Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (6/17/22)
Will Riddle have his revenge?
Will the Bro dethrone the Tribal Chief?
Matt Riddle has been on a mission, and he’s just one match away from completing it! Will SmackDown crown a NEW Undisputed Universal Champion?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Last Laugh Match: Mad Cap Moss VS Happy Corbin; Moss wins.
- The New Day VS Jinder Mahal & Shanky; The New Day wins.
- Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Raquel Rodriguez VS Shayna Baszler; Raquel wins and advances to the Women’s MITB match.
- Undisputed WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns w/ Paul Heyman VS Matt Riddle; Roman wins and retains the title(s).
PLAY BY PLAY
Vince McMahon is here!
Rather interesting timing given what’s been in the news… But what will he have to say here tonight? Vince walks out on stage and then to the ring, a mixed reaction to be sure. Vince gets a mic and says, “It is a privilege as always to stand before you here tonight, the WWE Universe. Especially a privilege to stand here in this ring in Minnesota.” Fans cheer that, and Vince is here to remind us of the four words in the intro: Then, Now, Forever, and most importantly, Together. Welcome to SmackDown! Mic drop and an exit, but will that be the last we hear from him for some time?
Matt Riddle heads to the ring!
The Bro is ready for his Undisputed Universal Championship match in tonight’s main event, but he’s going to start off with a few words first. “Bro…! So, before I kick Roman Reigns in the head and take his WWE Undisputed Universal Championship, I want to take a stroll down memory lane, and take a look at the history between Roman Reigns, and myself.” He cues up a highlight reel going back to just last month, when the Raw and SmackDown Tag Team Championships were unified. But of course, it was only thanks to interference from Paul Heyman and Roman Reigns that the Usos survived to win.
And that was only the beginning of the worst night in RKBRO’s partnership, as The Bloodline completely devastated Randy Orton. The Viper was already enduring back problems and who knows if RKBRO will ever be a thing again. But that was the moment Riddle swore vengeance! Riddle fought Sami Zayn just last week and won the opportunity he has here tonight. Riddle took the fight to the Usos and told Roman he was coming to smoke his ass! But if he fails, he will never be able to challenge Roman for the top title(s) again. Back to the present, the fans are fired up for Riddle and chant “BRO! BRO! BRO!”
Riddle says, “Man, I’ve been waiting a long time for this opportunity. And I know that all my friends and family are watching at home. But more importantly, my best bro and our friend, Randy, is watching at home.” Fans cheer for “RANDY! RANDY! RANDY!” Riddle tells Randy that he has a big surgery coming up, and we all wish him the best of luck. Riddle is sure Randy is worried about something going wrong, not being able to train again and do what he loves and does best. Riddle says we all miss Randy. We want Randy back! It won’t matter what shape Randy is in, Riddle will always love him. Fans cheer that sentiment and chant for Randy again.
Riddle says for 20 years, Randy Orton has been killing legends, won like a gajillion championships, and the RKO videos have gone viral worldwide! “Dude, you even lit the Undertaker on fire! That was sick, bro. That was sick. But most importantly, for the last 20 years, you’ve sacrificed everything to entertain us. And I think I can speak for the whole WWE Universe when I say this: Thank you, Randy.” Fans chant “Thank You, Randy!” and Riddle nods. Riddle says tonight, he challenges Roman for the WWE Undisputed Universal Championship, and he thinks everyone here, and watching at home, and every bro in the back knows, Riddle’s dedicating this one to Randy!
And when Riddle returns to the back to get ready for the biggest match of his life, head held high and strutting like a Viper, Riddle thinks he’ll play something we haven’t heard in a long time, and hopefully hear again when Randy returns. Riddle nods and points to the tron, and Voices plays! Will Riddle truly unlock his inner Legend Killer and take down the Tribal Chief once and for all? Or will a Bro mean nothing to a man living in #GODMODE?
Last Laugh Match: Mad Cap Moss VS Happy Corbin!
