Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Monday Night Raw Report! (4/30/18)
In the aftermath of the Greatest Royal Rumble, it is The Monster Among Men who stands tall! What new heights will this achievement bring Braun Strowman? Plus, the fallout of the controversial ending to the Universal Championship Steel Cage match, and the WONDERFUL new Raw Tag Team Champions, Bray Wyatt & WOKEN Hardy!
All images courtesy of the WWE’s official Twitter
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Bobby Roode VS Elias; no contest.
- The Authors of Pain VS Jean Paul & Francois; AoP win.
- Sasha Banks VS Ruby Riott w/ The Riott Squad; Ruby wins.
- Six Man Tag: Roman Reigns, Bobby Lashley & Braun Strowman VS Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn & Jinder Mahal w/ Sunil Singh; win.
- Baron Corbin VS No Way Jose; Jose wins.
- Mickie James w/ Alexa Bliss VS Natalya w/ Ronda Rousey; Natalya wins.
- WWE Intercontinental Championship: Seth Rollins VS Finn Balor; Rollins wins, retains, and will defend the title against The Miz at Backlash.
PLAY BY PLAY
Raw has a highlight reel of the Greatest Royal Rumble event!
Both Raw and SmackDown were represented in star-studded matches, seven of which were for championships. The first-ever 50-man Royal Rumble naturally had star after star and some amazing surprises. Now we move on towards Backlash!
Roman Reigns is in Montreal!
Welcome to Montreal, Quebec, ??, @WWERomanReigns…and welcome all of YOU to Monday Night #RAW! pic.twitter.com/W2sZpt2sm7
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
The Big Dog did not defeat The Beast inside a Steel Cage match for the Universal Championship, but there is some controversy behind that. Roman would have Brock Lesnar on the ropes and Spear him through the cage! But Lesnar retained on a referee decision that because Lesnar landed first, he was the winner. The controversy is that Roman’s feet touched first. It was an incorrect decision, but it was the decision that was made. Raw General Manager Kurt Angle agreed it was wrong, but agreed that it was a split-second situation. Therefore, Lesnar remains the WWE Universal Champion.
Roman hears the boos and jeers, then speaks. “I’m not gonna make any excuses, because there’s no need to.” Everyone’s seen the footage and the Tweets, Roman is the real Universal Champion. Fans don’t seem to agree, as they chant “Roman Sucks!” But Roman feels he should be the champion, even though he isn’t yet. Fans may doubt him, but Roman keeps his word: “I beat Brock Lesnar in that Steel Cage.” That is why he’ll never lose faith in himself. He’d say that to Lesnar personally, but Lesnar isn’t here. So Roman turns his attention to his opponent at Backlash. Speaking of, Samoa Joe speaks via Titantron!
"This Sunday #WWEBacklash, I put your downward-spiraling career to SLEEP!" – @SamoaJoe delivers a message to @WWERomanReigns! #RAW pic.twitter.com/PLa1eEGRLg
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 1, 2018
The Samoan Destroyer, now of SmackDown, says no one had faith in Roman to begin with! Joe knew Roman would lose and he did. So now this Sunday, Joe will put Roman to sleep! Roman has nothing to say to Joe, but now Jinder Mahal appears to say something to Roman!
It seems @SamoaJoe isn't the only one who has a beef with @WWERomanReigns tonight…#RAW @JinderMahal pic.twitter.com/DaqkD0skYM
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
The Modern Day Maharaja can’t stand it when someone makes excuses for their failures. Mahal always has legitimate reasons, not that he’s complaining. Roman lost fair and square to Lesnar, he will lose fair and square to Samoa Joe, and tonight, Roman will lose to Mahal! Mahal will flourish on Raw and eventually be Universal Champion! Tonight starts that when he proves why the Maharaja is better than The Big Dog! But wait, Sami Zayn is here! Fans explode for their hometown hero!
Take a bow, @SamiZayn…
WELCOME HOME! #RAWMontreal #RAW #WWEBacklash pic.twitter.com/uSDOhizppq
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
Sami is so flattered by Montreal’s response. He speaks to them in French while making his way down the ramp. Sami then speaks in English to Mahal and Roman. Those two are whining about losing at The Greatest Royal Rumble, but Sami couldn’t even go because of an injury Bobby Lashley gave him on last week’s Raw. It was a serious case of vertigo, but he’s over it now. In fact, Sami feels so good, he’ll make things right here in his hometown and take on Roman Reigns! Fans love that idea! But now, Kevin Owens appears! And fans explode for their other hometown hero!
Speaking of "WELCOME HOME"…
Here comes @FightOwensFight! #RAW #WWEBacklash pic.twitter.com/4MzUwxGinU
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
The Prizefighter also speaks French on his way down to the ring, and fans reply “Oui! Oui!” Kevin says Sami, with all due respect, that while Sami can beat Roman, Kevin wants to have a match with Roman. But wait, three guys want to beat up Roman Reigns… Idea! It’ll be a coin flip. No wait coins have two sides. Then a popularity contest! Roman VS Sami? Good reaction. Roman VS Mahal? Bad reaction. Then how about Roman VS Kevin?!
Does the @WWEUniverse in Montreal want to see @FightOwensFight take on @WWERomanReigns TONIGHT?#OuiOuiOuiOui #RAW #WWEBacklash pic.twitter.com/riPWfDFx8U
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 1, 2018
Best reaction! “Sorry, boys.” Roman uppercuts Kevin and now it’s a brawl! Roman is alone in a 4v1 beat down! Bobby Lashley rushes the ring, and fights off Mahal and Sami. He is also outnumbered, though, but here comes BRAUN!!
EQUALIZER SPOTTED!@BraunStrowman is on his way to aid @fightbobby & @WWERomanReigns in the FIGHT against @JinderMahal @SamiZayn & @FightOwensFight…and Sunil @SinghBrosWWE! #RAW pic.twitter.com/4zE9WR6kqt
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
The Monster Among Men hits the ring and throws down the hometown “heroes”. He also clubs down Mahal, and Lashley helps fight off some. Strowman explodes out and Roman recovers, they and Lashley clear the ring. But Sunil Singh is last, for Strowman to throw at the others! Strowman, Lashley and Roman stand tall to start Montreal Raw. Will there be a match or two coming out of this for later tonight?
A scene of destruction…#RAW #WWEBacklash pic.twitter.com/cOsuYppOMU
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 1, 2018
“Ladies and Gentlemen: Elias.”
One question for everybody in Montreal…
WHO WANTS TO WALK WITH @IAmEliasWWE?! #RAW pic.twitter.com/NYHpAxT3wf
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
The Drifter is in Montreal, “consider yourselves blessed.” He has one question: “Who Wants to Walk with Elias?!” Montreal does. The world already knows, WWE means “Walk With Elias!” Who here saw the Greatest Royal Rumble. All the favorites were there, from New Day to Randy Orton to Kurt Angle. Elias eliminated them all. He’s reaching a new level of fame no one can comprehend. Certainly not Bobby Roode. Elias has a song so he asks the fans silence phones, hold applause–which fans don’t–and shut mouths! He plays, fans clap along. Roode thinks he’s Glorious, but he’s not. It’s gonna take a lot to impress the best thing going on Monday Night Raw. Roode’s as pathetic as the people of Montreal. But then Roode makes his entrance!
Bobby Roode VS Elias!
While Elias won last week, that was just one match. Can the GLORIOUS One even the score at one apiece?
#RAW. JUST. GOT. GLORIOUS!@REALBobbyRoode has heard enough from @IAmEliasWWE… pic.twitter.com/sALlpZvjcQ
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 1, 2018
Raw returns to this match in progress as Elias has Roode in a headlock. Roode reverses out to a wrench and then hammerlock to headlock. Elias powers Roode to the corner and hits him with stiff forearms. Roode manage to block and counter with chops, then whips Elias corner to corner. Elias reverses but Roode fires out with a clothesline! Roode gives Elias an atomic drop and dropkick, “That’s why I’m Glorious!” Roode puts Elias in a corner and chops him more. Another corner to corner whip reversed but Roode boots Elias away to hit the GLORIOUS Blockbuster! Cover, TWO, and Elias slips out of the ring. Roode goes over and gives Elias more chops. Elias chops back but Roode knees low.
Roode puts Elias back in the ring, but Elias goes to leave again. Roode walks over but Elias gives him a hotshot! Elias runs Roode over with a clothesline, then stomps on him. Elias puts Roode in a chinlock, and fans rally for Roode while we go picture in picture. Roode stands up but Elias wrangles him back down to the mat. Elias squeezes while Roode feeds of the fans’ energy again. Roode stands up and fights back but Elias still brings him down to the mat. Roode keeps fighting, using elbows to break free. He throws haymakers and chops to back Elias, then whips. Elias kicks Roode away, then stomps on him more. Elias scoops and tosses Roode!
He's much more than just the songbird of his generation.#RAW @IAmEliasWWE pic.twitter.com/5ImkV1dTvq
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
Roode gets to a corner, but Elias goes over to him. Roode kicks but Elias chops. Elias whips but Roode reverses. Elias goes up and over, Roode catches him, but Elias still kicks him away. Cover, TWO. The Drifter is in control while we go to break.
Raw returns again, and Elias wrangles Roode down with another chinlock. Roode stands up and runs to a corner, driving Elias’ face into buckles. Elias holds on, so Roode does it again. Elias still holds on, so Roode backs him into a corner. Roode is free again, but runs into Elias’ elbow. Elias stalks Roode into a corner and chops him. He whips Roode corner to corner but Roode reverses. Roode sees the kick coming this time, and now he rallies with clotheslines. He hits one in the corner but Elias denies the neckbreaker. Roode boots Elias away, hopes up but Elias ducks under. Elias runs into the Glorious SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Roode keeps his focus and goes to a corner.
Fans fire up as he climbs, but Elias is there to stop him with a chop. Elias climbs up now, but Roode fights back. Roode sends Elias down with haymakers and a headbutt, then hits the flying clothesline! Roode winds it up… GLORIOUS Pose! He kicks, but Elias pushes him away. Elias gets to the ropes then elbows Roode again, roll up, but Roode rolls it back! TWO! Elias kicks and throws Roode to the apron, but Roode shoulders back in. Roode gets rocked by Elias’ right hand, then Elias throws him into the turnbuckle’s crossbar throat first!
Clearly, @IAmEliasWWE doesn't want @REALBobbyRoode to be able to sing any time soon… #RAW pic.twitter.com/HfAYTteTBi
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
Roode goes down, gasping for air. The referee checks on Roode, he calls for medical help. Roode says he can’t breathe, but Elias doesn’t care. Elias slips out of the ring to fetch a mic: “Ladies and gentlemen, your winner, Elias!” Well, no, the referee has said no such thing. But with Roode gasping for air, this match will not finish.
No Contest
Can the Glorious One recover from such a devastating blow? Will Elias move on and up to bigger and better things?
It seems @IAmEliasWWE just declared himself the winner over @REALBobbyRoode as officials tend to @REALBobbyRoode… #RAW pic.twitter.com/93DHj2Fj2T
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 1, 2018
The Authors of Pain VS Jean Paul & Francois!
?☠️?☠️?☠️?☠️?☠️#AOP has arrived. #RAW @Akam_WWE @Rezar_WWE pic.twitter.com/TDc466sNRC
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
Akam & Rezar have struck out on their own, leaving Paul Ellering home in NXT. Even so, they still destroy opponents as always. Yet, this pair of local Montreal wrestlers think they can win. They are proud French Canadians who never back down from a challenge. Montreal is excited for their local boys, but will it all come to a tragic end?
Good luck to Quebec's own, Jean-Paul & Francois! #RAW pic.twitter.com/wgSZ3IFPwW
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 1, 2018
The bell rings and Rezar starts against Francois, and immediately boots him down! Rezar throws Francois to Jean Paul, who tags in. Jean Paul dodges Rezar but that jab, it does nothing! But Rezar’s lariat, it hurts Jean Paul. Rezar tags in Akam, then fetches Francois, for the Super Collider! But it doesn’t end there. Rezar tags back in, and they take Jean Paul for the Last Chapter! Cover, AoP win!
Winners: The Authors of Pain (Akam & Rezar), Rezar pinning
It doesn’t matter if you have hometown advantage, the story is the same: AoP dominates. Now Akam & Rezar speak. “The Book of Pain remains open!” And there will be a chapter for every single team on Monday Night Raw. These two are #CenteredOnDestruction, who will be destroyed in the next chapter?
In case there was any doubt, The #AuthorsOfPain are CENTERED ON DESTRUCTION. #RAW pic.twitter.com/DO4mUFwvt4
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
Seth Rollins is in Montreal!
Give it up for YOUR #ICChampion @WWERollins!
