Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Live Report! (1/16/18)

All images courtesy of the WWE’s official Twitter
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE United States Championship Tournament: Xavier Woods w/ The New Day VS Jinder Mahal w/ The Singh Brothers; Mahal wins and advances to the finals
next weektonight on SmackDown. - WWE United States Championship Tournament: Mojo Rawley VS Bobby Roode; wins and advances to the finals
next weektonight on SmackDown. - Six Woman Tag: The Riott Squad VS Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair & Naomi; Riott Squad wins.
- WWE United States Championship: Bobby Roode VS Jinder Mahal; Roode wins and becomes the new US Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
“Awwww LOREDO!” The New Day opens SmackDown!
Clap for your world famous four time champs, and feel the powah~!
Walking into the second round of the #USTitle Tournament like….#SDLive @XavierWoodsPhD @WWEBigE @TrueKofi pic.twitter.com/dqzbZr4LNO
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) January 17, 2018
Xavier Woods takes to the podium while Loredo chants “New! Day Rocks!” “Tonight, the Freedom of the United States is at stake.” Yo boy Woods takes on who? Who who who? “The self-proclaimed Modern Day MaharrrrrrrrrRRRRRRaja,” Jinder Mahal. Woods will defend the great principles that make America fantastic: Life, Liberty & the Power of Positivity! But one principle we forget is… Pancakes!
.@XavierWoodsPhD's principles:
✔️ Life
✔️ Liberty
✔️ The Power of Positivity
✔️ The PRINCIPLE of PANCAKES#WoodsUSChamp #SDLive @TrueKofi @WWEBigE pic.twitter.com/77quRFYLH4— WWE (@WWE) January 17, 2018
America has much in common with a pancake: individually, the ingredients are strong, but together they make for something good, delicious and unifying! That is what THe New Day is about. Remember: A Vote for Me, is a Vote for Three. THe best things come in threes: red, white & blue; three amigos; Home Alone movies, sorta. Mahal hates Home Alone and freedom. Mahal hates Americans! Is that the kind of man we want as US Champion? NO! Therefore, all who oppose Mahal, say nay. NAY! NAY! Neigh? NAY! Therefore, lend Woods your power to defeat Jinder Mahal and become the new W! W! E! U-Nited, States CHAMPION~!!
“Please welcome Sumil & Sanir, The Singh Brothers.”
Please welcome YOUR next United States Champion, Jinder Mahaaaaal~!
Could the #ModernDayMaharaja @JinderMahal bring the #USTitle to his homeland of India? He goes one-on-one with @XavierWoodsPhD RIGHT NOW! #SDLive @SinghBrosWWE pic.twitter.com/Olq9IDYuxX
— WWE (@WWE) January 17, 2018
WWE United States Championship Tournament: Xavier Woods w/ The New Day VS Jinder Mahal w/ The Singh Brothers!
Both men have held gold in the past, but they still want more! Will it be the Modern Day Maharaja or the PhD in Positivity that moves on to the championship match?
The bell rings, the two circle, Mahal kicks Woods right in the face! He raises his hand while fans boo and jeer, then stands over Woods to talk trash. Mahal brings Woods up and rocks him with a right, then an ax handle. Woods is literally on the ropes as Mahal grinds in a knee. Mahal snapmares and drives in a knee, then a knee drop. Woods fights back with body shots, then runs, only to get run over by a back elbow. Cover, TWO, and the New Day coach Woods back up. Mahal puts him in a half-clutch to stretch him back but fans rally for Woods.
.@XavierWoodsPhD is in a WORLD of hurt right now! Can he break free of The #ModernDayMaharaja's clutches? #USTitle #SDLive @JinderMahal pic.twitter.com/ODX8iHib0r
— WWE (@WWE) January 17, 2018
Woods stands up and fights back again, dropkick rocks Mahal back. Woods runs in but gets a back elbow again, and Mahal grins before giving a jumping ax handle. Cover, TWO, Mahal is still focused as we go to break.
