Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (2/24/20)
Will the Viper strike tonight?
Raw heads for Super Showdown!
Just days before WWE returns to Saudi Arabia, The Beast is here! What will BRRROCK, LESNARRR have to say on the Raw before Super Showdown?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Humberto Carrillo VS Angel Garza w/ Zelina Vega; Garza wins.
- Ricochet VS ???; Ricochet wins.
- Aleister Black VS Erick Rowan; Aleister wins.
- R-Truth VS Bobby Lashley w/ Lana; Lashley wins.
- Buddy Murphy VS Angelo Dawkins; Dawkins wins, by disqualification.
- Seth Rollins VS Montez Ford; Rollins wins.
- Randy Orton VS Kevin Owens; Orton wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Raw still doesn’t understand: Why, RKO, Why?
Why did he do the things he did? To Edge, who he said was like a brother to him. And to Matt Hardy, who stood up for Edge. “From the bottom of my heart, I am truly sorry.” But does Orton even believe what he says anymore?
Raw opens with Randy Orton, again!
The Viper takes his time going to the ring, just as he has every week since his sickening attack on the Rated R Superstar. Orton grabs a mic and says, “I need to apologize.” Orton isn’t sentimental to say the least, but even he knows his emotions have become “unbalanced.” Fans boo as Orton says that when he arrived this morning, he was told it had been 15 years since Raw came to Winnipeg. That was when Orton was 24 years old. He was WWE Intercontinental Champion, and got punched in the face by “a certain man. A man who would eventually save me from myself, a man who would save me from my self-destructive tendencies, a man who I would eventually look up to.” That would be Adam “Edge” Copeland.
Fans chant, “We Want Edge!” but Orton says that Edge can’t be here because of what Orton did to him. And what Orton did, he can’t expect us to understand. Orton knows that we could never understand! But what Orton did, he is very sorry for, truly and from the bottom of his heart. Here comes Kevin Owens! Another Canadian hero is here to confront Orton and grabs a mic for himself. “Y’know, Randy… For the past few months, I’ve been dealing with a lot of delusional people.” The Authors of Pain, Buddy Murphy, and “The Monday Night Moron,” Seth Rollins. But that is put aside for now because of Kevin’s issues with Orton. Dealing with delusional people has become a specialty of Kevin’s. Kevin heard that “apology” regarding Edge. But here’s the thing: no one believes him. So Orton should drop the act and just tell us why!
Matt Hardy tried to do the same and was viciously beat down, twice. So now KO will ask Orton why. “You don’t want to go down that road.” No, Kevin does, actually. Because the thing about Edge is that Kevin has been a life-long WWE fan. Kevin was a wrestler in the indies, but he sat and watched a role model retire. That sucked for Edge and it sucked for those who wanted to share the ring with him. Edge’s return at the Royal Rumble made everyone in the back a fan again, because Edge got what he loved back! Everyone had their dreams back! Until Orton took it away. Kevin asks one last time: “Why did you do it?” Orton quotes Edge’s theme, “You think you know me?” Edge thought he knew Orton, too.
Clever, Orton. But also true. No one really knows Orton, but Kevin knows that fans are sick of all the talking. Instead, let’s fight! Orton says Kevin wants a match, here in Winnipeg, tonight? Kevin’s on! Just not now. Orton drops the mic and leaves the ring. The Viper slithers away to prepare, having given no answers. But will he answer for what he’s done all the same?
Backstage interview with Angel Garza and Zelina Vega.
El Latino and La Muneca are the hottest couple of people on Raw, and this is a business relationship. Then what do they have in store for Humberto Carrillo? The only thing Humberrrrto is, is basura. Trash. Familia is muy importante, aka super important. But sometimes there are members of the family you don’t really like. As a man’s man and a ladies’ man, Garza must kick Carrillo to the curb so that he can take the top spot on Raw. Charly thanks them for the interview and Angel says that while there is business and pleasure, doing business with Charly Caruso is always a pleasure. But will he still be having fun after confronting his cousin 1v1?
Humberto Carrillo VS Angel Garza w/ Zelina Vega!
Raw returns as Ultimo Ninja makes his entrance. The bell rings and Garza wants Carrillo to wait. They circle and tie up, and Garza headlocks to a takeover. Garza moves to a mount and has the legs. Garza CHOPS but Carrillo CHOPS, then SLAPS! Carrillo rolls and the two bridge up for a very unique bridge. They SLAP FIGHT while upside-down! Garza brings it around to cover, TWO! Carrillo has Garza’s arm for a grounded hammerlock. Vega coaches Garza as he endures. Garza fights up but Carrillo hits a headlock takeover. Garza gets a ropebreak with his feet and Carrillo lets him go. Fans boo as Garza bails out and regroups with Vega.
Garza returns and Carrillo rushes him at the corner! Carrillo has a headlock but Garza has the ropes. The ref counts, Garza pulls hair and powers out. Carrillo runs Garza over and things speed up. Garza jumps over but so does Carrillo! Carrillo rolls off Garza’s back, Garza springboard arm-drags but Carrillo handsprings through! Fans love the lucha libre while Garza is shocked. Things speed up again, Carrillo dropkicks Garza out! Carrillo builds speed to DIVE! Garza hits barriers and fans are all fired up! Vega is freaking out as Raw goes picture in picture.
Carrillo is up and he rocks Garza at the barriers. And CHOPS! Carrillo stalks Garza around the way, and throws him into more barriers! Carrillo hops up to soak up the praise, then drops ax handles on Garza! He puts Garza in, cover, TWO! Carrillo keeps his cool as he drags Garza up and whips. Garza reverses but Carrillo springboards and crossbodies! Cover, TWO! Carrillo keeps his cool as he drags Garza up and whips. Garza reverses again, Carrillo handsprings, but Garza dropkicks him down! Both cousins slowly stir and get to their feet. Garza throws a forearm but Carrillo returns it! Garza hits again but Carrillo follows, only for Garza to rock Carrillo with an uppercut! He puts Carrillo in the corner, but Carrillo tumbles out to the apron to ROUNDHOUSE back!
Carrillo climbs while Garza staggers, missile dropkick! Winnipeg fires up as Carrillo somersault moonsualts! Cover, TWO! Vega worries as Carrillo rains down right forearms over and over. Carrillo drags Garza to a drop zone and heads up top as Raw returns to single picture. Garza trips Carrillo up! And off come the pants! Garza throws them at Carrillo while he’s in the Tree of Woe, then PENALTY KICKS him out of it! Vega applauds but the fans boo. Garza drags Carrillo up to a dragon sleeper, for a rebound inverted suplex! And SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Garza grows frustrated but he drags Carrillo up. Fans rally as Garza wrenches Carrillo for an armlock. Carrillo throws strikes and handsprings to arm-drag Garza away!
Carrillo counter punches and kicks Garza, to then springboard and FLYING arm-drag! Garza bails out as fans fire up with Carrillo. Carrillo builds speed but Garza ducks the baseball slide. Garza back drops Carrillo but Carrillo handstands on the apron, only to get another SUPERKICK! Garza puts Carrillo in the ring and covers, TWO! Carrillo survives but Garza heads to the apron. Garza drags Carrillo up and clubs him. Carrillo swings and ROUNDHOUSES again! Garza flounders, Carrillo triangle jumps but Gaza gets under. Another SUPERKICK! But Carrillo BOOTS back! Garza kangaroo kicks from the apron but Carrillo BOOTS him again! Both cousins are on the apron and Winnipeg fires up!
Carrillo stands first and drags Garza over. Carrillo stomps Garza and then throws forearms and CHOPS! Garza CHOPS and we have a scrap on the apron! Carrillo KICKS Garza in the side, then grabs the legs. He CATAPULTS Garza at the post! But Garza lands on the middle rope, and hits Carrillo away. Garza MOONSAULTS! Direct hit takes both cousins out and Winnipeg is all fired up as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again and Garza brings Carrillo up. Garza wrenches and ROCKS Carrillo, but runs into a SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO!! Vega is relieved and Carrillo can’t believe it! Carrillo drags Garza back to a drop zone and heads back up. Vega gets on the apron and Garza uppercuts! Garza climbs up, brings Carrillo to the top, for a SUPER SPANISH FLY!! Cover, TWO!! Carrillo survives! Garza and Vega are furious fans say, “This is Awesome!” Garza throws an uppercut, ducks a kick but Carrillo lands the enziguri! Carrillo flops onto the cover, TWO! Garza ghost pins, TWO! Carrillo covers, TWO! Sunset flip, TWO! Carrillo sits on it, TWO! Carrillo jackknifes, TWO, to a sunset flip, TWO!! Fans are loving this! Wheelbarrow, victory roll, but Garza sits! Garza wins!!
Winner: Angel Garza, by pinfall
Fast and furious isn’t just a movie franchise! That ending was quick and Carrillo is frustrated he can’t overcome his cousin. Will there be another encounter between Carrillo and Garza down the Road to WrestleMania?
Ricochet VS ???
The One and Only prepares for THE biggest match in his WWE career at Super Showdown! Will he be flying high with a win tonight before flying to Saudi Arabia?
Raw returns as Ricochet’s opponent is revealed: It’s the Big LG of the OC, Luke Gallows! The Phenomenal AJ Styles has to save himself for the Tuwaiq Trophy Gauntlet Match at Super Showdown, so the other Good Brother steps up. The bell rings and Gallows kicks Ricochet low and hard! And then clubs him to a corner. Gallows whips Ricochet corner to corner but Ricochet goes up and over. Things speed up as Ricochet ducks and dodges to dropkick Gallows out! Ricochet keeps moving to FLY! Tope conjilo hits hard and fans fire up! Ricochet brings Gallows up and into the ring and then heads to the apron. Ricochet springboards into a BOOT!
Gallows roars while Ricochet is in a daze. Gallows runs to drop big elbows! Paul Heyman watches backstage as Gallows throws hands on Ricochet in the corner. Gallows ROCKS Ricochet with an uppercut, then stalks him along the ropes. Gallows drags Ricochet up, for a sidewinder backbreaker! Ricochet writhes but Gallows covers, TWO! Gallows taunts Ricochet and brings him up by his beard. Gallows headbutts Ricochet back down, then brings him up for another uppercut! Cover, TWO! Gallows clamps onto Ricochet and drives elbows into the shoulders. He wraps on a thrashing chinlock but fans rally behind Ricochet. Ricochet endures and fights his way up, then throws body shots. Jawbreaker!
Gallows kicks low then suplexes ricochet, but Ricochet knees free! Ricochet dropkick-flips and enziguris! Gallows is down and fans fire up again! Ricochet and Gallows crawl as fans rally up. Ricochet boots Gallows away, then again from a corner! He throws forearms then runs, dodges and springboards to crossbody! Standing shooting star! Cover, TWO! Gallows gasps for air but Ricochet fires himself up. Ricochet tries to fireman’s carry but Gallows clubs him away, YAKUZA KICK! Gallows drags Ricochet up, but Ricochet slips out of the scoop to SUPERKICK! RECOIL! Ricochet heads to the corner but Gallows is so far away! Ricochet realizes, and uses a SUPER SHOOTING STAR!! Cover, Ricochet wins!
Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall
The King of Flight shows the heights he can reach! Will he reach the pinnacle when he faces The Beast at Super Showdown?
