Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Monday Night Raw Results & Report! (2/11/19)
The Man returns to Raw! But isn’t she still suspended?!
The McMahons invite The Man back to Raw to respond to her controversial actions both last week and on SmackDown! Will this end well for Becky Lynch?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Triple Threat Tag: Sasha Banks & Bayley VS Nia Jax & Tamina VS The Riott Squad; Nia & Tamina win, Bayley & Banks must enter the Elimination Chamber first.
- Finn Balor VS Drew McIntyre; Finn wins, by disqualification.
- Six Man Tag: Finn Balor, Kurt Angle & Braun Strowman VS Drew McIntyre, Baron Corbin & Bobby Lashley w/ Lio Rush; Finn, Angle & Strowman win.
- Nikki Cross VS Ruby Riott; Riott wins.
- Dean Ambrose VS EC3; Ambrose wins.
- Raw Tag Team Championships: Bobby Roode & Chad Gable VS The Revival; The Revival win and become the new Raw Tag Team Champions.
PLAY BY PLAY
Stephanie and Triple H start off Raw!
The power couple of the McMahon administration welcome Grand Rapids and the rest of the WWE Universe to the show and the Road to Wrestlemania. But the Road takes a quick detour into the Elimination Chamber, where there will be the first ever Women’s Tag Team Championship match! Plus, SmackDown’s Daniel Bryan will have to be the best he’s ever been in an Elimination Chamber WWE Championship match! As for Raw, the Baddest Woman must take her own detour when she defends against the Squad leader, Ruby Riott. If Ronda Rousey succeeds, she will continue on to Wrestlemania to defend against The Man, Becky Lynch! Well, that was the plan until last week.
Footage plays of Stephanie confronting Becky about her bad leg. Stephanie told Becky to get checked out or be suspended. Becky threatened Stephanie not to do that, but the suspension came down. And Becky went after Stephanie with a vengeance! But the suspension wouldn’t keep Becky away, because she would show up on SmackDown the next night. HHH told Becky the same thing: see the doctor, and you get to face Ronda. Becky rubbed in the beat down on Stephanie, and that’s when HHH went on a rant about knowing the truth. Becky doesn’t want to get checked out, because she’s afraid she can compete against Ronda, and will then lose to Ronda. And much like Raw before, Becky would disrespect the boss when she SLAPPED HHH!
Fans still cheer Becky in the present. Stephanie says she and HHH are still going to give us what’s best for business. Becky went to the doctor and we will hear the results. But before Stephanie can continue, Becky appears! Becky still has her leg brace as she walks out and joins the Authority in the ring. Grand Rapids cheers Becky on as she says it’s nice to see them both looking so well. She teases she’ll hit Stephanie harder next time. HHH wants them all to put this behind them. He crossed the line accusing her of being afraid, and now he apologizes. Becky saw her personal doctor, and the WWE doctors actually agree. There are no injuries or structural damage, Becky can simply rehab and be 100% cleared. In other words, the suspension is lifted and Becky has her Wrestlemania match with Ronda.
Everyone is happy to hear that and Becky shakes hands with the bosses. Perhaps the greatest match in Wrestlemania will happen, “if and only if” Becky can still do something else. Of course there’s a catch. No, no, this is no catch. But every action has a consequence. Becky can easily do this. Her match is on and her suspension is lifted, if she apologizes to them. Then they can put this all behind them. Fans say “No! No!” but Becky did attack Steph and slap HHH. But they were forcing her to do something she didn’t want to. She went to see the doctors like they wanted! Stephanie doesn’t want Becky to be stubborn, but Becky tells Stephanie to shut up!
Becky does not trust the McMahons, that family has screwed so many people over the decades! They’re still trying to steal Becky’s opportunity! Becky will fight anyone to get to Mania! Even if it’s Stephanie or Vince! But apologize? “Hell no!!” Take the apologies and shove them up your arse! Becky and Stephanie argue, but HHH keeps the peace.
HHH tells Becky this is not the hill she wants to die on. Just think about it. Put the pride and stubbornness aside. Does Becky want to fight here? Or at Wrestlemania? Does Becky want that fight of her dreams? Does she want everything she fought for to matter? Or is she going to throw it all away in one night? HHH isn’t telling, he is giving her a choice. She needs to make a decision tonight. Will she go to Wrestlemania and fight Ronda, to show the world she’s The Man? Or will she choose to throw it all away? Becky has her future in her hands, but will she let it slip through her fingers?
Triple Threat Tag: Sasha Banks & Bayley VS Nia Jax & Tamina VS The Riott Squad!
The BFF’s have been through so much in the last year, but nothing is gonna break them. The Boss & Hug Connection are ready to become the inaugural WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, but will they be ready for this high stakes match? The team that takes the pin has to be the very first team in the Chamber! Who will end up facing the gauntlet this Sunday?
Raw returns as the Samoan Dynasty make their entrance. The Riott Squad’s Sarah Logan and Liv Morgan are already in the ring, so teams simply sort out and we begin. Sasha starts against Nia with the Squad content to wait it out. Nia lunges but Sasha dodges and SLAPS her! Then she tags out to Liv! Liv doesn’t want to but she has to come in. Nia and Liv circle and Liv runs. But Nia knocks her right down! Liv wants a tag but the #LegitHuggable duo don’t go anywhere near her. Nia runs at Liv but Liv dodges and enziguris! Tag to Sarah, and she fires off forearms and a headbutt. Nia staggers and comes back, but Sarah runs, into a fireman’s carry! She slips out but gets a headbutt from Nia!
Nia drags Sarah over and tags in Tamina. Tamina stomps a mudhole into the Kentucky Viking, then throws in big knees. Tamina has Sarah in a facelock but Sarah powers her towards the squad corner. Sarah gets free and dodges Tamina to tackle her! Tag to Liv and she covers, TWO! Liv keeps on Tamina with a facelock of her own, but Tamina powers her way out. Tamina uppercuts Liv off her feet! Tamina drags Liv up for a big scoop slam, then covers, TWO! Liv lives but Tamina keeps on her with a chinlock. Fans rally as Liv endures. Grand Rapids says “We Want Bayley!” Liv gets up but Tamina throws her down! Tag to Nia, and the Samoan Dynasty mug Liv. Nia toys with Liv as she crawls for Sarah, then yanks her back.
Liv fires off forearms and a kick, then runs to dropkick the leg! Nia stays up so Liv keeps dropkick-ing her! Liv runs but Bayley tags in! Bayley hotshots Liv but runs into Nia! The Squad goes after Sasha, Sarah gives her a BIG knee against barriers! The Boss & Hug Connection’s plan has backfired, but we go to break.
Raw returns and Liv has Bayley in a chinlock. Sasha’s shoulder is being checked by medics while Bayley fights her way up. Fans rally and Bayley feeds off the energy. Bayley arm-drags out but Tamina tags off Liv. Tamina goes after Bayley, who looks to be alone as Sasha is taken to the back! Tamina drags Bayley by her ponytail and headbutts her back down. Sasha doesn’t want to leave but the officials aren’t giving her much choice. Tamina kicks Bayley around then goes to Superkick, but Bayley rolls her! TWO, and Bayley jawbreakers! Jackknife cover, TWO! Bayley gets up and flapjack hotshots Tamina! She tags out to Liv! Liv tags Sarah and the Squad double dropkick Tamina! Liv enziguris, Sarah hits that knee! Tag back to Liv and the Squad work together on Tamina, wheelbarrow splash! Cover, TWO!
The Squad is furious but they tag back. Sarah stands on Tamina’s leg and then throws down hands. Sarah drags Tamina up and reaches, but Tamina whips and elbows Sarah down! Tamina stomps and clubs Sarah down, then drags her over. Tag to Nia and Nia tosses Sarah across the way! Big corner splash! Nia drops an elbow, then gets between Sarah and Liv. Nia drags Sarah up in a cobra clutch and thrashes her about. Sarah fights otu with her free arm, but Nia powers her to the corner! Nia runs but misses, hitting only post! Tamina tags in and hits Liv down! Tamina fireman’s carry, Samoan Drop! Sarah is down in a drop zone and Tamina climbs up. SUPERFLY hits knees! Liv returns, but so does Bayley, and they tag in!
Bayley rallies on Liv with lariats! And a tackle to fast hands! Bayley powers Liv to a corner and rams her shoulder. Wacky waving knee strike! Bayley puts Liv on the apron but Tamina runs in. Tamina ends up on the apron, DOUBLE hotshot! Fans fire up as Bayley follows them outside. Bayley dropkicks Liv through the corner! Bayley does the same to Nia! She hits Ruby before Ruby can hit her! Bayley runs, knee strike to Liv! She drags Liv to a drop zone then climbs up. Bayley aims, and hits the MACHO ELBOW! Cover, but Sarah breaks it! Sarah swings on Bayley but gets a saido suplex. Bayley goes to Liv but gets caught in a cradle! TWO, but Liv kicks Bayley. Liv whips but Bayley reverses, Bayley2Belly! Cover, but Tamina SUPERKICKS Bayley away!
Tamina has her pick, and drags Liv over. Tag to Nia and Nia gets Bayley with a Samoan Drop! Cover, the Samoan Dynasty wins!
Winners: Nia Jax & Tamina, Nia pinning; Bayley & Sasha must start the Elimination Chamber
The Samoan Dynasty shows they’re the favorites for Raw, and perhaps the entire match. And now the #LegitHuggable team, they must be the first Raw team to start that grueling match. Who from SmackDown will also be the first team to start?
Ladies and Gentlemen: Elias.
The Drifter is in Grand Rapids, but Becky Lynch talks with Finn backstage. He knows her situation is tough, but he has been too proud for his own good. Don’t let it get the better of you. Finn wants to slap Bobby Lashley and Lio Rush, but it’s better to bide your time. Because when the time comes, Finn will take that Intercontinental Championship. So, apologize? He’s not telling Becky what to do, but he is warning her that pride can get the better of many men. Just don’t let it get the better of THE Man. Becky thanks him for the talk, and compliments his awesome abs.
The Drifter tries again, but then a video package comes up for Seth Rollins! #MondayNightRollins has done nothing but #BurnItDown since the amazing Gauntlet Match last year where Rollins pinned both Roman Reigns and John Cena! Rollins did it again at last year’s Wrestlemania when he won the Intercontinental Championship to complete his Grand Slam. And he did it week after week as a fighting champion. He even did it the night he and Dean Ambrose took the Raw Tag Team Championships back! Rollins’ streak continues on this Road to Wrestlemania because he’s heading to the main event against the Universal Champion, Brock Lesnar!
Elias wants a third try, but the Lucha House Party appears?! What is going on with scheduling tonight? Kalisto, Gran Metalik & Lince Dorado bring pinatas and matracas to start a fiesta! Elias is as confused as we are, while we go to break.
Raw returns and Elias is furious! He has the LHP music stop and tells them to quit with the matracas. Elias tells them that he is the biggest musical act on planet Earth! But he’s been interrupted every week, and multiple times tonight! What’s worse, he didn’t get nominated for the Grammy’s! What are these three doing out here?! Well unlike Elias, the LHP are here to entertain the fans. But tonight, they actually want to #WalkWithElias. Well fine. Elias sits back down and wants everyone to silence phones, hold applause and shut mouths so he can perform.
He begins, and sings that he has nothing left to give. When he comes to Grand Rapids, he immediately loses the will to live. Some moron says this is Beer City, which makes sense, because beer goggles are needed to see anyone as pretty. This city is full of losers and the people are the same. But it’s not the kids’ fault, it’s the parents who are to blame.
Fans boo, and Lince clears his “ear”. What did they think of the song? Thumbs… DOWN! Grand Rapids also chant “You Suck! You Suck!” Oh so it’s like that?! They think they can do better!? Do they have any idea how hard it is to be him? Lince can dance. What about Metalik? He likes to sing. Kalisto will take care of this. Oh he thinks he can play as well as Elias? Fine, take the stool, and the guitar, and Elias proudly presents: Kalisto. Kalisto begins playing, and yes he’s rather good. Elias is surprised, and impressed. He asks Kalisto to do a duet. Kalisto agrees and Elias grabs the other guitar, TO SMASH Kalisto! Elias gets away while Metalik and Lince checks on Kalisto. Elias gets the last laugh, but will he give us a repeat performance?
Sonya Deville & Mandy Rose speak.
SmackDown’s #Fire&Desire have already been a part of many firsts in the WWE. They were in the inaugural Women’s Royal Rumble match, the inaugural Wrestlemania Women’s Battle Royal, so being in the inaugural Women’s Tag Team Championship Elimination Chamber is only natural. They won’t shy away from this opportunity, and are ready to take those titles. Will Sonya and Mandy have enough fire and desire to win it all?
Bobby Lashley & Lio Rush head to the ring.
The Rocky Mountain Machine and his Hype Man of the Hour want to be ringside for this upcoming match.
Finn Balor VS Drew McIntyre!
The Extraordinary Man gets what he wants: he will compete for the Intercontinental Championship this Sunday at the Elimination Chamber Pay-Per-View. However, he won’t be facing just Bobby Lashley. It will be a special Handicap match where Lio Rush will be involved! Either opponent can defeat him to retain, or he can defeat either opponent to win! Of course, that’s Sunday. Tonight, he’ll have to first fight the Scottish Terminator, which is a tall task for any superstar. Can Finn survive to then get even with Lashley and Lio? Or will McIntyre soften Finn up to make him easy pickings for the Almighty and the 24 Year Old Piece of Gold?