SmackDown returns and we find Mahal wrenching Woods’ neck. Mahal has a half-nelson chinbar, but fans rally for Woods. Woods feeds off the “New! Day Rocks!” and gets to his feet. He fights back, jawkbreaker rocks Mahal, mule kick takes out one leg. Mahal stays standing to run Woods over again, cover, TWO. The New Day have faith in Woods, but Mahal keeps on him with heavy hands. Mahal chokes Woods on the ropes again, and backs off at 4 to do the same thing in a corner. Mahal drags Woods out for springboard knee drops and another grinding knee. He stops at 4, the New Day keep the Singh Brothers back. Pancake Attack!
When in doubt, throw a PANCAKE! #SDLive #USTitle @WWEBigE @TrueKofi @SinghBrosWWE @XavierWoodsPhD @JinderMahal pic.twitter.com/PdtNftGfdK
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) January 17, 2018
Woods fights back, but Mahal snapmares Woods into a chinlock. The fans chant “We Want Pancakes!” while Woods endures the squeeze. Woods gets up, fights back again, and rocks Mahal with a haymaker. He whips but Mahal grabs ropes, body drop hotshot! Mahal keeps on Woods, Woods gets to the apron, Mahal goes out to put him under the apron skirt and choke Woods with it! The referee stops Mahal, but Mahal keeps going with ax handle chop. Woods falls tot he floor, Mahal goes into the ring to let the count begin. The New Day coach Woods up, he beats the count at 9! Mahal is upon him right away, he brings Woods up but Woods fights back again. He backs Mahal down with furious right hands, then whips corner to corner but is reversed hard into buckles. Mahal stretches Woods back again, to give crossface forearms on top. Fans rally for Woods once more, Woods feeds off the energy, and gives more body shots. Mahal throat chops, but Woods boots back! Honor Roll meets a knee! COver, TWO! Mahal is furious but Woods is still in it as we go picture in picture.
The New Day work to coach Woods back into this, even as Mahal stalks Woods. Woods fights back again, jabs and chops and chops and chops. Woods whips but is reversed, he kicks Mahal but Mahal lariats him down. Mahal rains down rights, then glares at The New Day. He stretches Woods again, but Woods sits up, so Mahal makes it an abdominal stretch. Fans rally, Woods slips out and hip tosses Mahal down! Jawbreaker from Mahal, and Mahal is again back in control. He taunts the New Day as he rains down more rights, as well as stomps. Woods crawls away, but Mahal is confident he has this in hand. He puts Woods back into the chinlock, then the seated abdominal stretch. The fans haven’t given up, they keep rallying. Woods struggles against Mahal, but Mahal uses his size and strength to keep him down. Woods powers up one more time, but Mahal kicks low. Mahal puts Woods in a corner and hoists him to the top rope. Mahal climbs up as we go back to single picture.
Both men are up on the top rope, Woods fighting back. He punches and headbutts, and Mahal goes down! Woods adjusts, takes aim, and hits a missile dropkick! The New Day and fans rally once more as both men stir. Mahal stands up first, but Woods revives to chop and punch. They brawl back and forth, and Woods gets the advantage. Another throat chop, then a whip, but Mahal misses and Woods is the one who rallies with forearms! Woods whips but is reversed again, Woods slips under for the roaring forearm! He takes aim, corner to corner but put on the apron. He blocks and punches Mahal away, Mahal denies the step-in DDT but takes the enziguri! Woods hurries and hits the Shining Wizard! TWO! The Singh Brothers distract, the New Day run them out of the arena! This leaves Mahal and Woods alone. Woods goes after Mahal, back suplex! He hurries to a corner now, and to the top rope. Tight-rope elbow drop misses! Mahal throws Woods into ropes, Woods is dazed. But Mahal isn’t done there. He calls for his finish, then drags Woods up to his feet. He puts on the cobra clutch, KALAS!! Mahal wins and advances to the finals! Will he truly be our next WWE United States Champion?
