Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (11/29/21)
Monday gets Rated R!
It’s a monumental Monday Night Raw!
The Rated R Superstar, EDGE, returns to Raw on a night filled with gold! Will RKBRO still reign over the tag division? Will Damian Priest hold onto the WWE US Championship?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Finn Balor VS Seth Rollins; Rollins wins.
- Raw Tag Team Championships: RKBRO VS The Dirty Dawgs; RKBRO wins and retains the titles.
- The Street Profits VS The Alpha Academy; The Street Profits win.
- WWE United States Championship: Damian Priest VS Apollo Crews w/ Azeez; Priest wins and retains the title.
- The Mysterios VS The Hurt Business; The Mysterios win.
- 10 Woman Tag: Team Liv VS Team Becky; Team Liv wins.
- WWE Championship Contenders Match: Big E VS Kevin Owens; Kevin wins, by disqualification, and is added to the title match at WWE Day 1.
PLAY BY PLAY
Finn Balor VS Seth Rollins!
The Prince and The Visionary were supposed to have this match last week, but Rollins saw to it that all Balor got was a beat down! Will Balor return the favor and beat down Rollins to open the night?
Before the match, Rollins has a mic and says, “After last week, you guys might expect me to be in a bad mood. But I’m Seth Freakin’ Rollins, and nobody can keep me down! Not Kevin Owens, not Finn Balor, not Big E, not anybody else!” But there is a special reason Rollins is in a good mood: “I’ve got a secret~!” Some breaking news, even! Wanna hear it? You wanna hear it? The fans do, so give us a drum roll. It is official! At Day One, Atlanta, Georgia, Big E VS Rollins for the WWE Championship! And what a fitting name. It will be the first day of a new year, the first day of a new era, and the first day of Rollins’ next reign!
“A reign that will define the future of Monday nights! Because I am a Visionary! I am a revolutionary! I am Seth! Freakin’! Rollins!” But here comes Balor! And he tackles Rollins! Rollins throws Balor off but Balor DECKS him! Rollins bails out, Balor runs and CLOBBERS Him into the timekeeper’s area! Balor bumps Rollins off the apron, then TOSSES him over the announce desk! Balor kicks Rollins then throws him into the ring! Rollins DECKS Balor, then ruins, to DIVE! Direct hit, even with the jacket on! Rollins throws his jacket off but Balor SLINGBLADES Rollins down! Balor pulls the steel steps apart! And he RAMS Rollins down!
Balor puts Rollins back in the ring, the ref has Balor stand down and Rollins demands they ring the bell. The bell rings, Balor SHOTGUNS Rollins down! Balor climbs, but Rollins bails out. So Balor FLIES! Direct hit at the ramp and Balor is fired up as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Rollins reverses a whip, only for Balor to reverse it to a DDT! Cover, TWO! Balor grits his teeth and he KICKS Rollins to the ropes. Balor stomps away on Rollins, but Rollins gets up to hotshot Balor back! Rollins springboards but Balor gets under. Balor GAMANGIRIS from the apron, climbs up top, but Rollins trips him up! Rollins climbs up, brings Balor up, but Balor throws body shots. Balor shoves Rollins down, but Rollins comes right back! SUPERPLEX! Roll through and FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Rollins seethes, goes to the apron and climbs up the corner. Rollins FROG SPLASHES onto knees! Cover, TWO!!
Balor trips Rollins to DOUBLE STOMP! Cover, TWO! Balor aims from a corner, Rollins stands, but he avoids the slingblade to shove, run and SLINGBLADE Balor! SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Rollins seethes, fans rally up, Rollins rains down forearms and hammer fists! Rollins goes to a corner, fans boo and jeer, but Rollins aims at Balor. Rollins runs in, into a SLINGBLADE! Balor SHOTGUN dropkicks again! Rollins is down, Balor goes up top! COUP DE- NO, Rollins moves! But Balor avoids the stomp to roll up, TWO! Both men forearm each other down! Fans build to a rally, “This is Awesome!” as both men stand.
Rollins and Balor forearm again, then forearm back and forth over and over. Rollins gets the edge, ROLLING ELBOW, but Balor PELES! Balor reels Rollins in but Rollins PELES back! Rollins ripcords but Balor gets around, ELBOW DROP DDT! Dragon sleeper, but Rollins gets Balor in the eye! Rollins runs in, spins Balor, DREAM SMASHER ELBOW! CURB STOMP!! Cover, Rollins wins!!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall
The Architect saves himself and snatches away the win! Will he snatch the title away from Big E on New Year’s Day?
Vince McMahon is visited by Austin Theory.
They have a seat and Vince doesn’t need Theory to be all nice. No one really wants to know how Mr. McMahon is doing. It’s all phony. But what wasn’t phony was Theory’s match with Big E last week. Vince is sure Theory was surprised. But he was ready for it. So tonight, guess what’ll happen? Theory will sit here in the office to watch to show with Vince. And they’ll see if there are any surprises tonight. We’ll see if anyone expects the unexpected, and if they do, how they respond. And also, if Theory ever steals from Vince again, he will kill him. Understood.
Becky Lynch is here!
The Man’s come around to Long Island, and she’s ready to put pen to paper. She and Liv Morgan make it official with a Raw Women’s Championship contract signing, after the break.
Raw returns and Sonya Deville is in the ring, along with the table and armchairs. Sonya welcomes us to the contract signing, and says in the ring is the reigning, defending, Raw Women’s Champion, #BigTimeBecks, Becky Lynch! Becky says we can get Lil’ Livvy out here now. Yes, it is the “rebellious” Liv Morgan! Liv makes her entrance, joins the others in the ring, and Becky realizes this is Liv’s first contract signing. Liv can thank Becky for that. Liv looks proud of her sucker punch, huh? First bit of fire out of her. You can thank Becky for that, too. Becky wanted to see if Liv had that fire in her. She has one hell of a right.
But then what? Liv did nothing? She held back like she always does. One punch doesn’t beat Becky, but Liv knows that, too. So what’s gonna happen when it comes to the big fight? Liv gonna hold back again? Gonna prove Becky wrong? Becky knows the answer but that’s on Liv to prove. Becky’s signed her part, but Sonya, go ahead and tell Liv how long she has to decide. Well this match happens next Monday on Raw. Oh, wow, Long Island must be salty. The other place gets the title match, not them. Well, considering the crappy hockey team, the Islanders, hasn’t won a thing, nothing different, huh? But never fear, Big Time Becks-
“Would you please just shut up for once?!” Liv signs her part, while staring Becky down, and then says if she’s not holding back, here goes. Liv got upset last week. But Liv channeled the emotion into her first, instead of becoming a big blubbering mess. Like Becky crying about Charlotte after Survivor Series. Oh, Becky didn’t forget about that, did she? Liv sure didn’t. Liv even has the footage ready, courtesy of WWE’s social media team. Let’s look at the tron. Becky was emotional speaking on how she and Charlotte went through so much. The fact they despise each other now, Becky was ready to rip Charlotte apart. Becky didn’t break Charlotte’s arm, she isn’t sure how to feel about that, but she won.
Wow~! Who knew Big Time Becky could cry like a baby. But guess what else? Becks is the reason why her friend is gone, just like that big fat greedy contract is why Liv’s friends are gone. Becky is nothing but a bully, so tell us. How does it feel knowing that Becky has become everything she once despised? Becky hates Charlotte for making her number tow, but Liv is supposed to be Becky’s? Too bad. Liv’s learned from Becky’s mistakes. This isn’t the Becky Liv once admired and this isn’t the Liv Becky left behind. So if Liv’s punch wasn’t enough to show her that, maybe the next one will! But Sonya keeps the peace!
Becky says that was big emotion after a big match! Liv wouldn’t know anything about that! And some of them deserve to get paid. Now, if Liv would’ve let Becky finish, Becky would’ve shared she has a big opportunity for Liv. If Liv thinks she can be a leader and a champion, well then Becky pitched a little match, a little 5v5, Team Liv VS Team Becks tonight. Put the graphic up! Sonya cues up the teams, and Liv gets Bianca Belair, Dana Brooke, Rhea Ripley & Nikki A.S.H. to take on Becky, Tamina, “Doudrop” Piper Niven, and the NEW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, Carmella & Queen Zelina Vega. Liv says Becky is way too selfish to ever be a real leader. Challenge accepted!
Liv drops the mic but Becky raises the belt. Will Liv prove she’s ready in tonight’s 10 Woman Tag?
RKBRO meets up backstage.
Matt Riddle scoots up, and asks where Randy Orton’s shorts are. He looks rad as usual, but after last week with Riddle being Randy, he thought Randy would be Riddle. Why in the hell would he do that? Because they totally Freaky Friday’d last week. Imagine if they remade that movie with RKBRO! Plus, Riddle did so great hitting an RKO, and then he saw Orton hit the Bro Derek, and then he “saw the lettuce flowing from your head,” and just thought they’d both be scootering around. Orton gets Riddle to stop right there. They’re defending their tag titles. If Riddle thinks Orton was going to ride his scooter to the ring bare foot, then Riddle’s more brain dead than Orton first thought.
Orton says he does appreciate Riddle, but they don’t need to dress up as each other to keep the titles. They need to be more ruthless than anyone else, and stay ten steps ahead. Got that? Yes, but could Orton do him a favor? He wants Orton to close his eyes. Orton does, and Riddle puts a wig on him! Orton sees himself in the mirror and says Riddle has two seconds to get this off his head. One- Riddle takes the wig away. Don’t ever do that again. Sorry… The music hits and RKBRO heads out. Will the Viper and the Stallion stay golden against the Glorious One and the Show-Off?
Raw Tag Team Championships: RKBRO VS The Dirty Dawgs!
Raw returns and the Dawgs make their entrance. The titles are raised and we see if Ziggler & Roode return to title glory.
The bell rings and they attack RKBRO from behind! Orton goes down, Ziggler bumps Riddle off buckles, tag to Roode. POWERBOMB NECKBREAKER COMBO! Cover, TWO! Roode DECKS Orton, stomps Riddle, then tags Ziggler. Catapult into the SATELLITE DDT! Cover, TWO! Ziggler keeps on Riddle with a sleeper and body scissors but fans rally up. Riddle fights up, Ziggler brings him around, but Riddle throws body shots. Riddle reaches out but Ziggler pulls hair to stop the tag! Ziggler has Riddle in an open corner, throws body shots, then haymakers. Ziggler runs but Riddle dodges the splash! Ziggler hits buckles, Riddle crawls over, but Ziggler anchors a foot.
Riddle BOOTS Ziggler, hot tags Orton! The Viper rallies on the Dawgs! He dodges Ziggler to POWERSLAM on the return! Fans fire up, Orton has Ziggler on the apron and through the ropes. But Roode anchors Ziggler’s feet and save shim from the DDT. So Orton drags Roode up! Ziggler drags Orton down, Orton fights the Dawgs off! Orton SMACKS Ziggler off the desk, then back suplexes, but Ziggler lands on his feet! SUPERKICK! Riddle runs over but Roode kicks him down! Roode gives Riddle the DESK BACK SUPLEX! The Dawgs are fired up as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Ziggler tags in. The Dawgs mug Orton, Ziggler fires body shots in the corner. The ref counts, Ziggler lets off and tags Roode back in. Ziggler whips Roode for Roode to whip Ziggler, SPLASH in the corner! Feed to a kick and a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Roode does push-ups to show off, then CLUBS Orton down. Roode wraps on a chinlock, fans rally as Orton endures. Orton fights up, but Roode wrangles him down! Roode talks trash while grinding the hold, but Orton fights up. Orton reaches out but Roode keeps him away from Riddle. Orton slips around to hit a BIG back suplex! Fans fire up as Orton crawls, hot tag to Riddle!
Ziggler tags in but Riddle gets around to ripcord FINAL FLASH! Riddle spins Roode around to PELE! Riddle kips up and forearm smashes Ziggler for a BROSPLODER! Then a forearm smash and BROSPLODER to Roode! BROTON for Roode! BROTON for Ziggler! PENALTY KICK for Ziggler! Roode gets in the ropes but Riddle kicks him! Fans fire up as Riddle copies Orton, DRAPING DDT! Tag to Orton and fans fire up as RKBRO both hear voices, bro! The Dawgs slowly get up, but they deny the double RKO’s. Roode clotheslines Riddle out, Ziggler ZIGZAGS! Cover, TWO!! Ziggler is furious that his best shot doesn’t win it!
Fans are thunderous for “RANDY! RANDY!” as Ziggler aims. Orton rises, but he blocks the superkick and rolls Ziggler, RKO!! Cover, RKBRO wins!
Winners: RKBRO, by pinfall (still Raw Tag Team Champions)
The Viper and the Stallion stand tall as another tag team falls! Will they continue to reign into the new year?
