Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (5/22/20)
The Queen VS The Role Model!
Tonight, it’s SmackDown Women’s Champion VS NXT Women’s Champion!
The Brand to Brand Invitation brings both AJ Styles and Charlotte Flair back to SmackDown! Will the Phenomenal One and Queen stand tall in the ring?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- The Miz w/ John Morrison VS Braun Strowman; Strowman wins.
- WWE Intercontinental Championship Tournament Quarterfinals: Shinsuke Nakamura VS AJ Styles; Styles wins and advances to the semifinals.
- Champion VS Champion: Bayley w/ Sasha Banks VS Charlotte Flair; Bayley wins.
- Mixed Tag: Otis Dozovic & Mandy Rose VS Dolph Ziggler & Sonya Deville; Ziggler & Deville win.
- WWE Intercontinental Championship Tournament Quarterfinals: Jeff Hardy VS Sheamus; Hardy wins and advances to the semifinals.
PLAY BY PLAY
WWE celebrates Memorial Day, and remembers those who gave all for our freedoms.
“What does it mean to be selfless?” To have the courage to put all else first for a greater cause. In every generation, there are those who do just that. This weekend, we honor them. “The brave men and women who fought for our freedom,” from WWI to Desert Storm. From Normandy to Afghanistan. Remember the moments and the events that defined our history. Remember those that made the ultimate sacrifice. As Ronald Reagan once said, as we honor their memory today, let us pledge that their lives, their sacrifices, their valor shall be justified and remembered for as long as God gives life to this nation. Show gratitude to those that shaped us, guided us, and ensured our values would live forever. Show reverence and respect, and say, “Thank you” to them.
SmackDown presents The Dirt Sheet!
The Miz and John Morrison are already in the ring to say hi. Morrison’s abs are certified Influencers, and Miz refuses to acknowledge a world where this man is Mr. Money in the Bank! And that man is Otis Dozovic. “More like Mr. Honey Baked Ham.” And what was it Miz called him last week? A disgrace. Nope. An embarrassment? Nope. A clumsy, sweaty, muttering, stuttering, mama’s boy buffoon? That’s it! But Otis can’t help he’s all that and more. It’s the people around him, enabling him. Like Braun Strowman! Oof, going there already? Yes, Miz is! Braun stuck his nose into their business, which is stupid! Bruan is the Universal Champion, Otis is MR. MITB, Otis could’ve cashed in! It makes no sense. Like Becky Lynch wanting to have Seth Rollins’ baby. Morrison, c’mon! He’s just saying.
Braun has been given too much credit. He didn’t deserve to become Universal Champion. What did Braun do to deserve that match against Goldberg at WrestleMania? It could’ve been anyone! Like these two. If anything, it should’ve been one of them. “We are talking about a guy who was replaced in the Wyatt Family by puppets!” Bray Wyatt had a choice: Braun or stuffed animals. And he chose stuffed animals! Smart choice, actually. And now, for a Dirt Sheet Exclusive! They’ve discovered some rejected Firefly Fun House puppets that were still better than Braun. Shiloh the Lonely Laundry Lass. Her quest for vengeance was ignited when her brother was eaten by their natural enemy, the dryer! “Braun Strowman is such a loser~!” That he is.
Then there’s Dookie the Diaper Boy! He may not seem like much on the outside, but on the inside, he has a stench more powerful than Braun’s. Cue the fart noises. By the way, Shiloh and Dookie are big fans of the show. They’re the Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century! Stare off into distance. BE JEALOUS. And last but not least, that may look like a mannequin, but that is Mandyquin Rose! Her power is that she whispers plans into Otis’ ears to trick Braun into losing the Universal Championship! “Like, not everything about Braun is a monster.” OOF, low blow. But BRAAAUN appears on stage and heads down the ramp. Oddly enough, he is smirking as he joins Miz and Morrison in the ring. His roar almost scares them off, but he leaves them be. He does throw the chairs out of the ring, though.
“What’s up, boys?” Braun says they’re kinda funny, and this show isn’t half bad. So thanks for having him on tonight. Um, they don’t think he was booked. Well he’s here so ask a question. The Miz and Morrison argue over who should ask him something, but Braun suggests they talk about MITB and his match with Bray. He wants to talk about Bray? Does Braun think Bray is through with him? Braun tricked Bray with the black sheep mask. Miz has had to deal with the darkness that is Bray Wyatt. Bray sent Miz spiraling, but he had Morrison there for him. Braun isn’t so lucky. Because Braun isn’t half the man Miz is. Miz may not be as big or as strong, but Braun isn’t as much of a man as Miz. Braun feels all big and bad after pinning Morrison in their tag match, huh? Well Braun won’t feel so badass after Miz goes after him!
Miz wants Morrison to back off on the hype game, but Braun asks if this is a challenge. It is. No it- Challenge accepted! Miz is about to #GetTheseHands! Will Miz’s body be able to cash the check Morrison’s mouth just wrote?
The Miz w/ John Morrison VS Braun Strowman!
SmackDown returns with the bell and Miz circles with Strowman. Miz dodge and JABS, but Strowman barely flinches. Strowman runs at Miz, Miz gets around then ducks the counter to throw more hands. Strowman grabs Miz and put him in a corner for big body shots! Then a CLUBBING forearm! Strowman taunts Morrison before bringing Miz up again. He bumps Miz off buckles then whips him corner to corner hard! Miz hits the mat but Morrison coaches him up. Strowman drags Miz up and whips to run Miz over! Morrison is panicking but Strowman drags Miz up. Strowman clubs Miz on the back, then kicks at Morrison to keep him back.
Strowman drags Miz up, whips him again, but Miz holds ropes. Miz baits Strowman in to dump him out! Miz knees Strowman from the apron, and Morrison LEAPS off the barrier to kick Strowman! Strowman stays up but staggers about. Miz hurries but Strowman pushes him away! Strowman runs but only gets POST! He goes back into the ring and Miz pursues. Miz springboards and ax handles! Strowman staggers but Miz springboards again, into Strowman’s hand! Strowman scoops but Miz rakes eyes! Miz boots from the corner, dodges the counter and dropkicks the legs out! Miz gives a BUZZSAW! Strowman stays up so Miz goes to DDT. Strowman blocks with a bearhug and a RAM into the corner! And a TOSS across the ring! Corner splash! Morrison gets up but gets DECKED!
Strowman suplexes and TOSSES Miz again! The Monster Among Men demands Miz get up again. Miz staggers into the scoop, and gets a MONSTER SLAM! Cover, Strowman wins!
Winner: Braun Strowman, by pinfall
The WWE Universal Champion bulldozed right through the Hollywood A-Lister, and wasn’t even bothered by the Guru of Greatness’ interference. But wait! Morrison tells Strowman that he may have won a singles match tonight, and a tag match last night. But Morrison knows there’s something he can’t do: beat them both at the same time in a Handicap Match, for the Universal Championship! Braun says if they want him, they’ve got him! Will the Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century copy the Artist Collective’s strategy and take the title from Braun together?
WWE Intercontinental Championship Tournament Quarterfinals: Shinsuke Nakamura VS AJ Styles!
The King of Strong Style and the Phenomenal One battle once again! SmackDown and Raw made the trade, and now this is once again the House that AJ Styles Built! Will Styles make his homecoming even sweeter by taking a step closer to the title?
SmackDown returns as Nakamura makes his entrance. The bell rings and they tie up right away! Styles powers Nakamura back but the ref counts. Styles lets up and Nakamura kicks at him. They go again and Styles headlocks. Nakamura powers Styles to ropes now, and doesn’t honor the break in order to get a headlock of his own. Nakamura floats to facelock then waistlock, but Styles pries out to hammerlock. Nakamura elbows back and hammerlocks in return, but Styles slips out to headlock. Styles grinds Nakamura down but Nakamura powers out. Nakamura reels Styles in, but Styles dodges to throat chop! Nakamura stomps Styles’ foot! Nakamura runs, Styles hurdles, and things speed up until Styles dropkicks Nakamura down!
Styles drags Nakamura up to bump off buckles. He CHOPS Nakamura in the corner, then brings him out to whip. Nakamura holds ropes and elbows back! “C’MON!” Styles falls for the trap and gets a knee! Nakamura stalks Styles to a corner but Styles yanks him into buckles! Styles throws hands but Nakamura counter punches! Styles ROCKS Nakamura but Nakamura hits back. We have a brawl, but Styles dodges the strike fest to PELE! Styles suplexes but Nakamura sips out to BOOT! Nakamura runs into the corner and blocks the boots to turn Styles sideways! Roundhouse to DRAPING GERMAN! The Artist admires his work while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Nakamura KICKS Styles in the chest! And again! And again! Nakamura has Styles down at the ropes and starts toying with him. Nakamura paces while Styles gets up. Styles blocks the next kick, elbows away, but Nakamura breaks free. They brawl with forearms back and forth, but Styles goes for the Phenomenal Blitz. Nakamura dodges the back hand, swings but hits the heel kick! But Styles PELES! Both men are down and the ref checks on them. Styles and Nakamura stir, but Styles rises first. Nakamura follows but walks into the LARIAT! Styles rallies and hits the back hand to LARIAT again! Styles drags Nakamura up to fireman’s carry, USHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO!! Nakamura survives and Styles can’t believe it.
Styles drags Nakamura up again, reels him in, but Nakamura powers him to a corner! But Styles counters to get the CALF CRUSHER! Nakamura endures the crank, reaches back and grabs hair, but then reaches out for the ropes. Styles cranks but Nakamura gets the ROPEBREAK! Styles lets go at 4, still frustrated. He and Nakamura stand, and he wants the leg again. But Nakamura ENZIGURI! Nakamura wants the sliding knee but misses, Styles hits a sliding forearm! Cover, TWO! Styles drags Nakamura up again, reels him in, but Nakamura fireman’s carries! LANDSLIDE MICHINOKU! Cover, TWO!! Nakamura drags Styles back up, wraps on a sleeper hold, but Styles blocks the scoop! Styles elbows free but walks into a ROUNDHOUSE! Nakamura goes up and leaps, FLYING KNEE! Nakamura aims from the corner, SLIDING KNEE! Cover, TWO!!
Nakamura grows frustrated, but he hasn’t hit that yet. He aims from the corner again, Styles gets up, “YAO~!” Nakamura runs, into a roll up! Cover, TWO, into a TRIANGLE! Nakamura has the triangle hold but Styles stays up. Nakamura pulls Styles in deep and Styles fades. Styles gets a second wind, and dead lifts, INTO THE STYLES CLASH!! Cover, TWO!?! HOW?! Both men are down but stirring. They head for opposite ends of the ring, and Styles is to his feet first. Nakamura is up, Styles hurries over, but Nakamura put Styles outside. Styles forearms back! Then springboards, into a BOOT! Nakamura runs in, but into an enziguri! Springboard, PHENOMENAL FOREARM!! Cover, Styles wins!!
Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall (advances to the semifinals)
The House that AJ Styles Built is still standing! The Phenomenal One moves on to the next round and will face Elias! Will Styles make The Drifter #DriftAway on the road to the gold?
Sasha Banks helps Bayley warm up.
