WWE Smackdown results (5/9): Barnett’s live review of WWE Champion John Cena’s appearance, Damian Priest and LA Knight vs. Jacob Fatu and Solo Sikoa, Jade Cargill vs. Nia Jax for a shot at the WWE Women’s Title

By Jake Barnett, ProWrestling.net Co-Senior Staffer (@jakebarnett)

WWE Smackdown (Episode 1,342)
May 9, 2025, in Dayton, Ohio at Nutter Center
Simulcast live on USA Network and internationally on Netflix

Damien Priest was shown on screen heading towards the ring. Bryon Saxton interrupted to ask him about his tag match tonight and four way match at Backlash. He said he just wanted to get his hands on Drew McIntyre, but he’s not going to complain about a US Title match. LA Knight approached and said he would put down anyone who got in his way on his path back to his US Title with a quickness. Priest and Knight argued about whether they would have a problem in tonight’s tag match. Knight told Priest he would have his back if he had his, and not to give him any reason to think otherwise. Knight then headed to the ring.

Knight was followed by Damien Priest. Nia Jax was shown walking backstage. She will face Jade Cargill later in the show. They were followed by Jacob Fatu and Solo Sikoa. Video highlights of Fatu taking out Priest and Knight from last week’s Smackdown. 

1. LA Knight and Damien Priest vs. Jacob Fatu and Solo Sikoa: Solo jumped Damien Priest to start the match. Priest collected himself and fought back with a series of strikes and a running elbow. He then dragged Solo to the corner and performed a tightrope cross body. Priest then wound up for a big lariat, but Solo ducked and rolled to the floor. Priest gave chase and took a leap off the steps and clobbered Solo with a lariat. Fatu got involved, and LA Knight hit a basement dropkick that sent him crashing off the announce table…[c]

Fatu clobbered Priest on the floor during the break and then officially tagged into the match. Fatu and Solo controlled Priest and cut off the ring. He attempted to stretch across the ring to make a tag to Knight, but Solo was able to knock him off the apron. Priest didn’t see Knight get knocked off the apron, and was frustrated when Knight wasn’t on the apron after breaking free. Fatu tagged back in and landed a running senton on Priest. He then performed a couple of hip attacks in the corner. 

Solo tagged back in and set up for a hit attack of his own, but Priest fired out of the corner and landed a kick. Priest tagged in a fresh LA Knight, and he landed some rapid fire offense on Jacob Fatu. He landed a neckbreaker and a big elbow, followed by a suplex. He set up for a leaping elbow, but Priest tagged himself in to land a big running lariat. He set up for South of Heaven, but Knight tagged himself back in and they argued. Solo used the opening to sent Priest out of the ring. 

He set up for a Spike on Knight, but Knight ducked and delivered the BFT for the win. 

LA Knight and Damien Priest defeated Solo Sikoa and Damien Priest at 10:57

After the match, Fatu capitalized on the bickering of Knight and Priest by laying them both out. As he celebrated with his US Title, he turned around into a Claymore from Drew McIntyre. After getting back to his feet, McIntyre eyed the US Title and then headed to the back. R-Truth stood backstage with a sign that read “Let’s go Cena!”. Jimmy Uso walked up and told him Cena sucked and he should put it away. Truth was offended and said he wouldn’t hear that about his childhood hero…[c]

My Take: With Solo taking the pin there, I think the door is open for him to kick off a feud soon with Fatu. McIntyre continues to be one of WWE’s most interesting characters.

Highlights of the previous segment were shown. Drew McIntyre was interviewed backstage. He said he would put a silver bullet in the Samoan Werewolf tomorrow night. Drew also said it was BS that LA Knight and Priest had wormed their way into the match, and that he would be the brick wall that all gas Jacob Fatu runs into when he defeats him for the US Title. Footage was then shown of Piper Niven’s loss to Zelina Vega last week.

We then got an “earlier today” video segment. The Secret Hervice and Chelsea Green were having a funeral for her US Title reign. Nick Aldis and Zelina Vega approached and mocked them, and Green accused Vega of having no friends. Zelina said she would take on Green and Niven with one of her non-existent friends. Green and Niven made their entrance with Alba Fyre…[c]

My Take: Good promo from McIntyre. Green and the Secret Hervice continue to be a very entertaining part of the show.

Aleister Black spoke of rumors of why he returned. He said the truth is that he believes he is the consequences that this company desperately needs. Black said he was there to confront people mentally and physically, and he would let them choose which is worse. He addressed Carmelo Hayes, and said he hadn’t quite figured him out, or has he? Black vs. Hayes will take place later in the show.