Kevin Owens finds Seth Rollins backstage.
Rollins stops laughing and asks what Kevin wants. Well an exciting night. Big win tonight, title match at Day 1. But Rollins isn’t the only one with big news. Kevin has something? Yes, and it kinda involves Rollins. If Kevin wins against Big E tonight, he’ll be added to the match at Day 1. Rollins laughs, thinking Kevin is joking. But he’s not. This is the truth. No, there’s no way. This is a lie. It is Rollins’ match. Until Kevin beats Big E. Just go ask Pearce. The bald guy. Rollins will go ask because he doesn’t believe Kevin because Kevin’s a liar. Rollins heads off to find Pearce, will he find out Kevin is actually being honest?
Rollins finds Adam Pearce.
Rollins doesn’t want to take up too much time, but what the hell is Kevin talking about? What is he talking about? That Pearce told Kevin that if Kevin wins tonight, he’s added to the match at Day 1. Well Rollins should know not to trust Kevin or anything that comes out of his mouth. Pearce said no such thing, and hasn’t even seen Kevin at all tonight. Of course Kevin was lying. Alright, then it’s just Rollins VS Big E at Day 1. Have a great Raw. Rollins says hey to Sonya on his way out, and she asks Pearce what this was about. Pearce explains about Kevin lying, and then Sonya says that isn’t a bad idea. Did Kevin’s lie just get the ball rolling?
Edge heads to the ring!
The Rated R Superstar is back on Raw, and the fans go nuts! But what’s he got planned? We’ll find out, after the break.
Raw returns and Edge says this is the best job in the world, he missed the fans. Yes, he’s back. Last time they saw him, he survived a war in Hell in a Cell with Seth Rollins. And now, Rollins is the #1 contender to the WWE Championship. Edge never thought he’d say this, but Rollins deserves it, he’s on a different level right now. But that’s a different story now. Edge is here to talk about how he’s on Raw! And how he’s in #StrongIsland! And there is a whole new set of opponents Edge can sink his teeth into. AJ Styles, Kevin Owens, Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Big E. “It’s really exciting, because everything’s wide open.”
But THE MIZ is back!! And he brought Maryse, too! Miz & Mrs are literally shining in silver and crystals after Miz’s run on Dancing with the Stars, and they’re headed right to the ring. They get the mics and Edge is rather confused to see them. “They gave you the big return treatment. They gave you the big press release, ‘Tune into Monday Night Raw! Edge is back!'” But Edge has been gone a month? Is this Edge’s career now? The big comeback? Injured, comeback. Time off, comeback. Retired, just kidding, comeback. Meanwhile, Miz was representing WWE on a weekly basis and showcasing that the WWE superstars are the greatest entertainers in the world!
Miz got hurt, he got carted in a wheelchair. He takes time off to elevate what it is to be a superstar! And yet no big return, no pyro, not even people clambering for him. What irks Miz the most is that tonight, right here and right now, one of the greatest female superstars in the history of this company, his wife, Maryse, is BACK! And yet, Miz hears the list Edge has his eye on and he forgets The Miz. Is Miz not on Edge’s radar? Well Edge thought Miz was still painting himself like a genie and dancing. Maryse says while Edge was busy chopping wood, Miz was busy being the most entertaining, most charismatic and the best dancer on the entire show! Didn’t he come in ninth?
In everyone’s minds, Miz won! The only reason Miz placed where he was, was because the supposed most “devoted and loyal fanbase” forgot to vote for him! Jojo Siwa has a more devoted fanbase! Fans boo, they’re not taking the Blame for this. And while Miz danced with the stars, Edge danced with an injury riddled body. So, wait, Miz wants to come out and complain because Edge got the press. But Miz could’ve gone to management and waited until they got what they deserve. But they didn’t, so it’s clear to Edge they have a different agenda. They’re interrupting Edge to place themselves in the main event picture.
Edge could take the easy route and get the fans to scream at the top of their lungs that Miz sucks. Y’know, like this. One, two, three. “MIZ SUCKS!” Miz says, “How dare you. How dare all of you!” Miz is an era defining superstar who deserves respect! He’s not here to place himself in the main event picture when he was WWE Champion six months ago! When was the last time Edge held a title? Right, Edge was the opener to Miz’s main event at WrestleMania! Edge was great in the ring, has a career that most superstars only dream of. But Miz surpassed him long ago. And in Miz’s opinion, Edge should’ve just stayed home for good.
Okay, so Miz is verbally attacking Edge to hang it up. That Edge is dancing with a body that can’t hang. And Miz is right. Edge can’t do this for much longer. The window is small. But Edge fought with every fiber of his being to get this window back. Edge is the guy people want to stand across the ring from and test themselves. They respect Edge, Edge respects them, aka mutual respect, something Miz knows nothing about. Something Miz could’ve and still could have, but he just walks out here, bitches and moans that he doesn’t have this or that, “Lil’ Mizzy needs a pat on the back, does he?”
Edge will give the pat on the back and he means all of this. Miz made it here, standing across the ring from Edge through Tough Enough. Miz wrote notes on his hands and made it all the way to facing John Cena at Mania, and beat him. Miz did that. Edge did “jerk the curtain” that same night, yeah. Miz has people on other shows saying his name just to get a cheap reaction! Miz lives rent free in a lot of heads. He’s built an empire, a mansion and a beautiful family. Miz has made it further or higher anyone ever thought he would or could! Except for Miz. Miz thought it, believed it, and made it happen.
“But the big difference between you and I is that I fought with every fiber of my being to get this small window back. Where you, you use this to get notoriety for your next endeavor.” Next reality show, next dance show, while he leaves his friends high and dry to get fired. But the biggest difference is that Miz expects respect while Edge earns it! Take the shades off, stare Edge down, they can go right now. Edge dares Miz to jump! Miz takes off the sunglasses, the headband, and starts to undo the jacket. They wanna see Miz and Edge dance? “NO.” Miz won’t give Edge or the fans the satisfaction of being egged on, but then when will the Awesome One and the Rated R Superstar throw down?
AJ Styles and Omos talk backstage.
Sarah walks over, Styles needs to be guided. Does he have any insight as to why the Street Profits used a fire extinguisher on them last week? Insight? Is that a vision joke? Styles knows why! The Profits can’t beat the Phenomenal One and his personal colossus! Styles has glasses because he can’t see! HE couldn’t even see himself in the mirror! Did someone snicker? That’s not funny! Omos had to help with his beard! The doctors aren’t even sure if Styles will ever get his vision back. Those smoke enthusiasts have blinded him! But that’s okay. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire! Styles promises the Profits, they’ll get burned. Omos helps guide Styles backstage, will the Profits not see payback coming?
The Street Profits VS The Alpha Academy!
Speaking of the Profits, Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins head out to settle another score. Will they be the ones taking Otis and “Master” Chad Gable to school tonight?
Raw returns and Styles goes to ringside, with Omos helping him down the ramp. As for the match, Ford and Otis start. Otis throws body shots, whips Ford to a corner, but Ford goes up and over, only to get run over! Omos helps Styles get to the announce desk while Otis hotshots Ford off ropes! “For the Academy!” Otis puts Ford in the corner, tags Gable, and whips Gable in for a monkey flip! Otis drops a leg, brother! Gable covers, Dawkins breaks it! Styles asks who is winning. Gables has Ford in a Bow ‘n’ Arrow stretch! Ford endures, Ford pops to a cover, TWO! Ford hits Otis, shoulders into Gable then slingshots but into a NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO!
Gable DECKS Dawkins, drags Ford up and tags Otis in. Otis brings Ford out to CLUB, but Ford fires off elbows and kicks! Ford CHOPS and CHOPS Otis, but Otis lifts him up! Ford sunset flips but Gable tags in! Ford gets away from Otis but Gable gets the legs. Ford flips to his feet, dodges Gable and tags in Dawkins! Dawkins rallies, but Gable whips. Dawkins hurdles, gets around and HALF NELSON SUPLEXES! Otis gets in but Dawkins dodges to FLYING ELBOW! Dawkins spins Gable to hit the SILENCER! Fans fire up as Dawkins run sin at the corner, CYCLONE SPLASH! Tag to Ford, ANOINTING and Ford goes up! But Otis drags Gable out!
Dawkins goes out, the Academy RAMS Dawkins into barriers! Ford CANNONBALLS the Academy down! Gable gets in the ring, Styles springs up and goes after Ford! Ford kicks him down! Of course Styles was faking the blindness! Gable goes up, Ford headbutts him down! FROM THE HEAVENS! Cover, The Profits win!
Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall
The Profits aren’t shocked Styles was up to something. Will Styles & Omos have to go back to the drawing board on how to get even with them?
We check back in with Vince and Theory.
Vince asks Theory what he thought about Styles’ surprise. Theory thought that was pretty good. No, it was horrible. We all saw that coming a mile away. Oh, r-right. Expect the unexpected, but the Profits did. Right, of course. You have to be more attentive. Yes, sir. Theory, look at Vince when he’s talking to you. Right. Theory agrees with Vince. What more will Theory learn watching Raw with Vince by his side?
Reggie talks with Dana Brooke backstage.
The former 24/7 Champion is probably giving the current champion some pointers on how to hold that title a long, long time. Will Dana make sure her first title in the WWE is with her 24/7 into the new year?
Rollins laughs as he finds Kevin backstage.
“What’d I tell you, liar? LIAR~!” He talked to Pearce, Pearce never said anything about Kevin winning his way into Day 1. Liar liar, pants on fire. But Kevin’s pants are not on fire because he’s not lying. If he wins, he’s getting added to the title match. Sure, okay, Kev. Alright, alright, you’re not lying. Good luck, tonight! Hope you win then. Rollins is laughing, but will the joke be on him before the night is out?
WWE United States Championship: Damian Priest VS Apollo Crews w/ Azeez!
The Archer of Infamy was willing to have this showdown last week, but the Pride of Nigeria does things on his time. And now that it is time, will Apollo make this his title? Or will he unleash the Damian within Priest?
Raw returns and Apollo makes his entrance, Azeez behind him. The belt is raised and the bell rings. The two circle, Apollo gets a waistlock and SLAMS Priest down. Priest gets up, Apollo gets around but Priest throws him off and arm-drags him down. Priest has an armlock, Apollo fights up and pulls hair. Apollo throws body shots, haymakers, then whips. Priest reverses to run Apollo over! Apollo bails out, Priest goes out after him but Apollo falls back to where Azeez is. Azeez is a distraction so Apollo can leap off the apron for a KNEE! Down goes Priest and Apollo fires up as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again and Priest swings but into a back suplex, CREWS MISSILE to STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Apollo is furious that Priest survives! Priest gets up, Crews throws haymakers. Fans rally, Priest counter punches and Apollo wobbles! Apollo fires off fast hands, but Priest throws hands back! JUMPING ROUNDHOUSE! Priest runs and springboards, FLYING LEG LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Priest drags Apollo up while Azeez paces outside. Apollo throws body shots and an ENZIGURI! Priest comes back to LARIAT! Priest drags Apollo up, Canadian rack for a CLIFFHANGER! Cover, TWO! Apollo survives and Priest grows frustrated.
Apollo bails out, Priest builds speed but Azeez gets Apollo out of the way! Priest stops, bails out, and uses the steps to CANNONBALL Apollo down! Priest drags Apollo up and in, climbs up but Apollo distracts the ref. Azeez YANKS Priest off the corner! The fans boo and the ref suspects what happened! He tells Azeez that he is EJECTED! Fans cheer while Azeez and Apollo are furious! But speaking of fury, Damian rises! He BOOTS Apollo, fires off in the corner, lets off at 4 to BOOT Apollo to the apron! Priest gets Apollo up for a SOUTH OF HEAVEN CHOKE SLAM! Then THE RECKONING! Cover, Priest wins!
Winner: Damian Priest, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)
Priest retains with just the right balance of fury and focus! Will Apollo have to try again another time if he’s to take the title from the Archer of Infamy?
Sonya and Pearce talk in their office.
Rollins comes laughing back in and says what a night! But he wants to bring this to their attention. Kevin is still spewing these rumors. it is not healthy, it is a bad look for Raw. Well here’s the thing. It raises the stakes, Sonya thought it was a good idea. Really? Pinning this on Sonya? Wait, what? If Kevin wins, he is added to Day 1. WHAT!? No! Big E VS Rollins is the match! They lied to him! They LIED to him! No, Kevin lied. No, Kevin told- Wait. What is going on?!? Rollins storms off, but now the Prizefighter could be joining him and Big E on New Year’s Day!
The Mysterios VS The Hurt Business!