Is the SmackDown Women’s Champion feeling good? Oh yeah! Feeling ready to beat Charlotte? Yes! Then Sasha has the perfect idea. Bayley has her stop there, and says she doesn’t want her in the corner tonight. People think Bayley can’t win without her. Is this because of what Charlotte said? Sasha wasn’t going to listen to her. Bayley knows that, and she wasn’t listening to Charlotte, either. Only dumb sheep listen to Charlotte. But why give them any reason to think Charlotte’s right? Bayley knows Sasha has her back. They’ll talk more after. But is this move actually playing into The Queen’s hands? We’ll know soon enough, because the Champion VS Champion match is next!
Champion VS Champion: Bayley w/ Sasha Banks VS Charlotte Flair!
The “Role Model” dared The Queen to throw down on SmackDown, and clearly the challenge was accepted. But will Charlotte’s challenge to The Boss go unanswered?
The bell rings and Bayley stares down Charlotte from across the ring. The two circle and both smirk as they tie up. They are in a deadlock until Charlotte knees low. Charlotte bumps Bayley off buckles and says Bayley wasn’t ready then, and isn’t ready now. CHOP! Then a buckle bump! Charlotte runs in but Bayley dodges to then throw her down by her hair! Cover, ONE, but the two back off. Bayley mocks the “WOO~!” and strut while Sasha watches from backstage. Charlotte smiles as she and Bayley tie up again. Charlotte waistlocks, Bayley resists and reaches back, but Charlotte squeezes tight. Bayley stomps a foot to get the standing switch but Charlotte elbows free! Charlotte and Bayley both smirk, and Bayley trips her up! Bayley uses the ropes but the ref sees that! Charlotte gets away to a corner, and Bayley says she was “testing” the ref. Bayley goes back after Charlotte, but Charlotte trips her! Charlotte uses the ropes now, TWO!
Bayley protests but the Daughter of the Nature Boy knows how to cheat right. The two circle again, Charlotte kicks low and whips hard. Bayley reverses but Charlotte tumbles out to kick back! Bayley flops out and Charlotte brings her around. Bayley anchors Charlotte’s foot and trips her onto the apron! Charlotte clutches her head while Bayley runs. Charlotte avoids the baseball slide to clothesline Bayley down! Bayley scurries away but Charlotte pursues. Charlotte throws Bayley over the barriers! Charlotte hears the ring count, but wants commentary’s mic. “Sasha! Sasha, come out here so I can kick both you’re asses!” The Queen goes back to the ring while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Charlotte thrashes Bayley around in a chinlock. Bayley endures as Charlotte taunts, “Levels, Bayley, levels. I’m teaching you how to be a champion!” The Queen still wants The Boss to show up but Bayley fights her way up. Charlotte throws Bayley down by her hair! Charlotte whips Bayley to a corner then CHOPS her down on the rebound! Charlotte drags Bayley to a corner and goes up the ropes. Bayley springs up to yank Charlotte down! Charlotte hobbles on one leg but Bayley runs in, to get a KNEE! Charlotte walks it off and runs at Bayley, but the boot is sent over the top! Charlotte drags Bayley out but Bayley BOOTS her into the POST! Bayley gets space to come through, daredevil dropkick misses! Charlotte DECKS Bayley with a right! Charlotte scoops but Bayley slips out to RAM Charlotte into barriers! And then into the LED! Bayley gets in and wants the count out but Charlotte is in. Bayley covers, ONE!
Bayley hammers away on Charlotte and has her at the ropes. She drags Charlotte up to coke her! The ref counts but Bayley lets up at 4. Bayley walks into an elbow! Charlotte rolls Bayley up, TWO! Bayley CLOBBERS Charlotte back down! Cover, ONE! Bayley says SmackDown is HER show now, and she wraps her in a chinlock. Charlotte endures as Bayley brags, “This is how we do on SmackDown!” Charlotte reaches back to pull hair! Bayley clubs Charlotte and keeps the chinlock. “We follow the rules here.” But Charlotte throws body shots! Bayley knees low and both take a breath. Bayley runs, but into Charlotte’s arms! FALL AWAY SLAM! Both women are down but stirring. Charlotte kips up! Bayley can’t believe it, and then she gets ROCKED! And again! Charlotte keeps hitting Bayley with big forearms! But Bayley dodges to RAM into Charlotte over and over!
Bayley rolls back, wacky waving, but into the backbreaker and buckle shot! Charlotte grins as Bayley is down in the drop zone. “That’s how Charlotte Flair does it.” Charlotte goes up again, and MOONSAULTS! But she has to bail out as Bayley moves, and still BOOTS Bayley down! Cover, TWO!! Charlotte grins, perhaps actually enjoying this. Charlotte stomps Bayley’s legs and we all know why. Bayley goes for ropes so Charlotte wraps on on the ropes. Bayley kicks and kicks and kicks at Charlotte but Charlotte stomps her back. Charlotte brings Bayley up, but Bayley HOTSHOTS! Bayley drags Charlotte back in and puts her against buckles. She backs off, to run in with a KNEE! Bayley puts Charlotte in the drop zone now, then Bayley climbs up. Bayley aims, leaps, MACHO ELBOW onto knees! Charlotte gets the legs, turns Bayley and gets the BOSTON CRAB!
Bayley endures, this move is almost a Lion Tamer! Bayley powers out to a cover, TWO! Charlotte runs in but only gets buckles! Bayley slowly crawls over just to put Charlotte in the drop zone again. Bayley goes back up, MACHO ELBOW!! Cover, TWO!! That’s still not enough! Charlotte laughs and Bayley shouts, “OKAY!” Bayley asks Charlotte if she has to prove herself again. “How many times?” Bayley CHOPS Charlotte, but Charlotte eggs her on! Bayley shouts “You’re sick!” as she CHOPS her again! And again and again and again! Bayley grabs the legs, and goes to steal the Figure Four! But Charlotte DECKS her first! Charlotte CHOPS Bayley, and CHOPS, and CHOPS! Charlotte gives them all back with interest! The ref backs Charlotte off, but Bayley BOOTS! Bayley wants the belly2belly but Charlotte reverses to an O’Conner roll! TWO and Bayley gets a roll of her own! Bayley holds the ropes!! BAYLEY WINS!!
Winner: Bayley, by pinfall
The SmackDown Women’s Champion pins the NXT Women’s Champion! Bayley beats Charlotte, and beats her at her own game! And without Sasha’s help! What will this mean as all three brands move forward?
Sasha celebrates with Bayley backstage!
Bayley did it! She beat Charlotte! Why is Sasha so happy? Did she doubt Bayley? Bayley is just kidding, she knew that Sasha knew that she knew. This is THEIR show! This is why they’re the SmackDown role models!
Mixed Tag: Otis Dozovic & Mandy Rose VS Dolph Ziggler & Sonya Deville!
The animosity between The Dozer and the Show-Off actually pales in comparison to the friends once known as Fire & Desire. And now, it has all come to a boiling point that only this match could contain it all! Will Sonya break Mandy for Ziggler to pick up the pieces? Or are Otis and Mandy strong enough together to withstand it all?
The teams sort out and it’s ladies first. Time to put hair up and square up again as these two circle. But Otis is impatient and wants after Ziggler! The men jump in now and they circle. Ziggler goes for a leg and Otis blocks to throw him off. Ziggler gets up but runs into a scoop, for the spin cycle SLAM! Otis is fired up as he goes corner to corner! BIG splash and Ziggler’s already down! Otis pumps up and Mandy cheers him on, but Ziggler runs away to the ropes. No Caterpillars yet, and Sonya tags in. Now she and Mandy have their chance. They circle, Sonya tackles Mandy to a corner and rams her shoulders in. She backs off to throw hands, and then grinds Mandy into buckles while talking trash. But Mandy comes back with a Thesz Press and fast hands!
Mandy and Sonya scrap on the mat, and Ziggler uses this distraction of sorts to go after Otis! Otis scoops Ziggler first, but Ziggler slips out to shove him into steps! Mandy hurries over to check on Otis but he tells her to worry about the match. Mandy is conflicted as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Sonya has Mandy down with body scissors. Sonya pushes Mandy around and puts on a chinlock. Mandy endures and bridges back to a cover, ONE! Mandy is free but Sonya KICKS her down! Sonya looms over Mandy and stands on her hair! Mandy pushes at Sonya while Sonya mocks her pain. Sonya gives toying kicks and now knees! Sonya puts Mandy in a corner and throws big hands! “C’mon, Mandy!” Sonya taunts Mandy but Mandy throws hands back! And rolls Sonya up! TOW, and Sonya kicks Mandy down! Sonya keeps Mandy away from the corner just as Otis returns. Sonya grinds her forearm into Mandy’s face as Mandy reaches for Otis. Otis coaches Mandy up and rallies for her, and Mandy jawbreakers free! But Sonya BOOTS Mandy back down!
Sonya taunts Mandy again and gives her a stiff kick! Sonya taunts Otis now then KICKS Mandy again! And again! Sonya taunts Otis because she knows he can’t go after her. Sonya runs, into a KNEE FROM A ROSE! Both women are down and Otis fires up! Mandy and Sonya crawl for their corners, but Sonya anchors Mandy down. Sonya has the legs but Mandy pushes her away! Hot tag to Otis! Ziggler gets in but gets run over! And popped up for a FLAPJACK! Otis runs at Ziggler for a corner splash! Otis wants another but Ziggler elbows him away! But Otis powers Ziggler back in! Another corner splash, and Ziggler ends up in the drop zone! Otis pumps up but Sonya tags in! Mandy returns to CLOBBER Sonya! Mandy rallies now and ROCKS her with a right!
Otis CLOBBERS Ziggler outside the ring, and Mandy throws Sonya to a corner. Mandy hits a corner knee, then a sliding knee! Cover, TWO!! Otis and Ziggler fight up the ramp while Mandy brings Sonya up. Mandy underhooks but Sonya slips out to KNEE back! Sonya hits the SHINING WIZARD! Cover, Sonya and Ziggler win!
Winners: Sonya Deville & Dolph Ziggler, by pinfall
Otis can’t believe it! He and Ziggler were so preoccupied, it ended without them! Otis checks on Mandy but Ziggler SUPERKICKS him!! The embarrassment and defeat keeps piling on for Otis and his sweet peach. Will they give in to what Sonya and Dolph are saying?
Jeff Hardy speaks.
“Two weeks ago, I asked the WWE Universe to join me for one more good run. I didn’t know exactly where that journey would lead me, but it’s a mystery no more.” The new path is open, and it is the WWE Intercontinental Championship. This title is near and dear to his heart. Not just because of the legends who wore it before, but because it was Jeff’s first title he won on his own. Things could be coming full circle. What better way to start this journey than defeating the bully, Sheamus? Tonight, Jeff’s path to a blaze of glory runs right through the Celtic Warrior! Will this last good run start here tonight?
WWE mourns the loss of Shad Gaspard.
The Forgotten Sons have another message.
“Just like my brothers that I served with, we’ve all had our tough times adjusting here to life back home.” They’re not afraid to admit that. If that makes you uncomfortable, good. That’s their blood on your hands! So it is only fair that your blood be on their hands. Will Steve Cutler, Wesley Blake and Jaxson Ryker make clear they will no longer be forgotten by anyone?
SmackDown makes it official!
The Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century could become the first-ever co-holders of the WWE Universal Championship! Their handicap match challenge has been accepted for Backlash! Will they both hold singles gold together? Or will they just #GetTheseHands?
The Miz argues with Morrison.
How could he do that? What is he thinking? Morrison admits he got carried away. But the bright side is, they have a title match! Renee Young comes by to interview them on this bold move. Especially considering Braun has beaten them both separately. Do they think they can really defeat him together? Yes, and here’s why! Braun’s track record in Handicaps stinks worse than Dookie the Diaper Boy. And they’re a cohesive unit that knows how to win. They will make his life a living hell! Hey hey! Renee reluctantly says, “Ho ho.” Will Miz ‘n’ Morrison be cheering themselves on all the way through Backlash?
WWE Intercontinental Championship Tournament Quarterfinals: Jeff Hardy VS Sheamus!
The Charismatic Enigma knows he has so much left in the tank, but he’ll have to survive the Celtic Warrior. Sheamus asked Hardy before, “How many false comebacks can one man have before he realizes he’s never really coming back?” It’s time we all find out if Jeff Hardy is truly back!
SmackDown returns as Sheamus makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Sheamus powers Hardy to a corner but the ref backs him off. Hardy comes out and they go again. Sheamus powers Hardy to another corner then reels him out. Hardy dodges to headlock and hit the takeover. Sheamus tries for a cover but Hardy brings it back. Sheamus digs at Hardy’s nose but Hardy drags Sheamus around. The two struggle for control and Sheamus gets out to a hammerlock. Hardy reverses to another headlock but Sheamus powers out. Hardy holds ropes but Sheamus haymakers and knees Hardy down! Sheamus stomps Hardy at the ropes but lets off at 4. Sheamus drags Hardy up to throw a European Uppercut! Sheamus whips but Hardy kicks back! Hardy runs and forearms Sheamus, but Sheamus doesn’t fall. Hardy runs again but gets run over!
Sheamus checks his chest while stalking Hardy. He drags Hardy up onto the ropes to make him smile for the camera. But Hardy hotshots back! Sheamus runs in but Hardy dumps him out! Then wrecks him with a dropkick! Sheamus hits the announce desk and Hardy aims from the apron. hardy leaps, into Sheamus’ arms! Sheamus RAMS Hardy into the post! And pops him up, to TOSS onto the announce desk!! Sheamus tells Michael Cole to try and put “that lump of crap” over again! “What about me?!” The Fella is still furious despite being in control, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns once more, and Sheamus thrashes Hardy around in a headlock. Sheamus says Hardy doesn’t deserve another chance, but Hardy fights his way up. Hardy throws elbows but Sheamus throws him by his hair! Sheamus runs to drop a knee! And then drops another knee, and another knee, and another knee! Sheamus digs that knee in but lets up at 4. Sheamus grins as he looms over Hardy at the ropes. He stalks Hardy to the corner while talking trash. Hardy elbows back and throws haymakers, but Sheamus kicks and KNEES back! Sheamus is calling this a slaughter as he drags Hardy back up. Sheamus clotheslines Hardy back down and stands over him again. He taunts Hardy with how living life with drinking and drugs and having no responsibilities was “so much easier.” Hardy hits back with body shots and haymakers! He backs Sheamus down, but Sheamus blocks the kick! Hardy spins to back kick Sheamus away!
Hardy gets to a corner but Sheamus runs in! Hardy elbows Sheamus away then goes up top to hit WHISPER IN THE WIND! Both men are down but Hardy gets himself to the cover! ONE!! Hardy grows frustrated but he has Sheamus on the defensive. Sheamus rolls away to ropes but Hardy pursues. Hardy drags Sheamus up but Sheamus kicks him away. Sheamus scoops and hits the IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! And then ANOTHER! Sheamus gives Hardy a THIRD! Sheamus looms over Hardy once again, and then shakes his head. He drags Hardy up to throw him out, but Hardy stays on the apron. Sheamus drags Hardy up again for Beats of the Bodhrain! He gets all ten beats, and then mockingly wipes the sweat from is brow. Sheamus smiles while Hardy flops to the apron. Sheamus is even showing off that he’s still got so much left.
Sheamus drags Hardy up to back suplex, but Hardy lands on his feet! Hardy kicks and punches but Sheamus puts him in a corner. Hardy dodges and Sheamus POSTS himself! Sheamus staggers back and Hardy CLOBBERS him! Hardy hits the atomic drop to the leg splitting leg drop! Basement dropkick added on! Cover, TWO!! Sheamus survives but Hardy has him in his sights. Kick low but no Twist as Sheamus bails out! Hardy pursues and POSTS Sheamus again! Then Hardy walks the barriers to LEAP for the lariat! The ring count climbs and Hardy hurries to get Sheamus up and in. Hardy goes to the corner and to the top rope! SWANTON BOMB onto knees!! Cover, TWO!! Hardy survives and Sheamus is shocked!
Sheamus KNEES Hardy down and covers, TWO! Sheamus clutches his shoulder while gritting his teeth. Hardy slowly rises and Sheamus calls for the end! He runs in but Hardy dodges the Brogue! Sheamus fireman’s carries but Hardy sunset flips! HARDY WINS!!
Winner: Jeff Hardy, by pinfall
The Enigma survives to render Sheamus OBSOLETE! Sheamus is furious but he still lost to Hardy! Is this Hardy’s chance to return to former glory? Or will Daniel Bryan disagree?
My Thoughts:
This was a really good SmackDown, though it does expose some pacing problems in this gap from MITB to Backlash. Strowman and the Dirt Sheet were all good stuff, but it seems a bit quick to give us a Universal Championship match already. Miz and Morrison are both great wrestlers, having been singles champions before, but it seems a bit odd to make another of these Handicap matches for a singles title. Instead of making Backlash feel like an important PPV, it is suddenly exposing that this is just transitional on the way to Extreme Rules and SummerSlam after it. For that matter, I feel like all this “Greatest Wrestling Match Ever” hype for Edge VS Orton is too much, too. While Edge VS Orton will be a great match, calling it the greatest is having the reverse effect on the hype. Backlash has been a PPV getting the short end of the stick the last few years, and I feel like these two matches are just sharpening that stick.
I’m a bit surprised at the order of the WWE Intercontinental Championship Tournament matches, but I still really like what’s going on in that tournament. Styles isn’t here because of Brand to Brand but because of a “trade.” This is actually great since it goes with what I was hoping for in his story with Taker. Regardless of what happens with the title, Taker can face Styles and retire being part of the show he was such a big part of for years. Styles advancing over Nakamura made a lot of sense given Styles just moved back, and I’m pretty sure Styles beats Elias to head to the finals. Hardy VS Sheamus was alright but I wouldn’t have made it the main event. The nostalgia is nice and all but let nostalgia open the show and let the actual awesome match close it. Hardy VS Bryan will be good next week, but my money is still on Bryan VS Styles to really show us what the title will be about again.
I really liked how the Mixed Tag went. It was good that we actually saw even a little bit of emotion between Mandy and Otis, where she was worried about him getting hurt. It’s almost too obvious that the storytelling of their romance has been hurt by the pandemic. If things were more open, I’m sure we’d be getting segments of Otis and Mandy out on dates. But that aside, the story in regards to the ring is going well. Sonya and Ziggler win because this is far from over. I don’t think there needs to be a match for Backlash, let Otis think more on if he wants to cash in or not. But as I said previously, Extreme Rules should be where and how Mandy and Sonya settle this. Women’s Extreme Rules to get all the animosity out!
Charlotte VS Bayley was incredible, but that’s to be expected from those two. It was surprising yet also the right move for Bayley to win. There was the little bit of tension between Bayley and Sasha, and Bayley winning over a fellow champion makes me wonder where the title plans are all headed. There was also advertising that Raw would hold a contender’s Triple Threat of Charlotte, Natalya and Nia Jax, and they slipped in via commentary that Charlotte is going to have a Triple Threat title defense at TakeOver against Rhea Ripley and Io Shirai. Natty shouldn’t really be in that Triple Threat after losing to Shayna Baszler twice, but it seems Vince is dead set in NOT pushing Shayna (yet). Given what happened between Nia and Asuka on Raw this week, it’s basically a given that Nia beats Natty to then challenge for the title at Backlash. If Becky were still champion, I could see all four Four Horsewomen eventually fighting for all three titles, but I don’t think any woman should be holding multiple titles now that things have changed. It just wouldn’t be fair to any of them, or to any one show.
My Score: 8.3/10
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Four championships on one Friday night!
AEW Rampage hosts FOUR (non AEW) championship matches on one night! Will the champions make it through with their titles?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- AAA Mega Championship Triple Threat: El Hijo del Vikingo VS Komander VS Dralistico; Vikingo wins and retains the title.
- NJPW World Television Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Action Andretti; ZSJ wins and retains the title.
- NJPW Strong Women’s Championship: Willow Nightingale VS Emi Sakura; Willow wins and retains the title.
- ROH Pure Championship: Katsuyori Shibata VS Lee Moriarty; Shibata wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
AAA Mega Championship Triple Threat: El Hijo del Vikingo VS Komander VS Dralistico w/ Jose!
Two of these men teamed up just last night on ROH to win a Six Man Tag, but now they are opponents for the top title in AAA Lucha Libre. Meanwhile, La Faccion Ingobernable’s Prince of Silver and Gold is hungry for gold, will he take it away from Vikingo?
The bell rings and the three circle. Fans rally up for “LUCHA! LUCHA!” and “LUCHA LIBRE!” Dralistico swings, Vikingo dodges, but then Komander ducks Vikingo’s kick! Dralistico picks Vikingo up, throws him at Komander, but Komander throws Vikingo back. Vikingo wheelbarrows and arm-drags Dralistico but handsprings through. Vikingo dodges Komander now, shoves him to ropes, but Komander springboards! Vikingo gets under the crossbody, Komander tumbles and rolls but Dralistico jumps over, and then Vikingo jumps over Dralistico. Komander jumps over Vikingo, Dralistico jumps over Komander again, and they cycle continues!
Fans fire up for jump after jump, and then the three stand off. Dralistico raises the LFI fist and the three circle. Dralistico shoves the other two to then DOUBLE SHOTGUN! They bail out, Dralistico runs to FLY! Dralistico wipes both men out and fans fire up! Dralistico RAMS Komander into steel steps, and then he runs and RAMS Vikingo into railing! Fans cheer, Jose pats Dralistico on the shoulder and Dralistico goes back to BOOT Komander down. Dralistico puts Komander in, aims and springboards, to SWANTON! Cover, TWO! Dralistico wants a faster count but the ref says his count was fair.
Dralistico stomps Komander but fans taunt him. Dralistico bails out, tells the fans he’s done with them, but then they boo. Dralistico goes back to the ring, brings Komander up and tells everyone to hush. Dralistico CHOPS and Komander sits right down! Fans cheer as Dralistico says one more time, and he CHOPS, and CHOPS, and whips Komander. Komander reverses, runs in but is put on the apron. Dralistico swings, Komander blocks, and then Komander CHOPS! Komander slingshots up but Dralistico trips him! Dralistico ROCKS Komander, puts him in the ropes, and then goes up the corner.
