The John Report: WWE SmackDown 05/16/25 Review
This is WWE SmackDown featuring Tiffany Stratton facing Nia Jax, two Money in the Bank qualifying matches, and more.
The WWE Backlash PLE took place last Saturday. The two SmackDown matches on that show saw John Cena retain the WWE Title against Randy Orton thanks to a belt shot to the head. R-Truth tried to stop Orton toward the end of the match, so Orton dropped him with an RKO. After the show, Cena put Truth through a table. Also, Jacob Fatu won a four-way match to retain his US Title thanks to the debuting Jeff Cobb. It appeared that Solo Sikoa brought in Cobb, and Fatu was surprised, so we’ll see how that story develops.
Next up for the WWE is Saturday Night’s Main Event next Saturday, May 23rd, and then the annual Money in the Bank PLE on June 7th. Busy times. There have been reports that three-hour SmackDown might end toward the end of May, which is good, but for now, it’s still three hours.
From the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina, this is SmackDown for episode #1343. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
There was some pre-show walking shown of Tiffany Stratton and Nia Jax.
A video package aired about WWE Backlash, focusing on the two SmackDown brand matches that I mentioned above.
It was Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett on commentary. Mark Nash was the ring announcer.
Let’s Hear from Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu and JC
The trio of US Champion Jacob Fatu, Solo Sikoa and the newcomer Jeff Cobb made their entrance for a promo. Solo welcomed “JC” to the family without saying his name. Solo said when Roman Reigns lost to Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania, they lost everything and now he’s going to take it all back. Solo talked about how it starts with winning the Money in the Bank briefcase and bringing the WWE Title back where it belongs. Solo mentioned the “Samoan Werewolf” Jacob Fatu, who took the microphone from Solo. There were “Fatu” chants.
Jacob said he told us that he was bringing the US Title to the family, and he’d do it with or without them. Fatu said he’ll deal with anybody all by himself. Fatu said he was “all gas, no breaks,” and Solo interrupted. Solo said he’s doing all of this because he loves Fatu. Solo said everything he is doing is to help him. Solo said that the US Title is proof that he loves Jacob. Solo said that Fatu used to say it loud and proud, so he wanted Fatu to say it. Fatu said it: “I love you, Solo.” Solo said that it’s not how he used to say it. Solo wanted Fatu to say it how he used to it.
LA Knight interrupted the promo with his music playing. Knight didn’t make his entrance from the back. Instead, Knight appeared at ringside, pulled JC (Cobb) out of the ring and slammed him into the commentary table. Knight left through the crowd.
Analysis: The slow burn for Jacob Fatu’s babyface turn continues. It’s obvious that it’s coming soon, which is fine because the fans want to cheer Fatu. Knight got a bit of revenge for Backlash and then he hauled ass out of there.
Michin was backstage with B-Fab talking about how Michin would qualify for Money in the Bank. Chelsea Green and her friends Piper Niven & Alba Fyre interrupted to say Green would win. Alexa Bliss also appeared, said, “See ya out there,” and left. B-Fab told the Secret Hervice that they wouldn’t be allowed ringside. Green was angry about that.
Alexa Bliss made her entrance for the triple threat matches.
A commercial aired for WWE-AAA Worlds Collide and Money in the Bank, both on June 7th in Los Angeles in different venues.
(Commercial)
Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Alexa Bliss vs. Chelsea Green vs. Michin
They did triple threat matches for Elimination Chamber qualifying matches, so it’s more of the same for MITB qualifying matches. There are no countouts and no disqualifications in triple threat matches.
Michin kicked Green, who bailed to the floor. Bliss tripped up Green and Michin dropkicked Green out of the ring. Michin got a backslide in on Bliss for two. Bliss got a rollup, and Michin used her legs to roll up Bliss for two. Bliss and Michin did a double dropkick to knock Green down on the floor. Bliss kicked Green down on the floor. Bliss and Michin couldn’t decide who should attack Green in the ring, so Green hit a suicide dive onto both opponents on the floor. That led to a break for some fans as the action continued. Green sent both women into the barricade. Green sent Bliss into the turnbuckle, and Green kicked Bliss into the turnbuckle. They left the ring where Green sent Bliss into the turnbuckle. Green kicked Michin off the apron to the floor. Bliss kicked Green in the head and then Green slammed Bliss into the mat. Michin was back in with two German Suplexes on Green. Michin gave Green a sitout Powerbomb for two because Bliss broke it up.
