In a riveting night of professional wrestling action, WWE SmackDown on March 21, 2025, showcased spectacular rivalries and set the stage for WrestleMania 41. Headlining the night was the volatile encounter between Drew McIntyre and Damian Priest, as McIntyre’s frustrations continued to mount in recent weeks, leading to a chaotic showdown after their tag match.
The evening’s main event featured a tag-team match that pitted Drew McIntyre and Shinsuke Nakamura against Damian Priest and Jimmy Uso. This bout saw Nakamura take the pinfall loss, a reflection of WWE's narrative direction, as McIntyre's feud with Priest intensifies. After the match, McIntyre expressed his fury, delivering a beating to Priest, a clash that further fueled the storyline heading into WrestleMania 41.
Looking ahead, McIntyre versus Priest promises to be a sleeper hit on the grand stage, with reports suggesting a match length of 15-20 minutes, providing ample time for storytelling and athletic displays. Their previous encounter at Clash At The Castle last summer demonstrated their chemistry, and now both wrestlers stand poised for another captivating showdown.
Additionally, another significant rivalry unfolded on the same episode, as Randy Orton vowed to take Kevin Owens' head off his shoulders, a dramatic proclamation fueled by the “voices in his head” that echo his infamous past. This teasing return of the 'punter' persona adds an element of nostalgia alongside intensity, invigorating the buzz surrounding WrestleMania 41.
The comparisons to Orton's earlier days, particularly his 2009 tenure, hint at an impending confrontation that could electrify the crowd at Mania. Notably, Drew McIntyre was also a central figure, albeit with sentiments that differ from Orton’s. One writer expressed disappointment at the direction of McIntyre’s current feud with Priest, suggesting that it lacks the title prestige that a match against LA Knight could bring.
Meanwhile, Charlotte Flair delivered a commanding performance during a split-screen interview with Tiffany Stratton. Despite some backlash online ridiculing Stratton's nervous demeanor, Flair maintained her status as a veteran presence, dominating the conversation and hinting at a less certain future for the championship than initially assumed. Fans began second-guessing the expected outcome at WrestleMania.
On another note, the women's division saw Piper Niven square off with Zelina Vega. This match raised questions about the booking choices, particularly given Niven's dominant stature and the expected outcome in a straightforward contest.
A standout match featured Jade Cargill versus Liv Morgan. Here, the ongoing narrative escalated with interference from Naomi, leaving fans questioning the integrity of Cargill’s win. The match was a highlight, showcasing Morgan's ability to elevate her opponent while maintaining suspense in what should have been a straightforward encounter.
In a controversial finish, Braun Strowman faced Jacob Fatu amid rising tensions that hint at a larger conflict leading into Mania. Observers are eager for a showdown between Fatu and Solo Sikoa, as elements of the storyline unfold in anticipated dramatic proportions.
Furthermore, a heated verbal exchange between CM Punk, Seth Rollins, and Roman Reigns created a charged atmosphere, engaging the audience with talk of past alliances and rivalries. Despite some dissent highlighting the perceived absence of history between them, many fans felt the emotional stakes were palpable, with their interaction laying groundwork for a thrilling triple threat encounter at WrestleMania.
As the WWE SmackDown episode wrapped up, fans were left buzzing with excitement for the upcoming grand event. The feuds all showcase the ongoing drama, intense rivalries, and captivating performances that characterize WWE programming. With WrestleMania 41 approaching, every match and storyline ripens for significant storytelling, and anticipation heightens for the epic showdowns soon to come.
