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Mitchell’s WWE Monday Night Raw Report! (5/28/18) | The Chairshot
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Mitchell’s WWE Monday Night Raw Report! (5/28/18)

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Only one woman can be the final Raw entrant!

Raw has room for one last entrant into the Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match, and it comes down to a Seven Woman GAUNTLET Match! Who will join Alexa Bliss, Ember Moon, Natalya, Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, Naomi & Lana? Plus, Jinder Mahal challenges Seth Rollins for his Intercontinental Championship!

 

All images courtesy of the WWE’s official Twitter

 

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Finn Balor VS Braun Strowman; No Contest.
  • WWE Intercontinental Championship: Seth Rollins VS Jinder Mahal w/ Sunil Singh; Mahal wins by disqualification, Rollins retains the Intercontinental Championship.
  • The Deleters of Worlds VS The Ascension; The Deleters of Worlds win.
  • Kevin Owens VS Bobby Roode; Kevin wins.
  • Drew McIntyre w/ Dolph Ziggler VS Chad Gable; McIntyre wins.
  • Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Gauntlet Match: Sasha wins and joins the Women’s MITB Ladder Match.

PLAY BY PLAY

WWE and Raw honor the fallen heroes this Memorial Day.

All Game Some. Some Gave All. Gone, But Not Forgotten.

 

BRAUN STROWMAN heads to the ring!

The Monster Among Men is in Virginia as we approach Money in the Bank. Strowman is one of the Raw entrants for the Men’s MITB Ladder Match, but tonight Strowman speaks to the crowd. “When I see that briefcase, I get motivated.” He’s motivated, because inside is a contract for a guaranteed Universal Championship opportunity anywhere at anytime! Strowman hears out the crowd as they chant “Get These Hands!” then vows to destroy seven other men at PPV before climbing up and taking the briefcase for his own. Then, Strowman will not just be Mr. Money in the Bank, but Mr. MONSTER in the Bank. “And who’s gonna stop me?” Certainly not Miz, Bobby Roode or Finn Balor. Nor anyone in the New Day or Rusev or Kevin Owens. Strowman vows to take the contract, cash in on Lesnar, and make sure Lesnar #GetsTheseHands!

But speaking of Finn, here he comes! The Extraordinary Man may have lost last week 1v1 to Strowman, but Finn has something to say. “I think you’re getting ahead of yourself there, big man.” Finn was the inaugural Universal Champion, and never actually lost it. That eats away at Finn, so Finn is “determined to get back to the top.” Finn will take back what is his. The two of them were 1v1, and Finn gave it his all. But at MITB, there’s gonna be six others, and every man for himself. Strowman admits Finn put up a good fight, “for a little guy.” Finn SLAPS Strowman! Strowman THROWS Finn! Before this goes any further, out comes Raw General Manager, Kurt Angle!

Angle tells Strowman and Finn that he sees intensity, one of his favorite I’s. He reminds them there will be four men from both Raw and SmackDown, and targeting their respective world champions. Finn gave it his all, and it was incredible, so perhaps Richmond would like to see a rematch! Richmond agrees, so here comes a ref!

 

Finn Balor VS Braun Strowman!

It’s a main-event caliber rematch from last week’s main event! Can the Extraordinary Man even the score with the Monster Among Men? Or will he #GetTheseHands and be flattened again?

Raw returns to see Kevin Owens joining commentary. Kevin watches up close as Strowman throws Finn across the ring again. Strowman dares Finn to stand, then tosses him again!

Strowman stalks over to Finn but Finn avoids the clubbing forearm. Finn dodges from the corner, but Strowman still hits him with a strong body shot. Kevin insists the other men in the MITB match are jealous while Strowman headbutts Finn down. Bobby Roode watches from backstage as Strowman gives Finn another body shot. Strowman whips Finn corner to corner hard, and Finn bounces off buckles to hit the mat. Strowman bumps Finn off his knee, then runs corner to corner, into boots! Finn gets moving but those forearm smashes do nothing to Strowman. Strowman clubs Finn down again!

Strowman punts Finn in the ribs, and Finn is gasping as he goes to the apron. Finn refuses to quit or stop the match, but he gets back in only to get another headbutt. Kevin vows to win no matter how many people are in the MITB match, but Finn fights Strowman only to get dropped by an uppercut. Strowman steps on Finn to cover, TWO. Finn gets to a corner but gets more body shots. Strowman whips him again, and hard as ever. Strowman shouts that Finn should just stay down, but Finn won’t listen. Finn drags himself up but Strowman toys with him. Strowman clubs Finn down again, but Finn dodges the body shot to dropkick! Finn fires up but Strowman boots him down! Kevin sarcastically cheers Strowman from the commentary booth with a microphone. Strowman glares at Kevin but punts Finn again while we go to break.

Raw returns and Finn dodges Strowman to chop away. Finn fires off body shots but Strowman turns things around. Finn still dodges, but the swing kick is blocked, and Strowman swats Finn down with a big right hand. Strowman goes out the far side to build up speed and… BARREL Finn into the audience!

Fans are thunderous for Strowman as he raises his hands triumphantly. Strowman fetches Finn and hauls him back to the ring. Finn slips down and shoves Strowman into the post! Finn slides into the ring while the count rises, then goes after STrowman upon his return. Strowman shoves him away but Finn blasts Strowman with the dropkick! Strowman ends up outside the ring, and Finn dropkicks him away again. Finn gets on the apron while Kevin mockingly cheers him now. That eggs Finn on, but into Strowman’s hand! Finn kicks him away, then FLIES!

Kevin takes credit for that, but Strowman puts Finn back in. Finn Slingblades Strowman, then dropkicks him down! Finn climbs, standing Coup de Grace! Strowman is down, Finn climbs up, COUP DE GRACE! But once isn’t enough, Finn goes up again, only for Kevin to attack!

No Contest

Kevin goes under the ring and brings out a ladder! Kevin uses the ladder on Finn’s ribs! Then he puts the ladder in the ring and targets Strowman. Strowman catches the ladder and shoves Kevin away! Strowman THROWS the ladder at Kevin, but Kevin manages to get away with his life.

The Monster roars while the Prizefighter flees. Will anyone else have a chance at the contract with the #MonsterintheBank in the match?

 

Kevin is making a break for it.

He has his luggage packed but he needs his key from the valet. There’s no time for the ticket, just get his keys! Angle asks where Kevin is going. Well it’s Memorial Day, he doesn’t want to miss the parade. Kevin, you’re Canadian. And he has a match, against Bobby Roode. Kevin reluctantly goes back to the locker room, to prepare for the GLORIOUS One.

 

Sasha Banks speaks.

The Money in the Bank match can help The Boss rewrite history. The contract has her name written all over it, but first she has to get through the Gauntlet. Gauntlets require skill, guts and luck, and the first two she has. But you don’t need luck when you’re The Boss.

 

“Ladies and Gentlemen: Elias.”

The Drifter is in Richmond, and he asks his same question, “Who Wants to Walk with Elias?!” Richmond has a decent reaction. Elias says tonight’s song is special to him, because it just came to him, “it’s a bit of magic.” However, it will require his concentration. They may be in the South, but please try to keep up. Elias begins, but has to stop. Normally this lighting is fine, but the crowd is “particularly disgusting”, so he has the spotlight focus even more on him.

Elias begins again, but brings something else up. Bring the vocals up so he can hear more Elias, less Richmond. Maybe soften the guitar, too. “I love Elias”, “Yes I do.” Okay there it is. Doing everyone’s job. Elias is so impressed with himself. But one more thing: Elias needs complete silence. Fans boo and jeer louder. Please, shut your mouths or else Elias will sit here all night. Fans continue to boo and jeer. Elias decides to leave, we go to break.

Raw returns, and Elias is still in the ring. He cooled off because he knows the fans need this song. He just wants them shut their mouths, or else he’ll leave again. The fans don’t settle down, and even chant “Leave! Leave!” But instead, out comes The Architect!

And fans chant a thank you as Seth Rollins tosses Elias’ stool out of the ring. Fans again chant “Leave! Leave!” and Elias reluctantly gives up the ring to the champion.

WWE Intercontinental Championship: Seth Rollins VS Jinder Mahal w/ Sunil Singh!

The Modern Day Maharaja may have a grudge with The Big Dog, but Roman Reigns’ fellow Shield Brother stepped up to fight Mahal alongside him. Mahal upped the aggression with chair shots, and now has himself a title match against The Kingslayer. Will Mahal check off another title? Or will #MondayNightRollins #BurnItDown on his very own birthday?

The introductions are made, the title is raised, and the match begins. Rollins dropkicks Mahal to a corner, then fires off chops! He whips but Mahal reverses, only for Rollins to crossbody and throw hands. Mahal slips out of the ring but Rollins slingshots out onto him! Fans fire up while Rollins puts Mahal back in the ring. Singh distracts, and Mahal blasts Rollins to the barriers. The challenger gets control while we go to break.

Raw returns and Mahal has Rollins in a rear bearhug. Fans rally while Rollins endures the squeeze. Rollins reaches back and punches his way out. Rollins headbutts and lifts but Mahal slips out to slam Rollins with a back suplex. Cover, TWO, but Mahal keeps his focus. Mahal drags Rollins up into an abdominal stretch, and bends Rollins back. Rollins endures and pops out but Mahal blocks the hip toss. Rollins runs but into a kitchen sink knee! Fans jeer as Mahal stomps away on Rollins. Mahal grins and mocks the fans who praise Rollins. Mahal waits for Rollins to stand, then runs in, but into the buckle shot! Both men are down but Rollins gets himself up and to a corner. Rollins boots Mahal away, then jumps over to run, for a Slignblade! Rollins clotheslines Mahal out, then builds speed to DIVE!

Fans fire up for Rollins as he takes Mahal down. The referee counts, but Rollins gets Mahal up and in before 5. He boots Mahal away, then hops up, for a blockbuster! Cover, TWO, and Sunil is relieved for Mahal. Rollins gets himself back up, and fans rally behind him. Rollins runs in at Mahal, but is put on the apron. He springboards but Mahal gets under, to fireman’s carry gutbuster drop! Cover, TWO! Mahal and Sunil are furious, but Mahal keeps his focus. Mahal stalks Rollins, cobra clutch but Rollins arm-drags out! Rollins mule kicks, but Mahal dodges the stomp. Mahal scoops but Rollins slips out and rolls up, TWO, SUPERKICK! Falcon Arrow! Cover, TWO! Both men are down but fans are rallying up again. Mahal stirs, but Rollins kips right up!

Rollins fires himself up, “Burn It Down! Burn It Down!” Rollins aims at Mahal, mule kick and… Sunil tries to trip him! Mahal slips away and recovers, but the referee ejects Sunil! But Mahal uses a chair to the ribs!

Cover, TWO!! Mahal is shocked and furious again because his cheat didn’t work. But he fires himself up while fans cheer Rollins on. Mahal grabs Rollins but Rollins PELE! Sunil returns, but gets yanked into the ring! Mahal runs in but gets a SUPERKICK, then Rollins throws Sunil in a Buckle Bomb at Mahal! All three men go down, but Rollins still has energy. Rollins spots that chair Mahal used, and grabs it for his own. Rollins enters the ring, and USES IT!

