SmackDown Live Results: Grading The Night After Backlash 2025

David

3 min read

Post on May 17, 2025

4.9

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SmackDown Live Results: Grading the Night After Backlash 2025 – A Rollercoaster of Emotions

The dust has settled after Backlash 2025, and the fallout landed squarely on Friday Night SmackDown. This week's episode was a whirlwind of emotional rematches, unexpected alliances, and shocking betrayals. Did the blue brand deliver a compelling follow-up to the pay-per-view? Let's dive into the SmackDown Live results and grade the night's events.

The Roman Reigns Aftermath: An "A" for Effort, but a "B" Overall

The Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, emerged victorious from Backlash, but his victory felt far from decisive. SmackDown opened with a seething Reigns, addressing his controversial win and vowing to remain the undisputed champion. While the promo was electrifying and showcased Reigns' undeniable charisma, the lack of a significant challenge left something to be desired. The segment successfully maintained the lingering tension from Backlash, but it lacked the decisive action needed to propel the storyline forward.

• Highlights: Reigns' powerful promo, hinting at future challengers.
• Lowlights: The lack of a concrete next challenger for the Universal Championship.

Rhea Ripley's Triumph: A Solid "A"

Rhea Ripley's victory at Backlash cemented her position as a dominant force in the women's division. On SmackDown, she addressed her win with typical arrogance, but the night held a surprise: a surprising challenge from a rising star (name withheld to avoid spoilers). This unexpected twist promises an exciting feud, deserving a solid "A" grade for its potential.

• Highlights: Ripley's confident demeanor, the unexpected challenger.
• Lowlights: The match itself wasn't featured, leaving some viewers wanting more immediate action.

The Tag Team Turmoil: A "C+"

The tag team division on SmackDown remains a bit muddled. While the existing tag teams delivered solid in-ring action, the storylines felt somewhat disjointed. The main event, a tag team match featuring [Insert Tag Teams], lacked the narrative punch needed to truly engage the audience. While the wrestling was technically sound, the lack of a compelling overarching story holds it back.

• Highlights: Technically proficient in-ring performances.
• Lowlights: Lack of a clear storyline progression for the tag team division.

Overall Grade: A Solid "B"

SmackDown delivered a mixed bag following Backlash 2025. While certain segments, like Rhea Ripley's triumphant return, shined brightly, other aspects, particularly the tag team division, felt underdeveloped. The show successfully carried the momentum from the pay-per-view, but it lacked the definitive storyline progression needed to earn a higher grade. The lingering uncertainty surrounding the main event scene and the tag team division leaves fans craving more. Next week's episode will be crucial in determining whether SmackDown can maintain this momentum and deliver more captivating storylines.

What did you think of SmackDown after Backlash 2025? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Are you excited for the potential rivalries teased this week? Let us know your predictions for the upcoming weeks on SmackDown!

(Keywords: SmackDown, Backlash 2025, WWE, Roman Reigns, Rhea Ripley, Tag Team, Wrestling, Results, Review, Grade, Pay-per-view, Universal Championship)