Coverage
Mitchell’s Ring of Honor Report! (3/17/18)
ROH WRESTLING TELEVISION, Episode 339
All images courtesy of the Fite.TV app and streaming service
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- The Dawgs VS Team Coast 2 Coast; C2C wins.
- WOH Championship Tournament Opening Round match: Mayu Iwatani VS HZK; Mayu wins and advances to face Deonna Purrazzo in the quarterfinals.
- 10 Man Tag: The Bullet Club VS The Kingdom & SoCal Uncensored; The Bullet Club wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
ROH reviews the union struck between The Kingdom and SoCal Uncensored.
Matt Taven, TK O’Ryan & Vinnie Marseglia have cried conspiracy for months over not being given a rematch for the ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championships. Worse yet, the Bullet Club is falling apart, yet the company still puts all their eggs in that basket. Cody works to keep the Bullet Club together, defending that his issues with Kenny Omega have nothing to do with the Club as a whole, but it doesn’t seem anyone else believes him.
The Fallen Angel and Heavy Metal Rebel let The Kingdom know they agreed. The Addiction dealt with conspiracy from the company before, and still deal with it now, because their contracts are on a countdown. Both trios have had problems with the Bullet Club in regards to championships, so why not work together to get rid of them once and for all? Cody warned the Bullet Club about this, but the others lumped that in with his insistence that “Bullet Club is fine.” This could be a turning point not just in ROH but in all of the wrestling world. Will Bullet Club survive the coming war? Or will there be a change in “the pecking order”?
The Beer City Bruiser & Brian Milonas join commentary for the opening match.
The literally biggest duo in ROH’s Tag Team Division are here to watch two teams who might be in their way in the hunt of the World Tag Team Championships.
The Dawgs VS Team Coast 2 Coast!
Big Rhett and his Little Willie are back and ready to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Atlanta. And while Georgia fell short of the pot of gold–#RollTide–they’ll have some dawgs they can cheer for. However, Atlanta seems more supportive of Shaheem Ali & Leon St. Giovanni, the team that kept itself together to defeat even War Machine. Which team will rise up and roll towards the titles?
The teams uphold the Code of Honor, though tensely. LSG starts against Big Rhett and the bell rings. They circle and tie up, Rhett gets the waistlock slam and floats all over LSG before slapping his head. LSG tries to slip away but Rhett gets the facelock. Rhett arm wrenches, LSG handsprings and reverses, but Rhett spins around and rocks LSG with a right hand. Rhett whips LSG to a corner but LSG goes up and over to then waistlock. LSG holds on but Rhett bucks him off, then Rhett runs LSG over with a shoulder. The Big Dawg shows off the muscles but then things speed up, Rhett still catches LSG into a powerslam.
The Dawgs celebrate while fans boo and jeer, Ferrara surprises Rhett with a tag. Ferrara insists he’s gonna bring C2C down, but LSG springs up to dropkick Ferrara back. LSG wrenches and whips Ferrara into C2C’s corner and rams in a shoulder. Ali tags in, he gives a forearm smash then a kick, snapmare to a running low dropkick. Cover, TWO, and Ferrara kicks back. Rhett gets distracted with fans and walks away from his corner, leaving Ferrara without a tag! Ali grabs him and forearms him back ot C2C territory, tag to LSG. C2C double whip then hip toss, for Tu Lo Sabes!
Cover, TWO, but LSG keeps focused. He brings Ferrara up but Ferrara knees low. Ferrara runs but Rhett tags him on the head. LSG lifts Ferrara but Rhett comes in, Ferrara feeds LSG to Rhett’s dropkick. Ferrara blows snot on Ali, and Ali gives chase! Ferrara leads Ali around the corners of the ring, Rhett blindsides Ali with a big lariat! The Dawgs swagger while we go to break.
ROH returns to the Dawgs still in control, but squabbling as always. Rhett shoves Ferrara over, to use him in the catapult splash. Rhett adds his own splash, covers, TWO. Beer City Bruiser notes that the reason for The Dawgs’ dominance is those “12 ounce curls” drinking the night away, like BCB and Milonas do. Back in the ring, Ali rallies the fans while Rhett puts LSG in the armlock. LSG fights back but Rhett clubs him down. Rhett brings LSG to the Dawgs’ corner, tags Ferrara, then puts LSG in the adjacent corner. Ferrara joins in to criss-cross and double whip LSG backwards.
Ferrara wants to whip Rhett in but Rhett says “Nuh-uh!” and whips Ferrara in instead for the shoulder ram. Rhett sees the fiery Ferrara coming and turns him around for another shoulder into LSG. Ferrara grows annoyed and runs at Rhett again, so Rhett adds an extra time around for him, only to feed Ferrara to LSG’s boot! Rhett runs in but LSG dumps him to the outside. LSG shoves Ferrara away, and somersaults for the leaping lariat! Ferrara and LSG are down but fans are rallying. LSG crawls for his corner, but Rhett intercepts by tripping Ali off the apron. Rhett then boots Ali down some stairs, and Ali falls in a heap on top of arena staff.
Ferrara grabs LSG but LSG fights back with chops and haymakers. LSG goes for a double underhook but Ferrara spins out and barrels him back. Rhett comes in for one helluva boot, and feeds him to Ferrara’s hammerlock lariat, the BLR! Ferrara tags Rhett, Rhett climbs up, and hits the Doggy Splash!
Double cover from both Dawgs, TWO!? How did LSG survive?! Bruiser blames the referee. The fans rally for the Human Rocket, but he’s still at the mercy of the Dawgs. Rhett brings him up while Ferrara climbs, but LSG shoves Rhett backwards. The Dawgs avoid colliding, but LSG ducks to springboard clothesline Ferrara down to the ground! He dodges Rhett, kicks and runs the ropes, but Rhett stops the tornado DDT with power. Rhett puts LSG in the corner, then backs off to see Ali standing there. Rhett backs off again, but LSG rolls for the hot tag!
Ali rallies on Rhett with haymakers and chops, then the back elbow. He ducks Rhett’s clothesline to then rock the Big Dawg with a headbutt! Ferrara tags in but Ali catches him for the sidewalk slam. Ali kip-up and fans fire up. Rhett runs in but Ali back drops him onto Ferrara! Ali clotheslines Rhett out then tells LSG to go up. LSG does, and takes aim at Rhett, for the SUPER cannonball!
Ferrara runs at Ali but Ali scoops him, for a big swinging side slam! Ali fires up, he and LSG regroup to bring Ferrara up. LSG puts Ferrara in the double underhook while Ali climbs up. LSG hits the Saintsplosion slam, and Ali adds on the frog splash!
Cover, Coast 2 Coast wins! Ali & LSG are on a win streak, can they ride it all the way to the top?
But Bruiser & Brian have to “take care of some business.”
In other words, they go after Coast 2 Coast!
Bruiser throws LSG out and The Kingpin brings Ali up to feed him to Bruiser’s body check! Milonas adds on his back senton to flatten Ali, and Bruiser says, “That’s why we’re the biggest and the baddest!” Will C2C be able to climb this new mountain in order to reach the ROH Tag Team Championships?
Marty Scurll speaks.
The Villain congratulates the Peacock, Dalton Castle, on defeating Jay Lethal to retain the ROH World Championship. The Cinderall story lives on. But every good story needs a Villain. Scurll vows that at Supercard of Honor XII, ROH’s biggest show ever, the fans will chant “Marty! Marty!” And Castle will fall victim to Scurll as he gets what is rightfully his, becoming the new ROH World Champion! Will the Villain’s story have a happy ending in New Orleans?
Dalton Castle responds.
“Marty Scurll. This must be so exciting for you, right?” Scurll finally gets what he’s asked for: a shot at the ROH World Championship. And it’s at Supercard of Honor XII in New Orleans. Or is it Nawlens? Castle’s never been good at the Cajun accent. But Peacock’s “really damn good with big events.” This is THE biggest crowd in ROH history, and Scurll gets his shot at the title. But Scurll must have miscalculated how it belongs to Castle. Castle worked too long and too hard to get it, so there’s “no way in hell” Scurll walks away with Castle’s World Championship. Can Castle keep hold of his gold when ROH hits NOLA?
The Women of Honor Championship Tournament continues!
Two matches in the quarterfinals have been formed as the Gatekeeper is set to meet the Exotic Goddess, and Mrs. American Nightmare will meet the newest recruit who makes it #AllAboutHer. Now ROH throws it to their partner Stardom to determine who faces The Virtuosa.
WOH Championship Tournament Opening Round match: Mayu Iwatani VS HZK!
All the way from Osaka, two top talents of World Wonder Ring Stardom battle for the chance to move forward in the ROH Women of Honor Division towards history. Will the Artist of Stardom Champion, Hazuki (in the pink and black) or the Icon of Stardom (in the blue and white) be one step closer to becoming the WOH Champion?
HZK offers Mayu her lollipop, Mayu takes it only to throw it away. Mayu herself enjoys the shower of streamers from the fans. After clean-up, the bell rings and the two circle. HZK calls for a test of strength, and Mayu accepts. They’re even, so HZK kicks low and whips. Mayu reverses but runs into a boot. HZK hops up but only baits Mayu in to hop down and roll her, then HZK runs corner to corner and goes up and over. Mayu runs into an arm-drag but she arm-drags back. HZK gets the headlock takeover, Mayu headscissors and HZK pops out. The two stand off, and the fans applaud.
They circle again and Mayu kicks to snapmare. She kicks HZK stiff in the back, then stands on her for a cocky cover, ONE. Mayu drags HZK up, and slaps her across the face. Mayu runs, but into HZK’s double ax handle. HZK stomps Mayu in return, then drags her up for the arm wrench. HZK laces Mayu’s arm between the ropes and pulls, that boot going right into Mayu’s shoulder. The referee counts, and HZK lets go at 4. She kicks that arm, then stomps Mayu in the corner. Mayu fires up from the toying and taunting, but HZK keeps boot-washing her face. HZK runs, but Mayu evades! Mayu retaliates with a leg sweep, then a stiff kick to HZK’s face! Mayu gets running, and she dropkicks HZK in the heart!
HZK tumbles down and out but Mayu keeps the fans rallying. The front row and ringside observers move aside while Mayu climbs up. Mayu takes aim as HZK stands back up, then FLIES to splash down on her!
HZK goes down again while we go to break.
ROH returns to HZK and Mayu back in the ring. HZK swings but Mayu counters into a crucifix, but HZK swings her off and retaliates with a bicycle boot. HZK kicks Mayu again to drop her to her knees, then runs to flatten her with a back senton to the back. She rolls her over for the cover, TWO, but HZK keeps on by putting Mayu in a Crossface! Mayu endures and turns herself to reduce the stretch. She reaches for ropes, her teammates cheering her own, and she gets the ropebreak. HZK lets go but then shifts into a bodyscissors roll!
They roll and roll and roll to a cover, TWO, to roll and roll and roll the other way. HZK rolls Mayu for a full lap around the ring before stopping, TWO!! Whether it was Mayu running on instinct or HZK too tired to hold her own cover, the match continues. HZK slowly stands up and drags Mayu, but Mayu is dead weight. HZK puts on the full nelson, but Mayu revives and breaks free! Mayu lifts HZK for the Northern Lights, but HZK counters with a stiff DDT! HZK drags Mayu up, then runs, for a blasting dropkick. She isn’t done there, she drags Mayu up and scoops her for the Michinoku Driver. Fans rally while HZK climbs up top. HZK takes aim, and leaps for the frog splash seated senton!
