The John Report: WWE SmackDown 02/07/25 Review

This is WWE Smackdown featuring Drew McIntyre, LA Knight, and Jimmy Uso in a huge triple threat match with the winner gaining entry into the Elimination Chamber.

It’s the first WWE SmackDown episode since the Royal Rumble last Saturday in Indianapolis. The Royal Rumble winners Charlotte Flair and Jey Uso will both be on SmackDown this week. We are now on the road to WWE Elimination Chamber taking place on March 1st in Toronto.

Also, it was confirmed earlier in the day by WWE SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis that Drew McIntyre is now a part of the SmackDown after moving in the transfer window. I’m a huge fan of Drew and he was my pick for WWE’s Best Wrestler of 2024 in my annual WWE Johnny Awards column. Drew is a main event performer who makes everybody around him better. I’m glad he’s on Smackdown since they needed some star power.

From the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tennessee, this is Smackdown for episode #1329. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport, friend me on Facebook, or chat with me on the Bluesky App as well. Let’s get to it.

There was some backstage walking shown of LA Knight, Drew McIntyre, and Jimmy Uso since they are in a big match. They also showed Women’s Royal Rumble winner Charlotte Flair.

A video package aired showing highlights of the Royal Rumble.

It was Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett on commentary. Wade put over Jey’s popularity with the fans and also WWE superstars who were so happy about Jey winning the Rumble.

Let’s Hear from Jey Uso and Cody Rhodes

Jey Uso’s entrance took over five minutes by the time he got into the ring and the music stopped. The Smackdown ring was a blue carpet with the WWE logo in the middle of it. The fans chanted “one more time” so Jey’s music played some more and they did some more arm swinging with Jey.

Jey started his promo by saying that “Main Event” Jey Uso is now in your city. Jey said he had a hell of a week, he got a lot of love from his family, his friends and the fans. Jey reminded us saying he was the Men’s 2025 Royal Rumble winner. The fans chanted “yeet” throughout the promo. The fans chanted “you deserve it” and Jey said he was here to pick a champion to main event at WrestleMania. Jey said on Raw he was in the ring with World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER so it was only right for him to come to Smackdown to go face to face with the WWE Champion. Jey introduced “my dog” (aka his friend), the Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes.

Cody Rhodes was in dress clothes including a tie (with no jacket) and the Undisputed WWE Championship in his hands. The fans cheered Cody a lot and sang his song as usual. When Cody got into the ring, he was limping around a bit due to the physical Ladder Match he was in and Cody hugged his friend Jey.

Cody: “So Memphis…Main Event Jey Uso…I think I know what you want to talk about.” Jey Uso told Cody he knew why he was there. Jey said he can stand across from Cody on the grandest stage of all at WrestleMania and it would mean a lot to him. Jey said that he could be next to him with Cody still WWE Champion and Jey as the new World Heavyweight Champion. Cody said his doctor said he had issues with his elbow and back issues along with other things. Cody talked about how full his heart is because of how proud he is of Jey winning the Royal Rumble. Cody said that this WrestleMania sign is Jey’s sign to point at. Cody said that they won tag team gold, had a libation or two and they could do that all over again. Cody said that for his title reign to be complete, not only does he have to compete but he has to win. Cody told Jey if Jey chose him then it would be the last time for them to have fun. Jey shook hands with Cody, but Jey didn’t make any sort of announcement.

Analysis: It was a respectful promo exchange from two men who are friends and former Tag Team Champions together. Cody’s message was that if Jey chooses him then they can’t be friends on the road to WrestleMania because of how serious it is. I think Jey will pick Gunther instead of Cody, but nothing is official yet.

Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga interrupted the promo and made their way down to the ring. Fatu is Jey’s cousin, but in WWE land they are rivals. Tonga did his “ye ye ye ye ye ye” thing and Jacob took over. Fatu said that last year Cody Rhodes took that title from Fatu’s family, but Fatu said that the family needs the title back. Fatu mentioned his big cousin Jey Uso saying that if it was anybody to bring back that title to the family it sure in the hell wouldn’t be Jey’s ass. Jey superkicked Tama and Fatu hit Jey. Fatu hit a running forearm smash on Cody, who was grabbing his injured left elbow. Fatu tried going for a charging attack, but Jey superkicked Fatu. Cody hit a Cody Cutter on Fatu. Jey and Cody hit a double clothesline to send Fatu over the top to the floor.

