Reviews

The John Report: WWE SmackDown 05/30/25 Review

By John Canton • Published May 30, 2025 20:19 EDT
WWE Smackdown May 30

This is WWE SmackDown featuring John Cena and Cody Rhodes, plus two Money in the Bank qualifiers.

The Money in the Bank PLE is just eight days away on June 7th, so the build for that will continue.

From the Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tennessee, this is SmackDown for episode #1345. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

A video aired recapping Saturday Night’s Main Event featuring John Cena beating R-Truth. It also showed how Cody Rhodes returned to take out Cena, who tried to help Logan Paul beat Jey Uso for the World Title. At Money in the Bank, Cody & Jey will face Cena and Paul.

There was some pre-show walking shown of Cody Rhodes with Pharaoh the dog and the hometown girl Bianca Belair.

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

Let’s Hear from Bianca Belair

Bianca Belair made her entrance wearing Tennessee orange since she is from Knoxville and went to school there. The fans gave her a huge ovation. Belair had her left hand taped up due to a recent injury. Belair hugged her parents at ringside.

Belair was greeted with “EST” chants. They played the University of Tennessee’s fight song and the fans sang along with it. Belair said it’s her hometown, her safe space. She pointed out her family the front row, and she thanked the fans for showing up for her. Belair said she had to come back to her safe space to heal. Belair discussed how she’s not 100%, but she’ll continue to work hard to return and prove she’s the EST of Tennessee and the EST of WWE. Belair welcomed us to Smackdown.

Naomi interrupted and the fans booed her loudly. Belair said that this is not the time for this. Naomi said it’s been way too long and she just wants to talk to her. Belair wondered what Naomi wanted as the fans chanted, “You suck” at Naomi. Naomi said she wanted her forgiveness. Naomi claimed she wanted to fix their friendship. Naomi said that she tried to text and call Belair, but Belair never responded. Naomi claimed she went to Belair’s parents’ house and her parents weren’t there. Naomi claimed she broke into the house and saw photo albums. Belair said that Naomi was her friend, but Naomi attacked their friend. Belair said that if Naomi ever comes near Belair’s family again, then what Naomi did to Jade is nothing compared to what Belair can do to Naomi. The fans chanted “EST” while Naomi was crying. Naomi said it wouldn’t be good for Belair and her momma to be in a wheelchair. Naomi laughed. Naomi said she would hate for something bad to happen to her right here and right now.

Analysis: That was an intense exchange. Naomi is doing a terrific job as a heel, while the fans loved Belair, as you would expect. Naomi admitting she broke into the home of Belair’s family is a crime, but in pro wrestling, there are no penalties for actual crimes.

Jade Cargill went down to the ring, she punched Naomi a few times and Jade kicked Naomi to knock her down. Naomi charged, and Jade sent her out of the ring. Nia Jax made her entrance for the advertised triple threat match.

Analysis: It was an easy way to transition into the women’s Money in the Bank qualifying match that was advertised before the show.

There was a commercial for WWE-AAA Worlds Collide and Money in the Bank on June 7th.

Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Nia Jax vs. Jade Cargill vs. Naomi

Jax was in control early on with a clothesline on Jade, while Naomi stayed on the floor to avoid getting attacked. Naomi punched Jade while she was against the ropes. Jade got a takedown on Jax followed by a superkick. The show returned from a break for some fans. Naomi was back in the ring to work over Jade with punches.

Naomi hit a running dropkick on Jade against the turnbuckle. Naomi jumped off the turnbuckle with a leg drop. Jax was back in the ring and hit a hip attack on Jade because Naomi moved. Naomi used her knees to drive Jax face first into the ring apron. Naomi jumped off the turnbuckle, Jade caught her and Jade hit a fallaway slam. Jade hit two forearm smashes and a sidewalk slam for two because Jax made the save. Jax hit a popup headbutt on Naomi and a Samoan Drop on Jade. Jax hit a leg drop on both women at the same time. Jax tossed Jade out of the ring. Jax jumped off the middle turnbuckle with a leg drop for a two count. Good nearfall there. They went to a break for some fans again as the action continued. Jade managed to clear the ring of both opponents. Jade reached for Naomi on the floor, so Jax did a hip check to hit Jade into the ring post. Naomi and Jax worked together to hit splashes on Jade. Naomi hit a clothesline and Jax hit a headbutt on Jade. Naomi hit a running kick to the ribs.