The insults, the brawling, and even No Holds Barred was not enough to end this between raging Riddick and brazen Baron! But he who laughs last, laughs best. So who will feeling amazing after finally putting this one to rest?
SmackDown returns and Corbin makes his entrance. Fans boo as Corbin’s pyro hits and he goes to the ring. The bell rings, Corbin and Moss circle and fans chant, “CORBIN SUCKS!” Corbin rushes Moss, Moss hurdles, then ducks to CLOBBER Corbin! Corbin picks Moss up to put him in a corner but Moss dodges to ROCK Corbin! Corbin kicks Moss’ shin, then throws big forearms! Fans boo and Corbin is annoyed so he ROCKS Moss. Corbin runs corner to corner but Moss KNEES him away! Moss goes up, leaps, FLYING SHOULDER TACKLE! Fans fire up, Moss ROCKS Corbin again and knees low!
Moss puts Corbin in a corner, stomps a mudhole, then whips corner to corner. Corbin hits buckles hard and falls to the mat! Fans fire up and Moss brings Corbin up. Corbin ROCKS Moss back, then CHOKES Moss on the ropes! The ref counts, Corbin lets off at 4, and Moss sputters. Fans still chant “CORBIN SUCKS!” as Corbin ROCKS Moss again. Corbin whips Moss, then wraps him up in a half nelson chinbar! Corbin drags Moss down and leans on the hold. Moss endures, pries at the hold, and fans fire up. Moss gets up, but Corbin knees low. Corbin runs in but misses in the corner! Moss runs, ducks, dodges, clips and POUNCES Corbin!
Fans fire up with Moss and he runs in to RAM Corbin! Moss ROCKS Corbin with haymaker after haymaker! Corbin swings but misses, and then leaps into Moss’ arms! Moss hits a FALL AWAY SLAM! Moss brings Corbin up, reels him in, turns him, but no Punchline yet! Corbin POSTS Moss hard, and Moss flops to the floor! Fans boo but Corbin runs and slides out to CLOBBER Moss into the timekeeper’s area! Both men are down but Corbin is smiling as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and the two are brawling on the apron! Moss throws body shots and forearms, but Corbin knees low! Fans boo, but Corbin LARIATS Moss over the ropes and into the ring! Corbin then hoists Moss up top, climbs up and throws more hands. Moss hits back and fans fire up! Moss fires off more and more and more, then kicks at Corbin! Moss leaps to sunset flip, TWO! Corbin hurries up, Moss ducks and dodges him, but runs into a DEEP SIX! Cover, TWO! Corbin is frustrated but Minneapolis fires up again! Corbin drags Moss up, reels him in, then hoists Moss up. Moss slips out, but into a CHOKE SLAM!
Corbin catches his breath while Moss bails out. Corbin goes out after Moss but Moss kicks him low! Moss hurries into the ring, Corbin drags him back out and POSTS him again! Corbin goes in, but Moss drags Corbin out! Moss throws Corbin into the desk! Moss gets in, the count is 8 of 10! Corbin slides in at 9.9!! But into the PUNCHLINE! But Moss isn’t done there! He wants to punctuate this one! A SECOND PUNCHLINE!! Cover, Moss wins!
Winner: Mad Cap Moss, by pinfall
The hometown hero is victorious! Moss gets a mic to say, “Hey, Corbin. HAHAHAHAHA!” Moss truly has the last laugh, but will he be able to move on to bigger and better things?
The Street Profits are here!
They’re fired up backstage and tell the WWE Universe that it’s been awhile since they’ve been on SmackDown. “And my oh my did we pick the right time to show up on Friday Night SmackDown.” Moss got the last laugh, so Corbin isn’t so happy after all. But don’t forget tonight’s main event: Roman VS Riddle for THE Undisputed Universal Championship! Tonight? TONIGHT! But wait, who do you got? Dawks says Bros before Romes. But wait, then there will be only one set of undisputed champions in the Bloodline. Hmm…
Dawkins shouts, “JIMMY! JEY! We stacking all our chips in! Because it’s us versus you! And we want our babies back!!” Ford says they want a whole nursery for those titles! Because the Profits are up, and #WeWantTheSmoke! Will the Profits hit the jackpot in Vegas and be the ones to dethrone the Usos?