In the arena, Niven and Green awaited their opponents. Women’s US Champion Zelina Vega made her entrance, followed by her partner, a returning Alexa Bliss.

2. Zelina Vega and Alexa Bliss vs. Piper Niven and Chelsea Green: Niven and Vega started the match, and Niven gained control early using her power advantage. Green tagged in once things were under control, but was quickly dropped into position for a 619. Niven followed, and both women were hit with a 619. Vega covered Green for a two count, and Green quickly tripped her once she reached her feet. Niven then tagged in and landed a running elbow, and the Secret Hervice demanded a salute from the crowd…[c]

Green and Niven isolated Vega during the break, as the crowd chanted “We want Bliss”. Niven prevented a tag with a headbutt, but Vega landed a big DDT to create an opening. Bliss tagged in to a big reaction. Bliss landed a flying headscissors and a blockbuster on Green for a near fall. She then put Green in the tree of woe and delivered a dropkick. Bliss followed up with Twisted Bliss, but Niven broke up the fall. Vega cleared Niven from the ring with a Code Red and a Meteora from the apron to the floor.

Bliss landed a Sister Abigail DDT on Green and picked up the win…[c]

Alexa Bliss and Zelina Vega defeated Chelsea Green and Piper Niven at 8:40

Backstage, Santos Escobar approached Rey Fenix. Fenix said he had nothing to say to him, and that he had already beat him last week. Suddenly Angel and Berto attacked Fenix from behind and left him laying. Andrade approached and ran them off. Elsewhere, Charlotte Flair was shown exiting an SUV…[c]

My Take: Good to see Alexa Bliss being used on TV. I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s a heel soon and feuding with Vega. It’ll be interesting to see which version of Charlotte Flair we get on tonight’s show.

A Cena vs Orton video package was shown, highlighting their Hell in a Cell match from 2014. Fenix and Andrade will take on Angel and Berto later in the show. In the arena, Charlotte Flair made her entrance. Charlotte reminded the crowd she was their queen, and said she was coming back from the greatest Women’s Match in WrestleMania history. She brought up a picture of Tiffany Stratton after their WrestleMania match, and asked if she looked like someone who enjoyed themselves.

Charlotte continued and said she was there to announce her path to the Women’s Championship, which got boos. She screamed about the crowd being disrespectful, and told them she is the Greatest of All Time. She gave them one more chance to be respectful, and the refused, so Charlotte threw the mic down and left. As she left the ring, Jade Cargill made her ring entrance for the next match. They had a brief stare down before Jade got in the ring. She told Charlotte she had her chance, and that she should get to the back of the line. Charlotte left looking dejected…[c]

My Take: If this is a genuine attempt to humble Flair’s character and make her act like less of an automaton, then I’m all for it.

Backstage, Nick Aldis and Charlotte Flair argued about her storming out, and Aldis told her to be a leader. As she approached her SUV, she ran into Alexa Bliss, who told her they needed to chat. In the arena, Nia Jax made her ring entrance for the next match. Tiffany Stratton made her entrance as the match was going to begin.

3. Nia Jax. vs. Jade Cargill in a #1 Contender’s Match for the WWE Women’s Championship: Nia gained an early advantage and backed Jade into a corner. Jade fired back with a big flying shoulder tackle and then fired up the crowd. She attempted to lift up Nia, but couldn’t get it done. Jax fired back with a Samoan Drop and leg drop for a two count…[c]

Jax controlled the action during the break. She attempted to pick up Cargill for a powerbomb as the show returned, but Jade broke free and picked up Jax and delivered a Samoan Drop. Jax delivered a knee strike and then attempted a suplex, but Cargill reversed it into a snap suplex of her own. She then delivered a superkick and a spinebuster for a near fall. Jax followed up with a Powerbomb and covered for a near fall of her own.

Nia climbed the ropes in the corner, but Jade met her there and tossed her off with a body slam. Jade then followed up with a Frog Splash and covered for a 2.9 kickout. Cargill followed up with a pump kick for another near fall, but Naomi caused a distraction on the outside by attacking Tiffany Stratton. Nia Jax used the opportunity to knock down Cargill and land the Annihilator for the win.

