Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for March 20, 2026

Drew McIntyre is seen attacking Jacob Fatu outside of the arena after smashing his car into Jacob's. Officials and security have to pull McIntyre off of a bloodied Jacob. Drew McIntyre then heads towards the ring, stating that he should have been in the main event of WrestleMania and that it was taken away from him. He warns anyone who tries to wrong him that their ass belongs to him. General Manager Nick Aldis shows up with security calling McIntyre the most self-sabotaging person he has ever met as he asks what his problem is, and states that McIntyre is only on his way to unemployment. He says that Donovan - Aldis' son - should be ashamed of having such a corporate stooge for a father. All of a sudden, Jacob Fatu shows up, and McIntyre and Jacob brawl again. This time around, Jacob gets the upper hand, and after tossing McIntyre over the announce table, security and officials try to force Jacob away from McIntyre, but Jacob runs through them in the crowd and splashes McIntyre through the table.

Damian Priest and R-Truth beat The MFTs (JC Mateo and Tama Tonga) to become the WWE Tag Team Champions! During the match, The Wyatt Sicks (Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis) show up and brawl with the rest of the rest of The MFT's (Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga, Solo Sikoa), with Uncle Howdy getting Solo Sikoa with a Mandible Claw on the outside while Rowan, Gacy and Lumis brawl with Loa, Talla and Tama. JC Mateo saves Solo Sikoa saves Solo from the Mandible Claw with a superkick, but runs into a flurry of offense and an Attitude Adjustment from R-Truth for the pin, the win and the championships when he runs back into the ring.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews The Bella Twins (Brie and Nikki Bella). Brie says they can beat The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) tonight and that anyone underestimating them is making a big mistake. Nikki says they paved the way for the women's tag titles to exist, then Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss show up with pints of ice cream. Charlotte calls The Bellas selfish for getting to the front of the line by getting involved in their match, then says they have whoever wins the women's tag titles tonight. Nikki tells Charlotte to watch the match to see how legends get it done, then Brie takes Alexa's spoon.

Backstage, Danhausen shows up as Candice LeRae checks on Johnny Gargano, asks for "twenty human dollars" when Candice asks for help, then runs away before The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) pass by. Sabin reminds Shelley they have a match.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Sami Zayn. Sami says he should be focused on his match with Aleister Black, as he is dangerous, but he cannot stop think about "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes despite all they have been through recently. He says that Cody is a good person who goes the extra mile, and yet he gets taken out and put on a stretcher after Orton does what he does. Sami admits he does not know what to think about this, and feels the more he does the right thing, the more things go wrong and the more he believes that the world he believes in does not exist. Trick Williams interrupts, and Sami takes this as a challenge. Trick says he will be watching and might be giving a few pointers, and Sami tells him to get a very good look.

The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) beat Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom). During the match, Candice LeRae watches from the entrance ramp, and near the end of the match, Candice attacks Nathan Frazer on the outside, allowing Sabin to get the pin and the win.

Randy Orton heads to the ring. Once in the ring, Orton grabs a metal folding chair and sits in it in the center of the ring. Orton says that for years, when his entrance music hit, everyone sang along, and says that he showed love and gave back to the fans in return, which he admits puts a smile on his face. He then says that this smile is the most emptiest feeling he has felt in his entire life, and that while he has been in the business longer than most, nothing last forever, and he wants his legacy measured in the amount of world championships around his waist. Orton mentions winning the Elimination Chamber match, and while he knew who he needed to be to beat Drew McIntyre, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes beat McIntyre first. He says that he loves Cody and still does, but Cody took that burden off his chest by telling him to be the best version of himself not just for him and the fans, but for himself, and to listen to the voices. Orton states that sometimes when listening to the voices, he does not always have control, and while he and others can get hurt, he needs that killer instinct to become a fifteen-time world champion. Orton then says that he hears voices in his head, and that they counsel him, they understand, and they talk to him and tell him that he will beat Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at the main event of WrestleMania.

Backstage, Randy Orton receives stares from fellow Superstars, then confronts Matt Cardona. Orton says he has no beef with Cardona, who confronts him for what he did to "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes last week. Orton asks Cardona if he has action figures to play with before calling him "a mark-ass stooge" and an "indy nerd" before forearming him and telling him to stay out of his business.

Before the next match starts, Trick Williams shows up to watch from the announce table.

Aleister Black beats Sami Zayn after Trick Williams throws his drink at Sami Zayn for shoving his foot off the announce table, which causes Sami to punch Trick a couple of times before sliding back into the ring only to run smack into a Black Mass.

Backstage, Matt Cardona wants General Manager Nick Aldis to give him a match with Randy Orton, but Aldis says it is not happening. Cardona leaves, then Carmelo Hayes shows up and finds out that the United Stats Open Challenge has been closed because somebody made a compelling argument to be the next opponent. Ilja Dragunov shows up and says he thought about what Carmelo told him, saying that Carmelo is right and that while he will always be fighting himself, he cannot be the best if he does not take the shots that are right in front of him. Carmelo says that for one of them, tonight will be champagne, but for the other it will just be pain. Dragunov says the pain will entertain, but asks if it will be his or Carmelo's.

We hear from The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend). Nia says it has been years since since The Bella Twins (Brie and Nikki Bella) have teamed up and have never won tag team gold, and that they have a snowball's chance in Hell of beating them. Lash Legend says that The Bella Twins are just trying to relive their glory days and trying desperately to stay on their heels, then says that other people want their titles and that it is time to put them all in check. Nia says The Bella Twins will be lucky to survive tonight after they demolish them, and all The Bella Twins can do about it is nothing and like it.

Jade Cargill heads to the ring. Cargill says she is not here to play around and calls out Rhea Ripley, as she knows she is backstage. Rhea Ripley shows up and heads to the ring. Rhea says that they said all that there is to say and that she does not feel like talking to her anymore, but Cargill says that while Rhea Ripley needs the WWE Women's Championship, she does not need the title or the fans. She says that Rhea Ripley has fought to be something, then says that with or without professional wrestling, she has always been "that bitch." Rhea is right about Cargill saying she needs the title, as she lives for this after having fought for this since she was sixteen years old. Cargill says she does not care about Rhea has had to sacrifice or the rest of the locker room, as she made wrestling matter, and without her, Rhea disappears. Rhea takes exception to the disrespect that Cargill is showing, and says that as long as the WWE Women's Championship has been around Cargill's waist, the title needs her, and now she wants that title and she is going to take it. Rhea then welcomes Cargill to the big leagues and dares Cargill to hit her after stating that they are done talking, but Cargill says she will do it on her time and leaves. As Cargill is on her way out, she is confronted by "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab, the former carrying a shinai, but instead of being against Cargill, they join her, and the three of them surround the ring. Rhea fends them off, but the numbers game takes over, and Michin and B-Fab hold Rhea down for a superkick to the face from Cargill followed by Jaded.

Backstage, Kit Wilson speaks with The Miz as he talks about dealing with Jelly Roll. The Miz is preoccupied with how his recent vacation was ruined, then Danhausen shows up wanting to be The Miz's enforcer. Kit Wilson says neither of them want Danhausen around, and when Danhausen tells Miz he can stay cursed, a ladder falls behind him as Danhausen leaves. The Miz tells Kit Wilson to go out there and implement "The Miz Method," then another ladder falls and lands on him after Kit Wilson leaves.

Backstage, Solo Sikoa is furious with The MFTs (Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga, JC Mateo) with losing the WWE Tag Team Championships and blames it all on JC Mateo and Tama Tonga. Tama Tonga tells Solo Sikoa to return the lantern back to The Wyatt Sicks, as he has not been acting like himself since he took it and that he is now sounding like Roman Reigns. All of a sudden, Jacob Fatu and Drew McIntyre brawl again, and McIntyre goes for Jacob's eyes as security and officials have to break up yet another backstage brawl.

Carmelo Hayes retains the WWE United States Championship against Ilja Dragunov.

Backstage, Jelly Roll congratulates Damian Priest and R-Truth on becoming tag team champions, then Priest asks Jelly Roll to join them for drinks later. He and R-Truth leave, then Jelly Roll meets Randy Orton. Orton apologizes to Jelly Roll, but Jelly Roll says he is worried about him and knows what it is like to be the bad guy and judged for the worst thing he ever did, and reminds him of how he fought from being feared backstage to being loved and giving back. He says he does not understand why Orton would go back. Orton admits he was out of line with Matt Cardona and does not know where to begin, but Jelly Roll just tells him to do the right thing and work from there.