Happy Corbin gets a mic now.
He wants everyone to understand what just happened. Fans boo but he tells Pat McAfee that they’ve known each other a long, long time. Corbin hears Pat criticize him and make jokes. When Corbin was at rock bottom, Pat called him, “Bum Ass Corbin.” That was a good name. But then, Corbin hit it big and Pat still ran his mouth! Talking about the losses, about Happy Talk, and called him undeserving of pyro! Pat needs to watch his mouth, or else Corbin will drag him over the desk, throw his skinny ass in the ring and make him wish he were dead! Fans boo Corbin more, but how will Pat respond to being called out?
Well, we won’t have to wait long! Pat gets up from the desk to say, “Hold on now, Bum Ass Corbin! Before you walk out of this arena, I think what we were all expecting when we heard about a Last Laugh Match was that we’d see your sorry ass getting laughed out of an entire arena. So I think, with the hep of the beautiful people in M-I-N-N…” The fans continue with “E-S-O-T-A… MINNESOTA! MINNESOTA! MIIIIINNESOTA!” That we can all get what we’ve been waiting for since Corbin’s sorry ass came into the company! Pat wants everyone to laugh this JABRONI the hell outta Minneapolis? They all laugh and point at Corbin with Pat!
Corbin storms off, and the New Day heads down to the ring! They also laugh at Corbin, but they get serious right after because they’re taking on the Modern Day Maharaja and the Skyscraping Bollywood Boogie Machine! Who will be busting a move? And who will just get busted?
Backstage interview with Natalya.
The Queen of Harts is the #1 contender to the SmackDown Women’s Championship, and she says she will do so much more than challenge Ronda Rousey. Natty will beat respect into her! We all saw last week: Ronda was trapped in the Sharpshooter, screaming for pain and begging for mercy. If that’s not enough to convince everyone that Ronda was in dangerous and the Sharpshooter is the more dangerous submission hold, then Natty doesn’t know what will. Natty thinks we should ask Ronda tonight how it felt. Oh wait, you can’t! She’s not here! Ronda’s at home, licking her wounds.
Natty tells Ronda that sure, Ronda’s had some success with her little armbar. But Natty’s Sharpshooter breaks bones, tears tendons and humbles champions! Natty’s lineage, her resume, her pedigree, she has had so many first-evers in the WWE, and more than any other woman in WWE history! And she’s about to have another, and perhaps the most important one yet. If Ronda wants to brag about never quitting, then Natty will be the first to make Ronda TAP OUT! And then for the second time, Natty will be SmackDown Women’s Champion. Will Natty do the seemingly impossible? Or can the BOAT be the one to sink Rowdy Ronda’s reign?
The New Day VS Jinder Mahal & Shanky!
SmackDown returns and Jinder & Shanky make their entrance. Shanky sneaks his dance moves in behind Jinder’s back, just like last week. Will Shanky be able to keep focus on the former 11-TIME W, W, E, World, Tag, Team, CHAMPIONS~? Or will he have to blame a loss on the boogie?
SmackDown returns again, and we start this match with Jinder and Woods. Shanky is dancing on the apron but Jinder makes him hold the tag rope. The bell rings. Woods gets around Jinder to waistlock then headlock. Jinder powers out, scoops and SLAMS Woods, then he flexes. Kofi shrugs but Jinder ROCKS and stomps Woods in a corner. Jinder CLUBS Woods, whips him corner to corner, but Woods goes up and over, then ducks and dodges to shove and springboard, dropkick! Cover, ONE!! Woods hurries to get Jinder up and wrench. Tag to Kofi. the New Day double wrench and double CHOP!
