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WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT
APRIL 4, 2025
ROSEMONT, ILL. AT ALLSTATE ARENA
AIRED ON LIVE ON USA NETWORK AND LIVE ON NETFLIX INTERNATIONALLY
Commentators: Joe Tessitore, Wade Barrett
Ring Announcer: Mark Nash
Attendance: WrestleTix reports as of earlier this week, 15,638 tickets were distributed; the arena was set up for 15,637. The arena has a capacity of 18,500 spectators when configured for concerts.
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[HOUR ONE]
-Joe Tessitore introduced the show as they showed an aerial view of the Chicago skyline and then the stadium in Las Vegas hosting WrestleMania. When they showed the interior of the arena, Tessitore said it is “consistently one of the best crowds” for WWE. They showed wrestlers arriving: Braun Strowman, Jacob Fatu & Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga, L.A. Knight, DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tomasso Ciampa), the Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley), B-Fab, and Naomi. Tessitore said Naomi has told people she was “too nice for too long.”
-They cut to Tessitore and Wade Barrett at ringside. Tessitore said these fans never disappoint. Barrett said some of the most shocking moments in WWE history have been in that city. Tessitore threw to a recap of the segment that set up C.M. Punk vs. Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins as a “main event” at WrestleMania this year. It closed with Punk noting to Reigns, “But that’s not the favor that I’m owed.”
-They cut to the crowd who began to chant “C.M. Punk!” Punk then came out to his music. Barrett said the fans live vicariously through Punk, their hometown hero. Tessitore said he rarely takes off his headset, but he did to hear the fans react to Punk. He touted a crowd of “over 16,000.” Barrett said everyone wants to know what the favore owed to Punk by Heyman is. Punk said they told him the best television audiences are overseas, but he told them they were coming to Chicago. He took a camera from a camera man on the ring apron and filmed the crowd. “It’s Punk Cam,” said Tessitore. Barrett told Punk to be careful with equipment that expensive.
Punk said he wasn’t supposed to be there. He said he was born with a cord around his neck and was blue. He said his goal is to make new fans every single time he appears. He said this week he wanted to thank and appreciate his existing 16,000-plus “friends and family.” He said, “I don’t know if you’ve heard this, but I’m in the main event of WrestleMania.” Fans chanted, “You deserve it.”
He said people have told him over the years, “You’re not supposed to be here.” He said that’s when the hard work began. He said he is a product of Chicago. He said he wanted to thank his wife April before anyone else. Fans chanted, “A.J. Lee!” He said she might be mad at him for that. He said his puppy Larry won’t be mad. Fans chanted, “Larry! Larry!” He said there are so many people to thank who helped him get to where he is. He said he wouldn’t be who he is without that city and he thanked them “from the bottom of my heart.” He said he’s going to whip Seth Rollins’s ass and put a beating on Roman Reigns “at the main event of WrestleMania.”
Paul Heyman walked out and introduced himself. He said he just got in from Chicago and he apologized for being late. He assured everyone it was no disrespect to his “best friend in the world, C.M. Punk.” Heyman asked if he could enter the ring. Punk said he was just about to thank him. An “ECW” chant rang out. Punk said he can’t escape it and then joined in the chant briefly.
Heyman said, “Tonight, ask not Chicago what you can do for your Wiseman, ask what your Wiseman can do for you.” He said he wants to be the voice of the voiceless. He told Punk, “Dammit, you belong here.” He said he belongs in Chicago and he in the main event of WrestleMania. He said the last time they were standing together in the ring, Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, and Tama Tonga “were breathing down my neck and I said ‘Please take me with you.'” He said the next week they put him through a table at Madison Square Garden. Then Punk had a Hell in a Cell match with Drew McIntyre, and the beating he took was so severe, he was contemplating not coming back.
Heyman said he begged him and pleaded with him because it was four-on-five at WarGames and he had no one else to turn to. He said he asked him to please do it, and Punk said yes. “You saved the family,” he said. “You saved the match. You saved the Bloodline. You deserve all the credit in the world. And for that, I thank you, and I have – if you will indulge – one more favor to ask of you.” Punk said Heyman was “stockpiling favors.” Heyman asked, “Please tell me the favor I owe you right now.” Heyman said Roman Reigns is arriving soon and he’s angry. “And you know what happens when Samoans are angry,” Heyman said.
Punk asked if Roman wasn’t there yet. Heyman said that’s true. Punk said although the favor is none of Roman’s business, he thinks he should say it to his face. He dropped the mic and left. Heyman looked distressed as he let out a deep breath in the ring.
