Reviews

The John Report: WWE SmackDown 04/04/25 Review

By John Canton • Published 4th April 2025

This is WWE SmackDown featuring Roman Reigns, CM Punk, and Seth Rollins building to WrestleMania 41, Braun Strowman facing Jacob Fatu, Rey Fenix’s WWE debut, and more.

WrestleMania 41 is just two weeks away on April 19 and 20. We know a lot of the card, but not all of it, so let’s see what SmackDown has in store for us. Last week on SmackDown we found out the Reigns-Rollins-Punk WrestleMania 41 match will be the main event of WrestleMania 41 Saturday, so that’s pretty cool.

From the Allstate Arena in Chicago, Illinois, this is SmackDown for episode #1337. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

There was some backstage walking shown featuring Braun Strowman, Jacob Fatu with Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga, the US Champion LA Knight, #DIY’s Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano, the Motor City Machine Guns duo of Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin, B-Fab and Naomi.

It was Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett on commentary to welcome us to the show. It’s Mark Nash as the ring announcer. Shoutout to Chris Van Vliet sitting right behind the announcers.

A video package aired with highlights of the Roman Reigns-Seth Rollins-CM Punk contract signing from last week.

Let’s Hear from CM Punk

CM Punk made his entrance in front of a raucous Chicago crowd that was singing “Cult of Personality” for his entrance. It was sold out in Chicago and they were very loud. It took a few minutes for Punk to get into the ring because he greeted a lot of fans on his way toward the ring.

CM Punk said that they told him the best television audiences were overseas, but he knew they were coming to Chicago and the fans cheered. Punk took the camera from the ringside camera guy and filmed the fans making a lot of noise for him. Punk said they don’t listen to outside voices. Punk claimed he wasn’t supposed to be here, he came out blue with a cord around his neck and they brought him back to life. Punk said no matter where he goes, he wants to make new fans and he said tonight he wanted to thank 16,000 people of his hometown friends and family. Punk said nothing has changed, even though he’s in the main event of WrestleMania. The fans chanted “you deserve it” for him.

Punk: “I deserve it?” Punk said he’s earned it. Punk talked about how throughout his career he was told you’re not supposed to be here. Punk referenced being part of John Cena’s WrestleMania entrance in this building. Punk said that he’s here to let you know that the hard work begins. Punk wanted to thank the fans, but also thanked his beautiful wife April first. There were “AJ Lee” chants. Punk mentioned his puppy Larry, so there were “Larry” chants. Punk said there are way too many people to thank that got him where he needed to be. Punk said he wouldn’t be who he is and where he is without this city, so Punk said thank you. Punk said he’s going to beat Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins in the main event of WrestleMania. The fans cheered.

Analysis: That was a nice promo from CM Punk for the hometown fans. The fans love him with good reason and it was Punk speaking from the heart to show the love they deserve for supporting him for so many years.

Paul Heyman arrived in a suit saying he just got into Chicago and he apologized for being late. Paul said it was no disrespect to Chicago and no disrespect to his best friend in the world, CM Punk. Heyman joined Punk in the ring. The fans chanted “ECW” and Punk laughed about the chant.

Heyman walked up to Punk to say that Punk belonged here. Heyman said Punk belonged in this ring, he belonged in Chicago and he belonged in the main event of WrestleMania. Heyman talked about how Solo Sikoa and friends put Heyman through a table, so Heyman was out for a long time. Heyman said that CM Punk went through hell with Drew McIntyre and Punk took such a beating that he thought about not coming back. Heyman said he pleaded with Punk to team up with Roman Reigns, which was a favor to Heyman. Paul said that Punk saved The Bloodline and he thanks him for that. Heyman said he asked another favor to ask of CM Punk, so Punk asked him what can he do? Heyman wanted Punk to tell Heyman what the favor is. Heyman mentioned Roman Reigns was not here yet because he’s in training camp for WrestleMania. Punk said that the favor is going to impact Reigns a bit, so he’ll tell Reigns and Heyman to his face. Punk told Heyman to tell Punk and the fans when “Big Chief” decides to show up. Punk left while Heyman stayed in the ring, looking nervous.

