The John Report: WWE SmackDown 04/24/26 Review
This is WWE SmackDown, featuring new champions like Rhea Ripley, Trick Williams, Paige & Brie Bella, plus Giulia facing Tiffany Stratton.
It’s WWE SmackDown after WrestleMania 42 as Rhea Ripley celebrates as the new WWE Women’s Champion, Trick Williams is the new United States Champion, Paige & Brie Bella are the Women’s Tag Team Champions, and the Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes is in the house too.
There were some WWE releases today, including the entire Wyatt Sicks stable being let go and others who weren’t being used much. It sucks to see it, but it is also something WWE does every year, just like they add talent all the time.
From the Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, this is SmackDown for episode #1392. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
A video package aired about WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas.
They showed Superstar arrivals, including Cody Rhodes driving a Ram truck, Rhea Ripley, and Trick Williams with Lil Yachty exiting a bus along with Gingerbread Man. Danhausen arrived in his unique car, and he mocked Stephen A. Smith of ESPN, whom Danhausen has cursed.
Let’s Hear from Jacob Fatu
Jacob Fatu entered the ring for a promo wearing a “Fatu” tank top. The fans like him. Fatu said that on Monday Night Raw, he told Roman Reigns he didn’t want that title, but he needed that title. Fatu said Reigns told him that Jacob isn’t ready. Fatu admitted that the truth is that he’s right. Fatu said it’s something he’s been hearing his whole life. Fatu says Reigns claims that Fatu isn’t ready, so he should step into this ring and prove it.
The Usos duo of Jimmy & Jey Uso made their entrance to join cousin Jacob in the ring. Their real last name is Fatu, like Jacob. Jimmy said that Fatu can have it all and do what’s good for his family. Jimmy told Fatu to go after Cody Rhodes with the WWE Title and he shouldn’t come after the OTC, Roman Reigns. Jimmy told Fatu to run the play with them and join the family. The fans booed that as they chanted “Fatu” for Jacob. Jimmy said that none of the fools out here are going to give you a better lifestyle and put your kids in a bigger school.
Jey said that it’s too late for all of that, little cousin. Jey said that Fatu stepped up and opened his mouth, so you are in the deep end now and we’ll see if you can swim. Jey said you want respect from Roman. Jey said that you should walk up right to him, look him in the eye and get ready for war…yet. Jey said he’s going to bring it to you.
Solo Sikoa walked out with the MFTs (Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa & JC Mateo) to join his brothers, The Usos, and cousin Jacob. Solo claimed The Usos were lying to Fatu. Solo said that The Usos didn’t bring Jacob to WWE, Solo did. Solo wondered if The Usos would teach Fatu how to Yeet. Solo said don’t listen to The Usos. Solo claimed he can beat Reigns with Solo’s help. Solo said you’ll need an army to beat Reigns, and Solo has an army.
Tama Tonga took the microphone from Solo, wondering why they were there wasting their time with this. Tama told Solo that Jacob is a lost cause. Tama claimed Fatu couldn’t beat Roman and said he couldn’t even beat Solo. That led to Fatu superkicking Tama.
Fatu said that the only one he should be talking to right now is Roman Reigns. Fatu told Solo if you think Fatu can’t beat you then they can find out tonight. Fatu said he’s all gas and no breaks, yaddaimean and the fans were chanting along with it.
Analysis: It was some family bickering regarding the World Heavyweight Title held by Roman Reigns, who wasn’t on the show. The Usos were booed for advising Fatu to go after Cody Rhodes and the WWE Title instead of Reigns. I don’t think the reunited Bloodline stable will be heelish like they were in the past, but they certainly may get booed a bit. The fans are firmly behind Fatu and there’s obviously a lot of history with Solo, so it makes sense as a TV match. Tama Tonga speaking up is what set up Solo for the match, so it continues the tension between them.
The SmackDown commentary team of Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett welcomed us to the show. Mark Nash was the ring announcer.
The Women’s US Champion, Giulia, and Kiana James were interviewed by Cathy Kelley. Giulia said it’s the SmackDown after WrestleMania, but not WrestleMania. James said that she couldn’t rectify this oversight about not being at WrestleMania. Giulia said that she beat Tiffany once and can do it again. Giulia left with anger, while James said that they never bicker except when Cathy is around.
Analysis: The idea there was that Giulia was upset that she wasn’t part of WrestleMania, and she blames James for it.
