This week’s SmackDown was a rollercoaster of emotions and confrontations as Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton escalated their ongoing feud, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown at WrestleMania. The debut of Royce Keys added a fresh dynamic to the roster, while Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY set the women’s division on fire with their intense rivalry against Jade Cargill.
Sami Zayn and Trick Williams exchanged heated words, building anticipation for their upcoming United States Championship clash. Meanwhile, Drew McIntyre and Jacob Fatu’s animosity reached new heights, promising an explosive encounter at WrestleMania.
- Alexa Bliss def. Bayley (Singles Match — rollup)
- Royce Keys def. Los Garza’s Berto (Singles Match — spine buster)
- Jacob Fatu def. Tama Tonga (Singles Match — double jump moonsault)
- Cody Rhodes confronted Pat McAfee and Randy Orton in a heated segment
- Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY challenged Jade Cargill, setting up a main event showdown
- Sami Zayn and Trick Williams exchanged barbs ahead of their title match
- Drew McIntyre taunted Jacob Fatu, leading to a backstage brawl
- Royce Keys made a promising debut with a victory in his first match
Show Rundown
Cody Rhodes Confronts Pat McAfee and Randy Orton
The night kicked off with a fiery confrontation between Cody Rhodes and Pat McAfee. Cody, still reeling from last week’s attack, demanded answers and retribution. Pat McAfee, accompanied by Randy Orton, taunted Cody and the San Jose crowd, dismissing their boos and claiming he’s the hero they never knew they needed. McAfee promised that Orton would save WWE by capturing the championship at WrestleMania.
Cody, unfazed by McAfee’s bravado, retorted with a passionate defense of his family and the wrestling fans, calling them more than mere customers. The exchange culminated in a physical altercation when Randy Orton ambushed Cody from behind, leaving him laid out in the ring as McAfee gloated with the championship belt in hand.
Rhea Ripley Challenges Jade Cargill
Rhea Ripley took to the ring to address her ongoing rivalry with Jade Cargill. Congratulating Jade on her recent attacks, Rhea made it clear that the animosity between them had become deeply personal. She invited Jade to face her directly, promising retribution for herself and IYO SKY, who also suffered at Jade’s hands.
IYO SKY, despite an injured arm, joined Rhea in the ring, expressing her desire to face Jade that very night. SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis approved the match, setting up a main event clash between IYO and Jade.
Bayley vs. Alexa Bliss
The first match of the night featured Bayley taking on Alexa Bliss. The bout was competitive from the start, with Bayley gaining early control through a series of shoulder tackles and forearms. Alexa, however, showcased her resilience, countering Bayley’s aggression with a drop toe hold and a mocking display that momentarily shifted the momentum in her favor.
The match saw both competitors exchange near-falls and high-impact maneuvers, including a sunset flip powerbomb by Bayley and a tornado butterfly suplex from Alexa. The end came when Alexa capitalized on a distraction caused by Charlotte Flair at ringside, rolling up Bayley for the victory.
Sami Zayn Confronts Trick Williams
United States Champion Sami Zayn addressed the WWE Universe, responding to the mixed reactions he’s received lately. He reiterated his commitment to staying true to himself and his loyal fans, despite the growing pressures and criticisms.
His speech was interrupted by Trick Williams, who, alongside Lil Yachty, mocked Sami and promised to dethrone him at WrestleMania. The verbal sparring set the stage for an intense championship clash, with both men eager to prove themselves on the grandest stage.
Royce Keys vs. Berto
The highly anticipated debut of Royce Keys did not disappoint. Facing Los Garza’s Berto, Royce showcased his athleticism and power from the outset. Despite Berto’s attempts to gain an upper hand with outside interference from Angel, Keys maintained his composure and unleashed a series of powerful moves.
After a dominant display, Keys secured the victory with a decisive spine buster, marking an impressive start to his SmackDown career.
Drew McIntyre and Jacob Fatu’s Escalating Rivalry
Drew McIntyre delivered a scathing promo, targeting Jacob Fatu’s character and past. He accused Fatu of being a liability and vowed to be his judge, jury, and executioner at WrestleMania. The words struck a nerve, leading to a backstage confrontation where tensions boiled over into physicality.
Later in the night, after Fatu’s victory over Tama Tonga, Drew ambushed him, executing a brutal post-match assault that left Fatu handcuffed and battered. WWE officials intervened to separate the two, but the damage was done, further intensifying their feud.
Main Event: IYO SKY vs. Jade Cargill
The main event saw IYO SKY, nursing an injury, bravely step into the ring against Jade Cargill. The match was a physical contest, with Jade targeting IYO’s weakened arm. Despite the disadvantage, IYO fought valiantly, showcasing her technical prowess and high-flying abilities.
In a dramatic conclusion, Jade attempted to use a chair post-match, only to be confronted by Rhea Ripley, who chased her off, setting the stage for their anticipated WrestleMania clash.
Standout Performer
Cody Rhodes emerged as the standout performer of the night, not only for his in-ring prowess but for his impassioned promo skills. His confrontation with Pat McAfee and Randy Orton was a masterclass in storytelling, delivering emotional depth and intensity that resonated with the audience. Cody’s ability to convey the stakes and personal nature of his feud with Orton highlighted his role as a top star heading into WrestleMania.
Analysis
The escalation between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton is the highlight of the current SmackDown storyline landscape. Their deeply personal animosity, fueled by McAfee’s provocations, provides a compelling narrative that leverages history while promising future payoffs. The intensity of their interactions builds anticipation for their impending WrestleMania showdown, ensuring fan investment.
Rhea Ripley’s rivalry with Jade Cargill also stands out, offering a fresh and dynamic storyline in the women’s division. Rhea’s alignment with IYO SKY adds layers to the feud, promising explosive in-ring encounters and further character development.
Sami Zayn’s ongoing saga with Trick Williams injects new life into the United States Championship scene. The contrast between Sami’s seasoned experience and Trick’s brash confidence creates a narrative ripe for WrestleMania’s grand stage, where both men have much to prove.
The debut of Royce Keys adds a promising new element to the SmackDown roster. His victory over Berto, coupled with his engaging backstory, positions him as a potential breakout star, offering fresh matchups and storylines for the future.
What Happens Next
As WrestleMania approaches, the stakes between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton couldn’t be higher. With personal pride and the championship on the line, their confrontation promises to be a focal point of the event, potentially reshaping the WWE landscape.
Rhea Ripley and Jade Cargill’s feud is set to culminate in a high-stakes clash at WrestleMania, with potential ramifications for the women’s division hierarchy. The involvement of IYO SKY adds intrigue, as her role could influence the outcome and future alliances.
Sami Zayn and Trick Williams’ United States Championship match will test Trick’s mettle against an experienced champion. The outcome could signal a changing of the guard or reaffirm Sami’s status as a resilient titleholder.
Royce Keys’ impressive debut sets the stage for his continued rise on SmackDown. His interactions with established stars like Solo Sikoa hint at future alliances or rivalries, offering intriguing possibilities for his character development.