The #USTitle is within reach for @JinderMahal… #SDLive pic.twitter.com/rdUyKpcO23
— WWE (@WWE) January 17, 2018
Baron Corbin has a message concerning the Royal Rumble.
“There’s a reason I’m called the Lone Wolf.” Corbin is built for the Royal Rumble, and its Every Man For Himself rules. “All I see is a ring full of potential victims and life-changing opportunity hanging in the balance.” Corbin vows this is HIS time to main event Wrestlemania.
All the other participants should step aside, because @BaronCorbinWWE is looking to make his presence FELT in the #RoyalRumble Match! #SDLive #RumbleForAll pic.twitter.com/OniTEjYWlZ
— WWE (@WWE) January 17, 2018
Backstage interview with AJ Styles.
The Phenomenal One faces two opponents in his WWE Championship, where it’ll be three on one! Well, no, Styles explains his math. Sami Zayn is one opponent, and Kevin Owens is like two. Especially with that #YEPMovement. How about #NOPE? Sami & Kevin are like the two same people. Sami, Kevin, Kevin, Sami, Kami, Sevin. Wait, Kami & Sevin? He’ll use that from now one. Styles losing to #Kami so they can be Co-Champions makes him sick. But Styles got to this point in hsi career because he has overcome obstacles. He’ll make sure the made-up movement ends at the Royal Rumble. #Kami isn’t just facing anyone, they’re facing the WWE Champion. And SmackDown isn’t the #KamiShow, it’s the House that AJ Styles built. Styles has confidence to spare, will it see him through the Royal Rumble?
“This is not the #KamiShow; this is #SDLive, the House that @AJStylesOrg built!" #TheyDontWantNone pic.twitter.com/D6eQKQok5f
— WWE (@WWE) January 17, 2018
The women of SmackDown speak on the inaugural Women’s Royal Rumble match.
The FABULOUS One and inaugural Ms. Money in the Bank promises to make history again. The Queen of Harts is going to use her “cat-like reflexes” to prove she’s the Best there is, the Best there was, and the Best there ever will be. Tamina says that every woman on Raw will fly, when she throws them over the top rope. Lana will not let herself be ridiculed, and will rename it the Ravishing Rumble. Naomi promises all 29 other women will #FeeltheGlow! Ruby Riott is all about chaos, and no one will stop her. Sarah Logan is #KentuckyStrong enough to bring the fight. Liv Morgan is here not for friends, but for history, and #LivForever. The Lass Kicker Becky Lynch was the inaugural SmackDown Women’s Champion, but will be the last woman at the Rumble, aka the Last Woman Standing. Which woman from which show will take history into their hands and win this match’s prestigious premiere?
Make HERstory. #SDLive #RoyalRumble #RumbleForAll pic.twitter.com/YXhlB1sRMb
— WWE (@WWE) January 17, 2018
WWE United States Championship Tournament: Mojo Rawley VS Bobby Roode!
Just take it all in… #Glorious#SDLive @REALBobbyRoode pic.twitter.com/7lQeTyrE8F
— WWE (@WWE) January 17, 2018
The Modern Day Maharaja already has a spot in the finals, will it be Killer Instinct or the GLORIOUS One joining him?
There's no way around it. @MojoRawleyWWE has his sights SET on the #USTitle! #SDLive @REALBobbyRoode pic.twitter.com/tVKizhUpuu
— WWE (@WWE) January 17, 2018
The bell rings, Roode and Mojo stare down as fans cheer for the GLORIOUS One. They tie up, Mojo powers Roode right down to the mat, then pie-faces him to a corner. Mojo waits for Roode to come back out, they tie up, and Roode puts on a headlock. Roode shifts to a waistlock, then a takedown, and then toys with Mojo before striking the GLORIOUS Pose! Mojo rushes in, but Roode catches him in a headlock. Mojo powers Roode to a corner, breaks then rushes in again. Roode dodges and chops back, Mojo shoves him away, but the two collide. Cover, ONE, so Roode puts Mojo in a headlock. Mojo endures, Roode shifts to block the ropes. They stand up, Roode maintaining the headlock, then shifting to the waistlock. Mojo elbows back and rocks Roode. Mojo whips Roode then goes perpendicular to hit the POUNCE!