Raw returns as Finn makes his entrance. He sees Lashley & Lio ringside, but soon turns his attention to McIntyre as the Scotsman makes his entrance. The bell rings, and we begin! McIntyre and Finn circle, but Lashley and Lio distract! McIntyre clobbers Finn then puts him in a corner for CHOPS! Finn staggers but McIntyre whips him hard into buckles! McIntyre rains down rights while Lio and Lashley watch on. McIntyre grins as he gives Finn one last haymaker. Finn crawls and McIntyre dares him to get up. McIntyre stands Finn up for a CHOP, then mocks the Too Sweet. McIntyre grinds Finn with a mounted armbar. Finn endures but refuses to quit. Fans rally and Finn stands up, but McIntyre uses the chinbar to bring Finn back down.
McIntyre grinds a forearm in Finn’s face. Fans still rally and Finn fights his way up. Finn pries free but McIntyre knees low! McIntyre runs but into a dropkick! Finn dumps McIntyre out but McIntyre drags Finn up and over. Finn fights back and dodges McIntyre, sending him into the post! McIntyre crashes and burns while Finn gets back in. Finn builds speed but Lio swipes his feet! So Finn wrecks Lio with a dropkick! Finn gets back in, runs at McIntyre for a slingblade! And a shotgun dropkick to the back! McIntyre hits buckles and falls, so Finn heads up! But Lashley shoves him down!
Winner; Finn Balor, by disqualification
Lashley keeps going after Finn with stomps! McIntyre joins him and they drag Finn up. Lashley puts Finn into buckles while McIntyre fetches steel steps. But here comes Kurt Angle! Angle throws hands with McIntyre, then hurries to the ring. Angle dodges Lashley to German Suplex him! McIntyre returns but he gets a German! Lio runs in, but into the Ankle Lock! Angle twists Lio’s ankle, but Baron Corbin blindsides him! Fans boo as Corbin gathers again with his old buddies. They drag Angle up for Lashley to mug. So here comes BRAUN!! The Monster Among Men doesn’t like any of these three. McIntyre runs and throws hands, but Strowman gets through him and Lashley! Strowman throws each of them into barriers!
Corbin sees Strowman and decides to run at him. Strwwman headbutts Corbin back, but Corbin throws hands. Corbin runs but Strowman scoops him! McIntyre saves Corbin and they regroup with Lashley and a limping Lio. Strowman stands tall with Finn and Angle, but is this fight far from over?
Six Man Tag: Finn Balor, Kurt Angle & Braun Strowman VS Drew McIntyre, Baron Corbin & Bobby Lashley w/ Lio Rush!
Raw returns, and the two trios are having a match! Will Finn and friends be able to get instant payback on Corbin and his crew?
McIntyre throws hands on Strowman, but Strowman runs him over! Strowman drags McIntyre over to his corner and tags in Angle. Angle stomps away on McIntyre, but backs off at 4. Angle wrenches McIntyre’s arm then tags in Finn. Finn climbs and drops ax handles! Finn wrenches but McIntyre knees low. McIntyre puts Finn in the corner and tags in Corbin. They stomp a mudhole into Finn, then tag to Lashley. Lashley clubs away on Finn then chokes him against the ropes! The ref backs Lashley off and Lashley tags Corbin. Corbin mugs Finn then throws a knee. Tag to McIntyre, and McIntyre stomps Finn down. McIntyre looms over Finn as fans rally. Finn fights back with forearms but McIntyre keeps him form the corner. McIntyre whips but Finn tilt-o-whirls for a reverse DDT!
Both men are down and fans fire up. Finn hurries to his feet, hot tag to Angle! Angle German Suplexes McIntyre! He holds on and does it again! And then again for the hat trick! Angle stalks McIntyre, but McIntyre escapes the Angle Slam to whip McIntyre. McIntyre runs into a boot, and Angle hits a missile dropkick! Angle hits the Angle Slam! Cover, but Corbin breaks it! Strowman chases Corbin off but has to go back to his corner. Lashley comes in for a complete shot outta nowhere! McIntyre covers, TWO! McIntyre tags to Corbin and Corbin goes after Angle with elbows to the neck and shoulders. Corbin puts Angle in a half nelson but fans rally up again. Angle powers up and hits back with body shots, but runs into a big back elbow! Cover, ONE!
Corbin drags Angle up and over and tags in Lashley. Lashley mugs Angle then bumps him off buckles. Lashley rams his shoulder into Angle, then throws more forearms. He snapmares Angle into a chinlock but fans rally up. Angle powers up and fights out again. Lashley knees low then whips Angle to a corner. Lashley runs in but into a boot! Angle and Lashely crawl, McIntyre tags in! McIntyre cuts Angle off and rains down rights. McIntyre throws Angle out hard, but the ref keeps him from pursuing. Angle is in trouble while we go to break.
Raw returns again and McIntyre mocks Angle as an embarrassment. Angle SLAPS McIntyre! Hot tags to Corbin and Finn! Finn rallies on all there opponents! Finn CHOPS Corbin int he corner, then whips. Corbin reverses but Finn goes up and over. Finn runs into a boot but swing kicks Corbin off the ropes! Corbin denies the Slingblade for a Choke Slam Backbreaker! Cover, TWO! Corbin drags Finn up to rain down rights. Fans boo as Corbin tags Lashley. Lashley drags Finn up to knock him down. Lashley flexes and Lio flexes with him. Finn fights out of the powerbomb lift, and back drops Lashley. Lashley sunset flips but Finn rolls through and dropkicks! Both Finn and Lashley are down, but crawling.
Corbin just runs in to hit Angle, and McIntyre comes around the outside to go after Strowman. Strowman uppercuts McIntyre and grabs Corbin! CLAYMORE! Lashley aims at Finn from the corner while Finn slowly stands. Corbin and McIntyre head back to their corner, having left Finn without a partner. Lashley runs in but Finn dodges! Finn FLIES onto McIntyre and Corbin! Finn shoulders and kicks Lashley back. Lashley’s down, Finn climbs up! Lio hops up but Finn knocks him away. Lashley trips Finn on the top rope! Lashley drags Finn off the corner for the Dominator! Cover, Lashley wins! But Finn had his foot on the ropes!!
Winner: Bobby Lashley, Baron Corbin & Drew McIntyre, Lashley pinning
But the ropebreak was completely missed! The referee already made the call, but wait, a second referee comes out! They discuss the ropebreak, and Corbin argues back it doesn’t matter. But that was how things were done. This match will continue! Lashley is the most furious of them all, but it is happening, after the break.
Raw returns and the restarted match has Corbin dragging Finn in off the apron. Cover, TWO! Finn is still alone after what McIntyre did to Strowman during commercial. Finn endures the half nelson but fans rally up. He fights his way up and out but Corbin shoves him to a corner. Finn goes up but Corbin slides out to slide in. Finn was ready, elbow drop DDT! Corbin tags Lashley and Lashley drags Finn up to club him down. Lio cheers Lashley on as Lashley whips Finn to a corner hard. Lashley runs in and rams his shoulder into Finn’s abs. Fans boo as Lashley toys with Finn. Lashley gut wrenches Finn but Finn slips out! Finn trips Lashley, double stomps! Finn and Lashley are both down, but Finn has no partners to tag. He still crawls that way, but Lashley drags Finn away. Finn enziguris free!
Fans rally up, and the Monster rises! Strowman drags himself up and to the corner! Finn crawls, hot tag to Strowman! Strowman rallies on Lashley, then blasts Corbin and McIntyre! Strowman shoves Lashley and hits a big corner splash! Then he clubs Lashley down! Corbin runs in but gets clubbed won! McIntyre, too! Strowman clears the ring and decides to take some laps! Strowman barrels into McIntyre! And into Corbin! And into Lashley AND Lio! He’s The Monster Truck Among Men! Strowman puts Lashley in but Corbin grabs his feet! Angle returns to German Suplex Corbin! Strowman goes after Lashley, but McIntyre comes in. Strowman clotheslines McIntyre out but Lashley clubs Strowman to a corner. Lashley runs in, but into a MONSTER SLAM!! Tag to Finn! COUP DE GRACE!! Cover, Finn and team win!
Winners: Finn Balor, Kurt Angle & Braun Strowman, Finn pinning
The Extraordinary Man proves he can outlast numbers and win big! But this was an even 3v3 match. Can Finn do it all again when it’s 2v1? Or will the Man of the Hour be the key to Lashley staying champion?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“Y’know, for the last four months, I’ve been recovering from my knee injury and my recent surgery.” He’s giving an update to the WWE Universe. Kevin’s been spending as much time as possible with his family, but he also watches Raw. IT’s been rough to watch, because he’s watching other people do what he does best. But good news: Kevin doesn’t know which brand it will be, but he knows when. One month remains before the Kevin Owens Show returns! And check this: Kevin bowls… a gutter ball. Well okay he’s not a great bowler, but he is a great wrestler. Where will we see the Prizefighter return?
Backstage interview with Becky Lynch.
The Man has her choice to make. If she refuses to apologize, what will she tell the fans when we no longer get Becky VS Ronda? None of Charly’s damn business.
WWE and Raw celebrate Black History Month.
Segregation was a major issue but the protests to end it were not segregated. Many people of many cultures shared Martin Luther King’s dream. And now, anyone is allowed to go anywhere and socialize with anyone. #LongLivetheDream.
Nikki Cross VS Ruby Riott!
SAnitY’s Twisted Sister has a rematch from her NXT days as she takes on the Squad Leader! Ruby has a chance to shock the world and take Ronda Rousey’s championship to deny us the anticipated Raw Women’s Championship match regardless of what Becky chooses! Will the Road to Wrestlemania take some wild detours?
Raw returns and the bell rings. Nikki and Ruby circle and tie up. Ruby pushes Nikki to ropes but Nikki turns it around. Nikki pushes Ruby to the other side of the ring before they break. Nikki is wild as ever, but Ruby doesn’t shy away. She does run into a roll-up, TWO! Nikki puts on a headlock but Ruby fights out. Ruby reels Nikki in for a forearm, but then Nikki hits a big crossbody! Cover, TWO! Nikki gets on Ruby again with a facelock, but Ruby fights out. Ruby runs but into Nikki’s thrashing sleeper hold! Nikki becomes a backpack but Ruby backs her into buckles. Ruby gets free, then runs back in, only for Nikki to dodge. Nikki runs into Deadly Nightshade! Cover, TWO!
Ruby keeps on Nikki as Ronda and Becky encounter each other backstage. Ronda wants Becky to say which is more important: history or ego? Their match is bigger than just the two of them. They could break ground for women in wrestling, if Becky would just stop being a baby. Ronda wants Becky to man up. Just apologize, even if it isn’t genuine. Because otherwise, she’s just a coward. Becky holds in her desire to slap Ronda, but does Ronda have a point?
Back in the ring, Nikki arm-drags out and then throws a throat chop! Ruby still gets Nikki in an STO! Cover, TWO! Ruby grows frustrated as she glares down at Nikki. She slams Nikki’s face off the mat, then drops a knee on Nikki’s shoulders! Ruby drags Nikki up and whips her to a corner. Nikki elbows Ruby away then boots her. Nikki throws forearms and whips but Ruby reverses. Ruby ducks and the crossbody misses! Ruby kicks Nikki in the ribs! Nikki gets on the apron but Ruby follows her out there. Ruby declares herself the next champion already, then drags Nikki up. Nikki blocks the STO and turns Ruby around, inverted DDT on the apron! Ruby crawls away but Nikki fires up. Nikki aims at Ruby, big crossbody! Nikki tackles Ruby down and fans fire up with the Loony Lass!
Ruby crawls away again but Nikki traps her in the apron skirt! Nikki clubs away on Ruby, and Ruby falls to the floor. Nikki drags Ruby back up and in then climbs up top. Ruby SUPERKICKS Nikki right down! Ruby drags Nikki up for the Riott Kick! Cover, Ruby wins!
Winner: Ruby Riott, by pinfall
Ruby may have had to share airtime with Ronda and Becky, but will the Squad Leader stand between them? Or will the Rowdy One retain through Elimination Chamber?
Seth Rollins heads to the ring!
Grand Rapids is ready to #BurnItDown with The Architect! Rollins hears out the fans and says he was going to talk about Brock Lesnar and Wrestlemania, but he watched his highlight reel from earlier. He speaks on the last 12 months, “what a ride, right?” From the Gauntlet to Wrestlemania 34 to defending the Intercontinental Championship around the world. 2018 was crazy, and to be honest, Rollins is glad to share it with the WWE Universe. 2018 helped him feel like “Seth Freakin’ Rollins”. And then Rollins won the Men’s Rumble and achieved a childhood dream. He was on top of the world, until he confronted The Beast and got six F5’s. Rollins went home to rest up and think. He has bad news and good news.
Bad news: he took those six F5’s and he’s sore. The pain from those F5’s was unlike anything he ever felt. The good news: he’s still here. Lesnar gave Rollins six F5’s but he’s still standing! And if he’s standing, he can fight. If he can fight, he can Curb Stmop. And if he can Curb Stomp, he will beat Brock Lesnar! Many people asked him, “What is it worth to you? What does it cost?” Rollins’ answer: it doesn’t matter. If this Wrestlemania ends up being his last match- “Ladies and gentlemen!” Paul Heyman comes out gives his usual introduction. And he has a Mania level surprise for us, because the “reigning, defending, undisputed Universal Heavyweight Champion, BROCK! LESNAR!” is not here. And Grand Rapids boos that. Great “surprise”, Paul. But it gets them every time, because ignorance is bliss.
But have no fear, fans. Heyman is here to educate fans and especially educate Rollins. Rollins is “pontificating” a misguided notion that all men are created equal. They’re not. Does anyone honestly believe that Rollins’ DNA matches up to Lesnar’s? Admittedly, Rollins is a great athlete, a top-tier performer and a Wrestlemania main event player. Rollins might be the best Heyman has ever seen. But Lesnar is a Beast. Lesnar is a predator. Lesnar is a “career killer” sadist with an “unrepentant soul”. If Rollins goes in saying he’ll do anything and everything, including taking a beating so bad it’s his last match ever, that is a “suicide mission”. Heyman gives Rollins fair warning: If Rollins walks in and tries to take the title from Lesnar, he will only be The Architect of his own demise. Ladies and gentlemen, that’s not a prediction, that’s a spoiler.
