Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Monday Night Raw Results & Report! (12/24/18)
It’s the Raw Before Christmas, and all in one night, we get the Raw Women’s title, the Raw Tag Titles, AND a Christmas Street Fight!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Miracle on 34th Street Fight: Elias VS Bobby Lashley w/ Lio Rush; Elias wins.
- Raw Tag Team Championships: Bobby Roode & Chad Gable VS The Revival; Roode & Gable win and retain the Raw Tag Team Championships.
- Triple Threat: Finn Balor VS Dolph Ziggler VS Drew McIntyre; Finn wins.
- Six Woman Tag: Mickie James, Alicia Fox & Dana Brooke VS Sasha Banks, Bayley & Ember Moon; Banks, Bayley & Moon win.
- Raw Women’s Championship: Ronda Rousey VS Natalya; Rousey wins and retains the Raw Women’s Championship.
- Heath Slater VS Jinder Mahal w/ The Singh Brothers; Slater wins, by disqualification.
- Seth Rollins VS Baron Corbin; Rollins wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Ladies and Gentlemen: Elias.
The Drifter is here and in the holiday spirit. He gets the fans into the mood with his guitar playing, too. Elias’ eyes are lit with fire and has a question for us: “Who Wants to Walk With Elias?!” Fans sure do. Elias feels this is a fitting opening for tonight. There are three truths that follow: peace on Earth; goodwill towards man; and that WWE means “Walk With Elias!” Now Elias truly knows it’s better to give than receive, and he will give us all what we’ve wanted: beating and humiliating Bobby Lashley. But first, he has the greatest gift and that is an Elias Christmas Song. It will surely be an instant classic. So gather around, put your hands up, silence phones, and let the power of Elias fill your soul.
“Children can be so annoying~. Especially this time of year. But nothing is more annoying than Lio Rush, especially when he’s pointing at Lashley’s rear. Under the mistletoe~, beautiful women Elias will be kissin’. But my Christmas wish is that Bobby Lashley goes missin’.” Christmas with Elias, blessings to all of you, but when times get tough, just ask “What Would Elias Do?” He hopes the New Year brings you all good luck. But if it doesn’t, just remember, you could be Bobby Lashley, and Bobby Lashley Sucks! Fans sing along with the chorus, but Lashley & Lio appear!
Miracle on 34th Street Fight: Elias VS Bobby Lashley w/ Lio Rush!
Elias may sing songs and make the occasional joke, but for a Merry Christmas, Lashley & Lio hope they leave Elias broke. Will it be a holly jolly or a blue Christmas for The Drifter this year?
The bell rings and Lashley goes right at Elias with a spinebuster! Lashley throws hands and then puts Elias in a corner. He clubs away but Elias fights back, only for Lashley to get back at him. Lashley drags Elias out for a neckbreaker! Fans boo while Lashley brings Elias up to bump him off buckles. Fans repeat “Lashley Sucks!” while Lashley rams his shoulder into Elias. Lashley clubs Elias and then stomps a mudhole in. He grinds his boot into Elias, then brings Elias up to whip him corner to corner. Elias goes up but Lashley catches him. Lashley puts Elias on the apron to punch down to the floor. Lashley then goes out to bring the tray of cookies around. But Elias gets Lashley with the tree! Elias body slams the tree onto Lashley over and over, then CHOPS him around the way.
Elias chops Lashley towards the presents, and clotheslines him down. Fans fire up with Elias as he prepares a special present: a kendo candy cane! But Lio snatches it away! Lio is a bit of a Grinch, but Elias still sees Lashley run in, and drop toeholds him into steps! The Rocky Mountain Machine is down while we go to break.
Raw returns and Elias throws hands and chops on Lashley. Elias rocks Lashley with a European Uppercut but runs into a complete shot! Both men are down and Lio rallies up Lashley while fans rally for Elias. But since Street Fights are No Disqualification, Lio climbs up and aims at Elias. Lashley gives him the green light, but the Final Hour flies onto knees! Elias gets up but Lashley is on him. Lashley suplexes but Elias slips out to roll Lashley up! TWO, and Lashley hits another spinebuster! Lashley catches his breath before stomping Elias, then clubbing him down. Lashley throws Elias out and stands on him against the barriers! He even flexes double guns. Lashley rams Elias into barriers, then picks up a couple presents. He arranges them nicely, to scoop slam Elias on them! Hopefully those weren’t for anyone special…
Lashley drags Elias up and into the ring, then stalks him to a corner. He elbows Elias in the head, then again. Lashley backs off corner to corner to run back in, but into boots! Elias runs out, but into an overhead belly2belly! Lashley adjusts his headband while Lio fetches him a very big present. Lashley opens it up to reveal LEGOs! Fans know what’s coming now as Lashley drags Elias over. Lashley hoists Elias up high then climbs up to join him. Lashley clubs away on Elias, but Elias fights back! Fans chant “We Want Legos!” while Lio coaches Lashley on. But Elias gets an edge, and Lashley falls on the legos! Some pieces get stuck in Lashley’s back! But Lashley still gets up and goes over to Elias, to get a fire extinguisher blast!
Elias keeps blasting Lashley, then whips him into Lio! Lio falls through the buffet table! Elias hits Lashley with a big knee, then with the side of the extinguisher! He stomps a mudhole into Lashley, then fetches one of the presents. And he pulls out a bowling ball! Elias lines it up, bowls the ball, and gets a STRIKE! Lashley writhes from the pain but Elias isn’t done with him yet. Because he opens up another gift, to bring out a cello! Elias remembers how Braun Strowman once “played” this on his back, so he does the same to Lashley! SMASH goes the cello! Cover, Elias wins!
Winner: Elias, by pinfall
The Drifter gives Lashley the gift of defeat, and then gives Lio a Christmas treat. Elias forces Lio to eat Christmas cookies, then gives him a big bowl of eggnog to “wash that down with”! Elias gives us all some holiday cheer, but will he get something even better in the New Year?
Heath Slater’s got kids.
And having kids means lots of presents! But not to worry, his family just wants one thing this year: Uncle Rhyno getting his job back. Slater hopes that wish comes true, too. He’d love to have his best friend back. Will Santa hear Slater’s wish and make it happen?
Raw Tag Team Championships: Bobby Roode & Chad Gable VS The Revival!
Their win over the Authors of Pain was GLORIOUS, but Roode & Gable won’t have to worry about a rematch with them because of the “fresh start” The McMahon Family gave all of the WWE’s main roster. Last week saw a #1 contenders Fatal 4 Way tag happen, and in the end, Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder picked up the win. Will Dash & Dawson finally #SayYeah to tag titles on Raw? Or will Christmas Eve be Absolutely… GLORIOUS!?
The introductions are made, the titles are raised, and we begin with Roode and Dash. They circle but Dawson swipes at Roode. Dash rolls Roode, ONE, and the two back off. Roode talks strategy with Gable while The Revival does the same. Dash and Roode go again and Roode gets a waistlock. Dash gets a switch to the armlock, and tag to Dawson. Dawson kicks low but Roode kicks back. Roode chops Dawson in a corner then tags to Gable. Roode chops Dawson again, then the champs double whip Dawson corner to corner. Gable whips Roode in for a clothesline, then step stool to a monkey flip! Cover, TWO! Gable keeps on Dawson with an armlock. Dawson gets up but Gable drags him back down. Dawson gets up and pulls hair to put Gable in a corner. He back off only to forearm and chop Gable back!
Dawson whips corner to corner but Gable goes up and over. Dawson clotheslines Gable and things speed up. Gable dodges and arm-drags on the run! Then flying headscissors! Dash runs in but into Roode’s punch and Gable’s arm-drag! The ref goes after Roode to back him off, The Revival flapjack and hotshot! Cover, TWO! The champs are in trouble now while we go to break.
Raw returns Dash grinds Gable in a headlock. Gable powers his way up as fans rally. He pushes towards his corner but Dash throws Gable. Gable sunset flips but Dawson tags in. Dawson throws Gable to the apron and then kicks and clubs him. He backs off but Dash clotheslines Gable back in! Dawson hits a Northern Lights and bridges, TWO! Dawson tags Dash and the #TopGuys combine for the assisted leg drop. Cover, TWO! Dash taunts Gable then rocks him with a EuroUpper. Dash hauls Gable up to the top then CHOPS him. Fans boo and jeer but Gable catches Dash into a hanging armbar! Gable lets go at 4, and Dawson quickly gets Dash back in. Dash tags to Dawson and Dawson intercepts Gable. Gable slips around to back suplex Dawson!
Fans rally up as Gable and Dawson crawl for their corners. Hot tag to Dash, and to Roode! Roode rallies and whips Dash into a big back drop! He hits Dawson for good measure, then throws Dash with an exploder! Roode throws Dawson, too, then flips Dash onto Dawson! Fans fire up as Roode rams into Dash. Roode clotheslines Dawson out then gives Dash a spinebuster! Cover, TWO! Roode keeps focus and Gable climbs back up. Tag and Gable climbs to the top. Roode brings Dash around but Dash throws Roode to the post! Gable leaps over Dash and rolls him for Chaos Theory!! Cover, but Dawson breaks it! Dawson tags in, then whips Gable. Gable goes up and around for a sunset flip! TWO! Roll up but Dawson sits on it, TWO!
Gable trips and jackknife covers, but Dawson bridges up! He tries a backslide but Dash tags in. Gable reverses the backslide but gets a EuroUpper German! Dash jackknifes, but Roode breaks it! Fans are loving this as Dawson throws Roode out. Dash lifts Gable and hands him off to Dawson, but then Roode tackles Dash out of the ring! Gable small packages, Gable & Roode win!!
Winners: Roode & Gable, Chad Gable pinning;Â still Raw Tag Team Champions
What a close fought match! But in the end, the champions are still GLORIOUS as Roode & Gable find just the right opening. The Revival protest, Dash was the legal one. Will The McMahons hear their pleas and give them another chance? Or will they have to earn that second chance first?
The B-Team sing carols.
