WWE SmackDown stormed into Greensboro, North Carolina, on May 16, 2025, with high energy and major implications following Backlash St. Louis. The night aired live from the historic Greensboro Coliseum, setting the stage for WWE’s march toward Money in the Bank 2025. Here’s a quick dive into everything that went down.
Solo Sikoa Opens the Show
The night began with Solo Sikoa, accompanied by Jacob Fatu and Jeff Cobb. Sikoa vowed to win the Money in the Bank briefcase and return gold to his lineage. But tension erupted when he challenged Fatu to be loyal after becoming U.S. Champion. Their fight was interrupted by LA Knight, who stepped into the picture and stole the limelight.
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Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifier: Alexa Bliss Punches Her Ticket
Alexa Bliss fought Michin and Chelsea Green in a wild triple threat match. The three women left everything they had in the ring, but Bliss took advantage. Following a wild sequence of events, she won and became the first woman to earn a spot in the 2025 Women’s Money in the Bank match.
#DIY vs. Fraxiom: Shocking Upset
A tag match dream followed and here w#DIY (Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano) faced Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom). Fraxiom resisted the experienced duo. Axiom quickly pinned Gargano with a surprise pin, and thereby winning a massive victory. #DIY responded with a post-match brawl until MCMG came to the rescue.
Carmelo Hayes vs. Aleister Black Descends into Bedlam Again
Hayes and Black again clashed in an intense rematch. As last week, The Miz intervened, resulting in another disqualification. Black knocked out Miz with Black Mass again, but Hayes nailed him with his First 48 finisher, sending a firm warning to Black.
Drew McIntyre Declares War
Drew McIntyre spoke to the WWE Universe in turn. He promised to finish Damian Priest in a steel cage on Saturday Night’s Main Event XL, stating this feud has gotten personal.
Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifier: Solo Sikoa Dominates
The men’s qualifier with high stakes involved Rey Fenix, Solo Sikoa, and Jimmy Uso. Sikoa overpowered with assistance from JC Mateo and Jacob Fatu. Sikoa won the match and he qualifyed for Money in the Bank. Post-match beatdown on Rey Fenix and Jimmy was halted by LA Knight, leading Nick Aldis to immediately book Knight vs. Mateo.
JC Mateo Shocks LA Knight
In his first WWE appearance, JC Mateo faced off against crowd favorite LA Knight. The bout was close, but following a distraction from outside, Mateo landed a thunderous Swinging Powerslam to pin Knight clean in his maiden match.
Main Event: Tiffany Stratton vs. Nia Jax – WWE Women’s Title
Tiffany Stratton retained her title against powerhouse Nia Jax in a violent bout. Jax came close to taking back the gold, but interference and mayhem outside the ring occurred. Jax seized the title and attempted to use a chair, but Stratton responded with a dropkick. A second Prettiest Moonsault Ever solidified her win, leaving the title still around Stratton’s waist.
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Final Thoughts
SmackDown brought sensational fallout from Backlash and officially launched the Money in the Bank season. With Alexa Bliss and Solo Sikoa now on the list, the path to the briefcase is heating up quickly.
