WWE SmackDown was packed with action and drama this week, as Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes addressed John Cena’s shocking betrayal. Fans also saw the return of Randy Orton and Jade Cargill, exciting title matches, and the crowning of new tag team title contenders. Here’s everything that went down on Friday Night SmackDown from Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.
Cody Rhodes Breaks His Silence on John Cena’s Betrayal
Cody Rhodes, showing off a real black eye, delivered a powerful speech in the ring. After John Cena turned heel and aligned with The Rock at Elimination Chamber, Rhodes was left heartbroken but fired up. He shared a personal story about his 4-year-old daughter, who asked about his injured face. Cody said he told her he ran into a wall, but promised to tell her the real story one day — how his hero, John Cena, gave up on him.
Rhodes recalled how he used to drive Cena from town to town, learning everything he could. But now, the man who always says “Never Give Up” has turned his back on him. Cody made it clear that he won’t give up, and with the WWE Universe behind him, he’s ready to face Cena at WrestleMania 41. Rhodes ended his emotional promo by borrowing Cena’s famous line:
“You want some? Come get some!”
While Cody delivered a strong speech, some fans felt the rivalry needs more fire — especially without Cena and The Rock being there live. Hopefully, WWE will build up this feud with more appearances or videos from Cena and The Rock in the coming weeks.
Grade: B+
Full Results and Highlights from WWE SmackDown
Randy Orton Calls Out Cena, Owens, and The Rock
Randy Orton didn’t hold back, delivering a fiery promo where he criticized Kevin Owens, John Cena, and The Rock, making it clear he’s ready for a fight.
Tiffany Stratton Defeats Piper Niven
Tiffany Stratton picked up a big win over Piper Niven with her Prettiest Moonsault Ever. But right after the match, Charlotte Flair attacked Stratton and locked her in the Figure Eight submission.
Pretty Deadly Become No. 1 Tag Team Contenders
Pretty Deadly (Elton Prince & Kit Wilson) won a triple threat match against Motor City Machine Guns and Los Garza, earning a future shot at the WWE Tag Team Championships.
Jade Cargill and Naomi’s Heated Moment
Naomi, wearing a neck brace, admitted she accidentally injured Jade Cargill. But Jade wasn’t ready to forgive and attacked Naomi while Bianca Belair watched from ringside.
Braun Strowman vs. Solo Sikoa Ends in Chaos
Braun Strowman faced Solo Sikoa, but the match ended in disqualification when Tama Tonga interfered. Afterward, Strowman chokeslammed Jacob Fatu off an equipment box through a table — but Fatu got up and walked away, showing his toughness.
Chelsea Green Retains Women’s United States Title
Chelsea Green kept her title against Michin, thanks to Alba Fyre, who attacked Michin with a Canadian Destroyer on steel chairs. After the match, Fyre showed respect to Green by saluting her.
Drew McIntyre Beats Jimmy Uso, Gets Attacked
Drew McIntyre defeated Jimmy Uso with a Claymore Kick, but was attacked right after the match by Damian Priest.
LA Knight Wins United States Championship
In a shocking upset, LA Knight defeated Shinsuke Nakamura to win the United States Championship. The match had lots of drama — Nakamura used poison mist to blind the referee, but a second ref came to count the pin after Knight hit his finisher BFT on a steel chair.
This week’s WWE SmackDown was full of surprises, emotions, and intense rivalries. Cody Rhodes’ heartfelt speech made it clear he’s ready to face John Cena at WrestleMania 41, no matter what. With new title challengers, returns, and championship changes, the road to WrestleMania is heating up fast. Fans can expect more twists and turns as these stories continue to build!
FAQ’s
What did Cody Rhodes say about John Cena on WWE SmackDown?
Cody Rhodes addressed John Cena’s betrayal, saying his hero gave up on him. He challenged Cena by saying, ‘You want some? Come get some!’
Who won the United States Championship on SmackDown?
LA Knight won the U.S. Championship by defeating Shinsuke Nakamura after a dramatic match involving poison mist and a steel chair.
Who are the new tag team title contenders?
Pretty Deadly (Elton Prince and Kit Wilson) won a triple threat match to become the No. 1 contenders for the WWE Tag Team Championships.
