The John Report: WWE SmackDown 05/02/25 Review

This is WWE SmackDown featuring Aleister Black’s in-ring return against The Miz, Randy Orton speaks, Tiffany Stratton & Jade Cargill team up, and more.

Last week on SmackDown, there was an incredible TLC match for the WWE Tag Team Titles. The Street Profits retained the titles in a triple threat match with #DIY and The Motor City Machine Guns. It might be the best match in SmackDown history. I rated it five stars out of five, and I loved it. Kudos to all three teams for an incredible match.

I was out during SmackDown this week, but there was some sad news on Friday because WWE decided to release several wrestlers on the main roster and NXT. The names were leaking out before SmackDown and even as the show was going on. In some cases, it’s WWE choosing not to offer a talent a new deal rather than a release. Braun Strowman is the most notable name in the group while Shayna Baszler and Dakota Kai are among the others let go. I thought Strowman had done a great job in his feud with Jacob Fatu over the last few months and doesn’t deserve to be let go. With that said, WWE wasn’t featuring Braun on PLE shows either, so I can see why he got cut. Some of the NXT talent were there for three or four years, so if the company isn’t going to push them to the main roster, then I can understand cutting them. Considering WWE is making record profits and selling out buildings everywhere they go, it’s a shitty thing to see people let go. I get it from the WWE side because you can’t use everybody, and the roster is so big. It doesn’t mean I have to like it. It’s part of the business, though, so we see it happen every year. I hope the released wrestlers crush it wherever they go next.

Anyway, I was out with friends on Friday night, so I’m writing most of this review on Saturday morning. Most weeks, I do it live, but this week, I wasn’t able to.

From the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa, this is SmackDown for episode #1341. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

There was some backstage walking shown of Randy Orton, Tiffany Stratton, The Miz with Carmelo Hayes exiting The Miz’s bus, Damian Priest shaking hands with WWE Producer Shane Helms. Priest walked up to Jacob Fatu and Solo Sikoa and Priest shoved them. Referees and officials were there to break it up. LA Knight walked by that chaos, so Knight walked out to the ring.

The commentary team was Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett. Mark Nash was the ring announcer.

Let’s Hear from LA Knight and Damian Priest

LA Knight was in his wrestling gear in the ring for a show-opening promo. Knight said a week ago, he was in this ring saying he wanted a rematch for his US Championship, but he was told he had to win a number one contender’s match. Knight said that it didn’t go his way because Solo Sikoa brought his pumpkin head out here, gave Knight the Spike, and then Jacob Fatu showed up to drop moonsaults on everybody. Knight said that it happened because of Damian Priest. Knight said he knew it had nothing to do with him…but here comes Damian Priest.

Damian Priest joined LA Knight in the ring. Priest said he had no problem with Knight, but that was all about Drew McIntyre. Priest said he was ready to move on, but then Knight kept running his mouth and mentioned his family, so Priest had to shut him up. Knight said that Priest picked the wrong time and Knight said that the bell rang because of him. Priest said that Solo spiked him, so Priest saved Knight from eating a Claymore and getting pinned. Knight told Priest not to put it on him because Priest lost to McIntyre at WrestleMania. Priest said that this whole situation is because Knight lost his US Championship at WrestleMania. Knight said that as soon as he lost that championship, he said he’d be fighting for that championship and now he’s not fighting for the championship because of Priest. Priest told Knight this was all his head, and maybe if his head wasn’t up his ass at WrestleMania, then Knight would still be champion. Knight threatened to put his foot up Priest’s ass. Priest said their match was later on tonight, so he doesn’t see why they should wait and Priest suggested getting a referee there so they can do this right now. Knight said “Yeah” to that.

Analysis: They were cordial and respectful to start as babyface wrestlers, but then they decided to make it personal, and they insulted eachother. That’s a way to build up interest in a match.

