One last chance for Michin!

Mia Yim has been trying and trying to win the WWE Women’s US Championship, will this finally be her night? Or will Chelsea Green find a way to survive?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Jimmy Uso VS Carmelo Hayes; Jimmy wins.
• WWE Women’s United States Championship: Chelsea Green w/ Piper Niven VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab; Mia wins, by disqualification, and Chelsea retains the title.
• 8 Man Tag: Motor City Machine Guns & Los Garza VS DIY & Pretty Deadly; MCMG & Los Garza win.
• Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; Naomi wins.
• The Miz VS Andrade; Andrade wins.
• LA Knight & Damian Priest VS Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; Knight & Priest win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Tonight, SmackDown’s first hour is COMMERCIAL FREE!

Michael Cole & Pat McAfee are here!

Maggle welcomes out Indianapolis’s own, and the fans cheer on “MCAFEE! MCAFEE!” as he joins Cole on stage. Pat appreciates everyone here so much. Since the day he got to start his dream job of being in the WWE after playing for this city and the Indianapolis Colts, he has been pleading bring a massive event to the greatest city on planet Earth! The Royal Rumble is tomorrow, we know it’s down the road. But if you’re in from out of town, from another country, what you are going to witness from this city is nothing short of world class! They host some of the biggest events every single year!

They host national championships, they host Olympic trials, they host Final Fours, they host everything, and they’re the best to ever do it because these people are the greatest on Earth! The bars are ready, the restaurants are ready, and the roof on Lucas Oil is ready to blow off! The Royal Rumble is tomorrow night, and it is the absolute perfect thing to happen. Pat loves this place, he loves the WWE, and he is so damn thankful to this city! Let’s have a Royal Rumble weekend! Maggle hands it off to Joe Tessitore in the ring, and he says what a great start to the show.

Last week, Joe had the distinct honor to interview Cody Rhodes, only for half an hour later, Kevin Owens appeared to question Joe’s integrity, claiming he is not getting fair treatment. So Joe will give the challenge proper time to be heard. Please welcome Kevin Owens. The fans boo as the Prizefighter makes his way out, wearing a classic KO duct tape shirt, and he joins Joe in the ring. The Winged Eagle and corporate logo belts hang above the ring as Kevin steps inside, but Kevin doesn’t even look at Joe as he hears the fans either boo or chant for Cody.

Joe says it has been very difficult to look past Kevin’s recent actions. The attacks, the threats, the attempts to hurt others. But as Kevin stood over Joe and stated his argument, Joe did think of his role in how he covers that. Joe does want to give Kevin his chance to be heard. So then in Kevin’s opinion, what is being misunderstood or misrepresented? Kevin says this is Joe’s way of making amends, right? This is him making it up to Kevin? Because last week, Kevin only saw Joe caring about Cody’s feelings, being a Cody fanboy. But don’t worry, Joe’s not the only one who disrespects Kevin.

Last Monday, Seth Rollins, CM Punk and Cody Rhodes all saying they were facing this or that person at WrestleMania, glossing over the fact that KEVIN will win tomorrow night at the Royal Rumble. Joe says he won’t apologize for doing his job of talking with Cody. But her does apologize if Kevin feels he hasn’t gotten a fair opportunity, and that is what this is for. Kevin asks if Joe thinks he’s a tough guy. No, he’s a 53-year-old broadcaster. Then Kevin doesn’t accept the apology. In fact, Joe can shove it! Kevin has nothing to say to Joe, he is just here to take the Winged Eagle back.

Kevin takes the belt down off the hanger, and says he’ll take the other one tomorrow night. Kevin says he’ll see you later, but then CM PUNK shows up! The fans cheer as The Second City Saint says, “It’s Clobbering Time!” Punk then high-fives fans on his way to the ring. Punk steps in and grabs himself a mic, the fans chant his name, but Kevin is not amused. The fans lose their minds seeing this stare down, but then boo as Kevin looks to speak. “Can I help you?” Punk says no, Kevin can’t. And Punk isn’t here to help Kevin, but to apologize. Sorry for interrupting Kevin, Punk knows how that feels, and he also knows there’s no love lost for Seth Rollins.

But Punk heard his name invoked so he took it as an invitation. The second apology is that Kevin makes great points, and Punk apologizes for looking past Kevin like it’s so automatic that Cody will get past Kevin. It isn’t, so again, Punk apologizes. But just so Kevin knows, when Punk wins the Royal Rumble match, and yes when he does, and if Kevin makes it past a very angry Cody Rhodes, then hell! The main event of WrestleMania could very well be Kevin Owens as champion VS CM Punk! And just man to man, face to face, Punk is coming for that title. So congratulations, champ, but it’s not gonna last long.

Kevin says he feels very conflicted right now. On one hand, there are a lot of guys in the Rumble that he likes more than Punk. In fact, there are 29 guys he likes more than Punk. And Kevin doesn’t even know who all is in that match, but still. But then, the thought of Punk and Kevin in the main event of WrestleMania, what sounds good is the thought of Kevin beating Punk’s ass in the main event of WrestleMania. Kevin knows what main-eventing Mania means. It is a goal Punk’s had since he was a kid. That’s why last year was so heartbreaking when Punk got hurt. In fact, when Punk left 10 years ago, he probably spent time regretting never main-eventing Mania.

But Punk is back and it is right at his fingertips, isn’t it? Kevin has to say, the idea of Punk never getting to main event WrestleMania is so good to Kevin. Kevin loves the idea of Punk never realizing his dream. Kevin gets a warm, fuzzy feeling when he pictures Punk, old, broken and alone, obsessing over the fact that Kevin is a multi-time WrestleMania main eventer while Punk goes to his grave a miserable failure. The fans boo as Kevin gets in Punk’s face with that. Kevin says he hopes Punk doesn’t win the Royal Rumble. Kevin takes his leave but Punk asks where he’s going. The party’s just getting started!

Yeah, sure, Punk hasn’t main-evented WrestleMania. That’s on him for setting goals that’re that big. But Kevin has! Twice! That’s good. Kevin’s done a lot in his career, he’s tough, one of the best, one of the biggest stars backstage. But here’s something Punk also hasn’t done that someone else has, stop him if you know who it is. Punk has never lost five title matches at the Royal Rumble. Oh, that was Kevin. Here’s a big one! Punk has never lost to Logan Paul. Oof, almost too stiff to repeat. And here’s something Punk hasn’t even done, nor attempted: Punk’s never manipulated his best friend, who he’s also stabbed in the back, all to help win the world title because he wasn’t confident enough.

Win, lose, or draw, Punk does things by himself. Kevin doesn’t, he takes shortcuts. Planets have to align, but realistically, two things have to happen tomorrow night for these two to be the main event of WrestleMania. One: Punk has to throw 29 other men that Kevin likes more than him over the top rope. Two: Kevin has to survive a very pissed off Cody in a dangerous ladder match. Only one thing has to happen for Kevin to get his ass kicked by Punk and that’s step back into the ring. Yeah, Punk may never wrestle the main event of WrestleMania, but he can still kick Kevin’s ass! Just get in the ring! Don’t be scared!

The fans cheer on Punk, the mics drop, and Kevin sets down the Winged Eagle. Only to then drop off the apron and take his leave for real. Punk mockingly applauds but the fans boo. Will Punk keep up his end of the WrestleMania main event by winning the Rumble? Can Kevin conquer Cody and be THE Undisputed WWE Champion?

The Miz talks with Nick Aldis.

The Hollywood A-Lister complains that the SmackDown General Manager says make new friends, he makes friends with A-Town Down Under, but then Aldis sends them away to Raw! Aldis says that wasn’t just his decision. Miz then brings up going to Andrade, offering him the role of a lifetime to work side-by-side with Miz, and then Andrade walks away?! That guy should be begging for the spotlight of Miz’s star power. Some people just doesn’t recognize greatness when it stares them in the face. Miz could’ve taught Andrade so much. If Andrade was here right now, Miz would punch him in his face, that’d teach him!

Aldis nods, and Miz realizes Andrade’s right behind him. Miz turns around and El Idolo says that sounded like a challenge. No, no, Miz is just saying Andrade was being stubborn, he could learn some things from Miz. Oh, learn something? Then prove it! Miz and Andrade, here tonight! No, Miz doesn’t have to prove anything. His career speaks for itself. But if Andrade wants a lesson in greatness, then fine! Miz will teach Andrade any time, anywhere! Then no time like the present! Aldis says Miz VS Andrade is a done deal! Andrade says see you out there. Aldis says this will be a barn burner. But will Miz be the one getting burned?

Jimmy Uso speaks.

“Yeah! so Carmelo wants to make a name off o’ Big Jim. The veteran VS the rookie! Hey, listen, dog! I’ve been to game 7. I’ve main-evented WrestleMania. But you? You got a lot to prove tonight. Because if you miss, it’s a rebound off the glass, shake ‘n’ bake, 360, BOOYAH! Ball game.” #BigJim is ready to dunk on H1M, but will Jimmy’s defense not be as good as his offense? Also, was that Shinsuke Nakamura lurking in the background…?

Jimmy Uso VS Carmelo Hayes!

As Melo makes his entrance, he has a mic, and he says that he wasn’t gonna come out here and say anything, but if Jimmy wants to talk, then let’s talk. Jimmy’s the one talking like he’s the one, but he’s really the two. And talking about Melo missing? Melo won’t miss because he ain’t Tyrese Halliburton. The Pacers fans boo, and Tyrese is even here! Melo tells Jimmy to get his guard up, because Melo’s about to drop 50 on his head! Melo goes to the ring, but Jimmy runs up! Melo HOTSHOTS Jimmy away, then CLOBBERS him! The bell rings, Melo stomps away, but the ref counts. Melo lets off, soaks up heat, and he whips Jimmy to ropes.

