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Mitchell’s WWE Monday Night Raw Report! (11/27/17) | The Chairshot
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Mitchell’s WWE Monday Night Raw Report! (11/27/17)

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All images courtesy of the WWE’s official Twitter

 

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Seth Rollins VS Cesaro; Rollins wins.
  • Samoa Joe VS Titus O’Neil w/ Apollo Crews; Joe wins.
  • Six Woman Tag: Bayley, Sasha Banks & Mickie James VS Paige, Sonya Deville & Mandy Rose; no contest.
  • Bray Wyatt VS Matt Hardy; Wyatt wins.
  • Cruiserweight Fatal 4 Way: Noam Dar VS Rich Swann VS Akira Tozawa VS Ariya Daivari; Swann wins and qualifies for a Cruiserweight Championship #1 Contender’s match.
  • WWE Intercontinental Championship Open Challenge: Roman Reigns VS Elias; Reigns wins and retains the IC Championship.
  • Asuka VS Dana Brooke; Asuka wins.
  • Jason Jordan VS Kane; Kane wins via count-out.
  • Kane VS Finn Balor; Finn wins by disqualification.

PLAY BY PLAY

The Big Red Machine has targeted the Monster Among Men.

Kane heard talk of Braun Strowman’s strength but was not impressed, so Kane did his damnedest to destroy Strowman for good. But even that was not enough. Strowman returned to powerslam Kane through the ring. However, Strowman didn’t realize Kane himself was more than man, and Kane unleashed on Strowman with a chair, and worst of all, jamming that chair into the windpipe of the Monster. Strowman refused medical assistance, but does he have a chance to recover? Is Kane truly “Raw’s Only Monster”?!

 

Roman Reigns comes to the ring!

The University of Tennessee has a mixed reaction for the WWE Intercontinental Champion as he comes to make this arena His Yard. Roman won that illustrious title last week on Raw, even with The Bar trying to help The Miz, but his brothers in The Shield took care of them. Now Roman is the 16th Grand Slam Champion, but he’s still looking for competition. That mixed reaction continues as Roman speaks on his big week. Shield reunion, a Survivor Series win over The New Day, and then Roman got an opportunity. The fans on Roman’s side believe “You Deserve It!” and he appreciates them for saying that. The new IC Champion knows Miz cried and ran his mouth, but just watch what happened after Raw went off the air. The Miz said he was awesome as always, but then got decked and wrecked by The Shield! Triple Powerbomb on the announce desk! Miz is going to be gone for awhile, but you’ll still get to see the Intercontinental Championship. It is a prestigious title, Roman will make it that by being a fighting champion. This is His Yard and that is His Title, so just step into the Yard to try and take it. The Miz’s theme hits, but it is the Miztourage that arrives. “How dare you disrespect the Most Must-See Intercontinental Champion of All Time!” The only thing worse than Curt Axel’s neck pain is the heartache. But they’re in no shape to correct this injustice. So they got someone who can. Elias?! Hold your applause, he’ll still perform later tonight, but right now, Elias is standing up for “a good guy” in The Miz. The Drifter is here to guide the Miztourage and ignite their fire. So tonight, Elias is going to take that championship. Sounds like Elias wants to walk with the Big Dog, so the Big Dog accepts. But before then, look at Curt Axel. Can you sing with a neck brace? Because you’ll probably end up in one. Can the Drifter make it out of The Yard in one piece?

 

Seth Rollins VS Cesaro!

The Big Dog may have a match later tonight, but his brothers in arms have one right now as The Architect goes 1v1 with the Swiss Cyborg! The bell rings, Cesaro is finishing up putting his gear away, fans are strongly on the side of Rollins. They tie up, waistlock, Cesaro gets out with a wristlock, Rollins spins and reverses to a hammerlock. Cesaro works on a counter, getting his own hammerlock, Rollins endures as Cesaro trash talks. Rollins rolls and spins into a wristlock of his own, Cesaro kicks and stomps him down. Rollins is clubbed against the ropes then whipped, but Rollins dodges and hits Cesaro with a crossbody and fast hands. Chop for Cesaro, then body shots and stomps, the referee backs Rollins off. Rollins  returns to chop Cesaro again, then another, but Cesaro powers him to ropes. Ropebreak isn’t clean as Rollins counters Cesaro’s cheap shot, but that turns into another dirty ropebreak where Cesaro kicks low to then suplex and hang Rollins up. Rollins tumbles down and out, Cesaro is in control as we go to break.

Upon returning, Cesaro has Rollisn in an abdominal stretch. Rollins reaches for ropes as he endures the stretch, fans cheering him on. He pries his way out instead, but that leaves him open to a hard knee to the gut, Cesaro covers, TWO. Knee drops rain down from Cesaro, Rollins gets to a corner for safety. Cesaro waits for Rollins to get up, shoulder tackle to the stomach and then Cesaro shovels Rollins up top. Another body shot before Cesaro climbs up, Rollins resists the gut wrench, then elbows a leg out from under Cesaro to bring him down. Rollins adjusts, takes aim, flies, but is caught into a tilt-o-whirl backbreaker!

TWO, another quick cover, TWO, Cesaro is getting frustrated. He glares at Rollins as he stalks the Architect to ropes, then stomps away before yanking him to the center. Cover, TWO, Cesaro puts on a rear bearhug. Fans rally for Rollins again, Rollins gets up, he gives elbows to get out of the bearhug but Cesaro blocks that suplex, stiff forearm to the back and then a back suplex, cover, TWO. Cesaro is getting frustrated, he gives a heavy elbow drop and then toys with Rollins. Rollins hits back, then climbs up only for Cesaro to give him a headbutt to the ribs. Whip, spin around, but it’s Rollins who gets the stretch! Cesaro powers out with a hip toss, but Rollins responds with an elbow and boot. Rollins hops up, jumping blockbuster!

Both men down from exhaustion and sore bodies, fans keep rallying for Rollins. Rollins fires off strikes, a mule kick, but is then put on the apron. Cesaro goes to shoulder him off but gets a guillotine legdrop! Rollins in the ring as Cesaro is outside, Rollins builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit sends Cesaro right into barriers, but both men down again as we take one more break.

Back again, Falcon Arrow from Rollins to Cesaro, TWO! Rollins and Cesaro are slowly stirring, Rollins is up first and gets fans rallying. He grabs Cesaro, Cesaro elbows him away, whip into a corner but the ref is there, so Rollins slams on the brakes. Poke to the eye from Cesaro and then a roll-up, TWO! Cesaro is shocked but won’t stop, he trips up and starts swinging Rollins, transition into Sharpshooter!

Rollins endures the legendary submission, Cesaro has it in deep. Rollins endures but powers his way over to ropes, ropebreak! Cesaro lets go but rains down rights, then drags Rollins up into position, but Rollins fights his way out, back drop but roll-through, mule kick! Cover, TWO! Both men stir as fans rally again. They brawl on their knees, European Uppercuts from Cesaro rocking Rollins. Rollins gets back up, counters the third into a backslide, TWO, Cesaro runs, springboard into SUPERKICK and KINGSLAYER! Rollins wins a hard-fought match! Once their tag team partners return, will The Shield defeat The Bar once and for all?

In-ring interview with Rollins.

With the other members doing other things, is this the end of the Shield already? “Oh hell no, Charli!” Rollins is solo because Ambrose finally gets to have his honeymoon. Rollins wants to check in on him, hasn’t heard from Ambrose since last week. Wait, maybe Renee put the room under her credit card… Charli knows her, she might know, right? Well, whatever, Roman being a solo champion won’t separate the Shield but making them stronger! Roman being IC Champ inspires the others to be Raw Tag Team Champions again. And speaking for Ambrose, Rollins wants to invoke that rematch clause next week! Time to burn The Bar down and strengthen the Shield by having them all become champions!

 

Kurt Angle sorts out the Cruiserweight Division’s Certified Dilemma.

In Rich Swann’s words, “The ‘Zo Train has gone off the tracks.” A what? Enzo’s stable. He has the title, and those “circus freaks” are keeping anyone else form getting near it. These guys just want a chance. Angle has a solution. Enzo isn’t a shot-caller, Angle is, and it is time to determine a #1 contender. In three weeks, we will know, because tonight starts a set of Fatal 4 Way matches. The winners of those matches face each other to then become the #1 contender to the Cruiserweight Championship. The Division accepts this, who will come out of the double Fatal 4’s to become the one?!

 

Samoa Joe VS Titus O’Neil w/ Apollo Crews!

It was roughly a month ago on Raw that The Destroyer put the Titus Worldwide client and manager to sleep with his Coquina Clutch, and then just decimated Titus and Apollo the week after. This is a chance at retribution, can “Real Deal O’Neil” #MakeItAWin? At the bell, Titus goes right at Samoa Joe with stomps and body shots, Joe keeping up his guard to then get a headbutt in. Joe turns things around, sleeper on but Titus powers out. Stiff body shot from Titus, he keeps on Joe in the corners. Joe guards again, then spins it around for the back elbow and PELE! Apollo tries to coach Titus into the match, Joe just jabs him again and again. Stiff forearm from Joe to Titus, Titus gives back a chop, so Joe gives one, chops and forearms back and forth! The ref backs Joe down after a throat chop, Joe keeps on Titus with body shots. Titus puts Joe in a corner, more body shots and haymakers now. Titus clubs away on Joe, a stiff slap just wakes Joe up! Titus throws and boots Joe, cover, TWO. Joe is put in a corner again, Titus won’t be bullied as he mugs Joe. The ref backs Titus down, stiff right from Joe and then elbow after elbow before the full Coquina Clutch. Titus taps, Joe wins!

Titus did all he could, but The Destroyer is still too tough. Apollo steps in to back Joe off, they start brawling, Joe ducks an enziguri to put Apollo in the Coquina Clutch! Apollo goes to sleep again, has Joe just dismantled Titus Worldwide single-handedly?

Six Woman Tag: Bayley, Sasha Banks & Mickie James VS Paige, Sonya Deville & Mandy Rose!

After the #RamPaige the returning Glampire and her new friends committed on last week’s Raw, it is time for them to do things upfront against The Huggable One, The Boss and Kickie James. Raw Women’s Champion, Alexa Bliss, joins commentary to watch what happens to her assailants, will The Goddess be satisfied with tonight’s results?

Sasha appears, but… where are Mickie and Bayley? Whatever reason for them not coming out, Paige and her team are all here as they enter together.

