The John Report: WWE SmackDown 03/14/25 Review
This is WWE Smackdown featuring Cody Rhodes on Miz TV, Randy Orton’s in-ring return, #DIY facing The Street Profits, and more.
The WWE European tour has begun with tonight’s edition of SmackDown in Barcelo, Spain. I am in Canada where I get the Netflix feed of the show, so I’m doing this review live at 3 p.m. here in southern Ontario rather than doing it at night. Those of you in the US will be able to watch on USA Network in the evening. For Raw on Monday, it will be live all over the world on Netflix. The next three episodes of Smackdown and the next three episodes of Raw are in Europe, so they will be early start times. I’ll try to do all of them live, but some of them may be delayed a bit.
Last week’s WWE SmackDown episode ended with LA Knight regaining the US Title from Shinsuke Nakamura. This week the Tag Team Titles are on the line.
From the Olimpic Arena in Barcelona, Spain, this is Smackdown for episode #1334. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport, friend me on Facebook, or chat with me on the Bluesky App as well. Let’s get to it.
There was some backstage walking shown from earlier in the day including Cody Rhodes, GUNTHER, Carmelo Hayes and Randy Orton along with his wife Kim. The Street Profits were also shown arriving and the same goes for #DIY’s Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano. The “Wise Man” Paul Heyman was also walking around backstage.
LA Knight made his entrance as the new United States Champion. The commentary team was Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett as usual while Lilian Garcia was the ring announcer.
Let’s Hear from LA Knight…Yeah
The fans were very loud chanting and singing as LA Knight got a huge ovation. Knight was in his wrestling gear. Knight said “yeah” a few times and “let me talk to ya.” Knight said that they are making history because it’s the first SmackDown in Barcelona. The fans were doing the “Ole” chants repeatedly so Knight joked it was a tough crowd and they were too quiet. Knight said he might be the US Champion, but he is worldwide. Knight said that this title is back where it belongs with him.
Jimmy Uso interrupted the promo with the fans chanting “Uso” for Big Jim. When Jimmy got in the ring, he said he was desperate. Jimmy said he’s tired of the speed bumps and detours put in front of him on the road to WrestleMania. Jimmy said that the way he can get on the road to WrestleMania is to challenge Knight for the US Title.
Solo Sikoa interrupted with Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga by his side. Jacob has an “All Gas, No Brakes” shirt. Solo claimed if anybody deserves a US Title shot, that man should be Jacob Fatu. Solo said that Knight stole the pin and that’s why the title didn’t come back to the family. Solo told his brother Jimmy to step aside since he’s known as the biggest failure of the family. Jimmy said that the biggest failure is trusting Solo as his brother. Jimmy said it was also a failure when Solo lost the Ula Fala to Roman Reigns.
The heel trio got into the ring with Tama hitting a DDT on Jimmy. The trio of Solo, Fatu and Tama beat up Knight and Jimmy, so Braun Strowman made the save to a huge ovation! The fans were going crazy as Braun cleared house. Knight and Jimmy hit Fatu with strikes leading to Braun giving Fatu a clothesline over the top to the floor.
The SmackDown GM Nick Aldis showed up to book a six-man tag team match that starts right now. Nick even busted out some Spanish, which the fans loved, so good job by him. The match is after a break.
Analysis: Easy way to set up a match. I think a lot of these guys could be Knight’s opponent at WrestleMania, so we’ll see how the story goes. I think Fatu against Solo is a possibility as well if they want to split them up and make Fatu a babyface. This crowd is awesome, which is no surprise.
