Reviews

The John Report: WWE SmackDown 04/11/25 Review

By John Canton • Published 11th April 2025

This is WWE SmackDown featuring words from Cody Rhodes, Drew McIntyre goes face to face with Damian Priest, a big Women’s Tag Team Gauntlet Match, and more.

It’s just eight days until WrestleMania 41 is here, my friends. It has been weird waiting until later in April for WrestleMania to get here, but I am anticipating the show. Last week’s SmackDown ended with CM Punk telling Paul Heyman that the favor Paul owes Punk means that Heyman will be in Punk’s corner at WrestleMania, not Roman Reigns. Seth Rollins laughed about it while Punk gave Reigns a GTS to end the show.

From the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington, this is SmackDown for episode #1338. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

There was some backstage walking shown of Drew McIntyre, Damian Priest, Berto with Legado Del Fantasma, Rey Fenix, and Cody Rhodes was signing merchandise.

It was Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett on commentary. Mark Nash was the ring announcer.

There was a recap of Kevin Owens announcing his serious neck injury that will require surgery. Randy Orton walked out to the ring, Owens left and Orton gave Smackdown GM Nick Aldis an RKO to end the segment.

Let’s Hear from Randy Orton and Nick Aldis

The SmackDown GM Nick Aldis said last week we witnessed a number of memorable moments and viral moments. Aldis said he was there to address one moment in particular. Aldis said he’s been instructed to maintain his professionalism and he’s a man of his word, so he’ll do just that. Aldis invited Randy Orton to the ring. Orton made his slow walk down to the ring while the fans cheered him.

Orton said that he can tell that Aldis took last week very personally. Orton reminded Aldis that he paid a fine in advance for dropping Aldis with an RKO, so Orton said they are even. Orton said that he wants to speak to Aldis because there isn’t a match for Orton at WrestleMania right now. Orton said this will be his 20th time competing at WrestleMania, so he needs this to happen. Orton said he needs an opponent. Orton told Aldis he didn’t care what it takes while suggesting that Aldis lose the suit for a night and he can gear up, but Orton needs a match.

Aldis talked about how successful WWE is right now, Orton is a major part and Aldis worked hard for 20 years to get here. Aldis said he didn’t need Orton’s money, he needed Orton’s respect. Orton said that Aldis had his respect a long time ago. Orton warned Aldis that if you don’t deliver for him, then Orton can’t promise that he will apologize to Mickie James about what Orton will do to Nick if he doesn’t get his match. Mickie is Nick’s wife. Good people.

Analysis: It was an interesting promo exchange. I thought Orton did a good job of being a fired up babyface who the fans were strongly behind. Aldis was booed a bit as the GM, but he is mostly liked by the fans. The tease of Aldis wrestling was cool and I hope Nick gets that chance because he’s never wrestled in WWE yet, so hopefully that can happen for him.

Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga interrupted the promo. Solo wanted Orton to get out of the ring to stop embarrassing himself. Solo told Orton it’s over for him. Solo said that Orton is in the past. Orton said that next week LA Knight will be in the past because Jacob Fatu is walking out as the new United States Champion. Solo told Orton he’ll be sitting at home all alone.

Orton was fired up while mocking Tama’s “yeah yeah yeah” thing. Orton said that the voices have been talking and he has this pent up frustration, so Orton called for them to come fight him and Orton will show Seattle how to beat up two Samoan boys. Orton attacked Tama and Solo, but the numbers game got the best of Orton, so Tama & Solo stomped Orton against the turnbuckle. LA Knight made the save with punches for Tama and Solo. Orton was back up fighting Tama. Knight kicked Solo out of the ring while Orton gave Tama an uppercut out of the ring.

LA Knight said it’s the same thing again and again with those guys. Knight said that Solo was speaking his name, so Knight put his fist in Solo’s mouth. Knight said that Orton and he didn’t get enough. Knight suggested a tag team match later tonight. Nick Aldis said he felt good about that, so let’s do it. Knight wrapped it up with a “Yeah” to end the segment.