Cover, TWO!! HZK knows she’s so close. She sits Mayu up again, and runs for the sliding knee. Cover, TWO, and HZK grows frustrated. Both women are down, having already done so much to each other. HZK gets up again and brings Mayu up for another scoop. Mayu slips out and to the waistlock for a high-angle German Suplex, with bridge! TWO, Mayu is frustrated but the fans are loving this. Mayu stands up and climbs up now. She takes aim, and jumps for double stomps! Cover, TWO, but barely! This won’t deter Mayu. The fans rally while she drags HZK up for the full nelsons. HZK breaks out, so Mayu swings her out for the roundhouse! Then the SUPERKICK, and the running Crucifix Bomb!
TWO!? Somehow HZK survives, but Mayu is far from done. She brings HZK up in a waistlock, picks her up then shifts to the full-nelson for the bridging Dragon Suplex!
Mayu wins!! The young Hazuki pushed her pretty far, but the Sky Blue Icon still succeeds. Will Deonna Purrazzo have her work cut out for her when she meets Mayu in the quarterfinals?
10 Man Tag: The Bullet Club VS The Kingdom & SoCal Uncensored!
The biggest forces in ROH collide in this powerful 5v5 main event match! The Addiction and Matt Taven’s trio both want to rid themselves of a common enemy. Meanwhile, the American Nightmare just wants his team to stick together, despite what’s going on between him and The Cleaner, Kenny Omega. Will Cody, Scurll, Hangman & The Young Bucks prove “The Bullet Club is Fine”? Or will this new alliance clear up the supposed conspiracies against them?
Though, one has to question why Cody felt the need to enter separately from the others… Oh, and he brings out his wife, Brandi, and the Bullet Club mascot, Bury the Bear!
Perhaps the American Nightmare’s ego may be part of the problem… But at least Hangman is happy to see Bury. Cody even passes out #BulletClubisFine shirts to the others. Things calm down and sort out while we go to break.
ROH returns to the Bullet Club wearing the shirts, but also being surrounded on all sides. The fans chant “Too Sweet! Woop Woop!” while the Bullet Club huddles up and plans a SUPERKICK PARTY!
The bell rings and the Bullet Club waits for someone to step up. Vinnie tries but gets a wrecking ball dropkick from Matt Jackson. Scurll sees Kaz approaching, so he hops out to the apron for a mule kick. Nick hits Daniels with a triangle dropkick, and Hangman tackles O’Ryan with the shooting star press! Cody and the Bucks are in the ring, so Cody hops up and leaps onto all of the Kingdom! The Bullet Club regroups, and Cody calls for the “One Sweet”. Hangman’s with him, but Scurll’s conflicted. Scurll decides to join in, but the Bucks aren’t so eager. Just as Matt & Nick are about to give in, the Addiction and Kingdom pounce!
The Addiction and Kingdom all clobber the Bullet Club, and the brawl(s) spill out of the ring. Hangman counters O’Ryan while Taven hammers Scurll in the bleachers. Scurll fights back as Hangman throws O’Ryan so hard, the ROH panel falls off the guard rails. Cody takes Daniels while Taven trades off to go after Nick. It’s chaos as Hangman scoop slams O’Ryan on that panel and Cody puts Daniels in the ring. Cody gives Daniels strikes and stomps before whipping. Daniels reverses but Cody ducks under for the reverse STO. In the lull, Matt goes up to Cody and asks why his tights read “Leader”!
Why does Cody have that on his tights when he’s not the Bullet Club leader?! The argument gives Daniels an opening but Cody kicks him down to save Matt. Matt honors Cody with the Rhodes dropping uppercut, and Cody returns the favor by using a SUPERKICK to knock Daniels down. Cody and Matt shake hands, but Daniels jawbreaker counters. He tags out to O’Ryan and O’Ryan climbs up, but flies into Cody’s body shot. Cody tags to The Villain, and Scurll flaps his wings while Cody holds O’Ryan. Scurll jumps for the ax handle then flaps his wings at the rest of the Addiction-Kingdom.
Scurll brings O’Ryan down with a wristlock, then back up for the double wristlock. He then stands on O’Ryan’s hands to pull on his hair, and the nose. Scurll flaps his wings then goes to stomp the hands, but O’Ryan gets them clear. O’Ryan taunts, “T K O!”, but Scurll dropkicks O’Ryan down. The fans applaud while Scurll tags to Hangman. Hangman kicks O’Ryan but O’Ryan uppercuts and tags out to Kazarian. Their personal rivalry reignites and they throw fiery right hands! The two slow down then collide with lariats. They go again, but neither falls over. Kaz swings again but Hangman ducks under to suplex. Kaz slips out and jumps up but Hangman catches him in the fireman’s carry. Daniels rushes in but Hangman sees him coming. He kicks Daniels, dumps Kaz, and uses Daniels for the Dropsault! Cover, TWO, but fans are fired up for Hangman.
Hangman shows off the “lasso”, then the Bucks lead a chant of “That was Awesome!” Cody tags in, kicks Kaz and puts him in the corner for stiff chops. He whips but Kaz reverses, so Cody hops up and over for the spinning powerslam! TWO, but Kaz calls for a time-out. There’s no time-outs in wrestling! Even so, Kaz stands up, and mocks Cody with the TOO Sweet, which the Bullet Club is prohibited from doing. Cody kicks Kaz for that, then gives him forearms and haymakers. He whips but Kaz reverses, and Daniels tries to trip Cody up. Cody stomps Daniels’ hand, then fights off The Kingdom. He sees Kaz coming and chops him, then whips again. Kaz still reverses and Daniels succeeds in tripping Cody up this time. Kaz springboards for the leg drop!
The Bullet Club protests, but this only gives Kaz the opening for a rain of right hands on Cody. Kaz tags to Taven, and Taven goes after his grudge with furious hands and stomps. He grinds Cody in the corner, but the referee has him back off. Taven drags Cody all the way over and tags in Vinnie, who rains his own rights down on Cody. The Horror King tags out to the Sassy Wild Horse, and now O’Ryan rains down rights. O’Ryan embraces the heat as he brings Cody up for a European Uppercut. Fans rally for Cody while Vinnie tags back in. Vinnie hits Cody but Cody hits back. Cody drops down but Vinnie blocks the kick to roll Cody back up. Vinnie puts on a headlock, Cody powers out but not until after O’Ryan tags in.
Cody focuses on Vinnie as they run, but O’Ryan slips in to hit Cody with a spinebuster! Vinnie hops up then jumps off for the diving headbutt, and O’Ryan jackknife covers. but Scurll breaks the cover. O’Ryan tags in Daniels, he and Kaz blast the Bullet Club off the apron. The Addiction double whip Cody corner to corner, then Kaz hits a back elbow before feeding Cody to Daniels’ atomic drop. Kaz cravats for the bulldog to Daniels’ knee, and Daniels tops it off with the STO! Cover, TWO, so Daniels rains angry rights on Cody. The Bullet Club is in trouble while we go to break.
ROH returns again to see Hangman protesting the cheap tactics of the Addiction & Kingdom. However, that only gives them an opening to all stomp Cody out while Kaz keeps him down with a chinlock. Scurll calms Hangman down and Taven “tags” in to drag Cody up. He whips Cody but Cody sunset flips, only for Taven to roll through and Penalty Kick Cody down. “Because I’m Matt Taven!” He covers with a cocky grin, TWO. Taven shrugs it off as he taunts Cody. The fans rally while Cody stands, but Taven brings him in for the dragon sleeper. Cody slips out to hit Taven with a cutter!
Both men are down, and the fans rally as they crawl. Cody and Taven hot tag Vinnie and Matt, but Nick and The Addiction join in. The Bucks double dropkick Vinnie, then each kick Daniels & Kaz before Nick runs for the alley-oop two-for-one! Matt helps Nick as he acrobatically dropkick-crossbodies The Addiction. Vinnie gets back up and goes after Matt, but Matt backs him down and holds him for Nick’s corner Shining Wizard. Matt then brings Vinnie out and Nick helps him for the Sliced Bread! Nick adds on another Shining Wizard and the fans fire up! Scurll even hops up into the crowd to get them all the more hyped. Vinnie staggers to his feet but Cody tags back in? He grabs Vinnie in the full nelson for the Snap Dragon Suplex! That’s Kenny’s move… Cody covers, TWO, and the Bucks question Cody’s motives.
Cody drags Vinnie up and whips to drop toehold, Scurll adds a low dropkick, then Hangman adds the standing shooting star. Matt moves Vinnie over for Nick as he climbs up. Matt and Scurll are on either side as the fans fire up, and together they hit Vinnie with a knee drop, standing moonsault and frog splash!
Cody covers, but Kaz breaks it. The Kingdom and Daniels follow but The Bullet Club is ready. They throw everyone else back out, but Kaz fights against the Club alone. He groups the five together and tells them all to “SUCK IT!”–another thing Bullet Club can’t do–but he runs right into a QUINTUPLE SUPERKICK!!
The fans are loving it, and everyone grabs the ropes to feel the electricity. Except for Cody. But Cody does lead them in the Terminator Kneel? Fans don’t really like that either, but the Bucks give in and go along. The drums start up, and the Terminators rise. Cody builds up speed and the Bucks follow, for a TRIPLE DIVE!
Daniels gets up, he hits the Arabian Press onto Cody and the Bucks. Hangman climbs up, SUPER MOONSAULT for everyone else! Taven sees the other nine men grouped, then builds speed, to FLY!
Taven topples everyone over, but wait. Bury the Bear wants to do something? He climbs up while Nick gets clear, and the BEAR FLIES!
Nick has to admit, he kinda likes Bury now. Bury is okay, and he hugs it out with Cody. Cody puts Vinnie in the ring, then runs in corner to corner. Vinnie knees him away, and Daniels distracts the referee while the missing piece of SoCal Uncensored appears. Yes, Scorpio Sky slinks in and climbs up top. He takes aim at Cody and jumps, but Cody moves, the missile dropkick hits Vinnie!
Cody throws Scorpio out, then finishes Vinnie with the Cross Rhodes!!
The Bullet Club wins!! Scurll celebrates with the fans while Bury points to his shirt to emphasize the message. Does winning really fix everything for Cody and the rest of the Club?
However, losing hurts alliances.
Taven blames Scorpio but Kaz defends him, and Daniels just tries to keep the peace. It doesn’t work out, things break down into a brawl! The two trios pair off and spill out of the ring, and end up fighting all the way downstairs to the back. The Bullet Club watches, rather confused by that development. Cody even wanted to have a few words, but we’re out of time. Does this leave Bullet Club in the clear from outside forces?
My Thoughts:
In a vacuum, this was a great episode of ROH. But when you factor in this is being aired after the major events of the 16th Anniversary Show, it’s actually a mishandled operation from top to bottom. The majority of this episode wasn’t really affected, it was just anything with The Bullet Club. Dawgs VS C2C was great, and great to see C2C is on a roll since winning their #DoOrDie match. Clearly it’ll boil down to Bruiser & Milonas VS C2C to determine #1 contenders to the ROH World Tag Team Championships. Given that The Briscoes are the current champions and are currently Heels, I suspect the Face Ali & LSG will win out to challenge them. The WOH Stardom match was really good, compared to the matches we’ve seen so far. Mayu VS Deonna is gonna be another solid match for the quarterfinals.
