WWE Friday Night Smackdown Review 21.6.2025.

Superstars Seen showing. 

Randy Orton. Asuka. Alexa Bliss. Sami Zayn. Ron Killings. Solo Sikoa, and LA Knight, were even at the arena, or were just showing up, whilst the Magastar was given the walk through treatment.

LA Knight Segment.

I've just got to say it. I love this man. He called out Seth Rollins after his crew managed to screw him out of a position in The King Of The Ring Tournament, on Monday Night Raw, and then went into business, and called out Seth, but what he got was Paul Heyman, and at this point, the promo went downhill. All of this was bad, awkward, and all round terrible. Both men proved that they don't have a lot of chemistry, and it showed here. Heymans warning felt flat, and predictable. From Challenges getting made for a Match, to open threats, and even a forced beatdown, that managed to make both Bronson Reed, and. Bron Breakker look week, this was a poorly scripted trip down woeful lane. Bron Breakker would later get a Match between LA Knight, and. Bronson Reed thrown out. All of this was a massive waste of time.

Alexa Bliss vs Asuka Queen Of The Ring Semi Final.

This was a solid Match, that saw Asuka get the win, and advance to the final next weekend in Saudi Arabia. I have a thought. What's the plan for Alexa Bliss. It just feels to me that she's got no momentum at the minute.

Kit Wilson vs Alistair Black.

This Match got thrown out when Ron Killings got involved, and called out john Cena. I have no other words.

Promotrain.

I liked this. What we had next was a promo dual that centred around Cody Rhodes. Jey Uso. Randy Orton, and. Sami Zayn. This didn't take up two much time, and got straight to the point, as all three men hit their marks, which helpled this segment run smoother.

Sami Zayn vs Randy Orton King Of The Ring Semi Final.

I liked this. But it failed to get over any form of substance, because this felt like a standard Randy Orton Match just put on rinse and repeat. Randy got the win, and will now face the winner of Cody vs Jey this coming Monday on Raw.

Nia Jax Segment.

I hated this segment. It had a vibe from the end days of He Who Shall Not Be Named, and you could feel it as this went on. Her interaction with Tiffany Stratton was yet another poorly scripted waste of time. And the failed cash in from Naomi felt predictable.

Chelsea Green vs Charlotte.

This was a solid Match, that had a bit of a botchy end. Charlotte Flair got the win. ( huh no suprises ) It looked like Piper Niven missed her que, and this future alliance between Alexa and Charlotte feels a bit left by the wayside.

Solo Sikoa And Jacob Fatu Segment. 

As most of you guys know. I love my metal music, and if this segment was soundtracked Linkin Park, and Bullet For My Valentine, because all Solo spewed out from his mouth were lies gread, that implemented the seed of misery, whilst Jacob gave him some words to Choke Upon. Because he wasn't buying what Solo was selling. Jacob will defend his United States Championship next week at Night of Champions Against Solo.

John Cena vs R Truth.

I absolutely dispised all of this. John managed to get the Match thrown out when he clumped Truth with the belt, which caused Cm Punk to come out and make the save. John put Punk through a table, and did his own flip reverse of Punks pipebomd. It's tarnished the reputatation of said promo, and in essence made John sound pathetic. This wasn't great, and by the sounds of it, this segment has split fans down the middle on the internet. I reside in the camp of this stunk.

Overview of WWE Friday Night Smackdown.

This broadcast was all over the place, and if i'm being honest the things I enjoyed here were saving lights, but given the fact that Smackdown is at a low bar at this moment, I can't wait for August 15th, 2 hours here I come.

 Top 5 Reasons Why Heavy Metal Resonates With Pro Wrestling.

Intro.

Music is the lifes natural energy, and their are some tracks from differant genres, that stay in your mind, whether it's clever lyrics, or a catchy hook, or it soundtracks a certain moment in time, that changes your life. This is why Heavy Metal, and Pro Wrestling go hand in hand. From Limp Bizkit's relationship with the show of shows, to the uprising of NXT, heavy music has always played heavy on the world with Pro Wrestling.

