Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (8/7/20)
YOWIE WOWIE!
SmackDown is reeling from The Fiend’s return!
Alexa Bliss is somehow entangled in the wicked web connecting Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman! What is the fate of the Five Feet of Fury?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Matt Riddle VS Sheamus; Riddle wins, by disqualification.
- Cesaro w/ Shinsuke Nakamura VS Lince Dorado w/ Gran Metalik; Cesaro wins.
- Baron Corbin VS Jeff Hardy; Hardy wins, by disqualification.
- Sheamus VS Baron Corbin; Sheamus wins.
- Heavy Machinery VS The Miz & John Morrison w/ Sonya Deville; No Contest.
PLAY BY PLAY
The Swamp Fight had deeper repercussions than we could’ve imagined.
The Monster Among Men battled himself, Bray Wyatt, and temptation. Sister Abigail took the form of Alexa Bliss to trick Braun Strowman, and in the end that would allow the Eater of Worlds to drag him down into the depths. Firefly Bray claims he was just trying to help, “but now he is awake.” The Fiend wants the Universal Championship and will do whatever he must to get it! And so, when she was at her most vulnerable, Alexa Bliss became The Fiend’s newest victim!! “None of you are safe.” But then, why Alexa first? Is there a deeper meaning to what happened in that swamp?
SmackDown opens with the Firefly Fun House!
Bray has turned the Wall of Friends into the Wall of Braun! Before the fun starts, Bray wants to address something. “A bunch of haters have been sliding into my DM’s, blaming little ol’ me for what happened to Alexa Bliss last week.” Yowie wowie, if you want to blame anyone, blame Braun! How could he let something so horrific happen to someone he claims to care so much about? All Braun had to do was to give him what he wants. Now, Bray happens to know that he will be here later, “with someone very special.” He is waiting, Braun. And Bray advises Braun to just give him what he wants, or she will find out what he is truly capable of. Woo, Bray has the heeby jeebies just thinking about it! BYE~! See you later~! Will Braun save Alexa from The Fiend? Even if it costs him something he worked so hard to get?
Matt Riddle VS Sheamus!
Bro…! While the Wolf King wants to send Riddle back to NXT, that’s not something that can just happen. As for the Celtic Warrior, he wants to shake off his Bar Fight with Jeff Hardy to get back on track. Will Sheamus solve the Riddle problem before Chad Gable can cash in on the King’s Ransom? Or will the Fella lose big to the Bro?
The bell rings and Sheamus circles with Riddle. The crowd rallies for Riddle as he and Sheamus tie up. Sheamus powers Riddle to a corner, the two keep pushing but they break at the ref’s reprimand. Riddle and Sheamus circle, Riddle waistlocks, becomes a backpack but Sheamus gets the ropebreak. Riddle lets off and the two go again. Sheamus gets a headlock and takedown, but Riddle gets his shoulders up. Sheamus traps an arm, Riddle works on his escape, but Sheamus shifts to a keylock. Riddle gets around to waistlock, Sheamus wrenches back but Riddle rolls and gets a leg. Riddle trips Sheamus up but Sheamus gets away to stand off.
The two circle again, Riddle tests with a kick, then another. Sheamus headlocks again, Riddle powers him to ropes and throws some quick body shots. Sheamus lets go and the two stand off again. Sheamus grabs an arm, wrenches and knees low and hard! Sheamus stomps Riddle to the ropes but lets up at the ref’s count. Sheamus drags Riddle up, cranks on the arm and uses a chinbar to wrangle him down. Riddle endures as Sheamus leans on the hold. The crowd rallies up, Riddle fights up and throws body shots. Riddle gets the arm, drags Sheamus down in a partial Fujiwara! Sheamus endures, but Riddle pulls the fingers!
Sheamus crawls around, Riddle shifts to a keylock, then a mount. Sheamus moves around, Riddle makes it a cover, TWO! They separate, Riddle comes back, Sheamus gut wrenches to a POWERBOMB! The crowd boos but Sheamus throws haymakers on Riddle at the ropes. Sheamus whips but Riddle holds the ropes to deny it. The ref counts, Sheamus throws hands but Riddle still holds ropes. Riddle then hits back, dumps Sheamus to the apron but Sheamus hotshots Riddle down! Sheamus drags Riddle up to club away for the Bodhrain! Sheamus gets all 10 beats before the ref counts 4 and he lets Riddle fall. Sheamus climbs, but Riddle intercepts with a forearm, and down goes Sheamus! Riddle catches his breath while SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns and Sheamus thrashes Riddle around in a sleeper hold! Riddle endures, fights back, then runs, into the IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Sheamus gives him a second! And a third! Cover, TWO! Sheamus keeps Riddle down with a chinlock but the crowd rallies up. Riddle fights up, fights back with body shots, but Sheamus knees low. Sheamus back suplexes, Riddle lands on his feet and ROUNDHOUSES Sheamus down! The crowd is thunderous as both men slowly sit up. Sheamus stands first and brings Riddle up, but Riddle throws body shots! Riddle fires off fists and a boot, spins Sheamus around for the PELE!
