Reviews

The John Report: WWE SmackDown 03/28/25 Review

By John Canton • Published 28th March 2025

This is WWE SmackDown featuring a Roman Reigns, CM Punk, and Seth Rollins contract signing, LA Knight facing Braun Strowman, and more.

Last week’s WWE SmackDown episode ended with a chaotic Reigns/Punk/Rollins brawl, which led to the match officially being announced for WrestleMania 41.

This is the final SmackDown episode of the European tour. This show and Monday’s Raw are in London, England. This one is starting at 4 p.m. ET for me here in southern Ontario, Canada, and we get it live on Netflix, so that’s when I’m watching. Monday’s Raw will start at 3 p.m. ET for me because the time shifting spring ahead will be in effect for Europe on Sunday. I have enjoyed the afternoon shows for a few weeks. It’s 22 days until WrestleMania 41 takes place. I’m looking forward to it.

From the O2 Arena in London, England, this is SmackDown for episode #1336. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

There was some backstage walking shown of Seth Rollins joined by security, Charlotte Flair, Michin with B-Fab, LA Knight (yeah) and Braun Strowman.

The Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes was shown walking backstage and made his entrance in front of the crowd. It was Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett on commentary with Wade in his home country of England.

Let’s Hear from Cody Rhodes

Cody Rhodes made his entrance as the Undisputed WWE Champion. Cody was in a tracksuit as he greeted the fans on his way to the ring. There was a loud ovation for Cody with the fans singing his song and doing the “whoa-oh” on cue. They also sang “Cody, Cody Rhodes” for him for a while.

Cody: “So London, what do you wanna talk about?” There were “Cena sucks” chant and more chanting of Cody’s name. Cody said that at WrestleMania 41 he’ll be facing John Cena as he goes to break the record and win 17 World Titles. Cena said that in just a few nights, he’ll be face to face with John Cena in this same arena. Surprise…it’s Randy Orton.

The legendary “Viper” Randy Orton made his entrance to a huge pop from the crowd. A lot of the fans sang Orton’s “Voices” song. Orton took a few minutes to get into the ring because he’s a slow walking kind of guy. Orton was in his wrestling gear and a vest.

Randy Orton said he wasn’t the sentimental type. The fans chanted “RKO” for him. Orton said to look at the man that Cody Rhodes is and look at where he came from. The “Cody, Cody Rhodes” song started again. Orton said he remembered a Cody Rhodes in his early 20s breaking into the business and he was working as hard as anybody else. Orton said Cody was frustrated, he knew he needed to grow and he couldn’t grow in a WWE locker room, so Cody left. Orton said that it took some “big ass balls” to leave this company and do what Cody did. Orton said that Cody changed the business single handedly and the boys and girls in the locker room appreciate him for that. Orton said that they knew he would be back and the industry has been changed ever since Cody stepped foot back in WWE. Cody looked like he was going to cry. Orton said that Cody is the same guy, but he grew. The fans sang for Cody again, so Orton said he’d sing along, but the fans might leave.

Orton brought up Cody facing Seth Rollins inside Hell in a Cell. Orton said that Cody started the match with a partially torn pec, finished the match with a partially torn pec and he persevered. Orton said that he stuck it out for these people and he finished the match. Orton said that he went on to WrestleMania, where he beat Roman Reigns and finished his story. Orton said Cody is in charge of his legacy and it’s a privilege to see Cody take control of his legacy. Orton talked about ticket sales, which have been up, and it is mostly because of Cody. It led to more Cody singing and Orton looked at a pretend watch to point out how they are extending the show. Orton said that he respects Cody, he loves him and he is very proud of Cody.

Orton said now it’s time for WrestleMania. Orton said he’s going to kick Kevin Owens so hard in the head that he can just feel it already, so he can’t wait to remove KO’s head from his shoulders. Orton said he knows Cody will enter WrestleMania as champion, then he’ll beat the holy hell out of Cena on the Vegas strip and Orton mentioned that just like Cena is going after 17, Orton is going to go after 15. Orton said he’ll look him eye and tell Cody that he’s coming for that WWE Title.