Analysis: It was a nice way to tease that the “favor” reveal is coming later in the show. It gives the fans a reason to stay tuned into the show to see what Punk is going to say to Reigns, Heyman and Rollins in terms of the favor that Punk is owed. Also, I liked Heyman putting over Punk saying he deserved to be in the main event of WrestleMania and I believe it too.

The WWE debut of Rey Fenix was up next.

(Commercial)

Rey Fenix made his entrance to a huge ovation. There was some pyro for his entrance. The fans were loud for him. The announcers talked about Fenix while mentioning he is Penta’s brother.

Rey Fenix vs. Nathan Frazer

The NXT Tag Team Champion Nathan Frazer was in the ring without his tag team partner Axiom. Frazer and Axiom are my favorite team in WWE, but this was about Frazer matching up stylistically with his opponent.

It was 8:30 p.m. ET as the bell rang to start the first match. Fenix kicked Frazer back and Frazer avoided a superkick. Fenix spun around the ropes and hit a spin kick to the head. Fenix rolled up Frazer for two. Fenix hit a hurricanrana for two. Frazer did a headscissors that sent Fenix out of the ring. Frazer did a suicide dive onto Fenix on the floor, but Frazer’s leg hit the ropes, so he didn’t hit it smoothly. They moved on quickly with Fenix sending Frazer out of the ring. Fenix jumped up top and hit a twisting cross body block onto Frazer on the floor. That was an incredible move. They went to a break for some fans as the action continued with Fenix grabbing an armbar. Frazer came back for a reverse DDT. Frazer hit a running Shooting Star Press for a two count. They exchanged strikes and then Frazer hit a dropkick. Frazer hit a running neckbreaker for two. Frazer grabbed a chinlock.

Frazer set up Fenix on the top rope, Fenix chopped Frazer and knocked Frazer down. Frazer jumped back up top, Frazer hit a suplex and a neckbreaker suplex for a two count. Frazer jumped off the top with a Phoenix Splash, Fenix avoided it and Frazer hit a knee to the jaw. Fenix countered a move leading to a dropkick by Fenix. Fenix ran across the top rope and hit a running kick to the head. Fenix hit a Fire Driver I think is the name and he drove Frazer’s head into the mat for a two count. Frazer hit a jumping kick to the head. Fenix was down selling, but he got back up with a kip up and a superkick. Fenix hit a spinning kick to the head. Fenix hit a Mexican Muscle Buster (MMB) for the pinfall win after about 10 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Rey Fenix

Analysis: ***1/2 It was an awesome match to put over Rey Fenix in his WWE debut match. They wrestled at a very fast pace and had an exciting match in the time given. A few more minutes would have been nice, but I don’t really have an issue with the time they got because they did a lot. Frazer had a nice showing, even though he messed up that dive to the floor. The rest of his performance was impressive. Fenix is awesome and he didn’t even show all of the high-flying moves we know he can do. It was just a taste of what Fenix is all about.

After the match, Rey Fenix was interviewed in the ring by Byron Saxton. Fenix: “Gracias, Chicago.” Fenix said he had a lot of history in Chicago. Fenix said tonight it’s not the debut of Rey Fenix, it’s so much more. Fenix said he’s reborn with love and with passion. Fenix said he’s waited his whole life to say this: “I am WWE.” Fenix bowed down in the ring to pay tribute to the fans.

Analysis: I am happy for Rey Fenix in WWE. I want to see him team with Penta, but I don’t mind seeing them separate for a while.

Santos Escobar was backstage with Angel & Berto. Escobar said that’s the kind of performance he expects from them. Berto said that he is better than Fenix. Escobar said he’ll talk to GM Nick Aldis and make it happen: Rey Fenix vs. Berto. Santos left.

Analysis: It should be a great match next week with Fenix beating Berto.

Still to come: #DIY vs. Motor City Machine Guns and Braun Strowman vs. Jacob Fatu in a Last Man Standing Match.

(Commercial)

Drew McIntyre did a taped promo with an eye patch on his right eye. Drew talked about Damian Priest taking away both of Drew’s title opportunities when Drew’s back was turned. Drew wanted Priest to face him like a man, but no. Drew said that after he beat Randy Orton, Drew was heading out with his buddies, but Priest attacked and put Drew through a windshield. Drew said he may never be the same. Drew said he needs to pray, and everybody knows that when Drew needs to pray, bad things happen.

