Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE WrestleMania 36 Night 1 Results!
The first night of WrestleMania Weekend!
WWE truly gives us a WrestleMania Weekend!
The WWE isn’t afraid, they’re giving us a WrestleMania “too big for one night!” What history will be made during such unprecedented days?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Preshow Match – Drew Gulak VS Cesaro; Cesaro wins.
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: The Kabuki Warriors VS Bliss-Cross; Bliss-Cross win and become the new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions.
- Elias VS Baron Corbin; Elias wins.
- Raw Women’s Championship: Becky Lynch VS Shayna Baszler; Lynch wins and retains the Raw Women’s Championship.
- WWE Intercontinental Championship: Sami Zayn w/ The Artist Collective VS Daniel Bryan w/ Drew Gulak; Zayn wins and retains the WWE Intercontinental Championship.
- SmackDown Tag Team Championships Triple Threat Ladder Match: John Morrison VS Kofi Kingston VS Jimmy Uso; Morrison wins and retains the SmackDown Tag Team Championships.
- Seth Rollins VS Kevin Owens; Kevin wins, by disqualification.
- No Disqualifications: Seth Rollins VS Kevin Owens; Kevin wins.
- WWE 24/7 Championship Host-ile Takeover: R-Truth VS Mojo Rawley VS Rob Gronkowski; Rawley wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
- WWE Universal Championship: Goldberg VS Braun Strowman; Strowman wins and becomes the new WWE Universal Champion.
- Boneyard Match: AJ Styles VS The Undertaker; Taker wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
It’s the WrestleMania Preshow!
Corey Graves and Peter Rosenberg are in the WWE Headquarters! Join them as they discuss, analyze and predict everything that’s going on this WrestleMania that’s “too big for one night.”
Preshow Match – Drew Gulak VS Cesaro!
Before The Great Liberator defends his WWE Intercontinental Championship against Daniel Bryan, his Swiss Cyborg goes after Coach Gulak! Will the Philly Stretcher hold his own against the pound-for-pound strongest member of the Artist Collective?
The bell rings and Cesaro goes right at Gulak. Gulak gets Cesaro with the armlock first and drags him down. Cesaro fights up and powers out, but runs into a boot. Gulak runs into a scoop and backbraeker! Cover, TWO! Cesaro drags Gulak in and wants the Gotch but Gulak powers out! Gulak has the arm again and brings Cesaro down! He almost has a Fujiwara, but Cesaro powers up. Gulak drags Cesaro back down to the mat. Cesaro makes it a cover, TWO and Cesaro dead lifts to POWERBOMB Gulak down! Cesaro shakes out his arm before dragging Gulak up. He reels Gulak back in but Gulak rolls to a takedown! He has a YES LOCK! But Cesaro gets the ROPEBREAK! Gulak lets Cesaro go but then dumps Cesaro out of the ring!
Gulak goes to the apron and leaps for a flying lariat! Direct hit but Gulak keeps on Cesaro. Cesaro blocks being thrown into steel steps and hits Gulak back. Cesaro puts Gulak in, but Gulak hotshots Cesaro’s bad arm! Gulak clotheslines Cesaro back out! Gulak fires up, goes out to the apron again, and LEAPS! But Cesaro catches him! Gulak reverses Cesaro’s scoop into an arm-drag! Gulak throws Cesaro into steel steps, shoulder first! Cesaro gets up but gets thrown into more steel steps! Gulak puts Cesaro in and then climbs up top. Gulak leaps but into a EUROPEAN UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! And to Gulak’s cover, ONE! Into the FUJIWARA! Cesaro endures as Gulak cranks back!
Cesaro powers up and knees Gulak low. He knees more and then whips Gulak to ropes. Gulak rolls under to sunset flip, TWO! Gulak leaps to get the dragon sleeper! Cesaro powers up to a SLAM! And a BOOT! Cesaro drags Gulak up and in, but the bad arm keeps him from completing the lift! Gulak slips out but Cesaro sends him at the ref! Gulak stops himself, but turns around into a EuroUpper! Cesaro changes plans to a torture rack and an airplane spin! WITH NO HANDS! Cesaro then SLAMS Gulak down and covers, Cesaro wins!
Winner: Cesaro, by pinfall
Incredible! As tough as Gulak was, and as much as he damaged Cesaro’s arm, Cesaro had a back-up plan! Will Cesaro be part of Sami’s plan in the Intercontinental Championship match?
Backstage interview with Baron Corbin.
The King of the Ring may not have to face Elias after that brutal attack two weeks ago. Corbin shows no remorse for what he did. He does regret he didn’t pile on with road cases. But as a man of tradition, the man who ended Kurt Angle’s career, he’ll accept doing the same to Elias. Corbin even has a song! Corbin plays a harmonica as he basically just brags in rhythm. Well, rhythmic but tone deaf. Will Corbin be able to sing his praises at the end of tonight?
The WWE Backstage hosts join the preshow!
Renee Young, Booker T and Mark Henry are here to discuss Becky Lynch VS Shayna Baszler! It is certainly one of the most anticipated matches on this card. The Raw Women’s Championship is on the line, but in very different circumstances. A crowd of 70 thousand could rattle you, though Shayna is not easily rattled. However, no fans at all, that might affect Becky more. Becky will need to use some “tricks of the trade” to survive, or she’ll lose. Booker and Henry are split on who wins, who will be shocked by what goes down?
Stephanie McMahon addresses the WWE Universe.
“Every year, about this time, WWE presents its premier event, WrestleMania.” Each event has its own personality and has been different from before. This year’s will be the most different of all. The current circumstances prevent there being an audience, but there will be the same commitment to provide us all with the diversion, a sense of hope, determination, and of course, entertainment. With that said, the WWE thanks its fans, and welcomes them to WrestleMania!
WrestleMania has always had the best of the best be part of the celebration.
But with no live crowd allowed, that also means no live performance of the National Anthem. So instead, WWE presents a montage-medley of all 35 previous performances. Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Ray Charles, Michelle Williams, Boys II Men, Little Richard and so many more amazing voices blend together to sing the anthem of the great United States of America.
“A battle for the ages” is on the horizon.
Rise as one, or fall as… CUT! That’s starting at the end. You can’t start at the end. Where is the drama? The rising action? Story-telling 101. Back-up to… There! The raging ocean. “The darkest hour… is just before the dawn.” Movie narration, go! No, wait, that’s very cliche. Okay, yes, this is all cliche because it’s pirate theme with a pedestrian knockoff Jack Sparrow. But it’s also so much more. It’s a story of adventure, bravery, maybe even madness. Wait why are there horses and aliens? Give us the heroic montage! The epic effects! Mythical juxtapositions!
Our heroes, our icons, our legends are all here after hundreds of days and nights around the world. This is their quest for gold, glory and immortality! You may think you’ve heard this story before, but forget what you have learned. For fate has a funny way of surprising you. “Tonight, adventure awaits.” But history waits for no one! Both those things collide in one epic weekend! Who conquers the conquerors? Who raises the greatest treasures imaginable? And who stands tall on the Grandest Stage of Them All?
Rob Gronkowski welcomes us to WrestleMania 36!
The NFL Super Bowl winner is here as “the host with the most” of this epic weekend! The party is too big for one night, so now we need the entire weekend! Well Gronk is the right man for the job! So sit back, grab a drink, and forget your world to be entertained in this world. Gronk brings out Mojo Rawley and we get hyped! High stakes, no brakes, and it starts NOW!
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: The Kabuki Warriors VS Bliss-Cross!
Who better to open a pirate themed WrestleMania than the Pirate Princess? Kairi Sane and the Empress of Tomorrow look to keep hold of their treasure! But will the Goddess and loony lass be take their booty and kick some ass?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and teams sort out. Alexa and Asuka start, ready for a rematch from SmackDown. The two approach, Asuka dodges Alexa, and the Kabuki Warriors have a good laugh. Kairi tags in and she now steps to Alexa. Kairi pushes Alexa around but then starts making them harder palm strikes. Alexa falls down and Kairi mocks the ribbons in Alexa’s hair. They’re cute, but then Alexa SLAPS back! Alexa catches Kairi’s retaliation and mocks Kairi’s hair. Alexa then hits the standing STO and then mocks Asuka. The ref keeps Asuka back as Alexa drops knees. Tag to Nikki and Nikki dropkicks Kairi! Cover, ONE, but Nikki waistlocks to hop on for a thrashing sleeper! Kairi puts Nikki on ropes and in the Kabuki corner. Tag to Asuka and Asuka attacks Nikki.
The Kabuki Warriors stomp Nikki down but the ref backs Asuka off. Asuka says she knows the rules. Asuka snapmares Nikki to then buzzsaw kick! She toys with Nikki and pushes her around. She talks trash in Japanese but Nikki hits back with forearms. Nikki gets an edge but Asuka pushes back. Alexa tags in and Nikki throws Asuka out! Nikki trips up Kairi and clubs away with forearms! The ref reprimands Nikki but Alexa wrecks Kairi with a dropkick! Alexa is on the apron, and she CANNONBALLS onto Asuka! The ref starts a ring count but Nikki crossbodies Kairi down! Bliss-Cross are fired up and hug it out as the Kabuki Warriors regroup. Alexa gets Asuka in the ring at 5 and covers, TWO! Alexa drags Asuka up and wrenches. Tag to Nikki and Nikki climbs up. Nikki leaps for double ax handles!
Nikki wrenches but Asuka DECKS her! Tag to Kairi and Kairi ax kicks Nikki down! Kairi whips but Nikki reverses to send Kairi back out. Kairi hurries up but Nikki swings. But Kairi catches the kick to CHOP! And CHOP! Asuka comes over to help but Alexa wrecks her with a dropkick! The women are brawling and Asuka throws Alexa into the post! Nikki throws Kairi at barriers but Kairi goes up to headscissor back! Asuka ROUNDHOUSES Nikki down! The Kabuki Warriors talk trash and praise themselves as the ring count climbs. Asuka puts Nikki in at 8 and follows. Asuka stomps Nikki down short of getting to Alexa. She says “Mudi mudi!” aka it’s impossible to beat the Kabuki Warriors! Asuka tags Kairi and they mug Nikki.
The Kabuki whip and kick Nikki! Then ax kick to bulldog to dropkick! Asuka and Kairi are having fun now as Kairi sits for a cover. ONE so Kairi clubs away on Nikki. Kairi drags Nikki up in a facelock and cranks on her neck. Kairi ALabama lifts but Nikki sunset flips! TWO, and Nikki hurries. Kairi grabs at Nikki but Nikki kicks her away, hot tag to Alexa! Alexa rallies with lariats and counter punches to ROCK and DROPKICK! Asuka shouts for Kairi to get up but Alexa runs in. Kairi dodges but Alexa still punches her first. Alexa climbs up but Asuka hurries over. The ref reprimands them but the Kabuki Warriors trip Alexa up! Kairi climbs to WOE STOMP Alexa down!! Cover, TWO!! Alexa survives and Kairi argues the count.
Kairi drags Alexa up to grind her boots in. The ref counts but Kairi lets up to kick. Alexa kicks back but Kairi kicks her down! SLIDING D! Cover, TWO! Kairi drags Alexa up and wrenches her hair. Tag to Asuka and the Kabuki mug Alexa on the ropes. Asuka stands on Alexa’s neck at the apron. Kairi thrashes Alexa around while the ref pulls Asuka off. Asuka says she knows the rules, because that’s how they’re getting away with all this. Asuka clamps onto Alexa with an armlock. Alexa endures and fights her way up. Alexa throws hands but Asuka throws Alexa by her hair! Nikki protests but Asuka chokes Alexa on the ropes. Asuka lets up at 4 but Kairi hotshots Alexa down!
Asuka goes after Alexa with forearms, then runs corner to corner for a hip attack! Alexa denies the bulldog but not the pop-up KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Alexa toughs it out but Asuka is still on her. Asuka bumps Alexa off buckles as Nikki rallies for Alexa. Asuka runs in and Alexa knees her away! Alexa runs, ducks the back hand to ROCK Asuka! But Asuka ROUNDHOUSES back! Both women are down and crawling for their corners! Hot tags to Kairi and Nikki! Nikki rallies with big forearms! She runs in at the corner to splash and bulldog! Nikki unzips her vest and climbs up top! FLYING CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO!! Nikki drags Kairi up but Kairi rakes the eyes! Tag to Asuka and Kairi runs in at Nikki. Nikki puts Kairi outside but Kairi shoulders in. But into a facelock! Nikki wants her neckbreaker but Asuka clubs her on the back!
Asuka fires off palm strikes but Nikki blocks the back hand! Nikki hits THE PURGE!! But Kairi hits the InSANE Elbow to break the cover!! Everyone is down but Nikki heads for Asuka. Nikki and Asuka are up, Nikki waistlocks but Asuka flails! O’Conner roll but Asuka pops out! ASUKA LOCK!! Nikki flails and rolls but Asuka stays clamped on! Alexa uses TWISTED BLISS to return the favor! But Kairi SPEARS Alexa! Everyone is down again! Asuka returns to her corner but Alexa is nowhere to be found. Kairi tags in and Asuka hits a CODE BREAKER! Kairi is up top again, but Nikki goes after her! The two fight up top and Kairi clubs away. Nikki clubs back but Asuka tags back in.
Asuka adds on and the Kabuki have Nikki 2v1! Asuka sunset flips and Kairi adjusts, KABUKI DOOMSDAY!! Cover, TWO!?! Nikki survives and the Kabuki Warriors cannot believe it! Kairi tags back in and Asuka drags Nikki up. Kairi DECKS ALexa and then runs. But Nikki dodges! The Kabuki avoid colliding, but then Nikki POSTS Asuka! Kairi clubs Nikki but Nikki ducks the back hand. THE PURGE hits again! Tag to Alexa, for another TWISTED BLISS!! Cover, Bliss-Cross wins!!