Three felt pens, two boxing gloves, and a B-Team t-shirt for free~! Sorry, but Apollo Crews already did his Christmas Shopping. But thanks for the offer. Okay then, next year? Make sure to put it on the wishlist! On the fourth day of Christmas~…
Superstars share their Christmas wishes.
Lucha House Party wants a Feliz Navida, but Lince Dorado is still working on their list to Lucha Claus! They need a muy grande pinata, and some candy to put in it. From your three amigos, the Lucha House Party!
Curt Hawkins would love some cane wax, a hoverboard, a pet giraffe, some dress socks… Oh, right, and a win! That’s the most important one.
No Way Jose knows Santa always asks everyone what they want, but he wants to know what Santa wants! How about everyone gives him a gift? Jose needs boots, sweaters, polar bear repellent and some hot chocolate. That way Jose and the WWE superstars can bring the conga line to the North Pole!
Dolph Ziggler speaks.
“It’s quite a year I’ve had. I don’t exactly know if I’ve made the Naughty or Nice List, but I can think of a few things I deserve this Christmas.” The Show-Off wants Shane McMahon to hand him that Best in the World trophy. Then maybe, just maybe, “DZ & Friends” gets a Netflix special. And then tonight, when he beats Finn Balor and Drew McIntyre, he gets what he most deserves: proof that he IS just that damn good. Will Ziggler get all he wants and more this Christmas? Or is he just going to get coal in his stocking?
Triple Threat: Finn Balor VS Dolph Ziggler VS Drew McIntyre!
The Show-Off said his part, but he’ll have to put up or shut up against both the Extraordinary Man and the Scottish Terminator tonight. Who will have a much more Merry Christmas after ruining the holidays for the other two?
Raw returns as Charly Caruso interviews McIntyre in the ring. The issues between these three men have escalated, but is he worried Ziggler and Finn will work together against him? “Does a mountain lion worry when it spots two deer in the wild?” No, it smiles because it gets extra food. The truth is, Ziggler and Finn should try that, because it’s what McIntyre would do. But it won’t matter when those “boys” are going up against a Scottish Psycho. And if by some miracle they get the upper-hand, their egos will get in the way and McIntyre will kick them both down. Now this is the best part so shut up and listen: McIntyre will go on to win the Royal Rumble! Then McIntyre fulfills destiny when he main events Wrestlemania! McIntyre then demands his opponents appear, and they do, so that this match can begin.
The bell rings and McIntyre keeps his eyes on both Ziggler and Finn. He then hits them each in turn, and gives them clubbing forearms and stiff chops. McIntyre puts Ziggler in one corner for a chop, but runs into Finn’s boots. Ziggler elbows McIntyre back, and Finn hits a forearm. McIntyre staggers and Finn hits him with another. Finn and Ziggler do decide to work together, to clothesline McIntyre out! Ziggler rolls Finn, TWO! Ziggler rocks Finn with an uppercut, then throws haymakers. He grinds Finn’s face on ropes, then throws more hands. Finn hits back but Ziggler dropkicks him down! Cover, ONE! Ziggler eggs Finn on ad whips but Finn reverses. Ziggler sunset flips but Finn rolls through to dropkick!
Finn clotheslines Ziggler out, then builds speed, but McIntyre trips him up! McIntyre throws Finn into barriers, but Ziggler comes around to attack! McIntyre scoops and slams Ziggler on the apron! The Terminator grins while we go to break.
Raw returns and McIntyre has Finn in an armlock while kicking Ziggler out of the ring! McIntyre pulls back deep on Finn, and even grinds in his forearm across Finn’s face. Fans rally up and Finn gets up. Finn pries his way out but McIntyre throws Finn into Ziggler! McIntyre then drags Ziggler up for a deadlift suplex and slam! Cover, TWO! McIntyre rains rights down on Ziggler, then goes after the hand to stomp it! Now McIntyre puts Ziggler in that armlock and chinbar and pulls back. Fans rally for Ziggler and Ziggler gets up. Ziggler hits back with body shots but McIntyre throws Ziggler at Finn. Finn dodges that to hit McIntyre back! Finn slingshots and sunset flips, TWO! McIntyre runs Finn over, covers, TWO!
McIntyre keeps his cool while fans rally for Finn. He stomps Finn’s face, then his legs. McIntyre eggs Finn on, so Finn forearms and kicks in return! McIntyre shoves Finn at the returning Ziggler but now Ziggler dodges. Ziggler hits McIntyre while Finn hits buckles. Ziggler kicks a leg out but gets a Glasgow Kiss headbutt! He slumps out of the ring and McIntyre kicks Finn. McIntyre lifts Finn but Finn fights back. Finn back drops and double stomps McIntyre! McIntyre stands but Finn blasts him into the corner! Finn climbs up while McIntyre is down, Coup de Grace misses! ZIGZAG HITS! Cover, TWO!! Finn lives and Ziggler can’t believe it!
Ziggler takes aim at Finn, but his superkick is blocked! Ziggler kicks out a leg to hit a Famouser! But McIntyre stops Ziggler, and gets him around for an inverted Alabama Slam, onto Finn! McIntyre covers Finn, TWO!! Finn continues to survive but McIntyre just grimaces. McIntyre wants Finn to stand so he can knock him back down. Finn does stand, but he slingblades McIntyre first! Finn dodges and kicks McIntyre down, and fans fire up as Finn climbs up! But Ziggler trips FInn up, to jump at McIntyre. The Satellite is denied, but Ziggler uppercuts and SUPERKICKS! McIntyre’s down again, Ziggler covers. COUP DE GRACE! Fans fire up with Finn as he clotheslines McIntyre out. Finn blasts Ziggler with a dropkick then heads up top! Another Coup de Grace!! Cover, Finn wins!!
Winner: Finn Balor, by pinfall
Finn wins on the Raw Before Christmas, and it is truly #TooSweet! With such a big win this close to the Royal Rumble, will Finn have earned himself a very special gift from the McMahons?
However, McIntyre turns his attention to Ziggler. McIntyre says Ziggler is the one screwing up! McIntyre is trying to SAVE Raw. There’s not enough room for both of them, and McIntyre will prove it. But then the referee reprimands McIntyre, and Ziggler uses that opening for a ZIGZAG! The Showoff shuts McIntyre up, but who will prove themselves worthy of Raw as the year comes to an end?
WWE and Raw share footage from Tribute to the Troops.
The superstars of Raw and SmackDown all thank the men and women of the American Armed Forces around the world, and gave Fort Hood, Texas a special visit to tell them all that personally. What America’s soldiers do for the people is more appreciated than anyone could ever express. God Bless, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all our men and women fighting the real fight.
The B-Team continue singing.
Wait what was their eight? They gotta start over! Dang it! Bo shoves a tree over?! That’s not very Christmasy, Bo. Right, right, sorry. Bo starts over, but Axel is clearly worried the stress of the holidays is getting to him. Will Bo make it to Christmas Day?
Santa McMahon has a message from the North Pole!
Well, okay not really. But he still has presents for all! Namely that the greatest of all time, JOHN CENA, will be back on both Raw and SmackDown! Plus, the WWE will get those Women’s Tag Team Championships the superstars and fans have been asking for! And on top of all that, the New Year’s Eve Raw will have a Steel Cage match: Dolph Ziggler VS Drew McIntyre! Merry Christmas! Vince is all sweaty in the beard. Anyone here seen Bad Santa?
Six Woman Tag: Mickie James, Alicia Fox & Dana Brooke VS Sasha Banks, Bayley & Ember Moon!
Well since Santa McMahon said it, it must be true! A Women’s Tag Team Division and titles are on their way, so it’s time to see if female superstars can work together! The Boss & Hug Connection already want to be part of that, but will they be able to stay afloat against Dana and Raw’s resident Mean Girls?
The bell rings and we start with Ember and Mickie. They circle and tie up, and Ember rolls Mickie quick. TWO, but Ember grins as she circles with Mickie again. Mickie gets a wristlock, but Ember handsprings through to reverse the hold. Mickie forearms out but Ember spins her around for a back kick. Ember keeps kicking but misses the enziguri. Mickie runs and boots Ember down, then covers. ONE, and Ember headscissors Mickie down. Mickie scrambles to the corner while Dana distracts Ember. Alicia tags in but Ember is ready with a SUEPRKICK! Ember runs, to DIVE on Mickie with a low-pe! She puts Mickie back in but Alicia boots her down! “Captain” Foxy takes control while we go to break.
Raw returns as Dana has Ember in a chinlock. Fans rally and Ember gets up but Dana throws her down. Dana soaks up the heat and puts another chinlock on. She bumps Ember on buckles then tags in Mickie. Mickie kicks Ember then throws her face to the mat. Mickie covers, TWO! She tries again, TWO! Mickie tries yet again, TWO! Mickie grows frustrated so she stomps and drags Ember around. Tag to Alicia, then tag to Dana. Alicia and Mickie cross Ember’s arms into a neckbreaker, then Dana handspring splashes! Cover, TWO! Dana wraps on a chinlock, fans rally up, and Dana fights out. Ember arm-drags Dana then heads for her corner, but Dana hits Sasha first!Dana puts Ember in a corner but misses a handspring back elbow! Hot tag to Bayley!
Bayley rallies on Dana and kicks her down. She hits a big back suplex, then hits Alicia and Mickie! Bayley runs to tackle Dana, then goes wacky waving only to get a clothelsine! Both women are down, Dana tags Mickie. Mickie runs but Bayley flapjacks her for snake eyes! Tag to Sasha and Bayley comes back with a knee wash! Sasha climbs while Bayley hits Alicia. Sasha hits swinging knees, then climbs up again. She leaps for Meteora! Cover, but Alicia breaks it! ECLIPSE from Ember! Sasha gets up to give Mickie a backstabber but Mickie bucks her off. Bayley tags in, backstabber to Bayley2Belly! Cover, Bayley and team win!
Winners: Ember Moon, Sasha Banks & Bayley, Bayley pinning
But the Riott Squad ruin the celebration as they attack! They throw Ember, Sasha and Bayley out in turn, taking the ring for their own. Those titles are coming, and they want them! Will the Squad reign over Raw’s Women’s Division in 2019?
Paul Heyman is here!
