Reviews

The John Report: WWE SmackDown 03/21/25 Review

By John Canton • Published 21st March 2025

This is WWE Smackdown featuring Roman Reigns, CM Punk, and Seth Rollins in front of a hot crowd in Italy, plus Jade Cargill is facing Liv Morgan, Braun Strowman taking on Jacob Fatu, and more.

Last week’s WWE SmackDown episode ended with The Street Profits winning the WWE Tag Team Titles from #DIY’s Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano. It was the second week in a row with a title change main event since LA Knight won the US Title one week earlier.

SmackDown last week was in Barcelona, Spain and this week the Smackdown crew went further into Europe for this show in Bologna, Italy. It’s a 3 p.m. ET start time for me here in southern Ontario, Canada and we get it live on Netflix, so that’s when I’m reviewing it. The European crowds in Barcelo and Brussels for Raw were outstanding, so I enjoy watching these European shows, especially with an early start time.

From the Unipol Arena in Bologna, Italy, this is Smackdown for episode #1335. 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.

It’s 29 days until WrestleMania 41 takes place. It’s the first time in 18 years that WWE TV is in Italy. They had a packed house with a lot of Italian flags. There was some backstage walking shown of Jade Cargill, Liv Morgan with Raquel Rodriguez, Braun Strowman, Jacob Fatu with Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga. They also showed CM Punk walking earlier in the day.

The crowd hears voices because it’s Randy Orton up first with the fans giving The Viper a huge ovation. The fans sang Orton’s “Voices” song on his way to the ring, which most international crowds tend to do. There was a replay of Randy Orton beating Carmelo Hayes last week, then Kevin Owens made an attack and Orton chased him away.

It was Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett on commentary. Alicia Taylor was the ring announcer.

Let’s Hear from Randy Orton

Randy Orton did his poses in the ring and the fans were going crazy for him even more. Orton was in his ring gear along with a vest. Orton loved the singing as the fans kept going. Just as Orton was about to speak, here comes Kevin Owens to huge boos.

Kevin Owens said he knew what Randy Orton wanted to do, but Owens said he had something important to tell him. Owens said he was wrong for attacking Orton and hitting Orton with a piledriver. Owens said that Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn deserved what Owens did to them, but Orton didn’t deserve that. Owens said that Orton picked Cody’s side over Owens, so it angered Owens and made him do something he regrets. Owens said if anybody can understand anger issues, Orton is that guy. Owens told Orton he could forgive Orton for picking Cody’s side and then they could go back to how things were. Owens claimed he was protecting Orton from himself and that’s why Owens pulled Carmelo Hayes out of the ring because nobody wants to see Orton punt somebody like that. Owens mentioned WrestleMania saying he can’t think of a better moment than Owens & Orton becoming Tag Team Champions. Owens said they were so close to that and the fans chanted “no” to that.

Orton said he should leave the ring and beat KO’s ass all over this damn arena. Orton admitted that it is rare to hear Owens admit he was wrong about anything, but Orton said you can shove that apology up your ass. Orton said that Owens used to be “fight Owens fight” but now it’s “bitch Owens bitch.” Orton said that he hears voices in his head, they council him and they understand. Orton said that at WrestleMania in Las Vegas, he’s going to kick KO’s freakin’ head clean off his shoulders. The fans cheered that. Randy’s music played as Owens walked to the back.

Analysis: I thought it was good promo work from both guys and we know they are obviously headed for a WrestleMania match, so it was nice of Orton to bring it up. Owens trying to suck up to Orton to avoid the match fits Owens as a heel character, but we know the match is coming. They are heavily teasing Orton doing The Punt to Owens, so I would expect to see that at WrestleMania 41 as well.

A clip was shown of Drew McIntyre beating up Damian Priest last week, which included a Claymore Kick to end it.

Damian Priest made his entrance for tag team action.

There was a commercial for the WWE 2K25 video game. It’s out now.

(Commercial)

Drew McIntyre made his entrance for the tag team match, so Damian Priest left the ring and fought with Drew and Shinsuke Nakamura on the floor. Jimmy Uso jumped over the top onto Drew and Nakamura on the floor. The match started after that.