Analysis: It’s a big spot for Jacob Fatu to be in the ring with the WWE Champion Cody Rhodes like that and to have Fatu weaken Cody. They are clearly pushing Fatu as a big threat and a star on the rise. This segment was also done to lead to a tag team match between the four guys as well.

Bianca Belair was shown walking with Naomi for Belair’s match up next.

This Monday on Raw: Logan Paul faces Rey Mysterio in an Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match. Bayley also faces Lyra Valkyria in an Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match.

(Commercial)

The tag team match is official for later in the show: Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso vs. Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga.

Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Bianca Belair (w/Naomi) vs. Piper Niven (w/Chelsea Green)

Belair worked over Niven with shoulder tackles to the ribs. Belair punched Niven a few times, so Niven pulled Belair’s hair and Niven hit a clothesline. Niven charged at Belair, who moved and Niven bumped to the floor. Belair left the ring, Niven tackled Belair against the ring apron and Niven hit a cross body block against the ring apron. Niven hit a senton splash on the floor. They went to a break for some fans as the action continued here on Netflix. They were back in the ring with Belair doing the shoulder tackle and Niven hit a shoulder tackle to knock Belair down. Niven punched Belair against the turnbuckle, but Belair broke free to send Niven face first into the turnbuckle. Belair worked over Niven with punches. Belair hit a dropkick. Belair went up top and the show returned for all fans leading to Belair hitting a cross body block for two.

Niven regained control with a spinning Bossman Slam. Niven went for a senton, but Belair avoided it and Belair hit a Spera for two. Belair bumped into the turnbuckle on the kickout. That bump was a bit excessive. Niven hit a cannonball into the turnbuckle. Belair tried a move off the turnbuckle, but Niven blocked it and Niven hit a uranage slam. Niven hit a Vader Bomb off the middle turnbuckle for two. Belair kicked Niven by the turnbuckle. Belair lifted Niven on her shoulders, the crowd got loud and Belair hit an impressive KOD slam for the pinfall win after about nine minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Bianca Belair

Analysis: **3/4 A solid match for the time given with Belair getting the win as expected. They like putting Belair in there against Niven because it leads to Belair showing off her power with a KOD slam on Niven. It’s not a move a lot of people could do to Niven, but Belair is strong enough to pull it off. The issue with a match like this is you know Belair is going to win so there’s not that much drama. However, the ending KOD spot did get a big reaction.

The first two competitors in the Women’s Elimination Chamber match are Liv Morgan and Bianca Belair.

Analysis: There was a rumor about Bianca Belair facing Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania, so perhaps Belair will win the Chamber match. I think it depends on some of the other women in the match.

The SmackDown GM Nick Aldis was in his office talking to Kayden Carter and Katana Chance, who are now on Smackdown. Aldis told Carmelo Hayes that Adam Pearce requested Hayes face a Raw superstar. Hayes didn’t seem interested. The Raw superstar walked in and it was Akira Tozawa, who Hayes attacked during the Royal Rumble. Hayes said it would be a layup meaning it would be easy and Tozawa did a basketball shot gesture saying “airball” so Melo got in his face. That match is later.

The WWE Tag Team Champions #DIY’s Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano entered for a promo up next.

(Commercial)

A video aired of the WWE LFG (Legends & Future Greats) show that premieres on A&E on February 16th. It featured The Undertaker talking to trainees about how much the business means to him. I’m looking forward to it.

Let’s Hear from #DIY

#DIY’s Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano were in the ring as the WWE Tag Team Champions and they were booed. Gargano bragged about how they beat the Motor City Machine Guns twice at the Royal Rumble, so they are the best tag team in the world. The fans booed that. Ciampa said it’s safe to say that the chances of The Guns holding these titles again are dead. Ciampa said that they are two independent legends and 11 years ago they were their favorite tag team. Ciampa wanted everybody to stand up, take your hats off, bow your heads in silence (the fans booed that) and here comes Pretty Deadly.

The Pretty Deadly duo of Elton Prince & Kit Wilson arrived with Prince saying they felt it was important to mention that they helped #DIY keep those Tag Team Titles. I think Prince accidentally said “NXT” there. Ciampa wanted them to respect the moment of silence.

Nick Aldis walked out by the entrance area telling #DIY that they don’t have a right to say what happens. Aldis told Pretty Deadly that they have to earn a title shot. Aldis booked a non-title match for right now and if PD wins then they get a title match. #DIY complained because they were in street clothes rather than their wrestling gear.

Analysis: This is positioning Pretty Deadly in a babyface role, which is new for them since they were heels in NXT and on the main roster as well. I like seeing some promo time for the tag team division.