Melo ELBOWS Jimmy down, talks some smack, then stalks Jimmy to a corner. Melo CHOPS Jimmy, follows him to another corner, then CHOPS again! Melo HEADBUTTS Jimmy, but Melo’s the one who feels dizzy! Wade Barrett confirms on commentary, never headbutt a Samoan! Jimmy comes back to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Jimmy then pops, locks, but Melo kicks low. Melo whips, Jimmy reverses, but Melo turns hip toss into a takedown and lateral press! TWO, Jimmy ghost pins! TWO, and Jimmy UPPERCUTS Melo down! The fans fire up and Jimmy says No YEET. Jimmy whips Melo to ropes, but Melo grabs ropes!

Jimmy runs up, he LARIATS Melo up and out! Jimmy shouts out Tyrese and builds speed, but Melo CLOBBERS him! Melo KICKS Jimmy in the side, stomps him to a corner, then mocks the “UCE! OH!” HIP ATTACK! Melo dribbles and shoots his shot. Tyrese gives a thumbs down, wasn’t good form. Melo runs back in, but Jimmy avoids the hip toss! POP-UP DDT COUNTER! Melo turns that around on Jimmy then cover, TWO! Melo drags Jimmy up, tosses him out, then talks smack again. Melo builds speed, and he FLIES! Direct hit and Melo even lands on his feet! The fans boo but Melo brings Jimmy up.

Melo puts Jimmy in, then he gets in Tyrese’s face! Will Melo is a Boston guy. But Jimmy DIVES onto Melo! Big Jim didn’t miss, and he high-fives Tyrese. The fans rally up as Jimmy puts Melo in the ring. Jimmy aims but Melo dodges the superkick! Jimmy blocks Melo’s kick, Melo blocks Jimmy’s kick, but Jimmy hits the DRAGON WHIP! The fans fire up and Jimmy shows Melo how it’s done! “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” HIP ATTACK misses as Melo moves! But then Jimmy POP-UP SAMOAN DROPS! Cover, TWO! Melo survives that slam dunk but Jimmy goes up the corner. The fans rally for Jimmy as he reaches the top.

Melo CLUBS Jimmy on the back! Melo goes up the corner, fires hands on Jimmy, then reels him back in. Melo aims for the outside!? The fans boo but Jimmy blocks Melo’s suplex! Jimmy fires body shots, and he adjusts his position. Jimmy hits a SUPER QUICK DRAW NECKBREAKER!! Both men are down while the fans rally up! Jimmy rises, aims, and mule kicks! Then he pops, locks ‘n’ UPPERCUTS! Melo rebounds, Jimmy dodges, but Jimmy jumps into the FIRST 48!! Cover, TWO!! Melo grows frustrated but the fans rally up again! Melo says this is it, and he goes to ropes, Jimmy avoids the fadeaway to SUPERKICK!

The fans fire up and Jimmy covers, TWO! Melo survives but he does clutch his jaw. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and USO SPLASH onto knees! Melo cradles, TWO! Melo runs up, KNEES Jimmy down, then goes up the corner! The fans rally for Jimmy but Melo takes aim! FLYING SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Melo’s shocked that his copycat splash didn’t finish this! Melo grits his teeth and goes back to the corner. Melo says he’ll just hit that one more time. Melo climbs, the fans rally up for Jimmy, and Jimmy GAMANGIRIS Melo! Jimmy goes up to fireman’s carry Melo, but Melo fights free! And he rolls Jimmy, with ropes!

The ref sees that, he says no way! Jimmy rolls Melo up, with tights! JIMMY WINS!!

Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall

Big Jim grins as he gets the better of Melo! Melo has a lot to learn, but will no one get one over on H1M again?

Backstage interview with Chelsea Green & Piper Niven.

Byron Saxton is with the Women’s United States Champion and her “Secret Her-vice Agent.” Chelsea will defend her title against Michin one more time after she pinned Chelsea in last week’s tag team match. Is Chelsea concerned about what could happen tonight? Chelsea tells “Bryan” that last week, Mia Yim tried to destroy the face of the United States! So guess what? Tonight, Chelsea will return the favor. Then she heads straight to the Royal Rumble, wins the match, and gets herself, her Secret Her-vice, and her motorcade will parade all the way to WrestleMania, where Chelsea will again WIN!

The Hot Mess heads out, Piper by her side, but she has to stay focused on Michin. Will this be the last time the #RedWhiteandGreen has to worry about Code Blue? Or will Mia finally be the Head Baddie in Charge?

WWE Women’s United States Championship: Chelsea Green w/ Piper Niven VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab!

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and with the numbers even, we see who is really worthy of the title!

The bell rings, Mia and Chelsea tie up, and Chelsea throws Mia by her hair! Chelsea salutes, but Mia snatches her to a victory roll! TWO, and both women get up! Mia rolls Chelsea up, ONE! Chelsea bails out to hide behind Piper, and the fans are torn as Chelsea protests. Chelsea storms in, Mia grins, and the two reset. They circle, tie up, and they both pull hair! Chelsea puts Mia in the corner, the ref counts, but Chelsea SLAPS Mia! Mia is pissed and Chelsea runs away! Mia catches up to her for a GERMAN SU PLEX! And then another GERMAN SUPLEX! Chelsea elbows Mia, whips her, but Mia reverses! Chelsea bails out, but she forgets which side she’s on!

B-Fab spooks Chelsea, then Mia BOOTS her from the apron! Mia builds speed, and she DIVES! Down goes Chelsea and the fans fire up with Mia! Mia drags Chelsea up and into the ring, then covers, TWO! Chelsea stays in this but Mia stays on her with a wrench. Chelsea fights free to get away from Da Feet! Mia runs after Chelsea and RAMS her into the corner! Mia climbs up, rains down fists, and the fans count along! But Chelsea DUMPS Mia out at 5! The fans are torn, B-Fab tells Piper to stay back, and so does the ref. Chelsea goes out to SMACK Mia off the apron, then RAMS her in! And she SMACKS Mia off the apron!

Chelsea says pledge allegiance, idiots! Then she storms in for a cover, TWO! Chelsea clamps onto Mia with a chinlock but Mia endures the grind. The fans rally, Mia fights up, and Mia arm-drags free! Chelsea runs back up, and slides to BASEMENT FLATLINER! Chelsea says, “You like that?!” The fans are torn, but Chelsea motorcycle stretches and STOMPS Mia into buckles! Cover, TWO! Mia stays in this, Chelsea covers again, ONE!! Chelsea is frustrated, but she drags Mia up to facelock. Mia fights the squeeze but Chelsea thrashes her around. Mia fights up, the fans rally, and Mia fires body shots. And she blocks a suplex!

Mia suplexes Chelsea and the fans cheer! Mia and Chelsea go to corners, Chelsea runs up, but Mia BOOTS her! Mia goes up and RANAS! Chelsea tumbles, stands, blocks a kick, but not the mule kick! SOBAT! PELE! Mia runs to PENALTY KICK! Chelsea flounders to ropes but Mia says get this twerk! Mia runs in to CANNONBALL! Mia high stacks Chelsea, TWO! Mia grows frustrated but she drags Chelsea up, Chelsea rolls Mia! TWO! Chelsea goes for legs, but Mia blocks and backslides! TWO! Both women stay hooked up, and they fight up to their feet! Chelsea breaks free, wrenches Mia, turns her, but Mia jumps to body scissor roll!

Mia has the cover, TWO! Chelsea has body scissors now, GEDO CLUTCH! TWO! Mia escapes, wrenches, EAT DA FEET!! But Piper drags Chelsea to safety! The fans are torn, the ref reprimands, but B-Fab BOOTS Piper down! B-Fab puts Chelsea in for Mia but Chelsea scrambles away !Mia hurries to chase her down! Mia keeps Chelsea from getting into the crowd, but then Chelsea just goes the other way! Chelsea grabs the kendo stick and SMACKS Mia!! Chelsea disqualifies herself!!

Winner: Mia Yim, by disqualification (Chelsea retains the title)

When all else failed, Chelsea uses Champion’s Advantage to survive! And she SMACKS Mia even more! The fans fire up as Chelsea storms in after Mia, but then B-Fab gets Chelsea’s attention. Chelsea takes a swing, B-Fab gets away, and Mia gets up! Mia kicks Chelsea, takes the stick back, and she SMACKS Chelsea! And SMACKS her! And SMACKS her again! The fans cheer but Chelsea still runs away with the gold. Will Mia get one more chance because of the controversy?

Backstage interview with Bianca Belair & Naomi.

Byron is now with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, and says that chaotic conclusion to the US Championship match could very well be the same as in the Women’s Rumble. Both Bianca and Naomi are in that match, so he’s gotta ask, what happens if it comes down to just Naomi and Bianca? Bianca can’t believe everyone keeps asking them that. Bianca gets it, they are a tag team that’s going into the Royal Rumble, but they’re still going to be a team afterward, that’s all that matters. Naomi agrees, and they will support each other no matter the outcome.

Yes! Because if Bianca wins, Naomi will win! If Naomi doesn’t win, Bianca will win! It’s a win-win! Then they can point at the WrestleMania sign all excited, like this! Byron says that’s good, but we also know Liv & Raquel have their eyes on the tag titles. Bianca says they can try all they want, but Bianca & Naomi aren’t going down without a fight. Naomi says those two better be ready to Rumble. The champs head out, will Indianapolis all feel the StrongEST Glow?

Charlotte Flair speaks,

“‘Charlotte Flair, she’s selfish.’ I am. They say I’m greedy. Why wouldn’t I be? I have worked my ass off this past year to get where I am. I’ve heard the whispers, I’ve heard the stories. Guess what? They’re all true. There’s a reason why it’s lonely at the top. I don’t need to make friends. I’ve had one goal since I’ve started, and guess what? I reached that goal, I stayed on top for 10 years, and I’m not going to let this last year define me. I am fortunate, I am blessed, but I am also the history-making, groundbreaking, never scared, always prepared, self-made, always paid, THE Woman of WWE.” With a wink and a smile, The Queen is on her way back! Will her return through the Royal Rumble be just the thing to take her back to the mountaintop?