The New Day kick the legs out, then DOUBLE BULLDOG! Cover by Kofi, ONE! Kofi wrenches Jinder’s arm but Jinder powers out. Tag to Shanky and Jinder tells him to take this seriously. Shanky and Kofi circle and fans rally up. Kofi dodges Shanky, dropkicks him, but Shanky stays up to CHOP Kofi off his feet! Shanky winds up as Kofi gets up again, and LARIATS Kofi inside out! Kofi flounders to a corner, Shanky brings Kofi up, and he elbows Kofi in the corner. Shanky stands Kofi up to elbow him again! Then he TOSSES Kofi corner to corner! Shanky roars but fans are torn. Woods gets his trombone out, and the music starts bringing out the boogie!
Shanky dances and fans get into it. Jinder says no, this is no time for dancing! Jinder tags in and Shanky dances his way out of the ring. Jinder hurries but into TROUBLE IN PARADISE! Cover, the New Day wins!
Winners: The New Day, by pinfall
Shanky dances as Woods plays the trombone more, and Jinder is upset all over again. Will Jinder ever get Shanky to focus on the fight? Or will the groove inside Shanky’s soul never stop?
Drew McIntyre is here!
The Scottish Warrior raises his sword and sets off the pyro, and he goes to the ring. He and the Celtic Warrior, Sheamus, are expecting a decision on Money in the Bank, but will either of them like what Adam Pearce has to say?
SmackDown returns and Pearce has joined McIntyre in the ring. But the Brawling Brutes are in the back talking about how they will not accept McIntyre getting in on MITB over Sheamus. But Ridge Holland has to keep “Butch” from running off. Sheamus tells the lunatic to stay in the back with Ridge. Sheamus is the one with the best opportunity to bring gold to the Brutes, yeah? Ridge, keep a leash on Butch. Yeah, yeah, he’s got it. The Fella heads out, will Northern Grit be able to contain Pete Dunne?
Sheamus joins McIntyre and Pearce in the ring, and Pearce addresses them both. They both failed to qualify for the MITB Ladder match, yet demand inclusion, and Pearce gets why. The MITB contract signifies and guarantees a title match anytime, anywhere, and has an 85% success- McIntyre speaks up, saying that this may come as a shock to Pearce, “but nobody gives a damn about numbers or statistics.” If Pearce wants to talk numbers, here’s some: If McIntyre is NOT in MITB, there’s a 100% chance McIntyre will just beat someone’s ass tonight! Sheamus says yeah, #BigD with the big ego.
But to explain something to him, putting McIntyre in the match would be the biggest mistake in WWE history. Because McIntyre will just bungle it like he always does. Let’s take it from someone like Sheamus, who has successfully cashed in his MITB contract. As opposed to someone who was cashed-in on. Sheamus guarantees McIntyre that he is the 15% of failure. Pearce reminds everyone they’re here for a reason. Seth Rollins already qualified from Raw, and it was an opportunity both of them had last week. They both got disqualified, then just kept brawling last week until they had to be separated.
Pearce tells them that he has reviewed the footage time and again while consulting with management. The decision has been made. “It is official: Sheamus, you’re in!” The Fella is all fired up! “How does it feel, Drew, ya big, dirty, hairy bullocks?! To know that you’re second best to the Celtic Warrior?!” Sheamus is going to Vegas and McIntyre will be sitting home on his arse! Sheamus vows to all of Ireland that he’ll win the contract and cash it in! But then McIntyre CLOBBERS Sheamus and fires off on him! Pearce tries to stop this but he is but one man! McIntyre clotheslines Sheamus out of the ring!
Pearce finally gets through to McIntyre and tells him that he was going to literally follow that up with this: McIntyre is ALSO in! They’re BOTH in the Men’s MITB Ladder Match! McIntyre shrugs and Sheamus is furious! Sheamus gets back in the ring, but gets a CLAYMORE! McIntyre kips up, throws off his shirt, and fires up with the fans! Will it be the Scottish or Celtic Warrior that brings down the briefcase?
Sami Zayn waits outside Roman Reigns’ room.
