WWE SmackDown Results & Winners (April 4, 2025): CM Punk reveals the favor & hits GTS on Roman Reigns; new matches announced for WrestleMania 41
(Courtesy : WWE/Netflix)
LA Knight wins, Rey Fenix debuts, Jacob Fatu is the last man standing & more!
The Road to WrestleMania European tour concluded with the March 31 episode of Monday Night Raw. WWE returned to the United States and delivered the April 4 episode of Friday Night SmackDown as WrestleMania 41 inches closer.
The April 04 episode of Friday Night SmackDown aired live from the Allstate Arena in Chicago, Illinois. The promotion announced multiple matches and segments for this week’s show. ‘The Second City Saint’ CM Punk and Roman Reigns were advertised for the show in Punk’s hometown.
Get to know what happened this Friday, as we have the complete summary, highlights, results, and winner’s list for the 04/04 episode of WWE SmackDown.
WWE SmackDown Summary and Highlights
CM Punk – Paul Heyman
CM Punk stated that while everyone claimed the best television audience was overseas, they were now in Chicago. He then took the camera and rallied the crowd. Punk revealed that although he wasn’t supposed to be there, wherever he went, he wanted to make new fans. But today, he took the time to thank the 16,000 of his family in Chicago!
The Second City Saint reminded Chicago that he was maineventing WrestleMania as the crowd filled the arena with “You deserve it” chants. Punk recapped how hard his journey had been now that he had finally ‘made it,’ but emphasized that the hard work was just beginning.
The Second City Saint then thanked his ‘beautiful’ wife April (AJ Lee), and the crowd erupted with “AJ Lee” chants, before mentioning his puppy, ‘Larry.’ Punk thanked the Chicago crowd once again, promising to whip Seth Rollins’ a*s and to take down the tribal chief, Roman Reigns.
Paul Heyman appeared, delivering the iconic introduction, apologizing for the delay, and called CM Punk his best friend. Heyman asked if he could step into the ring, and Punk replied that he was just about to thank him.
Paul continued, stating the first thing he could do was be the ‘voice of the voiceless,’ and declared that CM Punk belonged in the main event of WrestleMania. Heyman then recapped the time he had asked Punk for help when Solo Sikoa was after him, and the favor at WarGames, where Punk saved the Bloodline.
The Wiseman then stated that he had one more favor to ask. Punk inquired what he could do, and Heyman asked Punk to reveal the favor he owed him. Heyman accidentally revealed that Roman Reigns wasn’t there, but Punk pointed out that Reigns wasn’t there yet, as he was in training camp. Punk fired back, saying he would tell Heyman when Reigns came face-to-face with him, before leaving the ring.
Rey Fenix vs Nathan Frazer
As announced, Rey Fenix made his debut and locked horns in the first match of the show against one-half of the NXT Tag Team Champion Nathan Frazer. Fenix and Frazer put on an impressive performance battering the luchador in his debut. However, Fenix rallied and landed the Mexican muscle buster to pick up the win in his debut.
After the match, Byron Saxton stepped into the ring to interview Fenix and asked how he felt after debuting. Fenix greeted the Chicago crowd and stated that tonight is much more than his debut, as he has now become a WWE animal!
Backstage
Legado Del Fantasma (Santos Escobar, Angel, and Berto) was backstage, with Escobar in awe of Rey Fenix’s performance. Escobar commented that he expected a similar level of performance from Angel and Berto.
Berto responded, saying that while Fenix may be a “little lizard,” he was better than him in every way. Escobar appreciated the anger inside Berto and said he would speak with General Manager Adam Pearce to make the match between Berto and Rey Fenix official for the following week.
The promotion aired a promo where Drew McIntyre went off on Damian Priest, stating that no one cares about him unless he’s involved.
McIntyre recapped how Priest cost him both in the Royal Rumble and the Elimination Chamber match. Drew then recounted the attack from Priest last week, where he got glass in his eyes. He finished by sending a warning to Priest, saying that when he prays, bad things happen!
Byron Saxton interviewed Braun Strowman backstage ahead of his clash against Jacob Fatu. Strowman cut a promo, stating that he would beat Fatu and take the United States title at WrestleMania 41. Solo Sikoa walked in, accompanied by Tama Tonga, and declared that Strowman was finished because he would face the Samoan Werewolf.
Sikoa and Strowman came face to face when LA Knight appeared and separated the two, advising Braun not to waste his energy on them. Sikoa warned Knight, while Tama Tonga told him he should be more focused on their clash tonight. Knight fired back, roasting Tonga, and his music hit as he made his way to the ring for the singles match against Tama Tonga.
LA Knight vs Tama Tonga
In the second match of the evening, United States Champion LA Knight battled Tama Tonga in a singles match, Solo Sikao was ringside accompanying Tonga and even tried to interfere in the match multiple times.
In the final moments of the match, Sikoa tried to interfere again but Knight ducked and landed his own offense, Fatu tried to capitalize and roll up Knight for an easy win but Knight kicked out and retaliated with the BFT to pick up the win. Solo Sikoa tried to attack after the match but Knight rolled out of the ring to celebrate with the crowd.
