The John Report: WWE SmackDown 03/07/25 Review

This is WWE Smackdown featuring comments from Cody Rhodes, a US Title match between Shinsuke Nakamura and LA Knight, and more.

I thought the WWE Elimination Chamber PLE last Saturday in Toronto was an outstanding show. I was there and had a great time. One of the best WWE PLE shows I’ve ever been to. The big story was John Cena turning heel on Cody Rhodes after the match. Cena won the Men’s Elimination Chamber Match, turned on Cody, and joined The Rock (and Travis Scott) in attacking Cody for several minutes. Cody is on SmackDown while Cena won’t be around until the March 17th episode of Raw. Anyway, we are now on the road to WrestleMania 41, which is six weeks away.

From the Wells Fargo Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this is Smackdown for episode #1333. 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 were some arrivals shown from earlier in the day including LA Knight, Shinsuke Nakamura, Braun Strowman, Solo Sikoa with Jacob Fatu, and Tama Tonga.

Drew McIntyre was shown walking backstage and he ran after Damian Priest with a forearm to the head. Drew threw Priest into an equipment case on the ground and Priest remained on the ground selling the attack.

Analysis: That’s a follow up after what happened with Drew and Damian at Elimination Chamber. They are on a path for WrestleMania 41.

The commentary team of Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett welcomed us to the show.

There was a video package showing Elimination Chamber highlights.

Let’s Hear from Randy Orton

Randy Orton made his entrance wearing his wrestling gear and a vest. Orton made his return at Elimination Chamber to attack Kevin Owens after Owens beat Sami Zayn. It was Orton’s first appearance in nearly four months.

Orton said that a lot of crazy stuff has happened since he has been gone. Orton said ever since he started in this business, John Cena (crowd boos) has always been on the top of this profession and now he’s a bottom for Rock, so it gives a new term for Rock Bottom. Orton moved on to welcome us to SmackDown. Orton spoke about how he is friends with Cena and has stuff in common with him.

Orton talked about how Kevin Owens was his friend. Orton said that they crossed the line and pushed the envelope to get the job done. Orton said that Owens the wrestler is somebody Orton respects. Orton said he admires KO’s story of how he got to WWE. Orton said that he admired Owens the wrestler, but he had a problem with Owens the man. Orton said to never underestimate a jealous man’s ability to destroy another man. Orton talked about how Owens is a jealous man. Orton said that Owens tried to end Cody Rhodes’ career because Owens was jealous of Cody’s success as WWE Champion. Orton talked about Owens having issues with Sami Zayn. Orton said that Owens wanted to drop Zayn on his head at Elimination Chamber and Owens will say that is because Zayn picked up Reigns in the Royal Rumble, but it’s really because Zayn is a bigger star than Owens. Orton said that Owens dropped Orton on his head with a piledriver – a banned move by the way – all because Orton tried to protect his friend. Orton mentioned Owens has done it all in WWE winning all the titles and he main evented WrestleMania twice, including once with Steve Austin. Orton wondered what Owens was jealous about and said Owens was never satisfied.

Orton spoke about how busted his ass to come back from a major back injury. Orton told himself to enjoy himself performing in WWE and don’t let anything piss you off, but Owens has done it. Orton talked about hitting Owens with an RKO at Elimination Chamber. Orton said that the “voices” started talking to him telling Orton to kick Owens in the head so hard that KO’s family wouldn’t recognize his face. Orton said he’ll prove in short order that Pat McAfee is only the second-greatest punter in WWE. Orton dropped the microphone to end it.

Analysis: It was a good promo from Randy Orton. He took a while to get to his point, but I think he summed up the Kevin Owens character well. Orton is teasing The Punt on Owens and maybe we’ll see it at WrestleMania, but perhaps not before that.

Tiffany Stratton was talking to Smackdown GM Nick Aldis when Women’s US Champion Chelsea Green and Piper Niven. This was an earlier today segment. There was some bickering, so Stratton challenged Niven to match. Green didn’t want it to happen, but Aldis booked the match.

The WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton entered for singles action up next.

(Commercial)

Tiffany Stratton vs. Piper Niven

This was not for Stratton’s WWE Women’s Title. Niven was in control with a shoulder tackle. Stratton avoided a senton splash and Stratton hit dropkick. Stratton hit a springboard senton on Niven for two. Stratton tried a handspring back elbow, but Niven caught Stratton and tossed her over the top to the floor. Niven hit a somersault attack on Stratton on the floor. They went to a break for some fans as I’ll take a break too.

