Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (5/4/20)
Crews’ misfortune is another’s opportunity!
Raw gives its roster one last chance!
Apollo Crews’ knee injury means he’s OUT of Money in the Bank! Who survives the Gauntlet to then head for WWE headquarters?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Money in the Bank Last Chance Gauntlet: AJ Styles wins and advances to the MITB Corporate Ladder match.
- Ricochet & Cedric Alexander VS Shane Thorne & Brendan Vink; Thorne & Vink win.
- The Street Profits VS The Viking Raiders; The Viking Raiders win.
- Charlotte Flair VS Liv Morgan; Flair wins.
- Drew McIntyre VS Buddy Murphy w/ Seth Rollins; McIntyre wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Raw opens with MVP’s VIP Lounge.
Montel Vontavius Porter welcomes us back to Raw and his lounge. He admits things went sideways last week when he had the MITB men’s competitors as his guests. Things didn’t go to plan, unless the plan was to be a brawl. But moving on from that, this week is a return to style, sophistication and class. This week he has the MITB women’s competitors! Though, the last time they were all together, it was also brutal chaos. A Triple Threat became a brawl involving the ladders at ringside, and a no contest. But even knowing all that, MVP gives introductions to the Empress of Tomorrow! Asuka heads to the ring and MVP speaks to her in Japanese. He confirms she’s very excited to be here. Second out is the Queen of Spades, Shayna Baszler! Asuka takes a seat and is no longer happy. Shayna sits far away from Asuka as MVP introduces the Irresistible Force, Nia Jax!
All three women are in the ring now, and Nia sits on the table just so she isn’t near the others. MVP says these three better get comfortable now because they’ll be way out of their comfort zones in the most unique MITB match ever. Nia is the most powerful superstar in this match-up, but does she have the skill set needed to make it past all the way to the roof, then to the top of a ladder to take down the briefcase? Skill set? Does MVP even watch Raw? Has he not seen Nia dominate and destroy? She is relentless, and that is all she needs to do that again this Sunday. Asuka responds in Japanese and says she’s doing this for Kairi! Nia is very rude, with her big booty! That’s NOT VIP. MVP turns to Shayna, the cage fighter with her own unique set of skills. How will that help her win MITB? Shayna dusts off her jeans before saying, “Opera non verba.” That’s Latin.
But if she needs to spell it out for everyone, it’s that all she needs is her action. Isn’t that right, Asuka? Asuka is upset again, but Shayna just mocks her chatter. Asuka says that Shayna may have it EZ-PZ in the Chamber, it won’t be the same here. Also, she has no manners! That’s also NOT VIP. The two stare down while Nia just minds her own business, but then they BOOT her down! Nia crashes through the table and MVP jumps in to prevent another brawl on his show. Please, save it for the PPV. The Empress and the Queen of Spades have both shown what they bring to the table. But who will be feasting as Ms. MITB 2020?
Money in the Bank Last Chance Gauntlet!
Apollo Crews suffered a knee injury in his WWE United States Championship challenge, and is now OUT of the MITB match. The Rocky Mountain Machine, Bobby Lashley, looks to run the gauntlet to punch his ticket! His first opponent is the Real Deal, Titus O’Neil! Is Titus about to make a million dollar move? Or will he bust before even cashing in?
Bobby Lashley VS Titus O’Neil!
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, go around, and Titus manages to power Lashley back. Lashley knees low but Titus throws haymakers! Titus has Lashley in a corner and CHOPS, but Lashley turns things around. Titus dodges and ROCKS Lashley again! Titus whips but Lashley dodges and SPEARS him down! Cover, Lsahley ELIMINATES Titus! One down, but we don’t know how many men are being given a chance! All we know is that next up is… Akira Tozawa! Lashley grins as he welcomes the former Cruiserweight Champion into the ring. Will the Stamina Monster be the next to fall?
Bobby Lashley VS Akira Tozawa!
Tozawa slides in and under Lashley to hit the spinning roundhouse! Tozawa climbs up top and leaps, to missile dropkick! Lashley staggers but stays up. Tozawa runs, but into a SPEAR! Cover, Lashley ELIMINATES Tozawa! Another one bites the dust, but here comes the Gold Standard, Shelton Benjamin!
Bobby Lashley VS Shelton Benjamin!
Benjamin is in but Lashley clobbers him! Lashley goes to bump Benjamin off buckles but Benjamin gets him first! Benjamin climbs up now, leaps and hits a BLOCKBUSTER! Benjamin throws haymakers but Lashley kicks low. Lashley forearms and whips, but Benjamin holds ropes. Benjamin dumps Lashley out and then step-up KNEES him back! Slingshot FACEBUSTERÂ to the apron! Benjamin has Lashley down and hurries to get him back in. Lashley RAMS Benjamin into barriers instead! The ref reprimands Lashley but he RAMS Benjamin again. Lashley refreshes the count before he throws Benjamin into more barriers! The count climbs but Lashley puts Benjamin in at 6. Lashley takes aim from the corner, Benjamin stands, and Benjamin hurdles the spear! Lashley blocks the kick but gets the DRAGON WHIP! Only to SPEAR!! Cover, Lashley ELIMINATES Benjamin! That’s three, but here comes Humberto Carrillo! Can Ultimo Ninja stop the hot streak?
Bobby Lashley VS Humberto Carrillo!
Raw returns and Lashley grinds his boot into Carrillo’s chest. He lets off at the ref’s count but drags Carrillo up to throw haymakers. Lashley whips Carrillo corner to corner but runs into a BOOT! Carrillo goes up, leaps, but into Lashley’s arms for a SLAM! Lashley runs to run Carrillo over with a shoulder! Lashley grins as he toys with Carrillo. He drags Carrillo up to gut wrench and Canadian rack. But Carrillo escapes the Dominator, and then slips to the apron to enziguri! Carrillo goes up and leaps to missile dropkick! Lashley goes down, Carrillo somersault moonsaults! Cover, TWO! Carrillo hurries to the top rope again. Lashley stops him with a haymaker, then TOSSES him to the mat! Lashley aims and runs in, to corner clothesline! He stomps a mudhole into Carrillo but lets up at the ref’s count of 4.
Lashley goes after Carrillo with hammering hands but the ref has to pull him off. Lashley won’t stop, and even shoves the ref! The ref tells him that’s a disqualification! Lashley ELIMINATES HIMSELF! The Machine is furious and he THROWS Carrillo again, and SPEARS him! Lashley won’t let off Carrillo and referees rush the ring. They back him off and Lashley storms off, but here comes Angel Garza! El Latino es en la casa to pick the bones. Will Carrillo be able to recover and overcome his cocky cousin?
Angel Garza w/ Zelina Vega VS Humberto Carrillo!
Raw returns again and Garza digs his knee into Carrillo in the corner. Garza lets up at 4 to stand Carrillo up. Garza wraps Carrillo’s arms around the ropes and pulls! The ref counts but Garza lets up at 4 again, to CHOP! Garza mocks his cousin’s pain but runs into an elbow! Carrillo hops up but Garza trips him up to dropkick the legs out! Vega applauds as the pants come off! Garza throws the pants at Carrillo then drags him around to stomp. Garza hits a Jeff Hardy like leg-splitting leg drop, and then adds a basement dropkick to it! Cover, TWO! Garza keeps his cool as he stands on Carrillo’s head and pulls on an arm. Carrillo endures the armlock as Garza adds a leg to it. Garza bends Carrillo back but Carrillo refuses to give up. Garza hammers the ribs and pulls on the body again, but still Carrillo endures.
Backstage, Lashley is seething and Lana tries to soothe him. She says if she was in his corner, she could’ve done something. Lashley says, “Not now,” and storms off again. Back to the ring, Vega likes what she sees as Garza grinds Carrillo more. But Carrillo fights up and hip tosses free! Garza catches a kick to give a knee! And then dragon sleepers to an inverted rebound suplex! And SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Carrillo still lives and Garza grows frustrated. Garza looms over Carrillo and scuffs him with his foot. Vega and Garza mock Carrillo’s pain as Garza whips. Carrillo BOOTS back! And then huricanranas! Garza flounders, ducks a kick but gets hit by the enziguri! Cover, TWO! Carrillo keeps close, and hits a moonsault, onto knees! Cover, TWO! Garza clubs his cousin for that, then drags him up into a camel clutch. Carrillo endures all over again as Garza pulls back on the neck.
