This week’s SmackDown was a rollercoaster of emotions and action as Randy Orton, with the help of Pat McAfee, ambushed Cody Rhodes, setting the stage for their WrestleMania showdown.
Rhea Ripley battled Michin in a fierce contest, while Sami Zayn defended his United States Championship against Carmelo Hayes in a high-stakes main event.
Storylines for WrestleMania 42 continued to heat up with Trick Williams and Lil Yachty making their presence felt, and Uncle Howdy securing a controversial win over Tama Tonga.
- Rhea Ripley def. Michin via submission (Singles Match — Prison Trap)
- Uncle Howdy def. Tama Tonga (Singles Match — Sister Abigail)
- Aleister Black def. Matt Cardona (Singles Match — Black Mass)
- Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss def. Bayley & Lyra Valkyria (Tag Team Match — double Natural Selection)
- R-Truth & Damian Priest def. The Miz & Kit Wilson to retain the WWE Tag Team Championships (Tag Team Match — South of Heaven)
- Sami Zayn def. Carmelo Hayes to retain the United States Championship (Singles Match — Helluva Kick)
- Randy Orton and Pat McAfee ambushed Cody Rhodes during an opening segment.
- Rhea Ripley declared her intentions to become the new Women’s Champion at WrestleMania.
- Trick Williams and Lil Yachty confronted Sami Zayn, leading to a title defense against Carmelo Hayes.
- A Jacob Fatu video promo aired, targeting Drew McIntyre.
- Uncle Howdy used the lantern to distract Tama Tonga, securing a victory.
- Cody Rhodes responded to Orton’s ambush with a fiery promo.
Randy Orton and Pat McAfee Ambush Cody Rhodes
The night kicked off with Randy Orton receiving a hero’s welcome in his hometown of St. Louis. Orton, with a confident grin, addressed the crowd, promising to walk out of WrestleMania 42 as the Undisputed WWE Champion. His words were sharp as he declared that Cody Rhodes would leave empty-handed.
As Orton continued, Cody Rhodes marched to the ring, igniting a brawl between the two. Pat McAfee, in a shocking twist, blindsided Rhodes with a low blow. Orton capitalized, assaulting Cody with a steel chair while McAfee spewed vitriol about the state of WWE and the importance of Orton’s legacy. This brutal segment set the tone for the evening, with the crowd left buzzing from the unexpected alliance.
Backstage with Orton and McAfee
Post-commercial break, Orton and McAfee were seen backstage, celebrating their ambush. McAfee praised Orton, reminding him of his greatness and how they were destined to change the business. They departed the arena in a pickup truck, leaving a trail of questions and chaos in their wake.
Rhea Ripley vs. Michin
Rhea Ripley and Michin squared off in a hard-hitting contest. Ripley dominated early with a series of powerful moves, including a spear into the turnbuckle and a fallaway slam. However, the match took a twist when Jade Cargill attempted to interfere, providing Michin an opening with a release German suplex.
After the break, Ripley regained control, showcasing her resilience with a suplex and a series of strikes. Despite Michin’s best efforts, including a poisonrana, Ripley secured the victory with the Prison Trap, forcing Michin to tap out. Post-match chaos ensued as B-Fab and Jade Cargill attempted to take down Ripley, but IYO SKY’s timely intervention evened the odds.
Backstage with Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY
Rhea Ripley, nursing an injury, declared her determination to become the Women’s Champion. She emphasized her friendship with IYO SKY, stating that together, they are unstoppable. This segment solidified their alliance as they look towards WrestleMania.
Uncle Howdy vs. Tama Tonga
Tama Tonga faced off against Uncle Howdy in a match marred by distractions. Despite an aggressive start from Tonga, Uncle Howdy gained the upper hand with a Mandible Claw. The match’s climax came when Solo Sikoa’s attempt to interfere with the lantern backfired, allowing Uncle Howdy to hit Sister Abigail for the win.
The post-match tension between Solo and Tama highlighted the ongoing internal strife within their faction, as they argued over the significance of the lantern.
Cody Rhodes Responds
Later in the night, Cody Rhodes addressed the earlier ambush with a passionate promo. He critiqued Orton’s reliance on McAfee and expressed his disdain for their actions. Rhodes made it clear that while Orton might have awakened some demons, he was ready to face them head-on at WrestleMania, promising to hear the voices in his head but not letting them dictate his actions.
Sami Zayn vs. Carmelo Hayes — United States Championship
The main event featured Sami Zayn defending his United States Championship against Carmelo Hayes. The match was a testament to both competitors’ skills, with Hayes starting strong with a series of high-flying maneuvers. Zayn, however, showcased his veteran instincts, countering with his signature strikes and suplexes.
The turning point came when Hayes, visibly struggling with a knee injury, missed his top rope finisher. Zayn capitalized with a Helluva Kick to retain his title. Post-match, Trick Williams and Lil Yachty ambushed Zayn, with Williams standing tall, holding the United States Championship.
Standout Performer
Rhea Ripley emerged as the standout performer of the night, demonstrating her dominance and strategic prowess in the ring. Her ability to overcome distractions and secure a decisive victory showcased her readiness for a title shot. Additionally, her promo with IYO SKY highlighted her character depth and determination to succeed at WrestleMania.
Analysis
This episode of SmackDown effectively built anticipation for WrestleMania 42, particularly through the escalating rivalry between Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes. Orton’s alliance with Pat McAfee adds a new layer to his character, positioning him as a calculated, ruthless competitor willing to do whatever it takes to win.
Rhea Ripley’s victory and subsequent promo were crucial in establishing her as a credible threat to the Women’s Championship. Her partnership with IYO SKY adds depth to her character, suggesting a potential long-term storyline that could evolve post-WrestleMania.
Sami Zayn’s successful title defense against Carmelo Hayes was another highlight. The involvement of Trick Williams and Lil Yachty adds intrigue to the United States Championship scene, setting up potential future feuds and alliances.
Uncle Howdy’s victory over Tama Tonga, albeit controversial, keeps him relevant in the ongoing storyline involving the lantern. The internal conflict within Solo Sikoa’s faction suggests more twists and turns as they approach WrestleMania.
What Happens Next
The fallout from Orton and McAfee’s attack on Cody Rhodes will undoubtedly be a focal point moving forward. How Rhodes retaliates and whether he enlists allies of his own could significantly influence the WrestleMania landscape.
Rhea Ripley’s momentum heading into WrestleMania sets the stage for a potential title change. Her alliance with IYO SKY could play a crucial role in overcoming any obstacles presented by Jade Cargill and her followers.
Sami Zayn’s rivalry with Trick Williams and the influence of Lil Yachty suggests a multi-layered feud that could extend beyond WrestleMania. The dynamics between these characters will be pivotal in shaping the United States Championship picture.