Analysis: I liked that promo from Randy Orton. He is legitimately proud of Cody Rhodes, but he’s also going after the WWE Title. I think a lot of us have wanted to see a Cody-Randy feud, but it may not be as soon as Orton wants it to be.

Drew McIntyre joined the promo party and it was a big reaction for the man from Scotland, which isn’t too far from England. The fans sang the “Oh Drew McIntyre” song for him like the classic White Stripes song.

Drew said that a couple of nepo babies were having a love fest in the ring and it made him sick. Drew said Orton claims that he’s coming after that WWE Title while questioning what Orton has done lately because Orton has been on the shelf for a long time. Drew said people make jokes about his World Title reign, but more people talk about his 5-minute, 46-second title reign than Orton’s comeback and he told Orton to get to the back of the line.

Drew said that Cody should have listened, but he shunned Drew and attacked him. Drew said everybody should have listened to him about John Cena, but there he was kicking Cody in the twig & berries, which proved Drew right as usual. Drew said the main event of WrestleMania should be Cody against the UK’s only-ever World Champion Drew McIntyre, but it’s that guyliner-wearing, Temu-Undertaker Damian Priest. Drew got into the ring.

Drew said that Orton’s not going to be the one to take the title from Cody because it’s going to be Drew. Orton wanted Drew to cut the BS. Drew said he’ll tell the truth because KO might actually have a point and those “Voices” of Orton might know what Drew is thinking. Drew said that Orton looks great and is absolutely jacked, but Drew knows that Orton’s back is hanging by a thread and if you provoke Drew, he’ll break the back. Drew moved toward Cody, who punched him and Orton went for an RKO, but Orton slipped out of it.

Analysis: There’s a lot of star power and a lot of history there with those three guys. Drew is one of my favorite talkers and he made a lot of smart points as usual. It was a good way to set up something for the future between those guys.

The Street Profits have a Tag Team Title defense up next.

(Commercial)

It was announced that Randy Orton will face Drew McIntyre later on SmackDown.

The new WWE SmackDown ring announcer Mark Nash was shown at ringside. Welcome Mark to WWE. He comes from the boxing and combat sports world, so he should fit in well.

WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits – Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins vs. Pretty Deadly – Elton Prince & Kit Wilson

I miss the old song of The Street Profits. Preddy Deadly had UK flag colors since they are from England and they were cheered by the fans.

Dawkins ran over Wilson with a shoulder tackle followed by some punches. Prince helped Wilson avoid a whip into the turnbuckle leading to PD doing an atomic drop and a dropkick combo. Wilson hit a DDT on Dawkins. They went to a break for some fans while I’ll take a break too.

It was Prince battling Ford as the fans were chanting for the challengers. Ford knocked down Prince with a cross body block. Dawkins tagged in with a neckbreaker slam on Wilson. Ford tried to get involved, but Wilson knocked him down and Wilson hit a comebacker clothesline on Dawkins. PD hit a double team move with Wilson hitting double knees on Dawkins and Prince covered for two. Dawkins gave Prince a spinebuster. Ford tagged in and hit a Frog Splash on Wilson, who wasn’t legal but Wilson pushed Prince out of the way. Prince rolled up Ford for two. Dawkins was legal and the Profits hit a double team suplex spot leading to Dawkins pinning Prince for two because Wilson made the save. The fans were chanting “Pretty Deadly” for the challengers. All four guys got back up leading to Wilson hitting a Spear on Ford and Prince hit an elbow on Dawkins. Wilson held Dawkins while Prince hit the neckbreaker for the Spilt Milk double team move for two because Ford broke up the pin. Prince sent Ford over the top onto the steel steps. Dawkins caught Wilson and sent Wilson over the top to the apron. Dawkins punched Prince out of the ring. Ford tagged in for a Doomsday Blockbuster on Wilson for the pinfall win after about 10 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: The Street Profits

Analysis: ***1/4 It was a good tag team match with the fans rooting for Pretty Deadly, but I didn’t expect the Profits to lose the titles since they only won them a couple of weeks ago. I liked how it was booked with Pretty Deadly as the babyface team that came so close to winning a few times, but the Profits were there to stop the momentum and found a way to get the win.

