Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Fastlane Live Report! (3/11/18)

All images courtesy of WWE’s official Twitter, and the WWE Network streaming service
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff Match, Six Man Tag: Tye Dillinger & Breezango VS Mojo Rawley, Shelton Benjamin & Chad Gable; Dillinger & Breezango win.
- Shinsuke Nakamura VS Rusev w/ Aiden English; Nakamura wins.
- WWE United States Championship: Bobby Roode VS Randy Orton; Orton wins and becomes the new WWE US Champion.
- Naomi & Becky Lynch VS Natalya & Carmella; Natalya & Carmella win.
- WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship: The Usos VS The New Day; no contest.
- WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship: Charlotte Flair VS Ruby Riott; Charlotte wins and retains the WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship.
- WWE Championship Six Pack Challenge: AJ Styles VS John Cena VS Kevin Owens VS Sami Zayn VS Baron Corbin VS Dolph Ziggler; Styles wins, and will face Shinsuke Nakamura at Wrestlemania 34.
PLAY BY PLAY
The Show-Off will be in the Social Media Lounge!
Use #AskDolph to get YOUR questions answered by @HEELZiggler during #WWEFastlane Kickoff! pic.twitter.com/vK3zyfR1G7
— WWE (@WWE) March 11, 2018
Use #AskDolph for a chance to get your questions answered ahead of Dolph Ziggler joining the wild Six Pack Challenge for the WWE Championship!
Baron Corbin speaks.
“Everybody in the Six Pack Challenge tonight wants the same thing”, and that’s to be the WWE Champion. Well that’s funny, because the Lone Wolf doesn’t care what they want or what the fans want. He only cares about what he wants: Corbin wants to be “The Face of Disappointment”; Corbin wants to be the guy to ruin all their Wrestlemania Moments; and most of all, he wants to point to that Wrestlemania sign so that Dolph Ziggler, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, AJ Styles and John Cena remember him as the guy who took their dreams and turned them into nightmares. Will Corbin live his dream of ruining everyone else’s tonight?
???
The #LoneWolf @BaronCorbinWWE is out to turn dreams into NIGHTMARES tonight at #WWEFastlane on @WWENetwork! pic.twitter.com/wMzb1A5znE
— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) March 11, 2018
Backstage interview with The New Day.
They’re ready to share pancakes with Charly, but she asks them their mind-set for tonight’s match. The Usos have said the New Day are soft and stale, but the New Day don’t care about what the Usos say. There is no team that embodies the E of WWE. People work multiple jobs just to come to these shows for entertainment. And no team entertains in or out of the ring better than The New Day! Usos say New Day is soft, stale, and stuck in the past, but then tell us how the New Day became four time tag team champions in a fraction of the time it took the Usos to become relevant?
"The only reason that the @WWEUsos are relevant today is because of the work that WE put into this tag team division!" – @TrueKofi #WWEFastlane pic.twitter.com/3X8ib9HV1H
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) March 11, 2018
Furthermore, the Usos became relevant off the hard work the New Day put in! Usos want to talk about #DownSinceDayOne, but that bond wasn’t their choice. The New Day chose to be brothers, to be Wrestlemania hosts, to be history-making tag team champions and to put the Tag Team Division back in the spotlight! Tonight, the New Day choose to leave the Usos laying while they become five time WWE tag team champions! And here, a pancake for the road. The New Day is fired up, but will they keep that flame burning or will the Usos put it out?
Sunil Singh and Jinder Mahal join the Kickoff Panel.
The #ModernDayMaharaja @JinderMahal has CRASHED the #WWEFastlane Kickoff panel…and he wants to know WHY he is not challenging for the #USTitle tonight! pic.twitter.com/5eE2vyySoB
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) March 11, 2018
“The Modern Day Maharrrrrraja” says hello to everyone, but points out that he, “the Uncrowned United States Champion”, was left out of review packages. He stood tall over both Orton and Roode in recent weeks, so why is he not part of the match as a triple threat? The fans believe it’s because “Jinder Sucks!” This disrespect from the WWE Universe and SmackDown management is insulting, especially given Mahal being forced into a double header to try and become champion. Mahal has had a great year aside from this, such as not being on the SmackDown Top Ten List.
But that aside, Mahal brings up Roode as an “egotistical mania” and a “liar”! He wants to be the true United States Champion. Who does he want to face, then? It won’t matter! Mahal has gotten the best of them both! He will watch this match closely somehow, will he like what he sees when it’s all over?
The Social Media Lounge brings Dolph Ziggler his questions.
The #ShowOff @HEELZiggler is answering YOUR questions RIGHT NOW on @WWENetwork during #WWEFastlane Kickoff! pic.twitter.com/F10Uaalx0o
— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) March 11, 2018
The Show-Off has a busy night ahead of him, but he feels like a million bucks. He’s waited for even a shred of a chance of main-eventing Wrestlemania as a world champion. Does he regret giving up the US Championship? No, not at all. At a certain point, you reach milestones, and sometimes those titles don’t mean what they should. Ziggler brings up “King” Booker T and his peasants, but Ziggler has just flat out stopped caring what the WWE Universe wants. He’s proven himself time and again, and he’s “got bigger fish to fry” tonight. In that case, are his best days behind him? No! Ziggler’s never been hurt, he’s always here, because he wants to prove how great he is, without giving a damn about what people think. Booker T likes what he hears!
Time for questions: “Do you thnik this might be your last chance at the WWE Championship?” Maybe. Every day could be the last chance to prove his legacy. Every live event, every SmackDown, even this Wrestlemania, could be his last. Can the Show-Off show the world that he isn’t done yet?
Kickoff Match, Six Man Tag: Tye Dillinger & Breezango VS Mojo Rawley, Shelton Benjamin & Chad Gable!
??????????#WWEFastlane @WWEDillinger pic.twitter.com/VjsapHOkYq
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) March 11, 2018
The Perfect Ten teams up with The Fashion Police to show #MojoRising and “American Alpha 2” aren’t #ReadyWillingAndGable to keep them down! Can he, Prince Pretty & WWE’s Lord of the Dance gain some ground in the SmackDown Singles and Tag Team Divisions?
Last year's #AndreTheGiant Memorial Battle Royal winner @MojoRawleyWWE is FOCUSED heading into this #6ManTag on #WWEFastlane Kickoff LIVE on @WWENetwork! pic.twitter.com/SqEvqrYSlj
— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) March 11, 2018
The bell rings and Gable starts with Breeze. Gable baits Breeze in and catches him, to throw him back out. He tells Breeze, “You’re a joke!” while Fandango tags in. Fandango has Tye get him his wrestling head gear! The fans love how “serious” Fandango is taking this match. He ties up with Gable but Gable gets a waistlock and slam. Fandango takes off the head gear and tags out to Breeze. Gable gives Breeze an advantage, and dares the “moron” to do something. So Breeze says “giddy-up”!
Gable gets up and swings, but Breeze dropkicks back. Benjamin comes in but gets a dropkick. Mojo comes in, Fandango hits him with an atomic drop and Tye hits a dropkick of his own. Breeze goes after Gable, but Gable evades to monkey flip Breeze out and onto his face!
???#WWEFastlane @WWEGable pic.twitter.com/LFlo6WyB79
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) March 11, 2018
Control goes to Gable’s team while we go to break.