Garza grabs a leg and pulls it up. Then he gets the other leg. Garza gets the arms back, and has the Mexican swing! But Carrillo rolls and pops out, only for Garza to roll him! Carrillo gets his shoulders up before a count, but Garza pushes him down with both hands. ONE, and Garza tries again, TWO! Garza is losing his cool but Vega coaches him up. Garza drags Carrillo to a drop zone, goes up, MOUNTAIN TOP MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Carrillo survives again and now Vega is frustrated. Garza drags Carrillo back up and underhooks the arms. Carrillo resists but Garza gets the hooks in again. Garza lifts, but Carrillo slips up and over to sunset flip! Carrillo ELIMINATES Garza!! Vega protests, but her other client is up next! Will Austin Theory redeem himself through the gauntlet?
Humberto Carrillo VS Austin Theory w/ Zelina Vega!
Raw is picture in picture as Carrillo stands up to face #AllDay. Theory kicks low then clubs Carrillo down. He stomps Carrillo and drags him up for a scoop! Backbreaker! Cover, TWO! Theory stomps and stalks Carrillo to a corner then drags him up. He bumps Carrillo off buckles then whips corner to corner hard! Raw returns to single picture as Theory kicks and stomps Carrillo more. Carrillo gets up to ROCK Theory, but Theory comes back with body shots. Theory brings Carrillo up to snapmare down and stomp again! Cover, TWO! Theory clamps on with a rear bearhug and squeezes! Carrillo endures the damage to his ribs, fights his way up, and fights back with elbows. Theory KICKS him hard in the side, then clamps on with the bearhug again. Carrillo scrambles up but Theory wrangles him back down with a slam.
Theory keeps on the bearhug but Carrillo fights his way up again. Carrillo elbows out but Theory dropkicks him down! Theory is on Carrillo in the corner shouting, “What did I tell you?!” But Carrillo forearms and chops back! Theory clamps on with a facelock then shifts to the waistlock. Carrillo prevents the bearhug and elbows out again! Carrillo fireman’s carries but Theory escapes. Theory suplexes but Carrillo escapes to mule kick! Carrillo KICKS and springboards, into a FOREARM! Cover, TWO!! Carrillo survives again and Vega is furious! Theory drags Carrillo up, hoists him to the top rope, then CHOPS him. Theory climbs up and brings Carrillo to the very top, for a SUPERPLEX! But Carrillo cradles, and ELIMINATES Theory!! Vega’s stable just can’t get it done! But here comes the PHENOMENAL ONE!! AJ Styles has returned from the Boneyard!! He climbed out of the shallow grave, but will he be the one climbing the corporate ladder?
Humberto Carrillo VS AJ Styles!
Raw returns again as Styles drags Carrillo up, only to get a dropkick! Carrillo stomps away on Styles and throws forearms! The ref counts as Carrillo stomps in the corner, but he lets up to whip. Styles reverses, avoids Carrillo going up and over, and catches him into a waistlock. Carrillo trips Styles up but Styles pushes him away. Styles catches Carrillo into knee after knee and he dumps Carrillo down. Styles stomps Carrillo at the ropes but Carrillo gets to the apron. The ref checks on Carrillo but Styles drags Carrillo up. Styles back suplexes and dumps Carrillo on his stomach! Cover, TWO! Styles looms over Carrillo and drags him up by a chinbar. Styles uses the bearhug like Theory did and really digs in. Carrillo endures but Styles shifts to a cobra twist! Carrillo endures so Styles elbows the ribs. Styles hammers away but Carrillo powers up! ROPEBREAK!
Styles lets go but drags Carrillo back up for a side bearhug. Carrillo elbows out and throws forearms. Carrillo runs at Styles in the corner but Styles dodges. Styles runs in, blocks the boot, and hits a knee jammer! And dragon screw! Carrillo writhes but Styles comes back for more. Styles tweaks the leg and cranks on it, then gets up to set the leg on the ropes. CALF KILLER! ROPEBREAK and Styles lets go. Styles walks into an elbow but he gives forearms back. He drags Carrillo by the leg, for another dragon screw, only for Carrillo to slip out! BASEMENT DDT! Both men are down but Carrillo grits his teeth. Carrillo gets up and goes after Styles. Styles has the leg again, but Carrillo enziguris! Carrillo goes back but Styles unleashes the Phenomenal Blitz! Carrillo ducks the back hand to ENZIGURI! Both men are down again!
Styles and Carrillo crawl to opposite ends and stand. Carrillo runs corner to corner, but into a boot! Styles goes up, QUEBRADA, but Carrillo counters the DDT to a cradle! TWO, and DOUBLE CLOTHESLINES rock both men! Carrillo walks into a waistlock, tries for the trip up but Styles counters! Styles has the pump handle, lifts and GUT BUSTERS! Styles drags Carrillo into the CALF KILLER!! Carrillo taps, Styles wins!!
Winner: AJ Styles, by submission (advances to the MITB Corporate Ladder Match)
NOW the field is complete! The Phenomenal One is the sixth and final man in the match, but will he be the one to win it all?
Wait! Styles isn’t done with Carrillo! He drags him to the corner to SLAM the leg against the post! And again! And again! The Boneyard has brought out the darkness in Styles as he keeps on Carrillo’s leg! Will this same brutality be what helps Styles stand atop the WWE as Mr. Phenomenal in the Bank?
AJ Styles still isn’t finished, as he grabs a mic. “I’m not a zombie! I’m not a ghost!” This is truly the Phenomenal AJ Styles! And there’s no Undertaker to steal his spotlight this time! Styles got buried at WrestleMania, but so what? He admits it and understands it, but he didn’t lose anything! There are no rules in the Boneyard. But that was then, this is now. Styles has seized his opportunity! He is now in “the most unique Money in the Bank Ladder Match, and it’s worth it.” In fact, Styles vows to do anything, and he means anything to get the contract. If that means throwing Rey Mysterio or Aleister Black off the very top of WWE HQ, “then so be it.” They haven’t been through what he’s been through, and they haven’t seen what he’s seen. Styles is going to rewrite the history books on “Greatest Moments in MITB History.” Because the truth is, AJ Styles will be number one with that contract and its guaranteed title match. Then Mr. MITB will finally be phenomenal.
Raw relives the Top Ten Greatest MITB Moments!
Coming in at #10, it’s 2017’s MITB Ladder Match, and AJ Styles giving Kevin Owens Ushigoroshi onto a ladder! Somehow neither ladder nor Kevin’s back were broken by that. At #9 was 2018 and the inaugural Women’s MITB Ladder Match! And Ember Moon giving Sasha Backs a springboard crossbody onto a ladder! There’s already a trend here. Moment #8 was 2013, when Daniel Bryan finally became WWE World Champion, only for the Viper in the Bank to cash-in. And for the Authority to screw Bryan over! HHH gave Bryan a PEDIGREE, leaving him vulnerable, and allowing Randy Orton to become champion instead. What will be the other seven greatest moments in MITB history?
Seth Rollins heads to the ring!
The Monday Night Messiah has been Mr. MITB and is surely on the Top Ten Greatest Moments list one way or another. But for now, he sits with Charly Caruso for an in-ring interview. Before challenging Drew McIntyre this Sunday, Rollins’ disciple, Buddy Murphy, will face the champion tonight. Does Rollins have any alst minute predictions? Rollins says that whatever is meant to be will be. With that said, Rollins has the utmost confidence in Murphy. Then how about Rollins’ own preparation for a man as dominant as McIntyre? An interesting question. McIntyre truly is a dominant champion, a fighter, a warrior and an honorable man. But Rollins said it before and will say it again: McIntyre is not a leader. It is not McIntyre’s destiny to be the champion that takes Raw into the future. That is Rollins’ destiny. So what the question really is: How is Rollins preparing to meet his destiny?