Raw returns as the OC argue backstage.
Gallows lost and Anderson lost, but AJ Styles tells them to stop! The Greatest Tag Team in the World should act like it! A miracle could happen at Super Showdown! Ricochet could beat Brock Lesnar! But if he does, Styles will be there to take the title and add it to the beautiful Tuwaiq Trophy. WrestleMania is around the corner, and the OC needs to be on top of the food chain. But then Aleister Black storms past them and Styles calls him out. Wins a few matches and thinks he owns the place. Aleister needs a reminder of who the OC are. The Official, Original and ONLY Club that Matters. And then they mug Aleister! They stomp Aleister against a door! The OC leave Aleister in a daze, but will he make them pay for that?
The Beast returns to Raw!
Paul Heyman walks out with him as per usual, and Winnipeg cheers as they become Suplex City! Heyman gives his usual introduction as the Advocate for the reigning, defending, undisputed WWE Heavyweight Champion of the World, BRRROCK! LESNARRR! For years, people have tried to come up with catchphrases of their own, branding themselves as WWE superstars and mainstream celebrities. But the point that no one seems to get is that Lesnar doesn’t need a catchphrase. The catchphrase is the FACT that Lesnar, since 2002, every single time he wants to, he reigns as our champion. Lesnar donning tights, lacing up boots and taking someone to Suplex City is “a rare event.” It doesn’t happen every night, which makes it special.
Thursday, 2/27/2020, when Lesnar “lays waste to the master of the uppercut,” Ricochet, just imagine the beating because Lesnar owes Ricochet one! When Lesnar walks into the ring at Super Showdown, it is the very definition of “special.” But Super Showdown is extra special because the stakes have never been higher. Why? A good question, even from Canadians. Fans of course boo this. But Heyman says, “Thou shalt not boo thy Advocate.” But if Ricochet pulls off the Miracle of Miracles, if Ricochet somehow defeats Lesnar, IF Ricochet somehow becomes WWE World Champion, he goes on to main event WrestleMania against Drew McIntyre. IF that happens, the consequences are groundbreaking, enormous and changes everything! But if Heyman’s aunt had balls, she’d be his uncle! “If” goes out the window when Lesnar takes Ricochet to Suplex City, F5, 1-2-3, LESNAR goes on to WrestleMania!
Heyman says he has only been wrong once in about 8 years. This is no prediction, this is a spoiler! Lesnar will make Drew McIntyre minced meat and then F5 him, and be done with McIntyre once and for all. And we will all realize then, now and forever, the reigning, defending, undisputed WWE Heavyweight Champion of the World will be… BRRROCK! LESNARRR! Lesnar holds up his belt while Heyman drops his mic. But will Ricochet pull off the miracle to drop The Beast and hold up that title? Or will the Road to WrestleMania continue on the same path it’s on now?
Aleister does his best to head to gorilla.
The OC did a number on him, and he only has minutes before his rematch with Erick Rowan! Will he stand a chance against the Big Redwood Behemoth?
Aleister Black VS Erick Rowan!
Rowan gave Aleister quite the fight last time, and now Aleister is going in not a caged animal but a wounded one. Will Rowan rip apart what is left of the Embodiment of the End?
The bell rings and Rowan grins as he dares Aleister to bring the fight. The two approach and Aleister can’t muster much of a kick. Rowan puts Aleister in a corner but Aleister dodges to throw body shots. Rowan shoves Aleister away and runs him over! Fans boo as Rowan drags Aleister up for a BIG scoop slam! Rowan soaks up the heat before he stomps Aleister down. Rowan rams knees in then runs to BOOT Aleister down! Fans boo more but Rowan just soaks it all up. Rowan drags Aleister up, suplexes and shifts, but Aleister slips out to dump Rowan out! Aleister BOOTS Rowan down! Aleister hobbles out but Rowan sweeps the legs! Rowan drags Aleister off the ground to throw into the timekeeper’s area!
The ref checks on Aleister but Aleister refuses to quit! Raw is picture in picture as Aleister crawls back to the ring. Aleister is up at the count of 6 but flops back down! Aleister gets in at 9.5! And Rowan is right on him with elbow drops! Rowan drags Aleister up to then whip and run over with an elbow! Aleister flounders to ropes but Rowan is on him with more stomps. Rowan paces about, a cat toying with its prey. Rowan headbutts Aleister and Aleister staggers to a corner. Again, Rowan brings Aleister up, and now he CLUBS Aleister in the chest! And then bumps him off buckles. Rowan CLUBS Aleister again! Aleister refuses to quit so Rowan drags Aleister up to CHOP! Rowan walks into Aleister’s elbow but then clubs and headbutts him again.
Rowan stomps a mudhole into Aleister then whips him corner to corner for another big elbow! He soaks up the heat from Winnipeg as he stalks Aleister. He drags Aleister up, whips corner to corner, blocks a boot to give a clothesline! Rowan dumps Aleister down to hop up in the corner. Rowan leaps to elbow Aleister down! Cover, TWO! Aleister rolls out of the ring as Raw returns to single picture. Rowan goes over to drag Aleister up on the apron but Aleister punches back. Aleister dodges a shoulder to KICK Rowan back in! And then Aleister BOOTS and BOOTS and BOOTS Rowan! rowan clamps hands on Aleister to shove him away. Rowan rolls Aleister, catches the punch for an URENAGE! Cover, TWO! Aleister still lives and Rowan can’t believe it!
Rowan grins as he looms over Aleister. He drags Aleister up and reels him in to suplex, but Aleister knees out! Roll up, TWO! Rowan runs into an elbow, Aleister throws forearms! Aleister runs to keep throwing hands, then fires off a strike fest! Leg sweep and knee thrust! Aleister manages to kip up and fans fire up as he QUEBRADAS! Aleister can’t cover, he’s reeling to a corner. Rowan blocks the boot but gets a KNEE! And another KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Aleister grits his teeth as he stands back up. Aleister lifts Rowan’s head with a foot, and fans fire up. But Rowan has the foot and shakes his head no. He spins Aleister, clamps on the claw, but Aleister fights out. Aleister swings, but into Rowan’s JACKHAMMER! Cover, TWO!! Aleister still lives and Rowan is in even further disbelief!
Rowan drags Aleister up, reels him in to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Rowan can’t understand how Aleister is doing this! Rowan drags Aleister up again to throw him out of the ring. He keeps after Aleister as he RAMS him into the barrier, then throws him into others! Fans boo as Rowan refreshes the count. Rowan builds speed around the way, but Aleister sends him into the steel steps! Rowan’s PET!! The ring count climbs as Aleister hobbles up and Rowan worries about his critter! Aleister gets in the ring but Rowan pursues. Rowan drags Aleister out to headbutt and stomp! Rowan is furious with Aleister for what just happened to the pet’s cage! He drags Aleister up to POST BOMB!!
Fans lose their minds as Aleister writhes in pain! Rowan puts Aleister in then checks on his pet. He sets it back on the steps as the ring count climbs. Rowan apologizes to the pet, gets in the ring at 9, to get BLACK MASS!! But Rowan isn’t down?! BLACK MASS AGAIN!! Cover, Aleister wins!
Winner: Aleister Black, by pinfall
The beating from the OC wasn’t enough to end the Embodiment of the End, and perhaps Rowan’s concern for his critter cost him the win. In the end, another one was made to #FadetoBlack, but will the OC be next?
Ringside interview with Aleister.
Despite the injuries from the attack, how did Aleister overcome? “Unbridled rage!” And next week, this rage will be AJ Styles’ burden! In case anyone thinks that Aleister is being too “dark and cryptic,” he’ll make it very clear. AJ Styles, you and Aleister Black will FIGHT! Will even the Phenomenal #FadetoBlack?
Raw returns with an exclusive interview with Drew McIntyre.
Charly speaks with the man who will be in the main event of WrestleMania. Paul Heyman expressed confidence in Lesnar’s victory at Super Showdown. Who would McIntyre choose? It doesn’t matter. McIntyre is fighting for the WWE World Championship, a promise given him years ago but never followed through. Could he care to explain? Well it was about 13 years ago that he debuted in the WWE. Then not long after that, McIntyre became Vince McMahon’s “Chosen One.” He was told he’d be the future, the future world champion. How many world titles did he get? Zero. As hard as it is to admit, the person to blame was actually McIntyre. He lost his passion, was in his own head, and inevitably got fired. Perhaps even deservedly.
Did McIntyre ever imagine he’d be back in the WWE? No. After being fired, McIntyre was angry, bitter and had a big chip on his shoulder. It fueled him, and he looked himself in the mirror. The man in the mirror was the one to blame, and he worked his way back to the WWE. McIntyre refuses to let his legacy be 3MB playing air guitar. His return wasn’t to Raw or SmackDown, but to NXT. And that is what he wanted to do. He spoke to HHH, who always looked out for him. McIntyre was in NXT for his benefit, and for those he could mentor. Then he returns to Raw in April of 2018. It was 4 years to the day he was released. To have left as a boy and to return as a man, his inspirational, hard-working story is living proof, it can happen.
And now, two years later, destiny calls his name. McIntyre encountered Brock Lesnar in the match. He can remember clearly thinking his one goal is to eliminate Lesnar and win the Rumble. McIntyre was always told he had potential, but you can’t live on potential alone. You don’t want to be the past or just be the future, you want to be the present. McIntyre’s Claymore told Lesnar that McIntyre isn’t like anyone else. But it doesn’t matter who it is, McIntyre wants to be in that main event to finally fulfill destiny. Will things finally happen for the Scottish Stud?
R-Truth is on Raw!
“Winnipeg! I like Drew McIntyre, but now I would like to welcome all o’ y’all to the Winter Premiere of Truth TV!” Winter? Winter’s almost over! But Truth wants us all to welcome his guest, Monday Night Raw’s “POWER Couple,” Bobby Lashley & Lana! The Rocky Mountain Machine and his Ravishing Russian wife head to the ring. What will the two have to say after the break?
Raw returns as Truth asks Winnipeg, “What’s up?!” Ever since he heard this interview was coming up, Truth was preparing questions. Lana says they don’t care about his “stupid talk show.” Truth and Lashley have a match. Fans cheer for “Rusev Day!” Lana insists that Rusev Day is cancelled! Truth says, “My bad.” The thing is, Lashley is really, really, really big. He’d rather ask questions than fight. Like, has Lashley seen the Sonic the Hedgehog movie? Lana wants the bell to ring! Well she has to get out of the ring first. Lana shouts for the bell to ring as she gets out of the ring, and we get this match started!
R-Truth VS Bobby Lashley w/ Lana!
Truth is upset he didn’t finish the interview, and asks for time to get undressed. Lashley doesn’t give him the time! Fans boo as he stomps Truth into the corner! Lashley drags Truth up to whip him corner to corner. He hits a corner clothesline then a Complete Shot! Fans rally for “Rusev Day! Rusev Day!” as Lashley throws Truth out. Lashley goes out but Truth gets in. Truth counter punches Lashley as he gets in! Truth dodges and runs to use John Cena’s signature shoulder tackles! Lashley swings into the Spin-Out Bomb! “You can’t see me!” Truth hits the FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Lashley staggers into a fireman’s carry but slips out. Truth kicks low and runs, into a SPEAR!! Cover, Lashley wins!