Winners: Bliss-Cross, by pinfall (NEW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)
Amazing! The best friends are back on top! Will they reach new heights together?
Backstage interview with Sami Zayn.
Sami and his Artist Collective are feeling good, but now Sami must defend his title against Daniel Bryan. Is it inevitable, though? The “inevitable” was Braun Strowman beating these three to retain the WWE Intercontinental Championship. Yet it is Sami, “The Great Liberator,” holding the title! Everyone wants to see Bryan shut Sami’s mouth, but that’s not inevitable. Having this match doesn’t mean Bryan gets at Sami. The Artist Collective always has a plan. But one thing that is inevitable is that Sami will do what very few have ever done. He will walk in as Intercontinental Champion, and then walk out still Intercontinental Champion. Which inevitability will become reality?
Elias VS Baron Corbin!
The Drifter has said the Lone Wolf King is delusional, but Corbin’s attack was very real. Has Elias recovered enough to exact revenge on Corbin? Or is he the one who will #DriftAway?
Corbin grabs a mic to say, “The King has arrived at WrestleMania!” But Elias is nowhere to be found. Corbin replays the footage of his attack to make sure we all remember how it happened. “That felt good to send Elias flying off that balcony. And what’s going to feel even better is getting my second win at WrestleMania in a row.” So Elias should be counted out and Corbin’s hand should be raised in victory! But wait! The guitar strum signals that Elias IS here! Corbin rushes Elias but Elias kicks and guitar SMASHES Corbin back! This match isn’t official because Corbin didn’t wait for the bell! Elias throws Corbin into barriers and into the post! He CHOPS Corbin down then bumps him off the apron!
Elias puts Corbin in the ring but the ref keeps Elias back. Corbin flounders to a corner and drags himself to his feet. The bell rings and Elias goes after Corbin on the record! Elias CHOPS and clubs Corbin then whips him to ropes. Elias runs Corbin over with an elbow and covers, TWO! Corbin can’t get away before Elias is on him with another CHOP! Elias throws big forearms and springboard stomps Corbin down. The ref backs Elias off but Elias drags Corbin up. Elias reels Corbin in for a swinging neckbreaker! Cover, ONE! Elias drags Corbin back up to CHOP again! But Corbin flapjacks Elias up and out of the ring! Corbin demands the ref count Elias out, and the count begins. Elias is up at 3 and in at 4, but Corbin throws him into a POST. Corbin covers, TWO!
Corbin stomps Elias down then puts him in a corner. He throws big body shots and haymakers then whips Elias corner to corner. Elias hits buckles hard, but dodges Corbin. Corbin slides out then in then LARIATS Elias down! Cover, TWO! Corbin grows frustrated but he goes after Elias again. “How’s your arm, huh?!” Corbin drags Elias up with a chinbar to drive elbows into the bad shoulder! Then Corbin shouts at commentary to praise him. Elias body shots Corbin back! Corbin knees low then POSTS Elias again! Corbin grins as Elias falls back and clutches his arms. Cover, TWO! The Wolf King is frustrated again, and he argues with the ref. Corbin goes after Elias on the ropes and drives more elbows into the bad shoulder. Elias flops against the ropes but Corbin brings him back up.
Corbin whips Elias corner to corner, but Elias reverses and POSTS Corbin! Now Corbin clutches a bad shoulder. Elias goes to the opposite corner and runs in to LARIAT Corbin down! Elias whips but Corbin reverses. Corbin catches Elias as he goes up, but Elias still mule kicks Corbin away. Elias stomps Corbin and throws fast hands! The ref backs Elias off but Elias is furious! Elias stomps Corbin more and more but backs off again. Just to come back for more! Elias drags Corbin up, dragon sleepers, swinging facebuster! Cover, TWO!! Elias keeps his cool and drags Corbin to a drop zone. Elias climbs up top, leaps, but has to bail out as Corbin moves. Corbin gets Elias for DEEP SIX! Cover, TWO!! Elias survives and both men back off to opposite corners.
Corbin sits up first but Elias slowly follows. Elias flounders on ropes but he gets to another corner. Corbin runs in but Elias dodges again. Corbin slides out then in but Elias dodges the lariat this time! Elias KNEES Corbin down! Cover, TWO! Elias drags Corbin around to stomp away on. He puts Corbin back in a drop zone but Corbin rolls away. Elias pursues but Corbin grabs the ropes. Elias tries to get Corbin up but Corbin throat chops! Corbin covers, using the ropes! The ref spots that and stops the count. Corbin argues but Elias rolls Corbin up! WITH TIGHTS! Elias wins!!
Winner: Elias, by pinfall
The King tried to cheat but he gets cheated right back! Will Elias have a song to tell the tale of this victory?
Raw Women’s Championship: Becky Lynch VS Shayna Baszler!
The Man has been on a roll for a year now, but she may have run into an obstacle she can’t overcome. The Queen of Spades eliminated every other woman in the Elimination Chamber, and looks to destroy one more target. Will Shayna extinguish the Straight Fire once and for all? Or has she bitten off more than she can chew?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and this grudge match finally happens!
Becky circles with Shayna and then they start throwing hands! It is fast and furious to say the least! Shayna kicks Becky’s leg, then gets around her for the Kirafuda! But Becky escapes before Shayna can clamp on tighter. Shayna pursues and kicks away on Bekcy’s leg. Becky hits back but Shayna CLUBS her down! Shayna bumps Becky off the apron then refreshes the count. Shayna stalks Becky, then dead lifts her! But Becky huricanranas free! Becky staggers over to bring Shayna up. She throws Shayna into the desk! Becky refreshes the count now to then throw Shayna into steel steps! Shayna writhes but Becky drags her back up. Becky puts Shayna in at 4 then climbs up top. Becky leaps to missile dropkick Shayna down!
Shayna flounders to the far corner but Becky runs in. Becky hits the forearm then stomps away! The ref counts but Becky won’t let up. The ref backs Becky off but she goes after SHayna with an uppercut and a back kick! Becky brings Shayna up but Shayna fights off the suplex. Becky elbows Shayna then jumps, but her kick is blocked! Shayna KNEES Becky down! Shayna stalks up behind Becky to bring her up in a butterfly. She gut wrenches but Becky slips out! Becky wants the arm, but Shayna clamps onto a shoulder. Becky sits down out of the clutch to victory roll, TWO! Shayna SPINE BUSTERS Becky down! Shayna drags Becky back up, butterfly to CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Becky survives but Shayna isn’t done with her. Shayna waits for Becky to rise, and then runs in.
Becky dodges to clamp onto the arm! Shayna whips Becky to the apron. Becky KICKS Shayna back then drags her out to join her. The two start brawling on the apron’s edge! Becky says this is HER title, no one else’s! Shayna fires off hands and knees! Becky wobbles, but she catches Shayna for a SLAM onto the apron!! Becky pushes Shayna in to cover, TWO!! Shayna survives and Becky is at a loss for words. Becky thinks on what to do next, and she drags Shayna over to a corner. Becky climbs up top, but SHayna springs up to enziguri! Shayna THROWS Becky off the top! Shayna clamps on, butterfly to an ARMBAR! Becky flails, endures, and manages a grip. Becky moves to make it a cover, TWO! Shayna STEALS the Disarm-Her!!
Becky endures her own move, and rolls around to get up. But Shayna trips Becky to KNEE her point-blank! Cover, TWO!! Becky survives and Shayna grows frustrated. Becky goes to the apron but Shayna pursues. Shayna brings Becky up but Becky hotshots her away. Becky climbs up, DISARM-HER on the ropes! But Shayna shoves Becky up, KIRAFUDA in the ropes!! The ref counts, Shayna lets go at 4 and Becky flops to the floor! Becky crawls but Shayna is in pursuit again. Shayna kicks Becky down then grabs the legs. Shayna dead lifts and SWINGS Becky into the desk! She drops Becky to refresh the count, and now grins. Shayna drags Becky up and says, “Some hero.” She puts Becky in the ring but takes her time returning.
Shayna looms over Becky, but Becky grabs the arm! Becky tries to bring Shayna down but Shayna back suplexes her off. Becky lands on her feet, but Shayna spins her around, for the KIRAFUDA! Shayna keeps Becky from ropes and leans on her. Becky rolls back to a cover, and WINS!!
Winner: Becky Lynch, by pinfall (still Raw Women’s Champion)
Becky finds a way to survive Shayna! The savage Queen of Spades was perhaps outsmarted at the last moment. Will Shayna survive being shocked by Straight Fire?
WWE Intercontinental Championship: Sami Zayn w/ The Artist Collective VS Daniel Bryan w/ Drew Gulak!
Gulak helped the Yes Movement get this match, but he lost his own against Cesaro. Will Bryan make good on Gulak’s help by taking this title off “The Great Liberator?”
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and this showdown begins!
Well, it would begin but Sami takes his time talking things over with Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura. Sami finally leaves his corner to circle with Bryan. Sami backs away into the corner again, then hops out of the ring. He says Bryan is crowding him but Bryan gives Sami plenty of space. Sami gets in and the two circle. But then Sami bails back out, just to annoy Bryan. Bryan keeps his cool but Sami lets the ring count climb. Sami slowly gets in at 8, but then jumps right back out! Bryan pursues and chases Sami, but Cesaro stands in the way. Sami gets back in the ring and Bryan heads that way, but again Sami bails out. Now Shinsuke stands in Bryan’s way. Sami slides back in with a cocky grin, but Bryan slides in. Bryan slowly approaches, Sami stumbles and Bryan almost gets him!
But now both Cesaro and Shinsuke stand in the way. So Gulak LEAPS Onto them both! Gulak and Cesaro brawl, and Gulak throws Cesaro over barriers! Gulak dodges Nakamura to clothesline him over, too! Sami sneaks up on Gulak but Gulak sees him coming. Bryan says Gulak can stand down, and let Sami go. Sami wants a count out, so just let him. So are they coming to their senses? Sami says this is Bryan’s best decision. But then Bryan goes out and TACKLES Sami at the ramp! Bryan punches Sami then puts him in the ring! Bryan has Sami all alone but Sami begs for forgiveness. No go as Bryan gets the legs! Sami keeps pleading but Bryan punches and clubs Sami over and over. Bryan keeps Sami down with knee after knee!
Sami flounders up but Bryan drags him from the ropes. Bryan has the leg and just toys with Sami now. Bryan kicks Sami hard in the leg, and the back, and then grounds ‘n’ pounds more. Sami gets away again but Bryan builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit sends both men into barriers! Bryan is up to kick Sami over and over! Bryan puts Sami in then climbs up top. Sami stands but Bryan leaps to missile dropkick him down! Bryan kips up and he has Sami’s legs again. Bryan laces the legs and pulls on Sami’s nose! The ref reprimands but Bryan crossface forearms Sami over and over and over! Bryan bumps Sami off buckles then SLAPS him! That’s for thinking Gulak’s a nobody! The kicks are because Sami hasn’t earned the title! Bryan hits a corner to corner dropkick!
Sami flounders about but Bryan brings him back up. Bryan knees Sami over and over! Sami tries to run away again but Bryan is after him. Sami elbows Bryan back and unloads haymakers of his own! He whips and LARIATS Bryan down! Sami is still stinging from everything Bryan did, but now he laughs because he’s in control. Sami SLAPS Bryan now! But Bryan just gets stronger! Sami CHOPS Bryan, and CHOPS! Bryan fires up as Sami whips, and he comes back with a LEAPING LARIAT! Bryan gives Sami YES and NO Kicks! Kicks from all sides hit Sami over and over! And the BUZZSAW! Sami is in a daze but Bryan isn’t done with him. Bryan has the arms and DANIELSON STOMPS! He stomps and stomps and stomps!
Gulak says Bryan can finish Sami now by going up top. But Cesaro and Nakamura go after Gulak and throw him into steps! Bryan DIVES and takes them both out! Bryan hurries to do as Gulak said, and goes up top. Sami BOOTS Bryan out of the air! Cover, Sami wins!!
Winner: Sami Zayn, by pinfall (still WWE Intercontinental Champion)
The Artist Collective saves their Great Liberator! Sami wasn’t untouchable, but he did deny the inevitable. Is it undeniable that this trio will keep this title no matter who they’re up against?
SmackDown Tag Team Championships Triple Threat Ladder Match: John Morrison VS Kofi Kingston VS Jimmy Uso!
This was meant to be a tag team triple threat, but The Miz is not able to compete tonight. But as the show must go one, the WWE felt it was fairer to the champions to bring this down to a normal Triple Threat. Will #JohnnyDripDrip still hold onto the belts for him and the A-Lister? Or will a new reign begin for another great tag team of the 21st century?
The bell rings and each man watches the other two closely. Jimmy aims at Morrison but Morrison dodges the superkick. Morrison kicks but Jimmy dodges that. Jimmy waistlocks but both men avoid Kofi’s double stomps. Jimmy flips Kofi but he lands on his feet. Kofi flips Morrison but he lands on his feet. The three stand off and start again. Jimmy bails out but Kofi and Morrison follow. They each get a ladder and bring it into the ring. All three men stand up ladders, with Morrison having drawn the short straw. Jimmy and Kofi go up their much taller ladders and go after Morrison. Kofi reaches for the belts but Jimmy CHOPS him Jimmy CHOPS Morrison but Kofi and Morrison hit back. Morrison kicks Jimmy’s ladder over! Jimmy falls down hard and Morrison goes after Kofi.
