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Mitchell’s WWE Monday Night Raw Report! (1/1/18)

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All images courtesy of the WWE’s official Twitter

 

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Jason Jordan w/ Seth Rollins VS Cesaro w/ Sheamus; Jordan wins.
  • Bray Wyatt VS Apollo Crews w/ Titus Worldwide; Wyatt wins.
  • Alexa Bliss VS Asuka; Asuka wins.
  • Braun Strowman VS Rhyno VS Heath Slater; Strowman wins.
  • WWE Intercontinental Championship, No Champion’s Advantage: Roman Reigns VS Samoa Joe; Reigns wins and retains the IC Championship.
  • Cedric Alexander & Goldust VS The ‘Zo Train; Alexander & Goldust.
  • Finn Balor & The Club VS Elias & The Miztourage; Finn & The Club win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Raw Women’s Champion, Alexa Bliss, finds Raw GM, Kurt Angle.

A match with Asuka? Seriously? Well, Angle wanted to start 2018 with a Wrestlemania worthy match. But that’s not fair! He’s rewarding Asuka for her bad behavior. Asuka is already in the Royal Rumble, she doesn’t need to beat Alexa tonight. Alexa isn’t going to change Angle’s mind. If she has a problem, settle it in the ring. And be grateful this isn’t a title match, yet.

Kurt Angle heads to the ring!

The Olympic Gold Medalist greets the WWE Universe with “Happy New Year!” Angle looks back on 2017 as one of his greatest years, and promises to make 2018 even better! Three weeks, Raw has its 25th Anniversary which will lead into the Royal Rumble Pay-Per-View. John Cena has declared his entry into the Men’s Royal Rumble, because yes, there’s a Women’s Royal Rumble. Angle guarantees what the Women’s Rumble rules are, the management decided that what’s good for the men is good for the women! Thirty superstars, over-the-top-rope eliminations, and the winner challenges a Women’s Champion at Wrestlemania. Angle hopes Raw wins both Rumbles, but as far as tonight’s Raw– The Bar comes out!

Forget the Rumble and talk about “The travesty” that occurred on Raw last week! The Bar put up their tag team championships against a new team! What kind of crap is that? The Bar hates favoritism, because Angle gave his son a tag team championship match with Seth Rollins as his partner. Then, what came after was too much. For those who missed it, Kurt Angle came out to celebrate with his son and Seth Rollins. Sheamus is sick to his stomach watching such “favoritism”! Jason Jordan doesn’t deserve to be tag team champion, The Bar wants a rematch. ANgle will give them a rematch when Angle says they get it. How convenient! Jason Jordan comes out in person to respond.

If Jordan doesn’t deserve to be champion, then how come he is champion? Miami chants “Whose your daddy? You still suck!” but Jordan ignores it. Angle doesn’t understand favoritism. Jordan’s title shot was based off his track record. Says the daddy’s boy. Jordan and Rollins still earned the titles. And if Cesaro keeps running his “refurbished mouth”, Jordan will give him a new reason to go to the dentist. Angle keeps the peace, because it’s time to settle things in the ring, right now! And to support his tag team championship partner, Seth Rollins appears!

Or rather, he comes out to scold him. See that “pale Irish idiot” with “the stupid looking mohawk”? Jordan, you’re outnumbered, what good would that do their team? They don’t have to get along, but they are going to worry about each other. Rollins tells Jordan not to be self-absorbed. Jordan bragged in front of his dad, so now Rollins has to come out to be in his corner. But Rollins feels he’s only here to watch Jordan lose. At that, Cesaro blindsides Jordan from behind, and Rollins says “see what I mean?” Can the Gold-Blooded Son turn things around once the match actually starts?

 

Jason Jordan w/ Seth Rollins VS Cesaro w/ Sheamus!

Raw returns with this match in action, Cesaro clobbers Jordan with European Uppercuts in a corner. Cesar whips Jordan corner to corner but JJ goes up and over then slips out of a body drop to dropkick the Swiss Cyborg. TWO, JJ keeps on Cesaro with shoulders in a corner. The referee counts, so Jordan moves Cesaro to an adjacent corner. Cesaro blocks the bump and hits back with more EuroUppers. He then gives JJ a snapmare and chinlock to grind him down. Rollins tries to coach JJ back into things. JJ gets up, fans rally while he fights out. Cesaro whips but is reversed, he ducks to springboard, JJ catches him! Jordan rams Cesaro into a corner, then carries him corner to corner for another. He goes corner to corner again, then a fourth time! Jordan fires up but Sheamus distracts him, Cesaro dodges to send Jordan into buckles and chop blocks the bad leg out!

Rollins chases Sheamus off, but the damage is done. Cesaro brings Jordan up for more EuroUppers, body shots, and then a wrench to the bad leg. He even dropkicks that knee against the ropes! Cesaro smacks the leg against the apron edge before giving Sheamus a high-five. He wrenches JJ’s bad leg at the knee, JJ endures the deep hold. Rollins tries to rally for Jordan, Jordan fights his way out and shoves Cesaro away. Cesaro is back on him, EuroUpper to the leg. Jordan crawls to a corner, Cesaro drags him out for an elbow drop and wrench tot he knee. Cesaro digs in an elbow, Jordan endures as he gives Cesaro crossface punches. Cesaro lets go, then brawls with Jordan. Jordan clobbers Cesaro with a lariat, then hobbles to ropes. He dumps Cesaro to the apron then knocks him down, but Cesaro sweeps the leg! Jordan goes down, Cesaro picks him up for a shinbreaker to the apron!

The Bar celebrates while we go to break.

Raw returns, and now Cesaro baseball dropkicks Jordan out of the ring. Rollins can only watch as Jordan writhes. The Architect tries to coach him back, but Cesaro gets Jordan back in the ring. Cesaro gives Jordan another big EuroUpper, then drags him out for a half-crab to the bad leg.

Jordan endures again, Rollins tries to rally the fans. Jordan rolls over and fights back, but Cesaro keeps him down with forearms. Even so, Jordan kicks with his good leg and gets Cesaro away. Rollins likes what he sees, but another EuroUpper rocks Jordan. Cesaro scoops but Jordan slips out then boots Cesaro down. Sheamus choaches Cesaro while Jordan tries a suplex. The leg won’t allow it, but Jordan still has his arms to knocks Cesaro down. Overhead suplex! And another! Jordan covers, TWO! Rollins likes the heart from Jordan as he runs back into Cesaro. Cesaro fights off the back suplex, but ends up in a Northern Lights!

Roll through, a second Northern Lights! TWO! Rollins rallies for Jordan as he limps over to Cesaro, but Cesaro grabs ropes to deny the suplex. He mule-kicks the bad leg, then Sheamus gets a cheap shot, roll-up, TWO! But into the Half-Crab again! Jordan endures, but it becomes a Full Crab to keep Jordan down. Jordan gets the ropebreak nonetheless! Cesaro tries to give Sheamus another opening, but Rollins intercepts and stomps him out! Back-suplex neckbreaker outta nowhere! Jordan wins! The Gold-Blooded Son celebrates because he earned this one. Even Rollins applauds. Can this makeshift team really last as Raw Tag Team Champions?

 

Backstage interview with Roman Reigns.

The Big Dog and Intercontinental Championship has no Champion’s Advantage in his match against Samoa Joe tonight. As far as Roman’s concerned, Samoa Joe got what he deserved last week for injuring Dean Ambrose. In Roman’s eyes, Joe walks and talks like a punk, which is why Roman “punked him out.” This week will get ugly and intense, but all within the rules. “I hope.” Can Roman rein in his temper and continue to reign as champion?

 

Bray Wyatt VS Apollo Crews w/ Titus Worldwide!

The Eater of Worlds has had problems with the WOKEN Wisdom of Matt Hardy, will he use Titus’ #1 client to take out his frustrations?

The bell rings, the two circle while fans chant “DELETE!” They tie up, Bray puts Crews in a corner. He backs off for a clean break but then runs in to swing. Crews dodges, Bray gives his spider-lean! Crews is startled, but Bray comes out to circle with him. Bray swings, Crews dodges to put on a headlock. Bray stomps on a foot then gives Crews an uppercut before stalking him around the ring. Crews is thrown to the apron but kicks Bray down, slingshot senton and elbow drop, TWO! Crews puts on another headlock to keep the Face of Fear down. Bray powers out, swings but misses, so he uses a running headbutt to knock Crews down. Bray keeps on Crews at ropes, choking him on the middle one. The referee backs Bray off, but Bray returns to keep on Crews and mock Titus’ concern. Bray whips Crews corner to corner, Crews goes up and over. Things speed up as Crews shows off more agility, then he drops Bray with a dropkick. Cover, TWO, Crews keeps on Bray with an arm-wrench. He puts Bray in a corner, Bray puts him on the apron. Crews hits back, climbs up, but Bray rocks him with an uppercut. Bray is mad now, he drags Crews out for a draping jawbreaker! Crews gasps for air while Bray smiles and stalks him. Titus Worldwide cheers Crews on, but Bray torments Crews while grinning at Dana Brooke. We go to break.

Raw returns, Bray still controls the match as he grinds Crews with a chinlock. Titus Worldwide gets the fans rallying, Crews stands up but Bray throws him to ropes. Crews dodges, only to run into Bray’s body check! Cover, TWO, but Bray is not bothered. He kicks Crews while he’s down, stalking him to a corner. Bray grinds Crews’ face against the top rope, then whips him to other ropes. Crews catches him with a shotgun dropkick! Both men are down, Titus Worldwide and the fans rally again. Bray and Crews stand up, Crews gets a mule kick and boot, then hits a jumping lariat to Bray on the run. He kip-ups and hits a standing moonsault, TWO! Bray slips out of the ring, Crews fakes him with a slingshot to then mule kick and ASAI Moonsault!

Bray goes down, Titus fires up and coaches Crews. Crews gets Bray in the ring, stalks him but gets that turn-around lariat! Fans fire up as Bray spider-walks, but Dana gets on the apron. Bray locks his eyes on her, Titus says she needs to hop down. Bray scares her off and she falls on Titus!

But Crews hits Bray with an enziguri! Waistlock, but the SISTER ABIGAIL! Bray wins! But WOKEN Hardy speaks to him from the titantron!

“Ye-e-e-e-es~!” Bray, last week saw Hardy turn the Fireflies into WOKEN WARRIORS. He vows to devour Bray’s darkness within the WWE, to make it into light. Bray is a Consumer of Terrestrial Entities, but he won’t escape the WOKEN WISDOM. Matt is all around Bray, he haunts Bray’s dreams. Once Abigail’s powers are no more, Hardy will DELETE Bray! Many Matts appear on screen to laugh at Bray. Will WOKEN Hardy truly have the last laugh on Bray Wyatt?

