WWE SmackDown is on the go-home to John Cena's last match at SNME this Saturday, where he will battle the winner of the "Last Time Is Now" Tournament, Gunther. SNME will also feature Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Oba Femi (c), Bayley vs. Sol Ruca, and Dragon Styles (c) vs. Je'Von Evans & Leon Slater. This week, three matches have been officially scheduled: Aleister Black and Zelina Vega vs. Damian Priest & Rhea Ripley, Alexa Bliss vs. Lash Legend, and Ilja Dragunov (c) vs. Tommaso Ciampa for the U.S. Title. Without further ado, here are the official SmackDown Predictions for December 12, 2025.
Aleister Black & Zelina Vega vs. Damian Priest & Rhea Ripley [Mixed Tag Match]
Although Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley have history as the Terror Twins, it's puzzling that WWE is violating the brand split rules by showcasing Ripley on SmackDown when she is a Raw superstar in a completely separate storyline of her own with Iyo Sky and the Kabuki Warriors. This would have been a good opportunity for WWE to call up Lola Vice to help him fend off against the power couple. Nonetheless, Black and Vega are solidifying their new partnership and should not be hindered by an older partnership in the Terror Twins, who already finished their story in 2024.
Prediction: Aleister Black & Zelina Vega
Alexa Bliss vs. Lash Legend [Exhibition Match]
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss have been feuding with Nia Jax and Lash Legend in the past few weeks. It was quite challenging to ascertain the reason for their inclusion in the War Games Match at Survivor Series this year, as those two teams were miscast in that match altogether. Instead, they should have just battled for the Tag Titles in a separate contest before dropping the titles to Kabuki Warriors. Now, WWE is booking singles matches between the tag wrestlers to fill up time on the show, and Legend should win in her first singles match officially on the main roster. Bliss can afford the loss.
Prediction: Lash Legend
Ilja Dragunov (c) vs. Tommaso Ciampa [U.S. Title]
Ilja Dragunov has been defending the U.S. Title on a weekly basis. Although the matches have been bangers, they don't have the same magic Sami Zayn applied to them when he was champ. Unfortunately, this title reign has run its course, and it is time for a new champ. Ciampa interfered in Carmelo Hayes' title match against Dragunov last week to get the champ's attention. Dragunov was annoyed that Ciampa interfered and added an asterisk to his retention, as babyface champions prefer clean finishes to their matches so that they can be respected as worthy, fighting champions.
It would be a nice swerve to see Ciampa win the belt, as he does not have to be only a tag team wrestler in DIY. However, it is more likely that Hayes gets his revenge by screwing Ciampa in this title match the same way Ciampa did to him last week. This could lead to a triple threat title match.
Prediction: Ilja Dragunov
Confirmed Match Card & Segments for 12/12 WWE SmackDown Episode:
- Aleister Black & Zelina Vega vs. Terror Twins in Mixed Tag Match
- Alexa Bliss vs. Lash Legend in a Grudge Match
- Ilja Dragunov (c) vs. Tommaso Ciampa for the U.S. Title
- Tiffany Stratton set to return from hiatus.
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