Analysis: It was an easy way to set up the main event of the show. Solo Sikoa also doesn’t have a match at WrestleMania, so it makes sense to put him against Randy Orton since Solo has had a lot of big matches over the last two years.

The WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez were walking backstage to watch a match up next.

(Commercial)

The tag team match is official: Randy Orton & LA Knight vs. Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga

Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez, the Women’s Tag Team Champions, were watching from ringside. Whoever wins this match gets a shot at the Women’s Tag Team Titles at WrestleMania 41.

Women’s Tag Team Gauntlet Match #1: Bayley & Lyra Valkyria vs. Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark

The team of Bayley and Women’s Intercontinental Champion Lyra Valkyria were my pick to win this and they are starting the match. Baszler took down Bayley and wanted to stomp the arm, but Bayley moved out of the way. Stark tagged in, so Bayley took her down with an armbar. Stark hit a clothesline. Baszler tagged in with a stomp on Bayley’s left arm. Lyra tagged in with a sweep kick on Baszler and a Northern Lights Suplex for two. Baszler avoided a kick, but Lyra kicked Baszler out of the ring. Stark made the tag moments earlier and hit a missile dropkick for two. Baszler was back in with a suplex and Stark jumped off the ropes with a neckbreaker on Lyra for two because Bayley made the save. Bayley sent Stark into the barricade. Lyra tripped up Baszler into a jackknife pin for the win.

Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark have been eliminated

The team of Natalya and Maxxine Dupri were up next in matching pink gear. The show went to break for some fans as the action continued.

Women’s Tag Team Gauntlet Match #2: Bayley & Lyra Valkyria vs. Natalya & Maxxine Dupri

Natalya started for her team with an armbar on Lyra. Natalya hit an elbow to the head along with a side headlock. Natalya hit a shoulder tackle and Bayley tagged in. Bayley tripped up Natalya and Lyra was back in to hit a forearm smash to Natalya’s left arm.

Lyra shoved Natalya down and broke free, so Bayley tagged in with a knee to Natalya’s face. Nataly hit a discus clothesline on Bayley. Dupri tagged in with a cross body block off the top for two. Dupri hit a spin kick on Bayley. Dupri hit a Fisherman’s Suplex. Dupri splashed Bayley and Lyra against the turnbuckle. Dupri did her reverse Caterpillar into an elbow drop for two. Dupri teased a Sharpshooter, but Bayley grabbed her head and Bayley cradled Dupri for the pinfall win. Natalya was upset with Dupri about that.

Natalya & Maxxine Dupri have been eliminated

Women’s Tag Team Gauntlet Match #3: Bayley & Lyra Valkyria vs. Kayden Carter & Katana Chance

The team of Chance & Carter were very aggressive to start the match. Bayley came back and got a nearfall. Carter hit a running kick to the face of Lyra. Chance tagged in for the Keg Stand double team splash for two. Carter hit a twisting suicide dive onto Bayley on the floor. Chance got a sunset flip on Lyra for two. Lyra caught Chance on her shoulders and Lyra hit a Nightwing sitout slam for the pinfall win.

Kayden Carter & Katana Chance have been eliminated

It was Michin & B-Fab up next as the show went to break for some fans.

Women’s Tag Team Gauntlet Match #4: Bayley & Lyra Valkyria vs. Michin & B-Fab

B-Fab was in control of Lyra with a shoulder tackle and a neckbreaker. Michin tagged in for a double team suplex on Lyra for two. Michin worked over Lyra with kicks. Lyra avoided a knee and go a rollup for two. Lyra kicked Michin away. Lyra hit a suplex. Michin pulled Lyra back into the middle of the ring to prevent the tag. I think they were timing it so they did the tag when the show returns. B-Fab hit a spin kick and DDT on Lyra for two.

