Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Live Results & Report! (10/16/18)

Published

7 years ago

October 16, 2018

It’s SmackDown episode 1000!! The Undertaker, Rey Mysterio AND Evolution will all be here to celebrate this milestone! Plus, more WWE World Cup qualifiers!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

AJ Styles & Daniel Bryan VS The Usos; The Usos win.
WWE World Cup Qualifier: The Miz VS Rusev; The Miz wins and qualifies for the WWE World Cup.
SmackDown Tag Team Championships: The New Day VS The Bar; The Bar wins and become the new SmackDown Tag Team Champions.
WWE World Cup Qualifier: Rey Mysterio VS Shinsuke Nakamura; Mysterio wins and qualifies for the WWE World Cup.

PLAY BY PLAY

SmackDown hits 1000!!

From Attitude Era to Ruthless Aggression to the NEW Era, the Blue Brand has always provided the WWE Universe with some of the most memorable moments in all of WWE history! From John Cena’s debut to the House that AJ Styles Built, there’s no less than 1000 favorite moments, and here’s to 1000 more.

Truth TV returns!

The newest hit talk show has its second episode on the 1000th episode of SmackDown! Over the years, Truth TV has had it’s share of memorable moments, but none more than tonight. Carmella reminds Truth they’ve only had one episode before this, and they were technically cancelled. Well then time for a DANCE BREAK! Truth and Carmella Floss, then return to their seats. Fans want “One More Time!” but they’ve got a show to run. Moving on to business, Truth’s guest needs no introduction. Well then, DANCE BREAK #2! But okay, with that over, Carmella says they really should introduce their guests. Then welcome to the ring, Stephanie McMahon?

The Raw Commissioner is here and heads to the ring, as she was a former Women’s Champion after a controversial match on SmackDown. But while she’s happy to be here, the fans aren’t so excited. Stephanie notes how she was the original SmackDown GM. She had a vision for this show, and it’s so great to see that vision come to life here on the 1000th episode. Truth, go ahead, ask away. Well then his first question is… Here comes the money! SHANE McMahon returns! THE SmackDown Commissioner joins his sister in the ring, and DC is happy to see him. Stephanie lets her brother have his moment, and wonders why she never gets any love. Shane officially welcomes us to the 1000th episode live from America’s capital!

But Shane watched that opening video package. There’s such amazing history on SmackDown, and this episode wouldn’t be possible without the fans. On behalf of the WWE, Shane thanks the fans in attendance and the millions watching at home for making both this show and all of the WWE a success. Stephanie complains that Shane just panders and that the fans should be smarter. Shane welcomes his sister to the “A Show”. No, it’s a show. It is only the second longest episodic television series because Raw is first. On Raw, their hold things to a higher standard, and certainly wouldn’t kick off with Truth TV. Stephanie says Raw is bigger and bolder. And yet Stephanie’s here to cash in on SmackDown’s popularity. What SmackDown does is put things on that fans want to see.

Wait! FATHER McMahon is here! The Chairman, Vincent Kennedy McMahon, heads to the ring! The fans like seeing him more than Stephanie, too! Vince takes a mic and Stephanie cheers her father on. Vince says no one wants to see his kids fight. The fans want to be entertained. That’s what the “E” stands for. But how to entertain on SmackDown 1000? Vince has an idea. How about a dance break? DC loves that! Shane tangos with Carmella while Stephanie does her best shimmy. This is just the opening, get ready for more big moments on this historical night!

AJ Styles & Daniel Bryan VS The Usos!

Crown Jewel will pit the Phenomenal One and The Yes Man against each other over the WWE Championship, but that’s not for a couple weeks now. Can champion and challenger get along long enough to win and escape the Uso Penitentiary?

SmackDown returns as Jimmy & Jey make their entrance, and the teams sort out. Bryan starts against Jey, and they shake hands to show respect. They circle in the ring and tie up. Bryan gets the headlock, but Jey powers out. Bryan runs him over and things speed up. Jey walks into a drop toehold and then Bryan Mahistrols, TWO! Bryan keeps on Jey with an arm wrench but Jey forearms out. Bryan gives a European Uppercut in return, then whips. Jimmy tags in while Jey reverses, and they both back elbow Bryan down. The Usos drop double elbows, then cover, TWO! Jimmy stays on Bryan with chops that put Bryan in the corner. Bryan hits back with kicks in the corner, but Jimmy headbutts. Jimmy whips corner to corner but Bryan goes under, to then Dragon Screw the leg!