WWE Fastlane returns, and Benjamin has control of Breeze as he arm-drags and knee drops. Benjamin drags Breeze around into an armlock with chinbar, but the fans rally for Breeze. Breeze fights his way up and reaches for his corner. Benjamin reels Breeze in for an armbar DDT, cover, TWO. Benjamin tags to Gable, and they both lift Breeze for double knees, kicks and more knees. Cover, TWO, but Gable puts Breeze back in an armlock. Breeze endures and fans rally again. Prince Pretty gets up and reaches again, but Gable wrenches and reels him into an overhead belly2belly! Cover but Fandango breaks it, so Gable tags to Mojo.
Mr. Killer Instinct stalks Breeze, then gives him a swift jab. The fans taunt, “You Can’t Wrestle!” but Mojo ignores it to headbutt Breeze. Mojo says he doesn’t care about being a wrestling wrestler, and then carries Breeze into his team’s corner. He rams shoulder after shoulder then throws Breeze to the mat. Mojo stares Tye down and then points to laugh, before giving Fandango a sucker punch! Breeze revives and enziguris Mojo down! The fans rally while both men crawl, hot tags to Tye and Gable!
The Perfect Ten rallies! He sees Mojo coming and knocks him down, then gives Gable a running chop. Gable reverses the whip but Tye runs him over! The fans chant, “TEN! TEN!” and Tye lifts Gable. Benjamin saves Gable but Fandango takes out Benjamin. Gable reverses another whip and rolls Tye up, TWO! He comes right back with the rolling kick! Tag to Benjamin, Benjamin drags Tye up while Gable climbs up. Powerbomb lift but Tye fights out. Gable jumps into the Beauty Shot! Tye dumps Benjamin out for Fandango to take care of. Mojo rolls up Tye, TWO! SUPERKICK! Then, short Tie Breaker! Cover, Tye & Breezango win! Will this help them finally return to SmackDown television?
Entertaining AND victorious, @WWEDillinger @MmmGorgeous & @WWEFandango kick things off the right way at #WWEFastlane! pic.twitter.com/cCda05DynF
— WWE (@WWE) March 11, 2018
The Race to Wrestlemania is on.
There’s only so much time left before we reach The Grandest Stage of Them All, so every championship SmackDown has is on the line to see who earns a spot. The Road to Wrestlemania narrows, who will get through this high-speed collision course?!
Shinsuke Nakamura VS Rusev w/ Aiden English!
The King of Strong Style already has his spot at Wrestlemania thanks to winning the Royal Rumble. However, the Bulgarian Lion wishes to get payback for his friend, the Drama King. Can “Rusev Daaaaaay~” ruin the Rockstar’s ride down to New Orleans? Or will a new holiday emerge to change the WWE calendar?
#DaylightSavings didn't throw anyone off…
It's still very much RUSEV DAY! #WWEFastlane @RusevBUL pic.twitter.com/ZSpDqWO1cg
— WWE (@WWE) March 12, 2018
The bell rings and Rusev circles with Nakamura while the fans duel with “Rusev Day!” “Nakamura!” Nakamura and Rusev feel it out, and Nakamura lunges in. Rusev blocks and floats to a waistlock to then throw Nakamura down. Cover, ONE, but Rusev gets hold of a facelock. Short fireman’s carry and cover, TWO, and now Nakamura gets a waistlock. Nakamura keeps Rusev from ropes, but Rusev reverses into a wristlock. Rusev digs an elbow into the armlock, then wrenches again. He reels Nakamura into a headlock but Nakamura powers out, only for Rusev to run him over. Rusev speeds things up but narrowly avoids a kick from Nakamura. He then runs out but into Nakamura’s block, flip and knee. Nakamura snapmares and knee drops, cover, ONE.
Nakamura brings Rusev up and wrenches his arm. Rusev knees low and rocks Nakamura with a haymaker. The fans keep dueling, and Rusev goes after Nakamura’s arm. He gives a quick shoulder breaker before wrenching the arm again. Nakamura rolls and cartwheels to reverse the hold. He gets a headlock but Rusev powers Nakamura to ropes. The ref calls for the break, but Rusev swings on Nakamura. Nakamura evades, and then says, “C’MON!”
And now a message for @RusevBUL from the ARTIST known as @ShinsukeN…#WWEFastlane pic.twitter.com/Dwq51MalIB
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) March 12, 2018
Rusev doesn’t fall for it, he rolls out of the ring. He regroups with English to cool things off, but Nakamura still says “C’MON!” Rusev brushes it off, grinning as he paces. Nakamura dares Rusev to get in while the referee counts, but Rusev takes his time. He does reenter, to then exit again.
Nakamura gets fed up with that, and goes right after Rusev! He strikes, then puts Rusev on the apron for a big knee lift. Then a knee drop! Rusev goes down, and Nakamura puts him back in again. The fans keep dueling while Nakamura climbs up, but Rusev catches him with a full body attack! Rusev keeps on Nakamura by whipping him into barriers, then ramming him into the apron edge. He rams Nakamura into more barriers, then puts him back in the ring. Cover, TWO! Rusev keeps his cool as he stalks Nakamura. He stomps Nakamura, then drags him up by his hair into a cobra clutch. Nakamura endures the squeeze, and the fans rally. He fights out of the hold, then rolls Rusev into a heel hook!
Rusev reaches and crawls and gets the ropebreak. Nakamura lets go, but then swings a kick, to end up in a swinging side slam!
Just a reminder that @RusevBUL is called the BULGARIAN BRUTE for a reason!#WWEFastlane pic.twitter.com/UNFTMnx1Nq
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) March 12, 2018
Cover, TWO! Rusev hobbles on that bad leg, the heel hook clearly did some damage for the short time it was on. Rusev glares at Nakamura before dropping running elbows. He slows down because of the bad ankle, but fans keep dueling. Rusev puts Nakamura into a half straitjacket hold. Fans rally and Nakamura gets up and fights out. Rusev knees low and backs Nakamura down, then whips to ropes. Nakamura evades, dynamic dropkick! Nakamura stands up and starts kicking away at Rusev’s chest. Rusev blocks one but not the other, and staggers to a corner. Nakamura runs in corner to corner for a knee, then lifts Rusev onto the ropes for the Top Shelf Knee! Cover, TWO!
Nakamura doesn’t slow down, he just rams knees into Rusev’s ribs. He drags Rusev up with a facelock, even a guillotine, but Rusev picks him up, only for that bad leg to bring him back down. Rusev tries again, but the leg keeps him down. Nakamura keeps squeezing, but Rusev uses what power he has to lift Nakamura for a Fall Away Slam! Rusev gasps for air, recovering while Nakamura is stirring. Rusev stands up first but Nakamura unleashes the strike fest! Nakamura runs, but into a pop-up knee to roundhouse! Cover, TWO! Rusev can’t believe it! He keeps gasping for air while Nakamura has eyes glazed over.
Rusev glares at Nakamura and stomps about to prepare himself. He throws in a kick but Nakamura rocks Rusev with more strikes. Rusev kicks back, kicking Nakamura’s legs, but Nakamura knees Rusev down for an ax kick! Nakamura takes aim, firing up for his finish, and runs in only for Rusev to side step him. Rusev then rolls Nakamura, TWO, into the Accolade! But Nakamura resists and reverses to a Sunset Flip, TWO! Nakamura swings a kick, Rusev ducks, but that second kick catches Rusev on the back end! Nakamura returns to a corner and takes aim. He runs out, but into a MACHKA KICK!!
