This week’s WWE SmackDown featured The Rock making a suggestion to Cody Rhodes, Braun Strowman teaming with Damian Priest in the principle occasion, and extra.
It was SmackDown on the Smoothie King Heart in New Orleans, Louisiana with Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett on commentary.
The WWE Champion Cody Rhodes walked as much as SmackDown GM Nick Aldis, who knowledgeable Cody that he was out of the six-man tag staff match. Cody requested who modified issues and Nick stated that this was coming from The Last Boss (The Rock) and he wished to see Cody within the ring.
Match #1: Jimmy Uso defeated Drew McIntyre by pinfall. Jimmy countered the reverse Alabama Slam and sat on high of Drew with a rollup whereas grabbing the legs for the pinfall win.
After the match, Drew hit a forearm to knock Jimmy down. Drew rammed Jimmy’s head into the mat repeatedly. Drew advised Jimmy that this meant nothing to him and Jimmy meant nothing to him. Drew teased kicking Jimmy’s head into the ring put up, however WWE Officers and referees went to ringside to cease Drew earlier than he did it. Drew ran again into the ring, he ran the ropes and Drew hit a Claymore Kick to knock Jimmy down. Drew was laughing about it.
Solo Sikoa was proven arriving on the constructing when Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga confronted him. Solo stated what he did to Tama final week was an accident. Jacob stated that they knew that and that’s why Solo remains to be standing. Solo wished to be at ringside for his or her match, however Jacob advised Solo that Solo was teaming with Jacob and Solo agreed to it. Solo stated he was going to speak to GM Nick Aldis. Solo left.
Carmelo Hayes was proven strolling backstage when R-Reality walked as much as him saying they’d a match. Reality stated he by no means met him earlier than and Melo stated that he had a match with Reality final week. The Miz walked as much as say that they had been Melo Don’t Miz and Miz requested who his tag staff accomplice was. Reality stated his accomplice simply bought right here, so he left. Miz tried to pitch “Melo Don’t Miz” and Melo didn’t prefer it. Reality advised Melo that Miz wished him to say “Superior” and Melo left as an alternative.
R-Reality did a promo saying his tag staff accomplice was born in New Orleans and Reality referred to as him Louisiana Knight. Wade interrupted to say that Knight is from Maryland, however he moved to Hollywood in order that’s why he’s LA Knight. LA bought an excellent pop and he joined Reality for the match.
Match #2: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes defeated LA Knight & R-Reality by pinfall. Whereas Knight was on the ground, Shinsuke Nakamura confirmed as much as kick Knight into the ring put up. The referee by no means noticed it. Miz tagged in and Miz held Reality in a Cranium Crushing Finale whereas Melo hit The First 48, so Miz pinned Reality for the pinfall win. Miz was blissful in regards to the win whereas the announcers put over the concept that Miz & Melo would possibly make an excellent staff.
A video package deal aired about Charlotte Aptitude. She stated that the GOAT doesn’t must name herself the GOAT. Aptitude stated she has crafted a legacy that nobody can contact and he or she’s again. They confirmed Aptitude’s Royal Rumble win. At WrestleMania 41, Charlotte Aptitude will problem Tiffany Stratton for the WWE Ladies’s Title.
The WWE Ladies’s Champion Tiffany Stratton made her entrance for a match. Stratton stated that ever since she’s received the title, all people has been so obsessed together with her. Stratton stated she had Nia Jax beat till Candice LeRae had to assist her meal ticket. Stratton stated that at Elimination Chamber, Stratton and Trish Stratton will make certain the unstoppable power involves a definitive finish. Stratton moved on to speak about Charlotte Aptitude since Aptitude selected to face Stratton as her WrestleMania opponent. Stratton stated her goals got here true. Stratton stated that nobody likes to kick a woman when she’s down like Charlotte Aptitude. Stratton stated that at WrestleMania, she is coming for the spot that Aptitude covets essentially the most – as the highest woman in WWE.
Nia Jax and Candice LeRae interrupted. Jax stated it’s actually cute that Stratton thought she would beat Jax final week. LeRae stated that Stratton wouldn’t be there if it wasn’t for Trish Stratus. Jax claimed that Stratton received’t even see WrestleMania as a result of after Jax & LeRae win at WrestleMania, Jax is coming again for her Ladies’s Championship. Jax claimed that Stratton wasn’t going to see the grandest stage of all of them. Stratton bragged about beating LeRae. Jax recommended they take out Stratton proper now, however the referee stopped them so the match may begin.
Match #3: Tiffany Stratton defeated Candice LeRae (w/Nia Jax). Charlotte Aptitude went to ringside to hitch commentary throughout the match. Stratton hit the Prettiest Moonsault Ever for the win.