Bryan tags Styles and DC fires up. Styles kicks Jimmy around but Jimmy grabs a headlock. Fans duel as Styles slips out to get his own headlock. Jimmy powers out but Styles hurdles him to then kick the leg again. Styles grabs the leg but Jey tags in. Jimmy shoves Styles, Styles misses the splash to get double kicks! Jey covers, TWO! Jey stalks Styles while fans rally up. He throws hands on Styles in a corner, but stops at the ref’s count of 4. Jey walks into Styles’ haymaker but gives an uppercut back. Jey whips Styles corner to corner hard! Styles goes down, clutching his side. Jey backs off and takes aim, “Uce! Oh!” hip attack is countered into the Calf Crusher! Bryan intercepts Jimmy into a Yes Lock!! Double submissions, but double ropebreak. The Usos escape while we go to picture in picture.

Bryan and Styles stand tall while the Usos regroup. Fans cheer ‘YES! YES!” for them both while teams return to their corners. The Usos talk strategy all the way, then return to the ring. Jimmy tags in and circles with Styles. They approach but Jimmy kicks low and headbutts hard. He stalks Styles to the ropes to give him a stiff chop! He drags Styles around and tags in Jey. The Usos split the wishbone! Styles writhes but Jey is on him. Jimmy tags back in and the Usos split the wishbone again. Jimmy circles Styles then tags Jey back in. The Usos mug Styles no, then Jey whips Styles. Styles slips out and throws a Phenomenal Blitz on Jey! He whips but Jimmy tags in, and the Usos double hotshot Styles! Bryan is worried while Jimmy covers, TWO!

The Usos keep their cool as Jimmy wraps a chinlock on Styles. Styles endures while Bryan and fans rally up. Styles gets up but Jimmy wrangles him back to the mat. Jimmy squeezes tighter but Styles sits back up. Styles gets up and fights his way out. Jimmy switches to a waistlock but Styles fights out of that, too. Styles blocks the kick but ends up getting the dragon whip enziguri! He staggers but Peles Jimmy down! We return to single picture as fans rally up again. Styles and Jimmy crawl towards their partners, hot tags to Jey and Bryan! Bryan rallies with right hands and left kicks in a corner! He whips but Jey reverses, only for Bryan to go up and over and DIVE on Jimmy! Bryan intercepts Jey, too, then climbs up top.

Bryan leaps for a missile dropkick! He kips up and DC fires up with him! Bryan aims at Jey, and gives him those YES Kicks! The buzzsaw hits! Cover, but Jimmy barely breaks that in time! Styles leaps in but Jimmy gets under, but Styles sends him back out. Styles brings Jey up but gets an uppercut. Bryan swings on Jey but Jey dodges, sending that punch into Styles! Jimmy tags in while Bryan check son Styles. Bryan ducks Jimmy, that SUPERKICK hits Styles! Bryan runs into DOUBLE SUPERKICKS!! Cover, The Usos wins!

Winners: The Usos, Jimmy pinning

The former tag team champions prove themselves the superior team, and this respectful rivalry between Bryan and Styles might change. Can Bryan and Styles manage to keep things civil on the way to Crown Jewel? Or is this battle bound to get personal?

SmackDown GMs reunite.

Paige meets with not just Vickie Guerrero, but Teddy Long, too! And sadly, John Laurinitis. But these GMs collaborated, and we get an amazing SmackDown Tag Team Championship match later tonight! Will the New Day keep their fifth reign going through episode 1000? Or will Cesaro & Sheamus prove that they don’t just set the bar, they ARE The Bar?!

SmackDown is EVOLUTION!

Though a predominantly Raw faction, Triple H, Batista, Randy Orton and Ric Flair have had their SmackDown moments. And now for #SD1000, they’re all here together again! Almost 50 total world title reigns between the four of them, the Viper, the Nature Boy, the Animal and The Game head to the ring. HHH starts by saying “1000 episodes! How do you accomplish something that monumental? You accomplish it by evolving.” Day by day, month by month, year by year. And how do you celebrate it? By bringing together the one group that epitomizes the word, “Evolution”. Ric Flair takes to the mic and fans “WOO~!” all over for him. 1000? You kidding? That’s a lifetime! And keep in mind, Ric likes 10000 more.

