On the February 21, 2025, episode of WWE SmackDown, several significant events unfolded:
**The Rock's Return and Challenge to Cody Rhodes**
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson made a surprise return to SmackDown, addressing the audience and announcing that WrestleMania 42 would take place in New Orleans on April 11 and 12, 2025. He then called out WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, praising his achievements but expressing a desire for Rhodes to become "his champion." The Rock emphasized his influence within WWE's parent company, TKO, and suggested that aligning with him could elevate Rhodes' career. He concluded by stating that he wanted Rhodes' "soul" more than anything else, setting the stage for a potential alliance or rivalry. citeturn0search15
**Jimmy Uso vs. Drew McIntyre**
In a singles match, Jimmy Uso faced Drew McIntyre. Uso secured a quick victory over McIntyre, who retaliated with a post-match beatdown, showcasing his dominance. citeturn0search0
**Tag Team Match: Carmelo Hayes & The Miz vs. LA Knight & R-Truth**
The team of Carmelo Hayes and The Miz defeated LA Knight and R-Truth in a tag team match. The outcome was influenced by interference from United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura, who attacked LA Knight, allowing Hayes and The Miz to capitalize and secure the win. citeturn0search0
**WWE Women's Champion Tiffany Stratton vs. Candice LeRae**
WWE Women's Champion Tiffany Stratton successfully defended her title against Candice LeRae. After the match, Nia Jax and LeRae launched a post-match attack on Stratton. WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus attempted to intervene but was also overpowered by the duo, highlighting the ongoing women's division rivalries. citeturn0search0
**Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez Attack Naomi and Bianca Belair**
In a backstage segment, Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez launched a brutal attack on WWE Women's Tag Team Champions Naomi and Bianca Belair, signaling a new rivalry in the women's tag team division. citeturn0search0
**WWE Tag Team Championship Match: #DIY vs. Pretty Deadly**
The WWE Tag Team Championship match between #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) and Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince) ended in a no-contest. The match was interrupted, leaving the championship status unresolved. citeturn0search0
These events set the stage for upcoming storylines and matches leading up to WrestleMania 42.
For a visual recap of the night's events, you can watch the following video:
videoWWE 23 February 2025 Roman Reigns VS. Cody Rhodes VS. The Rock VS. Brock Lesnar VS. All SmackDownturn0search1
**The Rock's Return and Challenge to Cody Rhodes**
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson made a surprise return to SmackDown, addressing the audience and announcing that WrestleMania 42 would take place in New Orleans on April 11 and 12, 2025. He then called out WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, praising his achievements but expressing a desire for Rhodes to become "his champion." The Rock emphasized his influence within WWE's parent company, TKO, and suggested that aligning with him could elevate Rhodes' career. He concluded by stating that he wanted Rhodes' "soul" more than anything else, setting the stage for a potential alliance or rivalry. citeturn0search15
**Jimmy Uso vs. Drew McIntyre**
In a singles match, Jimmy Uso faced Drew McIntyre. Uso secured a quick victory over McIntyre, who retaliated with a post-match beatdown, showcasing his dominance. citeturn0search0
**Tag Team Match: Carmelo Hayes & The Miz vs. LA Knight & R-Truth**
The team of Carmelo Hayes and The Miz defeated LA Knight and R-Truth in a tag team match. The outcome was influenced by interference from United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura, who attacked LA Knight, allowing Hayes and The Miz to capitalize and secure the win. citeturn0search0
**WWE Women's Champion Tiffany Stratton vs. Candice LeRae**
WWE Women's Champion Tiffany Stratton successfully defended her title against Candice LeRae. After the match, Nia Jax and LeRae launched a post-match attack on Stratton. WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus attempted to intervene but was also overpowered by the duo, highlighting the ongoing women's division rivalries. citeturn0search0
**Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez Attack Naomi and Bianca Belair**
In a backstage segment, Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez launched a brutal attack on WWE Women's Tag Team Champions Naomi and Bianca Belair, signaling a new rivalry in the women's tag team division. citeturn0search0
**WWE Tag Team Championship Match: #DIY vs. Pretty Deadly**
The WWE Tag Team Championship match between #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) and Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince) ended in a no-contest. The match was interrupted, leaving the championship status unresolved. citeturn0search0
These events set the stage for upcoming storylines and matches leading up to WrestleMania 42.
For a visual recap of the night's events, you can watch the following video:
videoWWE 23 February 2025 Roman Reigns VS. Cody Rhodes VS. The Rock VS. Brock Lesnar VS. All SmackDownturn0search1
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