The show returned with B-Fab hitting a pump kick on Lyra for two. Michin was back in, so Lyra hit an enziguri kick to bring in Bayley. Michin avoided a charging Bayley and hit a jumping kick. Michin hit a Tornado DDT for two. B-Fab was back in with a kick to the head. B-Fab hit a spinning neckbreaker for two because Lyra made the save. Michin dropkicked Lyra out of the ring. Michin hit a suicide dive onto Lyra on the floor. Bayley blocked a kick by B-Fab and Bayley hit a Roseplant on B-Fab for the pinfall win.

Michin & B-Fab have been eliminated

The Secret Hervice team was last in the gauntlet match.

Women’s Tag Team Gauntlet Match #5: Bayley & Lyra Valkyria vs. The Secret Hervice – Piper Niven & Alba Fyre (w/Chelsea Green)

The Hervice ladies were in control early in this match as Fyre sent Bayley into the barricade. Niven sent Lyra into the steel steps on the other side of the ring. Fyre & Niven hit a double team suplex on Bayley. Niven hit a senton splash. They went to break as the Secret Hervice teams remained in control.

Niven worked over Bayley with a body slam while Fyre tagged in and Niven slammed Fyre onto Bayley for two. Bayley countered both opponents with a double DDT. Lyra got the hot tag with a cross body block on Niven and she hit Fyre to knock her out of the ring. Lyra hit a Tornado DDT on Niven. Lyra wanted a suplex, but Niven countered Lyra with a suplex. Niven went to the turnbuckle for nothing, so Lyra could hit a Powerbomb. Bayley tagged in and hit an elbow drop off the top for just a one count on Niven. The heels took over again as Niven hit a Bossman Slam. Fyre tagged in, Niven held Bayley in the air and Fyre hit a Senton Bomb for two because Lyra knocked Niven into the pin attempt so it was just a two count. Bayley battled with Fyre leading to Bayley hitting a Bayley to Belly on Fire. Lyra knocked Niven out of the ring. Lyra slid under Niven on the apron and Bayley hit a dropkick, so Lyra gave Niven a Powerbomb on the floor. Fyre rolled up Bayley for two. Fyre hit a superkick on Bayley for two. Lyra tagged in, Bayley hit the Roseplant on Fyre and Lyra went up top and hit a top rope leg drop to the back of the head for the pinfall win. The entire match went about 31 minutes.

The Secret Hervice – Piper Niven & Alba Fyre have been eliminated.

Winners by pinfall: Bayley & Lyra Valkyria

Analysis: ***1/4 It was an impressive win by Bayley & Lyra. The last fall was the best one of the five falls in the match. Out of all the teams in this Gauntlet Match, it made sense for Bayley & Lyra to win since Bayley’s a big star while Lyra is a champion, so having them team up to get to WrestleMania makes sense.

After the match, WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez got in the faces of Bayley & Lyra Valkyria. They pointed at the WrestleMania sign because that’s a WrestleMania match.

The announcers were shown on camera with Joe Tessitore saying that Tiffany Stratton & Charlotte Flair were facing disciplinary actions for what happened last week. Joe claimed that Flair was asked to go home due to some sort of incident with Stratton earlier in the day. They did not show it.

Analysis: They did a spot where Charlotte Flair attacked Tiffany Stratton in the parking lot and a lot of fans filmed it, so it got shared online. Good job of furthering the angle.

OMG Charlotte Flair just attacked Tiffany Stratton before #SmackDown in Seattle!! @MsCharlotteWWE @tiffstrattonwwe pic.twitter.com/qswAXv2fyK
— taylor zuczek (@taylorzuczek) April 11, 2025

A replay was shown of Damian Priest slamming Drew McIntyre on a car windshield two weeks ago.

It was announced that the Drew McIntyre-Damian Priest match at WrestleMania 41 will be a Steel City Street Fight.

Damian Priest was shown walking backstage for the face to face.