McIntyre will put up a great fight, but the title means too much to him. Rollins is willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good of destiny. Everyone thinks Rollins is trying to take something from McIntyre. That’s not true! Being a champion and being a leader is more than just what you do in the ring. You represent an entire generation, and all the generations that came before you. You represent the entire industry! That is the responsibility of a leader. McIntyre is not ready for the pain, suffering, agony and despair that comes with being a champion of that level! Rollins isn’t trying to crush anyone’s dreams or take anything from anyone. Rollins is trying to take that burden upon himself and save McIntyre. That is the truth. At MITB, Rollins’ destiny becomes reality when he stands in the ring, hands held high, and the announcement rings true. “And NEW WWE Champion, The Monday Night Messiah, SETH. Rollins.” A powerful prediction for an intense showdown, but will destiny be able to #BurnItDown?
Shane Thorne and Brendan Vink prepare backstage.
They have a match coming up, and MVP comes over to check on his new guys. The match against Ricochet & Cedric Alexander is up next but MVP couldn’t resist giving them a quick pep talk. “Great moments are born from great opportunity.” And that is what they have here tonight. Isn’t that from Miracle? YES! And it is a miracle that “two of Australia’s finest” have this opportunity against two of Raw’s fliest! Yeah, that sounds great! They lost once, but not again. Cedric and Ricochet will have all the opportunity to tell everyone how they lost to Shane Thorne and Brendan Vink. MVP likes where this is going, but is it really going the way he hopes?
Backstage interview with Buddy Murphy.
The disciple faces the Scottish Stud. Why has he been so loyal to Rollins this entire time? Murphy says that Rollins took him under his wing when it benefited them both. They needed each other, and Murphy has learned and developed. Hopefully one day, Murphy is on the same level as Rollins. Or, maybe even better. But they know this day will come, later. Tonight is about getting back at McIntyre for that Claymore. If Rollins says he can beat McIntyre, then he can. But Murphy knows he can. Will Murphy be proven right or wrong in the main event?
Ricochet & Cedric Alexander VS Shane Thorne & Brendan Vink!
The fast, the furious and the fliest tag team has a rematch with the Worst and the Smug! Will Thorne and Vink still feel like Australia’s finest after this second time around?
The teams sort out, and Alexander starts against Vink. Alexander bobs ‘n’ weaves, haymakers and chops, but Vink shrugs it off. Alexander avoids Vink’s grasp and throws more chops! But he starts to hurt his own hand. Alexander dodges again and boots Vink away! Alexander hops up and over and baits Vink in, but Vink grabs him! Vink TOSSES Alexander to the Aussie corner then tags in Thorne. Thorne uppercuts Alexander down, but Alexander rolls him up! TWO but Alexander basement dropkicks Thorne down! Alexander staggers up and drags Thorne over to tag Ricochet. Uppercut to waistlock, feed to a knee! Neckbreaker backbreaker combo! Cover, TWO! Ricochet drags Thorne up and tags Alexander back in. They mug Thorne and Alexander CHOPS Thorne. ALexander whips Thorne corner to corner, but is put on the apron. Vink runs over but ALexander avoids the cheap shot. But Thorne blasts Alexander off with an elbow!
Tag to Vink and the 6’5″ Aussie throws Alexander hard into barriers! Alexander writhes but Vink kicks him while he’s down. Vink drags Alexander up and into the ring, then clamps on with a half camel clutch. Alexander endures being bent back, and fights his way up. Alexander throws hands but can’t get away. He throws haymakers but Vink whips him. Alexander handsprings, to hit the NEURALIZER! Thorne tags in but misses the diving catch! Hot tag to Ricochet! The One and Only rallies with fast hands and a whip. Thorne reveres but Ricochet springboards to crossbody! Vink runs into the dropkick-flip and enziguri! Thorne grabs Ricochet to whip to a corner. Ricochet dodges and enziguris! Ricochet hoists Thorne up for a NO HANDS RANA! Tag to Alexander and Ricochet whips him in for a big forearm! And a FLYING dropkick! TORNADO DDT! Cover, but Vink breaks it!
Vink runs at Ricochet but gets dumped out! Ricochet hustles back and Alexander drags Thorne up. Alexander wants the Lumbar Check but Thorne resists with elbows. Alexander elbows Thorne away, Vink tags in! To get a KNEE! Alexander brings Vink over, tags in Ricochet, and Ricochet heads up top. But Vink knows what’s coming and pulls Alexander’s hair! Vink whips Alexander at the corner but Ricochet leaps over. Ricochet SUPERKICKS Vink then front kicks him. Thorne runs in and CANNONBALLS Alexander! Ricochet SUPERKICKS Thorne but Vink BOOTS Ricochet! Cover, Vink and Thorne WIN!!
Winners: Shane Thorne & Brendan Vink, by pinfall
MVP’s motivational speech actually worked! Australia’s Finest just got their first win and it was a big one! Are they going to become Raw’s newest VIP’s?
Raw relives MORE of the Top Ten Greatest MITB Moments!
Coming in at #7, it is 2019’s shocking appearance by BRRROCK! LENSARRR! Just as Mustafa Ali was about to becoming Mr. Money in the Bank, Lesnar appeared to fill the empty spot and completely turn things upside-down! No one could stop Lesnar from becoming the BEAST in the Bank, or having his #BrockParty as Seth Rollins and Kofi Kingston both wondered who he would target. Moment #6 is all the way back in 2006! Shelton Benjamin used a ladder as a launching pad for the craziest tope ever! Moment #5 was also from 2019, when the Hugger in the Bank, Bayley, chose to cash-in on PPV night! The Queen, Charlotte Flair, couldn’t thwart her attempts, and Bayley became the first-ever WWE Women’s Grand Slam Champion! One of the biggest moments ever but there’s still four more to go! Who made the top of the list?
The Street Profits VS The Viking Raiders!
Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins are the Raw Tag Team Champions, but Erik & Ivar won’t let them forget it didn’t come off of them. This match may be non-title, but it will prove whether or not the Profits can finally overcome the raid!
Before the match, the Profits grab some mics. “Tonight, the fam is in the WWE Performance Center!” Professor Dawkins needs to school the WWE Universe on the history of this building. Dawkins says that the WWE PC is where it all started. It’s where Dawkins and Ford met, where they broke bread and became brothers. This is where the Profits were born. But it ain’t all good, either. Because ever since the Viking Raiders signed up and came to the PC, the Profits have been chasing after them. But the chase ends tonight! The Profits are UP, and #WeWantTheSmoke! With that, the Viking Raiders make their entrance, and this match begins, after the break.
Raw returns as Ford starts against Erik. Ford avoids the knees, ducks the run and hurdles over. Ford kicks, but Erik blocks to flip him back. But Ford keeps moving, and manages to land on his feet out of the back drop! The two look at each other and Dawkins gets hype. But then he gets DECKED! Ford fires off on Erik and grinds his forearm in, but lets up at 4. Ford wrenches and whips, but Erik reveres. Ford goes up and over and shows off his agility with the handspring. He tries to return the favor but Ivar gets clear of the haymaker. Erik DECKS Ford with the forearm! Ivar runs at BOOTS Dawkins on the outside! Erik lifts Ford for an EXPLODER! Ivar basement SPLASHES Dawkins! Erik gives Ford Ace Ten Mao! Tag to Ivar, Erik gut wrenches Ford up, and POWERBOMBS him! Ivar hits the WARBEARD SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Ford survives and Ivar is surprised!
