The final WWE SmackDown before WWE Backlash 2025 delivered chaos, shocking returns, and hard-hitting action across the board. From title implications to personal rivalries exploding, here’s everything that went down on the May 9 episode of Friday Night SmackDown.
LA Knight & Damian Priest Defeat Jacob Fatu & Solo Sikoa in Chaotic Tag Match
Tensions were at an all-time high as LA Knight and Damian Priest teamed up to face United States Champion Jacob Fatu and Solo Sikoa in a heated tag team contest. Midway through the match, Solo attempted to land the Samoan Spike, but Knight countered and hit the BFT to score a massive victory.
Following the bell, Knight and Priest came to blows, reigniting their growing rivalry. Jacob Fatu ambushed both Superstars, but forgot about one crucial factor—Drew McIntyre. The Scottish Warrior made a surprise return, laying out Fatu with a vicious Claymore Kick, just 24 hours ahead of their U.S. Title Fatal 4-Way Match at WWE Backlash.
Alexa Bliss Returns, Teams with Zelina Vega for Tag Team Victory
Alexa Bliss made her return to WWE television, aligning with Women’s United States Champion Zelina Vega in a surprise tag team match against Chelsea Green and Piper Niven. Bliss showed no signs of ring rust, hitting Green with Sister Abigail for the decisive pinfall.
The win gives Vega and Bliss significant momentum heading into the next chapter of the Women’s division, which continues to heat up with new rivalries and shifting alliances.
Nia Jax Defeats Jade Cargill to Become No. 1 Contender
In a match to determine the next challenger for the WWE Women’s Championship, Nia Jax stole a victory over Jade Cargill, thanks to an outside distraction from Naomi, who attacked Tiffany Stratton at ringside.
Jax capitalized on the chaos, delivering the Annihilator to Cargill to earn her spot as the No. 1 Contender. The powerhouse is
now set to challenge Stratton for the title in what promises to be a collision of titans.
Fraxiom Shocks WWE Tag Champs in Non-Title Match
Up-and-coming duo Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer & Axiom) challenged WWE Tag Team Champions The Street Profits to an impromptu non-title bout. Despite the champions’ experience, the challengers capitalized on their post-TLC fatigue and stunned the crowd by hitting Catapulta Infernal on Montez Ford for the upset win.
The victory solidifies Fraxiom as serious contenders in the tag team division moving forward.
Aleister Black Defeats Carmelo Hayes; Drops The Miz with Black Mass
Rising tensions between Aleister Black, Carmelo Hayes, and The Miz came to a head when Miz inadvertently cost Hayes his match by interfering. After securing the win, Black didn’t hesitate to deliver a second Black Mass, this time directly to The Miz.
The dark presence of Aleister Black continues to loom large on SmackDown.
Andrade & Rey Fenix Defeat Los Garza; Tension Builds in Legado del Fantasma
After being ambushed earlier in the night by Legado del Fantasma, Rey Fenix got backup from Andrade in a tag team bout against Angel and Berto (Los Garza). The high-flying duo thrilled the audience before Andrade put Berto away with The Message.
Post-match, tensions flared as Santos Escobar chastised the Garza cousins, prompting Berto to slap away his hand and walk out alone—signaling possible dissension within the faction.
Randy Orton RKO’s John Cena Before WWE Backlash Showdown
In the final moments of SmackDown, Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena sent a message to Randy Orton by hitting the Attitude Adjustment—only to discover it was on a decoy. As Cena stood tall, The Viper struck out of nowhere with an RKO, leaving the champion laid out just one night before their highly anticipated title match at WWE Backlash.