Zelina Vega was backstage talking to Kayden Carter & Katana Chance earlier in the day. Chelsea Green and her Secret “Hervice” allies Piper Niven & Alba Fyre were there. The women traded insults and that led to a tag team match being agreed to.

The team of Kayden Carter & Katana Chance entered for tag team action.

(Commercial)

A video aired about the Bret Hart-Steve Austin WrestleMania 13 classic match, which is one of the greatest matches in WWE history. Bret and Austin talked about it being a special match. Austin admitted without Bret then maybe Austin never would have taken off to be the legend that he was.

It was announced that the WWE Hall of Fame is going to induct matches and the WrestleMania 13 match between Steve Austin and Bret Hart. They will both be there for it.

Analysis: That’s cool that WWE is inducting matches into the Hall of Fame. That is certainly a fine first choice in the Hall of Fame. You could say it is Bret’s third HOF induction since he’s in as a singles wrestler and part of The Hart Foundation team. It is one of my favorite matches ever.

Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman were shown walking backstage with security joining them.

The Secret Hervice – Piper Niven & Alba Fyre (w/Chelsea Green) vs. Kayden Carter & Katana Chance

The Secret Hervice was the announced name for Niven and Fyre. They are dressed in gear that looked like suits. Chance and Carter hit some impressive tag team moves, including a senton splash by Chance. Fyre sent Carter over the apron to the floor. Chance sent Fyre out of the ring to the floor. Carter launched Chance in the air onto Fyre on the floor. Niven hit a cannonball off the apron onto Chance & Carter on the floor. That was an impressive move. They went to break for some fans. The action during the break featured Niven & Fyre in control of Chance for a few minutes.

The action continued with Carter hitting forearm smashes on Fyre and Carter superkicked Fyre. Carter hit a running boot on Fyre along with a springboard leg drop for two. Niven got a tag, Carter avoided her and Niven splashed Fyre by accident. Chance got the tag while the fans were singing something. Carter slammed Niven down. Chance was legal and she did the Keg Stand splash onto Niven’s legs for a two count because Fyre made the save. Carter jumped off the turnbuckle onto Fyre on the floor. Carter tagged in with a superkick on Niven, Green distracted the referee and Niven tossed Carter into Chance to knock Chance off the apron. Piper hit a Piper Driver on Carter for the pinfall win after about six minutes.

Winners by pinfall: The Secret Hervice – Piper Niven & Alba Fyre

Analysis: **1/4 A tag team match where the numbers game came into play because The Secret Hervice group had three women out there against two and they found a way to win. I’m fine with that because it gives Green’s group some credibility.

After the match, Green and The Secret Hervice attacked Chance and Carter. Zelina Vega made the save by running down to the ring and hitting a forearm on Fyre. Vega hit an impressive Tornado DDT on Niven. Green went into the ring and hit Vega with forearms to the back. The fans like Green. Vega fought back going for a move, but Fyre hit a superkick on Vega. The fans cheered that. Niven hit a running senton splash on Vega. Green’s music played to end it.

Analysis: It’s setting up a rivalry between Green and Vega, who is on her own against Green’s group of three. They’ll probably have Vega, Chance & Carter beat Green and The Secret Hervice next week to make Vega look like a contender.

LA Knight was shown walking backstage for his US Title match up next.

(Commercial)

A commercial aired for Stephanie McMahon’s ESPN show Stephanie’s Places, which is on ESPN + now.

They showed singer Lewis Capaldi and UFC fighter Oban Elliott at ringside.

