WWE SmackDown Results 4/4/25

WWE SmackDown Results 4/4/25
Allstate Arena
Rosemont, Illinois

You can follow me on Twitter @TheHootsPodcast

Commentators: (Joe Tessitore & Wade Barrett) 

Ring Announcer: Mark Nash

Transcription by Josh Lopez

CM Punk & Paul Heyman Segment

CM Punk: I don’t know where to begin, but they told me that the best television audiences were overseas. But I knew we were coming to Chicago. Rico, give me this. They told me the best audiences were overseas, where you at Chicago, let them know. See, Chicago, that’s why we don’t listen to them, we don’t listen to outside voices. A little fact, I’m not supposed to be here. Stop me if you heard it, I was born at Silver Cross Hospital with a cord around my neck, and I came out blue. They had to bring me back to life. I’m not supposed to be here. Every time I come out to television, no matter where it is, every city, all across the world, Netflix, USA, doesn’t matter, my goal is to make new fans every single time. But tonight, ladies and gentlemen on TV land, please forgive me while I take the time to not to make new fans, but to thank 16,000 strong of my hometown friends and family. When they tell you, you’re not supposed to be here, you say, well, who’s going to make me leave? And that’s exactly what I have done every single time I laced my boots up. Hell, every single time I go to the grocery store, and they tell me, you’re not supposed to be here, I buy my groceries, I pay the man, and I leave.

And, ladies and gentlemen, nothing has changed. I don’t know if you heard this, but I’m in the main event of WrestleMania. I deserve it? Ladies and gentlemen, I earned it. I started in the backyards of Chicago, and they said, you’re not supposed to be here. I trained at The Steele Domain, at Irving and Central, and they said, you’re not supposed to be here. I sign a contract here, they said, you’re not supposed to be here. I paraded out, dressed like Al Capone, right over there on John Cena’s gangster car at WrestleMania, and they said, that’s good as it gets for you, kid, you’re not supposed to be here. And to me, that’s where the hard work began, so I appreciate everybody congratulating me. And as I walking through the airport, coming home to O’Hare, they said, good luck, CM Punk, congratulations you made it.

And I’m here to let you know that now the hard work begins. I am product of this town. I have to thank each and every single one of you. And please forgive me while I’m thanking you, if I don’t thank my beautiful wife, April, first. She’s probably gonna be a little mad at me for that, but I know somebody who’s not going to be mad at me if you chant his name, is my puppy, Larry. There’s way too many people to thank, too many that got me exactly where I need to be. I figured, coming out here on television, and thanking each and every single one of you was a good start. I wouldn’t be who I am without this city. I wouldn’t be where I am without this city. From the bottom of my heart, thank you, and now the hard work begins, because I got a date at WrestleMania. And I promise you, I’m gonna whip Seth Rollins’ ass, I’m going to put a beating on The Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, at the main event of WrestleMania.

Paul Heyman: Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Paul Heyman. I just got into Chicago. I apologize for being late. It was no disrespect to the second city. And I assure you, I absolutely, positively assure you, it was no disrespect to my best friend in the world, a second city saint, the best in the world, CM Punk.

CM Punk:  I was just going to thank you, come on in. Good lord. You can’t escape. ECW! ECW!

Paul Heyman: I thank you, but tonight, ask not Chicago what you can do for your Wiseman, ask instead what your Wiseman can do for you. But the first thing I can do is, if I could steal a phrase here, be the voice of the voiceless. CM Punk, god-damnit, you belong here. You belong in this ring. You belong in Chicago. And by god, you belong in the main event of WrestleMania. The last time the two of us were standing here, inside this ring, I came up to you, because Solo, Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga were breathing down my neck, and I said, please, take me with you. And the next week, they put me through the announce table at Madison Square Garden, and put me out for the longest I’ve ever been out, except for when I was fired. That’s not funny. Then you had a Hell In A Cell Match with Drew McIntyre. And despite the fact that you whooped his ass, and won, the beating that you took was so severe, you were contemplating never coming back. And then I begged you, I pleaded with you, it’s four on five at WarGames, and my Tribal Chief is in trouble, and I don’t have another way out, and I have no one else in the world to turn to, please, do me this favor, just do this, please. And you said to me, yes, I’ll do it for you, and you saved the family, you saved the match, you saved The Bloodline, you deserve all the credit in the world. And for that, I thank you, and I have, if you’ll indulge me, one more favor to ask you.

