The John Report: WWE SmackDown 02/21/25 Review
This is WWE Smackdown featuring The Rock’s return for a talk with Cody Rhodes, #DIY facing Pretty Deadly, Tiffany Stratton in action, and more.
The big story going into this show is that The Rock will be there and WWE had to change plans because of him. SmackDown is in New Orleans and we know the plans are for WrestleMania 42 to be there, so it’s likely that an official announcement will be made. I’m a big fan of The Rock and always will be, but I know some fans don’t like his involvement in current WWE since he has been a cause of plans changing at last year’s WrestleMania. I think his presence helps WWE, so I don’t mind it although I do have concerns about creative plans. It worked out last year with WrestleMania 40. I don’t know about this year. We have to see how it plays out before we can properly judge it.
From the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, this is Smackdown for episode #1331. 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.
The WWE Champion Cody Rhodes walked up to SmackDown GM Nick Aldis, who informed Cody that he was out of the six-man tag team match. Cody asked who changed things and Nick said that this was coming from The Final Boss (The Rock) and he wanted to see Cody in the ring.
Analysis: That’s a big segment for later. It is smart to not put it on first. Build to it.
It was Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett on commentary at ringside.
Drew McIntyre vs. Jimmy Uso
There was a cross body block by Jimmy for a two count. Jimmy tried a jump off the turnbuckle, but Drew caught him and Drew hit a belly-to-belly suplex across the ring. Drew suplexed Jimmy across the ring again. They left the ring where Drew threw Jimmy into the barricade. Jimmy hit a spinning enziguri kick to knock Drew off the apron to the floor. Jimmy hit a suicide dive on Drew on the floor. Drew tripped up Jimmy on the apron and Drew hit a reverse Alabama Slam into the top of the steel steps. Drew celebrated on the commentary table. They went on a break for some fans and I’ll go on a break as well. Drew was in control during the break.
They were battling by the turnbuckle where Jimmy knocked Drew down and Jimmy hit a twisting cross body block to knock Drew down. Drew charged right into a Samoan Drop by Jimmy for a two count. Drew came back with a flying headbutt along with a spinebuster for two. Drew jumped off the top with nothing as Jimmy hit a superkick. Jimmy hit a Spear for two. Jimmy jumped off the top with a splash attempt, Drew avoided it and Drew hit a neckbreaker. Drew charged, Jimmy hit a superkick and Drew hit a Glasgow Kiss headbutt. Drew hit another headbutt. Jimmy countered the reverse Alabama Slam and sat on top of Drew with a rollup while grabbing the legs for the pinfall win. It went about 10 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Jimmy Uso
Analysis: ***1/4 A pretty good match with a surprising result since Drew is in the Elimination Chamber match so most people thought he would win, but instead Jimmy found a way to win. Jimmy does a nice job as a babyface singles wrestler since he sells well, and his offense is believable. The finish was done well with Jimmy countering the slim into the pin attempt.
After the match, Drew hit a forearm to knock Jimmy down. Drew rammed Jimmy’s head into the mat repeatedly. Drew told Jimmy that this meant nothing to him and Jimmy meant nothing to him. Drew teased kicking Jimmy’s head into the ring post, but WWE Officials and referees went to ringside to stop Drew before he did it. Drew ran back into the ring, he ran the ropes and Drew hit a Claymore Kick to knock Jimmy down. Drew was laughing about it.
Analysis: A cheap attack by Drew to get revenge after losing the match. I assume we’ll see this match again soon and Drew will probably get his win back.
A replay was shown of Smackdown last Friday when Solo Sikoa accidentally hit Tama Tonga with a Samoan Spike after Cody Rhodes moved out of the way. Jacob Fatu wasn’t happy about it. Damian Priest hit a South of Heaven slam on Braun Strowman to win that match.
