Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Monday Night Raw Report! (5/21/18)
Money in the Bank draws closer, and Raw has already filled out their spots with Finn Balor, Braun Strowman, Kevin Owens and Bobby Roode. However, Sami Zayn is more concerned with his grudge against Bobby Lashley. Will the Lashley sisters accept Sami’s invitation to the Times Union Center in Albany?
All images courtesy of the WWE’s official Twitter
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Roman Reigns VS Kevin Owens; no contest.
- Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins VS Kevin Owens & Jinder Mahal; Roman & Rollins win.
- Ember Moon VS Alexa Bliss w/ Mickie James; Ember wins.
- No Way Jose VS Baron Corbin; Corbin wins.
- The B Team VS Breezango; The B Team wins.
- Chad Gable VS Dolph Ziggler w/ Drew McIntyre; Ziggler wins.
- Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Fatal 4 Way: Natalya VS Dana Brooke VS Liv Morgan VS Sarah Logan; Natalya wins and joins the Women’s MITB Ladder match.
- Bobby Roode VS Elias; Elias wins.
- Finn Balor VS Braun Strowman; Strowman wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Raw General Manager, Kurt Angle, heads to the ring!
The Olympic Gold Medalist is in New York and the fans greet him with “You Suck!” Angle let us know via Twitter that he’d have some major announcements. He sets up the night by letting us know he’ll preside over the Raw Women’s Championship contract signing later tonight.
"WELCOME TO MONDAY NIGHT RAW!"
Nothing like kicking off #RAW with General Manager @RealKurtAngle! pic.twitter.com/pxVELYYUrt
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 22, 2018
[Cable lost signal]
It’s Raw Commissioner, Stephanie McMahon!
#RAW Commissioner @StephMcMahon is IN THE HOUSE for the first time since the night after @WrestleMania, and the arm's lookin' good! pic.twitter.com/Xw2qGyq3Uw
— WWE (@WWE) May 22, 2018
Stephanie tells Kurt she’ll be presiding over the Raw Women’s Championship contract signing. But now Roman Reigns comes out!
Mention #TheBigDog's name, and he will make his presence FELT.#RAW @WWERomanReigns pic.twitter.com/fWrwqquvgX
— WWE (@WWE) May 22, 2018
Roman Reigns wants Stephanie to tell him the truth. The management doesn’t want him to be in a title match. Stephanie says the truth is that Roman lost. If he’s mad, take it up with Jinder Mahal. He did. But now Kevin Owens comes out!
"Everyone knows that @FightOwensFight winning the #MITB contract is what's BEST for BUSINESS!" #RAW pic.twitter.com/HXCHiGJ5hQ
— WWE (@WWE) May 22, 2018
Kevin feels indebted to Roman, because taking Mahal out means Kevin got in! Kevin is the final Raw participant at Money in the Bank now. And everyone knows Kevin winning is #BestForBusiness. After last week, Roman does need the truth about how everyone feels about him. Kevin is man enough to say it. He likes Roman! Fans love chanting stupid stuff, so maybe be smart for once and chant what Roman deserves: “Thank You, Roman!” Kevin chants it himself but not all the fans play along. He tried, but there is something Kevin disagrees with. Stephanie is right, she doesn’t play favorites. Kevin is proof of that! Kevin beat up both her brother and father, and yet Stephanie made him her cornerstone superstar, because she knows talent when she sees it. But Stephanie doesn’t appreciate Kevin leaning on her.
Don't get too comfortable, @FightOwensFight… #RAW pic.twitter.com/Rw7Gatw51Q
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 22, 2018
Stephanie confirms she doesn’t play favorite. If Roman wants to blow off steam, Stephanie will make a match between Roman and Kevin, for tonight! And up next!
Roman Reigns VS Kevin Owens!
The Prizefighter may have put his foot in his mouth after coming out to the ring, but now Roman looks to put his foot up Kevin’s ass. Can The Big Dog make up for missing out by bringing Kevin down before MITB?
Raw returns with this match in progress. Roman puts Kevin in a corner, then he honors the break. Kevin comes out and ties up with Roman again. Kevin gets the waistlock, but Roman the standing switch, only for Kevin to get away. Roman gives Kevin time to return, and they tie up again. Kevin gets a headlock, and brings Roman down to a knee. Roman powers up and out of the hold, and puts the headlock on Kevin. Kevin powers out, but Roman runs him over! Kevin bails out of the ring to recover, and Roman waits in the ring. Roman walks over as Kevin enters, and blocks the punch to give an uppercut. He keeps on Kevin corner to corner, throwing big hands.
Kevin chops but that vest is tough. Kevin throws a haymaker, but Roman throws one back. Roman climbs up and rains down punches, but only gets five before Kevin shoves him away. Kevin rushes out, but into another uppercut! He crawls to another corner, but Roman is on him with headbutts. Roman whips Kevin corner to corner, then runs in, but Kevin boots him away. Kevin climbs up but Roman uppercuts him out of the ring! Kevin hits the floor while Roman catches his breath. Roman sees Kevin against the apron, and goes outside the ring. He takes his time walking over, and Kevin chops, still no effect. Roman clobbers and puts Kevin in the ring, but Kevin gets right back out. Kevin catches his breath, but Roman pursues again. Roman builds speed this time, but Kevin dodges the Drive-By to SUPERKICK!
When the drive-by turns into a SLIDE-BY, @FightOwensFight takes advantage! #RAW pic.twitter.com/XQQssl3O1s
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 22, 2018
Cover, but we go to break!
Raw returns, and clearly this match continues as Kevin climbs up. Roman stops him with another uppercut! Roman clears his head and climbs up, but Kevin hits back. They brawl while Roman climbs, and Roman works on the superplex. Kevin fights him off, and knocks Roman away. Roman runs back but Kevin elbows him away, only for Kevin to run into a clothesline! Roman whips but Kevin reverses, but Roman knocks him down with a leaping lariat. Fans are mixed as Roman goes over to Kevin. Roman gives the close-range clotheslines, and gets all ten. Roman runs, but Kevin dodges the boot to then DDT Roman! Cover, TWO! Kevin keeps his focus while he stands back up. He drags Roman up, then whips, but Roman holds ropes. Roman boots Kevin back but Kevin forearms, then runs, only into the Samoan Drop! Cover, TWO!
Roman keeps his cool, and slowly stands up. Fans duel while Roman locks and loads. Roman runs, but Kevin counters with a roll up! TWO, SUPERKICK! Roman sits down, Kevin runs in with the– SUPERMAN PUNCH! Roman covers, TWO! Both men slowly sit up, and Roman fires himself up. He goes to a corner, and lets out the howl. But Kevin bails out! Roman pursues, and SPEARS Kevin on the outside! Roman drags Kevin up, but JINDER MAHAL attacks! The Modern Day Maharaja goes after Roman for revenge!
No Contest
Mahal puts Roman into the barriers, then boots him down. He isn’t done, as he drags Roman up and into the ring. Mahal stomps Roman, then rains right hands down. Kevin enters to help, but out comes SETH ROLLINS! The Architect rushes the ring and rallies on Mahal, Kevin and even Sunil Singh! He runs them all off, and we go to break.
Time for #MondayNightRollins on @USA_Network, because @WWERollins has evened things up! #RAW pic.twitter.com/VYLdkvr0NV
— WWE (@WWE) May 22, 2018
Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins VS Kevin Owens & Jinder Mahal!
Raw returns and a la Teddy Long, this is now a tag team match! Rollins slips out of Mahal’s scoop slam to then chop away. Rollins runs but Mahal runs him over. Mahal grins and runs, but Rollins is ready with a dropkick. Mahal bails out, so Rollins slingshots out onto him!
We've got ourselves a TAG TEAM MATCH as @WWERollins & @WWERomanReigns battle @JinderMahal & @FightOwensFight on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/es9ZtEIXM0
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 22, 2018
Rollins puts Mahal back in the ring, then chops Mahal more. Tag to Roman, and the Shield work together with a whipping forearm smash, feed to back elbow. Cover, ONE, but Roman keeps on Mahal and those bad ribs. Roman unloads hands, then whips Mahal to ropes. Mahal reverses and runs Roman with an elbow. Tag to Kevin, and Kevin stomps away on Roman. Kevin stomps and stomps, then gets mad at Rollins for showing up at all. Kevin tags Mahal and Mahal stomps on Roman again. Mahal drops springboard knees, and puts Roman in a chinlock.
Fans rally while Roman endures the hold. Roman endures, and Mahal drives in an elbow before shifting to a half-nelson. Mahal keeps on Roman while fans continue to rally. Roman works his way up and around, but Mahal gets him to the corner. Kevin tags in and he mugs Roman with Mahal. Kevin chops away on Roman, then puts on another chinlock. Roman endures again, reaching for ropes. Fans rally and Roman powers up. Roman fights out of the hold, then throws Kevin. Kevin kicks but Roman clobbers him with a clothesline! Both men go down, but crawl for their corners. Mahal just comes in, but Roman throws him right out! So Mahal trips up Rollins! He puts Rollins into a corner, then Kevin hits the cannonball. Cover, TWO, we go to break.
Raw returns again, and Roman hits Mahal. Mahal puts Roman in the corner and Kevin tags back in. Kevin unloads on Roman, then respectfully backs off. He comes back to go after Roman, while taunting Rollins. Kevin hits Roman with haymakers and forearms, but Roman hits back with another uppercut. And another, but Kevin drop toeholds and clobbers Roman with crossface punches. Kevin kicks Roman down, then covers, TWO. Kevin continues to taunt Rollins while he puts Roman back in a chinlock. Roman endures all over again, but fans keep dueling. Roman feeds off that energy, and lifts Kevin up! Kevin slips out, and throws Roman to ropes, but Roman boots Kevin down! Both men are down once again, and everyone is fired up. Roman and Kevin crawl, hot tags to Mahal and Rollins!
Rollins rallies on everyone, and runs to Slingblade Mahal. He clotheslines Mahal out, then builds speed, but Kevin swipes at him. Rollins dropkicks Kevin, dropkicks Mahal, then DIVES on Kevin!
IS THERE ANYONE MORE ON 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥?!#RAW @WWERollins pic.twitter.com/8Ql5zlZjjJ
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 22, 2018
Rollins also DIVES on Mahal! The Architect is all fired up as he puts Mahal back in. He boots Mahal away, then hops up to Blockbuster! Cover, TWO! But Rollins keeps his focus while the fans keep making noise. Rollins stomps for “Burn It Down!” Sunil distracts, Mahal fireman’s carry to gutbuster drop! Cover, TWO! Mahal is furious, but he stalks Rollins. Rollins resists and PELE! Kevin tags in, but Rollins sees him coming. Rollins hits the corner buckle shot, then springboards, but into Kevin’s gutbuster! Kevin hops up, Vader Bomb! Cover, Roman breaks it! Mahal returns, but Roman rocks him with an uppercut and Samoan Drop!
Roman gets up but Sunil distracts, Kevin SUPERKICKS Roman! Kevin blocks the knee, then opp-up, but Rollins slips out. Roll up, SUPERKICK from Rollins! Then, CURB STOMP– No, Kevin dodged it, only for Rollins to get the stomp on the second time! Cover, Rollins & Roman win!
Winners: Roman & Rollins, Rollins pinning
That'll do it.@WWERollins lays out @FightOwensFight with a STOMP to lead himself and @WWERomanReigns to VICTORY on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/hnlCnfJQ0d
— WWE (@WWE) May 22, 2018
The Shield brothers worked together and were successful again. The Intercontinental Champion keeps his incredible roll going, while Roman gets some payback. But then Mahal returns with a chair and attacks them both on the ramp! The Maharaja decimates each of them, then focuses more on Roman. Mahal gets his own payback now with every SMACK of the chair. Referees back him off, but Mahal has done what he wanted. And he keeps going, jamming the chair into Roman! The Maharaja stands tall now, but will Roman come back for revenge all over again?
The #ModernDayMaharaja @JinderMahal's mood right now = 😡😏#RAW pic.twitter.com/we3XGTp4cr
— WWE (@WWE) May 22, 2018
Roman won’t have to wait long, because Angle made it a match for Money in the Bank! Will The Big Dog kick the Maharaja out of His Yard?