5. Video Packages.

From Limp Bizkit soundtracking Austin and Rocks rivalry from Mania 17, to The Smashing Pumpkins breathing life into TNA Lockdown in 2009. Heavy Music has paved the way for aggression. These are just some of the best examples of this genre has paved the way for, the stories of the Match to be told.

4. New Talent Can Be Found This Way.

As a fan of modern Hardcore. It was refreshing to see Code Orange work with WWE. This brought them to a new audience when they recorded Bray Wyatts theme music, and then less than a year later, they were performing on an NXT Takeover show, when the world was thrown into chaos. I still think that this was pretty cool of WWE to do this, because it must've been a good pay at a time when Independent musicians, needed their escape, more than ever.

3. Live 

Pro Wrestling and live metal, don't always go toegether very well at times, if they go well, then you've got Bring Me The Horizon at Takeover Brooklyn, and if it goes wrong, then you've got Kid Rock at Mania 25.

2. Wrestlers Are Fans.

This one is pretty obvious, but Pro Wrestlers like Chris Jericho, and. Jeff Hardy, are both known to be fans of both Metallica, and. Tool respectively, whilst HHH has opened the mainstage at Download back in 2016, naming it after his fallen friend Lemmy.

1. Moments In Time.

As a fan of this genre. I have always been fascinated by which bands play wrestlers to the ring, the names that come to mind are. Motionless In White, and. Motorhead, both working with Rhea Ripley and HHH respectively. Metal has one common goal, and that's to bring people together from all works of life.

 AEW Grandslam Mexico Review. 19.6.2025.

Oversight Of The Show.

AEW shines on a night of real prevelence on their Debut at the Grand Arena in Mexico.

Intro.

As the year has rolled on, AEW's mark on the Pro Wrestling atlas has grown over time, are they a perfect company, well no, but they've put their best foot forward, and have made their stance known again, with a perfect balance of Keyfabe, and solid in-ring work. AEW has carved it's way into international markets, and on the balance of last night I can't wait to see where they go next.

Hangman Adam Page Segment.

I'm just going to be honoured. I don't understand the spanish language, but I do understand the character of Hangman. I liked this.

14 Man Tag Team Match.

This was a superb blend of styles, that saw Team Babyface that reprised of The Atlantis family. Daniel Garcia. Adam Cole. Brody King, and. Babdido, beat. The Don Callis family. Hechicero, and. dax Harwood in what was a solid bout. But their was a cloud hanging over it's head, and that was the absense of Cash Wheeler. I'm not sure why this is, but I think this could be because of his arrest a couple of years, in which he was rumoured to have pulled a gun on someone from his car, this could explain his absense. This isn't fact, it's just my opinion.

Mark Briscoe vs Kazuchika Okada.

This was a fascinating reminder of just how great these two are. it played into both their history in Mexico as Okada was welcomed like a hero, as emotion played  into seeing Mark wrestle, because one of the last times he was there, he was acompanied by his brother Jay, who past away 2 and a half years ago. The physicality was a solid look at how a lofi Match should be worked. Okada got the won with a rainmaker. Okada and his new family, beat down Briscoe in the aftermath. I liked this. Both men were respected by the fans in attendence, which I thought was a nice show of respect.

MJF vs Mistico.

Were do I begin with this. Should I start with how much Mexican fans showed pure distain towards Max, Maybe I should start how The Hurt Syndicate showed their dominance, when attacking Mexico's favourite son, or should I talk about the low blow that got this Match thrown out, that lead to Max humiliating Mistico, this was perfect, and a lot of fun to Watch. After the show was finished, it has been reported that a fan went to the talent hotel, and attacked Max. Mjf was seen to have laughed it off, but it does raise the question about the Security of wrestlers. I get this part of Max's character, but this could've been so much worse.

