Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Backlash Report! (5/6/18)
WWE shifts gears after the Superstar Shake-Up with a co-branded Backlash! Will The Big Dog, Roman Reigns, keep Samoa Joe from putting him to sleep? Can Daniel Bryan stand up to the 7 foot tall bully, Big Cass? Will No Disqualifications for the WWE Championship help or hinder AJ Styles against Shinsuke Nakamura?
All images courtesy of the WWE Network streaming service
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff Match: Bayley VS Ruby Riott w/ The Riott Squad; Ruby wins.
- WWE Intercontinental Championship: Seth Rollins VS The Miz; Rollins wins and retains the WWE Intercontinental Championship.
- Raw Women’s Championship: Nia Jax VS Alexa Bliss; Nia wins and retains the Raw Women’s Championship.
- WWE United States Championship: Jeff Hardy VS Randy Orton; Hardy wins and retains the WWE United States Championship.
- Daniel Bryan VS Big Cass; Bryan wins.
- SmackDown Women’s Championship: Carmella VS Charlotte Flair; wins and
- WWE Championship No Disqualification Match: AJ Styles VS Shinsuke Nakamura; Double Count Out, Styles retains the WWE Championship.
- Braun Strowman & Bobby Lashley VS Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn; Strowman & Lashley win.
- Roman Reigns VS Samoa Joe; Roman wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
The Miztourage go through a list of possible new bosses.
Baron Corbin? No, Bo has heard he’s a Lone Wolf. But what abuot Jinder Mahal? He needs two men, right? Just then, The Miz walks in.
“Daddy’s home.” And he is so proud of his “sons”. The mind games they were playing were great. Miz remembers when he knew they were destined to be the Miztourage. That was when they made Marine 5, and Bo & Axel got back at the stage hands for taking the last two seats. The good times these there have shared. Which is why Miz is so happy that they’re all back together to do it again to Seth Rollins! They should get going, their match is first on the main card. But Bo says no? They’re not supporting cast anymore. The duo formerly known as the Miztourage leaves, who will they find to be their new leading man?
The IIconics join the kickoff panel.
Peyton Royce & Billie Kay don’t want anymore chit chat about the SmackDown Women’s Championship. Charlotte Flair is “so 2000-NEVER.” Billie reminds everyone that they beat Asuka in her first SmackDown match. Yes, they beat Asuka on her first SmackDown match. “We’re better than Asuka!” Renee Young asks for any insight on tonight’s match. The IIconics ignore that. Where have they met Peter Rosenberg? Or no, heard him. Peyton imitates Peter, that’s spot on! But Peyton and Billie admit they’re interested in tonight’s match. Carmella is “maj”, but Peter is “repug”. Backlash maybe could, possible become #IIconic. They sing their theme song while prancing their way out.
Bayley and Sasha Banks talk backstage.
The Hugger invited The Boss to discuss The Riott Squad. Bayley doesn’t want to fight with her anymore. Sasha can be in her corner for her match. Oh now Bayley wants Sasha around? What happened when Sasha needed Bayley? Is Bayley afraid things will happen to her? Bayley can’t believe how full Sasha is of herself. Bayley can handle Ruby Riott like she handled Sasha. She was trying to help Sasha, but if Sasha is too stubborn, then that’s her problem. Sasha says Bayley can spin it however she wants, she’s still on her own. Will these two ever be back to being friends?
Both Raw and SmackDown GMs are in the Social Media Lounge.
Kurt Angle and Paige are both here for WWE’s first co-branded event since the Superstar Shake-Up to answer the questions fans submitted under #AskTheGMs. The Gold Medalist and Glampire are excited for this crossover night.
“Angle, who is your dream opponent in today’s generation?” There’s a lot of great choices from both shows, but Angle would love Daniel Bryan in a match. It could still happen. “Two questions: What is the hardest part about being a GM? And what was Paige’s reaction to Absolution coming to SmackDown?” Paige is a new GM, but the hard part is not helping your friends. Absolution has to earn what they get, and will get a title shot when they deserve it. Angle agrees, it’s about equal opportunity within the time they have.
“For both GMs: which match will steal the show?” Paige says Styles VS Nakamura with No Disqualifications, but also the SmackDown Women’s Championship because she adores and respects Charlotte. Angle says the Raw Women’s Championship, as well as the grudge match of Roman Reigns VS Samoa Joe.
Bayley VS Ruby Riott w/ The Riott Squad!
The Huggable One couldn’t convince her on-again-off-again friend to be in her corner, but The Squad is always behind their leader. Can Bayley get even all by herself? Or will Ruby #StartaRiott?
The bell rings and Ruby circles with Bayley. They tie up, and Bayley gets the arm wrench. Ruby stomps on Bayley’s foot then reverses the hold, but Bayley reverses it back. Bayley brings Ruby down with a headlock takeover, but Ruby stands up to throw Bayley down by her headband. Ruby puts on a headlock, but Bayley powers out, only for Ruby to run her over. Ruby says Bayley is weak, like Sasha. She then runs, but Bayley evades and O’Conner roll, TWO. Ghost pin, TWO, School Girl, TWO. Bayley whips but Ruby reverses, only to run into Bayley’s elbow. Bayley flies with an arm-drag to cover, TWO. Ruby rocks Bayley with a right! Ruby drags Bayley up and puts her in a corner with a buckle bump. Bayley staggers away, but Ruby brings her back for another.
Ruby stalks Bayley while Sasha watches backstage. Bayley reverses the whip and hits the corner clothesline, to then whip Ruby corner to corner. Bayley runs in but Ruby hangs her up on the top rope. But that doesn’t stop Bayley, she bumps Ruby off buckles. The Squad distracts Bayley, Ruby hits the STO! Bayley rolls out of the ring and the Squad taunt her while we go to break.
WWE Backlash returns with Bayley fighting out of a chinlock. She gives elbows to Ruby, and breaks free, only to run into a Complete Shot! Ruby drags Bayley up for vicious elbows and knees. Now she covers, TWO, and Ruby grows frustrated. Ruby grabs Bayley in a new chinlock, and digs her knee into Bayley’s back. Fans rally for Bayley while she endures. Bayley fights her way up again, and throws more elbows. Ruby bumps Bayley off buckles again, the referee reprimands Ruby. Ruby drags Bayley up and bumps her off another buckle, then stalks Bayley along the ropes. She chokes Bayley against the ropes while The Squad taunts her. Ruby lets go, Sarah Logan gets a cheapshot! Cover, TWO, and Sasha is still watching backstage.
Ruby bumps Bayley off more buckles, but then Bayley fights back. Bayley gives Ruby Snake Eyes, then goes up and over, only to get caught in Deadly Nightshade!
The Squad cheers while Ruby covers, TWO. Ruby is furious, but she calms down and works on her next move. She toys with Bayley, but Bayley hits back. Ruby grabs her in a cravat to wrench the neck. Bayley keeps fighting, and arm-drags Ruby off. Ruby runs in but Bayley dodges. Bayley gives a back elbow, then tries boots, but Ruby spins her to the apron. Bayley rocks Ruby with a right, then hops in for a crossbody! Cover, TWO! Both women are reeling, but standing. Bayley starts rallying with clotheslines. She saido suplexes Ruby down! Ruby rolls to ropes but Bayley is on her. Ruby holds on to deny the whip, then reverses the whip, but Bayley dodges to dropkick at Sarah. Sarah catches her, but Bayley counters that into a headscissor!
