Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Live Results & Report! (7/23/19)
Who steps up to Kofimania at Summerslam?!

SmackDown heats up towards SummerSlam!
The W, W, E, World, Heavy, Weight, CHAMPION~ may be preparing for a #Smackville debut, but he wants to have something for the biggest party of the summer! Who is he going to call out on the way to Toronto? Plus, Shawn Michaels returns to SmackDown as a guest commentator for tonight’s action!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Apollo Crews VS Shinsuke Nakamura; Nakamura wins.
- Ember Moon VS Charlotte Flair; Moon wins.
- Kofi Kingston VS Samoa Joe; No Contest.
- Roman Reigns VS Kevin Owens, Special Guest Referee: Drew McIntyre; No Contest.
PLAY BY PLAY
Kevin Owens defies authority!
From calling out Shane McMahon being a glory hog to straight up stunning him in the ring, the KO Show will not be silenced! Even as Shane brings every crony possible, Kevin finds a way to get the best of the Best in the World! But what will the consequences be for Kevin as we head for SummerSlam?
SmackDown opens with The New Day!
Big E and Xavier Woods dance on the announce desk in front of Tom Phillips and David Otunga, but then Shane McMahon comes out to ruin the fun. Fans boo as Shane goes to the ring. Even Xavier boos while Big E hands out pancakes. “The BEST, in the WOOOOOOOOOOOOORLD~!” gets his proper introduction from Greg Hamilton before he reflects on last night’s Raw Reunion. WWE paid homage to superstars both old and new, but one face Shane was happy not seeing was Kevin Owens. Where was Kevin? Hiding behind social media and yapping, but he did say something interesting: Kevin wants a match with Shane at SummerSlam. And thinking about it, such an event wouldn’t be complete without the Best in the World.
Shane tells Kevin Owens, challenge accepted! But all that other yammering had something else interesting: if Kevin loses to Shane, then Kevin would quit the WWE! Fans let Shane know, “You Can’t Wrestle!” But Shane just says they can ask Roman Reigns about that. However, Kevin said he’d quit before, but then he didn’t actually quit. Shane rolls the footage of such words. August 27th, 2018, Kevin Owens lost to Seth Rollins and, in Toronto, Kevin said, “I quit.” Can you believe Kevin did that? Well Shane will make Kevin quit again! But it has to be in writing! Speak of the Prizefighter, here he comes! Miami goes wild for Kevin as he walks out on stage with a microphone.
Kevin tells Shane, “I’ve said a lot of things about you, but there’s one thing I wouldn’t say and that’s that you’re not smart.” Yes, Kevin hit a low point last year, but that was the “broken down” Kevin who didn’t want to piss anyone off. That Kevin is not this Kevin! Kevin knew if he issued a challenge, Shane would accept. Because Shane wants Kevin gone, and Kevin knows Shane loves the spotlight. And that spotlight is no brighter than SummerSlam in Toronto! The only problem is, Kevin won’t quit. And the reason why is because he’ll beat the hell out of Shane! But why wait?! Kevin wants to fight right now! Shane says if he wants that match at SummerSlam, then he’s not going to do anything right now.
Shane sees the fire in Kevin, and maybe Kevin should fight tonight. Not Shane, of course. But Kevin can fight… Roman Reigns! Shane pits his two biggest enemies dissenters against each other for his own benefit! Will KO get through Roman Reigns to then give the Best in the World the worst beating of his life?
Shane meets up with his crew.
Elias and Drew McIntyre love the ideas Shane had. Just when they thought he couldn’t get any more amazing as a leader, pitting Kevin against Roman, it’s beyond brilliant. It’s truly genius. Shane wants to go up even higher! This match needs something special. To make sure nothing happens, there should be a special guest referee. And it’ll be Drew McIntyre! McIntyre is good with that. And it also needs Elias as the special guest timekeeper! And to really, really put this together, the special ring announcer will be, the BEST, in the WOOORLD himself. Shane is definitely smart enough to know how to abuse his power. But how smart will it be to be that close to such combustible elements?
Apollo Crews VS Shinsuke Nakamura!
The rising star just needs that one moment to finally prove himself, but how will he do against the King of Strong Style?
The bell rings and Apollo circles with Nakamura. They approach but Apollo backs off. Fans duel as they approach again. Nakamura kicks one hand and reels Apollo in for a headlock. Apollo powers up and out to then run Nakamura over. Apollo brings Nakamura up and scoops to slam Nakamura down hard. Then Apollo drops a big leaping elbow! Apollo drags Nakamura up for a suplex, and holds him up there! For over 20 counts! Cover, TWO! Apollo keeps his cool as he brings Nakamura up again. Nakamura breaks free to throw a strike fest then whip, but Apollo reverses. Nakamura holds the ropes but Apollo clotheslines him out! Apollo goes to the apron, ASAI MOONSAULT! The New Day are loving this as SmackDown goes picture in picture!
Apollo looms over Nakamura before putting him in the ring. Apollo slingshots and sentons, but Nakamura gets clear. Nakamura sweeps Apollo’s legs to trip him on the apron! Then he turns Apollo sideways for a knee strike, then a knee guillotine! Apollo falls to the floor and Nakamura stomps him out. Nakamura drags Apollo up and puts him back in the ring. He covers, TWO! Nakamura keeps his cool as he stands Apollo up for a cravat. Apollo endures the hold and slowly fights his way up. Nakamura snapmares and drops another knee! Cover, TWO! Nakamura grows annoyed with Apollo as he puts him in a corner. He stomps the legs out then gives Apollo some Bad Vibrations! Apollo stops those, but Nakamura punches him down!
Nakamura stomps away on Apollo again and again at the ropes, only stopping when the ref backs him off. Nakamura stands Apollo up again for a SWIFT kick to the chest! Apollo wobbles but stays up, so Nakamura kicks him again! Then Nakamura grinds Apollo down in a facelock. Apollo endures as Nakamura squeezes tight. Apollo fights his way up and gourd busters Nakamura down! And then LARIATS Nakamura inside-out! Both men are down but Apollo catches his breath. SmackDown returns to single picture as he and Nakamura stand. Apollo mule kicks and BOOTS, then leaps to lariat Nakamura down! Kip-up and Apollo fires up! The New Day and Miami are also fired up as Apollo throws Nakamura with a fall away slam! Cover, TWO!
Apollo keeps his cool and says it’s time to raise the roof. He lifts Nakamura but Nakamura slips out to swing a kick. Apollo ducks but gets the left heel! Nakamura aims at Apollo in a corner, runs in, but blocks the boots. He turns Apollo around for the roundhouse, and sliding German! Nakamura unzips his shirt while Apollo is dazed. Nakamura runs in, but gets an enziguri!! OLYMPIC SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Nakamura survives and Apollo can’t believe it! The New Day is going nuts on commentary as Apollo plans what’s next. Apollo goes up top, but Nakamura trips him up! Top Shelf Knee! Then he throws Apollo off, only to get a pop-up flapjack! Standing shooting star misses! KINSHASA! Cover, Nakamura wins!!
Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura, by pinfall
The WWE Intercontinental Champion shows Apollo what being King of Strong Style really means! What will it take for Apollo to rise up higher?
But to add insult to injury, Nakamura kicks Apollo all around the ring! And out of the ring, and then kicks him while he’s down! Nakamura goes up the ramp and aims, for another KINSHASA! Nakamura caresses the title as he heads out, but will there come a time when someone wants that belt for their own?
Mandy Rose surprises Sonya Deville.
Where has she been, though? Don’t worry, she took care of business. She talked to Shane and told about the IIconics making jokes. Now they have a match that could earn them a future tag title match! Sonya is speechless as she’s so proud of her best friend. Will Fire & Desire take the fight to Peyton & Billie when they meet in the ring?
SmackDown hears from Mustafa Ali.
“I’ve got to rewrite the story.” He has to take the pen into his hand and rewrite his story! Not a sob story about a kid chasing his dream, who went from being a cop to a wrestler, and had to fight to earn his title shot only for his body to give out on him. Injured, replaced, and forgotten. Ali knows he lost time, but he won’t let that be his story. Ali has his pen, he puts it to paper, and it will read, “Ali becomes a champion.” It doesn’t matter who it is, no one is writing his story! He’ll even use his blood to write the story. Ali will go down in history with his story.
SmackDown presents: Miz TV!
The Most Must-See WWE Talk Show returns again, and Miz fires up Miami for the Miz & Mrs. season premiere! Miz takes a look back at Raw Reunion and all the stars, icons and legends that showed up. It was a lot of fun, but tonight’s guest carries that over. It is none other than the Heartbreak Kid, SHAWN MICHAELS! The New Day sings along as HBK makes his way to the ring. Ironically, HBK was supposed to be where the New Day was, but perhaps things worked out in the end.
Miz and HBK sit but the fans cheer and that gets HBK moving around again. The party keeps on rolling. Miz and others loved having legends back, but others were negative towards it. HBK has been on both sides, from the young guy in the back watching old time- er, Legends, coming around, and thinking “Why don’t they just get out of here?” But at the same time, this is family! It’s hard to turn down such a chance to hang out. And everyone had a blast, right? Fans in Miami sure are having a blast. And DX-Kliq even recruited an honorary member. Miz really “appreciates” it wasn’t him. But Seth Rollins has been a lot to fun watching growing up from the WWE PC and NXT, to another match with Brock Lesnar. In the words of Rollins, HBK hopes Rollins will #BurnItDown.
But to spoil the fun, it’s Dolph Ziggler! “Enough already with these so-called legends limping out tot he ring, ‘happy to be there’.” Ziggler hopes someone puts him out of his misery before he ever gets like that. Miz would be happy to be the one to do it! HBK keeps the peace. Clearly, Ziggler needs to say something, so let him say his piece. Ziggler does! He’s actually happy to see HBK. Ziggler and everyone used to idolize HBK, emphasis on “used to.” HBK could’ve just ridden off into the sunset, but what did he do? Shuffled back out and waved to the crowd, “it was embarrassing!” As bad as Goldberg-Taker! Ziggler tells HBK the truth: when HBK came back in November, he broke Ziggler’s heart. So Ziggler will tell him what no one else has the guts to say: “You were embarrassing.”
Miz looks to HBK for a response. HBK’s response: “I’ll admit it. I’m not going to disagree with you. It was embarrassing. I was embarrassed.” But what’s more embarrassing than that, is working your whole career and giving it your all, and still being left with nothing but being known as “a second-rate, Shawn Michaels wannabe.” Ziggler scowls, and fans pile on. Ziggler will not let HBK say that about him! The only second-rate HBK here is THIS HBK! And real fitting that he and Miz are here together. They ruined their legacies to shake hands, kiss babies, wave like idiots on a parade float! They’re the ones who will be left known for kissing ass while Ziggler-
“Oh just do something already!” Miz has had enough of Ziggler’s bitter whining, “It should’ve been me!” In this industry, you MAKE it you! So do something about it! Ziggler looks to Miz, then to HBK. Fans dare him to “Do Something! Do Something!” Everyone drops mics and tosses off jackets. Miz even leans forward to give Ziggler an easy shot. Ziggler goes to leave, HBK turns him around, but then HBK ducks the sucker punch and it goes into Miz! HBK goes after Ziggler on Miz’s behalf! HBK helps Miz up, but then Ziggler comes back with a SUPERKICK! Ziggler takes HBK down with the move he made famous! Then runs away from Miz before anything more can happen! Will Ziggler pay for such disrespect and cowardice?
Ember Moon VS Charlotte Flair!
SmackDown Women’s Champion, Bayley, was allowed to name her challenger for SummerSlam, and after helping her thwart Fire & Desire, she chose the War Goddess! Now Ember looks to prove she’s not only worthy of the match, but capable of beating the champion by beating a former champion. Will the #Shenom be able to Eclipse the Queen of Flair? Or will she find there’s a reason the Queen is #CharlotteNineTime?
The bell rings on this first-time-ever, and Ember circles with Charlotte. Charlotte kicks Ember’s legs out and then whips her to ropes. Ember handsprings through the hip toss to arm-drag Charlotte. CHarlotte comes back and runs Ember over, then stomps away. But here comes Bayley! The Queen is upset, but Bayley just wants a front row seat. Ember rolls Charlotte up, EMBER WINS!!
Winner: Ember Moon, by pinfall
Bayley didn’t mean for that to happen, but it did happen. But then Ember puts Bayley in the ring!? Charlotte BOOTS Bayley down, but then Ember ECLIPSES Charlotte! Then she sees Bayley stirring, and grins. Ember climbs again, aims at Bayley, and gives BAYLEY an Eclipse! The War Goddess has declared war on champion and Queen! Will she regret making enemies of two NXT Horsewomen? Or is she going to rise above them all?
