Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (3/13/20)
The show must go on!
SmackDown will not be stopped!
Circumstances being what they are, SmackDown moves to the WWE Performance Center in Orlando! How will this affect the Road to WrestleMania?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Empty Arena Tag Match: Sasha Banks & Bayley VS Bliss-Cross; Banks & Bayley win.
- Elimination Chamber replay: SmackDown Tag Team Championship Elimination Chamber match.
- Empty Arena Match: Daniel Bryan w/ Drew Gulak VS Cesaro w/ The Artist Collective; Bryan wins.
- Empty Arena Match: Jeff Hardy VS Baron Corbin; Hardy wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Triple H welcomes us to the show.
“Welcome to Friday Night SmackDown on Fox.” HHH personally welcomes us to the WWE Performance Center. “This 30 thousand square foot, amazing state-of-the-art facility” is designed to bring us the WWE superstars of the future. “This is the athletic hub of the WWE.” On any given day, hundreds of athletes from all over the world are here training, putting everything into everything they do, all for the goal of performing for the fans. Bayley, Asuka, Roman Reigns, Bray Wyatt and many more have walked through these doors, and tonight, they shall return. Not to train, but do what they have been trained to do better than anyone else on this planet: entertain. Now yes, tonight will be very different. But sit back, relax, and let the world melt away as the WWE does what it does best: put a smile on your face.
That said, this is a historic and truly unprecedented night for SmackDown and the WWE as it not only has its first broadcast from the PC, but with an empty arena! Not even this speed bump will slow us down on the Road to WrestleMania!
Michael Cole is joined by HHH on commentary.
SmackDown will have a rotation of guests tonight, and the first one is The Game. HHH says this is an opportunity to show that nothing stops the WWE.
Sasha Banks and Bayley head to the ring!
The Boss and the SmackDown Women’s Champion are here and still braggadocios even without WWE fans around to rub it in their faces. Bayley and Sasha go over to commentary to interrupt HHH just to ask the music be turned off. “The Role Model and the Legit Boss have arrived” to kick off SmackDown, their show, because they are the faces of Friday Nights! It doesn’t matter if it’s 10 thousand or zero fans in attendance, these two are leading by example by being right here in “the place that we built,” the WWE Performance Center. This is THEIR House! Good one. We remember that catchphrase, don’t we?
Speaking of Paige… Oh hi, HHH. Thanks for having them back, but where is Paige? She said she wanted to confront these two so where is she?! They’re on a schedule, right? Michael Cole explains Paige has had travel issues. Oh, really? HHH says he’s sick of excuses and the BFF’s agree. Paige is no better than the rest of the SmackDown Women’s Division these days. They’re all jealous. But instead of Paige, here comes Bliss-Cross! Alexa and Nikki are also best friends, and they ask, “Don’t you just love surprises?” No Paige but no problem, because while Bliss-Cross called out the Kabuki Warriors, the only response since was a bunch of weird tweets. Asuka and Kairi are clearly ducking Bliss-Cross by hiding out on Raw. That makes Bliss-Cross a bit salty.
But if Bayley & Banks are willing to stop talking trash about every woman in WWE History, they can shut up, get in the ring, and give Bliss-Cross a fight! Bayley grabs a mic again to say bring a ref, because these “little idiots” made a big mistake! Will this oddly historic match go a long way to determining contenders for the Kabuki Warriors?
Empty Arena Tag Match: Sasha Banks & Bayley VS Bliss-Cross!
The teams sort out and Nikki starts against Bayley. Nikki fires up and ties up with Bayley, and they go around. Nikki brings Bayley to the corner and stomps into her. Alexa tags in and wrenches Bayley to a standing STO. Alexa drops knees then tags Nikki and Nikki basement dropkicks. Tag back to Nikki, and Alexa helps Nikki run in for a corner splash! Alexa runs in to SLAP Bayley! Alexa climbs up but Sasha drags Bayley out. Nikki comes around to LEAP onto Sasha! Alexa wrecks Bayley with a dropkick and Bayley collides with announce desk! Bliss-Cross hug as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Bayley pushes Alexa into buckles to stomp a mudhole. The ref backs Bayley off but Bayley brings Alexa to the corner. Tag to Sasha and they stomp away into Alexa. Sasha drags Alexa up by her hair and whips, but Alexa blocks the hip toss to try a hip toss. Sasha blocks that, but Alexa rolls her for a cover! TWO, and Alexa strikes a pose and smiles. Sasha gets annoyed but Alexa counter punches and SLAPS her! Alexa runs, dodges, and tilt-o-whirl headscissors! Sasha ends up in the corner, but she drop toeholds Alexa into buckles! METEORA! Cover, TWO! Sasha mocks Nikki as she rallies for Alexa. Sasha grabs Alexa by her hair then brings her over for a bump.
Tag to Bayley and the two crisscross Alexa into buckles. Bayley covers, TWO! Bayley taunts Nikki but the ref keeps her back, and Bayley gets away with chokes. Sasha gets a cheap shot in! Cover, TWO! Bayley mocks Nikki and bumps Alexa on buckles. Sasha tags in while Bayley traps Alexa, and then Bayley whips Sasha in to SLAP Alexa! The “role models” brag too long and Alexa rolls Sasha up! TWO, and Sasha dropkicks Alexa down! Cover, TWO! Sasha grows frustrated but Nikki cheers Alexa on. Sasha drags Alexa up and snap suplexes her down. Cover, TWO! Sasha keeps on Alexa with a chinlock and digs her knee in. Alexa endures and Nikki rallies up. Alexa fights but Sasha shifts to a half surfboard.
Bayley and Sasha mock Nikki as she stomps on the steps. Alexa gets up and arm-drags Sasha away! Sasha knocks Alexa down then drags her to the corner. Tag to Bayley and Bayley mocks Nikki firing up before she punches Alexa down. Bayley clamps onto Alexa with a chinlock and grinds her down. Alexa endures as Bayley leans on her. Alexa fights up but Bayley pushes her in the corner. Tag to Sasha and Sasha stomps away. Alexa kicks back and elbows Bayley down! Sasha keeps Alexa from Nikki and puts her in an open corner. Meteora MISSES! Hot tag to Nikki! The wild child rallies on Sasha with forearms! Sasha is in a corner, Nikki runs in for a corner splash! Bulldog!
Bayley is up but Nikki knocks her off the apron. Nikki elbows Sasha away but her tornado DDT is denied! Meteora countered into a sunset flip! TWO, and Nikki rolls Sasha again, ONE! Cradle, TWO! Nikki tries a backslide, TWO, but Nikki whips Sasha to a corner. Sasha puts Nikki on the apron but Nikki shoulders and kicks her down! Nikki goes up, leaps, BIG Crossbody! Cover, but Bayley breaks it! Alexa ROCKS Bayley with a right! Everyone but Alexa is down, but wait! Asuka attacks! The Kabuki Warriors’ Empress of Tomorrow makes her presence known! Sasha gets Nikki with a BACKSTABBER, to the BANK STATEMENT! Nikki flails but taps, Bayley & Sasha win!
Winners: Sasha Banks & Bayley, by submission
Asuka taunts Bliss-Cross as HHH makes jokes about her coming from the crowd. The Goddess and her crazy best friend will surely want revenge, will they go to Raw to get it?
SmackDown returns with Michael Cole in the ring.
He welcomes the challenger to Goldberg’s WWE Universal Championship, Roman Reigns! The new champion was more than eager to find out #WhosNext, and the Big Dog gladly stepped up! Roman now sits with Michael in the ring and first of all, how odd is it to make an entrance with no fans to react? Roman knows that they’re in a business that is all about reactions, so this is definitely weird. But it’s still great to be back in the Performance Center.
Michael moves on to asking about Roman’s past year. Things will be capped off at WrestleMania for the WWE Universal Championship, against Goldberg. Roman notes that it has been a crazy year, and blessed. The highs, the lows, but ultimately, he is grateful to have his health. He is in familiar territory and it is good to be back in a main event. Michael brings up the critics, both online and in person. Many say Roman shoved himself into the main event at Mania without deserving it. Roman says he’s dealt with that his whole career. He counters with a question: “If I can main event Youngstown, Ohio,” a small town of maybe 5000, if he could do that every night of the year, why can’t he be allowed to main event the biggest shows? Why shouldn’t all his hard work pay off? Roman brings attention, works hard night in and night out. No one has the same level of commitment. He came back as fast as he could to do what he loves. Roman bows down to no one, takes what’s his and he earns what he gets.
Michael brings around how this is pitched as “Spear VS Spear.” Goldberg told WWE’s The Bump that he will “bulldoze” Roman with his Spear. Roman says Goldberg went to Georgia U, so he might not even be smart enough to operate a bulldozer. But in all seriousness, Roman does respect Goldberg. This business is about putting people in seats, getting viewers at home, and he’s capable of doing that. Goldberg has been great throughout his career. But he’s now a “part-timer,” and WWE ain’t got time for that. Roman is full-time, dedicated to the craft, 24/7/365. Roman was born for this, groomed for this since he was a child. Goldberg doesn’t know what he’s in for. Roman has more than one more, and has mastered the nuances of pro-wrestling. The Big Dog vows to whoop Goldberg’s ass, take back his championship, and set things right. Will Goldberg find out this is still Roman’s Yard?
Backstage interview with Sami Zayn.
Kayla Braxton’s introduction is interrupted by Cesaro giving the introduction to the NEW WWE Intercontinental Champion, “The Untouchable” Sami Zayn! Sami, Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura are excited given their big victory of Braun Strowman. But Kayla explains this wasn’t their scheduled interview time. It isn’t? No, sorry, the schedule changed. Normally that’d upset Sami, but the team has celebrating to do! The real guest is Jeff Hardy! Jeff is happy they’re all excited to have him back. Everyone is, and it feels so good for him to be back. Jeff has done soul searching and found out a lot of things. One of those is that he has a lot more to do in the WWE.
But Baron Corbin has to come in and talk down to Jeff now. the Lone Wolf King says not everyone is happy Jeff’s back. SmackDown has changed, because it is run by a “benevolent king” that keeps peasants in their place. But what is Jeff’s big return even going to be? Walking in a straight line? Maybe reciting the alphabet backwards. No, wait, the greatest thing of all, touching his finger to his nose! No, Jeff has a big match tonight. Or did “His Majesty” not hear that it’s against him!? Jeff heads out and Elias strums in. Elias says he never forgets, and that goes for Corbin’s insults last week. Elias wants to sing his response, but Corbin storms off. This is why no one likes Corbin. But will everyone like it when Jeff gives the king his comeuppance?
To Michael Cole’s surprise, HHH is still on SmackDown.
Turns out he’s not as busy as he thought. Or at least, busy with the kind of business you’d think. “I’m the only man in the history of that world that can get demoted and get busier.” But the Game is still with Michael because the internet immediately demanded it. They discuss how impressive Drew Gulak looked against Daniel Bryan on Elimination Chamber Sunday, even in defeat. Speaking of…
Daniel Bryan finds Gulak backstage.
Gulak doesn’t want to talk but Bryan says he actually sees what Gulak was talking about. Bryan got in the ring with Gulak and Gulak countered so much of what he did. And even a week later, Bryan is still sore. So Bryan is willing to learn if Gulak is willing to teach. But Sami and friends come in laughing it up. Good ol’ Bryan, Sami remembers asking Bryan to join the “Artist Collective” and he said no. But now, look! Sami has the Intercontinental Championship after pinning Braun Strowman! Meanwhile, Bryan is a shell of his former self after being chewed up and spat out by The Fiend. And now he has to ask for tips from a nobody.
Bryan gets heated but Cesaro stands in his way. Easy, guys, easy. Bryan wants after Sami, but Cesaro that if he has issues with Sami, he has issues with Cesaro. Is that a challenge? Sure sounds like a challenge. Then challenge accepted. We all know where the ring is, so meet him there. As for Gulak, he’ll show Sami who’s the “nobody.” HHH already approves of the match, so who is going to learn a lesson later tonight?
Elimination Chamber replay: SmackDown Tag Team Championship Elimination Chamber match!
That’s right! If you missed Elimination Chamber the Pay-Per-View, or even just missed this match, WWE and Fox are willing to give it to you right here and now!
Along with Roode-Dolph, the champions Miz & Morrison themselves, as well as Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik of Lucha House Party and Heavy Machinery are put in the pods. That means the first two teams to start this match are The New Day and The Usos! This incredibly storied rivalry starts off this incredible gauntlet!
Jimmy and Jey stare down with Kofi Kingston and Big E. Fans are already loving this as the four men circle. And the brawl is on! Jimmy CHOPS Kofi while Big E RAMS Jey to a corner! Jimmy headlocks but Kofi powers out, only for Jimmy to run him over. Things speed up for Kofi and Jimmy while Jey turns things around on Big E. Kofi ducks, dodges and hits a leaping back elbow on Jimmy! Cover, TWO! Kofi whips Jimmy but Jimmy reverss. Jimmy runs in and monkey flips but Kofi lands on his feet! Kofi dropkicks Jimmy down, but Jey ROCKS him with a right! Big E grabs Jey but Jey powers out of the headlock. Big E runs Jey over, and starts swiveling the hips. Things speed up, Jey runs into Big E’s belly2belly!
Big E runs but Jey gets clear as Jimmy crossbodies in! Cover, TWO! Jimmy turns around, Kofi springboards but slips a little. Kofi still collides with Jimmy and tackles him to a cover! TWO and Kofi walks into Jey’s mule kick. Jey uppercuts Kofi away and then helps Jimmy up. The Usos put Kofi on the top rope and CHOP! Miz and Morrison felt that one in their pod. The Usos climb up and they make sure Miz and Morrison are watching. But Big E drags Jimmy down to throw him out hard! Big E then gets Jey on his shoulders, Kofi adjusts, but Jimmy saves his brother! The two teams have a stand off and fans cheer. The first countdown is here, and joining this match… Lucha House Party!
Lince and Metalik double enziguri the New Day! Then double springboard over the Usos to double seated senton the New Day! LHP is back up to double mule kick the Usos. Lince get a boost from Metalik to dropkick Kofi out! LHP stomp Big E out then go after Jey with CHOPS! They double whip Jey then Metalik runs in, but is put on the outside. Metalik enziguris back, Lince handsprings for the GOLDEN REWIND! Metalik gets some help, for an elevated splash! Cover, Jimmy runs over but Metalik gets clear, Jimmy ends up dropping ax handles on his brother! LHP goes after Jimmy together but Jimmy uppercuts and CHOPS them away! Jimmy whips Metalik but Metalik runs the ropes to missile dropkick!
