Thursday Night's Main Event - Main Event recap for October 30, 2025

The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) beat Los Garzas (Angel and Berto).

Alpha Academy (Otis and Akira Tozawa) beat OTM (Bronco Nima and Lucien Price).

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 October 3, 2025

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Before Cody can talk about anything, Paul Heyman shows up from out of the crowd with Bron Breakker and "Big" Bronson Reed. Randy Orton suddenly shows up and stands alongside Cody. Heyman says that he, Breakker and Bronson are not here to talk to Cody, but to Orton, who Heyman considers "a tough guy to get a hold of" and that he knew that if they confronted Cody, Orton would show up. Heyman also states that Cody and Orton will lose to Breakker and Bronson tonight before trying to drive a wedge between Cody and Orton by stating that Orton will blame Cody when they lose. He states that Cody and Orton's partnership cannot last, then says that is not a prediction from an oracle, but a prophecy.

Backstage, The Miz confronts Carmelo Hayes. Carmelo says there is nothing to explain, and The Miz wants to know why Carmelo did not save him. Carmelo says that Miz has his back yet keeps being in his way, and says that they are done. Carmelo says that he is trying to be cool about this whole ordeal, then leaves.

Members of the Cincinnati Bengals NFL team are seen in the front row.

Sami Zayn's open challenge opponent is revealed to be Carmelo Hayes. Carmelo says he is here, and this time, he does not have anyone clouding his vision of winning championship gold. He says both he and Sami know how good he is and that he is the best he has ever been tonight. He is then attacked from behind by The Miz with a Skull Crushing Finale. Officials then have to keep Miz away from Carmelo. All of a sudden, Aleister Black walks by, takes the microphone and says he will take Sami Zayn's challenge.

Sami Zayn retains the WWE United States Championship against Aleister Black following the distraction by Damian Priest. After the match, Damian Priest pulls Aleister Black out of the ring and puts him through the announce table with a Razor's Edge.

In backstage footage from earlier today, General Manager Nick Aldis is talking with Sol Ruca and Zaria when Chrlsea Green and Alba Fyre offer them a position in the Secret Hervice. Sol Ruca says they are not interested and that they have been beaten them before, and Zaria says they are more interested in being women' tag team champions. Sol Ruca and Zarian then challenge Chelsea and Alba to a match tonight, which Aldis makes official. Chelsea and Alba are livid.

Sol Ruca and Zaria beat Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair. Charlotte and Alexa agree that Sol Ruca and Zaria were impressive and that they have come far. Charlotte says she can understand why they want to face them, and Alexa says they will get their shot when the time comes.

Backstage, Randy Orton is met by "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes in the locker room. Orton tells Cody that he has his back and that he does not care about what Paul Heyman says.

General Manager Nick Aldis is in the ring to oversee a contract signing between Tiffany Stratton and Stephanie Vaquer for their WWE Women's Crown Jewel Championship match. Tiffany is introduced first, followed by Vaquer. Vaquer tells Tiffany that she respects her and thinks Tiffany is a great champion, but she will soon show her who she is. Tiffany says she cannot wait to step foot into the ring with Vaquer as they have both proven they are the best, but only one women will walk out of Crown Jewel and it will be her. After Tiffany says that it will be Tiffy Time no matter when or where, she signs the contract, and Vaquer immediately follows suit. Both women then shake hands. As Tiffany leaves, she is suddenly attacked by Giulia, and Kiana James makes a business proposal for Vaquer. Kiana says Vaquer is a star, but not a superstar, and that she can make that happen if she accepts her services. She says her costs are high, but the prestige she will gain is priceless, and Giulia overshadows Tiffany as the best champion on SmackDown. As Kiana says she can make Vaquer the Women's Crown Jewel Champion, Tiffany drags Kiana out of the ring and punches her. Vaquer almost hits Giulia with the SVB, but Giulia escapes, and Kiana helps Giulia out of the ring.

In backstage footage from earlier today, General Manager Nick Aldis meets with Je'Von Evans and asks him to keep in touch. Rey Fenix shows up and congratulates Je'Von on his match from last week, then Los Garza (Angel and Berto) show up and mockingly call Je'Von a rookie. Je'Von proposes they have a tag team match, and the match is made official for tonight.

We hear from Jacob Fatu, who says that he is tired of people lying, crying and wasting time with "BS stories." He says people like to talk until the situation gets spicy, then says he has been in a low place before and that he will beat people down for sleeping on him. He says that he will light up anybody who gets in his way to the top, for he is all gas and no brakes.

Je'Von Evans and Rey Fenix beat Los Garza (Angel and Berto).

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Damian Priest, who says that everyone's luck eventually runs out before Kit Wilson shows up in a wheelchair and dares Priest to overthrow him, calls him toxic, and threatens to show what true masculinity is as he stands up. Priest pushes Kit Wilson back into his wheelchair with one finger and shoves him down the ramp into a road crate, then challenges Aleister Black to a Last Man Standing Match for next week.

We hear from Solo Sikoa, who addresses Talla Tonga, stating he helped him win his first main roster championship. He says there is a monster in Talla and that Talla needs to bring it out and show it to everyone and show his loyalty. Talla tells Solo he loves him. Solo then says someone is missing, and when he finds that missing partner, everyone is on notice.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) and B-Fab. B-Fab says The Street Profits are on the same page. Dawkins says they have been through a lot in the past couple of months, but their partnership is not worth giving up. Montez says they are not fighting just for the tag team championships, but also for each other. The Wyatt Sicks (Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross) show up on the nearby monitor. Erick Rowan says The Street Profits may be brothers, but asks if that brotherhodd will survive after their next match. Gacy says their house is burning and surrounded by flames that will take everything from them, and Dexter Lumis says they will choke on the smoke of everything they desire. Nikki Cross says they will be nothing but a pile of ashes. Erick Rowan says "From my family...to yours" before The Wyatt Sicks laugh.

The Vision (Bron Breakker and "Big" Bronson Reed) beat "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton after Paul Heyman distracts the referee so that Seth "Freakin'" Rollins can get in the ring and hit Rollins with The Stomp. After the match, Seth "Freakin'" Rollins goes from a celebratory mood to an angry mood, as as Heyman dares him not to do anything, Rollins runs into the ring to hit Cody with The Stomp only for Cody to get up and hit Rollins with the Cross Rhodes.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

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

Thursday Night's Main Event - Main Event recap for September 18, 2025

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

Rusev beats Cruz del Toro by submission with the Accolade.