IT'S OFFICIAL: #TheBigDog @WWERomanReigns will square off against The #ModernDayMaharaja @JinderMahal at @WWE #MITB! #RAW pic.twitter.com/6Ck3AzG6lW
— WWE (@WWE) May 22, 2018
Sami Zayn heads to the ring!
Does @SamiZayn seem excited to interview @fightbobby's sisters?
YEP! #RAW pic.twitter.com/vx6LtCODqJ
— WWE (@WWE) May 22, 2018
The Underdog promised to get the real story about the Lashley siblings, after that “special interview” between Renee Young and Bobby Lashley. And as promised, Sami will expose Lashley’s lies with the help of his three “very lovely, very honest” sisters. Make some noise, New York!
Welcome @fightbobby's sisters, Jessica, Frances, and Cathy…to Monday Night #RAW! pic.twitter.com/yMHev9uFvw
— WWE (@WWE) May 22, 2018
The Lashley “sisters” walk out to the ring, and Sami sees the resemblance. There’s quite the story to be told here. Lashley said that he loved his sisters, but that didn’t seem right. First, Cathy and her broom: When they were younger, Lashley was always so mean, so she needed the broom to defend herself to swat him away. Second, Francis and the army helmet: She carried their helmet, because Bobby would always hit her in the head. This wasn’t their father’s helmet, she bought it herself. Lastly, Jessica and her towel: This dirty towel was for wiping away her tears after Bobby would make her cry, and it’d get sopping wet.
Sami says that is the real Bobby Lashley. It was a lie when he said he loves his sister. Lashley only loves himself! The sisters grew up with fear, and their parents hated and were ashamed of Lashley. They shipped him off to reform school. They’re an army family, so how did the new neighbors react? “Bobby was a brat. He would steal candy!” It got so bad, that everyone would call the cops. See? Lashley is a liar, a thief, and a bully! Lashley is a menace to society! But Lashley is also here.
Well, it seems @fightbobby is rather amused to see his sisters on #RAW… pic.twitter.com/OoxtWRxE16
— WWE (@WWE) May 22, 2018
Lashley heads to the ring, and says hi to his “sisters”. Look at Cathy. How is she still single? Jessica, this outfit is great. And Francis, she has something all women want: “a big hairy mustache.” Sami did all this for Lashley? What a great friend! This is a great joke, thanks so much, he couldn’t have done it any better. Uhh… Yeah! Yeah you liked it? Or maybe Lashley would like it if Sami kicked him in the face and out of the ring. Lashley is garbage! Now Lashley gets upset. Sami tries to reason with him, but then runs away! And the “Sisters” jump him! It’s a 4v1 attack on Lashley, and Sami has them stand Lashley up. Sami gets easy shots in , but then Lashley breaks free and fights them all off!
Lashley takes out the impostor sisters while Sami runs away. Lashley clubs “Francis” while wearing the helmet, then throws “Cathy” up and over the ropes. Finally, he goes after “Jessica” with that dirty towel whipping him in the but, before suddenly choke slamming him down.
The fun and games are OVER for Jessica, Frances, and Cathy…#RAW @fightbobby pic.twitter.com/qO2RdcBCmJ
— WWE (@WWE) May 22, 2018
“Cathy” returns, but Lashley uses that broom stick to take him for a ride, back up and out of the ring. Lashley has the ring all to himself, and Sami talks trash from the stage. When will Sami face Lashley face to face and settle this?
Ember Moon VS Alexa Bliss w/ Mickie James!
UP NEXT: Women's #MITB #LadderMatch participants square off as @WWEEmberMoon goes one-on-one with @AlexaBliss_WWE! #RAW pic.twitter.com/gxUTQbWN9L
— WWE (@WWE) May 22, 2018
The War Goddess and The Goddess are both in the Women’s Money in the Bank match, but now go 1v1 to see who is the one true #Shenom of Raw.
Quick backstage interview with Alexa Bliss.
Alexa has already been pinned by Ember in a tag team match, but that’s ancient history. If we want ancient history, Alexa brings up that the Roman Empire lost in a raid because the Visigoths had the element of surprise. Alexa couldn’t prepare for Ember their first time, but now it’s a fair fight. And like Rome, Alexa will win this time.
Nothing like a little history lesson from the GODDESS of @WWE @AlexaBliss_WWE! #RAW pic.twitter.com/X2RT622q00
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 22, 2018
The bell rings, and the two tie up. Ember gets the arm wrench, but Alexa throws her down by her hair. Alexa stands on Ember at the ropes, then skateboard stomps until 4. She mocks Ember’s moves, but Ember kips up. Ember dodges Alexa, tot hen POUNCE. Cover, TWO, and Alexa bails out. She regroups with Mickie, but Ember just builds speed to slide out. Ember dodges Alexa to throw her with a headscissors. She glares at Mickie, but then Alexa throws her into the barriers with an arm wringer. Alexa trash talks Ember, then puts her back in the ring. Cover, ONE, but Alexa goes after the bad arm. Ember gets up and fights back with forearms, but Alexa rings her arm again. Cover, TWO, and the Five Foot Fury is in control while we go to break.
Raw returns and Alexa stomps away on Ember. Cover, TWO, and Alexa gets frustrated. She drops knees on Ember’s arm, then again. Alexa toys with Ember, then kicks her in the arm before wrenching it back. Ember endures, and fans rally. Ember stands up but Alexa yanks her back down. Alexa sits down on the arm and wrenches it more, but Ember bridges to keep things from becoming a cover. Alexa just focuses on the arm, but Ember endures. Fans rally again, and Ember rolls back to cover, TWO. Alexa goes after the arm but Ember hits back, and hits a side slam. Ember kicks back at Alexa, then runs to dropkick Alexa down. Alexa rolls to the ropes and holds onto the apron skirt. Ember yanks her back in, but Alexa kicks the bad arm. Mickie come sin, but the referee spots her. They argue, and Mickie is ejected!
*cue @MickieJames freakout* #RAW pic.twitter.com/1PG1lCSPhq
— WWE (@WWE) May 22, 2018
Mickie throws a tantrum, so Ember smacks Mickie with a forearm. Alexa rolls Ember, TWO! Ember glares at Alexa, but Alexa puts her on the apron for a hotshot to the arm. Ember returns the favor and kicks Alexa back. She climbs up high, ECLIPSE! Cover, Ember wins!
Winner: Ember, by pinfall
The War Goddess trumps the Bliss Goddess, but there are still more women to join the MITB ladder match with them. Will Ember be able to Eclipse them, too, and become the second-ever Ms. MITB?
Just like that, @AlexaBliss_WWE has been ECLIPSED by the potential wild card heading into #MITB, @WWEEmberMoon! #RAW pic.twitter.com/UdsZF5ktXj
— WWE (@WWE) May 22, 2018
Stephanie McMahon is in her office.
She enjoys a gift basket before Finn Balor and Braun Strowman walk in. The Extraordinary Man and the Monster Among Men were looking for Angle. Well she took his office, so perhaps she can help them. They wanted a rematch with Ziggler & McIntyre. That’s nice, but they’re not a tag team. Right? And, Money in the Bank makes them opponents, every man for himself. Finn has a nice smile, but there might be some blame on Strowman for their loss. How about this? In the spirit of friendly competition, a preview of MITB with Finn Balor VS Braun Strowman. Strowman crushes the apple with one hand. He likes competition, but he didn’t say “friendly.” will Finn end up like the apple?
The #MonsterAmongMen @BraunStrowman always strives to CRUSH the competition, and @FinnBalor will be his target TONIGHT on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/aXfkChUFND
— WWE (@WWE) May 22, 2018
No Way Jose VS Baron Corbin!
It's CONGA TIME on #RAW as @WWENoWayJose battles The #LoneWolf @BaronCorbinWWE NEXT! pic.twitter.com/zlp1IaEWR6
— WWE (@WWE) May 22, 2018
The Fighting Fiesta returns and looks to settle things with The Lone Wolf tonight. Will Corbin have more fun ruining Jose’s fun in Albany?
🐺🐺🐺@BaronCorbinWWE looks to spoil @WWENoWayJose's fiesta RIGHT NOW on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/9YzLG17Emc
— WWE (@WWE) May 22, 2018
The bell rings and the two circle. Jose blocks and gives back punches, then whips. Corbin reverses, but then slides out and in, but Jose was ready with the baseball slide. Jose then slingshots out and takes Corbin down! Jose keeps on Corbin, but Corbin shoves him away. Corbin LEAPS from the apron and clubs Jose down. Corbin stomps away on Jose, then taunts the fans. He puts Jose back in the ring, then drags Jose up. Corbin throws Jose into the post, then grinds Jose’s head into the post. He backs off but then covers, TWO. Corbin keeps on Jose with a half-nelson. Jose endures, then powers up, but Corbin wrangles him back down. Fans build to a rally, and Jose feeds off the energy. Jose fights back, but Corbin knees low. Corbin throws Jose but Jose throws Corbin into the post, hard!
Corbin drags himself out but runs into Jose’s boot. Jose back elbows, then throws hands. Corbin shoves Jose away but Jose boots Corbin. Jose runs Corbin over with a clothesline! Jose lifts Corbin, for a flapjack! Cover, TWO! Jose gets up and takes off the arm band, but Corbin grabs him. Corbin lifts for the choke slam, but Jose slips out and rolls Corbin up! TWO, DEEP SIX! Corbin isn’t done there, he brings Jose up and reels him in for END OF DAYS! Cover, Corbin wins!
Winner: Corbin, by pinfall
The Lone Wolf ends the party for tonight, but has no path to the top. Will Corbin keep ruining the fun and find his way to a title?
In the words of @WWEGraves, "GO AWAY, JOSE!"@BaronCorbinWWE picks up a big victory on Monday Night #RAW… pic.twitter.com/MsSm2S8jiR
— WWE (@WWE) May 22, 2018
Angle tries to get signal, but can’t.
Chad Gable comes up and talks about Stephanie being in his office. Well, Angle let her have his office. Plus, he likes being in the hallway. It’s quiet. But no bars. Angle is glad Gable is here. Gable should’ve been the one in the match last week but management has plans. Gable vows to take opportunity when he finds it. But then Ziggler and McIntyre walk over. Ziggler loves what Angle’s done with the place. McIntyre points out the win over Balor & Strowman, but apparently a rematch is above Angle’s pay grade. Gable speaks up, and Ziggler asks his claim to fame. Amateur wrestler? Who here isn’t? But there’s a difference between them. Ziggler doesn’t awit for handouts. Who’s waiting? Angle keeps the peace, and says to settle it in the ring. Gable takes on the Show-Off later tonight.
Looks like there's an issue that needs to be settled in the ring between @WWEGable @HEELZiggler & @DMcIntyre! #RAW pic.twitter.com/dmC3wuu4ow
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 22, 2018
The B Team VS Breezango!
#TheBTeam is UNDEFEATED and IN ACTION… NEXT on #RAW!@TheBoDallas @RealCurtisAxel pic.twitter.com/dR8ZZcJZRe
— WWE (@WWE) May 22, 2018
The “undefeated” Bo Dallas & Curt Axel are back, with new “merchandise”. The Fashion Police want a rematch after pointing out the “Best Team” are actually the “Bleh Team”. They have new merch, too, and will prove there’s only room for one “B Team” on Raw.
Some fashion violations could very well be handed out RIGHT NOW on #RAW, because here come @MmmGorgeous & @WWEFandango! #RAW #Breezango pic.twitter.com/M4XT2wyjes
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 22, 2018
The bell begins and Breeze starts against Axel. Axel gets a drop toehold then cover, ONE, and the two back off. Breeze and Axel tie up and now Breeze gets the toehold and cover, ONE. Axel regroups with Bo on the outside, then Axel returns to tag to Bo. Bo rushes Breeze but runs into the toehold. Cover, ONE, but Breeze brings Bo over to tag in Fandango. Fandango climbs up, swivels his hips, then drops an ax handle. Fandango throws jabs, then covers, ONE. He whips Bo but Bo sunset flips. Fandango keeps his balance, swivels again, but Axel tags in. They hit the neckbreaker, cover, B Team wins again!
Winners: B Team (Bo & Axel), Axel pinning
"Did we just become best friends?"@RealCurtisAxel & @TheBoDallas are very well on their way to being the BEST TEAM, because #TheBTeam is 2-0 on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/vyp2HBZnNM
— WWE (@WWE) May 22, 2018
They did it again! They’re still “undefeated”, and are all fired up, they celebrate with the referee. Can Bo & Axel continue to prove B stands for Best, and then challenge the Raw Tag Team Champions?