United States Championship: LA Knight vs. Braun Strowman

Knight went for a slam, which didn’t really work and Braun elbowed him in the head. Braun hit a hiptoss to take control. Knight sent Braun out of the ring. Knight hit two running kicks to knock Braun backward. Braun came back with a boot to the head. They went to break for some fans. Braun ran around the ring to go after Knight, but Knight managed to get back into the ring to avoid it. Knight tripped up Braun by the turnbuckle and Knight unloaded with some punches. Braun stomped on Knight’s chest. Braun headbutted Knight and then Braun sent Knight crashing into the turnbuckle. Braun sent Knight into the barricade.

They went back into the ring where Knight delivered a kick and tried a lift, but Braun avoided it. Knight hit a bulldog off the middle rope. Knight sent Braun into the turnbuckle followed by a belly-to-back suplex. Knight hit an elbow drop for two. Braun tossed Knight to block a BFT attempt. Braun clotheslined Knight over the top rope to the floor. Braun ran around the ring going for a move, but Jacob Fatu was there with a flying elbow smash for the DQ finish. Fatu hit Knight as well. It went about eight minutes.

Winner by disqualification: Braun Strowman (LA Knight remains the champion)

Analysis: ** It was turning into a solid match, but then it ended abruptly due to Fatu getting involved to ruin the match. Fatu’s match with Strowman was ruined by Solo Sikoa last week, so Fatu was angry about it and felt like ruining this match.

After the match, Fatu gave Braun a Samoan Drop onto the hood of the commentary table. The fans were cheering for Fatu and also singing for him. Fatu set up Braun against the turnbuckle, Knight went back into the ring and Fatu hit a popup Samoan Drop on Knight. Fatu hit a running hip attack on Braun two times in a row. Fatu hit a third running hip attack on Braun against the turnbuckle. Fatu jumped off the top with a moonsault on Braun. Fatu hit a moonsault off the top onto Braun again. Fatu left at that point.

Analysis: A destruction by Jacob Fatu, which is something he loves to do and the fans love him for it. This will likely lead to another match against Strowman, or perhaps a multi-man match for the US Title at WrestleMania 41. I also think Fatu against Solo Sikoa is a possibility, depending on how that story escalates in the weeks ahead.

Jimmy Uso was interviewed by Jackie Redmond backstage, who mentioned Jimmy’s hard slap on Gunther on Raw. Jimmy said that his brother Jey has the doubt creeping into his head. Jimmy said he’ll bust Gunther’s ass on Raw and his brother will beat Gunther to become the World Heavyweight Champion. Jimmy did a “Yeet” to end it.

Jimmy walked down a hallway where he walked into The Miz and Carmelo Hayes. Miz told Jimmy he was a sidekick. Miz said that Jimmy will never know what it means to carry this industry and neither will Jey. Miz warned Jimmy not to slap him and Jimmy teased doing it. Jimmy said that he’s facing Gunther on Raw, but he said he’ll go talk to Nick Aldis about a match against Miz tonight.

Naomi is up next.

(Commercial)

Jacob Fatu was walking backstage when Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga walked up to him. Solo wondered what Fatu was doing on his own. Jacob said that they got involved last week without him. Solo told Fatu to lower his tone when talking to them. Fatu said when it comes to Braun Strowman, he will be the last man standing and he’s going to bring the US Title home to the family with them or without them. Fatu left.

Analysis: That sounds like it will lead to a Fatu/Strowman Last Man Standing Match, which should be awesome.

Naomi Video

A video aired featuring Naomi wearing an outfit that says “Caution” on it. Naomi said that she has always been a woman who has been about doing the right thing. Naomi talked about how her heart is broken because Bianca Belair makes her the bad one in this situation. Naomi didn’t understand how Jade came in out of nowhere and took Naomi’s place with Belair. Naomi said that she has inspired women for over a decade and she inspired Belair. Naomi said she’s had Belair’s back. Naomi said she’s done with being underappreciated. Naomi said if Jade continues to be in her way, then she advises her to proceed with caution.