Winner: Mahal, by disqualification; Rollins retains title

Champion’s Advantage keeps the belt with Rollins, but he gets to fire off on Mahal! Mahal ends up out of the ring with that last shot, but Rollins pursues.

Rollins SMACKS Mahal up the ramp and to the stage, but Sunil helps out. Sunil gets a SMACK for his efforts, and Mahal runs away! The Architect still reigns, but is his own fight with the Maharaja only just beginning? But wait, Elias returns and BLASTS Rollins off the announce desk with his guitar!!

Rollins flies all the way to the ground, and Elias just glares down at him. What has Elias done?!

Raw returns as medics attend to Rollins.

Rollins is taken away on a stretcher, with a neck brace. Rollins doesn’t want to go, and gets up off the stretcher, despite everyone’s advisement. Fans cheer as Rollins stands up, but he still needs help walking to the back. Will Rollins be alright? What will the consequences be for Elias?

 

Nia Jax heads to the ring.

The Irresistible Force that is the Raw Women’s Champion, is interrupted by Ronda Rousey!

The challenger goes to commentary while the champion goes to the ring for her match. But Nia says she’s happy to see Ronda is here. Ronda gets to see what will happen to her at Money in the Bank. Nia wants her opponent to demonstrate that thing Ronda does. What’s it called? Oh yeah, the armbar. Nia lets the opponent put on an armbar, but then Nia deadlifts and POWERBOMBS her.

Ronda admits Nia is much stronger than any opponent she’s had, but she’ll still get it on. Nia says armbars don’t do a thing to her, if Ronda can even get it on. Nia knows her opponent still has more in her, and then she picks her opponent up for a Samoan Drop! But Nia doesn’t end it there. She knows she can, but she wants Ronda to see what else she can do. Nia runs and hits the Irresistible Leg Drop! Count to ten, 20, 40, “she’s not getting up.” But Ronda has never faced something like that. If Nia wanted to, her leg could crush someone’s chest. But so can this. An Irresistible SENTON!

Ronda simply grins as Nia says her opponent needs assistance. Maybe Ronda can help her? Fans cheer “YES! YES!” but Nia tells the ref “No! No!” Ronda should be the one to help Nia’s opponent. Ronda stands up and heads to the ring. Fans cheer as Ronda enters and circles with Nia. Fans are on Ronda’s side, but Nia sees it now. That’s “the look”. It’s pretty good, but Nia isn’t so easily intimidated. “In fact, I find it quite… humorous.”

Nia laughs and says it’s cute, then decides to leave. Nia is playing games now, but will she come to regret laughing at the Baddest Woman on the Planet?

 

Dana Brooke crunches the number.

Sasha was right that it takes luck in a Gauntlet Match. Seven women, random order, and all the different ways to lose, it would take a statistical sorceress to do the math. Luckily Dana is that woman. Can Dana find the mathematical answer to success?

 

The Deleters of Worlds VS The Ascension!

The WONDERFUL Raw Tag Team Champions have arrived in Richmond to DELETE the opposition! Will Konnor & Viktor bring Bray & Matt to the Wasteland? Or will they be rendered OBSOLETE?

The bell rings and Bray starts with Viktor. They tie up, and Bray powers Viktor to a corner but Viktor foreamrs and puts on a headlock. Bray powers out, Viktor elbows Bray away, but Bray uses his spider-walk to spook Viktor. Viktor runs in but into the lariat! Bray whips Viktor and tags in Matt, who whips Bray in to splash Viktor. Matt brings Viktor down with an edge-o-matic, then says “DELETE! DELETE!” Matt hits Konnor for good measure but Viktor pounces. Viktor stomps away on Matt, then tags Konnor in. The Ascension double body shot and club Matt then kick him down. Cover, TWO, but Konnor keep son Matt with haymakers. Konnor drops the elbow, then covers, TWO. Konnor keeps Matt down with a chinlock, but Bray and fans rally for Matt.

Matt stands up and fights back, but Konnor keeps the headlock, Matt suplexes but Konnor holds the chinlock! Cover, ONE, but Konnor brings Matt up for elbows. Konnor whips Matt corner to corner, then blocks him from getting to Bray. Matt fights back but Konnor brings him down with a headlock takeover. Fans rally and Matt fights out but Konnor throws him to ropes. Matt boots Konnor back but Viktor tags in. Viktor misses, Matt tags Bray! Bray rallies, palm strikes and uppercuts to Viktor. Bray runs corner to corner but into boots, only to hit Viktor with the spinning lariat and a senton. Konnor breaks the cover but Matt comes in, Konnor lifts Matt but Matt hits the Twist of Fate! Matt then clotheslines Konnor out, Viktor rolls Bray, TWO!

Bray yurinagi slams Viktor down! Bray again uses his spider-walk, and tag to Matt. Together, they give Viktor the #KissOfDeletion! Matt covers, The Deleters win!

Winners: The Deleters of Worlds (Hardy & Wyatt), Hardy pinning

This WOKEN Yin-yang brings balance to the Raw Tag Team Division, but who will be the next up for DELETION!?

 

Kurt Angle meets with The B Team.

The B Team don’t see what’s so big about the celebration of The Deleters. But they get to business: they want a match for the titles. They’re undefeated and they’re ready! Yes, 2-0 against Breezango, but that’s not enough for a title match. Axel is frustrated. But Angle can’t let them leapfrog the division. So then The B Team has to get everyone’s blessing? No… Is Axel thinking what Bo is thinking? No, because he’s upset at that jerk, Angle! Angle’s still in the room, guys. Bo keeps everyone calm and says that to get their blessing, they have to give the teams something. Like an invitation to The B Team Memorial Day tag Team BBQ! Yes, that’s perfect! No, not at all… The B Team springs into action, will they succeed in earning a Raw Tag Team Championship match?

 

The Riott Squad speaks.

Or rather, they just enjoy tearing up the other women’s merchandise. The Squad doesn’t care about luck, odds, because they’re a “unity of mutiny.” They’re a pack, and they’ll tear the others apart. This may be a last chance, but no one gave the Squad a chance. “And we’re gonna make them all regret it.” The final spot belongs to the Squad.

 

Kevin Owens VS Bobby Roode!

Kurt Angle knows The GLORIOUS One heard the Prizefighter’s comments earlier in the night. Both men will be part of the Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder match, who will get a leg up on the other here tonight?

The bell rings and they tie up right away. Roode gets the headlock and holds on as Kevin tries to power out. Kevin elbows out then puts on his own headlock, but Roode pries his way out. Kevin throws Roode down, then puts the hold back on. The fans duel between them, but Roode fights out, only for Kevin to run him over. Things speed up, and Roode runs Kevin over in return. Roode throws hands on Kevin in a corner, then whips him corner to corner but Kevin reverses. Roode goes up and over, but Kevin escapes the DDT. Kevin throws Roode to ropes but Roode holds on to then throw Kevin out.

Roode clobbers Kevin to the apron, then slingshots over. Kevin evades then sweeps the legs! Roode hits the floor, and Kevin puts him into barriers. Kevin refreshes the count, then runs in for a CANNONBALL! The Prizefighter is in control while we go to break.

Raw returns as Kevin clubs Roode in the ring. Kevin saws Raw is his show, then whips Roode to run him over with an elbow. Kevin goes for but misses the back senton, and now clutches his head. Roode and Kevin slowly stand, and Roode blocks punches to give punches. Kevin kicks low, then both men go to a corner. Kevin runs in but into an elbow from Roode. Roode boots Kevin away, then hops up for the GLORIOUS Blockbuster.

Cover, TWO, but Roode keeps his focus. Roode stands up and runs in to clothesline Kevin in a corner, but Kevin denies the neckbreaker for a moment with the fireman’s carry. Roode slips down, neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Roode goes to the top rope while Kevin stands. Kevin trips Roode up with a bump of the ropes! Kevin throws hands then climbs up to join Roode. Fans duel again while they brawl for control. Roode sends Kevin down, then leaps for the flying clothesline! Fans fire up with Roode as he winds it up… But Kevin escapes the ring. Roode pursues and runs Kevin over on the ramp!

Roode puts Kevin in the ring, but runs into a SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Kevin grows frustrated, but he keeps on Roode. He throws Rood to ropes but Roode avoids the pop up. Kevin denies the DDT with a back drop. Roode sunset flips but Kevin sits on the cover, Kevin wins!

Winner: Kevin, by pinfall

The Prizefighter wins, but here comes BRAUN!! Kevin’s fear returns with Strowman’s reappearance. Roode points at Kevin, this is what he gets. Kevin runs but Strowman pursues around the ring. Roode blocks Kevin’s path, and Strowman grabs Kevin! Strowman puts Kevin in the ring, and BARRELS through him! Roode is enjoying what he sees as Strowman gives Kevin a MONSTER Slam! Strowman roars and Roode celebrates, but then Strowman keeps going with a second Monster Slam. Then he grabs Roode for one of his own! Remember: It’s every man, and monster, for himself at MITB.

 

Sami Zayn heads to the ring.

The Underdog promised to bring Bobby Lashley’s three sisters to the show last week to expose the truth about the Dominator’s childhood. However, not only did he not bring Lashley’s sisters, Sami didn’t impress or amuse anyone with his idea of a comedic parody. Sami wishes to be serious as he admits nothing last week went as he hoped. He went too far and management has been gracious enough to let him apologize publicly. Sami pulls out his notes and reading glasses, and says “To the WWE Universe and the entire Lashley Family”, he knows what he did came off as something in “pour taste.” Sami’s interview was “cringe worthy” and embarrassed his own fans. Everyone asked what Sami was thinking. Even that 30 year old man being evicted from his parents’ apartment in New York thinks Sami should be ashamed.

Sami realized that he did what he promised to never do: lie. Those were obviously not the Lashely sisters. They were men that Sami hired to dress up and have fun at Lashley’s expense. Therefore, Sami wishes that both the Lashley family, the company and the fans know he… He’s sorry. However, it should be noted that what was said was true. Sami’s “art” was rooted in reality, but obviously no one here would understand that. History will look back “favorably” on that skit last week. Sami is the one doing the right thing! Sami speaks the truth about Lashley being a bully, yet he catches the flack? If anyone should be sorry, it’s everyone else feeling sorry for Sami. They should apologize to him, because he deserves better, more and to be in the MITB Ladder Match or facing Rollins for the Intercontinental Champion, instead of apologizing to Richmond.

But here comes Lashley! Lashley says Memorial Day has always been a special day for his family. For any and all military families, Lashley salutes and thanks them. Fans thank Lashley with chants of “USA! USA!” But Sami, good to see you again. Lashley’s real sisters thought that was entertaining last week. But stuff like that gets old fast. Clearly there’s an issue here, so maybe they can just settle this like men, in the ring, at Money in the Bank! What does Sami think? Fans chant “YES! YES!” Sami talks big, so he should back it up and shake Lashley’s hand. Sami shakes hands with Lashley, but Sami says he’s gonna Helluva Kick Lashley’s smile right off his face.

Lashley’s smile disappears now, and he doesn’t let Sami go. Sami says that hurts, but Lashley apologizes for what he’s going to do to Sami at MITB. Lashley lets Sami go, but he won’t have to be nice to Sami at MITB. Will Sami survive his match against the Dominant One?

 

Mickie James speaks.

Her competition crunches numbers and hunts in packs, but she has her eye on the prize. Mickie knows what to do to get there. It’ll take more than friends, luck and guts. Mickie is not a six-time champion by accident, she knows how to seize opportunities.

