WWE SmackDown Results & Winners (May 2, 2025): Naomi stands tall, Aleister Black wins, fatal four-way announced for Backlash & more
(Courtesy : WWE)
Zelina Vega defeats Piper Niven, Fraxiom win, Rey Fenix humiliates Santos Escobar & more!
The May 02 episode of Friday Night SmackDown emanated live from the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa, United States. The show continued the build towards the Backlash PLE, similar to this week’s episode of Raw, announcing more matches for the show on May 10th.
Tonight’s show also saw Aleister Black return to in-ring action after his return last week. The show also contained a singles match between LA Knight and Damian Priest, which kicked off the show as the two stars were unable to wait for the clash.
Get to know what happened this Friday, as we have the complete summary, highlights, results, and winner’s list for the 05/02 episode of WWE SmackDown.
WWE SmackDown Summary and Highlights
LA Knight – Damian Priest
LA Knight kicked off the show, grabbing the mic as the Iowa crowd rallied behind him. He recapped last week’s events, noting that although he earned a rematch, he was instead given a number one contender’s match.
Knight then called out Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, and Damian Priest for interfering and costing him the match against Drew McIntyre. He acknowledged that Priest had issues with McIntyre and that the two had an understanding. Just then, Damian Priest made his way to the ring. Priest clarified that he had no problem with Knight but needed to settle the score with McIntyre after his name was brought up.
Knight reminded him that he picked the wrong moment to act, as his interference cost him the match. Priest responded, saying Solo Sikoa had already spiked him and that he was actually saving Knight from taking a Claymore.
Knight fired back, saying that just because Priest took the Claymore and lost didn’t mean the same would have happened to him. Priest argued that everything stemmed from Knight losing the United States Championship, and the two continued to blame each other for last week’s disqualification.
As the argument escalated, Priest suggested they have their match right then and there a match that had originally been scheduled for later in the show. Knight agreed and the first match of the show was underway.
LA Knight vs Damian Priest
In the first match of the evening, LA Knight and Damian Priest locked horns, the match was supposed to be the main event of the show. Both stars put on an amazing match, hyping up the crowd as the show touched the half-hour mark.
After multiple pinfall attempts and a total beatdown of each other while the crowd chanted, “This is Awesome”. However, in the final moments, the action moved to the ringside Priest bounced Knight off the apron and rolled him back into the ring. But suddenly, Solo Sikoa appeared and ambushed Damian, slamming him into the barricade.
Sikoa then turned his attention to Knight and began beating him down. He lined Knight up for the Samoan Spike, but Priest intercepted just in time. Knight followed up with the BFT, taking Sikoa out. Priest and Knight then came face-to-face before Damian stepped out of the ring to clear the announce desk. Knight capitalized and sent him crashing to the outside.
As Priest lined up Sikoa, Jacob Fatu stormed in and took him out with a suicide dive. Sikoa retreated as Knight dove onto Fatu, but the Samoan Werewolf quickly fired back with a Samoan Drop. Fatu followed it up with a hip attack on Priest near the barricade. Fatu and Sikoa then taunted the crowd while officials checked on Priest.
Backstage
Byron Saxton was backstage with Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer & Axiom), asking them about their SmackDown debut and their upcoming match against Pretty Deadly. Frazer said they planned to shake up the tag team division just like they did in NXT.
Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson & Elton Prince) then interrupted the interview. Wilson and Prince welcomed the newcomers but warned them to tone things down a bit. As Pretty Deadly continued talking, Frazer cautioned them to be careful what they wished for.
Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer & Axiom) vs Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson & Elton Prince)
In the second match of the show, the newly promoted tag team from NXT, Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer & Axiom), battled the former title challengers, Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson & Elton Prince). This was Fraxiom’s second match since their main roster debut last week and Pretty Deadly wanted to teach them a lesson in seniority.