Riddle kips up, forearms Sheamus in the corner, goes side to side and hits another! Then the BROSPLODER! PENALTY KICK! BROTON! Cover, TWO! Sheamus survives but Riddle keeps his focus. Riddle drops another Broton! Then he goes up top, FLOATING BRO but he lands on his feet as Sheamus dodges! Sheamus scoops Riddle and hits WHITE NOISE! Cover, TWO!! Sheamus seethes as Riddle still lives! Sheamus goes to a corner while Riddle stirs. The crowd is fired up again, even as Sheamus runs out. Riddle dodge the Brogue to GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Riddle is red in the face as he runs at Sheamus. Sheamus rolls Riddle, TWO! Tilt-o-whirl backbreaker! Sheamus runs but POSTS himself!
Sheamus tumbles out of the ring but Riddle pursues. Riddle comes around the way as the crowd fires up, and starts firing off Bro Kicks! Riddle throws forearms, Sheamus forearms and KNEES Riddle down! Riddle crawls and stumbles, and Chad Gable attacks!!
Winner: Matt Riddle, by disqualification
Gable just ruined the match but Riddle kicks him in return! Riddle throws Gable into the boards! And then LEAPS off the steps for a SUPER BRO PUNCH! Riddle bounces Gable off the desk over and over and over! Sheamus watches as Riddle throws Gable into the steps! Riddle takes aim, and Penalty Kicks Gable even deeper into the steps! Sheamus is more upset that Gable took away his win, but the Bro moves on. Sheamus drags Gable up into the ring, glares at Shorty G as he gets up, and Sheamus BROGUES Gable down!!
Sheamus demands to get a mic, and is given one. “What you think you’re doing?! Coming out and messing up my match, for what?! For Corbin’s bounty?!” Gable took what was Sheamus’, so he’s gonna get even more pain! ANOTHER BROGUE!! Will both Gable and Corbin stay out of Sheamus’ way from now on?
Baron Corbin talks with someone backstage.
The King happily offers Sarah a tour of SmackDown, but Sheamus barges in. Corbin is upset, but Sheamus says he’s lucky Sarah is here. Corbin’s minion cost Sheamus over this King’s Ransom rubbish. Corbin chuckles but Sheamus says if it happens again, Sheamus will kick Corbin’s head right off his shoulders, and shove that crown right up Corbin”s royal arse. Sheamus thinks he can? Sheamus dares Corbin to try him. Corbin says Sheamus is lucky he has Jeff Hardy to worry about, or he’d put a dent in Sheamus’ skull right now. Corbin leaves and Sarah shyly follows. Is this just the beginning of the war between Wolf King and Celtic Warrior?
SmackDown presents The Dirt Sheet!
It’s back! John Morrison introduces himself, and says no one is as underground as him. And The Miz is the Most Must-See WWE Superstar of all time, but we all saw the most tragic thing in the WWE ever. That is to say, Sonya Deville brutally attacking Mandy Rose backstage! Smearing the make-up was only part of it, as Sonya cut pieces of Mandy’s hair away! And smiled and laughed as she did! But before things could get uglier, pardon the pun, referees and security stopped Sonya.
Morrison says that often, they focus on gossip and pop culture, but sometimes something happens and it puts you back in touch with the real priorities. The Dirt Sheet’s considerable influence to- Wait, more technical difficulties? Wasn’t this solved after Raw? Well “Retribution” or whatever you guys call yourselves, you’re not scheduled for SmackDown! You’re a Raw thing! Anyhow, Miz says they are going to use their influence and power to the victim. It is brave of her to even be here, even if it is via satellite. Please welcome… Mandy’s Hair. On the titantron is basically a wig with googly eyes. “Hi~ guys~!” Morrison’s jacket looks great, even in this heat. Thanks, but tonight is about you, Mandy’s Hair.
Miz and Morrison can’t imagine what Mandy’s Hair went through! The savagery! The humiliation! And the lack of a proper blade. Is she okay? Well she’ll be the first to admit that the attack left her “shook” but what hurt the most was that Mandy hasn’t reached out to her once after the incident! The nerve! And for years, she never let Mandy down! Yeah, Mandy’s Hair has been held back, sometimes literally! Mandy just loves topknots! And Otis is always running his grubby fingers through her while he and that idiot Tucker babble on about meats and cheeses! EW~! EWWW~! Oh my goodness, and then she gets Photoshop’d her! She has beautiful roots but does anyone know that?! It’s okay, Mandy’s Hair. If you guys want Mandy’s Hair to cheer up, give us a Hair Yeah! “HAIR~ YEAH~!”
