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Mitchell’s WWE Money in the Bank Report! (6/17/18) | The Chairshot
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Mitchell’s WWE Money in the Bank Report! (6/17/18)

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WWE MITB 2018

WWE brings the best of both Raw and SmackDown together again, but this time we go bigger and longer with a guaranteed FOUR HOUR Money in the Bank PPV! Who will be this year’s Mr. and Ms./Mrs. MITB? Will they choose to cash in on a champion tonight? Who even WILL be champion when they decide to cash in?

 

All images courtesy of the WWE’s official Twitter

 

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Kickoff show: SmackDown Tag Team Championships: The Bludgeon Brothers VS The Club; The Bludgeon Brothers win and retain the SmackDown Tag Team Championships.
  • Daniel Bryan VS Big Cass; Bryan wins.
  • Bobby Lashley VS Sami Zayn; Lashley wins.
  • WWE Intercontinental Championship: Seth Rollins VS Elias; Rollins wins and retains the WWE Intercontinental Championship.
  • Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match; Alexa Bliss wins and becomes Ms. Money in the Bank.
  • Roman Reigns VS Jinder Mahal; Reigns wins.
  • SmackDown Women’s Championship: Carmella VS Asuka; Carmella wins and retains the SmackDown Women’s Championship.
  • WWE Championship Last Man Standing Match: AJ Styles VS Shinsuke Nakamura; Styles wins and retains the WWE Championship.
  • Raw Women’s Championship: Nia Jax VS Ronda Rousey; Nia wins by disqualification, and retains the Raw Women’s Championship.
  • Raw Women’s Championship, MITB Cash-In: Nia Jax VS Alexa Bliss; Alexa wins and becomes the new Raw Women’s Champion.
  • Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match; Braun Strowman wins and becomes Mr. Money in the Bank.

PLAY BY PLAY

It’s the Money in the Bank Kickoff show!

Renee Young joins David Otunga, Peter Rosenberg and WWE Hall of Famer, Booker T! They’re ready to recap all the matches for tonight, as well as prepare the Social Media Lounge for Daniel Bryan, so make sure to #AskBryan all your questions!

 

Kevin Owens complains.

The Prizefighter special ordered something but it wasn’t done right, and he’s upset. How does he feel after that Monster Slam last Raw? He feels “great”, to be body-slammed by a 500 lbs. monster. What kind of question is that?! He actually feels like a fool for thinking Finn Balor and Bobby Roode would stay on the same page. But nope! No one listens to Kevin! So Kevin has a different approach. Wait, is that pancake batter and maple syrup? No… What sly plan does Kevin have up his sleeve?

 

Sami Zayn adds insult to injury via social media.

The obnoxious underdog just loves trolling the Alpha Male. Will he come to regret further insulting Lashley at his family’s expense?

 

Daniel Bryan joins the Kickoff Show.

What is his response to all of Big Cass’ big talk? Cass has a sound theory, but that assumes Cass is “good”. By the way, Happy Father’s Day to both Bryan and all fathers in the WWE Universe. Time to #AskBryan questions!

“What is your game plan to beat Big Cass tonight?” The same as every time: make him tap. Bryan’s made men bigger and better than Cass tap out, or even just quit from too many knees to the face.

“Did you want to be SmackDown GM?” Well it was a mixed reaction. He had fun, but it was so hard being around what he loves to do, which is what motivated him to get back into ring shape. Plus, Talking Smack was really good!

“What advantages do you have over Big Cass?” Aside from skill, it’s his legs, lungs, and heart. Cass can’t outwork or outdo Bryan. Cass is only big, and big men tire out. Big men don’t fight for things, Bryan does. Will Bryan prove that size doesn’t matter, and that it’s all about ability?

 

Backstage interview with Seth Rollins!

The Intercontinental Champion strums what’s left of Elias’ custom guitar. No, this is a gift from John Mayer! Mayer liked what he saw and gave Rollins a replica. But kidding aside, Rollins is looking forward to tonight. Chicago, MITB, and Elias is great competition. Elias is entertaining and has a mean streak, but he’s not on the Architect’s level. To put it in a way Elias can understand, The Drifter’s greatest hits aren’t even on Rollins’ b-side. Rollins walks in and walks out with HIS title, because he fights for it every night. Will The Man stay The Man when he goes for a #WalkWithElias?

 

Samoa Joe joins the Kickoff Show.

Who is Joe keeping an eye on? He’s keeping his eye on all of them. The key to a ladder match is never taking your eyes off the prize. Does he want to get his hands on Brock Lesnar via the MITB contract? Yes, but then Kevin Owens pops in. Kevin and Joe, they’re hard-headed alphas, but they’re even better as a duo, to be unstoppable to stop Strowman! Kevin feels Joe understands. Joe does, except for trusting Kevin. He’ll never trust Kevin. It’s not about trust, it’s about logic! Together, they can stop the Monster, then become champion! Yes, that is logically. But Kevin needs to use logic and just walk away. Kevin gives up, but will he be proven right in the Men’s Ladder Match tonight?

As for Joe, this is what he does. Everybody goes to sleep, will he put down the seven other amazing stars in that match with him tonight?

 

Kickoff show: SmackDown Tag Team Championships: The Bludgeon Brothers VS The Club!

Harper & Rowan have decimated and destroyed the likes of The New Day and The Usos, but the Machine Gun & Big LG are ready to show these nerrrrds what tag team wrestling is really about. Can the Good Brothers dethrone the Bludgeon Brothers and makes those titles #TooSweet?

Big Red Rowan starts against Gallows and we begin with the bell. Rowan and Gallows circle, and Rowan hits first. He puts Gallows in a corner, then whips corner to corner, but Gallows dodges and hits back with body shots. Gallows stalks Rowan but Rowan tags Harper. Harper comes in but misses, and gets an uppercut. Tag to Anderson, and the Club double whip Rowan, to then strike both Bludgeon Brothers at once. Anderson rocket kicks Harper into a Tree of Woe! Harper gets himself loose and regroups with Rowan, but that leg is slowing him down.

The Club keep on 2B, but 2B hits back. Rowan scoops and uses Gallows as a weapon on Anderson. Harper & Rowan toss Gallows away, then double facebuster Anderson on the apron. They double dropkick Gallows down!

The duo of doom are in control as they put Anderson in the ring. They embrace the heat while we go to break.

WWE MITB returns, and Harper has Anderson isolated. He rocks Anderson with an uppercut, then slingshot guillotines him into the second rope! Cover, TWO, but Harper tags out to Rowan. Rowan drags Anderson up, pumphandle and backbreaker. Rowan drags Anderson up again to club him down with a clothesline. Cover, TWO, so he stretches Anderson against the ropes. Rowan clubs Anderson again, then tags to Harper. They grind Anderson with boots, but Anderson hits back! Anderson chops but Harper uppercuts. Harper stands Anderson up for a blunt chop! He stands Anderson up to snapmare, and drop the elbow. Cover, TWO.

Harper tags Rowan, then holds Anderson down for Rowan’s splash. Cover, TWO. Gallows has barely recovered, and Anderson ends up in a headlock. Fans rally and Anderson powers up. Anderson endures the head vice, then fights out with back elbows. Rowan pushes and runs Anderson over with a back elbow of his own. Fans boo and jeer, but Rowan ignores it as he whips Anderson corner to corner. He adds the corner splash, then grins as he sees Gallows is still down and out. Rowan whips Anderson again, but Anderson hits Harper! Anderson dodges and sends Rowan into the post!

Fans fire up, and Anderson crawls. Harper tags in first, but runs into the spinebuster! Gallows returns to the apron! Hot tag brings him in! The Big LG rallies on Harper with kick after kick, then tops it off with a corner splash. Gallows boots Rowan away, then kicks Harper again. Pumphandle slam, and Gallows fires up more. Gallows uppercuts Rowan, shotgun kick from Anderson, then double clotheslines. Anderson slingshots and takes Rowan out! But Harper boots Gallows down! Anderson breaks the cover, saving the match. But Harper uppercuts Anderson out. Harper mule kicks and front kicks Gallows, then prepares a suplex, but Gallows sets up- No, Rowan stops Magic Killer. KILLER BOMB!! Cover, Bludgeon Brothers win!

Winners: The Bludgeon Brothers (Harper & Rowan), Harper pinning; still WWE SmackDown Tag Team Champions

Harper & Rowan survive their own doom, and continue to reign over the Blue Brand’s Tag Team Division. Does any team stand a chance of stopping this destructive duo?