Kit Wilson heads to the ring. After the commercial break, Kit Wilson states that Jelly Roll started everything when he crossed a line, then says that they will finish this as he calls Jelly Roll out. Jelly Roll heads to the ring, and Kit Wilson rolls out of the ring as Jelly Roll gets in. Jelly Roll tells Kit Wilson says that if this is what he wants, this is what he gets. He then calls for a referee so they can have a match. Kit Wilson says that they should settle things like civilized gentlemen, saying he fights with his words, not his fists. Jelly Roll is surprised that Kit Wilson wants a rap battle, stating that he is a decent dancer, but not a rapper. Kit Wilson then proposes a slam poetry battle, then proceeds to mock Jelly Roll's face tattoos, criminal history and weight loss. Jelly Roll fires back by mentioning Kit Wilson's mother more than once. Kit Wilson attacks Jelly Roll from behind, then goes up to the top rope for a corkscrew elbow and nails him with it.

Backstage, Giulia tells Kiana James that she did not get the job done and that she is going to put Tiffany Stratton in her place. Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre show up, and Chelsea proposes they team up against Tiffany. Giulia says she does not need any help from her, then she and Kiana leave. The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) show up, and Nia shoves Chelsea - and her wheelchair - out of the way.

Backstage, Jelly Roll meets with General Manager Nick Aldis demanding a match with Kit Wilson. Aldis gives it to him for next week.

The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) retain the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships against The Bella Twins (Brie and Nikki Bella) by disqualification after Charlotte Flair attacks Nia Jax on the outside. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss show up early in the match to watch from ringside, and after the match, all three teams are going at it. The Irresistible Forces soon come out on top in the three-team brawl.

Backstage, Randy Orton is on the phone. He tells the person on the other end that he will go into the ring and "fix it."

Randy Orton heads to the ring again. Once again, he has a metal folding chair in his hand. At first, Orton sits down in the center of the ring, but decides against it before stating that he has an apology to make and asking that Matt Cardona come to the ring. Orton says that he has been out of his head and is legitimately sorry for how he treated both him and his hobbies, then asks Cardona to forgive him. Both men shake hands and hug, then Orton kicks Cardona in the groin, hits an RKO, rips his shirt off and tosses him out of the ring. Orton then pummels Cardona on the announce table. An official shows up to stop Orton as he ready the ring steps, and more officials and security show up soon after. Orton stops, then grabs Cardona and tosses him back in the ring. Officials and security flood the ring as Orton wraps the metal folding chair around Cardona's left arm, and Orton stops again. When Orton is given room, he turns around, then turns back to Cardona and stomps the chair, injuring Cardona's arm. Orton and Cardona are separated, and as Orton is forced to the back, something is happening in the parking lot. Drew McIntyre and Jacob Fatu are brawling again, and Nick Aldis shows up with security. Both men drop from a balcony on the side of a building as Aldis as officials yell at them to stop, and the show fades to black.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for March 6, 2026

Randy Orton heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Orton welcomes everyone to tonight's show and talks about how he has performed in twenty WrestleMania yet has only main evented two of them, and that regardless of one's accolades, there is no guarantee that one will get to WrestleMania, let alone the main event. He can now say that he is going back to the main event of WrestleMania, and while he is not wired to say that he is the best, he lets his peers do the talking, including men he grew up with like Ric Flair, The Undertaker and Harley Race. Orton says that he looks at the locker room that he is part of now and that is he proud that he is still viewed as one of the best, and says that he has earned this. He says that he does not know who his opponent will be, but he and everyone will know in a few hours, and he is looking forward to the two possibilities of Cody Rhodes or Drew McIntyre. Orton then says he is entering WrestleMania with a chip on his shoulder and leaving with a championship around his waist. As Orton states that he plans to win with the RKO, Trick Williams heads to the ring, saying he has voices in his head telling him he has a bone to pick with Orton, as he should be in the main event of WrestleMania with the title shot. He also mentions Orton going up to his pod in the Elimination Chamber and saying that Trick is not 6'5". As Trick continues to speak, Orton messes with Trick before hitting him with an RKO.

In backstage footage from earlier today, General Manager Nick Aldis tells Carmelo Hayes that he is doing a good job with the open challenge for the United States Championship, and says that one open challenge has caught his eye. Carmelo, not wanting to know who his next opponent is right away, says that he will see this opponent in the ring.

Carmelo Hayes' open challenge is answered by El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr.

Carmelo Hayes retains the WWE United States Championship against El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr. after avoiding a top rope moonsault.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Ilja Dragunov. Dragunov says he is not the warrior that his mother wants him to be and continues to lose, and that he will wait to challenge Carmelo Hayes until he is that warrior again. The Miz shows up and says Dragunov should be seizing every opportunity, and Kit Wilson shows up to question Dragunov's masculinity. Dragunov takes this as a challenge from both men.

Backstage, Damian Priest and General Manager Nick Aldis are met by R-Truth, who says that the two of them are in tonight's Tag Team Turmoil match. Priest, still slightly bewildered, is up to the task. Priest and R-Truth, then Drew McIntyre shows up and tells Aldis to cancel his match with Cody, but Adlis tells McIntyre that he went back on his word that he would let things happen, and that he went back on his. He tells McIntyre to defend the title tonight or forfeit it. McIntyre says the only way Cody will win the WWE Championship is to take it from his cold, dead hands.

The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) head to the ring for their championship celebration. Nia Jax tells the fans to take it all in and get a good lock at two "six-foot thoroughbred stallions," as they now have the women's tag team division on lock. She then says they are generous champs, and says that any and all challengers are welcome. She then says it will not make a difference, and Lash Legend says that if anyone runs up, they will get done up, and calls this the locker room's first, last and only warning that they are here and they are not going anywhere. The two of them have a toast, then pyrotechnics goes off on the stage before Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss show up. Alexa says that Lash Legend has found a coattail to ride to the top, then says she and Charlotte only lost the titles because The Irresistible Forces interfered in their matches. Charlotte then says that if The Irresistible Forces, they are looking at the next ones in. Giulia and Kiana James show up, and Kiana reminds everyone that she beat Charlotte and Nia in a Triple Threat Match and pinned Alexa in the Elimination Chamber. Kiana says that they are going to WrestleMania one way or another, and Giulia stats that they are leaving with the women's tag titles before Kiana tells Charlotte and Alexa to step aside. General Manager Nick Aldis shows up and makes a match between the team of Giulia and Kiana and the team of Charlotte and Alexa, which happens right now.

Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss beat Kiana James and Giulia.

We hear from Jelly Roll, who congratulates Randy Orton in winning at the Elimination Chamber and states that he will be seeing Orton and "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, who he wishes luck against Drew McIntyre, next week.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, who says that he wants to point at the WrestleMania sign, and the only thing in his way is Drew McIntyre. He hopes that when they speak again, he will be WWE Champion. Cathy Kelley leaves, then Sami Zayn shows up and admits that things have been frigid between them, then says that Cody has had yet another title match fall into his lap. Sami wishes Cody, who has trouble figuring out what Sami is getting at, good luck and that he wants what is best for him despite how he has been acting lately. Cody leaves, then Sami Zayn is angry with himself once again.

We see Trick Williams' interview on iHeartRadio's The Breakfast Club.

The Pannu Family are the recipients of tonight's Cricket 5G Seat Upgrade.

Damian Priest and R-Truth beat The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley), Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom), The Wyatt Sicks (Joe Gacy and Dexter Lumis), and Los Garza (Angel and Berto) in a Tag Team Turmoil Match. Fraxiom eliminates The Motor City Machine Guns after Axiom pins Sabin near the ropes, and while Shelley puts Sabin's foot on the ropes, the referee does not see it. The Wyatt Sicks are eliminated after Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa show up and pull Gacy out of the ring and distract Lumis, allowing Los Garza to eliminate them. After the elimination, Gacy and Lumis brawl with Tama and Loa on the way to the back.

Backstage, Randy Orton is met by Sami Zayn. Sami says he is happy for Orton, then asks Orton how he can speak highly of Cody and yet drop him where he stands in the same breath. Orton says that one needs to be selfish in this business, and when Sami asks Orton if that makes him a bad person, Orton says that has made him a fourteen-time World Champion. Orton then tells Sami that he believes in him that he will become World Champion one day and that he just needs to listen to the voices, then leaves. Aleister Black and Zelina Vega show up and tell Sami that it is the nature of the beast.