 

Alexa Bliss finds Nia Jax.

Can Nia be her corner woman? She’s really worried about facing Asuka tonight. Sorry, but Nia has to take care of Enzo Amore, he’s sick with the flu and is “upset” about not being able to defend his title tonight. Seriously? Alexa needs Nia. But- Alexa can’t believe Nia is being like this. It’s either him or her. Nia apologizes, she needs to get Enzo her soup. Alexa can’t believe this insanity! What will happen to The Goddess when she faces the Empress?

 

Alexa Bliss VS Asuka!

One woman made history by being SmackDown and Raw Women’s Champions in the same year, the other by being the Undefeated NXT Women’s Champion for 523 days. Which woman will start 2018 with a win as the Women’s Division looks to make history at the Royal Rumble?

The bell rings, and Alexa is naturally wary of the still undefeated and still dangerous Asuka. They circle, Alexa dodges the grapple and runs to ropes for safety. Asuka lets her come back out and they circle again. Alexa keeps her distance, but Asuka still grabs an arm. Alexa shoves her away, Asuka spins and Alexa narrowly avoids the back hand. She runs to ropes for safety again before circling with Asuka again.

Alexa gets a waistlock but Asuka turns that around to a wristlock. Alexa reverses that to a hammerlock but theN Asuka reverses it back again. They go back and forth, Asuka gets a waistlock takedown to facelock. Fans are on Asuka’s side as she rolls Alexa to a kneebar! The champion scrambles out and the two return to their feet. Alexa tries a takedown but Asuka counters with a chinlock that shifts to a headlock. Alexa throws Asuka off but asuka stands back up and that scares Alexa back to ropes. Asuka grabs a leg, whips but is reversed, Asuka runs Alexa over. Asuka speeds things up then toys with Alexa as she does a little dance. Things speed up again, hip attack knocks Alexa down! Asuka is confident as ever while Alexa gets out of the ring. The Goddess looks afraid and unsure as she meekly returns to ringside. She wants Asuka to stay back as she enters, the referee obliges, but Alexa still scurries out of the ring again. Fans boo the cowardly Goddess, but Alexa wants nothing to do with the Empress at this point. The referee counts while Alexa sheepishly reenters. Asuka is already upon her, snapmare and a kick to the back. Asuka keeps Alexa grounded, Alexa gets back to ropes. The ref backs Asuka off so Alexa can come back, she just kicks and runs away. The fans boo again while we go to break.

Raw returns, Alexa has Asuka in a bodyscissors. Fans rally for Asuka while she endures the squeeze. Asuka pries her way out and goes for an ankle lock! Alexa screams and crawls but Asuka has it on. She crawls and gets the ropebreak, then yanks Asuka into those ropes. Alexa drags Asuka to the post and bends her back.

The ref counts, Alexa lets go at 4. She returns inside the ring, then stalks Asuka before hammering away. Cover, TWO, Alexa’s frustration is boiling over. She drags Asuka up but Asuka fights back with body shots. Roll-up, TWO, Alexa ducks teh buzzsaw to roll Asuka, TWO! Alexa yanks Asuka into a backbreaker! She clobbers Asuka with more hammer fists and even forearm shots. Another cover, TWO, so Alexa brings it back to a bodyscissors. Asuka endures the squeeze again, fans rally for her again. Alexa pulls on Asuka’s hair but Asuka doesn’t give in. Asuka gets moving again, turns around but Alexa turns things into a guillotine hold. Asuka pries her way out of that into the Kimura Lock! Alexa stands up, ropebreak! Alexa kicks at Asuka’s ribs, then puts her in a corner to stomp a mudhole into her. The ref backs Alexa down, Alexa takes aim and runs in for a screaming slap.

Asuka gets mad and slaps back! Alexa shoves Asuka, Asuka fires up, runs and dropkicks Alexa down. Asuka rallies now, whipping Alexa but reversed, Asuka hops up to hit a missile dropkick! Corner to corner hip attack leads to a snapmare and a running low hip attack! Asuka stalks Alexa, grabs her from behind, but Alexa resists and elbows out. Alexa kicks but Asuka deflects for the pop-up knee to the head! Asuka runs in on Alexa, Alexa trise the sunset flip but Asuka sits, TWO! Alexa dropkicks Asuka out of the ring, then stays in to recover. Asuka climbs back up, Alexa grabs her hair, Asuka roundhouses Alexa back. Alexa staggers, Asuka returns and hits the back heel kick. Armbar takedown!

Alexa taps, Asuka wins! The Empress has defeated the Goddess, will she still have a title shot waiting even if she doesn’t win the Rumble?

 

Backstage interview with Samoa Joe.

Now that there is no Champion’s Advantage, the Destroyer doesn’t even have to defeat Roman Reigns in their Intercontinental Championship match. But don’t worry, JOe will still defeat Roman, just like he has every time he’s faced Roman. The world needs to realize Joe owns Roman Reigns, he has “mentally broken” and exposed Roman Reigns. Roman was once a fighting champion, he and The Shield were going to be champions together again. Joe made damn sure The Shield members are never champions together again. Now Ambrose can be a Stay-at-home Husband living off his wife’s paycheck. Renee Young, being Ambrose’s wife, does her best to laugh that one off. Joe continues, saying that because of Joe, Roman is now the kind of man who uses Champion’s Advantage to his advantage. But now, Roman can’t use that, he has run out of options, friends and time. Joe will put Roman to sleep and become the new IC Champion. It may be Roman’s Yard, but it’s Joe’s World. Will he see his words become reality tonight?

 

Braun Strowman VS Heath Slater w/ Rhyno!

The ManBeast wants to show Slater how it’s done, can he survive the Monster Among Men?

The bell rings, the two tie up, Strowman shoves Rhyno to a corner. Fans still chant “E C Dub!” for Rhyno as he comes back out and ties up again. Strowman still shoves Rhyno off and then roars at him. Slater coaches Rhyno, fans cheer Rhyno on. The two tie up, Rhyno gets a headlock but Strowman powers out and knocks him over with one shoulder. Then Strowman boots Rhyno down! Slater gets on the apron, Strowman scares him back but only for a moment. Strowman goes out and grabs a mic. “Look, you’ve got two options, you cheerleader. Either stay on the floor and shut your mouth, or get in the ring and get these hands like your partner!” The fans chant “YES! YES!” for Slater, so Slater gets up on the apron. He stays back, Rhyno attacks, but it does no damage. So Slater joins in and this suddenly becomes a 2v1 Handicap! The Monster Among Men throws Slater off, then powers Rhyno to a corner. Strowman goes corner to corner to squash each man, then easily gives Rhyno the powerslam! Strowman wins!

But he’s not done. Miami wants another, but Slater runs in to save Rhyno. Slater’s heel kick is swatted away, Slater takes the powerslam! Fans are thunderous, they still want more! Rhyno stands up, and takes a second powerslam for himself! The referee begs Strowman stop here, but he won’t, Slater takes a second powerslam! Now Strowman is done. Has Strowman sent a message to The Beast and the Big Red Machine this close to the Royal Rumble’s Universal Championship Triple Threat? Oh wait, ANOTHER POWERSLAM for Slater & Rhyno each!

 

Seth Rollins talks with Roman Reigns backstage.

The Architect hopes The Big Dog is keeping his cool. Roman is, but Joe is proving himself to be a joke with how he runs his mouth. Hopefully Ambrose is watching, because Roman is going to send a message. Both men are champions, let’s keep it that way. Jordan comes in and says on behalf of Rollins, if The Bar appears, they’ll take them out. “Believe that.” Awkward. But, at least they’re all on the same page. Will The Shield still have the Intercontinental Championship when tonight is through?

 

Braun Strowman walks the halls, when he finds Kane.

The Big Red Machine simply wants to talk. He wants to talk about Brock Lesnar. Kane hasn’t faced Lesnar yet, but Strowman has. These two are the “alpha monsters” of the WWE and they can tame the Beast. Kane has a plan, will Strowman hear him out? Strowman doesn’t care about plans, he is THE Alpha Monster. And when Strowman takes out Lesnar, he’ll do it his way. In that case, Kane leaves Strowman be. Will this rejection come back to haunt the Monster Among Men?

 

Kurt Angle is visited by Finn Balor.

The Extraordinary Man wants to personally tell Angle that, as the inaugural Universal Champion, he will go through the Royal Rumble in order to get a shot at that title. Angle is glad to hear it, but he was thinking this was about something else. Oh, tonight’s Six Man Tag. He has partners, in the Good Brothers!

Because otherwise, it’d just be a couple of “NERDS”. The Club is back together to face The Drifter and the Miztourage, can it be just like old times?

 

WWE Intercontinental Championship, No Champion’s Advantage: Roman Reigns VS Samoa Joe!

This rivalry is increasingly personal after what The Destroyer did to the Lunatic Fringe, will this championship match settle things once and for all?

The two men are ready to fight even before the bell, but formal introductions must be made first. Another thing of note is that the referee is the same one from last week’s disqualified match, so he’ll be ready for anything Roman might do. The bell rings and the two rush each other. Joe jabs away on Roman, backing him against the ropes. The ref backs Joe down, Joe comes back to keep on Roman in a corner. Joe brings Roman out, Roman rocks him back with right hands of his own. Roman stomps away, the ref counts and Roman backs off. Fans duel, “Let’s go, Roman!” “Roman sucks!” Roman keeps on Joe as the arena gets loud, but the referee backs him down again. Joe gets Roman with a back suplex in the distraction! Cover, TWO, but Joe keeps his cool. Joe stalks Roman then gives him forearms and a snap suplex.

Roman slips out of the ring for a breather, Joe lets him while we go to break.

Raw returns, Joe has Roman in a cobra clutch. Roman fights his way out, then runs only for Joe to run him over. Cover, TWO, now Joe is frustrated. He stalks the champion, giving him more jabs and even chops. Joe stands Roman up and prepares a suplex but Roman resists, Roman suplexes Joe over! Roman runs at Joe in a corner but Joe dodges and Roman hits buckles. Joe covers, TWO, but Joe keeps his focus. He stomps Roman while he’s down, as well as overhand chops. Joe wrenches Roman’s arm back in a high keylock, Roman endures while fans continue to duel. Roman feeds off a fan rally, getting to his feet and fighting out with big right hands. An uppercut rocks Joe, Roman rallies with clotheslines. Roman whips but Joe wrenches then rocks him with a forearm. Back elbow and Pele! TWO, and Joe is slowly growing frustrated. He looms over Roman at the ropes while fans continue to duel. Joe chokes Roman on the ropes, the referee counts and Joe lets off at 4. Joe brings Roman into a corner and gives him more sharp strikes from those elbows. The referee reprimands Joe, so Joe whips Roman corner to corner hard. Joe grins as he trash talks Roman on the mat.

