WrestleMania 41 Countdown: Star-Studded SmackDown Preview

LAS VEGAS, April 18, 2025 — The final episode of WWE SmackDown before WrestleMania 41 gathered an electrifying crowd as key superstars rallied for a last-minute push ahead of the biggest event of the year. John Cena made a powerful return to promote his match against Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, leading the charge in an action-packed night that also included the exciting Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.

In the opening segment, Seth Rollins addressed the audience, fiercely criticizing CM Punk and stressing his commitment to WWE. “I will sacrifice everything to ensure this business moves forward in the right direction,” Rollins said, referencing personal stakes from last year’s WrestleMania. Fans in attendance responded strongly to his emotional narrative, raising anticipation for his upcoming match.

A highlight of the show was the ever-popular Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, where Carmelo Hayes triumphed, outlasting competitors like Chad Gable and Rey Fenix, who were eliminated earlier in the match. Hayes’s win marked a significant moment in his career, providing momentum heading into WrestleMania.

Meanwhile, the women’s division shone brightly as Rhea Ripley, Iyo Sky, Bianca Belair, and Jade Cargill participated in a heated segment. After Naomi confronted Belair about their friendship, chaos erupted, culminating in a massive brawl involving all four women, showcasing the intensity of the upcoming Women’s World Championship match.

Another major encounter featured the WWE Tag Team Championship contest between The Street Profits and the Motor City Machine Guns. The match ended with interference from DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa), leading to a no-contest finish and setting the stage for a highly anticipated triple-threat TLC match next week. “This booking suggests significant plans for the tag team division moving forward,” remarked SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis.

As the show progressed, Randy Orton issued an open challenge for WrestleMania, taking fans back to his storied legacy within the WWE. “This would be my 20th WrestleMania, and I dare anyone to step up and wrestle me,” Orton stated, feeding the crowd’s excitement.

The night also featured a fierce showdown between LA Knight and Solo Sikoa, culminating in a dramatic tag team match with Braun Strowman, showcasing the deep rivalries leading into WrestleMania.

In the main event segment, the atmosphere reached a fever pitch as John Cena confronted Cody Rhodes. Cena, in a rare show of vulnerability, claimed that Sunday would see the end of his WrestleMania career. He challenged Rhodes to shed the loyalties of fans and embrace a more ruthless approach to winning. “You’re just a kid in a man’s world, who doesn’t have the balls of the last real champion,” Cena declared.

Rhodes responded defiantly, exchanging barbs with Cena and ultimately laying him out with a Cross Rhodes to close the show, setting a tense tone for their championship clash.

This episode of SmackDown effectively built tension for WrestleMania 41, encapsulating the rivalries and stakes involved. As anticipation builds for the event, wrestling fans are left eager for the outcomes of these compelling storylines.