Good to see you, Sasha, you look great considering what happened last week. But even she has to wonder, where are her friends? Mandy, Sonya, did you do something? Oh yeah they did! Mickie is down with a bad ankle, And Bayley is down with a bad neck! So this is a handicap tag? Well while they’ve got time, Paige needs to vent about the hounding on social media and in real life to explain her actions. She has a good reason why: one year ago, she was THE WOMAN in WWE to erase “Diva” from the dictionary. She was the Matriarch of the Women’s Evolution. This is her making a statement, because guess what? “I’m back~!” Sasha is alone as Paige and friends storm the ring, because Alexa Bliss ran away.

Proper introductions to “Absolution.” Sonya Deville and Mandy Rose. Before there was a Boss, or the Four Horsewomen, or even a Goddess or Empress, there was Paige. Mandy and Sonya never forgot. Every woman has pushed the competition, the envelope, and the game. But fact is, no one would’ve been where they were without Paige, which is why they’ve allied with her. Together, Absolution will absolutely change the Revolution. So the question is, is Sasha gonna end up like the others? Or is she going to be smart and #PledgeYourAllegiance to them? The fans boo and jeer, but the clock is ticking. Is she with them? Or against them? Sasha strikes Paige! Sonya and Mandy are right on her! Hammering fists and knees, then they hold Sasha up for Paige, but Ssaha still fights out! It’s 3v1, “This is MY House!” Paige wants them to finish Sasha, Sonya shows her stiff kick to Sasha’s head! Then Mandy gets her turn, butterfly facebuster! And to top it off, RamPaige DDT! With this trio working together, can anyone stop Absolution from taking over?

 

Bray Wyatt speaks.

The Eater of Worlds has returned to Raw. What does the Face of Fear have planned?

Bray Wyatt VS Matt Hardy!

“I never had a childhood.” Bray never celebrated holidays, carved turkeys or even cared. But not the WWE Universe, they care, carve, and celebrate just like “they” want you to. Try to keep up, but the entire world “exists within the confines of a cardboard box.” Quite pathetic, really. Bray tried to free us, but you’ve never listened! So now the world’s ignorance and suffering fuel and delight him. For Bray’s eyes are wide open and can see the world for what it truly is: “you’re all dead.” Bray goes on and on about this until his opponent comes out!

Matt may be without his brother, but he won’t take the words Bray is spewing lying down!

This match started over the commercial break but as we return, it is Bray in control of Hardy with a cravat. Bray adds on headbutts but Hardy feeds off the fans rallying to fight back. Bray whips, Hardy ducks, big body check from Bray runs Hardy over! Hardy gasps for air as he gets up, Bray is upon him with a stiff uppercut. Bray goes corner to corner, big corner splash crushes Hardy. He topples down while Bray stands over him, Bray runs but Matt dodges the back senton. Both men down, fans rally again, Bray is up, followed by Haryd. Hardy throws hands to back Bray down, forearms as well, cofrenr to corner whip revesrsed. Matt dodges and then clotheslines once, twice, bulldog hits! Hardy calls for going up, climbs up, takes aim as fans fire up, elbow drop coutnered but then Hardy fights out, Side Effect! Cover, TWO, but Hardy isn’t slowing down. Hardy calls for the Twist but Bray powers out. Hardy elbows Bray away, then boots, Hardy throws Bray down by his hair before climbing up again. Moonsault flops! Both men down but stirring, Bray uses his spider-walk to get up and creep over to Hardy. He brings Hardy up, goodnight kiss before Sister Abigail! Wyatt wins, and is all smiles.

Our suffering is his pleasure, will the Eater of Worlds continue to enjoy himself on Raw? As for Hardy, he has the fans behind him, but what can he do to turn his losing streak around? “DELETE! DELETE! DELETE!” Is this a sign of things to come?

 

Jason Jordan and Kurt Angle discuss what Kane did to Braun Strowman.

A real shame because The Gold-Blooded Son wanted at teh Monster Among Men. Angle wonders about that, JJ’s leg buckled on him. Not him, too. Everyone thinks JJ was using his leg as an excuse. JJ is fine, he wants an opportunity! He’ll go after Kane, that’ll show everyone. In that case, Angle will make that happen! Is Jordan getting in over his head, again?

 

Cruiserweight Fatal 4 Way: Noam Dar VS Rich Swann VS Akira Tozawa VS Ariya Daivari!

As Angle explained earlier, one of these four men will move on to face the winner of another Fatal 4 Way to find a #1 contender! The bell rings, and the Stamina Monster starts up the “AH! AH! AH!” battle cry. He, the Outlandish One, the Scottish Supernova and the Privileged Persian approach each other tentatively but Daivari goes after Tozawa while Dar goes after Swann in corners. Mudholes and a rain of right hands, the ‘Zo Train is working together but so is the Anti-Amore Alliance. Daivari trash talks in Farsi, then a stiff chop followed by another. Double whip, Tozawa ducks, Swann comes back and Daivari and Dar are sent out. Tozawa and Swann are alone, so they try 1v1, but are even in agility as Swann front flips but jackknife, popped to a sunset flip, TWO, roll-up, TWO.

Enzo is watching and is annoyed, Tozawa is on the apron but mule kicks Dar away. He also forearms Swann away but Daivari trips him up, Swann builds speed and FLIES! Huge crash and burn for all four men, Enzo is liking that a bit better. Swann gets up and gets Dar in, Dar rolls out but Swann pursues to chop sharply. Swann won’t let up, another stiff chop! The fans are fired up as they return to the ring, Swann stomps and chops Dar again. Daivari throws Tozawa into a corner, Dar gets back on Swann. Dar whips but is reversed, Swann dropkicks Dar down. Daviari returns to SPINEBUSTER Swann out of the Rolling Thunder, TWO! ‘Zo Train regroups to beat up Tozawa, “Choo choo~!” They drag Tozawa up and beat him down, stiff double whip corner to corner. Swann fights back but is sent down and out, Daivari keeps on Swann but needs help from Dar. They go for and hit a double suplex on Swann as we go to break.

We’re back as Tozawa fights against The ‘Zo Train, but it is still 2v1 so they take control. Double whip but Daivari takes a running boot, Dar is alone as he is reversed, sunset flip rolled through for Penalty Kick, back senton on Daivari! Tozawa has the fans cheering “AH! AH! AH!” as he heads to a corner and climbs up. Dar trips him up, climbs up but is knocked down, so Daivari comes back, only to be knocked down as well. Dar returns, climbs up again, Daivari joins in, and they both have Tozawa on the top rope, but then Swann outta nowhere, TOWER OF DOOM! Swann covers Tozawa who took the worst of it, TWO! Enzo is freaking out that his boys can’t finish the “schmucks”. Swann drags Daivari into position as fans rally, but Daivari revives to take a mule kick! Swann still climbs, Dar trips him up. Tozawa boots Dar! “AH! AH! AH!” as he builds speed, Tozawa Torpedo! Direct hit, but Daivari with the Persian Lion Splash, TWO! Shining Wizard to Daivari from Tozawa, Tozawa wants one more chance on the top rope. He takes aim, and… DROP ZONE BACK SENTON! Only for Dar to toss Tozawa into post! He covers Daivari, Swann breaks it up! Swann is thrown out now, Dar rolls Tozawa, TWO! Dar is frustrated but he won’t slow down, he takes aim at Tozawa and runs, Nova Rolla enziguri! Swann drags Tozawa out before Dar can cover, then gives Dar a stiff roundhouse. Dar in position, Swann up again, Phoenix Splash! Swann wins and moves on to the #1 contender’s match! Can the Outlandish One find his way back to the Cruiserweight Championship?

 

“Ladies and Gentlemen, Elias.”

As promised, The Drifter has a performance for Tennessee, and a song dedicated to The Miz. So please silence your phones, hold your applause and shut your mouths! Or else he won’t sing his song for Miz. Yay~! No, wait, he deserves to hear this. Elias begins, “Since Miz has been gone~, Miztourage hasn’t slept.” The boos and jeers make Elias stop. Gotta start over! “I can’t even count, the tears that they’ve wept. The Miztourage Blues~, the Miztourage Blues. So follow Elias, and I’ve got you.” Boo…! Elias is usually a one man show but he has something special tonight. Introducing The Miztourage’s Bo and Axel from the shadows, they have harmonicas!

Bo and Axel play, a regular jam session for Tennessee’s Volunteers. Take a bow, Bo and Axel! Now you may applaud, fans. They don’t.

The fans want Roman! Elias does, too! Miztourage, you’re excused, and everyone else, sit down! Tune in to this one, because that title is gonna walk with Elias!

WWE Intercontinental Championship Open Challenge: Roman Reigns VS Elias!

Raw opened with The Big Dog giving out an opportunity, to which the Drifter answered on behalf of the Miztourage, can Elias get out of the The Yard with that prestigious championship? The bell rings, they tie up, headlock but Roman slips right out. They circle, fans duel on whether or not “Roman Sucks!” The two men tie up again, Roman gets a headlock on Elias, Elias fights out and powers out, Roman runs him over, ONE. Roman is ready as Elias gets to his feet, the two tie up again and Roman gets a headlock but Elias puts him in a corner. Dirty break with those body shots, the ref backs him down, Roman rocks Elias with uppercuts and haymakers. Whip reversed, big knee rocks Roman back, cover, ONE. Elias stays on Roman by ramming him shoulder-first into a post. Another cover, TWO, Elias is getting annoyed with Roman as he puts him in a chinlock. The fans rally as Elias thrashes, Roman endures, Elias fish-hooks the mouth as he rams in knees to Roman’s back. Roman works to get up as fans start rallying, Roman gives back body shots and runs, but right into Elias’ lariat! TWO, Elias stays on Roman with another chinlock. Roman is brought to the mat, Elias wrenches deep. Fans keep up the rallying, Roman gets up and powers Elias to a corner. Elias holds on so Roman rams in again, Roman is free and starts rallying with clotheslines. Whip reversed but Roman comes back to run Elias over. Elias is in a corner, Roman gives him close-range clotheslines! Bo gets on the apron, gets rocked with an uppercut! Axel distracts from the far side, Elias hits a running knee! TWO, Elias is frustrated but in control as we go to break.

We’re back as Roman is back in a chinlock, fans are dueling as he works to get up again. Roman fights otu but Elias knees low, whip but Roman holds ropes to elbow Elias back. Then a boot out of a corner, but Elias wraps on a headlock. Roman powers Elias off and out of the ring, then Roman follows for the Drive-By dropkick on the apron! He puts Elias back in, Bo starts barking and gets a SUPERMAN PUNCH! Axel begs for mercy, Roman SPEARS Axel down!