4 Million Paso 4 Way.

Hologram, beat. Ricochet. Lio Rush, and. Mascara Dorada in what was a fantastic tv match, that gave time to each man time to let their history with this country bleed out, within the confines of this 13 minute tv match.

Zeuxis vs Mercedes Mone CMLL Womens Championship.

The fans here were a bit lapsed when it came to this match. I understand why, yes it brings up the flaws within AEW's system, but when you take in everything that has happened on this broadcast in within the 100 minutes that had come before it, you could argue that fan exhaustion may have played a part on this night. Mercedes got the win to become the new CMLL Womens Champion. But that wasn't the end of the night for Mercedes, because a video played in the arena, it was a french film noir piece from Toni Storm, and in a guest staring role Mina Shirakowa was a distraction piece, because Toni appeared from behind Mercedes, and suplexed her, causing all of her Gold wear to go flying. The match was decent, whilst the ending angle was great.

Will Osperay. The Opps, and. Swerve Strickland vs Jon Moxley. Wheeler Yuta. The Beast Mortas, and. The Young Bucks.

This was your standard fast paced fun affair from start to finish, that allowed it's 30 minute time length to have time to breathe. The physicality put over the importance of what was happening in front of fans eyes, as the storylines that the match catered towards managed to elevate the existing rivlaries within it. Mox got the win, and then had a fight with Hangman Adam Page, which caused a malet of chaos as the show went of the air.

Overview Of AEW Grandslam Mexico.

This show acted as a solid reminder of where AEW can go, if they stay on the path that they're on. This was a great show, that proved, if you want to make history, then you have to move mountains, because nothing comes for free in life.

AEW Grandslam Mexico is a solid 8/10.

 My Top 5 Funniest Ariel Helwani Shut Downs.

Intro. 

Ariel Helwani has had an interesting time when covering the UFC, from pissing off fighters, to even getting banned by the promotion, he's truly ruffled, and cried into a lot of feathers, so lets take a look at some of the moments when he angered fighters.

5. Ariel Helwani vs Tito Ortiz.

If you had one question to ask the Huntington Beach Bad Boy, what would it be? Ariel in the early days of him covering the UFC asked Tito Ortiz what made him want to turn nice? And he said this. I don't like you, so i'm not answering.

4. Michael Bisping vs Ariel Helwani.

The Count has no time for Ariel, as their has been many moments in which Bisping has called him out on his Youtube Channel.

3. Ariel Helwani vs Jason Mayhem Miller.

Please check this out, because oh my, this is absolutely hilarious, because this could've gone south very quickly.

2. Ariel Helwani vs James Toney.

I think this was one of those moments in which I wanted Toney to smash this guy, because it would've looked like the school bully, beating up a nerd.

1. Dana White vs Ariel Helwani.

These guys have an entire ocean of hate between them, so to cover it here would take ages of my life, so all I will say is this. I would hate to be stuck in a room with these two, because one would get irate, whilst the other cried in a corner.

My Top 5 Favourite Snack Combos For Watching AEW.

Intro.

You guys know me, and you know that I love food, and I love Pro wrestling, and over the past few weeks my pallet has grown with my waistline, whilst watching AEW, so this gave me the idea to do my next food list, so heres goes nothing. 

5. MnMs Mini Cookies, And Malteasers.

In the words of guy Fieri. This combo is money, and absolutely awesome. Give the cookies a go.

4. Beer And Walkers Honey Roasted Peanuts.

I don't think you can go with Peanuts can, and if you throw in a cold one your laughing.

3. Crisps.

Crisps. Crisps. Crisps. Ready Salted, and cheese and oninon yes please. I just love crisps.

2. Sausage Rolls And Dorritos.

Ok before you judge me, hear me out. This combination actually works, and let me tell you, that in the words of Ned Flanders this is scrumdidilyumcious.

1. Breakfast Food.

Because when I review AEW Dynamite it's about 7am on a Thursday Morning. I need Breakfast food, Poptarts. Cereal bars, or if i'm feeling very naughty a doughnut.

