WWE SmackDown Notes: Randy Orton vs. John Cena for Undisputed WWE Title Set for Backlash 2025, Fraxiom Officially Joins SD Brand, Zelina Vega Wins Women’s U.S. Title, Aleister Black Makes Surprise Return, Drew McIntyre Earns Shot at U.S. Title

WWE
Apr 25, 2025

Randy Orton vs. John Cena for Undisputed WWE Title Announced for WWE Backlash 2025

Friday’s WWE SmackDown show at the Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas featured one new match announced for the card of Backlash 2025, which takes place on May 10th at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri.

This new match announed was an Undisputed WWE Championship match of Randy Orton vs. John Cena (c).

This match was initially setup following Orton’s RKO attack to Cena at this past Monday’s RAW show. During tonight’s SmackDown show, Cena and Orton engaged in a heated insults banter over their 25-year long history and rivalry against each other. This eventually led to Orton challenging Cena for his title tonight and Cena rejecting saying it would be better to do it in Orton’s hometown at next month’s Backlash show.

Later in the show, this match was made official for Backlash.

Current card for WWE Backlash 2025:

  • Undisputed WWE Championship – Randy Orton vs. John Cena (c)

Fraxiom Makes Official Call-up & Joins SmackDown Brand

Friday’s WWE SmackDown brand also featured NXT tag team Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer & Axiom) making their official call-up to WWE’s main roster.

During the show, Joe Tessitore announced that Fraxiom has officially joined the SmackDown brand as GM Nick Aldis’ newest acquisition signings.

Fraxiom competed in a tag team match and defeated Los Garzas (Angel & Berto) for their official main roster debut win as a team for their WWE careers.

Zelina Vega Wins WWE Women’s U.S. Title on Friday’s SmackDown Show

Friday’s WWE SmackDown show also featured Zelina Vega defeating Chelsea Green to become the new WWE Women’s United States Champion.

This was Vega’s first singles championship victory of her WWE career.

Aleister Black Makes Surprise Return on Friday’s WWE SmackDown Show

Friday’s WWE SmackDown show also featured Aleister Black, former Malakai Black in AEW, making his official return to WWE.

During the show, The Miz came out to the ring and rambled on about how he has been an integral part of WrestleMania since 2007 but this year he had no match, no mention, and no where to be found. After some more grievances by Miz running down several people within WWE, Miz stated that he is sick and tired of people showing up in WWE, people that cannot lace his boots in the ring. After some more words, Miz did his catchphrase routine leading to the lights going off. This led to Black’s music playing and him making his surprise return. Black made his way into the ring and laid out Miz with a Black Mass kick after Miz asked him “Who the hell do you…”

This was Black’s first appearance in WWE since June of 2021.

Drew McIntyre Wins Shot at WWE United States Title at Friday’s SmackDown Show

Friday’s WWE SmackDown show also featured Drew McIntyre defeating LA Knight in a #1 Contender match for the WWE United States Championship.

Near the end of the match, Solo Sikoa ran out and interfered laying out Knight with a Samoan Spike while the referee was distracted. This led to McIntyre looking on realizing the great opportunity he has and setup the Claymore Kick only for Damian Priest to run out and grabbed McIntyre and attacked him resulting in the referee calling for the bell.

Following the match, a brawl broke out between McIntyre, Priest, Knight, and Jacob Fatu that ended with Fatu laying all three guys out.

As a result of his victory, McIntyre will be facing off against Fatu for the WWE United States Championship at a future event.

Trending
  1. WWE: Current Major Match Plans for John Cena for Money in the Bank 2025, Rhea Ripley on Certain Fans Who Believe "Women's Wrestlers Deserve Better" Being Same Ones Tearing Them Down, A&E WWE Ratings, More NewsWWE: Current Major Match Plans for John Cena for Money in the Bank 2025, Rhea Ripley on…
  2. Jim Ross Diagnosed with Colon CancerJim Ross Diagnosed with Colon Cancer
  3. Billy Jack Haynes Ruled Unfit to Stand Trial for Wife's MurderBilly Jack Haynes Ruled Unfit to Stand Trial for Wife’s Murder
  4. AEW Dynamite Beach Break 2025 Results - May 14, 2025 - Jon Moxley vs. Samoa Joe AEW World Title Steel Cage MatchAEW Dynamite Beach Break 2025 Results – May 14, 2025 – Jon Moxley vs. Samoa Joe…
  5. TNA Impact! Results – May 15, 2025 – Indi Hartwell In-Ring TNA Debut, Nic Nemeth vs. Jeff HardyTNA Impact! Results – May 15, 2025 – Indi Hartwell In-Ring TNA Debut, Nic Nemeth vs. Jeff Hardy
  6. NJPW Best of the Super Juniors 2025 Night 4 Results, Night 5 Card, Updated StandingsNJPW Best of the Super Juniors 2025 Night 4 Results, Night 5 Card, Updated Standings