‘WWE Smackdown’ Review (Apr 25th 2025)
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: Fraxiom def. Los Garza
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Nathan Frazer and Axiom made their amazing SmackDown debut, taking on Los Garza in a mile-a-minute contest. A Spanish Fly from Axiom followed by a Phoenix Splash from Frazer onto Angel sealed the deal to give Fraxiom a debut win.
My Score: 3 out of 5
Match #2: Tiffany Stratton vs. Jade Cargill (No Contest)
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton collided with Jade Cargill in a first-ever one-on-one match. The two went back-and-forth as each competitor wowed the WWE Universe with their athleticism and strength. Unfortunately, Naomi arrived to attack Cargill, ending a barn-burner of a match. After the match, Nia Jax returned, taking out The Center of the Universe with a leg drop.
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #3: Women’s United States Championship – Zelina Vega def. Chelsea Green
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
After defeating Women’s United States Chelsea Green in back-to-back matches, Zelina Vega finally took on Green with the title on the line. Vega needed eyes on every side of her as The Secret Hervice tried to interfere on multiple occasions. As Alba Fyre and Piper Niven caused one too many distractions, WWE official Ryan Tran had no choice but to eject both of Green’s allies. After the fracas, Vega nailed the Code Red to become the second ever Women’s United States Champion in history.
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #4: Drew McIntyre def. LA Knight (DQ)
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
LA Knight and Drew McIntyre squared off in a United States Title No. 1 Contender’s Match. Both Superstars came into the match with massive wear and tear, nursing their wounds from WrestleMania. Despite the pain, Knight and McIntyre duked it out like warriors, with jumping neckbreakers and headbutts being used against each other. With the referee’s back turned, Sikoa struck Knight with the Samoan Spike, leaving McIntyre the opportunity hit the Claymore. Just as The Scottish Warrior was setting up the Claymore, Damian Priest appeared out of nowhere, attacking McIntyre before giving him a Chokeslam through the announce table. United States Champion Jacob Fatu would have the final word, taking out both Knight and Priest.
My Score: 2 out of 5
Match #5: WWE Tag Team Championship Triple Threat TLC Match – The Street Profits def. #DIY & Motor City Machine Guns
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
The TLC Match returned for the first time in nearly five years as WWE Tag Team Champions The Street Profits took on #DIY and Motor City Machine Guns with the gold hanging high above the ring. All six competitors left it all inside the ring, with Johnny Gargano hitting a Spinning Flatliner on Montez Ford from the top of the ladder. In an incredible moment, Ford was gifted a prosthetic leg from a fan and used it to nail Gargano in the back. Ford kept up the incredible moments, leaping over the top-rope to land a Swanton Bomb onto Tommaso Ciampa through a table. Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley showcased their unique style as well, hitting Skull & Bones onto Gargano through a table. The hits kept coming, literally, as Angelo Dawkins hit an immense spear onto Ciampa, who was dangling above, from a ladder, both crashing through a table below. Just as Shelley and Gargano were fighting at the top of the ladder, Ford climbed up the inside of the ladder, knocking off both Shelley and Gargano to claim the title and win the match.
My Score: 4 out of 5
News of the Night:
- Fraxiom made their main roster debut
- Aleister Black returned to the WWE, starting a (mid) feud with The Miz
Final Verdict: 3.5/5
This week’s SmackDown was a fast-paced, eventful episode that balanced shocking returns, championship drama, and intense buildup for future storylines. Zelina Vega’s title win and Aleister Black’s return injected fresh energy, while the tag team TLC match delivered high-octane action. The growing tension in the women’s division promises exciting feuds ahead, and the announcement of Cena vs. Orton adds heavyweight star power heading into Backlash. Overall, it was a strong, memorable show that kept momentum rolling after WrestleMania season.