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for August 1, 2025

John Cena heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Before he can utter a word, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes shows up and heads to the ring. Cena tells Cody that he did not listen to him last week, assaulted him, forged his signature and forced him into one of the most dangerous matches in WWE on one of its biggest stages for its biggest championship, and for that, he says "Thank you." He says that this was "the boot in the ass" that he needed, as he has forged a legacy out of honestly, loyalty and respect, and that he flushed it down the toilet five months ago over someone's idea of "shock TV." He says that people on his team left and that they left him alone as he pretended to be something that he was not, then states that he wants to leave with the WWE Championship and take it home with him, not to ruin wrestling, but to not be forgotten. Cena says he was so hung up on how he would be seen tomorrow that he did not focus on how he acted today, and that Cody "did what a good friend should do" when he forced him into a fight. He says that this will be brutal and force him to be who he really is, and if he cannot suit up for war, he should not suit up for all, and declares that this is the day that he came back to WWE. Cena admits he does not know who will leave with the WWE Championship, but he knows the fans will win, because he is finally over his own B.S. because Cody gets to face him at his best in a match that he wanted. After telling Cody that he will be the only Platinum-winning rapper whipping his ass, Cena declares that "The champ is here!" to extreme fanfare from the fans. Cody asks for two beers from the timekeeper's table, then says "Welcome back, John Cena" before the two shake hands and have a beer together.

In backstage footage from earlier today, Logan Paul mocks Jelly Roll as he is practicing in a ring. Jelly Roll immediately challenging Logan Paul to a fight, and both men brawl. Drew McIntyre shows up in time for Logan Paul to hold Jelly Roll down for a Claymore Kick.

"The Rainmaker" actor PJ Byrne is seen in the crowd.

Giulia retains the WWE Women's United States Championship against Zelina Vega.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Solo Sikoa, Tala Tonga, Tama Tonga and JC Mateo. Solo Sikoa says he is only worried about his championship and his family, then says Jimmy Uso will get a big boot to his big mouth from Tala Tonga, as tonight is about sending a message.

Before the next match, Santos Escobar demands everyone stand up and show respect for the AAA World Tag Team Champions, Los Garza (Angel and Berto). He then issues an open challenge to any team who wants to be lucha royalty along with being tag team champions. The challenge is answered by Mr. Iguana and Psycho Clown.

Los Garza (Angel and Berto) retain the AAA World Tag Team Championships against Psycho Clown and Mr. Iguana in an open challenge.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interview Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre. McIntyre says they are saving what they have to say about their attack on Jelly Roll earlier today for the ring later tonight.

We see a video package of the SmackDown tag team division.

Damian Priest beats Aleister Black by disqualification after Aleister throws a metal folding chair into Priest's face. After the match, Aleister then hits Priest in the back with the chair before hitting him in the face with it. The referee takes the chair away, but that leads to Aleister throwing Priest into the ring steps multiple times by the back of his head. He then hits Priest with Black Mass, and assistance has to be called for Priest.

Backstage, Tiffany Stratton is met by Jade Cargill. Tiffany says she wanted Cargill at 100% at SummerSlam to make sure there were no excuses when she loses last week. Cargill says there will be no excuses and that she will finish what she started.

The Medina Family are the recipients of the Jimmy John's seat upgrade.

Talla Tonga beats Jimmy Uso after catching Jimmy out of the air for a choke slam while still on his back. After the match, Solo Sikoa sends out Tama Tonga and JC Mateo. They attack Jimmy Uso as Solo demands that the steel cage hanging above the ring be lowered. As Solo goes for a Samoan Spike on Jimmy, Jacob Fatu shows up and slides into the ring before the cage is fully lowered. Solo and Talla escape as JC and Tama fight Jacob only to be overpowered.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair. Charlotte admits she did not expect the two of them to be a tag team, but Alexa has had her back even if she is "super annoying." Alexa finds this statement bizarre, but says Charlotte hasn't been "half bad."

Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre head to the ring. Logan says that he and McIntyre are just trying to protect WWE from outsiders and that the fans do not know what it means to compete at SummerSlam. He says that Jelly Roll thought SummerSlam was "a hot dog eating contest." He says that he and McIntyre are tired of outsiders making a name for themselves while using WWE as a stepping stone, then tells Jelly Roll that he is an outsider, not a wrestler, and he learned today that he is a country star, not a Superstar, and that he will never belong here.McIntyre says that whatever happens to "Smelly Hole" tomorrow will be on Randy Orton, then says that "you talk to God when you need a favor" and that he has God on speed dial, and when he prays, bad things happen. All of a sudden, Jelly Roll shows up at the arena, but so does Randy Orton. General Manager Nick Aldis tries to talk Orton and Jelly Roll out of this, but they head to the ring and brawl with Logan and McIntyre. Security shows up, and Logan and McIntyre are sent tumbling out of the ring. Three security guards stand in front of Orton and Jelly Roll, and two of them eat an RKO before the third one gets choke slammed by Jelly Roll to end the show.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

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

Thursday Night's Main Event - Main Event recap for July 3, 2025

Los Garza (Angel and Berto) beats Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom) following the distraction by Santos Escobar.

Roxanne Perez beats B-Fab with a schoolkid pin after using the middle rope for leverage.

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for May 30, 2025

Bianca Belair heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Her parents can be seen in the front row. Bianca leads the crowd into "Rocky Top," then says that Knoxville, Tennessee is special to her as both her hometown and her safe space, and that she has her family and her fans to show out for her. She addresses what has happened in the past year and that she had to come back home to heal, and while she is not 100%, she is doing all she can to return to the ring and show why she is "the EST of Tennessee" and "the EST of WWE." As she then welcomes everyone to tonight's show, Naomi shows up. Bianca says this is not the time, but Naomi says it has been way too long and that there is not a day where she does not think about what happened between them. Bianca asks Naomi what she wants, and Naomi asks and begs for Bianca's friendship, and admits that while their friendship is off the rails, she wants to fix things, but she cannot. She has tried to reach Bianca, but Bianca has not answered. She then mentions that she let herself into Bianca's parents' home and looked into Bianca's photo album, and how she noticed how happy Bianca was and how it reminder her of their tag team title reign. Bianca tells Naomi that she betrayed her trust and that she meant what she said, and says that what Naomi did to Jade Cargill will be nothing compared to what she does to her if she ever approaches her parents' house again. Naomi breaks down into tears, then becomes angry, saying it would not be good for Bianca and her mother to both be in wheelchairs and that she would hate to have something bad happen to her right here and now. Jade Cargill shows up and fights Naomi, and Bianca keeps her distance as Jade easily overpowers Naomi. Suddenly, Nia Jax shows up for the next match, now that Jade Cargill and Naomi are already here for it.

Naomi beats Nia Jax and Jade Cargill in a women's Triple Threat Money in the Bank qualifier after escaping a double A-Nia-Lator from Nia Jax and rolling Nia Jax up for the pin and the win.

Backstage, Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu and JC Mateo encounter R-Truth talking to Little Jimmy. When JC Mateo approaches R-Truth for touching Solo, R-Truth challenges JC Mateo to a match. Jacob Fatu tells Solo and JC that he has business backstage.

