SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...
WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT
MARCH 21, 2025
BOLOGNA, ITALY AT UNIPOL ARENA
AIRED ON TAPE DELAY ON USA NETWORK AND LIVE ON NETFLIX INTERNATIONALLY
Commentators: Joe Tessitore, Wade Barrett
Ring Announcer: Lilian Garcia
Attendance: WrestleTix reports as of showtime, 8,774 tickets were distributed with a set-up of 9,086. The arena has a capacity of 20,000 spectators when configured for concerts.
JOIN US LIVE ON YOUTUBE TONIGHT FOR THE VIDEO-FORMAT OF OUR LIVE POST-SHOWS…
PWTorch editor Wade Keller will be joined by PWTorch’s Jason Goodspeed to review WWE Smackdown LIVE on YouTube. We’ll be incorporating live viewer comments into the show so join us LIVE!
Email our post-show at wadekellerpodcast@gmail.com with your comments and questions about Smackdown. We’ll read your emails live during the post-show.
If you can’t join us live on YouTube, stream the show on demand later at YouTube or listen or stream later on a podcast app. Subscribe to all of our free podcasts by searching “wade keller” and “pwtorch” in your podcast app of choice including Spotify and Apple Podcasts and most other iOS and Android apps.
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[HOUR ONE]
-They opened with an aerial view of Bologna as Joe Tessitore introduced the show. He said there are just 29 days left until WrestleMania. They showed fans lined up outside the arena and then cheering inside the arena. Tessitore said it’s been 18 years since WWE filmed TV in Italy. Tessitore said the crowd had been roaring for hours. They showed wrestlers backstage: Jade Cargill, Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez, Braun Strowman, Jacob Fatu with Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga, and C.M. Punk. The crowd popped for Punk.
-After a dramatic pause, Randy Orton’s entrance theme played and he came out to cheers. Fans sang his song. Barrett said it’s great to see Orton back unless your name is Kevin Owens. As Orton was about to finally speak seven minutes into the show, Kevin Owens’s music interrupted. Owens said he was there to tell him he was wrong. He said Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn deserved everything he did to them, but Orton didn’t. He said Orton picked Cody over him and it made him angry, which caused him to do something he regrets. He said Orton has a history of his anger causing him to do “stupid things” he regretted later. He suggested Orton forgive him so he they can move on. He said he pulled Carmelo Hayes out of the ring last week to stop Orton from going back to the Orton who used to kick people in head. “That’s not who you are anymore,” he said. “You’ve changed for the better.”
Owens suggested they team together and become tag team champions. Owens told the fans to “shut your stupid faces.” He told Orton not to listen to them. Orton said what he should do is go down the aisle and kick his ass. He said what Owens said was intriguing. He said he’s never heard him admit he was wrong. “Let me think about it for a second,” he said. He then told Owens to take that half-hearted apology and shove it up his ass. Orton said he’s happy Owens dropped him on his head because the voices started talking to him again. He said those voices tell him, “Whatever happens in Vegas stays in Vegas,” he said. He vowed to kick KO’s head off his shoulders in Vegas. Owens shook his head in dismay. Orton’s music played to end the segment.
-They went to Tessitore and Barrett who talked about that match possibly becoming official for WrestleMania. They shifted to Drew McIntyre interfering in the Damien Priest vs. Shinsuke Nakamura battle.
-Priest made his ring entrance. [c]
(1) DAMIEN PRIEST & JIMMY USO vs. SHINSUKE NAKAMURA & DREW MCINTYRE
Nakamura’s entrance aired after the break. As McIntyre made his entrance, Priest met him in the aisle. Nakamura joined in the fight. Jimmy landed a running dive over the top rope onto Drew and Nakamura at ringside. Fans chanted, “Uso!” The wrestlers entered the rign and the bell rang 23 minutes into the hour. At 2:00 Nakamura dragged Jimmy to ringside and kicked him into the announce desk. They cut to a double-box break. [c/db]
Jimmy made a comeback against Nakamura after the break. Priest tagged in and finished Nakamura with a South of Heaven.
WINNERS: Priest & Jimmy in 7:00.
-Drew attacked Priest after the match. He delivered a Claymore to Priest’s face. Then he kneeled and told Priest he will keep putting him down until he stays on the ground.
-Knight told Strowman backstage he hopes he smacks Jacob Fatu back to factory settings. Strowman said Nick Aldis said the winner of his match against Jacob Fatu gets a shot at the U.S. Title, so if he beats L.A. Knight for the U.S. Title, that punches his ticket to WrestleMania.