Fans fire up as Dralistico WOE STOMPS Komander to the apron!! Fans fire up but then Vikingo gets in to go up and up and AIRHARA MOONSAULT! Direct hit on Dralistico and the fans are thunderous! Vikingo gets Dralistico and Komander in the ring, and then runs in at the corner. Dralistico stands up into the GAMANGIRI! Vikingo goes up the corner, to IMPLODER DRAGON RANA!! Fans fire up as Vikingo keeps Dralistico in the ring to then go up the ropes, OUTSIDE-IN PHOENIX SPLASH!! Cover, Komander breaks it! Fans fire up as this continues, they love “LUCHA! LUCHA!”
Vikingo GAMANGIRIS Dralistico, Komander adds a knee, and they double whip corner to corner. Vikingo sends Komander in but Dralistico TOSSES him out! Vikingo and Dralistico step up face to face, and Vikingo CHOPS! Dralistico CHOPS! Vikingo CHOPS again! Dralistico drops to a knee, and fans rally up. Vikingo throws forearms but Dralistico gives them back. Dralistico then SOBATS, KNEES, and runs, but into a SCREW HIGH KICK! Cover, TWO! Dralistico survives and Vikingo is a bit surprised. Fans continue to rally as Vikingo sees Komander on the apron. Vikingo storms up to throw forearms on Komander while Rampage goes picture in picture.
Vikingo GAMANGIRIS Komander down to the floor, then he fires forearms on Dralistico. Vikingo gets the fans fired up as he whips corner to corner. Dralistico reverses, runs in, but Vikingo puts him on the apron. Dralistico bumps Viking off buckles, ROUNDHOUSES him, then springboards, FLYING CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO! Vikingo is still in this and Jose is upset. Dralistico drags Vikingo up, pushes him to ropes, then goes out to look under the ring. He brings out a TABLE! Jose helps Dralistico set that up at ringside, then Dralistico goes to fetch Vikingo. Komander is there but Dralistico ROCKS him and RAMS him into railing.
Dralistico CHOKES Vikingo against the railing, Rampage returns to single picture, and Dralistico puts Vikingo in the ring. Fans rally up, Dralistico runs to SUPERKICK Komander in the corner! Dralistico tranquilos on the top rope and fans are torn. Dralistico runs side to side again but Komander avoids the boot wash to GAMANGIRI! Komander springboards and double jumps, FLYING RANA!! Not the cleanest but fans fire up. Vikingo returns, Komander goes Matrix to then arm-drag Vikingo around! And dropkick! Fans fire up again as Vikingo brawls with Dralistico on the outside, and Komander climbs the far corner!
Komander tightrope walks to double jump MOONSAULT! “This is Awesome!” as Komander puts Dralistico in the ring. Komander goes up the corner again, tightrope walks again, 450 SPLASH!! Cover, but Vikingo DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS it apart! Fans fire up as Dralistico flops out onto the table. Vikingo whips Komander, Komander reverses, but Vikingo goes up and Komander hits buckles! Vikingo then springboards to FLYING POISON-RANA Komander down!! Vikingo puts Komander out on the table with Dralistico, and then runs the ropes! Fans fire up as Vikingo goes up and 630 SENTONS through the senton!!
“This is Awesome!” but Dralistico avoided disaster! Dralistico puts Vikingo in, slashes his throat, POWER- RANA!! Cover, VIKINGO WINS!!
Winner: El Hijo del Vikingo, by pinfall (still AAA Mega Champion)
Dralistico is furious that victory was snatched away from him in an instant! But this is why you cannot underestimate El Hijo del Vikingo! Will his AAA Mega reign continue through the summer?
Backstage interview with Team Triple J.
Lexi Nair is with Jay Lethal, Sonjay Dutt, Satnam Singh, as well as Jeff & Karen Jarrett, “and the talk all week has been that you, Sonjay Dutt, and your group will be suspended.” WHAT?! Fined? Suspended? The only ones who should be facing that is AEW itself! They backed Triple J into a corner and they came out swinging like any real fighters would! Lethal feels that there should be consequences for Aubrey Edwards! She’s been against Triple J since the dawn of time! Something needs to be done about her! Jeff adds that there’s been enough talk these past five days. Should the heat go on the promotion? Should the heat go on Briscoe? On Aubrey?
The reality of the fact is, these five people are walking, talking, fire-breathing heat! But wait, here comes Mark Briscoe! He wants everyone to simmer down. There will be no suspensions, he assures us that. Mark talked with Tony Khan, Tony promised them there would be no suspensions. Because if Triple J is suspended, then they can’t be here. Because if they aren’t here, then they can’t get the ass whooping they deserve! Lethal wants Mark to hold on but Mark tells Lethal to shut up! We ain’t talking about Lethal! We’re talking about Jeff and KAREN! What?! “We?” Who is “we?!” AUBREY EDWARDS!!
Triple J cannot believe this. Aubrey wants Karen? Then there’s nothing but air and opportunity between them. So then Aubrey CHOKES Karen!! Karen and Aubrey start scrapping and Triple J, other refs and security rush in to stop this! When and where will Double J & the one true Karen have to face off with the Sussex County Chicken and one pissed off zebra?
NJPW World Television Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Action Andretti!
Speaking of just last night on ROH, the Frontman of TMDK just defended this belt against Rocky Romero to prove a point to “Samoan Joseph” about who is the better, harder working Television Champion. And here he is again as part of this championship edition of Rampage! Will the ZSJ Show continue on into the summer block? Or will NJPW have some #LightsCameraAction?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Action gets his 15 minutes of fame!
The bell rings and we’re on the clock. The two circle, fans rally, feel things out, and ZSJ shoots in to waistlock and full nelson. Then he spins Action to a cravat, but Action pries at the hold. ZSJ facelocks now, Action wrenches out of that but ZSJ rolls and slips away. Fans cheer this opening exchange and the two reset. Action shoots in but ZSJ avoids him. They tie up with knuckle locks, ZSJ bridges back and wrenches around to then wrangle Action with a top wristlock. Fans cheer and ZSJ digs a knee into the shoulder. Action rolls, cartwheels, arm-drags, but fans cheer as ZSJ holds onto the wrist!
ZSJ twists the wrist, bends the fingers, drags Action up and wrenches the arm to wrangle him again. Action keeps his shoulders up, fans rally, and Action kips up to wrench and MONKEY FLIP! But ZSJ still holds onto the wrist! Fans rally, ZSJ bends the fingers and he tortures Action’s arm. Action fights up but ZSJ keeps after the fingers. ZSJ flexes but Action stands. Action spins, flips and arm-drags free! Action then CHOPS ZSJ, then knuckle locks to go up and up and FLYING ARM-DRAG! ZSJ flounders up, Action DROPKICKS him down! Fans fire up as Action runs to IMPLODER TORNILLO! Cover, TWO!
ZSJ is still in this but he goes to a corner. Action runs in, but ZSJ dodges. Action goes up, leaps, and FLYING RANAS! ZSJ bails out, fans fire up and Action builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit into the railing! Fans are fired up with Action and he brings ZSJ back up. Action puts ZSJ in, slingshots, but ZSJ shoves him! Action lands safe but swings into body scissors, which ZSJ makes into a HANGING TRIANGLE! ZSJ did this to Rocky last night! The ref counts, ZSJ lets go at 4 and he drags Action back in, to WRING the arm out! Fans sing “OH~ Zack Sabre Junior~” as he stalks Action. ZSJ sits on the arm, hammerlocks it, and TWISTS!
Action writhes while fans are torn over the savagery. ZSJ gets Action’s leg, steps over to get the arm, and he STOMPS the arm! “OI! TV Tekkers, mates!” ZSJ stalks Action to a corner, brings him up and UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! “This is Awesome!” and ZSJ knuckle locks to wrench Action. Action endures as ZSJ twists the wrist more, and then ZSJ KICKS a leg. Action stays up so ZSJ wrenches and twists the wrist. Action throws body shots and CHOPS! ZSJ jumps on to drag Action down to a DISARMER! Action endures, reaches out, and fans rally. Action kicks around, ZSJ pulls on the arm, but Action gets the ROPEBREAK!
ZSJ lets go in frustration but he storms up to drag Action up. ZSJ has a double wristlock but Action endures. Fans rally, ZSJ jumps on to body scissor! Action stays up but ZSJ keeps on that arm. Action throws body shots, then suplexes high and HARD! Both men are down and fans are thunderous! Action roars, runs, springboards, BEAUTIFUL DISASTER! Cover, TWO! ZSJ survives and fans rally up again. Action brings ZSJ up, but ZSJ fights the torture rack to wrench and PELE the arm! And then he drop toeholds Action so he can STOMP the arm again! Fans are torn while Action clutches the bad shoulder.
ZSJ drags Action up, but Action blocks the Pele to ENZIGURI! Action puts ZSJ up top, CHOPS him, then climbs up after him. But ZSJ gets the bad arm to twist it! And YANK it! Action throws body shots, forearms, but ZSJ DECKS Action! ZSJ eggs on the fans, the fans cheer, and Action kips up! PELE!! Action runs corner to corner and jumps up to SUPER STEINER!! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives and Action can’t believe it! Action drags ZSJ up, torture racks, but ZSJ has a SLEEPER! Action sputters, he starts fading! But Action powers up! ZSJ lets go, slips free, but Action drops to victory roll! TWO!!!
ZSJ KICKS Action in the leg! And then KICKS him in the arm! ZSJ is mad now, but he runs into a SUPERKICK! Action goes up, POISON-RANA!! ZSJ flops around, Action runs in again, “This is Awesome!” as Action SHOTGUNS ZSJ down! ZSJ is in the drop zone, Action goes up, SPLIT-LEG MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives again but Action goes right to the apron. Action springboards, but flies into a TAKEDOWN! FUJIWARA ARMBAR!!! Action flails around, but ZSJ gets the other arm! Modified Rings of Saturn, into JIM BREAKS ARMBAR!! Action verbally quits, ZSJ wins!!
Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by submission (still NJPW World TV Champion)
Action’s 15 minutes of fame were really just over 10 minutes as The Frontman does it again! But now he moves on to defend this title at NJPW Dominion on Sunday against Jeff Cobb in a highly anticipated rematch. The Mighty Don’t Kneel, but will ZSJ get crushed by the Imperial Unit?
NJPW Strong Women’s Championship: Willow Nightingale VS Emi Sakura!
The Babe with the Power, too sweet to be sour, is the very-first NJPW Strong Women’s Champion after a powerful run at Resurgence. But will Willow make it through her first defense? Or will the Queen of Joshi take Willow’s throne already?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and one way or another, we witness a historic first defense!
The bell rings and the two RAM each other! Fans rally up as Emi and Willow RAM shoulders again! And again! Emi eggs Willow on so she says okay! Willow runs, RAMS Emi, but Emi roars! Emi runs, Willow follows and runs Emi over! Fans fire up and Willow waves. Willow brings Emi up to snap suplex! Willow runs up to CHOP Emi in the corner, then follows her along the ropes. Willow CHOPS Emi in the other corner and fans rally up. Willow puts Emi in the third corner, CHOPS, CHOPS and MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Fans fire up but Emi avoids the big chop. Emi runs in but Willow goes out to the apron.