Rey & Dominik may have been put way by the Rocky Mountain Machine both separately and together, but can they at least score a win off Cedric Alexander & Shelton Benjamin? Or do the Mysterios have no business taking on the Hurt Business?
Raw returns and the Hurt Business have already entered the ring. Dom starts with Benjamin and the two circle. They tie up, Benjamin waistlock, SLAM Dom down, but Dom moves around to get up. Dom knuckle locks, kicks and forearms, then goes up and hits a flying arm-drag! Benjamin comes back to run Dom over! Alexander mocks Dom’s pain while Benjamin gives him a BACKBREAKER! Benjamin drags Dom up, tags Alexander, snap suplex to slingshot senton! Alexander taunts Rey with Latino Heat before the cover, but they’re in the ropes. Alexander is annoyed but he brings Dom up. Dom cradles, TWO! Alexander CLOBBS Dom for that one!
Alexander snap suplexes, covers, ONE! Tag to Benjamin, he stomps Dom down. Benjamin drags Dom up and taunts Rey before he back suplexes. Dom land son his feet to SUPERKICK! And then leaps over Benjamin to tag in Rey! Rey goes up to SEATED SENTON! Rey runs, Benjamin dodges but Rey tilt-o-whirl headscissors! Rey goes after Benjamin but Benjamin elbows him back. Tag to Alexander, slingshot sunset flip but Rey rolls through to BUZZSAW and basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Rey DECKS Benjamin, whips Alexander, but Alexander reverses, only for Rey to wheelbarrow victory roll to put Alexander on the ropes!
Tag to Dom, Benjamin gets in but Dom wheelbarrows to put Benjamin on the ropes! Father and son DOUBLE 619!! Benjamin bails out, Dom goes up, Rey SEATED SENTONS Benjamin and Dom FROG SPLASHES! Cover, the Mysterios win!
Winners: The Mysterios, by pinfall
Father and son are back on a winning track! Will the first father-son tag team champions climb their way back up to be the first two-time father-son tag team championship team?
10 Woman Tag: Team Liv VS Team Becky!
It may not be Survivor Series, but this one’s going to be big! Will the EST, the 24/7 Champion and #SuperBrutality help the #1 contender get momentum against The Man? Or will the Daughter of Superfly, Doudrop, the Most Beautiful Woman in the WWE and the Queen of the Ring help Big Time Becks feel even bigger?
Raw returns and Team Becky makes their entrance. Liv’s team put the hands in and are united, but Mella needs her mask. Her team secures it in place while the rest of the team sorts out. Becky says she’s starting as team captain, so Liv does the same. The teams cheer their leaders on, Becky steps up and Liv ROCKS her! Liv then dodges and dropkicks Becky down! Liv SHINING WIZARDS in the corner then BULLDOGS Becky down! Becky flounders to another corner, dodges the elbow to stomp away! Becky lets off at 4, talks trash, then brings Liv up to CLUB her down. Becky tags Mella in, Mella runs but Liv goes Matrix to roll her up! ONE, but Liv kicks low!
Liv whips Mella to ropes, Mella holds ropes to throw Liv by her hair! Mella gloats about her beauty, mocks Rhea’s rocker life then mockingly asks where the titles went. Liv tags Rhea in and Mella runs away to tag Zelina! The Queen is a bit shocked, but she steps up to Rhea. Zelina gets around, tilt-o-whirl and sunset flip but Rhea stays up. Zelina runs away form the stomp, tag to Mella! Mella tags Becky, but Becky tags Piper. Piper tags Tamina and Team Becky surrounds Rhea. Rhea just fights them all! Tamina CLUBS Rhea down and Becky gloats, but Rhea throws body shots back! Rhea fires forearms, runs but Tamina CLOBBERS her!
Tamina paces around Rhea, drags her up and headbutts her down! Tamina mocks the fans cheering for Rhea, then she drags Rhea up for a chinlock. Rhea endures as Tamina thrashes her around. Fans rally up, Rhea fights up and fights back but Tamina CLUBS Rhea, then fireman’s carries. Rhea slips out, shoves Tamina into a corner, then CLOBBERS her on the return! Tag to Nikki! Tag to Dana, and then tag to Liv, and tag to Bianca! Turnabout is fair play, and they surround Tamina! Torture rack from Bianca, but Becky gets in to save Tamina! Team Liv wants after Team Becky but they get away. Bianca and team say “Kiss this!” as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Zelina tags Piper so she can mug Nikki. Piper scoops and SLAMS Nikki, then drops an elbow! Piper wraps on a cobra clutch and thrashes Nikki around. Nikki fights up, throws body shots, but Piper ripcords and LARIATS Nikki down! Piper taunts Liv’s team, Liv coaches Nikki. Nikki throws forearms and CHOPS but Piper DECKS her! Piper drags Nikki up, bumps her off buckles, then tags in Becky. Piper scoops and SLAMS Nikki and Becky talks trash before she drops a leg, then another! Becky runs but Nikki avoids the hat trick! Becky tags Mella, and Mella gets Nikki before she can tag out!
Mella throws Nikki by her hair, puts her in a corner then fires off elbows! Mella taunts the others but Nikki hits back! Mella clubs Nikki down, covers, TWO! Mella wraps on a chinlock and leans all her weight on Nikki. Nikki fights up, fans rally, and Nikki JAWBREAKERS free! She dodges and tags in Rhea! Rhea CLOBBERS Mella, Mella clutches her head. The mask saved her from some of that, but Rhea gets her up to dribble her off the mat. Becky runs in, Rhea dodges to dropkick the others! HEADBUTT for Becky, elbow for Piper! Mella gets up but gets cravat knees and a snapmare! Rhea runs but Mella avoids the dropkick! Drop toehold and float over to CODE OF SILENCE!
Dana stomps Mella down to save Rhea, then hits the ROLLING NECKBREAKER! Zelina BOOTS Dana! Nikki kicks Zelina for the SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Tamian SAMOAN DROPS Nikki, Bianca chicken wings and GlamEST Slams Tamina! Piper HEADBUTTS Bianca and runs to SPLASH! But Liv gets in to bait Piper and dump her out. Becky is in, she gets Liv for the REVERSE DDT! Rhea kicks Becky and throws her out! Rhea pump handles Mella, for the RIP- NO! Mella slips out and stomps the leg! FABULOUS KICK! Cover, TWO!! Team Becky is back on top as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again and Tamina headbutts Dana to the corner. Tamina runs in but Dana BOOTS her! Dana DECKS Mella, DECKS Zelina, dodges Tamina, but Tamina gets legs. Dana kicks her away, hot tag to Liv! Liv dodges Tamina to DECK Piper, dodge Becky and fire off on Tamina! Liv runs but Tamina SWATS the crossbody! Tamina DECKS Bianca, but Liv hits a LIV BREAKER! Cover, but Becky breaks it! Dana throws Becky out, Nikki CROSSBODIES Becky! Piper runs up to CLOBBER Nikki! Piper scoops Nikki, Dana kicks Piper and Rhea CLUBS Piper down! Dana goes up, Zelina hits her first! Zelina climbs, but Dana resists!
The others gather around as Mella helps Vega and kicks Rhea! Mella shoves Dana onto the others! Everyone but the tag champions are down! Melal then runs at Liv, to get an ENZIGURI! Vega leaps, into Liv’s STO! Liv hurries and DECKS Becky off the apron! But Tamina SUPERKICKS Liv down! Cover, TWO!! Liv survives and shocks Tamina! Tamina drags Liv up, Liv slips off and shoves, to wrench and WING SNAPPER! She puts Tamina on the ropes, for ObLIVion!! Cover, Team Liv wins!!
Winners: Team Liv, by pinfall
But Becky stomps Liv right down! And puts her in a corner to stomp away! Piper CLOBBERS Bianca and hammers away! But Team Liv fights back! Mella RAMS Rhea into a barrier, Bianca shoves Piper, SPINEBUSTER! Rhea RAMS Mella! Dana stomps Tamina, Becky reels Liv in but Liv arm-drags free of the slam! ObLIVion to Becky!! If Liv can do this all over again, she’ll become champion! But will Big Time Becks make sure Liv stays small?
We check in with Vince and Theory again.
Team Liv was very impressive. Theory liked the match. Vince insists he look at him when they talk again. That was definitely the unexpected. When it’s a surprise, it really has to be. If it’s not, then it’s not a surprise. But if it is, then you’re screwed. Expect a surprise, then it’s a real surprise. Got it? Yes, sir. Stop looking off into space, Theory! Sorry…
WWE takes a closer look at Bobby Lashley.
The now All Mighty Lashley started wrestling when he was in the seventh grader. He was a workhorse, and then it was on in college. He used working out as an outlet, and he won big time in his junior and senior years. Then the Army called him up and he wrestled on their team, and was a silver medalist in the World Military Wrestling tournament. Four time All-American, “credible to the max.” His first run in WWE was truly dominant, maybe even superhuman, as he became WWE United States and ECW Champion. Then his return was just as powerful, becoming WWE Intercontinental, US and World Champion. The All Mighty Era never ends.
Backstage interview with Big E.
We know the title is on the line at Day 1, but we found out that if Big E loses in the main event, Kevin is added to the match as a Triple Threat. Does that put any pressure on Big E here tonight? No. Big E goes to leave, but then he realizes they need more words. Well, Big E puts it like this: He fears no man, and he fears no Kevins. Kevin Patrick here included. But Big E also understands that a Triple Threat with two former world champions would make it more difficult to retain “my baby.” So after Big E wins here tonight and rids himself of “that duplicitous scourge,” it’ll just be Big E VS Rollins, man VS man, at Day 1. And please believe he plans on kicking of 2022 with a bang as he retains his WWE Championship! Now you gotta feel that, SUCKA!
We check in with Vince and Theory one more time.
So, did Theory enjoy tonight? Yeah, he had a great time and learned a lot. Really? Like what? When it comes to surprise, you gotta be prepared. Expected the unexpected. Okay then. They stand up and Vince SLAPS Theory. Theory didn’t expect that! He’s still got a lot to learn.
WWE Championship Contenders Match: Big E VS Kevin Owens!
Big E has stated the facts, and all he has to do is win to keep things as they are. But if the Prizefighter brings things into existence just as he did tonight, things get even bigger for New Year’s Day! Will KO #StunTheWorld and add himself to that world title match?
Raw returns once again and Big E makes his entrance. But then so does Seth Rollins, in a completely different suit and some interesting sunglasses. The bell rings and Rollins goes to commentary as Big E and Kevin fire off hands! Big E gets the edge, backs Kevin down but Kevin kicks back and throws haymakers. Kevin fires off, kicks Big E down, then runs, but Big E drops, hurdles and CLOBBERS him! Cover, ONE! Rollins says he’s a mess but Corey says he looks great. Big E throws body shots, CLUBS Kevin in the corner, but lets off at 4. Kevin kicks but Big E shoves him out! Big E goes out to whip Kevin into barriers!
Big E smacks Kevin off the desk, Rollins even cheers him on! Big E puts Kevin in, stomps him down, CLUBS him, but Kevin rolls Big E up! ONE, and Kevin kicks low again. Kevin kicks a leg, then the other leg. Kevin kicks the leg again, runs and CHOP BLOCKS! Big E is down, Kevin says this is HIS show! Kevin drags Big E around, and drops an elbow onto the leg. Kevin has the toehold, punches away on the knee, but Big E chinbars. Kevin punches the knee to make Big E stop that. Big E endures the toehold, Kevin talks trash. Big E CLUBS Kevin, but Kevin hits a DDT to the foot! Kevin then drops a senton on the leg! Cover, ONE!!
Kevin seethes, Rollins glares at Kevin, but Kevin taunts the fans with, “That’s your champ?!” Kevin CLUBS Big E, throws hands, but Big E fires forearms! Big E whips, Kevin kicks back and dropkicks the legs out! Cover, ONE!! Kevin pushes Big E down to get the leg again, and steps over, only for Big E to kick him out! Rollins cheers for Big E right in Kevin’s face. Kevin SLAPS Rollins! Kevin gets in, Rollins gets on the apron, but Rollins can’t do anything to Kevin because a disqualification would give him the win! Kevin knees Big E, reels him in and LARIATS! Kevin goes to a corner, climbs up top, but Big E goes after him!