Stephanie McMahon returns to the ring.
The Raw Commissioner now presides over this Raw Women’s Championship contract signing, since she replaced Kurt Angle. This is all over “the challenge heard ’round the world.” Nia Jax challenged Ronda Rousey to be her challenger at MITB. Stephanie makes the introduction, and The Irresistible Force comes out first.
#RAW #WomensChampion @NiaJaxWWE is NOT like most…and she's READY to sign the contract. pic.twitter.com/blXxd8H1Zg
— WWE (@WWE) May 22, 2018
Stephanie congratulates Nia Jax for winning the title. Her issues with Alexa Bliss were heart-wrenching, but Nia boldly called out her own opponent. Stephanie introduces the “Baddest Woman on the Planet”, “Rowdy” Ronda!
#RAW. GETS. ROWDY. #RondavsNia @RondaRousey pic.twitter.com/OovAYXZHXn
— WWE (@WWE) May 22, 2018
Ronda joins Stephanie and Nia in the ring, and asks how Stephanie’s arm feels. Stephanie’s arm is fine, thanks for asking. Stephanie moves things to business, and does ask Ronda how it feels to “leap frog the entire Raw Women’s Division” and all the worthier superstars? Ronda knows what Stephanie is up to. A lot of women deserve this shot, but Nia wanted Ronda. Yes, Nia wanted Ronda, but why? Is it because Nia is going to make a name for herself at Ronda’s expense? Ronda was impressive at Wrestlemania, but she’s never competed in a singles match, so Ronda is “rip for the picking.” And Nia knows that as an open weight division, the bigger, stronger Nia can dominate Ronda. Ronda doesn’t like to lose, but if Nia wins, Ronda will just quit forever, and Nia becomes the NEW Baddest Woman on the Planet.
But Ronda knows we know it took Nia 20 minutes to defeat the teeny tiny Alexa. Why? Was Nia relying too much on her power and size? Is it that Nia is lazy? If so, then it won’t take Ronda all that long to put Nia in an armbar. That’s if Ronda can do it, though. Can she when Nia is the biggest opponent she’s ever faced? Nia tells Stephanie, “No! The truth is, she can’t get the armbar on me.” Nia is sick of being called “lazy”. The truth is that Nia will make a name for herself when she wins at MITB. Nia signs the contract, then so does Ronda.
The match is now official, but Ronda also knows the tradition of these kinds of events. She moves the table aside, and says she’s happy the truth came out. Ronda is still civil, and wants to shake hands. Nia accepts, and Ronda says “I’m going to take your title.” And her arm! The two glare down while Stephanie smirks to herself. Will Irresistible Force or Baddest Woman be the Raw Women’s Champion after MITB?
"I'm going to take your title…AND YOUR ARM." – @RondaRousey to #RAW #WomensChampion @NiaJaxWWE #RondavsNia pic.twitter.com/x8Axd9ad08
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 22, 2018
Chad Gable VS Dolph Ziggler w/ Drew McIntyre!
The Olympic Medalist and former tag team champion defends his pride against The Show-Off in this match-up of legitimate amateur wrestlers. Raw returns to this match in progress as the two tie up. Gable gets the waistlock but Ziggler the switch. Gable switches back, then they stand up, and Gable gets the arm. He whips and arm-drags Ziggler, then gets the waistlock again. Gable is all over Ziggler, tying up the legs, then shifting to a facelock. Ziggler rolls but Gable holds on. Ziggler gets to ropes and Gable honors the break. The two circle and tie up again, then Ziggler goes after the leg, only for Gable to get he facelock. Cover, TWO, and Gable returns to the waistlock. Ziggler elbows his way out, then dropkicks Gable down! Cover, TWO, but Ziggler keeps his calm.
Ziggler walks around Gable, and grinds his laces into Gable’s face. He wraps Gable in a chinlock, then bends him back. Fans rally and Gable stands up, but Ziggler throws him down. Ziggler drops an elbow, covers, TWO. Ziggler wraps Gable in a sleeper hold and body scissors, extending one of the arms out to trap it. Gable endures while fans rally again, and rolls around. He stands up and fights out of the hold. Gable gets a takedown, rolls, TWO, another takedown to jackknife, TWO. Ziggler kicks low, then dare Gable to stand up. Ziggler gets the waistlock, back suplex but Gable slips out. Gable goes for the German Suplex but Ziggler resists, to then hit the neckbreaker.
Ziggler grins while he aims at Gable. He runs into Gable’s back elbow, then a kick. Gable dodges the superkick to then reverse wheelbarrow, TWO. Gable dodges the splash, CHAOS THEORY! TWO, and McIntyre is relieved. Gable goes at Ziggler, but Ziggler has the ropes. Ziggler headbutts then SUPERKICKS Gable. Cover, Ziggler wins!
Winner: Ziggler, by pinfall
All it takes is ONE #Superkick as @HEELZiggler picks up the victory over @WWEGable on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/rmAFht4f5r
— WWE (@WWE) May 22, 2018
The Show-Off used a “veteran” move to get the better of the young Gable. But now McIntyre walks into the ring and brings Gable up. McIntyre hits the Claymore!
Don't worry. @DMcIntyreWWE has a statement to make of his own. #RAW pic.twitter.com/uInNgG9R3S
— WWE (@WWE) May 22, 2018
The Stud and the Show-Off stand over Gable, reaffirmed in their mission to take everything by force. Will they storm their way to a Raw Tag Team Championship match?
Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Fatal 4 Way: Natalya VS Dana Brooke VS Liv Morgan VS Sarah Logan!
It's time to start a RIOTT. Will @YaOnlyLivvOnce or @sarahloganwwe manage to qualify for #MITB?! #RAW pic.twitter.com/xFZ83Nf41O
— WWE (@WWE) May 22, 2018
The Riott Squad has two more chances to enter someone into the second-ever Women’s MITB Ladder Match, but can they do enough to stop the Queen of Harts and Titus Worldwide’s Statistician?
That #MITB 💼 is in the sights of @NatbyNature as this #Fatal4Way match gets going on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/XSluK114dR
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 22, 2018
The bell rings and it naturally becomes 2v2 as the Squad goes after Natty and Dana. They isolate one each in corners, and Liv throws Natty down while Sarah throws hands on Dana. Dana turns things around and stomps away on Sarah. Natty pops up but Liv still hits her with a flying bulldog. Cover, TWO, and Liv is already frustrated. Dana fights Sarah off, but Natty puts Liv in a corner. Natty goes after Sarah and snap suplexes her down. Cover, TWO, and Liv helps Sarah out. Liv whips Natty into a corner, but Natty dodges. Natty rebounds Liv off the ropes to then run all over and dropkick her down. Cover, TWO, and Sarah knees Natty right in the face. Cover, but Dana breaks it up. Dana handsprings into Liv, then runs Sarah over, but Liv enziguris Dana out.
The Squad regroups, and stare down. This is every woman for herself, but they laugh. They don’t care about that, so long as one of them gets in. The Squad goes after Natty, taunting her with what she’ll never have in the Women’s MITB briefcase. They mug Natty with all kinds of strikes, and continue to taunt her. Ruby cheers her team on while they bring Natty back up. The Squad double whips but Natty ducks and Dana trips up Liv. Dana and Liv take each other out with big double clotheslines, and then Natty rallies on Sarah!
Natty turns Sarah around for the Russian leg sweep, then goes for the Sharpshooter. Ruby comes in but Natty knocks her out, Sarah hits Shotgun Knees!! Cover, but Dana breaks it. Sarah hits Dana, then throws Dana into a post. Sarah roars, but Natty dicus clotheslines her down! Then, Sharpshooter! Sarah endures, but Sarah taps, Natty wins!
Winner: Natalya, by submission; qualifies for the Women’s MITB Match
The Queen of Harts is in! She is just one match away from having a title match anytime, anywhere. Can Natty climb over Alexa Bliss, Ember Moon, Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch?
In-ring interview with Natalya.
Congratulations on her third MITB ladder match. Is her experience her greatest asset? yes, but she’s also got the Baddest Woman on the Planet as a training partner and best friend. After MITB, they’re gonna have new nicknames. Ronda will be Champion, and Natty will be Ms. Money in the Bank. A bold statement, but it could happen. Will Natty win to then have a title match with her good friend?
The #QueenOfHarts @NatbyNature plans on calling herself Ms. #MITB in a few weeks!#RAW 💰💰💰 pic.twitter.com/HO4xig1jEg
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 22, 2018
“Ladies and Gentlemen: Elias.”
Hello, @WWEUniverse. He is @IAmEliasWWE. #RAW pic.twitter.com/kt9mnR16MR
— WWE (@WWE) May 22, 2018
The Drifter is in Albany and claims he is the reason WWE’s stock has risen 150%. WWE is at an all time high, and it is no coincidence. The reason is that NBC Universal and the world knows that WWE really stands for “Walk With Elias!” A good response from Albany. Elias begins to play, “I love Elias”, “Yes I Do!” He loves the reaction. However, he does not love them. Elias was in France and London, so it is soul-crushing to come to this “dump called Albany.” But before he can continue, it’s time to be GLORIOUS!
Bobby Roode VS Elias!
HALLELUJAH! @REALBobbyRoode looks to finally get one over on @IAmEliasWWE RIGHT NOW on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/j0Fg9DOAa8
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 22, 2018
This rivalry is renewed, and Roode perhaps wants to rub it in that he’s in the MITB Match and Elias isn’t. But Elias won’t stand for this interruption, and he attacks Roode from behind!
HOW DARE YOU interrupt a GLORIOUS entrance, @IAmEliasWWE?! #RAW pic.twitter.com/y9O6X1215z
— WWE (@WWE) May 22, 2018
Elias stomps and stomps away on Roode, even after the referee backs him off. The referee asks Roode if he wants to still compete, and Roode says “Absolutely!” The bell rings and Roode throws the robe at Elias! Roode fires off hands and stomps of his own, then goes after Elias in a corner. They go to another corner and Roode chops and punches away. Roode puts Elias in yet another corner, but Elias chops back. They brawl, Roode whips but Elias reverses, only for Roode to clothesline him down, then clothesline him out! Roode is in control while we go to break.
Raw returns and Elias whips Roode to then run him over. Elias drops a knee, then covers, TWO. He drags Roode up and suplexes him down, then covers again, TWO. Elias digs his wrists into Roode’s eyes then wraps him in a seated cobra clutch. Roode endures and fights his way up, but Elias brings him back down. Fans rally while Roode endures the hold. Roode works his way up and arm-drags, but Elias holds on. Elias keeps Roode away from ropes, then trash talks Roode. Fans rally again, and Roode feeds off their energy. Roode stands up, then fights out with body shots. Roode throws haymakers, then ducks Elias to chop. Elias knees low, then runs, but Roode runs him over.
Roode rallies, whips, but Elias reverses, only for Roode to run him over. Roode hits a corner clothesline, but Elias denies the neckbraeker. They go again, GLORIOUS Spinebuster. Cover, TWO, but Roode keeps his cool. Roode fires himself up and the fans rally with him. He winds it up… GLORIOUS POSE! He kicks low, but Elias denies the DDT. Roode sunsets but Elias sits down, TWO. Elias knees low but runs into a boot. Roode hops up, GLORIOUS Blockbuster avoided, but Roode turns him into a neckbreaker. Fans fire up as Roode climbs again. Elias trips Roode up, and then drags Roode out for the Drift Away! Cover, Elias wins!
Winner: Elias, by pinfall
The DRIFT AWAY connects as @IAmEliasWWE earns a HUGE win over @REALBobbyRoode on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/GseDOGKRTj
— WWE (@WWE) May 22, 2018
The Drifter wins again, going up by one in this rivalry. Roode still goes for Money in the Bank, but will he get even with Elias down the road?
BRAUN RUNS ELIAS OVER!
Leave it to the #MonsterAmongMen @BraunStrowman to spoil @IAmEliasWWE's victory walk! #RAW pic.twitter.com/1fiKTql8oI
— WWE (@WWE) May 22, 2018
The Monster Among Men waits for no one. He wants his match, and he wants it now!
UP NEXT: The #MonsterAmongMen @BraunStrowman battles @FinnBalor for the first time EVER! #RAW pic.twitter.com/PXsXVqHeIf
— WWE (@WWE) May 22, 2018
Finn Balor VS Braun Strowman!