SmackDown returns to Kofimania!
The WWE World Champion throws pancakes as he makes his way out to the ring and Miami gets hype with positivity! They cheer and chant while he gets a mic. “Miami, BABYYYY~!” Before Kofi gets to his Smackville match with Samoa Joe and Dolph Ziggler, he wants to call out the man he hopes will be his SummerSlam opponent. Hopefully Kofi gets it out before getting attacked outta nowhere, because he’s talking to Randy Orton. Kofi waits, and The Viper appears! Orton himself looks to see if there might be anyone coming up to get after him. But the coast is clear, and Orton takes a mic for his own.
Kofi tells Orton that he wants Orton because of the history between them. Some fans might have forgotten, but Kofi remembers. November 16th, 2009: a sold out Madison Square Garden, and everyone chanting for Kofi. Fans chant for Kofi now. That was the night Kofi whooped Orton in a Falls Count Anywhere! And if Orton doesn’t recall it himself, there’s footage as a refresher. The SUPER BOOM DROP! That moment still gives Kofi goosebumps. That was supposed to be the moment Kofi made it to the main event. But that didn’t happen, now did it? Let’s get to the truth, to the real-life details. Orton used his influence to screw Kofi over. It almost worked, too. Until it didn’t.
Ever since then, Kofi kept on the grind and kept believing himself, and used the very real Power of Positivity to become what Orton never wanted him to be! The W, W, E, World, Heavy, Weight, Champion~! Orton responds, saying “You think I used my influence to hold you back?” Orton admits it! But it was a favor to Kofi. Kofi wasn’t ready back then. And he’s still not ready now. This reign is a fluke. Kofi brags about his 11 years, but what about Orton’s 18? Orton admits he didn’t have to work hard, because it was so easy just being himself. He didn’t have to fake an accent, throw pancakes or shake his ass. All he had to do was be him, “and it’s worked pretty damn good.” Orton wins, wins and wins, to then main event a Mania.
That reminds Orton of something. Wrestlemania 35’s Kofimania only happened because of Orton. Orton hurt Mustafa Ali, and Kofi took Ali’s spot. What Orton is getting at is Kofi doesn’t deserve the title. And Orton could take it from Kofi whenever he wants. Whenever, huh? Then how about testing that at SummerSlam? Kofi Kingston VS Randy Orton, for the WWE World Championship. If Kofi wants it, he’s got it. But as fair warning, this little fairy tale comes to an end courtesy of the most dangerous letters in pro-wrestling: R K O. Kofi shows no fear, but will he regret inviting a Viper into the ring?
But wait, here comes Samoa Joe! The Samoan Submission Machine doesn’t care about this talk, he wants another fight. Joe wants to show he can get this done even before Smackville’s Triple Threat. And Orton decides to stay and see that, after the break.
Kofi Kingston VS Samoa Joe!
SmackDown returns as this Extreme Rules rematch begins! Kofi and Joe circle while Orton takes a seat ringside. Joe wrenches a wrist but Kofi slips through to wrench back. Kofi wrenches Joe but Joe wrenches right back! Joe has the wristlock, but Kofi rolls and handsprings to wrench again. Joe reaches for ropes and gets the ropebreak. Kofi lets up and backs off, daring Joe to bring the fight. Joe and Kofi circle while fans chant “New! Day Rocks!” Kofi waistlocks Joe but Joe pries free to a fireman’s carry takedown. Joe has the armlock and grinds Kofi down. Joe stands on Kofi’s arm and hammerlocks, but Kofi rolls and kicks Joe away.
Kofi is on Joe’s arm again, and keylocks it. Joe powers the hold back and throws Kofi down by his hair. Joe walks around Kofi and drags him back up for a CHOP! Kofi reels back from the stinging in his chest, but Joe keeps on him with headbutts. Kofi kicks back and throws chops of his own! He backs Joe down, but Joe headbutts him right back down. Joe runs but Kofi speeds up with him! Kofi hurdles and back elbows Joe! Kofi dropkicks Joe out of the ring, then builds speed, to FLY! The Trust Fall topples Joe and Kofi is having fun! Fans fire up with Kofi as he puts Joe back in the ring. Joe gets to a corner and Kofi runs in to forearm smash. Kofi climbs up to rain down rights, right where Orton can see him. But then Joe trips Kofi up and Kofi hits buckles!
Joe looms over Kofi as Kofi shakes the cobwebs out. Joe CHOPS Kofi to the corner, then runs in. Kofi dodges and comes back, but Joe throws him with the urenage! Cover, TWO! Kofi survives but Joe keeps his cool while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Joe looms over Kofi again and scrapes his soles off Kofi’s face. He drags Kofi back up for the swift jabs, and big haymakers! Kofi wobbles but Joe still CHOPS him at the ropes. Kofi fires back with big haymakers and kicks of his own! Only to run into Joe’s elbow! Joe glares as he stalks Kofi to a corner. Joe drags Kofi up again, pulling hair to bring him in for a headbutt! The ref reprimands Joe but Joe doesn’t care as he drags Kofi up again. Joe snapmares Kofi into a neck wrench. Kofi endures the crank on his head as fans rally up. Kofi fights but Joe leans his weight on him. SmackDown returns to single picture as Joe twists harder.
Fans rally but Orton watches with a stoic stare. Kofi fights his way back up and fights with elbows. Joe knees low, but runs into Kofi’s double chops! Kofi fires off more then dropkicks Joe! Kofi runs and leaps to lariat Joe down! Fans fire up again as Kofi runs for the NEW~ DAY~ Boom Drop! Kofi gets to a corner and takes aim. Fans clap along and Kofi runs out, but Joe gets to a corner. Joe dodges but Kofi goes up and over to crossbody Joe down! But Orton decides to strike! But Kofi denies the RKO and the match is thrown out!
No Contest
Kofi is ready for Orton this time, and Orton throws off his vest. Joe confronts Orton, to get the RKO! Kofi gives Orton Trouble in Paradise! Kofimania runs wild, but will he make it through the Smackville Triple Threat for this rematch to even happen?
Finn Balor returns to SmackDown!
The Extraordinary Man was the first victim of The Fiend, but he’s back to show he’s not afraid. What will he have to say after SmackDown returns from break?
SmackDown returns and Kayla Braxton is there to interview Finn. Finn has had a rough couple of weeks, losing the WWE Intercontinental Championship at Extreme Rules, but then being attacked on Raw the next night. Again, it was the shocking and perhaps disturbing debut of Bray Wyatt’s Fiend on live television, in which he attacked Finn and left him down and out in the ring. Finn finally has a chance to respond. He’s not sure how Bray’s mind works. Is this back to settle an old score? Or for something new? But from the puppets to the attack on Mick Foley last night, and The Fiend itself, Finn isn’t sure what to make of any of it.
Is Finn shaken? Bray is even more twisted than ever before, but Finn has stared fear in the face before. Finn didn’t back down then, and he won’t now! So if Bray, The Fiend, or whatever he is today, how about a match at SummerSlam?! And on the titantron, it’s another episode of Firefly Fun House? Happy Bray is there, “Yowie Wowie!” And so are Mercy the Buzzard and Ramblin’ Rabbit. Finn is so brave! It’s inspiring, really. It’s the reason they’re all fans of Finn’s in the fun house. But The Fiend isn’t, no matter how many times they tell the Fiend how “super duper” Finn is! But the challenge has been accepted! Bray does give a warning: Finn is an Extraordinary Man, The Fiend is no man. “The Fiend is an abomination. The Fiend is power. And the Fiend remembers.” #LetMeIn.
The Fiend now has control of the fun house! “Let me in!” Will Finn survive The Fiend at SummerSlam? Will Finn be bringing the WWE Intercontinental Championship with him after Smackville this Saturday?
SmackDown returns with a backstage interview with Charlotte Flair!
She shouldn’t have to ask for this interview. That thing with Ember and Bayley is a slap in the face. No wait, being off SummerSlam is a slap in the face. No wait, Bayley choosing Ember just because is a slap in the face. Charlotte is THE woman behind the Women’s (R)Evolution! How do you leave The Queen of All Eras off SummerSlam!? Mark her words: she will be part of SummerSlam, she demands to be SummerSlam, and she’ll have a better opponent than Ember Moon to finally prove she is THE greatest woman wrestler of all time.
Roman Reigns VS Kevin Owens, Special Guest Referee: Drew McIntyre!
As if making two of his enemies fight each other, the Best in the World makes sure the Scottish Terminator is the officiator, the Drifter is the timekeeper, and he himself is the ring announcer. This is certainly a stacked deck, but will the Prizefighter still be in good shape to go after Shane O’Mac?
Shane does his ring announcing duties by introducing Elias and McIntyre in turn, and SmackDown takes one more break before this main event finally goes down.
SmackDown returns once more as everyone takes their positions. Kevin makes his entrance, but Shane doesn’t give him an introduction. Roman then makes his entrance, but Shane doesn’t give him an introduction, either. It’s so obvious what Shane is up to with this, but Roman isn’t going to shy away from a fight. He and McIntyre talk trash but then Elias rings the bell. Shane finally gives the introductions, calling Kevin “The Quitter.” Kevin gets out to scare Shane off, then he takes a mic up. Shane thinks eh’s so funny and smart, huh? Kevin has no problem going through everyone to get at Shane! Shane’s getting dropped whether he likes it or not!
Roman takes the mic from Kevin and says Kevin’s not going through him. He’ll whoop everyone’s ass tonight! Shane calls for the real bell, and the bell sounds! Roman and Kevin circle, tie up, and Roman powers Kevin to a corner. McIntyre calls for the break, and Roman gives the break. Fans duel as Roman and Kevin circle again. They tie up again and Kevin headlocks. Roman powers Kevin back to a corner, and McIntyre calls for another break. The break is given, but McIntyre shoves the two a little too much. He says they have to listen to him as the referee. Roman UPPERCUTS McIntyre and throws him out! Kevin hits Elias! Shane scrambles but he’s surrounded! Roman and Kevin have him in the ring, out of the ring, and then back in the ring!
McIntyre saves Shane from Roman but Kevin helps Roman out! Elias attacks with a BIG knee! The brawling continues and Shane gets his cheap shots in on Roman. Shane and his crew stomp Roman all around, and Miami tells them, “You Suck!” McIntyre and Elias hold Roman up and Shane mocks the battle cry, but Kevin trips Shane uP! To throw him into barriers! Roman gets free, Kevin SUPERKICKS McIntyre! SUPERKICK for Elias! Roman SPEARS McIntyre! Kevin gives Elias a STUNNER! Fans are thunderous because Shane isn’t getting away just yet! Roman feeds Shane into the ring, SUPERMAN PUNCH! STUNNER! The Big Dog and KO stand tall, “Aw Hell Yeah!”
Fans want “One More Time!” and so does Roman. Kevin hauls Shane up, for another STUNNER! “You think tonight was good?” Kevin vows to do the impossible: make Shane enjoyable! Because he vows to give Shane the ass whooping of a lifetime! But can Kevin really do this all again in Toronto? Or is Shane going to find yet another way to abuse his power and stack the deck?
My Thoughts:
This was a pretty fun and more substantial episode of SmackDown after Raw Reunion being mostly filler. One thing that disappointed was that HBK didn’t join commentary at all tonight. However, the New Day taking his place was a great alternative, Big E and Xavier Woods were so hype it made things feel even more fun. Especially in the Apollo VS Nakamura match. Apollo had a great performance against Nakamura, but to be fair, he’s still not where Nakamura is. Nakamura VS Finn is coming at Smackville, and for the Intercontinental Championship, but I don’t think Nakamura drops it after Ali had such a passionate promo. At the same time, The Fiend VS Finn is happening, so maybe Finn wins the title to lose it to Bray, and Ali jumps in from there.
Ember getting a quick win over Charlotte and then leaving both her and Bayley down and out is great for Ember. She needs a spark to really get going towards this title match. Of course, Charlotte is talking about trying to outshine the title match, but is Charlotte going to have another match with Asuka just for that? Or does she circle back and copy last year’s SummerSlam by becoming part of a Triple Threat? It might be better if she joins the title match, because oddly, I can see Ember winning off her instead of just Bayley, especially if it’s an Eclipse outta nowhere. Then Fire & Desire having a match against the IIconics for a title opportunity, I don’t see that going any better than when the Kabuki Warriors finally got their shot. But perhaps it will work towards a Triple Threat of its own so that the right team comes out on top.
