Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (4/20/20)
Time for the men to punch their tickets!
Will the Architect’s plan for Raw succeed?
Seth Rollins vows to stomp out doubt from Raw, and that starts by aiming for the top. Will he get the response he wants from Drew McIntyre?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifier: Aleister Black VS Austin Theory; Aleister wins and advances to the Men’s MITB match.
- Shayna Baszler VS Indi Hartwell; Baszler wins.
- Ricochet & Cedric Alexander VS Shane Thorne & Brendan Vink; Ricochet & Alexander win.
- Nia Jax VS Kairi Sane; Nia wins.
- Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifier: Apollo Crews VS MVP; Crews wins and advances to the Men’s MITB match.
- Ruby Riott VS Liv Morgan; Morgan wins.
- Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifier: Rey Mysterio VS Buddy Murphy; Mysterio wins and advances to the Men’s MITB match.
- Charlotte Flair VS Kayden Carter; Flair wins.
- Andrade Almas w/ Zelina Vega VS Akira Tozawa; Almas wins.
- Bianca Belair VS Santana Garrett; Belair wins.
- Drew McIntyre VS Angel Garza; McIntyre wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Raw opens with Drew McIntyre!
The WWE World Champion heads to the ring for all the “cool cats and kittens,” and grabs a mic to welcome us to the show. This is truly the highlight of his week, so thank you for joining him. But to business. Last week, McIntyre was ambushed and left laying in this very ring. It wasn’t a surprise, really. McIntyre knows the title represents a lot of things. History, prestige, glory and fame. All great things, but it’s also a bull’s eye on the champion’s back. This title means you are the best of the best, and everyone wants to be in that position. They say it is lonely at the top, but they’re lying. It’s crowded at the top! Everyone wants the title! That brings McIntyre to Seth Rollins. Rollins was the one who stomped McIntyre’s head into the mat. Twice, even.
If you look past the Monday Night Messiah rhetoric, Rollins isn’t that complex. McIntyre is champion, Rollins wants to be champion, but does Rollins deserve it? McIntyre said those who are deserving get their shot. Many say Rollins isn’t deserving. But McIntyre took the week to think about it and came to a conclusion. He could make Rollins jump through hoops, but Rollins is one of the most decorated superstars today. McIntyre has been in the ring with Rollins so he knows firsthand how good Rollins is. If McIntyre wants to become the very best, he must beat the best. So at the Money in the Bank PPV, it WILL be McIntyre VS Rollins for the WWE Championship! McIntyre speaks to Rollins directly here. Don’t worry, Rollins, he won’t insult you. Because then he-
Wait a minute! Here comes Zelina Vega and her boys! McIntyre says he can talk later on, since he has Garza in a match. Zelina says hi, and he says hi back to the “number one thorn in my ass.” She knows she can’t speak for the entire WWE Universe, but her team is “so sick” of these speeches! McIntyre’s problem is he is too focused to MITB, that he is looking past tonight’s match with Angel Garza. And Andrade Almas attacks from behind! That’s why he wasn’t on stage! Almas dropkicks McIntyre into the corner and then stomps away! Almas runs corner to corner, but gets a CLAYMORE!! Zelina shouts for Garza and Theory to after McIntyre, but they’re not budging. McIntyre gives a countdown and… CLAYMORE! He sends Almas flying out of the ring! Vega’s stable regroups and retreats! Will McIntyre be the one feeling tranquilo tonight?
Raw shares the big news about MITB!
As announced on SmackDown just last Friday, Money in the Bank won’t just be with ladders. They’re going to compete inside WWE Titan Towers! The entire corporate headquarters will be the battlegrounds for both the Men’s and Women’s MITB briefcase matches! Who will climb the corporate ladder to success?
Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifier: Aleister Black VS Austin Theory!
We just saw #TheRealSuperstar be intimidated by the Scottish Stud, but he’ll have to refocus if he’s going to go #AllDay. Will Theory prove himself worthy of this massive opportunity? Or will he simply #FadeToBlack?
The bell rings and Aleister circles with Theory. They tie up and Theory goes for the wrist but Aleister gets away quick. The two go again, Theory goes after the wrist again and wrenches. Aleister spins and steps in to trip for a takedown. Theory tries to fight Aleister off but Aleister wrenches and wristlocks. Theory drags Aleister into a facelock but Aleister powers him off. Aleister has the arm again, and has a modified hammerlock. Theory endures, gets to his feet and reaches around to a headlock. Theory shifts to an armlock but Aleister rolls and trips Theory again, only for Theory to kick him away. Aleister catches Theory’s attack to arm-drag him away. Theory throws Aleister away and runs him over with a shoulder!
Zelina praises Theory while he jumps the leg sweep. Theory clubs Aleister on the back then throws forearms. He whips Aleister but Aleister simply rebounds and stands in Theory’s way. Theory runs but is put on the apron. Theory grabs hair but Aleister breaks free, and spins back! Black Mass narrowly misses Theory’s head as he jumps away! Aleister runs and wrecks Theory with a dropkick! Theory shakes the cobwebs out but Zelina heads off commentary. Zelina talks trash at Aleister, bringing up the past from NXT here like she has with McIntyre. Aleister doesn’t play fair? Theory throws Aleister into barriers! THAT isn’t very fair. But Zelina is pleased as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Aleister fights up out of a chinlock. He powers Theory into buckles but Theory elbows back. Aleister walks into a buckle bump, then Theory slingshots in for a somersault shotgun dropkick! Cover, TWO! Theory rains down lefts and rights on Aleister, then drags Aleister up for clubbing forearms. Theory torture racks and throws Aleister into buckles! Then another torture rack, for another throw! Theory wants a third, but Aleister fights back! Aleister lands out of the toss and BOOTS Theory away! Theory comes back to grab hair, but Aleister scoop slams Theory! Zelina grows worried again as Aleister wheelbarrows to the victory roll. TOW, and Theory blocks the strike fest to fireman’s carry. Aleister avoids ATL to roll Theory. Theory elbows out of the waistlock, but swings into a takedown!
Aleister has the arm but Theory stays on his feet! Theory fights the Triangle Hold and dead lifts, to a POWERBOMB! Zelina is excited to see that, but Theory can’t make the cover. A standing count begins, and Theory stands at 6. Theory drags Aleister up before 8, and fisherman lifts. But the bad arm gives out! Aleister goes after it with a standing armlock! Theory knees free and throws Aleister back to buckles. Theory tries again but Aleister cradle counters! TWO, and Aleister dodges to rally with big forearms! Aleister fires off the strike fest, sweeps the legs, and thrusts the KNEE! Zelina is frustrated as Aleister QUEBRADAS! Cover, TWO!! Theory lives and Zelina makes excuses, but Aleister looms close.
Aleister waistlocks and drags Theory up. Theory trips with a leg, but walks into a BOOT! Aleister runs, but Theory dodges the knee to SUPERKICK! Fisherman lift, USHIGOROSHI!! Cover, TOW!! Aleister survives and Zelina has had it with Byron. Theory keeps his focus, and claims he’s taking MITB. He drags Aleister up, fireman’s carries, but Aleister elbows back. Aleister is on the apron, blocks punches to give punches, and then climbs up top. Aleister leaps but Theory gets under! Theory runs into Aleister’s KNEE! Aleister GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO!! Aleister grits his teeth and lifts Theory with his foot. BLACK- No! Theory dodges and elbows back. But runs into BLACK MASS!! Cover, Aleister wins!!
Winner: Aleister Black, by pinfall (advances to the Men’s MITB Ladder Match)
Zelina tries to convince herself that this is okay, but it certainly isn’t for Theory. Will Aleister make the entire field #FadeToBlack as they battle in Titan Towers?
In-ring interview with Aleister.
Byron Saxton congratulates Aleister on the big win, and he asks: What is the plan for climbing the “corporate ladder” in the most unique MITB match ever? Aleister doesn’t know much about the corporate life or the office. He’d probably have to cover up all of his tattoos. But when he enters the match, each floor will become his opponents’ personal hell.
Shayna Baszler VS Indi Hartwell!
The Queen of Spades quite literally broke Sarah Logan to qualify for the Women’s MITB match. Charly Caruso asks her on stage if that was taking it too far. Too far? Did Shayna break any rules? No. Just Sarah’s arm. Will Shayna break Indi like she did the Kentucky Valkyrie?
The bell rings and Shayna just ROCKS Indi with strikes! And then gut wrench SLAMS her down! Shayna stalks Indi, has the arm, and prepares to stomp! But Indi rolls her up! ONE and Indi hurries away from Shayna! Shayna is furious now, and she runs right at Indi. Indi BOOTS but Shayna laughs it off. Shayna runs in to ROCK and SLAM Indi down! And KNEES her right in the head! Indi is dazed, and Shayna STOMPS the arm!!
Winner: Shayna Baszler, by referee decision
Bully Baszler is more dangerous than ever as she sees redemption towards the Raw Women’s Championship. But will there be any women left on Raw if she keeps going like this?
Wait, what is Shayna doing with that ladder? She drags Indi out of the ring to SWING into the barriers! The ref reprimands Shayna but she isn’t listening. Shayna takes the ladder, sits it up against the steel steps, and then THROWS Indi into them! And then she puts the arm inside the ladder, to CRUSH!! The ladder breaks the arm like a nutcracker! Bully? Shayna is an evil villain. Will anyone be brave enough to stand in her way and the briefcase?
Ricochet & Cedric Alexander VS Shane Thorne & Brendan Vink!
The fast and furious combination returns, looking to get back on track in the Raw Tag Team Division. But can they best The Worst and the Smug?
The teams sort out and Vink starts against Ricochet. Ricochet and Vink tie up and Vink knees low! Vink tosses Ricochet to the corner and tags in Thorne. Thorne stomps Ricochet then throws European Uppercuts. Alexander avoids Thorne’s sucker punch and Thorne turns around into an elbow! Ricochet boots Thorne down then somersault shotgun dropkicks! Tag to Alexander and he knees Thorne low. Ricochet neckbreakers Thorne onto Alexander’s knee for a double breaker! Vink runs in but Alexander baits him into buckles! Enziguri sandwich! Thorne waistlocks but Ricochet tags in. Alexander elbows and suplexes Thorne down for Ricochet’s slingshot senton! Thorne flounders to a corner but Ricochet runs in. Thorne puts Ricochet on the apron and Vink trips him up! Vink CLOBBERS Ricochet then tags in.
Vink drags Ricochet up to throw into the ring. He stalks up behind Ricochet while Thorne talks smack. Vink DECKS Ricochet then brings him up again. He crucifix lifts, but Ricochet huricanranas Vink into buckles! Hot tag to Alexander and Thorne! The Ebony Lion rallies on Thorne and unloads a strike fest! He also dropkicks Vink’s legs out! Alexander has Thorne, props him up on Vink, and hits a one-man MAGIC KILLER! Alexander SUPERKICKS Vink away, but Thorne uppercuts Alexander! Ricochet tags in and Alexander knees Thorne. Alexander hits a tornado DDT! Ricochet hits a standing shooting star! Cover, but Vink breaks it! Vink DECKS Alexander, but Ricochet tilt-o-whirl DDT’s Vink! Ricochet is up, tags in Alexander, and Thorne runs into a kick! Ripcord RECOIL into LUMBAR CHECK! Cover, Alexander and Ricochet win!
Winners: Ricochet & Cedric Alexander, by pinfall
Raw’s tag team scene is about to shift into overdrive! Will anyone be able to keep up with this dynamic duo?
Backstage interview with The Kabuki Warriors!
Asuka and Kairi are still feeling good this week. The Pirate Princess lost her chance at being in the Women’s MITB match, but has a rematch with Nia Jax. Charly addresses the obvious size disadvantage being what lost last week. What makes Kairi think this week will be different? Asuka and Kairi says Charly is being stupid. Tonight, Kairi is ready for Nia! Right? Right! But no one is ready for ASUKA in Titan Towers! Will all this be true after tonight?
Bobby Lashley and Lana make a training video.
The Rocky Mountain Machine is going to show you how easy it is (for him) to flip this tractor tire. Lana says if you’re jealous of her now, wait until you see her Bobby in action. Will Lashley’s warm-up really make him mighty enough for this feat of strength?
Nia Jax VS Kairi Sane!
Raw returns as the Pirate Princess makes her entrance, followed by the Irresistible Force. Will this rematch change things from last week? Or just be a warm-up for Nia?