Orton speaks and says this brings back some fond memories. What better way for a young kid to get his start than with this group? But it was just a start, and Orton himself has evolved. While HHH runs the show, while Ric lives through his daughter and Batista spends more time in a make-up chair, Orton has been making a name for himself! Batista is DC’s own, and he admits that he’s a little nervous being back after so long. But he’ll enjoy every second of it, ignore what Orton said, and as many of the WWE Universe know, the last place he wants to be is with this mic in his hand. He thought about what he’d say on this special night, and has four things.

First, he wanted to be here tonight because it’s episode 1000! Episode 1000 of a brand he helped build! Second, the show is in his hometown “a poor kid who worked two blocks down the road bouncing at nightclubs for 13 years.” And here he is speaking to all of the fans, “it is a dream come true.” Third, is the fans themselves. The fans here, the fans around the world, booing and calling him “Bluetista” and all that, Batista always busted his ass for them! He loves the fans, and wanted nothing more than to entertain us. Didn’t matter if he won or lost, he just wanted to entertain, “You’re welcome.” And fans thank him for it.

Fourth and finally, not the least of which, is because he’d be with Evolution. Evolution is special. The molecules changed in the room when the four of them walk in. When that theme plays, “it’s a different vibe.” Four different world champions built a force unlike anything before or since. Batista points out Orton, a 13-time world champion. Batista knew Orton was great since OVW. Ric and HHH knew it, the fans knew it, Orton has more talent in his pinkie than most guys in their whole bodies. Ric Flair, “Space Mountain”, the 16-time world champion! There’s nothing Batista can say that we don’t already know. Or is there? “Keep that thing in your pants.”

And of course, HHH. The 14-time world champion who has single-handedly changed this business, runs this business and IS this business today! There’s nothing HHH hasn’t done. Except beat Batista. Fans do remember that, too. Orton and Ric are anticipating something going down as Batista and HHH stare down. Ric keeps the peace while Orton keeps his distance. But then HHH and Batista hug it out and it’s all good. The music hits and Ric says it’s party time. They all shake hands and hug again, and Evolution stands together. When and where, if at all, will we see these four together again?

WWE World Cup Qualifier: The Miz VS Rusev!

The Hollywood A-Lister may not be challenging for the world title, and the Bulgarian Lion may not have a tag team anymore, but that won’t stop either man from pursuing the title of best in the world today! Will Rusev MACHKA Miz even before the Mixed Match Challenge after this?

SmackDown returns at the bell and Rusev rushes Miz with a shoulder tackle to a corner! As a special bonus, Kurt Angle is on commentary, as he’s already in the WWE World Cup. He watches as Rusev runs and heel kicks Miz down. Fans rally for “Rusev Day!” as he stomps the mat. Miz stands up and bails out, but Rusev pursues. Rusev puts Miz back in but Miz distracts teh ref. Rusev comes in and attacks but Aiden English swipes at Rusev!? Miz rolls Rusev up, Miz wins!?

Winner: The Miz, by pinfall; qualifies for the WWE World Cup

The Drama King won’t let this drama go, as he tells Lana off about ruining Rusev Day. Lana tells him off with a kick to the crotch! Then Rusev comes around to grab English and throw him into steel steps! Twice! Rusev brings English up and throws him into the other steel steps, then rips English’s shirt off to throw him across the announce desk! The enraged Rusev looks ready to tear English apart, when and where will Revenge for One Night in Milwaukee come?

Curt Hawkins meets with Edge backstage!

The Rated R Superstar has nothing to help his former Edge-Head get over his insane losing streak. But he does have a talk show to get to, after the break!

The Cutting Edge returns!

The Rated R Suuuuperstar is back to host his WWE talk show, and says that a man he knew lived his life huge. It doesn’t get any bigger than episode 1000. So Edge just had to be here, because SmackDown was always his show. Edge’s greatest moments were here. He cashed in on The Undertaker, he competed against Eddie Guerrero in a No DQ classic that lives on to this day, and he then married Vickie Guerrero. Oh and he divorced Vickie, too. But needless to say, SmackDown means something special to Edge. The last few weeks, he’s been watching a certain something and had to come here to address it. “As strange as this sounds, the Rated R Superstar attempts to be SmackDown’s moral compass.” Yes, very weird. But with that, he introduces his first guest, Becky Lynch!