The action continued with Stratton making a comeback with clotheslines and a shoulder tackle. Stratton hit the handspring back elbow on Niven along with a running dropkick for two. Niven tackled Stratton into the turnbuckle. Stratton avoided an attack and pulled Niven down by the hair. Stratton went up top and hit a Swanton Bomb for two. Niven blocked a move followed by Niven hitting a sidewalk slam for two. Niven went for a Vader Bomb off the ropes, Stratton avoided it and Stratton jumped did the Prettiest Moonsault Ever off the top for the pinfall win after about seven minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Tiffany Stratton

Analysis: ** Easy win by Tiffany Stratton. Piper Niven got some offense, but this was all about giving the champion Stratton more momentum. I don’t mind it being a shorter match either. A decisive win for a champion is good booking.

After the match, Stratton’s WrestleMania opponent Charlotte Flair attacked Stratton with a chop block to the back of the left knee. Flair applied the Figure Eight submission while Stratton was screaming in pain. The fans were booing Flair as referees went into the ring to make Flair back off, so Flair did let go. Stratton was selling the knee injury while Flair was taunting the champion.

Analysis: Cheap heat for Charlotte Flair to make things more interesting for this Stratton-Flair story. They have six weeks to get to WrestleMania, we know Flair is the heel and Stratton is the face, so I hope there are some good segments for them before WM41.

The SmackDown GM Nick Aldis was featured in his office with a board that had images of the tag team division on it. Aldis summarized everything that has happened in the last few months involving the teams and there were highlights shown. Aldis said there’s been nonstop fighting and chaos. Aldis said that next week, the Street Profits get their WWE Tag Team Title match against #DIY since the Profits had the title shot taken away in the past while Pretty Deadly vs. Los Garza vs. Motor City Machine Guns will take place tonight to see who will become the next challengers.

Analysis: There has been a lot of chaos in the tag team division. I think a multi-team Ladder Match at WrestleMania is likely.

The Motor City Machine Guns made their entrance for tag team action.

(Commercial)

Pretty Deadly – Elton Prince & Kit Wilson vs. Motor City Machine Gunns – Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin vs. Los Garza – Angel & Berto

There are two guys legal in the match and the other four guys are supposed to be on the apron. Wilson dropkicked Angel and then Angel came back with a dropkick of his own. There were tags, but then it turned into a brawl between the six guys. Los Garza hit both PD guys out of the ring to the floor. Angel dropkicked both Guns out of the ring. Angel and Berto each hit moonsaults off the turnbuckles onto the four opponents on the floor. Berto was in control of Shelley with a moonsault for a two count. Angel hit a running knee on Shelley while Berto kicked Shelley in the back. Prince made a blind tag to become legal and Wilson tagged in with a top rope bulldog double team move for two. Wilson hit a running elbow on Shelley two times in a row. Prince tagged in for his team.

Shelley hit a DDT/flatliner combo on the PD guys. Sabin tagged in with some fast paced offense including a hurricanrana on Berto. Sabin jumped off the turnbuckle with a Tornado DDT on Berto for two. Prince tagged in for Berto with a blind tag. There were four different guys in the ring leading to moves that led to guys knocked out of the ring. Sabin hit Berto with a hurricanrana to send Berto out of the ring. Sabin hit a suicide dive onto three guys on the floor. Wilson prevented Shelley from doing a double team move and Prince did a backslide pin on Sabin for the pinfall win. It went about 8 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Pretty Deadly

Analysis: **1/2 It was a decent tag team match. You don’t see a backslide winning too many matches in today’s WWE, but I guess it’s better than a rollup. I thought the Guns winning seemed likely although I don’t mind seeing Elton & Kit getting a big win.

That win by Pretty Deadly means they have earned a future WWE Tag Team Title match.

There was a replay shown from Elimination Chamber when Jade Cargill destroyed Naomi at the start of the match. We also saw Chamber winner Bianca Belair freaking out while it happened. The ladies are up next.

(Commercial)

The attendance was announced as 16,728 people and it was a sold out crowd.

There were members of the Philadelphia 76ers at ringside. It was Paul George and some other guys. They were booed by the fans since the Sixers stink this year.

A video aired about the John Cena heel turn on Cody Rhodes at WWE Elimination Chamber. They showed some reaction videos and mentioned it had over 500 million social media views in over 24 hours.