Emi stops from hitting buckles, but Willow still counter punches her! Willow then brings Emi up, and fans fire up as they go up the ropes! Emi fights the suplex, tries to suplex Willow, but Willow fights to try again. But Emi rakes the eyes! Emi runs to BODY CHECK Willow off the apron! Emi goes out, signals to media to move, and laughs before she TOSSES Willow at railing! Fans rally as Emi runs in to SPLASH Willow against the railing! The ring count climbs as Emi drags Willow up and Rampage goes picture in picture.
Emi puts Willow in the ring, taunts the fans a bit, soaks up some heat, and then takes her time going up the steel steps. Willow sits up, Emi steps in, but Willow throws body shots! Emi CHOPS Willow, Willow goes to ropes, and Emi CHOPS her again! Willow goes to a corner, Emi soaks up the heat, and she storms up to CHOP again! And again! And again! Emi swaggers around, storms back up, but Willow CHOPS! And CHOPS! And ROCKS! Willow CHOPS again! Willow falls, Emi hurries to sit her up into a DRAGON SLEEPER! Willow endures, fights around, but Emi cranks the hold!
Fans rally, Willow fights but Emi pushes her to a cover, TWO! Willow is free of the hold, but Emi CHOPS her! And CHOPS her again! Willow eggs Emi on but Emi pokes her in the eye! The ref reprimands but Emi just grins. Emi brings Willow up to HEADBUTT! Willow staggers but she throws body shots. Emi eggs Willow on and SLAPS her! Emi brings Willow around to reel her in and hook the arms. But Willow fights with body shots! Willow fires off but Emi CLUBS her down as Rampage goes to break.
Rampage returns and Willow has Emi in a corner. Willow goes corner to corner to back body block! And clothesline! And snapmare to then go up. Emi stands, Willow MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Emi survives, maybe even got Willow’s eyes again, but Willow comes back. Willow fireman’s carries but Emi slips fere to the DRAGON SLEEPER! Emi laughs, to TWISTING DDT! Willow staggers to a corner, Emi grins and runs in, BODY CHECK in the corner! Emi goes up top to TWISTING VADER! Cover, TWO!! Willow survives and Emi is frustrated. Emi reels Willow in, hooks the arms, but Willow fights again!
Willow Alabama Lifts but Emi sunset flips! Willow rolls through to BASEMENT CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO!! Emi survives but Willow just runs in, only for Emi to sidestep and roll-up! TWO, but Emi steps over. Willow powers out of La Magistrol, and DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Willow fires up, DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! Willow fires up again, swings, but Emi gets around to CHOP LARIAT!! Both women are down and the fans fire back up! The ref checks and both women are still in this. Emi drags Willow up, fans rally, but Emi underhooks the arms. BUTTERFLY FACEBUSTER!! Emi fires up, she’s not done here!
Fans are thunderous as Emi waits on Willow to rise. Emi then CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS again! MACHINE GUN CHOPS, but Willow shoves her away. Emi CHOP LARIATS, then whips corner to corner. Willow comes back to POUNCE Emi into the corner! Fans fire up as Willow runs to CANNONBALL! And then she drags Emi out to high stack, TWO!! Emi is still in this and fans fire up! But the straps come down and Willow fires up! Fans fire up with her, she reels Emi in to gut wrench, but Emi fights the lift! Emi slips free to SLAP! SLAP! And SLAP! Emi runs, but Willow CLOBBERS her!
Gut wrench, and BABE WITH THE POWER BOMB!! Cover, Willow wins!
Winner: Willow Nightingale, by pinfall (still NJPW Strong Women’s Champion)
Now that’s a first defense for the history books! How much better will Willow make this inaugural reign if this is just the beginning?
BREAKING NEWS for Dynamite!
After their encounter with Dralistico and Preston Vance last Wednesday, #JungleHook reunites for a TEXAS TORNADO TAG MATCH! Will Jack Perry & The FTW Champion tear apart La Faccion Ingobernable?
BIG news for ROH!
On Friday, July 21st in Trenton, New Jersey, ROH returns to PPV with Death Before Dishonor! Tickets go on sale next Friday, June 9th!
Mark Henry welcomes us back to Rampage.
“Tonight, two technical masters go face to face when Lee Moriarty takes on Shibata for the ROH Pure Championship.” Nigel McGuiness says a competitor like Shibata can pick you apart, one body part by another. But Tony Schiavone and Taz say not enough is said about just how talented Moriarty is for such a young wrestler. It looks like there’s been enough talk. It’s TIME for the main event!
ROH Pure Championship: Katsuyori Shibata VS Lee Moriarty!
The Wrestler defended this title just last night on ROH against his student, Alex “The Android” Coughlin. But now he faces #TAIGASTYLE, who has come close to snatching this title for his own not too long ago. Will tonight be Moriarty’s night? Or will Shibata make it through this Pure Wrestling Double Header?
The introductions are made, our judges are BJ Whitmer, Christopher Daniels & Jerry Lynn, and the belt is raised as we see who is truly THE Wrestler!
The bell rings and the clock is ticking on this 60 minute time limit. The two feel things out, Moriarty shoots in but Shibata holds him off with a sprawl. They clinch on the mat, Shibata slips to a waistlock and then a chinlock. Moriarty slips free but Shibata pushes him to a cover, ONE! Shibata wraps Moriarty up with his own arm and then goes for the armbar! Moriarty clasps hands but ends up in a TRIANGLE! Moriarty falls onto the ROPEBREAK, that is his first of three. Shibata even lets Moriarty know it as they reset. They knuckle lock, go shoulder to shoulder, clinch, and Moriarty tries for a leg.
Shibata powers Moriarty down, gets around to a waistlock, and they stand up. Moriarty pries the hold, fans cheer this technical exchange, but then Moriarty elbows free! Moriarty stomps Shibata into a corner, the ref counts, but Moriarty digs his boot in. Fans boo, but Shibata powers up to back Moriarty down! Shibata throws the foot down but Shibata ROCKS him! Moriarty runs to dropkick the legs out! Fans boo while Moriarty grits his teeth, and then the fans rally up for Shibata as Rampage goes picture in picture.
Moriarty mocks the applause as he stands over Shibata. Moriarty then says they can stop all that, and he grabs a leg to DDT the foot! Moriarty kips up, air guitars, and he ties up Shibata’s legs into a unique crisscross toehold. Then he sits with it for a modified stump puller! Shibata’s shoulders are down, Moriarty is practically stealing Darby Allin’s Last Supper! TWO as Shibata kicks out and Moriarty argues the count. Moriarty drags Shibata around, stomps a leg, then stomps it more and more before another DDT to the foot! Moriarty mocks the clapping from the fans, and then he drags Shibata around for a spinning toehold!
Shibata endures as Moriarty ties up the legs into another cross toehold. Moriarty puts Shibata into an Indian Deathlock, then he knuckle locks Shibata for a cover. TWO as Shibata gets an arm up! Moriarty pushes the arm back down, TWO as Shibata gets the other arm up! Moriarty pushes that arm down, TWO as Shibata gets both arms up! Moriarty CHOPS Shibata, pushes on the legs, then lets Shibata go. Moriarty gets a leg, hooks it, and ties Shibata up in another cross toehold, only for Shibata to trip him! Shibata gets Moriarty’s legs, steps through, but Moriarty fights the figure four! Shibata powers through to sync it in!
Moriarty endures, reaches out, but his shoulders are down. TWO as Moriarty sits up, Shibata keeps on the pressure, and Moriarty falls back onto his shoulders. TWO as he sits up again! Shibata has the extended leg caught in a heel hook behind his back! Moriarty falls back again, shoulders are down, TWO as he sits back up! Moriarty endures, reaches out, claws at the hold, and he pries it open. Shibata works to keep it on tight, Moriarty is down again, TWO! Moriarty sits up, Shibata thrashes around, and Rampage returns to single picture. Fans rally, Moriarty drags Shibata along as he reaches back, but Shibata drags him from the ropes!
Moriarty scrambles and goes to the opposite side, ROPEBREAK! That’s his second, he has one left, and we’ve only just past six minutes! Shibata stomps Moriarty’s bad leg, has him in a corner, and he fires off forearms! The ref counts, Shibata fires again and again, but lets off at 4. Shibata runs corner to corner but Moriarty follows to KNEE him in the corner! And then HALF HATCH BRIDGE! TWO as Shibata fights out of the “pancake.” Moriarty HAMMERS away on the back of Shibata’s head! Fans rally, Moriarty suplexes, but Shibata blocks! Shibata powers out but Moriarty kicks low!
Moriarty runs but into a kitchen sink knee! Fans rally, Shibata stomps his legs into working, and he storms up on Moriarty. Shibata drags Moriarty up to whip him to a corner and BOOT! And he fires off more forearms! The ref counts, Shibata runs corner to corner, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Fans fire up for that Shibata signature and he drags Moriarty up. HALF HATCH! Cover, TWO! Moriarty is still in this but Shibata clamps right on with a chinlock! Moriarty fights to the ROPEBREAK, but that’s his last! Shibata waistlocks. Moriarty switches to roll up, TWO! But Moriarty rolls with to get the BORDER CITY STRETCH!!
Shibata endures, Moriarty pulls him back, but fans rally up. Shibata rolls things to a cover, TWO! Moriarty ROCKS Shibata, winds up, but Shibata ROCKS Moriarty! And then SLEEPER!! Shibata sits Moriarty down, runs, PENALTY KICK!! Cover, Shibata wins!!
Winner: Katsuyori Shibata, by pinfall (still ROH Pure Champion)
Just past nine minutes and Shibata finishes things off, but wait! Daniel Garcia is here! The Dragonslayer is a former ROH Pure Champion, and he’s walking out right to the ring! Garcia steps in, he swaggers up to Shibata, and it is clear this is what’s next for Shibata. Shibata raises the belt to signal his accepting the challenge, will The Wrestler put down this sports… enner-tay-ner?
My Thoughts:
A great Rampage here, though I’m surprised this wasn’t just a Battle of the Belts special. Excalibur said it himself on commentary in the main event, but it was great to start off with the epitome of lucha libre and finish on Strong Style technical wrestling. The AAA Mega Championship was a great opener, and was definitely another instance where I’m grateful we can pause things because they were going fast and furious. Or maybe at Flash speeds, since that’s a Warner Brothers movie they could plug. But as I figured going into this, all the champions retained, since none of these were AEW titles (directly, since ROH is a subsidiary of AEW now).
The NJPW World Television Championship continues to be a great title to watch because of the 15 minute time limit speeding things up. Likewise, ZSJ is always a great wrestler to watch, but so hard to write for cuz he has the biggest collection of named signature moves/holds of any wrestler I’ve seen. I had to double check what he was using to make Action tap, because I keep thinking things are Clarky Cat when they’re not Clarky Cat. ZSJ is setting a very high bar for this title, maybe he retains against Cobb at Dominion or maybe he loses, but it’s going to be hard for the second-ever NJPW World TV Champion to match what ZSJ has done.
Great first title defense for Willow and this title, she and Emi put on a great match. I wonder when Willow has her first defense on NJPW Strong, and who she’ll be facing. And we got a great Pure Championship match to finish, and I’m surprised it was so quick, even compared to the NJPW World TV Championship match. But great win for Shibata, I like that Garcia is stepping up, and that’s going to be an awesome match. I don’t know if they’re going to wait until Death Before Dishonor in July for that match, but knowing AEW and ROH, they can find a way to stretch things out. Especially with Garcia also busy being part of JAS and doing JAS things.