CM Punk: You have a favor, another favor? Stock piling favors, ladies and gentlemen, what can I do for you?

Paul Heyman: Please tell me the favor I owe you, right now. Because Roman Reigns is going to be here, and he’s pissed enough as it is, and you know what happens when The Tribal Chief is pissed. Have you heard about his father, Sika? Do you know what happens when these Samoans get angry?

CM Punk: Did you say, he’s not here?

Paul Heyman: Yet, yet, he’s in training camp for WrestleMania.

CM Punk: And he should be, and listen, as much as I think the favor is none of his business, I do think it’s going to affect him a little bit. I would like to tell him to his face, when I tell you. So, why don’t you let me and all my friends know when big chief decides to show up.

First Match: Rey Fenix vs. Nathan Frazer

Collar and Elbow Tie Up. Frazer applies a side headlock. Wrist Lock Exchange. Frazer with a wrist lock takedown. Fenix pushes Frazer away with his feet. Double Kip Up. Fenix teases a SuperKick. That leads us to a quick standoff in the center of the ring. Strong lockup. Frazer grabs a side headlock. Fenix sends Frazer to the corner. Frazer dives over Fenix. Frazer runs around Fenix. Frazer kicks Fenix in the gut. Fenix spins around the ropes. Fenix with a Spinning Heel Kick. Rollup Exchange. Fenix with a Roll Through Hurricanrana for a two count. Frazer runs into a knee strike from Fenix. Fenix slaps Frazer in the chest. Frazer with a Headscissors Takeover to the outside. Frazer lands The Suicide Dive. Frazer rolls Fenix back into the ring. Fenix kicks Frazer in the face. Fenix with a Double Springboard Tornillo to the outside. Fenix rolls Frazer back into the ring. Fenix applies a double wrist lock. Fenix repeatedly headbutts the right shoulder of Frazer. Fenix maintains wrist control.

Fenix with The Rolling Crucifix for a two count. Fenix with a knife edge chop. Fenix targets the midsection of Frazer. Fenix goes for The Fire Driver, but Frazer counters with a Reverse DDT. Frazer with a Running Shooting Star Press for a two count. Fenix regroups on the outside. Frazer punches Fenix in the back. Frazer slams Fenix’s head on the announce table. Chop Exchange. Fenix rolls Frazer back into the ring. Frazer dropkicks Fenix. Following a snap mare takeover, Frazer drives his knee into Fenix’s back. Frazer with a Running Neck Snap for a two count. Frazer applies a rear chin lock. Frazer drives Fenix back first into the turnbuckles. Frazer with clubbing shoulder blocks. Frazer puts Fenix on the top turnbuckle. Second Chop Exchange.

Fenix sends Frazer crashing into the canvas. Fenix blocks The Avalanche Spanish Fly. Frazer with The SuperPlex. Frazer with The Twisting Vertical Suplex for a two count. Frazer drags Fenix to the corner. Frazer goes for The Phoenix Splash, but Fenix ducks out of the way. Frazer with a Pump Knee Strike. Frazer goes for a BrainBuster, but Fenix lands back on his feet. Fenix dropkicks Frazer. Fenix delivers The Goodbye Amigo Kick. Fenix drills Frazer with The Fire Driver for a two count. Frazer repeatedly kicks Fenix in the face. Frazer with a Step Up Enzuigiri. Fenix pops back on his feet. Fenix SuperKicks Frazer. Fenix with a Springboard Spinning Back Kick. Fenix slaps Frazer in the chest. Fenix connects with The MMB to pickup the victory. After the match, Byron Saxton had a post match interview with Fenix. Fenix gives a big shoutout to Chicago. He’s had a lot of history in Chicago. Tonight, is not the debut of Rey Fenix, it’s so much more. He was rewarded with love and passion. He wanted his whole life to say this. Rey Fenix is WWE. ANIMO!

Winner: Rey Fenix via Pinfall 

– We go to the backstage area, Santos Escobar was impressed with Rey Fenix. That’s the kind of performance he expects out of Los Garza. They take exception to comment. Humberto calls Fenix a flying lizard, and a flash in the pan, and he’s better than him. Santos likes the fire and confidence, he’ll go talk to Nick Aldis, and Humberto has to prove to him that he can beat Fenix.