The action continued here on Netflix with Pretty Deadly going after the champions, who tried to run away, but PD brought them back into the ring.

#DIY – Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano vs. Pretty Deadly – Elton Prince & Kit Wilson

Ciampa and Gargano were wrestling in jeans and t-shirts instead of their wrestling gear. Gargano had sneakers on while Ciampa had more dressy shoes. Ciampa worked over Prince with punches and a chop. Ciampa grabbed a headlock as the match returned for the full audience.

The #DIY boys were in control until Prince sent both men out of the ring. Prince kicked Gargano back, which led to Wilson getting the tag with a jumping back elbow. Wilson stomped on Ciampa followed by Wilson hitting a Side Effect on Gargano. Wilson hit a clothesline on Ciampa. Prince tagged in leading to both guys hitting uppercuts. Wilson hit a double knee attack on Gargano for two because Ciampa broke up the pin. Ciampa got the tag and sent Wilson into the ring post. Prince and Ciampa exchanged forearms/uppercuts. Prince kicked Ciampa. Gargano grabbed Prince’s hair and Prince punched Gargano to knock him down. Ciampa rolled up Prince and grabbed the ropes, but Wilson kicked Ciampa to break that up. Prince rolled up Ciampa, Prince grabbed the ropes, the referee never saw it and the referee counted the pin to give Prince the win. It went about 7 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Pretty Deadly – Elton Prince & Kit Wilson

Analysis: **1/2 An upset win by Pretty Deadly while #DIY can claim they weren’t ready since they were in their street clothes. I liked the finish because Ciampa tried to cheat, Wilson helped Prince and that led to Prince cheating to win. This is the kind of booking that existed a lot in the Vince McMahon era with champions losing non-title to set up a title match. It doesn’t happen as often with Triple H booking. I don’t mind seeing that kind of booking once in a while. Doing it too often like Vince did was something I complained about in those days.

The LA Knight-Drew McIntyre-Jimmy Uso match was up next.

(Commercial)

The Miz talked to Andrade in the backstage area saying he was impressed by Andrade last week. Miz said that Andrade can learn from him. Andrade said he learned how to beat Miz. Cody Rhodes walked up to Miz, who said that guys like them are old school and he’ll always have Cody’s back. Cody said he didn’t Miz to have his back. Miz said that this time last year it was Cody’s story and the entire world was behind Cody, but this year they are about Jey Uso. The Miz said that we know what title does to friendships and reminded him about Kevin Owens. The Miz said that Jey Uso against Cody Rhodes in the main event of WrestleMania is a hell of a story.

A video aired from the Royal Rumble post-show featuring John Cena saying he would be in Elimination Chamber. Cena said he’ll win his 17th World Title at WrestleMania and when somebody wins 18, he’ll be there to shake his hand.

Let’s Hear from Drew McIntyre, Jimmy Uso and LA Knight

Drew McIntyre made his entrance for his match as a new SmackDown superstar. Drew said that screw Raw because Drew is officially back on Friday Night SmackDown. Drew said after he was eliminated by a coward, he was angry and drove from Indy to Nashville while sleeping in his own bed. Drew said he got out of his bed saying he’s jacked while wondering why he was so angry all the time. Drew said on Raw, everybody was trying to stab you in the back and that bald idiot Adam Pearce didn’t know what he was doing. Drew said he talked to Nick Aldis, who he has known since they were teenagers, and Drew said that Nick said that Drew can be Drew 100%. Drew said that he was here for Cody, but not specifically for him because he was here for what was stolen from Drew and that’s the WWE Championship.

Analysis: Good mission statement from Drew McIntyre back on the Smackdown brand. A Drew feud with Cody sounds awesome to me because they are two of the best wrestlers in WWE and they are in their prime. I want to see that rivalry.

Jimmy Uso walked out saying how Drew comes out here complaining about the past and he sounds like an ex-girlfriend. Jimmy said that Drew said that they stole things from him, but he lost. Jimmy said that Drew has to earn his spot, but Drew has to get through Jimmy and LA Knight. Drew said that he’s a different man, he said he’s cool Jey…and corrected himself saying Jimmy. Drew talked about how it’s been 20 years, but he can barely tell them apart. Drew said that Jimmy is just as talented and told Jimmy that maybe he’d be where Jey is right now if he just said “yeet” first. Jimmy said he can say “yeet” or “no yeet” if he wants. Jimmy said he was going to get his. Jimmy said that Jey did clock his, but what about yours? Jimmy said that Drew has to get through Big Jim first, then go through Elimination Chamber and then get to WrestleMania, but Jimmy is here to kick his ass. Jimmy told Drew he was going to WrestleMania.