 

WWE Money in the Bank begins!

“Pay attention”, because there’s one way to make it to the top. If at first you don’t succeed, climb, climb again. A contract that can change lives, but the opportunity literally hangs in the balance. Then, if it isn’t broken, break it yourself. “The bigger they are, the harder they brawl.” And when it all comes down to it, it’s about whoever is the Last Man Standing. “Opportunity” is Money in the Bank in a nutshell. But who will give more to answer its call and take it for themselves?

 

Daniel Bryan VS Big Cass!

It’s a rematch from Backlash, where the Human Skyscraper lost the match but won a fight. Cass tapped, but it was just so he could wallop the Goat. Now, can their grudge be settled with a 2-0 sweep from one of the best ever? Or will one of the biggest ever tie it all up?

The bell rings, and the two circle. Bryan literally runs circles around Cass while the fans cheer him on. Cass and Bryan tie up, and Cass powers Bryan to a corner. Cass mocks the “little guy” but Bryan hits back with punches and kicks. Bryan dodges Cass’ big hands to keep kicking and punching. Cass pushes Bryan down, then runs him over with a shoulder. Cass keeps moving but Bryan clears him with a jump! Bryan goes for a leg, but Cass pushes Bryan away. Bryan gets the drop toehold, and a leg, but Cass pushes him away again. Cass walks into kicks! Bryan dodges to kick more, going after that leg. Bryan whips, Cass reverses and Bryan tumbles to the apron, for Cass to blast off into barriers! Cass embraces the heat while Bryan recovers.

Cass goes out to fetch Bryan, and Chicago lets him know “You Can’t Wrestle!” He doesn’t have to, he picks Bryan up and throws him on the apron. They go back into the ring, Cass taking his time as he stalks Bryan. Cass hits Bryan with big rights, then more and more rights. Bryan falls, and Cass drops a big elbow on him. Cass drops another elbow, then covers, TWO. Cass grins and poses again, enjoying the heat. He then rocks Bryan with another haymakers. Bryan staggers around but Cass hits him again. Fans rally for Bryan, and Bryan hits back with his own haymakers. Bryan runs, but into a 7 foot high bearhug.

Cass squeezes Bryan but fans rally up. Bryan endures, elbows out, then hits back. Cass knees low, and he stalks Bryan to a corner. Cass whips Bryan but Bryan goes up and over. Things speed up, but Bryan runs into a 7 foot scrapbuster! Cover, TWO! Cass looms over Bryan, taking his time with his opponent. Cass stalks Bryan again, mocking Bryan the whole time. He runs corner to corner for a 7 foot splash, then mocks the Yes fingers. Fans boo and jeer again as Cass backs up. Cass runs back in, but a drop toehold sends him into buckles! Bryan crawls away but stands up. Bryan ducks to retaliate with kicks. He kicks and kicks, “YES! YES!” then dragon screw!

Cass hobbles up but Bryan won’t stop, he dragon screws again. Cass crawls to the apron in pain, but Bryan still won’t let up. Bryan grabs the bad leg, and jams it on the edge! Fans love the aggression as Bryan drags the leg out again. Bryan wails on the knee, then swings it into the post! The Goat is a shark as he hits Cass’ leg into the post again. Cass manages to shove Bryan away, but Bryan pursues as he climbs up high. Bryan aims, and leaps for the missile dropkick to Cass’ back! Cass ends up in a corner, and Bryan runs in with a dropkick. Then another! Then, into a tilt-o-whirl takedown! YES LOCK! Cass scrambles against it while the fans fire up. Cass reaches, and gets the ropebreak. Bryan lets Cass go, and Cass gets out of the ring.

Bryan aims at Cass on the outside, but Cass tries to drag him out, only for Bryan to shove him away. Cass staggers, Bryan builds speed, and Bryan hits a wrecking ball dropkick. Bryan isn’t done, he climbs way up high, for a SUPER crossbody!! They crash and burn, but Cass takes the worst of it. Fans chant “YES! YES!” for their favorite Goat. Bryan drags Cass up and in, then climbs up one more time. But Cass trips Bryan up. Cass walks off the pain to then haymakers Bryan. Cass hits another, but fans say “Big Cass Sucks!” Bryan is rocked, and Cass climbs up to join him. Cass prepares and hits a SUPER Fall Away Slam!

Cover, TWO! Cass grows frustrated, but fans are relieved. The “Cass-Hole” looms over Bryan again before picking him up. Cass lifts Bryan in a torture rack. He uses it to bend and stretch Bryan, but Bryan fights out with fists. Cass backs up, and hits an inverted death valley! Cover, TWO, and now Cass is really frustrated. Fans rally up for Bryan, but Cass still stalks him. Cass embraces the heat, mocks Bryan’s Yes, then throws another haymaker. Bryan stands up, so Cass runs in, to get hung up on the ropes! Bryan chop blocks the leg! And then another chop block, before unleashing the YES Kicks! “YES! YES!” over and over, then… Cass grabs Bryan by the neck!

But Bryan kicks free, slips out of the choke grip, then kicks out the leg again. Buzzsaw kick! Cass flounders but Bryan fires up. “YES! YES!” echoes through Chicago, and Bryan runs, into a flapjack! Then a boot! Cover, TWO!! Cass is furious and shocked over this. He walks around, trying to understand, but fans still cheer for Bryan. Cass gets a wicked idea, and grins as he looms over Bryan again. He drags Bryan up, hoists him back into the torture rack, but that’s not all. Cass throws Bryan, but Bryan lands on his feet! They run, KNEE PLUS! But Bryan won’t stop there, he puts on the Heel Hook! Cass screams in pain, reaches for ropes, but taps! Bryan wins!

Winner: Bryan, by submission

The Goat has the sweep! He’s 2-0 over the bigger men, because he is in fact the better man! Chicago cheers loud and proud for Bryan, will Bryan’s win take him back towards the WWE Championship?

 

The New Day assembles backstage.

Is Woods okay from those peppers at E3? Yeah, he’s all good. Now to go over who–who who who–goes into the Men’s MITB tonight for them? But waht does this “fool” want? Kevin Owens enters. He’s not a fool, he has gifts. Pancakes!? And plenty of Canadian maple syrup! Okay then, he can stay. He knew they were smart. But anyway, he was hoping to talk to them about how only one man is only officially in. But who? Shhhh! Okay okay, it’s a secret. One of them is in officially, but the other two could go after Strowman. “Sir! We are a lot of things. A lot of things. But we are not cheaters!” Anymore…

But that’s not what he’s asking. He just wants common sense from the others. Kevin brought all these things to negotiate a deal. They can talk it over some pancakes. Kevin’s okay, he doesn’t really like pancakes. Or most breakfast foods. Especially Booty O’s, it sucked. Whaaaat?!?!? What? “You done done it now, sucka!” Just get out of here, Kevin! Fine, be that way. But don’t blame him if Strowman destroys us all! And IHOP was right to become IHOB! Wait. Snatch the syrup! Now get!

 

Bobby Lashley VS Sami Zayn!

What started as a grievance over a bout of vertigo has escalated into questioning the Alpha Male’s service to his country. The so-called smartest man in the room has angered one of the strongest. Will Sami come to regret ever getting on Lashley’s nerves?

The bell rings, and Sami copies his pal Kevin Owens by slipping out of the ring. Sami taunts Lashley from the outside, then wants him to stay back as he returns. Fans sing for Sami, but Sami keeps his distance from Lashley. Then he slips right back out, raising the ire of Lashley all over again. Sami returns again, Chicago on his side, but Sami still wants Lashley to stay back. They circle, but Sami gets away again. Lashley pursues this time, but Sami pounces. Lashley pushes Sami away and then goes after him. Sami has the ropes, so that’s a no go. Lashley keeps trying but Sasmi thumbs Lashley’s eye! Sami hits Lashley with a running kick that sends Lashley out. Sami wants the ring count to start already.

Lashley gets up at 4, then climbs back up, but Sami kicks him back out. Sami puts Lashley into the post, then drags him up to do it again. Sami goes back in the ring to leave Lashley at the mercy of the count. The count passes 5 and Lashley staggers over. Sami stomps on Lashley as he reenters the ring. Sami clubs Lashley with crossfaces, then rains down rights and lefts. Fans chant for “Bobby’s Sisters” while Sami keeps on Lashley. Sami taunts Lashley after each punch, but Lashley blocks and crushes that hand all over again. Lashley lariats Sami down, then clears his head as he takes aim. He runs in, but into a boot. Sami hops up, leaps, but is caught! Lashley throws Sami with a Fall Away Slam!