Jax hit a sidewalk slam and Naomi hit a split-legged leg drop for two because Naomi broke up the pin attempt. Naomi tried to pin Jax, so Jax splashed Naomi and Naomi hit a running senton on Naomi’s back. Jade was back in with running back elbows. Jade hit a spinebuster on Jax and Naomi hit a double knee attack. Naomi splashed Jax, so Jade hit a Jaded slam on Naomi for a two count because Jax made the save. Jade and Naomi exchanged punches, so Jax hit a double cross body block on both women for two counts on each woman. Jax gave Naomi a super Samoan Drop off the middle turnbuckle. Jade jumped off the top with a Frog Splash on Jax for a two count. Great nearfall there. The fans were getting into it with “This is awesome” chants. Jade hit a pump kick on Jax. Naomi got a boot up to knock Jade down. The three women were by the turnbuckle and Jax did a Powerbomb while Jade hit a superplex. Jax went for the Annihilator, Naomi avoided it and Naomi hooked Jax with a crucifix pin and it was enough for the three count. It went 14 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Naomi

Analysis: ***1/2 It turned into a pretty good match with several believable nearfalls throughout the match. I thought Jade was going to win, but I was pleasantly surprised by Naomi’s victory. I have enjoyed the work of heel Naomi, and I think the WWE bosses might get behind her enough to have her win Money in the Bank. I liked that finishing spot with Jax going for the Annihilator, Naomi avoided it, Jade took it and Naomi got a crucifix pin for the win.

The win means that Naomi has qualified for the Women’s Money in the Bank match.

Solo Sikoa was backstage with Jacob Fatu and JC Mateo. R-Truth was talking to Little Jimmy and Solo was mocking him for talking to crazy ghosts. Truth asked Solo if Mateo was his son. Truth wondered if he could take Solo’s husky son to the ring and teach him a lesson. Truth left. Fatu said he’s got his business to take care of…”Yadadamean” (aka “Do you know what I mean?).

Cody Rhodes and John Cena face to face is still to come.

(Commercial)

SmackDown GM Nick Aldis was backstage when Chelsea Green, Alba Fyre, and Piper Niven confronted him. Green had a facemask due to her broken nose. Green whined about Zelina breaking her nose. Aldis was annoyed by the whining. Green suggested Fyre against Vega, and Aldis approved it.

The WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton was interviewed by Byron Saxton. Stratton discussed being prepared for whoever wins the Money in the Bank match. Stratton claimed that everybody has been obsessed with her. Stratton said whoever tries to cash in on her would be making a big mistake. Naomi walked up to Stratton, threatening to cash in Money in the Bank on her. Naomi left. Alexa Bliss walked up to Stratton, saying don’t worry about Naomi winning Money in the Bank; you should worry about Bliss winning Money in the Bank. Stratton said nothing as Bliss left.

The announcers talked about the WWE Worlds Collide show featuring Ethan Page defending the NXT North American Title against Je’Von Evans, Rey Fenix and Laredo Kid.

R-Truth made his entrance doing his “What’s Up” rap on the way to the ring.

(Commercial)

JC Mateo (w/Solo Sikoa) vs. R-Truth

Mateo sent Truth hard into the turnbuckle. Truth came back with two shoulder tackles and Truth ran the ropes for a third shoulder tackle. Truth lifted Mateo, who landed on top of Truth. Mateo hit a standing moonsault on Truth. Mateo went for a senton, Truth avoided it and Truth hit the Five Knuckle Shuffle fist drop. Truth tried to lift up Mateo, but Mateo landed on top of it. Mateo hit the Tour of the Islands slam for the pinfall win after three minutes.

Winner by pinfall: JC Mateo

Analysis: ** A dominant win by JC Mateo again. I know Mateo is “husky” but it’s a bit of a stretch to act like Mateo is too heavy for Truth to lift. Anyway, I’m not surprised it was a short match.

After the match, Solo and Mateo were beating up Truth, so Jimmy Uso made the save wit ha steel chair in hand. Solo backed away, so Mateo attacked Mateo with a forearm to the head. Solo stopped Mateo because Solo wants Jimmy to be on his team again.

Analysis: I don’t see Jimmy siding with Solo again, but that’s the storyline for now.

The Street Profits were shown backstage with the WWE Tag Team Titles for their segment up next.