Backstage, Chelsea Green - now wearing a rainbow-colored mask - demands the WWE Women's United States Championship after what Zelina Vega has done to her as well as Zelina's suspension from General Manager Nick Aldis. When Piper Niven and Alba Fyre are unhappy that nothing will be done regarding Zelina, Aldis puts Alba Fyre in a match against Zelina on the condition that Chelsea leaves him alone.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Tiffany Stratton, who says that she is being prepared and that anyone who cashes in on her will be making a big mistake. Naomi shows up and says that if Tiffany thought Nia Jax was a problem, then she has not seen anything yet, as she will cash in on her and show her what happens to those who stay in her way. Alexa Bliss then shows up after Naomi leaves and tells Tiffany she should be worried about her and not Naomi.

JC Mateo beats R-Truth after Mateo flattens Truth as he goes for the Attitude Adjustment. After the match, Solo Sikoa and JC Mateo attack R-Truth, then Jimmy Uso shows up with a metal folding chair. Mateo retreats, but Solo does not, and as Solo slowly leaves, Mateo attacks Jimmy from behind. Solo holds Mateo back, as he wants Jimmy Uso back on his side.

The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) head to the ring. Montez Ford says that The Street Profits are leading the charge, and Angelo Dawkins says that all the teams are coming for them. Montez says they will defend against anybody, then Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom) shows up. Nathan Frazer says that he and Axiom did not get a fair shake last week, but Montez Ford says he and Dawkins had them beat until The Wyatt Sicks (Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross) showed up. As Axiom says that is to be determined and Frazer demands a rematch, The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) show up. Alex Shelley says The Street Profits did not beat Fraxiom, but they have yet to defeat The Motor City Machine Guns, and demands a title shot. #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa)and Candice LeRae show up, and Gargano says Candice was brought in to even the odds as he and Ciampa continue to be brought down. Ciampa says that all the other teams in the ring have killed the tag team division that he and Gargano have built, and demands a moment of silence for the SmackDown tag team division. That moment of silence is interrupted by The Wyatt Sicks, who immediately clean house, with Nikki Cross taking out Candice LeRae before Nathan Frazer receives a Sister Abigail from Uncle Howdy.

"All Ego" Ethan Page guests on commentary for the next match.

Los Garza (Angel and Berto) beat Rey Fenix and Je'Von Evans. During the match, Fenix and Je'Von have a brief staredown with "All Ego" Ethan Page, who then shoves Fenix into Je'Von before shoving him into the announce table. Je'Von superkicks Ethan, but Santos Escobar soon distracts the ref, allowing Ethan Page to shove Je'Von Evans off the top rope to give Los Garza the win.

We see a video message from Uncle Howdy, who says that The Wyatt Sicks (Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross) will not stop until they get what is owed.

Zelina Vega beats Alba Fyre. During the match, Chelsea Green takes off her protective face mask and swings it at Zelina only to hit Piper Niven. Back in the ring, Alba nearly collides with Chelsea Green, and Zelina soon hits Alba with a Code Red for the win.

Backstage, The Miz tells Carmelo Hayes that if they follow the plan and make no mistakes, Carmelo will win, and Miz will be able to guide him into becoming Mr. Money in the Bank. Carmelo appreciates the help, but says he has to run the play and asks Miz to let him be "Him." Miz agrees.

We hear from Giulia. She says it is her goal not to be the best, but to be indisputable. She says that the fans can love or hate her, but she is impossible to deny. Giulia sees her opponents as opportunities to cement her legacy. She says she will hit harder, move faster, think smarter, and come for everything like she always has. She then asks who will stop her before daring anyone to do just that.

Backstage, Zelina Vega meets Giulia, who shows interest in the WWE Women's United States Championship.

Damien Priest heads to the ring. Priest talks about how he lived on the street and had feuds that lasted for years, then talks about how he and Drew McIntyre had a feud for a year and ended it in a steel cage after he hit him with a Con-Chair-To and walked out of the cage. Priest tells McIntyre "I still can't stand your ass," then says that the McIntyre that he faced in the steel cage was the old McIntyre who was a warrior, which he appreciates. Priest then states that he is back on the hunt for championship gold, and while he cannot take part in Money in the Bank, he still has unfinished business with Jacob Fatu. He admits he respects Jacob Fatu as he knows where Jacob has come from before congratulating him on what he has done, but then states that he has no respect for Jacob's crew and that they will eventually handle business in the ring. Priest states that if his crew wants to step in, they can catch a beatdown, too. He then states that he will be champion again and that "El Campeon" will not be just a nickname anymore. On the way to the back, Priest encounters Jacob Fatu. Both men have a brief but knowing staredown, then Jacob Fatu heads to the ring.

Andrade beats Carmelo Hayes and Jacob Fatu in a men's Triple Threat Money in the Bank qualifier. During the match, Solo Sikoa and JC Mateo shows up, and after Jacob hits Carmelo with a top rope moonsault, Solo and JC want him to do another one. Jimmy Uso shows up and attacks JC and Solo, and that allows Andrade to hit Carmelo with The Message to qualify.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews LA Knight. He talks about the state of the men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match, saying it is his third time in the match and while it is anyone's game. He is then met by Aleister Black, who says that LA Knight's win is partially his, then says "You're welcome, though."

Backstage, Jacob Fatu throws things around when Solo Sikoa shows up, saying he was just trying to help. Jacob tells Solo he does not need his help, then walks off as JC Mateo arrives.

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring. Cody talks about the aftermath of WrestleMania 41 and how he reached out to a friend after he had a doubtful moment and asked if he was a good champion. His friend told him that he was a good champion after all that he had been through, then he thought about everything that happened in the past year, including John Cena doing what he said he would do and how he hesitated when given the choice. Cody admits he feels partially to blame for Cena ruining wrestling, then proclaims that he will never hesitate with him again no matter what Cena says, saying that Cena's expiration is on the other side of his eyes and that it burns Cena up. Cody then admits that he is fired up as it is his first night back on SmackDown, then brings out "Main Event" Jey Uso, who shows up from out of the crowd. After the commercial break, John Cena shows up and calls Cody and Jey professional wrestling's biggest "John Cena wanna-bes," and that both of them want to be him but will never do it because Cody is too desperate and Jey is too lazy. John Cena says that only Logan Paul matches him in fortune and fame as well as hustle, loyalty, and respect, and that Logan is here. Logan Paul shows up and heads to the ring. Cena says that Logan does not have to pay his dues like everyone else and that "Logan Paul is paying your mortgage," and that everybody came to see him and Logan Paul. Logan says he could walk on water and people will say it is because he cannot swim. He says that Cena can speak his language and that is the truth, and that "the stupid, simple Tennessee people" get to witness the moment he and Cena stood side by side. Logan states that the fans will get to live long, pathetic lives but will be able to claim that they saw that. He then states that he should be standing next to the Undipusted WWE Champion as a WWE Champion, and that he should have beaten Jey for his title. He tells Jey Uso that he got lucky and that Jey and Cody both know it, and that Jey needed Cody to save him, as they cannot do anything in the business without it being handed to them. He calls Jey and Cody "two nepo babies born on third thinking they hit a triple" and calls Cena "a self-made man," then says that nobody believed he would be a WWE Superstar or tag teaming with the greatest of all time, but he has done both and he is "The Superstar in WWE."After Logan tells Jey and Cody to come get some if they want some, Jey says they can handle things right now. After Cody asks what Logan and Cena are arguing about and asks Logan if he will "clean [Cena's] Peacemaker," both sides brawl. Jey and Cody take out Cena, then do the same to Logan Paul. Cody then raises the Undisputed WWE Championship 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 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 7, 2025

Drew McIntyre blindsides Damian Priest backstage.