Elias pounces, putting Roman into a post face-first, and then barriers before going into the ring. Elias climbs up, takes aim, big elbow! TWO, and Elias is shocked and frustrated. The Drifter drags the Big Dog up, Roman spins around for the fireman’s carry but Elias slips down and shoves Roman into buckles. Elias shovels Roman up onto his shoulders, spin around for the sit-out powerbomb!

TWO!! So close yet so far, Elias is running out of ideas. The fans know “This is awesome!” as Elias drags Roman up again. Roman is dead weight right now, Elias keeps trying. Frustration boils over, Elias uses all his power but Roman small package surprise, TWO, stiff right elbow from Elias. Elias runs, SUPERMAN PUNCH, TWO! Roman is now the one surprised, both men crawl to opposite ends. Roman fires himself up, as do his fans. The battle cry, Roman runs but into Elias’ knee, Roman runs with Elias, SPEAR! Roman wins and retains! The Big Dog is still your WWE Intercontinental Champion after a surprisingly competitive match, will things get tougher from here?

It will with SAMOA JOE putting on a Coquina Clutch outta nowhere!! The Destroyer says this is the Big Dog’s future! Referees rush the ramp to pry Joe off, as does security, but Roman is out cold. Joe says he’s coming for Roman and that title, then rains down right hands! It takes all security has to get Joe to leave, is Roman’s reign already over?

 

Asuka VS Dana Brooke!

The Empress of Tomorrow, still undefeated since debuting in NXT almost two years ago, is here to remind everyone watching Raw that #NobodyisReadyforAsuka! Brooke says Asuka is a “slow-starter”, she is gonna get a jump on her, so better not blink. The bell rings, Brooke rushes Asuka, ends up in an armbar! Brooke taps, Asuka wins FAST!

So much for slow-starter… If Asuka can do it that fast, who can ever hope to defeat her? Well, Absolution wants something to do with her, as they head right to the ring. Paige, Sonya and Mandy flank Asuka like they did Sasha, and as tension mounts… Absolution backs down? They’re all smiling, as is Asuka. Paige lets Asuka go, what does this mean!?

 

Jason Jordan VS Kane!

The Gold-Blooded Son is really blurring the lines of boldness and recklessness, is he going to survive The Big Red Machine? JJ speaks on the social media speculation about that knee of his. A lot of doubters think JJ is just using it as an excuse, but he’s here to set the record straight. He is a professional, he knows his body, he knows his limits. Last week, he slipped out and felt a pop, so he had to quit. Thanks to WWE’s world class medical staff and some rehab, he’s back to 100% and ready to do what Braun Strowman can’t, and that’s shut Kane down.

Kane arrives, the bell rings, he and JJ circle around but Kane is too strong for JJ to take down. JJ gets a waistlock but can’t suplex Kane, Kane elbows and whips JJ to a corner. JJ jumps out of the corner to hit Kane with a flying ax handle, then powers Kane up for a shoulder tackle in a corner. JJ does it again, corner to corner! He’s all fired up as he runs in at Kane, big shoulder tackle, but Kane blocks the overhead t othen rock JJ with an uppercut. JJ thrown right out and hard on his bad knee! Doesn’t seem 100% anymore as JJ writhes on the ground. A ring count begins, gets very high as JJ tries to walk, but he can’t get in the ring in time, Kane wins via count-out. JJ finally does get in the ring, and brawls with Kane, only to get booted right down. Kane drags him up and throws him out again, landing on the bad knee a second time. Kane comes out to stalk the wounded Jordan, big lariat runs him right over. Not done there, JJ is put into barriers and then into the ring, Kane goes right at that bad leg with a chopblock! And a knee smash on top before stomping away. Another knee smash, Kane is torturing JJ, until Finn Balor appears! The Extraordinary Man has been waiting for his retribution on Kane, is this the time?

Kane VS Finn Balor!

We come into this match as it begins, Finn kicks away at Kane’s legs. Kane grabs Finn by the throat, Finn slips out, dropkicks a leg out. Finn dropkicks Kane again, but then gets clobbered by a clothesline. Kane drags Finn up, whips him to a corner hard, then stomps on Finn before giving him that signature uppercut. Fans cheer Finn on even as Kane keeps on him in a corner with heavy right hands. Kane whips Finn corner to corner, big clothesline then the sidewalk slam, TWO. Chinlock wrapped around Finn’s head, but Finn endures as fans rally. Finn is whipped to a corner again but boots back a couple times. He slips to the apron, kicks Kane back, Finn dropkicks Kane out the other side. Finn takes aim, slingshots and knocks Kane into barriers. Kane staggers away, Finn runs in, dropkick blasts Kane into the barrier! Finn comes back, Kane uses a chair! Disqualification but it matters not to Kane, he goes after Finn’s ribs with that chair edge! Back into the ring, Kane takes aim at Finn with that chair, SMACK to the back!

Finn doesn’t stay down, so Kane takes aim again, SMACK! Kane watches Finn writhe in agony, but also how Finn gets up again. SMACK once more and Finn goes down again. Finn no longer gets back up, so Kane takes Finn and places that chair on him like a vice! Kane climbs to the second rope, BRAUN appears!! Sore throat aside, The Monster Among Men storms the ring. Finn is saved by referees, Kane SMACKS Strowman, but it doesn’t even affect him now! Kane is in fear of Strowman now, he gets a boot and body shots from Strowman. Strowman gives Kane headbutt after hebadbutt, and corner to corner splash! Things spill out of the ring and Strowman arms himself with steel steps, he runs Kane right over! Now Strowman puts the bigger base steps in the ring, and stalks Kane around the corner. Strowman drags Kane up by his mask and bounces him off the other steel steps, then puts him in the ring. Monster takes chair and SMACKS the Machine in the back, payback for last week. It isn’t over there, Kane cowers under the bottom rope but Strowman drags him up and onto his shoulder! MONSTROUS POWERSLAM on the steps! The fans want “One more time!” so Strowman obliges. He drags Kane up with one hand, places that chair in the throat, and payback in full, chair jammed into the throat against the steps!

Now Kane is left gasping and coughing, but Strowman is far more merciless, a SECOND chair to the throat!! Strowman glares as Kane gasps and coughs in retreat, crawling over barrier to move through the crowd. Eye for an eye, throat for a throat, where will this battle of titans end?!

 

My Thoughts:

Another interesting Raw tonight. We again have to wonder what it is that’s slowly getting Roman over, but much of it seems that Roman just gets to be natural rather than scripted. Then putting him up against Elias and The Miztourage likely helped, those three are great at getting Heel Heat. But what an incredible match tonight from them both, it really made a star out of Elias while still giving Roman reason to shine since he also deals with Bo and Axel on the outside. Rollins-Cesaro to open was another great match, solid stuff to bring us into next week’s Raw Tag Team Championship which will no doubt be big because it’ll be in the Staples Center. Another big impact tonight was Samoa Joe in a competitive match with Titus, albeit brief as Joe still gets that rear naked choke on. Great surprise of Joe attacking Roman, a match between those two is going to be great, too.

I’m really intrigued by Matt Hardy’s apparent breakdown, which commentary made sure to phrase that way, and it all ties into talks of Hardy finally getting the rights to his Broken Hardy gimmick, perhaps we’ll be getting Broken VS Wyatt after all. Also interesting to see Paige’s new group not beat down Asuka when they did that to every other woman, can’t wait to see the explanations as to why. Cruiserweights on Raw is a mixed bag, it is good for them to get airtime so people know they exist, and the match itself was great, but it makes me wonder what 205 Live will even have tomorrow night now. Kane basically being the entire final segment’s focal point is fitting, this is feeling more and more like Kane’s final run in WWE and therefore it should involve Finn and Strowman for a handful of reasons. Obviously it’ll be Strowman that retires Kane, not Balor, and I would love it if it happened in a “Last Monster Standing” match.

My Score: 8/10

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Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (6/20/25)

One step closer to the end!

Published

on

Can the Last Real Champion handle The Truth?

While the King & Queen of the Ring tournaments reach their semifinals, John Cena has his first match on SmackDown in years, against Ron Killings!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Asuka VS Alexa Bliss; Asuka wins and advances to Night of Champions.
  • Aleister Black VS Kit Wilson; No Contest.
  • King of the Ring Semifinals: Randy Orton VS Sami Zayn; Orton wins and advances to Night of Champions.
  • Charlotte Flair VS Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice; Charlotte wins.
  • Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker VS LA Knight; Knight wins, by disqualification.
  • John Cena VS Ron Killings; Killings wins, by disqualification.

PLAY BY PLAY

LA Knight is here!

Grand Rapids fires up as the Mega Star marches right to the ring. Knight grabs a mic while the fans chant his name, and he says, “LEMME TALK TO YA!” The fans cheer, and Knight says, “Let’s just go ahead and rewind our mind a little bit. We go to back to Money in the Bank, Seth and his boys, they just happen to come down and screw this guy.” The fans boo that. Knight says usually, he lets things slide. But he just figured he couldn’t let it slide, so he made sure to screw on of Rollins’ boys in their title opportunity, King of the Ring. But then they came back, paid it back and screwed Knight outta KOTR, so he had to go and screw the other one over!

And it just has Knight thinking. Fans “YEAH!” and Knight says there is only one way this can go. He has gone back and forth between Raw and SmackDown, where it ends, nobody knows! Except Knight! He knows! He knows where this ends! The fans cheer that! And Knight says it ends with him and Rollins! And what better place than here? And what better time than now! Knight tells Rollins to come on out and talk to him! But “Ladies and gentlemen…” The fans boo as Paul Heyman walks out and gives his introductions. He serves as the Wise Man to Mr. Money in the Bank, Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins!

Heyman says you do not boo that name. And you screwed up your cue, so they’ll do this again. He serves as the Wise Man for Seth Freakin’ Rollins! The fans keep booing, Heyman wants to try again, but Knight says shut up and get to the point! Why is Heyman here?! Heyman walks to the ring and asks permission to step inside. The fans chant “O T C! O T C!” but Knight steps back. Heyman steps into the ring, and he says yes, there has been a lot of bad blood between Knight and Mr. MITB, Seth Freakin’ Rollins. However, Heyman happens to be, with all due respect to everyone here in Grand Rapids, Michigan…

The fans chant “C M PUNK!” at Heyman now and he frowns. Knight says Heyman has a lot of enemies. Heyman says he is the biggest LA Knight fan in all of WWE! Heyman’s been waiting a long time to say this: YEAH! Now, because of that, Seth Freakin’ Rollins (the fans boo again) has allowed Heyman to say to Knight, as a favor to Heyman… It is time for Knight to get the hell outta Grand Rapids, Michigan. Because if he does not, something really bad is going to happen to him before the end of the night. Have a nice evening. Heyman turns to go but the fans cheer Knight on. Knight says he couldn’t help but notice, but did you~ (poking fun at Heyman’s voice cracking) threaten Knight?