Bayley staggers but Ruby goes after her hair. Bayley hits Ruby with the hotshot! Ruby goes down, Bayley climbs up, for the Macho Elbow! Cover, TWO! Both women are down, but the fans are liking this. Bayley stirs, then crawls to a corner. Ruby stirs while Bayley drags herself up. Bayley checks the pony tail, then waits for Ruby to get up. Liv gest on the apron, Bayley goes to throw Ruby inot her but Ruby throws Bayley into Liv! Ruby then boots Bayley, and hits the Riott Kick!
Cover, Ruby wins!
Winner: Ruby, by pinfall
The Squad helps their leader out again thanks to numbers. The riotous and reckless trio gets away with a win, can anyone beat their number games?
Backlash means many things, but tonight, it means change.
Rivalries renewed with rematches all around. A new take on David and Goliath. Legacies defined by wins and losses. And a vendetta to be settled in a match with no rules. Both Raw and SmackDown bring #TheBestofBothWorlds, but who will feel the backlash?
WWE Intercontinental Championship: Seth Rollins VS The Miz!
The Hollywood A-Lister lost his most prized possession in the prestigious IC title when The Architect overcame him and Finn Balor at Wrestlemania. The same happened when The Architect jumped ahead of Finn at The Greatest Royal Rumble. Can Miz use his 1v1 contractual rematch to get back the title and return to making history?
The bell rings and Rollins gets the bigger ovation from the fans. And Rollins rubs it in a bit on Miz. The two circle and tie up, Rollins shifts through holds and settles on the hammerlock. Miz tries but can’t reverse, and Rollins brings him to the mat. Miz rolls but Rollins wrangles him down, so Miz grabs the ropes. Rollins honors the break, then smirks as he and Miz circle again. They approach but Miz kicks low and stomps away on Rollins. Fans boo and jeer while Miz keeps going. Miz backs off at the referee’s count, then comes back to bump Rollins off buckles. Miz pulls on Rollins’ hair then whips Rollins. Rollins reverses and dropkicks Miz down. Rollins chops Miz to a corner, then chops more. He follows Miz then whips him corner to corner.
Fans fire up as Rollins runs in for the forearm smash. Rollins whips Miz again, then runs in but Miz puts him on the apron. Rollins punches Miz away but Miz boots Rollins down! Miz checks his jaw while Rollins crashes and burns. Miz goes out to fetch Rollins, he needs to finish this in the ring. But he bounces Rollins off the announce desk first. Then Miz rams Rollins into the apron edge before putting him in the ring. Miz mocks the “Burn It Down” stomps before hitting a low boot. Cover, TWO, Miz puts on a chinlock. Fans rally while Rollins endures. Rollins fights his way up and fights out of the hold. Rollins chops Miz again, then whips, but Miz reverses to hit Rollins with the kitchen sink knee.
Miz rams knees into Rollins’ back, then throws in an elbow to add onto the chinlock. Fans keep it up for Rollins, and Rollins gets up again. Miz knees low then whips, but Rollins turns the knee into a roll up, TWO. Muel kick deflected, Miz hits the low DDT! COver, TWO! Miz grows frustrated but keeps it together. He stomps Rollins down, but he hears the fans supporting Rollins. Miz puts Rollins on the ropes to choke him, then backs off to hit the running rope attack! Miz embraces the heat and declares he’s the better champ. Rollins fights back with haymakers and chops, then whips, but Miz reverses, only for Rollins to hit a facebuster!
Both men are down but Rollins brings himself to a corner. Fans rally while he aims at Miz. Miz runs in but into the buckle shot. Rollins then stands up again, Miz following. Rollins boots him away, then hops up and over to run and Slingblade! Miz flounders, Rollins runs and clotheslines Miz out! Fans fire up with Rollins, Rollins builds speed, then DIVES!
Down goes Miz! Rollins brings Miz up and into the ring, then takes aim from the apron. Springboard but Miz catches Rollins! Miz wants the Finale but Rollins rolls through to a cover, TWO! Miz runs into another boot, Rollins hops up and hits a blockbuster. Cover, TWO, but Rollins keeps his cool. Fans rally as he stalks Miz. Rollisn grabs Miz but Miz grabs ropes, for a cheap shot elbow. Miz trips up Rollins but Rollins kicks him away. Miz puts Rollins on the apron but Rollins hits back, then hits a springboard flying clothesline! Rollins runs but is put back on the apron, Miz slips under to trip Rollins up! Rollins hits the apron then the floor, but Miz needs to catch his breath.
Miz puts Rollins back in at the count of 3, then decides to climb up top himself. Miz flies in, but is caught, roll through to a swinging side slam! Cover, TWO! But Rollins won’t let that slow him down, he hurries back up to climb to the top rope. Rollins takes aim at Miz from far away, and leaps for a frog splash!
TWO!! And Rollins is too tired to be shocked. The fans declare “This is Awesome!” while Rollins stands up. Rollins stomps, “Burn It Down!” Rollins takes aim, Miz stirs, but then realizes he needs to get away. Miz escapes to the outside, but Rollins pursues. They go back in the ring, Rollins dodges to clothesline Miz back out. Rollins builds speed again, to run into a clobbering left hand! Miz catches his breath while Rollins slumps out of the ring. They both stand up on the apron, Miz’s DDT denied, but he boots Rollins back. Rollins forearms back, then chops, then another forearm. Rollins rocks Miz, then wring him out, but that Revolution Knee goes into a post! Miz goes after the leg with the Figure Four!
Rollins endures, flails, reaches but Miz just elevates himself more. Rollins drags himself around towards ropes, but Miz drags him back the other way. Miz wants Rollins to tap, but Rollins refuses. Rollins glares at Miz and it scares Miz! Rollins rolls it over and reverses the pressure! Now Miz feels the pain, enduring but reaching. Miz wills himself not to give up, and roll it back on Rollins! But now they’re closer to ropes, Rollins gets the ropebreak. Miz lets go reluctantly, but the damage has been done to each man’s legs. Miz slowly stands, then hobbles over to Rollins. He wants it again, but Rollins pushes Miz away.
Rollins chops Miz, so Miz punches back. Rollins punches back, so Miz hits back. They go again and again, Miz kicks out the leg, then full nelson, but Rollins arm-drags him away. Rollins rocks Miz with a roaring elbow, but Miz boots right back. Pele from Rollins! Miz is dizzy, but he still goes for the full nelson. Rollins rolls but Miz wheelbarrow lifts him back up! Skull Crushing Finale!
Cover, TWO!? No one can believe Rollins survived! Rollins manages to get to a corner, but that leg won’t let him stand. Miz runs in, and hits the A-List lariat in the corner. Miz then climbs up, his own legs slowing him down. He takes aim at Rollins, but Rollins springs up to stop him! Rollins climbs up, even with that bad leg. Rollins wants the superplex, but Miz resists. Miz hits back, then kicks out the bad leg. Rollins goes down, Miz stands up but Rollins returns to hit the SUPERPLEX! Rollins rolls it through, but the bad leg! Miz slips out for another Finale!! TWO!?!? How?! Miz is losing his mind from frustration. Both men are down but “This is Awesome!”