Now we get to the inconsistencies. Marty Scurll and Dalton Castle have promos aimed at each other to set up their Supercard of Honor ROH WHC match. Therefore, this episode takes place after the 16th Anniversary show. However, Cody comes out with Bury the Bear, even after Kenny Omega revealed himself. Not only does this bring up the question “Who was Bury to begin with?”, it also exposes ROH as a company to be disorganized. Things like this will be the obstacle to ROH besting competition, and hopefully they can iron this out in future taping sessions. But again, in a vacuum, it was a great 10-man tag, and it was quite surprising to see how fragile the SCU-Kingdom alliance was. Those two teams will probably make for the rare Heels VS Heels contenders program to later challenge the “Hung Bucks” for the ROH World Six Man Tag titles.
My Score: 8/10
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YEAH VS YEHYEHYEHYEHYEHYEH!
LA Knight wants payback on Solo Sikoa’s rogue Bloodline, starting with The Good Bad Guy, Tama Tonga! But… is Solo Sikoa even still in charge?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Motor City Machine Guns VS Pretty Deadly; MCMG wins.
- Mia Yim & B-Fab VS Chelsea Green & Piper Niven; Mia & B-Fab win.
- Six Woman Tag: Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair & Naomi VS Nia Jax, Candice LeRae & Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; Nia, Candice & Liv win.
- Johnny Gargano w/ Tommaso Ciampa VS Apollo Crews; Apollo wins.
- LA Knight VS Tama Tonga w/ Jacob Fatu; Knight wins.
- Damian Priest VS Carmelo Hayes; Priest wins.
- Kevin Owens VS Jimmy Uso; Kevin wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Joe Tessitore is in the ring.
He welcomes all the Longhorns here in Austin to SmackDown, and he welcomes out the WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes! The fans fire up as The American Nightmare makes his entrance, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody high-fives fans, goes to the ring, and he shakes hands with Joe. Joe says it’s a pleasure, and Austin cheers Cody on. Joe knows Cody always appreciates his family legacy, and that’s even more special here, because this is the hometown of The Son of a Plumber, Dusty Rhodes. But 24 hours from now, Shawn Michaels will moderate the contract signing for the ladder match at the Royal Rumble.
That means Cody will have to turn over something of his that is most cherished. With that thought, knowing that title will be gone for a week then suspended above, how does Cody feel knowing this could be the last moment with this title in his grasp? The fans cheer Cody again and Cody smiles. Cody says HBK is certainly the perfect person to moderate this contract signing tomorrow night. Cody saw HBK win not just one but two Royal Rumble matches, and he also knows a thing or two about ladder matches. And the WWE as a company has put the future of this company in the hands of HBK with NXT.
Cody has no problem handing over his title to HBK. Now, we’re in a season where everyone will talk about main eventing WrestleMania, and making WrestleMania Moments. It is very simple how you walk into WrestleMania and how you main event it: You have the Undisputed Championship with you. Joe says tomorrow night, Saturday Night’s Main Event, the last one of these saw a “post match horror” between Cody and Kevin Owens involving a package piledriver. Cody was out of action, only just recently cleared. It has been on-sight with Kevin ever since, so how can Cody explain what he sees in this version of KO?
Cody isn’t sure. Austin, what do you think about Kevin? The fans boo, and Cody smirks. Cody says you can ask this in ever locker room, the ecosystem of this sport, and you’ll get a mixed bag, a lot of opinions, and a lot of people judge the book by its cover. You shouldn’t do that with Kevin because he will subvert expectations every time with the feats he is capable of. Kevin is a genius in the ring, a hell of an athlete, a once in a generation athlete. But what hurts when it comes to Kevin Owens is that when he was faced with a choice of the easy way out or the hard way, 10 times out of 10, Kevin will choose the easy way out.
But that’s why a ladder match is so apt. There is not a referee to stop them, there is not a referee to miss a count, there is not a referee to call for a disqualification! It is simply about who can climb the ladder, find the grit, pull down the belt, and leave Lucas Oil Stadium as THE WWE Champion. Joe says that the ladder match is one week away, that’ll be the biggest title defense in Cody’s reign. But tomorrow, he will still be face to face with Kevin. Joe isn’t sure, based on the version of Kevin we’ve seen, that Kevin can remain calm enough to truly listen. But if Cody could look him in the eyes and say something before arriving in Indianapolis, what would Cody say?
Cody takes a moment to think while the fans cheer him on again. Cody says if he could look Kevin in the eyes, he’d say… That yes, maybe Cody smile and shake hands and appear to be a good guy, because that is what he’s trying to be. But that doesn’t mean that when you press a button, that this gnawing and pettiness ceases, that this covert BS, that this overt BS, like a package piledriver, continues. Cody would tell Kevin to not forget that Cody defeated Der Ring General! Cody dethroned the greatest champion of this era! Cody is the WWE QB in form and in function. Cody is the Grandson of a Plumber, but he is also the student of Randy Orton!
Before anybody loved The American Nightmare, Cody was as mean as they could get! Kevin, Cody has no problem punching you firmly in your face, right in the front seat of that car where you do your promos from, on the way to that Island of Self-Righteousness that you live on! Simply put, going into the Royal Rumble, Cody has one thing to say: Good luck. The fans cheer that! Cody shakes Joe’s hand and is more than ready for what’s coming, but will Kevin again subvert expectations between now and Indianapolis?
DIY talks backstage.
They talk about Johnny Gargano going after Apollo Crews. Gargano says he had it coming, he talks too much. Pretty Deadly walks over and Kit Wilson says tonight is a big night. Elton Prince says they wanna know the game plan. Game plan? Tommaso Ciampa is already annoyed but Gargano says he has a match with Apollo tonight. He’s got to to get ready, so sorry, but DIY can’t be out there to help. Elton says they made this arrangement, and Kit says they’re not feeling the quid pro quo. Ciampa says DIY are THE WWE Tag Team Champions! Are Kit & Elton questioning their integrity? No, they aren’t doing that.
But… Pretty Deadly does have Motor City Machine Guns tonight. They know that. So just handle your business. Kit says they will, but what about Legado? Ciampa says again: Handle your business! Gargano says they believe in Pretty Deadly. Do whatever they have to in order to get this done! #YesBoy! DIY leaves, Pretty Deadly heads out, but then Pretty Deadly runs across Legado Del Fantasma. Santos Escobar looks them up and down, then smiles. Legado steps aside, but will there still be scores to settle after Pretty Deadly “handles” things?
Motor City Machine Guns VS Pretty Deadly!
Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin beat A-Town Down Under, they beat Los Garza, so now they look to wrap up by beating Kit & Elton. Will MCMG run the table in this unofficial round robin? Or will DIY actually be saying #YesBoy to a tag title defense with Pretty Deadly?
SmackDown returns and Pretty Deadly makes their entrance. The teams sort out and Elton starts against Sabin. They tie up, Elton puts Sabin in a corner, and then Elton stomps Sabin! Elton whips corner to corner but Sabin goes up and over! Sabin arm-drags Elton down, then arm-drags him again! Elton avoids the leg sweep to BOOT Sabin! Elton CLUBS Sabin, headlocks, but Shelley tags in as Sabin powers up and out. Sabin drops down, Shelley ROCKS Elton, and MCMG pinballs Elton around. They double wrench, maypole the arms, and then DOUBLE GIRI SANDWICH! Elton falls, the fans fire up, and Shelley brings Elton around.
Elton stomps Shelley’s foot, then scoops to SLAM him! Tag to Kit, but Shelley BOOTS Kit away! Shelley fires forearms and body shots, then he tags Sabin. MCMG whips Kit, then DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! ELton gets mad but MCMG DOUBLE PUNCH him! Kit runs back up, into a DOUBLE FLAPJACK! Cover, ONE, but Sabin whips. Kit reverses, then distracts the ref so Elton can get a cheap shot in! Sabin ROCKS Elton for it, but Kit CLOBBERS Sabin! Sabin falls out of the ring, Elton tags in so he can go after Sabin on the outside! The fans boo but Pretty Deadly POST Sabin! Then they TOSS him over the barriers!
The fans are torn but Shelley attacks Pretty Deadly! The ref has everyone calm it down, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Pretty Deadly regroups in the ring and soaks up the heat while Shelley checks on Sabin. Sabin makes his way back over the barriers, and Elton goes out to fetch him. Elton puts Sabin in the ring, he soaks up more heat, then he rains down fists! Elton lets off to tag in Kit, and Pretty Deadly drags Sabin up. They mug Sabin, Kit covers, TWO! Kit drags Sabin up to wrench and whip, then HIP TOSS! Cover, TWO! Sabin stays in this but Kit stays on him with a rain of forearms! Cover, TWO! Kit snarls and he clamps onto Sabin with a cobra clutch! Sabin endures, fights up, wrenches out, and he hits a JAWBREAKER!
But Kit yoyos in the ropes to LARIAT! Sabin’s down and Kit tags Elton. Kit drops knees on Sabin’s arm, then Elton KNEES him in the back! Elton clamps on a top wristlock and he grinds Sabin down. Sabin fights up, fires body shots, then runs, but Elton catches him! Elton RAMS Sabin into the Pretty Deadly corner! Tag to Kit and he taunts Shelley before he UPPERCUTS Sabin! Kit drags Sabin to a cover, TWO! Kit drags Sabin up to UPPERCUT, and Sabin goes to ropes. Kit CHOKES Sabin while SmackDown returns to single picture. The ref counts, the fans boo, but Kit lets off at 4. Kit stomps Sabin, rains down fists, then he stomps Sabin again.
Kit tags Elton, they sit Sabin up for more stomps! Elton UPPERCUTS Sabin, puts him back in the corner, and he fires UPPERCUT after UPPERCUT! Elton knees low, then tags Kit. Shelley protests and the fans boo, but then Sabin fights back with CHOPS! Kit kicks low, Elton runs up, but Sabin TOSSES Elton up and out! Sabin BOOTS Kit, then runs up to GAMANGIRI! The fans fire up while both men are down! Kit and Sabin crawl for their corners, hot tags to Elton and Shelley! Shelley fires haymakers on Elton! And he ELBOWS Elton! And DECKS him! Elton gets under, Kit runs in, but Shelley still BACKDROPS Kit away!
Shelley spins things around to facelock Elton, then he catches Kit on the return! COMPLETE SHOT DDT COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton flounders away, Kit runs up, but Shelley TOSSES Kit! Tag to Sabin, Shelley runs to WRECK Pretty Deadly with a dropkick! Then Shelley holds the way open, Sabin DIVES to take Pretty Deadly out! Sabin puts Elton in, he and Shelley coordinate. UPPERCUT in the corner, tag to Shelley, and a feed to the clinch! Sabin goes up but Elton fights free! Elton sends Shelley into ropes and that trips Sabin up! Tag to Kit, Elton KNEES Shelley and whips. Shelley reverses but Kit goes up and over Elton!