Analysis: I hope Drew McIntyre beats Damian Priest at WrestleMania. I think Drew should be in a bigger match at WrestleMania, but there are only so many top spots.

Braun Strowman was interviewed by Byron Saxton backstage. Braun said he’s sick of Jacob Fatu getting involved in his business. Braun said he’s going to go on to WrestleMania to complete his grand slam by becoming the US Champion. Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga walked up saying no matter what Braun is saying, he still has to face Jacob Fatu. LA Knight walked up to warn Solo Sikoa while telling Braun to focus on his potential US Title opportunity. Tama Tonga did his “yeah yeah yeah” bit and challenged Knight to a match. Knight was fine with that and he called for a referee to get out there for the match.

Analysis: Easy way to set up an impromptu match, especially when the wrestlers are dressed for it.

The United States Champion LA Knight walked out to the ring for his match.

(Commercial)

LA Knight vs. Tama Tonga (w/Solo Sikoa)

This is not for Knight’s US Title. Knight worked over Tama with punches along with a back elbow. Knight hit a suplex. Tama hit a belly-to-back suplex. Knight delivered a kick to knock Tama down. Knight stomped on Tampa leading to “Yeah” chants and a running hip attack knocked Knight out of the ring. Knight hit a running kick to knock Tama down on the floor. Knight rammed Tama’s head into the commentary table a few times. Solo went on the apron, Knight looked at him, so Tama hit Knight in the back and Knight went crashing into the commentary table. They went to break so I’ll take a break as well. The referee told Tama to grab a hold, so Tama grabbed a chinlock as the break ended for some fans.

Knight built some momentum with a shoulder tackle and a sunset flip for two. Tama was back up with a clothesline and a suplex for two. Tama took way too long going for an elbow drop off the middle turnbuckle, so Knight moved and Tama hit the mat. Knight hit a punch combo along with two clotheslines and a neckbreaker. Knight connected with a powerslam. Knight hit a running elbow drop. Knight teased BFT, Tama avoided it, Knight punched Solo off the apron and Tama got a rollup for two. Knight hit BFT on Tama for the pinfall win after about 10 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: LA Knight

Analysis: *** A solid match to give Knight a win over a midcarder like Tama, who isn’t known for winning singles matches. They used Solo Sikoa to give Tama the advantage a few times, but other than that it was all about Knight finding a way to win.

Paul Heyman was in the parking lot waiting for Roman Reigns. Byron Saxton showed up for an interview. Heyman looked into the camera and said that whatever favor CM Punk wants, Heyman’s answer is yes. A truck was shown arriving at the building and Heyman thought it was Roman Reigns, but it was actually Seth Rollins wearing some giant sunglasses. Rollins said Heyman looks awful and he looks like he had a horrible week. Rollins said he was able to formulate a plan for his WrestleMania match. Rollins said Heyman dug himself into a hole regarding the favor thing. Rollins said since this favor thing attempts him too, Rollins wants to be present to hear what this favor is. Rollins left Heyman there to think about it.

Analysis: I think a popular theory regarding the favor is that Punk wants Heyman to be his manager at WrestleMania instead of Heyman managing Roman Reigns, so Heyman saying “yes” already sets that up.

Charlotte Flair made her entrance in some elegant attire for a face to face promo up next.

A commercial aired for the Steph’s Places show starring Stephanie McMahon on ESPN+ and other outlets.

(Commercial)

There was a mysterious video with some white smoke on the screen. It is likely for the Aleister Black’s WWE return.

Tiffany Stratton and Charlotte Flair Face to Face

The WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton made her entrance, so she was in the ring with Charlotte Flair. Wade Barrett was in the ring to moderate this Face to Face segment. Barrett introduced both women, so the fan cheered Stratton and booed Flair. Barrett wanted Flair to explain why she chose Stratton as her WrestleMania opponent. Flair said that Stratton wanted a moment and Flair hadn’t done any charity work lately. Flair said she wanted to show there is no comparison to her. Stratton said that her biggest competitor has been the fans. Stratton said that Flair will never win that battle. Stratton said Flair acts like nothing bothers her, but then she’s crying on a talk show. Stratton said no matter how many titles Charlotte wins, she’ll always come second to her daddy Ric Flair and at WrestleMania, she’ll come second to Stratton.