Winner: Bobby Lashley, by pinfall
If that happens in the gauntlet match, then Lashley will eliminate Truth easily and move on to another. Will Lashley be able to outlast the other five men and take the Tuwaiq Mountain Trophy for his own?
Jerry “The King” Lawler presides over the Raw Women’s Chamber Match contract signing!
The Empress of Tomorrow, the Queen of Harts, the Queen of Spades, and all three members of the group once known as The Riott Squad will be in the ring, after the break.
Raw returns as Asuka, Ruby Riott, Sarah Logan and Liv Morgan have taken their seats. Natalya makes her entrance and Canada cheers their hometown Queen of Harts. Fans cheer for Jerry as he officially welcomes us to the signing. This Elimination Chamber match will name a #1 contender to Becky’s Raw Women’s Championship. Jerry would go on, but Asuka snatches the mic from her! Asuka says that’s enough, “We don’t care!” At the Elimination Chamber, six people go in. Okay, then hold on, let Asuka count. Ichi, ni, san, shi, go… That’s FIVE! Where’s the sixth!? Asuka dares Shayna to show herself! Jerry is given his mic back and understands. They should have all the women involved here, but Shayna is either running late or doesn’t care. Either way, this contract will be signed now.
Sarah starts off with a simple signature and no comments. Then to Natty, she signs and fans cheer. Third, Liv Morgan. Liv signs, and personally takes the contract all the way over to Ruby. Ruby laughs at Liv’s intimidation tactics, and signs. Ruby stands up but Jerry wants to keep the peace. There are referees here, as well, so please, everyone just stay calm. Liv goes back to her seat, and that leaves Asuka to sign. Asuka signs her part, and now Shayna shows herself. At least, her music plays… Shayna comes in from the crowd! Just as she did when she attacked The Man, she comes in from the stands and enters the ring from that side. Shayna takes the contract, signs, and it is finished.
Shayna goes down the line, and Natty stands up to her. Jerry gets out of the ring with the contract, and Asuka speaks up. “Oi, Shayna, ore!” She shoves Natty! Asuka talks trash to Shayna in Japanese, and dares Shayna to “Bite me.” The jackets come off but Natty trips up Asuka! Natty throws hands and Liv DIVES onto Ruby! Sarah hurries after them but it is unclear whose side she’s on. Referees hurry to separate Asuka and Natty, and staff hurry to clear the ring of armchairs and tables. Shayna just keeps herself clear of it all, happy to watch the powder keg she lit. Fans want to “Let Them Fight!” as the brawl spills out, but here comes BECKY! Becky holds up her title and knows Shayna wants after it, and Becky wants after Shayna!
The fans fire up for the brawl, but Shayna SPINE BUSTERS Becky down! Shayna grounds ‘n’ pounds, and fans boo as security hurries to pull them apart. They get loose and the brawl starts again! Shayna and Becky only get body shots in before they’re pulled apart. Can the chaos be contained?
Buddy Murphy VS Angelo Dawkins!
Before the Street Profits challenge for the Raw Tag Team Championships at Super Showdown, they will work to divide and conquer the Monday Night Messiah and his top disciple! Will Dawkins get his half of the smoke? Or will Murphy make Rollins proud?
Before the match, the Profits get mics. They helped Kevin Owens last week against Rollins and the disciples. But now they have a tag team championship match at Super Showdown! Seth and Murphy, aka the Monday Night Pariah and Murph the Smurf. Fans chant that one. But this Thursday, it will be all about the Raw tag team golds! That is when the Profits finally become YOUR tag team champions! Fam, calm down. But Profits eat, sleep and breathe four very important words: “We Want The Smoke!” Seth Rollins makes his entrance, and this match begins.
Murphy throws his shirt at Dawkins and hits a KNEE! Murph stomps and whips Dawkins but Dawkins reverses. Fans taunt with “Murph the Smurf!” chants while Murphy reverses back. Murphy fires off a strike fest but Dawkins avoids the knee. Dawkins ROCKS Murphy with a right! Murphy wobbles, Dawkins dodges him in the corner, then Dawkins rallies with clotheslines! BIG back elbow rocks Murphy, and then Dawkins his the cyclone splash! Dawkins keeps moving, but Murphy sends him right out. Murphy wrecks Dawkins with the dropkick, then builds speed, to run into the SPINE BUSTER! Cover, but Rollins attacks!
Winner: Angelo Dawkins, by disqualification
Rollins throws this match just so he can do damage to Dawkins! Ford says Dawkins hit Murphy so hard they had to remove his first name. But if Rollins is so scared, how about Ford do the same thing to him? Rollins hears those fighting words and is ready to go! Will he #BurnItDown? Or will Ford get that smoke?
Seth Rollins VS Montez Ford!
The bell rings, Ford dodges Rollins and fires off JABS! And a dropkick! Ford builds speed to FLY out onto Rollins and Murphy! Messiah and disciple are down as fans fire up with Ford! Raw goes picture in picture as Ford puts Rollins back in. Rollins rolls back out and wants a time-out. Ford watches Rollins closely as Rollins returns. The two circle, tie up, and Rollins kicks low. Rollins wrenches, yanks and yanks and yanks on the arm. He has a standing armlock on Ford but Ford endures. Ford gets up but Rollins wrenches again. Ford rolls, rolls, waves hi then handsprings to wrench. Rollins swigs, Ford ducks and dropkicks! Ford arm-drags Rollins around and has him in an armlock now!
Rollins endures as Ford cranks on the arm. Rollins fights his way up but Ford keeps him from ropes. They go around and around and Ford brings Rollins back to the mat. Murphy coaches Rollins and Rollins fights his way up. Rollins puts Ford in a corner but waits until the ref’s count of 4 to sucker punch! Rollins CHOPS Ford then whips him corner to corner. Ford goes up and over and handsprings to show off. Fans lik the swagger as Ford arm-drags and dropkicks Rollins down! And then dropkicks him out! Rollins regroups with Murphy as fans fire up. Ford heads out after Rollins but Murphy stands in his way. Dawkins comes over and shoves Murphy!
Raw returns to single picture as the ref EJECTS Dawkins!? Fans boo and Rollins sucker punches Ford! Rollins hugs it out with Murphy but then the ref EJECTS Murphy! Now Rollins is upset and argues, but Ford rolls him up! TWO, and Ford runs at Rollins. Rollins puts Ford on the apron but Ford ROCKS him back with a right! Ford springboards for a BIG crossbody! Cover, TWO! Ford clotheslines Rollins out of the ring! Rollins staggers up but Ford goes out. Ford dropkicks Rollins again! The ring count climbs as Ford brings Rollins up and into the ring. Ford climbs the corner as Rollins stands, but Rollins dropkicks Ford back! Ford holds on but Rollins hip tosses him into the ring. Rollins rains down angry right hands on Ford, then grinds his forearms into Ford’s face. The ref backs Rollins off as fans boo.
Rollins seethes as he drags Ford up for a high and hard back suplex. Cover, TWO! Rollins drags Ford back up for another but Ford slips out. Ford dumps Rollins out high and hard to the floor! Rollins staggers as the ring count climbs. Rollins gets in, Ford catches him in a cradle, TWO! Ford gets a backslide, TWO! Now a school boy, TWO! Rollins whips, Ford reverses but Rollins lifts Ford for a BUCKLE BOMB! Cover, TWO! Ford still lives and Rollins can’t believe it. Rollins drags Ford up, whips him out of the ring, then goes out to bring him up. Rollins lifts Ford, to BARRIER BOMB!! Ford is down and Rollins is deadly serious as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns as Rollins slaps Ford around. Fans boo Rollins as he watches Ford flounder up. Rollins drags Ford up but Ford enziguris! Down goes Ford! Both men are crawling to opposite ends as fans rally up. Rollins heads for Ford and brings him up again, but Ford throws big haymakers! Ford powers up and POLISH HAMMERS! But Rollins kicks low to powerbomb lift again, only for Ford to headscissor and send Rollins into buckles! Ford rallies with lariats! Ford whips, Rollins reverses but Ford hurdles and body checks! Fans fire up as Ford manages a kip up to a standing moonsault! Cover, TWO! Ford keeps moving, heading to a corner. He climbs up but Rollins stands to club him down! Rollins drags Ford the rest of the way but Ford resists the superplex.
Ford clubs Rollins and ROUNDHOUSES! Rollins staggers back, Ford gets in, but Rollins kicks low! Underhooks, but Ford slips out to DDT! Cover, TWO!! Fans boo that Rollins still lives but Ford has wild eyes. Ford drags himself to a corner and up to the top rope. Rollins stops him with a haymaker! Rollins climbs, brings Ford in, but Ford again resists the superplex. Ford throws body shots then shoves Rollins down. Ford adjusts but Rollins is right up again! Rollins pulls but has to hop down. Rollins gets under Ford and back drops him for Ford to SUNSET BOMB Rollins!! Ford hurries back up, WORLD STAR FLOP!! CURB STOMP!! Rollins crawls to the cover, Rollins wins!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall
The Street Profits put up a good fight, but the Monday Night Messiah finds a way to win! But if Ford gave Rollins this much of a challenge alone, how much more will the Profits be up working together?
Randy Orton VS Kevin Owens!
Raw will end as it began. The Viper refuses to explain his actions, so he will simply face the consequences when he fights the Prizefighter! Will KO avoid the RKO to get revenge on behalf of both the Rated R Superstar and V1 Matt Hardy?
The bell rings and Orton circles with Kevin. They tie up, go around, and Orton puts Kevin in a corner. The two push each other but Orton swings. Kevin dodges to CHOP and CHOP and CHOP! Orton swings again, Kevin ducks and throws haymaker after haymaker! And then stomps a mudhole into Orton! The ref backs Kevin off and Orton slithers out before Kevin can cannonball. Kevin goes out to keep after Orton, and throws him into barriers! Fans cheer as Kevin runs in, CANNONBALL! Kevin shouts, “This is MY show!” and fans cheer. Kevin mocks Orton’s knee pain before putting him in the ring. Orton is in a drop zone, Kevin climbs up top, but then Seth Rollins, Buddy Murphy and the AOP return! Kevin dares the “little b*tch” to do something, but then Orton knocks him down!
Raw is picture in picture as Orton goes out to fetch Kevin. Orton sends Kevin into barriers, then gives a nod to Rollins. Orton sends Kevin into steel steps! Kevin writhes in pain as Orton paces about. Orton drags Kevin up into the the ring, and Rollins draws closer. Orton stomps Kevin’s limbs, as is his usual method, and then clamps onto an arm. Kevin endures the mounted armlock while Rollins and his followers stand ringside. Kevin fights his way up and throws body shots and forearms to get free. He whips Orton but Oton kicks back. Orton wrenches and yanks on the arm, then has a wristlock to torture Kevin with. Kevin reaches for ropes but Orton hammerlocks the arm and keeps him away. Kevin continues to endure and fight his way up. Orton brings Kevin around to ram into the post!