(Commercial)

A clip aired of the Cody Rhodes “What Do You Wanna Talk About?” podcast with his wife Brandi as the guest. We have been posting interview highlights on the TJRWrestling news section all week.

Let’s Hear From The Street Profits

The Street Profits duo of Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins walked out with the WWE Tag Team Titles. I am warming up to their new theme song. Ford said he loves everything about Knoxville and what you have since he is married to Bianca Belair. Ford said that Smackdown has the best tag team division anywhere in the world. Dawkins said that they have all these teams coming after them right now. Dawkins mentioned all the teams, including the Wyatts coming after them. Ford said that they’ll happily defend the titles against anybody.

Fraxiom’s Nathan Frazer & Axiom showed up for the interruption. Frazer said that they never got a fair shake last week because the Wyatt Sicks attacked them. Ford claimed they had Fraxiom beat when the Wyatt Sicks got involved. Axiom said maybe you did, but we’ll never know. Frazer said that they should run it back with The Street Profits.

The Motor City Machine Guns duo of Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley interrupted. Shelley reminded them that The Street Profits never beat them either, so Shelley said they’d take a title match.

It was #DIY’s time to interrupt as Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano showed up with Candice LeRae. LeRae trashed MCMG and Fraxiom, so Sabin told LeRae to shut up. Gargano said that they had to use his wife to even things up against whatever this was. When Gargano mentioned Wyatt Sicks, Ciampa said don’t talk about them. Ciampa said that they have ruined the tag team division that #DIY has created. Ciampa called for a moment of silence for the death of the tag team division, so then the lights went off, and the Wyatt Sicks appeared.

Erick Rowan pulled MCMG out of the ring and Rowan clotheslined them. Lumis hit a dive off the top onto a few guys. Joe Gacy hit his upside down clothesline on two guys. Nikki Cross dove on Candice on the floor. Uncle Howdy hit a Sister Abigail on Frazer, who sold it so well. The Wyatt Sicks music played to end it.

Analysis: It’s a stacked tag team division with five good teams and any of them could be the champions. I assume we’ll get some sort of multi-team match soon. It could be a Gauntlet Match, but I prefer something else. Anyway, it’s good to see the Wyatt Sicks group back for the second week in a row.

(Commercial)

Rey Fenix & Je’Von Evans vs. Los Garza – Angel & Berto (w/Santos Escobar)

The NXT North American Champion Ethan Page joined commentary. He debuted in WWE one year ago, so happy anniversary to Page. Page is there because he’s against Fenix and Evans (along with Laredo Kid) at Worlds Collide. This is Evans’ first Smackdown match.

Fenix hit a jumping kick and then there was a double headbutt. Berto hit a springboard cross body block on Evans for two. Evans hit a roundhouse kick on Berto and Berto hit a springboard hurricanrana. Evans dropkicked Berto out of the ring. Evans hit a Cutter on Angel. Fenix tagged in, so the faces hit a double enziguri kick. Berto jumped off the top, which led to Fenix and Evans hitting double superkicks. Fenix hit a running forearm. They went to a break for some fans. I’ll take a break too.

Los Garza was in control as Angel hit a running knee on Evans to prevent Je’Von from tagging out. Berto tagged in for a double team neckbreaker for two. Evans nearly tagged out, but Berto held onto his feet. Evans hit a superkick to knock Berto down. Fenix got the tag with a stomp and a jumping kick attack. Fenix hit a step up hurricanrana and a spinning kick. Fenix hit a double jump moonsault onto Angel for two because Berto made the save. Evans made the blind tag, Evans kicked Berto and Evans hit a springboard clothesline on Angel. Berto hit a springboard kick on Evans. All four guys were down to sell. The fans chanted, “This is awesome” for them. Evans went for a springboard move, but Angel caught him and hit a Powerbomb for two. Fenix hit a jumping uppercut on Angel and Evans shoved Berto off the top to the floor. Fenix hit a double foot stomp on Angel’s back. Evans jumped off the top of the ring post and hit a somersault dive onto three guys on the floor. Page told Evans that his business was in the ring, not Page. Page shoved Fenix into Evans and Page tossed Fenix over the commentary table. Evans superkicked Page to knock him down. Evans sent Angel out of the ring. Evans hit a spinning kick on Berto. Escobar distracted the referee, Evans went up top and Page shoved him down while the referee wasn’t looking. Los Garza hit an MTY double team move that is like a double team spinebuster for the pinfall win. It went 13 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Los Garza – Angel & Berto

Analysis: ***1/4 I thought the exciting team of Fenix and Evans would win, so it was a nice surprise to see Los Garza pick up a victory. Los Garza is a team that I enjoy watching, but they don’t get many wins, so I’m glad they got a win. Page was a factor at ringside and was the main reason why Fenix/Trick lost.

