Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Live Results & Report! (2/26/19)
Daniel Bryan and Kofi Kingston sign the contract to make it Fastlane official!
SmackDown prepares for the last stop on the Road to Wrestlemania! Will any shenanigans go down during Daniel Bryan’s & Kofi Kingston’s contract signing?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Johnny Gargano w/ Tommaso Ciampa VS Cesaro w/ Sheamus; cancelled for…
- The Bar VS The Hardy Boyz; The Hardy Boyz win.
- WWE United States Championship Open Challenge: R-Truth w/ Carmella VS ???; changed into…
- WWE United States Championship Triple Threat: R-Truth w/ Carmella VS Andrade Almas w/ Zelina Vega VS Rey Mysterio; Truth wins and retains the WWE United States Championship.
- Aleister Black & Ricochet VS Shinsuke Nakamura & Rusev w/ Lana; Black & Ricochet win.
- Kevin Owens & Kofi Kingston VS Daniel Bryan & Rowan; Owens & Kingston win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Stephanie and Shane McMahon open SmackDown!
The New Daniel Bryan and Erick Rowan are already in the ring for tonight’s contract signing. In just under two weeks, Bryan will defend his WWE Championship at Fastlane. And the challenger is a veteran of 11 years with incredible charisma and high-flying ability. We flashback to that day in 2008 when he debuted, and then have a montage of all the amazing Royal Rumble survivals. This man has also been a multiple-time Intercontinental Champion, a United States Champion, and of course a historic WWE Tag Team Champion alongside the New Day.
This man has been overlooked but no longer! Two weeks ago, fate smiled upon this man when he was a last-minute substitute for a Gauntlet Match and lasted over an hour, while eliminating Daniel Bryan. He also lasted about as long in the Elimination Chamber, where he brought Bryan to his limits. And even last week, this same man defeated the WWE Champion in a star-studded Six Man Tag. And now, for the first time ever, this same man has a 1v1 chance at the world championship, that man is Kofi Kingston! Awww~ Charlotte, North Carolina! Feel~ the power~ as The New Day accompanies the #1 contender to the ring! Fans chant for Kofi as he slings pancakes and hits the ring. Big E gives Stephanie and Shane big hugs, and Xavier Woods plays Francesca loud and proud! Kofi even takes an extra lap to high-five the fans!
Kofi jumps in the ring and grabs a mic to recount the 11 years. All he’s ever wanted was a chance, and after 11 long years, “it’s happening, BABYYYY~!” This moment would not be possible if not for his brothers, the NEW~ DAY~! Fans tell Kofi, “You Deserve It!” Kofi admits none of this would be possible if not for the Tweets, the letters, the sky-writing and smoke signals from the WWE Universe wanting this to happen! At Fastlane, Kofi vows to do what everyone has wanted him to do for a very long time. Kofi stares Bryan down as he says he will beat Bryan, and finally become WWE Champion. Bryan is stoic as Kofi drops the mic and takes a seat. Shane asks Bryan sign the contract first. Bryan does, and passes the contract over. Kofi signs, but here comes Vince McMahon!?
The Chairman walks to the ring and applauds. Vince knows Kofi is extraordinary, but before this signing is finished, he wants to personally say how he appreciates everything Kofi has done these 11 years. “Truly remarkable, truly.” However, as the chairman, Vince feels he needs to give us the biggest attraction possible. Therefore, Vince is making another executive decision: he’s replacing Kofi. WHAT?! Vince says there is someone more deserving. Fans boo and The New Day is livid as Vince says this man is more qualified than Kofi, too. Vince presents the new #1 contender: Kevin Owens! The Prizefighter is back already!? Kevin walks down the ramp and fans aren’t sure what to make of this. The New Day does, though: this is an outrage!
Kevin walks into the ring, sits at the table, and even though Big E and Woods protest, there is nothing Shane or Stephanie can do about Vince’s decision. Fans chant for Kofi but Kofi can barely watch as Kevin signs the contract. The New Day leaves the ring, completely beside themselves. And Bryan seems to smirk. The fans still support Kofi but is there anything that can be done?
Kevin Owens talks with Stephanie and Shane backstage.
He knows they had nothing to do with Vince’s decision, and weren’t even expecting it, but Kevin is just glad to have his talents recognized. The New Day’s reaction aside, did they notice Bryan’s smug reaction? Yes, of course. Well Kevin, despite his great position already, simply asks to team with the equally deserving Kofi Kingston against Bryan and Rowan. Tonight? Yes, tonight. Stephanie and Shane will consider it. Kevin is thankful for even that much. Will Kevin’s odd request be granted? Will Kofi even accept it?
Johnny Gargano w/ Tommaso Ciampa VS Cesaro w/ Sheamus!
The Bar lost to the duo formerly known as DIY last week, but by the skin of Ciampa’s and Gargano’s teeth. However, Johnny Wrestling and the Psycho Killer are back again and ready for more! Will Gargano be able to beat the Swiss Cyborg 1v1? Or will The Bar even the score-
Wait a minute! That’s not DIY! That’s Team XTreme! Matt Hardy returns and is alongside his brother, Jeff, here in Carolina! And now it’s a tag match!
The Bar VS The Hardy Boyz!
Was this another executive decision by The Chairman? Either way, Matt and Jeff are here, will they DELETE an unprepared Cesaro & Sheamus?
The teams sort out and Cesaro starts against Brother Nero at the bell. Jeff and Cesaro tie up and Cesaro gets a wristlock. Jeff kicks and wrenches back then clubs Cesaro’s arm. He tags to Matt and Matt climbs up to drop an ax handle! Matt wrenches to shoulder breakers as he shouts “DELETE! DELETE!” Cesaro hits back, then European Uppercuts Matt to the corner. Tag to Sheamus and Sheamus throws body shots. Sheamus throws haymakers, too, then knees Matt low. Sheamus whips Matt but Matt kicks back. Matt throws big haymakers then tags Jeff. The Hardys whip and elbow Sheams down, senton and fist drop combo! Cesaro runs in but into the leg splitting double leg drops! The Bar bails out as the Hardys combing, SUPER Poetry in Motion! We go picture in picture while The Hardys stand tall.
Matt chants “DELETE! DELETE!” with the fans while Jeff puts Sheamus into barriers. Jeff puts Sheamus in the ring for a kick to the corner. Jeff whips corner to corner but Sheamus reverses. Sheamus runs into boots, and Jeff goes up, only for Cesaro to trip him up! Jeff tumbles down to the ground but the referee keeps Matt back. Sheamus tags Cesaro and Cesaro fetches Jeff into the ring. Cesaro hops up and mocks the Hardy finger point before dropping the leg. Cover, TWO! Tag to Sheamus, and The Celtic Gladiator drags Jeff up. Jeff throws hands but runs into an elbow! Sheamus and Cesaro do the Fusion Pose, then they mock the Delete. Jeff crawls but Sheamus catches him! Sheamus drags Jeff all the way back. Jeff fights out with a jawbreaker!
Sheamus tags Cesaro and Cesaro gets Jeff for a Swiss Swing! Cesaro brings Jeff around and around a dozen times, then puts on the Sharpshooter! Jeff endures but Matt clobbers Cesaro to save him. The ref reprimands Matt while Cesaro tags Sheamus. Sheamus puts Jeff on the apron for Beats of the Bodhrain! Sheamus goes all the way to 10 before inverted suplexing Jeff in! Cover, TWO! The Bar grows frustrated but Sheamus keeps on Jeff with a chinlock. We return to single picture as fans rally up for Jeff. “DELETE! DELETE!” echoes out as Jeff fights back. Jeff reaches but Sheamus keeps him from Matt. Sheamus tags Cesaro and Cesaro stomps Jeff. The Bar double whip and Bar Lariat Jeff down! Cover, TWO! Jeff shows his toughness and fans rally up. Cesaro knees Jeff then boots Matt! Tag to Sheamus and they whip Jeff to a corner.
Jeff fights back with elbows, then climbs, Whisper in the Wind gets two for one! Everyone else is down but Matt is back on the corner! Jeff crawls but so does Sheamus, hot tags to Cesaro and Matt! Matt rallies with haymakers then DELETE bumps on buckles! Fans fire up with Matt as he runs back in for a clothesline, but bulldog denied! Side Effect hits! Cover, TWO! Matt hops up and leaps for a big elbow! Cover, TWO! Matt keeps his focus as he calls for the Twist. But Sheamsu returns, so Matt hits him back out. Matt wants the Twist but Cesaro pushes Matt into ropes! Sheamus hits the knee! Roll up, TWO!!
Sheamus tags in and Cesaro climbs up. Jeff intercepts Cesaro with a Twist of Fate! Matt rolls Sheamus, TWO! Matt hits HIS Twist of Fate! Tag to Jeff, who throws his shirt off! SWANTON BOMB! Cover, The Hardy Boyz win!
Winners: The Hardy Boyz, Jeff pinning
With so much madness going on, this match came outta nowhere, but the Hardys take advantage! Will Matt and Jeff take the SmackDown Tag Division back by storm?
Aleister Black & Ricochet react to The Hardy Boyz being back.
Imagine a match of the Dutch Destroyer and King of Flight against those tag legends. But the Ravishing Russian walks in. Can they help her? Lana just doesn’t see what the fuss is all about. Ricochet’s nothing special and Aleister is rather ordinary. They’re not former US Champions or veterans. They’re just two men who will be crushed. Lana must not have watched Raw, because they beat the Raw Tag Team Champions. But the best thing about those who say Ricochet’s nothing special is the look on their face when he proves them wrong. The look on Lana’s face will be priceless when Rusev realizes he can’t crush what he can’t catch.
And Aleister says that Lana fears the unknown. The only thing she needs to know is what’s written on his skin. To translate, Rusev & Nakamura will #FadetoBlack. Lana leaves speechless, will she be just as stunned silent after their tag match?
R-Truth and Carmella head to the ring!
What’s up?! Word is Truth is going to revive the United States Championship Open Challenge, after the break!
The newest WWE Hall of Fame inductee: Honky Tonk Man!
One of the greatest WWE Intercontinental Champions of all time, he’s cool, he’s cocky, and he’s b-b-b-b-b-b-bad! And now, he’s getting an HoF ring!
WWE United States Championship Open Challenge: R-Truth w/ Carmella VS ???
SmackDown returns and Truth says the truth is, ever since he was “a wee, wee little tyke”, he’s wanted to be just like his hero, John Cena. So just like Cena, Truth will continue the tradition of this championship open challenge. And that open challenge starts… When? Right after the Seven Second Dance Break~~! Truth and Carmella shimmy and shake, and the challenge is answered by El Idolo! Andrade Almas and Zelina Vega march right out to the ring, but Rey Mysterio intercepts him and gets in the ring! Almas follows after, but Truth says they all need to calm down. Can’t we all just get along? Truth has a dilemma now. He doesn’t know who he’s supposed to face right now!
In moments like this, Truth says, What Would John Cena Do? Cena would make it a Triple Threat. Really? “Damn, he brave.” Truth was thinking of saying “No thank you” to both, but for John, he’ll do it! Truth takes a big risk putting the title up against both El Idolo and the King of Lucha Libre, can he come out of this still the champion?
WWE United States Championship Triple Threat: R-Truth w/ Carmella VS Andrade Almas w/ Zelina Vega VS Rey Mysterio!
The title is raised and we begin this huge match! Almas dropkicks Mysterio right away, but Truth hits Almas back. Truth runs but Almas dodges the scissor kick to boot Truth back. Mysterio springboards and huricanranas Almas out! Mysterio runs at Truth but slides under, Truth comes back with the spinning elbow! Cover, TWO! Truth and Mysterio get up, and Truth runs, only to be put on the apron. Almas grabs Truth for a powerbomb to the ground! Mysterio wrecks Almas with a dropkick, then runs to SLIDE, into Almas’ dropkick! All three men are down while we go to break.
SmackDown returns and Truth goes after Almas on the top rope. Truth has Almas in an Electric Chair, and Mysterio springboards, SUPER Huricanrana! Vega is shocked as Mysterio covers, TWO! Carmella coaches up Truth while Vega shouts to Almas. Mysterio kicks Truth but Truth elbows back. Truth runs but so does Mysterio, double crossbodies cancel out! Fans fire up as all three men slowly get to corners. Almas targets Mysterio, CIEN KNEES! Then he aims at Truth, but Truth dodges! Truth counter punches Almas and then whips. Almas reverses but Truth runs him over! Truth does the splits then hits the kick! Carmella fires up with Truth as he runs corner to corner, for a big splash! Then a spin-out powerbomb, a la Cena!
Speaking of Cena, Truth says “You Can’t See Me!” Then the Five Knuckle Shuffle! Cover, TWO! Truth keeps his cool as he fireman’s carries Almas. But Vega disrupts that, until Carmella trips her up! Almas throws Truth into a post! Mysterio springboards for a seated senton, then keeps moving to tilt-o-whirl Almas onto ropes! Mysterio dials it up, 619 misses! Almas shoves, but runs into a boot. Mysterio runs but runs into the boot feint to elbow! Cover, TWO!! Almas grows frustrated, but he stays on Mysterio. He drags Mysterio up and whips, but Mysterio boots back. Mysterio springboards, but is caught! Truth returns to waistlock Almas, but Mysterio slips out and dropkicks them both onto ropes! Mysterio dials it up, 619 to Almas! Truth rolls Mysterio!! Truth wins!!
Winner: R-Truth, by pinfall; still WWE United States Champion
Truth gambles and wins big! All because he did it like Cena! Will Truth keep on rolling down The Road to Wrestlemania?
As for Mysterio, Almas attacks him from behind! Hammerlock, La Sombra is denied! Mysterio dials it up but Vega helps Almas bail out. El Idolo and The King have a lot left to settle between them. Who will stand tall on their own Road to Wrestlemania?
Charlotte Flair heads to the ring!
The Queen is in her namesake city and Flair Country is happy to see her. Charlotte knows, like everyone else knows, that Raw got a little too rowdy as Becky Lynch and Ronda Rousey had another brawl, resulting in Becky being arrested. The Baddest Woman on the Planet put it on Stephanie McMahon to get Vince to make the right decision, and then dropped the title in the ring. The Queen says it’s not often that she gets to simply witness history. She saw that Fastlane got “even better” with Kevin Owens replacing Kofi Kingston to take on Daniel Bryan. That was almost as important a change as when Vince “anointed Your Queen to save the main event of Wrestlemania”! Charlotte knows why Vince did it, even as fans chant for “Becky! Becky!” She says Vince did it because Charlotte stays in her lane.
“Unlike the criminal, Becky Lynch, and the quitter, Ronda Rousey”, Charlotte does what she’s told and always delivers. From media to charity to live events to the main event, Charlotte is the gold standard. Ronda throws away the title Charlotte proudly defended. Charlotte knows what Becky and Ronda were thinking, because it’s so simple. “They fear me.” Fear makes people do irrational things. Becky fears Charlotte will expose her as the fraud she really is, and Ronda fears that Charlotte will beat her down like she did at Survivor Series. Charlotte fears nothing, and a true champion fears no one. Ronda had her opinions on what a true champion is. Footage plays from November that Ronda talked about being the “best in the world on your worst day.”
Charlotte and Ronda finally agree because Ronda said it herself. But the difference is that Charlotte would never quit, and would never lay down a title. Because Charlotte is The TRUE Champion! That’s why on next Monday’s Raw, Charlotte will be there so Vince can crown the new Raw Women’s Champion as “someone who deserves it: Your Queen, Charlotte Flair!” Charlotte points at the Wrestlemania sign, but will she really be walking in as champion?
Aleister Black & Ricochet VS Shinsuke Nakamura & Rusev w/ Lana!
