This week’s SmackDown was packed with drama. The blue brand is heating up as Backlash approaches. Tensions exploded between Damian Priest and LA Knight. Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu made their presence felt, stirring up trouble. The women’s division delivered fireworks as Tiffany Stratton, Jade Cargill, Nia Jax and Naomi clashed in a heated face-off. Randy Orton brought back his “Legend Killer” persona with a fiery warning to John Cena. Every segment built excitement for upcoming matches. Catch, WWE SmackDown May 2 Results, Winners, Grades, and Analysis.
Damien Priest vs LA Knight
The tensions escalated backstage when Damian Priest confronted Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu. The situation almost turned into a fight. Meanwhile, LA Knight walked past the chaos, jokingly suggesting they discuss it. He then took the ring to address the audience, expressing his frustration about having to compete for a number one contender spot for his US title. Knight felt that Sikoa and Fatu’s interference was unfair, and he called out Priest for not managing the situation better.
Priest soon joined Knight in the ring, leading to a heated argument. They exchanged insults about their recent failures, particularly their losses at WrestleMania. Priest claimed Knight’s loss was his fault, while Knight warned him that their ongoing conflict could lead to serious trouble. The tension led to an impromptu match between the two, which was initially set for later that evening.
The match kicked off with both wrestlers displaying strong moves. Knight landed a neckbreaker, followed by Priest retaliating with a right hand. The back-and-forth action earned the crowd’s approval, resulting in “this is awesome” chants. Despite their impressive exchanges, the match ended abruptly when Solo Sikoa interfered, causing the referee to call it a no-contest.
As chaos ensued, Sikoa attacked both Knight and Priest. They initially fought against Sikoa but eventually decided to team up against him. The segment concluded with Fatu joining the fray, leading to a wild series of attacks that left the heels celebrating.
No Contest
Grade B
Analysis
WWE wants to give Fatu the tough competition at the start of his title reign. Fatu beat LA Knight at WWE WrestleMania 41 that made him an automatic choice. Priest also wanted to get his hands on the title. Drew McIntyre can be an ideal choice to make it a Fatal 4 Way Match. It is good for Fatu to work with stars to retain his star power and also show his athleticism.
Pretty Deadly vs Fraxiom
Fraxiom’s debut was replayed before Byron Saxton interviewed them backstage. Nathan Frazer expressed excitement about facing Pretty Deadly tonight. He mentioned their plans to shake up SmackDown’s tag division. Axiom called it the best tag division in the world. Kit Wilson and Elton Prince then appeared, agreeing with the statement. They claimed Pretty Deadly was the best team. Prince said they wanted to put Fraxiom in their place. They expressed doubts about Fraxiom’s abilities and requested a match against them.
In the match between Pretty Deadly and Fraxiom, both teams had plenty of time. The match started slowly, with Pretty Deadly controlling the action. Fraxiom eventually made a strong comeback. They finished the match with a Spanish Fly followed by a Phoenix Splash. This impressive move secured their victory by pinfall.
Winner: Fraxiom
Grades: B
Analysis
It was a fun tag team match. Both teams have a good arsenal of double-team moves. Fraxiom has been called up from NXT to SmackDown. This new team looks like a perfect addition, and they’ll be in the tag titles’ picture sooner. But we have to say that Pretty Deadly can offer a lot more if used wisely.
Backstage
B-Fab and Michin spoke backstage with Nick Aldis about wanting tag team gold. They know the champions are on break, but they want to be first in line. The Secret Service then entered, dressed in black, mourning Chelsea Green’s title loss. Green criticized Aldis for not being American, to which he replied that neither was anyone in the Secret Service. Green threatened legal action for a title recount. Aldis mentioned he would discuss a rematch later. He added that Piper Niven was facing Zelina Vega tonight, and if Niven won, she would become the top contender.
Women’s World Champion Match Buildup
Nia Jax came out to boos and addressed the audience with a microphone. She expressed her happiness about being back and her goal to reclaim the WWE Women’s Championship. She criticized Tiffany Stratton, calling her a “Barbie doll,” and said she has refocused herself. Stratton, the current champion, interrupted and confidently responded to Jax’s claims.
Stratton reminded Jax that she’s no longer the same person she used to bully. She mentioned her career highlights, including cashing in on Jax and defeating Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania. Stratton declared she would beat Jax again if they faced off. Jax demanded a rematch, and Stratton agreed to defend her title anytime and anywhere.
Naomi then entered, wearing caution tape gear and debuting new music. She criticized both women, accusing Jax of making her life miserable and Stratton of helping her. Naomi stated she has changed and is no longer a “sweet, good girl.” She proudly mentioned taking out Jade Cargill, claiming she’s now focused on winning more gold.