There was a video about the Wyatt Sicks. Uncle Howdy said that they won’t stop…not until they get what’s owed to them.

(Commercial)

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

This was not for Vega’s Women’s US Title. There was some offense from Fyre early on and Vega hit a headscissors. Fyre hit a shoulder tackle to knock Vega down. Vega hit an arm drag. Vega punched Fyre a few times, Fyre picked Vega up and Fyre slammed Vega into the turnbuckle. Vega hit a headscissors to send Fyre out of the ring. Fyre nailed Vega with a forearm. Vega pulled Fyre into the ropes. Green was on the apron and Niven predictably tripped up Vega. Fyre hit a superkick on Vega.

(Commercial)

Fyre was in control with a kick, but Vega bounced off the ropes and hit a knee smash. Vega hit a boot, along with some forearms to the head. Vega hit two clotheslines and a back elbow to Fyre’s head. Vega hit a belly-to-back suplex. Vega hit a double knee attack. Vega smacked the turnbuckle to try to get the fans into it. Vega hit a double knee attack off the middle turnbuckle for two. Fyre blocked a suplex, but Vega countered Fyre with a neckbreaker-like move. Vega went up top, jumped off with a moonsault and Fyre moved. Fyre jumped off the top with a Swanton Bomb for two. The fans barely reacted to it. Green took her facemask off, she tried to hit Vega with it, but Vega moved and Green hit Niven instead. Vega rolled up Fyre and Vega hit Code Red on Fyre for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Zelina Vega

Analysis: **3/4 The match was okay, but it was tough to get into it. The fans didn’t seem to care because they were quiet for most of it. Green and Niven tried to help Fyre win, but they failed miserably and Vega found a way to win. Vega will likely continue to have those types of finishes, where she finds a way to win after selling for most of the match.

Carmelo Hayes and The Miz were talking in the locker room. The Miz told Melo that he was giving up his Money in the Bank opportunity for Melo. Miz said that he’s done it twice, so he’s doing this for Melo. Miz said, “We” can be Mr. Money in the Bank. Melo said what brought him to the dance was his talent. Melo said he needed Miz to let Melo be “Him.” Miz nodded his head. Melo said their catchphrase, but Miz didn’t say it.

Analysis: The Miz actually only won Money in the Bank once. He did cash in MITB twice, but the second time he won it by beating Otis, the worst MITB winner ever.

Damian Priest was shown walking backstage for a promo up next.

(Commercial)

A video aired about SmackDown newcomer Giulia. Giulia said her goal isn’t just to be the best, it’s to be indisputable. Giulia said you can love her or hate her, but Giulia is impossible to deny. Giulia says her opponent is somebody she uses to build her legacy. Giulia claimed that she would conquer everything like she’s always done. The question is who’s going to stop her? She said if you can stop it, then stop it.

Analysis: I think Giulia will do well on SmackDown and could win Money in the Bank too.

Zelina Vega was walking backstage with her Women’s US Title. Giulia walked up to Vega saying she sees her, but Giulia sees that title more. Vega kept on walking.

Let’s Hear from Damian Priest

A clip was shown of Priest beating Drew McIntyre in a Steel Cage Match last Saturday. Priest said it’s like he’s breathing in fresh air. Priest said that Drew and him went well over a year and that’s not normal. Priest said that he a black eye around his left eye. Priest said that they went to war, he gave Drew a conchairto, walked out the door and put his ass in the past. Priest told Drew he still can’t stand his ass. Priest said that it was the Warrior Drew in their cage match, and Priest appreciated that. Priest said he’s all about championships. Priest shouted out the most badass champion right now…there were “Fatu” chants.

Priest said he respects Jacob. Priest said he knows what it feels like to stand in the ring as a champion. Priest said he is proud of the champion that Fatu is. Priest said that at some point they’ll handle their business. Priest didn’t like who Solo hung out with. Priest said he’ll forever be El Campeon.

Analysis: I kept waiting for somebody to interrupt it, but there was none of them. Priest is a solid talker and I thought this was fine.