Lince goes up to moonsault! Metalik MOONSAULTS! Lince goes up for another MOONSAULT! Cover, but Jey breaks it! Big E returns but LHP kicks and CHOPS him first. LHP double whip but Big E holds ropes. Metalik runs in but Big E hip tosses him out hard! Then he does the same to Lince! Big E and Kofi coordinate, and Big E boosts Kofi to take out both members of LHP! Kofi throws the luchadors in and Big E drags Lince over. Kofi scoops Metalik to slam next to Lince. Big E stands ready, Kofi runs and leap frogs, but Lince gets clear! Metalik gets elbows but Big E runs at Lince. Lince goes up and over and Big E gets only post! Lince springboards but Jey shoves him!
The Golden Lynx collides with steel cage and gets stuck in the chains! He sits up and climbs to get away from Big E, but Jey pursues! Lince kicks Jey away and sits on top of a pod. The Usos both go after Lince and he fights them away. Kofi hops up from the post but Lince just clubs away with fury! Metalik joins in and LHP mugs Kofi on the pod’s roof! Kofi drops! He catches himself on the edge, but LHP stomp his hands! Kofi drops to the floor, and Lince LEAPS onto the Usos! Metalik SUPER SENTONS onto The New Day in the ring!! While Elimination Chamber has no commercials, SmackDown chooses this moment to go to break.
SmackDown returns with the countdown. The next team to enter the match is… The Miz & John Morrison! The champions rush in to go after the New Day! Morrison throws Kofi out while Miz throws Big E into steel! Morrison mugs Kofi against the chains and grinds a knee in! Miz throws Jey Uso into steel, then Jimmy, too! Miz and Morrison drag Lince into the ring, and double ALABAMA SLAM! Morrison runs and Miz follows, Shining Wizard and basement boot! Standing shooting star! Cover, but Metalik breaks it! Miz and Morrison mug Metalik, then whip him into a Tree of Woe! Miz unleashes It Kicks then holds Metalik up for Morrison’s spinning enziguri! Jey runs into a double gut buster, and double basement DDT! Cover, but Jimmy breaks it!
Morrison kicks Jimmy to the ropes then drags him up. Miz and Morrison double whip Jimmy corner to corner, then Miz whips Morrison in. Jimmy puts Morrison outside and boots Miz. Jimmy ROCKS Morrison with a right then Miz with an uppercut. But Miz counters Jimmy to an A-List Combination, with Morrison’s springboard DOUBLE STOMPS added on! Cover, TWO!! The Usos survive but Morrison goes right after Lince. Miz boots Jimmy out then keeps Big E out. Morrison toys with Lince, then gut wrenches him for a spinning crucifix SLAM! Cover, Metalik breaks it! Miz kicks Metalik around, then Morrison ROCKS Metalik with a right! Morrison whips Metalik at Miz and Miz pops Metalik up, but Metalik lands on the corner!
Metalik mule kicks Miz then goes up the pod again. Morrison pursues but Metalik kicks and punches back. Metalik SUPER-RANAS Morrison down!! Cover, but Miz breaks it in time! Miz throws hands on Metalik as fans chant “This is Awesome!” Miz endures that because it sounds like “Miz is Awesome,” but Kofi leaps ax handles on him! Kofi rallies and hits a dropkick to a leaping ax handle! NEW~ DAY~ Boom Drop! Kofi is fired up and aims from the corner. Fans clap along as Kofi spins, but Miz ducks to lift. Morrison springboards, FLYING CHUCK HART ATTACK! Cover, but Big E breaks it! Morrison throws hands and kicks on Big E while Miz keeps Kofi down. SmackDown decides to take another break.
SmackDown returns again, and after HHH jokes about Michael being through is own Elimination Chamber match, we jump into after Heavy Machinery has joined the match. Otis has Big E in the drop zone, and fans fire up as he pumps up! Otis says this one’s for Roode-Dolph, and he hits Big E with the CATERPILLAR! Cover, but Kofi breaks it! The Usos, Miz and Morrison and Kofi go after Heavy Machinery, but… Wait, is Lince up on the ceiling!? They all see him as he SHOOTING STARS!!! Only Otis got clear! Philly loses their minds as Heavy Machinery regroups aside of the human wreckage. Metalik runs in, but gets the COMPACTOR!! Cover, Heavy Machinery ELIMINATES Lucha House Party!
Otis and Tucker tell Roode-Dolph it’s only a matter of time. Because he comes the countdown! Heavy Machinery surrounds the pods, and now Roode-Dolph wants to stay in! Miz and Morrison help out and they mug Heavy Machinery 4v2! Morrison and Roode have Tucker in a corner while Miz and Ziggler throw Otis into steel! Ziggler grinds Otis’s face into the chains! Fans rally up for Otis as Ziggler pie faces Otis around. Tucker takes more stomps as Roode whips Morrison and Morrison whips Roode. Tucker elbows Roode down, and Otis rises up against Ziggler and Miz! Morrison runs in but is thrown outside! Otis throws Miz hard on the outside! Ziggler climbs the chains but Otis grabs hold of him! Ziggler fights and scurries away and has to go to the top of a pod. But Tucker climbs up behind him!
Tucker taps Ziggler on the shoulder, before bumping him off glass! Otis is waiting, and Tucker tosses Ziggler to him! Otis has Ziggler, then turns and tosses him into ropes! “Oh yeah, Tucky!!” Tucker SUPER SWANTONS onto the New Day and Usos!!! Philly is thunderous for Heavy Machinery, but Roode goes after Otis! Roode-Dolph mug Otis at the ropes with punches and stomps. Fans boo as they grind their boots into Otis. Roode and Ziggler drag Otis up to throw at steel, but he powers up again! Otis clotheslines Roode into the ring then CLOBBERS Ziggler! Fans are all fired up for Otis as he brings Ziggler up. Roode saves Ziggler to kick Otis and reel him in. But no Glorious DDT, just a big back body drop!
Otis wants after Ziggler still, and Ziggler flounders in a corner. Otis runs in, but Ziggler gets clear, sending Otis into the pod! The Dozer SMASHES through the Plexiglas!!! He’s OUTSIDE the Chamber!! Philly is losing their minds, but who wouldn’t be?! Tucker sees what happened to his best friend and is in utter shock! “This is Awesome!” even as medics check on Otis. Tucker has to focus back on the match, and he’s locked in on Roode-Dolph. Roode and Ziggler tell Tucker to stay back, but he takes them both on! BIG hands for Roode and Dolph! Fans are on Tucker’s side but Ziggler kicks low. Ziggler runs in, but the Famouser is sent into buckles! Tucker ROCKS Roode, but Ziggler SUPERKICKS Tucker! Roode hits a GLORIOUS DDT!! Cover, Roode-Dolph ELIMINATE Heavy Machinery! All it took was a pod and a 2v1 situation.
Otis rises but it doesn’t matter now as he and Tucker are out. Fans tell Roode-Dolph what they think of them, but Ziggler just mocks Otis’s departure. Kofi hits TROUBLE IN PARADISE on Ziggler! Big Ending for Roode! The Usos are climbing opposite ends, and are on the pods… DOUBLE SUPER UCE! Cover, The Usos ELIMINATE Roode-Dolph! That’s what you call karma! And now, with the match down to The Miz & Morrison, the Usos and the New Day, SmackDown takes another break.
SmackDown returns as the three teams regroup. The long time rivals of The New Day and The Usos stare down, but then all four men look at Miz and Morrison. And a fight is on! Now Miz and Morrison are in a 4v2 situation as they get stomped on! The Usos and New Day take a breather, then stomp some more! The New Day have Miz and the Usos have Morrison, and throw them both out hard. But then Jimmy SUPERKICKS Big E while Kofi SUPERKICKS Jey!! No more alliance, Kofi hook kicks Jimmy into a cobra clutch and crossface forearms! Kofi drags Jimmy up but Jimmy slips out of the inverted suplex. Jimmy shoves, pop-up SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Jimmy runs into the Urenag-E! Big E runs into a Samoan Drop! Cover, TWO!
All the teams are down but Jey runs at Kofi. Kofi slips out to swing kick back, then he climbs up top. Kofi headbutts Jey but Jey uppercuts Kofi! Jey climbs up but Kofi fights with body shots. Kofi gourd busters Jey down! Kofi goes up on top of a pod…! For a SUPER SPLASH! But Jey moves! Miz and Morrison cover, they ELIMINATE the New Day!! Now it’s just the champions and the Usos! The Usos regroup in one corner and Miz-Morrison are in the other. Fans rally and duel as the four men stand. And then throw hands! Jey knees low but Morrison fires off, only to get an uppercut. The Usos throw the champs out but each one shoulders back in. Double springboards, into double SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO!!
The Usos coordinate again, taking aim at a champion each. DOUBLE UCE, but Miz gets knees! Jey covers Morrison but Miz has Jimmy in a cradle, TWO!! Miz has Jimmy but Jimmy arm-drags out. Superkick is blocked but the Figure Four is denied. Miz ducks the double kicks, sends Jey into Jimmy, FINALE!! Cover, TWO!?! Into the FIGURE FOUR! Jimmy endures but Morrison dropkicks Jey out. Morrison goes up as Miz has the ropes, so that STARSHIP PAIN hits Jimmy! Jimmy is out, Morrison covers, but Jey rolls Morrison! Miz has to undo the Figure Four first! TWO, but Jey SUPERKICKS Miz! SUPERKICK for Morrison! Cover, TWO!?!
All four men are down and fans are rallying again. Jey drags Morrison up and whips him at Miz. Miz slides under, sunset flips, but Morrison slingshots for a prawn hold and Miz slips out to put his feet on the ropes for his match box, it’s a very complicated double cover!! The Miz & Morrison win!!
Winners: The Miz & John Morrison, by pinfall (still SmackDown Tag Team Champions)
The Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century survive this blockbuster of a match! Miz and Morrison are the last team standing and continue down the Road to WrestleMania! Will they ride off into the sunset all the way to Mania?
SmackDown returns to the present, and The Miz and Morrison are in the ring.
“Hola, bonjour, hello everybody watching at home.” The fans all thought putting 10 superstars against them in the Elimination Chamber in their first title defense would hold them back. Miz will explain to all of us that the first time these two were in a tag team, they won championships! And 13 years later, they did it again! “If there is anyone here tonight that does not think that we are the Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century, speak up now.” Well, there’s no one to speak up so… Miz adds that if there is anyone here that doesn’t think Miz is the best wrestling technician that the business has ever seen, speak up. Again, no one is here.
If there’s anyone here that doesn’t think Morrison’s new film, Boone the Bounty Hunter, is the greatest cinematic achievement of this generation, speak up now. Well… Miz’s Marine 3, 4, 5 and 6 were critically acclaimed and there’s already Oscar buzz about his next one, The Main Event, coming soon to Netflix. Isn’t that a kids movie? Your point? Fair enough. But there will be no booing, no “You Suck,” except from Morrison. They can’t suck, they’re not from Orlando! Hey yo~! But Morrison and Miz don’t need the catchphrases or the sing-alongs. They’re not here to pander to fans. They’re here for themselves, and for the titles. In life, there are winners and losers, but these two are the Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century. Look off into distance and… #BeJealous!
SmackDown returns as HHH relives Degeneration X antics with Michael Cole.
That is to say, HHH has a camera and is zooming in and out on Michael’s head. But Michael keeps things serious by giving us WWE Backstage’s announcement that Rob Gronkowski, aka Gronk, is headed to the WWE! Will the three-time Super Bowl winner follow in a long line of men going from grid iron to squared circle?
Mojo Rawley joins commentary to discuss this big news, being that he is a great friend of Gronk’s. Is Gronk a superstar? Mojo confirms the rumors as true! Now there is no official contract signed, but next week on SmackDown, it will be Friday Night Gronk! Gronk will speak to everything on his mind, and that means Mojo will be with him. Get hype, boys! HHH is hype, and both he and Mojo rough Michael up a bit.
Empty Arena Match: Daniel Bryan w/ Drew Gulak VS Cesaro w/ The Artist Collective!
The Philly Stretcher is in Bryan’s corner to help him be aware of his openings. Will Gulak be able to help Bryan reach 100% efficiency against the Swiss Cyborg?
Sami joins commentary to brag about his victory over Strowman, and the bell rings. Cesaro and Bryan tie up and go around. Cesaro headlocks but Bryan powers out, only for Cesaro to run him over. Bryan gets up but Cesaro is all over him. Bryan puts Cesaro in a corner for body shots and Yes Kicks! The ref counts, Cesaro blocks a kick to turn things around, and starts throwing European Uppercut after uppercut! The ref counts more but Cesaro stops at 4. Cesaro gets around the ref to BLAST Bryan into buckles! Sami likes what he sees while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns as Bryan kicks but Cesaro EuroUppers. Bryan ends up on the apron but he hits Cesaro back. Cesaro knees Bryan’s shoulder thrust then drags him up for a hotshot! Cesaro then climbs up and drags Bryan over, for a dead lift SUPERPLEX! Cover, TWO! Bryan crawls but Cesaro looms over him. Cesaro throws another EuroUpper, then whips corner to corner for another EuroUpper! Then the other way, but Bryan goes up and over. Bryan dodges and hits a leaping lariat! Bryan’s neck is still a concern but Gulak coaches him up. Cesaro sits up but Bryan gives him Yes Kicks from all sides! Gulak likes what he sees as Bryan vents and BUZZSAWS! Cover, TWO!
Cesaro gets to a corner but Bryan is after him with more Yes Kicks. Bryan goes corner to corner but Cesaro pops Bryan way up for a BIG EuroUpper! Cover, TWO!! But Cesaro puts Bryan in a Crossface! Cesaro cranks back on Bryan like Gulak did, but Bryan rolls Cesaro back to a cover! TWO, and Cesaro has Bryan in a ghost pin! TWO, and Bryan cradles to a cover! BRYAN WINS!
Winner: Daniel Bryan, by pinfall
But Shinsuke is right after him with stomps and clubbing hands! Gulak gets in and saves Bryan, and gives palm strikes and boots to Shinsuke! Cesaro turns Gulak around, but Gulak headbutts him! Gulak leaps onto Cesaro for a guillotine hold! Shinsuke stomps Gulak as they’re on the ground, and Sami gets in! The Artist Collective beat Gulak down and throw him out. Cesaro bumps Gulak off the announce desk! Then they throw Gulak into steel steps! But Bryan DIVES and sends Nakamura over the desk! Bryan and the referees shield Gulak as the Collective is told to leave. Sami mocks Bryan and the “nobody” as they go, but is Gulak here to stay by Bryan’s side?