Solo Sikoa was shown arriving at the building when Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga confronted him. Solo said what he did to Tama last week was an accident. Jacob said that they knew that and that’s why Solo is still standing. Solo wanted to be at ringside for their match, but Jacob told Solo that Solo was teaming with Jacob and Solo agreed to it. Solo said he was going to talk to GM Nick Aldis. Solo left.
(Commercial)
There was a video about the Men’s Elimination Chamber match showing clips of the six men in the match: John Cena, CM Punk, Logan Paul, Drew McIntyre, Damian Priest and Seth “Freakin” Rollins.
Carmelo Hayes was shown walking backstage when R-Truth walked up to him saying they had a match. Truth said he never met him before and Melo said that he had a match with Truth last week. The Miz walked up to say that they were Melo Don’t Miz and Miz asked who his tag team partner was. Truth said his partner just got here, so he left. Miz tried to pitch “Melo Don’t Miz” and Melo didn’t like it. Truth told Melo that Miz wanted him to say “Awesome” and Melo left instead.
Analysis: R-Truth is always comedy gold. Anyway, it was an easy way to set up a match.
(Commercial)
There was a video about Zelina Vega talking about her accomplishments in her career so far. Vega said that Smackdown is a fresh start for her and she has a lot of things to prove. Vega said that it ain’t over until she says it’s over.
R-Truth did a promo saying his tag team partner was born in New Orleans and Truth called him Louisiana Knight. Wade interrupted to say that Knight is from Maryland, but he moved to Hollywood so that’s why he’s LA Knight. LA got a good pop and he joined Truth for the match.
LA Knight & R-Truth vs. The Miz & Carmelo Hayes
Truth did a hiptoss on Melo and Truth counted the pin even though nobody was covering Melo because Truth is a madman. Wade asked if Little Jimmy was doing the pin. Good stuff. Knight tagged in with a neckbreaker on Melo for two. Miz wanted a tag, Melo didn’t want to and Truth hit an armdrag. Truth hit a shoulder tackle and Truth tagged in his partner Miz, but then Melo knocked Truth off the apron to the floor. Miz got a tag as the show went to break. The heel side was in control with Miz hitting a boot to the face and Melo worked over Truth kicks to the body.
Melo got a rollup on Truth for two and then Truth rolled up Melo for two. Truth hit a suplex into a Stunner. Knight tagged in against Miz and Knight hit a leaping clothesline. Knight stomped on Melo against the turnbuckle and a clothesline on Miz. Knight hit a running knee on Melo and Knight hit a body slam on Miz followed by an elbow drop for two. Miz kicked Knight, who tried a suplex and Melo got the tag. Knight tried a lifting move on Miz, but there was a slip and legal man Melo kicked Knight to knock him down. Knight tried BFT, Melo pushed him away and Truth tagged. Truth hit the two shoulder tackles and a spinning slam like John Cena. Truth hit the Five Knuckle Shuffle fist drop. Truth hit a running forearm. Truth applied the STF that John Cena likes to use, but Miz broke it up. Knight clotheslined Miz out of the ring. Knight sent Miz into the barricade. Shinsuke Nakamura showed up to kick Knight. Nakamura kicked Knight into the ring post. The referee was looking at Melo, so he missed it. Miz tagged in and Miz held Truth in a Skull Crushing Finale while Melo hit The First 48, so Miz pinned Truth for the pinfall win. It went about 9 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes
Analysis: *** A solid tag team match that had a cheap finish since Nakamura screwed Knight with the attack on the floor. It also furthers the story about Miz wanting to be a team with Melo. Since they got the win, Miz can tell Melo that they make a good team, so maybe we’ll see them team up again. I’m also happy with Melo getting another win because he lost too many matches, but I think that’s three wins in his last three matches. That’s good to see.
The WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton was shown walking backstage for her match up next.
(Commercial)
A video package aired about Charlotte Flair. She said that the GOAT doesn’t have to call herself the GOAT. Flair said she has crafted a legacy that no one can touch and she’s back. They showed Flair’s Royal Rumble win. At WrestleMania 41, Charlotte Flair will challenge Tiffany Stratton for the WWE Women’s Title.