Rollins tells Heyman that he’s right. But what no one understands is that Rollins doesn’t care. Lesnar has held the industry that Rollins loves more than anything, Lesnar has held it hostage for two long years and he refuses to stand for it! Rollins doesn’t care if Wrestlemania is a suicide mission, because Rollins will be the martyr that sacrifices body, heart and soul, and burn in Hell, so long as Lesnar does not leave Mania the champion. That’s not a prediction, that’s a spoiler. Rollins is deadly serious, but will it take that and more to finally #SlayTheBeast?
But wait! Dean Ambrose appears! The Lunatic Fringe arrives before The Architect has even left. Rollins is wary as Ambrose joins him in the ring. But Ambrose simply holds out a hand. Rollings hands over the mic, and Ambrose has just one thing to say. “Slay the Beast.” Ambrose leaves the ring to sit ringside. Rollins grins, and takes his leave. Ambrose has a match next, but against who?
The IIconics speak.
Being the inaugural WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions would bring Peyton Royce & Billie Kay full circle in their 14 year career. It would be the perfect thing for them, but will they be able to survive five other teams to do it?
Dean Ambrose VS EC3!
Ambrose called out The Top One Percent last week during A Moment of Bliss, but then lost to him in EC3’s first Raw match! They have a rematch already, but will EC3 get a 2-0 sweep on Ambrose? Or will #VictoryAfterVictory have to wait?
The bell rings, and Ambrose runs right at EC3! He throws hands in a corner then CHOPS against the ropes. Ambrose whips but EC3 bails out. Ambrose gives chase but EC3 gets him on the return. EC3 stomps and throws haymakers on Ambrose, thenw hips. Ambrose elbows EC3 down! EC3 gets to a corner and dodges Ambrose to hit a big clothesline! EC3 grounds ‘n’ pounds but Ambrose covers up. The ref backs EC3 off but EC3 comes back to bump Ambrose on buckles. EC3 CHOPS Ambrose and then whips Ambrose back in for a clothesline. He rolls Ambrose out and hits a big missile dropkick! Fans fire up for EC3 as he drags Ambrose up. EC3 suplexes and holds Ambrose to then slam him down! Cover, TWO!
EC3 stays on Ambrose with a nerve hold. Ambrose endures as fans rally up. Ambrose fights up but EC3 knees low. EC3 turns Ambrose but Ambrose CHOPS! They trade chops, Ambrose runs but into a scoop slam! EC3 has everyone “Say My Name!” He drops the elbow! EC3 scoops but Ambrose slips out. Ambrose dodges and sends EC3 into the post! EC3 tumbles out of the ring and a ring count begins. EC3 sits up at 5 and gets in, but Ambrose is on him with a clothesline! Ambrose rallies and whips, but EC3 kicks him away. EC3 runs but into a scrapbuster! Cover, TWO! Ambrose gets to a corner and climbs up, but EC3 trips him up! Both men are down but EC3 is up quick. EC3 smirks but gets caught in a cradle! Ambrose wins!
Winner: Dean Ambrose, by pinfall
And just like that, the series is tied up! EC3 got caught off guard much like Ambrose last week. When and where will we see the tiebreaker?
Alexa Bliss finds Becky Lynch backstage.
The Goddess tells The Man not to do it. The moment she apologizes, she shows weakness. Becky isn’t weak, she’s The Man. And many superstars look up to her. So don’t say you’re sorry. Why? Because if she doesn’t, someone else can go after Ronda at Wrestlemania? Alexa, this advice you’re giving, this has nothing to do with that, right? She’d never do that! Alexa just wants Becky to be true to herself. And yet there’s not one genuine bone in Alexa’s body. Fine, apologize! Be the same ol’ Becky. But then she won’t be The Man. She’ll just be that sell-out. If Becky does apologize, the only thing she’ll sell out is Mania. Becky heads out, but what will she do?
Raw Tag Team Championships: Bobby Roode & Chad Gable VS The Revival!
The GLORIOUS Duo once again face Dash Wilder & Scott Dawson. There was controversy the first few times, but surely the #TopGuys will get fair treatment while also playing fair. Will Dash & Dawson finally #SayYeah to a tag title reign on the main roster?
Raw returns and the introductions are made. The belts are raised and the teams sort out. Gable starts against Dash with the bell. They tie up and Dash gets a headlock. Gable endures and powers out. Dash runs Gable over then speeds things up. Gable hip tosses Dash down! Gable gets Dash in a mounted armlock, but Dash works his way out quick. Dash pulls hair but Gable wrenches, only for Dash to scoop slam! Tag to Dawson but Gable pushes him away. Gable arm-drags Dawson to an armlock, but Dawson gets up. Dawson reaches but Gable wrenches. Dawson rolls and reverses to a wristlock but Gable avoids a takedown. Gable endures as Dawson wrenches more. Fans rally up and Gable rolls to bridge and spin and handspring. Gable spins and spins and gets a drop toehold, back to the armlock!
Gable wrenches but Dawson pulls hair and hits a big uppercut! Roode tags in but Dawson rocks Roode with a cheap shot right. Dawson whips but Roode reverses. Dawson goes up and over and Roode has to fight off Dash. Roode still gets Dash, and Gable leaps in for double clotheslines! The champs double EXPLODER the Revival out of the ring! Fans fire up as Gable builds speed. Roode helps Gable lift off, but Gable has to stop when the Revival get clear. Gable jumps over Dash and Roode dropkicks Dash into Dawson! Gable climbs up high, SUPER MOONSAULT onto The Revival! The champions are in control while we go to break.
Raw returns and Dash has Roode down with a cobra clutch. Roode fights up as fans rally. Roode fights back with body shots but Dash shoves and rams into Roode’s stomach. Tag to Dawson and The Revival double whip. Roode holds ropes and boots Dash away. Roode tosses Dawson out and dodges Dash in the corner! Dash tumbles down but Roode has to crawl a long way towards Gable. Dawson crawls back in but Gable stags in! Gable rallies on Dawson! Dash runs in but gets an arm-drag! Gable goes back to Dawson for corner punches. Dash stops Gable at 7 but gets a crossbody! Dawson runs into an atomic drop and Dash runs into an overhead suplex! Gable fires up as he targets Dawson. Dawson elbows and runs, but into an Electric Chair. Gable lets him down, German Suplex with a bridge! TWO!!
Gable keeps his cool as he drags Dawson back up. He whips but Dawson sunset flips. Gable sits on it, TWO! Dash returns but misses. Roode throws Dash out but Dash stays on the apron. The ref tells Roode to go to his corner, but Gable runs into a Revival flapjack hotshot! Cover, TWO!! Gable survives and Dawson is furious! Dawson drops legs and elbows and a headbutt! He drags Gable up for a big back suplex! Tag to Dash, and Dash becomes a human weapon for the assisted leg drop! Cover, TWO! Tag back and The Revival mug Gable. Dawson snapmares Gable to a chinlock and puts on the squeeze. Fans rally up as Gable stands up.
Gable arm-drags Dawson off but Dawson shoves him back. Gable fights out and slips out of the suplex. Dawson grabs hair to keep Gable away! Gable runs into Dash and back suplexes Dawson! Both men are down but fans fire up. Dash trips Roode but Roode pushes him away. Roode chases Dash but Gable misses his tag. Dawson blasts Roode and then drags Gable over! Tag to Dash and they give Gable an elbow drop backbreaker! Cover, TWO!! Gable still lives but Dash throws hands. Dash drags Gable up but Gable slips out. Dawson tags in, CHAOS THEORY for Dash! German Suplex for Dawson! But Roode is still down so Gable can’t tag out! We go to break while all four men are down.
Raw returns once again, and Gable slams Dawson down to catapult him into buckles! Fans rally up, hot tags to Dash and Roode! Roode rallies on The Revival, and gives Dash a big back drop! Dawson runs into a urenage! Dash runs into a gourd buster onto Dawson! Roode fires up as he tackles them both in the corner! Roode hops up and aims at Dash, but Dash gets clear. He clotheslines Dawson instead, then gives Dash a GLORIOUS Spinebuster! Cover, TWO! Roode is shocked but The Revival still lives. Dash crawls away but Roode winds it up. GLORIOUS but Dawson saves Dash from the DDT! Dash rolls Roode, TWO! Tag and Dash bucks Roode off. Gory Special, BULLDOG! Cover, TWO!! Roode lives and The Revival can’t believe it!
Dawson tags Dash and they double whip. Roode sunset flips, Gable crossbodies! Cover, TWO! Dash runs into boots and Roode tags to Gable. Gable hops up, but dash scoops. Roode slips out, Gable moonsaults but misses. Gable waistlocks Dash while Roode climbs, GLORIOUS Blockbuster and German Suplex combo! Cover, but Dawson breaks it just in time! Fans realize “This is Awesome!” as all four men catch their breath. Roode runs at Dawson but Dawson tosses him out. Gable hits Dawson with a rolling kick, then wheelbarrows Dash to a victory roll! TWO and Dash gets to the apron. Dash shoulders back then climbs up, but Gable leaps up to join him! They fight, Dawson tags. Dash sunset flips and Dawson climbs, Doomsday Device! Cover, but Roode pushes Dash into it! All four men are down and fans are loving it!
Fans again declare “This is Awesome!” as the teams regroup. The Revival stand up first and drag Gable up. They double suplex but Roode saves Gable. Roode ducks their clotheslines and shoves Dash into Dawson. Roode then tosses Dawson out and Gable climbs up. Dawson DDT’s Roode! Gable leaps for a sunset flip with jackknife bridge! TWO!! Dash tags in even as Gable atomic drops Dawson. Gable is ready with haymakers, then whips Dawson. Dawson reverses, but Gable leaps, INTO SHATTER MACHINE!! Cover, The Revival win!!
Winners: The Revival, Dash Wilder pinning; NEW Raw Tag Team Champions
Vindication for Dash & Dawson! They faced controversy and even cleaned up their act, and now they are champions!
Backstage interview with The Revival.
It took them quite awhile, but here they are with the titles! Dash & Dawson love the sound of new Raw Tag Team Champions. They’ve been saying it for years that they are THE best tag team ever! It doesn’t matter if it’s Raw, SmackDown or around the world, they are THE best. They are truly #TopGuys, will they go all the way to Wrestlemania with the gold?
Becky Lynch heads to the ring!
The Man stands in the ring as Raw returns, and is joined by HHH and Stephanie. It’s the moment of truth, and after this long night, will cooler heads prevail? Is Becky going to live the dream or not? HHH wants Becky to believe that they want this as much as her. Stephanie says she meant it that Becky VS Ronda could be the biggest match ever! They could make history! But like in anything, you must accept the consequences of your actions. They apologized to her, but will she do the same to them? It’s just two little words against a chance at history. Fans don’t want Becky to do it, but HHH tells her to ignore them. This isn’t the fans’ time, it’s just the three of them. Don’t let strangers dictate your future. What does Becky want? Does she want Wrestlemania? It’s time. What is her decision?
Becky still thinks the Authority is against her. And everyone’s been telling her things whether she wants advice or not. She admits she got defensive, and she admits the fans wanted to see her fight them. Becky hit Stephanie and slapped HHH, but if Becky just has to say two little words, then… Fans sense a certain alternative, but HHH again wants Becky to ignore it. Becky looks Stephanie and HHH in the eyes and says, “I’m sorry.” But with that out of the way, the deal is set. Becky gets to go right after Ronda, right? Because if anyone tries to take this dream from her now, they’ll be in the fight of their lives. It doesn’t matter who it is, no one is taking the dream from Becky. HHH says he wouldn’t have it any other way. “Congratulations, you’re going to Wrestlemania.” They shake hands, and that’s it.
Wait, that’s it? Yes, really. Becky finally feels great! “Ron-Ron”, it’s you and The Man! Metlife in New York, 70 thousand people! And speaking of, here comes Ronda! Becky and Ronda stare down but VINCE McMahon appears?! Before anything silly happens, Vince agrees with Stephanie. This match could be one of the greatest matches of all time. Emphasis on “could be”. But Becky thinks she’s bigger than WWE, and so does Ronda. Becky’s not The Man, Vince is! And The Man makes tough decisions. Here’s one: Becky’s still suspended! He doesn’t accept that apology, and the 60 days means Becky misses Mania. That means someone needs to replace her to face Ronda.
Vince chooses a woman who will stay in her lane but still take Ronda to the limit. That woman is CHARLOTTE FLAIR! The Queen steps up and neither Ronda nor Becky is happy about this. Vince wants Ronda to get used to this, because Charlotte’s hand will be raised! Vince already declares Charlotte the winner, but will that really be the case? Will Becky find away around Vince’s executive screwjob?
My Thoughts:
Well this was a haphazard episode. It started off rather well with The Authority trying to treat Becky Lynch like she’s somewhere between Stone Code and the Old Daniel Bryan. Becky having to make the decision became the main thread of the show, to where it unfortunately derailed from other segments. I honestly thought Elias being interrupted by her talk with Finn was a miscue of the production team. But then Elias kept having to deal with distractions and I almost thought it was Road Dogg messing with him. Instead, it’s Elias’ new carry-over feud until he, Roadie and Double J meet again. I’m thinking Elias splits the Lucha House Party but with him coming out on top to be strong going into his true feud with Jarrett.