MACHKA KICK! Is it about to become a very Happy #RusevDay LIVE on @WWENetwork?! #WWEFastlane pic.twitter.com/inmd8e5p3t
— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) March 12, 2018
Rusev is slow to a cover, and arrogant at that, TWO! And now Rusev is doubting himself. English and the fans chant “Rusev Day!” to encourage him. He says “MACHAK!” and goes for another Accolade, but Nakamura slips out to KINSHASA Rusev in the back of the head! Nakamura isn’t done there, he gives Rusev a KINSHASA to the front!
Cover, Nakamura wins! The King of Strong Style conquers the Bulgarian Brute, can he do the same to whoever he faces at Wrestlemania?
#WrestleMania is still FIRMLY in sight for @ShinsukeN as he puts @RusevBUL away with the #Kinshasa at #WWEFastlane! pic.twitter.com/bfNxQx9f3H
— WWE (@WWE) March 12, 2018
WWE United States Championship: Bobby Roode VS Randy Orton!
???@RandyOrton is all about making HISTORY right now at #WWEFastlane. pic.twitter.com/UEtrliLwLZ
— WWE (@WWE) March 12, 2018
Regardless of what anyone thinks, or what Jinder Mahal says, this isn’t personal between The Viper and The GLORIOUS One. Roode wants to become the greatest WWE United States Champion ever, while Orton wants to check it off to finally become a WWE Grand Slam Champion. Who will take a step towards history with a victory here tonight?
The #USTitle is about to be decided RIGHT NOW LIVE on @WWENetwork, and it's going to be GLORIOUS! #WWEFastlane pic.twitter.com/9PF7Axn8bl
— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) March 12, 2018
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The belt is raised, the bell rings, and we begin! Orton and Roode circle then tie up, Roode gets the waistlock. Orton gets the standing switch but Roode works his way out of the hold. Roode goes after the wrist, wrenches the arm and yanks on the shoulder. Orton drops to a knee, but stands back up to drop toehold Roode down. He puts Roode in the front facelock but Roode spins out, the fans applaud this momentary stalemate.
Roode and Orton tie up again, Orton gets the headlock. Roode powers out but Orton runs him over, then poses. Orton speeds things up but now Roode runs him over, and Orton gets to a corner. Roode stares Orton down from across the way before circling again. They tie up, Roode gets a headlock, but Orton powers out again. Roode runs Orton over and hits HIS pose. Now Roode speeds things up, Orton back elbows Roode down. Orton watches Roode get to a corner, and stares him down now. The fans chant “RKO! RKO!” for the Viper, but Roode just grins before tying up again.
Orton puts on another headlock, Roode powers him to a corner. Orton gives a European Uppercut in the break, but Roode chops him back. Roode checks his jaw before whipping Orton corner to corner. Orton comes out, evades and goes for the RKO but Roode narrowly avoids it. Roode catches his breath on the outside while Orton brushes off the chop. The ref begins a count but Roode comes in, Orton allowing him. Fans start dueling while they tie up again. Roode gets the headlock but Orton powers him to a corner now. The break is tense again, Roode catches Orton with a chop. Orton hits another EuroUpper then whips Roode corner to corner. Roode goes up and over and goes for the DDT, but Orton narrowly escapes now. Orton composes himself while Roode grins and fires up.
Jinder Mahal watches this backstage, and is apparently dressed to compete.
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Mahal shakes his head while Orton walks back into the ring. Roode allows it, then they tie up again. They push each other at the ropes, going back and forth, but Orton ends up on the inside. The break isn’t clean as Orton kicks low and then hangs Roode up on that top rope. Cover, ONE, but Orton isn’t frustrated. Orton stalks Roode, stomping away as only Orton can. He drags Roode up to kick him in the ribs. Roode gets to a corner, and Orton gives him a haymaker. Orton whips corner to corner but Roode fires out with a lariat. Cover, ONE, and Roode takes a moment to catch his breath while Orton checks his shoulder. Roode stomps that hand, and a knee drop. Cover, TWO, but Roode keeps on Orton with a chinlock.
Orton endures, the fans rally, and Orton stands up. Roode keeps on him, shifting position to bring Orton back to his knees. Orton tries again, and fights out with body shots. Roode kicks back, then drags Orton up for a suplex. Orton blocks, and counters with his own suplex! Both Orton and Roode need a moment to catch their breath. Orton stalks Roode but Roode swings first, only to be countered with right hands. Roode evades and rallies with clotheslines! He gives on in the corner, then brings Orton out for a neckbreaker. Roode climbs up while Orton is down, takes aim at him, and hits a flying clothesline! Orton goes down again, and Roode fires up. He winds it up, and GLORIOUS Pose!
The #USChampion is FEELIN' IT! Is @REALBobbyRoode closing in on a GLORIOUS victory? #WWEFastlane #USTitle pic.twitter.com/qq5bS8d3mC
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) March 12, 2018
Roode grabs Orton, but Orton rolls, TWO! Now Orton rallies with clotheslines of his own, and evades Roode to hit the spinning powerslam!
Roode rolls to the apron but Orton knows what to do with this. The fans cheer while Orton drags Roode between the ropes. Orton has Roode but Roode throws Orton to the apron. Roode turns around but into a hotshot! Orton slithers in but runs into boots. Roode hops up again, GLORIOUS Blockbuster!
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Cover, TWO! Roode keeps his cool while Orton gets himself to a corner. Roode chops Orton again, then whips corner to corner. Orton reverses but ROode goes up, only to be caught and put on the apron. Roode hits back but his shoulder is caught with a kick, then the Draping DDT! Fans cheer for it, and Orton hears the voices in his head. Orton stalks Roode, but Roode avoids another one. He kicks low, but Orton counters the DDT and sits on the sunset, TWO! Roode staggers but evades to clothesline Orton out of the ring. Roode catches his breath while Orton crawls on the ground. He then rolls out to stalk Orton. They go around the corner, and Roode whips Orton at the time keeper’s area, only for Orton to reverse and send him into those barriers! Then, ORton lifts Roode to back suplex him onto those barriers!
Is this becoming the new VINTAGE @RandyOrton?#WWEFastlane #USTitle pic.twitter.com/N7JD9O3Joi
— WWE (@WWE) March 12, 2018
Roode writhes on the ground while the count reaches 7. Orton puts Roode in at 8, covers, TWO! Orton keeps his cool as he stands back up. He stalks Roode now, and drags him over to a corner. Orton hoists Roode up to the top then gives him right hands. He climbs up to join Roode, and prepares, but Roode resists. Roode tries to pry Orton off, and clubs him back. Roode has a plan, and adjusts, sunset flip and powerbomb! Cover, TWO! Roode slumps over, tiring out from this fight. He drags himself up and thinks on what he has to do to win. Roode gets himself back over to a corner and climbs back up top. Orton revives and trips him up! Orton climbs up again, and with a weakened Roode, he hits the top rope SUPERPLEX!