Despite the setbacks and two botched pinfalls by the referee, Axiom is tagged in to land the Spanish fly, followed by a phoenix splash from Frazer, to put the finishing touch. Fraxiom kept their undefeated streak as they pinned Pretty Deadly to win the match.
Backstage
B-Fab and Michin were backstage with General Manager Nick Aldis. B-Fab said they were inspired by the Street Profits’ TLC match last week and wanted to do something similar. Michin then floated the idea of getting a title shot against Women’s Tag Team Champions Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez, once Morgan had finished her business outside the ring.
The Secret Hervice (Piper Niven & Alba Fyre) walked in and tapped down the GM before Chelsea Green arrived. B-Fab and Michin exited, mocking Green on their way out. Green began complaining about Zelina Vega allegedly rigging last week’s game.
Aldis responded, but Green fired back, threatening to take him to the Supreme Court. She demanded a recount, to which Aldis asked if she meant a rematch. Nick Aldis then announced that he couldn’t grant her a rematch, as Women’s U.S. Champion Zelina Vega would be facing Piper Niven, and if Niven won, she would be next in line for the title.
Aldis added that if Niven captured the title, Green could become Niven’s “Secret Hervice.” Green nearly fainted as Niven and Fyre tried to console her, and the show went to a commercial break.
Nia Jax – Tiffany Stratton – Naomi – Jade Cargill
Nia Jax stepped into the ring and picked up the mic as the crowd continued to boo her. Jax thanked the crowd, sarcastically pointing out that they had missed her. She stated that while Tiffany Stratton was running around like a Barbie doll with her head cut off, she had been at home focusing on reclaiming the WWE Women’s Championship.
WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton’s music hit as she interrupted Jax, reminding her that she wasn’t the same person Jax used to bully Stratton claimed she would cash in the briefcase again if given the chance, reminding everyone that she defeated one of the greatest of all time at WrestleMania.
She added that she could easily defeat Jax, prompting Nia to ask if she was being offered a rematch. Stratton replied that while she doesn’t make the matches, she’d be happy to fight. Naomi then made her way out, reminding everyone that she was close to winning the title when Jax was champion, and that Stratton had helped Jax back then.
Naomi said that Tiffany hadn’t changed, while she herself had. She also took shots at Jade Cargill, issuing a warning to the champion. Jade Cargill’s music hit as she rushed to the ring, and a brawl broke out. Stratton and Jax joined in as well.
Cargill and Stratton cleared the ring, sending both Jax and Naomi to the outside. The two then squared up as General Manager Nick Aldis walked out and floated the idea of a tag team match between the four women later tonight. Aldis made the tag team match official between them for the main event of the show.
Backstage
The Miz and Carmelo Hayes were backstage as Hayes hyped him up for the upcoming clash against Aleister Black. Miz reminded everyone of his legacy, stating that Black didn’t knock him out, he woke him up.
Miz then pointed out that there’s a reason he’s lasted in the company for so long, while Black was only around for five years. The A-Lister then made his entrance, accompanied by Carmelo Hayes, for his singles match against Aleister Black.
Aleister Black vs The Miz
As announced last week, Aleister Black took on The Miz in his return match after his initial return last week. While Black showed signs of an easy victory, Miz, with his mind games along with a little help from Carmelo Hayes, took control of the match.
Miz continued to punish Aleister Black, but despite the relentless offense, Black refused to back down. After delivering a jaw-dropping counter to the Skull-Crushing Finale, he landed a spinning kick and shut down another interference attempt from Carmelo Hayes before hitting the Black Mass to secure the win in his first match since 2020.
Backstage
Rey Fenix was in the locker room when Santos Escobar stepped in, saying he had watched Fenix’s match at WrestleMania 41 and found it unimpressive and humiliating, especially since he lost to someone like El Grande Americano, a clown in Escobar’s eyes, bringing shame to the Lucha Libre community.
Escobar laughed at the idea of Rey Mysterio giving Fenix a chance at WrestleMania. He then hinted that with Mysterio out of action, hopefully for good this time, it might be his moment to take control.