(Commercial)

There was a “Hungry For Mania” Moment sponsored by Snickers. They showed The Rock beating Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania 18 in a memorable match. One of the best crowds ever.

Face To Face: Damian Priest and Drew McIntyre

Damian Priest made his way down to the ring. Drew McIntyre attacked Priest from behind with a forearm to the back. Drew had an eye patch covering his right eye. McIntyre rammed Priest’s head into the LED boards a few times. There were WWE Officials and security that showed up and took Priest backstage.

Drew McIntyre asked if you are starting to see now. Drew said that everybody can see that Drew always tells the truth and every action is justified, including dropping Priest’s stupid ass. Drew said that Priest benefitted every time Drew was screwed. Drew said that Priest challenged Drew to a Sin City Street Fight and Drew still accepted with one eye because that’s the man he is. Drew said that this match is a year in the making. Drew told Priest he’ll give him the beating of a lifetime. Drew said that he had some good news. Drew took his eyepatch off. Drew said that he is 100% cleared, so that means that Priest is 100% screwed.

Analysis: A strong promo from Drew McIntyre as usual. I want to see Drew get into the WWE Title picture after WrestleMania.

Damian Priest walked back out into the arena, he knocked security guys down and Priest went down to the ring to fight with Drew. Priest bounced off the ropes with a clothesline, a splash against the turnbuckle and Priest clotheslined Drew out of the ring. Priest was pulled back by WWE Officials, so Drew gouged Priest’s eyes. Drew picked up the steel steps and hit Priest in the head with the steps. Drew gave Priest a Future Shock DDT on the steel steps, which is also a painful bump for Drew, but he got back up. Drew took the necklace that Priest was wearing and Priest had a dazed look on his face.

Analysis: It was a vicious attack. Since they are having a Sin City Street Fight at WrestleMania, it makes sense to have an attack with weapons. Drew did an awesome job while Priest sold it well. I thought it was an effective segment in terms of building the feud more.

The #DIY boys Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano were backstage talking to Pretty Deadly. Gargano said they were screwed in their match last week. Ciampa said it was a conspiracy. Wilson and Prince mocked them for losing their minds. Ciampa was right about the exposed steel turnbuckle. Pretty Deadly said “no boy” to them. PD left. Motor City Machine Guns said that they are focused on next week getting a WWE Tag Team Title match against The Street Profits. Alex Shelley said it was no conspiracy because it was karma.

Analysis: It’s disappointing that the WWE Tag Team Title match is on SmackDown next week and not on the WrestleMania card. The SD tag team division has been good and they should be rewarded with a WrestleMania match.

Berto made his entrance with his Legado Del Fantasma allies Santos Escobar and Angel. Escobar told Berto to go win the match, so Escobar and Angel left to the back.

(Commercial)

There was a video package about Triple H winning King of the Ring 1997, which was a big moment in his career. It was shown to promote Triple H in the WWE Hall of Fame. Good call not showing the Hogpen Match. It was about three months after KOTR 1997 when the name “Triple H” was used for Hunter Hearst Helmsely as well.

Rey Fenix vs. Berto

This is Fenix’s second WWE match. Fenix charged, so Berto hit a clothesline and Fenix did a flip bump. Fenix hooked the arms leading to a two count. Berto came back with an enziguri kick. Berto kicked Fenix. When Fenix went to the turnbuckle, Berto sent Fenix out of the ring and Berto hit a dive over the top onto Fenix. They went to break as Berto sent Fenix into the steel steps. Back in the ring, Berto worked over Fenix with punches. Fenix reversed Berto into a cradle for two. Berto was back up with a kick to knock Fenix down. Fenix was on the floor selling, so Berto kicked him while he was there. Fenix kicked Berto, but Berto came back with a backbreaker for two.

