The September 12, 2025, episode of WWE SmackDown delivered several jaw-dropping moments with the much-anticipated returns of Cody Rhodes and Brock Lesnar, injecting fresh energy into the blue brand ahead of the big Wrestlepalooza pay-per-view. However, alongside these exhilarating moments came some questionable booking decisions that divided fan opinion. Here are three things we loved and three things we hated about SmackDown that night.

Three Things We Loved on WWE SmackDown 9/12/25

1. Brock Lesnar’s Intense Return Segment
Brock Lesnar returned wearing a signature cowboy hat, instantly capturing the crowd’s attention in Norfolk, Virginia. His cold confrontation with R-Truth provided a rare glimpse into Lesnar’s ruthless persona. After R-Truth welcomed him back and declared he was no longer afraid of him, Lesnar viciously dismissed him, culminating in a shocking F5 that reminded fans why Lesnar remains one of WWE’s most feared athletes[1][2][3]. According to a WWE insider speaking with Fightful, Lesnar’s presence is part of a carefully crafted arc leading to a potential showdown with John Cena at Wrestlepalooza, heightening anticipation among fans.

2. Women’s Championship Chaos and Physicality
The segment involving WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton defending her title against Jade Cargill was a highlight. The in-ring action was intense, but it was the post-match assault by Nia Jax that stole the show. Jax hammered both Stratton and Cargill in a display of brutal dominance, setting up a compelling storyline for the championship picture on SmackDown[3]. WWE.com noted that this sequence adds depth to the women’s division by bringing in a credible, powerhouse threat that could shift the balance of power quickly.

3. The Drew McIntyre vs. Randy Orton Match
The singles match between Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton lived up to expectations, showcasing two of WWE’s most seasoned performers. The bout was a gritty, hard-hitting contest that kept the crowd engaged throughout. Both men displayed their signature moves and chemistry, reminding everyone why they remain cornerstones of SmackDown’s main event scene[3]. Observers on the RingsideSeats live blog praised the match for its storytelling and physicality, both critical ahead of Wrestlepalooza’s card finalization[4].

Three Things We Hated on WWE SmackDown 9/12/25

1. The R-Truth Interruption Fell Flat
While Lesnar’s return was electric, the build-up via R-Truth’s interruption didn’t resonate well. Many believed this segment undercut Lesnar’s imposing return moment by pairing him with a mid-card comedic figure, diluting the gravity of the angle[1][2]. According to insiders from WrestlingInc, this decision was met with backstage skepticism as it seemed to rely too much on nostalgia without advancing meaningful storylines for either performer.

2. Overbooked Women’s Title Segment
Although the physicality was commendable, the women’s division segment was criticized for being overbooked. The multiple run-ins, post-match attacks, and referee interventions left the finish feeling convoluted rather than impactful[3]. Fans and critics alike felt the storyline risked overshadowing the main competitors, Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill, by piling on too many characters too soon, thereby weakening the narrative cohesion.

3. Sami Zayn’s Open Challenge Lacked Impact
Sami Zayn’s WWE United States Championship open challenge to Rey Fenix was met with anticipation, but the match’s outcome and overall execution underwhelmed[4]. Though Zayn retained via pinfall using his Helluva Kick, the bout lacked drama and storytelling depth. Critics on Bleacher Report and WrestlingHeadlines noted that the match felt like filler with minimal consequences, missing an opportunity to elevate both competitors before Wrestlepalooza[4][5].

Additional Notes and Backstage Insights

The combination of star power with unpredictable storytelling continues to be WWE’s hallmark on SmackDown, especially in the lead-up to major events. Sources close to Cody Rhodes revealed to WrestlingInc that Rhodes’ return was kept tightly under wraps to create maximum shock value, and his fresh presence is expected to catalyze new rivalries in the coming weeks.

Backstage, several wrestlers expressed excitement about the heightened attention Brock Lesnar commands. As one insider told Fightful, “Lesnar’s unpredictability is gold for the locker room; it pushes everyone to up their game and adds legitimacy to the brand.”

Commentator chemistry, featuring Booker T and Vic Joseph, was widely praised for balancing enthusiasm with knowledgeable play-by-play, further enhancing the viewing experience[1][4].

What’s Next Ahead of Wrestlepalooza?

With Wrestlepalooza just eight days away, the stakes on SmackDown have never been higher. Lesnar’s ongoing hunt for John Cena and the brewing tension in the Women’s Championship scene promise explosive pay-per-view moments. Meanwhile, McIntyre vs. Orton sets the tone for SmackDown’s main event scene for the fall[5].

Fans eager for big matches and compelling storylines will want to keep a close eye on the upcoming episodes, as WWE looks to capitalize on the momentum generated this Friday.

This WWE SmackDown episode left fans excited yet divided, demonstrating the challenges and rewards of balancing star returns with coherent booking. Stay tuned for more updates as the road to Wrestlepalooza intensifies.

Reported by [Your Name], WWE Journalist, drawing on reporting from WWE.com, Fightful, WrestlingInc, Wrestleview, and RingsideSeats.