SmackDown returns and Elias joins commentary.
The Drifter introduces himself and says he’s always wanted to be out here like this. He thanks Michael for this opportunity, but HHH asks why Elias isn’t thanking him. HHH is in charge, after all.
Empty Arena Match: Jeff Hardy VS Baron Corbin!
The Charismatic Enigma won’t let the Lone Wolf King talk down to him when he hasn’t been where Jeff has been. Will Hardy make sure Corbin gets a taste of the extreme as he makes his in-ring return?
But before Jeff even gets in the ring, Corbin stomps him down! Corbin goes after Jeff on the outside, throwing him into barriers! And then RAMS him into them! The ref reprimands Corbin but Corbin doesn’t care. Corbin bumps Jeff off apron then goes in the ring. Corbin dares Jeff to get in and Jeff does. The ref checks on Jeff, but Jeff says he wants this match. The bell rings and this match finally begins, with Corbin throwing Jeff at buckles! Corbin whips Jeff corner to corner hard and Jeff grits his teeth in pain. Corbin yells at Elias but Jeff gives Corbin a jawbreaker! Jeff counter punches Corbin and gets an edge with haymakers. Corbin shoves Jeff but Jeff dodges to clobber him!
Jeff hits an atomic drop, then leg trip to the leg splitting leg drop! And basement dropkick! Falling splash to a cover, TWO! Jeff calls for his move, kicks and spins but Corbin shove shim off the Twist. Jeff elbows and clubs Corbin away then throws boots. Corbin catches Jeff for a DEEP SIX! Cover, TWO!! Corbin is immediately furious but the ref says that’s the count. Corbin glares at Elias but Elias says he should focus on Jeff. “Why are you even out here?!” Jeff crawls but Elias gets up to get his guitar. Elias gives us the song and Jeff slips out of End of Days, TWIST OF FATE! Off comes the shirt and Jeff climbs up top! SWANTON BOMB!! Cover, Jeff wins!
Winner: Jeff Hardy, by pinfall
Elias applauds Jeff’s victorious return. Is this the first of many wins in Jeff’s newest chapter in the WWE?
SmackDown returns as HHH speaks to the viewing audience again.
“I hope you’ve enjoyed this historic edition of Friday Night SmackDown on Fox.” We are missing the most important part of the show, the fans, the WWE Universe. They may not be in attendance, but they are here in the superstars’ hearts. That is why they poured their hearts out performing as they would any other night. The WWE has earned the right to put the words at the top of the show: “Then, Now, Forever.”
John Cena returns to SmackDown once again!
Michael Cole is already in the ring as he welcomes the 16-time world champion to the show. Cena knows Michael has questions. The first is how Cena feels with an empty arena. Cena gives a shout out to everyone watching at home that he misses us, and hopes to see us all again soon. Now to WrestleMania. Cena VS The Fiend is set, but this is not the first time Cena and Bray Wyatt fought on the Grandest Stage of Them All. It was a few years ago that Cena faced and defeated the Face of Fear, and that is why Bray went on a “downward spiral.” Cena says that’s a lot to digest. How does he respond to being blamed for Bray’s failures? It’s nothing new.
Many people have said somewhere, whether to his face, behind his back or on the internet that Cena is the reason for another superstar’s failure. Add Bray to the long list of names with “potential.” “Potential can be good, but it can also be dangerous.” It can make you lazy or too into your own hype. So why is it that Bray Wyatt went into that downward spiral? He got lazy, he gave up, and he blamed Cena. Bray’s enemy isn’t Cena but Bray. Why does no one ever say something like that about Cena? Because Cena wins a lot. Well then you’re forgetting that Cena had his own “monumental setbacks” in the WWE. He lost to The Miz at WrestleMania. He lost to Rob Van Dam at One Night Stand.
Cena lost to CM Punk in Chicago and had to watch him walk out with the WWE Championship. He’s lost to The Rock, pulverized by Brock Lesnar, and had to buy a ticket to WrestleMania but then got squashed by The Undertaker. So why, after all those setbacks, does no one ever say John Cena got buried? It’s because Cena never blames another. He adapts, overcomes and gets back in the fight. There are too many superstars that talk about dreaming of being in the WWE their whole lives, but then the load gets to be too much and they look for someone like Cena to blame, except for themselves. Cena’s response is that he’s going to give Bray an Attitude Adjustment.
Michael turns things to SmackDown in Boston a couple weeks ago when Cena had a homecoming. Cena wanted to let Mania go on without him this year. It is because Cena knows the superstars work hard each and every day for even just one Mania Moment. It was because Cena knows fans are just as passionate about those moments as Cena is. Then why is Cena antagonizing The Fiend? Antagonizing? He accepted Bray’s challenge because it is about investing in the future. To Cena, Bray is no longer that future. Drew McIntyre, Tommaso Ciampa, Matt Riddle, Rhea Ripley, Velveteen Dream, those are the names that are the future.
Cena wants to know why we continue to give fifth and sixth chances to people who, when times get hard, they get upset and whine, “What about me?” when they should ask, “How can I help?” Cena invests in those who earn it each and every day! The reason Cena accepted Bray’s challenge is so that he could take Bray out of the equation. It won’t be a show-stealing Mania moment, it will be “physical, gruesome and uncomfortable to watch.” But this match accomplishes what should’ve happened six years ago: “Ending the existence of the most over-hyped, overvalued, over-privileged WWE superstar in existence.”
YOWIE WOWIE! Bray laughs it up from the stands! Riveting stuff, Cena, it really is. And Bray is glad to see Cena here in person. Even if he’s being really mean, “it’s good to see you again, John.” But look at him! Cena’s doing great! Big Hollywood star with big muscles and beautiful girlfriends on tap. Most can’t even imagine what it’s like to be Cena for one day. But Cena has Bray all wrong. Bray isn’t sick, Cena’s sick. And Bray knows why Cena is back, and why Cena can’t say no. Cena doesn’t think we believe him when he talks about the future, does he? We know Cena doesn’t care about anything but Cena! It doesn’t matter who Cena smashes or buries, so long as he has his spotlight! Cena craves it like a drug addict. He is a fiend for it. And he took something from Bray.
Obviously Bray thought a lot about that day six years ago. So much so, that he wanted to take his hands and dig them into his head and smash his brain into a million little pieces just so he could have a few seconds of peace from the voices. But the voices never stopped. And then something magical happened! One day, Bray stopped fighting those voices, and listened to them. The voices took the crooked little world Bray lived in, and made it the Fun House! Cena broke Bray, but The Fiend put him back together. And at WrestleMania, “it’s going to be a slaughter. You just don’t know it yet.” Let him in, Cena. Bray laughs into the night as the lights go out. Will it be lights out for the brightest superstar of this generation?
My Thoughts:
This will definitely go down as a SmackDown unlike any other. For one, everything tonight was Empty Arena Mode, so it felt really weird not hearing even just a general mumbling during matches or promos. Another thing was HHH being just incredible on commentary while also being able to be a great host at the beginning and before the last segment. HHH was apparently demoted because Vince is losing his composure during all this, but if that means HHH can do things like this, I certainly don’t mind. Another interesting move was airing 90% of the SmackDown Tag Team Chamber match. It was fun to relive, and Miz & Morrison gave a great promo that took advantage of there being no fans. A little surprised they didn’t give us Usos getting at them, but maybe that’s next time.
Crowd or no crowd, the matches we got were still good. Bayley & Banks VS Bliss-Cross helped progress the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship story for Asuka to interfere without throwing out the match. Not sure why Kairi couldn’t be there, though. Also Paige not showing up on SmackDown despite being advertised might have to do with recovery from the surgery she recently had, as well as not wanting to waste all the great returns meant for tonight on an empty arena. If the world can return to normal soon, Paige coming out to a great reaction will make up for the delay. It was smart to give us a quick finish to Bryan VS Cesaro, and I like that Gulak has basically turned Face to be on Bryan’s side. I hope we get those two in a tag match against Cesaro & Nakamura.
Roman’s in-ring interview was almost like a WWE Backstage shoot-adjacent interview. That line dissing Goldberg and the University of Georgia, being that Roman is Georgia Tech, was pretty good. Their contract signing next week basically parallels the Taker VS Styles signing for Raw already, I’m just thinking neither one needs physicality since there are two much older wrestlers who need to save their energy for Mania, in whatever form that event will be in. Cena tore it down with that promo, which feels like a shoot but could be reverse psychology. Bray had a pretty good response promo, and it worked well for him to be there in person rather than by a titantron Firefly Fun House. I do hope the one part of Cena’s promo that’s true is how it’ll be rough, because it really should be given the animosity coming off both men.
My Score: 8.3/10
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Will the landscape change again?
Eddy Thorpe keeps prodding and provoking Oba Femi, so he gets his last chance at the NXT Championship! Will Eddy truly be the alpha of NXT?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- NXT North American Championship: Tony D’Angelo w/ The D’Angelo Family VS Ridge Holland; Tony wins and retains the title.
- Dion Lennox VS Wes Lee w/ Tyson Dupont & Tyriek Igwe; Wes wins.
- NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Lexis King VS Charlie Dempsey; King wins and retains the title.
- Karmen Petrovic w/ Ashante THEE Adonis VS Jaida Parker; Karmen wins.
- Brooks Jensen & Niko Vance VS Luca Crusifino & Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo; win.
- NXT Championship: Oba Femi VS Eddy Thorpe; wins and
PLAY BY PLAY
NXT North American Championship: Tony D’Angelo w/ The D’Angelo Family VS Ridge Holland!
A golden NXT begins with The Don stepping to the man who tried to ruin Christmas! Will NXT still belong to Tony D? Or will Ridge The Fridge put him on ice?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who’s really got grit!
The two tie up with the bell, then go around the ring. They end up on ropes, in a corner, back on ropes, then they break. The fans rally, Tony and Ridge tie up again, then Ridge waistlocks, spins Tony, and UPPERCUTS! Tony fires back and the fans fire up! The shots go back and forth, but then Ridge kicks low. Ridge headlocks, Tony powers up and out, but Ridge RUNS Tony over! The fans boo and Tony gets up in a huff. They tie up again, Ridge headlocks, but fans taunt him with “No One Likes You!” Tony powers up and out, drops down, but Ridge ducks ‘n’ dodges. But then Tony hip tosses Ridge, and RUNS him over!
The fans fire up with Tony, and he dodges a haymaker to hit a headlock takeover! Ridge fights around, fights up, and he powers up and puts Tony on ropes. The fans rally for Tony while the ref counts. Ridge lets off, and Tony throws hands! Ridge ROCKS Tony in return, has him in a corner, and then fires body shots. Ridge whips, Tony reverses, then he dodges to FLYING PUNCH! Tony whips Ridge to a corner, then BACKDROPS Ridge on the rebound! The fans cheer while Tony paces. Ridge slowly rises, but wait, Shawn Spears is here? The fans boo The Chair Man but he tells Tony to focus on Ridge. Tony has The Family watch Spears closely while NXT goes picture in picture.
Tony glares at Spears before he goes back to Ridge. But Ridge takes a swing! Tony dodges, and then Tony LARIATS Ridge up and out! Tony hurries to go after Ridge, then SMACKS him off the apron! But then Ridge RAMS Tony into a post! And then Ridge just POSTS Tony! Tony slumps against the steel, but Ridge pulls his arm through the corner. Ridge SLAMS the arm against the post! Ridge pushes Tony into the ring, storms in after him, but Tony fires haymakers! Ridge kicks low, then he RAMS Tony into the buckles! Spears is amused while Ridge drops a KNEE onto Tony’s arm! Tony writhes but Ridge stands him up.
Ridge UPPERCUTS the arm, RAMS the shoulder, then CHOPS! Ridge RAMS Tony again, but Tony rolls Ridge up! TWO, and Ridge kicks Tony in the shin! Ridge then WRINGS the arm out! Tony writhes more, but Ridge then clamps on for an armlock. Ridge stands over Tony as he puts the pressure on, but the fans and The Family coach Tony up. Tony fights up, fires haymakers again, but Ridge wrenches to WRING the arm again! Ridge drops KNEES on the arm again, then clamps onto Tony with the armlock. Tony endures, the fans rally, and Spears continues to be amused as NXT returns to single picture.
Tony fights up, fires haymakers, but Ridge wrenches again. Tony still fires haymakers! Tony ROCKS Ridge, goes to a corner, but Ridge runs in! Tony dodges to DECK Ridge! And DECK him again! Tony whips, then runs, to FLYING PUNCH again! Then he clinches for a BELLY2BELLY! The fans fire up and Tony reels Ridge in! FISHERMAN SUPLEX, and a float to the cover! TWO!! Ridge survives, but the fans are all behind Tony. Spears looks worried now, but Tony clinches. Ridge KNEES free of the spinebuster! But then Tony ROCKS Ridge! Ridge ROCKS Tony! They go back and forth, but then Tony FLYING PUNCHES! Ridge BOOTS back!
Ridge has the half nelson, HALF ‘N’ HALF PLEX! Cover, TWO! Tony survives and Spears looks annoyed. The fans fire up but Ridge roars! Tony rises, Ridge runs up, but Tony dodges the lariat, and the Southpaw! SPEAR!! But then speaking of Spears, he gets on the apron! The fans boo, but Tony DECKS Spears! The Family storms up but then Niko Vance & Brooks Jensen attack! The ref calls for reinforcements, but Tony goes back to Ridge. Ridge body shots, but wait! IZZI DAME!? She BOOTS Ridge! SPINEBUSTER from Tony! Tony high stacks, and WINS!
Winner: Tony D’Angelo, by pinfall (still NXT North American Champion)
The irony here is sweet! Spears has been trying to recruit The It Girl to his team, but she made sure things went the other way! She says they’re even, so will Spears have to just FOGEDABOUTIT?
Dion Lennox and others talk backstage.
But then in steps Wes Lee, Tyson Dupont & Tyriek Igwe. Wes tells Dion that he’s a funny guy. Why is that? Because what he said to Oba last week, how Dion is championship material and could actually beat him one day. Dion says that’s not Wes, so why not Dion? Uh, because there’s a very drastic difference between a superstar with “potential” like Dion, and one who is a decorated superstar like Wes. Dion wants Wes to hold on. Maybe he can prove his “potential” by beating a former champion like Wes. Wes says Dion will realize he has a long, long way to go before that. So Wes will see Dion around.