TEXTBOOK SUPERPLEX.#WWEFastlane @RandyOrton pic.twitter.com/BULs8CTTQq
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) March 12, 2018
The impact was so strong, Orton can’t crawl to the cover right away. He makes it over to Roode, covers, TWO! Now Orton feels frustration over falling short of putting his opponent away. They both stand up and start throwing haymakers. Roode kicks, Orton kicks, Roode punches and Orton staggers. Orton comes back with a kick to the ribs but Roode punches back. Orton hits a EuroUpper, and another, but the third is countered to a backslide, TWO! Roode goes for the DDT, Orton slips out but the RKO is denied, GLORIOUS SPINEBUSTER! TWO! Roode is again at a loss for what to do. He sits, head in hands, as he thinks everything over.
Roode eyes the Wrestlemania sign, and stands up. He wont’ let Orton deny him, and grabs a waistlock. Orton elbows Roode back and Roode staggers to a corner. Orton runs in but into more boots. Roode hops up and jumps, but into the RKO!!
Cover, Orton wins! The Viper is the NEW United States and Grand Slam Champion!
#TheViper just hit a GRAND SLAM…@RandyOrton is your NEW #USChampion! #WWEFastlane pic.twitter.com/hEH78LBx6b
— WWE (@WWE) March 12, 2018
Orton makes history, but he doesn’t celebrate long as Jinder Mahal comes out to the ring.
Here's one man who is NOT happy to see @RandyOrton with the #USTitle! @JinderMahal #WWEFastlane pic.twitter.com/7TXuc4eAco
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) March 12, 2018
The Maharaja glares at The Viper, and the “Uncrowned United States Champion” storms right up to the ring. Mahal steps into the ring with Orton, and attacks the exhausted champion. However, Roode slides back in and hits Mahal with a GLORIOUS DDT!
The former champion then grabs the new champion, to give him a GLORIOUS DDT, too!
Roode’s mission of becoming the greatest United States Champion may be put on hold, but can he regain the gold when he has a rematch with Orton on the homestretch to Wrestlemania?
It's back to the drawing board for @REALBobbyRoode…but he DID just lay out @JinderMahal & @RandyOrton with a #GloriousDDT!#WWEFastlane pic.twitter.com/3SD76iRX4k
— WWE (@WWE) March 12, 2018
Sami Zayn finds Kevin Owens backstage.
CAN @FightOwensFight still count on @SamiZayn as his "guardian angel"?
Remains to be seen… #WWEFastlane pic.twitter.com/GDNjFDEYN0
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) March 12, 2018
Kevin is not in the mood to talk to Sami, or is Sami here to lie to him again? What is Kevin talking about? Sami knows what Kevin is talking about! Sami promises to lie down for Kevin in the main event but then Helluva Kicks him on SmackDown?! Yes, Sami did that, because he meant laying down in the championship match. Who cares about SmackDown? This is tonight, this is still Sami “your Guardian Angel.” Count on Sami to- Kevin leaves, not hearing Sami finish. Will Sami still keep his word? Or will Kevin get him before he gets Kevin?
Naomi & Becky Lynch VS Natalya & Carmella!
The GLOW has taken over Columbus, Ohio…
HERE COMES @NaomiWWE! #WWEFastlane pic.twitter.com/sutRFchxdE
— WWE (@WWE) March 12, 2018
#WWEFastlane just got a dose of the #IrishLassKicker! @BeckyLynchWWE pic.twitter.com/9Taug4yX18
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) March 12, 2018
A war of words on social media led to a SmackDown singles match. Then a war of words backstage led to this tag team match! Which duo will down the other to step up towards the top of the SmackDown Women’s Division?
F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S.
Ms. #MITB @CarmellaWWE is skipping her way to the ring LIVE on @WWENetwork! #WWEFastlane pic.twitter.com/mds8UhcfnB
— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) March 12, 2018
Feast your eyes on the ? of ??? @NatbyNature! #WWEFastlane pic.twitter.com/yy5DYcLKT5
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) March 12, 2018
The Lass Kicker starts with the FABULOUS Ms. Money in the Bank. They tie up, pushing each other to ropes. Becky brings Carmella off the ropes and rolls her up, TWO, but Becky says it was close. Carmella shoves Becky, Becky shoves back. Carmella goes to slap but almost ends up in the Disarm-Her! She gets to ropes and screams for the break, to then sucker kick Becky. Natty tags in, and the Queen of Harts kicks Becky low before hitting a snap suplex. She walks on Becky and taunts Naomi but Becky rolls her up, TWO.
Becky arm-drags Natty, then brings her over to tag in Naomi. Double snapmare leads to double kicks, then Naomi hits the sliding slap! Cover, TWO, but Naomi keeps on Natty with a chinlock. Natty fights out and shoves Naomi, so Naomi kicks back. Naomi dodges a swing and headscissors Natty down! Natty ends up in a corner but dodges Naomi for the rebound sit-down and runs, but Naomi counters with a wheelbarrow stunner! She then drags Natty into position, hops up but Carmella distracts. Natty uses that to get Naomi with a sit-out powerbomb! Cover, TWO! Natty embraces the heat as she poses and taunts. Cover again, TWO, so Natty drags Naomi over to her corner. Carmella tags in, they both throw Naomi down by her hair, then split the wishbone.
Good teamwork by @CarmellaWWE and @NatbyNature early on…much to the dismay of @NaomiWWE! #WWEFastlane pic.twitter.com/0VoOxYKpYI
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) March 12, 2018
Carmella keeps on Naomi and bumps her off her boot to then stomp a Fabulous Mudhole. She moonwalks away, then hits the Fabulous Bronco Buster! Cover, TWO, so Carmella grinds Naomi’s face into the mat. She drives elbows into Naomi before thrashing her in a chinlock. Carmella mocks the glow while fans rally for Naomi. Naomi gets up and fights back with wild body shots. Carmella slips out of the scoop to then yank Naomi down by her hair! She brings Naomi back over by her hair to tag in Natty. Natty brings Naomi up and snapmares into another chinlock. Natty taunts the Naomi fans but Naomi endurse while fans rally again. Naomi fights up and arm-drags out, but jumps for a tag only for Natty to carry her all the way back.
Tag to Carmella, and Carmella puts Naomi in a hanging headscissor hold! Carmella lets go at 4, then uses Naomi’s hair to pull her against the ropes! Naomi slaps Carmella, Carmella slaps her back, and then clubs away with forearms. She leaves Naomi on the apron to knee her back, covers, TWO. Tag to Natty, and Carmella whips but Naomi reverses to tackle Carmella into the corner! Natty comes in and pulls Naomi away, but Naomi escapes the back suplex to tag Becky! Becky rallies on Natty with clotheslines and a calf kick. She kicks and throws Natty with a Becksploder!
RING THE ALARM… because @BeckyLynchWWE is bringing the STRAIGHT ?????!#WWEFastlane pic.twitter.com/RfF3OxQmtT
— WWE (@WWE) March 12, 2018
Natty ends up in a corner, and Becky takes aim. Becky runs for the Straight Fire-arm, but Natty puts her on the apron. Becky knocks Natty away then climbs up, and jump for the missile dropkick! Natty tags Carmella but Becky keeps rallying even on Ms. MITB. Carmella jawbreakers, Naomi tags in to roundhouse and sunset flip, TWO! Naomi whips but Carmella avoids Rear View. Carmella whips but Naomi tags while springboarding for the roundhouse. Becky climbs up again, and hits a super leg drop! Cover, Natty breaks it!