Nia Jax defeated Jade Cargill at 10:17

After the match, the Street Profits were shown backstage. They ran into Michin and B-Fab. They complimented one another. Ford told B-Fab he was impressed when they put everyone on notice last week, and they were about to do the same thing…[c]

My Take: A logical outcome for the number one contender’s match. It didn’t feel like they had exhausted everything they can get out of Naomi and Jade, and Jax is a solid opponent for Tiffany for the time being with their history.

A video package of Becky Lynch’s return and feud with Lyra Valkyria was shown. In the arena, the Street Profits made their entrance. They did some call and response with the Ohio crowd. They took credit for being in the greatest TLC match of all time, and their victory is what was always going to happen. Fraxiom then made their ring entrance, and complimented the Street Profits for being possibly the best in the game right now.

They recalled Shawn Michaels telling them to seize every opportunity, and they were out there to do just that. Ford and Dawkins were incredulous, and questioned how they could deserve a title shot after being on TV for just three weeks. Nick Aldis popped in and said he’s liking what he’s seeing. He said they don’t deserve a title shot just yet, but the heartland of America is the land of opportunity, and he granted them a non-title match right now…[c]

4. The Street Profits (Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins) vs. Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom): The match was joined in progress. Frazer kicked Ford in his injured ribs, who then tagged in Angelo Dawkins. Frazer applied a side headlock. Dawkins broke free and landed a flying back elbow. Dawkins rolled to the floor and got sent into the announce table by Dawkins with a running body block.

Ford tagged back in and landed a springboard senton, but continued to sell his ribs. Dawkins tagged back in and landed a running splash for a two count. He then followed up with a running elbow in the corner. Frazer popped up and landed an Enziguri. Fraxiom kicked into high gear and dumped both Profits to the floor. They then performed dives onto both men at ringside…[c]

Fraxiom isolated and cut off Dawkins during the break. Dawkins avoided a splash in the corner and made a tag out to Ford. Tez delivered a big lariat and a back suplex to Axiom. He then landed a standing moonsault for a near fall. Frazer tagged in and Ford delivered a superkick. Both men ended up on the top rope in the corner and Frazer set up for a superplex. Dawkins managed to put Frazer in an Electric Chair for a Doomsday Blockbuster. Axiom broke up the fall to prevent the loss.

Ford attempted a Frog Splash on Axiom but ate a kick to his injured ribs. Fraxiom double up on Dawkins in the corner and delivered the combo Spanish Fly and Phoenix Splash. Ford broke up the fall and delivered a flying elbow to Axiom. Dawkins got clipped by Axiom on the floor with a Golden Ratio. Ford attempted a big splash on Frazer but got nothing. Fraxiom delivered a Catapulta Infernal to Ford and got the win.

Fraxiom defeated The Street Profits at 15:14

After the match, both teams shook hands. Backstage, Tiffany Stratton was looking for Naomi. She found Nia Jax instead, who told her she was coming to take back what was rightfully hers. Stratton told her she would save her a spot at the losers table right next to Charlotte Flair. We then got a video package for Gunther and Pat McAfee. Elsewhere, Miz and Carmelo Hayes were shown backstage. Miz told Hayes he was out of position during his match with Black last week. He then tried to gas him up with a bunch of cringe catchphrases.

Carmelo Hayes made his ring entrance for the next match with The Miz. He faces Aleister Black up next…[c]

My Take: Fraxiom’s win seemed obvious when Ford and Dawkins were taped up still selling injuries from TLC, but the match was a war and a ton of fun regardless. It’s nice to see Fraxiom getting a big push straight out of NXT.

Aleister Black made his ring entrance following the break.

5. Aleister Black vs. Carmelo Hayes: Both men traded reversals early on. Hayes attempted a springboard attack, but Hayes avoided it and sat cross legged in the ring. Black landed a series of Muay Thai style strikes, and then followed up with a moonsault on the floor. He appeared to injure himself in the process and held his hand close to his chest. Black broke the referee count and attempted a big boot on the floor, but Hayes avoided it. Hayes then dropkicked Black into the timekeeper’s area…[c]

Both men ended up on the ropes in the corner, but nobody was able to execute anything. Hayes hit the ropes but got cut down with a kick. Black landed a springboard moonsault and covered for a near fall. Hayes replied with a rollup for a two count. Black landed a kick and Hayes replied with a La Mistica. The Miz tried to get involved late to prevent a Black Mass Kick, but Hayes ended up knocking him off the apron after Black sniffed out the tactics.

Black then rolled up Hayes and got the win.

