WWE SmackDown Results & Winners (April 18, 2025): Cody Rhodes flatlines John Cena once again; Carmelo Hayes wins & more
(Courtesy : WWE/Netflix)
The go-home show featured multiple segments setting the stage for WrestleMania 41!
The April 14 episode of Friday Night SmackDown served as the go-home show for the ‘Grandest Stage of Them All’ WrestleMania 41 and is set to emanate live from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. The show set the final tone for the PLE, which will emanate from the Allegiant Stadium on April 19 & 20.
The Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, as per tradition, took place on the go-home show ahead of the ‘Grandest Stage’. A six-woman tag team match was confirmed, featuring Zelina Vega, Kayden Carter, and Katana Chance, who faced the team of Chelsea Green and her Secret Hervice (Alba Fyre & Piper Niven).
The WWE Tag Team Champions, the Street Profits, also defended their titles against MCMG on the go-home show. Get to know what happened this Friday, as we have the complete summary, highlights, results, and winner’s list for the 04/18 episode of WWE SmackDown.
WWE SmackDown Summary and Highlights
Seth Rollins
The Visionary stepped into the ring and looked up at the WrestleMania sign as “CM Punk” chants filled the arena. Rollins then sat down on the mat, right in the center of the WWE logo, mirroring Punk’s iconic pose. As “OTC” chants began to rise, Rollins started his promo.
He took aim at CM Punk, saying that while fans thought Punk returned because they chanted his name, the reality was that when Punk first entered the ring, it wasn’t a WWE ring. It was because someone had written him a “big fat cheque,” and when he came back to WWE, it was for the same reason.
Rollins then shifted his focus to Roman Reigns, claiming that Reigns didn’t care about the WWE fans. He only cared about himself—‘Mr. Private Jet.’ The arena erupted with “Roman, Roman Reigns!” chants as Rollins continued, stating that while his opponents didn’t understand sacrifice, he did.
Rollins revealed that the story between them started 12 years ago, with Paul Heyman at the center. He recapped his days in The Shield, where he worked tirelessly, but all the cameras were always on Roman Reigns. As “Thank You Seth!” chants filled the arena, Rollins pointed out how he worked every single day, unlike Punk and Reigns.
Seth then declared that while the story began 12 years ago, it would come to an end the following night at WrestleMania 41. He promised to lay it all on the line at Allegiant Stadium, ensuring the industry moved in the right direction. The Visionary ended the segment with a classic Paul Heyman-style line: “It’s not a prediction, it’s a spoiler!”
Andre the Giant Battle Royal
The first match of the show was the 2025 Andre the Giant Battle Royal and while big names like Karrion Kross, Chad Gable, Rey Fenix, The Mix and more participated in the battle royal, only four remained in the end: Rey Fenix, Shinsuke Nakamura, Andrade and Carmelo Hayes.
Andrade eliminated Shinsuke Nakamura, leaving the final three competitors. Hayes attempted to attack Fenix, but Andrade intercepted, and both men hung on as Fenix seemingly celebrated. Hayes then attacked Fenix, but Rey fired back, showcasing his athleticism and battering both Andrade and Hayes.
Fenix went for his signature rope walk attack, but El Grande Americano appeared out of nowhere, causing Fenix to crash into the ropes and fall outside the ring. Rey Fenix was eliminated.
Andrade and Carmelo Hayes then battled it out in the middle of the ring for the win in the Battle Royal. Both men found themselves on the second rope, but Hayes capitalized, eliminating Andrade to win the 2025 Andre the Giant Battle Royal.
Rhea Ripley, Iyo Sky, Bianca Belair, Naomi & Jade Cargill
Ripley stepped into the ring, grabbed the mic, and stated that Sunday would mark the sixth WrestleMania of her career. Mami recapped how she lost her composure and her title but made it clear that there was no point in dwelling on the past. “Rhea Ripley will walk out of WrestleMania 41 as your three-time Women’s World Champion,” she declared.
Iyo Sky‘s music hit, and the current Women’s World Champion made her appearance. Before Iyo could say anything, Bianca Belair’s music played, and the EST of WWE entered. Belair spoke, but the crowd drowned her out with boos. She mentioned that this might be her last time on SmackDown because she would be walking out of Mania as the Champion.
Naomi’s music then hit, leaving the three women in the ring confused. Naomi greeted Belair, pointing out how she had finally decided to show up on SmackDown. Naomi then went off on Bianca, who responded by saying she didn’t want to do this here. Naomi stepped into the ring, mentioning that Jade Cargill wasn’t there for Belair, but she was.