?????????????? #RAW pic.twitter.com/CNnLoMHSEQ
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
And he’s still the WWE Intercontinental Champion, even after a grueling Fatal 4 Way Ladder Match during the Greatest Royal Rumble event. However, this Sunday at Backlash, The Miz still has his rematch clause to use, and he looks to make history should he take that title back. But Rollins loves how wild Montreal is tonight! And the last month of his career has been wild. Wrestlemania saw Rollins become the Intercontinental Champion for the first time, in a triple threat. Saudi Arabia saw him retain the title in a fatal 4. And now he’s here live with “you maniacs” in Montreal! Fans chant “Burn It Down!” for the Architect, then shift to singing “Rollins~ Rollins Rollins Rollins~! Rollins~, Rollins~!” Then they move to “You Deserve It!” And Rollins soaks it all in.
Rollins does speak again, thanking them in French. The fans make it all worth it, he wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. But with all that time to reflect on the trip back from Arabia, Rollins thought on what kind of champion he wants to be, and not want to be. Rollins does NOT want to be Lesnar. Because Lesnar isn’t the real champion, we all saw Roman touch his feet first. Rollins doesn’t want to be a part-timer who fights when the price is right. He wants to be a fighting champion. Rollins wants to be out here every Monday! Before Rollins can continue, Finn Balor appears!
"You're out here talking about being a fighting champion. Well, how about you show everyone that you're a fighting champion by putting that title on the line versus me RIGHT HERE TONIGHT?!" – @FinnBalor to @WWERollins #RAW pic.twitter.com/Jh40jFn3YH
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
Finn uses French to introduce himself. And Seth’s right, that flight was a long one. Finn also reflected on that Ladder Match, and just how close he was to being Intercontinental Champion. But he will congratulate Rollins on winning, by mere inches. They themselves had have four singles matches, and they’re 2-2. And Rollins said he wants to be a fighting champion? Then show us by putting the title up on the line, right here in Montreal! Fans say “Oui! Oui!” to that. Rollins says The Miz waits at Backlash, but… What does Montreal want? Rollins VS Balor for the IC Title tonight?! “OUI! OUI!” Then it’s happening! But wait, The Miz is here? He’s on SmackDown now, so it’s just The Miztourage instead.
It seems The #Miztourage might have some unfinished business with @WWERollins and @FinnBalor…#RAW @RealCurtisAxel @TheBoDallas pic.twitter.com/l9KTvkyP8K
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 1, 2018
Curt Axel says not to care about what fans want. They need to worry about what’s best for themselves. Don’t fight each other, fight together! All of them should fight together, in fact. Bo and Axel join Rollins and Finn in the ring. They’re going to have a group conversation! They’ve made shirts with all four of them on it? Okay, it’s a bit sloppy, and it’s obvious what they’re thinking. Forget Balor Club, forget Shield, think about this: all four of them… as the NEW Four Horsemen!
.@WWEShop #RAW pic.twitter.com/vXwnzGhYVi
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 1, 2018
Yeah? Yeah? Umm… Finn and Rollins huddle up, but they’re thinking what the fans are thinking. “That’s gonna be a hard ‘no’, guys.” Bo wants Axel to keep his chin up. They don’t need Finn and Rollins, it’s their loss. But then they swing on Finn and Rollins! Only to get a SUPERKICK, and a Slingblade! Rollins clotheslines Axel out, but Finn gets him with the elbow drop DDT!
A little message from @FinnBalor to the #ICChampion @WWERollins… #RAW pic.twitter.com/19DsTqwuxP
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
And he has a grin on his face the entire time. Rollins agreed to their match and shook his hand, but Finn wants Rollins to remember to keep his eyes on the prize. Will the Extraordinary Man add the Intercontinental Championship to Balor Club? Or will Rollins #BurnItDown to continue on to Backlash?
Sasha Banks VS Ruby Riott w/ The Riott Squad!
Let's start a riott.#RAW @RubyRiottWWE @YaOnlyLivvOnce @sarahloganwwe pic.twitter.com/8r3ozW751h
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 1, 2018
Ruby and her Squad attacked both The Legit Boss and the Huggable Bayley the moment they came over to Raw during the Superstar Shake-Up. Now Sasha wants 1v1 revenge, but how will that go when Ruby always has Liv and Sarah by her side?
Quick interview with Sasha Banks.
Did Sasha at least attempt to patch things up with Bayley? No, because she hasn’t even heard a single word from her. The Squad is taking over and Bayley seems okay with that. Sasha isn’t. This Women’s Division runs on Boss Time, so if Ruby wants a fight, bank on it that Sasha will give it.
BOSS. TIME. ?#RAW @SashaBanksWWE pic.twitter.com/IU3EyQqDkz
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
The bell rings and Sasha circles with Ruby. They tie up, spin around, and Ruby puts Sasha in a corner. Ruby breaks and backs off. She and Sasha circle again, Sasha gets the arm wrench and wrist control. Ruby throws Sasha down by her hair, but Sasha stands back up to arm-drag Ruby away. Sasha dares Ruby to come back for more, and she goes to hip toss. Ruby reverses but Sasha reverses back. Sasha whips but Ruby rolls her up, TWO, so Ruby runs her over with a shoulder. Ruby taunts Sasha and she runs the ropes, but Sasha gets her with a stiff overhand chop! Sasha gets wrist control back and goes acrobatic to arm-drag Ruby down! They keep moving, another arm-drag and Sasha has Ruby in an armlock.
Ruby endures while Bayley watches backstage. Fans rally and Ruby stands up to pull Sasha’s hair. The referee counts and Ruby lets go, but then kicks Sasha right in the face. The Squad enjoy what their leader is doing as she stomps a mudhole into Sasha. Ruby bumps Sasha off buckles, then rams in her shoulder. Ruby backs off but comes back with a forearm, then stalks Sasha at the ropes. She gives Sasha forearms then whips but Sasha dodges to Thesz Press and throw hands! Sasha puts Ruby in a corner again, then climbs up to grind her foot into Ruby’s face. She snapmares Ruby into a half-straitjacket, then completes it.
The Squad coach Ruby as she stands up and fights out. Ruby runs, but into the hip toss. Sasha runs, meteora knees! TWO, but she’s on Ruby again with the armlock. Ruby fights up and out again, then dumps Sasha to the apron. She knocks Sasha down with a forearm, where Liv and Sarah wait. Sasha dodges Sarah and hits back, so Liv stays back. Sasha dodges Ruby’s wrecking ball to give a baseball slide in return! The Boss is in control while we go to break.
Raw returns to Ruby bending Sasha in a seated abdominal stretch. Sasha endures while fans rally. She arm-drags out of the hold but Ruby dropkicks her into buckles! Ruby keeps on Sasha with an STO and cover, TWO. Ruby keeps her cool while her Squad protests. She grinds Sasha’s face into the mat then bounces her face off it. Sasha fights back with body shots but Ruby clubs her down. Ruby kicks Sasha while she’s down, then wraps Sasha into a chinlock. Sasha endures the squeeze while fans rally again. Sasha stands up and fights back, but Ruby knees her low and whips her to a corner. She goes up and over to O’Conner roll, TWO but Sasha uses the momentum to hop up and fly for a crossbody! Cover, TWO!
Ssaha gets to a corner and elbows Ruby away. She boots Ruby then rallies with clotheslines. SHe dropkicks Ruby down, Ruby staggers up, Sasha counters the kick with a knee! Ruby staggers into a corner and Ssaha gives double knees. Ruby dodges the second set and throws Sasha down for a SUPERKICK. She then climbs up, stage dive senton!
CANNONBALL!!!#RAW @RubyRiottWWE pic.twitter.com/97SfGfr6Sh
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
Cover, TWO! And no one can believe it. Ruby tries another cover, TWO, and the frustration grows. She argues with the ref, but goes back to Sasha. She drags Sasha up, but Sasha counters the arm wrench with the backstabber! Sasha flips Ruby over for the crossface, but Sarah distracts! Liv gets in and saves Ruby, Sasha doesn’t’ know who to go after first. The referee reprimands the Squad but Ruby hotshots Sarah. Sarah still knees back and Ruby sits down. Swinging meteora! And then for Liv, FLYING meteora off the apron! The Boss returns to the ring and climbs up but Sarah gets up. Sasha kicks her away, but Ruby catches Sasha with a right. Ruby hits a Riott Kick, covers, Ruby wins!
Winner: Ruby, by pinfall
The numbers game is TOO MUCH for @SashaBanksWWE as @RubyRiottWWE picks up the victory on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/qmtwo8nDkd
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
The Squad helps their leader win, showing the power of numbers. Assists aside, will this big win bring Ruby up the ranks towards the Raw Women’s Championship?
Alexa Bliss gives another PSA.
“You never know when a bully will strike.” The Goddess shares another story of when she was bullied by Nia Jax. They were in Disney World, and Nia kept making fun of Alexa’s short stature. Nia joked if Alexa was tall enough to even ride the teacups. Then she said Alexa should have the kids’ menu at the restaurant. Alexa remembers Nia, turkey leg in each hand, laughing and laughing. “Nia turned the Happiest Place on Earth into the saddest day ever.” But at Backlash, Alexa says she’ll win back the Raw Women’s Championship. This match will be for everyone who has ever had a Nia in their life. Alexa won’t let bullies win. Twisting the truth aside, will the Goddess of Raw become the champion once again this Sunday?
"At #WWEBacklash, no matter what nasty tricks @NiaJaxWWE may have up her sleeve…I will win BACK my #RAW #WomensChampionship!" – @AlexaBliss_WWE pic.twitter.com/gcLuXmAhon
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 1, 2018
Backstage interview with Titus O’Neil.
The Gator knows what moment everyone was talking about after the Greatest Royal Rumble. He entered for the Rumble match itself, but tripped and fell all the way under the ring. Titus “stole the show” and “broke the internet”, and he knows he fell flat on his face in front of the entire world. The idea is that you get back up, so perhaps this situation will inspire others. However, Baron Corbin walks over to ask what would’ve been more inspirational? If he hadn’t fallen at all. Corbin doesn’t know why Renee is wasting time interviewing Titus. Will Titus make Corbin regret wasting his time?
The #LoneWolf @BaronCorbinWWE doesn't know why @ReneeYoungWWE is "wasting time" talking to @TitusONeilWWE… #RAW pic.twitter.com/pGkU8LX0Nb
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 1, 2018
WOKEN Hardy speaks.
He loves reading his favorite stories of himself. The vessels of Hardy and Wyatt have transcended time and space~! They were at the very beginning of time, and in history’s greatest triumphs. But nothing compares to their most recent victory. Bray Wyatt appears now. “We are darkness and light.” And this yin-yang will consume everything in its path. “Behold, the Deleters of Worlds! RUN.” Will the WONDERFUL~ new Raw Tag Team Champions leave the rest of the Tag Team Division DELETED?
Behold…the DELETERS of WORLDS!#RAW @WWEBrayWyatt @MATTHARDYBRAND pic.twitter.com/tQZVVjbQn9
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
Six Man Tag: Roman Reigns, Bobby Lashley & Braun Strowman VS Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn & Jinder Mahal w/ Sunil Singh!
The #ModernDayMaharaja @JinderMahal has arrived…#RAW ?? pic.twitter.com/wzeNlJVA6c
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
Montreal's own…#RAW @SamiZayn @FightOwensFight pic.twitter.com/PTGTwXEoCl
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
The hometown “heroes” and the Maharaja went after the Big Dog all at once, but the Dominater and the Monster Among Men came to his rescue. Now that the numbers are even, will Mahal and the #YEPMovement regret coming home?
His name is @BraunStrowman, and he is the WINNER of the first-ever 50-MAN Greatest Royal Rumble Match! #RAW #MonsterAmongMen pic.twitter.com/A5aGmk6P5J
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
Are @SamiZayn @FightOwensFight & @JinderMahal up for a FIGHT?#RAW @fightbobby pic.twitter.com/AeKKrikv2e
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 1, 2018
Enter: THE BIG DOG.#RAW @WWERomanReigns pic.twitter.com/FzI8tYhGAY
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
The teams sort out and it will be Mahal starting for his team. Roman convinces Strowman and Lashley he’ll start, and the bell rings. Sami decides he wants to start, so Mahal tags him in. Montreal is of course behind Sami, but then Sami tags out to Kevin. The fans are still cheering, but then Kevin tags to Sami. Roman rocks Sami with uppercuts and right hands. Sami hits back but Roman throws him out. Roman pursues, but Sami kicks back, only for Roman to put Sami into the barriers. Kevin runs over but gets rocked, then they both get the Drive-By Dropkick! Roman is in control while we go to break.
Raw returns and Roman is still in contorl, until Sami opwers him to his corner. Mahal tags in and throws hands on the Big Dog. He then whips Roman but Roman reverses and runs Mahal over with an elbow. Roman brings Mahal over and tags in Lashley. Lashley throws hands on Mahal, then whips him to ropes for a back elbow of his own. Lashley rallies with lariats and a scoop slam, then brings Mahal up for the facelock. Mahal senses the suplex coming, so he fights out and runs, only for Lashley to jump over and knock him down. Lashley lifts Mahal in a fireman’s carry but Mahla fights out. Mahal pushes Lashley in a corner, Sami tags in and stomps away on the man who supposedly gave him a fit of vertigo.