But what’s next? Mandy’s Hair will just take some “me time” to fix her split ends. The world has a lot to offer, such as moisturizer. It may be summer but it is snowy up in here~! Mandy’s scalp has more flakes than Kellogg’s! Can we get a hair yea? HAIR~ YEAH~! The crowd boos while Miz says the future is bright. Does she want Miz’s agent’s number? No need! After the buzz she got last week, she got a call from the people at Netflix~! Whoa! That’s incredible! Best of luck, Mandy’s Hair! It is not every day that Miz and Morrison have something special like this feel good moment right here. But to be honest, the real victim hasn’t been heard from. Everyone needs to give her the attention she deserves to tell her story. Give a Dirt Sheet welcome to… SONYA DEVILLE!
Sonya?! The victim!? The crowd boos even harder as Sonya walks to the ring and joins the hosts. Sonya says Mandy’s Hair is someone she can get behind: hardworking, self-motivated, self-made! Everything Mandy isn’t! And she already has a catchphrase: HAIR YEAH! But what compelled Sonya to do that in the first place? Sonya isn’t sure why there’s confusion at all. Sonya said she’d ruin Mandy’s life, make her as ugly as she is on the inside, so what’s the issue? To make something clear, Sonya is a woman of her word. She does what she says. Did she enjoy smashing Mandy’s face off that table? Absolutely. Did she enjoy smearing that perfect make-up and cutting her hair off? Absolutely!
The best part was that Mandy was so scared! And not because of the scissors or getting beat up, but because she is so concerned about her looks! It’s all she’s ever had! The Golden Goddess, God’s Greatest Creation! It’s kinda sad, really. Sonya would feel bad, but she doesn’t. Sonya has no respect for Mandy. Mandy is so weak! She was broken physically for being beaten twice, then emotionally for getting a haircut! And now, this terrible crowd expects Mandy to show up and get her revenge, but it won’t happen! Sonya’s already destroyed Mandy, but Mandy can come out and correct her if she’s wrong! But no Mandy, as Sonya thought. We have not heard from Mandy since last week. Not one social media selfie.
That’s Sonya’s point! Mandy got in by winning bikini contests. Oh, and she does have one other talent. Mandy won a Bumpy. But for what? For making out with Otis. Can’t make that up. She has a trophy for making out with someone. Just putting that out there. The only bright side, other than ruining Mandy’s career, is that she and Otis look like a couple now. Yeah, a couple of ogres! Morrison commends Miz on that joke. But here comes Heavy Machinery! They attack Miz and Morrison while Sonya bails out! Miz gets tossed, then Morrison gets thrown into a corner! Corner splash! Morrison goes down, Otis pumps up! But Miz saves Morrison before the Caterpillar can start up! Heavy Machinery wants after Miz and Morrison some more, but SmackDown first goes to break!
Cesaro w/ Shinsuke Nakamura VS Lince Dorado w/ Gran Metalik!
The Swiss Cyborg and King of Strong Style were celebrating in the “champion’s lounge” but told Lucha House Party to get out since the King of the Ropes “blew it” and lost his match for the Intercontinental Championship. Now the Golden Lynx will go after Cesaro for those comments! Will LHP shift back to the SmackDown Tag Team Championship hunt with a victory tonight?
The bell rings and Lince tests the waters with a kick. Cesaro powers Lince to a corner and throws body shots and knees! Cesaro whips corner to corner, Lince goes up and over then handsprings away. Lince baits Cesaro in, dodges and tilt-o-whirls, but Cesaro powers through to make it a backbreaker! Cesaro drags Lince up to EuroUpper him down! Cesaro drags Lince around but Lince kicks him back! Cesaro yanks Lince up, Lince lands on his feet, but Cesaro STO’s him back down! Cesaro knuckle locks, but Lince blocks the press to pop up and tilt-o-whirl headscissor Cesaro out! The lights flicker but Lince builds speed to FLY! Cesaro catches the senton to bring Lince up! Lince climbs the Plexiglas to come back and huricanrana Cesaro into the apron!
Lince clubs away and puts Cesaro back in the ring. Lince throws shoulders into Cesaro, slingshots up and over, cover, TWO! Lince goes back to the apron, enziguris Cesaro back, then springboards, into Cesaro’s arms! ANOTHER BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Cesaro is frustrated but he drags Lince back up to CLUB in the back! Cesaro traps an arm, then the other, and clubs away on Lince’s chest! He then puts Lince down to drop an elbow! Cover, TWO! Cesaro drags Lince into an armlock but the crowd and Metalik rally up. Lince fights, Cesaro has both arms, but Lince dropkicks free! Ceasro comes back but gets a jawbreaker!
