WWE SmackDown Sees LA Knight Clash with Damian Priest in Des Moines

DES MOINES, Iowa – WWE SmackDown delivered an action-packed evening on May 2, 2025, at Wells Fargo Arena, featuring intense matchups and dramatic confrontations.

LA Knight opened the show, expressing his frustration over not receiving a rematch for his United States Championship against Damian Priest. Instead, Knight was set for a number one contender’s match. The crowd roared as Knight addressed the involvement of Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu in his past matches. Damian Priest soon entered the ring to engage Knight in a fierce discussion, escalating tensions between the two.

The referee was summoned as Knight and Priest decided to settle their differences right away. The match began after a commercial break, showcasing high-flying moves and powerful strikes from both competitors. LA Knight gained momentum early on with clever counters and a flurry of offense, while Priest responded with his own impressive moves.

However, the match took a chaotic turn when Solo Sikoa interfered, causing the referee to call for a disqualification, awarding the victory to Damian Priest. This led to a brawl that saw Knight and Priest team up momentarily against Sikoa before Fatu made his presence felt, asserting dominance in the ring.

In another exciting tag team match, Fraxiom squared off against Pretty Deadly, showcasing their skills and determination to make an impact on the SmackDown tag team division. The duo’s combination of athleticism and teamwork proved too much for Pretty Deadly, resulting in a decisive victory.

Aleister Black made his long-awaited return, taking on The Miz, but not without some interference from Carmelo Hayes. Despite the challenges, Black secured a victory with his signature move, the Black Mass. Following the match, tensions rose between Black and Hayes as they faced off in the ring.

The women’s division also heated up with a confrontation involving WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton, Nia Jax, Naomi, and Jade Cargill. The segment culminated in the announcement of a tag team match featuring Stratton and Cargill against Jax and Naomi, further intensifying their ongoing rivalries.

Later in the evening, Rey Fenix faced Santos Escobar in a highly contested match. Fenix emerged victorious, proving once again that he is a force in the ring.

The night concluded with Randy Orton delivering a passionate promo aimed at John Cena, ramping up anticipation for their upcoming match at Backlash.

The SmackDown roster continues to build momentum as they head toward the Backlash event, showcasing the drama and athleticism that keeps fans engaged.