Shelley runs up, Elton gives Kit the boost, BAD APPLE MARTI-KNEES! Shelley sputters, Sabin runs in, but Elton hurdles for Kit to DDT Sabin! Shelley staggers up, Elton tags back in! Elton brings Shelley around, Kit goes up! Half nelson and lift, FLYING BULLDOG!! Cover, TWO!! Shelley survives that combo, but Elton tags Kit back in! They hoist Shelley up, but Sabin climbs! Sabin MISSILE DORPKICKS Elton! Shelley slips free, Kit ROCKS Sabin! Kit dodges Shelley and kicks low! Kit whips but Sabin sneaks the tag! Shelley reveres to then pop Kit up! DREAM SEQUENCE! The fans fire up and we get the BOOT ENZIGIRI COMBO!
Kit staggers, Shelley tags back in! Shelley goes up, Sabin turns Kit, SKULL & BONES!! Cover, MCMG wins!
Winners: Motor City Machine Guns, by pinfall
Pretty Deadly brought out their best stuff, but it wasn’t good enough to stop the best! MCMG is putting DIY on notice, will they get those tag titles back soon enough?
Nick Aldis meets with The Miz.
Miz shakes hands with the SmackDown General Manager, and says he saw that interview Cody Rhodes did with Joe Tessitore. Joe does a great interview, but it’s no MizTV. Is that why Miz is here tonight? Is he to get Kevin’s side of the story? Um… No one told him? Miz isn’t just here for a visit, he is on SmackDown now. The Transfer Window. No. Yes. Seriously? Yes, welcome to team blue. Miz says the Wyatts are here, though. Yes, they are. No, Miz had them moved here strategically so he could get away from them! Why is he here?! Did Karrion Kross betray him!? Aldis says Miz might need to make some new friends, and fast.
The Hollywood A-Lister is not happy that he’s where Bo Dallas can find him, but will Miz find a way to avoid disaster? Or is this going to be the last time he’s on the USA Network?
Kevin Owens storms out here.
The Prizefighter tells Joe Tessitore that he’d love to know where HIS interview was! Explain that to him, Joe! Joe interviews Cody but not Kevin? What kind of journalist is he? Kevin can’t believe he’s going to say this, but Joe makes him miss Michael Cole! Of course, Cole is too busy kissing Pat McAfee’s ass to be here! Just like everyone is too busy kissing Cody Rhodes’ ass! Joe, The Rock, EVERYONE! Kevin gets on the desk with his Winged Eagle title, and he asks Joe why everyone wants to be Cody’s friend. Here’s what happens to Cody’s friends: He uses them then betrays them!
But that’s okay, because at the Royal Rumble, Kevin will prove to everyone that he is the TRUE, RIGHTFUL WWE Champion! Oh, what’re you looking at, McConaughey? McConaughey tells Kevin, “Boo-hoo.” Kevin says at the Rumble, he’ll beat Cody just like how Ohio State beat the stupid Longhorns. The fans boo even more, but then wait! Jimmy Uso is here! Kevin says McConaughey is lucky, and Kevin hops off the desk as #BigJim goes to the ring. Kevin has them cut “that terrible music,” and he asks what this is. What does Jimmy even want? Jimmy steps to Kevin in the ring and says this is cuz Kevin talks too damn much.
UPPERCUT! Jimmy tackles Kevin, rains down fists, but Kevin shoves him away! Jimmy SUPERKICKS Kevin down! T he fans fire up as Jimmy climbs, but Kevin scrambles away! The fans boo but Jimmy grins. Jimmy tells Kevin, “Where you running to, boy?” Things get weird in Austin? How about tonight, we get Kevin Owens VS Jimmy Uso! HOOK ‘EM! McConaughey approves! Will Jimmy make sure Kevin is anything but ready for Saturday Night’s Main Event?
SmackDown returns and…
Nick Aldis finishes a phone as Carmelo Hayes walks in. Melo asks what’s going on here. Kevin VS Jimmy? It was supposed to be H1M VS Jimmy! Aldis knows, things happen. But the match of Melo VS Jimmy will be next week. Though this is also quite the opening. The Transfer Window has brought another star over to SmackDown, and Melo would make the perfect first opponent. Melo doesn’t trust that. Aldis did that with Braun. Melo wants to see this guy first. That’s fair. In fact, he could wait a moment because he’s on his way. Melo says that’s perfect. He’ll tell this guy that SmackDown is the land of the sharks. Melo will humble and embarrass this guy!
Aldis says he looks forward to seeing that. But could Melo be setting himself up for another moment like with the Monster of All Monsters?
Mia Yim & B-Fab VS Chelsea Green & Piper Niven!
There is safety in numbers, so in order for Michin and Miss Fabulous to get even, they’re sticking together! Will they look to humble the Hot Mess and her “Spicy Service Agent?” Or will the blue brand still be #RedWhite&Green?
The teams sort out and Mia starts against Piper. They tie up but then Mia dodges to fire forearms and CHOPS! Mia headlocks, but Piper keeps her from B-Fab. Piper sends Mia to the corner, then runs in, but Mia dodges! Mia HEEL KICKS and Piper wobbles! Chelsea tags in and talks smack, but Mia bends Chelsea’s accusing finger! Mia TOSSES Chelsea, then brings her up to wrench. Chelsea says no to Da Feet, and she chicken wings. Mia fights the spin and shoves Chelsea to a corner. Mia CHOPS, then says get this twerk! But Piper says you can’t do that to the champ! Mia DECKS Piper, then runs in to CANNONBALL! Chelsea dodges and Mia hits buckles!
Chelsea stomps and KICKS Mia around, then she stands Mia up. Chelsea salutes, snap suplexes, and covers, TWO! Mia stays in this, but Chelsea stands on Mia’s hair and pulls the arms! Chelsea then argues with the ref. Mia KICKS Chelsea away, so Chelsea tags Piper! Piper drags Mia back, but Mia kicks and kicks and BOOTS Piper away! Piper runs back up, but Mia avoids the elbow drop! The fans fire up and Mia crawls! Piper also crawls, hot tags to Chelsea end B-Fab! B-Fab dodges to fire forearms on Chelsea! B-Fab SLAPS Chelsea, struts around, then runs up to LEG LARIAT! B-Fab whips Chelsea, then swings to BOOT Chelsea down!
Chelsea staggers up, B-Fab gets around, DDT! Cover, Piper runs up to ELBOW DROP the whole thing! Piper realizes that hurt Chelsea, too! Piper says she’ll fix it! She shoves B-Fab, Mia tags in before B-Fab takes that SCRAPBUSTER! Piper talks smack, but Mia SHOTUGNS her down! Chelsea has Mia’s arms! But Mia wrenches out, to make Chelsea EAT DA FEET! Cover, Mia & B-Fab win!
Winners: Mia Yim & B-Fab, by pinfall
Not only did they win, The Head Baddie in Charge gets a pin on the Women’s US Champion! Can Mia make good on one more shot at the title?
Melo is still waiting.
He’s pacing and saying Aldis won’t embarrass H1M this time. But then in steps Damian Priest! The Punisher shakes hands with Aldis, and Aldis says he can’t wait to get started. Priest feels the same way. Melo says, “Nah… Nah…!” Oh, right, sorry. Aldis tells Priest that Melo was interested in a 1v1 match with him here tonight. Oh, is that so? Well, Priest is here to work, and he’s ready to punch in. Melo storms off, Aldis tells him to lace ’em up tight. Priest thanks Aldis, and it looks like the former world champion is already settling in. Melo may not miss, but will he ever learn not to shoot his mouth off?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“There is a difference between confidence and arrogance. Arrogance is insecurity. It’s convincing someone of who you are. Confidence is knowing. It’s walking into a room and everyone sits up straight because they know The GOAT doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, and I mean no one, can touch. And I know exactly who I am. And I’m back. So when I walk through that curtain and enter the Royal Rumble with a smile on my face and a tear in my eye, I’m going to remind you all who owns the night. WOO~!” The Queen is on her way back, will she take over this Road to WrestleMania?
Tiffany Stratton is here!
Austin fires up because it’s #TiffyTime! The WWE Women’s Champion struts right to the ring, and she gets herself a mic. “Once again, I am the center of everybody’s attention. Because next week, at the Royal Rumble, 30 women will be fighting for a chance to face me at WrestleMania. Which is funny because just last week, I beat last year’s Royal Rumble winner, Bayley. So I’m not worried even in the slightest. And next week, whoever wins, they’re gonna be running on Tiffy Time.” BUT WAIT! Rhea Ripley is here?! The fans go wild and Tiff is shocked to see the WWE Women’s WORLD Champion here on SmackDown!
Rhea smiles and makes her way to the ring, and she grabs herself a mic. Rhea knows Tiff is still a little bit new here, but she wants Tiff to know, she’s a champion, too. So champion to champion, Rhea just wants to say that she respects what Tiff did to Nia Jax. But it won’t compare to what Rhea does to Nia on Saturday Night’s Main Event. Well hold on, here comes Nia Jax now! She and Candice LeRae are on stage, and Nia says, Look what we have here.” First, why is she catching strays? That’s rude. Right, Candice? Yes, very rude. Nia says she wants both champions to know this is a historic moment.
Because see, Nia is officially announcing that she is entering and winning the Women’s Royal Rumble! The fans continue to boo as Nia & Candice go to the ring. Fans chant “You Suck!” and Nia tells one of ’em, “Your mom sucks, kid!” Nia says she knows what everyone is thinking: Isn’t Rhea’s title reign gonna end tomorrow night when Nia beats her? Yes, you’re correct. But Nia is gonna beat Rhea~ Ripley~ AND still win the Royal Rumble, so Nia can take the title that is rightfully hers! WAIT! Now we add Bianca Belair & Naomi! The fans fire up as the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions make their way out, mics already in hand.
The StrongEST Glow can ‘t believe this. The ring is filling up real quick. But that is why they came out here to say that Naomi will be entering and WINNING the Women’s Royal Rumble! Bianca says she likes that, except that she is also entering and winning the Royal Rumble! But if Bianca doesn’t win, then maybe Naomi wins. Yes, that’s a good point, because if Naomi doesn’t win, Bianca will win. So long as one of them wins, that’s all that matters! It definitely won’t be anyone else. And certainly not Nia. Hold on! Now Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez are here! Liv has a mic to say, “Well, well, well. Raquel, look what we have here.”
There’s the girl that lost her man to a real woman, that’s Rhea. Then there’s the wannabe Liv holding a title that’d look way better on Liv, in Tiffy. And we have a bunch of other women declaring for the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble, but Liv~ doesn’t~ care~! Do you know why she doesn’t? Because the headline won’t be about them, it’ll be about her! Liv hereby declares her entry to the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble. And not only that, but she declares her victory! And she is the only person in this company who can do that. Why? Because Raquel Rodriguez is going to ensure that victory for the Royal Rumb- HEADBUTT from Rhea!!
The fans fire up as the brawl breaks out! Nia & Candice mug Rhea, Naomi & Bianca fight Raquel, but Liv gets up to help Raquel. Tiff got away and is laughing at everyone else going wild. Rhea ROUNDHOUSES Nia! The tag champs toss Liv & Raquel, and they stand tall with Rhea. Aldis makes his way out here, what will he do to sort out the madness?
Six Woman Tag: Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair & Naomi VS Nia Jax, Candice LeRae & Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
SmackDown returns and in Aldis’ best Teddy Long, he’s put together this tag match! Will Mami & The StrongEST Glow shine together as champions? Or will the Irresistible Force, the Poison Pixie & the Liv Morgan Revenge Tour be rolling on the Road to WrestleMania?
