The John Report: WWE SmackDown 05/09/25 Review
This is WWE SmackDown featuring words from John Cena, Jacob Fatu & Solo Sikoa facing Damian Priest & LA Knight, and more.
It is the final SmackDown before WWE Backlash on Saturday night in St. Louis. I won’t have a preview of Backlash since I haven’t had much free time in the last few days due to some emergencies that changed my plans this week. Things are okay, but I didn’t have time to preview Backlash. Throughout this review, I’ll give my Backlash predictions. I’ll review It on Saturday night, as usual.
From the Nutter Center in Dayton, Ohio, this is SmackDown for episode #1342. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
Damian Priest was shown walking backstage when Byron Saxton appeared for an interview. Priest spoke about how he was looking forward to getting his hands on Drew McIntyre, but at Backlash, he could be a US Champion again. LA Knight said that Backlash is tomorrow, but they are a team tonight. Priest and Knight expressed concern about having eachother’s back.
LA Knight entered first, followed by his tag team partner Damian Priest. The US Champion Jacob Fatu was next with Solo Sikoa. At Backlash, Jacob Fatu defends the US Title against Damian Priest, LA Knight, and Drew McIntyre.
Analysis: I’ll go with Fatu winning that US Title match. He just won the title at WrestleMania three weeks ago, so I don’t see why WWE would take the title off him already.
The commentary team was Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett. The ring announcer was Mark Nash.
Jacob Fatu & Solo Sikoa vs. Damian Priest & LA Knight
Priest and Knight couldn’t decide who would start the match, so Solo nailed Priest with a forearm. Priest worked over Solo with kicks, along with an elbow smash. Priest hit a shoulder tackle to knock Solo down. Priest did a rope walk cross body block off the top rope. Priest teased a clothesline, but Solo bailed to the floor. Priest jumped off the steel steps with a double axhandle on Solo. Knight kicked Fatu off the apron to the floor. Priest and Knight argued on the floor. Fatu & Solo took control as they isolated Priest on their side of the ring. The fans chanted “Fatu” for Jacob. Fatu sent Priest into the turnbuckle. Fatu headbutted Priest a few times to keep him down. Solo was back in with a punch to Priest’s ribs.
Solo tried to keep Priest in the heel side of the ring, but Priest hit an elbow smash to the face. Solo punched Knight off the apron, Priest knocked Solo down and Knight wasn’t there to make a tag. Solo hit a Samoan Drop on Priest for two. Solo was back in with a running senton that barely touched Priest. Fatu hit headbutts, along with a running hip attack. Solo charged, but Priest hit a spinning heel kick to knock Solo down. Knight was back in with a legsweep and a neckbreaker. Knight hit a powerslam while mocking Fatu’s shake that he does. Knight hit a jumping elbow drop. Knight hit a belly-to-back slam. Knight was on the turnbuckle, but Priest tagged in and the fans booed. Priest bounced off the ropes and hit a clothesline on Fatu. Knight tagged himself back in, so Solo punched Knight into Priest. Solo was tagged in and hit a superkick on Knight. Solo went for a Samoan Spike, Knight avoided it and Knight hit a BFT for the pinfall win after 10 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Damian Priest & LA Knight
Analysis: *** A good match with a sudden finish since Knight easily finished off Solo after avoiding a Samoan Spike. I write every week that I don’t think WWE can keep Fatu a heel for much longer. Fans see Fatu as a star, so it’s time to officially make him a face.
After the match, Priest and Knight exchanged punches. Fatu stopped that by attacking both guys. Fatu hit four running hip attacks against the turnbuckle – two for Priest and Knight each. The fans were chanting “Fatu” for Jacob, who held up the US Title. When Fatu turned around, Drew McIntyre was in the ring, and Drew dropped Fatu with a Claymore Kick. Drew held the US Title over a fallen Fatu.
Analysis: It gives Drew McIntyre the momentum going into the Backlash match. As I mentioned earlier, I’m picking Jacob Fatu to win, and I would be surprised if he didn’t keep the title.