 

Raw advertises for the Cruiserweight Championship match on tomorrow’s 205 Live.

The match is between the Soul of 205 Live and the Australian Antagonist, but it happens in the champion’s home state. Can the #AgeOfAlexander survive the Cruiserweight Juggernaut that is Buddy Murphy?

 

Drew McIntyre w/ Dolph Ziggler VS Chad Gable!

The Olympic Medalist lost to the Show-Off last week, but the Celtic Colossus felt the need to add on afterward. Now McIntyre and Gable have a match to see if McIntyre and Ziggler are right about today’s superstars not being hungry enough. Can Gable avoid the sweep and get a major win here tonight?

The bell rings, and Gable grabs a leg. McIntyre tosses him off but Gable comes back. Gable gets the waistlock but McIntyre elbows him away to then throw him down. McIntyre stalks Gable to a corner and unloads sharp chops. He says Gable’s not on his level, but then Gable turns it around and throws more forearms! The referee backs Gable off but McIntyre boots him down! McIntyre rains rights down on Gable, then drags Gable up and into a suplex! Cover, TWO, but McIntyre keeps on Gable with an armlock. Gable endures, then stands up, only for McIntyre to shovel him up and over. McIntyre keeps on that armlock but Gable won’t quit. Gable stands up again and fights back with body shots.

McIntyre scoops but Gable slips out. McIntyre holds ropes and elbows Gable away to then power him to a corner. He THROWS Gable overhead, then watches Gable writhe on the mat. Ziggler wants McIntyre to finish this, so McIntyre carries Gable to the top rope. Gable fights back, and McIntyre staggers down. MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! McIntyre tosses Gable out of the ring, then pursues. Gable elbows McIntyre away, then again. Gable dodges, rolling kick rocks McIntyre. McIntyre puts Gable on the apron but Gable climbs and leaps! McIntyre catches Gable to then toss him into the post!

Ziggler says “that’s how it’s done!” while McIntyre puts Gable back in the ring. McIntyre takes aim at the floundering Gable, and hits the CLAYMORE! Cover, McIntyre wins.

Winner: McIntyre, by pinfall

Ziggler celebrates with McIntyre as the duo completes the sweep. The Show-Off and the Stud keep winning, will they find themselves headed for the Raw Tag Team Championships?

 

The B Team Memorial Day BBQ begins!

Bo and Axel have all the other tag teams of Raw with them in the ring and eating up. The Wasteland doesn’t have a spread like this, huh? It’s all the best B Team treats: baked beans; bratwurst; Bo-tato chips; Bo-logna sandwiches; and Bo Dogs! “Dig in!” And now that we’re all friends, let’s all agree that The B Team, being undefeated, should challenge Bray Wyatt & Matt Hardy. Umm, no. This bootleg backyard barbecue ain’t got no ribs, mac ‘n’ cheese, and none of this is in season. There’s no way the B Team is cutting in line. Yes? No. Yes! But Slater brings up that this is a feast. In West Virginia, this would be a Thanksgiving dinner! Rhyno’s still eating. Therefore, it’s good food. But Slater agrees, B Team ain’t cutting in line.

Fine, they don’t deserve a shot. Then they’re taking the food back. Yes, the brats, the bologna, the BEANS! All over Bo’s head. And the Bo-slaw is all over Axel! Then it’s a FOOD FIGHT! Beans, brats, dogs, bologna, it’s everywhere! And then Rhyno stops eating, to feed the fans. The B Team return to the ring, and go after the ManBeast! They clear a table and set it up, to double choke slam Rhyno through it!

The B Team may be undefeated at 2-0, but they’re far from #1 contenders. What will it take for them to earn a shot at the Deleters of Worlds?

 

The B Team go to Kurt Angle.

Bo and Axel complain about what happened during their BBQ, and demand a title match! The other teams just told them, they’re not cutting in line. Next week will be a Tag team Battle Royal, winners will face Bray & Hardy at MITB. Axel gives Angle a big messy hug, and The B Team heads out. Will Axel & Bo stay undefeated after a match against all the other teams?

 

Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Gauntlet Match!

This is the #LastChance to enter the Women’s MITB, and it’ll come down to the last woman standing. First up in the match is… Bayley!

How does Bayley feel about her odds since she’s starting? Regardless of the odds, Bayley never backs down and she won’t start now. Bayley apologizes to everyone else, sometimes the numbers don’t add up, and Bayley vows to be in the Ms. MITB ladder match. As for Sasha Banks, she thinks her name’s all over the contract, but Bayley wants her to take a closer look. The name on the contract reads Bayley! Her opponent: the Riott Squad’s Liv Morgan!

Bayley VS Liv Morgan!

The bell rings and the Gauntlet begins. Bayley ties up with Liv, Bayley2Belly immediately!

She ELIMINATES Liv!!

Bayley VS Sarah Logan!

The other member of The Riott Squad rushes the ring, runs at Bayley, but into a belly2belly. Sarah fights Bayley off but Bayley fights her off. Bayley hits a wrecking ball headscissors, then puts Sarah in to cover, TWO. Sarah gets to ropes but Bayley goes after her. Sarah hotshots Bayley but Bayley fights her back. Bayley whips but Sarah reverses into a suplex, cover, TWO. Ember Moon watches backstage as Sarah thrashes Bayley around. Sarah runs and hits Bayley with a sliding knee, cover, TWO. Sarah deadlifts Bayley, but Bayley wheelbarrows, and ELIMINATES Sarah! But Liv returns and the Squad gang up on Bayley. They mug the former women’s champion with knees, which leaves Bayley primed for…

Bayley VS Ruby Riott!

The Squad Leader heads to the ring while we go to break.

Raw returns and Ruby has Bayley in a chinlock. Bayley powers up and fights out, but Ruby knees low. Ruby whips Bayley but Byaley goes to the apron and forearms Ruby away. Slingshot sunset flip, TWO, and Ruby swings but ends up in a saido suplex. Both women are down while Alexa Bliss watches backstage. Bayley gets to a corner and boots Ruby away. Ruby yanks her down and hotshots the arm on the ropes. RIOTT KICK! Cover, Ruby ELIMINATES Bayley!

Ruby Riott VS Dana Brooke!

The Statistician Sorceress feels confident that she’s going this late, but Ruby is ready for her. Ruby stomps away, then puts Dana in a corner. Dnaa blocks the bump to fire off on Ruby, but the referee backs her off. Dana whips Ruby corner to corner, then handsprings for the back elbow. She drags Ruby up for a lariat! Cover, TWO, but Dana keeps on Ruby. She whips Ruby, but RIOTT KICK! Cover, Ruby ELIMINATES Dana!

Ruby Riott VS Mickie James!

The Wonder Woman of Richmond is ready! She drags Ruby out to then kick her in the ribs. She puts Ruby back in the ring but Ruby slips out the side. Mickie goes to the apron and LEAPS for the seated senton! Fans fire up with Mickie as she puts Ruby in the ring again. Mickie covers, TWO! Mickie keeps focus as she puts Ruby in a corner. Ruby hits back, then kicks Mickie. Ruby throws hands while fans chant “R V A!” Mickie elbows Ruby away, then hits the Mick-canrana! Dropkick on top, Mickie covers, TWO! Ruby gets out but Mickie baseball slides her down while we go to break.

Raw returns one last time as Ruby shoves Mickie. Mickie dodges and rallies on Ruby with lariats. Mickie waits for Ruby to stand, and hits the back kick. She whips Ruby but Rub reverses, only for Mickie to reverse back into a flapjack! Mickie kips up and the fans fire up! Mickie climbs up, and leaps at Ruby for the seated senton. Cover, TWO! Fans cheer for Mickie as she gets up and waits for Ruby again. Ruby dodges the Mick Kick but Mickie dodges the Riott Kick to jackknife cover. TWO, but Mickie goes for the DDT. Ruby rolls her up, has tights, and ELIMINATES Mickie!

Ruby Riott VS Sasha Banks!

The Legit Boss is lucky number 7, but Ruby is ready. Ruby runs into the crucifix pin, TWO, backslide, TWO. Sasha whips but Ruby reverses. Sasha goes up and over and rolls up, TWO, flying crossbody! TWO, but Sasha keeps on Ruby with an armlock. Ruby fights up and pulls hair. She stomps a foot then shoves, but Sasha comes back to tilt-o-whirl into a takedown! Ruby gets to ropes, it hot shots Sasha, then Complete Shot! Cover, TWO! Sasha gets to a corner but Ruby is on her with mudhole stomps. Ruby backs off and waits for Sasha to stand. She toys with Sasha, but Sasha slaps her back. Ruby bounces Sasha’s face off the mat, then covers, TWO. Ruby grows frustrated but bumps Sasha off buckles. Natalya watches backstage as Ruby chops Sasha. Sasha hits back, then drags Ruby into buckles.

Sasha runs back in but is put on the apron. She stuns Ruby with a knee, then flies with Meteora knees! Cover, TWO, and both women slowly stand. Ruby dodges in the corner, then goes for Deadly Nightshade, but Sasha throws her off. Sasha wants the backstabber, but Ruby holds ropes. Ruby elbows Sasha away, then yanks Sasha into ropes. Ruby runs up and rebounds into a DDT! Cover, TWO, and Ruby is frustrated. Ruby mule kicks, covers, TWO! Her rage boils up but Ruby keeps on Sasha. Ruby brings Sasha to a corner and hoists her up to the top rope. She climbs up to join Sasha while fans cheer Sasha on. Sasha resists and fights back, elbowing Ruby in the head. Sasha adjusts, tucks Ruby in, for a knee! Then POWERBOMB!

Cover, TWO! INTO Bank Statement! The Squad tries to save Ruby but they get kicked away. Ruby rolls Sasha, TWO, Bank Statement again! Ruby taps, Sasha wins!

Winner: Sasha, by submission; qualifies for the Women’s MITB Ladder Match

The Boss is in the Bank! Sasha had luck on her side, but now she has to use her skill and guts against Natalya, Ember Moon, Alexa Bliss, Lana, Charlotte Flair, Naomi & Becky Lynch. Will Sasha be the second-ever Ms. MITB?

 


 

My Thoughts:

Tonight’s Raw wasn’t awful, but it wasn’t great. It was just “good”. Opening with Strowman and Finn was good, and they were on pace to match last week’s main event, but I suppose it makes some sense for Kevin to interfere. In kayfabe, he doesn’t want either of them looking better than him before MITB. In booking, it keeps Finn and Strowman where they are as no one won or lost. Of course, Kevin faced the consequences as he barely beats Roode to then get wrecked by Strowman. Of course, Roode got wrecked, too, so Strowman is still the strongest entrant from Raw and even overall. It’ll take a lot for anyone else to win against him in the ladder match, and even more to get fans to go with it since Strowman is one of, if not the most over act, on the main roster.

The Intercontinental Championship match was great, and it was rather interesting for it to finish with the DQ. Elias being thrown into the mix must mean at least Elias VS Rollins at MITB. At most, it could end up morphing MITB into a Fatal 4 Way where Mahal and Roman join in. Roman was oddly absent tonight, but most fans will take that as a plus. I actually liked the Nia-Ronda segment where it was an “exhibition” and not a match. Nia uses the squashing of someone to actually make a point, even if Ronda doesn’t take it seriously. I still wish this wasn’t happening already, but what’s done is done. Sami’s “apology” was of course going to be halfhearted, but at least now we get a Sami VS Lashley. And I guess we’ll be getting Deleters VS B Team, though I still want Bo Wyatt to be a thing.