Let’s Hear from Bianca Belair and Naomi

Bianca Belair made her entrance as the Women’s Elimination Chamber winner who will challenge the Women’s World Champion at WrestleMania. They showed highlights from Raw when Belair and Rhea Ripley shoved eachother while Iyo Sky hit Over The Moonsault on Ripley to win the Women’s World Title. It was a shocking title change, so Sky is against Belair at WrestleMania 41 at this point.

Belair said that she should feel like she’s on top of the world right now after winning Elimination Chamber, but she can’t focus on WrestleMania when two of her friends are fighting. Belair said she formed bonds with Jade Cargill and Naomi. Belair said that when she formed the team with Naomi, she became Belair’s best friend. Belair said that she didn’t believe Naomi would do something like that. Belair said she needed some answers. Belair said Naomi isn’t texting her back and neither is Jade, so Belair wants Naomi to give her some answers right now.

Naomi made her entrance while wearing a neckbrace and she got into the ring with Belair. Naomi said that this is not at all what it looks like. Naomi said she needed Belair to understand what Naomi was about to say. Naomi mentioned that she stepped up when Jade was hurt and Naomi teamed with Belair to make sure that Belair didn’t have to relinquish the Tag Team Titles. Belair asked Naomi if she attacked Jade. Naomi didn’t respond and told them they needed to focus on winning the titles back. Belair said they are here for Jade. Naomi said she never said this before because she didn’t want to be messy and Naomi said that Jade was piggybacking off Belair the entire time. Naomi said that she watched Jade succeed off Belair’s excellence, experience and hard work. Naomi said that she was pushed off to the side. Naomi said that she was proud of them and she didn’t say a freakin’ word. Naomi said she didn’t care about Jade because she didn’t give a damn about Bianca. Belair and Naomi were both talking at the same time, so Belair told Naomi to stop.

Belair told Naomi it was a yes or a no and Belair said you’ll never hear from her again, so tell Belair right now. Naomi had tears in her eyes. Naomi: “I did it!” The fans had a loud reaction and they booed. Naomi said she did it for Belair and them as a team. Naomi said it was always supposed to be the two of them. Belair tried to leave, Naomi grabbed her and Belair told Naomi not to touch her. Belair said it hurt because she loved Naomi. Belair told Naomi they were done. Naomi shouted: “Why? Because of her?” Belair left the ring. Naomi said she was sorry. Naomi told Belair that she did it for Belair. Naomi said that the truth was she should have pushed Jade harder and pushed Jade sooner. Naomi called Belair an ungrateful bitch.

Analysis: There’s the official confirmation from Naomi that she was the mystery attacker on Jade Cargill. I think that’s what most of us expected since the story started four months ago. It also makes you wonder why Jade couldn’t have told Belair months ago that Naomi was the one who attacked Jade, but we have to live in a world where we shut off our brains sometimes. I thought from a performance standpoint, Belair did a good job and Noami did well by showing emotion and it got better after she admitted to her attack. Also, Naomi saying she did it for Belair is similar to Naomi’s father-in-law Rikishi saying he did it for The Rock about 25 years ago, so there is a similarity there.

A car was shown driving up to the building and Jade Cargill got out of the car. Cargill walked toward the ring, she looked at Belair and Cargill went into the ring.

Cargill went after Naomi, who left the ring and Cargill grabbed Naomi. Cargill beat Naomi with punches. Cargill sent Naomi into the ring post. Cargill had a white outfit that looked like it had red blood stains on it. Cargill hit her Jaded slam on Naomi in the ring. The fans liked that.

Analysis: That’s another dominating attack from Cargill on Naomi. I think they should get Naomi an ally to help her because it’s going to be tough for Naomi as a heel against Cargill, who is bigger and more powerful. The fans like Jade a lot, that’s for sure.

A video aired about Damian Priest beating Drew McIntyre in the Elimination Chamber match. Drew responded with a Claymore Kick. Logan Paul hit a Frog Splash on Priest to pin him.

Drew McIntyre was interviewed by Byron Saxton, who asked about Drew’s attack on Damian Priest. Drew said that so many people are shocked about John Cena’s actions while Drew said he said it last week. Drew talked about Priest stealing his pin in the Chamber. Drew said that because of Priest, Drew has nothing to give by violence and it starts tonight with the black sheep of the family since he’s against Jimmy Uso.