Ivar glares at Ford as Ford manages to sit up. Ivar drags him up but gets a jawbreaker! Ford jumps but Ivar catches him! He still makes the tag! Dawkins fires off fast hands on Ivar! Erik gets in but gets ROCKED! Ivar swings but into a dropkick! Dawkins has Ivar and tags in Ford. Dawkins whips Ford in for a cyclone splash! Ford and Dawkins work together but Ivar slips out of assisted sliced bread! Ivar LARIATS Dawkins and tags in Erik! Ivar corner clotheslines Ford and Erik adds the SHOTGUN KNEES! Erik uses Ivar as the human weapon, hip attack! Cover, TWO!! Ford still lives! Erik is frustrated as he stalks Ford to a corner. Erik RAMS into Ford with his shoulder, then ROCKS him with a right! Ford flounders against ropes, but Erik tags in Ivar. Ivar drags Ford up and knees him hard, and clubs him harder! Ivar snapmares Ford down for a falling fist drop! Cover, TWO!
Ivar keeps on Ford with an armlock and chinbar. He grinds that forearm into Ford’s face but Ford endures. Ford fights up, but Ivar rams him into Raider territory. Tag to Erik and Erik rams into Ford again. Erik suplexes Ford but Ford slips out and rolls Erik up! TWO, Ford dodges to hot tag Dawkins! Dawkins rallies with clotheslines, then ducks under to scoop, for an EXPLODER! Erik flounders up but Dawkins decks Ivar! Dawkins gives Erik the cyclone splash, then the bulldog! Erik goes out and drags Dawkins out. Erik then runs, to DIVE into a haymaker! Dawkins dodges Ivar and POUNCES him into barriers! The Profits are back up as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns and Dawkins has Erik down in a chinlock. Erik endures the grind as Dawkins leans on him. Dawkins talks some smack but Erik fights his way up. Erik elbows free, but Dawkins knees low. Tag to Ford and Dawkins whips Erik. Ford dropkicks Erik down and covers, TWO! Ford keeps on Erik with a cravat and crank. Erik endures again, but Dawkins tags in. The Profits mug Erik and Dawkins brings him up for haymakers. Dawkins brings Erik up but Erik ROCKS him! Tag to Ivar, and Dawkins flounders. Ivar dodges and rolls off Dawkins’ back t BOOT him down! Dawkins flounders up and avoids Ivar in the corner, but Ivar hits the SEATED SENTON! Ford runs in but Ivar cartwheels and clotheslines! The Warbeard roars as he runs at Dawkins, for the BRONCO BUSTER! Cover, TWO!
Ivar keeps his cool and brings Dawkins up. He clubs Dawkins to the corner and tags in Erik. The Viking Raiders feed Dawkins to knees back and forth! Cover, TWO! Erik keeps on Dawkins with a facelock. They go around but Erik holds on. Erik drags Dawkins up, Dawkins pops free but Erik throws him for Ace Ten Mao. Dawkins avoids the knee, then gut wrenches Erik for a suplex! Both men are down but crawl for their corners. Hot tags to Ivar and Ford! Ford dodges and rallies with fast hands! Mule kick to front kick, then Ford runs to clothesline! Ivar stays up, so Ford tires again! And again, but he has to dodge. Ivar cartwheels but into an enziguri! Ford reels Ivar in, and tries but can’t back suplex! Ivar standing switches, back suplex but Ford lands on his feet! Tag to Dawkins, enziguri and a DOUBLE BACK SUPLEX! Back suplex splash! Cover, TWO!! Ivar survives the onslaught and the Profits are shocked!
Dawkins tags Ford back in, and they double whip Ivar. Ivar breaks the line to handspring and back elbow them both down! Ivar tags in Erik and Erik is right on Ford with a backbreaker! And then a gut buster! And then tag to Ivar, gut wrench but Ford slips out! Ford enziguris Ivar but Erik ROCKS Ford! Ford staggers, dodges, but runs into THOR’S H- NO! Dawkins SPEARS Erik and Ford escapes! Ford spins Ivar for the DDT! But Ford skips the cover to tag in Dawkins. Dawkins has Ivar up, pop-up SPINE BUSTER! FROM THE HEAVENS!! Cover, but Erik KNEES Dawkins off! Erik drags Ivar away to the corner, and he TOSSES Ford out! Erik tags in, but Dawkins kicks low. Dawkins runs, into THOR’s HAMMER!! Cover, the Viking Raiders win!!
Winner: The Viking Raiders, by pinfall
The chase is NOT over! It has only just begun! And now, the hunters become the hunted, because Erik & Ivar are after the Raw Tag Team Championships! Are the Profits going to be second best after all?
Backstage interview with Drew McIntyre.
The WWE Champion is much more welcoming to Charly. Charly repeats Murphy’s words that he knows he can beat McIntyre. Wow, he must’ve hit Murphy harder than he thought. But Buddy, if that’s still his name, is a very confused young man. He has Rollins praising him, but it all started when Murphy was at his most vulnerable. Rollins is using Murphy because Murphy is very talented. But if Murphy is willing to be sacrificed as the disciple, and Rollins is willing to sacrifice Murphy, then who is McIntyre to deny the people the slaughter? Will McIntyre show Murphy he is just the pawn in Rollins’ game?
Raw relives MORE of the Top Ten Greatest MITB Moments!
Moment #4 is from 2019’s Men’s MITB match. Andrade and Balor battled atop the ladder, and El Idolo would SUPER SUNSET BOMB Balor on a ladder! There’s that trend again. Moment #3 was 2006, after John Cena won a brutal Elimination Chamber match to retain his WWE Championship. But as Vince McMahon said, “This night is not over.” The moment is actually the Rated R Superstar’s cash-in and victory! Moment #3 was 2007, Jeff Hardy giving the very same Rated R Superstar a SUPER SEATED SENTON THROUGH a ladder! The Charismatic Enigma is back, but will he give us a moment quite that crazy? And what is THE greatest moment for Money in the Bank?
Backstage interview with The Viking Raiders!
Erik & Ivar are obviously very happy that they won tonight. Another big victory against the Street Profits, but what do they owe their success to? Erik says that this isn’t success, this is dominance! Ivar says that they have a ton of respect for The Profits. In fact, they like Ford & Dawkins. But the truth is, the Raiders are just better. The raid is on, and tonight, just like every night, they #ExtinguishTheSmoke!
Aleister Black speaks.
“Tell me how it felt, AJ. In fact, tell all of us how it felt. How did it feel to be buried six feet deep, all alone in that darkness, clawing for a way out, being swallowed by darkness?” One thing it didn’t do: It didn’t humble Styles. Now Styles is talking about throwing Aleister off a building. If Styles somehow manages to do that, Aleister wants him to pray that Aleister doesn’t get back up. Because Aleister will climb the ladder and take the MITB contract. When that happens, Styles will wish that he was buried deeper.
Rey Mysterio speaks.
“I’ve been a WWE superstar long enough to know what to expect before any match.” Except for this Sunday. For the first time ever, this match does not take place in just a ring. It starts in WWE HQ. Six men and six women are all fighting at the same time, from the ground floor to the very roof of Titan Towers to reach those briefcases. And that means one wrong move, and that’s all one wrote. This is by far the riskiest match of anyone’s career, but it is for a briefcase with a championship match anytime, anywhere. That makes Mysterio realize that his career is closer to the end than the beginning. Mysterio isn’t sure how many more opportunities he has left. So yes, it is risky, but it is also worth the reward. Will the King of Lucha Libre become the Greatest Mask in the Bank?
Charlotte Flair returns to Raw!
The Queen of All Eras defends her NXT Women’s Championship match this Wednesday against the Evil Genius of the Sky, Io Shirai! She takes up the mic to say, “I am the hardest working woman in any industry.” Ever since winning this title, she has been pulling double duty! She works Mondays and Wednesdays! And if you don’t know her opponent, Shirai has wrestled all over the world. Shirai won a brutal Six Woman Ladder match to become #1 contender, but on top of all that, Shirai said that Charlotte was her dream opponent. That makes Charlotte very happy. Charlotte gets to make Shirai’s dream come true, by making her bow down to the queen. But the LIVing Embodiment makes an appearance!