Tiffany Stratton made her entrance for the championship match.
(Commercial)
Women’s United States Championship: Giulia (w/Kiana James) vs. Tiffany Stratton
The champion Giulia and challenger Stratton exchanged pin attempts to start the match. Giulia hit a neckbreaker for a two count. Stratton hit a rolling senton. Stratton went up top, but Giulia tripped her and set her up upside down. Giulia hit a running dropkick to knock Stratton down against the turnbuckle. Guilia gave Stratton a neckbreaker from the apron to the floor. They went on a break there for some fans, as I’ll continue with the match. Giulia held Stratton’s arms and stomped on her back to send Stratton’s face into the mat. Giulia hit a running dropkick to Stratton’s back while Stratton was against the ropes. Giulia kicked Stratton in the back. Giulia grabbed a chinlock. Stratton broke free and they did a double hair pull to send eachother into the mat.
Stratton got some offense going with a bounce off the ropes into a Stunner. Giulia was in control during the break. Stratton went up top, but Giulia met her there with a Butterfly Suplex from the top rope and it got a two count. Stratton kicked Giulia. Stratton ran the ropes, James tripped her up, Giulia charged, Stratton moved and Giulia punched James by accident. Stratton got a rollup for two. Stratton hit a rolling senton and Stratton went for the Prettiest Moonsault Ever off the top, but Giulia caught Stratton in a submission on the head/neck. Stratton countered it into a pin attempt for two. Stratton hit a knee to the ribs and Giulia got a rollup for two. Giulia hit a running knee to the head. Stratton avoided a move by Giulia and Stratton hit an Alabama Slam. Stratton went up top and hit the Prettiest Moonsault Ever onto Giulia for the pinfall win after about 10 minutes.
Winner by pinfall AND NEW United States Champion: Tiffany Stratton
Analysis: ***1/2 This was a great match that was very competitive. They matched up well as two very athletic women who can do a lot of cool moves and they showed it off in this match. The key spot was when Giulia accidentally punched James on the apron after Stratton moved. Due to that, James was unable to help Giulia, or maybe she didn’t want to help her. Giulia did well in matches with the Women’s US Title on the line, but WWE’s creative team also didn’t feature the US Title enough during Giulia’s reign. Perhaps it will get a bigger spotlight with Stratton as champion.
Tiffany Stratton celebrated with the Women’s US Title as pyro went off in the background. Giulia and Kiana James were sad on the floor.
There was a replay of John Cena with Danhausen and little people embarrassing The Miz and Kit Wilson.
They showed Danhausen earlier this week at The Miz’s house. The Miz answered the door and Danhausen was already in the house. Miz wondered how Danhausen found his house. Miz wanted Danhausen to leave. Danhausen was in Miz’s pool, and the house is on a golf course in Las Vegas, and Allegiant Stadium is in the background. Danhausen was in Miz’s second pool. Miz tried attacking Danhausen, but he moved, and Miz jumped into the pool.
Analysis: Oh, that Danhausen is very evil. That’s all I got.
The Women’s Tag Team Champions, Brie Bella and a returning Paige, are up next
(Commercial)
The new Women’s United States Champion, Tiffany Stratton, was interviewed by Cathy Kelley at the entrance. Stratton said that she came up short at Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber as the runner-up, but now she’s a champion again. Stratton said she’ll show why WWE runs on Tiffy Time.
Let’s Hear from Brie Bella and Paige
Brie Bella and Paige made their entrance as the new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. Paige made her WWE return at WrestleMania, and now they are the champions.
Brie said it feels great to be a champion. Brie said that even though she was sad that Nikki Bella couldn’t compete, she is so happy that she could call a friend who is like a sister. Brie said welcome back to Paige. That led to “Welcome Back” chants.
Paige said she’s back and asked the fans if they missed her. Paige said it was a hectic week, but it was a hell of a week. Paige said it was a wonderful way to come home. Paige said she is so proud to be with Brie, and they walked out of WrestleMania as the Women’s Tag Team Champions. Paige said that it was a rough road to be here, but she is so happy to be home. Paige said they were in the ring with some of the best competitors, but she reminded them that SmackDown is her house. Paige said they aren’t going anywhere.