Kofi fights Morrison off and Jimmy returns. Jimmy drags Morrison off his ladder, but then Kofi LEAPS onto Jimmy! Morrison gets up and goes up the taller ladder, only for Kofi to pursue. Kofi drags Morrison down and the two brawl. Morrison snapmares Kofi and runs to Shining Wizard! Jimmy adjusts a ladder but Morrison pushes it over. Morrison mule kicks and clubs Jimmy down. Morrison positions ladders around but Kofi goes after him with clubbing forearms. The two brawl and Morrison cranks the neck. Kofi sips out but no SOS or Trouble in Paradise. Kofi ducks the Flying Chuck but Jimmy climbs! Jimmy is up top but Kofi gets up to stop him!
Kofi clubs and headbutts Jimmy down! But Morrison hurries to stop Kofi! Morrison has an arm and ROCKS Kofi with a right. Morrison punches Kofi down, then pogo-sticks the ladder over. He reaches for the belts but Jimmy grabs at Morrison. Jimmy forces Morrison to come down, and ROCKS him with an uppercut! Jimmy gets the ladder in position but Morrison ROCKS Jimmy back. Question mark kick to mule kick! Jimmy CHOPS, and Kofi springboards! Kofi uses the ladder like a swing, but his huricanrana is blocked! Morrison and Jimmy both throw Kofi out! Jimmy kicks Morrison low then CHOPS him again. Jimmy goes back to the ladder but Morrison clubs him back. Morrison whips, Jimmy reverses, but Morrison slides under the bars!
Jimmy pushes the ladder over, but Morrison is safe in the gap! Morrison pokes Jimmy in the eyes! Morrison pushes the ladder and it SMASHES into Jimmy! With both opponents down, Morrison takes some time to prepare. Morrison puts one ladder in a corner, then grabs another to SMASH Jimmy’s legs! Jimmy writhes while Morrison moves ladders aside. Jimmy gets up to CHOP again! He ROCKS Morrison with an uppercut, then puts Morrison on the ropes. Jimmy bounces Morrison’s head off the ladder Morrison himself set up. Jimmy climbs up to join Morrison, but has to be careful on the ladder. Morrison hits him back and trips him up! Jimmy is stuck on the ladder, and Morrison stands on the post, for a PARKOUR CORKSCREW! Morrison wrecks Jimmy with that ladder!
Morrison stomps Jimmy out of the ring then goes to a ladder. The Guru of Greatness stands the ladder up right under the belts. Morrison climbs up, careful of the wobbling. Kofi SPRINGBOARDS and SUPER STEINERS Morrison down!! Morrison falls out of the ring but Jimmy slowly gets up. Kofi hobbles to the ladder and stands it up again. Kofi climbs but Jimmy hurries in. Jimmy gets a mule kick but gives an uppercut. Kofi whips Jimmy out and throws a big haymaker! Kofi sees Morrison and FLIES! They wipe out with the ladders! All three men are down but Kofi is up first. Kofi gets a ladder but Jimmy walks on the barriers. Kofi THROWS the ladder at Jimmy!! Jimmy goes down in a heap with the ladder but Kofi keeps on him.
Kofi kicks Jimmy down then drags a ladder up. Kofi makes a ladder bridge between barrier and ring. “I know you got fight, Uce.” He clubs Jimmy then brings him up. He bounces Jimmy off the ladder, then hoists him onto it. Kofi clubs away on Jimmy until Jimmy stays put. But Morrison is up top! Kofi hurries to trip Morrison up and club him down. Kofi gets space, climbs up top, but Morrison is also up again. Morrison tightrope walks all the way to Kofi! And then uses a SUPER SPANISH FLY to wreck Kofi in the ring! But Jimmy USO SPLASHES down on Morrison!! All three men are down but those titles are still above their heads! Jimmy forces himself to bring a ladder up. He positions it under the belts and wills himself up the rungs.
Kofi crawls over and anchors Jimmy, but Jimmy kicks him away. Jimmy climbs but Kofi pursues. Kofi climbs over Jimmy and grabs at his hair. Jimmy punches Kofi back and Kofi flops to the floor. Jimmy climbs back up, but Kofi comes up from under! Kofi kicks and punches from the inside of the ladder, and then smashes Jimmy’s head on a rung! Jimmy falls down and Kofi moves around to the outside of the ladder. Kofi grabs at the belts but Morrison is there! Morrison punches Kofi but Kofi hits back. Kofi headbutts Morrison down and heads back up! But Morrison comes back around to grab his feet. Kofi leaps for DOUBLE STOMPS!! Everyone is down again, and the ladder tips over!
Kofi hurries to get the ladder back up, but Jimmy is bringing another ladder in. Kofi kicks Morrison out but Jimmy pushes the ladder in! It ends up another bridge as Kofi fights with Morrison. Kofi knocks Jimmy off the apron and then climbs. Kofi jumps off the bridge but into Jimmy’s kick! Jimmy SMASHES Kofi into ladder! Jimmy talks trash but Morrison is lurking. Morrison goes over and Jimmy goes under! Morrison goes up again but Jimmy SUPERKICKS! Jimmy has Morrison on the ladder bridge, and then brings a third ladder into play. Jimmy stands the ladder up in a corner as he climbs. He is at the very top, but Morrison gets up! Morrison pushes this ladder over and Jimmy FALLS TO THE FLOOR!!
Morrison has an opening and he tosses ladders out of the way. He heads up the rungs and grabs at the belts, but Kofi is back! Kofi climbs up as Morrison fiddles with the hook. Kofi CLUBS Morrison and then headbutts him. Morrison kicks and ROCKS Kofi, but Jimmy returns?! Jimmy has another ladder side by side with the main one. He climbs as the other two brawl. Jimmy CHOPS and headbutts! Kofi gives them back! Morrison uses both ladders for balance, and all three men are grabbing at the belts! They all unhook it, but now it’s about who keeps hold! They keep brawling, and a DOUBLE HEADBUTT sends Morrison down! BUT WITH THE BELTS!!! The belts came off the hanger, Morrison wins!!!
Winner: John Morrison (Miz & Morrison are still SmackDown Tag Team Champions)
A unique 1v1v1 match for tag titles, and an incredibly unique way of winning! If Morrison can win even in this situation, will he and The Miz ever stop being THE Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century?
Seth Rollins VS Kevin Owens!
The Monday Night Messiah vows to bring Raw and all of the WWE into the future, but under his leadership and vision. But the Prizefighter will not let Rollins mistake his obnoxious tirades as greatness. Will Rollins end Kevin and the Resistance? Or will Kevin finally have a WrestleMania Moment to be proud of?
The bell rings and Rollins gives Kevin a chance to end this peacefully. Kevin refuses and rushes Rollins, but Rollins goes to the ropes for defense. The ref brings Kevin back and Rollins sucker punches! Rollins throws more hands but Kevin hits back. Rollins runs away, but Kevin pursues. They brawl outside the ring and Kevin backs Rollins down. Kevin throws Rollins into barriers but Rollins uses Kevin’s shirt to bring him into a knee. Rollins goes to the ring but Kevin avoids getting a Curb Stomp! Kevin knocks Rollins down then CHOPS him to a corner. Kevin throws more hands but the ref backs Kevin off. Rollins gets up but Kevin whips him. Rollins kicks Kevin but Kevin LARIATS back! And drops a senton! Kevin taunts Rollins, “How did that feel?” Then he gives Rollins another senton!
Rollins is in a corner but bails out before the cannonball. Kevin pursues again and CHOPS Rollins more! Kevin brings Rollins over to throw into barriers! He drags Rollins up to throw into more barriers around the way! Kevin refreshes the count to go after Rollins again. Kevin stomps Rollins then puts him in the ring. Rollins rolls out but Kevin meets him around the way. Kevin drags Rollins up and around, but Rollins resists the lift. Rollins back drops Kevin onto the apron! Kevin writhes but Rollins seethes. Rollins drags Kevin up, for an APRON FALCON ARROW! Kevin falls to the floor and sputters for air. Rollins taunts Kevin now as Kevin slowly stands. Rollins builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit sends Kevin into barriers! Rollins asks if Kevin sees the mistake he made. “I become a GOD!”
Kevin stands again, but Rollins DIVES again! Another direct hit! Rollins is laughing now because “You’re making this too easy, Kevin.” Rollins goes back into the ring, taunting Kevin that he’s a disappointment to his kids. Kevin stands, Rollins runs, but Kevin ROCKS Rollins first! But Rollins returns with a SLINGBLADE! Rollins rains down fists from all sides then kicks Kevin all around. Rollins taunts Kevin with his own words about being the one to #BurnItDown. Kevin stands, Rollins back kicks and runs. But no stomp as Kevin dodges! Kevin rolls Rollins, dodges another stomp, and hits a SPIKING DDT! Both men are down now but going to opposite corners. Rollins spots Kevin and runs in, but Kevin dodges! And SUPERKICKS back! Kevin hits the CANNONBALL! Kevin heads up top fast, for the SWANTON BOMB! Cover, TWO!!
Rollins survives but is still in bad shape. Kevin stands and keeps Rollins from leaving. Kevin throws haymakers and whips, but Rollins slips out of the pop-up! Rollins kicks, Kevin duck sand rolls him. Rollins slips out and tries again, but Kevin kicks back! No Stunner, Rollins hits a PELE! But Kevin rebounds to LARIAT! Both men are down again but stirring. Kevin is up first but Rollins goes to the apron. Kevin grabs Rollins and brings him up at the corner. They go up to the top rope, but Rollins fights back Kevin clubs Rollins but Rollins resists the superplex. Rollins claws Kevin’s eyes! And then sunset flips! For the BUCKLE BOMB! Rollins SUPERKICKS, and SUPERKICKS! Rollins runs, into a POP-UP BOMB!! Cover, TWO!!
Rollins survives and Kevin can’t believe it! Kevin drags himself up on the ropes while Rollins crawls to the apron. Kevin heads over but Rollins runs! Rollins makes it to the timekeeper’s area but Kevin catches him! Rollins elbows Kevin away and then uses the RING BELL!!
Winner: Kevin Owens, by disqualification
The irony is that the bell couldn’t ring until Rollins gave it back. Kevin wins the battle because Rollins is focused on the war. “That’s your WrestleMania Moment, huh?” It isn’t a failure, but it isn’t what Kevin wants. Kevin grabs a mic to shout at Rollins before he leaves. “You don’t get to end this this way.” Kevin thought Rollins said he was a wrestling god. But that was the act of a wrestling BI*CH! If Rollins is a man, then prove it! They need to finish this! NO DISQUALIFICATIONS! Rollins accepts the challenge! Will Kevin redeem himself in this instant rematch?
No Disqualifications: Seth Rollins VS Kevin Owens!
The bell rings again and Rollins KNEES Kevin down! Rollins slaps Kevin around as he shouts, “When are you going to figure it out?!” Rollins drags Kevin up to throw him out of the ring. He goes out to throw Kevin into barriers! He keeps on Kevin with furious fists and kicks against the barriers! Rollins throws Kevin into barriers at the timekeeper’s area! “I can do whatever I want!” So Rollins grabs steel steps. Rollins aims at Kevin, and RAMS him down! Rollins taunts Kevin and kicks him all around. He takes the timekeeper’s chair and stalks Kevin. Kevin rises but Rollins SMACKS him on the back! And then on the arm! And on the back again! Rollins tells this is why Kevin should just shut his mouth.
The ref tells Rollins to finish this in the ring but Rollins says he can do whatever he wants. Rollins clears off the announce desk and brings Kevin up. But now Kevin uses the ring bell!! And AGAIN! Kevin has Rollins on the announce desk and hurries around… Behind the set? Kevin climbs the WrestleMania sign!! Kevin aims at Rollins on the desk, for a SUPER SENTON THROUGH THE TABLE!!! Both men writhe and referees hurry out to check. Rollins moans and gasps in pain but somehow Kevin stands up! Kevin won’t let it end here, he drags Rollins up out of the wreckage. He puts Rollins in the ring, then drags him up by his hair. Rollins begs for mercy, but he gets a STUNNER instead! Cover, Kevin wins!!
Winner: Kevin Owens, by pinfall
Now THAT is a WrestleMania Moment to be proud of! Kevin risked his own body to take down the ego-maniacal Rollins! Will this end the war for Raw’s soul?
R-Truth joins Gronk and Mojo on the balcony.
The “WWE 24/7 48-7 7/11 I-95 South North European Television Champion” introduces himself. This title is bittersweet. He can’t go to picnics, church or cook outs. He got the baby back but he doesn’t want to lose it. Can Gronk and Mojo help? Gronk DECKS and covers Truth but Mojo drags him off it! Mojo covers Truth, and wins!!
Winner: Mojo Rawley, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)
Get hype again as The One True Champion is back on top! Mojo heads out and dares his buddy, Gronk, to come for it.
Backstage interview with Paul Heyman.
Well, Heyman introduces himself and it spooks Charly Caruso. But the one that should be afraid is Drew McIntyre. We are 24 hours away from seeing that McIntyre is just a poser. Heyman said it on Raw, and knows that with all the marketing exaggerations, it seems he has failed to tell the world how unique Lesnar is. Lesnar isn’t just one amongst us, he is a unique being. McIntyre learns in 24 hours that there is nothing he can do other than dream, and crawl out of the ring a victim. Conquered not by a man, a mere mortal, but by a being unlike any other. The reigning, defending, undisputed WWE Heavyweight Champion of the World… Brock. Lesnar.
WWE Universal Championship: Goldberg VS Braun Strowman!
The Big Dog could not compete so now The Monster Among Men steps to the living legend! Will Strowman finally #GetTheseHands on a world championship? Or is he just #WhosNext to lose to GOLD~BERG~?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and this new yet equally epic encounter begins!