I enjoyed the Triple Threat Tag, that stipulation was a good idea. But of course, the top Faces of the entire match end up behind the 8-ball. Bayley and Sasha starting and running the gauntlet will definitely legitimize them as winning as opposed to coming in somewhere in the middle, since it’s almost a given they’ll win anyway. Though, Sasha being taken out of action again is a bad sign for her actual ability to compete. Hopefully they’re just letting her take it easy so that she’ll actually be 100% for the Chamber. Ruby VS Nikki was good, but the feel of it was ruined by the Becky-Ronda segment. We know Ruby won’t win, but it’s not like Vince didn’t throw a monkey wrench into the plan.
Finn’s story was a huge chunk of the middle, and was fairly solid. McIntyre being his opponent obviously brings in the story of Angle and Strowman. The resulting Six Man Tag match was really good, but I was surprised it took two referees to change the decision. The primary official noticed Finn had the ropebreak, he could’ve just waved it off and said the matched continued then and there. But that aside, of course Finn and the Faces win. Now Finn can do that weird Handicap Intercontinental Championship match. The only reason for that would be so that Finn can pin Lio to get the title instead of overcoming Lashley. Which is stupid, Finn needs to show he can beat Lashley directly, but I guess that’s just Vince not thinking Finn is good enough.
Rollins and Heyman had a good segment together, I really like this all-or-nothing attitude in Rollins. That level of determination might be what Rollins needs in story to be the one to truly overcome Lesnar. Ambrose giving Rollins a slightly encouraging talk was an interesting choice. But perhaps with their story finished and Ambrose possibly on his way out, they might as well let bygones be bygones and be somewhat friendly with each other. Ambrose VS EC3 II was pretty good, but another quick pinfall means we’re getting round 3 in the future. I don’t know about at Elimination Chamber, that’s almost too soon. I’m hoping for a full story where EC3 actually gets to give promos, and we settle this at Fastlane.
The Raw Tag Team Championship match was great! Probably the best thing of the night, and the best tag match on Raw’s side of things in months. And at last, The Revival gets to be champions! Granted, this is about WWE not wanting to lose potential stars to AEW, but hey, title reigns are still title reigns. Fans are happy, The Revival should be happy, and hopefully The Revival retain all the way to Wrestlemania and beyond. But of course, this also all has to happen with fair treatment of Raw’s Tag Team Division. Though speaking of that, it’s literally not fair in both kayfabe and in reality for Vince to pull such executive shenanigans.
Becky apologizes, even if it was just for show, but then Vince just pulls the rug out from under everyone. I knew the Triple Threat was inevitable but Vince can’t even do it the smart way. Make Charlotte earn it, make her reestablish herself. Vince literally does what fans have always accused him of doing for others and he makes Charlotte his chosen one. Becky will still get in, raising Hell in the process, and I would hope she gets to put Vince in a Disarm-Her and forces him to put her back in the match. As a match, the Triple Threat will still be great, but now we have no idea what Asuka does for Mania. SmackDown will need to build up someone fast. Perhaps Lacey Evans as the one call-up that hasn’t done anything yet.
My Score: 7.5/10
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Tables, Ladders, and Chairs for the championships!
To finally settle things between The Street Profits, Motor City Machine Guns and DIY, they battle for the WWE Tag Team Championships in TLC!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Los Garza VS Fraxiom; Fraxiom wins.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Jade Cargill; Jade wins, by disqualification.
- WWE Women’s United States Championship: Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice VS Zelina Vega; Zelina wins and becomes the new WWE Women’s United States Champion.
- WWE United States Championship #1 Contender’s Match: LA Knight VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins, by disqualification, no word on contender status.
- WWE Tag Team Championships TLC Triple Threat: The Street Profits VS Motor City Machine Guns VS DIY; The Profits win and retain the titles.
PLAY BY PLAY
The final hour of SmackDown will be commercial free!
That’s right, we won’t have to miss a thing when it comes to tonight’s main event, that Triple Threat Tables, Ladders & Chairs match!
JOHN CENA is here!
Fort Worth, Texas erupts with, “JOHN CENA SUCKS~! JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” as the NEW and historic SEVENTEEN-TIME WWE Champion makes his way out to the ring! But just like on Monday, Cena wants Mark Nash to join him in the ring. The fans boo while Mark reluctantly steps into the ring with Cena. The fans now chant, “LET’S GO, CENA!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cena shakes his head in disappointment, but he gives Mark the same script as on Monday. Mark again apologizes that his announcement was still disrespectful.
Mark again redoes it, because this is the GREATEST of All Time! The Never-Seen Seventeen, gracing Fort Worth with his presence for the final time… THE LAST REAL CHAMPION, JOHN CENA! Mark exits the ring, the fans still chant, but Cena stares down a father and child in the front row. The booing returns, but then RANDY ORTON makes his entrance! Cena is stopped in his tracks while the fans cheer The Viper. Orton steps into the ring, has his time to pose, and then grabs a mic. The fans cheer on Orton, but Cena holds up the title. The fans boo and Orton smirks. Orton tells Cena, “Do you know what I found out just a couple days ago?”
In a couple months, it’ll be 25 years to the day that Orton and Cena first shook hands. 25 years. They have known each other for 25 YEARS. And this is a compliment: up until a couple months ago, Cena had not changed. He was always about hustle, loyalty and respect. It wasn’t just a catchphrase for merchandise, it was a way of life. It was Cena’s mantra for every day of his life. So Orton realized he needs to think what’s going on here. There must be a void in Cena’s life that needs fulfillment.
So Orton wracked his brain, thought about all the fans over the years. The millions and millions of kids who have looked up to Cena since day one! All the kids that Cena has motivated, that he has been a role model for. Kids accomplished goals and set more goals. Track & field, basketball, the classroom, generations upon generations looked up to Cena. Surely, that meant something to Cena. Cena has granted more wishes than anyone in the history of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. You cannot tell Orton that each and every one of those sick children didn’t leave with a piece of Cena’s heart. They can’t just be a number to him.
So… Orton figured out how to fill the void. Take it from Orton, but Cena needs to have some damn kids of his own. Imagine a bunch of square-jawed, thick-armed little Cenas running around? The world would be a better place, and Cena would be back to who he is, and who Orton knows he is. Cena needs to grow up and be a father, it’ll make him a better human being. Cena thinks on that, then smirks. Cena says, “How dare you.” The fans boo, but Cena says how dare Orton prance out here with a smile on his face under the guise of making Cena feel better, than “parent shame” him in front of the whole world!
“Congratulations, Randy Orton. You have children and you love them. Good for you.” Does Orton want to know the real reason Cena doesn’t have kids? Because he’s spent the last 25 YEARS raising yours, fans! And by the sound of it from this group tonight, Cena has done an impeccable job! Here is the REAL truth! For the last 25 years, Cena has been a better parent to the fans’ children then they could ever be! That’s right, kids! Your dad’s a loser! Oh, wow, a six year old just gave him the middle finger. How classy. THAT is why Cena doesn’t have kids. He’s been policing brats like that for a quarter of a century!
The fans boo but Cena tells that one kid, “Never bring a knife to a gun fight. Bet your loser dad didn’t teach you that one! And don’t look at me like you’re gonna do something, either.” Cena asks Orton if we’re done here, and Orton says no, they’re not. Has the Hollywood rot set so deep inside Cena’s brain that he can’t hear Orton? It doesn’t have to be one or the other. The fans are why Cena is here before us in the ring now. They’re why Cena’s in Hollywood. WWE is why Cena is in Hollywood and he is crushing it. Cena cut his teeth in the WWE, developed his work ethic in WWE, and that’s why he’s crushing it.
Without the WWE, there is no Cena in Hollywood. And without the fans, there is no WWE. No matter how you add it up, no matter what math you apply to it, these fans are the biggest reason why Cena is in this ring with Orton today. Orton says he has made a lot of mistakes throughout his life and his career, and he’s learned from them on this long journey. But Orton can go into the locker room, head held high, and he can get disrespect from his peers. Orton is furniture here, he is here to stay. Cena is now just a guest. Cena says, “We all have our perspectives. I used to believe yours. That without them, there is no WWE.”
Cena used to think that they all won together. Cena was wrong. “We” didn’t win anything, CENA did! Cena has never needed a single one of these people! They will chant in the same breath, “Let’s Go, Cena!” “Cena Sucks!” The fans chant that very thing. Cena says he called out a rando and that guy turned pale white. Imagine having that chanted at you for 25 YEARS! The fans mean NOTHING to him! Orton is just like them! They’re all hypocrites! Because once you get tired of Cena, you can put your energy into any superstar you want. But if the roles are reversed, and Cena puts his energies into anything other than this, he’s an outcast? A guest?
That is why this is dysfunctional! That’s why this doesn’t work anymore! This is NOT a functional relationship, this is manipulation! The fans manipulate the truth to make themselves feel good about how they’ve done nothing with their lives! Cena points to a fan and says, “The only thing that man has done right there is dress up to look like Jack Black! He’s 100 years old and that’s all he has to say for his life!” Cena feels criticized and labeled as an outcast and guest for simply trying to do something different.
Orton says he was so… SO stupid for thinking that for one second, in this weird bizarro world where Orton’s now a good guy and Cena’s now a bad guy, that Cena would somehow listen. But the words coming out of Orton’s mouth are not penetrating that thick ass skull of Cena’s, are they? Cody Rhodes, before his badass entrance, it says wrestling has more than one royal family. And he’s not just talking about the Rhodes, right? He’s also talking about the Orton’s! Cena wants to ruin wrestling? Wrestling gave Orton everything! Ever since he came out of his mother’s womb, wrestling has provided for Orton!
Wrestling will provide for Orton, his family, his loved ones, until Orton is six feet in the ground. Ruin wrestling? No, not over Orton’s dead body. Cena shouts, “SHUT YOUR MOUTH! You just don’t understand, do you!? I’ll explain it to you. I’ve already won 17, okay? You’ve won 14. But after I take this home with me, you are forever frozen at 14! Yes, there will be another show. You will have other matches, they will create some tinfoil title and decide a champion. And if you are lucky to ever get your hands on it, your counter starts over at one, you babbling moron!”
The fans boo but Cena says what he’s trying to do is that when he leaves here, three generations of Orton’s family is ERASED! Cena paces around Orton but the fans chant for “R K O! R K O!” Orton looks at Cena and says Cena thinks he’s the Last Real Champion, but then prove it! Put the title on the line and fight Orton here and now! The fans like the sound of that! Orton says how dare Cena say what he said to Orton after everything Orton’s been through! Cena raises his title, and says, “No. No. And just like so many times over the past 25 years, I’m doing it to save your ass.
“There should be a match. Randy Orton VS John Cena, for the Undisputed Championship! But it shouldn’t happen here. I’ve already given you (Fort Worth) a hard enough time, it’s not your fault. It’s for Randy. It should happen at Backlash, Randy. Because Backlash is in St. Louis. I know that’s hard for you to hear, but for Randy, it’s great. Because Randy is from St. Louis. It’s so you can spend the whole day with your family, Randy. Make sure you show up well-rested. Randy Orton at his best. Because I need Randy Orton at his best. Because after Backlash, when you fail, you will have no excuses.
“Take a good look, Randy. This is what the Last Real Champion looks like.” The fans boo, but Cena says, “And this is as close to this championship as you’re ever going to get. Then Cena throws it to Orton, so he can DECK Orton! The fans boo as Cena stomps away on Orton! Cena snarls as he picks the belt back up, and then he takes aim! Orton slowly stands back up, Cena runs up, but Orton ducks! R K O!! The fans fire up as Orton gets Cena again! Orton throws his jacket to the fans, then he paces around Cena. The fans cheer Orton on as he picks up the title, and he stands on the corner! The fans cheer, could this be how it looks at the end of Backlash?
Los Garza VS Fraxiom!
While Angel y Berto are still hoping to be in line for a title shot after tonight’s massive TLC main event, a new team has already joined the roster! Nathan Frazer & Axiom may have only just lost the NXT Tag Team Championships, but will they be right back on track for more gold?
SmackDown returns as Fraxiom makes their entrance. The teams sort out and Axiom starts against Berto. They circle, tie up, and Berto pulls Axiom’s mask! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Berto stops at 4. Berto whips, Axiom RANAS in return! Axiom DROPKICKS Berto, tags Frazer, then they whip. Berto reverses but Axiom reverses back, and he has the IRON OCTOPUS! Frazer builds speed, and he DROPKICKS Berto! Berto bails out, Angel runs in, but he runs into the Fraxiom speed combo! Kick after kick, then an assisted DROPKICK! Angel regroups with Berto outside, but Frazer DIVES! Direct hit on Berto!
Axiom DIVES and direct hit on Angel! They keep going, Frazer FLIES to take out both Garzas! The fans fire up and Axiom goes up, up, and GOLDEN TRIANGLE MOONSAULTS! Los Garza is down again and the fans fire up again! Fraxiom puts Berto in, Frazer covers, ONE! Tag to Axiom and he brings Berto around for a headlock. Berto endures, pulls the mask, and Angel tags in. Berto powers out, Axiom dodges, but Angel opens the ropes! Axiom tumbles to apron then floor, and Los Garza soaks up the heat while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Axiom checks his neck, and Angel TAKES OFF THE PANTS! Angel soaks up the heat, then goes out to CHOP Axiom! Axiom falls over, Angel talks trash, but Axiom CHOPS back! Angel SMACKS Axiom off the apron, pushes him in the ring, then lines up a shot. Angel KICKS Axiom in the side! Then Angel sucker punches Frazer! Axiom CHOPS Angel, but Angel headlocks to snapmare and KICK Axiom! Tag to Berto, Los Garza stomp away on Axiom, but they stop as the ref counts. Berto drags Axiom up to CLUB him down, then brings him up for a clinch. Axiom headlocks, Berto powers out, and Berto scoops to BACKBREAKER!