Lince fires off body shots, CHOPS, then whips. Cesaro reverses, Lince boots him back, then Lince runs at Cesaro. Cesaro pops him up but Lince balances on Cesaro’s shoulders and flips back! Lince dodges Cesoar, handsprings, GOLDEN REWIND! Lince hurries to a corner and bottom rope moonsaults! Then the second rope moonsault! Lince wants the hat trick but Nakamura distracts! Lince swipes at him but Cesaro clubs Lince back. Cesaro has the crucifix lift for a Razor’s Edge, countered by a Rana! Cover, TWO! Cesaro EuroUppers Lince, Gotch NEUTRALIZER! Cover, Cesaro wins!
Winner: Cesaro, by pinfall
Though a tag team champion, Cesaro is still a superb singles wrestler! Will Cesaro and Nakamura continue to conquer the tag division one team at a time?
Otis’ rage is building backstage!
He shakes a frame but Tucker calms him down. They get their match with Morrison and Miz later tonight. Kayla Braxton comes by to speak to how Heavy Machinery put an end to a very disrespectful Dirt Sheet. They have a match, Otis is clearly upset, but can he channel it into the win? Miz and Morrison joke around, and Otis likes jokes, but this is crossing the line! Tucker says what Sonya did was despicable, and then Miz and Morrison pile on! Otis can handle a joke about himself, cuz he’s gotten it all since he was a kid. But when it comes to his sweet peach, he won’t stand for it! Miz and Morrison are going to find when they anger Otis, “no one is going to be laughing then!” And then Otis knocks the crate over with one hand! That rage is coming for the Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century, will Miz and Morrison survive?
The lights start going down in the ring!
That’s because HE is here!! The Fiend is live on SmackDown!! It’s time for Braun Strowman to make his decision, after the break.
SmackDown returns to The Fiend waiting under his red lights, with the siren sound screeching, and Alexa Bliss in the ring! It’s almost as if she was trapped in time until this moment. The Fiend slithers around, but she stops him from using the Mandible Claw. Alexa touches his face as if everything’s alright, but he pushes her away. Braun speaks to the “sadistic bastard.” Braun is on screen and says if he thought The Fiend could play with his emotions, he was wrong. Braun doesn’t care about Alexa anymore. All Braun cares about is destroying Bray. Braun knew there were only two ways he was getting out: one, by becoming the most evil SOB on earth; two, as man with the satisfaction that he spat in the devil’s face and tore him limb from limb. But since Bray is still standing, clearly Bruan has become the evil SOB.
Braun resisted but was pushed to his breaking point, and has let it out. The thing clawing and scratching inside him is out, and he is fulfilling his destiny! Braun is more than a man. He is a thing nightmares are made of! He is THE MONSTER! The Fiend can have whatever he wants, because at SummerSlam, The Fiend faces The Monster. Will Bray regret the moment Braun decided to let him in?
Baron Corbin VS Jeff Hardy!
The Wolf King isn’t just facing Jeff Hardy, he is facing a reinvigorated Charismatic Enigma! Will Hardy’s redemption story continue as he conquers the king? Or will Corbin do what Sheamus couldn’t and write the last chapter to it?
The bell rings and Corbin tells the crew to take good care of his robe and crown. Hardy rallies the fans as he circles with Corbin. They tie up, Hardy dodges the punch to atomic drop! Hardy throws hands, Corbin rebounds and Hardy wrenches to go after the arm! Hardy rams shoulders then clubs away more. Corbin breaks free but Hardy dodges and clobbers Corbin! Another atomic drop, take down and leg splitting leg drop! Basement dropkick added, and then a splash! Cover, TWO! Hardy is right on Corbin but Corbin uppercuts! Hardy staggers back but dodges, Corbin slides out then in but into a kick! No Twist just yet though as Corbin spins out and LARIATS! Cover, TWO!
Corbin is annoyed but he keeps on Hardy with a right hand! Corbin sits Hardy back up to hit him down again. Hardy sits up but Corbin brings him up by his hair. Corbin throws Hardy out of the ring and then goes out to pursue. The crowd boos at Corbin as he brings Hardy up and sets him on the announce desk. Corbin rains down right hands until Hardy flops over. The ref counts and is past 5 but Corbin puts Hardy in. Cover, TWO! Corbin grows even more annoyed but he looms over Hardy. Corbin sits Hardy up to drive elbows in over and over to both sides! Then he wraps Hardy up in a chinbar half nelson to grind Hardy down. Hardy endures and the crowd rallies up. Hardy fights up, fights back, but Corbin throws him back down!
Corbin cranks harder on the hold, but Hardy still endures. Hardy fights up slowly but fights out with body shots. Corbin throws Hardy to a corner and runs in, but Hardy dodges. Corbin slides out but Hardy wrecks him with a dropkick! Hardy goes after Corbin over and over on the barriers then bounces him off the boards! Hardy puts Corbin back in, runs but into DEEP SIX! Cover, TWO! Hardy survives and Corbin seethes but Corbin looms over Hardy again. Corbin drags Hardy up by an arm, whips but Hardy comes back with haymakers! Hardy tries a jawbreaker but gets a KNEE! Hardy falls out of the ring but then Sheamus BROGUES Hardy!!