Joe brings Roman up as fans cheer him on. He whips Roman corner to corner again, just as hard into those buckles. “All day long!” Joe tells Roman. “Remember what I did to Dean?” Joe brings Roman up again and puts him in a seated abdominal stretch. Fans continue to duel, “Let’s go Roman!” “Let’s go Joe!” Joe makes the stretch a half-straitjacket, and Roman fades. Fans rally, Roman revives and fights out with body shots. Joe gives a knee to Roman’s ribs, whips him to the corners again, Roman bounces off to clothesline Joe down! Both men are down, fans rally for them both. Roman crawls over and follows Joe up in a corner. Roman gives Joe those close-range clotheslines, and hits all ten. He runs and boots Joe down, Joe ends up outside the ring.

Roman sees where Joe is, so he slips out and comes around the corner, Drive-By Dropkick! They return into the ring, cover, TWO. Roman and Joe get to their feet, Joe ends up in a corner. Roman throws hands, the referee backs him off, and reminds him there’s no Champion’s Advantage. Joe puts Roman on the apron, forearm, then big body check sends Roman off. Joe runs again, to DIVE! Both men crash down on the outside, the referee starts a ring count. Both men just barely break the count at 9, the match continues but we go to break.

Raw returns again, Joe slaps and headbutts Roman to the mat. Joe circles Roman as he trash talks, then brings Roman up just to knock him down again. Joe toys with Roman, Roman dares Joe to hit him! Roman fires up with every hit, then stands up to hit him back! They brawl, Joe backs Roman down then runs, into a Samoan Drop!

TWO, and Joe gets to ropes. Roman stands up now, glares at Joe from across the ring, then locks and loads. Joe rolls out, knowing what’s coming. The referee keeps Roman in the ring, but Roman still slips out the side, for a jumping- forearm smash from Joe! Joe bounces Roman off the steel steps time and time again, dedicating each hit to The Shield, to Ambrose, and for what Roman did to Joe last week. Joe refreshes the count, then whips Roman but Roman reverses to send Joe into the steps! Roman goes to the steel steps, pulling the top half off, but the referee reminds him of the No Champion’s Advantage.

Joe dares Roman to do it, the referee tries to keep both men from doing any such thing, so Joe sucker punches Roman. Roman uses the steps to springboard for a SUPERMAN PUNCH! They return into the ring, SUPERMAN PUNCH again! TWO! Roman is shocked, fans are raucous and declare “This is Awesome!” The champ gets up, fans fire up, battle cry echoes out but Joe kicks Roman. Roman blocks the yurinagi, Joe throws Roman aside and into the referee! The referee takes offense, but that was a mistake! Roman tries to reason with him, but then Joe runs in, so Roman saves the referee by getting both of them clear. Joe hits buckles, Roman goes for a spear, Joe hits the yurinagi! Cover, TWO! Joe argues with the referee, that had to have been three. Fans are thunderous, Roman gets to a corner, and rocks Joe with an uppercut. Joe ducks on, Coquina Clutch! Roman throws him off, SPEAR outta nowhere! Roman wins and is STILL Intercontinental Champion! Will 2018 be the Year of the Big Dog?

 

Kurt Angle is visited by Paul Heyman.

The Advocate wishes to help the General Manager. There is a conspiracy afoot, in case Angle didn’t know. If Kane and Strowman gang up on Brock Lesnar, Lesnar will be “proactive” as opposed to “reactive”. Heyman vows 2018 is the Year of the Beast.

 

The ‘Zo Train’s Drew Gulak & Ariya Daivari are in the ring.

They are here on behalf of Enzo Amore with a message. “My name is Enzo Amore, and I am a Certified G and a Bonafide Stud, and you can’t teach that.” How are you doing? Not so great, because Enzo has the flu. Therefore, he cannot defend his Cruiserweight Championship. Fans don’t like that. “What do we have over here? A couple of haters!” Had Enzo been healthy, he would’ve wiped the floor with Cedric Alexander. In fact, Enzo wishes he was healthy just so he could tell Alexander off. Wait, Alexander is here to hear this in person. The Carolina Kid was expecting a championship match and competition. But if Enzo is “sick”, who will step up in his place? The ‘Zo Train talks it out, and Gulak tells Alexander that his competition will be in a tag team match. The ‘Zo Train VS Alexander & “anyone who walks down that ramp”. Alexander doesn’t have many friends, so good luck finding someone to team with you. Oh is that so? Goldust is here!

The Bizarre One may not be a Cruiserweight, but they did say “anyone.”

Cedric Alexander & Goldust VS The ‘Zo Train!

Alexander starts against Daivari at the bell. They tie up, Daivari gets a wristlock but Alexander slips and spins out to throw Daivari. Alexander gives Daivari European Uppercuts then whips, but ducks to handspring headscissors and dropkick Daivari down. Gulak is scared off, Daivari pounces in the distraction and throws Alexander into buckles. Daivari drags Alexander up, snapmare to chinlock. Goldust rallies the fans, Alexander feeds off the energy and fights back against Daivari. He powers Daivari back a bit at a time, but Daivari knocks him down. Daivari trash talks Guldust but gets Alexander’s back elbow! Fans rally again, Goldust fires up, and both men crawl. Hot tags to Gulak and Goldie! Goldust rallies on the Philly Fury, bulldog turns into headlock and punches, then the bulldog. Goldust knocks Daivari down, then rocks Gulak with uppercuts. Fans know “You still got it!” even as Gulak reverses the whip, powerslam! Daivari comes in, takes the atomic drop, then Goldust climbs up for a top rope CROSSBODY onto the ‘Zo Train!

Tag to Alexander, springboard clotheslines! Daivari is thrown out, Goldust gives Gulak an uppercut, Lumbar Check! Alexander & Goldust win! Enzo may be out sick, but he’ll have to defend that title sometime. Will 2018 bring us a new Cruiserweight Champion?

 

“Ladies and Gentlemen: Elias.”

The Drifter is in Miami, and reminds everyone that WWE means “Walk With Elias.” That means everything in the WWE is his, and he wants all of us to Walk With Elias! Elias vows to win the Royal Rumble, main event Wrestlemania, and give the performance of a lifetime. His first performance of the New Year is with the talented artists, Bo Dallas and Curt Axel. Bo brings the cowbell, Axel brings the jingle bells.

They dedicate this song to their hero, who returns next week, The Miz! “Should old acquaintance be forgot,” fans boo Axel’s lack of rhythm and Bo’s horrible whistling. Elias takes it from here… “Well I came to Miami, to see, who wanted to walk~. But no one, who is from here, is not worthy, not even The Rock! This city is filled–”

Finn Balor & The Club VS Elias & The Miztourage!

The Extraordinary Man reunites with old friends to ruin the New Year for a trio of NERDS! Will this New Year be Too Sweet?

Raw returns with the match already in  action. Axel backs Finn into a corner and rams in his shoulders before snapmare and neck snap. Cover, TWO, tag to Elias. The Drifter goes after Finn with a kick to the ribs and a haymaker. Elias whips Finn, Finn kicks back but Elias yanks on that bad arm. Elias gives furious body shots and stomps, the ref backs him down but he doesn’t let up. He drags Finn up, Finn blocks the punch and punches back. Finn reaches for his corner but Elias boots him down, cover, TWO. Elias wrenches Finn’s arm on the mat, The Club rallies for their former leader. The fans rally with them, Finn gets up and reaches but Elias brings him down. The fans chant “Too Sweet! Woop woop!” Finn gets up again, trips up Elias and gives him a double stomp to the chest. Both men crawl for their corners, hot tags to Gallows and Dallas! Gallows rallies on Bo, smacks Axel one, YAKUZA Kick for Bo. Gallows keeps teh rally going, another boot to Bo before a big splash! Elias drags him off the cover, but Anderson throws him out. Bo runs, into another YAKUZA Kick, then Axel runs into an uppercut. Tag to Anderson, tag to Finn, MAGIC KILLER!

Then Anderson DIVES onto Axel! Finn climbs up for COUP DE GRACE! Finn & The Club win! Now that’s too sweet.

 

Miami is now Suplex City!

The Big Red Machine wants to “tame the Beast” with the help of the Monster Among Men, but Strowman turned him down. As such, the Advocate must point out yet another stacked deck against his client, the “reigning, defending, undisputed Universal Heavyweight Champion, BROCK! LESNAR!” Like, seriously? Why else would Lesnar have to defend his championship against challengers, plural. Remember how it used to be? “In this corner, the challenger, singular.” But at the Royal Rumble, it’s Beast VS Monster VS Machine. Lesnar must defend against both Strowman and Kane. Everyone knows this trick, don’t they? Strowman simply has to beat Kane so that Lesnar loses the title. Or, Kane simply has to beat Strowman so that Lesnar loses the title. No one has to beat Lesnar so that Lesnar loses the title, because “that just ain’t gonna happen.” Spoiler: Lesnar will still win at the Royal Rumble. It doesn’t matter how you stack the deck against Lesnar. You could line up Strowman, you could line up Kane, you could line up all 30 men in the Royal Rumble! Lesnar will still win. He is the most dominant champion in professional wrestling. Lesnar fears no challenge, challenger, challengers, nor does he fear Monsters and a “Devil’s Favorite Demon”. Mic drop from Heyman, but an appearance by said Devil’s Favorite Demon!

Kane walks down to the ring and stares Lesnar down. Fans chant “Suplex City!” but we get a CHOKE SLAM instead! Kane wants Lesnar to consider what just happened to him, Lesnar sits up and LAUGHS.

Lesnar then clobbers Kane out of the ring, the Raw roster floods the ringside area to keep them apart. Kane and Lesnar keep trying, but they’re kept apart thanks to referees and security. Fans want to “Let them fight!” but the Big Red Machine has already been ushered to the back. Lesnar holds up his championship belt, how much longer will it be his?

 

My Thoughts:

The first Raw of 2018 was a solid episode, but could’ve been a little better. Alexa Bliss’ recurring story of the night being that she was legitimately afraid of Asuka was perfect for both of them. Alexa has been a somewhat cowardly Heel and Asuka should’ve been feared by all on the main roster, so things finally feel right for The Empress. Their match was also solid quality, though it had a slow start. With Asuka getting the win over the Raw Women’s Champion already, perhaps WWE will have this in their back pocket should they decide someone from SmackDown is to win the inaugural Women’s Rumble. Jason Jordan has a great performance both as a character and a wrestler. His arrogance is growing, and it was smart to have Rollins point that out, but then it was also great for Jordan to actually come through and win. His dynamic with The Shield’s Roman and Rollins has a lot of possibilities while Ambrose is out recovering, as does the interactions of Renee Young and Samoa Joe. I’m kinda hoping Renee’s temper gets the better of her the way it did with The Miz when they were all on SmackDown. And Roman VS Joe was also great, as Roman might finally be coming into his own as far as in-ring performance.