Goldberg and Strowman circle, then stare down. Strowman says Goldberg doesn’t have what it takes to stop him. Goldberg kicks low and whips Strowman to a corner. Strowman dodges and Goldberg avoids buckles. Strowman scoops but Goldberg slips out to SPEAR!! But Strowman is right up! So Goldberg SPEARS him again! Strowman is up again, but gets a THIRD SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!?!? Strowman survives three, but will he survive more? Goldberg takes aim and runs in, for a FOURTH SPEAR!! Goldberg is fired up but he needs to keep on Strowman. He wants to suplex but Strowman counters with a MONSTER SLAM! And another MONSTER SLAM! And then a THIRD MONSTER SLAM!! Now the tables have turned, and Strowman dares Goldberg to get up. Strowman brings Goldberg up, scoops, and hits the FOURTH MONSTER SLAM!! Cover, STROWMAN WINS!!!
Winner: Braun Strowman, by pinfall (NEW WWE Universal Champion)
The Triple Crown Monster is born!! Strowman is finally a world champion after surviving and conquering the Hall of Famer! What does this mean for the WWE now?
Boneyard Match: AJ Styles VS The Undertaker!
The Phenomenal One couldn’t stand that the Phenom made sure he didn’t win accolades unfairly. But then he made it personal by badmouthing Taker’s legacy, and Taker’s wife, Michelle McCool. Styles wants the Dead Man of old so that he can be the one to finally end him. Will this first-ever Boneyard Match be what does it?
Cameras take us to a cemetery in an undisclosed location. A hearse pulls up as Taker’s theme plays. Hooded figures bring a casket out of the back. The casket opens, but it isn’t Taker, but AJ Styles! Styles laughs as he hops out and looks around. “This don’t look scary at all!” Styles dares Taker to show himself. “I’m ready!” And pulling up on a motorcycle with Metallica blaring, it’s Big Evil! The American Badass drives into the Boneyard! Styles is surprised Taker came. Does Michelle know he’s up this late? A grave has been dug for Taker, but he says that’s for Styles. Taker steps to Styles, but Styles grabs a brick! Taker DECKS Styles first and dares Styles to get back up. Styles wanted this, now he’s going to get it! Taker decks Styles again then brings him to the grave.
Styles gets away but Taker pursues. Taker turns “Allen” around to DECK him again! Taker throws Styles into the casket lid! “It’s all fun, right?” He bounces Styles off the lid! And again! Styles crawls but Taker grabs a big spike! Taker goes after Styles but Styles moves! The hearse’s window smashes and cuts Taker’s arm. Taker isn’t scared, he’s just upset. Taker keeps Styles from crawling away but Styles kicks back! The two brawl and Taker throws Styles over the hood ONTO the windshield! The glass cracks and Taker wonders if Styles still wants some. Styles crawls up and over the top so Taker pursues. Taker brings Styles up but Styles punches back! Taker DECKS Styles again! He grounds ‘n’ pounds Styles over and over on the roof of the car. Taker tells Styles to never talk bad about his wife again!
Styles flops off the side of the car and Taker asks if he wants more. Taker stalks Styles but Styles hits back! Styles has Taker wobbling and he LOW BLOWS him! No Disqualifications in the Boneyard! Styles drags Taker over to the grave. Styles punches Taker over and over but Taker stays up. “Just fall already.” But Taker ROCKS Styles back! Taker hauls Styles up to punch him into the grave! “How does that feel down there?” But here come the Good Brothers! The OC says this is just getting started. Taker heads over, but then lights turn on. And from the light, hooded figures emerge and surround Taker! Taker watches them closely, and a huge brawl breaks out!
Taker fights off the mysterious minions but then Gallows and Anderson attack! They beat Taker down on the ground and stomp him around. Gallows drags Taker up and Anderson has a shovel stick. Taker fights free and boots Anderson down! He decks Gallows, then Anderson. Taker takes the shovel stick to CLOBBER Anderson! And then CLUB Gallows! But Styles returns and SMASHES Taker with a cinder block! “You ain’t got what it takes, old man!” Styles clubs Taker back down and talks more trash about Michelle. He rains down hands but ends up jamming his own fingers. Styles fixes his hand and blames Taker for that. Taker gasps and sputters as Styles tells him to stay down. Taker refuses and sits up. Styles tells him to quit and retire already, or he’s going to bury him. Taker stands and Styles RAMS him THROUGH THE FENCE!
Styles crawls from the wreckage while Taker continues to gasp. “You just don’t have it anymore, old man.” Taker slowly gets up but Styles is standing. Taker flips Styles off and eggs him on! So Styles throws down more fists! Styles says the “American Badass” just looks like some “broken down old bi*ch.” Styles grabs a shovel with a head on it, and says he is doing the WWE Universe a favor. Taker crawls and Styles BREAKS the shovel across his back! Taker falls into the grave! Styles sprinkles dirt as he says, “Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.” Styles goes to the tractor and starts it up. But wait! Is that…?! Taker magically appears behind him!! Taker punches Styles again and again! Styles flounders off the tractor and Taker kicks him around.
Styles heads for a ladder. Taker pursues Styles as he’s on the roof. Styles backs away, but PILLARS OF FIRE keep him from running! Taker BOOTS Styles down! Then he punches the OC away! Taker throws Gallows off the roof! And he scoops Anderson for a TOMBSTONE! That’s a tin roof, too! Now it’s just Taker and Styles. Styles doesn’t understand how Taker is doing this. Styles throws hands but Taker just eggs him on. Taker then choke grips Styles, for a CHOKE SLAM OFF THE ROOF!! Taker climbs down the ladder and stalks over to Styles. Styles stirs in the wreckage of the fence. Taker asks if Styles remembers his wife’s name. Taker wants Styles to stay awake, because they’ve still got plenty to do. He drags Styles from the wood wreckage and scoops him.
Taker carries Styles over to the grave and drops him just outside. Styles apologizes but Taker wants him to be specific. Taker drags Styles up and says he put up a hell of a fight. Styles doesn’t want to be buried, but Taker says he isn’t going to do that. They hug it out and Taker commends Styles for bringing the fight. Taker pats Styles on the head, then BOOTS him into the grave! Taker goes to the tractor, starts it up again, and DUMPS DIRT INTO THE GRAVE! And in the end, the head stone reads… AJ STYLES! Styles is left behind in a shallow grave as Taker gets back on his motorcycle. And with a raise of his fist, fire shoots from the barn! Taker’s symbol glows in the sky as he heads out into the night, for this is not his last ride.
Winner: The Undertaker
My Thoughts:
Wow, I must say, I really liked a lot of what WWE did tonight. I wasn’t really sure the point of a kickoff match but Cesaro and Gulak gave us really good stuff. And WWE actually changed the way the math usually works. I thought Cesaro winning meant Gulak would help Bryan win, but nope. The Artist Collective worked together and Sami Zayn is still champion. If anything, that’s the better outcome so the trio can be taken seriously. There’s concern of Daniel Bryan’s contract, but I hope this loss doesn’t mean he’s leaving. Likewise, I hope the Kabuki Warriors losing does NOT mean Kairi Sane is leaving. It felt like the Kabuki Warriors finally got going before this pandemic. Hopefully Kairi is given reason to stay so that she and Asuka can be even greater once the pandemic is over.
Elias VS Corbin was alright, but barely better than what you’d expect from a TV match. It might just be the limitations of both guys as exciting performers. But at least Elias won. I was surprised by the Raw Women’s Championship in how Becky one with the roll up counter. Shayna going through crisis of confidence might be an interesting move, as she’s always been succeeding. I’m sure she’ll get a second shot because who else is there for Becky to face? The SmackDown Tag Team Championship Ladder Match was still amazing, even with having to cut the numbers in half. That ending was brilliant, too. I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen a ladder match won by a miraculous move like that. I’m really intrigued to see where those titles go next.
The complete Rollins VS Kevin segment was great stuff. Rollins ending the first match with a DQ was a very TV move in the moment, but I am so glad we got that No DQ match right after. And I’m not sure if we would’ve gotten that super senton spot the same way if this was in the Tampa Bay arena. Maybe it would’ve been off the pirate ship stage set we all expected, but it was still amazing this way. And Kevin technically beat Rollins twice in one night, so that could add to the story. And then, what’s not to love about the last three matches? Getting the 24/7 Championship in on this was great, and I hope we get the rematch tomorrow. I am SO pumped that they gave Strowman the win, he finally gets a world title like he deserved a year or more ago.
And then, the Boneyard match. That was perfectly done with such great cinematic presentation. Taker being more American Badass was pretty good, even though he still has his powers to teleport and summon fire. I almost thought Styles was going to win, with Taker buried but with the shovel head so he could dig himself out. But in the end, it’s very fitting that Taker wins. Taker’s own WWE Network special airs tomorrow after Night 2, and they titled it “The Last Ride,” but if he were to do more cinematic matches, maybe he could last another couple years. I’m sure there will also be some kind of video where The OC dig Styles out so that he isn’t buried alive or anything, but this should do something to affect Styles’ confidence for a little bit.
My Score: 8.5/10
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London calling to the champion crowns!
SmackDown brings gold to London as LA Knight defends his WWE US Championship and The Street Profits defend their tag team titles! Will the landscape change this close to WrestleMania?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly; The Profits win and retain the titles.
- Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice w/ Chelsea Green; The Secret Her-vice wins.
- WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman; Braun wins, by disqualification, and Knight retains the title.
- Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab; Charlotte wins.
- Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins.
- Jimmy Uso VS The Miz; Jimmy wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes is here!
We follow The American Nightmare as walks to gorilla, then through the curtain, and London sings along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, says hello to fans along the ramp, and then we get the second “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro. Cody goes to the ring, grabs a mic, then kneels down to kiss the WWE logo on the mat. The fans continue to sing along all the way to the end, “I AM MY KINGDOM!” The fans then cheer, and Cody holds up the belt to fire them up even more! The fans now sing for “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and he soaks it in. The fans cheer again as Cody smiles, and he finally says, “So, London~! Whaddya wanna talk about?”
The fans chant “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cody hears that dueling, and he smiles again. The song of “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” returns, then they cheer. Cody says, “At WrestleMania 41, I will be facing John Cena…” The fans boo, but Cody says, “I will be facing John Cena as he goes to break the record and win 17. But that is WrestleMania 41. In just a few nights, I will be standing face to face with John Cena in this very same city, in this very same arena.” The fans cheer that, but then here comes Randy Orton! Now the fans sing along with Voices as The Viper heads to the ring. Orton also high-fives fans before he joins Cody.
Orton grabs a mic, paces while the fans keep singing on their own, and then the fans cheer. Orton says he’s not really the sentimental type, but for Cody and for London, screw it. The fans chant “R K O! R K O!” and Orton tells Cody, “Look at you. Look at who you are now, the man you are now. Look at where he came from.” The fans cheer and sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and Orton says he remembers a Cody in his early 20s, just breaking into the business. Cody was busting his ass harder than anyone else. He wasn’t exactly happy, and in fact, he was frustrated. But Cody was man enough, smart enough, to know he needed to grow, and that he couldn’t grow in the WWE.
Cody wasn’t exactly treated fairly in the WWE, so Cody left the WWE! That took some big ass balls to do what he did! Cody changed the business singlehandedly, and everyone in the back knows it. And Orton appreciates Cody for it. But then Cody came back, as they all knew one day he would. And the industry has been changed forever since the day Cody came back to the WWE. Cody is a bit teary eyed as Orton says Cody’s still the same guy, he just did what he set out to do, and he grew. Orton teases he would sing along with the fans, but the fans might leave. The fans again sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!”
Orton asks if they remember when Cody Rhodes faced Seth Rollins in Hell in a Cell. The fans cheer because they do. Orton says that was impressive, and even impossible, as he started with a partially torn pec and then ended with a fully torn pec! His body changed all kinds of shades of purple that Orton’s never seen on a human body. The pain he must have been in. Cody persevered not just for himself. Maybe not even at all for Cody. It was not even for his family legacy; it was for each and every single fan out there! Then Cody went on to WrestleMania, beat Roman Reigns and finished the story!
But there’s always another story, isn’t there? And Cody’s right in the middle of one. Cody is in charge of his legacy, and it is a privilege for Orton to watch Cody take control of it. Ticket sales have been up, there’s more intrigue around the world, and listen to the people! It is 99.9% all because of Cody! The fans cheer that, and of course they sing. Orton says what he’s trying to say is a long-winded version of he respects Cody, loves him, and is very, very proud of him. The fans cheer that! Orton then says, “But… But now it is time for WrestleMania.” They both look to the sign, and Orton says he can guarantee Cody that Orton will kick Kevin Owens so hard in the head…!
Orton can just feel it already! He forgets how many days are left, but he can’t wait to remove Kevin’s head from his shoulders. And Orton knows Cody will enter champion, exit champion, but not before he beats the holy hell outta Cena all up and down the Vegas strip! But after all the smoke clears and the dust settles, just like Orton wants Number 17, there will come a time when Orton will want Number 15. But Orton won’t kick Cody in the balls like a coward. Orton will look Cody in the eye because he respects Cody, is proud of Cody, and sees him as an equal. Orton will look Cody in the eye and tell him that he’s coming for the title.
The fans cheer but wait! Drew McIntyre is here! The fans cheer the Scottish Terminator as he steps out on stage, mic in hand, and has a wry smile on his face as he looks at the ring. Drew waves as the fans now sing, “OH~ Drew McIntyre~!” Drew says, “Isn’t this wonderful? A couple of nepo babies having a love fest in the middle of the ring> It makes me absolutely sick. What’d you just say, Randy? if Cody gets through Cena at WrestleMania, you’re coming for that title? What exactly have you done since that big comeback to justify that title match? Aside be Randy Orton. The only big moment I can remember is you being on the shelf for months and months and months.