Flair asked Stratton if she was the first opponent to say that she’s come second to her dad? The fans were booing loudly, so Flair waited. It sounded like there were “Tiffy Time” chants. The fans kept booing so loudly. Flair said this is cool while the fans didn’t let her speak. Stratton said that when Charlotte was 25 years old, she was trying to be a volleyball player and hanging out in her daddy’s basement. Meanwhile, Stratton is going into WrestleMania as a 25-year-old WWE Women’s Champion. Stratton said Flair may be 4-3 at WrestleMania, but outside the ring, she ain’t the queen of shit. Flair mocked Stratton for having a squeaky voice. Stratton called her a nepo baby. Flair said she was the #1 nepo queen. Stratton said that when she beats Flair at WrestleMania, she’ll be like she is outside of the ring – alone. Stratton said that record is 0-3 and left referencing the three divorces of Flair. Flair said, “Hey Tiffany, is that why Kaiser is in my DMs?” Stratton left the ring at that point with her title held high.

Analysis: That was interesting and also very awkward toward the end. The crowd booing Flair so loudly threw her off big time because it looked like she forgot what she wanted to say and just let Stratton finish the promo. That led to Stratton taking the shot about Flair being divorced for a third time. It was noted by Wrestlevotes on X/Twitter that they went off script throughout the promo and it showed with what they said. The line at the end by Charlotte was a reference to Stratton dating Ludwig Kaiser so I guess Charlotte thought it would be funny to mention him at the end. I keep going back to the word “awkward” because that’s what it was. I’m not sure there is going to be heat on either woman or what, but they sure made it feel more personal and like there is heat between them.

Here is the full Tiffany Stratton and Charlotte Flair segment from #Smackdown
That was definitely NOT it 😭💀 pic.twitter.com/1bej9yAh1b
— Wrestling Pics & Clips (@WrestleClips) April 5, 2025

The SmackDown GM Nick Aldis said there will be a Women’s Tag Team Gauntlet Match featuring Raw and SmackDown teams. The winners will get a shot at the Women’s Tag Team Titles at WrestleMania.

The Street Profits entered as the WWE Tag Team Champions. They were there to watch the next match.

(Commercial)

Motor City Machine Guns – Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin vs. #DIY – Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano

This is a #1 contender’s match for a shot at the WWE Tag Team Titles held by The Street Profits, who were watching in the front row.

Shelley worked over Ciampa with punches and a clothesline over the top to the floor. Ciampa ran around the ring, Gargano got the tag and Gargano hit a slingshot Spear on Shelley as #DIY took over. They went to break for some fans while Gargano stomped on Shelley. Ciampa tagged in as #DIY hit some combo moves, including a running knee attack. Gargano and Ciampa continued to work over Shelley in their corner of the ring. Gargano tried an attack off the ropes, but Shelley hit him in the ribs. Ciampa tagged in, so Shelley hit him with a neckbreaker.

The match continued with Sabin getting the tag and he hit a cross body block off the top turnbuckle. Sabin hit an impressive DDT on Ciampa while also kicking Gargano out of the ring. Sabin hit a suicide dive onto both #DIY guys on the floor. Shelley was back in as the Guns hit some combo offense kicks and knees to the body. Gargano pulled Sabin off the top rope while Ciampa was distracting the referee. A turnbuckle pad was taken off as well. Sabin got a rollup on Ciampa for two. Ciampa hit a knee to the face and Ciampa hit a double knee attack to the back on Sabin for two. Gargano was back in for a Fairytale Ending/superkick combo for two because Shelley made the save. Sabin avoided Meet in the Middle and sent Ciampa into Gargano. The Guns hit some combo offense, including a running dropkick to the head. Gargano shoved Shelley off the top rope to the floor. Ciampa did a rollup for two because his feet were on the ropes and referee Charles Robinson saw it, so he stopped the count. Sabin sent Ciampa face first into the exposed steel turnbuckle leading to a ROLLUP OF DEATH~! by Sabin on Ciampa for the pinfall win after 10 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Motor City Machine Guns – Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin

Analysis: *** A clever finish to give the Guns the victory. Ciampa tried to cheat on the pin, but the referee stopped that and Sabin capitalized using the exposed steel to get the rollup for the win. Solid tag team wrestling match, but nothing special about it either.

