Reviews

The John Report: WWE SmackDown 02/14/25 Review

By John Canton • Published 14th February 2025
WWE Smackdown 2025 Review

This is WWE Smackdown featuring Tiffany Stratton facing Nia Jax for the Women’s Title, two Elimination Chamber qualifying matches, and more.

We are two weeks away from WWE Elimination Chamber on March 1st in Toronto. Let’s see what Smackdown has for us on Valentine’s Day.

Last week’s Smackdown saw Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso beat Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga in the main event. After the match, Solo Sikoa returned to attack Cody and drop him with a Samoan Spike.

From the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., this is Smackdown for episode #1330. 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.

They showed some backstage walking from earlier in the day of Nia Jax, Tiffany Stratton, Braun Strowman, Damian Priest and Jacob Fatu with Tama Tonga.

Wade Barrett welcomed us to the show with Vic Joseph in the play-by-play chair. Joe Tessitore is off this week due to boxing announcing duties on Saturday. Vic is from NXT and I like him a lot. Vic said Joe is back next week.

Analysis: I really like Vic on commentary and he has a history with Wade from when Wade was on NXT with him. They were good together.

A video package aired showing highlights from last week’s Smackdown main event and Solo Sikoa attacking WWE Champion Cody Rhodes to end the show.

Let’s Hear from Cody Rhodes

The Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes made his entrance to a huge ovation and the fans singing his song. Cody was in dress clothes as usual. The ring is blue with the WWE logo in the middle just like last week.

Cody asked Washington, D.C. what do they want to talk about? Cody mentioned this past Monday, Royal Rumble winner Jey Uso selected the World Heavyweight Championship for a WrestleMania 41 match. Cody said that means the Elimination Chamber winner will face him for the WWE Title at WrestleMania. Cody asked if it will be Logan Paul (the fans booed), his friend CM Punk (lots of cheers), Drew McIntyre (boos for that) and finally John Cena, which drew a lot of cheers. Cody said it’s not going to be Solo Sikoa. Cody said that Solo has not qualified for the Chamber, is not in any qualifying matches and Solo knows how things are between them. Cody said he believed that Samoan Spike last week wasn’t for him.

Drew McIntyre interrupted the promo with a slow walk down to the ring. Drew and Cody both stared at the WrestleMania sign that was in the arena.

Drew complained about Cody saying “also Drew McIntyre” and that’s all he gets? Cody apologized. Cody shouted Drew’s name this time, which drew boos from the crowd. Drew mentioned he’s won Elimination Chamber twice, multi-time World Champion, Royal Rumble, and so on. Drew said that he was worried about Cody and Cody tried to fight him. Drew said he didn’t want it to be this way, but Cody made it personal, so Drew would remind him who he was. Cody said that he can count on one hand the men who have defeated him since he returned to WWE and Drew is one of them and Cody hasn’t forgotten that.

Analysis: That Cody/Drew rivalry is going to be great when it happens, but I think we might have to wait until after WrestleMania for it to happen.

Jacob Fatu made his entrance joined by Tama Tonga and they got into the ring. There were “Fatu” chants even though Jacob is a heel. Fatu told Drew he already had his spot in the Chamber. Fatu said he’s all gas, no breaks tonight, so he’s about to dogwalk Priest and Braun tonight. Fatu said when he’s done getting by them, he’ll earn his way to the Chamber and after that, he’s going to WrestleMania with it. Fatu said that he is bringing that title back to his family where it should have never left. Drew told Fatu that people want to see a psychopath and a werewolf throw down in the Nation’s Capital right now. Drew said it was not going to happen since he had a spot in the Chamber already and Drew left while telling Cody that Fatu wanted to talk to him.

Cody told Fatu that if he gets into the Chamber and beats everybody in the Chamber then they can fight over the WWE Title.

A car was shown driving up to the arena and it was Solo Sikoa. Cody tried to leave the ring, but Fatu held Cody back telling him that he needed to talk to Solo about family business. Cody said you can get the first word and Cody will get the last. Fatu and Tama left.

Analysis: There was a lot going on there and it is going to lead to Solo Sikoa having to deal with Jacob Fatu first and then Cody Rhodes later.