I was a little disappointed WOKEN Hardy didn’t just sneak attack Bray again, or that roles weren’t reversed this time. However, kudos to Bray for at least making Apollo Crews look strong even though Bray still won. With the way things are going, chances are the Great War pre-filmed match between Bray and Hardy won’t happen until ‘Mania, but I’m sure they’ll milk their live in-ring encounter during the Rumble for all they can. I was also a little disappointed Enzo Amore was “sick”, but it was still fun to see Goldust have some action on-screen as a Face. Cross-divisional interaction like this is what the Cruiserweights should’ve been doing all of 2017 but maybe now WWE is seeing the error in their ways. But I really enjoyed Strowman essentially winning a handicap match and giving Miami fans what they wanted, as well as everyone getting what they wanted in Balor Club actually becoming a thing. There wasn’t a lot of pomp and circumstance, but hopefully WWE lets The Club gain some momentum while The Shield is a man down. Lastly, while Heyman gives another great promo, the ending with Lesnar & Kane left much to be desired. Lesnar no-selling the Choke Slam is whatever, but not letting things get out of control and go into overtime was a disappointing and anti-climactic ending for what was supposed to be a hyped up segment.

My Score: 7.9/10

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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Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW Resurgence Results & Report! (5/9/25)

NJPW’s back in the Golden State!

Published

on

Will the Front Man have his Resurgence?

Hirooki Goto and Zack Sabre Jr. battle over the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, knowing that Shingo Takagi waits at NJPW Dominion!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Strong Survivor: Allan Breeze VS CJ Tino; Tino wins.
  • Bea Priestly VS Viva Van; Priestly wins.
  • Fred Rosser VS Matt Vandagriff; Rosser wins.
  • NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships: World Class Wrecking Crew VS TJP & Templario; win(s) and
  • 8 Man Tag: Bullet Club VS The Young Bucks & The Good Brothers; win(s).
  • NJPW Strong Openweight Championship: Tomohiro Ishii VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney; wins and
  • NEVER Openweight Championship: Konosuke Takeshita VS El Phantasmo; wins and
  • IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Hirooki Goto VS Zack Sabre Jr; wins and
  • NJPW Strong Women’s Championship: Mercedes Mone VS AZM VS Mina Shirakawa; wins and

PLAY BY PLAY

NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships: World Class Wrecking Crew VS TJP & Templario!

No longer just for the West Coast, Royce Isaacs & Jorel Nelson are World Class! But will they start to take over the world? Or will the Aswang & Lion Warrior conquer them for the United Empire?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who is truly world class!

 

 

8 Man Tag: Bullet Club VS The Young Bucks & The Good Brothers!

 

 

NJPW Strong Openweight Championship: Tomohiro Ishii VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney!

 

 

NEVER Openweight Championship: Konosuke Takeshita VS El Phantasmo!

 

 

IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Hirooki Goto VS Zack Sabre Jr!

 

 

NJPW Strong Women’s Championship: Mercedes Mone VS AZM VS Mina Shirakawa!

 

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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Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (5/9/25)

The time is now!

Published

on

SmackDown is in O-H! I-O!

24 hours before Backlash and his Undisputed WWE Championship defense, JOHN CENA is on SmackDown! Will Dayton, Ohio get an Attitude Adjustment?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • LA Knight & Damian Priest VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu; Knight & Priest win.
  • Chelsea Green & Piper Niven w/ Alba Fyre VS Zelina Vega & Alexa Bliss; Zelina & Alexa win.
  • WWE Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Nia Jax VS Jade Cargill; Nia wins and will challenge Tiffany Stratton for the title.
  • WWE Tag Team Championship Eliminator: The Street Profits VS Fraxiom; Fraxiom wins and earn a title opportunity.
  • Aleister Black VS Carmelo Hayes w/ The Miz; Aleister wins.
  • Los Garza w/ Santos Escobar VS Rey Fenix & Andrade; Fenix & Andrade win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Backstage interview with Damian Priest.

Byron Saxton catches the Archer of Infamy at gorilla and knows his match is moments away. Byron brings up tomorrow night’s Fatal 4 Way for the United States Championship at Backlash, how is he feeling? Priest says he was good with just getting his hands on Drew McIntyre. But now the idea of becoming a two-time US Champion and getting his hands on Drew, that’s pretty… Oh, there he is. LA Knight steps up and wishes Priest all the luck in the world. But Knight is in that match tomorrow night, too, and anyone who gets in his way of the title, the backlash will be swift and severe!

But tonight, Knight & Priest take on Solo & Fatu, and what they gonna do? Priest is glad Knight brought that up. They’re facing two of the baddest men on this entire roster. Priest isn’t worried about having Knight’s back, but about Knight having his. Knight says he came in here with a clean conscience, trust wasn’t an issue, but now alarm bells are going off, Priest is acting a little sus. Here’s the deal: If Priest has Knight’s back, Knight has Priest’s. If you do dirt, you get dirt, so don’t make Knight give you dirt. Let’s do the thing, hit his music! YEAH!

Knight leads the way into battle, but will he and Priest be rolling into Backlash after tonight? Or will it be all gas, no brakes with it, YADADA MEAN!?

LA Knight & Damian Priest VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu!

The teams sort out but Priest and Knight argue. Solo CLOBBERS Priest and tells Knight to get out! The bell rings as Solo fires off on Priest more! The fans boo, Solo soaks it up, then throws more hands. Solo CHOPS, HEADBUTTS, then fireman’s carries, but Priest fights free to BELL CLAP! Priest then KICKS, KICKS, and KICKS! ROLLING ELBOW! Solo wobbles, goes to a corner, and Priest ROCKS him again! Priest runs corner to corner to BACK ELBOW! solo staggers, Priest runs to RUN Solo over! The fans fire up and Priest roars at Fatu. Priest wrenches Solo, knuckle locks, and goes up the corner. Priest goes Old School with the CROSSBODY!

The fans rally up, Priest winds up, and Priest runs, only for Solo to bail out! The fans boo but Priest goes out the side. Priest runs in around the way, uses the steps to leap in, and AX HANDLES Solo down! Fatu stares Priest down and Priest dares Fatu to do something. But then Knight WRECKS Fatu with a dropkick! Priest tells Knight he didn’t need that, but Knight says he was gonna do that because the title will be Knight’s again. They argue that point while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Knight tells Priest to focus on Solo and Priest puts Solo in the ring. Priest storms in but Solo UPPERCUTS! Priest comes back to ROCK Solo! Priest JABS and ROCKS Solo again and again in the corner, the ref counts, but Knight tags in. Priest is annoyed by that but he lets it slide. Solo takes a swing on Knight but Knight blocks to counter punch! Knight stomps away on Solo, the ref counts, but then Priest tags in. Knight lets that slide, and Priest whips Solo. Solo reverses, Priest grabs ropes and he ELBOWS Solo away! Fatu takes a swing, Priest dodges, and then Priest DECKS Fatu! But Solo LARIATS Priest up and out!

Solo argues with the ref, and Fatu CLBOBERS Priest! Knight protests but the ref has him stay back. Priest drags himself up with the desk, Solo tags Fatu, and Fatu fires hands! Fatu HEADBUTTS Priest, stalks after him, and SMACKS him off the barriers! Priest staggers away but Fatu is right on him, to SMACK him off the apron! Fatu puts Priest in, whips him to a corner, and Priest hits buckles hard! Priest falls to the mat, but Fatu puts him on the ropes to COHKE! The ref counts, Fatu stops at 4, but Solo HEADBUTTS Priest down! Solo soaks up the heat and Fatu throws hands. Fatu HEADBUTTS Priest down, then HEADBUTTS him again!

Fatu HEADBUTTS Priest again, tags in Solo, and they mug Priest. SmackDown returns to single picture as Solo clamps on a shoulder claw! Priest endures and fights up while the fans rally. Priest stands and pries the claw away, but Solo CLUBS him! Solo talks smack, but Priest ROCKS him! Priest reaches for Knight but Solo grabs his hand! Priest throws hands but Solo holds on! Priest still reaches out, still throws hands, but Solo dodges to BLAST Knight! Priest ELBOWS Solo down, but he doesn’t have anyone to tag! Solo SPLASHES Priest from behind! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Priest stays in this but Solo tags Fatu.

Fatu runs and SENTONS! The fans are torn but Fatu HEADBUTTS Priest down! And HEADBUTTS again! Fatu shouts all gas, no brakes! He HEADBUTTS Priest down, runs corner to corner, and HIP ATTACKS! Fatu snarls, he tags in Solo, and the fans boo. Solo soaks up that heat, then runs in, but Priest WHEEL KICKS Solo down! The fans fire up as Solo and Priest stir, and Knight rises! Priest and Solo crawl, hot tags to Fatu and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight fires haymakers on Fatu! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Knight whips, Fatu reverses, but then Knight didges the splash! JUMPING NECKBREAKER!

Knight scoops Fatu for the POWERSLAM! Knight mocks the geeking out, then spells it out! “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” ELBOW DROP! Knight then kicks and B F- NO, Fatu powers out, swings, but into a BIG back suplex! Knight goes to the corner, he spells it out again, but Priest tags in! The fans boo and Knight is indignant, but Priest winds up to LARIAT Fatu down! Priest brings down the straps and he takes aim. But Knight manages to tag in! The fans cheer but Priest and Knight argue, Solo CLOBBERS them both! SUPERKICK on Knight! Solo stands Knight up for the SAMOAN- NO, Knight spins that around to B F T!! Cover, Knight & Priest win!

Winners: LA Knight & Damian Priest, by pinfall

The dysfunction didn’t stop them from winning, but now Knight and Priest start shoving! Then they start throwing hands! And Fatu CLOBBERS them both! The fans are torn as Fatu HEADBUTTS Knight then POSTS him! Then he POSTS Priest! HIP ATTACK for Knight! HIP ATTACK for Priest! And repeat! Fatu geeks out and the fans fire up! Fatu grabs his belt and holds it up. The fans in Dayton cheer the Samoan Werewolf, but wait! CLAYMORE!! The Scottish Terminator takes Fatu down! The fans boo but now McIntyre holds up the belt. Will McIntyre complete his Grand Slam by destroying three other men to do it?

 

R-Truth is cheering on Cena… in the parking lot…?

Jimmy Uso walks over and asks what Truth is doing. Truth says Cena is in the house tonight to talk Backlash. It is on! Uh, but Cena sucks, though. Whoa! Truth’s childhood hero says you should never give up, but sounds like Jimmy threw in the towel. Jimmy says No Yeet then heads out. Will Truth be the only one in the locker room on Cena’s side?

 

Backstage interview with Drew McIntyre.

