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WWE SmackDown Results & Recap: Cena vs. Orton at Backlash, Aleister Black Returns, and More!


WWE SmackDown always delivers drama, surprises, and unforgettable moments, and this week’s episode did not disappoint. From the shocking return of Aleister Black to John Cena and Randy Orton setting the stage for what could be their final showdown, SmackDown was packed with excitement. Let's dive into the key moments of the night, the drama, the action, and, of course, the grades.

Cena vs. Orton: A Legendary Rivalry Reignited

The biggest story coming out of this week’s SmackDown involves two of the greatest WWE superstars of all time: John Cena and Randy Orton. Their rivalry, one of the most iconic in WWE history, spans nearly 25 years. Cena, the Undisputed WWE Champion, has made it clear that he’s ready to go head-to-head with his longtime adversary one more time—potentially for the last time. Cena challenged Orton to a match at Backlash, setting the stage for what could be an emotional and historic encounter.

The segment that kicked off SmackDown saw Cena and Orton engage in an intense exchange of words. Orton, ever the master of psychological warfare, took aim at Cena's character, attributing his sour attitude to a lack of maturity. The verbal sparring took an odd turn when Orton suggested Cena would gain a better perspective on life once he became a father. Cena, never one to back down, responded with a sharp retort, claiming he’s spent the last 25 years “raising the WWE fans' kids.”

The most memorable moment came when Cena turned heel, betraying a 6-year-old fan for allegedly flipping him off—showcasing Cena's edgier side. This heel persona has received mixed reactions. While Cena's gripes are certainly relatable, the execution felt somewhat flat. Cena is at his best when improvising and connecting with the crowd, but this new, one-note heel character hasn't quite hit the mark yet.

However, despite some of the awkwardness in the segment, the culmination was impactful. Orton, in a surprising twist, laid out Cena with an RKO, turning the tide and setting the stage for their match at Backlash. This feud, spanning decades, promises to deliver a highly anticipated clash. Cena’s claim to retire as the Undisputed Champion adds another layer of intrigue to this already storied rivalry.

Grade: B+

Aleister Black Makes a Triumphant Return

In one of the most exciting moments of the night, Aleister Black made his long-awaited return to WWE after a four-year hiatus. Black, who had been absent from the promotion for an extended period, wasted no time making an impact. He confronted The Miz, and in a matter of seconds, Black hit him with his signature finishing move, Black Mass, knocking out The Miz cold.

The return of Aleister Black is a welcome surprise. His unique, dark, and mysterious character always brings something special to WWE, and his in-ring skills are undeniable. There’s a lot of potential for Black to immediately insert himself into the main event scene, and fans are eagerly anticipating his next steps. The swift nature of his return left us wanting more, and it’s clear that WWE has big plans for the Dutch Destroyer.

Grade: A-

TLC Mayhem: Street Profits Retain WWE Tag Team Titles

In another action-packed segment, the Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) successfully defended their WWE Tag Team Championships in a wild Tables, Ladders, and Chairs (TLC) match. Their opponents, the Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin) and #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa), brought the pain, but it was the Street Profits who emerged victorious.

The match itself was a high-flying, risk-filled spectacle, with all three teams pulling out all the stops to claim the gold. The story of the match was built around the athleticism and chemistry of the Street Profits, with Montez Ford’s insane agility stealing the show once again. The other two teams were also incredible, with the Machine Guns and #DIY showing off their tag team expertise. However, in the end, it was the Street Profits who grabbed the titles in a jaw-dropping finish.

The TLC match lived up to expectations, offering a satisfying mix of chaos, high spots, and emotional drama. With this win, the Street Profits continue to solidify their position as one of the top tag teams in WWE.

Grade: A

Women's United States Championship: Zelina Vega Takes the Gold

In a surprising turn of events, Zelina Vega defeated Chelsea Green (c) to capture the Women's United States Championship. The match was fast-paced, with both women showing their resilience and determination. Ultimately, Vega secured the victory with a Code Red pinfall, dethroning Green to become the new champion.

This was a fantastic moment for Zelina Vega, whose talent often flies under the radar. This victory solidifies her place in the upper echelons of WWE’s women’s division, and her reign could bring a fresh dynamic to the championship. While Chelsea Green’s reign wasn’t exactly memorable, Vega’s win is certainly a highlight that could set the stage for a new chapter in the division.

Grade: B

Drew McIntyre vs. LA Knight: Drama Unfolds

Another interesting development on SmackDown came when Drew McIntyre faced off against LA Knight. McIntyre, who has been one of WWE’s most reliable performers, took on the always charismatic Knight in a match that had big implications. Unfortunately for McIntyre, the match ended in disqualification after Damian Priest interfered and attacked him, costing McIntyre the win.

However, McIntyre’s loss wasn’t all bad news. This post-match assault set the stage for McIntyre to become the No. 1 contender for the United States Championship, which is currently held by Priest. The angle continued to heat up when Jacob Fatu, the new United States Champion, came out and laid waste to both McIntyre and Knight. The tension between these three men promises to deliver some exciting storylines in the coming weeks.

Grade: B+

Fraxiom and More Matches

The rest of the night saw some solid in-ring action, including Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom) picking up a victory over Los Garza (Angel and Berto) with Frazer landing a picture-perfect Phoenix Splash. There was also a No-Contest between Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill after both women were attacked by Naomi and Nia Jax.

Solo Sikoa made waves by taking credit for the success of Jacob Fatu, leading to a tense confrontation. These smaller storylines continue to build as WWE gears up for bigger pay-per-views and shows.

Final Thoughts

This week’s WWE SmackDown was packed with drama, action, and major storylines, from Cena and Orton’s feud reigniting to Aleister Black’s triumphant return. The matches were exciting, and the storylines are heating up for major upcoming events like Backlash. While Cena’s heel turn still has room for improvement, the overall package delivered a solid episode that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Overall Grade: B+

What did you think of SmackDown this week? Are you excited for Cena vs. Orton at Backlash? Let us know in the comments!