Naomi went to send a warning, but just then, Jade Cargill rushed into the arena. Belair tried to diffuse the situation, and Naomi stepped out of the ring. Ripley stepped in front of Cargill, stating that it wasn’t about her, but Naomi pushed Cargill, sending her crashing into Belair.
A brawl broke out, with Iyo Sky watching from the sidelines as security rushed in to separate the chaos. Sky then took action, delivering a moonsault from the top rope, taking out both Ripley and Belair, along with the security at ringside.
Backstage
Rey Fenix was backstage, addressing his battle wounds, when Chad Gable walked in, accompanied by the Creed Brothers (Julius & Brutus Creed). They mocked Fenix, stating that he didn’t have a good night like El Grande Americano.
Dragon Lee then walked in, stepping up to defend Fenix, and soon after, Rey Mysterio joined him. Mysterio declared that Americano would learn what it truly meant to be a luchador at WrestleMania. Mysterio then floated the idea of a six-man tag match for the night, which caused Brutus Creed to laugh while Gable looked visibly angry. Fenix, however, agreed with the idea.
The Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) (c) vs MCMG (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) – WWE Tag Team Championship match
WWE Tag Team Champions The Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) defend the title against the number one contenders Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) in the second match of the show.
However, the match ended in disqualification as Ford took out Sabin and went flying over the top rope, taking everybody down. But then, DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa) appeared. DIY caused the disqualification by attacking Ford and Sabin. Ciampa grabbed the tag titles, and DIY left the scene with the belts.
Backstage
Nick Aldis was in his office when Women’s United States Champion Chelsea Green walked in, accompanied by the Secret Hervice (Piper Niven & Alba Fyre). Green presented a formal complaint to the General Manager, who picked it up and began reading. Green stated that Aldis should instate justice and correct the wrong.
Aldis agreed that an injustice had occurred. He mentioned that while they were initially set for a six-woman tag match, Chelsea Green would now face Zelina Vega in a singles match. He also stated that the Secret Hervice would not be allowed to accompany Green, as it would be a one-on-one contest.
DIY (Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano) were trying to escape with the WWE Tag Team titles when General Manager Nick Aldis walked in with security and demanded they hand over the belts.
The Motor City Machine Guns and the Street Profits entered the scene, and before chaos could erupt, Aldis stepped in to get things under control. Aldis then announced a TLC match for next week, where the WWE Tag Team titles would be hung up high, presumably involving the three teams. The crowd responded with loud boos at the mention of “next week.”
Randy Orton
Randy Orton appeared as he stepped into the ring, reminding the crowd how he still didn’t have an opponent for WrestleMania 41. Orton made it clear that there was no way he would sit out this Mania and would compete in his 20th WrestleMania.
The Viper stated that he would be locked and loaded at Mania, then challenged anyone in the locker room or in Las Vegas, saying he would be ready to go at Mania.
Backstage
Byron Saxton was backstage with Damian Priest as he asked about the brawl with Drew McIntyre on the WrestleMania kickoff show.
Priest stated that he was done answering questions about WrestleMania and then went on to deliver a message to Drew McIntyre. Priest sent a stern warning to McIntyre, stating that he would bring the punishment and would bury him on Sunday.
Chelsea Green vs Zelina Vega
As announced by General Manager Nick Aldis, Women’s United States Champion Chelsea Green took on Zelina Vega in a singles match, without the Secret Hervice (Piper Niven & Alba Fyre) by her side. Green took control early and was cautious of the countout due to last week’s mishap.
However, in the end, Zelina and Green were on the top rope as Vega from the top rope landed the super code red, right into the cover and Vega pinned Green to win the singles match.
LA Knight
LA Knight picked up the mic to talk to the Las Vegas crowd as the promotion aired Jacob Fatu’s ambush on Knight. Knight stated that he was using the same playbook as Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu, which was why he took out Tama Tonga earlier, and now he would take out Sikoa. He added that Fatu would be all alone at WrestleMania.
The US Champion sent a warning to Fatu, guaranteeing that he would eat a BFT come Saturday. Solo Sikoa’s music hit as he made his way to the ring, but Knight had no patience. He darted out of the ring to attack Solo. Solo fired back, attacking Knight and sending him crashing into the steel steps as the show rolled into commercials.
LA Knight vs Solo Sikoa
The match began as Knight looked to take care of Solo Sikoa ahead of his United States title defense against Jacob Fatu at WrestleMania 41, so that the numbers game don’t come back to hunt him at the PLE. He also took out Tama Tonga earlier during the arrivals in the parking lot.
However, the match ended in disqualification as Knight climbed to the second rope, but Jacob Fatu appeared, attacking Knight. Braun Strowman arrived, taking down Fatu and Sikoa with a crossbody, and Knight sent Fatu out of the ring. General Manager Nick Aldis then arrived and announced a tag team match between Braun Strowman & LA Knight vs Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu.