Byron catches up with Drew and asks why he laid out Fatu, and Drew says it was a message to the Werewolf. Tomorrow night, Drew puts a silver bullet in him! But shouldn’t it be 1v1? Didn’t Drew win that #1 contender’s match with LA Knight? Didn’t Knight bring up the outside interference? Drew is a big details guy, cuz the devil is in the details. LA Knight shouldn’t have been in that match cuz he lost at WrestleMania! That’s BS! And speaking of BS, why is Priest in this match?! Drew told Priest that at Mania he would beat Priest in front of the world, in front of his family, brother, sister, father and mother, and he did that fair and square.

But Priest can’t succeed without Drew! Priest is rewarded with a spot in this match! BS!! And Fatu, the baddest dog in the yard, that’s who Drew wants to face. And when Drew wins, he’ll become a Grand Slam Champion. But Drew has some advice for Fatu so listen closely. “The problem when you’re all gas and no brakes~, is things are great when you’re mowing everybody down. But eventually, with no brakes, you hit a brick wall. And that brick wall is your next United States Champion, Drew McIntyre!” Drew heads out, will he make Backlash into a human demolition derby?

 

The Green Administration holds a funeral service…?

Alba Fyre says today, they are here to celebrate the Women’s US Championship reign of Miss Chelsea Green. But then Nick Aldis turns the lights on as he and Zelina Vega walk in. Aldis asks what in the world is going on. Piper Niven says sorry, this is a family and friends only event. Do they have clearance to be here? It’s HIS office! Chelsea say Alba was about to give one of the greatest #Eulogirlies, aka Eulogy for the Girlies, ever! She is in mourning! Zelina says spare us the crocodile tears. She’s mourning something she lost fair and square. So pathetic. Chelsea says Zelina doesn’t understand cuz she has zero friends!

Oh, wow, Zelina has zero friends? Well, maybe Chelsea & Piper should face Zelina and her non-existent friend in a match tonight. Aldis likes where this is going. Okay, then, see you in the ring tonight. Bye~! Zelina leaves, Chelsea says she is going through too much to do this! But she has no choice, that match is next! Just who does Zelina have in her corner to help against the Green Regime? We find out, after the break.

 

Aleister Black speaks.

“I guess this is the part where you expect me to speak in riddles. To pick up where I left off. Well, that part of myself, that man, I buried him. Ritualistically, violently. And funny enough, what I found six feet deep, it wasn’t death. No, no, it was the truth. And the truth is, I came back because I truly believe that I am the consequences this company so desperately needs. I am more than just the man that whispers in shadows, despite what you what me to do, despite what you think I might do. Now when I say that, I don’t mean that in a villainous way. No, this is so much bigger than just good versus evil. This is more than just the chants, the fog.

“Because this… This will cut deeper than any symbol could, deeper than I could ever do. I’m here to confront you, both mentally and physically. And you get to decide which one is worse. And as far as you, Carmelo, I haven’t quite figured you out. Or have I?” The Dark Father is still very mysterious, but will he make H1M #FadeToBlack?

 

Chelsea Green & Piper Niven w/ Alba Fyre VS Zelina Vega & ???

SmackDown returns as Chelsea fires Piper up. Zelina makes her entrance, and her partner is… ALEXA BLISS! Dayton cheers as their hometown girl stands side by side with La Muneca! Will these dolls make the Hot Mess & Miss P their playthings?

The teams sort out and Piper starts against Zelina. Zelina dodges Piper, runs up, but Piper scoops. Zelina slips free, Piper bucks the O’Conner, but then Zelina avoids the splash! Zelina sunset flips but Piper stays up. Zelina avoids the stomp, jumps again, but Piper catches her for a POWERSLAM! Piper drags Zelina over, tags Chelsea, and then Piper scoops and SLAMS Zelina! Chelsea goes up, up, and VADER FLOPS as Zelina moves! Zelina bumps Chelsea off buckles, JUMP KICKS her, then brings her around to ropes. Zelina calls her shot but Piper runs in! Zelina drop toeholds Piper into Chelsea! Zelina dials it up, DOUBLE 619! Cover, TWO!

Chelsea survives but Zelina points to Alexa. The fans cheer, but Chelsea THROWS Zelina down by her hair! The fans boo but Chelsea swings on Alexa. The ref keeps Alexa from retaliating, but Zelina kicks Chelsea. Zelina whips, Chelsea reverses and Piper gets a cheap shot in! Chelsea hooks a leg for a modified snapmare, then tags Piper! Piper runs and ELBOW DROPS! The Green Administration salutes but the fans boo, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Zelina fires forearms on Chelsea! Chelsea still keeps Zelina back, then she kicks low! Chelsea whips Zelina to a corner, but Zelina ELBOWS Piper! Zelina DUMPS Chelsea out, crawls her way over, but Chelsea tags Piper! Piper runs and ELBOW DROPS, but Zelina narrowly dodges! Zelina runs up, Piper catches her, then HEADBUTTS her! Piper scoops but Zelina swings to DDT! The fans fire up while both women are down! Zelina crawls, as does Piper, hot tags to Chelsea and Alexa! Dayton erupts and Chelsea panics! Alexa rallies on Chelsea, blocks a kick, and hits a DRAGON SCREW!

Alexa SLAPS, ROCKS, and runs up on Chelsea to tilt-o-whirl and RANA! Chelsea tumbles to ropes and Alexa runs in, DOUBLE KNEES! Alexa YANKS Chelsea back, then hits a BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Chelsea survives but Alexa drags Chelsea up. Alexa whips Chelsea into a corner, but Chelsea ELBOWS her away! Chelsea salutes as she climbs, but Alexa trips her up! Chelsea is in the Tree of Woe, Alexa DROPKICKS her down! The fans fire up as Alexa climbs the corner, TWISTED BLISS!! Cover, PIPER BREAKS IT! Zelina grabs Piper and hops on, CODE- NO, Piper blocks it! But Alexa KICKS Piper into the CODE RED!

The fans fire up and Zelina pushes Piper out of the ring. Zelina then METEORAS to the floor! Chelsea hooks Alexa’s arms and turns her! But Alexa powers out, and has the clinch! TWISTED SISTER ABIGAIL!! Cover, Alexa wins!

Winners: Zelina Vega & Alexa Bliss, by pinfall

They might be small but they are mighty, Zelina & Alexa win big together! Will they stick together to keep the Green Administration out of power?

 

Rey Fenix is backstage.

And Santos Escobar finds him. Fenix doesn’t wanna hear it, and he tells Santos that Fenix won last week. No more conversation. Santos says yeah, he knows he lost. But he has one thing to say, and then he’ll go. Okay, fine, what is it? Santos asks, “Who said anything about a conversation?” LOS GARZA ATTACKS! Legado del Fantasma mugs Fenix, throws him around into road case after road case, but security and producers rush in! They get Legado to back off, and Andrade hurries over. El Idolo checks on Fenix, but did the Emperor of Lucha just get the revenge he wanted? Or will Legado work to make sure the Firebird never rises again?

 

Charlotte Flair is here!

Dayton is torn as The Queen struts her way to the ring. Charlotte still has someone hold the ropes open for her before stepping inside, and she smiles as she accepts cheers and jeers. Charlotte then grabs a mic to tell Dayton, “Your Queen has arrived! Here I am, coming off the greatest women’s match in WrestleMania history! And I need to give credit where credit is due. I was… I was out for almost two years, with a career-ending knee injury. And I took your champion to her absolute limit! Check this out, check this out.” Charlotte has the tron show an image of Tiffany Stratton near the end of the match.

Charlotte asks if that looks like someone who enjoyed her WrestleMania Moment? Charlotte enjoyed hers so much, she is going to announce her path back tot he WWE Women’s Championship! The fans are even more divided over that and she asks why they’re so disrespectful. Seriously! Why?! Charlotte is the Women’s Wrestling GOAT! THE Greatest Of All Time! See, if you continue to be this disrespectful, she will just leave Dayton and never come back. The fans cheer that! Charlotte says last chance, Dayton! The fans say bye bye already, and Charlotte throws her mic down in frustration! Charlotte storms off to the back, but then wait! “A storm is coming.”

Jade Cargill makes her way out here, the fans cheer, and Jade stares Charlotte down as they cross paths. Charlotte and Jade move on, but then Jade grabs that mic. Jade wants Charlotte to wait. “Before you go… You had your chance. Now head to the back of the line.” Jade throws shade, but will she be shining in the spotlight with her golden ticket? Or will the Irresistible Force make sure no one gets to Tiffany before her?

 

Charlotte returns backstage.

She argues with Aldis about leaving. He says she can’t just walk out. She isn’t “walking out,” she’s just leaving. Aldis says this is not how professionals handle business. Charlotte says she has done more for this division than anyone, and this is how he’s treating her? Aldis says she should be a leader and lead by example, not throw a temper tantrum when things don’t go her way! She says she can’t do this, and she wants her driver to take her to the airport. But then someone slams the door shut! It’s Alexa! And Alexa says, “Let’s chat.” A curious move from Lil’ Miss Bliss, but what does she have in mind for The Queen?

 

WWE Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Nia Jax VS Jade Cargill!

SmackDown returns and Nia makes her entrance. But then wait! “It’s Tiffy Time!” Tiffany Stratton makes her way to ringside so she can watch this in person. The bell rings, Jade and Nia circle, and they tie up. They’re in a deadlock, but Jade manages to push Nia back a couple steps. Nia digs in her heels and pushes Jade back those steps. Jade turns things around to put Nia in a corner, the ref counts, and Jade lets off at 4. Nia wants a timeout and talks trash on Tiff. Tiff talks trash back, then Nia rushes Jade. Jade slips around, waistlocks, but Nia ELBOWS her away. Nia CLOBBERS Jade and soaks up the heat.

Tiff and the fans boo but Nia whips Jade to a corner. Jade goes up and over, runs and RAMS Nia! Nia rebounds to RUN Jade over! Nia flexes, Tiff and Dayton boo more, but Nia soaks it up. Nia runs in and BACK ELBOWS Jade! Jade sputters, Nia brings her around, but Jade fires hands! Nia shoves Jade, Jade dodges and hurdles! Jade then SHOULDER TACKLES Nia down! The fans fire up and Tiff applauds as Jade brings Nia up. But Nia fights the fireman’s carry with knees and elbows! Nia fireman’s carries and SAMOAN DROPS! Jade sputters again and Nia runs, to drop the leg, brother! Cover, TWO!