After the match, The Motor City Machine Guns got in the faces of the Street Profits.

The Miz & Carmelo Hayes were walking backstage when they walked up to Pretty Deadly. Miz and Melo mocked PD. The PD boys trashed The Marine movies. Miz said at least the movies were being made. Miz asked how their musical was going. Pretty Deadly trashed Miz, so Miz said he was a 9-time Tag Team Champion and PD said he’s teamed with so many partners. PD said hat Miz was like Leonardo Dicaprio finding a different partner all the time. Anyway, there was more trash talk and it led to a match challenge.

B-Fab made her entrance for singles action.

(Commercial)

Naomi was about to make her entrance, but Jade Cargill showed up for an attack from behind. Jade beat up Naomi with punches. There were security guys who showed up to get Cargill off her. Naomi went into the ring.

Naomi vs. B-Fab

B-Fab worked over Naomi with punches and a spinning kick to the head. B-Fab hit a kick to the head for two. B-Fab went for a spin kick again, but Naomi avoided it and Naomi trapped B-Fab’s legs against the turnbuckle. Naomi kicked B-Fab’s head into turnbuckle. Naomi held onto the arms followed by a Codebreaker with the double knees for the pinfall win after two minutes. The announcers called it a kneeling Lungblower.

Winner by pinfall: Naomi

Analysis: *1/4 Easy win for Naomi. B-Fab got some offense, but it was more important to give Naomi a decisive win as a heel.

After the match, Naomi asked where Jade Cargill was and Naomi said she was still standing. Jade Cargill was in the ring and she kicked Naomi to knock her down. Jade went for Jaded, but security stopped it. Jade tossed the security guys out of the ring.

Nick Aldis said that he has seen enough of this, so he thinks there is only one solution. Aldis said that Naomi will go one on one with Jade Cargill at WrestleMania. Jade was happy about it while Naomi was smiling as well.

Analysis: I think Jade and Naomi have done a nice job of bringing the intensity in this rivalry. I’m happy that they are getting a WrestleMania match together.

Damian Priest was featured in a video saying that Drew McIntyre thinks he’s a victim. Priest said he did his job as Senor Money in the Bank to become the World Champion. Priest said that at Clash at the Castle, Drew screwed himself but Priest is the villain. Priest said that at Money in the Bank, Drew’s baggage followed him and he screwed himself. Priest said he eliminated Drew in the Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber. Priest said that Drew is a hypocrite who gets off on this eye for telling stupid jokes every week. Priest said that he is Drew’s villain, and the time to pray is now. Priest said that Drew should look for him in the middle of the ring next week, face to face, eye to eye. Priest wanted Drew to stop playing his victim and become his victim at WrestleMania.

Analysis: There’s a WrestleMania challenge from Damian Priest to Drew McIntyre, which was obviously coming based on this storyline.

Kevin Owens was shown walking backstage for a promo up next.

(Commercial)

A video aired about Triple H leading the Evolution stable to promote Triple H’s WWE Hall of Fame induction this year. It focused on the rise of the Evolution group with Triple H, Ric Flair, Randy Orton and Batista. They had a great run together on the Raw brand.

Kevin Owens Injury Update

The SmackDown GM Nick Aldis was in the ring in a suit saying it’s a cliché, but there’s a reason why they say don’t try this at home. Aldis said he wanted to let you hear more from the man himself, Kevin Owens.