The Extraordinary Man takes on one of his Men’s MITB opponents a few weeks early, and for the first time ever in singles competition. Can Finn hope to survive Strowman’s super strength here tonight?
How does @FinnBalor stack up against The #MonsterAmongMen @BraunStrowman? We're about to find out! #RAW pic.twitter.com/tre5RvqVGE
— WWE (@WWE) May 22, 2018
The bell rings and Finn walks right up to Strowman. They smile, but then they start brawling. Finn throws hands, then dodges to kick. Strowman lunges but Finn dodges and kicks again. Finn goes for a leg but Strowman throws him off. Finn tires again, and Strowman clubs him down. Strowman looms over Finn, then headbutts Finn back down. Strowman drags Finn up just to club him, then circles him like a shark. He whips Finn hard into buckles, then roars victoriously. Strowman reminds Finn that Finn was the one pinned last week, then headbutts Finn to a corner. He whips Finn corner to corner but Finn dropkicks Strwoman’s legs. Finn keeps going, more dropkicks to the leg. Strowman stays standing, and he presses Finn tot he mat with one hand! It’s a cover, TWO, so Strowman backs off to make sure his leg is okay.
Strowman PUNTS Finn out of the ring, then lets him sit out there a moment. He goes out and looms over Finn before tossing him back in the ring. Finn clutches his neck from the rough landing, but Strowman is back in the ring. Strowman says that the briefcase is his, and then drives his fist into Finn’s stomach. Strowman dares Finn to stand up, and Finn does. Finn gets another punch to the stomach. Strowman mocks Finn’s smile before clubbing Finn in the face. Strowman wants Finn to get up again, and Finn drags himself up with the ropes. Finn’s put in a corner, but Finn boots Strowman away. Finn keeps booting Strowman away, then dodges to kick Strowman. He dodges again to chop, but it does nothing. Strowman grabs Finn and headbutts Finn right down.
Strowman stands over Finn, drags him up, and whips him to then boot him. He stands on Finn as a cover, TWO. Strowman wants to see the “Fighting Irish”, so Finn dumps Strowman out and hits him with a dropkick! Finn aims from the apron, but the kick is blocked! Strowman trips and slams Finn onto the apron, then goes back into the ring. Strowman drags Finn back up, to again club Finn down. He asks Finn if he’s had enough while fans chant “Get These Hands!” Strowman says he’s done playing, but Finn SLAPS Strowman! Strowman uppercuts Finn right down, and Finn falls out of the ring. The referee keeps Strowman back, but Strowman goes out to build up speed. Finn hits a Slingblade outta nowhere!
Simply EXTRAORDINARY.@FinnBalor was READY for @BraunStrowman this time around! #RAW pic.twitter.com/TfhwpTX4LN
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 22, 2018
Finn fires up now, and he runs to blast Strowman over the barriers! Fans fire up as Finn is back in this fight. Finn fires up again, but Strowman rises up! Strowman grabs Finn, but Finn kicks him down. Finn breaks the ring count, to then go back on the apron, for a FLYING double stomp! Strowman is reeling, and Finn decides to use the barriers for a springboard, COUP DE GRACE!
#CoupDeGrace from the BARRICADE! Can @FinnBalor pull this off?! #RAW pic.twitter.com/ixjNBijPGh
— WWE (@WWE) May 22, 2018
Finn returns to the ring, and lets the count climb. Strowman clutches his chest, and can only crawl as the count reaches 5. The count climbs to 7, and Strowman stands up, to beat the count at 9. But Finn is ready, with another– Strowman runs Finn over! Strowman roars, and picks Finn up. Finn slips out of the way, Strowman runs into the post! Finn hits a dropkick to Strowman’s head! Strowman goes down, Finn climbs up! But Strowman grabs Finn, only for Finn to slip out. Finn runs, but into a powerslam! Strowman isn’t done, he brings the straps down to bring Finn up, for the MONSTER Slam! Cover, Strowman wins!
Winner: Strowman, by pinfall
The Monster is too much for the Man, even though Finn showed a superhuman amount of heart. And he doesn’t stop there, he stands Finn up in a corner! But, not to do any more damage, he just wants Finn standing when he roars in victory. Will Strowman use steel to crush everyone else in the Men’s MITB match?
The #MonsterAmongMen @BraunStrowman's sights are set on 💰💰💰#RAW #MITB pic.twitter.com/MuVB0U89X8
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 22, 2018
My Thoughts:
This was a good episode of Raw, for having a slow start. Even though I lost signal part way through, the essential points were pretty easy to understand: Stephanie again uses her authority over Angle to demean him, while Roman is forced into the mold of conspiracy victim when it doesn’t fit him. The matches that sprang from this segment were still good, as Roman and Kevin put on a good partial match, and then the tag match was solid. Mahal also ups his Heel points, and gets a title match out of it. If Roman isn’t going after the Universal Championship any time soon, a move back to IC wouldn’t be so bad. Maybe they can use Mahal and Rollins as a way to turn Roman Heel.
That Sami-Lashley segment was almost as bad as Alexa Bliss’ “Bayley, This is Your Life”. But then Lashley came out and fought off Sami and the fake sisters, and fans seemed to like that. I still feel Sami-Lashley will circle back to include Kevin and Angle and that will count as everyone’s blow off. Ember-Alexa was a great match, and Ember going over means great things for her. Corbin wins what felt like a filler match, but both he and Jose need things to do while not competing in anything important. I still don’t get what’s going on with B Team. Gable and Ziggler also do great, but I actually hope this doesn’t turn Gable back towards tag team with Jason Jordan or anyone. Gable’s a great talent, so he can make it work as a singles competitor with opportunities like this.
I’m disappointed Nia and Ronda let Stephanie egg them on into taking this match personally. They came in as friendly competitors, and they could get intense later on, but not because Stephanie whispered in their ears and rile them up. In fact, Natalya winning to qualify for the MITB should’ve been the way they went with this. Natty already assumes she wins, and assumes Ronda wins, so the assumption Natty makes upsets Nia and that turns Nia VS Ronda into a more intense feud. Elias wins what felt like filler, but it is also smart to remind everyone that this feud can continue past MITB. Strowman VS Finn was great, with the great story of Finn coming within minutes of conquering Strowman. Strowman shows some respect and mercy to Finn, so that’s also something.
My Score: 8.3/10
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Could this be the biggEST and strongEST SmackDown of the year?
SmackDown in Knoxville sees the returns of Bianca Belair, Cody Rhodes and John Cena, along with some final Money in the Bank qualifiers!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier Triple Threat: Jade Cargill VS Naomi VS Nia Jax; Naomi wins and advances to Money in the Bank.
- R-Truth VS JC Mateo w/ Solo Sikoa; Mateo wins.
- Rey Fenix & Je’Von Evans VS Los Garza w/ Santos Escobar; Los Garza win.
- Zelina Vega VS Alba Fyre w/ The Green Administration; Zelina wins.
- Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier Triple Threat: Carmelo Hayes VS Andrade VS Jacob Fatu; Andrade wins and advances to Money in the Bank.
PLAY BY PLAY
Bianca Belair is here!
Knoxville fires up for their strongEST, fastEST, quickEST, toughEST, roughEST, and greatEST hometown hero as she struts out to the ring. Bianca high-fives and hugs fans along the ramp, as well as mom and dad at ringside. Bianca then grabs a mic to say, “Man, it feels good to be in Knoxville!” The fans cheer and chant for “EST! EST!” Bianca says she loves them so much. And she couldn’t come out here without singing Rocky Top! Y’all ready? The fans cheer, and the music plays! Bianca conducts the fans as they sing for the University of Tennessee. In fact, the Lady Vols softball team is playing in the Super Regionals right now!
Bianca smiles and says this city is so special to her. Not just because it is her hometown, but because it is her safe space. She has her love and support from mom ‘n’ dad, and has all the fans who show up and show out for her. With everything Bianca’s been going through, losing at Mania, getting injured, losing tag titles and friends along the way, she just wanted to come back home to her safe space. The fans cheer, and Bianca says she came home to heal. While she’s not 100%, she is doing everything she can to get back to the ring and continue to show us why she is the EST of Tennessee and of WWE! The fans cheer that!
Bianca says with all that said, Knoxville, welcome to Friday Night SmackDown! But wait, she’s interrupted by Naomi! The fans boo but Naomi says, “Oh my gosh~! Finally! B, I am so glad you finally here on SmackDown!” Bianca says now is not the time, Naomi. Naomi asks Bianca to please hear her out. It has been way too long. Not a day has gone by when Naomi doesn’t think about what happened to them. What is there to talk about? What could Naomi say? What could she want from Bianca? The fans chant “YOU SUCK!” at Naomi, and Naomi says she just wants forgiveness. She is begging for it!
Naomi knows things go toff the rails, but she is here because she wants to fix it, she is trying to fix it, but she alone can’t fix it. Months have gone by, and Naomi has tried to communicate, to say the past can be the past and that they can move forward. Bianca has not responded back to Naomi once. Naomi even visited Bianca’s parent’s house! But no one would answer! WHAT?! Mom ‘n’ Dad don’t know about that, but Naomi says no one was home, so she let herself in! Naomi looked through the photo albums, the one right on the front coffee table. And in those photos, Bianca looked so happy. It reminded Naomi of how they were as tag team champions.
Bianca stops Naomi there. Naomi, Bianca will make this perfectly clear. They were best friends, but Naomi betrayed Bianca’s trust. Naomi took their friend, Jade, and threw her onto a car, then lied about it for months! Bianca said she was done with Naomi, she meant that, and if Naomi ever comes near her family again, what Naomi did to Jade will be nothing compared to what Bianca does to Naomi. The fans fire up for that! Naomi gets emotional, but then she gets mad. “Y’know, Bianca, it wouldn’t be good for you and your mama to be in a wheelchair.” The fans boo as Naomi laughs maniacally. Naomi says she’d hate if something happened to Bianca here and now!
Naomi storms up on Bianca, but then JADE makes her way out here! Naomi is even angrier now, but this Storm starts throwing hands! The fans fire up as Jade BOOTS Naomi down! Bianca and Jade look to each other, neither really saying or doing anything. Naomi runs up but Jade TOSSES her out! Jade and Bianca look to each other again, but then here comes NIA! The Irresistible Force won’t be left out of this, especially when this is the Women’s Triple Threat Qualifier for the night! This match now opens the night, who earns SmackDown’s final golden ticket to the Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match?
Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier Triple Threat: Jade Cargill VS Naomi VS Nia Jax!
SmackDown returns, this match is already going, and Naomi POSTS Nia! Naomi stalks Jade, rains down forearms, and the fans boo. Naomi stomps to BITE Jade’s hand! Jade still fights back, so Naomi has the arms to STOMP Jade down! Naomi flexes, the fans boo, and Naomi puts Jade in a corer. Naomi runs to DROPKICK Jade in the corner! Naomi SLAPS Jade, drags her into the drop zone, then goes up, up, and twerks! HIP DROP! Naomi covers, ROPEBREAK! Naomi is annoyed but she sits Jade up to stomp a mudhole in. But Nia runs up! Naomi dodges, the HIP ATTACK hits Jade! Naomi goes to the apron to ROUNDHOUES Nia!
Naomi reels Nia in for a HEATSEEKER! Nia flops to the floor, the fans rally for Jade, but Naomi kicks her around. Naomi goes up the corner, leaps, but Jade catches her! Jade FALL AWAY SLAMS Naomi, then kips up! Knoxville fires up with Jade and she runs up to LARIAT! And ELBOW! And SCRAPBUSTER! Cover, Nia breaks it! The fans boo but Nai huffs ‘n’ puffs and drags Naomi up. Nia whips Naomi, pops her up and HEADBUTTS her down! Then she SAMOAN DROPS Naomi! Nia soaks up heat, then lines the two up. Naomi grabs at Nia’s leg but Nia CLUBS her down! Nia stomps Jade for good measure, then drops a leg, brother!