Winner: Jeff Hardy, by disqualification
Sheamus returns the favor and Corbin is furious! Are these two going to throw down now?! SmackDown goes to break as the ref tries to keep the peace!
Sheamus VS Baron Corbin!
SmackDown returns and Sheamus is already firing off on Corbin in a corner! Sheamus stomps away then throws more haymakers. Sheamus knees, bumps Corbin off buckles and then drags Corbin up to rake the face! Corbin flounders, Sheamus stomps and knees him down, then knees him at the ropes. Sheamus throws EuroUppers, drags Corbin back up and whips. Corbin kicks back, runs but into a kitchen sink knee! Sheamus stalks Corbin to the apron, drags him up, and goes to put him in the Bodhrain. Corbin keeps fighting it off, then drops down and the ref backs Sheamus off. Sheamus goes out the side instead, but Corbin runs him over!
The crowd rallies up while Corbin refreshes the ring count. Corbin throws Sheamus into the boards! Then throws body shots! Sheamus stays standing but Corbin refreshes the count. Corbin brings Sheamus to the desk to bounce him off it over and over! Corbin puts Sheamus in, but Sheamus KNEES Corbin at the ropes! Sheamus runs to clothesline Corbin back out! Sheamus goes out to throw Corbin into the barriers! And now Sheamus gets to dribble Corbin off the desk! Sheamus refreshes the count, dribbles Corbin more, then POSTS him! Corbin rolls and flops, and Sheamus talks trash. Sheamus stands on Corbin, then brings him up and into the ring. Sheamus climbs up top, takes aim, but Corbin dodges! SIDEWALK SLAM! Cover, TWO!
Corbin rains down rights on Sheamus then snarls as he drags Sheamus up. Corbin POSTS Sheamus in return! And bends him back against the buckles to rain down more rights! The ref reprimands, Corbin lets off and brings Sheamus up. Corbin DECKS Sheamus with that right, then puts the chinbar half nelson on like he had on Hardy. Sheamus fights up but Corbin wrangles him down. Corbin cranks, Sheamus endures and fights up. Sheamus is on his feet but Corbin wrangles him right back down! Corbin leans on Sheamus but Sheamus continues to fight. The crowd rallies up harder and Sheamus throws body shots. Sheamus is free, he fireman’s carries Corbin, but Corbin fights out with elbows! Corbin shoves and LARIATS Sheamus down!
Both men are on the mat but Corbin gets up. Riddle flies in! Corbin avoids the flying knee, but Sheamus hits a BROGUE!! Cover, Sheamus wins!
Winner: Sheamus, by pinfall
Riddle fist bumps commentary while Sheamus celebrates, because payback is sweet! Will Corbin continue to pay for putting a price on The Bro’s head?
The Golden Role Models meet up backstage.
Sasha Banks asks Bayley if she’s okay but Bayley says she’s fine. Is this because Sasha volunteered Bayley to face Asuka on Raw? No! Why even bring that up? Though, they could’ve talked it over. Sasha isn’t worried about it! Bayley’s got this! And Sasha needs Bayley to do this because Asuka wants a rematch for Sasha’s Raw Women’s Championship! Well, yeah, but she also wants revenge for what Bayley did to Kairi Sane so… That doesn’t matter! This is not about Asuka! This is about them! They have all the gold! They did this! Not only are their role models, but Bayley is Sasha’s role model.
But then member of the staff comes by and informs them that they need to go to the ring. They’re going to be part of a video conference… with Stephanie McMahon. What?! Things just got a lot more complicated for the #DoubleDoubleChampChamps.
Backstage interview with Big E!
The New Day brethren, Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston, are sidelined for the time being, meaning Big E gets to venture out on his own. What are his plans? For the past five years, Big E has been a man who log rolled to the ring, who poured boxes of cereal on the heads of eager adults, and a man whose popcorn eating gif is widely used around the world. A proud accomplishment, truly. Big E has been entertainer, tag partner, and friend. But now, Big E finally answers, “What could have been if they just passed him the ball?”
The support from the WWE Universe and the cosigns from Woods and Kofi could be seen as a weight, as pressure. They are not burdens, they are not anchors, they lift him up! Big E may not know where his run will take him, but he assures us that he will give nothing less than ALL of himself! Because~! Um… New! Day Rocks! What else? New Day Rocks! YEEEAH~! Will Big E rock just as hard alone as with ya bois?
The Golden Role Models are in the ring.