Rhea Ripley heads to the ring. Rhea, knowing that Jade Cargill has a lot to say to her, dares Jade to come to the ring and say it to her face. Cargill shows up and heads to the ring, shakes Rhea's hand, and says that she respects Rhea and her accomplishments, how the people love her, how Rhea earned her way to a championship match against her and how she has gotten into the shape she has gotten herself in. She then says she is not impressed, as she is bigger, more powerful and more worthy of the WWE Championship than Rhea, then says she will beat the hell out of her and that there is nothing she can do about it.Rhea then offers her hand for another handshake, which Jade gives to her before Rhea respects Cargill's honesty, and admits that while she does not impress Cargill physically, Cargill does for her, but she will not go down and stay down after Cargill's best shot. She then says that if she hits Cargill with hers, there is no way Cargill is getting back up, as Cargill's body is built for show while hers is built for fighting. She says that Cargill is more aesthetically pleasing while she thrives and survives in the business. Rhea says Cargill can flex all she wants, because she will fight and she will take the WWE Championship from her with force, and there is nothing Cargill can do about it.

Backstage, Alex Shelley is speaking with Candice LeRae regarding a nearby planking Johnny Gargano. Chris Sabin is wondering what is going on, then says they need to talk after Shelley said he tried to save the match. Sabin and Shelley leave, then Candice tells Gargano to get up and "do it himself." Gargano shows up and heads to the ring.

We hear from Bo Dallas. He tells Solo Sikoa that he keeps putting his family members in compromising positions without understanding the weight of consequences, then says he has something that does not belong to him and that he will not rest until he takes it back. He says that Solo's family will constantly look over their shoulders and realize there is nothing left to do but run.

Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae are in the ring. He says that he is one of the best wrestlers in the world and that he is tired of pretending that he is not, then says that he and everyone else needs to remember who he is, and that he must be "Johnny Wrestling" again. Gargano then issues an open challenge to anyone in the back, and the open challenge is answered by Oba Femi.

Oba Femi beats Johnny Gargano.

Backstage, Jade Cargill is met by "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab. Michin says she has been waiting to get her pound of flesh. Cargill says she will see Michin next week.

Backstage, Danhausen runs into General Manager Nick Aldis and makes the same demands he made to Raw General Manager Nick Aldis, including a mentor. Nick Aldis notices The Miz and has him mentor Danhausen. Danhausen hopes Miz will make him a champion and a TV star, and when Miz refuses to mentor him, Danhausen curses him, then tells him to remember what happened to "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio earlier this week.

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes beats Drew McIntyre to win the Undisputed WWE Championship for a third time. During the match, referee Charles Robinson is dragged into a Cody Cutter by McIntyre. Cody hits the Cross Rhodes, then calls for another ref. Referee Dan Engler shows up, then McIntyre hits the Claymore only for Cody to kick out at one. Engler is eventually hit with a Glasgow Kiss by McIntyre, who then grabs a chair from the timekeeper's area to use as a weapon only for Jacob Fatu to show up and take it away from him. Robinson comes back to just in time for Cody to score a near-fall on a schoolkid pin. McIntyre hits a Future Shock DDT, but misses big on the Claymore when Cody ducks it. Cody hits a Super Cody Cutter followed by the Cross Rhodes for the pin, the win, the title and the WrestleMania main event.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for January 9, 2026

Randy Orton heads to the ring to start tonight's show. After Orton welcomes everyone to the show, Trick Williams shows up. Trick Williams talks about how everyone around the world loves him, then Orton makes it clear they are on different levels even though he sees a star in Trick. However, he questions why Trick is interrupting him, saying he does not have the brains. Trick says he respects Orton, but he will do what he has to do when it comes to brushing up against someone like him, and says that this is his era now. Trick turns his back as he says that, and Orton lets it slide that one time, saying that if it happens again, he will kick his ass. Trick slaps the microphone out of his hand, and Orton looks to see how far it went before hitting a cheap shot. Orton hits the draping DDT on Trick, but The Miz suddenly shows up and attacks Orton from behind. Orton fights back when The Miz grabs him from behind and hits him with an RKO. As Orton leaves the ring, Rey Fenix heads to the ring for the next match.

Trick Williams beats Rey Fenix after countering a roll-up with one of his own and grabbing the tights.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Giulia and Kiana James. Giulia says her title is back where it belongs, and Kiana says that Giulia is an asset with an upside that has yet to be accounted for, and that Giulia will soon dominate the market. Giulia then says that she will make an example of Alexa Bliss.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Damian Priest, who says that he and Aleister Black both won battles, but he won the war. As for what is next, he wants to vie for the WWE Championship. Drew McInytre shows up, and Priest says he knows how dangerous McIntyre is. He knows that McIntyre might become champion tonight, but if that happens, they get to go another round, and reminds McIntyre that he scrambled his brains last time. Priest leaves as Saxton interviews McIntyre, who says that Cody Rhodes' emotions are high and that he can only imagine the look on his face now that he has his gold Rolex watch that Dusty Rhodes pawned to pay for Cody's future. He says that Cody will be disqualified in the first fall and that he will need only one fall to become champion.

Backstage, Alexa Bliss calls a sick Charlotte Flair and talks about her match with Giulia when Nia Jax and Lash Legend show up. Lash thinks that Charlotte's absence is convenient for Charlotte, but Alexa says that this is something Nia would do, then tells Lash to drop Nia before she brings her down and heads to the ring for her match.

German influencer and former professional soccer (football) player Sidney Friede is seen in the front row.

Giulia retains the WWE Women's United States Championship against Alexa Bliss after the referee checks on Kiana James - who gets slapped by Alexa for getting on the ring apron - only for Lash Legend to show up and shove Alexa off the top rope as she goes for Twisted Bliss, allowing Giulia to hit the Northern Lights Bomb to win and retain. After the match, Nia Jax and Lash Legendgang up on Alexa, and Nia hits Alexa with an A-Nia-Lator.

Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis congratulates Jordynne Grace on signing with SmackDown when Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre show up with Chelsea demanding a championship rematch. After Nick Adlis asks Chelsea to welcome Jordynne to SmackDown, Jordynne says that she is not going to be a diva like some of the women, and Alba Fyre steps in and tells Jordynne to watch her tone. Aldis makes a match between Alba and Jordynne, and tells Chelsea to help Alba get ready. Kit Wilson shows up as Jordynne, Chelsea and Alba Fyre leave, demanding a match, but Nick Aldis slams the door in his face when he says he will think of something.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Matt Cardona. Cardona says it has been six years, but he is glad to be back after reinventing himself on the road back to WWE. He then notices "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, telling him he has the match with Drew McIntyre under control, then says he is back for the WWE Championship. Cody says they will talk when he is done with Drew McIntyre.

The MFTs (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga) beat The Wyatt Sicks (Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis) in an eight-man tag match after Solo grabs Uncle Howdy's lantern, distracting Uncle Howdy and allowing Tama Tonga to hit the Cutthroat for the win.

Backstage, The Miz runs into Carmelo Hayes, saying he has gotten a championship opportunity and that when he wins that and wins Carmelo's United States title, he will become a three-time Grand Slam Champion. Carmelo Hayes says he will see The Miz at the open challenge, but The Miz reminds him of what Randy Orton did to him. Carmelo gives The Miz another week to prepare after joking with him, then runs into Ilja Dragunov and tells him he is holding the open challenge right now, and Dragunov tells Carmelo they will fight again in another time and place. He then says that he is going to talk to General Manger Nick Aldis about something different.

We see a vignette for Oba Femi.

Jordynne Grace beats Alba Fyre in her SmackDown debut after throwing Alba into Chelsea Green when Chelsea gets on the apron. After the match, Jade Cargill shows up and gets a good look at Jordynne, then tells Jordynne that she is on her show and that she is that bitch.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Sami Zayn. Sami Zayn says a small part of him wants Drew McIntyre to win tonight, as he is the one person he has never beaten, and beating him for the WWE Championship sounds great. He is also rooting for Cody, calling him a great friend and champion, and that he wants to test himself against the very best. He says that if he had to choose, his money is on Cody. Sami then proclaims that regardless of who wins, he is waiting on the other side.

Backstage, Nathan Frazer is met by Axiom, who is not in his gear and is wearing the blue mask that Johnny Gargano that stole. It turns out to be Gargano in disguise, and he and Candice LeRae go on the attack until the real Axiom chases them away.

Carmelo Hayes' open challenge opponent is revealed to be Shinsuke Nakamura.

Carmelo Hayes retains the WWE United States Championship against Shinsuke Nakamura.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes. Cody says that he is the one making the comeback, not Dusty Rhodes, and that nobody realizes this until it is too late. He hopes to beat Drew McIntyre before looking forward to the Royal Rumble.