(Commercial)
Jacob Fatu, Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga vs. LA Knight, Braun Strowman & Jimmy Uso
Solo was in control of brother Jimmy with a Spinning Solo slam. Tama hit a cheap shot on Jimmy. Fatu tagged in with a headbutt and Tama hit a senton splash on Jimmy. Solo was back in with a running hip attack on Jimmy’s head. After Fatu tagged in, Jimmy was able to break free and bring in Knight, who unloaded on Fatu with punches. Fatu missed a running splash and Knight hit a neckbreaker. Knight kicked Fatu followed by a DDT, but Fatu was back up with a clothesline. Fatu went for a running splash, Knight avoided it and Knight hit top rope elbow. There was a distraction by Solo, so Fatu hit a running elbow smash on Knight. They went to a break for some fans as the action continued. I’ll take a break as heels worked over Knight for a few minutes.
The match continued with Knight avoiding a hip attack attempt by Solo. Knight came back with a belly-to-back suplex. Tama was back in, Knight broke free and Braun got the tag with a shoulder tag by Tama. Braun cleared the ring by tossing Solo out to the floor and kicking Tama to the floor. Braun ran around the ring leading to a shoulder tackle on Solo, shoulder tackle on Fatu and a shoulder tackle on Tama. The fans were loving it! Knight hit a running kick on Solo on the floor. Jimmy hit a suicide dive on Faut over the commentary table. Braun hit a running splash on Tama against the turnbuckle. Braun hit a running powerslam for the pinfall win after 10 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: LA Knight, Braun Strowman & Jimmy Uso
Analysis: ***1/4 It was a pretty good tag team match like you would see at a live event. The heels were in control for most of it and then Braun got the hot tag, which led to the easy win for his team. It wasn’t a surprise to see Tama take the pin because Fatu and Solo are more protected.
After the match, Solo Sikoa went into the ring and hit a Samoan Spike on Braun to knock the big man down. Knight knocked Solo over the barricade and they went fighting into the crowd. Fatu was back up with a superkick on Jimmy. Fatu went into the ring with a running elbow on Braun. Fatu headbutted Braun a few times. Fatu hit a moonsault off the top onto Braun. Fatu went up top again and hit another moonsault on Braun. Fatu went up top and hit a third moonsault on Braun. The fans were going wild. Fatu left the ring. When Fatu made it near the backstage area, Fatu ran back down to the ring and Fatu hit a running hip attack on Braun through a barricade at ringside. It was mostly Fatu taking that bump, but Braun went through the barricade too.
Analysis: That should set up another wild Fatu/Strowman match. That’s fine with me because I have enjoyed that rivalry.
The Jade Cargill-Naomi saga continues with a Jade interview up next.
A video aired about 2025 WWE Hall of Fame inductee Triple H. It showed a lot of cool career moments. The WWE Hall of Fame ceremony is on Friday, April 18th in Las Vegas. Get your tickets now.
(Commercial)
A video package aired about the Bianca Belair-Naomi-Jade Cargill saga that revealed Naomi was the one who did the mystery attack on Jade last November. Belair was sad about it while Naomi called Belair an “ungrateful bitch” because Naomi said she did it for Belair. Jade made her presence felt by beating up Naomi again last week on Smackdown.
Analysis: I thought the segment was great last week. I saw some fans complaining about it because they are never happy, but I thought the women had good performances.
Jade Cargill Interview
An interview was shown from earlier today with Jade Cargill talking to Cathy Kelley in the empty seats before the fans arrived. Jade said that physically she is ready to go. Jade blasted Naomi for thinking that Jade needed to use anybody and Naomi wanted to dictate Jade’s future. Cathy asked why Jade didn’t mention it earlier. Jade said that she only remembered being hit in the back and went crashing through the car. Jade said she remembered Naomi ran away. Jade said that was their best friend, so she attacked her loyalty and her heart. Jade said she knew she had to take things into her own hands when she saw Belair team up with Naomi because Jade didn’t like that. Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez showed up with the Women’s Tag Team Titles and they were in the lower part of the arena. Jade yelled at them from a distance while Liv complained about how they took the heat for Jade’s attack. Jade said that they would not have those titles if Jade was in the match. Jade shouted at Liv and said that Jade wanted a match with Liv next week. Liv agreed to it while telling Jade not to get injured by being thrown onto a car again. Liv laughed while Jade left her interview.