 My Top 5 Insights From UFC Fight Night Usman vs Buckley.

Oversight.

As the Summer Rolls on Atlanta proves to be one of the best UFC crowds this year.

5. Alonzo Menified May Have Got The Win, But it was Oumar Sy, who takes Home The Respect.

Was this the most gratifying fight to ever grace the octagon? well no, but this was a solid bout that proved how far we have come in the terms of acceptence. Oumar is a French Fighter. MMA was banned in the country, and has only been allowed to be aired on TV for the past ten years, this means fighters could train but not take part. Menifield got the win.

4. Winning Causes Confusion.

Mansoor Abdul Malik, beat. Cody Brundage,by TKO, or did he. From what it looked like. Mansoor hit Brundage with a body shot, but it was an accidental headbutt. This was heavily delibertated amongst the Judges at cageside, to the point that the fans watching at home were left wondering, what's going on. Brendan Fitzgerald got the word of how the decision came to be, and it left me feeling a bit confused.

3. Raoni Barcelos Beats Cody Garbrandt.

I've seen some fans say online say that Cody showed great heart, and he did, but this was a hard fight to watch, because this fight was boring. Raoni got the win.

2. She's Back.

The Thug is back baby. Rose Namajunas, beat. Miranda Maverick in what was a solid performance.

1. All Hail The Nigerian Nightmare.

Kamaru Usman, beat. Jaquin Buckley, in what was an absolute all out war, that came complete with some rather fruity language.

 My Top 5 Insights From This Weeks WWE Friday Night Smackdown.

Intro.

I sat down last night, and watched this show, after a long day at my day Job, and the only word that came to my mind was, huh. This weeks Friday Night Smackdown was a thing wasn't it.

5. John Cena Segment.

Try and watch this after a long day at work, I dare you, because this was a flat promotrain, featuring LA Knight. Cody Rhodes, and. Randy Orton, and of course Big Evil John, and guess what? They all want the evil ones belt. Thank god for R Truth, who put a stop to this drivel, when he attacked Cena. Man this was bad. Not so good Al

4. LA Knight vs Carmelo Hayes vs Randy Orton vs Alistair Black Mens King Of The Ring Qualifier.

This was a flat outing, that saw Randy Orton took full advantage of some slow to moderate pacing, to get the win.

3. Jacob Fatu Is The Man.

I have no other words than Jacob Fatu is the man. I mean just look at him, this guy is money.

2. Queen Of The Ring Qualifier Piper Niven vs Michin vs Nia Jax vs Jade Cargill.

Jade Cargill got the win, in what was another lifeless encounter on this show. I was bored watching this.

1. John Cena and Cm Punk Segment.

Now this was much better, both of these guys have great chemistry, and this promo was solid gold. R Truth attacked Big Evil John again, and will now face Big Evil one next week.

 My Top 5 AEW Dynamite Moments.

Intro.

With AEW Dynamite 300 coming down the line in july. This got me thinking, what are some of AEW's flagship shows best moments. I mean their are so many moments to chose from.

5. Penta vs Kenny Omega.

AEW wasn't even a year old at this point, and they were already putting on bangers like this.

4. Bryan Danielson vs Hangman Adam Page Iron Man Match.

If you've never seen this Match, then I urge you to seek it out, because was simply majestic.

3. Elite And Hangman Adam Page Saga.

This whole storyline was a beautifully conceived masterpiece, that is one of the best storylines I have seen put together by a North American Pro Wrestling company. Enough said.

2. Bryan Danielsaon vs Kenny Omega.

When Aew ventured into New York city for the first time, the odds of being a new company on the block was something that Tony Khans gang of toys might have found daunting, but on this night, magic happened, because you need to see this Match.

1. Cm Punk vs MJF.

This is yet another longterm story, that had one of the best Pro Wrestling Matches that I have ever seen.

My Top 5 UFC Moments That Went Too far. 

Intro.