Let’s Hear from Tiffany Stratton
The WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton made her entrance for a match. Stratton said that ever since she’s won the title, everybody has been so obsessed with her. Stratton said she had Nia Jax beat until Candice LeRae had to help her meal ticket. Stratton said that at Elimination Chamber, Stratton and Trish Stratton will make sure the unstoppable force comes to a definitive end. Stratton moved on to talk about Charlotte Flair since Flair chose to face Stratton as her WrestleMania opponent. Stratton said her dreams came true. Stratton said that no one likes to kick a girl when she’s down like Charlotte Flair. Stratton said that at WrestleMania, she is coming for the spot that Flair covets the most – as the top girl in WWE.
Nia Jax and Candice LeRae interrupted. Jax said it’s really cute that Stratton thought she would beat Jax last week. LeRae said that Stratton wouldn’t be there if it wasn’t for Trish Stratus. Jax claimed that Stratton won’t even see WrestleMania because after Jax & LeRae win at WrestleMania, Jax is coming back for her Women’s Championship. Jax claimed that Stratton wasn’t going to see the grandest stage of them all. Stratton bragged about beating LeRae. Jax suggested they take out Stratton right now, but the referee stopped them so the match could start.
Analysis: It is still in the early stages of Tiffany Stratton as a babyface champion. I think she needs to play to the crowd more. She should say “Tiffy Time” more too because the fans like to chant for that. I don’t mind Stratton as a face, but I think she needs to play into it more.
Tiffany Stratton vs. Candice LeRae
The match started during a break for some fans while it continued here on Netflix. LeRae was in control early as she wrenched on Stratton’s left arm and applied an armbar. LeRae pulled on Stratton’s left arm against the ropes. LeRae continued to work over the left arm as the match returned for all fans.
Stratton got some offense going with a backflip off the ropes followed by an armdrag. Stratton hit a dropkick. Charlotte Flair’s music hit as the 14-time World Champion made her entrance. Stratton missed a handspring attack because LeRae moved and LeRae hit a snapmare neckbreaker. LeRae applied an armbar on the left arm as Flair joined commentary. Flair set up LeRae against the ropes and hit a splash to the back. LeRae hit a back elbow. Flair said that she was the top woman in WWE, not the top girl. LeRae applied a knee drop on the left arm. Stratton countered a move leading to a dropkick. LeRae left the ring, so Stratton hit a moonsault off the top onto LeRae on the floor. Stratton landed on her feet and hit her back into Jax & LeRae on the floor. That was not a smooth moonsault. It’s also not an easy move to do. They went to a break for some fans as the action continued. LeRae hit a neckbreaker across the middle rope. LeRae went up top and hit a missile dropkick for two. Stratton got a rollup for two. LeRae hit a back elbow for two and Stratton hit a rollup for two again. LeRae hit a knee smash for two. LeRae hit forearms as the show returned.
It was comeback time for Stratton with two clotheslines and a handspring back elbow. Stratton hit a spinebuster for two. Stratton sent LeRae into the turnbuckle. Stratton went up top, she shoved LeRae down and Stratton went for a swanton, but LeRae countered it with a rollup for two. LeRae hit a senton to the back. LeRae hit a splash onto Stratton’s back. Stratton did a rolling senton on LeRae. Jax pulled LeRae out of the ring. Stratton kicked Jax and Stratton sent LeRae into the barricade. Stratton looked at Flair and pointed at the WrestleMania sign above the ring. Back in the ring, Stratton hit the Prettiest Moonsault Ever off the top for the pinfall win after 13 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Tiffany Stratton
Analysis: **3/4 The match was okay, but I think it dragged on a bit. There was a lot of selling from Stratton so that they could go through two commercials for some of the audience. I doubt anybody watching this thought that LeRae had a chance. I think Stratton winning more decisively in five fewer minutes would have been better.