Analysis: It was a fine way to have Jade talk about how she is doing fine physically, but what happened to her was an emotional thing. It also set up a match for next week, which is cool with me.
B-Fab was shown walking backstage with a promo in Spanish ahead of her match. B-Fab spoke in English saying she was here to build her own legacy. B-Fab said that’s just how it is. B-Fab made her entrance.
(Commercial)
The Women’s Royal Rumble winner Charlotte Flair made her entrance. Flair will challenge Tiffany Stratton for the WWE Women’s Title at WrestleMania 41.
Charlotte Flair vs. B-Fab
There were some chops from Flair early on. B-Fab avoided a chop and hit a back kick. B-Fab hit a running clothesline. B-fab hit a spinning slam for a two count, but Flair kicked out and Flair rolled out of the ring to the floor. There was a break for some fans as the match continued with Flair stomping on B-Fab’s back. Flair did a hair grab along with a neckbreaker and a head slam into the mat. Flair grabbed a side headlock as fans chanted “Tiffy Time” and Flair did a middle finger salute to the fans. B-Fab got back up leading to a running cross body block.
Flair knocked B-Fab down leading to some choking against the middle turnbuckle. Flair wrapped her knees around the head leading to some repeated knee drops into the mat like Stephanie Vaquer does. Flair used her legs to flip over B-Fab three times. B-Fab kicked Flair into the turnbuckle. B-Fab worked over Flair with punches and a shoulder tackle to the ribs. B-Fab hit a suplex. B-Fab hit a spinning kick while Flair was against the turnbuckle. Flair kicked B-Fab down, but B-Fab hit a pump kick for a two count. Flair broke free leading to a kick to the head and Flair hit the Natural Selection neckbreaker. Flair applied the Figure Eight submission and B-Fab tapped out quickly. The match lasted about 7 minutes.
Winner by submission: Charlotte Flair
Analysis: ** This was one of those matches where if they got only three minutes and Flair won it wouldn’t be a surprise, but B-Fab managed to get some offense and it kept the match going. Flair winning clean was the right finish.
After the match, Charlotte Flair remained in the Figure Eight submission for about 15 seconds after the match. Tiffany Stratton ran down to the ring and she fought with Flair since Flair attacked Stratton in previous weeks. There were many security and WWE Officials in the ring to try to break the women apart, but the women kept on fighting. Flair jumped onto Stratton. Flair knocked down some security guys. Stratton pulled Flair out of the ring and Stratton punched Flair a few more times on the floor. The women were separated again. Stratton jumped off the steel steps with a double axhandle to knock Flair down. When Flair got free, she jumped off the commentary table onto Stratton with punches. Stratton jumped off the top rope onto a bunch of security guys and Flair sold it too. Stratton punched Flair a few more times until the fight was broken up. The fans were loud for this.
Analysis: This feud has been lacking heat and intensity, so it was the right time to book a pull-apart brawl between them. The pull-apart brawl is a good way to get the fans into a rivalry because it’s all about how the wrestlers make it look like they want to fight eachother. I think Charlotte and Tiffany will have a great match at WrestleMania. This segment was needed to make fans care more about the match.
Drew McIntyre was featured in a video saying he was so focused on other people and he didn’t realize that somebody benefited from his actions. Drew mentioned Damian Priest cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase to rob Priest of his moment. Drew said he was screwed in his Clash at the Castle match against Damian Priest. One month later, Drew wins Money in the Bank, he cashes in, he gets screwed and Priest capitalized again. Drew said at the Royal Rumble, he was eliminated by Priest when his back was turned. At Elimination Chamber, Priest pinned Drew after Drew hit Cena with a Claymore Kick. Drew said he dropped Priest’s arse after that. Drew said that this isn’t about the World Championship that Priest took from Drew twice – it’s about Drew making sure Priest doesn’t take anything from him ever again.