Nia TOSSES Jade out, then goes up the corner. Nia SUPER LEG DROPS on Naomi!! Cover, TWO!!! Naomi survives and Nia is shocked! The fans rally while Nia stalks Naomi. Naomi clings to ropes as Nia pulls at her arm. Nia CLUBS Naomi, whips her to ropes, then SAMOAN DROP- NO, Naomi makes it a CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Ghost pin, TWO!! Nia survives the sudden turnaround, Naomi sees Jade crawling in, and Naomi goes after her as SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Naomi KICKS Nia while she’s down, then kicks her more. Naomi puts Nia in a corner, CHOKES her on the ropes, then clamps on with a SLEEPER! Nia THROWS Naomi away, then TOSSES her out. Nia soaks up heat, but Jade runs in and rolls Nia up! TWO! Nia stands, and she HEADBUTTS Jade down! Nia looms over Jade, drags her up, but Jade fires forearms! Jade backs Nia down, then runs, and she CLOBBERS Nia outta the ring! Jade fires up and has the fans with her. Jade drags Naomi up from the apron but Naomi fires hands. Nia is back to HIP ATTACK Jade against the POST! Nia soaks up more heat, then taunts Naomi.
Naomi stands on the apron, argues with Nia, but they apparently agree to mug Jade for both their benefit. They put Jade in the corner, Naomi digs her boot in, and then Nia sends Naomi in for a SPALSH! Nia adds a SPLASH of her own! Naomi snapmares Jade, runs, and SLIDING LARIATS! Jade sputters and Nia taunts her. Nia and Naomi soak up the heat together, but Jade fights back! Nia HEADBUTTS Jade down! Nia drags Jade up, and Naomi KICKS Jade low! They soak up more heat, talk trash on Jade, and SmackDown returns to single picture. Nia scoops and SIDEWALK SLAMS! Naomi runs to SPLIT LEG DROP! Cover, but Nia drags Naomi away!
Nia and Naomi argue again, and then Naomi rolls Nia up! ONE, and Nia grabs Naomi to shove her to a corner! Nia SPLASHES, then pushes Naomi down. Nia runs to SENTON! Nia grins while Naomi sputters and the fans rally up. Jade rises to fire forearms on Nia! Then she ELBOWS Naomi in a corner! She ELBOWS Nia, but then Nia follows Jade! Jade dodges so Nia SPLASHES Naomi! Jade then SUPERKICKS! Nia wobbles, Jade SUPERKICKS again! And SPINEBUSTERS! But Naomi METEORAS! Cover, TWO! Jade survives and the fans rally up. Naomi goes up, SPLIT- LEG MOONSAULT on Nia! But Jade has Naomi in the chicken wings!
Jade brings Naomi around, JADED!! Cover, Nia CLOBBERS them both! The fans rally while all three women are down! Nia climbs a corner, Jade is after her with forearms! Naomi joins in, drags Jade back, but now they trade shots! Nia DOUBLE CROSSBODIES! Cover on Jade, TWO! Cover on Naomi, TWO! Nia grows frustrated but the fans rally up again. Nia drag Naomi up, fireman’s carries, and she climbs the corner! The fans already anticipate what’s coming, SUPER SAMOAN DROP!! Cover, JADE FROG SPLASHES IN!! Cover, TWO!!! The fans fire up while all three women are down again! “This is Awesome!”
Jade rises, she clamps onto Nia, but Nia HEADBUTTs her! And HEADBUTTS Naomi! Jade BOOTS Nia down! Cover, TWO! Jade runs up on Naomi but Naomi BOOTS her! Naoim goes up top but Jade is right on her! They fight for control, but then Nia joins in! TOWER OF DOOM!! Nia double stacks her opponents, for a A-NIA-LATOR!! Naomi avoids it, Jade takes it all! Naomi ghost pins Nia, AND WINS!!
Winner: Naomi, by pinfall (advances to Money in the Bank)
Nia did a lot of the damage, but it is Naomi who wins out! Will everyone in the Women’s MITB Ladder Match now have to #ProceedWithCaution?
Solo Sikoa’s crew arrives.
Solo says they will win Money in the Bank together! Jacob Fatu, Solo Sikoa, whichever one wins MITB wins it fof the family! But then they hear R-Truth talking to… Lil’ Jimmy? Solo says Truth’s childhood hero beats him, and now he’s talking to ghosts. Truth taps Solo on the shoulder and asks if there’s something Solo wants to say. Solo says Truth is crazy touching him. JC Mateo steps up but Solo has him stand down. Truth says he wants to be honest. He’s never seen JC a day before in his life. Is this Solo’s son? He’s husky! Truth asks if he can teach Solo’s husky son a lesson in the ring. Solo says that sounds good to him.
Truth says he’ll go talk to Nick Aldis. “Boy, y’all big boneded!” Truth heads off, and Solo says don’t worry, they’ll take care of him. Let’s have fun. Fatu says keep it 100. They can have their fun, he’s got his own business to take care of. Yadada mean? The Imperial Unit against Truth, Samoan Werewolf in a qualifier, will everything go the family’s way?
Chelsea Green confronts Nick Aldis.
The Hot Mess hides behind a cardboard cutout of herself as she tells the SmackDown General Manager, “What happened on Saturday night was a deliberate-” Piper Niven has to direct Chelsea to point at Aldis, and Aldis says he can’t quite understand her from behind the cardboard mask. Piper holds the mask between Chelsea and camera, though we do get a glimpse of her fancy headgear. Chelsea repeats herself, but Aldis says she needs to be looking at him when they talk. Chelsea hides her face in shame, but she says it is still a deliberate hitjob put on by vicious Zelina Vega! Even her Secret Her-vice could not stop it!
Chelsea demands that Zelina be suspended, stripped of her title, and that Chelsea be reinstated as the champion! Chelsea, no need to be so ugly about this. Gasp! Aldis says what he means is, no suspensions, and we can talk a rematch down the road once Chelsea is medically cleared. Then he is doing nothing for what Zelina did to Chelsea?! Alba says if he won’t, then they will! Yeah, Zelina VS Alba! Tonight! Alba is a bit surprised, but Aldis says, “Chelsea knows best. Alba VS Zelina, I actually like the sound of that. I will make that official right now, if you do one thing for me. Please leave me alone.”
The Green Administration hurries away, but will Alba make sure Chelsea brand justice is served? Or will La Muneca just keep racking up the wins?
Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Champion, and says that MITB is around the corner. Tiff successfully cashed in her own contract to become champion, but how is she handling the pressure of knowing the same thing could happen to her? Tiff says she can’t wait to see who wins MITB. Then she can handle the pressure by being prepared. Having this title makes her the top threat to the division, but let’s be fair. She’s always been the girl everyone has been obsessed with. So whoever wins, targeting her will be a big mistake. But then in steps Naomi.
Naomi says if Tiff thought Nia was a problem, then she ain’t seen nothing yet. Naomi vows to win MITB and cash in for Tiff’s title, wherever and whenever she wants. And in case Lil’ Miss Tiffy forgot, when Naomi was fighting for a championship, Tiff stayed in Naomi’s way. Wanna know what happens when people play with Naomi? Just ask Jade. Naomi heads out, and Alexa Bliss steps in. Alexa says she wouldn’t be so worried about Naomi. Be worried about Alexa. Alexa heads out now, Tiff clutches to the title a little bit tighter, who will be trying to run the clock out on Tiffy Time?
R-Truth VS JC Mateo w/ Solo Sikoa!
To Solo’s point, #RonCena could not make John Cena see the light at Saturday Night’s Main Event, and Truth might be relapsing if he’s talking to Lil’ Jimmy again. But will Truth relapse so far that we get the R-Truth that was once United States Champion? Or will a Tour of the Islands send Truth off the deep end?
SmackDown returns and JC makes his entrance, Solo backing him up. The bell rings and Truth runs up, only for JC to RAM him into a corner! JC RAMS Truth again and again, then lets off. JC whips corner to corner hard and Truth falls in a heap! JC whips corner to corner again just as hard, and Truth falls in a heap again. Solo talks trash but the fans rally behind Truth. JC runs up but Truth dodges! Truth SHOULDER TACKLES! JC stays up, so Truth runs and SHOULDER TACKLES! “What’s Up?” Truth runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and SHOULDER TACKLES! Then he hits the SPIN OUT- CROSSBODY! JC then gets up to GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT!
JC smirks as he looms over Truth, and Solo says to finish this off now. JC runs to SENTON but Truth moves! Truth calls for it! “YOU CAN’T SEE ME!” FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Truth fireman’s carries JC, but JC is too much! Truth falls over again! Solo laughs, JC whips, TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! Cover, JC wins!
Winner: JC Mateo, by pinfall
Truth tried to be like John Cena of old, but it just wasn’t meant to be. JC beats up on Truth more, then stands him up for Solo! But here comes BIG Jim! Jimmy has a chair, he runs JC off, but Solo stands his ground. Solo says his brother wouldn’t hit him with that chair, would he? Jimmy steps to Solo so Solo steps out, but that lets JC CLOBBER Jimmy! But then Solo has JC stand down! They’re family! Solo and JC leave, leaving Jimmy wondering what this is about. Will Jimmy make it clear to Solo that Jimmy’s not the one who has to come to his senses?
The Street Profits are here!
The WWE Tag Team Champions walk through the smoke to be on stage and the fans cheer. Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford hold up the titles, walk to the ring, then step inside. The fans cheer as they hold up the belts again, then the Profits grab the mics. Ford says, “Knoxville, Tennessee, oh I love everything about you, and what I have, too. But lemme rap to y’all real fast. This tag team division that we’re a part of, the greatest tag team division on any brand, any promotion… It’s on fire right now.” Dawkins says, “Talk to ’em.” Ford says, “But just like how the gorilla fears us, make no mistake about it, let’s not forget who’s leading the charge right now: The Street Profits.”
The fans cheer, and Dawkins says hey, they got all the teams coming at ’em! DIY, Motor City Machine Guns, Fraxiom, and now… The Wyatts?! The fans cheer that, and Ford says that’s sick. But what big bro is saying, it don’t matter who it is, the Profits will defend against anybody. Well hold on, here comes Fraxiom! Nathan Frazer & Axiom go to the ring to stand with the Profits, and they have mics. Frazer says alright, since the Profits are talking about defending the titles, well, Frazer & Axiom didn’t exactly get a fair shake. Ford says, “Fraxiom, is it?” He congratulates them for being on a roll, but up until the Wyatt Sick6 got in the Profits’ business…
Yeah, the Profits had them beat. Wow, oh, okay. Sure, maybe… But maybe not. Thanks to the Wyatts, we’ll never know. And now that those shenanigans are behind us, it is fair to say that Fraxiom and the Profits need to run it back! The fans like the sound of that! But wait, here come the Machine Guns! Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin have mics, and Shelley says okay, hold on, sorry to interrupt. Fraxiom’s entire basis for a rematch is that the Profits never beat them. Well, last time Shelley checked, the Profits never beat MCMG! So if they’re handing out title matches, MCMG will take one. But naturally, here comes DIY!
Tommaso Ciampa, Johnny Gargano, and Candice LeRae have their own mics, and the Poison Pixie says no no no no. She is pretty sure “you losers” have had a million chances, and “the nerds” just got here. Whoa, hold on? Just got here? Sounds like Candice just got back, so she should do us a favor and shut up. Gargano says you shut up, idiot! The reason DIY brought in Gargano’s beautiful wife is to even the odds against all of what this is! Everyone can see there is a conspiracy in the tag team division to hold down the BTTITW! And now with the Wyatts showing up- Ciampa has Gargano ixnay on the amily-fay.
Do not talk about you know who, scratch that, let’s get to business. All these teams have all KILLED the tag division that DIY built! Matter of fact, let us hold a moment of silence for the death of the SmackDown Tag Division. Everyone, stand up, bow your heads, and give a moment of silence… now. OH NO! The lights go out! All the teams panic, because when the lights turn on, UNCLE HOWDY is on the corner! Howdy laughs, because the rest of the Wyatts flank the ring! Erick Rowan drags MCMG out to DOUBLE LARIAT! Dexter Lumis is up top to CANNONBALL onto the Profits and Gargano! Joe Gacy is in, and he handsprings to bring Fraxiom to the UPSIDE-DOWN!!
Lumis then runs, POWERBOMB SENTON COMBO on Axiom! Ciampa freaks out, turns around, and Nikki Cross is there! CROSSBODY onto Candice! The fans fire up, and Howdy has Frazer for SISTER ABIGAIL! “We’re here!!” It is just as the Profits said, and now it is clear. Will some killer combination of the Wyatts go right after the gold?