Gable VS McIntyre wasn’t quite equal with Gable VS Ziggler, but perhaps that’s to make a point about McIntyre’s power. This could easily lead to Jordan returning and them reuniting, but I oddly hope it doesn’t. Gable and Jordan need to be given chances as singles wrestlers. All the women gave good promos for the Gauntlet, I just wish WWE did something different with the Gauntlet. First, rearrange things. Sasha winning as seventh isn’t as awesome as her and Bayley starting, grinding it out and leaving the winner tired as they take on Dana, Mickie and the Squad. Second, I wouldn’t have had Sasha win, it’d be Ruby. The MITB has one true Heel now in Alexa Bliss. Granted, it’d mean The Squad shows up and helps her win, but isn’t that what Heels do? Plus, whether it’s Nia or Ronda, Ms. MITB wouldn’t do well cashing in without help.

My Score: 8/10

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Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (6/20/25)

One step closer to the end!

Published

on

Can the Last Real Champion handle The Truth?

While the King & Queen of the Ring tournaments reach their semifinals, John Cena has his first match on SmackDown in years, against Ron Killings!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Asuka VS Alexa Bliss; Asuka wins and advances to Night of Champions.
  • Aleister Black VS Kit Wilson; No Contest.
  • King of the Ring Semifinals: Randy Orton VS Sami Zayn; Orton wins and advances to Night of Champions.
  • Charlotte Flair VS Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice; Charlotte wins.
  • Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker VS LA Knight; Knight wins, by disqualification.
  • John Cena VS Ron Killings; Killings wins, by disqualification.

PLAY BY PLAY

LA Knight is here!

Grand Rapids fires up as the Mega Star marches right to the ring. Knight grabs a mic while the fans chant his name, and he says, “LEMME TALK TO YA!” The fans cheer, and Knight says, “Let’s just go ahead and rewind our mind a little bit. We go to back to Money in the Bank, Seth and his boys, they just happen to come down and screw this guy.” The fans boo that. Knight says usually, he lets things slide. But he just figured he couldn’t let it slide, so he made sure to screw on of Rollins’ boys in their title opportunity, King of the Ring. But then they came back, paid it back and screwed Knight outta KOTR, so he had to go and screw the other one over!

And it just has Knight thinking. Fans “YEAH!” and Knight says there is only one way this can go. He has gone back and forth between Raw and SmackDown, where it ends, nobody knows! Except Knight! He knows! He knows where this ends! The fans cheer that! And Knight says it ends with him and Rollins! And what better place than here? And what better time than now! Knight tells Rollins to come on out and talk to him! But “Ladies and gentlemen…” The fans boo as Paul Heyman walks out and gives his introductions. He serves as the Wise Man to Mr. Money in the Bank, Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins!

Heyman says you do not boo that name. And you screwed up your cue, so they’ll do this again. He serves as the Wise Man for Seth Freakin’ Rollins! The fans keep booing, Heyman wants to try again, but Knight says shut up and get to the point! Why is Heyman here?! Heyman walks to the ring and asks permission to step inside. The fans chant “O T C! O T C!” but Knight steps back. Heyman steps into the ring, and he says yes, there has been a lot of bad blood between Knight and Mr. MITB, Seth Freakin’ Rollins. However, Heyman happens to be, with all due respect to everyone here in Grand Rapids, Michigan…

The fans chant “C M PUNK!” at Heyman now and he frowns. Knight says Heyman has a lot of enemies. Heyman says he is the biggest LA Knight fan in all of WWE! Heyman’s been waiting a long time to say this: YEAH! Now, because of that, Seth Freakin’ Rollins (the fans boo again) has allowed Heyman to say to Knight, as a favor to Heyman… It is time for Knight to get the hell outta Grand Rapids, Michigan. Because if he does not, something really bad is going to happen to him before the end of the night. Have a nice evening. Heyman turns to go but the fans cheer Knight on. Knight says he couldn’t help but notice, but did you~ (poking fun at Heyman’s voice cracking) threaten Knight?

Because Knight wants to wrap his head around this. He’s heard Heyman say stuff like this before, because Heyman is a liar, a swindler, a grifter, a scammer and a schemer! Heyman leeches on to any talent that has a bit of hype, sucks ’em dry, then moves on to the next! Rollins just happens to be the latest in this. But where next? Who cares! But the bottom line is, Knight asked for Rollins but he got Heyman. And while he got Heyman, he got a Heyman out here talking all tough. So it has Knight thinking, he has a great idea.

Talking about wise man, wisdom, there was a point in time if Heyman had said something like that, a man like Knight would look at a “thing” like Heyman and punched his wisdom teeth down his throat! Knight won’t do that, yet. But here’s the deal: Heyman’s talking all tough, but if he can’t bring Rollins out here, then the only thing to do out here in Grand Rapids is Knight fighting Heyman here and now! The fans fire up for that! Knight asks if the fans want that, and they cheer! “HUH?” “YEAH!” “HUH?” “YEAH!” “YEAH!!” Knight promises he’ll turn around, take his vest off, and Heyman gets the first shot. He better make it good, or Knight will molly whop his ass right outta Grand Rapids!

The fans fire up as Knight does as promised. He turns around, his vest is off, but Heyman bails? The fans boo as the Wise Man doesn’t play along. Heyman says, “Remember when I told you to get the hell out of Grand Rapids or else something really bad is gonna happen to you before the end of the night? That wasn’t a prediction. That… was a spoiler!” Heyman throws down his mic, and here comes Bronson Reed & Bron Breakker! Rollins’ behemoths head to the ring, but Knight fires off on them first! The fans rally as Knight throws hands and feet, but then Bron TACKLES Knight! Bronson joins in and they mug Knight right out of the ring!

Bronson drags Knight up to TOSS him over barriers! Bron clears the desk, he wants Bronson to put Knight through it! But Knight has a chair! He JAMS Bron, JAMS Bronson, then SMACKS Bron and SMACKS Bronson! Knight gets in the ring, ready to hit whoever gets in! The fans cheer Knight but Heyman has Bron & Bronson stand down. Will Heyman have the henchmen try again before the end of tonight?

 

SmackDown returns and…

Heyman has Bron & Bronson calm down, they have this under control. It is all in their favor, and it always will be in their favor. That is the whole point behind this. Byron Saxton steps in and wants to talk to them, but Heyman has to hold Bron back like the dog he is! Heyman says no need to bite Byron. Byron apologizes, he has word from SmackDown GM, Nick Aldis, that Bronson Reed VS LA Knight is set for tonight. Heyman says okay, thank you, and goodbye. Byron leaves and Heyman smiles. He told them! Patience is not a virtue, it is strategy. Bronson smiles and nods. Will Auzsilla destroy LA here in Grand Rapids?

 

Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Asuka VS Alexa Bliss!

Two great returns to action through this tournament, and now they cross paths with each other. The Empress of Tomorrow overcame Ivy Nile, Raquel Rodriguez and Stephanie Vaquer while Lil’ Miss Bliss outsmarted Alba Fyre, Candice LeRae and Charlotte Flair. But whose comeback story overtakes the other’s here just one match away from Night of Champions?

The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Alexa headlocks, but Asuka powers up and out. Alexa RAMS Asuka, Asuka roars, and the fans fire up as Asuka fires hands! Alexa blocks a kick to THROW Asuka down, then basement DROPKICK! The fans cheer as Asuka and Alexa reset. Alexa kicks, Asuka blocks and slips through to waistlock. Alexa elbows free, runs, but Asuka runs past her to then RUN her over! The fans fire up and Asuka runs in again, HIP ATTACK! Alexa falls to the floor and the fans fire up while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Asuka lets Alexa stay down while she soaks up the cheers. The ring count starts, Alexa rises, but Asuka goes out after her. Alexa slips inside and DROPKICKS Asuka’s leg! Asuka falls from the apron but she has to nod respect for that savvy move. Asuka steps back in at 6 of 10, and she resets with Alexa. They circle, feel things out, and tie up. Asuka wrenches and wristlocks, but Alexa rolls and wrenches to hammerlock. Alexa waistlocks, rolls Asuka, TWO! The two stand off again and they both nod respect. They reset, the fans rally up, and the two feel things out. Asuka trips Alexa, clamps on with a headlock, and she grinds Alexa down.

Alexa endures, Asuka turns her over to go after the arm, then she stands on Alexa’s arm. Alexa endures, Asuka shifts arms, but Alexa wrenches out to wrangle Asuka. Alexa shifts to a cording hold, but Asuka fights up and fires body shots. Alexa whips Asuka to a corner, but Asuka elbows her away! And BOOTS! Asuka goes up, leaps, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Alexa stays in this but Asuka stays focused. Asuka drags Alexa around and gives her Kawada Kicks! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Asuka wrenches for a chicken wing! Alexa fights the Asuka Lock and JAWBREAKERS free! Alexa runs up to RUN Asuka over!

The fans rally as Alexa rallies, then hits a BLOCKBUSTER! The fans fire up as Alexa SLAPS, ROCKS, and KNEES Asuka down! Then SOMERSAULT SENTON! Cover, TWO! Asuka stays in this and Alexa grows frustrated. The fans rally while Alexa brings Asuka up. Asuka breaks free to URAKEN, SOBAT, FRONT KICK, and GERMAN SUPLEX! Alexa tumbles away, Asuka runs up, SLIDING KICK! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as Asuka stands and takes aim. But Alexa ducks the buzzsaw! Cover, TWO! Alexa clinches, TWISTED- NO, Asuka rolls Alexa up! TWO! Alexa sits up, BUZZSAW! Cover, TWO!! Alexa survives but Asuka just fires up!

The fans rally as Asuka goes to the corner. Asuka climbs from the outside, and MISSILE- NO, Alexa dodges this time! Alexa kicks and DDTS! Cover, TWO! Asuka stays in this and the fans fire up! “This is Awesome!” as Alexa drags Asuka into the drop zone. Alexa goes up, up, and the fans fire up! TWISTED- NO, Asuka moves, so Alexa stops. Alexa won’t let Asuka sneak away, but then she gets caught in an ARMBAR!! Alexa flails, rolls, but ends up in an omoplata! RINGS OF SATURN!! Alexa fights around, pops her arm free for a cover, TWO!! Asuka reels Alexa in, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!!

The fans fire up as Alexa stays in this! Asuka fires up, the fans are with her, and she runs up, only for Alexa to ROCK her with a right! Alexa puts Asuka in the Tree of Woe, and she DROPKICKS Asuka out of it! Alexa climbs back up, and TWISTED BLISS onto knees!! Asuka still counters the moonsault, and hits the EMPRESS IMPACT!! Cover, Asuka wins!

Winner: Asuka, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)

The Empress says no one is ready for Asuka, and that has certainly been the case! But on Raw, we find out, will it be Jade Cargill or Roxanne Perez that meets Asuka in Saudi Arabia?

 

Jade Cargill, Mia Yim & B-Fab watch backstage.

