WWE SmackDown took over Bologna, Italy, on March 21, 2025, delivering an electrifying spectacle that showcased why it's considered the gold standard in professional wrestling. With unexpected twists and high-octane bouts, the evening was filled with thrilling moments that have fans buzzing, especially with WrestleMania 41 just around the corner.
The show kicked off with the much-anticipated arrival of Randy Orton. In a surprising turn of events, Kevin Owens interrupted Orton, seeking to apologize for his recent conduct. He proposed that they team up to chase the WWE Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania. However, the offer was short-lived as Orton rejected it, instead challenging Owens to face him one-on-one at the big event. This dramatic showdown sets the stage for an electrifying encounter that has fans eagerly awaiting WrestleMania 41.
During this pivotal night, viewers were treated to a thrilling tag team match pitting Damian Priest and Jimmy Uso against Drew McIntyre and Shinsuke Nakamura. The duo of Priest and Uso took the victory, proving their chemistry in the ring with a solid performance that put the tag team division on notice. The victory, delivered via a South of Heaven finisher on Nakamura, highlighted WWE's dedication to story-driven wrestling, contrasting sharply with the current state of wrestling on platforms like AEW.
Next up was a hard-hitting contest featuring Braun Strowman and Jacob Fatu, where the stakes couldn’t be higher—a US Title shot was on the line. The intensity ramped up as Solo Sikoa intervened, resulting in a disqualification that left fans wondering what’s next for both Strowman and Fatu. Just as tension filled the air, LA Knight made a dramatic save, a testament to the unpredictable nature of WWE programming.
Piper Niven also left her mark by defeating Zelina Vega in a match that showcased the important role of women in WWE, proving that the women's division is particularly well-respected and prominently featured on broadcasts. Similarly, Liv Morgan faced off against Jade Cargill, winning with help from Raquel Rodriguez and Naomi. This match not only emphasized Morgan’s rising star power but also displayed a brilliant combination of teamwork amongst female wrestlers.
The Street Profits continued their winning spree by defeating Los Garza in a non-title match that demonstrated their dominance in the tag team division, further spotlighting WWE's structured approach to matches that promote memorable storytelling and character development among its superstars.
The evening culminated in a sensational main event segment involving Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and CM Punk. The atmosphere was electric as these three top stars engaged in a chaotic brawl, ending with them all pointing at the WrestleMania sign. This moment was rich with storytelling that has become synonymous with WWE’s flagship event, fueling anticipation and fan excitement for what’s to come in Las Vegas.
The high points of WWE SmackDown were not just in the ring but also in the discussion surrounding the show's production and storytelling choices. Eric Bischoff weighed in, saying, “WWE's storytelling makes Tony Khan look like a fifth-grader writing fantasy booking in his Trapper Keeper.” His critical insight draws attention to the contrasting methods of storytelling and wrestling promotion that define the rivalry between WWE and AEW, with many fans echoing Bischoff’s sentiments.
As the episode wrapped up, The Chadster, known for his candid recaps, expressed unfiltered enthusiasm for the night, dubbing it a “perfect episode” of SmackDown. His vibrant commentary continues to draw attention to the type of storytelling that WWE champions, citing the coherent building of storylines and character arcs as key elements that differentiate it from its competitors.
Looking forward, the WWE SmackDown audience can hardly wait for the next episode, set to take place in London on March 30, 2025. As WrestleMania 41 approaches, the stakes couldn't be higher. With so many storylines weaving together, the excitement leading to this monumental event is palpable.
Indeed, WWE has once again proven that it is not just about matches; it’s about captivating storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. As the landscape of wrestling continues to evolve, one thing remains certain: WWE remains at the forefront of the industry, crafting matches and storylines that will leave a lasting legacy, further enthralling wrestling fans for years to come.
