‘WWE Smackdown’ Review (Feb 27th 2026)
Welcome to this review of this past Friday’s episode of Smackdown, right here on Nerdly. Let’s see what went down on this week’s show!
Match #1: Uncle Howdy def. Solo Sikoa
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
The Wyatt Sicks have been on the chase since The MFTs stole their lantern. Uncle Howdy and Solo Sikoa brought the brutality early as the two brawled on the outside. Sikoa arrogantly tried to land Sister Abigail, but Howdy responded with the Mandible Claw. Out of nowhere, Howdy intercepted a Sikoa clotheslines and landed Sister Abigail to claim the victory. After the match, the rest of The MFTs appeared and attacked Howdy just moments after Howdy had reclaimed the lantern.
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #2: Tiffany Stratton def. Kairi Sane
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Tiffany Stratton had initially challenged Asuka to a match, but The Empress of Tomorrow revealed Stratton would face Kairi Sane instead. Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre were ringside to scout Green’s rival, Stratton. Asuka kept interfering behind the referee’s back as Stratton fought an uphill battle. Stratton shoved Sane off the top rope when she went for the Insane Elbow, and Sane collided into Alba Fyre. As Stratton and Green were arguing at ringside, Sane hit an elbow on Green. This allowed Stratton to shove Sane back in the ring to hit a Prettiest Moonsault Ever to win the match.
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #3: Oba Femi def. The Miz
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
As soon as the bell rung, The Miz left the ring and attempted to appeal to Oba Femi with his words. This backfired as Femi clobbered Miz. The Awesome One went for the Skull-Crushing Finale but Femi countered with a huge toss powerbomb. Femi then nailed the Fall from Grace to win.
My Score: SQUASH out of 5
Match #4: United States Championship – Carmelo Hayes def. Matt Cardona
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Matt Cardona locked on Carmelo Hayes’ injured midsection, but Hayes hit a unique slam that almost put away Cardona. Cardona nailed the Rough Ryder, but Hayes dug deep to kick out. Hayes responded with the First 48 to win the match and retain his title.
My Score: 3 out of 5
Match #5: Jordynne Grace def. Candice LeRae
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
In addition to Jordynne Grace, Candice LeRae also had to worry about Johnny Gargano, who could not snap out of his funk at ringside. Grace hit a delayed superplex and a powerslam, but Gargano sat up and started wandering away. The distraction allowed Grace to hit the Pumphandle German Suplex for the win.
My Score: 1.5 out of 5
Match #6: WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship – Irresistible Forces def. Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Lash Legend showcased her strength by hurling IYO SKY between the middle ropes. Jax showcased her own strength, executing an explosive Samoan drop onto the announce table. SKY struck back by diving onto Jax and Legend. SKY nailed the Over the Moonsault on Legend, but Jax broke up the pinfall at the last possible second. When Jax answered with the Annihilator on SKY, Ripley pulled the legs of Legend, who was pinning SKY. Ripley hit the Riptide on Jax, but Legend was the legal competitor. Legend took advantage by hitting the Lash Extension on Ripley to win the match and the title.
My Score: 3 out of 5
Match #7: Elimination Chamber Qualifier – Logan Paul def. Jacob Fatu
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
With Jey Uso out of the Elimination Chamber, the open spot was fought between Jacob Fatu and Logan Paul. Austin Theory and Paul Heyman distracted The Samoan Werewolf, and Paul took advantage by hitting Fatu below the belt. The Maverick then hit a dynamic frog splash, but the masked Superstar arrived. Paul, however, thwarted him by revealing him to be a fraudulent attacker. The Samoan Werewolf almost had the match won, but WWE Champion Drew McIntyre attacked Fatu as Fatu was going for a moonsault. This allowed Paul roll up Fatu for the three-count and clinch a spot in the Elimination Chamber.
My Score: 3 out of 5
Final Verdict: 2.5/5
This week’s SmackDown felt like a show built around moments rather than matches, and unfortunately, not all of those moments hit. The opener between Uncle Howdy and Solo Sikoa had atmosphere and storyline weight, but the post-match beatdown immediately undercut the win. Tiffany Stratton vs. Kairi Sane had the ingredients to cook, yet interference-heavy chaos kept it firmly in “fine, not great” territory. Oba Femi obliterating The Miz was dominant but blink-and-you ’ll-miss-it stuff, while Carmelo Hayes and Matt Cardona delivered the night’s most traditionally solid bout. Jordynne Grace vs. Candice LeRae never truly found a groove, though the Women’s Tag Title match brought energy and star power – Lash Legend getting the win was a genuine shake-up. The main event qualifier was classic WWE smoke and mirrors: entertaining, dramatic, but heavily overbooked. A serviceable episode with some storyline progression, but very little that demanded a rewatch. Or even a complete episode watch for that matter.