The Lass Kicker and SmackDown Women’s Champion heads to the ring, holding her title up high. DC is happy to see Becky, and Edge thanks her for being here. They’ll get to Charlotte eventually, but Edge watched Becky make her entrance. They have some similarities. Becky admits she did model her career after him, and appreciates being brought to the Cutting Edge. He clearly sees what she sees. And Edge wants her to hear him out. He wasn’t supposed to be a main event player, the one on the posters and handpicked by the company. Edge scratched, clawed and bit for his opportunities, just like Becky. Fans let them both know, “You Deserve It!”

But Edge hopes Becky understands something. It seems like the right move to throw a friend away, but that’s not the right choice. Edge hopes she hears him out. He made those same choices. If there was a relationship in his way, he stepped on it and crushed it! He left a trail of burnt bridges behind him, but the thing is, you can win all the titles you want and be on all the posters and ads you want, but your choices will change you. They will stain your soul. Edge still sees the good in Becky, and lets her know that the end result of all this, is her “sitting in your home, staring at the championships on your wall, reminiscing about all of your accomplishments, by yourself.” Becky, here’s the kicker: you won’t even like yourself.

Becky sees where Edge is going with this. She doesn’t like herself anymore. She LOVES herself! Becky doesn’t want someone to condescend to her. Get out of her ring, and careful you don’t hurt your neck on the way out. DC erupts for the defiant champion, but here comes The Queen! Charlotte can’t believe Becky went there. But it seems it doesn’t matter what anyone says, Becky only cares about the title belt. That’s why Becky cheated at Super Show Down and then ran away last week before being put through the LEDs! Becky stands defiant but Charlotte enters the ring. Becky loves this new self? Then she’ll love what Charlotte does to her. RIGHT NOW! The fight is on again!

Both women trade hands and referees rush in. They barely pull the two apart, but neither woman wants to stop. Charlotte gets back in to SPEAR Becky down! Charlotte hammers away but Becky kicks and claws back. The refs and security manage to pull them apart again, but there won’t be any stopping them at WWE Evolution. Who will be THE Last Woman Standing?!

SmackDown Tag Team Championships: The New Day VS The Bar!

Awwww DC~! Prepare for a major title match on episode 1000! And The King and Booker T join commentary via the New Day section! But sharing pancakes and positivity aside, can ya boys, the five-time tag team champions retain? Or will Cesaro & Sheamus make this night historic for their own careers?

The bell rings and Sheamus starts against Xavier Woods. Sheamus gets a headlock and takedown, but Woods gets back up. Woods powers out but Sheamus runs him over. Sheamus brings Woods up to wrench his arm and whip him corner to corner. Fans want pancakes while Woods goes up and over. Things speed up and Woods slides to hit a raring elbow. He runs and tilt-o-whirl headscissors Sheamus, to then dropkick him down. Cover, ONE, and Sheamus has Woods on the ropes. King and Booker comment as The Bar get a cheap shot in. Tag to Cesaro and they stomp away on Woods. Cesaro sits Woods up for a seated cobra clutch.

Fans rally and Woods feeds off the energy. Cesaro shoves Woods but runs into forearms. Sheamus tags in and The Bar double whip and Bar Lariat Woods down. The Bar hug and have control while we go picture in picture. Sheamus taunts Big E while kicking Woods on the mat. Sheamus wraps Woods up in an armlock and grinds his forearm on Woods’ face. The referee reprimands Sheamus but he shifts to a chinbar. WOods endures and makes his way up, but Sheamus holds on with a facelock. Woods reaches for Big E, but Sheamus lifts him and brings him back to The Bar’s corner. Tag to Cesaro and Cesaro gives a big EuroUpper. Cover, TWO, but Cesaro is on Woods with a grounded cobra clutch.

Woods endures and DC rallies with Kofi Kingston on the outside. Woods feeds off the energy again, but Cesaro wrangles him back down. Cesaro cranks on the almost crossface-like clutch, but Woods fights out. Cesaro shoves him but Woods dumps Cesaro out! Woods crawls but Cesaro tags to Sheamus. Sheamus yanks Woods up as we return to single picture. Woods slips out of the back suplex, then dodges Sheamus to send him into the post! Both men are down and DC rallies up again. Woods crawls, Sheamus tags Cesaro, hot tag to Big E! Big E rallies with overhead belly2belly suplexes! He hits the side belly2belly, too, and then swivels those hips. Big E runs but has to clothesline Sheamus out. Cesaro rolls E up, TWO! Cesaro runs into the urenage! Cover, TWO!