R-Truth held a “Let’s Go Cena” sign in the parking lot. Jimmy Uso walked up to Truth saying that Cena sucks. Truth mentioned Cena is his childhood hero and taught Truth to never give up. A frustrated Jimmy left, as Truth returned to chanting, “Let’s Go Cena” again.
Analysis: The great R-Truth is so loyal to his childhood hero, Cena, who Truth is older than.
A commercial aired for WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, NXT Battleground, Raw & NXT four nights in a row in Tampa from May 24th to 27th.
(Commercial)
There was a replay of what happened before the break.
Drew McIntyre was interviewed backstage by Byron Saxton. Drew talked about becoming a Grand Slam Champion in WWE if he wins the US Title since he never won it before. Drew talked about how LA Knight shouldn’t even be in the US Title match in the first place since Drew beat Knight in a contender’s match. Drew complained about Damian Priest being in the match, and Drew reminded us that Drew beat Priest at WrestleMania in front of Priest’s family. Drew mentioned how Jacob Fatu says he’s “all gas, no brakes.” Drew told Fatu that eventually, without brakes, you hit a brick wall, and that brick wall is Drew McIntyre, the next US Champion.
Analysis: Drew had a strong promo, as always. Drew is one of the best talkers and all-around performers in WWE.
Chelsea Green and the Secret Hervice members Piper Niven & Alba Fyre were giving a eulogy for Green’s Women’s US Title that she lost. The lights turned on and it was SmackDown GM Nick Aldis and Women’s US Champion Zelina Vega. Green insulted Vega for not having any friends. Vega said she does have friends and Aldis booked a tag team match.
The team of Chelsea Green and Piper Niven with Alba Fyre entered for tag team action.
(Commercial)
A video aired about Aleister Black talking to the camera, saying this is where you expect him to speak in riddles. Black said he buried him. Black said that he came back because he truly believes he is the consequence that this company desperately needs. Black said that this is so much bigger than good versus evil. Black said this is more than the chants and the fog. Black said he’s here to confront you mentally and physically, and you get to decide which one is worse. Black said he hasn’t figured out Carmelo Hayes, or has he? That match is later.
Analysis: Good stuff. I think Black is a rising star now that he’s back in WWE.
The Women’s US Champion Zelina Vega made her entrance and we found out who her tag team partner was. It’s the returning Alexa Bliss, who has been out of action for over two months since Elimination Chamber. The fans popped for Bliss and some old, bearded guy had a shocked look on his face. The fans cheered, especially after they announced she was from Columbus, Ohio, and they were in Dayton, Ohio, for this show.
Analysis: Welcome back, Miss Bliss. It’s always good to see her, and the fans like her a lot.
Zelina Vega & Alexa Bliss vs. Chelsea Green & Piper Niven (w/Alba Fyre)
Niven gave Vega a body slam. Green tagged in and went for a splash off the ropes, but Vega avoided it. Vega hit a boot to the face. Vega sent both opponents into the ropes and Vega hit a double 619 kick for two. Niven kicked Vega in the back and Green did a snapmare to Vega. Niven hit an elbow drop on Vega. They went on a break for some fans as the action continued. It was three minutes of the heels being in control.
Vega managed to break free from Green, but Niven got the tag and hit a headbutt. Vega countered Niven with a DDT, which led to Bliss getting the hot tag. Bliss tagged in with shoulder tackles and a dragon screw leg drop. Bliss punched Green, followed by a headscissors. Bliss hit double knees to the back and a flipping neckbreaker for two. Bliss charged at Green, who hit Bliss with an elbow. Bliss trapped Green upside down against the turnbuckle, and Bliss hit a dropkick. Bliss went up top and hit Twisted Bliss for two because Niven made the save. Vega was in the ring, Bliss kicked Niven and Vega hit an assisted Code Red on Vega. Vega jumped onto Niven with double knees on the floor. Bliss hit a Sister Abigail DDT on Green for the pinfall win after about 8 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Zelina Vega & Alexa Bliss
Analysis: **3/4 A solid tag team match to put over Bliss in her return to the ring. It was a formulaic tag team match with Vega getting worked over for most of the match. It was the right call to have Bliss get the win. Green and Niven have lost a bunch of matches over the last month.