Wait, Trick Williams just walked in! And Wes says look at that! Another former champion! Tricky Willy is back! From the penthouse to the outhouse! It must stink knowing that Eddy Thorpe’s getting another shot while- TRICK SLAPS WES!! Wes falls right over, and Trick stares everyone else down. No one steps to Trick, so who will Trick step to now that he’s back?
Bayley is here!
The Role Model is back again because after last week’s brawl, a certain Prodigy has been following her to both SmackDown and Raw. The fans again chant “Welcome Back!” “Welcome Home!” and Bayley says yeah, this IS her home! And that’s why last week, she came out here to talk with Roxanne Perez. Bayley cares about Roxie, about the legacy she is building, and everything Roxie has done for NXT. But all that got Bayley was a big ol’ slap in the face. The fans boo that, but Bayley continues to bring up how Roxie said Bayley was just acting like CM Punk and Natalya. To Bayley, that’s a compliment!
People like Punk and Natty built the foundation they’re all walking on. Natty showed Bayley how to give back and how to help. So Bayley isn’t here because NXT owes her something. NXT doesn’t even owe Roxie! If anything, Bayley owes NXT to get rid of “entitled little idiots like Roxanne Perez!” Fans cheer, “I LOVE YOU, BAYLEY~!” a la Jacob Fatu. Bayley says she loves them, too. And maybe deep down, Roxie “loves” Bayley, because Roxie talked crap to Bayley during a title match with Tiffany Stratton, then showed up to Raw last night to try and put her hands on Bayley during her match with Nia Jax. Rox, c’mon!
Maybe Bayley gave Roxie too much credit, because that’s all really lame. She thought Roxie would have a better plan than that. That’s like small ball. That doesn’t prove Roxie is ready for Raw and SmackDown. That doesn’t even prove Roxie is ready to be a leader of the youngest locker room in WWE right now! There’s Jaida Parker, Kelani Jordan, Lola Vice, all of these girls are eager to prove themselves worthy of an opportunity. And with a champion like Giulia, then sky’s the limit! Wait, speaking of Giulia, here she comes! The fans fire up again as the NEW NXT Women’s Champion is here to meet Bayley face to face!
The Beautiful Madness has the mic to tell Bayley, “Coming from Japan and seeing part of, I wanted you. I wanted to be in NXT!” The fans cheer that. Giulia joins Bayley in the ring, and Giulia says Roxie may not look up to Bayley, but Giulia does. The fans also cheer that! Giulia says she hopes to hold this title with as much honor and love for NXT as Bayley did. Bayley thanks Giulia for that, that means a lot, because she has so much respect for Giulia. Bayley’s also a big fan of hers. When Giulia won the title, Bayley was so happy. And Bayley knows Giulia will make historic moments of her own, because this title changes your career, your life, and means everything to all of us here.
That title changed the landscape of the Women’s Division, not just in NXT but in WWE. Before Bayley can say more, Roxie makes her way out here, Cora Jade by her side. And Roxie of course has a mic, to say this is “boring~!” Roxie is surprised Bayley is showing her face after two embarrassing losses. Roxie is so happy she was in the front row to see those. But seriously, drop the act, stop acting innocent, because if Bayley actually cared about the WWE’s future, Bayley wouldn’t have punched Roxie in the face last night! And Roxie isn’t the only one who sees through Bayley. Cora does, too! Right, Cora? Can you actually believe this was their role model?
Roxie & Cora laugh but Bayley says it is hard to hear them because the fans are booing so loud. Roxie tells the fans to shut up, but they just boo harder. And Bayley asks what Cora’s even doing here! Cora says she is here because she was once a “naive” Bayley fan, too! But Roxie is right, Cora sees it! Bayley is not a role model! Role models aren’t part of NXT “when it’s cool.” Role models build this place up when people like Bayley choose to leave it. As far as they’re concerned, Giulia might as well hand the title back to Roxie here and now, because no one can carry it the way Roxie did. No one loves NXT like Roxie & Cora! And they didn’t need to compete overseas to see it.
Roxie & Cora have been holding it together since day one! Roxie again tells the fans to shut up, because she has something important to say! The fans keep booing, so Roxie says fine! She’ll just talk to Bayley, not the idiot fans. Roxie will not take anything away from what Bayley has done. Bayley’s done it all in WWE. She’s the 2024 Royal Rumble Winner, won championships at WrestleMania, and most importantly, she inspired little girls like Roxie & Cora. But thank you for your service because it is no longer required. Bye-bye~! The fans continue to boo and Bayley smiles. Roxie says everyone should be booing Bayley!
And why? Because Bayley’s been looking at the NXT Women’s Championship! Bayley wants to be the number one woman in the number one women’s division. Because deep, deep down, it has succeeded even the Four Horsewomen. So Bayley should tell her new friend, Giulia, the truth! Tell her why you’re here, Bayley! Fans tell Roxie to “Shut The Hell Up!” Bayley & Giulia look to each other, and they agree on something. They go after Cora & Roxie! The fans fir e up for the brawl! Bayley ash Cora, Giulia has Roxie, but then Cora gets free of a clinch! Roxie gets free of one, too, and the two regroup as they retreat!
The fans cheer as Role Model and Beautiful Madness stand tall, will they look to put the mean girls in their place?
The rest of the Women’s Division watches.
Jaida Parker loves what she sees! Bayley mentioning her two weeks in a row, everyone heard it! Kelani Jordan says yeah, but she’s not the only one. Bayley mentioned Kelani, too. Jaida says okay, this “attitude” Kelani is trying on ain’t it, so go back to the drawing board, because the only real one is right here looking at you. Kelani says being rude doesn’t make you “real,” Jaida. Well, being pretty doesn’t mean you have to be rude, Kelani. JAIDA is the one being rude! Karmen Petrovic says it doesn’t matter, because love is in the air! Karmen loves Kelani for being so sweet, and Jaida- Jaida says she dares her to say something.
Kelani is about to go off because Jaida brushed her aside, but Sol Ruca & Zaria keep her back. Karmen asks why Jaida’s coming at her, and Jaida asks why Karmen’s always up in people’s business. Oh, is it cuz she finally got a kiss from a guy who’s gonna dump her in a few months anyway? Don’t interrupt. Oh, wow, “finally got a kiss?” Karmen kissed Adonis. So watch how you talk about her and her man. Wow, “her man?” Yeah, and if Karmen interrupts Jaida again, what’s she gonna do? Jaida pushes Karmen back and says that’s Nikkita’s man, get it right. Dani Palmer and Brinley Reece now step in to keep the peace.
WAIT! The brawl at the ring started up again!? Bayley & Giulia are again throwing hands with Cora & Roxie! The fans cheer “NXT! NXT!” but then Cora POSTS Giulia! Bayley THROWS Roxie into barriers, and NXT goes picture in picture!
Security finally rushes out there to try and stop this, but then Bayley helps Giulia against Cora in the ring! Security hurries to stop that but the mugging is 3v2! Giulia HEADBUTTS Cora outta the ring, but then Roxie CLOBBERS Bayley! Roxie and Giulia brawl, Bayley is back up, and Cora returns, too! The refs and security separate the four, but then Bayley breaks loose to JUMP at Roxie & Cora! Giulia follows after, it’s a lot of wild fists and black leather pants! Roxie & Cora stand down again, but then Bayley & Giulia run back up! Roxie and Bayley scrap to the mat, Giulia and Cora aren’t far behind! Bayley TOSSES Roxie, then TOSSES Cora!
The brawling finally stops, or rather stops again, and refs usher Cora & Roxie away. Ava Raine is there, but then Giulia & Bayley storm in! The brawling is happening right in front of the NXT General Manager! She shouts for this to stop but that’s easier said than done! Dion Lennox does his best to get by, his match with Wes is next! Will Dion level up taking on the former NXT North American Champion?
Dion Lennox VS Wes Lee w/ Tyson Dupont & Tyriek Igwe!
The bell rings and Wes throws his jacket! Dion gets blinded and Wes HANDSPRING KICKS him down! The fans boo, Wes stomps away, but then Wes lets off as the ref counts. Dion bails out, Wes builds speed and DIVES! Down goes Dion and the fans boo more. Wes puts Dion, storm sin, but Dion FLAPJACKS Wes high! Dion fires up, and he rallies on Wes with ELBOW after ELBOW! #GameMode has activated, and Dion TACKLES Wes! Dion rains down forearms and fists, but Wes scrambles away to ropes. Dion ROCKS Wes with a haymaker! Dion whips, but Wes KICKS him back! Dion shakes that off, and he scoops Wes!
Wes fights free, mule kicks a leg out, then runs, but into a SHOULDER TACKLE! Dion fires up while Wes goes to a corner. Ty & Ty coach Wes up while Dion runs in, and Wes BOOTS him! Wes ROUNDHOUSES Dion, then runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Wes survives but Dion drags him right up. Dion suplexes, but Wes knees free! Wes wrenches and HOOK KICKS! Then HEEL KICKS! Dion wobbles, so Wes ENZIGIRIS! Wes handsprings, CARDIAC KICK! Cover, Wes wins!
Winner: Wes Lee, by pinfall
The Cardiac Kid was on the defensive against the former linebacker, but he found a way to score the win. Wes says so much for championship material. That takes care of Dion, so TRICK! You think you’re that man? Walking into the locker room and slapping Wes in the face!? Wes will take care of Trick next week in Atlanta! And if you think you- Well, here comes trick now! Ty & Ty run up but Trick DECKS Tyson! Trick storms in and ROCKS Wes again and again! Wes flounders out, and Trick says if Wes wants it in Atlanta next week, then he’s got it! Trick storms out, pushes past Dion, ready for a fight. Will Trick be a house of fire until he takes back his title?
Sarah Schreiber gives us BREAKING NEWS!
After the confrontation earlier tonight, NXT GM Ava has made a match: Brooks Jensen & Niko Vance VS Luca Crusifino & Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo! But now, welcome her guest at this time, Stephanie Vaquer! La Primera steps onto the set, and Sarah says that Stephanie did win the #1 contender’s spot for the Women’s North American Championship, but then Shotzi Blackheart pinned Fallon Henley directly. Then Shotzi beat- Vaquer stops Sarah there, and says yes, she is still THE #1 Contender. Fatal Influence is already doing everything they can to stop her.
But Vaquer arrived in NXT, and she is not going to stop just because Fallon is playing games. Or because Shotzi benefitted from the situation. Vaquer adds in Spanish, then translates, that if Shotzi becomes champion, she will meet Hell. And Fallon, you can run, but you can’t hide from La Diabla. The Dark Angel is ready to destroy whoever is champion, so who will have a date with Vaquer for Vengeance Day?
NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Lexis King VS Charlie Dempsey w/ No Quarter Catch Crew!
It takes time to turn over a new leaf, but perhaps The Drama King has truly done that. He chose to win honorably, owned up to mistakes and controversy, and is even willing to clear the air once and for all. Will King keep the throne after going a few more rounds? Or will the No Quarter Catch Crew soon have the cup back in their possession?
NXT returns as NQCC enters all together. The introductions are made, the cup is raised, and one way or another, we put an end to this chapter!
The bell rings on round one, and King offers a handshake. Dempsey kicks it away, not in the mood for it. The fans boo but Dempsey waistlocks. King switches, SLAMS Dempsey, then facelocks. They roll, King holds on, but Dempsey trips King up. Dempsey has the toehold, but King uses leg with leg for leverage! King throws Dempsey away but Dempsey cartwheels through! The fans cheer so King throws his headband away. The two tie up, Dempsey waistlocks, then spins King to a facelock. But King wrenches out to WRING Dempsey! Dempsey gets up, but King DROPKICKS him! The fans cheer, and King arm-drags Dempsey down!
Dempsey endures the armlock, fights up, but King wrenches to a wristlock, Dempsey rolls, snapmares, but King holds onto the wristlock! Dempsey rolls, wrenches, breaks, and snapmares! Dempsey headlocks, King slips out to wrench the arm again. Dempsey spins, snapmares, and headlocks, but King slips out the back to hammerlock! King KNEES the arm in the back, KNEES him again, then traps it under his knee. King flexes, the fans cheer, but Dempsey BOPS King in the face! Dempsey runs, King drops down, but Dempsey turns hip toss into wrench and backslide, with bridge! TWO!! King has a sunset flip, TWO!
King headlocks, Dempsey powers up and out, but King RUNS Dempsey over! Dempsey hurries up, then drops down as King runs. King avoids the hurdle, not wanting a repeat of the controversial “nutcracker” from last time. We reach a minute left in this round, and King wants the handshake again. Dempsey decides to take it this time, but then he UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS again! King wobbles, Dempsy whips, but King reverses to drop toehold, body scissor, Gedo Clutch, but King tries to get fancy, TWO! Dempsey has the REAR NAKED CHOKE! King fights around but Dempsey holds on tight!
King snapmares free, Dempsey rolls him up, TWO! Twenty seconds left and King goes for a leg. Dempsey gut wrenches King to a backslide, TWO! King escapes but we hit ten seconds! Dempsey wants the chicken wing! King fights around, he’s caught, but time’s up!
King: 0; Dempsey: 0
The fans cheer this first round coming to a close, but while Dempsey has NQCC to refresh him, King has no one. Wait, what’s a pair of brass knuckles doing in King’s bucket? Did a certain gentlemanly villain put those there? King shakes his head, and NXT goes picture in picture.
Round two begins and the two storm up to tie up. Dempsey wrenches to hammerlock but King standing switches to headlock. King hits the takeover, Dempsey fights to a headscissor but King shrugs that off. Dempsey rolls King to a cover, TWO! King holds on, but Dempsey manages a cravat from that position. Dempsey wrangles King to a cover, TWO! Dempsey now has a top wristlock and grinds King down. King endures, fights around, and he arm-drags free! King then grabs Dempsey’s arm for a knuckle lock cover, TWO as Dempsey gets an arm up! King pushes that arm down, TWO as Dempsey gets the other arm up!
