The April 25, 2025, edition of Friday Night SmackDown delivered one of the most memorable post-WrestleMania episodes in years. With a fresh WWE Champion, shocking returns, and major storyline shifts, SmackDown set the stage for an explosive build toward WWE Backlash 2025.
Let’s break down the biggest moments, match results, and what it all means for the future of WWE.
John Cena Officially Turns Heel: A New Era Begins
After winning his historic 17th World Title at WrestleMania 41, John Cena kicked off SmackDown in dramatic fashion. A somber entrance with just a black background and “John Cena” text set the tone for his heel turn.
Cena’s intense promo with Randy Orton set the arena on fire. Orton, a 25-year rival, called Cena out for abandoning his core values and losing touch with the fans who made him a star. In a stunning twist, Cena admitted he never cared about the fans, branding them as hypocrites.
Tensions boiled over as Cena promised to erase Orton’s legacy by freezing him at 14 World Championships. Although Orton challenged Cena to a fight that night, Cena declined, scheduling their official clash for WWE Backlash in St. Louis instead. However, Cena tried to ambush Orton, only to be hit with a thunderous RKO to close the segment.
Tag Team Chaos: Street Profits Retain in a TLC Classic
The main event delivered a Triple Threat TLC Match for the WWE Tag Team Championships. The Street Profits successfully defended against DIY and the returning Motor City Machine Guns.
The match, aired commercial-free, was packed with jaw-dropping spots, including high-flying ladder dives and brutal chair shots. The Street Profits retained their gold, cementing their place at the top of the tag team division.
Zelina Vega Captures The Women’s United States Championship
Zelina Vega finally claimed WWE gold by defeating Chelsea Green to become the new Women’s United States Champion.
This victory was long overdue for Vega, who has been one of the most underappreciated talents in the company. Chelsea Green’s reign was entertaining and pivotal for establishing the new title, but it was Vega’s night to shine. A potential rematch at WWE Backlash seems imminent, but for now, Vega stands tall as a deserving champion.
Aleister Black Makes a Triumphant WWE Return
In one of the most shocking moments of the night, Aleister Black returned to WWE after a four-year absence. Formerly known as Malakai Black in AEW, Black stormed into SmackDown with his classic NXT entrance and immediately made an impact by delivering a brutal roundhouse kick to The Miz.
Triple H’s creative direction is clearly positioning Black as one of SmackDown’s future top stars. If WWE stays the course, Aleister Black could be a major player heading into the rest of 2025.
Other Highlights from WWE SmackDown April 25, 2025
- Fraxiom made their official SmackDown debut, defeating Los Garza.
- Tiffany Stratton addressed her WrestleMania victory but was interrupted by Jade Cargill and later blindsided by Nia Jax, setting up a multi-woman feud for the WWE Women’s Championship.
- Jacob Fatu, the new United States Champion, clashed with LA Knight and Drew McIntyre in a heated segment, with Solo Sikoa causing chaos.
- Bianca Belair confirmed her injury, vowing to return stronger and focused on mending ties between Jade Cargill and Naomi.
- R-Truth and Jimmy Uso shared a hilarious backstage segment involving John Cena.
WWE SmackDown Match Results: April 25, 2025
- Fraxiom def. Los Garza (Tag Team Match)
- Jade Cargill vs. Tiffany Stratton ended in DQ after Naomi’s interference
- Zelina Vega def. Chelsea Green – New Women’s United States Champion
- Drew McIntyre vs. LA Knight ended in DQ after Damian Priest’s interference
- Street Profits def. DIY and Motor City Machine Guns to retain the WWE Tag Team Titles
WWE’s Road to Backlash 2025 Looks Electric
Friday Night SmackDown on April 25, 2025, felt like a massive reset for WWE post-WrestleMania 41. With John Cena’s heel turn, Randy Orton’s redemption arc, Zelina Vega’s championship win, and Aleister Black’s return, SmackDown laid the groundwork for an exciting summer ahead.
The momentum is real — and with WWE Backlash fast approaching, the stakes have never been higher.