“Silent night~! Strowman must fight~! All’s not calm, all’s not right.” The Advocate sings that Brock will conquer Strowman’s title plans, “because Lesnar will NOT Get Those Hands~.” Heyman gives himself a proper introduction as the Advocate for the “reigning, defending, undisputed Universal Champion, BROCK, LESNAR!” And in case you haven’t heard, The Royal Rumble will see Brock Lesnar VS Braun Strowman for the Universal Championship. Now Heyman looked up Strowman’s file, and it seems that when Strowman was only a “little” 6’2″ child, he prayed that Santa Claus would bring him a replica title belt. And years later, a full grown adult Monster, but he doesn’t want a replica. He wants the real deal, at the expense of The Beast.
Heyman shoots from the hip: Santa isn’t delivering that title at the expense of Lesnar; Rudolph won’t light a path to the Universal Championship at the expense of Lesnar; all Strowman will get this year is “one big lump of coal”. But here comes Strowman himself! And Strowman’s arm looks much better than it did at TLC. Fans hope Heyman will “Get These Hands!” Heyman says he’s just an advocate! Strowman gives Heyman a red nose and antlers. Strowman wants everyone to see the “Red Nose Advocate.” And he wants Heyman to take a message back to Lesnar. “At the Royal Rumble, I will be healed up. And Brock Lesnar is gonna Get These Hands!” The Monster Among Men leaves it at that, and prepares for a rematch with The Beast. With it being a fair fight this time, will The Beast finally be the one conquered?
Backstage interview with Natalya.
She’s going to face Ronda Rousey up next, but how will it feel to compete against a friend and training partner? Natty expects nothing but the best from Ronda, and vice-versa. But there’s no one who knows Ronda’s style better than her, her trainer. What would it mean to bring that title home for the holidays? 2018 ended up being one of the most difficult years in Natty’s life, but she’s focused and ready. Bringing that title home would be an amazing gift, and she plans to do just that.
More superstars share Christmas wishes.
Alexa Bliss doesn’t need anything, because she’s perfect. But she’ll ask for things on behalf of others. Bayley needs a personality, Sasha needs humility, and Natty… Nah, she’s a lost cause. And lastly, Ronda needs good make-up. Merry Blissmas!
Tyler Breeze wants Fandango to make a speedy recover, and would love some Ariana Grande tickets. Well if he had to choose just one? The tickets.
Raw Women’s Championship: Ronda Rousey VS Natalya!
The Baddest Woman on the Planet wanted an Open Challenge last week, but Stephanie McMahon decided she should get the best the Division has to offer. Therefore, a Women’s Gauntlet was held, and The Queen of Harts would win out! Now two good friends must fight for the title, will they still be friends no matter the outcome?
The introductions are made, the title is raised, and we begin! Ronda and Natty circle and tie up and Natty headlock takeovers quick. Ronda headscissors but Natty pops out to get the headlock back. Natty grinds but Ronda gets up and out. The two friends stand off and Natty grins. They circle again and now Ronda gets a takedown! Natty rolls her over, ONE, and they separate. Fans applaud the stalemate as the two circle again. They tie up and Natty gets the arm. Ronda spins through to reverse the wristlock. Natty rolls and spins and handsprings, then reverses to a hammerlock. She throws Ronda and gets another headlock. Fans duel while Ronda gets up and powers out. Ronda runs Natty over to cover, TWO!
The two stand and circle again. Natty gets a waistlock and takedown then floats to a facelock. Ronda spins and reverses to a hammerlock. Natty endures while fans duel. Natty works her way up but Ronda throws her back down. Ronda makes it a cover, TWO! Ronda keeps on Natty and floats over to a takedown! She wants the armbar but Natty knows it! Natty sits up but Ronda tries a triangle. Natty endures as Ronda hooks it on, and she pops out to a waistlock. Ronda stands and works out to another throw! Then roll through to a cover, TWO! They both stand again and circle. Natty gets a leg and hooks on a deathlock! Natty butterflies the legs but Ronda endures. Fans duel while Ronda sits up to prevent a cover. Ronda picks a leg and gets a cover, TWO!
The tension grows as the friends stay evenly matched. Natty lunges in for another takedown but Ronda counters with a body scissor. Ronda still has to sit up to prevent a cover, but she squeezes Natty tight. Natty endures and works against the hold, but Ronda wraps on a guillotine. Natty powers up and pops out to throw Ronda! She quickly gets Ronda’s legs, and wants a Sharpshooter! Ronda shoves Natty back and that sends Natty tumbling to the floor! Ronda is worried for her friend but has to remember she’s a competitor, too. The referee checks on Natty while we go to break.
Raw returns and Natty throws Ronda into a post! She drags Ronda back out to roll her up, TWO! Natty keeps her cool as she puts Ronda in a body scissor now. Ronda endures the squeeze while fans rally and duel. Natty clubs Ronda, but Ronda elbows back. Both women throw politeness aside finally as Natty grabs Ronda in a chinlock and throws in knees. Natty snap suplexes Ronda down, then covers, TWO! Natty drags Ronda up and around into another chinlock. Fans rally and Ronda feeds off the energy. Ronda arm-drags Natty off but Natty runs her over with a lariat! Cover, TWO! Natty gets nasty now as she clubs Ronda in the back. Natty steps through to put Ronda in an abdominal stretch. Ronda endures as Natty grabs a leg and pulls it back!
Ronda endures while fans duel. She refuses to quit, even with all her limbs stuck. Ronda slips a leg out and throws Natty away! But Natty dropkicks her back down! Cover, TWO! Natty drags Ronda into a facelock, and then hits a stalling suplex this time! Natty slaps Ronda’s stomach before covering, TWO! Ronda crawls to a corner while Natty soaks up the cheers and jeers. Natty runs in but Ronda dodges. Ronda clotheslines Natty down, and finally shows fire. Ronda throws those hands, then throws Natty over her shoulder. Natty gets up but gets the step-up knee! Cover, TWO! Ronda is torn between frustration and friendship. She goes for another knee but Natty rolls her up! TWO, and Natty dares Ronda to fight. Ronda stands, to get the discus clothesline! Cover, TWO!
Both women are slow to standing up, but fans rally. Natty grabs legs and wants the Sharpshooter, but Ronda pushes her away again. Ronda picks Natty up, for Piper’s Pit! Ronda doesn’t want to, but she knows she has to. She grabs an arm, but Natty rolls her up! Then drags her out, for a Sharpshooter!! Ronda’s in the legendary leg lock! Natty sits down but Ronda crawls! Ronda reaches but Natty drags her away! Natty sits down again, and feels so close. But Ronda still scratches and claws. Natty turns Ronda but Ronda turns it around, to an ARMBAR!! Natty flails, but taps! Ronda wins!!
Winner: Ronda Rousey, by submission;Â still Raw Women’s Champion
Ronda let go fast, too, because she didn’t want to hurt her friend longer than she had to. The title is still hers, and she’s still Natty’s friend. Ronda comforts Natty, and the two celebrate together. What awaits the Baddest Woman and the Queen of Harts in 2019?
Dean Ambrose speaks.
Since the Lunatic is in such a “festive mood”, he wishes Rollins luck in his match tonight. But not really. Rollins will get what he deserves. Rollins probably believes in Santa Claus, but he won’t get what he wants. Ambrose got what he wanted and what he deserved, though. He got the Intercontinental Championship. Just imagine the lousy Christmas Rollins will have after losing. Ambrose can. And it’s what Rollins deserves.
Heath Slater VS Jinder Mahal w/ The Singh Brothers!
The One Man Band is back in action, but he’s more worried about Rhyno. Meanwhile, The Modern Day Maharaja wants to spread Shanti to the world. Who will have the better holidays after this?
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up and Mahal gets an arm. Mahal shifts to a wristlock but Slater rolls through to get a hammerlock. Mahal elbows out then rocks Slater with a right. He whips and elbows Slater down, then suplexes Slater down. Cover, TWO! Mahal rams a knee into Slater then puts on a half nelson. Slater endures while fans rally up. Slater stands but Mahal wrangles him down with a chinlock. Wait, Santa Claus appears?! And he’s handing out merchandise! Mahal shouts at this mystery Santa to stop, but Slater hits him with a heel kick! Cover, but then the Singh Brothers attack him!
Winner: Heath Slater, by disqualification
Slater is being beat down by Mahal and his henchmen, but here comes Santa to make the save! Santa gets them to calm down, because this is Christmas. Mahal says Shanti, but Santa runs him over! Santa and Slater throw the Singh Brothers out, then aim at Mahal. Mahal stands as Santa says “GORE! GORE!” Because yes, Santa RHYNO Gores Mahal! Yes, Rhyno is back! It’s a Christmas Miracle for Slater! Does this mean they’re getting a second chance in the New Year?
The B-Team is running out of steam.
They can’t remember their 12 Days and they can’t move anymore. Will either of them make it to Christmas at this rate?
Backstage interview with Seth Rollins.
How is he able to focus with Dean Ambrose lurking? Rollins will put Corbin out of the way tonight for a Merry Christmas, and then he’ll worry about the Lunatic. Ambrose may have taken his title, but he can’t take Rollins’ heart.
Seth Rollins VS Baron Corbin!
The Architect may have lost his Intercontinental Championship to Dean Ambrose, but his issues with the Lunatic are far from over. But first, he has to worry about The Lone Wolf and the grudge he holds over Rollins being the one costing Corbin his job as GM. Will Rollins #BurnItDown on the Raw before Christmas? Or will Corbin prove to be the biggest Scrooge of all?
Raw returns once more and Corbin makes his entrance. The Lone Wolf sneers as fans boo and jeer, but he enters the ring and we finally begin. Rollins dropkicks Corbin right down! Rollins throws hands and puts Corbin in a corner. Corbin shoves him away but Rollins is back. Corbin knees low then whips Rollins, but Rollins kicks him away. Rollins clotheslines Corbin out then DIVES onto him! Fans fire up with Rollins as he drags Corbin back up for haymakers. Rollins pursues Corbin around the ring and CHOPS him. He bumps Corbin off the apron but Corbin rams him into the apron back. Corbin throws Rollins into the ring but Rollins mule kicks him. Corbin avoids the stomp but Rollins DIVES on him again!