Sasha and Bayley are waiting, but then Stephanie is on the titantron. She thanks them for taking this time, and actually takes this time to congratulate them. The two of them have achieved “insurmountable goals.” They wanted to win all the championships in the WWE, and from NXT to Raw to SmackDown, they’ve done that. Sasha thanks Stephanie for that, it means so much. Bayley thanks Stephanie, they needed that because of all the jealousy in the locker room right now. Especially since all they’re trying to do is be role models for the girls around the world. Like Stephanie’s girls! They’re just finishing what Stephanie started with the Women’s Revolution.
And what a job they’ve done. Traveling to all three brands, doing whatever it takes to win. Like being a “guest referee” at Extreme Rules, or making a mockery of the stipulation Stephanie put in place when Bayley brutally attacked Kairi to make Asuka get counted out. Did Sasha not know that part? Stephanie isn’t sure about being role models, but they have everyone’s attentions. Including hers. Sasha defends that they’ve just been doing what’s “best for business,” like Stephanie! They’re following Stephanie’s example! They’re fans of Stephanie and Triple H! Everything they can on the WWE Network, available for just $9.99!
Stephanie wants them to relax. She isn’t one to hold a grudge. She is a McMahon! Umm… Well, Stephanie says she won’t lecture them, but she will challenge them. SummerSlam will see Sasha defending her Raw Women’s Championship, and it could very well be against Bayley’s opponent on Monday, “the talented, dynamic and vengeful” Asuka. As for Bayley, remember those enemies she’s made across all three brands? All of them will have a chance for retribution when they compete in a Triple Brand Battle Royal to name a #1 contender to the SmackDown Women’s Championship! “Now that’s what’s best for business.” Things are pretty bad as it is, are they only getting worse for the Golden Role Models?
Sonya talks with Miz and Morrison backstage.
How did she get in Mandy’s hair? Kayla comes by to interview Miz and Morrison. After tonight’s Dirt Sheet, do they regret taking things too far? Oh sorry they were too sophisticated out there. Miz and Morrison are professionals. Sometimes comedy offends. Morrison says those two ham ‘n’ eggers get confused, mad, and then make mistakes. It’s called gamesmanship. These two here are physical specimens. NO! Physical marvels! And mental giants! It won’t take much to outwit Otis. It’s like playing chess against a pig. If you can’t stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen. Though Otis has never stayed out of any kitchen.
Kayla just wants to warn them that this is the angriest she’s ever seen Otis. Oh, what’s he gonna do? Eat them? Otis did promise that no one would be laughing. Miz and Morrison know Heavy Machinery is big, tough and ferocious in catering. So excuse them while they prepare for the match. That showdown is after the break!
Heavy Machinery VS The Miz & John Morrison w/ Sonya Deville!
We’ve heard enough talk, it’s time to fight! Will Otis and Tucker bulldoze the former SmackDown Tag Team Champions to finally shut the A-Lister and Guru of Greatness up?
The teams sort out, Tucker starts with Morrison and they circle. Morrison ROCKS Tucker with a right, kicks away, but Tucker gets to a corner. Tucker comes back, Morrison goes Eddy Gordo and kicks low. Tucker grabs a leg for a BIG takedown and cover, TWO! Tucker clamps on with a waistlock but Morrison gets up, only to get thrown! Tucker grinds Morrison down while Sonya tries to coach Morrison. Morrison fights up and fights free, but Tucker swats the roundhouse away. Morrison ducks a punch but not the LARIAT! The crowd is fired up while Sonya is annoyed. Tucker drags Morrison up, puts him in the corner and tags Otis.
Otis whips Tucker in for a corner splash! Morrison is fed to a BIG shoulder tackle that sends him flying! Otis drags Morrison up, whips but Morrison rolls off his back. Tag to Miz, Miz kicks the gut but that just powers Otis up. Miz kicks again but Otis only grows stronger! Miz CHOPS, but Otis just tears off the shirt! Otis headbutts, runs and belly bumps Miz down! Tag to Tucker, Heavy Machinery marches around to shout out the Bushwhackers, and then BELLY SANDWICH Miz! Miz bails out, Tucker aims from the apron, and CANNONBALLS! Tucker takes out Miz and Morrison, Heavy Machinery is all fired up as SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns again and Tucker is in a facelock but powering his way to the corner. Miz pulls hair and knees low to then BOOT Tucker away. Tag to Morrison but Tucker ROCKS him! Tucker elbows Miz away then rocks Morrison again. Miz spins Tucker around, A-List Combination with a springboard stomp added on! Cover, TWO! Morrison grounds ‘n’ pounds with a rain of forearms. Morrison circles Tucker and kicks him low! Morrison runs but Tucker kicks from the mat! Tucker rises as Morrison clutches the knee, Tucker throws a haymaker! Morrison forearms back, then hits low! SHINING WIZARD!