Pure aggression by @MojoRawleyWWE as he BULLDOZES The #GloriousOne! #SDLive #USTitle @REALBobbyRoode pic.twitter.com/yO85UPi1Yj
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) January 17, 2018
Mojo argues with the ref, the official was in his way. He keeps his cool enough to take the frustration out on Roode in a corner. The referee tells Mojo to bring it out so Mojo does, to headbutt Roode. Mojo trash talks Roode, but Roode comes back with kicks and haymakers. Mojo knees low to slow Roode down, then puts him back in that corner. Roode still fights back but takes a stiff body shot. Mojo shoves Roode all the way out and then taunts “Glorious” to get back in. Mojo goes out instead, and POUNCES into Roode, sending him shoulder first into the barriers! The Killer Instinct is real as we go to break.
SmackDown returns, and Mojo puts Roode in a standing abdominal stretch. Fans rally while Mojo hammers fists into Roode’s ribs. Roode endures the hold, pries his way out, and hip-tosses Mojo down. Roode goes for an elbow drop but Mojo dodges, then boots Roode right down! Cover, TWO, but Mojo keeps focus.
"DID I CRACK A RIB, BOBBY? DID I?" – @MojoRawleyWWE#SDLive #USTitle @REALBobbyRoode pic.twitter.com/dJVzc6CVbs
— WWE (@WWE) January 17, 2018
“Did I crack a rib, Bobby? Did I?” Mojo stands Roode up for shoulder tackles into the corner, then throws Roode to the mat before pointing to the title belt. He puts Roode into a seated abdominal stretch now, and hammers more fists in. Roode endures again, fans rally again, and Roode stands up but Mojo hits him with body shots. Mojo drags Roode up and whips him into a corner, then gives a corner clothesline. He goes into the three-point stance, and rams his shoulder into Roode again. Mojo goes again, but Roode evades to send Mojo into post! Both men recover, both men stand up, and Roode is the one swinging hands now. He rocks Mojo with haymakers, then whips but is reversed. Roode still rallies with lariats, then fires up as he goes into a corner for a big clothesline, and a neckbreaker! Roode hops up to the second rope, GLORIOUS Blockbuster! Cover, TWO, but Roode keeps focus. Even with his ribs bothering him, Roode grabs Mojo and wants the finish. Mojo counters with a fireman’s carry drop! TWO! Mojo cannot believe that! He’s at a loss for what to do next, so he puts Roode in a corner and bashes him against the buckles again and again. “Glorious, huh?” Mojo runs, but into boots! Roode hops up, jumps over Mojo, SPINEBUSTER! The fans fire up, they feel it coming. GLORIOUS, DDT!
Now that #DDT is… GLORIOUS!!!@REALBobbyRoode advances to the FINALS of the #USTitle Tournament! #SDLive @MojoRawleyWWE pic.twitter.com/7dtc2CebSD
— WWE (@WWE) January 17, 2018
Roode wins! Glorious and tenacious, can Roode keep Mahal from becoming the US Champion? Speaking of, The Singh Brothers attack!! They go right at Roode now that the match is over, doing the dirty work for their Maharaja. They run away before anyone comes to Roode’s aid, but Mahal grins ear to ear. “Next week, I put a GLORIOUS end to your charade on my way to becoming the next United States Champion!” Roode calls for a mic of his own. He responds to Mahal by saying “We don’t have to wait until next week. Why don’t we do this tonight!?” The fans want it just as badly, but Mahal simply grins and says “No!” They do this as planned, so that Roode can have one full week to think how bad he’ll be embarrassed.