He hesitates to knock, but then Kayla Braxton shows up to bring up how it is Sami’s loss that put Roman into tonight’s situation. Sami doesn’t want her playing the blame game. That’s not good journalism. Well, has he talked to anyone in the Bloodline since last week? No, not directly. He was just about to take care of that. Is there any ill will given he’s to blame for Roman having to face Riddle? W-What? NO! No no no! Kayla, Sami is the Honorary Uce. Do you know any other Honorary Uces? Nope, they don’t exist, it’s just Sami. So no, there is no ill will, we’re all fine here. He is a locker room leader, Roman is the Tribal Chief, things are fine.
Kayla and Sami just stare at each other, and then Sami excuses himself to the restroom. Is Sami going to work on convincing himself that everything’s fine? Or will he just let that sleeping dog lie?
Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Raquel Rodriguez VS Shayna Baszler!
Big Mami Cool pushed Ronda Rousey to the limit, but is sure that the Women’s MITB contract will be her golden ticket to the promised land! But will she be able to run down the Queen of Spades? Or will she have to #TapNapOrSnap instead?
SmackDown returns and Lacey Evans is on commentary to watch this match in person. Shayna makes her entrance, the bell rings, and Raquel rushes Shayna into the corner! Raquel RAMS into Shayna again and again, lets off to pick Shayna up, but Shayna sunset flips and grapevines a leg! Raquel CLUBS away on Shayna, hauls her up but Shayna ducks, only for Raquel to CLOBBER her! Cover, ONE! Raquel drags Shayna up, whips her to a corner hard, and Shayna hits the mat! Shayna goes to the apron, Raquel goes out after her, but Shayna blocks the boot! Shayna puts the leg in ropes, KICKS the leg, then traps it in the corner to TWIST!
The ref counts, Shayna lets off to KICK Raquel’s leg again. Raquel tumbles into the ring and gets to a corner. Shayna rushes in to fire a forearm, then put the bad leg on ropes. Shayna kicks away on it, runs side to side, and KICKS the leg again! Shayna soaks up cheers and jeers while we see Shotzi and Aliyah are watching this backstage. They’ll face off next week for their own spot, but they want to keep an eye on who’s in the match ahead of them. Back to the ring, Shayna puts Raquel in another corner and again wraps the leg around ropes. Shayna kicks away on the bad leg, then runs side to side again, but into an elbow!
Pat asks Lacey if she watches her opponents at all. Lacey says of course she does, from watching film to taking notes to putting in the training. Raquel wrenches Shayna but Shayna knees her low. Raquel comes back with a BOOT! Cover, TWO! Raquel shakes out the bad leg, stalks Shayna, then brings her up to scoop. Shayna slips off the scoop to CHOP BLOCK the leg! Fans cheer and jeer as Shayna PENALTY KICKS Raquel down! Cover, TWO! Shayna is a bit surprised, Lacey applauds the toughness, but Shayna gets Raquel in the SLEEPER! Not quite the Kirafuda as Raquel stands up and powers Shayna into buckles!
Shayna lets go but tries again! Raquel RAMS Shayna into buckles again and again, and is free. Raquel then gets Shayna up, TEXANA BOMB!! Cover, Raquel wins!!
Winner: Raquel Rodriguez, by pinfall (advances to the Women’s MITB match)
Lacey likes that! She wants the biggest, the baddest and the best opponents, and she might have just found one here! Lacey applauds now, but will she be able to wake up, work and win with Big Mami Cool in her way?
Shinsuke Nakamura finds Matt Riddle backstage.
The King of Strong Style gives Riddle a fist bump and nod, because he has faith in the Stallion. Will Riddle be able to ride off into the sunset having avenged Shinsuke and Randy?
A spotlight shines on the ring.
The ring announce says, “Please welcome the founder of the hottest modeling agency in the world today, Maximum Male Models… MAX! DU-PRI~!” At least, we’re supposed to see him. He’s backstage with Pearce and Max says he is disappointed in Pearce. Max’s men are standing by but Max will NOT send them out to the ring under these conditions. This was supposed to be the biggest presentation in WWE history, and why is that? Because Pearce promised Max the best acoustics, the best lighting. Does any of that look or sound like what Pearce promised? No, no, NO! This will not do.