Tag to Miz and they drag Tucker up. They double GUT BUSTER Tucker, but that only hurts Morrison’s knee. Miz adds the basement DDT and covers, TWO! Sonya creeps closer to Otis’ corner but Miz mocks the belly. Miz kicks Tucker down, chokes Tucker on the ropes, then lets up so Morrison can get a cheap shot! “Hey hey hey! HO HO~!” MC M I Z and Johnny Drip Drip try to get the crowd going on their side, but it doesn’t work. Miz drags Tucker around, tag to Morrison, the 21st Century Classic backfires as Tucker uses the catapult to DECK Morrison! Tucker sits down on Miz, then crawls for his corner! The crowd rallies up, hot tag to Otis!
The Dozer rallies on Miz and Morrison with big lariats and elbows! FLAPJACK for Morrison! Morrison is put in a corner, Otis scoops and slams Miz, then he catches Morrison for a HUGE EXPLODER! Sonya freaks out as Otis fires up. Otis goes corner to corner to splash Morrison in the corner, then has a target in the drop zone! Caterpillar and ELBOW! Cover, but Miz breaks it! Tucker drags Miz and Morrison out, runs but is send into Plexiglas! Otis chases Miz but is sent into steel steps! Everyone is down on the outside other than Sonya, and then a short-haired Mandy attacks!! Mandy chases Sonya and they brawl against the ring! Sonya tackles Mandy down but Mandy fights back! They end up in the ring, the ref has to throw this one out!
No Contest
Mandy fires off on Sonya, Sonya hits back, the ref tries to stop this but Sonya shoves him away! Mandy tackles Sonya now, fires off more hands, but Heavy Machinery come in. They get Mandy back while Miz and Morrison get Sonya, but Mandy breaks free to tackle Sonya again! The brawling continues, the two teams pull the scrap apart, but Sonya gets free to tackle Mandy! Heavy Machinery get Mandy out of the ring to fall back, but this is far from over as SmackDown goes to one more break!
SmackDown returns to more brawling backstage!
Mandy and Sonya are NOT letting it end! Adam Pearce jumps in and shouts that they need to stop! Mandy just shouts at Sonya that Sonya should get closer so Mandy can rip every hair out of Sonya’s head! But then the lights go completely out, come back up, and something is happening ringside!! That group of anarchist maniacs, “The Retribution,” are invading SmackDown!! They’ve got pipes, bats and whatever else blunt to smack the ring! Run, Corey!! Run, Michael!! The five trouble starters take the ring, but they tell the camera man, “This is OUR house now!” Maybe you should leave and go home! Now the camera men are targets!! They run, leaving the cameras behind!
Now Retribution dares the crowd of NXT prospects to do something. And then they just go after them anyway! They mug one guy in particular, then dare a female superstar to do something. She tries to run but gets caught! The Retribution toy with her, then BOOT her down! And DECK her into the Plexiglas! Hair starts spilling out of the hoods but who are these five? They go back to the ring and shout, “This is OURS now!” They fires themselves up to TIP THE DESK! There’s a bag, and from it, is spray paint cans! The Retribution shake them up and start spraying on the boards. They spray an X through the WWE logos! And a line through the SmackDown logo! “All of this is OURS!” And then they produce a chainsaw?! They cut the ring apart, starting with the ropes! But who even are these five? And who can stop them?
My Thoughts:
Well damn. I’m not sure what to make of this episode, other than it was really wild. Between the extended recap, the Firefly Fun House segment and then the response segment, this story of Braun and Bray is continuing to take great twists. I don’t think they played up Alexa’s calmer reaction to The Fiend this week as much as they should have. Is it a sign that Alexa is herself starting to understand her role in this? And Braun saying he’s become a true monster, ditching the “among men” part because he’s no longer human, that was some quality stuff. I wonder if Alexa is used to cost him after all, as she and Bray doubt he was telling the truth about not caring about her. At the same time, that would just be another odd finish, and I don’t think WWE should do those anymore. The only match that ended 100% clean as Cesaro VS Lince.
Cesaro VS Lince was a great match, and it makes a lot of sense for Cesaro to win. Yes, Lucha House Party needs to look good enough to challenge the tag champions, but Cesaro’s power level is just that high that Lince wasn’t going to win. The intertwining stories of Sheamus, Riddle, Corbin and Jeff Hardy was all great, but again they all had less than clean finishes. In a vacuum, it works out great because Sheamus is riding the Tweener line against Corbin, a brilliant move, and all four guys could easily be fighting in a match to name a contender to the Intercontinental or even Universal Championship. But when you look at everything that’s happening for both Raw and SmackDown, very disappointing because it means WWE isn’t willing to commit to something right now.
I do love the position Stephanie is putting Bayley and Sasha in. Bayley is upset with Sasha for putting her up against Asuka, and she might just let Asuka win to avoid getting hurt. And now, a TRIPLE BRAND Battle Royal will name a contender, which is the best move because it means NXT still counts as the third brand when they haven’t really joined in on much since the Royal Rumble. Depending on who is in it, there might be some obvious favorites, but I hope this is a way to help someone rise up in the ranks. It could even be a way of moving an NXT female superstar to SmackDown.
