The WWE SmackDown 25 April 2025 episode, live from Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, delivered an electrifying night of wrestling action, jaw-dropping promos, and unexpected turns. From John Cena’s heated confrontation with Randy Orton to a chaotic Triple Threat TLC Tag Team Match, this episode set the stage for Backlash with high stakes and intense rivalries.
Here’s a detailed recap of the full results, segment highlights, and what’s next for the superstars of SmackDown.
Match Results
1. Fraxiom (Axiom and Nathan Frazer) def. Legado Del Fantasma (Angel and Berto)
Recap: Fraxiom made an impressive SmackDown debut, showcasing their high-flying synergy. Axiom’s Spanish Fly and Nathan Frazer’s Phoenix Splash secured the victory after a fast-paced battle.
Finish: Nathan Frazer pinned Angel after the Phoenix Splash.
2. Jade Cargill def. Tiffany Stratton (c) via disqualification (WWE Women’s Championship)
Recap: Stratton’s title reign was tested by Cargill’s power, but interference from Naomi led to a DQ finish. Post-match, Nia Jax attacked Stratton, raising the championship belt.
Finish: Naomi’s interference caused the disqualification.
3. Zelina Vega def. Chelsea Green (c) (Women’s United States Championship)
Recap: Vega captured her first Women’s US Title in an emotional victory, overcoming distractions from Piper Niven and Alba Fyre.
Finish: Vega pinned Green after a Code Red.
4. Drew McIntyre def. LA Knight via disqualification (Number 1 Contender for United States Championship)
Recap: A hard-hitting match ended abruptly when Solo Sikoa attacked LA Knight with a Samoan Spike, and Damian Priest interfered, attacking McIntyre. Jacob Fatu then cleared the ring.
Finish: Priest’s interference led to the disqualification.
5. The Street Profits (c) def. The Motor City Machine Guns and DIY (Triple Threat Tables, Ladders, and Chairs Tag Team Match for WWE World Tag Team Championships)
Recap: A chaotic, high-octane match saw ladders, tables, and chairs used to devastating effect. The Street Profits retained their titles in a thrilling finish.
Finish: Montez Ford retrieved the belts atop the ladder.
Segment Highlights
1. John Cena vs. Randy Orton: A Bitter Rivalry Ignites
Recap: The show opened with John Cena, the Undisputed WWE Champion, met with a hostile crowd chanting “Cena sucks.” After a sarcastic introduction by announcer Mark Nash, Cena’s promo took a dark turn as he dismissed the fans and his legacy. Randy Orton interrupted, reflecting on their 25-year history and urging Cena to reconnect with his roots. The exchange escalated when Cena insulted Orton’s family and the fans, claiming he never needed them. Orton challenged Cena for the title, but Cena refused an immediate match, instead booking it for Backlash in St. Louis—Orton’s hometown. The segment ended with Cena attacking Orton, only for Orton to counter with an RKO, holding the title high as the crowd roared.
2. Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill’s Championship Clash
Recap: WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton boasted about her WrestleMania victory over Charlotte Flair, declaring herself the one and only. Jade Cargill interrupted, challenging Stratton’s claim to be the best. The impromptu title match was intense, with both women trading near-falls until Naomi’s interference cost Stratton the match via DQ. Nia Jax’s post-match attack on Stratton hinted at a looming title threat.
3. Jacob Fatu’s United States Championship Reign Begins
Recap: Accompanied by Solo Sikoa, new United States Champion Jacob Fatu declared himself “America’s most wanted.” Tensions rose when Fatu asserted his independence, subtly challenging Sikoa’s influence. LA Knight demanded a rematch, but Drew McIntyre interrupted, staking his claim. General Manager Adam Pearce booked McIntyre vs. Knight for a number-one contender spot, which ended in chaos with interference from Sikoa, Priest, and Fatu, solidifying Fatu’s dominance.
4. Aleister Black’s Shocking Return
Recap: The Miz’s rant about being overlooked at WrestleMania was cut short by the dramatic return of Aleister Black. The arena went dark, and Black emerged, silencing Miz with a spinning kick to the face. His cryptic sit-down in the ring and the crowd’s “Welcome back” chants marked a chilling comeback.
5. Zelina Vega’s Emotional Title Win
Recap: Zelina Vega’s victory over Chelsea Green for the Women’s United States Championship was a feel-good moment. Inspired by her mentors, Rey Mysterio and Eddie Guerrero, Vega overcame interference to win with a Code Red, celebrating with the Fort Worth crowd.
What’s Next?
- Backlash Showdown: Cena vs. Orton: The Undisputed WWE Championship match at Backlash promises to be a career-defining clash. Will Orton dethrone Cena in his hometown, or will Cena cement his legacy as “the last real champion”?
- United States Championship Chaos: Jacob Fatu’s reign is under threat as LA Knight and Drew McIntyre vie for a shot, with Solo Sikoa and Damian Priest adding fuel to the fire. Expect a multi-man match or a major angle at Backlash.
- Women’s Division Heats Up: Tiffany Stratton faces challenges from Jade Cargill, Naomi, and Nia Jax. A fatal four-way or triple-threat match for the WWE Women’s Championship could headline a future event.
- Tag Team Division Dominance: The Street Profits’ retention keeps them atop the tag team division, but The Motor City Machine Guns and DIY are hungry for gold. A rematch or new challengers could emerge.
- Aleister Black’s Path of Destruction: Black’s return sets the stage for a major feud with The Miz or other top stars. His dark persona could shake up SmackDown’s main event scene.
FAQs
Q: Where did the WWE SmackDown 25 April 2025 episode take place?
A: The episode was held at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.
Q: Who won the Undisputed WWE Championship on this episode?
A: No title change occurred, but John Cena defended his championship status in a promo segment, setting up a match with Randy Orton at Backlash.
Q: What was the outcome of the Women’s United States Championship match?
A: Zelina Vega defeated Chelsea Green to become the new Women’s United States Champion.
Q: Who returned to WWE during this episode?
A: Aleister Black made a shocking return, attacking The Miz during his promo.
Q: What was the main event of WWE SmackDown 25 April 2025?
A: The main event was a Triple Threat Tables, Ladders, and Chairs Tag Team Match, with The Street Profits retaining the WWE World Tag Team Championships.
Q: How did the United States Championship segment end?
A: The number-one contender match between Drew McIntyre and LA Knight ended in a disqualification due to interference, with Jacob Fatu asserting dominance afterward.