General Manager Nick Aldis talks about tonight's main event: the Three Stages of Hell Match. He then announces that next week in London, there will be four qualifying matches, with the winners facing off against each other at Saturday Night's Main Event to face the WWE Champion at Royal Rumble.

Drew McIntyre beats "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes in a Three Stages of Hell Match to become the Undisputed WWE Champion! Drew McIntyre wins the first stage - a straight wrestling match - after ripping off a turnbuckle cover and kicking Cody in the groin before hitting a Claymore Kick. Cody Rhodes wins the second fall - a falls count anywhere match - following a Cross Rhodes through the announce table. Drew wins the third stage - a steel cage match - after Drew McIntyre tries to escape the cage only to be attacked by a man in a black hoodie, who reveals himself to be Jacob Fatu. As Jacob attacks McIntyre, Cody steps in only for Jacob to also attack him. As Jacob hits Cody with a Superkick, McIntyre tumbles out of the cage, winning the third and final stage and becoming the Undisputed WWE Champion.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!

Raw Deal - Raw recap for November 24, 2025

Roman Reigns heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Before Roman can speak, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes also heads to the ring. Cody says that he has talked about why he is in this year's men's WarGames match, then asks Roman what is in it for him. Roman says that the last time he checked, he has been in this war and that Cody just joined it. He admits both men hate each other and do not know each other well, but they both know they do not play around when it comes to family. He says that half of their team is his family, and before they were on their team, they were in his Bloodline. Roman says he has been invested in The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso) for a long time, and he plans to see that investment through. Cody says "Understandable," then welcomes Roman to his team. Before he can shake Roman's hand, CM Punk suddenly shows up. CM Punk says that their WarGames match is an all-star match, and while Cody has his word, CM Punk says he does not need his word, as he saved his life. Roman tells him he ruined his life four months later, but Punk tells Roman that if he backstabs him, he also backstabs The Usos. He also mentions Cody saying the team is his, stating that while he can be the quarterback on Friday, he is the champ on Mondays. Roman questions why they are "measuring them now" before saying that it does not matter whose team it is and that they can all agree on hating Paul Heyman and The Vision (Bron Breakker, "Big" Bronson Reed, Logan Paul), who he hates more than Punk. He also states that while they are being honest, "that title would look so much better on his shoulder." Roman smiles and refuses to answer, saying "Let them figure it out."

Backstage, Paul Heyman tells Drew McIntyre to take things seriously, as he is still under suspension and is only here because he is part of his team. He also tells Logan Paul not to have anything to do with Brock Lesnar, then finds out that he is McIntyre's partner tonight. Logan simply says "Wise...choice."

Gunther beats Carmelo Hayes to advance in the Last Time is Now Tournament.

Backstage, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes meets with CM Punk and Roman Reigns when The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso) show up. Jey says that he and Jimmy are the only ones on the team on the same page and that they are the ones to get the advantage in tonight's advantage match, then The Usos leave. Roman looks at Cody and Punk and tells them to fix this.

We see a snippet of an interview with John Cena where Cena talks about what success really is.

"Dirty" Dominik Mysterio heads to the ring. Dominik says that he will put an end to John Cena's retirement tour and embarrass Cena in his hometown at Survivor Series, take back the Intercontinental Championship and continue to be the greatest Mysterio of all time. He also says that Cena is not here tonight and that he does not blame Cena for not coming to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, which he calls a dump before Cena's music hits. A little person dressed as Cena (and another little person with the word "Stu" on the back of his shirt carrying a portable camcorder) shows up. "Little Cena" has trouble getting in the ring at first, but gets in. Dom tries not to corpse as he gives "Little Cena" a chance to run away, but "Little Cena" challenges Dominik to a fight. Not surprisingly, he gets booted in the face and hit with a Five Knuckle Shuffle by Dominik. Not surprisingly, he gets booted in the face and hit with a Five Knuckle Shuffle by Dominik. This is followed up by a splash from the top rope, then Rey Mysterio suddenly runs to the ring. Dominik retreats and heads to the back as Finn Balor and JD McDonagh head to the ring for the next match.

Rey Mysterio beats JD McDonagh after McDonagh inadvertently Spears Finn Balor off the ring apron after Finn trips Rey on the outside as Rey goes for a 619. After the match, Rey Mysterio outsmarts Finn and McDonagh as they go back on the attack in order to get out of the ring.

Backstage, General Manager Adam Pearce tells Raquel Rodriguez that she will be in the mix for the next shot at the Women's World Championship, then The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) and Grayson Waller show up after Raquel leaves. The New Day find out that they will get a tag team title match against AJ Styles and Dragon Lee next week.

Becky Lynch heads to the ring. After the commercial break, she is joined by The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane), Nia Jax and Lash Legend. Becky says she has the best lawyers in the country regarding losing the Women's Intercontinental Championship and that she has been advised not to talk about it, and that the decision will be overturned, she will get the title back, and WWE will be better for it. She also says WWE will be a lot better off when she gets rid of AJ Lee once and for all, stating that AJ made a mistake coming back and a bigger mistake costing her the title, then says she made the biggest mistake of all by locking herself in a cage with her. She puts the rest of her team on a pedestal before Rhea Ripley, Iyo Sky, Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss and AJ Lee show up. AJ Lee says the old her would have torn Becky's face off, but therapy works. She then says that Becky is insecure. AJ says that she knows who she is and does not have to bark like a chihuahua; she bites, and Becky reminder her of that by lighting a fire on her that her team pours gasoline on. She then threatens to let the old AJ out and do whatever she wants to Becky. AJ hopes to sit on a pedestal and laugh as Becky falls down, then Rhea takes the microphone and smacks Nia Jax in the face with it, starting a brawl. The brawl ends with Rhea and Charlotte booting Nia and Lash out of the ring before Iyo Sky takes out Becky's team with a top rope moonsault to the outside as Becky retreats.

Solo Sikoa beats Penta by referee stoppage after Penta is unable to continue following a hurricanrana off the barricade. Solo Sikoa advances in the Last Time is Now Tournament.

We look back on John Cena's surprise return in the 2008 Royal Rumble.

Backstage, Maxxine Dupri is talking with General Manager Adam Pearce. Maxxine says that she will continue to put in the work and that she will call Natalya, then Ivy Nile shows up and confronts Maxxine as she walks away and says that the Women's Intercontinental Championship is hers. Maxxine then runs into Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez, and Roxanne says that she can take the title off of her before Adam Pearce intervenes. Roxanne and Raquel leave, then Pearce tells Maxxine she should call Natalya now.

We hear from Stephanie Vaquer, who states that everyone told her not to trust Nikki Bella, yet she still allowed Nikki to be her friend only to be betrayed. She says that she knows Nikki's game and that Nikki does not know who she is messing with. She asks Nikki if she really wants to face her in the ring before telling her that she will see her at Survivor Series.

Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre beat The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso) in a WarGames Advantage Match. During the match, Bron Breakker and "Big" Bronson Reed show up to help up Logan Paul on the outside, then "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes and CM Punk show up to brawl with them. Jey Uso hits everyone on the outside with a dive over the top rope, but this allows Logan Paul to pin Jimmy Uso with a schoolkid pin to win the match and the one-man advantage. After the match, everyone brawls with each other. Roman Reigns shows up and fights his way to the ring, then stands tall with his team in the ring. Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman show up, and Lesnar humorously slips as his pyro goes off before joining his team for a five-on-five brawl that truly ends the show.

Here are the highlights for tonight's show!

Here is this week's Raw Recap!

Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for October 17, 2025

General Manager Nick Aldis is in the ring to start tonight's show. Nick Aldis announces that the main event is now a #1 contender's match for the WWE Championship, with the winner facing "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, who heads to the ring. Cody admits that Seth "Freakin'" Rollins beat him to become Crown Jewel Champion, then says that Rollins needs to handle his business while he handles SmackDown business. Cody questions if his next opponent will be Drew McIntyre or Jacob Fatu, then says that tonight's lights are bright and that the main event for Saturday Night's Main Event runs through San Jose, California.

Backstage, Solo Sikoa and the MFT's (Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga, JC Mateo) confront Rey Fenix. When Fenix refuses to step aside when Solo demands his photo shoot be next, Solo and the MFT's lay out Fenix.

Blake Monroe is seen in the front row before the next match.

Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss retain the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships against Sol Ruca and Zaria by submission after Blake Monroe distracts Sol Ruca from the crowd, allowing Charlotte Flair to make Sol Ruca submit to the Figure Eight for the win.

