WWE SmackDown May 2 2025 rolled into the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines with serious momentum ahead of Backlash. It felt like everyone had a score to settle—and by the end of the night, everybody from Solo Sikoa to Naomi was making claims and collecting receipts. With Backlash just around the corner, this WWE SmackDown May 2 2025 episode didn’t just move the needle—it dropkicked it through a table.
LA Knight vs. Damian Priest Ends in Carnage
“When the bell rings, LA Knight shows up—and so does the smoke.”
LA Knight opened the night jawing at Damian Priest like he was trying to talk him into a bar fight. Naturally, it turned into an impromptu match that delivered until Solo Sikoa interfered. The result? DQ finish, bodies on the mat, and Jacob Fatu hitting the scene like a final boss in a video game.
It was messy. It was chaotic. It was very Backlash.
And it worked.
Aleister Black Returns and Reminds Everyone He’s That Guy
“Black didn’t just return—he erased The Miz from existence.”
Aleister Black came back like he never left, facing The Miz in his return match. This was a straight-up exhibition of violence. Black hit like a man trying to make up for lost time and walked out with a dominant win that reminded fans why his name still rings bells.
A clean, decisive, beautifully brutal return.
Tiffany Stratton & Jade Cargill vs. Nia Jax & Naomi
This one had big-fight energy all over it. WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton teamed with Jade Cargill to take on Nia Jax and Naomi in a match that had too much power for the ring to hold.
Cargill flexed her strength—literally and figuratively—by powerbombing Jax into defeat. But the real action came after the bell. Naomi let both Stratton and Cargill know that she’s next in line. Loud and clear.
“Naomi didn’t just steal the spotlight—she put it in a chokehold.”
This women’s division? It’s cooking.
Rey Fenix vs. Santos Escobar Is Lucha Art
If you blinked, you missed something spectacular. Rey Fenix and Santos Escobar delivered a lucha libre masterclass that had no business being this good on free TV.
Fenix walked away with the win, but this was more about showcasing their chemistry and reminding folks that the Latino World Order isn’t just nostalgia—it’s necessary.
Fraxiom vs. Pretty Deadly Brings Tag Team Heat
Nathan Frazer and Axiom debuted as “Fraxiom,” and while the name sounds like a probiotic, their in-ring chemistry is no joke.
Pretty Deadly brought their usual antics, but Fraxiom’s high-speed style left them in the dust. A fresh tag team with actual potential? Yes, please.
R-Truth and Randy Orton: The Comedy We Didn’t Know We Needed
Sometimes WWE pulls off a segment so random it circles back to being brilliant. R-Truth interrupted Randy Orton in a segment that was equal parts hilarious and weirdly tense.
No punches were thrown, but the seeds are clearly planted. Don’t be shocked if Truth ends up RKO’d through catering in a few weeks.
The Good
- Jade Cargill continues to feel like a star
- Aleister Black’s return was all action, no fluff
- Rey Fenix vs. Escobar deserves an encore
- Naomi staking her claim with fire
The Bad
- LA Knight vs. Priest deserved a clean finish
- Women’s tag bout felt rushed despite the talent
- Still no real direction for R-Truth
Final Thoughts
“SmackDown gave us heat, heart, and enough hands thrown to start a riot.”
This WWE SmackDown May 2 2025 episode built Backlash with real momentum. Between the elevation of Jade Cargill, the chaos around Damian Priest, and Naomi’s much-needed spark in the women’s division, WWE is finally leaning into the talent that keeps the crowd talking.
The message is clear: Black excellence isn’t an angle—it’s the main event.
Previous week’s SmackDown recap
