WWE SmackDown Results & Winners (February 28, 2025): Cody Rhodes receives a gift from The Rock, LA Knight wins, Solo Sikoa ambushes Braun Strowman & more
(Courtesy : WWE)
Elimination Chamber build-up, CM Punk, Seth Rollins & Logan appear, Triple threat match for US title & more!
The second and final PLE on the road to WrestleMania is approaching as WWE arrived in Toronto to first deliver the Elimination Chamber go-home show of Friday Night SmackDown. The 02/28 episode of the Blue brand emanated from Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Multiple top stars including Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura, LA Knight, and WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton were set for an appearance on the show. The show was used to build towards the Chamber PLE as storylines and feuds reached boiling point.
Get to know what happened this Friday, as we have the complete summary, highlights, results, and winner’s list for the 02/28 episode of WWE SmackDown.
WWE SmackDown Summary and Highlights
Trish Stratus – Tiffany Stratton
Trish Stratus stepped into the ring and picked up the mic as the Toronto crowd welcomed the WWE legend. Trish raised the mic as “Thank You, Trish!” chants filled the arena. The legend thanked Lillian Garcia for introducing her and then hyped up the crowd for the Elimination Chamber PLE the next day.
Stratus talked about the generational impact of wrestling and stated that it had been the first time her kids would see her wrestle. Stratus then welcomed her tag team partner for the next day, the WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton.
The Champion’s music hit as Stratton made her way toward the ring, wearing a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey, the same as Stratus. Stratus and Stratton hyped up the crowd as they revealed their jersey numbers on the custom-made jerseys. The two stars then threw their jerseys into the crowd.
Stratton declared that they would beat Nia Jax and Candice LeRae the following day. Chelsea Green’s music hit as the Women’s U.S. Champion walked in, accompanied by Piper Niven.
Green went off on Stratton, and Stratus called them “Dumb & Dumber.” “Chelsea” chants filled the arena. The Women’s U.S. Champion continued roasting the two stars as she made her way into the ring, stating that once she left the “dump,” she became the champion and now represented the people of America.
Green declared that it was her time, but Stratton floated the idea of a clash between the two that night. Chelsea responded that she had plans and wouldn’t be able to make it.
Stratus seconded the idea, stating that if General Manager Nick Aldis thought it was a better idea, he would send a referee. Green opposed the idea, but before she could say more, a referee darted into the ring as the show cut to commercials.
Chelsea Green vs Tiffany Stratton
The match between the two champions was underway as Green continued battering Stratton and went for the cover. Stratus rallied the Toronto crowd behind Stratton, who fired back, trying to take back control. Stratton took down Green with multiple clotheslines and landed a powerslam into the cover, but Chelsea kicked out at two.
Stratton stomped down on Green, signaling for the Tiffy Time and going for the moonsault. However, Piper Niven interfered and pulled Green from the ring as Stratus intervened. Stratton then took down both Niven and Green with a moonsault from the top rope.
Candice LeRae and Nia Jax appeared and attacked Trish Stratus. Stratton tried to intervene, but Jax attacked her, causing the disqualification. LeRae and Jax pulled Stratus and Stratton into the ring, continuing the punishment. Tiffany tried to fire back but fell victim to the numbers game.
Trish then fought back, battering LeRae and Jax. Stratton joined in, taking Jax out of the ring. They shifted their attention to LeRae, with Tiffany going for the moonsault. However, Jax saved LeRae, pulling her out of the ring.
Backstage
Solo Sikoa was backstage when he ran into Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga. Fatu stated that what had happened last week was an accident. Sikoa replied that he was sure it was. Fatu then asked Sikoa about the United States Championship number one contender match.
Sikoa told Fatu that he wanted him to represent the family, urging him to take the opportunity and bring the United States title to the family. Sikoa reiterated his love for Fatu as Jacob left. Tonga and Sikoa then stared at each other.
Cody Rhodes was in the locker room when he was told to enjoy by the two men who had earlier taken him there. R-Truth walked in, and Rhodes asked what he was doing in his locker room. Truth responded by asking how Cody had gotten all of this.
Rhodes replied that one needed to sell their soul to The Rock. Truth then stated that Cody shouldn’t be selfish and should share it all. Cody agreed and told Truth to enjoy.