Damian Priest is here!

Indianapolis fires up seeing The Punisher make his way to the ring, truly part of the SmackDown brand after his win last week over Carmelo Hayes. Priest grabs a mic and says, “Four years ago, I started on Monday Night Raw. That’s all I’ve known since then. Back then, I cared about my name living forever. I wanted to make an impact, I wanted to be known. I went from betrayer to betrayed. I went from follower to leader. I went from a nobody to a world champion.” The fans cheer that! Priest says he isn’t going to live in the past, that was Raw. He is now here on SmackDown. He won’t try to make a name or an impact. Here, the goal is championships!

And that starts by throwing asses over the top rope in the Royal Rumble! When he does that, he secures his spot at WrestleMania! When that show goes off the air, it will be his hand raised as world champion! Wait, JACOB FATU is here?! He and Tama Tonga make their way out, fresh off of brutalizing Braun Strowman last week! They then go to the ring, but Priest does not back down. Samoan Werewolf and Good Bad Guy step into the ring, the fans lose their minds, and Tama fetches a mic for Jacob. “Yeeeeah~! Okay! I see you, wepa! I know who you are. I know what you’ve done. Hell, you accomplished a whole lot more than the rest of these suckers in the back!

“But me and you, man, we lot a way alike. See, we both got out the mud. We both got out the gutter. Hell, we both come from the streets! But the difference between me and you? I was locked down in that box! See, you can get your hair braided all you want, Priest, but don’t you ever get twisted when you come around me! Y’see, I’m off the leash  now! I’m a go-getter now! I’m all gas, no brakes now! So if you thought that you was gonna come to the blue brand and make a name for yourself, HELL NAH! UH-UH! I’ma let you know exactly how it’s going down here on this island now. It’s either lay down, or we will beat your ass down!

“Cuz now, the way I see things, it’s me and Tama Tonga running SmackDown right now! Yadada mean?! FATUUU~!” The fans are fired up, but Priest just stares Fatu down. “That’s it? That’s supposed to intimidate me, huh? That’s your best shot?” Priest then calls Fatu a pendejo! Priest says Fatu should know better! In fact, they both from the streets, so why’re they even talking?! The fans like the sound of that, and then Priest SUPERKICKS Tama! Fatu looks at Tama, but then he grins! The fans fire up as the mics drop, the vests come off, and the big men circle each other. Then Jacob roars, and the hands fly!

The fans fire up but Fatu puts Priest in a corner! Only for Priest to TOSS Fatu to the corner, and then he throws more hands! But Tama is up and he’s after Priest! Priest fires back, but now it’s 2v1! The fans boo as Fatu & Tama stomp and HEADBUTT away! Tama goes out to snatch a chair! The fans boo, but here comes LA KNIGHT! The Mega Star still has a score to settle, and he slides into the ring! Tama takes aim but Knight BOOTS the chair into him! Knight then takes the chair, but Fatu PUNCHES it away! But Priest SUPERKICKS Fatu! Knight SMACKS Fatu on the back!

Knight snatches the mic now, and he says, “You said you can lay down or you can get your ass beat down. You just got a beat down, and you can get it again! You all like to use the numbers over and over on everybody . Well I’ve got numbers for ya! I’ve got two you cross-eyed halfwits later tonight against these two! The Street Kings, Damian Priest, and the man the call The Mega Star, with everybody saying L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!!” The fans like the sound of that! Will it take a Priest and a Knight to take down the Samoan Werewolf?

Legado Del Fantasma talks backstage.

Santos Escobar tells Angel y Berto to own the ring. Motor City Machine Guns walk in and Chris Sabin says he knows they don’t really like MCMG, that is no secret. But to be honest, they’re not that fond of Legado. But tonight is a big match, they need to work together. Alex Shelley says they also need to be sure Los Garza is ready to win. Elektra Lopez says never mind MCMG, just look after each other. Escobar says that they have to do what they need to do tonight. Sabin tries to work things out but Santos says no, MCMG already has their tag title opportunity tomorrow. Meanwhile, Santos has to win the Royal Rumble to get an opportunity.

Legado is familia, they are still fighting for what they deserve. They shake hands, and Angel asks if MCMG heard that. Shelley says yeah, but it doesn’t matter. They’ll have Los Garza’s back. Berto says don’t worry about them, they know how to handle their business. But if MCMG beat DIY tomorrow, then Los Garza is coming after them next. Los Garza heads out, does this bode well for the star-studded 8 Man Tag? We’ll see, because that’s NEXT!

8 Man Tag: Motor City Machine Guns & Los Garza VS DIY & Pretty Deadly!

SmackDown returns and Los Garza enter, Lopez by their side. That leaves MCMG for last, and the teams sort out. Shelley starts against Ciampa, but then Ciampa says Elton Prince should get in on this. Ciampa tags Elton, but then Berto tags in off Shelley. They circle, Berto headlocks, but Elton powers up and out. Berto goes up and over, keeps moving, ducks ‘n’ dodges to springboard and BACK ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Berto drags Elton into an armlock and chinbar. Elton fights up but Berto wrangles him. SmackDown goes picture in picture to plug Love Hurts, premiering in theaters next Friday, while Elton fights up.

Elton pulls hair and puts Berto in the corner, then LAIRATS! Tag to Kit, Elton feeds Berto to Kit’s ELBOW! Kit stomps Berto’s arm, then SmackDown returns to single picture. Now Ciampa wants in so Kit tags him. But Berto JAWBREAKERS! Ciampa ducks the roundhouse but not the ENZIGIRI! Berto rolls back to MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Berto reaches out but Shelley snipes the tag. But then Angel tags in! Only for Sabin to tag in! The teams argue, but then MCMG let Los Garza handle Ciampa first. Angel holds Ciampa up and Berto runs, LEAP FROG ATTACK! Then they whip Ciampa to MCMG for the DREAM SEQUENCE!

Gargano runs in, but MCMG kick the legs out and DOUBLE KICK! Pretty Deadly run in, but Los Garza dodge and ALLEY-OOP DROPKICK! Some tense teamwork here, but then Shelley holds the way open! Sabin y Los Garza TRIPLE DIVE! Direct hit on DIY and Pretty Deadly, and the fans fire up while SmackDown goes picture in picture for real.

MCMG put Ciampa in, he goes to a corner, but Sabin climbs up on him. Sabin rains down fists, and he goes all the way to TEN! Sabin wrenches Ciampa, whips him corner to corner, but Elton takes the bump and Ciampa BOOTS Sabin down! Ciampa drags Sabin up, TOSSES him out, then he tags Kit. Pretty Deadly mugs Sabin, Los Garza storm over, but the ref has them stand down. Gargano taunts Los Garza, but Ciampa tells Pretty Deadly to stay on Sabin. Pretty Deadly UPPERCUTS Sabin, puts him in the ring, and Elton UPPERCUTS again! Tag to Kit, the mugging continues, and Elton holds Sabin in for Kit’s UPPERCUT!

Sabin sputters, Ciampa & Gargano cheer, and Pretty Deadly digs their boots in. The ref counts, Pretty Deadly lets off, and Kit drags Sabin up to ROCK him with a right! Kit stands on Sabin, tags in Ciampa, and they stomp him. Ciampa runs side to side to KNEE Sabin! Ciampa taunts Shelley, tags in Elton, and the mugging of Sabin continues. Elton soaks up the heat, CLUBS Sabin down, then stomps him around. Elton stomps away at the ropes, the ref counts, but Kit gets a cheap shot in. Elton drags Sabin up, then short arm LARIATS him down! SmackDown returns to single picture as Elton drops a leg, brother! Cover, TWO!

Elton CLUBS Sabin again, then pushes him to the corner. Tag to Kit, but Sabin fires forearms on everyone! Pretty Deadly kick low, then double whip! Sabin ducks ‘n ‘dodges to DOUBLE LARIAT! The fans fire up while Sabin and Pretty Deadly crawl! Gargano coaches Pretty deadly, but Sabin crawls, hot tag to- Angel?! He snipes Shelley in return! But he still rallies on Kit with lariats and haymakers! Angel whips, Kit reverses, but Angel ducks ‘n’ dodges and tilt-o-whirl RANAS! Then a FLAPJACK for Elton! And OFF COME THE PANTS! The fans fire up for Angel as he runs up, but Kit puts him on the apron! Angel ENZIGIRIS back!

Angel climbs, leaps, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Kit survives but Angel tags Berto. Los Garza hoist Kit up, but Kit fights free! Kit shoves Angel into Berto, Gargano sneaks a tag! Angel TOSSES Kit, Elton CLOBBERS Angel! Shelly BUCKLE SHOTS Elton! Ciampa ripcords and DECKS Shelley! Berto FLYING CHUCKS Ciampa! Gargano SLINGSHOT SPEARS Berto! Gargano then DIVES to take out Shelley! But Angel ARIHARA MOONSAULTS Pretty Deadly!! The fans fire up as Gargano runs back into the ring, but Berto sunset flips! And then deadlifts Gargano for a SITOUT POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!!

The fans fire up, “This is Awesome!” Berto is frustrated, but he sees Sabin at the corner. Berto drags Gargano over,  he wants Angel, but Sabin tags in! Angel argues with Sabin, and Berto shoves him! The fans boo, Sabin says this was him looking out for Los Garza! But then Ciampa tags in and KNEES Sabin down! Los Garza leaves and Ciampa says adios. Ciampa THROWS Sabin around, the fans boo, but Ciampa pats himself on the back. Ciampa puts Sabin in the ring, mockingly asks where his team went, then CHOPS him! Ciampa points out this is 4v1 now, and he CHOPS Sabin again! The fans boo but DIY & Pretty Deadly soak up heat.