Rey Fenix was shown walking backstage when Santos Escobar tried to talk to him. Fenix said he beat Santos last week, so it’s over. Los Garza’s Angel & Berto attacked Fenix and sent him into some equipment cases. WWE officials showed up to check on Fenix. Andrade went up to Fenix to check on him as well.
Analysis: They haven’t used Andrade much lately, so making him an ally of Fenix against Escobar’s Legado group makes sense.
An SUV pulled up to the arena, and it was Charlotte Flair. She is up next.
(Commercial)
A video aired about John Cena’s history with Randy Orton. They showed a clip of their Hell in a Cell 2014 match. It wasn’t a great match or anything like that. Cena won with an AA through a table.
They announced a tag team match for later in the show: Andrade & Rey Fenix vs. Los Garza.
Let’s Har from Charlotte Flair
Charlotte Flair made her entrance in street clothes. There wasn’t much of a reaction for her. It was Flair’s first appearance in three weeks since losing to Tiffany Stratton at WrestleMania.
Flair said the queen had arrived, and the fans booed. Flair said she was coming off the greatest women’s match in WrestleMania history, and the fans booed that, too. Heels lie. Flair said she was out for almost two years (more like 14 months), and she took your champion, Tiffany Stratton, to her limits. Flair showed a picture of Stratton with a bloody tooth. Flair said she was here to announce her path back to the WWE Women’s Championship. Flair asked why the fans were so disrespectful to her. Flair said she is the GOAT of women’s wrestling. Flair yelled that she was the “Greatest of All Time.” Flair said that if they continue to be disrespectful, she will leave and never return. The fans kept booing. Flair threw the microphone down and left. The fans cheered that, at least.
Analysis: There wasn’t much to that promo. It was simply Flair bragging about how good she was, as usual. A heel saying, “If you keep booing, then I’m leaving,” is a classic heel move that has been done for many years.
As Flair left the ring, Jade Cargill made her entrance for her singles match. Flair stared at Jade on Jade’s way to the ring. Jade told Flair she had her chance, so she should head to the back of the line. Flair walked to the back while Jade’s match was next.
Analysis: They are building to a Flair/Cargill rivalry since they have had staredowns a few times now.
(Commercial)
Charlotte Flair was shown walking in the backstage area. Flair was leaving and Nick Aldis was there telling Flair to be a leader, don’t just leave when things don’t go your way. Flair wanted to get into her SUV, but Alexa Bliss was there and told Flair that they should chat.
Analysis: I don’t know where it’s leading, but at least it’s a potential story for Bliss and Flair.
Nia Jax vs. Jade Cargill
It’s Tiffy Time because Tiffany Stratton made her entrance to watch the match from ringside. That’s because the winner gets a shot at the WWE Women’s Title held by Tiffany Stratton
Jax knocked Jade with a shoulder tackle. The fans were chanting “You can’t wrestle” at Jax, which is always a dumb chant. Jade hit a jumping shoulder tackle. Jax countered a Jade move and Jax hit a Samoan Drop. Jax hit a leg drop for two. They went to a break and I’ll take a break too.
Jade avoided a splash attempt by Jax, so Jax hit the mat. Jade picked up Jax, and Jade hit her own version of a Samoan Drop. Jax hit a knee to the ribs, and she went for a suplex, but Jade hit a suplex of her own. Jade charged at Jax, who sent Jade to the apron. Jade superkicked Jax a few times, followed by a spinebuster for two. Jade went for a kick, but Jax caught her and Jax hit a Powerbomb for two. Jax went to the middle turnbuckle, Jade kicked her and Jade hit a powerslam to slam Jax to the mat. Jade went up top and jumped off with a Frog Splash for two. I haven’t seen Jade do that move, but she did it well. Jax hit a back elbow and tossed Jade across the ring. Jax splashed Jade against the turnbuckle. Jade hit a pump kick for two. That led to Naomi making her way down to ringside and she punched Stratton at ringside. Naomi sent Stratton into the steel steps. Jade left the ring to look at Naomi, so Jax knocked Jade down, and Jax hit a senton splash on Jade. Jax hit an Annihilator splash on Jade for the pinfall win after 10 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Nia Jax
Analysis: **1/2 It was an average match with a cheap finish because Jade was distracted by Naomi, which is what I expected for this match. I liked some of the power spots with Jade slamming Jax. Since they have a history together, Jax winning makes sense as Stratton’s next opponent. It also means the Jade/Naomi feud isn’t done, so we’ll likely see a grudge match between them soon.