Axiom writhes, Berto soaks up the heat, and Berto covers, TWO! Berto argues the count but the ref says it was fair. Berto whips Axiom hard into the Garza corner, then tags Angel. Angel drags Axiom by a leg, stands on Axiom’s face, and then pulls on the ankle. Axiom kicks free but Angel rains down fists! Angel smothers Axiom, then drags him up. Angel reels Axiom in, lifts, but Axiom slips free to fire off CHOPS! Angel slips around the kick to Gory Especial! Tag to Berto, slingshot and the GORY CUTTER! Cover, TWO! Axiom survives but Berto rains down fists! Angel snapmares to have a GROUND COBRA TWIST!
Axiom endures, SmackDown returns to single picture, and the fans rally up. Axiom fights up, fires shots, but Berto ROCKS him! Berto whips Axiom, but Axiom GAMANGIRIS Angel! Axiom goes up and over, hot tag to Frazer! AX HANDLE for Berto, then Frazer BOOTS Angel! CHOP for Berto, then a whip, but Berto reverses. Frazer ducks ‘n’ dodges and just gets faster to CLOBBER Berto! Then SLINGBLADE! The fans fire up, Frazer runs again, QUEBRADA for the DDT! Then a RUNNING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO! Berto stays in this and the fans stay fired up. Frazer thinks of his options, and he brings Berto up.
Berto kicks, Frazer ducks, but the ENZIGIRI finds him! Angel sneaks a tag, Frazer ENZIGIRIS Berto! QUEBRADA into a SUPERKICK! Angel covers, TWO!! Frazer survive but Angel rains down fists! Tag to Berto and Angel puts Frazer up top. Los Garza climb up to bring Frazer up, SUPER M T Y!! Then Berto MOONSAULTS!! Cover, AXIOM BARRELS IN AND BREAKS IT! “This is Awesome!” as the teams fall back, tag to Angel! Hot tag to Axiom, and he runs up on Angel! Angel CHOPS first! Axiom ROCKS Angel! Angel and Axiom go forearm to forearm, then just fast ‘n’ furious! Angel V-TRIGGERS! Axiom PELES!
Axiom runs up, but into a HEADBUTT! Axiom falls back, Angel goes to a corner, and Angel climbs. But Axiom GAMANGIRIS! Axiom climbs, CHOPS, then brings Angel up, only for Angel to scoop! But Frazer CLUBS Angel! Frazer tags in, Axiom hits a SUPER SPANISH FLY! Frazer adds the PHOENIX SPLASH!! Cover, Fraxiom wins!
Winners: Fraxiom, by pinfall
The team that will #NeverSlowDown just hit the ground running, and they already have a massive win! Will nothing stop these two from taking over the SmackDown Tag Division?
Tiffany Stratton is here!
Fort Worth is fired up again as it is still #TiffyTime! That’s because “Pro-Wrestling Barbie” is still the WWE Women’s Champion, and she goes right to the ring. Tiff grabs a mic, and she asks, “What time is it?” “TIFFY TIME~!” That’s right! And at WrestleMania, in front of over 60 THOUSAND people, it was Tiffy Time. Tiff went toe-to-toe with one of the greatest in Charlotte Flair. And no lies, Tiff did doubt herself and the pressure got to her. But in the end, she prevailed and walked out of WrestleMania #AndStill THE WWE Women’s Champion! The fans cheer, and Tiff continues: For the longest time, she was always being called “The Next Charlotte Flair.”
“Wrong~! There may be only one Charlotte Flair, but I guarantee you there is only one Tiffany Stratton!” The fans cheer more, but wait! JADE CARGILL makes her way out here! The fans fire up again as now The Storm has come to Fort Worth. And Jade tells Tiff, “Cut it. Now I came here to give credit where it’s due, and your match with Charlotte was very impressive. But that did nothing but create a bigger target on your back. And since my business is finished with Naomi, I have nothing but time. So I think it’s time for me to remind everybody why I came here to the WWE! I think it’s time for everyone to see why I came here to be a champion.
“And I think it’s time for you to understand, just because you beat Charlotte doesn’t make you the best. Especially when you haven’t faced me.” The fans are torn, but Tiff tells Jade, “Okay. Well, why don’t you put your money where your mouth is, and let’s get a ref out right here, right now!” Jade agrees, the fans agree, and here’s a ref! Will these two tear it down on the SmackDown After WrestleMania? We find out, after the break!
Tiffany Stratton VS Jade Cargill!
SmackDown returns and the bell rings. Tiff and Jade talk a bit of smack before they tie up. The fans cheer, and Jade powers Tiff back. Tiff slips around to waistlock, but Jade switches to SLAM Tiff! Jade waistlocks again but Tiff rolls free. Tiff headlocks, Jade powers up but Tiff fights the suplex! Jade powers up and out this time, then she runs Tiff over! Jade flexes, the fans are torn, but Jade storms up to suplex! Tiff slips free, goes to a corner, then dodges Jade to roll her up! TWO, and the two stand off. Tiff says it was that close, and the fans rally up. Tiff and Jade circle, but then Tiff offers a handshake. Jade says sure, and they shake hands.
But then Tiff reels Jade in for a headlock! Jade powers up and out, drops down to then hurdle over! And arm-drag! Tiff flounders, stands up, then dodges Jade. Tiff drops down, hurdles over, but Jade blocks the hip toss to body shot! Jade fireman’s carries, but Tiff swings free to arm-drag! Jade is up, and she catches Tiff to BACKBREAKER! Tiff goes to the ropes, the fans rally up, and Jade runs in, only for Tiff to drop toehold her into ropes! Tiff runs and HIP ATTACKS! Jade flounders, Tiff runs up to TIFFY- NO, Jade sunset flips Tiff first! ONE, both women stand, and Jade hits a SPINEBUSTER! The fans fire up while Jade covers, TWO!
Tiff stays in this, but Jade stays on her. Jade pushes Tiff, clinches, and BODY SLAMS again! Cover, TWO! Tiff is still tougher than that, so Jade lines up a shot. But Tiff dodges the boot and rolls Jade! TWO, and now Tiff SPINEBUSTERS in return! Cover, TWO! Jade is also tougher than that, and the fans rally up. Jade goes to a corner, Tiff handsprings in, BACK ELBOW! Tiff says it’s still her time, and then she goes back for Jade. Cover. TWO! Still a little too cocky but Tiff drags Jade back up. Tiff bumps Jade off buckles, stomps away, but stops as the ref counts. Tiff handsprings again for another BACK ELBOW! Another cover, TWO!
Tiff is growing annoyed, but she is still in control, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Tiff trades shots with Jade! The fans cheer, then Tiff kicks low, KNEES hard, and fireman’s carries! ROLLING SENTON! Tiff goes up, up, and PRETTIEST MOONSAULT- Hold on, Tiff almost misses the ropes. Tiff jumps again, PRETTIEST- NO, Jade dodges! Jade comes back, Tiff kicks low, then Tiff runs. Cartwheel, but no Alabama Slam! Just a POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Tiff survives that sudden turnaround and Jade is shocked! “This is Awesome!” as Jade looms over Tiff. Jade drags Tiff up, choke grips, and SLAM- NO, Tiff slips free and rolls Jade up! TWO, and Tiff goes to a corner.
Jade runs in, Tiff dodges, and Jade hits buckles! Tiff handsprings one more time, but Jade catches Tiff! But Tiff victory rolls through, runs, and TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO!! Jade survives and now Tiff is shocked! Tiff hurries to a corner, climbs up, but Jade is right up after her! Jade brings Tiff up for a SUPERPLEX! Both women are down and the fans fire up again! Jade stirs, Tiff rolls away, and Tiff is safe on the apron. The fans rally, Jade crawls, but wait! NAOMI IS HERE! NAOMI ATTACKS JADE!!
Winner: Jade Cargill, by disqualification
The fans boo as Naomi is not letting go of her grudge! She HAMMERS away on Jade, laughs maniacally, and then SLAPS Jade! Naomi drags Jade up, and POSTS her! Naomi then drags Jade out to POST her again! Naomi CLUBS away on Jade in the corner, showing no mercy! Naomi drags Jade out of the corner one more time, to POST her a third time! Jade flops to the floor, Naomi says kiss this, and she laughs like the villain she’s become! Tiff is back and she’s mad at Naomi for ruining her match. But Naomi just takes her leave, ONLY FOR NIA JAX TO ATTACK!! The fans boo the Irresistible Force as she DRIBBLES Tiff off the mat!
Nia looms over Tiff now, and drags her to center, for the LEG DROP, brother! Nia says “One More Time! One More Time!” Then she drags Tiff to a drop zone, goes up, A-NIA-LATOR!! Nia smiles as she sits on Tiff, then gets up just to grab the title. Nia holds it up, will Tiffany finally feel the backlash of her cash-in?
Jacob Fatu is here!
Fort Worth fires back up as now the NEW WWE United States Champion heads to the ring, Solo Sikoa by his side. Jacob holds up the title, the fans fire up, and Jacob swings the belt around, almost hitting Solo. Solo nods, he understands how fired up the Samoan Werewolf is about this. Solo has the mic to say, “Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome, show some love and respect, for your NEW United States Champion, Jacob Fatu!” The fans cheer that! Solo says at WrestleMania, the world saw what Solo already knew: Jacob Fatu is the future. Fatu is the future of this company, but let’s remind you of something: Nobody in Solo’s family wanted Fatu here, except Solo.
The Bloodline thought Fatu was trouble. They thought he was too much of a risk. But y’know who changed that? Y’know who made it all happen? It was Solo! Solo is the reason Fatu is champion! Solo brought Fatu here, brought him to the Promised Land, got him off the streets and made him a champion! Fatu is champion because of Solo! This is exactly what happens when you love your family! Fatu would not be- Fatu snatches the mic from Solo! The fans fire up as Fatu stares Solo down. Fatu tells Solo to not get it twisted. Fatu told Solo that Fatu would win the US Championship. Fatu told Solo that the US title was coming home to the family!
And Fatu told Solo that Fatu would do it with him, or without him! And that is exactly what Fatu did. So, Texas, look at your NEW US Champion! The fans fire up for Fatu, and Fatu says see? He knows that this title makes him America’s Most Wanted! Hell, this title makes Fatu a menace to society! But at the end of the day, you better get in where you fit in! He all gas, no breaks with it! YADADADA MEAN!? But then LA KNIGHT is here! The fans fire up as The Mega Star has a mic, and from the stage, he says, “LEMME TALK TO YA!” The fans cheer, and Knight says at WrestleMania, he guaranteed that Fatu would eat a BFT, and BAH GAWD, he ate a BFT!
Knight knocked Fatu on his big fat head, Fatu reached out for the ropes, and good for him, because from there, Fatu was able to capitalize and win. Knight gives credit where credit is due, cuz it can happen to anybody on any night. Anybody can get it. But you gotta understand something, Knight goes to the back, everybody back there’s saying, “Man, you had one hell of a match at WrestleMania.” “YEAH!” Knight says he doesn’t care about having “one hell of a match,” Knight cares about winning a match! And about taking the title back. What he’s saying is, he wants his rematch, and he wants it tonight!
But wait! Drew McIntyre shows up! The Scottish Terminator steps out on stage, mic in hand, and Drew tells “Dallas” that it isn’t always easy being Drew McIntyre. Personally, it is, because he’s tall, jacked, handsome, and much like Texas, he has big guns. But professionally, Drew has been screwed time and time again. World title match after world title match. WrestleMania, Drew had to get through one last roadblock, and he and Damian Priest had one of the most violent matches in the history of WrestleMania! So Priest, you aren’t here tonight, we won’t see you for a while, so Drew will “thank” you. It was a pleasure to embarrass him in front of his entire family.
Drew tells the next stop was to be challenge John Cena for the WWE Championship, but Randy Orton jumped the line! The same Randy Orton that Drew beat three weeks ago. Is this World Wrestling Entertainment? Or Nepotism Wrestling Entertainment? Speaking of which, hi, Bloodline! Knight “yawns” and asks if Drew is done yet. Drew says he’ll get to Knight in a second. Okay, then continue on. Drew says he’s been watching Cena these past few weeks. Cena ain’t the same guy, he’s a punk now. Drew wants to fight the baddest dog in the yard. He wants the baddest champion in the yard. Jacob, Drew wants to fight you!
Knight says, “Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. Can somebody wake me up when this mush mouth is done?” Drew says always with the jokes, huh? The only joke here was Knight’s last US title reign. Knight smirks and says, “Oh~! I would say your last title run was a joke, but I can’t remember it.” So if Drew has a problem with Orton, go talk to Orton. But right now, Drew is standing on time that belongs to Knight. Knight wants his US Championship, But if Drew wants to make claim, then why not come on in and show us? The fans cheer, Drew says okay, and he steps up! But Nick Aldis has everyone hold on a moment.
The fans boo but Aldis says we all know where this is going. Before Knight and Drew tear each other apart, here’s an alternative. They can all come backstage, put the tights and the boots on, lace ’em up, and here in Fort Worth, Texas, Aldis will give us Knight VS McIntyre 1v1, the winner is the #1 contender to the US Championship. The fans love that! Drew already heads back, and Knight warns Jacob that he’ll be coming back soon enough. But who will survive tonight to step to the Samoan Werewolf?
Backstage interview with Zelina Vega.
Byron Saxton catches La Muneca on her way to gorilla, and wants to review: Zelina beat Chelsea Green by count out two weeks ago, then beat her by pinfall just last week. If things go her way tonight, she will be the NEW Women’s US Champion. Where are her thoughts? Zelina says honestly, she’s known for having a big mouth, but tonight is one of those nights where she’s speechless. That’s how much this means to her. She’s wanted this for so long. Just like her mentor, Rey Mysterio, a former Men’s US Champion, and the late Eddie Guerrero, another former US Champion, it is time to bring some Latina Heat into the match.