Randy Orton makes his way to the ring to start tonight's show. Orton says a lot has to have happened since he was gone, and that ever since he started in this business, John Cena has always been on the top of the profession, but is now "a bottom for The Rock," giving a whole new meaning to "rock bottom." He welcomes everyone to the show, then says Cena has been one of his few friends as their careers paralleled. He also says that Owens has been one of those friends and that they have both done vile things and crossed lines to get things done. Orton says he has done it in the name of the business, and while he respects and admires Owens as a wrestler and his road to WWE, it is "Owens, the man" that he has a problem with. Orton says to never underestimate a jealous man's ability to destroy another man, and says that this matches Owens perfectly. He says Owens tried to end Cody Rhodes' career because of the Undisputed WWE Championship. Owens also addresses the history between Owens and Sami Zayn and how Owens dropped Sami's head on the concrete, and says Owens tried to end Sami's career because Sami was becoming a bigger star than him. Orton also addresses Owens dropping him on his head while he was protecting his friend, and talks about how "enough" never satisfied Owens before stating that he has defied the odds to come back to WWE and that Owens has pissed him off. Orton then addresses going for his trademark punt on Owens and how he liked the voices in his head talking to him again and telling him to kick Owens in the head so hard that his family could not recognize his face. He then proclaims that he will, in short order, prove that Pat McAfee is "only the second greatest punter in WWE."

In footage from earlier today, General Manager Nick Aldis and Tiffany Stratton are interrupted by Chelsea Green and Piper Niven. As Chelsea complains about having to defend her title, Tiffany tells her and Piper to shut up. When Piper asks if they are being censored, Tiffany says yes, then challenges Piper to a match. Aldis makes it official.

Tiffany Stratton beats Piper Niven. After the match, Tiffany is hit from behind with a chop block by Charlotte Flair, who then puts Tiffany in the Figure Eight. Three referees have to show up to get Charlotte to release the hold.

General Manger Nick Aldis recounts the events between The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley), #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa), Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince), The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) and Los Garza (Angel and Berto). He states that The Street Profits will get their title shot against #DIY, while the Machine Guns, Pretty Deadly and Los Garza will face each other in a Triple Threat tag team match to decide the next #1 contender.

Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince) beat The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) and Los Garza (Angel and Berto) in a Triple Threat Tag Team Match to become #1 contenders for the WWE Tag Team Championships after Elton Prince pins Chris Sabin with a backslide pin.

Tonight's attendance is 16,728. Members of the Philadelpha 76ers basketball team are seen in the front row.

The Roman Family are the recipients of tonight's Cricket Seat Upgrade.

Bianca Belair heads to the ring. Bianca says she should feel on top of the world for winning in the Elimination Chamber and focusing on WrestleMania, but it is hard when one's friends are fighting. She says that she and Jade elevated the women's tag division and that Naomi not only stepped in to keep it from going to waste, but became her best friend. Bianca says she does not feel that Naomi would do this, but she feels like she is going crazy and losing her friends while also being accused of being part of this, and she wants answers now. Naomi shows up wearing a neck brace and heads to the ring. Bianca wants to know what is going on, and Naomi says this is not what it looks like. She says she had Bianca's back and that Jade Cargill's attack is background noise compared to what should be happening, but Bianca wants a straight answer. Naomi says that she felt that Jade Cargill was piggybacking off of Bianca Belair the whole time and succeeding off of Bianca's efforts and talent while she was pushed to the side. She says she let them get their flowers, but she never cared about Jade. Both women start yelling at each other, and Bianca demands the truth and a straight answer or else she will walk out of the ring and Naomi will never see her again. After some hesitation, Naomi says "I did it." Naomi says she did it for the both of them, but Bianca still cannot believe what she is hearing and says this hurts so badly because she loves Naomi. She tells Naomi she has said enough and that their friendship is done. Naomi keeps apologizing and telling Bianca that she did this for her as Bianca slowly and sadly walks her way off the ramp. She then says she should have punched Jade sooner and harder, for every time she tries to step up and stand up for herself, everyone turns on her, and says Bianca is no different before calling her "an ungrateful bitch." Jade Cargill is then seen arriving at the arena, where she heads to the ring while Bianca heads to the back. Jade chases Naomi, and she soon gets her hands on her and beats her up. Jade soon hits Naomi with Jaded in the middle of the ring.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Drew McIntyre. McIntyre says everyone is shocked about John Cena's recent actions even though he warned everyone, and that Damian Priest ended his last chance of getting to WrestleMania. He says that thanks to Priest, he has nothing to give but violence and that it starts with "the black sheep of the family" in Jimmy Uso.

It is announced that Lex Luger will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2025.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Charlotte Flair. Charlotte says she warned Tiffany Stratton that she would be everywhere after the fun and games were over and that Tiffany did not listen. She says the women's division is oft and that she has to remind everyone that there are levels to this. B-Fab shows up and confronts Charlotte, who says that nobody compares to her, for her comments, but B-Fab says everyone wants their own legacy and is not interested in bowing down to her. Charlotte says everyone eventually bows down, then challenges B-Fab to a match next week so she can show her.

Braun Stromwan beats Solo Sikoa by disqualification after he is attacked by Tama Tonga. After the match, Braun Strowman fights back, then Jacob Fatu shows up. Strowman and Jacob brawl in the ring, and Jacob gets the upper hand before Strowman catches the tope suicida and choke slams Jacob into a commentary table chair. Jacob recovers almost immediately and hits Strowman with a shoulder tackle off the table before taking the brawl into the crowd and the tech area. Jacob then goes for a Samoan Drop on the top of some crates, but Strowman fights out of it and choke slams Jacob through some tables below. Somehow, despite officials showing up to check on Jacob, Jacob gets up under his own power.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews LA Knight. Knight says it was "all gas, no brakes" on Jacob Fatu going through a table and that Jacob is out of the picture as he faces Shinsuke Nakamura for the United States Championship. He says he needs one time to smack Nakamura back to factory settings and one moment in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to do it. He says that Philadelphia will the birthplace of his title reign rebuilt, then says he has dealt with it all and has stood tall. He then says Old Glory needs better representation as of late, and hopes that the shadows have been good to Nakamura, because he will not be. Knight then proclaims that after tonight, everybody will be pledging allegiance to the new United States Champion.

