The May 9, 2025, edition of WWE SmackDown, broadcasted live from the Nutter Center in Dayton, Ohio, delivered a night of thrilling action and significant developments as the final stop before Backlash. From intense confrontations to surprising returns, here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the evening’s events.
Main Event: Randy Orton Outsmarts John Cena
In a dramatic culmination to their storied rivalry, Randy Orton managed to outwit John Cena once more. Cena, delivering a passionate promo, accused Orton of deceit and nepotism, referencing his father, Bob Orton Jr. The confrontation escalated when Orton ambushed Cena with a devastating RKO, leaving him incapacitated as the show concluded .
Tag Team Showdown: LA Knight & Damian Priest vs. Jacob Fatu & Solo Sikoa
The evening kicked off with a high-octane tag team match. LA Knight and Damian Priest showcased their synergy, overcoming the formidable duo of Jacob Fatu and Solo Sikoa. This victory not only boosts their momentum heading into Backlash but also adds intrigue to the evolving dynamics within the WWE roster .
Women’s Division: Jade Cargill vs. Nia Jax
In a battle to determine the next challenger for the WWE Women’s Championship, Nia Jax faced off against Jade Cargill. Demonstrating her dominance, Jax secured a pinfall victory with her signature Banzai Drop, earning her a title opportunity against Tiffany Stratton .
Alexa Bliss Returns: Tag Team Victory with Zelina Vega
Making her much-anticipated return, Alexa Bliss teamed up with Zelina Vega to take on Chelsea Green and Piper Niven. The duo emerged victorious, reigniting discussions about Bliss’s role in the women’s division. Post-match interactions hinted at potential future storylines involving Charlotte Flair .
Other Notable Matches and Segments
- Aleister Black vs. Carmelo Hayes: Black delivered a cryptic message before the match, stating, “Carmelo, I haven’t quite figured you out,” and proceeded to secure a decisive victory .
- The Street Profits vs. Fraxiom: Showcasing their athleticism, The Street Profits dominated the match, further solidifying their position in the tag team division.
- Rey Fenix & Andrade vs. Los Garza: In a display of high-flying maneuvers and technical prowess, Rey Fenix and Andrade triumphed over Los Garza, thrilling the audience with their performance.
Building Momentum for Backlash
This episode effectively set the stage for the upcoming Backlash event. Key storylines were advanced, rivalries intensified, and the WWE Universe was left eagerly anticipating the outcomes of these developments.
FAQs
Q: What was the highlight of the May 9, 2025, SmackDown episode?
A: The main event featuring Randy Orton delivering an RKO to John Cena stood out as a pivotal moment, intensifying their rivalry ahead of Backlash.
Q: Who returned to WWE during this episode?
A: Alexa Bliss made her return, teaming up with Zelina Vega for a tag team match.
Q: Who became the number one contender for the WWE Women’s Championship?
A: Nia Jax secured her position as the number one contender by defeating Jade Cargill .
Q: Were there any significant tag team matches?
A: Yes, LA Knight & Damian Priest faced Jacob Fatu & Solo Sikoa, and The Street Profits took on Fraxiom.
Conclusion
The May 9, 2025, edition of WWE SmackDown delivered a blend of intense action, surprising returns, and storyline advancements. As Backlash approaches, the WWE Universe is poised for a series of compelling matches and developments. Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth analyses of your favorite WWE events.