(Keller’s Analysis: Great hook to stay tuned until later. Punk soaked up the adulation from the Chicago fans in a gracious manner. So Heyman doesn’t know the favor Punk wants, huh? This should be interesting.)
-A vignette hyped Rey Fenix. [c]
(1) REY FENIX vs. NATHAN FRASIER
Frasier finished his ring entrance after the break. Tessitore noted he was a two-time NXT Champion and Heritage Cup champion as well. Fenix then had a ring entrance that signals he’s a big star. Barrett said he’s one of the greatest high-flyers on Earth and the hype is real. He said he is the brother of Penta. Tessitore said he has spent years establishing a brand and reputation and it now pays off.
The bell rang 30 minutes into the hour. Barrett noted Fenix contributed to Frasier’s training. They moved at a fast pace with dazzling moves. Frasier dove through the ropes, but his boots caught the middle rope. He landed short and Fenix tried to soften his fall. Fenix knocked him down and leaped off the top rope onto Frasier. They cut to a double-box break at 3:00. [d/db]
Barrett said it was a sprint from the start. Frasier kneed Fenix in the jaw, who crumpled to the mat. Fenix ran on the top rope seconds later and landed a kick and then followed with a Fire Driver for a near fall. Fenix finished Frasier with a Mexican Muscle Buster (MMB) for the win.
WINNER: Fenix in 8:00.
-Afterward, Byron Saxton interviewed Fenix in the ring. Reminiscent of his older brother Penta, he excitedly thanked the fans for their support and seemed emotional about making this big stage. He said he has a lot of history in Chicago. He said tonight is about more than him. He said he is reborn with love and passion. “I have waited my whole life to say this: I am WWE!” he said before dropping to his knees and bowing.
-Backstage, Santos Escobar told Humberto and Angel that he expects that kind of performance from them that Fenix just gave. Humberto insisted he is better than him. Santos said he likes that fire, but he has to show it in the ring. He said he’ll make the match happens.
(Keller’s Analysis: Spirited performance by Fenix. I might not have stressed that he has been on a 20 year journey to get to WWE since they told that story with Fenix. I wouldn’t have drawn attention to him being in mid-30s, and some fans might think he’s 40 based on being a pro for 20 years. It’d maybe be more exciting for fans if they think he’s got more of his career ahead of him. It’s not a big deal, as his passion and athleticism is going to connect him with fans either way.) [c]
-A Drew McIntyre vignette aired where he said Damien Priest profited off of screwing him. Drew, with a patch over his right eye, said no one cares about Priest unless he’s feasting off of his scraps. He said all he asked for is for him to explain to him how he’s wrong and poke holes in his logic and face him like a man, but he didn’t. He said he did what he always does and hid in the shadows. He said after shards of glass got in his eye, he might never be the same. He said he’s going to pray “and everybody knows when Drew McIntyre prays, bad things happen.”
(Keller’s Analysis: Drew continues to deliver top shelf character work and promos. Well produced with the music accompaniment.)
-Barrett narrated a clip of Jacob Fatu attacking Braun last week. He said “an emphatic statement was made.”
-Saxton interviewed Braun who said he has had enough of Fatu. He said he’ll show him why they call him The Monster and then he’ll go to WrestleMania and win the U.S. Title. Solo and Tama walked in. Solo laughed and said he’s finished. Knight walked in and told Braun to keep his eyes on the prize. Solo said he’s got real balls interrupting him like that. Tama said he should be worried about him tonight. Knight mocked the noises Tama makes and then headed to the ring. [c]
(2) L.A. KNIGHT vs. TAMA TONGA (w/Solo Sikoa)
Tonga’s entrance took place. The bell rang 55 minutes into the hour. Barrett said Knight’s confidence can border on delusional. Solo kept distracting Knight in the opening minutes. Knight stayed a step ahead of Solo for a while but eventually when Solo leaped on the ring apron, that distracted Knight enough to lead to Tonga knocking Knight to the floor and into the announce table. They cut to a break at 3:00. [c]
[HOUR TWO]
Knight rallied after the break and went into his finishing sequence. Tonga blocked a BFT. Solo took a swing at Knight. Knight punched him. Tonga then rolled up Knight for a two count. Knight then hit BFT for the win.
WINNER: Knight in 9:00.