It was interruption time as Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss made their entrance in wrestling gear. Flair said it’s good to see Paige back. Bliss said it’s good even though Paige pinned Alexa. Flair and Bliss made it clear they are coming for the Women’s Tag Team Titles. Flair said if you want to prove it’s your house, then prove it by facing Flair and Bliss. Paige and Brie accepted the match for tonight. Paige called for a referee to get out there, so Charles Robinson ran out there for the match.
Analysis: Welcome back to Paige once again. It was great to see her back in a WWE ring at WrestleMania, and the fans showed her a lot of love, which is well deserved. There’s obviously a story they can do when Nikki Bella comes back, where she can be jealous of Paige being a champion with her sister, but that’s something that can be done down the road. These promos were fine to set up a match.
(Commercial)
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Brie Bella & Paige vs. Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss
Flair hit a fallaway slam on Brie as the challengers were in control. Flair hit a jumping kick to the jaw. Brie avoided a knee drop and kicked Flair into the turnbuckle. Flair held onto Brie’s boot and Paige was attacked by Jacy Jayne, so the match was over there as a disqualification. It only went about two minutes.
Match Result: Disqualification
Analysis: * A short match to introduce Fatal Influence to the main roster.
Jacy Jayne, the former 2-time NXT Women’s Champion, attacked Paige on the floor. Jayne threw Paige into the steel steps. Jayne was joined by Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid as the Fatal Influence trio looks like they have joined SmackDown. Jayne, Henley, and Reid attacked Flair, Bliss, and Bella in the ring. Jayne superkicked Flair and Paige. Henley and Reid hit a double team spinning slam on Bliss. Fatal Influence posed, and they were booed.
Analysis: Congrats to Fatal Influence on joining the main roster. They are a good heel trio. Jayne and Henley were in NXT for over four years, I believe, and Reid is newer, but she is a solid performer too. Post WrestleMania season means main roster call-ups, and we saw them on Raw, so it makes sense for some to happen on SmackDown, too. I’m glad Fatal Influence is here as a group.
Cody Rhodes is up next.
(Commercial)
A video package aired about Royce Keys in his hometown of East Palo Alto, California. They showed some friends of his talking about how Keys is motivating and he’s bringing hope and change to people there. Keys said sometimes the destination is just the beginning, and it’s his time to give back. The Chief of Police was there, saying Keys is a great example for the youth. They showed Keys winning the Andre the Giant Battle Royal last week. Keys said he didn’t get here by himself, but now that he’s here, there is no stopping him.
Analysis: I am glad that Royce Keys is slowly being featured more. I hope he gets a meaningful rivalry soon.
Let’s Hear from Cody Rhodes
The Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes made his entrance wearing a suit, and the fans showed him a lot of love as usual. Cody still has a big shiner around his left eye after retaining the WWE Title six days ago against Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42 Saturday.
Cody Rhodes said that he was battered at WrestleMania and the only superpower that he has is that he always gets back up. Cody said that this run started four years ago right around the corner from here. Cody said that he wanted to send a message at WrestleMania. Cody talked about getting stitches around his eye and staples on the back of his head and he walked up the ramp to send a message to Randy Orton, who was not here tonight. Cody said that after the bell, Orton gave him a Punt to the head and Cody is still standing here. Cody said that he had a message for a sarcastic and condescending Sami Zayn, who called Cody the golden boy. Cody said he was adorned in gold and Cody said he’ll be gold, his family will be gold, his friends will be gold, and all of his fans will be gold. There were “Cody” chants. Cody said that the most important message he wants to send to the outside sources that keep interjecting in his WrestleMania plans and get involved in this Nightmare Family party: “You guys are 0-3. Send your best, or count your money and mind your damn business.” Love that!
Cody said that this is the first SmackDown after WrestleMania. Cody said that, as the man holding the richest prize in the sport, it’s easy to find him. Cody said, whether you are from NXT, Raw, SmackDown – wherever it may be, he’s the WWE Champion, and he’s easy to find, and hard to beat. Cody left with confidence.
Analysis: That was an awesome promo from Cody Rhodes, who reminds us time and time again that he’s an elite talker, especially when he’s fired up like that. That line about the TKO bosses interjecting in his stories and being 0-3 was excellent. I loved that. That’s something that is for the smart fans out there that don’t like TKO bosses getting involved in stories, and it was a terrific line from Cody addressing them. I liked that promo a lot. I wonder if Cody may feud with Sami Zayn soon, since he mentioned Zayn, and Zayn is more of a heel. They will likely continue the Rhodes-Orton feud as well.