Because Knight wants to wrap his head around this. He’s heard Heyman say stuff like this before, because Heyman is a liar, a swindler, a grifter, a scammer and a schemer! Heyman leeches on to any talent that has a bit of hype, sucks ’em dry, then moves on to the next! Rollins just happens to be the latest in this. But where next? Who cares! But the bottom line is, Knight asked for Rollins but he got Heyman. And while he got Heyman, he got a Heyman out here talking all tough. So it has Knight thinking, he has a great idea.

Talking about wise man, wisdom, there was a point in time if Heyman had said something like that, a man like Knight would look at a “thing” like Heyman and punched his wisdom teeth down his throat! Knight won’t do that, yet. But here’s the deal: Heyman’s talking all tough, but if he can’t bring Rollins out here, then the only thing to do out here in Grand Rapids is Knight fighting Heyman here and now! The fans fire up for that! Knight asks if the fans want that, and they cheer! “HUH?” “YEAH!” “HUH?” “YEAH!” “YEAH!!” Knight promises he’ll turn around, take his vest off, and Heyman gets the first shot. He better make it good, or Knight will molly whop his ass right outta Grand Rapids!

The fans fire up as Knight does as promised. He turns around, his vest is off, but Heyman bails? The fans boo as the Wise Man doesn’t play along. Heyman says, “Remember when I told you to get the hell out of Grand Rapids or else something really bad is gonna happen to you before the end of the night? That wasn’t a prediction. That… was a spoiler!” Heyman throws down his mic, and here comes Bronson Reed & Bron Breakker! Rollins’ behemoths head to the ring, but Knight fires off on them first! The fans rally as Knight throws hands and feet, but then Bron TACKLES Knight! Bronson joins in and they mug Knight right out of the ring!

Bronson drags Knight up to TOSS him over barriers! Bron clears the desk, he wants Bronson to put Knight through it! But Knight has a chair! He JAMS Bron, JAMS Bronson, then SMACKS Bron and SMACKS Bronson! Knight gets in the ring, ready to hit whoever gets in! The fans cheer Knight but Heyman has Bron & Bronson stand down. Will Heyman have the henchmen try again before the end of tonight?

 

SmackDown returns and…

Heyman has Bron & Bronson calm down, they have this under control. It is all in their favor, and it always will be in their favor. That is the whole point behind this. Byron Saxton steps in and wants to talk to them, but Heyman has to hold Bron back like the dog he is! Heyman says no need to bite Byron. Byron apologizes, he has word from SmackDown GM, Nick Aldis, that Bronson Reed VS LA Knight is set for tonight. Heyman says okay, thank you, and goodbye. Byron leaves and Heyman smiles. He told them! Patience is not a virtue, it is strategy. Bronson smiles and nods. Will Auzsilla destroy LA here in Grand Rapids?

 

Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Asuka VS Alexa Bliss!

Two great returns to action through this tournament, and now they cross paths with each other. The Empress of Tomorrow overcame Ivy Nile, Raquel Rodriguez and Stephanie Vaquer while Lil’ Miss Bliss outsmarted Alba Fyre, Candice LeRae and Charlotte Flair. But whose comeback story overtakes the other’s here just one match away from Night of Champions?

The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Alexa headlocks, but Asuka powers up and out. Alexa RAMS Asuka, Asuka roars, and the fans fire up as Asuka fires hands! Alexa blocks a kick to THROW Asuka down, then basement DROPKICK! The fans cheer as Asuka and Alexa reset. Alexa kicks, Asuka blocks and slips through to waistlock. Alexa elbows free, runs, but Asuka runs past her to then RUN her over! The fans fire up and Asuka runs in again, HIP ATTACK! Alexa falls to the floor and the fans fire up while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Asuka lets Alexa stay down while she soaks up the cheers. The ring count starts, Alexa rises, but Asuka goes out after her. Alexa slips inside and DROPKICKS Asuka’s leg! Asuka falls from the apron but she has to nod respect for that savvy move. Asuka steps back in at 6 of 10, and she resets with Alexa. They circle, feel things out, and tie up. Asuka wrenches and wristlocks, but Alexa rolls and wrenches to hammerlock. Alexa waistlocks, rolls Asuka, TWO! The two stand off again and they both nod respect. They reset, the fans rally up, and the two feel things out. Asuka trips Alexa, clamps on with a headlock, and she grinds Alexa down.

Alexa endures, Asuka turns her over to go after the arm, then she stands on Alexa’s arm. Alexa endures, Asuka shifts arms, but Alexa wrenches out to wrangle Asuka. Alexa shifts to a cording hold, but Asuka fights up and fires body shots. Alexa whips Asuka to a corner, but Asuka elbows her away! And BOOTS! Asuka goes up, leaps, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Alexa stays in this but Asuka stays focused. Asuka drags Alexa around and gives her Kawada Kicks! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Asuka wrenches for a chicken wing! Alexa fights the Asuka Lock and JAWBREAKERS free! Alexa runs up to RUN Asuka over!

The fans rally as Alexa rallies, then hits a BLOCKBUSTER! The fans fire up as Alexa SLAPS, ROCKS, and KNEES Asuka down! Then SOMERSAULT SENTON! Cover, TWO! Asuka stays in this and Alexa grows frustrated. The fans rally while Alexa brings Asuka up. Asuka breaks free to URAKEN, SOBAT, FRONT KICK, and GERMAN SUPLEX! Alexa tumbles away, Asuka runs up, SLIDING KICK! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as Asuka stands and takes aim. But Alexa ducks the buzzsaw! Cover, TWO! Alexa clinches, TWISTED- NO, Asuka rolls Alexa up! TWO! Alexa sits up, BUZZSAW! Cover, TWO!! Alexa survives but Asuka just fires up!

The fans rally as Asuka goes to the corner. Asuka climbs from the outside, and MISSILE- NO, Alexa dodges this time! Alexa kicks and DDTS! Cover, TWO! Asuka stays in this and the fans fire up! “This is Awesome!” as Alexa drags Asuka into the drop zone. Alexa goes up, up, and the fans fire up! TWISTED- NO, Asuka moves, so Alexa stops. Alexa won’t let Asuka sneak away, but then she gets caught in an ARMBAR!! Alexa flails, rolls, but ends up in an omoplata! RINGS OF SATURN!! Alexa fights around, pops her arm free for a cover, TWO!! Asuka reels Alexa in, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!!

The fans fire up as Alexa stays in this! Asuka fires up, the fans are with her, and she runs up, only for Alexa to ROCK her with a right! Alexa puts Asuka in the Tree of Woe, and she DROPKICKS Asuka out of it! Alexa climbs back up, and TWISTED BLISS onto knees!! Asuka still counters the moonsault, and hits the EMPRESS IMPACT!! Cover, Asuka wins!

Winner: Asuka, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)

The Empress says no one is ready for Asuka, and that has certainly been the case! But on Raw, we find out, will it be Jade Cargill or Roxanne Perez that meets Asuka in Saudi Arabia?

 

Jade Cargill, Mia Yim & B-Fab watch backstage.

And Fab says damn, Asuka just came back and she’s already making statements. Almost like she never left. Michin says maybe they need to make their own statements. They need to talk to Aldis about the tag titles. Fab agrees. Fab & Mia wish Jade luck before heading out. Byron walks in and asks if he can have a word. Jade says shoot. Byron says Asuka just advanced, but Jade has her match on Monday with Roxanne Perez. How does Jade feel about facing a talented competitor like Roxie? And how does she feel about the possibility of facing Asuka in the finals? Jade says “Rox” has potential. Roxie is quick and scrappy.

But she’s still trying to prove herself. And this isn’t a proving ground, this is a throne room, and Jade was built for royalty. As for Asuka, there’s a storm on the horizon. But news flash, Jade is that storm. This entire tournament wasn’t built for the future, but for a woman who can walk through fire, shatter glass ceilings, and take her crown on the way to the top. This Queen of the Ring, Jade isn’t just walking in to win. She’s here to reign. Will the Prodigy be washed away by the storm this Monday?

 

Alexa Bliss returns backstage.

And Chelsea Green finds her. Flanked by her Secret Her-vice, The Hot Mess asks, “Hey, little fu-fu, how’s your boo-boo?” Alexa asks back, “How’s yours?” Piper tells Chelsea not to get upset, Alexa is just jealous. Chelsea says this serves Alexa right. Chelsea should be Queen of the Ring, and she’d be building her parliament if not for Alexa! Oh, if she has that big of an issue, then try facing her in the ring. Chelsea says she will! But then Charlotte Flair walks in and says if anyone should’ve still been in this tournament, it’s her. But had Chelsea’s “replacement” tapped out sooner, maybe she would.

So here’s the deal: Charlotte will have a match made and tap Chelsea out instead. N-Not if Chelsea makes it a bank holiday! ROYAL DUTIES! NICHOLAS! Chelsea hurries away with the Secret Her-vice following, and Alexa tells Charlotte that she doesn’t need Charlotte’s help. Oh, that’s cute. Because Charlotte wasn’t helping Alexa. Charlotte leaves now, leaving Alexa to chew on that. Will The Queen chew up the Hot Mess and spit her out now that she has nothing better to do?

 

Aleister Black VS Kit Wilson!

The Dark Father is also directionless now that he is out of the King of the Ring tournament, but he never lets that bother him. Will he make himself the direction all roads lead when things #FadeToBlack? Or will Kit prove he can be Pretty Deadly all on his own?

Wait, who is attacking Kit? It’s R-TRUTH! But why’s Ron Killings going after Kit?! He POSTS Kit, drags him back out, and puts him in an STF!! The fans fire up and Kit taps, but it won’t matter when this isn’t a match! Killings lets Kit out of the hold and demands a mic. A mic is given, and Killings says, “Get John Cena out here now. I’m driving! On my terms! Cena, get out here!” The fans fire up and then Killings puts Kit back in the STF! Aleister is rather confused, but producers hurry out here to stop Truth. Truth lets Kit go, Jamie Noble asks Truth wait for the main event. Truth seethes, but he accepts the terms.

Killings leaves, walking right past Aleister. Will there be no denying The Truth when he finally gets his hands on the Last Real Champion?

 

Jamie Noble talks with Truth backstage.