Jade Cargill made her entrance, leading to a brawl between the women. The babyfaces quickly gained the upper hand, taking out the heels. Nick Aldis appeared and announced a tag team match involving them. Wade Barrett hinted it could be the main event later in the show.
Grades: B
Analysis
The women’s division of the Blue brand is slowly establishing itself. Nia Jax’s return gave a fresh feeling, and she also made a strong opponent for the champion, Tiffany Stratton, who is coming off a huge win against Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 41. Other than that, Naomi has done some of the finest work of her career in the recent months while equally making Jade Cargill standout in this rivalry.
Aleister Black vs The Miz
Carmelo Hayes was backstage hyping up The Miz. He wore a large necklace of Andre the Giant, celebrating his win in the Memorial Battle Royal. The Miz claimed Aleister Black did not knock him out last week; instead, he woke him up. He wanted to remind everyone why he has lasted so long in WWE.
The match started with Aleister Black dominating The Miz from the beginning. Miz struggled to find his footing as Black kept the pressure on him. Eventually, Miz managed to knock Black down and took control for a short time. He interrupted Black’s comeback attempts, but Black avoided the Skull Crushing Finale.
In the end, Black fended off interference from Hayes and delivered Black Mass. This move earned him the pinfall victory over The Miz. After the match, Hayes entered the ring, leading to a tense staredown with Black. Hayes then backed away, leaving Miz in the ring.
Winner: Aleister Black
Grades: B-
Analysis
It was good to see Black back in a WWE ring after a long time. He has the same athleticism and skill set. The Miz is a master at making other superstars look good on screen. Carmelo Hayes, Andre, the Giant Memorial Battle Royal winner, will be a good feud for Black. They both can benefit from this.
Backstage at WWE SmackDown May 2 Results
Backstage, Santos Escobar confronted Rey Fenix. He expressed disappointment in Fenix’s performance at WrestleMania. Escobar reminded Fenix that he lost a critical match and embarrassed Lucha Libre. He pointed out that Rey Mysterio chose Fenix to replace him, claiming Fenix blew his chance.
Escobar stated that Mysterio is now out of the picture for good. He believes he should take Mysterio’s place in lucha libre. Fenix interrupted Escobar, telling him to stay out of his business. Escobar attempted to respond, but Fenix firmly stated he only trusted one luchador: himself.
Fenix then proposed they settle their differences in the ring tonight. This proposal received a positive reaction from the audience, signaling their excitement.
Zelina Vega vs Piper Niven
The match featured Zelina Vega against Piper Niven, who wore all-black Secret Service gear. Niven dominated the match early, taking control before the first commercial break. Chelsea Green was at ringside, causing distractions while Niven continued to attack Vega. Alba Fyre also interfered when the referee was distracted. Vega managed to mount a comeback but was quickly cut off by Niven.
Niven had another strong offensive run, keeping Vega on the defensive. Eventually, Vega fought back again, but Green jumped onto the apron for interference. Niven rushed to help Green, but Vega dodged, causing Chelsea to be knocked down. Seizing the moment, Vega rolled up Niven for a surprise pinfall victory. The match ended with Vega celebrating while the Green Regime fell into disarray.
Winner: Zelina Vega
Grades: C
Analysis
Zelina Vega have the potential to carry this title and make it worthy. WWE is still struggling in doing the right for the Women’s US Championship. Vega should be given other opponents rather than surrounding her with Chelsea.
Backstage
Backstage, GM Nick Aldis spoke with Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu. Aldis expressed frustration about matches being disrupted two weeks in a row. Solo defended himself, saying Aldis should blame Damian Priest for last week’s chaos. Fatu warned everyone to stay out of his way.
Aldis acknowledged the warning and announced a triple threat match for Backlash. The match would feature Fatu, Priest, and LA Knight. Sikoa then reminded Aldis that Drew McIntyre won the number one contender match. Aldis agreed and changed it to a Fatal 4-Way.
Fatu confidently declared he was ready for the challenge, saying he was all gas, no brakes. Sikoa accused Aldis of trying to sabotage Fatu. Aldis responded, saying, “No, Solo, you are,” leaving the tension hanging in the air.
Randy Orton Promo
Randy Orton made his entrance to loud chants from the crowd. He soaked in the cheers before welcoming everyone to Friday Night SmackDown despite the show being two hours in. The fans cheered regardless. Orton then shifted his focus to John Cena, claiming he always saw Cena for who he truly was. He called Cena arrogant and selfish, someone who gets whatever he wants.
Orton criticized Cena for being a “walking, talking cartoon character” during the PG Era. He accused Cena of caring only about fame, fortune, and selling merchandise to kids. Orton mocked Cena’s claim of raising fans’ kids, saying he only raised the price of his merchandise, forcing parents to work harder to buy it. He accused Cena of selling his soul for 20 years and questioned his loyalty and respect.