The Embodiment of the End once again joins forces with The One and Only. They were victorious over The Revival, but will they make the Bulgarian Brute and King of Strong Style #FadetoBlack? Or will Rusev and Nakamura MACHKA the Dutch Destroyer and King of Flight with a #Knee2Face?
SmackDown returns as the teams sort out. Nakamura starts against Aleister and they circle. Nakamura tests Aleister with kicks then puts him against the ropes. The King of Strong Style taunts Aleister with his ab rest but Aleister turns it around. Aleister backs off but swings a kick! Nakamura dodges it and struts around. Nakamura shouts “C’MON!” and Aleister rushes him! He dodges, but so does Aleister. Aleister rolls off Nakamura’s back, then dodges Nakamura’s roundhouse by sitting down and crossing the legs. Nakamura tries again but Aleister dodges, kips up and arm-drags Nakamura to an armlock! Nakamura gets up but Ricochet tags in. Ricochet and Aleister double whip and then drop toehold to a dropkick! Cover, ONE, but Ricochet keeps on Nakamura with an arm wrench.
Ricochet yanks on Nakamura’s arm but Nakamura kicks out a leg! Nakamura tags in Rusev and Rusev stomps Ricochet to a corner. Rusev stomps a mudhole into Ricochet but backs off at 4. Ricochet flounders to ropes but Rusev is on him with haymakers. Rusev toys with “Ricky” then tags in Nakamura. They both stomp Ricochet then mug him with roundhouses. Fans chant “USA! USA!” as Nakamura grinds Ricochet with a facelock. Ricochet endures while Lana mocks his pain. Nakamura rams his knees in then tags in Rusev. Rusev kicks Ricochet now and then drags Ricochet up for a big suplex! Cover, TWO! Rusev stays between Ricochet and Aleister as he looms over him. Rusev whips Ricochet to the corner but runs into a boot! Ricochet fights his way out, then up and over, hot tags to Nakamura and Aleister!
Aleister rallies on the Rockstar, sweep to knee! Aleister handsprings and fires up, but Rusev stands in his way. Nakamura dynamic dropkicks Aleister right out! Tag to Rusev and Rusev runs Aleister over! The Brute roars while we go picture in picture.
Lana cheers for Rusev as he looms over Aleister. Rusev puts Aleister in and covers, TWO! Rusev stays between Aleister and Ricochet as he stomps Aleister to the ropes. Big elbow drop and Rusev toys with Aleister. Tag to Nakamura and Rusev hoists Aleister up for Nakamura’s Top Shelf Knee! Cover, TWO! Nakamura keeps on Aleister with a chinlock. He digs a knee into Aleister’s back as he shifts to a modified cobra clutch. Aleister flails and fights up, but Nakamura knees low. Nakamura stomps Aleister then tags Rusev in. Rusev drags Aleister up to the ropes and chokes him with a full straddle! Rusev backs off at 4 but Lana SLAPS Aleister! The ref checks on Aleister while fans boo and jeer. Rusev drags Aleister up to kick him against the ropes!
Rusev circles Aleister before stomping his hand! Aleister crawls to a corner, his feet up in a guard. Rusev taunts to “rookie”, and counter punches with big haymakers. Rusev stomps Aleister then drags him back up for a bearhug! Aleister endures the squeeze while fans build to a rally. Aleister drives elbows into Rusev’s head and breaks free! He throws haymakers on Rusev but Rusev shoves to clobber Aleister! Rusev drags Aleister up and lets the fans cheer for Aleister. Rusev back suplexes but Aleister makes it a crossbody! Both men are down but fans fire up. Hot tag to Ricochet! Ricochet rallies on Rusev, and even headscissors him to a corner! Ricochet rams a shoulder in then boots Nakamura down. He swing kicks Rusev away, then springboards for a flying uppercut! Standing shooting star! Cover, TWO!
Lana is furious but Ricochet keeps going. He puts Rusev in a drop zone and climbs up, but Rusev gets clear of the Phoenix Splash! Ricochet rolls through and dodges the Machka Kick, to leap for a crossbody! Rusev catches it for a big urenage! Cover, TWO! Rusev grimaces as Ricochet survives. Rusev roars that he hates the rookies! He stomps Ricochet, but Ricochet slips out the back. Ricochet forearms but Rusev haymakers. Tag to Nakamura and they double whip Ricochet. Ricochet stops himself, elbows Nakamura away then dumps Rusev out. Tag to Aleister! Aleister helps Ricochet FLY and hit Rusev! Aleister gets Nakamura but Nakamura fights him off. Nakamura hits the reverse exploder! Nakamura takes aim, but runs into BLACK MASS! Cover, Aleister & Ricochet win!
Winners: Aleister Black & Ricochet, Black pinning
Another big win for this high-flying and hard-hitting combination! Will Aleister and Ricochet be an unlikely tag team sensation on the main roster?
Backstage interview with AJ Styles.
The Phenomenal One wants to say he’s happy to hear Roman Reigns is in remission. A truly great thing, but on to how Styles is without something to do on the Road to Wrestlemania. this might be the first time he’s ever been in a slump. Styles says there’s nothing anyone else can say he hasn’t already thought. Anything less than perfection is a disappointment. Styles’ standards are what push him to be his best. But he’ll admit he’s not at his best, and that’s what allowed Daniel Bryan to become WWE Champion. Styles could’ve stopped Bryan, but he failed. For now. It took Styles a long time to even reach the WWE, and nothing was ever handed to him. Styles will stop listening to critics, pick himself up, dust himself off and step up to keep this the House that AJ Styles Built.
But in walks Randy Orton. The Viper says this isn’t AJ Styles’ house. Orton then leaves, but will he be back to strike outta nowhere?
Lacey Evans walks out to the ring!
The Model Soldier again “classes up” the show by simply appearing. Lacey leaves again, but when will she spend an extended time on screen?
Kevin Owens & Kofi Kingston VS Daniel Bryan & Rowan!
There’s very little positivity left after the title match was stolen from Kofi by Vince McMahon’s executive decision. However, can Kofi put that aside long enough to win tonight’s main event match? Or is this going to be the straw that breaks the camel’s back?
SmackDown returns as Bryan and Rowan make their entrance. The teams sort out and Kofi starts against Bryan. Fans are strongly behind Kofi and Bryan tags out to Big Red. Rowan circles with Kofi and they tie up. Rowan shoves Kofi down and gloats in his strength. Fans boo and Kofi keeps calm. Kofi and Rowan circle and tie up again, and Rowan scoop slams Kofi hard. Fans boo again while Bryan applauds. Kofi dodges and fires off kicks on Rowan in the corner! Kofi runs but gets run over! Rowan roars and Bryan applauds but Kevin tags in. Kevin circles with Rowan and starts throwing fast hands! Rowan runs Kevin over, too! Kevin kicks back and CHOPS. He throws forearms and chops but Rowan turns things around. Rowan runs into a boot, but then dropkicks Kevin down! Cover, ONE!
Rowan brings Kevin over and Bryan tags in. Bryan kicks Kevin then whips. Kevin reverses and things speed up, Kevin runs Bryan over! Fans actually cheer the Prizefighter as he bumps Bryan off buckles. Kevin throws body shots, then tags Kofi in. Kevin snapmares Bryan down for Kofi to Penalty Kick! Cover, TWO! Kofi throws forearms on Bryan and whips but Bryan reverses. Kofi grabs ropes and dumps Bryan out. He tags Kevin in? Kofi wants Kevin to prove what he can do, and Kevin actually FLIES! Kevin mildly impresses Kofi while we go to break.
SmackDown returns again and Rowan puts Kofi in the ring. Rowan covers, TWO! Fans rally for Kofi as Rowan drives knees into Kofi’s back again and again. Rowan wraps Kofi into a chinlock and Bryan shouts for Rowan to “grind him down!” Rowan shifts to a neck wrench, but Kofi fights his way up. Kofi throws hands but Rowan shoves and runs him over! Fans boo as Rowan drags Kofi up into a pumphandle. Rowan lifts and gives Kofi a backbreaker! Cover, TWO! Rowan tags in Bryan for Bryan to snapmare Kofi and stand on his face! Bryan then drags Kofi up, but Kofi fights back with body shots. Bryan rocks Kofi with a European Uppercut! “You see that?!” Bryan pulls Kofi against the ropes then backs off at 4 to dropkick him down! The referee reprimands Bryan, but he goes out to dropkick Kofi all the way down!
Tag to Rowan, and Rowan fetches Kofi. Rowan scoops and slams Kofi to the ground! Fans tell Rowan and Bryan “You Suck!” but Rowan just scoops and puts Kofi in the ring. Cover, TWO! Rowan stomps Kofi then runs to drop a big splash! Cover, TWO! Rowan wraps Kofi up in another chinlock and then shifts to the knuckle vice. He squeezes Kofi’s head, then rakes the eyes! Kofi gets to ropes but Rowan drags him back over. Rowan lifts Kofi to the Canadian rack, then rams him into buckles! Bryan tags in and Rowan hits Kevin for good measure! Kevin protests but Bryan throws hands on Kofi. Bryan climbs up to join Kofi, then SUPERPLEXES Kofi! Cover, TWO! Kofi still lives but Bryan tries another cover, TWO! Bryan drags Kofi up for a wristlock and twists the arm.
Kofi hits back with haymakers! But Bryan kicks and back suplexes. Kofi lands on his feet and rolls Bryan, TWO, into the LaBell Lock! Bryan pulls Kofi back but Kofi scrambles to get the ropebreak! Bryan lets go and drags Kofi back up to bump off buckles. He gives No Kicks to Kofi in the corner, then runs corner to corner, for a big dropkick! Bryan keeps going for a second dropkick! Bryan goes again, but gets double stomps! Kofi and Bryan are down and crawling for their corners. Hot tag to Kevin! Kevin rallies on Bryan with CHOPS and forearms! He whips Bryan and tosses him with a back drop! Kevin runs in for a big corner clothesline, then hops up for a missile dropkick! Kevin hits Rowan back then drops a senton on Bryan! He boots Rowan out then aims at Bryan in a corner. CANNONBALL!
But Rowan’s back, and grabs Kevin by the head! Kevin fights out and dumps Rowan out. Rowan is up fast, but a SUPERKICK sends him back down! Pop-Up Powerbomb on Bryan! TWO!! Kevin can’t believe it, but fans know “This is Awesome!” Kevin climbs up high, but Rowan yanks him down! Rowan throws Kevin over the announce desk! And then he tears the desk cover off! Kofi slingshots onto Rowan but is caught! Kofi slips out to shove Rowan into the post! Then Kofi climbs up top to LEAP for a Trust Fall! Kofi wipes Rowan out but Bryan puts Kevin in the ring. Bryan takes aim, runs out, but misses in the corner! Kevin hits a STUNNER! Cover, Kevin and Kofi win!
Winners: Kevin Owens & Kofi Kingston, Owens pinning
The Kevin Owens Show returns already as Kevin gets the pinfall on the world champion! Can Kevin do it again when it’s 1v1? Will Kofi ever get his fair shot at the title?
My Thoughts:
A pretty wild but pretty fun episode of SmackDown. It was very surprising to see the contract signing open the night, but the moment Vince McMahon came out, it was pretty clear why. Vince copy and pastes the idea from the Raw Women’s Championship for the WWE Championship, yet far less justified in kayfabe. In a vacuum, it puts way more heat on Vince and some instant heat on Kevin Owens. But because we’re already getting this with Ronda, Charlotte and Becky, it seems a bit lazy. Speaking of Charlotte, her promo tonight was good, and it makes sense she just assumes she will be given the title since she was simply given the match. I’m pretty sure this move will prompt protest from Ronda, and she might even end up a challenger in the inevitable Triple Threat because of that.
Another crazy thing is that we didn’t get Gargano VS Cesaro tonight. That match would’ve been amazing, but The Bar VS Hardy Boyz was a great surprise, a great match, and a great win for Matt & Jeff. Ricochet & Aleister continue to win, too, in a great match with Nakamura & Rusev. It seems WWE might be trying to bolster their main roster tag divisions again, to further appease The Revival’s disgruntled feeling. I can’t be sure if Aleister and Ricochet will really stay a team, but they’re doing pretty well so far. I’m sure we can get Gargano VS Cesaro next week as the Fastlane go-home, and more DIY on either show once we’re past Wrestlemania Weekend.
I’m a little disappointed that we were hyped for Usos but then didn’t get Usos, but perhaps the time constraints caused their segment to be scrapped. That might also be moved to next week for the go-home, to further hype the Usos VS Miz & Shane rematch. The United States Championship Open Challenge was a lot of fun, and it was great to see R-Truth copy John Cena’s moves. Truth retains but the match does a lot to keep the Almas VS Mysterio story alive. Chances are there will be a big multi-man match for the US title at Wrestlemania, and it’d be pretty great if Truth finds a way to retain again. Or if Mustafa Ali returns in time, he can take the title in a match with him, Truth, Almas, Mysterio and maybe even two others.
Clearly Orton VS Styles is still going to happen, that was made clear by Orton basically questioning everything Styles said in his promo. And while Kevin VS Bryan is happening at Fastlane, that doesn’t mean Kofi won’t get his shot. The tag team main event was a great match, too. The story was obvious and well-done, and both Kofi and Kevin were strong in this match. Kevin currently occupies an odd space that by default is Tweener. He’ll be cheered as Face against Bryan but likely booed as a Heel against Kofi. In fact, Kevin VS Kofi should happen in the go-home to really get some hype and heat going, since that’s apparently what WWE wants for this story. I’m confident Bryan retains, especially with Rowan ringside to get involved. And even if Kevin wins, hopefully Kofi goes to Wrestlemania, wins, and finally get the grand slam he deserves.
My Score: 8.5/10
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Turning the corner on the Road to WrestleMania!
Charlotte Flair and Jey Uso are headed to WrestleMania 41, but will they choose the champions they’re after tonight on Raw? Or will they wait it out?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- PENTA VS Ludwig Kaiser; Penta wins.
- The New Day VS Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee; The New Day wins.
- Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier: Liv Morgan VS Iyo Sky; Liv wins, by disqualification, and advances to Elimination Chamber.
- Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier: CM Punk VS Sami Zayn; Punk wins and advances to Elimination Chamber.
PLAY BY PLAY
Jey Uso is here!
And the winner of the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble is in the pavilion as he asks the production truck to hit his music! Uh, YEET! Cleveland is all fired up as Jey makes his way out through the crowd, and it’s time to YEET in The Land! Jey high-fives as he makes it to ground level, then high-fives with Pat McAfee and Michael Cole before going to the ring. The fans continue to bounce as Jey stands on the corner, then he goes to the other corner! Jey then grabs a mic, but the fans still wanna “YEET!” The fans now chant, “One More Time! One More Time!” Jey says sure why not! Jey gets on the corner and everyone YEETS again!
Jey goes back to the mic, and the fans chant, “You Deserve It!” Jey soaks it all in, then takes a breath before taking off the sunglasses. The fans then chant for “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jey goes to speak, but the positive energy is overwhelming. Cleveland continues to “YEET!” and Jey says, “Thank you guys for that. To be honest, I don’t even know what to say.” The fans say “YEET!” and Jey says besides that. Jey wants to rap at ya. Jey came in the game, like almost 15 years ago. Nah, he tried to make a good living with his twin brother to become pro-wrestlers. As far as carrying their family legacy, they did that, and that was cool.