And Fab says damn, Asuka just came back and she’s already making statements. Almost like she never left. Michin says maybe they need to make their own statements. They need to talk to Aldis about the tag titles. Fab agrees. Fab & Mia wish Jade luck before heading out. Byron walks in and asks if he can have a word. Jade says shoot. Byron says Asuka just advanced, but Jade has her match on Monday with Roxanne Perez. How does Jade feel about facing a talented competitor like Roxie? And how does she feel about the possibility of facing Asuka in the finals? Jade says “Rox” has potential. Roxie is quick and scrappy.

But she’s still trying to prove herself. And this isn’t a proving ground, this is a throne room, and Jade was built for royalty. As for Asuka, there’s a storm on the horizon. But news flash, Jade is that storm. This entire tournament wasn’t built for the future, but for a woman who can walk through fire, shatter glass ceilings, and take her crown on the way to the top. This Queen of the Ring, Jade isn’t just walking in to win. She’s here to reign. Will the Prodigy be washed away by the storm this Monday?

 

Alexa Bliss returns backstage.

And Chelsea Green finds her. Flanked by her Secret Her-vice, The Hot Mess asks, “Hey, little fu-fu, how’s your boo-boo?” Alexa asks back, “How’s yours?” Piper tells Chelsea not to get upset, Alexa is just jealous. Chelsea says this serves Alexa right. Chelsea should be Queen of the Ring, and she’d be building her parliament if not for Alexa! Oh, if she has that big of an issue, then try facing her in the ring. Chelsea says she will! But then Charlotte Flair walks in and says if anyone should’ve still been in this tournament, it’s her. But had Chelsea’s “replacement” tapped out sooner, maybe she would.

So here’s the deal: Charlotte will have a match made and tap Chelsea out instead. N-Not if Chelsea makes it a bank holiday! ROYAL DUTIES! NICHOLAS! Chelsea hurries away with the Secret Her-vice following, and Alexa tells Charlotte that she doesn’t need Charlotte’s help. Oh, that’s cute. Because Charlotte wasn’t helping Alexa. Charlotte leaves now, leaving Alexa to chew on that. Will The Queen chew up the Hot Mess and spit her out now that she has nothing better to do?

 

Aleister Black VS Kit Wilson!

The Dark Father is also directionless now that he is out of the King of the Ring tournament, but he never lets that bother him. Will he make himself the direction all roads lead when things #FadeToBlack? Or will Kit prove he can be Pretty Deadly all on his own?

Wait, who is attacking Kit? It’s R-TRUTH! But why’s Ron Killings going after Kit?! He POSTS Kit, drags him back out, and puts him in an STF!! The fans fire up and Kit taps, but it won’t matter when this isn’t a match! Killings lets Kit out of the hold and demands a mic. A mic is given, and Killings says, “Get John Cena out here now. I’m driving! On my terms! Cena, get out here!” The fans fire up and then Killings puts Kit back in the STF! Aleister is rather confused, but producers hurry out here to stop Truth. Truth lets Kit go, Jamie Noble asks Truth wait for the main event. Truth seethes, but he accepts the terms.

Killings leaves, walking right past Aleister. Will there be no denying The Truth when he finally gets his hands on the Last Real Champion?

 

Jamie Noble talks with Truth backstage.

Jamie says Truth has to calm down. Truth says he wants John Cena NOW! He’s driving! Yes, okay, but just wait. Truth promises that when he sees Cena, he is killing him tonight! Aleister steps in and asks Truth why he is getting involved in Aleister’s match. Truth says it wasn’t personal, it had nothing to do with Aleister. These two stare down, and then Damian Priest steps in. The Archer of Infamy has Aleister stand down. Truth is going through a lot, let Priest talk to him. Oh, of course. Aleister says, “Ron.” “Black.” Aleister leaves, Priest tells Truth that there’s no need for any of that. Priest gets Truth is frustrated, but he can’t just go beat up people for no reason.

Priest used to do that, and Truth was the guy there to make him smile. Truth made the world smile! All that anger and negativity, focus that on the match tonight. Focus that on John Cena. Go out there and handle business with Cena, then Priest and Truth can go downtown to celebrate. How’s that sound? Truth says sounds good, DP. They shake hands, and Priest heads out. Truth is still seething, but will he make sure it all explodes on Cena?

 

Cody Rhodes is here!

Grand Rapids sings along as The American Nightmare makes his way out, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, he high-fives fans in the front row, then looks closely at the King of the Ring’s crown. Cody goes to the ring and grabs the mic. He hears the fans cheer him on, but then Jey Uso is here! The fans fire up as Main Event Jey makes his way down through the crowd! A young fan joins in bouncing along, but so does all of Grand Rapids! Jey continues down the stands, finds another young fan, and they bounce along again. Jey then reaches ringside, high-fives the front row, and he joins Cody in the ring as we get the next wave of YEET!

Grand Rapids might want to YEET all night, but Jey hugs it out with Cody before he gets his own mic. The music dies down, the fans chant, “One More Time! One More Time!” and Cody says sure, one more is fine. Jey says okay, and yes, the fans get to YEET again! Jey says hey, Cody doesn’t even have to say nothing. They been in the trenches! “YEET!” Still in the trenches! “YEET!” From fighting The Bloodline… “YEET!” To winning tag titles… “YEET!” To finishing their stories at WrestleMania! “YEET!” They’ve both been to the mountaintop. “YEET!” But Cody, on Monday, there is only room for one of them.

The fans are intrigued, and Cody nods. Jey says there’s only one that can go. Cody VS Jey, Jey VS Cody, and Jey knows Cody will bring it. Jey has to get his, Uce. He has to, just like Cody has to get his. But that said, Uce, it ain’t personal. This all business. But that all said, too, Uce, on Monday, after they go to war, please believe that it will be four letters, one word, uh uh… YEET! Cody smiles and the fans cheer. They shake hands again, and wait! Here comes Sami Zayn! The fans cheer as the Great Liberator makes his way to the ring. Sami grabs a mic to say, “This is nice, isn’t it? I get to share the ring with two great friends.”

The fans applaud, and Sami says he is in the ring with two of the very best that this business has to offer! The fans cheer that, too! Sami says he’d be lying if he denied there was a part of him that sees the three of them in this ring, and notices how only one of them has never been world champion. Jey, Sami wants him to know, man to man, this year, Sami missed Mania. Sami had no reason to be in Las Vegas, but he got his ass on a plane to Vegas for one reason: To congratulate Jey the moment he won the World Heavyweight Championship! Sami loves Jey, and he is proud of him. And Cody, for years, everyone watched as Cody finished his story.

And when Cody did, he did the unthinkable and pinned Roman Reigns in the middle of this ring, Sami was the first one out here to congratulate Cody. Sami is so proud that Cody finished his story. So he hopes both men understand that now, it is time for Sami to finish HIS story! The fans cheer, but then here comes Randy Orton! The Viper looks at the crown, then goes to the ring. The fans sing along with Voices and Orton grabs himself a mic. “So Cody, same deal as last week but I’m gonna say it again. There is no line I will not cross, even if it means going through you, so that I can get to John Cena at SummerSlam, beat him, and get my FIFTEENTH world championship!”

The fans cheer, and Orton tells Jey, “Man, I respect the… Hell outta you, dude. Our families go way, way, way back. Nothing but love, dude. But if you’re standing across the ring from me at SummerSlam, it’s not gonna be four letters, one word. It’s gonna be three letters, one move.” The fans say it, “R K O!” And Orton says he not only speaks for himself but for everyone here in this arena when he says, and from the bottom of his heart, one day and one day soon, Sami Zayn will be world champion. But not at SummerSlam. Because tonight, Sami is on the receiving end of the three most dangerous letters in sports entertainment: R K O.

Orton drops the mic, and it is time to put those words into action. Will it be the Legend Killer or the Underdog from the Underground that heads for Saudi Arabia?

King of the Ring Semifinals: Randy Orton VS Sami Zayn!

SmackDown returns, the bell rings, and these two circle. They tie up, Sami wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, then wristlocks. Orton endures, fights up, and the fans duel. Orton wrenches Sami in return to then headlock. Sami endures, powers up to wrench again, and he grinds the arm. Sami wrenches and CHOPS, and Orton goes to the corner. Sami CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! The fans “WOO~” but the ref counts. Orton pushes past Sami, bails out of the ring, and he is pretty red already. Sami builds speed but he fakes Orton out with the Arabian Press! The fans fire up and Orton has to admit that was good.

Orton goes up the steps and steps back into the ring. The fans rally, Orton and Sami tie up, and Orton puts Sami in the corner. Orton lets off slowly, but he pokes Sami in the eyes! The fans boo but Orton UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! But Sami pokes Orton in the eyes! The ref caught that one and reprimands Sami. Sami TOSSES Orton out, goes to the apron, but Orton YANKS Sami down! Sami hits off the apron, and Orton reels him in, DESK BACK SUPLEX! Sami writhes and Orton rolls into the ring, just to refresh the count. Fans want that “One More Time!” and Orton agrees! DESK BACK SUPLEX again!

Sami writhes more and whatever monitor wasn’t busted, they’re busted now! Orton leaves Sami behind for a moment while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Orton goes out to fetch Sami, but Sami fights off a third back suplex! Orton kicks low, brings Sami over, but Sami blocks the smack off the steel steps! Orton sputters, Sami stalks him, and Sami decides to give him some payback! But Orton ROCKS Sami first! Orton SMACKS Sami off the desk, puts him in the ring, and covers, TWO! Sami stays in this but Orton looms over him. Sami rises, Orton puts him in a corner, and Orton fires body shots. Orton climbs up and rains down fists! Orton gets to eight before Sami fires back! Sami has Orton in another corner, climbs up, and Sami rains down a fast TEN!

Sami huffs ‘n’ puffs and CHOPS! Orton is stinging but Sami CHOPS him again! Sami wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, and whips! Orton reverses, Sami hits buckles hard, and Sami falls in a heap. Orton dusts himself off and looms over Sami again. Orton stomps Sami’s hand! Sami writhes and clutches his finger. Orton stomps Sami’s foot, ten the other foot! And then the other hand! Sami sits up, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Orton CLUBS away on Sami’s chest! Orton DECKS Sami, the fans cheer, and Orton brings Sami up. Orton whips, Sami goes up and over, and Sami LARIATS Orton down! The fans fire up again as Sami rises!

Sami goes to the corner, Orton runs up, but Sami ELBOWS him! Sami goes up, AX HANDLES, and the fans fire up more! Orton takes a swing, but Sami slips around! Orton fights the Blue Thunder, then LARIATS! And LARIATS! Orton dodges Sami to SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up while Sami goes to the apron. Orton drags Sami in through the ropes, and DRAPING DDTS! The fans fire up as Orton hears those voices! Orton watches Sami rise, but then Sami bails out! The fans are torn but Sami is smart to avoid what was coming. Orton goes out to fetch Sami, SMACKS him off the desk, and then back suplexes, only for Sami to lands out!

Sami CLUBS Orton, and hits a DESK BACK SUPLEX on Orton! Sami puts Orton in the ring, goes to a corner, and the fans fire up as Orton rises. Orton runs in, Sami dodges, and Orton POSTS himself! Sami runs corner to corner, HELLUVA- SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Sami survives and Orton seethes. “This is Awesome!” as Sami goes back to a corner. Orton runs back in and he LARIATS! Orton runs but Sami follows! But Orton dodges the Helluva Kick! Sami gets stuck on the to rope, frees himself, and hobbles into an RK- NO! BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Orton survives and the fans fire up again!

