Gunther, left, defeated LA Knight on "The Time is Now" tournament final to earn the right to face John Cena on Dec. 13. Photo by Craig Melvin/WWE via Getty ImagesArda OcalDec 6, 2025, 12:01 AM ETCloseFollow on XEmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsFriday's "SmackDown" emphasized that the rivalry between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre is certainly not over, as Rhodes continues to be enraged by the sight of McIntyre. This episode also served as a launchpad for next week's "SmackDown," where we could see the rivalry surrounding the United States Championship finally come to a head, and a mixed-tag team match that involves a terrorizing reunion.