WWE SmackDown Results & Winners (May 16, 2025): Tiffany Stratton retains, Alexa Bliss & Solo Sikoa advance, The Miz attacks Aleister Black & more
(Courtesy : WWE)
More matches announced for SNME, JC Mateo wins in his debut & more!
Tonight’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown served as the fallout show from Backlash 2025. The show aired live from the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina.
As announced by Michael Cole on this week’s Raw, the fallout show of SmackDown kicked off the qualifying matches for Money in the Bank, which is set for June 7, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The show also addressed the developments from the PLE last week.
WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton also defended her title in the main event against Nia Jax. Get to know what happened this Friday, as we have the complete summary, highlights, results, and winner’s list for the 05/16 episode of WWE SmackDown.
WWE SmackDown Summary and Highlights
LA Knight attacks
Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Jeff Cobb kicked off the show as Sikoa picked up the mic and lauded his man, JC, for keeping the United States title in the family. family, but now he was here to take it all back, which started with him winning the MITB qualifier, getting the briefcase, and then the title.
Sikoa stated that if anyone wanted to get in the way, his man, JC, and Jacob Fatu would take care of them. Sikoa went to say Fatu’s line, as the U.S. Champ stole the mic. Fatu reminded him how he had told Sikoa that he would bring the U.S. Title with Sikoa or without him, and if anyone got in his way, he would handle it himself.
Solo cut off Fatu, stating that he knew what Fatu meant and that he was doing all of this because he loved Jacob. Sikoa pointed at the title on Fatu’s shoulder, reiterating that he loved Jacob, but then asked him to say the thing he always used to say. For the first time in a long while, Fatu said, “I love you, Solo.”
Solo asked him again to repeat it the way he used to. Sikoa pressed Fatu, who looked irked, when suddenly, LA Knight arrived. As the three men stood ready, Knight sneak-attacked JC Mateo, dragging him outside the ring before retreating, while Sikoa and Fatu rushed to go after him.
Michin vs Alexa Bliss vs Chelsea Green – women’s MITB Qualifier match
In the first match of the show, Michin, Alexa Bliss, and Chelsea Green locked horns to become the first women to qualify for the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match at the namesake PLE. Green suffered gravely as her Secret Hervice was not ringside, Bliss and Michin battered Green as they looked to a quick win.
In the closing spots of the match, Michin landed Eat Defeat on Green for a pin attempt, but Alexa Bliss broke the cover with a tornado DDT. Bliss then climbed to the top rope and landed Twisted Bliss but Green sent Bliss outside the ring and hit the Prettier and went for the pin, but Bliss pulled Michin out and landed Sister Abigail DDT on Green to pick up the win and advance to the Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match.
Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer & Axiom) vs DIY (Tomasso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano)
The former NXT Tag Team Champions Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer & Axiom) once again got the opportunity to prove their worth, this time it was against the former WWE Tag Champs, DIY (Tomasso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano), who ambushed the newcomers backstage last week.
Both teams delivered an action-packed match featuring high-flying moves and close pin attempts; however, in the end, Both teams delivered an action-packed match featuring high-flying moves and close pin attempts; however, in the end, Axiom reversed a roll-up attempt and pinned Gargano to pick up the win again.
After the match, Fraxiom celebrated as DIY attacked them. Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) then arrived, taking out Ciampa, who tried to fight back. They turned their attention to Gargano, who tried to escape while pleading with Alex Shelley, but Chris Sabin took him out at the ringside with a big kick.
Backstage
Rey Fenix was backstage preparing for the MITB qualifier when Andrade walked in, wishing him the best of luck for the night. Fenix recapped their win last week and then mentioned his WrestleMania 41 clash from before. Andrade said they would see each other in the Money in the Bank ladder match.
Solo Sikoa, Jeff Cobb, and Jacob Fatu then walked in as Sikoa asked where LA Knight was. Andrade and Fenix looked confused and pretended not to speak English. Sikoa answered his own question, pointing out that they didn’t speak English, then walked off. Fatu sized up Andrade and Fenix before leaving.
Fraxiom were riding high on their win when they ran into the WWE Tag Team Champions, the Street Profits. Angelo Dawkins congratulated them on their victory, and Montez Ford announced that they had spoken with General Manager Nick Aldis; Fraxiom would be getting a title shot next week.