The ref checks on Kevin as he clutches his arm. Orton catches his breath as he watches Kevin crawl. Raw returns to single picture as Orton drags Kevin up. Kevin manages to throw hands with the bad arm so Orton yanks the other arm! Orton whips Kevin corner to corner then runs in, to a SUPERKICK! Both Kevin and Orton are down, and reinforcements arrive! The Viking Raiders and the Stret Profits brawl with Rollins, Murphy and the AOP! The Profits dump Murphy over the barriers and follow while Erik, Ivar, Akam and Rezar brawl on the other end! Kevin sees his allies working to keep him safe, and he climbs up top. But Orton trips Kevin up! Orton climbs up to join Kevin but Kevin resists. Kevin throws body shots, and clubs the leg!
Kevin punches Orton so Orton punches back. The two brawl up top, back and forth, and Orton falls to the headbutt! Kevin adjusts, to SWANTON! But Rollins is still lurking! Rollins gets up on the apron, Kevin DECKS him! Kevin says “SUCK IT!” but Orton LARIATS! Orton practically salivates as Kevin is on the apron. Orton drags Kevin up but Kevin hotshots first! But Rollins anchors Kevin’s feet! Kevin kicks Rollins away but Orton kicks Kevin! Orton brings Kevin through the ropes, DRAPING DDT! Cover, is that count fast!? Orton wins!?
Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall
Why did the referee count that fast?! And he goes to check on Rollins. Does Rollins have a referee joining his flock? Rollins grabs chairs and hands them to Orton! The referee aside, has Rollins now welcomed a viper into the fold? “You know what you want to do, Randy. Let the voices speak to you, Randy.” Rollins is encouraging this!? But Kevin grabs one of the chairs! Kevin and Orton each have one, and Kevin dares Orton do do something! Orton drops his chair, and then the ref takes the other?! What is with this ref?! Rollins stats to understand, he does have an official on his side! But then so does Kevin! Kevin grabs the ref and rips the shirt open! There’s a Monday Night Messiah shirt under there!! He was a follower all along!
Rollins says he has nothing to do with this. And whether or not Rollins does, the ref will now pay for his sins! Kevin takes up a chair and fans chant, “YES! YES!” Kevin throws the chair aside, brings the ref up, and tells him to thank Rollins for this STUNNER!! Rollins is furious over what Kevin did to “a good human being!” Fans want “One More Time!” and Kevin pulls out a TABLE! Winnipeg is thunderous as Kevin sets it up in the ring, and then brings the zebra turned sheep over. Kevin says this is for Rollins. POWERBOMB THROUGH THE TABLE!! This war for the soul of Raw is far from over! Which side will win when even referees are taking sides?
My Thoughts:
Compared to SmackDown’s Super Showdown go-home, this was actually really good! I love that WWE is blending stories together when it comes to Edge, Orton, Rollins and Kevin. We got some really good promos out of everyone, especially the jabs at Murphy’s on-air name change. And it was actually really smart for Murphy VS Dawkins to be thrown out, we need to leave something for Super Showdown. Rollins VS Ford was a great match, but naturally Rollins wins as the more accomplished wrestler overall. Great twist for the referee that officiated Orton VS Kevin to be a “follower,” but I suppose if I was paying attention, I would’ve realized he’s not one of the usual refs in the rotation. I like the idea that even non-wrestler WWE employees will take sides in this, a real Marvel Cinematic “Hail Hydra” thing.
The blending of OC, Ricochet and Aleister is pretty good, too. Ricochet gets a good win before he surely loses to Lesnar. Heyman’s promo was good on that, as was McIntyre’s interview. Though, some of that interview was basically what McIntyre shoot talked to on WWE Backstage a few weeks ago. OC beating up Aleister helped add a layer of drama to Aleister VS Rowan, but I don’t think the Winnipeg fans were as receptive to it for the middle portion of the match. I’m starting to suspect this might bring Ricochet and Aleister back together as a tag team just long enough to have a good match or two with the Good Brothers. Aleister VS Styles will be a great match, that’s for sure.
Truth VS Lashley went as expected, but it’s a shame Rusev won’t be going to Super Showdown now. Rey Mysterio is a great substitute, but I’m thinking the likely gauntlet winners are Lashley or Styles. Garza VS Carrillo was an amazing opening match for the night. Obviously, Almas and Mysterio are back with Super Showdown, and next week’s tag team match of Carrillo & Mysterio VS Almas & Garza is going to be INSANE! I’m hoping Vega forms a stable that is basically LWO. At the same time, that could be a great preview of a United States Championship match for Chamber or even Mania.
We got a lot of recapping for the Becky-Shayna situation, even if it was spread out through the night. I’m not sure we really needed all of it, and I’m sure there was a way to trim it down to two segments, not three. The Women’s Chamber contract signing was a great segment, very unique in having that many superstars present, and of course the brawling was great. WWE should try some round robin type match booking for the competitors, not including Shayna. Kayfabe it as protecting the event since Becky only wants after Shayna.
My Score: 8.8/10
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Can the Last Real Champion handle The Truth?
While the King & Queen of the Ring tournaments reach their semifinals, John Cena has his first match on SmackDown in years, against Ron Killings!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Asuka VS Alexa Bliss; Asuka wins and advances to Night of Champions.
- Aleister Black VS Kit Wilson; No Contest.
- King of the Ring Semifinals: Randy Orton VS Sami Zayn; Orton wins and advances to Night of Champions.
- Charlotte Flair VS Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice; Charlotte wins.
- Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker VS LA Knight; Knight wins, by disqualification.
- John Cena VS Ron Killings; Killings wins, by disqualification.
PLAY BY PLAY
LA Knight is here!
Grand Rapids fires up as the Mega Star marches right to the ring. Knight grabs a mic while the fans chant his name, and he says, “LEMME TALK TO YA!” The fans cheer, and Knight says, “Let’s just go ahead and rewind our mind a little bit. We go to back to Money in the Bank, Seth and his boys, they just happen to come down and screw this guy.” The fans boo that. Knight says usually, he lets things slide. But he just figured he couldn’t let it slide, so he made sure to screw on of Rollins’ boys in their title opportunity, King of the Ring. But then they came back, paid it back and screwed Knight outta KOTR, so he had to go and screw the other one over!
And it just has Knight thinking. Fans “YEAH!” and Knight says there is only one way this can go. He has gone back and forth between Raw and SmackDown, where it ends, nobody knows! Except Knight! He knows! He knows where this ends! The fans cheer that! And Knight says it ends with him and Rollins! And what better place than here? And what better time than now! Knight tells Rollins to come on out and talk to him! But “Ladies and gentlemen…” The fans boo as Paul Heyman walks out and gives his introductions. He serves as the Wise Man to Mr. Money in the Bank, Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins!
Heyman says you do not boo that name. And you screwed up your cue, so they’ll do this again. He serves as the Wise Man for Seth Freakin’ Rollins! The fans keep booing, Heyman wants to try again, but Knight says shut up and get to the point! Why is Heyman here?! Heyman walks to the ring and asks permission to step inside. The fans chant “O T C! O T C!” but Knight steps back. Heyman steps into the ring, and he says yes, there has been a lot of bad blood between Knight and Mr. MITB, Seth Freakin’ Rollins. However, Heyman happens to be, with all due respect to everyone here in Grand Rapids, Michigan…
The fans chant “C M PUNK!” at Heyman now and he frowns. Knight says Heyman has a lot of enemies. Heyman says he is the biggest LA Knight fan in all of WWE! Heyman’s been waiting a long time to say this: YEAH! Now, because of that, Seth Freakin’ Rollins (the fans boo again) has allowed Heyman to say to Knight, as a favor to Heyman… It is time for Knight to get the hell outta Grand Rapids, Michigan. Because if he does not, something really bad is going to happen to him before the end of the night. Have a nice evening. Heyman turns to go but the fans cheer Knight on. Knight says he couldn’t help but notice, but did you~ (poking fun at Heyman’s voice cracking) threaten Knight?
Because Knight wants to wrap his head around this. He’s heard Heyman say stuff like this before, because Heyman is a liar, a swindler, a grifter, a scammer and a schemer! Heyman leeches on to any talent that has a bit of hype, sucks ’em dry, then moves on to the next! Rollins just happens to be the latest in this. But where next? Who cares! But the bottom line is, Knight asked for Rollins but he got Heyman. And while he got Heyman, he got a Heyman out here talking all tough. So it has Knight thinking, he has a great idea.
Talking about wise man, wisdom, there was a point in time if Heyman had said something like that, a man like Knight would look at a “thing” like Heyman and punched his wisdom teeth down his throat! Knight won’t do that, yet. But here’s the deal: Heyman’s talking all tough, but if he can’t bring Rollins out here, then the only thing to do out here in Grand Rapids is Knight fighting Heyman here and now! The fans fire up for that! Knight asks if the fans want that, and they cheer! “HUH?” “YEAH!” “HUH?” “YEAH!” “YEAH!!” Knight promises he’ll turn around, take his vest off, and Heyman gets the first shot. He better make it good, or Knight will molly whop his ass right outta Grand Rapids!
The fans fire up as Knight does as promised. He turns around, his vest is off, but Heyman bails? The fans boo as the Wise Man doesn’t play along. Heyman says, “Remember when I told you to get the hell out of Grand Rapids or else something really bad is gonna happen to you before the end of the night? That wasn’t a prediction. That… was a spoiler!” Heyman throws down his mic, and here comes Bronson Reed & Bron Breakker! Rollins’ behemoths head to the ring, but Knight fires off on them first! The fans rally as Knight throws hands and feet, but then Bron TACKLES Knight! Bronson joins in and they mug Knight right out of the ring!
Bronson drags Knight up to TOSS him over barriers! Bron clears the desk, he wants Bronson to put Knight through it! But Knight has a chair! He JAMS Bron, JAMS Bronson, then SMACKS Bron and SMACKS Bronson! Knight gets in the ring, ready to hit whoever gets in! The fans cheer Knight but Heyman has Bron & Bronson stand down. Will Heyman have the henchmen try again before the end of tonight?
SmackDown returns and…
Heyman has Bron & Bronson calm down, they have this under control. It is all in their favor, and it always will be in their favor. That is the whole point behind this. Byron Saxton steps in and wants to talk to them, but Heyman has to hold Bron back like the dog he is! Heyman says no need to bite Byron. Byron apologizes, he has word from SmackDown GM, Nick Aldis, that Bronson Reed VS LA Knight is set for tonight. Heyman says okay, thank you, and goodbye. Byron leaves and Heyman smiles. He told them! Patience is not a virtue, it is strategy. Bronson smiles and nods. Will Auzsilla destroy LA here in Grand Rapids?
Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Asuka VS Alexa Bliss!
Two great returns to action through this tournament, and now they cross paths with each other. The Empress of Tomorrow overcame Ivy Nile, Raquel Rodriguez and Stephanie Vaquer while Lil’ Miss Bliss outsmarted Alba Fyre, Candice LeRae and Charlotte Flair. But whose comeback story overtakes the other’s here just one match away from Night of Champions?