Fenix interrupted and said, “Stay out of my business, okay?” Escobar tried to stop him, but Fenix fired back, saying he didn’t trust him, and if Escobar had a problem, he could face him in the ring tonight.
Zelina Vega vs Piper Niven
As announced by General Manager Nick Aldis Women’s United States Champion Zelina Vega battled Secret Hervice’s Piper Niven who was accompanied by Alba Fyre and Chelsea Green. A win for Niven in the match meant she would have been next in line for the US title.
As expected, Green and Fyre continue to cause interference while Niven manhandled the Champion, showcasing her brute strength in front of a much shorter opponent. However, in the final moments of the match, Zelina countered and set up for the 619, but Green again interrupted, starting an argument with Vega.
Piper Niven attempted to take advantage, but Vega ducked, causing Niven to accidentally take out Green, who crashed to the ringside area. Vega then rolled up Niven for the pin and defeated Piper Niven as Chelsea Green looked on in disbelief.
Backstage
General Manager Nick Aldis was backstage with Solo Sikoa and United States Champion Jacob Fatu. Aldis reminded them that their actions had been causing problems, but Solo pushed back, claiming they were innocent and that everyone should stay out of Fatu’s way.
Aldis then announced that Jacob Fatu would defend the United States Title in a Triple Threat Match against LA Knight and Damian Priest. Solo interrupted, pointing out that Drew McIntyre had won the number one contender’s match last week and should be included in the title bout.
Aldis agreed and officially made the match a Fatal Four-Way, adding McIntyre to the mix. Fatu, however, remained unfazed and delivered a strong promo, warning all of his challengers before leaving. Sikoa then accused Aldis of trying to screw Fatu, but Aldis fired back, saying that it was Sikoa who was trying to sabotage Fatu, not him.
Randy Orton
Randy Orton picked up the mic and welcomed the crowd, as “RKO” chants echoed throughout the arena. When Orton uttered John Cena‘s name, the crowd in Iowa erupted in boos. Orton stated that while everyone else couldn’t see Cena for who he really was, he saw him clearly.
He called Cena names, criticizing him for taking advantage of the PG era and labeling him a real-life walking cartoon character. In contrast, Orton claimed he had stayed true to who he really was. Orton then accused Cena of only caring about himself, which, while bringing him fortune and fame, led to a loss of respect. He pointed out how, last week, Cena claimed he was busy raising the fans’ kids.
Orton reminded Cena that selling your soul wasn’t a new concept and that he’d been doing it for the past 20 years. He questioned what happened to the values of Hustle, Loyalty, and Respect, particularly the last two.
The Viper repeated Cena’s own words and declared that he would erase the Orton name and legacy, ultimately taking down the last legend in his path. Orton ended the segment by vowing to deliver a punt kick so brutal that Cena’s head would fly off his shoulders.
Backstage
Naomi was in the locker room when Nia Jax walked in, suggesting they put aside their differences. Jax mentioned she was focused on getting the gold back and would do anything to beat Tiffany tonight. Naomi looked at Jax and simply replied, “Sure,” before leaving the locker room. Jax let out a sigh as she watched Naomi walk out.
Randy Orton was backstage when R-Truth walked in, claiming that his “childhood” hero, John Cena would beat Orton at Backlash. Orton asked why Truth was saying that, just as Jimmy Uso stepped in, reminding Orton of who Truth was.
Jimmy told Orton not to worry, assuring him that he would take care of Truth. Orton left, and Jimmy tried to reason with R-Truth, who responded by saying that Cena himself had told him he would beat Orton. Truth also reveals that Cena told him that he was the last ‘real’ Champion.
Rey Fenix vs Santos Escobar
Following their heated backstage interaction, Rey Fenix and Santos Escobar faced off in a singles match. Throughout the match, Escobar continued to push the idea that he should be the one in charge, running things in the absence of Rey Mysterio.