The teams sort out, Rhea and Nia start, and the fans rally up. Rhea and Nia talk trash, but then Nia runs away to tag Candice. Rhea takes a deep breath, Nia is just playing games. Candice runs up to fire forearms, then runs the ropes. Candice ducks ‘n’ dodges to tilt-o-whirl, but Rhea stops the crucifix takedown. Candice swings but Rhea stops the arm-drag! Rhea throws Candice to a corner, but Candice BOOTS back! Candice goes up, TORNADO- NO, Rhea stops the DDT! Rhea suplexes Candice and holds her up! Bianca reaches out to tag in, Rhea SLAMS Candice down! Bianca tags Naomi, they run up on Nia to DOUBLE DROPKICK!
Liv stays back while Naomi gets a boost from Rhea & Bianca, rockabye baby in the treetop SPLASH for Nia! Then a cover on Candice, TWO! Naomi keeps Candice back, but Candice BOOTS her away! Tag to Liv, but Naomi RANAS first! Liv flounders, Naomi tags Bianca. The tag champs double whip Liv to DOUBLE HIP TOSS! Then Bianca and Naomi secret handshake before the STANDING MOONSAULT LEG DROP COMBO! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Bianca while Liv scrambles to a corner. Bianca runs up and RAMS into Liv! Bianca then climbs up and she rains down fists! The fans count along, but Candice runs up from the apron!
Bianca gives Candice number six, but Liv YANKS the braid! Nia tags in, Bianca BACKFLIPS free! Bianca DROPKICKS Liv, kips up, but Nia LARIATS Bianca down! Nia soaks up the heat then LASHES Bianca with her own braid! The ref reprimands, Nia HEADBUTTS Bianca down, then she DRIBBLES Bianca off the mat! Nia soaks up heat, tells Rhea to “SUCK IT!” and then she brings Bianca up. Nia scoops Bianca, SLAMS her into the drop zone, then goes up the corner! But Bianca stands to SHOVE Nia over! Bianca ROCKS Nia, Nia falls to the floor! Raquel checks Nia while Bianca crawls for her corner.
The fans rally, Nia sputters, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Nia drags herself up and into the ring, hot tag to Candice! Hot tag to Naomi! Naomi rallies on Candice with LARIAT after LARIAT, then she whips. REARVIEW! Naomi is all fired up but Candice flounders away. Nia tags back in and she storms up on Naomi. Naomi fires forearms but Nia shoves her away. Naomi slides under the lariat, MULE KICKS, then DROPKICKS! Nia staggers around, Naomi runs up on her, but Nia puts Naomi on the apron. Liv runs up but Naomi DECKS her! Naomi RAMS Nia, then brings her into the ropes for a slingshot sun- NO, Nia stays up out of the sunset! Candice keeps Naomi down, Nia SITS on Naomi! Cover, TWO!!
Naomi survives that downsized A-Nia-Lator but only barely. Nia argues with the ref about it, but then she tags Candice. Candice stomps Naomi, CHOKES her on the ropes, but lets off at the ref’s count. Candice drags Naomi back, covers, TWO! Candice keeps Naomi down with a facelock but Naomi endures the grind. Naomi fights up, fires body shots, and she backs Candice down! Candice digs her heels in, but Naomi wrenches out to ENZIGIRI! Naomi crawls, reaches out, but Candice CLOBBERS her! No tag, and Candice drags Naomi all the way back. Liv tags in and she stomps away on Naomi!
Liv drags Naomi up, reels her in, and snap suplexes! Una Amiga, and Liv hits another snap suplex! That’s Dos Amigas, and then THREE AMIGAS! Liv shouts out Dirty Dom, then ENZIGIRIS Naomi! SmackDown returns to single picture with the cover, TWO! Liv is frustrated but she drags Naomi back. Nia tags in, Nia stomps Naomi, and then Nia whips Naomi to a corner. Nia runs up to SPLASH in a corner! Naomi sits down, Nia says kiss this, HIP ATTACK! And STINK FACE! Nia rubs it in, then soaks up the heat. Nia storms back up, but Naomi kicks her low! And kicks again! Naomi stands to ROCK Nia, and roll her up! TWO!
Nia is up, and she CLUBS Naomi down! Nia brings Naomi away to tag Candice. They mug Naomi, the fans rally for Rhea, but Liv tells them to shut up. Candice snapmares for a NECK SNAPPER! Then jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice knees on Naomi’s neck but the ref notices that. Candice steps away to stomp Naomi, but Naomi KICKS from below! Naomi crawls, Candice CLUBS her down, then Candice sucker punches Rhea! The fans boo but Candice snap suplexes! Cover, but the ref is busy with Rhea! Candice drags Naomi to the corner, argues with the ref, then she stands on Naomi. The ref counts, Candice steps off at 4.
The fans rally for “MAMI! MAMI!” but Candice keeps on Naomi. Naomi fights back, but Candice blocks the kick! But the REBOUND ENZIGIRI takes Candice down! Liv panics, but Nia already YANKS Rhea off the apron! The fans boo as Nia gets away with one! Liv then YANKS Bianca down! The ref can’t keep up with all these underhanded tactics! Candice RAMS Naomi into the corner, but Naomi fights free! Naomi goes up and up and FLYING FACEBUSTERS Candice! The fans fire up as everyone is down! Raquel coaches Liv and Nia, but Rhea rises! Naomi crawls her way over, hot tag to Rhea! The fans are thunderous for Mami!
Rhea rallies on Liv with LARIAT after LARIAT, then a ripcord and HOOK KICK! Then a FACEBUSTER! SLIDING KICK! Rhea runs to DROPKICK Nia & Candice! Raquel is furious but the ref stops her from storming in! Rhea goes after Raquel, but Liv hits a BACKSTABBER! Rhea tumbles, Bianca tags in! Bianca stops Liv’s Code Breaker to throw her back! Liv returns, but Bianca wrenches and suplexes! Liv slips free, but Bianca ducks the enzigiri! Bianca handsprings, knocks Candice down with it, but Liv’s knees hit the moonsault! Both Liv and Bianca runs, and Bianca SPEARS Liv!! Cover, Nia breaks it!
The fans boo but Naomi runs up! POP-UP HEADBUTT from Nia! Rhea HEADBUTTS Nia!! RIP- NO, Liv jumps on Rhea! Rhea still DECKS Nia, then she THROWS Liv off her! Rhea pump handles Liv, RIPTIDE onto Nia!! Raquel is up again, so Rhea BOOTS her back down! But Candice DUMPS Rhea to the apron! And then CODE BREAKER in the ropes! Rhea falls, but Bianca torture racks Candice! KISS OF DEATH!! Only for Liv to ghost pin Bianca! LIV’S TEAM WINS!!
Winner: Nia Jax, Candice LeRae & Liv Morgan, by pinfall
The EST had this, but the chaos allowed Liv to steal it from her! Will the Royal Rumble be even wilder than this? Will the Liv Morgan Revenge Tour go all the way to WrestleMania?
Chelsea Green & Piper Niven regroup backstage.
Chelsea complains even while Piper tends to her. Where was Piper? Look what happened! How did it happen!? Mia & B-Fab walk in, and B-Fab says it happened because the math is finally mathing, and things were even. And Piper has to protect Chelsea even more now since Mia has back-up. And Mia is feeling real good about taking that US title. Actually, Mia talked with Aldis, and she gets one final crack at it next week. Good luck, Chelsea. You’re gonna need it. Mia & B-Fab head out, and Piper says they need a bigger security detail. But who could they possibly get that can stomach- er, guard Chelsea Green?
Johnny Gargano w/ Tommaso Ciampa VS Apollo Crews!
Johnny Wrestling doesn’t appreciate Apollo telling Pretty Deadly the truth, so he has to shut him up personally. Will DIY show Pretty Deadly how to handle business? Or will Apollo show up Gargano 1v1?
SmackDown returns as Apollo makes his entrance. The bell rings and the brawl is on! Apollo runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then he RUNS Gargano over! Apollo suplexes Gargano, holds him up, but Gargano fires knees! Apollo keeps Gargano off the mat to suplex again! The fans fire up for the SLAM! Apollo then storms up on Gargano at the ropes. Gargano fires hands in return, then whips. Apollo reverses, hurdles, then drops down. Apollo DROPKICKS Gargano and the fans fire up! Gargano bails out but Apollo aims, PLANCHA! Gargano slips in, Apollo lands on his feet. Gargano slides out but Apollo dodges to ASAI MOONSAULT!
The fans fire up with Apollo, but Apollo keeps his eyes on Ciampa. Apollo puts Gargano in the ring, goes up a corner, and he leaps, only for Gargano to move! Apollo rolls through the splash, but the SUPERKICK hits! Cover, TWO! Gargano is already frustrated but he stomps Apollo in the corner. The ref counts, Gargano stops at 4, but Ciampa is there to talk trash on Apollo. Gargano and Ciampa applaud themselves, pat themselves on the back, and Apollo goes to another corner. Gargano runs up, but into a BOOT! And an ELBOW! Apollo blocks a kick to mule kick, KNEE LIFT, and whip! LEAPING LARIAT!
The fans fire up with Apollo and he military presses Gargano! The fans fire up for the PRESS SLAM! And then STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Gargano survives but Apollo keeps cool. Gargano goes to a corner, Apollo builds speed, but Gargano dodges! Gargano comes back, blocks a kick, and he puts it in the ropes to KICK the thigh! Then ENZIGIRI! Apollo is stuck in the ropes, DRAPING BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Gargano grows frustrated again but Ciampa still talks trash on Apollo. Gargano brings Apollo up, but Apollo ROCKS Gargano! Gargano fires forearms in return, but Apollo fires back!
The fans rally behind Apollo but Gargano fires a flurry! And a ROLLING ELBOW! But Apollo BOOTS! Gargano rebounds, but Apollo ENZIGIRIS! Apollo runs up, but Gargano sends him out! Apollo clutches his arm, Gargano distracts the ref, Ciampa KNEES Apollo down!! Ciampa puts Apollo in and Gargano brings Apollo up. But wait, MCMG is making their way out here! DIY tells MCMG to watch themselves, but Apollo rolls Gargano! APOLLO WINS!
Winner: Apollo Crews, by pinfall
DIY should’ve been watching themselves, because Apollo just snatched victory from the jaws of defeat! MCMG shrug, but will DIY have to face the facts that they can’t do it themselves?
Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga walk backstage.
The Samoan Werewolf says, “YEAH! Tomorrow night, Braun Strowman…. The Werewolf VS The Monster. Hell, Godzilla VS King Kong. Hell, you ain’t Godzilla or King Kong! Cuz I’m BOTH! Hey, don’t get it twisted now, Braun. They don’t make ’em like me no more! They ain’t never made ’em like me! I’m off the scale with it. I’m raw, uncut with it. I’m all gas, no brakes with it. Know what I mean?! First off, LA Knight, my taka ua is coming live!” Tama Tonga adds, “With everybody saying, YEHYEHYEHYEHYEH!” The Good Bad Guy makes his way to the ring, Jacob at his back. Will the rogues of the Bloodline be even more dangerous without Solo Sikoa around?
LA Knight VS Tama Tonga w/ Jacob Fatu!
