WWE SmackDown returned to the Allstate Arena in Chicago, Illinois, on April 4, 2025, with a high-energy show that set the stage for WrestleMania 41. The arena was buzzing with excitement as the roster prepared for the upcoming extravaganza in Las Vegas, and the night featured some major matches and appearances from top stars.
The show kicked off with the hometown hero, CM Punk, making a grand entrance to a thunderous ovation from the 16,000 fans in attendance. Punk took a moment to soak in the atmosphere, thanking the Chicago crowd for their unwavering support throughout his career. He expressed his gratitude to his wife, April, and his dog, Larry, before stating, "I’m in the main event of WrestleMania, and I promise I’m going to whip Seth Rollins’ ass and put a beating on Roman Reigns!" Punk's passionate speech set the tone for the evening.
Paul Heyman soon joined Punk in the ring, addressing the crowd and acknowledging their shared history. Heyman asked Punk about the favor he owes him, a storyline that has been building in the weeks leading up to WrestleMania. Punk, however, insisted he would reveal the favor only when Roman Reigns arrived, adding to the suspense of the night.
As the night progressed, the action turned to the ring with the debut of Rey Fenix. He faced off against Nathan Frazer in a fast-paced match that showcased both competitors' agility and skills. Fenix quickly gained the upper hand, impressing the crowd with his high-flying maneuvers. After a series of thrilling exchanges, Fenix secured the victory with a stunning Mexican Muscle Buster, marking a successful debut. Post-match, Fenix thanked the Chicago fans, stating, "Tonight is so much more than just a debut; I am WWE animal!"
Next up was a highly anticipated match between LA Knight and Tama Tonga, with Knight defending his United States Championship. The match was competitive, with both men exchanging powerful strikes and high-impact moves. Knight ultimately triumphed after hitting Tonga with his signature BFT (Blunt Force Trauma), solidifying his position as the champion.
The evening also featured a heated segment between Charlotte Flair and Tiffany Stratton. The two women engaged in a fiery exchange of words, with Stratton taunting Flair about her legacy and her relationship with her father, Ric Flair. The tension reached a boiling point as both women prepared to clash at WrestleMania for the WWE Women’s Championship.
In a pivotal match for the tag team titles, the Motor City Machine Guns faced off against DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) for a shot at the WWE Tag Team Championship. The match was filled with dramatic moments, including an exposed turnbuckle that played a crucial role in the outcome. The Motor City Machine Guns emerged victorious after a roll-up pin, becoming the new number one contenders for the titles.
Naomi also returned to the ring to face B-Fab, but the match was interrupted when Jade Cargill attacked Naomi during her entrance. Despite the chaos, Naomi managed to secure a quick victory over B-Fab with a wrist-clutch single-leg Codebreaker. Following the match, Cargill attacked Naomi again, leading to an official announcement by Nick Aldis that the two would face off at WrestleMania.
The night concluded with a Last Man Standing match between Jacob Fatu and Braun Strowman, where the winner would earn a shot at the United States Championship. The match was brutal, with both competitors utilizing their strength and resilience. Strowman demonstrated his power by delivering a Strowman Express through the barricade, but Fatu fought back valiantly. The match showcased the intense rivalry between the two, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown at WrestleMania.
Overall, WWE SmackDown on April 4 was an action-packed event filled with memorable moments and significant developments leading up to WrestleMania 41. As the excitement builds, fans are left eagerly anticipating the matches and storylines that will unfold in Las Vegas.
