Welcome to Wrestling Inc.'s weekly review of WWE SmackDown. As we approach the much-anticipated WrestleMania, fans are left wondering, how long can we wait for the complete card to be announced? Currently, the full card remains elusive, particularly due to the uncertainty surrounding Randy Orton's participation. The injury of Kevin Owens has impacted the planning, but we’re ready to delve into what this week’s episode had to offer.
Before we dive into the analysis, it's essential to note that this review is filled with the WINC staff's subjective opinions. If you're looking for the objective facts of the show, check out our dedicated SmackDown results page. This review will highlight three things we loved and three things we hated about the 4/11/25 episode of WWE SmackDown.
This week, the buzz from last week’s chaotic off-script promo segment between Charlotte Flair and Tiffany Stratton failed to gain momentum. Following a parking lot attack captured on social media, WWE missed a significant opportunity to capitalize on this intrigue. Although commentary briefly mentioned the incident, they neglected to follow up with a replay of the viral video, leaving fans disappointed. Instead, Stratton was seen backstage, seemingly unfazed, which further diluted the impact of the earlier segment.
As the night progressed, Flair returned to confront Stratton after her match against Roxanne Perez, but the brief scuffle was quickly subdued. While WWE might have aimed to create an air of spontaneity surrounding Flair's actions, the lack of follow-through on such a captivating storyline felt like a significant oversight.
This episode featured three exciting women’s matches, including two singles bouts and a crucial gauntlet match to determine the number one contenders for the Women's Tag Team Championship at WrestleMania 41. The gauntlet match effectively placed twelve women in action, showcasing the depth of the women’s division, even if it felt rushed at times. Notably, Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez watched closely from ringside, adding an extra layer of excitement to the proceedings.
In a backstage segment, Chelsea Green was seen preparing for her match against Zelina Vega, which ended with Vega securing a victory when Green was counted out while distracted. The storytelling in this match, albeit brief, was quite effective. Additionally, the match between Stratton and Perez showcased strong in-ring performances, with Stratton emerging victorious as she heads into her WrestleMania showdown. Flair's post-match attack brought the intensity back, reinforcing the ongoing feud.
It’s crucial to recognize that the women’s tag team division is in a dire state, as evidenced by the gauntlet match. The rapid progression of teams securing title shots raises concerns about the division's depth and narrative development. While the pairing of Lyra Valkyria and Bayley is promising, the match itself felt hasty, and the commentary didn’t do justice to the competitors’ abilities. WWE must invest more effort in presenting a formidable women’s tag team division that reflects the talent available.
One feud that has built significant anticipation leading up to WrestleMania is between Damian Priest and Drew McIntyre. This week, their segment was refreshingly straightforward yet impactful, culminating in the announcement of their Sin City Street Fight at Mania. The physicality displayed during their exchange was a welcome addition, especially after a somewhat lackluster lead-up to other matches.
As for Randy Orton, the uncertainty surrounding his role at WrestleMania continues. With Owens sidelined due to injury, Orton's potential storyline remains ambiguous. This week, he interacted with General Manager Nick Aldis and was later drawn into a brawl involving Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga. While it’s clear that planning is in flux due to Owens’ injury, the execution of Orton's storyline feels less than satisfying as we edge closer to the grand event.
WWE SmackDown continues to build towards WrestleMania, with a mix of thrilling matches and character-driven storylines. While some segments fell flat, the anticipation for the upcoming event remains high. As fans, we are eager to see how these feuds unfold and what surprises WWE has in store. Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the biggest show of the year!