The bell rings and Kairi circles with Nia. Kairi dodges Nia and says, “Kiss this!” She gets around and climbs up Nia to get a sleeper hold! Nia throws Kairi off fast, but Kairi runs at her. Nia blocks the dropkick and makes it a swing! She TOSSES Kairi to a corner! Asuka is watching backstage as Kairi grabs the ropes. Asuka cheers Kairi on but protests as Nia drags Kairi up by her hair and throws her again! Though, the ref can’t hear that if she’s backstage. Nia stalks Kairi but Kairi throws body shots. Those don’t affect Nia and she throws Kairi again! Kairi grits her teeth but Nia drags her up again. Nia reels Kairi in to clothesline! And again! Kairi crawls to the bottom rope and the apron, but refuses to quit.
Nia runs over but Kairi slides under! Kairi tries but she can’t tip Nia over with the sunset flip! Nia drags Kairi up and holds her up with body hands! For a BUCKLE BOMB! Kairi groans in pain but drags herself back up. Nia runs in, but Kairi dodges! Nia just stops herself but Kairi goes after the leg! Kairi is after the surgically repaired knees! But Nia drags her up for a military press! The knee gives out and Kairi is right on it again! Asuka likes what she sees as Kairi throws elbow after elbow on Nia’s head! Nia pushes Kairi away but Kairi comes back for more. Kairi roars as she throws even more elbows! The ref counts as Kairi grabs hair, but she BACK HANDS Nia down! Kairi roars more as she runs in, for the SLIDING D!
Nia is down and Kairi climbs up! Kairi weighs anchor, for the InSANE- No! She has to roll and bail out as Nia evades. Nia is up, scoops Kairi, and pops her up for the SAMOAN DROP! Cover, Nia wins!
Winner: Nia Jax, by pinfall
Two times in a row, Nia A-Nia-Lates Kairi. But has Kairi done damage enough to give Asuka and the other women a chance against Nia in the Women’s MITB match?
Raw has a message from Seth Rollins.
“You’re a brave man, Drew McIntyre. A fighting champion. I admire that. I respect that.” There aren’t many who know what it’s like to walk in McIntyre’s shoes. But Rollins does. They both won a title off Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania. Not many know what it is like to do that. But Rollins does. Rollins and McIntyre have a lot in common, actually. They command the respect of their peers. They have a deep, deep love and passion for this industry. Rollins accepts the challenge for the WWE World Championship. But not out disdain, because this isn’t personal. This is out of necessity. Because now, more than ever, the WWE Universe needs a leader. As much as Rollins and McIntyre have in common, the parallels stop with titles. Rollins is a proven leader, and McIntyre is not.
Rollins says he is the one who will sacrifice for the greater good! He is the one who will make the hard decisions! He will be the one the light in the darkness. At MITB, Rollins will take the title. And not because he wants to, but because he has to. What will McIntyre need to do to prevent that?
The Viking Raiders have a fight song now.
Erik and Ivar road around while coming up with verses back and forth. “Viking Raiders!” The raid is here and here to stay. They’re men with beards who all should fear. They worship Thor and knock them to the floor! Will the Viking Raiders sing their praises all the way to the Raw Tag Team Championships?
Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifier: Apollo Crews VS MVP!
The rising star returned to Raw but would #FadeToBlack against Aleister. Montel Vontavius Porter returned to the WWE ring with the Royal Rumble. But who takes the second spot Raw has to give in the Men’s MITB?
Before the MVP grabs a mic to say, “In my storied career, I have seen a lot of WWE superstars literally rise and fall in pursuit of that briefcase.” Because inside is a contract that entitles the bearer a shot at the world title anywhere, anytime. We’ve seen the dangerous Aleister Black punch his ticket. Later, we will see the absolute legend in Rey Mysterio compete for his. But right now is MVP’s turn. In his way is the extremely talented Apollo Crews, the most gifted athlete on Raw. But he is outmatched. When the WWE wanted to make this year’s MITB match the most unique, they called the most unique competitor. MVP is no stranger to wearing suits, going to the corporate headquarters to sit in boardrooms and sign big money deals. They called MVP.
“No hard feelings, Aleister Black. Er, no, uh, Apollo Crews. That guy.” But MVP called his agent to book a private jet already to go to Stamford. MVP vows to be in MITB. Money talks, and what it says is that MVP is the future. But Apollo makes his entrance to interrupt. Will MVP put his money where his mouth is?
The bell rings and Crews stares down with MVP. MVP throws hands but Crews counter punches! Crews whips but MVP holds ropes. Crews handsprings through to dropkick MVP down, and down again! MVP gets to the apron and calls for a timeout. Nope! Crews blasts MVP off the apron! Crews slingshots but MVP sweeps the legs! MVP’s experience has the edge as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns as MVP has Crews in a camel clutch. Crews endures but MVP says he can just make it easier on himself and give up. Crews refuses and powers up instead! He rams MVP into buckles! Crews is free and he runs back in, but into MVP’s LARIAT! Cover, TWO! MVP drags Crews back into the camel clutch, and throws clubbing crossface forearms! MVP drops names like Mysterio and Kane as past opponents. He brings Crews up for the Play Maker, but Crews powers out to a SPINE BUSTER! MVP writhes and flounders to a corner while Crews catches his breath. MVP stands in the corner but Apollo grits his teeth as he runs in. Crews hits a big splash then rains down hands! The ref counts and Crews backs up, to SUPERKICK! Crews runs to BOOT! Then keeps going to LARIAT back!
Crews isn’t done there, he scoops MVP for a BIG powerslam! Cover, TWO! Crews keeps his cool and brings MVP up. He scoops and slams MVP down then heads up top. Crews leaps, but the frog splash gets knees! MVP drags Crews into position, PLAY MAKER! Cover, TWO!! Crews survives and MVP can’t believe it! MVP argues the count but two is two. MVP looms over Crews as he makes it rain. He runs but gets an enziguri! Crews military presses and tosses MVP, for the standing moonsault! And shooting star! Crews wants MVP to stand up again and MVP does. Crews gets him for the CREWS MISSLE!! Cover, Crews wins!!
Winner: Apollo Crews, by pinfall (advances to the Men’s MITB match)
An incredible comeback for Crews! He shouts, “This is MY time!” But will that be the case when fighting for the case?
Backstage interview with Ruby Riott.
Charly brings up the Riott Squad, the old trio of Ruby, Sarah Logan, and Liv Morgan. Ruby and Liv are set to compete in a matter of moments, but how did the group go from so close to so divided? Ruby sets it straight: it was never really a squad to her. She had to have double surgery because she was carrying Sarah and Liv on her back! Ruby made them look strong! And now look. Sarah’s arm is broken, and Liv will be lucky if Ruby doesn’t break both arms. Liv still suffers from the delusion that she’s all grown up. But Ruby is going to show her just how lonely and small and weak Liv is without her.
Ruby Riott VS Liv Morgan!
Raw returns as Liv makes her entrance first, then followed by Ruby. Will the former Juvenile Delinquent prove Ruby wrong by winning with her own strength?
The bell rings and the two go right at each other. Liv powers Ruby to a corner but backs off at the ref’s count. Ruby sucker punches Liv! Then clubs her on the back. Ruby stomps Liv down to a corner then kicks her in the ribs! Liv sputters but Ruby bounces her off the mat! Ruby drags Liv up but Liv throws body shots. Ruby clubs Liv back down then drags her back up. Liv throws more haymakers and then kicks low to BOOT! Liv LARIATS Ruby on the rebound, and again! Then enziguris Ruby to a corner! Liv runs in but Ruby dodges. Liv jumps, jumps and dropkicks! Cover, TWO! Liv keeps her cool as she clubs and pushes Ruby around now. She drags Ruby up to suplex but Ruby blocks. Ruby stomps feet to then hang Liv out to dry. And BOOT her down! Cover, TWO!
Ruby grins as she sits Liv up for a cravat. She cranks on the neck but Liv endures. Ruby leans on Liv but Liv refuses to give up. Liv elbows free but Ruby bounces her off the mat again. Ruby drags Liv up and has her against the ropes to club away. The ref counts but Ruby lets up to run. But Liv ROCKS Ruby back with a forearm! Liv runs, but Ruby gives that forearm back! Ruby runs, Liv reels her in but Ruby elbows out hard! And SUPERKICKS! Ruby slaps Liv around and wants the “puppy” to beg. Ruby runs, but into the REBOUND SHOT! Cover, Liv wins!!
Winner: Liv Morgan, by pinfall
Ruby just got got, and her own ego is to blame! Will she ever get over letting Liv get the better of her?
Lashley and Lana return.
The warm-up is done, now it is time to prove himself. But Lana says he isn’t just warm, he’s hot. Lashley says it takes an elite athlete to properly flip a tire. He gets it up and over! Lana is pleased, but Lashley says the real challenge is the extra thick tire. Will he be able to pump up and power that rubber beast around?
Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifier: Rey Mysterio VS Buddy Murphy!
It is time to fill Raw’s last spot in the historic “corporate ladder” match! The King of Lucha Libre has been a victim of the cash-in, but he wants to be on the other end for once in his career. Will he get past Rollins’ returning disciple? Or will Murphy’s Law take effect?
The bell rings and Murphy circles with Mysterio. They approach and tie up, and Murphy gets a headlock takeover. Mysterio headscissors but Murphy pops out, only for roles to reverse. Murphy headscissors but Mysterio pops out. Murphy sweeps legs, covers, ONE! Mysterio sweeps legs, covers, ONE! Both men stand off, and circle again. Murphy says, “Not bad for an old man.” Mysterio brushes that one off, and ties up with Murphy again. Murphy has the arm and wrenches, then yanks on the arm to go after the shoulder. Mysterio endures though he drops to his knees. Murphy grinds Mysterio down then brings him up to wrench and whip. Mysterio dodges, dodges and tilt-o-whirls to headscissor! Dial it up, but the call misses! Mysterio tells Murphy he was that close.
The two circle, Murphy swings a boot but Mysterio uses the ropes for defense. Murphy keeps going after him with hammering hands but the ref backs him off. Mysterio bails out and says his hand got messed up. Murphy goes out and throws Mysterio into barriers! And then into the timekeeper’s area! Murphy shows no mercy as he puts Mysterio back in. Cover, ONE, but Murphy goes after those bad hands! Murphy wrenches and wrings the arm out! Cover, ONE! Mysterio toughs it out but Murphy drags him up. Murphy goes after the bad hand with a wristlock. Mysterio reaches but has to roll and handspring to then flip with the ropes. He arm-drags Murphy out then dropkicks him down! Mysterio builds speed but Murphy is ready for the slide! Murphy wheelbarrows Mysterio but Mysterio elbows free!
Mysterio runs into a BOOT! He drops to the ramp as the ring count begins. Murphy STOMPS Mysterio’s bad hand on the ramp! Mysterio shouts in pain as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns as Murphy SLAMS the bad hand on steel steps! Mysterio falls against barriers while he clutches the fingers. Murphy drags Mysterio up to SLAM the hand again! The ring count passes 5 but Murphy refreshes it. Murphy goes up the steps and drags Mysterio to the apron. Mysterio gets away but Murphy watches from in the ring. Murphy goes out and drags Mysterio back up to the corner! Murphy SLAMS the hand on the post, then stands on it! The ref counts but Murphy lets up at 3. Mysterio trips Murphy! Murphy hits buckles and then the floor! Mysterio gets space, runs to the steps, and LEAPS for a huricanrana! Murphy crashes down on the ramp! Mysterio refreshes the count and fetches Murphy into the ring. Mysterio’s hand slows him down, and Murphy is on him. But Mysterio kicks Murphy away!
Murphy wobbles back into another enziguri! Mysterio springboards for the seated senton! Then springboards again for a crossbody! Mysterio KICKS at Murphy’s leg then whips. Murphy reverses and slaps the bad hand! But Mysterio dropkick the leg out to dial it up! But Murphy catches him, only for Mysterio to tilt-o-whirl DDT! Cover, TWO! Murphy lives but both he and Mysterio are down. Murphy goes to ropes but Mysterio stands up. Mysterio joins Murphy on the apron and drags him up. Mysterio throws forearms but Murphy BOOTS back! Murphy stalks up behind Mysterio, fireman’s carries him, but Mysterio fights free! And dropkicks Murphy down! Murphy hits barriers and Mysterio builds speed! Mysterio slides, headscissors and sends Murphy hard into barriers again!