Jade survives, Nia grows frustrated, but Tiff talks more trash as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Nia lifts Jade with a STRETCH MUFFLER! Jade endures, uses her core to sit up, and she sunset flips over! But Nia stays up! Only for Jade to avoid the hip drop! Tiff cheers for Jade to get going, and Jade hurries to bring Nia up! Jade fireman’s carries and the fans fire up for Jade’s SAMOAN DROP! Jade rises up again as the fans cheer her on! Jade runs up on Nia to ROCK her! And then ROCKS her again! Nia blocks the third shot to KNEE low! Nia brings Jade around, suplexes, but Jade fights that to suplex Nia! The fans fire up and Jade kips up! Jade huffs ‘n’ puffs and runs in at the corner, but Nia puts her on the apron!

Jade RAMS Nia, slingshots up and over and keeps moving, SUPERKICK! And a SUPERKICK! Nia staggers, into the SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Tiff is excited just like the fans as Jade watches Nia rise again. Jade runs up, but Nia gets under the boot! POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Jade survives and Nia is shocked! Nia shakes her head, rises up, and she drags Jade to a drop zone. Nia goes up, up, but Jade SUPERKICKS! Jade then ROCKET LAUNCHES Nia off the corner!! The fans fire up and Tiff cheers Jade on! Jade roars, climbs, and FROG SPLASHES! Cover, TWO!! Nia survives and Jade is beside herself!

Jade drags Nia up, reels her in, but Nia elbows free! And TOSSES Jade to a corner! Nia SPLASHES, then runs corner to corner, only for Jade to BOOT her down! Cover, TWO!? Nia survives and Jade is beside herself! BUT WAIT, NAOMI ATTACKS TIFF!! The fans freak out as Naomi RAMS Tiff into steel steps! Jade sees Naomi and wants after her, but Nia CLOBBERS Jade from behind! SENTON! Nia drags Jade to a corner while Naomi stomps away on Tiff! Nia goes up, up, and A-NIA-LATES Jade!! Cover, Nia wins!

Winner: Nia Jax, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the WWE Women’s Championship)

Give an assist to Naomi, Tiffany did not #ProceedWithCaution! Will Naomi help Nia tear Tiffany apart and take the title from whatever’s left?

 

The Street Profits walk the halls.

Mia Yim & B-Fab are there, and Michin says, “DAYUM! Y’all look messed up.” Fab says they still look so good drippin’ in all that gold. That TLC match was nothing less than fab-u-lous! The Profits thank Fab for that, and Fab says Dawks & Tez are doing their thing. Ford tells the ladies that they never lie. But also, they heard Mia & Fab put their foot down and talk tag titles. Tonight, right now, Ford & Dawkins are gonna do the same thing. Fab says tell ’em! Ford & Dawkins head to gorilla, what will the WWE Tag Team Champions have to say about what’s next? We’ll find out, after the break.

 

The Street Profits head to the ring!

Dayton cheers as Dawkins & Ford go to the ring, holding up the belts. Ford says, “The gorilla fears us!” IYKYK. Ford grabs a mic to say, “Oh, Daytoooon~!” Dawkins asks, “Who Dey?” The fans are torn as not everyone is a Bengals fan. But Ford says here’s how you do it. “O H I!” “O~!” See? Good pop. But anyways, cut the noise. Unless you’ve been under a rock the last couple weeks, Profits have been the talk of the town, right? Think about it. They put on arguably the greatest… No, they DID put on the greatest TLC match of all time! The fans cheer that. Ford says yeah, that’s right! The gorilla fears us!

But with that said, the blood, the sweat, the tears, the passion, and hell, they even used a prosthetic leg! They got a leg up on the competition! They’re a whole leg ahead! But with that said, what happened is what always will happen, and that’s the Profits coming out on top. The fans cheer that! But then wait! Fraxiom makes their way out here! Ford is already annoyed, but Nathan Frazer sincerely apologizes for this interrupting. But damn, it feels good to be here on Friday Night SmackDown! Ford says duh. Frazer says look at them, amigo! They’re rubbing shoulders with THE WWE Tag Team Champions, The Street Profits! Quite possibly the best tag team in the game right now.

Ford says hey, at least they’re smart. Frazer & Axiom step in, and Frazer asks Axiom if he remembers what Shawn Michaels told them as they left NXT. Oh yes, he does. HBK gave them one direct command: When you see an opportunity, go ahead and take it! Axiom says hey, The Profits are amazing, truly, best of the best. No disrespect, but Fraxiom saw them out here and just thought, “Man, those tag titles would look great on Fraxiom.” The fans are torn, and Dawkins needs a second. Y’all only had two matches on SmackDown. They think they deserve a title shot? The fans are torn again but Fraxiom is united in saying, “Yes!”

Ford says, “What? Are you serious? After three weeks, you want a title shot? Against the Street Profits? Who last week, put on a classic?” But Aldis steps in here. Aldis says Fraxiom is in the ring with The Profits, and Aldis likes what he sees. And yes, Fraxiom is new and haven’t proven themselves worthy, yet. But they have been extremely impressive. And we’re in the heartland of America with Dayton, Ohio! The fans cheer that and Aldis says with this being the Land of Opportunity he can’t think of a better opportunity to prove themselves than to face the Street Profits… RIGHT NOW! Let’s get a ref and let’s do this!

The Profits are upset, because between being beat up and NOT being dressed to compete, they’re not ready! But will they hurry and get ready? Because the match is happening after the break!

The Street Profits VS Fraxiom!

SmackDown returns and the match is already underway. Ford bucks Axiom’s O’Conner Roll, but Axiom comes back to RAM low! Tag to Frazer, then Axiom reels Ford in for an IRON OCTOPUS! Frazer runs and runs and runs, to DROPKICK Ford down! Ford flounders away and tags in Dawkins. Dawkins CLOBBERS Frazer, but his arm bothers him. Dawkins runs, Frazer drops down, hurdles, but Dawkins manages to cartwheel! The arm slows Dawkins down but Frazer always says #NeverSlowDown! Frazer ducks ‘n’ dodges, then DROPKICKS Dawkins down! Dawkins stagger sup, Frazer runs up and hits a snapmare!

The fans rally as Frazer grinds Dawkins down. Dawkins fights up, powers up, but Frazer hits a flying-mare! Frazer has the headlock and grinds Dawkins again, but Dawkins fights up. The fans rally, Dawkins powers up and out, then catches Frazer as he goes up and over! Frazer slips free, shoves, but Dawkins hurdles and FLYING ELBOWS! Frazer flops out, the fans rally up, and Dawkins goes out the side. Dawkins runs in and POUNCES Frazer into the desk! Frazer flops down, Dawkins leaves him behind, and the ring count climbs. Axiom checks Frazer, helps him up, and then helps him into the ring.

The fans rally as Frazer stands, but Dawkins is on him. Dawkins CLUBS Frazer, tags Ford, and Ford slingshot SENTONS! That was a bit double-edged, but the fans fire up as Ford rises. Ford runs to KICK Frazer in the side! Cover, TWO! Ford KICKS Frazer again, tags Dawkins, and Ford snapmares Frazer for the SPLASH STOMP COMBO! Dawkins shakes out the bad arm before he covers, TWO! Frazer stays in this but Dawkins looms over him. The fans rally, Dawkins whips Frazer corner to corner hard, then runs in for a CYCLONE SPLASH! Dawkins sputters as he covers, TWO! Dawkins seethes but he grabs at Frazer’s legs.

Frazer kicks at Dawkins, Dawkins HYANKS him up, but Frazer ENZIGIRIS! Tag to Axiom and the speed combo fires off! DDT on Dawkins! Ford runs in, he gets KICK after KICK and the ASSISTED DROPKICK! Ford tumbles out, as does Dawkins, Axiom DIVES on Dawkins while Frazer DIVES on Ford! And then repeat! Dawkins is sent into barriers, then Ford is sent into barriers, and Dayton fires up for Fraxiom as SmackDown goes picture in picture!

Fraxiom fires up, and Axiom stands Dawkins up to CLUB the bad arm! Axiom puts Dawkins in the ring, pushes him over and covers, TWO! Axiom waistlocks Dawkins but Dawkins endures. Axiom shifts up to a chinlock, then he goes for the arms! Dawkins fights against the motorcycle stretch, so Axiom shifts to a ghost pin! TWO, and Axiom DROPKICKS Dawkins down! Cover, TWO! Axiom facelocks and he grinds Dawkins down. Dawkins endures, fights up, but Axiom keeps between him and Ford. Dawkins fights up and lifts Axiom, to then THROW him! Frazer tags in and runs up to grab a leg! But Dawkins BOOTS Frazer away!

Axiom tags back in, he grabs legs, and he YANKS one! Dawkins writhes, Axiom looms over him, and Axiom clamps on a chinlock. Dawkins endures, reaches out, and fights up. Dawkins pries at the hold, but Axiom shoves him away. Axiom LARIATS at the ropes, tags Frazer, then feeds Dawkins to a GAMANGIRI! Fraxiom DOUBLE SUPERKICK Dawkins down! They BLAST Ford, Frazer STANDING SHOOTING STARS on Dawkins! Cover, TWO! Dawkins survives but Frazer goes to a corner. Frazer climbs while SmackDown returns to single picture. Frazer takes aim, PHOENIX- NO, Dawkins dodges and FLAPJACKS!

The fans fire up while both men are down! Frazer and Dawkins crawl, hot tags to Axiom and Ford! Ford runs and CLOBBERS Axiom! Then he BLASTS Frazer! And he LARIATS Axiom! And LARIATS again! Ford then dodges Axiom, both men run, and then Ford blows past Axiom to LARIAT again! The fans fire up with Ford, and he gets around Axiom to hit a BIG back suplex! Ford kips up and fires up, and Dayton is with him! Ford sets up, flexes, and STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Axiom survives and Ford is frustrated. Ford whips, Axiom KICKS, and Frazer tags in! Ford ENZIGIRIS Axiom, Frazer springboards in!

Ford dodges Frazer, Frazer handsprings through and comes back to roll up! TWO, and Ford SUPERKICKS! The fans fire up again, and Ford runs up, only for Frazer to put him right up top! GAMANGIRI! Ford wobbles, Frazer climbs, and Frazer brings Ford to the very top! Ford resists with body shots, then he shoves Frazer back! Frazer backflips to land out, then he goes right back up! But Dawkins sneaks a tag! Dawkins gets under Frazer to Electric Chair Lift! Ford goes up, BLOCKBUSTER DOOMSDAY!! Cover, AXIOM BREAKS IT! The fans are torn as this continues, but they all know “This is Awesome!”

Axiom drags Ford up at the apron but Ford GAMANGIRIS! Ford climbs, leaps, but into a SUPERKICK! Ford falls out of the ring, Dawkins ENZIGIRIS Axiom! Dawkins runs up on Frazer but Frazer TOSSES him out! Frazer runs, DIVES, but into a HAYMAKER! Dawkins hurries up the corner, but Frazer UPPERCUTS! Axiom tags in and ENZIGIRIS! Frazer tags back in as Axiom climbs! SUPER SPANISH FLY!! PHOENIX SPLASH!! Cover, FORD BREAKS IT AND UPPERCUTS AXIOM!! The fans are thunderous and Frazer drags Dawkins up. But Dawkins ROCKS Frazer! Frazer PELES Dawkins!