-Clips aired of Tiffany Stratton leaping from the roof of the entrance set onto a crowd of security near Charlotte as Barrett commented on it. They showed Tiffany and Charlotte getting mic’d up for an interview. [c]
-Tessitore commented on scenes from Bologna.
-Tessitore asked Tiffany what her mindset was four weeks out for WrestleMania. Charlotte interrupted Tiffany’s answer to say the Queen speaks first. Charlotte said she felt sorry for Tiffany and called her delusional and disrespectful for comparing herself to her. Tiffany said she feels special because she earned her title. Charlotte said at WrestleMania 41, it’ll be the pinnacle of Tiffany’s career, but just another night for her. She said just because she’s blonde and can do a backflip, she hasn’t earned comparisons to hear. Tiffany said Charlotte was one of her biggest supporters at the start of her career. She said she is the women who will take her throne. Charlotte said Tiffany was a star in the making, Charlotte said she’s the only woman in the locker room to tell her the truth. Tiffany said Charlotte finds the hottest thing and throws water on it. Charlotte said Tiffany is struggling to keep up and catch her breath. Tiffany said Charlotte is just upset the fans don’t want her back. Charlotte said they’re either wooing or booing. Tiffany said: “I have my entire career to beat your alcolades.” (She meant “accolades.”) She said the WWE Universe doesn’t bow to her anymore. “They run on Tiffy-time,” she said. “See you at WrestleMania.”
(Keller’s Analysis: There was some good there admidst the muck of awkward acting and delivery and some tired catch phrases that felt unnatural. The good aspect is that the takeaway is Charlotte supported Tiffany until she saw her as a potential threat. It’s also clear, even if Tiffany isn’t the most likable personality at this point, that Charlotte is the heel.)
-Fatu made his ring entrance. [c]
(2) JACOB FATU vs. BRAUN STROWMAN
Strowman’s ring entrance took place. The bell rang 50 minutes into the hour. After battling in the ring, Braun knocked Fatu to the floor. He threw him into the ring and splashed him in the corner as fans sang. Fatu rolled to the floor. Braun charged at at him, but Fatu side-stepped him and threw him into the announce desk. Fatu then leaped off the ring apron and hit a lariat on the floor. They cut to a double-box break at 3;30. [c/db]
During the break, Fatu stayed on the attack at ringside until a Braun comeback. He threw Fatu into the ringside steps. Braun stomped away at Fatu’s legs and then entered the ring to break the ref’s count. Braun returned to ringside and threw Fatu into the ring. As they returned to full screen after the break, Fatu made a comeback and landed a Samoan Drop for a near fall at 7:00. Braun took a charging Fatu down with a clothesline. Both were down and slow to get up.
When Braun delivered a spinebuster, Tama Tonga stood on the ring apron. Braun threw him into the ring and set up a powerslam. Solo attacked Braun. The ref called for the DQ.
WINNER: Braun via DQ in 10:00.
[HOUR TWO]
-As Solo, Fatu, and Tama attacked Braun, Knight ran out for the save. Fans popped. Knight was overwhelmed. Knight tried to backdrop Tama, but the move was botched and Tama barely went in the air. (It’s so weird how often stuff like that happens with Knight.) Knight clotheslined Fatu over the top rope. Braun stood mid-ring and stated at Knight. Knight turned and then Braun pointed at his belt. Tessitore said next week, they wrestle for the U.S. Title.
-Cathy Kelley interviewed Liv and Raquel backstage. She asked Liv why she has an issue with Jade given it’s been proven they had nothing to do with attacking Jade. Liv said Jade allowed everyone to believe it was them. She said she had time to update Instagram but not clear their name. (A heck of a point.) She said it’s personal to her. She said she’ll finish the job that Naomi started.
-Tessitore plugged that Seth, Roman, and Punk were all there tonight.
-Piper Niven made her entrance with Chelsea. [c]
-More scenes of Italy were shown.
-Tessitore and Barrett commented on the close of the previous match.
-They showed Fatu throwing a fit backstage over losing his chance to challenge Knight for the U.S. Title next week. Solo told him to calm down. Fatu didn’t want to hear Solo’s explanation when he said he was trying to help. He told him to watch himself when he’s doing his business.
-They showed Anna, an Italian rapper, in the crowd with a replica title belt.
(3) PIPER NIVEN (w/Chelsea Green, Alba Fyre) vs. ZELINA VEGA
Vega’s entrance aired after the break. The bell rang 12 minutes into the hour. Niven overpowered Vega early. Vega fought back and yelled at Green and Alba Fyre at ringside. Niven then slammed Vega. They cut to a break at 4:00. [c]
Back from the break, Niven pressed Vega above her head, but Vega slipped free and applied a sleeper. She followed up with a modified octopus body stretch while hanging sideways ono the back of Niven. She then rolled her up for a two count. A minute later, Vega landed a satellite DDT for a near fall at 13:00. Vega knocked Green off the ring apron and then landed a 619 on Niven. Vega fended off Fyre, which gave Niven a chance to recover and surprise her with a crossbody for the win.