My Score: 8.7/10
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SmackDown celebrates The Tribal Chief!
Roman Reigns celebrates 1000 DAYS as WWE Universal Champion, but what does it matter after Jimmy Uso betrayed him at Night of Champions?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Six Man Tag: The Brawling Brutes VS Austin Theory & Pretty Deadly; Theory & Pretty Deadly win.
- The Good Brothers w/ The OC VS Hit Row w/ B-Fab; The Good Brothers win.
- Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Zelina Vega VS Lacey Evans; Vega wins and advances to MITB.
- Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: LA Knight VS Montez Ford; Knight wins and advances to MITB.
PLAY BY PLAY
Paul Heyman speaks.
“Roman Reigns, your Undisputed WWE Universal Heavyweight Champion, stands at the apex of sports entertainment. Nearly three years ago, Your Tribal Chief reclaimed his Universal Championship. And as time passed, Roman’s title reign has surpassed legends, icons, hall of famers. On the Grandest Stage of Them All, the Head of the Table smashed and stacked his competition. Then humbled a Hall of Famer, and sent a 16-time world champion into the Ocean of Obscurity. Every contender, unable to withstand Roman’s sheer dominance and forced to…” ACKNOWLEDGE him.
“Challenger after challenger, crumble at his feet. And at his second Showcase of the Immortals as your reigning champion, Roman Reigns conquered The Beast, unifying the WWE and Universal titles on his 581st day as the champion in WWE. His power persisted. His Bloodline strengthened. His legacy flourished. Greatness on a different level. And on his 945th day, the greatest champion of any era made history by retaining his championship for the third straight WrestleMania. And now, it’s time to acknowledge the longest reign in over 35 years, over 1000 days. Roman. Reigns…!”
Austin Theory is in the ring.
The Now may not have reached even half of what Roman has achieved, but he is the United States Champion. He welcomes us to Austin Theory Live but the fans boo. Theory says they don’t need to have an attitude. Tonight is a very special night. “Tonight is the celebration of your Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns’ historical title reign. But you know what’s even better than that? If you took Roman’s title reign, and you combined it with the greatest United States Champion of all time… wait for it… Austin Theory’s reign, and you’d have… What is that? A total of 1,209 days! That is impressive. And not only that, it is very inspiring.
“It is almost as inspiring as being the guy who beat John Cena at WrestleMania.” Fans boo but Theory says we should face it. Let’s not be idiots! We all know Theory will have his 1000th day celebration for his title, and a 2000th, and maybe even a 3000th. Probably a 4000th. But if they just keep giving him guys like Sheamus, he’ll be the US Champion forever! “Guys, you really can’t boo me because I’m 25 and I’m the greatest to ever do this. And when you’re this great, everybody wants to gravitate towards you, they wanna be a part of it.” That brings Theory to the guys he wants to bring out.
These two guys did what was right! Theory presents none other than Pretty Deadly! Kit Wilson & Elton Prince make their entrance, and their theme song has a new remix, and they join Theory in the ring. They get mics, and Kit tells Theory, “We came here to tell you, that it was a pleasure destroying those ugly gremlins, the Brawling Brutes.” Elton says that unlike Sheamus, Theory is a champion the people deserve. They wanna show Theory their appreciation for such a good champion, in a way that only they can! “YES BOY~!” And they point to him! Feels good, right? But wait, here come the Brawling Brutes!
Fans fire up as Sheamus leads Ridge Holland & Pete Dunne out to the ring, ready for Fight Night! The ref hurries in to keep the peace, but will Theory & Pretty Deadly be leaving in pieces?
Six Man Tag: The Brawling Brutes VS Austin Theory & Pretty Deadly!
The trios sort out, Ridge starts against Elton. Elton headlocks, Ridge powers out and he CLOBBERS Elton! Fans fire up as Ridge UPPERCUTS Elton, then HEADBUTTS him to a corner. Ridge adds a clothesline, then bumps Elton off the buckle, KICKS him in the back and CLOBBERS him again! Ridge drags Elton up, tags in “Butch,” and they coordinate, suplex dropkick combo! Dunne drags Elton up, wrenches, but Elton throws body shots. Elton RAMS Dunne into the corner, tags in Kit, and Kit runs in to UPPERCUT! Dunne clutches his jaw while fans boo. Kit drops elbows, rains down hands, then covers, TWO!
Kit sits Dunne into a chinlock. Dunne endures, fans rally for Sheamus, and Dunne fights up. Dunne powers out, drops then hurdles to then drop and CLOBBER Kit! Fans fire up, Dunne stands on Kit’s hands, then STOMPS them! Kit ducks the buzzsaw and scrambles away. Tag to Theory, fans boo, and Theory tells Dunne he wants Sheamus! Fans fire up because they want that, too! Dunne tags Sheamus in and the Mohegan Sun Arena are fired up! These two circle, but then Theory bails out, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Elton has Dunne down with a top wristlock. Fans rally, Dunne endures and he fights up to his feet. But Elton throws him down by his hair! The ref reprimands and fans boo but Elton grabs at Dunne. Dunne grabs Elton’s fingers! Dunne bends the fingers, Elton screams, but Elton CLUBS Dunne down! Tag to Theory and he runs to BLAST Ridge! Theory taunts Sheamus, stomps Dunne, then brings Dunne up to CLUB him down. Fans rally for Dunne but Theory flexes on him. Theory drags Dunne over, tags in Kit, but Dunne kicks at Theory. Kit stomps Dunne, stands him up and UPPERCUTS him down!
Tag to Elton and Theory CHOKES Dunne behind the ref’s back! Pretty Deadly stomp while the ref is busy with Sheamus. Elton drags Dunne up but Dunne CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS again! Elton ROCKS Dunne, then runs in, but into a BOOT! Dunne goes up, leaps, FLYING DDT! Fans fire up while both men are down! Dunne and Elton crawl, hot tags to Theory and Sheamus! The Fella rallies on Theory! And clotheslines in the corner! Whip corner to corner for another clothesline! Scoop and POWERSLAM! Fans fire up as Sheamus ROCKS Pretty Deadly and has them both on the ropes!
But Theory rolls Sheamus up! TWO!! Sheamus gets Theory with an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Then an IRISH CURSE for Kit! And then an IRISH CURSE for Elton! Fans fire up and the Brutes return. Everyone fireman’s carries someone, for a TRIPLE WHITE NOISE! Fans are thunderous and Sheamus has Theory all alone! BROGUE!!! Cover, but Pretty Deadly drag Theory out! Sheamus hurries up top!? Ridge BLASTS Pretty Deadly, Sheamus steadies himself, and he FLYING LARIATS Pretty Deadly back down! Dunne goes up, everyone gathers, ASAI MOONSAULT onto Theory & Pretty Deadly!
Fans are thunderous as the Brutes prove they can fly! Sheamus commends Butch for topping things off, and SmackDown goes to break.
Elton stomps Dunne. Elton brings Dunn up but Dunne gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Kit runs in but into an ENZIGURI! ENZIGURI for Theory! GAMANGIRI for Kit in a corner! GAMANGIRI for Elton in a corner! Tag to Ridge and SPLASHES Elton! Then Ridge brings Elton up, Dunne joins in, BACK SUPLEX BOMB COMBO! Sheamus tags in and goes up for a KING KONG KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO!! Elton survives but Sheamus keeps his cool. Sheamus drags Elton up, reels him in, Canadian rack but Elton fights free of the crucifix! Elton BOOTS Sheamus, tags Kit, then gives Kit the boost, CRY MARTINI!
Theory tags in, drags Sheamus up to ROCK him and torture rack him! TOWER HACKER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Theory is furious and he rains down fists! Fans boo while Theory seethes and looms over Sheamus. Theory talks trash, brings Sheamus up, but Sheamus blocks a body shot to LARIAT point blank! Elton gets in but Ridge gives him an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Kit DROPKICKS Ridge but Dunne ENZIGURIS Kit! Dunne runs at Theory but Theory shovels him up and out! Theory somersaults, into a KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! Theory survives and Sheamus is too tired to be upset. Both men crawl and fans rally up.
Sheamus and Theory reach out, hot tags to Elton and Ridge! Kit tags in, but The Fridge picks Elton up! Kit saves Elton, but then Ridge picks them both up! DOUBLE back drop! Fans fire up as Ridge kicks Kit to the apron. Sheamus has Theory, and Dunne has Elton! Fans fire up for the TRIPLE BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN!! The Brutes all go to 10, though Dunne gets a little extra. Ridge then scoops for NORTHERN GRIT! Cover, but Theory breaks it! Dunne swings on Theory but into A-TOWN DOWN! Sheamus clotheslines Theory out! Sheamus pursues Theory, but Theory POSTS Sheamus!
Kit and Elton coordinate, they pull a sneaky move by hiding Elton under the apron skirt. The matching outfits make Ridge think that’s still Kit! Ridge drags Elton in, and surprise! Kit CHOP BLOCKS Ridge! Kit tags Elton, they get Ridge up for SPILT MILK!! And tag to Theory so he can cover, Theory & Pretty Deadly win!
Winners: Austin Theory & Pretty Deadly, by pinfall
The three of them hurry away before Dunne returns, having pulled another fast one. Will Kit & Elton be heading towards the tag titles? Will anyone be able to take the US Championship from Theory?
Paul Heyman is backstage.
The Wise Man is holding onto both the black WWE Championship and blue Universal Championship belts for the Tribal Chief as he walks up to the private suite. Heyman walks inside, is he going to discuss the celebration plans with Roman Reigns during the break?
SmackDown returns, and Heyman’s talking with Solo Sikoa. The magnitude that has never been accomplished before in the WWE. This needs to be special for the Tribal Chief, especially given what happened at Night of Champions. Heyman wants this to be special for Roman Reigns. And he knows Solo feels the same way. Heyman will go talk with Adam Pearce to make sure that Solo’s brothers, The Usos, are nowhere to be found tonight so that this is the night that we acknowledge Roman… Reigns! Heyman smiles and heads out, how does Solo really feel about what Jimmy did to Roman?
The OC talk backstage.
The Good Brothers are worried but Mia Yim says it’s fine, tonight is his birthday. AJ Styles walks in and they say happy birthday! Yes, it IS his birthday! And he apologizes for losing at Night of Champions, he ruined their night. No, no, it is not his fault. But you take the L, keep it moving. The OC has their back. But did anyone else see the “diss” track by Hit Row? Yeah, but Styles would rather see the Good Brothers drop Hit Row. Too Sweet, baby! And that match is happening next! Will Top Dolla & Ashante THEE Adonis think twice before opening their mouths next time?
The Good Brothers w/ The OC VS Hit Row w/ B-Fab!
SmackDown returns as Hit Row makes their entrance. The teams sort out, but Adonis ambushes Karl Anderson! Fans boo and the ref counts while Adonis stomps away, but then he lets off at 4. Adonis whips to CLOBBER Anderson, then he taunts Luke Gallows. Anderson goes to a corner, Adonis drags him out and tags Dolla. Hit Row whip Anderson to a corner, then Dolla whips Adonis in to RAM Anderson! Dolla talks trash on The Machine Gun, then reels him in for an ELBOW! Dolla talks more trash, drags Anderson to the ropes, and he CHOPKES him! The ref counts, Dolla lets off and tags Adonis.