Kevin gets a cheap shot in, too, but it’s Sami who tries to give Lashley a taste of his own medicine. Lashley reverses that into a neckbreaker, then hits a corner to corner clothesline. Lashley keeps moving for the shoulder tackle, then lifts Sami in the stalling suplex. Kevin runs in and kicks Lashley’s ribs! Roman protests but Sami tags to Kevin. Kevin goes after Lashley with furious fists and stomps and the fans go wild! He brings Lashley up and tags in Mahal to mug Lashley in the Canadian corner. Mahal tags Kevin and they keep Lashley isolated. Kevin snapmares Lashley and kicks him in the back before putting on a chinlock. Fans are fired up as he grinds Lashley into the mat. We go picture in picture while Lashley endures.
Kevin squeezes Lashley’s head, but Lashley manages to sit up. Lashley stands as we return to single picture. He fights back but Kevin kicks out his legs, then hits the back senton. Cover, TWO, but Kevin keeps on Lashley with a rain of rights. Kevin drives his knee in then wraps Lashley back into the chinlock. Roman and Strowman reach while Lashley crawls his way over, but Kevin wrangles him away. Fans rally but Lashley starts to fade. Lashley gets a second wind and gets up. He fights out but Kevin knees low. Kevin whips but Lashley kicks him away, to then hit a complete shot! Both men are down but crawling for their corners. Fans rally as hot tags to Sami and Roman! Roman rallies on Sami, then whips but Sami reverses. Roman still blasts out for the clothesline, and gives a shot to Mahal.
Sami gets to a corner, Roman gives him the close-range clotheslines. He then runs, to boot Sami down! Fans are a loud mix while Roman locks and loads. Roman has to hit Sunil Singh first, then throw him back out. Sami tags in Kevin and gets an uppercut, but Kevin DDT’s Roman! Cover, TWO! Kevin is furious while we go to break.
Raw returns again, and Sami has Roman in a chinlock. Fans sing for Sami but Roman works his way up to his feet. Roman works to power Sami back but Sami gives him a forearm. Roman rocks Sami with uppercut after uppercut, then walks to his corner. Sami grabs a leg and drags Roman back, Kevin tags in. Kevin clubs Roman down to the mat, then hops up for a Vader Bomb elbow!
Picture-perfect execution on this one by @FightOwensFight… #RAW #6ManTag pic.twitter.com/vZFi0ZLe0w
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 1, 2018
Cover, TWO, and Kevin is furious all over again. Kevin rains rights down on Roman, then tags Sami back in. Sami gives rights of his own to Roman, then covers, TWO, so Sami keeps on Roman with the chinlock. Roman fights to his feet again, and gives Sami a back suplex! Both men are down and crawling towards their corners, and fans rally as Kevin gets the hot tag.
Kevin puts Roman in the corner but Roman fights out. Roman hits everyone and boots Kevin away, but Kevin whips Roman, SUPERMAN PUNCH! Mahal tags in and rocks Lashley to then taunt Strowman. Samoan Drop from Roman! Hot tag to Strowman! The Monster clobbers Mahal, then goes out to steamroll Kevin a la Greatst Royal Rumble! Strowman does the same to Sami, then again to Mahal, then again to Sami! Kevin dodges this time, but not th enext time! Strowman returns to the ring, but Mahal dodges him in the corner thanks to Sunil. Strowman hits the post, Sami runs in, but into Lashley! Mahal boots Lashley, then tags to Kevin! Kevin and Mahal work together but Roman SPEARS Mahal outta nowhere! SUPERKICK to Roman, SUPERKICK to Strowman! Kevin runs but is caught, into the MONSTER SLAM!! Cover, Strowman and team win!
Winners: Strowman, Roman & Lashley, Strowman pinning
Call it a win on the road for @BraunStrowman @WWERomanReigns & @fightbobby! #RAW pic.twitter.com/Vnb8PRtsmr
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 1, 2018
The homecoming for Kevin & Sami doesn’t go their way, while the Monster Among Men continues on his incredible roll. Will Strowman make his way up towards a title match of his own in the near future?
Baron Corbin VS No Way Jose!
The Lone Wolf didn’t want to fight the Fighting Fiesta last week, he just wanted to ruin the fun. Will he continue to have fun ruining Jose’s fun? Or will Jose say No Way to that with a win?
"A wise man once said, to make money, you can't be funny." @BaronCorbinWWE is out to make a fool of @WWENoWayJose on #RAW… pic.twitter.com/s3oDh4FcCy
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 1, 2018
Corbin first speaks, saying, “To make money, you can’t be funny.” Fans can jeer all they want, he still gets paid. He can’t stand the superstars who just want to make the fans laugh. Titus tripped and fell while Jose has a conga line. “This nonsense makes me want to puke.” Corbin is here to win titles and make money. He makes money punching people in the mouth, and that’s why no one is on his level. Corbin will end the nonsense, and promises that “no one will be laughing.”
??????????
PARTY TIME on #RAW! @WWENoWayJose pic.twitter.com/xtGCAGP8eU
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
Jose makes his entrance and his conga line stands ringside as the match begins. Corbin lunges but Jose dodges. Jose throws hands but Corbin whips him to a corner. Jose dodges again but Corbin slides out then in to clobber Jose! Corbin mocks the fans then stomps Jose. Corbin drags Jose up but Jose hits back with body shots. Jose dumps Corbin out of the ring, then boots Corbin on his return. Corbin puts Jose on the apron but Jose hits back. Jose climbs up, but misses that double ax handle! Corbin rams Jose into the post, but Titus O’Neil appears! He has Apollo and Dana with him, and their Worldwide~ entrance prepares the runway. Titus comes down, but they keep him from sliding again. Corbin watches Titus but Titus slips on the apron!
OOPS, HE DID IT AGAIN!#RAW @TitusONeilWWE pic.twitter.com/44AceU5McQ
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
Corbin laughs at the fool, but Jose rolls him up! Jose wins!!
Winner: Jose, by pinfall
And the party rolls on with Titus Worldwide joining in! That slip was all a feint, the joke is on Corbin. Corbin glares as the conga line heads out, who will have the last laugh?
Mickie James w/ Alexa Bliss VS Natalya w/ Ronda Rousey!
Is @MickieJames confident heading into her first match against @NatbyNature in nearly nine years? We're about to find out! #RAW pic.twitter.com/tmbSg7FyTT
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 1, 2018
The Queen of Harts found herself the target of the vindictive veteran in #KickieJames, but it was the Baddest Woman on the Planet that made her pay for it. Now Natty has a chance at revenge herself, can she get back at Mickie for last week?
.@RondaRousey + @NatbyNature = Dream Team? #RAW pic.twitter.com/VJrrx0ibeU
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
The bell rings and Mickie circles with Natty. Natty gets the arm wrench but Mickie gets away tot he outside. The referee counts while Natty waits in the ring. Mickie returns and circles with Natty again, but Natty clubs Mickie and wrenches that arm. Natty snapmares and walks all over Mickie to then dropkick Mickie down. Cover, TWO, but Natty stalks Mickie to a corner. Mickie puts Natty into buckles, then throws her down to the mat. Mickie kicks Natty again, then covers, TWO. She puts Natty in the bodyscissors and squeezes. Alexa likes what she sees as Natty endures, but Natty turns around. She and Mickie brawl, but Mickie puts on the guillotine headlock. Ronda couches Natty and Natty scoops Mickie, but Mickie turns that to a crossbody. TWO, but Mickie keeps on Natty in a corner.
Natty elbows Mickie away, then ducks to discus clothesline Mickie down. Natty gets the takedown, and the legs, but Alexa distracts. Mickie kicks the bad leg out! Ronda glares at the Goddess, and Alexa decides to run! They go around and around the ring, Natty rolls Mickie up! Natty wins!
Winner: Natty wins, by pinfall
Ronda enters the ring to check on Natty, that knee is still bugging her. The Queen of Harts still won, will she be able to reach the title? Speaking of the title, Nia Jax appears! The champion chases off The Goddess tonight, but there won’t be running at Backlash. For now, Nia enters the ring and eyes the Rowdy Ronda. They’re not enemies tonight, she helps Natty celebrate along with Ronda. Will the Irresistible Force retain her title this Sunday?
A little congratulations are in order for @NatbyNature on the win by @RondaRousey and the #RAW #WomensChampion @NiaJaxWWE! pic.twitter.com/pnwuNP4a8t
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre speak.
When they speak, you feel it. It’s real, like them. Other superstars are just “happy to be here”, but these two know they deserve to be here. They’ll show everyone why. If they were everyone else on Raw, they’d be afraid. The Show-Off and the Stud aren’t here to steal the show, they’re going to take it.
"We didn't come to #RAW to steal the show. Nah, we're just going to take it."@HEELZiggler @DMcIntyreWWE pic.twitter.com/IMMPyYryYW
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 1, 2018
WWE Intercontinental Championship: Seth Rollins VS Finn Balor!
Is @FinnBalor on his way to earning #ICTitle gold? #RAW pic.twitter.com/tUWN07WSey
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
As the Extraordinary Man said, he and the Architect are tied at 2-2 in 1v1 competition. This title match will be their tiebreaker, but whoever wins will have to turn around and defend the title at Backlash! Who will the A-Lister meet this Sunday as he attempts to make history for himself?
It is MAIN EVENT TIME on Monday Night #RAW…or should we say #MondayNightRollins?@WWERollins @FinnBalor pic.twitter.com/jDMm7nwKny
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
The bell rings and they circle. They tie up and spin around until Rollins puts Finn in a corner. He gives Finn a little shove as they break, letting Finn know he remembers that sneak attack earlier. They tie up again and Finn gets around Rollins but Rollins reverses to a headlock. Finn powers out and things speed up, Finn arm-drags Rollins but Rollins springs up to whip Finn. Things speed up again and Rollins runs Finn over with a back elbow. Rollins throws Finn out then slingshots over! He wipes Finn out, then we go to break.
Raw returns once more, with Rollins holding Finn down in a chinlock. Finn endures and stands up. He goes to fight back but Rollins intercepts with a knee. Rollins chops, so Finn chops back. Rollins gives a chop, Finn gives a chop, so Rollins kicks and whips Finn. Finn boots back, then runs out to rally with forearms. Finn whips but Rollins reverses, only for Finn to hit another forearm! Fans fire up, and Finn chops Rollins in the corner. Finn whips but Rollins reverses and reverses direction. Finn hops up and over but runs into a boot. Rollins hops up and blocks Finn’s swing kick, to then hit the blockbuster! Fans fire up again while Rollins takes aim. He runs in for the forearm smash, then the buckle smash! He aims at the dazed Finn, and springboards for the clothesline!
Finn rolls out of the ring while fans fire up more. Rollins builds speed, and DIVES on Finn! He keeps moving, for another- Swing kick! Finn gets back up on the apron and drags himself up to his feet. Fans declare “This is Awesome!” while Finn throws forearms and body shots. Rollins ducks, swings out, but has to swing again, still ends up in a DDT from Finn!
May @FinnBalor have this dance?@WWERollins just got PLANTED on #RAW! #ICTitle pic.twitter.com/gErtbxZlh2
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
Cover, TWO! Finn keeps focus while he gets to his feet. He takes aim from a corner while Rollins slowly stands. Rollins counters the slingblade but still gets a dropkick, then the elbow drop DDT. Cover, TWO! Finn grows a bit frustrated, but keeps his focus while catching his breath. Rollins stirs but Finn is on him with chops. Finn stalks and trash talks Rollins, then chops again. He whips Rollins corner to corner, but Rollins comes out with a slingblade!
Rollins wrings Finn out for Revolution Knee! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up again with Rollins, and he stomps the mat. “Burn It Down! Burn It Down!” Mule kick, then the run, but into a forearm from Finn! Finn puts Rollins on the apron, but Rollins springboards back in. Finn evades and hits the takedown to double stomps! He doesn’t make the cover, he stands up. Finn evades and swing kicks Rollins down! Rollins is in the drop zone while Finn climbs up, but Rollins revives to shove Finn backwards! Rollins then climbs up to join Finn, and fans fire up. Finn fights back and shoves Rollins down, but Rollins returns for the SUPERPLEX, roll through to– No wait, Falcon Arrow from Finn! Cover, TWO!! Fans give a standing ovation for this amazing main event.
Both men stand up while fans chant “This is Awesome!” Rollins gives a forearm, so Finn gives a forearm. Finn fires off, but Rollins swings, dragon sleeper to- No, Rollins knees that away, but Finn PELE! Rollins PELE in return! Finn still clotheslines Rollins out of the ring. But he’s not done there, Finn builds speed and FLIES!
FLY, FINN, FLY!!!#RAW #ICTitle @FinnBalor pic.twitter.com/DoXMV4IikS
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
Finn hurries to put Rollins in the ring, then takes aim from a corner, blasting dropkick! Rollins goes down and Finn climbs up again. Finn takes aim, COU DE- No, Rollins evades, then mule kicks, but Finn evade the stomp. Roll up, TWO, Finn avoids the stomp again, another roll up, TWO!! SLINGBLADE! Finn’s feeling it as he– runs into a SUPERKICK! Both men are down but not for long. Rollins has Finn, CUR STOMP!! Cover, Rollins wins!!