Kofi Kingston and Randy Orton had a great promo showdown to plug their long history against each other. It was rather surprising that Orton admits to politicking but I suppose it works into the story. Kofi VS Joe was pretty good, too, even with Orton interrupting. Smackville is going to be a lot of fun with that Triple Threat for the title, but I’m pretty sure the title doesn’t change hands. Kofi VS Orton is going to be great, or at least it should with story elements. And given Kofi referenced that memorable Boom Drop, I hope they do that again for the match, perhaps through an announce desk. And I would think for story, Kofi has to win at SummerSlam to further build his legacy.
We also got some great development for the Miz VS Ziggler story this time. Throwing HBK into the mix helped, and oof, those stinging comments about wannabes and embarrassments. This is the spark to give us a match to care about, since I expected the match itself was going to be good anyway. Then the story of the night, Shane trying to screw over Kevin and Roman. It was pretty clear this wasn’t going to work out, in order to give Kevin a lead towards their match. Though, saying this match is about Kevin quitting, I wonder if they’ll make it an I Quit match. It would just make sense, because then Kevin really does have to say the words again to lose, and it would also allow Kevin to beat the hell out of Shane since there would be no rules but to win.
My Score: 8.4/10
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Rampage goes big for Grand Slam!
AEW doubles up on Rampage, and we see a massive Fatal 4 Way to determine #1 contenders to the ROH World Tag Team Championships!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Darby Allin & Sting VS Christian Cage & Luchasaurus; Darby & Sting win.
- Mixed Six Match: Kris Statlander & OrangeHook VS Anna Jay, Matthew Menard & Angelo Parker; Kris & OrangeHook win.
- ROH World Tag Team Championship #1 Contenders Fatal 4 Way match: The Hardy Boyz VS The Righteous VS Best Friends VS The Kingdom; The Righteous win and will challenge MJF & Adam Cole for the titles at AEW WrestleDream.
- AEW World Trios Championships: The Acclaimed & Billy Gunn VS The Dark Order; The Acclaimed & Billy win and retain the titles.
- Skye Blue VS Julia Hart w/ Brody King; Julia wins.
- Mike Santana VS Dirty Bulk Bronson; Santana wins.
- ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championships: The Mogul Embassy w/ Prince Nana VS The Hung Bucks; The Hung Bucks win and become the new ROH World Six Man Tag Team Champions.
PLAY BY PLAY
Darby Allin & Sting w/ Nick Wayne VS Christian Cage & Luchasaurus!
The Relentless Icons won at All In London, but Captain Charisma’s complaint is that his Right Hand of Destruction was not his tag partner. Now that Christian and the TNT Champion are the legal men, will the result be different? Or will Darby be rolling into the “Triple Threat” title match tomorrow night on Collision?
Christian talks quick strategy with Luchasaurus, and they rush up to bait the Relentless Icons in! Christian ducks away from Sting but Darby gets right on Luchasaurus with a SLEEPER! Christian rushes in after all but Sting fires off on him first! Sting dribbles Christian off buckles! Luchasaurus pries free to THROW Darby! Sting TOSSES Christian out then pursues, and the bell finally rings. Luchasaurus runs at Darby but Darby dodges, Luchasaurus gets caught up on the ropes! Darby then runs to DROPKICK Luchasaurus down to the ramp! Sting sends Christian into steel steps while Darby DIVES into Luchasaurus!
Fans rally up as Darby stands Luchasaurus up, but Luchasaurus HEADBUTTS him down! Christian fights back on Sting but Sting ROCKS Christian! But Luchasaurus POSTS Darby! Darby falls to the floor, Nick calls to Sting. They check Darby, he is still breathing but very dazed from that rough landing. Sting helps Darby up, Darby hobbles over, and Darby says he’s okay. Darby slides in at 6 of 10 but Luchasaurus drags him over. Tag to Christian and Christian stomps Darby down! Christian CHOPS Darby, stalks him along the way, then CLUBS him down! Christian stands on Darby’s neck at the ropes, but lets off as the ref counts.
Darby sputters, Christian drags him up, and tag to Luchasaurus. They mug Darby, and Luchasaurus CLUBS Darby down! Luchasaurus scoops to SLAM Darby down! Luchasaurus snarls, whips Darby hard into the corner, and then tags Christian. Christian says he, or Luchasaurus, will be TNT Champion, but fans boo. Christian taunts Sting, goes back to Darby, and Christian brings Darby around. But Darby fights back with forearms! Darby whips, Christian reverses but Darby springboards to COFFIN SPLASH! Both men are down, Luchasaurus rushes in to BLAST Sting! Christian anchors Darby’s leg, then tags Luchasaurus.
Rampage goes picture in picture as Luchasaurus stands on Darby’s head! Luchasaurus then stomps Darby, stalks him to ropes, and clamps on. Luchasaurus CHOPS, then scoops, then carries Darby around, for a SWINGING SIDEWALK SLAM! Cover, TWO! Darby hangs tough, but Luchasaurus brings him up. Christian tags in, they mug Darby more, and then Christian stands on Darby’s face! The ref counts, Christian steps off to snapmare Darby and neck wrench! Darby endures, but Christian claws his face! The ref reprimands, Christian lets off, and then sits Darby up just to claw his face again!
Darby fights up, throws elbows, then runs, but into an ELBOW! Rampage returns to single picture as Christian covers, TWO! Christian grows annoyed but he drags Darby up and tags Luchasaurus. They mug Darby more, and then Luchasaurus hauls Darby up. Darby pries the hand away from his throat, but Luchasaurus ROCKS him! Luchsasurus shakes out his hand, choke grips and JURASSIC- NO, Darby lands out! But Christian HOTSHOTS Darby! Into the JURASSIC CHOKE SLAM!! Cover, but Sting breaks it! Fans rally but Luchasaurus tags Christian. Christian goes up to DIVING FLOP as Darby moves!
Darby and Christian crawl as fans fire up! Both men stand, Darby sunset flips but Christian stays up! So Darby lets off, hot tag to Sting! Sting rallies on Christian! Fans fire up, Sting whips but Christian kicks back! Sting just beats his chest! SPINEBUSTER! Luchasaurus runs in but gets fast hands! Sting backs Luchasaurus down into the corner! Christian runs in but is send into Luchasaurus! Sting runs to STINGER SPLASH them both! SCORPION DEATH DROP on Christian! Darby fires off on Luchasaurus! Then feeds him to the dragon sleeper! Darby goes up, SCORPION COFFIN DROP COMBO!!
Christian stagger sup, into a SHOTGUN from Darby! Darby snarls, Sting SPLASHES Luchasaurus! The ref is distracted, Christian pokes Darby in the eyes! Christian chicken wings and turns Darby but Nick distracts him! Darby then rolls Christian up to jackknife bridge! The Relentless Icons win!!
Winners: Darby Allin & Sting, by pinfall
Fans cheer as the Prodigy of Rain City gets one over on Captain Charisma! But Christian glares at Nick. Will the jokes about Nick’s mom stop for something far more serious, and dangerous? Or will this all be a distraction in tomorrow night’s glorified handicap match?
Mixed Six Match: Kris Statlander & OrangeHook VS Anna Jay, Matthew Menard & Angelo Parker w/ Jake Hager!
The Galaxy’s Greatest reunites with her best friend, as well as a new friend! Freshly Squeezed joins forces with the Cold-Hearted Handsome Devil, will their less talk more rock combination help Mama Kris put the Star of the Show, Daddy Magic and Cool Hand Ange to bed?
The trios sort out and the FTW Champion starts against Menard. The two circle as fans rally up, and Menard talks trash. “You wanna taste?! I don’t think so!” Then Menard tags in Parker! Parker and Hook circle, but then Parker tags Menard. Anna applauds, but Hook TOSSES Parker, then SAYANAGIS Menard! REDRUM!! Menard scrambles and tags to Anna! Hook obeys the rules and lets off of Menard, and also steps aside so Kris can step in. Fans fire up as the TBS Champion and Anna circle. Anna kicks low, but Kris blocks the whip! Then Kris hip tosses Anna away! Fans fire up as Kris flexes, but Anna dodges the splash to LEG LARIAT!
Anna wrenches and HOOK- NO, Kris blocks the kick to suplex! Kris holds Anna up and fans fire up, for the SLAM! Kris kips up and flexes again! Parker storms in, the ref steps him, but that’s a distraction so Hager can CLOBBER Cassidy! Kris gets distracted and Anna SUPERKICKS her down! Tag to Parker while Hook backs Hager down. But Menard CLOBBERS Hook now! And then Menard RAMS Hook into railing! Fans are torn as Menard drags Hook up to put in the ring. Parker drags Hook up to snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Parker drags Hook back up to throw hands! Parker reels Hook in to hit a BIG back suplex!
Parker scuffs Hook, tags Menard, and they coordinate to BACKBREAKER and RUNNING KNEE! Cover, TWO! Fans are torn as Menard talks more trash, and Rampage goes picture in picture.
Menard stands Hook up, but Hook pushes him back to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Menard wobbles but he kicks back, and whips him hard into a corner! Hook falls and the former JAS soak up the heat. Menard stomps Hook, sucker punches Cassidy, then stomps Hook more! Menard drags Hook up to whip him hard into the ex-JAS corner. Tag to Parker, they stomp away on Hook, then soak up more heat. Parker scuffs Hook at the ropes, mocks Cassidy’s “devastating” kicks, then stands Hook up. Parker whips, then DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Hook hangs in there but Parker drags him up and reels him in. But Hook back drops him away!
parker hurries to drag Hook over and tags in Menard. Menard stomps Hook, kicks him around, then drags him up. Hook throws body shots, but Menard whips him hard into another corner! Menard drags Hook up again, CHOPS him against the ropes, then talks some trash. Menard CHOPS again, fires haymakers, but Hook hits back! And again! And again! But Menard SMACKS Hook down! Menard soaks up the cheers and jeers as Rampage goes to break.
Rampage returns as Menard & Parker double whip Hook, but Hook ducks the double clotheslines to DOUBLE LARIAT! Fans fire up as Hook hurries over, hot tag to Cassidy! New York goes nuts as Cassidy bumps Parker off buckles, bumps Menard off buckles, then repeat! Cassidy climbs up, takes aim, but both Menard & Parker turn around! So Cassidy hops down, to put his hands in his pockets! Cassidy dodges double clotheslines to then DOUBLE SHOTGUN! And kip up! Cassidy builds speed to then DIVE onto Hager! Payback on Big Hurt! Cassidy runs in, tilt-o-whirls but Menard blocks! Parker joins in, but Hook saves Cassidy from the double suplex!
Hook CLUBS Parker & Menard, helps Cassidy, but then Anna CLUBS #OrangeHook! Anna adds on, but then so does Kris! Kris & OrangeHook TRIPLE SUPLEX the ex-JAS!! Fans are thunderous and Cassidy throws off the elbow pad! ORANGE- NO, Parker gets under! Feed to the drop toehold, BOOYAH ELBOW! Cassidy gets a taste, but Hook hits a T-BONE on Parker! And a T-BONE on Menard! Fans fire up again as Hook T-BONES Parker onto Menard! Anna is furious, but the ref has to keep her back! Hager gets up to CLOBBER Hook!! Fans boo but Cassidy hits an ORANGE PUNCH on Hager!! Anna is still distracting, then she jumps on Cassidy! QUEENSLAYER!
But Kris pries Anna off Cassidy into an Electric Chair Lift! Anna freaks out, Cassidy intercepts Parker to feed to Hook’s REDRUM!! Kris SLAMS Anna down! Menard falls, ORANGE PUNCH for Parker!! Cover on Parker, OrangeHook & Kris win!
Winners: Kris Statlander & OrangeHook, by pinfall
A great win for the TBS Champion, the FTW Champion and Freshly Squeezed! Will this momentum carry them all through into WrestleDream?
It’s an all new QTV.
Harley Cameron asks if they wanna see her impersonation of a hot dog. Uh, sure. Harley just goes rigid. Huh. What does Joe Blow think? Uh- Johnny TV springs on the scene and says they must’ve had a great time in Montreal. Wait, Solo wasn’t invited to that. Oh, uh, that sucks. But let’s rrrroll the footage! Harley says this is awkward, but that only works when she asks for it. “RRRRRRROLL~ the footage, gov’nah!” Footage rolls of QT Marshall defending his title in Lutte Academie, the French Canadian wrestling indie. QT pounded that guy’s ass like a turkey! Oh, hey, nice sunglasses, Solo! Remember the handshake? Hecc yeah!
They do the shake, blast off, and then QT texts! He needs a tag partner for next week! Someone with fresh breath, long hair, and has known for a long time. Someone he can trust not matter what. Solo says that’s him! It has to be! No, bro, that’s Johnny! Gotta go, see you next week. Awkward… But will the combined powers of QT & Johnny be unstoppable?
Tony Schiavone is in the ring.