“People like to make jokes about it, but more people talk about my five-minute-45-second title reign than your entire comeback so far! So get to the back of the line, sunshine! As for you, Cody, you should’ve listened to me. But you shunned me. You attacked me. Everybody should’ve listened to me about John Cena, but they didn’t. And the next night, he kicked you right in the twig ‘n’ berries, proving me right as usual. And the main event of WrestleMania should be Cody Rhodes VS The UK’s only ever world champion, Drew McIntyre!” Fans do like that idea. But sadly, it’s not, because of that guyliner wearing Temu Undertaker, Damian Priest!
Drew wants to talk about what is happening. And what’s gonna happen! Drew steps up to the ring while fans sing for him again. Drew says it will not be Randy that takes the title from Cody, should he get through Cena; it’ll be McIntyre. The fans cheer, but Orton says they were trying to have a moment. Can Drew just cut the crap already? Drew says okay, sure. He’ll tell the truth, because that’s all he ever does. The truth is, Kevin might have a point! If those Voices are talking to Orton again, then they know Drew very, very well. And he’s thinking, “My God, Randy looks great! Absolutely jacked! On the outside.”
On the inside, that back is hanging by a thread. And if Orton provokes McIntyre, McIntyre will break him. And as for Cody- Cody kicks Drew and UPPERCUTS him! The fans fire up, and Orton R- NO, Drew gets away! The fans boo, but the battlelines are drawn! Even if Cody makes it out of the frying pan that is Las Vegas, it’ll be into the fire that is these contenders waiting in line! Will the American Nightmare be ready for whoever comes for the crown?
WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly!
Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins are finally golden again, but it’s time to put the titles on the line already! And while they’re ready for the grind, they’re up against the hometown heroes! Will the Profits still be up in the O2? Or will Kit Wilson & Elton Prince say #YESBOY to a new reign of their own?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really wants the smoke!
The teams sort out and Kit starts with Dawkins. They tie up, Dawkins headlocks, but Kit powers up and out. Dawkins runs Kit over, the fans fire up, and Dawkins fires hands on Kit in the corner! The fans rally for Pretty Deadly, Dawkins whips Kit to a corner, but Elton takes that bump! Kit CLOBBERS Dawkins, then tags Elton! Atomic drop into DROPKICK! Ford runs up, but into a DOUBLE HIP TOSS! Dawkins whips, Elton reverses, and then Elton hurdles so Kit can DDT! The fans fire up with Pretty Deadly while the Profits bail out. Pretty Deadly has control while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Elton is right on Dawkins as he gets in, and UPPERCUTS him to the corner. Elton clinches Dawkins for another UPPERCUT! Tag to Kit, and Elton RAMS into Dawkins so Kit can UPPERCUT! Dawkins flops over, Kit drags him up to wrench the arm. Kit whips, Dawkins reverses, but Kit grabs ropes. Kit ELBOWS Dawkins, DECKS Ford, but Dawkins CLOBBERS Kit! The ref reprimands but Dawkins RAMS Kit into the corner again and again! The ref counts, Dawkins fires fast hands, then he tags in Ford. Ford says, “SUCK IT!” then he KICKS Kit! Ford scuffs Kit, then drags him to a cover, TWO!
Ford keeps Kit down with a facelock, but Kit endures the grind. Kit fights up, fires body shots, but Ford whips him away. Kit sunset flips! Ford rolls through, and PENALTY KICKS! Ford mocks Elton with the Scott Hall fingers, and the ref has to keep Elton back. Ford drags Kit up, tags Dawkins, and the Profits mug Kit. Dawkins CLUBS Kit down, then stalks him. Dawkins stays between Kit and Elton, then whips Kit into the Profits’ corner. CYCLONE- NO, Kit dodges! Ford tags in, he keeps Kit from Elton now, but Kit slips out of the suplex! Kit fakes high to go low, hot tag to Elton! Elton rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT!
Elton kicks and whips Ford to a corner, then UPPERCUTS! Elton whips the other way, UPPERCUTS again, and then does it again! Elton adds to the hattrick with a lift, Ford says a quick prayer before the SUPLEX! Ford flounders, gets to his feet, but Elton dodges to springboard and FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Ford stays in this, but Elton stays on him. SmackDown returns to single picture and fans rally for Pretty Deadly as Elton gives Ford a back suplex. Ford lands out, waistlocks, but Elton switches and shoves Ford. Ford CLOBBERS Elton in return! Ford is also dazed but he covers, ONE!
Kit reaches out, Elton and Ford both crawl, hot tags to Kit and Dawkins! The fans fire up as Dawkins wrenches Kit, underhooks and SILENCER! Dawkins Electric Chair Lifts Kit, Ford climbs, but Kit slips free! Kit shoves Dawkins into Ford! Ford falls to the floor, but Dawkins ENZIGIRIS Kit! Elton tags in, and Kit LARIATS Dawkins! Pretty Deadly combine for DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Dawkins survives and the Profits are a bit unsure of what to do next. Dawkins crawls to a corner, Elton runs up, but Dawkins dodges! Elton hits buckles and Dawkins TOSSES Kit, then Dawkins hits a SKY HIGH on Elton!
Dawkins hurries to tag Ford and Ford climbs up! But Kit pushes Elton out of the way! Kit takes FROM THE HEAVESN, and Elton ghost pins Ford! TWO!! Ford escapes, and he ROCKS Elton! Elton UPPERCUTS Ford! Dawkins sneaks a tag, Ford SUPERKICKS! POUNCE SAIDO COMBO!! Cover, KIT BREAKS IT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! The teams go to opposite ends, then they all stand up in the corners. They all roar, all run in, and Kit SPEARS Ford while Elton FLYING UPPERCUTS Dawkins!! London is thunderous, and Kit hurries to tag in! Pretty Deadly gets Dawkins up, for SPILT MILK!! Cover, FORD BREAKS IT!
The fans are shocked, as is Elton, but Ford saves this for his team! “This is Awesome!” as Ford runs up and Elton TOSSES him out! Now DRY MARTI- NO! Dawkins doesn’t accept the second serving, and he DUMPS Kit out! Kit skins the cat while Dawkins DECKS Elton! Dawkins catches Kit to an Electric Chair! Ford rises, DOOMSDAY BLOCKBUSTER!! Cover, Profits win!
Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall (still WWE Tag Team Champions)
Pretty Deadly put up a heroic fight, but the hometown heroes could not capture the gold. Dawkins & Ford hold onto the gold, will this be the strongest the Profits have ever been?
Kayden & Katana talk with Zelina Vega.
Carter & Chance know La Muneca got screwed over by The Green Administration. Chelsea thinks she’s untouchable, but someone’s gonna stop them eventually. Well, speaking of, Alba Fyre leads the way in as she & Piper Niven “scope the perimeter.” There’s one small threat. They frisk the “miniscule” threat, but nothing they haven’t dealt with before. Chelsea struts in and says, “The Eagle has landed~!” Zelina says she is so glad the “Bootleg Men in Black” have crashed the party. Now, yeah, they all know she’s small. But clearly this small “threat” is a big threat to Chelsea’s title reign. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have taken all three of them to beat her.
KC Squared agree with that. How about tonight, we see what happens when the odds are even? Chelsea says that’s fine, because Agents P & A are ready. The Secret Her-vice has been given their next mission, but will they be able to crash the party? Or will the party crash them?
Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice!
SmackDown returns and The Green Administration makes their entrance. The teams sort out, Alba starts against Katana, and the two tie up. Alba KNEES low, CLUBS Katana down, then fireman’s carries. Katana fights free, tags Kayden, and they KICK, double whip, and then trip Alba up for the basement DROPKICK! Katana adds a slingshot SENTON, Kayden covers, TWO! Kayden tags Katana, they double whip Alba to a corner, then Kayden runs in. Alba DUMPS Kayden out, ROCKS Katana, and she tags Piper! Katana arm-drags Alba out, then goes out to run up. Kayden gives her a boost, Katana CROSSBODIES Alba down!
The fans fire up, but Piper goes up and out?! CANNONBALL and down goes KC Squared! Piper salutes Chelsea and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Kayden rallies on Alba while the fans rally up. Kayden fires up, runs in and whips, but Alba reverses. Kayden wheelbarrows, victory rolls, then SUPERKICKS! Kayden fires up again but the fans are torn. Kayden runs in at Alba to BOOT WASH her against the ropes! Chelsea protests, Kayden kicks at her, then Kayden springboards for a LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Alba survives, Kayden whips, but Alba KICKS back! Tag to Piper, but Kayden jackknife bridges Alba! The ref explains bout the tag, Piper runs up, but Kayden moves! The SENTON hits Alba! Piper panics, Kayden tags Katana!
Katana goes up onto Kayden’s shoulders, VICTORY ROLL LAUNCHER, but Piper catches Katana! Katana fires hands, BOOTS, and then hurries to go up again. Kayden ROCKS Piper, and fireman’s carries?! SAMOAN DROP! Kayden then gives Katana the boost, for the KEG STAND SPLASH!! Cover, ALBA BREAKS IT! Kayden runs up on Alba to BOOT her out! Katana gives Kayden the boost now, SUPER CROSSBODY onto Alba! Kayden hurries to tag back in, and she brings Piper up. Piper swings, Kayden dodges and SUPERKICKS! Katana goes up, Piper staggers over that way, but Chelsea distracts the ref!
The fans are torn as Alba grabs Katana. Katana kicks Alba down, chases Chelsea off, but Piper sends Kayden into her! Piper scoops to PIPER DRIVER!! Cover, Secret Her-vice wins!
Winner: The Secret Her-vice, by pinfall
The Women’s US Champion helps her team, and now they all mug Kayden & Katana! But here comes Zelina! Vega runs down the ramp, CLOBBERS Alba, and then she gets in the ring! Zelina tilt-o-whirl DDTS Piper! And she KNEES Alba off the apron! But Chelsea CLOBBERS Zelina! Chelsea fires up, the UK is oddly with her, and she chicken wings Zeina. But Zelina fights free to fire forearms and body shots! And a BACK ELBOW! Zelina reels Chelsea in, CODE- SUPERKICK from Alba! SENTON from Piper! The Green Administration is just too much for Zelina to fight against alone! But can she, Kayden & Katana find a way to turn things around?
WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman!
Did the Mega Star just get this title back from Shinsuke Nakamura? YEAH! Did he help the Monster of All Monsters fight off Solo Sikoa’s rouge bloodline? YEAH! And now, does he have to defend this title against the monster he just helped? YEAH!! But will Knight still reign this close to WrestleMania? Or will Braun #GetTheseHands back on a championship?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it’s time for Knight’s biggest challenge, YEAH!
The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two circle. The two tie up, and Braun SHOVES Knight away. Knight comes back, Braun SHOVES him down again! Knight gets up, gets around, and he headlocks. Braun powers up to back suplex, but Knight lands out! Knight tries but Braun’s too big to suplex! Braun ELBOWS Knight, storms up on him, but Knight fires haymakers! Knight whips, Braun reverses, but Knight KICKS back! Knight runs, but Braun HIP TOSSES! Cover, TWO! Knight stays in this, but Braun brings him up. Braun puts Knight in a corner, CHOPS, then runs, for a SPLASH! Knight sputters along ropes, Braun keeps moving, but Knight DUMPS him out!
The fans fire up as Knight then WRECKS Braun with a dropkick! Knight keeps moving, and he WRECKS Braun again! The fans fire up with Knight, but then Braun BOOTS Knight down! The fans are torn but Braun stands tall as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Braun puts Knight back in the ring. The fans cheer as Knight KICKS Braun! Knight tries again, but Braun’s still too big to back suplex! Braun CLUBS Knight, then runs in at the corner. Knight BOOTS Braun, goes up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Knight and Braun rise back up, and Knight dodges a shot to JAB! Then he dodges to JAB! JAB! JAB! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” But Braun KNEES low! Braun scoops, Knight slips free, and Knight RAMS Braun into buckles! Then the BACK SUPLEX! The fans fire up and Knight rises again! Knight spells it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!
Braun has plenty left in the tank but the fans rally for Knight. Knight stands Braun up to kick low, but Braun THROWS Knight away! Knight rises, and Braun LARIATS Knight up and out! The fans fire up as Braun rips the shirt! Braun gets on the track, and he runs in, STROWMAN EXPRESS MEETS JACOB FATU!! The Samoan Werewolf strikes Braun down!
Winner: Braun Strowman, by disqualification; LA Knight retains the title
The fans boo as Jacob now goes after Knight! He just ruined what was becoming a great match, but Jacob fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT on Braun! SAMOAN DROP onto the desk!! The desk doesn’t budge, but Braun might’ve been broken in half! The UK fires up for Fatu as he puts Braun in the ring! Jacob fires more HEADBUTTS, then HEADBUTTS away on Braun in the corner! The fans sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE, FATU~, FATU~!” Jacob runs corner to corner, but Knight kicks him first! Knight fires haymakers, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Jacob denies the BFT to POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! And then HIP ATTACK for Braun anyway!
Jacob keeps going, HIP ATTACK for Braun again! Jacob throws off his jacket, glares at Braun, and he runs in for a third HIP ATTACK! Braun flounders into the drop zone, so Jacob goes up, up, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! Direct hit on Braun, but the fans want that “ONE MORE TIME!” Jacob obliges, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! The Samoan Werewolf just tore up #OneBigSOB and LA Knight, will there be no stopping him from taking the United States Championship?
Backstage interview with Jimmy Uso.
Jackie Redmond is with #BigJim, and she says that while she knew WWE was going global this month, she did not know they’d get the slap heard ’round the world! Jimmy says he’d do it again, and he’ll slap Gunther as many times as he needs! Jimmy knows Jey is up in his own head, doubt is creeping on him. But just because Jey’s 0-3 against Gunther doesn’t mean Gunther’s unbeatable! The Ring General CAN be got! Jimmy’s going to Raw this Monday, he will bust Gunther’s ass, Jey will go to Mania and bust Gunther’s ass to become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. And then they leave Las Vegas just like this: YEET!