SmackDown returns and The Mega Star makes his entrance, “YEAH!” But Knight gets a mic to say cut it. “LEMME TALK TO YA!” The man they call The Mega Star is in the building in Austin, and that means these two cross-eyed halfwits have hell to pay! “YEAH!” They ain’t gonna cost him the US Championship and think they’re getting away with it. He may not have ended up on top, but he got his ass kicked and was willing to take it if it meant getting a piece of them. But tonight, he won’t just get a piece, he’s getting a whole big chunk! “Tommy Tonga” just drew the short straw, and that means he’ll get the BFT for his troubles.
And if Jacob wants to get his fat head in here, Knight will kick him so hard, he won’t be able to stop the shakes. Knight mocks Jacob’s shaking around, and says that there might not be anything left for Braun on Saturday. Sorry, Braun, but it’s gotta be done. But it starts right now with Tama getting his first class ticket to getting his head stomped in! With everybody saying, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” Knight storms in, dodges Tama’s sucker punch, and the brawl is on! The bell rings and the fans fire up as Knight fires more shots! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Tama reverses to ROCK Knight!
Tama fires hands, CLUBS Knight, then fires even more shots. Tama whips, Knight ducks ‘n’ dodges to then catch Tama, POWERSLAM! Cover, ONE!! Tama survives but Knight stomps him. Tama goes to ropes, Knight stomps him, then Knight ROPE GUILLOTINES! Tama tumbles out, Knight pursues, and Knight fires more hands. Knight stalks Tama, SMACKS him off the barriers, and the fans fire up. Knight whips, Tama reverses, and Knight hits the barriers now! Knight staggers, the fans cheer him on, but Tama runs and uses the steps! FLYING- NO, Knight catches Tama to FLAPJACK him off the barriers!
Knight winds up and he LARIATS Tama into the crowd! The fans fire up as Knight stands on the corner. “YEAH!” Knight then goes back out, and he drags Tama up, only for Tama to HOTSHOT him off barriers! Knight staggers away, Tama climbs up, and Tama tightrope walks so he can FLYING LARIAT! Down goes Knight and Tama soaks up the heat. The ring count is climbing, but Tama fires hands on Knight. Tama brings Knight over but Knight SMACKS Tama off the apron! Knight puts Tama in at 8 of 10, then RAMS into him! Knight slingshots, FLYING SHOULDER TACKLE! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Tama right up to whip him again.
Knight BACKDROPS Tama, and Tama flounders. Knight runs up to LARIAT Tama out of the ring! The fans fire up again and Knight goes after Tama. Knight stares Jacob down, but Tama runs up! Knight counter punches Tama, stalks him, then he blocks a kick But Tama blocks the lariat to COMPLETE SHOTÂ into the steps! Knight goes down in a heap and the fans boo, but SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Knight fires hands on Tama! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight scoops, Tama slips free, but Knight buck sthe O’Conner! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Tama stays in this and Jacob seethes. Knight whips, Tama grabs ropes, and then Tama DUMPS Knight ot the apron! Knight ROCKS Tama, steps in, but Tama grabs a leg! DRAGON SCREW! Knight clutches that leg but Tama drops an ELBOW on the knee! And another! And then Tama DDTS the foot! Knight crawls away but Tama stalks him to the corner. Tama stomps Knight, then HEADBUTTS him! The fans rally and Knight rises.
Tama reels Knight in, but knight slips free of the suplex, to hit a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Tama survives, Knight whips, but Tama reverses. Kitchen sink knee for Knight! Tama paces while the fans boo. The fans rally for Knight but Tama clamps onto Knight’s shoulders. Tama digs the claws in, but Knight fights up. Knight fires elbows, fires haymakers, but Tama knees low! Tama whips, Knight LEAPING LARIATS! The fans fire up as Knight rains down fists! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight stands Tama up to whip him hard into a corner, then JUMPING NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up with Knight again while Tama goes to thea pron.
Knight storms over, but Tama RAMS into him! Knight ROCKS Tama in return, “This is Awesome!” Knight storms back up, but Tama HOTSHOTS Knight! Tama hurries back up, but Knight BLASTS him off the apron! Tama hits the desk, and then Knight WRECKS Tama with a dropkick! Knight huffs ‘n’ puffs as he drags Tama up and into the ring. Knight hurries to reel Tama in, but Tama fights the torture rack! Tama fires hands, but Knight dodges the boot! Tama dodges a lariat to VENOM DDT! Cover, TWO!! Tama seethes as Knight survives. Tama stalks Knight to a corner, hoists him up top, and he climbs up.
But Knight fires haymakers! Tama and Knight brawl, “YEAH! BOO!” Tama fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT! But then Knight DECKS Tama! Knight adjusts, but Tama returns to ROCK him! Tama goes back up, but Knight SUPER GOURD BUSTERS! Tama flounders, Knight powers up, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” DOUBLE JUMP ELBOW DROP! Knight brings Tama up again, but Jacob gets on the apron! Knight BOOTS Jacob! Tama rolls Knight! TWO!! Tama scrambles, but Knight kicks low! B F T!! Cover, Knight wins!
Winner: LA Knight, by pinfall
But Jacob drags Knight out of the ring! Jacob RAMS Knight into the apron, then fireman’s carries to SAMOAN DROP Knight on the desk! The desk doesn’t break so Jacob stands tall! Jacob then TOSSES the armchairs aside, drags Knight up, and he HEADBUTTS Knight back onto the desk! Jacob HEADBUTTS Knight again, and again, and again! The fans boo, but here comes BRAUN!! Jacob spots the #OneBigSOB heading down the ramp! They stare down from across the ring, and Braun steps in. Braun says come get some, Tama wants Jacob to stand down! Jacob shoves Tama away to get in the ring!
The fans are losing their minds as monster and monster stare down! Braun rips his shirt off, roars, and the fans are even more fired up! Jacob roars, but Tama gets in! Braun grabs Tama, but then he dodges Jacob! Braun runs to LARIAT Jacob up and out! Tama now gets Jacob to stand down, and Knight manages to get in the ring. Braun tells Jacob that they don’t run SmackDown anymore! Will Jacob #GetTheseHands when these two arrive in San Antonio?
The Miz talks with A-Town Down Under.
He is glad to see two bright, young talented superstars, the next big thing in WWE, and him, the reality icon and first-ever TWO-TIME Grand Slam Champion in WWE history! They are made from the same cloth. Just imagine: Marine 7! Waller, Theory & Miz. Box office gold! Theory says they’ll be rich! Waller feels this was meant to be. Together, they can run SmackDown! But Aldis steps in and says he has three words for them: Pack your bags. Transfer Window is sending them to Raw! What? They’re going to Raw? AWESOME! ATDU is fired up, and tell Miz they’re still in for Marine 7. Laters!
Miz can’t catch a break. Will no one be around to save him from the Wyatts?
Shinsuke Nakamura speaks.
“This is a warning to all those who challenge for my United States Championship. The attempt will be a fruitless effort. Even if you challenge with the determination to seek glory and give it everything, you will get nothing. The only thing left will be the body that has been crushed, hurt, and shattered, and this title will still be in my hands. But that’s not enough. I aim for further heights. Shinsuke Nakamura will bein the Royal Rumble! Just as I won before, I will seize the victory again. 2025 will be the year of my conquest, beginning with The Royal Rumble.”
Damian Priest VS Carmelo Hayes!
Much like with Braun Strowman, The Punisher was a bit more of a surprise than expected for Melo. But now that Priest is on SmackDown, will we #AllRise for the outlaw? Or will Melo finally start living up to being H1M?
SmackDown returns and Melo makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two circle. Melo and Priest feel things out, then Melo slips around Priest. Melo brushes himself off and circles with Priest again. They knuckle lock, then Melo kicks low! Melo fires hands, CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Melo whips but Priest blocks! Priest stands up tall, whips Melo, but Melo rolls off Priest’s back! Melo CLUBS Priest on the back, runs, but Priest CLOBBERS him! Priest TOSSES Melo to a corner, ROCKS him, then fires off more shots! Priest stomps away, the ref counts, and Priest stops at 4. The fans cheer while Priest drags Melo up.
Priest knuckle locks Melo, twists the wrist, then climbs up the corner. Priest tightrope walks, and the fans love that he goes OLD SCHOOL CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Melo goes to the apron and Priest grins. Priest goes outside, brings Melo around and ROCKS him! Priest shakes out his hand, that’s how hard he hit Melo. Priest scoops Melo, takes aim, but Melo slips free! Priest sops from hitting the post, but Melo ducks the roundhouse! Priest is stuck partly on the apron, so Melo ENZIGIRIS, then KICKS the plant leg! Melo POSTS Priest, then soaks up heat while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Melo rains down fists in the corner! Priest shoves Melo away at 5 but Melo runs up to fire more shots! Then Melo BOOTS Priest to the outside! Priest stands, storms up to the apron, but Melo KNEES him down! Melo then builds speed and FLIES! Down goes Priest and the fans admit, that was good. Melo drags Priest up and into the ring, then he goes up the corner. Priest stands, Melo leaps, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Melo is annoyed but he brings Priest around for a top wristlock. Priest endures, fires body shots, but Melo CHOPS! Melo taunts Priest, CHOPS again, then CHOPS again!
Priest gets mad and the fans fire up! Melo is worried, but he runs, only for Priest to DECK him! And DECK him! Priest kicks, KICKS, and KICKS, then ROLLING ELBOWS! Priest winds up to DECK Melo again! The fans fire up with Priest while Melo staggers to a corner. Priest runs up, Melo BOOTS him away! Melo brings Priest in, but Priest suplexes first, for the BROKEN ARROW! Priest goes to a corner to take aim. Priest runs in, ELBOW in the corner! And then a FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Priest grows frustrated but he powers up the arm. The fans rally, Melo rises, but Melo also bails out! The fans boo but Priest goes out the side.
Priest runs in around the way, and he POUNCES Melo into the timekeeper’s area! The fans fire up and Priest high-fives McConaughey. Priest TOSSES Melo back to ringside, then back into the ring. Priest goes up, springboards, but into a SUPERKICK! Melo runs, springboards, but into Priest’s hands! SOUTH OF- NO, Melo wheelbarrows, STUNNERS, and then hurries to run up, FIRST 48! Cover, TWO! Priest survives and Melo grows frustrated again. Melo goes to the corner, climbs up, and he wants that three pointer! Melo shoots, NOTHING BUT- NO, he misses! Priest runs up, Melo dodges, and Melo sips through the lariat!
Melo manages a cradle, TWO!! Priest escapes, and Priest gets moving! COMEBACKER LARIAT! The fans fire up as Priest brings down the straps! Melo stands, into the choke grip! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest wins!
Winner: Damian Priest, by pinfall
The Punisher got the better of H1M and has his first win here on SmackDown! Will Priest be able to reach new heights now that he’s away from Judgment Day?
DIY complains to Aldis.
They say MCMG cost them, and look! Here they are! Sabin tells DIY to relax, and asks Aldis if he told them already. Tell them what? Aldis says he was going to get to it, but MCMG can do it now. Sabin says DIY clearly have done everything they can to avoid giving MCMG a rematch for the tag titles, but… Here’s a surprise! Because Aldis already told MCMG, that at the Royal Rumble, the rematch happens! But hey, it’ll also be a Best 2 Out of 3 Falls match! Gargano says tonight sucks! DIY storms off, MCMG thank Aldis, and one way or another, this score will be settled! Will Sabin & Shelley finally have the gold back around their waists?