Ciampa whips Sabin but Sabin uses that to DROPKICK Pretty Deadly down! Sabin dodges Ciampa, then kicks low to reel him in! Gargano runs up, Sabin kicks off Gargano to TORNADO DDT Ciampa! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as Shelley rises! But Gargano YANKS him down! Ciampa rolls Sabin, TWO!! Ciampa is furious, but he dodges Sabin. Sabin ducks a lariat, but not the next! Ciampa says that’s a homerun! Ciampa runs in, but Sabin dodges, that BOOT hits Elton! Ciampa says how stupid! But now Kit leaves Ciampa hanging! Sabin victory rolls Ciampa! MCMG & Los Garza win!!

Winners: Motor City Machine Guns & Los Garza, by pinfall

Dysfunction caused this all to fall apart, but Gargano tells MCMG they’ll have to pull that off twice tomorrow night! It will be the Best 2 Out of 3 Falls, but who will be the best tag team in the end?

Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga roam around backstage.

Fatu is mad after Priest & Knight turned the tables, but then Tama spots belts just sitting out in the open. DIY come by to grab them, and Tama just says, “Yehyehyehyehyeh.” DIY heads out, and they ask Pretty Deadly what the hell! Kit says what happened was DIY lost! Better yet, CIAMPA lost! Gargano keeps Ciampa from tearing into Kit, and Gargano says now is not the time for that! The Royal Rumble, 2 outta 3 falls, the biggest match of their lives! Elton tells Gargano to shut up, but Gargano says if DIY loses, then Pretty Deadly can kiss their title shots goodbye. Elton says tomorrow night, DIY is on their own.

Pretty Deadly stands up for themselves as they leave DIY behind, but Ciampa says they don’t need Pretty Deadly! Pretty Deadly should be thanking them! But while the Sicilian Psycho loses his cool, will he and Johnny Wrestling lose those belts?

Pat McAfee welcomes Tyrese Halliburton to the stage.

Indianapolis cheers their Olympic gold medalist as he shakes hands with Pat and Cole. Cole asks Tyrese how excited he is to have the Royal Rumble here. Tyrese is very excited. Doesn’t Indy deserve this? The fans agree with that. Pat says tomorrow, the Pacers take on the Atlanta Hawks right here, 5 PM Eastern. How’s that game gonna go? And can they expect to see him at the Royal Rumble? Tyrese says it’ll be a great game, the Pacers are hot, and they’ll keep it rolling. They’ll just win again tomorrow so Tyrese can watch the Rumble. Pat says the Pacers aren’t just hot, they’re the best team in the NBA and getting hot at the right time! They’ll hang a banner in this building cuz of Tyrese!

Cole says Tyrese had a great time during the Royal Rumble Kickoff Show earlier today. Pat brings out the “Patastrator” to show how that Kickoff Show ended. Maggle Cole, in very tight white slacks, went crowd surfing alongside The American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes. Cole looks like a doofus, Cody is having a great time! Cody is a champion, Cole is a drunk being carried out of the bar. But just look how many people showed up three HOURS before SmackDown just to start the Royal Rumble weekend! It’s off to a great start, but will Cody still be having a great time after having it out with Kevin Owens tomorrow night?

Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!

The WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions have had a busy week, and it’s far from over! They overcame NXT’s Meta Girls on Tuesday, but now circle back around to Judgment Day’s leading ladies from that dirty loss on Monday. Will Naomi make Liv #FeelTheGlow just 24 hours before the Rumble? Or will the Liv Morgan Revenge Tour be rolling on this Road to WrestleMania?

SmackDown returns and Liv makes her entrance, Raquel by her side. The bell rings and Liv circles with Naomi. They tie up, go around, but Naomi headlocks for the takeover. Liv headscissors but Naomi kips fere. Liv headlocks and grinds the hold, but Naomi powers up and out. Liv runs Naomi over, does her dance, then runs, only for Naomi to stay low. Naomi then hurdles over and arm-drags hard! Liv staggers up, takes a swing, but Naomi dodges to tilt-o-whirl and RANA! Liv tumbles out, Naomi eggs her on, and Liv stands up on the apron. Naomi runs up, Liv RAMS into her, then Liv whips Naomi to a corner.

Naomi goes up, catches Liv, and gives her the twerk attack! Raquel protests, Liv sputters and uses the ref’s shirt to wipe her face! but Naomi brings Liv up for an atomic drop! Liv ducks a roundhouse, and another, but then Naomi feints the third, ROUNDHOUSE after all! Liv sits right down and the fans fire up. Naomi runs and SPLIT LEG DROPS! Cover, TWO! Liv stays in this but Naomi stays on her. Naomi reels Liv in, suplexes, and she holds Liv up! The fans cheer as Naomi then SLAMS Liv down! Cover, TWO! Naomi whips, Liv reverses, but Naomi goes up, only for Raquel to be there! Liv trips Naomi and DRAPING BACKSTABBERS!

The fans boo but Liv covers, TWO! Liv is annoyed that Naomi is still in this, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Liv drags Naomi up and puts her on the ropes. Liv bends Naomi back but Naomi elbows free! Liv CLUBS Naomi on the back, then hooks her up in a body scissor int he ropes! The ref counts, Liv lets off, but Raquel gets a cheap shot in! Liv DROPKICKS Naomi in the back! Cover, TWO! Liv is frustrated again, drags her around, and then whips her to the corner hard! Naomi slumps down in the corner, Liv runs up, back body block! Liv whips again and Naomi hits buckles. Liv runs up to SHINING WIZARD! Snapmare, cover, TWO! Liv grows further frustrated but she watches Naomi go to ropes. Liv runs up, but Naoim ELBOWS her away!

Naomi ROCKS Liv, runs and gets around Liv, then waistlocks. Liv fights the hold, Naomi rolls Liv up, TWO! CODE BREAKER! Liv grins as she covers, TWO! Liv is almost amused, but she drags Naomi around into a chinlock. Naomi endures the squeeze, Bianca rallies the fans, and Naomi fights up. Naomi arm-drags free, but Liv comes back to SHOTGUN her down! Naomi goes to ropes, Liv drags her back to center, and then she high stacks, TWO! Naomi toughs it out but Liv HAMMERS away on her! Liv drags Naomi up, suplexes, and turns. That was Una Amiga, so here’s Dos Amigas! Liv hausl Naomi up for THREE AMIGAS!

Liv gives some Latina Heat, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Liv ENZIGIRIS! Cover, TWO! Naomi stays in this but Liv clamps on with a chinlock. The fans rally up, Naomi fights up, and Naomi fires body shots. Naomi ROCKS Liv, Liv ROCKS Naomi! Liv hops on for a SLEEPER, and has the body scissors on! Naomi carries Liv as a backpack, then powers up, and she turns this into a BACKPACK STUNNER! Both women are down and the fans rally up! Bianca coaches Naomi, Raquel coaches Liv, but Naomi goes to the corner. Liv runs in, Naomi goes up, but Liv stops the kick! But not the rebound ENZIGIRI!

Naomi rallies on Liv with elbows and uppercuts! Naomi slides under the lariat, mule kicks Liv, then AX KICKS her! Naomi SPANKS Liv, BUCKLE BULLDOGS her, then goes up the corner! Naomi hits a CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Liv survives but the fans rally up. Naomi brings Liv up, scoops her, but Liv slips free! Liv throws Naomi down by her hair! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Liv grins. Liv runs in at the corner, SHINING WIZARD! Liv kicks Naomi down, turns around, FLYING CODE BREAKER!! Cover, TWO!! Naomi survives and Liv is shocked! Naomi goes to ropes, but Liv runs up! Only for Naomi to BOOT her first!

Naomi TACKLES Liv, jackknife bridges, TWO! Liv scrambles up, but into a REARVIEW!! Naomi drags Liv to a drop zone, goes up the corner, but Raquel is there again! The fans boo, but Bianca YANKS Raquel down! Then Naomi SPLIT LEG- FLOP!! Liv avoids disaster, then sunset flips! TWO!! Cover from Naomi, NAOIM WINS!!

Winner: Naomi, by pinfall

Naomi snatches victory from the jaws of defeat, and she gets even with Liv! But Raquel CLOBBERS Naomi & Bianca!! The fans boo, Liv and Bianca brawl, Naomi dodges a lariat but the SOUTHPAW finds her! Raquel helps Liv with Bianca, BACKSTABBER into a BOOT! Raquel then drags Naomi next to Bianca, stacks them, and she hoists Liv up for the TEJANA SENTON!! The fans boo but Liv has an evil grin. Will she and Ricky Desperado not only win the Women’s Rumble but take those Women’s Tag Team Championships?

The Miz VS Andrade!

The Hollywood A-Lister wanted to be rid of The Wyatts, but he ended up on the same brand as them. He wanted to make an alliance with A-Town Down Under, but they get sent to Raw. He then wanted to make an alliance with El Idolo, only for Andrade to have other names in mind. Will anything go Miz’s way now that he’s here on SmackDown? Or will he just get smacked down for having a big ego?

SmackDown returns and Andrade makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two circle. The fans rally as the two tie up, and Miz arm-drags. Miz cheers himself on like he did something impressive, but Andrade shrugs it off. Andrade and Miz go again, Andrade headlocks, but Miz pulls hair! Miz whips but Andrade runs Miz over! Things keep going, Miz hurdles but Andrade blocks a hip toss to knee low! Andrade then goes up to RANA Miz to a corner! The fans cheer because that was impressive. Miz and Andrade knuckle lock, but then Miz kicks low! Miz fires hands, then stomps Andrade in the corner.