Rollins keeps on Corbin by throwing him into barriers. He puts Corbin in the ring, then throws haymakers. Rollins throws hands but the ref backs him down. Corbin puts Rollins on the apron but Rollins hits him away. Rollins climbs up but Corbin sends him down with a right hand! The Architect is down while we go to one last break.
Raw returns one last time, and Corbin has Rollins in a half nelson. Fans rally up and Rollins fights out. Rollins throws body shots but Corbin knees low. Corbin whips Rollins to a corner but misses. Corbin slides out then in and clobbers Rollins down! Cover, TWO! Corbin keeps his cool, and drags Rollins up by his hair. He throws down heavy rights, then roars in frustration. Fans boo and jeer, but Corbin drives elbows into Rollins’ shoulder. Corbin drags Rollins up in another chinlock half nelson. Corbin thrashes Rollins around but fans rally up again. Rollins gets up and fights back again. Rollins whips but Corbin reverses. Corbin slides out again, but Rollins ducks to boot him back! Rollins hops up, for a blockbuster!
Fans fire up while both men slowly stir on the mat. Rollins fires himself up and stands, and counter punches Corbin. Rollins chops and punches then whips. Corbin reverses and Rollins dodges to slingblade! Rollins tries a suplex but Corbin reverses. Rollins fights out, then boots him back again. Corbin ducks under Rollins and pops him up, but Rollins gets the Falcon Arrow! Cover, TWO! Rollins keeps his cool, and then fires back up. Fans fire up with him, and Rollins stomps “Burn It Down!” Rollins aims, mule kicks, but misses the stomp! DEEP SIX! Cover, TWO! Corbin is frustrated, but he forces himself back up. He drags Rollins to a corner and up to the top rope. Corbin throws hands then climbs up to join him.
Rollins resists the superplex, fights back, but Corbin rocks him off the top! Rollins kicks back! Springboard, but into a choke slam backbreaker! Cover, TWO!! Rollins lives and Corbin is furious. Corbin stalks Rollins and reels him in, but Rollisn rolls through to inside cradle! TWO!! Corbin runs into a post! SUPERKICK! And Curb Stomp!! Cover, Rollins wins!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall
The Architect wins it out for a Merry Christmas! Now he rolls on to focus solely on The Lunatic. Will Rollins continue to #BurnItDown in the New Year? Or will Ambrose continue to frustrate him for all time?
My Thoughts:
A fairly good episode of Raw for being a holiday and pre-recorded. The fact they recorded the in-ring action right after last week’s Raw explains a lot of the flow. Sadly, it’s also why the third hour dragged on a little.
Elias opens up with his song, and we get a rather fun Street Fight. Being the holidays, fans get to feel good with a Face win, and hopefully we move on from this feud so that Elias can perhaps get an Intercontinental Championship chance in the New Year. Meanwhile, Lashley will need to be salvaged from this booty pose before he can really be more than a giant jobber to the stars. And Lio Rush should be allowed to focus on his own Cruiserweight Championship aspirations. If anything, perhaps a role reversal where Lashley joins him on 205 Live to be Lio’s muscle could help.
The Raw Tag Team Championship match was the proper level of competitiveness for Roode, Gable and The Revival. All four men had great matches in NXT, it’s about time we got to see that on Raw. Roode & Gable retain but with some minor controversy, so we can continue this feud into 2019, which I am all for if we get an even better match out of it. The Triple Threat was also great, and it is even greater that Finn won. Finn Balor is another superstar that needs some better support from booking in 2019 but I’m thinking he’ll be just fine with the Royal Rumble and call-ups coming. Just don’t feed him to Lars Sullivan.
The Six Woman Tag, and for that matter the Slater VS Mahal match, were filler that were moderately good. It’s mostly just in-ring filler so fans understand two things: the Women’s Tag Titles will be real, and Rhyno won’t be gone just yet. I’m glad on that tag title point, this was where I thought Bayley & Sasha were going to be by Evolution, but perhaps it will become their Wrestlemania story now. I really enjoyed the Raw Women’s Championship match, Ronda really nailed her character’s conflict of fighting a good friend. She’s been fighting enemies with such aggression, wanting to rip them apart, but she really conveyed her reluctance to hurt Natty. Obviously Ronda wins, and I’m surprised Natty didn’t turn Heel. Maybe she gets a rematch at the Rumble and that’s her Heel turn.
Though I am a little disappointed the women didn’t main event over Rollins VS Corbin. Rollins VS Corbin was really good, though, and obviously Rollins wins. I’m surprised Ambrose didn’t try something but perhaps that would be too predictable and formulaic for them. The New Year will give us their rematch, and more than likely for the title, but I doubt it ends their story. Those two could probably go all the way to Wrestlemania, and they probably will. The build, namely Ambrose’s inconsistent motivation, has not been what this feud has deserved, but perhaps what these two do in 2019 will be what this feud needs. And I did the Batman reference intentionally here, Rollins should consider mocking “Bane Ambrose” by putting on a cowl and cape.
My Score: 7.9/10
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Can the Last Real Champion handle The Truth?
While the King & Queen of the Ring tournaments reach their semifinals, John Cena has his first match on SmackDown in years, against Ron Killings!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Asuka VS Alexa Bliss; Asuka wins and advances to Night of Champions.
- Aleister Black VS Kit Wilson; No Contest.
- King of the Ring Semifinals: Randy Orton VS Sami Zayn; Orton wins and advances to Night of Champions.
- Charlotte Flair VS Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice; Charlotte wins.
- Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker VS LA Knight; Knight wins, by disqualification.
- John Cena VS Ron Killings; Killings wins, by disqualification.
PLAY BY PLAY
LA Knight is here!
Grand Rapids fires up as the Mega Star marches right to the ring. Knight grabs a mic while the fans chant his name, and he says, “LEMME TALK TO YA!” The fans cheer, and Knight says, “Let’s just go ahead and rewind our mind a little bit. We go to back to Money in the Bank, Seth and his boys, they just happen to come down and screw this guy.” The fans boo that. Knight says usually, he lets things slide. But he just figured he couldn’t let it slide, so he made sure to screw on of Rollins’ boys in their title opportunity, King of the Ring. But then they came back, paid it back and screwed Knight outta KOTR, so he had to go and screw the other one over!
And it just has Knight thinking. Fans “YEAH!” and Knight says there is only one way this can go. He has gone back and forth between Raw and SmackDown, where it ends, nobody knows! Except Knight! He knows! He knows where this ends! The fans cheer that! And Knight says it ends with him and Rollins! And what better place than here? And what better time than now! Knight tells Rollins to come on out and talk to him! But “Ladies and gentlemen…” The fans boo as Paul Heyman walks out and gives his introductions. He serves as the Wise Man to Mr. Money in the Bank, Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins!
Heyman says you do not boo that name. And you screwed up your cue, so they’ll do this again. He serves as the Wise Man for Seth Freakin’ Rollins! The fans keep booing, Heyman wants to try again, but Knight says shut up and get to the point! Why is Heyman here?! Heyman walks to the ring and asks permission to step inside. The fans chant “O T C! O T C!” but Knight steps back. Heyman steps into the ring, and he says yes, there has been a lot of bad blood between Knight and Mr. MITB, Seth Freakin’ Rollins. However, Heyman happens to be, with all due respect to everyone here in Grand Rapids, Michigan…
The fans chant “C M PUNK!” at Heyman now and he frowns. Knight says Heyman has a lot of enemies. Heyman says he is the biggest LA Knight fan in all of WWE! Heyman’s been waiting a long time to say this: YEAH! Now, because of that, Seth Freakin’ Rollins (the fans boo again) has allowed Heyman to say to Knight, as a favor to Heyman… It is time for Knight to get the hell outta Grand Rapids, Michigan. Because if he does not, something really bad is going to happen to him before the end of the night. Have a nice evening. Heyman turns to go but the fans cheer Knight on. Knight says he couldn’t help but notice, but did you~ (poking fun at Heyman’s voice cracking) threaten Knight?
Because Knight wants to wrap his head around this. He’s heard Heyman say stuff like this before, because Heyman is a liar, a swindler, a grifter, a scammer and a schemer! Heyman leeches on to any talent that has a bit of hype, sucks ’em dry, then moves on to the next! Rollins just happens to be the latest in this. But where next? Who cares! But the bottom line is, Knight asked for Rollins but he got Heyman. And while he got Heyman, he got a Heyman out here talking all tough. So it has Knight thinking, he has a great idea.
Talking about wise man, wisdom, there was a point in time if Heyman had said something like that, a man like Knight would look at a “thing” like Heyman and punched his wisdom teeth down his throat! Knight won’t do that, yet. But here’s the deal: Heyman’s talking all tough, but if he can’t bring Rollins out here, then the only thing to do out here in Grand Rapids is Knight fighting Heyman here and now! The fans fire up for that! Knight asks if the fans want that, and they cheer! “HUH?” “YEAH!” “HUH?” “YEAH!” “YEAH!!” Knight promises he’ll turn around, take his vest off, and Heyman gets the first shot. He better make it good, or Knight will molly whop his ass right outta Grand Rapids!
The fans fire up as Knight does as promised. He turns around, his vest is off, but Heyman bails? The fans boo as the Wise Man doesn’t play along. Heyman says, “Remember when I told you to get the hell out of Grand Rapids or else something really bad is gonna happen to you before the end of the night? That wasn’t a prediction. That… was a spoiler!” Heyman throws down his mic, and here comes Bronson Reed & Bron Breakker! Rollins’ behemoths head to the ring, but Knight fires off on them first! The fans rally as Knight throws hands and feet, but then Bron TACKLES Knight! Bronson joins in and they mug Knight right out of the ring!
Bronson drags Knight up to TOSS him over barriers! Bron clears the desk, he wants Bronson to put Knight through it! But Knight has a chair! He JAMS Bron, JAMS Bronson, then SMACKS Bron and SMACKS Bronson! Knight gets in the ring, ready to hit whoever gets in! The fans cheer Knight but Heyman has Bron & Bronson stand down. Will Heyman have the henchmen try again before the end of tonight?