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

A commercial aired for the NXT Vengeance Day PLE on Saturday night. Check out my preview here.

(Commercial)

They showed Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu backstage. Tama asked a guy with a headset on where Solo was, so the guy pointed down the hall. Fatu knocked the guy over. Poor guy.

The great WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus was at ringside with Wade Barrett there for an interview. Barrett politely said “Thank you Trish” since that was her past gimmick. Barrett asked Trish about Elimination Chamber in her hometown of Toronto. Trish said it was great to be at the Royal Rumble and kick off her 25th anniversary. Trish said she will be at Elimination Chamber and decide if she’ll be watching from the seats or a suite.

Analysis: It’s always great to see Trish Stratus. I am all for her being involved in the Chamber show in Toronto, but we don’t know the role that she might have there.

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

This is not for the Women’s US Title held by Green.

Naomi worked over Green with two kicks to the head and a leg drop for two. Naomi kicked Green to knock her down followed by Naomi hitting a double knee attack to knock Naomi down. Naomi tried a sliding dropkick, Niven pushed Green out of the ring and Green kicked Naomi to knock her down. They went to a break for some fans while the action continued. Naomi kicked Green leading to a sunset flip for two. Green hit a chop block to the back of the left knee and Green kicked Naomi into the turnbuckle for two. Green hit an enziguri kick for a two count. Green worked over Naomi with shoulder tackles to the ribs.

The match continued with Naomi knocking Green down from the turnbuckle. Naomi hit a cross body block onto Green. Naomi hit a side kick to the head followed by a bulldog. Naomi hit a scissors kick for a two count. Naomi kicked Green in the head followed by Naomi using her knees to spike Green’s head into the mat. Naomi went for a moonsault off the top, but Green move. Green hit a Rough Ryder that her husband Matt Cardona (fka Zack Ryder) uses. Green and Naomi exchanged pin attempts and got two counts. Green sent Naomi into the turnbuckle followed by a backstabber for a two count. Naomi blocked a move leading to Naomi hitting a jumping kick to the head along with an X-Factor. Naomi hit the split-legged moonsault off the top for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Naomi

Analysis: ***1/4 I thought it was a good match. There are some Green matches where she does too much comedy and it causes the match to go off the rails a bit, but this was more of an even matchup. I’m surprised that they didn’t use Niven to try to cheat more and have Belair knock her down to prevent it. This win was clean and Naomi moves on to the Chamber.

The win by Naomi puts her in the Women’s Elimination Chamber match, so the match looks like this right now: Liv Morgan vs. Bianca Belair vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Bayley vs. Naomi vs. Raquel Rodriguez/Roxanne Perez winner.

Analysis: I think my pick is Bianca Belair because I like the idea of her facing Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania. There is obviously the story of Bianca and Naomi both being in the match as Tag Team Champions, so we’ll see if they have issues in that match.

Sami Zayn Has A Mesage

A video aired from Sami Zayn saying he has not been doing great. Zayn said that his neck isn’t doing too well and he has nerve damage while also seeing specialists. Zayn said that the last couple of weeks have been tough to come to terms with everything that happened between Kevin Owens and himself. Zayn said that it’s almost a joke every time Owens has turned on him. Zayn said that this is different because the Package Piledriver was done to try to end his career. Zayn wondered why Owens wanted to do that. Zayn mentioned checking on Owens when he was motionless and Zayn said that meant he was being there for Owens. Zayn said that Owens wanted Zayn to help Owens beat Cody in a match. Zayn said that they see things differently. Zayn said he doesn’t know when he is cleared, but he is they will go again and it’s not going to be fun.

Analysis: Good job by Sami Zayn speaking from the heart and also telling Owens that he will be coming for him. I would love to see Kevin Owens against Sami Zayn at Elimination Chamber in Toronto in front of a huge Canadian crowd, but I’m not sure if they will bring back Zayn that quickly. WrestleMania is an option as well. However, there is also Randy Orton, who has been out for over three months and I think he makes sense as an opponent for Owens as well.

The Motor City Machine Guns entered for tag team action.

A commercial aired promoting the Elimination Chamber PLE on March 1st.

