Live blogging for SmackDown usually comes naturally to me, but Friday night’s show was a different story. The blue brand’s three-hour format proved unnecessary as the card lacked sufficient depth to justify it. This case study highlights why revisiting a two-hour structure might be in order.
Randy Orton’s appearance marked the highlight of the evening, showcasing his best rendition of The Legend Killer character. His promo effectively made the WWE Championship match against John Cena at Backlash an intriguing prospect. Despite a lackluster rest of the night, Orton’s segment was engaging and set up a compelling storyline.
The main event scene was underwhelming, with matches that dragged on too long without resolution. LA Knight and Damian Priest’s bout ended in disarray after being defeated by Jacob Fatu, while Fraxiom’s second match on the main roster was marred by controversy over a pinfall. Piper Niven’s loss in her number one contender match to the United States Champion left no room for growth.
Aleister Black’s win against The Miz sparked interest, but it remains uncertain if Carmelo Hayes will follow through on his potential storyline. Meanwhile, Rey Fenix’s slugfest victory over Santos Escobar offered an interesting twist, hinting at Legado del Fantasma’s decline. Nia Jax and Jade Cargill continue to battle for the women’s championship, with both women working to reclaim their spots.
The show’s final moments saw Naomi stand tall over Jade Cargill and Tiffany Stratton while holding the title, leaving the audience feeling unimpressed. The lack of clear direction in the women’s division makes it challenging to generate excitement around upcoming matches.
Grade: D
Source: https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2025/5/3/24422900/wwe-smackdown-recap-reactions-may-2-2025-legend-killer-randy-orton-john-cena-backlash-build