Lashley aims again, and hits a big corner clothesline. He moves again, to tackle Sami into the corner. Sami staggers away, but reverses the suplex with elbows and chops. Sami runs, but into a spinebuster! Lashley drags Sami up, suplexes him, and then drops him. Does Sami have vertigo again? Lashley doesn’t care, and fans want that “One More Time!” Lashley gut wrenches Sami up from the mat, then just drops Sami. Then, another vertigo suplex! Fans cheer, but Lashley’s not done with Sami yet. Lashley stands between Sami and the ramp, to then deadlift gut wrench again, back into the Canadian backbreaker rack. He drops Sami again, then lifts with a third vertigo suplex! One-handed even!

Lashley slams Sami down, covers, and wins!

Winner: Lashley, by pinfall

Lashley got a good work-out at Sami’s expense. Will The Dominator move on from here towards title contention?

 

“Ladies and Gentlemen: Elias.”

The Drifter is here in Chicago, and Chicago is actually happy to see him. As always, he asks the crowd, “Who Wants to Walk With Elias!?” Chicago seems in favor of that. As for Seth Rollins, Elias says Rollins took a piece of his soul, so Elias will take that Intercontinental Championship. Rollins is a stepping stone on Elias’ path to the future. Elias is WWE, because WWE actually stands for “Walk With Elias”! But Chicago is filled with “loud mouth scumbags who just want attention”. Chicago agrees, “We Are Scumbags!” Yes, but please silence phones, hold applause and shut mouths so he can begin.

Elias plays his guitar, but stops because he realizes Chicago is “just not worth it.” He puts his guitar away, and waits for Rollins’ entrance. The Kingslayer appears, and we can begin!

WWE Intercontinental Championship: Seth Rollins VS Elias!

The Architect is ready to #BurnItDown, but will his title be taking a #WalkWithElias after all this?

The bell rings, and the two men stare down while fans cheer Rollins on. Rollins prepares, and Elias follows. They tie up, Elias gets an arm, but Rollins reverses. Rollins wrenches the wrist, but Elias gets a waistlock. Elias spins Rollins into a takedown, then wraps on a headlock, but Rollins escapes to put on a hammerlock. Elias gets up and reverses to snapmare Rollins again. Rollins slips out to the hammerlock again, but Elias stands up again. Elias gets a drop toehold, then a facelock, but Rollins goes right back to the hammerlock. Elias grows frustrated, but he gets up again and backs Rollins to ropes. They break, but Elias elbows Rollins.

Elias clubs and punches, then kicks and stomps Rollins down. He stomps Rollins at the ropes, then drags him up. Rollins blocks and counters the punch with chops, then powers out of the headlock. Things speed up, and Rollins dropkicks Elias down. Elias gets out, but Rollins takes aim and slingshots out! They go down but Rollins is up right away. Rollins chops Elias, then throws hands. Rollins puts Elias in the ring, then springboards for the flying clothesline. Elias crawls away but Rollins runs in at the corner for the forearm smash. Rollins throws hands, but the referee backs him off. Rollins goes outside to swing a kick, but Elias dodges to clobber Rollins to the apron! Down Rollins goes, hitting the apron on the way. Elias waits for Rollins to return, then puts him in a corner for furious stomps.

The referee backs him off now, but Elias goes back in with one stiff boot. Elias drags Rollins onto the apron and rams the neck into the apron edge more. Elias does it again, then covers, TWO. The Drifter keeps his cool as he stalks Rollins. Fans cheer for Rollins and boo Elias, but Elias throws more hands. Rollins blocks and counters, then whips, but Elias gets a DDT! Cover, TWO! Elias frowns at Rollins while the referee checks Rollins’ neck. Elias drops a knee, then covers again, ONE. Fans keep cheering for Rollins, but Elias keeps on Rollins with a cobra clutch. Rollins tries but can’t get out, even after two throws. Elias grinds Rollins to the mat, but fans keep rallying for Rollins.

Rollins sits up, but Elias puts his weight on him more. Rollins refuses to quit, and stands up again. Elias knees low, whips, but Rollins kicks him away. Rollins tries but Elias denies the suplex. Elias snapmares Rollins, but misses the knee drop! Elias clutches that leg while Rollins recovers. Rollins chops back, then hits the buckle shot! Rollins crawls away but boots Elias again. He goes up, but has to jump over Elias. Rollins rallies but Elias kicks low. Elias runs, but into a slingblade! Rollins clotheslines Elias out, then fires up with Chicago. He DIVES and hits Elias into barriers!

Both men are down, though, as Rollins’ neck bothers him. He still gets up first and puts Elias back in the ring. Rollins boots Elias again, then hops up for the Blockbuster. Cover, TWO! Rollins and Elias sit up, and Rollins checks his neck. He’s good, so he runs in, but is put on the apron. Rollins springboards, but now his knee buckles! Elias hits Rollins with a leaping knee, covers, TWO! Rollins almost lost it over his beat up body. Elias drags Rollins up, and shovels him onto his shoulders. Rollins fights out and slips down, but that knee hurts again. Elias rolls him up, TWO, so Elias rocks Rollins with a right. Rollins staggers, and Elias keeps going.

Elias throws hands, but Rollins returns them. They go back and forth, fans in support of Rollins. Rollins fires off lefts and rights, then runs, but into another knee! Elias swings but Rollins rolls and SUPERKICKS Elias! Cover, TWO! That bad leg holds Rollins back, but it won’t stop him. Rollins takes aim from a corner as he climbs up. He gets that leg moving, then takes aim… FROG SPLASH! But into knees! High stack cover, TWO!! Elias grows frustrated over Rollins’ fortitude. Elias climbs up high now, but Rollins hurries up and over to stop him! Rollins climbs up, but Elias resists. Elias sends Rollins back, then readjusts, but Rollins returns! SUPERPLEX! Roll through, dead lift, FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!!

Fans are loving this as both men are down from exhausted and sore bodies. Rollins sits up first, and he goes back to the corner. Fans fire up as Rollins stomps for “Burn It Down!” Rollins aims at Elias, mule kick, to… No, Elias dodges the stomp, but Rollins keeps moving to DIVE! But Elias deflects Rollins into barriers! And then into a post! And then steel steps! Elias puts Rollins back in, climbs up top himself, and hits the Drifter’s Elbow! Cover, TWO!! We almost had a new champion, but Rollins is just too strong-willed for that. Fans know “This is Awesome!”

Elias drags Rollins up, prepares the fisherman, but Rollins grabs ropes. Elias lets Rollins go but just throws furious hammer fists on him. The referee backs him off, but Elias comes back to drag Rollins up to the top rope. Elias chops Rollins before climbing up to join him. Elias sits Rollins up, but Rollins slips down for a run. The leg gives out, Elias fishermans, but Rollins rolls up! TWO, and Elias rolls Rollins, with tights! TWO, and Rollins rolls to grab tights! Rollins wins!!

Winner: Rollins, by pinfall; still WWE Intercontinental Champion

The Architect steals the cheat from the Drifter, but a win is a win. Rollins has retained by the skin of his teeth, but with how much damage his body has been taking, how much longer can he keep this reign going?

 

Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match!

To be clear, this is actually the third ever Women’s MITB Ladder Match, but Carmella “won” them both. Now that both Raw and SmackDown get to compete for the contract, who will be the second-ever Ms. (or maybe even Mrs.) MITB?

The eight women stand, the Raw 4 on one side and the SmackDown 4 on the other. Natty goes after Sasha Banks, and the fight sparks off! Ember Moon brawls with Charlotte while Becky Lynch CHUCKS Alexa Bliss at a ladder! Charlotte puts Ember into the timekeeper’s area, then Becky dropkicks a ladder into Natty. Charlotte gets a ladder, but it gets dropkick’d into her, too! The Lass Kicker has fans fired up, but Ember sentons into her from outta nowhere! Ember grabs that ladder and puts it in, but Natty stops her with a shove. Natty goes for the ladder but Ember puts her into steel steps. Ember continues with the ladder, all alone, but Naomi appears.