Braun Strowman entered for singles action.

(Commercial)

It was announced earlier on Friday that Lex Luger will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame this year. Cody Rhodes surprised Luger with the news while Luger was training with Diamond Dallas Page.

Charlotte Flair was interviewed by Byron Saxton saying that she had to remind everybody that there were levels to what they do. B-Fab interrupted and Flair said nobody compares to Flair. B-Fab said that the women in WWE want their own legacies and nobody wants to bow down to Flair. Flair said that everybody eventually bows down to the queen. Flair challenged B-Fab to a match next week on Smackdown in Barcelona and Flair left.

Solo Sikoa vs. Braun Strowman

Braun used his power to knock Solo down with a shoulder tackle followed by Braun sending Solo out of the ring. Braun charged at Solo, who moved and Braun hit the steel steps. Solo hit a running hip attack on Braun against the barricade. That led to a break for some fans as the action continued. Braun was back up with a punch and he sent Solo into the ring post. Back in the ring, Solo kicked Braun along with some punches to the head. Solo was in control with a chinlock that lasted for about one minute when Braun powered back up to his feet. Solo kicked Braun twice to knock him back down.

The match continued with Solo hitting a Samoan Drop. Solo hit a running hip attack against the turnbuckle. Solo charged, Braun hit a big boot to the head and a cross body block. Braun hit a boot to the head again. Braun punched Solo in the chest. Braun left the ring and ran over Solo with a shoulder tackle on the floor. Braun was back in the ring with a running splash. Solo shoved Braun into the turnbuckle and Solo hit a superkick. Braun caught a charging Solo and hit a powerslam for two because Tama Tonga was there to break up the pin. It lasted about eight minutes.

Winner by disqualification: Braun Strowman

Analysis: *3/4 A cheap finish to protect Solo from losing clean. Based on what they did after the match, they wanted Braun to look strong so it would have been dumb to have Braun lose here.

After the match, Braun shoved Tama away and Braun hit a clothesline. Braun tossed Tama over the barricade. Jacob Fatu made his entrance while his music played.

Fatu and Braun had a staredown on the apron and the fans were chanting “Fatu” as the two men went after it in the ring. Fatu hit Braun with two superkicks to knock Braun out of the ring. Fatu went for a suicide dive, but Braun caught him and Braun gave Fatu a Chokeslam onto the commentary table. Fatu was up quickly and an elbow smash off the table. Fatu sent Braun over the barricade. Fatu jumped off the barricade with a forearm to knock Braun down. Fatu hit Braun with a superkick as they fought by the production area with some equipment cases. Fatu had Braun on his shoulders, but Braun came back and Braun gave Fatu a Chokeslam onto two tables while it looked like there was some padding under the tables. After some replays, Fatu managed to get back up and Braun dared Fatu to come after him, but Fatu left to the back.

Analysis: The rivalry has been similar to Braun Strowman’s feud with Bronson Reed on Raw late last year. Anyway, it should lead to Braun against Fatu and I think Fatu will win.

LA Knight was interviewed by Byron Saxton backstage. Knight said that Fatu is out of the picture now. Knight said that it was Nakamura and him tonight. Knight said we’re standing in the birthplace of the USA and the rebirth of his US Title reign. Knight said he’s dealt with sneak attacks, the mist and he’s fought through it all. Knight told Shinsuke Nakamura he hoped the shadows were good to him because Knight wouldn’t be good to him. Knight said pledge of allegiance to the United States and Knight did his “yeah” to end it.

Chelsea Green, the Women’s US Champion, was backstage with Piper Niven, who was selling her loss from earlier. Zelina Vega told Green that she was coming after that title.

The Women’s US Champion Chelsea Green entered with Piper Niven. Green was dressed like Cactus Jack aka Mick Foley. Green pulls it off well.

(Commercial)

There was another video of John Cena’s heel turn at Elimination Chamber with audio from different commentary teams reacting to it.