Backstage, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes is met by Jacob Fatu, who welcomes him to San Jose before telling him that after he dog walks Drew McIntyre, he will show him the real meaning of "ghost riding the whip" and show him he is all gas and no brakes.

We hear from Aleister Black, who says that he has been selling an image and that everything he has done has been a calculated move on his part, and he has not felt this accomplished as aligning with his wife Zelina Vega. Aleister and Zelina says this was by design, and Aleister says that there is no one more violent than Zelina. Zelina says they are not the infection; just the mirror that shows it. Aleister says that he and Zelina are what one considers "a necessary evil" and a balance, and Zelina says they are not poison, but salvation.

Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis is speaking with The Miz when Sami Zayn shows up wondering why he is not on tonight's show. Aldis mentions that Shinsuke Nakamura wants a proper rematch, then mentions Solo Sikoa and the MFT's (Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga, JC Mateo) attacking him recently. Sami states that he refuses to hide backstage and says the open challenge means everything to him, then says he is going out to the ring for his open challenge anyway. Sami Zayn leaves, then The Miz tells Aldis "No thanks...I'm good" when Aldis asks him if he needs anything else.

We see a preview of Hulk Hogan's Rock 'n Wrestling, now on the WWE Vault YouTube channel.

Before the next match, The Miz shows up and says that he is sick of Sami Zayn's open challenge matches before he is attacked from behind by Carmelo Hayes, causing officials to show up and try to restore order. Sami Zayn then finds out his open challenge opponent is none other than a returning Ilja Dragunov, who has not been seen in WWE for almost a year due to an injured right knee.

Ilja Dragunov beats Sami Zayn to become the WWE United States Champion following the distraction from the stage by Solo Sikoa. After the match, The MFT's (Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga, JC Mateo) attack both Sami and Dragunov and ultimately lay them out. Fenix runs out and fends off The MFT's, but he gets choke slammed by Talla Tonga. Solo Sikoa then proclaims that his family tree will take back everything they have lost and become champions once again. All of a sudden, Bo Dallas appears on the TitanTron. He tells Solo "Seek and ye shall find, knock and ye shall enter...but are you ready for what is on the other side?" The Wyatt Sicks (Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross) then appear behind Solo Sikoa and the MFT's, and both sides have a staredown. Solo and the MFT's then back out of the ring.

WWE looks back on their recent tours in Australia and Japan.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Tiffany Stratton. Tiffany admits she is not happy about losing, but Stephanie Vaquer took her to her limits. As she thinks about what is next, Kiana James shows up and says Tiffany would have won if she employed her services like Giulia did. Tiffany takes this as Kiana being less then capable in the ring and challenges Kiana to a match, which Kiana accepts.

In backstage footage from earlier today, The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) are about to celebrate one year in WWE when Los Garza (Angel and Berto) show up and make fun of the Machine Guns for starting off like a Ferrari and petering out like Berto's grandfather's lawnmower. Sabin reminds Los Garza that they lost in their debut, and challenges them to a one-year anniversary rematch.

The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) beat Los Garza (Angel and Berto).

Backstage, Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom) discuss the current state of the SmackDown tag team division. Nathan Frazer wants to do something, but Axiom prefers to pick when to strike. #DIY (Johnny Gargano, Tommaso Ciampa, Candice LeRae) shows up, and Ciampa says they have stayed out of the way for the last couple of weeks and that nothing has changed. When #DIY go for Axiom's mask, Axiom snaps back by challenging #DIY to a tag team match.

Before the next match, it is revealed that Jacob Fatu has been laid out backstage, and that he is not only bleeding out of his mouth, but he also has some teeth knocked out. After the commercial break, Drew McIntyre heads to the ring with a smile on his face as General Manager Nick Aldis checks on Jacob Fatu and asks him if he saw anything before he was attacked. McIntyre demands that the referee raise the hand of the new #1 contender for the WWE Championship when Aldis suddenly shows up. McIntyre tells Aldis that he had nothing to do with the attack on Jacob Fatu and demands he be named #1 contender. Suddenly, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes shows up having had enough of McIntyre, then tells him that if he wants his title match, he can get it right now. Cody and McIntyre then brawl around the ring. After the commercial break, both men finally make it back into the ring and the match begins.

Drew McIntyre beats "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes by disqualification after Cody smacks McIntyre with the WWE Championship on the outside. After the match, Drew McIntyre gouges Cody's eyes, and security and officials has to stop Cody from hitting McIntyre with Cross Rhodes on the announce table. This does not stop Cody from diving onto McIntyre from the top rope to end the show.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for September 12, 2025

Brock Lesnar heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Before he can say a word, R-Truth shows up. Lesnar wants R-Truth to shut up, and R-Truth takes the high road by welcoming Lesnar back. He then says he used to be scared of Lesnar, but not anymore, but Lesnar says he does not even know who R-Truth is. He also says that R-Truth had better have a good excuse for interrupting him. R-Truth says Lesnar has disrespected his childhood hero John Cena for over 25 years, then says he is done with the disrespect. Lesnar wants to know where Cena is, and when R-Truth does not know who he is, Lesnar wants to know why R-Truth is here. R-Truth says he is here to defend "his older brother and childhood hero" John Cena. After R-Truth calls himself "Ron Cena," R-Truth says that John Cena is built different now and that he made a little kid cry, and that "Super Cena" is coming for Lesnar and is fueled by honor, loyalty, respect and that kid's tears. Lesnar tricks R-Truth into believing he is missing a tooth, then hits R-Truth with the F-5. It is then revealed that the back of Lesnar's jeans has a tear in it, and Lesnar pretends to moon the front row.

Backstage, Sami Zayn meets with his first challenger for his open challenge, and mentions that their paths have never crossed until tonight. Sami's opponent tonight is revealed to be Rey Fenix, and both men shake hands.

We hear from Solo Sikoa, who says that he had to sacrifice a lot just to become United States Champion only for it to be taken out of his hands by Sami Zayn. Solo becomes enraged and says he has lost everything, then says that change will happen sooner rather than later, lead his family and make it time for others to live in the shadow of him and his family tree.

Sami Zayn retains the WWE United States Championship against Rey Fenix.

In backstage footage from earlier today, Kiana James and Giulia show up as B-Fab is on the phone and state they have made an example out of "Michin" Mia Yim. B-Fab says she is not busy at the moment, and this leads to Giulia challenging B-Fab to a match.

We hear from The Wyatt Sicks (Bo Dallas and Erick Rowan). Bo Dallas asks where The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) go from here after The Wyatt Sicks tested them and they failed. Erick Rowan says it pains him to see them coming apart at the seams, and that nobody knows what they have until it is gone. He says that they have a tough choice ahead of them, then Bo Dallas says they are not the ones to blame, for they have sown the seeds and they are now sprouting horns. He then asks where The Street Profits go from here.

Kiana James and Giulia attack B-Fab before the next match can begin. "Michin" Mia Yim makes the save with a shinai, and Giulia gets away after Kiana gets smacked.

It is announced that WrestleMania 43 will take place in Saudi Arabia in 2027.

We hear from Aleister Black, who says that he has poisoned Damian Priest last week and that the venom will soon take its course. He says he is both the sickness and the cure, and while Priest can keep fighting by his code and he can continue to be the sickness and die by the code, or violence can beget violence and he will be the prophet.

Jade Cargill vs. Tiffany Stratton for the WWE Women's Championship ends in a double count-out after Jade Cargill puts Tiffany Stratton through the barricade. Tiffany Stratton retains the WWE Women's Championship. After the match, Cargill is attacked by Nia Jax. Nia then beats Tiffany up and hits her with the A-Nia-Lator.

Backstage, Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre meet with General Manager Nick Aldis looking for an opportunity at the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships. Aldis gives them a match against the winners of the Women's Tag Team Championship match at NXT Homecoming. Aldis then meets with The Miz, and Aldis says that he has spoken to Carmelo Hayes and that if he wants to grab that opportunity, it is all his.

We see part one a career retrospective of the rivalry between John Cena and Brock Lesnar, which chronicles both men's careers from their debuts in 2002 to 2004.