Analysis: That was a good video summarizing why they have a rivalry and what Drew doesn’t like about Priest. It should lead to Drew against Priest at WrestleMania. It’s not official yet.
The Miz made his entrance to host his Miz TV talk show.
(Commercial)
A video was shown about a great moment in SmackDown history. It was November 7, 2017 when AJ Styles beat Jinder Mahal to win the WWE Title on SmackDown. It was the first WWE Title change in Europe.
Analysis: It was a title change that I liked since it ended Jinder Mahal’s boring reign as champion.
The Miz was in the ring looking ready to host his talk show, but Charlotte Flair and Tiffany Stratton were still fighting by the entrance area. There were security guys, WWE Officials and producers there to try to break up the fight again. Flair sent Stratton into some equipment case area. Stratton went up to the top of the giant screens by the entrance that was about 10 feet high. Stratton hit a swanton bomb onto the security guys and Flair. Stratton said that there was a new queen in town.
Analysis: That was a cool spot with Stratton jumping off the video screen onto Flair. Great job by the ladies in their brawling segments.
Miz TV with Cody Rhodes
The Miz said that his next guest should have taken Miz’s advice and joined The Rock at Elimination Chamber. Instead, he was beaten up by two rappers – Travis Scott and John Cena. Miz said that this man will face John Cena at WrestleMania but unlike Miz, he won’t beat Cena.
Analysis: The Miz match with Cena at WrestleMania 27 in 2011 is one of the worst WrestleMania main events ever. I know Miz was concussed during the match at one point, but it still sucks.
Cody Rhodes made his entrance as the Undisputed WWE Champion with the fans singing his song. It was track suit Cody instead of suit guy Cody this week. When Cody was on the turnbuckle as his song played, The Miz called for the music to stop because he wanted to ask the tough questions. Miz complained about being interrupted by Tiffy Time, so Cody went into the ring and punched Miz. Cody hit a Cross Rhodes on Miz to knock him down. Cody revealed a “Barcelona Nightmare” shirt.
Cody said he didn’t want to talk to Miz or anybody unless his name is John Cena. Cody said if Cena can be there next Monday on Raw on the road to WrestleMania then Cody will be there too. Cody held up his WWE Title to end it.
Analysis: That wasn’t much of a talk show. It was simple enough with Cody kicking Miz’s ass. The Miz gets beat up a lot.
A clip was shown from earlier today when GM Nick Aldis was talking to Shinsuke Nakamura, who wanted a rematch for the US Title. Aldis wasn’t happy about Nakamura spraying the mist in the referee’s eyes last week. Damian Priest showed up asking where is “he” referring to Drew McIntyre and Aldis said he left. Nakamura said something, so Priest spoke in Spanish and Priest told Aldis he was looking for a fight and he wanted to give Nakamura a beating. Aldis booked the Priest-Nakamura match.
Damian Priest made his entrance for his match.
This Monday on Raw, Cody Rhodes and John Cena will be in the same building for the first time since Elimination Chamber. They showed a clip of Triple H saying he didn’t know what Cena would do as a heel. Raw is in Belgium on Monday so it’s an afternoon show.
(Commercial)
There was a video about a masked wrestler seated on the top rope. It looked like Rey Fenix, who is coming to WWE soon.
Damian Priest vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
Nakamura worked over Priest with multiple kicks. Priest blocked a kick and unloaded on Nakamura with punches. Priest sent Nakamura into the turnbuckle followed by a flatliner slam into the mat. Priest clotheslined Nakamura over the top to the floor. They went to a break for some fans as I’ll take a break too.