After the match, Nia Jax celebrated the win. She gets a WWE Women’s Title match against Tiffany Stratton. They haven’t announced when that will be.
The Street Profits were backstage with the WWE Tag Team Titles as Michin and B-Fab congratulated them on being the champions and their incredible TLC match from two weeks ago. The champions said that they would put their foot down and are up next for a promo.
(Commercial)
A video aired about Beck Lynch’s career in WWE. It also promoted Lyra Valkyria defending the Women’s Intercontinental Championship against Becky Lynch at Backlash.
Analysis: I think Lynch might win at Backlash, but I also think it makes sense for Bayley to return to cost Lynch the match.
Let’s Hear from The Street Profits
The Street Profits duo of Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins made their entrance as the WWE Tag Team Champions. Ford has his ribs taped and Dawkins had tape on his knee to sell the brutal TLC match they had two weeks ago. I miss their old theme song. They showed images of Ford being inducted into the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Hall of Fame earlier this week. Good for him. Ford is a great dude.
Ford said that they have been the talk of the town over the last two weeks. Ford said that they put on the greatest TLC match of all-time two weeks ago. Ford said that the gorilla fears them. Ford said that they even used a prosthetic leg to win the match, so they got a leg up on the competition. Ford said what happened is they came out on top.
The new SmackDown team of Fraxiom (Axiom & Nathan Frazer) showed up for the interruption. Frazer said it felt good to be on SmackDown. Frazer said that the Profits could possibly be the best tag team in the game right now. Frazer told Shawn Michaels gave them one direct command – to take an opportunity when they see it. Axiom said that those titles would look great on Fraxiom. Dawkins said they’ve won only two matches, and Dawkins asked if they thought that they deserved a title shot. Fraxiom said yes. Ford kept asking them if they thought they deserved a title shot.
Nick Aldis, the SmackDown GM, showed up for a promo by the entrance area. Aldis said that Fraxiom hasn’t earned a title shot yet, but they have been extremely impressive. Aldis said that they in the land of opportunity, so let’s see this match right now. Ford wasn’t happy about it while pointing out he had taped ribs.
Analysis: I didn’t expect The Street Profits against Fraxiom this week, but that’s fine with me as a fresh matchup. It’s also logical for The Street Profits to complain since they were still hurting from the TLC match two weeks ago.
A commercial aired for Backlash.
The Street Profits – Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins vs. Fraxiom – Nathan Frazer & Axiom
It’s not a title match. The match started during the break for some fans. Ford grounded Axiom with a side headlock. Axiom got a rollup for two.
Frazer got the tag, which led to a running kick to the ribs of Ford. Dawkins tagged in with a shoulder tackle on Frazer. Dawkins had his left arm and right knee taped up. Frazer hit a running dropkick. Dawkins came back with a jumping shoulder tackle. Ford was on the floor, so Dawkins hit a running shoulder tackle that sent Frazer into the side of the commentary table. Axiom sent Frazer back into the ring. Ford tagged in with a senton splash on Frazer and Ford was selling the rib injury again. Ford kicked Frazer in the ribs for a two count. Dawkins was back in with a running splash. Dawkins hit a spinning splash against the turnbuckle for two. Frazer came back with a jumping kick to the shoulder. Axiom got the tag, Frazer hit a DDT and Frazer lifted Axiom, who kicked Ford down. Axiom and Frazer each hit two suicide dives in a row to send their opponents into barricades on opposite sides of the ring. They went on a break for some fans. Axiom was in control of Dawkins with a dropkick. Dawkins gave Axiom an overhead suplex, Frazer was back in and Dawkins kicked Frazer away. Axiom grounded Dawkins with a chinlock. Frazer was back in to splash Dawkins for a two count.