Fenix avoided a charging Berto, then Fenix jumped to the top and Fenix hit a missile dropkick. Fenix worked over Berto with chops. Fenix hit a turnbuckle leap with a headbutt. Fenix did a double stomp on Berto’s back while Berto was on the apron. Fenix ran the ropes leading to a corkscrew plancha over the top onto Berto on the floor. Back in the ring, Fenix hit a flipping splash for two. Berto set up Fenix on the top rope and Berto hit a springboard kick to the head for two. Berto did a sunset flip followed by a sitout Powerbomb for two. They were standing on the turnbuckle, Fenix fought free and Fenix did a springboard top rope Frankensteiner for two. Berto came back with a jumping kick to the head. Feni bounced off the ropes leading to a hook kick. Berto hit another impressive Powerbomb for two. Berto tried a moonsault, but Fenix got the boots up to block it. Fenix ran the ropes leading to a kick and a springboard spin kick. Fenix hit the Mexican Muscle Buster (MMB) for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Rey Fenix

Analysis: ***1/2 It was a fun match with Fenix getting the win. No doubt about the winner here. Fenix sold a lot for most of the first half of the match, but then Fenix made his comeback and it was fun to watch. They are booking Rey Fenix very well, just like they did with Penta when he debuted on the main roster.

After the match, Santos Escobar went into the ring and told Berto that Rey Fenix beat him. Escobar told Berto to shake Fenix’s hand. Berto shook Fenix’s hand quickly and left. Escobar shook Fenix’s hand.

Roxanne Perez was backstage with Byron Saxton, who was outside Nick Aldis’ office door. Perez said that at 23 years old she’s ready to steal the show. Perez said that Ava doesn’t know how to use her for Stand & Deliver so Perez is here. Perez said that Tiffany Stratton can’t handle the pressure. Roxanne Perez walked in saying that Perez can learn from her. Perez and Stratton argued. Stratton challenged Perez to a match. Aldis said he’ll think about it and told Stratton to cool off. Stratton left.

A look back at some CM Punk-Paul Heyman history was next.

(Commercial)

A video aired about the CM Punk-Paul Heyman friendship. There were clips from their past when Paul Heyman believed in CM Punk in OVW in 2006 and into Punk’s first WWE run. There were clips from Punk and Heyman in the early 2010s talking about how much they believed in each other while putting over their friendship.

Chelsea Green was knocking on the WWE Trainers Room door saying she needed Alba Fyre and Piper Niven with her at ringside, so the idea was that Alba and Piper were too hurt to help Green for the next match. Zelina Vega walked up to Green and said it’s too bad that Green won’t have her help with her. Vega said we’ll see what kind of champion Green is.

Zelina Vega made her entrance for her match up next.

(Commercial)

There was a video of a dark room with smoke filling it, and we could see a chair along with some candles, but then it cut out quickly. It’s likely for Aleister Black’s return.

Chelsea Green vs. Zelina Vega

This was not for Green’s Women’s US Title. Green dropkicked Vega out of the ring. Green sent Vega into the barricade. Green sent Vega’s head into the commentary table. Green was yelling at the announcers to find her Secret Hervice. The referee called for the bell because Green was counted out since he reached a ten count. I didn’t even realize it. This match was under two minutes.

Winner by countout: Zelina Vega

Analysis: 1/2* That was quick. I don’t know what happened there. I think Green legitimately didn’t get back in the ring in time and the referee didn’t stop his count, so she was counted out. I’m assuming Vega was going to win, but I doubt it was going to be a countout like that.

Legado Del Fantasma was backstage. Santos Escobar said he was extremely disappointed in Berto. Escobar wanted Angel to come with him to congratulate Rey on a job well done.

The announcers talked about what’s coming up later.

Andrade went up to Berto saying that you are a great wrestler. Andrade told Berto to keep his head up. Berto told Andrade to mind his own business.

The WWE Champion Cody Rhodes was up next.