Damian Priest returns backstage.
And there waiting is Cody Rhodes. Cody says, “SmackDown, huh?” Priest says, “Looks that way.” Then Cody’s glad to have him. They shake hands, and Priest says, “See you soon, champ.” Could the former World Heavyweight Champion look to become an undisputed champion?
The Miz talks with Andrade.
The A-Lister says El Idolo has the look, the presence, the athletic ability in that ring. All he needs is someone to help guide him to become the superstar he truly is. Andrade says yes, he loves that idea! But he’ll go find someone who can do that. W-Wait, what? No, Miz meant… Jimmy walks by and grins at Miz as he gestures for NO YEET. Jimmy then heads to gorilla, only for Melo to be there. Melo says it’ll take a lot more than just four moves to beat KO. Oh, will it? Then how about next week, Jimmy only needs three to beat H1M? Oh, and uh… NO YEET! Jimmy makes his entrance, but Melo follows him! Melo ATTACKS at the ramp!
The fans boos as Melo rains down fists! Jimmy fights back, refs and producers get in there and separate the two! Jimmy shrugs that off, he clearly got under Melo’s skin. Will Jimmy still be ready for his fight with The Prizefighter? We’ll see, after the break.
Kevin Owens VS Jimmy Uso!
SmackDown returns and Kevin makes his entrance. He’s wearing Naomi merchandise to get at Jimmy, her husband! Kevin taunts McConaughey with the Winged Eagle title, then he puts the belt aside. The bell rings and then Kevin bails out. The fans boo but Kevin goes back to talking trash on Joe Tessitore. Jimmy storms out to UPPERCUT Kevin! Jimmy SMACKS Kevin off the apron, then off the barriers! The fans cheer, Jimmy puts Kevin in the ring, and then Jimmy says hook ’em. Jimmy steps in but Kevin fires off in the ropes! Kevin headlocks and he grinds Jimmy down. Jimmy powers up and out, but Kevin runs him over!
Kevin keeps moving, and he uses Jimmy’s dropdown against him by hitting a SENTON! “And that’s why this is MY show!” The fans boo more but Kevin CLUBS Jimmy. Jimmy goes to the corner, Kevin fires body shots, then Kevin CLUBS Jimmy. Jimmy goes to another corner, Kevin RAMS into him again and again, then he lets off as the ref counts. Kevin stands Jimmy up, whips him corner to corner hard, and it busts the corner camera! Kevin makes sure Joe saw that! Kevin whips Jimmy corner to corner the other way, and Jimmy hits the buckles hard again. Kevin brings Jimmy around to CHOKE on the ropes!
The fans boo, the ref counts, but Kevin lets off. Kevin CLUBS Jimmy, taunts the fans, mocks them, then CLUBS Jimmy down. Kevin whips corner to corner, but Jimmy comes back to LARIAT! The fans fire up and Jimmy gets the “UCE! OH!” going. Jimmy runs up, but Kevin bails out! No hip attack, but Jimmy slides out. Jimmy SMACKS Kevin off the desk! And again! And again! Jimmy again says hook ’em, then he fires hands on Kevin! The fans join in with “Hook ’em!” Jimmy puts Kevin back in the ring, goes back up to the apron, but Kevin BLASTS Jimmy into the desk! Jimmy falls back, and Kevin hits a FROG SPLASH to the floor!
Kevin mockingly cheers, “Feel the Glow~! Get it?” and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Kevin drags Jimmy up, brings him around, and throws him into the barriers! Kevin then RAMS Jimmy into more barriers! Kevin talks smack to the fans, then goes into the ring. Kevin takes a bow while the count climbs, and he mockingly blows kisses. Jimmy slides in at 8 out of 10! Kevin is annoyed, and he ROCKS Jimmy with a haymaker! Kevinn puts Jimmy in a corner, wraps an arm around ropes and pulls! The ref counts, Kevin stops at 4, then he brings Jimmy out for an AMRBAR DDT! Cover, ONE!! Jimmy shows some grit, but Kevin stomps the arm! Then he stomps the other arm! Then he stands on one arm to SLAM the other!
Kevin SLAMS Jimmy’s arm again, and he mocks the fans some more. Kevin stands on Jimmy’s hand, to then STOMP Jimmy’s head! Jimmy scrambles to a corner, Kevin storms up, but Jimmy pushes him away. Kevin chuckles and then storms up again anyway. Jimmy guards the bad arm but Kevin still grabs it. Kevin wraps the arm around the ropes, pulls on it, then KICKS the ropes to jam it up! Jimmy falls over but Kevin brings him back up. Kevin wrenches the bad arm, but Jimmy fires hands! Jimmy ROCKS Kevin, but Kevin kicks and DDTS Jimmy down! Cover, TWO! Kevin is annoyed but he clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock.
Jimmy endures, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Kevin taunts McConaughey with “Alright, alright, alright~!” The fans rally for Jimmy but Kevin shakes his head. Jimmy fights up, fires haymakers, and he HEADBUTTS Kevin! Jimmy goes to fireman’s carry, but Kevin pulls on the bad arm! ARM CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO! Jimmy stays in this but Kevin stays on the bad arm! Kevin stomps the hand, stomps the elbow, then SLAMS the arm down! And SLAMS it again and again! Jimmy writhes, Kevin drags him to a drop zone, and Kevin climbs. The fans rally, and Jimmy stands! GAMANGIRI!
Jimmy goes up to get Kevin, but Kevin fights the suplex! Kevin fires body shots, and he YANKS the bad arm! Jimmy falls into the buckles and then falls to the mat! Kevin adjusts, and he SWANTON BOMBS, but onto knees! Jimmy saves himself and Kevin ends up in a corner, HIP ATTACK! Jimmy falls back, the pain in his arm is holding him back! The fans rally as both men stir, and Kevin uses ropes to stand. Jimmy HEADBUTTS! And counter punches! Jimmy mule kicks, UPPERCUTS, and kicks. Kevin blocks and spins Jimmy, but the DRAGON WHIP hits! And then a SAMOAN DROP! The fans fire up, Jimmy covers, TWO!
Kevin survives but Jimmy is too beat up to be mad. Kevin goes to a corner, Jimmy runs in again, but Kevin dodges the splash! Kevin runs, but Jimmy SUPERKICKS! Kevin falls, Jimmy covers, TWO! Kevin is still tougher than that and Jimmy is beside himself. Jimmy crawls over, brings Kevin up and reels him in, but Kevin WRINGS the bad arm out! Kevin then hoists Jimmy up, BLUE THUNDER BOMB?!? Cover, TWO!! Kevin gives a shoutout to Sami Zayn but Jimmy survives! Kevin goes to ropes and stands up again. Kevin waits on Jimmy, and he wants Jimmy to get up. Jimmy slaps the bad arm, and he stops the stunner!
Kevin stops a superkick to SUPERKICK back! Jimmy rebounds to SUPERKICK again!! Jimmy hurries to cover, TWO!! Kevin is still in this and Jimmy can’t believe it! The fans rally up for Jimmy as he goes to a corner. Jimmy climbs, the fans fire up, and Jimmy USO- NO! Kevin moves, SUPERKICKS, and then whips! POP-UP- NO! Jimmy slips free to SUPERKICK again!! Cover, TWO!!! Kevin survives again, and Jimmy doesn’t know what to make of it! Jimmy and Kevin crawl to corners, and Jimmy takes aim. Jimmy runs in, but Kevin KCIKS the spear away! But Jimmy stops the stunner! Both men run, and Jimmy SPEARS!!
Kevin scrambles but ends up in a drop zone! Jimmy goes up the corner! USO- NO, Kevin YANKS Jimmy down by the bad arm! And then Kevin POSTS Jimmy! And then Kevin whisp Jimmy, for the POP-UP POWERBOMB! Cover, Kevin wins!
Winner: Kevin Owens, by pinfall
#BigJim put up a big fight, but it just wasn’t enough to get one over on the “rightful” champion. Wait, Kevin isn’t done with Jimmy! He clears the desk, drags Jimmy up to join him, but here comes Cody! Kevin goes after Cody in the ring and they brawl it out in the ring! Cody stomps a mu7dhole into Kevin, Kevin CLAWS Cody’s face, but the hands fly! Cody stomps away on Kevin again! Austin is thunderous as Cody roars, but Kevin comes back with haymakers! Cody TOSSES Kevin, then goes out the side! Cody sends Kevin into the steel steps! And then back into the ring! SmackDown has to go off air, will Cody and Kevin brawl all the way to Saturday Night’s Main Event?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown that not only builds up the Royal Rumble a bit more, but was also a go-home to Saturday Night’s Main Event. Great stuff with getting pretty much all the top women on main roster involved in one segment tonight. Everyone wants to win the Rumble, and we got a great Six Woman Tag out of it. The Heels getting the win is fine, it certainly gives Liv momentum going into the match. It also means Nia has momentum going into SNME, where I’m fairly certain she loses so that Rhea has a strong first defense of her newest reign. And calling the Women’s Rumble is really tricky as there are a lot of possibilities.
Jacob Fatu had an awesome promo before Tama VS Knight, which was a very good match. I feel like Knight’s promo beforehand was a little uncertain, he maybe improvised most of that, but he still made it work. Great win for Knight, but of course Jacob went after him, bringing out Braun. I feel like the best result for Braun VS Jacob is either a No Contest or some kind of draw. I can picture them both crashing through something and neither gets up to get back in the ring before 10, but then Jacob stands up after to show he’s still the tougher monster. From there, Jacob can do any number of things, maybe even go after the US title.
Nakamura had a great promo to call out those in the midcard, but also to declare for the Rumble. I feel like we’ll get great interactions between Nakamura, Jacob, and a few others interested in the US title, helping to sort out who challenges Nakamura next. Melo can be in that group, as well, with a great showing even in losing. Priest ended up on SmackDown just as I knew he would, and he had a good interaction with Cody. Priest can certainly use the rest of the year to build up to the WWE Championship, assuming Cody doesn’t get transferred to Raw like I’ve been thinking. Because again, Netflix will want the best names they can get for Raw since domestically here in America, NXT and SmackDown are still contracted to cable networks.
There’s also some more Transfer Window shenanigans going on, with some of it making sense. Miz gets forced onto SmackDown because SmackDown is on USA Network and so is Miz’s reality show, Miz & Mrs. Plus, this is a second chance for Miz and the Wyatt Sick6 to properly have their story play out. A-Town Down Under moving to Raw is mostly to freshen up the tag scene over there. SmackDown’s tag division is very lively now, and we got a very good story tonight. MCMG VS Pretty Deadly was great stuff, especially with Pretty Deadly bringing out that aggression they had in NXT UK. Very good match from Gargano VS Apollo, and good win for Apollo thanks to MCMG. DIY VS MCMG in a 2 Out of 3 for the Rumble is going to be great stuff, and hard to call in a good way.
Mia & B-Fab VS Chelsea & Piper was good stuff, and I figured Mia would pin Chelsea to earn one last title match. However, this one is hard to call, and a bit in the bad way. The match is set for SmackDown, not SNME or Royal Rumble, and Chelsea only got her reign going. Mia winning would be quite the shock to help send us into the Rumble, but I don’t know if even HHH would pull that anymore. But then, what is Mia to do if she’s not even going to win the midcard title on a special go-home episode? She and B-Fab being pals now, they could go for the tag titles, but even then that might be a hard win to get with all the teams across three brands.
