by The WWE SmackDown 2 May 2025 Recap brings fans an electrifying night from the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa. Packed with intense matches, heated confrontations, and unexpected twists, this episode set the stage for Backlash with major storyline developments.
From Damian Priest and LA Knight’s chaotic opener to Randy Orton’s scathing promo against John Cena, here’s everything you need to know about the action-packed show.
Match Results
1. Damian Priest vs. LA Knight
Result: No Contest
Highlights: The main event turned opener saw Priest and Knight deliver a thrilling back-and-forth battle, earning “this is awesome” chants. Highlights included Knight’s superplex and Priest’s Razor’s Edge, both for near falls. The match ended abruptly when Solo Sikoa interfered, attacking both competitors. Priest and Knight briefly teamed up to fend off Sikoa, but Jacob Fatu’s ambush left them reeling, with Knight taking a Samoan Drop through the announcer’s desk.
2. Fraxiom vs. Pretty Deadly
Result: Fraxiom wins via pinfall
Highlights: The NXT call-ups Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer & Axiom) continued their hot streak, defeating Pretty Deadly in a competitive tag team match. After a slow build with Pretty Deadly controlling the pace, Fraxiom rallied with a Spanish Fly-Phoenix Splash combo to secure the victory, signaling their intent to shake up SmackDown’s tag division.
3. Aleister Black vs. The Miz
Result: Black wins via pinfall
Highlights: Aleister Black dominated The Miz in a one-sided affair, countering Miz’s offense and fending off Carmelo Hayes’ interference. Black sealed the win with his signature Black Mass, solidifying his return as a force to be reckoned with. A tense post-match staredown with Hayes hinted at future conflict.
4. Zelina Vega vs. Piper Niven
Result: Vega wins via pinfall
Highlights: Vega overcame Niven’s power advantage and interference from Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre. A clever dodge led to Green accidentally getting knocked off the apron, allowing Vega to roll up Niven for the upset victory. This win positions Vega as a top contender for the United States Championship.
5. Rey Fenix vs. Santos Escobar
Result: Fenix wins via pinfall
Highlights: In a hard-hitting grudge match, Fenix countered Escobar’s attempts to neutralize his high-flying style. Despite Escobar’s taunts about Rey Mysterio and lucha libre, Fenix fought back with a meteora to secure the win, proving his resilience after his WrestleMania loss.
6. Nia Jax & Naomi vs. Tiffany Stratton & Jade Cargill
Result: Stratton & Cargill win via pinfall
Highlights: The main event tag match saw rivalries collide, with Stratton and Cargill emerging victorious. After a chaotic breakdown, Cargill pinned Jax following a powerbomb. Post-match tensions flared as Cargill and Stratton nearly clashed over the WWE Women’s Championship, only for Naomi to steal the spotlight by raising the title.
Segment Highlights
1. Priest-Knight Confrontation & Sikoa’s Chaos
Recap: The opening segment saw LA Knight call out Damian Priest for indirectly costing him a title opportunity. Their argument escalated into an impromptu match, only for Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu to derail it. The chaotic aftermath, with Fatu’s devastating attack, set up a Fatal 4-Way at Backlash involving Priest, Knight, Fatu, and Drew McIntyre.
2. Randy Orton’s Fiery Cena Promo
Recap: Orton delivered a blistering promo, tearing into John Cena’s legacy, accusing him of selling out for fame and merchandise sales. Calling himself the “Legend Killer,” Orton vowed to punt Cena’s “lego-shaped head” and protect his family’s legacy, intensifying their brewing feud.
3. Women’s Title Picture Heats Up
Recap: Nia Jax returned, demanding a shot at Tiffany Stratton’s WWE Women’s Championship. Stratton stood her ground, while Naomi and Jade Cargill staked their claims. The main event tag match and its fallout, with Naomi holding the title aloft, teased a multi-woman title picture heading into Backlash.
4. Fraxiom’s Tag Team Ambitions
Recap: Fraxiom’s backstage interview and victory over Pretty Deadly established them as serious contenders in SmackDown’s stacked tag division. Their chemistry and high-flying offense signal a bright future.
5. Escobar-Fenix Rivalry Ignites
Recap: Santos Escobar’s insults about Fenix’s WrestleMania loss and Rey Mysterio’s legacy led to a heated match. Fenix’s victory and Andrade’s backstage jab at Escobar’s leadership hinted at cracks in Legado del Fantasma.
6. Aldis Lays Down the Law
Recap: GM Nick Aldis addressed Sikoa and Fatu’s disruptions, booking the Fatal 4-Way for Backlash. His sharp retort to Sikoa—“No, Solo, you are [screwing Fatu over]”—drew a big reaction and underscored his authority.
What’s Next?
- Backlash Fatal 4-Way: The announced Fatal 4-Way match (Jacob Fatu vs. Damian Priest vs. LA Knight vs. Drew McIntyre) promises high stakes, with the winner likely earning a shot at the United States Championship. Expect Solo Sikoa’s influence to loom large.
- Women’s Championship Contention: Jade Cargill faces Nia Jax next week in a number one contender’s match, with the winner challenging Tiffany Stratton. Naomi’s actions suggest she’ll remain a wildcard in this rivalry.
- Orton vs. Cena Build: Randy Orton’s intense promo sets the stage for a major clash with John Cena, potentially at Backlash or a future premium live event. Their personal and professional animosity guarantees a must-see showdown.
- Aleister Black’s Momentum: Black’s decisive win over The Miz and staredown with Carmelo Hayes point to a brewing feud, with Hayes possibly targeting Black to elevate his own status.
- Tag and Lucha Divisions: Fraxiom’s rise and Fenix’s victory signal ongoing shakeups in the tag team and lucha libre scenes. Watch for Pretty Deadly and Escobar to seek redemption.
FAQs
Q: Where did WWE SmackDown on May 2, 2025, take place?
A: The event was held at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa.
Q: Why did the Damian Priest vs. LA Knight match end in a no contest?
A: Solo Sikoa interfered, attacking both competitors, leading to the referee calling for the bell.
Q: Who won the main event tag team match?
A: Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill defeated Nia Jax and Naomi via pinfall.
Q: What match was announced for Backlash?
A: A Fatal 4-Way match featuring Jacob Fatu, Damian Priest, LA Knight, and Drew McIntyre was confirmed.
Q: What did Randy Orton say about John Cena?
A: Orton called Cena arrogant, selfish, and a sellout, vowing to protect his family’s legacy and punt Cena’s head off as the “Legend Killer.”
Q: What’s next for the WWE Women’s Championship?
A: Jade Cargill will face Nia Jax next week to determine Tiffany Stratton’s next challenger, with Naomi also in the mix.
