WWE SmackDown was live Wells Fargo Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Commentary: Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett.
Randy Orton Takes Aim at John Cena and Kevin Owens
Credit: WWE.com
Randy Orton came back into the ring and explained how much things have changed while he’s been away. He said that John Cena was at the top, but now he’s only in the shadow of The Rock. Orton went on to comment about his admiration for Kevin Owens as a wrestler but criticized him for being jealous. Orton told Owens attempted to ruin Cody Rhodes’ career and injure Sami Zayn out of jealousy. Orton remembered Owens hitting a prohibited piledriver to him and wondered what Owens was still angry at. Orton confessed that following his back injury, he just wanted to have fun wrestling. Orton spoke about hitting Owens an RKO at Elimination Chamber. Orton explained that the “voices” began speaking to him instructing Orton to kick Owens in the head so violently that KO’s family would not recognize his face.
"Kevin Owens, you pissed me off. The voices… they started talking to me again."
— EliteRockerz 𝕏 (@EliteClubS0B) March 8, 2025
"I'm going to prove in short order that Pat McAfee is the second-best punter in WWE."
FURIOUS RANDY ORTON IS ONE OF THE BEST PROMO CUTTERS IN WRESTLING 🔥#SmackDownpic.twitter.com/2nDe6AAKPn
Tiffany Stratton defeated Piper Niven (Non-Title Match)
Credit: WWE.com
It was Tiffy Time in Philadelphia as WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton scored another victory, this time over Women’s United States Champion Chelsea Green’s tag partner, Piper Niven. Niven put up a tough fight, but Stratton sealed the win with her Prettiest Moonsault Ever.
After the match, Stratton’s WrestleMania opponent, Charlotte Flair, attacked her with a chop block to the back of her left knee. Charlotte Flair locked her in the Figure 8 submission, leaving Stratton screaming in pain.
Pretty Deadly defeated Motor City Machine Guns and Los Garza – Triple Threat No. 1 Contenders Match
Credit: WWE.com
Pretty Deadly are now the official No. 1 Contenders of the WWE Tag Team Titles for defeating Los Garza and Motor City Machine Guns in a Triple Threat Match.
Angel and Berto were taken out from the equation, and Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin appeared to be about to hit with Skull and Bones. Kit Wilson pushed Shelley off the rope, so Elton Prince could deliver a perfect backslide on Sabin to secure a win.
Naomi admits She Attacked Jade Cargill
Credit: WWE.com
Bianca Belair entered the ring, tells that after winning the Elimination Chamber she should feel on top but couldn’t focus on WrestleMania because her friends were fighting. She calls Naomi out to the ring, who was ignoring her texts. Naomi, entered the ring wearing a neck brace and explains that she tagged with Belair to protect the Tag Titles. Naomi then with tears admitted, “I did it!” admitting she attacked Jade for Belair and their team. Belair was shocked and hurt for what Naomi did, telling Naomi they were done and leaving the ring. Naomi apologized and in emotion and anger called Belair ungrateful bitch.
“so me and you, we’re done” “why because of her!?” no cause i don’t think we understand how brilliant this was. naomi crying and getting emotional and then slowly lose her mind as bianca walks away hurt and then just snap calling her an ungrateful bitch. like woah 😭#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/dikZZYiVCr
— sᴏᴜʟ ❦ (@ERAOFMONE) March 8, 2025
Meanwhile, Jade Cargill arrived to the arena, walked down the ring, and attacked Naomi, beating her with punches and throwing her into the ring post. Cargill then hit Naomi with her Jaded slam in the ring.
Braun Strowman vs. Solo Sikoa ends in a No Contest
Credit: WWE.com
The match between Braun Strowman and Solo Sikoa ended in chaos, leading the referee to call it a No Contest. Strowman appeared to be on the verge of victory, but Tama Tonga attacked him, forcing the referee to stop the match.
Afterward, Jacob Fatu appeared and started a massive brawl with Strowman.
Women’s United States Champion Chelsea Green defeated Michin – Street Fight
Credit: WWE.com
Chelsea Green remains the Women’s United States Champion, courtesy of Alba Fyre.
In a chaotic match with steel chairs, kendo sticks, chains, and tables, Green and Michin used everything in sight to emerge victorious. Michin appeared to have the match won when she delivered a massive Flying Senton through a table to Green.
But Alba Fyre dragged Green from the ring and intercepted Michin and prevented her with a Canadian Destroyer. The opportunity arose for Green to retain the title.
Drew McIntyre defeated Jimmy Uso
Credit: WWE.com
The match was a tough one, with both rivals laying out significant moves. The turning point arrived when McIntyre countered a failed Uso Splash, preparing to deliver his signature Claymore kick to win the match.
Following the match, Damian Priest showed up, attacking McIntyre in revenge for a previous sneak attack earlier in the evening. This interference provided an added level of intensity to the existing rivalries in WWE.
LA Knight defeated Shinsuke Nakamura to win the United States Championship
Credit: WWE.com
Friday Night SmackDown saw a new United States Champion crowned as LA Knight took the title back from Shinsuke Nakamura in an action-packed bout.
Nakamura dominated at the outset, laying in wait for numerous traps for Knight, but Knight successfully overcame each obstacle, including an attempt at interference from a steel chair.
The momentum shifted when Nakamura misted the referee by accident, allowing Knight an opening. Knight subsequently struck a BFT onto a steel chair strategically positioned on the mat, earning the victory and becoming a two-time United States Champion.