Backstage, Chelsea Green - dressed like Cactus Jack - tells Piper Niven that she needs her help tonight, then Zelina Vega shows up and says that whoever is Women's United States Champion is her next target. Chelsea drags Piper to the ring as she demands Piper get it together.

Chelsea Green retains the WWE United States Women's Championship against "Michin" Mia Yim after a woman in a black hoodie pulls Michin out of a pinfall attempt and attacks her. The woman reveals herself to be Alba Fyre, and after the match, it is revealed that Alba Fyre is now Chelsea's second "Secret Hervice" agent.

Backstage, Santos Escobar chews Angel and Berto for letting another opportunity slip through their fingers, and demands better of them. Santos leaves, Angel says he has a point, then leaves. Andrade then shows up and tells Berto that he deserves better.

It is announced that TKO, Dana White and Turki Alalshikh have partnered to begin a new boxing promotion.

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring. Cody addresses what happened to him at Elimination Chamber and admits he had to fabricate a lie to his daughter and state that he ran into a wall before stating that The Rock, Travis Scott and John Cena acted as a metaphorical wall. He talks about how he drove Cena from town to town for two years and tried to get as much knowledge out of him as he could, and talks about how everyone viewed Cena as a hero. Cody says he will eventually tell his daughter the truth and tell her how John Cena, who told everyone to never give up, eventually gave up. He then apologizes for any language the fans may have heard, then wants to know why Cena did what he did. Cody expects that Cena will give an answer as only he can and will feel bulletproof, infallible and justified afterwards, then tells the fans about how his father was afraid to wrestle in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania even though Cody himself was cheered for there even when he was not on top. He talks about how John Cena celebrated with him, his friends and his family at WrestleMania 40 when he and how Cena told him "It gets heavier every day," and then says the WWE Championship is not heavy enough. He says Cena is convinced that his successor would be just like him and that he convinced he is the last of his kind when he was not, yet here he is, with the title feeling like it weighs nothing. He says that if Cena wants some, he can come get some.

Backstage, The Miz and Carmelo Hayes meet with General Manager Nick Aldis and says SmackDown needs a hard-hitting interview with "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes for this year's WrestleMania main event for "Melo Don't Miz TV." Carmelo, at first an unwilling party to this, gets the idea to ask Cody why he fumbled the bag at the one-yard line and rejected The Rock's offer. When Carmelo mentions Randy Orton coming back after four months of playing Fortnite, Randy Orton shows up, says Fortnite is for kids and that he was playing Elden Ring, and gets a match with Carmelo next week.

Drew McIntyre beats Jimmy Uso. After the match, McIntyre is about to head back into the ring when he is suddenly attacked by Damian Priest. Officials have to pull Priest off of McIntyre, and Priest tells McIntyre that it is "on sight" before Superkicking Priest. Officials have to hold Priest back again as McIntyre is left laying and Priest vows to keep beating McIntyre up.

We hear form Shinsuke Nakamura, who will soon have to accept reality and that the United States Championship has passed him by and is now in his possession. He allows him one last chance at his championship, and that there is no better location for the death of Knight's dreams than Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He says he will beat Knight and continue to be the champion Knight could never be after Knight begs for mercy and finds none.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa). Gargano says the tag team division is on fire, but there is one best tag team in the world and it is them. Ciampa says all the tag team want what they have and can fight over who is "2A and 2B" all they want, and The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) have a new attitude and revenge on their mind. Gargano says they are getting in the ring not with greats, but with the best, and their dreams are already dead. Ciampa then has a moment of silence for The Street Profits' dream of becoming the next WWE Tag Team Champions, which is ruined by Byron.

LA Knight beats Shinsuke Nakamura to become the WWE United States Champion! During the match, Nakamura tries to use a metal folding chair as a weapon, but Knight stops him from doing so. He then decides to use the chair as a weapon in retaliation, but referee Charles Robinson refuses to let him do this. Knight puts the chair down, but Nakamura fights back and grabs the chair again. Charles Robinson stops Nakamura from striking Knight with the chair, and Knight charges at Nakamura only to nearly crush Robinson in the corner. Nakamura then spits red mist at Knight's face, but Knight ducks and the mist blinds Robinson instead. From there, Knight and Nakamura continue to go at it, and Knight eventually hits Nakamura with a BFT on the metal folding chair before shoving the chair out of the ring. Another referee shows up and counts the pinfall, and LA Knight becomes WWE United States Champion for a second time 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 February 14, 2025

Vic Joseph replaces Joe Tessitore on commentary this week.

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Cody mentions that all eyes are on the men's Elimination Chamber match after "Main Event" Jey Uso challenged Gunther, and asks who he will be facing on the other side of that match. He takes solace in that it will not be Solo Sikoa when Drew McIntyre shows up. McIntyre takes offense to Cody talking about him like some sort of afterthought and says he will have to show Cody who he really is, but Cody says he can count the number of people who have defeated him since his return on one hand. After Cody says that McIntyre is one of them and that he has not forgotten, Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga show up. Jacob says McIntyre has gotten his spot in the Elimination Chamber, but he is all gas and no brakes and he will dog walk Braun Strowman and Damian Priest to enter the Chamber, go on to WrestleMania and bring the Undisputed WWE Championship back to his family where it should never have left. McIntyre says they should throw down right now, but he has his spot in the Chamber already and that Jacob wants to talk to Cody before walking off. Jacob slowly circles Cody and stares at the Undisputed WWE Championship, then says that when Jacob wins in the Elimination Chamber, they can fight over the title. All of a sudden, Solo Sikoa pulls up in a black Jeep Wagoneer. Jacob stops Cody, saying he will speak to Solo regarding family business. Cody tells Jacob to get the first word, as he will surely get the last.

Backstage, Tama Tonga looks for Solo Sikoa. He asks somebody for directions and gets them, then the person who gave him directions gets beaten up by Jacob Fatu.

Wade Barrett interviews Trish Stratus at the front row. Trish says it was great to return at the Royal Rumble to kick off her 25th anniversary in the business, then says she will be at Elimination Chamber.

Naomi beats Chelsea Green in a women's Elimination Chamber Match qualifier.

We hear from Sami Zayn, who says that the last couple of weeks have been tough after coming to terms with everything, and says that Kevin Owens tried to end his career despite being there for him. He says he does not know when he will be cleared, but when he is, he and Owens will go again and it will not be fun.

It is announced that Michelle McCool has been inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2025.

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

We hear from Damian Priest, who says that the last four years have shown who he is and that he is taking a backseat to nobody, and that when the bell rings, he does not know his opponent. He says he does not need a crew or a leader; just himself.

WrestleMania 41 is 64 days away!

Backstage, Jacob Fatu finds Solo Sikoa and asks what is going on. Solo says he needed time off and that he has not been himself ever since he lost the ula fala and has not been himself. He says he is okay now and ready to take over, and that it all starts with Jacob Fatu taking the Undisputed WWE Championship back. He then tells Jacob that he loves him.