Big E and Kevin brawl, Big E winds up and CLOBBERS Kevin to the apron! Big E goes out, CLUBS away on Kevin, then gets up on the apron for the SPLASH! Kevin rolls away but Big E pursues. Big E pulls steps apart and says Rollins should watch. Rollins says he’s on Big E’s side! But Kevin gets Big E for a DDT to the steps! Big E’s got some blood in his mouth as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns once more, Kevin has Big E down with a chinlock. Big E endures, fights up, and fans rally as he throws body shots. Kevin ROCKS Big E with a forearm, CHOPS him then runs, but Big E CLOBBERS Kevin! Kevin goes to a corner, Big E runs over but is pulled into buckles! Big E sputters, Kevin brings Big E up and CHOPS him in the corner. Kevin CHOPS again, hoists Big E up, then CHOPS him again. Kevin climbs, brings Big E up, but Big E resists! Kevin throws body shots, for the SUPERPLEX! Cover, TWO! Kevin clamps on another chinlock and he grinds Big E down. Fans rally up, Big E fights up and throws body shots.
Kevin knees Big E low, mocks the applause, then runs, into an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! And another! Big E baits Kevin in, for the SIDE Belly2Belly! Big E swivels them hips, runs, and SPLASHES onto knees! Kevin goes to a corner, runs and SENTONS onto knees! Big E runs again to SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Big E claps and fans chant along, “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” Big E waits on Kevin to rise, then turns him around. Kevin ROCKS Big E, BOOTS him, but Big E puts Kevin on the apron. Big E runs but into a knee! Kevin runs corner to corner to CANNONBALL! Cover, TWO! Kevin grows frustrated but he pie faces Big E while telling him to stay down.
Big E gets up, SLAPS Kevin, so Kevin SLAPS back. They start throwing forearms, Kevin SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO! Rollins is feeling the heat while Big E goes to a corner. Kevin runs corner to corner but into the Urenag-E! Cover, TWO! Big E drags Kevin up, scoops him, but Kevin slips out and rolls up, TWO! Big E runs , into a POP-UP POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Rollins comes out of his chair from that one! But he pretends he’s cool and it’s all good. Kevin brings Big E to a drop zone and goes up top. But then Kevin CLOBBERS Rollins and fires off hands! Kevin took his frustration out on Rollins, then hotshots Big E! Kevin gets in, but still no stunner!
Kevin SUPERKICKS, but Big E comes back to LARIAT! But NOW Rollins gets in! Rollins attacks Kevin!!
Winner: Kevin Owens, by disqualification (added to the Day 1 WWE Championship match)
Rollins stomps away on Kevin, then he SUPERKICKS Big E! CURB STOMP to Big E!! The Visionary just did what Kevin wanted! Rollins is furious all over again, because now the title match is a Triple Threat! Kevin is feeling great about this! Will he feel even greater when he wins that title off Big E and it being all Rollins’ fault?
My Thoughts:
A fairly good Raw here to set up a lot for the coming weeks. Rollins VS Balor was a really good opener, and I like the ongoing story of the night where Kevin goaded Rollins into just about everything tonight. I was calling for Kevin to get his title shot at some point, and while Kevin VS Big E was a great match on its own, Kevin angering Rollins into giving him the win was quite the twist. That Triple Threat is going to be huge, but I would still think Big E finds a way to win. That is, unless WWE wants to give Kevin Owens reason to stick around and not go to AEW. Giving him another title run would be pretty good incentive.
RKBRO has a really fun tag match against the Dirty Dawgs, but I’m not sure where they go from here as far as challengers. Styles & Omos are continuing things with the Profits, with Styles’ oh so obvious fake blindness trap. I was hoping The Alpha Academy would start building up towards a title match, but maybe the Mysterios can on their end with their win over Hurt Business. Lashley only getting a video package tonight was interesting, and it being a full retrospective on his wrestling journey was also interesting. Something about that felt like they want him to be Face, but he’s been doing so well as a dominant Heel, that wouldn’t make much sense right now.
Priest VS Apollo was a very good title match, but not sure who is next then. Maybe Veer Mahaan? His hype package has been exactly the same this entire time. Edge and Miz have a pretty good promo segment, and I like that Edge gave a nod to AEW’s promo battle of CM Punk and MJF. This wasn’t quite the feud I was expecting for Edge but I suppose it can give us some great promos and a match that will work for Edge. Miz hasn’t been someone who is moving all over the ring, or even that quickly in a closed space. It’ll be methodical and character driven, and definitely a big moment for both Miz and Edge.
Vince hanging out with Theory all night was really strange. I guess this is just the meta of how Vince has taken a liking to Theory already and wants to be an on-screen mentor to him. That was one serious slap, though. Not sure how Vince talking about “expect the unexpected” is going to help Theory, but maybe this is just one of a series of lessons that’ll make Theory a better superstar. Then the contract signing turning into a ready-made 10 Woman Tag was interesting. Liv had her own worked shoot talking about the money for the big names being why WWE is (supposedly) cutting so many people. But Liv’s team, and Liv herself, standing tall tonight ensures Becky wins next week.
Will Becky get Day 1 off? I feel like she’d be a big selling point for that event, so either there’s something screwy in next week’s match that gives Liv a rematch or they get a new contender really quickly.
My Score: 8.2/10
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Four championships on one Friday night!
AEW Rampage hosts FOUR (non AEW) championship matches on one night! Will the champions make it through with their titles?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- AAA Mega Championship Triple Threat: El Hijo del Vikingo VS Komander VS Dralistico; Vikingo wins and retains the title.
- NJPW World Television Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Action Andretti; ZSJ wins and retains the title.
- NJPW Strong Women’s Championship: Willow Nightingale VS Emi Sakura; Willow wins and retains the title.
- ROH Pure Championship: Katsuyori Shibata VS Lee Moriarty; Shibata wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
AAA Mega Championship Triple Threat: El Hijo del Vikingo VS Komander VS Dralistico w/ Jose!
Two of these men teamed up just last night on ROH to win a Six Man Tag, but now they are opponents for the top title in AAA Lucha Libre. Meanwhile, La Faccion Ingobernable’s Prince of Silver and Gold is hungry for gold, will he take it away from Vikingo?
The bell rings and the three circle. Fans rally up for “LUCHA! LUCHA!” and “LUCHA LIBRE!” Dralistico swings, Vikingo dodges, but then Komander ducks Vikingo’s kick! Dralistico picks Vikingo up, throws him at Komander, but Komander throws Vikingo back. Vikingo wheelbarrows and arm-drags Dralistico but handsprings through. Vikingo dodges Komander now, shoves him to ropes, but Komander springboards! Vikingo gets under the crossbody, Komander tumbles and rolls but Dralistico jumps over, and then Vikingo jumps over Dralistico. Komander jumps over Vikingo, Dralistico jumps over Komander again, and they cycle continues!
Fans fire up for jump after jump, and then the three stand off. Dralistico raises the LFI fist and the three circle. Dralistico shoves the other two to then DOUBLE SHOTGUN! They bail out, Dralistico runs to FLY! Dralistico wipes both men out and fans fire up! Dralistico RAMS Komander into steel steps, and then he runs and RAMS Vikingo into railing! Fans cheer, Jose pats Dralistico on the shoulder and Dralistico goes back to BOOT Komander down. Dralistico puts Komander in, aims and springboards, to SWANTON! Cover, TWO! Dralistico wants a faster count but the ref says his count was fair.
Dralistico stomps Komander but fans taunt him. Dralistico bails out, tells the fans he’s done with them, but then they boo. Dralistico goes back to the ring, brings Komander up and tells everyone to hush. Dralistico CHOPS and Komander sits right down! Fans cheer as Dralistico says one more time, and he CHOPS, and CHOPS, and whips Komander. Komander reverses, runs in but is put on the apron. Dralistico swings, Komander blocks, and then Komander CHOPS! Komander slingshots up but Dralistico trips him! Dralistico ROCKS Komander, puts him in the ropes, and then goes up the corner.
Fans fire up as Dralistico WOE STOMPS Komander to the apron!! Fans fire up but then Vikingo gets in to go up and up and AIRHARA MOONSAULT! Direct hit on Dralistico and the fans are thunderous! Vikingo gets Dralistico and Komander in the ring, and then runs in at the corner. Dralistico stands up into the GAMANGIRI! Vikingo goes up the corner, to IMPLODER DRAGON RANA!! Fans fire up as Vikingo keeps Dralistico in the ring to then go up the ropes, OUTSIDE-IN PHOENIX SPLASH!! Cover, Komander breaks it! Fans fire up as this continues, they love “LUCHA! LUCHA!”
Vikingo GAMANGIRIS Dralistico, Komander adds a knee, and they double whip corner to corner. Vikingo sends Komander in but Dralistico TOSSES him out! Vikingo and Dralistico step up face to face, and Vikingo CHOPS! Dralistico CHOPS! Vikingo CHOPS again! Dralistico drops to a knee, and fans rally up. Vikingo throws forearms but Dralistico gives them back. Dralistico then SOBATS, KNEES, and runs, but into a SCREW HIGH KICK! Cover, TWO! Dralistico survives and Vikingo is a bit surprised. Fans continue to rally as Vikingo sees Komander on the apron. Vikingo storms up to throw forearms on Komander while Rampage goes picture in picture.
Vikingo GAMANGIRIS Komander down to the floor, then he fires forearms on Dralistico. Vikingo gets the fans fired up as he whips corner to corner. Dralistico reverses, runs in, but Vikingo puts him on the apron. Dralistico bumps Viking off buckles, ROUNDHOUSES him, then springboards, FLYING CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO! Vikingo is still in this and Jose is upset. Dralistico drags Vikingo up, pushes him to ropes, then goes out to look under the ring. He brings out a TABLE! Jose helps Dralistico set that up at ringside, then Dralistico goes to fetch Vikingo. Komander is there but Dralistico ROCKS him and RAMS him into railing.
Dralistico CHOKES Vikingo against the railing, Rampage returns to single picture, and Dralistico puts Vikingo in the ring. Fans rally up, Dralistico runs to SUPERKICK Komander in the corner! Dralistico tranquilos on the top rope and fans are torn. Dralistico runs side to side again but Komander avoids the boot wash to GAMANGIRI! Komander springboards and double jumps, FLYING RANA!! Not the cleanest but fans fire up. Vikingo returns, Komander goes Matrix to then arm-drag Vikingo around! And dropkick! Fans fire up again as Vikingo brawls with Dralistico on the outside, and Komander climbs the far corner!
Komander tightrope walks to double jump MOONSAULT! “This is Awesome!” as Komander puts Dralistico in the ring. Komander goes up the corner again, tightrope walks again, 450 SPLASH!! Cover, but Vikingo DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS it apart! Fans fire up as Dralistico flops out onto the table. Vikingo whips Komander, Komander reverses, but Vikingo goes up and Komander hits buckles! Vikingo then springboards to FLYING POISON-RANA Komander down!! Vikingo puts Komander out on the table with Dralistico, and then runs the ropes! Fans fire up as Vikingo goes up and 630 SENTONS through the senton!!
“This is Awesome!” but Dralistico avoided disaster! Dralistico puts Vikingo in, slashes his throat, POWER- RANA!! Cover, VIKINGO WINS!!
Winner: El Hijo del Vikingo, by pinfall (still AAA Mega Champion)
Dralistico is furious that victory was snatched away from him in an instant! But this is why you cannot underestimate El Hijo del Vikingo! Will his AAA Mega reign continue through the summer?
Backstage interview with Team Triple J.
Lexi Nair is with Jay Lethal, Sonjay Dutt, Satnam Singh, as well as Jeff & Karen Jarrett, “and the talk all week has been that you, Sonjay Dutt, and your group will be suspended.” WHAT?! Fined? Suspended? The only ones who should be facing that is AEW itself! They backed Triple J into a corner and they came out swinging like any real fighters would! Lethal feels that there should be consequences for Aubrey Edwards! She’s been against Triple J since the dawn of time! Something needs to be done about her! Jeff adds that there’s been enough talk these past five days. Should the heat go on the promotion? Should the heat go on Briscoe? On Aubrey?
The reality of the fact is, these five people are walking, talking, fire-breathing heat! But wait, here comes Mark Briscoe! He wants everyone to simmer down. There will be no suspensions, he assures us that. Mark talked with Tony Khan, Tony promised them there would be no suspensions. Because if Triple J is suspended, then they can’t be here. Because if they aren’t here, then they can’t get the ass whooping they deserve! Lethal wants Mark to hold on but Mark tells Lethal to shut up! We ain’t talking about Lethal! We’re talking about Jeff and KAREN! What?! “We?” Who is “we?!” AUBREY EDWARDS!!
Triple J cannot believe this. Aubrey wants Karen? Then there’s nothing but air and opportunity between them. So then Aubrey CHOKES Karen!! Karen and Aubrey start scrapping and Triple J, other refs and security rush in to stop this! When and where will Double J & the one true Karen have to face off with the Sussex County Chicken and one pissed off zebra?
NJPW World Television Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Action Andretti!