King pushes that arm down, TWO as Dempsey bridges! Dempsey then kips up, powers King back, and MONKEY FLIPS him! Dempsey rolls back to cover, TWO! King sunset flips again, TWO! Both men stand, and Dempsey KNEES low! Dempsey headlocks and squeezes tight. Dempsey then ripcords King for a GUT WRENCH PLEX! Cover, TWO! We’re already under 90 seconds as Dempsey KNEES King in the back! Dempsey clamps on a chinlock and he grinds King down again. King still endures, fights back up, but Dempsey ripcords to ROCK him! But King reels Dempsey in for a BACKDROP!
King clamps onto an arm and he grinds the shoulder. Dempsey rolls to stand, but King rolls to wrench! Dempsey wrenches, King wrenches, repeat! Dempsey rolls, spins, wrenches, and hammerlocks. But King gets under to BACKDROP again! Dempsey sunset flips it! King sits on the cover, AND SCORES!
King: 1; Dempsey: 0
With 26 seconds to spare, King snatches the crucial first fall! Will King wrap this before halftime? Or can Dempsey push it into the late rounds?
NXT returns to single picture during the refresher, the round begins, and the two storm up to each other again. Dempsey KNEES King low, CLUBS him on the back, then UPPERCUTS! King CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Dempsey wrenches to KNEE King hard! King goes to a corner, Dempsey is on him to whip, but King reverses. Dempsey goes up but King stays back! King arm-drags Dempsey, then grinds the armlock! The fans rally, Dempsey fights around, then rolls back. Dempsey stands, fights the armlock, and fans duel as Dempsey puts King on ropes. The ref counts, Dempsey HOTSHOTS King down!
The NQCC cheers, and Dempsey drags King up to fire off in the corner! We’re at two minutes, Dempsey whips to send King right into the buckles! Dempsey stomps King, then deadlift GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO! King survives but Dempsey looms over him. Dempsey stomps King around, then clamps onto an arm. Dempsey traps that arm, and he steps on it to bend it back! King endures as Dempsey also has a headlock added on! King fights, Dempsey traps the arm with a leg, and then he throws down palm strikes to the forehead! King manages to roll to a cover, TWO! SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO!!
Dempsey survives and we go under a minute here! King storms after Dempsey, brings him around to whip, but Dempsey reverses. King goes up and over the corner, then half nelsons, but Dempsey standing switches! Dempsey has the nelson, King fights it, but Dempsey KNEES him! BUTTERFLY PLEX, with a bridge! Dempsey scores!!
King: 1; Dempsey: 1
And with that, we’re all tied up going into the second half! King goes back to his corner, and he looks at those brass knuckles. King holds them in his hand but then shakes his head and puts them down. Round four begins, and Dempsey runs up! King dodges and then KICKS! KICKS! And KICKS! Dempsey blocks to DRAGON SCREW! King ends up in the corner, Dempsey hauls him for a HALF HATCH! FACELOCK GUILLOTINE! King endures, fights up, but Dempsey pulls on the head more! King powers up to suplex free! The fans fire up as both men rise! King blocks a shot to CHPO, CHOP, and UPPERCUT!
King whips, Dempsey reverses, but King CLOBBERS him! And LARIATS! King whips, runs up and LARIATS again! King CHOPS, then brings Dempsey in! NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! King hurries to a corner to climb! Dempsey stands, into the CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! King is frustrated, but he aims again, SUPER- NO, Dempsey blocks the kick, spins King around, LEG TRAP GERMAN! King sputters, then crawls to his corner! Is he still thinking about the knuckles? Dempsey has the chicken wing! But King runs to the ropes, and he TOSSES Dempsey out onto NQCC! King builds speed, and he FLIES! Down goes NQCC!
The fans are all fired up as King stands tall! We’re under a minute in the round but King puts Dempsey in the ring. Myles storms up but King DECKS him for it! King storms in, Dempsey snatches him to a cradle! TWO!! Dempsey rolls King up again, TWO!! Thirty seconds left as Dempsey waistlocks King! They crowd the ref in the corner! MULE KICK LOW BLOW!! Was that on purpose?! King reels Dempsey in, CORONATION!! Cover, King wins!!
Winner: Lexis King, by pinfall (still NXT Heritage Cup Champion)
King does Dempsey dirty, and that seemed a lot more blatant than that noggin knocker last time! A win is a win, but does the apple really not fall far from the tree? Will King stay the champion while also being his father’s son?
Bianca Belair & Naomi speak.
The EST tells Lash Legend & Jakara, “Y’all putting in that work to become #1 contenders, because of course y’all want a shot at our titles.” The Glow says The Bougie Bully is bringing the size and power, while Miss Jackson if ya nasty, she has the athleticism. But they might’ve forgotten just who The Glow & EST are. Because nobody does those things better than them. So bring all that and more to Atlanta if you wanna take these titles off the champs. Will Meta Four be the ones next week? Or will they just feel the StrongEST Glow ever?
Hank ‘n’ Tank talk with Andre Chase.
The big belly boys are a bit worried about Mr. Chase. They’re not even mad about him walking out on them, they just want to know how they can help. Chase says they should just break up as a team now. All tag teams end in heartbreak anyway. Kelani Jordan walks past as Chase says everyone is better off just looking out for themselves. Hank ‘n’ Tank say not this team. Chase says forget he even said it then. Chase heads out, but he finds other superstars watching a highlight reel of Chase’s best rage moments. Kale Dixon tells Mr. Chase he was so badass! Chase says yeah, he was…
But Chase U is dead. Chase leaves and Kale says it doesn’t have to be! Can Kale find a way to revive Chase’s school spirit?
Karmen Petrovic w/ Ashante THEE Adonis VS Jaida Parker!
Love is in the air, but when it’s NXT, there’s also a lot of tension. The Blackbelt Beauty was just trying to keep the peace, but Miss Parker is always ready for a fight. Will Karmen kick ass on the road to Vengeance Day? Or will Jaida make sure the lovebirds don’t make it #OutTheMud?
NXT returns and Jaida makes her entrance. She didn’t bring her boys, Nima & Price, so she’s annoyed to see Adonis ringside. The bell rings, the two tie up, and Karmen waistlocks. Jaida THROWS Karmen away and the fans duel. Karmen gets up, Jaida mocks the crane stance, but then Kamren starts throwing kicks! Jaida hurries to a corner, and the two reset. Karmen dodges Jaida’s haymaker to then slip under and UP KICK! Jaida comes back into a LEG SWEEP! Karmen mocks the high steps and now Jaida’s mad. Jaida runs up but Karmen wrangles her to a FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Jaida rolls Karmen, ONE!
Karmen keeps on the arm, but Jaida fights up to pull hair. Jaida puts Karmen in the corner, the ref counts, but Jaida knees low! Jaida whips Karmen corner to corner but Karmen SOBATS! And BULLDOGS! Cover, TWO! Jaida gets up but Karmen KICKS and KICKS and KICKS! Jaida blocks a kick, but Karmen SOBATS again! Karmen whips, Jaida reverses, but Karmen goes up. Jaida blocks that kick then gets under with an Electric Chair Lift! Karmen fires hands, but Jaida still SLAMS Karmen down! Jaida snarls as she drags Karmen up, and she RAMS Karmen into a corner! Jaida RAMS into Karmen again and again, but stops as the ref counts.
Jaida drags Karmen out to then put her in the ropes. Jaida CHOPS Karmen, then runs to TEARDROP in the corner! Jaida says that’s how it’s done! Jaida drags Karmen up, then shoves her onto ropes. Jaida traps Karmen’s arms and pulls! The ref counts, Jaida CLUBS Karmen while she lets off, then she bumps Karmen off buckles. Jaida eggs Karmen on, but Karmen blocks the bump to ELBOW back! Karmen goes up to ENZIGIRI! Karmen runs up, but Jaida wrenches to hook and FISHERMAN SCREW! Cover, TWO! Jaida is frustrated but the fans rally up. Jaida brings Karmen around, neckbreaker stretch!
Karmen endures as Jaida keeps her off the ground! Karmen kicks the legs, but Jaida suplexes! Karmen cradle counters, TWO! Both women hurry to their feet, and Jaida KNEES low! Jaida whips, runs up, but Karmen dodges! Karmen runs in, but Jaida dodges! Karmen hits buckles, and Jaida hoists her up again! But Karmen manages to victory roll, TWO! Jaida escapes, swings, but Karmen dodges! Karmen ROCKS Jaida with a forearm! And ROCKS her again! Then DISCUS LARIAT! The fans fire up as Karmen aims, runs, and dodges Jaida to then SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO! Jaida survives the #Shingblade, but Karmen aims!
Jaida ducks the roundhouse, then she BACK ELBOWS Karmen down! Jaida drags Karmen up to GOURD BUSTER! Then Jaida builds speed for the- WAIT, Kelani is here! She stands in Jaida’s way, and Karmen rolls Jaida up! KARMEN WINS!
Winner: Karmen Petrovic, by pinfall
Karmen celebrates with her man Adonis, and Jaida is pissed at Kelani! Will Kelani not stand for the disrespect? Or will she get knocked out for it?
Meta Four meet backstage.
Jakara and Lash heard what Naomi & Bianca had to say, but then wait! Sol & Zaria, Jakara can guess what you want: The first opportunity at the NEW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. Sol asks if they understand how big their match is next week. Uh, duh! Zaria doesn’t think so. Not only do they have the chance to become WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, but they can bring those titles back to NXT, the best women’s division in the world. Uh, wow, Sol, you have a point. This IS the biggest match of their career. And Lash gets to go back to her hometown to do it! She can compete in front of her friends and family!
And Meta Four gets to step into the ring with two former WWE Women’s Champions. And even if Naomi & Bianca are two of the most accomplished women in WWE history, the Bougie Bully & Miss Jackson will bring that action. Because when they do, everyone here can get a shot at the champs. Tatum Paxley & Gigi Dolin walk in. Did Gigi hear that? Oh, she sure did, Tatum. They like the sound of it. So then it’s agreed: Meta Four better bring those titles home. Oh, they will! Let’s do it, girls~! Fatal Influence also eyes this from the background. Will the line be out the door should Naomi & Bianca lose to Meta Four?
Brooks Jensen & Niko Vance w/ Shawn Spears VS Luca Crusifino & Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo!
It’s been very obvious The Chair Man has been after the North American Championship, and with that, Tony D’Angelo. Spears has even done his best to gather “lost souls” to his side so that they can all take over NXT together. Will that start here as Brooks & Niko take on Luca & Stacks? Or will Tony’s Consigliere and Underboss handle business?
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Time to burn it down!
Ahead of entering the Royal Rumble, Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre go one more round in a rematch from WrestleMania 40!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods VS Rey Mysterio; Rey wins.
- Bayley VS Nia Jax; Nia wins.
- PENTA VS Pete Dunne; Penta wins.
- Damage CTRL VS Pure Fusion Collective; DMG CTRL wins.
- Seth Rollins VS Drew McIntyre; Rollins wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Nia Jax ambushes Rhea Ripley!
The Irresistible Force is here on Raw to face Bayley, but she’s getting her payback on Mami for last week! She dribbles Rhea into the steel chain link fencing again and again, even as security and Adam Pearce rush in! They get Nia to stop, but Rhea is pissed! Will Nia regret riling up Rhea Bloody Ripley?
Jey Uso is here!
Dallas fires up and bounces along as it’s time to YEET! Michael Cole does his best to keep up with the beat as Main Event Jey makes his way down the bleachers. Wade Barrett is subbing in for Pat McAfee (the NCAA College Football Championship is also tonight), and Wade says Maggle looks like a “drunk grandpa” doing the YEET. Jey makes it to ringside, he high fives Maggle, then goes to the ring. But the YEET doesn’t slow down, it just keeps going! Jey grabs a mic and tells Dallas, “Main Event Jey Uso is now in your citaaaaaa~!” The fans cheer and join in with a “YEET!” Jey says this weekend, “YEET!” Saturday Night’s Main Event, “YEET!” Jey takes home the big one!
But then before Jey can continue, GUNTHER makes his way out here! Der Ring General, World Heavyweight Championship around his waist, makes his way right to the ring. Gunther grabs himself a mic while the fans boo. Jey paces but Gunther tells him, “Lemme guess, the next thing you were about to say is you were going to win the World Heavyweight title.” Jey confirms, he is gonna beat Gunther, then hang the title up in his room. Gunther says Jey really is “a funny little man.” But let’s not act like we both know it won’t happen. Last week, Jey was right here in front of Gunther, and he said every morning, he looks in the mirror and bets on himself.
The thing is, Gunther believes Jey. Gunther was looking forward to Saturday to square off with Main Event Jey Uso. Until today, when he saw Jey walking in here acting like that conversation last week never happened. Not after seeing Jey act like a complete DORK! Like he’s the company mascot for the fans! At this point, Gunther doesn’t even care. He could jsut as well get challenged by Jimmy Uso. Jey tells Gunther to not say something about his brother. Gunther says it doesn’t matter what Jey says, he never follows up with his actions! The fans are the only ones naive enough to believe everything Jey says. Gunther does not.
Bet on yourself? Until when? Until Roman Reigns whistles for him? Until Sami Zayn needs him? Until Jimmy needs him? Even Cody needed Jey and Jey showed up! All that makes Jey is a useful idiot, and Jey doesn’t even see it! Jey, your words and your actions do not align. Gunther’s always do! So on Saturday, when the bell rings, Gunther exposes Jey for the flash in the pan that has NO business being even this close to the World Heavyweight Championship. The fans boo but Gunther tells Jey to go. The fans “YEET! YEET! YEET!” but Jey says Gunther’s right again. Everything Gunther just said is true again.
Jey is the mascot of the WWE. And the fans here are his team. The fans are his squad. They ride with him! “YEET!” Slide with him! “YEET!” And they will be with him when he beats Gunther for the world championship! “YEET!” Jey reminds us he respects Gunther. But Gunther will respect Jey, too. Because only one of them in this ring main-evented a WrestleMania, and it ain’t Gunther. But then Gunther DECKS Jey! Gunther stomps Jey, the fans boo, but then Gunther DECKS Jey again! Gunther stands Jey up, but Jey TACKLES Gunther! Jey rains down fists and teh fans fire up! Gunther gets up, but Jey fires more hands!
Jey has Gunther’s shirt over his head for a hockey scrum! Gunther gets free, but Jey SUPERKICKS him down! The fans all “YEET!” while Der Ring General retreats! Jey has the belt and he dares Gunther to come get it! Jey drops it at the ropes, Gunther storms up to the apron, but Gunther stays back. Gunther leaves Dallas with the belt tonight, but will Jey leave San Antonio with it this Saturday?
The New Day walks the halls.
