Reviews

The John Report: WWE SmackDown 04/18/25 Review

By John Canton • Published 18th April 2025
WWE Smackdown April 18 tjrwrestling review

This is WWE SmackDown featuring John Cena & Cody Rhodes, The Street Profits face Motor City Machine Guns, the Andre The Giant Battle Royal, and more.

It is the final SmackDown before WrestleMania 41 begins on Saturday, April 19 and April 20. I’ve written a lot of content over the last few days and contributed a lot to our TJRWrestling news section.

WrestleMania 41 Preview – All the matches, my picks for the winners and some twists/turns along the way.

Ranking John Cena’s 16 WWE World Title Wins – A long column looking back all 16 of John Cena’s WWE World Title wins with reviews of those matches, my current thoughts on those matches and a ranking of those matches.

NXT Stand & Deliver Preview – It’s NXT Stand & Deliver on Saturday before WrestleMania 41, so I previewed that show too.

This is going to be a loaded SmackDown with a commercial free first hour, wrestlers from both Raw & SmackDown and a lot of hype for WrestleMania 41.

From the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, this is SmackDown for episode #1339. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

The commentary team was Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett. Mark Nash was the ring announcer. It’s a commercial-free first hour this week.

Let’s Hear from Seth Rollins

Seth Rollins made his entrance in a unique flowery suit while the fans sang his song on his way to the ring. Seth welcomed us to Friday Night Rollins. Seth looked at the WrestleMania sign and threw his sunglasses down. There was a big WWE logo in center ring, so Rollins sat in the ring with his legs crossed like CM Punk. The fans were chanting “CM Punk” before that. There were “OTC” chants.

Rollins said that CM Punk came back to wrestling because the fans were chanting his name for 10 long years. Rollins said when Punk came back to the ring it wasn’t a WWE ring. Rollins wondered if Punk came back because of the fans or when somebody wrote a big, fat check. But when he burned that bridge, he did finally come back to WWE. Rollins said that it was because they wrote him another big, fat check. Rollins said “tell me when I’m telling lies” like Punk used to say. Rollins told the fans that he doesn’t care about the fans and he doesn’t care about WWE. Rollins said that Punk is a liar, a fraud and a coward.

Rollins said that the OTC doesn’t even pretend to care about the fans or care about WWE. Rollins said you can “believe that” like Reigns used to say. Rollins said that Reigns is in the Mr. Roman Reigns business since he’s about the private jet, limited schedule and handpicked opponents. The fans chanted “Roman, Roman Reigns” like the European crowds. Rollins said that Reigns loves that. Rollins said that Reigns and Punk know nothing about sacrifice while Rollins knows everything about sacrifice.

Rollins said that their story started 12 years ago with Paul Heyman. Rollins said that Heyman brought Rollins, Reigns and Dean Ambrose into WWE to be a shield for CM Punk. Rollins said he sacrificed everything he had to be that shield and did he get any of the credit? Absolutely not. Rollins said that everybody in the back wanted the cameras and the spotlight on Roman Reigns. Rollins said that it was always about Reigns being the next John Cena, the next cash cow and Reigns was in the spotlight every year. Rollins said in the background after Punk took his ball and went home, Rollins heard echoes of “CM Punk” chants. Meanwhile, Rollins was making every show, in the ring every night sacrificing everything that I had and it all came to a head in the main event of WrestleMania 40. Rollins said his knee was hanging on by a threat, his stepdad was dying of cancer, but he was there at the end to be a shield to make sure that Roman Reigns (and he lost). The fans sang Seth’s song.

Rollins said that the story started 12 years ago and it ends tomorrow night in the most important triple threat match in the history of this industry. Rollins said he’d do what he’s done over the last 12 years – lay it all on the line, sacrifice everything that he has to make sure that this business, this company and this industry moves forward in the right direction. Rollins ended it with Paul Heyman line saying that’s not a prediction, that’s a spoiler. Rollins tossed the microphone to end it.