After the match, Nia Jax hit Stratton in the back with a forearm. Jax went for more, but Trish Stratus made the save. Trish kicked Jax to knock her down. Trish hit a spinebuster on LeRae. Trish punched Jax a few times, but LeRae hit Trish with a chop block to the left leg. Jax knocked down Stratton. Jax headbutted Stratus onto Stratton. Jax went to the turnbuckle and Jax hit an Annihilator splash onto Stratus, who was on top of Stratton. That looked like a very gentle Annihilator by Jax.
Analysis: It gets the heat on Jax and LeRae going into Elimination Chamber in Toronto. That Annihilator from Jax was very soft probably because she didn’t want to hurt Trish. I could tell it was a lighter version of the move. I think Tiffany & Trish will win at Elimination Chamber.
Charlotte Flair went into the ring while Stratton was alone on the mat and selling a rib injury. Flair pointed at the WrestleMania sign while Stratton remained down in the ring.
Analysis: That’s the second week in a row where Flair posed over a fallen Stratton.
Cody Rhodes was backstage and he walked up to Damian Priest for a handshake. Priest asked why is The Rock here. Cody said it’s the time of year and said that your guess is as good as mine, but he’s sure it will be eventful. Cody congratulated Priest on getting into the Elimination Chamber. Priest mentioned that last year they both walked out of WrestleMania as World Champions. Priest told Cody that after Chamber, he’s coming after Cody’s title. Cody said he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody left.
Braun Strowman congratulated Damian Priest on winning last week. Braun said that if it wasn’t for Solo, he would have Jacob Fatu dead to rights and he would have been in the Chamber. Priest said that you’re sounding like Drew McIntyre with the excuses. Priest said that was last week and Priest wondered if they would handle business as a team. Braun said that they would and all he cared about was getting his hands on those two tonight. Priest said you will.
The main event tag is Braun Strowman & Damian Priest vs. Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu.
(Commercial)
A video package aired for the Women’s Elimination Chamber match featuring Liv Morgan, Bianca Belair, Alexa Bliss, Bayley, Naomi and Roxanne Perez.
The Women’s Tag Team Champions Bianca Belair & Naomi were interviewed by Byron Saxton in the backstage area. Naomi said that she knew Liv & Raquel were the ones who attacked Jade Cargill. Belair said they’ll get revenge on Liv & Raquel on Raw for what they did to Jade. Belair said that one of them would win Elimination Chamber and go on to face Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania. Naomi said that they’ll feel the glow on Monday and Liv will feel the glow tonight.
Analysis: I think that there will be a Women’s Tag Team Title change on Raw with Liv & Raquel beating Bianca & Naomi. Bianca is my pick to win the Women’s Elimination Chamber, so losing the Tag Team Titles makes sense to me.
The WWE Evolve show debuts on March 5th on Tubi in the US and YouTube internationally. I don’t anticipate watching or reviewing that show. Sorry, Evolve. My plate is full.
(Commercial)
Alexa Bliss was featured in a video package saying she was gone, but this place is still the same. Bliss said that the names are different but the insecurities are the same. Bliss said she knows the Elimination Chamber, she loves the Chamber and she’s won the Chamber. Bliss said it’s her division and she is in charge. Bliss laughed: “See ya soon.” During the promo, there were some scratchy parts to it to tease the Wyatt Sicks alliance.
Analysis: I’m happy to see Alexa Bliss back. I don’t know if she’ll get a big push any time soon, but I hope she has a role at WrestleMania after missing two years.
Naomi and Bianca Belair made their entrance. Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez attacked them on the apron. Belair got into a fight with Raquel. Liv made the save with a chop block on Belair. Raquel hit a Texana Bomb on Belair. Liv hit Oblivion on Naomi. Referees showed up to stop that, so there was no match.