The Dirt Sheet was so dorky but moderately funny. The better part, of course, was with Sonya and then the brawls and the tag match and all that. But for all the fire Otis had backstage, where was it in the match? He was basically the same as before! It feels like they forgot what they had him and Kayla and everyone else say when writing the match. Mandy’s return was great, and her cleaning up her haircut to be a nice short cut looks nice. Maybe they should’ve had Sonya do more to her hair so that she’d have to go even shorter. I fully expect a Mixed Six Tag before respective blow-offs at SummerSlam. This could even be Heavy Machinery’s way of moving into tag title contention.
And of course, the insanity that ended the night is the biggest thing. Miz and Morrison namedropping “The Retribution” and mockingly saying how they were just a Raw thing was all actually foreshadowing. As for what they did, it was the usual “this is kayfabe so no one is actually going to get hurt” level of violence. Nexus, for those who remember that, did WAY more damage. But remembering how Daniel Bryan choked Justin Roberts and that’s why Bryan was fired for that time, no “chaotic group” in WWE can ever go that far again. Which kinda hurts them being able to do these angles at all. Also, a chainsaw? I was more worried about the five people than the ring. And there could’ve actually been more chaos if SmackDown stars tried to overwhelm them before the chainsaw came out!
Meanwhile, it isn’t 100% clear who is under the masks and the hoods, but there are some subtle hints. For one, we can assume these are all NXT superstars who haven’t been on NXT for some time, because despite being called “The Retribution,” it is unlikely that WWE rehired superstars they released months ago. The ring leader could very well be Lio Rush, but that’s just a guess based on how he sounded while yelling. The hair of the one female member, that has to be Vanessa Borne. The other female member could be Chelsea Green, she fired Robert Stone and then just disappeared. No clue on the two that tipped the desk, though. Was there anyone we didn’t see in the crowd this time?
My Score: 8.3/10
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Hockey Talk- What About Bob? [053023]
Hockey Talk returns just in time for the Stanley Cup Finals. On this Episode, Patrick & Dave recap what has...
Down The Wire: LeBron, Carmelo, Deandre Hopkins, OH MY!
Join the Brothers Wortz as they cover professional sports in an unprofessional manner!
Down The Wire: No Coach is Safe, Over/Under NFL Win Totals, Are the Yankees Cheating?
Join the Brothers Wortz as they cover professional sports in an unprofessional manner!
Down The Wire: NBA Playoffs, Bucks Coaching Search and NFL QB Tier List
Join the Brothers Wortz as they cover professional sports in an unprofessional manner!
Hockey Talk- Choking Chokers [050923]
On this weeks Hockey Talk, Patrick & Dave look at some epic choke jobs that punctuated the end of the...
Bandwagon Nerds #185: Incursion Version
On this week’s BWN, the Nerds take a look at the final trailer for The Flash and discuss some rumors...
Bandwagon Nerds #184: Killing In The Name Of
The Nerds take a leisurely stroll through the Trailer Park to review some of the latest big time trailers including...
The 5×5: SNL Musical Guests
This week, Patrick brings back the 5×5 with special guest PC Tunney and they present their five best and five...
Bandwagon Nerds #183: Willem DaF***in’ Dafoe
This week Patrick, Tunney and Rey gather on the Bandwagon for another week of nerdtastic greatness. With no movie or...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (5/10/23)
Get ready for a spectacle!
Mindless Wrestling Podcast: Weekend Wrestling Extravaganza!!
Night of Champions! Battleground! Impact and yes, even a little AEW! Wrestling fans were absolutely fed this weekend. DJ, Rob...
Mitchell’s AEW Rampage Results & Report! (6/2/23)
Champions are on a Rampage!
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (6/2/23)
Is the Bloodline finished?
DWI Podcast #378: Of Course, DJ Has Off Tomorrow!
Like an angel sent from heaven lol, DJ from the @TheMindlessPod joins us this week. Night of Champions, AEW Collision...
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (6/1/23)
THREE titles, one night!
Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (5/31/23)
The hand has been dealt!
Greg DeMarco Show: BETRAYAL!
A highly entertaining edition of The List features Wrestling Betrayals! Plus Vince McMahon changes everything on this week's Greg DeMarco...
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (5/30/23)
It's about to get TOXIC!
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (5/29/23)
Monday Night of Champions!
Mitchell’s NXT Battleground Results & Report! (5/28/23)
Will Bron break... HIM?
-
AEW Coverage6 days agoMitchell’s AEW Double or Nothing Results & Report! (5/28/23)
-
Coverage6 days ago
Mitchell’s NXT Battleground Results & Report! (5/28/23)
-
Coverage5 days ago
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (5/29/23)
-
Coverage6 days agoMitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/28/23)