Fast forward, pandemic, Jey goes with his family, The Bloodline. That was fire. They did cool chapters in his career. Jey was so scared, not confident in himself, to try and do this as a singles star. He didn’t have it, bruh. He didn’t. But coming out here tonight, Jey’s got it now! The fans cheer that! They again chant, “You Deserve It!” and Jey takes a breath. Jey says he worked, and worked, really hard, just to get to this spot. He worked hard to get in this position. But look. Jey’s got it. Jey has it because of every single fan. From his heart, from his family, thank you everyone! Every week with him! Jey gets teared up and the fans cheer more.
Jey says because of the fans, he is the 2025 Royal Rumble winner! EY EY! YEET!! And now, bruh, Jey is going to WrestleMania, the main event, and it’s just him, Uce! But wait! Gunther is here! Der Ring General, the World Heavyweight Champion, makes his way to the ring to stand across from Jey, a very familiar sight. The fans boo and Jey is frustrated, but Gunther tells Jey he’d offer congratulations here. But for what? In reality, Gunther is disappointed. Because honestly, this possible match up here, it doesn’t appeal to Gunther. Let’s be honest, Jey! Jey can’t even lace Gunther’s boots!
Gunther is the World Heavyweight Champion, he learned box office, and he learned how to make the fans all believe he’s barely holding on, when in reality, he is always in control! And y’know what? This time, Gunther refuses to do this with Jey again. Gunther asks if Jey even knows what it means to hold this world title. It means Gunther is in the process of building a legacy for himself. And quite honestly, beating Jey at Mania doesn’t add a thing to his legacy. Now, Jey, don’t give him that look. See Gunther’s expectations. Beating Roman, Cena, CM Punk, that would’ve added something to Gunther’s legacy.
So Jey, the situation here is clear. Jey has everything to gain and Gunther has everything to lose. So if Jey chooses Gunther, that forces Gunther into a position where he has to give himself something to gain. Gunther wants Jey to understand: If Jey chooses Gunther, every week is going to be Hell, With WrestleMania being the most horrible display of violence this business has ever seen! Gunther will hurt Jey. Gunther will put Jey down like a diseased dog! The fans boo, but Gunther says the good thing is, Jey has options. Gunther’s advice is to consider them. Gunther goes to leave but Jey says hold up, hold up.
Is Gunther not tired yet? Jey is. Cleveland, are you tired? YEET! Everyone telling Jey what he can and can’t be. YEET! Tag team guy. YEET! Not supposed to be in the main event. YEET! Not supposed to win the Royal Rumble! YEET! But Gunther, Jey is going to Friday Night SmackDown, holla at Cody, but he promises this: Whoever Jey chooses, he walks into WrestleMania as the 2025 Royal Rumble winner, and he guarantees us he walks out as Main Event Jey Uso, and as a champion! YEET! Jey hits the mic drop, but then who will he choose to main event with in Las Vegas?
WWE shares John Cena’s words from the Royal Rumble Post-Show.
John Cena announces now that he will compete in the Elimination Chamber. Because after 23 years of loyal service, that opportunity is earned. he is going in to win, and he is going to main event his final WrestleMania and win that 17th championship. Not for him, but to someday shake the hand of the person who wins 18. That is one spot already filled, who will win their way into the other five?
PENTA VS Ludwig Kaiser!
The Man with No Fear made the Impeccable German the man with a lot of embarrassment after only lasting six seconds in the Royal Rumble. Kaiser might hate Penta more than he does Sheamus now, but will he get his Royal Rumble revenge? Or will Kaiser learn how dangerous #CeroMiedo really is?
The bell rings, the two circle, and they tie up. Kaiser CLAWS Penta’s eyes through the mask, puts him in the corner, then UPPERCUTS him down! Kaiser stomps away on Penta, but the ref counts. Kaiser backs off, but then stands Penta up to whip. Penta KICKS Kaiser in return, then ducks ‘n’ dodges! Tilt-o-whirl RANA and Kaiser tumbles to a corner. The fans cheer, Penta runs up, GAMANGIRI! Penta sits Kaiser down, headstands, but Kaiser gets up to GAMANGIRI in return! Penta falls in a heap but Kaiser kicks him around. Kaiser shouts, “You wanna embarrass me?!” Kaiser pushes Penta around, then SPITS on him!
Kaiser stands Penta up to whip, but Penta reverses, and it’s a replay from the Rumble! The fans fire up and Kaiser is furious! Kaiser storms back up, but Penta blocks a shot to SOBAT! Penta then triangle jumps, but Kaiser UPPERCUTS first! Kaiser drags Penta up, fireman’s carries, and APRON KAISER ROLL! Penta falls to the floor, Kaiser dares Penta to embarrass him now, but Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Penta CHOPS Kaiser! And CHOPS again! Penta whips, Kaiser reverses, but Penta ducks ‘n’ dodges to tilt-o-whirl, only for Kaiser to SLAM him down! Sliding LARIAT! Kaiser rains down forearms on the back of Penta’s head! The fans boo but Kaiser drags Penta to his feet, short arm LARIAT! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Penta, but Kaiser PENALTY KICKS! Penta stays up and the fans rally more. Penta eggs Kaiser on, so Kaiser KICKS! Kaiser mocks Cero Miedo, but Penta shakes his head. The fans boo Kaiser, Penta eggs Kaiser on! “Listen! CERO! MIEDO!” Kaiser runs, but Penta CHOPS him down!
Penta CHOPS again, and again, and again! Penta whips, kaiser reverses, but Penta goes up and over to BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Kaiser sputters his way to a corner, but Penta runs up to GAMANGIRI! Penta sits Kaiser down, handstands, and he hits the SWINGING DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Kaiser stays in this, Penta is a bit frustrated, and the forearms go back and forth. Then Penta CHOPS! Kaiser CHOPS! Penta CHOPS again! Kaiser CHOPS again! They go CHOP for CHOP, then Kaiser knees low. Kaiser CLUBS Penta on the neck, then brings him up to the ropes. But Penta DUMPS Kaiser to the floor!
Penta builds speed and he FLIES! Down goes Kaiser at the ramp and the fans fire up! Kaiser gets in the ring first, but Penta goes to the apron at 5 of 10. Penta climbs a corner, Kaiser turns around, into the CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Penta is frustrated again but Kaiser CHOPS! So Penta CHOPS! The CHOPS go back and forth again, then Kaiser CLUBS Penta! Penta SUPERKICKS, and SUPERKICKS, then whips! Penta drops down, then jumps up, but Kaiser has him! KAISER ROLL again! Cover, TWO! Kaiser is furious but the fans fire up! Kaiser paces around, storms up on Penta, clinch and SIDE- NO, Penta slips free!
Penta half nelsons, Kaiser has the ropes, and then Kaiser elbows Penta! Kaiser uses ropes to roll Penta, but Penta slips through to trap the arm! FOR THE SACRIFICE!! Kaiser clutches his arm, but Penta clinches! PENTA DRIVER!! Cover, Penta wins!
Winner: Penta, by pinfall
Another big win on Raw and the Penta Era is undefeated! Jackie Redmond interviews Penta in the ring, congratulating him on the win streak. Penta said this is his era, so what can the WWE expect next? Penta thanks Jackie, but then Pete Dunne interrupts! The fans boo as The Bruiserweight makes his way out, but then Kaiser attacks Penta from behind! The fans boo as Kaiser is a sore loser, just like Dunne! Kaiser clinches Penta for the SIDEWINDER! The ref reprimands but the damage has been done! Will Kaiser and Dunne actually become an alliance over their disdain for the new kid on the block?
Judgment Day talks backstage.
While none of them won the Rumble, Liv is excited to get in on the Elimination Chamber. But then Finn Balor barges in, and wants to get this right. He’s gone for two weeks, recovering from that brutal Street Fight, and everything just falls to pieces. Not only did Dominik steal Finn’s tag title rematch, Dom stole Finn’s partner, JD McDonagh. And in the process, Dom got JD hurt! In the future, if Dom wants to call the shots, maybe he needs a babysitter. Dom says, “Is that so?” and Finn says yes it is. Liv & Raquel step in, and Liv says that’s not true! Dom had to step in or another team was going to get the title match. And The War Raiders hurt JD, not Dom.
Liv knows things are looking grim, but after tonight, she’ll qualify to be in the Elimination Chamber, and Liv & Raquel are promised a tag team title match! All thanks to Daddy Dom. Wow, so Dom does all this for Liv and nothing for Finn? Liv says no, Dom got Finn a Chamber qualifier, too. That was Dom? Yeah, cuz they’re family. And they will listen to Finn from now on. But Liv has to get ready for her match with Iyo, so she’s gotta go. Liv nuzzles noses with Dom before heading out, Raquel at her side. Dom says he told you so. Carlito asks what Dom got him. Dom got Carlito the apples. Will Finn make the most of Dom’s gifted qualifier? Will Judgment Day still (not) be okay?
Charlotte Flair is here!
The Land cheers as The Queen, the 2025 Women’s Rumble winner, the first-ever TWO TIME Women’s Rumble winner, is here! But much like Jey, she has a choice to make. Will Charlotte choose the champion she’s after? We find out, after the break.
Raw returns and Charlotte has a mic. “Hi, Cleveland.” The fans are a little torn now, but Charlotte says here’s the thing. A year and a half ago, the booing would’ve bothered her. But she actually missed the fans. No, really, it has been a year and two months. She missed the booing and the cheering. Last year sucked! Actually, up until last year, she really thought she was unbreakable, but last year broke her mentally and emotionally. There was even a point last year, she didn’t know if her knee was ever going to be better. She didn’t know if she’d make it to Survivor Series, Royal Rumble, or even WrestleMania! They just don’t get it!
The fans continue to be torn, and Charlotte says she’ll embrace the boos, because she still loves all the fans. And do they know why she still loves them all? Because whether they’re wooing or booing, love to hate her, hate to love her, it doesn’t change the fact that she is the GREATEST WWE Superstar in the history of this industry! So boo her now. Or is that not what they wanted? Did they not want her saying how hard last year was for her? Because it broke her, yet she still fought every single day to get back here. This is what she loves, this is her passion, this is what she wants to be the very best at!
So when she was able to walk that aisle again and punch her ticket to WrestleMania, she knew she was- RHEA RIPLEY is here! Charlotte smiles and the fans cheer as the Women’s World Champion makes her way out. Mami grabs a mic to then stand face to face with The Queen. Charlotte says she was trying to have a moment with Cleveland, but hello, Mami. Rhea says okay, but this is her show. And now we seem to have the possibility of these two once again. Rhea says when you go to war with someone, that is when you earn their respect the most. So Rhea does respect Charlotte.
So then please, please pick Rhea. Because the last time they faced off at WrestleMania, Rhea beat Charlotte. Charlotte says that is a good point, and makes no excuses, but there was the first time they fought, and Charlotte beat Rhea. The fans didn’t like that, huh? Rhea says it’s fine, because it’s true. But then, Charlotte might not understand. Back then, Rhea was just a kid. Charlotte is aware, but she came out here just to get things started. Rhea’s jumping the gun. Rhea wants an answer, but Charlotte has nothing but time. Charlotte is going to NXT tomorrow night to see if Giulia “inspires” her. Then she goes to SmackDown to see if Tiffany Stratton “inspires” her.
Because Charlotte needs, wants, to be inspired. But Rhea came out here, jumped the gun, got impatient. That showed Charlotte that Rhea is still just a kid. So on that note, see you next week. But then Rhea steps in Charlotte’s way. Charlotte saying Rhea is still a kid shows she doesn’t respect Rhea the way Rhea respects Charlotte. So please, pick Rhea, so that Rhea can beat that respect into her! The fans like the sound of that! Did the Queen’s gambit pay off? Or will she take a different course of action?
Backstage interview with Sami Zayn.
Jackie Redmond is now with the Underdog from the Underground, and notes that while the Rumble was rather rough with him being eliminated by good friend, Jey Uso, he does have an Elimination Chamber qualifier tonight against CM Punk. Hard to believe these two have never been 1v1 before, but how is he feeling about it? Sami says yeah, it was difficult. He really thought this was his year to win the Rumble, he had the most momentum he’s had, but it happens. And he can still punch his ticket to WrestleMania through the Elimination Chamber, but that means getting through CM Punk. That is the only thing on his mind.
Well, the other big question is Kevin Owens’ status. Has Sami had a chance to talk with Kevin since Saturday and that brutal ladder match? Sami sees someone else and apologizes to Jackie, he has to go talk to them. Sami walks over to Jey Uso! Jey tells Sami that he wasn’t aiming for him that night, but sorry for kicking him in the face. Sami says stop! They hug it out and Sami is so proud of Jey! Jey did it when no one else thought he could. This is Jey’s moment. So it doesn’t matter if it’s Gunther or Cody, this is Jey’s time, so go out there and do it! Jey thanks Sami for that, they do their handshake, and Jey wishes Sami luck against Punk.
They hug it out again, Jey heads out, but Karrion Kross steps in. That was a very touching moment. Kross wants to ask, though: What is it like to watch everyone else live out Sami’s dreams? Sami says maybe he wasn’t clear. He is getting real sick seeing Kross. If Kross keeps coming up, they’re gonna have a problem. What? No, Kross isn’t here to be a problem. But he could be, at any given time. Kross heads out, will Sami be able to watch his back while trying to move forward?
Rhea Ripley returns backstage.
But then, Mami crosses paths with Iyo Sky. The Evil Genius says maybe she sees Rhea at WrestleMania. Rhea says maybe. Rhea continues on, only for Liv to attack Iyo! Rhea runs back up to run Liv off, but then Raquel CLOBBERS Rhea! The Judgment Day laid the trap and it worked out! Liv mockingly says she’ll see Iyo later, but has she only added fuel to the fire?
The New Day VS Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee!
Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods finally have a new theme song to go with their new bad attitudes, but they look to settle the score with the King of Lucha & The Boy Wonder! Will Kofi & Woods prove New Day doesn’t suck? Or will we be calling the 619 here in The Land?
Raw returns and the LWO makes their entrance. The teams sort out and Lee starts against Woods. They circle, tie up, and go around. Lee headlocks but Woods pulls on the mask! The ref reprimands, but Kofi tags in. Woods powers out, Kofi trips Lee, and Woods fist drops! Kofi slingshot stomps! Kofi whips Lee to a corner, then runs in, but Lee dodges! Kofi hits buckles, but he puts Lee on the apron! Lee RAMS, bumps and ROUNDHOUSES Kofi away! Lee goes up and CROSSBODIES! Lee builds speed, ducks ‘n’ dodges then RANAS Kofi! Kofi goes to a corner, Lee runs in, and he JUMP KICKS! Leg sweep! COMBINACION CABRON! Cover, TWO!
Lee keeps on Kofi and he tags in Rey. LWO double whips Kofi, mule kicks, front kicks, then dropkicks the legs! Rey basement DROPKICKS then covers, TWO! Rey brings Kofi up, but Kofi powers Rey to the corner! Tag to Woods, New Day mugs Rey! The fans boo but Woods kicks Rey down. Woods stands on Rey in the corner! The fans boo but Woods soaks up the heat. Woods hops down to “apologize,” then he whips corner to corner. Woods runs up, but into an ELBOW! Rey goes up to FLYING RANA! Woods flounders, Rey RAMS him into the corner, then Rey rains down fists! The fans count to nine, Lee tags in, and SUPERKICK for ten! Cover, TWO!
Woods stays in this but Lee stays on Woods. But then Woods FLAPJACKS Lee! Tag to Kofi and he KICKS Lee to a corner! Kofi fires off, then hoists Lee up top. Kofi ROCKS Lee, climbs up, and he rains down fists! The fans boo, but Kofi goes to the very top. But Lee slips down to trip Kofi up! Lee KICKS Kofi, then runs corner to corner, DROPKICK! Lee then goes out to the apron, but LOGAN PAUL is here? Well, okay, he is Cleveland’s own, but he also wants to mess with Rey, his future opponent for an Elimination Chamber spot. But this distraction lets Kofi sit up to THROW Lee down, and then Woods SHOVES Rey into barriers!