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Alexa headlocks, but Asuka powers up and out. Alexa RAMS Asuka, Asuka roars, and the fans fire up as Asuka fires hands! Alexa blocks a kick to THROW Asuka down, then basement DROPKICK! The fans cheer as Asuka and Alexa reset. Alexa kicks, Asuka blocks and slips through to waistlock. Alexa elbows free, runs, but Asuka runs past her to then RUN her over! The fans fire up and Asuka runs in again, HIP ATTACK! Alexa falls to the floor and the fans fire up while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Asuka lets Alexa stay down while she soaks up the cheers. The ring count starts, Alexa rises, but Asuka goes out after her. Alexa slips inside and DROPKICKS Asuka’s leg! Asuka falls from the apron but she has to nod respect for that savvy move. Asuka steps back in at 6 of 10, and she resets with Alexa. They circle, feel things out, and tie up. Asuka wrenches and wristlocks, but Alexa rolls and wrenches to hammerlock. Alexa waistlocks, rolls Asuka, TWO! The two stand off again and they both nod respect. They reset, the fans rally up, and the two feel things out. Asuka trips Alexa, clamps on with a headlock, and she grinds Alexa down.
Alexa endures, Asuka turns her over to go after the arm, then she stands on Alexa’s arm. Alexa endures, Asuka shifts arms, but Alexa wrenches out to wrangle Asuka. Alexa shifts to a cording hold, but Asuka fights up and fires body shots. Alexa whips Asuka to a corner, but Asuka elbows her away! And BOOTS! Asuka goes up, leaps, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Alexa stays in this but Asuka stays focused. Asuka drags Alexa around and gives her Kawada Kicks! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Asuka wrenches for a chicken wing! Alexa fights the Asuka Lock and JAWBREAKERS free! Alexa runs up to RUN Asuka over!
The fans rally as Alexa rallies, then hits a BLOCKBUSTER! The fans fire up as Alexa SLAPS, ROCKS, and KNEES Asuka down! Then SOMERSAULT SENTON! Cover, TWO! Asuka stays in this and Alexa grows frustrated. The fans rally while Alexa brings Asuka up. Asuka breaks free to URAKEN, SOBAT, FRONT KICK, and GERMAN SUPLEX! Alexa tumbles away, Asuka runs up, SLIDING KICK! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as Asuka stands and takes aim. But Alexa ducks the buzzsaw! Cover, TWO! Alexa clinches, TWISTED- NO, Asuka rolls Alexa up! TWO! Alexa sits up, BUZZSAW! Cover, TWO!! Alexa survives but Asuka just fires up!
The fans rally as Asuka goes to the corner. Asuka climbs from the outside, and MISSILE- NO, Alexa dodges this time! Alexa kicks and DDTS! Cover, TWO! Asuka stays in this and the fans fire up! “This is Awesome!” as Alexa drags Asuka into the drop zone. Alexa goes up, up, and the fans fire up! TWISTED- NO, Asuka moves, so Alexa stops. Alexa won’t let Asuka sneak away, but then she gets caught in an ARMBAR!! Alexa flails, rolls, but ends up in an omoplata! RINGS OF SATURN!! Alexa fights around, pops her arm free for a cover, TWO!! Asuka reels Alexa in, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up as Alexa stays in this! Asuka fires up, the fans are with her, and she runs up, only for Alexa to ROCK her with a right! Alexa puts Asuka in the Tree of Woe, and she DROPKICKS Asuka out of it! Alexa climbs back up, and TWISTED BLISSÂ onto knees!! Asuka still counters the moonsault, and hits the EMPRESS IMPACT!! Cover, Asuka wins!
Winner: Asuka, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)
The Empress says no one is ready for Asuka, and that has certainly been the case! But on Raw, we find out, will it be Jade Cargill or Roxanne Perez that meets Asuka in Saudi Arabia?
Jade Cargill, Mia Yim & B-Fab watch backstage.
And Fab says damn, Asuka just came back and she’s already making statements. Almost like she never left. Michin says maybe they need to make their own statements. They need to talk to Aldis about the tag titles. Fab agrees. Fab & Mia wish Jade luck before heading out. Byron walks in and asks if he can have a word. Jade says shoot. Byron says Asuka just advanced, but Jade has her match on Monday with Roxanne Perez. How does Jade feel about facing a talented competitor like Roxie? And how does she feel about the possibility of facing Asuka in the finals? Jade says “Rox” has potential. Roxie is quick and scrappy.
But she’s still trying to prove herself. And this isn’t a proving ground, this is a throne room, and Jade was built for royalty. As for Asuka, there’s a storm on the horizon. But news flash, Jade is that storm. This entire tournament wasn’t built for the future, but for a woman who can walk through fire, shatter glass ceilings, and take her crown on the way to the top. This Queen of the Ring, Jade isn’t just walking in to win. She’s here to reign. Will the Prodigy be washed away by the storm this Monday?
Alexa Bliss returns backstage.
And Chelsea Green finds her. Flanked by her Secret Her-vice, The Hot Mess asks, “Hey, little fu-fu, how’s your boo-boo?” Alexa asks back, “How’s yours?” Piper tells Chelsea not to get upset, Alexa is just jealous. Chelsea says this serves Alexa right. Chelsea should be Queen of the Ring, and she’d be building her parliament if not for Alexa! Oh, if she has that big of an issue, then try facing her in the ring. Chelsea says she will! But then Charlotte Flair walks in and says if anyone should’ve still been in this tournament, it’s her. But had Chelsea’s “replacement” tapped out sooner, maybe she would.
So here’s the deal: Charlotte will have a match made and tap Chelsea out instead. N-Not if Chelsea makes it a bank holiday! ROYAL DUTIES! NICHOLAS! Chelsea hurries away with the Secret Her-vice following, and Alexa tells Charlotte that she doesn’t need Charlotte’s help. Oh, that’s cute. Because Charlotte wasn’t helping Alexa. Charlotte leaves now, leaving Alexa to chew on that. Will The Queen chew up the Hot Mess and spit her out now that she has nothing better to do?
Aleister Black VS Kit Wilson!
The Dark Father is also directionless now that he is out of the King of the Ring tournament, but he never lets that bother him. Will he make himself the direction all roads lead when things #FadeToBlack? Or will Kit prove he can be Pretty Deadly all on his own?
Wait, who is attacking Kit? It’s R-TRUTH! But why’s Ron Killings going after Kit?! He POSTS Kit, drags him back out, and puts him in an STF!! The fans fire up and Kit taps, but it won’t matter when this isn’t a match! Killings lets Kit out of the hold and demands a mic. A mic is given, and Killings says, “Get John Cena out here now. I’m driving! On my terms! Cena, get out here!” The fans fire up and then Killings puts Kit back in the STF! Aleister is rather confused, but producers hurry out here to stop Truth. Truth lets Kit go, Jamie Noble asks Truth wait for the main event. Truth seethes, but he accepts the terms.
Killings leaves, walking right past Aleister. Will there be no denying The Truth when he finally gets his hands on the Last Real Champion?
Jamie Noble talks with Truth backstage.
Jamie says Truth has to calm down. Truth says he wants John Cena NOW! He’s driving! Yes, okay, but just wait. Truth promises that when he sees Cena, he is killing him tonight! Aleister steps in and asks Truth why he is getting involved in Aleister’s match. Truth says it wasn’t personal, it had nothing to do with Aleister. These two stare down, and then Damian Priest steps in. The Archer of Infamy has Aleister stand down. Truth is going through a lot, let Priest talk to him. Oh, of course. Aleister says, “Ron.” “Black.” Aleister leaves, Priest tells Truth that there’s no need for any of that. Priest gets Truth is frustrated, but he can’t just go beat up people for no reason.
Priest used to do that, and Truth was the guy there to make him smile. Truth made the world smile! All that anger and negativity, focus that on the match tonight. Focus that on John Cena. Go out there and handle business with Cena, then Priest and Truth can go downtown to celebrate. How’s that sound? Truth says sounds good, DP. They shake hands, and Priest heads out. Truth is still seething, but will he make sure it all explodes on Cena?
Cody Rhodes is here!
Grand Rapids sings along as The American Nightmare makes his way out, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, he high-fives fans in the front row, then looks closely at the King of the Ring’s crown. Cody goes to the ring and grabs the mic. He hears the fans cheer him on, but then Jey Uso is here! The fans fire up as Main Event Jey makes his way down through the crowd! A young fan joins in bouncing along, but so does all of Grand Rapids! Jey continues down the stands, finds another young fan, and they bounce along again. Jey then reaches ringside, high-fives the front row, and he joins Cody in the ring as we get the next wave of YEET!
Grand Rapids might want to YEET all night, but Jey hugs it out with Cody before he gets his own mic. The music dies down, the fans chant, “One More Time! One More Time!” and Cody says sure, one more is fine. Jey says okay, and yes, the fans get to YEET again! Jey says hey, Cody doesn’t even have to say nothing. They been in the trenches! “YEET!” Still in the trenches! “YEET!” From fighting The Bloodline… “YEET!” To winning tag titles… “YEET!” To finishing their stories at WrestleMania! “YEET!” They’ve both been to the mountaintop. “YEET!” But Cody, on Monday, there is only room for one of them.
The fans are intrigued, and Cody nods. Jey says there’s only one that can go. Cody VS Jey, Jey VS Cody, and Jey knows Cody will bring it. Jey has to get his, Uce. He has to, just like Cody has to get his. But that said, Uce, it ain’t personal. This all business. But that all said, too, Uce, on Monday, after they go to war, please believe that it will be four letters, one word, uh uh… YEET! Cody smiles and the fans cheer. They shake hands again, and wait! Here comes Sami Zayn! The fans cheer as the Great Liberator makes his way to the ring. Sami grabs a mic to say, “This is nice, isn’t it? I get to share the ring with two great friends.”
The fans applaud, and Sami says he is in the ring with two of the very best that this business has to offer! The fans cheer that, too! Sami says he’d be lying if he denied there was a part of him that sees the three of them in this ring, and notices how only one of them has never been world champion. Jey, Sami wants him to know, man to man, this year, Sami missed Mania. Sami had no reason to be in Las Vegas, but he got his ass on a plane to Vegas for one reason: To congratulate Jey the moment he won the World Heavyweight Championship! Sami loves Jey, and he is proud of him. And Cody, for years, everyone watched as Cody finished his story.
And when Cody did, he did the unthinkable and pinned Roman Reigns in the middle of this ring, Sami was the first one out here to congratulate Cody. Sami is so proud that Cody finished his story. So he hopes both men understand that now, it is time for Sami to finish HIS story! The fans cheer, but then here comes Randy Orton! The Viper looks at the crown, then goes to the ring. The fans sing along with Voices and Orton grabs himself a mic. “So Cody, same deal as last week but I’m gonna say it again. There is no line I will not cross, even if it means going through you, so that I can get to John Cena at SummerSlam, beat him, and get my FIFTEENTH world championship!”
The fans cheer, and Orton tells Jey, “Man, I respect the… Hell outta you, dude. Our families go way, way, way back. Nothing but love, dude. But if you’re standing across the ring from me at SummerSlam, it’s not gonna be four letters, one word. It’s gonna be three letters, one move.” The fans say it, “R K O!” And Orton says he not only speaks for himself but for everyone here in this arena when he says, and from the bottom of his heart, one day and one day soon, Sami Zayn will be world champion. But not at SummerSlam. Because tonight, Sami is on the receiving end of the three most dangerous letters in sports entertainment: R K O.
Orton drops the mic, and it is time to put those words into action. Will it be the Legend Killer or the Underdog from the Underground that heads for Saudi Arabia?
King of the Ring Semifinals: Randy Orton VS Sami Zayn!