(Commercial)

A video aired about Triple H informing Michelle McCool and her husband The Undertaker that she will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame this year. Michelle and Undertaker had no idea. Congratulations to Michelle.

Analysis: Some people question these Hall of Fame choices and complain about certain picks. I think Michelle is worthy as a multi-time former champion. There are women in the HOF who had less of an impact and careers with fewer accomplishments. She deserves it. I’m happy for her.

Motor City Machine Guns – Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin vs. Los Garza – Angel & Berto

Los Garza no longer has Elektra Lopez with them since she was released last week. Santos Escobar was with Los Garza for their entrance, but he went to the back for the match.

The Guns sent Humberto out of the ring and then they did a double team dropkick. Angel and Humberto got back into it with some kicks to take control. They went to a break for some of the audience as the action continued. Angel hit a spinebuster on Shelley and Berto tagged in for a double team kick/knee on Shelley. Berto hit a body slam followed by a moonsault onto Shelley for two. Angel tagged in with a running knee. Berto tagged in for a neckbreaker on Shelley while Angel was holding Shelley and that got a two count.

A kick from Shelley allowed him to break free and brought in Sabin, who got a cradle pin attempt on Berto for two. Sabin hit an enziguri kick on Berto. Shelley was back in for a combination missile dropkick/flatliner for two because Angel broke up the pin attempt. Angel held both guys in his hands leading to Berto hitting a springboard kick for two. Barrett complained about the referee’s slow count. Berto hit a spinning kick to knock Shelley down and Angel hit a moonsault off the top onto Shelley on the floor. Berto went for a moonsault off the top, but Sabin got his feet up. Sabin kicked Angel out of the ring. Sabin hit a suicide dive onto both opponents on the floor. Shelley got the tag leading to the Skull N Bones neckbreaker/top rope splash combo for the win after about eight minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Motor City Machine Guns – Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin

Analysis: **3/4 It was a solid match to give the Guns some positive momentum with a win. There were some cool moves by both teams throughout the match. A few more minutes would have been nice to see, but it was still good for the time given.

A video aired about Damian Priest. He said he didn’t need a leader or a crew while saying all he has ever needed is himself.

(Commercial)

There was a video to let us know that WrestleMania 41 is 64 days away.

Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga were shown walking around backstage when they found Solo Sikoa sitting in a locker room. Solo said he needed time off. Solo said that he hasn’t been himself since he lost the Ula Fala to Roman. Solo said he let them down and he let the family down. Solo said that he was ready to take over this business and the only way to do that is to do it together as one. Solo said it starts with Fatu getting into Elimination Chamber and bringing that title back to this family. Fatu was about to leave and Solo told his cousin Fatu that he loved him. Fatu said nothing. Tama looked at Solo and Tama left with Fatu.

Analysis: It was a tense segment to welcome back Solo Sikoa back into the mix. The bit with Solo saying he loved Fatu drew a reaction from the crowd since Fatu loved to say “I love you Solo” in the past. I don’t know if Fatu will want to be with Solo anymore or if Fatu will be on his own with Tama. I like Fatu without Solo.

Let’s Hear from Shinsuke Nakamura

Shinsuke Nakamura made his entrance as the United States Champion. Nakamura doesn’t defend the title often, so perhaps there is a storyline for him. Nakamura said that for weeks he has waited and he has watched from the shadows. Nakamura said he was looking for a worthy challenge, but there were no warriors there.

The former US Champion LA Knight interrupted the promo in his wrestling gear. Knight mentioned Shin was out here playing two lies and a truth. Knight said it was true that Shin was hiding in the shadows. Knight told Nakamura he was lying by saying he was looking for a test. Knight said that the last time he faced Nakamura, he planted Nakamura and then the isles of Samoa and Tonga cost him the match. Knight said if you want to talk about tests for the championship, Nakamura has already failed with everybody saying…LA Knight.

The Miz interrupted in his wrestling gear saying he thought that Knight was a fad in the past, but the WWE Universe is eating out of his hand. The Miz said that it proves that the fans aren’t educated. Miz told the fans that they weren’t smart and they were basic. Miz tried to say he was worthy, but Knight interrupted.