– Byron Saxton had a backstage interview with Braun Strowman. He’s had enough of Jacob Fatu sticking his nose in his business. Tonight, he’ll show the world why they call him, the monster among men, when he demolishes Jacob in the Last Man Standing Match. Braun says that he’s going to WrestleMania to become the United States Champion and becoming a Grand Slam Champion in WWE. Solo Sikoa starts laughing his ass off. He’s done, no matter what Braun says, he still has to face The Samoan Werewolf. LA Knight joins the conversation. LA says that Braun shouldn’t waste his energy on this pumpkin head, Solo Sikoa. LA tells Solo to keep his boys in order, and for Braun to keep his eyes on the prize. Tama Tonga says that LA should be worried about him. LA is worried, then he proceeds to mock Tama’s Yeyeyeyeye catchphrase. He’s ready to stomp this dummy out and show the world whose game this is.

Drew McIntyre Promo 

It wasn’t enough that I gave you everything you have. Every big moment at my expense. Every girl you talk to the bar, bragging you were champion, that was my title. All the money you made, profiting off of me being screwed. And you realized, without me in your world, even when you were fighting for the title, nobody really cares about Damian Priest unless you’re feasting off of my scraps. So, you took away both of my world title opportunities at WrestleMania when my back was turn. All I asked for was for you to verbally explain to me, how was I wrong, poke hole in my logic, maybe face me like a man, but no, you did what you always do, you hid in the shadows, like a vulture. After I beat Randy Orton, right in the middle of the ring, I was heading out with my buddies, you attacked me, through me through a windshield. I could live with my back hurting across the ocean, with shards of glass and sweat in my eyes, I may never be the same, I might need a miracle. I need to pray. Everybody knows, when Drew McIntyre prays, bad things happened.

Second Match: LA Knight vs. Tama Tonga w/Solo Sikoa 

Knight is throwing haymakers at Tonga. Knight ducks a clothesline from Tonga. Knight kicks Tonga in the gut. Knight whips Tonga across the ring. Knight scores the elbow knockdown. Tonga dropkicks Knight. Knight kicks Tonga in the face. Tonga with repeated bodyshots. Knight with a Vertical Suplex. Tonga drives Knight face first into the middle turnbuckle pad. Tonga with a gut punch. Tonga uppercuts Knight. Tonga HeadButts Knight. Tonga with a Belly to Back Suplex for a two count. Knight drops Tonga with The Big Boot. Knight slams Tonga’s head on three turnbuckle pads. Knight repeatedly stomps on Tonga’s chest. Knight with a Running Knee Strike. Tonga regroups on the outside. Knight with The Wrecking Ball Dropkick. Knight stares at Solo. Knight dribbles Tonga’s head on the announce table. Knight rolls Tonga back into the ring. Knight tells Solo to bring it.

Knight buries his shoulder into the midsection of Tonga. Solo jumps on the ring apron to distract Knight. Tonga sends Knight crashing into the announce table. Tonga has complete control of the match during the commercial break. Tonga applies a rear chin lock. Knight with heavy bodyshots. Knight applies a side headlock. Tonga whips Knight across the ring. Knight with a shoulder tackle. Knight with The Sunset Flip for a two count. Tonga answers with a Running Lariat. Tonga with a Roll Through Jack Hammer for a two count. Tonga transitions into a ground and pound attack. Tonga mocks Knight. Tonga goes for a Flying Elbow Drop, but Knight ducks out of the way. Tonga kicks Knight in the face. Knight with two haymakers. Knight unloads a flurry of left jabs. Knight with two clotheslines. Knight sends Tonga chest first into the turnbuckles. Knight with a Leaping NeckBreaker. Knight Powerslams Tonga. Knight plays to the crowd. Knight with a Running Elbow Drop. Tonga blocks The BFT. Knight decks Tonga with a back elbow smash. Knight avoids The Samoan Spike. Knight blasts Solo off the apron. Tonga rolls Knight over for a two count. Knight connects with The BFT to pickup the victory.