Naomi comes back in but Natty throws her out the other side. Becky throws Natty out, but Carmella evades in the corner. Becky back elbows and climbs up again, booting Carmella down. Natty distracts, allowing Carmella to hit the FABULOUS Steiner! Cover, Naomi breaks it just in time. Carmella gives Naomi a sucker punch, then hurries to get her briefcase! Becky intercepts, but still runs into a FABULOUS Kick!
pic10
Cover, Carmella & Natty win! Teamwork and deception win out, but will Carmella have the confidence to cash-in tonight?
????????????#WWEFastlane @CarmellaWWE @NatbyNature pic.twitter.com/3ARwBgzs5c
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) March 12, 2018
WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship: The Usos VS The New Day!
GET THESE CAKES… @WWEBigE @TrueKofi & @XavierWoodsPhD are in the house!#WWEFastlane #NewDayRocks ? pic.twitter.com/00lxWEiyTN
— WWE (@WWE) March 12, 2018
As if the amazing back and forth between these two teams during 2017 wasn’t enough, they go one more time in 2018! Can Jimmy & Jey finally earn a spot on Wrestlemania’s star-studded stage? Or will the Power of Positivity finally break out of the Penitentiary to prove why they’re the greatest in WWE now, then and forever?
You down with @WWENetwork since DAY ONE?
The @WWEUsos defend the #SDLive #TagTeamTitles LIVE RIGHT NOW at #WWEFastlane against #TheNewDay! pic.twitter.com/knpzwkrmvn
— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) March 12, 2018
The belts are raised and Jimmy starts with Xavier Woods. They trash talk, pointing to the Wrestlemania sign. Things get heated, and Woods throws the first punch. The brawl goes back and forth, Jimmy rocking with an uppercut. Woods whips but Jey tags in, then waits until Woods isn’t looking to slip in and SUPERKICK Woods down!
We're off and running…#WWEFastlane @WWEUsos @XavierWoodsPhD @TrueKofi @WWEBigE pic.twitter.com/l6VvvPHGtM
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) March 12, 2018
The Usos isolate Woods to stomp a mudhole into him in their corner, tagging in and out a la the New Day’s stampede. They even stomp to “New! Day Rocks!” rhythm. Tag back to Jey, and Jimmy holds Woods in for Jey to forearm smash. Cover, TWO, but Jey keeps on Woods with a chinlock. Woods endures the squeeze and fans rally for him. He gets to his feet and arm-drags out, then slides under to tag in Kofi! Springboard clothesline and Kofi rallies with double ax handles. He dropkicks Jey down, then Jimmy, then hits a jumping clothesline on Jey. Kofi runs, “New Day!” boom drop! He gets the fans going as he takes aim at Jey, but Jey blocks Trouble in Paradise. Kofi escapes the back suplex but not the dragon whip kick.
Tag to Jimmy, and Jey runs in only for Kofi to stomp him down. Kofi clotheslines Jimmy back out, not realizing he’s legal. Kofi sees Jey, and decides to copy the running hip attack! It connects!
#TheNewDay has been doing their homework…#WWEFastlane pic.twitter.com/LtfEQM0e4Z
— WWE (@WWE) March 12, 2018
But then Jimmy returns to run Kofi over! Mule kick to uppercut, Woods comes in but gets the pop-up Samoan Drop! Jimmy dodges Kofi to clothesline him back, and steal the Boom Drop! Jimmy then copies the New Day clap, and takes aim at Kofi, for a chance to steal Trouble in Paradise! Kofi ducks under, tries his own, but Jimmy dodges that to tag Jey. Jimmy scoops Kofi, Jey climbs up, and they steal the Midnight Hour!!
…and so have The @WWEUsos! #homework#WWEFastlane pic.twitter.com/XLgPApUmvo
— WWE (@WWE) March 12, 2018
Jey hurries to cover, TWO!! Kofi survives his own team finisher, but Jey keeps eyes on him. He runs in corner to corner, but Kofi dodges the splash! Jey and Kofi are down, Woods is back on his corner. Kofi crawls over but Jey anchors his feet. Kofi kicks Jey away and tags Woods! Woods dodges Jey to knock Jimmy down, Jey rolls up, TWO. They speed up, SUPERKICK but Woods still hits the roaring elbow! SUPERKICK from Woods to Jey, Kofi swing kicks Jimmy and Woods SUPERKICKS again! Another SUPERKICK to Jey, and Kofi tags in. Kofi climbs up, takes aim, and Woods hits another SUPERKICK, then launches for the Uce Splash!!
He hits, he covers, TWO!! The New Day can’t believe it! They stole the Usos’ moves but it didn’t finish them off, either! Kofi tags Woods back in, and the two go to opposite corners. They’re preparing to steal another move, but Jimmy shoves Kofi down. Woods runs in but is sent out, and Jimmy gets his brother back up. The Usos build speed together, and they both FLY!
The Usos wipe out all of the New Day! All five men are down on the outside, when the Bludgeon Brothers appear!
EVERYONE. LEAVE. NOW.#WWEFastlane #BludgeonBrothers pic.twitter.com/E3nWMrURTv
— WWE (@WWE) March 12, 2018
The menacing Harper & Rowan head down to the ring, armed with their hammers. Big E gets up first, and gets knocked down first! The match is thrown out but the Bludgeon Brothers keep going, beating up each Uso and then Kofi and Woods! Kofi is sent flying into a post, and Jey is sent into stairs. Jimmy is fed to the Scrapbuster!
Guess who didn't want to see #TheNewDay and The @WWEUsos finish their rivalry…
The BLUDGEON BROTHERS! #WWEFastlane pic.twitter.com/L7suzv8Q3R
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) March 12, 2018
Big E is brought into the ring, as is Woods. Rowan puts Woods on the apron, for a double boot sandwich!
That’s not all for Woods, he suffers a double draping suplex! Then Harper & Rowan turn their attention to Big E in the corner. Harper rams Big E while Rowan throws Kofi, then Harper throws Big E out so Rowan can come around and run him over! The Bludgeon Brothers return their attention to the Usos, taking one each for the powerslam sandwich! They stack the Usos, then Harper becomes a weapon for the scoop slam senton. Rowan tops it off with the big body splash, but they’re still not done!
Harper sits Jey up against steps, and then they get the hammers. Rowan swings, but Jey narrowly avoids the hit! However, Harper just body checks Jey into the crowd! The Bludgeon Brothers start to leave, but then decide they’re not done with Woods yet. Harper sets up steel steps and Rowan brings Woods over, for a powerbomb to the steps!!
Pure carnage.#WWEFastlane #BludgeonBrothers pic.twitter.com/koKzWkVz2e
— WWE (@WWE) March 12, 2018
The Bludgeon Brothers finally leave, having completely annihilated the SmackDown Tag Team title scene. Who will even be left standing to claim those titles with Harper & Rowan around?
Backstage interview with AJ Styles.
The Phenomenal One has the odds stacked against him. What does that do his confidence? He’s been talking about the odds for weeks now, and compared to other WWE Champions, this is probably the hardest any champion has worked to get to Wrestlemania. But Styles has a smile on his face because he’s done this his entire life. Styles did the impossible and made it phenomenal. His Wrestlemania Moment starts tonight. Styles has beaten all of the men in this match tonight 1v1, so– Shinsuke Nakamura appears!