The action continued with Michin kicking Green into Bliss against the turnbuckle. Michin hit a cannonball on both opponents for two. Michin kicked Bliss to knock her down and then Green-Michin kicked eachother at the same time, so all three women were down. Bliss and Green exchanged punches, followed by Bliss hitting a dropkick. Michin was back into it with a dropkick on Bliss. Michin hit Eat Defeat on Green for two because Bliss made the save. Bliss countered Michin by hitting a DDT. Bliss went up top, and she hit Twisted Bliss on Michin for two because Green broke up the pin. Green hit the Unpretty-her on Michin, so Bliss pulled Michin out of the ring. Bliss caught Green in the Sister Abigail DDT and Bliss covered for the pinfall win after about 9 minutes. The fans cheered for that.
Winner by pinfall: Alexa Bliss
Analysis: ***1/4 I thought it was a good match that was full of action and nearfalls for all three women. Bliss winning makes sense since WWE is going to want to feature her more after she sat on the sidelines for a few months and that’s cool with me because Bliss is popular with the fans. Green is so entertaining as the heel that is easy to like while Michin got plenty of offense throughout the match. I enjoyed it.
The win means that Alexa Bliss is the first woman to qualify for the Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match. It looks like there will be six women in the match.
A Progressive replay aired of Fraxiom beating The Street Profits last week on SmackDown in a non-title match. It was an awesome match. Backstage after the match, Fraxiom and Motor City Machine Guns were attacked by #DIY, which set up this week’s match.
The Fraxiom duo of Nathan Frazer and Axiom entered for tag team action.
(Commercial)
Fraxiom – Nathan Frazer & Axiom vs. #DIY – Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano
This should be fun. Axiom held Ciampa while Frazer hit a running kick. Axiom kicked Gargano out of the ring. Frazer hit a suicide dive on Ciampa, then Axiom did a suicide dive on Gargano. Frazer hit a suicide dive on Ciampa that sent Ciampa over the barricade and into the front row. Axiom hit another suicide dive on Gargano. Axiom went for a springboard attack on the middle rope, but Gargano grabbed the rope. Ciampa kicked Axiom to knock him down on the floor. Gargano tagged in and clotheslined Axiom on the floor. Gargano sent Axiom into the barricade. Gargano and Ciampa did their clap on the barricade. Back in the ring, Gargano gave Axiom a body slam into the ropes, so Axiom bailed to the floor. They went to a break for some fans. It’s a tag team match, so that meant #DIY was in control of Axiom for the next three minutes during the break.
The match returned with Axiom breaking free and bringing in Frazer, who hit a top rope double axhandle on Gargano. Frazer hit a neckbreaker on Gargano, and a springboard revere DDT. Frazer hit a standing SSP for two. Frazer went up top, he jumped off with a Phoenix Splash, Gargano avoided it and Frazer landed on his feet. Frazer tried a springboard moonsault, but Gargano kicked him. Ciampa hit a Fairytale ending with a Gargano superkick, and that got a two count because Axiom made the save. Gargano hit a cross body block on Axiom on the floor. Ciampa hit Project Ciampa (Powerbomb into double knees” for two. Ciampa charged with a knee attack, but Frazer moved. Gargano was back in as he battled Frazer on the turnbuckle. Frazer kicked Ciampa out of the ring. Frazer hit a superplex and Axiom was in with a superkick/brainbuster combo move. Ciampa hit a running knee on Axiom to prevent a count, and all four guys were down. Axiom and Gargano exchanged strikes, Gargano blocked a German Suplex attempt and Gargano hit a superkick. Axiom came back with an armbar, so Ciampa nearly got Axiom’s mask off. Gargano superkicked Frazer. Gargano tried to cover Axiom, but Axiom countered it and sat on top while holding onto the legs for the pinfall win. It went about 11 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Fraxiom – Nathan Frazer & Axiom
Analysis: ***1/2 A very good match, as usual, when Fraxiom is involved. The #DIY guys are awesome too. There was so much action, and it didn’t slow down much. #DIY nearly won a few times during the match, but they couldn’t get it done. I’m happy to see Fraxiom piling up the wins.
After the match, #DIY attacked Fraxiom. Motor City Machine Guns went to the ring. The Guns hit Ciampa with a double team flatliner on the floor. Chris Sabin hit a running kick on Gargano on the floor. The Guns checked on Fraxiom and congratulated them on the win.