SmackDown returns, the bell rings, and these two circle. They tie up, Sami wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, then wristlocks. Orton endures, fights up, and the fans duel. Orton wrenches Sami in return to then headlock. Sami endures, powers up to wrench again, and he grinds the arm. Sami wrenches and CHOPS, and Orton goes to the corner. Sami CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! The fans “WOO~” but the ref counts. Orton pushes past Sami, bails out of the ring, and he is pretty red already. Sami builds speed but he fakes Orton out with the Arabian Press! The fans fire up and Orton has to admit that was good.
Orton goes up the steps and steps back into the ring. The fans rally, Orton and Sami tie up, and Orton puts Sami in the corner. Orton lets off slowly, but he pokes Sami in the eyes! The fans boo but Orton UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! But Sami pokes Orton in the eyes! The ref caught that one and reprimands Sami. Sami TOSSES Orton out, goes to the apron, but Orton YANKS Sami down! Sami hits off the apron, and Orton reels him in, DESK BACK SUPLEX! Sami writhes and Orton rolls into the ring, just to refresh the count. Fans want that “One More Time!” and Orton agrees! DESK BACK SUPLEXÂ again!
Sami writhes more and whatever monitor wasn’t busted, they’re busted now! Orton leaves Sami behind for a moment while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Orton goes out to fetch Sami, but Sami fights off a third back suplex! Orton kicks low, brings Sami over, but Sami blocks the smack off the steel steps! Orton sputters, Sami stalks him, and Sami decides to give him some payback! But Orton ROCKS Sami first! Orton SMACKS Sami off the desk, puts him in the ring, and covers, TWO! Sami stays in this but Orton looms over him. Sami rises, Orton puts him in a corner, and Orton fires body shots. Orton climbs up and rains down fists! Orton gets to eight before Sami fires back! Sami has Orton in another corner, climbs up, and Sami rains down a fast TEN!
Sami huffs ‘n’ puffs and CHOPS! Orton is stinging but Sami CHOPS him again! Sami wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, and whips! Orton reverses, Sami hits buckles hard, and Sami falls in a heap. Orton dusts himself off and looms over Sami again. Orton stomps Sami’s hand! Sami writhes and clutches his finger. Orton stomps Sami’s foot, ten the other foot! And then the other hand! Sami sits up, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Orton CLUBS away on Sami’s chest! Orton DECKS Sami, the fans cheer, and Orton brings Sami up. Orton whips, Sami goes up and over, and Sami LARIATS Orton down! The fans fire up again as Sami rises!
Sami goes to the corner, Orton runs up, but Sami ELBOWS him! Sami goes up, AX HANDLES, and the fans fire up more! Orton takes a swing, but Sami slips around! Orton fights the Blue Thunder, then LARIATS! And LARIATS! Orton dodges Sami to SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up while Sami goes to the apron. Orton drags Sami in through the ropes, and DRAPING DDTS! The fans fire up as Orton hears those voices! Orton watches Sami rise, but then Sami bails out! The fans are torn but Sami is smart to avoid what was coming. Orton goes out to fetch Sami, SMACKS him off the desk, and then back suplexes, only for Sami to lands out!
Sami CLUBS Orton, and hits a DESK BACK SUPLEX on Orton! Sami puts Orton in the ring, goes to a corner, and the fans fire up as Orton rises. Orton runs in, Sami dodges, and Orton POSTS himself! Sami runs corner to corner, HELLUVA- SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Sami survives and Orton seethes. “This is Awesome!” as Sami goes back to a corner. Orton runs back in and he LARIATS! Orton runs but Sami follows! But Orton dodges the Helluva Kick! Sami gets stuck on the to rope, frees himself, and hobbles into an RK- NO! BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Orton survives and the fans fire up again!
“This is Awesome!” as Sami drags Orton to the drop zone. Sami goes up the corner, Orton stands and he gets under the leap! R K- NO, Sami SLAMS Orton down! And then HELLUVA- RKO!!! Orton crawls to the cover, Orton wins!!
Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)
Sami fought his heart out, but the Viper still strikes! Orton is going back to back in KOTR finals, but will he win the crown this time?
Nia Jax is here!
Grand Rapids boos as The Irresistible Force goes to the ring. She grabs the mic dot say, “You know what’s crazy? Tiffany Stratton approached me to be under my wing, because she knew exactly what I could do for her. And look, she’s thriving! And what kind of thanks did I get for it? She betrayed me. She has MY title!” But wait, here comes Tiffy! Grand Rapids cheers as the WWE Women’s Champion has the mic to tell Nia, “You’re like that toxic ex I just can’t get away from. News flash: get over it! You make excuse after excuse, but when are you just gonna admit that maybe I’m just better than you?”
The fans cheer and Tiff heads to the ring. Nia says yeah, okay, if Tiff is so much better, then give Nia a rematch without kicking a chair into her face. Tiff says if Nia’s so desperate for a match, it is her lucky day! She made it official for next week: Tiff VS Nia! And Tiff will have more fun adding more scars to that “five head” of Nia’s. Because it won’t just be a regular match. It will be Last Woman Standing! Nia takes a swing but Tiff dodge! Tiff fires off, kicks low, and runs up, but into a POP-UP HEADBUTT! And then Nia drops a leg, brother! Nia holds up the belt and soaks up the heat. Nia thinks about leaving, but decides to add on! ANOTHER leg drop, brother!
The fans boo but Nia says that’s not enough! Nia tells Wade & Joe that she’s taking the title! But wait! NAOMI is here, with a ref! Is she doing it!? Is she doing it?! But Nia YANKS Naomi out! Naomi tells her back off! Nia doesn’t, Naomi shoves her, but Nia still grabs at her! Tiff DROPKICKS Naomi onto Nia! Tiff avoids a cash-in because Nia was in the way, but is she setting herself up for failure with that extreme title match?
Charlotte Flair VS Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice!
The Queen was denied her crown, but she’s not even angry at Alexa Bliss, the one who took that opportunity from her. She instead looks to humble the Hot Mess that claims she would be queen if her demands were met. Who vents their frustrations and comes away with the win?
SmackDown returns and Charlotte makes her entrance. The bell rings and the fans actually cheer on Chelsea. Alba distracts Charlotte and Chelsea sucker punches her! The ref reprimands but Chelsea SMACKS Charlotte off the mat again and again! Chelsea salutes, but Charlotte CHOPS! Chelsea KNEES low, whips, but Charlotte goes up and out at the corner. Charlotte BOOTS Chelsea away, avoids Alba and KICKS her! Chelsea runs up, Charlotte RAMS her, and then Charlotte climbs up. CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Chelsea scrambles away and Charlotte runs up, but into an ELBOW! Charlotte GAMANGIRIS!
Charlotte snapmares, Chelsea distracts the ref, and Alba grabs Charlotte by the hair! Alba HOTSHOTS Charlotte and Chelsea hits a BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Chelsea is furious but Charlotte stays in this, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Chelsea hops onto Charlotte for a SLEEPER! The fans rally, but Charlotte hits a BACKPACK SENTON! Charlotte is free, Chelsea runs back up, but Charlotte gives her a BACKBREAKER and BUCKLE SHOT! Chelsea falls back, Charlotte huffs ‘n’ puffs and runs up to fire hands! The fans fire up as Charlotte CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Charlotte CHOPS again, then clinches for an EXPLODER! And a kip up! The fans fire up and Charlotte salutes to poke fun at Chelsea. Charlotte runs, dodges, and handsprings to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Chelsea survives but Charlotte stays on her by going for a leg.
Alba gets on the apron, so Charlotte BOOTS her down! The fans cheer, but Charlotte turns around into a ROUGH RYDER! Cover, TWO!! Charlotte survives and Chelsea is furious! Chelsea takes off her face protector and drags Charlotte up. Chelsea has the arms, turns Charlotte, but Charlotte shoves her away! Charlotte dodges and SPEARS! Cover, TWO!! Chelsea survives but Charlotte has the leg! FIGURE- CRADLE!! TWO!! Charlotte has the leg again, FIGURE FOUR! And the bridge for the FIGURE EIGHT!! Chelsea TAPS, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
But then Piper Niven SENTONS onto Charlotte!! Alba storms in, she and Piper mug Charlotte, but here comes Alexa! She RAMS into Piper, she ROCKS Alba, then she catches Chelsea! Charlotte LARIATS Alba out while Alexa hits a TWISTED SISTER ABIGAIL! And then Charlotte BOOTS Piper down! Charlotte and Alexa look at each other, and despite what either one thinks, maybe they both need the other after all. Alexa offers the handshake, but Charlotte walks right past Alexa. Alexa lets that slide, but will Charlotte come around soon enough?
Solo Sikoa talks with JC Mateo.
Why is JC taping up? Uh, duh, he’ll take out Jacob. No, Solo is going out there alone to talk with Jacob. Solo was the only one that Jacob would listen to. Jacob needs Solo. Solo will smooth things over. JC accepts that, but Solo does say that JC should stay ready. Solo is covering his bases, but will he need the Imperial Unit to put down the Samoan Werewolf? Or will it all be alright between them all?
Solo Sikoa heads to the ring.
SmackDown returns as the former Tribal Chief makes his way out, and Grand Rapids boos. Solo grabs the mic, takes a moment, and says, “Alright, Jacob. I’m out here in the middle of the ring, all alone, with open arms, willing to talk to you face to face. I feel terrible about what happened. So if you’re back there, come on out so we can clear the air.” Jacob Fatu makes his entrance and Grand Rapids cheers! Fatu holds up the United States Championship before he steps into the ring, and he has a mic of his own. The fans cheer on “FATU! FATU!” and Solo says he didn’t come out here to fight him, okay? He’s not here for that.
Solo wants to make it clear to Fatu that he loves him, always has loved him, no matter what. One thing Solo learned from being Tribal Chief is how to love family and how to take care of them. That’s all he’s trying to do. Families fight all the time. They fight, they argue, they forgive, and then they move forward. So they should move forward together, Jacob. Move forward as one. The fans boo that, but Solo says nobody saw the potential in Jacob except Solo. Nobody wanted Jacob here in the WWE, except Solo. That is why Solo brought Fatu here and gave him the chance to change his life and put food on his family’s table.
And why did Solo do that? Because Solo loves Jacob. He does. And to be honest, Solo doesn’t have anybody else. Fatu isn’t sure about that, but Solo says all he has is Fatu. And he’s all Solo needs. So come back to the family, and even if Jacob doesn’t say those four words, Solo will. Solo will say it for him, to him, loud enough so everybody can hear it! Solo tells Jacob, “I love you, Jacob.” The fans boo, they don’t trust this. Fatu paces as he thinks on that. “So you love me, huh?” Solo nods yes. So this is what it comes down to, huh? Solo loves Fatu? The way Fatu sees things, Solo has been using Fatu! Solo has been using Fatu to gain power, to fight his battles, and to stay Tribal Chief.
Hell, Solo brought Fatu in so Fatu could bring Solo fame! Solo brought Fatu in because he thought Fatu would bring him gold! Is that all this is about? Fame? Gold? Power? SOLO, LOOK AT HIM! Solo looks up from the floor while the fans cheer Fatu on. Fatu tells Solo that ever since he won the US Championship, Solo is the one that’s been acting different. And maybe Fatu isn’t the problem. Fatu just figured it out! The problem… is this. The problem is the US Championship. Fatu sets it down between him and Solo, and he says if this is what he thinks it is, then just fight him for it! Fight Fatu for the title! The fans fire up for that!