Analysis: I thought it was a great promo from Seth Rollins. He made a lot of valid points about being a workhorse for WWE while Punk was gone for a decade and Reigns works a limited schedule, which is true. I am picking Punk in that match, but it really could go either way and I think it will be awesome to watch. I don’t agree about it being the most important triple threat match, but what else are they going to say? They need to try to sell it.

The announcers went over the WrestleMania 41 card. The WrestleMania 41 Saturday (April 19) lineup:

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

* Naomi vs. Jade Cargill

* World Tag Team Championships: The 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:

* 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

The Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal was next. Rey Fenix’s entrance was shown. That was followed by a video about the Andre The Giant Battle Royal about Andre and the battle royal that started in 2014. The ring was full shortly after that.

Andre The Giant Battle Royal

It was mentioned by Wade Barrett that 26 male wrestlers were in there, so I guess that’s the official numbers. R-Truth eliminated Carlito after a comedy spot involving an apple and The Miz eliminated Truth. The Miz and Carmelo Hayes nearly eliminated Karrion Kross. Los Garza hit a double team superkick on Fenix. Fenix countered Berto with a hurricanrana to eliminate Berto and Fenix did an uppercut punch on Angel to eliminate Angel. Grayson Waller and Austin Theory eliminated Pretty Deadly’s Kit Wilson and Elton Prince at the same time. Tyler Bate hit an impressive double clothesline on Theory and Waller. Ludwig Kaiser nearly dumped out Bate, then Bate pulled himself back up and Kaiser hit a dropkick to eliminate Bate. Pete Dunne tried to dump out Kaiser, but didn’t get it done. Santos Escobar tried to work with Fenix, but Fenix didn’t seem to agree and Fenix dumped Escobar over the top to the floor. Otis tossed Akira Tozawa at the Creeds, but that was a mistake because Brutus eliminated Tozawa. Otis hit a double clothesline on both Creeds and Otis eliminated himself with that clothesline too. Andrade tossed Waller and Theory out back to back. Chad Gable was kicked by five luchadores in a row and Fenix dumped Gable over the top to the floor. Shinsuke Nakamura kicked Joaquin Wilde off the top to the floor. Cruz Del Toro was punched off the top by Karrion Kross.

Kross told Del Toro that Rey was using him. Kross nailed Dragon Lee with a forearm smash. Dragon Lee countered Kross and Lee dumped Kross to eliminate him. Lee did a hurricanrana to Nakamura, but Nakamura came back with a kick. Nakamura suplexed Lee over the top to the floor. Dunne and Kaiser nearly eliminated eachother as they fought on the apron. Kaiser managed to get back in the ring. Dunne used his legs to flip Kaiser over the top to the floor. Carmelo Hayes was nearly knocked out by Dunne, but Hayes held on. Dunne almost eliminated The Miz, who held on. Dunne did a finger snap on Melo. Miz saved Melo from elimination, but Dunne dropkicked Miz off the apron to eliminate Miz. Melo dumped Dunne over the top to the floor.

The final four were Carmelo Hayes, Andrade, Rey Fenix and Shinsuke Nakamura. Nakamura kicked Melo down and Nakamura hit an overhead suplex on Fenix. Nakamura hit a spinning kick on Andrade. Nakamura went to the middle turnbuckle, but Andrade hit a dropkick to send Andrade over the top to the floor so Nakamura was out. Andrade and Melo were by the ropes and Fenix tried to dump them, but Andrade and Melo held on. Fenix hit a hurricanrana on Andrade. Fenix hit an impressive spinning kick on Melo. Fenix hit a jumping forearm on Andrade. Fenix walked the ropes, but El Grande Americano was there to eliminate Fenix! Grande was in a hoodie with a mask on. The fans booed that.

It came down to Andrade and Melo, who had that seven match series last year, so they wrestled a lot. Melo and Andrade countered a bunch of moves, they hit clotheslines at the same time and Melo hit a spinning slam into a facebuster. Andrade bounced off the ropes leading to a spinning back fist. They were both down selling as the crowd cheered. Melo countered an a suplex into a Cutter. Andrade went for a move off the middle turnbuckle, but Andrade flipped Andrade over the top to the floor. Carmelo Hayes got the win after about 18 minutes.