Winner: Rollins, by pinfall; still Intercontinental Champion
It is #MondayNightRollins indeed with this incredible victory! The Architect retains the title tonight, but can he and Raw retain it against the A-Lister of SmackDown?
That concludes this episode of #MondayNightRollins.#RAW @WWERollins pic.twitter.com/aa1GPGqGOq
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
My Thoughts:
For the first ever Raw After Greatest Royal Rumble, this was a really good show. The events of GRR are treated as canon, but not really that touched upon. There was no overruling or debate over the cage match ending, Lesnar is the champ without question. If it’s true the “Roman Experiment” is taking some time off, then perhaps that’s why they put him up against literally all three hometown superstars to get him booed more than usual. Luckily they teamed him with two guys who are still very popular. I’m personally disappointed Strowman didn’t have the GRR belt. It’s like he can’t be seen holding a belt past 24 hours. And given how he was the one to win the Six Man Tag, he should be the next person to challenge Brock Lesnar and be the one to finally take that belt from Lesnar.
Roode-Elias really upped the intensity with that throat spot. Too bad Extreme Rules isn’t until July, I’d love these two having at least a No DQ match. AoP needs to move up from jobbers already, maybe take on The Revival for throwbacks to NXT. It’s actually great progress for the Sasha-Bayley story that Bayley wasn’t there at all tonight. Taking a slow burn to their true main roster blow-off is the way to go. Meanwhile, Sasha still has a great match with Ruby, and it’s okay that Sasha loses because her story will be with Bayley. Ruby can move towards the title like she did on SmackDown, but in the same way as on SmackDown, she probably won’t win with the current champion being so strong. Maybe if Alexa wins it back and then the Squad somehow goes Face against the Mean Girl Goddess, Ruby can win.
Corbin-Jose looked like filler, but then tying in Titus Worldslide, it was just a proxy to Corbin-Titus. That feud can do a lot for both guys, and can go either way at this point. Assuming Alexa doesn’t win the title back, I imagine we could get a Natty-Ronda VS Alexa-Mickie, to then maybe move to Ronda’s first singles feud with Natty. They’ve been touted as friends, so maybe something turns Natty against Ronda. That IC Championship main event was incredible, and I was honestly surprised The Miztourage didn’t interfere. Their bit before was great, but I just thought they’d want revenge and make sure Miz has a weakened opponent. Instead, it was allowed to finish, and the dodging and countering was so great. Rollins is on his way back to being The Man and is keeping that IC title going strong.
My Score: 8.5/10
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Could this be the biggEST and strongEST SmackDown of the year?
SmackDown in Knoxville sees the returns of Bianca Belair, Cody Rhodes and John Cena, along with some final Money in the Bank qualifiers!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier Triple Threat: Jade Cargill VS Naomi VS Nia Jax; Naomi wins and advances to Money in the Bank.
- R-Truth VS JC Mateo w/ Solo Sikoa; Mateo wins.
- Rey Fenix & Je’Von Evans VS Los Garza w/ Santos Escobar; Los Garza win.
- Zelina Vega VS Alba Fyre w/ The Green Administration; Zelina wins.
- Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier Triple Threat: Carmelo Hayes VS Andrade VS Jacob Fatu; Andrade wins and advances to Money in the Bank.
PLAY BY PLAY
Bianca Belair is here!
Knoxville fires up for their strongEST, fastEST, quickEST, toughEST, roughEST, and greatEST hometown hero as she struts out to the ring. Bianca high-fives and hugs fans along the ramp, as well as mom and dad at ringside. Bianca then grabs a mic to say, “Man, it feels good to be in Knoxville!” The fans cheer and chant for “EST! EST!” Bianca says she loves them so much. And she couldn’t come out here without singing Rocky Top! Y’all ready? The fans cheer, and the music plays! Bianca conducts the fans as they sing for the University of Tennessee. In fact, the Lady Vols softball team is playing in the Super Regionals right now!
Bianca smiles and says this city is so special to her. Not just because it is her hometown, but because it is her safe space. She has her love and support from mom ‘n’ dad, and has all the fans who show up and show out for her. With everything Bianca’s been going through, losing at Mania, getting injured, losing tag titles and friends along the way, she just wanted to come back home to her safe space. The fans cheer, and Bianca says she came home to heal. While she’s not 100%, she is doing everything she can to get back to the ring and continue to show us why she is the EST of Tennessee and of WWE! The fans cheer that!
Bianca says with all that said, Knoxville, welcome to Friday Night SmackDown! But wait, she’s interrupted by Naomi! The fans boo but Naomi says, “Oh my gosh~! Finally! B, I am so glad you finally here on SmackDown!” Bianca says now is not the time, Naomi. Naomi asks Bianca to please hear her out. It has been way too long. Not a day has gone by when Naomi doesn’t think about what happened to them. What is there to talk about? What could Naomi say? What could she want from Bianca? The fans chant “YOU SUCK!” at Naomi, and Naomi says she just wants forgiveness. She is begging for it!
Naomi knows things go toff the rails, but she is here because she wants to fix it, she is trying to fix it, but she alone can’t fix it. Months have gone by, and Naomi has tried to communicate, to say the past can be the past and that they can move forward. Bianca has not responded back to Naomi once. Naomi even visited Bianca’s parent’s house! But no one would answer! WHAT?! Mom ‘n’ Dad don’t know about that, but Naomi says no one was home, so she let herself in! Naomi looked through the photo albums, the one right on the front coffee table. And in those photos, Bianca looked so happy. It reminded Naomi of how they were as tag team champions.
Bianca stops Naomi there. Naomi, Bianca will make this perfectly clear. They were best friends, but Naomi betrayed Bianca’s trust. Naomi took their friend, Jade, and threw her onto a car, then lied about it for months! Bianca said she was done with Naomi, she meant that, and if Naomi ever comes near her family again, what Naomi did to Jade will be nothing compared to what Bianca does to Naomi. The fans fire up for that! Naomi gets emotional, but then she gets mad. “Y’know, Bianca, it wouldn’t be good for you and your mama to be in a wheelchair.” The fans boo as Naomi laughs maniacally. Naomi says she’d hate if something happened to Bianca here and now!
Naomi storms up on Bianca, but then JADE makes her way out here! Naomi is even angrier now, but this Storm starts throwing hands! The fans fire up as Jade BOOTS Naomi down! Bianca and Jade look to each other, neither really saying or doing anything. Naomi runs up but Jade TOSSES her out! Jade and Bianca look to each other again, but then here comes NIA! The Irresistible Force won’t be left out of this, especially when this is the Women’s Triple Threat Qualifier for the night! This match now opens the night, who earns SmackDown’s final golden ticket to the Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match?
Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier Triple Threat: Jade Cargill VS Naomi VS Nia Jax!
SmackDown returns, this match is already going, and Naomi POSTS Nia! Naomi stalks Jade, rains down forearms, and the fans boo. Naomi stomps to BITE Jade’s hand! Jade still fights back, so Naomi has the arms to STOMP Jade down! Naomi flexes, the fans boo, and Naomi puts Jade in a corer. Naomi runs to DROPKICK Jade in the corner! Naomi SLAPS Jade, drags her into the drop zone, then goes up, up, and twerks! HIP DROP! Naomi covers, ROPEBREAK! Naomi is annoyed but she sits Jade up to stomp a mudhole in. But Nia runs up! Naomi dodges, the HIP ATTACK hits Jade! Naomi goes to the apron to ROUNDHOUES Nia!
Naomi reels Nia in for a HEATSEEKER! Nia flops to the floor, the fans rally for Jade, but Naomi kicks her around. Naomi goes up the corner, leaps, but Jade catches her! Jade FALL AWAY SLAMS Naomi, then kips up! Knoxville fires up with Jade and she runs up to LARIAT! And ELBOW! And SCRAPBUSTER! Cover, Nia breaks it! The fans boo but Nai huffs ‘n’ puffs and drags Naomi up. Nia whips Naomi, pops her up and HEADBUTTS her down! Then she SAMOAN DROPS Naomi! Nia soaks up heat, then lines the two up. Naomi grabs at Nia’s leg but Nia CLUBS her down! Nia stomps Jade for good measure, then drops a leg, brother!
Nia TOSSES Jade out, then goes up the corner. Nia SUPER LEG DROPS on Naomi!! Cover, TWO!!! Naomi survives and Nia is shocked! The fans rally while Nia stalks Naomi. Naomi clings to ropes as Nia pulls at her arm. Nia CLUBS Naomi, whips her to ropes, then SAMOAN DROP- NO, Naomi makes it a CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Ghost pin, TWO!! Nia survives the sudden turnaround, Naomi sees Jade crawling in, and Naomi goes after her as SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Naomi KICKS Nia while she’s down, then kicks her more. Naomi puts Nia in a corner, CHOKES her on the ropes, then clamps on with a SLEEPER! Nia THROWS Naomi away, then TOSSES her out. Nia soaks up heat, but Jade runs in and rolls Nia up! TWO! Nia stands, and she HEADBUTTS Jade down! Nia looms over Jade, drags her up, but Jade fires forearms! Jade backs Nia down, then runs, and she CLOBBERS Nia outta the ring! Jade fires up and has the fans with her. Jade drags Naomi up from the apron but Naomi fires hands. Nia is back to HIP ATTACK Jade against the POST! Nia soaks up more heat, then taunts Naomi.
Naomi stands on the apron, argues with Nia, but they apparently agree to mug Jade for both their benefit. They put Jade in the corner, Naomi digs her boot in, and then Nia sends Naomi in for a SPALSH! Nia adds a SPLASH of her own! Naomi snapmares Jade, runs, and SLIDING LARIATS! Jade sputters and Nia taunts her. Nia and Naomi soak up the heat together, but Jade fights back! Nia HEADBUTTS Jade down! Nia drags Jade up, and Naomi KICKS Jade low! They soak up more heat, talk trash on Jade, and SmackDown returns to single picture. Nia scoops and SIDEWALK SLAMS! Naomi runs to SPLIT LEG DROP! Cover, but Nia drags Naomi away!
Nia and Naomi argue again, and then Naomi rolls Nia up! ONE, and Nia grabs Naomi to shove her to a corner! Nia SPLASHES, then pushes Naomi down. Nia runs to SENTON! Nia grins while Naomi sputters and the fans rally up. Jade rises to fire forearms on Nia! Then she ELBOWS Naomi in a corner! She ELBOWS Nia, but then Nia follows Jade! Jade dodges so Nia SPLASHES Naomi! Jade then SUPERKICKS! Nia wobbles, Jade SUPERKICKS again! And SPINEBUSTERS! But Naomi METEORAS! Cover, TWO! Jade survives and the fans rally up. Naomi goes up, SPLIT- LEG MOONSAULT on Nia! But Jade has Naomi in the chicken wings!
Jade brings Naomi around, JADED!! Cover, Nia CLOBBERS them both! The fans rally while all three women are down! Nia climbs a corner, Jade is after her with forearms! Naomi joins in, drags Jade back, but now they trade shots! Nia DOUBLE CROSSBODIES! Cover on Jade, TWO! Cover on Naomi, TWO! Nia grows frustrated but the fans rally up again. Nia drag Naomi up, fireman’s carries, and she climbs the corner! The fans already anticipate what’s coming, SUPER SAMOAN DROP!! Cover, JADE FROG SPLASHES IN!! Cover, TWO!!! The fans fire up while all three women are down again! “This is Awesome!”
Jade rises, she clamps onto Nia, but Nia HEADBUTTs her! And HEADBUTTS Naomi! Jade BOOTS Nia down! Cover, TWO! Jade runs up on Naomi but Naomi BOOTS her! Naoim goes up top but Jade is right on her! They fight for control, but then Nia joins in! TOWER OF DOOM!! Nia double stacks her opponents, for a A-NIA-LATOR!! Naomi avoids it, Jade takes it all! Naomi ghost pins Nia, AND WINS!!
Winner: Naomi, by pinfall (advances to Money in the Bank)
Nia did a lot of the damage, but it is Naomi who wins out! Will everyone in the Women’s MITB Ladder Match now have to #ProceedWithCaution?
Solo Sikoa’s crew arrives.
Solo says they will win Money in the Bank together! Jacob Fatu, Solo Sikoa, whichever one wins MITB wins it fof the family! But then they hear R-Truth talking to… Lil’ Jimmy? Solo says Truth’s childhood hero beats him, and now he’s talking to ghosts. Truth taps Solo on the shoulder and asks if there’s something Solo wants to say. Solo says Truth is crazy touching him. JC Mateo steps up but Solo has him stand down. Truth says he wants to be honest. He’s never seen JC a day before in his life. Is this Solo’s son? He’s husky! Truth asks if he can teach Solo’s husky son a lesson in the ring. Solo says that sounds good to him.
Truth says he’ll go talk to Nick Aldis. “Boy, y’all big boneded!” Truth heads off, and Solo says don’t worry, they’ll take care of him. Let’s have fun. Fatu says keep it 100. They can have their fun, he’s got his own business to take care of. Yadada mean? The Imperial Unit against Truth, Samoan Werewolf in a qualifier, will everything go the family’s way?