Kevin Owens made his entrance wearing a Bret Hart jacket and he had a somber look on his face. Owens was booed on his way to the ring. Owens said he’s been doing this for 25 years and he thinks he can say confidently that he gave everything he had every time he stepped foot in this ring. Owens said that he got to experience things he’ll never forget and he got a chance to take care of his family in a way he can only dream of. Owens talked about how there’s a price to pay when you get into the ring. Owens said it seems like it is his turn to pay the price. Owens said for the last four months or so, he’s been dealing with a neck injury and this week they figured out what was wrong with it. Owens said now he has to go have neck surgery. Owens said that the timing couldn’t be worse because not getting to be in the ring with Randy Orton at WrestleMania really sucks. Owens thanked WWE for allowing him to tell us about his injury because he doesn’t know when he’ll be in front of us again. Owens said that in the last few years, he’s learned to never take anything for granted and he’ll never take this for granted. Owens said thank you and “I’m sorry, guys. Thank you.” Owens shook hands with Aldis and hugged him.

Analysis: The injury reports were true. Best wishes to KO. Amazing performer and a great career that I hope he’s able to continue in the future. I’m proud of my fellow Canadian, Kevin Owens. I was at Elimination Chamber when he had one of the best matches of his career with Sami Zayn. Neck surgeries can lead to long layoffs for wrestlers, which sometimes lead to a year-long absence. It depends on how serious the neck injury is, too. Anyway, I wish Owens all the best, and I will miss him while he’s gone. I truly hope he can make a full recovery so that he can wrestle again.

Say it ain't so…@FightOwensFight has to back out of #WrestleMania due to a neck injury.#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/Drtth3KW2B
— WWE (@WWE) April 5, 2025

Randy Orton made his entrance and did a slow walk out to the ring. Owens walked away when Orton made his way down to the ring. Aldis stood by Orton to say that unfortunately that means Orton no longer has a match for WrestleMania. The fans booed that. There were “RKO” chants so Orton jumped up and gave the GM Aldis the RKO. The fans popped for that. Orton stared at the WrestleMania sign as the fans sang his song.

Analysis: I hope there is still a match for Randy Orton at WrestleMania because he should be on the card. Perhaps they will have Nick Aldis face Orton since Nick is a wrestler who has yet to compete in a WWE ring. They could also have Aldis gets a surprise opponent for Orton and you can bring back Rusev or put somebody else in a spot like that.

(Commercial)

There was a Snickers “Hungry For Mania” moment shown about WrestleMania 1 in 1985.

Last Man Standing Match: Jacob Fatu vs. Braun Strowman

It’s Last Man Standing, so that means you have to keep your opponent down for ten seconds to win the match. The winner of this match gets a shot at the US Title at WrestleMania 41.

Fatu went after Braun on the floor, Braun was ready for him and Braun sent Fatu into the steel steps. Back in the ring, Fatu countered Braun and sent Braun into the turnbuckle. Fatu knocked Braun down with an elbow smash. Fatu jumped to the top rope leading to a top rope moonsault. Fatu hit another jump up moonsault. The fans wanted to see it again. Braun rolled out of the ring to land on his feet on the floor to break the count. They went to a break for some fans as the action continued. Fatu left the ring. Braun sent Fatu into the steel steps. Braun hit Fatu with the steel steps two times in a row. Braun threw Fatu into the Prime bottle stand at ringside. Braun hit an uppercut. Fatu countered Braun at ringside and sent Braun into the steel steps. Braun was up at the count of eight. Fatu hit a superkick on the floor.

The match continued with Fatu charging and Braun hit a spinebuster. The fans were chanting for a table, so Braun pulled out a table from under the ring. Braun put the table into the ring. Braun set up the table against the turnbuckle. Fatu hit a superkick. Braun stopped a charging Fatu with a boot to the face. Braun charged, Fatu pulled the rope down and Braun bumped out of the ring. Fatu hit a suicide dive that sent Braun over the commentary table to the floor. Fatu sent Braun face first into the ring post. Fatu charged, but Braun stopped that with a chair to the head, but I think Fatu got his hand up. Braun ran around the ring and tackled Fatu through the barricade at ringside. It wasn’t a Spear. It was Braun running over Fatu through the barricade. Braun and Fatu both got up at the count of 9. That was an awesome spot for a 9 count. The show went to a break for some fans at that point, while the action continued. Fatu and Braun went fighting into the crowd. Fatu hit Braun in the head with a trash can two times in a row. Braun fought back with the trash can and hit Fatu in the head a few times. They went fighting up the stairs so Braun used a chair that he used to hit Fatu in the body a few times. Braun hit Fatu with the chair in the back a few times.