The ring count climbs while both men are down and out. Mysterio sits up first and finally fixes his fingers. He puts Murphy back in the ring then takes aim from up top. Mysterio leaps and crossbodies, but Murphy rolls through! Murphy powers Mysterio up, for an USHIGOROSHI! KNEE TRIGGER! BRAIN BUSTER! Cover, TWO!? Mysterio survives because as he said last week, he wants this more! Mysterio slowly rolls to the ropes but Murphy stands up. Murphy drags Mysterio back to the middle of the ring, then heads for a corner. But Mysterio anchors Murphy’s foot. Murphy stomps Mysterio until he lets go, then finishes his walk to the corner. Murphy climbs up top but Mysterio stops him with haymakers!
Mysterio climbs to join Murphy, and clubs away on Murphy’s back. Murphy resists the superplex and throws body shots. Murphy clubs Mysterio back then sunset flips. Mysterio blocks the bomb, so Murphy tucks him in. Murphy wants to kick but Mysterio mule kicks him first! Mysterio turns himself around to leap, for a DESTROYER!! Murphy flounders onto ropes! Dial it up, 6 1 9!! Mysterio climbs up, leaps, FROG SPLASH! Cover, Mysterio wins!
Winner: Rey Mysterio, by pinfall (advances to the Men’s MITB match)
The Raw half of the field is complete! The lucha legend leaves Murphy outside looking in, but will we be looking at Mysterio’s first run as Mr. Money in the Bank?
Backstage interview with Zelina Vega and Angel Garza.
El Latino es en la casa, but Raw didn’t really open how Vega’s team hoped. How does Charly figure that? Well, Almas’s sneak attack turned into two Claymore kick. Yes, yes, how “noble” for McIntyre to attack when Almas couldn’t stand. How does Charly know this isn’t going to Vega’s plan? How does anyone know Garza won’t teach McIntyre about nobility? And how do we know McIntyre will even make it to MITB to face Rollins? Because it’d be a shame if he didn’t. Garza says that once he wins tonight, he would love if Charly asked how it felt to beat a champion. See you later tonight.
Charlotte Flair VS Kayden Carter!
The Queen may reign over the NXT Women’s Division, but she returns to Raw to remind us why! Will she give NXT’s fiery Filipina that promised lesson in humility?
The bell rings and Charlotte stretches the ropes. KC has her dukes up, but that does nothing against Charlotte’s BOOT! Charlotte brings KC up and CHOPS her back down! That’s “lesson number one: always, always do your homework.” Charlotte toys with KC as she kicks her to ropes. Charlotte goes for another boot but KC dodges to sweep the legs! And mule kick! Cover, ONE, and Charlotte gets up fast. KC swings around to crucifix DRIVER! Cover, TWO, into a Rings of Saturn! KC tries to bring the arms back but Charlotte powers up. Charlotte is almost up but KC hooks a leg for an iron octopus! She brings Charlotte back down, but Charlotte still powers up! Charlotte stands, and gets to ropes, to then elbow away! And HOTSHOT KC off ropes!
KC wobbles about, but finds Charlotte. Charlotte dodges the kick to SPEAR KC down! Charlotte dusts off her hands, then grabs a leg. She puts on the Figure Four! And then toys with KC before putting in the Figure EIGHT! KC taps, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
Charlotte holds on until she’s satisfied, and the lesson is over. The Queen has called out both the Head Baddie in Charge and the Evil Genius #1 contender. Will each of them “do their homework” before going up against the champion?
Lashley attempts the lift challenge.
450 pounds of tire. If anyone can move it, it’s him. He gets up under and begins, but only gets it up a few inches. Lashley tries again, but still can’t. He takes his frustration out on the tire, then fires himself up. Round three, and Lashley does it! He lifts the monster tire! And Lana gushes all over him. “That’s the kind of power everyone in the WWE locker room needs to fear.” Will the Rocky Mountain Machine move on from tires to superstars as MITB looms closer?
Andrade Almas w/ Zelina Vega VS ???
El Idolo’s ambush failed to fall McIntyre, but he looks to rebound from that in the ring. Will the WWE United States Champion take his frustrations out on his opponent? Or will he falter even harder?
Raw returns and Almas’ opponent is Akira Tozawa! The Stamina Monster is coming off red hot from his Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament win, but he has beef with Vega’s team. Will Tozawa keep the roll going with some retribution?
The bell rings and Tozawa circles with Almas. They tie up, Tozawa throws hands all over but Tozawa gives them back. Tozawa rocks Tozawa but Tozawa hits the spinning roundhouse! Vega is concerned and the SHINING WIZARD hits! Cover, ONE! Tozawa stomps Almas down then has him against ropes. Tozawa throws forearms then whips. Almas reverses but Tozawa comes back to huricanrana! Almas bails out and Tozawa builds speed, to BOOT Almas down! Tozawa slingshots but Almas moves. But Tozawa just adjusts, to CANNONBALL! Vega is worried as Tozawa gets up. Tozawa drags Almas up and into the ring then heads up top. Almas stands, but Tozawa missile dropkicks him down! Cover, TWO! Almas bails out and regroups with Vega.
Vega says Almas is fine, but then she stays in Tozawa’s way. Almas sucker punches and then CHOPS Tozawa! “I am the champion!” Almas puts Tozawa in the ring and Vega wants to send a message to McIntyre. So Almas wrenches and shoulder breakers, then back suplexes. Tozawa lands on his feet, dodges, tilt-o-whirls and puts on the Iron Octopus! Almas reaches but Tozawa cranks harder! Almas powers up again, but Tozawa just cranks harder! Tozawa bends the hand but Almas uses one more push to get the ropebreak! Tozawa lets go, and Almas ELBOWS him down hard! Almas drags Tozawa up and fireman’s carries, but Tozawa slips out. Tozawa back kicks and both men fall! Tozawa gets up, spins, slides under, and fakes Almas out to JAB! Almas is rocked, but he dropkicks back! Almas drags Tozawa in, shouts out Eddie, but gets a cradle counter! TWO!!
Almas pops Tozawa up, Tozawa huricanranas again, cover, TOW! Wheelbarrow takedown, TWO!! SUPERKICK!! Tozawa has Almas down in the drop zone and heads up top! Vega panics as Tozawa stands, but Almas trips him up! Almas drags Tozawa out and hammerlocks, for the DRAPING LA SOMBRA!! Cover, Almas wins!
Winner: Andrade Almas, by pinfall
That was much more than either Almas or Vega expected, but it still went as they expected. Almas wins here, but will a contender close in on that WWE US Championship?
But speaking of champions, the Street Profits are here! They and their Raw Tag Team Championships party on the announce desk, and are in action after the break!
Bianca Belair VS Santana Garrett!
The strongest, fastest, toughest and roughest is back in action, looking to prove she wasn’t just a big fish in a small pond. Will she make big waves against the Wonder Woman of Wrestling?
The bell rings as the Profits are fired up for Bianca. She and Santana circle and tie up. Bianca powers Santana to a corner but the ref counts. Bianca lets up and goes again with Santana. They tie up, Bianca SLAMS Santana down then claps at her. Santana grabs a leg but Bianca blocks the take down. Bianca gut wrenches Santana up to the Canadian rack but Santana fights free. Santana pie faces and Bianca is not having it. Bianca SHOVES Santana down then claps back. Santana gets up, waistlocks but Bianca standing switches for a slam! Santana stands but gets thrown down again! Bianca keeps on Santana and ducks the elbow, to slam Santana again! Bianca waits for Santana to get up before she stomps away in the corner.
The ref counts and Bianca lets up, to hip toss Santana across the way! Santana dodges and throws big haymakers! Santana whips but Bianca reverses. Bianca gets under as Santana goes up and over. Bianca blocks the arm-drag, whips Santana away then runs her over with a shoulder! Things speed up and Bianca handsprings over Santana! Bianca dares Santana to bring it, and then she hurdles over. She side steps and follows to run Santana over again! The Profits are so hyped for Bianca right now as she brings Santana back up. Bianca suplexes Santana and holds her up for squats! Then drops her down! Bianca runs, and SPLASHES! Then kips up to blow a kiss to the fans at home. Bianca tells Santana to kiss this, but Santana goes to the apron. Santana throws hands but Bianca ROCKS her back!
Bianca drags Santana up but Santana hotshots! Santana BOOTS Bianca back! Santana climbs up top and leaps, crossbody! Cover, ONE! Santana SUPERKICKS Bianca then handsprings, into a BOOT! Bianca drags Santana up to lift, and alley-oop onto buckles! Torture rack, KISS OF DEATH! Cover, Bianca wins!
Winner: Bianca Belair, by pinfall
The EST is many things, but her boys are the wildest commentary team. Will this trio soon stand atop all of Raw together?
Drew McIntyre VS Angel Garza!
Raw begins and ends with the WWE World Champion! But it also begins and ends with Vega’s team being ringside. Will this week look a lot like last week? And will that be good or bad for the Latino Lothario?
The bell rings and Theory distracts McIntyre right away! Garza rushes McIntyre but McIntyre hits back. McIntyre CHOPS and CHOPS and chop blocks Garza! That’s in return for last week! McIntyre KICKS the leg out, then mockingly asks how the leg feels. McIntyre CHOPS again but Garza elbows back. Garza can’t get away before McIntyre THROWS him overhead! Garza bails out and regroups with Vega’s team, but McIntyre is in pursuit. McIntyre CLUBS Garza then snake eyes him off barriers. McIntyre CHOPS Garza while mocking Theory’s #AllDay. He puts Garza in, but Almas tries to ambush again. McIntyre blocks the post attack, and catches Garza’s DIVE! McIntyre throws Garza at the steel steps but Garza hops over. Garza runs back, into a HEADBUTT!
McIntyre glares at Almas but Vega stands in the way. Theory lurks up behind but McIntyre DECKS him! Garza leaps off the steps to dropkick! McIntyre hits the barrier, then Garza RAMS him into a post! And then another! The ring count passes 7! McIntyre gets in but Garza follows. Garza is up top and leaps, to missile dropkick! Cover, ONE! Garza goes after McIntyre’s leg and clubs away. He cranks on the knee but McIntyre resists the full turn. Garza hammers the leg more but McIntyre kicks free with the other leg. McIntyre shoves Garza but Garza kicks him back. McIntyre CLOBBERS Garza! Then McIntyre whips to elbow Garza down! Garza dodges the clothesline but not the BOOT! McIntyre glares at Vega as he heads to the corner. He climbs up top, and leaps to ax handle! And kip up!
McIntyre says this is it. He glares at Garza as he dares him to get up. Garza slowly rises, the countdown begins, but Garza runs away! McIntyre grabs Garza but off come the pants! Seems that trick isn’t just for taunting his opponent! But McIntyre builds speed to FLY!! He wipes out Vega’s stable, and then says, “I can do it all!” McIntyre puts Garza in the ring then throws Almas over barriers! And CLAYMORES Theory for good measure! Vega is stunned as McIntyre stalks Garza in the ring. McIntyre elbows Garza then drags him up. INVERTED ALABAMA! But Garza wheelbarrows and victory rolls through!! TWO, and both men run, CLAYMORE!! Cover, McIntyre wins!!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
And to punctuate that win, he busted Garza open! McIntyre raises the WWE World Championship, his confidence not at all wavering. In fact, he wants to add on! Garza flounders up and into ANOTHER CLAYMORE! “Keep bringing them in, keep lining them up. I’ll keep Claymore-ing them down.” Speaking of, Theory flounders into the ring. And he gets a CLAYMORE! McIntyre copies tranquilo just to make a point. But will he truly make a statement when he goes 1v1 with The Architect at Money in the Bank?
My Thoughts:
A really good episode for Raw, even after #BlackWednesday just last week. There are now rumors that some names get to come back, one name being Sarah Logan. They did mention her because of the overlap she plays in both Shayna Baszler’s story and in the Ruby VS Liv story. And with her husband, Erik (Ray Rowe) still employed, you would hope she is brought back. Speaking of her husband, I do NOT understand the cheerful fight song segment for The Viking Raiders. Obviously they’re Faces, but they shouldn’t be gleeful Faces. They should’ve been singing a much tougher song, at least. As for Shayna, that was some incredible brutality, and that is great for Shayna. She needs to be very dangerous in the MITB Titan Towers match, win or lose, to stay on course.
Liv getting a win over Ruby is great, but it’s hard to be sure where the Riott Squad break-up goes from here. Bringing Sarah back would also be a good move in order to keep this story fresh. Lashley’s tire lifting segment was… filler. I thought there was going to be more tension with him and Lana, but they completely let off on it. Hopefully they get back on that next week, especially with Rusev among the superstars cut. Bianca had a good match against Santana Garrett, but wow were the Profits hyperactive. And Charlotte of course gets a win before she makes her momentous return to NXT. I’m thinking the Charlotte VS Mia Yim rematch is going to be an incredible match to officially bring Charlotte back to NXT, but Charlotte will still win to stay strong towards facing Io Shirai.