Shinsuke Nakamura heads to the ring. He says that for weeks, he has waited and watched from the shadow, praying for a worthy challenge and a warrior to take to him. As Nakamura says that he is looking for a test, LA Knight shows up. Knight says Nakamura may have been waiting in the shadows for a worthy competitor, he is not looking for a test, and that Shinsuke needed help just to beat him for the United States title. Knight then says the test is looking at Shinsuke and that Shinsuke has already failed it before The Miz shows up and admits that Knight is more than a flash in the pan, then calls the fans "uneducated" and "basic" for eating out of Knight's hands. Miz considers Knight an unworthy challenger, and Knight interrupts, saying that Miz has not been relevant in a decade and that he almost forgot Miz was even here, then tells Miz to start a farewell tour as everyone wants him to go away. Miz mocks the fans for telling him to go away, even pretending to cry while doing it, but Knight calls him and Drew McIntyre "the kings of crybaby bitches." Miz says guys like Knight cannot measure up to him and that his resumé stands alone, and that Knight is not even on his radar. He then says that if Cena can call his shot, then so can he, and he calls his shot on the United States Championship. He says he is on SmackDown with a purpose to elevate a title and make a way to WrestleMania while Knight stays the same guy he always has been, but Knight says he has defended the United States title more than Logan Paul or Shinsuke ever has. He then goes on to call The Miz "the most impotent dork" and says he is not championship material. Miz goes for a cheap shot, but Knight blocks and nearly hits him with the BFT. General Manager Nick Aldis shows up as The Miz runs back to the ring and makes a match between Miz and Knight.

LA Knight beats The Miz. After the match, Shinsuke Nakamura gets in ther ring and has a staredown with LA Knight.

Backstage, Candice LeRae and Nia Jax are met by Alexa Bliss, who says that she and Nia Jax just might face each other down the line.

Backstage, The Miz is met by Andrade, who offers to teach The Miz something if he just lets him know. Andrade leaves, then Carmelo Hayes shows up and says people like Andrade do not respect talent like them. Miz agrees and says they should team up, saying "Melo don't Miz." Carmelo is not having it, and walks away.

Carmelo Hayes beats R-Truth.

We hear from The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford). Angelo Dawkins says they have ruffled a few feathers by just telling the truth, and says they are the ones who should be mad. He says that when he is cleared, anyone who gets in their way gets put in the dirt. Montez Ford says everyone will know the frustration burning in them for years, and that they want the smoke.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince). Elton Prince says they feel like two tasty snacks again, and Kit Wilson says they are tired of being underestimated. #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) show up disappointed with Pretty Deadly, and warns them that whatever happens is on them and that their tag team title dreams are dead.

We hear from Kevin Owens, who says he has been stabbed in the back and heartbroken by three men who he considered brothers in the last six and that Sami Zayn does not know what real pain is. Owens tells Sami he will show him, and that he cannot think of a better place than at Elimination Chamber.

Tiffany Stratton retains the WWE Women's Championship against Nia Jax by disqualification after Candice LeRae attacks her. After the match, Nia and Candice attack Tiffany, and Nia hits Tiffany with the A-Nia-Lator. Candice then grabs a chair, but Trish Stratus shows up and makes the save for Tiffany. Trish fights Candice, but soon gets squashed in the corner by Nia. When officials show up, Nia hits Tiffany with one last leg drop. As Candice and Nia leave, Charlotte Flair shows up, heads to the ring, grabs a microphone, sits down in the chair that Nia and Candice almost used, then picks Tiffany as her WrestleMania opponent and tells Tiffany that she will see her at WrestleMania.

Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis meets with Bianca Belair and Naomi. Aldis says she got an anonymous video of the attack on Jade Cargill, which shows that Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez were near the ambulance, proving that they attacked Jade.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Tiffany Stratton. Tiffany says Charlotte Flair will learn that it is Tiffy Time, then Trish Stratus shows up and says she also has a problem with Nia Jax anad Candice LeRae and offers to team with her at Elimination Chamber. Tiffany accepts.

Backstage, Drew McIntyre meets with Jimmy Uso and tells him to look on the bright side regarding his career because he is married, then Jimmy teases walking away only to superkick him out of nowhere.

Backstage, Braun Strowman says he has his hands full, but it has been five years since he held a world title and that he is running through Damian Priest and Jacob Fatu to win at the Elimination Chamber and come for "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes.

Damian Priest beats Braun Strowman and Jacob Fatu in a Triple Threat Match to qualify for the men's Elimination Chamber match. During the match, Strowman is about to attack Jacob as Jacob has a metal folding chair when Solo Sikoa hits him with a Samoan Spike. Jacob hits Strowman with a top rope moonsault, then "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes shows up and brawls with Solo. Tama Tonga shows up and holds down Cody from behind, but when Solo goes for the Samoan Spike on Cody, Cody ducks and Solo inadvertently hits Tama instead. Jacob Fatu confronts Solo for this, and Priest shoves Jacob into Solo, allowing Cody Rhodes to hit Solo with a Cross Rhodes before hitting Strowman with South of Heaven for the win and to advance to the men's Elimination Chamber Match. After the match, Priest and Cody have a staredown and look at the WrestleMania sign before shaking hands.

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 31, 2025

Michael Cole introduces Pat McAfee. Pat McAfee says he has worked to bring the Royal Rumble to Indianapolis, Indiana, and he tells everyone from outside of the city that Indianapolis hosts the biggest show on Earth every single year. He says that the entire city is ready, then says he loves the city and WWE and that he is thankful to be here. Afterwards, Joe Tessitore interviews Kevin Owens in the ring. Owens mocks Tessitore for caring only for Cody Rhodes' feelings while disrespecting his and states that he will be the one to become Undisputed WWE Champion on Saturday. When Tessitore apologizes for potentially coming up short in his coverage of him, Owens tells him to shove it up his ass, then takes back the Winged Eagle Championship only for CM Punk to show up. Punk apologizes for interrupting him, then says he heard his name being invoked. He also apologizes for making it seem like he is looking past him on the way to win the Royal Rumble and potentially face Owens in the main event. Punk tells Owens that when he wins the Royal Rumble, he is coming for him and that his reign will not last long. Owens says he likes everyone else in the Royal Rumble more than Punk, but entertains the thought of beating Punk in the WrestleMania main event. Owens says he knows how much winning the Royal Rumble means to Punk, and admits that he loves the idea of CM Punk not winning the Royal Rumble and obsessing over what could have been before going to his grave as a miserable failure. After Owens says he hopes Punk does not win the Royal Rumble and attempts to leave, Punk says Owens may have accomplished a lot in WWE, he has never lost five title matches at Royal Rumble or to Logan Paul, or took shortcuts to win a title. Punk then dares Owens to get in the ring right now so he can kick his ass, and says that while he may not main event WrestleMania, he can still kick his ass. Owens teases getting in the ring, but leaves instead.