Analysis: I liked that promo from Jimmy too. He is gaining momentum as a singles star.

LA Knight was next up for his pre-match promo. Knight said that Jimmy is the main reason that Knight didn’t win the WWE Title over a year ago. Knight said that in his life he wants to effect good change. Knight said that if something arises in your life that makes you cry, let it out because it doesn’t make you any less of a man. Knight said that there is a line where it can be too much. Knight said that there are three guarantees in life saying there is death, taxes and Drew McIntyre crying. Knight said he heard somebody call him “Drew McIn-Cryer” and Knight said oh wait, he forget to get his stuff in. They showed Drew shaking his head, so Knight set up the crowd to say “LA Knight…yeah.” The match is next.

Analysis: The line by Knight about “getting my stuff in” was a reference to McIntyre being angry about the elimination spot in the Royal Rumble that made the news this week. It was interesting that they would address it.

They went to a break for some fans while the three men waited in the ring with referee Charles Robinson. They also killed some time.

Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: LA Knight vs. Jimmy Uso vs. Drew McIntyre

It started with LA Knight and Jimmy Uso working together to attack Drew. Knight and Jimmy took turns stomping on Drew against the turnbuckle. The action returned for the full audience.

Jimmy sent Knight to the apron and Knight hit a slingshot shoulder tackle on Drew. Knight and Drew were punching eachother aggressively. Jimmy hit Knight with an uppercut and Drew came back with a forearm to knock Jimmy down. Jimmy hit a Samoan Drop on Drew for a two count. Jimmy worked over Knight with chops, but Knight came back with a powerslam. Drew was back up with a headbutt to knock Knight down. Drew suplexed Knight across the ring and did the same suplex to Jimmy across the ring. Drew sent Jimmy hard into the turnbuckle. Drew gave Knight an overhead belly-to-belly suplex across the ring. Jimmy sent Drew out of the ring followed by Jimmy hitting a suicide dive on Drew on the floor. Knight kicked Jimmy to knock him down. Knight rammed Drew’s head into the commentary table hood and Knight rammed Jimmy’s head into the table hood as well. Knight posed on the table. They went to a break for some fans as the action continued here on Netflix. Drew sent Knight into the ring post. The fans wanted a table, so Drew pulled a table out from under the ring and then Drew put the table back under the ring to draw boos from the fans. Drew tried a move on Knight, but Knight shoved Drew into the turnbuckle followed by Knight hitting a neckbreaker. Knight and Jimmy exchanged strikes. Drew got back into it by hitting a jumping kick on Jimmy for a two count because Knight broke it up. Drew sent Knight out of the ring as the action returned for all fans.

Drew and Jimmy battled by the turnbuckle where Jimmy knocked Drew down so Drew was crotched on the top rope. Knight stomped on Drew a few times. Drew reached back up while Knight did a superplex to Jimmy and Drew gave Knight a German Suplex. That was a cool spot combining the turnbuckle moves that Drew and Knight love to do. The fans chanted “this is awesome” as all three guys were down in the ring. Drew and Knight exchanged chops leading to Knight hitting a DDT. Knight hit an elbow drop off the top rope for two because Jimmy broke it up. Jimmy shoved Knight toward Drew, which led to Drew hitting a spinebuster for two. Drew hit a neckbreaker on Jimmy. Drew charged right into a superkick by Jimmy. Jimmy clotheslined Drew out of the ring. Knight was back in, but Jimmy hit him with a spinning kick and a superkick. Jimmy went up top and jumped off the top with an Uso Splash for two because Drew pulled the referee out of the ring. No DQ in a triple threat match. Jimmy left the ring and superkicked Drew while they were on the floor. Jimmy jumped off the top, but Knight got his knees up and Knight got a cradle for two. Knight hit Jimmy with a BFT while Drew hit a Claymore Kick on Knight at the same time and Drew pinned Knight for the pinfall win after 15 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Drew McIntyre

Analysis: ***3/4 It was a great match. That spot with Jimmy hitting the Uso Splash for two because Drew pulled the referee out of the ring was perfectly timed and drew a big reaction from the crowd. I also liked that spot out of the turnbuckle with the superplex and German Suplex at the same time. The finish was also timed perfectly with Knight hitting Jimmy with BFT, but Knight wasn’t able to win since Drew hit Knight with a Claymore Kick. McIntyre winning was the right call here even though I like Knight and Jimmy too.