Winner: Carmelo Hayes

Analysis: ***1/4 It was a good battle royal. I wouldn’t call it an exciting battle royal necessarily, but there was solid action throughout the match. Rey Fenix eliminated Chad Gable and later in the match we saw El Grande Americano come out to cost Fenix, so that drew a lot of heat. I thought that Fenix might win, but I’m happy it was Melo because they haven’t been using Melo that well of late, so I’m glad to see that win. Melo should be featured more and I hope he is after WrestleMania.

Carmelo Hayes posed by the Andre The Giant trophy that was at ringside. The Miz showed up to congratulate Melo on the win.

A video aired about The Undertaker facing Triple H at WrestleMania 28 inside Hell in Cell with Shawn Michaels as the referee. It was done to promote Triple’s Hall of Fame induction.

A clip was shown of Charlotte Flair attacking Tiffany Stratton on SmackDown last week.

There was a clip shown of Charlotte Flair being interviewed by Wade Barrett. It’s going to air on the Countdown show for WrestleMania 41 on Saturday. Flair said she didn’t love that things got personal, but what matters to her is that people are going to tune in to watch her at WrestleMania. Flair said that people are invested, and that’s what this business is about.

It was announced that LA Knight will face Solo Sikoa. Joe said that Tama Tonga was taken to a local medical facility (or hospital) due to the attack earlier in the night.

Rhea Ripley was shown walking backstage for a segment up next. They went to a commercial, so it was the first 48 minutes commercial free and not a full hour.

(Commercial)

Let’s Hear from Rhea Ripley

Rhea Ripley made her entrance for a promo segment and the fans loved her as usual. Ripley said that Sunday is her sixth WrestleMania and each time she has walked into some sort of championship match, but this one may be the most important to her. Ripley said she was distracted by Bianca Belair and lost her Women’s World Championship before WrestleMania, which was her bad. Ripley said she’s not going to talk about the past anymore. Ripley said that she will get back what she wants and she will do what she has to do. Ripley said she’s walking out of WrestleMania as your three-time Women’s World Champion.

The Women’s World Champion Iyo Sky arrived with her title and was about to talk, but here comes Bianca Belair to confront her two WrestleMania opponents. Wade claimed it was disrespect toward Sky because Belair’s music hit before Sky said a word.

Bianca Belair was met with some boos from the fans, which drew a smile from Ripley. Belair said that she was definitely showing up tonight as the fans booed her. Belair claimed it might her last match on Smackdown for a while because after WrestleMania, she will be walking out as the champion. Belair said she’s not going to let it go any time soon.

Naomi arrived in an outfit full of Caution tape. Naomi said that Belair showed up at SmackDown and she won’t even talk to Naomi. Naomi said she’s been calling and texting Belair, but Belair doesn’t talk to her. Naomi claimed she wanted to handle it in private. Belair said Naomi knows what she did. Belair said that she meant what she said. Belair said it’s not just about Jade. Naomi yelled that Jade wasn’t there for her like Naomi was. Naomi claimed she will finish Jade tomorrow.

Jade Cargill interrupted the promo party by going down to the ring, so Naomi bailed out of the ring on the other side. Jade got in Belair’s face about Naomi. Ripley told Jade this isn’t about her. Naomi went back into the ring to shove Jade into Ripley, who bumped into Belair. Naomi and Jade fought on the floor while Ripley and Belair fought out of the ring. There were WWE Officials and security guys at ringside. Iyo Sky went up top and hit a moonsault onto Belair, Ripley and the security guys. Sky pointed at the WrestleMania sign.

Analysis: There was a lot going on there as way to promote the triple threat match between Sky-Belair-Ripley and the Cargill-Naomi match. Since the stories intertwine due to Belair being involved in both, it made sense to have them all interact together and that way you don’t have to do separate segments. Sky was disrespected again because they didn’t let her speak, but Sky stood tall after hitting that moonsault onto the pile of people on the floor. Good segment overall.