Knight said that he knows what Miz will say while saying the same things that Miz does in a promo. Knight said that Miz was saying the same stuff for ten years while saying that’s how long it’s been he has been relevant. Knight told Miz to start a farewell tour like John Cena because they all want Miz to go away. Miz did some fake crying while saying in Knight’s PSA last week he said that it was okay for men to cry. Knight said he did say it was okay for men to cry. Knight told Miz on the list of all-time crybaby bitches it was Miz and McIntyre right at the top. Miz told Knight that guys like him don’t measure up to him. Miz said that he stands alone. Miz told Knight that he was not on his radar. Miz said if John Cena can call his shot then Miz wants his shot at the US Title. Miz said he’s here on Smackdown for a fresh start and forge his way to WrestleMania.

Knight said that when he was the champion, he was defending the title every single damn week. Not true, but he did defend it more than the other champions. Knight said that the title needs him because Knight makes it shine. Knight said that Miz sucks and called him an impotent dork. Knight said that Miz wasn’t championship material. Miz tried to attack, but Knight avoided it.

The Smackdown GM Nick Aldis showed up to say that they were looking for a fight while Nakamura was looking for a challenger. Aldis set up the Knight vs. Miz match for right now.

Analysis: I enjoyed the trash talk between Knight and Miz. They are among the best talkers in WWE, so I’m glad they had some time to bust out some good lines while making logical sense for them as characters. I would have liked to see a different babyface go after Nakamura, but instead, it’s the Knight in this spot again. I’m not saying that to be against Knight or anything like that. All I mean is we have seen Knight against Nakamura already, so I’d rather see something different.

LA Knight vs. The Miz

The match started during the break for some fans. There was stalling from The Miz for nearly two minutes. Miz managed to get control briefly, but then Knight took control by sending Miz into the turnbuckle a few times.

Knight was in control with repeated stomps and a running knee. Knight avoided a charging Miz and Knight hit a powerslam for two. Miz blocked a BFT attempt leading to Miz sending Nakamura into the ropes with a stun gun. Miz hit a running splash to Knight’s back. Miz hit a running kick to the head. Miz applied a chinlock, Knight broke free and Miz hit his backbreaker/neckbreaker for two. Miz hit a chop to the throat and Knight sent Miz over the top to the floor. Knight kicked Miz into the commentary table. Knight spiked Miz’s head into the commentary table hood about five times. Knight told Nakamura at ringside he was coming for that US Title. Miz recovered to send Knight back first into the commentary table and Miz sent Knight into the steel steps. They went to a break for some fans as the action continued. Miz went for a suplex, but Knight countered it into a suplex. Miz hit a knee to the ribs followed by a boot to the head. The Miz tripped up Knight on the apron and Miz took some popcorn from a fan. The match returned from the break that some fans had.

Knight was in full control with a clothesline, neckbreaker, powerslam and an elbow drop for a two count. Miz stopped Knight going for a move by the turnbuckle, Miz hit a clothesline and Miz hit a flatliner for a two count. Knight and Miz exchanged pin attempts. Miz followed up by hitting a DDT for a two count. Knight backed Miz into the turnbuckle, Miz came back with a boot to the face and Knight hit a BFT. There was no cover attempted by Knight. Knight jumped to the top rope and hit an elbow drop for the pinfall win after 14 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: LA Knight

Analysis: ***1/4 A competitive match that got a lot of time. The Miz rarely wins, so of course he took another loss in this match. I’m not sure why LA Knight didn’t go for a pin with the BFT and instead hit the top rope elbow for the win. I like the BFT as a finisher.

After the match, Shinsuke Nakamura went into the ring and held the US Title. Knight dared Nakamura to do something. Nakamura held the title up, they had a staredown and Nakamura backed away.

Nia Jax was backstage talking to Candice LeRae. Alexa Bliss walked up with Lilly the doll saying good luck in her match and do better than Candice last week. Jax said she’ll be fine. Jax mentioned former friends betraying her and was referring to Bliss when she said that. Bliss said that if Jax wins and Bliss wins then how fun would it be for them to have a WrestleMania rematch? Bliss left. As Bliss was talking, there was some Wyatt Sicks style graphics on the screen.