Kairi Sane losing to Nia again reinforces my concerns that Kairi is leaving. I was hoping Asuka ambush Nia with mist, but it seems Nia still needs momentum after her return. Though, it seems she isn’t a Face with how she toyed with Kairi, so it looks like Raw is sending in three Heels for the Women’s MITB. This is an interesting move, because it parallels Raw’s three Faces for the Men’s. Aleister was of course winning over Austin Theory, and it just feels right for Mysterio to go in over Murphy. It’s great for Apollo to win and be in, but unless he turns, he’s also a Face. Will SmackDown be the one sending outright Heels in the last two spots? Gulak VS Corbin is happening this Friday, but I felt Elias was going to cost Corbin. Is Gulak the one turning?
Raw being sandwiched by McIntyre was good stuff. I’m not sure if he should’ve been so cheerful in the beginning given the ambush last week. But I suppose as top Face, starting happy is fine. He sure seems to enjoy kicking Vega’s team around. Vega’s team is also on a losing record this week, with Theory losing, but Almas winning against Tozawa, then Garza losing in the main event. But don’t shout “Buried!” just yet. McIntyre mopped the floor with them in the main event last week, so nothing changed there. This time McIntyre had to stand tall going into his match against Rollins. That match will great, however and wherever they do it. As for Vega’s team, they’ll rebound to a degree. They might even cost McIntyre the title to stay in the main event scene.
My Score: 8.3/10
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Tables, Ladders, and Chairs for the championships!
To finally settle things between The Street Profits, Motor City Machine Guns and DIY, they battle for the WWE Tag Team Championships in TLC!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Los Garza VS Fraxiom; Fraxiom wins.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Jade Cargill; Jade wins, by disqualification.
- WWE Women’s United States Championship: Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice VS Zelina Vega; Zelina wins and becomes the new WWE Women’s United States Champion.
- WWE United States Championship #1 Contender’s Match: LA Knight VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins, by disqualification, no word on contender status.
- WWE Tag Team Championships TLC Triple Threat: The Street Profits VS Motor City Machine Guns VS DIY; The Profits win and retain the titles.
PLAY BY PLAY
The final hour of SmackDown will be commercial free!
That’s right, we won’t have to miss a thing when it comes to tonight’s main event, that Triple Threat Tables, Ladders & Chairs match!
JOHN CENA is here!
Fort Worth, Texas erupts with, “JOHN CENA SUCKS~! JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” as the NEW and historic SEVENTEEN-TIME WWE Champion makes his way out to the ring! But just like on Monday, Cena wants Mark Nash to join him in the ring. The fans boo while Mark reluctantly steps into the ring with Cena. The fans now chant, “LET’S GO, CENA!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cena shakes his head in disappointment, but he gives Mark the same script as on Monday. Mark again apologizes that his announcement was still disrespectful.
Mark again redoes it, because this is the GREATEST of All Time! The Never-Seen Seventeen, gracing Fort Worth with his presence for the final time… THE LAST REAL CHAMPION, JOHN CENA! Mark exits the ring, the fans still chant, but Cena stares down a father and child in the front row. The booing returns, but then RANDY ORTON makes his entrance! Cena is stopped in his tracks while the fans cheer The Viper. Orton steps into the ring, has his time to pose, and then grabs a mic. The fans cheer on Orton, but Cena holds up the title. The fans boo and Orton smirks. Orton tells Cena, “Do you know what I found out just a couple days ago?”
In a couple months, it’ll be 25 years to the day that Orton and Cena first shook hands. 25 years. They have known each other for 25 YEARS. And this is a compliment: up until a couple months ago, Cena had not changed. He was always about hustle, loyalty and respect. It wasn’t just a catchphrase for merchandise, it was a way of life. It was Cena’s mantra for every day of his life. So Orton realized he needs to think what’s going on here. There must be a void in Cena’s life that needs fulfillment.
So Orton wracked his brain, thought about all the fans over the years. The millions and millions of kids who have looked up to Cena since day one! All the kids that Cena has motivated, that he has been a role model for. Kids accomplished goals and set more goals. Track & field, basketball, the classroom, generations upon generations looked up to Cena. Surely, that meant something to Cena. Cena has granted more wishes than anyone in the history of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. You cannot tell Orton that each and every one of those sick children didn’t leave with a piece of Cena’s heart. They can’t just be a number to him.
So… Orton figured out how to fill the void. Take it from Orton, but Cena needs to have some damn kids of his own. Imagine a bunch of square-jawed, thick-armed little Cenas running around? The world would be a better place, and Cena would be back to who he is, and who Orton knows he is. Cena needs to grow up and be a father, it’ll make him a better human being. Cena thinks on that, then smirks. Cena says, “How dare you.” The fans boo, but Cena says how dare Orton prance out here with a smile on his face under the guise of making Cena feel better, than “parent shame” him in front of the whole world!
“Congratulations, Randy Orton. You have children and you love them. Good for you.” Does Orton want to know the real reason Cena doesn’t have kids? Because he’s spent the last 25 YEARS raising yours, fans! And by the sound of it from this group tonight, Cena has done an impeccable job! Here is the REAL truth! For the last 25 years, Cena has been a better parent to the fans’ children then they could ever be! That’s right, kids! Your dad’s a loser! Oh, wow, a six year old just gave him the middle finger. How classy. THAT is why Cena doesn’t have kids. He’s been policing brats like that for a quarter of a century!
The fans boo but Cena tells that one kid, “Never bring a knife to a gun fight. Bet your loser dad didn’t teach you that one! And don’t look at me like you’re gonna do something, either.” Cena asks Orton if we’re done here, and Orton says no, they’re not. Has the Hollywood rot set so deep inside Cena’s brain that he can’t hear Orton? It doesn’t have to be one or the other. The fans are why Cena is here before us in the ring now. They’re why Cena’s in Hollywood. WWE is why Cena is in Hollywood and he is crushing it. Cena cut his teeth in the WWE, developed his work ethic in WWE, and that’s why he’s crushing it.
Without the WWE, there is no Cena in Hollywood. And without the fans, there is no WWE. No matter how you add it up, no matter what math you apply to it, these fans are the biggest reason why Cena is in this ring with Orton today. Orton says he has made a lot of mistakes throughout his life and his career, and he’s learned from them on this long journey. But Orton can go into the locker room, head held high, and he can get disrespect from his peers. Orton is furniture here, he is here to stay. Cena is now just a guest. Cena says, “We all have our perspectives. I used to believe yours. That without them, there is no WWE.”
Cena used to think that they all won together. Cena was wrong. “We” didn’t win anything, CENA did! Cena has never needed a single one of these people! They will chant in the same breath, “Let’s Go, Cena!” “Cena Sucks!” The fans chant that very thing. Cena says he called out a rando and that guy turned pale white. Imagine having that chanted at you for 25 YEARS! The fans mean NOTHING to him! Orton is just like them! They’re all hypocrites! Because once you get tired of Cena, you can put your energy into any superstar you want. But if the roles are reversed, and Cena puts his energies into anything other than this, he’s an outcast? A guest?
That is why this is dysfunctional! That’s why this doesn’t work anymore! This is NOT a functional relationship, this is manipulation! The fans manipulate the truth to make themselves feel good about how they’ve done nothing with their lives! Cena points to a fan and says, “The only thing that man has done right there is dress up to look like Jack Black! He’s 100 years old and that’s all he has to say for his life!” Cena feels criticized and labeled as an outcast and guest for simply trying to do something different.
Orton says he was so… SO stupid for thinking that for one second, in this weird bizarro world where Orton’s now a good guy and Cena’s now a bad guy, that Cena would somehow listen. But the words coming out of Orton’s mouth are not penetrating that thick ass skull of Cena’s, are they? Cody Rhodes, before his badass entrance, it says wrestling has more than one royal family. And he’s not just talking about the Rhodes, right? He’s also talking about the Orton’s! Cena wants to ruin wrestling? Wrestling gave Orton everything! Ever since he came out of his mother’s womb, wrestling has provided for Orton!
Wrestling will provide for Orton, his family, his loved ones, until Orton is six feet in the ground. Ruin wrestling? No, not over Orton’s dead body. Cena shouts, “SHUT YOUR MOUTH! You just don’t understand, do you!? I’ll explain it to you. I’ve already won 17, okay? You’ve won 14. But after I take this home with me, you are forever frozen at 14! Yes, there will be another show. You will have other matches, they will create some tinfoil title and decide a champion. And if you are lucky to ever get your hands on it, your counter starts over at one, you babbling moron!”
The fans boo but Cena says what he’s trying to do is that when he leaves here, three generations of Orton’s family is ERASED! Cena paces around Orton but the fans chant for “R K O! R K O!” Orton looks at Cena and says Cena thinks he’s the Last Real Champion, but then prove it! Put the title on the line and fight Orton here and now! The fans like the sound of that! Orton says how dare Cena say what he said to Orton after everything Orton’s been through! Cena raises his title, and says, “No. No. And just like so many times over the past 25 years, I’m doing it to save your ass.
“There should be a match. Randy Orton VS John Cena, for the Undisputed Championship! But it shouldn’t happen here. I’ve already given you (Fort Worth) a hard enough time, it’s not your fault. It’s for Randy. It should happen at Backlash, Randy. Because Backlash is in St. Louis. I know that’s hard for you to hear, but for Randy, it’s great. Because Randy is from St. Louis. It’s so you can spend the whole day with your family, Randy. Make sure you show up well-rested. Randy Orton at his best. Because I need Randy Orton at his best. Because after Backlash, when you fail, you will have no excuses.
“Take a good look, Randy. This is what the Last Real Champion looks like.” The fans boo, but Cena says, “And this is as close to this championship as you’re ever going to get. Then Cena throws it to Orton, so he can DECK Orton! The fans boo as Cena stomps away on Orton! Cena snarls as he picks the belt back up, and then he takes aim! Orton slowly stands back up, Cena runs up, but Orton ducks! R K O!! The fans fire up as Orton gets Cena again! Orton throws his jacket to the fans, then he paces around Cena. The fans cheer Orton on as he picks up the title, and he stands on the corner! The fans cheer, could this be how it looks at the end of Backlash?
Los Garza VS Fraxiom!
While Angel y Berto are still hoping to be in line for a title shot after tonight’s massive TLC main event, a new team has already joined the roster! Nathan Frazer & Axiom may have only just lost the NXT Tag Team Championships, but will they be right back on track for more gold?
SmackDown returns as Fraxiom makes their entrance. The teams sort out and Axiom starts against Berto. They circle, tie up, and Berto pulls Axiom’s mask! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Berto stops at 4. Berto whips, Axiom RANAS in return! Axiom DROPKICKS Berto, tags Frazer, then they whip. Berto reverses but Axiom reverses back, and he has the IRON OCTOPUS! Frazer builds speed, and he DROPKICKS Berto! Berto bails out, Angel runs in, but he runs into the Fraxiom speed combo! Kick after kick, then an assisted DROPKICK! Angel regroups with Berto outside, but Frazer DIVES! Direct hit on Berto!
Axiom DIVES and direct hit on Angel! They keep going, Frazer FLIES to take out both Garzas! The fans fire up and Axiom goes up, up, and GOLDEN TRIANGLE MOONSAULTS! Los Garza is down again and the fans fire up again! Fraxiom puts Berto in, Frazer covers, ONE! Tag to Axiom and he brings Berto around for a headlock. Berto endures, pulls the mask, and Angel tags in. Berto powers out, Axiom dodges, but Angel opens the ropes! Axiom tumbles to apron then floor, and Los Garza soaks up the heat while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Axiom checks his neck, and Angel TAKES OFF THE PANTS! Angel soaks up the heat, then goes out to CHOP Axiom! Axiom falls over, Angel talks trash, but Axiom CHOPS back! Angel SMACKS Axiom off the apron, pushes him in the ring, then lines up a shot. Angel KICKS Axiom in the side! Then Angel sucker punches Frazer! Axiom CHOPS Angel, but Angel headlocks to snapmare and KICK Axiom! Tag to Berto, Los Garza stomp away on Axiom, but they stop as the ref counts. Berto drags Axiom up to CLUB him down, then brings him up for a clinch. Axiom headlocks, Berto powers out, and Berto scoops to BACKBREAKER!