Rey Fenix was shown backstage while American Made (Chad Gable & The Creed Brothers) showed up to trash talk Fenix. Chad Gable said that Fenix had a good night, but not as good as El Grande Americano. Dragon Lee walked in to talk trash about El Grande Americano. Rey Mysterio walked in saying Rey will teach El Grande Americano about lucha libre. Gable spoke up. Rey challenged American Made to a six-man tag team match tonight.

Analysis: I like that idea for a match later in the show.

The Motor City Machine Guns entered for their title match.

A video sponsored by Progressive aired showing when The Street Profits beat #DIY to win the WWE Tag Team Titles last month in Barcelona, Spain.

(Commercial)

It’s official for later on SmackDown: Rey Mysterio, Dragon Lee & Rey Fenix vs. American Made’s Chad Gable and The Creed Brothers.

The Street Profits made their entrance as the WWE Tag Team Champions. Their new theme song is a downgrade from their old theme song. Just saying.

WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits – Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins vs. Motor City Machine Guns – Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin

The Guns dropkicked the champions on the floor before the champions got into the ring. Sabin put Ford in the ring to start the match. Shelley and Sabin hit a double back elbow along with a knee drop. Ford broke free with a clothesline on Shelley and a clothesline on Sabin, who was legal for his team. Dawkins tagged in with two clotheslines, a leap over Sabin and a jumping elbow. Dawkins did a splash against the turnbuckle. Ford tagged in with a Blockbuster Doomsday Device for two because Shelley made the save. Dawkins punched Shelley to stop a diving attempt. They went to a break as the action continued for me on Netflix. Dawkins used his power advantage to slam Shelley for two. Ford was back in with a running splash on Shelley for two. Dawkins gave Shelley a body slam. Dawkins grabbed a chinlock. Dawkins nailed Shelley with a punch to the jaw.

The match continued with Ford in for his team and The Guns managed to hit a missile dropkick/flatliner for two when Shelley pinned Ford. Sabin got the tag, Ford stopped a double team move and Ford kicked Shelley out of the ring. Dawkins tagged in with a double team move where Sabin was tossed across the ring into a suplex. Shelley was back in and The Guns hit a double team neckbreaker/dropkick move on Ford. The Guns hit a combo kick on Ford. Dawkins stopped a double team move, so Ford kicked Sabin out of the ring. Ford jumped over the turnbuckle onto the three guys on the floor. Johnny Gargano of #DIY showed up to attack Ford at ringside. There’s a DQ. It went about 9 minutes.

Winners by disqualification: The Street Profits

Analysis: *** They were on their way to a pretty good match before it abruptly ended thanks to #DIY’s involvement. One thing that stuck out is that the crowd was quiet for a lot of the match, but Ford’s big dive near the end did get a big reaction at least.

Tommaso Ciampa of #DIY went to ringside, grabbed the Tag Team Titles and #DIY’s Gargano & Ciampa left with the titles.

Analysis: I remember writing weeks ago I thought it would be cool to see four or five SmackDown teams in a Ladder Match at WrestleMania for the Tag Team Titles, but it was as if WWE pulled the plug on the story and they are not a part of WrestleMania at all. I guess the story is back on and it will continue.

Chelsea Green talked to SmackDown GM Nick Aldis, who was ending a phone call. The Secret Hervice was there to serve Aldis a formal complaint. Aldis said that there was an injustice last week. Aldis said instead of 6-woman tag tonight, Zelina Vega gets another match with Green. Aldis told Secret Hervice they weren’t allowed at ringside. Green complained about it as Aldis.

Randy Orton was shown walking backstage for a promo up next.

(Commercial)

There was a video featuring Cardi B saying that she will be hosting SummerSlam. She was in an Eddie Guerrero shirt in the video.

The #DIY duo of Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano were backstage with the WWE Tag Team Titles. Nick Aldis was there with security. Aldis told #DIY to hand over the titles. The Street Profits and Motor City Machine Guns showed up to complain. Aldis got them to calm down. Aldis told the three teams that there will be a TLC Match for the titles next week on Smackdown.