Nakamura wishes Styles good luck. Nakamura wants Styles to win so that at Wrestlemania- Just stop, Shinsuke! Styles will make it to Wrestlemania to defend the title and it’ll be Nakamura who gets beat! Nakamura seems to like the sound of that. Will both Nakamura and Styles get what they want on the Grandest Stage of Them All?
"I'm going to @WrestleMania…and it'll be YOU @ShinsukeN who gets BEAT!" – @WWE Champion @AJStylesOrg #WWEFastlane pic.twitter.com/wvrAtYbNcn
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) March 12, 2018
WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship: Charlotte Flair VS Ruby Riott!
No @YaOnlyLivvOnce or @sarahloganwwe in tow as @RubyRiottWWE heads into her first-ever opportunity at the #SDLive #WomensTitle… #WWEFastlane pic.twitter.com/ebBdnOewV2
— WWE (@WWE) March 12, 2018
The Squad leader and the Queen of Flair are each 2-0 on the other’s allies, and now one will get the clean sweep along with the title. Who will win to take the SmackDown Women’s Championship all the way to Wrestlemania?
The champ is doing champ things…@MsCharlotteWWE defends the #SDLive #WomensTitle against @RubyRiottWWE LIVE RIGHT NOW on @WWENetwork! #WWEFastlane pic.twitter.com/1MCF6WIz2A
— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) March 12, 2018
The belt is raised, the bell rings, and it begins. Ruby gets the waistlock and wristlock, wanting her finish! Charlotte narrowly avoids that, and they circle again. Ruby gets the headlock and takeover but narrowly avoids the Figure Four. They circle again as “WOO!” echoes out with the fans. They tie up, Charlotte reversing a wristlock but Ruby grabbing hair. Charlotte gets to ropes and Ruby lets go, only to kick the rope to jack the jaw! Ruby puts on a headlock, Charlotte powers out, then catches Ruby for a Fall Away Slam!
Charlotte runs in but Ruby boots her away. Ruby hops up but Charlotte runs in again, only for Ruby to turn that into a sleeper. Charlotte bumps her off buckles but Ruby holds on, so they tumble to the apron and the floor! They both stand up but Charlotte rams Ruby into barriers. She then throws Ruby back into them, and then into the ring. Charlotte then spots someone creeping up behind, it’s Sarah Logan AND Liv Morgan!
That didn't take long…#WWEFastlane @sarahloganwwe @YaOnlyLivvOnce pic.twitter.com/zm1q7fdihs
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) March 12, 2018
The Squad has assembled, but Ruby is the one to strike with a sucker kick to the back of Charlotte’s head! Ruby puts Charlotte back in the ring, and hits the Riott Kick! Charlotte goes down, Ruby covers, TWO!? Ruby’s best move didn’t finish Charlotte? Ruby drags Charlotte up and dumps her out, then claims something got in her eye. This allows Sarah & Liv to slink around to where Charlotte is, but Naomi & Becky appear to back them off.
The Squad can’t do anything now that #RoyalGlowFire is all together. Ruby puts Charlotte in the ring and rains down rights to make up for that. The Squad cheers while the fans jeer, but Ruby hits Charlotte with a snap suplex. She rolls through to try another but Charlotte counters with a slingshot suplex! Ruby crawls away, Charlotte runs in but into a mule kick. Ruby uses Deadly Nightshade to ram Charlotte into buckles! She dumps Charlotte down again, then climbs up to fall back for the stage dive senton. Cover, TWO, but the Squad taunts Charlotte. Ruby drags Charlotte up and bounces her off the mat a couple times. The Squad applauds as Ruby drags Charlotte up into a straitjacket hold. Especially when Ruby adds her knees into it.
The #RiottSquad's @sarahloganwwe & @YaOnlyLivvOnce are lovin' what they see from @RubyRiottWWE… #WWEFastlane pic.twitter.com/tIfafTWhKI
— WWE (@WWE) March 12, 2018
Charlotte endures the bending and stretching but fans are rallying for The Queen. Charlotte works her way back up to her feet, but Ruby bends her all the way back! Ruby gets on top of Charlotte, and makes her look at her friends. Ruby says “They’re gonna see you fail!” as she thrashes Charlotte around. The fans keep rallying, and Charlotte feeds off the energy to get up. Ruby reels her out for an STO! Cover, TWO, and Ruby grows frustrated. She stomps on Charlotte before going to a corner and climb up again. She cannonballs but gets knees to her back! Charlotte evades but Ruby puts up boots, only to end up in a draping neckbreaker! She doesn’t cover, she climbs over and up, but Ruby shoves her down! Charlotte hits barriers! Charlotte stirs with the ring count, so Ruby runs and DIVES! But she’s caught, into an exploder!
Ruby hits barriers, and Charlotte climbs up to then MOONSAULT on Ruby! Charlotte drags Ruby up and in, then covers, TWO! Charlotte tackles Ruby into the takedown but Ruby pushes her away. Ruby stands up, but Charlotte leaps for a big knee strike! Ruby staggers, Charlotte runs in, but misses and hits buckles. She still boots Ruby away, then climbs up, but Ruby rocks her with a forearm. Ruby climbs up, slapping Charlotte on the way, and hits a SUPER STEINER! Cover, TWO! And Ruby can’t believe it! She grimaces as she thinks of what to do next.
Ruby brings Charlotte up to give her chops! But Charlotte only grows stronger, and slaps Ruby back before giving her those Flair chops! Chop after chop after chop, then even more chops! Charlotte whips but Ruby holds ropes, only to end up in a backbreaker and shot into the ropes. Ruby gasps but kicks Charlotte back to push Charlotte into buckles! Then the Squad slink in to provoke Becky & Naomi! The referee catches Becky & Naomi, and ejects them! The Squad goes after Charlotte behind his back! But then the referee suspects something, and decides to eject Sarah & Liv! Now it’s back to just champion and challenger, as it was meant to be!
Shortly after baiting @NaomiWWE & @BeckyLynchWWE into getting EJECTED from ringside…
THERE GOES THE RIOTT SQUAD, TOO! #WWEFastlane pic.twitter.com/BtUgPvMXib
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) March 12, 2018
Ruby protests, but doesn’t see Charlotte returning. Charlotte chops, then back suplex, then boots! She’s not done, she puts on the Figure Four, but Ruby counters with a small package! TWO! Ruby wants another Riott Kick but Charlotte reverses to whip Ruby. Ruby goes up, but no Deadly Nightshade this time. Charlotte swings Ruby out then in for an inverted Alabama Slam on buckles!
Charlotte catches her breath as Ruby staggers and flounders in the corner. Ruby staggers out, Charlotte runs in, SPEAR! Then, Figure Four to Figure Eight!
Ruby taps, Charlotte wins! The Queen retains the SmackDown Women’s Championship! She gets the 3-0 sweep to keep her throne as the top woman on the Blue Brand!
THE QUEEN continues to reign as @MsCharlotteWWE retains the #SDLive #WomensTitle! #WWEFastlane pic.twitter.com/YDTOo42XBD
— WWE (@WWE) March 12, 2018
Wait a minute, Asuka’s here?!