Drew McIntyre & Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Damian Priest & Jimmy Uso

Jimmy worked over Drew with punches and a kick to the gut. Drew caught a charging Jimmy and Drew hit an overhead suplex across the ring. Drew did a catapult sending Jimmy throat-first into the ropes. Jimmy hit a jawbreaker on Drew, Nakamura made the tag, tripped up Jimmy and Nakamura slammed Jimmy into the commentary table. Nakamura hit a jumping kick on Jimmy to take control. There was a break for some fans as the action continued with Nakamura hitting a running knee to the ribs. Drew tagged in with an armbar on Jimmy along with a hair-pull takedown. Drew punched Priest off the apron. Drew hit a suplex. Drew hit a running back elbow to knock Jimmy down. Drew grabbed an armbar.

The match continued with Nakamura tagging in for his team, but Jimmy hit a spinning kick to knock Nakamura down. Priest tagged in with a punch and a slam on Nakamura. Priest hit a running shoulder tackle on Nakamura. Priest did a rope walk leading to a cross body block on Nakamura. Nakamura came back with a kick to the arm and a spin kick. Priest was back up with a clothesline, but Drew broke it up. Drew sent Priest into the turnbuckle and Jimmy superkicked Drew out of the ring. Jimmy kicked Drew on the floor, but Nakamura knocked Jimmy off the apron to the floor. Priest hit South of Heaven on Nakamura for the pinfall win after about 8 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Damian Priest & Jimmy Uso

Analysis: **3/4 A solid tag team match between four good veterans and it wasn’t a surprise to see Priest beat Nakamura. They want to keep Drew strong, so Nakamura eating the pinfall made sense.

After the match, Drew McIntyre attacked Priest with a forearm to the back. Priest tried to fight back, but Drew pounded on him with punches. Drew hit a running Claymore Kick that sent Priest crashing into the ropes. Drew said all he has is this, so every time Priest gets up, Drew will put him down until Priest stays down.

Analysis: It was the second week in a row where McIntyre got the advantage over Priest. This is also an obvious WrestleMania match that isn’t official yet.

LA Knight, the US Champion, approached Braun Strowman about Braun’s match with Jacob Fatu. Braun informed Knight that he talked to GM Nick Aldis and he said whoever wins Braun’s match with Jacob Fatu then the winner gets a shot at the US Title. Braun said that could be his path to WrestleMania and LA Knight said “yeah” in response to that.

A replay was shown about Charlotte Flair and Tiffany Stratton brawling a lot during last week’s show.

There will be interviews with Tiffany Stratton and Charlotte Flair coming up next.

(Commercial)

Tiffany Stratton-Charlotte Flair Interview

There was a split-screen interview with WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton and Charlotte Flair backstage while the announcers talked to them. Flair interrupted Stratton with Flair saying that she brings out the best in somebody like Stratton. Flair said she chose Stratton because she felt sorry for her. Flair claimed that Stratton was a delusional champion. Flair said that Stratton hasn’t earned a comparison to Flair. Stratton said that Flair was one of her biggest supporters and Stratton looked up to her, but now she sees the real Flair. Stratton said that Flair knows Stratton is going to take her throne. Flair said she’s the only woman in the locker room to tell you the truth because she wants real competition. Stratton said that this is what Flair does by taking the hottest thing and throwing water on it. Flair said that Stratton was underneath her, Stratton claimed the fans didn’t want Flair back and Flair said that the fans were wooing or booing. Flair said that Stratton would be lucky to have a job when she is Flair’s age. Stratton said that the WWE Universe doesn’t bow to Flair anymore because they run on Tiffy Time. It ended there with a graphic showing their WrestleMania 41 match.

Analysis: It was some decent trash talk, but also weak at times. You could tell they were saying lines that they memorized rather than stuff that felt natural. Last week’s brawling by the two women was needed for this feud, so I was glad when that happened. This exchange was a way to further the story with Flair claiming she is still the queen while Stratton says it is her time now. It’s an easy story to tell since Flair is about a decade older than Stratton so they are in believable roles for their characters.

Jacob Fatu made his entrance wearing his “All Gas, No Brakes” shirt.