Jamie says Truth has to calm down. Truth says he wants John Cena NOW! He’s driving! Yes, okay, but just wait. Truth promises that when he sees Cena, he is killing him tonight! Aleister steps in and asks Truth why he is getting involved in Aleister’s match. Truth says it wasn’t personal, it had nothing to do with Aleister. These two stare down, and then Damian Priest steps in. The Archer of Infamy has Aleister stand down. Truth is going through a lot, let Priest talk to him. Oh, of course. Aleister says, “Ron.” “Black.” Aleister leaves, Priest tells Truth that there’s no need for any of that. Priest gets Truth is frustrated, but he can’t just go beat up people for no reason.

Priest used to do that, and Truth was the guy there to make him smile. Truth made the world smile! All that anger and negativity, focus that on the match tonight. Focus that on John Cena. Go out there and handle business with Cena, then Priest and Truth can go downtown to celebrate. How’s that sound? Truth says sounds good, DP. They shake hands, and Priest heads out. Truth is still seething, but will he make sure it all explodes on Cena?

 

Cody Rhodes is here!

Grand Rapids sings along as The American Nightmare makes his way out, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, he high-fives fans in the front row, then looks closely at the King of the Ring’s crown. Cody goes to the ring and grabs the mic. He hears the fans cheer him on, but then Jey Uso is here! The fans fire up as Main Event Jey makes his way down through the crowd! A young fan joins in bouncing along, but so does all of Grand Rapids! Jey continues down the stands, finds another young fan, and they bounce along again. Jey then reaches ringside, high-fives the front row, and he joins Cody in the ring as we get the next wave of YEET!

Grand Rapids might want to YEET all night, but Jey hugs it out with Cody before he gets his own mic. The music dies down, the fans chant, “One More Time! One More Time!” and Cody says sure, one more is fine. Jey says okay, and yes, the fans get to YEET again! Jey says hey, Cody doesn’t even have to say nothing. They been in the trenches! “YEET!” Still in the trenches! “YEET!” From fighting The Bloodline… “YEET!” To winning tag titles… “YEET!” To finishing their stories at WrestleMania! “YEET!” They’ve both been to the mountaintop. “YEET!” But Cody, on Monday, there is only room for one of them.

The fans are intrigued, and Cody nods. Jey says there’s only one that can go. Cody VS Jey, Jey VS Cody, and Jey knows Cody will bring it. Jey has to get his, Uce. He has to, just like Cody has to get his. But that said, Uce, it ain’t personal. This all business. But that all said, too, Uce, on Monday, after they go to war, please believe that it will be four letters, one word, uh uh… YEET! Cody smiles and the fans cheer. They shake hands again, and wait! Here comes Sami Zayn! The fans cheer as the Great Liberator makes his way to the ring. Sami grabs a mic to say, “This is nice, isn’t it? I get to share the ring with two great friends.”

The fans applaud, and Sami says he is in the ring with two of the very best that this business has to offer! The fans cheer that, too! Sami says he’d be lying if he denied there was a part of him that sees the three of them in this ring, and notices how only one of them has never been world champion. Jey, Sami wants him to know, man to man, this year, Sami missed Mania. Sami had no reason to be in Las Vegas, but he got his ass on a plane to Vegas for one reason: To congratulate Jey the moment he won the World Heavyweight Championship! Sami loves Jey, and he is proud of him. And Cody, for years, everyone watched as Cody finished his story.

And when Cody did, he did the unthinkable and pinned Roman Reigns in the middle of this ring, Sami was the first one out here to congratulate Cody. Sami is so proud that Cody finished his story. So he hopes both men understand that now, it is time for Sami to finish HIS story! The fans cheer, but then here comes Randy Orton! The Viper looks at the crown, then goes to the ring. The fans sing along with Voices and Orton grabs himself a mic. “So Cody, same deal as last week but I’m gonna say it again. There is no line I will not cross, even if it means going through you, so that I can get to John Cena at SummerSlam, beat him, and get my FIFTEENTH world championship!”

The fans cheer, and Orton tells Jey, “Man, I respect the… Hell outta you, dude. Our families go way, way, way back. Nothing but love, dude. But if you’re standing across the ring from me at SummerSlam, it’s not gonna be four letters, one word. It’s gonna be three letters, one move.” The fans say it, “R K O!” And Orton says he not only speaks for himself but for everyone here in this arena when he says, and from the bottom of his heart, one day and one day soon, Sami Zayn will be world champion. But not at SummerSlam. Because tonight, Sami is on the receiving end of the three most dangerous letters in sports entertainment: R K O.

Orton drops the mic, and it is time to put those words into action. Will it be the Legend Killer or the Underdog from the Underground that heads for Saudi Arabia?

King of the Ring Semifinals: Randy Orton VS Sami Zayn!

SmackDown returns, the bell rings, and these two circle. They tie up, Sami wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, then wristlocks. Orton endures, fights up, and the fans duel. Orton wrenches Sami in return to then headlock. Sami endures, powers up to wrench again, and he grinds the arm. Sami wrenches and CHOPS, and Orton goes to the corner. Sami CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! The fans “WOO~” but the ref counts. Orton pushes past Sami, bails out of the ring, and he is pretty red already. Sami builds speed but he fakes Orton out with the Arabian Press! The fans fire up and Orton has to admit that was good.

Orton goes up the steps and steps back into the ring. The fans rally, Orton and Sami tie up, and Orton puts Sami in the corner. Orton lets off slowly, but he pokes Sami in the eyes! The fans boo but Orton UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! But Sami pokes Orton in the eyes! The ref caught that one and reprimands Sami. Sami TOSSES Orton out, goes to the apron, but Orton YANKS Sami down! Sami hits off the apron, and Orton reels him in, DESK BACK SUPLEX! Sami writhes and Orton rolls into the ring, just to refresh the count. Fans want that “One More Time!” and Orton agrees! DESK BACK SUPLEX again!

Sami writhes more and whatever monitor wasn’t busted, they’re busted now! Orton leaves Sami behind for a moment while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Orton goes out to fetch Sami, but Sami fights off a third back suplex! Orton kicks low, brings Sami over, but Sami blocks the smack off the steel steps! Orton sputters, Sami stalks him, and Sami decides to give him some payback! But Orton ROCKS Sami first! Orton SMACKS Sami off the desk, puts him in the ring, and covers, TWO! Sami stays in this but Orton looms over him. Sami rises, Orton puts him in a corner, and Orton fires body shots. Orton climbs up and rains down fists! Orton gets to eight before Sami fires back! Sami has Orton in another corner, climbs up, and Sami rains down a fast TEN!

Sami huffs ‘n’ puffs and CHOPS! Orton is stinging but Sami CHOPS him again! Sami wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, and whips! Orton reverses, Sami hits buckles hard, and Sami falls in a heap. Orton dusts himself off and looms over Sami again. Orton stomps Sami’s hand! Sami writhes and clutches his finger. Orton stomps Sami’s foot, ten the other foot! And then the other hand! Sami sits up, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Orton CLUBS away on Sami’s chest! Orton DECKS Sami, the fans cheer, and Orton brings Sami up. Orton whips, Sami goes up and over, and Sami LARIATS Orton down! The fans fire up again as Sami rises!

Sami goes to the corner, Orton runs up, but Sami ELBOWS him! Sami goes up, AX HANDLES, and the fans fire up more! Orton takes a swing, but Sami slips around! Orton fights the Blue Thunder, then LARIATS! And LARIATS! Orton dodges Sami to SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up while Sami goes to the apron. Orton drags Sami in through the ropes, and DRAPING DDTS! The fans fire up as Orton hears those voices! Orton watches Sami rise, but then Sami bails out! The fans are torn but Sami is smart to avoid what was coming. Orton goes out to fetch Sami, SMACKS him off the desk, and then back suplexes, only for Sami to lands out!

Sami CLUBS Orton, and hits a DESK BACK SUPLEX on Orton! Sami puts Orton in the ring, goes to a corner, and the fans fire up as Orton rises. Orton runs in, Sami dodges, and Orton POSTS himself! Sami runs corner to corner, HELLUVA- SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Sami survives and Orton seethes. “This is Awesome!” as Sami goes back to a corner. Orton runs back in and he LARIATS! Orton runs but Sami follows! But Orton dodges the Helluva Kick! Sami gets stuck on the to rope, frees himself, and hobbles into an RK- NO! BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Orton survives and the fans fire up again!

“This is Awesome!” as Sami drags Orton to the drop zone. Sami goes up the corner, Orton stands and he gets under the leap! R K- NO, Sami SLAMS Orton down! And then HELLUVA- RKO!!! Orton crawls to the cover, Orton wins!!

Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)

Sami fought his heart out, but the Viper still strikes! Orton is going back to back in KOTR finals, but will he win the crown this time?

 

Nia Jax is here!

Grand Rapids boos as The Irresistible Force goes to the ring. She grabs the mic dot say, “You know what’s crazy? Tiffany Stratton approached me to be under my wing, because she knew exactly what I could do for her. And look, she’s thriving! And what kind of thanks did I get for it? She betrayed me. She has MY title!” But wait, here comes Tiffy! Grand Rapids cheers as the WWE Women’s Champion has the mic to tell Nia, “You’re like that toxic ex I just can’t get away from. News flash: get over it! You make excuse after excuse, but when are you just gonna admit that maybe I’m just better than you?”

The fans cheer and Tiff heads to the ring. Nia says yeah, okay, if Tiff is so much better, then give Nia a rematch without kicking a chair into her face. Tiff says if Nia’s so desperate for a match, it is her lucky day! She made it official for next week: Tiff VS Nia! And Tiff will have more fun adding more scars to that “five head” of Nia’s. Because it won’t just be a regular match. It will be Last Woman Standing! Nia takes a swing but Tiff dodge! Tiff fires off, kicks low, and runs up, but into a POP-UP HEADBUTT! And then Nia drops a leg, brother! Nia holds up the belt and soaks up the heat. Nia thinks about leaving, but decides to add on! ANOTHER leg drop, brother!

The fans boo but Nia says that’s not enough! Nia tells Wade & Joe that she’s taking the title! But wait! NAOMI is here, with a ref! Is she doing it!? Is she doing it?! But Nia YANKS Naomi out! Naomi tells her back off! Nia doesn’t, Naomi shoves her, but Nia still grabs at her! Tiff DROPKICKS Naomi onto Nia! Tiff avoids a cash-in because Nia was in the way, but is she setting herself up for failure with that extreme title match?

 

Charlotte Flair VS Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice!