Frazer went up top, the show was back from the break and Frazer went for a Phoenix Splash, but Dawkins avoided it. Dawkins hit a flatliner. Ford was back in for his team with a running lariat on Axiom and a belly-to-back suplex. Ford hit a standing moonsault on Axiom for two. Frazer got a rollup for two. Ford was back up with a superkick. Frazer sent Ford onto the turnbuckle and Frazer hit a jumping kick to the head. Frazer went for a superplex, Dawkins tagged himself in, put Frazer on his shoulders and Ford hit a Super Blockbuster off the top for a two count because Axiom made the save. The fans chanted “this is awesome” for them. Ford hit a jumping kick to Axiom. Ford jumped off the top, but Axiom kicked him in the ribs. Dawkins kicked Axiom to knock him out of the ring. Dawkins punched Frazer to stop a suicide dive. Axiom and Frazer made quick tags as Axiom hit a Spanish Fly off the top on Dawkins and Frazer hit a Phoenix Splash for a two count because Ford broke up the pin and also knocked down Axiom with an elbow. That was so cool. The fans cheered for it. Dawkins hit a spinebuster on Frazer. Dawkins ran at Axiom, who hit a Golden Ratio kick. Ford was legal and he hit a jumping kick on Frazer to knock him down. Ford was on the top rope, he had to kick Axiom down and Ford jumped off the top with a Frog Splash, Frazer moved out of the way. Frazer and Axiom hit a missile dropkick/sweep kick combo on Ford and got the pinfall win. Axiom covered Ford for the win. This match went about 17 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Fraxiom – Nathan Frazer & Axiom
Analysis: **** That was an awesome match. You don’t see that many four-star matches that are impromptu like that in WWE, but they got a lot of time and had an incredible match. This was what I got used to watching Fraxiom matches in NXT when they could have an awesome match with anybody as long as they get plenty of time. If it was only 10 minutes it would still be fun, but going 17 minutes meant they could tell a longer story and the fans got more into it as went on. I don’t love the champions The Street Profits losing non-title after the amazing TLC match, but it fits the story since both guys were banged up going into the match. I look forward to the rematch.
After the match, The Street Profits and Fraxiom shook hands. Joe mentioned that they will likely have a title match soon.
Analysis: It would be nice to see the WWE Tag Team Titles in a PLE match. Since WWE rarely does that, it might happen at Saturday Night’s Main Event or a future SmackDown episode.
Tiffany Stratton was looking for Naomi, but there was Nia Jax to say she’s going to take back her WWE Women’s Title. Stratton said after she beats Jax she’ll make sure she’s back at the loser’s table next to Charlotte Flair. Stratton said, “Toodles,” and left.
A video aired about the Gunther-Pat McAfee match at Backlash.
Analysis: I’ll go with Gunther winning that match. I think Pat will get some nearfalls and nearly win a few times, but Gunther should be able to put Pat away.
The Miz told Carmelo Hayes to watch Miz out there because it’s all about Melo out there. Miz told Melo to run the play exactly as Miz designed and he’s not going to miss.
Carmelo Hayes made his entrance, and he was joined by his buddy The Miz.
(Commercial)
Bianca Belair is the guest on Stephanie McMahon’s “What’s Your Story?” podcast. It’s out now.
Aleister Black made his dark entrance for his second match since coming back to WWE. That theme song is great.
Carmelo Hayes (w/The Miz) vs. Aleister Black
Melo went for a springboard attack, Black avoided it and Black sat in the ring. Melo hit Black with some strikes, but Black came back with strikes that sent Melo out of the ring. Black hit a moonsault off the turnbuckle onto Melo on the floor. Black went for a running kick, Melo avoided it, and Melo hit a dropkick to knock Black down on the floor. Melo chopped Black and put Black into the ring. They exchanged some moves during the break for some fans.