After the win, Drew pointed at the WrestleMania sign. That win means Drew McIntyre joins John Cena, CM Punk and three more men in the Men’s Elimination Chamber Match.

Analysis: That’s going to be an incredible match. Drew won the Chamber match last year. I don’t expect it to happen again this year, but you never know for sure.

Damian Priest was interviewed by Byron Saxton backstage. Priest said he’s going to eliminate Drew from the Elimination Chamber match just like he eliminated him from the Royal Rumble. Braun Strowman walked up to Priest saying that next week Priest will be in the ring with two of the baddest men in the WWE next week. Priest said that he’ll take care of Braun and Jacob next week. Braun said that next week you’re in the ring with a wild animal and a monster. Priest said he was not overlooking anything and left.

Analysis: That means next week’s Men’s Elimination Chamber match is Damian Priest vs. Braun Strowman vs. Jacob Fatu. I like it. Priest winning that match seems likely to me.

A replay of the Kevin Owens-Sami Zayn situation from Raw is up next.

There was a commercial for the WWE 2K25 video game.

(Commercial)

A video aired from Raw showing when Kevin Owens gave Sami Zayn a package piledriver. Zayn was taken away on a stretcher.

Let’s Hear from Kevin Owens

Kevin Owens did a promo on his phone while sitting in the car. Owens talked about the scars on his face and the pain all over his body. Owens said that Zayn stood there and watched while Cody tried to end his career. Owens trashed Zayn for doing nothing. Owens said that he saw Zayn rushing to the aid of Roman Reigns during the Royal Rumble, but for Owens…Sami did nothing. Owens called Zayn a horrible friend, a disgusting human being and he’ll never forgive him. Owens said he’ll make Zayn pay. Owens told Zayn he’ll make him pay.

Analysis: It was a cruel promo by Owens feeling like he was let down by his friend Zayn. The never ending Owens/Zayn rivalry is back on while Owens also has Randy Orton coming back at some point too.

Never. pic.twitter.com/l90UNDKqe7

— Kevin (@FightOwensFight) February 8, 2025

The announcers talked about Sami Zayn with Joe saying that Zayn is out indefinitely due to spinal compression and extreme nerve damage due to the attack from Kevin Owens.

As Akira Tozawa made his entrance, they showed a replay of Carmelo Hayes attacking Tozawa to take him out of the Rumble. That led to IShowSpeed in the Royal Rumble and Bron Breakker nailed Speed with a huge Spear. That drew hundreds of millions of views on social media. I enjoyed that Spear a lot.

Carmelo Hayes trashed Tozawa saying he looked like Cody Rhodes was left in the dryer too long. Melo said that in Memphis they call him Ja Morant, but the difference is if there was an All-Star team he’d be selected. The fans booed that.

Analysis: This isn’t a big match or anything like that, but it makes storyline sense for it to happen since Melo attacked Tozawa in the Rumble.

Akira Tozawa vs. Carmelo Hayes

Tozawa attacked Melo on the apron. The match started and Tozawa hit a headscissors to send Melo out of the ring. Tozawa dove onto Melo on the floor. They went to a break for some fans as the action continued here on Netflix. Tozawa worked on Melo for punches followed by a dropkick. Melo tripped up Tozawa on the apron and Melo sent Tozawa into the barricade. Melo applied an armbar.

Melo lifted up Tozawa for a move, but Tozawa did a hurricanrana that sent Melo into the turnbuckle. Tozawa hit an impressive jumping DDT for a two count. Tozawa went up top, jumped off the top and Melo avoided it. Melo hit a spinning move where he gave Tozawa facebuster into the mat. Tozawa hit a spinning kick to the head. Tozawa did a t-shirt rip to pop the crowd. Tozawa went up top, Melo kicked him there and Tozawa fought back leading to a Sunset Flip Powerbomb off the top for two. Melo came back with a rollup for two and Tozawa did a rollup for wo. Melo hit a clothesline to the back of the head followed by a springboard DDT. Melo went up top and hit the Nothing But Net leg drop to the back of the head for the pinfall win after about eight minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Carmelo Hayes

Analysis: **3/4 It’s good to see Carmelo Hayes pick up a win, which is rare for him as of late since he doesn’t get a lot of wins lately. Tozawa losing isn’t a surprise, but he did get plenty of offense in the match. Melo’s Nothing But Net top rope leg drop is an impressive move.