Chelsea Green confronts Nick Aldis.
The Hot Mess hides behind a cardboard cutout of herself as she tells the SmackDown General Manager, “What happened on Saturday night was a deliberate-” Piper Niven has to direct Chelsea to point at Aldis, and Aldis says he can’t quite understand her from behind the cardboard mask. Piper holds the mask between Chelsea and camera, though we do get a glimpse of her fancy headgear. Chelsea repeats herself, but Aldis says she needs to be looking at him when they talk. Chelsea hides her face in shame, but she says it is still a deliberate hitjob put on by vicious Zelina Vega! Even her Secret Her-vice could not stop it!
Chelsea demands that Zelina be suspended, stripped of her title, and that Chelsea be reinstated as the champion! Chelsea, no need to be so ugly about this. Gasp! Aldis says what he means is, no suspensions, and we can talk a rematch down the road once Chelsea is medically cleared. Then he is doing nothing for what Zelina did to Chelsea?! Alba says if he won’t, then they will! Yeah, Zelina VS Alba! Tonight! Alba is a bit surprised, but Aldis says, “Chelsea knows best. Alba VS Zelina, I actually like the sound of that. I will make that official right now, if you do one thing for me. Please leave me alone.”
The Green Administration hurries away, but will Alba make sure Chelsea brand justice is served? Or will La Muneca just keep racking up the wins?
Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Champion, and says that MITB is around the corner. Tiff successfully cashed in her own contract to become champion, but how is she handling the pressure of knowing the same thing could happen to her? Tiff says she can’t wait to see who wins MITB. Then she can handle the pressure by being prepared. Having this title makes her the top threat to the division, but let’s be fair. She’s always been the girl everyone has been obsessed with. So whoever wins, targeting her will be a big mistake. But then in steps Naomi.
Naomi says if Tiff thought Nia was a problem, then she ain’t seen nothing yet. Naomi vows to win MITB and cash in for Tiff’s title, wherever and whenever she wants. And in case Lil’ Miss Tiffy forgot, when Naomi was fighting for a championship, Tiff stayed in Naomi’s way. Wanna know what happens when people play with Naomi? Just ask Jade. Naomi heads out, and Alexa Bliss steps in. Alexa says she wouldn’t be so worried about Naomi. Be worried about Alexa. Alexa heads out now, Tiff clutches to the title a little bit tighter, who will be trying to run the clock out on Tiffy Time?
R-Truth VS JC Mateo w/ Solo Sikoa!
To Solo’s point, #RonCena could not make John Cena see the light at Saturday Night’s Main Event, and Truth might be relapsing if he’s talking to Lil’ Jimmy again. But will Truth relapse so far that we get the R-Truth that was once United States Champion? Or will a Tour of the Islands send Truth off the deep end?
SmackDown returns and JC makes his entrance, Solo backing him up. The bell rings and Truth runs up, only for JC to RAM him into a corner! JC RAMS Truth again and again, then lets off. JC whips corner to corner hard and Truth falls in a heap! JC whips corner to corner again just as hard, and Truth falls in a heap again. Solo talks trash but the fans rally behind Truth. JC runs up but Truth dodges! Truth SHOULDER TACKLES! JC stays up, so Truth runs and SHOULDER TACKLES! “What’s Up?” Truth runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and SHOULDER TACKLES! Then he hits the SPIN OUT- CROSSBODY! JC then gets up to GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT!
JC smirks as he looms over Truth, and Solo says to finish this off now. JC runs to SENTON but Truth moves! Truth calls for it! “YOU CAN’T SEE ME!” FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Truth fireman’s carries JC, but JC is too much! Truth falls over again! Solo laughs, JC whips, TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! Cover, JC wins!
Winner: JC Mateo, by pinfall
Truth tried to be like John Cena of old, but it just wasn’t meant to be. JC beats up on Truth more, then stands him up for Solo! But here comes BIG Jim! Jimmy has a chair, he runs JC off, but Solo stands his ground. Solo says his brother wouldn’t hit him with that chair, would he? Jimmy steps to Solo so Solo steps out, but that lets JC CLOBBER Jimmy! But then Solo has JC stand down! They’re family! Solo and JC leave, leaving Jimmy wondering what this is about. Will Jimmy make it clear to Solo that Jimmy’s not the one who has to come to his senses?
The Street Profits are here!
The WWE Tag Team Champions walk through the smoke to be on stage and the fans cheer. Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford hold up the titles, walk to the ring, then step inside. The fans cheer as they hold up the belts again, then the Profits grab the mics. Ford says, “Knoxville, Tennessee, oh I love everything about you, and what I have, too. But lemme rap to y’all real fast. This tag team division that we’re a part of, the greatest tag team division on any brand, any promotion… It’s on fire right now.” Dawkins says, “Talk to ’em.” Ford says, “But just like how the gorilla fears us, make no mistake about it, let’s not forget who’s leading the charge right now: The Street Profits.”
The fans cheer, and Dawkins says hey, they got all the teams coming at ’em! DIY, Motor City Machine Guns, Fraxiom, and now… The Wyatts?! The fans cheer that, and Ford says that’s sick. But what big bro is saying, it don’t matter who it is, the Profits will defend against anybody. Well hold on, here comes Fraxiom! Nathan Frazer & Axiom go to the ring to stand with the Profits, and they have mics. Frazer says alright, since the Profits are talking about defending the titles, well, Frazer & Axiom didn’t exactly get a fair shake. Ford says, “Fraxiom, is it?” He congratulates them for being on a roll, but up until the Wyatt Sick6 got in the Profits’ business…
Yeah, the Profits had them beat. Wow, oh, okay. Sure, maybe… But maybe not. Thanks to the Wyatts, we’ll never know. And now that those shenanigans are behind us, it is fair to say that Fraxiom and the Profits need to run it back! The fans like the sound of that! But wait, here come the Machine Guns! Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin have mics, and Shelley says okay, hold on, sorry to interrupt. Fraxiom’s entire basis for a rematch is that the Profits never beat them. Well, last time Shelley checked, the Profits never beat MCMG! So if they’re handing out title matches, MCMG will take one. But naturally, here comes DIY!
Tommaso Ciampa, Johnny Gargano, and Candice LeRae have their own mics, and the Poison Pixie says no no no no. She is pretty sure “you losers” have had a million chances, and “the nerds” just got here. Whoa, hold on? Just got here? Sounds like Candice just got back, so she should do us a favor and shut up. Gargano says you shut up, idiot! The reason DIY brought in Gargano’s beautiful wife is to even the odds against all of what this is! Everyone can see there is a conspiracy in the tag team division to hold down the BTTITW! And now with the Wyatts showing up- Ciampa has Gargano ixnay on the amily-fay.
Do not talk about you know who, scratch that, let’s get to business. All these teams have all KILLED the tag division that DIY built! Matter of fact, let us hold a moment of silence for the death of the SmackDown Tag Division. Everyone, stand up, bow your heads, and give a moment of silence… now. OH NO! The lights go out! All the teams panic, because when the lights turn on, UNCLE HOWDY is on the corner! Howdy laughs, because the rest of the Wyatts flank the ring! Erick Rowan drags MCMG out to DOUBLE LARIAT! Dexter Lumis is up top to CANNONBALL onto the Profits and Gargano! Joe Gacy is in, and he handsprings to bring Fraxiom to the UPSIDE-DOWN!!
Lumis then runs, POWERBOMB SENTON COMBO on Axiom! Ciampa freaks out, turns around, and Nikki Cross is there! CROSSBODY onto Candice! The fans fire up, and Howdy has Frazer for SISTER ABIGAIL! “We’re here!!” It is just as the Profits said, and now it is clear. Will some killer combination of the Wyatts go right after the gold?
Rey Fenix & Je’Von Evans VS Los Garza w/ Santos Escobar!
Worlds Collide is just over a week away, and all four of these men will be involved. The Immortal Firebird and the Young OG are going after the NXT North American Championship in a Fatal 4 Way while Legado Del Fantasma will be taking on AAA’s Pagano, Psycho Clown y El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. Who will be heading for Los Angeles with all the momentum behind them?
Speaking of that North American Championship, the champion is here! Ethan Page joins commentary and says what a year for him, to be honest. Wade says that title has never looked better than on Ethan’s shoulder. Fenix makes his entrance now, followed by Je’Von’s. The teams sort out and Fenix starts against Angel. Angel and Fenix circle, the fans rally up, and the two tie up. Angel fires a forearm, Fenix fires back, repeat! Fenix gets the edge but Angel shoves then drops down. Fenix cartwheels over the dropdown, then comes back, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and RANAS! Angel tumbles, the fans fire up, and Fenix somersaults, but into a fireman’s carry!
Fenix slips free, ripcords to ROUNDHOUSE, but Angel HEADBUTTS! Both men stagger back, tags to Berto and Je’Von! Je’Von dodges and springboards to BOUNCY~ roll-up! TWO, and Berto mule kicks! Berto CLUBS Je’Von, whips, but Je’Von reverses and slips around. Berto bucks the O’Conner, springboards and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Berto drags Je’Von up, but Je’Von kicks! Berto blocks, but the ENZIGIRI hits! Je’Von runs up, and BOUNCY~ RANAS! The fans fire up and Je’Von DROPKICKS! Berto bails out, Angel runs in, but Je’Von goes Matrix to dodge! Je’Von kips up, and STUNNERS! Angel flops back and the fans fire up!
Los Garza regroups, Je’Von tags Fenix, and they build speed, but have to dodge Angel first. Fenix SOBATS, Je’Von KICKS, and both men ENZIGIRI! Berto is up top, he leaps, but into DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO! Fenix runs to basement CALF KICK! Cover, TWO! Berto stays in this for Los Garza while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Fenix drags Berto up to RAM him into the corner. Tag to Je’Von and they mug Berto. Berto fires hands back on Je’Von, but Je’Von headlocks. Berto powers up and out and Angel tags in. Berto drop toeholds Je’Von into Angel’s KNEE at the ropes! Angel TEARS OFF HIS PANTS! Angel drapes those over Je’Von before he KICKS Je’Von in the side! Angel stalks Je’Von to the corner, tags Berto, and they shove Je’Von for a double hip toss, TU LO SABE! Then DOUBLE SUPERKICK! Berto covers, TWO! Berto argues the count but the ref defends it. Berto shoves Je’Von to ELBOW him down! Berto then DUMPS Je’Von down to be under the ropes.
Tag to Angel and Berto sits Je’Von up on the apron. Angel runs to KNEE Je’Von down! Santos joins in with Los Garza as they soak up the heat, and Angel drags Je’Von back in. Angel stands Je’Von up, hoists him to the top rope, then climbs up behind him. Angel CLUBS away on Je’Von, mocks the clapping, and he THROWS Je’Von down. Angel KICKS Je’Von in the arm and Je’Von clutches his hand. Angel drags Je’Von to the ropes, CHOKES him, and the ref reprimands. The ref counts, Angel steps off at 4, and Berto BOOTS Je’Von down. ANgel clamps onto Je’Von with an armlock and chinbar but Je’Von reaches for Fenix.
Angel keeps hold of Je’Von but Je’Von fires hands! SmackDown returns to single picture as Je’Von dodges the lariat, leaps, but Angel catches him! Angel puts Je’Von in a corner and through ropes. Angel pulls an arm and leg against the ropes, but stops as the ref counts. Angel runs to KNEE Je’Von in the ribs! Je’Von slumps to the apron, and Angel sucker punches Fenix! Angel goes back for Je’Von but Je’Von fires body shots! Angel blocks a kick, slips around and Gory Especials! Angel walks over, tags Berto, and Berto slingshots, GARZA ESPECIAL! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up for Je’Von but Berto clamps onto him with a chinlock.
Je’Von endures, even as Berto traps an arm. Je’Von fights up, pries the hold open, and he arm-drags Berto! Je’Von leaps but Berto grabs a leg! Ethan laughs from commentary, but Je’Von kicks free to SUPERKICK! Both men are down, Je’Von and Berto crawl, hot tags to Angel and Fenix! The fans fire up as Fenix rallies on Angel with forearms! Fenix then dodges a shot to springboard and FLYING ARM-DRAG, to a DOUBLE STOMP! Fenix fires off KICKS on Berto, then fires up with Knoxville! Fenix uses Berto to jump up and RANA Angel! Fenix then goes corner to corner to JUMP SOBAT! Fenix fires hands, shoves Angel aside, then goes up.
Fenix springboards to QUEBRADA! Cover, Berto breaks it! Berto whips Fenix, Fenix goes Spider-Man, and Je’Von tags in! Fenix says HASTA LA VISTA, BABY! Angel is up, he pops Fenix up to KICK him! But Je’Von springboards to FLYING LARIAT! The fans fire up, Berto springboards to FLYING CHUCK! All four men are down and the fans fire up again! “This is Awesome!” as Angel and Je’Von crawl. Angel CHOPS Je’Von, Je’Von CHOPS back, and the fans “WOO~!” Angel CHOPS again, so Je’Von CHOPS again! Angel fires a forearm, Je’Von fires back, and they go around with forearm after forearm! The fans fire up, Angel CHOPS, a
nd Je’Von SUPER PUNCHES!