Speaking of just last night on ROH, the Frontman of TMDK just defended this belt against Rocky Romero to prove a point to “Samoan Joseph” about who is the better, harder working Television Champion. And here he is again as part of this championship edition of Rampage! Will the ZSJ Show continue on into the summer block? Or will NJPW have some #LightsCameraAction?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Action gets his 15 minutes of fame!
The bell rings and we’re on the clock. The two circle, fans rally, feel things out, and ZSJ shoots in to waistlock and full nelson. Then he spins Action to a cravat, but Action pries at the hold. ZSJ facelocks now, Action wrenches out of that but ZSJ rolls and slips away. Fans cheer this opening exchange and the two reset. Action shoots in but ZSJ avoids him. They tie up with knuckle locks, ZSJ bridges back and wrenches around to then wrangle Action with a top wristlock. Fans cheer and ZSJ digs a knee into the shoulder. Action rolls, cartwheels, arm-drags, but fans cheer as ZSJ holds onto the wrist!
ZSJ twists the wrist, bends the fingers, drags Action up and wrenches the arm to wrangle him again. Action keeps his shoulders up, fans rally, and Action kips up to wrench and MONKEY FLIP! But ZSJ still holds onto the wrist! Fans rally, ZSJ bends the fingers and he tortures Action’s arm. Action fights up but ZSJ keeps after the fingers. ZSJ flexes but Action stands. Action spins, flips and arm-drags free! Action then CHOPS ZSJ, then knuckle locks to go up and up and FLYING ARM-DRAG! ZSJ flounders up, Action DROPKICKS him down! Fans fire up as Action runs to IMPLODER TORNILLO! Cover, TWO!
ZSJ is still in this but he goes to a corner. Action runs in, but ZSJ dodges. Action goes up, leaps, and FLYING RANAS! ZSJ bails out, fans fire up and Action builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit into the railing! Fans are fired up with Action and he brings ZSJ back up. Action puts ZSJ in, slingshots, but ZSJ shoves him! Action lands safe but swings into body scissors, which ZSJ makes into a HANGING TRIANGLE! ZSJ did this to Rocky last night! The ref counts, ZSJ lets go at 4 and he drags Action back in, to WRING the arm out! Fans sing “OH~ Zack Sabre Junior~” as he stalks Action. ZSJ sits on the arm, hammerlocks it, and TWISTS!
Action writhes while fans are torn over the savagery. ZSJ gets Action’s leg, steps over to get the arm, and he STOMPS the arm! “OI! TV Tekkers, mates!” ZSJ stalks Action to a corner, brings him up and UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! “This is Awesome!” and ZSJ knuckle locks to wrench Action. Action endures as ZSJ twists the wrist more, and then ZSJ KICKS a leg. Action stays up so ZSJ wrenches and twists the wrist. Action throws body shots and CHOPS! ZSJ jumps on to drag Action down to a DISARMER! Action endures, reaches out, and fans rally. Action kicks around, ZSJ pulls on the arm, but Action gets the ROPEBREAK!
ZSJ lets go in frustration but he storms up to drag Action up. ZSJ has a double wristlock but Action endures. Fans rally, ZSJ jumps on to body scissor! Action stays up but ZSJ keeps on that arm. Action throws body shots, then suplexes high and HARD! Both men are down and fans are thunderous! Action roars, runs, springboards, BEAUTIFUL DISASTER! Cover, TWO! ZSJ survives and fans rally up again. Action brings ZSJ up, but ZSJ fights the torture rack to wrench and PELE the arm! And then he drop toeholds Action so he can STOMP the arm again! Fans are torn while Action clutches the bad shoulder.
ZSJ drags Action up, but Action blocks the Pele to ENZIGURI! Action puts ZSJ up top, CHOPS him, then climbs up after him. But ZSJ gets the bad arm to twist it! And YANK it! Action throws body shots, forearms, but ZSJ DECKS Action! ZSJ eggs on the fans, the fans cheer, and Action kips up! PELE!! Action runs corner to corner and jumps up to SUPER STEINER!! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives and Action can’t believe it! Action drags ZSJ up, torture racks, but ZSJ has a SLEEPER! Action sputters, he starts fading! But Action powers up! ZSJ lets go, slips free, but Action drops to victory roll! TWO!!!
ZSJ KICKS Action in the leg! And then KICKS him in the arm! ZSJ is mad now, but he runs into a SUPERKICK! Action goes up, POISON-RANA!! ZSJ flops around, Action runs in again, “This is Awesome!” as Action SHOTGUNS ZSJ down! ZSJ is in the drop zone, Action goes up, SPLIT-LEG MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives again but Action goes right to the apron. Action springboards, but flies into a TAKEDOWN! FUJIWARA ARMBAR!!! Action flails around, but ZSJ gets the other arm! Modified Rings of Saturn, into JIM BREAKS ARMBAR!! Action verbally quits, ZSJ wins!!
Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by submission (still NJPW World TV Champion)
Action’s 15 minutes of fame were really just over 10 minutes as The Frontman does it again! But now he moves on to defend this title at NJPW Dominion on Sunday against Jeff Cobb in a highly anticipated rematch. The Mighty Don’t Kneel, but will ZSJ get crushed by the Imperial Unit?
NJPW Strong Women’s Championship: Willow Nightingale VS Emi Sakura!
The Babe with the Power, too sweet to be sour, is the very-first NJPW Strong Women’s Champion after a powerful run at Resurgence. But will Willow make it through her first defense? Or will the Queen of Joshi take Willow’s throne already?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and one way or another, we witness a historic first defense!
The bell rings and the two RAM each other! Fans rally up as Emi and Willow RAM shoulders again! And again! Emi eggs Willow on so she says okay! Willow runs, RAMS Emi, but Emi roars! Emi runs, Willow follows and runs Emi over! Fans fire up and Willow waves. Willow brings Emi up to snap suplex! Willow runs up to CHOP Emi in the corner, then follows her along the ropes. Willow CHOPS Emi in the other corner and fans rally up. Willow puts Emi in the third corner, CHOPS, CHOPS and MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Fans fire up but Emi avoids the big chop. Emi runs in but Willow goes out to the apron.
Emi stops from hitting buckles, but Willow still counter punches her! Willow then brings Emi up, and fans fire up as they go up the ropes! Emi fights the suplex, tries to suplex Willow, but Willow fights to try again. But Emi rakes the eyes! Emi runs to BODY CHECK Willow off the apron! Emi goes out, signals to media to move, and laughs before she TOSSES Willow at railing! Fans rally as Emi runs in to SPLASH Willow against the railing! The ring count climbs as Emi drags Willow up and Rampage goes picture in picture.
Emi puts Willow in the ring, taunts the fans a bit, soaks up some heat, and then takes her time going up the steel steps. Willow sits up, Emi steps in, but Willow throws body shots! Emi CHOPS Willow, Willow goes to ropes, and Emi CHOPS her again! Willow goes to a corner, Emi soaks up the heat, and she storms up to CHOP again! And again! And again! Emi swaggers around, storms back up, but Willow CHOPS! And CHOPS! And ROCKS! Willow CHOPS again! Willow falls, Emi hurries to sit her up into a DRAGON SLEEPER! Willow endures, fights around, but Emi cranks the hold!
Fans rally, Willow fights but Emi pushes her to a cover, TWO! Willow is free of the hold, but Emi CHOPS her! And CHOPS her again! Willow eggs Emi on but Emi pokes her in the eye! The ref reprimands but Emi just grins. Emi brings Willow up to HEADBUTT! Willow staggers but she throws body shots. Emi eggs Willow on and SLAPS her! Emi brings Willow around to reel her in and hook the arms. But Willow fights with body shots! Willow fires off but Emi CLUBS her down as Rampage goes to break.
Rampage returns and Willow has Emi in a corner. Willow goes corner to corner to back body block! And clothesline! And snapmare to then go up. Emi stands, Willow MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Emi survives, maybe even got Willow’s eyes again, but Willow comes back. Willow fireman’s carries but Emi slips fere to the DRAGON SLEEPER! Emi laughs, to TWISTING DDT! Willow staggers to a corner, Emi grins and runs in, BODY CHECK in the corner! Emi goes up top to TWISTING VADER! Cover, TWO!! Willow survives and Emi is frustrated. Emi reels Willow in, hooks the arms, but Willow fights again!
Willow Alabama Lifts but Emi sunset flips! Willow rolls through to BASEMENT CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO!! Emi survives but Willow just runs in, only for Emi to sidestep and roll-up! TWO, but Emi steps over. Willow powers out of La Magistrol, and DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Willow fires up, DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! Willow fires up again, swings, but Emi gets around to CHOP LARIAT!! Both women are down and the fans fire back up! The ref checks and both women are still in this. Emi drags Willow up, fans rally, but Emi underhooks the arms. BUTTERFLY FACEBUSTER!! Emi fires up, she’s not done here!
Fans are thunderous as Emi waits on Willow to rise. Emi then CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS again! MACHINE GUN CHOPS, but Willow shoves her away. Emi CHOP LARIATS, then whips corner to corner. Willow comes back to POUNCE Emi into the corner! Fans fire up as Willow runs to CANNONBALL! And then she drags Emi out to high stack, TWO!! Emi is still in this and fans fire up! But the straps come down and Willow fires up! Fans fire up with her, she reels Emi in to gut wrench, but Emi fights the lift! Emi slips free to SLAP! SLAP! And SLAP! Emi runs, but Willow CLOBBERS her!
Gut wrench, and BABE WITH THE POWER BOMB!! Cover, Willow wins!
Winner: Willow Nightingale, by pinfall (still NJPW Strong Women’s Champion)
Now that’s a first defense for the history books! How much better will Willow make this inaugural reign if this is just the beginning?
BREAKING NEWS for Dynamite!
After their encounter with Dralistico and Preston Vance last Wednesday, #JungleHook reunites for a TEXAS TORNADO TAG MATCH! Will Jack Perry & The FTW Champion tear apart La Faccion Ingobernable?
BIG news for ROH!
On Friday, July 21st in Trenton, New Jersey, ROH returns to PPV with Death Before Dishonor! Tickets go on sale next Friday, June 9th!
Mark Henry welcomes us back to Rampage.
“Tonight, two technical masters go face to face when Lee Moriarty takes on Shibata for the ROH Pure Championship.” Nigel McGuiness says a competitor like Shibata can pick you apart, one body part by another. But Tony Schiavone and Taz say not enough is said about just how talented Moriarty is for such a young wrestler. It looks like there’s been enough talk. It’s TIME for the main event!
ROH Pure Championship: Katsuyori Shibata VS Lee Moriarty!
The Wrestler defended this title just last night on ROH against his student, Alex “The Android” Coughlin. But now he faces #TAIGASTYLE, who has come close to snatching this title for his own not too long ago. Will tonight be Moriarty’s night? Or will Shibata make it through this Pure Wrestling Double Header?
The introductions are made, our judges are BJ Whitmer, Christopher Daniels & Jerry Lynn, and the belt is raised as we see who is truly THE Wrestler!
The bell rings and the clock is ticking on this 60 minute time limit. The two feel things out, Moriarty shoots in but Shibata holds him off with a sprawl. They clinch on the mat, Shibata slips to a waistlock and then a chinlock. Moriarty slips free but Shibata pushes him to a cover, ONE! Shibata wraps Moriarty up with his own arm and then goes for the armbar! Moriarty clasps hands but ends up in a TRIANGLE! Moriarty falls onto the ROPEBREAK, that is his first of three. Shibata even lets Moriarty know it as they reset. They knuckle lock, go shoulder to shoulder, clinch, and Moriarty tries for a leg.
Shibata powers Moriarty down, gets around to a waistlock, and they stand up. Moriarty pries the hold, fans cheer this technical exchange, but then Moriarty elbows free! Moriarty stomps Shibata into a corner, the ref counts, but Moriarty digs his boot in. Fans boo, but Shibata powers up to back Moriarty down! Shibata throws the foot down but Shibata ROCKS him! Moriarty runs to dropkick the legs out! Fans boo while Moriarty grits his teeth, and then the fans rally up for Shibata as Rampage goes picture in picture.
Moriarty mocks the applause as he stands over Shibata. Moriarty then says they can stop all that, and he grabs a leg to DDT the foot! Moriarty kips up, air guitars, and he ties up Shibata’s legs into a unique crisscross toehold. Then he sits with it for a modified stump puller! Shibata’s shoulders are down, Moriarty is practically stealing Darby Allin’s Last Supper! TWO as Shibata kicks out and Moriarty argues the count. Moriarty drags Shibata around, stomps a leg, then stomps it more and more before another DDT to the foot! Moriarty mocks the clapping from the fans, and then he drags Shibata around for a spinning toehold!