Backstage
Byron Saxton caught up with Paul Heyman backstage near the parking area. Saxton asked if CM Punk had given any indication about the favor. Heyman replied that he had no idea and then questioned why he was even talking to Saxton.
He then turned directly to the camera and stated that whatever the favor was, the answer was “Yes,” as he welcomed his Tribal Chief. But just as he finished, Seth Rollins stepped out of the vehicle and called for the Wiseman to cheer up.
Rollins told Heyman he looked horrible and pointed out that he had a great week. He then mentioned that Heyman had dug himself into a hole with the favor and asked him to inform him too when Roman Reigns appeared, as the favor affected him as well.
Tiffany Stratton – Charlotte Flair
Wade Barrett informed the audience that he was there to moderate the interview and then introduced both the Champion, Charlotte Flair, and the challenger, Tiffany Stratton. The crowd was firmly behind Tiffany as Barrett asked why Flair chose Stratton for the WrestleMania clash.
Flair responded, saying that while Tiffany was begging she loves charity, and she made the right choice, wanting to show everyone there was no comparison between them. Stratton fired back, reminding Flair that her biggest competitor had been the fans, and no matter how hard Flair tried, she would never win.
Tiffany then stated that no matter how hard Flair tried, she would always come second to “her daddy” Ric Flair. Flair attempted to speak, but the crowd drowned her out with boos. Charlotte retorted that Stratton wasn’t the first person to say she came second to her dad, but the boos continued. Flair stepped back as “Tiffy time” chants roared through the arena.
Flair tried to speak again, but the crowd continued to boo her, and she eventually offered Stratton the chance to have the last word. Tiffany reminded Flair that at 25 years old, while Flair was drinking in her daddy’s basement trying basketball, she was walking into WrestleMania as the Champion.
Flair mocked Stratton’s voice, but Tiffany called her a “nepo baby.” Flair embraced the comment, proudly calling herself the “nepo queen.” Stratton then asked Flair what her record was, reminding her that it was 0-3 (in reference to her divorces), before rolling out of the ring. Flair tried to fire back, asking if that was why Ludwig Kaiser was in Stratton’s DMs.
Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) vs DIY (Tomasso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano)
In a clash of two former Tag team champions, Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) battled DIY (Tomasso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano) and with the winner getting a Tag title shot against the current WWE Tag Team Champions, The Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins).
In the final moments of the match, Ciampa accidentally crashed into the exposed turnbuckle while trying to attack Sabin who then went for the pin and picked up the win, Motor City Machine Guns are now next in line for the title shot.
Naomi vs B-Fab
Jade Cargill ambushed Naomi during her entrance but security and officials got the situation under control and the match was underway. B-Fab took control early and almost looked to pick up an easy win but Naomi rallied back showcasing sheer ruthlessness as she landed a modified kneeling lung blower to pick up the win.
After the match, Naomi picked up the mic and called out Jade Cargill, who was standing right behind her. Cargill responded with a big boot and continued the beatdown, going for the Jaded. However, officials and security rushed in to diffuse the situation, but Cargill quickly turned on them, attacking the security personnel.
General Manager Adam Pearce appeared and stated that there was only one solution to settle this. He then announced a singles clash between Naomi and Jade Cargill at the WrestleMania 41 PLE.
Damian Priest
Damian Priest’s vignette played, where he poked holes in Drew McIntyre’s logic. He reminded McIntyre how it was Priest who eliminated him cleanly at both the Royal Rumble and the Elimination Chamber, while McIntyre had ambushed him from behind.
Priest called Drew a “junkie” who played the victim every week. He then stated that he would be in the middle of the ring next week, hinting at a confrontation. Damian ended the segment by floating the idea of a clash at the WrestleMania 41 PLE.
Nick Aldis – Kevin Owens – Randy Orton
General Manager Nick Aldis was inside the ring as he introduced Kevin Owens, hinting that Owens might be injured and that their match for WrestleMania could be canceled.
Owens stepped into the ring, grabbed the mic, and stated that he had given everything in his 25-year-long career. He revealed that he had been dealing with a serious neck injury for the past four months and would now need to undergo surgery.
Kevin went on to explain how difficult it was to face Randy Orton at WrestleMania, before thanking the WWE officials for giving him the chance to speak directly to the crowd. KO thanked the crowd and apologized for the disappointing announcement.
As he began to leave, Randy Orton’s music hit, and The Viper made his way to the ring. As Orton entered, Kevin Owens exited, and Nick Aldis informed the crowd that the match at WrestleMania 41 was officially canceled, and Owens no longer had a match at the grandest stage.
The arena erupted with “RKO” chants, and out of nowhere, Orton hit a devastating RKO on SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis.
Braun Strowman vs Jacob Fatu – Last Man Standing Match (#1 Contender for the WWE United States Championship)
Jacob Fatu welcomed Braun Strowman during his entrance, and the two giants continued their clash as the bell rang. Inside the ring, Fatu landed a powerful slam followed by a moonsault from the top rope, followed by another moonsault right at the start. The referee began the ten-count as Strowman struggled to stand, rolling out of the ring on his feet.