(Commercial)

Jacob Fatu vs. Braun Strowman

Braun was aggressive early on with strikes and a headbutt. Fatu avoided Braun leading to strikes and a headbutt. Fatu ran the ropes, so Braun knocked him down with an elbow. Braun charged, Fatu got a boot up and Braun hit a back body drop. Braun nailed Fatu with a clothesline over the top to the floor. Back in the ring, Braun whipped Fatu into the turnbuckle. The fans were singing some Italian song as Braun hit a running splash into the turnbuckle. Fatu was on the floor, so Braun charged and Fatu tossed Braun over commentary table. Fatu jumped off the turnbuckle with a clothesline on Braun on the floor. They went to a break for some fans as the match continued. Braun sent Fatu into the steel steps. Braun sent Fatu into the ring, but Fatu kicked the ropes to stop Braun. Fatu hit a dropkick to the knee along with a running clothesline. Fatu applied a head squeeze as the fans chanted “Ole Ole Ole Fatu Fatu” for the Samoan Werewolf as Braun broke free.

Fatu hit a superkick, Samoan Drop and a senton splash for a two count. Braun came back with a jumping clothesline. Braun hit a few more clotheslines and a punch to the chest. Braun ran over Fatu on the floor with a shoulder tackle. Braun hit a spinebuster. Tama Tonga was on the apron, so Braun fought with him and brought him into the ring. Solo Sikoa was there and he hit Braun with a Samoan Spike for the DQ. It went about 10 minutes.

Winner by disqualification: Braun Strowman

Analysis: *** It was good like their previous matches. The DQ finish was lame, but it also pushes the story that Jacob Fatu may not be happy with Solo Sikoa, so that led to Strowman picking up the DQ win. Fatu was also protected since he didn’t get pinned.

Jacob Fatu looked at Solo wondering what he was doing. Solo tried to explain. The trio of Solo, Fatu and Tama beat up Braun. The US Champion LA Knight made the save, by clearing Tama out of the ring and Knight knocked Solo out of the ring. Knight hit Fatu with a clothesline.

It was announced that the winner of the match by disqualification was Braun Strowman. That means the US Title match next week on Smackdown is between Knight and Strowman. Knight and Strowman exchanged words.

Analysis: I don’t expect Strowman to beat Knight next week but at least it’s a fresh matchup.

The Women’s Tag Team Champions Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were interviewed by Cathy Kelley. Liv said she wasn’t happy about Jade Cargill and others accusing Liv & Raquel of attacking Jade. Liv kept talking about what she’d do to Jade and that was it.

Piper Niven and friends entered for singles action.

(Commercial)

Jacob Fatu was backstage yelling at Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga. Fatu wasn’t happy about Solo interfering. Fatu said that you were helping yourself, not Fatu. Fatu said when he’s taking care of his business, Solo better watch it.

Analysis: That could lead to Solo and Tama turning on Fatu, who would then become a big babyface. Perhaps they will pull the trigger on that next week so that it sets up Fatu against Solo at WrestleMania.

There was an Italian rapper named Anna at ringside. She had a golden WWE Title with her. I have no idea who she is. She probably has no idea who I am either, so we’re even.

Zelina Vega vs. Piper Niven (w/Chelsea Green & Alba Fyre)

Niven used her size advantage to taunt Vega and Niven threw Vega into the turnbuckle. Niven missed an elbow drop, so Vega hit a rolling kick to the head. Vega sent Niven into the turnbuckle. Niven hit a shoulder tackle to knock Green down. Vega jumped on Niven’s back with a sleeper hold, but Niven was able to slam her down. Niven took way too much time by the turnbuckle, so Vega tripped her up. Vega worked over Niven with punches as the fans chanted in Italian and Vega kicked Niven to knock her back. Niven hit a spinebuster. They went to a break for some fans as I’ll take a break too.