Analysis: Simple enough. Perhaps we’ll see Fraxiom against the Guns soon.
Rey Fenix was backstage talking to Andrade. Fenix shook hands with him. Andrade said that maybe they’ll have a Money in the Bank moment together. Rey Fenix mentioned that he had his WrestleMania moment, but now he’s focused on Money in the Bank. Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu and JC asked them where LA Knight is. Andrade had no idea. Solo left frustrated.
Nia Jax was shown getting ready backstage. Naomi was lurking in the background.
Up next is an interview with R-Truth.
(Commercial)
The Street Profits approached Fraxiom backstage. Montez Ford informed them that their WWE Tag Team Title match was granted for next week. Angelo Dawkins said that they’ll be 100% and they hope Fraxiom are 100% too. Nathan Frazer and Axiom left to go celebrate.
Analysis: That’s an awesome match for next week.
R-Truth Interview
There was a locker room interview from earlier in the day with R-Truth and Wade Barrett seated across from eachother. Truth said that he felt like you could depend on John Cena. Truth went over Cena catchphrases like “your time is now” and “hustle, loyalty, respect.” Barrett told Truth that he sounded crazy since Cena attacked him last week. Truth said that Cena won the match on his own. Truth told Wade that it was not the Cena that he knew. Truth said that the John that he knows would never do what he did. Truth told Wade that he didn’t want to fight John, but if he has to beat him back to his senses, he’s going to do it at Saturday’s Night Main Event because he talked to Nick Aldis about it. Truth said that “never give up” and regardless what happens, he’s going to live by three words: “Hustle, loyalty, respect.” Wade thanked him.
A graphic was shown saying John Cena will face R-Truth. It’s not a WWE Title match.
Analysis: It’s rare to see R-Truth in a featured match, so putting him against Cena is an interesting choice. I assume Cena wins and it won’t be a long match.
Aleister Black entered for singles action. Cool entrance.
(Commercial)
Damian Priest was featured in a video talking about his ongoing issues with Drew McIntyre. Priest spoke about how he wanted this cycle to end between them, so Priest challenged Drew to a Steel Cage Match at Saturday Night’s Main Event next week.
Analysis: They had a Sin City Street Fight at WrestleMania that was very good, so now we’ll likely see the end of the feud with a Steel Cage Match. I hope Drew wins.
Carmelo Hayes and The Miz were backstage for a pre-match promo. Melo talked trash about Aleister Black, which led to their match.
Aleister Black vs. Carmelo Hayes (w/The Miz)
Black and Melo each went for quick moves, but weren’t able to connect. Melo nearly ran into a Black Mass kick. Melo moved to avoid it. Melo went for a springboard attack, but Black kicked him to knock Melo out of the ring. Black tried a moonsault onto Melo on the floor, but Miz threw Melo back into the ring, and Melo hit a somersault dive onto Black on the floor for two. Melo hit a springboard DDT for two. They went to a break for some fans as the match continued. Melo remained on offense during the break for about three minutes.
The match continued with Melo going up top, but Black hit a jumping kick to knock Melo down to the floor. Black hit some strikes including a kick. Black sent Melo out of the ring and Black hit a moonsault off the turnbuckle onto Melo on the floor. Melo countered Black and covered for a two count. Melo kicked Black followed by spinning slam to send Black face first into the mat. Black knocked Melo back and hit a Meteora double knee attack and a bridging German Suplex for two. Miz distracted Black, so Melo got a rollup for two. Melo hit a spinning slam to send Black into the mat and Molo hit a lifting Cutter for two. Miz was on the apron trying to coach, so Black pushed Melo into Miz and got a rollup. Black some kicks to the body, Melo with double knees and Black hit a jumping knee to the jaw. The Miz ran into the ring and hit Black in the back with a forearm, so that led to a DQ. It went about 10 minutes.
Winner by disqualification: Aleister Black
Analysis: *** They were on their way to a pretty good match when it ended abruptly. I don’t see WWE booking Black to lose any time soon, so they did the DQ ending to set up the post match attack from Melo and Miz.
After the match, The Miz tried an attack, but Black hit a Black Mass kick. Melo hit a chop block on Black. Melo went up top and hit the Nothing But Net leg drop to the back of the head to put Black down.
Analysis: That’s a way to weaken Black without having him lose a match. It should lead to another Black-Hayes match soon.