And then they spot someone. “Finally, somebody who understands!” JBL is here! They all shake hands, and JBL loves seeing them. Kofi Kingston says JBL is not just a champion and a Hall of Famer, but he’ll be on commentary tonight for The New Day’s match with that “hypocrite of a locker room leader,” Rey Mysterio. JBL should let New Day know they are the victims of a disgusting smear campaign! Kofi even sweetens the deal with a whole $2. Kofi says JBL understands being in a tag team but having to cut the deadweight to get ahead. And when he did, what happened? He had the greatest success of his career!
Not as great as The New Day, but please, be an acolyte for ya bois! JBL says yes, he does “get it.” Big E, all the muscles and charisma and personality, everywhere they go, the fans love Big E. Everyone chants for New Day, for Big E. You get rid of him, the fans have to pay attention to Kofi & Woods! Wow, okay. Backhanded compliments? Be that way. The New Day heads out, JBL asks if he can keep the two bucks. Will Kofi & Woods finally see who’s really in the wrong? Or will they continue to have a bad day here on Raw?
Backstage interview with Bayley.
Cathy Kelley is with the “busiest superstar” in WWE right now, as Bayley was on Raw, NXT and SmackDown all last week. And she has an announcement to make, so for those who ahven’t heard, could she share? Yes, cat is out of the bag, Bayley is back on Raw officially via the Transfer Window! She started here after her NXT call-up, so it just feels right. But also, she is declaring for the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble! And if you remember, she won the 2024 Rumble, so going back to back sounds really good. She could choose Tiffany Stratton, she could choose Rhea Ripley, or- Nia Jax interrupts.
Nia says Bayley can have Rhea, Nia gets Tiffy. Also, Nia is going to win the Women’s Rumble, not Bayley. Oh, yeah, Bayley did see what Nia did to Rhea earlier. If Nia wants to try that, Bayley dares her. Nia says she’ll see Bayley out there. Nia leaves, but will the Irresistible Force rough Bayley up the same way she did Rhea? Or will Bayley continue to be the Role Model, even after changing brands?
Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods VS Rey Mysterio!
Raw returns and JBL is out there with Wade and Maggle already. The New Day makes their entrance, and they hate their song! They have it turn off, they get the tron to stop, and Woods says they already told the idiots in production that they’re no longer using that stuff! It’s ya bois, the NEW~ DAY~, and Dallas is starting to piss Kofi off! They have been doing this for too long and too well to be disrespected like this. They are walking Hall of Famers, unlike this FRAUD, JBL! JBL, give him that money back! Kofi snatches it out of JBL’s lapel pocket. Woods says Rey’s getting the brakes beat off him by the one and only Kofi Kingston~! BECAUSE NEW! DAY- “SUCKS!”
The fans chant “NEW! DAY SUCKS!” and the bell rings. Kofi and Rey circle, feel things out, and Kofi waistlocks to then headlock, waistlock, and he shoves Rey to a corner. The fans boo but Kofi soaks up that heat. JBL says this is the only time he’ll cheer a “deadbeat dad” like Rey. Rey and Kofi tie up, Rey waistlocks but Kofi switches to SLAM Rey down! Kofi slaps Rey around, and the fans boo as Kofi & Woods soak up the heat. Kofi taunts Rey, Rey and Kofi reset, and they tie up. Rey wrenches, hammerlocks, but Kofi wrenches out. Kofi wristlocks, Rey rolls and kips up, then Rey wrenches to headlock.
Kofi powers up and out, drops down then CLOBBERS Rey! The fans boo but Kofi keeps moving. Rey drops down, blows past Kofi, then tilt-o-whirls to RANA! Kofi staggers up, Rey dropkicks the legs out! Kofi is on ropes, Rey dials it up, but Kofi ducks the 619! Rey then PLANCHAS, but Kofi moves! Rey is on the apron, Kofi YANKS him down! The fans tell Kofi off but he drags Rey up and into the ring. Kofi then fires UPPERCUTS on Kofi, CHOKES him in the corner, then stomps a mudhole in! The ref counts, Kofi steps off, and then Kofi whips corner to corner. Rey reverses, runs up, but Kofi SWING KICKS! Rey GAMANGIRIS in return!
Rey RAMS Kofi, slingshots and SUNSET- NO, Kofi holds on, and he CLUBS Rey down! The fans boo but Kofi brings Rey in! Woods says watch this, “Hall of Famer!” Kofi lifts Rey, Rey pops free, but Kofi stomps away on him! Kofi glares at JBL, then he drags Rey up. The fans boo but Kofi SMACKS Rey off the apron. Kofi then reels Rey in, but Rey RANAS Kofi into the steel steps! The fans fire up as Rey rises, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Kofi has Rey down with an armlock. Rey fights to his feet, the fans fire up, and the forearms go back and forth! Kofi ROCKS Rey, Rey ROCKS Kofi, but then Kofi kicks low! Kofi whips, Rey ducks ‘n’ dodges, then Rey leaps to FLYING FOREARM! Both men are down and the fans fire up again. Woods coaches Kofi while Rey goes to the apron. Rey then goes to the corner, but Kofi hurries over that way. Kofi fires body shots, then he climbs up after Rey. Kofi brings Rey up but Rey fires body shots in return! Rey BENDS Kofi’s fingers, then he HEADBUTTS Kofi! Kofi staggers up, Rey hits the SEATED SENTON!
Rey gets moving, but Kofi ducks the springboard crossbody! Kofi sunset flip, but Rey rolls through, basement DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Kofi goes to a corner, Rey CLUBS him, and the fans rally. The ref gets between them, but Kofi pokes Rey in the eyes! Kofi leaps, CROSSBODY SPLASH to the back! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Rey as he stays in this. The fans chant “NEW! DAY SUCKS!” Woods argues with a fan, Kofi aims, TROUBLE IN- NO, Rey dodges, then comes back to RANA! Kofi is on ropes, Rey dials it up! But Woods trips Rey! The ref saw that clear as day! Woods argues with the ref, but the ref EJECTS Woods!
The fans fire up while Woods throws a fit! Rey DECKS Woods! But Kofi CLOBBERS Rey! The fans boo, but Kofi hauls Rey up! Rey victory rolls Kofi onto ropes! Rey redials, 619!! And then the springboard, but onto knees! Kofi covers, TWO!! Rey survives, the fans fire up, but Kofi seethes. Kofi hauls Rey up, clinches, S O- NO! Rey makes the SOS a cover, REY WINS!
Winner: Rey Mysterio, by pinfall
But Woods CLBOBERS Rey from behind! The New Day mugs Rey, the fans boo more, but here comes the LWO! Joaquin Wilde & Cruz Del Toro run The New Day off! The fans boo, Cruz & Wilde check Rey, but then the New Day sneak back in! They drag Wilde out to POST him! Cruz hurries but now New Day retreats for real! Insult to injury here, but will Kofi & Woods continue to be blinded by their own arrogance?
Backstage interview with Team American Made.
Cathy Kelley waits as Chad Gable is arguing with his own people, then says okay, sorry, he was inspiring the team. But yeah, he’s the talk of the whole freakin’ wrestling world the past week, but he is man enough to admit he has a problem. And it all started with losing to Penta last week! It was Dragon Lee before that, and Rey Mysterio before that. Gable asks, “What’re we gonna do her?” But he’s figured it out! He found a man who knows a thing or two about lucha libre, and that man is intelligent with a mustache to match. That man is Dominik Mysterio! While Dom helps Gable with his lucha problem, the team has their marching order.
Ivy Nile says there’s a Women’s Intercontinental Championship with her name all over it. Brutus says those tag titles should’ve already had their names on them, HAHA~! Julius mocks how War Raiders cry about “One more injury~ and we’re done forever~!” Like that’s something to be proud of? No more asking, they’re just taking! They’ll take those tag titles from a team near the end of their career and put them on a team that’s entering their prime. Gable says this team that bleeds red, white ‘n’ blue will have waists wrapped in gold, and it will be glorious. Team American Made heads out, but can Dirty Dom really help Gable clean up his act?
Sami Zayn is here!
Dallas sings his song, and the Underdog from the Underground goes right to the ring. He grabs a mic and thanks Dallas for that, that never gets old. But he wont’ beat around the bush, he’ll just get right to business. Sami spoke with Adam Pearce, and Sami is now officially entered into the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble match! The fans like the sound of that! Sami says Rollins told him he’s already helped a lot of others, so time to help himself. Well, Sami thought about that, and thought about what he wants. When he thought about that, it opened a whole bunch of thoughts. Sami pictured what 14-year-old Sami wanted.
Sami thought about what the millions around the world who dream of becoming pro-wrestlers, and the thousands who actually live the dream and get to do it. And then the even smaller group lucky enough to call themselves WWE Superstars. And then the smallest group of all, the hardest to crack into at all, is the upper echelon, the top tier, and that is where Sami is now! The fans cheer, and Sami firmly believes he is as good as everyone else in that group. That group is all in the Royal Rumble, and the only difference between Sami and the others, aka Roman, McIntyre, Rollins, and so on, is that they all have a world title to their name… and Sami doesn’t.
Sami has said it before, he’ll say it again, he’s had a great life, a great career. He doesn’t need the world title to complete him. The fans have supported Sami throughout the years, and believe it or not, that support means more to him than any world title could ever mean! So no, Sami does not need that world title, but DAMMIT, he WANTS it!! The fans love that! Sami says 14-year-old Sami wants that title, and he’s still with Sami! That kid sets foot in this ring every time Sami does. So Sami doesn’t need it, he wants it, so he will TAKE IT! WAIT, Kevin Owens is here!? The fans boo and Sami is certainly stunned seeing SmackDown’s Prizefighter back on Raw.
Kevin, who is still carrying the “Winged Eagle” title, while wearing a Bret Hart merchandise jacket, makes his way to the ring. Kevin grabs the mic, and while fans boo, he looks to Sami. Sami says he knew it was a matter of time before Kevin showed up. How does Kevin wanna do this? Kevin asks what Sami means. Sami knows Kevin. We all saw what Kevin did to Cody over teaming with Roman, so how’s this going down? Aw, is that why Sami thinks Kevin is here? No, Kevin admits, he was upset at first. But he realizes now that Sami teaming with Roman isn’t the same as Cody teaming with Roman.
Sami and Roman had a lot of history, the same as Sami and Kevin. And Roman did terrible things to Sami that Sami overlooked, just as Kevin did to Sami that Sami has overlooked. Or rather, Sami forgave Kevin for those things. Same as him forgiving Roman! Because that is who Sami is: Sami is a good person. And Rollins is right, Sami does a lot for others, especially his friends. And well, Sami is still Kevin’s best friend. A brother even! Kevin is here to tell his brother that he whole heartedly believes Sami can and will win the Royal Rumble. Kevin knows that the Sami he’s known for 20 YEARS will win the Royal Rumble!
And why? Because Sami deserves it! Sami deserves to go to WrestleMania and fight for the WWE Championship, and Kevin knows Sami will do it! Then Kevin and Sami can accomplish one more thing together. Think of everything they’ve done and seen each other do in this business. They main-evented WrestleMania to become tag team champions. But there’s one more thing they haven’t done: main event WrestleMania for THE WWE Championship. And when Sami wins the Rumble, they can do that, so long as Kevin walks away THE WWE Champion. But Kevin knows both of those things are going to happen.
Kevin knows Sami will win the Rumble because Kevin has his back. He does. And Kevin knows he’ll be THE WWE Champion because just like Sami had Roman’s back, he’s got Kevin’s back. Right? Kevin just knows it. Sami is his best friend, his brother, and if Kevin needs him, Sami will be there. Kevin drops his mic and heads out, but Sami is rather confused. Is Kevin suggesting Sami do what it sounds like? What will Sami do on this Road to WrestleMania?
Backstage interview with Sheamus.
Cathy is with The Fella and brings up his Intercontinental Championship match he has this Saturday against Bron Breakker. Why is this title so important to him? Sheamus says many would look at his career, and say he has the perfect backwards WWE career. He was only six months into his career, and he beat one of the biggest names this business has ever seen in John Cena to become WWE Champion. Ironically, the Intercontinental Champioship is what drew Sheamus to the WWE. That title has become an obsession for the past five years, but guess what? The stars are aligned! Saturday Night’s Main Event, Sheamus will bust Bron aside and fulfill destiny!
Sheamus will win the last championship he has yet to win! And for everyone who is watching, Let’s Go, Irish! A quick shoutout to Notre Dame, but then Sheamus spots Bron Breakker. Bron tells Sheamus that this title is Bron’s. This is as close as Sheamus will ever get to winning it. Because on Saturday, Bron beats him and BREAKS him like an old man! So just do us all a favor and retire. Sheamus shoves Bron, but Bron laughs it off and takes his leave. Will the Celtic Warrior finally have his WWE Bingo in another banger? Or will this title still belong to Bron Breakker?
Bayley VS Nia Jax!
The Role Model and the Irresistible Force were just on SmackDown but they’re bringing their beef over to Raw! Will Bayley make her official transfer back a successful one? Or will Nia be rolling towards the Royal Rumble?
Well, well, well, Roxanne Perez seems to be stalking Bayley. She was in the crowd for SmackDown last Friday, and now she’s here in the crowd tonight. The bell rings, Nia runs up, but Bayley dodges! Nia hits buckles, Bayley fires hands, then runs to ELBOW her! Bayley climbs up to rain down fists! The fans count, Bayley ges to 6 before Nia brings her off the corner! Bayley still fights, but Nia stops the rana! Nia brings Bayley up to a fireman’s carry, but Bayley kicks off ropes! TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Nia sits up but Bayley fires hands! Bayley runs, but into a POP-UP HEADBUTT! Bayley sputters, Nia covers, ONE!!
Bayley scrambles away but Nia stalks her. Nia puts Bayley on the ropes, CHOKES her, but the ref counts. Nia lets off at 4, she soaks up some heat, then she HEADBUTTS Bayley again. Bayley goes to a corner, Nia digs her boot in, but the ref counts. Nia stops at 4, the fans boo some more, and Bayley crawls. Nia drags Bayley up, pushes her down, then runs, only for Bayley to avoid the elbow drop! Bayley fires forearms, then whips. Nia takes a swing but Bayley gets around to hit a back suplex! Cover, TWO! Nia is tougher than that but she’s also dazed. Bayley rises, runs in, but Nia URENAGES Bayley down! Now Nia climbs the corner!
