WWE SmackDown 10/31/2025: 3 Things We Hated & 3 Things We Loved
SmackDown! Review: October 31, 2025 – Hits, Misses, and a Look Ahead
The Road to Wrestlemania XXXI: A Night of Mixed Signals
The October 31, 2025, episode of WWE SmackDown! served as the final televised build before Wrestlemania XXXI. While the show delivered moments of excitement, it also featured segments that left fans questioning creative direction. This review breaks down three key aspects of the show that resonated positively, and three that fell short, offering analysis and context for the broader WWE landscape.
Three Things We Loved
1. The Intensity of the Rollins-McIntyre Exchange
The verbal and physical confrontation between Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre was a clear highlight. The animosity felt genuine, and the stakes for their Wrestlemania match were effectively raised. The segment successfully tapped into the history between the two, reminding viewers of past encounters and fueling anticipation for their upcoming clash. Rollins’ promo work, in particular, was sharp and compelling, solidifying his position as a top heel.
2. bayley’s Continued Dominance
Bayley’s continued reign as SmackDown Women’s Champion feels earned and impactful. Her in-ring performance and character work consistently deliver, and her ability to draw heat is undeniable. The show effectively showcased her as a formidable champion, building intrigue around potential challengers.
3. The Unexpected Return of [Wrestler Name]
The surprise return of [Wrestler Name] injected a much-needed dose of excitement into the show. While the circumstances surrounding their return remain unclear, the immediate impact was important, generating buzz and speculation among fans. this unexpected development has the potential to shake up the existing landscape and create new storylines.
Three Things We Hated
1. The Botched tag Team Division Storyline
The ongoing storyline involving the tag team division continues to feel disjointed and directionless. The constant shifting of alliances and lack of clear motivations make it difficult to invest in the matches. The booking has undermined the credibility of several teams, leaving fans wondering what the ultimate goal is.
2. The Overbooked Six-Man Tag Match
The six-man tag team match felt unnecessarily convoluted and relied too heavily on interference and quick tags. The pacing was frantic, and the lack of sustained action detracted from the overall experience. A more focused and streamlined approach would have been far more effective.
3. The Weak Build to the [Championship] Match
Despite being a featured match at Wrestlemania, the build to the [Championship] match has been surprisingly weak. The lack of compelling storylines and the absence of meaningful interactions between the competitors have failed to generate significant interest. A stronger narrative is crucial to elevate the match and make it feel like a true Wrestlemania main event contender.