A commercial aired for the upcoming shows in Tampa later this month May 24-27: Saturday Night’s Main Event, NXT Battleground, Raw and NXT TV. A lot of writing for yours truly. Always.

Damian Priest vs. LA Knight

The action started while the show was on a break for some fans. Priest was in control early on with a running shoulder tackle. Knight grounded Priest in a headlock, Priest broke free, and Knight came back with his own shoulder tackle. At that point, the show returned for all fans.

Knight was in control with an armbar until Priest nailed him with a punch to the jaw. Priest hit a jumping back elbow, along with a slam into the mat and Priest hit a jumping elbow smash. Knight went for BFT, but Priest shoved him away and Priest hit kick to the face for two. Knight countered a Priest move, which led to a belly-to-back slam into the mat. Knight hit a jumping clothesline, a Russian legsweep and a neckbreaker. Priest punched Knight, but Knight was back up with a powerslam. Knight countered Priest going for a slam and Priest bounced off the ropes leading to a clothesline. Knight was able to counter Priest again and this time he hit a DDT. Knight jumped up to the top rope and hit an elbow drop for two. They went to a break for some fans as the action continued. Knight sent Priest into the top turnbuckle. They were out on the floor as Priest sent Knight into the barricade. Priest hit Knight with a forearm to the face. Knight came back by sending Priest into the commentary table and a leg drop on the apron. Knight and Priest exchanged punches, which was followed by a double clothesline spot that knocked both guys down. The fans got into it with a “this is awesome” chant.

The match continued as they battled by the turnbuckle where Priest kick Knight in the face. Priest gave Knight the Razor’s Edge for a two count. It was a finisher for Razor Ramon 30 years ago, but not for Priest. Knight countered Priest, but then Priest came back with a Broken Arrow slam for two. Priest slowly went up top, which set up the pop up superplex spot that Knight loves to do and that got a two count. Knight clotheslined Priest out of the ring. Knight tried a dropkick on the floor, but Priest avoided it, and Priest hit a flatliner into the ring apron. Solo Sikoa attacked Damian Priest at ringside for the DQ finish. It went 14 minutes.

Winner by disqualification: Damian Priest

Analysis: ***1/4 A good match between two veteran babyfaces who are at about the same level on the roster. They got plenty of time until it ended abruptly with a DQ finish. It was one of those even kind of matchups where they did a lot of counters and big moves throughout the match. If it had a cleaner finish I’d probably rate it higher, but I also get why they booked a DQ because of how the story progressed.

After the match, Solo continued to beat up Priest on the floor. Solo attacked Knight in the ring. Solo went for a Samoan Spike, but Priest blocked it, and Knight hit Solo with a BFT. Knight kicked Solo out of the ring so Priest could go for a slam through the table, but Jacob Fatu saved Solo. Fatu hit a suicide dive on Priest on the floor. Fatu gave Knight a Samoan Drop onto the commentary table. It didn’t break the table. Fatu hit a running hip attack on Priest against the barricade. Fatu posed with the US Title.

Analysis: That’s going to set up a tag team match. I also mentioned last week that they were likely setting up a 4-way match for the US Title with Priest, Knight and Drew McIntyre as challengers. We found out later that it’s coming up at Backlash. Fatu wasn’t cheered here that much, but the fans do like him, and I think it may be tough for WWE to keep him as a heel for much longer.

The Fraxiom duo of Nathan Frazer & Axiom were interviewed by Byron Saxton backstage. Frazer said he was excited about facing Pretty Deadly. Axiom said they are so excited to be here on Smackdown since it’s the best tag team division on the entire plant. Axiom mentioned the TLC match from last week. Pretty Deadly walked up with Kit Wilson saying that they are the best tag team division. Elton Prince liked seeing some European blood on Smackdown. Prince said that opportunities are earned but not given. Pretty Deadly wondered if Fraxiom was actually good. Frazer told them to be careful what you wish for and Pretty Deadly laughed it off.

Pretty Deadly made their entrance for tag team action.