And of course, just like how they do it here in Texas, you go big or you go home. Zelina ain’t going home until she has the title around her waist. Will Zelina finally add a bit more gold to her list of achievements? Or will there be no ending the Green Regime’s term?
WWE Women’s United States Championship: Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice VS Zelina Vega!
SmackDown returns as the challenger makes her entrance, followed by the champion’s. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is THE champion-in-chief!
The bell rings and Chelsea runs up, but Zelina sends her into the corner! Zelina fires hands, whips corner to corner, but Chelsea reverses. Zelina goes up, Chelsea stays back and chicken wings. Chelsea turns Zelina but Zelina waistlocks back. Chelsea switches, they go to ropes, and Zelina bucks the O’Conner! Zelina wheelbarrows, FACEBSUTER, and cover, TWO! Zelina runs up to reel Chelsea in. Chelsea fights free, goes to ropes, but Zelina runs up to slip around to the outside! Chelsea fights free but Zelina trips her up! Zelina sees Piper & Alba creeping up, but then Chelsea BOOTS Zelina down!
Zelina argues with the ref, and that lets Alba RAM Zelina into the apron! Then Piper adds a SENTON on the floor! The fans boo but Chelsea salutes, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Chelsea has Zelina up top. Cheslea SLAPS Zelina, climbs up, and then brings her up. Zelina fights the suplex and fires body shots! Chelsea ROCKS Zelina, then fireman’s carries! Zelina fights around, waistlocks, and pulls! Chelsea holds onto the ropes, but Zelina powers up to SUPER GERMAN SUPLEX! Both women are down, and the fans fire up! Zelina and Chelsea rise, the fans duel, and Zelina runs up. Zelina dodges Chelsea to LARIAT! And LARIAT again! Zelina blocks a boot, ELBOWS Chelsea, and Cheslea sits down! Zelina runs up to METEORA! Snapmare and Zelina goes up!
Zelina gives some Latina Heat, for another METEORA! Cover, TWO! Chelsea survives and Zelina is shocked! Alba argues from the apron, but Zelina DECKS her! Chelsea runs up to ENZIGIRI! Chicken wings, turnaround, but Zelina hits a BACKSTABBER! Chelsea ends up on ropes, the fans fire up as Zelina dials it up, but PIPER trips Zelina! The ref saw that! The fans boo Piper, but then the ref spots Alba creeping up on Zelina! The ref says no more shenanigans! He EJECTS the Secret Her-vice! The fans fire up as Piper & Alba throw a fit! Zelina waves bye, but Chelsea CLBOBERS Zelina! Chelsea whips, Zelina hops on, CODE RED!! Cover, ZELINA WINS!!!
Winner: Zelina Vega, by pinfall (NEW WWE Women’s United States Champion)
But now the Secret Her-vice rush back to the ring! Zelina dodges them, and she finally has her first singles title! The Green Administration is out, let’s pledge allegiance to the VEGA Administration!
Carmelo Hayes admires the Andre the Giant trophy.
Last week on WrestleMania SmackDown, it came down to H1M and Andrade, and in the end, Melo put his name down in history. The Miz is with H1M to say when it is all said and done, Melo will go down as the greatest Andre the Giant Battle Royal winner of all time! That is why Miz sacrificed himself for Melo! Because Miz has a vision for Carmelo Hayes. To commemorate this achievement, Miz got Melo something. Really? Really. Now c’mon, open it up. Melo pops the box open and inside is an Andre the Giant necklace! A big golden head on a big golden chain, and Melo tries it on. Perfect fit!
Miz says Melo earned it. Melo says yeah. This is bigger than just the win. This represents the chip that is on Melo’s shoulder. With this around Melo’s neck, he refuses to be overlooked. Yeah, cook! He refuses to be denied! Let’s go! And in the true spirit of Andre the Giant, with this around his neck, Melo is larger than life! He is the Tenth Wonder of the World! Because he is… HIM! Miz is inspired! He’s gonna go to the ring to get something off his chest. Miz lets Melo stay back here to enjoy his moment, cuz Miz is about to make his own. Miz heads to gorilla, but what exactly is The Hollywood A-Lister about to do?
SmackDown returns and Miz is in the ring.
Miz has a mic to say, “Since 2007, I’ve been an integral part of WrestleMania. But this year, at the highest grossing WrestleMania in history, I had no match, no mention, nowhere to be found. May I remind you, I main-evented WrestleMania, beating John Cena, retaining the WWE Championship, something that Cody Rhodes, your chosen hero, could not do last week. And yet he gets the cheers! The pyro, the spotlight, and I get it, I get it, he was champion, he deserves to be on WrestleMania. But when Rey Mysterio comes hobbling in to WrestleMania, does he come to a fellow legend to fill his boots?
“No, he goes to a guy who’s been here for two weeks. I’ve been here for 20 YEARS! What do I have to do? Wear a lucha mask and call myself ‘Rey?’ Then KO goes down! Orton needs an opponent! He needs an opponent! Do you guys want a guy who’s beaten Randy Orton for the WWE Championship? NO! You guys want a guy who’s an internet meme! A TikTok trend! A guy who does musical theater in a wrestling ring! I am sick of it! I am sick and tired of people showing up in the WWE, people I am a bigger star then! People that cannot lace my boots in this ring! I’m sick of them getting opportunity after opportunity!
“May I remind you, that I am the A-Lister! I am the Most Must-See WWE Superstar of all time! And may you never forget that I am the Miz! And I am…” The lights go out! Uh oh… Because ALEISTER BLACK is back in the WWE! The fans fire up as The Dark Father rises up from the shadows, and he goes right to the ring! The fans fire up more and even chant, “Welcome Back! Welcome Back!” as Aleister puts his vest aside. Miz is frustrated that his time in spotlight was taken away again, and then asks Aleister, “Who the hell do you think-” BLACK MASS!! Miz falls right over, and then Aleister sits cross-legged in the ring. Will SmackDown #FadeToBlack once again?
Backstage interview with Bianca Belair.
Byron is with The EST, and he notes her match at WrestleMania with Iyo Sky and Rhea Ripley was an instant classic. One of the best matches of the entire weekend, really. Unfortunately, Bianca didn’t win the title, and she didn’t leave Las Vegas unscathed. Can she tell us about her hand? Bianca says her fingers hurt, her feelings hurt, but no, she’s just kidding. She walked into WrestleMania with a broken finger, but it was worth it. They all fought ’til the end, and things didn’t go her way, but she is so proud of what the three of them did.
To her point, it was a great outing, but things didn’t go Bianca’s way. Iyo Sky is still the Women’s World Champion. Bianca says yes, Iyo found the perfect opportunity to capitalize, and Bianca can’t blame her because Bianca would’ve done the same thing. Now, Rhea… Well, Rhea found a way to slip her way into a match that Bianca earned, so that won’t be the last time Rhea and Bianca meet. But right now, Bianca is just focused on healing so she can get back to SmackDown, her home, and well, her home is divided. Bianca knows that when she returns, she’ll settle some unfinished business. Byron wishes The EST well, but when and where will Bianca make the biggEST return?
Naomi and Nia cross paths.
Nia tells Naomi that she doesn’t care about Jade. But when it comes to Tiffany and the title, just stay out of her way. Naomi says, “So long as you proceed… with… caution!” Naomi storms off, Nia isn’t quite intimidated, but will these two clash over their grudges? Or will things end up working together for what they both want?
WWE United States Championship #1 Contender’s Match: LA Knight VS Drew McIntyre!
We just saw these two argue over who gets to fight Jacob Fatu, so now they have to fight it out with each other. Will the Mega Star go right back for the belt he just lost? Or will the Scottish Terminator be one step away from completing his WWE Grand Slam?
SmackDown is picture in picture for the entrances, then returns to single picture once McIntyre has his pyro. The bell rings and the fans fire up. Knight and Drew circle, the fans rally up a bit more, and the two tie up. They’re in a deadlock, but Drew slips around to waistlock and SLAM! Knight flounders to a corner but Drew flexes. The fans cheer, Drew signals he’ll have the belt, but Knight brushes that off. The two reset and tie up again. The fans rally, Drew waistlocks, but Knight switches. Knight pushes Drew down and slaps him around! The fans cheer as Knight flexes! Drew brushes that off, and the two reset again.
Drew runs up, Knight dodges and Knight headlocks. Knight grinds but Drew power sup to back supelx! Knight lands out, pushes Drew, but Drew comes back to run Knight over! Drew slaps Knight around! Drew runs, Knight drops low, hurdle sover, and then BACK ELBOWS! The fans cheer as Knight gets around again, and he hits a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Knight scuffs Drew, but Drew throat chops Knight! The fans are torn, Drew CHOPS Knight, and fans “WOO~!” Knight CHOPS, Drew CHOPS, repeat! Drew ROCKS Knight, then whips him, but Knight grabs the ropes. Knight then TOSSES Drew out! Drew lands on his feet!
Drew trips Knight and drags him out, but Knight ROCKS Drew! Knight brings Drew to the desk, the fans fire up, but Drew gets away. Knight pursues Drew into the ring, and he ROCKS Drew! And ROCKS him again! Knight has Drew up but Drew HOTSHOTS Knight! Drew then runs, and he BLASTS Knight off the apron! Knight hits barriers then the floor, and Drew soaks up cheers and jeers. Drew clutches his side, still feeling that Sin City Street Fight, so he lets the ring count handle this. The fans rally and even sing, “OH~ Drew McIntyre~!” Knight rolls in at 7 of 10, but Drew rains down fists! Drew then deadlifts Knight for a BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!
Knight stays in this but Drew grits his teeth. Drew stands Knight up, but Knight counter punches! Knight fires hands, whips, but Drew reverses. Knight goes up, but Drew KICKS Knight outta the air! Cover, TWO! Knight survives, Drew snarls as he has to catch his breath, and he storms up on Knight again. The fans rally, Drew CHOPS, and Knight staggers away. Drew stalks Knight, Knight CHOPS, but Drew CHOPS! Drew KICKS Knight, DECKS him, then stomps away! The ref counts, Drew stops, and he has Knight on the apron. Drew drags Knight up, has him against the ropes, and ROCKS him!
Knight flops back into the ring, Drew eggs him on, and the fans duel. Drew stands Knight up, reels him in, and he suplexes, only for Knight to block! Drew CLUBS away on Knight, then suplexes, only for Knight to fight that! Drew KNEES low, CLUBS Knight down, then huffs ‘n’ puffs. Drew eggs Knight on again, and Knight rises up, only for Drew to reel him in. But Knight suplexes instead! The fans fire up while both men are down! Knight and Drew rise up slowly, and Knight fires haymakers! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Drew reverses, but Knight LEAPING LARIATS! Then RUSSIAN LEG SWEEPS!
Drew staggers, Knight whips, but Drew reverses to scoop. Knight slips free, shoves Drew into buckles, then JUMPING NECKBREAKERS! Cover, TWO! Drew survives and the fans rally! Knight drags Drew up, but Drew GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTTS! Then the underhooks, but Knight rolls through the Future Shock! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Knight goes to a corner, and he BOOTS Drew down! Knight goes up, spells it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” BOX JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew survives and the fans are torn again. Knight stalks Drew, kicks and cravat, but Drew rolls Knight away!
Drew runs up, Knight puts him on the apron! Then Knight ducks a punch to HOTSHOT Drew! Knight then runs to WRECK Drew with the dropkick! The fans fire up as Knight DRIBBLES Drew off the desk! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight winds up, and he SMACKS Drew off the desk again! The fans cheer as Knight puts Drew in the ring, but then SOLO SIKOA is here! The ref is busy with Drew, SAMOAN SPIKE for Knight!! Solo puts Knight in the ring, and Drew is confused. Drew says screw it, and he aims from the corner! “THREE! TWO! ONE!” But then DAMIAN PRIEST drags Drew out!!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by disqualification
Priest fires off on Drew and the fans fire up! Priest THROWS Drew over barriers! Then he drags Drew back to ringside to ROCK Drew! Drew slumps against the desk, Priest choke grips! SOUTH OF HEAVEN through the desk!! The fans are thunderous as The Punisher just dealt out street justice to Drew McIntyre! But what does this mean for the #1 contender’s status? Knight tells Priest that Preist might’ve just cost him! But then JACOB FATU DIVES from the ring!! The fans are thunderous again, and Jacob POSTS Priest! Knight is up, but Jacob brings him around to RAM into steel steps!
Fatu puts Knight back in the ring, then he puts Priest in the ring, and he has a target in each corner! HIP ATTACK for Knight! SPLASH for Priest! Knight is in the drop zone, Fatu goes up, up, and BEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Then a HIP ATTACK for Priest!! Fort Worth is fired up, and Priest goes up, up, BEST MOONSAULT EVER for Priest!! The Samoan Werewolf just slaughtered two men at once, will no one even be able to face him for the title?
John Cena crosses paths with R-Truth!
They’re backstage, and Truth is glad Cena won the title. He’s been rooting for his hero since the beginning! If Cena needs Truth at any time for anything, just call. Cena doesn’t even respond, he just walks away. And then Jimmy Uso steps in. He shakes hands with Truth, and he asks when John Cena became so whack. Truth says there’s two sides to every story, Uce. That’s a REAL world champion. When Truth grows up, he’s gonna be just like Cena. But… You’re already grown up, Truth! Will Truth learn the truth about Cena on his own?
WWE Tag Team Championships TLC Triple Threat: The Street Profits VS Motor City Machine Guns VS DIY!
After months of back and forth between these three teams, and a few others here on SmackDown, it is time to finally put this one to rest. With tables, ladders, chairs, and no holding back, who will finally prove they are THE team on SmackDown?