The fans boo while Logan grins and asks what happened. Logan laughs at Rey’s pain while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Woods has Lee down with a chinlock. Lee endures, fights up, and Logan watches from ringside as Lee fires body shots. Woods CLUBS Lee, shoves and mule kicks him, then tags Kofi. Woods whips Lee for Kofi to drop toehold! Woods goes out to trap Lee on the ropes, and Kofi APRON SENTONS! While Logan argues with a fan, Kofi puts Lee in the ring and goes up the corner, AX HANDLE! Cover, TWO! Lee toughs it out but Kofi rains down fists! Kofi and the ref argue, then Kofi puts Lee in the ropes. Kofi runs side to side to knee lift! Tag to Woods, and he goes up the ropes to GUILLOTINE DOUBLE STOMP!
Woods soaks up the heat, then struts around before he flexes. The fans boo but Woods drags Lee up. Lee breaks free to ROCK Woods! Woods ROCKS Lee! Woods whips Lee, Lee slips through the lariat to lift and SITOUT POWERBOMB! The fans fire up while both men are down! Lee and Woods crawl, reach out, hot tags to Kofi and Rey! The fans fire up as Rey rallies on Kofi with LARIAT after LARIAT! Rey whips, Kofi reverses, but Rey tilt-o-whirls to RANA! Kofi ends up in a corner, Rey ROCKS him with a forearm! Rey then whips corner to corner, runs up, but Kofi slips out to SWING KICK!
Kofi goes up, up and leaps, but Rey dodges! Rey RANAS Kofi onto ropes! The fans fire up and Rey dials in, but Woods gets Kofi outta there! The fans boo, but Rey SEATED SENTONS Kofi instead! Only for Logan to get up in Rey’s face. The fans boo, Logan pats Rey on the head, but Rey SHOVES Logan down! The fans fire up, Rey ROCKS and POSTS Kofi! Woods kicks, Rey blocks, and Rey SLINGS the leg into the POST! Then Lee gives Woods a FLYING RANA to the floor! Rey puts Kofi in, but Kofi distracts the ref for Logan to YANK Rey out! Logan TOSSES Rey back in, and Kofi hits TROUBLE IN PARADISE! Cover, New Day wins!
Winners: The New Day, by pinfall
When you’re on the same wavelength as Logan Paul, you know that’s a bad thing! But New Day doesn’t care, they still won. Will they use this to get back to the WWE World Tag Team Championships? Will Logan be smiling when he and Rey fight next week for a spot in the Elimination Chamber?
Medical update on Roman Reigns.
They explain that they can really only share what The Tribal Chief is willing to disclose. They therefore cannot share what injuries Roman sustained when Seth Rollins attacked him after they both lost the Royal Rumble match. However, it would seem Roman Reigns will be out for the “foreseeable future.” Is Roman going to miss out on his first WrestleMania in years?
Backstage interview with CM Punk.
Cathy Kelley is with the Second City Saint and brings up how he didn’t get the win he wanted in the Royal Rumble, either. The good news is, he can go on to Elimination Chamber, after a match with Sami Zayn. Punk says the real good news is that while he didn’t win the Rumble, neither did Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins. But yes, his course of action is facing Sami in a qualifier. Apologies in advance for Sami’s fans, but it won’t be Sami winning tonight. Punk has goals he has set, he needs WrestleMania, and maybe he put too much pressure on himself before. But this time, the pressure will be on everyone else. Punk excuses himself to go get ready, will he have his WrestleMania moment after all?
Iyo Sky heads to gorilla.
She’s still sore and upset from Liv’s ambush earlier, but we can also see Pure Fusion Collective watching. If Liv doesn’t put Iyo down, will Sonya, Shayna & Stark finish the job?
Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier: Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez VS Iyo Sky!
Raw returns with Iyo already in the ring, trying to work out her left shoulder from Liv’s attack. And speaking of, Liv now makes her entrance, Raquel naturally by her side. The bell rings and Liv runs away from an angry Iyo! Iyo still grabs at Liv in the ropes, but Liv uses that to trip Iyo! Iyo still ROCKS Liv, bumps her off barriers, then THROWS her into more barriers! Iyo SMACKS Liv off the apron again and again, then shoves her in. Iyo hurries in now, blocks a kick, and CLUBS the leg! Iyo fires forearms, Liv shoves her away, but then Iyo FLAPJACKS Liv! Iyo runs to basement DROPKICK! Cover, ONE!
Iyo is annoyed, but she drags Liv up by her hair. Iyo whips Liv to a corner, runs in, but Liv STOMPS her down! Cover, TWO! Iyo stays in this but Raquel coaches Liv. Liv CLUBS away on Iyo, talks trash that she’s going to the Chamber, then Liv whips Iyo to a corner. Liv runs in for a back body block, then she SHINING WIZARDS! Snapmare, basement DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Iyo stays in this but Liv stays on her with a clinch. Iyo fires body shots, but Liv shoves her away. Iyo returns, Liv ROCKS Iyo! And KICKS Iyo! Liv runs, Iyo dodges, but Liv avoids the handspring, only for Iyo to SHOTGUN Liv down!
Iyo kips up, the fans fire up, but then Liv TOSSES Iyo out! The fans rally, Liv runs, but Iyo slides in and ROCKS Liv first! Iyo runs, but Liv follows, only for Iyo to SHOTEI! Liv falls out of the ring and the fans fire up! Iyo builds speed, then DIVES! Direct hit at the ramp and the fans fire up with Iyo while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns as Iyo snapmares Liv, but Liv gets up to BOOT Iyo down! Liv grins, then brings Iyo up to reel her in. Liv suplexes, then brings Iyo back up, that’s Una Amiga! Another suplex, Dos Amigas! Then THREE AMIGAS! Raquel cheers and Liv gives some Latina Heat. The fans boo but Liv runs, only for Iyo to duck the enzigiri! Iyo KNEES Liv down! The fans fire up while Liv sputters. Liv crawls away but Iyo roars as she rises up! The fans fire up with Iyo, and she SHOTEIS! SHOTEIS! And then DROPKICKS! Iyo hauls Liv up, whips her, but Liv reverses. Iyo slips out to the apron, blocks Liv’s punch and HOTSHOTS the arm!
Iyo climbs, the fans cheer, and Iyo MISSILE DROPKICKS Liv! The fans fire up with another kip up from Iyo! Iyo waits on Liv, then runs in, wheelbarrow and STOMP 182! Liv sputters, Iyo pushes her to a cover, TWO! Liv toughs it out and Iyo grows frustrated. Liv crawls to a corner, Iyo says all aboard! SHINKAN- NO, Liv dodges, then hits a BACKSTABBER! Iyo tumbles, Liv lines up a shot! But Iyo stops Oblivion to have the CROSSFACE! Liv fights free, but Iyo BUZZSAWS her down! Iyo steps on Liv as she goes to the corner. Iyo goes up, up, but Raquel is on the apron! The ref reprimands but Liv SHOVES Iyo down!
The fans boo but Liv RAMS Iyo, then runs up, SLINGSHOT SUNSET FLIP, but Iyo holds on! Iyo STOMPS Liv! Liv sputters, Iyo lines up a shot, but then Liv YANKS her down! Liv swings, Iyo dodges, and Iyo GERMAN SUPLEXES Liv to the floor! Liv is dazed, Iyo goes back to the ring, and then Iyo goes up, up, and ASAI MOONSAULT! Direct hit and the fans fire up again! Iyo drags Liv back into the ring, goes up the corner again, and Liv stands. Iyo MISSILE- CODE BREAKER!! Liv covers, TWO!!! Iyo survives and Cleveland is thunderous! Raquel is furious and Liv is despairing! Liv hurries to put Iyo in a corner, then runs up, but Iyo dodges!
“This is Awesome!” as Iyo has the waistlock. Liv elbows free, then goes up, but Iyo GAMANGIRIS! Iyo roars, climbs, and brings Liv up. SUPER STEINER Liv flounders to the far side, and Iyo runs in, SHINKANSEN!! Then Iyo puts Liv in the drop zone to go up, up, but Raquel is there again! The ref backs Raquel off, Iyo resets, OVER THE MOON0 KNEES! Liv hurries, but Iyo dodges! Liv clings to ropes, but Iyo still GERMAN SUPLEXES!! Liv flops over, Iyo can’t make the cover, but RHEA rushes out here to CLOBBER Raquel!! The fans fire up as Mami gets the better of Big Mami Cool with a HEADBUTT!
Rhea stomps away, Liv grabs Rhea! Rhea SLAPS Liv, the ref sees that!!
Winner: Liv Morgan, by disqualification (advances to the Elimination Chamber)
Rhea realizes in trying to help Iyo, she only helped Liv! Liv & Raquel run away, having the last laugh! Will Liv find a way to get back to the championship? Iyo asks Rhea what happened, and Rhea apologizes for how it went down. Iyo pushes past Rhea, Rhea defends it was an accident, but will Iyo just have to look for another Road to WrestleMania?
Backstage interview with The War Raiders.
Cathy Kelley is with Erik & Ivar, the WWE World Tag Team Champions, and congratulates them on retaining their titles. But she does have to ask, what is next for them? Ivar says he never thought he’d say this, but last week, JD McDonagh actually won some respect from them. Erik says that no one on this planet knows what it takes to fight through injuries like the War Raiders. But then Chad Gable walks in, leading Team American Made, and he says he’s heard enough from the two of them. Just listen to themselves! They hurt JD McDude and just run away clinging to their belts. The Creed Brothers are real championship material, and they’ll wrestle circles around them.
Erik says he’ll just let Gable assume what he wants. But what will Julius & Brutus do when this becomes a fight? Ivar says if Gable’s boys want these titles, they better be ready to go to war. Erik & Ivar head out, and Gable says he must let his boys do this alone. He is going on a quest to conquer the dark arts of lucha libre. When he returns, he wants to see Ivy with the Intercontinental Championship, the Creeds with tag team gold, and American Made flourishing. Don’t disappoint him. Gable puts on sunglasses, and says, “I’ll be back.” Gable heads out, Julius asks if he really just quoted the Terminator, but Ivy has him let that go. But just who is Gable going to learn lucha libre from?
Backstage interview with Adam Pearce.
Cathy is with the Raw General Manager and brings up the rumblings that there’s a massive announcement tonight. Pearce says “massive” is an understatement. And while the Transfer Window has closed with Royal Rumble weekend, Pearce managed to make one more deal. Welcome to the Monday Night Raw roster, the PHENOMENAL AJ Styles! That IS big! But in steps Bron Breakker. Bron says Styles is on the roster now. Yes, and he’ll be here next week. Then do Bron a favor and keep that guy away from him. In fact, let’s talk about Bron. Who is next for him? Because it doesn’t seem to matter.
Pearce says Bron knows he respects Bron and that title. Then let’s go talk business about how much it matters to him. And now, please. Pearce excuses himself and Bron, they go off to talk business, so who will be next for the Badass Intercontinental Champion?
Seth Rollins is here!
The Land fires up for The Visionary as he looks like a cross between The Undertaker and Neo from The Matrix. Rollins was eliminated from the Royal Rumble alongside Roman Reigns by CM Punk, then took his anger out on them both. But what will he have to say as we continue down the Road to WrestleMania? We find out, after the break.
Raw returns and Rollins has a mic to tell Cleveland, “Welcome to Monday Night Rollins~! I am a Visionary. I am a Revolutionary! I am SETH! FREAKIN’! ROLLINS! And oh, baby, Cleveland, I’ve got a lot to talk about tonight. Some of it, you guys are gonna love. Some of it, you’re gonna hate. But I gotta get it off my chest.” Firstly: Jey Uso. He won the Royal Rumble, punched his ticket to WrestleMania. It stings for Rollins, but he is happy for Jey, he is proud of Jey, and he loves to see good things happen for good people. He loves seeing people getting what they deserve. That brings Rollins… to CM Punk.
Rollins says yeah, the Punk fans won’t like this. Punk LOST the Royal Rumble, his future for WrestleMania is up in the air, and Rollins loves to see it! That scumbag piece of trash embarrassment getting embarrassed by getting dumped out by that idiot, Logan Paul! Third: Roman Reigns. The fans chant “O T C! O T C!” Rollins says they really won’t like this. OTC LOST the Royal Rumble, and he may not even make it to WrestleMania at all. Now, you guys have been getting the vague updates about “out indefinitely,” untold injuries. Roman is hurt. Roman won’t admit it, Heyman won’t admit it, WEW won’t admit it, but Rollins will, because Rollins is the one who hurt Roman!
And yeah, he told you that you wouldn’t like it! Blame him all you want, but Rollins wasn’t wrong. For the past four years, Roman has done nothing but hurt everyone close to him. Friends, family, and he wouldn’t done the same to Rollins if he had the chance. The truth is, Roman and Heyman just love talk about the limited schedule, so Rollins just did Roman a favor. Now, he saved the best for last: himself. Rollins LOST the Royal Rumble… And that hurts. But luckily for him, that is the past, and there is a future that lies ahead. There are many different paths to WrestleMania, and his will go through Elimination Chamber.
Now, he has a qualifying match in a couple weeks against his old rival, Finn Balor. Rollins will handle that later. But there is someone else in a qualifier tonight that needs to handle business, and that man is Sami Zayn! The fans cheer Sami, and Rollins knows Sami is having his match real soon. But if Sami could come out here a few minutes early, Rollins wants to tell him some things, so Sami Zayn, c’mon down! Sami does make his way to the ring, and the fans cheer and sing along with the song. Sami joins Rollins in the ring, then Rollins starts a “Sami! Sami!” chant. Rollins says Sami is his guy! They go back a long ways, a LONG ways.
Rollins knows Sami will be at his best, he always ins. But it has been a tough month, especially between them. But the past is the past, the future is ahead of them, and it could be Elimination Chamber, it could be WrestleMania, but the immediate future is CM Punk. Now, the world knows Rollins hates Punk, that is a fact and Rollins isn’t afraid to admit it. These two are very different people, they handle problems differently. But what Rollins knows is that Sami hates Punk, too. And Sami puts on a good face, he did at WarGames, but tonight is not the night for that. Tonight is for the fight of his life!
Rollins knows Sami doesn’t like Punk! And after what Punk said weeks ago, that thing about Sami not being on Punk’s level, saying that to Sami’s face, that delusional narcissist, saying Sami isn’t on Punk’s level? No, this is SAMI ZAYN! Sami is a WrestleMania main eventer! He is a good man, and that is something Punk will never bee. So yeah, Sami isn’t on Punk’s level, he is levels above! So tonight is Sami’s night. Rollins wants the absolute best out of Sami to keep Punk out of the Elimination Chamber! People like Sami deserve to be in that match, and people like Punk, who don’t care about the fans, or about this company, do not!
Tonight, Sami, is your night! Put Punk’s WrestleMania dream in the dirt for good! Then he and Rollins can fight in that chamber! LET’S GO!! Rollins is fired up, will that help spark something in Sami Zayn? Wait, here comes Punk! Rollins turns around slowly to scowl at Punk, then he throws off his duster! Refs rush in to stop this, but Punk and Rollins get a couple shots in on each other! Rollins moves on for now, will Sami get rid of Punk for both their sakes? Or will Punk keep his Mania dream alive a little longer?
Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier: CM Punk VS Sami Zayn!