(Commercial)

They showed UFC legend and commentator Michael Bisping at ringside.

Fraxiom – Nathan Frazer & Axiom vs. Pretty Deadly – Kit Wilson & Elton Prince

Axiom held Wilson while Frazer ran the ropes and hit a running kick. Wilson nailed Frazer with a running kick to knock him down. Wilson hit a hip toss on Frazer. Prince tagged in to stomp on Frazer, but Frazer was back up with a jumping kick. Axiom and Frazer hit some double-team moves, including strikes and four suicide dives in a row by Axiom and Frazer. The crowd popped for Fraxiom’s exciting offense. Axiom jumped off the top, Prince caught him, Wilson made a tag and Wilson hit two boots to Axiom to knock him down. Prince clotheslined Axiom as the show went to break for some fans. Wilson sent Axiom onto the ring apron and Wilson chopped Axiom. The PD boys made quick tags as they isolated Axiom. Wilson hit double knees on Axiom. Wilson connected with a front suplex and an elbow to the back. Wilson grabbed an armbar as the show came back from the break for some fans.

Axiom broke free and Frazer got the hot tag with a top rope missile dropkick. Frazer ran the ropes and hit a forearm on Prince. Frazer hit a reverse DDT/regular DDT on both PD guys. Frazer hit a standing SSP on Prince, who didn’t kick out but the referee stopped the count because Frazer’s elbow hit Prince in the jaw and Prince was bleeding heavily by the mouth. Frazer set up Prince by the turnbuckle, Wilson made the tag and Wilson hit a Powerbomb out of the corner. Frazer sent Wilson to the corner, Axiom hit a Spanish Fly off the top and Frazer jumped off the other turnbuckle with a Phoenix Splash on Wilson for the pinfall win after about 10 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Fraxiom

Analysis: *** The second week in a row where Fraxiom picked up a win to give them some positive momentum as a new team. I think they had to improvise on the finish because of Frazer’s elbow cutting open Prince and maybe Prince was the one that would get pinned. Instead, Wilson tagged in and Fraxiom hit their big moves on him to get the win. I enjoyed the match like most of Fraxiom’s matches.

Michin and B-Fab were talking to Smackdown GM Nick Aldis in his office about their interest in the women’s tag team division. Chelsa Green showed up with her Secret Hervice friends Piper Niven and Alba Fyre. Green was dressed in black because she was sad about losing her Women’s US Title. Green said she won’t take Nick to the Supreme Court and give her the recount that she deserves. Aldis said she could get a rematch in the future, but tonight Zelina Vega will face Piper Niven, who was shocked by that.

Nia Jax was shown walking backstage for a promo up next.

(Commercial)

A video aired about some John Cena-Randy Orton history. They showed TLC 2013 when Orton beat Cena to unify the WWE & World Titles in a TLC match. Orton said he proved he was the greatest superstar of this generation or any other.

Let’s Hear from Nia Jax and Tiffany Stratton

Nia Jax made her entrance for a promo. A replay was shown of last week when Naomi attacked Jade Cargill and Nia Jax attacked Tiffany Stratton to let the Women’s Champion Stratton know that Jax wants her title back.

The fans booed so Jax thanked them and said it sounded like the fans missed her. Jax sarcastically said it was a warm welcome. Jax said that she was at home getting refocused and regrouping so she could take back what is hers – the WWE Women’s Championship.

Tiffany Stratton, the WWE Women’s Champion, showed up to say she is not the same woman that Jax used to boss around. Stratton reminded Jax that she cashed in Money in the Bank on her and she beat Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania. Stratton said if she faces Jax then she’ll beat her too. Stratton said she would defend her title against Jax anytime, any place and anywhere.