The introductions are made, the belts are already high overhead, so it’s time to see who rises up and claims them as their own!
The bell rings and the fans rally up as all six men look up. But then DIY goes after MCMG! The Profits go after DIY, but DIY CLAW the eyes! Ciampa stomps Ford, Gargano stomps Dawkins, then they go out to fetch themselves a ladder! The fans want tables, but MCMG DROPKICK that ladder into DIY! The fans fire up, then the Profits and MCMG brawl! Shelley has Ford, Sabin HEADBUTTS Dawkins, and MCMG climb up to rain down fists! But DIY stop MCMG, they brawl some more, but Sabin & Shelley turn things around on Ciampa & Gargano. MCMG then crisscross to ELBOW the Profits, ROCK DIY, and repeat!
Ciampa swings, but into an atomic drop! Dropkick and Last Chancery, DREAM SEQUENCE! The fans fire up and MCMG set things up. Shelley holds the ropes open and Sabin DIVES into a chair!! Gargano then SMACKS Shelley in the leg! Gargano uses offense as defense, and then Ciampa JAMS Ford up with a chair! But Dawkins POUNCES Ciampa over the desk! Gargano runs up, Dawkins picks him up, and he POSTS Gargano! Dawkins fires up, the fans fire up with him, and Dawkins fetches a ladder. Dawkins puts the ladder in, he’s all alone, and he hurries to set the ladder up. Dawkins climbs, but Sabin is in!
Sabin hops on for a SLEEPER, but Dawkins still climbs! The fans fire up, Dawkins fires elbows, but Shelley trips Dawkins up! Dawkins has a leg stuck int he rungs, and Shelley CLUBS away on it! Then DRAPING DRAGON SCRWE in the ladder rungs! Dawkins falls in a heap, and now MCMG take ownership of the ladder. Gargano is back, only for MCMG to mug him! They SMACK Gargano off rungs! Ciampa is back, MCMG mugs him now, and they stomp him down in the corner. MCMG drag Ciampa up, and they SMACK Ciampa off rungs! MCMG keeps the ladder standing and the fans rally up.
Ford is back, but now MCMG mugs him! They whip, Ford ducks the ladder, but the ladder is sent into Ford! Dawkins is back to DECK Shelley and DECK Sabin! Dawkins folds up the ladder, puts it aside, and he CYCLONE SPLASHES Shelley! CYCLONE SPLASH for Sabin! Dawkins goes up, up, but MCMG trip him up! MCMG have Dawkins in the Tree of Woe, and they stand on the groin! The Curse of Greatness is feeling really bad right now, but MCMG grab themselves a chair. The fans cheer as Sabin sets the chair in place, for Shelley’s FULL METAL DROPKICK! MCMG then see Ford coming, and Shelley JAMS him up!
But Ford blocks the chair shot! Only for Sabin to FULL METAL MISSILE DROPKICK! The fans fire up again, and MCMG fetch the ladder. They set that in front of Dawkins’ face, but Gargano drags Shelley out of the ring! Gargano SMACKS Shelley off the apron! Ciampa does the same to Sabin, and then DIY YANKS the ladder into Dawkins’ face! DIY and MCMG brawl on the outside gain, but Ford FLIES over the corner! Direct hit on DIY and MCMG, and the fans are going nuts! All six men are down and writhing, but Ford manages to rise up. Ford hobbles around, finds himself a ladder, and he puts that in the ring.
Fort Worth still wants tables, but Ford sets his ladder up because he wants the prize! Ford climbs, but Ciampa is in! Ciampa grabs at a foot, Ford kicks free, so Ciampa climbs the other side! Ciampa keeps Ford from grabbing belts, but Ford does the same. Gargano is setting up another ladder right behind them! Gargano climbs while Ciampa and Ford brawl. The belts are so close, but neither Ford nor Gargano can get a good grip! Gargano figures screw it, FLYING FLATLINER off the ladder! Ciampa grabs the belts! But Dawkins drags Ciampa down! Dawkins DECKS Ciampa! Dawkins now sets the ladders side-by-side before he climbs.
DIY returns, and Ciampa grabs at Dawkins while Gargano climbs the second ladder. Gargano CLUBS Dawkins, goes up, but then Dawkins scoops Gargano! The fans fire up for the SUPER BIG ENDING!! Shoutout to Big E, but then Ciampa tosses one of the ladders. Ciampa focuses on one, but Sabin hurries to stop him! Sabin has an arm through the rungs! Dawkins is back, and he SHOVES the ladder over! Ciampa ends up crotched on the rope! Sabin is managing to cling to the ropes, but Shelley is there to fire hands on Dawkins! Shelley TOSSES Dawkins out, then he and Sabin reset the ladder. But Ciampa is back!
Ciampa SMACKS Shelley with a chair! And he SMACKS Sabin with a chair! Gargano returns with a chair of his own! Ciampa puts a chair around Shelley’s neck! Gargano aims, and he hits a HOMERUN!! Shelley sputters and falls away, Ciampa keeps Sabin down, and Gargano shoves the ladder over. But the ladder’s so tall, it bounces off the ropes to stand back up! Gargano tries again and the ladder finally stays on the ropes. Ciampa then suplexes Sabin, FULL METAL BRAINBUSTER!! Dawkins is back, but Gargano JAMS him up! And SMACKS him down! Ciampa SMACKS Dawkins again! Gargano JAMS Dawkins again and again!
The fans boo but DIY sit their chairs side-by-side. Gargano says hold on. And he flips them around! It’s a wedge! The fans freak out as DIY DOUBLE- NO, Dawkins fights the suplexes! Ford drags Ciampa out of the ring! Gargano DECKS Dawkins, DECKS Ford, but then Dawkins ROCKS Gargano! SILENCER on the chair wedge!! Gargano writhes and the fans go nuts again! The Profits then have the ladder to themselves. But then they say, “GET THE TABLES!!” The fans fire up for the Dudley shoutout, and the Profits find a table! They put that in the ring, Ford moves the ladder aside, and Forth Worth cheers for “TABLES! TABLES!”
Ciampa YANKS Dawkins down, but Ford SUPERKICKS Ciampa! Dawkins has Ciampa in the Electric Chair, and Ford takes aim! Ford builds speed, and FLIES! BLOCKBUSTER DOOMSDAY onto everyone!! All six men are down, and the fans lose their minds all over again! “This is Awesome!” as all six men slowly rise, and Dawkins ROCKS Sabin! Ford borrows a fan’s prosthetic leg! Ford CLUBS Gargano with it! He gives it back to the fan and the crowd is loving this! Ford then sets up a ladder bridge between ring and barrier. The front row sits back a bit, but Ciampa CLUBS Ford! Ciampa SMACKS Ford off the bridge!
Shelley SMACKS Gargano off a table, Ciampa storms up to CLUB Shelley, and then DIY mugs Shelley. Sabin and Dawkins brawl on the other end, and Sabin JAMS Dawkins with a chair. Sabin puts Dawkins on a table and rains down hands! Wait, Ciampa is bringing a table of his own around the way, and he SMACKS Ford off the edge of it! Gargano and Shelley brawl, but Ciampa finally has his table set up on the ramp side. Shelley SMACKS Gargano off steel steps, then SMACKS him off there again! Ford turns things around on Ciampa to put him on a table! Sabin goes up, FROG SPLASH on Dawkins through the table!!
Ford sees that, but then he looks at Ciampa on that table. Ford says bet, and he builds speed to FLY! SWANTON BOMB on Ciampa through the table!! The fans are thunderous as now Gargano and Shelley are the only ones not in some kind of wreckage! “This is Awesome!” as Ford crawls away from Ciampa. Sabin leaves Dawkins behind, but Gargano is in with Ford. Ford is up top but Gargano fires hands! Ford GAMANGIRIS in return! Then Ford goes back up, but Ciampa rises! Ciampa drags Ford down, but Ford SUPERKICKS! Ford runs up, but into a BOOT! And then another BOOT! Ciampa reels Ford in and looks to the bridge!
Ciampa fireman’s carries, AIR RAID CRASH down through the ladder bridge!! Fort Worth loses their minds all over again as Ciampa shouts for Gargano to climb! Gargano sets the ladder up, climbs, but Shelley anchors a leg! Gargano fights Shelley, but Sabin is climbing in from the other side. Gargano ROCKS Sabin, DECKS Shelley, and repeat! Sabin wobbles, Gargano lines up his shot. ONE FINAL- NO, Sabin stops the DDT! He SHOVES Gargano into the post, then MCMG give Gargano a DOUBLE BOOT SANDWICH at the corner! Sabin drags Gargano closer to the table, then stands on it…?! Shelley goes up, SKULL & BONES through the table!!!
The fans are going nuts all over again as MCMG risks it all just for this match! “This is Awesome!” as all six men are down somewhere around ringside. But Ciampa slowly rises! He slaps himself to fire back up, and he climbs the ladder! Ciampa is within reach of those belts, gets his hands on the bracket, and- WAIT! MCMG is folding up that ladder! Ciampa is now pulling a Jeff Hardy by dangling from the belts! MCMG grab chairs, Ciampa is a pinata for the beating! Ciampa’s legs are the only real targets, though, so that’s not enough. MCMG get a table under Ciampa, but they don’t see Dawkins climbing the ladder!
MCMG pull at Ciampa’s legs, but Dawkins takes aim! Well, if Ciampa is Jeff Hardy, then Dawkins is about to go Rated R! Dawkins FLYING SPEARS Ciampa off the belts and down through a table!!!! Everyone is losing their minds, including MCMG! MCMG clears the wreckage, and fans hope they “FIGHT FOREVER!” But someone has to win these belts, and now MCMG sets the ladder back underneath them. Shelley climbs, but Gargano JAMS Sabin up! And then he CHUCKS the chair at Shelley! MCMG is down, Gargano climbs up, and the fans boo. Gargano reaches the top, paws at the belts, but Sabin hurries up after him!
Gargano and Sabin brawl up top, they touch the belts, then throw more hands! The fans cheer Sabin and boo Gargano as the shots keep going. Sabin gets the edge, he SMACKS Gargano off rungs, and Gargano falls! But Ford SPRINGBOARDS to the ladder!! Ford DECKS Sabin, grabs the belts, but Gargano drags him back down! Gargano traps Ford’s legs in the rung! SUPERKICK! Ford is stuck and Gargano literally climbs over him! Gargano reaches up, but Sabin is back again! Sabin fires hands, Gargano fires back, and Ford gets free!? Ford climbs from the side of the ladder! Ford fires hands on each of them!
Ford SMACKS Gargano, SMACKS Sabin, and they both fall! Ford is back up top, and he has the belts off the hook! PROFITS WIN!!
Winners: The Street Profits (still WWE Tag Team Champions)
Fort Worth cheers as The Profits are still up! They wanted the smoke, they got the smoke, and they walked through the fire to still be forged in gold! Will anyone ever bring them down from the heights they’ve reached?
My Thoughts:
An awesome SmackDown After Mania, with a great pivot towards the Backlash build, since they’ve gotta get on that with it only two weeks away. Very good promo from Cena and Orton to open tonight, though framing this as “Cena should settle down and become a family man” is a bit odd. Cena did do a good job roasting that kid and his dad, though. It was obviously going to be Cena VS Orton in St. Louis, so they just made it official. Orton standing tall twice in one week already indicates that Orton is not winning. There is going to be much more drama in this, with Cena trying to run out the clock, so to speak. Also, good to finally see R-Truth and John Cena interact, and I hope we get more of this as time goes on.
Awesome match from Los Garza VS Fraxiom to make Fraxiom’s call up official. Great win for Fraxiom, but I’m very curious to see if the team sticks together much longer. They love playing up the dysfunction, and the first promo segment from them likely keeps that going, but they’re still a great team so they could go for the tag titles before a break-up happens. Aleister Black’s return being knocking out Miz was a decent move, especially after Miz got done ranting about how he feels overshadowed. Also, Miz giving Melo that goofy Andre the Giant necklace is a bit much, but whatever, Melo surely will have a good run from here on out.
Good promo from Tiffany and Jade to give us their “impromptu” match, but it makes so much sense for Naomi to go after Jade and Nia to go after Tiff. We’re definitely getting a rematch of Naomi VS Jade, and obviously Tiff VS Nia is on the table, but I wonder if we get a “Can they coexist?” type tag match as part of the build. We might even end up with something bigger given Jade and Naomi also deserve something title wise. Especially when sadly, Bianca Belair can’t do anything with Jade and Naomi given that bad hand. But she did hint that no matter what, she’s staying on SmackDown, which makes sense because duh, her husband Montez is here.
Very good match but great moment for Zelina to win the Women’s US Championship. Zelina herself has been deserving something like this, it’s partly why she is the inaugural Queen of the Ring, and now she has even more validation of her hard work and ability. Great stuff in the Men’s US Championship story, with Fatu putting Solo in his place but then Knight and McIntyre stepping up. Great contender’s match, even with Solo going after Knight and Priest going after Drew. I feel like we’re getting a Fatal 4 Way here, but maybe that’s too much for Fatu’s first defense. Either way, I’m liking that Drew could be getting himself that Grand Slam with this US Championship.
And what an amazing main event. In many ways, these tag titles should’ve been on the WrestleMania card somewhere, perhaps swapping places with the World Tag Team Championships. There’s probably something about how Mania having all those sponsors, The War Raiders felt more Clash of Clans coded than the three teams in this match. And maybe there’s something about the “star power factor,” aka Logan Paul gets a spot because he’s Logan Paul, barf.
But at the same time, I think the Mania snub motivated these six guys to really go above and beyond. Them recreating THE famous spot from Dudley Boyz VS Hardy Boyz VS Edge & Christian was awesome. Kudos to Dawkins being Edge in that moment. Ford did a lot of great stuff himself, and him finishing it off was also great, I really hope we get more great stuff from the Profits and the whole SmackDown Tag Division.