Analysis: There was supposed to be a Naomi vs. Liv match, but instead it was a quick cheap attack by Liv & Raquel. It gets heat on the challengers going into their Raw match.
There was a Ford truck that drove up to the building and Joe said that The Final Boss was here in New Orleans.
(Commercial)
Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez were getting yelled at by Smackdown GM Nick Aldis for what they did. Nick told them to get off their show. Liv and Raquel laughed and left. Chelsea Green, the Women’s US Champion, arrived with Piper Niven to try to claim the spots of Bianca & Naomi at Elimination Chamber, but Nick said Bianca and Naomi would be fine. Green complained to Nick about not being on Elimination Chamber in Toronto. Nick told Green to pack her gear because she’ll be in action in Toronto on Smackdown next week. Nick told Green it would be a good one. Nick left and Green said she needed more details.
Analysis: Green is a fun character to watch. I’d like to see her get a meaningful storyline.
Let’s Hear from The Rock
The Rock made his entrance to a massive ovation. Rock was wearing sunglasses and a vest. The crowd was loud in their reaction to The Rock and there were also “Rocky” chants when he posed in the ring.
The Rock said he had chills up and down his body. The Rock said that on a Friday night for him to get in his bird to come to New Orleans, you know he’s going to drop some good gospel s**t on your ass tonight. Rock: “Finally The Rock…” and the fans did the rest, so Rock stopped. Rock also said: “Finally WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans.”
The Rock made it official right now in front of the world, WrestleMania 42 in 2026 live from the Superdome in one of the greatest cities on Earth…New Orleans, Louisiana. There was a pyro display by the entrance. The graphic said it was on April 11 & April 12, 2026. There was a “holy s**t” chant from the crowd. The Rock must have swore again because it was muted. The Rock was singing “When The Saints Go Marching In” and the fans joined in, so Rock admonished them saying it was his turn to sing.
Analysis: We knew that New Orleans was going to host WrestleMania 42 next year, so now we have the dates of April 11 and April 12, 2026. Have fun, New Orleans.
As he continued, The Rock trashed the fans calling them STD having, trailer park trash people. The Rock said that he was there to call somebody else. Rock said he respected and admired this man, the WWE Champion Cody Rhodes.
The Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes made his entrance to a huge ovation from the fans. Cody was wearing a suit as usual. Cody got into the ring and posed with the WWE Champion while The Rock waited for him to finish his entrance. Rock and Cody shook hands and hugged. Rock even kissed Cody on the cheek.
The Rock told Cody that has to feel amazing and he said that the fans love him. Cody told the fans that he loved them. Rock said since last year’s WrestleMania, they have become good friends. Rock mentioned the last time they were in the ring together was the Raw on Netflix debut and Rock credited Cody for carrying this company. Rock talked about how they drank tequila and they had a good time. Rock told Cody that he’s a great WWE Champion while Rock said that their moms have become good friends. They showed a picture of their moms hanging out after last week’s WrestleMania.
The Rock said he’s on the board of TKO and TKO owns WWE. The Rock said that he is a Director of The Board of TKO, so fans booed that and Rock said don’t boo that. Rock said that Ari Emanuel owns everything and Ari told Rock that he owns WWE. Rock said that he doesn’t own WWE, but he knows he is the most powerful. Rock told Cody he wants him to be something more than a great champion. Rock told Cody he wants him to be The Rock’s champion.
