This week’s episode of WWE SmackDown kicked off the company’s European Tour in Barcelona, Spain, at the Olimpic Arena. The show featured several high-intensity moments, including Axiom’s match against World Heavyweight Champion Gunther and The Street Profits winning the WWE Tag Team Championships.
However, as exciting as the night was, there were also some missteps in WWE’s storytelling and booking decisions. With WrestleMania 41 just weeks away, some creative choices left fans puzzled. Here are five mistakes WWE made on SmackDown this week.
#5. Bringing Back Shinsuke Nakamura Too Soon After His Title Loss
Last week, LA Knight defeated Shinsuke Nakamura to win the United States Championship. Many expected Nakamura to take a short break to rebuild momentum before returning for a rematch. However, he appeared on SmackDown just a week later without any interaction with Knight.
Instead, Nakamura requested a rematch, but SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis booked him in a match against Damian Priest instead. The bout ended chaotically when Drew McIntyre interfered, attacking Priest, and Nakamura delivered a Kinshasa to The Archer of Infamy.
While the sequence set up the McIntyre vs. Priest feud, Nakamura’s role felt unnecessary. WWE could have either kept him off TV for a short break or positioned him in a direct title feud with LA Knight.
#4. Rey Fenix’s Debut Teaser Was Placed on the Wrong Show
WWE fans have been eagerly waiting for Rey Fenix to make his debut. While the company teased his arrival on SmackDown, it might have been better suited for Monday Night RAW.
His brother, Penta El Zero Miedo, has been making waves on RAW since his debut in January 2025, and given their popularity as The Lucha Brothers, it would have made sense for Fenix to join him on the red brand.
Instead, WWE hinted at Fenix joining SmackDown, possibly missing an opportunity to include him in Chad Gable’s current storyline against luchadors on RAW. While it’s still unconfirmed if Fenix was the masked figure behind the American flag mask, his debut placement felt like a missed opportunity.
#3. No CM Punk, Seth Rollins, or Roman Reigns Appearance
The biggest names in WWE were noticeably absent from SmackDown this week. Instead, Paul Heyman had a brief in-ring segment to promote WWE 2K25, discussing how CM Punk and Seth Rollins were unhappy about Roman Reigns being on the cover.
However, the segment felt disconnected from the ongoing WrestleMania build-up. Heyman even referenced a heel-like comment about Mussolini, but neither Punk nor Rollins interrupted to further their rivalries.
Since WWE is heavily promoting Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins’ WrestleMania storyline, this segment felt like a wasted promo opportunity.
#2. Jimmy Uso Being Pulled Back Into Bloodline Drama
Jey Uso’s recent confrontation with The Bloodline after winning the Intercontinental Championship was an expected move to set up the Bloodline Civil War at WrestleMania 41. However, Jimmy Uso’s renewed involvement in the Bloodline storyline felt unnecessary.
Jimmy challenged LA Knight for the US Championship, but his promo was interrupted by Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu, with Solo suggesting that Fatu deserved a title shot instead. This led to a six-man tag team match, where Fatu destroyed Braun Strowman.
While Fatu’s push makes sense, Jimmy being stuck in the Bloodline storyline feels repetitive, especially now that the civil war angle should be winding down.
#1. Kevin Owens’ Interference Felt Pointless
The main event featured Randy Orton facing Carmelo Hayes in Orton’s first singles match since his return at Elimination Chamber: Toronto. The Viper won the match clean, but post-match chaos ensued when Kevin Owens suddenly appeared.
Owens pulled Hayes out of the ring before Orton could hit a Punt Kick, yet he didn’t attack Orton or seem interested in revenge. Instead, he took a few punches, threw Orton into the ring post, and ran away.
This random interference lacked storytelling logic for multiple reasons:
- KO has no storyline connection with Carmelo Hayes.
- If Owens wanted to attack Orton, why didn’t he interfere during the match?
- His escape felt out of character, considering KO is usually aggressive.
If Owens had cost Orton the match, it would have made more sense, especially with Hayes being an opportunist. However, his appearance felt like a missed opportunity to push a stronger storyline.
While WWE’s European Tour kickoff in Barcelona had several great moments, including Gunther’s dominant win over Axiom and The Street Profits winning the tag titles, the show had its share of missteps.
With WrestleMania 41 approaching, WWE should ensure that every segment builds toward something meaningful rather than leaving fans with unanswered questions. Hopefully, next week’s episode in Bologna, Italy, will course-correct these missteps.
FAQs
Why was Kevin Owens on SmackDown in Barcelona?
Kevin Owens interfered in Randy Orton’s match but did not attack him directly, leaving fans confused about his storyline direction.
Is Rey Fenix joining WWE?
WWE teased Rey Fenix’s debut, but it is unclear if he will join RAW or SmackDown.
Who won between Gunther and Axiom?
Gunther defeated Axiom in a hard-fought match on SmackDown.
