As Friday Night SmackDown goes live from the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, a surprising development is unfolding behind the scenesmultiple top NXT stars are backstage.
According to PWInsider Elite, NXT stars Oba Femi, Trick Williams, and Sol Ruca have all been spotted backstage ahead of the December 5 show. While their exact role tonight hasnt been confirmed, the timing is hard to ignore.
Cena recently announced that Saturday Nights Main Event on December 13his retirement matchwould also feature NXT talent vs. main roster stars, hinting that his final chapter might double as a platform for the next generation. Tonights SmackDown may lay the groundwork for that.
Lineup for WWE SmackDown on December 5, 2025:
- Last Time Is Now Tournament Final: GUNTHER vs. LA Knight
- United States Title Open Challenge: Ilja Dragunov (c) vs. ???
- Non-Title Match: Jade Cargill vs. Alba Fyre
- Alexa Bliss vs. Kairi Sane
- Cody Rhodes appears
- Solo Sikoa addresses the Wyatt Sicks attack
Are you hoping to see NXT stars face off against Cena and other main roster legends on December 13? Drop your dream match ideas or predictions in the comments belowwed love to hear who you think should step up next.