Liv says hi to the Queen and asks if she remembers her. Think really, really hard. Charlotte does, and thinks Liv wants some attention, while also being taken seriously. PFFFT. No, Liv doesn’t need Charlotte to take her seriously. Not all of us are born with silver spoons shoved up our a- Mouths. And Liv didn’t have a dad to walk her to school, let alone to the front of the line. But that’s fine, because Charlotte shouldn’t worry about Liv. Liv will be a champion sooner or later. And if that means knocking down backstabbers or dethroning self-entitled royals, then Liv is blessed. Charlotte says Liv doesn’t know who Liv is, but Charlotte knows who Charlotte is. Yes, she is born as Ric Flair’s daughter with a silver spoon, but guess what? Charlotte is proud of it!
It’s a shame, because Liv was being so “authentic,” yet she said the same things about Charlotte that everyone says. Charlotte was almost expecting Liv to say Charlotte was her dream opponent, too. But in the end, they will both bow down to the Queen. Well then, why don’t we just get a ref down here and see what happens? Liv is stepping up, but will she just be a warm-up for Charlotte?
Charlotte Flair VS Liv Morgan!
Raw returns with the bell, and Liv ties up with Charlotte. Charlotte powers her to a cover and grinds her into buckles, but the ref counts. Charlotte lets up and draws a line “in the sand.” Liv steps right over and scuffs that line. They tie up again, Charlotte throws Liv down but Liv gets up. Charlotte throws her again then kips right up. Charlotte dusts herself off but Liv keeps her cool. The two circle, Liv dodges and headlocks. Charlotte rolls and pops out the back to facelock. Liv gets up, tries to bring Charlotte down then tries to power out. Charlotte stays clamped on, but Liv gets it on the second effort. Charlotte runs her over and things speed up. Liv drops down but Charlotte stops to boot her down! Charlotte taunts Liv and toys with her. Liv talks trash so Charlotte CLUBS her down. Charlotte bumps Liv off buckles and taunts some more.
Charlotte goes to bump but Liv blocks to elbow back! Liv turns around and Charlotte ROCKS her! Charlotte runs in but misses the splash, and Liv fires off! Charlotte shoves Liv away but Liv shotgun dropkicks back! Things speed up again and Liv huricanranas! Charlotte flounders to a corner, and Liv back body blocks! But Charlotte LARIATS right back! Charlotte looms over Liv and brings her up. She whips Liv to a corner, then runs in. Liv goes up and over, rolls and returns, but Charlotte dodges. Liv hops up, up and missile dropkicks! Charlotte flounders again, and Liv runs in, to be hip tossed into buckles! Charlotte stomps away in anger but the ref counts. She stops at four and struts around as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Charlotte uses the headscissors hold to RAM Liv into the mat over and over! The ref counts and Charlotte throws Liv to a corner at 4. Charlotte drags Liv up to SLAP, so Liv fires back! Charlotte runs into boots! Liv runs and swings, but into a back suplex. She slips free, kicks low then runs to LARIAT! And Liv is rallying, into the running facebuster! Liv keeps going, basement enziguri! Charlotte flounders but Liv goes up, to STOMP her down! Cover, TWO! Charlotte survives but Liv keeps her focus. Liv stalks up behind Charlotte but Charlotte elbows her away! Charlotte pops Liv up to the apron and ROCKS her with a right! Charlotte seethes as she stands Liv up, but Liv hotshots her back! Liv slides under, but Charlotte stomps the sunset flip apart! Charlotte taunts Liv, but Liv actually grins. Liv throws hyamakers and a jawbreaker! Then the tornado CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Liv is getting up first!
Liv runs, but Charlotte blocks the huricanrana! Charlotte brings Liv up, to POWERBOMB! High stack cover, TWO!! Now Charlotte is grinning, because she’s actually having some fun. Charlotte stalks Liv to a corner, and CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! The ref reprimands but Charlotte CHOPS once more. She argues with the ref but Liv elbows her away! Liv hops up and leaps, but into Charlotte’s arms! BOSTON CRAB! Liv endures, crawls and claws, and gets the ropebreak! Charlotte lets go at 4, but Liv drop toeholds her into ropes! Charlotte flounders to a corner, Liv runs in, but into the backbreaker and buckle shot! Liv crawls and Charlotte goes up top. But Liv goes up to forearm! Liv runs in, hops up, SUPER CODE BREAKER!! Cover, TWO!! Charlotte survives but Liv tries another cover, TWO! Liv can’t believe how close she was!
Liv watches Charlotte closely as she goes to ropes. She runs in, rebounds, but into a roll-up! She slips out, but Charlotte gets the Figure Four, and FIGURE EIGHT!! Liv taps, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
The Queen avoids ObLIVion, and now has momentum for her match against Io Shirai! Will the Evil Genius use everything we just saw to improve her strategy? Or will the dream match become Shirai’s nightmare?
Raw shares THE Greatest Moment in MITB History!
It is of course, Seth Rollins’ 2015 cash-in at WrestleMania 31! He turned Lesnar VS Roman into a Triple Threat, and took the title on the Greatest Stage of Them All! The Heist of the Century truly raised the bar on all cash-ins, but will Rollins outdo even that against Drew McIntyre this Sunday?
Drew McIntyre VS Buddy Murphy w/ Seth Rollins!
All sides have spoken, but now it is about backing up those words. Will the Scottish Stud leave the disciple lost in #ClaymoreCountry before he goes after the Monday Night Messiah? Or will Murphy play his part in Rollins realizing his destiny?
The bell rings and Murphy circles with McIntyre. They tie up, and McIntyre shoves Murphy right down! Murphy bails out while Rollins glares from the ramp. Murphy gets in, but McIntyre blocks the kick. McIntyre pushes Murphy back but Murphy comes back with a chop! That does nothing! Murphy headlocks but McIntyre powers out. They collide, but neither falls, and Murphy SLAPS McIntyre! Murphy runs, McIntyre follows, but Murphy stops himself only to get run over! Murphy bails out again, but McIntyre pursues! McIntyre stalks up behind Murphy and BOOTS him down on the ramp! McIntyre drags Murphy up to RAM into barriers, and then into apron, and then back to barriers! And then the apron one more time! Rollins looks disappointed as McIntyre throws Murphy OVER barriers! McIntyre returns to the ring and says, “Maybe you should step up and be a leader,” Rollins! Then McIntyre fetches Murphy to snake eyes him off LED boards!
McIntyre glares at Rollins as he CHOPS Murphy! They go back to the ramp and McIntyre headlock punches Murphy down! Murphy scrambles into the ring at 5 but Rollins steps closer. McIntyre stares him down, but Murphy dropkicks back! Murphy throws McIntyre into barriers, then more barriers! McIntyre powers out but Murphy escapes the scoop to POST McIntyre! Murphy puts McIntyre in and climbs up top. Murphy leaps, METEORA! Cover, ONE!! Rollins has made his way to ringside now as Murphy Penalty Kicks McIntyre in the back! And again! But McIntyre gets up! Murphy chops but McIntyre CHOPS! McIntyre drags Murphy up to CHOP again! McIntyre whips, Murphy reverses, bobs ‘n’ weaves and fires off a strike fest! But McIntyre avoids the knee to HEADBUTT! The Glasgow Kiss rocks Murphy, and McIntyre says this is for Rollins. McIntyre says Murphy can’t give up with his leader watching. “Get to your feet, dammit!”
McIntyre runs at Murphy but Murphy boots! Murphy slips to the apron and enziguris! Murphy climbs but McIntyre CHOPS him off the ropes! He crashes into barriers, and McIntyre drags him back in. McIntyre climbs up and waits for Murphy to stand. And then he leaps to flying ax handle! And kip up! McIntyre drags Murphy up and into a fireman’s carry, to then climb up top again! But Murphy slips out to a sunset, then tucks McIntyre in for the SUPERKICK! And POWERBOMB!! Cover, ONE!? Murphy is shocked and Rollins is seething, but so is McIntyre. Murphy aims from the corner and mocks the countdown. He runs out, but McIntyre CLAYMORES!! Cover, McIntyre wins!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
The disciple has fallen, and McIntyre dares Rollins to step up and give us MITB early. McIntyre says he is an impatient man, so why wait for this “destiny” Rollins speaks of? “Fight me, Seth! C’mon, I’ll get on my damn knees if you fight me right now!” Rollins storms off, not ready for what’s coming. Will Rollins make destiny happen on his time? But wait, Rollins reappears and SUPERKICKS McIntyre down! “This is not about you, Drew!” This is BIGGER than either of them! Rollins sees the title belt and picks it up. He looks at it and surely remembers what it was like to have it for his own. But then he tosses it aside, and runs, but McIntyre avoids the stomp! McIntyre HEADBUTTS Rollins, then demands the coward get back up. But Rollins retreats again, clutching his jaw. Will McIntyre have even more than that in store for the Monday Night Messiah this Sunday?