Jimmy heads out, but then The Miz & Carmelo Hayes walk by. Miz is mocking Jimmy’s words, and he asks excuse me. Miz says it’s just funny that suddenly, Jimmy is a tough guy, even though for most of his career, he’s been “The Other Uso.” Doesn’t Jimmy get it? Jimmy and Jey are career sidekicks while Gunther is a main character. Gunther is the lead, neither Jimmy nor Jey can beat him. And here’s another thing: The Usos are just blips on the trailer that was Roman Reigns’ Bloodline. Melo says Jimmy & Jey are stuck outside the club, they can’t even get in.
Miz says as a former WWE Champion, a former WrestleMania main eventer, Jimmy will never know what it is to carry this industry. And after this year’s WrestleMania, neither will Jey. Oh, and by the way, if Jimmy ever slapped Miz like that, Jimmy would still be on the ground. Jimmy feints the slap and Miz freaks out. Jimmy says it may be him and Gunther on Monday, but he’ll holler at Aldis real quick so it can be Jimmy VS Miz here tonight. Yeah, YEET! Jimmy heads out, Melo says he thought Miz was gonna do something about the slap. Will Miz have to do something about running his mouth before he gets his teeth kicked in?
Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga find Jacob Fatu backstage.
Solo asks Jacob what the Hell he was doing out there. Jacob goes out there alone without saying a thing to them? Jacob says he ain’t gotta say nothing to nobody! Matter fact, didn’t Solo not tap in with him last week? Tama says, “But Jacob,” only for Jacob to say, “But nothing, Tama!” Solo wants Jacob to lower his tone, but Jacob says okay. Let him be very clear with them. When it comes to Braun Strowman, Jacob WILL be the last man standing. Y’all better get in where you fit in, cuz that US title? Oh, Jacob’s bringing it home to the family. And he will do it with them, or without them! Yadada mean? Fatu heads out, is the Samoan Werewolf no longer following Solo?
Naomi speaks.
“I mean… How did we even get here? I don’t know. One thing that I do know is that I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. So Bianca, what makes you think that my attack on Jade was anything different from me doing the right thing? When I sit here and I think about all that I’ve sacrificed, all that I’ve given, and that’s what really breaks my heart. Because through all of that, I’m made to be the bad one in this situation. I just don’t understand, how does Jade come in outta nowhere and take my place with you? I want you to ask yourself this, Bianca. Who inspired you? Hmm?
“Who’s inspired women over the last decade? Who’s always had your back from day one of you being here? Me. Not Jade. Hmm. But you know what? What I’ve learned through all of this: You teach people how to treat you. And I’m done with being treated as a third wheel. I’m done being pushed to the side, I’m done with being too nice, I’m done with being undervalued, underutilized, underappreciated! So moving forward, hmm… Moving forward, here’s my message to you, Jade. If you continue to be in my way, I strongly advise you to proceed with caution.” The Glow shows her dark side, but will the storm be moved?
Nick Aldis meets with Jade Cargill.
Speaking of, the SmackDown General Manager understands things have been rather difficult for her as of late. Jade says she’s been trying to get her hands on Naomi for the past few weeks, now where is she? No one has seen her all day, so as far as anyone knows, Naomi’s not here. Well, when Jade catches Naomi, it’s on sight. Jade leaves, B-Fab & Michin are there. They let her know that what Naomi did to her was straight trash, totally uncalled for behavior. And after Jade gets her hands on Naomi, she’ll handle that business. Jade agrees. Mia says they’ve all got business to handle. Jade’s got Naomi, and Mia’s gonna get Charlotte for messing with her girl, B.
B-Fab says Naomi’s got what’s coming to her: no sympathy, no regrets. Jade, just do what you gotta do. Oh, she will. Jade also wishes Mia luck tonight. Mia & B-Fab head out, will the Head Baddie in Charge make the Queen bow down in London?
The darkness approaches.
“You are as I was. As I am, you will be.” The shadows are starting to take shape, but is SmackDown about to fade to black?
Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab!
The Queen looks down on everyone, so it’s no surprise that everyone else wants to take her down. Charlotte may have checked off B-Fab, but will the HBIC be a much different story? Or will Charlotte only sharpen her edge before facing Tiffany Stratton at WrestleMania?
WAIT! NAOMI ATTACKS B-FAB & MICHIN! Naomi drags Mia up for a FACEBUSTER! Naomi rains down fists, the ref reprimands and the fans boo, but Naomi tells the ref to back off. Naomi then BOOTS B-Fab off the apron! Naomi goes out after B-Fab to THRWO her into barriers! Naomi SLAPS B-Fab, tells her to stay down, but B-Fab gets up. Naomi fires hands, then she SMACKS B-Fab off the desk! Naomi rains down fists, but here comes Jade! Jade hurries down the ramp, she runs around the way, but Naomi runs away! Jade makes sure B-Fab is okay, but refs have to help her to the back. And what of Mia? Will she even be able to compete?
Charlotte makes her entrance, not really caring about what Naomi just did to Mia. But that means she also crosses paths with Jade. The fans like the look of this stare down, but Jade and Charlotte both let the other slide. Charlotte gets her pyro, and it seems she’ll still get her match. Will Mia be little more than an appetizer now?
The bell rings, and Charlotte BOOTS Mia down! Cover, TWO! Mia stays in this and the fans rally up. Charlotte just struts around while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Charlotte has Mia down with a chinlock, but the fans rally up. Mia fights up, fires body shots, and she then blocks a shot to ROCK Charlotte! Mia ROCKS Charlotte again and again, then reels her in for a TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up as Mia hurries to cover, TWO! Mia drags Charlotte up, wrenches, but Charlotte says no to Da Feet! BIG back suplex! Mia stagger sup, Charlotte whips her, but Mia reverses! Charlotte goes up and out, BOOTS her away, then slingshots in and rolls Mia! Mia rolls through and BUZZSAWS! Mia runs corner to corner, but Charlotte avoids the cannonball!
Charlotte YAKUZA KICKS Mia down, then fires herself up! The fans “WOO~!” as Charlotte has Mia in the drop zone,. Charlotte steps on her, goes up the corner, but Mia gets underneath her! SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Charlotte survives and Mia is shocked! Mia nods as the fans rally back up, and she brings Charlotte up. But Charlotte ROCKS Mia! Mia SOBATS, PELES, and then runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Charlotte stays in this, Mia grows frustrated, but the fans continue to rally. Mia uses that energy to stay focused, and she stalks Charlotte to waistlock. But Charlotte ELBOWS her away!
Charlotte CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOSP! Charlotte winds up, and she CHOPS again! Mia sputters, but then she dodges the boot! Charlotte is caught, and Mia hits a SAIDO! Charlotte flounders to a corner, the fans rally behind Mia, and Mia runs up, CANNONBALL! Mia hurries to wrench and EAT- NO, Charlotte shoves Mia away! Charlotte gets under, back suplexes, but Mia lands out! EAT DA FEET!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Charlotte’s long legs help her survive by a literal foot! Mia is beside herself while Charlotte bails out. Mia storms after Charlotte, runs up, but Charlotte dodges! Mia’s kick hits steel steps!
Mia hobbles away, goes to the apron, but Charlotte CHOP BLOCKS the bad leg out! Charlotte grabs Mia’s leg, drops a KNEE on the knee, but fans chant, “We Want Tiffy!” Charlotte just steps through, FIGURE FOUR, into FIGURE EIGHT!! Mia taps, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
Charlotte got more of a fight out of Mia than expected, but she still won. Will The Queen be more than ready to reign again after WrestleMania?
Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.
Jackie Redmond is with the WWE Women’s Champion and says Charlotte certainly looks confident. Let’s be real, Charlotte came at Tiff pretty hard. It got a lot of people talking. Tiff says yes, people talk. And Charlotte sure loves to hear herself talk. Ten years into the business and Charlotte is still so insecure that she can’t let a “rookie” get a word out. But last week, Tiff did learn something: She learned that walking into WrestleMania, she isn’t the one with something to lose. Truth is, if Tiff loses, then she lost to the great Charlotte Flair, as just a 25-year-old rookie with one year into SmackDown.
But if Charlotte loses… Well, then she lost to an “undeserving, delusional, unoriginal, backflip doing, blonde-hair-having, little girl.” Did she get it all? And Tiff can’t wait to hear the look on Charlotte’s face when they hear the words, “And STILL!” Then maybe Charlotte will finally shut up for the sake of literally everyone! They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, and Tiff will make damn sure what stays is Charlotte’s massive ego. Tiff is walking into and out of Mania as the WWE Women’s Champion. Tootles! Tiff heads out, will it still be #TiffyTime after WrestleMania?
Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre!
The Viper told Cody how proud he was, but also how he wants the next shot after John Cena. The Scottish Terminator took offense to that, and basically said he is taking that shot instead. Will this match be an unofficial #1 contender’s match between these two former world champions?
SmackDown returns and McIntyre makes his entrance. The bell rings and the fans sing, “OH~, Drew McIntyre~!” and chant “R K O! R K O!” Drew and Orton circle, tie up, and they go around in a deadlock. Drew powers Orton to a corner, but Orton headlocks back. Drew powers up and out, then he runs Orton over! Orton hurries to ropes and Drew mockingly asks, “How’s the back feel, Randy?” Orton stands, he and Drew reset, and the fans duel some more. Drew calls for a knuckle lock, Orton accepts, but then Drew kicks low! Drew bumps Orton off buckles, then climbs up, but he panders for too long and Orton YANKS him down!
The fans fire up as Orton climbs now! Orton rains down fists, and the fans count to nine. Orton hops down, brings Drew around, and POSTS him for ten! Drew tumbles out of the ring, Orton goes out after him, and they’re by the desk! But Drew kicks Orton first and SMACKS him off the desk! Drew clears the desk, and he brings Orton up for the DESK- NO, Orton fights free! Orton turns things around, DESK BACK SUPLEX for Drew! The fans fire up while Orton leaves Drew behind, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew writhes on the floor, but Orton goes out to fetch him! Orton brings Drew around, UPPERCUTS him, then says one more time! DESK BACK SUPLEX! Drew writhes as that desk stays standing! Orton grins, refreshes the ring count, and then he storms up on Drew. Drew pokes Orton in the eye! Drew POSTS Orton now, then brings him around to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP into barriers! Orton slumps down, and Drew also grits his teeth from that double-edged attack, but Drew fires up as he stands tall. Drew drags Orton up, puts him in the ring, then stalks Orton. Drew looms over Orton, and HIP DROPS him!
Orton sputters, Drew says one more time, and he winds up for the HIP DROP! Drew paces around Orton, says maybe one more time, and he pretends he can’t hear the fans. Drew winds up again, but Orton flips over! Hip drop meets kneecaps! And then Orton pokes Drew in the eyes! The ref reprimands but Orton rises up. Drew sputters and flounders, Orton ROCKS him with a right! Drew ROCKS Orton back! Drew storms up, Orton kicks low, but Drew fires another haymaker! The haymakers go back and forth, Orton gets the edge, but Drew GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTTS! Cover, TWO! Drew clamps onto Orton with an armlock!
SmackDown returns to single picture and the fans rally up. Orton fights up, pries at the chinbar, and then throws right hands! Drew CHOPS Orton in return! The fans “WOO~” and Drew winds up. Drew ROCKS Orton again, eggs him on, then CHOPS again! Drew shoves Orton to a corner, CHOPS again, then dares Orton to fight! Drew whips corner to corner, but Orton comes back to LARIAT! And LARIAT! Drew swings, Orton dodges, SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up as Orton stalks Drew to the apron. Drew HOTSHOTS Orton first! Drew then runs in, but Orton puts him through the ropes!
The fans fire up as Orton has Drew for the DRAPING DDT! The fans fire up for Orton, and Orton hears those voices! Drew rises, but then Orton spots KEVIN OWENS! The Prizefighter is on the ramp, Orton glares at him, but then he turns around into a CLAYMORE!! Cover, DREW WINS!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
Kevin’s mere presence costs Orton, and now Drew has a huge win propelling him down the Road to WrestleMania! As for Orton, Kevin drags him out of the ring, SMACKS him off the desk, and then climbs up to join him! The fans boo but Kevin and his hot pink sneakers have Orton in position, but Orton slips free and TRIPS Kevin up! Kevin hits the desk then the floor! Orton staggers around, the fans rally behind him, and Orton stalks Kevin to the corner of the barriers. Orton lines up the shot! Orton runs in, but Kevin jumps over barriers! Security is there to stop Orton from pursuing, so Kevin runs away into the night!
The fans boo, but The Viper was that close! Will Orton be able to strike Kevin down and completely take him out?
Fire, thunder, smoke…
The force of nature is drawing ever closer. And he’s ready to fly! REY FENIX arrives next Friday Night SmackDown!
Jimmy Uso VS The Miz!
#BigJim gave Gunther a piece of his mind and a mark on his cheek, but it seems not everyone got the message. Will the Hollywood A-lister soon star in the Uso Penitentiary? Or will he prove Jimmy is NOT ready for a world champion level opponent?
The bell rings and the two tie up. Jimmy powers Miz to a corner, Miz turns things around, and the ref counts. Miz takes a swing, Jimmy ducks it to CHOP! And CHOP! Miz shoves Jimmy back, then runs up, but Jimmy TACKLES Miz! Jimmy rains down fists, Miz shoves him away to go to ropes, but Jimmy storms back up. Miz ELBOWS Jimmy away, then runs back up, only for Jimmy to LARIAT him down! The fans fire up while Jimmy storms up on Miz. Jimmy CHOPS Miz, has him in a corner, then whips corner to corner. Miz reverses, Jimmy goes up and over, then UPPERCUTS! Miz staggers back to ropes, but Jimmy is right on him.