Naomi was up next with her Caution tape gear. Naomi said she remembers for months when she would try to get the title from Jax, Stratton made sure to help her out. Naomi said that they made Naomi’s life hell. Naomi said that she had changed, and she was no longer the good girl who stood behind Bianca and let Jade walk all over her. Naomi said that she took out Jade and she took her championship. Naomi told a fan to shut up. Naomi said that not only will she push you into a car, but she’ll push you under one.

Jade Cargill made her way down to ringside and she punched Naomi a few times. Stratton was fighting with Jax at the same time. Jade clotheslined Naomi out of the ring. Stratton dropkicked Jax out of the ring.

Nick Aldis showed up to tell the women to settle down. Aldis said let’s give the fans a tag team match playa as a Teddy Long reference. The fans popped for that to end the segment.

Analysis: It was an easy way to set up a tag team match after the promo segment. We see that kind of thing all the time on WWE TV. A Stratton-Jax match makes sense based on their history. I think Cargill could be the Money in the Bank winner this year. Just saying.

A video aired about the return of Aleister Black last week on SmackDown. Black hit Miz with a Black Mass kick to knock Miz down.

The Miz was backstage with Carmelo Hayes, who had the Andre the Giant battle royal necklace on that he called Dre. The Miz talked about his legacy in 20 years. The Miz said that if you target The Miz, the spotlight is on you, so that’s why Aleister Black did what he did. The Miz was fired up about his match as they made their way down to the ring.

Analysis: The Miz brags about his WWE history and legacy over 20 years more than anybody, yet he loses more than pretty much any WWE Champion in history. Just saying.

The WWE SummerSlam commercial aired. Two day combo tickets are on sale now.

(Commercial)

There was a plug for WWE Crown Jewel heading to Perth, Australia on October 11th. Smackdown will be on October 10 and Raw will be on October 13th. The WWE Champion John Cena will be there for his final appearance in Australia.

The entrance of Aleister Black is one of the coolest in WWE. I’m glad that they have his old theme song with the drums playing as he rises up out of the darkness. The song fits him. This is Black’s first WWE match in five years, with Joe noting it was in October 2020.

The Miz (w/Carmelo Hayes) vs. Aleister Black

Miz tried to work over Black with kicks, but Black caught the foot. Black managed to kick Miz in the leg to knock him down. Miz bailed to the floor, so Black backflipped into the ring and sat down. Black hit a running back elbow. Black kicked Miz out of the ring. Black looked at Melo, and Miz rammed Black’s chest into the apron, so Black bumped to the floor. They went to break for some fans. The Miz was in control for the three minutes during the break.

The attack continued as Miz hit a clothesline against the turnbuckle. Black tried a move, but Miz sent Black out of the ring to the floor. Miz went for a jumping attack on Black on the floor, but Black hit a knee to the jaw to stop that. Black hit a running forearm along with a sweep kick and a running kick. Black hit a springboard moonsault onto a standing Miz for a two count. Miz came back with the DDT that he’s been doing for 20 years and he was shocked that it didn’t get the win. Miz kicked Black in the chest, Black was laughing at him and Black hit a spinning elbow. Black hit a hard kick to the chest. Miz did a necksnap across the top rope. Miz went for a Skull Crushing Finale, but Black did a cartwheel counter and Miz was stunned by that. The Miz charged and Black hit a spinning kick to the head. Black used his foot to lift up Miz again, so Hayes went on the apron and Miz got a rollup for two. Black was back up with a Black Mass kick to the head for the pinfall win after 10 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Aleister Black

Analysis: ***1/4 Welcome back, Aleister Black. I thought it was an impressive showing by Black, who, of course, got the win over Miz because Miz loses a lot. They aren’t going to have Black lose his WWE return match. Miz controlled a few minutes before Black made the comeback and that Black Mass kick looked great.

After the match, Carmelo Hayes got into the ring and had a staredown with Aleister Black. Melo backed out of the ring.

Analysis: That sets up a Black match against Melo, which should be great.

