by The WWE SmackDown 23 May 2025 Recap brings fans an electrifying night of action from the EnMarket Arena in Savannah, Georgia. This episode of SmackDown delivered intense matches, heated promos, and unexpected twists that set the stage for Money in the Bank.
From a chaotic brawl to a shocking Wyatt Six appearance, here’s a detailed breakdown of the night’s results, key segments, and what’s next for the superstars.
Match Results
1. Charlotte Flair vs. Giulia vs. Zelina Vega (Money in the Bank Qualifying Match)
Winner: Giulia via pinfall with a Northern Lights Bomb on Zelina Vega.
Highlights: The triple-threat match showcased high-octane action, with Giulia’s technical prowess shining through. Flair’s figure-four attempts and Vega’s high-flying 619 kept the crowd on edge, but Giulia’s decisive Northern Lights Bomb secured her spot in the Money in the Bank ladder match.
2. Chris Sabin vs. Tommaso Ciampa
Winner: Tommaso Ciampa via pinfall with a knee strike.
Highlights: Ciampa dominated early, but Sabin fought back with a German suplex and a triangle DDT. A distraction from Candice LeRae turned the tide, allowing Ciampa to capitalize with a knee strike for the win. Post-match, DIY and LeRae stood tall, signaling their heel dominance.
3. B-FAB & “Michin” Mia Yim vs. Secret Hervice (Alba Fyre & Piper Niven)
Winner: B-FAB & Mia Yim via pinfall with B-FAB’s neckbreaker on Alba Fyre.
Highlights: Mia Yim’s fiery offense, including a tijeras and roundhouse, set the pace. B-FAB sealed the victory with a neckbreaker, showcasing their teamwork against Chelsea Green’s Secret Hervice.
4. “Samoan Werewolf” Jacob Fatu & JC Mateo vs. “Big” Jim Uso & Rey Fenix
Winner: Jacob Fatu & JC Mateo via pinfall with Tour of the Islands from Mateo on Jim Uso.
Highlights: Fenix’s high-flying tornillo and knucklelock sequences dazzled, but Solo Sikoa’s interference and Mateo’s Tour of the Islands secured the win for the Bloodline duo. Tensions between Fatu and Mateo hinted at future friction.
5. Aleister Black vs. LA Knight vs. Shinsuke Nakamura (Money in the Bank Qualifying Match)
Winner: LA Knight via pinfall with a lateral press.
Highlights: The match was a chaotic blend of styles, with Black’s striking, Nakamura’s Kinshasa, and Knight’s resilience. Knight capitalized on a missed Black Mass to secure his Money in the Bank spot with a crafty pin.
6. Fraxiom (Axiom & Nathan Frazer) vs. Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford) (c) (WWE Tag Team Championship)
Winner: Street Profits via disqualification.
Highlights: Fraxiom’s high-flying offense, including a Spanish Fly and Phoenix Splash, pushed the champions to their limits. The match ended abruptly when the Wyatt Six attacked, with Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross, Joe Gacy, and Uncle Howdy dismantling both teams, leading to a chaotic disqualification finish.
Segment Highlights
1. Opening Brawl
Recap: The show kicked off with Drew McIntyre and Damian Priest erupting into a wild brawl, setting a high-energy tone. Referees and road agents struggled to separate the two, foreshadowing a heated rivalry.
2. Tiffany Stratton’s Promo
Recap: Stratton, in a stunning leopard print outfit, boasted about her WrestleMania win over Charlotte Flair. Alexa Bliss interrupted, promising to win the Money in the Bank briefcase and cash in on Stratton. Charlotte Flair countered, vowing to reclaim her spotlight. The segment ended with Giulia’s entrance, adding intrigue to the women’s title picture.
3. DIY’s Backstage Promo
Recap: DIY complained about Motor City Machine Guns and Fraxiom, setting up Ciampa’s match against Sabin. Their heelish attitude and Candice LeRae’s interference later solidified their antagonistic role.
4. Chelsea Green and Zelina Vega Altercation
Recap: A backstage confrontation saw Green taunt Vega, leading to a brawl. Michin and B-FAB’s save prompted Nick Aldis to book the tag team match, showcasing the women’s division depth.
5. Bloodline Tensions
Recap: Solo Sikoa tried to unify Jacob Fatu and JC Mateo, but Fatu’s distrust of Mateo hinted at cracks in the Bloodline. This dynamic added layers to their victory later in the night.
6. LA Knight’s Passionate Promo
Recap: LA Knight cut a fiery promo, vowing to win the Money in the Bank briefcase in Los Angeles. His confidence and charisma shone as he dismissed Aleister Black and Shinsuke Nakamura.
7. R-Truth’s Emotional Promo
Recap: R-Truth delivered a heartfelt speech about John Cena’s transformation due to power and ego. Comparing Cena to a corrupted “Lord of the Rings” character, Truth vowed to “save” wrestling by defeating his former hero at Money in the Bank.
8. Wyatt Six Chaos
Recap: The show closed with the Wyatt Six’s shocking interference in the tag title match. Uncle Howdy’s mandible claw and Sister Abigail left the ring in disarray, signalling their destructive intent.
What’s Next?
- Money in the Bank Build-Up: With Giulia and LA Knight qualifying, the ladder matches are taking shape. Next week’s qualifiers, including Naomi vs. Jade Cargill vs. Nia Jax and Carmelo Hayes’ match, will further define the contenders.
- Bloodline Drama: Jacob Fatu’s tension with JC Mateo and Solo Sikoa’s leadership will likely escalate, potentially leading to a split or a power struggle within the faction.
- Wyatt Six’s Agenda: The Wyatt Six’s attack on the tag team division raises questions about their motives. Will they target the Street Profits, Fraxiom, or DIY next?
- Cena vs. R-Truth: R-Truth’s emotional promo sets up a deeply personal clash with John Cena at Money in the Bank. Fans are buzzing about whether Truth can “save” Cena or if the 17-time champion will prevail.
- Women’s Division Heat: Tiffany Stratton’s reign is under threat from Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair, and Giulia. The Money in the Bank briefcase could shift the title picture dramatically.
- Tag Team Turmoil: The Street Profits’ title reign faces challenges from Fraxiom, #DIY, and Motor City Machine Guns. The Wyatt Six’s interference adds another layer of unpredictability.
FAQs
Q: Where did WWE SmackDown on May 23, 2025, take place?
A: The event was held at the EnMarket Arena in Savannah, Georgia.
Q: Who qualified for the Money in the Bank ladder match on this episode?
A: Giulia and LA Knight earned their spots in the Money in the Bank ladder match.
Q: Why did the WWE Tag Team Championship match end in a disqualification?
A: The match ended due to interference from the Wyatt Six, who attacked both teams, leading to a chaotic finish.
Q: What was the significance of R-Truth’s promo?
A: R-Truth addressed his strained relationship with John Cena, accusing him of being corrupted by power and vowing to “save” wrestling by defeating him at Money in the Bank.
Q: What role did the Wyatt Six play in the episode?
A: The Wyatt Six (Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross, Joe Gacy, and Uncle Howdy) interfered in the tag team title match, attacking both teams and causing a disqualification.
Q: Are there any upcoming matches announced for next week?
A: Yes, a women’s Money in the Bank qualifier (Naomi vs. Jade Cargill vs. Nia Jax) and a men’s qualifier featuring Carmelo Hayes were announced, along with Bianca Belair’s return.