Miz sits up while fans rally. Miz drags Rollins up and into a corner, then up onto the top rope. He climbs up now, positioning himself for the full nelson. Rollins elbows and forearms his way out, then leaps for the Curb Stomp! Miz evades, then O’Conner rolls! TWO, to Rollins’, TWO, Miz but the CURB STOMP! Rollins crawls and covers, Rollisn wins!
Winner: Rollins, by pinfall; still WWE Intercontinental Champion
The Architect retains, and it took another superhuman effort to do it. What will it take to take that title from Mr. #MondayNightRollins?
Raw Women’s Championship: Nia Jax VS Alexa Bliss!
The Goddess manipulated the Irresistible Force the entire time they were “friends”, but was exposed by a hot mic. At the same time, Nia won’t let Alexa get away with spinning stories to make it seem as if Alexa was the victim all along. Who will win more than just the title in this Wrestlemania Rematch?
The bell rings, and Alexa dropkicks a leg out! She then hops on for a sleeper, but Nia slings her off. Nia swings but Alexa dodges to kick away at the leg. Alexa hops up again then rakes the eyes. Nia grabs Alexa’s hair, and blocks the slap, to make Alexa pay with a torturous wristlock. Nia headbutts Alexa, then flattens her in a corner before tossing her across the way, for another corner splash and toss. Alexa escapes outside of the ring but the champ waits for her. Alexa gets on the apron, but Nia is upon her, only to get her legs kicked out. Nia holds on to Alexa’s hair, so Alexa kicks her in the face. Alexa runs in to rock Nia with a right, then covers, ONE.
Alexa grows frustrated, and she goes after Nia with a choke on the ropes. She backs off at the count of 3, then stomps right on Nia with the skateboard stomps. Alexa taunts Nia while bumping the “bully” off the apron. She slaps Nia, then reenters the ring. Alexa gives knees, then runs, for another slap! “Bullies never win, Nia.” Alexa wants her DDT but Nia powers out! Alexa gets out of the fireman’s carry, then gets run over! Nia runs, but misses the rolling senton. Both women slowly stand, and Alexa goes after the legs before giving another right hand. Alexa bounces Nia’s face off the mat, then throws elbows and knees. She keeps Nia reeling, then runs, but Nia catches her!
Nia carries Alexa in the fireman’s carry and climbs up the corner. This is like Wrestlemania, but Alexa knows htat. Alexa uses the ropes to help her escape, but the referee reprimands her for the hanging sleeper. Alexa lets go, then leaps, but Nia powers her up. Nia gets caught in a guillotine, but then rams Alexa into buckles. Alexa holds on but Nia sits her back up top. Alexa and Nia scrap, then Nia throws Alexa to the mat! Nia stands over Alexa, but ALexa kicks her back. Nia brings Alexa up to clobber her, then powers her into the corner again. She throws ALexa down and around, then flattens her again before another toss. Nia drags Alexa aruond like a rag doll! Nia positions Alexa, then climbs up with fans firing up. She prepares the Vader Bomb, but Alexa dumps her down!
Nia crashes and burns while Alexa catches her breath in the ring. However, Champion’s Advantage means Alexa has to win this in the ring. Nia stirs and Alexa goes out to fetch her. Alexa takes the time to bring Nia to steps, for a DDT! Alexa has to drag Nia into the ring, but she’s nowhere near strong enough for that. She sits Nia up, but Alexa has to refresh the count before she runs out of time. She tries again, and gets Nia up a bit more. Nia crawls into the ring herself, Alexa covers, TWO. Alexa throws a tantrum, but goes after Nia with more forearms. She runs, but into Nia’s arms!
Nia hurries back up a corner, but Alexa slips out. Alexa tries the powerbomb, but Nia holds onto the ropes. Nia punches Alexa away, but Alexa kicks out a leg! Nia falls down, Alexa covers, TWO! Alexa is running out of ideas, but she’s still furious as ever. She runs and dropkicks Nia into buckles face first! Alexa then climbs up top, and jumps for Twisted Bliss, but Nia catches her! And Nia pops Alexa up, Samoan Drop! Cover, Nia wins!
Winner: Nia, by pinfall; still Raw Women’s Champion
Alexa was right, bullies don’t win. Nia overcomes Alexa again, and now has an in-ring interview with Renee Young.
Congratulations are in order. What does this mean to her? “It means everything.” Alexa’s Moment of Bliss is over, and Nia dedicates this victory to those who have always felt less than. This is for the victims of bullies! “You’re not alone.” Who wants to be ordinary? Be extraordinary! No one should change for anyone, “this IS me!” Be who you are, Be A Star, and in the end, “a bully always gets their ass kicked.” Fans agree with every word. Now that Nia has gotten past her bully, who will be the next woman to step up to the champion?
Backstage interview with Samoa Joe.
The Destroyer says Roman Reigns is more than “rattled.” Roman is losing his confidence, speed, power, but tonight, he loses to Joe. Joe wants Roman to feel pain. Joe wants Roman to close his eyes and see Joe’s face. Most importantly, Joe vows that tonight, The Big Dog turns into a whimpering puppy!
WWE United States Championship: Jeff Hardy VS Randy Orton!
The Viper was United States Champion, but won back the right to challenge whoever was champion for the title. Fortunately for him, the Superstar Shake-Up didn’t rob him of that right. Can the Charismatic Enigma hold on to the title he took from Jinder Mahal when faced with a Grand Slam Champion like Orton?
The bell rings and after ten years, these two finally match up again. Fans already rally as they circle and tie up. Hardy gets a headlock but Orton pulls hair to power out. Hardy runs Orton over with a shoulder but Orton springs right back up. They both back to a corner while checking those shoulders. Hardy gets a waistlock but Orton elbows out. Orton puts on a headlock, but Hardy powers out, only for Orton to run him over. Cover, TWO, but Orton grabs Hardy’s hair. They stand up, Hardy jawbreakers back. Hardy runs, and dropkicks Orton out, to then swing for a wrecking ball dropkick. Hardy keeps going, and takes Orton down with a flying clothesline. Fans cheer as Hardy brings Orton up and into the ring. Orton stands up and dropkicks Hardy back! Cover, TWO, and Orton brings Hardy up.
Hardy goes for but Orton denies the Twist with a shove. Hardy elbows Orton away, then climbs, but Orton shoves him onto the post. Orton catches his breath while Hardy is doubled over. Hardy falls backward into a Tree of Woe, and Orton stomps a mudhole into him. Orton grinds a boot into Hardy, then backs off. The referee helps Hardy out of the Tree, but Orton is right back on him with hands. Orton drags Hardy up again, then rocks him with a European Uppercut. Orton gives another and Hardy drops all the way out of the ring. The referee has Orton stay back, but Orton just slithers out the other side. Hardy flies out of nowhere, steel steps help for Poetry in Motion! Orton crashes against the barriers while Hardy crashes on the floor.
Hardy stands up first and gives back stomps and hammering hands. Hardy takes off his shirt, then drags Orton over to bounce him off steel steps. They go back in the ring, but Orton dropkicks Hardy mid-slingshot! Hardy drops down to the ground, then Orton exits the ring to fetch him. Orton bounces Hardy off the steel steps in return, then back suplexes him on the barriers. And then a second time! And a third! Orton is ruthless as he puts Hardy in the ring. Cover, TWO, but Orton keeps his focus. Orton stomps away on Hardy’s joins just as he does. He drags Hardy up, then hangs him up on the top rope. Orton covers again, TWO, but he still keeps his cool. He sits Hardy up for a chinlock, but fans rally for Hardy.
