Friday Night Smackdown Review 17.5.2025.

Intro

I have to say it. WWE has entred it's after Mania slump. As a fan who's been watching the WWE product for over 30 years of his life, I don't always feel the slump especially when i'm writing about the shows on a weekly basis. I think this is because when you love what you love, it can be hard to seperate yourself from the dredge of the product. This stands with AEW as well. You're not going to like everything that a company puts forward, which is why I use the analogy of pick'n mix, because were all different.

Superstars Seen Showing Up.

Tiffany Stratton, and Nia Jax were seen showing up to the arena, ahead of their Main Event later on.

Solo Sikoa Segment.

I liked this. Solo has started to shift gears when you dig beneath the surface. He said that he rose from the ashes of Romans former empire, and in order to solidify that he needs to win the MITB briefcase, and if anyone wants to step to him, then they have to get through JC, and. Jacob Fatu. Jacob takes the mic, and says  he'll deal with everyone. Solo takes the mic, and want Jacob to show him some love, he said that he once loved him with passion, he said he loved him, and then LA Knight came out, and wrecked everyone. JC, they've made Jeff Cobb sound like a member of N Sync.

Chelsea Green vs Alexa Bliss vs Michin MITB Qualifier.

I liked this. The Match was centred the solid flow that all three ladies had. Alexa got the win, and she's now in the MITB Match.

Fraxiom vs DIY.

I liked this. It worked as a good piece of business, and a clear sign that WWE has a bright Tag Team division. Fraxiom got the win, and then had a backstage meeting with The Street profits, they will face them next week for the WWE Tag Team Championship.

R Truth Sitdown Segment With Wade Barrett.

This segment was excellent, as it builded the bridge perfectly, from the press conference after Backlash until now. Truth remained confident that the old John Cena is still inside John, as Wade barrett asked the question, why does Truth back up someone who put him through a table. Wade's selling throughout this, given his real life feelings about Cena was excellent, as the themes of reality and delusion were played out in full.

Damien Priest.

Damien Priest then challenged Drew Mcintyre to a Steel Cage Match at Saturday Nights Main Event, this was later accepted by Drew in a passionate promo. I liked both segments.

Alexa Bliss And Charlotte Segment.

Alexa Bliss was seen backstage meeting up with Charlotte Flair, and I think she gave her a warning of some kind. ( I think ).

Solo Sikoa vs Rey Fenix vs Jimmy Uso MITB Qualifier.

I Liked this. The Match was awesome. The in built storyline of Jimmy vs Solo, and rey fenix's speed made this a solid watch, but Reys speed became his undoing, as Solo gave him a spike for the win. And as by magic LA Knight came out and wrecked everyone ( again ). This was when Nick Aldis came out and said that he will face JC Mateo right now. JC would batter Knight in a fairly standard TV Match. So far I haven't been a fan of the TV presentation of Jeff Cobb. It feels like he's that new kid in school who's made to wear that new guy sticker. 

Legado Delfantasma Segment.

Santos Escobar wants Angel to find Humberto, and bring him pack to the family. He's done guys, just leave it alone.

TIffany Stratton vs Nia Jax WWE Womens Championship

This fell flat, and it never recovered in my opinion. Naomi's consistant stalking played into the finish of the Match, but not even that could get this out of 1st gear. The near falls were woven in well as the Match went on, but this wasn't for me. Tiffany retained, if this were a school report it would read must do better.

Overview Of Friday Night Smackdown.

This show overall was a decent broadcast, but the flatness of the Main Event, and the length of the show has got me down. The in-ring action went from good to poor, and the promos followed the same pattern.

This weeks Friday Night Smackdown is a solid 7/10.