SmackDown recap & reactions: The favor that shook the island of relevancy

Friday Night SmackDown returned to CM Punk’s hometown of Chicago, and it did not disappoint. What started with a warm hometown welcome ended in chaos, betrayal, and a WrestleMania bombshell that changed everything.

CM Punk's Favor Revealed

SmackDown opened with CM Punk soaking in the love from his people. He commandeered a camera to record the crowd himself, reminding everyone he’s not just back—he’s here for a purpose. While he’s not supposed to be on WWE TV every week, he made it clear: he's in the main event of WrestleMania, and he earned it the hard way. He promised to beat Seth Rollins and leave Roman Reigns bruised and humbled.

Then came Paul Heyman, playing the role of emotional ally. Heyman credited Punk with saving his career and asked what favor Punk would like in return—“anything,” he promised. Punk refused to spill the beans just yet. He wanted Reigns there too.

Later backstage, Heyman told cameras he’d say yes to whatever Punk asked. And just when he thought Roman had arrived… it was Seth Rollins instead. Rollins claimed to have a plan now and said he wouldn't miss Punk’s big reveal.

In the final segment, Reigns strutted to the ring and demanded Punk acknowledge his role in putting him in the WrestleMania main event. Punk responded by revisiting a promise Heyman once made: if Punk ever made it to the main event, he should “make them deal with us.”

Punk’s favor? He wants Paul Heyman in his corner at WrestleMania 41.

Reigns laughed, assuming Heyman would shut it down. But Heyman, fighting back tears, refused to say no. When Reigns pressed, Heyman said he made a promise. Reigns got aggressive, and Punk dropped him with a GTS. Rollins, smirking, watched it all unfold.

This wasn’t just storytelling. This was cinema. One favor. One betrayal. A WrestleMania shift for the ages.

Braun, Knight, and Fatu Set the Stage

Braun Strowman vowed to be the “last man standing” in his feud with Jacob Fatu. But Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga had other plans—until LA Knight showed up to even the odds. That led directly into a match: Knight vs. Tonga. Despite interference from Sikoa, Knight picked up the win.

Fatu, however, stole the spotlight by barely beating the 10-count in a brawl with Braun. His reward? A match against LA Knight at WrestleMania 41. Fatu’s star continues to rise, and it feels like he’s destined for championship gold.

Flair vs. Stratton Gets Personal

Tiffany Stratton and Charlotte Flair took part in a heated in-ring interview moderated by Wade Barrett. Flair downplayed Stratton’s resume, claiming she’s giving her a chance out of “charity.” Stratton fired back, saying Charlotte’s true rival isn’t another wrestler—it’s the fans. And no matter how many titles Flair wins, she’ll always be second to her father, Ric.

The crowd tore into Charlotte, who couldn’t keep her composure. Stratton piled on, calling her a nepo baby and mocking her failed marriages. Flair clapped back with a brutal shot: “Is that why Kaiser is in my DMs?” referencing Stratton’s real-life boyfriend, Ludwig Kaiser.

Raw, personal, and intense—this feud just reached a whole new level.

Kevin Owens Out of WrestleMania

Bad news for KO fans: Kevin Owens announced he’s out of WrestleMania due to a neck injury. He delivered an emotional message, thanking the fans and WWE for letting him address the crowd.

Randy Orton met him at the ramp, offering a moment of respect… before GM Nick Aldis hit Orton with worse news—no match for him either. Orton responded the only way he knows how—with an RKO.

Rey Fenix Debuts

Rey Fenix made his long-awaited WWE debut against NXT Tag Team Champion Nathan Frazer, and the two delivered a high-flying clinic. Fenix won and gave an emotional promo post-match. While not as impactful as Penta’s debut, Fenix clearly has a place in WWE’s future.

Other Highlights

Santos Escobar clashed with Angel & Berto backstage, setting up internal tension and a likely showdown with Berto.

Drew McIntyre and Damian Priest exchanged passionate pre-tapes. McIntyre wants a fight, and Priest is happy to oblige—setting up another WrestleMania showdown.

Motor City Machine Guns beat DIY in a No. 1 contender’s match for the tag titles, using some crafty tactics to outsmart their rivals.

Naomi easily beat B-Fab, but Jade Cargill stormed the ring post-match. GM Nick Aldis broke it up and made their WrestleMania match official.

“Melo Don’t Miz”… Nope. Just nope.

But yes to Pretty Deadly, always.

Final Thoughts

This episode was packed with emotion, twists, and high-stakes storytelling heading into WrestleMania 41. From Punk’s masterstroke to Fatu’s rise and Stratton vs. Flair's fiery exchange—SmackDown delivered on all fronts.

WrestleMania is coming… and it’s about to get personal.