My Thoughts:
A really good go-home right here. I like that the VIP Lounge had the women’s entrants for the MITB match, and I like how it turned out. Asuka and Shayna stand tall together, but don’t count them out of the running just yet. Becky Lynch was being advertised for next week already, because she wants after Ms. MITB regardless of brand. But I’m pretty sure that’s a telltale sign that Raw takes the Women’s MITB, because I don’t see this being the time when Fox wants to let “their” superstars work on USA Network. MVP’s audio for his pep talk with Vink and Thorne was horrible for part of it, but it was still a good promo. I did not expect Vink and Thorne to win, either. I honestly feel like MVP should’ve been using Vink and Thorne to recruit Ricochet and Alexander, but maybe there’s some kind of long game at play.
And then we got a really good Gauntlet match tonight. I’m not so sure Lashley had to lose by disqualifying himself, as a lucky roll-up would’ve been just as effective. At the same time, it does keep Lashley strong, and it strengthens the story of tension between him and Lana. Carrillo had a great performance against Garza and Theory, and what a great way for Styles to return! Styles won to finally give the match another male Heel, and he had a great return promo. Mysterio and Aleister had really good responses in their promo, and it all makes me that much more excited for this match. The tag match of Profits VS Raiders was an excellent match, and this was the right result to keep the story going. That Raw Tag Team title match is going to be like a TakeOver match, but I’m not sure which is the better result. Profits winning means they finally get out from the Raiders’ shadow, but then what do the Raiders do after losing?
Charlotte had a good promo but I feel like she and Liv stumbled somewhere in there. Why didn’t they reference the match on SmackDown that basically sent Liv into this reinvention of herself? The match was really good, though, especially for Liv. But of course Charlotte wins, she’s a champion and headed for a title defense. Flair VS Shirai is going to be incredible, but win or lose, I feel like Charlotte needs to eventually choose which brand she’s on. And we got some really good promos from McIntyre, Rollins and Murphy, and a pretty good main event out of McIntyre VS Murphy. But boy did Rollins get punked out by McIntyre. He “retreats” to then be forced to retreat anyway. Murphy’s nickname at one time was the Aussie Juggernaut, but McIntyre is becoming a Scottish Juggernaut right now. I feel like the only thing that could stop McIntyre is the surprise cash-in.
My Score: 8.4/10
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Can the Last Real Champion handle The Truth?
While the King & Queen of the Ring tournaments reach their semifinals, John Cena has his first match on SmackDown in years, against Ron Killings!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Asuka VS Alexa Bliss; Asuka wins and advances to Night of Champions.
- Aleister Black VS Kit Wilson; No Contest.
- King of the Ring Semifinals: Randy Orton VS Sami Zayn; Orton wins and advances to Night of Champions.
- Charlotte Flair VS Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice; Charlotte wins.
- Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker VS LA Knight; Knight wins, by disqualification.
- John Cena VS Ron Killings; Killings wins, by disqualification.
PLAY BY PLAY
LA Knight is here!
Grand Rapids fires up as the Mega Star marches right to the ring. Knight grabs a mic while the fans chant his name, and he says, “LEMME TALK TO YA!” The fans cheer, and Knight says, “Let’s just go ahead and rewind our mind a little bit. We go to back to Money in the Bank, Seth and his boys, they just happen to come down and screw this guy.” The fans boo that. Knight says usually, he lets things slide. But he just figured he couldn’t let it slide, so he made sure to screw on of Rollins’ boys in their title opportunity, King of the Ring. But then they came back, paid it back and screwed Knight outta KOTR, so he had to go and screw the other one over!
And it just has Knight thinking. Fans “YEAH!” and Knight says there is only one way this can go. He has gone back and forth between Raw and SmackDown, where it ends, nobody knows! Except Knight! He knows! He knows where this ends! The fans cheer that! And Knight says it ends with him and Rollins! And what better place than here? And what better time than now! Knight tells Rollins to come on out and talk to him! But “Ladies and gentlemen…” The fans boo as Paul Heyman walks out and gives his introductions. He serves as the Wise Man to Mr. Money in the Bank, Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins!
Heyman says you do not boo that name. And you screwed up your cue, so they’ll do this again. He serves as the Wise Man for Seth Freakin’ Rollins! The fans keep booing, Heyman wants to try again, but Knight says shut up and get to the point! Why is Heyman here?! Heyman walks to the ring and asks permission to step inside. The fans chant “O T C! O T C!” but Knight steps back. Heyman steps into the ring, and he says yes, there has been a lot of bad blood between Knight and Mr. MITB, Seth Freakin’ Rollins. However, Heyman happens to be, with all due respect to everyone here in Grand Rapids, Michigan…
The fans chant “C M PUNK!” at Heyman now and he frowns. Knight says Heyman has a lot of enemies. Heyman says he is the biggest LA Knight fan in all of WWE! Heyman’s been waiting a long time to say this: YEAH! Now, because of that, Seth Freakin’ Rollins (the fans boo again) has allowed Heyman to say to Knight, as a favor to Heyman… It is time for Knight to get the hell outta Grand Rapids, Michigan. Because if he does not, something really bad is going to happen to him before the end of the night. Have a nice evening. Heyman turns to go but the fans cheer Knight on. Knight says he couldn’t help but notice, but did you~ (poking fun at Heyman’s voice cracking) threaten Knight?
Because Knight wants to wrap his head around this. He’s heard Heyman say stuff like this before, because Heyman is a liar, a swindler, a grifter, a scammer and a schemer! Heyman leeches on to any talent that has a bit of hype, sucks ’em dry, then moves on to the next! Rollins just happens to be the latest in this. But where next? Who cares! But the bottom line is, Knight asked for Rollins but he got Heyman. And while he got Heyman, he got a Heyman out here talking all tough. So it has Knight thinking, he has a great idea.
Talking about wise man, wisdom, there was a point in time if Heyman had said something like that, a man like Knight would look at a “thing” like Heyman and punched his wisdom teeth down his throat! Knight won’t do that, yet. But here’s the deal: Heyman’s talking all tough, but if he can’t bring Rollins out here, then the only thing to do out here in Grand Rapids is Knight fighting Heyman here and now! The fans fire up for that! Knight asks if the fans want that, and they cheer! “HUH?” “YEAH!” “HUH?” “YEAH!” “YEAH!!” Knight promises he’ll turn around, take his vest off, and Heyman gets the first shot. He better make it good, or Knight will molly whop his ass right outta Grand Rapids!
The fans fire up as Knight does as promised. He turns around, his vest is off, but Heyman bails? The fans boo as the Wise Man doesn’t play along. Heyman says, “Remember when I told you to get the hell out of Grand Rapids or else something really bad is gonna happen to you before the end of the night? That wasn’t a prediction. That… was a spoiler!” Heyman throws down his mic, and here comes Bronson Reed & Bron Breakker! Rollins’ behemoths head to the ring, but Knight fires off on them first! The fans rally as Knight throws hands and feet, but then Bron TACKLES Knight! Bronson joins in and they mug Knight right out of the ring!
Bronson drags Knight up to TOSS him over barriers! Bron clears the desk, he wants Bronson to put Knight through it! But Knight has a chair! He JAMS Bron, JAMS Bronson, then SMACKS Bron and SMACKS Bronson! Knight gets in the ring, ready to hit whoever gets in! The fans cheer Knight but Heyman has Bron & Bronson stand down. Will Heyman have the henchmen try again before the end of tonight?