Analysis: Alexa Bliss being on Smackdown and the Wyatt Sicks graphics being on screen likely mean she’ll be involved with the group in some way. That’s fine with me.

R-Truth made his entrance doing his “What’s Up” song. Truth is part of Smackdown now.

(Commercial)

The Miz was shown walking backstage. Andrade walked up to him saying if you want, Andrade can teach him something and let him know. Andrade left. Carmelo Hayes walked up to Miz saying it’s too bad that people like that don’t respect talent like them. Miz suggested they team up as Melo Don’t Miz, but Melo left for his match.

Analysis: That Miz/Andrade segment continued their story from the last few weeks with Miz offering to help Andrade in the past.

Carmelo Hayes vs. R-Truth

There was a video from earlier in the day with Melo and Truth getting into an argument with Truth not realizing what Melo means when he says “I am him” at Truth.

Truth hit a hiptoss. Melo came back with a springboard clothesline. Melo bounced off the ropes leading to his two shoulder tackles and a spinning slam. Truth tried to finish his John Cena tribute, but Melo hit a kick. Truth hit a Stunner variation and Melo hit a Lungblower double knee attack for two. Melo jumped off the top, Truth avoided it and Truth got a rollup for two. Melo got a hold of Truth’s arm leading to Melo hitting a clothesline to the back of the head. Melo jumped off the top with the Nothing But Net leg drop to the back for the pinfall win after three minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Carmelo Hayes

Analysis: *1/2 It was an easy win for Melo to get some positive momentum. Melo beat Tozawa last week so they are trying to build up Melo. I hope there’s a push for Melo in the months ahead because he’s a great performer.

We will hear from Kevin Owens up next.

There was a commercial for WWE’s A&E shows including WWE LFG, WWE Rivals, and Greatest Moments.

(Commercial)

There were images shown from the Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl Championship parade and they had some WWE Titles with them.

The Street Profits duo of Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins were backstage for a promo. Dawkins said that when he is fully cleared, they were coming for Pretty Deadly, Los Garza, Motor City and #DIY. Dawkins said they would put them in the dirt. Ford said he loved to see the passion. Ford said that they will know this frustration that has been deep within them for years. Ford said that it’s finally going to be shown to the world. Ford said “We want the smoke” to end it.

Analysis: I am looking forward to the Street Profits coming back. It sounds like they are heelish, but I think they’ll be faces with an edge to them.

Pretty Deadly was interviewed by Byron Saxton backstage. Pretty Deadly was happy about beating #DIY last week. That led to #DIY showing up to say that they weren’t ready last week. They will have a match next week. Tommaso Ciampa that their dreams of being champions are dead and they will give their career a moment of silence.

Kevin Owens Has A Message

Kevin Owens was in the car doing a promo saying he had his heart broken in the last six months and three guys (Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, Sami Zayn) stabbed him in the back. Owens said he would have taken a bullet for them. Owens said that Sami Zayn doesn’t know what real pain is. Owens said that if they want to go again then he can’t think of a better place except for where it all started for them in Canada. Owens said cleared or not, he didn’t care and Owens said at Elimination Chamber in Toronto, Owens wanted Zayn to come find him and then he’ll know pain.

Analysis: Kevin and Sami are from the Montreal area, so having them in a match at Elimination Chamber in Toronto makes sense. The story is that Zayn isn’t cleared, but I assume they will say that he is and that’s going to be an awesome match in front of a hot crowd.

Tiffany Stratton was shown backstage with the WWE Women’s Title for her match up next. Charlotte Flair was shown in a dressing room looking ready to watch the match.

(Commercial)

Nia Jax made her entrance with Candice LeRae by her side. A video package aired about the Nia Jax-Tiffany Stratton story that saw Stratton cash in Money in the Bank on Jax and become the new WWE Women’s Champion.

Tiffany Stratton made her entrance as the WWE Women’s Champion. The fans popped for her song saying “It’s Tiffy Time” at the start of it. The Women’s Royal Rumble winner Charlotte Flair was watching from backstage. The ring announcer Lilian Garcia did the championship introductions.

WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton vs. Nia Jax (w/Candice LeRae)

Jax hit Stratton with shoulder tackles and a toss across the ring. Jax splashed Stratton. Jax blocked a trip attempt followed by Jax hitting a headbutt for two. Jax sent Stratton to the turnbuckle, Jax tried an attack and Stratton avoided it, so Jax hit the ring post. Stratton hit a corner attack with a handspring back elbow. Stratton charged, but Jax hit a Samoan Drop for two. Jax hit a body slam and a leg drop for two. Jax sent Stratton into the turnbuckle. Jax hit a running hip attack into the ring post. Jax hit an elbow drop. They went to a break for some fans and I am going to take a break too.

The match continued with Jax in full control with a chinlock. Stratton tried to fight back, Jax caught her and Stratton did an awkward sunset flip for a two count. Stratton hit a spinebuster that Jax almost did on her own with the way it was sold. Stratton hit a running kick for two. Stratton went for a handstand attack, but Jax caught her and slammed Stratton down. Jax hit a leg drop to the back for two. Jax put Stratton on her shoulders by turnbuckle, Stratton kicked Jax to knock her down and Stratton hit a double foot stomp off the top for two. Stratton went up top, so Jax knocked her down there. Jax gave Stratton a Samoan Drop off the middle turnbuckle for a two count. Jax hit a leg drop off the middle turnbuckle for a two count. The fans cheered for that kickout while Flair was shown looking on again. They went to break for some fans as the action continued. Jax remained in control with a headbutt. Jax went to the middle turnbuckle and Stratton countered it with a Powerbomb for two. The fans thought that was it. The fans chanted “this is awesome” as the women were down on the mat. Stratton went for a stomp, but Jax avoided it and got a rollup for two. Jax punched Stratton in the ribs. Jax went for a Powerbomb, Stratton fought it, Jax sent Stratton into the turnbuckle and Jax hit a sitout Powerbomb for a two count.

Stratton sent Jax out of the ring and Stratton hit a top rope moonsault onto Jax on the floor. Stratton hit her with her elbow and the fans popped for it. Back in the ring, Stratton jumped off the top with a Swanton Bomb for a two count. The fans thought that was it. Stratton tried a lifting move, but Jax fell on top. Jax tossed Stratton down against the turnbuckle. Jax called Stratton an “ungrateful little shit.” Jax took too much time, Stratton tried to fight back and Jax still tried the Annihilator, but Stratton moved so Jax hit the mat. Jax tried a move, Stratton avoided it and Stratton hit another spinebuster. Stratton went for the moonsault off the turnbuckle, but LeRae grabbed Stratton and referee Charles Robinson called for the DQ finish. It went around 15 minutes.

Winner by disqualification: Tiffany Stratton

Analysis: ***1/2 It was a long match and I thought it was great. I thought it was nearly a four-star match, but I’m not going to go that high since there was a DQ finish. It was one of the better Nia Jax matches I’ve ever seen while Stratton continues to impress every time I see her. Jax got a lot of offense, Stratton kept kicking out and the fans were getting louder every time Stratton kicked out to keep the match going. The cheap finish surprised me a bit because I thought Stratton would win clean here.

After the match, Jax splashed Stratton against the turnbuckle. Jax hit her Annihilator splash on Stratton. LeRae brought a chair into the ring, but Trish Stratus showed up to stop that. Jax splashed Stratus against the turnbuckle. There were some WWE Officials and referees who showed up to try to stop it. Jax hit a leg drop to the back of Stratton. Jax and LeRae left at that point.

Analysis: That will likely lead to a tag team match at Elimination Chamber in Toronto with Tiffany Stratton & Trish Stratus against Nia Jax & Candice LeRae. I’m all for it.

Charlotte Flair made her entrance while Tiffany Stratton was down in the ring. Stratton was still down in the ring selling the attack while Flair was in the ring. Flair sat in the steel chair while Stratton was on the mat.

Flair told Tiffy to wake up and told her to sit up if she could. Flair: “The Queen chooses you. I’ll see you at WrestleMania.” Flair looked at the WrestleMania sign in the background while Stratton was still on the ground selling the attack.

Analysis: That was expected. It should be an awesome match. I think WWE needs to spend the next two months building up Stratton as more of a babyface and make Flair a cheap heel instead of just being a cocky heel.