Naomi misses and Ember makes her pay. Sasha comes in, but that ladder gets SUPERKICK’d out of her hands. Ember SUPERKICKS Sasha down, then starts setting up a ladder. Naomi returns, but Ember dumps her out. Sasha hits Ember, Ember hits back with an enziguri! Fans fire up for the Prophecy of Flame as she prepares that ladder. Sasha hits Ember again, but Ember keeps herself from going into the ladder. She drop toeholds, but Sasha barely saves herself. Ember springboards them both onto the ladder!!

Fans are losing their minds with that one. Sasha rolls all the way out of the ring, but Ember is down in the middle. With no one standing, Lana appears! The Ravishing Russian knocks Ember down and picks up the ladder. She rams it into Ember’s ribs, then sets it up to facebuster Ember in it. Lana tosses that dinky ladder to grab a slightly taller one. Natty returns, and Lana shoves the ladder at her! The Queen of Harts narrowly avoids disaster, then rallies on Lana with lariats. Natty scoops Lana, and slams her on the steel! Lana writhes while Naomi returns. Naomi swings but gets sat down on the ladder. Natty runs all over Naomi to then dropkick her off it!

Fans are fired up for Natty, and she drags the ladder up. Charlotte returns to unleash Flair chops on the Hart. She chops and chops, then kicks, to exploder Natty out of the ring. Charlotte kips up, but Becky returns. The friends grab the same ladder, then tug-o-war over it. Fans duel while these two fight over the ladder. They bump each other with it, but then Naomi comes in to use it for a Super WOMAN Punch on Natty! Then Naomi ducks under, to dropkick the ladder into both Charlotte & Becky! Alexa returns, and drags the ladder away from Naomi. Naomi slingshots onto Alexa, then takes the ladder back. Sasha grabs Naomi, but Naomi kicks her away, then blockbusters to the floor.

Everyone is sore and on the outside of the ring, that is the toll this match makes superstars pay. Fans love it, “This is Awesome” already. Naomi and Ember return and grab the same ladder. Becky also returns, and goes after them both. Becky throws fire with her fists, but Naomi and Ember double kick her back. They then go back to fighting over the ladder. Becky recreates her crazy climb from last year!

But she can’t reach it, and is sent into a corner, the ladder crashing down on her head. Ember runs, and with Naomi on the other end, they double dropkick Becky underneath! Ember scrapes Becky out, and now two of the most athletic women in WWE today go 1v1. Naomi blocks a kick, to give many kicks. Ember ducks to SUPERKICK, then knee, but Naomi scorpion kicks in return. Naomi monkey flips but Ember lands on her feet, to hip toss Naomi on ladder! The fans have not stopped making noise because they love all this action. Ember sees Sasha returning, but Sasha still knees her away. Sasha drags Ember into the corner, then sets Ember on the ladder. Lana returns but gets a knee of her own.

Sasha places Lana on top of Ember, and she has a double stack for the Stock Drop knees! Lana and Ember are sandwiched on that ladder, but Sasha takes the other to set it up. The Boss begins the first climb of this match, but Charlotte stops her. Familiar frenemies stare down once again. They both scramble up but fight all the way. They bounce each other off the rungs, then stagger around. Charlotte swings but Sasha counters. Sasha wants the backstabber but Charlotte counters. Charlotte wants the suplex but Sasha lands on her feet to turn things around, yet Charlotte turns Sasha more, for a neckbreaker.

Charlotte props a ladder up sideways, then drags Sasha up. She powerbomb lifts, but Sasha slips out to the standing ladder! Sasha hits Charlotte away, then climbs, but Charlotte slows her down. Natty returns and joins in, and takes Charlotte away with a bom lift. Charlotte slips out, but Becky returns while Sasha reaches. Becky shoves the ladder, so Sasha ditches the climb for a Meteora on the Queens! But this leaves Becky alone, and climbing high! Sasha and Alexa both go after her, bring her down, and Alexa’s killer right rocks Becky! Now the Goddess climbs, but Sasha stops her. Sasha adjusts the ladder, then climbs, but Alexa follows. Becky goes after Sasha, then after Alexa. Becky joins Sasha up top.

They brawl, reach, but Lana also returns with a new ladder. Lana sets that up while Alexa stops Becky. Lana’s ladder is taller, but Sasha transfers over! Ember returns, then Natty, and all the women are going up. They all fight, Natty drags Sasha off but then Sasha returns the favor. Everyone reaches, but Natty takes Sasha for a ride rebound powerbomb into one of the ladders! Becky goes down! Ember, Lana and Alexa hold onto the taller ladder, but Natty goes up to join them. Charlotte returns to boot Natty down. Then Charlotte tries for Ember but gets knocked away. Lana and Ember brawl while Alexa returns. Charlotte sets up one ladder, and drags Ember off with a powerbomb onto said ladder!

Lana and Alexa still fight, but Charlotte rips them off, too. Backbreaker and STO for Lana, but then Charlotte drags down the tiny Alexa, but Alexa counters with a Code Red! Alexa shoves Lana, then climbs. Lana drags Alexa off and shoves her. Lana climbs, but Alexa drags her off for a killer right. “I don’t care what day it is, it’s my briefcase!” But a MACHKA Kick takes her out! “Lana, CRUSH!” Ravishing Accolade! She thrashes Alexa around, then drops her. Lana climbs, but Naomi springboards in! Naomi is there, kicks Lana away, then Becky returns to throw Lana with a Becksploder! But Naomi is working on the case!

Becky stops Naomi before she unhooks it, then smacks those legs into the rungs. Becky climbs, fights off Naomi, then reaches the top. Charlotte runs up, and the friends stare down. They brawl way up above it all. Alexa returns, and shoves them both down! But they’re not down, Charlotte SPEARS Alexa. Charlotte is alone, she drags the ladder up and climbs again. But Sasha stops her, with a backstabber! Naomi puts Sasha into the ladder, then climbs. But Lana yanks Naomi off. Lana climbs, but Natty returns for an Electric Chair! Natty climbs, but Ember SUPERKICKS her away! Ember scrambles up, but Charlotte is back again. SPEAR, onto a ladder, but Becky returns.

The friends fight, circle the ladder, but Becky blocks the spear to give a Becksploder! Becky goes up the ladder, reaches the top… But wait, Alexa tips that ladder. Becky hits the other ladder with her face! Alexa climbs, reaches the top, and unhooks it!

Winner: Alexa Bliss; becomes the new Ms. MITB

Or should we say, GODDESS in the Bank. With this weapon of a contract under her possession, will Alexa snatch away the championship from Nia Jax? Or will it be Ronda Rousey by the time Alexa gets a chance?

 

The Raw and SmackDown GMs talk backstage.

Angle is so excited that one of his superstars took the Women’s MITB Contract. Paige is happy for him, but there’s still the Men’s. She’s confident one of her men will win that to even the score. Agree to disagree, but dual branding is really working out. Angle gets to see old friends like Samoa Joe and AJ Styles. Don’t touch her roster, Angle, they bleed blue. But then, Constable Baron Corbin walks in. This isn’t about playing nice or nostalgia, but about sweeping the ladder matches. Or is he hoping to disappoint Stephanie McMahon? Paige doesn’t get this. Is Corbin still upset that his cash-in went miserably? The Glampire has fangs, but the Lone Wolf just makes sure Angle knows Raw needs to win. Will Stephanie be disappointed in her GM all over again? Or can Raw go 2-0 and have Mr. MITB on top of having Ms?

 

Roman Reigns VS Jinder Mahal w/ Sunil Singh!

The Big Dog and the Modern Day Maharaja wanted in on tonight’s Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder match. But between Mahal screwing Roman over in a qualifier over jealousy, to Roman retaliating with aggression, this feud has brought these former champions to throwing hands. Who will prove themselves the more deserving of golden opportunities tonight?

The injured Sunil Singh manages an introduction, perhaps he won’t be a deciding factor like he usually is for Mahal. The bell rings, and Roman throws hands on Mahal. Roman punches Mahal around but then Mahal hits back. Mahal tries but Roman denies the buckle bump. Roman punches more, then whips an druns Mahal over with an elbow. Roman puts Mahal in a corner for a bump, then another. He gets the hat trick, then whips Mahla at ropes. Mahal reverses and kicks Roman, then runs, but into a Samoan Drop! Cover, ONE, and Mahal bails out. Mahal regroups with Sunil while fans rain heat on both men.