It was Nakamura in control with a sliding German Suplex by the ropes. The fans were chanting “uno, dos” (one, two) for the nearfalls. Nakamura hit an enziguri kick. Nakamura jumped off the turnbuckle, but Priest caught him and Priest hit a lifting flatliner. Priest worked over Nakamura with kicks and punches. Priest hit a jumping back elbow followed by a Broken Arrow slam, which led to Nakamura rolling out of the ring. Priest hit a running pounce to knock Nakamura onto the commentary table. Priest went up top, he walked the ropes, and hit a cross body block off the top. Priest went for a clothesline, Nakamura avoided it and Nakamura applied an armbar. Priest managed to break free leading to a kick and a running lariat that flipped Nakamura over. Priest set up for a move, but Drew McIntyre showed up at ringside. Nakamura rolled up Drew for two. Nakamura hit a spinning kick. The fans were singing “Oh Drew McIntyre” and Priest hit South of Heaven on Nakamura. Drew went into the ring to punch Priest for the DQ. It went about 10 minutes.
Winner by disqualification: Damian Priest
Analysis: **3/4 They were on their way to a pretty good match when it ended abruptly. The fans were loud because they were solidly behind Priest while Nakamura got plenty of heat.
After the match, Drew and Priest exchanged strikes. Drew did an eye gouge. Nakamura hit a Kinshasa knee strike on Priest to put him down. Nakamura left the ring, so Drew punched Priest. Drew sent Priest out of the ring. Drew sent Priest into the barricade two times in a row. Drew grabbed the top half of the steel steps and Drew hit Priest in the head with the steps. Drew walked away while the fans sang “Oh Drew McIntyre” (to the tune of the Seven Nation Army song) for him. Drew turned around, he saw Priest was back on his feet in the ring and Drew hit a Claymore Kick to knock Priest down. Drew said that Priest screwed him for the past year, so Drew has nothing now except to make Priest’s life a living hell. Drew stomped on Priest’s head and left.
Analysis: That was a great attack by Drew, who is one of the best heels in the world. It escalates the feed between Drew and Priest, who are obviously on a collision course for a WrestleMania match.
The #DIY team of Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano were interviewed by Cathy Kelley. Ciampa said that this tag team division is the best because they are the best champions. Gargano trashed The Street Profits for being in second place. The Motor City Machine Guns duo of Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin interrupted. Shelley talked about Gargano taking away 20 years of friendship when he took cheap shots to secure those titles. Shelley said now the tag team division is after #DIY. Sabin said they haven’t forgotten about how #DIY won the titles and Sabin said there was unfinished business between them.
Randy Orton was shown walking backstage. It’s his first singles match since October 11th.
(Commercial)
They showed FC Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal at ringside. He’s a phenomenal player at 17 years of age.
Chelsea Green, the Women’s United States Champion, was joined by her Secret “Hervice” agents Piper Niven and Alba Fyre for an interview with Chelsea Green. Green said she brought out her secret weapon Fyre, so they are now in full force. Zelina Vega interrupted to suggest that she’ll be the next champion. Niven told Vega that you had to get through us before you can get to Chelsea. Vega told Niven they could have a match next week. Vega left.
Randy Orton made his entrance to a huge ovation so the fans sang his legendary “Voices” song. That was awesome. It reminds me of the France crowd at Backlash and Smackdown last year. This crowd did an awesome job of it. Good job by the announcers staying silent so we could hear the singing. A clip aired from Elimination Chamber when Orton teased hitting The Punt on Owens.
Analysis: These European crowds are so good. I love how loud they are and how they sing the “Voices” song. It’s great to watch.
Randy Orton vs. Carmelo Hayes
I missed the first five minutes of the match due to a phone call. Orton went for his draping DDT, but Melo avoided it. Melo went up top and went for Nothing But Net, Orton avoided and Knight hit a springboard DDT. Melo went up top, Orton met him there with some punches. Orton hit a superplex off the middle turnbuckle and the fans love that. The Spanish fans chanted “RKO” as Orton set up for it. Melo shoved Orton away and Melo hit a First 48 double knee attack. Orton reacted quickly with an RKO outta nowhere for the pinfall win after about 10 minutes. They showed Lamine Yamal at ringside smiling about it.
Winner by pinfall: Randy Orton
Analysis: **3/4 Easy win for Orton to give him a win in his first match since last October. Melo is a talented worker who can do a lot in the ring, but this match result was as obvious as it gets.