The US Champion Jacob Fatu entered for triple threat action.

(Commercial)

Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Andrade vs. Jacob Fatu vs. Carmelo Hayes (w/The Miz)

Fatu charged at Andrade, who sent Fatu into the turnbuckle. Andrade hit a cross body block on Fatu and Melo tossed Andrade out of the ring. Melo went for a springboard attack, but Fatu stopped that with an uppercut. The fans were chanting “Fatu” as Miz grabbed Fatu’s foot. The referee saw it, but there is no DQ in a triple threat match. Melo hit a superkick and Fatu bumped to the floor. Andrade was back in the ring with a clothesline. Fatu punched Andrade. Fatu superkicked Miz and Fatu sent Miz into the barricade. Fatu gave Mis a running hip attack into the barricade. Ouch. They went to a break for some fans as the match continued. Melo tried to check on Miz, but Fatu headbutted Melo. Fatu sent Andrade into the barricade. Fatu sent Melo into the hood of the commentary table. Melo hit Fatu with a forearm to the back. Andrade hit Melo with repeated shoulder tackles and a chop. Melo sent Andrade hard into the turnbuckle and a chop. Andrade suplexed Melo ribs-first across the top rope. Fatu hit a running elbow smash. Fatu delivered headbutts to both opponents. Fatu worked over Andrade with strikes.

The action continued with Fatu hitting an uppercut to knock Andrade down against the turnbuckle. Fatu went for a running hip attack, Andrade moved and so did Melo. Andrade hit a forearm on Melo. Andrade hit double knees on Fatu and Melo came back with a spinning slam that sent Andrade into the mat. Fatu was back up with a punch on Melo, but Andrade was back up with a superkick on Fatu. Andrade gave Melo a Spanish Fly slam off the middle turnbuckle. Fatu hit a senton splash on Andrade and a senton splash for Melo too. Fatu called for Andrade to get up, so Andrade got up to trip up Fatu to stop a moonsault attempt. Andrade jumped off the top with his double jump moonsault for two as Melo made the save. The fans were chanting, “This is awesome” for them. Melo hit a springboard DDT for two on Andrade because Fatu broke it up. Melo hit the First 48 double knees and Andrade hit a Poison Rana on Fatu. Melo hit a lifting Cutter on Andrade for a two count. They left the ring where Melo kicked Andrade and Fatu superkicked Melo on the floor. Fatu set up for a running attack on the floor, but both guys moved and Fatu went hit a running hip attack and Fatu broke the barricade at ringside. They went to break for some fans. The crowd chanted for tables, Melo teased getting a table and then he put it down. Melo kicked Andrade, who had a chair in his hand and Andrade was selling a knee injury. Andrade was back up and he kicked Melo in the ribs. Andrade went for a move off the top, but Melo was there to trip him up and Melo hit a suplex off the top. Fatu was still down on the floor. Andrade got an inside cradle for two. Both guys were back up for a double clothesline to knock eachother down.

Melo and Andrade exchanged strikes in the ring while Fatu was still outside the ring after crashing through the barricade. Andrade set up Melo on the top turnbuckle. Melo went up top, Andrade kicked him and Fatu was back up to toss both guys off the top as Andrade hit a Spanish Fly on Melo. Fatu went up top and hit a Swanton Bomb on Melo for two because Andrade broke it up. Fatu hit a running splash on Andrade. Melo kicked Fatu. Andrade hit a spinning back elbow on Fatu while Melo and Andrade were both pinning at the same time, but it only got a two count. Solo Sikoa and JC Mateo made their way down to ringside. Melo hit a springboard clothesline on Andrade for two because Fatu broke up the pin. Fatu headbutted Melo while Fatu looked at Solo and wasn’t thrilled about it. Fatu hit a Samoan Drop on Andrade. Fatu went for a moonsault off the top, Andrade moved and Melo hit a Nothing But Net leg drop on the back of Fatu’s head for two because Andrade made the save. Melo and Andrade hit multiple pin attempts. Andrade hit a spinning back elbow, Melo hit First 48 double knees and Andrade hit another spinning back elbow. All three guys were down. Fatu hit an Implant DDT on Andrade and Fatu sent Melo into the turnbuckle. Fatu hit a running hip attack on Melo. Fatu hit an Implant DDT on Andrade. Fatu went up top and hit a double jump moonsault on Andrade. Solo and Mateo told Fatu to do it again. Jimmy Uso pulled Mateo off the apron and hit a superkick. Melo knocked Fatu into Solo off the apron. Melo hit First 48 on Fatu to send Fatu out of the ring. Andrade hit The Message neckbreaker on Melo for the pinfall win. It went 20 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Andrade