Vero Rodriguez interviews Rey Mysterio in Las Vegas. Rey looks forward to Worlds Collide in Las Vegas when "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio shows up and says he will be the first Mysterio to be Mega Champion and double champion, then demands that Rey shake his hand and put the title around his waist when he wins. Rey says he will do it if he wins and leaves, then Finn Balor shows up and tells Dominik to win the championship on his own in order to show how good he his.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Sami Zayn when Carmelo Hayes suddenly shows up and challenges Sami Zayn for the United States Championship. Sami accepts, then leaves. Carmelo runs into The Miz, who is disappointed with Carmelo at first until Carmelo tells The Miz to picture him as a simultaneous singles and tag champion, stating that Miz himself did it despite Miz asking him how hard he knows it could be.

Drew McIntyre bats Randy Orton. During the match, Orton goes for the punt on McIntyre, but after the referee tries to keep Orton from hitting it, McIntyre avoids the punt and hits the Claymore for the win. After the match, McIntyre is about to kick Orton through the commentary table like he did to "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes when Cody shows up and brawls with McIntyre. McIntyre rolls out of the ring after Cody hits him with the Cody Cutter, then Cody ends the show by telling him that the champ is back and that he will see him at Wrestlepalooza.

Here are the highlights for tonight's show!

Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for August 8, 2025

John Cena heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Cena says that he and the fans have come a long way and that WWE was afraid to come back to Montreal, Quebec, Canada because they thought the fans would hijack the show, but he was never afraid of that, as the audience is the show. Cena says that he can understand why, as he can definitely feel the energy of the fans in Montreal. He admits that the fans in Montreal can be unpredictable, he can still lean into the fans and enjoy every single second. He then states that nothing lasts forever, and the fans chant "Thank you, Cena!" before Cena says he has shared many valuable moments in the ring and thanks the fans. Cena says that he has eleven more shows after tonight, and every night he gets more and more afraid that whatever he does will never be enough and that he will let the fans down. Cena also fears that the fans will forget about him when he is gone and the WWE moves on. He then addresses Brock Lesnar, saying he would never choose Lesnar as an opponent in any universe, but he has also never backed down from Lesnar in any universe. Cena says Brock Lesnar just gave himself "a John Cena problem," as does anyone else who wants to challenge him, and he is down and ready for a fight. If Lesnar wants some, he can come get some, and if anyone else wants to face him, he plans to go down guns blazing. He says that the last time is now, and "If you want some, come get some!" Suddenly, Logan Paul shows up and says that Cena is making him sick now that he is face again and that he does not even know Cena anymore. Cena tells Logan that he just made the biggest mistake of his like, but Logan says they will see about that. He says that nobody knows who Cena is while he has been real since day one, and that Cena has stated that he can do WWE better than any professional wrestler. Logan says that even includes Cena, to which Cena admits to before calling Logan "the biggest dumbass [he has] ever seen in [his] life." Logan calls Cena a liar and just says whatever he is told to say, then says he is the show, not the fans. He states that Cena is now a charity case and is giving out matches, then entertains wrestling Cena. Cena loves the idea, but Logan wants to do this at Clash in Paris, saying Montreal does not deserve this. As Logan continues to speak, Cena is attacked from behind by Drew McIntyre. McIntyre and Logan perform a sarcastic "Thank you, Cena" before they go back on the attack and "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes shows up to even the numbers and help Cena clean house. Cena then accepts Logan's challenge for Clash in Paris, then notes that Logan and McIntyre want to fight and that it seems like he might have a partner in Cody. He then challenges the both of them to a tag team match tonight.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley). Alex Shelley says SummerSlam may have been brutal, but they have a legacy of getting knocked down and getting backed up. Chris Sabin says they may not be champion, but they have what it takes, and they will climb their way back to the top again.

JC Mateo and Talla Tonga beat The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley). After the match, Solo Sikoa says that his group is what greatness looks like and that they are soon to be the WWE Tag Team Champions while he is the most dominant WWE United States Champion. He says it is a shame that he is ready for a fight, yet there is nobody in the back to fight, and that he and his group are leaving to go celebrate. General Manager Nick Aldis suddenly shows up and says he has a special guest in the house tonight who is also ready for a fight and ready to go right now: Sami Zayn.

Sami Zayn beats Solo Sikoa after fending off Tanga Loa, JC Mateo and Talla Tonga before ducking the Samoan Spike and winning with a schoolkid pin.

Backstage, Charlotte Flair meets with Alexa Bliss, saying that she has something for her ahead of her birthday tomorrow and that she will see what it is in the ring.

It is announced that WWE and ESPN have agreed to a deal which will bring WWE's premium live events to ESPN's direct-to-consumer streaming service at the beginning of 2026.

We hear from The Wyatt Sicks (Uncle Howdy, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Erick Rowan, Nikki Cross). Uncle Howdy says they will never lead one astray and that when they speak, they will always speak truth. He says this is what they always sought out to do. Joe Gacy says they have shown that power is nothing more than a harmless illusion. Dexter Lumis says they woke the tag team division up to the reality they have hidden, and Nikki Cross says this is not about fear. Erick Rowan says it is about something bigger, and that there are more lessons to be learned, and that the story has just begun.

Backstage, #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) and Candice LeRae confronts The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) and B-Fab for losing the WWE Tag Team Champions and putting them in the mess they are in. Candice LeRae is not happy about the bruise on her leg. General Manager Nick Aldis walks in on the argument and says he will get control of the tag team division if it is the last thing he does, starting with DIY and The Street Profits in a match next week.

Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss make their way to the ring. Charlotte tells Alexa that she is sharing the spotlight with her in commemoration of two celebrations. The birthday cake with Charlotte Flair's name over Alexa's is noted, then Charlotte tells Alexa she has a gift for her. Alexa has her misgivings about the pink gift box, and Charlotte opens the box to reveal a brand new Lilly doll with a "We're Not Friends" T-shirt on. She also reveals that "Charlie" - the Charlotte doll that Alexa gave her four years ago - is in the box. Alexa is amazed, but Charlotte says that is not enough and allows Alexa to hug her, which Alexa is about to do after some hesitation before Chelsea Green and her Secret Hervice arrive. Chelsea Green makes fun of Montreal, Quebec, Canada for not seeing champions often before mocking the Lily and Charlie dolls and stating that she and her homecoming should be celebrated. Charlotte then says she has one more gift for Alexa: kicking Chelsea Green's ass tonight. Chelsea tries to get out of it, but General Manager Nick Aldis shows up with a brand new referee, whose first assignment will be Chelsea Green vs. Charlotte Flair right now.

Backstage, Carmelo Hayes runs into The Miz as he tries to meet with General Manager Nick Aldis. Carmelo is not happy that The Miz left him high and dry and that he is going for a United States title shot. The Miz says that he has gotten with Nick Aldis and that they will have a tag team match next week to remind everyone of who they are, which Carmelo approves of. Aldis shows up after Carmelo leaves, revealing that he never made the tag team match official and that he is about to talk to Aldis about it.

Charlotte Flair beats Chelsea Green by submission with the Figure Eight after Chelsea calls for the birthday cake and goes for an Un-Pretty-Her into the cake only for Charlotte to reverse the move with one of her own, send Chelsea into the cake, and make her submit with the Figure Eight. After the match, Alexa and Charlotte celebrate with the birthday cake.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Tiffany Stratton. Tiffany says she wants to keep defending the WWE Women's Championship like she always was. Jade Cargill shows up and says that next time, the story will be different, but Tiffany says she will stay WWE Women's Champion. Giulia and Kiana James show up after Cathy Kelley and Tiffany leave, and Kiana hands Cargill a business card in case she wants to face Giulia for the Women's United States Championship. Michin shows up, and Jade Cargill hands her the business card.

We hear from Aleister Black, who says that he is allowed to use violence to stop a greater violence from happening, and that conviction is the true difference between good and evil. He says that he is more of "an eye for any other limb" kind of guy and that Damian Priest is now at home nursing a hairline fracture in his jaw. He says that when someone pushes Priest, he pushed back, but when he gets pushed, he pushes the other person off the cliff and watches the other person fall to their death, and if that makes him evil, so be it.

Backstage, Ron Killings runs into John Cena. They both do the "mirror man" thing and says the real Cena is back, and if the real Cena is back, then so is R-Truth. Cena explains himself while turning the tables on R-Truth at the same time, then says it is good to have R-Truth back.

John Cena and "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes beat Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre by disqualification after Logan hits Cena with a low blow in full view of the referee. After the match, Cena and Logan brawl their way to the back, while Cody continues to fight McIntyre on the outside. McIntyre blasts Cody with the Undisputed WWE Championship to the face, then looks at the title before Claymore Kicking Cody through the bottom of the announce desk.

Here are the highlights for tonight's show!

Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for April 25, 2025

John Cena heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Once again, ring announcer Mark Nash is corrected by Cena. Before Cena can utter a word, however, Randy Orton heads to the ring. Orton says that in a couple of months, it will be 25 years to the day that he and Cena first shook hands, and in those 25 years, Cena was always about hustle, loyalty and respect and it was a way of life and a mantra. He then says that has gotten him thinking, and that he feels there is a void in Cena. He says that Cena was a source of motivation that children looked up to and feels that this certainly means something to him. He also mentions the Make-a-Wish kids that were left with a piece of his heart and knows that they mean something to Cena, too. Orton then says he has figured out how to fill the void, and tells Cena that he needs to "have some damn kids." Orton feels that being a father would make Cena a better human being, but Cena takes offense to Orton trying to "parent shame" him in an attempt to make him feel better. Cena then says he has no children because he spent the last 25 years raising everyone else's, and by the sound of the fans, he has done an impeccable job. He says that for the last 25 years, he has been a better parent to everyone's children than the children's own parents and has been "policing brats." Orton says the fans are still why the reason Cena is in the ring as well as in Hollywood, and that WWE is how Cena honed his skills to get to Hollywood. Orton says he has made his mistakes, but he can stand in the locker room and hold his head up high, as he is the furniture, then says Cena is "just a guest." Cena says there is a matter of perspective, and says that everything he did, he did on his own. He then mentions the predictability of the fans and how the fans mean nothing to him and are hypocrites who put their energy into anyone else when they get tired of him. He then says that if he puts his energy into anything else, he is suddenly an outcast, and because of this, the relationship between him and the fans is abusive and manipulative. Orton admits that he is suddenly stupid for believing that his word would penetrate Cena's head, then mentions that his family is another royal family, that wrestling has given him everything, and that Cena will only ruin wrestling over his dead body. Cena tells Orton that when he leaves, Orton will be "forever frozen" as a 14-time world champion. He then calls Orton "a babbling moron" before declaring that three generations of Orton's family will be erased when he leaves. Orton tells Cena to prove he is "the last real champ" and put the Undisputed WWE Championship on the line right now, but Cena declines, telling him he is doing it to save Orton's ass and that it should not happen here. He says that it should happen at Backlash in St. Louis, Missouri, where Orton is from. Cena states that he wants Orton at his best so that when he fails, he has no excuses, for he is what the last real champion looks like and it is as close as Orton will get to the title. Cena then throws the title to Orton and sucker punches him before stomping him near the ropes. Cena then goes for a championship belt shot to the head, but Orton dodges and hits the RKO.

We see a video package for Nathan Frazer and Axiom, who are now on SmackDown from NXT.

Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom) beat Los Garza (Angel and Berto).

Tiffany Stratton heads to the ring. Tiffany talks about how she went toe-to-toe with Charlotte Flair and remained WWE Women's Champion in the end despite moments of doubt. She says that she is not the next Charlotte Flair, as there is only one Charlotte Flair and only one Tiffany Stratton. Suddenly, Jade Cargilll shows up. Jade admits that Tiffany's match with Charlotte was impressive, but she tells Tiffany that it put a bigger target on her back. She then says it is time to remind everyone why she came to WWE: become a champion. She also reminds Tiffany that she is not the best if she is yet to beat her. Tiffany tells Jade to put her money where her mouth is, then calls for a referee, who shows up.

Jade Cargill vs. Tiffany Stratton ends after Jade is suddenly attacked by Naomi. After the match, Naomi sends Jade shoulder-first into three ring posts before laughing maniacally. Tiffany gets back in the ring and confronts Naomi, who rolls out of the ring before Nia Jax suddenly attacks Tiffany from behind. Nia soon hits the leg drop followed by the A-Nia-Lator, then holds up the WWE Women's Championship.

Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu head to the ring. Solo says that Jacob has proven himself to be the future of WWE at WrestleMania, and mentions how nobody except him wanted Jacob in WWE, saying Jacob was trouble and too much of a risk. He says that Jacob is here and is champion because of him, then Jacob takes the microphone and says he would win the United States Championship and bring it to the family with or without Solo, and that he did what he said he would do. Jacob then says that the United States Championship makes him "America's Most Wanted" and "a menace to society," then LA Knight shows up. LA Knight says he hit Jacob Fatu with a BFT, yet Jacob managed to survive. As LA Knight demands a championship rematch, Drew McIntyre shows up. McIntyre brags about how he beat Damian Priest at WrestleMania after Priest repeatedly screwed him, then says Randy Orton jumped the line to the Undisputed WWE Championship. He says that John Cen is "a punk" now and that he wants to fight the baddest champion in the yard, which is Jacob Fatu. He also says Knight's last United States title run was a joke when Knight wants him to shut up. Knight says McIntyre's last title run could have been a joke, but he cannot remember it. Knight then dares McIntyre to fight him, then General Manager Nick Aldis shows up and makes McIntyre vs. Knight for later tonight. He declares that the winner will be #1 contender for the United States Championship.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Zelina Vega, who admits that she is speechless because she has always wanted a title match for so long. She says that she will either go big or go home and that she will not stop until she has gold around her waist.

Zelina Vega beats Chelsea Green to become the WWE Women's United States Champion!

Backstage, The Miz tells Carmelo Hayes that he will go down as the greatest Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal winner of all time due to his vision, then gifts him with a pendant of Andre the Giant's head. The Miz then says that he is inspired and that he will win tonight, then tells Carmelo to enjoy the moment because he will make his.

The Miz is in the ring. He says that he has been an integral part of WrestleMania for the last twenty years, but he did not have a WrestleMania match last year despite having main evented against John Cena and beaten him at WrestleMania 27. He complains about people who cannot even lace his boots getting positions over him, including Joe Hendry, then the lights go out. When they come back on, Malakai Black - now known as Aleister Black once again - shows up with his original NXT entrance and theme song. The Miz confronts Aleister only to get kicked right in the head with a Black Mass.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Bianca Belair. Bianca mentions that the fingers on her left hand are broken, and while she did not win, her match was still fantastic. She says that Iyo Sky was able to find a way to win and that Rhea Ripley was able to find a way into the match, but right now, she is focused on healing. Bianca says that when she returns, she will have some business to take care of.

Backstage, Nia Jax meets with Naomi. She says that she does not care about Naomi's revenge towards Jade Cargill and tells her to stay out of her way. Naomi says "As long as you proceed with caution," then leaves.

Drew McIntyre beats LA Knight by disqualification in a match to decide a #1 contender for the WWE United States Championship after Solo Sikoa hits LA Knight with the Samoan Spike and McIntyre being pulled out of the ring and attacked by Damian Priest. After the match, Priest takes McIntyre South of Heaven through the announce table. Knight confronts Priest afterwards, and both men get blasted with a surprise tope suicida by Jacob Fatu, who then throws both men into ring steps. Jacob then gets both men back into the ring and hits them both with the corner hip attack followed by the top rope moonsault.

Backstage, R-Truth talks to John Cena, saying he is glad that Cena won the championship and to give him a call if he needs him. When Jimmy Uso shows up and asks when Cena became "so wack," R-Truth says Cena is a real champion and that when he grows up, he wants to be just like him. After R-Truth leaves, Jimmy Uso says "You already grown up, though!"

The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) retain the WWE Tag Team Championships against The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) and #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) in a TLC Match. The Street Profits celebrate in the crowd after the match.

Here are the highlights for tonight's show!

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for March 28, 2025

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Cody gets the "Daddy Cool"-style chant, then states that at WrestleMania 41, he will face John Cena - who gets booed - as he tries to break the record and win his 17th world championship, but in a few nights, he will be face-to-face with Cena. Suddenly, Randy Orton shows up and heads to the ring, and admits that while he is not the sentimental type, he will make an exception for London, England. He compares Cody now to when Cody was in his early 20s working to break into the business. He mentions that Cody was more frustrated than happy because he could not grow in a WWE, and that it took courage to leave WWE to strike out on his own, change the industry, and come back. Orton says Cody is the same guy, yet Cody did what he set out to do. Cody, who is about to break down into tears of accomplishment, gets the "Daddy Cool"-style chant, then Orton recalls Cody's return match in Hell in a Cell against Seth "Freakin'" Rollins and his subsequent accomplishments. Orton then says there is another story, as Cody is in charge of his legacy and business is bigger than ever because of him. He then says that he is very proud of Cody, but it is time for WrestleMania. Orton says he will kick Kevin Owens so hard in the head that he can feel it already, while Cody will enter and leave WrestleMania as champion before beating John Cena all over the Las Vegas strip. He then proclaims that after the smoke clears, he will want to go after his fifteenth world championship, but instead of kicking Cody in the balls like some coward, he will look him in the eyes, consider him an equal, and challenge for the title. Suddenly, Drew McIntyre shows up and calls Orton and Cody "a couple of nepo babies having a lovefest," which he says makes him sick, then asks Orton what he has done to justify getting a title match. He says more people talk about Orton being on the shelf for months upon months more than his World Heavyweight Championship match, then says Cody should have listened to him, but shunned and ignored him, and Cena proved him right. He says he should be in the main event, not Cena, but it is not because of Damian Priest. McIntyre then gets the "Seven Nation Army"-style chant as he says he will be the one to take the title at WrestleMania. He says that Kevin Owens might have a point and while Randy Orton looks great on the outside, his back is hanging by a thread on the inside, and he will break it if provoked. Cody punches McIntyre when McIntyre addresses him, and Orton goes for an RKO on McIntyre only for McIntyre to barely escape it.

