‘WWE Smackdown’ Review (May 2nd 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: LA Knight vs. Damian Priest (No Contest)
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Although Solo Sikoa ended LA Knight’s match against Damian Priest by attacking both Superstars, the two opponents soon took him out. Then, United States Champion Jacob Fatu suddenly emerged to lay out Priest and Knight.
My Score: 3 out of 5
Match #2: Fraxiom def. Pretty Deadly
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Axiom and Nathan Frazer used an earth-shattering Spanish Fly/Phoenix Splash combination on Kit Wilson to score a huge tag team victory over Pretty Deadly in their second match since becoming part of SmackDown.
My Score: 2 out of 5
Match #3: Aleister Black def. The Miz
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Aleister Black followed up his return last week by overcoming The Miz with the devastating Black Mass before staring down an interfering Carmelo Hayes.
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #4: Zelina Vega def. Piper Niven
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
When Piper Niven accidently ran into former titleholder Chelsea Green on the apron, Women’s United States Champion Zelina Vega rolled up her opponent for the three-count.
My Score: 3 out of 5
Match #5: Rey Fenix def. Santos Escobar
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Rey Fenix overcame Santos Escobar in a thrilling showdown.
My Score: 3 out of 5
Match #6: Tiffany Stratton & Jade Cargill def. Nia Jax & Naomi
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill defeated former Women’s Champions Nia Jax and Naomi when Cargill powerbombed Jax to pick up the victory. Moments after the bell, however, a tense moment between Stratton and Cargill was interrupted when Naomi knocked them together and delivered a post-match attack before holding the title in the air.
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Final Verdict: 2.75/5
This week’s Smackdown struggled to live up to its potential, delivering an episode that felt more chaotic than compelling. The match between LA Knight and Damian Priest had promise but ended in a flat disqualification thanks to predictable interference from Solo Sikoa, leading to yet another messy brawl. It’s clear that this is building toward a Fatal 4-Way U.S. Title match – but so far it feels rushed rather than organic. In the women’s division, Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill’s win was overshadowed by Naomi’s clumsy post-match attack. Even Randy Orton’s heated promo against John Cena, while intense, felt like a rehash of the duo’s past rivalries.