The Queen was denied her crown, but she’s not even angry at Alexa Bliss, the one who took that opportunity from her. She instead looks to humble the Hot Mess that claims she would be queen if her demands were met. Who vents their frustrations and comes away with the win?

SmackDown returns and Charlotte makes her entrance. The bell rings and the fans actually cheer on Chelsea. Alba distracts Charlotte and Chelsea sucker punches her! The ref reprimands but Chelsea SMACKS Charlotte off the mat again and again! Chelsea salutes, but Charlotte CHOPS! Chelsea KNEES low, whips, but Charlotte goes up and out at the corner. Charlotte BOOTS Chelsea away, avoids Alba and KICKS her! Chelsea runs up, Charlotte RAMS her, and then Charlotte climbs up. CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Chelsea scrambles away and Charlotte runs up, but into an ELBOW! Charlotte GAMANGIRIS!

Charlotte snapmares, Chelsea distracts the ref, and Alba grabs Charlotte by the hair! Alba HOTSHOTS Charlotte and Chelsea hits a BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Chelsea is furious but Charlotte stays in this, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Chelsea hops onto Charlotte for a SLEEPER! The fans rally, but Charlotte hits a BACKPACK SENTON! Charlotte is free, Chelsea runs back up, but Charlotte gives her a BACKBREAKER and BUCKLE SHOT! Chelsea falls back, Charlotte huffs ‘n’ puffs and runs up to fire hands! The fans fire up as Charlotte CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Charlotte CHOPS again, then clinches for an EXPLODER! And a kip up! The fans fire up and Charlotte salutes to poke fun at Chelsea. Charlotte runs, dodges, and handsprings to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Chelsea survives but Charlotte stays on her by going for a leg.

Alba gets on the apron, so Charlotte BOOTS her down! The fans cheer, but Charlotte turns around into a ROUGH RYDER! Cover, TWO!! Charlotte survives and Chelsea is furious! Chelsea takes off her face protector and drags Charlotte up. Chelsea has the arms, turns Charlotte, but Charlotte shoves her away! Charlotte dodges and SPEARS! Cover, TWO!! Chelsea survives but Charlotte has the leg! FIGURE- CRADLE!! TWO!! Charlotte has the leg again, FIGURE FOUR! And the bridge for the FIGURE EIGHT!! Chelsea TAPS, Charlotte wins!

Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission

But then Piper Niven SENTONS onto Charlotte!! Alba storms in, she and Piper mug Charlotte, but here comes Alexa! She RAMS into Piper, she ROCKS Alba, then she catches Chelsea! Charlotte LARIATS Alba out while Alexa hits a TWISTED SISTER ABIGAIL! And then Charlotte BOOTS Piper down! Charlotte and Alexa look at each other, and despite what either one thinks, maybe they both need the other after all. Alexa offers the handshake, but Charlotte walks right past Alexa. Alexa lets that slide, but will Charlotte come around soon enough?

 

Solo Sikoa talks with JC Mateo.

Why is JC taping up? Uh, duh, he’ll take out Jacob. No, Solo is going out there alone to talk with Jacob. Solo was the only one that Jacob would listen to. Jacob needs Solo. Solo will smooth things over. JC accepts that, but Solo does say that JC should stay ready. Solo is covering his bases, but will he need the Imperial Unit to put down the Samoan Werewolf? Or will it all be alright between them all?

 

Solo Sikoa heads to the ring.

SmackDown returns as the former Tribal Chief makes his way out, and Grand Rapids boos. Solo grabs the mic, takes a moment, and says, “Alright, Jacob. I’m out here in the middle of the ring, all alone, with open arms, willing to talk to you face to face. I feel terrible about what happened. So if you’re back there, come on out so we can clear the air.” Jacob Fatu makes his entrance and Grand Rapids cheers! Fatu holds up the United States Championship before he steps into the ring, and he has a mic of his own. The fans cheer on “FATU! FATU!” and Solo says he didn’t come out here to fight him, okay? He’s not here for that.

Solo wants to make it clear to Fatu that he loves him, always has loved him, no matter what. One thing Solo learned from being Tribal Chief is how to love family and how to take care of them. That’s all he’s trying to do. Families fight all the time. They fight, they argue, they forgive, and then they move forward. So they should move forward together, Jacob. Move forward as one. The fans boo that, but Solo says nobody saw the potential in Jacob except Solo. Nobody wanted Jacob here in the WWE, except Solo. That is why Solo brought Fatu here and gave him the chance to change his life and put food on his family’s table.

And why did Solo do that? Because Solo loves Jacob. He does. And to be honest, Solo doesn’t have anybody else. Fatu isn’t sure about that, but Solo says all he has is Fatu. And he’s all Solo needs. So come back to the family, and even if Jacob doesn’t say those four words, Solo will. Solo will say it for him, to him, loud enough so everybody can hear it! Solo tells Jacob, “I love you, Jacob.” The fans boo, they don’t trust this. Fatu paces as he thinks on that. “So you love me, huh?” Solo nods yes. So this is what it comes down to, huh? Solo loves Fatu? The way Fatu sees things, Solo has been using Fatu! Solo has been using Fatu to gain power, to fight his battles, and to stay Tribal Chief.

Hell, Solo brought Fatu in so Fatu could bring Solo fame! Solo brought Fatu in because he thought Fatu would bring him gold! Is that all this is about? Fame? Gold? Power? SOLO, LOOK AT HIM! Solo looks up from the floor while the fans cheer Fatu on. Fatu tells Solo that ever since he won the US Championship, Solo is the one that’s been acting different. And maybe Fatu isn’t the problem. Fatu just figured it out! The problem… is this. The problem is the US Championship. Fatu sets it down between him and Solo, and he says if this is what he thinks it is, then just fight him for it! Fight Fatu for the title! The fans fire up for that!

And Solo, Fatu will only warn you one time: If you ever think about coming this way, you know what Fatu is about! You know what’s poppin’ with Fatu, blood! And you know Jacob Fatu is all gas, no brakes with it! YADADADA- SOLO TAKES A SWING! Fatu blocks the spike and he HEADBUTTS! JC Mateo rushes out here! Fatu HEADBUTTS him, too! But Solo CHOP BLOCKS the legs! The fans boo but JC & Solo mug Fatu! But then here comes JIMMY USO! The fans fire up as #BigJim slides in, dodges Solo, and SUPERKICKS JC! And then he SUPERKICKS Solo! But JC LARIATS Jimmy down! JC HAMMERS Jimmy and Solo has him put Jimmy in the corner.

The fans boo but Solo tells Jimmy that he should’ve chosen Solo’s side, not Jacob’s! But speaking of, Fatu is up! The fans fire up as Fatu BODY CHECKS JC! Then he SUPERKICKS Solo! Solo is in a corner, Fatu fires off on him, HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT! SUPERKICK for JC! HIP ATTACK for Solo! The fans are fired up for the Samoan Werewolf, and he locks eyes with Jimmy. Jimmy came to Fatu’s rescue, Fatu just saved him, so Fatu goes up, up, only for Solo to bail out! No Best Moonsaults here in Grand Rapids, but will Fatu cut Solo down soon enough?

 

Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker VS LA Knight!

The Wise Man warned, or rather threatened, the Mega Star that he should just cut and run, but that’s not how he does things. Knight is ready to fight, but will he survive a battle with Auszilla? Or is a Tsunami about wipe out LA?

Wait, Knight doesn’t enter from the stage! He enters from the crowd! And he POSTS Bron! The fans fire up as Knight evens things out! He TOSSES Bronson out, throws his vest at him, and Bronson snarls. Bronson has Bron stand down, and says, “Tonight, I kill him.” Bronson steps into the ring, the bell sounds, and Knight fires off! The fans fire up as Knight fires hands, but Bronson puts him in the corner. Knight ELBOWS back, Knight fires more hands, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips but Bronson blocks! Bronson whips Knight to a corner, runs up, but Knight dodges! Bronson POSTS himself, and Knight stomps a mudhole in!

The fans rally, the ref counts, and Knight goes corner to corner, but into a fireman’s carry! Knight slips down to sunset flip, but Bronson stays up! Bronson jumps but Knight avoids the hip drop! Then Knight basement BOOTS! The fans fire up and Knight storms up on Bronson. Bronson TOSSES Knight to the apron, but Knight slingshots back in! Bronson catches Knight to a fireman’s carry! Knight flails free and he RAMS Bronson into a corner! But Bronson holds ropes to deny the Jump Neckbreaker! Bronson runs but Knight avoids the senton! The fans fire up as Knight goes up, up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! That’s a Steiner move!

The fans fire up and spell it out, “L! A! KNIGHT!” but Bronson bails out! Knight runs to WRECK Bronson with a dropkick! Knight goes back up, springboards, CROSSBODY to the ramp! The fans fire up with Knight and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Bronson has Knight up top. The fans rally as Knight fights back with body shots! Knight ROCKS Bronson, ROCKS him again, and ROCKS him again! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Bronson finally falls and Knight adjusts position. “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” BOX JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Bronson survives and Knight is rather stunned while Heyman is relieved. Knight aims, kicks, but Bronson denies the BFT! HEADBUTT, then a fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Knight survives the “Jagged Edge” DVD but Bronson brings him right up. Bronson reels Knight in and says thumbs down.

Bronson lifts Knight up, but Knight flips the bomb into a DDT! The fans fire up but Bron barks at the apron! Knight DECKS the dog, tells Heyman to get the same, but Bronson runs up! Knight DUMPS Bronson out, builds speed, but BRON SPEARS!!

Winner: LA Knight, by disqualification

The fans boo but Bron handed Knight the win with that one. Bronson stands Knight up so Bron can build speed and SUPER SPEAR!! Grand Rapids is torn but plenty of fans bark. And now Bronson goes up!? TSUNAMI!! Bronson goes up again, the refs hurry out here, but TSUNAMI AGAIN!! The fans want another, so Bron scares the refs off to let Bronson go back up! THIRD TSUNAMI!!! Have Rollins’ rooks just broken Knight into pieces? Is this a message to everyone that no one can stop the vision?

 

Jacob Fatu speaks.

“Yeah, c’mon on widdit! I just spoke to the man, and you know the man makes everything possible here on SmackDown! So next week, next week on Saturday, me ‘n’ you, Solo! Night of Champions, mano a mano, I’m about to dog walk yo’ ass for the US Championship! Solo, you better get in where you fit in. Cuz if you don’t, then baby, it’s ’bout to be all gas, no breaks with it. Yadadadada mean?” The Samoan Werewolf will get to sink his teeth into Solo, but will he stay golden through it all?

 

John Cena VS Ron Killings!