Jimmy whips, Miz reverses and kitchen sink knees! Then basement BOOTS! The fans fire up, Miz scowls, and Miz KNEES Jimmy in the back again and again. Miz stalks Jimmy to the ropes now, and he CHOKES Jimmy! The ref counts, Miz runs, and Miz STRADDLE ATTACKS! The fans boo, but Miz runs again. Jimmy ducks the boot, then dodges a lariat! Jimmy runs up to LARIAT Miz up and out! The fans fire up and Jimmy builds speed, but Miz runs away! Jimmy smirks as he goes out the side, and UPPERCUTS Miz over the barriers! Jimmy makes sure Gunther knows he’s coming to get him, but SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and both men are down. Miz and Jimmy crawl, and Jimmy pounds the mat. The fans rally, Jimmy rises and runs up to LARIAT! And LARIAT! And mule kick! Jimmy then UPPERCUTS Miz, dodges a lariat, then SAMOAN DROPS! The fans fire up, Jimmy goes to the corner, “UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs in, but Miz puts him on the apron! Jimmy UPPERCUTS again! Jimmy climbs, leaps, but Miz gets under! Miz then waistlocks, ripcords, and MOVIE MAKER! Fans boo that blatant parody, but Miz full nelsons! Jimmy drops, victory rolls, TWO! Miz has the cover, TWO! Miz hurries to BASEMENT DDT! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally up as Jimmy survives! Miz stalks Jimmy, the fans rally up more, and Miz fires a KICK! And then another KICK! The fans say “YES! YES! YES!” to the It Kicks, but then Miz winds up. Jimmy ducks the buzzsaw, Miz blocks the superkick, but the DRAGON WHIP connects! Miz rebounds to B-MOVIE KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! The parodies don’t get it done, but Miz still has his original work to fall back on. The fans rally for “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Miz runs in, A-LIST LARIAT! Miz shoves Jimmy down, then springboards, but into a SUPERKICK! Jimmy hurries up top, for the USO SPLASH!! Cover, Jimmy wins!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Miz may be a movie star, but Big Jim’s the one winning this main event! Jimmy then borrows Joe Tessitore’s headset to call out Gunther! He’s coming after dat ass on Monday! Gunther won’t be the ring general, he will be “Private Gunther,” and he will salute Big Jim! Uh, uh, YEET! Will Jimmy be the one making examples out of the World Heavyweight Champion? Or will everything come crashing down when Gunther gets his turn?
Drew McIntyre returns backstage.
And he says hey to Lewis Capaldi, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, and also a big fan of Drew’s. They’re ready to have a good night in the pub, but Jackie Redmond walks over to congratulate him on the win tonight. She was hoping to get some thoughts on that victory and what happened with Orton and Kevin. Drew says it’s alright, this is what happens. He doesn’t care about anybody else’s business, but no one gets away with screwing him over. And when no one meddles in his business, he wins! Drew called out Priest, where is he? Priest doesn’t have the balls! So time to get mad in the pubs, everyone’s invited!
Drew turns the corner, but PRIEST IS THERE! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the door, then throws him into road cases! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the trunk of a car, and then again! Or since it’s London, “the boot.” The driver complains, but Priest BODY SLAMS that guy through a table! Drew comes back to KNEE Priest low, SMACK him off the trunk, and then off the side! They go to the hood, or bonnet for UK. Drew drags Priest up, but Priest CLAWS Drew’s eyes! Priest then sends Drew SOUTH OF HEAVEN through the windshield! Priest tells security that he’s done for now. Any more jokes, Drew? Didn’t think so! RIP, jackass!
Priest leaves, the producers hurry to help Drew, and Drew’s got glass in his eye! Will that glass help Drew see why he shouldn’t piss off the Punisher?
CM Punk heads to gorilla.
He has a security detail with him, and he passes by Drew writhing in pain. Punk chuckles, then continues on. Will his contract signing with Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins be just as brutal? We find out, after the break.
Nick Aldis is in the ring.
The SmackDown General Manager welcomes us back, and says it is his honor and privilege to be here in the O2 in London. Now, we all know why he and this table is here, and why additional security is here tonight. Tonight, we are here to sign a contract for a Triple Threat. Perhaps the biggest Triple Threat in the history of WrestleMania: Seth Rollins VS CM Punk VS Roman Reigns! The fans cheer all those names, and here comes the OTC! London puts the ones up, and Paul Heyman accompanies THE Tribal Chief out on stage. Roman raises his finger to the sky for the pyro, then security follows him to the ring.
SmackDown goes picture in picture as Roman’s entrance continues, and he raises his finger to the sky for the second round of pyro. Roman steps into the ring, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Heyman hands him a mic. The fans sing, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!” Roman nods, the fans cheer, and now they chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman tells London, “ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” The fans cheer again, and again chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman smiles, but he sees the chairs are not to his liking. Heyman makes sure to put one at the head of the table. Heyman also dusts the chair off while Roman enjoys the singing of, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!”
Roman takes a seat and says that was beautiful. The way they sing to their Tribal Chief, it’s just beautiful. The singing continues, and Heyman even joins in! Roman smiles, and he says that is what he’s talking about. That’s the OTC for you, baby! The biggest star on the planet! The OTC came here for two reasons. One: to be acknowledged; check! And two: to sign this contract. Roman does just that, and he says he’s checked both boxes. That means- “BURN IT DOWN!” Seth Rollins interrupts! The fans now sing, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Rollins struts out in his red wine paisley suit and conducts the O2 Choir all the way into the ring.
The fans cheer while Roman frowns, but Rollins takes the seat to Roman’s left. Rollins offers Heyman a chance to sing to this song, but Heyman frowns. Rollins chuckles, and he says the fans do have beautiful singing voices. He doesn’t know why Roman is in such a hurry to leave, though! This is their building! There’s a lot of history here! 12 years ago, they landed on the roof of this place in a helicopter! They came down those stairs over there, “ready to burn down the old guard!” They put the Undertaker down through the desk, and they were going to remake this company in their image!
Now don’t get him wrong, Rollins knows a lot has happened since then. They fought against each other, with each other, a little bit of love and a whole lot of hate. But Rollins dare says, as the fans continue to sing “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~,” that Rollins and Roman accomplished their mission. The fans start to chant for CM Punk, but Rollins tunes them out. Roman says, “We? We? You keep saying we. Our mission? We died a long time ago. It’s only been ME. You been here, but I done all the work! I’ve made this place what it is today! I took us to the level that we are here today! I made this place better than we found it!
“I’m the one that made us desirable to Netflix! I’m the one that took us into billion-dollar deals! Tell me, what have you done?” Rollins shouts, “I’ll tell you what I’ve done! YOU, YOU, YOU, it’s that mindset that keeps me having to screw you! You understand that? And your biggest mistake is not understanding the danger that’s right in front of us! The danger that’s right in front of you! You let the biggest snake in the world, CM Punk, into the garden! And you could’ve cut his head off at WarGames! But instead, you shook his hand. You could’ve let me finish him inside the cage at The Garden, but you didn’t. And now, I am left to do what I always do: Clean up your mess, again.”
Rollins drops his mic, picks up the pen, and signs his part. And now, here comes CM PUNK! The fans fire up and sing along with Cult of Personality, then join in on saying, “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME~!” Punk goes to the ring, but as he grabs a mic, he goes up a corner, just like he did last Friday. “I have come here to chew bubblegum and sign a contract. And I’m all outta bubblegum.” The fans cheer the Rowdy Roddy Piper reference, and Punk hops down to take his seat on Roman’s right. Punk looks over said contract, but Roman asks if Punk needs a highlighter or something. What’s he doing? Just go to page four, clause five.
Punk does as Roman says, but Roman says Punk needs to hurry, this is precious TV time. Punk reads the segment, Roman tells Heyman to just smarten Punk up. Heyman tells Punk he knows what Punk is looking for. It is in there. They’re closing the show at WrestleMania. The fans go wild hearing that! Heyman tells Punk that he gets to live his dream of dreams. CM Punk will be a WrestleMania main eventer! The fans cheer and while Roman smiles, Rollins is furious. Roman says, “One man’s dream is another man’s favor! CHECK!” Wait, this was the favor? Rollins says no! This is not something to laugh at, and Punk does not get to tear up!
Punk is NOT deserving! He does NOT deserve this! The fans boo but Rollins continues to throw a fit! Main eventing WrestleMania is SACRED, the most important thing in the world to Rollins! More than anything! Except the fact that Punk NEVER gets to main event! This is all Roman’s fault! This is all Heyman’s fault! Rollins THROWS his mic down, paces angrily, but Punk picks up the mic. The fans cheer Punk on again, and Punk stands to thank London, to thank Chicago, to thank Louisville, Kentucky, and to thank ALL the fans. As corny as it sounds, he thanks the WWE Universe who stood by him and chanted his name for TEN LONG YEARS!
Roman says hold on, hold on. Punk shouldn’t be thanking the fans! He should be thanking the Tribal Chief! It is because of Roman that Punk gets this honor! So please, take this moment, close the show with that acknowledgement! Do this the right way. The credits are already rolling as Punk kneels before Roman!? Punk smiles, and he thanks “My Tribal Chief, the holder of the ula fala, the Head of the Table, the… Big Dog? Thank you for allowing a kid from Chicago to be graced by your presence. Thank you, My Tribal Chief, for allowing me to stand in your ring. And thank you so much. Thank you, Roman Reigns, so very much.
“But because of you, I will see you in the main event of WrestleMania.” And again, Rollins is agonizing over this. Punk finishes putting his signature on the contract, and London tells him, “You Deserve It!” Punk thanks Roman again, and then says, “But that’s not the favor that I’m owed.” WHAT?! Roman looks at Heyman and Heyman can’t look him in the eye! If getting this Triple Threat made into the main event isn’t the gift of the Wise Man, then what is?!
My Thoughts:
A good SmackDown, but they pulled off quite the paradox. They made it feel like they were struggling to fill three hours, yet they also filled the show to the point where that contract signing segment was almost bleeding over the three hour mark. Ironically, part of the problem was just how excited the London crowd was for this. The superstars still wanted to enjoy the chants and songs, but that’s time SmackDown doesn’t have to spare. It made the opening promo from Cody, Orton and Drew take longer, and it kinda did the same to the contract signing at the end. Even so, we still got a very good promo, and good stuff to set up Orton VS McIntyre.
Orton VS McIntyre was a great match, but of course Kevin costs Orton. McIntyre gets his win, Kevin and Orton have a bit of a brawl, but of course Kevin ends up on the losing end and runs off. McIntyre’s trash talk also comes back to bite him as Priest gets the better of him in their brawl. Here’s hoping Drew didn’t actually get glass in his eye, but that being the thing in kayfabe can be some good stuff. I can imagine McIntyre with an eyepatch, and he takes it off at the opportune time to get the better of Priest in their match. Also what a fitting choice for Punk to be passing by Drew suffering because of real glass.
Very good title matches tonight, but of course the status quo was kept. Pretty Deadly gets to look great here in London, but the Profits only just got the belts, they’re not going to be transitional champions like that. And Knight VS Braun was really good stuff, but honestly, Jacob Fatu going after them both should’ve been a given. Jacob also had a great promo with Solo & Tama to start adding to that divide between Jacob and Solo. I would hope Solo doesn’t screw Jacob out of the US Championship, but it feels like he will as Solo won’t stand for Jacob defying his authority, even though Solo’s been trying to make Jacob the champion all along.
Very good stuff from Jimmy Uso tonight, from his promo with #MeloDon’tMiz and then a great match with Miz. Their match ended up the de facto main event match, so that’s also great for both guys. Great win for Jimmy, but that’s likely because Jimmy is losing big time to Gunther on Monday. And it might just be me, but it feels like only now is the Jey VS Gunther build really moving, largely in part because Jimmy got involved. Jimmy’s promo after his match is something along the lines of what Jey should be saying. But I suppose as brothers, Jimmy is the one who knows Jey best and knows what Jey needs to be motivated again. And seeing Jimmy get beat up by Gunther will definitely motivate Jey…
Good final vignettes for Rey Fenix and Aleister Black. I’m a little surprised they confirmed Rey Fenix is showing up next week, and that they confirmed who Rey Fenix even is. I believe commentary confirmed Rey Fenix is Penta’s real brother, even namedropped “Lucha Brothers,” but all that is still surprising considering Fenix is going to start on SmackDown. Aleister’s vignette (at least I am fairly confident it’s his) was giving us glimpses of his silhouette, but I think there was usage of AI in the snake imagery. It was fine they did it for El Grande Americano because that is all trolling, but they really should try and do things the old fashioned way of photoshop and stock imagery.
Very good stuff in the Women’s Division tonight, though the WWE Women’s Championship portion was the weaker. Naomi’s got a great Heel persona going, her promo was great, and her going after B-Fab & Michin over them supporting Jade was a great detail. Jade runs Naomi off, helps B-Fab, but there was no helping Michin in being fed to Charlotte. Tiffany had a decent promo, and it does fit how Charlotte kept her from speaking so she finally gets things out here. It didn’t really add that much, though, but they already gave us a great brawl so not sure what more they can give.
KC Squared VS The Secret Her-vice was a very good match, but of course Chelsea made sure her team won. A Six Woman Tag of Zelina & KC Squared VS The Green Administration is certainly coming, to help give us Zelina VS Chelsea for the Women’s US Championship.
My Score: 8.7/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
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!
Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 3.27.2025
Bad news out of the TNA management side, but this is a taped episode from El Paso! So we won’t see any of the fallout just yet!
Now we all heard the news about the TNA change in hierarchy, and I…have no positive outlook on that. Delirious sucked at booking and creative in the dying days of ROH before it got bought as a B show. Dreamer having even more control is concerning because his ideas the last two years haven’t been much better.