(Commercial)

Naomi was featured in a backstage video. Naomi called Jade Cargill a snake. Naomi laughed about taking Jade out. Naomi said that when she took Jade out, her friendship with Bianca got stronger. Naomi said that there’s no more of this fake loyalty. Naomi said she’s going to get hers. Naomi said that at WrestleMania, she advises Jade to produce with caution.

Jade Cargill was shown in her own backstage video. Jade said time is running out. Jade said Naomi tried to take Jade out because of Naomi’s own insecurities. Jade told Naomi that the glow is fading and she’s trying to stay relevant. Jade said Naomi was jealous of Jade having so much star power and so much glow. Jade said she’s not a rookie anymore because she is Naomi’s biggest threat. Jade said that a storm is coming.

Analysis: Nice job by both women. I have enjoyed Naomi’s heel run. I like the “caution” thing she does with her gear along with her promos. I think Jade will beat Naomi at WrestleMania.

Let’s Hear From Cody Rhodes

The ring was full with different iterations of the WWE Championship. They were displayed on podiums in the ring. The Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes made his entrance to a big pop as usual. Cody was in a suit while he greeted fans on his way to the ring. Cody will defend the WWE Title against John Cena at WrestleMania 41.

Cody Rhodes put his Undisputed WWE Title on a podium in the middle of the ring. The fans were singing “Cody, Cody Rhodes” like the European crowds, so Cody let them do it. Cody said Seattle has always been good to him. Cody said that this is the denotation of excellence. Cody said that this right here simply says you are the best wrestler in the world. Cody said he’s been blessed to carry this, but this won’t always be him. Cody said it’s about their right to keep this at home. Cody said that it’s about the next 20 WWE Champions like Shawn’s NXT kids, WWE ID talent or some kid watching this right now. Cody said that there is one man trying to take all that away – John Cena. The fans booed. The fans did the classic “Let’s Go Cena/Cena Sucks” chant.

Cody said that Cena has neglected to make Seattle part of his farewell tour. Cody said that Cena will be on Smackdown in Las Vegas next week. Cody said that Cody’s placement of his tattoo makes Cody a common fan. Cody: “So what?” Cody said he doesn’t think he is somebody, he wants to be somebody. Cody pointed at the various WWE Titles while referencing “Latino Heat” for one of them so the fans chanted “Eddie” for Eddie Guerrero. Cody spun the Spinner WWE Title and said that Cena carried the company on his back for ten years. Cody said that he doesn’t see the Spinner WWE Title as a bad thing. Cody reminded Cena that Cody is the WWE Champion while Cena was not. Cody thinks that this may be the one time in his life where he could teach Cena a lesson. Cody told the fans that they are allowed to love somebody else. Cody mentioned all the great wrestlers on the roster saying that Cody is the Captain, but they make eachother better. Cody said that he has to halt history and stop Cena’s quest to win the WWE Title. Cody said that he’ll tell Cena the same thing he told Brock and Roman. Cody said that he is at his best when his back is against the wall. Cody said he fights and he wrestles. Cody said that after it’s over, he’ll leave Cena to say goodbye. Cody said that Cena knows his time is up, so that’s why Cena did what he did. Cody said that his time will be up soon, but until then this WWE Title is timeless, this stays home and this stays with us. Cody held up the WWE Title as his music played to end it.

Analysis: It was a typical Cody Rhodes babyface promo that he does very well. Some babyfaces might come off as phony, but Cody feels genuine when he speaks and that’s why the fans love him so much.

Next week on SmackDown:

* John Cena returns

* Men’s Andre The Giant Battle Royal

* Zelina Vega, Katana Chance & Kayden Carter vs. Chelsea Green, Piper Niven & Alba Fyre

* WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits vs. Motor City Machine Guns

The Street Profits were interviewed by Byron Saxton. Montez Ford said that they like Motor City. Profits said that the Guns said that they don’t care about some of the things about the Street Profits do and Ford said you can’t care about things you don’t have. Angelo Dawkins said that the Motor City Machine Guns have been doing this for 20 years, but the Profits run this division. The Miz & Carmelo Hayes interrupted. The Miz said that the fact that those titles are not on the WrestleMania card is a slap to the face to everybody who has held those titles. The Miz said he’s going to get his 10th Tag Team Title. The Miz said they are Melo Don’t Miz, they are Awes-him (instead of Awesome) and Melo said that they want the smoke.