Roman walks over and rocks Mahal with uppercuts. Roman puts Mahal back in the ring, then hotshots Mahal away. Mahal is down, Roman aims but misses the Drive-By! Mahal distracts the referee, so that Sunil can STAND, and shove Roman into a post! The little faker!

Sunil sits back down to continue his act, while Mahal comes out to fetch Roman. Mahal bumps Roman off announce desks, then pushes him into barriers. Mahal refreshes the count, then puts Roman back in the ring. He stomps away on Roman, then drops ax handles. Cover, TWO, and Mahal puts Roman in a chinlock. Sunil cheers Mahal while faking more soreness. Roman endures the squeeze, so Mahal shifts to clubbing crossfaces. Mahal puts the chinlock back on, but Roman endures. Roman gets up but Mahal throws him back down. Mahal grinds Roman down, then bends him back in a half camel clutch. Roman gets up, fights with body shots, then throws hands. He whips Mahal but Mahal reverses and sends Roman hard into buckles. Mahal aims and blasts Roman off the apron and into barriers.

Mahal goes out again to bring Roman up for a slapping right hand. He puts Roman back in the ring, then drops an elbow. Mahal grins as he controls Roman, covers, TWO. Mahal pulls on Roman’s hair, then twists his head. He puts Roman against the ropes and chokes him. Mahal drops springboard knees over and over, then grinds a knee into Roman. The referee backs him off, but Mahal is still grinning. Mahal clubs away on Roman over and over, then puts him back in the chinlock. Roman endures, stands up, but Mahal throws him down. Mahal wants the fans to pay attention to him, but then he misses his knee drop. Roman gets to a corner, then boots Mahal away. Roman uppercuts Mahal and rallies with clotheslines. He whips but Mahal reverses, only for Roman to still hit the leaping lariat.

Mahal gets to a corner, so Roman runs in, but into a boot. Mahal hops up, but Roman uppercuts him out of the air. Roman gives close range clotheslines while Chicago does the wave. Roman runs, but into a big knee! Mahal covers, TWO! Mahal can’t believe it, but he won’t let it stop him. He stalks Roman, preparing for the finish. Roman fights out and wants another Samoan Drop but Mahal slips out. Mahal shoves Roman, but gets a boot in return! Cover, TWO. Roman keeps his cool while he gets to a corner. Roman locks and loads, then takes am, but Mahal ducks. Mahal gets a waistlock, Roman standing switches but so does Mahal. Mahal kicks and lifts Roman, to hit a gutbuster drop! Cover, TWO! And Mahal is furious.

Mahal calms down, then drags Roman up. He puts Roman in the clutch but Roman backs him down and throws him off. SUPERMAN Punch! Cover, TWO, and Roman is surprised. Mahal crawls away, and Roman stands. Roman gets himself to a corner, and fans are a thunderous mix as he lets out the howl. Roman runs, but into a knee! Mahal puts him into a post! Roman is dazed but Mahal is catching his breath. Mahal gets up, sees Roman on the apron, and wallops him with a right. Roman hits back, and they brawl between the ropes. They go back and forth, Mahal throat chops, but Roman knees back. Roman hits a guillotine leg-drop!

Mahal tumbles out of the ring, and Roman hits the Drive-By Dropkick. Roman puts Mahal in the ring, but Sunil tries another cheat. Roman stops himself that time, and the referee sees Sunil isn’t as hurt as he acted. Mahal reaches at Mahal, but Roman uppercuts him away. SUPERMAN PUNCH to Sunil, then one to Mahal! Roman grins now, and takes aim at Sunil. He howls, and SPEARS Sunil! Roman returns to the ring, but Mahal rolls him up! TWO!! SPEAR!! Cover, Roman wins!

Winner: Roman, by pinfall

The Big Dog keeps The Yard under his control, and makes both Sunil and Mahal pay for getting in his way. Will Roman return to the title hunt now that he’s cleared out a fellow former world champion?

 

SmackDown Women’s Championship: Carmella VS Asuka!

This match is all about numbers: The Empress of Tomorrow was undefeated for 523 days; The Queen of Flair gave her her first loss at Wrestlemania 34; Charlotte lost the title to the FABULOUS Princess via her MITB cash-in. Therefore, Carmella is better than Charlotte AND Asuka. At least, in Carmella’s head, that’s how the math works out. Will Carmella prove her figures are correct? Or will she realize that she, like everyone else, is NOT ready for Asuka?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised and we begin! Fans know “Asuka’s gonna kill~ you~”, but Carmella ties up with Asuka anyway. Asuka powers Carmella to ropes, then backs off. Carmella shoves Asuka, then dodges and moonwalks. Asuka swings hands, and Carmella gets to ropes. Carmella dares her to do something while she’s in the ropes. Carmella brags and moonwalks again, but Asuka waits for her to return. The referee ends up stuck between them, but Asuka blocks the sucker kick. Asuka spins Carmella, but Carmella sucker SLAPS her. Yet Asuka grins.

Carmella says she’s not scared, but Asuka chases her. Asuka hits the hip attack, then more hip bumps. Carmella ends up in a corner, but she yanks Asuka in. Asuka blocks, then swipes and slaps and kicks Carmella down. Asuka throws Carmella through the ropes to kick away on her! Carmella is dazed, Asuka blasts her off with the hip attack! Carmella wants out, and snatches her title. She’s the champion, she has the advantage. But then she turns around into Asuka’s sliding knee! Asuka signals that the belt will be around her waist soon enough.

Asuka stalks Carmella with a smile, and grabs her by her hair. Carmella pushes Asuka away, then reels her into the post! Asuka goes down, and Carmella drags her up and in. Cover, TWO, so Carmella grinds Asuka’s face into the mat. Carmella puts Asuka in a modified double chicken wing hold. Asuka rolls but Carmella stops her heel into Asuka’s head. “Is this your Empress?!” Asuka endures, and rolls Carmella again, cover, TWO. Asuka pops out and chicken wings Carmella. Carmella fights off the lock, but misses the lariat. She narrowly dodges the back hand and mule kicks Asuka. Cover, TWO, so Carmella puts Asuka in the chinbar.

Carmella wants Asuka to quit, because Carmella isn’t afraid. Fans rally up for Asuka, and Asuka gets to her feet. Asuka fights back but Carmella wrangles her back down. Carmella pulls on the facelock, but Asuka refuses to quit. Asuka fights up and out again, and wrenches Carmella’s arm. Carmella knees low, then embraces the heat. She toys with Asuka, but Asuka goes up, only for Carmella to trip. Asuka denies the steiner, but misses her dropkick. Carmella waits, but her roundhouse is blocked, into a Kneebar! Carmella gets the ropes, so Asuka has to let go. Asuka and Carmella stand, but Carmella hits first with a back elbow.

Carmella toys with Asuka but fans rally and Asuka fires up. Asuka stands, Carmella slaps, so Asuka slaps back. Pop-up knee! Then the dropkick! Asuka kicks and kicks and kicks, but Carmella blocks one, only to end up in a German Suplex! Asuka hits another hip attack! Cover, TWO! Asuka grits her teeth and gets up again. She brings Carmella up, for the shoulder breaker, into Asuka chicken wing. Carmella grabs ropes, so Asuka throws palm strikes and kicks. Asuka runs, but Carmella holds ropes down, sending Asuka out! Carmella recovers while Asuka is down on the outside. The ring count climbs, but Asuka doesn’t stand until 6. Asuka climbs up but Carmella hotshots her. Carmella kicks and Asuka falls to the floor!

Carmella leaves Asuka to the mercy of the count, but Asuka stands, so Carmella DIVES! A FABULOUS tope takes Asuka down, and Carmella hurries to cover in the ring. TWO, and Carmella is furious. Another cover, TWO, another, TWO, and Carmella shrieks. Fans hope she does that “One More Time!” Carmella stands up, waits for Asuka, but Asuka blocks to back hand over and over, to then German. Carmella rolls, Asuka sits on it, TWO, Shining Wizard! But wait, who is that in Asuka’s gear? They stand on the apron as a strange distraction to both women. The fans have an idea, but Carmella rolls Asuka! TWO, pop-up knee! Asuka keeps looking at the phony on the corner, and the mask comes off. It’s JAMES ELLSWORTH!! He’s back~!

But Carmella hits the FABULOUS Kick! Cover, Carmella wins!