Well look who's here… @JinderMahal has a message for his #USTitle Tournament Finals opponent @REALBobbyRoode! #SDLive @SinghBrosWWE pic.twitter.com/IwZ1OVUmdW
— WWE (@WWE) January 17, 2018
However, SmackDown General Manager Daniel Bryan appears. Bryan also smiles, as he says, “Ladies and gentlemen, we will have the United States Championship match, TONIGHT!!” Loredo responds with “YES YES YES!” Has Mahal stuck his foot in his mouth? Or has Roode bitten off more than he can chew?
The #USTitle Tournament Finals transpiring tonight? Now, THAT calls for a YES! chant! #SDLive @REALBobbyRoode @WWEDanielBryan @JinderMahal @SinghBrosWWE pic.twitter.com/QCasK3MvAm
— WWE (@WWE) January 17, 2018
Randy Orton speaks on the Royal Rumble.
Most people prefer the calm before the storm, and the quiet to help focus their minds. The Viper, as a two-time winner, instead embraces the chaos and noise. It’s where he is at his best, and why the Rumble is his match. Thirty men for themselves, friends becoming enemies, all for the most coveted prize in the WWE> Orton will become a three-time winner, and he will main event Wrestlemania.
.@RandyOrton does flourish in chaos… Will last year's #RoyalRumble winner claim another victory in Philadelphia this year? #SDLive #RumbleForAll pic.twitter.com/Vsxm5EMwnj
— WWE (@WWE) January 17, 2018
Six Woman Tag: The Riott Squad VS Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair & Naomi!
HAIL THE ? #SDLive @MsCharlotteWWE pic.twitter.com/ZuRlTLRA2e
— WWE (@WWE) January 17, 2018
Ruby Riott, Sarah Logan & Liv Morgan wanted this match after the Squad leader lost to the Lass Kicker. Can #RoyalGlowFire make it a streak this close to the Women’s Rumble match?
The tension in the #SDLive Women's Division CANNOT be contained! @MsCharlotteWWE @NaomiWWE @BeckyLynchWWE @RubyRiottWWE @sarahloganwwe @YaOnlyLivvOnce pic.twitter.com/Hzy7YMqFPu
— WWE (@WWE) January 17, 2018
Clearly all the women are ready to fight from the get-go. The bell rings and it’s The Queen of Flair to start against #LivForever. The two tie up, Charlotte shoves Liv down then dares her to get back up. Liv does, only to get thrown down again. Charlotte gets the waistlock and then the slam, to a cover, ONE. Charlotte keeps hold of Liv, brings her down again for another cover, TWO. Liv cannot escape, Charlotte whips so she kicks Charlotte back. Liv taunts, Charlotte chops! Charlotte chops some more, Liv screams, Charlotte German Suplexes Liv to the ropes! Liv scrambles and tags Ruby Riott in, but Charlotte is ready. She sweeps the legs, jumps over Ruby’s, then snapmares Ruby into a headscissors. Charlotte throws Ruby around like that a total of three times, then kip-ups to boot Ruby down. Ruby can’t get away, either, Charlotte brings her over for Becky to tag in. The Squad panics as Charlotte chops and Becky gives a European Uppercut. Charlotte gives another chop, Becky clobbers Ruby with a forearm smash, and then Becky tags in Naomi. Naomi runs, sliding clothesline, then tags Becky while Ruby rolls out. Becky takes aim from the apron, then jumps for a flying forearm. The Squad regroup with their leader while we go picture in picture.