SmackDown returns and…
Heyman has Bron & Bronson calm down, they have this under control. It is all in their favor, and it always will be in their favor. That is the whole point behind this. Byron Saxton steps in and wants to talk to them, but Heyman has to hold Bron back like the dog he is! Heyman says no need to bite Byron. Byron apologizes, he has word from SmackDown GM, Nick Aldis, that Bronson Reed VS LA Knight is set for tonight. Heyman says okay, thank you, and goodbye. Byron leaves and Heyman smiles. He told them! Patience is not a virtue, it is strategy. Bronson smiles and nods. Will Auzsilla destroy LA here in Grand Rapids?
Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Asuka VS Alexa Bliss!
Two great returns to action through this tournament, and now they cross paths with each other. The Empress of Tomorrow overcame Ivy Nile, Raquel Rodriguez and Stephanie Vaquer while Lil’ Miss Bliss outsmarted Alba Fyre, Candice LeRae and Charlotte Flair. But whose comeback story overtakes the other’s here just one match away from Night of Champions?
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Alexa headlocks, but Asuka powers up and out. Alexa RAMS Asuka, Asuka roars, and the fans fire up as Asuka fires hands! Alexa blocks a kick to THROW Asuka down, then basement DROPKICK! The fans cheer as Asuka and Alexa reset. Alexa kicks, Asuka blocks and slips through to waistlock. Alexa elbows free, runs, but Asuka runs past her to then RUN her over! The fans fire up and Asuka runs in again, HIP ATTACK! Alexa falls to the floor and the fans fire up while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Asuka lets Alexa stay down while she soaks up the cheers. The ring count starts, Alexa rises, but Asuka goes out after her. Alexa slips inside and DROPKICKS Asuka’s leg! Asuka falls from the apron but she has to nod respect for that savvy move. Asuka steps back in at 6 of 10, and she resets with Alexa. They circle, feel things out, and tie up. Asuka wrenches and wristlocks, but Alexa rolls and wrenches to hammerlock. Alexa waistlocks, rolls Asuka, TWO! The two stand off again and they both nod respect. They reset, the fans rally up, and the two feel things out. Asuka trips Alexa, clamps on with a headlock, and she grinds Alexa down.
Alexa endures, Asuka turns her over to go after the arm, then she stands on Alexa’s arm. Alexa endures, Asuka shifts arms, but Alexa wrenches out to wrangle Asuka. Alexa shifts to a cording hold, but Asuka fights up and fires body shots. Alexa whips Asuka to a corner, but Asuka elbows her away! And BOOTS! Asuka goes up, leaps, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Alexa stays in this but Asuka stays focused. Asuka drags Alexa around and gives her Kawada Kicks! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Asuka wrenches for a chicken wing! Alexa fights the Asuka Lock and JAWBREAKERS free! Alexa runs up to RUN Asuka over!
The fans rally as Alexa rallies, then hits a BLOCKBUSTER! The fans fire up as Alexa SLAPS, ROCKS, and KNEES Asuka down! Then SOMERSAULT SENTON! Cover, TWO! Asuka stays in this and Alexa grows frustrated. The fans rally while Alexa brings Asuka up. Asuka breaks free to URAKEN, SOBAT, FRONT KICK, and GERMAN SUPLEX! Alexa tumbles away, Asuka runs up, SLIDING KICK! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as Asuka stands and takes aim. But Alexa ducks the buzzsaw! Cover, TWO! Alexa clinches, TWISTED- NO, Asuka rolls Alexa up! TWO! Alexa sits up, BUZZSAW! Cover, TWO!! Alexa survives but Asuka just fires up!
The fans rally as Asuka goes to the corner. Asuka climbs from the outside, and MISSILE- NO, Alexa dodges this time! Alexa kicks and DDTS! Cover, TWO! Asuka stays in this and the fans fire up! “This is Awesome!” as Alexa drags Asuka into the drop zone. Alexa goes up, up, and the fans fire up! TWISTED- NO, Asuka moves, so Alexa stops. Alexa won’t let Asuka sneak away, but then she gets caught in an ARMBAR!! Alexa flails, rolls, but ends up in an omoplata! RINGS OF SATURN!! Alexa fights around, pops her arm free for a cover, TWO!! Asuka reels Alexa in, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up as Alexa stays in this! Asuka fires up, the fans are with her, and she runs up, only for Alexa to ROCK her with a right! Alexa puts Asuka in the Tree of Woe, and she DROPKICKS Asuka out of it! Alexa climbs back up, and TWISTED BLISSÂ onto knees!! Asuka still counters the moonsault, and hits the EMPRESS IMPACT!! Cover, Asuka wins!
Winner: Asuka, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)
The Empress says no one is ready for Asuka, and that has certainly been the case! But on Raw, we find out, will it be Jade Cargill or Roxanne Perez that meets Asuka in Saudi Arabia?
Jade Cargill, Mia Yim & B-Fab watch backstage.
And Fab says damn, Asuka just came back and she’s already making statements. Almost like she never left. Michin says maybe they need to make their own statements. They need to talk to Aldis about the tag titles. Fab agrees. Fab & Mia wish Jade luck before heading out. Byron walks in and asks if he can have a word. Jade says shoot. Byron says Asuka just advanced, but Jade has her match on Monday with Roxanne Perez. How does Jade feel about facing a talented competitor like Roxie? And how does she feel about the possibility of facing Asuka in the finals? Jade says “Rox” has potential. Roxie is quick and scrappy.
But she’s still trying to prove herself. And this isn’t a proving ground, this is a throne room, and Jade was built for royalty. As for Asuka, there’s a storm on the horizon. But news flash, Jade is that storm. This entire tournament wasn’t built for the future, but for a woman who can walk through fire, shatter glass ceilings, and take her crown on the way to the top. This Queen of the Ring, Jade isn’t just walking in to win. She’s here to reign. Will the Prodigy be washed away by the storm this Monday?
Alexa Bliss returns backstage.
And Chelsea Green finds her. Flanked by her Secret Her-vice, The Hot Mess asks, “Hey, little fu-fu, how’s your boo-boo?” Alexa asks back, “How’s yours?” Piper tells Chelsea not to get upset, Alexa is just jealous. Chelsea says this serves Alexa right. Chelsea should be Queen of the Ring, and she’d be building her parliament if not for Alexa! Oh, if she has that big of an issue, then try facing her in the ring. Chelsea says she will! But then Charlotte Flair walks in and says if anyone should’ve still been in this tournament, it’s her. But had Chelsea’s “replacement” tapped out sooner, maybe she would.
So here’s the deal: Charlotte will have a match made and tap Chelsea out instead. N-Not if Chelsea makes it a bank holiday! ROYAL DUTIES! NICHOLAS! Chelsea hurries away with the Secret Her-vice following, and Alexa tells Charlotte that she doesn’t need Charlotte’s help. Oh, that’s cute. Because Charlotte wasn’t helping Alexa. Charlotte leaves now, leaving Alexa to chew on that. Will The Queen chew up the Hot Mess and spit her out now that she has nothing better to do?
Aleister Black VS Kit Wilson!
The Dark Father is also directionless now that he is out of the King of the Ring tournament, but he never lets that bother him. Will he make himself the direction all roads lead when things #FadeToBlack? Or will Kit prove he can be Pretty Deadly all on his own?
Wait, who is attacking Kit? It’s R-TRUTH! But why’s Ron Killings going after Kit?! He POSTS Kit, drags him back out, and puts him in an STF!! The fans fire up and Kit taps, but it won’t matter when this isn’t a match! Killings lets Kit out of the hold and demands a mic. A mic is given, and Killings says, “Get John Cena out here now. I’m driving! On my terms! Cena, get out here!” The fans fire up and then Killings puts Kit back in the STF! Aleister is rather confused, but producers hurry out here to stop Truth. Truth lets Kit go, Jamie Noble asks Truth wait for the main event. Truth seethes, but he accepts the terms.