“This is Awesome!” as Sami drags Orton to the drop zone. Sami goes up the corner, Orton stands and he gets under the leap! R K- NO, Sami SLAMS Orton down! And then HELLUVA- RKO!!! Orton crawls to the cover, Orton wins!!

Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)

Sami fought his heart out, but the Viper still strikes! Orton is going back to back in KOTR finals, but will he win the crown this time?

 

Nia Jax is here!

Grand Rapids boos as The Irresistible Force goes to the ring. She grabs the mic dot say, “You know what’s crazy? Tiffany Stratton approached me to be under my wing, because she knew exactly what I could do for her. And look, she’s thriving! And what kind of thanks did I get for it? She betrayed me. She has MY title!” But wait, here comes Tiffy! Grand Rapids cheers as the WWE Women’s Champion has the mic to tell Nia, “You’re like that toxic ex I just can’t get away from. News flash: get over it! You make excuse after excuse, but when are you just gonna admit that maybe I’m just better than you?”

The fans cheer and Tiff heads to the ring. Nia says yeah, okay, if Tiff is so much better, then give Nia a rematch without kicking a chair into her face. Tiff says if Nia’s so desperate for a match, it is her lucky day! She made it official for next week: Tiff VS Nia! And Tiff will have more fun adding more scars to that “five head” of Nia’s. Because it won’t just be a regular match. It will be Last Woman Standing! Nia takes a swing but Tiff dodge! Tiff fires off, kicks low, and runs up, but into a POP-UP HEADBUTT! And then Nia drops a leg, brother! Nia holds up the belt and soaks up the heat. Nia thinks about leaving, but decides to add on! ANOTHER leg drop, brother!

The fans boo but Nia says that’s not enough! Nia tells Wade & Joe that she’s taking the title! But wait! NAOMI is here, with a ref! Is she doing it!? Is she doing it?! But Nia YANKS Naomi out! Naomi tells her back off! Nia doesn’t, Naomi shoves her, but Nia still grabs at her! Tiff DROPKICKS Naomi onto Nia! Tiff avoids a cash-in because Nia was in the way, but is she setting herself up for failure with that extreme title match?

 

Charlotte Flair VS Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice!

The Queen was denied her crown, but she’s not even angry at Alexa Bliss, the one who took that opportunity from her. She instead looks to humble the Hot Mess that claims she would be queen if her demands were met. Who vents their frustrations and comes away with the win?

SmackDown returns and Charlotte makes her entrance. The bell rings and the fans actually cheer on Chelsea. Alba distracts Charlotte and Chelsea sucker punches her! The ref reprimands but Chelsea SMACKS Charlotte off the mat again and again! Chelsea salutes, but Charlotte CHOPS! Chelsea KNEES low, whips, but Charlotte goes up and out at the corner. Charlotte BOOTS Chelsea away, avoids Alba and KICKS her! Chelsea runs up, Charlotte RAMS her, and then Charlotte climbs up. CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Chelsea scrambles away and Charlotte runs up, but into an ELBOW! Charlotte GAMANGIRIS!

Charlotte snapmares, Chelsea distracts the ref, and Alba grabs Charlotte by the hair! Alba HOTSHOTS Charlotte and Chelsea hits a BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Chelsea is furious but Charlotte stays in this, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Chelsea hops onto Charlotte for a SLEEPER! The fans rally, but Charlotte hits a BACKPACK SENTON! Charlotte is free, Chelsea runs back up, but Charlotte gives her a BACKBREAKER and BUCKLE SHOT! Chelsea falls back, Charlotte huffs ‘n’ puffs and runs up to fire hands! The fans fire up as Charlotte CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Charlotte CHOPS again, then clinches for an EXPLODER! And a kip up! The fans fire up and Charlotte salutes to poke fun at Chelsea. Charlotte runs, dodges, and handsprings to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Chelsea survives but Charlotte stays on her by going for a leg.

Alba gets on the apron, so Charlotte BOOTS her down! The fans cheer, but Charlotte turns around into a ROUGH RYDER! Cover, TWO!! Charlotte survives and Chelsea is furious! Chelsea takes off her face protector and drags Charlotte up. Chelsea has the arms, turns Charlotte, but Charlotte shoves her away! Charlotte dodges and SPEARS! Cover, TWO!! Chelsea survives but Charlotte has the leg! FIGURE- CRADLE!! TWO!! Charlotte has the leg again, FIGURE FOUR! And the bridge for the FIGURE EIGHT!! Chelsea TAPS, Charlotte wins!

Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission

But then Piper Niven SENTONS onto Charlotte!! Alba storms in, she and Piper mug Charlotte, but here comes Alexa! She RAMS into Piper, she ROCKS Alba, then she catches Chelsea! Charlotte LARIATS Alba out while Alexa hits a TWISTED SISTER ABIGAIL! And then Charlotte BOOTS Piper down! Charlotte and Alexa look at each other, and despite what either one thinks, maybe they both need the other after all. Alexa offers the handshake, but Charlotte walks right past Alexa. Alexa lets that slide, but will Charlotte come around soon enough?

 

Solo Sikoa talks with JC Mateo.

Why is JC taping up? Uh, duh, he’ll take out Jacob. No, Solo is going out there alone to talk with Jacob. Solo was the only one that Jacob would listen to. Jacob needs Solo. Solo will smooth things over. JC accepts that, but Solo does say that JC should stay ready. Solo is covering his bases, but will he need the Imperial Unit to put down the Samoan Werewolf? Or will it all be alright between them all?

 

Solo Sikoa heads to the ring.

SmackDown returns as the former Tribal Chief makes his way out, and Grand Rapids boos. Solo grabs the mic, takes a moment, and says, “Alright, Jacob. I’m out here in the middle of the ring, all alone, with open arms, willing to talk to you face to face. I feel terrible about what happened. So if you’re back there, come on out so we can clear the air.” Jacob Fatu makes his entrance and Grand Rapids cheers! Fatu holds up the United States Championship before he steps into the ring, and he has a mic of his own. The fans cheer on “FATU! FATU!” and Solo says he didn’t come out here to fight him, okay? He’s not here for that.

Solo wants to make it clear to Fatu that he loves him, always has loved him, no matter what. One thing Solo learned from being Tribal Chief is how to love family and how to take care of them. That’s all he’s trying to do. Families fight all the time. They fight, they argue, they forgive, and then they move forward. So they should move forward together, Jacob. Move forward as one. The fans boo that, but Solo says nobody saw the potential in Jacob except Solo. Nobody wanted Jacob here in the WWE, except Solo. That is why Solo brought Fatu here and gave him the chance to change his life and put food on his family’s table.

And why did Solo do that? Because Solo loves Jacob. He does. And to be honest, Solo doesn’t have anybody else. Fatu isn’t sure about that, but Solo says all he has is Fatu. And he’s all Solo needs. So come back to the family, and even if Jacob doesn’t say those four words, Solo will. Solo will say it for him, to him, loud enough so everybody can hear it! Solo tells Jacob, “I love you, Jacob.” The fans boo, they don’t trust this. Fatu paces as he thinks on that. “So you love me, huh?” Solo nods yes. So this is what it comes down to, huh? Solo loves Fatu? The way Fatu sees things, Solo has been using Fatu! Solo has been using Fatu to gain power, to fight his battles, and to stay Tribal Chief.

Hell, Solo brought Fatu in so Fatu could bring Solo fame! Solo brought Fatu in because he thought Fatu would bring him gold! Is that all this is about? Fame? Gold? Power? SOLO, LOOK AT HIM! Solo looks up from the floor while the fans cheer Fatu on. Fatu tells Solo that ever since he won the US Championship, Solo is the one that’s been acting different. And maybe Fatu isn’t the problem. Fatu just figured it out! The problem… is this. The problem is the US Championship. Fatu sets it down between him and Solo, and he says if this is what he thinks it is, then just fight him for it! Fight Fatu for the title! The fans fire up for that!

And Solo, Fatu will only warn you one time: If you ever think about coming this way, you know what Fatu is about! You know what’s poppin’ with Fatu, blood! And you know Jacob Fatu is all gas, no brakes with it! YADADADA- SOLO TAKES A SWING! Fatu blocks the spike and he HEADBUTTS! JC Mateo rushes out here! Fatu HEADBUTTS him, too! But Solo CHOP BLOCKS the legs! The fans boo but JC & Solo mug Fatu! But then here comes JIMMY USO! The fans fire up as #BigJim slides in, dodges Solo, and SUPERKICKS JC! And then he SUPERKICKS Solo! But JC LARIATS Jimmy down! JC HAMMERS Jimmy and Solo has him put Jimmy in the corner.

The fans boo but Solo tells Jimmy that he should’ve chosen Solo’s side, not Jacob’s! But speaking of, Fatu is up! The fans fire up as Fatu BODY CHECKS JC! Then he SUPERKICKS Solo! Solo is in a corner, Fatu fires off on him, HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT! SUPERKICK for JC! HIP ATTACK for Solo! The fans are fired up for the Samoan Werewolf, and he locks eyes with Jimmy. Jimmy came to Fatu’s rescue, Fatu just saved him, so Fatu goes up, up, only for Solo to bail out! No Best Moonsaults here in Grand Rapids, but will Fatu cut Solo down soon enough?

 

Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker VS LA Knight!

The Wise Man warned, or rather threatened, the Mega Star that he should just cut and run, but that’s not how he does things. Knight is ready to fight, but will he survive a battle with Auszilla? Or is a Tsunami about wipe out LA?

Wait, Knight doesn’t enter from the stage! He enters from the crowd! And he POSTS Bron! The fans fire up as Knight evens things out! He TOSSES Bronson out, throws his vest at him, and Bronson snarls. Bronson has Bron stand down, and says, “Tonight, I kill him.” Bronson steps into the ring, the bell sounds, and Knight fires off! The fans fire up as Knight fires hands, but Bronson puts him in the corner. Knight ELBOWS back, Knight fires more hands, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips but Bronson blocks! Bronson whips Knight to a corner, runs up, but Knight dodges! Bronson POSTS himself, and Knight stomps a mudhole in!

The fans rally, the ref counts, and Knight goes corner to corner, but into a fireman’s carry! Knight slips down to sunset flip, but Bronson stays up! Bronson jumps but Knight avoids the hip drop! Then Knight basement BOOTS! The fans fire up and Knight storms up on Bronson. Bronson TOSSES Knight to the apron, but Knight slingshots back in! Bronson catches Knight to a fireman’s carry! Knight flails free and he RAMS Bronson into a corner! But Bronson holds ropes to deny the Jump Neckbreaker! Bronson runs but Knight avoids the senton! The fans fire up as Knight goes up, up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! That’s a Steiner move!

The fans fire up and spell it out, “L! A! KNIGHT!” but Bronson bails out! Knight runs to WRECK Bronson with a dropkick! Knight goes back up, springboards, CROSSBODY to the ramp! The fans fire up with Knight and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Bronson has Knight up top. The fans rally as Knight fights back with body shots! Knight ROCKS Bronson, ROCKS him again, and ROCKS him again! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Bronson finally falls and Knight adjusts position. “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” BOX JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Bronson survives and Knight is rather stunned while Heyman is relieved. Knight aims, kicks, but Bronson denies the BFT! HEADBUTT, then a fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Knight survives the “Jagged Edge” DVD but Bronson brings him right up. Bronson reels Knight in and says thumbs down.