It was Niven in control sleeper-like submission, Vega got out of it and got a two count. Niven knocked Vega down with a shoulder tackle. Niven grabbed a Million Dollar Dream sleeper-style submission, Vega broke free and Niven hit a headbutt. Vega kicked Niven to move her back, then Niven went for a press slam and Vega applied a headlock. Vega jumped on Niven’s back with an Octopus Hold-style submission. Vega let go and got a rollup for two. Vega kicked Niven for two. Vega hit a back elbow to the head along with double knees to the back against the turnbuckle. Vega jumped off the middle turnbuckle with Meteora double knees for two. Vega tripped Niven into the ropes, Niven got back up and Vega hit a Satellite DDT for two. Vega punched Green off the apron to the floor. The screen went black and Vega hit a 619 kick on Niven. Vega kicked Fyre on the floor. Niven capitalized with a cross body block on Vega for the pinfall win after about 11 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Piper Niven

Analysis: **1/4 An average match to put over Green’s group as a tough trio that is difficult to beat due to the numbers game advantage. I thought that Vega would win to set her up for a US Title match against Chelsea Green, but that didn’t happen. Perhaps Vega will need to gain allies for that to happen. The match was lacking excitement as Vega sold for most of it before making the comeback and Niven won thanks to the presence of Green and Fyre outside the ring.

A look back at the John Cena-Cody Rhodes confrontation is up next.

(Commercial)

A graphic was shown about the Road to WWE Clash in Paris as the company returns to Europe for shows in late August with Clash in Paris on August 31 and Raw in Paris on September 1.

There was a video package about John Cena’s heel promo on WWE Raw in Brussels, which led to a lot of booing from fans. I thought Cena did a great job. Cody Rhodes interrupted and called Cena a whiny bitch. They are both on Raw again this coming Monday.

It’s official for WrestleMania 41: Randy Orton vs. Kevin Owens. A graphic was shown to confirm it.

Analysis: I think Randy Orton will win and I think he’ll hit The Punt on Owens as well.

Jade Cargill was interviewed by Cathy Kelley backstage for Jade’s first match since she was attacked. Jade said that since Liv Morgan wants to disrespect Jade, she will show Liv. Jade said when she’s done with Liv, all eyes are on Naomi and this is a preview of what Jade will do to Naomi. Jade left.

(Commercial)

There was a video featuring a darkened room and some white smoke and then the number “4” appeared.

Analysis: I assume it’s for the return of Aleister Black. There’s a Smackdown on April 4th so maybe that’s when the return will be.

There was a fan in the crowd that had a Liv-a Lisa painting that is like the Mona Lisa, but it is Liv’s face. They showed it. Good job by the fan.

Jade Cargill vs. Liv Morgan (w/Raquel Rodriguez)

This is Jade’s first match since November, so it’s been over four months and of course, Jade looked impressive. Liv charged at Jade, who kicked Liv and Liv bumped to the floor. Jade left the ring, punched Liv and threw Liv into the barricade. Liv kicked Jade into the ropes, Jade blocked a move and Jade hit a fallaway slam across the ring. Joe mentioned it was Jade’s first singles match since August 9th of last year. Liv and Raquel tried to leave, so Jade hit Liv in the back with a forearm. Back in the ring, Liv hit a running knee on Jade, but Jade came back with a Powerbomb for two. Raquel went on the apron, Jade went after her and Liv hit a double knee backstabber on Jade. Liv sent Jade hard into the ring post. Jade bumped to the floor leading to a break for some fans as the action continued. Liv was posing with her Tag Team Title, so Jade rolled her up for two. Liv hit a dropkick for two. Liv choked Jade against the ropes followed by a dropkick to the back. Liv stomped on Jade a few times. Liv hit a double knee Codebreaker for a two count. Liv grabbed a chinlock.

The match continued with Liv hitting the Three Amigos vertical suplexes. Liv followed up with a jumping enziguri kick. Liv went for Oblivion, but Jade caught her and Jade hit a German Suplex across the ring. Jade hit forearm smashes, a superkick and a running splash against the turnbuckle. Jade hit a running splash against the turnbuckle again. Jade hit a spinebuster. Jade put Liv on her shoulders and spun Liv around for a slam into the mat. It was almost like an F5 and it got a two count. Naomi showed up at ringside, so Jade went after her and Jade caught Liv leading to Jade hitting a backbreaker. Raquel distracted the referee, so Naomi hit Jade with a title belt shot to the head. Liv hit Oblivion on Jade for the pinfall win after about 10 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Liv Morgan

Analysis: *** If you had told me that Jade Cargill was going to lose her first match in four months I would have thought that’s not going to happen, but there it was with Liv getting the win. It was a cheap win since Naomi hit Jade in the head with a title belt and Liv capitalized to get the win.