-Saxton approached Heyman outside. Heyman was annoyed. Saxton asked if Punk has given him any indication of what favor he wants. Heyman turned to the camera and said he’s saying for the record that no matter what the favor is, his answer is yes. “Okay?” he said. “That’s it. So tell me and get me out of the jam I’m in with my Tribal Cheif.” In the background, a black SUV arrived. Heyman assumed it was Reigns, but Seth walked out. He told Heyman to cheer up and asked why he wasn’t excited to see him. He told Heyman he looks horrible. He told Heyman that he’s had a great week, whereas Heyman has dug himself into a huge hole with that favor. He said it affects him, so he wants to be present to hear the favor later. He assured Heyman, “It’s going to be alright.”
-Charlotte Flair made her entrance. [c]
-Tiffany Stratton made her entrance. Barrett moderated the segment in the ring. Charlotte extended her arms as Barrett introduced her. She said, “Do you hear that? That’s power.” Tiffany asked Chicago what time it was. They yelled, “Tiffy Time!” Charlotte said, “That was cute.” Barrett asked Charlotte to explain why she chose Tiffany to be her WrestleMania opponent and does she think it was a wise choice now. Charlotte said Tiffany “needed a moment” and she hadn’t done any charity work lately. He said Tiffany’s “desperation leaks through.” She said she wanted to show the fans in Chicago “there is no comparison.”
Tiffany asked if she’s done. She asked if she got her “woo” in. Tiffany said her biggest competitor has been the fans and she always loses that battle and always will. She said she acted like nothing gets to her. She said she no matter how many titles she wins, she’ll always come in second to her “daddy Ric Flair.” She said she’ll come in second to her at WrestleMania.
Charlotte tried to ask Tiffany a question, but fans were so loud, she stopped. She told Tiffany she just regurgitated what all of her opponents have told her the last ten years. She said everyone talks about her dad. Fans loudly booed. Charlotte leaned in the corner and smiled as fans chanted. Charlotte walked back to the center of the ring. Tiffany asked if the cat’s got her tongue. Charlotte asked what the fans would like her to say. Charlotte said Tiffany can have the last word.
Tiffany asked what Charlotte was doing at age 25. She said she was trying to be a volleyball star drinking in her daddy’s basement. She said she is walking into WrestleMania as the WWE Women’s Champion at age 25. She said if this is just another match to her, it actually seems like she’s gotten to her. She told Charlotte that outside of the ring, she’s “isn’t the queen of shit.” Charlotte mocked Tiffany’s high-pitched voice. Tiffany called her a nepo-baby. Charlotte proudly said she’s a “nepo-queen” and the number one “nepo-baby.” Tiffany said after WrestleMania, she’ll be just like she is outside of the ring – alone. “What is that record?” she asked. “Zero and three?” Tiffany woo’d and left. Charlotte said, “Tiffany, is that why Kaiser is in my DMs?”
(Keller’s Analysis: I’m not sure it’s a babyface move to mock someone for a recent divorce. Charlotte seemed more engaged there, but also a bit rattled by the crowd. Tiffany was better than overall there than usual.)
-G.M. Nick Aldis said next week on Smackdown, they’ll present a Women’s Tag Team Gauntlet match with teams from both Raw and Smackdown and the winner will face Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez for the tag titles.
-The Street Profits made their entrance in street clothes. [c]
(3) THE MOTOR CITY MACHINE GUNS (Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley) vs. DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tomasso Ciampa) – No. 1 Contendership match
The Profits were sitting in the front row with their feet kicked up. Barrett said the Profits have been unstoppable lately. The bell rang 28 minutes into the hour. They cut to an early double-box break. [c/db]
Gargano yanked Sabin off balance on the top rope as Ciampa distracted the ref. As Sabin fell, he pulled off the top turnbuckle pad inadvertently. Later, Gargano shoved Shelley off the top rope. Ciampa covered Sabin and put his feet on the middle rope for leverage. The ref Charles Robinson caught him and admonished him. Sabin then sent Ciampa into the exposed turnbuckle and then scored a three count.
WINNERS: The MCMGs in 8:00.
-Miz told Carmelo Hayes backstage that he appreciates opportunities he’s given, unlike Pretty Deadly. Hayes asked, “Are you a tag team or the Chicago Bears.” Pretty Deadly made fun of “Marine” moves Miz was in. They exchanged insults. Hayes said they couldn’t beat them on their worst day.
-B-Fab made her entrance. [c]
-As Naomi made her entrance, Jade Cargill attacked her from behind in the entrance area. WWE officials ran out and pulled then apart.
(4) NAOMI vs. B-FAB
Naomi made her to the ring and B-Fab went right after her. The bell rang 46 minutes into the hour. Naomi finished B-Fab with a modified lung blower for the win.