Bronson lifts Knight up, but Knight flips the bomb into a DDT! The fans fire up but Bron barks at the apron! Knight DECKS the dog, tells Heyman to get the same, but Bronson runs up! Knight DUMPS Bronson out, builds speed, but BRON SPEARS!!

Winner: LA Knight, by disqualification

The fans boo but Bron handed Knight the win with that one. Bronson stands Knight up so Bron can build speed and SUPER SPEAR!! Grand Rapids is torn but plenty of fans bark. And now Bronson goes up!? TSUNAMI!! Bronson goes up again, the refs hurry out here, but TSUNAMI AGAIN!! The fans want another, so Bron scares the refs off to let Bronson go back up! THIRD TSUNAMI!!! Have Rollins’ rooks just broken Knight into pieces? Is this a message to everyone that no one can stop the vision?

 

Jacob Fatu speaks.

“Yeah, c’mon on widdit! I just spoke to the man, and you know the man makes everything possible here on SmackDown! So next week, next week on Saturday, me ‘n’ you, Solo! Night of Champions, mano a mano, I’m about to dog walk yo’ ass for the US Championship! Solo, you better get in where you fit in. Cuz if you don’t, then baby, it’s ’bout to be all gas, no breaks with it. Yadadadada mean?” The Samoan Werewolf will get to sink his teeth into Solo, but will he stay golden through it all?

 

John Cena VS Ron Killings!

The Undisputed WWE Champion was the exact opposite of grateful for R-Truth saving him from Randy Orton at Backlash, and he doubled down when Ron tried to show him the truth at Saturday Night’s Main Event. So, if Cena doesn’t want the Truth, he’ll get someone who knows about ruthless aggression! Will Ron Killings bring an early end to the retirement tour? Or will Cena continue to ruin wrestling for everyone else?

SmackDown returns as Cena makes his entrance. The fans sing “JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” despite him wearing the Detroit Pistons colors. Cena makes Mark Nash give the “proper” introduction: “He is the Greatest of All Time, the Never Seen Seventeen, gracing Grand Rapids with his presence one final time… He is the Last Real Champion, JOHN CENA~!” The fans boo, the bell rings, and Truth stares at Cena while Cena smirks hearing the “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Truth TACKLES Cena! He fires off hands but Cena bails out! So Truth goes out to DECK Cena! “What’s up!?” “WHAT’S UP!” Truth has Cena at the desk and SMACKS him off it!

Truth ROCKS Cena again, and shakes his hand out from hitting so hard. Truth SMACKS Cena off the apron, storms in after him, and whips him to a corner. Cena hits buckles hard and falls to the mat! The fans continue to duel while Truth keeps his eyes on Cena. Truth storms up on Cena while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Truth stands Cena up, whips corner to corner again, and Cena hits buckles hard! Cena sputters, Truth looms over him, and Truth ROCKS Cena! Cena ROCKS Truth! They go back and forth with haymakers, and then Truth dodges to SHOULDER TACKLE! Truth still uses Cena’s own moves against him, and that includes the SPIN-OUT BOMB! Truth raises his hand and Grand Rapids joins in! “You Can’t See Me!” But then Cena bails out so Truth can’t hit him! Truth is annoyed, the fans give thumbs down, but here comes Truth. Cena ELBOWS him down! Cena drags Truth up, POSTS him, and he brings Truth back into the ring.

Cena HEADBUTTS Truth, CHOKES him on the ropes, but stops as the ref counts. Cena stomps away on Truth, then runs to KICK Truth in the back! Cena talks trash, then he runs to SHOULDER TACKLE! Cena takes his time, knowing it is what the fans want. Truth rises up, Cena runs to SHOULDER TACKLE again! Cena watches Truth rise again, gets around him, SPIN-OUT BOMB! And Cena raises his hand, reveling in the cheers and jeers. “You Can’t See Me!” SmackDown returns to single picture for the FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Then Cena fireman’s carries, but Truth slips free! THESZ PRESS! And fast hands!

The fans fire up and Truth has Cena in a corner. Truth runs to STINGER SPLASH! Truth hitting all sorts of other iconic moves! Cena tumbles out and grabs the belt! Cena doesn’t care about this match anymore, he doesn’t need to take this! Truth says hold up! Truth runs Cena down and fires hands on the ramp! The fans fire up but Cena CLOBBERS Truth with the belt!!

Winner: Ron Killings, by disqualification

Cena wants to get another shot, but wait! PUNK IS HERE! Cena runs away into the ring, and he catches Punk as Punk slides in! The fans boo Cena but he huffs ‘n’ puffs. Cena drags Punk up, but Punk fires hands in return! Punk DECKS Cena, grabs the belt, and he holds it up! The fans cheer, and Punk aims, but Cena LOW BLOWS! Cena has a sinister smile as he grabs the belt. BELT SHOT for Punk!! The fans boo even more, but Cena decides to up the ante! Cena brings out a table! The fans cheer, everyone loves tables! Cena puts the table in the ring, then watches Punk sputter around. Cena sets the table up while the fans rally behind Punk.

Punk stands but Cena has the belt again! BELT SHOT!! Cena drags Punk up, fireman’s carries, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT through the table!! Cena made Punk snap into a Slim Jim, and then he grabs a mic. Cena laughs at Punk, and then sits up on the corner. “Punk… As you lay there in your most uncomfortable…” Cena pretends the mic cut out, taps it, and then says, “Somebody’s afraid of what I’m gonna say.” Cena grins and the fans boo as Cena flips the iconic “Pipebomb” moment on it’s head. “As you lay there in your most uncomfortable, I hope you can listen. I hope you can digest.

“Because before I leave here in six months with that WWE Championship, I gotta get a whole lotta stuff off my chest. First thing’s first, I don’t hate you. I don’t even dislike you. I like you. I like you more than anyone you ever shared a locker room with, that’s for sure. I hate this idea of you. This idea that you’re the Best int he World. You’re not. I’M the Greatest of All Time.” Grand Rapids is a bit torn on that statement, but Cena says Punk is better than Cena at one thing: You’re the best BS artist in the world. Oh no, kiddos~! John Cena just dropped a curse word! That means the show is off the rails! Hey, Stu, shoot this. Hi~! “I’m breaking the forth wall! HAHA!”

Cena then says the truth is, Punk… Cena is jealous of you. Cena is jealous that Punk has conned the fans into believing the myth that Punk is the Best in the World. Oh how they chant for Punk! Which they literally do right now. Hell, the fans even sing for Punk now. But they don’t believe a damn word you say. Because Punk changes his values as much as Cena changes his shirts! Punk is just a loud mouthed opportunist who steps on the necks of those who actually work hard if it gets him ahead. Oh, hey, look, another cameraman! “Hi, Claudio Castagnoli! Hey, Nic Nemeth! Hey, Matt Cardona! How’re you guys doing?”

The fans can’t believe Cena is going this far but Cena is loving it! “He’s heating up! He’s on fire! And there’s nobody back there that’s gonna cut my mic to save your ass, cuz I’m your only friend! Remember who gave you the stage for your pipebomb, pal! And what’ve you done with it since then, huh? You just regurgitated the same five microphone moves of doom. You’re promo potato salad, pal. Hey, you’re no longer the Voice of the Voiceless, you’re a friggin’ millionaire despite yourself. You’re not a punk, you’re a capitalist! And you’re not against TKO, dude, you are Mr. TKO. Cuz they knocked your balls technically off your body.

“Your tweets are strong, but your actions are weak. And in Saudi Arabia, you’re gonna face some loud, loud music when I finally prove to the world that each and every day, day in, day out, no days off for 25 YEARS, I have been the Greatest of All Time!” The fans cheer that a bit more now, to Cena’s surprise. “See, they know. And they know that you were the Best in the World… for seven minutes, 14 years ago. And if after Night of Champions, you’re still delusional enough to believe that you’re the Best in the World, well… I guess it’s a small world after all. You’re welcome, Grand Rapids.” The fans cheer, and Cena lets the world hear it.

Cena tells Punk to bring his A Game to Night of Champions. If Grand Rapids is any indication, the mood is starting to change. Refs finally appear to check on Punk, Cena says no, that’s fine. Punk needs to rest up for his big title match. Get a good shot of this: Best in the World VS Greatest of All Time, for THE most coveted prize in sports entertainment, THE WWE Undisputed Championship! And Cena knows the fans will sing and chant, but he also knows even the idiots are smart enough to see the truth: The Champ is Here. And USA Network, keep the extra two and half minutes. He doesn’t need a bomb to blow the “mother fudging” building.

Oh, and thanks, Punk, for letting Cena rip off your best promo just to make you look even more foolish. Cena finally drops the mic and he raises the belt up again. If the proverbial tables have turned this drastically, is there no saving WWE from losing its north star championship?


My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown with an awesome ending. All those years ago, when CM Punk dropped THE OG “Pipebomb” promo, no one could’ve ever in a million years guessed that here tonight, we would’ve gotten the John Cena remix. Not only was that promo of the year, but Cena blew up go-home math. I can’t see Cena losing the title to Punk now. He can lose the match since Cena loves getting disqualified, and there’s the possibility of Rollins trying a cash-in, but Cena is leaving Saudi Arabia as champion to then go to SummerSlam. It also works because Cody Rhodes still feels like the favorite for King of the Ring.

A lot of that has to do with how Sami lost to Orton tonight. Great promo from the four semifinalists, especially since it was Jey, Sami and Orton kinda keeping Cody from talking since there isn’t more Cody needs to say. Win or lose, no explanations needed at this point. Sami VS Orton was an awesome match, but I could just feel an RKO countering the Helluva Kick as the way to go and that’s what they did. Now, as awesome as it would be for Jey to beat Cody, and then for Jey to beat Orton to go for the World Heavyweight Championship again, there are a lot of moving parts right now that it would just be the easiest for Cody to win the crown and have his rematch with Cena.

And while talking the WHC, Gunther VS Goldberg IS confirmed for the title, but has also been confirmed as Goldberg’s last match. This is a huge indicator that despite Rollins teasing a cash-in on the Undisputed title, he will likely be thwarted and then falls back to the title he feels is rightfully his. That is to say, Rollins cashes in on the winner of Gunther VS Goldberg, which I half expected even before all this talk of Goldberg’s last match. Rollins can take this title from Gunther and Goldberg, and then we can throw Jey and even LA Knight into the mix as things are getting heated between Knight and the henchmen.

Great promo from Knight with Heyman, great match with Knight VS Bronson, and a really powerful beating Knight takes from Bron & Bronson. If nothing else, Knight costs Rollins his cash-in. Truth going after Kit Wilson was an interesting move. Also a shame Elton Prince is hurt, Pretty Deadly gets going and then something happens to slow them down. But Kit was going to lose to Aleister so this really messes Aleister up more than anything. Priest keeping the peace between Aleister and Truth was good stuff. Priest and Truth being allies on SmackDown can be some real fun stuff, and I feel like they’re already set up for a feud with Aleister.