The SmackDown GM Nick Aldis was in his office when Bianca Belair and Naomi walked into the room. Aldis said that he had an anonymous tip in the mystery attack on Jade Cargill. Aldis said we don’t know who filmed it and we don’t know who sent it. They showed a video that featured Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez walking in the background. Nick said that we don’t know anything yet. Nick said he had to talk to Raw’s Adam Pearce to find out the next step. Bianca Belair and Naomi said that they knew those two were involved. Bianca Belair and Naomi said that they would go to Raw to handle Liv and Raquel themselves. They left.

Analysis: At least there is some progress in this storyline. That’s nice to see.

A clip was shown from WWE LFG featuring coach The Undertaker reminding a talent to stay aggressive. Mickie James was also there as a coach telling another talent to kick the wrestler’s ass.

Damian Priest was shown walking backstage for his match coming up soon.

(Commercial)

A replay was shown of Charlotte Flair telling Tiffany Stratton that she would see her at WrestleMania.

Tiffany Stratton was interviewed backstage by Byron Saxton. Stratton said that Charlotte will know it’s Tiffy Time. Stratton said it was hard to focus on WrestleMania after what Nia and Candice did to her. Trish suggested a tag team match at Elimination Chamber. Stratton liked that saying it’s Tiffy & Trishy Time at Elimination Chamber.

Analysis: There it is. Easy way to set it up with the backstage interaction. I’m a fan of Tiffy & Trishy Time.

A graphic was shown making it official: Tiffany Stratton defends the WWE Women’s Championship vs. Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 41.

Jimmy Uso was applauding at a graphic shown for his brother Jey Uso’s WrestleMania match. Drew McIntyre walked up to Jimmy saying imagine if Jimmy won last week, but instead, it was Drew who won last week. Drew said he used to be angry like Jimmy, so he had some advice. Drew said that Jimmy’s career is going in the toilet, but on the plus side, he married up referring to Naomi. Jimmy looked like he was leaving, but then Jimmy hit a superkick on Drew to knock him down. Jimmy did a “Yeet” hand gesture to end it.

Analysis: That will likely set them up for a match. I’m not sure how far Jimmy will get pushed in singles, but the fans do like him.

Braun Strowman was shown walking backstage reminding us that he is a former World Champion. Braun said it has been five years since he has held gold, so he’s going to run through Fatu and Priest. Braun said he hopes Cody Rhodes is watching because Braun is coming for him. Braun made his entrance for the main event.

This Monday on Raw: Seth “Freakin” Rollins vs. Finn Balor and Roxanne Perez vs. Raquel Rodriguez in Elimination Chamber qualifying matches. Also, Penta vs. Pete Dunne and AJ Styles vs. Dominik Mysterio.

(Commercial)

Next week on SmackDown in New Orleans:

* WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY (c) vs. Pretty Deadly

* Jimmy Uso vs. Drew McIntyre

Jacob Fatu entered for the main event match. It is his third week in the main event. There were replays shown of Fatu hitting multiple moonsaults on Strowman at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Damian Priest was up last. I think Strowman was in the ring for nearly ten minutes waiting for this match to begin.

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

There are no countouts and no disqualifications in a triple threat match.

Braun hit a running clothesline on Priest and Fatu tried to lift Braun, but that didn’t work. Fatu and Priest worked together to knock Braun out of the ring. Fatu worked over Priest with punches, but Priest hit a jumping back elbow. Fatu hit a running splash along with a running forearm smash. Fatu gave Priest a body slam. Braun was back in with a running cross body block and a clothesline for each opponent to clear the ring. The show went to a break for some fans as the action continued. Braun sent Fatu into the barricade. Priest punched Braun to knock him down. Priest sent Fatu into the ring and hit a Broken Arrow for two. Braun headbutted Priest and Braun hit a running splash on Fatu. Braun sent Priest hard into the turnbuckle. Fatu sent Braun hard into the turnbuckle. Fatu and Priest battled by the commentary table. Priest sent Braun into the ring post. Priest sent Fatu into the turnbuckle, but Fatu avoided a corner attack and Priest hit the turnbuckle.