Wait a minute…
WHAT IS @WWEAsuka DOING HERE?! #WWEFastlane pic.twitter.com/sqEW69Nf6J
— WWE (@WWE) March 12, 2018
Raw’s Empress of Tomorrow is here on a SmackDown Pay-Per-View?! And she enters the ring to be face-to-face with Charlotte! Asuka did win the inaugural Women’s Royal Rumble match, and has yet to state which title she wants, so is this her way of challenging Charlotte? She has a huge grin on her face, and the fans are chanting “YES! YES!” Asuka then points at the Wrestlemania sign, that pretty much clears it up! If nobody is ready for Asuka, will Charlotte be ready for her in time for Wrestlemania?!
SHE'S MADE HER DECISION.
The first-ever Women's #RoyalRumble match winner @WWEAsuka wants @MsCharlotteWWE at @WrestleMania! #WWEFastlane pic.twitter.com/aBXpfVFyFF
— WWE (@WWE) March 12, 2018
SmackDown Commissioner, Shane McMahon, appears!
#SDLive Commissioner @shanemcmahon is READY for this main event.#WWEFastlane pic.twitter.com/96ssnAZxUK
— WWE (@WWE) March 12, 2018
Shane O’Mac is here to watch this important and incredible main event that he essentially had a hand in creating.
WWE Championship Six Pack Challenge: AJ Styles VS John Cena VS Kevin Owens VS Sami Zayn VS Baron Corbin VS Dolph Ziggler!
What was a triple threat eventually spiraled into a Fatal 5, and then finally slammed into this star-studded six man one-fall match when the Face that Runs the Place desperately wanted a Road to Wrestlemania! Whether it is John Cena making history as a 17-time world champion, the Phenomenal One keeping his Wrestlemania Dream (Re)Match alive, or one of the other four shocking the world, only one man can face the King of Strong Style on the Grandest Stage of Them All!
The tension mounts, the bell rings, and Sami runs right at Cena only to end up in an AA! Kevin tries, but he runs into an AA! Corbin tries, gets an AA! Ziggler, into an AA! Styles fakes Cena out, not letting Cena complete the set. The fans are fired up seeing this amazing match-up once again.
Cena and Styles circle, but the dueling chants are thunderous. They tie up, Cena gets the headlock, Styles powers out. Cena runs Styles over, and embraces the cheers, jeers and boos. Styles springs up to hit back, but Cena gives his own haymakers. They go back and forth, “Yay!” for Styles and “Boo!” for Cena. Styles misses, Cena gets the fireman’s, but Styles lands out of the AA to kick and go for the Clash. Cena counters into the fireman’s carry, but Styles slips out to the apron. Styles backs Cena off, but then everyone else returns. From Styles to Kevin to Sami to Ziggler and Corbin, they all eye Cena.
It's every man for himself on @WWENetwork, but right now EVERY man wants a piece of @JohnCena!#WWEFastlane pic.twitter.com/bnMswN0all
— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) March 12, 2018
Cena realizes the situation he’s in, and so do the fans. They chant “YES! YES!” and Cena ends up in a 5v1 beating! He takes punches, stomps and kicks, then is thrown right out of the ring. That leaves the other five to brawl as they see fit! Kevin throws Styles out while Ziggler and Corbin force Sami out, but the brawls continue even on the outside. Styles rocks Kevin, but Corbin pounces on Styles! Ziggler puts Sami into barriers while Corbin does the same to Styles, then Corbin rocks Kevin with a forearm. Sami fights back on Ziggler while Corbin puts Styles in the ring. Kevin hits Corbin, Corbin bowls Kevin into barriers.
Corbin returns in the ring and Styles rolls him up, TWO! Styles dumps Corbin out, but then Sami grabs Styles. Standing switch and roll up, TWO, so Styles throws Sami out. Kevin comes in, whips but Styles reverses the pop-up into a roll-up, TWO. Styles hits Kevin with a wheelbarrow facebuster! Corbin returns but Styles kicks him to sliding forearm him down. Ziggler in, gets an Ushigoroshi! Sami runs in but into Styles’ boot. Styles hops up, moonsault DDT! Kevin breaks the cover, saving both “friend” and match. Sami slips out, leaving Kevin alone with Styles.
Styles puts Kevin on the apron but Kevin hits back. Kevin climbs up, but Styles revives to stop him short. They brawl while Styles climbs up, and Styles wants the superplex. Kevin resists, hits back and sends Styles down. Corbin returns to throw Styles out but Sami boots Corbin, for Corbin to boot back. Cena returns and runs Corbin over! Ziggler in, and hits Cena with the satellite DDT! But then Kevin frog splashes on Ziggler!
Wait for it…#WWEFastlane pic.twitter.com/yNFMoxhwQd
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) March 12, 2018
Styles breaks the cover just in time, and all six men are down. Kevin and Styles are the first up, the fans dueling again. Styles and Kevin brawl back and forth, a revisit from the US Championship rivalry. Styles unleashes a strike fest, Kevin breaks the combo with a right hand, but Styles hits the Pele! He hurries to bring Kevin into the Clash but Kevin sends Styles up and out. Corbin returns, but runs into a back elbow. He still grabs Kevin by the throat, for a Choke Slam Backbreaker! Ziggler in with the Zig-Zag!
But Cena’s back, and runs Ziggler over with the signature shoulder tackles. Cena hits Ziggler with the spin-out bomb, but he sees Sami coming in, so he uses another spin-out bomb to set Sami right beside Ziggler. Deja vu to Elimination Chamber, “You Can’t See Me!” and TEN Knuckle Shuffle! Cena targets Ziggler, fireman’s carry, but Ziggler counters with a Famouser!
Cover, TWO! Ziggler is frustrated, but stands up and stalks Cena. He tunes up the band a la HBK, and Cena stands, but dodges! Takedown, into the STF! Ziggler flails and reaches, but Styles returns to break up the hold. Cena staggers up, Styles grabs him in the Clash, but Cena counters with a fireman’s carry, only for Styles to counter back! STYLES CLASH!!
Let's all take a moment to admire the beauty (and flat-out devastation) of the #StylesClash!#WWEFastlane #WWEChampionship @AJStylesOrg pic.twitter.com/NKaBPiIcQq
— WWE (@WWE) March 12, 2018
Cover, but Sami breaks it just in time! Sami rains rights down on Styles, then lefts, going wild on Styles. Corbin comes back in while fans declare “This is Awesome!” and brawls with Sami. Sami gets the edge but Corbin knees low to throw Sami out. Sami shoulders back in and bumps Corbin off buckles, only for Corbin to uppercut him out of his slingshot! Corbin runs at Kevin, but slides out then in to lariat Kevin! Styles returns, but runs into a deep Deep Six! Ziggler returns, but his satellite is thrown off, for End of- No, Ziggler slips out! Corbin runs at him, but Ziggler side steps to send Corbin out. Corbin lands on his feet and drags Ziggler out to toss him over barriers. The Lone Wolf pursues the Show-Off, ramming him into more barriers. Then Corbin barrels into Ziggler, busting him through the Plexiglas hockey boards!
Absolutely NO MERCY being shown by The #LoneWolf @BaronCorbinWWE…#WWEFastlane #WWEChampionship pic.twitter.com/1IjwuakzO2
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) March 12, 2018
Ziggler and Corbin are down and out, leaving things to Kevin, Styles, Sami and Cena. Kevin goes after Styles with a boot, then tears apart the American announce table! AND the German announce table! He puts Styles on one, and drags him to his feet. Kevin shouts, “This is MY show! MY title!” But Styles enziguris Kevin! Kevin falls to a knee, then falls to his stomach. Styles clobbers Sami into the time keeper area while Kevin stirs. Cena sees Kevin and the tables, and hurries over! Cena lifts Kevin in the fireman’s carry, but Kevin fights out. Styles runs in, but into the announce desk AA!!