Shibata endures as Moriarty ties up the legs into another cross toehold. Moriarty puts Shibata into an Indian Deathlock, then he knuckle locks Shibata for a cover. TWO as Shibata gets an arm up! Moriarty pushes the arm back down, TWO as Shibata gets the other arm up! Moriarty pushes that arm down, TWO as Shibata gets both arms up! Moriarty CHOPS Shibata, pushes on the legs, then lets Shibata go. Moriarty gets a leg, hooks it, and ties Shibata up in another cross toehold, only for Shibata to trip him! Shibata gets Moriarty’s legs, steps through, but Moriarty fights the figure four! Shibata powers through to sync it in!
Moriarty endures, reaches out, but his shoulders are down. TWO as Moriarty sits up, Shibata keeps on the pressure, and Moriarty falls back onto his shoulders. TWO as he sits up again! Shibata has the extended leg caught in a heel hook behind his back! Moriarty falls back again, shoulders are down, TWO as he sits back up! Moriarty endures, reaches out, claws at the hold, and he pries it open. Shibata works to keep it on tight, Moriarty is down again, TWO! Moriarty sits up, Shibata thrashes around, and Rampage returns to single picture. Fans rally, Moriarty drags Shibata along as he reaches back, but Shibata drags him from the ropes!
Moriarty scrambles and goes to the opposite side, ROPEBREAK! That’s his second, he has one left, and we’ve only just past six minutes! Shibata stomps Moriarty’s bad leg, has him in a corner, and he fires off forearms! The ref counts, Shibata fires again and again, but lets off at 4. Shibata runs corner to corner but Moriarty follows to KNEE him in the corner! And then HALF HATCH BRIDGE! TWO as Shibata fights out of the “pancake.” Moriarty HAMMERS away on the back of Shibata’s head! Fans rally, Moriarty suplexes, but Shibata blocks! Shibata powers out but Moriarty kicks low!
Moriarty runs but into a kitchen sink knee! Fans rally, Shibata stomps his legs into working, and he storms up on Moriarty. Shibata drags Moriarty up to whip him to a corner and BOOT! And he fires off more forearms! The ref counts, Shibata runs corner to corner, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Fans fire up for that Shibata signature and he drags Moriarty up. HALF HATCH! Cover, TWO! Moriarty is still in this but Shibata clamps right on with a chinlock! Moriarty fights to the ROPEBREAK, but that’s his last! Shibata waistlocks. Moriarty switches to roll up, TWO! But Moriarty rolls with to get the BORDER CITY STRETCH!!
Shibata endures, Moriarty pulls him back, but fans rally up. Shibata rolls things to a cover, TWO! Moriarty ROCKS Shibata, winds up, but Shibata ROCKS Moriarty! And then SLEEPER!! Shibata sits Moriarty down, runs, PENALTY KICK!! Cover, Shibata wins!!
Winner: Katsuyori Shibata, by pinfall (still ROH Pure Champion)
Just past nine minutes and Shibata finishes things off, but wait! Daniel Garcia is here! The Dragonslayer is a former ROH Pure Champion, and he’s walking out right to the ring! Garcia steps in, he swaggers up to Shibata, and it is clear this is what’s next for Shibata. Shibata raises the belt to signal his accepting the challenge, will The Wrestler put down this sports… enner-tay-ner?
My Thoughts:
A great Rampage here, though I’m surprised this wasn’t just a Battle of the Belts special. Excalibur said it himself on commentary in the main event, but it was great to start off with the epitome of lucha libre and finish on Strong Style technical wrestling. The AAA Mega Championship was a great opener, and was definitely another instance where I’m grateful we can pause things because they were going fast and furious. Or maybe at Flash speeds, since that’s a Warner Brothers movie they could plug. But as I figured going into this, all the champions retained, since none of these were AEW titles (directly, since ROH is a subsidiary of AEW now).
The NJPW World Television Championship continues to be a great title to watch because of the 15 minute time limit speeding things up. Likewise, ZSJ is always a great wrestler to watch, but so hard to write for cuz he has the biggest collection of named signature moves/holds of any wrestler I’ve seen. I had to double check what he was using to make Action tap, because I keep thinking things are Clarky Cat when they’re not Clarky Cat. ZSJ is setting a very high bar for this title, maybe he retains against Cobb at Dominion or maybe he loses, but it’s going to be hard for the second-ever NJPW World TV Champion to match what ZSJ has done.
Great first title defense for Willow and this title, she and Emi put on a great match. I wonder when Willow has her first defense on NJPW Strong, and who she’ll be facing. And we got a great Pure Championship match to finish, and I’m surprised it was so quick, even compared to the NJPW World TV Championship match. But great win for Shibata, I like that Garcia is stepping up, and that’s going to be an awesome match. I don’t know if they’re going to wait until Death Before Dishonor in July for that match, but knowing AEW and ROH, they can find a way to stretch things out. Especially with Garcia also busy being part of JAS and doing JAS things.
My Score: 8.7/10
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SmackDown celebrates The Tribal Chief!
Roman Reigns celebrates 1000 DAYS as WWE Universal Champion, but what does it matter after Jimmy Uso betrayed him at Night of Champions?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Six Man Tag: The Brawling Brutes VS Austin Theory & Pretty Deadly; Theory & Pretty Deadly win.
- The Good Brothers w/ The OC VS Hit Row w/ B-Fab; The Good Brothers win.
- Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Zelina Vega VS Lacey Evans; Vega wins and advances to MITB.
- Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: LA Knight VS Montez Ford; Knight wins and advances to MITB.
PLAY BY PLAY
Paul Heyman speaks.
“Roman Reigns, your Undisputed WWE Universal Heavyweight Champion, stands at the apex of sports entertainment. Nearly three years ago, Your Tribal Chief reclaimed his Universal Championship. And as time passed, Roman’s title reign has surpassed legends, icons, hall of famers. On the Grandest Stage of Them All, the Head of the Table smashed and stacked his competition. Then humbled a Hall of Famer, and sent a 16-time world champion into the Ocean of Obscurity. Every contender, unable to withstand Roman’s sheer dominance and forced to…” ACKNOWLEDGE him.
“Challenger after challenger, crumble at his feet. And at his second Showcase of the Immortals as your reigning champion, Roman Reigns conquered The Beast, unifying the WWE and Universal titles on his 581st day as the champion in WWE. His power persisted. His Bloodline strengthened. His legacy flourished. Greatness on a different level. And on his 945th day, the greatest champion of any era made history by retaining his championship for the third straight WrestleMania. And now, it’s time to acknowledge the longest reign in over 35 years, over 1000 days. Roman. Reigns…!”
Austin Theory is in the ring.
The Now may not have reached even half of what Roman has achieved, but he is the United States Champion. He welcomes us to Austin Theory Live but the fans boo. Theory says they don’t need to have an attitude. Tonight is a very special night. “Tonight is the celebration of your Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns’ historical title reign. But you know what’s even better than that? If you took Roman’s title reign, and you combined it with the greatest United States Champion of all time… wait for it… Austin Theory’s reign, and you’d have… What is that? A total of 1,209 days! That is impressive. And not only that, it is very inspiring.
“It is almost as inspiring as being the guy who beat John Cena at WrestleMania.” Fans boo but Theory says we should face it. Let’s not be idiots! We all know Theory will have his 1000th day celebration for his title, and a 2000th, and maybe even a 3000th. Probably a 4000th. But if they just keep giving him guys like Sheamus, he’ll be the US Champion forever! “Guys, you really can’t boo me because I’m 25 and I’m the greatest to ever do this. And when you’re this great, everybody wants to gravitate towards you, they wanna be a part of it.” That brings Theory to the guys he wants to bring out.
These two guys did what was right! Theory presents none other than Pretty Deadly! Kit Wilson & Elton Prince make their entrance, and their theme song has a new remix, and they join Theory in the ring. They get mics, and Kit tells Theory, “We came here to tell you, that it was a pleasure destroying those ugly gremlins, the Brawling Brutes.” Elton says that unlike Sheamus, Theory is a champion the people deserve. They wanna show Theory their appreciation for such a good champion, in a way that only they can! “YES BOY~!” And they point to him! Feels good, right? But wait, here come the Brawling Brutes!
Fans fire up as Sheamus leads Ridge Holland & Pete Dunne out to the ring, ready for Fight Night! The ref hurries in to keep the peace, but will Theory & Pretty Deadly be leaving in pieces?
Six Man Tag: The Brawling Brutes VS Austin Theory & Pretty Deadly!
The trios sort out, Ridge starts against Elton. Elton headlocks, Ridge powers out and he CLOBBERS Elton! Fans fire up as Ridge UPPERCUTS Elton, then HEADBUTTS him to a corner. Ridge adds a clothesline, then bumps Elton off the buckle, KICKS him in the back and CLOBBERS him again! Ridge drags Elton up, tags in “Butch,” and they coordinate, suplex dropkick combo! Dunne drags Elton up, wrenches, but Elton throws body shots. Elton RAMS Dunne into the corner, tags in Kit, and Kit runs in to UPPERCUT! Dunne clutches his jaw while fans boo. Kit drops elbows, rains down hands, then covers, TWO!
Kit sits Dunne into a chinlock. Dunne endures, fans rally for Sheamus, and Dunne fights up. Dunne powers out, drops then hurdles to then drop and CLOBBER Kit! Fans fire up, Dunne stands on Kit’s hands, then STOMPS them! Kit ducks the buzzsaw and scrambles away. Tag to Theory, fans boo, and Theory tells Dunne he wants Sheamus! Fans fire up because they want that, too! Dunne tags Sheamus in and the Mohegan Sun Arena are fired up! These two circle, but then Theory bails out, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Elton has Dunne down with a top wristlock. Fans rally, Dunne endures and he fights up to his feet. But Elton throws him down by his hair! The ref reprimands and fans boo but Elton grabs at Dunne. Dunne grabs Elton’s fingers! Dunne bends the fingers, Elton screams, but Elton CLUBS Dunne down! Tag to Theory and he runs to BLAST Ridge! Theory taunts Sheamus, stomps Dunne, then brings Dunne up to CLUB him down. Fans rally for Dunne but Theory flexes on him. Theory drags Dunne over, tags in Kit, but Dunne kicks at Theory. Kit stomps Dunne, stands him up and UPPERCUTS him down!
Tag to Elton and Theory CHOKES Dunne behind the ref’s back! Pretty Deadly stomp while the ref is busy with Sheamus. Elton drags Dunne up but Dunne CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS again! Elton ROCKS Dunne, then runs in, but into a BOOT! Dunne goes up, leaps, FLYING DDT! Fans fire up while both men are down! Dunne and Elton crawl, hot tags to Theory and Sheamus! The Fella rallies on Theory! And clotheslines in the corner! Whip corner to corner for another clothesline! Scoop and POWERSLAM! Fans fire up as Sheamus ROCKS Pretty Deadly and has them both on the ropes!
But Theory rolls Sheamus up! TWO!! Sheamus gets Theory with an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Then an IRISH CURSE for Kit! And then an IRISH CURSE for Elton! Fans fire up and the Brutes return. Everyone fireman’s carries someone, for a TRIPLE WHITE NOISE! Fans are thunderous and Sheamus has Theory all alone! BROGUE!!! Cover, but Pretty Deadly drag Theory out! Sheamus hurries up top!? Ridge BLASTS Pretty Deadly, Sheamus steadies himself, and he FLYING LARIATS Pretty Deadly back down! Dunne goes up, everyone gathers, ASAI MOONSAULT onto Theory & Pretty Deadly!
Fans are thunderous as the Brutes prove they can fly! Sheamus commends Butch for topping things off, and SmackDown goes to break.
Elton stomps Dunne. Elton brings Dunn up but Dunne gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Kit runs in but into an ENZIGURI! ENZIGURI for Theory! GAMANGIRI for Kit in a corner! GAMANGIRI for Elton in a corner! Tag to Ridge and SPLASHES Elton! Then Ridge brings Elton up, Dunne joins in, BACK SUPLEX BOMB COMBO! Sheamus tags in and goes up for a KING KONG KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO!! Elton survives but Sheamus keeps his cool. Sheamus drags Elton up, reels him in, Canadian rack but Elton fights free of the crucifix! Elton BOOTS Sheamus, tags Kit, then gives Kit the boost, CRY MARTINI!
Theory tags in, drags Sheamus up to ROCK him and torture rack him! TOWER HACKER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Theory is furious and he rains down fists! Fans boo while Theory seethes and looms over Sheamus. Theory talks trash, brings Sheamus up, but Sheamus blocks a body shot to LARIAT point blank! Elton gets in but Ridge gives him an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Kit DROPKICKS Ridge but Dunne ENZIGURIS Kit! Dunne runs at Theory but Theory shovels him up and out! Theory somersaults, into a KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! Theory survives and Sheamus is too tired to be upset. Both men crawl and fans rally up.