A video aired showing Royal Rumble highlights when CM Punk eliminated Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins from the Royal Rumble. Logan Paul eliminated Punk right after that. Rollins hit The Stomp on Roman on the floor, Rollins superkicked Punk and Rollins hit The Stomp on Reigns on the steel steps.

Analysis: That multiple Stomp attack by Rollins was done to give Reigns a break for the next month before Reigns comes back. It also could lead to Rollins vs. Reigns vs. Punk at WrestleMania (that’s a rumor for now), but maybe it will be just Rollins vs. Reigns.

Charlotte Flair was up next at the top of hour three.

(Commercial)

The WWE Hall of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler, who is a Memphis wrestling legend, was at ringside. The King was a part of WE for so many years and on commentary for a long time. It’s always good to see the King.

R-Truth was backstage holding up Akira Tozawa until he dropped him. Truth shouted on Jey Uso and Truth congratulated Jey on being King of the Ring. Jey said he was the Royal Rumble winner. Truth left because Tozawa “yeeted himself” and everybody laughed. Cody Rhodes walked up to Jey to ask about WrestleMania. Jey said he’d love to face Cody, but he also has unfinished beef with Gunther. Jey said he was undecided and left.

Let’s Hear from Charlotte Flair

Charlotte Flair made her entrance in non-wrestling attire. There was a mix of boos and cheers for her along with “Woo” chants. Flair asked Memphis if they loved her or do they hate her? The fans booed. Flair said when they boo, she hears money. Flair said that she lives rent free in everyone’s minds because she is wrestling’s obsession. Flair said that you are obsessed with her looks, championships, her last name and everything Charlotte Flair. Flair said that people think she is better than everybody because her name is Flair and said that’s just not why she’s the best. Flair mentioned being gone for 14 months and how she won the match. Flair said she entered the Women’s Royal Rumble with 29 unserious women. Flair said there was no way she was getting eliminated. Flair said that she punched her ticket to WrestleMania. Flair mentioned going to Raw to see Rhea Ripley, then she went to NXT to see if Giulia would inspire her and now Flair is here to see Tiffany.

The WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton made her entrance with Barrett saying that this has to be one of the most booked fantasy matches. Stratton joined Flair in the ring for a promo. There were “Tiffy Time” chants for Stratton, who had some huge boots on.

Stratton said that nobody is a bigger Charlotte Flair fan than her. Stratton said she thought that WWE wouldn’t survive without Flair and people only cared for about a day. Stratton said that she made it to the top, ticket sales went up and they sell out everywhere. Stratton said she is at the top of it. Flair told Stratton that she can speak when Flair tells her to speak. Flair told Stratton to get in line. Stratton said that since she debuted, she has been compared to Flair and called the next Charlotte Flair. Stratton told Flair to pick her so she can prove she’s not the next Charlotte Flair, but the first Tiffany Stratton. The fans chanted “Tiffy Time.” Flair said that she sees a child begging Flair to make her a star at WrestleMania. Flair told Stratton to go on her hands and knees to beg Flair to choose Stratton.

Nia Jax interrupted the promo with her friend Candice LeRae, who is in a match. Jax said that this was premature because Jax was going to be champion again. Jax said that she spoke to Nick Aldis saying instead of going in Elimination Chamber, Jax has to face Tiffany Stratton for the WWE Women’s Title next week. Jax said that if Charlotte wants to be Women’s Champion at WrestleMania then Flair has to go through her. Flair said that she’ll stick around and watch next week to see what happens.

Analysis: It was a solid promo exchange between Tiffany and Charlotte. They pushed the story of Charlotte being a bitch, which is fine because the crowd hates her, but Stratton could have been more of a babyface. The fans want to cheer for Stratton since they are chanting “Tiffy Time” for her, so I think Stratton has to say some lines to make her more likable. The bit about how Stratton didn’t want to be the next Charlotte Flair is good, but it needs to be stronger than that. Anyway, Stratton should beat Jax next week and then I expect Flair to pick Stratton for WrestleMania.

Alexa Bliss made her entrance to a big pop. It was a modified version of Alexa’s old theme song.