WINNER: Niven in 14:00. [c]
-A video recap aired of John Cena’s heel promo on Raw earlier in the week.
-Tessitore announced Orton vs. Owens was now official for WrestleMania.
-Kelly interviewed Jade backstage. She asked if she felt ready given it’s her first match back since she was attacked. Jade expressed confidence and said when she’s done with Liv, all eyes will be on Naomi. She said it’s a preview of what she’ll do to Naomi. [c]
(4) JADE CARGILL vs. LIV MORGAN (w/Raquel Rodriguez)
Liv and Raquel made their entrance. Then Jade’s full entrance aired. The bell rang 46 minutes into the hour. Jade kicked a charging Liv at the start. Jade confronted Raquel at ringside. Liv went after Jade at ringside from behind, but Jade fought back. Jade fallaway slammed Liv, then kipped up and flexed. Liv regrouped with Raquel at ringside. They decided to retreat to the back. Fans booed. Jade pursued them and dragged Liv back to the ring. Liv avoided a charging Jade. Jade came back with a powerbomb for a near fall. Raquel stood on the ring apron and yelled at Jade to “leave her alone.” Liv attacked Jade from behind with a back stabber. They cut to a break as Liv celebrated. [c]
Liv remained in control after the break. Jade made a comeback at 8:00 and delivered a spinebuster mid-ring. Fans applauded. Jade yanked Liv onto her shoulders and faceplanted her. She then kipped up before scoring a near fall. Barrett said Jade “took her sweet time” to make the cover and it cost her. Naomi stood on the ring apron. Liv went for Oblivion on a distracted Jade, but Jade turned it into a backbreaker. Raquel distracted the ref as Jade grabbed Naomi’s hair. Naomi hit Jade in the head with the tag title belt. Liv then gave Jade her Oblivion for the win.
WINNER: Liv Morgan in 11:00.
-Naomi attacked Jade afterward in the ring as fans booed. Barrett said he’s never seen this side of Naomi since first seeing her in 2008. She knocked Jade off the ring apron and into the announce desk. Tessitore said it was reminiscent of what happened months ago. Naomi basked in the aftermath in the ring as fans booed.
-A clip aired of Drew attacking Priest earlier.
-Kelley interviewed Drew backstage who reiterated what he said last week about Priest being an evil vulture picking his bones. He said he’d love someone to verbally explain to him how he’s wrong. He said Priest isn’t capable of that, but he said he is as tough as he is stupid. He said he can find him next week in London. As he was about to walk away, he saw Seth Rollins in the parking lot. They had a brief staredown as fans began singing Seth’s song.
[HOUR THREE]
-Tessitore hyped that The Street Profits were coming out next. Then they showed fan signs. [c]
-They showed the Profits celebrating their tag title win with fans last week.
-The Street Profits made their entrance to a new entrance theme. The fans chanted “You deserve it!” Tessitore said, “Yes, they do.” Montez Ford said the fans are generous and beautiful. He said they are champions for the first time in over four years. He led a brief chant with the crowd. Angelo Dawkins said, “It’s about damn time.” He said over the last four years, they were questioning each other. Fans again chanted, “You deserve it!” Dawkins said it’s been all worth it now that they’re holding the titles again. Ford said for the past four years, he knew that he could count on Dawkins. They shook hands and then hugged. Legado del Fantasma walked out.
Santos Escobar led Angelo and Humberto to the ring. He said the Profits “have finally captured gold,” so it’s too bad it’ll end abruptly. He said Angelo and Humberto are pissed and they are ready to take the titles off of them. Pretty Deadly interrupted. Barrett said they are the official no. 1 contenders. Kit Wilson said they earned no. 1 contender status. Elton Prince told Legado to step aside. Escobar said they won’t do that. He told Pretty Deadly to stay out of their business. Ford said Legado look feisty, so if they want a fight, they want the smoke. [c]
-A vignette aired for an unidentified wrestler (Rey Fenix).