Ruby checks her chin while Becky backs off. They go at each other again, Becky puts Ruby in the ring, then denies the tag. Ruby elbows back, runs but Becky throws her out. However, Sarah Logan got the blind tag and comes in, but Becky is ready with back kick and whip. Sarah puts Becky on the apron, Becky knocks her away and then knocks Liv down as she comes over to attack. Sarah pounces on Becky upon reentry then stomps a #KentuckyStrong mudhole into her. She backs off at the referee’s request, then gives Becky one big stomp. Sarah sits Becky down, sliding knee strike! Cover, TWO, Sarah tags Ruby. Ruby becomes a human weapon for the back senton toss! Ruby covers, TWO, so Ruby puts Becky in a chinlock. Becky endures the squeeze, and the thrashing, while fans rally for her and we go single picture.
Fans chant “Let’s go, Becky!” which upsets the Squad. Becky feeds off the energy, but Ruby throws her down by her hair. Tag to Liv, and Liv climbs up as Ruby brings Becky up. Liv prepares her knees, and Ruby throws Becky right into them. Liv then takes that for a tornado facebuster, TWO!
Hi, @YaOnlyLivvOnce! ? ? ? #SDLive pic.twitter.com/BzirDZnOOI
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) January 17, 2018
Ms. 201 taunts Becky as she brings her up, but Becky fights back with body shots. Liv shoves, Becky slips under but Liv yanks her down by her hair. Tag to Sarah, she stomps away on Becky before putting on a half-straitjacket clutch. Fans rally again, Becky rolls then arm-drags Sarah off. Sarah is right on her again with the shoulder tackle! “You want out?!” Sarah goes to throw Becky but Becky throws Sarah over the top rope, a la the Royal Rumble. Becky crawls but Sarah scrambles, Sarah knocks Charlotte off the apron. She scoops Becky but Becky slips out, clothesline knocks Sarah down! Both women crawl for their corners, hot tags to Liv and Naomi! Naomi rallies, springboard roundhouse to Liv! Naomi calls for #GlowTime as she kicks away at Liv, then a dropkick! Liv scrambles to a corner and puts Naomi on the apron, Naomi roundhouses her away. Naoim takes aim, springboard crossbody! Sarah breaks the cover, but Charlotte SPEARS Sarah down and out. Naomi grabs Liv, Liv slips out and feeds her to Ruby’s swing kick. Then Liv Code Breaker, the Riott Squad wins! The Women’s Rumble may be Every Woman for Herself, but can teamwork ensure these three make it far in the field of 30?
RIOTT: ACHIEVED#RiottSquad #SDLive @YaOnlyLivvOnce @sarahloganwwe @RubyRiottWWE pic.twitter.com/CEfTOPEywC
— WWE (@WWE) January 17, 2018
Backstage interview with The Usos.
The SmackDown Tag Team Champions Jimmy & Jey will defend their titles in a 2-out-of-3 falls match. Do they agree with that decision? They ask back, how did “these two fools” become a team in the first place? Tag Tinder? Gable is playing rebound, Jordan has moved beyond him, but it won’t be the same for Gable. Gable & Benjamin can’t even tell Jimmy & Jey apart! Not that it matters, they’ll know who they are. Welcome to– an ambush from Gable & Benjamin! “Boys, don’t worry. We know exactly who you are.” “Former, champions.”
"We know EXACTLY who you are: FORMER. CHAMPIONS." @WWEGable and @Sheltyb803 send a message to @WWEUsos. #SDLive pic.twitter.com/kGIaxYkY3e
— WWE (@WWE) January 17, 2018
SmackDown reviews how AJ Styles ended up in a Handicap Championship Match.
The Phenomenal One ended up in the middle of the feud between the #YEPMovement and Shane McMahon, which helped Kevin Owens win a 1v1 match against him. Then, things got “crowded at ringside” as Kevin Owens, Shane McMahon and even Daniel Bryan were present for the main event of Styles VS Sami Zayn. Things grew tenser between Shane and Bryan, and that allowed Sami to pin Styles, too! Styles blew his top and said it might as well be 2v1. Bryan actually agreed to that idea, and there you have it. Will this out-of-control grudge cost the WWE Championship its integrity?