They replayed Fatal Influence’d debut, in which they attacked the women in the Women’s Tag Team Title match.
Solo Sikoa spoke to his MFTs backstage, saying they need to win the Tag Team Titles. Tonga Loa asked Solo about Jacob Fatu and Solo said don’t worry about it. Solo said he’ll show Jacob he can’t beat Roman without them.
Damian Priest and R-Truth made their entrance as the WWE Tag Team Champions, with Truth singing his “What’s Up” song, which is probably over 15 years old at this point.
A video aired about Club WWE, featuring John Cena.
(Commercial)
WWE Tag Team Championships: Damian Priest & R-Truth vs. MFTs – Tama Tonga & JC Mateo (w/Tonga Loa)
It’s the third match on this show and the third title match in a row. It was Truth in there to start the match. When Priest got in there, he got some offense with strikes and clotheslines. JC did a cheap shot while on the apron and Tama knocked Priest out of the ring. Loa hit Priest with a clothesline on the floor. The MFTs were in control as the show went on a break for some fans and I’ll take a break too.
The MFTs remained in control as Tama hit a splash on Priest and JC hit a dropkick for two. Priest broke free by bouncing off the ropes and crushing JC with a massive clothesline that saw JC take a great bump. Truth got the hot tag with his Ron Cena offense, including two shoulder tackles and a spinning slam. Truth hit the Five Knuckle Shuffle fist drop. Loa went under the bottom rope, so Tama attacked Truth from behind with a spinning neckbreaker. JC hit a German Suplex for a two count because Priest barely made the save. JC tackled Truth into the turnbuckle and Tama missed a splash, so Tama bumped to the floor. Priest made a blind tag and Priest/Truth hit their double team finisher called Rise Up, which is like a double team Flapjack into the mat. It went about 8 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Damian Priest & R-Truth
Analysis: **3/4 These matches that Priest and Truth have continue to be entertaining. It’s a typical WWE-style tag team match with the faces making the hot tag and going from there. Priest made the blind tag at the perfect time to set up the win. I’m glad MFTs are out of the title picture now.
There was a continuation of Danhausen at The Miz’s house. Danhausen was in The Miz’s golf simulator room and Danhausen hit Miz in the groin with a golf club. Danhausen stole a Slammy Award from The Miz’s trophy case. Danhausen left with the Slammy Award as the lovely Maryse was shown outside the house. The Miz tried to throw something onto Danhausen, who ducked and it hit Maryse. It was like chocolate powder. Danhausen stole The Miz’s daughter’s bike and drove away. The Miz: “That’s my daughter’s bike.” Poor girl.
Analysis: More fun and chaos caused by Danhausen. I don’t mind it.
Trick Williams, Lil Yachty, and Gingerbread Man were walking backstage. Gingerbread Man had his own locker room. Trick slapped a dude backstage randomly.
A commercial aired for SummerSlam on August 1 and August 2 in Minneapolis.
(Commercial)
Let’s Hear from Trick Williams
The new United States Champion, Trick Williams, made his entrance wearing the long white coat, joined by rapper Lil Yachty and a dude dressed as the Gingerbread Man. There were balloons in the ring and some champagne as part of the celebration. The fans chanted “Whoop That Trick” for Trick’s song as usual.
Trick reminded us that he won the US Title at WrestleMania, and there were “Whoop That Trick” chants. Lil Yachty said he was there to stay because if he’s the Anointed One then he’s the Prophecy. Trick and Yachty talked about their bond, saying if Trick is Michael Jackson, then Trick is Quincy Jones, if Trick is Mike Tyson, then Yachty is like Don King, and if Trick is like Michael Jordan, then Yachty is like Phil Jackson. Yachty said they are not doing the US Title open challenge. Trick said if you want a handout, find a clinic and if you want an invitation, find a wedding. Trick mentioned his Lemon Pepper Steppers as usual. I thought there would be an interruption, but instead, Yachty was throwing money around, and music was playing. That led to the Gingerbread Man hitting Trick in the back with the cane he had. Yachty didn’t see it and G-Man hit Yachty with the cane as well. G-Man revealed himself to be Sami Zayn, so that led to huge boos from the crowd and they chanted “You Suck” at Zayn. Trick staggered back to his feet by the turnbuckle, so Zayn hit a Helluva Kick to Trick’s face. The fans booed Zayn loudly and Zayn left as the Gingerbread Man.