Winner: LA Knight via Pinfall 

– Byron Saxton had a backstage interview with Paul Heyman. Has he got any further indication about the favor he owes CM Punk. On the record, no matter what the favor is, his answer will be yes. Now Punk can tell him what this favor is and get him out of this jam he’s in at the moment with The Tribal Chief. We see Seth Rollins arrive to the Allstate Arena instead of Roman Reigns. Seth tells Heyman to cheer up. Heyman was expecting the other shield guy. Seth says that Heyman looks horrible, like he had a horrible week. Seth was able to take a step back this week and gain clarity during this CM Punk is main eventing WrestleMania celebration. He’s formed a game plan. Heyman really dug himself into a hole with this favor thing. Seth also wants to know what this favor is.

Charlotte Flair & Tiffany Stratton Segment 

Wade Barrett: Now, due to the heated nature of recent interactions between you two, I have been volunteered to moderate this interview. First, please help me welcoming the WWE Women’s Champion, Tiffany Stratton. And her WrestleMania opponent, the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble Winner, Charlotte Flair.

Charlotte Flair: Do you hear that? That’s power.

Tiffany Stratton: Hey, Chicago, what time is it?

Charlotte Flair: That was cute.

Wade Barrett: Okay, Charlotte, I would like to start with you now. Please, give us a little more depth as to why you chose Tiffany Straton as your WrestleMania 41 opponent? And also, do you still agree, after recent interactions, that was the wise choice?

Charlotte Flair: Well, here we are, she was begging, and I’m the gift that keeps giving. She wanted a moment, and I haven’t done any charity work recently, and every week, that desperation leaks through. So, you’re right, I did make the right choice, and you know why? Because I wanted to show the smartest wrestling fans in the world, here in Chicago, that there is no comparison.

Tiffany Stratton: Are you done? Wade, did she get her Wooo in? Listen, Charlotte, your biggest competitor has never been within this ring, your biggest competitor has always been them. And no matter how hard you try, no matter how long you’re out for, that’s a battle that you’ll never win. And you love to put this facade on, like nothing gets to you, like you’re above everybody else, and then you’re crying on some boo-hoo talk show. Which one is it, Charlotte? The saddest part about all of this is, no matter how many titles you win, you can break all the records, but when it’s said and done, you’ll always come second to your daddy, Ric Flair. And at WrestleMania, you’re going to come second to me, Tiffany Stratton. Do you hear that? That’s power.

Charlotte Flair: Do you think you’re the first opponent? Chicago! Hold on, hold on, hold on, you have just regurgitated what my last opponents have said for the last ten years. You think you’re the first opponent to say that I come second to my dad? No, Chicago, Tiffany, and everybody watching at home. If I have to come second, it doesn’t matter if you win 100.

Tiffany Stratton: What’s the matter, Charlotte, cat caught your tongue?

Charlotte Flair: Oh, no, I’m sorry, they’re booing so well. Chicago, what would like me to say? Man, this is really cool, because here’s the thing, you know what, Tiffany, you can have the last word.

Tiffany Stratton: Charlotte, at 25 years old, what were you doing? You were trying to be a volleyball player drinking in your daddy’s basement. And what I’m doing at 25 years old, I’m walking into WrestleMania as the WWE Women’s Champion. You say this is just another match to you, seems like I’ve gotten to you, Charlotte. And your WrestleMania record may be 4-3, and you may be the queen inside of the ring, but outside of the ring, you ain’t the queen of shit.

Charlotte Flair: What did you say? I can’t hear you, Tiffy, it’s so squeaky.

Tiffany Stratton: And for 16 more days, you get to call yourself WWE least favorite nepo baby, congratulations.

Charlotte Flair: Nepo Queen! Number one nepo baby.

Tiffany Stratton: And when I beat you at WrestleMania, Charlotte, and when it’s all said and done, you’re gonna be just like you are outside the ring, alone. What is that record? 0-3. WOOO!

Charlotte Flair: Tiffany, is that why Kaiser in my DM’s?

Nick Aldis Announcement 

Ladies and gentlemen, I’m pleased to make a major announcement. In conjunction with Raw General Manager, Adam Pearce, next week, right here on SmackDown, we will present you a Women’s Tag Team Gauntlet Match, featuring teams from both Raw and SmackDown. The winners will face Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship at WrestleMania.