It looked like Fatu was going for a hip attack, but Braun pulled Fatu out of the ring. Braun punched Fatu in the jaw. Braun charged, Fatu moved and Braun hit the steel steps. Fatu hit the top half of the steps and hit Braun to knock him down. Priest worked over Fatu with kicks and forearms. Priest hit a spinning heel kick. Priest hit a jumping back elbow on Fatu and a superkick on Braun to knock him down. Priest hit a rising kick to the head. Priest tried something off the top, Braun got a hold of him and Fatu hit a Samoan Drop on Priest. Fatu hit a suicide dive onto Braun on the floor. Fatu went up top and hit a Swanton Bomb on Priest for two. Priest did a bell clap to the head and Fatu came back with a superkick. Priest and Fatu battled by the turnbuckle setting up a superplex, so Braun walked over here and did the Powerbomb part leading to a Tower of Doom coming out of the corner. Great spot to put all three guys down. Braun was back up with two clotheslines on Fatu along with a massive back body drop. Fatu was on the floor where he punched Braun. Priest gave Fatu a flatliner onto the hood of the commentary table. Braun hit a running shoulder tackle to knock Priest over the commentary table. Braun gave Fatu a Chokeslam onto the commentary table, which didn’t break. Back in the ring, Fatu was back up with two superkicks. Fatu hit two running hip attacks against the turnbuckle on Braun. Fatu brought a chair into the ring, Fatu put a chair around Braun’s neck and Fatu charged, but Braun was up with a kick to the body. Braun nailed Fatu in the back with two chair shots to the back. Braun hit Fatu with chair shots to the body. Braun put the chair around Fatu’s neck, but Solo Sikoa showed up and Solo hit a Samoan Spike on Braun. Fatu went up top and hit a moonsault onto Braun. Fatu was too hurt to cover. Cody Rhodes went down to ringside and fought with Solo by punching him a few times. Tama Tonga showed up for the save, Cody avoided an attack by Solo and Solo hit a Samoan Spike on Tama on the floor. Fatu was furious about that. Priest knocked Solo down. Priest clothesline Fatu over the barricade at ringside. Cody hit Cross Rhodes on Fatu on the floor. Priest sent Braun into the turnbuckle. Priest hit South of Heaven on Strowman for the pinfall win after 16 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Damian Priest

Analysis: ***3/4 I thought it was an excellent main event match with chaos at ringside. I was hoping for a Jacob Fatu win and I think the fans wanted that too, but I don’t mind Damian Priest getting the win since we know WWE is trying to get him over as a solo babyface. Braun Strowman had an impressive showing in the match. Braun runs into a lot of objects for his bumps because it’s a way to take him out of the action so the other two guys can do their thing. I like how Braun makes his comebacks. Fatu lost his third straight Smackdown main event match, but he was kept strong again because he didn’t take a pin. Regarding the Fatu/Solo stuff, that seems like a possible WrestleMania match with Fatu in a face role, but I don’t know if that’s the direction for it.

The win means that Damian Priest has gained entry in the Men’s Elimination Chamber. The match looks like this right now: John Cena vs. CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Logan Paul vs. Damian Priest vs. Seth Rollins/Finn Balor winner.

Analysis: My pick to win that match is John Cena. It should be great.

After the match, Cody Rhodes went into the ring and shook hands with Priest. They looked at the WrestleMania sign. Priest saluted the crowd. That was the end of the show.

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Three Stars of the Show

  1. Tiffany Stratton
  2. Jacob Fatu
  3. Damian Priest, Braun Strowman, Nia Jax

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The Scoreboard

7.5 out of 10

Last week: 7.5

2025 Average: 7.39

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Final Thoughts on WWE Smackdown

A very good show overall. I think the in-ring action was strong most of the night. That main event triple threat match was excellent even with the interference. The Stratton/Jax match was really good too. Those two matches made that third hour really strong.

They progressed a lot of stories throughout the show and added to the Elimination Chamber card as well.

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

* Men’s Elimination Chamber Match: John Cena vs. CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Logan Paul vs. Damian Priest vs. Seth Rollins/Finn Balor winner

* Women’s Elimination Chamber Match: Liv Morgan vs. Bianca Belair vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Bayley vs. Naomi vs. Raquel Rodriguez/Roxanne Perez winner

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