Analysis: There’s a cheap attack by Sami Zayn to solidify his heel turn. The segment worked because it was kept simple with Trick and Yachty showing off their promo chemistry, and that led right into the cheap attack by Zayn. By doing it that way, it gets Zayn more heat because he ruined a celebration by hiding in a costume. I like how it was done.
Royce Keys looked at the Andre the Giant trophy. Cathy Kelley asked how Keys feels after winning the battle royal. Keys said he’s just getting started and he’ll take everything he wants. Solo Sikoa congratulated Keys for winning the battle royal. Solo said that the big man (Talla Tonga) wasn’t happy about it, but he gave him a day off. Solo told Keys there’s always room in his family and Solo left. Keys looked on without saying anything.
Danhausen made his entrance driving the Hausenmobile down to ringside. He is very nice and very evil. Danhausen had the Slammy Award that he stole from The Miz’s trophy case.
(Commercial)
The Miz (w/Kit Wilson) vs. Danhausen
When The Miz made his entrance, he noticed Danhausen had taped his name onto the Slammy Award. Wilson grabbed the Slammy, and Danhausen ran the ropes, leading to a cross-body block. Danhausen jumped off the turnbuckle with a headscissors. Miz attacked with a forearm to the back. Miz stomped on Danhausen. Miz and Wilson posed together by the apron. After Danhausen was knocked down, he sat up like The Undertaker, and Danhausen said, “You are cursed!” There was pyro that shot up near Miz and Kit, so Danhausen did a ROLLUP OF DEATH~! on Miz for the pinfall win. Joe called it a Quickhausen. It went about 3 minutes or maybe less.
Winner by pinfall: Danhausen
Analysis: *1/2 I continue to enjoy the Danhausen character. I know it’s not for everybody and some people who take wrestling far too seriously probably hate it, but I like it. Danhausen is really good at what he does, while Miz is a perfect foil.
After the match, Danhausen ran away from The Miz, including going under the ring and Miz followed him. Danhausen jumped over Wilson, and then Miz ran into Wilson. Danhausen drove off in his Hausenmobile.
Analysis: Very nice, very evil, and very creative escape.
The new WWE Women’s Champion, Rhea Ripley, is up next.
(Commercial)
A video aired about “The Glamour” Mariah May coming soon to SmackDown.
Analysis: I like that news. That doesn’t surprise me. Blake is a terrific all-around performer, and she did fine in her NXT run, but I was ready for her on the main roster.
Let’s Hear from Rhea Ripley
The WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley made her entrance to a huge pop. Ripley was in her ring gear, so she’ll be put in a match.
Rhea Ripley said she’s finally a champion again and the fans cheered. Ripley said that at WrestleMania, on the grandest stage of them all, Jade actually proved that she can go. Ripley said it’s her time to prove that the WWE Women’s Champion is a fighting champion. Ripley said if somebody wants to step to Mami, now is your shot.
The Fatal Influence trio of Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, and Lainey Reid arrived. Jayne was booed heavily and said she waited long enough to get here, so respect her. The fans were really booing Jayne a lot, and it was hard for her to talk. Jayne credited Ripley for the big win at WrestleMania. The booing was so loud for Jayne for some reason and Jayne said she loved it. They chanted “Rhea” for Ripley. Jayne wanted the fans to give Fatal Influence’s Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid some credit for taking out your legends tonight.
Ripley praised Jayne, saying that taking out that many legends is quite impressive. Ripley told Jayne to stop while she’s ahead. Henley said thanks but no thanks. Henley said what they did to them is nothing compared to what they will do to Ripley. Reid said that the fans can put the blame on them, too. Ripley said she’s been pretty used to the numbers game being against her, and this title means that it really doesn’t matter. Ripley said if you want to fight then she’s ready for a fight – take your shot. Jayne spoke again and the fans booed loudly, so Jayne said they are always ready to throw hands.
The SmackDown GM Nick Aldis arrived to book the match as he told Jacy Jayne she’s going one-on-one against Rhea Ripley right here and right now.
Analysis: The heat on Jacy Jayne for that promo was massive. I’m not sure why, other than the cheap attack earlier in the show ruined the tag team match. It’s a good thing for Jayne because it makes her look like a bigger heel. Anyway, Ripley is beloved by the crowd while Jayne is a good talker and solid in the ring, so it’s a fresh matchup to set up.