As he beat down Fenix, Escobar taunted Mysterio, looking directly at the camera and asking, “Is this who you chose for WrestleMania?” Fenix, however, fired back, landing two back-to-back kicks followed by a meteora to pick up the win against Escobar.
Backstage
Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill were backstage discussing their upcoming tag team match when Byron Saxton walked in. He asked the two about teaming up for the first time and facing opponents with whom each of them had a lot of animosity.
Stratton warned Nia Jax, stating that as long as Cargill stayed out of her way, there wouldn’t be any issues. Cargill fired back, requesting the same from Tiffany when it came to Naomi. She then announced that she would face Nia Jax next week in a #1 contender’s match for the WWE Women’s Championship.
Stratton retorted, reminding Cargill that she almost defeated her last week, and added that if Cargill managed to defeat Jax, she’d just have to do it all over again.
Santos Escobar was backstage with Angel and Berto, angrily yelling at them for not having his back during his match against Rey Fenix. Andrade walked in and asked Escobar to calm down. Escobar snapped, warning Andrade and asking what his problem was.
Andrade responded by pointing out that Santos didn’t respect Angel and Berto, continuing to berate him. As Escobar noticed Angel laughing, his anger grew even more intense. Escobar yelled at both Angel and Berto, telling them to leave. He then grabbed Angel, and Berto came face-to-face with Andrade. However, Escobar stepped in, taking Berto with him as the tension simmered.
Tiffany Stratton & Jade Cargill vs Naomi & Nia Jax
In the main event of the show, WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton teamed up with Jade Cargill to battle the team of Naomi and Nia Jax. The main event started with an all-out brawl as Jax and Naomi successfully isolated Cargill in the match and continued the beatdown, but Jade refused to quit.
A tag to Tiffany quickly turned things around as the Champion met the opposing team head-on. In the final moments of the match, Jax dragged Naomi back into the corner to make the tag, then stepped in to batter Cargill. She went for the cover, but Stratton broke it up with a swanton from the top rope.
Naomi then entered the fray, battling with Stratton, but Jax appeared, squashing both Naomi and Stratton against the apron, followed by another squash to Cargill. Jax climbed to the second rope, but Cargill intercepted her, lifting Nia and slamming her down before going for the cover. Jade Cargill and Tiffany Stratton defeated Naomi and Nia Jax.
After the match, the referee went to hand Stratton the WWE Women’s Title, but Cargill grabbed it, glancing at it before posing with the title.
Tiffany asked for the title back, and they started a tug-of-war over it. Naomi then ambushed the duo, sending Stratton out of the ring. With Cargill lying flat on the mat, Naomi posed with the title as the show came to an end.
WWE SmackDown Results
- LA Knight vs Damian Priest ended in DQ as Solo Sikoa ambushed Damian Priest
- Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer & Axiom) defeated Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson & Elton Prince)
- Aleister Black pinned The Miz
- Zelina Vega pinned Piper Niven
- Rey Fenix defeated Santos Escobar
- Tiffany Stratton & Jade Cargill defeated Naomi & Nia Jax
For more updates, follow Khel Now Wrestling on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram & Whatsapp.
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.
- Is Bad Bunny planning his WWE return ? Exploring the possibilities
- Is Zoey Stark really injured after MAJOR botch on WWE Raw May 19?
- Is Finn Balor looking to replace Liv Morgan in The Judgment Day with Roxanne Perez?
- Which match will main event Saturday Night's Main Event (May 24, 2025)?
- WWE RAW & SmackDown viewership numbers for May 2025
- John Cena vs R-Truth: Head-to-head record in WWE
- Top five best Scottish wrestlers in WWE history
- Drew McIntyre vs Damian Priest: Head-to-head record in WWE
- Top three youngest superstars to main event WWE RAW in a singles match
- Early WWE SummerSlam 2025 match card prediction; John Cena vs Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns vs Seth Rollins & more