After the match, Orton extended his hand for a handshake, Melo refused and shoved Orton in the face. Orton hit Melo with an RKO. Melo was on all fours in the ring, but Kevin Owens was there to pull Carmelo Hayes out of the ring. Orton went after Owens, so Owens shoved Orton into the ring post. Owens ran away at that point.
Analysis: That furthers the Orton/Owens story and they are obviously on the road to WrestleMania.
The trio of Jacob Fatu, Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga were backstage. Fatu said he’s about to dogwalk Braun Strowman’s ass. Fatu said that next week he needs to run this thing back with Strowman. Solo and Tama were happy about it.
The World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER from Raw made his entrance.
(Commercial)
There was smoke filling a screen and then the number “4” was shown. I’m not sure what that was for.
Let’s Hear from GUNTHER
The World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER was in the ring dressed in his wrestling gear. Gunther said that as the greatest European wrestler of all time, he had to be here, but he wished they were in Madrid instead. That drew boos. Gunther said that he was there to prove a point since the fans love Jey Uso. Gunther said that once this bell rings, there’s no substance to what Jey Uso does. Gunther said he heard of A Kid who is one of the best wrestlers from Spain and said that the fans all love him, but this doesn’t mean a damn thing. Gunther introduced Axiom, who is one half of the NXT Tag Team Champions and he is from Spain.
Analysis: It’s a nice treat to have Gunther in action on Smackdown and a great NXT wrestler like Axiom as well.
GUNTHER vs. Axiom
Axiom was known as A Kid while wrestling without a mask. In NXT, he’s Axiom with a mask and I love his team with Nathan Frazer known as Fraxiom.
Gunther did a side headlock takedown. Axiom kicked Gunther in the legs a few times. Axiom chopped Gunther a few times while the fans were going crazy. Gunther put Axiom onto the turnbuckle, but Axiom countered it with an armbar. Axiom kicked Gunther away. Axiom kicked Gunther a few times, but Gunther came back with a hard chop. They went to a break for some fans as the action continued. Gunther remained in control with chops along with a body slam. Gunther grounded Axiom with a submission hold pulling back on the head, Axiom got out of that and Gunther chopped Axiom down. Gunther worked over Axiom with knees to the ribs.
It was Gunther in full control as he tried to rip Axiom’s mask off, but Axiom fought back and kicked Gunther. Axiom went up top and hit a missile dropkick. Gunther tried a Powerbomb, Axiom avoided it and Axiom slapped Gunther in the head. Gunther went for a suplex, but Axiom countered it into a cradle pin for two. Axiom hit a running knee. Gunther was back up with a running dropkick and a Powerbomb for two. The fans popped for that while showing support for Axiom. Gunther went up top, Axiom kicked the champion while on the top rope and Gunther shoved Axiom down. Axiom hit a jumping kick to the head. Axiom went for a hurricanrana off the top, Gunther tried to hit a Powerbomb, but Axiom hit a hurricanrana off the top! Axiom hit the Golden Ratio kick for a two count. That’s the move that Axiom uses for a finisher and Barrett put it over as a big move. Axiom worked over Gunther with kicks, but Gunther hit a hard chop. Gunther went for another chop, Axiom caught the hand and Axiom grounded Gunther in a submission hold on the arms. Gunther was back up with a Powerbomb and a stiff lariat. Gunther hit a third Powerbomb for the pinfall win after 9 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: GUNTHER
Analysis: ***1/2 That was a terrific match for something that was kept under ten minutes. I’m not surprised by that since Axiom is one of the best in-ring performers in NXT or an any WWE brand. We know Gunther is awesome too, so these guys made the most of their time. The result wasn’t a surprise because Gunther rarely loses.
After the match, Gunther applied the sleeper hold on Axiom on the mat while wrapping his legs around the waist. There were three referees there to break it up, so Gunther let go.