Jacob Fatu vs Andrade – qualifier for a match that will determine No. 1 contender to the U.S. Championship
The bell rang, and the first match in the tournament was underway. Andrade showcased his speed but ran into an unstoppable force in Jacob Fatu. Andrade took control early, taking down Fatu with a hurricanrana ringside.
Andrade then went to the top rope, hitting a moonsault onto Fatu from the top right onto the concrete floor. Fatu went for the pop-up Samoan drop, but Andrade turned it into a spike.
The two stars exchanged shots in the middle of the ring as Andrade took Fatu down and rallied the crowd behind him for the knuckle bomb. But Fatu fired back, taking Andrade down midway before going for the hip attack. Andrade looked for the finish, but Fatu battered him with the hip attack on the turnbuckle, followed by a DDT.
Fatu then lined up Andrade for the jump-up moonsault and picked up the win in the first match of the U.S. title tournament.
Backstage
The promotion recapped the Street Profits’ attack last week, where they battered DIY, Pretty Deadly, and MCMG. General Manager Nick Aldis was backstage with the Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins), asking them about the unwarranted attack from the previous week.
Montez Ford replied that they weren’t stopping until they got their title shot. Santos Escobar then stepped in alongside Los Garzas and asked for an apology for accusing them of attacking the Street Profits back in December.
Angelo Dawkins refused to apologize, and Escobar stated that he would beat it out of the Street Profits. Aldis intervened, reminding Escobar that he was set to battle in the U.S. title tournament and should save his energy for that. Aldis then announced a clash between the Street Profits and Los Garzas for later that night!
Los Garzas vs Street Profits
Los Garzas (Angel & Berto) made their way into the ring for their clash against the Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford). However, the Tag Champs, DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa), ambushed the Street Profits as they were making their entrance.
Los Garzas joined the brawl, with Berto and Angel jumping in. Ford and Dawkins soon regained control, battering Gargano and Ciampa. Pretty Deadly (Wilson & Prince) then joined in, taking out Ford and Dawkins before going after the Tag Champs. Gargano and Ciampa fought back, taking out Pretty Deadly in the process.
The Motor City Machine Guns (Shelley & Sabin) darted in to join the chaos, battering the Tag Champions ringside and facing off against the Street Profits. All hell broke loose as it became an all-out brawl. The four teams continued to fight both in and outside the ring.
Shelley and Sabin battered the Street Profits while DIY joined in, and the brawl raged on. Security and the official tried desperately to get the situation under control.
Drew McIntyre was backstage when he ran into Cody Rhodes. Drew stated that he knew Cody had a lot on his mind and went on to taunt Rhodes for selling his soul.
Drew McIntyre – Damian Priest – CM Punk – Seth Rollins – Logan Paul
Drew McIntyre interrupted John Cena’s Elimination Chamber promo video, yelling at the production crew to cut it off. McIntyre then went off on the crowd and on John Cena, reminding the Toronto audience how Cena had put himself in the Chamber match, calling him a hypocrite.
Drew stated that he wasn’t scared of the former golden goose and promised to say some things about John Cena. Drew sat down at the commentary desk and said that he didn’t know what 2011 John Cena would say about the present Cena, who had gone off to Hollywood and only returned to pat his own back.
McIntyre continued to berate Cena, declaring that he would bury the 16-time World Champion. Just as Drew spoke, he was interrupted by Damian Priest’s music, and Priest made his way into the ring. Priest stepped into the ring, picked up the mic, and went off on McIntyre, stating that all Drew ever did was yap and complain.
Priest reminded Drew that his obsession with CM Punk had cost him twice, first when he cashed in on him, and then when he lost to Priest as he was pinned.
McIntyre replied, stating that he didn’t have an obsession with Punk, but Priest once again mocked him. “CM Punk!” chants filled the arena as Priest reminded Drew that the last time they were in the building, he dropped Drew’s ass, and he could do it again if McIntyre stepped into the ring to test himself.
Drew agreed and began to step forward when Seth Rollins’ music hit. The Visionary appeared in front of the Toronto crowd. Rollins stepped into the ring, and Priest and McIntyre sized each other up. Seth picked up the mic and thanked the Toronto crowd.
Rollins stated that he was here to join the party and mentioned a very specific memory from Money in the Bank. He noted that if it hadn’t been for a compromised official (CM Punk) and an absolute moronic cash-in by McIntyre, he would’ve won the World title.