The Street Profits started to leave, but Ford and Dawkins turned back to warn that they would be at 100% come their title clash.
R-Truth
Wade Barrett sat down for an interview with R-Truth, where he asked him about the recent developments. Truth spoke about how inspiring John Cena had been, stating that Hustle, Loyalty, and Respect were not just words but a beacon of light.
Barrett was appalled, reminding Truth that he was the one who helped Cena win the match, and in return, Cena put him through a table. R-Truth defended Cena, saying that the John he knew wouldn’t talk about ruining wrestling or put his brother through a table.
He added that he didn’t want to battle Cena, but if he had to, he would beat some sense into him. Truth then announced that he would face Cena at the upcoming Saturday Night’s Main Event, and the promotion later made the match official.
Damian Priest
A promo aired where Damian Priest stated that he and Drew McIntyre were locked in a loop where they have both been involved in each other’s business, sabotaging each other until they destroy everything, and they needed a conclusion.
Priest said that a simple match at Saturday Night’s Main Event wouldn’t be enough. He then issued a vicious warning, declaring that he wanted the clash to take place inside a steel cage and that he would end the cycle.
Aleister Black vs Carmelo Hayes
Aleister Black took on Carmelo Hayes in a rematch from their meeting last week, where Black picked up the win. Hayes was once again accompanied by The Miz, who interfered in the match multiple times to help Caremlo defeat Black.
An initial interference helped Hayes gain control of the match, but Aleister slowly fought back. In the final moments of the match, Miz was on the apron, barking instructions at Hayes, who tried to focus. But then, Black sent Hayes crashing into Miz.
Black now hunted for the finish, but here came Miz, attacking Aleister and going for the finish. However, Black came around and laid out Miz once again with the Black Mass. Hayes then attacked Black, targeting his knee, before taking him out with a vicious flying knee to the back of the head from the top rope. Hayes stood tall, laying out Aleister as the rematch ended in disqualification.
Backstage
Byron Saxton caught up to interview Alexa Bliss backstage and asked her about winning the MITB qualifier earlier in the show. Bliss stated that her goal was to be the first woman to win the MITB contract twice. She then asked for a moment to leave as she noticed Charlotte Flair.
Bliss approached Flair, and Charlotte asked what they were doing here. Bliss asked if she was considered, and Flair replied that they weren’t even friends. Bliss reminded Flair how she took her under her wing during Bliss’ NXT days.
Giulia walked out of GM Nick Aldis’ office as Aldis appeared, announcing that Giulia was the newest addition to the SmackDown roster. Giulia left as Aldis invited Flair into his office to discuss the MITB qualifiers. Flair stepped in, telling Bliss to stay out of her way because she didn’t need her. Bliss ended the segment, stating, “Keep telling yourself that!”
Drew McIntyre
McIntyre stepped into the ring and picked up the mic as the Greensboro crowd erupted. Drew stated that he had heard what Priest said earlier and claimed that the so-called “Drew McIntyre vortex” was the only reason Priest was relevant.
McIntyre reminded everyone how he defeated Priest at WrestleMania, yet Priest was still obsessed with him. Drew stated that Priest was jealous because he was better than him and that Priest would have been a Grand Slam Champion if it weren’t for him.
McIntyre declared that it had to end before accepting the challenge for Saturday Night’s Main Event. Drew ended the promo, stating that only one man would walk out of the steel cage, because the other would walk out on a stretcher.
McIntyre was leaving the arena when Solo Sikoa’s music hit, and he walked in, accompanied by Jacob Fatu and Jeff Cobb. McIntyre stared a hole through Fatu, but Sikoa signaled for Fatu not to make any advances as McIntyre left.
Jimmy Uso vs Rey Fenix vs Solo Sikoa – men’s MITB Qualifier match
In the second Money in the Bank Qualifier, Jimmy Uso, Rey Fenix and Solo Sikoa locked horns to become the first to qualify for the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match. Jacob Fatu and JC Mateo kept a close eye on the action as despite some opposition, Sikoa was able to take control of the match.
Solo was still in control as he pointed to the briefcase again as he picked up Fenix for the finish. Sikoa went for the Samoan Spike, but Fenix countered with a hold as Jimmy entered with a superkick. Fenix went for the cover, but Jimmy quickly broke it up.