Analysis: It is fine to do video packages like that to have somebody make their point in a way that doesn’t involve standing in the ring and talking. Naomi made her points well. She’s doing a good job as a heel so far.

Jade Cargill was backstage talking to Smackdown GM Nick Aldis, who had a UK tie on in his home country. Jade wondered where Naomi was and Aldis said nobody had seen her. Jade said that when she catches Naomi, it’s on sight. B-Fab and Michin talked to Jade in the hallway saying that what Naomi did to Jade was trash. Michin and B-Fab talked about their issues with Charlotte Flair. B-Fab told Jade to do what she has to do. Jade said she would and wished them good luck.

(Commercial)

A video aired featuring the black smoke on the screen. There was a figure in the background of it. That’s likely for Aleister Black’s WWE return.

Michin and B-Fab made their entrance. Naomi attacked them from behind by hitting B-Fab in the back and that knocked down Michin. Naomi hit an X-Factor on Michin. Naomi beat up Michin with punches. Naomi kicked B-Fab off the apron to the floor. Naomi sent B-Fab into the barricade at ringside. Naomi sent B-Fab into the commentary table. The announcers put this over as Naomi attacking B-Fab and Michin talking to Jade backstage, so Naomi attacked them.

Jade Cargill made her entrance by running down to the ring. Naomi ran away when Jade got to ringside and Jade checked on B-Fab at ringside.

Analysis: It continued the heelish behavior of Naomi with the cheap attack. Running away from Jade is also very heelish and makes people want to see Jade kick Naomi’s ass.

Charlotte Flair made her entrance while Jade Cargill stared at her in the aisle.

Analysis: There’s a future match tease of Flair facing Cargill in the future. Two great athletes.

Charlotte Flair vs. Michin

Michin made it clear to the referee that she wanted to have the match. Flair kicked Michin with a boot to the face for two. They went to a break for some fans as the action continued. Flair was in control until Michin hit a hurricanrana. Michin hit a running dropkick. Flair hit a backbreaker and she sent Michin face first into the turnbuckle. Flair put her legs around the head followed by the knee smashing routine and Flair flipped Michin around after that. Flair hit a belly-to-back suplex for two.

Flair was in control with a chinlock until Michin broke free with a DDT. Flair hit a belly-to-back suplex. Flair flipped over the turnbuckle and hit a kick. Michin hit a spinning kick to the head. Michin went for a cannonball attack, Flair moved and Flair kicked Michin. They battled by the turnbuckle where Michin hit a Powerbomb for two. Michin hit a jumping kick to the head. The fans were chanting “f**k you Charlotte” and the swear word was getting muted, but the chant didn’t go that long. Flair did a middle finger salute to the fans along with some chops on Michin. Flair went for a kick, Michin avoided it and Michin hit a belly-to-back suplex. Michin hit a cannonball against the turnbuckle. Michin hit the Eat Defeat foot to the jaw for two because Flair’s right foot was on the bottom rope. Flair rolled out to the steel steps, so Michin tried a kick, but Flair moved and Michin kicked the steel steps. Flair hit a knee drop onto Michin’s knee. Flair applied the Figure Eight Leglock and Michin tapped out to give Flair the win after about eight minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Charlotte Flair

Analysis: **3/4 It was a good match for the time given. I thought that was more competitive than I thought it was going to be, but I don’t mind it because Michin is talented and I’m happy she got some offense. Flair’s win was the obvious result. Flair looked sharp here.

Tiffany Stratton, the WWE Women’s Champion, was interviewed by Jackie Redmond backstage. Stratton trashed Flair for being insecure and not letting the “rookie” Stratton get a word in. Stratton said that if she loses, then she loses to Charlotte Flair, the legend as a 25-year-old after a year on SmackDown. However, if Flair loses, she loses to a “little girl” and other insults that Flair has said about Stratton. Stratton said that what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas and she’ll make sure Flair’s ego stays in Vegas. Tiffany said she’s walking out of WrestleMania as the WWE Women’s Champion…toodles.