The ref counts, Miz stops, and Miz whips corner to corner. Andrade reverses but Miz BOOTS him away! Miz goes up to FLYING RANA! Okay, that was impressive! The fans cheer, Miz builds speed, and Miz- NO, Andrade avoids the dropkick! Miz avoids the lariat, he pops Andrade up to the apron, but Andrade handstands and RANAS again! Andrade then goes up to ASAI MOONSAULT! Down goes Miz and the fans fire up again! Andrade stands tall while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Miz has Andrade down! The fans rally for Andrade as he sits up, but Miz scuffs him, then KICKS him! Andrade eggs Miz on so Miz KICKS again! Miz eggs Andrade on, then gives him more “It Kicks!” Miz winds up, but Andrade ducks the buzzsaw! Andrade CHOPS Miz and Miz gasps for air! The fans fire up and Andrade comes back. Miz swings, Andrade grabs a leg, DRAGON SCREW! Andrade keeps moving, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then FLYING FOREARMS! Both men are down, but then Andrade kips up! The fans fire up, Andrade rallies them, and Miz goes to a corner. Andrade runs corner to corner, CIEN SHADOWS!

Andrade pushes Miz to a cover, TWO! Miz stays in this, but Andrade shakes his head. Andrade drags Miz up, reels him in, and underhooks the arms. Miz fights free, ROCKS Andrade, then runs, but into a BOOT! Andrade has Miz on ropes, the fans fire up again, and Andrade CHOPS! Andrade runs, but Miz follows! Miz tilt-o-whirls and DDTS! Cover, TWO! Andrade survives but Miz snarls, and Miz slithers back to watch Andrade. Miz runs up, A-LIST LARIAT in the corner! Miz pushes Andrade down, climbs up, but Andrade trips him up! Andrade fires forearms, then he climbs up to join Miz.

Andrade brings Miz to the very top, but Miz fights with body shots! The fans rally, Miz fires more shots, but Andrade returns fire! They go to the very top, SUPER SPANISH FLY!! Cover, TWO!! Miz survives and the fans fire up again! Andrade is actually a bit amused, and the fans agree, “This is Awesome!” Andrade drags Miz to the drop zone, goes up the corner, and the fans cheer again. MOONSAULT- NO, Miz rolls inward, no double shot for Andrade! Miz runs up, blocks the boot and the elbow, but Andrade fights the full nelson! Victory roll, TWO! Miz has it, TWO!! Miz runs, boot feint and ELBOW!! Cover, Andrade wins!!

Winner: Andrade, by pinfall

That elbow from the shadows continues to be deadly, and Andrade wins big! Will this momentum help El Idolo become the 2025 Royal Rumble winner?

Santos Escobar talks with Damian Priest.

The Emperor of Lucha welcomes Priest to SmackDown, and he says SmackDown can be a very hard place to survive in. Priest already knows. Next time he’s in trouble, it wouldn’t hurt to have Legado by his side, no? Priest tells Escobar that they’re not amigos, so why’s he even talking to him right now? Wow, Dom was right about Priest. This ego of his gets in the way. Priest warns Escobar to be very careful with his next words. Escobar says okay, he’ll take it easy. But he’ll be seeing Priest around. Priest says sure. But then wait! R-Truth is here? Truth says DP’s back on Raw! Uh, no, Truth, today is Friday, this is SmackDown.

Truth says Priest has to be careful, he can’t keep climbing in and out of windows. Priest needs to pick a show, and this is Raw. Truth just talked with Adam Pearce, and he has hair now, and a British accent. Very distinct. Priest tells Truth to never change. Knight walks in now and he says with all the fireworks out there, he has to make sure Priest is ready. Priest says he’s solid. Tonight, they’ll handle business. But tomorrow is a different story. When the bell rings on the Royal Rumble match, Priest “doesn’t know” Knight. Knight appreciates Priest explaining the Royal Rumble to him. So if it comes down to it, they’ll do what they’ve gotta do.

The same for tonight, because Tama & Jacob get their heads kicked in by Priest & Knight. Yeah? YEAH! WEPA! Truth welcomes them both to Raw! YEAH! Knight wants to correct Truth, but Priest says let it go. Truth says they should be a team! Well, two out of three ain’t bad. Will Truth ever get his head right? And again, was that Nakamura lurking in the background? What is the sinister samurai up to? Or rather, who is he after?

Tiffany Stratton is backstage.

But the WWE Women’s Champion encounters Zelina Vega. La Muneca says hi, and also says that now that she’s back on SmackDown, she won’t let opportunities go to waste. And to be honest, Zelina kinda has her eyes on that title. Who knows? Maybe the beginning of this journey starts with the Royal Rumble. Tiff says good luck with that, she’ll be sitting pretty while Zelina fights for her little life against 29 other women, just for a glimpse at the Tiffy Title. Tootles. The Center of the Universe heads to gorilla, what more will she have to say about this Road to WrestleMania?

Pat & Cole are in the ring.

SmackDown returns as our unofficial hosts for tonight have the mics. Pat puts up the question: Can John Cena win his third Royal Rumble match and tie Stone Cold Steve Austin’s record? The John Cena Retirement Tour truly starts tomorrow! Cole points out the Women’s Rumble match is also tomorrow, and someone who will be watching that match is their guest tonight. Please welcome out the WWE Women’s Champion, Tiffany Stratton! The fans cheer as Stratton struts her way to the ring. Tiff joins Pat & Cole, and Cole says he’s curious to know how her life has changed since cashing in her Money in the Bank contract to become WWE Women’s Champion.

Tiff says this may be her first world title on SmackDown, but she has always been championship material. The only difference between now and a year ago, is everyone else now knows it. The fans cheer that, and Pat says it is fantastic that it is #TiffyTime. He always wanted to say that. But he does know one way her life has changed: Now that she’s champion, everyone wants what she has. Tomorrow night, 30 women enter the Royal Rumble to fight and win an opportunity to take that from Tiffany. It could be Bianca Belair, Bayley, Candice LeRae, and a lot of others Tiff pissed off on the way to the top, like Nia Jax.

Tiff says didn’t we hear her last week? It doesn’t matter who wins tomorrow! Because it is ALWAYS Tiffy Time. If Nia wants to win, that’s fine. She underestimated Tiff before, and- Wait, Candice makes her way out here! Pat did namedrop the Poison Pixie, so she has a mic to tell Tiff, “You are pathetic. You don’t even deserve to say Nia’s name after what you did. And you know what? You didn’t just betray Nia, but you betrayed me. And so, you pissed a lot of people off, including me! Because you’re jealous! You’re jealous that Nia prefers me as a tag partner over you.” Candice steps into the ring to stare Tiff down.

Candice tells Tiff to enjoy what little bit of Tiffy~ Time~ she has left. Because Candice is in the Royal Rumble, and she’ll make Tiff regret ever stabbing them in the back! Tiff is supposed to be jealous of Candice? Tiff is the champion, and all Candice ever will be is a sidekick, unlike Tiff! And Candice will never be able to even touch this title! Wait, Nia runs in from behind! But Tiff dodges in time, and Candice takes the SPLASH! Nia realizes the mistake, but then she fireman’s carries tiff! Tiff slips free, fires forearms, then runs into a POP-UP HEADBUTT! Nia runs to add a LEG DROP, brother!

Nia drags Tiff to a corner, climbs up, and grins as she hits the A-NIA-LATOR!! Nia says take that, b*tch! The Irresistible Force has made it clear, win or lose in the Royal Rumble, Tiffy is her target! Will Nia steamroll her way down the Road to WrestleMania to once again be champion?

LA Knight & Damian Priest VS Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga!

The Mega Star helped even the odds earlier tonight, and now he stands alongside The Punisher against these rogues of the Bloodline! Will Knight & Priest be conquering heroes this close to the Royal Rumble? Or will the Samoan Werewolf & Guerilla of Destiny draw first blood?

Entrances are made picture in picture, but we return to single picture before Priest finishes his. The teams sort out, but then the brawl is on! The bell rings, Priest has Tama, Knight as Fatu! Priest puts Tama in a corner but Fatu fires haymakers on Knight! Knight dodges to then fire hands in return! Priest stomps away on Tama, Tama shoves free, but Priest DECKS him! Knight LARIATS Fatu, Fatu wobbles, so Knight & Priest DOUBLE BOOT Fatu out! The fans cheer, and Priest keeps on Tama. Tama fires body shots and fast hands! Tama whips, Priest blocks, and now Priest KICKS, KICKS, and KICKS! ROLLING ELBOW!

Priest winds up and he DECKS Tama again! Priest stares Fatu down, then he hauls Tama up. Priest wrenches Tama, tags Knight, and he hands the wristlock off. Knight wrenches but Tama ROCKS Knight! Tama HEADBUTTS Knight, fires hands, then tags in Fatu. They mug Knight, the ref counts, but Fatu HEADBUTTS Knight! Fatu talks smack, reels Knight in, and Fatu scoops. Knight sips free, RAMS Fatu into a corner, then hits a JUMPING NECKBREAKER! Knight stomps away in the corner and fans cheer, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight runs corner to corner, but into a KNEE from Fatu!

Fatu suplexes Knight, but Knight lands out to NECKBREAKER again! Cover, ONE!?! Knight is a bit surprised, but he brings Fatu over to tag Priest. They mug Fatu, then Priest ROCKS Fatu again! Priest fires more shots, sits Fatu down, but then whips him corner to corner hard! Priest runs up, but Fatu dodges! Priest ELBOWS back, goes up, but Tama creeps over! That’s enough for Fatu to come back and SPLASH! And then HIP ATTACK! Priest sputters but Fatu snarls. Fatu drags Priest up, HEADBUTTS him to the corner, and he tags in Tama. Tama fires elbows, the fans rally for Priest, but Tama CLUBS Priest!

Tama runs and SLIDING LARIATS! SPLASH, cover, ONE! Tama CLUBS Priest down, then he tags Jacob. Tama stomps Priest, then Fatu clamps the claws into the shoulders! Priest endures, the fans rally, and Knight reaches out. Priest fights up, fires body shots, and he ROCKS Fatu! Fatu UPPERCUTS! Then Fatu fireman’s carries, but Priest fights free! Priest ROCKS Fatu, BELL CLAPS him, then gets space, but Fatu UPPERCUTS! Fatu runs up, Priest BOOTS him! Priest ELBOWS Tama, BOOTS Fatu again, then Priest DECKS Tama! Fatu runs up, Priest TOSSES him out, and Priest hurries to hot tag Knight!