Ford sneaks a tag, Dawkins gives Frazer the SKY HIGH! Ford hurries to a corner but Axiom hits a GOLDEN RATIO on Dawkins! Ford still reaches the top, but Frazer runs up! Ford hops down to GAMANGIRI, then he climbs again! Axiom runs up, Ford BOOTS him down! FROM THE HEAVENS FLOPS as Frazer dodges! Tag to Axiom and Frazer sets Ford up! MISSLE DROPKICK HIGH LOW!! Cover, Fraxiom wins!!

Winners: Fraxiom, by pinfall

The “Catapulta Infernal” strikes its target, and the new kids on the block just beat The Profits! Fraxiom offer handshakes, the Profits accept, and now these two teams will battle again with titles on the line. Will Fraxiom’s winning combination reach the titles in record time? Or will the Profits be able to heal up and bring their 100% to the match?

 

Tiffany Stratton returns backstage.

The WWE Women’s Champion is hunting down Naomi, but Nia finds her first. Nia says it isn’t easy being champion, is it? Tiff’s made some enemies. But instead of worrying about Naomi, worry more about Nia, because Nia is the #1 contender now to take back what is rightfully hers. Tiff says that’s fine, because once she beats Nia, Tiff can reserve a spot for Nia at the loser’s table. Right next to Charlotte Flair! Tootles. Tiff heads out and Nia scowls. Will Nia make sure time runs out on Tiffy Time?

 

The Miz talks with Carmelo Hayes at gorilla.

The Hollywood A-Lister insists that last week was all about getting game film on Aleister Black. And if Melo watched that film, then he should know a lot of counters to Aleister’s moves. If Melo studied that film, he should know that during Miz’s match, Melo was out of position. But that is okay, because Miz will show Melo where he needs to be to get the job done. Just watch Miz out there, because tonight is about Melo. Tonight is about showing Melo IS the Tenth Wonder of the World! For Miz, for Melo, and for #Dre, and for the WWE Universe, Melo will run the play just as Miz designed it, because #MeloDon’tMiz! And they are… AWES-H1M!

Who’s H1M? Melo is! Who’s H1M? MELO IS! That’s right! Let’s go! Miz & Melo make their entrance, but will Melo use Miz’s game plan to hit that game winner? Or will there be no three pointer when things #FadeToBlack?

Aleister Black VS Carmelo Hayes w/ The Miz!

SmackDown returns and Aleister makes his entrance. The bell rings and Aleister stares Melo down. They slowly circle, feel things out, and tie up. Aleister wrenches but Melo rolls. Melo facelocks, cranks on the hold, but Aleister wrenches out to headlock. Melo powers up and out, but Aleister spins that around to hit a headlock takeover. Melo keeps his shoulders up, fights to his feet, and he powers up and out. Aleister wrenches and whisp but Melo rolls off Aleister’s back. Melo ducks ‘n’ dodges to springboard, but Aleister ducks under to sit cross-legged! The fans cheer as Melo is rather stunned. Melo runs up, Aleister avoids the low crossbody!

Aleister kips up, Melo kicks low and Miz tells Melo to keep on him! Melo fires off hands in the corner, then stomps away! The fans boo, the ref counts, and Melo lets off to soak up heat. Aleister just snarls, and then he KNEES Melo low! Aleister fires hands and kicks, then KICKS Melo at the rope! melo tumbles out, Aleister goes up and out, ASAI MOONSAULT! Down goes Melo and Miz is worried. Miz stays back but Aleister does take a moment to catch his breath. Aleister also refreshes the ring count, then he runs up on Melo. Melo dodges, Aleister’s boot gets stuck on barriers! Melo DROPKICKS Aleister down!

Miz fires up and Melo crosses his arms like Andre the Giant. Melo is in control while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Melo goes around the way to fetch Aleister, and CHOPS him against barriers! Melo RAMS Aleister into more barriers, CHOPS him again, then refreshes the ring count. Melo drags Aleister back around to wrench and RAM Aleister into the apron! Melo CHOPS Aleister against the desk, then he puts Aleister back in the ring. Melo hurries to KNEE Aleister in the side! Aleister ELBOWS Melo in return! Aleister ROCKS Melo, Melo mule kicks! Melo stomps Aleister down, then covers, TWO! Aleister toughs it out but Melo clamps on. Melo whips, ELBOWS Aleister down, and Melo drops a leg, brother! Cover, TWO!

Melo is frustrated but he clamps onto Aleister with a top wristlock. Aleister endures, fights up, and arm-drags Melo away! Aleister KICKS Melo, snapmares, and basement DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Melo toughs it out but Aleister whips him to ropes. Melo uses that to springboard and CROSSBODY! Down goes Aleister and Melo says swish! Melo stands Aleister up, CHOPS him, but Aleister CHOPS in return! Melo ROCKS Aleister, Aleister ROCKS Melo! Melo ELBOWS Aleister, Aleister fires fast hands! Melo HEADBUTTS, Aleister ROCKS Melo! Aleister clinches, fires KNEES and then sweeps the legs! SmackDown returns as Melo goes to the apron.

Aleister storms over and brings Melo up, but Melo HOTSHOTS him away! The fans rally, Melo climbs, but Aleister steps up to KICK Melo in the face! Melo wobbles, Aleister climbs, and Miz coaches Melo. Melo shoves Aleister away, but Aleister comes back, so Melo leaps over. Melo rolls through, comes back, tilt-o-whirl, but Aleister slips free! Aleister blocks a kick to JUMP KNEE! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Aleister and Melo stir while Miz coaches Melo up. Melo rises, fires forearms on Aleister, but Aleister fires back! The fans rally as the shots go back and forth, the fans duel, and Aleister CLOBBERS Melo!

Aleister fires off a strike fest! LEG SWEEP! SLIDING KNEE! Aleister kips up, then QUEBRADAS! Cover, TWO! Melo survives and Miz can breathe again. Aleister checks his teeth, shakes off the cobwebs, and then looms over Melo. Aleister reels Melo in, suplexes, but Melo counters to a cradle! TWO! Aleister blocks a kick to sweep the legs! Then Aleister suplexes, but Melo knees free! Aleister blocks another kick, but Melo rebounds to SUPERKICK! Melo runs, tilt-o-whirls, LA MYSTICA! And then Melo brings Aleister up, but Aleister suplexes! BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Miz is relieved as Melo survives!

Aleister scowls while he thinks on what to try next. The fans rally, Aleister stalks behind Melo, and then Aleister spins Melo around just to lift him up with his foot! Miz distracts Aleister, but then Aleister senses Melo! Aleister ducks, Melo BLASTS Miz, and Aleister rolls Melo up! ALEISTER WINS!

Winner: Aleister Black, by pinfall

Miz rushes back in, but into BLACK MASS!! The A-Lister tried trickery but paid for it! Will Aleister not back down on SmackDown? Will he find his way to gold soon enough?

 

Solo and Fatu return backstage.

Solo throws a bit of a fit over the loss. He says the numbers game is no longer with their family tomorrow. They need a game plan for it! They need to figure something out, because Solo is all outta sorts! Everyone is hurt! They need- Fatu says stop! “WE?! Game plan?! Man, the only game plan I that I got tomorrow is just to run the play! So tomorrow, Backlash, live in The Lou, these three suckas gonna get in where they fit in! Cuz tomorrow, Damian Priest, DOG WALKED! LA Knight, DOG WALKED! GADDAMN DREW MCINTYRE! I’ma ’bout to dog walk his ass!! That’s the only play that I ’bout to run! Cuz I’m all gas, no brakes with it. Yadada mean?”

Fatu is locked in, and Solo accepts that. At least, it seems he does. Will there still be something up Solo’s proverbial sleeve to ensure the Samoan Werewolf stays on top?

 

Fraxiom returns backstage.

They’re both still fired up from winning over the Profits, THE WWE Tag Team Champions. And then Motor City Machine Guns walk over and Chris Sabin says that is how you do it! They just won over the champs! Alex Shelley says Fraxiom came in, made some noise, and MCMG loved it! That’s exactly what MCMG did. They took the volume and cranked it to 11. Now, let’s see if Fraxiom can keep that energy up, because they know eventually, they’ll be facing MCMG. But then DIY CLOBBERS them all!! Johnny Gargano & Tommas Ciampa ran down fists on Fraxiom, and Ciampa shouts, “Don’t get it twisted, boys! You didn’t beat the tag team champions, the Profits, tonight!”

Ciampa says what Fraxiom did was they took advantage of two guys who were very banged up from TLC! Gargano says only a couple of lowlifes would do that! Then DIY stomps Fraxiom more. DIY hurries away, will Johnny Wrestling & Sicilian Psycho make sure no one gets ahead of them in line?

 

Los Garza w/ Santos Escobar VS Rey Fenix & Andrade!

Angel y Berto got the jump on the Firebird, but now they will have to fight fair and square with their enemies. Will the Firebird and El Idolo be able to humble Los Garza? Or will Legado del Fantasma lead the way for lucha libre in WWE?

SmackDown returns and Andrade makes his entrance, followed by Fenix. The teams sort out, Angel rushes Fenix but Fenix dodges to BLAST Berto! Fenix then SOBATS Angel, CHOPS him, and whips. Angel reverses, Fenix goes up and FLYING HEADBUTTS! Fenix runs, tilt-o-whirls, and he wrangles Angel into a ghost pin! TWO, and Angel RAMS Fenix into the corner! Tag to Berto, Los Garza stomp a mudhole, and Santos is mostly making sure commentary speaks positively about “running the bingo.” Los Garza taunt Andrade, and Angel throws his tearaway pants at him! The fans boo but Berto goes back to Fenix.

Berto drags Fenix up and snapmares for a KICK! Fenix writhes, Berto covers, TWO! Berto drags Fenix up, Fenix fires body shots, and Fenix CHOPS! Fenix runs, but Berto DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Fenix stays in this but Berto argues the count. Berto drags Fenix up, reels him in and suplexes, but Fenix knees free! Fenix CHOPS Berto, then dodges to hot tag Andrade! The fans fire up as Andrade LARIATS, then blocks a kick to DRAGON SCREW! Berto goes to a corner, the fans fire up, and they join in with “SI! SI! SI!” Andrade goes corner to corner and back again, but Berto runs up! Andrade dodges, Berto switches, and Angel sneaks a tag.