Santos Escobar approached Rey Fenix in the locker room. Escobar trashed Fenix for losing at WrestleMania, and it was embarrassing for Lucha libre to see Fenix lose to El Grande Americano. Escobar said that Rey Mysterio picked Fenix and he blew it. Escobar said that the person to take Mysterio’s place is Escobar. Fenix told Escobar to stay out of his business. Fenix said there’s only one luchador he trusts (likely his brother Penta), and he challenged Escobar to a match tonight. Fenix left.

Zelina Vega entered as the Women’s United States Champion, and she had a big smile on her face.

(Commercial)

This week on Stephanie’s Places on ESPN+ is an interview with Pat McAfee. Pat talked about how, throughout his life, he told people he was supposed to be a professional wrestler.

They showed Dion Dawkins of the NFL’s Buffalo Bills at ringside with a Bills WWE Title belt. The Bills can’t win a Super Bowl, so they might as well carry that title. Sorry, Bills fans. I couldn’t resist. Go LA Rams.

Zelina Vega vs. Piper Niven (w/Chelsea Green & Alba Fyre)

A replay aired of Vega beating Chelsea Green for the Women’s US Title last week on Smackdown.

There’s a big size difference since Niven is powerful while Vega is one of the smallest women in WWE. Niven tried to splash Vega, but Vega avoided it. Vega worked over Niven with kicks along with a knee smash. Niven ran over Vega with a shoulder tackle. When Vega tried a headscissors, Niven countered with a sitout front slam. Niven kicked Vega into the bottom turnbuckle. They went to a break as Niven controlled the action for three minutes. Niven hit a powerslam.

Niven hit Vega in the chest, but Vega came back with a jumping knee. Vega charged and Niven caught her, which led to a uranage slam and a senton splash. Vega was on the apron where she hit a kick to the head. Niven punched Vega to stop Vega on the top rope. Vega headbutted Niven and Vega hit a Meteora knee attack from the middle rope for a two count. Vega went for Code Red, Niven avoided it and Niven hit a Bossman Slam for two. Niven went for cannonball attack, but Vega avoided it. Vega hit running knees against the turnbuckle. Niven went for a powerslam and Vega countered it with a DDT. Vega went up top and jumped off with a moonsault for a two count. Niven hit a headbutt. Vega countered a move with a hurricanrana into the ropes. Green went on the apron to yell at Vega, so Niven charged, Vega moved and Niven knocked Green off the apron to the floor. Vega did a rollup into a jackknife pin on Niven for the pinfall win. It went about 11 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Zelina Vega

Analysis: **3/4 It was a formulaic match with the power wrestler Niven controlling a lot of the match until the smaller wrestler Vega making the comeback to find a way to win. The last couple of minutes were good, with some solid nearfalls. I liked the finish with Vega outsmarting Niven and Green, which led to the jackknife pin. The cover looked better than if it was just a ROLLUP OF DEATH~! too.

Jacob Fatu & Solo Sikoa were talking to Smackdown GM Nick Aldis’ office. Aldis complained about Solo interfering in matches the last two weeks. Aldis wanted to put Fatu against Knight and Priest at Backlash. Solo said that Drew McIntyre won last week, so it should be him against Fatu. Aldis said it will be a 4-way at Backlash: Fatu vs. McIntyre vs. Knight vs. Priest. Fatu said that he didn’t care because he’s all gas and no breaks. Fatu left. Solo said that Aldis was trying to screw Jacob over, and Nick said to Solo that it was Solo who was doing that.

A promo from Randy Orton was up next.

(Commercial)

It’s official for WWE Backlash: Jacob Fatu defends the US Title vs. LA Knight vs. Damian Priest vs. Drew McIntyre.

Analysis: I’ll go with Jacob retaining there.

Let’s Hear from Randy Orton

Randy Orton made his entrance to a big pop from the crowd while some of the fans were singing his song. Orton is in a sweater and pants, which is better than when he’d do promos in his wrestling gear. Orton will challenge John Cena for the WWE Title at Backlash on May 10th. There were “Randy” chants before he spoke.

