‘WWE Smackdown’ Review (May 16th 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: Women’s Money in the Bank Triple Threat Qualifying Match – Alexa Bliss def. Michin and Chelsea Green
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Despite Chelsea Green attempting to steal a win on Michin after Alexa Bliss hit her with Twisted Bliss, Five Feet of Fury pulled Michin out of the ring at the last second and blasted Green with a Sister Abigail DDT for the three-count. With the victory, Bliss earned her place in the Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match on June 7.
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #2: Fraxiom def. #DIY
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
On the heels of their huge victory over WWE Tag Team Champions The Street Profits, Axiom and Nathan Frazer overcome Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa with a pinfall out of nowhere. After the match, #DIY immediately launched a post-match attack. In response, Motor City Machine Guns charged in to repel the assault.
My Score: 3 out of 5
Match #3: Aleister Black def. Carmelo Hayes (DQ)
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
After getting knocked off the apron, The Miz attacked Aleister Black just as Black was about to hit Black Mass on Carmelo Hayes. This brought an early to the match by disqualification as Him and The A-Lister dropped the ominous Superstar in post-match beatdown.
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #4: Men’s Money in the Bank Triple Threat Qualifying Match – Solo Sikoa def. Jimmy Uso and Rey Fenix
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
With distractions from Jacob Fatu and JC Mateo, Solo Sikoa hit Rey Fenix with the Samoan Spike to steal the victory over the explosive luchador and Jimmy Uso. The win earned Solo place in the Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #5: JC Mateo def. LA Knight
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
After an attack by LA Knight, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis decided The Megastar would face JC Mateo in his debut match. In the final moments of impromptu matchup, Knight took his eye off the ball to take out Sikoa and Fatu outside the ring. When he returned into the ring, however, he leaped right into Mateo’s Tour of the Islands to give the newcomer his first SmackDown victory.
My Score: 2 out of 5
Match #6: WWE Women’s Championship – Tiffany Stratton def. Nia Jax
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Tiffany Stratton successfully defended the WWE Women’s Championship against Nia Jax in an absolutely incredible showdown from start to finish. Despite outside turmoil involving Naomi and Jade Cargill, Jax’s Samoan Drop onto the announce table, her kicking out of the Prettiest Moonsault Ever, and the Annihilator off of Tiffy’s Powerbomb attempt, the resilient titleholder roared back and deflected The Irresistible Force’s chair attack back at her. She then delivered a second Prettiest Moonsault Ever for the unbelievable victory.
My Score: 4 out of 5
Final Verdict: 3.5/5
This week’s Smackdown was a mix of chaos, comebacks, and rising tensions. Solo Sikoa’s victory in the Money in the Bank qualifier felt like a power move cemented The Bloodline’s increasingly dominant and dangerous presence. Alexa Bliss’s return added energy, showing she’s still a top-tier competitor. But the true jaw-dropper was the main event: Tiffany Stratton’s win over Nia Jax was both shocking and brutal, especially considering the fact that Jax kicked out of Stratton’s Prettiest Moonsault Ever. Overall, the episode blended compelling storytelling with impactful action, setting a good tone for the road to Money in the Bank.