Very good stuff with Fatu, Solo and this US Championship story. Fatu VS Solo was the natural move, and I like that Jimmy Uso ends up an ally for Fatu. The title match is set, I wonder if we get a tag match first. In fact, next week is title night in Riyadh with Tiffany Stratton giving Nia the Last Woman Standing match, and basically setting the stage for Naomi to cash in. She almost did tonight but Nia was again able to stop her, so I would think Naomi waits until the very end of the Last Woman Standing match to take full advantage. Then, if Jade wins Queen of the Ring, we get Jade VS Naomi at SummerSlam.

Good promo from Jade, B-Fab & Michin watching Asuka VS Alexa. Asuka winning made the most sense, Alexa clearly has story with Charlotte and Asuka is just that good. Jade VS Roxie will be a good match but Roxie’s story in Judgment Day might keep her from winning. But then the fallback there is Roxie might actually sub in for the tag titles like I was thinking. Charlotte VS Chelsea was very good, and of course the Secret Her-vice does what they can to help. The beatdown they put on Charlotte and then Alexa making the save, that’s going to be one of those “can they coexist?” tag matches for sure.

Honestly, a little surprised we didn’t get any tag team promos tonight, unless I completely missed something. I believe title night is going to have Profits VS Gacy & Lumis for the tag titles, too, so that’s going to be something wild. And while DIY is scared of the Wyatts, I feel like they’re going to interfere because they don’t want the Wyatts to take the titles. But at the same time, the Wyatts need something substantial this time around, so maybe they win the titles at SummerSlam.

My Score: 9/10

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Coverage

Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 6.19.25

Are we going to start trending upwards with Slammiversary to build toward?

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Last week’s episode was lacking in ring work but had decent story moments and segments. Starting the build to Slammiversary we can either launch nicely or things can always get worse. Jason Hotch and KC Navarro are the real shining stars of the last few months, so lets hope once they get over this Leon Slater idiot ship, they can push X Division wrestlers with actual talent for pro wrestling and not just flippy charisma vacuums.

Oh and let’s not forget, it is the episode they celebrate the 23rd anniversary of TNA! TWENTY – THREE!! Somewhere PCO hates this.

Ratings:

  • Sami Callihan vs Eric Young w/Losers: EY wins via Piledriver – ** 3/4
  • Lei Ying Lee & Masha Slamovich vs The Elegance Clique w/M & Personal Concierge: Elegantos win via Rarefied Air – ***
  • Eddie Edwards & JDC w/Alisha & Brian Myers vs Matt Cardona & Home Town Man: HTM wins via Cradle – *
  • Champion’s Challenge: The Rascalz, Joe Hendry, Leon Slater & Elijah vs The Kaiba Boys, Moose, Steve Maclin & Trick Williams: Elijah wins via Highwayman’s Farewell – ***

 

Results:

Sami Callihan vs Eric Young w/Losers

Sami knocks them all off the apron before the bell rings, he levels the loser children, finds a chair, attacks EY but EY counters and this is the excuse to use weapons since the bell didn’t ring yet. EY tries to break Sami’s hand on the steps with the chair, but Sami moves, throws EY back in the ring, bell rings and EY hits a Belly to Belly suplex for two. They slug it out, Sami goes for Headbutts, then Sami wants to run the ropes but a loser trips him, distracts long enough for EY to knock him out of the ring and loser children swarm as loser children do. EY does the classic, throw back out for losers to attack while EY grabs and distracts the ref. Sami is selling a few lame attacks from the losers like he got shot. It’s an excessive sell, so it’s honestly a dumb transitional moment.

EY levels Sami, Lariat into Scoop Slam, looks for the Macho Elbow but Sami hits the ropes to crotch EY. Sami Superplex time, but EY bites the face to make Sami drop, EY jumps at him but eats a straight right hand. Cactus Driver, but no, EY tries his Piledriver…they both gouge eyes at the same time, Sami catches an EY charge into a Flatliner as they’re both down…for…reasons? The selling in this match seems…poorly timed and kinda stupid. Hard Irish Whip, EY Flair Flips the corner, levels Sami, Macho Elbow for 2.9! EY threatens to hit the ref, but then goes to mad dog commentary. EY then wants to attack fans…he’s more unhinged than World Elite EY. Sami gives him the old Dick Twist into a Stunner but only for two! Losers try to distract, first one gets taken out, second one uses a chair, EY hits the Piledriver on Sami, EY wins.

I feel like this is gonna continue for a few weeks since it wasn’t a clean win. 

Mustafa Ali’s group comes out, and I refuse to say the name because it’s dumb and they’re already fraying at the seams. Ali wants an apology session, Tasha and Hotch apologize to him but Skyler bites back and refuses, even shoved Ali. So Ali challenges him to a “Call to Arms” match. What in the hell is a Call to Arms match? 

Lei Ying Lee & Masha Slamovich vs The Elegance Clique w/M & Personal Concierge

ASH does her borderline racist fake karate before Lei stares her down and tags in Heather. Heather avoids Lei, Lei throws a few Tornado Kicks to make a point and Heather tags out. Heather being 4’8″ helps her here. Concierge says “There’s no Karate in wrestling”. ASH, Lei and Masha are in the ring, ASH is trying to decide who she wants to face, but the Concierge google translated it and hands it to ASH, before the face team rocks ASH. Masha lifts up Lei and Lei does the Liu Kang Bicycle Kick, steering more into her Mortal Kombat aesthetic. Senton off the apron from Lei and Masha dives into the pile, the comedy heels are getting leveled. We go to commercial and come back with Lei getting Double Teamed but she spins it into a weird Neckbreaker..but can’t tag out just yet. Lei blocks Heather, Enzuigiri, simultaneous tag, Masha is Yakuza kicks for all and the 2 for 1 Lariat/DDT special. Near fall, but Masha goes for murder, but Heather breaks it, Rocket Launcher/Code Breaker from Elegance but Lei breaks up the pin. ASH tries to intimidate Lei with her fake Karate before throwing her out of the ring. Heather hits Lei with a handful of Glitter and then bounces her face off the post. Masha tries to stop ASH, Kelly’s music distracts Masha, Rarefied Air gives ASH the win.

Santino comes out and GOD DAMMIT no one wants to see Tommy Dreamer fight Mance Warner…that’s a useless thing. Pivot away…no one wants this. Oh no, now we have to listen to Steph talk too. Okay it seems to be a pivot, thankfully. Steph and Mance talk shit, Dreamer says something about Something is gonna happen…and Jake Something comes out. So…I guess we’re gonna build him up for 2 months and then job him out for 6 before he fucks off to his home galaxy or whatever? 

Really wish Indi just opened with the Billy Butcher classic of, “Oi Cunt!” – but this wasn’t bad. 

Eddie Edwards & JDC w/Alisha & Brian Myers vs Matt Cardona & Home Town Man

I hate… Cardona so much more now. Heel reasons for Cardona…go away heat for Deaner.

JDC wants the Home Town Man to start…and Deaner does his stupid Flip Flop and Fly, Cardona tags in, JDC is eating some offense, Cardona wants the Reboot, JDC powders, Cardona Dives but then Lish and the general numbers catch up to Cardona. Eddie is legal, and now they isolate Cardona with some decent tandem work and isolation. This turns into kind of a schmoz, lots of silly spots, near falls and then Home Town doofus gets the cradle pinfall on Eddie.

Whenever Deaner is involved I can’t be asked to care. The System beats Cardona and Deaner down, but Eddie did eat a pin. Which is embarrassing not even for work reasons, like it’s just sad.

Champion’s Challenge: The Rascalz, Joe Hendry, Leon Slater & Elijah vs The Kaiba Boys, Moose, Steve Maclin & Trick Williams

Elijah and Nic start things off, slow push off, arm wring, top wristlock, simple chain wrestling start. Nic breaks the chain and hits a Dropkick, Elijah runs the ropes and hits a Diving Lariat and starts the Rope Walk. Nic seems far to awake and alert for that move then, I hate how people pull that off too early. Wentz gets tagged in, Nic tags in Maclin who wasn’t looking for a tag, but him and Wentz have a nice clash, Trey tags in, they try to double him, but they pause and look at each other. Maclin asks for a tag, no one tags him so he Chops Ryan to tag him in and throws him in.

The little nod to Maclin and Rascalz history and the fact the faces realize Maclin isn’t a piece of shit. A little MCMG homage tandem attacks on Ryan, Wentz punctuates with the Handspring Knee Lift, Ryan tags out to Trick. Trick and Wentz go back and forth, Rascalz have Trick eating offense, Moose tries to slow things down, both Trick and Moose powder, Rascalz Double Golden Triangle Moonsaults. Trey gets tripped by Nic, Moose hits Lights Out, but there’s no referee so it’s a little chaotic.

Out of the commercial things are controlled kinda and we see a simultaneous tag to Moose and Leon. Leon comes out hot, level Moose with a Leg Lariat, attacks Nic Nemeth, attacks Ryan, and then Moose hits Leon with the Stun Gun. Moose looks to tag in Maclin but Maclin jumps off the apron. Trick takes the tag, keeps control, Trick forcibly tags in Maclin but Ryan tags himself in and pulls Leon to the Champions’ corner, Nic tags in and isolates Leon, with the Kaibas quick tagging and keeping Leon down.

Moose tags in, tries to Suplex Leon about four times but Leon stops it then counters the Suplex. Moose tries to cut him off, but the Champions distract the ref so the ref can’t see Leon tag out. Nic and Moose doubling up and Leon is the bump guy of this last portion of the match. Big Uranage from Moose…Moose looks for Lights Out but Small Package almost ruined things, Body Scissors Cradle, GAME CHANGER! Moose looks to hit a Jacknife Powerbomb but Leon turns it into a DDT. Maclin and Ryan start fighting, Nic Superkicks Maclin, Hendry and Nic tag in, Hendry is a house of fire. Sack of Shits for everyone! Nic, Ryan, there’s a pause when Hendry is face to face with Trick and Trick gets Uppercuts first then Sack of Shit! Standing Ovation on Nic, but Ryan blocks, Kaibas try a tandem attack but Hendry Lariats them both. Elijah tags in and is the maestro of the crowd and chopping Ryan to some fun. Ryan goes for a Polish Hammer but eats the Knee Lift. Signature spam time…

Ryan tries to use the International title but Maclin grabs the title away from Ryan, clocks Nic, Standing Ovation into the Highwayman’s Farewell. Champions lose!

Overall Score: 4/10

Well this was a rough one boys and girls. Sami and EY was just an overbooked shitshow, Lei Ying Lee is unfortunately in a spot where it’s obvious TNA has no clue how to use her, the Elegantos are the New Beautiful People, and I’m not mad at that. But you need to space out your goofball crap. You can’t have Elegance Clique, Home Town Moron and Santino in 3 consecutive segments. And if anyone goes “it was 3 out of 4” that’s doesn’t lessen my point, the beauty of Pro Wrestling being a variety show is…FOR VARIETY! When the lead match feels stupid because of bad pacing, poor selling and overbooking with two losers, it feels like a useless match with idiots, then comedy, followed by more comedy…you see how that’s literally NOT VARIETY.

Figure it out seriously. This was a disappointing episode. If you’re a casual viewer than it’s just chalk for TNA doing cringe and borderline goof crap since they’ve always steered a little more into the carny than other companies. But this show was…where’s Jisoo and Jenny? I feel like I need that gif:

two women standing in a kitchen with the words not bad but not good on the bottom

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