Will @FightOwensFight and @SamiZayn be celebrating WITH the #WWETitle at #RoyalRumble? #SDLive @AJStylesOrg pic.twitter.com/I8GF8xd1lo
— WWE (@WWE) January 17, 2018
Shinsuke Nakamura speaks on the Royal Rumble.
“Thirty men. One destiny. One winner. Me.” The King of Strong Style is ready to rumble, YAO!
.@ShinsukeN is READY for the RUMBLE! #YeahOh #SDLive #RoyalRumble #RumbleForAll pic.twitter.com/633l0IyV4k
— WWE (@WWE) January 17, 2018
SmackDown Commissioner Shane McMahon heads to the ring!
HERE COMES THE ? ? ? !!!!#SDLive Commissioner @shanemcmahon will be on hand for the #USTitle Tournaments Finals coming up… NEXT! pic.twitter.com/uH8VV4xVxK
— WWE (@WWE) January 17, 2018
Shane O’Mac wants to be present for this important title match main event, and has even banned the Singh Brothers to keep things clean between the finalists!
WWE United States Championship: Bobby Roode VS Jinder Mahal!
Not only will this match happen before the Royal Rumble, it’ll happen tonight! This match is also so important that Daniel Bryan has joined Shane McMahon at ringside.
Either @REALBobbyRoode or @JinderMahal will be walking out with THIS around their waist… #SDLive #USTitle pic.twitter.com/QZcEewIgRD
— WWE (@WWE) January 17, 2018
The bell rings, the two men tie up, but Mahal powers Roode to a corner. Mahal breaks late but clean, and roars at Roode. Roode circles with Mahal, but sees the cheap shot coming. Roode fires haymakers and chops, then chops Mahal in a corner. Mahal hits back at those battered ribs, then stomps on Roode in a corner. The referee has Mahal back off again, Mahal drags Roode up and to another corner. Roode resists and fights back, to then bump Mahal on buckles. Roode goes up for corner punches, getting all ten. He then whips Mahal, but Mahal kicks him away. Mahal runs in but Roode dumps him out. Roode recovers then goes out to pursue. Mahal rams Roode into the LED apron! Then the steel steps ribs first.
That's GOTTA hurt!!!! #SDLive #USTitle @REALBobbyRoode @JinderMahal pic.twitter.com/4Rql3bclvX
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) January 17, 2018
Roode clutches his torso while Mahal drags him up, to suplex and gordbuster Roode onto the barriers! The Maharaja has control and the fans boo while we go to break.
SmackDown returns to Mahal bending Roode against a steel post. The referee counts, Mahal lets up, but he then swings Roode right into the post from the apron. Mahal gets in the ring to stop the ring count, then runs to blast Roode off the apron and into the barriers. Fans jeer as Mahal stalks and stomps Roode before putting him in the ring. Mahal goes after the ribs with an abdominal stretch, just like Mojo earlier tonight. Fans cheer for Roode, rally for him, and Roode slips out to punch back. Roode backs Mahal down, then runs, but into a kitchen sink knee! Mahal adds a dropkick, covers, TWO. Mahal keeps his cool, he stomps Roode and goes after the ribs. He places Roode by the ropes, for springboard knee drops. The referee reprimands and counts, Mahal backs off at 4. Roode tries using the ropes for safety, but Mahal brings him away to clobber with haymakers. Roode hits back, jabs and chops, then he runs, but the jumping knee strike brings him down. Cover, TWO, Mahal grows frustrated. He still grins, he has control of Bobby as he stomps away on his gut. Mahal drives a knee into Roode’s back, then stretches him in a half-surfboard. The fans rally again, Roode turns and stands up, but Mahal hits low again. Roode fights back, more punches and chops, but his whip is reversed. Even so, Roode sunset flips over, TWO! Mahal boots Roode! Cover, TWO! Mahal is shocked this time, and furious. He drags Roode around to give him crossface forearms like he did Woods. Mahal gives a running kick to Roode’s ribs, then grinds a knee into the ribs in a corner. The referee keeps reprimanding him but Mahal keeps going after the ribs. Fans boo and jeer, but Mahal doesn’t care. Roode elbows him back, then ducks the swing to clothesline Mahal out! Roode catches his breath, then goes to the apron. He takes aim at Mahal and gives a leaping lariat tot he floor. Roode drags Mahal into the ring, then goes to the top rope. Roode jumps, crossbody rolled through, TWO! Bryan and Shane like what they see as Mahal goes after Roode again.