The fans fire up as Knight fires hands on Fatu, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Fatu puts Knight in a corner, runs up, but Knight dodges the splash! Knight dodges Tama, too, then LARIATS Tama down! Kick and DDT for Fatu! Knight goes up, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” DOUBLE JUMP ELBOW DROP! Direct hit and the fans fire up again! B F- NO, Fatu powers out, but then Knight BOOTS in return! And again! But Tama trips Knight up! Fatu CLOBBERS Knight! The fans are torn while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Fatu stalks Knight, drags him up, then whips him hard into the corner! Knight falls in a heap and Fatu tags Tama. Tama drags Knight up, snap suplexes him, then stalks him to a corner. Tama then gets space to go corner to corner, basement DROPKICK! Tama taunts Priest, taunts the fans, then he DROPKICKS Priest down! The ref reprimands but Tama HEADBUTTS and CLUBS Knight down! Tama rains down fists, stands on his neck, but steps off as the ref counts. Tama tags Fatu, they drag Knight from ropes and stomp him more. Fatu drags Knight onto the ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Fatu stops at 4, but Knight fires back!

Fatu UPPERCUTS Knight! Knight ends up in the corner and Fatu CLOBBERS him! Fatu paces around, while Knight crawls. Fatu stands Knight up, scoops him, but Knight slips free to fire hands! Knight fires more shots, then he back suplexes, only for Fatu to fight free! Fatu DECKS Knight! Fatu drags Knight up, brings him around, and POSTS him! Tag to Tama and Tama CLAWS Knight’s back! Tama steps in to CLAW Knight’s back again! The ref reprimands but Tama CLUBS Knight. Tama fishhooks Knight’s face, lets off as the ref counts, then CLUBS Knight down. Tama rains down fists and forearms, then clamps on a chinlock.

Knight endures while Tama leans on the hold. Tama thrashes Knight around, but Knight fights to his feet! Knight fires body shots, fights free, then runs, but into a kitchen sink knee! Tama tags Fatu and Fatu stalks Knight again. Fatu DECKS Priest with a sucker punch! The ref stops Priest from getting in, and Fatu bumps Knight off buckles. Fatu rains down fists in a corner, then lets off to storm around. Fatu gets geeked up, “FATU~!” HIP ATTACK only gets buckles! Knight crawls, Fatu hurries after, and Fatu back suplexes! Knight lands out, and he hits a BIG back suplex on Fatu! Both men are down and the fans fire up!

Knight and Fatu both cralw, they both hot tag! Priest rallies on Tama with big hands, then he dodges Fatu! Priest LAREIATS Fatu up and out, then FLAPJACKS Tama! Tama sputters, Priest goes corner to corner, ELBOW! Priest keeps moving, LEAPING LARIAT! The fans fire up while Tama bails out, but Priest goes out the side. Priest runs in and he POUNES Tama across the announce desk! The fans fire up but here comes Fatu! Priest SUPERKICKS him, but Fatu just roars! Fatu runs up, but into a FLATLINER onto the desk! Priest then POSTS Fatu, and Fatu finally falls! Priest fetches Tama while the ring count climbs.

Priest puts Tama in the ring, knuckle locks him and goes up the ropes. The fans fire up as Priest goes Old School for the CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Priest fires up with the fans, and he powers up the arm! Tama rises, Priest winds up, but Tama ROCKS Priest first! Priest ROUNDHOUSES in return! Tama comes back, Priest dodges and kicks low! Priest reels Tama in, hoists him up, but Tama fights around! SLEEPER! Tama has the body scissors and Priest drops to his knees! The fans rally as Priest endures, and Priest fights around. Priest rises again, and he RAMS Tama into the buckles! Priest is free, but Fatu is up!

Priest DECKS Fatu, Tama rolls Priest! TWO, and Priest swings! Priest ROCKS Tama, but Tama gets in the ref’s face, Fatu HEADBUTTS Priest from behind! VENOM DDT from Tama! Cover, Knight breaks it! The fans fire up, and then Knight BOOTS Fatu down! Knight goes up, and he CROSSBODIES Fatu over barriers! “This is Awesome!” as Tama and Priest are alone in the ring. Tama talks trash, runs the ropes, and SLIDING- NO!! Priest catches Tama with one hand!! Priest drags Tama up, to go SOUTH- NO, Tama slips free, shoves Priest, but the COMEBACKER hits hard! Priest brings down the straps and the fans are thunderous!

Priest tells Tama to rise, and Tama staggers up. Choke grip, and SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Knight win!

Winners: LA Knight & Damian Priest, by pinfall

But Fatu’s up again! SUPERKICK, POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! Fatu isn’t done with Priest, he goes up, up, and BEST MOONSAULT EVER!! The Samoan Werewolf is truly inhuman, will there be no stopping him in the Royal Rumble?

My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown, especially as the go-home to Royal Rumble tomorrow. It was also made extra special with the commercial free first hour, and with Michael Cole & Pat McAfee hosting it like they did the Kickoff Show this afternoon. Good opening promo from Joe Tessitore with Kevin Owens, and quite the surprise for CM Punk to show up. Good promo from Punk with Kevin to tease that match-up, but I don’t know if we really get Punk VS Kevin over Punk VS Cody. And nice little moment to have Tyrese Halliburton here because he’s a fan and the WWE wants to help bridge the gap to mainstream Indianapolis.

We got good promos from Zelina with Tiffany and Tiffany with Candice and Nia. Nia beats Tiff down so that Nia has momentum going into the Rumble, and as I said in the moment, Nia surely goes after Tiffany for the title regardless of the Rumble results. Very good promo from Miz with Aldis and Andrade, and a great match from Miz VS Andrade. I kinda hoped we would’ve gotten some Wyatt stuff during or after the match, but maybe that can happen during the Rumble match. With Zelina and Andrade on the same roster might give us a reunion between them, bringing things back to their NXT days.

Good promo from Chelsea ahead of her match with Mia, but I’m surprised Chelsea got herself disqualified. I have a feeling we do get one more match of Chelsea VS Mia, No Disqualifications or a Street Fight, even though we already got something like that with their Dumpster Match months ago. The No DQ would have to be the final match between Chelsea and Mia while Chelsea’s champion. Good promo from Naomi & Bianca before Naomi’s match with Liv, and that was a pretty good match. Naomi winning only for her and Bianca to get beat down was mostly so Liv & Raquel can have momentum going into a tag title match. I’m still thinking Jade Cargill returns to reveal Naomi is whodunnit, and that costs them the tag titles.

Great promo from Jimmy leading into his match with Carmelo Hayes, which was a great match. Jimmy is finally busting out these good singles matches, and a sneaky win to humble Melo is good stuff. Nakamura lurking during that promo is intriguing, and the same goes for him lurking during Priest talking with a lot of different superstars. Escobar assuming Priest would join up with Legado was technically logical, but that’ll probably be a feud after Priest is through with Fatu & Tama. Truth being Truth, he of course has his shows backwards. Truth is now on SmackDown, he will have a great time doing the usual shenanigans with a new cast.

Priest & Knight VS Fatu & Tama was great stuff, too, especially as an “impromptu” main event. Great win for Priest & Knight, but then of course Fatu stands tall afterward. Fatu is going to have a wild first Royal Rumble match, and I’d love if Fatu gets in on the US Championship scene. Nakamura did call out everyone on the roster, so he really should be a wild card Tweener type, facing anyone and everyone on SmackDown. Nakamura VS Priest, Nakamura VS Fatu, even Nakamura VS Jimmy, those are all great matches and feuds we can get between now and WrestleMania.

And of course, some great stuff in the tag division. Good promos from Legado with MCMG, a great 8 Man Tag, but naturally, both sides fall apart. Hooray for Pretty Deadly standing up to DIY and leaving them high ‘n’ dry. DIY VS MCMG could still go either way given it is a 2 Out of 3 Falls, but with Tama eyeing the tag titles, we can hope Tonga Loa or Hikuleo show up to team with him. Guerillas of Destiny VS DIY or Guerillas of Destiny VS MCMG are both great feuds, I’d love to see them both unfold between now and WrestleMania.

My Score: 8.8/10

Tanahashi’s Final Road to New Beginning!

Evil couldn’t end President Ace, but will The House of Torture still take the NEVER Openweight Six Man Championships from him?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Kickoff – Masatora Yasuda VS Daiki Nagai; Time Limit Draw.
• YOSHI-HASHI & Katsuya Murashima VS Ryohei Oiwa & Hartley Jackson; Oiwa & Jackson win.
• 8 Man Tag: El Phantasmo, Jado, Shota Umino & Togi Makabe VS The United Empire; ELP, Jado, Shota & Makabe win.
• Taichi & Taka Michinoku VS SANADA & Taiji Ishimori; Sanada & Taiji win.
• Tomohiro Ishii & Tomoaki Honma VS Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi; Naito & Hiromu win.
• Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Bullet Club War Dogs; War Dogs win.
• NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins and become the new NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions.
• Six Man Tag: Hirooki Goto, El Desperado & YOH VS TMDK; TMDK wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg VS The House of Torture!

Evil tried to make WrestleKingdom 19 the last time we saw President Ace in this ring but he failed! However, his minions will not stop in trying to ruin the rest of Tanahashi’s last year. Will Ren Narita, Yujiro Takahashi & Sho take these titles back to the House? Or will The Ace, Joker & Rook stand tall?