Cena gets Kevin up and into the ring, but Kevin gets to a corner and boots Cena away. Sami clobbers Cena with a clothesline, but Cena ends up out of the ring. This leaves the “best friends” alone in the ring. Everyone is expecting something, and even Kevin expects a fight. But Sami reminds Kevin the promise he made. Sami is a man of his word, so he’s going to do it. The fans want a fight, but Sami lies down!
Is he really doing this?! @SamiZayn is a man of his word…#WWEFastlane #WWEChampionship pic.twitter.com/8Ph3oMGyMN
— WWE (@WWE) March 12, 2018
Kevin isn’t sure if he can trust this, and fans sure don’t want it this way. But Sami says this is Kevin’s chance, so do it! Kevin doesn’t trust Sami, he grabs Sami by the throat, but then Sami counters with a small package! TWO! And then they brawl! That’s what fans want!
The fight spills to the outside, Kevin putting Sami right into barriers. Kevin then brings Sami into bomb position, and lifts Sami up, but Sami saves himself by grabbing ropes. Kevin joins Sami on the apron and tries from there, but Sami resists to back drop Kevin onto the apron. They both fall to the floor, and Shane sits nearby to watch and enjoy it. However, Sami locks eyes on Shane. “Is this what you wanted? Got a good enough seat, Shane?!” Shane stands up to Sami, but Sami continues to accuse the “tough guy” of conspiring to drive the two apart. Sami sees Kevin coming and dodges, the SUPERKICK goes into Shane!
The target was @SamiZayn, but the Superkick landed in the FACE of #SDLive Commissioner @shanemcmahon!#WWEFastlane #WWEChampionship pic.twitter.com/I8XyYTk6TY
— WWE (@WWE) March 12, 2018
Kevin sees what he just did but isn’t all that bothered by it. Sami then hits Kevin with the daredevil DDT! Sami is enraged while the fans continue to say “This is Awesome!” He drags Kevin up and in, and takes aim from opposite corners. Sami runs but into the SUPERKICK! Ziggler returns, but Kevin bucks the Zig-Zag away to then Pop-Up Powerbomb! Cover, Shane drags the referee out?! Shane screws Kevin all over again! Kevin glares at Shane, but then Sami HELLUVA Kicks! Only for Shane to drag Sami out! Now Shane’s screwed Sami all over again! Ziggler uses this opening to go for a cover, but Sami breaks the cover just in time! Shane backs off to his seat again while Sami, Kevin and Ziggler are all down.
Corbin returns, and runs Cena over with steel steps. Corbin puts the steps into the ring, and takes aim to run Sami over. He aims at Ziggler and runs Ziggler over. Then he hits Kevin. Corbin grins as he sees Cena returning, dazed and wobbly. Corbin runs at Cena, but Cena blocks the steps! Cena kicks Corbin and hits him with the stairs, three times! Cena puts the steps down, and lines it up. Fireman’s carry, AA to the steps!
Cover, but Ziggler barely breaks it in time. Corbin gets away, and Cena feels the frustration. Ziggler crawls to ropes, Cena lifts the steps, and tosses them! Ziggler evades and SUPERKICKS, but Cena back with an AA! Roll through, to another- No, Kevin is back and he hits Cena with the Pop-Up Powerbomb! PHENOMENAL FOREARM OUTTA NOWHERE!! Styles wins!! Styles uses the chaos to his favor to defy the odds and retain the WWE Championship! That keeps the Wrestlemania Moment he and the King of Strong Style both wanted right where it is!
He found his spot, and he TOOK IT…@AJStylesOrg nails @FightOwensFight with the #PhenomenalForearm to RETAIN the @WWE Championship! #WWEFastlane pic.twitter.com/rcqzLgNY3Z
— WWE (@WWE) March 12, 2018
In 4 WEEKS, @AJStylesOrg will defend the @WWE Championship against @ShinsukeN at #WrestleMania!#WWEFastlane pic.twitter.com/OUea8lX1Vr
— WWE (@WWE) March 12, 2018
But while Styles basks in Phenomenal glory, Cena wallows in uncertainty. Is there no way for the still only 16-time world champion to make it to Wrestlemania 34?
.@JohnCena was a fraction of a second away from becoming the unprecedented 17-TIME World Champion… Not to be.#WWEFastlane pic.twitter.com/qn7E0aaaea
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) March 12, 2018
My Thoughts:
There was a lot of confusion and awkwardness in the build to this SmackDown-only PPV, but Fastlane itself did a lot to push that aside and give us great action tonight. They didn’t really give much time to advertise the kickoff’s six man tag, but the match itself was pretty good considering how poorly Tye, Mojo, Breezango & Benjamin-Gable have been used. If anything, that match should be reason enough to give these six to do relevant things in the near future. Opening the main show with Nakamura-Rusev, and in an extended match, was a really good move for everyone. It gives people exposure to Nakamura, it gives fans plenty of Rusev, and therefore gets the show heated up right away.
Though, the opening pace of Roode-Orton kinda killed some of that. It got better by the end but it would’ve been great if they managed some of the energy created by Nakamura-Rusev. Mahal coming out was somewhat telegraphed by the kickoff as well as his backstage viewing, but I thought it would’ve been as interference. Him just calling out Orton was better, actually, especially with Roode ruining Mahal’s attack while also attacking Orton. Many feel the plan is a triple threat for the US Championship, and that can still work with how this was set up at the end. The Women’s Tag was fun, with only a few mishaps, and mostly surprising that Carmella won.
The Smackdown Tag Team title match was full of great surprises, like both teams using the other’s signature moves to try and defeat them. It speaks to how familiar they are with each other after all the matches they’ve had. Then Harper & Rowan showing up to “ruin” the match and brutalize all five of them was incredible. I don’t know why the Wyatt Family wasn’t used like this when it was three (and then four) of them, but given the kayfabe injuries for Xavier Woods and how this has become personal for the Usos and New Day, I imagine another triple threat for SmackDown at Wrestlemania with these three teams.
The SmackDown Women’s Championship match was great. Ruby was able to keep up with Charlotte, and there was some good story with The Squad, Naomi & Becky showing up, to then get banned later. Charlotte winning was expected, but Asuka showing up was not! It’s great to see her going after the champion who would give her the best match, but it did keep Carmella from cashing in. Maybe Carmella will try in the last four weeks we have before Wrestlemania, but maybe she will wait until after.
Then that Six Pack Challenge, that was a really great match. The Fatal 5 from last SmackDown was fun, and this did improve upon it thanks to Cena’s presence. I didn’t expect him to dish out so many AA’s just to start things off. Shane just can’t help himself, though, can he? This speaks a lot to what we’ve heard about the rest of the ‘Mania card, though… Styles VS Nakamura is still happening, so that’s great. Cena’s fate is still undetermined, but that might lead to something really great for him and fans.
My Score: 8.5/10
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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 BLISSÂ 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 SUPLEXÂ 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 ADJUSTMENTÂ 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.Â
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?Â
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?Â
.@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.Â
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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