But Rollins made it clear that he wasn’t hung up on the past and was looking ahead. Rollins then cut a promo for the Elimination Chamber match, stating that nobody stood a chance. Suddenly, CM Punk’s music hit, and the Second City Saint made his appearance in Toronto!
Punk picked up the mic as “CM Punk!” chants filled the arena. He went off on all three of his opponents, starting with Rollins, calling him an oven mitt that had been overcooked. Punk then stated that he had no problem with Priest, but he would be collateral damage in all of this. He followed by going off on McIntyre.
The Second City Saint then declared that in all of this, someone was selling souls. Punk cut a fiery promo, roasting both John Cena and Seth Rollins. Rollins responded, saying that Punk would not main event WrestleMania “not over my dead body,” he said. McIntyre then chimed in, stating that he owed Rollins an injury and promised to take him out.
Priest joined in, stating that when the Chamber was over, Punk would be complaining on the internet. Rollins was about to speak when suddenly, the G.O.A.T. John Cena’s music hit. However, to the crowd’s surprise, it was Logan Paul who stepped out instead.
Logan Paul stated that John Cena is a classic celebrity wrestler and he can’t even show up, the Toronto crowd went off on Logan as ‘F*ck You Logan!’ chants filled the arena. Logan went off on Rollins and roasted his dress, stating Punk is right about his wardrobe. Paul stated that McIntyre is at home because he can’t win a title, and neither can the Toronto Leafs.
Logan then called Priest irrelevant, ‘You Suck!’ chants filled the arena once again as Paul then went off on Punk stating that he smacked the smuck from Punk’s face on Monday. Punk darted towards the entrance ramp as Paul retreated backstage!
LA Knight vs Santos Escobar – qualifier for a match that will determine No. 1 contender to the U.S. Championship
The bell rang, and the match was underway. Knight and Escobar locked horns in the middle of the ring, each showcasing their impressive speed and power. The two exchanged shots in the corner, with Santos going for the attack. Knight quickly fired back, landing a running knee to Escobar’s midsection.
The arena erupted with “LA Knight!” chants as the former US Champion took down Escobar with a powerful sideslam. Escobar soon regained the upper hand. He darted into the ring, but Knight was ready, sending Escobar crashing out of the ring.
Knight attempted a slide attack, but Escobar was quick to move out of harm’s way. Without missing a beat, Escobar followed it up by sending Knight crashing directly onto the steel steps.
Knight rallied the crowd behind him as he dropped an elbow on Escobar and called for the finish. However, Escobar quickly pushed him ringside, breaking up his momentum. Escobar went for the attack, but Knight countered, landing multiple kicks on Santos. Knight then tried to press his advantage, but Escobar fought back, turning the tides.
The two stars found themselves on the second rope, where Santos executed a stunning superrana from the top, sending Knight flying across the ring. Escobar quickly went for the cover, but Knight kicked out at two.
Escobar didn’t let up, continuing to batter Knight before positioning him for a top-rope crossbody. But Knight, showing incredible strength and timing, caught Escobar mid-air and slammed him with the BFT. He quickly went for the cover, LA Knight defeated Santos Escobar.
Sami Zayn – Kevin Owens
Sami Zayn‘s music hit, and the Toronto crowd erupted with excitement as they welcomed their beloved Superstar. Zayn stepped into the ring, mic in hand, ready to address the situation.
He wasted no time, going off on Kevin Owens, accusing him of always hiding. Zayn revealed that he knew Owens was in Toronto and that he was standing right there in the middle of the ring. Zayn invited KO to come out in front of their fellow countrymen and say his final piece, because after tomorrow, there would be nothing left to say.
Owens appeared on the video screen from the Rogers Center, responding that he wasn’t there because he wanted to keep Zayn’s neck intact.
KO then cut a fiery promo, stating that Zayn was wrong to accuse him of being the bad guy. Owens warned Zayn of the consequences, claiming that after their match at the Chamber, Zayn wouldn’t be able to provide for his family, and that Owens wouldn’t be there to help them.
Zayn shot back, firing back with intensity, stating that he was actually nervous for KO and his family because they’d never be able to forgive what he was going to do to Owens at the Chamber. Zayn made it clear that he would end Owens’ career tomorrow.