(Commercial)
Rhea Ripley vs. Jacy Jayne (w/Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid)
This is not for the WWE Women’s Title held by Ripley. They spent a couple of minutes posturing and going for moves without connecting on much. Ripley sent Jayne to the apron and Ripley hit Jayne with a forearm. Ripley got a hold of Jayne on her shoulders and Ripley sent Jayne into the ring apron. After a distraction by Reid, Jayne ran across the apron and kicked Ripley as the show went to a break. I’ll take a break too as the match continued with Jayne in control for a few minutes.
The match continued with Jayne hitting a neckbreaker. Ripley came back with two clotheslines and a spinning slam into the mat. Ripley hit a running dropkick as the crowd came alive. Ripley went for a lift, Jayne went to the ropes to break free and Ripley hit a knee to the face. Jayne ran the ropes and hit a running knee for a two count. Jayne went for an elbow, Ripley avoided it and Ripley hit a boot to the jaw. Ripley went up top and Jayne hit the ropes to knock Ripley down. Ripley put Jayne upside down against the turnbuckle and hit a superkick. Jayne countered a move into a victory roll for two. Ripley was back up with another kick to the face. Ripley hit a Razor’s Edge and a running kick to the face for a two count. Jayne kicked Ripley to avoid a submission move, so Ripley hit a headbutt. Ripley set up for Riptide, so Henley went into the ring to hit Ripley and cause the DQ. It went about 10 minutes.
Winner by disqualification: Rhea Ripley
Analysis: ***1/4 They were on their way to a really good match, but then it got cut short by the Henley attacking Ripley, getting Jayne DQ’d. I get why they booked a DQ because it makes sense to not want Jayne to lose in her first SmackDown match while Ripley is going to be kept strong.
After the match, Henley, Reid, and Jayne attacked Ripley, while nobody tried to help Ripley. The fans were booing loudly. Jayne hit her Rolling Encore elbow smash on Ripley to put her down.
Analysis: It’s another heel attack on this show to get some heat, as we’ve seen in other segments. This will likely set up Ripley wanting revenge on Jayne, so perhaps Jayne will get a title shot.
A video package aired about Roman Reigns on Raw, telling The Usos he missed doing business with him. Jacob Fatu confronted Reigns in the ring to issue a challenge. Reigns told Fatu he’ll see him next week on Raw.
A graphic was shown saying Roman Reigns addresses Jacob Fatu’s Backlash challenge on Raw.
The Usos approached Jacob Fatu backstage. Jimmy said that they have Fatu’s back against the MFTs. Jacob said he doesn’t want or need their help. Fatu left. Jey to Jimmy: “Man, I told you.” The Usos looked frustrated.
(Commercial)
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss were talking about Fatal Influence attacking multiple people. Rhea Ripley asked if they had a problem. Bliss said we need to take care of Fatal Influence. Flair said she’ll take care of Jacy Jayne next week, unlike some people and stared at Ripley. After Flair left, Bliss said to Ripley it’s not you, Flair is just like that. Ripley looked like she understood.
A video package aired about Brock Lesnar’s impressive WWE career over the last 23 years. Lesnar retired at WrestleMania 42 last Sunday, but there are some people who think that Lesnar is going to wrestle again at SummerSlam. They showed his initial WWE run, his UFC run that saw him win championship gold in that sport and then a return to WWE where Lesnar had another 10+ years looking dominant every time he was out there. Cena saying, “He’s just better than everybody else” was a good way of praising Lesnar in a deserving way.
Analysis: The video package was great. There won’t be many guys like Brock Lesnar in terms of his career highlights and how good he was as a WWE superstar. It seemed like he was done at WrestleMania, but in WWE you never really know.
Solo Sikoa made his entrance for the main event.
(Commercial)
A video aired about Ricky Saints coming to SmackDown. Ricky is a former NXT Champion. Ricky is on SmackDown next week.
Analysis: Ricky Saints is a guy in his mid-30s so he’s very experienced. It’s similar to Raw getting Ethan Page.