Axiom writhes, Berto soaks up the heat, and Berto covers, TWO! Berto argues the count but the ref says it was fair. Berto whips Axiom hard into the Garza corner, then tags Angel. Angel drags Axiom by a leg, stands on Axiom’s face, and then pulls on the ankle. Axiom kicks free but Angel rains down fists! Angel smothers Axiom, then drags him up. Angel reels Axiom in, lifts, but Axiom slips free to fire off CHOPS! Angel slips around the kick to Gory Especial! Tag to Berto, slingshot and the GORY CUTTER! Cover, TWO! Axiom survives but Berto rains down fists! Angel snapmares to have a GROUND COBRA TWIST!
Axiom endures, SmackDown returns to single picture, and the fans rally up. Axiom fights up, fires shots, but Berto ROCKS him! Berto whips Axiom, but Axiom GAMANGIRIS Angel! Axiom goes up and over, hot tag to Frazer! AX HANDLE for Berto, then Frazer BOOTS Angel! CHOP for Berto, then a whip, but Berto reverses. Frazer ducks ‘n’ dodges and just gets faster to CLOBBER Berto! Then SLINGBLADE! The fans fire up, Frazer runs again, QUEBRADA for the DDT! Then a RUNNING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO! Berto stays in this and the fans stay fired up. Frazer thinks of his options, and he brings Berto up.
Berto kicks, Frazer ducks, but the ENZIGIRI finds him! Angel sneaks a tag, Frazer ENZIGIRIS Berto! QUEBRADA into a SUPERKICK! Angel covers, TWO!! Frazer survive but Angel rains down fists! Tag to Berto and Angel puts Frazer up top. Los Garza climb up to bring Frazer up, SUPER M T Y!! Then Berto MOONSAULTS!! Cover, AXIOM BARRELS IN AND BREAKS IT! “This is Awesome!” as the teams fall back, tag to Angel! Hot tag to Axiom, and he runs up on Angel! Angel CHOPS first! Axiom ROCKS Angel! Angel and Axiom go forearm to forearm, then just fast ‘n’ furious! Angel V-TRIGGERS! Axiom PELES!
Axiom runs up, but into a HEADBUTT! Axiom falls back, Angel goes to a corner, and Angel climbs. But Axiom GAMANGIRIS! Axiom climbs, CHOPS, then brings Angel up, only for Angel to scoop! But Frazer CLUBS Angel! Frazer tags in, Axiom hits a SUPER SPANISH FLY! Frazer adds the PHOENIX SPLASH!! Cover, Fraxiom wins!
Winners: Fraxiom, by pinfall
The team that will #NeverSlowDown just hit the ground running, and they already have a massive win! Will nothing stop these two from taking over the SmackDown Tag Division?
Tiffany Stratton is here!
Fort Worth is fired up again as it is still #TiffyTime! That’s because “Pro-Wrestling Barbie” is still the WWE Women’s Champion, and she goes right to the ring. Tiff grabs a mic, and she asks, “What time is it?” “TIFFY TIME~!” That’s right! And at WrestleMania, in front of over 60 THOUSAND people, it was Tiffy Time. Tiff went toe-to-toe with one of the greatest in Charlotte Flair. And no lies, Tiff did doubt herself and the pressure got to her. But in the end, she prevailed and walked out of WrestleMania #AndStill THE WWE Women’s Champion! The fans cheer, and Tiff continues: For the longest time, she was always being called “The Next Charlotte Flair.”
“Wrong~! There may be only one Charlotte Flair, but I guarantee you there is only one Tiffany Stratton!” The fans cheer more, but wait! JADE CARGILL makes her way out here! The fans fire up again as now The Storm has come to Fort Worth. And Jade tells Tiff, “Cut it. Now I came here to give credit where it’s due, and your match with Charlotte was very impressive. But that did nothing but create a bigger target on your back. And since my business is finished with Naomi, I have nothing but time. So I think it’s time for me to remind everybody why I came here to the WWE! I think it’s time for everyone to see why I came here to be a champion.
“And I think it’s time for you to understand, just because you beat Charlotte doesn’t make you the best. Especially when you haven’t faced me.” The fans are torn, but Tiff tells Jade, “Okay. Well, why don’t you put your money where your mouth is, and let’s get a ref out right here, right now!” Jade agrees, the fans agree, and here’s a ref! Will these two tear it down on the SmackDown After WrestleMania? We find out, after the break!
Tiffany Stratton VS Jade Cargill!
SmackDown returns and the bell rings. Tiff and Jade talk a bit of smack before they tie up. The fans cheer, and Jade powers Tiff back. Tiff slips around to waistlock, but Jade switches to SLAM Tiff! Jade waistlocks again but Tiff rolls free. Tiff headlocks, Jade powers up but Tiff fights the suplex! Jade powers up and out this time, then she runs Tiff over! Jade flexes, the fans are torn, but Jade storms up to suplex! Tiff slips free, goes to a corner, then dodges Jade to roll her up! TWO, and the two stand off. Tiff says it was that close, and the fans rally up. Tiff and Jade circle, but then Tiff offers a handshake. Jade says sure, and they shake hands.
But then Tiff reels Jade in for a headlock! Jade powers up and out, drops down to then hurdle over! And arm-drag! Tiff flounders, stands up, then dodges Jade. Tiff drops down, hurdles over, but Jade blocks the hip toss to body shot! Jade fireman’s carries, but Tiff swings free to arm-drag! Jade is up, and she catches Tiff to BACKBREAKER! Tiff goes to the ropes, the fans rally up, and Jade runs in, only for Tiff to drop toehold her into ropes! Tiff runs and HIP ATTACKS! Jade flounders, Tiff runs up to TIFFY- NO, Jade sunset flips Tiff first! ONE, both women stand, and Jade hits a SPINEBUSTER! The fans fire up while Jade covers, TWO!
Tiff stays in this, but Jade stays on her. Jade pushes Tiff, clinches, and BODY SLAMS again! Cover, TWO! Tiff is still tougher than that, so Jade lines up a shot. But Tiff dodges the boot and rolls Jade! TWO, and now Tiff SPINEBUSTERS in return! Cover, TWO! Jade is also tougher than that, and the fans rally up. Jade goes to a corner, Tiff handsprings in, BACK ELBOW! Tiff says it’s still her time, and then she goes back for Jade. Cover. TWO! Still a little too cocky but Tiff drags Jade back up. Tiff bumps Jade off buckles, stomps away, but stops as the ref counts. Tiff handsprings again for another BACK ELBOW! Another cover, TWO!
Tiff is growing annoyed, but she is still in control, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Tiff trades shots with Jade! The fans cheer, then Tiff kicks low, KNEES hard, and fireman’s carries! ROLLING SENTON! Tiff goes up, up, and PRETTIEST MOONSAULT- Hold on, Tiff almost misses the ropes. Tiff jumps again, PRETTIEST- NO, Jade dodges! Jade comes back, Tiff kicks low, then Tiff runs. Cartwheel, but no Alabama Slam! Just a POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Tiff survives that sudden turnaround and Jade is shocked! “This is Awesome!” as Jade looms over Tiff. Jade drags Tiff up, choke grips, and SLAM- NO, Tiff slips free and rolls Jade up! TWO, and Tiff goes to a corner.
Jade runs in, Tiff dodges, and Jade hits buckles! Tiff handsprings one more time, but Jade catches Tiff! But Tiff victory rolls through, runs, and TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO!! Jade survives and now Tiff is shocked! Tiff hurries to a corner, climbs up, but Jade is right up after her! Jade brings Tiff up for a SUPERPLEX! Both women are down and the fans fire up again! Jade stirs, Tiff rolls away, and Tiff is safe on the apron. The fans rally, Jade crawls, but wait! NAOMI IS HERE! NAOMI ATTACKS JADE!!
Winner: Jade Cargill, by disqualification
The fans boo as Naomi is not letting go of her grudge! She HAMMERS away on Jade, laughs maniacally, and then SLAPS Jade! Naomi drags Jade up, and POSTS her! Naomi then drags Jade out to POST her again! Naomi CLUBS away on Jade in the corner, showing no mercy! Naomi drags Jade out of the corner one more time, to POST her a third time! Jade flops to the floor, Naomi says kiss this, and she laughs like the villain she’s become! Tiff is back and she’s mad at Naomi for ruining her match. But Naomi just takes her leave, ONLY FOR NIA JAX TO ATTACK!! The fans boo the Irresistible Force as she DRIBBLES Tiff off the mat!
Nia looms over Tiff now, and drags her to center, for the LEG DROP, brother! Nia says “One More Time! One More Time!” Then she drags Tiff to a drop zone, goes up, A-NIA-LATOR!! Nia smiles as she sits on Tiff, then gets up just to grab the title. Nia holds it up, will Tiffany finally feel the backlash of her cash-in?
Jacob Fatu is here!
Fort Worth fires back up as now the NEW WWE United States Champion heads to the ring, Solo Sikoa by his side. Jacob holds up the title, the fans fire up, and Jacob swings the belt around, almost hitting Solo. Solo nods, he understands how fired up the Samoan Werewolf is about this. Solo has the mic to say, “Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome, show some love and respect, for your NEW United States Champion, Jacob Fatu!” The fans cheer that! Solo says at WrestleMania, the world saw what Solo already knew: Jacob Fatu is the future. Fatu is the future of this company, but let’s remind you of something: Nobody in Solo’s family wanted Fatu here, except Solo.
The Bloodline thought Fatu was trouble. They thought he was too much of a risk. But y’know who changed that? Y’know who made it all happen? It was Solo! Solo is the reason Fatu is champion! Solo brought Fatu here, brought him to the Promised Land, got him off the streets and made him a champion! Fatu is champion because of Solo! This is exactly what happens when you love your family! Fatu would not be- Fatu snatches the mic from Solo! The fans fire up as Fatu stares Solo down. Fatu tells Solo to not get it twisted. Fatu told Solo that Fatu would win the US Championship. Fatu told Solo that the US title was coming home to the family!
And Fatu told Solo that Fatu would do it with him, or without him! And that is exactly what Fatu did. So, Texas, look at your NEW US Champion! The fans fire up for Fatu, and Fatu says see? He knows that this title makes him America’s Most Wanted! Hell, this title makes Fatu a menace to society! But at the end of the day, you better get in where you fit in! He all gas, no breaks with it! YADADADA MEAN!? But then LA KNIGHT is here! The fans fire up as The Mega Star has a mic, and from the stage, he says, “LEMME TALK TO YA!” The fans cheer, and Knight says at WrestleMania, he guaranteed that Fatu would eat a BFT, and BAH GAWD, he ate a BFT!
Knight knocked Fatu on his big fat head, Fatu reached out for the ropes, and good for him, because from there, Fatu was able to capitalize and win. Knight gives credit where credit is due, cuz it can happen to anybody on any night. Anybody can get it. But you gotta understand something, Knight goes to the back, everybody back there’s saying, “Man, you had one hell of a match at WrestleMania.” “YEAH!” Knight says he doesn’t care about having “one hell of a match,” Knight cares about winning a match! And about taking the title back. What he’s saying is, he wants his rematch, and he wants it tonight!
But wait! Drew McIntyre shows up! The Scottish Terminator steps out on stage, mic in hand, and Drew tells “Dallas” that it isn’t always easy being Drew McIntyre. Personally, it is, because he’s tall, jacked, handsome, and much like Texas, he has big guns. But professionally, Drew has been screwed time and time again. World title match after world title match. WrestleMania, Drew had to get through one last roadblock, and he and Damian Priest had one of the most violent matches in the history of WrestleMania! So Priest, you aren’t here tonight, we won’t see you for awhile, so Drew will “thank” you. It was a pleasure to embarrass him in front of his entire family.
Drew tells the next stop was to be challenge John Cena for the WWE Championship, but Randy Orton jumped the line! The same Randy Orton that Drew beat three weeks ago. Is this World Wrestling Entertainment? Or Nepotism Wrestling Entertainment? Speaking of which, hi, Bloodline! Knight “yawns” and asks if Drew is done yet. Drew says he’ll get to Knight in a second. Okay, then continue on. Drew says he’s been watching Cena these past few weeks. Cena ain’t the same guy, he’s a punk now. Drew wants to fight the baddest dog in the yard. He wants the baddest champion in the yard. Jacob, Drew wants to fight you!
Knight says, “Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. Can somebody wake me up when this mush mouth is done?” Drew says always with the jokes, huh? The only joke here was Knight’s last US title reign. Knight smirks and says, “Oh~! I would say your last title run was a joke, but I can’t remember it.” So if Drew has a problem with Orton, go talk to Orton. But right now, Drew is standing on time that belongs to Knight. Knight wants his US Championship, But if Drew wants to make claim, then why not come on in and show us? The fans cheer, Drew says okay, and he steps up! But Nick Aldis has everyone hold on a moment.