And great stuff with the Cody VS Kevin story tonight. Good opening promo from Cody, and of course Kevin feels he’s being treated unfairly. Jimmy going after Kevin was certainly an interesting choice, but it still works as Kevin is hating on those who helped Roman, Jimmy is someone who helped Roman, so Jimmy is stepping up on behalf of the family. Jimmy and Melo having a brawl was good stuff, too, and then we got an honestly great match from Kevin and Jimmy. Jimmy has been doing his best to be a singles guy just like Jey, and Jimmy could certainly get in on the US Championship scene. He might not win, but he’ll be able to raise the level of competition a bit.
As for Kevin and Cody, closing the show with a brawl is good stuff, and it works since SNME isn’t a match but a contract signing, and then we’ve still got Raw and next week’s SmackDown for the go-home math. Kevin continues to be a genius Heel with his choice of shirts and the moments of sound logic followed by moments of emotional outbursts, all fitting to how Cody basically complimented him in the promo. Some fans do want to see Kevin win just to take us on a detour, and I’m kinda half tempted to see that, too.
My Score: 8.8/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s LIVE TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 1.23.25
NXTNA kicks off the post-Genesis TV with a Live show! Fraxiom defend the NXT Tag Titles on TNA television against The Rascalz!
So we’re gonna be getting Live action for iMPACT for the first time in 8 years! NXTNA should bring some interesting layers with this episode. Fraxion is facing The Rascalz. We could see some stuff with 23 pay off, we could maybe get a Cora Jade appearance and who knows what else we’ve got. Genesis could’ve been the beginning of something big, but at least we make sure Hendry Mania can run wild as the TNA World Champ!
We're kicking off the night with NEW TNA World Champion @joehendry!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/EkIqqcvwIi pic.twitter.com/jORQS6swtu
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 24, 2025
Ratings:
- Rosemary, Heather & Ash by Elegance vs Masha Slamovich & Spitfire: Ash wins via Victory Roll – ** 1/2
- JDC & Moose w/Alisha Edwards vs The Hardyz: Jeff wins via Swanton Bomb – ***
- NXT Tag Team Championships: Fraxiom (c) vs The Rascalz: Fraxiom retain via Spanish Phoenix – *** 1/4
- TNA World Championship: Joe Hendry (c) vs Matt Cardona: Hendry retains via Standing Ovation – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh look, Joe Hendry comes out to kick off the Live episode. Hendry says he’ll be a fighting champion and face anyone at anytime, so Santino’s music hits and we may get a surprise very soon. Oh nevermind, it’s Matt Cardona. If this was supposed to be a big reveal I don’t think it came over well.
Rosemary, Heather & Ash by Elegance vs Masha Slamovich & Spitfire
Jody and Ash start, Ash gets in a cocky slap but then a few strikes and a T-Bone suplex lead to tagging in Dani and a few assisted Slam moves and we see a near fall. Ash retreats to her corner, tags in Heather, Heather is afraid of Dani so she blind tags Rosemary. Spitfire do some tandem stuff on Rosemary and the Demon Assassin finally slips a move from Jody, shoves Jody into her corner, Heather tries to blind tag but Rosemary grabs Heather, Ash calls a timeout to explain to Rosemary that they’re a team and tags herself in. A few shortcuts that the ref conveniently can’t see and Ash tags in Rosemary cleanly. Rosemary throws Jody around, Exploder Suplex for two, and Ash tags in, hits a Snap Suplex, tries to go after Dani and Masha but Masha pops her and Jody hits a Codebreaker to tag in Masha.
Masha comes out hot and beats the hell out of Heather and Rosemary. Masha tried Requiem on Heather, but Rosemary hits the Scorpion Deathdrop, Dani Shotgun kicks Rosemary, Satellite DDT from Ash takes out Dani, Jody takes out Ash, Heather hits a John Woo Dropkick to send Jody crashing to the outside. After the signature spam, Dani gets back on the apron, Masha tags her in and Dani is taking Ash to Suplex City. Cora Jade’s music hits in the middle of the match and she hands a folder to Masha with her picture in it, like Masha used to do. Ash takes advantage of the Cora distraction and Victory Rolls Dani for the flash win. Cora makes her intentions known and the match was fine.
Northern Useless Armoury comes out to look pathetic and Josh talks. Sinner and Saint are about as impressive as a wet fart running down your legs in the middle of summer. They are pathetic and that makes this whole heel turn look worthless. Jabroni squad says Josh can’t leave and attack him. EY hits the ring to make a save, and cut an obvious promo to make a tag match. The crowd is mostly comatose, Sinner and Saint look stupid, have done nothing, and have terrible names.Â
JDC & Moose w/Alisha Edwards vs The Hardyz
System attacks immediately, the bell just rings, but the Hardyz reverse the Irish Whip spot, stack em in the corner and Poetry in Motion while still wearing the belt so he does the Splash version. Matt does the Delete Corner Face Smashes to JDC and turns it into the pull out of the corner Powerbomb. Extreme Elbow from Matt, Matt goes for the Twist, but JDC shoves off, Lish paws at the ankle and Moose attacks him while the ref is trying to figure out who to look at. Moose tags himself in, beats on Matt and then a few quick tags keep Matt isolated in the corner. JDC with a nice Strong Whip and Splash, tags back in Moose and Moose goes for the Camel Clutch to try and keep the pressure on but Matt starts to fight back. Moose doesn’t lose too much momentum, takes out Jeff, rocks Matt with an Uppercut into Senton and JDC tries Down and Dirty but misses! Simultaneous tags and classic Jeff Hardy offense gets a near fall that JDC has to break up.
Jeff dispatches with JDC, Moose misses Lights Out, Twist of Fate, goes for the Swanton but JDC cuts him off, Matt Twist of Fates JDC, Moose tries to pull Jeff off but gets Headbutt down and Swanton Bomb on Moose for the win! Jeff gonna go for the X Division Title now?
Twenty Three stuff happens on the tron before a commercial break, coming back Sami hits the ring calling out 23. Steph De Lander comes out to show she’s 23 because she won the Digital Media Title in the Divorce. But Sami can meet her new boyfriend, Mance Warner!Â
NXT Tag Team Championships: Fraxiom (c) vs The Rascalz
Axiom with a bit of World of Sport counters to the Arm Wringer, kicks Trey in the teeth, tags in Frazer and he rips across the ropes and kick Trey again, but Trey does turn things around. ACS Rush from The Rascalz. Quick tandem offense from Fraxiom with interwoven Forearm Shivers and a near fall. Axiom locks in a Sleeper and tries to ground Trey. Trey tries to fight back up but eats a Back Elbow. Tandem offense again, Double Superkicks from Fraxiom forces Wentz to break things up a little. Trey has been isolated for a while and Axiom is just keeping a solid Armbar but Trey fights up, manages to get away and hits a Rebound Switch Suplex.
Simultaneous tag and Wentz and Frazer go back and forth. Wentz has the early advantage, Knee Lift into the Rolling Snapmare Shining Wizard then the Running Corkscrew Moonsault. Axiom breaks up the Wentz offense, Fraxiom double teams Trey and takes him out with an Avalanche Total Elimination. More tandem spots from Fraxiom which end with a Brainbuster and Superkick combo but only two! Trey manages to get Frazer out of the ring, Wentz with the Back Handspring Knee Lift but everyone is down and a little gassed. Axiom tries a German, Wentz shrugs him off, Axiom Kips Up into a Superkick, Wentz goes for the UFO Cutter but eats the Superkick. Rascalz tandem Superkicking people out of the Sky, STREET SWEEPER for two! Cheeky Nandos, but Wes Lee hits the ring to distract the ref, Tyson and Tyriek attack, Spanish Fly into Phoenix Splash finish and Fraxion retain!
Solid match that hopefully leads to more stuff. Santana comes down to cut a typical man of the people babyface promo. But the biggest pop of the night (not counting the Hardyz) is when Mustafa Ali’s music hits! Ali is back! He says he signed with TNA.Â
Tessa comes out to cut a promo, Tully is in the crowd and cuts a decent anti-San Antonio promo. Not as good as Charles Barkley, until she mentions fat women. She’s getting a visceral negative reaction, and it’s pretty great. She basked in the heat and decent promo.
TNA World Championship: Joe Hendry (c) vs Matt Cardona
Slow start, shove from Joe so Matt powders and then they go into Arm Wringer World of Sport stuff, but still mostly posturing. At least the crowd is engaged. Cardona feints the Test of Strength, kicks Hendry and shoves him into the corner with Chops, but Joe no sells and lights up Cardona until Cardona sells to a different corner to hit a sneaky Forearm. Rope Run, Leapfrog spot which ends with Hendry hitting a Knee Lift into the Stalling Suplex. Cardona side steps Hendry after the Suplex and then hits a Wrecking Ball Dropkick before using his ripped t-shirt to choke Hendry and just gets yelled at a little. Cardona Crossbody from the steps, but Hendry catches him, throws him on his shoulders and Attitude Adjustment on the apron. Joe goes for another but Matt claws the eyes and whips Hendry into the steps.
Commercial happens and as soon as we’re back, Hendry hits a Sunset Flip into Locomotion Cradle spots before Cardona hits the Diving Polish Hammer to stall Hendry. Cardona locks in a Guillotine, but Hendry powers up and Vertical Suplexes out of it! A few right hands, Lariat, Sack of Shit into the Kip Up and the turn to the camera! Standing Ovation is being called, Cardona fights it off and hits the Flashback for a near fall. Reboot connects from Cardona, he tries another and gets caught, goes for a Powerbomb but Cardona Throat Chop, Missile Dropkick, Snap DDT for a near fall! Radio Silence attempts from Cardona, Hendry ducks it, Running Boot kills the referee, and Hendry hits a Pop Up Powerbomb for what would’ve been the win, but no ref. Cardona hits the Low Blow and then wanders over to the title, very slowly, looks to use it but OH MAH GAHD MAGGLE ITS JBLS! Clothesline from Hell hits Cardona and Hendry stares down JBL. Cardona recovers enough to hit Hendry with the title as Hendry was distracted by JBL existing.
Cardona tries the title again, Standing Ovation, 1-2-3.
Overall Score: 6.5/10
The effort to make this show special was apparent. Wes Lee, Tyriek and Tyson interfering, Cora Jade costing the faces a match, Mance Warner, JBL on a Live TNA, Mustafa Ali returning and Hendry bookending the show is good stuff. Lapsed viewers or WWE fans got to see a lot of people they recognize, sure Steph De Lander’s whole explanation was moronic, Cardona was a fart in church and JDC not eating the pinfall seems silly unless it truly does lead to a Jeff Hardy X Division challenge. But the effort was all there.
There were no real production hiccups or audio problems, the crowd was receptive to the important things, Tessa got booed out of the building but steered into it and embraced the hate. Now she just needs to walk out with a Real American Beer or have Hulk and Tully escort her out for Slammiversary or BFG, and it will truly just steer so hard into the skid people might pop for the acknowledgement.
But it was a fun show, yes the Josh stuff is stupid. The Knockouts aren’t in a great spot (but the NXT help will bolster that), and JBL is still confusing…but the show was entertaining.
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