Big E stalks Cesaro, scoops him up, but Sheamus saves Cesaro. Sheamus tags in and gives Big E a big knee! He runs but the Brogue misses! Big E tags Woods to then DIVE through Sheamus! He puts Sheamus in for Woods, who hits the Shining Wizard! Cover, TWO!! The New Day keeps its cool as Woods fires up. Woods tags Big E back in, and Big E scoops Sheamus. Sheamus slips out but Woods jumps over him as Big E hits post. Woods runs into the fireman’s carry and Cesaro tags in. Rolling senton for Woods, but Big E gives Sheamus the Big Ending! Cesaro gives Big E the Gotch Neutralizer! Cover, but Woods breaks it! This already incredible match rolls on while we go to break!

SmackDown returns and Big E puts Cesaro sideways on the top rope. Big E clubs away on Cesaro then climbs up. He brings Cesaro up to join him, but Sheamus comes in with a tag. Sheamus clubs Big E and brings him around for a powerbomb position, that Cesaro adds a EuroUpper to! Sheamus covers with feet on the ropes, but Kofi stops that! Kofi won’t allow that, but Sheamus glares him down, so that Cesaro will clobber him! But then Woods FLIES! Only to be caught and thrown into barriers! Sheamus goes back in the ring to refresh the count. The Bar clears off the New Day pancake tables, but WELL~! Here comes The Big Show?! What does he have against The Bar?! The Giant still storms his way to the ring, fury in his eyes.

Big Show comes around and The Bar backs off. Show helps Kofi up, to CHOKE SLAM HIM!? Through the table!! Why, Big Show, why!? But Big E turns around into a BROGUE! Cover, THE BAR WINS!!

Winners: The Bar, Sheamus pinning; NEW SmackDown Tag Team Champions

Is the Big Show on The Bar’s side?! Is The Bar now a trio!? If so, will anyone hope to take those titles back with the World’s Largest Athlete watching The Bar’s back?

John Cena speaks.

“A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, there was only Monday night Raw.” But then the People’s Champ gave us SmackDown in both the dictionary and on our television. It was a chance for new talent from Randy Orton to Batista, to some kid who said he had Ruthless Aggression. Cena regrets slapping Kurt Angle, but he doesn’t regret his evolution as a WWE superstar. SmackDown 1000 is a TV milestone that only happened thanks to the fans. Cena has been so thankful to being “invisible” on many episodes, and hopes to have many more chances. When and where will we see, or rather, Can’t See John Cena again?

WWE World Cup Qualifier: Rey Mysterio VS Shinsuke Nakamura!

The King of Lucha returns to SmackDown! And not only that, but he’s immediately getting a shot at the tournament to prove who is the best in the world today! Can he overcome the United States of Nakamerica to do it? Or will the King of Strong Style welcome him back with a #Knee2Face?

The bell rings and the two circle. Nakamura backs Rey to a corner and kicks him down. He drives in knees, then snapmares Rey for a knee drop. Cover, ONE, and Rey gets to a corner. Nakamura is on him with more knees, but Rey kicks back. Rey throws forearms to back Nakamura down but Nakamura fires off forearms and knees. Nakamura squeezes Rey with a facelock, perhaps wanting a guillotine. Rey endures as fans rally up. He fights back with body shots but Nakamura knees and brings him to the mat. Rey endures the squeeze as fans rally and he fights his way up and out. Rey whips, Nakamura attempts to reverse but Rey follows, to tilt-o-whirl Nakamura down. Nakamura stands up and Rey is on him with forearms.

Nakamura knees Rey again, then gives more knees to the head. He has Rey down, but Rey dodges the Kinshasah to kick Nakamura into place. Rey runs but Nakamura bails out. Rey gives Nakamura a wrecking ball dropkick, then builds speed to SLIDE! The low-pe splash hits and DC loves it. Rey catches his breath while the 10 count begins. Fans let him know “You Still Got It!” as he puts Nakamura in. Rey climbs up but Nakamura trips him up! Nakamura stomps Rey in the Tree of Woe and gives him Bad Vibration! The King of Strong Style has control of the King of Lucha while we go to break.

SmackDown returns as Rey hits the seated senton! He clubs Nakamura then whips. Nakamura puts Rey on the apron but Rey shoulders back in. Rey climbs up but Nakamura trips him up. Nakamura climbs up and drags Rey into a fireman’s carry. Rey fights back and gets around, for a SUPER HURICANRANA! Cover, TWO!! Both kings of wrestling are down, but DC rallies up. Rey goes to the apron and springboards, into a gutbuster! Nakamura hauls Rey up onto the top rope, for the Top Shelf Knee! He dumps Rey down and covers, TWO! Nakamura keeps his cool as he drags Rey up and around, for the inverted exploder! He runs, but into a victory roll! TWO!