Analysis: Cheap heat for Gunther by applying the sleeper while Axiom was already out of it.
Coming up next is Paul Heyman to talk about what happened on Raw between Roman Reigns, CM Punk and Seth Rollins.
(Commercial)
There was a video about the great Seth Rollins-CM Punk Steel Cage Match on Raw this past Monday in MSG. There were a lot of finishers and nearfalls in the match. After Rollins hit a Super Stomp, Roman Reigns showed up to pull Rollins out of the ring so Rollins won the match by escaping the cage. Reigns beat up Rollins with a Superman Punch, Spear and The Stomp on the floor. Reigns looked into the ring, and saw “Wise Man” Paul Heyman checking on Punk, so Reigns beat up Punk by sending him into the cage twice and Reigns hit a Spear on Punk. Reigns celebrated to end it.
Let’s Hear from Paul Heyman
The WWE Hall of Famer Paul Heyman was in the ring for a promo. Heyman said that today all over the world is officially Roman Reigns Day because today is the release of the WWE 2K25 video game. Heyman said that he’s sure everybody will play the video game, but please wait until Smackdown is over because they like to keep the ratings high, especially during his segments. Heyman said that some people have a problem with the fact that it’s Roman Reigns Day or that Reigns is on the cover of the WWE 2K25 video game. Heyman said that one of these people is the “Best in the World” CM Punk, so that led to “CM Punk” chants. Heyman repeated it was not CM Punk Day because it was Roman Reigns Day and it will never be Seth “Freakin” Rollins Day. The fans sang Seth’s song, so Heyman said he hated that song. Heyman plugged that Reigns is on Smackdown in Bologna, Italy so you can say anything you want straight to his face. The fans booed the start of that because Reigns was not there in Barcelona. Heyman left.
Analysis: It was a way to fill five minutes with a Paul Heyman promo. Paul spoke well as usual while plugging the video game and promoting Roman Reigns on SmackDown next week. Happy Roman Reigns Day to all who celebrate. It’s also Pi Day. It’s math. Look it up, kids.
Next week on SmackDown in Bologna, Italy:
* Roman Reigns returns
* Jade Cargill vs. Liv Morgan
* Zelina Vega vs. Piper Niven
* Braun Strowman vs. Jacob Fatu
The Street Profits were backstage getting ready for their title match up next. Santos Escobar and his Legado Del Fantasma group was there. Santos wished them good luck. They left Montez Ford spoke saying they will wake everybody up. Angelo Dawkins said that it’s time for them to take those WWE Tag Team Titles. They shouted “We Want The Smoke” to end it. The Profits made their entrance.
A commercial aired for WWE Backlash in St. Louis on May 10th. WWE has promoted that John Cena will be there. Will he be the WWE Champion at that show? I think so.
(Commercial)
Jimmy Uso was shown backstage holding his shoulder. The World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER sat beside Jimmy. Gunther mentioned having a younger brother while Jimmy is the more mature brother. Gunther asked Jimmy if he saw the match he just had. Gunther said that he left it all out there like Jey does. Gunther said he’ll have to do the same to Jey at WrestleMania unless he backs out of his decision. Gunther suggested that Jimmy talk to him. Jimmy said that at WrestleMania, the Ring General drops rank and he’ll drop the World Heavyweight Championship. Jimmy shouted “YEET” at him. Gunther said he was mistaken about his maturity and he left.
Analysis: Good job by Jimmy showing support for his brother Jey at WrestleMania. Yeet.
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY – Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano vs. The Street Profits – Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins
The Profits were in control with Ford hitting a dropkick. Dawkins tossed Ford onto Ciampa like a moonsault. Dawkins was legal as he punched Gargano on the floor. Gargano was legal, he went for a DDT, but Dawkins slammed him down. Ford tagged in and hit a top rope cross body block. Ford hit a clothesline. Ford kicked Ciampa while he was on the floor. Gargano shoved Ford off the apron to send Ford crashing into the barricade. There was a break for some fans as the match continued. Ciampa suplexed Ford ribs-first onto the top rope. Ciampa hit a running knee to knock Ford off down to the floor. Gargano tagged in to work over Ford a bit. Ciampa was back in with a chop. Ciampa set up Ford on the turnbuckle, Gargano knocked Ford down there and Ciampa hit an Air Raid Crash slam off the middle turnbuckle for two.