Raw returns and the bell rings on this main event. The fans fire up already as the two circle. Punk headlocks and grinds the hold, but Sami powers up and out. Punk runs Sami over, covers him, ONE! Punk says if there’s levels to this, show him what level you’re on, Sami! Sami and Punk reset, tie up, and Sami headlocks to grind the hold. Punk endures, fights up and powers out, only for Sami to run him over! Cover, ONE! Sami headlocks for the takeover, the fans duel as Punk headscissors, but Sami kips free. Punk hits the headlock takeover now, and he grinds the hold. Sami fights around, finds the ROPEBREAK, and Punk lets go.
Punk looms over Sami, so Sami shoves Punk, then SLAPS him! The fans rally as the two reset, tie up, and then Sami just pie faces Punk! Punk hits back, they clinch and end up on ropes. The ref counts, Punk and Sami go along ropes, and fans sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~!” Punk RAMS Sami, CHOPS him, but Sami CHOPS back! And CHOPS again! And again! The fans “WOO~” then Sami fires a forearm. The fans rally more as Sami whips corner to corner. Punk reverses to RAM Sami, then he wrenches the arm. Sami fights but Punk still hits the ELBOW BREAKER! Punk keeps the wristlock, and he stands Sami up to RAM his shoulder again.
Punk wrenches to RAM Sami yet again, then wrenches Sami to CHOP! Sami sits down and shakes out the arm. Sami goes to a corner but Punk’s on him with a CHOP! The fans “WOO~” again, and then Punk wraps the bad arm around ropes! The ref counts, Punk lets off at 4, and Punk brings Sami up. Sami fires a forearm, a CHOP, and repeat! Punk kicks low, then whips Sami to ropes. Sami goes up and over, LARIATS Punk down, and the fans fire up! Punk goes to a corner, Sami CHOPS him again! And CHOPS again! Sami bumps Punk off buckles, then Sami climbs up. Sami rains down fists, the fans count along, and Sami goes past ten to get to about TWENTY!
Punk sits down in the corner while the fans fire up. Sami hops down to then bring Punk up. Sami wrenches, whips, but Punk comes back to LARIAT! Punk then DECKS Sami, wrenches Sami, and hits a SWINGING NECKBREAKER! The fans are torn as Punk stands over Sami again. Punk goes up the corner, Cleveland gets louder, and Punk says hail to the king! But Sami ROCKS Punk first! Sami goes up to CLUB away on Punk, then hoists him up for a SUPER DUPER PLEX!! Both men writhe and The Land fires up while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Sami ROCKS Punk, but Punk wrenches and ELBOW BREAKERS! Punk hammerlocks the arm and RAMS Sami into buckles! Punk knuckle locks to wrench the arm, but Sami fires CHOP after CHOP! Sami goes up, up, and TORNADO DDTS! Sami has to drag Punk from the corner, but he can’t turn Punk over with the bad arm. The fans rally up, Sami shakes out the arm, and Sami drags Punk to his feet. Sami waistlocks Punk, but Punk fights the lift! Punk throws down elbows, then fireman’s carries. Sami fights free, ducks a shot, and hits a BLUE- NO, Punk fights free and ROUNDHOUSES!
Sami goes to a corner, Punk runs in, and he RAMS Sami in! Then SHINING WIZARDS! Then BULL- BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Punk survives and Sami is stunned! “This is Awesome!” as Sami rises up. Sami drags Punk up, but Punk breaks free! ARMBAR DDT! Sami clutches the elbow as he goes to a corner. Punk runs in, but Sami dodges, Punk POSTS himself! Sami goes to the far side, the fans fire up, and Punk turns around, HELLUVA- NO, Punk rolls Sami up, TWO!! Sami escapes, but Punk hits a headlock takeover! ANACONDA VICE!! Sami flails, reaches out, and the fans rally harder!
Sami kicks around, moves around, and now the “SAMI! SAMI!” is louder than the “C M PUNK!” Sami fights and fights, and finally has the ROPEBREAK! Punk lets go in frustration, but then he stomps Sami’s arm. Punk looks to the WrestleMania sign, and the fans duel as hard as they can. SHINING WIZARD in the corner! SHINING WIZARD again! Punk headlocks Sami, tells him to look at the WrestleMania sign, and says that’s for him! Punk runs, Sami follows! HELLUVA- NO, Punk dodges in time! Sami falls back, Punk says night-night! Fireman’s carry, GO TO- NO, Sami snatches Punk to a cradle! TWO?!?!
Even Punk has to check, and is relieved to find he is safe, if only barely. Punk ROCKS Sami with a haymaker, then ROCKS him again! Punk points to the sign, fires another shot, then another shot! Sami fires back! Sami fires forearm after forearm, but Punk hits back! They ROCK each other, then ROCK each other again! Sami runs up, into a fireman’s carry! Sami slips free, catches Punk, CORNER EXPLODER!! The fans are thunderous as Sami goes to the far corner! Punk rises, Sami runs in, but into a fireman’s carry! GO TO SLEEP!! Cover, Punk wins!!
Winner: CM Punk, by pinfall (advances to the Elimination Chamber)
Sami tried so hard, but maybe he went too hard, because Punk used that to his advantage! John Cena and CM Punk will be in the dreaded Elimination Chamber, both fighting for one more opportunity to go to WrestleMania. However, Punk does go back to Sami to show him respect. Sami does take the handshake, but then KEVIN OWENS ATTACKS THEM BOTH!? Kevin is somehow still walking after what happened at WrestleMania, and he reels Sami in!! PACKAGE PILEDRIVER!!! Kevin sits back, blackeye and battered ribs, and even wearing a Sami Zayn Forever shirt, but why did he do this?!
My Thoughts:
A great episode to follow the Royal Rumble and quickly shift towards Elimination Chamber. John Cena just taking a spot in that match is fairly fitting. For one, he’s not gonna wrestle to qualify for it, this is his last year and so why waste one of his appearances on Netflix? We then got great intertwining of stories in the qualifiers tonight. Then Judgment Day had a good promo to show their growing dysfunction. Dom doing his best to make amends is good, it really paints Finn as the troublesome element in this group. And when they said Finn has a qualifier, I could just feel it was going to be Seth Rollins, because that is just an awesome match anyway.
Speaking of Rollins, they apparently used what he did to Roman to write Roman off through Elimination Chamber. Like Cena, Roman’s not wrestling to qualify for that, and he can come back on the other side to set up something Rollins, maybe even with Punk. Punk had a good promo, and Rollins had a really good one, all to hype up Punk VS Sami. Kross and Sami also had a good promo, and between what Kross said and what Rollins said, that could explain Sami being so gung-ho by the end. Punk of course wins, though, that adds star power to the Chamber match. But I did NOT think Kevin would attack like he did, that was wild. Kevin VS Sami one more time?
We got parallel promos from Jey and Charlotte, in that Raw’s world champions confronted them to tease matches. Jey was definitely feeling real emotions, that’s why his promo was a bit hesitant at first. But then when it became kayfabe with Gunther, he was able to smooth it out. Though, that also felt the same as their other promos, with Jey getting the last word. Charlotte may have also been dealing with her own real emotions, given how the fans really were booing her that hard. But she played it off well, and she had good stuff with Rhea. I do appreciate Charlotte teases going to even NXT, since she did do that before when it was her and Rhea the first time around.
Liv & Raquel of course attacked Iyo ahead of Iyo VS Liv, and in kayfabe, Rhea may have been a bonus for them. Rhea going after Raquel only to cost Iyo was some clever stuff. There’s a lot of time between now and WrestleMania, I could see them give us Rhea VS Iyo as a title match at Elimination Chamber or something. It’d be a way for Rhea to make things up to Iyo, but also it teases that things could change for WrestleMania. And even though Charlotte namedropped Giulia and Tiffany, they literally pointed out how Rhea and Charlotte are tied for title matches at WrestleMania, so this year would be a great tiebreaker between them.
Very good tag team match from New Day VS Rey & Lee, but I should’ve figured Logan Paul would show up tonight given he’s from Cleveland. Logan helping the New Day win works given New Day kinda does need a win, and then Logan VS Rey for next week has some extra heat now. I have a bad feeling Logan wins that so he can get in the Chamber, mix it up with Cena, Punk, and whoever else. Good promo from War Raiders with American Made to start on a tag title story there, but also to start on Gable’s lucha libre “dark arts” training. Penta VS Kaiser was a great match, and a great win for Penta, but Dunne and Kaiser as a duo seems really odd.
AJ Styles joining Raw is great stuff, and good stuff from Bron talking with Pearce. I feel like Styles will end up challenging Bron for the Intercontinental Championship at some point, though. At the same time, I hope we get a huge match, where we can get a lot of big names in the match at the same time. Hell, intertwine stories here and make it Bron, Styles, Penta, Kaiser, Dunne, and… Sheamus! Sheamus can surely win a Six Pack Challenge to finally get that title, right? Right?
My Score: 8.8/10
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FTR isn’t done with The Death Riders yet!
Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler look to avenge the Rock ‘n’ Roll Express by taking on Jon Moxley & Wheeler Yuta in a Midsouth Street Fight! Will the #TopGuys get one on the AEW World Champion and his sidekick?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Samoa Joe & Hook VS Nick Wayne & Kip Sabian w/ The Patriarchy; Joe & Hook win.
- The Beast Mortos VS Adam Priest; Mortos wins.
- Best Wrestler Alive Open Challenge: Max Caster VS Rush w/ Dralistico; Rush wins.
- Chris Jericho & Bryan Keith w/ “Big Bill” Morrissey VS The Outrunners; Jericho & Keith win.
- Harley Cameron VS Taya Valkyrie; Harley wins.
- AEW TNT Championship Triple Threat: Daniel Garcia VS Kyle O’Reilly VS Lee Moriarty w/ Shane Taylor; Garcia wins and retains the title.
- Megan Bayne VS Hyena Hera; Bayne wins.
- Midsouth Street Fight: FTR VS Jon Moxley & Wheeler Yuta; FTR wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Samoa Joe & Hook VS Nick Wayne & Kip Sabian w/ The Patriarchy!
The Samoan Submission Machine made his return with Homecoming last week, and he easily put The Patriarchy’s Prodigy in his place! But now, he and the Cold-Hearted Handsome Devil look to manhandle both of Christian Cage’s “sons.” Will Nick & Kip pay for the sins of their father figure?
The teams sort out and Hook starts against Nick. The bell rings, the fans rally behind “HOOK! HOOK!” while he and Nick circle. They tie up, are in a deadlock, but Nick uses his height for leverage. Nick puts Hook in a corner, scuffs him with forearms to the face, then eggs Hook on. The fans boo but Hook stays cool. Hook and Nick reset, tie up, and Hook wrenches to a hammerlock. Hook headlocks, hammerlocks, headlocks again, and hits the takeover! Nick keeps his shoulders up, rolls Hook away, then kicks low. Nick headlocks back but Hook powers up and out. Nick runs Hook over, then flexes. The fans boo but Nick drags Hook up.
Hook gets under Nick to hit an EXPLODER! Tag to Joe and the fans fire up! Joe grins as he brings Nick up, but Nick scrambles away! Tag to Kip and Mr. Superbad eggs Joe on. They tie up, Joe powers Kip to a corner, but the ref has to back him up. Kip gets a sucker punch in! Kip fires off, then whips, but Joe reverses. Joe runs in, Kip slips out to then GAMANGIRI! Kip springboards, trips up a bit, but Joe still casually steps aside for Kip to belly flop. Joe then SENTONS! Kip sputters, Joe drags him up and bumps him off buckles. Tag to Hook, and Joe whips Kip to a corner. Hook runs in to CLOBBER Kip! Joe adds a BACK ELBOW, then PELE!
The fans fire up, Christian is upset, but Hook covers, TWO! Hook drags Kip up, clinches, but Kip fires elbows. Kip spins things around to whip Hook, and Nick gets a shot in! The ref reprimands, Hook takes a swing, but Nick runs away. Kip runs up but Hook fires fists first! Hook runs, but Nick trip shim up! The ref reprimands but Kip hauls Hook up, FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, but Joe distracts the ref! The fans cheer but The Patriarchy is upset! Turnabout is fair play, though. Kip puts Hook in a corner, stomps him, then tags Nick. Nick stomps Hook, digs his knee in, but steps off as the ref counts.
Nick argues with the ref, talks trash on Joe, and that lets Kip CHOKE Hook! The fans boo, Nick gets a shot in, but then the ref reprimands. Kip claims he was stretching his legs! Nick snapmares Hook for a LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Hook is still in this but Nick is still cocky. Nick taunts Hook to go reach for Hook, then he whips Hook to the corner. Hook slumps down, Nick tags Kip, and The Patriarchy boys mug Hook. Kip fires a forearm, then brings Hook out to scoop and SLAM! Kip flexes, the fans boo, but Hook crawls. Kip kicks Hook, brings him over to the corner, then tags in Nick. They mug Hook some more, then snapmares Hook to rain down fists!
Nick clamps onto Hook with a seated Cobra Twist! The fans rally up while Hook endures, and Hook slips his arms free. Hook fires body shots, then runs, but Nick ELBOWS him down! The fans boo but Nick taunts Joe. Cover, TWO! Hook is tougher than that, but Nick stands him up for haymakers. Nick tags Kip, they mug Hook even more, and the fans boo. Kip brings Hook around to snapmare and chinlock. Hook endures again as Kip thrashes Hook around. The fans rally, Hook fights up, but Nick tags in. The Patriarchy continues to mug Hook, then Kip tags back in. But Hook fires body shots on them both!
Kip kicks low, he and Nick double whip, atomic drop and UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Nick keeps Hook down, brings him up, and whips him to the corner. Nick runs in and UPPERCUTS, then tag to Kip! Kip taunts Joe, runs in at Hook, CANNONBALL! Tag back to Nick and they hook Kip, DOUBLE FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Hook survives and Nick grows frustrated. Joe coaches Hook up, the fans rally, but Nick kicks and stomps Hook around. Nick brings Hook up, but Hook clinches! TAZ PLEX!! The fans fire up while both men are down! Hook and Nick crawl, hot tags to Kip and Joe! The fans fire up as Joe rallies with elbows and forearms!
Joe TOSSES Nick out, then CHOPS away on Kip! Joe whips Kip corner to corner, runs in, but Kip dodges! Kip returns, but into the URENAGE! Joe hauls Kip back up, puts him on the top rope, and then tucks him in! The fans fire up for the MUSCLE BUSTER! Cover, Joe & Hook win!
Winners: Samoa Joe & Hook, by pinfall
And with that, this duo stays undefeated! But then Christian & Nick attack from behind! Christian even uses the Casino Gauntlet contract clipboard to beat Joe down! Then they mug Hook! Christian puts Joe’s head against the metal folder, and then STOMPS him on it!! The fans boo as Christian holds up the even-further dented folder up in his hands. Will no one stop The Patriarchy from becoming the reigning, defending, undisputed next AEW World Champion?
Adam Copeland speaks.
“So what’s your plan, Moxley? I don’t know. Our audience doesn’t know. Everyone seems to be confused. Hell, I don’t think you know. I think you’re one of those guys who just likes to shout at clouds and look around and blame everyone else. You’re a malcontent. I’ve met a lot of malcontents over the years and they all annoy me. Because they bitch and whine and moan and piss and complain about how this needs change, that needs change. But they refuse to look in the mirror and realize they’re the recurring theme. So Moxley, can you do that? Can you do that, kid? Can you look in a mirror and realize you’re the one that always seems to be here?
“You took the AEW World Heavyweight Championship, you hid it in a briefcase, while we started streaming on a new network. Rocket science, pal. Great idea. Let’s keep doing that. You call me a relic, and here’s the thing, even when I was a young gun, I always respected the generation before me, because I knew that generation before me busted their ass, rode up and down the road, spent time away from their family, battled through injury. Guys like Harley Race, Roddy Piper, Rock ‘n’ Roll Express, who you Con-chair-to’d last week. Those guys worked that hard to make it better for guys like me.