Sheamus and Theory reach out, hot tags to Elton and Ridge! Kit tags in, but The Fridge picks Elton up! Kit saves Elton, but then Ridge picks them both up! DOUBLE back drop! Fans fire up as Ridge kicks Kit to the apron. Sheamus has Theory, and Dunne has Elton! Fans fire up for the TRIPLE BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN!! The Brutes all go to 10, though Dunne gets a little extra. Ridge then scoops for NORTHERN GRIT! Cover, but Theory breaks it! Dunne swings on Theory but into A-TOWN DOWN! Sheamus clotheslines Theory out! Sheamus pursues Theory, but Theory POSTS Sheamus!
Kit and Elton coordinate, they pull a sneaky move by hiding Elton under the apron skirt. The matching outfits make Ridge think that’s still Kit! Ridge drags Elton in, and surprise! Kit CHOP BLOCKS Ridge! Kit tags Elton, they get Ridge up for SPILT MILK!! And tag to Theory so he can cover, Theory & Pretty Deadly win!
Winners: Austin Theory & Pretty Deadly, by pinfall
The three of them hurry away before Dunne returns, having pulled another fast one. Will Kit & Elton be heading towards the tag titles? Will anyone be able to take the US Championship from Theory?
Paul Heyman is backstage.
The Wise Man is holding onto both the black WWE Championship and blue Universal Championship belts for the Tribal Chief as he walks up to the private suite. Heyman walks inside, is he going to discuss the celebration plans with Roman Reigns during the break?
SmackDown returns, and Heyman’s talking with Solo Sikoa. The magnitude that has never been accomplished before in the WWE. This needs to be special for the Tribal Chief, especially given what happened at Night of Champions. Heyman wants this to be special for Roman Reigns. And he knows Solo feels the same way. Heyman will go talk with Adam Pearce to make sure that Solo’s brothers, The Usos, are nowhere to be found tonight so that this is the night that we acknowledge Roman… Reigns! Heyman smiles and heads out, how does Solo really feel about what Jimmy did to Roman?
The OC talk backstage.
The Good Brothers are worried but Mia Yim says it’s fine, tonight is his birthday. AJ Styles walks in and they say happy birthday! Yes, it IS his birthday! And he apologizes for losing at Night of Champions, he ruined their night. No, no, it is not his fault. But you take the L, keep it moving. The OC has their back. But did anyone else see the “diss” track by Hit Row? Yeah, but Styles would rather see the Good Brothers drop Hit Row. Too Sweet, baby! And that match is happening next! Will Top Dolla & Ashante THEE Adonis think twice before opening their mouths next time?
The Good Brothers w/ The OC VS Hit Row w/ B-Fab!
SmackDown returns as Hit Row makes their entrance. The teams sort out, but Adonis ambushes Karl Anderson! Fans boo and the ref counts while Adonis stomps away, but then he lets off at 4. Adonis whips to CLOBBER Anderson, then he taunts Luke Gallows. Anderson goes to a corner, Adonis drags him out and tags Dolla. Hit Row whip Anderson to a corner, then Dolla whips Adonis in to RAM Anderson! Dolla talks trash on The Machine Gun, then reels him in for an ELBOW! Dolla talks more trash, drags Anderson to the ropes, and he CHOPKES him! The ref counts, Dolla lets off and tags Adonis.
Adonis runs to STRADDLE ATTACK! Adonis sits on Anderson while smoothing his hair, but lets off as the ref counts. The ref argues with Adonis and B-Fab sucker punches Anderson! Michin storms up and B-Fab backs off. Adonis covers, TWO, but he clamps onto a chinlock. The ref has Michin and B-Fab back off, and fans rally as Anderson fights up. Anderson throws body shots but Adonis CLUBS him! Adonis whips, Anderson reverses, SPINEBUSTER! Fans fire up while both men are down. Fans rally, Anderson hot tags Gallows! Doc BOOTS Adonis, BOOTS Dolla, then DECKS Adonis!
Gallows ROUNDHOUSES Adonis to a corner, runs in and back elbows! Then he keeps moving, FLYING UPPERCUT on Adonis! Fans fire up as Gallows scoops to AK 47! Tag to Anderson, the Good Brothers get Adonis up, MAGIC KILLER!! Cover, Good Brothers win!
Winners: The Good Brothers, by pinfall
But Dolla BOOTS Anderson! And CLOBBERS Gallows! But Styles springboards in, PHENOMENAL FOREARM!! Fans fire up as the birthday boy gets him some, and The Hit Row? They don’t want none! Will The OC be too sweet all the way to some gold?
Adam Pearce is on the phone.
Yes, he is very excited, this is perhaps one of the biggest nights in SmackDown history. He excuses himself and ends the call as he sees Heyman walking in. Pearce tells Heyman right now that the Usos’ travel was canceled, they were told they weren’t needed tonight. And as requested, should The Usos want to show up, security has been doubled. The Usos are NOT getting inside the building. Heyman smiles and puts a call into Roman Reigns. Will nothing go wrong during the 1000 Day Acknowledgment?
BREAKING NEWS for Raw!
Seth Rollins put out the open challenge for his NEW World Heavyweight Championships on social media and it was quickly accepted by Damian Priest! Will the Judgment Day add more gold when the Punisher brings down The Visionary?
SmackDown presents an all new Grayson Waller Effect.
The 21st Century Success Story, “The Dynamite from Down Under, the Moment Maker, the Aussie Icon,” gets the big introduction once again as he’s already in the ring. And he says, “What a week it has been here in the WWE, and we’re gonna keep it rolling with the most honest talk show in WWE history.” Waller brings us the biggest and the best, and he’s done it again tonight. So please welcome the NEW Raw Women’s Champion, ASUKA~! The fans do like that as the Empress of Tomorrow walks out with the belt on her shoulder. She joins Waller in the ring and at the desk as he welcomes her to the show.
Waller says, “Congratulations, what an incredible performance against Bianca at Night of Champions. In fact, let’s see exactly how you got it done.” Waller and Asuka look to the tron as we all see a Progressive Match Flo recap video of that match. Asuka used blue mist fingers to finish Bianca, and Waller says wow. Asuka laughs and smiles, and in Japanese, she says “I told you saw! I’m the Raw Women’s Champion!” Waller says he could not have put it better himself! But he can’t help but notice the briefcases above the ring. There’s no shortage of people who think they’re ready for Asuka. They’re gonna climb the ladder, win the briefcase to be Miss MITB, and maybe cash in on her?
Waller says Asuka’s gotta keep her head on a swivel. Nevermind that Bianca’s gonna come looking for a rematch. Asuka is amused there. She reenacts how she spat mist on her finger, got Bianca in the eyes and made Bianca cry. Waller is amused, too! He says that was so true. And so smart! He can’t imagine the pain and suffering Bianca went through. Asuka’s even drooling some blue mist right now. Waller looks a bit worried, but also maybe excited. But then IYO SKY shows up! She tells Asuka in Japanese that she’s nothing special for what she did. And Iyo won’t even need MITB to take that title from! But she’s still gonna win it, and then Iyo will be the new champion!
Asuka laughs, and tells Iyo she’s a child, the way she’s storming up in here. Iyo tells Asuka to shut up, dammit! Asuka calls Iyo an idiot, Iyo calls Asuka a scumbag, and they go back and forth like that. Waller has them stop, this is HIS show, he did not approve a second guest! But wait, here comes BAYLEY! The Role Model says Iyo said that after both Iyo and Bayley qualify for the MITB, one of them is winning the MITB briefcase. Though it is every woman for themselves, and Bayley’s won it before, so either way, DMG CTRL will win the title- Wait! Here comes Shotzi!
Fans fire up as the Wild Child says, “Awww, Bayley! There is NOTHING that I would love more than to crush your dreams with the help of some cold, hard steel! Because, if there is anyone made for the pure chaos of the Money in the Bank Ladder match, it’s me!” Wait, here comes Lacey Evans! The Model Soldier is embodying Sergeant Slaughter and she tells Shotzi to shut up and salute her! Fans boo but Lacey says none of these nasty things are taking the briefcase anywhere, it’s coming home with her. But first, she’ll take her Cobra Clutch, wrap it around that “shrimp,” Zelina Vega, and-
Wait! Here comes Zelina! Fans fire up as La Muneca says there is only one problem with everyone’s plans. They are all underestimating Zelina. And y’know who else did that? Rhea Ripley at Backlash. Because Zelina was this close to becoming champion! So “Shrimp?” Keep that energy, Lacey. Because to be honest, even if Lacey got her hair done, her nails done and traded in those “piss soaked boots” for red bottoms, you still wouldn’t be half the woman Zelina is. So please, underestimate her. Everyone do that. Because it will be that much sweeter when she wins. Because that is how she is going to become Miss MITB!
Bayley laughs and says they’re all idiots. Waller says this is the best day of his life. Bayley asks him what kind of show he’s running here, and he’s hoping for more ladies to show up. Asuka slips away to say, “Hey hey hey hey! NO ONE is ready for Asuka!!” But then Bianca storms up to ROCK Asuka with a forearm! They brawl on the stage and fans fire up! Referees rush out to stop that scrap, only for Bianca to break lose and hit Asuka again! The refs and even some producers get in to separate them again, but fans wanna “Let Them Fight!” Will the angriEST Bianca be coming after the Empress?
Cameron Grimes talks with Adam Pearce backstage.
They watch a replay of Baron Corbin ruining Carmelo Hayes’ moment just last Tuesday on NXT, and Grimes said that’s exactly what Corbin did to him last week. Is Corbin even here? No, and with his free agency status, the next time we see him will be next Tuesday on NXT. Grimes says Melo will handle that. But the next time Corbin shows his face on SmackDown, Grimes will handle that. Pearce nods, will the Carolina Caveman crush Baron Corbin?
Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Zelina Vega VS Lacey Evans!
Since everyone was already at ringside, this match is happening now! And Vega is already clutching her jaw, it seems the Model Soldier got a cheap shot in while everyone was watching Asuka and Bianca. Will Vega still be able to humble Lacey for underestimating her? Or will another Woman’s Right simply take Vega out?
The bell rings and Lacey stomps Vega into the corner! The ref counts, fans boo, but Lacey lets off at 4. Lacey stands on Vega’s hair and salutes, then lets off to SWINGING BRONCO BUSTER! Lacey pushes Vega around, covers, TWO! Lacey sits Vega up, and clamps on the COBRA CLUTCH! And she SWINGS Vega around! Fans rally for Vega but Lacey TOSSES her away! Lacey dusts off her hands, runs in, but Vega goes up and over and rolls Lacey, Schoolgirl Kick! Cover, TWO! Vega whips, Lacey reverses but Vega KICKS her! Only for Lacey to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Lacey dribbles Vega off the mat, then smirks as fans boo.
Lacey salutes but fans boo, and Vega hits low. Lacey BOOTS Vega, drags her from ropes and stands on her for a cocky cover. The ref says it’s on the throat! Lacey steps off to argue with him, and then Lacey clamps onto Vega with a chinlock. Fans rally but Lacey throws knees into Vega’s side! Vega still endures, fans rally up, and Vega kicks from below! Lacey drags Vega up but Vega RAMS her into a corner! And again! Vega smacks Lacey off buckles, headlocks and springboards for a headlock takeover! Lacey runs in but into the tilt-o-whirl and CODE RED!! Cover, VEGA WINS!
Winner: Zelina Vega, by pinfall (advances to MITB)
What did she just say about underestimating her? Because there’s the proof! Lacey toyed with Zelina but got played, will Zelina soon be La Muneca en el Banco?
The LWO celebrates backstage.
They are so proud of Vega! Latinos around the world are going to gather in celebration! And next week, when Escobar wins his qualifier and win the MITB contract, oh he can see it now. She can see it, too. Rey Mysterio can see it, too! It is only a matter of time before the entire locker room refers to them as Santos y Zelina, Mr. and Mrs. Money in the Bank! Will the LWO soon take over London?
Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: LA Knight VS Montez Ford!
The Mega Star told the Street Profits that if they want the smoke, he’ll be the one to burn ’em! Is that not an insult but just a fact of life? Or will #KingTez be the one saying “YEAH!” on the way to London?
The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally up, the two tie up, and Knight wrenches to a hammerlock, and he slaps Ford around. Fans rally for “L A KNIGHT! L A KNIGHT!” The two circle, tie up, and Ford headlocks. Knight powers out the back to hammerlock, but Ford switches it onto him. Knight switches back, Ford switches again, Knight switches again. They keep going, Knight gest the ROPEBREAK, but Ford slaps him around now. Fans are a bit torn but Knight gets heated. Knight shoves, Ford shoves, repeat! Fans are on Knight’s side as the two tie up again but Ford headlocks. Knight powers out but Ford runs him over!