Backstage, The Miz meets with General Manager Nick Aldis. As The Miz says he could have taught Andrade so much and that he would punch him in the face right now, Miz finds out Andrade is in the room. Andrade challenges The Miz to a match tonight, and while The Miz has nothing to prove, he will teach him greatness any time, anywhere. Aldis makes the match official for tonight.

Backstage, Jimmy Uso says Carmelo Hayes has a lot to prove tonight and that if Carmelo misses tonight, it is over for him.

Before the next match, Carmelo Hayes says Jimmy Uso is talking like he is "The One" when he is really "The Two," then says he will not miss because his name is not Tyrese Halliburton (who is in the crowd).

Jimmy Uso beats Carmelo Hayes with a schoolkid pin and a grab of the tights after kicking out of a roll-up in which Carmelo grabs the middle rope for leverage.

Royal Rumble, by the numbers.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Chelsea Green and Piper Niven. Chelsea says "Michin" Mia Yim tried to destroy "the face of the United States," then says she will return the favor, win the Royal Rumble, and win at WrestleMania.

"Michin" Mia Yim beats Chelsea Green by disqualification after Chelsea hits her with a shinai. Chelsea Green retains the WWE Women's United States Championship. After the match, Michin fights back and starts striking Chelsea with the shinai until Chelsea runs away.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Bianca Belair and Naomi. Bianca says that she and Naomi will be a tag team before and after the Royal Rumble, and Naomi says they will support each other no matter what. Bianca says that if one of them does not win, the other will. Bianca says that she and Naomi are going to stay Women's Tag Team Champions no mater what, and Naomi says that Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez should be ready to rumble.

We see another vignette for Charlotte Flair. She agrees that she is arrogant and greedy and that she has worked her ass off in the last year to get where she is, and says that the stories she has heard are all true. She says it is lonely at the top because she does not need to make friends, and that she has reached her goal to stay on top for ten years and that she is not going to let the last year define her. Charlotte says she is fortunate and blessed, but also history-making, record-breaking, never scared and "the woman of WWE."

Stephanie McMahon is seen in the crowd.

Damian Priest heads to the ring. Priest talks about how he started four years ago on Raw and only cared about his name living forever, making an impact and wanting to be know. He says he went from betrayer to betrayed, follower to leader, and nobody to World Heavyweight Champion. He says he does not want to live in the past anymore and that the goal now is championships, and that will start by throwing people over the top rope in the Royal Rumble to secure his spot at WrestleMania and getting his hand raised as world champion. Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga get in the ring. Jacob says he knows who Priest is and what he has done, and says Priest has accomplished more than everyone in the back. He says they both came out of the gutter and from the streets, with the only difference being he was in prison. He tells Priest not to get things twisted, as he is off the leash and it is "all gas, no brakes," and that he will not let Priest make a name for himself because he and Tama run SmackDown. Priest makes it clear he is not intimidated and that Jacob should no better, then asks why they are even talking before superkicking Tama. After a staredown, Priest and Jacob brawl, and Priest gets the upper hand until Tama jumps back in. At this point, the numbers game takes over, and Tama grabs a metal folding chair. LA Knight suddenly shows up and bootsthe chair into Tama's face before smacking it into Jacob's back. It has no effect, but that allows Priest to hit a superkick and gives LA Knight the upper hand. LA Knight then challenges Jacob Fatu to a tag team match against him and Damian Priest.

Backstage, Legado del Fantasma (Santos Escobar, Elektra Lopez, Berto, Garza) are met by The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley). Sabin admits both teams do not like each other, but he wants to make sure they are on the same page, and Shelley wants to make sure they are ready to win. Santos makes it clear that he and the rest of Legado del Fantasma have to fight to get what they want, and while The Motor City Machine Guns want to have their backs, Los Garza (Berto and Garza) say they can take care of themselves and that they will be coming after the Machine Guns at the Royal Rumble.

It is announced that Paul "Triple H" Levesque will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2025.

Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince) and #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) beat Los Garza (Berto and Garza) and The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) after Los Garza walk out on The Motor City Machine Guns, Tommaso Ciampa accidentally boots Elton Prince in the face and Chris Sabin pins Ciampa with a victory roll.

Backstage, Tama Tonga notices the WWE Tag Team Championships, and when #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) come to take them, Tama simply goes "yeah, yeah, yeah" before DIY leave. DIY then argue with Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince) over their loss and booting Elton Prince in the head, but Gargano says it is not the time to argue and says that if they lose their titles, Pretty Deadly can kiss their title opportunity goodbye. Elton Prince tells #DIY they are on their own.

Michael Cole and Pat McAfee interview Tyrese Halliburton. Halliburton says he is excited to see the Royal Rumble in Indianapolis, Indiana. He says tomorrow's game with the Atlanta Hawks will be a good game, and that he looks forward to the Royal Rumble. We then see footage of Michael Cole and "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes crowdsurfing before the show through the Pat-a-Strator.

We see a video package for Kevin Owens vs. "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes in a ladder match for the Undisputed WWE Championship at Royal Rumble.

Naomi beats Liv Morgan after Bianca Belair pulls Raquel Rodriguez off the apron and Naomi reverses a Sunset Flip from Liv Morgan and pins Liv's shoulders to the mat. After the match, Liv and Raquel attack Bianca and Naomi and come out on top.

Andrade beats The Miz with a devastating spinning back elbow.

Backstage, Damian Priest is met by Santos Escobar, who says that SmackDown can be a very hard place to survive in and offers his help. Priest says he is not in the mood, and Escobar says that "Dominik" was right about him having a big ego. Priest tells Santos to pick his next words carefully, but Santos says he will be seeing him. Priest then runs into R-Truth, who thinks tonight is Raw and that General Manager Nick Aldis is Adam Pearce. He then runs into LA Knight, and the two of them agree to team up tonight, but Priest says that on Saturday, he does not know him. As this goes on, Shinsuke Nakamura watches from the background. R-Truth then proposes that the three of them should form a team.

Backstage, Tiffany Stratton runs into Zelina Vega, who entertains the idea of winning the Royal Rumble and going after the WWE Women's Championship. Tiffany says she will be sitting pretty while Zelina fights for her life against 29 other women.

Michael Cole and Pat McAfee interview Tiffany Stratton in the ring. Tiffany says the WWE Women's Championship may be her first title on SmackDown, but she has always been championship material, and now, everyone knows it. She says it does not matter who wins the Royal Rumble, because it is always Tiffy Time, and if Nia Jax wins tomorrow, that is fine with her. Candice LeRae suddenly shows up and calls Tiffany "pathetic," saying she is not deserving of the championship after she betrayed Nia, and that Tiffany is jealous that Nia prefers her as a tag team partner. She tells Tiffany to enjoy what little bit of "Tiffy Time" she has left, as she has entered the Royal Rumble and will make her regret her actions. As she tells Candice that she is the champion while Candice will stay Nia Jax's sidekick, she sees Nia Jax coming. Nia accidentally smashes Candice in the corner, but she soon gets the upper hand on Tiffany and hits her with the A-Nia-Lator.