Third Match: The Motor City Machine Guns vs. DIY In A Number One Contenders Match

The Street Profits are watching this match in the front row. Chris Sabin and Johnny Gargano will start things off. Collar and Elbow Tie Up. Wrist Lock Exchange. Sabin with two arm-drags. Gargano tags in Ciampa. Sabin with another arm-drag. Sabin applies an arm-bar. Sabin kicks Ciampa in the gut. Sabin tags in Shelley. Shelley with a flying axe handle strike. Double Irish Whip. Double Shoulder Tackle. Double Sidekick to Gargano. Dosey Do Routine. MCMG with Stereo Corner Clotheslines. Shelley transitions into a corner mount. Shelley knocks Gargano off the ring apron. Shelley clotheslines Ciampa over the top rope. Shelley slides out of the ring. Shelley runs after Ciampa. Ciampa tags in Gargano. Shelley ducks a clothesline from Ciampa. Gargano drops Shelley with The Slingshot Spear. Gargano repeatedly stomps on Shelley’s chest. Ciampa attacks Shelley behind the referee’s back. Gargano slams Shelley’s head on the top turnbuckle pad. Gargano tags in Ciampa. Ciampa with a running back elbow smash. Gargano with a leaping double knee strike. Ciampa follows that with a Running Knee Strike.

DIY poses for the crowd. Gargano taunts The Profits. Ciampa slams Shelley’s head on the top turnbuckle pad. Ciampa tags in Gargano. Assisted Double Boot to Shelley. Shelley slaps Gargano in the chest. Shelley with a knife edge chop. Gargano rocks Shelley with a forearm smash. Following a snap mare takeover, Gargano dropkicks the back of Shelley’s neck for a two count. Gargano taunts Sabin. DIY gangs up on Shelley behind the referee’s back. Gargano tags in Ciampa. Ciampa stomps on the midsection of Shelley. Ciampa kicks Shelley in the face. Ciampa puts his knee on the back of Shelley’s neck. Gargano with a sharp knee strike from the apron. Ciampa tags in Gargano. Wish Bone Attack. Gargano with a southpaw haymaker. Gargano knocks Sabin off the apron. Gargano with a corner clothesline. Shelley punches Gargano in the ribs in mid-air. Gargano tags in Ciampa. Shelley ducks a clothesline from Ciampa. Shelley with a Swinging NeckBreaker. Shelley uses his feet to create separation. Shelley tags in Sabin. Sabin with a Flying Double Crossbody Block. Sabin is throwing haymakers at DIY. Sabin with two toe kicks. Sabin with a Dropkick/Spinning DDT Combination.

Sabin lands The Suicide Dive. Sabin rolls Ciampa back into the ring. Sabin tags in Shelley. Ciampa with a chop/back elbow combination. MCMG answers with a flurry of strikes. Double SuperKick for a two count. Shelley tags in Sabin. Sabin gets crotched on the top turnbuckle. Gargano removed the top turnbuckle pad. The referee admonishes Ciampa. Sabin decks Ciampa with a back elbow smash. Sabin rolls Ciampa over for a two count. Ciampa with a Running Pump Knee Strike. Ciampa hits Project Ciampa for a two count. Ciampa tags in Gargano. Double SuperKick/Fairy Tale Ending for a two count. Ciampa kicks Shelley in the gut. Ciampa dumps Shelley out of the ring. Gargano tags in Ciampa. Sabin avoids Meeting In The Middle. Standing Switch Exchange. Sabin shoves Ciampa into Gargano. Shelley with an Inverted Atomic Drop. Sabin dropkicks the left knee of Ciampa. Muta Lock/Running Basement Dropkick Combination. Gargano denies Skull & Bones. The referee catches Ciampa using the middle rope for leverage. Sabin side steps Ciampa into the exposed steel. Sabin rolls Ciampa over to pickup the victory. After the match, MCMG had a standoff with The Profits at ringside.

Winner: The Motor City Machine Guns via Pinfall 

– The Miz & Carmelo Hayes pokes fun at Pretty Deadly losing in their hometown last week. Melo compares PD to the Chicago Bears when it comes to fumbling the ball. PD decides to rip the entire Marine Movie Franchise. PD has finally finished their musical. It’s about a character who hasn’t been awesome for almost 10 years. The track is called “The Miz”. Miz reminds PD that he’s a former 9X Tag Team Champion. Kit Wilson wants to know why Melo is so happy to be relegated working with The Miz. Melo Don’t Miz are still working on their catchphrase despite claims of them not being a real tag team.

– Go see The Undertaker’s “1 Deadman Show” at The Bleau Live Theater at The Fontaine Blue Resort in Las Vegas on Saturday April 19th.

