WWE is set to bring its electrifying Friday Night Smackdown to London's O2 arena on March 28, 2025, as part of an unprecedented European tour featuring top WWE Superstars like Cody Rhodes, Nia Jax, and LA Knight.
Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena
The highly anticipated WrestleMania 41 match between Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and John Cena has been set in motion following a shocking turn of events at the 2025 Elimination Chamber. Cena, in a stunning heel turn, aligned with The Rock and Travis Scott to brutally attack Rhodes. This unexpected betrayal has intensified their rivalry, with Cena seeking his record-breaking 17th World Title.
The build-up to their clash has been marked by intense confrontations. On SmackDown, Rhodes called out Cena for his actions, while on Raw, Cena broke his silence by criticizing the WWE fans and declaring his break from them. The American Nightmare responded by labeling Cena a "whiny (expletive)", setting the stage for an emotionally charged battle at WrestleMania. This match not only represents a clash of generations but also a pivotal moment in both superstars' careers, with Rhodes defending his title and Cena potentially ending his career on a controversial note.
Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill's Tag Team Reign
Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill's tag team reign was marked by both success and controversy. The duo captured the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship in May 2024 at Backlash France, defeating The Kabuki Warriors. This victory made Belair the ninth WWE Women's Triple Crown Champion. However, their partnership faced challenges, including a brief title loss to The Unholy Union at Clash at the Castle, before regaining the championships at Bash in Berlin.
The team's dynamics shifted when Cargill was reportedly attacked backstage, leading to speculation about Belair's involvement. Naomi stepped in as Belair's new partner, and they continued to defend the titles until losing them to The Judgment Day's Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez on February 24, 2025, on Raw. Despite their accomplishments, some fans criticized the pairing, noting a lack of chemistry and questioning the necessity of their second reign. The tag team's run ultimately set the stage for potential individual storylines, including a rumored rivalry between Belair and Cargill leading up to WrestleMania 41.
European Tour Match Highlights
The WWE's European tour kicked off with an explosive SmackDown event in Barcelona, Spain, featuring thrilling matches and a major title change. The main event saw The Street Profits (Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins) dethrone DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) to become the new WWE Tag Team Champions in a high-energy contest. Other notable matches included:
- LA Knight, Jimmy Uso, and Braun Strowman defeating The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, and Tama Tonga) in a six-man tag team match
- Gunther successfully defending his title against NXT's Axiom in a hard-fought battle
- Charlotte Flair continuing her dominant run with a victory over B-Fab
The European tour continued with RAW in Brussels, Belgium, where John Cena made his anticipated return as a heel, confronting Cody Rhodes in a heated segment that set the stage for their WrestleMania 41 clash. The night also featured a brutal No Holds Barred match between Penta and Ludwig Kaiser, with Penta emerging victorious.
For guests attending WWE Friday Night SmackDown at The O2 Arena in London, the Mercure London Hyde Park Hotel is an excellent choice for accommodation. Whether you're looking to rest up before the big SmackDown event or want to explore the city, the Mercure London Hyde Park Hotel offers a comfortable and convenient base for your stay.
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