The fans boo but Aldis says we all know where this is going. Before Knight and Drew tear each other apart, here’s an alternative. They can all come backstage, put the tights and the boots on, lace ’em up, and here in Fort Worth, Texas, Aldis will give us Knight VS McIntyre 1v1, the winner is the #1 contender to the US Championship. The fans love that! Drew already heads back, and Knight warns Jacob that he’ll be coming back soon enough. But who will survive tonight to step to the Samoan Werewolf?
Backstage interview with Zelina Vega.
Byron Saxton catches La Muneca on her way to gorilla, and wants to review: Zelina beat Chelsea Green by count out two weeks ago, then beat her by pinfall just last week. If things go her way tonight, she will be the NEW Women’s US Champion. Where are her thoughts? Zelina says honestly, she’s known for having a big mouth, but tonight is one of those nights where she’s speechless. That’s how much this means to her. She’s wanted this for so long. Just like her mentor, Rey Mysterio, a former Men’s US Champion, and the late Eddie Guerrero, another former US Champion, it is time to bring some Latina Heat into the match.
And of course, just like how they do it here in Texas, you go big or you go home. Zelina ain’t going home until she has the title around her waist. Will Zelina finally add a bit more gold to her list of achievements? Or will there be no ending the Green Regime’s term?
WWE Women’s United States Championship: Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice VS Zelina Vega!
SmackDown returns as the challenger makes her entrance, followed by the champion’s. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is THE champion-in-chief!
The bell rings and Chelsea runs up, but Zelina sends her into the corner! Zelina fires hands, whips corner to corner, but Chelsea reverses. Zelina goes up, Chelsea stays back and chicken wings. Chelsea turns Zelina but Zelina waistlocks back. Chelsea switches, they go to ropes, and Zelina bucks the O’Conner! Zelina wheelbarrows, FACEBSUTER, and cover, TWO! Zelina runs up to reel Chelsea in. Chelsea fights free, goes to ropes, but Zelina runs up to slip around to the outside! Chelsea fights free but Zelina trips her up! Zelina sees Piper & Alba creeping up, but then Chelsea BOOTS Zelina down!
Zelina argues with the ref, and that lets Alba RAM Zelina into the apron! Then Piper adds a SENTON on the floor! The fans boo but Chelsea salutes, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Chelsea has Zelina up top. Cheslea SLAPS Zelina, climbs up, and then brings her up. Zelina fights the suplex and fires body shots! Chelsea ROCKS Zelina, then fireman’s carries! Zelina fights around, waistlocks, and pulls! Chelsea holds onto the ropes, but Zelina powers up to SUPER GERMAN SUPLEX! Both women are down, and the fans fire up! Zelina and Chelsea rise, the fans duel, and Zelina runs up. Zelina dodges Chelsea to LARIAT! And LARIAT again! Zelina blocks a boot, ELBOWS Chelsea, and Cheslea sits down! Zelina runs up to METEORA! Snapmare and Zelina goes up!
Zelina gives some Latina Heat, for another METEORA! Cover, TWO! Chelsea survives and Zelina is shocked! Alba argues from the apron, but Zelina DECKS her! Chelsea runs up to ENZIGIRI! Chicken wings, turnaround, but Zelina hits a BACKSTABBER! Chelsea ends up on ropes, the fans fire up as Zelina dials it up, but PIPER trips Zelina! The ref saw that! The fans boo Piper, but then the ref spots Alba creeping up on Zelina! The ref says no more shenanigans! He EJECTS the Secret Her-vice! The fans fire up as Piper & Alba throw a fit! Zelina waves bye, but Chelsea CLBOBERS Zelina! Chelsea whips, Zelina hops on, CODE RED!! Cover, ZELINA WINS!!!
Winner: Zelina Vega, by pinfall (NEW WWE Women’s United States Champion)
But now the Secret Her-vice rush back to the ring! Zelina dodges them, and she finally has her first singles title! The Green Administration is out, let’s pledge allegiance to the VEGA Administration!
Carmelo Hayes admires the Andre the Giant trophy.
Last week on WrestleMania SmackDown, it came down to H1M and Andrade, and in the end, Melo put his name down in history. The Miz is with H1M to say when it is all said and done, Melo will go down as the greatest Andre the Giant Battle Royal winner of all time! That is why Miz sacrificed himself for Melo! Because Miz has a vision for Carmelo Hayes. To commemorate this achievement, Miz got Melo something. Really? Really. Now c’mon, open it up. Melo pops the box open and inside is an Andre the Giant necklace! A big golden head on a big golden chain, and Melo tries it on. Perfect fit!
Miz says Melo earned it. Melo says yeah. This is bigger than just the win. This represents the chip that is on Melo’s shoulder. With this around Melo’s neck, he refuses to be overlooked. Yeah, cook! He refuses to be denied! Let’s go! And in the true spirit of Andre the Giant, with this around his neck, Melo is larger than life! He is the Tenth Wonder of the World! Because he is… HIM! Miz is inspired! He’s gonna go to the ring to get something off his chest. Miz lets Melo stay back here to enjoy his moment, cuz Miz is about to make his own. Miz heads to gorilla, but what exactly is The Hollywood A-Lister about to do?
SmackDown returns and Miz is in the ring.
Miz has a mic to say, “Since 2007, I’ve been an integral part of WrestleMania. But this year, at the highest grossing WrestleMania in history, I had no match, no mention, nowhere to be found. May I remind you, I main-evented WrestleMania, beating John Cena, retaining the WWE Championship, something that Cody Rhodes, your chosen hero, could not do last week. And yet he gets the cheers! The pyro, the spotlight, and I get it, I get it, he was champion, he deserves to be on WrestleMania. But when Rey Mysterio comes hobbling in to WrestleMania, does he come to a fellow legend to fill his boots?
“No, he goes to a guy who’s been here for two weeks. I’ve been here for 20 YEARS! What do I have to do? Wear a lucha mask and call myself ‘Rey?’ Then KO goes down! Orton needs an opponent! He needs an opponent! Do you guys want a guy who’s beaten Randy Orton for the WWE Championship? NO! You guys want a guy who’s an internet meme! A TikTok trend! A guy who does musical theater in a wrestling ring! I am sick of it! I am sick and tired of people showing up in the WWE, people I am a bigger star then! People that cannot lace my boots in this ring! I’m sick of them getting opportunity after opportunity!
“May I remind you, that I am the A-Lister! I am the Most Must-See WWE Superstar of all time! And may you never forget that I am the Miz! And I am…” The lights go out! Uh oh… Because ALEISTER BLACK is back in the WWE! The fans fire up as The Dark Father rises up from the shadows, and he goes right to the ring! The fans fire up more and even chant, “Welcome Back! Welcome Back!” as Aleister puts his vest aside. Miz is frustrated that his time in spotlight was taken away again, and then asks Aleister, “Who the hell do you think-” BLACK MASS!! Miz falls right over, and then Aleister sits cross-legged in the ring. Will SmackDown #FadeToBlack once again?
Backstage interview with Bianca Belair.
Byron is with The EST, and he notes her match at WrestleMania with Iyo Sky and Rhea Ripley was an instant classic. One of the best matches of the entire weekend, really. Unfortunately, Bianca didn’t win the title, and she didn’t leave Las Vegas unscathed. Can she tell us about her hand? Bianca says her fingers hurt, her feelings hurt, but no, she’s just kidding. She walked into WrestleMania with a broken finger, but it was worth it. They all fought ’til the end, and things didn’t go her way, but she is so proud of what the three of them did.
To her point, it was a great outing, but things didn’t go Bianca’s way. Iyo Sky is still the Women’s World Champion. Bianca says yes, Iyo found the perfect opportunity to capitalize, and Bianca can’t blame her because Bianca would’ve done the same thing. Now, Rhea… Well, Rhea found a way to slip her way into a match that Bianca earned, so that won’t be the last time Rhea and Bianca meet. But right now, Bianca is just focused on healing so she can get back to SmackDown, her home, and well, her home is divided. Bianca knows that when she returns, she’ll settle some unfinished business. Byron wishes The EST well, but when and where will Bianca make the biggEST return?
Naomi and Nia cross paths.
Nia tells Naomi that she doesn’t care about Jade. But when it comes to Tiffany and the title, just stay out of her way. Naomi says, “So long as you proceed… with… caution!” Naomi storms off, Nia isn’t quite intimidated, but will these two clash over their grudges? Or will things end up working together for what they both want?
WWE United States Championship #1 Contender’s Match: LA Knight VS Drew McIntyre!
We just saw these two argue over who gets to fight Jacob Fatu, so now they have to fight it out with each other. Will the Mega Star go right back for the belt he just lost? Or will the Scottish Terminator be one step away from completing his WWE Grand Slam?
SmackDown is picture in picture for the entrances, then returns to single picture once McIntyre has his pyro. The bell rings and the fans fire up. Knight and Drew circle, the fans rally up a bit more, and the two tie up. They’re in a deadlock, but Drew slips around to waistlock and SLAM! Knight flounders to a corner but Drew flexes. The fans cheer, Drew signals he’ll have the belt, but Knight brushes that off. The two reset and tie up again. The fans rally, Drew waistlocks, but Knight switches. Knight pushes Drew down and slaps him around! The fans cheer as Knight flexes! Drew brushes that off, and the two reset again.
Drew runs up, Knight dodges and Knight headlocks. Knight grinds but Drew power sup to back supelx! Knight lands out, pushes Drew, but Drew comes back to run Knight over! Drew slaps Knight around! Drew runs, Knight drops low, hurdle sover, and then BACK ELBOWS! The fans cheer as Knight gets around again, and he hits a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Knight scuffs Drew, but Drew throat chops Knight! The fans are torn, Drew CHOPS Knight, and fans “WOO~!” Knight CHOPS, Drew CHOPS, repeat! Drew ROCKS Knight, then whips him, but Knight grabs the ropes. Knight then TOSSES Drew out! Drew lands on his feet!
Drew trips Knight and drags him out, but Knight ROCKS Drew! Knight brings Drew to the desk, the fans fire up, but Drew gets away. Knight pursues Drew into the ring, and he ROCKS Drew! And ROCKS him again! Knight has Drew up but Drew HOTSHOTS Knight! Drew then runs, and he BLASTS Knight off the apron! Knight hits barriers then the floor, and Drew soaks up cheers and jeers. Drew clutches his side, still feeling that Sin City Street Fight, so he lets the ring count handle this. The fans rally and even sing, “OH~ Drew McIntyre~!” Knight rolls in at 7 of 10, but Drew rains down fists! Drew then deadlifts Knight for a BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!
Knight stays in this but Drew grits his teeth. Drew stands Knight up, but Knight counter punches! Knight fires hands, whips, but Drew reverses. Knight goes up, but Drew KICKS Knight outta the air! Cover, TWO! Knight survives, Drew snarls as he has to catch his breath, and he storms up on Knight again. The fans rally, Drew CHOPS, and Knight staggers away. Drew stalks Knight, Knight CHOPS, but Drew CHOPS! Drew KICKS Knight, DECKS him, then stomps away! The ref counts, Drew stops, and he has Knight on the apron. Drew drags Knight up, has him against the ropes, and ROCKS him!
Knight flops back into the ring, Drew eggs him on, and the fans duel. Drew stands Knight up, reels him in, and he suplexes, only for Knight to block! Drew CLUBS away on Knight, then suplexes, only for Knight to fight that! Drew KNEES low, CLUBS Knight down, then huffs ‘n’ puffs. Drew eggs Knight on again, and Knight rises up, only for Drew to reel him in. But Knight suplexes instead! The fans fire up while both men are down! Knight and Drew rise up slowly, and Knight fires haymakers! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Drew reverses, but Knight LEAPING LARIATS! Then RUSSIAN LEG SWEEPS!
Drew staggers, Knight whips, but Drew reverses to scoop. Knight slips free, shoves Drew into buckles, then JUMPING NECKBREAKERS! Cover, TWO! Drew survives and the fans rally! Knight drags Drew up, but Drew GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTTS! Then the underhooks, but Knight rolls through the Future Shock! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Knight goes to a corner, and he BOOTS Drew down! Knight goes up, spells it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” BOX JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew survives and the fans are torn again. Knight stalks Drew, kicks and cravat, but Drew rolls Knight away!