Alexa Bliss was being interviewed by Byron Saxton. Bliss said it was great to be in Money in the Bank and wants to be the first two-time winner. Bliss left to talk to Charlotte Flair. Bliss mentioned what they talked about last week, and Flair said she didn’t want to be friends with her. Bliss mentioned when she started in NXT, Flair was nice to her and Bliss never forgot that. Flair said they were never that close and she didn’t remember that. Giulia was shown leaving the office of SmackDown GM Nick Aldis. Nick walked out of the room to say that Giulia was the newest member of the Smackdown roster. Nick told Charlotte they should talk about Money in the Bank. Flair told Bliss to stay out of her way because Flair doesn’t need her. Bliss told Flair to keep telling herself that.
Analysis: Welcome Giulia to SmackDown. I find it strange that they would do it now if there’s a WWE Draft coming in a few weeks, but that WWE Draft isn’t official yet.
Drew McIntyre was shown walking backstage for something up next.
(Commercial)
A video aired about the Tiffany Stratton-Nia Jax story over the last year. Stratton cashed in Money in the Bank on Jax to become WWE Women’s Champion. Jax will get a shot to win the title back later in this week’s show.
Let’s Hear from Drew McIntyre
Drew McIntyre made his entrance for a promo. Drew was selling the injuries he suffered after being slammed through tables at Backlash. Drew said that he’s the only reason why anybody gives a damn about Damian Priest. Drew said he’s been trying to get rid of Priest for months. He beat Priest at WrestleMania, and Priest continues to get involved. Drew said he knows that this is jealousy because Priest knows that Drew is better than him. Drew said that he would have been a Grand Slam Champion if it wasn’t for Priest at Backlash. Drew yelled about Priest slamming him off a platform and slamming his head into the concrete. Drew said this has to end, so he’ll see him inside that Steel Cage next Saturday. Drew said when he guarantees something, it happens. Drew said that only one man would walk out of that cage while the other was leaving on a stretcher.
Analysis: A typical good promo from McIntyre to accept Priest’s challenge. Like I said earlier, I hope Drew wins.
There was a rundown of the Saturday Night’s Main Event card.
* Steel Cage Match: Damian Priest vs. Drew McIntyre
* John Cena vs. R-Truth
* Seth Rollins & Bron Breakker vs. CM Punk & Sami Zayn
* World Heavyweight Championship: Jey Uso vs. Logan Paul
Solo Sikoa made his entrance while Drew McIntyre was walking to the back. Solo had Jacob Fatu and JC (Cobb) with him. Drew stared at them and kept on walking. Solo continued his entrance for his match up next.
(Commercial)
Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Solo Sikoa (w/Jacob Fatu & JC) vs. Jimmy Uso vs. Rey Fenix
Solo and Jimmy are brothers. Solo worked over Fenix early on, but Jimmy hit an uppercut on Solo. Jimmy and Fenix clotheslined Solo out of the ring. Fenix hit a jumping kick on Jimmy, along with a rolling hurricanrana for two. Fenix worked over Jimmy with elbows to the head. Fenix hit an impressive springboard missile dropkick on Jimmy for two. Jimmy kicked Fenix down and Solo pulled Jimmy out of the ring. Solo rammed Jimmy’s head into the commentary table a few times. Fenix hit a superkick to knock Solo off the apron and to the floor. Fenix went up top and hit a cross body block on Solo and Jimmy on the floor. Back in the ring, Fenix went for a springboard attack, but Solo caught him and hit a Spinning Solo for the win. Fatu knocked Jimmy off the apron and into the commentary table. Solo gave Jimmy a Spinning Solo onto the hood of the commentary table. They went to a break for some fans and I’ll take a break too.