And Solo, Fatu will only warn you one time: If you ever think about coming this way, you know what Fatu is about! You know what’s poppin’ with Fatu, blood! And you know Jacob Fatu is all gas, no brakes with it! YADADADA- SOLO TAKES A SWING! Fatu blocks the spike and he HEADBUTTS! JC Mateo rushes out here! Fatu HEADBUTTS him, too! But Solo CHOP BLOCKS the legs! The fans boo but JC & Solo mug Fatu! But then here comes JIMMY USO! The fans fire up as #BigJim slides in, dodges Solo, and SUPERKICKS JC! And then he SUPERKICKS Solo! But JC LARIATS Jimmy down! JC HAMMERS Jimmy and Solo has him put Jimmy in the corner.
The fans boo but Solo tells Jimmy that he should’ve chosen Solo’s side, not Jacob’s! But speaking of, Fatu is up! The fans fire up as Fatu BODY CHECKS JC! Then he SUPERKICKS Solo! Solo is in a corner, Fatu fires off on him, HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT! SUPERKICK for JC! HIP ATTACK for Solo! The fans are fired up for the Samoan Werewolf, and he locks eyes with Jimmy. Jimmy came to Fatu’s rescue, Fatu just saved him, so Fatu goes up, up, only for Solo to bail out! No Best Moonsaults here in Grand Rapids, but will Fatu cut Solo down soon enough?
Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker VS LA Knight!
The Wise Man warned, or rather threatened, the Mega Star that he should just cut and run, but that’s not how he does things. Knight is ready to fight, but will he survive a battle with Auszilla? Or is a Tsunami about wipe out LA?
Wait, Knight doesn’t enter from the stage! He enters from the crowd! And he POSTS Bron! The fans fire up as Knight evens things out! He TOSSES Bronson out, throws his vest at him, and Bronson snarls. Bronson has Bron stand down, and says, “Tonight, I kill him.” Bronson steps into the ring, the bell sounds, and Knight fires off! The fans fire up as Knight fires hands, but Bronson puts him in the corner. Knight ELBOWS back, Knight fires more hands, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips but Bronson blocks! Bronson whips Knight to a corner, runs up, but Knight dodges! Bronson POSTS himself, and Knight stomps a mudhole in!
The fans rally, the ref counts, and Knight goes corner to corner, but into a fireman’s carry! Knight slips down to sunset flip, but Bronson stays up! Bronson jumps but Knight avoids the hip drop! Then Knight basement BOOTS! The fans fire up and Knight storms up on Bronson. Bronson TOSSES Knight to the apron, but Knight slingshots back in! Bronson catches Knight to a fireman’s carry! Knight flails free and he RAMS Bronson into a corner! But Bronson holds ropes to deny the Jump Neckbreaker! Bronson runs but Knight avoids the senton! The fans fire up as Knight goes up, up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! That’s a Steiner move!
The fans fire up and spell it out, “L! A! KNIGHT!” but Bronson bails out! Knight runs to WRECK Bronson with a dropkick! Knight goes back up, springboards, CROSSBODY to the ramp! The fans fire up with Knight and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Bronson has Knight up top. The fans rally as Knight fights back with body shots! Knight ROCKS Bronson, ROCKS him again, and ROCKS him again! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Bronson finally falls and Knight adjusts position. “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” BOX JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Bronson survives and Knight is rather stunned while Heyman is relieved. Knight aims, kicks, but Bronson denies the BFT! HEADBUTT, then a fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Knight survives the “Jagged Edge” DVD but Bronson brings him right up. Bronson reels Knight in and says thumbs down.
Bronson lifts Knight up, but Knight flips the bomb into a DDT! The fans fire up but Bron barks at the apron! Knight DECKS the dog, tells Heyman to get the same, but Bronson runs up! Knight DUMPS Bronson out, builds speed, but BRON SPEARS!!
Winner: LA Knight, by disqualification
The fans boo but Bron handed Knight the win with that one. Bronson stands Knight up so Bron can build speed and SUPER SPEAR!! Grand Rapids is torn but plenty of fans bark. And now Bronson goes up!? TSUNAMI!! Bronson goes up again, the refs hurry out here, but TSUNAMI AGAIN!! The fans want another, so Bron scares the refs off to let Bronson go back up! THIRD TSUNAMI!!! Have Rollins’ rooks just broken Knight into pieces? Is this a message to everyone that no one can stop the vision?
Jacob Fatu speaks.
“Yeah, c’mon on widdit! I just spoke to the man, and you know the man makes everything possible here on SmackDown! So next week, next week on Saturday, me ‘n’ you, Solo! Night of Champions, mano a mano, I’m about to dog walk yo’ ass for the US Championship! Solo, you better get in where you fit in. Cuz if you don’t, then baby, it’s ’bout to be all gas, no breaks with it. Yadadadada mean?” The Samoan Werewolf will get to sink his teeth into Solo, but will he stay golden through it all?
John Cena VS Ron Killings!
The Undisputed WWE Champion was the exact opposite of grateful for R-Truth saving him from Randy Orton at Backlash, and he doubled down when Ron tried to show him the truth at Saturday Night’s Main Event. So, if Cena doesn’t want the Truth, he’ll get someone who knows about ruthless aggression! Will Ron Killings bring an early end to the retirement tour? Or will Cena continue to ruin wrestling for everyone else?
SmackDown returns as Cena makes his entrance. The fans sing “JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” despite him wearing the Detroit Pistons colors. Cena makes Mark Nash give the “proper” introduction: “He is the Greatest of All Time, the Never Seen Seventeen, gracing Grand Rapids with his presence one final time… He is the Last Real Champion, JOHN CENA~!” The fans boo, the bell rings, and Truth stares at Cena while Cena smirks hearing the “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Truth TACKLES Cena! He fires off hands but Cena bails out! So Truth goes out to DECK Cena! “What’s up!?” “WHAT’S UP!” Truth has Cena at the desk and SMACKS him off it!
Truth ROCKS Cena again, and shakes his hand out from hitting so hard. Truth SMACKS Cena off the apron, storms in after him, and whips him to a corner. Cena hits buckles hard and falls to the mat! The fans continue to duel while Truth keeps his eyes on Cena. Truth storms up on Cena while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Truth stands Cena up, whips corner to corner again, and Cena hits buckles hard! Cena sputters, Truth looms over him, and Truth ROCKS Cena! Cena ROCKS Truth! They go back and forth with haymakers, and then Truth dodges to SHOULDER TACKLE! Truth still uses Cena’s own moves against him, and that includes the SPIN-OUT BOMB! Truth raises his hand and Grand Rapids joins in! “You Can’t See Me!” But then Cena bails out so Truth can’t hit him! Truth is annoyed, the fans give thumbs down, but here comes Truth. Cena ELBOWS him down! Cena drags Truth up, POSTS him, and he brings Truth back into the ring.
Cena HEADBUTTS Truth, CHOKES him on the ropes, but stops as the ref counts. Cena stomps away on Truth, then runs to KICK Truth in the back! Cena talks trash, then he runs to SHOULDER TACKLE! Cena takes his time, knowing it is what the fans want. Truth rises up, Cena runs to SHOULDER TACKLE again! Cena watches Truth rise again, gets around him, SPIN-OUT BOMB! And Cena raises his hand, reveling in the cheers and jeers. “You Can’t See Me!” SmackDown returns to single picture for the FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Then Cena fireman’s carries, but Truth slips free! THESZ PRESS! And fast hands!
The fans fire up and Truth has Cena in a corner. Truth runs to STINGER SPLASH! Cena tumbles out and grabs the belt! Cena doesn’t care about this match anymore, he doesn’t need to take this! Truth says hold up! Truth runs Cena down and fires hands on the ramp! The fans fire up but Cena CLOBBERS Truth with the belt!!
Winner: Ron Killings, by disqualification
Cena wants to get another shot, but wait! PUNK IS HERE! Cena runs away into the ring, and he catches Punk as Punk slides in! The fans boo Cena but he huffs ‘n’ puffs. Cena drags Punk up, but Punk fires hands in return! Punk DECKS Cena, grabs the belt, and he holds it up! The fans cheer, and Punk aims, but Cena LOW BLOWS! Cena has a sinister smile as he grabs the belt. BELT SHOT for Punk!! The fans boo even more, but Cena decides to up the ante! Cena brings out a table! The fans cheer, everyone loves tables! Cena puts the table in the ring, then watches Punk sputter around. Cena sets the table up while the fans rally behind Punk.
Punk stands but Cena has the belt again! BELT SHOT!! Cena drags Punk up, fireman’s carries, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENTÂ through the table!! Cena made Punk snap into a Slim Jim, and then he grabs a mic. Cena laughs at Punk, and then sits up on the corner. “Punk… As you lay there in your most uncomfortable…” Cena pretends the mic cut out, taps it, and then says, “Somebody’s afraid of what I’m gonna say.” Cena grins and the fans boo as Cena flips the iconic “Pipebomb” moment on it’s head. “As you lay there in your most uncomfortable, I hope you can listen. I hope you can digest.
“Because before I leave here in six months with that WWE Championship, I gotta get a whole lotta stuff off my chest. First thing’s first, I don’t hate you. I don’t even dislike you. I like you. I like you more than anyone you ever shared a locker room with, that’s for sure. I hate this idea of you. This idea that you’re the Best int he World. You’re not. I’M the Greatest of All Time.” Grand Rapids is a bit torn on that statement, but Cena says Punk is better than Cena at one thing: You’re the best BS artist in the world. Oh no, kiddos~! John Cena just dropped a curse word! That means the show is off the rails! Hey, Stu, shoot this. Hi~! “I’m breaking the forth wall! HAHA!”
Cena then says the truth is, Punk… Cena is jealous of you. Cena is jealous that Punk has conned the fans into believing the myth that Punk is the Best in the World. Oh how they chant for Punk! Which they literally do right now. Hell, the fans even sing for Punk now. But they don’t believe a damn word you say. Because Punk changes his values as much as Cena changes his shirts! Punk is just a loud mouthed opportunist who steps on the necks of those who actually work hard if it gets him ahead. Oh, hey, look, another cameraman! “Hi, Claudio Castagnoli! Hey, Nic Nemeth! Hey, Matt Cardona! How’re you guys doing?”
The fans can’t believe Cena is going this far but Cena is loving it! “He’s heating up! He’s on fire! And there’s nobody back there that’s gonna cut my mic to save your ass, cuz I’m your only friend! Remember who gave you the stage for your pipebomb, pal! And what’ve you done with it since then, huh? You just regurgitated the same five microphone moves of doom. You’re promo potato salad, pal. Hey, you’re no longer the Voice of the Voiceless, you’re a friggin’ millionaire despite yourself. You’re not a punk, you’re a capitalist! And you’re not against TKO, dude, you are Mr. TKO. Cuz they knocked your balls technically off your body.
“Your tweets are strong, but your actions are weak. And in Saudi Arabia, you’re gonna face some loud, loud music when I finally prove to the world that each and every day, day in, day out, no days off for 25 YEARS, I have been the Greatest of All Time!” The fans cheer that a bit more now, to Cena’s surprise. “See, they know. And they know that you were the Best in the World… for seven minutes, 14 years ago. And if after Night of Champions, you’re still delusional enough to believe that you’re the Best in the World, well… I guess it’s a small world after all. You’re welcome, Grand Rapids.” The fans cheer, and Cena lets the world hear it.
