The most recent game of SmackDown played a vital role in generating hype for WWE WrestleMania 41, and WWE did a fantastic job. There were gripping matches, shocking surprises, and some big developments in the continuing rivalry between Roman Reigns, CM Punk, and Seth Rollins. Also, a big match at WrestleMania 41 was suddenly canceled. In a shocking turn, CM Punk showed his favorite, and it resulted in an emotional outburst by Paul Heyman. Here is a summary of the main events on SmackDown:
CM Punk’s Segment and RefiniX’s Victory
SmackDown opened with CM Punk, who was greeted warmly by his Chicago crowd. Paul Heyman also appeared during Punk’s segment, pressuring Punk to announce his favorite. Punk promised to do so in front of Roman Reigns. RefiniX then debuted on the show, competing against Nathanfrezer. RefiniX stunned everyone with her match, ultimately getting a shocking win. She honored the fans afterwards.
Punk tells Heyman that he’ll reveal the ‘favor’ when Roman Reigns arrives later tonight…#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/WhL1fD5yDm
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) April 5, 2025
LA Knight’s Win and Charlotte Flair-Tiffany Stratton Segment
US Champion LA Knight battled Tama Tonga in a tough contest, where Knight emerged victorious. Solo Sikoa tried to get involved, but it did not change the result, and Knight won the match. An interview between Charlotte Flair and Tiffany Stratton came later. Both women shared cruel words and personal insults, with Flair even involving Stratton’s boyfriend, Ludicizer, in the fight. Flair and Tiffany Stratton will collide for the World Championship at WrestleMania 41.
Tiffany Stratton’s closing lines to Charlotte Flair tonight:
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) April 5, 2025
“When it's all said and done, you're going to be just like you are outside of the ring…alone. What is that record like? 0-3?”#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/8nFotIaXTY
Motor City Machine Guns and Naomi’s Wins
Motor City Machine Guns faced off against DIY in a wild and thrilling match, and both teams saw immense applause from the fans. Ultimately, Motor City Machine Guns won the bout and earned the right to challenge Street Profits for the WWE Tag Team Championship. Meanwhile, Naomi battled B-Fab, and Naomi won. She later engaged in a fiery argument with Z. Kargil. General Manager Nick Aldis stated that both of them would have a match at WrestleMania 41.
Nick Aldis announces Jade Cargill v Naomi for #WrestleMania 41!#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/USQaoHIbyW
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) April 5, 2025
Kevin Owens’ Segment and Jacob Fatu’s Victory
Kevin Owens spoke to the audience, explaining that he has been having issues with his neck for four months and will soon be going for surgery. Owens thanked his audience and apologized that he was not in a position to keep competing. Randy Orton followed Owens to the ring, frustrated. Nick Aldis told Orton that his match against Owens at WrestleMania had been canceled, with Orton reacting by giving an RKO to Aldis. The headliner was a Last Man Standing match between Jacob Fatu and Bronson Reed, both men with destructive tendencies coming into the ring. Fatu emerged victorious and will face LA Knight for the US Championship at WrestleMania.
Jacob Fatu will challenge LA Knight for the U.S Championship at #WrestleMania 41.#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/c69gOwxUJs
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) April 5, 2025
Roman Reigns’ Segment and the Main Event
The last segment of the evening had Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman in the ring, with Reigns demanding that CM Punk disclose his favorite. Seth Rollins came out, focusing his attack on Roman Reigns, setting the stage for the big announcement from Punk. Punk announced that Heyman would be at his side during the Triple Threat match at WrestleMania 41. With this revelation, Heyman started crying, and Reigns visibly seethed with anger, glaring at Heyman. Punk took advantage of the moment to attack Reigns. It seems Reigns has been betrayed by his own advocate, creating an interesting rivalry for WrestleMania.
Roman Reigns orders a tearful Heyman to tell Punk no on the favour…Heyman says he can’t do that.#SmackDown
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) April 5, 2025
pic.twitter.com/xYf6MowvsP
This SmackDown show gave some great build-up for WrestleMania 41, with lots of drama and surprise. Fans can’t wait to see the matches and storylines that are certain to develop over the next few weeks.
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