Fourth Match: Naomi vs. B-Fab

Jade Cargill attacks Naomi from behind during her entrance. Cargill transitions into a ground and pound attack on the ramp. Cargill starts attacking the security guards. Naomi finally gets back into the ring. Fab with a hair pull takedown. Fab with two clotheslines. Fab sends Naomi to the corner. Fab blocks a boot from Naomi. Fab with a forearm smash. Fab slams Naomi’s head on the top turnbuckle pad. Fab with a Spinning Heel Kick. Fab drops Naomi with The Big Boot for a two count. Fab transitions into a ground and pound attack of her own. Fab with forearm shivers. Fab slams Naomi in the face.

Fab with The Uranage Slam for a two count. Fab talks smack to Naomi. Naomi avoids The Spinning Heel Kick. Naomi with clubbing blow across the back of Fab’s neck. Naomi gets Fab tied up in the tree of woe. Naomi viciously stomps on Fab’s face. Naomi connects with a Modified CodeBreaker to pickup the victory. After the match, Naomi calls out Jade. Jade nails Naomi with The Pump Kick. Cargill goes for The Jaded, but the security guards get in the way. All hell is breaking loose in Rosemont. Nick Aldis appears on the stage. He’s had enough of the anarchy, and there’s only one solution. It’s official, Naomi will go one on one with Jade Cargill at WrestleMania.

Winner: Naomi via Pinfall 

Damian Priest Promo 

Drew McIntyre, the victim, no holes in your logic, right? WrestleMania XL, you had your moment, but your weird obsession took you to CM Punk, and he ended up clowning your ass. I did my job, as Senor Money In The Bank, I cashed in and became World Champion at WrestleMania. You screwed yourself, but I’m the villain, right? Clash At The Castle, it should’ve been about us, but this weird obsession you couldn’t get rid of, it followed you, I did my job and remained the World Heavyweight Champion. You screwed yourself, but I’m the villain, right? Money In The Bank, you should’ve been focused on the moment, you tried to cash in, but your baggage, once again, followed you. I’m remain champion, you screwed yourself, but I’m the villain, right? Rumble, Chamber, I eliminated you from both, plain and simple, then you attacked me, like a coward, and you cost me my shot at main eventing WrestleMania. You know what you are, Drew? You’re a hypocrite. You make excuses. You bitch and complain, and you point your finger at everybody else other than yourself. I know what you are, Drew. You’re a junkie, you get off on this high from telling stupid ass jokes, every week for a cheap ass pop, and you play the victim, every damn week. You don’t have to paint me as the villain in your story anymore. I am your villain. The time to pray is now, Drew. No looking for me in the shadows. Look for me in the middle of the ring, next week, face-to-face, eye-to-eye, because I want you to stop playing the victim, and become my victim at WrestleMania.

Kevin Owens, Randy Orton, Nick Aldis Segment 

Nick Aldis: Well, folks, this is the part of my job that, frankly, is not very fun. In this industry, there’s a fine line between coming back next week, like everything is fine, and finding out that potentially that you may never be able to step foot in this ring again. It’s a cliche, but there’s a reason that we say don’t try this at home. I don’t want to say much more, because I’d rather you hear it from the man himself. But, ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming, Kevin Owens.

Kevin Owens: I’ve been doing this for 25 years, and I think I can say confidently that, for those 25 years, I really gave everything I had every time I step foot in this ring. And in those 25 years, because of this industry, I’ve got to live incredible things, and experiences thing I’ll never forget. I’ve had the chance to take care of my family in a way that I could only dream of. But there’s a price to pay for that amazing opportunity. And that’s the toll that it takes on all of your bodies, every guy and girl back there has paid that price at different times. Now it seems like it’s my turn, because the reality is, for the last four months or so, I’ve been dealing with a pretty serious neck injury, and we didn’t know what it was, we really didn’t know how serious it was. Thankfully, this week, we manage to figure it out, and now I have to go get neck surgery. So, that’s what I’m going to do, and the timing couldn’t be worse, because let me tell you, not getting to be in the ring with Randy Orton at WrestleMania really sucks. And I’m really thankful for WWE, for allowing me to come out here in front of you, and telling you all this, because the truth is, I don’t know when I’ll have the privilege to be in front of you guys, again. What I do know is, the last few years, I’ve learned not to take anything for granted, and I will never take this for granted. So, for now, I want to say, thank you, and I’m sorry, guys, thank you.