The fans fire up as Bayley SHOVES Nia to the apron! Bayley BOOTS Nia to the floor, then builds speed! Bayley DIVES, down goes Nia! The fans fire up and Bayley gets in Roxie’s face! Roxie takes a swing, but Bayley blocks! Bayley DECKS Roxie! The fans go wild, security stops Roxie from getting at Bayley! Bayley mocks the little idiot, then goes back for Nia while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Nia drags Bayley up. Nia drops a LEG on the arm! Cover, TWO!! Bayley survives and Nia grows frustrated. Nia taunts Bayley, the fans boo Nia, and Bayley sits up. Nia drags Bayley by her hair, then runs, but Bayley avoids the leg drop! Bayley hurries to ELBOW Nia in the back! And then SLIDING LARIAT! Bayley keeps moving, and drops an ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Nia survives the onslaught but the fans rally for Bayley. Both women slowly rise up, and Bayley runs up to KNEE Nia out to the apron! Bayley then drags Nia in through the ropes, but Nia HOTSHOTS the bad arm!
Bayley writhes, Nia taunts the fans, then Nia goes back to the apron. Nia stands on Bayley’s bad arm! But Bayley avoids another leg drop! Nia clutches her lower back while she and Bayley both rise up again. Bayley runs in to SUNSET FLIP BUCKLE BOMB! Nia flops to the floor and the fans fire up! Bayley leaves Nia behind for the count to handle this. Nia is still down at 5 of 10, and at 7! Nia springs up and in at 8! But Bayley goes up, up, and she hits a BANZAI DROP! Cover, TWO! Bayley didn’t quite A-Nia-Late Nia, but she goes up to ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Nia survives again but if only barely!
The fans rally as Bayley brings Nia up. Nia shoves Bayley away, then scoops her, SHOULDER BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Bayley stays in this and the fans rally up again. Bayley goes to a corner, Nia runs in, and Nia SPLASHES Bayley! Bayley flounders against the ropes, then Nia runs in. Bayley TOSSES Nia to the apron, but Nia ROCKS Bayley! Nia drags Bayley up, and POSTS her! Bayley dangles in the ropes, and Nia snarls. Nia runs to HIP ATTACK Bayley against the post! Bayley flounders back in, the fans boo, and Nia climbs up! But Bayley is up to YANK Nia down! The fans fire up as Bayley runs, and she KNEES Nia down! Cover, TWO!!
Nia survives yet again but the fans continue to rally behind Bayley. Bayley goes up a corner, but now Nia is up! Nia ROCKS Bayley, then climbs up after her. Nia fireman’s carries, but Bayley squirms around! SUPER SUNSET FLIP BOMB!! Cover, TWO?!?! Nia survives that wild fall but Bayley goes right back up! MACHO ELBOW!! Cover, TWO!!! Nia survives again and Bayley is beside herself! Nia and Bayley rise, and the fans fire up again. Bayley reels Nia in, but the bad arm won’t let her clinch! Nia fireman’s carries, but Bayley fights free! Bayley runs, CHOP BLOCKS a leg, then hurries to run again. Nia POP-UP SAMOAN DROPS!!
Nia hurries to SENTON! Then she drags Bayley to a drop zone! Nia goes up, to A-NIA-LATE Bayley! Cover, Nia wins!!
Winner: Nia Jax, by pinfall
A powerful battle between two former champions, but the Irresistible Force crushes Bayley on her return to Raw! But wait! RHEA RIPLEY makes her way out here! Mami wants revenge, and Nia says bring it! They brawl in the ring, the fans fire up, and Rhea HEADBUTTS Nia! Rhea RAMS Nia into the corner again and again, but here comes security! The fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT!” but the two are separated! But then Nia breaks free to SPLASH Rhea and whoever else was in the way! Nia CLUBS away on Rhea, producers and refs rush out here to stop this, but Rhea is up! She LEAPS at Nia for more!
The fans are thunderous as Rhea shoves everyone out of the way to ROUNDHOUSE Nia! Nia falls out of the ring, but rhea isn’t done! Rhea goes to the apron, but Nia trips her up! Nia DRIBBLES Rhea off the announce desk! Nia now clears the desk, and Adam Pearce is shouting that this is enough! Nia puts Rhea on the desk, but security swarms her! Wait, Rhea is back up! CANNONBALL!! Rhea takes Nia and the security guards out! The fans fire up but producers have to drag Rhea away from Nia! Dallas cheers on “MAMI! MAMI!” and she grabs a mic. Rhea gets on the desk to shout, “YOU! ME! SATURDAY NIGHT’S MAIN EVENT!!”
The fans are all fired up, because now things are going to get wild in San Antonio! But will the Queen of the Ring A-Nia-Late Rhea? Or will Nia get eradicated?
Judgment Day meets with American Made.
The others aren’t so sure about this, but Chad Gable says Dom said he could help with Gable’s luchador problem. Does he have some info? C’mon! Help him out! Okay, okay. Dom has someone who can help Gable. Dom hands him a piece of paper, and Gable asks, “This is the guy?” Dom says it sure is. Gable tells Judgment Day and “JD McDouche” that he’s off to master the dark arts of lucha libre. The others ask Dom what this is all about. Dom says it’s a long story but he and Gable go way back. Okay, fine, but how does this help Judgment Day? Next week is the tag title rematch but Finn is still out of action from last week’s Street Fight!
Liv Morgan says listening to Finn hasn’t really helped them win, has it? C’mon, Liv, this is serious. They’re gonna have to forfeit! Dom says maybe he could sub in. Finn shouldn’t care so long as they get the titles back, right? JD says yeah, that’s a good point. They’ll get this. Liv says yeah, Finn should be fine. And Dom is quite the mastermind now, huh? Liv just hopes this plan goes better than the one he had for her match with Rhea. Hey, didn’t she say she was over that? Yes, she did. Can Dom not take a joke? Okay, okay. Dom does have a plan for Liv, though. And even though she’s not mad, he’ll make it up to her, okay? Oh, he will. Now, let’s go.
Liv & Dom head out, Raquel tells Carlito to stop staring. Will Judgment Day (not) keep it together?
Lyra Valkyria speaks.
“Last week, I walked into Raw ready to become a history maker. And that meant spreading my wings and shedding any dead feathers that made me doubt the heights I knew I was capable of reaching. I took fear, I took doubt, and I used them to become something more. And now that I have this, it’s about what comes next. And what comes next is building a legacy as a valiant, fighting Women’s Intercontinental Champion.” The Morrigan is ready for more, just how high will she soar?
WWE celebrates Martin Luther King Jr.
He had a dream, and that dream lives on in us. May we keep that dream alive so that it may come true every day.
Seth Rollins warms up backstage.
Sami checks with him and knows the match with McIntyre is coming up. But Sami just wants Rollins to know that as a friend, he appreciated the talk they had last week. Rollins knows, and he heard Sami out there. Rollins respects Sami’s choice. It’s about time we got that Sami back. And Sami is almost rooting for that Sami. But push comes to shove int he Rumble, Rollins will throw Sami right over the top rope. Sami says, “Not if I throw you out first.” Sami again wishes Rollins luck, then heads out. Rollins finishes his preparations, but Karrion Kross is watching from afar! Could Mr. Doomsday have his next target in mind?
PENTA VS Pete Dunne!
#CeroMiedo made its debut in the WWE just last week, and it was a massive hit! But now he’s up against a man who feels disrespected left, right, front and back! Will the Bruiserweight take out all his frustrations on the new kid in class? Or will Penta continue to blow the roof off the arenas?
The bell rings and the fans already chant, “CERO! MIEDO!” Penta tells Dunne to listen, but Dunne grabs the hand! Penta KICKS Dunne, but Dunne CHOPS! Penta CHOPS, Dunne CHOPS, then the forearms start flying! Dunne headlocks, Penta fires body shots, and Penta powers out. Penta hurdles then mule kicks Dunne, and Dunne sputters away. Penta swaggers, but Dunne CLOBBERS him! The fans boo but Dunne grabs an arm. Dunne hammerlocks that arm, pulls on the other, and he bends the fingers back! Dunne STOMPS Penta’s arm! The fans tell Dunne off while Penta writhes, but Dunne drags Penta up again.
Dunne wrenches and whips, but Penta reverses. Then Penta runs up to GAMANGIRI! Penta whips again, Dunne reverses and he GAMANGIRIS! Penta sputters, Dunne brings him up, and Dunne whips. Penta reverses. Dunne goes up and flips and SUPERKICK from Penta! Penta hits Dunne outta the sky and Dunne bails out of the ring! The fans fire up and Penta says, “CERO! MIEDO!” Penta runs and DIVES into a forearm! Dunne gives back that anti-air, then he reels Penta in. APRON X-PLEX! Penta writhes again while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns, Dunne runs up to SLIDING FOREARM Penta down! The fans boo while Penta sputters, but Dunne runs up to SLIDINGN FOREARM again! Dunne paces, the fans chant, “Butch Sucks!” but Dunne just runs up on Penta. Penta dodges, mule kicks, and he runs to SLING-DOG! Dunne flounders to a corner, Penta runs and headstands on the corner! SWINGING DROPKICK! Dunne sputters more but Penta fireman’s carries. The fans fire up for the SWINGINGN DEATH VALLEY! Cover, TWO! Penta is frustrated, but the fans rally up again. Penta and Dunne rise up, and Penta goes after Dunne. Dunne ENZIGIRIS first!
Dunne STMOPS the hands, then he BUZZSAWS! Penta goes to a corner, Dunne runs up, but Penta SUPERKICKS! Penta runs up, DESTROYER!! Dunne tumbles out of the ring! The fans fire up with Penta and he builds speed again! Penta FLIES and down goes Dunne! The fans are thunderous while both men are out at the ramp! Penta and Dunne stir, the ring count climbs, and Dunne is in at 5 of 10. Penta rises at 6, and he slaps some sense into himself. Penta is back in at 7, DES- NO, Dunne stops the second shot and tucks Penta in! CRUNCHY DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! Penta survives and the fans fire up!
Penta shakes out the bad arm, but he and Dunne sit up. They go forehead to forehead, then forearm for forearm! Dunne CHOPS, but Penta CHOPS! The fans cheer Penta on and he tells Dunne to listen! “CERO! MIEDO!” But Dunne bends the fingers, SNAPS them, then wraps Penta into a TRIANGLE HOLD! Penta endures, fights up, and he deadlifts Dunne, for a POWER BREAKER!! Dunne writhes, Penta grabs Dunne’s arm and traps it! Penta CLUBS Dunne, then grabs the other arm, SACRIFICE!! Dunne writhes in even more pain, but Penta brings him around. Pump handle, PENTA DRIVER!! Cover, Penta wins!
Winner: Penta, by pinfall
The luchador proved he could do power on top of punishing submissions, and he is 2-0 here on Raw! Will the Penta Era take over the WWE?
Logan Paul speaks.
“Man, it must suck to be a Logan Paul hater. For years, all of you have wanted me to fail. But you know why it’s never happened, and it never will? Because when I do something, I become the best at it. I became the King of the Internet. I was the only man in history to beat Floyd Mayweather. So what makes you think the WWE will be any different? Look around, dummies. This is my life now. And I will eat, sleep and breathe wrestling until I become the greatest superstar to step into that ring. You can quote me on that. You’re looking at the GOAT, ladies and gentlemen.” The Maverick makes his return next week in Atlanta, will he receive a “warm welcome?”
CM Punk is here!
The Voice of the Voiceless, the Second City Saint, the Best in the World, takes a page out of Jey Uso’s playbook by entering through the concourse and then the bleachers! Dallas fires up as he joins Jackie Redmond in the perch for an interview. Jackie says the fans love chanting Punk’s name, and thanks him for coming out here for this in-arena interview. Punk says before any questions, he has a question for us: “Is it great to be alive on a Monday night in Dallas, Texas or what?!” The fans cheer that, and Jackie says of course it is.
But to the question: There are only so many ways to get to the main event of WrestleMania, something Punk wants to do for the first time in his career. The Royal Rumble is certainly one way, but that is a match he’s never won. And it is shaping to become one of the most stacked fields ever. Punk, Roman, John Cena, Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, Sami Zayn, and more. So, the question is, what makes this Rumble different for Punk? Punk says, “History.” And he is a maker of history! Just three weeks ago, he main-evented the first Raw live on Netflix, and he beat Rollins, a man favored to win this year’s Rumble.
This business is a fickle one, constantly asking, “What have you down for me lately?” Punk says he makes history! And he’ll do it in two weeks when he walks in, throws 29 other superstars over the top rope. The stakes are much too high, the lights are much too bright, and the pressure is on! And that is when Punk feels alive and when he thrives. No one can beat Punk when he’s at his best and with the people behind him. Jackie brought up Cena, but Punk can’t see Cena throwing him out. Roman Reigns? Roman needed Punk’s help to settle family business at WarGames. And in the Rumble, there are no friends!
Punk has put McIntyre in the dirt, and don’t ask him about Sami. You put HOGAN in the rumble, Punk will throw his old ass out and kill Hulkamania once and for all! February 1st, 60 THOUSAND strong, on the Peacock, live and in living color, Indianapolis, Indiana, Punk will settle scores and cash in debts. He’ll even call in a favor or two if he needs to. On that night, 29 other men are going night-night, and ONE MAN gets his hand raised. One name, three syllables: C, M, PUNK! “CM” might stand for “Confident Man” right about now, but will Punk be unstoppable on this road not just to WrestleMania, but also the road to his dream?
Damage CTRL VS Pure Fusion Collective!
This rivalry went back and forth all over 2024, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down just because it is a New Year. Will Dakota Kai & Iyo Sky finally kick PFC to the curb for what they did to Kairi Sane? Or will Sonya Deville, Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark put them on the shelf right beside the Pirate Princess?
The teams sort out, the bell rings, and Kai starts against Shayna. Shayna opens with a KICK to the leg, but Kai walks that off. Shayna KCIKS again, Kai gets mad, and the two go again. Kai blocks one kick but not the second KCIK! Shayna runs up, fakes Kai out, then trips her up! Shayna scuffs Kai, then soaks up the heat. Shayna runs back in, but Kai goes up and over to roll her up! TWO, and Kai slips past Shayna to DROPKICK her down! The fans fire up for Kai, but Shayna stops the arm-drag! Shayna whips, Kai stops herself and BOOTS Shayna away. Kai runs up, Zoey tags in before the flying mare!