Orton welcomed the fans to the show even though he noted it was two hours into the show. Orton said that while the world couldn’t see John Cena, Orton could. Orton said it took 20 years what kind of man Cena is, but Orton knew from day one. Orton said Cena’s arrogant, selfish and there were “Cena sucks” chants. Orton called Cena an entitled brat who got whatever he wanted, and he’s the shiny new toy to be played with by the ultimate puppet master (The Rock?). Orton said that Cena took advantage of the PG because he was willing to be eager to be a cartoon character, while Orton did everything to be true to who he was. Orton said Cena didn’t care about the boys in the back or the fans. Orton said that Cena only cares about his bottom line, which has brought him fame, fortune and right into the mainstream.

Orton talked about Cena having t-shirts, hats, headbands and all the other merch like the “Never Give Up” towels. Orton said that it is Cena’s way of making sure the fans love him even more than they already do. Orton talked about how Cena never had kids or raised a family because he was busy raising all of your kids. Orton said that the only thing Cena raised is the price of his merchandise, so the parents have to work a double shift to be able to afford it.

Orton said that Cena has been selling his soul for 20 years. Orton will give Cena the hustle all day, but the loyalty and respect – what happened to those things? Orton said that last week Cena said that he’d erase everything that Orton’s family did in this industry. Orton said Cena would not do that. Orton said that Cena is not the last real champion, he’s the latest legend that Orton has to put down. Orton said that he was going to do it in front of his wife, his family, his friends and the future generation of Ortons. Orton said he’s going to put Cena in his square-shaped head and fly threw the Gateway Arch…but not before he drops Cena’s ass with the three most dangerous letters in sports entertainment…RKO. Orton ended it there.

Analysis: I thought Randy Orton did a good job of bringing a serious tone to that promo. Orton looked like a guy that was pissed off and motivated to beat John Cena in Orton’s hometown. Orton also did a nice job of playing to the crowd too. Orton made some valid points while pushing the idea that he has the home-field advantage against Cena, which he does. However, I don’t see Orton winning that match and I doubt most fans see him winning either.

Nia Jax spoke to Naomi backstage and said if Naomi stays out of her way, then they’ll be good. Naomi had a one-word reply: “Sure.” Naomi left while Jax looked confused about it.

Rey Fenix made his entrance for singles action up next.

(Commercial)

Randy Orton was shown walking backstage when R-Truth walked up to him. Truth said that Orton had no chance at Backlash because his childhood hero John Cena will beat Orton. Jimmy Uso walked up to shake Orton’s hand and said you know how Truth is. Jimmy shook hands with Orton, who left. Truth told Jimmy that Cena said he was the Last Real Champion and Truth left. Jimmy told Truth he needed to stop.

Analysis: I have seen people theorize that maybe Truth will help Cena win over Orton since Cean is Truth’s “childhood hero.” I don’t know about that theory, but I guess it has a slight chance of happening. Cena is likely going to win cheaply, so there could be some kind of interference.

Rey Fenix vs. Santos Escobar

Escobar told Fenix that he was the boss while Fenix should follow orders. Fenix chopped Escobar, so Escobar chopped back and they exchanged chops, leading to Escobar knocking Fenix down. Fenix came back with a hard chop to the chest. When Escobar got back up, Fenix shoved him down. Fenix went for a springboard attack, but Escobar got control of his wrist. Fenix swung around the ropes to avoid Escobar and Fenix jumped onto Escobar with a hurricanrana on the floor. Escobar shoved Fenix into the ring apron and Escobar kicked Fenix into the steel steps. Escobar ran the ropes leading to a suicide dive onto Fenix on the floor. They went to a break for some fans as the action continued. They went back into the ring as Escobar did a handstand on the top rope, leading to a knee attack to the ribs. Escobar hit Fenix with a knee smash to the nose. Escobar sent Fenix into the turnbuckle followed by a running knee. Escobar worked over Fenix with more knee smashes to the face.