Hardy fights to get up but Orton keeps squeezing tighter. He brings Hardy into a body scissors for even more squeezing. Hardy endures and fans rally again. Hardy fights his way up but Orton keeps him grounded. Orton sits Hardy up for the chinlock, but Hardy gets a second wind with the fans’ chants. Hardy stands and fights, whips, and clobbers Orton with a clothesline. Atomic drop to leg-splitting leg drop! Dropkick added, cover, TWO. Orton and Hardy slowly stand up and get to opposite corners. Hardy runs in but Orton dodges. Hardy climbs up, for Whisper in the Wind!
Orton goes down, Hardy covers, TWO. Hardy isn’t done, he kicks and goes for the Twist, but Orton reverses! No RKO, but Orton hist the powerslam! Cover, TWO! The Viper is calm as he stalks Hardy to the apron. He drags Hardy up, then drags Hardy through the ropes, but Hardy slips out and kicks Orton away. Hardy hobbles over and swings, but misses the Hardiac! Orton tries again as he puts Hardy back on the apron. He drags Hardy back up and in through the ropes, and hits the draping DDT. Fans know where this is headed. Orton hears them and the voices in his head. Orton wants Hardy to stand, but Hardy rolls him up! TWO, Twist of Fate! Hardy hurries up top, SWANTON BOMB!
Hardy wins!
Winner: Hardy, by pinfall; still WWE United States Champion
The Enigma is #ImmunetoFear, and was able to avoid being bitten by the Viper. Now that Hardy has made it through one of the best in SmackDown and all of the WWE, who will he move on to next?
“Ladies and Gentlemen, Elias.”
The Drifter has made it to New Jersey, and New Jersey is happy to see him. As always, he plays his guitar and asks, “Who Wants to Walk with Elias?!” Elias is good friends with Springsteen, they party and talk about music, life. He gives Springsteen advice, making Elias the real Boss. The only regret Bruce has is being from New Jersey. And Elias gets it, “this place is toilet!” Elias texted Springsteen to get him to watch this new song. So please, silence cell phones, hold applause–nope, they give some, so Elias threatens to NOT perform. Fans chant “Yes! Yes!” In that case, he’s going to leave. On second thought… No, he’s leaving. No, he’s staying. Leaving? Staying? “Yay! Boo!” No, Bruce needs to– Awwwwwww Newark~! Feel~ the powah of The New Day!
The New Day bring positivity, instruments, and of course, pancakes! Raw’s Elias is not happy being interrupted by SmackDown’s Big E, Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods. The New Day actually like Elias’ work. Elias thanks them, but he knows they’re a bit intimidated. They want autographs or what? No, not that. They want to know if he’d jam with yo boys, NEW~ DAY~. Yes, a one-time-only, co-branded Backlash Concert babyyyy~! They want to play with Elias? No, they want to WALK with Elias! Sorry but Elias is a solo act. That’s fine, they do love solos. They play their drum, trombone and cymbals. Elias has them cut the music. Kofi, stop! He can tell they have something, they might one day open for him. Just not tonight. Play somewhere else, and let’s start this over.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, Elias.”
But wait, is that…?
Yes, it’s MC Artiste, Aiden English! And fans know what that means: “Rusev Day! Rusev Day!” English knows New Day should just stick to flapjacks while Elias’ guitar is great, but do you know what day it is today? Rusev Daaaaaaaay~!
Elias is growing further upset. “What the Hell are you two doing here?” Fans chant “Rusev Day! Rusev Day!” while Rusev and English head down the ramp. They’re doing whatever they want. Because there’s one man who celebrates his own holiday every day. It’s not Bootleg Bob Dylan nor the Booty Boys. Bootleg? Bob Dylan wishes he was a bootleg Elias. This isn’t abuot Rusev Day or New Day, this is about Elias’ night.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, Elias.”
No Way Jose!
And he’s got Titus Worldwide with him! Elias is getting a migraine just looking at the conga line. Wait, the Fashion Police bring up the rear!
That migraine just got worse. Jose leads the line all the way around the ring and towards the announce desks. Elias demands the fiesta stop! Cut the music! No more dancing! Elias doesn’t want a collection of freaks. No more Rusev Day, no more New Day, and no more interruptions!
“Ladies and Gentlemen, Elias.”
GLORIOUS ROODE! GLORIOUS DDT!!
Bobby Roode drops the party-pooping Elias and everyone celebrates. Because now the party is GLORIOUS! Roode signals to Jose, and the Fighting Fiesta leads the way back out. Elias didn’t have his moment, but Roode does join in on the conga line twerking. Rusev has to keep English serious or else he’d be lost to the infectious fiesta. Did we mention it’s GLORIOUS?
Daniel Bryan VS Big Cass!
Both the Goat and the Human Skyscraper were medically cleared on the same day almost two months ago. However, the 7 Foot Tall powerhouse hated being overshadowed by the much smaller superstar. Can Bryan show Cass it isn’t about size but skill in the ring?
The bell rings and Cass glares at Bryan. Bryan glares back, and the fans are on Bryan’s side. This only upsets Cass more. He lunges at Bryan but Bryan evades and kicks the leg. Bryan evades again and kicks at that leg more. Cass walks it off then corners Bryan, but Bryan slips past and fires off body shots and kicks. Bryan goes after that leg, the leg that Cass injured, but Cass clubs Bryan off of him. Cass rocks Bryan with a right hand, but fans taunt Cass with “We Want Enzo!” Cass keeps on Bryan with body shots, then whips but Bryan dumps Cass out. Bryan runs and blasts Cass with a wrecking ball dropkick. Then from the apron, a flying knee! Cass staggers around from that impact, and Bryan climbs up top, for a missile dropkick. Bryan kips up and fires up, as does New Jersey.
Bryan goes after Cass with the YES Kicks! “YES! YES!” He winds up, but Cass powers up and choke slams Bryan! Fans boo and jeer while Cass embraces the heat. Cass walks around, hand in the air, while Bryan recovers. Cass chops Bryan with an overhand then clubs him on the back. He stands Bryan up again for another, and Bryan doubles over from that massive palm’s impact. Cass drags Bryan up once again, for a third overhand chop. Bryan doesn’t stay down, he hits back with a body shot. Cass clubs him again, then scoops him up for the slam. Cass runs, for a big elbow drop. Cover, TWO. Big Cass keeps his cool while driving in fists to Bryan’s head. He stands up again to pose, then lifts Bryan up for the over-the-shoulder backbreaker rack.
Bryan endures, and pries his way out of the hold. Cass runs in, but a drop toehold sends him face first into buckles. Bryan YES kicks away in the corner, then runs for the dropkick! He keeps going, for a second! But then runs into the flapjack toss! Cass stalks Bryan and clobbers him with a clothesline. Cover, TWO, and now Cass grows frustrated. Cass steps on Bryan, then drags him up. He reels Bryan in for another clothesline, but holds on to the wrist to bring him up again. Fans boo and jeer but Cass embraces it all as he clobbers Bryan again. Cass mocks the fans and their disdain, then clobbers Bryan with yet another clothesline.
Bryan flounders while Cass takes aim from across the way. Cass runs, but Bryan ducks to roundhouse Cass in the head! Bryan brings Cass down by his arm, and traps one arm. He wants the other, but Cass resists, so Bryan gives crossface punch after punch to beat the bigger man down. Then Bryan sinks in the YES Lock!