Aleister Black defeated Carmelo Hayes at 9:54

The Miz attempted to attack Black, but ate a Black Mass Kick. Backstage, Solo Sikoa wanted to talk tactics and run a play at Backlash, but Fatu shut him down and said the only plan he’s going to run is dog walking everybody because he’s all gas and no brakes. Back in the arena, Legado Del Fantasma made their entrance for the next match. They will face Andrade and Rey Fenix next…[c]

My Take: This crowd kind of sucks. Black and Hayes had a pretty good match, but you could see the finish coming from orbit. Jacob Fatu continues to be a very strong promo, and his feud with Solo has to be coming up quickly.

Backstage, Fraxiom ran into MCMG backstage. They were friendly with each other until both teams got jumped by DIY. Ciampa and Gargano said they didn’t beat the Tag Champions, they took advantage of guys still banged up from TLC. In the arena, Andrade made his ring entrance, followed by Rey Fenix.

6: Rey Fenix and Andrade vs. Los Garza (Angel and Berto): Fenix and Angel started the match. Fenix attempted a straight jacket pin, but Angel escaped and tagged in Berto. Los Garza took control and ended up dumping both Fenix and Andrade to the floor. They followed up with double moonsaults…[c]

Andrade was cut off during the break, but quickly made a hot tag to Fenix as the show returned. Fenix took down both Angel and Berto with an impressive tightrope walk in the corner. He then set up for a Muscle Buster on Angel, but he slipped free and delivered a kick. Pretty soon everybody was in the ring and down after trading kicks. Berto landed a rolling moonsault on Fenix, and Andrade had to break up the fall.

Fenix replied with a spinning kick in the corner. He followed up with a hurracarrana, but Berto reversed it into a pinfall. Santos jumped on the apron and ended up costing his team a potential fall. Andrade tagged in and delivered his feint elbow to Angel. Fenix then delivered his tightrope soccer kick to Berto. He then splashed Angel on the floor. Andrade delivered The Message to Berto and got the win.

Andrade and Rey Fenix defeated Los Garza at 10:37

After the match, Angel and Berto got berated by Escobar. Berto slapped Escobar’s hand out of his face and left. Angel shrugged as Santos was fuming. The announce team then went through the Backlash Card for tomorrow night…[c]

My Take: An enjoyable match. I never bought into Los Garza winning, but the action was solid. Legado falling apart would benefit Santos, who I think has stagnated as a faction leader and could use a bit of a reinvention. Moving to Raw might do him some good, and Berto especially has real potential as a break out star if they get it right with him.

John Cena made his entrance for the final segment. He motioned to cut his music. Cena pointed at the ring announcer and demanded he come to the ring. He forced him to give a gratuitous ring announcement, and a beer bottle bounced into the ring. Cena stopped him, and threw the bottle from the ring. He then had him finish his announcement as the last real Champion. 

Cena told the crowd that their childhood dies tomorrow. He said the reason that they are reduced to throwing beer bottles in the ring is because they are pathetic and their nostalgia is dying. He said Orton took his advice and he’s home in St. Louis. Cena recalled that they defined a generation, and fans between the ages of 12 and 55 made a choice between Randy Orton and John Cena. Cena said everyone’s childhood dies tomorrow, the winners write the history books, and Randy Orton is a liar. 

He claimed Orton has lied to himself the most, and brought up hustle, loyalty and respect. Cena said Orton used his connections to protect him from having to do hard work, and was the greatest of all time at wasting his potential. He then said that Randy thinks working a job a lot of days in a row is loyalty, but that’s just collecting a paycheck. Cena said loyalty is being someone you can count on, and all Orton can be counted on is doing the bare minimum. He called himself the definition of loyalty. 

Cena said nobody has any respect for him. Randy calls himself a 3rd generation superstar, but nobody remembers Bob Sr, and the only thing Bob Jr. did was knock up Randy’s Mom. Cena said Orton calls himself a legend killer, and he would kill his own legend on Saturday, because he would be a failure just like his 2006 drug test.

Someone in a mask and a sweatsuit snuck up on Cena, and quickly ate an AA. The actual Randy Orton then surprised him from behind and delivered an RKO. It was never revealed who took the attitude adjustment. Orton held up the WWE Championship to close the show. 

My Take: An entertaining promo from Cena. I don’t see any way that Orton wins tomorrow, but I am curious how they finish the match and if anyone else is involved. It was odd that the person who ate the attitude adjustment was never identified. Overall, three hours is an eternal amount of time for a wrestling show. I personally can’t wait for Smackdown to move back to two hours, as I think it would really tighten things up.