And he says that after Dynamite, this guy has a lot to answer for. Though, we already knew he was a snake in the grass. Ladies and gentlemen… Don Callis. Fans boo as the patriarch of the Don Callis Family walks out with “The Alpha,” Konosuke Takeshita and goes to the ring. Schiavone has to admit, Callis is many times a step ahead, and he is eating up how the fans all around the world just HATE him! Schiavone says Callis deserves all of it. Callis takes the mic and fans boo as he says just wants to say… “A few weeks ago, the wrestling world was abuzz! The wrestsling world was abuzz at my so-called pursuit of Chris Jericho.
“I didn’t end up with Jericho, but I ended up with the man I really wanted, the newest member of the Don Callis Family… SAMMY! GUEVARAAA~!” The fallen Spanish God makes his way out now, dressed to impress. Fans boo more as Sammy joins his “family” in the ring. Sammy soaks up all the heat, but Schiavone asks, “You actually call this man family?” Sammy says he can’t hear Schiavone, but that might be from all the booing. Sammy tells Don, “Believe it or not, I hated you. I hated you for a long time.
“I hated you almost as much as they hated you. And it’s because this whole time, I thought you were trying to rip apart my family. But really, you were just trying to show me I never really had one. Until now!” They hug and fans boo more. Sammy says why did he betray Jericho on Wednesday? The reason is because for the past four years, he has been holding Sammy back! Jericho has taken Sammy for granted, just like all the fans have! Fans boo more but Sammy says yeah, yeah, yeah. Last year, it was “F YOU SAMMY!” Earlier this year, it was “LET’S GO, SAMMY!” Well Sammy is done with such fickleness! He doesn’t need the fans!
Sammy is done trying to earn the fans’ love. He has a hot, hot wife, a beautiful baby girl and a fat bank account! Fans boo Sammy but Sammy says Jericho is DEAD to him, and never wants to see him again! But wait! Judas plays and fans fire up! Jericho is here, and he rushes the DCF! Jericho DECKS Konosuke, ROCKS Sammy, fires off on Konosuke again to TOSS him out, then he ROCKS Sammy! Sammy scurries away but Callis CLUBS Jericho! Jericho scowls at Callis and fans say Callis F’d up now! But Konosuke returns to SMACK Jericho with a chair! And again! And again! And again!!
Fans boo but then Sammy has Konosuke stop. Because Sammy takes the chair to SMACK Jericho now! And again! And again!! Sammy unleashes that resentment and rage! Konosuke drags Jericho up, Sammy helps, and Callis tells Jericho this is what he gets! Callis throws punches, but hurts his own hand! So he brings out the SCREWDRIVER!! Fans freak out, but here comes KENNY OMEGA!! The Cleaner is back, with a metal pipe!! Omega runs the DCF off and fans are thunderous! Jericho staggers up to his feet and he bumps into Kenny. Both men are on guard, but upon seeing who it is, Jericho cools off.
Omega drops the pipe, and he nods before leaving. Will Omega and Jericho see that the enemy of their enemy is truly a friend in the fight against the treacherous, disgusting and conniving Don Callis?
Rampage returns as Alex Marvez finds Kenny Omega.
Marvez says Omega and Jericho, in the same ring together, working together against Don Callis! Kenny stomps Marvez there. Do they really think Kenny did any of that for Jericho? That he cares about Jericho? This is bigger than Jericho! This is about Kenny taking care of Callis. But then Jericho walks over. Jericho tells Kenny that he says this once: he appreciates Kenny making that save, but he also knows the reason it happened. Just as Kenny was saying, this is not about them becoming friends. This entire company was based on the Omega VS Jericho rivalry. But now, something that Callis never thought would happen: Jericho and Omega are UNITED in taking Callis out!
The match Callis put together in Tokyo, it is now a nightmare come to life. And as far as Sammy goes, he is the real Judas. But so Jericho suggests they team up for real and take out the Don Callis Family, at WrestleDream! Omega tells Callis that he stabbed Omega in the back, betrayed his best friend in Jericho, and threatened someone Kenny loves in Kota Ibushi. That scar on Callis’ head that he blames on Omega, after they’re done with him, Callis will look like Freddy Krueger. WrestleDream, October 1st, will become a Wrestle Nightmare. DCF VS Jericho, Omega and Ibushi! Who you got?! They’ll be waiting.
ROH World Tag Team Championship #1 Contenders Fatal 4 Way match: The Hardy Boyz VS The Righteous VS Best Friends VS The Kingdom!
All teams with history in ROH, all teams with history with the tag titles, but only one team gets to go on to their WrestleDream against MJF & Adam Cole. Will Matt & Jeff DELETE the competition? Will Dutch & Vincent bring about an Autumn Sunset? Will Chuck Taylor & Trent Beretta get a shot at finally becoming champions? Or will Mike Bennett & Matt Taven go after the men that (emotionally) hurt Roderick Strong?
In this Fatal 4 Way, only two teams are legal at a time, so the ref calls for them to sort things out. But then tensions build between old rivals in Best Friends and The Kingdom, as well as new rivals in The Hardys and The Righteous. The ref can sense where this is going, and he rings the bell right as the brawl begins! Taven has Trent, Mike has Chuck, Dutch has Matt (Hardy) and Vinnie has Jeff! Then The Kingdom and Righteous put Best Friends and Hardys up top, fire off more hands with them, but then Best Friends and Hardys knock The Righteous and Kingdom down! Four corner V1! QUADRUPLE AX HANDLES!
The Hardys give thumbs up to Best Friends, and then Best Friends offer it. But the group hug is denied! Fans boo as The Hardys are sent outside, followed by Best Friends. Mike RAMS Chuck into railing, Dutch builds speed, but the KICK OF THE KING takes him down! Taven builds speed to FLY! He takes down The Righteous and Hardys! Trent gets in the ring and fans fire up! Trent builds speed, but Chuck stops him! They HUG! You GOT to give the people what they want! The Best Friends then BLAST The Kingdom, and they DOUBLE TOPE to take everyone out! Fans are thunderous as Rampage goes picture in picture.
Best Friends put Taven in, Matt Hardy is after him, and he ROCKS Taven with a forearm. And another! Taven drops to a knee, Hardy bumps him off buckles! “DELETE! DELETE! DELETE!” The ref counts, Hardy finishes up, and fans rally. Hardy drags Taven up, brings him around, tag to Jeff. The Hardys double whip, then double ELBOW, and then FIST DROP SENTON COMBO! Cover, TWO! Jeff drags Taven up, snapmares, and basement dropkicks! But then Chuck tags in off Jeff! Tag to Trent and Best Friends get Taven up. Forearm and SOLE FOOD HALF ‘N’ HALF! Mike shouts at Trent but Trent keeps his focus on Taven.
Trent runs in at the corner to BACK ELBOW! Then Trent keeps moving, but Taven ducks and sends Trent out! Mike YANKS Trent down to BOSTON BAYONET! Mike mocks Jeff’s dance moves, but then backs off as the Hardys step to him. Taven then CLOBBERS Trent! Taven puts Trent in the ring, stalks him, and keeps him from Chuck. Trent anchors a leg, tags Mike, and Mike CLAWS Trent’s eyes! The ref reprimands but Mike again mocks Jeff. Mike drags Trent up, bumps him off buckles, and CHOPS him down! Mike then BOOTS Trent, stands him back up, and snap suplexes! Cover, TWO! Trent hangs tough but Mike tags Taven.
The Kingdom gets Trent up, feed to a BOOT, then a FOREARM, then Taven goes up. Trent ducks and the MISSILE DROPKICK hits Mike! Taven panics, apologizes, and Rampage returns to single picture. The Kingdom keeps Trent from Chuck! Then they DECK Chuck! Trent BOOTS Mike, dodges Taven and TORNADO DDTS! Fans fire up while Trent and Taven are down. Vinnie reaches out to tag off his old enemy, and Hardy tags off Trent. Hardy rallies on Vinnie, then hits a SIDE EFFECT! Cover, ONE!! Tag to Jeff, the Hardys whip Vinnie to BOOT, JAWBREAKER, and then NECKBREAKER! Jeff SPLASHES down, covers, TWO!
Jeff wrenches to CLUB Vinnie’s arm. Tag to Matt, they mug Vinnie, and then double whip. Dutch runs in but is sent into Vinnie! Matt sets up, Jeff runs, POETRY IN MOTION! Matt tags Jeff back in, and Jeff hits an atomic drop, then the leg splitting leg drop! Basement dropkick to add on! And an elbow drop! Cover, Dutch breaks it! Jeff kicks Dutch but no Twist yet! BOSS MAN SLAM! Taven ENZIGURIS Dutch! Vinnie ducks ‘n’ dodges to tilt-o-whirl and RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Mike whips Vinnie but Vinnie BOOTS! Vinnie ROCKS Mike, feeds him to a BOSS MAN SLAM! Matt Hardy runs in but into a BOSS MAN SLAM!!
Chuck sneaks a tag off Jeff Hardy, Trent BUSAIKU KNEES Vinnie! Trent runs but Dutch catches him! Trent slips free of the Boss Man Slam to feed Dutch to a SEXY CHUCKY KNEE! Then a GERMAN SUPLEX! Taven runs in to BOOT Trent! “That’s for Adam Cole, ya dummy!” But Taven turns around into a SUPERKICK from Chuck! Chuck drags Taven up, wrenches, but Mike stops Sole Food! Taven distracts the ref, Mike PUNCHES CHUCK IN THE WIENER!! Mike reels Chuck in, Taven goes up, HAIL MARY!! Cover, TRENT BREAKS IT! Fans fire up as Jeff tags in off Taven! Taven is furious but Jeff gives Chuck a TWIST OF FATE!
Jeff throws his shirt off! Jeff goes up a corner, but Vinnie tags in off Jeff! SWANTON BOMB on Chuck, but Dutch drags Jeff out! Vinnie SWANTON BOMBS!! Cover, The Righteous win!!
Winners: The Righteous, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contenders to the ROH World Tag Team Championships)
Fans don’t like it, but Vinnie snipes this one, and now he and Dutch will face MJF & Cole in Seattle! Will The Righteous expose the false friendship for what it is? Or will the brochachos continue to prove they are Better Than You Baybay?
Wait, Taven RAMS Trent into railing! He is furious that he and Mike lost! Mike CHOKES Chuck with a chair! Taven SMACKS Trent with a chair! They are violating their PSAs about neck health by endangering the neck health of Best Friends! Mike SMACKS Chuck off a chair! Fans boo while The Kingdom storms off, what will it take for the OGK to finally get back to the ROH World Tag titles?
Mike Santana speaks.
“Now it’s time for you to understand what this all truly means to me. Going away for this injury was the easy part. Handling what goes on in here (the heart) and up here (the mind) was the hard part. That was the true test. I spent 30 DAYS staring out a treatment center window, wondering just where my life went. And I realized I’ve survived way too damn much to just piss it all away. And here I am, for the world to see. And I’m hungrier than ever. Everybody is food. You get in between me and my money, I will put you down. You get in between me and feeding my daughter, I put you down.
“And realize this: Whether it’s here, whether it’s anywhere, I’m gonna get mine. If you don’t like it, you fight me or fire me! But you have two options: Either get down, or lay down.” There is a fire raging inside Mike Santana, will he use it to blaze a trail to the top of the mountain?
AEW World Trios Championships: The Acclaimed & Billy Gunn VS The Dark Order!
While everyone loves the diss tracks and the scissor fingers and the bright colors, it would seem Evil Uno, Alex Reynolds & John Silver would have us believe Max Caster, Anthony Bowens & Daddy Ass are the bad guys in all this. But if they’re the heroes of this story, does that mean the Dark Order will prevail? Or will they fail to end the Scissoring World Tour?
But speaking of a diss track…! “Acclaimed on the mic, and it sounds so pretty. Damn it feels good to be in New York City! Oh my God, the Dark Order! The number one cure for a sleep disorder! The group is smaller than I remember. Now we gotta fight against the three worst members! And we beat you down proper. Have all y’all laid up like Aaron Rodgers.” Ouch… But Bowens takes the mic to shout, “NEW YOOORK CITAAAAY~! The Acclaimed have arrived! Scissor me, Daddy Ass~!” And he does! But will those scissors cut down The Dark Order before they ever rebuild?
The trios sort out and Caster starts against Reynolds. The fans rally up and sing “OH~ Scissor Me Daddy~!” Caster and Reynolds circle, tie up, and go around. Reynolds waistlocks, throws Caster down, then pulls on an ear to get a headlock. Caster fights up, throws body shots, and then headlocks back. Reynolds powers up and out, but Caster runs him over! Caster says “SUCK IT!” then runs, but Reynolds hurdles. Caster BACKHANDS Reynolds! And says “SUCK IT!” again! Reynolds runs in, but into an arm-drag! Caster keeps on the armlock but Reynolds fights up. Reynolds puts Caster in the corner and Silver tags in.
