In a thrilling episode of WWE SmackDown on April 4, 2025, held at the Allstate Arena in Chicago, the action-packed night featured several high-stakes matches and dramatic moments leading up to WrestleMania 41. The show kicked off with a huge ovation for Chicago's own CM Punk, who addressed the crowd with heartfelt gratitude. "They told me the best crowds were overseas, but look at this!" Punk exclaimed, capturing the electric atmosphere of his hometown. He reflected on his journey, thanking his wife April and even mentioning his puppy, Larry, which sparked playful chants from the audience.
Punk's segment was soon interrupted by Paul Heyman, who arrived to discuss the favor he owed Punk after their history together. Heyman acknowledged that Punk deserved to be in the main event of WrestleMania, stating, "You belong here, you belong in Chicago, and you belong in the main event of WrestleMania." Punk teased the crowd, saying he would reveal the favor later when Roman Reigns arrived.
The first match of the night saw Rey Fenix make his WWE debut against Nathan Frazer. Fenix showcased his impressive skills, ultimately defeating Frazer with a stunning Mexican Muscle Buster after a competitive bout that lasted about ten minutes. Following the match, Fenix expressed his joy in the ring, stating, "Tonight, it’s not the debut of Rey Fenix; it’s so much more. I am WWE!" His passionate words resonated with the fans, who cheered wildly for the newcomer.
Next, Drew McIntyre delivered a taped promo, donning an eye patch after being put through a windshield by Damian Priest. He expressed his desire for revenge, saying he wanted to face Priest like a man, setting the stage for their ongoing feud.
In another exciting match, LA Knight faced Tama Tonga, with Knight emerging victorious after a hard-fought battle that showcased both competitors' abilities. The match ended with Knight hitting his signature BFT maneuver, securing the win in approximately ten minutes.
Backstage, Braun Strowman hyped himself up for his upcoming Last Man Standing match against Jacob Fatu, declaring his intention to win the United States title at WrestleMania. However, tensions escalated as Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga confronted him, leading to an intense exchange of words.
The WWE Women’s Champion, Tiffany Stratton, faced Charlotte Flair in a heated Face to Face segment moderated by Wade Barrett. The two women exchanged barbs, with Stratton asserting that Flair would always be in her father's shadow. "No matter how many titles you win, you’ll always come second to your daddy Ric Flair," Stratton declared, igniting a fierce reaction from the crowd.
In the tag team division, the Motor City Machine Guns faced off against #DIY in a No. 1 Contender's Match for the WWE Tag Team Titles. The Guns secured a hard-fought victory after a controversial finish involving an exposed turnbuckle, setting them up for a title shot against The Street Profits.
Naomi took on B-Fab in a quick match, winning decisively with a modified Lung Blower. However, the post-match chaos ensued when Jade Cargill attacked Naomi, leading to an announcement from GM Nick Aldis that the two would face off at WrestleMania.
As the night progressed, Kevin Owens shocked the WWE Universe by announcing that he would need to undergo neck surgery, forcing him to withdraw from his WrestleMania match against Randy Orton. This revelation prompted Orton to lash out, delivering an RKO to GM Aldis, who had just informed him of the situation.
The main event featured Jacob Fatu battling Braun Strowman in a brutal Last Man Standing match. The two superstars delivered a hard-hitting performance that had the crowd on their feet. Fatu ultimately emerged victorious after putting Strowman through a table with a flying hip attack, earning himself a shot at the United States title at WrestleMania.
As the show neared its conclusion, Roman Reigns finally arrived, confronting Punk in the ring. Reigns asserted that Punk would not be in the main event if it weren't for him. Punk revealed that his favor was to have Paul Heyman in his corner at WrestleMania, a revelation that left Reigns furious. "That’s the favor?" Reigns scoffed, but Heyman, caught in the middle, could not refuse Punk's request.
In a shocking turn of events, Punk attacked Reigns with a Go To Sleep, leaving the crowd in awe as the show ended with Punk standing tall over the fallen Reigns. The anticipation for WrestleMania 41 has never been higher as rivalries intensify and the stakes continue to rise.
Next week, WWE SmackDown will feature Cody Rhodes' return, a Women's Tag Team Gauntlet Match, Rey Fenix facing Berto, and a face-to-face meeting between Damian Priest and Drew McIntyre. Fans are eagerly awaiting what promises to be another action-packed episode as the road to WrestleMania continues.
