide to pursue professional wrestling compared to other career goals like acting and soccer.

On the heels of blockbuster footage of Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes attacking Drew McIntyre at his home in Florida, what did the American Nightmare have to say about his actions, and what consequences did they have at the top of the blue brand?

WWE will reportedly be calling up various NXT stars to round out the main roster after the new year. There are many in the developmental system right now that

A move to “SmackDown” would facilitate a reunion with his real-life fiancée, Lash Legend. Legend is currently a member of the blue brand’s roster, where she has formed a formidable alliance with Nia Jax. The duo has been a focal point of the women’s tag team division, recently picking up a victory over The Kabuki Warriors.

Joe Hendry will be on the final SmackDown of 2025. During Friday’s taped show, The Miz appeared in Nick Aldis’ office upset about getting laid out by Hendry at Saturday Night’s Main Event, suggesting he wanted to have a match with him. Aldis agreed to it, setting the stage for next week.

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.

Bobby Lashley has been removed from active competition due to a legitimate injury, halting his momentum in All Elite Wrestling. The former WWE Champion, who joined the promotion in late 2024, was scheduled to compete in the “Dynamite Diamond Ring Battle Royale” at the upcoming “Holiday Bash” special but has since been pulled from the card.

Theory had helped the team of Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, Logan Paul, Drew McIntyre and Brock Lesnar win WarGames at Survivor Series, and continued to appear to help out Breakker, Reed and Paul, all while The Vision's Paul Heyman insisted he did not know who was under the mask.

A scary incident earlier this week on WWE RAW reportedly has one of the company’s stars in concussion protocol.

Damian Priest opened up "WWE SmackDown" with a heartfelt tribute to John Cena, leading the Hershey, PA crowd in a chant.