Friday Night SmackDown Highlights: April 11, 2025
In the lead-up to WrestleMania 41, WWE presented an exhilarating episode of Friday Night SmackDown from the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, WA. This penultimate show featured key story developments, including WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes’ presence, Ray Fenix in his second WWE bout, and an intense confrontation between Damian Priest and Drew McIntyre, marking the final clashes before the WrestleMania spectacle.
Key Moments From the Show
- The event kicked off with SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis introducing Randy Orton. The Viper expressed frustration over his recent treatment, referencing a hefty fine from the previous year. Orton challenged both Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga, sparking an immediate brawl in the ring. LA Knight rushed to Orton’s aid, leading to a tag team match announcement between Orton & Knight versus Sikoa & Tonga as the main event.
- A thrilling women’s tag team gauntlet match saw Bayley and Lyra Valkyria defeat multiple opponents. Valkyria secured the final pinfall over Alba Fyre, setting the stage for their Women’s Tag Team Championship match against Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez at WrestleMania 41.
- Joe Tessitore shared a recap of a shocking incident involving Charlotte Flair and Tiffany Stratton, with Flair being sent home for the week. This was followed by a heated exchange between McIntyre and Priest, culminating in a fierce altercation where McIntyre showcased his resilience with a Future Shock DDT on the steel steps.
- The duo #DIY reviewed their recent loss to Pretty Deadly, believing it to be a conspiracy, to which the Motor City Machine Guns responded that it was merely karma.
- In a singles match, Ray Fenix faced Berto. After the bout, Santos Escobar extended a hand to Fenix, which Berto rejected, showcasing underlying tensions within Legado del Fantasma.
- Roxanne Perez confronted WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton backstage, pushing for a matchup, while a pre-recorded promo featuring CM Punk and Paul Heyman set the narrative leading into Punk’s upcoming match at WrestleMania.
- Naomi criticized Jade Cargill in a cutting video, accusing her of being a “snake”and igniting a war of words for their forthcoming confrontation.
- Cody Rhodes engaged the crowd by discussing the prestige of the WWE Championship while addressing John Cena’s attempts to monopolize its legacy.
- The upcoming Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal and a title defense by The Street Profits were teased for next week, while tensions flared as The Miz and Carmelo Hayes confronted the tag champions.
- Tiffany Stratton clashed with Roxanne Perez in a non-title matchup, which turned chaotic as Charlotte Flair re-emerged to attack Stratton.
- Finally, Randy Orton and LA Knight overcame Sikoa and Tonga, only for Jacob Fatu to assault Knight post-match, leaving the audience in suspense.
Match Results
- Lyra Valkyria and Bayley won the Women’s Tag Team Gauntlet
- Ray Fenix defeated Berto via pinfall
- Zelina Vega claimed victory over Chelsea Green via count out
- Tiffany Stratton won against Roxanne Perez via pinfall
- Randy Orton and LA Knight triumphed over Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga
Upcoming WrestleMania 41 Card
NIGHT 1 – Saturday, April 19
- Jey Uso vs. GUNTHER
- Jade Cargill vs. Naomi
- War Raiders vs. The New Day
- Rey Mysterio vs. El Grande Americano
- LA Knight vs. Jacob Fatu
- Tiffany Stratton vs. Charlotte Flair
- Seth Rollins vs. Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk (Main Event)
NIGHT 2 – Sunday, April 20
- Bayley and Lyra Valkyria vs. Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez
- Damian Priest vs. Drew McIntyre
- Bron Breakker vs. Dominik Mysterio vs. Finn Bálor vs. Penta
- AJ Styles vs. Logan Paul
- IYO WeY vs. Rhea Ripley vs. Bianca Belair
- Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena (Main Event)
Does Randy Orton Have a New Opponent?
Speculations Surrounding Orton’s Potential Match
Randy Orton: If you don’t give me my match I won’t apologize to Mickie James for what I’m going to do. Nick Aldis gotta fight that man — Public Enemies Podcast (@PublicEnemiesHQ) April 12, 2025
Following the confrontational segment between Randy Orton and Nick Aldis, speculation mounts regarding Orton’s WrestleMania opponent. While many hoped it would be Aldis, it seems increasingly likely that Solo Sikoa is poised to step in. Despite their history, the underlying narrative of Orton and Aldis has simmered throughout the past year, presenting a compelling storyline worth revisiting as WrestleMania approaches.
Ray Fenix Continues to Shine
Impressive Performances from WWE’s Newest Star
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSFgTBckyw4
Ray Fenix captivated the audience once again in his recent match, showcasing his undeniable talent as the newest WWE signee. His encounter with Berto was an exhilarating display of skill, with Fenix emerging as the standout performer. This raises questions about the handling of such talents during their AEW tenure, yet both Fenix and his partner seem to be positioned for significant success in WWE.
Our Take on Tonight’s Friday Night SmackDown
Defining Moments Ahead of WrestleMania
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMVNj0Pnerg
This episode felt more like a standard setup compared to the climactic preceding weeks. While it contained several memorable moments and advancements in storylines, especially regarding the Women’s United States Championship, there remains a pressing need for greater focus on these narratives heading into WrestleMania. As the anticipation builds for the grand event, WWE is laying down the final touches for compelling go-home shows next week. Will all questions be resolved by then? Only time will tell!