Cody said he didn’t expect them to become friends or their moms to become friends. Cody said regarding being Rock’s champion, Cody said he is the champion of the fans. Rock responded saying he is the People’s Champion. Rock said that they were born into this business. Rock said he knows Cody’s number one goal is to bring joy and happiness to people around the world. Rock said he knows Cody is that dude. Rock said that Cody has millions of Instagram followers and Rock has half a billion. Rock said he’s the most followed man in the world and he wanted Cody to be his champion. Rock told Cody he could open up doors that he never knew existed. Rock told Cody that every dream of his, every dream of his wife and every dream of his baby. Rock mentioned Cody went to Moana 2, Rock met his family and Rock thanked the fans for helping that movie make billions. Rock said he just needs Cody to be his champion. Rock said he’s a lucky man who has it all. Rock said that they are mama’s boys and girl dads. Rock trashed a fan for interrupting. Rock said that the one thing that he has never had that he has never had more than anything is a brother. Rock told Cody that’s what he can be. Rock said that last year his goal was to face his cousin Roman Reigns for the WWE Title. Rock said that he talked to Triple H and Nick Khan to make Rock against Reigns happen, so what did Cody do? Cody told them “f**k that” and Cody stood up to them. Rock said that Cody slapped Rock as well. Rock told Cody that no one does that and gets away with it. Rock said that’s why Cody is special, he should be Rock’s champion and Rock will make sure every dream and desire comes true. Rock said that their dads were friends. Rock told Cody not to answer him tonight. Rock said that he will meet him at Elimination Chamber in Toronto on March 1st and Cody can give him his answer there. Rock said that the one thing he wants more than anything in this world is that. Rock pointed at the WWE Championship.
Cody said that this WWE Championship – is that what this is about? Rock said no. Rock said that he doesn’t want that. Rock said he wants your soul. Rock said he’ll see Cody in Toronto on March 1st at Elimination Chamber. Cody said nothing while Rock left and the fans booed Rock as he left the ring. The Rock stood in the aisle, took his sunglasses off, and stared at Cody in the ring. Cody had a confused look on his face. The Rock looked back at Cody from the entrance area while Cody remained in the ring unsure about what Rock said.
Analysis: There was a lot there and the whole thing took over 20 minutes. What I like best is that we know that The Rock is going to be at Elimination Chamber in Toronto and I’ll be there too, so I’m excited about that. The Rock claimed he didn’t want Cody’s WWE Title, so maybe The Rock is going to remain out of the ring for WrestleMania this year. Instead, The Rock wants Cody’s soul, so we are left to guess what he means. Does he mean that he wants Cody to go heel like The Rock has done as The Final Boss or is there more to it? I have no idea at this point. We would all be guessing if we tried to figure it out, so rather than bitch or moan, we have to see how they follow up on this story in eight days at Elimination Chamber. I’m not going to say I love the storyline or the angle in this beginning stage, but I am glad it’s not Rock using his power to say he’s going to have a match with Cody at WrestleMania. Maybe they will do the match next year in New Orleans or some other point and that’s fine with me. For now, I don’t know what to think about this whole thing. It wouldn’t shock me if a lot of fans are crapping all over this promo segment and hating it because of how strange it is for Rock to say he wanted Cody’s soul. As a fan of the performers and a fan of long term storytelling, I’m willing to see how it plays out. Like I said, I do understand if fans are going to hate the story.
(Commercial)
There will be a WWE post-Smackdown press conference immediately following SmackDown and The Rock will be there for it to talk more about WrestleMania 42 in New Orleans. That’s on YouTube and other platforms.
Prior to the next match, the WWE Tag Team Champions #DIY’s Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano asked the crowd to give them a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly before the match. That led to PD making their entrance. Pretty Deadly made their entrance and cleared the ring while their music was still playing.
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY – Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano vs. Pretty Deadly – Elton Prince & Kit Wilson
Pretty Deadly beat #DIY two weeks ago in a non-title match to set up this title match.
Ciampa sent Prince to the apron and hit a knee to knock Prince off the apron to the floor. Gargano got the tag and kicked Prince while on the apron. #DIY celebrated. The show went to a break for some fans while the action continued. Ciampa and Gargano made quick tags as they worked over Prince. Ciampa hit Prince with a backbreaker. Ciampa applied a chinlock, Prince broke free with a jawbreaker and Ciampa sent Prince into the turnbuckle. The #DIY boys beat on Prince with punches.