The action continued with Melo on the top rope and Black kicked him while up there. Black blocked a kick and hit a knee to the fans. Black and Melo exchanged strikes. Black hit forearms, then kicks to the body and a sweep kick. Black hit a running knee. Black hit a springboard moonsault for a two count. Melo got an inside cradle for two. Black kicked Melo on the left knee. Melo hit a superkick to the side of the head and a spinning slam, but Black was able to come back with a brainbuster for two. Black teased lifting up Melo for a kick, so Miz was on the apron and Melo knocked down Miz by mistake. Black did a ROLLUP OF DEATH~! for the finish. It went about 9 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Aleister Black
Analysis: *** A solid match that I was hoping would be better, but then it ended abruptly with one of the lamest finishes in wrestling. I get why it was done and we saw the Black Mass kick by Black after the match. I just don’t like the ROLLUP OF DEATH~! ending in that spot.
After the match, The Miz went after Black, so Black dropped Miz whit his Black Mass kick. Melo was stunned by it.
Analysis: Poor Miz, who continues to look like a joke. The Black Mass kick is presented like a deal and it should be.
Jacob Fatu and Solo Sikoa were talking backstage. Solo said that they need to figure something out. Fatu said that his gameplan is to just run and play. Fatu said that at Backlash he’s going to dogwalk Priest, Knight and McIntyre. Fatu said that’s the only play he’s about to run because he’s all gas, no breaks. Fatu left.
Los Garza made their entrance joined by Santos Escobar.
(Commercial)
Fraxiom was backstage celebrating their win. The Motor City Machine Guns were there, saying that they loved it. Chris Sabin said that you know at some point they’ll have a match. #DIY showed up for a cheap attack. Tommaso Ciampa told Nathan Frazer that they took advantage of the champions when they were banged up from TLC. Johnny Gargano told Axiom that only lowlifes would do that. The #DIY boys left.
Analysis: The match between any of those teams will be amazing. It’s a stacked tag team division right now.
Andrade & Rey Fenix vs. Los Garza – Berto & Angel (w/Santos Escobar)
I missed the first few minutes of this because sometimes a man needs a break. Angel & Garza hit moonsaults off the top onto their opponents on the floor. They went to a break for some fans as Los Garza remained in full control as Angel kicked Andrade off the apron to the floor. Angel rammed Andrade’s left leg into the ropes. Angel kicked Andrade in the leg and held Andrade on his back while Berto hit a flipping neckbreaker for two. Berto grounded Andrade with a chinlock.
It was comeback time for the faces since Andrade hit a Poison Rana to spike Berto on his head. Fenix tagged in with a running kick to Angel’s back. Fenix hit an impressive rope balance, leading to a kick, and he sent Berto out of the ring. Angel launched Fenix in the air and hit a kick to the chest. Andrade hit a forearm smash and Berto hit a jumping attack. Fenix hit a pin kick to knock them all down. Angel and Berto remained in control of Fenix as Berto hit a rolling moonsault for two because Andrade made the save. Fenix hit a spinning kick to the head. Fenix got a hurricanrana, Berto got a sunset flip, but Escobar was on the apron distracting the referee. Fenix flipped Berto over and spiked him face first into the mat. Andrade was back in with a running elbow. Fenix hit a running kick on Berto. Fenix hit a somersault dive over the top onto Angel. Andrade hit The Message for the pinfall win. It went about 11 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Andrade & Rey Fenix
Analysis: ***1/4 It was a good tag team match. It wasn’t as exciting as the earlier tag team match, but they had some entertaining spots in the second half of the match. Fenix is so fun to watch and I would have liked to see him in there longer. It was more about building to the finish. Andrade got the much-needed win for his team, which is way I would have booked it.
After the match, Santos Escobar yelled at Berto to get up. Escobar asked Berto what was that? Berto slapped Escobar’s finger from out of his face. Berto left.
Analysis: The Legado group rarely wins on the main roster, so it’s not like their group splitting up feels like a big deal.
There was a rundown of the WWE Backlash card on Saturday, May 10th in St. Louis.