Analysis: It’s not the Ladder Match at WrestleMania that I wanted, but it’s a TLC Match on Smackdown next Friday. That should be fun.

Let’s Hear from Randy Orton

Randy Orton made his entrance to a big ovation. He was dressed in casual wear rather than his wrestling gear. Some of the fans were singing his song as he got into the ring.

Randy Orton said that as of this moment he didn’t have a match at WrestleMania. Orton said he’s been all around Vegas with his wife and Orton did a promo saying there was an excitement in this year’s WrestleMania like none other. Orton talked about his family legacy at WrestleMania with his father competing at the first WrestleMania and Orton’s debut at WrestleMania 20 years later. Orton said that this WrestleMania is important to his legacy because it will be his 20th WrestleMania. Orton issued an open challenge for WrestleMania for anybody to step up to face him. Orton said that if anybody in the locker room wants to test their mettle, he dares them to step up. Orton dared anybody to step up to face. Orton said he’ll be there Sunday at Allegiant Stadium ready to go. Orton said that you will have to deal with the three most dangerous letters in sports entertainment: RKO. The fans popped as the promo ended.

Analysis: Simple enough. It’s an open challenge for WrestleMania Sunday. I don’t know if they are going to go with a returning Rusev or Aleister Black or somebody else like Sami Zayn coming back after being away for over a month. They could go with Solo Sikoa if they want a guy for Orton to beat. There are a lot of options and the internet will be guessing a lot until it happens on Sunday. I could sit here guessing more names, but I don’t know who it is. I’m happy for Orton being on the WrestleMania card.

There was a clip from the WrestleMania Kickoff show from earlier in the day when Drew McIntyre and Damian Priest exchanged punches while Drew was doing a promo.

Damian Priest was interviewed by Byron Saxton backstage. Priest said he’s so done answering questions about WrestleMania. Priest said Drew McIntyre didn’t bother to show up at Smackdown. Priest said that Drew is not a victim, not yet. Priest said that the world isn’t ready for this violence. Priest said he’ll beat Drew so bad he’ll wish he was future endeavored again. Priest said he’s bringing the punishment and he’ll bury him.

Zelina Vega made her entrance for singles action.

(Commercial)

A mystery video aired with a black background, white smoke, there was a chair and other objects. It said 4.25.25 at the end of it, so that’s next week when we’ll see who it is.

Analysis: I assume it’s Aleister Black, who is married to Zelina Vega. That’s who is in the next match.

Chelsea Green vs. Zelina Vega

This was not for Green’s Women’s US Title. Green hit a slam followed by some weak head slamming into the mat. Vega hit an armdrag. Green knocked Vega down followed by some stomps and punches. Vega sent Green out of the ring, Green pulled Vega out of the ring and Green sent Vega into the barricade. Green argued with the great referee Charles Robinson. Green ran at Vega on the floor and Vega sent Green over the barricade. Green and Vega got back in the ring before the ten count. Vega hit a running clothesline and a back elbow. Vega charged, but Green hit a boot to the face for two. Vega and Green battled by the turnbuckle where Vega hit a Super Code Red off the turnbuckle for the pinfall win after about four minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Zelina Vega

Analysis: **1/4 It was okay for a shorter match. Vega hit the big move for the win with the Code Red off the turnbuckle. That looked impressive. Green lost non-title so it sets up a title match in the future. Green isn’t booked like a strong champion. Having her lose like that isn’t a surprise.

LA Knight was shown walking backstage for a match up next.

(Commercial)

A “Snickers Hungry For WrestleMania” moment was shown. They showed highlights of the legendary WrestleMania 25 match between The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels. The best WWE match of all time for some people. I would say it’s up there. It’s hard to rank.