LA Knight & Braun Strowman vs Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu
The match began as Fatu, for the first time in a while, reaffirmed his love for Sikoa, stating, “I love you, Solo!” The two teams continued exchanging shots as they battled for control of the match. The match continued as Knight landed the leaping elbow from the top rope, going for the cover, but Fatu broke it up with a running senton.
Strowman once again went for the Strowman Express, but Fatu sent him crashing into the announce desk. Knight stepped in, slamming Fatu as he re-entered the ring. Sikoa then went for the Samoan Spike. Knight turned it around and landed the BFT to pick up the win in the tag team clash.
Rey Mysterio, Rey Fenix & Dragon Lee vs American Made (Chad Gable, Julius & Brutus Creed)
In the final match of the show, the team of Rey Mysterio, Rey Fenix and Dragon Lee battled American Made (Chad Gable, Julius & Brutus Creed). Mysterio was seemingly injured during a sequence with Julius Creed as he was seen being carried backstage with the help of the crew.
Fenix and Lee finished the match and picked up the win against American Made as Fenix landed the goodbye amigo, taking out Gable, and Lee joined in landing Operation Dragon on Julius Creed, followed by a meteora from the top rope from Fenix.
The final face off- Cody Rhodes & John Cena
Cody Rhodes made his way into the ring and picked up the mic, but before he could utter a word, John Cena’s music hit and the 16-time World Champion appeared! Cena and Rhodes came face-to-face as the crowd broke into “Let’s go Cena, Cena sucks” chants.
Rhodes attempted to speak again, but Cena interrupted, telling him to “shut your mouth, kid.” Cena then stated that Sunday would be the last time he would compete in a WrestleMania ring.
The 16-time World Champion remarked that no one had done what he was about to do. While fans believed there would be a “last match” after retirement, Cena clarified that he wasn’t like others. He had a great life, not a “pathetic life” like some, which was why he didn’t care about the fans.
Cena reiterated that he was there to take the title from Cody and the fans forever. He also reminded Rhodes of what he said at last year’s WrestleMania, pointing out that Cody would lose because he cared too much about the fans.
Cena continued, stating that when he won at Elimination Chamber, he knew it would be nearly impossible to beat him in a singles match. But what Rhodes said to The Rock changed everything for Cena, as he realized Cody didn’t stand a chance.
Cena blasted the fans, claiming they created their own truth, and told Rhodes that he was too weak to figure it out. He warned that on Sunday, Cody would have to choose between winning and whether the fans were right.
Cena declared that Cody didn’t need the tattoos because on Sunday, he would make him somebody—somebody who had a chance to be a real winner but blew it. He reminded Cody that he was still a kid in a man’s world and didn’t have the “balls of a real champion.”
Rhodes fired back as the crowd started seemngly booing him. Cena pointed out, “This is who you fight for?” Rhodes then asked if Cena knew the guy who handed him the mic, noting that this was a different WWE. He called Cena overrated and, more importantly, out of time.
Cody pointed out how Cena was “butt naked on Oscar” for the people he ran errands for, then reminded him, “You can’t wrestle.” The crowd erupted in a “You can’t wrestle” chant as Cena stared at them. Rhodes won back the crowd as “Cody, Cody Rhodes” chants filled the arena, and Cena called them idiots and stated that on Sunday, he doesn’t have to wrestle.
Cena landed a tap to Rhodes hard on the forehead and attempted to pick Rhodes up for the Attitude Adjustment, but Rhodes reversed it into a Cross Rhodes. Cena lay flat on the mat as Rhodes posed with the title, then picked up Cena’s cap, throwing it onto his body. Rhodes left the ring as Cena remained on the mat, recovering from the Cross Rhodes.
WWE SmackDown Results
- Carmelo Hayes won the 2025 Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal
- The Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) (c) vs MCMG (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) – WWE Tag Team Championship match ended in DQ
- Zelina Vega pinned Chelsea Green
- LA Knight vs Solo Sikoa ended in DQ
- LA Knight & Braun Strowman defeated Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu
- Rey Mysterio, Rey Fenix & Dragon Lee defeated American Made (Chad Gable, Julius & Brutus Creed)
- Cody Rhodes flatlined John Cena once again
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Abhijit Singh is a budding sports journalist with over three years of experience in the field, and a photographer capturing stories through his lens since 2018. With a background in philosophy and political science, he brings a thoughtful, analytical edge to his reporting where every word is guided by curiosity and intent. Whether he's capturing the emotion of a moment or unpacking the deeper narratives within the game, Abhijit’s work is rooted in insight and passion. When he’s not covering sports, he’s often exploring new ideas through reading, traveling or just procrastinating.
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