The segment ended with Owens glaring into the camera, telling Zayn he would see him tomorrow. With a final, defiant throw of the mic, KO cut the feed, leaving the Toronto crowd buzzing in anticipation of their upcoming clash.
Backstage
The Miz was with Carmelo Hayes as Miz fired up Hayes for his clash against Braun Strowman. Miz tried once again to push the “Melo Don’t Miz” and stated that he would accompany him, but Hayes stated that he would handle it himself.
Cody Rhodes ran into the Miz as he asked him what he was going to do about The Rock’s offer. Miz stated that he lives in Hollywood and The Rock practically runs it. Miz tried to convince Rhodes what he would achieve if he accepted The Rock’s offer and stated that if he doesn’t accept the offer, someone else will.
Braun Strowman vs Carmelo Hayes – qualifier for a match that will determine No. 1 contender to the U.S. Championship
The bell rang, and the match was underway as Strowman showcased his brute strength, manhandling Hayes with ease. Hayes quickly stepped out of the ring, but Strowman pursued, knocking Hayes clean off his feet at ringside.
Tama Tonga then arrived at ringside, distracting the official. Solo Sikoa followed suit, attacking Strowman with a steel chair. However, Strowman intercepted the chair and retaliated, attacking Sikoa. Tonga attempted to attack from the steel steps, but he received the same punishment as Sikoa.
Back inside the ring, Hayes grabbed a steel chair and threw it at Strowman. Strowman caught the chair, and Hayes fell to the mat, acting as though Strowman had landed a chair shot.
The referee, now refocusing on the match, saw Strowman holding the chair with Hayes lying on the mat. The referee immediately called for the bell, declaring Hayes the winner via disqualification.
After the match, Strowman was furious. He brought Tonga into the ring and vented his frustration with a brutal powerslam, sending a clear message of his anger.
Bayley, Bianca Belair & Naomi vs Roxanne Perez, Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez – Triple Threat match
The bell rang as Morgan and Naomi started the action, with Naomi taking control early on. Morgan quickly rolled out of the ring, only to step back with Perez and Raquel, and soon Bayley and Belair joined in, sparking a brawl between the two sides.
Back in the ring, Naomi continued to batter Morgan, who once again rolled out of the ring. Bayley was tagged in and made an impact by taking out Morgan, Perez, and Rodriguez one by one ringside with a suicide dive. The match raged on as Rodriguez took control, and Bayley managed to tag in Bianca Belair, who darted in, taking out Morgan and Perez before focusing her attacks on Rodriguez.
Belair slammed Rodriguez down, and the crowd rallied behind her. Bianca then hit a springboard moonsault, going for the cover, but Raquel kicked out at two. Morgan came charging in but was battered by Belair. Naomi was tagged in and attempted the split-leg moonsault, but Raquel intercepted.
Roxanne tagged herself in, having a brief argument with Rodriguez before continuing the match. Bayley was tagged in and landed a flying elbow drop on Perez, going for the cover, but Morgan broke it up. Belair attacked Bayley, and Rodriguez took out Belair, while Naomi joined in, taking Rodriguez out of the ring.
Bayley and Perez now battled in the middle of the ring, with Perez landing the Pop-Roxx and going for the cover, Perez, Rodriguez, and Morgan defeated Bayley, Belair, and Naomi in the triple-threat match.
After the match, as Roxanne Perez celebrated her victory, Alexa Bliss suddenly appeared behind her. Before Perez could react, Bliss struck with the Sister Abigail, taking her down to the mat. The eerie “Wyatt Six” glitch flashed on the screen, sending a chill through the arena as the atmosphere grew tense. The camera cut backstage, leaving the fans wondering what would happen next.
Jacob Fatu vs LA Knight vs Carmelo Hayes -Triple Threat to become the No. 1 contender to the U.S. Championship
The bell rang and the triple threat was underway as Knight went after Fatu, Hayes joined in as the battle for the number one contender was on. Fatu and Knight battled it out in the middle of the ring as Knight pulled down the top rope, sending Fatu out of the ring.
Hayes capitalized and rolled Knight into a cover, but LA kicked out, causing Hayes to take out Fatu, who was stepping back into the ring. Knight landed a flying elbow from the top rope as Fatu dragged Knight out of the ring as the battle continued outside the ring.
