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SmackDown recap and reactions: Turning Cody Rhodes into a heel already
WWE rolled into Fort Lauderdale for Friday Night SmackDown this week, delivering a few unexpected twists along the way. Let’s dive in.
Hour one
Cody Rhodes unsurprisingly kicked off the show, and equally unsurprising was Jacob Fatu interrupting before Cody could even finish his catchphrase. Fatu’s main gripe is that he believes he would have won last week if Drew McIntyre hadn’t interfered. He attempted to address the WWE Champion directly, but SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis arrived to say he gave ol’ DM Hunk the night off to avoid any further conflict—because WrestleMania is just that important.
Yet McIntyre appeared in the crowd with a microphone, having bought a suite but somehow getting a mic into the arena to involve himself. He baited Fatu, only for WWE officials to step in and frame Fatu as the antihero once again. Rhodes stood in the middle of the ring, more like a bystander caught in a larger disagreement.
Rhodes tried to save face by ending the segment with an insult toward McIntyre, calling him “an asshole.” Still, the segment gave the impression that a Fatu–McIntyre WrestleMania showdown is the real focal point, leaving Cody’s role somewhat diminished.
Aldis then offered Fatu encouragement and hinted that McIntyre would become a factor later. The implication is that Tama Tonga may be in line for a push, though the crowd reaction to Ilja Dragunov’s match with Fatu wasn’t particularly strong. Dragunov’s match felt serviceable for television and aligned with how the show is booked, but it didn’t spark much optimism for that storyline’s direction.
Solo Sikoa got a microphone to hype the MFTs, leading to a behind-the-back attack by Dragunov that sparked a chain reaction. Matt Cardona tried to intervene but was overwhelmed, and Apollo Crews attempted to help but also took a beating. It looked like a group of “geeks” rushing in to take punishment, a recurring theme for Cardona and Crews.
The Wyatt Sicks delivered a pre-taped promo with a spooky score, but the segment left me bored.
Randy Orton sat for an interview as WWE attempted to reframe his beef with Rhodes. Zelina Vega and Aleister Black interrupted, reminding Orton that he used to punt opponents in the head. Where did that version of Orton go? The tease of exploring his psyche felt toying and goofy, but the moment also reminded viewers of the show’s playful mood.
Orton proposed a match since this is a pro wrestling show, while Black continued speaking long after Orton walked away to finalize the match—an odd but entertaining reminder of the show’s silly side. The camera placement added to the chaos, but it was a small flaw in an otherwise chaotic night.
Women’s Champion Jade Cargill cut a promo announcing she will move to Raw next week, where Liv Morgan will reveal her WrestleMania 42 decision. She then previewed the Elimination Chamber lineup and what it could mean for her big match at WrestleMania, signaling a range of potential outcomes.
Certain names drew bigger pops than others, underscoring who the crowd cared about most. Jade’s confidence was unshakable as she declared she’s ready to prove herself—and she’s ready to back up that claim.
Charlotte Flair wandered into the scene, trying to project dominance, but Jade didn’t hesitate to challenge The Queen, bursting back into the frame to assert herself. Flair didn’t seem pleased with the response, setting up a potential high-stakes confrontation.
This quick exchange hinted at a compelling clash in the near future, with both competitors trying to avoid looking like the lesser star.
The main event hook appeared in a triple-threat Elimination Chamber qualifying match featuring Flair, Nia Jax, and Kiana James. Despite Flair’s star power, James pulled off a surprising victory by pinning Flair after Flair trapped Jax in the Figure Eight.
Crafty finish and a promising setup for future intrigue.
Hour two
Oba Femi is over with Florida crowds, and I’m eager to see a strong push push for him. Kit Wilson also deserves more TV time, and the two of them could become a compelling duo on SmackDown.
Wilson delivered a playful promo—comically praising Femi as a feminist and a teddy bear—then attempted a poem of his own. Femi countered with more poetry, and when Wilson attacked, Femi decisively squashed him. The moment was simple, ridiculous, and utterly entertaining in its over-the-top charm.
A mystery crate remained a running gag, with R-Truth joking it was an Elimination Chamber trophy. Aldis suggested sending it back to Raw for Adam Pearce to handle, keeping the mystery alive for an upcoming reveal in Chicago on Feb. 28.
Tiffany Stratton vs. Alba Fyre delivered solid in-ring action as Chelsea Green watched from ringside, sporting a boot and a decked-out wheelchair due to injury. Stratton’s victory helped build momentum toward Elimination Chamber, highlighting straightforward booking that gives stars a moment to shine.
A notable interaction occurred between Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn. Zayn accused Rhodes of screwing him over after Zayn had supported him, prompting Rhodes to push back with a blunt assessment: “that’s your perspective.” The moment evoked a familiar, heated argument—and a hint of gaslighting—in the ongoing tension.
Sami retorted that Rhodes has had opportunities, but hasn’t fully capitalized; Rhodes countered that Zayn should reflect on his own choices. Trick Williams then stepped in, exuding star power and teasing greater friction ahead.
Another surprise came when Sami approached Cody before leaving; he apologized and admitted his fault, asking for forgiveness. Rhodes said he wouldn’t forget the help Sami offered along the way, suggesting a potential turning point for their relationship and foreshadowing a future reconciliation or betrayal. This could become one of the best ongoing narratives for both men—Cody’s eventual heel turn and Sami’s eventual title run, with early signs already hinting at deep storytelling.
Hour three
I’m fully aboard the Trick Willy hype train, even though I wish there had been more build around his NXT-era feud with Carmelo Hayes. Still, his victory in a three-way match against Hayes and Damian Priest generated a strong crowd reaction and left me optimistic about his trajectory.
Johnny Gargano’s mood was comically downbeat, providing a lighter moment amid the chaos.
Rhea Ripley vs. Giulia felt like a premium match that perhaps shouldn’t have aired free on SmackDown in February, given its high stakes for the tag-team division. While the bout showed potential for future headlines, the finish seemed unsatisfying. The Irresistible Force faction’s interference shifted the result, with Iyo Sky rushing in to derail Giulia’s momentum, leaving the singles contest feeling underutilized.
Rather than elevating the title scenario, the segment seemed to squander a strong, competitive match.
The Tama Tonga push remains a focal point. Shinsuke Nakamura serves as the voice of reason, shaping decisions that advance the character’s growth—an apt fit for Nakamura, though the central storyline still centers on Tama Tonga.
The main event featured Orton vs. Black. Black sat in the corner for a lengthy entrance while Orton did his thing, a pacing choice that felt deliberate but arguably slow. Some viewers might have preferred a faster, more decisive start. Still, the two delivered a memorable moment when Drew McIntyre interrupted and struck Orton with the WWE Championship, prompting Rhodes to chase him away. Aleister Black regained control with a Black Mass and pinned Orton for the win.
Rhodes watched from the stands, too far to intervene, a visual tease that could be repurposed to antagonize him during his eventual turn.
Overall take: not hateable, but not a home run either.
Grade: C-
Your turn.