* Gunther vs. Pat McAfee
* Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Lyra Valkyria vs. Becky Lynch
* United States Championship: Jacob Fatu vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Damian Priest vs. LA Knight
* Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio vs. Penta
* Undisputed WWE Championship: John Cena vs. Randy Orton
The WWE Champion John Cena was up next.
(Commercial)
Let’s Hear from John Cena
There were about ten minutes left in the show, so the Undisputed WWE Champion entered with the WWE Title on backwards. Cena held up his “The Last Time Is Now’ towel up in the air and the fans booed. Cena called for ring announcer Mark Nash to enter the ring, so Nash introduced Cena as the Last World Champion. A fan threw a beer bottle into the ring. Cena made Nash stop, and Cena tossed it out of the ring. Cena held up the WWE Title above his head. At that point, Nash left the ring.
John Cena said that tomorrow, your childhood will die. Cena said that the reason you’re reduced to throwing empty bottles of beer, you know how important Backlash is. Cena said that Randy Orton wasn’t there tonight because Orton was home with their family in St. Louis. Cena said his first time facing Orton was 25 years ago. Cena talked about how they’ve been together on screen over 100 times, they have 31 WWE World Titles between and if you are between 12 years old and 55 years old, you choose Cena or Orton. Cena said that tomorrow you have to choose one more time. Cena said he’ll prove that life isn’t fair, winners write the history books and Orton is a liar.
Cena said that Orton had been lying to himself. Cena said that Orton only has his job because of his family. Cena noted that Orton used his stardom and connections to protect him. Cena claimed that Orton is the greatest of all time at wasting his potential. Cena said he’s the greatest of all time because he is hustle. Cena spoke about how Orton thinks working a job is loyalty. Cena told Orton he’s a lazy boy piece of furniture. Cena said that you can’t count on Orton for anything. Cena told Orton he’s the greatest of all time at doing the bare minimum. Cena said he is loyalty.
Cena said that Orton wants to beg for your respect. Cena said that nobody likes Bob Orton Sr. and the only thing Bob Orton Jr. ever did was knock up Orton’s mom. Cena said that Orton calls himself the Legend Killer against guys who are barely relevant. Cena said tomorrow, he kills the legend of Orton. Cena said Orton would be like his 2006 drug test – a failure. Cena called Orton a failure, while Cena said he was the greatest of all time because he is respect. Cena said that he’ll make history again, which is what a Last Real Champion looks like.
There was somebody in the ring who went after Cena with an RKO, but Cena was ready, and Cena hit an Attitude Adjustment. It wasn’t Orton because Cena celebrated and Orton popped up behind Cena. Orton hit an RKO on Cena just like Orton had done in the past to build up their Backlash match. The fans cheered loudly for Orton. Randy picked up the old WWE Title, kissed the title and then held it up over his head. Orton’s music played to end it. That was the end of the show.
Analysis: John Cena lied about Randy Orton not being there. I thought Cena had some good lines about Orton and how Cena is different from him. Orton dropping Cena with an RKO has been the story throughout this feud because it has happened several times. I think Cena beating Orton at Backlash is very likely, but I don’t expect it to be clean.
DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE VIPER! 🐍
Is this a preview of what's to come TOMORROW at #WWEBacklash?! 😱#SmackDownpic.twitter.com/NEXX2je0j0
— WWE (@WWE) May 10, 2025
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Three Stars of the Show
- Fraxiom
- The Street Profits
- John Cena
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The Scoreboard
7.5 out of 10
Last week: 6.75
2025 Average: 7.37
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Final Thoughts on WWE SmackDown
It was a pretty good show, with The Street Profits/Fraxiom match standing out as the best match. I thought the opening tag team match and the angle after it was good in terms of building up the US Title match at Backlash.
I’m happy to see Alexa Bliss back in action. The women’s division had a good night with many different women on the show and stories moving forward. Welcome back to Alexa Bliss.
John Cena’s heel promo was more of the same, while Randy Orton had the advantage yet again on the final show before their match at Backlash.
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
* Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio vs. Penta
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: [email protected]
Twitter/X: @johnreport