“And while I was wrestling 200 times a year, every year, and you were wrestling in backyards with purple hair, watching everything I did, guess what? Me and many like me made it better for your generation. MY generation did that! Guaranteed contracts, less dates? That’s because of US! But you don’t respect it because you’re entitled. So here’s the thing, Mox. That AEW World Heavyweight Championship, it is the most important thing in this industry, and you wanna hide it away? That’s gonna change. Cuz I’m gonna beat you up. I’m gonna hurt you.
“When you’re a relic getting out of bed at 65 and you can barely, barely make it out, and your daughter looks up and you and asks, ‘Dad, what’s wrong?’ It’s gonna be because of me. So here it is, Moxley. For the first time ever, one on one, March 9th, Los Angeles, Revolution! Cope VS Mox for the AEW World Heavyweight Championship! Step up and accept, kid.” The challenge has been made, is Revolution about to be Rated R?
The Beast Mortos VS Adam Priest!
The menacing minotaur has been putting in the hard work, chasing after gold but is still just outside the picture. Will this be the night Mortos makes it out of the labyrinth and to the mountaintop? Or will he be exorcised by Alabama’s Priest?
The bell rings, Mortos runs right up and runs Priest right over! Then runs him over again! Then SMACKS him to a corner! Mortos whips Priest to a corner but Priest BOOTS in return! Priest CHOPS and fires forearms on repeat! But Mortos grabs him with both hands, whips him to ropes, then POP-UP SAMOAN DROPS him! The fans fire up with Mortos, then he DISCUS LARIATS! Mortos isn’t done, he pump handles and PILEDRIVERS!! Cover, Mortos wins!
Winner: The Beast Mortos, by pinfall
Fast and furious, Mortos sent Priest to #DestinationHellHole! Will Mortos’ next destination be- Wait, what? Max Caster is making his entrance? New theme song now that he’s no longer Acclaimed, Platinum Max is ruining Mortos’ time to shine. Caster has a mic to tell Huntsville that they are lookin’ live at the Best Wrestler Alive! Caster wants Mortos to calm down. Mortos did a great job just now! But he would never stand a chance against the Best Wrestler Alive, Platinum Max! So he will show us how it’s done. This is the first match in his Open Challenge series, but no no no, he doesn’t want to fight Mortos.
Caster doesn’t know who’s gonna walk out here, who he’s gonna beat today, but we find out one thing: We find who can survive the Best Wrestler Alive! Now get out of HIS ring! Mortos stands down, and Caster brings in his Louis Vuitton bag. Wait, RUSH is here!? La Faccion Ingoberable is reunited as a former ROH World Champion accepts the challenge! Is Platinum Max about to end up black ‘n’ blue at the hands of El Toro Blanco?
Best Wrestler Alive Open Challenge: Max Caster VS Rush w/ Dralistico!
The bell rings and the fans rally for Rush. Caster is wary, but he wants to show respect with an Ingobernable fist bump. Rush says nope! He rushes up, Caster dodges, but Rush comes back with a SUPERMAN FOREARM! Rush then CHOPS Caster, stomps away in the corner, then stands on Caster’s shoulders! The ref counts, Rush drags Caster up to whip him corner to corner and SPLASH! Rush sits Caster down again to stomp away! Rush scuffs Caster, runs corner to corner, then “If you mess with the bull… YOU GET THE HORNS!” BULL’S HORNS!! Cover, Rush wins!
Winner: Rush, by pinfall
Best Wrestler Alive? Caster may want to rethink that nickname. LFI stands tall together, and Rush grabs a mic to say cut the music! And Huntsville, be quiet, because El Toro Blanco has arrived, perros! MORTOS! What’s up with him? This is all he’s done while Rush has been away?! Remember, they are familia! Remember that when you mess with the bull, you get the horns! No, no, Huntsville, louder! If you mess with the bull, YOU GET THE HORNS!! Rush y Dralistico want Mortos to get even more dangerous, will LFI soon stampede all over AEW?
Backstage interview with The Outrunners.
Lexy Nair is with Truth Magnum & Turbo Floyd and notes we are just moments away from seeing them face The Learning Tree. Jericho has vowed vengeance on them after that defeat in Maximum Carnage’s 12 Man Tag. Truth says it is time for the whole truth and nothing but the truth! Because the truth is, Jericho, you’ve been running your mouth, campaigning for an ass whooping! Guess what? The votes are in, and Jericho’s about to get elected! Turbo says you know what they say about revenge! If you’re looking for it, you might as well dig two graves! And as Turbo sees it, it is as easy as this: A B C, 1-2-3, Outrunners on top! Learning Tree taking the Total Recall!
Because Truth, Lexy, if you haven’t seen The Outrunners, you haven’t seen nothing yet! The Youngest Men are all fired up, but will The Nueve & Bad Apple spoil their fun?
Chris Jericho & Bryan Keith w/ “Big Bill” Morrissey VS The Outrunners!
The teams sort out, and Truth starts against the ROH World Champion. The fans rally, Jericho tries to make it like it’s for him, and then he pokes Truth in the eyes! The ref reprimands, but Jericho CHOPS Truth in a corner. And CHOPS him again! Jericho says, “Hi, guys~!” then CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Jericho fires up, the fans boo, but Truth CHOPS in return! The fans cheer as Truth CHOPS and CHOPS, but Jericho CLAWS Truth’s eyes! Jericho whips corner to corner, runs up, but into a BOOT! Truth runs up and LARIATS Jericho down! Truth headlocks, Jericho powers up and out, but Turbo tags in!
Truth KICKS Jericho, Turbo hoists Jericho up for a Manhattan drop! Truth gives Jericho an atomic drop! Keith runs in, he gets a DOUBLE ATOMIC DROP, and he stumbles into Jericho! The fans cheer as Turbo tags Truth, and the Outrunners whip Jericho. Jericho stops the double hip toss! Keith runs up, The Outrunners use Jericho to BACKDROP him! Then they DOUBLE HIP TOSS after all! The fans cheer as Turbo then LARIATS Keith up and out! Jericho runs in, but Truth DUMPS Jericho out of the ring! The fans cheer as The Outrunners spin and flex. Big Bill checks his guys, but Truth goes out to CHOP Jericho!
Truth puts Jericho in, the fans cheer more, but Jericho distracts the ref so Bill can BOOT Truth down! The fans boo but The Redwood gets away with that, and Collision goes picture in picture.
Jericho waves to Huntsville again, then stomps Truth as he gets in the ring. Jericho kicks Truth to a corner, grabs the legs, and he ROPE GUILLOTINES Truth with the catapult! Truth sputters but Jericho brings him around to tag Keith. They mug Truth, and Keith CLAWS Truth’s eyes! The ref reprimands but Keith DECKS Truth! Truth reaches out blindly, ends up in an open corner, but Keith CHOPS him! Truth sputters against ropes, but he CHOPS in return! Keith ROCKS Truth, Truth stumbles, and Keith brings him up. Keith clinches but Truth fires elbows! Keith still hits an EXPLODER! Keith covers, TWO!
Truth grits his teeth while Keith complains about the count. Keith brings Truth over, tags Jericho, and they mug Truth in the corner. Jericho CHOKES Truth against ropes, the ref counts, and Jericho lets off at 4. Bill gets a cheap shot in! And so does Keith! Turbo protests but there’s nothing he can do! Jericho mocks the fans that he can’t hear them, and Collision goes to break.
Collision returns as Keith anchors Truth’s legs! Keith drags Truth back, Truth kicks him away, Keith tags Jericho, and Truth hot tags Turbo! The fans fire up as Turbo rallies with big haymakers! Turbo scoops Jericho to SLAM him! Then he scoops Keith to SLAM him! Turbo scoops Truth to SLAM him onto Keith! Then he and Truth wind it up, “Turbo Floyd! You sonova-” NO, Keith CLOBBERS Truth! Turbo TOSSES Keith, goes back for Jericho, but Jericho trips him! Jericho turns Turbo, for the WALLS OF JERICHO! The fans boo but Turbo endures, even as Jericho sits deep! Turbo powers up as the fans rally, and he turns back over!
Turbo throws hands from below, KICKS Jericho away, Keith tags in! Keith BOOTS Turbo down, but Truth DROPKICKS Keith! Jericho is back up, he goes up and “Hi, Guys~!” RANA! But Turbo kicks Jericho to suplex and SLAM! The fans fire up but Keith is back! Turbo scoops and SLAMS him next to Jericho! And now Truth says, “Turbo Floyd! You sonova b*tch!” Handshake and DOUBLE ELBOW DROP! The fans fire up as Keith flounders up, into the scoop and TOTAL- NO, Bill trips Truth! Bill TOSSES Truth, Keith cradles Turbo, LEARNING TREE WINS!
Winners: Chris Jericho & Bryan Keith, by pinfall
And then Bill CLOBBERS Turbo for the hell of it! The fans boo, but The Redwood rains down fists on Turbo! Truth returns to go after Bill, but Bill KNEES him down! Bill puts Truth in a corner and he throws more hands! Bill digs his boots in, but Turbo is up! Bill RAMS Turbo to a corner, SPLASHES Truth in the other, and then SPLASHES Turbo again! Bill just keeps handing out SPLASH after SPLASH! Bill’s shirt says it, he is “Too Much Man” for The Outrunners. But now Keith puts a table in for Bill! The Learning Tree sets that table up, then they bring Truth up. Truth fights back, but Bill DECKS him!
Keith serves Turbo up to Bill, then brings Truth into it! WAIT! BANDIDO is here! The Most Wanted is back after that bit of a hiccup in New York! Bandido runs in, ducks ‘n’ dodges Bill to then DUMP Bill out! The fans fire up as Bandido WRECKS Bill with a dropkick, and goes up the corner! TORNILLO QUEBRADA on Jericho! But now Keith attacks! The fans boo, but Keith whips. Bandido reverses and POPS Keith right into a military press! Bandido THROWS Keith down through the table! The fans fire up as Bandido is back, back again! But will he look to take the ROH World Championship from The Nueve?
AEW hears from Kyle Fletcher and Mark Briscoe.
The Aussie Arrow says, “AEW is on the road to Grand Slam: Australia. But before we get there, there is one wrong I would like to right.” The Sussex County Chicken says he came out of 2024 “on fire, baby. Got three wins in the Continental Classic, one of those being Kyle Fletcher.” Kyle says if not for that fluke, he would’ve been undefeated in Blue League! Mark says all he’s hearing is that it was a fluke. Kyle says if there were no time limit or points on the line, that victory would never have happened. Mark says he beat Kyle in December, he can beat his ass in January, February, March, April, and so on!
Kyle will prove he has no ceiling and why he is the future of this industry! Kyle hopes Mark brings his best, because there will be no repeat. Next week, Collision in Houston, will The Protostar be able to #ManUp and take Briscoe down?
Backstage interview with Kazuchika Okada.
Lexy is now with The Rainmaker, and says after his AEW Homecoming victory against Komander, what is next for the Continental Champion? Okada thinks, but Buddy Matthews laughs as he walks over. Okada asks what’s so funny, and Buddy says what’s funny is that Okada calls himself a champion when he is too afraid to defend that title. As Okada can see, there’s no Brody King or Julia Hart here, so they can settle their issue right now. Okada laughs now, and says nope. Buddy doesn’t deserve it! Buddy knew Okada would say that. So then, Okada’s still a b*tch. Buddy leaves, Okada again says, “I NO B*TCH!” Okada sees Lexy is still here, and reiterates, “I no b*tch…”
But then, will The Rainmaker put up that title as a fighting champion? Or will he keep avoiding fights he might lose?
BREAKING NEWS for Dynamite!
While Buddy wants his shot at Okada and the Continental Championship, he and Brody King will be facing Kyle Fletcher & Konosuke Takeshita in a tag match! Could the #HoundsofHell earn themselves other golden opportunities? Or will the Aussie Arrow & Alpha International Champion be rolling through Atlanta? And speaking of The Don Callis Family, Will Ospreay is going to be facing the newest member of the Family! But who joined Callis’s crew? We find out on Wednesday!
Harley Cameron VS Taya Valkyrie!
The wild Aussie wants her shot at TBS Champion, Mercedes Mone, but in all fairness, she needs to actually win on AEW TV. Will tonight be that night? Or will Taya prove Harley is NOT #TVReady?
The bell rings and the fans rally for Harley, but Taya DROPKICKS her right down! The fans boo but Taya stomps away in the corner! The ref counts, Taya stops to soak up heat, then she stands on Harley! The ref counts, Taya goes corner to corner, METEORA! Taya drags Harley to a cover, ONE!! Harley shows her toughness, but Taya KICKS Harley around. Taya bumps Harley off buckles, CHOPS her, and Deonna is pleased as she watches backstage. Taya whips Harley, but Harley wheelbarrows to arm-drag!
Harley then arm-drags again, runs in at the corner, only for Taya to put her on the apron. Harley ROUNDHOUSES in return, then jumps in, dodges Taya, and comes back with an ENZIGIRI! Taya drops down, Harley covers, TWO! The fans rally for Harley and she brings Taya up. Harley knees low, CLUBS Taya, then whips. Taya reverses, runs up, but Harley ELBOWS her away! Harley BOOTS Taya, Taya comes bac, but Harley trips her up! Taya hits buckles, Harley comes back, but Taya stops the tiger feint! Taya grins, keeps Harley in the ropes, and KICKS her! Taya then runs to SLIDING GERMAN SUPLEX! The fans boo but Collision goes picture in picture.
Taya drags Harley to the apron, CLUBS away on her, but stops as the ref counts. Taya then hits a DRAPING NECKBREAKER to the floor! Taya grins a sadistic smile, then soaks up the heat. Taya stalks Harley, POSTS her, then refreshes the count. Taya pushes Harley into the ring, sits her up, then runs to SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Harley stays in this but Taya stays on her with a KNEE to the back! And another! And another! Taya clamps on a dragon sleeper, throws down some elbows, then cranks on the hold! Harley fights up, fires body shots, but Taya LARIATS her down! Taya grins, then stomps Harley’s legs, and Collision goes to break.
Collision returns and Harley has Taya reeling! The fans fire up and Harley runs, SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO! Taya survives, and Harley grits her teeth. Harley has a bloody nose but she fires forearms on Taya. Harley puts Taya up top while fans chant, “FEEL THE WRATH!” Harley climbs, but Taya fires body shots! Taya slips under Harley and brings her off the corner! SITOUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Harley survives and Taya is furious! Taya drags Harley up, underhooks, but Harley wrenches out to kick low! Harley reels Taya in, for a DESTROYER!! Taya is dazed, Harley pushes Taya to a cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up with Harley and she hurries to a corner. Harley climbs, steadies herself, and then SWANTON FLOPS as Taya moves! Taya runs up to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Ghost pin, HARLEY WINS!!!
Winner: Harley Cameron, by pinfall
Deonna is furious! Her sidekick just lost to Harley Cameron! Harley is all fired up for her first-ever televised victory, has she made that breakthrough to the next level?
Exclusive interview with Ricochet.
Renee Paquette sits down with The One & Only, as promised on Dynamite. She brings up how, many times now, he has said there are a lot of things he wants to get off his chest. This is the formal setting he wanted, so what is going on? Ricochet says for the past five YEARS, all he has heard from fans all over the world is that AEW is where Ricochet should be. AEW is where the best wrestle, and this is where Ricochet belongs. Honestly, he heard all of that, saw all the stuff online, and he agreed! He also felt AEW is where he belonged. But he sat back and watched from afar, silently, as he saw the guys he traveled the world with go on to do amazing things here.