The House walks out here showing off the belts they literally stole back at New Year Dash, but now the tables have turned! Tanahashi and team attack The House from behind! The fans cheer as The House finally tastes their own medicine! Tanahashi snatches back the belts so that he, Yano & Oleg can stand with them in the ring. The House protests but they’re one to talk. The introductions are skipped, the bell rings, and the brawl is back on as Tanahashi’s team goes back out after The House! Yano whips Sho, but Sho reverses to send Yano into railing! Sho stomps away on Yano, then helps Ren mug Oleg!

Yujiro turns things around on Tanahashi, and then he brings Tanahashi out to No Man’s Land! Sho bends Oleg’s fingers, puts his hand through the railing and pulls! The fans rally for Tanahashi’s team while the ref reprimands The House. Yujiro puts Tanahashi in, then he, Sho & Ren all stomp away! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but The House all put one out on Tanahashi. Yujiro stands Tanahashi up, then he and Sho double whip Tanahashi corner to corner. Yujiro runs in but Tanahashi dodges! Tanahashi then dropkicks Sho’s leg, then he dropkicks Narita’s leg! The fans fire up and Tanahashi runs at Yujiro.

Yujiro dodges, but Tanahashi ELBOWS him away! Tanahashi goes up to CROSSBODY! The fans fire up again as Tanahashi air guitars. Tag to Yano and he TOSSES Yujiro out! Yano then brings Yujiro out into No Man’s Land, then to the back of the crowd to THROW into some open chairs! The fans cheer as Yano brings out that Great Bash Heel side, but the ref reprimands Yano. Yano tells the ref to leave him alone, and he has a chair! The ref stops Yano from hitting Yujiro! Yano argues with the ref, but now Sho & Ren mug Yano! The ref reprimands them but the mugging continues. Ren leads the ref away so Sho & Yujiro can CHOKE Yano with a chair!

The fans boo while The House also beats up Oleg & Tanahashi. Yujiro drags Yano up and then brings him back to ringside to POST him! Ren brings Oleg around with a headlock and sends him into railing! Then more railing! Then into the crowd! Yujiro uses Yano’s red chair to CHOKE him! The ring count finally starts, but Ren JAMS Oleg up with a chair! The count reaches 10 of 20 and The House returns to the ring. Yano is still down at 15! The fans rally, Yano rises up at 17, and he lurches in at 19! The fans cheer but Yujiro is annoyed. Yujiro drops a leg, then an elbow, then a HEADBUTT! Cover, TWO!

The fans cheer as Yano stays in this, but Ren sends Tanahashi into railing! Yujiro tags Sho, Sho CHOKES Yano with a boot to the neck! The ref counts, Sho stops, then Sho TOSSES Yano out! Sho keeps the ref distracted while Ren JAMS Yano up with a chair! Ren pushes Yano in, Sho covers, TWO! Yano survives and Sho is frustrated. Tag to Ren, he drags Yano up, and Ren whips Yano to ELBOW him down! Cover, TWO! Ren BLASTS Tanahashi off the apron! Ren grins as the ref now keeps Oleg back. Ren CHOKES Yano on the ropes, Sho joins in to CLAW Yano’s eyes, but then the ref counts. Ren lets off and Yano flops down.

Ren drags Yano up, but Yano pulls hair! Ren breaks free, knees low, then runs up. Yano dodges, clinches, and BELLY2BELLY SUPLEXES! The fans fire up, Yano hot tags Oleg! Oleg jumps in and CLOBBERS Ren! Oleg then deadlifts Ren, but Sho attacks! The fans boo, Sho runs, SPEAR bounces off of Oleg! Oleg then deadlifts Sho! Shake, Shake, Shake! But Yujiro CLUBS Oleg! Yujiro & Ren double whip, but Oleg DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLES! The fans fire up and Oleg runs at the corner to SPLASH Ren! Then he scoops and TOSSES Ren! The fans fire up as Oleg then runs to SPLASH! Cover, TWO!

Ren survives but Oleg deadlifts Ren right to the fireman’s carry! Ren fights free, CHOKES Oleg, but Oleg breaks free! Oleg winds up but Ren ducks the chop! Ren CHOKES Oleg, the ref counts, but Oleg CHOKES Ren! The fans cheer, and then Oleg TOSSES Ren to the corner! Tag to Tanahashi and the fans fire up! Oleg and Tanahashi haul Ren up, double whip him corner to corner, then Tanahashi sends Oleg in! Oleg ELBOWS Ren, then Tanahashi SPLASHES! Tanahashi scoops and SLAMS Ren into the drop zone! Oleg goes up, up and VADER BOMBS! Tanahashi goes up to SUNSET SENTON! Cover, Yujiro breaks it!

Oleg CLOBBERS Yujiro for that, then goes out after him. The fans fire up as Tanahashi powers up. Tanahashi runs, but Sho gets a cheap shot in! Ren BOOTS Tanahashi, tags Sho, and Sho BLASTS Yano! Yujiro turns things around on Oleg and now The House double whips President Ace! Sho runs in to forearm SMASH! Yuijro BOOTS! Ren ELBOWS Tanahashi! Ren & Sho snapmare Tanahashi, then hold the legs open! Yujiro shoves the ref aside, then FALLING HEADBUTTS Tanahashi down low! The fans boo but now Sho covers, TWO!! Tanahashi survives and Sho argues with the ref! The fans rally for Tanahashi, but Ren has his repaired pushup bar!

Ren takes aim, Tanahashi dodges, SHOTEI! Sho kicks, Tanahashi blocks to DRAGON SCREW! Yujiro runs up, but gets caught into a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! The fans fire up as Tanahashi crawls for his corner! Hot tag to Yano! Yano unties a buckle pad! The fans cheer, Yano whips, but Sho reverses! Yano stops from hitting the buckles, then he dodges Sho to send him into bare buckles! Yano rolls Sho up, TWO!! Sho escapes but Yano hurries to get Sho’s legs! Oleg hops in, CATAPULT into Oleg’s BELLY2BELLY! The fans fire up as Yano then stands Sho up, ONIGO- NO, Sho fights free! Sho dodges, but the ref stops him from hitting a low blow!

The ref and Sho argue, but Yujiro & Ren mug Yano! They double whip Yano, but Yano grabs ropes. Yano then sends Ren into Yujiro to DOUBLE LOW BLOW them! Atomic drop for Sho! Tanahashi runs up, SLINGBLADE! Oleg deadlifts Sho right into a fireman’s carry and DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! But YOSHINOBU KANEMARU is here! The Heel Master gets on the apron, but Young Lions already apprehend him! Yano hauls Sho up, for ONIGOROSHI!! Cover, KANEMARU TOSSES THE YOUNG LION ONTO THE REF! The fans boo but Kanemaru attacks Yano! But then Yano hits him with an atomic drop!

Kanemaru WHISKEY MISTS!? Sho LOW BLOWS Yano!! Sho rolls Yano up, HOUSE OF TORTURE WINS!!

Winners: The House of Torture, by pinfall (NEW NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions)

What a travesty! A miscarriage of justice! Evil isn’t even here, but his army of darkness just won the gold! Yano is upset, Tanahashi is disappointed, but Oleg is mad! Oleg storms back in, only for Yujiro to BELT SHOT him down! Yujiro then kicks Oleg out, and shows he’s pretty sore from the low blow. Will these belts help the House feel much, much better?

Six Man Tag: Hirooki Goto, El Desperado & YOH VS TMDK!

The Fierce Warrior won the New Japan Ranbo to earn his shot at the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, so that means he and Zack Sabre Jr. will do battle for the New Beginning! Will the Rogue Luchador & Direct Drive help Goto gain the upper hand? Or will Kosei Fujita & Robbie Eagles help The Mighty Front Man prepare for war?

The teams sort out while all of TMDK’s title belts are put aside. The Japanese Young Punk steps to Despy, so Despy accepts. The fans cheer and the bell rings. Despy and Fujita stare down while the fans rally. Despy has the majority, and the two circle. They feel things out, Despy facelocks but Fujita slips around to waistlock. Despy slips out, moves around, but Fujita stays on him. They go around, break, and the fans cheer. They tie up, Despy wrenches to hammerlock, but Fujita elbows free to hammerlock back. Despy switches, Fujita switches, repeat! They go hammerlock for hammerlock, but then Despy top wristlocks to wrangle FUjita!

The fans cheer, Fujita fights up, but Despy shifts to a cording hold. Fujtia whips but Despy reverses and arm-drags! Fujita comes back, he avoids the arm-drag, and then he CHOPS! Despy is stinging, but Fujita CHOPS him again! And CHOPS him again! The fans cheer, Fujita CHOPS again, but now Despy CHOPS! Fujita CHOPS, Despy ends up in the Mighty corner, and Eagles tags in. Eagles CHOPS, but then Despy CHOPS! Eagles shoves Despy and says he’s bored. He wants Yoh! The fans rally for Yoh, so Despy tags him in. The fans cheer as Yoh and Eagles circle. Wait, Yoh starts up the “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!”

Eagles is rather amused, and says not bad. Eagles starts it up for himself, but Yoh sneaks up! Eagles stops the schoolboy and sits on the cover, TWO and Yoh has the sunset flip! TWO, both men stand and point at the other! The fans applaud, then Yoh kicks low. Yoh whips, Eagles reverses to go up and around to arm-drag! Eagles runs in, Yoh sidesteps but Eagles hurdles. Eagles RANAS then WHEEL KICKS! Eagles kips up and the fans cheer. Eagles puts Yoh in a corner, and he says “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” CHOP CHOP CHOP! “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” CHOP CHOP CHOP! “ROBBIE!” CHOP! “ROBBIE!” CHOP! “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” CHOP CHOP CHOP!

The fans cheer while Yoh flounders around. Eagles whips, Goto sneaks a tag, then Goto & Yoh DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE Eagles! They BLAST ZSJ and Fujita, then call to Despy! Despy says no thanks, they can go ahead. “Se~ no!” DRUM BEAT on Eagles’ back! Goto asks if Despy is sure he doesn’t want in, and Despy says it’s fine. Goto CLUBS Eagles, but Eagles fires body shots! Eagles fires a forearm, but Goto knees low! Goto fireman’s carries, but Eagles fights free. Eagles waistlocks, Goto elbows free and runs, only for ZSJ to trip him up! Eagles BLASTS Yoh & Despy off the apron while Fujita basement dropkicks Goto!