After the match, Naomi attacked Jade with repeated punches. Naomi was wearing a new outfit that was black and yellow with “Caution” tape on it. Naomi picked up Jade and stomped on her to knock her down. Naomi put her knees around Jade’s head and spiked Jade’s head into the mat. Naomi knocked Jade off the apron and sent Jade crashing onto the commentary table. The fans booed Naomi loudly while Naomi celebrated.

Analysis: This didn’t surprise me that much since we had seen Jade beat up Naomi, so it was important to have Naomi get the advantage. Jade really couldn’t do much because Naomi was so aggressive. That’s going to be a WrestleMania match.

Drew McIntyre was shown leaving the building when Cathy Kelley asked Drew for his thoughts about what happened. Drew said that he explained his problems with Priest last week. Drew said that all he does is tell the truth. Drew said he knows Priest will pick himself back up and Drew invited Priest to find Drew next week in London. As Drew walked, he stared at Seth Rollins and Rollins kept on walking.

Analysis: I assume next week is when they’ll make the McIntyre-Priest match official. Raw is in Drew’s home country of Scotland on Monday, but it sounds like Drew will remain a Smackdown guy in London next week.

The Street Profits were up next. They showed some Signs of the Night in the crowd. It was about two hours into the show at this point.

(Commercial)

There was a plug for the WWE Slammy Awards taking place at WWE World on Sunday, April 20th, which is WrestleMania Sunday. You can vote for the Slammys on WWE’s website.

A video aired showing highlights of The Street Profits beating #DIY to become WWE Tag Team Champions last week in Barcelona.

Let’s Hear from The Street Profits

The Street Profits duo of Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins made their entrance as the WWE Tag Team Champions. They have a new theme song. I think the old song is much better. The fans chanted “you deserve it” for the champions.

Ford said for the first time in four years, your new WWE Tag Team Champions are The Street Profits. Dawkins said it’s about damn time. Dawkins said for the past four years, a lot of doubters have been creeping in and they even questioned eachother…and there was another “you deserve it” chant. Dawkins said that holding these titles made it all worth it. Ford said if he can be serious for one second, he knows he can always count on his brother Dawkins. They had a unique handshake and a hug.

Santos Escobar interrupted with his Legado Del Fantasma group including Los Garza. Escobar spoke a bit of Italian, which the fans liked. Escobar said congratulated, but too bad it’s going to end. Escobar said that Los Garza were ready to take those titles off the champions.

Pretty Deadly interrupted with their “Yes Boy” phrase. Kit Wilson said that they earned the opportunity to call themselves #1 contenders. Elton Prince said that Legado needed to step aside. Escobar said that they would not step aside. Escobar claimed it was persona since The Street Profits didn’t apologize for believing Pretty Deadly’s lies. Santos told Pretty Deadly to stay out of it. Ford said that Pretty Deadly already earned a title shot. Ford suggested they get loco and face Los Garza right now, so a referee went to the ring to start the match.

Analysis: I’m happy for The Street Profits as the champions while the Smackdown tag team division has been strong recently, so it’s not a surprise that there was an interruption.

The Street Profits – Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins vs. Los Garza – Angel & Berto (w/Santos Escobar)

There was a commercial for some fans as the match began. Angel worked over Dawkins with chops. Dawkins came back with punches to work over Angel. The match returned after that.

A video aired for a mystery man in a mask. It looks like that is for Rey Fenix’s WWE debut.

Ford was legal for his team with a running splash on Angel. Berto tagged in, Ford chopped him and Berto hit a spinning kick. Angel and Berto hit a double team slam on Ford followed by a double superkick. Ford was upside down by the turnbuckle, so Los Garza stomped on Ford repeatedly. Angel charged at Ford, who moved and Berto got the tag, but Ford broke free to tag out. Dawkins was back in with clotheslines, a running splash and a jumping kick. Angel distracted the referee, Dawkins ran the ropes, Escobar pulled the ropes down and Dawkins bumped to the floor. Garza hit a suicide dive onto Dawkins. The show went to break for some fans while I’ll take a break too.