The champions remained in control as Ciampa tagged in and did a cross body block collision with Prince. Wilson got the tag with a running uppercut on Gargano. Wilson hit clotheslines on both opponents. Wilson hit a double clothesline on both opponents. Prince was legal against Gargano. Prince launched Wilson into Gargano for a double knee attack for two. Ciampa was back in, Wilson hit Ciampa with an uppercut and Prince hit an overhead suplex on Ciampa. The Street Profits showed up to attack PD so it was a DQ finish. It went about eight minutes.
Winners by disqualification: Pretty Deadly (#DIY remain the champions)
Analysis: **3/4 This was an average match. It’s weird seeing PD in a babyface role since they have been heels during their entire WWE run. Wilson did a solid job after getting the hot tag. The crowd wasn’t into it that much, so that hurt the match a bit.
After the match, Angelo Dawkins beat up Kit Wilson on the floor. Montez Ford hit a full nelson slam on Prince. Dawkins slammed Wilson into the ring post. Ford hit a belly-to-back slam on Gargano. Dawkins hit a flapjack on Ciampa into the mat. Ford jumped off the top with a Frog Splash on Ciampa. The Motor City Machine Guns went into the ring and Ford cleared the ring of Shelley. Dawkins hit a Big Ending on Sabin. Dawkins and Ford hit a spinebuster/neckbreaker combo on Sabin. The Street Profits stood tall while the other six guys were down on the floor.
Analysis: I like this version of The Street Profits looking like badasses out there. How about Angelo Dawkins using Big E’s Big Ending move? I like seeing that. Anyway, this feels like it will set up a four-way match at some point soon, and maybe even WrestleMania if they can stretch it out for that long since it is two months away.
A video response from Kevin Owens was up next.
(Commercial)
There was a video package about John Cena showing his history in Elimination Chamber matches. They included clips of what Cena said at the post-Royal Rumble press conference. Cena said he was going to Elimination Chamber to win and main event his final appearance at WrestleMania to win his 17th World Championship.
Analysis: John Cena is my pick to win the Elimination Chamber.
A video was shown from Raw when Sami Zayn insisted to Raw GM Adam Pearce that he wanted the match with Kevin Owens at Elimination Chamber. Pearce gave Zayn the match but told Zayn it was unsanctioned since Zayn wasn’t medically cleared.
Video Message From Kevin Owens
Kevin Owens was shown talking on a phone saying that Sami Zayn wants to end his career, which would hurt KO’s family. Owens wondered about Zayn’s family. Owens was outside the window at Sami’s house where we saw Zayn with his wife and his young son. Owens wondered if Zayn’s family knew what Zayn was about to put them through when Owens ends his career in Toronto. Owens talked about the nice house and shelter that will be gone because Zayn is proud. Owens called Zayn selfish because he’s going to make Owens do this to Zayn’s family. Owens said he’ll never forgive him for that. Owens told Zayn he’ll see him in Toronto, but remember you asked for this and it’s all your fault.
Analysis: I am enjoying the rivalry between Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. Going to a man’s house and filming him with his family is very personal as well as intrusive, so Zayn will likely react with anger about it as he should. It adds more heat to the story without having the two guys interact. It’s going to be an incredible match at Elimination Chamber. I think Owens will win and he’ll face Randy Orton at WrestleMania.
Selfish. pic.twitter.com/E53gYAdLhD
— Kevin (@FightOwensFight) February 21, 2025
The graphic for Cody Rhodes and The Rock at Elimination Chamber asked this question: “Will Cody Accept The Final Boss’ Offer?”
Damian Priest made his entrance for the main event.
(Commercial)
Braun Strowman entered for the main event. Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu walked and talked backstage before making their entrance.
Jacob Fatu & Solo Sikoa (w/Tama Tonga) vs. Damian Priest & Braun Strowman
This was the fifth straight week that Jacob Fatu was in the SmackDown main event.