Uno pulls Caster’s hair to keep him in the corner, the reprimands, but Silver & Reynolds mug Caster! The ref counts, Silver lets off to say “I’m freakin’ jacked, baby!” But Caster fights back and RAMS Silver into the corner! Tag to Bowens and he kicks Silver. Silver shoves Bowens but Bowens fires off haymaker after haymaker after haymaker! Self-scissor and Bowens DECKS Silver! “EVERYONE loves The Acclaimed!” Tag to Billy, he and Bowens double whip to double ELBOW! They wind up, and scissor before the ELBOW DROP! Billy then scoops to SLAM Silver! Tag to Caster, they hold Silver open as Bowens goes up!
SCISSOR ME- NO, Reynolds HOTSHOTS Bowens down! Uno DECKS Billy, BOOTS Caster, and then Reynolds RAMS Bowens into railing! Uno drags Billy out to POST him! Silver STRADDLE ATTACKS then GERMAN SUPLEXES Caster! Bridging cover, TWO! The Dark Order regroup, to mock the scissor fingers! Fans boo but Silver looms over Caster. Silver bumps Caster off buckles as Rampage goes picture in picture.
Silver tags Reynolds, they mug Caster, then Reynolds brings Caster around for a snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Caster hangs tough but Reynolds grinds his forearm into Caster’s face! The ref reprimands, Reynolds lets off at 4, then he tags Uno. Reynolds bumps Caster of Uno’s boot, then Uno CHOPS Caster! Uno scoops to BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Uno argues with the ref, but then drags Caster back up. Uno brings Caster around, but Caster fights his way towards his corner! Caster reaches out but Uno turns him for a NECKBREAKER! Uno drags Caster up as Rampage returns to single picture, and bumps him off more buckles.
Uno tags Silver, and Silver snapmares Caster. Silver KICKS Caster in the chest! Silver taunts Bowens & Billy, but backs off to then drag Caster up. Silver KICKS Caster down, then he taunts Bowens & Billy again. Silver stands Caster up but Caster throws hands! But Silver gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Caster ends up in the Dark Order corner and Uno tags in. Uno stomps a mudhole into Caster, but lets off as the ref counts. Uno gets in the ref’s face, and that allows Silver to CHOKE Caster! Fans boo but Uno drags Caster up. Fans rally but Reynolds tags in, the Dark Order mugs Caster. Silver says Dark Order freakin’ rules!
Reynolds CLUBS Caster, stands on his face, and says the Dark Order claw is a real hand sign! Reynolds stomps Caster, drags him up, and then bumps him off buckles. Tag to Uno, and Uno CHOPS Caster! Tag back to Reynolds, and Uno keeps Caster stuck so Reynolds can run and ELBOW! Uno SPLASHES, then short arm LARIATS! Reynolds covers, TWO! Fans rally for Caster as he crawls, but Reynolds intercepts to scissor finger with him! Then Reynolds sucker punches Bowens! The ref keeps Billy back, but then Caster back drops! Reynolds sunset flips but Caster sits on it, TWO! Reynolds hurries up, but Caster hot tags Billy!
Fans fire up as Daddy Ass starts whooping some ass! Billy TOSSES Uno, TOSSES Silver, then back drops Reynolds! Fans fire up more as Billy says “SUCK IT!” FAMOU- NO, Reynolds sips out to ROLLING ELBOW! Billy drops to a knee and Reynolds shouts “Suck this, Billy!” Reynolds runs, but into a LARIAT! Tag to Bowens! Bowens drags Reynolds but Reynolds cradle counters! TWO!! Reynold swings but Bowens spins him for the Five Tool Strike Fest! SUPERKICK knocks Reynolds down! Fans fire up as Bowens tags Caster. The ARRIVAL, and then the MIC DROP! Cover, Silver shoves Bowens down to break it!
Silver BOOTS Bowens out, distracts the ref with the arguing, and Uno has a title belt! Uno aims, BELT SHOT on Caster!! Uno gets away with the evidence, Reynolds covers, TWO?!?! Caster survives and Uno is furious! But Billy CLOBBERS Uno! Silver CANNONBALLS Billy! Reynolds hauls Caster up, he and Silver start up the WOMBO COMBO! But Caste turns Stunner into FAMOUSER! Bowens POSTS Silver, crotch first! Bowens tags in and the Acclaimed get Reynolds up! Double trophy lift, into an ORANGE CRUSH!! Cover, Acclaimed win!!
Winners: The Acclaimed & Billy Gunn, by pinfall (still AEW World Trios Champions)
The Dark Order showed their true colors with trying to cheat this one, and the Scissor World Tour continues! But will Uno, Reynolds & Silver try again? Or will Caster, Bowen s& Daddy Ass move on to bigger and better?
Skye Blue VS Julia Hart w/ Brody King!
Chicago Skye got a great Six Woman Tag win last night in ROH, but now she is back to fighting for herself. Will she be able to shine in the darkness? Or will the House always win?
The bell rings and the two stare down. Fans rally up as the hats come off, and then the two slowly circle. They approach but Julia dodges. Julia smirks but Skye rolls her eyes. They reset and Julia offers a handshake. Skye is wary, but she still accepts. And then Julia reels Skye in to whisper something to Skye? Skye gets mad but Julia SLAPS her first! Skye fires off forearms! Fans fire up but Julia shoves Skye. Skye blocks a kick to KNEE Julia! Skye runs up to reel Julia in, snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Skye drags Julia up and fireman’s carries, but Julia fights free to waistlock. They go to ropes but Skye turns O’Conner into a crossbody! Cover, TWO!
Skye hurries to smack Julia off buckles! Skye swaggers, runs corner to corner, but Julia trips her into buckles! And throws her down by her hair! Julia kicks Skye around, then rains down fists! Fans boo but Julia scowls, and Rampage goes picture in picture.
Julia stomps Skye around, CLUBS her down, then CLUBS her again! Julia clamps on a chinlock and she stretches Skye back. Skye endures, reaches out, so Julia throws her down. Julia stomps Skye, drags her up and bumps her off buckles. Julia SLAPS Skye, then CHOPS her! Skye flounders along the ropes but Julia brings her up to whip and CLOBBER her! Julia paces around while Skye writhes. Julia drags Skye up, CLUBS her, then stomps her down. Julia scuffs Skye around, drags her up and SLAPS her again! Skye flounders to a corner, but Julia fires off forearms! Julia digs her boots in but lets off as the ref counts.
Skye sputters but Julia stands her up. Julia whips Skye corner to corner hard, then runs in, only to get buckles! Skye schoolgirl bridges, TWO! Julia KICKS Skye down! And CLUBS her! Julia chinlocks to grind Skye down to the mat, but Skye endures as Rampage goes to break.
Rampage returns and Skye SLAPS Julia! Julia SLAPS back! Skye fires off forearms! Fans fire up with Skye, then she whips. Julia holds ropes but Skye SHINING WIZARDS! Snapmare and then SUPER- NO, Julia blocks the kick but not the BASEMENT ROUNDHOUSE! Cover, TWO! Julia hangs tough but fans rally up. Skye goes to the corner and she climbs up. Julia staggers, and she trips Skye! Julia goes up to throw hands but Skye hits back! Julia CLUBS Skye but Skye ROCKS Julia! Julia sits on the ropes but she fights with forearms! Skye ROCKS Julia again and Julia leans way back! But Julia sits up, SPIDER SUPERPLEX!
Fans fire up as Julia hangs upside-down like a bat! Then she hops down to MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Julia grows frustrated but Brody says to end this! But Skye covers! TWO, Julia has the ghost pin, TWO! Skye full nelsons but Julia powers out to ROCK Skye! And SUPERKICK! Julia runs to BLINDSIDER! “The House always wins.” HARTLESS!! Skye taps, Julia wins!
Winner: Julia Hart, by submission
Julia is undefeated on the year, but she isn’t done! She puts Skye back into HARTLESS!! Skye taps more, the ref reprimands, but Julia makes her suffer! Wait! Here comes Willow Nightingale! The Babe with the Power is Skye’s friend, and she makes the save! Julia scurries away to hide behind Brody. Julia wags her finger and has a sinister little smile. Is the Lady of the House going to target the 2023 Queen of Harts?
Bullet Club Gold speaks.
Colten Gunn busts out the Espanol, bringing up how tomorrow night on Collision, Jay White is going to wrestle Andrade. Austin says you gotta roll those R’s more. It’s “Andrrrade El Idolo~!” Juice shows off his “rrrrrr~~” and then Jay White walks over. He loves it when you get Juice purring. But no, boys, it is Andrrrade El Iiidolooo~! Oooh~! But see, the thing is, White is familiar with Andrade. A world class athlete who has traveled the world over. But White knows Andrade. They met in 2015 in Japan. Andrade didn’t know White, probably doesn’t even remember, but why would he?
But Andrade knows him now as The Switchblade, Jay White. The WORLD knows Jay White, just like the world knows the Bang Bang Gang, Bullet Club Gold, #TopShelfGunns! And Andrade El Idolo, you want the world to know your name and ask for his name in the same breath as White’s. Well lucky for Andrade, tomorrow night on Collision, Michigan will know your name when Jay White BEATS Andrrrade El Idolo~! And then his moment in the spotlight ends with two words: ARMAS ARRRRRIBAAAA!! BCG is guaranteeing a “GOALLLL~!” but will they be the ones learning a thing or two?
Mike Santana VS Dirty Bulk Bronson w/ The Iron Savages!
We’ve heard the story and we’ve heard the warnings, but time to see it in action! Will the Bronx Boricua Badass burn down his beefy ‘n’ bulky opponent?
The bell rings and fans rally up as Santana circles with Bronson. Santana gets on the corner to soak up all the energy coming from the crowd. Then he ties up with Bronson, they go around, and Bronson puts Santana in a corner. Santana turns it around, the ref counts and Santana lets off, but Bronson ROCKS him! Bronson then storms up to fire off hands! Bronson bumps Santana off buckles, fires off haymakers, but the ref counts. Bronson says he’s gonna BUST~! But Santana CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Bronson kicks low, runs, but Santana BOOTS him! Santana waistlocks, Bronson switches but Santana bucks the O’Conner to roll and CUTTER!
Fans fire up and Santana aims from a corner now. Bronson stands, into the DISCUS LARIAT! Santana is all fired up and the fans are with him! Bronson bails out but Santana DIVES! Direct hit and down goes Bronson! Fans are thunderous as Santana puts Bronson in the ring. Santana goes corner to corner to CANNONBALL! Santana drags Bronson up, reels him in, and he underhooks to Canadian Rack, GUTBUSTER! Cover, Santana wins!
Winner: Mike Santana, by pinfall
A victorious return, but wait! Ortiz is on stage? Proud ‘n’ Powerful have parted ways, but now these two stand face to face. Ortiz says if Santana’s ready to talk, he’s ready to listen. Santana just walks past Ortiz so Ortiz says okay, if that’s how it is… Will PNP ever be a team again? Will they even reunite as friends?
Mark Henry welcomes us back to Rampage.
“Tonight, Swerve’s Mogul Embassy, and Hangman Adam Page & The Young Bucks now come to a head as the ROH Six Man Championships hang in the balance. Well, it looks like there’s been enough talk. It’s TIME for the main event!” Will Brian Cage, Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona continue their reign of terror? Or will Matt, Nick & The Cowboy have these belts for a second time?
ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championships: The Mogul Embassy w/ Prince Nana VS The Hung Bucks!
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who is truly the elite trio!
The Code of Honor is upheld as this is an ROH sanctioned bout. Then the Embassy attacks! The Gates of Agony go after The Bucks while Cage is after Page! Kaun whips Matt and Liona whips Nick but the Bucks hold ropes! The Gates rush in but the Bucks dump them out! Fans fire up as the Bucks DOUBLE PLANHA and bring the Gates down! Hangman fires back on Cage with haymakers, then a ROLLING ELBOW into the DOUBLE DROPKICKS! Fans fire up as the Bucks slide and anchor Kaun, and then Hangman BOOTS Kaun down! The Bucks catch Kaun, bring him around to drape him out, and Hangman remembers this one!
Fans fire up as Hangman goes to the apron, to DRAPING SHOOTING STAR! Fans are thunderous and even Hangman is surprised he pulled it off. Nick PENALTY KCIKS Liona, RAMS into Cage, then slingshots to FACEBUSTER! Then cartwheel MOONSAULT for LIona! Slingshot DESTROYER for Cage! Matt is up top, to MACHO ELBOW! Fans are thunderous as The Hung Bucks get in together. They sit Cage up, B T E- “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” The Mogul himself is here! Hangman snarls at Swerve but Swerve and his fur coat stay on stage. Nana does his dance, though!