The match raged on as Fatu slammed Strowman into the ring posts, but Strowman fired back with a steel chair. The “Strowman Express” then ran down Fatu, as Strowman crashed him through the barricade. Both men fought on as the count began, and they both got to their feet at nine.
The battle continued in the crowd, where Fatu slammed a trash can onto Strowman’s head, followed by a second strike. Strowman retaliated by grabbing the same trash can and slamming it onto Fatu, then grabbing a steel chair to batter Fatu. The crowd rallied behind both superstars.
Strowman climbed atop a production crate and landed a suplex directly onto the tables, sending shockwaves through the crowd. The count began again, and both men managed to beat the count at nine. The action moved back ringside, where both men struggled to stand. Strowman made his way into the ring, and Fatu followed, landing a running hip attack through the table Strowman had previously set up.
The referee began the count once more, and while Fatu made it back to his feet, Strowman failed to rise before the ten-count. Jacob Fatu defeated Braun Strowman and is now the number-one contender for the United States Championship.
Roman Reigns – Paul Heyman
The OTC arrived as Paul Heyman greeted Roman Reigns who without uttering a word walked towards the entrance ramp and made the walk toward the ring. Roman Reigns stood in the ring and asked the Chicago crowd to acknowledge him. He then turned to his Wiseman, Paul Heyman, and asked if CM Punk was in the building.
Heyman confirmed that Punk was indeed present, prompting Reigns to ask if Punk was still asking for the favor. The Wiseman replied that Punk was. Reigns then asked if he should share a secret with the Chicago crowd, to which Heyman eagerly agreed.
Reigns revealed that CM Punk wouldn’t be back in the main event of WrestleMania because of him. The Tribal Chief went on to remind everyone that, despite Punk’s impressive resume, he had never been able to mainevent Mania until he was introduced to the “Tribal Chief.” Reigns called out Punk, challenging him to come forward and reveal what the favor was.
Roman Reigns – Seth Rollins – CM Punk – Paul Heyman
Just as the tension built, Seth Rollins’ music hit, and The Visionary made his way to the ring. Seth Rollins stepped into the ring, causing Roman Reigns to look confused by his sudden presence. The Visionary then rallied the Chicago crowd, declaring that he wouldn’t miss this for the world. He admitted that while he had no idea what the favor was, it would definitely “knock Roman’s socks off.”
Rollins then turned his attention to Reigns, stating that Roman lived in his own world. As the arena filled with chants of “What’s the favor?” Rollins smirked and said he was wondering the same thing.
Seth reminded Reigns that he could have stopped things at WarGames and even intercepted it when Rollins was trying to prevent it at Madison Square Garden. Reigns shot back, saying that Rollins wasn’t trustworthy and had no idea what loyalty meant.
The Tribal Chief added that Punk was standing there because he made a promise to his Wiseman, and pointed out that it was Punk who was called out, not Rollins. As “Roman, Roman Reigns” chants echoed through the arena, Rollins insisted that he was just there to find out what the favor was. Then, CM Punk’s music hit, and the Second City Saint appeared, making his long-awaited entrance!
CM Punk stepped into the ring and began to speak, saying that this was all about friendship, legacy, promises made, and loyalty. He recounted his early days, when everyone wanted Paul Heyman to fire him, but Heyman refused. Punk then continued to list the countless times that Heyman stood by him, and finally, he turned to face Roman Reigns, stating that he would force Reigns out of his comfort zone to deal with “us.”
Punk then dropped the bombshell, revealing that his best friend—Reigns’ own Wiseman, Paul Heyman—would be in his corner at WrestleMania 41. The crowd erupted in shock and excitement, with the arena buzzing. Reigns, however, scoffed and asked if that was the favor, before laughing. He went on to say that Heyman needed him, and even if he let him, Heyman wouldn’t leave his side.
Reigns then turned to Heyman and told him to let the “desperate fool” down. The arena filled with “CM Punk” chants as Paul Heyman started crying, visibly torn. Reigns looked on, puzzled by Heyman’s emotional reaction.
Roman Reigns reminded Paul Heyman that he took him in, asking him to turn down CM Punk’s offer. The arena filled with “Yes, Yes” chants as Reigns gave Heyman one final opportunity to make the right choice.
Heyman took the mic and, with a heavy heart, stated, “No, my Tribal Chief, I cannot do that!” Reigns confronted Heyman in disbelief, but before anything further could happen, CM Punk seized the moment, attacking Roman Reigns with the mic.
The Second City Saint then delivered a devastating GTS, sending Reigns crashing to the mat. Punk stood tall in the ring as he came face to face with Seth Rollins, who simply shook his head before walking away.
WWE SmackDown Results
- Rey Fenix defeated Nathan Frazer
- LA Knight pinned Tama Tonga
- Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) defeated DIY (Tomasso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano) – #1 Contender for the WWE Tag Team Championship
- Naomi defeated B-Fab, Jade Cargill vs B-Fab was made official for WrestleMania 41
- Jacob Fatu defeated Braun Strowman – Last Man Standing Match (#1 Contender for the WWE United States Championship)
- CM Punk revealed the favor and took out Roman Reigns with a devastating GTS
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