Winner: Carmella, by pinfall; still WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion

The Chinless Wonder returns to help his girl again. The anniversary of their #ScrewJobintheBank, it’s the perfect sequel. At least, perfect for Carmella. #MellaIsMoney, #MellaIsGold, #MellaIsChamp, and it’s all thanks to Jamie L. Will Asuka get her revenge on them in the near future?

 

WWE Championship Last Man Standing Match: AJ Styles VS Shinsuke Nakamura!

From Wrestlemania’s Dream (Re)Match, to the Greatest Royal Rumble’s greatest disqualification to Backlash’s count out draw, this rivalry has only escalated in animosity. Now, in a match where there is truly nothing held back, who will be THE Last Man Standing with the WWE Championship?

The bell rings, the two men circle, and the fans are already dueling at a fever pitch. Fans settle for chanting “Both These Guys!” as Styles and Nakamura tie up and push each other. They’re evenly matched, but Styles is getting an edge. Nakamura pushes Styles back, then knees low into a takedown. Styles headscissors but Nakamura pops out, and Styles rocks him with forearms. Styles chops Nakamura, then whips but Nakamura reverses into another knee. Nakamura runs, but into a dropkick! Styles waits for Nakamura, then chops him again. He bumps Nakamura off buckles in one corner, then another. Styles snapmares and kicks Nakamura in the back. Nakamura rolls and flounders, but Styles gets him with a forearm, then a backbreaker.

The count starts, but Nakamura gets up quick. Styles comes over, but Nakamura denies the suplex. Styles shifts and knees Nakamura, but runs into an elbow. Nakamura wakls over, but Styles body scissors Nakamura out of the ring. Nakamura flounders to his feet, so Styles slingshot forearms him down! A count begins, but Nakamura is up at 5. Styles keeps on Nakamura, putting him into a barrier. Nakamura is up quick, so Styles puts him into more barriers. Styles waits while Nakamura fights the count. Nakamura is up, so Styles goes to suplx him. Nakamura pushes Styles into barriers now, then Northern Light Suplexes Styles onto the ramp!

Both men are under the count, but Nakamura up at 3. Styles stirs, and gets up at 6, so Nakamura goes after him. They go back to the ring, but only for Nakamura to set Styles on the apron for the drive-by knee! Nakamura keeps going, using the steps to help for a guillotine stomp! Styles is down and the count begins. Styles stirs at 4, up at 5. Nakamura puts Styles in the ring, then takes his time entering. Nakamura stomps and kicks Styles in the corner while fans duel again. He drags Styles up, snapmare and knee drop. Style flounders, but he’s up. Nakamura toys with him now, disrespectful kicks to the head. Nakamura throws kicks into Styles, and Styles staggers all the way into ropes. Styles can barely stand but Nakamura just kicks him down hard.

A new count begins, and Styles stirs at 3. Styles uses ropes to help himself up at 5, but Nakamura is on him again with a grinding boot into this throat. And BAD Vibrations on top of it. Styles stops it part way, and hits back with haymakers. Nakamura knees, swings but hits the back heel kick! Styles is dazed while Nakamura grins. The new count reaches 5 while Styles crawls to ropes. Styles stands again, but Nakamura just hoists him onto the top rope. Nakamura clubs and elbows those ribs, then backs off to run back in, Top Shelf Knee! Styles tumbles to apron then to floor, and a new count begins.

Nakamura grins as he follows Styles out and around the ring. Styles hits back, but Nakamura makes him pay, bouncing his face off the steps. Nakamura takes those steps, he has something sinister in mind. He bends Styles backwards to give BAD Vibrations on the step. Nakamura then tosses Styles into the crowd! Nakamura practically slithers after Styles to kick him on the concrete. Styles gets up, Nakamura kicks him down again. Nakamura drags Styles up, then knees him against the wall. Nakamura swings but Styles ducks to counter. Styles hits Nakamura again and again, then kicks Nakamura against the barriers. Styles dumps Nakamura back into ringside, then uses the barrier to springboard, but Nakamura sweeps the legs! The Phenomenal One hits the floor, and a new count begins.

Nakamura is up at 6, and Styles is on his way up, so Nakamura bounces him off steel steps again. Styles slumps down, but Nakamura won’t let the count start. Nakamura drags Styles up for more kicks, then puts him in the ring. Fans chant “Too Sweet! Woop Woop!” to cheer on the former Club leader. Nakamura stalks Styles, still toying with him the entire time. Styles hits back, backs Nakamura down, then chops him. Nakamura ducks, Inverted Exploder but Styles lands on his feet to enziguri Nakamura into a corner. Styles whips Nakamura corner to corner, then runs in, but into a boot. Nakamura hops up, but Styles dropkicks him out of the air!

The count returns with both men down. It passes 5 as both men sit up. It reaches 8, and they stand to swing hands. Styles hits his Phenomenal Blitz! Then runs in for a corner clothesline, fireman’s carry but Nakamura slips out. Nakamura swings, misses, and Styles drops him with a wheelbarrow facebuster! Styles is up first but Nakamura isn’t far behind. Styles wants the Clash, but sensed that low blow coming! Nakamura regrets trying that trick again.

Nakamura blocks Styles’ kick, but the two bump heads on the Pele kick. Both men are under the count, but Styles is up. Nakamura narrowly avoids the sliding forearm, then hits the Inverted Exploder! Nakamura gets to a corner, fires himself up, and runs out, but into another forearm! A new count begins, but Styles is up at 6. He drags Nakamura up, fireman’s carry, Ushigoroshi! Nakamura falls limp, but stirs as the count restarts. Styles walks away to catch his breath. Nakamura crawls to a corner and stands up at 8. Styles runs in, but Nakamura puts him on the apron. Styles hits Nakamura away, springboards but into a roundhouse!

Both men are down, but use exiting the ring to stand back up. Nakamura comes around to fetch Styles, and put him into more barriers. He drags Styles up and around while fans duel, to gordbuster Styles into barriers. Nakamura clears off an announce desk, and drags Styles back up. He suplexes Styles onto the table, but the table holds. Nakamura is fine with that, he just clears the other announce desks off. Nakamura gets up on the Spanish announce table, runs across the American table, to sliding KINSHASA Styles on the German table!

Both men are down, as Nakamura used a lot of energy. The count begins, Nakamura is up at 4. Styles stirs at 7, rolls over at 8, and gets to his feet at 9. Fans are loving this, but Nakamura is furious. Nakamura bumps Styles off the desk, against the apron and into a post. Nakamura gives more knees and kicks, then puts him in the ring. He goes searching under the ring, and to Chicago’s liking, pulls out a table! Styles stirs in the ring while Nakamura gets the table up and in. Nakamura sets the table up but Styles staggers over. Nakamura kicks Styles and Styles lands on the legs of the table. Styles rolls away, and Nakamura finishes setting up the table.

Nakamura drags Styles over to a corner, hoists him up top, then climbs up to join him. Fans anticipate what he’s after, but Styles does, too. Styles slips down and out, but Nakamura holds the ropes! Nakamura hammers Styles, and Styles bumps into the table. The table goes sideways, so Nakamura gordbusters Styles on its edge! Nakamura resets the table while the count climbs. Nakamura puts the table up in a corner while Styles gets to a corner. Styles stands at 7, but Nakamura throws him into and through the table!! Nakamura grins while the count begins.

Styles is in the wreckage and the count passes 5. Nakamura grins and counts along, but Styles wakes up at 8! He stands at 9.5! Nakamura can’t believe it. Nakamura clears the wreckage from the ring, then takes the pad off the top buckle! He drags Styles from the ropes, and throws him at the buckle, but Styles blocks just in time! Styles elbows Nakamura away, then goes to do the same. Nakamura narrowly avoids hitting the buckle. He shoves Styles away, then knees and ax kicks him down. Nakamura sets Styles on the top rope, runs in, but that knee goes into the buckle! Nakamura clutches his leg while Styles stands back up. Styles kicks out the bad leg, then again.

Fans duel again, and Styles kicks the bad leg more. Nakamura writhes, but Styles shows no mercy. “Let’s see you stand now!” The count begins, and Nakamura writhes in pain. Nakamura drags himself to ropes by 5, but Styles is on him. Calf Crusher!! Styles tortures the leg, and it doesn’t matter if Nakamura taps or grabs ropes, because that’s not the match type. Styles lets Nakamura go, and leaves him to the count. The count reaches 5 before Nakamura gets to his knees. The bad leg gives out but Nakamura still hobbles up. Styles kicks the leg again, stalking Nakamura on the apron. Nakamura slumps out but Styles escalates as he borrows a steel chair from the timekeeper’s area.