Max says we will not see his clients’ beautiful faces or chiseled bodies until Pearce fixes this, and he will fix this, or he will be depriving the world of their beauty and “fail to titillate the juices of their guilty pleasure!” Max storms off, but what will Pearce do to satisfy these demands?
Backstage interview with Imperium.
Kayla welcomes Ludwig Kaiser and the NEW WWE Intercontinental Champion, GUNTHER! Kayla asks Gunther if- Ludwig stops her there and takes the mic. Ludwig says, “Gunther’s victory was inevitable. The Intercontinental Championship belongs in his hands. This title was created in a tournament in South America. It was won by a French Canadian. And it’s greatest champions were international superstars from countries like Canada, Mexico, England, Ireland, Italy! But it also has been besmirched by the likes of Ricochet, a man that embodies everything that’s wrong with America! Lots of flash, but very little substance.
“This title is never going to be held by an American ever again! It’s prestige is going to be restored, and it is going to remain in the iron grip of the man who holds the mat and the Intercontinental Championship sacred. Der Ring General… GUNTHER!” Gunther says he is the NEW Intercontinental Champion, but will he be able to keep the promise made by his lieutenant? Or will the One and Only once again become champion in a rematch next week?
Undisputed WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns w/ The Bloodline VS Matt Riddle!
The biggest match of the Bro’s career could perhaps be the biggest match in SmackDown history! But it’ll be the biggest moment of all time if Riddle can dethrone the Head of the Table! Will Riddle win one for the Viper? Or will the Tribal Chief keep his own iron grip on the top title(s) in the universe?
As always, Roman holds up the belts on stage for the pyro, goes down the ramp, and holds up the finger for #WeTheOnes. He sets off the second round of pyro, and he stares Riddle down. We see this battle begin, after the break.
SmackDown returns and the formal introductions are made. The black ‘n’ blue belts are raised, and we see who ends up black ‘n’ blue before this is all said and done!
Riddle rushes in and fires off on Roman at the bell! The ref counts, Riddle lets off from the corner, but comes back with KICK after KICK after KICK! Riddle lets off again, and Roman DECKS him with an uppercut! Roman seethes and Heyman revels in that shot. Roman brings Riddle up, smacks him off buckles, fires off hands and headbutts, then bumps Riddle off more buckles. Roman ROCKS Riddle again, then stalks him to another corner. Fans are torn as Roman whips Riddle corner to corner. Riddle goes up and over and KICKS Roman again! And then FISHERMAN BUSTERS! Roman hurries out of the ring while fans fire up.
Riddle goes to the apron, PENALTY KICK right to Roman! And then SPRINGBOARD FLOATING BRO! Roman is down and Riddle is fired up, while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns once again, Riddle fires off on Roman with forearms! But Roman DECKS him with another uppercut! Roman rains down forearms and Heyman is watching intently as the hits just keep on coming! Roman finally lets off and soaks up the cheers and jeers from Minneapolis. Riddle gets to ropes but Roman CHOKES him! The ref counts, Roman lets off, then goes outside to run and DRIVE-BY DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Roman is annoyed but fans are rallying as he clamps on a cravat. Riddle endures, fights up to his feet, but Roman grinds the neck wrench! Riddle still fights, and he throws body shots!
Roman ROCKS Riddle, Riddle CHOPS Roman! The forearms and CHOPS fly, Riddle fires off but Roman knees low! Roman is stinging, but he swings, into a spin and PELE! Roman staggers, Riddle kips up and fans fire up! Riddle runs in to forearm smash at the corner! And he goes side to side for another! Then the BROSPLODER! Heyman is worried now as Riddle hits the BROTON onto Roman’s knees! Roman got Riddle back, but he is checking his teeth. Riddle elbows Roman away, goes up top, FLOATING BRO ATTACK! Cover, TWO!! Riddle is shocked but Roman escapes in time! Riddle hurries to get Roman up in a waistlock.