(Commercial)

Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Alexa Bliss vs. Candice LeRae

It is Alexa’s first singles match in two years after having a baby daughter in November 2023. Bliss made her return at the Royal Rumble. LeRae was in control with a snapmare followed by a neckbreaker. LeRae tackled Bliss into the turnbuckle and LeRae stomped on Bliss against the turnbuckle. Bliss tripped LeRae into the turnbuckle. Bliss went up top, LeRae punched her and Bliss punched LeRae to knock her down. They were on the apron where LeRae hit a flatliner on the apron. They went to break for some fans while the action continued here on Netflix. LeRae hit a senton splash onto Alexa’s back on the floor. LeRae sent Bliss into the ring post and LeRae tackled Bliss into the apron. LeRae picked up Alexa’s Lilly doll and LeRae stomped on the doll a few times. Bliss tripped up LeRae leading to punches. LeRae hit an elbow smash to knock Bliss down. LeRae held Bliss in a submission hold pulling back on the arms as the show returned for the full audience.

LeRae was in control with a double knee attack for a two count. LeRae shoved Bliss in the face a few times, so Bliss fired up with shoulder tackles, punches and slaps. Bliss hit a dropkick to knock LeRae down. Bliss hit the double knee attack to the back followed by a flipping neckbreaker for two. LeRae went to the apron where she hit a neckbreaker into the middle rope. LeRae went up top and hit a missile dropkick for two. There were some images that appeared on the screen a few times so it was a Wyatt Sicks tease due to Bray Wyatt’s history with Bliss. LeRae and Bliss rolled around the ring going for pin attempts. LeRae charged, Bliss caught her, Bliss teased a Sister Abigail, but then turned it into an Abigail DDT (that’s what Joe called it) for the pinfall win after about 11 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Alexa Bliss

Analysis: **3/4 The match was okay and got a decent amount of time. The crowd was quiet for a lot of LeRae’s offense, but they did come alive for Alexa’s comeback. Bliss winning was the obvious result since she is the bigger star, just came back after two years and we know LeRae doesn’t win that much. I liked the finish used by Bliss.

The win by Alexa Bliss means she is in the Women’s Elimination Chamber match with Liv Morgan and Bianca Belair. Three more women will be in the match.

Chelsea Green, the Women’s US Champion, and Piper Niven were interviewed by Byron Saxton, who mentioned Green is facing Naomi in the Women’s Elimination Chamber qualifying match. Next week. B-Fab and Michin walked up to Green to trash talk her about taking the Women’s US Title from her. They left. Zelina Vega walked in saying maybe she should get a shot at the Women’s US Title. Niven wondered what was going on here. Green told Niven to get a better security detail.

The main event tag team match was next.

(Commercial)

The Street Profits appeared in a video. Angelo Dawkins said that every time they are close to getting the Tag Team Titles, something happens and Dawkins was fired up as he threw a crutch away. Montez Ford said that you have officially pissed off The Street Profits. Ford said that they have always been together, they will stay together and this violence will be televised. Ford said God have mercy on your souls because “we want the smoke.”

Analysis: I don’t know if that means The Street Profits will be heels or if they are just going to be a more serious team moving forward. Either way, I liked the intensity. I want to see the Profits as champions again. They are my favorite team on the main roster. I say that because NXT’s Axiom & Nathan Frazer are my favorite team in all of WWE right now.

The Motor City Machine Guns were interviewed by Byron Saxton. Alex Shelley talked about how The Street Profits cost them their match. Chris Sabin said that they had the match. The team of Los Garza walked up to argue with The Guns. Santos Escobar and Elektra Lopez arrived as well. Escobar said that these problems started with The Street Profits. Escobar told The Motor City Machine Guns saying they can have a match next week.

Next week on SmackDown:

* WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton vs. Nia Jax

* Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Naomi vs. Chelsea Green

* Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Damian Priest vs. Jacob Fatu vs. Braun Strowman

Damian Priest was in a video package saying when that bell rings, he doesn’t know you. Priest said that you better be ready for punishment because anarchy has arrived. Braun Strowman highlights were shown and said that the last thing you want is to get in his ring. Jacob Fatu highlights were shown as he said you have never been in the ring with anybody like him. Fatu said he was just getting started.

* Motor City Machine Guns vs. Los Garza

It was main event time with Jey Uso making his entrance first for his team. They showed more of Jey posing for the fans during the commercial break for some of the audience. It was an easy way to kill three minutes since the fans love Jey and his theme song.

Cody Rhodes made his entrance as the Undisputed WWE Champion. The fans were happy to see Cody as usual. Cody had a bandage on his left elbow.

Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga vs. Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso

Jey Uso made his entrance nine minutes earlier when his opponents finally entered for the main event. It took a while to get here, but the match finally started.