Rey Fenix & Je’Von Evans VS Los Garza w/ Santos Escobar!
Worlds Collide is just over a week away, and all four of these men will be involved. The Immortal Firebird and the Young OG are going after the NXT North American Championship in a Fatal 4 Way while Legado Del Fantasma will be taking on AAA’s Pagano, Psycho Clown y El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. Who will be heading for Los Angeles with all the momentum behind them?
Speaking of that North American Championship, the champion is here! Ethan Page joins commentary and says what a year for him, to be honest. Wade says that title has never looked better than on Ethan’s shoulder. Fenix makes his entrance now, followed by Je’Von’s. The teams sort out and Fenix starts against Angel. Angel and Fenix circle, the fans rally up, and the two tie up. Angel fires a forearm, Fenix fires back, repeat! Fenix gets the edge but Angel shoves then drops down. Fenix cartwheels over the dropdown, then comes back, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and RANAS! Angel tumbles, the fans fire up, and Fenix somersaults, but into a fireman’s carry!
Fenix slips free, ripcords to ROUNDHOUSE, but Angel HEADBUTTS! Both men stagger back, tags to Berto and Je’Von! Je’Von dodges and springboards to BOUNCY~ roll-up! TWO, and Berto mule kicks! Berto CLUBS Je’Von, whips, but Je’Von reverses and slips around. Berto bucks the O’Conner, springboards and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Berto drags Je’Von up, but Je’Von kicks! Berto blocks, but the ENZIGIRI hits! Je’Von runs up, and BOUNCY~ RANAS! The fans fire up and Je’Von DROPKICKS! Berto bails out, Angel runs in, but Je’Von goes Matrix to dodge! Je’Von kips up, and STUNNERS! Angel flops back and the fans fire up!
Los Garza regroups, Je’Von tags Fenix, and they build speed, but have to dodge Angel first. Fenix SOBATS, Je’Von KICKS, and both men ENZIGIRI! Berto is up top, he leaps, but into DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO! Fenix runs to basement CALF KICK! Cover, TWO! Berto stays in this for Los Garza while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Fenix drags Berto up to RAM him into the corner. Tag to Je’Von and they mug Berto. Berto fires hands back on Je’Von, but Je’Von headlocks. Berto powers up and out and Angel tags in. Berto drop toeholds Je’Von into Angel’s KNEE at the ropes! Angel TEARS OFF HIS PANTS! Angel drapes those over Je’Von before he KICKS Je’Von in the side! Angel stalks Je’Von to the corner, tags Berto, and they shove Je’Von for a double hip toss, TU LO SABE! Then DOUBLE SUPERKICK! Berto covers, TWO! Berto argues the count but the ref defends it. Berto shoves Je’Von to ELBOW him down! Berto then DUMPS Je’Von down to be under the ropes.
Tag to Angel and Berto sits Je’Von up on the apron. Angel runs to KNEE Je’Von down! Santos joins in with Los Garza as they soak up the heat, and Angel drags Je’Von back in. Angel stands Je’Von up, hoists him to the top rope, then climbs up behind him. Angel CLUBS away on Je’Von, mocks the clapping, and he THROWS Je’Von down. Angel KICKS Je’Von in the arm and Je’Von clutches his hand. Angel drags Je’Von to the ropes, CHOKES him, and the ref reprimands. The ref counts, Angel steps off at 4, and Berto BOOTS Je’Von down. ANgel clamps onto Je’Von with an armlock and chinbar but Je’Von reaches for Fenix.
Angel keeps hold of Je’Von but Je’Von fires hands! SmackDown returns to single picture as Je’Von dodges the lariat, leaps, but Angel catches him! Angel puts Je’Von in a corner and through ropes. Angel pulls an arm and leg against the ropes, but stops as the ref counts. Angel runs to KNEE Je’Von in the ribs! Je’Von slumps to the apron, and Angel sucker punches Fenix! Angel goes back for Je’Von but Je’Von fires body shots! Angel blocks a kick, slips around and Gory Especials! Angel walks over, tags Berto, and Berto slingshots, GARZA ESPECIAL! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up for Je’Von but Berto clamps onto him with a chinlock.
Je’Von endures, even as Berto traps an arm. Je’Von fights up, pries the hold open, and he arm-drags Berto! Je’Von leaps but Berto grabs a leg! Ethan laughs from commentary, but Je’Von kicks free to SUPERKICK! Both men are down, Je’Von and Berto crawl, hot tags to Angel and Fenix! The fans fire up as Fenix rallies on Angel with forearms! Fenix then dodges a shot to springboard and FLYING ARM-DRAG, to a DOUBLE STOMP! Fenix fires off KICKS on Berto, then fires up with Knoxville! Fenix uses Berto to jump up and RANA Angel! Fenix then goes corner to corner to JUMP SOBAT! Fenix fires hands, shoves Angel aside, then goes up.
Fenix springboards to QUEBRADA! Cover, Berto breaks it! Berto whips Fenix, Fenix goes Spider-Man, and Je’Von tags in! Fenix says HASTA LA VISTA, BABY! Angel is up, he pops Fenix up to KICK him! But Je’Von springboards to FLYING LARIAT! The fans fire up, Berto springboards to FLYING CHUCK! All four men are down and the fans fire up again! “This is Awesome!” as Angel and Je’Von crawl. Angel CHOPS Je’Von, Je’Von CHOPS back, and the fans “WOO~!” Angel CHOPS again, so Je’Von CHOPS again! Angel fires a forearm, Je’Von fires back, and they go around with forearm after forearm! The fans fire up, Angel CHOPS, a
nd Je’Von SUPER PUNCHES!
Je’Von runs, BOUNCY- NO, Angel makes it a SIT OUT POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Ethan is surprised and the fans rally up. Angel hoists Je’Von up top, tags Berto in, and they hoist Je’Von up even higher! But Fenix SHORYUKENS Angel down! Je’Von fires hands on Berto and SHOVES him down! Fenix climbs up to join Je’Von now, and ADIOS AMIGO DOUBLE STOMPS for Angel! Je’Von adjusts, to SUPER DUPER SWANTON onto Los Garza! Ethan says don’t get closer, keep this in the ring! He taunts both his challengers, Fenix and Je’Von stand down to put Los Garza in the ring. The fans rally up, but then Ethan CLOBBERS Fenix & Je’Von!
Ethan TOSSES Fenix over the desk! But Je’Von SUPERKICKS Ethan down! The fans fire up, Je’Von hurries in, and he dodges Angel! But Berto rolls Je’Von up, TWO!! Je’Von dodges Berto, rebound and RED DOT!! Berto is down, Angel gets up, but Je’Von DECKS him! Je’Von goes up, up, but Santos distracts the ref! Ethan SHOVES Je’Von down! The fans boo but Berto tags Angel! Los Garza hoists Je’Von up for M T Y!! Cover, Los Garza win!
Winners: Los Garza, by pinfall
All Ego grins as he screws over two of his three challengers, and now Legado is rolling towards Worlds Collide. But will these rudos get everything they deserve in LA?
The Wyatts speak.
“We won’t stop. Not until we get what’s owed.” A simple yet ominous threat, are the tag titles only the beginning?
Zelina Vega VS Alba Fyre w/ The Green Administration!
La Muneca held onto the WWE Women’s US Championship by smacking The Hot Mess in the face with a foot, and obviously Chelsea is not happy with it. But will Alba get payback on behalf of her fearless leader? Or will things only get uglier for the Green Regime?
The bell rings and Piper distracts Zelina so Alba can CLOBBER her! Alba fires off hands, then bumps Zelina off buckles. Alba bumps Zelina off more buckles, then more buckles! And then the fourth corner! Chelsea says Zelina should’ve never messed with her! Alba fireman’s carries but Zelina fights free. Zelina KICKS Alba, KICKS again, then KICKS, but Alba CLUBS Zelina. Alba whips, scoops, and- NO, Zelina swings through to RANA! Cover, ONE! Zelina headlocks but Alba fights up and lifts Zelina. Zelina holds on but Alba powers up and out to RUN Zelina over! The fans boo but Chelsea cheers as Alba stalks Zelina.
Alba ROCKS Zelina, whips her to ropes, but Zelina wheelbarrows and arm-drags! Zelina then runs up on Alba in the corner and rains down fists! Alba shoves Zelina away at three, but Zelina comes right back to rain down more shots! Alba stops Zelina at four now, but Zelina wants another go! Alba stops Zelina at four again, and RAMS her into the corner! The fans boo but Alba grins. Zelina BOOTS Alba, goes up, and FLYING RANAS! Alba tumbles out, Piper helps her up, and Zelina goes to the apron. Alba trips Zelina up, spins and ROCKS Zelina, then gets her up. Gory Especial, but Zelina flips through to arm-drag Alba onto ropes!
The fans fire up as Zelina dials up, but Chelsea is on the apron! The ref argues with Chelsea while Zelina redials, but Piper trips her up! The fans boo but Alba SUPERKICKS Zelina! Alba salutes to Chelsea, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Alba stands on Zelina’s hair while pulling Zelina’s arms! The ref reprimands, Alba steps off, and she drags Zelina up to suplex for the GOURD BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Zelina stays in this and Chelsea argues with the ref. The ref says the count is fair, so Alba clamps onto Zelina with a COBRA CLUTCH! Zelina endures, the fans rally, and Zelina fights up. Zelina fires body shots, Alba ripcords and wrenches to SUPERKICK! Zelina rebounds to SHINING WIZARD! Both women fall and the fans fire up! Piper coaches Zelina, the fans rally up, and both women rise up. Alba is on Zelina and brings her to a corner, but Zelina buckle bumps Alba first!
The fans rally as Alba stalks Zelina, but Zelina bumps her off buckles again! Alba tries again, but Zelina ELBOWS Alba away. Then BOOTS her away! Zelina fires forearms on Alba, backs her down, then whips. Alba reverses but Zelina dodges to LARIAT! The fans fire up as Zelina LARIATS again! Zelina blocks a kick, ELBOWS Alba, but Alba blocks the saido. But Zelina keeps Alba from running, SNAP SAIDO! The fans rally for Zelina as she runs corner to corner, METEORA! Zelina pushes Alba out and goes up top! The fans cheer for some Latina Heat, and METEORA! Cover, TWO! Alba survives and Chelsea is relieved.
Zelina grows frustrated, but she goes back for Alba. Zelina reels Alba in, suplexes, but Alba blocks! Alba knees low, suplexes, but Zelina hits STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! Alba is down, Zelina goes up, MOONSAULT FLOPS! Alba goes up now, and she SWANTON BOMBS! Cover, TWO!?! Zelina survives and shocks Alba! Chelsea is upset again but Alba hurries to bring Zelina up. Alba KICKS Zelina out, and now Chelsea takes off her face mask?! She tells Piper to stand Zelina up! Piper does as told, and Chelsea takes a swing, but Zelina ducks! The face mask SMACKS Piper!! Chelsea is shocked, then furious, and then she chases after Zelina!
Zelina slips into the ring, Chelsea gets on the apron, but Zelina sends Alba at her! They almost collide, and then Zelina rolls Alba up! Zelina hops on, CODE RED!! Cover, Zelina wins!!
Winner: Zelina Vega, by pinfall
Chelsea tried so hard to screw Zelina over that she just screwed up her own team! Zelina survives again, will no one take down the Vega Administration?
The Miz pep talks Carmelo Hayes.
Melo looks good, and he just has to follow the plan. If Melo follows that plan, with no mistakes, they will win. Melo says he knows what he’s doing. Miz asks if he really does. Because Miz has taken Black Mass after Black Mass, sacrificing himself for Melo. Does Melo understand? Miz gave up this chance at MITB for Melo! Miz has already done it twice! If Melo wins this match tonight, Miz will guide Melo to make sure “we are Mr. MITB.” Wait, we? Miz says, “Who do you think got you in this position?” Melo says Melo did. Melo appreciates everything Miz has done for him, from sacrificing to taking hits for him, and helping him win the Andre the Giant Battle Royal.
But nobody told Miz to do that. Melo will run the play exactly as Miz designed it, but what brought Melo to the dance is Melo’s talent. Melo goes out there and does it better than anybody else. Melo puts up 40 points on a bad day, because he is H1M. And Miz just needs to let Melo be H1M. They good? Miz nods, and Melo says okay, let’s do the thing. They are Melo Don’t Miz and they are Awes-H1M. Miz still nods, but he doesn’t seem genuinely happy. Will Miz let Melo be Melo? Even if that means letting H1M fail?