SMACK on the leg!! Nakamura writhes, but fans want that “One More Time!” Nakamura begs, but SMACK, to the shoulder! Then SMACK on that leg! Styles watches Nakamura as he pleads with him. Styles says Too Sweet, but then LOW BLOW!

Both men are down, but Nakamura stands at 3. Styles is gasping for air at 7, but he somehow stands at 9! Nakamura just fires up, KINSHASA! They’re both down again, but Nakamura is stirring. The count passes 5 but Styles hasn’t moved. Styles wakes up at 6, rolls at 8, and stands at 9.5 again! Nakamura is beside himself with this. Nakamura finishes clearing the Spanish news desk, and brings Styles up with him. He lifts Styles, but that bad knee gives out. Styles slips down and shoves Nakamura onto the steel steps! Nakamura hits face first, then staggers up, but Styles hits with a Phenomenal Forearm! Styles flounders, but grabs Nakamura, for an elevated STYLES CLASH!!

Chicago loses its mind over that one. Styles drags himself up while Nakamura flounders. The count is at 7 but Nakamura is reaching. Nakamura is up?! That was 9.75! While Chicago says “This is Awesome,” Nakamura says, “C’MON!!” Styles kicks Nakamura in the nuts! Styles leaves Nakamura down on the outside, but then Chicago encourages him to finish it. He takes aim, springboards, PHENOMENAL FOREARM, through a table!! Fans lose their minds again while both men are being counted again. Styles sits up and stands at 7. Nakamura doesn’t, Styles wins!!

Winner: Styles; still WWE Champion

A truly phenomenal fight from the Phenomenal AJ Styles. He holds onto the belt while Nakamura gasps for air. With the Men’s MITB Ladder Match still to come, who will Styles soon have gunning for his title?

 

Raw Women’s Championship: Nia Jax VS Ronda Rousey!

This was meant to be a friendly competition between two great competitors. But from Stephanie McMahon pushing buttons to their mutual friendship with Natalya, this match became personal. In a battle of alpha females, who will prove themselves THE Baddest Woman in WWE?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and this highly anticipated title match begins! Nia powers Ronda right to a corner! She rams in shoulders, then drags Ronda out to throw her by her hair! Ronda stands, but gets squashed in a corner! Nia again throws Ronda, but misses this time. Ronda staggers up, but Nia is on her with a choke hold. Ronda hits with straight rights and backs Nia up! Nia powers back and headbutts Ronda down. Ronda gets to a corner again, but Nia squashes her, again. Nia drags Ronda out and lifts her up, playing with her food. But Ronda goes after the Kimura! She brings Nia to the mat!

Nia holds on and rolls for a cover, but Ronda just shifts to a triangle. Nia deadlifts Ronda! Ronda wrangles Nia back down, but Nia tries again. And she gets Ronda up, for a sit-out powerbomb!

Ronda feels what it’s like to take one of those, and she stumbles all the way out of the ring. Nia won’t settle for the count out, and she goes around the outside to fetch Ronda. Nia toys with Ronda, then lifts her again, but Ronda tries a headscissor. No go, and Nia just swings Ronda into barriers. Nia drags Ronda up and into the ring, covers, TWO! Nia grows annoyed with Rowdy Rousey, and dares her to get up. Ronda throws hands but falls to her knees from being dazed. Nia hauls Ronda up again, for a trophy lift and slam! Cover, TWO, and Nia grows further frustrate. Ronda boots Nia away, then leaps out for a guillotine!

Nia endures, this hold has been her weakness before. But Nia powers up! Ronda sunset flips, but Nia dribbles Ronda’s head off the mat. Nia does it again, and again, then shouts “I AM THE BADDEST!” before tossing Ronda again. Nia drags Ronda up and squeezes her in a bearhug. Ronda endures, pries her way out, but Nia gets her tight again. Nia keeps squeezing, but fans rally for Ronda. Ronda uses elbows and forearms to get free. Ronda keeps swinging, but Nia stays up. Nia shoves and SAMOAN DROPS Ronda! Cover, TWO! And Nia is shocked. But Nia calms herself, she’s had tough opponents before.

Ronda kicks from the mat, but Nia kicks her back. Nia drops the leg, but Ronda narrowly avoids it! Ronda gets to a corner, stands up, and dodges Nia. Nia goes into the post, and Ronda catches her breath on the top rope. Nia pulls herself out, but Ronda pulls her in for a hanging armbar! Ronda lets go at 4, but she ends up on the outside. Nia checks her arm, but it seems to be working. Ronda gets back up, and with fans encouraging her, she goes top rope. Ronda aims, and… JUMPS! Crossbody hits!

Cover, TWO, with authority. Ronda has Chicago behind her as she works on what to do next. But Ronda focuses and fires herself up. Ronda starts swinging hands! Then a knee! Nia goes to the ropes, but Ronda wants more. Ronda manages a judo takedown! Cover, TWO!! But that only fires Ronda up more. She goes after that arm! Nia resists, rolls it over, TWO. Ronda gets around, for a saido slam! ARMBAR!! But Nia still holds on to resist. Ronda and Nia fight over the grips, and it comes down to the very last finger…! Ronda gets it, but here comes Alexa!!

Winner: Nia, by disqualification; still WWE Raw Women’s Champion

The Goddess inadvertently saves her former friend, but it was mostly to screw over Ronda. Alexa SMACKS Nia, too, then SMACKS Ronda again and again. Alexa drags Ronda up, and puts her into the post! Ronda falls out, is it time!? Alexa tells the referee, she’s cashing- Wait, Ronda is still moving. Alexa changes her mind, and SMACKS Ronda again. She even throws Ronda over teh German announce desk. Alexa goes back to the ring, but Nia’s up, until Alexa swings wild! Nia’s arm is hurting, so Alexa hits her again. She’s doing it?! She’s cashing in!?

Raw Women’s Championship, MITB Cash-In: Nia Jax VS Alexa Bliss!

It’s official! Nia has one bad arm, but she’s not gonna refuse the challenge. Alexa kicks, DDT, and then goes after the arm. She climbs up while Nia is down, TWISTED BLISS!! Cover, Alexa wins!!

Winner: Alexa Bliss, by pinfall; becomes the NEW WWE Raw Women’s Champion

The Five Foot Fury was #GoddesintheBank for barely 90 minutes, but it pays off! She is now the FIVE TIME Women’s Champion. But with having stolen this from Nia and Ronda, will Alexa have that belt for long?

 

Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match!

It’s finally time for this PPV’s namesake match. From New Day to Rusev Day, GLORIOUS to Extraordinary, Prizefighter to A-Lister, and Destroyer to Monster, only one can be Mr. Money in the Bank.

But speaking of The New Day, they’re only allowed one member to be in this match. Awwww, Chicago, don’t you dare be sour, clap for KOFI KINGSTON, and feel~ the power~! We finally have our eight, and we begin!

The fans are strongly behind Kofi, but all 7 men realize: go after Strowman! The biggest and baddest is an obvious target, but then Miz breaks off to beat up on Finn Balor. Kevin Owens keeps the others united on Strowman, but then Roode hits Kofi, and Strowman knocks everyone away. Strowman bumps Joe on a buckle, then side slams Finn. He grabs Miz and shoves him into Roode, to then sandwich them both in the corner. Kevin runs in, but gets clobbered right down. Strowman roars and Chicago cheers with him. Strowman decides to “Get These Hands”, on a ladder. He brings one up and in, but Joe attacks from behind. Kofi leaps onto Strowman, too, and then Rusev hits Strowman. Finn hits Strowman, then Kevin runs in, to get swatted.

But Rusev and Miz and Finn and Roode all ram ladders into Strowman over and over, then bury him in steel! It’s a ladder pile, but sneaky Miz! He sets up a ladder in the ring, but that brings everyone after him. Joe stops Miz with a shove of the ladder, and Miz begs for mercy. They fight off Finn and Roode first, then Rusev. Miz grabs a ladder but Joe uses it to ram Miz into a corner. Kofi hits Trouble in Paradise on Joe! Then dropkicks that ladder into Miz! Kofi squashes Miz with that ladder, then has the fans fired up as he Boom Drops on top! Miz rolls out, but Kofi brings that ladder up. Fans chant “New! Day Rocks!” as he climbs. Kevin returns and drags him off, but Kofi avoids the pop-up to get a SUPERKICK.