WINNER: Naomi in 2:00.
-Naomi called out Jade. Jade appeared instantly on the other side of the ring and took down Naomi with a boot. Security entered and Jade attacked them one at a time. Tessitore said she was “absolutely enraged.” Aldis (with disregard for the poor hired security guards Jade just assaulted) announced Jade vs Naomi for WrestleMania. Jade smiled and pointed at the WrestleMania sign. Naomi seemed happy too and laughed maniacally.
-Priest responded to Drew. He said he did his job after Punk clowned Drew. He said Drew screwed himself and said he’s playing the victim and calling him the villain. He walked through each of the instances Drew pointed out and rebutted Drew’s version of them. He said Drew is a hypocrite and he bitches and complains. He said he’s a junkie and he “gets off on his high horse of telling stupid-ass jokes for a cheap-ass pop.” He said he points his finger at everyone except himself. He told him to stop playing the victim. He said he’ll make him the victim at WrestleMania.
-They showed Kevin Owens backstage in a pink Bret “Hitman” Hart jacket. Barrett said he’ll speak next. [c]
-A vignette aired on Evolution with Triple H, Ric Flair, Batista, and Randy Orton with commentary by Mick Foley, Batista, Orton, Rollins, and Gunther. Tessitore said no one is more deserving to enter the Hall of Fame than Triple H.
-Aldis stood mid-ring. He said this is a part of his job that isn’t very fun. He said there’s a reason they say, “Don’t try this at home.” He said he didn’t want to say much more. He said he’d rather hear it from the man himself. He introduced Kevin Owens.
Owens entered the ring and said he’s been doing this for 25 years. He said he gave it all he could for 25 years and he’s been able to experience things he’ll never forget and take care of his family in ways he never dreamed of. He said there’s a price to pay, and that’s the toll it takes on their bodies. He said for the last four months, he’s been dealing with a series neck injuries. Aldis stood solemnly in the background.
[HOUR THREE]
Owens said they didn’t know how serious it was or what it was, but it was diagnosed this week as requiring neck surgery. He said it came at a horrible time because it really sucks he can’t get in the ring with Randy Orton. He thanked WWE for allowing WWE to tell them all that. He said the truth is he doesn’t know if he will have the privilege of being in front of them again. He the last few years, he’s learned not take anything for granted and he’ll never take his career for granted. Fans were skeptical, but increasing applauding. “For now I want to say thank you and I’m sorry guys,” he said. He hugged Aldis and left the ring. Orton’s music played.
Orton walked out and eyed Owens. Owens left the ring as Orton entered it. Owens turned to a fan who caught his attention near the entrance area. The director cut away. Orton soaked up the moment as his music faded. Aldis approached Orton with the mic as fans chanted, “Randy! Randy!” He said he’s afraid he no longer has a match for WrestleMania. Orton then gave Aldis an RKO. Orton’s music played as he kneeled. Tessitore said the voices in his head are active. Orton stood and looked at the WrestleMania sign.
(Keller’s Analysis: As fans were understandably skeptical given how many false retirement speeches there have been, this is apparently a legit situation where Owens needs neck surgery and isn’t cleared to wrestle. It was handled well, and did seem to extinguish heat on Owens’s character in favor of giving him a sincere moment to express gratitude and deliver the news. Does Orton giving Aldis an RKO mean Aldis is going to wrestle Orton out of anger for that attack? Or is that just another random “RKO Out of Nowhere” that doesn’t include any long-term ramification?) [c]
(5) BRAUN STROWMAN vs. JACOB FATU – Last Man Standing match to earn U.S. Title match
They brawled at ringside and the bell rang 13 minutes into the hour. They cut to a double-box break at 2:00 and continued to brawl at ringside. [c/db]
Back from the break, Strowman took control and leaned a table in the corner. Fatu recovered and superkicked Braun. Braun kicked him as he charged at him. Fatu pulled the top rope down as Braun charged. Braun tumbled to ringside. Fatu dove at Braun and knocked him into the announce desk. Braun stood before ten. They cut to another break at 9:00. [c]
Braun superplexed Fatu off of big storage crates in the crowd and through several tables below. Back in the ring, Fatu charged and knocked Strowman through the table leaning in the corner with a hip attack. Fatu stood and Braun was counted down for a ten count.
WINNER: Fatu in 15:00. [c]
-A lengthy video recap aired of the Cody Rhodes-John Cena segment on Raw earlier this week.