Jacob Fatu vs. Solo Sikoa (w/Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa & JC Mateo)
It was Fatu getting some offense with some headbutts (into his hands) while Solo was against the turnbuckle. Solo came back by sending Fatu into the turnbuckle. Solo punched Fatu ten times. Fatu hit a running elbow and a running forearm to knock Solo down. JC pulled Fatu’s foot while the referee wasn’t looking and Solo punched Fatu in the back. Tama jumped off the steel steps with a clothesline on Fatu on the floor. The Usos showed up because of the MFTs getting involved. Fatu shouted at The Usos that he didn’t want their help. Solo hit a clothesline and Fatu did a flip bump to sell it. Solo taunted his brothers with a “Yeet” gesture as the show went to a break for some fans, and I’ll stick with the action. Solo sent Fatu into the steel steps. Fatu was able to turn the tide, but then Fatu ran the ropes and hit the turnbuckle with his running hip attack because Solo moved. That was a loud smash. The Usos were standing by the entrance rather than going to ringside. Solo hit the running hip attack on Fatu against the turnbuckle. There were more cheap shots by the MFTs because Solo kept distracting the referee. Solo hit another hip attack against the turnbuckle.
The match continued with Fatu hitting some punches and did a handstand off the ropes, but Solo caught Fatu. Solo hit a German Suplex into a moonsault flipping bump by Fatu. Solo and Fatu exchanged punches that Fatu won. Fatu hit a kick to the gut along with a senton splash. Fatu hit a running splash against the turnbuckle. Fatu did the headbutt routine again, followed by Fatu hitting a running hip attack against the turnbuckle. Tama distracted Fatu, so Solo set up for a Samoan Spike, and Fatu avoided it. Fatu hit a superkick. Fatu went up top, Loa went on the apron and JC shoved Fatu off the apron. Solo got a rollup for two. Fatu broke free and hit a suicide dive onto the three guys on the floor. Solo hit a superkick and a Spinning Solo. Solo went up top and hit a Superfly Splash or Uso Splash for a two count. Solo set up for a spike, but Fatu avoided it with a superkick and a popup Samoan Drop. Fatu went up top and hit a Mighty Moonsault for the pinfall win. It went about 11 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Jacob Fatu
Analysis: ***1/4 A clean and decisive win for Jacob Fatu after Solo Sikoa’s buddies interfered throughout the match. It was obvious that Solo had no shot to win here and it was all about giving Fatu a big win to set him up for Backlash against Roman Reigns. It’s fun to watch Fatu do his thing.
After the match, the MFTs attacked Fatu, so The Usos went to ringside. Fatu kicked a steel chair that Tama was holding and Fatu hit a superkick. Fatu got hold of a steel chair, so he hit Tama and JC with chair shots to the back. Fatu put steel chairs around JC’s neck and Tama’s neck. Fatu hit running hip attacks on JC and Tama back to back. You can see that Fatu was just hitting the turnbuckle without touching the guys. Fatu headbutted Loa at ringside and put him on the commentary table. Fatu jumped off the barricade and splashed Loa through the commentary. Fatu looked at The Usos and said he’ll see them and Roman on Monday. The Usos just stared at Fatu as he stood in the ring. Fatu: “Tell Roman I’ll see him on Monday Night Raw.” Fatu posed to end it.
Analysis: This was Jacob Fatu’s way of showing The Usos he didn’t need their help. Fatu beat up Tama, Loa, and Mateo all by himself while The Usos watched him do it. That’s how you put over Fatu as a dominant force.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Tiffany Stratton
- Jacob Fatu
- Rhea Ripley/Jacy Jayne
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The Scoreboard
7.25 out of 10
Last week: 5.5
2026 Average: 7.06
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Final Thoughts on WWE SmackDown
A pretty good show with some solid matches and fresh faces coming in from NXT. I liked the Tiffany Stratton Women’s US Title win over Giulia. That was the best match of the show, I thought. Other matches were pretty good, like Rhea Ripley/Jacy Jayne ending in DQ and Jacob Fatu’s big win over Solo Sikoa. I even enjoyed Danhausen’s very evil ROLLUP OF DEATH~! win over The Miz too.
I liked several promo segments on the show, including Cody Rhodes taking a shot at the TKO bosses getting involved in his WrestleMania storyline again. That was clever. It looks like Sami Zayn is fully in a heel role again after attacking Trick & Yachty while Zayn was dressed as the Gingerbread Man. That was a smart way to get Zayn booed again.
The Fort Worth crowd was excellent throughout the show and that always helps.
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Thanks for reading. Go Toronto Blue Jays and Toronto Raptors. You can contact me using any of the methods below.
John Canton
Email: [email protected]
Twitter/X: @johnreport