After the match, Nia Jax hit Stratton within the again with a forearm. Jax went for extra, however Trish Stratus made the save. Trish kicked Jax to knock her down. Trish hit a spinebuster on LeRae. Trish punched Jax a couple of occasions, however LeRae hit Trish with a chop block to the left leg. Jax knocked down Stratton. Jax headbutted Stratus onto Stratton. Jax went to the turnbuckle and Jax hit an Annihilator splash onto Stratus, who was on high of Stratton. That seemed like a really light Annihilator by Jax.
Charlotte Aptitude went into the ring whereas Stratton was alone on the mat and promoting a rib harm. Aptitude pointed on the WrestleMania signal whereas Stratton remained down within the ring.
Cody Rhodes was backstage and he walked as much as Damian Priest for a handshake. Priest requested why is The Rock right here. Cody stated it’s the time of yr and stated that your guess is nearly as good as mine, however he’s certain it will likely be eventful. Cody congratulated Priest on entering into the Elimination Chamber. Priest talked about that final yr they each walked out of WrestleMania as World Champions. Priest advised Cody that after Chamber, he’s coming after Cody’s title. Cody stated he wouldn’t have it some other approach. Cody left.
Braun Strowman congratulated Damian Priest on successful final week. Braun stated that if it wasn’t for Solo, he would have Jacob Fatu lifeless to rights and he would have been within the Chamber. Priest stated that you just’re sounding like Drew McIntyre with the reasons. Priest stated that was final week and Priest puzzled if they might deal with enterprise as a staff. Braun stated that they might and all he cared about was getting his fingers on these two tonight. Priest stated you’ll.
The Ladies’s Tag Group Champions Bianca Belair & Naomi had been interviewed by Byron Saxton within the backstage space. Naomi stated that she knew Liv & Raquel had been those who attacked Jade Cargill. Belair stated they’ll get revenge on Liv & Raquel on Uncooked for what they did to Jade. Belair stated that considered one of them would win Elimination Chamber and go on to face Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania. Naomi stated that they’ll really feel the glow on Monday and Liv will really feel the glow tonight.
Alexa Bliss was featured in a video package deal saying she was gone, however this place remains to be the identical. Bliss stated that the names are completely different however the insecurities are the identical. Bliss stated she is aware of the Elimination Chamber, she loves the Chamber and he or she’s received the Chamber. Bliss stated it’s her division and he or she is in cost. Bliss laughed: “See ya quickly.” Throughout the promo, there have been some scratchy elements to it to tease the Wyatt Sicks alliance.
Naomi and Bianca Belair made their entrance. Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez attacked them on the apron. Belair bought right into a battle with Raquel. Liv made the save with a chop block on Belair. Raquel hit a Texana Bomb on Belair. Liv hit Oblivion on Naomi. Referees confirmed as much as cease that, so there was no match.
Following a break, Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez had been getting yelled at by Smackdown GM Nick Aldis for what they did. Nick advised them to get off their present. Liv and Raquel laughed and left. Chelsea Inexperienced, the Ladies’s US Champion, arrived with Piper Niven to attempt to declare the spots of Bianca & Naomi at Elimination Chamber, however Nick stated Bianca and Naomi can be tremendous. Inexperienced complained to Nick about not being on Elimination Chamber in Toronto. Nick advised Inexperienced to pack her gear as a result of she’ll be in motion in Toronto on Smackdown subsequent week. Nick advised Inexperienced it could be an excellent one, Nick left and Inexperienced stated she wanted extra particulars.
The Rock did an in-ring promo confirming WrestleMania 42 in 2026 will likely be stay from the Superdome in one of many biggest cities on Earth…New Orleans, Louisiana. There was a pyro show by the doorway. The graphic stated it was on April 11 & April 12, 2026. There was a “holy s**t” chant from the group. The Rock was singing “When The Saints Go Marching In” and the followers joined in, so Rock admonished them saying it was his flip to sing. The Rock referred to as out Cody Rhodes.
The Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes joined The Rock within the ring. The Rock advised Cody that has to really feel wonderful and he stated that the followers love him. Cody advised the followers that he beloved them. Rock stated since final yr’s WrestleMania, they’ve turn into good pals. Rock talked about the final time they had been within the ring collectively was the Uncooked on Netflix debut and Rock credited Cody for carrying this firm. Rock talked about how they drank tequila they usually had fun. Rock advised Cody that he’s an excellent WWE Champion whereas Rock stated that their mothers have turn into good pals. They confirmed an image of their mothers hanging out after final week’s WrestleMania. The Rock stated he’s on the board of TKO and TKO owns WWE. The Rock stated that he’s a Director of The Board of TKO, so followers booed that and Rock stated don’t boo that. Rock stated that Ari Emanuel owns the whole lot and Ari advised Rock that he owns WWE. Rock stated that he doesn’t personal WWE, however he is aware of he’s essentially the most highly effective. Rock advised Cody he desires him to be one thing greater than an excellent champion. Rock advised Cody he desires him to be The Rock’s champion.