Je’Von runs, BOUNCY- NO, Angel makes it a SIT OUT POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Ethan is surprised and the fans rally up. Angel hoists Je’Von up top, tags Berto in, and they hoist Je’Von up even higher! But Fenix SHORYUKENS Angel down! Je’Von fires hands on Berto and SHOVES him down! Fenix climbs up to join Je’Von now, and ADIOS AMIGO DOUBLE STOMPS for Angel! Je’Von adjusts, to SUPER DUPER SWANTON onto Los Garza! Ethan says don’t get closer, keep this in the ring! He taunts both his challengers, Fenix and Je’Von stand down to put Los Garza in the ring. The fans rally up, but then Ethan CLOBBERS Fenix & Je’Von!
Ethan TOSSES Fenix over the desk! But Je’Von SUPERKICKS Ethan down! The fans fire up, Je’Von hurries in, and he dodges Angel! But Berto rolls Je’Von up, TWO!! Je’Von dodges Berto, rebound and RED DOT!! Berto is down, Angel gets up, but Je’Von DECKS him! Je’Von goes up, up, but Santos distracts the ref! Ethan SHOVES Je’Von down! The fans boo but Berto tags Angel! Los Garza hoists Je’Von up for M T Y!! Cover, Los Garza win!
Winners: Los Garza, by pinfall
All Ego grins as he screws over two of his three challengers, and now Legado is rolling towards Worlds Collide. But will these rudos get everything they deserve in LA?
The Wyatts speak.
“We won’t stop. Not until we get what’s owed.” A simple yet ominous threat, are the tag titles only the beginning?
Zelina Vega VS Alba Fyre w/ The Green Administration!
La Muneca held onto the WWE Women’s US Championship by smacking The Hot Mess in the face with a foot, and obviously Chelsea is not happy with it. But will Alba get payback on behalf of her fearless leader? Or will things only get uglier for the Green Regime?
The bell rings and Piper distracts Zelina so Alba can CLOBBER her! Alba fires off hands, then bumps Zelina off buckles. Alba bumps Zelina off more buckles, then more buckles! And then the fourth corner! Chelsea says Zelina should’ve never messed with her! Alba fireman’s carries but Zelina fights free. Zelina KICKS Alba, KICKS again, then KICKS, but Alba CLUBS Zelina. Alba whips, scoops, and- NO, Zelina swings through to RANA! Cover, ONE! Zelina headlocks but Alba fights up and lifts Zelina. Zelina holds on but Alba powers up and out to RUN Zelina over! The fans boo but Chelsea cheers as Alba stalks Zelina.
Alba ROCKS Zelina, whips her to ropes, but Zelina wheelbarrows and arm-drags! Zelina then runs up on Alba in the corner and rains down fists! Alba shoves Zelina away at three, but Zelina comes right back to rain down more shots! Alba stops Zelina at four now, but Zelina wants another go! Alba stops Zelina at four again, and RAMS her into the corner! The fans boo but Alba grins. Zelina BOOTS Alba, goes up, and FLYING RANAS! Alba tumbles out, Piper helps her up, and Zelina goes to the apron. Alba trips Zelina up, spins and ROCKS Zelina, then gets her up. Gory Especial, but Zelina flips through to arm-drag Alba onto ropes!
The fans fire up as Zelina dials up, but Chelsea is on the apron! The ref argues with Chelsea while Zelina redials, but Piper trips her up! The fans boo but Alba SUPERKICKS Zelina! Alba salutes to Chelsea, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Alba stands on Zelina’s hair while pulling Zelina’s arms! The ref reprimands, Alba steps off, and she drags Zelina up to suplex for the GOURD BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Zelina stays in this and Chelsea argues with the ref. The ref says the count is fair, so Alba clamps onto Zelina with a COBRA CLUTCH! Zelina endures, the fans rally, and Zelina fights up. Zelina fires body shots, Alba ripcords and wrenches to SUPERKICK! Zelina rebounds to SHINING WIZARD! Both women fall and the fans fire up! Piper coaches Zelina, the fans rally up, and both women rise up. Alba is on Zelina and brings her to a corner, but Zelina buckle bumps Alba first!
The fans rally as Alba stalks Zelina, but Zelina bumps her off buckles again! Alba tries again, but Zelina ELBOWS Alba away. Then BOOTS her away! Zelina fires forearms on Alba, backs her down, then whips. Alba reverses but Zelina dodges to LARIAT! The fans fire up as Zelina LARIATS again! Zelina blocks a kick, ELBOWS Alba, but Alba blocks the saido. But Zelina keeps Alba from running, SNAP SAIDO! The fans rally for Zelina as she runs corner to corner, METEORA! Zelina pushes Alba out and goes up top! The fans cheer for some Latina Heat, and METEORA! Cover, TWO! Alba survives and Chelsea is relieved.
Zelina grows frustrated, but she goes back for Alba. Zelina reels Alba in, suplexes, but Alba blocks! Alba knees low, suplexes, but Zelina hits STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! Alba is down, Zelina goes up, MOONSAULT FLOPS! Alba goes up now, and she SWANTON BOMBS! Cover, TWO!?! Zelina survives and shocks Alba! Chelsea is upset again but Alba hurries to bring Zelina up. Alba KICKS Zelina out, and now Chelsea takes off her face mask?! She tells Piper to stand Zelina up! Piper does as told, and Chelsea takes a swing, but Zelina ducks! The face mask SMACKS Piper!! Chelsea is shocked, then furious, and then she chases after Zelina!
Zelina slips into the ring, Chelsea gets on the apron, but Zelina sends Alba at her! They almost collide, and then Zelina rolls Alba up! Zelina hops on, CODE RED!! Cover, Zelina wins!!
Winner: Zelina Vega, by pinfall
Chelsea tried so hard to screw Zelina over that she just screwed up her own team! Zelina survives again, will no one take down the Vega Administration?
The Miz pep talks Carmelo Hayes.
Melo looks good, and he just has to follow the plan. If Melo follows that plan, with no mistakes, they will win. Melo says he knows what he’s doing. Miz asks if he really does. Because Miz has taken Black Mass after Black Mass, sacrificing himself for Melo. Does Melo understand? Miz gave up this chance at MITB for Melo! Miz has already done it twice! If Melo wins this match tonight, Miz will guide Melo to make sure “we are Mr. MITB.” Wait, we? Miz says, “Who do you think got you in this position?” Melo says Melo did. Melo appreciates everything Miz has done for him, from sacrificing to taking hits for him, and helping him win the Andre the Giant Battle Royal.
But nobody told Miz to do that. Melo will run the play exactly as Miz designed it, but what brought Melo to the dance is Melo’s talent. Melo goes out there and does it better than anybody else. Melo puts up 40 points on a bad day, because he is H1M. And Miz just needs to let Melo be H1M. They good? Miz nods, and Melo says okay, let’s do the thing. They are Melo Don’t Miz and they are Awes-H1M. Miz still nods, but he doesn’t seem genuinely happy. Will Miz let Melo be Melo? Even if that means letting H1M fail?
Giulia speaks.
“Throughout my entire career, even back when I started in Japan, I had one goal… It’s not to be ‘the best.’ Everyone says that. It’s hollow and empty. My goal is to be indisputable. You can love me or hate me, admiration or disgust, it means nothing. But I’m impossible to deny. My opponent doesn’t matter, because I only view them as an opportunity to build my legacy. Evidence you cannot refute. SmackDown, you will see. I will hit harder, move faster, think sharper, and conquer everything, just like I’ve always done. The question isn’t, ‘Who’s going to let me?” It’s, ‘Who’s going to stop me?'” She adds in Japanese, “If you can stop it, stop it.”
Will SmackDown and all of the WWE soon succumb to The Beautiful Madness?
Zelina returns backstage.
She refreshes for a second, but Giulia is there! And Giulia says she sees Zelina, but she also sees that title more. Zelina scoffs and leaves. Could Giulia be aiming for everything once she becomes Ms. Money in the Bank?
Damian Priest is here!
Knoxville cheers as The Archer of Infamy heads to the ring, victorious from Saturday Night’s Main Event and that brutal Steel Cage match. Priest grabs a mic to tell Tennessee, “Ever since I beat Drew on Saturday, it’s like I’m breathing in fresh air. Y’know, there was a time when I lived on the street, if we were beefing with another street, that war could go for years. But in WWE, you have a beef with somebody, you have a match and it’s over. But with Drew and I, we went well over a year, and that’s not normal. But we took that beef into a cage. Now, I can feel it, you can se it on my face, we went to war.
“At the end of this war, at Saturday Night’s Main Event, I gave him a Con-Chair-To, I walked out the door, and I put his ass in the past.” The fans cheer that. Priest says now he knows Drew is somewhere recovering from his scrambled brains, but he knows Drew is watching, so this is for Drew. “I still can’t stand yo ass. But the Drew McIntyre that stepped in that cage wasn’t the guy that hides behind his phone on social media. That was the old Drew, the warrior, and I appreciate that.” The fans applaud, and Priest says he won’t ask what is next for himself, he’ll just tell us all. And it is the same thing he wanted when he came to SmackDown: Championships!
The fans cheer, and Priest says this war with Drew cost him an opportunity at being in MITB. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have his eyes on a certain champion. Somebody who he has unfinished business with, and a champion he considers the most badass. The fans know that means Fatu, and he knows they know! Priest calls out Jacob Fatu! Priest respects Fatu. Priest knows where Fatu came from, what Fatu had to live through, how it feels to stand in this ring as a champion. Real talk, Priest is proud of Fatu, he congratulates Fatu, that’s real. But what Priest doesn’t respect is the crew that follows him around.
Wait, check that. What Priest doesn’t respect is the crew Fatu follows around. Priest knows at some point, they will get in this ring, handle business, but that’s for them. As for Fatu’s so-called family, if they wanna get involved, they can catch a fresh one, too. Priest won’t make it just a nickname or moniker, he wants this to be fact! Priest is and forever will be EL CAMPEON! The fans cheer that! But will the Archer soon take aim at the Samoan Werewolf? Well, speaking of, Fatu makes his way out here for tonight’s other Triple Threat Qualifier! Fatu nods to Priest, but if Fatu wins his way into the ladder match, will this showdown have to wait a little longer?
Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier Triple Threat: Carmelo Hayes VS Andrade VS Jacob Fatu!
SmackDown returns and El Idolo makes his entrance, followed by H1M. The bell rings and Miz distracts Fatu and Melo attacks! Fatu ELBOWS Melo away, Andrade is on Melo with forearms, and then Fatu adds a LARIAT! Fatu looms mover Melo but then turns to stare down Andrade. The fans rally as these two step up. Andrade fires forearms but Fatu SHOVES him to a corner. Fatu runs up, Andrade dodges then whips. Fatu reverses, Andrade goes up and out to then ROCK Fatu! Andrade goes up, up, and CROSSBODIES! Cover, ONE! Melo CLUBS Andrade, TOSSES him out, and then CLUBS away on Fatu!
Miz says that’s the way! Melo HAMMERS and CHOPS, then whips, but Fatu blocks! Fatu whips Melo, Melo springboards, but into an UPPERCUT! The fans fire up and Fatu sees Melo go outside. Fatu builds speed, but Miz trips him up! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Fatu drags Miz into the ring! Melo goes to roll Fatu up but Fatu stays up! Fatu YANKS Melo up, scoops, but Melo slips free! Melo SUPERKICKS and Miz DUMPS Fatu out! The fans boo but Melo builds speed, only for Andrade to LARIAT! The fans cheer, and now Miz sees he is in trouble. Fatu snarls, but Andrade DIVES, into a HAYMAKER!
Fatu then SUPERKICKS Miz! Fatu THROWS Miz into barriers! The fans fire up and Fatu grins. Fatu runs in, HIP ATTACK against the barriers! The Samoan Werewolf has dominated three men at once and the fans fire up while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Miz sputters and Fatu leaves him behind to go around the way. Melo is there to kick Fatu, RAM Fatu, but Fatu blocks another whip! Fatu ROCKS Melo and Melo staggers away. Fatu stalks Melo, Melo checks on Miz, but Fatu ROCKS Melo! Andrade goes after Fatu now, but Fatu THROWS Andrade into barriers! The fans cheer as Fatu lets Andrade go to the ring. Fatu brings Melo up, SMACKS him off the desk, then pushes him down. Fatu clears the desk off, but Melo CLUBS Fatu against the desk! Melo storms into the ring, brings Andrade up, but Andrade RAMS Melo into the corner! Andrade RAMS Melo, CHOPS Melo, then stalks Melo.