SmackDown returns and…
Heyman has Bron & Bronson calm down, they have this under control. It is all in their favor, and it always will be in their favor. That is the whole point behind this. Byron Saxton steps in and wants to talk to them, but Heyman has to hold Bron back like the dog he is! Heyman says no need to bite Byron. Byron apologizes, he has word from SmackDown GM, Nick Aldis, that Bronson Reed VS LA Knight is set for tonight. Heyman says okay, thank you, and goodbye. Byron leaves and Heyman smiles. He told them! Patience is not a virtue, it is strategy. Bronson smiles and nods. Will Auzsilla destroy LA here in Grand Rapids?
Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Asuka VS Alexa Bliss!
Two great returns to action through this tournament, and now they cross paths with each other. The Empress of Tomorrow overcame Ivy Nile, Raquel Rodriguez and Stephanie Vaquer while Lil’ Miss Bliss outsmarted Alba Fyre, Candice LeRae and Charlotte Flair. But whose comeback story overtakes the other’s here just one match away from Night of Champions?
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Alexa headlocks, but Asuka powers up and out. Alexa RAMS Asuka, Asuka roars, and the fans fire up as Asuka fires hands! Alexa blocks a kick to THROW Asuka down, then basement DROPKICK! The fans cheer as Asuka and Alexa reset. Alexa kicks, Asuka blocks and slips through to waistlock. Alexa elbows free, runs, but Asuka runs past her to then RUN her over! The fans fire up and Asuka runs in again, HIP ATTACK! Alexa falls to the floor and the fans fire up while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Asuka lets Alexa stay down while she soaks up the cheers. The ring count starts, Alexa rises, but Asuka goes out after her. Alexa slips inside and DROPKICKS Asuka’s leg! Asuka falls from the apron but she has to nod respect for that savvy move. Asuka steps back in at 6 of 10, and she resets with Alexa. They circle, feel things out, and tie up. Asuka wrenches and wristlocks, but Alexa rolls and wrenches to hammerlock. Alexa waistlocks, rolls Asuka, TWO! The two stand off again and they both nod respect. They reset, the fans rally up, and the two feel things out. Asuka trips Alexa, clamps on with a headlock, and she grinds Alexa down.
Alexa endures, Asuka turns her over to go after the arm, then she stands on Alexa’s arm. Alexa endures, Asuka shifts arms, but Alexa wrenches out to wrangle Asuka. Alexa shifts to a cording hold, but Asuka fights up and fires body shots. Alexa whips Asuka to a corner, but Asuka elbows her away! And BOOTS! Asuka goes up, leaps, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Alexa stays in this but Asuka stays focused. Asuka drags Alexa around and gives her Kawada Kicks! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Asuka wrenches for a chicken wing! Alexa fights the Asuka Lock and JAWBREAKERS free! Alexa runs up to RUN Asuka over!
The fans rally as Alexa rallies, then hits a BLOCKBUSTER! The fans fire up as Alexa SLAPS, ROCKS, and KNEES Asuka down! Then SOMERSAULT SENTON! Cover, TWO! Asuka stays in this and Alexa grows frustrated. The fans rally while Alexa brings Asuka up. Asuka breaks free to URAKEN, SOBAT, FRONT KICK, and GERMAN SUPLEX! Alexa tumbles away, Asuka runs up, SLIDING KICK! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as Asuka stands and takes aim. But Alexa ducks the buzzsaw! Cover, TWO! Alexa clinches, TWISTED- NO, Asuka rolls Alexa up! TWO! Alexa sits up, BUZZSAW! Cover, TWO!! Alexa survives but Asuka just fires up!
The fans rally as Asuka goes to the corner. Asuka climbs from the outside, and MISSILE- NO, Alexa dodges this time! Alexa kicks and DDTS! Cover, TWO! Asuka stays in this and the fans fire up! “This is Awesome!” as Alexa drags Asuka into the drop zone. Alexa goes up, up, and the fans fire up! TWISTED- NO, Asuka moves, so Alexa stops. Alexa won’t let Asuka sneak away, but then she gets caught in an ARMBAR!! Alexa flails, rolls, but ends up in an omoplata! RINGS OF SATURN!! Alexa fights around, pops her arm free for a cover, TWO!! Asuka reels Alexa in, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up as Alexa stays in this! Asuka fires up, the fans are with her, and she runs up, only for Alexa to ROCK her with a right! Alexa puts Asuka in the Tree of Woe, and she DROPKICKS Asuka out of it! Alexa climbs back up, and TWISTED BLISSÂ onto knees!! Asuka still counters the moonsault, and hits the EMPRESS IMPACT!! Cover, Asuka wins!
Winner: Asuka, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)
The Empress says no one is ready for Asuka, and that has certainly been the case! But on Raw, we find out, will it be Jade Cargill or Roxanne Perez that meets Asuka in Saudi Arabia?
Jade Cargill, Mia Yim & B-Fab watch backstage.
And Fab says damn, Asuka just came back and she’s already making statements. Almost like she never left. Michin says maybe they need to make their own statements. They need to talk to Aldis about the tag titles. Fab agrees. Fab & Mia wish Jade luck before heading out. Byron walks in and asks if he can have a word. Jade says shoot. Byron says Asuka just advanced, but Jade has her match on Monday with Roxanne Perez. How does Jade feel about facing a talented competitor like Roxie? And how does she feel about the possibility of facing Asuka in the finals? Jade says “Rox” has potential. Roxie is quick and scrappy.
But she’s still trying to prove herself. And this isn’t a proving ground, this is a throne room, and Jade was built for royalty. As for Asuka, there’s a storm on the horizon. But news flash, Jade is that storm. This entire tournament wasn’t built for the future, but for a woman who can walk through fire, shatter glass ceilings, and take her crown on the way to the top. This Queen of the Ring, Jade isn’t just walking in to win. She’s here to reign. Will the Prodigy be washed away by the storm this Monday?
Alexa Bliss returns backstage.
And Chelsea Green finds her. Flanked by her Secret Her-vice, The Hot Mess asks, “Hey, little fu-fu, how’s your boo-boo?” Alexa asks back, “How’s yours?” Piper tells Chelsea not to get upset, Alexa is just jealous. Chelsea says this serves Alexa right. Chelsea should be Queen of the Ring, and she’d be building her parliament if not for Alexa! Oh, if she has that big of an issue, then try facing her in the ring. Chelsea says she will! But then Charlotte Flair walks in and says if anyone should’ve still been in this tournament, it’s her. But had Chelsea’s “replacement” tapped out sooner, maybe she would.
So here’s the deal: Charlotte will have a match made and tap Chelsea out instead. N-Not if Chelsea makes it a bank holiday! ROYAL DUTIES! NICHOLAS! Chelsea hurries away with the Secret Her-vice following, and Alexa tells Charlotte that she doesn’t need Charlotte’s help. Oh, that’s cute. Because Charlotte wasn’t helping Alexa. Charlotte leaves now, leaving Alexa to chew on that. Will The Queen chew up the Hot Mess and spit her out now that she has nothing better to do?
Aleister Black VS Kit Wilson!
The Dark Father is also directionless now that he is out of the King of the Ring tournament, but he never lets that bother him. Will he make himself the direction all roads lead when things #FadeToBlack? Or will Kit prove he can be Pretty Deadly all on his own?
Wait, who is attacking Kit? It’s R-TRUTH! But why’s Ron Killings going after Kit?! He POSTS Kit, drags him back out, and puts him in an STF!! The fans fire up and Kit taps, but it won’t matter when this isn’t a match! Killings lets Kit out of the hold and demands a mic. A mic is given, and Killings says, “Get John Cena out here now. I’m driving! On my terms! Cena, get out here!” The fans fire up and then Killings puts Kit back in the STF! Aleister is rather confused, but producers hurry out here to stop Truth. Truth lets Kit go, Jamie Noble asks Truth wait for the main event. Truth seethes, but he accepts the terms.
Killings leaves, walking right past Aleister. Will there be no denying The Truth when he finally gets his hands on the Last Real Champion?
Jamie Noble talks with Truth backstage.
Jamie says Truth has to calm down. Truth says he wants John Cena NOW! He’s driving! Yes, okay, but just wait. Truth promises that when he sees Cena, he is killing him tonight! Aleister steps in and asks Truth why he is getting involved in Aleister’s match. Truth says it wasn’t personal, it had nothing to do with Aleister. These two stare down, and then Damian Priest steps in. The Archer of Infamy has Aleister stand down. Truth is going through a lot, let Priest talk to him. Oh, of course. Aleister says, “Ron.” “Black.” Aleister leaves, Priest tells Truth that there’s no need for any of that. Priest gets Truth is frustrated, but he can’t just go beat up people for no reason.
Priest used to do that, and Truth was the guy there to make him smile. Truth made the world smile! All that anger and negativity, focus that on the match tonight. Focus that on John Cena. Go out there and handle business with Cena, then Priest and Truth can go downtown to celebrate. How’s that sound? Truth says sounds good, DP. They shake hands, and Priest heads out. Truth is still seething, but will he make sure it all explodes on Cena?
Cody Rhodes is here!
Grand Rapids sings along as The American Nightmare makes his way out, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, he high-fives fans in the front row, then looks closely at the King of the Ring’s crown. Cody goes to the ring and grabs the mic. He hears the fans cheer him on, but then Jey Uso is here! The fans fire up as Main Event Jey makes his way down through the crowd! A young fan joins in bouncing along, but so does all of Grand Rapids! Jey continues down the stands, finds another young fan, and they bounce along again. Jey then reaches ringside, high-fives the front row, and he joins Cody in the ring as we get the next wave of YEET!
Grand Rapids might want to YEET all night, but Jey hugs it out with Cody before he gets his own mic. The music dies down, the fans chant, “One More Time! One More Time!” and Cody says sure, one more is fine. Jey says okay, and yes, the fans get to YEET again! Jey says hey, Cody doesn’t even have to say nothing. They been in the trenches! “YEET!” Still in the trenches! “YEET!” From fighting The Bloodline… “YEET!” To winning tag titles… “YEET!” To finishing their stories at WrestleMania! “YEET!” They’ve both been to the mountaintop. “YEET!” But Cody, on Monday, there is only room for one of them.