Hangman steps out to the ramp to stare Swerve down but Swerve just blows him a kiss. The Gates CLOBBER The Bucks! Kaun & Lona get Matt up, Cage coordinates with them, ROCK-A-BYE BOMB!! Cover, Hangman breaks it in time! Liona TOSSES Hangman out, then Cage deadlift SUPERPLEXES Nick! The Gates fires each other up, then Kaun whips Liona in. Matt ELBOWS Liona away! Kaun runs in but into a BOOT! Matt goes up but Kaun kicks the legs out! DRAPING BACKSTABBER and then an ELBOW DROP from Liona! The Embassy roars while the fans boo, and Rampage goes picture in picture.
Kaun tags in to drag Matt up and ROCKS him in a corner! And CHOP! Kaun stalks Matt as he staggers away, then tags in Liona. The Gates mug Matt, Liona stomps a mudhole in then digs his foot into Matt’s throat! The ref counts, Liona lets off, and then Liona hauls Matt up to scoop. Liona puts Matt on ropes to throw KNEE after KNEE! The ref counts, Liona just fires off more and more, but he lets off at 4. Tag to Cage, Liona stomps Matt and then Cage drags him up. Cage bumps Matt off buckles, then UPPERCUTS! Matt hits back but Cage ROCKS him! Cage whips corner to corner, Matt bounces off buckles and into a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!
Cage drags Matt up, shoves him and ROCKS him in the back! Tag to Kaun, he shoves and ROCKS Matt in the back! Tag to Liona and the mugging continues! They stomp and stomp until Matt falls out of the ring! Liona tags Cage back in and Cage fetches Matt. Cage whips Matt hard into railing! Cage soaks up the heat, “Who betta!?” Cage puts Matt back in the ring, covers, TWO! Cage drags Matt into a chinlock and grinds him down. Matt endures, fights up, and throws body shots. But Cage KNEES Matt low! Cage then BLASTS Nick off the apron! The ref reprimands but Matt fights his way out of the Embassy corner!
Cage runs in but Matt sends him into Kaun, knocking Kaun off the apron! Cage keeps Matt from Hangman but Matt SUPERKICKS Liona! But Cage SPLASHES Matt in the corner! Cage hoists Matt up top, CLUBS him on the back, then climbs up after Matt. Cage again soaks up heat, but Matt fires punches and elbows in return! Rampage returns to single picture, Matt knocks Cage down! Cage is in the drop zone, fans rally up and Matt adjusts, to CROSSBODY The Gates! Matt then hurries in, dodges Cage, tag to Hangman! The Cowboy rallies on The Machine with haymakers! The fans fire up as Hangman whips but Cage reverses.
Hangman slides under, BOOTS, but Cage reels him in! GERMAN SUPLEX, but Hangman lands on his feet! Nana is freaking out but Kaun grabs Hangman! Cage runs in but Hangman BOOTS him! Hangman ROCKS Kaun, then triangle jump LARIATS Kaun down! Hangman keeps moving, and he triangle jump MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Cage hangs tough but fans rally with Hangman. Hangman goes to the apron, but the Gates anchor him! So the Bucks DOUBLE DIVE to take the Gates out! Hangman slingshots, but Cage catches him in Alabama position! WATER WHEEL DROP!! Cover, TWO!!
Fans are thunderous but Cage hauls Hangman up. Swerve is still stoic on the ramp, but Cage puts Hangman on the top rope. Cage goes up but fans rally for Cowboy Shid! Cage fireman’s carries, but Hangman flips it to a SUPER STEINER!! Cage staggers up, into DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Kaun runs in, into a SUPERKICK! Liona runs in, into a SUPERKICK! Liona stays standing, and he roars, only to get DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Liona tumbles out, Matt gets Kaun up! The Bucks coordinate but Matt’s back holds him back. So Hangman scoops Kaun, Nick springboards, but Cage catches him! Cage deadlifts Nick to a fireman’s carry!
Kaun turns things around on Hangman to have a fireman’s carry, and then Liona returns to fireman’s carry Matt! The Embassy coordinate, SAMOAN DROP, AIR RAID CRASH and an F5 all at the same time!! Cover on Hangman, TWO?!? Hangman is still in this and fans are thunderous! The Embassy argues with the ref but Nana says to focus. The Embassy regroups, and Cage whips Kaun in to SPLASH! Liona sends Cage in to UPPERCUT! Kaun sends Liona in to clothesline! feed to Kaun’s full nelson, Cage picks Hangman up and Liona is up top, HAMMOCK SPLASH BOMB!! Cover, Nick SUPERKICKS it apart!!
The Gates swarm Nick and beat him down! They get him up, Cage coordinates with them again, but Nick flips up and out of the rock-a-bye! Nick SUPERKICKS Cage while Matt SUPERKICKS Liona! Kaun gets a SUPERKICK! The Gates stay up!? They DOUBLE LARIAT The Bucks! But Hangman DOUBLE BUCK SHOTS The Gates!! Cage swings, misses, Hangman Alabama Lifts to DEADEYE!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Cage survives but Hangman doesn’t worry, he just reloads on the apron. But Swerve is approaching. Hangman slingshots, Cage dodges, and Swerve is now face to face with Hangman. Hangman turns around into a DISCUS!!
Cage gets Hangman up, DRILL- VICTORY ROLL!! THE HUNG BUCKS WIN!!!
Winners: The Hung Bucks, by pinfall (NEW ROH World Six Man Tag Team Champions)
The Elite wins big, but Hangman goes right back to glaring at Swerve! Pyro goes off to celebrate The Hung Bucks becoming TWO-TIME Six Man Tag Team Champions, having ended one of the most dominant trios in either AEW or ROH! But this doesn’t change what is coming. Hangman and Swerve will put pen to paper on Wednesday to make their WrestleDream match official. Will Swerve’s House have something waiting for the Cowboy in Colorado?
My Thoughts:
A great two hours for Rampage here, though I am not going to advocate for this being a regular thing. Great opening tag from Darby & Sting VS Christian & Luchasaurus, and I like that Nick Wayne costs Christian this match. Darby taking on Christian and Luchasaurus in that TNT Championship Triple Threat which will really is a handicap match could also be a way to hand the feud off to where Christian has matches with Nick Wayne over this “Your dad is dead, I will be a better dad” gimmick. Now I don’t know if that means Darby wins the title or not, but it feels more likely he loses since Christian and Luchasaurus are going to work together.
Great Mixed Six but of course Kris & OrangeHook win. This was the first outing of Cassidy & Hook as a team, so they weren’t going to lose, and certainly not to the former Jericho Appreciation Society. And while Hook is FTW Champion, this does feel like they’ll eventually make it to some tag title match so that Cassidy can add to his resume. Great Fatal 4 Tag, but The Righteous winning was a big surprise to me. I thought WrestleDream would be when they pull the trigger on The Kingdom VS MJF & Cole and that pushes things towards a brochacho break-up. Seems not, they might be saving that for Full Gear in LA. And Kingdom might bide their time with a feud with Best Friends.
Good promo from Callis and Sammy, and really good stuff with Jericho going after them all, and then Kenny making the save. I was a little confused as to where Kota Ibushi was supposed to come into this until Jericho made the challenge of a Six Man Tag a la All In London. But at the same time, it prompts the Don Callis Family to grow, as it should, and maybe Callis keeps it a surprise until WrestleDream. Really good promo from Mike Santana before he of course beat Bronson, and I really like that Ortiz appeared. People have been wondering how much shoot and how much work we’re seeing in their social media exchanges, but I would think this hints at it being more a worked shoot, playing off the tension that has perhaps already been resolved.
Really good AEW Trios title match, with Dark Order looking good in their new gear, white with purple highlights. But I figured The Acclaimed would retain, they’re not losing on TV. Good match from Skye VS Julia, and Julia winning was only a slight surprise given all the momentum Skye’s been building. But Willow making the save was good stuff, and I really do think we need someone to be feuding with Willow over her winning the Women’s Owen Hart Cup. Should’ve been doing that the whole time, but whether it’s AEW or ROH, Tony Khan’s got the book and we’ve all talked about those issues.
And a great main event for the ROH World Six Man titles, but with how fast and furious the Hung Bucks were going at the start of the match, I really thought they were losing. Swerve showed up, he could’ve easily screwed Hung Bucks over, but he was putting it on Hangman to mess things up and that actually cost The Mogul Embassy. I was talking this whole time about how that kinda buries ROH, and unless The Hung Bucks show up on like next week’s ROH episode, I still hold to that. Adam Cole & MJF haven’t been on ROH TV even though they’re the tag champs, so it just makes ROH seem like an afterthought despite them constantly using the various ROH champions on AEW programming. And if The Hung Bucks beat the near unbeatable Embassy, who is even going to beat the Bucks without cheating so, so hard?
My Score: 8.9/10
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Will John Cena survive (what’s left of) The Bloodline?
John Cena’s WWE return tour continues, but he’s being diverted to the Island of Relevancy! Will Jimmy Uso & Solo Sikoa end the Cena problem?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Rey Mysterio & Santos Escobar VS The Street Profits; Rey & Escobar win.
- WWE Women’s Championship: Iyo Sky w/ Damage CTRL VS Asuka; Iyo wins and retains the title.
- The Brawling Brutes VS Grayson Waller & Austin Theory; Waller & Theory win.
PLAY BY PLAY
John Cena is here!
Phoenix, Arizona gets hot as the Greatest Of All Time, the Leader of the Cenation, heads to the ring! Cena gets the mic to say for those watching at home, welcome to another sold out Friday Night SmackDown! And Cena needed to come out here to open the show tonight, Since they allowed him to come home, he’s done a whole lot of thigs. he’s been a talk show guest, a host, a backstage correspondent, a referee, “WHAT?” an official. “WHAT?” Someone who imposes the rules during a match. “WHAT?” He’s out of alternates, you guys win. Fans cheer that, and Cena says the journey has taken him to Hershey, to Pittsburgh, to Denver, and all of those events have all been sold out, but not like tonight!
Fans cheer and Cena says tonight is a very special night, Cena wanted to come out to say how special this is and how different tonight will be. He doesn’t wanna be a ref, a host, a correspondent. He is back to compete! And he feels tonight, is the night he’d like to have a match! Fans are thunderous, and Cena says as you get older, hearing is the first to go. He wants their permission. Is tonight a good night to have a match? “YES!” Is it? “YES!!” Well okay, thank you for the energy! Cena is more than just excited, he is also angry. He is angry with the Bloodline. Fans boo and Cena says oh yeah, he’s ready to fight Solo & Jimmy alone!
But as luck would have it, Cena has a partner. Someone who is just as angry as Cena. Cena has found himself a phenomenal partner. Fans fire up even more as AJ Styles makes his way out! Styles joins Cena in the ring, takes the mic from Cena, and fans chant for “AJ STYLES~!” Styles hears all that, then he says, “Lemme get this straight. You want AJ Styles and John Cena VS The Bloodline?” Fans love that! “YES! YES! YES!” Cena says the fans want it. Styles tells The Bloodline that if they want some, COME GET SOME! Fans fire up as Styles uses Cena’s catchphrase, and here come Jimmy & Solo!
Fans boo as the last Uso in the family and the Enforcer of the Island get right up on the ring. Styles & Cena stand their ground, and Cena even throws off the hat and shirt to get extra ready! Jimmy & Solo snarl, but then Jimmy grins and backs off. Fans boo, but Solo stares Cena down a little longer. Solo eventually backs away and Jimmy says not tonight. Fans boo more, but is this because they have to wait on Roman Reigns giving his cousins permission?
John Cena & AJ Styles talk with Adam Pearce backstage.
They want him to understand how much the fans want to see the tag match! Pearce does, and he loves it, too. But anything with the Bloodline gets… complicated. Complicated?! Isn’t Pearce in charge? Quantum mechanics is complicated! But Pearce points out that when you deal with The Bloodline, you deal with Paul Heyman. So let him go find Heyman and work this out. Deal? They don’t really have a choice. But will Pearce be able to work something out with The Wise Man?
Rey Mysterio & Santos Escobar w/ Zelina Vega VS The Street Profits w/ Bobby Lashley!
The King of Lucha & The Emperor of Lucha agreed to battle over the United States Championship in a battle of friendship and respect, but Bobby Lashley and his new friends didn’t like that. Will Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins use their new attitude to bring down the champ and his challenger? Or will they fail to sweep the LWO?
