WWE Friday Night SmackDown: UK start time this Boxing Day and segments announced

While most of us are still tackling leftover turkey and navigating the post-Christmas slump, Drew McIntyre is heading back to the blue brand with a very different kind of hunger.

His return marks a pivotal moment in his ongoing, bitter rivalry with Cody Rhodes—a feud that has recently spiralled out of the arena and into the personal lives of both men.

With a high-stakes ‘no-touch’ stipulation currently hanging over the Undisputed WWE Championship like a sword of Damocles, McIntyre's presence tonight is less of a holiday gift and more of a psychological landmine for the ‘American Nightmare.’

Of course, it’s worth noting that while the action on your screen will be white-hot, the superstars themselves are actually enjoying a rare (and well-earned) festive breather. This evening’s episode was pre-taped at the Van Andel Arena in Michigan last week.

Because of this, the spoiler sirens are blaring across social media all week, so if you’re looking to enjoy the twists, turns, and heavy-hitting action as they happen, you might want to tread carefully on your feeds.

But for those watching along, one thing is certain: between a festive street fight and a US Open challenge, Boxing Day in the WWE is anything but peaceful.

What time is WWE Friday Night SmackDown starting in the UK tonight?

Grab a bottle of Pepto Bismol or take some Rennies to cure that post-Christmas meal indigestion as the final episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown of 2025 will be airing on Netflix from 1am on December 27.

Those who need a good night’s rest after the big day, though, can stream the show on demand through the streaming giant shortly after its initial broadcast.

What has been announced so far for WWE Friday Night SmackDown?

Drew McIntyre makes his return to Friday night

After a brief but impactful absence, Drew McIntyre officially returns to Friday Night SmackDown, and he is expected to have plenty to say.

His rivalry with Cody Rhodes has reached a disturbing new level of intensity in recent weeks, moving far beyond the ring. After the Undisputed WWE Champion’s shocking home invasion of McIntyre’s residence, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis was forced to step in to prevent a total breakdown of order.

To keep the peace until their next scheduled clash, a high-stakes no-touch stipulation is now in effect: if Cody Rhodes lays a single finger on McIntyre before their sanctioned title match, he will be immediately stripped of the Undisputed WWE Championship.

This leaves Rhodes in a precarious position as he enters the same building as a man who has made it his mission to make the champion's life a living hell.

Ilja Dragunov’s US Championship Open Challenge

The Mad Dragon is not one for taking holidays off.

Ilja Dragunov has officially issued an Open Challenge for his United States Championship, ensuring that the final SmackDown of 2025 goes out with a bang. Since capturing the star-spangled title from Sami Zayn back in October, Dragunov has transformed the championship into a workhorse title, taking on all comers—from the technical wizardry of Axiom to the high-flying adrenaline of Nathan Frazer.

While some champions might look to coast into the New Year, Dragunov’s philosophy is different; he believes the title is only as prestigious as the struggle required to keep it and with the champion’s door wide open for the final time this year, the question remains: who is bold enough to step up and challenge for the gold?

Whether it's a veteran looking for a career resurgence or a fresh face from NXT looking to make a statement, they’ll have to survive the most intense environment in WWE to leave with the title.

Joe Hendry v The Miz

The viral sensation Joe Hendry finally makes his highly anticipated SmackDown in-ring debut this Friday night.

After months of his name being chanted in arenas worldwide, the TNA standout officially steps onto the blue brand to face a man who is no stranger to the spotlight: The Miz. The tension between the two reached a fever pitch following Saturday Night’s Main Event, where Hendry’s presence alone seemed to ruffle the feathers of the "A-Lister."

Miz has made it clear he views Hendry as a "social media flash in the pan," while Hendry believes he is exactly what SmackDown needs to kick off the New Year.

Given the festive timing, this won't be a standard wrestling match. WWE has officially sanctioned this as a Miracle on 34th Street Fight, meaning the ring will be surrounded by holiday-themed chaos.

Expect trees to be used as weapons, presents to hold painful surprises, and perhaps even some "festive" interference from the likes of Alpha Academy.

Before the bell rings, Hendry is also expected to treat the WWE Universe to a special holiday performance—and if his past concerts are any indication, The Miz should probably keep his earplugs handy.

Are the superstars of the WWE really wrestling on Boxing Day?

It’s a fair question—after all, even the "hardest working" superstars deserve a Christmas dinner! The short answer is: yes and no.

While you will see your favourite stars in action on your screen this Friday, the superstars themselves are actually getting some well-earned time off with their families.

If you’re watching SmackDown on Boxing Day, you’re actually seeing a pre-taped episode. To ensure the WWE roster can spend the holidays at home, WWE held a "double taping" session on December 19, at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

This is a long-standing WWE tradition that allows the production crew and wrestlers a rare break from their gruelling 52-week-a-year travel schedule.

And because this show was recorded a week in advance, the results are already out there in the "wild." Social media and wrestling news sites are currently flooded with spoilers, including some potentially major developments and title news.

You have been warned.

With the Royal Rumble coming up in a few weeks, who are your current favourites to head on the Road to WrestleMania next year? Leave a comment on Facebook if you spot this post there, or make your predictions and drop the writer of this preview an email.