The match continued with Los Garza isolating Dawkins on their side of the ring. Angel was in control of Dawkins with a dropkick. Berto gave Dawkins a body slam in the heel corner of the ring. Berto hit an impressive standing moonsault onto Dawkins. Angel tagged in to punch Ford and kick Dawkins. Angel held Dawkins on his back and Berto tagged in for a flipping neckbreaker called a Garza Special for two because Ford broke it up. Dawkins fought back with a flatliner. The fans were strongly behind the champions as Ford got the tag, Ford hit a kick to the head and a running lariat. Ford hit a spinebuster for a two count. Ford went up top, Angel stopped that, Berto went up top too and both Los Garza guys went for a body slam off the top, but Ford landed on his feet. That was great as the fans were going wild for it. Dawkins back in with a punch. Ford went up top and he gave Berto a superplex for two. Angel was back in with a dropkick on Dawkins and Dawkins hit a spinebuster. Dawkins gave Berto a back body drop outside the ring. Dawkins punched Escobar off the apron to the floor. Dawkins hit an impressive somersault dive over the top onto the Legado guys on the floor. Ford tagged in with a Frog Splash for the pinfall win after 14 minutes. It might be called From The Heavens since that’s what Joe said for the move. It lasted about 14 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: The Street Profits – Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins

Analysis: ***1/2 It was a very good and competitive match like last week. Los Garza got plenty of offense, Dawkins did a nice job as the face in peril and Ford was able to get the win for his team. I enjoyed the match. I was surprised a bit that other teams didn’t show up to try to fight The Street Profits, but that can happen in future weeks. That Frog Splash by Ford is such a cool-looking move because he gets so much height on it.

There was a car that was shown driving up to the building. Paul Heyman walked out of the car and told somebody in the car (Roman Reigns) to wait in there.

This Monday on Raw in Glasgow, Scotland: John Cena and Cody Rhodes’ rivalry continues.

(Commercial)

There was a video package about Triple H’s injury in 2001 and the return at MSG in January 2002. It was a huge ovation for Hunter. This was done to promote Triple H for the WWE Hall of Fame 2025.

Analysis: The babyface run that Triple H had only lasted about seven months since he turned heel on Shawn Michaels that summer. Triple H was one of the best heels ever. I didn’t like him as much as a face.

Pretty Deadly were backstage talking to #DIY and Pretty Deadly mentioned they get a Tag Team Title match on Smackdown in London. #DIY’s Tommaso Ciampa said they would make sure that PD win the Tag Team Titles next week. Ciampa said that in return, they wanted a rematch for the titles. Gargano wondered if it was a Yes Boy, but PD said “No Boy” to that. The Motor City Machine Guns showed up to welcome #DIY to the back of the line.

Next week on WWE SmackDown in London, England:

* WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits vs. Pretty Deadly

* United States Championship: LA Knight vs. Braun Strowman

Analysis: That was all that they advertised. I don’t expect a title change there.

Roman Reigns-CM Punk-Seth Rollins Face Off

Roman Reigns made his entrance joined by the “Wise Man” Paul Heyman. The fans popped huge for Reigns and there were “OTC” chants for the Tribal Chief. They went to a break for some fans as Reigns did his walk toward the ring. Reigns took his time as the fans kept on cheering for him. Reigns stood in the ring with Paul Heyman as the show returned with a pyro display for Reigns.

Roman Reigns was handed the microphone from Paul Heyman and there were “OTC” chants from the crowd. The fans were singing something in Italian and I don’t speak Italian, so I have no idea. Reigns: “Bologna, acknowledge your Tribal Chief.” The fans cheered and put their fingers air in the air. Reigns said your OTC loves you, so that’s why he’ll tell you what’s been on his mind. Reigns said last month at the Rumble, CM Punk screwed him, so last week at the Garden, Reigns screwed Punk. Reigns said last month at the Rumble, Seth Rollins tried to kill him, but last week at the Garden, he tried to kill Rollins, so that led to more “OTC” chants. Reigns said that he came a long way and he’s not here to take his time while saying he’ll be there another 15-20 minutes. Reigns said if anybody wants to confront the Tribal Chief then let him know.

Analysis: Good job by Roman Reigns talking about getting his revenge from the Royal Rumble.