SmackDown returns as The Profits make their entrance, The All Mighty by their side. The teams sort out and Dawkins starts against Escobar. They talk some trash, tie up, and Dawkins headlocks. Escobar powers up but can’t power out as Dawkins holds on tight. Escobar throws body shots, powers out, but Dawkins runs him over. Things speed up, Escobar hurdles but Dawkins handsprings, only for Escobar to DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Escobar wrenches an arm to a wristlock and he tags in Rey. Fans fire up as Rey KICKS the arm! Escobar gives Rey a boost to RANA Dawkins away! But Dawkins comes back to ROCK Rey!
Dawkins brings Rey over, tags Ford, and they whip to DROPKICK! Lashley likes what he sees and Ford covers, TWO! Ford whips Rey to ropes, hurdles, hurdles and lariats but Rey gets under to springboard CROSSBODY! Rey then ROCKS Dawkins, DUMPS Ford out, and he WRECKS Ford with a dropkick! Fans fire up as Rey builds speed, but Dawkins saves Ford from the sliding splash! Rey crashes down, Escobar hurries over, but Dawkins POUNCES him! Fans boo but Lashley cheers his guys on as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Rey has Ford on the ropes and ROCKS him! Rey RAMS into Ford, slingshot sunset flips, ONE!! Ford LARIATS Rey down! Lashley applauds and Ford shakes out the stars. Cover, TWO! Ford is frustrated but Lashley coaches him on. Ford drags Rey up, CLUBS him, but fans rally up behind Rey. Rey throws body shots but Ford knees low! Ford whips Rey to the corner, runs in but into a BOOT! Rey ELBOWS DWKins, BOOTS Ford, repeat! Rey slides under but Ford gets a leg! Ford drags Ree back to an Electric Chair Lift! But Rey throws down hands, and he victory rolls Ford into buckles!
Fans fire up and Lashley is frustrated now as Rey crawls! Hot tag to Escobar! Fans fire up as Escobar runs Ford over, ROCKS Dawkins, then dodges Ford to come back and CLOBBER him! Escobar keeps moving with big shoulder tackles! Escobar runs at the corner, Ford puts him in the apron but the GAMANGIRI rocks Ford! Escobar goes up, “SUCK IT!” CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Ford is still in this and Lashley is relieved, but Escobar is right on him. Ford back drops, Escobar sunset flips but Ford rolls through to PENALTY KICK! Run and SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Escobar is still in this but Ford goes up a corner.
Ford aims but Escobar GAMANGIRIS again! Escobar goes up after Ford, for a SUPER DUPER STEINER! Cover, TWO!! Ford is still in this and now Zelina is frustrated for her team. Escobar and Ford rise, and Escobar goes to a corner, “L! W! O!” Escobar runs in, METEORA! Fireman’s carry, but Ford slips off to SUPERKICK! Tag to Dawkins and he fireman’s carries, T K O! Cover, TWO!! Escobar survives but Dawkins hauls him up. Escobar slips free to JUMP KNEE! Tag to Rey! Rey dodges Dawkins, tilt-o-whirls and DDTS! Fans fire up as Dawkins staggers up, and Rey dropkicks him into ropes!
Rey dials it up but Dawkins is up! SKY HIGH!! Cover, Escobar breaks it! Ford runs in but Escobar TOSSES Ford out! Dawkins DECKS Escobar! Rey runs in but Dawkins TOSSES him out, onto Ford! Dawkins sees what happened, hurries out but the ref has him stay in. So Lashley gets Rey with an APRON SPINEBUSTER!! Dawkins again sees what happened but takes advantage anyway, POWER- NO, Rey sunset flips! LWO WINS!!
Winners: Rey Mysterio & Santos Escobar, by pinfall
The Profits are stunned! Lashley tried to help but their hesitation may have cost them! Lashley shakes his head and heads out, will he forgive them for failing him? As for Rey & Escobar, both men are rolling into their friendly title match. Who comes away as not just the US Champion but as the true alpha of the LWO?
Austin Theory is here, but unexpectedly!
The Now jumps the railing to get in the face of commentary. He says the 153 MILLION views of The Rock’s return last week are because of him! Refs storm over to tell Theory to go, he’s not scheduled to be out here. Theory rants and raves, what will it take to appease that ego of his?
Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn speak.
“Since the beginning of time, magic has been in our blood. We see what others do not. It seems everyone that’s touched the women’s tag team titles have found… misfortune. Almost like… they’re cursed. Now, who would go and conjure a spell like that?” The Fire Keeper & The Wicked Witch are on their way back, who will be their first targets?
Pearce argues with Theory.
Theory can’t just go an hijack the show! Oh, Theory hijacked? What about last week with The Rock just showing up? But then as they arrive at Pearce’s office, The Brawling Brutes are waiting. Over 100 MILLION views, huh? That’s what they heard. All to see Theory get slapped and embarrassed by The Rock! Theory says no one embarrassed him, but then Grayson Waller walks over. He tells Theory to relax, these two “flops” are just jealous that they’re not real stars. Well what the Brutes do know about is fighting! So they’ll teach Waller & Theory all about it tonight! Pearce says that’s a hell of an idea! The Brawling Brutes VS Waller & Theory is official!
Then that means it is FIGHT NIGHT! Ridge Holland & Pete Dunne head out, Waller complains he has plans tonight and Theory brings up the 153 million views, but Pearce tells them enough! Pearce has to go talk to Heyman now. Theory and Waller complain, but the match is made! Will A-Town Down Under survive against Northern Grit & The Bruiserweight?
The Profits regroup with Lashley.
Lashley asks what was all that! They had it won and Dawkins didn’t finish this! He wants the watches, the suits and everything back! If they can’t pull the trigger, go sit in catering while he finds someone who can! Lashley storms off, what will the Profits do with this ultimatum?
Pearce finds Heyman on the phone.
Pearce asks if they can talk. Heyman explains to the person on the phone, more than likely The Tribal Chief. Will Roman join the conversation between Special Counsel and General Manager?
WWE Women’s Championship: Iyo Sky w/ Damage CTRL VS Asuka!
A main event anywhere and a dream match everywhere, the Evil Genius of the Sky and the Empress of Tomorrow have history that dates all the way back to when they were first starting their wrestling journeys. Will 15 YEARS of animosity explode here tonight? And who will walk away with the title when the smoke clears?
SmackDown returns and Iyo makes her entrance, Bayley and Dakota Kai by her side. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly ICHIBAN!
The bell rings and wait! Charlotte Flair is here? The Queen loves the spotlight, and she knows DMG CTRL uses numbers to their advantage. She’s taking care of two birds with one stone, so will Bayley & Dakota behave? Iyo and Asuka circle, fans rally up and even duel as the two tie up. They go around, Asuka wrenches and wristlocks but Sky slips around to wristlock. Asuka wrenches to wristlock, Sky rolls and handsprings and wrenches back. Asuka rolls and wrenches then headlocks. Sky powers up but can’t power out as Asuka holds on tight! They fight up, Asuka grinds the hold, but Sky pops out to headlock back.
Asuka throws body shots, but now she can’t power out as Sky holds on tight! Asuka powers out the back, headlocks Sky again, then hits a takeover. Sky headscissors, Asuka kips free and roles reverse and Sky hits a headlock, Asuka headscissors and Sky kips free. They go again, Sky ducks ‘n’ dodges and handsprings but Asuka dodges. Fans fire up and even Charlotte applauds. Asuka offers a handshake, fans cheer, but Sky kicks the hand! So Asuka kicks a leg! Asuka whips, Sky reverses but Asuka turns hip toss into takedown and cover! TWO, and Asuka arm-drags! And arm-drags again! Asuka goes up a corner but Sky is right after her! SUPER ARM-DRAG!
Fans fire up as Asuka bails out. Sky goes to the apron to ASAI- NO, Asuka dodges, then ROUNDHOUSES Sky down! DMG CTRL is very worried as Asuka grins, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Asuka has Sky up top! They fight with body shots, fans fire up, and Sky ROCKS Asuka! Then HOTSHOTS an arm! Asuka flounders away and Sky takes aim. Sky springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK! Sky waits on Asuka, then runs to SLIDING KICK at the ropes! Asuka staggers up and Sky springboard MISSILE DROPKICKS again! Fans fire up and Sky is feeling it. Sky runs in, wheelbarrow, STOMP 182! Fans fire up more as Sky runs again, METEORA! Cover, TWO! Asuka escapes and Sky grits her teeth. Sky drags Asuka around, kicks her around, then brings Asuka to a drop zone.
Fans fire up as Sky goes up and up, but Asuka YANKS her down! Sky gets stuck on the top rope, Asuka fires up, but Sky SLAPS her back! So Asuka gives her KAWADA KICKS! The ref counts, Asuka lets off at 4, and then she climbs up after Sky again. Asuka fires up and the fans are with her! Asuka has Sky on the very top, to SUPER SUPER PLEX! Both women are down but Asuka crawls to a cover, TWO!! Sky survives and Asuka is beside herself! DMG CTRL is relieved, and Sky stands to fires off shots! Sky runs, into a KICK!! Cover, TWO!! Asuka stomps Sky around, runs, but Sky follows and SHOTEIS on the run! Cover, TWO!!
Asuka is still in this but the fans rally behind Sky. Sky drags Asuka up into a waistlock but Asuka reaches for ropes. Asuka gets the ROPEBREAK but Sky yanks her back into a GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! And into a KIMURA HEADSCISSOR COMBO!! Sky is fading as Asuka has her caught! Then Asuka just shifts to a full ARMBAR!! Sky scrambles to stack, and she CLUBS away on Asuka’s chest! Sky then kicks but Asuka blocks! Sky slips free to ROUNDHOUSE Asuka down! Fans fire up as Asuka crawls to the corner. Bayley is there to talk trash, but Asuka still ELBOWS Sky away! And ROUNDHOUSEES!
Asuka goes up and up and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Sky flounders to a corner and Asuka runs in to ELBOW her down! Then GERMAN- No, Sky fights the suplex! Asuka shoves, POP-UP KNEE! URAKEN! SOBAT! KICK! URAKEN! HEEL KICK!! SLIDING KICK!! Cover, TWO!! Sky survives the onslaught, but Asuka goes for a FUJIWARA ARMBAR!! Sky endures, reaches out, but Asuka stomps the bad arm! “This is Awesome!” as Asuka storms around. Asuka goes up the corner again, but Sky hurries up to SPRINGBOARD DROPKICK! Asuka falls to the floor and fans are thunderous! Asuka hurries back up but Sky runs in to SHOTEI!
Sky runs again, to SUPER SUNSET- NO, Asuka holds the ropes! But Sky pries her free to POWERBOMB after all! Asuka hobbles up, ROUNDHOUSE but it hits POST! Sky avoids disaster and it bites Asuka in return! Sky hurries back into the ring, goes back up, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS Asuka down!! DMG CTRL and Phoenix are all fired up as SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns again and Sky has Asuka down in a chinlock. Asuka endures the knee in her back and fights up to her feet. Fans rally, Asuka rolls Sky up, TWO! Asuka swings, Sky ducks and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO!! Asuka escapes and Sky can’t believe it! DMG CTRL coaches her and Sky drags Asuka into a CROSSFACE! Asuka kicks around, reaches out, but Sky shifts sides to keep her from ropes! Asuka still fights around, rolls Sky, pops free, ASUKA LOCK!! Sky flails, reaches out, claws at Asuka’s arm, and makes a cover, ONE!! BUZZSAW! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Sky survives by fingertips!
Asuka seethes as she aims, but Sky ducks the buzzsaw to shove! Asuka mule kicks, goes up, and leaps, MISSILE DROPKICK again! Cover, TWO! Sky is still in this, Asuka grows frustrated, but then Asuka throws a forearm! Sky hits back, they brawl on their knees! Fans fire up as the shots keep going, and then they fight up! Sky fires forearms, then SHO- NO! ARMBAR TAKEDOWN!! Sky flails, reaches out, kicks around, stacks but Asuka shifts again! ASUKA LOCK!!! Sky flails, sits up, but Asuka keeps the chicken wing! Sky powers out but Asuka drags her back in! ASUKA LOCK!!! Sky fights and moves around, stands up, and elbows free!
Sky victory rolls, TWO! Asuka has it, ONE! ASUKA LOCK!! But Sky stays on her feet, only for Asuka to YANK her down! Sky flails, Charlotte watches but Bayley pushes the rope closer! Sky still can’t reach, but Charlotte hurries over. Bayley puts Sky’s foot on the ropes!? Charlotte DECKS Bayley for that! Fans are thunderous and Asuka says that’s what Bayley gets! But Sky DOUBLE KNEES Asuka down!! Sky goes up, OVER THE MOONSAULT!! Cover, Sky wins!!