LA Knight and Damian Priest beat Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu. After the match, Jacob gets back in the ring and superkicks Priest before hitting him with a Samoan Drop and a top rope moonsault to end the show.

Here's the recap for tonight's show!

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

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

Rey Mysterio heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Rey says it feels great to be back home in San Diego, California and that he could not think of a better place to reminisce and do the impossible once again when he declares for the 2025 Royal Rumble. He talks about he entered the 2006 Royal Rumble at #2 and won it all to main event WrestleMania to become World Heavyweight Champion at WrestleMania 22. Rey admits that competition is heavy this year with Drew McIntyre, CM Punk, Seth "Freakin'" Rollins, Roman Reigns, John Cena being in the match and says it will be tough, but when he won it in 2006, he did it for Eddie Guerrero. Suddenly, Kevin Owens shows up and apologizes for interrupting before telling Rey that there are a lot of people who he respects and few that he respects as much as Rey, and that there is nobody he respects more than him. Owens mentions his accolades before mentioning the Winged Eagle Championship on his shoulder and declaring himself "the true, rightful WWE Champion," then says all he has left in his career is to face Rey Mysterio in a match. He hopes that Rey wins the Royal Rumble, then asks Rey to promise him that he will be the champion that he picks. Rey says he loves challenges and competition, but says "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, not Owens, is the champion. Nevertheless, he says that if Owens were to win, he would be glad to face him for the title. Owens insists he is champion and accuses Rey of being brainwashed by Cody, and Rey says Owens is reminding him of his son Dominik Mysterio right now. This starts a brawl, and Owens has to slide out of the ring to avoid the 619.

Backstage, Naomi tells Bianca Belair that there is no update on Jade Cargill. Bianca says they have tonight's match, and Naomi says that they still have their gold and that they have Candice LeRae and Nia Jax tonight. Naomi then tells Bianca to wrap her up so as not to have a repeat of last week, which Bianca does.

Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis gives Rey Mysterio a one-on-one match with Kevin Owens when "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes shows up and apologizes for not being there due to being checked on medically. Rey tells Cody to heal up and that he will do something for him when he wins. Rey leaves, then Cody says he has a clean bill of health. Aldis says there is a lot of time between now and the Rumble, and mentions that he has an addendum to his match with Owens that both men have to sign. Cody says he will sign when Owens signs.

Bianca Belair and Naomi beat Nia Jax and Candice LeRae after Nia inadvertently hits Candice with a leg drop.

In backstage footage from earlier today, Byron Saxton interviews Bayley. Bayley says everyone dreams about being in the main event of SmackDown and feels like her last championship reign could have been better, and says Tiffany Stratton is willing to betray her friend to stay on top, which makes her to win that much more.

Backstage, "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab talk about Chelsea Green when Piper Niven shows up pretending to be Chelsea's "Secret Her-vice" agent. Chelsea brags about bbeating Michin, and B-Fab says that if it were not for Piper, Chelsea would not be champion. Piper threatens to make B-Fab's next step her last, and that leads to B-Fab challenging Piper to a match tonight.

Backstage, Jimmy Uso says the goal is to make sure Carmelo stay missing, and while it is time to become a champion himself, "Big Jim is Him" when it comes to Carmelo Hayes.

Before the next match, Carmelo Hayes says Jimmy Uso is living in the brother of "Main Event" Jey Uso, who is living in the shadow of Roman Reigns, yet wants to take shots at him. He then asks how Jimmy will take shots while sitting at the bench, then tells him to lace his boots up, as he will show him why he doesn't miss. Jimmy ties his shoes, tosses Carmelo into the ring, puts on his sunglasses, then nearly superkicks him get the match started.

Jimmy Uso beats Carmelo Hayes by disqualification after Jacob Fatu distracts Jimmy so that Tama Tonga can shove Jimmy off the top rope. After the match, Tama and Jacob attack Jimmy. Carmelo gets up and tries to be chummy with them only for Jacob to clothesline him before he and Tama continue to beat up Jimmy. Solo Sikoa then heads to the ring. After the commercial break, Solo Sikoa attempts to speak, but drops the microphone and leaves through the crowd instead. Jacob takes the microphone and says he is tired of the disrespect, the hate and the envy, but even on a bad day, nobody can still touch him. He says he does not care if the crowd cheers or boos him and Tama, because he will not let others act like he never got his. Jacob then says that he is just getting started. Suddenly, LA Knight shows up from behind Tama and Jacob and goes on the warpath, and as he is overpowered, Braun Strowman arrives and throws Tama out of the air before confronting Jacob. Jacob teases taking on Strowman, but Tama pulls Jacob out of the ring.

Backstage, Santos Escobar praises Angel and Berto for beating Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince), and tells him that they will take the moment away from The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) in order to gain respect.

The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) beat Los Garza (Angel and Berto) after Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince)'s interference backfires.

Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis meets with Kevin Owens to get him to sign the contract for his match with "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes at Royal Rumble. Owens says he will not sign until Cody signs, and that he needs to read the contract. He also mentions that he has a match to prepare for.

Piper Niven beats B-Fab after B-Fab takes out Chelsea Green on the outside. After the match, Chelsea and Piper attack B-Fab until "Michin" Mia Yim runs into the ring with a shinai and strikes Piper while Chelsea retreats. Piper counters, but Michin regains the upper hand.

WWE acknowledges the recent passing of Bob Uecker. In memory of Bob Uecker, 1934 - 2025.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Tiffany Stratton. Tiffany admits Bayley had some big moments in the last year, but so has she, and she is now those moments. She says that Bayley's dream is going to die, because it is now "Tiffy Time."

Two-time WWE Women's Champion Victoria is seen in the crowd.

Kevin Owens beats Rey Mysterio after bumping into the referee, knocking him into the ropes and knocking Rey off the top turnbuckle, allowing Owens to hit the pop-up powerbomb for the win. After the match, Owens goes for a package piledriver on Rey, but Cody Rhodes runs into the ring and stops Owens. Officials have to run into the ring to restore order.

Backstage, Nick Aldis confronts "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes and states that at Saturday Night's Main Event, both he and Owens will relinquish their respective titles and sign their match contract, and "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels will moderate the contract signing.

Backstage, #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) confronts Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince) for allowing The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) to win tonight. Ciampa says he hates people who are happy to be here, as they are jokes, and tells them to become men. Ciampa leaves, then Gargano tells Pretty Deadly to get their acts together and heads off. Apollo Crews shows up again and says he told them so, but Pretty Deadly refuse to listen to him. Gargano then returns and attacks Apollo.

Roxanne Perez is seen in the crowd.

We see a vignette for Charlotte Flair.

Tiffany Stratton retains the WWE Women's Championship against Bayley. At one point in the match, Bayley has a confrontation with Roxanne Perez at the front row.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

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