– KO gives Nick Aldis a hug. Randy Orton makes his way down to the ring. Randy tells Kevin to go get himself fixed.

Nick Aldis: Randy, I hate to be the one to tell you this, and there’s no easy way to say this, but I’m afraid that means that you no longer have a match for WrestleMania.

Randy drops Aldis with The RKO to close this segment.

Fifth Match: Jacob Fatu vs. Braun Strowman In A Last Man Standing Match

Pier six brawl before the bell rings. Strowman HeadButts Fatu. Strowman throws Fatu into the steel ring steps. Strowman slaps Fatu in the chest. Strowman rolls Fatu back into the ring. Fatu kicks Strowman in the chest. Fatu SuperKicks Strowman. Fatu with a running clothesline. Strowman dumps Fatu face first on the top turnbuckle pad. Strowman goes for a Running Powerslam, but Fatu lands back on his feet. Fatu drives Strowman chest first into the turnbuckles. Fatu SuperKicks Strowman. Fatu with a Running Elbow Strike. Fatu with Two Double Jump MoonSaults. Strowman wisely exits the ring. Fatu with a straight right hand. Fatu HeadButts Strowman. Strowman uppercuts Fatu. Strowman repeatedly hits Fatu with the steel ring steps. Strowman rips off his t-shirt. Strowman poses for the crowd. Strowman with a Flying Double Axe Handle off the ring stairs. Strowman launches Fatu into the PRIMIE Hydration Station.

Strowman uses the hood of the announce table as a weapon. Strowman uppercuts Fatu. Fatu with a reverse hammer throw into the ring stairs. Fatu SuperKicks Strowman. Fatu rolls Strowman back into the ring. Fatu with repeated headbutts. Strowman drops Fatu with The SpineBuster. Strowman rolls a table into the ring. Strowman with a big right hand. Strowman places the table in the corner. Fatu fires off another superkick. Strowman responds with The Big Boot. Fatu sends Strowman tumbling to the floor. Fatu lands The Suicide Dive. Fatu drives Strowman face first into the steel ring post. Fatu prepares for a Running Hip Attack. Fatu runs into a steel chair from Strowman. Strowman delivers The Strowman Express through the ringside barricade. Strowman has complete control of the match during the commercial break. Strowman and Fatu are brawling in the crowd. Strowman with a Vertical Suplex off a production crate through two tables. Both guys avoid the referee’s ten count. Both guys are struggling to stay on their feet. Fatu nails Strowman with The Running Hip Attack through the table in the corner. Fatu gets up at the count of nine to pickup the victory.

Winner: Jacob Fatu 

– Video recap of the John Cena/Cody Rhodes segment from Raw. Cody will be returning to SmackDown next week.

– Katana Chance & Kayden Carter, Bayley & Lyra Valkyria, Pure Fusion Collective, Michin & B-Fab, The Secret Hervice, Natalya & Maxxine Dupri will be participating in that Number One Contenders Tag Team Gauntlet Match next week.

– Also next week on SmackDown, Drew McIntyre & Damian Priest will go face-to-face. Rey Fenix will collide with Humberto Carrillo.

– Roman Reigns has finally arrived to the Allstate Arena, he’s pissed, and he makes a b-line to the ring.

Roman Reigns, CM Punk, Seth Rollins, Paul Heyman Segment 

Roman Reigns: Chicago! Acknowledge Me. Wiseman.

Paul Heyman: Yes, my Tribal Chief?

Roman Reigns: Is he here?

Paul Heyman: Yes, my Tribal Chief.

Roman Reigns: Yes, that’s exactly who I’m talking about. Wiseman!

Paul Heyman: Yes, my Tribal Chief?

Roman Reigns: Is he still talking about this favor?

Paul Heyman: Yes, my Tribal Chief.

Roman Reigns: Oh, Chicago, Chicago, I don’t know how you deal with this guy, huh. Wiseman!

Paul Heyman: Yes, my Tribal Chief?

Roman Reigns: Should I share a secret with Chicago?

Paul Heyman: Yes, my Tribal Chief.

