Next week’s edition of WWE SmackDown will hit the Unipol Arena in Bologna, Italy on Friday, March 21, 2025. As a reminder, since this is airing internationally on Netflix starting at 3 p.m. ET (as was the case this week), results will be up in advance before it airs on USA Network in the United States at 8 p.m. ET in its traditional slot.
Here’s a rundown of what WWE has teased for next week's episode, based on the information revealed on today's edition of SmackDown:
The show opened with an explosive six-man tag match where Braun Strowman, Jimmy Uso, and LA Knight defeated Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, and Tama Tonga. After Strowman clinched the win by pinning Tonga, he became the victim of a post-match attack by Fatu, who left him laying in the ring after three moonsaults. Later on in the show, in a backstage segment, Fatu said that he's going to fight Strowman again next week. Based on their collisions in the past, this should be a monstrous battle.
Paul Heyman delivered a quick promo recapping Monday Night Raw's steel cage match and the incident with Roman Reigns returning to attack Seth Rollins and CM Punk. He then said that they can talk to him in person next week, as Roman Reigns will be in Bologna. The crowd wasn't fond of hearing that The Tribal Chief wouldn't be attending their episode today, and Heyman switched up his dynamic to play heel opposite them, telling them that nobody—not even Mussolini—is blocking them from buying a ticket on "cheapo airlines", flying over to Italy, and entering the country.
Since Chelsea Green won the Women's United States Championship, Zelina Vega has made it a point to put out a challenge that she's coming for her title. This week, Vega interrupted a backstage interview where Cathy Kelley was talking to Green and her security detail (Piper Niven and Alba Fyre) to say this again. Niven said Vega would have to go through her first to get to Green, setting up that match.
In another segment, Jade Cargill’s interview with Cathy Kelley was cut short when Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez barged in, upset over criticism they received following Cargill’s previous attack. Rather than seeking an apology, they continued to antagonize Cargill, who was quick to say she'll kick Liv Morgan's ass next week.
Recapping all of this in short form, here is your lineup for next week's episode of WWE SmackDown:
- Jacob Fatu vs. Braun Strowman
- Zelina Vega vs. Piper Niven
- Jade Cargill vs. Liv Morgan
- Special appearance by Roman Reigns
What are your thoughts on this lineup? Share your predictions and insights in the comments!