Women’s United States Championship Street Fight: Chelsea Green (w/Piper Niven) vs. Michin

Michin was wearing a Philadelphia Eagles jersey. Michin had a garbage can with weapons. Green attacked Michin on the floor, but Michin came back with a cookie sheet to knock Green down. Michin emptied out the trash can and threw it at Green. The referee rang the bell to start the match. Michin did a drop toe hold into a chair that was opened up in the ring. Green hit Michin with a trash can. Michin gave Green a back body drop on the chains or close enough to the chains. Michin bit Green’s fingers. Michin tried to get a table from under the ring, but Green hit a neckbreaker on the floor. Green put the table under the ring so she was booed for that. They went to a break for some fans as the action continued. Green brought a rope into the ring and tied Michin’s wrists together. Green tossed Michin across the ring two times. Green pulled Michin out of the ring and Green stomped on Michin on the floor. Green sent Michin into the barricade. Green told Michin “one more” and sent Michin into the ring apron. Green choked Michin with the rope. Michin managed to pull the rope and sent Green into the ring post. Michin untied the rope by using her mouth and freeing her hands.

The match returned with Michin spraying fire extinguisher spray in Green’s face. Michin pulled out a table from under the ring and the fans popped for that. Niven hit Michin with a forearm. Niven sent Michin into the commentary table. Green went up top and hit a Coast To Coast missile dropkick into the garbage can that was held by Niven. B-Fab went to ringside, she grabbed a kendo stick and B-Fab hit Niven a few times. B-Fab chased Niven to the back. Michin hit Green in the back with a kendo stick and a dropkick sent Green into the turnbuckle. Michin sent Green into the turnbuckle. Michin hit a cannonball into a trash can against Green for a two count. Michin brought the table into the ring, but Green was ready with a bulldog onto the table before it was opened up. Green opened up the table in the ring. Michin countered Green to hit Eat Defeat onto the table. The legs of the table collapsed, but Michin still went up top and Michin hit a Senton Bomb off the top to put Green through a table. There was somebody in a hooded outfit who pulled Green out of the ring to stop the pin. The hooded figure hit a jumping kick to knock Michin down. It was Alba Fyre. Fyre gave Michin a Canadian Destroyer on steel chairs in the ring. Green covered Michin for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Chelsea Green

Analysis: *** A good match with a very cheap ending by having Alba Fyre help Chelsea Green retain her title in a controversial fashion. It fits Green as a cheap heel while Michin failed to beat Green again. I’m not surprised by the result. I think Green can do more as the champions, so I’m glad it will continue.

After the match, Alba Fyre picked up Green as the announcers mentioned Fyre joined the Secret “Hervice” team of Green.

Analysis: There’s a role for Alba Fyre as an ally of Chelsea Green, so now Green has Piper Niven and Alba Fyre by her side. They have teased adding a member to the group, so I think it’s fine to have Fyre in that spot.

Santos Escobar berated Los Garza for losing and said they need to be better than that. Santos left with Angel. Andrade walked in to talk to Berto and Andrade said that Berto deserved better. Berto didn’t say anything and he left.

Cody Rhodes is up next at the top of hour three.

(Commercial)

A video aired about TKO Group starting a new boxing promotion with their rich Saudi Arabian buddies.

There was a video package about John Cena turning on Cody Rhodes to join The Rock while Travis Scott was there on Rock’s side too. Great angle.

Let’s Hear from Cody Rhodes

The Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes made his entrance in a suit. Cody had a visible black eye on his left eye. The fans were happy to see Cody, but they weren’t singing his song as much as they usually do. The fans chanted “Cena sucks.”

Cody Rhodes asked the fans what they wanted to talk about and Cody said it was the most watched moment in WWE history. Cody said his daughter asked him what happened to his face. Cody said he told her he ran into a wall. Cody said he ran into a wall designed by “The Final Boss” The Rock and his associate Travis Scott and Cody’s WrestleMania 41 opponent, John Cena. The fans booed. Cody said that he drove John around for two years from city to city and he was trying to sponge knowledge from Cena. Cody said that John was a hero. Cody said one day he’ll tell his daughter what actually happened. Cody said that a man that Cody looked up to wearing “Never Give Up” shirts and Cody said Cena gave up.

Cody apologized for his language and said he was trying to contain himself. Cody mentioned John Cena saying we would like to know why. Cody said that Cena would deliver some speech that would make him feel bulletproof and justified. Cody said there was no justification for you, John Cena. Cody said he’s well aware he is talking to the whole world right now. Cody said for the fans in this room tonight, he’s not sure if you know this story, but this is one city where his old man Dusty Rhodes didn’t feel comfortable performing here. Cody said he never felt that way because one time he was wearing a mustache going for Money in the Bank and the fans cheered for him. Cody said last year at WrestleMania 40 you cheered for Cody and you chose Cody again. There were “Cody” chants.