Ford actually seems to enjoy upsetting the Knight fans, and things speed up. Knight hurdles, but Ford whips him away to keep things moving. Ford hurdles, Knight hurdles, but Ford DROPKICKS! Fans are salty as Ford clotheslines Knight in the corner. And then in another corner! Ford whips Knight into the corner, runs in but Knight puts Ford on the apron. Ford ROCKS Knight back! But Knight BLASTS Ford! Fans cheer Knight while Ford crawls and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and both men collide! Fans rally up while both men are down, and then Knight stands. Knight throws haymakers but Ford gives them back! They go back and forth, “YEAH!” “BOO!” “YEAH!” “BOO!” “YEAH!” “BOO!” Ford gets the edge, whips, but Knight reverses, only for Ford to LARIAT! Ford rallies on Knight, ducks ‘n’ dodges to LARIAT again! Knight gets up, Ford hits a BIG back suplex! Ford kips up, fans fire up, and Ford flexes to MOONSAULT, but Knight moves! Ford lands on his feet, swings but misses, and Knight torture racks! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally up, Knight stalks Ford and fans duel. Knight stands Ford up but Ford elbows him! Ford runs in but into an elbow! Ford falls over, Knight tries a springboard, LIONSAULT FLOPS as Ford moves! Ford ENZIGURIS Knight, then fires up to clinch and ROCK BOTTOM! Cover, TWO!! Knight survives and Ford is seething. Fans fire up as Ford drags Knight up. Ford whips, Knight KICKS back! Ford doges the lariat, both men run, DOUBLE LARIATS take them down! Fans fire up again while the ref checks both men. Knight and Ford crawl to each other, and Knight throws a haymaker. Ford gives it back!
Fans rally as the hands go back and forth, “YEAH!” “BOO!” Ford CHOPS, then DECKS Knight! Knight stands at the ropes, Ford runs in but is put back on the apron. Ford GAMANGIRIS Knight then goes up a corner! But Knight ROCKS Ford first! Knight climbs, Ford throws body shots then shoves Knight away. Knight returns and springs right up! But Ford shoves him back down! Fans fire up as Ford comes in, FROM THE- NO, Knight moves! Knight kicks low, BF- NO, Ford O’Conner Rolls, TWO! Knight O’Conner Rolls with ropes!! Knight wins!!
Winner: LA Knight, by pinfall (advances to MITB)
The Mega Star snatches that one away from Ford, but the fans still love it! Knight then brings a ladder out and sets it up under the briefcases. Knight climbs, says this is what we’ll see, because whose game is it? Will this really be what happens when LA arrives in the UK?
Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn speak.
“Sanguis rubeus luna et exponentia exitio.” That phrase repeats as we travel through a snow covered forest. Translation: “The perfect moon will spell your doom.” The Unholy Union is here, what will they do to the landscape of SmackDown?
SmackDown sets the rest of the qualifiers!
For the Men’s MITB, Baron Corbin returns from NXT to take on “Butch” Pete Dunne, and Mustafa Ali returns from NXT to take on Santos Escobar! And then, as announced during the Grayson Waller Effect, DMG CTRL is in the mix as Bayley takes on Mia Yim and Iyo Sky takes on Shotzi! Will DMG CTRL look to take control of that briefcase one way or another?
Triple H is here!
Fans fire up for The Game as he heads to the ring! It seems even he is here to celebrate Roman Reigns’ 1000+ days as Universal Champion! What will HHH have to add to the occasion? We find out, after the break.
SmackDown returns and HHH is in the ring with a pedestal and a familiar looking cloth. HHH has the mic to say, “On rare occasions, an athlete comes along that is so dominant that they change the entire face of their chosen sport. And when it happens, they will be talked about for generations to come. In boxing, it was the Great One, Muhammad Ali. In basketball, Michael Jordan. In the WWE, right now, we have the privilege of witnessing that greatness live. Believe me, you will talk about this for generations, so please help me welcome a man who has passed 1000 days as champion. Please help me welcome a man that you will tell your children and your grandchildren about.
“Please help me welcome the Tribal Chief, the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, Roman Reigns.” The Head of the Table makes his entrance with fans torn between boos and throwing up the ones. Roman has Solo and Heyman with him, the brand new “1000 Days” branded jacket and shirt on as he holds up the belts for the pyro. The Bloodline, if this group even still counts as that, continues on into the ring. Roman then shakes HHH’s hand and Heyman fetches a mic. Heyman also shakes HHH’s hand, and then HHH tells Roman, “On behalf of the WWE, and on behalf of the entire WWE Universe, I would like to congratulate you on surpassing 1000 days as champion.”
That is something that hasn’t been accomplished in the WWE in almost forty years! Truly an epic accomplishment. So to congratulate Roman and celebrate this historic achievement, it is HHH’s honor to present him with a brand new Undisputed WWE Universal Championship belt. HHH takes the cover off to reveal the same home base design, but with a GOLDEN face plate! Heyman removes the belt Roman is wearing on his waist so that he can hold up the new belt, for more pyro! HHH then helps Roman put that belt on, then Heyman hands Roman the mic. Roman smiles while fans are torn between cheers and jeers.
Roman says, “Pennsyl- No, no, no. I mean, c’mon! That’s not good enough anymore. The entire universe…! ACKNOWLEDGE ME!!” Wait, the USOS are here?!? How?! Heyman heard from Pearce that this wasn’t supposed to happen! But Jimmy & Jey do walk out and Roman glares at Heyman. Heyman defends he was assured this wouldn’t happen, but it is! And we see what the Usos are going to do, after the break.
SmackDown returns and the Usos are now in the ring with Roman, Solo & Heyman. And Jimmy’s staring Roman down. He even glances at the brand new Universal Championship blet. Jimmy has the mic, but Roman speaks first, telling Jey to kick Jimmy in the face! Fans boo but Roman says it again, kick Jimmy in the face. He didn’t stutter, do it now! That’s what Jimmy did to Roman. Jimmy took Roman’s tag team titles away from him, so Jey has to fix this. Jey has to kick his brother in the face! Fans boo more, and Jey just paces. Roman is not happy about that, and he tells Jey this is the last time: KICK HIM IN THE FACE AND FIX THIS RIGHT NOW!
Jimmy speaks up to that the only one who needs fixing is ROMAN. Fans cheer that! Roman scowls but Jimmy says Jey can’t fix this. Jimmy kicked Roman in the face, “The Kick Heard Worldwide.” And Jimmy did what he did in Saudi not to be the Tribal Chief, not to lead the Bloodline, but because Jimmy was being a brother. Brothers treat each other with love and respect, and as of lately, you ain’t been such a good brother, Roman. What kind of brother manipulates, betrays and hurts his own family? What kind of brother does that, Uce? Roman has gone crazy! CRAZY! This right here is Jimmy’s brother! It is embedded in Jimmy to protect Jey.
In fact, SOLO is Jimmy’s brother! He’ll protect Solo, and he’s gonna tell Solo right now, that after Roman’s done using you, he’s gonna abuse you, betray you, kick you to the side, and put you in the dirt! Jimmy IS Solo’s brother, that’s why he’s saying this. Fans cheer that, too! Roman tries to laugh it off but Jimmy tells Solo to listen to him. Fans rally for the “USOS! USOS!” and Roman says that’s because of ROMAN! Roman is the Tribal Chief! You see him? Tribal Chief. This here is an imposter! Jimmy talking like he’s the leader, like Solo don’t have a voice. Let’s hear it from Solo who Solo is loyal to!
Roman hands the mic to Solo and fans boo. Solo looks at the mic, thinks about it, and fans chant for “SOLO! SOLO!” Solo says, “I acknowledge you, My Tribal Chief.” Fans boo and Roman smiles. But then Solo says, “But these two right here… They’re my brothers.” UH OH~! Roman is shocked and the Usos smile! Solo hands the mic back, to stand with his brothers!! Roman can’t believe what he’s seeing! Jimmy says hey, hey, so what’s it gonna be, Uce? Does Roman wanna run this thing together with respect? Or just end up on the Island of Relevancy all by himself? Roman tells Jimmy to shut up, but Jimmy pie faces him!!
Heyman is shocked and cowering in the corner! Fans fire up as Jey and Solo are both tense. Roman registers what just happened, then gets up in Jimmy’s face. Jey stops them both, and he wants to keep the peace. It’s not going like this. Jey needs them both, they cannot start fighting! They’re better than that, okay? Jey gets Jimmy to understand, and Jimmy cools off. Stronger together, Uce. But see, Jey is Jimmy’s brother, and Solo is Jimmy’s brother. But so is Roman. Roman’s always been family. So be a brother, have respect, and run this place like they’ve been doing! But TOGETHER! Bloodline, right? Family, right? They are still the ones, right?
Roman wipes sweat from his brow and takes a breath. Fans want Roman to accept what the Usos are saying, but he seems unsure what to do. Roman and Jimmy HUG!! Fans cheer, and Jey is relieved. Roman then says, “No.” WHAT?! Heyman is shocked all over again! Roman lets go and Jey is upset again! How could Roman say that?! And then Solo SAMOAN SPIKES JIMMY!?!? Jey is even more devastated!! Roman takes his leave, Heyman and Solo following behind. Is the Tribal Chief’s iron grip that powerful? Heyman then asks Roman, “What about Jey?” Roman says Jey will do what he always does and fall in line. Just give it time.
Fans boo as Roman refuses to share love and respect with his family. What will it take for The Usos to change that?
My Thoughts:
An awesome episode to follow Night of Champions with! Granted, a lot of that comes from the Bloodline story, which once again continues to be the top story. And with this story already having set a high bar, they find a way to raise the bar again. Great video package narrated by Heyman to open the show, good promos backstage to expertly set up what we got in the closing segment. I did appreciate that since they’re not undoing the unification, Roman now just has one actual belt to hold onto and he can just keep the other two at home. Naturally, they just kept the cookie cutter shape they’ve been using, but I like the gold backing on the logo there, it really stands out.
And naturally, the Usos DID show up, and what an amazing emotional rollercoaster there. After all that, we are definitely getting Usos VS Roman & Solo, and that will be the moment of truth where I would think Solo really does side with his brothers. Then it’s on Roman to either “fall in line” and accept his family as family, or he ends up all alone with just Heyman. Either way, this is all great stuff that can carry the story into the Summer, maybe even to SummerSlam. And what would really put a cherry on top: if Roman, no more pawns to get in the way, gets beat by a Mr. MITB cash-in.
Great opening Six Man from Theory & Pretty Deadly VS Brawling Brutes, and I figured the Heels would find a way to win. I would think Pretty Deadly finds a way into the Undisputed Tag Team Championship scene for the summer, as those titles are meant to be on both Raw and SmackDown. And who wouldn’t love seeing a promo between Kevin, Sami and Pretty Deadly? At the same time, The Good Brothers should also get in on some of that, they got a really good win off Hit Row. Happy birthday to AJ Styles, maybe he can find his way to a title match of some kind. Him and Theory wouldn’t be half bad for MITB.
Really good Grayson Waller Effect segment, though not really because of Waller. If this same stuff happened with The Miz and MizTV, it’d amount to about the same great stuff. Asuka and Iyo getting at each other and then arguing in Japanese seems to be their thing, but I would love if we got Iyo to turn Face. Between her and Asuka being longtime rivals, and DMG CTRL about to fall apart at a moment’s notice, Iyo could come out a top Face for the SmackDown Women’s Division. But I also do like that Bianca went after Asuka, that was a logical move. I just wish we got to see the sucker punch from Lacey live and not in a replay.
The MITB qualifiers were both good matches, but Zelina was a very obvious winner given Lacey’s attitude and how Zelina seems to be on a great push. Ford VS Knight was a bit closer, but the fans are just loving Knight, so it makes sense Knight won here. We’re also going to get great stuff out of next week’s matches, and I’m thinking Bayley, Iyo, Escobar and Dunne win. Bayley and Iyo because of the DMG CTRL breakup story they’re giving us, Escobar because the LWO tease they gave us, and Dunne because it won’t be Corbin since he’s got stuff brewing in NXT and Grimes just isn’t gonna let him win.
And what a spooky vignette from Fyre & Dawn. Just as it isn’t clear what they’re planning with having the Smackdown Women’s Championship on Raw and vice-versa, I’m not sure what’s going on with the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships still being up here on main roster. I don’t think they’d unify, nor do I want them to unify, mostly because Fyre & Dawn probably wouldn’t beat Ronda & Shayna. Well, Shayna didn’t do well against spooky given Twisted Alexa during pandemic era, but I still don’t think using supernatural elements would be enough to take out Ronda. Though it would be pretty funny to see.
My Score: 8.8/10
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