(5) THE STREET PROFITS (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) vs. ANGEL & HUMBERTO (w/Santos Escobar)
The match was joined in progress after the break. Ford eventually hot-tagged Dawkins. Santos pulled the top rope down as Dawkins ran the ropes, so he tumbled to the floor. Humberto then leaped and tackled Dawkins as they cut to a break at 4:00. [c]
Dawkins began making a comeback after the break. Humberto thwarted it and then tagged in Angel. He landed a Garza Special for a two count, broken up by Ford. Dawkins leaped and tagged in Ford who rallied against Humberto with a flurry of offense leading to a two count at 10:00. Ford climbed to the top rope. Angel interfered. Angel and Humberto then tossed Ford, but he landed on his feet. They looked at him in shock. Ford slowly turned around. Dawkins joined in the fight. Ford superplexed Humberto.
A minute later, Dawkins punched Escobar off the ring apron and then leaped at Legado over the top rope and overshot all three. Gord then landed a top rope frog splash on Angel for the three count.
WINNERS: Street Profits in around 14:00.
(Keller’s Analysis: At least this week, there’s zero ambiguity over how fans are supposed to feel about the Profits. They are playing to the crowd even with their character presentation refresh. That’s good to see.)
-Paul Heyman stepped out of an SUV and smiled at the camera. [c]
-A vignette aired on Triple H being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame with a focus on his quad tear.
-Johnny Gargano and Tomasso Ciampa crossed paths with Pretty Deadly in a stairwell. Prince said they just found out they get to challenge The Street Profits next week in London. Gargano said they are happy for them. Ciampa said next week they’ll be sure they beat the tag champs in front of their home crowd in a career-defining moment, and then they will get the first title shot. Wilson and Prince turned them down and laughed. Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin walked in and said things don’t look good for them. They taunted them, then left.
-Tessitore hyped next week’s Smackdown and said tickets remain available. Barrett hyped the U.S. Title and Tag Title matches.
-They cut to the arena and after a dramatic pause, Roman Reigns’s theme played. Reigns came out wearing a “YTC” t-shirt, accompanied by Heyman. Tessitore said they are now on the express lane to WrestleMania. They cut to a double-box break. [c/db]
Reigns asked Bologna to acknowledge him. He then said, “Last month, C.M. Punk screwed me, so last week at the Garden, I screwed C.M. Punk.” He said at the Rumble, “Seth Rollins tried to kill me.” He said that’s okay because last week at the Garden, “I tried to kill Seth Rollins.” Fans chanted, “OTC!” He said he came a long way, so he’s going to take his time. He asked anyone who wants to confront him to come on out. He said he’d be there another 15 or 20 minutes. Seth made his way out to his music.
Barrett said since the break-up of the Shield, these two will fight for life. Seth entered the ring and absorbed fans singing his song. He told Roman he screwed up and he should have let him finish Punk when he had the chance. He said he gets it, though, because it’s never been about Punk. “It’s about you and me,” he said. “We came into this company. There is no you without me, there is no me without you. And we cannot coexist in the same space at the same time.” He said their story has a lot of pages written, “and it’s about time we added another chapter.” Fans chanted, “C.M. Punk!” Punk made his entrance as fans chanted his name.
Punk said his right hand isn’t taped up to hold a microphone. He said neither Roman nor Seth has ever defeated him without the other’s help. He said in the Rumble, it’s every man for himself. He said he wouldn’t have made it to the Rumble if he didn’t save his family’s ass in WarGames. He said for that, he is owed a favor from Heyman. He thanked Heyman for delivering the Tribal Chief on a silver platter for him tonight. Reigns turned and asked Reigns what was up. Punk then jumped Reigns from behind. Seth then went after Punk. Reigns fought back against both Seth and Punk. Seth jumped Reigns from behind. Heyman was at ringside watching as a wild brawl ensued.
Punk stood on the announce desk and pointed at the WrestleMania sign. Heyman stood next to Punk and kept saying “no” to him. Reigns then stood on the ringside steps and pointed at the WrestleMania sign.
(Keller’s Analysis: This makes basically official the long-assumed and rumored Triple Threat match with these three. Reigns shooting Heyman a look of suspicion before Punk jumped Reigns from behind is the key moment of this segment.)
JOIN US LIVE ON YOUTUBE TONIGHT FOR THE VIDEO-FORMAT OF OUR LIVE POST-SHOWS…
PWTorch editor Wade Keller will be joined by PWTorch’s Jason Goodspeed to review WWE Smackdown LIVE on YouTube. We’ll be incorporating live viewer comments into the show so join us LIVE!
Email our post-show at wadekellerpodcast@gmail.com with your comments and questions about Smackdown. We’ll read your emails live during the post-show.
If you can’t join us live on YouTube, stream the show on demand later at YouTube or listen or stream later on a podcast app. Subscribe to all of our free podcasts by searching “wade keller” and “pwtorch” in your podcast app of choice including Spotify and Apple Podcasts and most other iOS and Android apps.
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