ZSJ spins Goto around to be on the apron, then gives him a NECK TWIST! The fans cheer and ZSJ brings Goto out to UPPERCUT him down! ZSJ brings Goto up to UPPERCUT again, then UPPERCUTS him again! Goto stumbles and falls, Eagles CHOPS Yoh, and Fujita CHOPS Despy! ZSJ brings Goto up and wrenches his arm, then wrenches it again. But Goto fires forearms in return! ZSJ UPPERCUTS Goto again, the CHOPS continue by the ramp side, and ZSJ puts Goto in. Eagles tags ZSJ in whiel Fujita and Despy CHOP each other back and forth. ZSJ clamps on a headscissors and he squeezes tight!

Goto endures, reaches out, ROPEBREAK! ZSJ lets go cleanly and brings Goto to the corner. Tag to Fujita and he stomps Goto. Fujita drags Goto up while fans rally, and Fujita wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER! Fujtia wrenches again, ELBOW BREAKER! And again, ELBOW BREAKER! Fujita wrenches, top wristlocks, and he wrangles Goto to the mat. Fujita STOMPS that arm, then he tags Eagles. The Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions get Goto’s arms while ZSJ steps in to have a leg! Goto endures as TMDK cycles through the armlocks and leglocks! Red Shoes counts but TMDK keeps rotating before he reaches 4!

Then TMDK returns where they started, and Goto endures the DOUBLE STRAIGHT ARMBARS and INDIAN DEATHLOCK! Red Shoes counts, all three men let go at 4! ZSJ stands, he still has the deathlock, and he bridges back! Goto endures, keeps his shoulders up, but ZSJ stands to tag in Eagles. Eagles drags Goto around, then hits a KNEE JAMMER! Tag to Fujita, they drag Goto up, and they double whip him to ropes. They DOUBLE ELBOW Goto down, ZSJ hops in for a NECK TWIST! Goto sits up into a DOUBLE PENALTY KICK! Cover, Despy breaks it! The fans cheer but Red Shoes reprimands.

Despy stands down, but Fujita BLASTS him off the apron! Fujita drags Goto up, wrenches, and whips him to a corner. Fujita runs up to CHOP, then he snapmares to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer but Fujita coordinates with TMDK. Fujita drags Goto up, and he wants to do the Chaos drum thing? ZSJ isn’t so sure but Eagles is for it. Eagles steps in, but Yoh runs up! Eagles kicks Yoh, and “Se~ no!” Eagles & Fujita DRUM on Yoh! The fans cheer and ZSJ acts like he doesn’t know what’s going on. The fans cheer for ZSJ to join in, but he puts up the X, that’s not for him. Eagles & Fujita DRUM away on Goto!

Goto stands up and grabs Fujita by the face! Eagles CLUBS Goto, he and Fujita double whip, but Goto DOUBLE LARIATS first! The fans fire up while they’re all down! ZSJ storms in and grabs Goto’s leg! ANKLE LOCK! Goto endures, fights around, and rolls through to throw ZSJ! ZSJ comes back to RAM Goto, then he runs, only for Goto to RUN him over! The fans fire up while both men are down! Goto crawls, hot tag to Despy! Despy runs at the corner to ELBOW Fujita! Despy reels Fujita in for a suplex, high and hard! Cover, TWO! Despy fires up and the fans are with him! Fujita underhooks, PINCHE- NO, Fujita fights free!

Fujita swings but Despy blocks the chop! Despy knees low, whips, but Fujita reverses to GAMANGIRI! The fans cheer while both men are down! Fujita roars while he rises up, and he storms back to Despy. Fujita waistlocks, deadlifts Despy, but Despy fights the suplex with elbows! Despy is free, but Fujita runs up to slip around and backslide! Despy rolls through, Fujita KICKS him down! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up and Fujita fires up again. Fujita drags Despy back up, reels him in, and suplexes, but Despy fights that. Despy wrenches, but Fujita ROCKS him! Despy ROCKS Fujita in return!

Fujita and Despy keep the wristlock while they fire forearm after forearm back and forth! The fans rally up as the shots go faster and faster, but then both men wobble! Fujita fires a forearm, then another! Despy ROCKS Fujita in return! Despy runs, Eagles slips in, SOBAT! Fujita UPPERCUTS! Eagles scoops Despy but Yoh makes the save! Eagles kicks Yoh, he and Fujita double whip, but Yoh reverses to crisscross them into each other! FALCON- NO, Eagles slips out, but Yoh switches! Yoh feeds Eagles to Despy’s ELBOW! Yoh reels Eagles back in, FALCON ARROW! The fans fire up but Fujita runs up!

Despy & Yoh double kick, double whip, but Fujita DOUBLE SHOTGUNS! Fujita kips up, the fans fire up, and Fujita whips Despy, but Despy reverses to SPINEBUSTER! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Fujita and Despy crawl for their corners, hot tags to Goto and ZSJ! The fans fire up as both men run in, Goto LARIATS ZSJ! Goto roars and the fans are with him! Goto fires a flurry of forearms, then whips corner to corner. Goto runs in, MURAMASA! Then SAIDO! Cover, TWO! ZSJ survives and Goto fires up again! Goto fireman’s carries but ZSJ pulls on an arm! Goto powers out and ROCKS ZSJ!

Goto runs, ZSJ wrangles him to a FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Eagles & Fujita BLAST Yoh & Despy off the arm! They have Yoh & Despy stuck on the outside with armlocks while ZSJ has the DISARMER! Yoh breaks free of Eagles and DROPKICKS ZSJ! Eagles returns to SUPERKICK Yoh! Despy is in, Eagles slips around and feeds him to Fujita’s MISSILE DROPKICK! The fans fire up and TMDK drags Goto up. But Goto fires forearms on Eagles & Fujita! They DOUBLE CHOP, then double wrench! MAX- NO, Goto fights free and kicks Fujita! Goto deflects Eagles’ kick to LARIAT! Fujita kicks Goto, runs, but Goto follows! LARIAT!

ZSJ RAMS Goto, whips, but Goto reverses! Fireman’s carry, USHIGOROSHI! The fans fire up while ZSJ clutches his head. Goto hauls ZSJ up, dragon sleepers, but ZSJ drops down! Goto drops onto ZSJ for a cover, TWO!! ZSJ is up, Goto sends him into a corner! RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP, into a GOTO SAN SHIKI!! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ escapes, BOOTS Goto, then runs! DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Neither man falls, so DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! Goto roars, runs, but ZSJ KCIKS the lariat, PELES the other arm, then SWEEPS the legs! Goto falls, but then sits up, into a PENALTY KICK! The fans fire up and ZSJ hurries to drag Goto back up.

ZSJ scoops, ZACK- NO, Goto slips free and has the SLEEPER! Goto sits ZSJ and rolls him, GOTO NI SHIKI!! TWO!! ZSJ has the legs, JAPANESE LEG ROLL CLUTCH, with bridge!! TMDK WINS!!

Winners: TMDK, by pinfall

It was a fast and furious finish of technical holds, but who else but the best technical wrestler in the world would pull it out? Goto is frustrated for getting caught like that, but will he avenge himself in just 12 days?

As for TMDK, Eagles starts off by saying, “G’day, Sendai!” Eagles then pretends to check his watch, and asks, “Rocky doki desu ka? <Where is Rocky?> Zabishii. <How lonely.>” The fans chuckle at Eagles’ fake crying, and Eagles then tells Yoh & Rocky that next month in Osaka, see you then! The fans applaud, and then Eagles offers the mic to Fujita. The fans cheer Fujita on, and Fujita accepts. “That lariat turned me inside out, so I’ll keep this short! I’m beating El Desperado!” The fans cheer that, ready to see Fujita challenge Desperado for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship on Tuesday, February 4th!

And lastly, that brings things to The Front Man. ZSJ takes the mic to say, “People of Sendai, thank you very much!” The fans cheer, but then ZSJ tells “Ko-kun” and “Robbie-chan” to “cut that drumming bit. It was lame.” The fans chuckle again, and ZSJ says 2025 isn’t the Year of the Snake. No, it’s all orange! ZSJ promises that TMDK won’t just paint NJPW orange, but the entire world! “Osaka will be here soon enough. Goto, this is your last chance. Let’s make the most of it.” The fans like the sound of that! ZSJ says they’ll end with this: This year revolves around TMDK! Arigato gozaimashita! The fans are ready, will the New Beginning in Osaka be Mighty?

My Thoughts:

A very good event for NJPW, though “Road to” always indicates more tune-up filler than thriller. Gabe Kidd going after Yota Tsuji and the Global Heavyweight Championship is an interesting development, but that is going to be a great match. The NEVER Openweight Six Man Championship match was really good stuff, and I was only a little surprised that The House of Torture won. Firstly, Tanahashi has to lose those titles at some time, so might as well pull off the Band-Aid now before The New Beginning events. Then this works with the story from Oleg and Josh Barnett where Barnett wants to help Oleg reach that singles title level.

And very good Six Man Tag main event to not only build Goto VS ZSJ but also Desperado VS Fujita. Great win for TMDK, but we have a lot of other Road to New Beginning events to build Goto VS ZSJ. A lot of filler 10 Man Tags are on the schedule, but I probably won’t be bothering with those. Despy VS Fujita will be great, but Fujita and Eagles are already the tag champions, so I don’t see Fujita winning. As for Goto VS ZSJ, ZSJ said it himself that this is very likely Goto’s last chance at ever being the top champion in NJPW, but I don’t see Goto winning. It’ll be an epic battle, but I feel like ZSJ is going to stay on top.

My Score: 8.7/10