The Undisputed WWE Champion was the exact opposite of grateful for R-Truth saving him from Randy Orton at Backlash, and he doubled down when Ron tried to show him the truth at Saturday Night’s Main Event. So, if Cena doesn’t want the Truth, he’ll get someone who knows about ruthless aggression! Will Ron Killings bring an early end to the retirement tour? Or will Cena continue to ruin wrestling for everyone else?

SmackDown returns as Cena makes his entrance. The fans sing “JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” despite him wearing the Detroit Pistons colors. Cena makes Mark Nash give the “proper” introduction: “He is the Greatest of All Time, the Never Seen Seventeen, gracing Grand Rapids with his presence one final time… He is the Last Real Champion, JOHN CENA~!” The fans boo, the bell rings, and Truth stares at Cena while Cena smirks hearing the “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Truth TACKLES Cena! He fires off hands but Cena bails out! So Truth goes out to DECK Cena! “What’s up!?” “WHAT’S UP!” Truth has Cena at the desk and SMACKS him off it!

Truth ROCKS Cena again, and shakes his hand out from hitting so hard. Truth SMACKS Cena off the apron, storms in after him, and whips him to a corner. Cena hits buckles hard and falls to the mat! The fans continue to duel while Truth keeps his eyes on Cena. Truth storms up on Cena while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Truth stands Cena up, whips corner to corner again, and Cena hits buckles hard! Cena sputters, Truth looms over him, and Truth ROCKS Cena! Cena ROCKS Truth! They go back and forth with haymakers, and then Truth dodges to SHOULDER TACKLE! Truth still uses Cena’s own moves against him, and that includes the SPIN-OUT BOMB! Truth raises his hand and Grand Rapids joins in! “You Can’t See Me!” But then Cena bails out so Truth can’t hit him! Truth is annoyed, the fans give thumbs down, but here comes Truth. Cena ELBOWS him down! Cena drags Truth up, POSTS him, and he brings Truth back into the ring.

Cena HEADBUTTS Truth, CHOKES him on the ropes, but stops as the ref counts. Cena stomps away on Truth, then runs to KICK Truth in the back! Cena talks trash, then he runs to SHOULDER TACKLE! Cena takes his time, knowing it is what the fans want. Truth rises up, Cena runs to SHOULDER TACKLE again! Cena watches Truth rise again, gets around him, SPIN-OUT BOMB! And Cena raises his hand, reveling in the cheers and jeers. “You Can’t See Me!” SmackDown returns to single picture for the FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Then Cena fireman’s carries, but Truth slips free! THESZ PRESS! And fast hands!

The fans fire up and Truth has Cena in a corner. Truth runs to STINGER SPLASH! Truth hitting all sorts of other iconic moves! Cena tumbles out and grabs the belt! Cena doesn’t care about this match anymore, he doesn’t need to take this! Truth says hold up! Truth runs Cena down and fires hands on the ramp! The fans fire up but Cena CLOBBERS Truth with the belt!!

Winner: Ron Killings, by disqualification

Cena wants to get another shot, but wait! PUNK IS HERE! Cena runs away into the ring, and he catches Punk as Punk slides in! The fans boo Cena but he huffs ‘n’ puffs. Cena drags Punk up, but Punk fires hands in return! Punk DECKS Cena, grabs the belt, and he holds it up! The fans cheer, and Punk aims, but Cena LOW BLOWS! Cena has a sinister smile as he grabs the belt. BELT SHOT for Punk!! The fans boo even more, but Cena decides to up the ante! Cena brings out a table! The fans cheer, everyone loves tables! Cena puts the table in the ring, then watches Punk sputter around. Cena sets the table up while the fans rally behind Punk.

Punk stands but Cena has the belt again! BELT SHOT!! Cena drags Punk up, fireman’s carries, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT through the table!! Cena made Punk snap into a Slim Jim, and then he grabs a mic. Cena laughs at Punk, and then sits up on the corner. “Punk… As you lay there in your most uncomfortable…” Cena pretends the mic cut out, taps it, and then says, “Somebody’s afraid of what I’m gonna say.” Cena grins and the fans boo as Cena flips the iconic “Pipebomb” moment on it’s head. “As you lay there in your most uncomfortable, I hope you can listen. I hope you can digest.

“Because before I leave here in six months with that WWE Championship, I gotta get a whole lotta stuff off my chest. First thing’s first, I don’t hate you. I don’t even dislike you. I like you. I like you more than anyone you ever shared a locker room with, that’s for sure. I hate this idea of you. This idea that you’re the Best int he World. You’re not. I’M the Greatest of All Time.” Grand Rapids is a bit torn on that statement, but Cena says Punk is better than Cena at one thing: You’re the best BS artist in the world. Oh no, kiddos~! John Cena just dropped a curse word! That means the show is off the rails! Hey, Stu, shoot this. Hi~! “I’m breaking the forth wall! HAHA!”

Cena then says the truth is, Punk… Cena is jealous of you. Cena is jealous that Punk has conned the fans into believing the myth that Punk is the Best in the World. Oh how they chant for Punk! Which they literally do right now. Hell, the fans even sing for Punk now. But they don’t believe a damn word you say. Because Punk changes his values as much as Cena changes his shirts! Punk is just a loud mouthed opportunist who steps on the necks of those who actually work hard if it gets him ahead. Oh, hey, look, another cameraman! “Hi, Claudio Castagnoli! Hey, Nic Nemeth! Hey, Matt Cardona! How’re you guys doing?”

The fans can’t believe Cena is going this far but Cena is loving it! “He’s heating up! He’s on fire! And there’s nobody back there that’s gonna cut my mic to save your ass, cuz I’m your only friend! Remember who gave you the stage for your pipebomb, pal! And what’ve you done with it since then, huh? You just regurgitated the same five microphone moves of doom. You’re promo potato salad, pal. Hey, you’re no longer the Voice of the Voiceless, you’re a friggin’ millionaire despite yourself. You’re not a punk, you’re a capitalist! And you’re not against TKO, dude, you are Mr. TKO. Cuz they knocked your balls technically off your body.

“Your tweets are strong, but your actions are weak. And in Saudi Arabia, you’re gonna face some loud, loud music when I finally prove to the world that each and every day, day in, day out, no days off for 25 YEARS, I have been the Greatest of All Time!” The fans cheer that a bit more now, to Cena’s surprise. “See, they know. And they know that you were the Best in the World… for seven minutes, 14 years ago. And if after Night of Champions, you’re still delusional enough to believe that you’re the Best in the World, well… I guess it’s a small world after all. You’re welcome, Grand Rapids.” The fans cheer, and Cena lets the world hear it.

Cena tells Punk to bring his A Game to Night of Champions. If Grand Rapids is any indication, the mood is starting to change. Refs finally appear to check on Punk, Cena says no, that’s fine. Punk needs to rest up for his big title match. Get a good shot of this: Best in the World VS Greatest of All Time, for THE most coveted prize in sports entertainment, THE WWE Undisputed Championship! And Cena knows the fans will sing and chant, but he also knows even the idiots are smart enough to see the truth: The Champ is Here. And USA Network, keep the extra two and half minutes. He doesn’t need a bomb to blow the “mother fudging” building.

Oh, and thanks, Punk, for letting Cena rip off your best promo just to make you look even more foolish. Cena finally drops the mic and he raises the belt up again. If the proverbial tables have turned this drastically, is there no saving WWE from losing its north star championship?


My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown with an awesome ending. All those years ago, when CM Punk dropped THE OG “Pipebomb” promo, no one could’ve ever in a million years guessed that here tonight, we would’ve gotten the John Cena remix. Not only was that promo of the year, but Cena blew up go-home math. I can’t see Cena losing the title to Punk now. He can lose the match since Cena loves getting disqualified, and there’s the possibility of Rollins trying a cash-in, but Cena is leaving Saudi Arabia as champion to then go to SummerSlam. It also works because Cody Rhodes still feels like the favorite for King of the Ring.

A lot of that has to do with how Sami lost to Orton tonight. Great promo from the four semifinalists, especially since it was Jey, Sami and Orton kinda keeping Cody from talking since there isn’t more Cody needs to say. Win or lose, no explanations needed at this point. Sami VS Orton was an awesome match, but I could just feel an RKO countering the Helluva Kick as the way to go and that’s what they did. Now, as awesome as it would be for Jey to beat Cody, and then for Jey to beat Orton to go for the World Heavyweight Championship again, there are a lot of moving parts right now that it would just be the easiest for Cody to win the crown and have his rematch with Cena.

And while talking the WHC, Gunther VS Goldberg IS confirmed for the title, but has also been confirmed as Goldberg’s last match. This is a huge indicator that despite Rollins teasing a cash-in on the Undisputed title, he will likely be thwarted and then falls back to the title he feels is rightfully his. That is to say, Rollins cashes in on the winner of Gunther VS Goldberg, which I half expected even before all this talk of Goldberg’s last match. Rollins can take this title from Gunther and Goldberg, and then we can throw Jey and even LA Knight into the mix as things are getting heated between Knight and the henchmen.

Great promo from Knight with Heyman, great match with Knight VS Bronson, and a really powerful beating Knight takes from Bron & Bronson. If nothing else, Knight costs Rollins his cash-in. Truth going after Kit Wilson was an interesting move. Also a shame Elton Prince is hurt, Pretty Deadly gets going and then something happens to slow them down. But Kit was going to lose to Aleister so this really messes Aleister up more than anything. Priest keeping the peace between Aleister and Truth was good stuff. Priest and Truth being allies on SmackDown can be some real fun stuff, and I feel like they’re already set up for a feud with Aleister.

Very good stuff with Fatu, Solo and this US Championship story. Fatu VS Solo was the natural move, and I like that Jimmy Uso ends up an ally for Fatu. The title match is set, I wonder if we get a tag match first. In fact, next week is title night in Riyadh with Tiffany Stratton giving Nia the Last Woman Standing match, and basically setting the stage for Naomi to cash in. She almost did tonight but Nia was again able to stop her, so I would think Naomi waits until the very end of the Last Woman Standing match to take full advantage. Then, if Jade wins Queen of the Ring, we get Jade VS Naomi at SummerSlam.

Good promo from Jade, B-Fab & Michin watching Asuka VS Alexa. Asuka winning made the most sense, Alexa clearly has story with Charlotte and Asuka is just that good. Jade VS Roxie will be a good match but Roxie’s story in Judgment Day might keep her from winning. But then the fallback there is Roxie might actually sub in for the tag titles like I was thinking. Charlotte VS Chelsea was very good, and of course the Secret Her-vice does what they can to help. The beatdown they put on Charlotte and then Alexa making the save, that’s going to be one of those “can they coexist?” tag matches for sure.