Adonis runs to STRADDLE ATTACK! Adonis sits on Anderson while smoothing his hair, but lets off as the ref counts. The ref argues with Adonis and B-Fab sucker punches Anderson! Michin storms up and B-Fab backs off. Adonis covers, TWO, but he clamps onto a chinlock. The ref has Michin and B-Fab back off, and fans rally as Anderson fights up. Anderson throws body shots but Adonis CLUBS him! Adonis whips, Anderson reverses, SPINEBUSTER! Fans fire up while both men are down. Fans rally, Anderson hot tags Gallows! Doc BOOTS Adonis, BOOTS Dolla, then DECKS Adonis!
Gallows ROUNDHOUSES Adonis to a corner, runs in and back elbows! Then he keeps moving, FLYING UPPERCUT on Adonis! Fans fire up as Gallows scoops to AK 47! Tag to Anderson, the Good Brothers get Adonis up, MAGIC KILLER!! Cover, Good Brothers win!
Winners: The Good Brothers, by pinfall
But Dolla BOOTS Anderson! And CLOBBERS Gallows! But Styles springboards in, PHENOMENAL FOREARM!! Fans fire up as the birthday boy gets him some, and The Hit Row? They don’t want none! Will The OC be too sweet all the way to some gold?
Adam Pearce is on the phone.
Yes, he is very excited, this is perhaps one of the biggest nights in SmackDown history. He excuses himself and ends the call as he sees Heyman walking in. Pearce tells Heyman right now that the Usos’ travel was canceled, they were told they weren’t needed tonight. And as requested, should The Usos want to show up, security has been doubled. The Usos are NOT getting inside the building. Heyman smiles and puts a call into Roman Reigns. Will nothing go wrong during the 1000 Day Acknowledgment?
BREAKING NEWS for Raw!
Seth Rollins put out the open challenge for his NEW World Heavyweight Championships on social media and it was quickly accepted by Damian Priest! Will the Judgment Day add more gold when the Punisher brings down The Visionary?
SmackDown presents an all new Grayson Waller Effect.
The 21st Century Success Story, “The Dynamite from Down Under, the Moment Maker, the Aussie Icon,” gets the big introduction once again as he’s already in the ring. And he says, “What a week it has been here in the WWE, and we’re gonna keep it rolling with the most honest talk show in WWE history.” Waller brings us the biggest and the best, and he’s done it again tonight. So please welcome the NEW Raw Women’s Champion, ASUKA~! The fans do like that as the Empress of Tomorrow walks out with the belt on her shoulder. She joins Waller in the ring and at the desk as he welcomes her to the show.
Waller says, “Congratulations, what an incredible performance against Bianca at Night of Champions. In fact, let’s see exactly how you got it done.” Waller and Asuka look to the tron as we all see a Progressive Match Flo recap video of that match. Asuka used blue mist fingers to finish Bianca, and Waller says wow. Asuka laughs and smiles, and in Japanese, she says “I told you saw! I’m the Raw Women’s Champion!” Waller says he could not have put it better himself! But he can’t help but notice the briefcases above the ring. There’s no shortage of people who think they’re ready for Asuka. They’re gonna climb the ladder, win the briefcase to be Miss MITB, and maybe cash in on her?
Waller says Asuka’s gotta keep her head on a swivel. Nevermind that Bianca’s gonna come looking for a rematch. Asuka is amused there. She reenacts how she spat mist on her finger, got Bianca in the eyes and made Bianca cry. Waller is amused, too! He says that was so true. And so smart! He can’t imagine the pain and suffering Bianca went through. Asuka’s even drooling some blue mist right now. Waller looks a bit worried, but also maybe excited. But then IYO SKY shows up! She tells Asuka in Japanese that she’s nothing special for what she did. And Iyo won’t even need MITB to take that title from! But she’s still gonna win it, and then Iyo will be the new champion!
Asuka laughs, and tells Iyo she’s a child, the way she’s storming up in here. Iyo tells Asuka to shut up, dammit! Asuka calls Iyo an idiot, Iyo calls Asuka a scumbag, and they go back and forth like that. Waller has them stop, this is HIS show, he did not approve a second guest! But wait, here comes BAYLEY! The Role Model says Iyo said that after both Iyo and Bayley qualify for the MITB, one of them is winning the MITB briefcase. Though it is every woman for themselves, and Bayley’s won it before, so either way, DMG CTRL will win the title- Wait! Here comes Shotzi!
Fans fire up as the Wild Child says, “Awww, Bayley! There is NOTHING that I would love more than to crush your dreams with the help of some cold, hard steel! Because, if there is anyone made for the pure chaos of the Money in the Bank Ladder match, it’s me!” Wait, here comes Lacey Evans! The Model Soldier is embodying Sergeant Slaughter and she tells Shotzi to shut up and salute her! Fans boo but Lacey says none of these nasty things are taking the briefcase anywhere, it’s coming home with her. But first, she’ll take her Cobra Clutch, wrap it around that “shrimp,” Zelina Vega, and-
Wait! Here comes Zelina! Fans fire up as La Muneca says there is only one problem with everyone’s plans. They are all underestimating Zelina. And y’know who else did that? Rhea Ripley at Backlash. Because Zelina was this close to becoming champion! So “Shrimp?” Keep that energy, Lacey. Because to be honest, even if Lacey got her hair done, her nails done and traded in those “piss soaked boots” for red bottoms, you still wouldn’t be half the woman Zelina is. So please, underestimate her. Everyone do that. Because it will be that much sweeter when she wins. Because that is how she is going to become Miss MITB!
Bayley laughs and says they’re all idiots. Waller says this is the best day of his life. Bayley asks him what kind of show he’s running here, and he’s hoping for more ladies to show up. Asuka slips away to say, “Hey hey hey hey! NO ONE is ready for Asuka!!” But then Bianca storms up to ROCK Asuka with a forearm! They brawl on the stage and fans fire up! Referees rush out to stop that scrap, only for Bianca to break lose and hit Asuka again! The refs and even some producers get in to separate them again, but fans wanna “Let Them Fight!” Will the angriEST Bianca be coming after the Empress?
Cameron Grimes talks with Adam Pearce backstage.
They watch a replay of Baron Corbin ruining Carmelo Hayes’ moment just last Tuesday on NXT, and Grimes said that’s exactly what Corbin did to him last week. Is Corbin even here? No, and with his free agency status, the next time we see him will be next Tuesday on NXT. Grimes says Melo will handle that. But the next time Corbin shows his face on SmackDown, Grimes will handle that. Pearce nods, will the Carolina Caveman crush Baron Corbin?
Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Zelina Vega VS Lacey Evans!
Since everyone was already at ringside, this match is happening now! And Vega is already clutching her jaw, it seems the Model Soldier got a cheap shot in while everyone was watching Asuka and Bianca. Will Vega still be able to humble Lacey for underestimating her? Or will another Woman’s Right simply take Vega out?
The bell rings and Lacey stomps Vega into the corner! The ref counts, fans boo, but Lacey lets off at 4. Lacey stands on Vega’s hair and salutes, then lets off to SWINGING BRONCO BUSTER! Lacey pushes Vega around, covers, TWO! Lacey sits Vega up, and clamps on the COBRA CLUTCH! And she SWINGS Vega around! Fans rally for Vega but Lacey TOSSES her away! Lacey dusts off her hands, runs in, but Vega goes up and over and rolls Lacey, Schoolgirl Kick! Cover, TWO! Vega whips, Lacey reverses but Vega KICKS her! Only for Lacey to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Lacey dribbles Vega off the mat, then smirks as fans boo.
Lacey salutes but fans boo, and Vega hits low. Lacey BOOTS Vega, drags her from ropes and stands on her for a cocky cover. The ref says it’s on the throat! Lacey steps off to argue with him, and then Lacey clamps onto Vega with a chinlock. Fans rally but Lacey throws knees into Vega’s side! Vega still endures, fans rally up, and Vega kicks from below! Lacey drags Vega up but Vega RAMS her into a corner! And again! Vega smacks Lacey off buckles, headlocks and springboards for a headlock takeover! Lacey runs in but into the tilt-o-whirl and CODE RED!! Cover, VEGA WINS!
Winner: Zelina Vega, by pinfall (advances to MITB)
What did she just say about underestimating her? Because there’s the proof! Lacey toyed with Zelina but got played, will Zelina soon be La Muneca en el Banco?
The LWO celebrates backstage.
They are so proud of Vega! Latinos around the world are going to gather in celebration! And next week, when Escobar wins his qualifier and win the MITB contract, oh he can see it now. She can see it, too. Rey Mysterio can see it, too! It is only a matter of time before the entire locker room refers to them as Santos y Zelina, Mr. and Mrs. Money in the Bank! Will the LWO soon take over London?
Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: LA Knight VS Montez Ford!
The Mega Star told the Street Profits that if they want the smoke, he’ll be the one to burn ’em! Is that not an insult but just a fact of life? Or will #KingTez be the one saying “YEAH!” on the way to London?
The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally up, the two tie up, and Knight wrenches to a hammerlock, and he slaps Ford around. Fans rally for “L A KNIGHT! L A KNIGHT!” The two circle, tie up, and Ford headlocks. Knight powers out the back to hammerlock, but Ford switches it onto him. Knight switches back, Ford switches again, Knight switches again. They keep going, Knight gest the ROPEBREAK, but Ford slaps him around now. Fans are a bit torn but Knight gets heated. Knight shoves, Ford shoves, repeat! Fans are on Knight’s side as the two tie up again but Ford headlocks. Knight powers out but Ford runs him over!
Ford actually seems to enjoy upsetting the Knight fans, and things speed up. Knight hurdles, but Ford whips him away to keep things moving. Ford hurdles, Knight hurdles, but Ford DROPKICKS! Fans are salty as Ford clotheslines Knight in the corner. And then in another corner! Ford whips Knight into the corner, runs in but Knight puts Ford on the apron. Ford ROCKS Knight back! But Knight BLASTS Ford! Fans cheer Knight while Ford crawls and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and both men collide! Fans rally up while both men are down, and then Knight stands. Knight throws haymakers but Ford gives them back! They go back and forth, “YEAH!” “BOO!” “YEAH!” “BOO!” “YEAH!” “BOO!” Ford gets the edge, whips, but Knight reverses, only for Ford to LARIAT! Ford rallies on Knight, ducks ‘n’ dodges to LARIAT again! Knight gets up, Ford hits a BIG back suplex! Ford kips up, fans fire up, and Ford flexes to MOONSAULT, but Knight moves! Ford lands on his feet, swings but misses, and Knight torture racks! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally up, Knight stalks Ford and fans duel. Knight stands Ford up but Ford elbows him! Ford runs in but into an elbow! Ford falls over, Knight tries a springboard, LIONSAULT FLOPS as Ford moves! Ford ENZIGURIS Knight, then fires up to clinch and ROCK BOTTOM! Cover, TWO!! Knight survives and Ford is seething. Fans fire up as Ford drags Knight up. Ford whips, Knight KICKS back! Ford doges the lariat, both men run, DOUBLE LARIATS take them down! Fans fire up again while the ref checks both men. Knight and Ford crawl to each other, and Knight throws a haymaker. Ford gives it back!