Analysis: I think the Stratton-Flair rivalry needs more physicality and showing how much they hate eachother. There have been a lot of promos and that’s fine, but I just feel like this feud has needed more.

Randy Orton made his entrance for singles action. The fans were singing the song again.

(Commercial)

A video aired about Triple H being in the WWE Hall of Fame. There were clips of his various cool entrances at WrestleMania.

Randy Orton vs. Drew McIntyre

It’s a matchup between two former WWE Champions who match up similarly in terms of their height and weight. Drew knocked down Orton with a shoulder tackle. Drew set up for a move by the turnbuckle, so Orton tripped him up and Orton punched Drew nine times followed by Orton sending Drew into the ring post. They left the ring where Drew sent Orton into the commentary table. Drew cleared off the commentary table, Orton blocked a lift and Orton gave Drew a belly-to-back suplex onto the commentary table. They took a break for some fans as the action continued. Orton went back out of the ring where he hit a belly-to-back suplex onto the commentary table again. Drew sent Orton face first into the ring post. Drew gave Orton a Russian legsweep into the barricade. Back in the ring, Drew jumped onto Orton’s back a few times to knock him down. The fans were really into it, supporting McIntyre, but this time, Orton turned around and got his knees up, so it was like a low blow. Orton also poked Drew in the eye. The fans chanted “RKO” for Orton. Drew and Orton exchanged punches until Drew hit a headbutt for a two count.

It was McIntyre in control with some punches and chops. Orton came back with two clotheslines and the classic snap powerslam by Orton. Drew went to the apron, so he did a necksnap against the top rope. Orton sent Drew to the apron leading to the draping DDT. Orton hit the mat a few times and here’s Kevin Owens in the aisle watching the match. Orton looked at Owens. When Orton turned around, Drew hit a Claymore Kick for the pinfall win after about eight minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Drew McIntyre

Analysis: *** It was fun while it lasted, but I was hoping for a longer match than the eight minutes that they got. It’s a big win for Drew over a top guy like Orton since you don’t see Orton losing matches that often, but obviously the presence of Owens affected Orton in that match. It’s still something that Drew can brag about in the future.

Kevin Owens pulled Randy Orton out of the ring and slammed Orton onto the commentary table. Owens wanted a move, so Orton tripped up Owens on the table. Orton lined up for The Punt, but Owens climbed the barricade and ran away to the back.

Analysis: This is going to lead to Orton punting Owens at WrestleMania 41, considering how often it has been teased. They don’t need to deliver on it before WrestleMania 41. It should only happen at WrestleMania itself.

The Jimmy Uso match with The Miz was up next.

(Commercial)

There was a video about Rey Fenix. He was shown running the ropes and jumping off the ropes. It said “Rey Fenix” next Friday on SmackDown. The announcers mentioned that Fenix is Penta’s brother and Joe called them the Lucha Brothers, so that name is staying with them.

Analysis: It’s official with Rey Fenix joining SmackDown next week in Chicago. I’m looking forward to it.

Next week on SmackDown will see Naomi in a match against B-Fab.

Jimmy Uso vs. The Miz

The Miz knocked Jimmy back with an elbow, but Jimmy hit a clothesline. Jimmy jumped over a charging Miz and hit an uppercut punch. Miz came back with a knee to the ribs of Jimmy, followed by Miz kicking Jimmy in the head. Miz did some face gouging against the ropes, followed by Miz hitting a running splash against the ropes. Miz went for a kick, Jimmy avoided it and Jimmy clotheslined Miz over the top to the floor. Jimmy went after Miz on the floor, leading to a punch over the barricade. They went on a break for some fans, as I’ll take a break too.