Jimmy went up top, but Fenix stopped that. Fenix tried jumping onto Solo, but Solo caught him. Jimmy jumped off the top, Fenix rolled up Solo, and the referee, Charles Robinson, wasn’t there to count. Fenix went for a leap off the turnbuckle, but Jimmy hit a superkick. Solo hit a clothesline on Jimmy to take control. Solo hit a Samoan Drop on Fenix. Jimmy hit a Samoan Drop for two. Solo hit a running hip attack on Fenix and a running hip attack on Jimmy. Fenix avoided a Samoan Spike, jumped on Solo’s back, Jimmy hit a superkick, and Fenix hit a crucifix pin for two because Jimmy broke up the pin. Fenix worked over Jimmy with a kick, but Jimmy hit a spin kick. Fenix dropkicked Jimmy and hit a running kick to the head. Fenix charged, but Jimmy was back up with a Spear for two. Fatu was on the apron, so Jimmy superkicked him. Solo hit a Samoan Spike on Jimmy. Fenix hit a running kick and double foot stomp on Solo. Fenix knocked JC off the apron, so when he turned around, Solo hit a Samoan Spike on Fenix for the pinfall win. It lasted about 13 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Solo Sikoa
Analysis: ***1/4 An entertaining match that was full of action. These triple threat matches in WWE are always loaded in terms of action, and this was no different. That’s why I don’t mind triple threat matches in this era because you know the guys are going to be given time to have a fun match. Solo won because of Fatu and JC causing distractions. I’d rather see Fenix win and have him in Money in the Bank over Solo, but we know WWE likes pushing Solo sometimes.
That win means that Solo is the first qualifier for the Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
Analysis: I think Solo might win it. He is not my pick, but he could be who Triple H goes with.
LA Knight showed up at ringside and beat up JC with punches. Knight grabbed a steel chair and wanted to fight Solo and his buddies. SmackDown GM Nick Aldis showed up and called out a referee so that Knight could face JC right now.
A commercial aired for the WWE: Unreal documentary series on Netflix.
(Commercial)
The graphic for the former Jeff Cobb said JC Mateo, so that’s his WWE name.
LA Knight vs. JC Mateo (w/Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu)
The announcers spoke about JC being a major force in wrestling over the last 15 years and even mentioned he was in the Olympics. Knight ran the ropes, JC caught him, JC tried a suplex and Knight countered with a neckbreaker. Knight worked over JC with punches, but JC was back up with an elbow smash to knock him down. Knight got a boot up to stop JC from a charging attack and Knight hit a bulldog. Solo distracted Knight, so JC hit Knight with a forearm. JC gave Knight a belly-to-belly suplex over the top to the floor. They went to a break for some fans and I’ll take a break too.
JC Mateo hit a spinebuster on Knight for a two count. JC gave Knight a belly-to-belly suplex across the ring. JC remained in control with a bearhug to ground Knight. When Knight got back up, JC headbutted Knight out of the ring. JC sent Knight into the ring post. JC charged, Knight moved and JC hit a cross body block against the ring post. Knight worked over JC with punches. JC charged, Knight avoided it and Knight hit a jumping neckbreaker. Knight hit a Russian legsweep and a reverse DDT. Knight hit an elbow drop for two. JC caught Knight and hit a spinning slam for two. JC hit a standing moonsault for two. Knight came back with a running knee on the apron. Knight hit a springboard cross body block onto Solo and Fatu on the floor. JC was back up, he caught Knight and hit a Tour of the Islands spinning powerslam for the pinfall win after about 15 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: JC Mateo
Analysis: **3/4 It was just an average match that wasn’t exciting. It would have been better if they got about 10 minutes. It was slow at times, and Knight tried to get the crowd into it, but getting the fans to care that much wasn’t easy. JC winning makes sense for his debut match, even over a guy like LA Knight, who is pushed fairly well as an upper midcarder. Knight lost because he was distracted by the guys on the floor, he dove onto them, and JC capitalized for the win.
A clip was shown about Santos Escobar getting angry at Berto of Los Garza after a loss.
Santos Escobar was talking to Angel in the locker room. Angel said that Berto needed space. Escobar said he’ll forgive what happened last week. Escobar said that he secured an opportunity. Escobar told Angel to find Berto and bring him home. Angel said he’ll try his best. Escobar said when you stand up for something bigger than yourself, it would be a shame to lose everything for the actions of a selfish person. Escobar reminded him they were Legado and left.
The Stratton-Jax match is still to come.
This Monday on WWE Raw: Jey Uso vs. Bron Breakker, along with Money in the Bank qualifying matches.
(Commercial)
A video featuring Shinsuke Nakamura speaking in Japanese while translating words into English appeared on the screen. Nakamura said that LA Knight hasn’t changed. He claimed he wasn’t scared of Aleister Black. Nakamura warned them that he is an unstoppable storm since they have a Money in the Bank qualifying match next week.