Roman Reigns: CM Punk wouldn’t be back here if it wasn’t for me. CM Punk wouldn’t be in the main event of WrestleMania if it wasn’t for me. And I get it, you’re good people, he’s from the same city, I have to like him, yeah. You’re good people, you mean well, but you’re not that smart. CM Punk has been around forever. He’s wrestled everyone around the sun, legends, hall of famers, champions, but he’s never been in that main event of WrestleMania, no, he hadn’t, not until he was introduced to The Tribal Chief. That’s right, you hear them chanting for the Tribal Chief in your city, hahaha. I’m right here in the ring. I say we bring CM Punk out here, so we can quit wasting our time. Come on out here and let me hear what this favor is. Come on out here, indulge your Tribal Chief.

– Seth Rollins makes his entrance.

Seth Rollins: Chicago! I am a visionary. I am a revolutionary. I am Seth Freakin’ Rollins. And I wouldn’t miss this one for the world. See, I don’t know, Roman, what this little favor is here, but the reality, I got a feeling it’s going to knock your socks off. And the thing about reality and you, man, they don’t seem to jive very well, because unlike all of us, you don’t like to live in the real world. But every time you step outside of your little universe, reality bites you in the ass. I don’t want to do a little history lesson, but example A, Heist Of The Century. Example B, the main event of WrestleMania last year. I’m wondering the same thing y’all are, Chicago. But the reality is, Roman, you underestimate, you think you’re above CM Punk, you think you don’t have to worry about CM Punk, you think you ignore him, he just goes away. I tried that, it doesn’t work, and now he’s in the main event of WrestleMania, and that’s a reality I have to deal with. You could’ve stop this at WarGames, you didn’t. You could’ve let me stop it in the cage, at the Garden, but you didn’t, and now here we are, and we’re waiting for this favor. Now, I’m in a much better place than I was last week, when we were all celebrating Punk in the main event at WrestleMania. I took a week, I got some perspective, and I realized, that reality gives you two options, either you suffer and you get left behind or you adapt and you control reality.

Roman Reigns: The reality is, you’re untrustworthy. I can say the word loyalty, but you have no clue what that means. CM Punk stands here, because I made a promise to The Wiseman, and I keep my word. And the truth is, I didn’t call you out here, I called Punk out here.

Seth Rollins: You called Punk out here, I’m out here to hear from CM Punk. There’s only one thing missing. Let’s find out what this favor is, shall we.

– CM Punk makes his way down to the ring.

CM Punk: The favor. What’s the favor? This is about friendship. This is about legacy. This is about promises made and promises kept. This is about loyalty. Paul, this goes back to 4400 Shepherdsville Road in Louisville, Kentucky, when on day one, I showed up, and they told you that I don’t belong, and they told you to fire me, and you said, no. Hell, your wiseman, is just that, he’s wise beyond his years. Paul, you projected this years ago on television, on Monday Night Raw. And if everybody else has forgotten about it, that certainly don’t mean I have. And, hell, even before that, if I could throw it back to the day you left this company, on Big Show’s bus. You and me, Show, and RVD, standing there, talking amongst ourselves. And I mistakenly made it about me, I said, Paul, they’re going to fire me. Paul, without you, I’m nothing, Paul, don’t leave. And you said, no, no, no, you’ll be fine. And I said, I’m sorry I made this about me, do you remember this, Paul? I said, what can I do for you? And in that moment, you said, Punk, when you main event WrestleMania, force them to deal with us. Well, they aren’t here anymore, so I’m going to force you, my Tribal Chief, I’m going force you out of your comfort zone, I’m going to force you to deal with us. Because at WrestleMania, in the main event, in my corner, your wiseman, my best friend, Paul Heyman.

Roman Reigns: That’s the favor? Hahahaha. You understand, he loves me, right? He needs me. I saved him. Even if I let him, he wouldn’t. Wiseman.

Paul Heyman: Yes, my Tribal Chief?

Roman Reigns: Let this desperate fool down, easy, will you. Are you crying? You better them up, and tell him no. I took you in, I made you relevant, tell him no. I’m going to give you one more opportunity, tell him no.

Paul Heyman: No, my Tribal Chief, I can’t do that.

Seth starts laughing his off. Roman backs Heyman into the turnbuckles. Punk goes after Roman. Punk hits The GTS. Punk had a stare down with Seth Rollins as the show goes off the air.

Checkout Episode 459 of The Hoots Podcast