Drew runs up, Knight puts him on the apron! Then Knight ducks a punch to HOTSHOT Drew! Knight then runs to WRECK Drew with the dropkick! The fans fire up as Knight DRIBBLES Drew off the desk! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight winds up, and he SMACKS Drew off the desk again! The fans cheer as Knight puts Drew in the ring, but then SOLO SIKOA is here! The ref is busy with Drew, SAMOAN SPIKE for Knight!! Solo puts Knight in the ring, and Drew is confused. Drew says screw it, and he aims from the corner! “THREE! TWO! ONE!” But then DAMIAN PRIEST drags Drew out!!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by disqualification
Priest fires off on Drew and the fans fire up! Priest THROWS Drew over barriers! Then he drags Drew back to ringside to ROCK Drew! Drew slumps against the desk, Priest choke grips! SOUTH OF HEAVEN through the desk!! The fans are thunderous as The Punisher just dealt out street justice to Drew McIntyre! But what does this mean for the #1 contender’s status? Knight tells Priest that Preist might’ve just cost him! But then JACOB FATU DIVES from the ring!! The fans are thunderous again, and Jacob POSTS Priest! Knight is up, but Jacob brings him around to RAM into steel steps!
Fatu puts Knight back in the ring, then he puts Priest in the ring, and he has a target in each corner! HIP ATTACK for Knight! SPLASH for Priest! Knight is in the drop zone, Fatu goes up, up, and BEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Then a HIP ATTACK for Priest!! Fort Worth is fired up, and Priest goes up, up, BEST MOONSAULT EVER for Priest!! The Samoan Werewolf just slaughtered two men at once, will no one even be able to face him for the title?
John Cena crosses paths with R-Truth!
They’re backstage, and Truth is glad Cena won the title. He’s been rooting for his hero since the beginning! If Cena needs Truth at any time for anything, just call. Cena doesn’t even respond, he just walks away. And then Jimmy Uso steps in. He shakes hands with Truth, and he asks when John Cena became so whack. Truth says there’s two sides to every story, Uce. That’s a REAL world champion. When Truth grows up, he’s gonna be just like Cena. But… You’re already grown up, Truth! Will Truth learn the truth about Cena on his own?
WWE Tag Team Championships TLC Triple Threat: The Street Profits VS Motor City Machine Guns VS DIY!
After months of back and forth between these three teams, and a few others here on SmackDown, it is time to finally put this one to rest. With tables, ladders, chairs, and no holding back, who will finally prove they are THE team on SmackDown?
The introductions are made, the belts are already high overhead, so it’s time to see who rises up and claims them as their own!
The bell rings and the fans rally up as all six men look up. But then DIY goes after MCMG! The Profits go after DIY, but DIY CLAW the eyes! Ciampa stomps Ford, Gargano stomps Dawkins, then they go out to fetch themselves a ladder! The fans want tables, but MCMG DROPKICK that ladder into DIY! The fans fire up, then the Profits and MCMG brawl! Shelley has Ford, Sabin HEADBUTTS Dawkins, and MCMG climb up to rain down fists! But DIY stop MCMG, they brawl some more, but Sabin & Shelley turn things around on Ciampa & Gargano. MCMG then crisscross to ELBOW the Profits, ROCK DIY, and repeat!
Ciampa swings, but into an atomic drop! Dropkick and Last Chancery, DREAM SEQUENCE! The fans fire up and MCMG set things up. Shelley holds the ropes open and Sabin DIVES into a chair!! Gargano then SMACKS Shelley in the leg! Gargano uses offense as defense, and then Ciampa JAMS Ford up with a chair! But Dawkins POUNCES Ciampa over the desk! Gargano runs up, Dawkins picks him up, and he POSTS Gargano! Dawkins fires up, the fans fire up with him, and Dawkins fetches a ladder. Dawkins puts the ladder in, he’s all alone, and he hurries to set the ladder up. Dawkins climbs, but Sabin is in!
Sabin hops on for a SLEEPER, but Dawkins still climbs! The fans fire up, Dawkins fires elbows, but Shelley trips Dawkins up! Dawkins has a leg stuck int he rungs, and Shelley CLUBS away on it! Then DRAPING DRAGON SCRWE in the ladder rungs! Dawkins falls in a heap, and now MCMG take ownership of the ladder. Gargano is back, only for MCMG to mug him! They SMACK Gargano off rungs! Ciampa is back, MCMG mugs him now, and they stomp him down in the corner. MCMG drag Ciampa up, and they SMACK Ciampa off rungs! MCMG keeps the ladder standing and the fans rally up.
Ford is back, but now MCMG mugs him! They whip, Ford ducks the ladder, but the ladder is sent into Ford! Dawkins is back to DECK Shelley and DECK Sabin! Dawkins folds up the ladder, puts it aside, and he CYCLONE SPLASHES Shelley! CYCLONE SPLASH for Sabin! Dawkins goes up, up, but MCMG trip him up! MCMG have Dawkins in the Tree of Woe, and they stand on the groin! The Curse of Greatness is feeling really bad right now, but MCMG grab themselves a chair. The fans cheer as Sabin sets the chair in place, for Shelley’s FULL METAL DROPKICK! MCMG then see Ford coming, and Shelley JAMS him up!
But Ford blocks the chair shot! Only for Sabin to FULL METAL MISSILE DROPKICK! The fans fire up again, and MCMG fetch the ladder. They set that in front of Dawkins’ face, but Gargano drags Shelley out of the ring! Gargano SMACKS Shelley off the apron! Ciampa does the same to Sabin, and then DIY YANKS the ladder into Dawkins’ face! DIY and MCMG brawl on the outside gain, but Ford FLIES over the corner! Direct hit on DIY and MCMG, and the fans are going nuts! All six men are down and writhing, but Ford manages to rise up. Ford hobbles around, finds himself a ladder, and he puts that in the ring.
Fort Worth still wants tables, but Ford sets his ladder up because he wants the prize! Ford climbs, but Ciampa is in! Ciampa grabs at a foot, Ford kicks free, so Ciampa climbs the other side! Ciampa keeps Ford from grabbing belts, but Ford does the same. Gargano is setting up another ladder right behind them! Gargano climbs while Ciampa and Ford brawl. The belts are so close, but neither Ford nor Gargano can get a good grip! Gargano figures screw it, FLYING FLATLINER off the ladder! Ciampa grabs the belts! But Dawkins drags Ciampa down! Dawkins DECKS Ciampa! Dawkins now sets the ladders side-by-side before he climbs.
DIY returns, and Ciampa grabs at Dawkins while Gargano climbs the second ladder. Gargano CLUBS Dawkins, goes up, but then Dawkins scoops Gargano! The fans fire up for the SUPER BIG ENDING!! Shoutout to Big E, but then Ciampa tosses one of the ladders. Ciampa focuses on one, but Sabin hurries to stop him! Sabin has an arm through the rungs! Dawkins is back, and he SHOVES the ladder over! Ciampa ends up crotched on the rope! Sabin is managing to cling to the ropes, but Shelley is there to fire hands on Dawkins! Shelley TOSSES Dawkins out, then he and Sabin reset the ladder. But Ciampa is back!
Ciampa SMACKS Shelley with a chair! And he SMACKS Sabin with a chair! Gargano returns with a chair of his own! Ciampa puts a chair around Shelley’s neck! Gargano aims, and he hits a HOMERUN!! Shelley sputters and falls away, Ciampa keeps Sabin down, and Gargano shoves the ladder over. But the ladder’s so tall, it bounces off the ropes to stand back up! Gargano tries again and the ladder finally stays on the ropes. Ciampa then suplexes Sabin, FULL METAL BRAINBUSTER!! Dawkins is back, but Gargano JAMS him up! And SMACKS him down! Ciampa SMACKS Dawkins again! Gargano JAMS Dawkins again and again!
The fans boo but DIY sit their chairs side-by-side. Gargano says hold on. And he flips them around! It’s a wedge! The fans freak out as DIY DOUBLE- NO, Dawkins fights the suplexes! Ford drags Ciampa out of the ring! Gargano DECKS Dawkins, DECKS Ford, but then Dawkins ROCKS Gargano! SILENCER on the chair wedge!! Gargano writhes and the fans go nuts again! The Profits then have the ladder to themselves. But then they say, “GET THE TABLES!!” The fans fire up for the Dudley shoutout, and the Profits find a table! They put that in the ring, Ford moves the ladder aside, and Forth Worth cheers for “TABLES! TABLES!”
Ciampa YANKS Dawkins down, but Ford SUPERKICKS Ciampa! Dawkins has Ciampa in the Electric Chair, and Ford takes aim! Ford builds speed, and FLIES! BLOCKBUSTER DOOMSDAY onto everyone!! All six men are down, and the fans lose their minds all over again! “This is Awesome!” as all six men slowly rise, and Dawkins ROCKS Sabin! Ford borrows a fan’s prosthetic leg! Ford CLUBS Gargano with it! He gives it back to the fan and the crowd is loving this! Ford then sets up a ladder bridge between ring and barrier. The front row sits back a bit, but Ciampa CLUBS Ford! Ciampa SMACKS Ford off the bridge!
Shelley SMACKS Gargano off a table, Ciampa storms up to CLUB Shelley, and then DIY mugs Shelley. Sabin and Dawkins brawl on the other end, and Sabin JAMS Dawkins with a chair. Sabin puts Dawkins on a table and rains down hands! Wait, Ciampa is bringing a table of his own around the way, and he SMACKS Ford off the edge of it! Gargano and Shelley brawl, but Ciampa finally has his table set up on the ramp side. Shelley SMACKS Gargano off steel steps, then SMACKS him off there again! Ford turns things around on Ciampa to put him on a table! Sabin goes up, FROG SPLASH on Dawkins through the table!!
Ford sees that, but then he looks at Ciampa on that table. Ford says bet, and he builds speed to FLY! SWANTON BOMB on Ciampa through the table!! The fans are thunderous as now Gargano and Shelley are the only ones not in some kind of wreckage! “This is Awesome!” as Ford crawls away from Ciampa. Sabin leaves Dawkins behind, but Gargano is in with Ford. Ford is up top but Gargano fires hands! Ford GAMANGIRIS in return! Then Ford goes back up, but Ciampa rises! Ciampa drags Ford down, but Ford SUPERKICKS! Ford runs up, but into a BOOT! And then another BOOT! Ciampa reels Ford in and looks to the bridge!
Ciampa fireman’s carries, AIR RAID CRASH down through the ladder bridge!! Fort Worth loses their minds all over again as Ciampa shouts for Gargano to climb! Gargano sets the ladder up, climbs, but Shelley anchors a leg! Gargano fights Shelley, but Sabin is climbing in from the other side. Gargano ROCKS Sabin, DECKS Shelley, and repeat! Sabin wobbles, Gargano lines up his shot. ONE FINAL- NO, Sabin stops the DDT! He SHOVES Gargano into the post, then MCMG give Gargano a DOUBLE BOOT SANDWICH at the corner! Sabin drags Gargano closer to the table, then stands on it…?! Shelley goes up, SKULL & BONES through the table!!!
The fans are going nuts all over again as MCMG risks it all just for this match! “This is Awesome!” as all six men are down somewhere around ringside. But Ciampa slowly rises! He slaps himself to fire back up, and he climbs the ladder! Ciampa is within reach of those belts, gets his hands on the bracket, and- WAIT! MCMG is folding up that ladder! Ciampa is now pulling a Jeff Hardy by dangling from the belts! MCMG grab chairs, Ciampa is a pinata for the beating! Ciampa’s legs are the only real targets, though, so that’s not enough. MCMG get a table under Ciampa, but they don’t see Dawkins climbing the ladder!
MCMG pull at Ciampa’s legs, but Dawkins takes aim! Well, if Ciampa is Jeff Hardy, then Dawkins is about to go Rated R! Dawkins FLYING SPEARS Ciampa off the belts and down through a table!!!! Everyone is losing their minds, including MCMG! MCMG clears the wreckage, and fans hope they “FIGHT FOREVER!” But someone has to win these belts, and now MCMG sets the ladder back underneath them. Shelley climbs, but Gargano JAMS Sabin up! And then he CHUCKS the chair at Shelley! MCMG is down, Gargano climbs up, and the fans boo. Gargano reaches the top, paws at the belts, but Sabin hurries up after him!
Gargano and Sabin brawl up top, they touch the belts, then throw more hands! The fans cheer Sabin and boo Gargano as the shots keep going. Sabin gets the edge, he SMACKS Gargano off rungs, and Gargano falls! But Ford SPRINGBOARDS to the ladder!! Ford DECKS Sabin, grabs the belts, but Gargano drags him back down! Gargano traps Ford’s legs in the rung! SUPERKICK! Ford is stuck and Gargano literally climbs over him! Gargano reaches up, but Sabin is back again! Sabin fires hands, Gargano fires back, and Ford gets free!? Ford climbs from the side of the ladder! Ford fires hands on each of them!