There were strikes exchanged by both guys and Solo hit a headbutt that sent Priest into turnbuckle. Solo worked over Priest with punches. Priest came back with punches. Braun tagged in and hit a running splash on Solo against the turnbuckle. Braun hit another running splash on Solo. After Solo broke free, Fatu tagged in. Braun knocked down Fatu with a boot to the face. Braun ran over Fatu with a shoulder tackle and Priest knocked down Solo on the floor. Braun punched a chair that Tama was holding. Fatu hit a running attack to knock Braun over the barricade at ringside. They went to break for some fans as the action continued. Braun sent Fatu into the steel steps. Back in the ring, Fatu hit a superkick and a running hip attack against the turnbuckle. Fatu hit a running knee on Braun. Solo tagged in, Braun threw a punch and Solo hit a headbutt. Solo choked Braun against the bottom rope, so Fatu hit a running kick. Fatu hit a running elbow splash to knock Braun down. Solo stomped on Braun a few times. Fatu tagged in with a top rope splash on Braun.
Fatu was on offense with a forearm and a senton splash on Braun for two. Solo tagged in with a running hip attack on Braun against the turnbuckle. Fatu tagged in with a running hip attack, but Braun was back up to stop a charge with a boot to the head. Braun hit a spinebuster. Priest got the hot tag against Solo leading to Priest hitting multiple punches, a shoulder tackle and a jumping back elbow. Priest hit a spin pick on Fatu. Solo hit a superkick, but Priest came back with a spinning kick. Priest hit a flatliner slam for a two count. Priest hit a jumping kick to the head. Priest did a rope walk followed by a cross body block off the top. Priest hit a jumping kick to the side of the head. Tama was on the apron, so Priest punched him down and Fatu did a necksnap on the top rope. Solo hit a Spinning Solo for a two count. Solo went for the Samoan Spike, but Priest blocked it and Priest hit strikes. Fatu went for a superkick, Priest moved and Fatu superkicked Solo by accident. Priest knocked Fatu out of the ring. Braun hit a running Pounce on Fatu and Tama on the floor. The fans popped big for that. Priest hit South of Heaven on Solo for the pinfall win after 12 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman
Analysis: ***1/4 A good main event match with an exciting final few minutes to bring it home. The key spot was Fatu superkicking Solo by accident just like Solo kicked Fatu last week. Priest winning made sense since he’s in the Men’s Elimination Chamber match, so he should get the win in a match like this. That spot with Braun taking out Fatu & Tama on the floor was a good way to pop the crowd because there was a loud reaction to it.
Damian Priest and Braun Strowman celebrated their win. That was the end of the show.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman
- Drew McIntyre/Jimmy Uso
- The Rock/Cody Rhodes
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The Scoreboard
7 out of 10
Last week: 7.5
2025 Average: 7.34
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Final Thoughts on WWE Smackdown
It was a weird episode of SmackDown because it was built around The Rock appearing and you could tell they changed some things on the show because of him. In terms of matches, there was solid in-ring action all night long, but nothing that blew me away.
The Rock was there to announce WrestleMania 42 will be in New Orleans next year, which we knew, but now it’s official. That promo that Rock had with Cody Rhodes saying he wants Cody’s soul is something that I doubt most viewers expected to happen. The good thing is it’s not Rock wanting a match because I think we want to see Cody against somebody else at WrestleMania. The Rock saying he wants Cody’s soul makes me wonder what’s the point of this. I am sure some fans will shit on it because of how awkward it was, and I get it, but I’m willing to see how it plays out. We’ll find out the next step at Elimination Chamber.
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 “Freakin” Rollins
* Women’s Elimination Chamber Match: Liv Morgan vs. Bianca Belair vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Bayley vs. Naomi vs. Roxanne Perez
* Unsanctioned Match: Sami Zayn vs. Kevin Owens
* WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton & Trish Stratus vs. Nia Jax & Candice LeRae
* Will Cody Rhodes Accept The Rock’s Offer?
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