As time has gone by, The art of what is seen as acceptable has been brought into question. UFC hasn't been able to escape this. Multiple aspects of how the promotion has handled itself over the years has been, held over with scrutiny, so I decided to take a look at the moments that left me feeling a bit uneasy.

5. Julian Lane's Ultimate Fighter Run.

Season 16 of The Ultimate Fighter saw Shane Carwin, and. Roy Big Country Nelson, guide a group of aspiring Welterweights, as they competed on opposite teams, aiming to win a UFC contract, among those hopefuls was Julian Lane. His rant has become the stuff of meme legend, but when you big beneath the surface. I don't think he should've been on the show. He clearly had issues, and it was evident for all to see. This is why I feel that safeguarding is so important in the entertainment industry. Fighters are human beings, and not animals.

4. Fights In The Ultimate Fighter House.

The UFC's flagship show is one of the main courses for drama, bullying, and of course fights, when these fights happen in the house, then questions need to be answered. Why has been allowed to be broadcasted on national TV, when in the infant days of the company, they were trying to build their brand. Noah, and Waylon from season 5, and. Charlie vs Tony, from season 13 both come to mind.

3. Bethe Correia.

I can't condone someone bringing up another persons personal tragedy, in order to sell a fight, this is what happened in the build up to UFC 190. Suicide isn't something to be made fun of.

2. Colby Covington.

This guy is a walking talking trash bag, we all love him. Oh just me then. Colby has managed to anger a load of people over the years, but it was his rivalry with Jorge Masvidal, that changed the game, because he pretty much offended everyone.

1. Moving an entire PPV So That Jon Jones Could Fight.

2019 was a good year for the Vegas outlet, the only thing is, they pissed off a load of fans, when they moved UFC 232. This was rumoured so they could get around a Usada ruling surrounding a drug test abnormality when it Jones spiked for a banned substance. I understand that money of all that is evil, but this was a bit much if you ask me.

My Top 5 Takeaways From AEW Summer Blockbuster Dynamite.

5. Mistico And Everything Else.

Even though this did take up a good chunk of time. I enjoyed all of it, and everything else that came with this segment, complete with  both Matches. Blake Christian proved that he's a game competitor in defeat. MJF bringing back his Uncle Sam Gimmick, that makes him look like a mixture between. Apollo Creed, and. Kenny Powers, to him releasing Delorada's mask in the final outcome when The Hurt Syndicate beat. Speedball Mike Bailey. Mascara Delorada, and. Kevin Knight, in what was a solid TV Match was all well put together.

4. Man In A Ricky Martin T Shirt.

Shout out to this guy who was at ringside wearing a Ricky Martin t shirt because I think he's brave wearing that to a Pro Wrestling show. Private Emotion is a tune though. ( Says the Metallica Fan )

3. Hangman Adam Page Segment.

I wasn't a fan of this. The Deathriders, put a beating on Hangman, and Mox cut a Promo on him, and at this point all I have to say is who cares. Hangman thought back later on thanks to The Opps.

2. Will Osperay vs Swerve Strickland.

This was a flawless exhibition, that became a fascinating study in contrast. Will is the man who's on the rise, whilst Swerve is the former Champion who's trying to scratch his way back to the top. This became the backdrop to what was a fantastic opening Match. If you watch any Match from this broadcast, then I urge to check this out. It may have ended in a Time Limit draw, and some sneaker fun from The Young Bucks causing Will to save his friend.  But this was excellent. The Deathriders kicked off their episode long storythread. Oh Joy.

1. Kenny Omega And Kazuchika Okada Contract Signing.

All of this, was pure simplicity Pro Wrestling booking at it's best. The Video package that told the story of their rivalry was sensational, and their verbalage in the main segment made sense. Don Callis came out, and helped Okada deliver his own sense of Law And Order to Kenny's mid section. Even though I don't think that any words should've used. This was still awesome as it had the fans on their feet, oh and that belt looks Lovely.