The action continued as Escobar sent Fenix into the turnbuckle and hit a kick to the head. Escobar hit a senton splash for a two count. Escobar sent Fenix into the turnbuckle, Fenix came back with a kick and a shoulder tackle. Fenix sent Escobar into the turnbuckle. Fenix went up top with a springboard moonsault for two. Fenix bounced off the ropes and hit a spinning kick to the head for two. Escobar hit a knee to the jaw, but Fenix popped back up with a kick to the head, and they were both down selling after that. Escobar continued the attack with a double knee attack. Escobar hit a double underhook knee smash for a two count. Fenix avoided a move and followed up with a dropkick to the back of the head. Fenix did the running rope walk leading to a kick. Fenix went up top and hit a Meteora double knee smash for the pinfall win after about 12 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Rey Fenix

Analysis: ***1/4 It was a good match that picked up in the second half after a slow first half. Escobar was on offense for about 75% of the match. I thought there’d be more offense from Fenix and more exciting moves, but what he did was fine, and the fans popped for him. Escobar is a talented heel who knows how to rile up the fans and have a solid match every time he’s out there. You can tell Fenix isn’t going crazy in WWE compared to some of the moves he did in AEW, and that’s smart because it will keep him healthy.

Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill were interviewed by Byron Saxton, who asked how they were going to fare in their tag team match. Stratton said that Nia Jax would learn that this title belongs to Stratton. Stratton said as long as Jade stayed out of her way, they should be fine. Jade informed Stratton that she spoke to Nick Aldis about how Jade faces Nia Jax next week on Smackdown in a number one contender’s match. Stratton was fine with that.

Analysis: I think Nia Jax beating Jade Cargill because of Naomi’s help is likely for that Jax-Jade match.

(Commercial)

A video package aired about the TLC Tag Team Title match from Smackdown last week. They showed some media coverage of the match and the praise that the match got. It really was one of the best matches in WWE TV history and Smackdown history. I was happy for all three teams: The Street Profits, #DIY and Motor City Machine Guns.

Santos Escobar was backstage with Legado Del Fantasma’s Angel & Berto. Escobar complained about Los Garza not being there. Andrade walked up to them, saying he knows Escobar doesn’t like him. Andrade said that Escobar doesn’t have the legacy, respect, or honor like he says. Escobar told Angel to go. Andrade looked at Berto and pointed at his head to tell him to think about it.

Next week on Smackdown:

* WWE Champion John Cena returns

* LA Knight & Damian Priest vs. Jacob Fatu & Solo Sikoa

* WWE Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Jade Cargill vs. Nia Jax

It was main event time with Jade Cargill up first for her team. They went to a break.

This Monday on Raw: Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker & Paul Heyman deliver a message to the WWE Universe. That’s the only thing that was advertised in the commercial.

(Commercial)

The entrances took place of WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton. Nia Jax was next for the heel team and the caution gear wearing Naomi made her entrance as Jax’s partner.

Nia Jax & Naomi vs. Tiffany Stratton & Jade Cargill

Jade and Naomi fought in the ring while Stratton battled Jax on the floor. Stratton sent Jax into the steel steps, but Jax sent Stratton into the barricade. Jade dominated Naomi to start the match and knocked Naomi out of the ring. Jade sent Naomi into the ring post. Naomi held Jade against the turnbuckle and pulled back on Jade’s arms. Naomi did a snapmare, followed by a kick to the back. Jax got a blind tag, Jade hit a pump kick on Naomi and Jax knocked down Jade with a forearm. Jax rammed Jade’s head into the mat a few times. They went on break for some fans, and I’ll take a break, too. It was Jax in control of Jade during the break.