Fatu and Hayes now battled outside the ring as Knight joined in and attacked Fatu, slamming his head onto the barricade. Fatu retaliated by sending Knight ribs-first onto the barricade. Fatu followed it up by sending Hayes crashing onto Knight.
Fatu went for the attack again, but both Knight and Hayes rolled out of harm’s way, causing Fatu to crash over the barricade. The match continued as Knight and Hayes briefly teamed up to batter Fatu, with Hayes landing a clothesline that took Fatu down.
Knight then went for the BFT on Fatu as Hayes landed a First 48 on both Fatu and Knight. He went for the cover, but Knight kicked out. Hayes climbed to the top rope, but Knight intercepted, sending him crashing right on top of Fatu ringside. Fatu caught Hayes and slammed him onto the steel steps.
Knight took out Fatu with a springboard backbreaker from the ropes, crashing into the announcer’s desk. Back in the ring, Hayes landed his finisher from the top rope and went for the cover, but Fatu broke it up with his own splash.
Fatu then landed an impaler DDT followed by the moonsault on Hayes and went for the cover, but Knight pulled Fatu out of the ring and quickly went for the cover on Hayes, LA Knight won and became the number one contender for the United States title.
Backstage
Cody Rhodes ran into CM Punk, who asked what “wanting your soul” was all about. He questioned, since Rhodes was already on top, what else did Punk want? Punk responded, stating he was happy that the offer never came to him. While he had no love for Dwayne (The Rock), he wanted Rhodes to take up the offer.
Punk then turned it around, telling Cody to “shine up that offer” and “shove the offer up The Rock’s a**.” Punk advised Cody to follow his heart and do whatever he wanted. He then added that he was going to win the Chamber match and would see Rhodes at WrestleMania.
Cody Rhodes
Michael Cole introduced the Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes, who made his entrance into the Scotiabank Arena, with the Toronto crowd welcoming the champion in style! Rhodes stepped into the ring and embraced Michael Cole as the music stopped, but the crowd continued singing.
Cole picked up the mic and asked Rhodes his thoughts on the men’s Chamber match and the decision he would have to make in 24 hours about selling his soul to The Rock. Cole recapped Rhodes’ journey, from leaving WWE and coming back stronger than ever, living up to the legacy of his father.
He then asked what would happen if Cody accepted The Rock’s offer. Cody tried to answer, but Cole interrupted, asking him not to deflect the question. He reminded Rhodes of the benefits of becoming the corporate champion and the perks that came with the offer.
Cole then stated that there was a special gift for Rhodes here on SmackDown. As the crowd looked on, a special Ford Raptor, covered in Cody Rhodes vinyl, rolled into the arena.
A video played where The Rock stepped out of his Raptor, adorned with the People’s Championship. Johnson stated that his plane was ready and he was coming to Toronto. The Rock then spoke directly to Cody, telling him that he knew Cody would do the right thing and encouraged him to enjoy the gift.
He went on, stating that he had been talking to Dusty Rhodes (Cody’s father), and he knew Cody would make the right decision. The Rock then cut a promo, hyping up the crowd ahead of tomorrow’s Elimination Chamber PLE. He confidently stated that Cody would give his soul to him and that he would make Cody’s every dream come true.
The Rock then revealed a special gift he had been working on all week. He unveiled a belt, with “Cody’s Soul” written on it, along with the date, the same date that Cody’s father, pro wrestling legend Dusty Rhodes, had passed away.
The video ended with Cody Rhodes looking visibly confused, and the rumblings in the crowd continued as the go-home show of SmackDown came to an end.
WWE SmackDown Results
- Chelsea Green vs Tiffany Stratton ended in No Contest as Nia Jax & Candice LeRae interfere
- Jacob Fatu defeated Andrade – qualifier for the match to determine No. 1 contender for the U.S. Championship
- Los Garzas vs Street Profits never began as a brawl ensued involving MCMG, Pretty Deadly & DIY
- LA Knight defeated Santos Escobar – qualifier for the match to determine No. 1 contender for the U.S. Championship
- Carmelo Hayes defeated Braun Strowman via DQ – qualifier for the match to determine No. 1 contender for the U.S. Championship
- Roxanne Perez, Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez defeated Bayley, Bianca Belair & Naomi – Triple Threat match
- LA Knight defeated Jacob Fatu & Carmelo Hayes -Triple Threat to become the No. 1 contender to the U.S. Championship
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