Cody stated he didn’t count on them to turn into pals or their mothers to turn into pals. Cody stated concerning being Rock’s champion, Cody stated he’s the champion of the followers. Rock responded saying he’s the Folks’s Champion. Rock stated that they had been born into this enterprise. Rock stated he is aware of Cody’s primary aim is to carry pleasure and happiness to individuals around the globe. Rock stated he is aware of Cody is that dude. Rock stated that Cody has tens of millions of Instagram followers and Rock has half a billion. Rock stated he’s essentially the most adopted man on the planet and he wished Cody to be his champion. Rock advised Cody he may open up doorways that he by no means knew existed. Rock advised Cody that each dream of his, each dream of his spouse and each dream of his child. Rock talked about Cody went to Moana 2, Rock met his household and Rock thanked the followers for serving to that film make billions. Rock stated he simply wants Cody to be his champion. Rock stated he’s a fortunate man who has all of it. Rock stated that they’re mama’s boys and woman dads. Rock trashed a fan for interrupting. Rock stated that the one factor that he has by no means had that he has by no means had greater than something is a brother. Rock advised Cody that’s what he may be. Rock stated that final yr his aim was to face his cousin Roman Reigns for the WWE Title. Rock stated that he talked to Triple H and Nick Khan to make Rock in opposition to Reigns occur, so what did Cody do? Cody advised them “f**ok that” and Cody stood as much as them. Rock stated that Cody slapped Rock as effectively. Rock advised Cody that nobody does that and will get away with it. Rock stated that’s why Cody is particular, he needs to be Rock’s champion and Rock will make certain each dream and want comes true. Rock stated that their dads had been pals. Rock advised Cody to not reply him tonight. Rock stated that he’ll meet him at Elimination Chamber in Toronto on March 1st and Cody may give him his reply there. Rock stated that the one factor he desires greater than something on this world is that. Rock pointed on the WWE Championship.
Cody stated that this WWE Championship – is that what that is about? Rock stated no. Rock stated that he doesn’t need that. Rock stated he desires your soul. Rock stated he’ll see Cody in Toronto on March 1st at Elimination Chamber. Cody stated nothing whereas Rock left and the followers booed Rock as he left the ring. The Rock stood within the aisle, took his sun shades off, and stared at Cody within the ring. Cody had a confused look on his face. The Rock seemed again at Cody from the doorway space whereas Cody remained within the ring not sure about what Rock stated.
Match #4: WWE Tag Group Championships: Fairly Lethal – Elton Prince & Package Wilson defeated #DIY – Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano by disqualification when The Avenue Earnings attacked Fairly Lethal. The titles stay with #DIY since titles don’t change on a disqualification.
Kevin Owens was proven speaking on a telephone saying that Sami Zayn desires to finish his profession, which might harm KO’s household. Owens puzzled about Zayn’s household. Owens was exterior the window at Sami’s home the place we noticed Zayn together with his spouse and his younger son. Owens puzzled if Zayn’s household knew what Zayn was about to place them via when Owens ends his profession in Toronto. Owens talked in regards to the good home and shelter that will likely be gone as a result of Zayn is proud. Owens referred to as Zayn egocentric as a result of he’s going to make Zayn do that to Zayn’s household. Owens stated he’ll by no means forgive him for that. Owens advised Zayn he’ll see him in Toronto, however keep in mind you requested for this and it’s all of your fault.
Egocentric. pic.twitter.com/E53gYAdLhD
— Kevin (@FightOwensFight) February 21, 2025
The graphic for Cody Rhodes and The Rock at Elimination Chamber requested this query: “Will Cody Settle for The Last Boss’ Provide?”
Who Gained The WWE SmackDown Most important Occasion?
There was a tag staff match in the principle occasion. It was the fifth straight week that Jacob Fatu was within the SmackDown predominant occasion.
Match #5: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman defeated Jacob Fatu & Solo Sikoa (w/Tama Tonga) by pinfall. Strowman took out Fatu and Tama on the ground with a operating shoulder deal with over the commentary desk. Priest hit South of Heaven on Solo for the win.
Damian Priest and Braun Strowman celebrated their win. That was the top of the present.
That’s all for this week. Thanks for studying.