Gail leaving makes more sense to me. Be it firing or a “you can’t quit, you’re fired” kind of situation, the Knockouts division is the worst it’s been in a long time and Gail was close with Scott D’Amore. So I don’t think Gail parting ways is as big of a problem since TNA has slowly been bleeding out with the Scott faithful.
Granted, I think the next few shows were already taped before the firing so things shouldn’t be completely unwatchable for at least a week or two. So let’s see where we’re going.
.@WeAreRosemary sends @XiaBrookside a CHILLING message!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/srciTTbel0
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Ratings:
- Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge: Ash wins via Rarefied Air – ** 1/4
- Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr: Chavo wins via Gory Bomb into Frog Splash – *** 1/4
- Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich: Masha wins via Russian Death Device – ***
- Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin: Eric wins via Piledriver – ** 1/2
- Seto & Mokuba – I mean – Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater: Nic wins via Danger Zone – *** 1/4
Results:
Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge
Ash and Gigi start off, Gigi with a little Rascalz after her first takedown. So both her and Wentz are making it obvious something’s going on between them, and I’m not mad at it. Good for my man Wentz.
Tatum and Gigi get some quick tandem offense in, Ash does manage to scurry off to a tag and Heather gets bent into a Pretzel. Some kind of Inverted Tarantula from Tatum, Gigi tags in, Bronco Buster on Heather followed by Kawada Kicks. Heather sells against the ropes, Gigi goes for a Hesitation Dropkick, but Concierge pulls her away so Gigi crashes and burns. Ref is distracted, Ash gets in some cheap shots and then the Elegant duo starts working over Gigi. A few quick tags, but once Heather comes in, Gigi fights out of the corner, gets the hot tag to Tatum. Tatum stacks up both Elegance members, Corner Stacked Crossbody, Butterfly Suplex and an Elbow Drop with some some flare. Tatum goes to the top rope, Heather pulls Gigi off the apron, Concierge shoves Tatum off the turnbuckle and Ash hits Rarefied Air for the win.
Post match the Elegance Clique wants to make their wish with the cake, they light the candles and Tatum and Gigi recover enough to do what we all expected last week, the cake in the face spot. Some…suggestive licking from both of our Hot Topic Hotties, so…no complaints here.
.@Ashamae_Sebera, @Heathereckless and @IamGeorgeIceman are having a meltdown!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/FnKwPqm2ff
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr
Chavo and Kaz start since he’s King Petty, a quick rope run turns into a Headscissor from Chavo. Kaz recovers, they lock up, Kaz hits the Knee Lift during the lock up to tag out to KC. KC pulls off some athletic dodges, gloats a bit so Chavo waits, measures and nails a gorgeous Dropkick. Laredo comes in on fire, quick high spots that send KC bouncing around like HBK against Hulk. KC powders after sells the Satellite Takedown, AJ checks on him and we go to commercial.
Back from commercial, Octagon is lighting up KC’s chest with overhand chops, he perches, Sunset Headscissor Flip from corner to corner, KC tries to Back Drop him but Octagon does a headstand, kicks KC away and lays him out with a high spot. AJ gets on the apron to stop Octagon from running the ropes, the referee has a stroke or something because he stops paying attention and AJ pulls Octagon out of the ring and chucks him. KC with the Tope con Hilo and tag (tag ropes haven’t mattered since the 80s we all know this). So AJ is getting taunted by the crowd in Spanish, but he’s manhandling Octagon since it looks like a Child fighting their parent. AJ knocks off Chavo and Laredo, Laredo pops up and tries to get involved but he’s caught on the shoulders, Octagon goes for the Crossbody but gets caught and AJ pulls off “World’s Strongest Wasteland” but Chavo breaks up the pinfall. AJ throws Octagon into the corner, Tennessee Whiskey, and tag out to KC. KC hits a few moves, but starts to lose the momentum until he connects with a Super Kick. Simultaneous rope run into the Dueling Crossbodies, so we get the timely tag outs from both sides. Kaz and Laredo come in, Laredo lands like two moves before Kaz hits a Sole Butt, Lariat and eats his lunch. KC and Kaz try to double team Laredo but he fights out and the crowd is chanting for Chavo.
Chavo tags in, and he’s rocking KC, Saito Suplex, Low Bridge to AJ, Reverse the Whip so Chavo goes to the corner and perches, KC feeds, Chavo Backflips to safety, rolls through and lays out KC. Chavo is feeling himself, 3 Amigos start on KC but only 2, Kaz comes in and Chavo switches to Kaz for the Amigos, only 2 again before AJ breaks it up. AJ goes for the disrespect, but Chavo counters and hits the 3 Amigos on the biggest Culero. Aztec Warriors dive to stop AJ and Kaz, KC tries a Dirty Victory Roll but Chavo kicks out. GORY BOMB into FROG SPLASH!
Chavo looked fantastic and he’s the one in the best shape in the ring. I wouldn’t be mad at more Chavito.
Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich
I expect very little from this match.
Collar and Elbow, gator rolling for the first 30 seconds or so, then Jacy goes to some Hair Pull takedowns and does a little taunt before Masha pops back up and hits a Lariat into a Dive. Jacy sells it like she’s really hurt, even the ref tries to hold Masha back a little before Masha gets annoyed and just grabs her, Masha throws her in, looks for a Dive and Jacy sees it and powders. Masha tries to go back to the well for the Dive again but Jacy hits the Uppercut and then an Apron Run PK to drop Masha. Forearms rain down into a Foot Choke as Jacy continues to arrogantly play to the crowd. Another Foot Choke into a Cannonball, and near fall.
Masha gets space with a Sole Butt, tries to snap off Requiem but Jacy fights off, fights through a Sunset Flip another effective PK keeps Masha on her ass. Jacy looks for a kinda half-assed Camel Clutch as Masha is fighting up, but Jacy runs her into the corner, gets distracted mouthing off to the crowd, so Masha recovers, 5 Hole Up Kick sends Jacy into the corner, Yakuza Kick into Capo Kick for two. Requiem attempt again, but Jacy pushes off, a little back and forth, Masha tries a Backslide but Jacy gets away and hits a V-Trigger but only a 2 count. Jacy looks for the Discus Punch but Masha ducks it, they strike back and forth, but some dodges from both leave the exchange more even. Jacy with the Front Kick to the face sends Masha to the outside. Jacy wants another PK, but Masha blocks, Electric Chair Apron Snake Eyes. Masha throws her in, a PK into a near all. Requiem attempt 3, and thwarted from Jacy with a Superkick into a Neckbreaker. Senton misses from Jacy, Buzzsaw Kick, into Spinning Back Kick and Russian Death Device for the win.
Better than I expected, and Tessa attacks as soon as the bell rings. Xia Brookside and Lei Ying Li make the save after Tessa grabs the belt.
Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin
Ace and Eric tie up, World of Sport start but as soon as Ace starts to get away EY punches him in the face. Eric looks at the camera and says “This is what trust looks like”, turns his back on Ace, when Ace looks to attack, the loser duo cut him off. EY takes advantage of the weird situation, but Ace with some Up and Over quick spots, into an Inside Cradle and La Magistral. EY kicks out of the quick flash attempts, but eats a Dropkick, and Ace goes all Speed Kils on him with fast strikes and then a face buster for another near fall. Strike spot very early in the match, Ace gets the best of it, goes for a Tear Drop Suplex but EY sits on it to block, Headlocks to keep him close and then a snap Lariat into beatdown bully tactics. EY takes the referee’s attention and one of the nerds punch Ace in the face.
Eric tries to lean on Ace, but Ace fires, a few strikes, Click Click Boom, the Miz Seated Lariats in the corner, Mochizuki Triangle Kick connects! Only a 2 count, but Ace seems to be in control. Ace puts EY on the ropes, a few strikes to keep him rocked, wants a Superplex, but EY blocks, bites the face and Macho Elbow gets a very close two count. EY tries the Piledriver but Ace turns it into a Jacknife Cradle,Spinning Heel Kick, calls for The Fold, but the losers hop on the apron to distract, Ace attacks them. Ace tries to time out the Triangle Kick again, but Eric dodges, throws Ace head first through the buckles. As Ace stumbles out of the corner, Piledriver, and it’s over.
Oh look it’s the “we’ll hear from Joe Hendry” segment. Again, I’ve loved this gimmick since Day 1, even didn’t hate his What Culture Pro stuff, but there is such a thing as milking a cow too much.
Elijah interrupts the whole “Who’s next” speech. When Elijah comes out he says he’s not the challenger and he believes in Joe. The crowd wants Elijah to turn on Hendry. Elijah pauses for a moment, and starts proving his friendship with stating his favorite color and a little “You Got a Friend in Me”. The crowd is into singing along and waving their cameras like Lighters to a 30 year old song. THANKFULLY Kaz breaks up the hug fest. Now he gets the “Culero” chant.
Kaz pulls out a Bass…what the hell is this Jam Session. Kaz has to warm up so he plays “La Cucaracha” on the bass. Kaz…is a national treasure. Hendry kicks Kaz out of the ring after his Heelish and playfully racially charged song choices. Kaz tries to sow dissension, but Joe and Elijah pinball Kaz between them. Kaz slips a power move and tries to shove Elijah into Joe but Elijah puts the brakes on, a small tense moment. But then Joe and Elijah play “Nah Nah Nah Nah, Hey Hey, Goodbye”…and that goes right into a commercial. Oddly…perfect.
Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater
Nic shoots the half immediately for a flash pinfall but Leon kicks out at one. Nic continues to keep things grounded with his amateur wrestling skills, and then does a little Dolph Ziggler show off. So Nic isn’t really taking this seriously, and Leon starts getting the best of things with an Arm Wringer, into drag, Shoulder Tackle and rope run as Nic tries to Leap Frog and Leon puts on the brakes and just shoves Nic on his ass. Nic gets annoyed, a few strikes, grinds his face along the ropes, but Leon keeps stringing some offense together, Back Handspring Elbow into his Corner con Hilo.
Ahh the classic formula of the commercial gives the heel the advantage, Twisting Suplex from Leon stops Nic’s offense momentum, right hand, Leon lifts Nic up for something, Nic slips it, kicks him in the gut, looks for the FameAsser, but Leon catches him into a Blue Thunder Bomb variation. Slater wants the Swanton 450, but Nic powders. Leon tries to adjust into a Dive, but Nic cuts him off, counter for counter and a FameAsser out of the counters for a two count. Nic starts the big brother tactics, bootwashes and arrogance, Slater fires, punches into a Yakuza Kick. Leon wants another Lethal Injection variant, but Nic catches him into a Rear Naked Choke. Slater tries to turn it into a pin so Nic breaks it. Leon wants a Leg Lariat but misses and gets unceremoniously dropped by Nic. Nic puts Leon up on the buckles, Superplex possibly but Slater counters, tries to collect himself for a move, but Nic falls into the ropes to crotch Leon, and finally hits the Superplex.
Twist of Slate from Leon, Swanton 450 but knees get up. Locomotion Cradles from both but they kick out, Ryan picks the ankle to trip up Leon just a touch and then Danger Zone ends the match.
Ryan starts the post match beatdown, but the Hardy’s music hits and they come down to the ring for the save. Matt challenges the Nemeths for Rebellion because they’re not medically cleared yet.
Overall Score: 6.5/10
Decent story motion, no match was offensive, and there was actually some solid match action for television standards. I don’t have a ton to complain about aside from the Knockouts Division is in a weird spot, and giving Hendry a lot of just talking and hollow payoff segments feels stupid. If we need to hear from him every week, give him a talk segment like Highlight Reel or something. Yes I know First Class just got The Penthouse, but if Hendry is going to talk more than wrestle, give him a talk segment for us to sink our teeth into.
There was the announcement that Xia, Lei Ying and Masha will face Tessa, Jacy and a mystery partner. So you gotta wonder if there’s going to be another NXT mercenary, a surprise return or if it’ll just be Rosemary since she’s got her issues with Xia. Also I just realized that Unbreakable is going to be on a Thursday, seemingly after iMPACT? I’m gonna have to see how they do it, because if there’s an Impact episode and 2-3 hour PLE…I do not want to be awake until 1am. People need to work, and I will be Unwakeable if things go that long.
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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Bandwagon Nerds #281: Vengeful Abomination
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Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (3/23/25)
Countdown to the Anniversary!
Attitude Of Aggression #304- Game Gone Wrong?- Part 1: When the Game was Great!
In Part 1, before getting to Season 8, the guys look back at the greatest moments from the first 7...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu Results & Report! (3/21/25)
One step away from glory!
Bandwagon Nerds #280: The Rich And Powerful
This week the NERDS discuss the Season 3 finale of Invincible, episode 3 of Daredevil Born Again and the continuation...
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (3/28/25)
SmackDown in the UK!
DWI Podcast #469: Superplex Sunday
Will John Cena win the WWE Title and retire at Wrestlemania?
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 3.27.2025
Bad news out of the TNA management side, but this is a taped episode from El Paso! So we won't...
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (3/27/25)
Is there a new Minion in town?
Mitchell’s WWE Evolve Results & Report! (3/27/25)
Evolve enters the Fourth Dimension!
POD is WAR: It All Goes Back To The Spinner Belt
Andrew Balaz, Rey Cash and PC Tunney invite you to come along on a trip inside the minds of Los...
Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (3/26/25)
ThunderStorm is TIMELESS!
Greg DeMarco Show: No Stipulation Needed
CM Punk vs Seth Rollins vs Roman Reigns? Are you buying this as a WWE WrestleMania 41 match? Does it...
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (3/25/25)
La Primera Double Header!
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (3/24/25)
ADRENALINE! IN GLASGOW!