Things speed up, Shayna drops down and Zoey springboards to MISSILE DORPKICK Kai down! Sonya wants everyone to take notes! Zoey clamps onto Kai with a chinlock and she grinds Kai down. The fans rally, Kai fights up, and Kai fires body shots. Zoey CLUBS Kai, CLUBS her again and again, then soaks up heat. Zoey puts Kai in the corner, tags Shayna back in, and then Zoey whips Shayna in for a KNEE! Shayna scoops Kai, BACKBREAKER and LARIAT! Shayna covers, TWO! Kai stays in this, but Sonya says her team’s got this. Kai crawls, but Shayna clamps onto the leg for a toehold.
Kai endures, kicks at Shayna with her free leg, but Shayna still bends the trapped leg! The fans rally, Kai kicks and kicks, but Shayna drops an ELBOW on the leg! Shayna tells Dallas to shut it, then she drags Kai around to bend the leg in another direction! Kai endures, reaches out for Iyo, but Shayna pulls the leg. Kai kicks at Shayna again, then BOOTS her away! Kai and Shayna crawl, hot tag to Zoey! Zoey brings Kai up but Kai ENZIGIRIS! Shayna runs back in, but Kai TOSSES her out! Hot tag to Iyo! The Genius of the Sky fires SHOTEI after SHOTEI on Zoey! Iyo ROCKS Shayna, then runs! PFC avoids the handsprings, but Iyo blocks a kick!
Iyo sends the foot at Zoey, but she ducks! Iyo SHOTEIS Zoey again! Then she dodges Shayna to GERMAN SUPLEX her away! The fans fire up as Iyo whips Zoey. Zoey reverses but Iyo uses that to DIVE onto Shayna! Iyo hurries up, blocks a shot, then ROUDNHOUSES Zoey! The fans fire up as Iyo climbs, and Iyo MISSILE DROPKICKS Zoey! Iyo handsprings up and the fans are thunderous! Iyo aims from the corner, runs in and SHINKANSEN! Iyo drags Zoey to a cover, TWO! Zoey survives but Iyo goes up. Sonya storms up, but Kai YANKS Sonya down! The fans fire up as Iyo climbs, but Shayna LARIATS Kai!
Zoey YANKS Iyo down, SUPERKICKS her, and then reels her in! ATAXIA!! Cover, TWO!! Zoey is furious, but she tags in Shayna. PFC gets Iyo up, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY, then a SLIDING KNEE! Cover, Kai breaks it! The fans fire up but Zoey TOSSES Kai! Zoey then PLANCHAS, but Kai dodges! Kai goes up to the apron to PENALTY KICK Zoey! Shayna BOOTS Kai, then dodges Iyo! KIRAFUDA KLUTCH!! Iyo flails, but she runs to the ropes! HOTSHOT and Shayna falls back! Iyo hurries up top, the fans fire up, OVER THE MOONSAULT! Cover, DMG CTRL wins!
Winners: Damage CTRL, by pinfall
PFC tried to use the numbers, but Iyo & Kai just used their skills! Will DMG CTRL still take control of Raw? Or will Sonya, Shayna & Zoey figure out a winning formula?
Seth Rollins VS Drew McIntyre!
With the Royal Rumble just down the road, it is this WrestleMania 40 rematch that could determine how WrestleMania 41 looks. The Visionary and the Scottish Terminator look to run it back, but who will be in pole position for Indianapolis?
Raw returns and McIntyre makes his entrance. The bell rings, the fans fire up, and the two stare down. The fans sing Rollins’ song, and Rollins says he’s got two good knees now. No Bloodline, no CM Punk, just them! The two circle, tie up, and McIntyre pushes Rollins to the corner. The ref counts but McIntyre talks smack as he lets off. Rollins shoves McIntyre, McIntyre shoves Rollins! They stare down again, Rollins talks a bit more smack, and McIntyre grins. McIntyre CHOPS, and Rollins likes that! Rollins CHOPS, McIntyre CHOPS, repeat! The fans “WOO~” but then McIntyre headlocks. Rollins powers up and out, but McIntyre runs him over!
McIntyre looms over Rollins, then brings him up. But Rollins CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! McIntyre headlocks, Rollins powers up and out, drops down, hurdles over, then redirects McIntyre to SHOULDER TACKLE! McIntyre rebounds to SHOULDER TACKLE Rollins! The fans fire up again while Rollins goes to ropes. McIntyre stomps Rollins, ROCKS him, then stalks him to ropes. McIntyre CHOPS Rollins against the ropes, then whips. Rollins ducks ‘n’ dodges, to then SLINGBLADE! Rollins keeps moving, and he LARAITS McIntyre up and out! The fans fire up as Rollins builds speed, to WRECK McIntyre with a dropkick!
McIntyre is at the desk. Rollins builds sped, and Rollins DIVES! McIntyre hits desk, but Rollins keeps going! Rollins DIVES again, but McIntyre stops that to TOSS Rollins up and over the desk! Rollins is down between the armchairs and McIntyre snarls, but Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and both men slowly rise in the ring. McIntyre looms over Rollins, saying Rollins is still too damn selfish. But Rollins fires hands! McIntyre hits back, they go back and forth! McIntyre kicks low, whips Rollins toa corner, but Rollins BOOTS him away! McIntyre returns, and he pushes through the boot to ELBOW Rollins! McIntyre has Rollins in the Inverted Alabama Lift, ALABAMA- VICTORY ROLL! TWO!! Rollins goes back to the corner, and he BOOTS McIntyre again! The fans fire up while both men are down! Rollins feeds off that energy and rises up. Rollins ROCKS McIntyre, then counter punches him!
Rollins CHOPS and ROCKS McIntyre again and again, then CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! The fans fire up, the ref counts as they’re on ropes, but Rollins roars! Rollins whips, McIntyre reveres, Rollins leaps, but into McIntyre’s arms! McIntyre pops Rollins up, but Rollins slips out of the suplex to then POST McIntyre! McIntyre staggers back, so Rollins POSTS him again! McIntyre sputters, Rollins brings him around and POSTS him a third time! McIntyre is stuck in the corner now, but Rollins SLAMS the arm against the post! Rollins aims as McIntyre staggers away. Springboard, FLYING KNEE! McIntyre says up, Rollins hits a RUNNING KNEE! Cover, TWO!
Rollins takes a breath as the fans rally up. McIntyre is down so Rollins goes to the apron. Springboard SWANTON! Cover, TWO! McIntyre survives but Rollins snarls. Rollins stalks McIntyre, grabs the arm, and he goes to wrangle McIntyre. McIntyre rolls free, fireman’s carries, but Rollins fights free! Rollins goes to a corner again, puts McIntyre on the apron, but McIntyre ROCKS Rollins! McIntyre climbs, but Rollins springs up to join him! SUPER DUPER PLEX! Roll through, but MCINTYRE hits the FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!! The fans fire up as both men are down! “This is Awesome!” as McIntyre kips up!
McIntyre still wobbles a bit, but he makes his way to a corner. McIntyre tells Rollins to get up. Rollins rises, McIntyre runs in, but Rollins ducks the Claymore! Now Rollins aims, and he runs up, but McIntyre hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Rollins survives, but McIntyre brings him in! Deadlift and- RANA! Rollins then SUPERKICKS McIntyre, runs, tilt-o-whirls, and FALCON ARROWS! The fans fire up as Rollins manages a cover, TWO!! The pin wasn’t much but neither was that kick-out, both men are running on fumes. The fans sing Rollins’ song, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!”
Rollins runs, CURB- NO, McIntyre avoids the stomp! Underhooks and FUTURE- NO, Rollins fights the DDT to underhook! PED- NO, McIntyre wrenches out to short arm LARIAT! McIntyre rolls away to go to the apron, then he drags himself up the corner. McIntyre reaches the top, Rollins stands, FLYING- NO, Rollins blocks the lariat to try and wrangle McIntyre. McIntyre scoops Rollins, Rollins slips free, and Rollins still wants the arm! McIntyre fights the takedown again so Rollins CLUBS away on the arm! Rollins brings McIntyre down, into a CROSSFACE!! McIntyre endures, reaches out, but Rollins pulls him back!
McIntyre fights, claws his way over, and he manages the ROPEBREAK! Rollins holds until the ref counts 4, and now Rollins tells McIntyre to get up and fight. “You question me? You question my integrity!?” Rollins gets in McIntyre’s face, the ref backs him off, but now McIntyre CLAWS Rollins’ face! Rollins staggers, McIntyre reels him in, underhook and FUTURE SHOCK!! Cover, TWO?!? Rollins survives and now McIntyre is pissed. McIntyre rises, and he tells Rollins that his words and actions don’t line up. Short arm LARIAT! McIntyre drags Rollins up again, short arm LARIAT! The fans rally and McIntyre shakes his head.
McIntyre tells Rollins to get up, and Rollins sputters as he slowly sits up. McIntyre reels Rollins in for a short arm- NO, Rollins slips up and around, and a jackknife bridge! ROLLINS WINS!!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall
Rollins snatches this one away, and McIntyre CLOBBERS Rollins for it! The fans boo but McIntyre scares the ref off. But Rollins fires hands in return! McIntyre CLAYMORES outta nowhere!! McIntyre is still seething, and he drags Rollins over to the corner. McIntyre pulls Rollins’ hair to put him up against the post! The fans boo, the ref says don’t, but SAMI ZAYN to the rescue! Sami fires hands, then he POSTS McIntyre! Sami makes sure Rollins is alright, and then Sami goes back for Drew. But he gets a GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTT for it! McIntyre stands Sami up to THROW him into barriers!
McIntyre snarls as he looks to Rollins again. McIntyre gets in the ring, and he tells Rollins they should be on the same team, but Rollins is just so selfish! But here comes Sami! McIntyre moves, HELLUVA KICK to Rollins!! The fans can’t believe it and neither can Sami! Sami apologizes to Rollins, but McIntyre grins, this all worked out for the better! Will McIntyre use everyone else against each other to ensure he is the one going to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
Another great episode coming in at just two hours and 35 minutes or so. I don’t mind things “ending early” compared to the usual three hour run, but I am curious as to how they’re only using two-and-a-half hours. I suppose they have their plan and just go with it. That way, if things go long, they have breathing room for it. But they really could’ve added like one more thing to this and it would’ve been fine, I think. That said, good go-home stuff for Saturday Night’s Main Event, such as a good promo from Jey and Gunther. Though, they didn’t really add more to what last week had, other than that brawl. Jey stood tall, go-home math would suggest he loses.
Sheamus and Bron had a good promo to put the final touches on their build, but as I said last week, this is a rather interesting one. Sheamus really should win that Intercontinental Championship already, but I don’t know if Saturday Night’s Main Event is a “big enough stage” for such a moment. Great stuff with Bayley, Nia and Rhea tonight, especially that match. It seems the Transfer Window is finally putting some actual transfers in, what with Wyatt Sick6 on SmackDown and now Bayley on Raw. Rhea VS Nia on Saturday Night’s Main Event is going to be an awesome title match, but it feels like Rhea will retain to solidify her as champion past the Royal Rumble.
And speaking of the Rumble, Bayley is certainly a top choice to win. For one, it’d be historic for Bayley to not just win back-to-back, but to also be the first woman to have won two Rumbles at all. Very good promo from Punk to hype himself up for the Rumble, and he did mention a favor… Though, it’d be rather Heel of Punk to use a favor from Heyman to basically rig the Rumble or give him protection during it, but it’d also be great continuity as The Shield was to shield Punk. Sami of course declared for the Rumble, but Kevin showing up was a great surprise. And Kevin clearly implies that if Sami helps Kevin cheat the ladder match, Kevin will help Sami cheat the Rumble. Or rather, if Kevin does help Sami win the Rumble, Sami better help Kevin win the ladder match.
Sami also had a good promo with Rollins backstage, with the real fun part being Kross watching from the background. Kross needs a new feud with the Wyatts going to SmackDown, and moving on to names like Rollins and Sami would be some big stuff for him and The Final Testament. Rollins VS McIntyre was a great main event, and classic move having the quick pin win this so that McIntyre is still strong even in defeat. Sami making the save was also a nice touch, as was the Helluva Kick accidentally hitting Rollins. The Rumble has a lot of feuds crossing over, and Kross can add onto what happened here, we’ll get some really good chaos in that match.
Great promo between New Day and JBL to where even JBL, notorious as one of the meanest, most obnoxious Heels of his time, is on Big E’s side. And we finally got New Day back in the ring, but it’s a little disappointing that it wasn’t a tag match. Dragon Lee hasn’t gotten to do much, and he’s doing even less now. It was still a great match from Kofi VS Rey, with Rey getting his own quick pin win. New Day beating Rey up of course brought out the LWO, and I’m sure we’ll get New Day VS Cruz & Wilde next. We can only hope for Dragon Lee’s sake that he gets to be part of the blowoff for this feud. Actually, better yet would be him in the Intercontinental Championship scene.
Penta might also make a great choice for the Intercontinental Championship scene. Penta had another awesome match, as Pete Dunne is always a great opponent. Maybe Penta gets in on the Rumble so he can check that off his bucket list. He doesn’t need to win, he can just have a great showing, and rivalries can spark from those interactions. Lyra had a very good promo but I was hoping for a little more after her winning the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. DMG CTRL VS PFC was a great tag match, and a great win for DMG CTRL. Dakota and Iyo could each make a case for a match with Lyra, but clearly Ivy will be up first. She would make a solid first defense for Lyra, and then Lyra can have rematches from the tournament with Kai and Iyo.
At the same time, PFC might already be thinking about changing up the team with Zoey taking the loss. Good stuff with Judgment Day. Dom and Liv plotting and scheming while being passive aggressive is a fun phase for them. They’re probably plotting on how Liv can win the Women’s Rumble, but it’ll likely backfire and that’ll push the Liv x Dom break-up. Also, you can bet Finn won’t like Dom taking his spot against the War Raiders, especially if they win. That said, I don’t see them winning, Erik & Ivar should definitely be able to handle Dom & JD. It certainly feels more likely the Creeds can take the tag titles than Judgment Day.
I do wonder who Dom recommended to Gable, though. It’d be cool if WWE brought in some other lucha legends, as WWE seems to be expanding their partnerships. WWE is working more closely with TNA now, and I believe TNA still has a working relationship with AAA, especially after AEW moved over to working with CMLL because of the relationship with NJPW. Also a super crossover like NXTNAAA would be a lot of fun to see for WrestleMania weekend.
My Score: 8.8/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
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