Andrade whips Melo, Melo reverses and Andrade hits buckles hard! Melo CHOPS Andrade down! Melo brings Andrade up, soaks up some heat, then makes it Latino Heat. But Andrade blocks the suplex to suplex Melo! Andrade hangs Melo out to dry, and Melo flops to the apron. Fatu is back but Andrade fires forearms first! Andrade whips, Fatu reverses, and Fatu BODY CHECKS Andrade! Fatu geeks out and the fans are with him while he stalks Andrade. Fatu drags Andrade up to HEADBUTT him into the corner. Fatu shoves Melo off the apron, then he HEADBUTTS Andrade again. Andrade sputters but Fatu is all fired up.
Fatu CHOPS Andrade, UPPERCUTS, and HEADBUTTS him again! Andrade CHOPS in return! SmackDown returns to single picture and Andrade CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Fatu UPPERCUTS and Andrade falls back! Melo stomps Andrade in the corner, then tells Fatu to come on in. Fatu runs up, but Andrade gets away! Hip attack hits buckles! Melo ENZIGIRIS Fatu, Andrade runs to dodge Melo and FLYING FOREARM! The fans fire up as Andrade kips up! Andrade has targets in the corners, and he rallies the fans with “SI! SI! SI!” CIEN KNEES for Fatu! CIEN- NO, Melo tilt-o-whirls and LA MYSTICA! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally, Melo runs to stomp away on Fatu, then he brings Andrade up. Fatu stands to CLOBBER Melo! Andrade SUPERKICKS Fatu! The fans rally, Melo brings Andrade up and springboards, but Andrade stops him at the ropes! SECOND ROPE SPANISH FLY! But Fatu SENTONS Andrade! The fans fire up as Fatu SENTONS Melo! Fatu drags Melo to a drop zone, then goes to the corner! The fans rally for Fatu as he goes up, up, but Andrade YANKS him down! Andrade goes up top, MOONSAULT DOUBLE!! Cover, Melo breaks it! The fans rally while all three are down! “This is Awesome!” as the three stir.
Melo brings Fatu and Andrade around, and he fires forearms on each of them. Andrade fires back on Melo, then Fatu UPPERCUTS! Andrade ROCKS Fatu, but Fatu UPPERCUTS Andrade! The fans rally as the three rise, and Melo springboards! DOUBLE FADE AWAY DDT!! Cover on Andrade, Fatu breaks it! Melo and Fatu stare down, and they run up! Melo dodges to hit the FIRST 48! Andrade adds a POISON-RANA! Melo slips around Andrade to KNEE and suplex, CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Andrade survives and Melo grows frustrated. The fans rally for Fatu while Melo shakes his hands out. Andrade is on the apron but Melo rises.
Melo brings Andrade up but Andrade trips Melo! They go out to brawl, and Melo SUPERKICKS Andrade down! But Fatu SUPERKICKS Melo! The fans fire up for Fatu as he lines up a shot. Fatu gets the fans even more fired up, then he geeks out! Fatu runs in the full length, but Andrade & Melo move! HIP ATTACK through barriers!! The fans go nuts as Fatu crashes into the timekeeper’s area! Fatu sputters as SmackDown goes back to picture in picture.
Fatu stirs while Andrade and Melo go to the ring. They roll in, Melo grabs at Andrade and vice-versa. Melo fires a forearm, then goes back outside. Andrade goes to the opposite end while Melo looks under the ring. Melo makes Knoxville happy by bringing out a table! But then Melo makes them mad by dropping it! Melo goes after Andrade but Andrade ROCKS him first! Andrade brings out a chair! Andrade aims, but Melo dropkicks the legs out! Andrade crawls, Melo shakes his head, and he grabs the chair now. Melo aims, but Andrade kicks Melo low! Andrade and Melo go into the ring, and Andrade puts Melo in a drop zone.
Andrade goes up the corner, but Melo trips him up! Andrade is stuck up top and Melo hits the SLINGSHOT PLEX! Melo flexes, then decides to step through on the legs! Andrade cradles that, TWO! Melo and Andrade stand, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Both men fall and the fans look for Fatu. SmackDown returns to single picture as the fans rally, Melo and Andrade sit up, and Melo CHOPS! Andrade ROCKS Melo, then rolls away. Melo hurries to clamp onto Andrade with a facelock, but Andrade RAMS him into a corner! Andrade puts Melo up top but Melo fires forearms. Andrade drops back, Melo aims, but Andrade GAMANGIRIS!
The fans still want tables but Andrade climbs up to get Melo. They’re on the very top, but Fatu is back! Fatu makes the SUPER SPANISH FLY part ROCKER LAUNCHER!! The fans are thunderous as Fatu goes up now! SWANTON BOMB onto Melo! Cover, Andrade breaks it!! The fans rally up again and still want tables. Fatu runs at Andrade to SPLASH! Then Fatu runs at Melo, but Melo BOOTS him! Melo runs up, but into a pop-up! Melo fights the Samoan Drop, and Andrade adds the SHADOW ELBOW! But Melo makes it a ghost pin! Andrade adds a stack, TWO!!! Fatu survives the double cover, but here come Solo & JC!
The fans boo as Solo is here to coach Fatu up. Melo and Andrade trade forearms, then Melo dodges to springboard, FLYING LARIAT! Cover, Fatu breaks it! Fatu snarls, drags Melo up, and he HEADBUTTS Melo! Fatu finally notices Solo & JC, but Fatu puts Melo up top. Fatu CHOPS Melo, then he fireman’s carries Andrade. Fatu adds Melo to this, but Melo slips free. SAMOAN DROP for Andrade, and then Fatu goes to the corner. Solo says Fatu’s got this now! BEST MOONSAULT EVER FLOPS and Melo hits NOTHING BUT NET!! Cover, ANDRADE BREAKS IT! Andrade underhooks Melo, THE MESS- NO, Melo RANAS through! Cover, TWO!!
Andrade has a cover, TWO! Melo has a cover, TWO! Andrade has it, TWO! Both men stand, SHADOW ELBOW! FIRST 48!! SHADOW ELBOW AGAIN!! All three men are down and the fans are thunderous! Fatu crawls, Melo rolls to a corner, and Andrade stirs. Fatu rises, he brings Andrade up, IMPALER DDT! Then Fatu has Melo to RAM him into a corner. Fatu runs and HIP ATTACKS Melo! Andrade is up, Fatu hits him with another IMPALER DDT! Fatu puts Andrade in the drop zone, and he hits the BEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Solo says yeah, do that again! The fans boo but Fatu glares at Solo. JC says do what Solo is saying, Fatu!
But wait! Jimmy YANKS JC down, and SUPERKICKS him! The fans fire up, and then Melo RAMS Fatu into Solo! Then FIRST 48! But Andrade rolls Melo into THE MESSAGE!! Cover, ANDRADE WINS!!
Winner: Andrade, by pinfall (advances to Money in the Bank)
Solo just screwed things up for Fatu! Solo does his best to keep the peace between Fatu and JC, but the point is: Andrade is headed to Los Angeles! Will he make this El Idolo in the Bank?
Backstage interview with LA Knight.
Byron Saxton segues from congratulating Andrade for qualifying to welcoming in someone who already has qualified, but The Mega Star says, “My gawd. What is it with punching tickets around here? Everybody talks about punching tickets. WWE Instagram, punched tickets. Commentary, punched tickets. You’re talking about punched tickets. I guess I punched my ticket to MITB, it’s only eight days away. A few other guys who punched tickets, who are they? You got Andrade, you got Penta, you got what’s his name, Seth Rollins. You got Solo Sikoa! They’re all in it! They all punched their tickets!
“And everybody’s gonna be climbing that ladder, trying to get up, put everything on the line that they can. Now, if this was a one-on-one match, I’d go ahead and call my shot, and I’d say I’m gonna run up there, grab the case, and cash it in. But you gotta understand, this is my third year in a row, so I understand what this is. You can call me the vet in this match. Some people say maybe that Seth is the vet in this, but they would be wrong. For three years in a row now, you’re talking about the most robust and the most recent experience, YEAH. And what that means is now it’s anybody’s game. Anybody can come out with it, and I understand that.
“But with or without the case, what you need to understand is that the WWE title, the world title, they’re all in my future. With the way I’ve been running, at this point, they should be in my past, maybe even my present. Why don’tcha go ahead and punch that ticket? While we’re talking about-” Knight stops himself when he spots someone walking in. It’s Aleister Black! And Aleister says that win was supposed to be his. But he tells Knight, “You’re welcome, though.” The Dark Father lets the Mega Star shine, if only for now. Will LA win big in LA when we finally reach MITB?
Fatu and Solo regroup backstage.
Solo wants Fatu to listen. He was just trying to help. Fatu tells Solo to listen. For the last time, Fatu does not need his help! Fatu storms off, JC steps in, but Solo has nothing else to say. Is the Samoan Werewolf going to break away from this dysfunctional “family?”
Cody Rhodes is here!
Knoxville fires up and sings along, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, high-fives fans along the ramp and the front row, and even signs autographs. Cody goes to the ring, grabs a mic, and he hears the fans chant his name. Cody fires the fans up more, then hears them sing, “Cody! Cody Rhooodes~! Cody! Cody Rhooodes~!” Cody says, “So, Knoxville! Whaddya wanna talk about?” The fans cheer, and Cody says, “I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out that we could talk about the record crowd here this evening!” The fans cheer that, too! Cody says he loves them, too, thank you very much.
Cody says they could also talk about WrestleMania 41. The fans boo, but Cody says after WrestleMania 41, he went home, he drowned his sorrows, might’ve touched the “Tennessee Cough Syrup” a little bit, and he had a moment of doubt. He reached out to a friend. A friend who helps him prepare to wonderful audiences like this one here, or speaking to everyone at home. Cody asked him, “Was I a good champion?” The fans cheer for that, but Cody says the friend told him wasn’t quite as simple as yes or no.
The friend told him, “With everything that you faced here in the ring in front of all the fans, and with everything that you faced behind the scenes, being pulled in different directions, the waters that you had to navigate that no champion has ever had to navigate, yes, I feel that you were a good champion.” Cody says he felt good hearing that, it turned into a hopeful moment, the silver lining on a dark cloud. Cody looked back on his whole year. He thought about AJ Styles faking retirement to get the drop on him. Cody thought about his friend, Kevin Owens, sucker punching him against his bus while Cody’s family slept inside.
Cody thought about his boss, Triple H, who pushed Cody to the limit, and sees something in Cody that Cody doesn’t even see in himself. Cody even thought about The Final Boss, how he asked Cody for his soul, and the entire world wondering what that meant. As preposterous as that sounded, The Rock was 100% serious. No matter how many times Cody said no, the offer still stands. And Cody also thought about John Cena. The fans initially boo, but the “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” starts up. Cody takes a moment, and then he says, “I thought about John Cena doing exactly what he said he was going to do. He forced me to make a choice, and I hesitated.
“I don’t know if John Cena is going to ‘ruin’ professional wrestling. But if he does, then I’m partially to blame. Now, I know, I’d love to say this to John Cena’s face. Not sure if he’s going to come out here right now, but if you are listening, if you are listening, Champ, I need you to know that I will never hesitate with you again!” The fans cheer that, and Cody says no matter how much Cena will tout the amount of days he has left, how much Cena will talk about what remains before he absconds with the WWE Championship and leaves all of us forever, that is NOT Cena’s expiration date! That is on the other side of Cody’s corneas, and it will burn Cena’s ass up!
The fans fire up for that, and Cody calms it down. Cody apologizes for that. This is his first night back on SmackDown, he is getting worked up. He thought so much about what he could do, what he could do for the fans. Hell, how about a surprise? The fans already “YEET! YEET! YEET!” so Cody says they’re hungry for it. Let’s yeet. Well, hold on, that’d be a very big surprise. That’d be the biggest surprise. That’d be Cody’s partner riding into battle for MITB, and hell YES he is here! Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for the World Heavyweight Champion, MAIN EVENT JEY USO! The fans go wild as Jey makes his way in from the pavilion!
The fans sing along with Day One Ish and bounce for that YEET! Jey makes his way down through the crowd to ringside, one verse at a time, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Jey joins Cody in the ring now, mic in hand. Cody and Jey hear the fans want an encore, so we get even more YEET! But then John Cena makes his entrance to ruin the fun! The fans sing “JOHN CENA SUUUCKS~!” even though he wears that University of Tennessee orange and white. Cena goes to the ring, towel draped over his head, then grabs a mic before he joins Cody and Jey in the ring. Cena hears the fans boo, and he says, “I’m upset, too. If it isn’t professional wrestling’s biggest wannabes!” Cena tells Cody he is nothing more than a Cena Wannabe, and that Jey is nothing more than a Cena Wannabe.
The fans boo but Cena says they both wanna be Cena so bad, it makes him sick! Cody wants Cena’s fame, Jey wants Cena’s money, but they will get neither because Cody is too desperate and Jey is too lazy! There is only ONE other human being in the WWE who embodies hustle, loyalty and respect, and he’s got the fortune, fame and followers to back that up! Surprise, losers! Cena’s partner is here, too! The fans boo already, because “EY YO~!” Logan Paul IS here! The Maverick swaggers his way out, and Cena gives him a proper introduction. “Oh, you mad? You’re mad because Logan Paul does WWE better than any professional wrestler?”