Cody said you can watch WrestleMania 40 back and you can see John Cena celebrating with Cody and his family. Cody said Cena told him: “It gets heavier every day.” Cody said here he is holding this championship saying it is not heavy enough. Cody said that he has held this championship for the past 300 and something days. Cody said that Cena thinks that his successor has to look like him and think like him. Cody said he’s holding the title above his head as if it weighs nothing. Cody said that clearly, John Cena wanted some, so come get some. Cody stared at the WrestleMania sign in the arena as Cody’s music played. The fans cheered.

Analysis: I thought it was a great babyface champion promo from Cody Rhodes. He showed a lot of passion and fire. I would have liked to hear Cody trash Cena by saying he didn’t need to do what he did and that Cena used to be a man of honor. Cody touched on that a bit, but he could have been more aggressive in trashing Cena. Anyway, they do have six more weeks to build it up, so that’s cool. I thought Cody was excellent with his delivery.

The Miz and Carmelo Hayes were in Smackdown GM Nick Aldis’ office. The Miz suggested a hard hitting interview with Cody. Miz said it could happen on Melo Don’t Miz TV. Melo mentioned that Cody Rhodes turned down The Rock’s offer and he fumbled the bag on the one yard line. Melo talked about Randy Orton playing Fortnite, so Orton said that’s a kid’s game and he was playing Elden Ring. Anyway, Aldis said it was good to see Orton back and ready for action. Aldis booked Orton in a match with Hayes for next week on SmackDown. Orton was happy about it while Hayes wasn’t thrilled about it.

Drew McIntyre made his entrance for singles action.

(Commercial)

Jimmy Uso vs. Drew McIntyre

Jimmy was aggressive early and knocked Drew out of the ring. Drew stopped a diving attempt with a forearm smash. Drew kicked Jimmy in the ribs. They left the ring where Jimmy hit a superkick. Jimmy tackled Drew over the commentary table. They went to a break there. Normally on Netflix we see the action during the break, but not this time.

(Commercial)

Jimmy was in control with punches and an enziguri kick. Jimmy hit a Samoan Drop for two. Jimmy hit a running hip attack against the turnbuckle. Jimmy went up top, but Drew was back up with chops. Drew went for a superplex off the top, Jimmy shoved Drew down and Jimmy hit a superkick for two. Drew looked like he was favoring his right leg a bit. Jimmy went up top, jumped off with nothing, Drew moved and Drew ran the ropes leading to a Claymore Kick for the pinfall win after about 8 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Drew McIntyre

Analysis: **3/4 That was a sudden finish and a clean win for Drew. It looked like Drew had tweaked that right leg a bit, but he was able to run the ropes and hit a Claymore Kick, so hopefully he’s okay. Anyway, Jimmy had no shot here even though he has beat Drew in the past.

After the match, Damian Priest knocked down Drew with a forearm to the back. There were WWE Officials and referees there to try to break it up. Priest hit Drew with a superkick to knock him down. Priest was held back by WWE Officials while Drew was down on the floor.

Analysis: It continues the Priest/McIntyre story. As I said earlier, they are obviously heading on a WrestleMania path together.

Shinsuke Nakamura was featured in a video package talking in Japanese while the translation was shown on the screen. Nakamura told Knight that the US Title had passed him by. Nakamura said that Knight would beg for mercy and he would find none.

(Commercial)

The Street Profits were shown in a video package saying they were coming for #DIY. Angelo Dawkins said if you get in their way then the Profits will put them in the dirt. Montez Ford said they’ve been together and will stay together. Ford said that the violence will be televised because we want the smoke.

Analysis: I’d like to see the Profits as Tag Team Champions again. I don’t know if it will happen next week, but I think they deserve another title reign.

The WWE Tag Team Champions #DIY duo of Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano were interviewed by Byron Saxton. Gargano claimed they were the best tag team in the world. Ciampa said they are the best team. Ciampa said that The Street Profits have a new attitude, they’re big, bad and dangerous and they have a dream. Gargano said that the Profits are getting in the ring with the best, so their dream is already dead. Ciampa called for a moment of silence for The Street Profits. Saxton spoke, so #DIY made him stop and that was it.

Next week on SmackDown in Barcelona:

* WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY vs. The Street Profits

* B-Fab vs. Charlotte Flair

* Randy Orton vs. Carmelo Hayes

* Miz TV with Cody Rhodes as the guest

LA Knight made his entrance for singles action.