Cass taps, Bryan wins!
Winner: Bryan, by submission
Size didn’t matter, but skill and grit did. Bryan wins his first PPV 1v1 match since his return, and it’s like he never missed a day. Can Bryan bring the second coming of his #YESMovement? But Cass attacks Bryan while he celebrates!!
Cass is a sore loser as he knocks Bryan down off the top rope. He goes out and throws Bryan across the floor, then back the other way! The referee tries to stop Cass and the fans taunt Cass with “You Tapped Out!” Cass can’t handle the truth, but he does manhandle Bryan back into the ring. He takse aim at Bryan again, for the BIG BOOT!
Cass stands over Bryan, proud of what he’s done. Cass still lost the match, but will Bryan lose much more?
SmackDown Women’s Championship: Carmella VS Charlotte Flair!
The FABULOUS Princess was the inaugural Ms. Money in the Bank, and held onto her contract longer than any of the Mr. MITB’s in history. But it was well worth it, as the IIconics would beat up The Queen 2v1, giving Carmella the perfect moment to cash-in. #MellaisMoney but will she stay champion now that Charlotte has her all to herself?
The bell rings and the two circle. Charlotte lets out a “WOO~!”, so Carmella copies and parodies it. Charlotte boots her down! Then shows Carmella how it’s done. Charlotte invites Carmella back into the ring, then backs off. Carmella stands up, and decides to take her title and quit? Champion’s Advantage, but Charlotte isn’t letting Carmella leave so easily. Carmella keeps saying she’s the champ, but now she’s prey! Charlotte runs her down and throws her down by her hair. Then she puts Carmella in the ring, covers, TWO. Carmella tries to escape again but Charlotte kicks her and rolls her with an inside cradle, TWO. Charlotte rolls Carmella up with the special bridge, ONE.
Carmella scrambles, but grabs the apron skirt as Charlotte drags her back in. The referee is busy with the skirt while Charlotte goes for the Figure Four. Carmella shoves her away, then stands up, only to get run over by a clothesline. Carmella rolls out of the ring, but Charlotte heads her way. Charlotte slingshots, but Carmella dodges and hits a FABULOUS Kick! She takes Charlotte down, then acts like that was the plan all along. She puts Charlotte back in the ring, covers, TWO. Carmella hammers away on Charlotte, then covers, TWO. Carmella drives in elbows then puts Charlotte in a chinlock, saying “I’m the champion!” She mocks the WOO then thrashes Charlotte around.
Charlotte endures, even with Carmella shouting in her ear. Carmella is willing to wait as long as it takes for Charlotte to quit. Charlotte reaches while fans build to a rally, and Charlotte gets her second wind. She throws Carmella off but another FABULOUS Kick! Cover, TWO, so it’s back to the chinlock. Carmella says she has all day to do this. Charlotte endures the squeeze again while fans “WOO~” in support. Charlotte powers up again, for a backpack stunner! Then a scoop, but Carmella slips back to bring Charlotte down by her hair. Carmella hammers away, then grinds Charlotte’s face into the mat.
Carmella pulls on Charlotte’s arms while pushing her face into the mat more. She wants Charlotte to give up, but Charlotte refuses. Charlotte sits up, but Carmella keeps pulling on the arms. Charlotte grows angry and she stands up to dropkick Carmella away. Both women slowly stand up, Charlotte hits Carmella with the backbreaker and STO. Charlotte chops and chops away on Carmella, the last chop dropping Carmella. Charlotte styles and profiles to hit a saido suplex! Carmella gets to the apron but Charlotte kips up to rock her with a knee, then a knee drop. Charlotte joins her on the apron, but Carmella deflects the boot to yank Charlotte down by her hair again. Carmella pushes Charlotte back into the ring to then drag her over to a corner. She uses the post to bend Charlotte back Bow ‘n’ Arrow style.
Carmella lets go at the count of 4, then clubs away on Charlotte. She reenters the ring and slaps Charlotte over and over while bringing up that she’s the champ. Carmella stomps Charlotte, then moonwalks back. However, Charlotte stands up and SPEARS Carmella down! Charlotte grins as she grabs the legs. She wants the Figure Four but Carmella shoves her away again. Charlotte holds on, jackknife cover, TWO, into the Code of Silence!
Carmella bends Charlotte back, but fans rally for Charlotte. Charlotte powers her way up and lifts Carmella, into piledriver position, but Carmella rolls through! TWO, boot from Charlotte! Cover, TWO! Charlotte can’t quite believe it, but she goes back for the Figure Four. Carmella shoves her away again, but Charlotte uses that to climb right up to the top. Carmella tries to trip her up, but Charlotte shoves her away now. Charlotte adjusts, MOONSAULT, but Carmella gets out of the way. Charlotte’s leg buckles, Carmella FABULOUS Kicks that leg out! Cover, Carmella wins!?
Winner: Carmella, by pinfall
The Princess of Staten Island wins by the skin of her teeth, but it’s still a win. Now that the Queen has no right to her throne, who will Carmella be challenged by next?
WWE Championship No Disqualification Match: AJ Styles VS Shinsuke Nakamura!
The Phenomenal One thought the King of Strong Style respected him. Styles thought Nakamura would accept defeat with class. Styles thought he knew Nakamura. But he thought wrong. And now, the Con Artist has become a tormentor for Styles in all of their encounters. With the rules thrown out the window, can Styles make Nakamura respect him again? Or will Nakamura just use this to his advantage and finally take that title for his own?
Things get chippy even before the proper introductions, and that only makes them both more eager to fight. The moment the bell rings, Nakamura slips out of the ring. The Rockstar is playing with Styles, but Styles isn’t going to let him. Styles chases Nakamura back into the ring, where he dares Styles to “C’MON!” Styles does but he fakes Nakamura out to throw him into a barrier. He puts Nakamura into more barriers, then even more barriers. Styles drags Nakamura up and throws him into the German announce desk! Styles doesn’t let up, he bumps Nakamura off the apron before shoving him back in the ring. He puts Nakamura in a corner, then throws more hands and even stomps.
Styles snapmares then kicks Nakamura again. He watches Nakamura writhe, then drags him back up. Styles snap suplexes Nakamura over, covers, ONE. Styles takes his time bringing Nakamura up to then whip him into a corner. Nakamura boots Styles back, then gives a back elbow. Nakamura runs but into a backbreaker. Styles stalks Nakamura, then brings him up, but Nakamura throat chops him! Nakamura digs fingers into Styles’ face, then gives knee shots before running. Things speed up, but Nakamura fakes out the dropkick, only to run into a different dropkick. Nakamura slips out of the ring again but Styles follows.
Styles puts Nakamura into more barriers, then into the barriers across the away. Styles runs in, for a big splash against those same barriers. Nakamura topples down, but Styles brings him up again. Styles gets plenty of space, but misses the second splash. Nakamura throws forearms on styles, then puts Styles into barriers now. Nakamura drags Styles over and throws him right into steel steps! Styles hits knees first and flips over the steps. Nakamura won’t give him time to recover, he pushes Styles into the ring, to then give him a knee lift against the apron. Nakamura isn’t done, he gets elevation for a knee drop guillotine! He puts Styles in, covers, TWO. Again, TWO. Nakamura keeps his cool, but fans are dueling.