Riddle ripcords, Roman breaks free, and he catches Riddle into an URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Riddle survives, that was not Rock Bottom for the Bro! Fans fire up and Riddle flops out of the ring. Roman is talking to himself, and fans chant, “This is Awesome!” Roman goes out after Riddle, telling fans he doesn’t get why they like Riddle or Randy. But speaking of Randy, Roman gives Riddle a BACK SUPLEX TO THE DESK! Roman mocks the Viper, and dares Randy to come back. But Randy won’t, he’s scared of Roman! Roman mocks Randy’s back pains while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns once more, Roman is arguing with the ref about something. Roman raises the finger again as he goes to the corner. Some raise with him, and he locks ‘n’ loads! Roman aims at Riddle as Riddle stands. Roman runs in, but into Riddle’s FINAL FLASH!! Roman is reeling, clutching his teeth! He BOOTS Riddle away, runs, but into a POWERSLAM! Riddle hurries to put Roman through the ropes! Riddle has Roman draped but Roman fights free! So Riddle WRCKS Roman with a dropkick! And then a BACK SUPLEX TO THE DESK! Riddle fires up, brings Roman back around, but Roman POSTS Riddle!
Roman puts Riddle in the ring at 5 of 10 but the fans are thunderous for “RANDY! RANDY!” That gives Riddle power to get Roman, DRAPING DDT! Heyman is stunned and Roman is down, but Riddle is hearing those voices, bro! Riddle pounds the mat, demands Roman get up, RK- NO!! Roman just dunks Riddle off the cutter! SUPERMAN PUNCH!! Cover, TWO!! Riddle barely gets that shoulder up but Roman is beside himself! Heyman argues the count now, fans again say “This is Awesome!” as both men are down. Roman slowly sits up, and Riddle manages to push himself off the mat. Roman shakes his head, he won’t accept this!
Heyman tells Roman to finish him, and Roman talks to himself that he’ll smash Riddle. Roman says this is his ring, his company, his time! Fans boo but Roman lets out the battle cry! AND RUNS INTO AN RKO!!! Cover, TWO!?!? HOW?!?! Roman survives Riddle’s RKO and Heyman is thankful to God! But Riddle is right up top!! FLOATING BRO!!! But he’s not done?! Riddle wants more and so do the fans! Riddle stomps around, RK- NO!! Roman denies again, but Riddle springboards, into a SPEAR!!! Cover, Roman wins!!
Winner: Roman Reigns, by pinfall (still Undisputed WWE Universal Champion)
The Usos rush back to ringside to celebrate with Roman while Riddle is the one beside himself in frustration now. Roman gets both belts back, and together with Jimmy & Jey, raises the gold to the sky. Riddle can no longer challenge Roman for those titles, how long will Riddle have to wait to reach the top of the mountain?
Roman wants the mic from Heyman, and Heyman gives over the mic. Fans boo as Roman says, “There’s no one left. Wise Man. There is no one left!” The Usos are laughing and Roman says he told us all two years ago that he’s here to wreck everyone and leave! And that’s what he just did! He wrecked Riddle, and now he’s leaving. But, before he goes, there is one thing left they must do. “Minneapolis. ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” Fans are torn again, and the fingers are raised high to the sky. The Bloodline moves to exit, but wait! Is that…!? BROCK LESNAR!?!? The Beast has returned to the WWE! And he is grinning ear to ear as he looks right at Roman!
Roman has the Usos and Heyman clear out, and then asks Brock what he’s even doing here after WrestleMania. Lesnar gets in the ring with Roman, and it is pretty clear why Lesnar’s here. Fans lose their minds, and then Lesnar offers a handshake? Roman considers it, and Lesnar assures him this is legit. But then he fireman’s carries for the F5!! The Usos get in but Lesnar CLOBBERS Jey, then gives Jimmy an F5!! And then Jey gets an F5!! The Twin City becomes Suplex City, and it’s clear where this is headed! Will the Alpha Male of Our Species exact his own revenge by taking those belts back from Roman Reigns?