They were fighting on some equipment crate and Braun gave Fatu a suplex through four or five tables that were strategically placed there. Referee Daphanie Lashaunn was counting and both guys were up at the 9 count. Both men made their way to the ringside area where they were limping around the ring and selling the physicality of this match. Braun crawled into the ring, so Fatu was on the other side of the ring and Fatu hit a running hip attack that sent Braun crashing through the table that was against the turnbuckle. The referee counted them down, so Fatu pulled himself up and he got up before the 10 count. Strowman got up right after the 10 count. Fatu collapsed to the mat after the bell. Jacob Fatu was announced as the winner. This match went 16 minutes.

Winner: Jacob Fatu

Analysis: **** That was an awesome match. It was a lot of fun to watch. It reminded me of some of the matches that Strowman had with Bronson Reed on Raw where they did a lot of creative moves as well. They busted their asses to have a very physical match that was full of creative spots throughout the match. I thought both guys did a great job of selling while also doing a nice job of getting up right before the ten count when they needed to. I really enjoyed the match and I recommend it. You don’t see four star matches on TV that often, so it’s nice to be treated to an excellent performance like that. Respect to Jacob and Braun. They crushed it.

Jacob Fatu is the last man standing and will challenge @RealLAKnight at #WrestleMania! 🔥#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/HHuvg5Fgud
— WWE (@WWE) April 5, 2025

The win by Jacob Fatu means he’ll face LA Knight for the US Title at WrestleMania 41.

Up next is a look back at Cody Rhodes and John Cena from Monday’s Raw.

(Commercial)

There was a video package recapping the Cody Rhodes-John Cena promo exchange from Raw this past Monday. Cena trashed Cody throughout the promo. Cody responded by calling Cena a “piece of s**t” among other things. It finally got physical as Cody dropped Cena with a Cross Rhodes.

Next week on SmackDown:

* Cody Rhodes returns to SmackDown

* Women’s Tag Team Gauntlet Match for a shot at the Women’s Tag Team Titles

* Rey Fenix vs. Berto

* Damian Priest & Drew McIntyre meet face-to-face

Paul Heyman was still in the parking lot awaiting the arrival of Roman Reigns. Byron Saxton asked when Reigns will arrive and Heyman mocked Saxton for the question. Heyman said “any minute.” Byron thanked Paul.

(Commercial)

Roman Reigns finally arrived at the building in a truck. Reigns walked out of the truck wearing an “Original Tribal Chief” shirt. Reigns walked from the backstage area and arrived in the arena with Paul Heyman walking behind him.

Let’s Hear from Roman Reigns, CM Punk & Seth Rollins

Roman Reigns did a power walk into the ring with Paul Heyman behind him. Reigns walked a lot faster than he normally does. This was one of the quickest Roman entrances there has been in many years.

Reigns: “Chicago, acknowledge me!” The fans cheered and put their fingers in the air for the OTC. Reigns asked, “Wise Man” Paul Heyman: “Is he here?” The fans chanted for CM Punk. Reigns asked if Punk was still talking about this favor and Heyman said yes. Reigns said he doesn’t know how Chicago deals with this guy. Reigns revealed that Punk wouldn’t be back here if it wasn’t for Reigns. Reigns said that Punk wouldn’t be in the main event of WrestleMania if it wasn’t for Reigns. Roman understands that people like him because he’s from their hometown and they mean well. Reigns said that Punk has wrestled legends and big names all over, but he had never been in a WrestleMania main event until he was introduced to The Tribal Chief. The fans chanted “OTC” for Reigns. Reigns said he’s there in the ring, so he wanted Punk to come out here so that Reigns could hear what this favor is.

Seth Rollins made his entrance, so the fans sang his song on his way to the ring as usual. Rollins went over his nicknames while saying he would never miss this for the world. Rollins thinks that the favor is going to knock Roman’s socks off. Rollins said every time Reigns steps outside of his universe, reality bites him in the ass. Rollins mentioned Heist of the Century and the main event of WrestleMania last year. The fans asked “What’s the favor?” and Rollins said he was wondering the same thing. Rollins said that Reigns thinks he’s above CM Punk and if you ignore Punk, he’s going to go away, but now Punk is in the main event of WrestleMania. Rollins recapped WarGames, the Steel Cage Match and said we’re waiting on this favor. Rollins said that he got some perspective, saying you either suffer and get left behind or adapt, and you control reality.