Let’s Hear from LA Knight

LA Knight, the US Champion, made his entrance for a promo before his match. Knight said that Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu like to do sneak attacks. Knight said he took out Tama Tonga earlier, so up next he’ll take care of Solo and get Jacob one on one at WrestleMania. Knight talked about how this is the title of titles. Knight said people think we’ve never seen anything like Fatu, but Knight said that Fatu has never seen anything like him. Knight said that someday, somewhere Fatu will be a champion. Knight said that he guarantees Solo will eat a BFT and Fatu will eat a BFT at WrestleMania too.

Analysis: Good promo from Knight as usual. The Knight-Fatu match doesn’t have much of a storyline, but I think the fans will care because of the guys involved.

Solo Sikoa made his entrance. Knight fought with Solo on the floor before the bell rang. Solo threw Knight into the steel steps.

(Commercial)

Solo Sikoa vs. LA Knight

Solo took control with a knee to the ribs. Solo splashed the ribs. Knight got his knees up to block a splash attempt. Knight worked over Solo with punches and a leaping clothesline. Knight hit a DDT. Knight went to the turnbuckle for more, but Jacob Fatu tripped up Knight there and that ended the match. It went about four minutes.

Winner by disqualification: LA Knight

Analysis: *1/2 A quick match to set up another match.

Jacob Fatu attacked LA Knight with punches and kicks, so Braun Strowman made the save. Knight clotheslined Fatu out of the ring.

Nick Aldis showed up to make a tag team match right now.

LA Knight & Braun Strowman vs. Jacob Fatu & Solo Sikoa

The match started during a break for some fans as we got to see the action here on Netflix. Knight worked over Solo with punches. Fatu hit a cheap shot clothesline on Knight while the referee was looking at Solo. Fatu sent Knight into the turnbuckle. Fatu worked over Knight with headbutts followed by Solo shouting: “I love you Solo.” The fans actually finished it for him. Solo was back in to work over Knight with punches. Fatu splashed Knight against the turnbuckle.

Fatu charged at Knight, who ducked and Fatu bumped over the top to the floor. Braun got the tag leading to a punches along with a running dropkick that sent Fatu out of the ring. Braun ran around the ring leading to shoulder tackles for both opponents. Fatu was back in with a clothesline, DDT and a senton splash for two. Solo was back in to work over Braun with a punch. Fatu was back in to squeeze Braun’s head. Braun countered that with a sidewalk slam. Knight hit a Russian legsweep, powerslam and a top rope elbow drop on Solo. Fatu broke up the pin attempt. Braun sent Fatu out of the ring. Braun went running at Fatu, who sent Braun over the commentary table. Knight sent Fatu onto the commentary table. Back in the ring, Solo tried for a Samoan Spike, Knight avoided it and Knight hit BFT (Blount Force Trauma) on Solo for the pinfall win. It went about 8 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: LA Knight & Braun Strowman

Analysis: **3/4 A solid tag team match to give Knight momentum going into WrestleMania. Solo Sikoa isn’t on the card, so having him take the fall made sense. They always want to protect Jacob, which is certainly fine with me. I feel bad for Braun Strowman not being on the WrestleMania card because he’s done a good job when they use him.

A clip aired of Tiffany Stratton being interviewed by Wade Barrett. The full interview will air on the Countdown Show. Stratton said that she felt bullied and taken advantage of by Flair. Stratton felt like she had a moment of panic and she used is as motivation. Stratton said she was going to come prepared and met her with a killshot. Stratton said she gave Flair a taste of her own medicine and Flair has to respect her now. Stratton said she’s not going to lose. Stratton said it will probably be one of the hardest matches that she’ll ever have. Stratton said she’ll stand up to a bully. Stratton said she’ll walk in and out as the champion.

Analysis: Well said by Tiffany. There’s some truth to the storyline because Flair is a bullying kind of heel and Stratton standing up to her will make fans respect Stratton more.

The LWO’s Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee entered for tag team action.