My Thoughts:
A great episode for SmackDown, but obviously we need to address the elephant in the room that is Vince McMahon’s newest scandal. A sex scandal, of all things. I won’t go into detail here but you can find it out there somewhere, and needless to say, a Vince McMahon sex scandal is as gross as that sounds. And him coming out just to give the most generic, pandering, self-indulgent show intro he could’ve here, and it’s garbage. Much like Vince. But I suppose I and everyone like me were foolish for thinking this would be anything of substance or meaning, and I hope this is finally where there’s a regime change so that Stephanie, Triple H and whoever else can finally right this ship.
Moving past Vince’s controversy, we got a very good “Last Laugh Match” from Moss and Corbin, though apparently that was just a fancy title to say the feud was over. I feel like this should’ve been where we got No Holds Barred or something, but whatever, Moss wins and he moves on from Corbin. I want him to get his first name back and be Riddick Moss. Or at least give him a cooler nickname that starts with M, like Muscle Moss. For that matter, give him a spot in MITB so he can be Moss in the Bank. Also, Corbin calling out Pat McAfee, that has to be a SummerSlam match, and I am going to love Pat kicking Bum Ass’s ass!
Speaking of MITB, I just knew McIntyre AND Sheamus were going to be included in the match, because they’ll both make it awesome. Rollins is still winning, though. And in the Women’s MITB, things are going rather obviously, because well, there aren’t even that many women on the brand. Lacey was fine on commentary during Raquel VS Shayna, which was a very good match. Raquel wins so that Shayna can face Ronda at SummerSlam, and then of course Shotzi VS Aliyah works as part of their feud. Liv, Alexa and Raquel are Faces, Lacey is still Face but could switch at any moment, so expect Shotzi to win against Aliyah so there’s a Heel in this match. But as I’ve said for Raw, I’m thinking Becky gets in, Becky gets the win, and Big Time Becks will look for a Big Time Cash-In.
New Day VS Jinder & Shanky was great, but mostly on comedy. Granted, Shanky had an awesome chop on Kofi, and he has the potential to be as accomplished as The Great Khali but with more charisma. Good delivery of the promo from Imperium, but I feel like they should be letting Gunther/Walter talking for himself more. Oh, and also, can we stop the trope of “Foreign Wrestlers hate Murica, so Murica should hate foreign wrestlers” for once?! It’s one of the most tired clichés WWE uses and, like, how lazy is that for writing? The rematch of Gunther VS Ricochet will be awesome, and while it should’ve been on MITB, whatever, ratings grab time.
Profits have a very good promo calling out The Usos for the Undisputed Tag titles, and that is going to be an awesome match. That might go either way, no idea, but I feel like the Usos are going to lose their belts before Roman does his. Well, maybe. We got an awesome main event that would’ve fit in easily on a PPV like MITB but again, whatever, ratings grab. That place would’ve exploded if Riddle won off that RKO he hit, but alas, Roman buries the finisher and retains the title. And then the show ends with a moment that has me conflicted. On one hand, Cowboy Brock is great, him throwing The Bloodline around is great, we’re going to have a great build to SummerSlam.
On the other, it’s Roman VS Brock, again. Vince just has this wash, rinse, repeat with these guys when he doesn’t see anyone else as worthy of the top title scene. He could’ve given us Nakamura VS Roman at some point before this, but nope, he just had creative spin its wheels. Orton is hurt and needs surgery, and might not be back until the Rumble, just like Cody and his pec, or later. All I know is, they’re saying 2023 is Orton’s return. But whatever, Brock VS Roman: The Never Ending Saga is happening. And now that I think about it, I am dreading the possibility that Rollins will cash-in at SummerSlam in an attempt to recreate the Heist of the Century. And he’ll fail this time, so that either Roman or Brock can win without the other taking the loss. These are truly dark times for RawDown.
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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