Nakamura toys with Styles while he crawls to a corner. He drags Styles up for body shots, then gives him round houses and straight kicks to every part of Styles’ body. Nakamura puts him in another corner to grind a boot into Styles’ chin. He has no reason to back off, this is No DQs, so he gives Styles some BAD Vibrations. Nakamura snapmares and drops a knee, then covers, TWO. Again, TWO, and Nakamura grows further frustrated. He stalks Styles, but Styles chops back. Nakamura brushes it off, then drives in knees and a kick. Styles drops to the mat, but Nakamura just toys with him again. Styles stands but staggers, so Nakamura clubs and whips him.
Nakamura throws Styles with a back drop, then stands on him for a cover. ONE, but Nakamura keeps on Styles with knees to the ribs, shoulders and head. Nakamura drags Styles up with a facelock, but Styles endures. Fans rally for Styles but they let Styles and Nakamura know “We Want Tables.” Styles back drops Nakamura but Nakamura lands on his feet. Nakamura runs at Styles and hits the dynamic dropkick! Styles is sent out of the ring, and Nakamura goes out to fetch him. Nakamura throws Styles into the barriers, then stomps him more. Nakamura brings Styles up and throws him into the time keeper’s area, but Styles lands on his feet!
Styles rocks Nakamura back, then jumps up, only for Nakamura to sweep the legs! Styles crashes on the barriers, then Nakamura drags him up into the ring. Nakamura keeps going, dragging Styles up for a sleeper hold. Styles endures the squeeze, so Nakamura turns it into a dragon sleeper. Styles endures again and stands up, but Nakamura shifts for the inverted exploder. Nakamura throws Styles, but Styles lands on his feet to rock Nakamura with a right. Nakamura staggers back, Styles runs in but is put on the apron. Styles hits Nakamura away, springboards, but Nakamura catches him to put him on the top rope. Nakamura steps back to run in, for the Top Shelf knee!
Nakamura tosses Styles down, then fires himself up. He climbs up the corner, flying knee! Cover, TWO, but Nakamura isn’t done. He lifts Styles in the fireman’s carry, for Landslide! Cover TWO! Nakamura glares at Styles, he wants this over with. He keeps stomping Styles, even at the ropes and apron. Nakamura stomps and stomps and stomps, then leaves Styles limp on the edge. Nakamura starts looking for something to use, and confiscates a chair. He returns to the ring with it while Styles crawls to a corner.
Nakamura waits for Styles to stand, and takes a swing, but Styles ducks under to get Nakamura in a fireman’s carry! Nakamura slips down, but his strike fest is disrupted by Styles’ Phenomenal Blitz! Styles misses his backhand, Nakamura misses the roundhouse, but Nakamura hits the back heel kick! Styles wobbles, Nakamura brings the chair back, and uses the inverted exploder to throw Styles onto the chair!
Cover, TWO! And Nakamura is furious. He goes to the corner, and prepares his ace move. He runs, but Styles throws the chair at him!! Nakamura clutches his knee after hitting steel. Styles is BLOODY, as the chair ricocheted back onto his face. Styles doesn’t care, though, he goes back to Nakamura. Nakamura enziguris! Then runs, but into a Calf Crusher!
Styles pulls back as hard as he can on Nakamura’s banged up leg. Nakamura endures, Nakamura flails, but Nakamura can’t get near any ropes. Instead, Nakamura rolls it over, TWO, but into a Triangle Hold! Styles deadlifts Nakamura into Clash position but Nakamura scrambles towards ropes. Nakamura holds on, so Styles dumps him over, to then knock him off with a forearm. Styles takes aim, and springboards, but he knew Nakamura would slip back into the ring! He gives Nakamura a forearm to the back of the head! Then, Ushigoroshi!
Cover, TWO! Styles stands up while fans duel again. He drags Nakamura up, but Nakamura revives, only for Styles to evade and hit a PELE! Styles goes for the Clash, but Nakamura slips out and LOW BLOWS!
The move Nakamura has been using the most, and it’s legal. In which case, STYLES uses a Low Blow!
Fans applaud, because Styles is finally even with Nakamura in some respect. But both men are down, so the referee starts a 10 count. Nakamura and Styles slowly stir but the count is at 7. Nakamura grabs Styles but Styles pushes him away. They sluggishly brawl while standing. Styles rocks Nakamura, but Nakamura hits back. Styles hits again, but Nakamura comes back. Another from Styles, another from Nakamura, and they start speeding up. Styles gets the edge, then brings Nakamura up for one more elbow. Nakamura headbutts, then they BOTH low block kick each other! They both fall again, clutching their groins in pain. The 10 count returns and reaches 7. Then it hits 9… Double count out?!
Double Count Out; Styles retains
It’s a draw, which fans boo with good reason. But the result is, that neither Styles nor Nakamura stood up. Therefore, STILL the WWE Champion, AJ Styles!
This isn’t how anyone wanted the match to end, especially the two men in the ring. But since this is how the match ends, will the feud never end between Phenomenal One and King of Strong Style?
Braun Strowman & Bobby Lashley VS Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn!
The #YEPMovement burned all the bridges on SmackDown, right to the point where Shane McMahon & Daniel Bryan beat them in a Wrestlemania tag team match to fire them! However, Stephanie McMahon let her grudge with Kurt Angle trump her disdain for Kevin & Sami, so now they’re back. Though, they’ve also gotten on the wrong side of Angle, hence why they’re up against a Monster Among Men and Alpha Male. Can Sami & Kevin hope to survive such a dominant duo?
The bell rings and we start with the Underdog Sami and Bobby Lashley, the man who supposedly gave him vertigo. Sami is wary of Lashley, but Lashley powers him to a corner. Sami turns it around, then taunts Lashley as he honors the break. Lashley backs Sami up into another cover, so Sami uses the ropes as a defense. Sami grins as he circles with Lashley. Sami gets the waistlock and the headlock, but Lashley powers out. Lashley runs Sami over with a shoulder, then brings Sami to a facelock. Sami scrambles away, fearing the vertigo suplex. He tags out to Kevin, and now Kevin circles with Lashley. Lashley gets a waistlock slam, then whips Kevin corner to corner. Lashley tackles Kevin, then whips him again, but Kevin boots him. Kevin runs out, but into a neckbreaker.
Lashley brings Kevin up, but Kevin escapes to tag out to Sami. Sami runs in and things speed up, but Lashley lariats Sami down. Lashley whips Sami corner to corner now for a big corner clothesline. Lashley drives elbows into Sami and Sami staggers around. Another whip, but Sami bails out of the ring. Lashley waits for Sami to catch his breath, but then follows him out there. Sami kicks back, then whips, but Lashley reverses to send Sami into barriers. Lashley stalks Sami to the announce desks and bounces him off the lid. Lashley just leaps up and fights off Kevin, but Sami hotshots Lashley down. Sami tags Kevin and Kevin goes right after Lashley with the back senton. Kevin puts Lashley in the ring and stomps away, then tags Sami back in.