(Commercial)

United States Championship: Shinsuke Nakamura vs. LA Knight

Nakamura sent Knight to the apron and hit a splash to the back Namura set up Knight against the ropes followed by Nakamura hitting a sliding German Suplex. Knight came back with a boot to the face and a bulldog. Knight clothesline Nakamura out of the ring and Knight hit a baseball slide to knock Nakamura down on the floor. They went to break for some fans while the action continued. Nakamura was in control again with kicks to keep Knight grounded.

The fans were getting into it as Knight hit a clothesline and a jumping neckbreaker. Knight hit a powerslam along with an elbow drop for two. They battled by the turnbuckle, Nakamura countered Knight and Nakamura worked over Knight with elbow strikes. Nakamura raked the eyes. Nakamura gave Knight a belly-to-back suplex off the middle turnbuckle for two. It was more of a high-angle suplex. Nakamura charged, but Knight was back up with a clothesline. Knight tackled Nakamura against the turnbuckle. Nakamura came back with a kick to the back of the head. Nakamura went up top, Knight jumped to the top and Knight hit a superplex. Knight jumped off the top with an elbow drop to the head. Knight went for BFT, but Nakamura shoved Knight and Nakamura bailed to the floor. Nakamura tried using a steel chair, Knight got it from him and referee Charles Robinson told Knight not to use it. Nakamura hit a back elbow on Knight. Nakamura brought the chair into the ring, referee Charles Robinson took the chair and put it down. They did a spot where Nakamura sprayed the red mist into referee Robinson’s face. Nakamura was going for Knight, but Knight moved out of the way. Knight got a rollup for no count because the referee wasn’t there. Nakamura hit a spinning kick to the head. Nakamura stepped up and hit a Scorpio Rising kick (like Meiko Satomura). Nakamura tried a chair attack, Knight kicked the chair into Nakamura’s face and Knight hit a BFT onto the steel chair. Referee Dan Engler went into the ring as Knight covered Nakamura and Knight got the pinfall win. It went about 12 minutes.

Winner by pinfall AND NEW US Champion: LA Knight…yeah

Analysis: *** A pretty good match where the babyface Knight benefitted from the chair usage for the win. You could question it from a logical point of view since Knight hit BFT on the chair, so the second referee Engler could DQ Knight for that and instead he counted the pin. Nakamura’s title reign wasn’t that memorable at all, so I think they made the right call by putting the title on Knight. Poor Charles Robinson taking a clothesline from Kevin Owens at Elimination Chamber and a mist attack here.

LA Knight celebrated as the new US Champion. There was a pyro display that went off by the entrance. Knight continued to celebrate. That was the end of the show.

===

Three Stars of the Show

1. Cody Rhodes
2. Naomi/Bianca Belair
3. LA Knight…yeah

===

The Scoreboard

7.25 out of 10

Last week: 7

2025 Average: 7.30

===

Final Thoughts on WWE Smackdown

There was a lot of talking and shorter matches than usual, but I didn’t mind it. That’s because I thought Cody Rhodes did a very nice job with his promo addressing the John Cena attack on him. The crowd was firmly behind him. Randy Orton’s return promo to start the show was pretty good by the end as well.

Naomi’s revealing promo with Bianca Belair was solid too. Naomi busted out the line about how she attacked Jade for Bianca, which is like Naomi’s father-in-law Rikishi saying he attacked Steve Austin for The Rock in that angle 25 years ago. Belair did a nice job with her reactions. It was also good to see Jade Cargill kicking Naomi’s ass again. I’m interested to see how Naomi does as a heel because she’s been a face for so long.

The matches were okay, but not great. I think that’s where Smackdown is behind Raw and NXT most weeks because those shows usually have better matches. LA Knight getting back the US Title gives us another title change just like on Raw. Shinsuke Nakamura didn’t have a great US Title run by any means. The other matches were fine but also kept short and had some screwy finishes.

WrestleMania 41 takes place in Las Vegas on April 19 & 20. Here’s the lineup so far.

* Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. John Cena

* WWE Women’s World Championship: IYO SKY (c) vs. Bianca Belair

* WWE World Heavyweight Championship: GUNTHER (c) vs. Jey Uso

* WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Charlotte Flair

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John Canton

Email: mrjohncanton@gmail.com

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