Cody tried a suplex on Tama, who avoided it and Fatu tagged in against the champion. Cody hit an uppercut, Cody went for a Cody Cutter, but Fatu blocked it and knocked Cody down. They went to a break for some fans while the action continued on Netflix. Fatu headbutted Cody, who left the ring. Fatu left the ring, Cody kicked him and Cody sent Fatu into the commentary table hood. Fatu came back by sending Cody’s head into the hood of the commentary table. Tama tagged in leading to punches along with choking Cody against the bottom rope. Fatu was back in with some stomps. Fatu sent Cody into the turnbuckle. Tama was back in to work over Cody with punches and kicks. There were more strikes from Tama including a back elbow. Fatu was back in as the match returned for all fans. The referee Ryan Tran said “we’re live” to let the guys know.

Fatu worked over Cody briefly and then Tama tagged back in. Tama went for a suplex, Cody slipped out of it and Jey got the tag. Jey unloaded with punches on Tama. Jey hit a spinning kick to the head of Tama. Jey hit a running hip attack on Tama for a two count. Jey lifted up Tama and Jey hit a neckbreaker for two because Fatu broke up the pin. Fatu superkicked Jey while the referee was looking at Cody, so Tama got a two count. Tama hit a running clothesline for two. Fatu was back in to work on Jey and the referee said “five” because five minutes were left. Tama was back in with a senton splash onto Jey. Tama tried a Samoan Drop, Jey avoided it and they did a double clothesline. Cody got the tag against Fatu leading to the two men exchanging punches. Cody jumped over Fatu leading to a snap powerslam. Cody hit a springboard Disaster Kick. Cody punched Fatu in the face followed by Cody going up top and Cody hit a Cody Cutter for just a one count because Fatu did a powerful kickout. Fatu tackled Cody into the turnbuckle and Fatu did a headbutt. Fatu charged, Cody avoided it and Fatu hit the turnbuckle. Tama made the tag for a rollup for two. Tama hit a sliding flatliner for a two count. Tama charged, but Cody kicked Tama in the ribs. Cody went up top, the referee was looking at Tama and Fatu pushed Cody off the top. Tama hit a jumping DDT for two. Fatu was in the ring illegally with a superkick on Cody. Jey tripped up Fatu and Jey hit a superkick. Jey hit a suicide dive that sent Fatu over the commentary table. Cody got a hold of Tama leading to Cody hitting Cross Rhodes on Tama for the pinfall win. The match went about 12 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso

Analysis: ***1/4 It was an entertaining tag team action. Once again it was predictable with Tama Tonga eating the pin for his team just like last week because you know Jacob Fatu is going to be protected. Cody and Jey work very well as a babyface team because the fans love them, they sell everything well and they know how to make an exciting babyface comeback.

After the match, Solo Sikoa ran into the ring and Solo hit a Samoan Spike on Cody. Solo had a hooded sweater on and then he threw it down. Solo stood over a fallen Cody. That was the end of the show.

Analysis: Welcome back to Solo after about a month away. I’d rather see Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga without Solo leading them, but if they got back together then that’s fine too. Solo sat out the Royal Rumble and now he’s back in a top spot again while Cody has another wrestler coming after him.

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Three Stars of the Show

1. Drew McIntyre
2. Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso
3. Alexa Bliss for winning her first singles match in two years. Welcome back.

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The Scoreboard

7.5 out of 10

Last week: 7.25

2025 Average: 7.38

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Final Thoughts on WWE Smackdown

I thought it was a very good Smackdown that was better than the last few weeks. There were plenty of predictable matches, which I don’t like, but I get why it happens because some of these wrestlers need wins and certain people aren’t going to lose.

The triple threat with Drew McIntyre beating LA Knight and Jimmy Uso was easily the best match. Drew is a huge addition to the Smackdown brand, so I’m glad he’s here.

That main event tag team match was fun with Cody & Jey Uso working well together. Solo Sikoa is back going after Cody as well, so it’s another good wrestler in a loaded main event picture. I like it.

The next WWE PLE is Elimination Chamber on March 1st in Toronto at the Rogers Centre. Here are the advertised matches so far:

* Men’s Elimination Chamber Match: John Cena vs. CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre vs. three other superstars

* Women’s Elimination Chamber Match: Liv Morgan vs. Bianca Belair vs. Alexa Bliss vs. three other superstars

You can watch the WWE Elimination Chamber when it streams live on Saturday, March 1, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, exclusively on Peacock in the United States and Netflix internationally.

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Thanks for reading. Go Toronto Raptors & Toronto Maple Leafs. You can contact me using any of the methods below.

John Canton

Email: mrjohncanton@gmail.com

Twitter/X: @johnreport