Sami rains right hands down on Lashley, taking that headband off. Sami drags Lashley up for more right hands, then wraps Lashley in a chinlock. Kevin coaches his best friend on while Sami taunts Strowman. Lashley endures the squeeze, and fights out with body shots. Sami keeps Lashley from reaching Strowman, but Lashley reels Sami into a complete shot. Both men are down but crawling for their corners. Sami tags in Kevin, and Kevin intercepts Lashley. Kevin drops a senton but onto Lashley’s knees. Strowman and the fans rally, hot tag! Strowman rallies on Kevin with clubbing clotheslines, then the corner crash! Sami thinks about returning, but reconsiders. Strowman doesn’t care, he chases Sami down, running Kevin over in the process!
Sami is still sent into barriers, and now fans fire up. Strowman runs Kevin over again! Strowman puts Kevin in the ring, but Kevins scrambles to a corner. Kevin dodges and Strowman runs into the post! Sami tags in, and aims at Strowman. Sami runs in, but Strowman catches him! Strowman scoops but Sami slips out and runs away again. Sami wants to retreat, but Kevin wants to stand and fight. Kevin convinces Sami to stay, or rather Sami tricks Kevin. Sami puts Kevin in the ring while he retreats, leaving Kevin to suffer the clubbing forearm!
Strowman roars, then brings Kevin up. Kevin bails out, and puts Sami in the ring. Sami drags Kevin up, Kevin shoves Sami so Sami slaps Kevin! Sami apologizes, but Kevin is angry. Kevin backs Sami down, and Sami realizes he’s surrounded. Sami manages to slip away while Kevin still yells at him, but Lashley tags in. Strowman squashes Kevin, then SPINEBUSTER from Lashley. Lashley lifts Kevin back up, for the vertigo suplex! He slam Kevin down, then covers, Lashley & Strowman win!
Winners: Lashley & Strowman, Lashley pinning
The best friends might be back on the rocks, but if Strowman and Lashley stay together, could they completely dominate the Raw Tag Team Division?
However, just because they won, doesn’t mean the domination is over. Sami finds himself running away from Strowman, only to be flanked by Lashley. Strowman brings Kevin back in, for the Monster Slam!
Fans roar with Strowman while Sami protests. But then Sami reconsiders when Strowman looks at him. Strowman still chases Sami down, and puts him in the ring. Sami begs for mercy, but instead, he receives his own Monster Slam!
The domination is over for tonight, but will the rest of Raw soon feel what Sami & Kevin just felt?
Roman Reigns VS Samoa Joe!
This grudge match goes back several months, as The Big Dog has always been a prime target for the Destroyer. Lately, all Joe has seen from Roman is failure, so he wants to put Roman out of his misery. With Roman on Raw and Joe on SmackDown, how will this potentially final showdown go?
From the moment Roman appears, Joe taunts and trash talks him. And the very second Roman gets in, the talk intensifies, until Joe just unleashes jabs and knees on the Big Dog! Joe won’t let up, he throws Roman out of the ring and then stalks him. Roman fires off with right hands, but Joe gets him with body shots. Joe throws Roman into barriers, then stalks him as he staggers over to announce desks. Roman swings on Joe, but Joe counters with a yurinagi into the tables!
The table explodes under the impact! And fans are thunderous for “Joe! Joe!” There’s no rest for Roman, Joe drags him up to throw him across the other announce desk. Then Joe hits the hat trick, throwing Roman over the third table. Joe backs off while the referee checks on Roman. But then seeing Roman getting up, Joe goes after him again. He puts Roman in the ring, but the referee has Joe stay back. Fans sing the familiar “Joe is gonna kill~ you~!” while Roman slowly stands up. Roman wants this match to happen no matter what, so the referee rings the bell. Joe goes at Roman again with jabs, then backs off at the referee’s count. Joe brings Roman up for more jabs, then snapmares him for a chop to the back of the neck and kick to the front. He drops a knee, then covers, TWO.
Joe won’t let up, he puts Roman’s arm in a keylock. Roman endures while fans duel on whether or not “Roman Sucks!” Roman stands up but Joe throws him back down. Joe stands over Roman, then sits him up for a neck wrench. Roman endures the twist, and Joe says, “This is the pain I was talking about.” Joe drives his elbows in then twists even harder. He shifts to a chinbar, but Roman resists. Joe kicks Roman’s arm, then goes back to the neck wrench. Roman endures again, but Joe tells him this will end if Roman just goes away. Roman refuses to quit, he pries Joe’s fingers off. He starts firing off shots, then whips, but Joe reverses to hit the back elbow and Pele! Cover, TWO.
Joe keeps his cool while glaring down at Roman. He lights Roman up with more jabs, then a knee, and back to the neck wrench. Joe traps an arm while pulling back on the chinlock. Roman works on the hold, then fights out with body shots. He rocks Joe to a corner, but Joe puts him on the apron. Joe gives Roman a hotshot, then builds speed to DIVE!
Joe wipes Roman out into the barriers, and the referee checks on Roman after that impact. Roman stirs, but Joe is upon him. They go back into the ring, cover for Joe, TWO. Joe keeps on Roman with elbows to the shoulders and neck, then goes back to the keylock. Joe grins, he can do this all night long. He brings Roman down to the mat, but Roman doesn’t give in. Roman endures a long time, then finally stands back up. Roman punches Joe off, but Joe punches back. They go back and forth with big forearm shots. Roman gets the edge, but Joe shoves him for a forearm on the rebound. Joe runs, Roman boots him down! Joe slumps out of the ring, so Roman decides to follow.
Roman is a bit slow, sore from everything Joe’s down. He comes around the corner, for the Drive-By Dropkick! Joe goes down again, but Roman drags him up and in. Roman rallies with lariats, then has Joe in a corner for the close-range clotheslines. He gives all ten, then runs, but into an atomic drop and boot from Joe. Joe adds the senton, covers, TWO. Now Joe grows a bit annoyed with Roman, and drags him back up. Roman fights off the yurinagi but Joe knees low, only for Roman to elbow him away. Roman runs into Joe’s boot, but gives Joe a spinebuster! TWO, and both men are exhausted.
They slowly stand, clearing out the cobwebs. Roman locks and loads, but Joe dodges! Joe gets the sleeper but Roman hotshots him on the top rope. Roman walks off to catch his breath, and sees Joe in position again. He runs, but the Drive-By is caught! Joe drags Roman into the ring but Roman slips out to roll Joe up, TWO. SUPERMAN PUNCH! Cover, TWO. Roman and Joe stand up, and Roman lets out the howl. He runs in, to a kick! But he keeps going, SPEAR!
Cover, ROPEBREAK! Joe’s ring awareness saves him! And Roman is at a loss for what to do. Roman sits up, and so does Joe. Roman runs, builds speed, but runs into a boot. Joe wraps him in the sleeper! Roman paws and claws at the hold, Joe pulls him back, but Roman rolls through to a cover! TWO as Joe lets go of the hold. Joe runs in, but misses, then Roman shoves Joe. Roman rolls Joe, TWO, into the Coquina Clutch!
Joe has the body scissors added, and even traps an arm. Roman starts fading, the referee checks on him. Roman sparks to life and gets the ropebreak! Fans aren’t happy, they thought he was out already. Joe himself is angry, but then he gets an idea. He drags Roman up and over to a corner. He puts Roman on the top rope, then prepares the Muscle Buster! Roman fights back and punches him away, to then leap over and SPEAR! Cover, Roman wins!
Winner: Roman, by pinfall
Roman wins with resiliency that proved just a little more than Joe could destroy. When will there be another opportunity against The Beast and the Universal Championship?