Orton directly addressed Cena’s statement about erasing the Orton name from wrestling history. He vowed to defend his family’s legacy, declaring that Cena would have to do so over his dead body. Orton proclaimed himself the last real champion and promised to put Cena down as the latest legend in his path. He announced the return of “The Legend Killer.”
Orton ended with a bold warning to Cena. He said he would punt kick Cena’s “Lego-shaped head” off his shoulders and through the Gateway Arch. But before that, he promised to drop Cena with the three most dangerous letters in sports entertainment: RKO.
Grades: B+
Analysis
Randy Orton is one of the finest on the mic, and this was just a glimpse of that. Orton has to carry the weight of this rivalry, as Cena will have limited appearances. The Punt Kick story has been going on for a couple of months. Kevin Owens’ injury put the plans off the chart. Randy still insists on saying it, which means someone will be a target soon.
Backstage
Nia Jax confronted Naomi backstage about their plans. Jax expressed her desire to get back at Tiffany Stratton. She told Naomi to handle her own business with Jade and stay out of her way. Naomi simply replied, “Sure,” and walked away. Next, R-Truth approached Randy Orton backstage, claiming that his childhood hero would defeat him in their upcoming match.
Jimmy Uso then arrived and said he would handle Truth. He warned Truth that he would get his head punted off if he didn’t stop talking. Truth insisted that John Cena was the last real champion because Cena had told him so. He believed Cena would never lie to him. Jimmy, clearly frustrated, watched as Truth walked away.
Rey Fenix vs Santos Escobar
The earlier backstage argument led to a match between Santos Escobar and Rey Fenix. They exchanged powerful chops, with Escobar declaring he was the boss. He suggested they should take over together. Fenix retaliated, pushing Escobar down and urging him to get back up.
Commentator Wade Barrett noted that the match felt more like a slugfest, lacking the usual lucha libre style from Fenix. They pointed out that Rey Mysterio’s aggressive, fast-paced offense was missing, crediting Escobar for neutralizing it. Throughout the match, Escobar continued to taunt Mysterio, calling him out for choosing Fenix over him.
Escobar kept working on Fenix, taking his time to gain control. However, Fenix eventually mounted a significant comeback. He finished the match with a Meteora, securing the pinfall victory over Escobar. Fenix proved once again that he could overcome the odds.
Winner: Rey Fenix
Grades: B-
Analysis
It was a high-flying action-packed match. Rey Fenix is an interesting wrestler but lacks a good character. These weekly matches have given him attention from the fans. Escobar has been calling out Rey Mysterio. Maybe this story ends with Mysterio coming out to even the numbers game by aligning with Fenix.
Backstage
Jade Cargill and Tiffany Stratton were backstage discussing their plans. Byron Saxton approached them, asking about their chances in the upcoming matches. Stratton confidently declared that the title belongs around her shoulders. She added that as long as Jade stays out of her way, everything will be fine.
Jade then revealed that she would face Nia Jax next week in a number one contender’s match for the women’s championship. Stratton responded that she could beat Jax and would take the title right after. The two seemed confident about their prospects.
Meanwhile, Santos Escobar was backstage, visibly upset with Legado del Fantasma. Andrade approached him, and Escobar warned him to choose his words carefully. Andrade criticized Escobar for lacking legacy, respect, and honor, which Escobar denied. He insisted on leaving with his group, but they appeared hesitant to follow. Andrade watched with satisfaction, pleased with the tension he had created within Escobar’s team.
Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill vs Nia Jax and Naomi
It was our main event of the night. The match began at a quick pace, with everyone going for their rival. The heel team dominated for a while before Stratton tagged in and landed some offense. Jax delivered a Samoan Drop and a leg drop on Tiffany. Naomi quickly tagged in, leading to an argument between both tag team partners. Naomi got in and suffered a choke slam from Cargill.
Jax pulled Naomi to the corner to tag herself in. She tried to finish Cargill, but Jade countered with a powerbomb for the win. Stratton and Cargill celebrated, but things got tense afterward. The referee tried to give Stratton the title, but Cargill grabbed it first. The crowd booed as they nearly fought over it.
Naomi then jumped in, knocking Jade into Stratton. She took the title and stood over Cargill, holding it high. The win sets up a number one contender match next week between Stratton and Cargill. The tension between them is clearly building. The match was chaotic, with lots of back-and-forth action. The post-match drama hints at more conflict ahead. Fans will have to wait and see how this plays out.
Winner: Jade Cargill and Tiffany Stratton
Grade B
Analysis
The match was good, but the story made this match fun to watch. All competitors are contenders for the Women’s title, which means this match can also be a Fatal 4 Way. But, the story between Cargill and Naomi is yet to be finished. So, maybe Jax will challenge Tiffy at the Backlash.