Cena says Logan doesn’t need to pay his dues, because he is paying Jey’s mortgage! Everybody in this building did NOT come to see Jey! They came to see John Cena and Logan Paul! Logan asks, “What the hell you crying about, Knoxville? Look! I could walk on water, and y’all would still find a way to tell me it’s because I can’t swim! John Cena speaks the language of Logan Paul, and that is the truth! The truth! It is right in front of you! You deny it all you want, but look around, you stupid, stupid, simple Tennessee people! This is a moment in history! All of you get to witness the moment that John Cena stood side-by-side in the ring with Logan Paul.
“And look, all of you will live long, pathetic, miserable lives. But at least you will get to say that you saw that.” The fans tell Logan to STFU, and Cena tells Logan to ignore it. Logan says yeah, yeah, they’re so ungrateful. They don’t know what’s good for them. There is one problem, though. This does seem too perfect. The problem is… Logan should be standing next to THE WWE Champion as THE World Heavyweight Champion! Logan should’ve been the one to leave Saturday Night’s Main Event with that title around his waist. But look at him, Jey. Jey got lucky. Jey got lucky! He knows it, Logan knows, it, the fans know it, CODY knows it!
Jey needed Cody to save him! When Cody interfered with the match cuz these two cheaters can’t do a single thing in this business without it being handed to them! “These two nepo babies were born on third, thinking they hit a triple.” Logan points to himself and says, “Self-made man!” He points to Cena and says, “Self-made man!” Five years ago, nobody every would’ve believed Logan Paul would be a WWE superstar. And they certainly never ever would’ve believed that he’d be teaming with the Greatest Of All Time! But look at Logan now. He’s not just a superstar, he is THE superstar! His time is now! Cena told us that his time is almost up!
Cena is the Last Real Champion, Logan is the inevitable face of the WWE! So Jey, Cody, at MITB, if you want some, come get some. Jey tells Logan they don’t gotta wait! They can handle this right now! UH UH, YEET!! The mics drop, Cena and Logan talk this out, and Logan wants to throw hands while Cena wants to leave. Cody asks what they’re arguing about. They gonna go to the back so Logan can polish Cena’s Peacemaker? Now it’s a fight! The fans fire up as the hands are flying! Logan TOSSES Jey, Cena picks Cody up! Cody slips free, Jey is back to SUPERKICK! Cody hits the DISASTER KICK! Cena bails out, Jey PLANCHAS out onto him!
Logan goes to the apron, slingshot and- NO, Cody dodges the “Snapshot” Lariat and Jey SUPERKICKS Logan! Then Jey sets Logan up for the CODE D!! The fans fire up as Cody picks up the WWE Championship! Will Cody and Jey make it through Logan and Cena to then clear a path for the American Nightmare’s redemption? Or will Cena & Logan ruin wrestling together?
My Thoughts:
A very good SmackDown, but maybe with some wheel-spinning. As fun as Chelsea Green continues to be, can’t we move on from her and Zelina? Or are we about to do that with tonight’s win over Alba and then Giulia confronting her? Ironically, that seems to give away Giulia isn’t winning MITB. Giulia had a good promo video right before but they undercut it by giving us that confrontation. That said, Giulia deserves to be all the champions, but I suppose starting with the Women’s US Championship would be a good route. Very good promo from Bianca and Naomi to not just have Bianca’s homecoming, but to keep the feud between them alive.
The Women’s Triple Threat had a slow start but it turned out to be a very good match. Great win for Naomi, and good promo from her, Tiffany and Alexa to tease potential MITB winners. Great stuff in the tag match to build Worlds Collide just a touch. We only got one moment of Berto being passive aggressive towards Santos, and then Ethan Page screwing the Faces over, but that was still enough for the North American Championship. Of course, it depends on how many fans watch not just Raw and SmackDown but also NXT so that the fans already understand the story. But as someone who does, I do appreciate they’re bringing NXT story onto SmackDown.
Good promo from Priest to give some shoot respect to Drew and Fatu, but Priest wanting after the US title kinda gave away what was happening with the Men’s Triple Threat. It was a great Triple Threat, but of course Solo & JC cost Fatu. That team is just one moment away from breaking up, and it might be at MITB when Solo just expects Fatu to help him win the briefcase and Fatu refuses. And Fatu VS Priest will still be awesome whenever it happens. Good promo from Knight, and a good bit from Aleister with him, which I suppose means that’s the next feud for them. Was kinda hoping for Aleister VS Nakamura but that really depends if Nakamura is sticking with WWE or going home to Japan via Pro-Wrestling NOAH as rumored.
R-Truth relapsing to talking to Lil’ Jimmy is certainly a choice. I kinda wish he’d keep up the “Ron Cena” stuff, or they’d let Jeff Cobb do his own John Cena bit from NJPW, but I guess some things in WWE still won’t change. And closing with a big promo segment was also certainly a choice. Cody still did a good job, and nice surprise to have Jey show up. Not sure they needed to take a commercial break for Jey’s entrance, especially when they were obviously going to let Jey do his YEET encore. And Cena really must be brainwashed to put Logan over as if Logan’s on par with peak Cena. But naturally a brawl happened and the Faces stood tall.
Don’t count this as go-home math yet, they could easily revisit this on Raw and even next week on SmackDown. Even then, I still feel like Jey and Cody should win at MITB to properly set up Cody VS Cena 2 at SummerSlam. Raw on June 9th is still the move for the World Heavyweight Championship, but there’s also Saturday Night’s Main Event in July, who knows if Jey makes it to SummerSlam as champion.
My Score: 8.7/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 5.29.25
Stuff happens, maybe it doesn’t, Dreamer and Delirious can’t book.

Well Trick Willie is the new TNA champ and this is the first iMPACT since his win…so let’s just hear him talk about it.
"TNA turned into TRICK-NA. Lets talk about it"@_trickwilliams #WWENXT
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/GrBQpdX5g5 pic.twitter.com/StU4pmi3oy
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 30, 2025
Ratings:
- The Rascalz vs Fir$t Cla$$ vs Laredo vs The System: Rascalz win via Meteora – ***
- Raj Singh vs Mustafa Ali: Ali wins via…No Shit – Squash Garbage
- ASH by Elegance vs Lei Ying Lee: Lei wins via Spinning TKO – ** 3/4
- Mance Warner w/SDL vs Jobber: Mance wins via Hit the Pay Winda – Squash
- Santino Marella & Arianna Grace vs Robert Stone & Victoria Crawford w/Tessa: Team Robbie wins via shenanigans – **
- International Championship: Steve Maclin (c) vs Matt Cardona: Maclin retains via KIA – ***
Results:
The Rascalz vs Fir$t Cla$$ vs Laredo vs The System
Octagon got jumped by The System earlier so Laredo is fighting alone. Another backstage jumping is getting a little dumb.
Laredo and Trey start. Typical Indie start with Simultaneous awful Dropkick spot and bad counters, AJ blind tag runs the smaller guys over, tags out to KC and the Rascalz instantly get the moment. KC is rocked, tags in Laredo and Laredo takes out the System before Lish gets on the apron and grabs Laredo. The referee kicks out Lish and Rehwoldt on commentary points out it’s a No DQ match so that’s dumb.
KC gets tossed at AJ, he catches him, Rascalz Dive and do their taunt as we go to commercial. We come back, Tennessee Whiskey into a KC tag in for the near fall on Laredo. Corner combo, Snapmare into Flip Forward Neck Breaker, KC is on a roll. AJ tags Laredo and starts talking crap to KC, they swerve and go Finger Poke of Doom, but it’s not a legal pin. Suddenly tornado attacks, System and Rascalz go for broke, AJ hits the Senton to break the eventual pin, Laredo counters AJ’s Chokeslam attempt. Trey clears out The System, Wentz sends himself and KC over and out, Laredo with a Corkscrew Moonsault, which looked cool but it’s the pile of morons waiting to get hit spot.
AJ hits the Down Payment on Laredo, but Trey blind tagged AJ. Meteora on AJ, Trey pins Laredo and Rascalz win.
Raj Singh vs Mustafa Ali
Raj looks like shit in the gear he came down in…and he wrestles equivalently. I would rather anyone else comeback…give me Anarquia.
Ali murders Raj, Instant Dropkick, Rolling Neckbreaker, Corkscrew Standing Moonsault, it’s not close. Raj tries to counter things but Ali Bellclap, a little Duck the left, connect the right. Raj even does a terrible looking Punch Combo, he’s in bad shape, a bad looking Ushigoroshi, Raj with a sloppy looking something, 450 ends it.
Fire Raj as quickly as you brought him back. You don’t need a comedically pathetic job guy when the roster is like 4 guys getting pushed and everyone else sucks. Stop being stupid. Ali still hates women too.
This Injury Report is the dumbest segment in the history of wrestling. Stop treating fake shit as “serious business”.
ASH by Elegance vs Lei Ying Lee
ASH mocks karate stuff, Lei throws a few Rising Crane kicks as ASH bails and then things slow down a little. But a Pump Kick, Sliding Kick and Low Dropkick cause ASH to cower and claim her tooth broke. It’s a bait to pull Lei into the turnbuckles and them get in a few stomps. Ash keeps Lei in the corner, Suplexes her ankles into the buckles and then Ash throws a few Booty Shots/Hit Attacks then starts a grounded stretch, Lei Headscissors her down, still sells the hips and ankles, but dodges and fires, combination strikes into the 10 Count Down Strikes. T-bone Suplex, into the pinfall, for only two.
Cheapshot into Running Meteora from ASH for two. Ash goes for the Miz Yes Kicks and Lei No Sells and asks for more. Gorgeous Capture Suplex into Thunder Struck and TKO with flair. My baby has a better finish now! Yay!
Mance Warner w/SDL vs Jobber
Hannifan cursing and being pissed at Trick for not even showing but is more entertaining than a squash match. Not that Mance’s offense is bad, but 2 out of 3 job matches is stupid.
.@milanmiracle and @AriannaGraceWWE make history as the first father/daughter tag team in TNA!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/GrBQpdX5g5 pic.twitter.com/3s8OhtYFPv
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 30, 2025
Santino Marella & Arianna Grace vs Robert Stone & Victoria Crawford w/Tessa
Marella tries to tie up with Robbie, but he bails and tags out to Victoria so Arianna comes in and aside from Alicia Fox’s silliness, the tie up was decent with Arianna and Victoria. Tessa interferes and the Referee throws her out. Victoria comes back in and aside from a slight miscommunication with how Arianna does her punches, Alicia Fox is making her look…pretty good. Transition moves, okay brawling and Arianna looks amazing in her outfit.
Rob and Santino distract the referee and Victoria hits a Figure Four into her Northern Lights Suplex, only for 2. Arianna finally Back Body Drop to find the tag, Santino and Rob, Santino does his split dodge into the Standing Headbutt, Arianna Cross Body onto Victoria. Rob pulls out the ref, then shoves the ref into Santino, Santino into the steps and Arianna attack but Alicia and Lish, the fix is in, Arianna eats the pin.
International Championship: Steve Maclin (c) vs Matt Cardona
A few quick brawl moves, Shoulder Tackles, Strikes, Back Breakers, Cardona does get dumped out and eats a SCUD. Maclin bounces Cardona’s face off the apron and hits an Elbow off the apron to keep Cardona reeling, but a dodged tackle sends Maclin into the steps. Cardona tries to Piledriver Maclin on the ramp, but Back Drop counter, into commercial.
Formulaic commercial etiquette of Cardona still in control, throws Maclin into the ropes, Diving Shoulder Tackle lays both dudes out and they get up by 8. Fighting Spirit spot, Cardona hits ropes and gets hit by Maclin twice, Thesz Press, Ground and Pound, Back Elbow and Olympic Slam has Maclin rolling. Splash into Lariat for two. Maclin has been all gas no brakes. Cardona tries to take a few shortcuts that turns into a Straight Jacket Takedown. Cardona to the top, Maclin cuts him off, Superplex spot. 1-2-kick out!
Maclin goes topside for a Jar Headbutt, Cardona hits the ropes so Maclin crashes into the corner, 2 Reboots connect, the third gets caught, counter into Busaiku Knee, Jar Headbutt. In and out, Cardona uses the middle rope for the Low Blow, Killswitch from Cardona but Maclin kicks out. Cardona dodges and shoves Maclin towards the ref, he puts the brakes on, Radio Silence! 1-2-Kick out! Maclin catches a top rope move, Power Bomb, Corner Splash, Tree of Woe, Caught in the Crosshairs, KIA and Maclin retains!
Overall Score: 4.5/10
Boring paint by numbers show, no Trick, System has one move, Robert Stone is a scumbag, too long to introduce new girls, lots of throw away segments and Rosemary sets up YET ANOTHER Monster’s Ball match. These aren’t interesting when there’s one every 3 months. So we can have terrible Monster’s Ball matches quarterly, Barbed Wire Massacre and Clockwork Orange House of Fun…BUT NO LOCKDOWN!?
Go home TNA, you’re drunk.
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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