Kenny Omega, Will Ospreay, The Young Bucks, and even Swerve Strickland. Ricochet knew this is the place to be, the fans agreed. But then what happened? What happened the moment Ricochet got here? All those same fans that lit up his Twitter and Instagram with messages about how he belonged here, they turned their backs on him! Ricochet is THE most innovative wrestler on this planet, and they told him otherwise! He beat their “white knight,” Will Ospreay clean in the middle of the ring. What happened? The fans showered him with toilet paper!
And then on top of that, Swerve, a man Ricochet’s known for 15 years, never seen eye to eye with, a man who was champion the day Ricochet signed here, thought it was cute to mock Ricochet and join in with the mocking. Look what happened to him. Swerve calls himself a man of the people, and that’s fine. Because that is what Ricochet saw when he drove the scissors into the middle of Swerve’s forehead. That attack wasn’t just for Swerve. That was for everybody! Everyone who stood behind Swerve, who sat in the audience, thinking it was okay to mock and embarrass Ricochet! That won’t happen anymore!
Wait! Swerve is here! Swerve says he could end Ricochet’s whole life right now, but he’d be upsetting a lot of people in Atlanta. Swerve tells Renee he can take it from here. Renee excuses herself, and Swerve sits down with Ricochet. If “Trevor” wants to talk, let’s talk! Ricochet is right. Swerve, Ricochet, they don’t see eye to eye. Never have, probably never will. This goes all the way back to Lucha Underground and CZW. In fact, Swerve will never forget the day Ricochet announced he was a free agent. Swerve said not to bring Trevor Mann here. Because AEW has a special gift at exposing people for who they are and what they’re all about.
Ricochet pretended to be a superhero to the people, and they rejected him for it. Swerve was openly the villain, and he go tall the respect for it. In less than a week, in Atlanta, Georgia, Swerve shows Ricochet that there are levels to this. This isn’t gonna be an athletic exhibition or a showcase of innovators. It will be a fight, and Ricochet cannot win in a fight against AEW’s most dangerous man. Ricochet says Swerve is right: Ricochet isn’t good at pretending. Ricochet isn’t good at acting or “cutting a promo” on something he doesn’t believe in, and yeah, the fans could see that every single time that Ricochet pretended to give a damn about what they thought.
Because to be honest, Ricochet never has, and never will. Swerve says he’s the most dangerous man, but ever since Hangman snatched his grill, Ricochet’s not felt a single thing from Swerve. Swerve gets right up in Ricochet’s face, holding Ricochet’s own golden scissors! But Ricochet just stands up in return. Swerve says he’ll see Ricochet in Atlanta. Swerve backs off, will these two burn it down in Hotlanta?
Toni Storm is here!
The fans cheer as Timeless Toni appears on stage, mic in hand. “Behold! I am Timeless Toni Storm. And I’m here to make a confession. For the last six weeks, I have been playing the role of Toni Storm. I know. I know. But the young girl in the red shorts, that was actually me. And I know that none of you realized this, because by GAWD I’m good! But you all bore witness to my metamorphosis! Thank you, thank you. But I didn’t do this for you. I did this for myself. You see, when Mariah May broke my heart, and took everything, I was so embarrassed and so ashamed, that I had to run away from myself.
“And then I realized that the only way out was through the fire. So I rebuilt myself from the ground up, just to look you in the eye. And you know what I saw? Everything I needed to see. Mariah May, you **** faced fraud. You shambolic b*tch!! I’m going to doom your bloody womb. You don’t think I’m real? Darling, it doesn’t get much realer than me! For I am Timeless, TIMELESS, Toni Storm! And your time is OVER!” The fans cheer and Toni takes a bow. We have but two weeks left, is Australia ready? Is AEW ready? Is the WORLD ready for the sequel we never thought we’d get?
Backstage interview with Harley Cameron.
Renee is now with the wild Aussie and brings up how Harley claims Mercedes Mone wanted to speak with her, but Renee was sure Mone isn’t here. They still knock on her dressing room door, but Harley says oh but she IS here! Harley brings out a Mercedes Mone MUPPET?! “Say hello to your C E O!” Harley’s ventriloquism is on display as she has Muppet Mone tell her that she’s had a change of heart. She has? Yes! She wants to wrestle Harley. Really? Yes! And in Australia~! Harley asks if Muppet Mone is sure, and Muppet Mone says yes! Absolutely sure? Yes! She wants to FEEL THE WRATH? Yes, she wants to Feel the Wrath.
Oh! Then yes, absolutely! And now that they’re friends, Harley can probably do something like… use her locker room? Sure! And help herself to whatever is in there? Yes, the coffee, the exotic fruit, all hers. And Mone’s assistant? Now they’re Harley’s assistant! Then let’s do the dance! C E O! C E O! But then the real Mercedes Mone walks in. Mone says this is so… cute! Harley is so entertaining! Now Mone sees why everyone loves her. But what she also sees is that behind this, behind the song ‘n’ dance, Harley is just hiding the fact she’s a loser. And losers don’t get to ride the Money Train. Now begone! Get away! She has things to do!
Mone steps into her locker room, and Muppet Mone is sad. Harley tells her chin up. But with just two weeks left, how can Harley convince Mone to give her that title shot?
AEW prepares for the TNT Championship Triple Threat.
Daniel Garcia says that whoever wants their shot at the title can come get it. Adam Cole says the Undisputed Kingdom makes another statement, courtesy of Kyle O’Reilly. But Lee Moriarty says that tonight, he shows everyone why #TAIGASTYLE is the best Pure wrestler on the planet, and the next Face of TNT. Kyle says yeah, he gets Garcia and Moriarty in a two-for-one deal. Garcia says the next 10 YEARS belong to him, but what about the title? We find out NEXT!
AEW TNT Championship Triple Threat: Daniel Garcia VS Kyle O’Reilly VS Lee Moriarty w/ Shane Taylor!
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who walks away from this Collision with the gold!
The bell rings and the fans rally behind “DANNY! DANNY!” Garcia, Lee and Kyle feel things out, and we get a Triple Knuckle Lock. Lee kicks Kyle away to wrench Garcia, but then Kyle wrenches the other arm. Lee wrenches Kyle’s other arm, but then Garcia wrenches Lee’s other arm. Kyle goes for a facelock on Lee but Garcia puts a headlock on Kyle. Lee waistlocks Garcia but Kyle reels Lee into a Cobra Twist! Garcia wrenches Lee’s free arm, Lee slips out and around, but then Kyle facelocks Garcia! Kyle sees Lee with the waistlock so he goes to waistlock Lee. Garcia runs to the corner and brings both guys along!
Garcia goes to buck the O’Conner but it’s only Kyle that lets go. Lee goes after Kyle but Kyle trips him to a cover, ONE! Garcia trips Kyle to a cover, ONE! Lee trips Garcia, Garcia avoids the elbow drop! Lee avoids the Penalty Kick from Kyle! Kyle avoids Garcia’s back elbow, but then Garcia avoids Lee’s lariat! Lee deflects Kyle’s kick, then Garcia deflects Kyle’s kick! These three stand off and the fans fire up! Kyle, Lee and Garcia reset, feel out another knuckle lock, but then Lee KICKS Kyle! Garcia waistlocks Lee, Lee throws elbows, but Garcia sends Lee into Kyle! Kyle falls, Lee keeps moving, and Kyle stays low.
Garcia hip tosses but Lee makes that a takedown, only for Garcia to ghost pin! TWO as Kyle drags Lee into a leglock! Lee fights, Garcia finds an opening, ARMBAR on Kyle! Lee then turns things around to ARMBAR Garcia! Kyle, Garcia and Lee all fight up, and Kyle KICKS Lee down! Garcia deflects a kick to ELBOW Kyle down! The fans fire up for Garcia but Shane coaches Lee. Garcia CHOPS Lee, whips him, but Kyle KNEES Lee out of the ring! Kyle and Garcia are 1v1 now and the fans fire up. The forearms go back and forth, then Kyle runs to BOOT! Garcia rebounds to BOOT! Kyle runs, but Lee trips him!
Lee sends Kyle into railing, then hurries back in. Garcia runs up, Lee DUMPS Garcia out! Garcia clips apron, he and Kyle end up together by the barriers, and Lee builds speed! Lee DIVES and wipes them both out! The fans fire up and Lee stands on the barriers to flex while Collision goes picture in picture.
Lee drags Kyle up, UPPERCUTS him, then CLUBS him on the neck. Lee snapmares Kyle, then scrapes soles off his face! Lee steps on Garcia’s face, pulls an arm, and drags Garcia up, to send into steel steps! Garcia flounders away, Lee UPPERCUTS Kyle, then goes up to the apron. Lee stands on Kyle’s hand, then stomps it! Lee then whips Kyle, only for Kyle to reverse! Lee hits barriers and sits down. Kyle rallies the fans while he gets space, then runs in, only for Garcia to DROPKIC Lee first! Kyle says that was his shot. Garcia says oh, okay, sorry. Garcia sets Lee up for Kyle, Kyle runs, and Kyle DROPKICSK Lee!
Garcia high-fives fans, then Kyle sits Lee back up. Kyle says let’s go together! They both run up, but Shane stands in the way! Shane talks trash, then Lee DOUBLE LARIATS Kyle & Garcia! Lee is all fired up, then he drags Garcia up and into the ring. Lee stomps Garcia, then hits a NECK TWIST! Garcia writhes and goes to ropes, Lee BLASTS Kyle off the apron, then Lee hits a snap suplex on Garcia. Cover, TWO, but Lee clamps onto an arm. Lee twists the wrist then traps the arm in a modified cording hold. Garcia endures, fights up, fires body shots, then fires forearms! Garcia fires more shots, then runs, but Lee drops down.
Collision returns to single picture as Lee hits a CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO, but Lee has Garcia’s arm in a double wristlock! Garcia fights up before the Kimura is complete! They go to ropes, RAM Kyle down, then Lee wrenches. Kyle runs up on Lee, but Lee catches him, FLATLINER SOLE FOOD COMBINATION! Cover on Garcia, TWO! Cover on Kyle, TWO! Lee is frustrated but the ref defends his count. Lee grabs Garcia’s wrist, then he grabs Kyle’s wrist. Lee sits them both up to give KICK after KICK! Lee eggs them both on as he gives more KICKS! Kyle and Garcia both seethe as they stand up. They CHOP and KICK away on Lee!
The fans fire up, Lee comes back, but Kyle hits a kitchen sink knee! Garcia hits a basement DROPKCIK! Lee bails out, and now Kyle and Garcia fire forearms! The fans fire up as the shots go back and forth, faster and faster! Kyle unleashes a strike fest! Garcia avoids the leg sweep to choke grip! Kyle breaks free, Garcia CHOPS him, then SAIDOS! Lee returns to GERMAN SUPLEX Garcia! Kyle is up to AX ‘N’ SMASH Lee! But Garcia BOOTS Kyle! Kyle BOOTS Lee! Lee BOOTS Garcia! They all fire up, and they TRIPLE BOOT!! All three men fall and the fans are thunderous! The fans hope they “FIGHT FOREVER!” but there’s still a lot of show left.
Garcia runs in and LARIATS Lee in the corner! Garcia climbs up to rain down fists! Kyle brings Garcia down, but Garcia just adds him to it! Garcia rains down more fists, and he goes to nine before he winds up, and hits TEN! The fans fire up with Garcia, then Garcia runs to DOUBLE LARIAT! Garcia hauls Kyle up, TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Cover, Lee breaks it! Lee drags Garcia up, wrenches, hammerlocks, and NECKBREAKERS! Cover, TWO! Lee roars and the fans are torn, but Lee hauls Garcia back up. Lee suplexes, Garcia slips free and trips Lee! Garcia steps through, DRAGON TAMER! Lee endures but Garcia leans back! Kyle gets an ARMBAR!!
Kyle pulls on Garcia, brings him into a TRIANGLE HOLD, but Lee stomps Kyle! Kyle grabs that foot to have an ANKLE LOCK!! Lee kicks and kicks, and Kyle lets both Lee and Garcia go! The fans fire up as Lee and Kyle stand, Kyle steps over, KNEE LIFT, but then Lee avoids the ax kick! Backslide, TWO! Lee wrenches, spins Kyle, but they each block kicks! DOUBLE ROUNDHOUSES make them both stagger! Garcia O’Conner Rolls Lee! TWO, and Shane gets a cheap shot in!! Lee rolls Garcia, TWO, but into the BORDER CITY STRETCH!! Shane keeps Kyle out of the ring! The fans boo but Kyle kicks free! Kyle FLYING KNEES Shane down!
Kyle hurries, but Garcia shifts Lee around to a jackknife bridge! GARCIA WINS!!
Winner: Daniel Garcia, by pinfall (still AEW TNT Champion)
Shane tried to screw Kyle AND Garcia, but Garcia still found a way to beat Lee. Garcia and Kyle seem to want a 1v1, but Shane gets up to talk smack. Shane says if it was 1v1 for Garcia and Lee, Lee would’ve won. But now The Infantry appears! The full Shane Taylor Promotions is here, but Daddy Magic hops off commentary to get in there! Cool Hand Ange appears from the crowd, too! Now the numbers are even! Wait, THE UNDISPUTED KINGDOM shows up! Adam Cole & Roderick Strong stand with Kyle, now it’s 6v4! STP decide to stand down, for now. Tony Khan sends the word that next week in Houston, a TRIOS TRIPLE THREAT!
We will see Garcia & 2Point0 VS The Undisputed Kingdom VS Shane Taylor & The Infantry! Everything is bigger in Texas, but who survives when it’s this big on Collision?
Thunder Rosa speaks.
La Mera Mera tells Penelope Ford that she likes to remember the past and think on what she has accomplished, “because that gives people hope.” Ford isn’t superbad, she just has a bad attitude. Ford thinks she’ll become a big star by taking out Rosa? Nuh-uh! That’s not going to happen! these two hands will find Ford, and that will be memorable.
Hologram is recharged.
The power is back on, and he’s ready to shine again. When and where will Hologram reboot his AEW win streak?
Megan Bayne VS Hyena Hera!
The #Megasus returned to everyone’s surprise during the first-ever Women’s Casino Gauntlet. And while she didn’t win, she made quite the impression on the roster. Will she win her first ever Collision? Or will Hyena Hera have the last laugh?
The bell rings and Hera storms up, only for Bayne to RAM her into a corner! And RAM her again and again! Bayne CHOPS, the fans fire up, and Bayne brings Hera around to whip corner to corner. Hera sputters in the corner, Bayne runs in, and Bayne SPLASHES Hera, to then BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! The fans rally for Bayne and she looms over Hera. Bayne drags Hera up, but Hera fires a forearm! And another! Hera runs, but into a BOOT! Bayne roars and the fans fire up! Bayne runs and LEAPING LARIATS Hera down! Bayne fires up more and the fans are with her. Bayne fireman’s carries Hera, shouts, “BOW DOWN!” and hits an F5!! Cover, Bayne wins!
Winner: Megan Bayne, by pinfall
There’s a lot of Greek and Roman mythology here as the Megasus slays Hera, but will Bayne dominate the AEW Women’s Division as a true titan of wrestling?
Lio Rush & Action Andretti speak.
The Bad Child tells Dante he should listen to his brother, Darius. “Because why would we be there last week?” They’re not there this week. Dante thinks they’ll show up because he told them to? They have better things to do. But don’t cry, they’ll be back. And when they’re back, maybe Lio takes Dante up on his challenge. Maybe. Top Flight is put on standby, how long will Lio & Action delay the inevitable?
AEW hears from Mariah May and Queen Aminata.