Analysis: I don’t remember the last time that The Miz has won a match, so it’s a bit of a stretch for him to talk about being a champion. It’s been a long time. Anyway, it’s not The Street Profits fault that the titles are absent from WrestleMania. It’s the creative team that has to be better.

The WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton made her entrance for singles action.

(Commercial)

Tiffany Stratton vs. Roxanne Perez

This was not for Stratton’s Women’s WWE Tile. Stratton knocked down Perez with a shoulder tackle. Perez jumped on Stratton’s back and got a take down. Perez did a hair pull takedown. Perez slapped Stratton, so Stratton slapped back. Stratton hit two arm drags. Stratton hit two suplexes in a row for two. Perez did a dreaded eye poke and sent Stratton shoulder first into the ring post. Perez stomped on Stratton’s arm on the apron. They went to a break for some fans while I’ll take a break too.

It was Stratton in control with a cartwheel leading to a back elbow against the turnbuckle. Stratton hit a spinebuster for two. Perez countered Stratton, leading to a pin attempt. Stratton hit a Powerbomb for two. Stratton went for a running attack, Perez avoided it and Perez hit an uppercut. Perez went for a springboard moonsault, but Stratton got the knees up. Stratton went to the turnbuckle, Perez held onto the legs and Perez hit a Russian legsweep Perez hit a handstand, leading to knees to the back for a two count. Perez and Stratton hit counter moves for two counts. Perez spun around Stratton’s body, leading to a slam into the mat. Perez applied a Crossface submission, Stratton got out of it and Stratton hit a rolling senton. Stratton hit the Prettiest Moonsault Ever off the top rope for the pinfall win. It went about nine minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Tiffany Stratton

Analysis: *** A good match to put over the champion Stratton. Perez is one of the best women in all of WWE, while Stratton does a nice job of selling and doing the babyface comeback. That Prettiest Moonsault Ever looks great every time.

After the match, Charlotte Flair pulled Tiffany Stratton out of the ring and Flair threw Stratton into the barricade. Flair threw Stratton into the ring post. Flair threw Stratton over the commentary table. There were WWE Officials at ringside to keep the women apart. Wade Barrett got into Flair’s face, telling her that she’s going to get herself fired if she does more, so Flair stopped. Flair stood on the commentary table. That was it.

Analysis: It was a vicious and cheap attack by Charlotte Flair. She didn’t do that much, but she threw Stratton into objects and Stratton bumped well.

(Commercial)

There was a video package about the CM Punk-Roman Reigns-Seth Rollins match at WrestleMania 41. Punk informed Reigns that his favor from Paul Heyman was that Heyman would be in Punk’s corner. Punk gave Reigns a GTS to end Smackdown last week. This past Monday on Raw, Rollins threatened to beat up Heyman, but CM Punk made the save. Rollins got the advantage on Punk with The Stomp. Rollins stopped himself from doing The Stomp to Heyman and Rollins said Heyman owed Rollins a favor.

The WrestleMania 41 Saturday (April 19) lineup was shown:

* CM Punk (w/Paul Heyman) vs. Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins

* Naomi vs. Jade Cargill

* World Tag Team Championships: War Raiders (c) vs. The New Day

* Rey Mysterio vs. El Grande Americano

* United States Championship: LA Knight (c) vs. Jacob Fatu

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

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

The WrestleMania 41 Sunday (April 20) lineup was shown:

* WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Raquel Rodriguez & Liv Morgan (c) vs. Bayley & Lyra Valkyria

* Sin City Street Fight: Drew McIntyre vs. Damian Priest

* Intercontinental Championship: Bron Breakker (c) vs. Penta vs. Finn Balor vs. Dominik Mysterio

* AJ Styles vs. Logan Paul

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

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

Analysis: There will be a few more matches added, but it’s nice to know officially what’s on the card and what’s on each day.