#SDLive Commissioner @shanemcmahon and #SDLive General Manager @WWEDanielBryan's gazes are FIXED on this match! Will they be crowning @REALBobbyRoode or @JinderMahal as the new #USChampion? pic.twitter.com/MCXcfNMhDX
— WWE (@WWE) January 17, 2018
Roode hits back, they brawl in a corner, but Roode gets a knee up. Mahal goes to the other corner, Roode fires in for the clothesline and neck- no, no neckbreaker, but Roode does boot Mahal away. He hops up to the second rope, takes aim and GLORIOUS Blockbuster hits! TWO! Roode clutches his ribs, stands up, and goes for more. Mahal denies the DDT, Roode rolls through but Mahal sits, TWO, double clothesline! Both men stir and get separation. Roode goes into the corner but Mahal elbows him away, then runs out into the SPINEBUSTER! Fans fire up and give Roode his second wind. He drags Mahal up, but Mahal rolls, TWO! A low kick, cobra clutch on, but Roode slips out to the GLORIOUS DDT!! Roode wins and is the NEW United States Champion!! And as such, Bryan and Shane present him with the US Championship belt for him to hold high over his head! The champion is GLORIOUS, long may he reign!
My Thoughts:
No offense to Roode, but while SmackDown was good, it was a bit short of GLORIOUS. Especially when the only match outside of the US Championship tournament tonight was yet another Six Woman Tag, like there has been so often on both SmackDown and Raw. The individual semifinal matches were both good, though I feel Mahal is still the weak-link in all this. His dominance of Woods was not paced quite as smoothly as it could’ve been, there were moments where Woods could’ve turned the tide but then didn’t just so Mahal could look strong. Mojo VS Roode was much better planned out, and as we know, it was all to feed Roode’s underdog triumph over being beat up going into the main event. It’s great to see Roode get a main roster title after it felt like WWE was spinning their wheels, but between the “impromptu” finish to the tournament and the question of what Dolph Ziggler is going to do, something feels off. I feel this might just end up being a set-up to rehash the Razor Ramon VS HBK Rightful Intercontinental Champion ladder match, with Ziggler returning to claim he wants his title back even though he gave it up in the first place.
The only other things from tonight’s SmackDown that were different as well as interesting were the various promos. The Royal Rumble participant promos were alright, with Orton and Nakamura probably giving the best for the men’s, and Becky still giving the best in the women’s. I did enjoy Styles’ promo on Sami & Kevin, and now we can all refer to them as #Kami. Next week’s go-home can give #Kami a chance to respond, but I don’t think they’ll need another match since there’s not anything new they can do there.
My Score: 7.9/10
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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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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 6.19.25
Are we going to start trending upwards with Slammiversary to build toward?

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.
.@Kelly_WP is back in TNA Wrestling and has a message for TNA Knockouts World Champion @mashaslamovich!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/cF0F1ZKKuL pic.twitter.com/tnm4TIuPUz
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 20, 2025
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?
.@indi_hartwell has a run in with Tessa Blanchard!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/cF0F1ZLikj pic.twitter.com/I6UCCk2fAG
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 20, 2025
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:
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