Next week on SmackDown:
* Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Aleister Black vs. LA Knight vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
* Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Giulia vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Zelina Vega
* WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits vs. Fraxiom
In the backstage area, Jade Cargill spoke to WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton about how Jade was coming for the champion. Jade talked about how she was going to win Money in the Bank and cash in to become the champion. Stratton said that Jade will never be good enough to cash in on her. While this was going on, Naomi was shown in the background staring at both women. Stratton left for her match.
(Commercial)
It was main event time, as Nia Jax made her entrance first. The fans popped for WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton, who is gaining in popularity as she continues her title reign.
WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton vs. Nia Jax
Jax used her power to knock Stratton down. Jax tried a splash, but Stratton came back with punches and kicks. Stratton went for a handspring elbow, but Jax caught her and Jax sent Stratton ribs-first into the top rope. Jax sent Stratton into the turnbuckle. Jax hit a running hip attack to send Stratton’s head into the ring post. They went on break for some fans, so I’ll take a break, too. It was Jax in control during the break.
Stratton knocked Jax off the apron to the floor. Stratton hit a baseball slide kick on Jax on the floor. Stratton jumped off the barricade and gave Jax a hurricanrana into the ring post. That was an impressive move. Stratton shoved Jax into the ring post. Stratton jumped off the top with a cross body block for two. Stratton hit a running dropkick. Jax caught Stratton and hit a Samoan Drop, followed by a senton for two. Jax charged, Stratton moved and got a rollup. Stratton hit a knee to the head. Stratton hit a handspring back elbow and a spinebuster for two. Stratton tried a cartwheel move, but Jax caught her and Jax hit two Powerbombs in a row. Jax hit a running leg drop for two. They battled on the turnbuckle, Jax went for a powerslam, but Stratton countered it and got a pin attempt for two. Naomi made her entrance while her music played and Naomi had a steel chair in her hands. Naomi went down to the ring with the chair, but here is Jade Cargill to stop that. Jade nailed Naomi with a superkick. Jade tossed Naomi over the barricade and they went fighting to the back. Jax charged, Stratton moved and Stratton hit the Prettiest Moonsault Ever off the top for just two. The announcers were stunned by that kickout. Stratton went up top, Jax was back up and she shoved Stratton down hard on the floor. Jax cleared off the commentary table. Jax gave Stratton a Samoan Drop on the commentary table, but the table didn’t break. Back in the ring, Jax set up for the Annihilator, but Stratton managed to get back up and Stratton went for a Powerbomb, but Jax fell on top with an Annihilator and Jax got a two count because Stratton got her hand on the bottom rope, so it was just a two count. Jax was frustrated, so she grabbed the title and teased leaving. Jax had a steel chair and Stratton dropkicked the chair into Jax’s face while the referee was removing the Women’s Title. Stratton went up top and hit the Prettiest Moonsault Ever on Jax for the pinfall win. Joe shouted that it was a classic. It lasted about 14 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Tiffany Stratton
Analysis: ***3/4 It turned into a great match. The second half of the match was outstanding. Naomi didn’t physically interfere, but the chair she brought down to ringside played a pivotal role in the match since Stratton dropkicked the chair into Jax’s face to slow her down, and a Prettiest Moonsault Ever got the win. They had some very good counters throughout the match like whatever they did off the turnbuckle and then Jax countering Stratton by hitting a variation of the Annihilator splash. Stratton finding a way to win shows she’s a resilient champion who was able to beat a tough opponent like Jax in a relatively clean manner. That’s likely the end of this rivalry for now.
Tiffany Stratton celebrated with her WWE Women’s Championship. That was the end of the show.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Tiffany Stratton/Nia Jax
- Alexa Bliss
- Fraxiom – Nathan Frazer & Axiom
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The Scoreboard
7.25 out of 10
Last week: 7.5
2025 Average: 7.36
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Final Thoughts on WWE SmackDown
There were a lot of solid matches throughout the show, but I wouldn’t call it a great episode or anything like that. Promo-wise there wasn’t much to get excited about. I think SmackDown was hurting in terms of star power with no John Cena, Cody Rhodes, or Randy Orton.
The Stratton-Jax main event match ended up being the best. Kudos to Jax for the effort since fans criticize her a lot, but she worked hard, and Stratton did, too. The two triple threat matches were fine. I’m happy to see Alexa Bliss in an MITB match, but I’m less enthusiastic about Solo being in an MITB match. It’s always great to see my favorite tag team Fraxiom in action. They never disappoint.
I’m ready for Smackdown to be reduced to two hours. Three hours is not needed, and I think at two hours, it would be a better show.
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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