Ciampa was in control of Ford, but Ford came back with a back body drop. Gargano tagged in, he charged for a splash, Ford avoided it and Gargano hit the turnbuckle. Dawkins tagged in against Ciampa with clotheslines and a jumping back elbow. Dawkins slammed Gargano to the mat. Dawkins hit a spinning splash on Ciampa along with a jumping kick and a spinning slam for a two count. Ford tagged in, Dawkins launched Ciampa and Ford hit a belly-to-back suplex for two. Pretty Deadly were shown watching on a TV backstage. Ford went up top and jumped off with a 450 Splash, but Ciampa got the knees up to block. Gargano tagged in leading to a Shatter Machine double team move for a two count because Dawkins made the save. Dawkins hit a jumping kick on Ciampa. Gargano kicked Dawkins out of the ring. Ford hit a jumping knee on Gargano to knock him down. Dawkins hit a Pounce on Ciampa into the barricade. Dawkins went back into the ring and hit a neckbreaker on Gargano. Ford tagged in, Ciampa blocked that and Ford kicked Gargano. Ford kicked Ciampa out of the ring. Ford hit a somersault dive onto Ciampa on the floor. Ford jumped off the top with a double team Blockbuster on Gargano for two because Ciampa broke up the pin. Dawkins sent Ciampa out of the ring. Ford jumped onto Ciampa, but Ciampa hit a knee to knock Ford down. Dawkins tagged in, Ciampa tried to trip him, so that delayed Dawkins going for a Swanton Bomb and Gargano avoided it. Ciampa tagged in with a Fairytale Ending along with a Gargano superkick for just a two count. Great nearfall. Gargano tagged, Dawkins ducked and Gargano hit a superkick on Ciampa. Dawkins hit a spinebuster on Gargano. Ford went up top and hit a Frog Splash on Gargano for the one…two…and…three for the pinfall win after 13 minutes. The crowd popped big for the title change
Winners by pinfall AND NEW WWE Tag Team Champions: The Street Profits – Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins
Analysis: ***3/4 I thought it was an excellent title match. They busted out a lot of great double team moves, lots of cheating from #DIY and some awesome nearfalls in the final moments. Dawkins avoided the Meet in the Middle move, which led to Gargano kicking Ciampa and it allowed the Profits to capitalize for the win. It felt like the right time for a title change and I’m genuinely happy about the Profits getting the Tag Team Titles. Well done.
The Street Profits celebrated with the WWE Tag Team Titles. There was some pyro going off in the background. The Profits celebrated some more. That was the end of the show.
Analysis: It’s the Street Profits first time holding the titles in four years. It’s the second straight Smackdown episode that ended in a title change.
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Three Stars of the Show
- The Street Profits
- Gunther
- Axiom/#DIY
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The Scoreboard
7.5 out of 10
Last week: 7.25
2025 Average: 7.32
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Final Thoughts on WWE Smackdown
It felt like a good Smackdown episode to me. It was a great crowd in Barcelona just like in most European cities when WWE comes to town. That helped the show a lot because the fans enthusiasm being like that makes it more entertaining to watch.
That main event tag team match with The Street Profits beating #DIY was an awesome match. Those teams are so talented and they work well together. As I mentioned above, it felt like the right time for a title change.
I enjoyed the brawling by Tiffany Stratton and Charlotte Flair in multiple segments. That feud really needed a segment like that, so good job by the ladies pulling it off well. They also furthered the storis between Drew McIntyre-Damian Priest and Randy Orton-Kevin Owens as well.
WWE 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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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