Andrade ELBOWS Berto, runs the ropes, but Berto drops down. Angel holds the ropes open, but Andrade stops short! Andrade wags his finger, but Berto CLOBBERS Andrade out of the ring! Fenix runs up, Berto TOSSES him and Angel DROPKICKS Fenix to the floor! Angel y Berto then go to the corners, climb up, and DOUBLE ARIHARA MOONSAULT! All four men are down but Santos loves it, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and the fans rally as Andrade endures the chinlock. Andrade fights up, JAWBREAKERS free, but Berto kicks low! Berto suplexes, Andrade fights that, and Andrade ducks both the roundhouse and the enzigiri! Then he hops on, and POISON-RANAS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Berto and Andrade crawl, hot tags to Angel and Fenix! The fans fire up more as Fenix rallies on Angel! Fenix whips, Angel reverses, but Fenix reverses again to ENZIGIRI in the corner! Fenix puts Angel up top, CHOPS, but Berto storms up! Fenix ROCKS Berto then CHOPS Angel again! Fenix wrenches Berto, KICKS him, then knuckle locks.

Fenix goes up, up, jumps around, and ENZIGIRIS Angel before he FLYING ARM-DRAGS Berto! Dayton fires up and Santos is furious, but Fenix runs corner to corner! Somersault LARIAT on Angel, and Fenix puts him up top! Fenix tucks Angel in, but Angel slips free to FLAPJACK KCIK! Andrade runs in, dodges and CLOBBERS Angel! Berto springboards to FLYING CHUCK! Fenix SUPERKICKS Berto! The fans fire up while all four men are down! “This is Awesome!” as all four luchadores stir. Angel and Fenix find each other, and Angel CHOSP! Fenix CHOPS back! Angel CHOPS again, but Fenix CHOPS again!

Both men stand, Angel KNEES low, and then he runs to SPLASH Fenix in the corner! Berto tags in, he fireman’s carries Fenix to WASTELAND SLAM! Then ROLLING MOONSAULT! Cover, Andrade breaks it! Andrade hurries out but Berto drags Fenix up. Berto whips, Fenix reverses and runs up to JUMP SOBAT! Fenix snapmares Berto, but Santos distracts! Fenix hits the somersault rana, but Berto rolls through to sunset flip! But now Santos is costing Berto! The ref finally sees it and counts, TWO!! Santos is furious but Fenix wheelbarrows and victory rolls to FACEBUSTER! Cover, but Angel DOUBLE STOMPS it apart!

Angel CLUBS Fenix, hits a BIG back suplex, but Fenix lands out! Fenix staggers back, hot tag to Andrade! Andrade ROCKS Angel, then runs to boot feint and ELBOW! Berto flounders, Fenix goes up, ADIOS AMIGO KICK! Andrade brings Berto around, Fenix builds speed and FLIES onto Angel! Then THE MESSAGE!! Cover, Andrade y Fenix win!

Winners: Rey Fenix & Andrade, by pinfall

Santos is beside himself, but it was still his fault for this loss. Andrade and Fenix stand tall, will they be the ones leading the way as Worlds Collide? Santos then shouts at Los Garza to get on their feet! “What was that?!” Santos is taking his anger out on the wrong ones, and Berto SLAPS him! The fans fire up for Berto while Santos glares at him, but Berto leaves without Santos and Angel. Is Legado falling apart all around Santos, all because of his ego?

 

JOHN CENA is here!

Dayton fires up but also shout, “JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” as the Undisputed WWE Champion walks out in his Ohio State Buckeyes styled The Last Time is Now merchandise. Cena has the song stop, and he again points to Mark Nash. The fans duel, “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” while Mark reluctantly goes to the ring, same as the last few times. Cena tells Mark he already knows so Mark does the “proper” introductions. “Please welcome the Greatest Of All Time! The Never Seen Seventeen! Gracing Dayton with his presence one last time…! He is the Last-” Wait, Cena stops Mark there? Cena sees someone threw their bottle into the ring!

Cena picks up the bottle, looks it over, and it is a Michelob Ultra. Cena shakes his head, tosses the bottle aside, and lets Mark finish. “He is the Last Real Champion…! JOOOOOOHN CEEENAAA~!” The fans are torn while Cena holds up the title. Cena then takes Mark’s mic and excuses him. The fans boo but Cena says, “Tomorrow, your childhood dies. The reason you’re reduced to throwing empty bottles of beer is because every single one of you knows exactly how important Backlash is. You’ll do everything you can, just like Randy Orton. Which is why Randy Orton is not here tonight.

“Don’t boo! Don’t boo! He’s smart! He took my advice. He is home with his family in St. Louis. And he is preparing for the biggest moment of his career. The first time I wrestled Randy Orton was almost 25 years ago. Since then, we have shared in this ring on WWE television of almost 100 appearances. There are 31 world championships between us. We are the two names that defined what it means to have Ruthless Aggression. And if you are a fan between the ages of 12 to 55 and beyond, you either choose Randy Orton or you choose John Cena! THAT is what’s at stake tomorrow!” The fans here certainly cheer for “RANDY! RANDY!”

Cena says tomorrow, that is their final match. “Tomorrow, you only get to choose one more time. Tomorrow, your childhood dies! Don’t worry, don’t worry. If you’re a fan between the ages of 3 to 11 tomorrow, your childhood will die, as well. I will make sure you grow up fast, because tomorrow I prove three things: Life isn’t fair; winners write the history books; and Randy Orton is a liar! The person Randy’s been lying tot he most all these years is himself! I will explain it in terms that you can understand. Hustle, loyalty, respect.

“Hustle! Randy Orton only has this job because of his family! He has never once been held accountable for any of his failures! And he uses his stardom and his connections to protect him from responsibility or actually doing any hard work. Randy Orton is the Greatest Of All Time at wasting his potential! I am the Greatest of All Time because I AM hustle!” The fans boo but Cena continues. “Loyalty! Randy Orton thinks that working a job a lot of days in a row is loyalty. That’s not loyalty, that’s cashing a check. Randy Orton says he’s a WWE Lifer, he’s stuck here! He says he’s a piece of furniture, that’s right! He’s a La-Z-Boy!

“Loyalty is being a person that you can always count on. And you are counting on Randy Orton to be the one to take this away from me?! After 25 YEARS of injuries, bad attitudes and coasting his way to be over-celebrated and overpaid, you can’t count on Randy Orton for anything! Randy Orton is the Greatest of All Time at doing the bare minimum. I am the Greatest of All Time because I AM loyalty! Respect, of which you show me none! Randy Orton wants to beg for your respect! He has to remind you he’s a third-generation superstar. C’mon!

“Nobody knows Bob Orton Senior. The only thing Bob Orton Jr. ever accomplish in life was knocking up Randy’s mom. And the only thing Randy Orton’s ever done is life is ride off MY coattails! Yet he calls himself the Legend Killer? All he does is use his mean streak and his strength to remove these names from wrestling that were barely relevant in the first place. And tomorrow, he gets to do it again. Tomorrow, Randy Orton kills the legend of Randy Orton. Because he’ll be just like his 2006 drug test: A failure! Randy Orton is the Greatest of All Time at making a mockery of what a WWE superstar should be! I am the Greatest of All Time, because I AM respect!

“I’m not gonna stoop to your level, Dayton. Take a good look. Tomorrow is a historic moment for WWE. Because I make history again. And this is what a Last Real Champion looks like.” The fans boo as Cena holds up the belt. But who is this in a hoodie!? They spin Cena around, but Cena lifts them up for an ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!! This clearly isn’t Orton, he’s not tall enough. But Cena still nods and holds the belt up. ONLY FOR THE REAL ORTON TO APPEAR! You can’t see the R K O OUTTA NOWHERE!! Dayton is all fired up for Orton as he stands tall, holding the title up over Cena! Will this be how Backlash ends? Or will Cena make sure Orton’s legend ends instead?


My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown, especially as the go-home to Backlash. Great closing promo from Cena tonight, but Orton standing tall with that great surprise appearance hammers it home that Cena is winning at Backlash. Or he’s at least retaining. Everyone is wondering if they’ll flip the classic match from years ago where Randy retained by slapping the ref, and I wouldn’t mind them teasing that here to really add to the continuity of the rivalry. Charlotte Flair’s promo was also really good, with her doubling down on being a Heel even after her loss to Tiffany, and then being “so upset” over Dayton’s booing that she storms off.

Alexa Bliss returning in Ohio was a good move, and she had a very good match alongside Zelina against Chelsea & Piper. And a truly interesting move for her to confront Charlotte. Charlotte claims she’ll go right back for the top title but I would think Alexa doesn’t like that. Though, at the same time, Alexa could easily hop into the Women’s US Championship scene despite just teaming with Zelina. Meanwhile, great match between Jade VS Nia, with a great tease of Charlotte VS Jade during that entrance. Naomi of course does two birds with one stone, she beats up Tiffy while costing Jade, and now Nia VS Tiff will be some great stuff for the title. I wonder how Naomi will factor into that…

Great stuff opening with the US Championship story like they did last week. I figured Solo would take the loss so the Face team could have momentum, and then Drew gets the drop on him so that Fatu can also have go-home math in his favor. Fatu and Solo also had a very good promo together to show tensions mounting because it’s just them, and they’re at odds on how to handle the Fatal 4 Way. At this point, Solo Sikoa should bring in Hikuleo to freshen up their rogue bloodline. But also, Fatu could end up kicked out as Solo leads Leo, Loa & Tama against everyone else. Granted, fans would continue to see it as Temu Bloodline but whatever, SmackDown needs that one solid faction that does a lot of stuff in the same way Raw still has Judgment Day but now is also getting Rollin’s faction.

Good promo from Aleister to parallel Rusev’s return promo. It states that whatever WWE gimmick we remember from before no longer exists, and this is going to be more like Aleister bringing “Malakai” to WWE. Good promo from Miz to kinda talk down to Melo just a bit, but we still got a great match from Aleister VS Melo. Aleister of course wins with Miz getting too involved, and I’m still curious as to where this goes from here. We also got good progress in the Legado story, with Berto just done with Santos wrongfully heaping the blame on him. It was a great tag match, and I wonder if someone new joins Legado to freshen the group up, but mostly to give us a Six Man Tag of Fenix, Andrade y Berto VS Legado.

And great stuff with the tag titles, but perhaps with some curious moves. I liked Mia & Fab encouraging the Profits and then the Profits returning that as Mia & Fab hope to go for the women’s tag titles. But when it came to Aldis putting Profits in a match they weren’t prepared for, is that Aldis being Heelish? I don’t see the Profits being Heels at this point now, but hey, even “beat up” they had an awesome match with Fraxiom. Now DIY were really Heel with going after the tired Fraxiom backstage. We already got a Triple Threat with the TLC but I wonder if Fraxiom will have to still earn their title shot by getting past DIY and MCMG on separate occasions.

My Score: 8.8/10

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!

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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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