Giulia speaks.
“Throughout my entire career, even back when I started in Japan, I had one goal… It’s not to be ‘the best.’ Everyone says that. It’s hollow and empty. My goal is to be indisputable. You can love me or hate me, admiration or disgust, it means nothing. But I’m impossible to deny. My opponent doesn’t matter, because I only view them as an opportunity to build my legacy. Evidence you cannot refute. SmackDown, you will see. I will hit harder, move faster, think sharper, and conquer everything, just like I’ve always done. The question isn’t, ‘Who’s going to let me?” It’s, ‘Who’s going to stop me?'” She adds in Japanese, “If you can stop it, stop it.”
Will SmackDown and all of the WWE soon succumb to The Beautiful Madness?
Zelina returns backstage.
She refreshes for a second, but Giulia is there! And Giulia says she sees Zelina, but she also sees that title more. Zelina scoffs and leaves. Could Giulia be aiming for everything once she becomes Ms. Money in the Bank?
Damian Priest is here!
Knoxville cheers as The Archer of Infamy heads to the ring, victorious from Saturday Night’s Main Event and that brutal Steel Cage match. Priest grabs a mic to tell Tennessee, “Ever since I beat Drew on Saturday, it’s like I’m breathing in fresh air. Y’know, there was a time when I lived on the street, if we were beefing with another street, that war could go for years. But in WWE, you have a beef with somebody, you have a match and it’s over. But with Drew and I, we went well over a year, and that’s not normal. But we took that beef into a cage. Now, I can feel it, you can se it on my face, we went to war.
“At the end of this war, at Saturday Night’s Main Event, I gave him a Con-Chair-To, I walked out the door, and I put his ass in the past.” The fans cheer that. Priest says now he knows Drew is somewhere recovering from his scrambled brains, but he knows Drew is watching, so this is for Drew. “I still can’t stand yo ass. But the Drew McIntyre that stepped in that cage wasn’t the guy that hides behind his phone on social media. That was the old Drew, the warrior, and I appreciate that.” The fans applaud, and Priest says he won’t ask what is next for himself, he’ll just tell us all. And it is the same thing he wanted when he came to SmackDown: Championships!
The fans cheer, and Priest says this war with Drew cost him an opportunity at being in MITB. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have his eyes on a certain champion. Somebody who he has unfinished business with, and a champion he considers the most badass. The fans know that means Fatu, and he knows they know! Priest calls out Jacob Fatu! Priest respects Fatu. Priest knows where Fatu came from, what Fatu had to live through, how it feels to stand in this ring as a champion. Real talk, Priest is proud of Fatu, he congratulates Fatu, that’s real. But what Priest doesn’t respect is the crew that follows him around.
Wait, check that. What Priest doesn’t respect is the crew Fatu follows around. Priest knows at some point, they will get in this ring, handle business, but that’s for them. As for Fatu’s so-called family, if they wanna get involved, they can catch a fresh one, too. Priest won’t make it just a nickname or moniker, he wants this to be fact! Priest is and forever will be EL CAMPEON! The fans cheer that! But will the Archer soon take aim at the Samoan Werewolf? Well, speaking of, Fatu makes his way out here for tonight’s other Triple Threat Qualifier! Fatu nods to Priest, but if Fatu wins his way into the ladder match, will this showdown have to wait a little longer?
Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier Triple Threat: Carmelo Hayes VS Andrade VS Jacob Fatu!
SmackDown returns and El Idolo makes his entrance, followed by H1M. The bell rings and Miz distracts Fatu and Melo attacks! Fatu ELBOWS Melo away, Andrade is on Melo with forearms, and then Fatu adds a LARIAT! Fatu looms mover Melo but then turns to stare down Andrade. The fans rally as these two step up. Andrade fires forearms but Fatu SHOVES him to a corner. Fatu runs up, Andrade dodges then whips. Fatu reverses, Andrade goes up and out to then ROCK Fatu! Andrade goes up, up, and CROSSBODIES! Cover, ONE! Melo CLUBS Andrade, TOSSES him out, and then CLUBS away on Fatu!
Miz says that’s the way! Melo HAMMERS and CHOPS, then whips, but Fatu blocks! Fatu whips Melo, Melo springboards, but into an UPPERCUT! The fans fire up and Fatu sees Melo go outside. Fatu builds speed, but Miz trips him up! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Fatu drags Miz into the ring! Melo goes to roll Fatu up but Fatu stays up! Fatu YANKS Melo up, scoops, but Melo slips free! Melo SUPERKICKS and Miz DUMPS Fatu out! The fans boo but Melo builds speed, only for Andrade to LARIAT! The fans cheer, and now Miz sees he is in trouble. Fatu snarls, but Andrade DIVES, into a HAYMAKER!
Fatu then SUPERKICKS Miz! Fatu THROWS Miz into barriers! The fans fire up and Fatu grins. Fatu runs in, HIP ATTACK against the barriers! The Samoan Werewolf has dominated three men at once and the fans fire up while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Miz sputters and Fatu leaves him behind to go around the way. Melo is there to kick Fatu, RAM Fatu, but Fatu blocks another whip! Fatu ROCKS Melo and Melo staggers away. Fatu stalks Melo, Melo checks on Miz, but Fatu ROCKS Melo! Andrade goes after Fatu now, but Fatu THROWS Andrade into barriers! The fans cheer as Fatu lets Andrade go to the ring. Fatu brings Melo up, SMACKS him off the desk, then pushes him down. Fatu clears the desk off, but Melo CLUBS Fatu against the desk! Melo storms into the ring, brings Andrade up, but Andrade RAMS Melo into the corner! Andrade RAMS Melo, CHOPS Melo, then stalks Melo.
Andrade whips Melo, Melo reverses and Andrade hits buckles hard! Melo CHOPS Andrade down! Melo brings Andrade up, soaks up some heat, then makes it Latino Heat. But Andrade blocks the suplex to suplex Melo! Andrade hangs Melo out to dry, and Melo flops to the apron. Fatu is back but Andrade fires forearms first! Andrade whips, Fatu reverses, and Fatu BODY CHECKS Andrade! Fatu geeks out and the fans are with him while he stalks Andrade. Fatu drags Andrade up to HEADBUTT him into the corner. Fatu shoves Melo off the apron, then he HEADBUTTS Andrade again. Andrade sputters but Fatu is all fired up.
Fatu CHOPS Andrade, UPPERCUTS, and HEADBUTTS him again! Andrade CHOPS in return! SmackDown returns to single picture and Andrade CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Fatu UPPERCUTS and Andrade falls back! Melo stomps Andrade in the corner, then tells Fatu to come on in. Fatu runs up, but Andrade gets away! Hip attack hits buckles! Melo ENZIGIRIS Fatu, Andrade runs to dodge Melo and FLYING FOREARM! The fans fire up as Andrade kips up! Andrade has targets in the corners, and he rallies the fans with “SI! SI! SI!” CIEN KNEES for Fatu! CIEN- NO, Melo tilt-o-whirls and LA MYSTICA! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally, Melo runs to stomp away on Fatu, then he brings Andrade up. Fatu stands to CLOBBER Melo! Andrade SUPERKICKS Fatu! The fans rally, Melo brings Andrade up and springboards, but Andrade stops him at the ropes! SECOND ROPE SPANISH FLY! But Fatu SENTONS Andrade! The fans fire up as Fatu SENTONS Melo! Fatu drags Melo to a drop zone, then goes to the corner! The fans rally for Fatu as he goes up, up, but Andrade YANKS him down! Andrade goes up top, MOONSAULT DOUBLE!! Cover, Melo breaks it! The fans rally while all three are down! “This is Awesome!” as the three stir.
Melo brings Fatu and Andrade around, and he fires forearms on each of them. Andrade fires back on Melo, then Fatu UPPERCUTS! Andrade ROCKS Fatu, but Fatu UPPERCUTS Andrade! The fans rally as the three rise, and Melo springboards! DOUBLE FADE AWAY DDT!! Cover on Andrade, Fatu breaks it! Melo and Fatu stare down, and they run up! Melo dodges to hit the FIRST 48! Andrade adds a POISON-RANA! Melo slips around Andrade to KNEE and suplex, CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Andrade survives and Melo grows frustrated. The fans rally for Fatu while Melo shakes his hands out. Andrade is on the apron but Melo rises.
Melo brings Andrade up but Andrade trips Melo! They go out to brawl, and Melo SUPERKICKS Andrade down! But Fatu SUPERKICKS Melo! The fans fire up for Fatu as he lines up a shot. Fatu gets the fans even more fired up, then he geeks out! Fatu runs in the full length, but Andrade & Melo move! HIP ATTACK through barriers!! The fans go nuts as Fatu crashes into the timekeeper’s area! Fatu sputters as SmackDown goes back to picture in picture.
Fatu stirs while Andrade and Melo go to the ring. They roll in, Melo grabs at Andrade and vice-versa. Melo fires a forearm, then goes back outside. Andrade goes to the opposite end while Melo looks under the ring. Melo makes Knoxville happy by bringing out a table! But then Melo makes them mad by dropping it! Melo goes after Andrade but Andrade ROCKS him first! Andrade brings out a chair! Andrade aims, but Melo dropkicks the legs out! Andrade crawls, Melo shakes his head, and he grabs the chair now. Melo aims, but Andrade kicks Melo low! Andrade and Melo go into the ring, and Andrade puts Melo in a drop zone.
Andrade goes up the corner, but Melo trips him up! Andrade is stuck up top and Melo hits the SLINGSHOT PLEX! Melo flexes, then decides to step through on the legs! Andrade cradles that, TWO! Melo and Andrade stand, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Both men fall and the fans look for Fatu. SmackDown returns to single picture as the fans rally, Melo and Andrade sit up, and Melo CHOPS! Andrade ROCKS Melo, then rolls away. Melo hurries to clamp onto Andrade with a facelock, but Andrade RAMS him into a corner! Andrade puts Melo up top but Melo fires forearms. Andrade drops back, Melo aims, but Andrade GAMANGIRIS!
The fans still want tables but Andrade climbs up to get Melo. They’re on the very top, but Fatu is back! Fatu makes the SUPER SPANISH FLY part ROCKER LAUNCHER!! The fans are thunderous as Fatu goes up now! SWANTON BOMB onto Melo! Cover, Andrade breaks it!! The fans rally up again and still want tables. Fatu runs at Andrade to SPLASH! Then Fatu runs at Melo, but Melo BOOTS him! Melo runs up, but into a pop-up! Melo fights the Samoan Drop, and Andrade adds the SHADOW ELBOW! But Melo makes it a ghost pin! Andrade adds a stack, TWO!!! Fatu survives the double cover, but here come Solo & JC!
The fans boo as Solo is here to coach Fatu up. Melo and Andrade trade forearms, then Melo dodges to springboard, FLYING LARIAT! Cover, Fatu breaks it! Fatu snarls, drags Melo up, and he HEADBUTTS Melo! Fatu finally notices Solo & JC, but Fatu puts Melo up top. Fatu CHOPS Melo, then he fireman’s carries Andrade. Fatu adds Melo to this, but Melo slips free. SAMOAN DROP for Andrade, and then Fatu goes to the corner. Solo says Fatu’s got this now! BEST MOONSAULT EVER FLOPS and Melo hits NOTHING BUT NET!! Cover, ANDRADE BREAKS IT! Andrade underhooks Melo, THE MESS- NO, Melo RANAS through! Cover, TWO!!
Andrade has a cover, TWO! Melo has a cover, TWO! Andrade has it, TWO! Both men stand, SHADOW ELBOW! FIRST 48!! SHADOW ELBOW AGAIN!! All three men are down and the fans are thunderous! Fatu crawls, Melo rolls to a corner, and Andrade stirs. Fatu rises, he brings Andrade up, IMPALER DDT! Then Fatu has Melo to RAM him into a corner. Fatu runs and HIP ATTACKS Melo! Andrade is up, Fatu hits him with another IMPALER DDT! Fatu puts Andrade in the drop zone, and he hits the BEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Solo says yeah, do that again! The fans boo but Fatu glares at Solo. JC says do what Solo is saying, Fatu!