Big Jim and Fenix then battled in the middle of the ring, Rey went for the finish, but Jimmy fired back with a spear, only for Fenix to kick out at two. Jimmy went for the finish again, but Fatu interfered, only to eat a superkick from Jimmy. However, Sikoa capitalized on the opportunity to land the Samoan Spike.
Fenix then hit the Goodbye Amigo, but Mateo tried to intervene. Fenix thwarted the attack, taking his time for the final blow. Just as Fenix set up, Sikoa came in and landed the Samoan Spike to qualify for the Men’s Money in the Bank ladder match.
After the match, LA Knight stepped in, attacking JC Mateo. He then sent Fatu crashing into the ring post. Solo Sikoa stepped up as LA Knight picked up a steel chair and climbed onto the announce desk. Sikoa, Fatu, and Mateo surrounded him.
General Manager Nick Aldis entered to diffuse the situation before announcing a clash between LA Knight and JC Mateo, JC’s official in-ring debut, which took place immediately after the MITB Qualifiers.
LA Knight vs JC Mateo
Following his debut at Backlash 2025, JC Mateo made his in-ring debut against LA Knight. JC took control early in the match, showcasing brute strength, manhandling Knight while Solo Sikoa interfered on every opportunity he got.
Knight stood in the match and looked for the opportunity to finish as he went for the BFT, but JC fired back with a suplex. Mateo then went for the finish, but ran into an elbow from Knight. Knight tripped up JC on the middle rope and landed a running knee.
As Sikoa once again tried to interfere, he ate a kick from Knight, who then took out both Sikoa and Fatu with a springboard from the ropes. Knight stepped back into the ring to finish the match, but Mateo landed the Tour of Islands to defeat LA Knight in his in-ring debut.
Backstage
Santos Escobar asked Angel if he had seen Berto. Angel replied that he had been looking for him but was unable to find Berto. Escobar stated that Berto was listening to the wrong people and then revealed that he had secured them an opportunity. He asked Angel to tell Berto to come for a sit-down interview.
Angel tried to reason with Escobar, but Escobar insisted that Angel had been loyal to the family. He then said that now, Angel needed to find Berto and bring him home.
Shinsuke Nakamura
A Shinsuke Nakamura promo aired, where he stated that LA Knight hadn’t changed and was still hungry for appreciation from the crowd. Nakamura warned that this hunger would eventually lead to his downfall.
Nakamura then turned his attention to Aleister Black, stating that there was a deeper darkness lurking behind the shadows. Nakamura sent a warning to both men before cutting a promo ahead of their Men’s MITB Qualifier match next week in Georgia.
Tiffany Stratton was walking to the title clash when she ran into Jade Cargill, who warned that whoever won tonight, she would win the MITB briefcase. Naomi was lurking in the background. Stratton fired back, stating that until she was the Champion, Cargill would be unable to cash in on her.
Tiffany Stratton (c) vs Nia Jax – WWE Women’s title match
WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton defended the title against a former friend in Nia Jax, in the main event of the show. The two stars put on a show, as the Champion found out some early success but was then punished for it by the Challenger.
Startton also fought back and landed the prettiest moonsault, however, Jax refused to quit as she became the first woman to kick out despite the finisher. The two former pals put on a great show, which also saw Jax land the anhhilator only for Stratton to kick out.
Noami tried to interfere in the match as she appeared with a steel chair but before she could do any harm, Jade Cargill appeared, taking her out with a big boot. The two continued to brawl through the crowd stands as the match continued, and Jax charged towards Tiffany, only to crash into the ring post. Stratton then landed the prettiest moonsault to pick up the win and retain the title.
WWE SmackDown Results
- Alexa Bliss defeats Chelsea Green & Michin – Women’s MITB Qualifier match
- Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer & Axiom) defeat DIY (Tomasso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano)
- Aleister Black vs Carmelo Hayes ends in DQ
- Solo Sikoa defeats Jimmy Uso & Rey Fenix – Men’s MITB Qualifier match
- JC Mateo pins LA Knight
- Tiffany Stratton (c) defeats Nia Jax – WWE Women’s title match
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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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