The fans are intrigued, and Cody nods. Jey says there’s only one that can go. Cody VS Jey, Jey VS Cody, and Jey knows Cody will bring it. Jey has to get his, Uce. He has to, just like Cody has to get his. But that said, Uce, it ain’t personal. This all business. But that all said, too, Uce, on Monday, after they go to war, please believe that it will be four letters, one word, uh uh… YEET! Cody smiles and the fans cheer. They shake hands again, and wait! Here comes Sami Zayn! The fans cheer as the Great Liberator makes his way to the ring. Sami grabs a mic to say, “This is nice, isn’t it? I get to share the ring with two great friends.”
The fans applaud, and Sami says he is in the ring with two of the very best that this business has to offer! The fans cheer that, too! Sami says he’d be lying if he denied there was a part of him that sees the three of them in this ring, and notices how only one of them has never been world champion. Jey, Sami wants him to know, man to man, this year, Sami missed Mania. Sami had no reason to be in Las Vegas, but he got his ass on a plane to Vegas for one reason: To congratulate Jey the moment he won the World Heavyweight Championship! Sami loves Jey, and he is proud of him. And Cody, for years, everyone watched as Cody finished his story.
And when Cody did, he did the unthinkable and pinned Roman Reigns in the middle of this ring, Sami was the first one out here to congratulate Cody. Sami is so proud that Cody finished his story. So he hopes both men understand that now, it is time for Sami to finish HIS story! The fans cheer, but then here comes Randy Orton! The Viper looks at the crown, then goes to the ring. The fans sing along with Voices and Orton grabs himself a mic. “So Cody, same deal as last week but I’m gonna say it again. There is no line I will not cross, even if it means going through you, so that I can get to John Cena at SummerSlam, beat him, and get my FIFTEENTH world championship!”
The fans cheer, and Orton tells Jey, “Man, I respect the… Hell outta you, dude. Our families go way, way, way back. Nothing but love, dude. But if you’re standing across the ring from me at SummerSlam, it’s not gonna be four letters, one word. It’s gonna be three letters, one move.” The fans say it, “R K O!” And Orton says he not only speaks for himself but for everyone here in this arena when he says, and from the bottom of his heart, one day and one day soon, Sami Zayn will be world champion. But not at SummerSlam. Because tonight, Sami is on the receiving end of the three most dangerous letters in sports entertainment: R K O.
Orton drops the mic, and it is time to put those words into action. Will it be the Legend Killer or the Underdog from the Underground that heads for Saudi Arabia?
King of the Ring Semifinals: Randy Orton VS Sami Zayn!
SmackDown returns, the bell rings, and these two circle. They tie up, Sami wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, then wristlocks. Orton endures, fights up, and the fans duel. Orton wrenches Sami in return to then headlock. Sami endures, powers up to wrench again, and he grinds the arm. Sami wrenches and CHOPS, and Orton goes to the corner. Sami CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! The fans “WOO~” but the ref counts. Orton pushes past Sami, bails out of the ring, and he is pretty red already. Sami builds speed but he fakes Orton out with the Arabian Press! The fans fire up and Orton has to admit that was good.
Orton goes up the steps and steps back into the ring. The fans rally, Orton and Sami tie up, and Orton puts Sami in the corner. Orton lets off slowly, but he pokes Sami in the eyes! The fans boo but Orton UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! But Sami pokes Orton in the eyes! The ref caught that one and reprimands Sami. Sami TOSSES Orton out, goes to the apron, but Orton YANKS Sami down! Sami hits off the apron, and Orton reels him in, DESK BACK SUPLEX! Sami writhes and Orton rolls into the ring, just to refresh the count. Fans want that “One More Time!” and Orton agrees! DESK BACK SUPLEXÂ again!
Sami writhes more and whatever monitor wasn’t busted, they’re busted now! Orton leaves Sami behind for a moment while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Orton goes out to fetch Sami, but Sami fights off a third back suplex! Orton kicks low, brings Sami over, but Sami blocks the smack off the steel steps! Orton sputters, Sami stalks him, and Sami decides to give him some payback! But Orton ROCKS Sami first! Orton SMACKS Sami off the desk, puts him in the ring, and covers, TWO! Sami stays in this but Orton looms over him. Sami rises, Orton puts him in a corner, and Orton fires body shots. Orton climbs up and rains down fists! Orton gets to eight before Sami fires back! Sami has Orton in another corner, climbs up, and Sami rains down a fast TEN!
Sami huffs ‘n’ puffs and CHOPS! Orton is stinging but Sami CHOPS him again! Sami wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, and whips! Orton reverses, Sami hits buckles hard, and Sami falls in a heap. Orton dusts himself off and looms over Sami again. Orton stomps Sami’s hand! Sami writhes and clutches his finger. Orton stomps Sami’s foot, ten the other foot! And then the other hand! Sami sits up, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Orton CLUBS away on Sami’s chest! Orton DECKS Sami, the fans cheer, and Orton brings Sami up. Orton whips, Sami goes up and over, and Sami LARIATS Orton down! The fans fire up again as Sami rises!
Sami goes to the corner, Orton runs up, but Sami ELBOWS him! Sami goes up, AX HANDLES, and the fans fire up more! Orton takes a swing, but Sami slips around! Orton fights the Blue Thunder, then LARIATS! And LARIATS! Orton dodges Sami to SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up while Sami goes to the apron. Orton drags Sami in through the ropes, and DRAPING DDTS! The fans fire up as Orton hears those voices! Orton watches Sami rise, but then Sami bails out! The fans are torn but Sami is smart to avoid what was coming. Orton goes out to fetch Sami, SMACKS him off the desk, and then back suplexes, only for Sami to lands out!
Sami CLUBS Orton, and hits a DESK BACK SUPLEX on Orton! Sami puts Orton in the ring, goes to a corner, and the fans fire up as Orton rises. Orton runs in, Sami dodges, and Orton POSTS himself! Sami runs corner to corner, HELLUVA- SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Sami survives and Orton seethes. “This is Awesome!” as Sami goes back to a corner. Orton runs back in and he LARIATS! Orton runs but Sami follows! But Orton dodges the Helluva Kick! Sami gets stuck on the to rope, frees himself, and hobbles into an RK- NO! BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Orton survives and the fans fire up again!
“This is Awesome!” as Sami drags Orton to the drop zone. Sami goes up the corner, Orton stands and he gets under the leap! R K- NO, Sami SLAMS Orton down! And then HELLUVA- RKO!!! Orton crawls to the cover, Orton wins!!
Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)
Sami fought his heart out, but the Viper still strikes! Orton is going back to back in KOTR finals, but will he win the crown this time?
Nia Jax is here!
Grand Rapids boos as The Irresistible Force goes to the ring. She grabs the mic dot say, “You know what’s crazy? Tiffany Stratton approached me to be under my wing, because she knew exactly what I could do for her. And look, she’s thriving! And what kind of thanks did I get for it? She betrayed me. She has MY title!” But wait, here comes Tiffy! Grand Rapids cheers as the WWE Women’s Champion has the mic to tell Nia, “You’re like that toxic ex I just can’t get away from. News flash: get over it! You make excuse after excuse, but when are you just gonna admit that maybe I’m just better than you?”
The fans cheer and Tiff heads to the ring. Nia says yeah, okay, if Tiff is so much better, then give Nia a rematch without kicking a chair into her face. Tiff says if Nia’s so desperate for a match, it is her lucky day! She made it official for next week: Tiff VS Nia! And Tiff will have more fun adding more scars to that “five head” of Nia’s. Because it won’t just be a regular match. It will be Last Woman Standing! Nia takes a swing but Tiff dodge! Tiff fires off, kicks low, and runs up, but into a POP-UP HEADBUTT! And then Nia drops a leg, brother! Nia holds up the belt and soaks up the heat. Nia thinks about leaving, but decides to add on! ANOTHER leg drop, brother!
The fans boo but Nia says that’s not enough! Nia tells Wade & Joe that she’s taking the title! But wait! NAOMI is here, with a ref! Is she doing it!? Is she doing it?! But Nia YANKS Naomi out! Naomi tells her back off! Nia doesn’t, Naomi shoves her, but Nia still grabs at her! Tiff DROPKICKS Naomi onto Nia! Tiff avoids a cash-in because Nia was in the way, but is she setting herself up for failure with that extreme title match?
Charlotte Flair VS Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice!
The Queen was denied her crown, but she’s not even angry at Alexa Bliss, the one who took that opportunity from her. She instead looks to humble the Hot Mess that claims she would be queen if her demands were met. Who vents their frustrations and comes away with the win?
SmackDown returns and Charlotte makes her entrance. The bell rings and the fans actually cheer on Chelsea. Alba distracts Charlotte and Chelsea sucker punches her! The ref reprimands but Chelsea SMACKS Charlotte off the mat again and again! Chelsea salutes, but Charlotte CHOPS! Chelsea KNEES low, whips, but Charlotte goes up and out at the corner. Charlotte BOOTS Chelsea away, avoids Alba and KICKS her! Chelsea runs up, Charlotte RAMS her, and then Charlotte climbs up. CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Chelsea scrambles away and Charlotte runs up, but into an ELBOW! Charlotte GAMANGIRIS!
Charlotte snapmares, Chelsea distracts the ref, and Alba grabs Charlotte by the hair! Alba HOTSHOTS Charlotte and Chelsea hits a BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Chelsea is furious but Charlotte stays in this, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Chelsea hops onto Charlotte for a SLEEPER! The fans rally, but Charlotte hits a BACKPACK SENTON! Charlotte is free, Chelsea runs back up, but Charlotte gives her a BACKBREAKER and BUCKLE SHOT! Chelsea falls back, Charlotte huffs ‘n’ puffs and runs up to fire hands! The fans fire up as Charlotte CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Charlotte CHOPS again, then clinches for an EXPLODER! And a kip up! The fans fire up and Charlotte salutes to poke fun at Chelsea. Charlotte runs, dodges, and handsprings to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Chelsea survives but Charlotte stays on her by going for a leg.