The match returned with Jax going for a splash, but Jade avoided it and Jax knocked Stratton off the turnbuckle. Jade tried a body slam and Jax fell on top of Jade to get a two count. Naomi was back in, she tried to keep Jade from tagging out, but Jade hit a flatliner on Naomi. Jax got the tag, Jade kicked herself free and Stratton tagged in for the first time. Stratton hit punches, a knee to the face and a handspring back elbow. Stratton got on Jax’s back, leading to a Crucifix Bomb for a two count. Stratton hit a running dropkick on a seated Jax. Stratton went up top, but Jax was back up with a headbutt. Jax hit a Samoan Drop and leg drop while Naomi made a blind tag. Jax didn’t like Naomi tagging herself in. Naomi went for a split-legged moonsault, but Stratton got her knees up to block. Jade tagged back in with kicks for both opponents, two forearm smashes and Jade hit a spinning slam off the shoulders. Jade hit a running splash on Naomi against the turnbuckle. Jade hit a Chokeslam for two count because Jax made the save. Jax pulled Naomi to the corner and Jax tagged back in. Jax hit a running elbow and a senton on Jade, but Stratton broke up the pin attempt with a Swanton Bomb off the top. Stratton punched Naomi against the turnbuckle, but Jax splashed Stratton and Naomi against the turnbuckle. Jax hit a running splash on Jade against the turnbuckle. Jax took way too long going for the Annihilator off the turnbuckle, so Jade countered it by hitting a Powerbomb out of the corner for the pinfall after about 11 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Tiffany Stratton & Jade Cargill

Analysis: *** A solid main event tag team match. Tiffany and Jade getting the win was the right call as the babyfaces looking for revenge against their heel rivals. I was a bit surprised that Jade pinned Jax instead of Naomi, but it made sense based on what happened after the match. I also think Jax might beat Jade next week because of Noami, so that could be why they had Jax lose here.

After the match, Jade Cargill got a hold of the WWE Women’s Title and put it on her left shoulder. Stratton made Jade give her the title back. Naomi was back in the ring and hit Jade in the back with it. Naomi hit a knee smash on Jade. Naomi held up the WWE Women’s Title in the ring while Stratton was down on the floor selling. Naomi posed with the title. That was the end of the show.

Analysis: It looks like they could do a 4-way at Backlash for this title, but the guys are doing that for the US Title, so for now, it’s Cargill against Jax next week. The winner of that gets to challenge Stratton for the title. Perhaps they’ll add Naomi to the Cargill/Jax match next week to make it a triple threat contender’s match. I like how these stories have been booked. Good stuff around the WWE Women’s Title.

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Three Stars of the Show

1. Aleister Black
2. Randy Orton
3. Tiffany Stratton & Jade Cargill

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The Scoreboard

6.75 out of 10

Last week: 8.5

2025 Average: 7.36

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Final Thoughts on WWE SmackDown

It was an average show most of the way. Nothing really stood out as being that great. Last week’s show was definitely better, thanks to TLC, while this one was lacking in terms of a standout match. There were six matches, and all of them were between 9 to 14 minutes, so that’s good, but none of them really stood out. With that said, there are still a lot of three-star level matches, and that’s a good thing in any era of pro wrestling. I thought Aleister Black stood out in the ring. Fraxiom was awesome as well, but Frazer busting open Elton Prince obviously isn’t ideal. It’s not a regular thing and it’s a reminder of how accidents happen in pro wrestling all the time.

The promos were okay in terms of advancing stories and setting up matches that took place on this show, as well as Backlash. Randy Orton did a nice job.

The next WWE PLE is Backlash on May 10th in St. Louis. Here’s the lineup so far:

* Undisputed WWE Championship: John Cena vs. Randy Orton

* Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Lyra Valkyria vs. Becky Lynch

* United States Championship: Jacob Fatu vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Damian Priest vs. LA Knight

* Gunther vs. Pat McAfee

You can watch WWE Backlash, streaming live on Peacock in the U.S. and Netflix internationally from St. Louis at 7 ET/4 PT.

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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