Reigns said that the reality is that Rollins is untrustworthy. Reigns said that Rollins has no idea about loyalty. Reigns said that he didn’t call Rollins out there, he called Punk out there. Rollins said he was there to hear from CM Punk, so there’s only one thing missing.

CM Punk made his second entrance of the night. Punk joined Reigns and Rollins in the ring. Punk said that this is about friendship, legacy, promises made and promises kept. Punk said that this is about loyalty. Punk said that this goes back to Louisville, Kentucky when they told Heyman to fire Punk and Heyman said no. Punk said that Heyman is the wise man beyond his years. Punk said that Heyman prophesied this on Raw many years ago. Punk said that on Big Show’s bus talking with Heyman, RVD and Show, saying that without Paul, Punk is nothing. Heyman told Punk that when he main events WrestleMania, “they” had to deal with Punk and Heyman. Punk said that “they” aren’t here anymore. Punk said that he’s going to force Reigns to deal with us. Punk said that at WrestleMania in the main event, in CM Punk’s corner is Roman’s “Wise Man” and Punk’s best friend…Paul Heyman. Rollins was laughing about it while Reigns wasn’t happy about it.

Reigns: “That’s the favor?” Reigns was laughing. Reigns told Punk that Heyman loves Reigns and Heyman needs Reigns. Reigns said even if he let him, Heyman wouldn’t do it. Reigns told the Wise Man to let this desperate fool down easy. There were “CM Punk” chants from the crowd. Heyman had tears in his eyes. Reigns: “Are you crying?” Reigns told Heyman to wipe them up and tell Punk no. Reigns said that he took Heyman in, he made Heyman relevant, and Reigns wanted Heyman to tell Punk no. Reigns told Heyman to tell Punk no.

Heyman: “No, my Tribal Chief, I can’t do that.” Rollins was laughing about it. Reigns backed Heyman into the turnbuckle. Punk attacked Reigns with punches. Punk gave Reigns a Go To Sleep while Heyman was sad about it. Rollins stared at Punk and Rollins had a smirk on his face. Rollins left the ring instead of fighting Punk. Punk did the “GTS” hand gesture over a fallen Reigns. That was the end of the show.

Analysis: There is the favor that I mentioned earlier in the review, and I’m sure many viewers predicted as well. CM Punk will have Paul Heyman in his corner at WrestleMania 41, while Roman Reigns is clearly not happy about it. As for Seth Rollins, he was laughing about it because he was enjoying the chaos. I thought it was well done. Perhaps they dragged it out too long and the Rollins part should have been shorter, but I thought the overall execution was very good.

They went three minutes past the top of the hour, so it ended at 11:03 p.m. ET.

.@CMPunk wants @HeymanHustle in his corner at #WrestleMania 👀#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/OmAZ1EJyoB
— WWE (@WWE) April 5, 2025

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Three Stars of the Show

Jacob Fatu/Braun Strowman
Rey Fenix
CM Punk/Roman Reigns
(tie) Kevin Owens. We will miss you. Get well soon, KO.

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The Scoreboard

8 out of 10

Last week: 6.75

2025 Average: 7.32

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Final Thoughts on WWE SmackDown

This was a great show that felt like one of the best SmackDown episodes of the year. The Jacob Fatu/Braun Strowman match was outstanding, while I really enjoyed the Rey Fenix/Nathan Frazer match too. Most of the other matches were solid. Naomi’s win was kept short.

That main event segment with CM Punk-Roman Reigns-Seth Rollins, and Paul Heyman was very good. We finally found out the favor, which left Reigns angry and Heyman emotional. Punk loved it. Rollins laughing about it was a nice touch too. Good job by everybody involved.

I also want to give a shoutout to Kevin Owens announcing that he needs neck surgery. That will likely lead to a long layoff and we’ll miss KO while he’s gone. I wish him all the best.

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