Alba gets on the apron, so Charlotte BOOTS her down! The fans cheer, but Charlotte turns around into a ROUGH RYDER! Cover, TWO!! Charlotte survives and Chelsea is furious! Chelsea takes off her face protector and drags Charlotte up. Chelsea has the arms, turns Charlotte, but Charlotte shoves her away! Charlotte dodges and SPEARS! Cover, TWO!! Chelsea survives but Charlotte has the leg! FIGURE- CRADLE!! TWO!! Charlotte has the leg again, FIGURE FOUR! And the bridge for the FIGURE EIGHT!! Chelsea TAPS, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
But then Piper Niven SENTONS onto Charlotte!! Alba storms in, she and Piper mug Charlotte, but here comes Alexa! She RAMS into Piper, she ROCKS Alba, then she catches Chelsea! Charlotte LARIATS Alba out while Alexa hits a TWISTED SISTER ABIGAIL! And then Charlotte BOOTS Piper down! Charlotte and Alexa look at each other, and despite what either one thinks, maybe they both need the other after all. Alexa offers the handshake, but Charlotte walks right past Alexa. Alexa lets that slide, but will Charlotte come around soon enough?
Solo Sikoa talks with JC Mateo.
Why is JC taping up? Uh, duh, he’ll take out Jacob. No, Solo is going out there alone to talk with Jacob. Solo was the only one that Jacob would listen to. Jacob needs Solo. Solo will smooth things over. JC accepts that, but Solo does say that JC should stay ready. Solo is covering his bases, but will he need the Imperial Unit to put down the Samoan Werewolf? Or will it all be alright between them all?
Solo Sikoa heads to the ring.
SmackDown returns as the former Tribal Chief makes his way out, and Grand Rapids boos. Solo grabs the mic, takes a moment, and says, “Alright, Jacob. I’m out here in the middle of the ring, all alone, with open arms, willing to talk to you face to face. I feel terrible about what happened. So if you’re back there, come on out so we can clear the air.” Jacob Fatu makes his entrance and Grand Rapids cheers! Fatu holds up the United States Championship before he steps into the ring, and he has a mic of his own. The fans cheer on “FATU! FATU!” and Solo says he didn’t come out here to fight him, okay? He’s not here for that.
Solo wants to make it clear to Fatu that he loves him, always has loved him, no matter what. One thing Solo learned from being Tribal Chief is how to love family and how to take care of them. That’s all he’s trying to do. Families fight all the time. They fight, they argue, they forgive, and then they move forward. So they should move forward together, Jacob. Move forward as one. The fans boo that, but Solo says nobody saw the potential in Jacob except Solo. Nobody wanted Jacob here in the WWE, except Solo. That is why Solo brought Fatu here and gave him the chance to change his life and put food on his family’s table.
And why did Solo do that? Because Solo loves Jacob. He does. And to be honest, Solo doesn’t have anybody else. Fatu isn’t sure about that, but Solo says all he has is Fatu. And he’s all Solo needs. So come back to the family, and even if Jacob doesn’t say those four words, Solo will. Solo will say it for him, to him, loud enough so everybody can hear it! Solo tells Jacob, “I love you, Jacob.” The fans boo, they don’t trust this. Fatu paces as he thinks on that. “So you love me, huh?” Solo nods yes. So this is what it comes down to, huh? Solo loves Fatu? The way Fatu sees things, Solo has been using Fatu! Solo has been using Fatu to gain power, to fight his battles, and to stay Tribal Chief.
Hell, Solo brought Fatu in so Fatu could bring Solo fame! Solo brought Fatu in because he thought Fatu would bring him gold! Is that all this is about? Fame? Gold? Power? SOLO, LOOK AT HIM! Solo looks up from the floor while the fans cheer Fatu on. Fatu tells Solo that ever since he won the US Championship, Solo is the one that’s been acting different. And maybe Fatu isn’t the problem. Fatu just figured it out! The problem… is this. The problem is the US Championship. Fatu sets it down between him and Solo, and he says if this is what he thinks it is, then just fight him for it! Fight Fatu for the title! The fans fire up for that!
And Solo, Fatu will only warn you one time: If you ever think about coming this way, you know what Fatu is about! You know what’s poppin’ with Fatu, blood! And you know Jacob Fatu is all gas, no brakes with it! YADADADA- SOLO TAKES A SWING! Fatu blocks the spike and he HEADBUTTS! JC Mateo rushes out here! Fatu HEADBUTTS him, too! But Solo CHOP BLOCKS the legs! The fans boo but JC & Solo mug Fatu! But then here comes JIMMY USO! The fans fire up as #BigJim slides in, dodges Solo, and SUPERKICKS JC! And then he SUPERKICKS Solo! But JC LARIATS Jimmy down! JC HAMMERS Jimmy and Solo has him put Jimmy in the corner.
The fans boo but Solo tells Jimmy that he should’ve chosen Solo’s side, not Jacob’s! But speaking of, Fatu is up! The fans fire up as Fatu BODY CHECKS JC! Then he SUPERKICKS Solo! Solo is in a corner, Fatu fires off on him, HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT! SUPERKICK for JC! HIP ATTACK for Solo! The fans are fired up for the Samoan Werewolf, and he locks eyes with Jimmy. Jimmy came to Fatu’s rescue, Fatu just saved him, so Fatu goes up, up, only for Solo to bail out! No Best Moonsaults here in Grand Rapids, but will Fatu cut Solo down soon enough?
Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker VS LA Knight!
The Wise Man warned, or rather threatened, the Mega Star that he should just cut and run, but that’s not how he does things. Knight is ready to fight, but will he survive a battle with Auszilla? Or is a Tsunami about wipe out LA?
Wait, Knight doesn’t enter from the stage! He enters from the crowd! And he POSTS Bron! The fans fire up as Knight evens things out! He TOSSES Bronson out, throws his vest at him, and Bronson snarls. Bronson has Bron stand down, and says, “Tonight, I kill him.” Bronson steps into the ring, the bell sounds, and Knight fires off! The fans fire up as Knight fires hands, but Bronson puts him in the corner. Knight ELBOWS back, Knight fires more hands, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips but Bronson blocks! Bronson whips Knight to a corner, runs up, but Knight dodges! Bronson POSTS himself, and Knight stomps a mudhole in!
The fans rally, the ref counts, and Knight goes corner to corner, but into a fireman’s carry! Knight slips down to sunset flip, but Bronson stays up! Bronson jumps but Knight avoids the hip drop! Then Knight basement BOOTS! The fans fire up and Knight storms up on Bronson. Bronson TOSSES Knight to the apron, but Knight slingshots back in! Bronson catches Knight to a fireman’s carry! Knight flails free and he RAMS Bronson into a corner! But Bronson holds ropes to deny the Jump Neckbreaker! Bronson runs but Knight avoids the senton! The fans fire up as Knight goes up, up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! That’s a Steiner move!
The fans fire up and spell it out, “L! A! KNIGHT!” but Bronson bails out! Knight runs to WRECK Bronson with a dropkick! Knight goes back up, springboards, CROSSBODY to the ramp! The fans fire up with Knight and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Bronson has Knight up top. The fans rally as Knight fights back with body shots! Knight ROCKS Bronson, ROCKS him again, and ROCKS him again! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Bronson finally falls and Knight adjusts position. “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” BOX JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Bronson survives and Knight is rather stunned while Heyman is relieved. Knight aims, kicks, but Bronson denies the BFT! HEADBUTT, then a fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Knight survives the “Jagged Edge” DVD but Bronson brings him right up. Bronson reels Knight in and says thumbs down.
Bronson lifts Knight up, but Knight flips the bomb into a DDT! The fans fire up but Bron barks at the apron! Knight DECKS the dog, tells Heyman to get the same, but Bronson runs up! Knight DUMPS Bronson out, builds speed, but BRON SPEARS!!
Winner: LA Knight, by disqualification
The fans boo but Bron handed Knight the win with that one. Bronson stands Knight up so Bron can build speed and SUPER SPEAR!! Grand Rapids is torn but plenty of fans bark. And now Bronson goes up!? TSUNAMI!! Bronson goes up again, the refs hurry out here, but TSUNAMI AGAIN!! The fans want another, so Bron scares the refs off to let Bronson go back up! THIRD TSUNAMI!!! Have Rollins’ rooks just broken Knight into pieces? Is this a message to everyone that no one can stop the vision?
Jacob Fatu speaks.
“Yeah, c’mon on widdit! I just spoke to the man, and you know the man makes everything possible here on SmackDown! So next week, next week on Saturday, me ‘n’ you, Solo! Night of Champions, mano a mano, I’m about to dog walk yo’ ass for the US Championship! Solo, you better get in where you fit in. Cuz if you don’t, then baby, it’s ’bout to be all gas, no breaks with it. Yadadadada mean?” The Samoan Werewolf will get to sink his teeth into Solo, but will he stay golden through it all?
John Cena VS Ron Killings!
The Undisputed WWE Champion was the exact opposite of grateful for R-Truth saving him from Randy Orton at Backlash, and he doubled down when Ron tried to show him the truth at Saturday Night’s Main Event. So, if Cena doesn’t want the Truth, he’ll get someone who knows about ruthless aggression! Will Ron Killings bring an early end to the retirement tour? Or will Cena continue to ruin wrestling for everyone else?
SmackDown returns as Cena makes his entrance. The fans sing “JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” despite him wearing the Detroit Pistons colors. Cena makes Mark Nash give the “proper” introduction: “He is the Greatest of All Time, the Never Seen Seventeen, gracing Grand Rapids with his presence one final time… He is the Last Real Champion, JOHN CENA~!” The fans boo, the bell rings, and Truth stares at Cena while Cena smirks hearing the “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Truth TACKLES Cena! He fires off hands but Cena bails out! So Truth goes out to DECK Cena! “What’s up!?” “WHAT’S UP!” Truth has Cena at the desk and SMACKS him off it!