But wait! Jimmy YANKS JC down, and SUPERKICKS him! The fans fire up, and then Melo RAMS Fatu into Solo! Then FIRST 48! But Andrade rolls Melo into THE MESSAGE!! Cover, ANDRADE WINS!!
Winner: Andrade, by pinfall (advances to Money in the Bank)
Solo just screwed things up for Fatu! Solo does his best to keep the peace between Fatu and JC, but the point is: Andrade is headed to Los Angeles! Will he make this El Idolo in the Bank?
Backstage interview with LA Knight.
Byron Saxton segues from congratulating Andrade for qualifying to welcoming in someone who already has qualified, but The Mega Star says, “My gawd. What is it with punching tickets around here? Everybody talks about punching tickets. WWE Instagram, punched tickets. Commentary, punched tickets. You’re talking about punched tickets. I guess I punched my ticket to MITB, it’s only eight days away. A few other guys who punched tickets, who are they? You got Andrade, you got Penta, you got what’s his name, Seth Rollins. You got Solo Sikoa! They’re all in it! They all punched their tickets!
“And everybody’s gonna be climbing that ladder, trying to get up, put everything on the line that they can. Now, if this was a one-on-one match, I’d go ahead and call my shot, and I’d say I’m gonna run up there, grab the case, and cash it in. But you gotta understand, this is my third year in a row, so I understand what this is. You can call me the vet in this match. Some people say maybe that Seth is the vet in this, but they would be wrong. For three years in a row now, you’re talking about the most robust and the most recent experience, YEAH. And what that means is now it’s anybody’s game. Anybody can come out with it, and I understand that.
“But with or without the case, what you need to understand is that the WWE title, the world title, they’re all in my future. With the way I’ve been running, at this point, they should be in my past, maybe even my present. Why don’tcha go ahead and punch that ticket? While we’re talking about-” Knight stops himself when he spots someone walking in. It’s Aleister Black! And Aleister says that win was supposed to be his. But he tells Knight, “You’re welcome, though.” The Dark Father lets the Mega Star shine, if only for now. Will LA win big in LA when we finally reach MITB?
Fatu and Solo regroup backstage.
Solo wants Fatu to listen. He was just trying to help. Fatu tells Solo to listen. For the last time, Fatu does not need his help! Fatu storms off, JC steps in, but Solo has nothing else to say. Is the Samoan Werewolf going to break away from this dysfunctional “family?”
Cody Rhodes is here!
Knoxville fires up and sings along, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, high-fives fans along the ramp and the front row, and even signs autographs. Cody goes to the ring, grabs a mic, and he hears the fans chant his name. Cody fires the fans up more, then hears them sing, “Cody! Cody Rhooodes~! Cody! Cody Rhooodes~!” Cody says, “So, Knoxville! Whaddya wanna talk about?” The fans cheer, and Cody says, “I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out that we could talk about the record crowd here this evening!” The fans cheer that, too! Cody says he loves them, too, thank you very much.
Cody says they could also talk about WrestleMania 41. The fans boo, but Cody says after WrestleMania 41, he went home, he drowned his sorrows, might’ve touched the “Tennessee Cough Syrup” a little bit, and he had a moment of doubt. He reached out to a friend. A friend who helps him prepare to wonderful audiences like this one here, or speaking to everyone at home. Cody asked him, “Was I a good champion?” The fans cheer for that, but Cody says the friend told him wasn’t quite as simple as yes or no.
The friend told him, “With everything that you faced here in the ring in front of all the fans, and with everything that you faced behind the scenes, being pulled in different directions, the waters that you had to navigate that no champion has ever had to navigate, yes, I feel that you were a good champion.” Cody says he felt good hearing that, it turned into a hopeful moment, the silver lining on a dark cloud. Cody looked back on his whole year. He thought about AJ Styles faking retirement to get the drop on him. Cody thought about his friend, Kevin Owens, sucker punching him against his bus while Cody’s family slept inside.
Cody thought about his boss, Triple H, who pushed Cody to the limit, and sees something in Cody that Cody doesn’t even see in himself. Cody even thought about The Final Boss, how he asked Cody for his soul, and the entire world wondering what that meant. As preposterous as that sounded, The Rock was 100% serious. No matter how many times Cody said no, the offer still stands. And Cody also thought about John Cena. The fans initially boo, but the “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” starts up. Cody takes a moment, and then he says, “I thought about John Cena doing exactly what he said he was going to do. He forced me to make a choice, and I hesitated.
“I don’t know if John Cena is going to ‘ruin’ professional wrestling. But if he does, then I’m partially to blame. Now, I know, I’d love to say this to John Cena’s face. Not sure if he’s going to come out here right now, but if you are listening, if you are listening, Champ, I need you to know that I will never hesitate with you again!” The fans cheer that, and Cody says no matter how much Cena will tout the amount of days he has left, how much Cena will talk about what remains before he absconds with the WWE Championship and leaves all of us forever, that is NOT Cena’s expiration date! That is on the other side of Cody’s corneas, and it will burn Cena’s ass up!
The fans fire up for that, and Cody calms it down. Cody apologizes for that. This is his first night back on SmackDown, he is getting worked up. He thought so much about what he could do, what he could do for the fans. Hell, how about a surprise? The fans already “YEET! YEET! YEET!” so Cody says they’re hungry for it. Let’s yeet. Well, hold on, that’d be a very big surprise. That’d be the biggest surprise. That’d be Cody’s partner riding into battle for MITB, and hell YES he is here! Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for the World Heavyweight Champion, MAIN EVENT JEY USO! The fans go wild as Jey makes his way in from the pavilion!
The fans sing along with Day One Ish and bounce for that YEET! Jey makes his way down through the crowd to ringside, one verse at a time, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Jey joins Cody in the ring now, mic in hand. Cody and Jey hear the fans want an encore, so we get even more YEET! But then John Cena makes his entrance to ruin the fun! The fans sing “JOHN CENA SUUUCKS~!” even though he wears that University of Tennessee orange and white. Cena goes to the ring, towel draped over his head, then grabs a mic before he joins Cody and Jey in the ring. Cena hears the fans boo, and he says, “I’m upset, too. If it isn’t professional wrestling’s biggest wannabes!” Cena tells Cody he is nothing more than a Cena Wannabe, and that Jey is nothing more than a Cena Wannabe.
The fans boo but Cena says they both wanna be Cena so bad, it makes him sick! Cody wants Cena’s fame, Jey wants Cena’s money, but they will get neither because Cody is too desperate and Jey is too lazy! There is only ONE other human being in the WWE who embodies hustle, loyalty and respect, and he’s got the fortune, fame and followers to back that up! Surprise, losers! Cena’s partner is here, too! The fans boo already, because “EY YO~!” Logan Paul IS here! The Maverick swaggers his way out, and Cena gives him a proper introduction. “Oh, you mad? You’re mad because Logan Paul does WWE better than any professional wrestler?”
Cena says Logan doesn’t need to pay his dues, because he is paying Jey’s mortgage! Everybody in this building did NOT come to see Jey! They came to see John Cena and Logan Paul! Logan asks, “What the hell you crying about, Knoxville? Look! I could walk on water, and y’all would still find a way to tell me it’s because I can’t swim! John Cena speaks the language of Logan Paul, and that is the truth! The truth! It is right in front of you! You deny it all you want, but look around, you stupid, stupid, simple Tennessee people! This is a moment in history! All of you get to witness the moment that John Cena stood side-by-side in the ring with Logan Paul.
“And look, all of you will live long, pathetic, miserable lives. But at least you will get to say that you saw that.” The fans tell Logan to STFU, and Cena tells Logan to ignore it. Logan says yeah, yeah, they’re so ungrateful. They don’t know what’s good for them. There is one problem, though. This does seem too perfect. The problem is… Logan should be standing next to THE WWE Champion as THE World Heavyweight Champion! Logan should’ve been the one to leave Saturday Night’s Main Event with that title around his waist. But look at him, Jey. Jey got lucky. Jey got lucky! He knows it, Logan knows, it, the fans know it, CODY knows it!
Jey needed Cody to save him! When Cody interfered with the match cuz these two cheaters can’t do a single thing in this business without it being handed to them! “These two nepo babies were born on third, thinking they hit a triple.” Logan points to himself and says, “Self-made man!” He points to Cena and says, “Self-made man!” Five years ago, nobody every would’ve believed Logan Paul would be a WWE superstar. And they certainly never ever would’ve believed that he’d be teaming with the Greatest Of All Time! But look at Logan now. He’s not just a superstar, he is THE superstar! His time is now! Cena told us that his time is almost up!
Cena is the Last Real Champion, Logan is the inevitable face of the WWE! So Jey, Cody, at MITB, if you want some, come get some. Jey tells Logan they don’t gotta wait! They can handle this right now! UH UH, YEET!! The mics drop, Cena and Logan talk this out, and Logan wants to throw hands while Cena wants to leave. Cody asks what they’re arguing about. They gonna go to the back so Logan can polish Cena’s Peacemaker? Now it’s a fight! The fans fire up as the hands are flying! Logan TOSSES Jey, Cena picks Cody up! Cody slips free, Jey is back to SUPERKICK! Cody hits the DISASTER KICK! Cena bails out, Jey PLANCHAS out onto him!
Logan goes to the apron, slingshot and- NO, Cody dodges the “Snapshot” Lariat and Jey SUPERKICKS Logan! Then Jey sets Logan up for the CODE D!! The fans fire up as Cody picks up the WWE Championship! Will Cody and Jey make it through Logan and Cena to then clear a path for the American Nightmare’s redemption? Or will Cena & Logan ruin wrestling together?
My Thoughts:
A very good SmackDown, but maybe with some wheel-spinning. As fun as Chelsea Green continues to be, can’t we move on from her and Zelina? Or are we about to do that with tonight’s win over Alba and then Giulia confronting her? Ironically, that seems to give away Giulia isn’t winning MITB. Giulia had a good promo video right before but they undercut it by giving us that confrontation. That said, Giulia deserves to be all the champions, but I suppose starting with the Women’s US Championship would be a good route. Very good promo from Bianca and Naomi to not just have Bianca’s homecoming, but to keep the feud between them alive.
The Women’s Triple Threat had a slow start but it turned out to be a very good match. Great win for Naomi, and good promo from her, Tiffany and Alexa to tease potential MITB winners. Great stuff in the tag match to build Worlds Collide just a touch. We only got one moment of Berto being passive aggressive towards Santos, and then Ethan Page screwing the Faces over, but that was still enough for the North American Championship. Of course, it depends on how many fans watch not just Raw and SmackDown but also NXT so that the fans already understand the story. But as someone who does, I do appreciate they’re bringing NXT story onto SmackDown.
Good promo from Priest to give some shoot respect to Drew and Fatu, but Priest wanting after the US title kinda gave away what was happening with the Men’s Triple Threat. It was a great Triple Threat, but of course Solo & JC cost Fatu. That team is just one moment away from breaking up, and it might be at MITB when Solo just expects Fatu to help him win the briefcase and Fatu refuses. And Fatu VS Priest will still be awesome whenever it happens. Good promo from Knight, and a good bit from Aleister with him, which I suppose means that’s the next feud for them. Was kinda hoping for Aleister VS Nakamura but that really depends if Nakamura is sticking with WWE or going home to Japan via Pro-Wrestling NOAH as rumored.
R-Truth relapsing to talking to Lil’ Jimmy is certainly a choice. I kinda wish he’d keep up the “Ron Cena” stuff, or they’d let Jeff Cobb do his own John Cena bit from NJPW, but I guess some things in WWE still won’t change. And closing with a big promo segment was also certainly a choice. Cody still did a good job, and nice surprise to have Jey show up. Not sure they needed to take a commercial break for Jey’s entrance, especially when they were obviously going to let Jey do his YEET encore. And Cena really must be brainwashed to put Logan over as if Logan’s on par with peak Cena. But naturally a brawl happened and the Faces stood tall.
Don’t count this as go-home math yet, they could easily revisit this on Raw and even next week on SmackDown. Even then, I still feel like Jey and Cody should win at MITB to properly set up Cody VS Cena 2 at SummerSlam. Raw on June 9th is still the move for the World Heavyweight Championship, but there’s also Saturday Night’s Main Event in July, who knows if Jey makes it to SummerSlam as champion.
My Score: 8.7/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
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THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
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SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 5.29.25
Stuff happens, maybe it doesn’t, Dreamer and Delirious can’t book.

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