My Thoughts:
Despite what the music video commercial says, this co-branded Backlash didn’t really have the best of both worlds. There was so much that was really good with this PPV, but then so much that wasn’t. The kickoff match was surprisingly good, Ruby is making a name for herself, even with the Squad helping. The Bayley-Sasha story also grows without even having matches against each other, which will make for a great blow-off at one of the bigger PPVs. Rollins-Miz truly burned it down, and it was just the opener. Nia-Alexa 2 had great story, and it shows Alexa has the great ability to adapt. Nia herself might be going up against The Squad now, as Bayley and Sasha are set aside in their own story.
Even Hardy-Orton was good, given Orton’s slow and cerebral style going against Hardy’s faster pace. I was a bit surprised Hardy retained, but at the same time, it wouldn’t benefit Orton much to get the belt back at this point. That Elias segment that just escalated in interruptions and silliness was actually really fun, in my opinion. It was like the most elaborate smokescreen for Roode to get his revenge on Elias while implying anything can happen with both shows together on one PPV. Bryan-Cass went as expected, Bryan winning but Cass being a bully and beating him down anyway. This is a good way to extend the feud a bit so we don’t get to Bryan-Miz too soon, but I’m not sure what else Bryan can do to Cass. He could win in a more intense match, but that isn’t something they can risk given Bryan’s past injuries.
And it was around here that the status quo looked to be more of a lock than Roman winning. No titles changed hand, not even in the match I was most certain it’d happen. Carmella retaining was a surprise, but not necessarily in the good way. The match didn’t seem much better than anything on the usual SmackDown. Money in the Bank is coming next, so maybe the plan is to have the second ever Ms. MITB to be the one to take it from her. The WWE Championship No DQ should have been full speed from the start. The second half was good, that chair spot was scary, but then to end on a draw wasn’t very fun. Strowman-Lashley VS Kevin-Sami was fun, though. Roman-Joe wasn’t. If Lesnar is boring for being too #SuplexCity, what makes Vince think #RestHoldCity would be any better?
My Score: 8.0/10
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IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLASGOW KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Candice has Tiffy down with an armlock. Tiff fights up as the fans rally, but Candice wrenches to wristlock. Tiff spins through, goes to ropes, then up the corner to flip and arm-drag! The fans fire up as Tiff rallies on Candice! DROPKICK, and Tiff snarls! Tiff goes to the corner, and Charlotte makes her entrance? The Queen chooses to be fashionably late all so everyone looks at her, including Tiffy. Tiffy handsprings, but Candice dodges! Candice runs up to UPPERCUT, then she snapmares and NECK SNAPPERS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice clamps onto Tiffy with a top wristlock.
The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte now chooses to join commentary. Tiff fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, but Candice CLUBS away on her! Candice backs off, runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her to ropes! Tiff runs, HIP ATTACKS, and Candice flops back! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays on Candice with a whip, but Candice reverses. Candice CLOBBERS Tiff, covers, TWO! Charlotte corrects Tiffy’s words earlier: Charlotte isn’t the “top girl,” she is THE woman in WWE. Candice HIP DROPS Tiff but the fans rally up. Candice scuffs Tiff, then grinds an arm to drop a knee on the elbow! And another knee drop! Tiff endures and the fans rally up.
Candice keeps on that arm, thrashes it around, but Tiff fights up. Tiff fires body shots, then shoves Candice to Alabama Lift her! Candice sunset flips, Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated and Candice bails out. Tiff goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Candice and Nia, and Tiff almost stuck the landing! The fans fire up with Tiff and she goes into the ring. Tiff points to the WrestleMania sign, and then at Charlotte, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Tiff waits on Candice, Candice slides in, and Tiff stomps her down! Candice bails out, Nia is there to coach her, but Tiff lets the ring count start. Candice gets on the apron, Tiff kicks her, but Candice RAMS Tiff! Candice CLUBS Tiff, has her in the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Candice climbs, aims, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO!
Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW!
Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back! Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring!
The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring. Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, but with some interesting moves after the sudden change in plans with The Rock showing up. Naomi and Bianca had a good promo to hype up what was meant to be a full match of Naomi VS Liv, but word had already come out before the show that things were being cut for time. But at the very least, they did the right thing of making it a brawl that adds heat to the tag title match on Monday. Also, hilarious how Chelsea & Piper thought the beatdown on Bianca & Naomi was so bad that they would need to be pulled from the Chamber. I also can’t wait to see what happens on Toronto SmackDown.
As for The Rock, I do appreciate he used his authority to kayfabe change more things, all so he could have his promo with Cody. I also appreciate Rock blending his different roles and even different sides, both Heel and Face, to A) bring the news of WM42 being in NOLA, and B) recreate the Corporate Champion/People’s Champion story from the Attitude Era. That was some wild stuff he was saying to Cody. I’m sure quite a few people will try and talk with Cody next week in the go-home. Heels will say do it because they’d love to have what Rock can give, Faces will say not because Cody’s better than that. But naturally, Cody is not going to become The Rock’s Champion, causing Rock to turn on him and really up things going into WrestleMania 41 and perhaps even beyond.
Good stuff in the Elimination Chamber related stories. Jimmy VS McIntyre was great stuff to open, and how fitting that McIntyre loses to Jimmy after talking all that trash about Jimmy and Jey being the same. Jey got McIntyre with something quick, Jimmy got McIntyre with something quick, McIntyre’s ego is obviously his weakness. And at the same time, McIntyre of course destroys Jimmy after because that’s his other personality trait. Priest had good promos with Cody and Braun, and we got great stuff from Solo’s Bloodline. Naturally, we got a miscommunication spot to help finish, we’re really close to Solo VS Jacob, I can feel it. Priest & Braun get the win, mostly because Priest isn’t winning in the Chamber when you’ve got Punk and Cena in there.
Very good stuff with Tiffy Time, from the promos leading into the match to Charlotte being ringside just to watch. Nia & Candice of course get the better of Tiff & Trish, because Tiff & Trish are definitely winning the tag match in Toronto. Charlotte just seems to enjoy trolling Tiff with her presence, so Charlotte probably shows up in Toronto to then confront Tiff after the match. I expect the seven weeks after Elimination Chamber to really heat up, as will Charlotte’s involvement, where she’ll get more active verbally and physically. Also, hell, Rock should go full Corporation and have Charlotte be his Corporate Women’s Champion because of how established she is.
Hilarious stuff from Truth tonight, as always. Truth and Melo having their “who’s on first” again was good stuff, and of course Miz gets in on this story, too. Truth & Knight VS “Melo Don’t Miz” was really fun, but yeah, should’ve figured Nakamura would get involved, too. Melo & Miz making it work could also be really fun, and while Knight VS Nakamura is a rehash, I really hope they find a way to up things. It feels like we’re getting the same with the tag titles as Profits “ruined” that great tag match from DIY and Pretty Deadly, then brawled with MCMG to still come out on top. Last year had a ladder tag title match, so why not do one for these titles this year?
Speaking of escalating, Kevin filming a promo outside Sami’s house was some really well done stuff, as expected of someone as good as Kevin and in such a story as him and Sami. Their match should main event, it needs time to breathe, as it could be just as, if not more violent, than the Chamber matches. What a powerful closing moment we could have if it’s a bloody Kevin and Sami, and one of them is standing over the other, triumphant yet mournful because it was their best friend in the world that they just brutalized.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
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