Cena tells Punk to bring his A Game to Night of Champions. If Grand Rapids is any indication, the mood is starting to change. Refs finally appear to check on Punk, Cena says no, that’s fine. Punk needs to rest up for his big title match. Get a good shot of this: Best in the World VS Greatest of All Time, for THE most coveted prize in sports entertainment, THE WWE Undisputed Championship! And Cena knows the fans will sing and chant, but he also knows even the idiots are smart enough to see the truth: The Champ is Here. And USA Network, keep the extra two and half minutes. He doesn’t need a bomb to blow the “mother fudging” building.
Oh, and thanks, Punk, for letting Cena rip off your best promo just to make you look even more foolish. Cena finally drops the mic and he raises the belt up again. If the proverbial tables have turned this drastically, is there no saving WWE from losing its north star championship?
My Thoughts:
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 6.19.25
Are we going to start trending upwards with Slammiversary to build toward?
Last week’s episode was lacking in ring work but had decent story moments and segments. Starting the build to Slammiversary we can either launch nicely or things can always get worse. Jason Hotch and KC Navarro are the real shining stars of the last few months, so lets hope once they get over this Leon Slater idiot ship, they can push X Division wrestlers with actual talent for pro wrestling and not just flippy charisma vacuums.
Oh and let’s not forget, it is the episode they celebrate the 23rd anniversary of TNA! TWENTY – THREE!! Somewhere PCO hates this.
.@Kelly_WP is back in TNA Wrestling and has a message for TNA Knockouts World Champion @mashaslamovich!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/cF0F1ZKKuL pic.twitter.com/tnm4TIuPUz
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 20, 2025
Ratings:
- Sami Callihan vs Eric Young w/Losers: EY wins via Piledriver – ** 3/4
- Lei Ying Lee & Masha Slamovich vs The Elegance Clique w/M & Personal Concierge: Elegantos win via Rarefied Air – ***
- Eddie Edwards & JDC w/Alisha & Brian Myers vs Matt Cardona & Home Town Man: HTM wins via Cradle – *
- Champion’s Challenge: The Rascalz, Joe Hendry, Leon Slater & Elijah vs The Kaiba Boys, Moose, Steve Maclin & Trick Williams: Elijah wins via Highwayman’s Farewell – ***
Results:
Sami Callihan vs Eric Young w/Losers
Sami knocks them all off the apron before the bell rings, he levels the loser children, finds a chair, attacks EY but EY counters and this is the excuse to use weapons since the bell didn’t ring yet. EY tries to break Sami’s hand on the steps with the chair, but Sami moves, throws EY back in the ring, bell rings and EY hits a Belly to Belly suplex for two. They slug it out, Sami goes for Headbutts, then Sami wants to run the ropes but a loser trips him, distracts long enough for EY to knock him out of the ring and loser children swarm as loser children do. EY does the classic, throw back out for losers to attack while EY grabs and distracts the ref. Sami is selling a few lame attacks from the losers like he got shot. It’s an excessive sell, so it’s honestly a dumb transitional moment.
EY levels Sami, Lariat into Scoop Slam, looks for the Macho Elbow but Sami hits the ropes to crotch EY. Sami Superplex time, but EY bites the face to make Sami drop, EY jumps at him but eats a straight right hand. Cactus Driver, but no, EY tries his Piledriver…they both gouge eyes at the same time, Sami catches an EY charge into a Flatliner as they’re both down…for…reasons? The selling in this match seems…poorly timed and kinda stupid. Hard Irish Whip, EY Flair Flips the corner, levels Sami, Macho Elbow for 2.9! EY threatens to hit the ref, but then goes to mad dog commentary. EY then wants to attack fans…he’s more unhinged than World Elite EY. Sami gives him the old Dick Twist into a Stunner but only for two! Losers try to distract, first one gets taken out, second one uses a chair, EY hits the Piledriver on Sami, EY wins.
I feel like this is gonna continue for a few weeks since it wasn’t a clean win.Â
Mustafa Ali’s group comes out, and I refuse to say the name because it’s dumb and they’re already fraying at the seams. Ali wants an apology session, Tasha and Hotch apologize to him but Skyler bites back and refuses, even shoved Ali. So Ali challenges him to a “Call to Arms” match. What in the hell is a Call to Arms match?Â
Lei Ying Lee & Masha Slamovich vs The Elegance Clique w/M & Personal Concierge
ASH does her borderline racist fake karate before Lei stares her down and tags in Heather. Heather avoids Lei, Lei throws a few Tornado Kicks to make a point and Heather tags out. Heather being 4’8″ helps her here. Concierge says “There’s no Karate in wrestling”. ASH, Lei and Masha are in the ring, ASH is trying to decide who she wants to face, but the Concierge google translated it and hands it to ASH, before the face team rocks ASH. Masha lifts up Lei and Lei does the Liu Kang Bicycle Kick, steering more into her Mortal Kombat aesthetic. Senton off the apron from Lei and Masha dives into the pile, the comedy heels are getting leveled. We go to commercial and come back with Lei getting Double Teamed but she spins it into a weird Neckbreaker..but can’t tag out just yet. Lei blocks Heather, Enzuigiri, simultaneous tag, Masha is Yakuza kicks for all and the 2 for 1 Lariat/DDT special. Near fall, but Masha goes for murder, but Heather breaks it, Rocket Launcher/Code Breaker from Elegance but Lei breaks up the pin. ASH tries to intimidate Lei with her fake Karate before throwing her out of the ring. Heather hits Lei with a handful of Glitter and then bounces her face off the post. Masha tries to stop ASH, Kelly’s music distracts Masha, Rarefied Air gives ASH the win.
Santino comes out and GOD DAMMIT no one wants to see Tommy Dreamer fight Mance Warner…that’s a useless thing. Pivot away…no one wants this. Oh no, now we have to listen to Steph talk too. Okay it seems to be a pivot, thankfully. Steph and Mance talk shit, Dreamer says something about Something is gonna happen…and Jake Something comes out. So…I guess we’re gonna build him up for 2 months and then job him out for 6 before he fucks off to his home galaxy or whatever?Â
.@indi_hartwell has a run in with Tessa Blanchard!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/cF0F1ZLikj pic.twitter.com/I6UCCk2fAG
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 20, 2025
Really wish Indi just opened with the Billy Butcher classic of, “Oi Cunt!” – but this wasn’t bad.Â
Eddie Edwards & JDC w/Alisha & Brian Myers vs Matt Cardona & Home Town Man
I hate… Cardona so much more now. Heel reasons for Cardona…go away heat for Deaner.
JDC wants the Home Town Man to start…and Deaner does his stupid Flip Flop and Fly, Cardona tags in, JDC is eating some offense, Cardona wants the Reboot, JDC powders, Cardona Dives but then Lish and the general numbers catch up to Cardona. Eddie is legal, and now they isolate Cardona with some decent tandem work and isolation. This turns into kind of a schmoz, lots of silly spots, near falls and then Home Town doofus gets the cradle pinfall on Eddie.
Whenever Deaner is involved I can’t be asked to care. The System beats Cardona and Deaner down, but Eddie did eat a pin. Which is embarrassing not even for work reasons, like it’s just sad.
Champion’s Challenge: The Rascalz, Joe Hendry, Leon Slater & Elijah vs The Kaiba Boys, Moose, Steve Maclin & Trick Williams
Elijah and Nic start things off, slow push off, arm wring, top wristlock, simple chain wrestling start. Nic breaks the chain and hits a Dropkick, Elijah runs the ropes and hits a Diving Lariat and starts the Rope Walk. Nic seems far to awake and alert for that move then, I hate how people pull that off too early. Wentz gets tagged in, Nic tags in Maclin who wasn’t looking for a tag, but him and Wentz have a nice clash, Trey tags in, they try to double him, but they pause and look at each other. Maclin asks for a tag, no one tags him so he Chops Ryan to tag him in and throws him in.
The little nod to Maclin and Rascalz history and the fact the faces realize Maclin isn’t a piece of shit. A little MCMG homage tandem attacks on Ryan, Wentz punctuates with the Handspring Knee Lift, Ryan tags out to Trick. Trick and Wentz go back and forth, Rascalz have Trick eating offense, Moose tries to slow things down, both Trick and Moose powder, Rascalz Double Golden Triangle Moonsaults. Trey gets tripped by Nic, Moose hits Lights Out, but there’s no referee so it’s a little chaotic.
Out of the commercial things are controlled kinda and we see a simultaneous tag to Moose and Leon. Leon comes out hot, level Moose with a Leg Lariat, attacks Nic Nemeth, attacks Ryan, and then Moose hits Leon with the Stun Gun. Moose looks to tag in Maclin but Maclin jumps off the apron. Trick takes the tag, keeps control, Trick forcibly tags in Maclin but Ryan tags himself in and pulls Leon to the Champions’ corner, Nic tags in and isolates Leon, with the Kaibas quick tagging and keeping Leon down.
Moose tags in, tries to Suplex Leon about four times but Leon stops it then counters the Suplex. Moose tries to cut him off, but the Champions distract the ref so the ref can’t see Leon tag out. Nic and Moose doubling up and Leon is the bump guy of this last portion of the match. Big Uranage from Moose…Moose looks for Lights Out but Small Package almost ruined things, Body Scissors Cradle, GAME CHANGER! Moose looks to hit a Jacknife Powerbomb but Leon turns it into a DDT. Maclin and Ryan start fighting, Nic Superkicks Maclin, Hendry and Nic tag in, Hendry is a house of fire. Sack of Shits for everyone! Nic, Ryan, there’s a pause when Hendry is face to face with Trick and Trick gets Uppercuts first then Sack of Shit! Standing Ovation on Nic, but Ryan blocks, Kaibas try a tandem attack but Hendry Lariats them both. Elijah tags in and is the maestro of the crowd and chopping Ryan to some fun. Ryan goes for a Polish Hammer but eats the Knee Lift. Signature spam time…
Ryan tries to use the International title but Maclin grabs the title away from Ryan, clocks Nic, Standing Ovation into the Highwayman’s Farewell. Champions lose!
Overall Score: 4/10
Well this was a rough one boys and girls. Sami and EY was just an overbooked shitshow, Lei Ying Lee is unfortunately in a spot where it’s obvious TNA has no clue how to use her, the Elegantos are the New Beautiful People, and I’m not mad at that. But you need to space out your goofball crap. You can’t have Elegance Clique, Home Town Moron and Santino in 3 consecutive segments. And if anyone goes “it was 3 out of 4” that’s doesn’t lessen my point, the beauty of Pro Wrestling being a variety show is…FOR VARIETY! When the lead match feels stupid because of bad pacing, poor selling and overbooking with two losers, it feels like a useless match with idiots, then comedy, followed by more comedy…you see how that’s literally NOT VARIETY.
Figure it out seriously. This was a disappointing episode. If you’re a casual viewer than it’s just chalk for TNA doing cringe and borderline goof crap since they’ve always steered a little more into the carny than other companies. But this show was…where’s Jisoo and Jenny? I feel like I need that gif:
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