Jimmy and Miz were both down on the mat until they got back up at the same time. Jimmy punched Miz a few times, along with a Samoan Drop. Jimmy charged at Miz, who sent Jimmy to the apron. Miz came back with a STO trip to take Jimmy down. Jimmy and Miz each got pin attempts for two count. Miz hit a DDT for a two count. The Miz worked over Jimmy with kicks to the chest and Jimmy avoided the head kick. Jimmy hit a spinning enziguri kick and Miz came back with a running knee for two. Miz hit a running clothesline against the turnbuckle. Miz went for a springboard attack, but Jimmy was there with a superkick. Jimmy hit an Uso Splash off the top rope for the pinfall win after about eight minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Jimmy Uso

Analysis: **3/4 A solid match between two veterans who have been on the WWE roster for a very long time. Jimmy is against Gunther on Raw, so it was the right call to give Jimmy a win going into that match. The Miz rarely wins at this point in his career, which is weird to say, but it’s been like that for many years now.

Jimmy Uso put a headset on saying he’s going to come for Gunther’s ass on Monday and he will salute Big Jim.

Drew McIntyre saw singer Lewis Capaldi backstage. Drew hugged him and said he was headed to the pub. Lewis left. Jackie Redmond showed up for an interview. Drew said that if nobody gets involved in his business, he wins. Drew said that Damian Priest didn’t even show up and Drew was about to leave. Damian Priest waited on the other side of a door. Priest beat up Drew with punches. A guy was in a car and Priest slammed the guy through a table. Drew sent Priest into the car. Drew and Priest were standing on the hood of the car. Priest picked up Drew and gave him a Chokeslam onto the windshield. There were WWE Officials and referees there to try to break it up. Priest wondered if Drew had any more jokes. Priest left.

Analysis: It was revenge for Priest since McIntyre has done a lot of cheap attacks in recent weeks, so it made sense for Priest to get the advantage. The hard slam onto the car windshield sounded painful and it probably was.

CM Punk was shown walking backstage with security guys walking behind him. Punk walked right by where McIntyre was slammed on the car and Punk smiled about it.

(Commercial)

There was a video package about John Cena’s promo last Monday on Raw. Cena said he’s going to ruin wrestling for every fan, for every wrestler, and for everyone. Cody Rhodes confronted Cena saying he made a mistake saying what he just said while Cody was there. Cody dared Cena to take the WWE Title right now, but Cena left instead.

WrestleMania 41 Contract Signing: Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins and CM Punk

The English SmackDown GM Nick Aldis was in the ring to host the contract signing. There was a table in the ring along with three chairs and a contract. Aldis claimed they were there to sign the contract for the biggest triple threat match in the history of WrestleMania: Seth Rollins vs. CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns.

The ”OTC” Roman Reigns made his entrance joined by the “Wise Man” Paul Heyman and there were a bunch of security guards with them. They went to break for some fans as Roman’s lengthy entrance continued.

Roman Reigns stood in the ring as Paul Heyman placed the microphone in his hands. The fans sang Roman’s name and chanted “OTC” a few times. Reigns: “London…acknowledge me!” There were more “OTC” chants. Reigns sat in the chair at the head of the table, of course. Reigns told the fans that the way they sing to your Tribal Chief is beautiful. The fans did some more singing and Paul Heyman even did some singing. Reigns said he was there to be acknowledged and the other reason he was there was to sign the contract, so Reigns signed the contract.

Seth Rollins made his entrance in a suit while the fans sang Seth’s song on his way to the ring. The singing continued even after the music stopped. Rollins wanted Heyman to sing, but Heyman wouldn’t do it. Rollins told the fans they had beautiful singing voices. Rollins said they had a lot of history in this building. Rollins said that 12 years ago, they landed in a helicopter and they put The Undertaker through a table. Rollins said that they’ve fought against eachother, fought with eachother, a whole lot of love and a whole lot of hate…so the fans sang Seth’s song again. Rollins said they accomplished their mission. There were “CM Punk” chants. Reigns said that “we” died a long time ago. Reigns said it’s only been him while Reigns has done the work and he made this place what it is today. Reigns said that he made this place desirable to Netflix and signed billion-dollar deals. Rollins said that Reigns doesn’t understand the danger that’s right in front of you and that’s CM Punk. Rollins said that Reigns could have cut Punk’s head off at WarGames, but instead, he shook his hand. Rollins said you could have let Rollins finish Punk in the cage at the Garden, but now Rollins has to clean up Roman’s mess again. Rollins signed the contract.