Fans rally as the hands go back and forth, “YEAH!” “BOO!” Ford CHOPS, then DECKS Knight! Knight stands at the ropes, Ford runs in but is put back on the apron. Ford GAMANGIRIS Knight then goes up a corner! But Knight ROCKS Ford first! Knight climbs, Ford throws body shots then shoves Knight away. Knight returns and springs right up! But Ford shoves him back down! Fans fire up as Ford comes in, FROM THE- NO, Knight moves! Knight kicks low, BF- NO, Ford O’Conner Rolls, TWO! Knight O’Conner Rolls with ropes!! Knight wins!!
Winner: LA Knight, by pinfall (advances to MITB)
The Mega Star snatches that one away from Ford, but the fans still love it! Knight then brings a ladder out and sets it up under the briefcases. Knight climbs, says this is what we’ll see, because whose game is it? Will this really be what happens when LA arrives in the UK?
Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn speak.
“Sanguis rubeus luna et exponentia exitio.” That phrase repeats as we travel through a snow covered forest. Translation: “The perfect moon will spell your doom.” The Unholy Union is here, what will they do to the landscape of SmackDown?
SmackDown sets the rest of the qualifiers!
For the Men’s MITB, Baron Corbin returns from NXT to take on “Butch” Pete Dunne, and Mustafa Ali returns from NXT to take on Santos Escobar! And then, as announced during the Grayson Waller Effect, DMG CTRL is in the mix as Bayley takes on Mia Yim and Iyo Sky takes on Shotzi! Will DMG CTRL look to take control of that briefcase one way or another?
Triple H is here!
Fans fire up for The Game as he heads to the ring! It seems even he is here to celebrate Roman Reigns’ 1000+ days as Universal Champion! What will HHH have to add to the occasion? We find out, after the break.
SmackDown returns and HHH is in the ring with a pedestal and a familiar looking cloth. HHH has the mic to say, “On rare occasions, an athlete comes along that is so dominant that they change the entire face of their chosen sport. And when it happens, they will be talked about for generations to come. In boxing, it was the Great One, Muhammad Ali. In basketball, Michael Jordan. In the WWE, right now, we have the privilege of witnessing that greatness live. Believe me, you will talk about this for generations, so please help me welcome a man who has passed 1000 days as champion. Please help me welcome a man that you will tell your children and your grandchildren about.
“Please help me welcome the Tribal Chief, the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, Roman Reigns.” The Head of the Table makes his entrance with fans torn between boos and throwing up the ones. Roman has Solo and Heyman with him, the brand new “1000 Days” branded jacket and shirt on as he holds up the belts for the pyro. The Bloodline, if this group even still counts as that, continues on into the ring. Roman then shakes HHH’s hand and Heyman fetches a mic. Heyman also shakes HHH’s hand, and then HHH tells Roman, “On behalf of the WWE, and on behalf of the entire WWE Universe, I would like to congratulate you on surpassing 1000 days as champion.”
That is something that hasn’t been accomplished in the WWE in almost forty years! Truly an epic accomplishment. So to congratulate Roman and celebrate this historic achievement, it is HHH’s honor to present him with a brand new Undisputed WWE Universal Championship belt. HHH takes the cover off to reveal the same home base design, but with a GOLDEN face plate! Heyman removes the belt Roman is wearing on his waist so that he can hold up the new belt, for more pyro! HHH then helps Roman put that belt on, then Heyman hands Roman the mic. Roman smiles while fans are torn between cheers and jeers.
Roman says, “Pennsyl- No, no, no. I mean, c’mon! That’s not good enough anymore. The entire universe…! ACKNOWLEDGE ME!!” Wait, the USOS are here?!? How?! Heyman heard from Pearce that this wasn’t supposed to happen! But Jimmy & Jey do walk out and Roman glares at Heyman. Heyman defends he was assured this wouldn’t happen, but it is! And we see what the Usos are going to do, after the break.
SmackDown returns and the Usos are now in the ring with Roman, Solo & Heyman. And Jimmy’s staring Roman down. He even glances at the brand new Universal Championship blet. Jimmy has the mic, but Roman speaks first, telling Jey to kick Jimmy in the face! Fans boo but Roman says it again, kick Jimmy in the face. He didn’t stutter, do it now! That’s what Jimmy did to Roman. Jimmy took Roman’s tag team titles away from him, so Jey has to fix this. Jey has to kick his brother in the face! Fans boo more, and Jey just paces. Roman is not happy about that, and he tells Jey this is the last time: KICK HIM IN THE FACE AND FIX THIS RIGHT NOW!
Jimmy speaks up to that the only one who needs fixing is ROMAN. Fans cheer that! Roman scowls but Jimmy says Jey can’t fix this. Jimmy kicked Roman in the face, “The Kick Heard Worldwide.” And Jimmy did what he did in Saudi not to be the Tribal Chief, not to lead the Bloodline, but because Jimmy was being a brother. Brothers treat each other with love and respect, and as of lately, you ain’t been such a good brother, Roman. What kind of brother manipulates, betrays and hurts his own family? What kind of brother does that, Uce? Roman has gone crazy! CRAZY! This right here is Jimmy’s brother! It is embedded in Jimmy to protect Jey.
In fact, SOLO is Jimmy’s brother! He’ll protect Solo, and he’s gonna tell Solo right now, that after Roman’s done using you, he’s gonna abuse you, betray you, kick you to the side, and put you in the dirt! Jimmy IS Solo’s brother, that’s why he’s saying this. Fans cheer that, too! Roman tries to laugh it off but Jimmy tells Solo to listen to him. Fans rally for the “USOS! USOS!” and Roman says that’s because of ROMAN! Roman is the Tribal Chief! You see him? Tribal Chief. This here is an imposter! Jimmy talking like he’s the leader, like Solo don’t have a voice. Let’s hear it from Solo who Solo is loyal to!
Roman hands the mic to Solo and fans boo. Solo looks at the mic, thinks about it, and fans chant for “SOLO! SOLO!” Solo says, “I acknowledge you, My Tribal Chief.” Fans boo and Roman smiles. But then Solo says, “But these two right here… They’re my brothers.” UH OH~! Roman is shocked and the Usos smile! Solo hands the mic back, to stand with his brothers!! Roman can’t believe what he’s seeing! Jimmy says hey, hey, so what’s it gonna be, Uce? Does Roman wanna run this thing together with respect? Or just end up on the Island of Relevancy all by himself? Roman tells Jimmy to shut up, but Jimmy pie faces him!!
Heyman is shocked and cowering in the corner! Fans fire up as Jey and Solo are both tense. Roman registers what just happened, then gets up in Jimmy’s face. Jey stops them both, and he wants to keep the peace. It’s not going like this. Jey needs them both, they cannot start fighting! They’re better than that, okay? Jey gets Jimmy to understand, and Jimmy cools off. Stronger together, Uce. But see, Jey is Jimmy’s brother, and Solo is Jimmy’s brother. But so is Roman. Roman’s always been family. So be a brother, have respect, and run this place like they’ve been doing! But TOGETHER! Bloodline, right? Family, right? They are still the ones, right?
Roman wipes sweat from his brow and takes a breath. Fans want Roman to accept what the Usos are saying, but he seems unsure what to do. Roman and Jimmy HUG!! Fans cheer, and Jey is relieved. Roman then says, “No.” WHAT?! Heyman is shocked all over again! Roman lets go and Jey is upset again! How could Roman say that?! And then Solo SAMOAN SPIKES JIMMY!?!? Jey is even more devastated!! Roman takes his leave, Heyman and Solo following behind. Is the Tribal Chief’s iron grip that powerful? Heyman then asks Roman, “What about Jey?” Roman says Jey will do what he always does and fall in line. Just give it time.
Fans boo as Roman refuses to share love and respect with his family. What will it take for The Usos to change that?
My Thoughts:
An awesome episode to follow Night of Champions with! Granted, a lot of that comes from the Bloodline story, which once again continues to be the top story. And with this story already having set a high bar, they find a way to raise the bar again. Great video package narrated by Heyman to open the show, good promos backstage to expertly set up what we got in the closing segment. I did appreciate that since they’re not undoing the unification, Roman now just has one actual belt to hold onto and he can just keep the other two at home. Naturally, they just kept the cookie cutter shape they’ve been using, but I like the gold backing on the logo there, it really stands out.
And naturally, the Usos DID show up, and what an amazing emotional rollercoaster there. After all that, we are definitely getting Usos VS Roman & Solo, and that will be the moment of truth where I would think Solo really does side with his brothers. Then it’s on Roman to either “fall in line” and accept his family as family, or he ends up all alone with just Heyman. Either way, this is all great stuff that can carry the story into the Summer, maybe even to SummerSlam. And what would really put a cherry on top: if Roman, no more pawns to get in the way, gets beat by a Mr. MITB cash-in.
Great opening Six Man from Theory & Pretty Deadly VS Brawling Brutes, and I figured the Heels would find a way to win. I would think Pretty Deadly finds a way into the Undisputed Tag Team Championship scene for the summer, as those titles are meant to be on both Raw and SmackDown. And who wouldn’t love seeing a promo between Kevin, Sami and Pretty Deadly? At the same time, The Good Brothers should also get in on some of that, they got a really good win off Hit Row. Happy birthday to AJ Styles, maybe he can find his way to a title match of some kind. Him and Theory wouldn’t be half bad for MITB.
Really good Grayson Waller Effect segment, though not really because of Waller. If this same stuff happened with The Miz and MizTV, it’d amount to about the same great stuff. Asuka and Iyo getting at each other and then arguing in Japanese seems to be their thing, but I would love if we got Iyo to turn Face. Between her and Asuka being longtime rivals, and DMG CTRL about to fall apart at a moment’s notice, Iyo could come out a top Face for the SmackDown Women’s Division. But I also do like that Bianca went after Asuka, that was a logical move. I just wish we got to see the sucker punch from Lacey live and not in a replay.
The MITB qualifiers were both good matches, but Zelina was a very obvious winner given Lacey’s attitude and how Zelina seems to be on a great push. Ford VS Knight was a bit closer, but the fans are just loving Knight, so it makes sense Knight won here. We’re also going to get great stuff out of next week’s matches, and I’m thinking Bayley, Iyo, Escobar and Dunne win. Bayley and Iyo because of the DMG CTRL breakup story they’re giving us, Escobar because the LWO tease they gave us, and Dunne because it won’t be Corbin since he’s got stuff brewing in NXT and Grimes just isn’t gonna let him win.
And what a spooky vignette from Fyre & Dawn. Just as it isn’t clear what they’re planning with having the Smackdown Women’s Championship on Raw and vice-versa, I’m not sure what’s going on with the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships still being up here on main roster. I don’t think they’d unify, nor do I want them to unify, mostly because Fyre & Dawn probably wouldn’t beat Ronda & Shayna. Well, Shayna didn’t do well against spooky given Twisted Alexa during pandemic era, but I still don’t think using supernatural elements would be enough to take out Ronda. Though it would be pretty funny to see.
My Score: 8.8/10
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