(Commercial)

Rey Mysterio, Dragon Lee & Rey Fenix vs. American Made – Chad Gable, Julius Creed & Brutus Creed

Fenix hit a shoulder tackle and hurricanrana on Brutus. Lee tagged in with a dropkick on Brutus against the turnbuckle. Julius sent Lee into the turnbuckle, Lee fought back with kicks and he sent Julius out of the ring. Lee hit a somersault over the top onto Julius. Back in the ring, Lee hit a cross body block for two because Gable made the save. Mysterio chased Gable around the ring, so Julius pulled Mysterio down. Brutus pushed Fenix down off the top rope. Gable suplexed Lee. All three American Made guys hit top rope headbutts on Lee. They went to a break for some fans as the match continued. The American Made team worked over Lee as the Creeds made quick tags. There was a doctor checking on Mysterio by the steel steps. The referee was talking to all of the wrestlers about whatever as going on with Mysterio. I think the referee was saying “elbow” to the wrestlers. Gable grabbed an armbar as the match continued.

Lee tried to fight back against the heles, but The Creeds hit a Brutus Ball/Powerbomb combo on Lee for a two count because Fenix made the save. Lee tripped up both Creeds and Gable by the turnbuckle and Lee hit the double stomp on three guys at the same time. That drew a pop, but it’s also silly seeing three guys holding onto the top rope. Fenix tagged in with a spinning hook kick on Julius for two. Fenix got a pin attempt for two, but Julius was back up with a knee to the ribs. Julius gave Fenix an overhead suplex across the ring. Julius sent Fenix into the turnbuckle. Fenix hit a superkick on Julius followed by a springboard armdrag and a double foot stomp. Fenix kicked Brutus and Fenix hit a step up hurricanrana. Fenix hit a running kick on Gable. Lee was back up with the Operation Dragon slam. Fenix went up top with a double knee smash Meteora on Julius for the pinfall win after 10 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Rey Mysterio, Dragon Lee & Rey Fenix

Analysis: ***1/4 It was an entertaining, fast paced match thanks to the greatness of Fenix while everybody else was able to keep up with him. I don’t know if Mysterio was supposed to be the one to win for his team, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he was to give him a win before his WrestleMania match.

After the match, Rey Fenix and Dragon Lee checked on Rey Mysterio. They did not show Mysterio on the floor.

Here’s a video of Rey Mysterio getting helped to the back. Best wishes to the legend Mysterio.

A video package aired about the CM Punk-Roman Reigns-Seth Rollins match at WrestleMania 41. It’s an excellent video that showed their history well and all of the recent attacks leading to their match.

The Cody Rhodes-John Cena face to face segment is next.

(Commercial)

Face To Face: Cody Rhodes and John Cena

There was about 20 minutes left until the top of the hour as the Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes made his entrance in a suit. The fans popped huge and were singing Cody’s theme song. It took a few minutes for Cody to get into the ring as he went through his entrance. Before Cody could say a word, John Cena’s music hit.

John Cena made his entrance while the fans sang “John Cena sucks” for his legendary song. Barrett is usually a heel announcer, but he called Cena a “piece of garbage” for his actions interrupting Rhodes. There were loud “Let’s Go Cena/Cena Sucks” chants. Cody wanted to talk, but Cena interrupted.

Cena: “Shut your mouth, kid.” Cena said this will be his 20th WrestleMania and his 12th title match at WrestleMania. Cena said that Sunday is the last time he’ll ever compete in a WrestleMania ring. Cena said no one has ever dared to end his career like Cena did. Cena said that the fans think he’s going to come back because there’s no such thing as a wrestling retirement because there’s always one more match. Cena said that every other wrestler is an insecure loser. Cena said that they need these people to talk about them because when they get away form this, they are left alone in their pathetic lives. Cena said he has love, joy and worth in his life, so he doesn’t need any of the fans. Cena said that he is here to take that WWE Title away from Cody and from all the fans forever. Cena said that he warned Cody last year. Cena said he told Cody that every day you hold that title it gets heavier and you will lose because you care about them (the fans). Cena said that winner write history.