CM Punk made his entrance with the fans also singing his song. There were some security guys behind him. There wasn’t that much time left in the show as Punk made his way down to the ring, and he got a big ovation as usual.

Punk said that he has come here to chew bubblegum and sign a contract and he’s all out of bubblegum. That’s a twist on a classic Roddy Piper line. Punk opened the contract, looked it over and Reigns wondered why Punk was reading through it. Reigns told Punk this is TV, so he had to do it. Reigns told “Wise Man” Heyman to smarten him up.

Paul Heyman said he knows what Punk is looking for and it’s in there. Heyman said that you’re closing the show at WrestleMania. Heyman told Punk he gets to live his dream of all dreams and he told Punk that he is a WrestleMania main eventer. Heyman hugged Punk’s head. Reigns said that one man’s dream is another man’s favor. Punk had tears in his eyes.

Rollins said that Punk doesn’t deserve it. Rollins said that main eventing WrestleMania is sacred and it means more to him than anything. Rollins said that Punk doesn’t deserve it while claiming it is Roman’s and Heyman’s fault.

CM Punk said thank you to the London fans who were chanting his name. Punk thanked the fans and the WWE Universe that stood by him and chanted his name for ten long years. Reigns told Punk that he should be thanking the Tribal Chief. Reigns said that because of him, Punk is in the main event. Reigns told Punk to acknowledge the Tribal Chief and told Punk to do it right. The signature already showed up on the screen. Punk said, “Thank you my Tribal Chief” as the holder of the Ula Fala, the Head of the Table…and the Big Dog. Punk thanked Reigns for allowing a kid from Chicago to be graced by your presence, and thank you Reigns so very much. Punk said that because of Reigns, he’ll see him in the main event of WrestleMania. Punk signed the contract. The fans chanted “you deserve it” for Punk. Punk said, “Thank you.” Punk told Heyman that was not the favor that he was owed. Punk dropped the microphone and that was the end of the show.

Analysis: There was no brawl to end the show, but at least it was a newsworthy ending with CM Punk finding out that he’ll be in the WrestleMania 41 main event, most likely on Saturday. It helps when WrestleMania is two nights. Reigns did a great job of being the cocky guy who brags about how great he is and he’s still a babyface through it all. Rollins continues to complain about Punk as usual, so that’s more of the same from Rollins. It’s a role that he is good at. I thought this was done well, although it felt like it was rushed a bit. As for the favor from Heyman to Punk, we still don’t know what it is, so we’ll see how the story progresses in the weeks ahead.

Ink to paper… the biggest Triple Threat Match in #WrestleMania history and now officially a main event! https://t.co/z33EVN0AIK
— Triple H (@TripleH) March 29, 2025

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Three Stars of the Show

Drew McIntyre
CM Punk, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins
The Street Profits/Pretty Deadly

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The Scoreboard

7 out of 10

Last week: 7.25

2025 Average: 7.29

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Final Thoughts on WWE SmackDown

It felt similar to most SmackDown episodes of late, which is fine, but nothing spectacular about it. The match quality was okay. If I had to pick a best match it was probably Street Profits/Pretty Deadly, and then the rest were mostly average. There were predictable matches and some endings weren’t great.

I liked the CM Punk-Roman Reigns-Seth Rollins main event segment, but it also felt rushed and that shouldn’t happen on a three-hour show. Let’s spend less time on some of the entrances and get to the point quicker. Anyway, I’m happy for CM Punk getting a WrestleMania main event.

The three-hour SmackDown format has produced a lot of average shows. I don’t think it’s that exciting most weeks. This week was an example of that, even with an enthusiastic London crowd.

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