WWE SmackDown on March 28, 2025, lit up the O2 Arena in London, England, with a thrilling lineup leading up to WrestleMania 41. The night featured a mix of intense matches, emotional confrontations, and a highly anticipated contract signing that set the stage for one of the biggest events in wrestling history.
As the show kicked off, the Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes took center stage, basking in the adoration of the London crowd. "What do you wanna talk about?" he asked, before announcing he would defend his title against John Cena at WrestleMania 41, aiming to break the record with his seventeenth world championship. The mention of Cena ignited a mixed reaction from the audience, with some cheering and others booing.
Suddenly, Randy Orton's music hit, and the crowd erupted. Orton, who has a storied history with Rhodes, praised him for his journey in the wrestling business. "Cody single-handedly changed the business by leaving, and everyone in the back knows it," Orton declared. He acknowledged Cody's struggles and successes, particularly his epic match against Seth Rollins inside Hell in a Cell, where he fought with a torn pec. Orton expressed his respect for Cody but made it clear that he is coming for the WWE title after WrestleMania.
However, Drew McIntyre soon interrupted, calling out both men for their "love fest" in the ring. He challenged Orton's recent title aspirations, reminding him he had been sidelined for months. McIntyre claimed the main event should be him against Cody, asserting that he was the rightful contender for the title. Tensions escalated, leading to a physical confrontation where Cody punched McIntyre, narrowly avoiding an RKO from Orton as McIntyre fled the scene.
The first match of the night saw the WWE Tag Team Champions, The Street Profits, defend their titles against Pretty Deadly. The match showcased impressive teamwork, with both teams delivering high-flying moves and near falls. In a dramatic finish, The Street Profits executed their signature Doomsday Blockbuster on Kit Wilson, securing the victory and retaining their championships.
Next up, the newly formed duo known as The Secret Hervice, consisting of Alba Fyre and Piper Niven, faced off against Kayden Carter and Katana Chance. The match featured a chaotic exchange of momentum, but thanks to a distraction from Chelsea Green, Niven was able to hit Carter with the Piper Driver to claim victory for her team. Post-match, Zelina Vega attempted to intervene but was quickly overwhelmed by The Secret Hervice.
The night took a shocking turn during the United States Championship match between LA Knight and Braun Strowman. Just as the match was heating up, Jacob Fatu stormed the ring, attacking Strowman and causing the match to end in disqualification. Fatu's interference led to a brutal series of attacks on both Knight and Strowman, including a double jump moonsault that left the crowd in awe.
Meanwhile, Naomi's storyline took center stage as she confronted her past with Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill. Naomi expressed her frustrations about feeling underappreciated and warned Jade to proceed with caution. This tension boiled over when Naomi attacked Michin and B-Fab, only to be chased off by Cargill, setting the stage for a potential showdown in the future.
Charlotte Flair continued her dominance by defeating Michin with her signature Figure-Eight Leglock, showcasing her prowess as she prepares for WrestleMania. After the match, Tiffany Stratton commented on the stakes at WrestleMania, emphasizing how much is on the line for both her and Flair.
In the main event of the evening, Drew McIntyre faced Randy Orton in a highly anticipated clash. The match was intense, with both competitors showcasing their strengths. Just when it seemed Orton had the upper hand, Kevin Owens made a surprise appearance, distracting Orton and allowing McIntyre to land a Claymore Kick for the win. After the match, Owens and Orton brawled, leaving the audience buzzing with excitement.
As the show concluded, the highly anticipated WrestleMania 41 contract signing took place. Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and CM Punk gathered in the ring, with General Manager Nick Aldis overseeing the proceedings. The atmosphere was electric as Reigns signed the contract first, followed by Rollins, who voiced his displeasure at Punk's inclusion in the main event. Punk, in a heartfelt moment, thanked the fans for their support over the years before signing the contract, leaving the crowd chanting his name.
This episode of SmackDown not only highlighted the rivalries and storylines leading into WrestleMania 41 but also set the tone for what fans can expect from the event. With intense matches, emotional moments, and the promise of high stakes, the road to WrestleMania continues to captivate audiences.