Ford SMACKS Gargano, SMACKS Sabin, and they both fall! Ford is back up top, and he has the belts off the hook! PROFITS WIN!!
Winners: The Street Profits (still WWE Tag Team Champions)
Fort Worth cheers as The Profits are still up! They wanted the smoke, they got the smoke, and they walked through the fire to still be forged in gold! Will anyone ever bring them down from the heights they’ve reached?
My Thoughts:
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
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FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
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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
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
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Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 4.24.25
We get another chapter of Hardy Compound shenanigans! NEMETH BROTHERS! WE KNEW YOU’D COME!
Oh boy, the best thing to come from the TNA product has been on WWE programs for the last month or so. Can we start getting some non-garbage episodes that make sense with wrestling that isn’t useless or atrocious? And Trey Miguel is the first person out…so my faith is dwindling.
I hate these early stages of the Delirious Dreamer combination. This crap makes me miss Tigre Uno, Dixie Carter, hell even the Claire Lynch angle was so disgustingly cringe it was car crash entertaining. You know, like Jersey Shore. So let’s see if something can stop sucking.
.@NicTNemeth has a strange run-in with Willow The Wisp…
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/ZTlWqchIaY pic.twitter.com/oATIF574yn
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 25, 2025
Ratings:
- Trey Miguel & Ace Austin vs Moose & JDC w/Alisha: JDC wins after interference – ** 1/4
- Jacy Jayne w/ Fatal Influence vs Rosemary: Jacy wins via Rolling Punch – **
- Cinematic Hardy Compound: Kaiba Boys vs Hardy Boyz: 15/7, 10/10, 100/100, Hardy thing ever!
- Tessa Blanchard vs Missa Kate: Tessa wins via Buzzsaw DDT – **
- Joe Hendry & Elijah vs Ethan Page & Kaz: Elijah wins via Highwayman’s Farewell – ** 3/4
Results:
Trey Miguel & Ace Austin vs Moose & JDC w/Alisha
JDC and Trey start it’s just chain wrestling, nothing worth notating. The big early spot is slow and dumb, Trey goes for a Springboard Moonsault while in the Arm Wringer to turn it into a slow Arm Drag followed by a slow Dropkick. Throws JDC into the face corner, and Moose is late to the help spot so Trey has to beckon for him to come forward for a Tandem Drop Toe Hold causing Moose to Headbutt JDC in the groin. Double Dropkick sends Moose to the floor, but he doesn’t sell it long so he plucks Trey off the apron, smashes him and JDC tags out as we go to commercial. Jesus Christ this is cornball trope start and no one is looking good in the first 5 minutes. Am I possibly a little a jaded? Well of course, the shows have sucked for weeks and you start with bog standard “make fun of the heel” team start and its slow and unengaging. Maybe Dreamer should ask Trips if TNA talent can use the PC to learn psychology or…something interesting.
We come back and the heels are still magically in control with JDC locking in a Hammerlock Suplex into a Keylock. Tag to Moose and Trey is sooo banged up apparently an Arm Wringer throws him to the mat like a bitch. Starting off the show so damn slow is not really a good luck to keep people watching the show. It’s only like 8:20 and I want to go to sleep. Moose of course gets cocky taking his time to do a Jacknife Powerbomb so of course Trey counters, Ace gets the hot tag and guess what? Ace starts laying out both guys with quick strikes, Tijeras, Kicks, Click Click Boom, his corner dodge into the Mochizuki Triangle Kick but Moose kicks out. *sigh*
Ace decides to tag Trey back in, but their version of Poetry in Motion gets caught by Moose and Moose Powerbombs Trey into Ace. System tandem offense, Dropkick from JDC, Uranage from Moose, Down and Dirty from Dango but Ace breaks up the pin. Ace assists Trey with the Knee Slide Tornado DDT to take out Moose, they look for a finish but Lish distracts the ref, Dango kicks Trey in the dick, Brian Myers interferes and JDC wins the match.
Yawn…basic bullshit is not really driving attention.
Next is a video package for Masha and Tessa with Masha talking…who can’t cut a promo in English and Dreamer of course inserts himself for a fake “do it for your trainer” add. Oh Christ, this is like Rocky IV from Wish, but the Russian is the babyface. I hate every second of this and welcome the commercial break.
While I think this promo goes on entirely too long, you can decide if it sucks or not:
.@Santana_Proud reflects ahead of #TNARebellion, where his war with @MustafaAli_X reaches its boiling point in a Falls Count Anywhere match.
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/ZTlWqchalq pic.twitter.com/zeSr7tQQVT
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 25, 2025
Jacy Jayne w/ Fatal Influence vs Rosemary
Start isn’t really a thing since Rosemary feigns the Mist so Jacy runs away, when she does get back in Rosemary clocks her, beats on her in the corner, Upside Down and then gorgeous Fallon and the pack tactics give Jacy enough of a distraction to PK kick Rosemary and take control. Rosemary gets out of a Headlock with biting, then bits Jacy on the face and follows it up with a Shotgun Dropkick. Jacy tries to Reverse the Irish Whip but Rosemary kicks off the buckle, turns and connects with a Flying Forearm. Rosemary gets a little distracted, eats a V-Trigger but zombie rises from the dead and Face Buster into a Spicolli Driver attempt, but Jazmyn gets involved, Rosemary drops Jazmyn and when she turns around Jacy connects with her Rolling Punch for the finish.
Fatal Influence attack Rosemary and Mirror Match Xias come to make the save.
.@milanmiracle is ON THE CASE! @Jazmyn_nyx_wwe, @FallonHenleyWWE and @jacyjaynewwe vs. @XiaBrookside, @TheLeiYingLee and @WeAreRosemary at #TNARebellion!?
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/ZTlWqchIaY pic.twitter.com/eTAQNOgiO8
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 25, 2025
Cinematic Hardy Compound: Kaiba Boys vs Hardy Boyz
Willow the Wisp sighting early, he drops the umbrella and starts dancing to Kendrick’s They Not Like Us, then Jeff shows up and attacks Nic, they brawl in a pickup truck. Seto Nic Ziggler hits the Superkick, but Jeff turns it around, they get on top of the cab and Jeff wants to Powerbomb Nic through conveniently placed tables, but Back Body Drop sends Jeff crashing. Nic goes into the truck and finds a tag team title. Is that the idea? First person to find the titles like an RPG quest?
Matt Pearl Harbors Mokuba near a fountain as it cuts to Nic walking through the house at the arcade, and he finds their title case and he thinks it’s booby trapped so he does the heist thing of replacing the title with an exercise weight. Matt has a PREMONITION!!! THe Kaibas have the titles! And Ryan turns things around for a moment until he eats gate and gets Speared into the pool with Reby playing piano looking like a snack. Ryan is teleported into the house for Maxel the Great with Senor Benjamin as the ticket taker and most of the Hardy kids sitting in the theater. It’s an old 1920s Silent Film with Maxel beating up Ryan and the kids keep saying he sucks. He gets showered in roses, Benjamin is crying the kids rejoice and cut back to Ryan floating in the pool. Dr Wolfie is diagnosing Ryan on the couch and they have a fantastic conversation. Wolfie blames the Matt Hardy fans for Booing Wolfie. Wolfie asks if Ryan if he ever hugged his parents and Ryan starts crying and Wolfie goes “That’ll be 500 dollars for the emotional damage”.
Gothic Baby Shadow Realms Ryan into his Emo Phase with Simple Plan playing. Then he has a roast battle with Bardie. Ryan is getting pelted with eggs while Matt is drowning him in the pool. Nic saves his Little Brother from drowning in the pool (been there). Maxel attacks, Nic Pie Faces the kid, Ryan ambushes Matt with a title shot and then BROTHER NERO! We’re just missing Itchweed to complete the essences of Jeff.
Nemeths see Jeff stalking them and they bail. So we may get a return to the Broken Brothers.
.@ryrynemnem is working some things out with Dr. Wolfie.
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/ZTlWqchIaY pic.twitter.com/ydPCkpfP6l
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 25, 2025
That was glorious and the fact it’s used as a set up for a real match instead of a replacement for a real match makes it actually better.
Tessa Blanchard vs Missa Kate
Tessa doesn’t take her serious after a quick flurry so Kate lands a Tilt-a-Whirl Gourdbuster before Tessa turns things around and lays in offense. Dropkick, Springboard Elbows, Teardrop Suplex, and Tessa calms down a little after taking complete control again. Tessa keeps Kate in the corner and lays in Forearms, Kicks, goes for a Splash but Kate finally dodges and slams Tessa face first into a Buckle. Tessa hits the Cutter, goes to the top, MAGNUM, Buzzsaw DDT just because.
Masha attacks Tessa after the match and hits the Russian Death Device and puts her in a Fujiwara Armbar until Tessa gets away and bails to the floor while Masha holds the ring.
Joe Hendry & Elijah vs Ethan Page & Kaz
This whole match is stupid. Hendry had no tape at Mania, went against “doctor’s orders” to defend the title at Rebellion this Sunday anyway…so they put him in a worthless tag match when they didn’t want him active? Delirious and Dreamer need to be shot in the head. It won’t hit anything.
Elijah and Kaz start this match, Kaz looks dumb and gets dogwalked and then Rope Walked because heels aren’t allowed to be competent against “fan favorites” until at least 3 minutes into a match. Stupid, stupid, stupid. Back from the commercial break, Hendry and Elijah Double Clothesline Kaz and he’ll prolly slip something in a minute or so. Elijah does 10 Count Punches dropping Kaz, into the ropes, Kaz hops over him but Elijah throws him towards Page. Weird…but okay. Ethan calls for Hendry, and they lock up causing Hendry to wince at the arm that isn’t Kayfabed well, but Hendry hits the ropes, Shoulder Tackle into Hip Toss with “bad” arm, now Stalling Suplex that is just dropped immediately because of “arm”. Tags out quickly to Elijah and Ethan gets Manhattan Dropped and Big Booted into Saturday. Kaz takes a cheap shot when Elijah hits the ropes, so Ethan pounces and the heels finally have some momentum. Double Team on Elijah into a Rude Awakening from Kaz for two.
Ethan tries to keep Elijah isolated, Elijah gets the boot up, but he cuts off Elijah from the tag, Ethan tags in Kaz and a Slingshot Leg Drop gets another two. Elijah fights out of the corner, knocks down Ethan, counter wrestling from Kaz and Elijah before a Jumping Knee Lift levels Kaz. Elijah looks for the tag but Ethan picks Hendry off the apron and throws him into the steps. Heels doing the dogpile thing. Ethan throws Elijah into a corner, Up and Over but Ethan catches him just to get kicked away. Joe drags himself to the corner, simultaneous tags, Lariats into Sack of Shit for both heels. Attitude Adjustment on Kaz for only two. Hendry is overselling the injury no one cares enough about to write logically. So good for him that he’s doing their job, it’s just creative that isn’t. Kaz catches Hendry in Fade to Black but Hendry gets out, Scoop Slam into the Springboard Leg Drop but Hendry kicks out. Kaz wants the Chicken Wing on the bad arm, but Ethan tags himself in causing infighting, Avalanche Tandem Superplex but Elijah shoves Ethan into the pinfall to break it. Elijah and Ethan throw hands, Crossroads from Elijah, Backstabber from Kaz, Rope Run Cutter from Hendry on Kaz, Spin and pose, Standing Ovation attempt but the arm gives, Elijah tags in, Ethan refuses to tag Kaz, Highwayman’s Farewell from Elijah.
Overall Score: 6.4/10
All of the points are for Fallon Henley existing, Lei Ying Lee and the Hardy Compound match. Without the Hardy match the show was like a 2. Bad logic, bad booking, heels are too samey with everyone being a dweeb that has to get beat on for 3-5 minutes before they can remember they can wrestle. Sean Waltman is also an interesting wrinkle in the System and Rascalz thing, but the first hour of this show was useless. If people continued to watch for the Hardy match, that was the only thing that may have entertained new eyes because of WrestleMania.
Rebellion is Sunday and next Thursday starts at 10 Eastern…ugh. If TNA doesn’t get off the west coast or work days, I won’t review any of this positively. First World problems, fully aware. But come on now, especially with the shit writing from the last month or so, this show isn’t worth staying up if they TNA personally paid people to review it. It would be totally different if the content was entertaining.
You know what, just give the Hardy’s the book. I’d rather insanity than forgetting to write in logic to a kayfabe injury and because things are pre-taped the WM appearance makes no sense and sudden over selling makes less sense. This isn’t booking into a corner this is booking into a Short Bus with a flat tire.
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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