Randy Orton vs. Drew McIntyre is official for later tonight.

The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) retain the WWE Tag Team Championships against Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince).

In backstage footage from earlier today, Zelina Vega, Katana Chance and Kayden Carter are met by Chelsea Green, Piper Niven and Alba Fyre. Zelina does not take well to Chelsea cheating to beat her, and challenges Chelsea and company to a six-woman tag match.

It is announced that "Stone Cold" Steve Austin vs. Bret "The Hit Man" Hart at WrestleMania 13 will be the first-ever match inducted in the WWE Hall of Fame in the Hall of Fame Class of 2025.

Paul Heyman is seen entering the arena, and so is Roman Reigns. Security soon shows up behind them.

The Secret Hervice (Piper Niven and Alba Fyre) beat Katana Chance and Kayden Carter following the distraction by Chelsea Green. After the match, The Secret Hervice go on the attack on Kayden again, then Zelina Vega runs towards the ring and makes the save only for Chelsea Green to get the jump on her. Chelsea goes for the Un-Pretty-Her, but Zelina breaks free. She goes for the Mexican Destroyer, but gets superkicked by Alba and flattened with a senton by Piper.

Singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi and UFC welterweight fighter Oban Elliott are seen in the crowd.

LA Knight retains the WWE United States Championship against Braun Strowman after Strowman is suddenly attacked by Jacob Fatu. After the match, Jacob Fatu hits Strowman with a Samoan Drop on the announce table. As Jacob Fatu is about to hit Strowman with a hip attack in the corner back in the ring, Knight fights Jacob, but Jacob hits him with a pop-up Samoan Drop before Jacob hits Strowman with the hip attack twice. He hits the hip attack one more time, then runs to the corner and hits Strowman with two top rope moonsaults.

Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Jimmy Uso. Jimmy says he would slap Gunther again and that he will keep doing it if he needs to, as Gunther is in "Main Event" Jey Uso's head. He says Gunther is not unbeatable, and that he will beat Gunther on Raw before Jey beats him at WrestleMania. On the way out, Jimmy Uso run into The Miz and Carmelo Hayes mocking him. The Miz says that Jimmy is trying to be a tough guy but is just "the other Uso" and that he and Jey are blips on the radar while Gunther will win. He also says that if Jimmy were to slap him, he would not be walking away. Jimmy goes for a slap but stops when Miz cowers, then Jimmy says he will get a match between the two of them from General Manager Nick Aldis.

Backstage, Jacob Fatu is confronted by Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga for going on the attack earlier tonight. Jacob says he does not have to explain himself, and Solo warns Jacob to watch his tone of voice before Jacob says he will be the last man standing against Braun Strowman and that he is taking the United States Championship home with or without them.

We hear from Naomi. She says she always does the right thing, and that attacking Jade Cargill was no different from doing that. She says that after all she has done and sacrificed, she happens to be the bad person in the situation. She asks how Jade comes in out of nowhere and takes her place with Bianca and wants Bianca to ask herself who inspired her over the last decade and always had her back since day one. Naomi says that one teaches others how to be treated, and that she is done being treated as a third wheel and being too nice, set aside and underappreciated, and moving forward, if Bianca continues to be in her way, she should proceed with caution.

Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis meets with Jade Cargill, who says that it is "on sight" if she sees Naomi. As she leaves, she runs into Michin and B-Fab, who know that Jade will take care of business as Naomi deserves everything coming to her.

We see the image of smoke as well as a brief image of a snake.

Before the next match, Michin and B-Fab are suddenly attacked by Naomi. As this attack goes on, Jade Cargill runs to their aid and chases Naomi away before helping B-Fab to the back. The next match then begins.

Charlotte Flair beats "Michin" Mia Yim by submission with the Figure Eight.

Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Tiffany Stratton. Tiffany says Charlotte Flair loves to her herself talk and barely let her get a word out, then says that Charlotte Flair has more to lose in their match at WrestleMania, as she will just lose a title while Charlotte will lose to someone she looks down on. She says that what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, and hopes Charlotte's massive ego will stay there when Charlotte loses.

Drew McIntyre beats Randy Orton following the distraction by Kevin Owens. After the match, Owens drags Orton out of the ring and onto the announce table. He goes for a powerbomb, but Orton slips out and trips Owens. Orton then goes for the punt, but Owens jumps over the barricade while security stops Orton from chasing after him.

We see another orange-tinted vignette of what looks like a Mexican luchador. We then find out the luchador is none other than Rey Fenix, who debuts next week.

Jimmy Uso beats The Miz. After the match, Jimmy Uso gets on a headset and tells Gunther he is coming after him on Raw.

Backstage, Drew McIntyre meets with Lewis Capaldi, then takes an interview from Jackie Redmond, saying that he does not care about anybody else's business and that nobody screws him over. He then heads out to the pub, but gets beaten up by Damian Priest. When Priest headbutts McIntyre into the back of a BMW convertible, the driver comes out of the car to object to this only for Priest to toss him around. McIntyre strikes back, but Priest takes McIntyre South of Heaven into the front windshield.

CM Punk is heading to the ring with security guards behind him when he sees Drew McIntyre down on the hood of the convertible and simply laughs at him.

General Manager Nick Aldis is in the ring to oversee the contract signing for Seth "Freakin'" Rollins vs. CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 41. Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman are the first to show up, with security behind them. Roman gets the "Daddy Cool"-style chant before he demands that the crowd acknowledge him. Heyman wipes down a chair for Roman after placing it at the head of the table. Roman admires the "Daddy Cool"-style chants, calling them beautiful, and even lets Heyman join in on the microphone before saying he is here for two reasons: to be acknowledged and to sign the contract, which he does. Shortly after Roman signs the contract, Seth "Freakin'" Rollins shows up, with security also behind him. Shortly after Roman signs the contract, Seth "Freakin'" Rollins shows up, with security also behind him. Rollins also takes a seat, and Heyman does not partake in the sing-along for Rollins' entrance theme. Rollins talks about his history with Roman in London, England when they were both part of The Shield and beating The Undertaker, and while a lot has happened in the last twelve years, he and Roman have accomplished their mission to change the industry. Roman says "we" died a long time ago, and it is just "me." He says Rollins has been here, but he has made WWE what it is today and took them both to the level they are at today and left WWE better than he found it. Rollins says the "me" mindset is why he has to keep screwing Roman, especially after he let "the snake" CM Punk back in the garden, and when he could have cut his head off, he shook his hand, and he has to clean up his mess again like he always does. Rollins signs the contract, then CM Punk shows and heads to the ring. He, too, has security guards behind him. Punk says he has come here to chew bubble gum and sign a contract, and he is all out of bubble gum. He takes the remaining seat and browses the contract. Roman gets impatient and tells him to read "Page 4, Clause 5." Roman tells Heyman to smarten Punk up, and Heyman says to Punk "I know what you're looking for, and it's in there...you're closing the show at WrestleMania." He then tells Punk that he gets to live his dream of main eventing WrestleMania. Roman loves the sound of this, and Rollins tells Punk to take the tears out of his eyes as he furiously states that Punk does not deserve it. He considers the main event sacred and blames Roman and Punk for this and throws his microphone down. CM Punk thanks the world and the fans who stood by him and chanted his name for ten long years before starting a hole at Rollins, and Roman tells Punk he should be thanking him, as he is in the main event because of him. Roman demands a thank you and an acknowledgement to end everything in what he deems "the right way," and Punk thanks Roman and acknowledges him for the WrestleMania main event and says he will see him in the main event of WrestleMania. Punk signs the contract, then says that this is not the favor he is owed. The show then fades to black.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!