-Tessitore and Barrett hyped for next week’s Smackdown a face-to-face with Priest and Drew, plus Rey vs. Humberto.
-Saxton asked Heyman in the parking lot when Reigns was going to arrive. Heyman made some mocking noises toward Saxton and then said, “Any minute.” [c]
-Heyman was shown standing by as the SUV arrived with Reigns. Reigns walked right past Heyman without eye contact 44 minutes into the hour. Heyman said, “My Tribal Chief. My Tribal Chief!” He followed behind Reigns.
Reigns entered the ring with Heyman right behind him. “Chicago, acknowledge me!” Reigns said. Fans chanted “OTC!” Reigns asked Heyman, “Wiseman, is he here?” Heyman said he was. Fans loudly chanted, “C.M. Punk!” Reigns asked if Punk is “still talking about this favor.” Reigns said, “Chicago, I don’t know how you deal with this guy.” He asked Heyman if he should share a secret with Chicago. He said Punk wouldn’t be back there if it wasn’t for him. He said he wouldn’t be in the main event of WrestleMania if not for him. He said they are good people for liking Punk because they’re from the same place. He said they mean well, “but you’re not that smart.” He said Punk has been around forever and he has wrestled everyone under the sun, but he’s never been in the main event of WrestleMania. “That is until he was introduced to the Tribal Chief,” he said. He called for Punk to come out so they can hear what the favor is. Instead, Seth’s music played.
Seth came out as fans sang his song. Fans sang his song. He told Reigns every time he steps out of his little universe, “reality bites you in the ass.” Fans chanted, “What’s the favor!” Seth said he is wondering that, too. He said Punk is in the main event of WrestleMania because of him. He said he could have let him end Punk, but he intervened. He said he is in a better place than last week and got perspective over the last week. He said reality gives you two options: “Either you suffer and get left behind or you adapt and control reality.”
Reigns told Seth that the reality is he is untrustworthy. He said Seth has no clue what loyalty is. He said Punk stands there because he made a promise to Heyman and he keep his promises. He said he didn’t call him out, he called Punk to the ring. Fans sang “Roman Reigns” like they were in Europe. Seth said if Reigns called out Punk, there was only one thing missing. Fans again chanted for Punk.
Punk came out to his music. He entered the ring and said this favor is about friendship and legacy and promises made and promises kept. He looked over at Seth and said, “This is about loyalty.” Punk said this goes back to Heyman telling the powers that be “no” when they said he didn’t belong and wanted to fire him. He said if everyone else has forgotten about it, “that doesn’t mean I have.”
Punk said the day Heyman left the company, it was him and Big Show and RVD on Show’s bus talking amongst themselves “and I mistakenly made it about me.” He said he told Heyman that if he left, they’d fire him. Heyman told Punk that he’d be fine. Punk apologized for making it about him. He said Heyman told him, “When you main event WrestleMania, force them to deal with us.” Punk said they aren’t there anymore, so he’s going to force Reigns out of his comfort zone. He got in Reigns’s face and said, “I’m going to take you out of your comfort zone. I’m going to force you to deal with us.” Heyman mouthed, “Oh my god.” Punk said Heyman will be in his corner at WrestleMania. “Your Wiseman, my Best Friend, Paul Heyman,” he said. Seth laughed.
Reigns looked over at Heyman in disbelief and dismay. “That’s the favor?” Reigns asked. He laughed. Reigns said, “You understands he loves me, he needs me. I saved him. Even if I let him, he wouldn’t.” He laughed more. Reigns then told Heyman, “Wiseman…” Heyman said, “Yes, my Tribal Chief.” Reigns said, “Let this desperate fool down easy, will ya’.” Punk smiled and stared at Reigns. A loud “C.M. Punk!” chant rang out. Reigns looked at Heyman, wondering why he hadn’t turned him down yet. Heyman was crying. Reigns asked if he was crying. “You better wipe ’em up and tell him no,” he said. “I took you in. I made you relevant. Tell him no.” Heyman wiped his tears, seemed to gain some strength. Reigns said he was giving him one more opportunity to tell him no.
Heyman said, “No, my Tribal Chief, I can’t do that.” Heyman sobbed. Seth laughed. Punk smiled. Reigns put his hand on Heyman’s chest and backed him into the corner. Punk then attacked Reigns from behind. He gave Reigns a GTS mid-ring. He then looked over at Seth who was watching with interest. Heyman leaned on the second rope from the ring apron and seemed dismayed at the situation and concerned for Reigns. Seth left the ring, smiling the whole way. Punk posed as the show ended.
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