Kevin climbs now, but Finn is there. Familiar foes fight, and Finn gets fingers on the case. Kevin yanks him down and hits him with forearms. Finn staggers, but resists the powerbomb to takedown and double stomp Kevin. Finn climbs again, but Roode returns to stop him. Roode bumps Finn off the rungs, then decides to climb up. Finn follows, but Roode kicks. Finn back drops out of the DDT, but Roode sunset flips, only for Finn to roll through and dropkick him. Roode rolls out, but here comes Kevin with a new ladder. Kevin rams Finn’s ribs, then makes a ramp. Kevin drags Finn up and over, fireman’s carry, but Finn slips down. Finn tosses Kevin out, but Kevin drags him out to throw him into a ladder. Finn staggers, into a SUPERKICK! He’s down on the American desk, but Kevin gets an idea.

Flashbacks to Raw, and Kevin prepares the desk. Kevin brings the very tall ladder over, climbs up from the apron, but then Rusev is climbing in the ring. Kevin stops him, but Rusev fights Kevin off, Fall Away Slam onto that ramp ladder! Joe returns, and goes after Rusev, putting him into the standing ladder. Joe keeps going, whipping Rusev into a corner for the back elbow and Pele! But Kofi springboards to ax handle Joe down and out. Kofi gets the ramp ladder out, then brings the other ladder up. Fans are on his side as he climbs again. Miz returns and stops that, but then Kofi kicks him out. Kofi avoids the ladder coming down on him, then climbs up to TRUST FALL!

But wait, Roode, Joe, Miz, Kevin and Rusev catch him! Finn FLIES and bowls them all over! The fans fire up with Finn,and he brings a ladder from the pile. Strowman comes back to life! And he grabs the same ladder Finn took. Strowman jams it into Finn, holds Roode and boots Finn before running over Kofi! Joe DIVES on the Monster! Strowman goes down from that hit, but not for long. Kevin SUPERKICKS Strowman, Rusev MACHKA Kicks him. Kevin smacks Strowman with a ladder, then Rusev stomps him. Rusev keeps Strowman down while Kevin fetches a table. Kevin has Rusev help him move Strowman over. But Strowman resists, so Joe uses the Coquina Clutch to choke Strowman out! SUPERKICK added on, and Strowman is definitely out.

Joe helps coordinate, and Kevin climbs that super sized ladder. Rusev and Joe hold Strowman down while Kevin reaches the top. Kevin aims, but Strowman won’t let them recreate the spot from Raw. He fights off Rusev and Joe, but Kevin begs Strowman to spare him. Strowman doesn’t, as he climbs up to grab Kevin! Strowman brings Kevin back up to the top, and then tosses him down onto the spare tables!!

Kevin crashes and fans lose their minds. Strowman returns to the ground, and rocks Joe and Rusev with punches and boots. Kofi runs in, but is tossed onto a ladder with a choke slam! Strowman barrels down the ramp, and BREAKS THROUGH the ladder Roode and Finn were using! Miz is in the ring with a ladder set up, but now he’s all alone with Strowman. Miz scrambles up but Strowman reaches at his feet. Strowman brings Miz down, then clubs him down. Now Strowman climbs, but Joe uses a ladder like a bat. Then like a battering ram. Joe clothelines Strowman out of the ring, but Strowman is still on his feet. Joe adjusts the ladder, and Finn blasts Strowman into the timekeeper’s area!

Finn goes after Joe, another familiar foe. They brawl, but here comes Roode. These former NXT Champions brawl, Roode putting Finn into a post. Joe clubs Roode then whips him into a corner. Roode boots Joe, then hops up to jump over, only for Joe to “sit your ass down!” Joe and Rusev brawl, Joe headbutts, but Rusev dumps Joe out. Rusev roundhouses Roode, but Kofi returns to swing. Rusev blocks to roundhouse Kofi upside-down! Fans fire up, because Rusev prepares a STACK-olade! Miz grabs Rusev but gets an elbow and MACHKA Kick! Miz ends up on the stack, and now Rusev goes for a TRIPLE! But Joe comes in, Coquina Clutch on Rusev!

Rusev arm-drags Joe, then MACHKA Kicks him. The Bulgarian Brute gets the ladder up, “RUSEV DAY! RUSEV DAY!” echoes as he climbs. He reaches the top, but Miz tips the ladder! Rusev goes down, but Miz sets the ladder back up. Miz reaches the top, but Kofi is back. Kofi headbutts Miz, reaches for the case, but Miz hits back. They brawl, reach, brawl again, reach again, but Roode tips them both down. Slingblade from Finn to Roode! Finn clotheslines Miz and Kofi out in turn, then dodges Roode to kick him in return. Roode goes down, and Finn realizes he’s by a ladder. Finn climbs up, aims down at Roode, and… SUPER COUP DE GRACE!!

Finn drags the ladder up, climbs, reaches, but Strowman returns! Strowman bounces Finn off the ladder, but Joe returns. Joe runs into a MONSTER Slam, but Miz scrambles up. Strowman stops him, with another Monster Slam! Strowman climbs, but so does Finn. They both reach the top, but Kofi springboards onto Strowman’s back to hitch a ride. They all reach, but they also brawl. Kofi teeters, but Strowman swats Finn. Kofi and Strowman fight awkwardly, but Storwman throws Kofi away. Strowman keeps climbing, grabs, and retrieves the case!

Winner: Braun Strowman; becomes the new Mr. MITB

Or, MONSTER in the Bank. King Kong ain’t got crap on Strowman! Strowman and Alexa Bliss, Team Little Big from the Mixed Match Challenge, sweep the MITB ladder matches, as does Raw! Stephanie McMahon won’t be upset with Angle, but will Paul Heyman and Brock Lesnar be upset that this force of nature can go after the Universal Championship at anytime, anywhere? Will Strowman #GetTheseHands on a title in the near future?

 


 

My Thoughts:

After the stinker that Backlash was, MITB redeems much of the main roster. Not all, but most of it. The kickoff match was actually so good, and I almost thought Gallows & Anderson were going to take it. But of course Harper & Rowan retain, because it was the kickoff show. Bryan-Cass opens the main show to fire up the fans even more, and it all seems to fit Bryan’s point: Cass doesn’t have wrestling skill, just size and strength. Bryan wins because he has the skills and the toughness, and hopefully this puts an end to their feud. Lashley and Sami, while having a lackluster and controversial build, did put on a good match. Chicago was on Sami’s side at first, but then Lashley got Chicago on his side with his pure power. I also hope this ends their rivalry, both men need to move on something with more substance.

Rollins does it again with that amazing IC title match. Elias is of course a star in his own right, but Rollins is just too hot not to go with. The Women’s MITB tore the house down, built it back up and then tore it down again. So much was going on, and it was all great. Even though Becky doesn’t win, the way it works out where the one true Heel wins just works in so many ways. Ronda VS Nia was great, too, Ronda really showing us all that she isn’t just for show. And with Alexa cashing in, man is that great Heel heat on her, while keeping Nia and Ronda strong.

Oddly, the timing was right on putting Roman VS Mahal next, then Carmella VS Asuka next, as they ended up the two poorer matches of the night. Chicago HATED Roman VS Mahal, and did everything they could to NOT go with it. Roman wins because duh, but Vince McMahon needs an intervention in order to realize this isn’t working. Carmella VS Asuka was good, but it got a bit deflated by the surprise-not-surprise appearance of James “No Chin but Two Hands” Ellsworth. In a vacuum, it’s great Heel moment to reunite this duo, but it kinda felt weird given how bland Roman VS Mahal was before it.

But then things picked back up. Styles VS Nakamura truly delivered with the Last Man Standing stipulation, maybe even going above and beyond. Styles has truly swept Nakamura, retaining every time, Nakamura logically should go to the back of the line. Let the men from the MITB match–Samoa Joe, The Miz, Rusev or even The New Day–give a go now. Maybe Nakamura can go after Hardy’s US Championship in the mean time. And speaking of the Men’s MITB, WOW. They somehow match or even outdo the Women’s, and Strowman is THE Monster in the Bank, as if it was going to be any other way.

My Score: 8.9/10

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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! 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:

 

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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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