Honestly, a little surprised we didn’t get any tag team promos tonight, unless I completely missed something. I believe title night is going to have Profits VS Gacy & Lumis for the tag titles, too, so that’s going to be something wild. And while DIY is scared of the Wyatts, I feel like they’re going to interfere because they don’t want the Wyatts to take the titles. But at the same time, the Wyatts need something substantial this time around, so maybe they win the titles at SummerSlam.

My Score: 9/10

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Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 6.19.25

Are we going to start trending upwards with Slammiversary to build toward?

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Last week’s episode was lacking in ring work but had decent story moments and segments. Starting the build to Slammiversary we can either launch nicely or things can always get worse. Jason Hotch and KC Navarro are the real shining stars of the last few months, so lets hope once they get over this Leon Slater idiot ship, they can push X Division wrestlers with actual talent for pro wrestling and not just flippy charisma vacuums.

Oh and let’s not forget, it is the episode they celebrate the 23rd anniversary of TNA! TWENTY – THREE!! Somewhere PCO hates this.

Ratings:

  • Sami Callihan vs Eric Young w/Losers: EY wins via Piledriver – ** 3/4
  • Lei Ying Lee & Masha Slamovich vs The Elegance Clique w/M & Personal Concierge: Elegantos win via Rarefied Air – ***
  • Eddie Edwards & JDC w/Alisha & Brian Myers vs Matt Cardona & Home Town Man: HTM wins via Cradle – *
  • Champion’s Challenge: The Rascalz, Joe Hendry, Leon Slater & Elijah vs The Kaiba Boys, Moose, Steve Maclin & Trick Williams: Elijah wins via Highwayman’s Farewell – ***

 

Results:

Sami Callihan vs Eric Young w/Losers

Sami knocks them all off the apron before the bell rings, he levels the loser children, finds a chair, attacks EY but EY counters and this is the excuse to use weapons since the bell didn’t ring yet. EY tries to break Sami’s hand on the steps with the chair, but Sami moves, throws EY back in the ring, bell rings and EY hits a Belly to Belly suplex for two. They slug it out, Sami goes for Headbutts, then Sami wants to run the ropes but a loser trips him, distracts long enough for EY to knock him out of the ring and loser children swarm as loser children do. EY does the classic, throw back out for losers to attack while EY grabs and distracts the ref. Sami is selling a few lame attacks from the losers like he got shot. It’s an excessive sell, so it’s honestly a dumb transitional moment.

EY levels Sami, Lariat into Scoop Slam, looks for the Macho Elbow but Sami hits the ropes to crotch EY. Sami Superplex time, but EY bites the face to make Sami drop, EY jumps at him but eats a straight right hand. Cactus Driver, but no, EY tries his Piledriver…they both gouge eyes at the same time, Sami catches an EY charge into a Flatliner as they’re both down…for…reasons? The selling in this match seems…poorly timed and kinda stupid. Hard Irish Whip, EY Flair Flips the corner, levels Sami, Macho Elbow for 2.9! EY threatens to hit the ref, but then goes to mad dog commentary. EY then wants to attack fans…he’s more unhinged than World Elite EY. Sami gives him the old Dick Twist into a Stunner but only for two! Losers try to distract, first one gets taken out, second one uses a chair, EY hits the Piledriver on Sami, EY wins.

I feel like this is gonna continue for a few weeks since it wasn’t a clean win. 

Mustafa Ali’s group comes out, and I refuse to say the name because it’s dumb and they’re already fraying at the seams. Ali wants an apology session, Tasha and Hotch apologize to him but Skyler bites back and refuses, even shoved Ali. So Ali challenges him to a “Call to Arms” match. What in the hell is a Call to Arms match? 

Lei Ying Lee & Masha Slamovich vs The Elegance Clique w/M & Personal Concierge

ASH does her borderline racist fake karate before Lei stares her down and tags in Heather. Heather avoids Lei, Lei throws a few Tornado Kicks to make a point and Heather tags out. Heather being 4’8″ helps her here. Concierge says “There’s no Karate in wrestling”. ASH, Lei and Masha are in the ring, ASH is trying to decide who she wants to face, but the Concierge google translated it and hands it to ASH, before the face team rocks ASH. Masha lifts up Lei and Lei does the Liu Kang Bicycle Kick, steering more into her Mortal Kombat aesthetic. Senton off the apron from Lei and Masha dives into the pile, the comedy heels are getting leveled. We go to commercial and come back with Lei getting Double Teamed but she spins it into a weird Neckbreaker..but can’t tag out just yet. Lei blocks Heather, Enzuigiri, simultaneous tag, Masha is Yakuza kicks for all and the 2 for 1 Lariat/DDT special. Near fall, but Masha goes for murder, but Heather breaks it, Rocket Launcher/Code Breaker from Elegance but Lei breaks up the pin. ASH tries to intimidate Lei with her fake Karate before throwing her out of the ring. Heather hits Lei with a handful of Glitter and then bounces her face off the post. Masha tries to stop ASH, Kelly’s music distracts Masha, Rarefied Air gives ASH the win.

Santino comes out and GOD DAMMIT no one wants to see Tommy Dreamer fight Mance Warner…that’s a useless thing. Pivot away…no one wants this. Oh no, now we have to listen to Steph talk too. Okay it seems to be a pivot, thankfully. Steph and Mance talk shit, Dreamer says something about Something is gonna happen…and Jake Something comes out. So…I guess we’re gonna build him up for 2 months and then job him out for 6 before he fucks off to his home galaxy or whatever? 

Really wish Indi just opened with the Billy Butcher classic of, “Oi Cunt!” – but this wasn’t bad. 

Eddie Edwards & JDC w/Alisha & Brian Myers vs Matt Cardona & Home Town Man

I hate… Cardona so much more now. Heel reasons for Cardona…go away heat for Deaner.

JDC wants the Home Town Man to start…and Deaner does his stupid Flip Flop and Fly, Cardona tags in, JDC is eating some offense, Cardona wants the Reboot, JDC powders, Cardona Dives but then Lish and the general numbers catch up to Cardona. Eddie is legal, and now they isolate Cardona with some decent tandem work and isolation. This turns into kind of a schmoz, lots of silly spots, near falls and then Home Town doofus gets the cradle pinfall on Eddie.

Whenever Deaner is involved I can’t be asked to care. The System beats Cardona and Deaner down, but Eddie did eat a pin. Which is embarrassing not even for work reasons, like it’s just sad.

Champion’s Challenge: The Rascalz, Joe Hendry, Leon Slater & Elijah vs The Kaiba Boys, Moose, Steve Maclin & Trick Williams

Elijah and Nic start things off, slow push off, arm wring, top wristlock, simple chain wrestling start. Nic breaks the chain and hits a Dropkick, Elijah runs the ropes and hits a Diving Lariat and starts the Rope Walk. Nic seems far to awake and alert for that move then, I hate how people pull that off too early. Wentz gets tagged in, Nic tags in Maclin who wasn’t looking for a tag, but him and Wentz have a nice clash, Trey tags in, they try to double him, but they pause and look at each other. Maclin asks for a tag, no one tags him so he Chops Ryan to tag him in and throws him in.

The little nod to Maclin and Rascalz history and the fact the faces realize Maclin isn’t a piece of shit. A little MCMG homage tandem attacks on Ryan, Wentz punctuates with the Handspring Knee Lift, Ryan tags out to Trick. Trick and Wentz go back and forth, Rascalz have Trick eating offense, Moose tries to slow things down, both Trick and Moose powder, Rascalz Double Golden Triangle Moonsaults. Trey gets tripped by Nic, Moose hits Lights Out, but there’s no referee so it’s a little chaotic.

Out of the commercial things are controlled kinda and we see a simultaneous tag to Moose and Leon. Leon comes out hot, level Moose with a Leg Lariat, attacks Nic Nemeth, attacks Ryan, and then Moose hits Leon with the Stun Gun. Moose looks to tag in Maclin but Maclin jumps off the apron. Trick takes the tag, keeps control, Trick forcibly tags in Maclin but Ryan tags himself in and pulls Leon to the Champions’ corner, Nic tags in and isolates Leon, with the Kaibas quick tagging and keeping Leon down.

Moose tags in, tries to Suplex Leon about four times but Leon stops it then counters the Suplex. Moose tries to cut him off, but the Champions distract the ref so the ref can’t see Leon tag out. Nic and Moose doubling up and Leon is the bump guy of this last portion of the match. Big Uranage from Moose…Moose looks for Lights Out but Small Package almost ruined things, Body Scissors Cradle, GAME CHANGER! Moose looks to hit a Jacknife Powerbomb but Leon turns it into a DDT. Maclin and Ryan start fighting, Nic Superkicks Maclin, Hendry and Nic tag in, Hendry is a house of fire. Sack of Shits for everyone! Nic, Ryan, there’s a pause when Hendry is face to face with Trick and Trick gets Uppercuts first then Sack of Shit! Standing Ovation on Nic, but Ryan blocks, Kaibas try a tandem attack but Hendry Lariats them both. Elijah tags in and is the maestro of the crowd and chopping Ryan to some fun. Ryan goes for a Polish Hammer but eats the Knee Lift. Signature spam time…

Ryan tries to use the International title but Maclin grabs the title away from Ryan, clocks Nic, Standing Ovation into the Highwayman’s Farewell. Champions lose!

Overall Score: 4/10

Well this was a rough one boys and girls. Sami and EY was just an overbooked shitshow, Lei Ying Lee is unfortunately in a spot where it’s obvious TNA has no clue how to use her, the Elegantos are the New Beautiful People, and I’m not mad at that. But you need to space out your goofball crap. You can’t have Elegance Clique, Home Town Moron and Santino in 3 consecutive segments. And if anyone goes “it was 3 out of 4” that’s doesn’t lessen my point, the beauty of Pro Wrestling being a variety show is…FOR VARIETY! When the lead match feels stupid because of bad pacing, poor selling and overbooking with two losers, it feels like a useless match with idiots, then comedy, followed by more comedy…you see how that’s literally NOT VARIETY.

Figure it out seriously. This was a disappointing episode. If you’re a casual viewer than it’s just chalk for TNA doing cringe and borderline goof crap since they’ve always steered a little more into the carny than other companies. But this show was…where’s Jisoo and Jenny? I feel like I need that gif:

two women standing in a kitchen with the words not bad but not good on the bottom

About Chairshot Radio Network

Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling) 

THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast 

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR


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