Cena said when he won that Elimination Chamber, he knew it would be impossible to beat him in a match at WrestleMania, but then in one minute Cody changed that with what he said to The Rock. Cena said that Rock gave him a choice – do what’s right or do you want to win. Cena said that he realizes that Cody doesn’t stand a chance. Cena said that all he had to do was to prove that the fans don’t matter. Cena said that when you stop caring about the fans, you can accomplish anything you want in life, but Cody is too weak to understand that. Cena asked Cody if he will do what he is right or will be do what he has to do to win. Cena said that Cody is insecure and weak. Cena said that he’ll make Cody somebody on Sunday. Cena told Cody he blew his chance to be a winner. Cena told Cody he’s still just a kid in a man’s world who doesn’t have the balls of the last real champion.

Analysis: Great promo from John Cena as usual. I liked the point that Cena made about how Cody could have joined The Rock, but he said now and now Cena knows he is going to win.

Cody spoke up saying that you always have to say something and the fans were booing him. Cody was booed as he reminded Cena about how Cena claimed he didn’t bury talent. Cody asked Cena if he knew the people at ringside. Cody said that this is a new WWE. Cody said that Cena is overrated, overbearing, out of touch, his face is melting wax, he mocked his neck and said that his tan was worse than Sting at Starrcade 1997. Cody mocked Cena for showing his butt on stage at the Oscars for the people he caters to now. Cody told Cena that it’s 2025 and Cena still can’t wrestle. The fans chanted “you can’t wrestle” at Cena. Cena called the fans idiots. The crowd was singing for Cody.

Analysis: That was a very fast promo from Cody so I didn’t get everything that he said, but I thought it was awesome. The line about Sting’s tan at Starrcade 1997 will get internet nerd fans marking out because it’s a reference to criticisms that Eric Bischoff and Hulk Hogan had about Sting at Starrcade 1997, which was ridiculous.

Cena said that the fans don’t know what they want. Cena said that on Sunday to beat him, Cena doesn’t have to wrestle. Cena hit Cody in the head and Cena wanted an AA, but Cody countered it. Cody hit a Cross Rhodes on Cena. Cody held up the WWE Title above his head as his music played and Cena was down in the ring.

Analysis: It’s the second time that Cody has dropped Cena with Cross Rhodes. I’m picking John Cena to win at WrestleMania and the fact that Cody has had the advantage twice makes me like my Cena pick even more.

Cody Rhodes left the ring with the WWE Title while John Cena remained down in the ring. They replayed Cody countering Cena and hitting Cross Rhodes to put Cena down.

The announcers did a rundown of the WrestleMania 41 card again as the graphics were shown on the screen. There was another replay of Cody hitting Cena with the Cross Rhodes.

Cody Rhodes was shown by the entrance and he held up his WWE Title. That was the end of the show.

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Three Stars of the Show

  1. John Cena
  2. Seth Rollins
  3. Carmelo Hayes, Cody Rhodes

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The Scoreboard

7.5 out of 10

Last week: 7.25

2025 Average: 7.33

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Final Thoughts on WWE SmackDown

I’ll keep it brief by saying I enjoyed the show a lot. They did a nice job of pushing a lot of the WrestleMania matches. There weren’t necessarily great matches on this show, but it’s understandable on the night before WrestleMania because we know there are a lot of big matches coming at WrestleMania. I liked the John Cena and Seth Rollins promos the most on this show.

It was unfortunate to see Rey Mysterio get injured in his match, so that could affect his WrestleMania match as well. They can probably sub somebody else in there. Best wishes to the legend Rey.

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

The WrestleMania 41 Saturday (April 19) lineup:

  • CM Punk (w/Paul Heyman) vs. Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins
  • Naomi vs. Jade Cargill
  • World Tag Team Championships: The 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:

  • Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. John Cena
  • 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
  • Randy Orton vs. ???

You can watch WrestleMania 41 on Saturday, April 19, and Sunday, April 20, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, streaming LIVE on Peacock in the United States and Netflix everywhere else.

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Thanks for reading. Go Toronto Blue Jays and Toronto Maple Leafs. You can contact me using any of the methods below.

John Canton

Email: mrjohncanton@gmail.com

Twitter/X: @johnreport