The Glamour says, “The return of Timeless~ Toni Storm, wrestling my first ever opponent in AEW. How poetic. How pathetic. If you’re really going to give the performance of a lifetime~, then I want a front row seat.” The Queen tells Toni not to worry about Mariah or Australia. They’ve faced off before, and Aminata promises to do better. Serena Deeb, Mariah May, everyone can watch. Because this Wednesday, the Queen is coming for Toni’s head! Will Aminata have her crowning achievement by bringing down the THREE-TIME AEW Women’s World Champion? Or will she just be a tune-up for Toni’s homecoming in Australia?
Backstage interview with Kris Statlander & Willow Nightingale.
Lexy Nair is with the #BornAgainKristen and The Babe with the Power, noting that while there is a lot of history here, Kris wanted this chance to talk. What is on her mind? Kris says yes, there is a lot of history. A lot of good, a lot of bad, but most importantly, the reason Kris asked Willow here, is for forgiveness. Kris is sorry. Willow laughs in disbelief. Kris is sorry? Kris certainly has a lot she wants to say Willow, and Willow has a lot she wants to say to Kris. Willow thinks it is time she just focuses on herself. Kris says just so Willow knows, she never broke the friendship bracelet, so… Kris leaves, and that leaves Willow with a lot to think about.
Midsouth Street Fight: FTR VS Jon Moxley & Wheeler Yuta!
For everything The Death Riders have done to them, for everything the Death Riders did to the legendary Rock ‘n’ Roll Express, Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler look to take this old school the way Ricky Morton, Robert Gibson, and many of their rivals would! Just how brutal will the #TopGuys get with the Maniac & Decoder?
Well, no need to wait, FTR finds Moxley & Yuta in the crowd as they make their entrance! The bell rings, the brawl is on, and Huntsville is all fired up! Things move closer to the stage, FTR smacks Moxley & Yuta off barriers, but Moxley & Yuta hit back! Cash whips Yuta into barriers, then LARIATS him up and over! Cash and Yuta are ringside now but Dax CLAWS Moxley’s back! Cash CHOPS Yuta against the apron, but Moxley sends Dax into barriers! Dax uses a trash can to SMACK Moxley in the head! And then SMACK him again! Moxley flops over the barriers to go up the bleachers! Dax pursues and throws haymakers!
The fans cheer as Dax SMASHES Moxley with someone’s beer bottle! Cash brings out a ladder!? But Yuta DROPKICKS it into Cash! The fans boo as Yuta pushes the ladder out of the ring. Moxley fires forearms on Dax in return, and they start moving back to ringside. Yuta sends Cash into steel steps! Dax CLAWS Moxley’s face, Moxley CLAWS Dax’s face, then Moxley BITES Dax’s fingers! Dax BITES Moxley’s forehead! The fans fire up as these two fight like animals! Yuta talks trash on Cash while he stands on Cash’s neck! Dax SLAMS chairs on to Moxley! Yuta pulls the padding off a turnbuckle’s crossbar!
Yuta POSTS Cash, brings him up, but Dax TOSSES Moxley to ringside. Dax keeps after Moxley while Yuta scoops and SLAMS Cash on the ladder! Moxley body shots Dax, then sends him into steel steps! Moxley snarls as he grabs a chair, brings it around, and he makes Dax take a seat. Moxley rains down fists, then gets space to BOOT Dax in the face! Moxley shoves Dax down, covers, TWO! Moxley puts a chair in the ring, but Dax SMAC KS Moxley with a trash can lid! Yuta CHOPS Cash, Dax and Mox get in the ring. Mox JAMS Dax up with the chair, then scoops him to SLAM him on the chair! Dax writhes, Moxley goes looking for stuff, and Yuta gets in the ring.
Moxley brings out quite a few things while Yuta SMACKS Dax on the back with that chair! Yuta soaks up heat, then aims again, to SMACK Dax back down! Yuta pretends he hit a home run. Moxley brings in various tools, such as hammers and pliers! The fans go wild seeing those, but Cash CLOBBERS Moxley! Cash goes up, and he FLYING LARIATS! Cash rains down fists, then he DECKS Yuta! Cash rallies on the Death Riders, then TOSESS Yuta out! Cash stomps away on Moxley. The fans fire up as Cash LARIATS Yuta on the apron! Cash rips his shirt away, and he uses it to CHOKE Yuta! BUT MARINA SHAFIR POSTS CASH!
The fans boo as The Problem makes herself known, and then Moxley is going after Dax with the pliers! He wants those teeth, but Dax fights, so Moxley PULLS on Dax’s nose! The fans freak out and tell Moxley he’s sick, but Collision goes to picture in picture!
Dax fights free of the pliers and goes to a corner, but Yuta is on him with CLAWS to the face! The ref reprimands but Yuta stops when he wants to stop. Yuta grins while he soaks up heat, and Moxley stands Dax up to use the pliers on a finger! The ref can again only reprimand as Moxley & Yuta make Dax suffer! Moxley then grabs a chair, and he JAMS Dax up in the corner. Moxley CHOKES Dax with the chair, then wedges the chair into the corner. Yuta throws hands on Dax, then he and Moxley whip Dax into the chair! Dax falls in a heap, the chair clattering with him, and Yuta WRECKS Cash with a dropkick!
Moxley tells Marina to keep on Cash, and she CLAWS Cash’s face! Dax returns to throw hands with Moxley, but Moxley pokes Dax in the face with the pliers! Yuta goes after Chas, Moxley digs the hammer into Dax’s forehead and eyes! Yuta SLAMS the ladder down on Cash’s back! Dax fights back on Moxley, but Yuta attacks! They mug Dax, then Yuta DDTS Dax onto the trash can lid! Moxley goes out to grab the ladder, and Yuta whips Cash into railing. Cash goes down in a heap while Moxley brings the ladder into the ring. The ladder is put along the top rope, then he and Yuta whip Dax! Dax ducks the ladder, comes back and CLOBBERS the Death Riders!
Dax fires hands on Moxley, then grabs the ladder. He simply puts it on the middle rope now, and he whips Yuta. Yuta reverses, and Dax hits the ladder hard! Dax writhes, the ladder falls out of the ring, and Collision returns to single picture. Yuta looms over Dax, digs his knees in, and Moxley brings out the mysterious black bag. Cash crawls in, Yuta stomps him, and Moxley pours out THUMBTACKS! The fans fire up again while Moxley & Yuta drag Cash up. They bring Cash over, then Yuta makes Dax watch! Moxley underhooks the arms, but Cash wrenches out, whips and POWERBOMBS Moxley onto the tacks!!
The fans go wild as Moxley suffers from his own violent desires! Cash then fires hands on Yuta! Yuta bails out but Cash goes to the apron. Cash drags Yuta up, and hits an APRON- NO, Yuta slips inside, fires hands, and he suplexes. Cash fights that, he and Yuta fight for control! Yuta ROCKS Cash, builds speed, but Cash slingshots. Yuta slides under, Cash keeps moving, and Cash DIVES! Down goes Yuta, but then Moxley has Cash! PARADIGM SHIFT to the floor! Moxley snarls, tells Marina to find him a table, and she points to which side of the ring it’s under. They bring the table out, and fans are torn. They like tables, but the hate the Death Riders!
Moxley puts the table in the ring, Yuta CHOKES Dax on ropes, then Yuta CLAWS Dax’s face! Moxley puts that table up in a corner, and Yuta fires hands on Dax. The fans rally for FTR, but Yuta throws more hands. Moxley talks trash on the fans but they boo. Yuta & Moxley reel Dax in, but Dax fights the double suplex! Dax then fires hands, CHOPS, and elbows! Moxley bails out, so Dax focuses on Yuta! Dax has Yuta in a corner an drains down hands fast ‘n’ furious! The fans fire up as Dax goes way past ten! Dax then brings Yuta around, suplexes, and BRAINBUSTER! Yuta writhes, the fans rally for FTR, but Moxley slithers in with some kind of tow hook!
Dax kicks low! Dax UPPERCUTS, then takes the hook! LOW BLOW WITH THE HOOK!! Dax has Moxley by the shorthairs, but Marina LOW BLOWS Dax! She’s got an iron claw herself, and then clamps on a SLEEPER! Dax is fading, but then he gets a second wind! Dax BACKPACK SENTONS through the table!! Dax just took care of The Problem and the fans are thunderous! They cheer on “A E DUB! A E DUB!” for giving them this match! But Moxley hauls Dax up, reels him in, and he has a chair at the ready! But Dax backdrops him! Moxley sunset flips, Dax sits on the cover, TWO! Moxley gets free, but Dax kicks low! FULL METAL PILEDRIVER!! Cover, TWO!!!
Moxley survives and Dax grows frustrated. Dax hobbles around, then has Moxley’s legs! SHARPSHOOTER!! Moxley endures as Dax sits back on the hold! The fans rally, but now CLAUDIO is here! The fans boo as the Swiss Cyborg suplexes Dax off of Moxley! Claudio reels Dax in, but Dax backdrops free! And LARIATS Claudio up and out! But Moxley hits a CUTTER!! Moxley sets the chair up, and runs, FULL METAL CURB STOMP!! Cover, CASH BREAKS IT! The fans fire up but Yuta attacks Cash! Claudio joins in, this is even more of a handicap match now! The fans boo but Claudio drags Cash around.
Yuta keeps Cash down so Claudio can put the chair around Cash’s neck! The fans boo, but COPE & JAY WHITE are here! They fight Yuta and Claudio, and the Switchblade LARIATS Claudio out! Cope CLOBBERS Moxley on the outside, puts him back in, then things spill out towards commentary! They even get on the desk! Dax reels Yuta in, and Cash goes up the railing! MIND BREAKER PILEDRIVER through the table!!! Cover, FTR WINS!!
Winners: FTR, by pinfall
The Death Riders tried to tip the scales, but they underestimated how many enemies they have! But the brawl is still going as Claudio puts White in the ring! Cope has Moxley, White gets Claudio with a BLADERUNNER! The fans fire up as FTR now stand back up, and they join Cope & White in the ring! “This is Awesome!” as Moxley finds himself all alone! Cope tells Moxley to turn around. He does, and staggers into a SHATTER MACHINE! Then Cope adds the SPEAR!! Cope still isn’t done, he drags Moxley around and White says hold on a second. White brings in a chair and hands that to Cope! FTR sets Moxley up on the other chair, and the fans all know what this is!
But so does Claudio, and he drags Moxley out to safety! The fans boo, but Cope grins. He put out the challenge, and as it stands, March 9th could be the most violent match we’ve ever seen! Will Cope make sure the Maniac’s reign of terror ends with a Revolution?
My Thoughts:
A very good Collision, but they sure put in a lot of talking. I know this was prerecorded, and it obviously went up against the Royal Rumble, but seriously, this was a LOT of talking. They put in a lot of hype promos and vignettes for the coming weeks. I’m surprised they’re making the Atlanta Dynamite a “big” episode, but I did really like the promo from Swerve and Ricochet. For one, it’s just great that people in AEW and WWE are acknowledging Lucha Underground. And Ricochet also relating how the fans were rather fickle, and spun it as how he was always “pretending” to be a Face. It does work given how well he’s doing as this American Psycho style Heel. Swerve VS Ricochet for Atlanta is going to be awesome stuff, but I feel like shenanigans will happen to compel a rematch.
Toni Storm had a great promo, and I love that she thinks we had no idea that was her as “Rockstar” Toni Storm. But then Mariah May hyping up Storm VS Aminata is redundant and just filling time. At least Thunder Rosa’s promo kept in mind that Rosa VS Ford was happening. Willow and Kris having a promo here was a touch surprising, but at least they haven’t forgotten that story of Kris trying to redeem herself. Then Harley VS Taya was a really good match, and I figured Harley would finally get that first televised win here. Deonna throwing a fit was fitting, and Harley had a really funny Mone Muppet promo. Now, of course Mone wasn’t going to just say yes to Harley, maybe Harley forces Mone into it with a Title Eliminator situation.
Very good promos from Kyle and Briscoe to set up a singles match for next week’s Collision, but then it seems a bit too soon when we’ve got Kyle & Konosuke VS Buddy & Brody. I did really like the promo Buddy and Okada had, though, with Buddy again punking Okada there. Obviously Buddy VS Okada is going to be happen, and I would think it’s for Grand Slam. Perhaps after next week’s Dynamite, Okada tries to punk Buddy in return, only for Buddy and him to fight, compelling the Continental Championship match. And even if Buddy loses, he will look awesome against Okada, maybe helping build Buddy up towards a different singles title reign.
Good promo from Lio & Action to talk trash on Dante & Darius, and a good, quick vignette from Hologram. Hologram will surely get right back into the mix once he’s back, and he’d also make a great challenger to some midcard titles. We got a really good promo from each part of the TNT Championship Triple Threat, and that was one of the best Triple Threats I’ve seen in a long time, especially when you consider the creativity from these three as three of the best technical wrestlers today. Plus, they did an incredible job with that finish, where Garcia turns things around on Lee and Kyle misses breaking it. The Trios Triple Threat we’re getting will be great, too, but I feel like Undisputed Kingdom wins that.
Very good promo from The Outrunners to hype up their tag match, and that was a really good tag match. The Learning Tree of course had to cheat, though, but then great save by Bandido. He is over his concussion that he unfortunately got when he returned in the first place, and clearly he’ll be challenging Jericho after all. I can only hope that Bandido VS Jericho happens for whatever return to cable television ROH will get, and then Bandido can win the title to make all the “Please Retire!” anti-Jericho fans happy. And even if there are fans who don’t really know Bandido, I would think beating Jericho would help them understand Bandido is that good.
Great opening tag from Joe & Hook VS Nick & Kip, and while of course Joe & Hook, of course Christian would beat them up as a sore loser. I almost thought Shibata was gonna hurry out there, but I guess The Patriarchy has to stand tall once before this feud is over. I’m sure the blowoff is a Six Man Tag, but a part of me wants Taz to dare Christian Cage to put up his Casino Gauntlet contract against either Joe or Hook. At the very least, not getting Joe VS Christian 1v1 before this is done feels like a wasted opportunity, so we gotta see that happen.
Great stuff with LFI’s reunion. Mortos of course destroys Adam Priest, but Caster showing up to do his first open challenge was good stuff. Rush demolishing Caster was also great, and I really hope this time, LFI does stuff that matters. If nothing else, can they get in on the story with the Death Riders just because of the Trios Championships? Rated FTR has said they don’t really disagree with the Death Riders, and I feel like LFI don’t even care what the Death Riders want, LFI just wants gold. And c’mon, Rush, Dralistico & Mortos VS Claudio, Pac & Yuta? That’s a killer 3v3 right there.
Now, speaking of the Death Riders, here’s where things were just a touch messy tonight. They’ve been showing us snippets of the Death Riders on Closeup with Renee Paquette, the AEW YouTube series. Did Cope not even watch the snippets they showed on TV? Because the first part of his promo made no sense when you consider Moxley out and out says he wants to “backfill AEW with a thousand Jon Moxleys,” aka he wants to mold the next generation in his image. Cope saying Moxley has no plan is now debunked. But being this is all a prerecorded episode, maybe Cope did that promo before knowing they were giving us Moxley’s promo on Dynamite.
That said, duh it’s gonna be Cope VS Moxley at Revolution. The Street Fight tonight was a lot of wild fun, and of course it got overbooked with Marina and Claudio helping out, to then cue Cope and Jay White countering that. Great win for FTR out of this, and good tease of Cope going for the Con-Chair-To. Going back to Christian Cage still having his Casino Gauntlet contract, it’d be so fitting if he chose to cash in on Cope at Revolution. Cope can win to “liberate” the world title, only for his archenemy to steal his moment and start us on a new Cope VS Christian rivalry through the Spring and Summer.
My Score: 8.7/10
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