It was main event time as Randy Orton made his entrance.

(Commercial)

Randy Orton & LA Knight vs. Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga

Tama worked over Knight strikes and a running splash. Solo tagged in with a back elbow to knock Knight down. Knight tossed Solo out of the ring. Orton tagged in with punches and a clothesline. Orton hit a powerslam on Solo, along with a powerslam on Tama. Orton gave Solo a draping DDT off the ropes. Tama was back in the ring, so he shoved Orton into a Samoan Drop by Solo. Tama sent Knight off the apron and Orton was isolated at that point. They went to a break for some fans as the action continued. Tama tagged in with a sliding clothesline on the floor. Solo took over against Orton with punches. Orton came back with punches, a headbutt was a bad idea and Solo headbutted Orton to knock him down. Tama tagged in with a senton splash on Orton. Solo was back in with a chinlock. Orton broke free with punches, but Solo knocked Orton down with a punch. Solo punched Knight off the apron.

Solo kept Orton from tagging out for a few moments. Orton hit a belly-to-back suplex on Solo. Knight got the hot tag against Tama. Knight hit some elbow smashes along with a Russian legsweep. Knight stomped on Tama against the turnbuckle and Knight hit a running knee. Knight hit a neckbreaker on Solo. Knight followed up with a powerslam on Solo. Knight hit his running elbow drop for two because Solo made the save. Solo hit a Samoan Spike on Knight. Orton hit Solo with an uppercut to knock him out of the ring. Orton hit an RKO on Tama. Orton sent Solo over the barricade. Orton and Solo went fighting into the crowd. Knight and Tama got back up at the same time, they went back to back and Knight hit BFT for the pinfall win. It went about 9 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: LA Knight & Randy Orton

Analysis: **3/4 A solid main event tag team match. Orton was the face in peril for most of it, then he went fighting with Solo through the crowd and Knight got the easy win. Tama is there to take the pinfalls. Orton and Sikoa fighting into the crowd sets them up for WrestleMania most likely.

After the match, Jacob Fatu went into the ring and superkicked his WrestleMania opponent Knight. Fatu hit a running senton splash. Fatu hit Knight with multiple headbutts. Fatu hit a running hip attack against the turnbuckle. Fatu hit a double jump moonsault off the top rope. Fatu held up the US Title in the air and then he threw it down. Fatu hit another double jump moonsault off the top onto Knight. Fatu’s music played as he held the US Title. That was the end of the show.

Analysis: That Knight-Fatu feud needed that. There’s not much of a story for them, so getting heat on Fatu for a cheap attack is an easy way to build some heat between them. That’s fine with me.

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Three Stars of the Show

Drew McIntyre
Randy Orton
Rey Fenix, Bayley & Lyra Valkyria

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The Scoreboard

7.25 out of 10

Last week: 8

2025 Average: 7.32

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Final Thoughts on WWE SmackDown

I thought that last week’s show was one of the best SmackDown episodes of the year, if not the best. This one felt like more of a typical Smackdown this year. Yes, they did advance some of the WrestleMania stories and that’s good to see. Drew McIntyre really stood out with his performance while Damian Priest sold it perfectly. It looks like Randy Orton against Solo Sikoa is the plan for WrstleMania.

The Rey Fenix-Berto match was a lot of fun for the time given. Bayley & Lyra Valkyria going the distance to win the Gauntlet Match is a smart way to make them look credible as a team in their first match together. The main event was just an average tag team match.

One more Raw and one more SmackDown before WrestleMania 41. Bring it on.

WWE WrestleMania 41 takes place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on April 19 & 20.