Rey ducks the right but gets the left kick, and Nakamura aims again! Rey ducks the Kinshasa and kicks Nakamura down. He gives another huricanrana, has Nakamura in place, 6-1-9!! Springboard splash! Rey wins!!

Winner: Rey Mysterio, by pinfall; qualifies for the WWE World Cup

The King of Lucha surprises himself, but he has defeated the King of Strong Style to move on to an incredibly star-studded tournament! Will Mysterio again be the victorious underdog when he goes up against the WWE’s best?

The Undertaker is here!

The Dead Man was another living legend that made SmackDown what it is today, and he is back for episode 1000! He is also here because Crown Jewel sees a #FirstTimeEver as The Brothers of Destruction reunite to face the reunited Degeneration X. Taker takes the ring, and takes a mic, and after hearing the fans give a standing ovation, speaks. “At Crown Jewel, I’ve got three words for DX: Rest… In… Peace…!!” The Phenom doesn’t need to say anything more. Destruction comes for DX, which legendary duo will survive their first-ever in-ring encounter?

My Thoughts:

An incredible episode for the 1000th episode of SmackDown! We were given a lot of info going in but there were still many more surprises tonight. Truth TV gave us all three main McMahon family members being their usual selves but also having fun celebrating this big accomplishment, because 1000 episodes of their second show is as big for their family as it is for their company given they’ve been in charge the entire time. But it was nice for fans, too, because at least the McMahons were being nice tonight. I really hope Truth TV keeps going, fans obviously really like it.

Styles & Bryan VS Usos was a great match, and it accomplished the mission of stirring things up a bit between champion and challengers. The Miz stirred up some things but clearly there will be more to escalate the tension between Styles and Bryan, though I’d love to see one more promo segment where they’re both passive aggressive about things. And this big win helps the Usos, too. They’re not singles guys but a win over two great singles guys can definitely help them back to the titles. And speaking of the titles, New Day VS The Bar was great, and who would’ve thought Big Show would turn and join Cesaro & Sheamus to make a new trio. I say that with plenty of sarcasm, though, Big Show loves going back and forth between Face and Heel.

The Evolution reunion promo was great, a total feel-good moment for the historic episode. Given that, it explains why Orton didn’t just RKO all three of our “heroes”. Though I did like the implication of a #OneLastTime HHH VS Batista story. After HHH & HBK finish with Taker & Kane, I bet that’s where The Game is headed next. Speaking of Taker, his promo was short and sweet, but I would’ve liked for him to share some of his own SmackDown nostalgia. Perhaps the Evolution promo went long and so it had to be taken from Taker’s. Even so, him showing up to say even that much was fine, it’s been awhile since he’s been on both shows in the same week.

The main focus of tonight was still Crown Jewel and the World Cup. Obviously WWE is still leaving the words “Saudi Arabia” out of it all, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t still happening there. The Miz benefits from the Rusev-English story to get in, but Miz really is one of WWE’s best so it’s fitting that he’s part of the tournament. Rusev and English also have progression in their story, and now it’s gonna be really good to see. Rusev has to go over, English is building up too much momentum for it not to go the Face’s way. Then Mysterio VS Nakamura was great, especially for Rey’s return. The irony is that Rey has been wrestling a lot lately outside of WWE so it’s not like he’s that rusty. Obviously Mysterio wins, so I’m hoping he gets a US Title shot after Crown Jewel, win or lose.

My Score: 8.8/10

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Coverage

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

One step closer to the end!

Published

1 hour ago

June 20, 2025

Steven Mitchell

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 ???
King of the Ring Semifinals: Randy Orton VS Sami Zayn; wins and advances to Night of Champions.
Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman VS LA Knight; wins.
John Cena VS Ron Killings; wins.

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?

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Coverage

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

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

Published

23 hours ago

June 19, 2025

Andrew Balaz

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.

.@Kelly_WP is back in TNA Wrestling and has a message for TNA Knockouts World Champion @mashaslamovich!

WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/cF0F1ZKKuL pic.twitter.com/tnm4TIuPUz

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 20, 2025

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?

.@indi_hartwell has a run in with Tessa Blanchard!

WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/cF0F1ZLikj pic.twitter.com/I6UCCk2fAG

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 20, 2025

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