WWE SmackDown Review & Ratings – February 21, 2025

The road to WrestleMania 41 is in full swing, and this week's SmackDown delivered a mix of high-energy matches, unexpected betrayals, and a massive announcement from The Rock that will have fans talking for weeks. While some matches delivered fantastic in-ring action and storyline progression, others fell flat due to questionable booking or predictable outcomes. Let’s break it all down, match by match, segment by segment.

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Drew McIntyre vs. Jimmy Uso

👉 Winner: Jimmy Uso via pinfall
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

This match kicked off the night with an explosive start, and I have to say, it was a great choice for an opener. Drew McIntyre came into this match with a knee injury—one he had to get fluid drained from just 45 minutes before stepping into the ring. That’s the kind of detail that really makes you respect the toughness of a performer like McIntyre.

The match itself was solid. Uso played the opportunistic heel role perfectly, constantly targeting McIntyre’s injured knee to slow him down. What made this match stand out was the back-and-forth pacing—Uso wasn’t just getting dominated, and McIntyre still looked strong despite the injury.

What brought the rating down a bit was the somewhat anti-climactic finish. Uso picked up the win thanks to a cheap roll-up, which was a bit of a letdown after such a strong performance from both men. However, McIntyre didn't take the loss lightly—he blasted Uso with a post-match Claymore Kick, which seems to signal that McIntyre isn’t done hunting The Bloodline just yet.

What’s next?

Expect McIntyre to come back even angrier next week. A WrestleMania grudge match with Solo Sikoa or Jimmy Uso seems like the logical direction. Maybe even a triple threat with Jey Uso involved if WWE wants to capitalize on The Bloodline’s ongoing split.

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Carmelo Hayes & The Miz vs. LA Knight & R-Truth

👉 Winners: Carmelo Hayes & The Miz
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

This match had some bright spots but ultimately felt like filler. The Miz and Carmelo Hayes—who have recently teamed up under the name "Melo Don't Miz"—have some decent chemistry, but it still feels like an odd pairing. Meanwhile, LA Knight and R-Truth provided the usual entertainment value, but the match itself didn't feel like it had much weight behind it.

The finish was predictable, with Shinsuke Nakamura interfering to help Hayes and Miz pick up the win. While it made sense from a storyline perspective, the execution felt rushed, and it took away from what could have been a fun, competitive match.

What’s next?

Nakamura is clearly setting his sights on LA Knight, which could lead to a United States Championship feud down the line. As for Miz and Hayes, they may get pushed further as a tag team, but they still need a real reason to be working together.

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WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Candice LeRae

👉 Winner: Tiffany Stratton (retains via pinfall)
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

This was a surprisingly competitive match, with Candice LeRae proving once again why she’s one of the most underrated wrestlers in the division. Tiffany Stratton, meanwhile, continues to grow into one of WWE’s top female stars, delivering a mix of athleticism and arrogance that makes her an ideal champion.

The match saw LeRae pushing Stratton to her limit, forcing her to dig deep and escape multiple submission attempts before finally hitting the Prettiest Moonsault Ever for the win.

The real highlight came post-match. Just as Stratton was celebrating, she was ambushed by Nia Jax and Candice LeRae, leading to an unexpected beatdown. Things escalated when Trish Stratus made a shocking return to try and even the odds—only to get taken out as well.

What’s next?

It looks like Nia Jax and Candice LeRae are forming an unlikely alliance to go after Stratton. Will Stratus stick around to mentor Stratton, or was this just a one-off return? This could lead to a tag team match at Elimination Chamber or even a triple-threat title match at WrestleMania.

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Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez Attack Naomi & Bianca Belair

👉 No Match – Backstage Segment
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

This was a decent segment that helped add some fire to the women’s tag team division. Naomi and Bianca Belair were blindsided by a brutal backstage assault from Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez, setting up what should be a heated tag team feud.

It was good storytelling because it showed a more ruthless side of Morgan and Rodriguez, but the segment felt a bit rushed. The attack could have used a little more build-up or explanation rather than just happening out of nowhere.

What’s next?

Morgan and Rodriguez seem to be heading toward a title shot at WrestleMania, and if WWE plays this right, this could be one of the best tag feuds of the year.

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WWE Tag Team Championship: #DIY vs. Pretty Deadly

👉 Match ends in No Contest
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

This match had all the ingredients to be a show-stealer, with Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa (DIY) putting their titles on the line against Pretty Deadly.

Both teams showcased amazing chemistry, and the match had the potential to be an instant classic—until it was ruined by outside interference from The Street Profits and Motor City Machine Guns. While the chaotic ending was exciting, it left fans feeling a bit robbed of what could have been a clean, decisive finish.

What’s next?

This clearly sets up a multi-team title match at WrestleMania. Expect a four-way ladder match or a chaotic Fatal 4-Way with #DIY, Pretty Deadly, Street Profits, and Motor City Machine Guns.

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The Rock’s Huge WrestleMania Announcement

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Finally, the moment that stole the show—The Rock’s massive WrestleMania announcement.

Not only did The Rock reveal that WrestleMania 42 will take place at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, but he also addressed Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, calling him "his champion".

This promo had big implications for the future of WWE, hinting that The Rock may be involved in Cody’s title storyline leading into WrestleMania. The crowd was absolutely electric, and The Rock still proves he’s one of the best talkers in the business.

What’s next?

Will The Rock be at WrestleMania to challenge Roman Reigns, or is he setting the stage for something even bigger? Whatever the case, this segment stole the show.

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Final Thoughts

🔥 Best Match: DIY vs. Pretty Deadly (even with the interference)
💎 Biggest Surprise: Trish Stratus returning to help Tiffany Stratton
🎤 Best Promo: The Rock’s WrestleMania announcement

Overall, this episode was a strong step forward on the road to WrestleMania, with plenty of exciting developments and a few surprises along the way. While some matches could have had cleaner finishes, the show definitely delivered must-see moments.

Final Show Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)