With only a few hours left before WrestleMania 41, WWE pulled out all the stops in the final episode of SmackDown. The show was loaded with action-packed matches, explosive segments, and appearances by the company’s biggest stars. John Cena, Cody Rhodes, Seth Rollins, and Randy Orton all made their presence felt in what turned out to be a thrilling three-hour episode. Let’s take a closer look at everything that went down.
Seth Rollins’ Promo & Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal
Seth Rollins kicked off the show, seated in the middle of the ring with a fiery promo. He took direct shots at CM Punk and Roman Reigns, calling Punk a “fraud, coward, and a liar.” Rollins didn’t hold back as he revisited the history of The Shield, accusing Roman Reigns of losing respect under the guidance of Paul Heyman.
Seth confidently declared that the upcoming Triple Threat Match at WrestleMania 41 isn’t just a prediction, it’s a spoiler: he’s walking out as champion, no matter the cost.
Later in the show, the annual Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal took place, featuring several top-tier talents. After a chaotic contest, it was Carmelo Hayes who stood tall by eliminating Andrade in the final moments to claim the win.
CONGRATS CARMELO!!!@Carmelo_WWE is the 2025 Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal Winner! 🏆#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/fCf7zPYXEI
— WWE (@WWE) April 19, 2025
Rhea Ripley Segment & WWE Tag Team Championship Match
Rhea Ripley took to the ring and vowed to reclaim her Women’s World Championship at WrestleMania 41. She was interrupted by IYO SKY and Bianca Belair. Bianca boldly claimed that WrestleMania would mark the end of IYO’s title reign. Tensions rose quickly, and things got physical when Naomi joined the fray to go after Bianca. Soon after, Jade Cargill entered and laid out Naomi in dominant fashion.
The segment turned into an all-out brawl, which ended with IYO SKY delivering a breathtaking moonsault from the top rope to the outside, taking out everyone at ringside.
In championship action, the Street Profits defended their WWE Tag Team Titles against the Motor City Machine Guns in a fast-paced, hard-hitting encounter. However, the match ended in a no-contest after interference brought things to a chaotic halt.
WHAT THE?!#DIY just stole the WWE Tag Team Titles 😱#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/7L0e2GzaEz
— WWE (@WWE) April 19, 2025
Randy Orton Issues WrestleMania Challenge & Chelsea Green Falls Again
Randy Orton addressed the WWE Universe and revealed that he currently has no official match at WrestleMania 41. But with this being his 20th WrestleMania, he made it clear he wouldn’t sit on the sidelines. Orton issued an open challenge to anyone in the locker room and warned them to be ready for the RKO.
In other action, Women’s United States Champion Chelsea Green faced Zelina Vega in a singles match. Vega picked up the win via pinfall, delivering yet another setback to Chelsea, whose recent booking continues to be underwhelming.
Time's a ticking… ⏰
— WWE (@WWE) April 19, 2025
Who will @RandyOrton face at #WrestleMania?! 👀#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/ojzreXLYFG
LA Knight vs Solo Sikoa & Tag Match Chaos
LA Knight squared off against Solo Sikoa in a heated bout. The match ended in disqualification after Jacob Fatu interfered, causing chaos. Just as things looked grim, Braun Strowman stormed the ring to even the odds.
General Manager Nick Aldis quickly stepped in and made it official: a tag team match would happen on the spot. Braun and LA Knight teamed up against Sikoa and Fatu. The crowd was electric, and after a brutal back-and-forth, Knight hit the BFT on Solo for the pinfall victory. Despite the loss, Fatu left a strong impression with his ruthless offense.
Elsewhere, American Made clashed with the Latino World Order and Rey Fenix in another entertaining match. In the end, the LWO and Fenix emerged victorious after an impressive team effort.
Dragon Lee is pulling out all the stops! 🔥#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/wGRvYCMY3t
— WWE (@WWE) April 19, 2025
Cody Rhodes and John Cena Face Off
The final segment of the night featured Cody Rhodes, who came out to speak but he barely got a word in before John Cena’s music hit. The tension between them was palpable as they faced off in the ring.
Cena told Cody to “shut his mouth” and ridiculed him, claiming that Rhodes would lose his title at WrestleMania because he cares too much about the fans. Cena took several verbal jabs, calling Cody “a child” and questioning his ability to handle the pressure on the grand stage.
Rhodes fired back, mocking Cena for his infamous Oscars incident and reminding him that it’s 2025 and Cena still isn’t capable of wrestling like he once could. Cena, frustrated, attempted an Attitude Adjustment, but Cody countered and nailed him with Cross Rhodes to end the show on a massive high.
.@CodyRhodes said NOT TODAY! 😤#WrestleMania is about to be a movie 🍿#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/1GoOGhHw1r
— WWE (@WWE) April 19, 2025
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