Winner: Iyo Sky, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Champion)
The Evil Genius gets a bit lucky thanks to Bayley taking the initiative! And also a forearm to the face. But will DMG CTRL have to worry about The Queen coming for the crown?
Heyman, Solo and Jimmy are in the private suite.
Jimmy says he ain’t scared. Pearce walks in and Jimmy has Solo stand down. Come on in, AP. Pearce brings the contract for the tag team match. Heyman says he’s sorry, he doesn’t care. As long as this match is not tonight, he’s fine with it. Pearce says it isn’t tonight. It’s at Fastlane. Who made that decision!? Jimmy says looks good to him. They’ll go out to the ring to sign that. Pearce will let Cena 7 Styles know. Yeet! Jimmy is happy but Heyman says that usually, decisions like that… need approval from The Tribal Chief. Jimmy says okay, let him know what Roman says. Jimmy then excuses himself.
Heyman sighs but Solo says don’t worry. He’ll make sure there won’t be anyone to fight them at Fastlane. Heyman sighs again and calls Roman again. Is the Bloodline falling apart more because of who is in rather than who is out?
Pretty Deadly speak.
Kit Wilson quotes Olivia Rodrigo, “It’s brutal out here.” And on the 14th of July, 2023, that sentiment echoed throughout the WWE as Elton Prince suffered a “catastrophic” shoulder injury at the hands of Ridge Holland. And now, Elton walks the long, difficult road to recover. AKA not being able to reach what was on the counter. Elton’s rehab is catching, shaking, getting hit with a medicine ball, standing up even though it’s not his leg that was hurt… And then falling over! Dr. Geena Meiame says he’ll be fine, it is just a separated shoulder. But Kit still gives Elton a pep talk to keep on fighting. That is beautiful. But careful with his hair. Right, sorry. #EltonStrong.
The Brawling Brutes VS Grayson Waller & Austin Theory!
Ridge Holland & Pete Dunne are always ready for FIGHT NIGHT! But with the Bruiserweight also set for his Heritage Cup Contender’s match on Tuesday, will he be able to spare some aggression for The Aussie Icon & The Now?
SmackDown returns and A-Town Down Under make their entrances. The teams sort out and Dunne starts against Theory. They rush in, Dunne dodges to CHOP and CHOP and whip. Theory reverses, then follows to LARIAT Dunne down! Theory brushes himself off, drags Dunne up to rain down fists! Fans boo but Theory looms over Dunne. Waller reaches out so Theory tags him in. They mug Dunne, then Waller cravats for a neck wrench. Waller throws knee after knee, then he drop steps to show off. Waller clamps onto an armlock but Dunne endures. Dunne wrenches back to FUJIWARA, then he bends fingers!
Dunne isolates the arm to STOMP it! Dunne runs in at Waller to ROCK him, then tag to Ridge. Feed to the facelock and SWING! Fans fire up as Ridge goes around five times, then underhooks to BUTTERLFY STALLING SUPLEX! Ridge grins, he stomps Waller’s fingers, then he drags Waller up to whip him to the corner. Ridge SPLASHES, Dunne tags in, and then Ridge KICKS and CLUBS Waller! Dunne slingshot STOMPS! Dunne looms over Waller, grabs that bad arm, but Waller pulls hair! Waller whips, Dunne dodges but Theory opens ropes so Dunne falls out! Fans boo but then Waller slides out. Dunne dodges, comes back, but Waller tosses him!
Dunne lands on his feet to have Waller against barriers! Ridge grabs Theory at the ropes, and we get DOUBLE BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! Fans count along, all the way to TEN! Dunne and Ridge regroup and Phoenix is loving this as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Theory has Dunne in an armlock. Dunne fights up and fires off forearms! Dunne runs, but into an ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Theory is frustrated but he rains down fists! Waller hypes Theory up, then Theory tags Waller. They stomp away on Dunne, then Waller stomps Dunne’s legs. Waller drags Dunne up, throws knees, then tags Theory. Fans chant “THEORY SUCKS!” but he whips Waller in to clothesline Dunne! Theory says what? What? Tag to Waller. Waller whips but it’s a fake out! Theory sends Waller at Ridge so he can slide and trip Ridge! Theory SPLASHES Dunne!
Ridge chases Waller but Waller still clotheslines Dunne! Fans boo but Waller taunts Ridge. Waller then drags Dunne up on the ropes, and fans boo more as Waller parodies the Bodhrain! But Dunne PULLS those fingers, and SNAPS them! Waller shouts, Dunne slingshots up and over, tag to Ridge! Northern Grit rallies on A-Town Down Under! Scoop and SLAM for Waller! then an EXPLODER! Then another EXPLODER! Ridge blocks Waller’s haymakers, to OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Cover, TWO! Waller calls to Theory but fans rally behind Ridge. Ridge scoops, Waller slips free and tags Theory.
Waller ELBOWS Ridge, then he and Theory DOUBLE CHOP BLOCK! Theory DECKS Ridge! Cover, Dunne breaks it! Dunne ROCKS Waller, Waller ROCKS Dunne! Waller fires off more shots but Dunne MONKEY FILPS him up and out! Theory ROCKS Dunne, Waller slingshots, but into a POUNCE from Ridge!! Fans fire up as Theory somersaults, but into a gorilla press! Ridge then POWERSLAMS Theory! Cover, TWO!! Ridge can’t believe it but Theory survives! Fans rally up for Ridge as he stands. Dunne goes up the corner, to ASAI MOONSAULT Waller! Ridge gut wrenches Theory, but Theory claws eyes and rolls Ridge up! TWO!
Theory fireman’s carries, but Ridge fights free to HEADBUTT! And then Alabama Lift, ALABAMA SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Theory is still in this, but Ridge won’t let off! Theory kicks, Ridge blocks, and Ridge works to turn Theory over! BOSTON CRAB! Fans fire up as Theory endures! Dunne catches Waller in a SLEEPER! Waller flails, but he RAMS Dunne into a post! Dunne falls, Waller ROLLING STUNNERS!! Theory fireman’s carries, A-TOWN DOWN!! Cover, A-Town Down Under wins!!
Winners: Austin Theory & Grayson Waller, by pinfall
The fans may not like it, but this young team of young stars just won a huge match! And with the Undisputed Tag Team Championships on the line this Monday on Raw, will Theory & Waller look to be next in line?
Adam Pearce is in the ring.
He welcomes us to this official contract signing for the tag team “main event” at Fastlane! So without further ado, welcome THE Greatest Of All Time, John Cena! Cena makes his way back out and is much more business than he was even earlier tonight. He grabs the pen and already signs his part! Pearce says Cena’s tag team partner is The Phenomenal AJ Styles! The music hits, but we see Jimmy & Solo mugging Styles backstage!! Fans boo as Jimmy rains down fists on Styles, and then SMACKS him off a road case! Solo watches from higher above! Cena rushes out of the ring, Jimmy shoves Styles off the case, and Solo shouts before a SUPER SPLASH!!
Jimmy is all fired up but referees and producers shout at Jimmy! Jimmy says sorry, but The Enforcer may have just crushed Styles! And even electric equipment that starts sparking! Medics clear things out, Cena shows up, and the call is put in for an ambulance! Will the Fastlane match be cancelled just like Solo wanted?
SmackDown returns with Styles on a stretcher!
Cena and The OC are there as Styles is being strapped in and moved to the ambulance. Meanwhile, Paul Heyman heads to the ring. Fans boo as the Special Counsel, with no music, walks to the ring. Styles is loaded in, Mia rides with him, and Karl Anderson tells Cena this is why they shouldn’t get involved with The Bloodline. The ambulance heads out, what is Cena to do now?
And back to the ring, Jimmy & Solo have joined Heyman now. Jimmy mocks the fans booing them, and they go tot he table. Solo CHUCKS the armchairs out, and then the table! Heyman wants Solo to calm down but Jimmy just revels in this moment. Heyman holds the contract in one hand, microphone in the other. “Ladies and gentlemen…” The fans boo harder as Heyman tries to introduce himself. Heyman laughs it off as the fans booing themselves. But Heyman continues, only getting more boos. They can boo him kosher tukus all they want. But lo and behold, he has in his hand a contract signed by the second greatest of all time, John Cena, but with no tag team partner!
Now, that’s- Jimmy snatches the mic?! “Well look what happens when you mess with the Bloodline! Ey yo, John! If you smart like you say you smart, you would jump your ass in that ambulance with AJ Styles, and would go far, far, far away from The Bloodline. But hey, hey, check this out! John gonna end up in an ambulance anyways. That’s not a prediction, that’s a spoiler! And John, check this out, Uce. I’ve been waiting to tell you this. You the two! And we-” CENA IS BACK! Cena brawls with Solo, whips him into the steps, then goes after Jimmy! BIG shoulder tackle! SPIN OUT BOMB! Off comes the shirt, but Solo returns!
Cena gets Solo in a fireman’s carry but Jimmy SUPERKICKS him down! Fans boo but now The Bloodline has Cena all alone! Solo puts a thumb up and Jimmy nods! SAMOAN SPIKE!! Down goes Cena! Fans boo and Jimmy says he sees him! Jimmy goes to a corner, a ref reprimands but he says there’s no problem. Jimmy and Solo then stomp away on Cena! Fans boo harder but Jimmy just soaks it all up! Jimmy goes up the corner, looks down on Cena, and then grins as he takes aim. Solo drags Cena up again?! ANOTHER SAMOAN SPIKE?!?! Jimmy then says “YOU CAN’T SEE ME!” USO SPLASH!!
Heyman is stunned but also not complaining, until Jimmy takes the contract. Jimmy signs his part, and Heyman says Solo might as well. Solo signs his part, so now it might end up a Handicap match for Fastlane? Jimmy then places the contract on Cena’s chest, and goes back up top! USO SPLASH AGAIN!! Fans haven’t stopped booing for even a nanosecond, but Jimmy and Solo raise their fingers. Are they the ones who will end John Cena’s career?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown, using a “less is more” approach here. Cena wanting to wrestle tonight is great character stuff, and it naturally led to a tag team story with him, Styles, Jimmy & Solo. But it also made a lot of sense for Jimmy & Solo to at least seemingly sideline Styles here, somewhat proving Machine Gun Anderson right. I’m sure Styles makes a “miraculous” comeback, a very Cena move in itself, and we still get the tag match at Fastlane. At the most dramatic, Styles will show up during the match as it seems Cena is about to lose. If only Gallows wasn’t legit hurt, he could have a part to play in this, too, maybe a go-home tag of Jimmy & Solo VS Good Brothers.
Great tag matches tonight, too. Rey & Escobar VS The Profits went a different direction than I expected, but I do appreciate them showing us the Heel turn in progress rather than just making The Profits bad guys right away. Lashley wants them to get that edge but the Profits haven’t really been that kind of team before so they have to learn how to unlock that. And they will definitely unlock that, perhaps even ruining the US Championship match. Lashley will be proud, and then Lashley steps in so he gets a US Championship match. Maybe at Fastlane, as there haven’t been that many matches made for it.
They made a good move using what happened with The Rock, McAfee and Theory as story. Theory is still self-involved but he and Waller get a great tag match with The Brawling Brutes. “A-Town Down Under” gets the win rather cleanly, but also on Ridge so that Dunne still has individual momentum going into NXT’s go-home to No Mercy. Pretty Deadly had a good and funny vignette with Elton playing up having bad legs when it’s his arm. Not quite AEW’s “Neck Strong” with Roddy & The Kingdom but hey, they’re doing it with their flavor of Heel. And Pretty Deadly might even be so bold as to think they can get revenge on The Brawling Brutes for their return match.
Just as I was wondering on NXT where Alba & Isla have been, we get a really well made vignette from them. And I really like that they’re kayfabing the “curse” of the women’s tag titles where partners get hurt. Chelsea & Piper should really show up on SmackDown to spark a feud with them, and I personally would put the tag titles back on Alba & Isla. They were used as a catalyst for Shayna VS Ronda, they deserve to get back on track from where they were after being called up as NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions.
And then just an awesome match for the WWE Women’s Championship. They were busting out their best, might’ve actually started running low on energy near the end because Sky “fighting” the Asuka Lock wasn’t as strong as it could’ve been. But also, I personally would NOT have sent Charlotte out there before the match got going. The fans were going “WOO~” when the focus should’ve be on the women IN the match. Logically, Charlotte counters Bayley’s cheating, but it doesn’t cost Iyo, it costs Asuka. Charlotte VS Bayley is coming, and maybe this shifts things towards Charlotte VS Sky for the title. Because duh, it’s Charlotte. If Dakota wasn’t hurt, I would’ve liked a Six Woman Tag, DMG CTRL VS Charlotte, Asuka & Shotzi.
My Score: 8.9/10
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