Seth Rollins made his entrance to a huge ovation with the fans singing his “whoa-oh” song as usual. Rollins had a blue outfit on that looked ridiculous like a lot of his outfits, but perhaps not as ridiculous as some of them.

Rollins told Reigns that he messed up because he didn’t know how dangerous CM Punk was. Rollins told Reigns that he should have let Rollins finish Punk when Seth had the chance. Rollins said that it’s not about Punk because it’s always been about Reigns and Rollins. Rollins reminded us that they came into this company together. Rollins said that they can’t co-exist in the same space at the same time. Rollins said that this story has a lot of pages written and he thinks it’s about time that they added another chapter. Rollins looked ready to fight, but here comes CM Punk as advertised.

Analysis: Well said by Rollins.

CM Punk got a huge ovation from the fans with the crowd chanting “CM Punk” for him. The fans sang the “Cult of Personality” song for Punk, who had his right hand taped up. The fans kept singing the song while also chanting for Punk as he made his way down to the ring. Punk smiled at his old friend Heyman as well.

CM Punk stood on the turnbuckle with a microphone in hand. Punk said that this right hand is not taped up to hold a microphone. Punk said that neither of them had ever beaten him without the other one’s help. Punk said that he didn’t screw Reigns because, in the Royal Rumble, it’s every man for himself. Punk told Reigns he saved his family’s ass in WarGames. Punk said that he is still owed a favor from Paul, but he said not now. Punk thanked Paul for delivering the Tribal Chief on a silver platter. Reigns looked at Heyman, so Punk attacked Reigns with a microphone shot to the back of the head. The fight was on.

Analysis: That line by Punk about how Heyman served up Reigns on a silver platter looked like it upset Reigns, so that could lead to tension with Reigns thinking that Heyman was helping Punk.

Reigns and Punk exchanged punches. Rollins went after both guys and Rollins punched Punk repeatedly. Reigns went after Rollins with shoulder tackles against the turnbuckle. Punk and Rollins went after eachother again. There were WWE officials, referees and security in the ring to try to break it up. Punk stood on the commentary table. Punk told Reigns and Rollins that he’s the best in the world and Punk pointed at the WrestleMania sign. Punk pulled Reigns out of the ring. Rollins hit a suicide dive on Punk, Reigns and the officials on the floor. Rollins pointed at both guys and pointed at the WrestleMania sign. Reigns was back up, he hit Punk with the steel steps and Reigns hit Rollins with the steel steps. Reigns pointed at the WrestleMania sign like the other two guys. The trio of Reigns, Rollins and Punk kept fighting on the floor as officials tried to break it up. That was the end of the show.

Analysis: The story is that all three guys pointed at the WrestleMania sign during this chaotic melee, so they all want the match at WrestleMania and we all know it’s going to happen, so it’s just a matter of making it official. I thought the segment overall was very well done, the crowd was absolutely on fire for it and it was a nice tease for what’s going to happen at WrestleMania when they have this match. This trio of Reigns, Rollins and Punk will have an amazing match. Good luck to whoever has to follow that match. I’m excited about the match.

FULL SEGMENT : ROMAN REIGNS, SETH ROLLINS & CM PUNK FULL CHAOTIC BRAWL 🔥‼️
ALL THREE OF THEM POINT AT WRESTLEMANIA SIGN#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/jNnQrHC7aU
— Ceaser Wrestling (@CeaserWrestles) March 21, 2025

===

Three Stars of the Show

Roman Reigns, CM Punk & Seth Rollins
The Street Profits
Braun Strowman/Jacob Fatu

===

The Scoreboard

7.25 out of 10

Last week: 7.5

2025 Average: 7.31

===

Final Thoughts on WWE Smackdown

A solid show for the most part. I don’t want to say great or very good, but it was okay to me. The main event segment with Reigns-Punk-Rollins was the best part of the episode and it main evented the show, so that’s always nice to see when it ends on a strong note like that.

I think there was good progress made on some WrestleMania matches like Owens-Orton, McIntyre-Priest, Naomi-Cargill and the WWE Tag Team title scene led by The Street Profits as the champions.

The Italian crowd did a great job like most of the European fans. These people were so happy to be there.

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