My Score: 8.9/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 4.24.25
We get another chapter of Hardy Compound shenanigans! NEMETH BROTHERS! WE KNEW YOU’D COME!
Oh boy, the best thing to come from the TNA product has been on WWE programs for the last month or so. Can we start getting some non-garbage episodes that make sense with wrestling that isn’t useless or atrocious? And Trey Miguel is the first person out…so my faith is dwindling.
I hate these early stages of the Delirious Dreamer combination. This crap makes me miss Tigre Uno, Dixie Carter, hell even the Claire Lynch angle was so disgustingly cringe it was car crash entertaining. You know, like Jersey Shore. So let’s see if something can stop sucking.
.@NicTNemeth has a strange run-in with Willow The Wisp…
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/ZTlWqchIaY pic.twitter.com/oATIF574yn
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 25, 2025
Ratings:
- Trey Miguel & Ace Austin vs Moose & JDC w/Alisha: JDC wins after interference – ** 1/4
- Jacy Jayne w/ Fatal Influence vs Rosemary: Jacy wins via Rolling Punch – **
- Cinematic Hardy Compound: Kaiba Boys vs Hardy Boyz: 15/7, 10/10, 100/100, Hardy thing ever!
- Tessa Blanchard vs Missa Kate: Tessa wins via Buzzsaw DDT – **
- Joe Hendry & Elijah vs Ethan Page & Kaz: Elijah wins via Highwayman’s Farewell – ** 3/4
Results:
Trey Miguel & Ace Austin vs Moose & JDC w/Alisha
JDC and Trey start it’s just chain wrestling, nothing worth notating. The big early spot is slow and dumb, Trey goes for a Springboard Moonsault while in the Arm Wringer to turn it into a slow Arm Drag followed by a slow Dropkick. Throws JDC into the face corner, and Moose is late to the help spot so Trey has to beckon for him to come forward for a Tandem Drop Toe Hold causing Moose to Headbutt JDC in the groin. Double Dropkick sends Moose to the floor, but he doesn’t sell it long so he plucks Trey off the apron, smashes him and JDC tags out as we go to commercial. Jesus Christ this is cornball trope start and no one is looking good in the first 5 minutes. Am I possibly a little a jaded? Well of course, the shows have sucked for weeks and you start with bog standard “make fun of the heel” team start and its slow and unengaging. Maybe Dreamer should ask Trips if TNA talent can use the PC to learn psychology or…something interesting.
We come back and the heels are still magically in control with JDC locking in a Hammerlock Suplex into a Keylock. Tag to Moose and Trey is sooo banged up apparently an Arm Wringer throws him to the mat like a bitch. Starting off the show so damn slow is not really a good luck to keep people watching the show. It’s only like 8:20 and I want to go to sleep. Moose of course gets cocky taking his time to do a Jacknife Powerbomb so of course Trey counters, Ace gets the hot tag and guess what? Ace starts laying out both guys with quick strikes, Tijeras, Kicks, Click Click Boom, his corner dodge into the Mochizuki Triangle Kick but Moose kicks out. *sigh*
Ace decides to tag Trey back in, but their version of Poetry in Motion gets caught by Moose and Moose Powerbombs Trey into Ace. System tandem offense, Dropkick from JDC, Uranage from Moose, Down and Dirty from Dango but Ace breaks up the pin. Ace assists Trey with the Knee Slide Tornado DDT to take out Moose, they look for a finish but Lish distracts the ref, Dango kicks Trey in the dick, Brian Myers interferes and JDC wins the match.
Yawn…basic bullshit is not really driving attention.
Next is a video package for Masha and Tessa with Masha talking…who can’t cut a promo in English and Dreamer of course inserts himself for a fake “do it for your trainer” add. Oh Christ, this is like Rocky IV from Wish, but the Russian is the babyface. I hate every second of this and welcome the commercial break.
While I think this promo goes on entirely too long, you can decide if it sucks or not:
.@Santana_Proud reflects ahead of #TNARebellion, where his war with @MustafaAli_X reaches its boiling point in a Falls Count Anywhere match.
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/ZTlWqchalq pic.twitter.com/zeSr7tQQVT
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 25, 2025
Jacy Jayne w/ Fatal Influence vs Rosemary
Start isn’t really a thing since Rosemary feigns the Mist so Jacy runs away, when she does get back in Rosemary clocks her, beats on her in the corner, Upside Down and then gorgeous Fallon and the pack tactics give Jacy enough of a distraction to PK kick Rosemary and take control. Rosemary gets out of a Headlock with biting, then bits Jacy on the face and follows it up with a Shotgun Dropkick. Jacy tries to Reverse the Irish Whip but Rosemary kicks off the buckle, turns and connects with a Flying Forearm. Rosemary gets a little distracted, eats a V-Trigger but zombie rises from the dead and Face Buster into a Spicolli Driver attempt, but Jazmyn gets involved, Rosemary drops Jazmyn and when she turns around Jacy connects with her Rolling Punch for the finish.
Fatal Influence attack Rosemary and Mirror Match Xias come to make the save.
.@milanmiracle is ON THE CASE! @Jazmyn_nyx_wwe, @FallonHenleyWWE and @jacyjaynewwe vs. @XiaBrookside, @TheLeiYingLee and @WeAreRosemary at #TNARebellion!?
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/ZTlWqchIaY pic.twitter.com/eTAQNOgiO8
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 25, 2025
Cinematic Hardy Compound: Kaiba Boys vs Hardy Boyz
Willow the Wisp sighting early, he drops the umbrella and starts dancing to Kendrick’s They Not Like Us, then Jeff shows up and attacks Nic, they brawl in a pickup truck. Seto Nic Ziggler hits the Superkick, but Jeff turns it around, they get on top of the cab and Jeff wants to Powerbomb Nic through conveniently placed tables, but Back Body Drop sends Jeff crashing. Nic goes into the truck and finds a tag team title. Is that the idea? First person to find the titles like an RPG quest?
Matt Pearl Harbors Mokuba near a fountain as it cuts to Nic walking through the house at the arcade, and he finds their title case and he thinks it’s booby trapped so he does the heist thing of replacing the title with an exercise weight. Matt has a PREMONITION!!! THe Kaibas have the titles! And Ryan turns things around for a moment until he eats gate and gets Speared into the pool with Reby playing piano looking like a snack. Ryan is teleported into the house for Maxel the Great with Senor Benjamin as the ticket taker and most of the Hardy kids sitting in the theater. It’s an old 1920s Silent Film with Maxel beating up Ryan and the kids keep saying he sucks. He gets showered in roses, Benjamin is crying the kids rejoice and cut back to Ryan floating in the pool. Dr Wolfie is diagnosing Ryan on the couch and they have a fantastic conversation. Wolfie blames the Matt Hardy fans for Booing Wolfie. Wolfie asks if Ryan if he ever hugged his parents and Ryan starts crying and Wolfie goes “That’ll be 500 dollars for the emotional damage”.
Gothic Baby Shadow Realms Ryan into his Emo Phase with Simple Plan playing. Then he has a roast battle with Bardie. Ryan is getting pelted with eggs while Matt is drowning him in the pool. Nic saves his Little Brother from drowning in the pool (been there). Maxel attacks, Nic Pie Faces the kid, Ryan ambushes Matt with a title shot and then BROTHER NERO! We’re just missing Itchweed to complete the essences of Jeff.
Nemeths see Jeff stalking them and they bail. So we may get a return to the Broken Brothers.
.@ryrynemnem is working some things out with Dr. Wolfie.
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/ZTlWqchIaY pic.twitter.com/ydPCkpfP6l
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 25, 2025
That was glorious and the fact it’s used as a set up for a real match instead of a replacement for a real match makes it actually better.
Tessa Blanchard vs Missa Kate
Tessa doesn’t take her serious after a quick flurry so Kate lands a Tilt-a-Whirl Gourdbuster before Tessa turns things around and lays in offense. Dropkick, Springboard Elbows, Teardrop Suplex, and Tessa calms down a little after taking complete control again. Tessa keeps Kate in the corner and lays in Forearms, Kicks, goes for a Splash but Kate finally dodges and slams Tessa face first into a Buckle. Tessa hits the Cutter, goes to the top, MAGNUM, Buzzsaw DDT just because.
Masha attacks Tessa after the match and hits the Russian Death Device and puts her in a Fujiwara Armbar until Tessa gets away and bails to the floor while Masha holds the ring.
Joe Hendry & Elijah vs Ethan Page & Kaz
This whole match is stupid. Hendry had no tape at Mania, went against “doctor’s orders” to defend the title at Rebellion this Sunday anyway…so they put him in a worthless tag match when they didn’t want him active? Delirious and Dreamer need to be shot in the head. It won’t hit anything.
Elijah and Kaz start this match, Kaz looks dumb and gets dogwalked and then Rope Walked because heels aren’t allowed to be competent against “fan favorites” until at least 3 minutes into a match. Stupid, stupid, stupid. Back from the commercial break, Hendry and Elijah Double Clothesline Kaz and he’ll prolly slip something in a minute or so. Elijah does 10 Count Punches dropping Kaz, into the ropes, Kaz hops over him but Elijah throws him towards Page. Weird…but okay. Ethan calls for Hendry, and they lock up causing Hendry to wince at the arm that isn’t Kayfabed well, but Hendry hits the ropes, Shoulder Tackle into Hip Toss with “bad” arm, now Stalling Suplex that is just dropped immediately because of “arm”. Tags out quickly to Elijah and Ethan gets Manhattan Dropped and Big Booted into Saturday. Kaz takes a cheap shot when Elijah hits the ropes, so Ethan pounces and the heels finally have some momentum. Double Team on Elijah into a Rude Awakening from Kaz for two.
Ethan tries to keep Elijah isolated, Elijah gets the boot up, but he cuts off Elijah from the tag, Ethan tags in Kaz and a Slingshot Leg Drop gets another two. Elijah fights out of the corner, knocks down Ethan, counter wrestling from Kaz and Elijah before a Jumping Knee Lift levels Kaz. Elijah looks for the tag but Ethan picks Hendry off the apron and throws him into the steps. Heels doing the dogpile thing. Ethan throws Elijah into a corner, Up and Over but Ethan catches him just to get kicked away. Joe drags himself to the corner, simultaneous tags, Lariats into Sack of Shit for both heels. Attitude Adjustment on Kaz for only two. Hendry is overselling the injury no one cares enough about to write logically. So good for him that he’s doing their job, it’s just creative that isn’t. Kaz catches Hendry in Fade to Black but Hendry gets out, Scoop Slam into the Springboard Leg Drop but Hendry kicks out. Kaz wants the Chicken Wing on the bad arm, but Ethan tags himself in causing infighting, Avalanche Tandem Superplex but Elijah shoves Ethan into the pinfall to break it. Elijah and Ethan throw hands, Crossroads from Elijah, Backstabber from Kaz, Rope Run Cutter from Hendry on Kaz, Spin and pose, Standing Ovation attempt but the arm gives, Elijah tags in, Ethan refuses to tag Kaz, Highwayman’s Farewell from Elijah.
Overall Score: 6.4/10
All of the points are for Fallon Henley existing, Lei Ying Lee and the Hardy Compound match. Without the Hardy match the show was like a 2. Bad logic, bad booking, heels are too samey with everyone being a dweeb that has to get beat on for 3-5 minutes before they can remember they can wrestle. Sean Waltman is also an interesting wrinkle in the System and Rascalz thing, but the first hour of this show was useless. If people continued to watch for the Hardy match, that was the only thing that may have entertained new eyes because of WrestleMania.
Rebellion is Sunday and next Thursday starts at 10 Eastern…ugh. If TNA doesn’t get off the west coast or work days, I won’t review any of this positively. First World problems, fully aware. But come on now, especially with the shit writing from the last month or so, this show isn’t worth staying up if they TNA personally paid people to review it. It would be totally different if the content was entertaining.
You know what, just give the Hardy’s the book. I’d rather insanity than forgetting to write in logic to a kayfabe injury and because things are pre-taped the WM appearance makes no sense and sudden over selling makes less sense. This isn’t booking into a corner this is booking into a Short Bus with a flat tire.
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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Happy Sixth Anniversary!
Mindless Wrestling Podcast: WrestleMania 41 Scorecard: The Good, The Bad And The Ugly
With WrestleMania 41 in the rearview mirror, we break down both nights and give it a final grade.
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (4/25/25)
Time for some TLC!
DWI Podcast #473: Snap Into It
Best friend of shoe joins us as we discuss the fallout from WrestleMania 41!
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 4.24.25
We get another chapter of Hardy Compound shenanigans! NEMETH BROTHERS! WE KNEW YOU'D COME!
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (4/24/25)
The Chef is back!
Mitchell’s WWE Evolve Results & Report! (4/23/25)
Introducing: The Vanity Project
POD is WAR: I Could Put 15 Japanese Guys In Here (WrestleMania / NFL Draft)
Andrew Balaz, Rey Cash and PC Tunney invite you to come along on a trip inside the minds of Los...
Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (4/23/25)
Let the good times roll!
Greg DeMarco Show: WWE Moonsault Mania
WrestleMania 41 was a history making event--so much more than just too many moonsaults!
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (4/22/25)
Luck be a lady tonight
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Coverage7 days agoMitchell’s WWE WrestleMania 41 Results & Report! (4/19/25)
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Coverage6 days ago
Mitchell’s WWE WrestleMania 41 Results & Report! (4/20/25)
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Coverage5 days agoMitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (4/21/25)
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Coverage6 days agoMitchell’s NJPW Road to Wrestling Dontaku Results & Report! (4/19/25)