Analysis: ***3/4 It was a terrific triple threat match. An upset win that I didn’t see coming. I like how unpredictable the booking has been for some of the matches. There were a lot of cool moves, smart counters, and a finish that made sense in the storyline as Fatu’s problems with Solo Sikoa and JC Mateo continued. Fatu was protected since he wasn’t pinned and also has the US Title, so I can see why Fatu would lose. Andrade hasn’t won that many big matches lately, so at least he can say he’s qualified for Money in the Bank. I would have liked a Melo win, but I don’t mind Andrade being in the MITB match.

LA Knight was interviewed by Byron Saxton. Knight was talking about being in the Money in the Bank ladder match. Knight mentioned others in the match, like Andrade, Penta, Seth Rollins and Solo Sikoa. Knight said if this was one-on-one, he’d say he would win it, but it’s the third year in a row in this kind of match. Knight said that it’s anybody’s game. Knight said that the WWE Title and World Title are in his future. Aleister Black went up to Knight, saying that the win was partially Black’s, and Black wished him good luck.

Cody Rhodes was shown walking backstage for his promo segment up next.

(Commercial)

Jacob Fatu was shown backstage throwing around chairs and other furniture. Solo Sikoa walked up to Fatu, saying he was just trying to help. Fatu told Solo that he didn’t need his help. Fatu left while Solo and JC Mateo looked on.

There was a rundown of Worlds Collide matches on June 7:

* Stephanie Vaquer & Lola Vice vs. Dalys & Chik Tormenta

* El Hijo Del Vikingo vs. Chad Gable. No AAA World Heavyweight Title pictures this time.

* Legado Del Fantasma vs. El Hijo De Dr. Wagner Jr., Psycho Clown & Pagano vs.

* NXT North American Championship: Ethan Page vs. Rey Fenix vs. Laredo Kid vs. Je’Von Evans

Here’s the WWE Money in the Bank lineup:

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

* Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Naomi vs. Giulia vs. Roxanne Perez vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Rhea Ripley vs. ???

* Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Andrade vs. Seth Rollins vs. LA Knight vs. Solo Sikoa vs. Penta vs. ???

* Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso vs. John Cena & Logan Paul

Face To Face: Cody Rhodes and John Cena

Cody Rhodes made his entrance in a grey suit while the fans were singing his theme song. There were over 20 minutes left in the show, so there was plenty of time for this segment.

Cody did his usual bit, asking Knoxville what do you wanna talk about? Cody said that we could talk about the record crowd here this evening. Cody said we could talk about WrestleMania 41. Cody said after that night, he went home, drowned his sorrows, might have touched the “Tennessee cough syrup” a bit and had a doubtful moment. Cody said that he reached out to a friend and he asked him if he was a good champion. Cody said his answer wasn’t yes or no. Cody’s friend told him that he was a good champion and Cody felt good about it. Cody spoke about his whole year while mentioning his issues with AJ Styles, Kevin Owens, the boss pushing to him his limits, and he thought about The Final Boss asking him for his soul. Cody said that the scary part is that he was 100% serious. Cody said he also thought about John Cena, which drew boos from the crowd. Cody spoke about how he thought about Cena doing what he did what he said he was going to do. Cody admitted that he hesitated. Cody spoke about how if Cena ruins wrestling, then Cody is partially to blame. Cody said if Cena is listening, then he will never hesitate with Cena again. Cody said that he’s going to burn Cena’s ass up, or so to speak. Cody said that he’s getting worked up since it’s his first night back on Smackdown. Cody suggested a surprise, so the fans chanted “Yeet” in reference to Jey Uso. A sweaty Cody said that you seem hungry, so perhaps we should Yeet (or eat), and that brought out the World Heavyweight Champion, Jey Uso.

It was time to “Yeet” because Jey Uso made his entrance to a huge ovation. Jey made his entrance with the World Heavyweight Title in the arena. Jey was doing the Yeet hand gesture with some lucky kids in the crowd. They went to break for some fans as Jey finished his entrance and the fans were going wild for him. There was a lot of Yeeting going on.

The Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena made his entrance wearing some Tennessee Vols orange of his own. Cena made his way down to the ring while the fans sang “John Cena sucks” as his song played.

Cena said that he was in the ring with pro wrestling’s biggest wannabes. Cena told Cody he was nothing more than a John Cena wannabe and he said the same thing to Jey too. Cena said it makes him sick. Cena said that they want his fame and money, but they will get neither because they are too desperate and too lazy. Cena claimed there was one other person in WWE who embodies hustle, loyalty and respect and he’s got the fortune, fame and followers to back that up. Cena said his partner for the main event of Money in the Bank is here as well.

Logan Paul made his entrance and he was booed loudly as usual. Paul joined Cena in the ring. Cena said that Paul does WWE better than any professional wrestler. Cena said that Paul doesn’t need to pay his dues because he’s paying your mortgage, referring to Cody and Jey. Cena said that everybody in the building came to see Cena and Paul. Paul said he can walk on water and you will still try to tell him that he can’t swim. Paul said that Cena speaks the language of Logan Paul and that is the truth. Paul said that this is a moment in history. Paul said you will lead miserable lives, but you will get to say that you saw this. The fans chanted “shut the f**k up” at Paul. Logan said the fans are ungrateful.

Paul said that he should be standing next to the WWE Champion as a WWE Champion. Paul said that he should have left Saturday Night’s Main Event with that World Heavyweight Championship, but Jey got lucky. Paul said that Jey needed Cody to save him. Paul said that they couldn’t do anything without it being handed to them. Paul called them “nepo babies” who were born on third thinking they hit a triple. Paul said that Cena and himself are self-made men. Paul said that five years ago, nobody would have believed that he would become a WWE superstar, and they never would have believed that he would tag team with the Greatest of All Time. Paul said that his time is now. Paul said that Cena is the Last Real Champion while Paul is the face of this company. Paul said, ‘If you want some, come get some.’

Jey said that they don’t have to wait until Money in the Bank because they can end this right now. Cena wanted to leave, but Paul stopped him. Cena didn’t like that. Uh oh. Cody wondered if they would go backstage to polish his Peacemaker. Jey sent Paul outside the ring. Jey hit a superkick on Cena. Cody hit a Disaster Kick on Cena. Jey dove onto Cena on the floor. Cody avoided a clothesline and Jey hit a superkick on Paul. Cody hit Paul with a Cutter while Jey held Paul, so it was their version of the 1D. Cena and Paul were on the floor. Cody held up the WWE Title in the ring beside Jey in the ring. The fans were cheering. That was the end of the show.

Analysis: I thought it was a strong main event segment. Cody’s promo at the start was okay. Jey didn’t say much after his lengthy entrance, and I liked Cena’s promo. Paul did a nice job of coming across as an arrogant heel, as usual. They hit on all the key points needed in a promo like that and then one minute of physicality with the babyfaces standing tall. I thought it was very effective. I’m leaning towards a Cody & Jey win at Money in the Bank, but it’s not a lock at this point.

===

Three Stars of the Show

  1. Naomi
  2. John Cena, Cody Rhodes, Logan Paul & Jey Uso
  3. Andrade

===

The Scoreboard

7.25 out of 10

Last week: 7

2025 Average: 7.34

===

Final Thoughts on WWE SmackDown

It was a good show with some longer matches because it’s a three-hour show. I don’t think longer matches necessarily mean better because some of them dragged on a bit. I thought Naomi really stood out in the promo segment with Bianca Belair and then she did well in her match too. I’m a big fan of heel Naomi. I enjoyed the Andrade-Fatu-Melo triple threat match too.

The main event promo segment was strong. Everybody did well in their roles and the fans were into it. Good call having Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso stand tall to show they’ll be tough for John Cena & Logan Paul to beat at Money in the Bank.

There were parts of the show that dragged as I mentioned and I think the three hour format is too long, but it’s here to stay most likely so I guess we better get used to it.

The next WWE PLE is Money in the Bank on June 7th. Here’s the lineup so far.

* Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso vs. John Cena & Logan Paul

* Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Andrade vs. Seth Rollins vs. LA Knight vs. Solo Sikoa vs. Penta vs. ???

* Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Naomi vs. Giulia vs. Roxanne Perez vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Rhea Ripley vs. ???

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

===

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

John Canton

Email: [email protected]

Twitter/X: @johnreport