WWE's Paul Heyman Reveals CM Punk's WrestleMania Match Was Two Decades in the Making

LAS VEGAS — This weekend, WWE has turned Sin City into the epicenter of wrestling entertainment, offering a smorgasbord of events leading up to the main spectacle. Friday night served as the perfect appetizer to stir up anticipation for the grand feast.

Friday’s SmackDown set the tone for WrestleMania 41, allowing the superstars their final chance to grab the spotlight before the wrestling universe shifts its gaze to Allegiant Stadium on April 19 and 20.

Topping the bill on SmackDown was John Cena, making an appearance ahead of his Undisputed WWE Championship bout with Cody Rhodes. The night featured various matches, including the annual Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal and a WWE Tag Team Championship match.

Highlights and Results from SmackDown’s Finale:

Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena Showdown

The two main event stars of WrestleMania 41 received a thunderous welcome from the crowd. Cena reminisced about his impressive WrestleMania history and declared his farewell is unique as it reveals that every wrestler eventually faces defeat. He claimed he doesn’t need WWE anymore and plans to take away everything at WrestleMania.

Reflecting on his Elimination Chamber victory, Cena admitted he doubted his chances against Rhodes. However, Rhodes rejecting The Rock eased his mind, as the champion prioritized fans over triumph.

“Sunday, to beat me, you’ll have to choose,” Cena told Rhodes. “Do you follow their expectations, or do you win?”

As the crowd jeered, Rhodes reminded Cena, “It’s 2025, and you still can’t wrestle.” Cena attempted an Attitude Adjustment, but Rhodes countered with a Cross Rhodes, standing over Cena with the championship belt held high, signaling readiness for Sunday.

Rey Mysterio, Rey Fenix, and Dragon Lee vs. American Made

The luchadors faced a rough start as American Made seized early control, negating their high-flying maneuvers. Though Lee absorbed significant offense, he tagged in Fenix, who effectively handled the Creed Brothers and Chad Gable, giving Lee recovery time. The team synced perfectly to clinch victory. However, Mysterio exited with assistance due to a lower-body injury, raising questions about his WrestleMania participation.

Analysis: Mysterio’s fitness for WrestleMania is now under scrutiny. Medical staff attended to his apparent right knee issue, and any significant injury to the legend just before his match with El Grande Americano would be a substantial setback.

LA Knight vs. Solo Sikoa

Intent on eliminating any help Fatu might offer, LA Knight tried attacking before Sikoa reached the ring. It backfired as Sikoa dominated early, using sheer force to wear down the United States Champion. Though Knight managed a few hits, Sikoa countered effectively. Just as Knight gained momentum with a strong clothesline, interference from Fatu caused a disqualification.

“The Samoan Werewolf” assailed his WrestleMania foe but was soon challenged by Braun Strowman’s intervention. With wrestlers separated, SmackDown’s GM, Nick Aldis, announced a tag match. Skirmish chaos ensued, with Knight and Strowman finally victorious when Knight pinned Sikoa, narrowly escaping a Samoan spike and landing a BFT.

Analysis: Knight garnered crucial momentum ahead of WrestleMania. Despite the odds not favoring him, Strowman’s support could turn the tide in his favor.

Chelsea Green vs. Zelina Vega

Frustrated, Green tried a quick knockout on Vega but failed. Despite her persistent aggressiveness, even using the barricade, the strategy fell flat once back in the ring. Vega capitalized, securing victory with a dramatic turnbuckle maneuver.

Analysis: Green’s loss in this non-title match suggests instability in the Women’s United States Championship ranks. Vega’s victory potentially sets up a future title showdown.

Randy Orton’s Challenge

With Kevin Owens injured, Orton pledged to arrive at WrestleMania 41 ready for any contender daring enough to face him. He spoke passionately about his desire to leave a lasting impression at the event.

WWE Tag Team Championship: The Street Profits vs. Motor City Machine Guns

A pre-match ambush by the challengers disrupted the match’s start. However, Street Profits quickly regained domination. MCMG’s attempt to rally was foiled when Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa disrupted the match, causing disqualification and making off with the titles.

SmackDown GM, Nick Aldis, declared a TLC match next week to settle the title issue.

Analysis: Continuous interruptions in tag team matches frustrate fans eager for decisive championship bouts. Next week’s TLC match promises to finally settle the dispute, offering a potential showstopper.

Rhea Ripley, Iyo Sky, and Bianca Belair Clash

Ripley emphasized the significance of this year’s WrestleMania, especially after losing the championship too close to the event. As Belair echoed her determination, Naomi interrupted, sparking conflict until Cargill appeared, resulting in chaotic exchanges both inside and outside the ring. Sky spectacularly launched off the turnbuckle, taking everyone down.

Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal

In 2025, Melo proved he doesn’t miss.

R-Truth’s antics began by consuming Carlito’s apple before eliminating him, only to be ousted by Carmelo Hayes. A frenzy of eliminations unfolded, including American Made’s rapid exit.

As the match thinned, Miz selflessly aided Hayes, leaving him, Andrade, Fenix, and Nakamura in the final four. Fenix nearly clinched victory until El Grande Americano intervened. In the end, Hayes triumphed over Andrade, marking a pivotal moment.

Analysis: Hayes finally achieves a defining victory, potentially signifying rising opportunities in 2025. His talents are undeniable, and this win could propel him into higher-profile matches and even title shots.

Seth Rollins Opens SmackDown

A participant in night one’s main event, Rollins criticized CM Punk’s motivations, accusing him of returning for financial gain post a failed bridge-burning stint elsewhere. Rollins also claimed Roman Reigns’ indifference toward WWE.

His rivalry with Punk and Reigns, fueled by Paul Heyman, was emphasized, claiming Heyman pushed Reigns as the company’s face over him. However, Rollins’ perseverance supposedly paid off when he strategically aided Cody Rhodes in toppling Reigns for the title at WrestleMania 40.

Rollins vowed to give everything in WrestleMania 41, steering the company rightly. He adopted Heyman’s iconic line: “That’s not a prediction. That’s a spoiler.”