WWE SmackDown delivered seismic shocks on February 21, 2025, as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson returned with a cryptic proposition for Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes while chaos unfolded across New Orleans’ Smoothie King Center.
The Rock’s Corporate Power Play
In the night’s most jaw-dropping moment, The Rock announced WrestleMania 42’s 2026 location in New Orleans before turning his attention to Rhodes. Leveraging his TKO Group Holdings board position, The Final Boss proposed making Rhodes his “corporate champion,” demanding an answer by Elimination Chamber on March 1. “I don’t want your title,” he declared. “I want your soul” .
Bloodline Implodes in Main Event
Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu’s uneasy alliance collapsed spectacularly during their loss to Damian Priest and Braun Strowman. A miscommunicated superkick from Fatu to Sikoa allowed Priest to seal victory with South of Heaven, further fracturing Roman Reigns’ former faction .
Championship Chaos
- Jimmy Uso stunned Drew McIntyre via roll-up pin, surviving a post-match demolition from the furious Scotsman
- Carmelo Hayes & The Miz triumphed over R-Truth and LA Knight after Shinsuke Nakamura interfered
- Tiffany Stratton retained momentum against Candice LeRae before Nia Jax brutalized both her and Trish Stratus
Tag Team Turmoil
The DIY vs Pretty Deadly title match dissolved into anarchy when Street Profits attacked both teams, followed by Motor City Machine Guns’ failed intervention . General Manager Nick Aldis later canceled all six Elimination Chamber qualifying matches due to backstage unrest .