Truth ROCKS Cena again, and shakes his hand out from hitting so hard. Truth SMACKS Cena off the apron, storms in after him, and whips him to a corner. Cena hits buckles hard and falls to the mat! The fans continue to duel while Truth keeps his eyes on Cena. Truth storms up on Cena while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Truth stands Cena up, whips corner to corner again, and Cena hits buckles hard! Cena sputters, Truth looms over him, and Truth ROCKS Cena! Cena ROCKS Truth! They go back and forth with haymakers, and then Truth dodges to SHOULDER TACKLE! Truth still uses Cena’s own moves against him, and that includes the SPIN-OUT BOMB! Truth raises his hand and Grand Rapids joins in! “You Can’t See Me!” But then Cena bails out so Truth can’t hit him! Truth is annoyed, the fans give thumbs down, but here comes Truth. Cena ELBOWS him down! Cena drags Truth up, POSTS him, and he brings Truth back into the ring.
Cena HEADBUTTS Truth, CHOKES him on the ropes, but stops as the ref counts. Cena stomps away on Truth, then runs to KICK Truth in the back! Cena talks trash, then he runs to SHOULDER TACKLE! Cena takes his time, knowing it is what the fans want. Truth rises up, Cena runs to SHOULDER TACKLE again! Cena watches Truth rise again, gets around him, SPIN-OUT BOMB! And Cena raises his hand, reveling in the cheers and jeers. “You Can’t See Me!” SmackDown returns to single picture for the FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Then Cena fireman’s carries, but Truth slips free! THESZ PRESS! And fast hands!
The fans fire up and Truth has Cena in a corner. Truth runs to STINGER SPLASH! Truth hitting all sorts of other iconic moves! Cena tumbles out and grabs the belt! Cena doesn’t care about this match anymore, he doesn’t need to take this! Truth says hold up! Truth runs Cena down and fires hands on the ramp! The fans fire up but Cena CLOBBERS Truth with the belt!!
Winner: Ron Killings, by disqualification
Cena wants to get another shot, but wait! PUNK IS HERE! Cena runs away into the ring, and he catches Punk as Punk slides in! The fans boo Cena but he huffs ‘n’ puffs. Cena drags Punk up, but Punk fires hands in return! Punk DECKS Cena, grabs the belt, and he holds it up! The fans cheer, and Punk aims, but Cena LOW BLOWS! Cena has a sinister smile as he grabs the belt. BELT SHOT for Punk!! The fans boo even more, but Cena decides to up the ante! Cena brings out a table! The fans cheer, everyone loves tables! Cena puts the table in the ring, then watches Punk sputter around. Cena sets the table up while the fans rally behind Punk.
Punk stands but Cena has the belt again! BELT SHOT!! Cena drags Punk up, fireman’s carries, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENTÂ through the table!! Cena made Punk snap into a Slim Jim, and then he grabs a mic. Cena laughs at Punk, and then sits up on the corner. “Punk… As you lay there in your most uncomfortable…” Cena pretends the mic cut out, taps it, and then says, “Somebody’s afraid of what I’m gonna say.” Cena grins and the fans boo as Cena flips the iconic “Pipebomb” moment on it’s head. “As you lay there in your most uncomfortable, I hope you can listen. I hope you can digest.
“Because before I leave here in six months with that WWE Championship, I gotta get a whole lotta stuff off my chest. First thing’s first, I don’t hate you. I don’t even dislike you. I like you. I like you more than anyone you ever shared a locker room with, that’s for sure. I hate this idea of you. This idea that you’re the Best int he World. You’re not. I’M the Greatest of All Time.” Grand Rapids is a bit torn on that statement, but Cena says Punk is better than Cena at one thing: You’re the best BS artist in the world. Oh no, kiddos~! John Cena just dropped a curse word! That means the show is off the rails! Hey, Stu, shoot this. Hi~! “I’m breaking the forth wall! HAHA!”
Cena then says the truth is, Punk… Cena is jealous of you. Cena is jealous that Punk has conned the fans into believing the myth that Punk is the Best in the World. Oh how they chant for Punk! Which they literally do right now. Hell, the fans even sing for Punk now. But they don’t believe a damn word you say. Because Punk changes his values as much as Cena changes his shirts! Punk is just a loud mouthed opportunist who steps on the necks of those who actually work hard if it gets him ahead. Oh, hey, look, another cameraman! “Hi, Claudio Castagnoli! Hey, Nic Nemeth! Hey, Matt Cardona! How’re you guys doing?”
The fans can’t believe Cena is going this far but Cena is loving it! “He’s heating up! He’s on fire! And there’s nobody back there that’s gonna cut my mic to save your ass, cuz I’m your only friend! Remember who gave you the stage for your pipebomb, pal! And what’ve you done with it since then, huh? You just regurgitated the same five microphone moves of doom. You’re promo potato salad, pal. Hey, you’re no longer the Voice of the Voiceless, you’re a friggin’ millionaire despite yourself. You’re not a punk, you’re a capitalist! And you’re not against TKO, dude, you are Mr. TKO. Cuz they knocked your balls technically off your body.
“Your tweets are strong, but your actions are weak. And in Saudi Arabia, you’re gonna face some loud, loud music when I finally prove to the world that each and every day, day in, day out, no days off for 25 YEARS, I have been the Greatest of All Time!” The fans cheer that a bit more now, to Cena’s surprise. “See, they know. And they know that you were the Best in the World… for seven minutes, 14 years ago. And if after Night of Champions, you’re still delusional enough to believe that you’re the Best in the World, well… I guess it’s a small world after all. You’re welcome, Grand Rapids.” The fans cheer, and Cena lets the world hear it.
Cena tells Punk to bring his A Game to Night of Champions. If Grand Rapids is any indication, the mood is starting to change. Refs finally appear to check on Punk, Cena says no, that’s fine. Punk needs to rest up for his big title match. Get a good shot of this: Best in the World VS Greatest of All Time, for THE most coveted prize in sports entertainment, THE WWE Undisputed Championship! And Cena knows the fans will sing and chant, but he also knows even the idiots are smart enough to see the truth: The Champ is Here. And USA Network, keep the extra two and half minutes. He doesn’t need a bomb to blow the “mother fudging” building.
Oh, and thanks, Punk, for letting Cena rip off your best promo just to make you look even more foolish. Cena finally drops the mic and he raises the belt up again. If the proverbial tables have turned this drastically, is there no saving WWE from losing its north star championship?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown with an awesome ending. All those years ago, when CM Punk dropped THE OG “Pipebomb” promo, no one could’ve ever in a million years guessed that here tonight, we would’ve gotten the John Cena remix. Not only was that promo of the year, but Cena blew up go-home math. I can’t see Cena losing the title to Punk now. He can lose the match since Cena loves getting disqualified, and there’s the possibility of Rollins trying a cash-in, but Cena is leaving Saudi Arabia as champion to then go to SummerSlam. It also works because Cody Rhodes still feels like the favorite for King of the Ring.
A lot of that has to do with how Sami lost to Orton tonight. Great promo from the four semifinalists, especially since it was Jey, Sami and Orton kinda keeping Cody from talking since there isn’t more Cody needs to say. Win or lose, no explanations needed at this point. Sami VS Orton was an awesome match, but I could just feel an RKO countering the Helluva Kick as the way to go and that’s what they did. Now, as awesome as it would be for Jey to beat Cody, and then for Jey to beat Orton to go for the World Heavyweight Championship again, there are a lot of moving parts right now that it would just be the easiest for Cody to win the crown and have his rematch with Cena.
And while talking the WHC, Gunther VS Goldberg IS confirmed for the title, but has also been confirmed as Goldberg’s last match. This is a huge indicator that despite Rollins teasing a cash-in on the Undisputed title, he will likely be thwarted and then falls back to the title he feels is rightfully his. That is to say, Rollins cashes in on the winner of Gunther VS Goldberg, which I half expected even before all this talk of Goldberg’s last match. Rollins can take this title from Gunther and Goldberg, and then we can throw Jey and even LA Knight into the mix as things are getting heated between Knight and the henchmen.
Great promo from Knight with Heyman, great match with Knight VS Bronson, and a really powerful beating Knight takes from Bron & Bronson. If nothing else, Knight costs Rollins his cash-in. Truth going after Kit Wilson was an interesting move. Also a shame Elton Prince is hurt, Pretty Deadly gets going and then something happens to slow them down. But Kit was going to lose to Aleister so this really messes Aleister up more than anything. Priest keeping the peace between Aleister and Truth was good stuff. Priest and Truth being allies on SmackDown can be some real fun stuff, and I feel like they’re already set up for a feud with Aleister.
Very good stuff with Fatu, Solo and this US Championship story. Fatu VS Solo was the natural move, and I like that Jimmy Uso ends up an ally for Fatu. The title match is set, I wonder if we get a tag match first. In fact, next week is title night in Riyadh with Tiffany Stratton giving Nia the Last Woman Standing match, and basically setting the stage for Naomi to cash in. She almost did tonight but Nia was again able to stop her, so I would think Naomi waits until the very end of the Last Woman Standing match to take full advantage. Then, if Jade wins Queen of the Ring, we get Jade VS Naomi at SummerSlam.
Good promo from Jade, B-Fab & Michin watching Asuka VS Alexa. Asuka winning made the most sense, Alexa clearly has story with Charlotte and Asuka is just that good. Jade VS Roxie will be a good match but Roxie’s story in Judgment Day might keep her from winning. But then the fallback there is Roxie might actually sub in for the tag titles like I was thinking. Charlotte VS Chelsea was very good, and of course the Secret Her-vice does what they can to help. The beatdown they put on Charlotte and then Alexa making the save, that’s going to be one of those “can they coexist?” tag matches for sure.
Honestly, a little surprised we didn’t get any tag team promos tonight, unless I completely missed something. I believe title night is going to have Profits VS Gacy & Lumis for the tag titles, too, so that’s going to be something wild. And while DIY is scared of the Wyatts, I feel like they’re going to interfere because they don’t want the Wyatts to take the titles. But at the same time, the Wyatts need something substantial this time around, so maybe they win the titles at SummerSlam.
My Score: 9/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 6.19.25
Are we going to start trending upwards with Slammiversary to build toward?
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.Â
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?Â
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?Â
.@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.Â
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:
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