Killings leaves, walking right past Aleister. Will there be no denying The Truth when he finally gets his hands on the Last Real Champion?
Jamie Noble talks with Truth backstage.
Jamie says Truth has to calm down. Truth says he wants John Cena NOW! He’s driving! Yes, okay, but just wait. Truth promises that when he sees Cena, he is killing him tonight! Aleister steps in and asks Truth why he is getting involved in Aleister’s match. Truth says it wasn’t personal, it had nothing to do with Aleister. These two stare down, and then Damian Priest steps in. The Archer of Infamy has Aleister stand down. Truth is going through a lot, let Priest talk to him. Oh, of course. Aleister says, “Ron.” “Black.” Aleister leaves, Priest tells Truth that there’s no need for any of that. Priest gets Truth is frustrated, but he can’t just go beat up people for no reason.
Priest used to do that, and Truth was the guy there to make him smile. Truth made the world smile! All that anger and negativity, focus that on the match tonight. Focus that on John Cena. Go out there and handle business with Cena, then Priest and Truth can go downtown to celebrate. How’s that sound? Truth says sounds good, DP. They shake hands, and Priest heads out. Truth is still seething, but will he make sure it all explodes on Cena?
Cody Rhodes is here!
Grand Rapids sings along as The American Nightmare makes his way out, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, he high-fives fans in the front row, then looks closely at the King of the Ring’s crown. Cody goes to the ring and grabs the mic. He hears the fans cheer him on, but then Jey Uso is here! The fans fire up as Main Event Jey makes his way down through the crowd! A young fan joins in bouncing along, but so does all of Grand Rapids! Jey continues down the stands, finds another young fan, and they bounce along again. Jey then reaches ringside, high-fives the front row, and he joins Cody in the ring as we get the next wave of YEET!
Grand Rapids might want to YEET all night, but Jey hugs it out with Cody before he gets his own mic. The music dies down, the fans chant, “One More Time! One More Time!” and Cody says sure, one more is fine. Jey says okay, and yes, the fans get to YEET again! Jey says hey, Cody doesn’t even have to say nothing. They been in the trenches! “YEET!” Still in the trenches! “YEET!” From fighting The Bloodline… “YEET!” To winning tag titles… “YEET!” To finishing their stories at WrestleMania! “YEET!” They’ve both been to the mountaintop. “YEET!” But Cody, on Monday, there is only room for one of them.
The fans are intrigued, and Cody nods. Jey says there’s only one that can go. Cody VS Jey, Jey VS Cody, and Jey knows Cody will bring it. Jey has to get his, Uce. He has to, just like Cody has to get his. But that said, Uce, it ain’t personal. This all business. But that all said, too, Uce, on Monday, after they go to war, please believe that it will be four letters, one word, uh uh… YEET! Cody smiles and the fans cheer. They shake hands again, and wait! Here comes Sami Zayn! The fans cheer as the Great Liberator makes his way to the ring. Sami grabs a mic to say, “This is nice, isn’t it? I get to share the ring with two great friends.”
The fans applaud, and Sami says he is in the ring with two of the very best that this business has to offer! The fans cheer that, too! Sami says he’d be lying if he denied there was a part of him that sees the three of them in this ring, and notices how only one of them has never been world champion. Jey, Sami wants him to know, man to man, this year, Sami missed Mania. Sami had no reason to be in Las Vegas, but he got his ass on a plane to Vegas for one reason: To congratulate Jey the moment he won the World Heavyweight Championship! Sami loves Jey, and he is proud of him. And Cody, for years, everyone watched as Cody finished his story.
And when Cody did, he did the unthinkable and pinned Roman Reigns in the middle of this ring, Sami was the first one out here to congratulate Cody. Sami is so proud that Cody finished his story. So he hopes both men understand that now, it is time for Sami to finish HIS story! The fans cheer, but then here comes Randy Orton! The Viper looks at the crown, then goes to the ring. The fans sing along with Voices and Orton grabs himself a mic. “So Cody, same deal as last week but I’m gonna say it again. There is no line I will not cross, even if it means going through you, so that I can get to John Cena at SummerSlam, beat him, and get my FIFTEENTH world championship!”
The fans cheer, and Orton tells Jey, “Man, I respect the… Hell outta you, dude. Our families go way, way, way back. Nothing but love, dude. But if you’re standing across the ring from me at SummerSlam, it’s not gonna be four letters, one word. It’s gonna be three letters, one move.” The fans say it, “R K O!” And Orton says he not only speaks for himself but for everyone here in this arena when he says, and from the bottom of his heart, one day and one day soon, Sami Zayn will be world champion. But not at SummerSlam. Because tonight, Sami is on the receiving end of the three most dangerous letters in sports entertainment: R K O.
Orton drops the mic, and it is time to put those words into action. Will it be the Legend Killer or the Underdog from the Underground that heads for Saudi Arabia?
King of the Ring Semifinals: Randy Orton VS Sami Zayn!
SmackDown returns, the bell rings, and these two circle. They tie up, Sami wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, then wristlocks. Orton endures, fights up, and the fans duel. Orton wrenches Sami in return to then headlock. Sami endures, powers up to wrench again, and he grinds the arm. Sami wrenches and CHOPS, and Orton goes to the corner. Sami CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! The fans “WOO~” but the ref counts. Orton pushes past Sami, bails out of the ring, and he is pretty red already. Sami builds speed but he fakes Orton out with the Arabian Press! The fans fire up and Orton has to admit that was good.
Orton goes up the steps and steps back into the ring. The fans rally, Orton and Sami tie up, and Orton puts Sami in the corner. Orton lets off slowly, but he pokes Sami in the eyes! The fans boo but Orton UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! But Sami pokes Orton in the eyes! The ref caught that one and reprimands Sami. Sami TOSSES Orton out, goes to the apron, but Orton YANKS Sami down! Sami hits off the apron, and Orton reels him in, DESK BACK SUPLEX! Sami writhes and Orton rolls into the ring, just to refresh the count. Fans want that “One More Time!” and Orton agrees! DESK BACK SUPLEXÂ again!
Sami writhes more and whatever monitor wasn’t busted, they’re busted now! Orton leaves Sami behind for a moment while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Orton goes out to fetch Sami, but Sami fights off a third back suplex! Orton kicks low, brings Sami over, but Sami blocks the smack off the steel steps! Orton sputters, Sami stalks him, and Sami decides to give him some payback! But Orton ROCKS Sami first! Orton SMACKS Sami off the desk, puts him in the ring, and covers, TWO! Sami stays in this but Orton looms over him. Sami rises, Orton puts him in a corner, and Orton fires body shots. Orton climbs up and rains down fists! Orton gets to eight before Sami fires back! Sami has Orton in another corner, climbs up, and Sami rains down a fast TEN!
Sami huffs ‘n’ puffs and CHOPS! Orton is stinging but Sami CHOPS him again! Sami wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, and whips! Orton reverses, Sami hits buckles hard, and Sami falls in a heap. Orton dusts himself off and looms over Sami again. Orton stomps Sami’s hand! Sami writhes and clutches his finger. Orton stomps Sami’s foot, ten the other foot! And then the other hand! Sami sits up, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Orton CLUBS away on Sami’s chest! Orton DECKS Sami, the fans cheer, and Orton brings Sami up. Orton whips, Sami goes up and over, and Sami LARIATS Orton down! The fans fire up again as Sami rises!
Sami goes to the corner, Orton runs up, but Sami ELBOWS him! Sami goes up, AX HANDLES, and the fans fire up more! Orton takes a swing, but Sami slips around! Orton fights the Blue Thunder, then LARIATS! And LARIATS! Orton dodges Sami to SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up while Sami goes to the apron. Orton drags Sami in through the ropes, and DRAPING DDTS! The fans fire up as Orton hears those voices! Orton watches Sami rise, but then Sami bails out! The fans are torn but Sami is smart to avoid what was coming. Orton goes out to fetch Sami, SMACKS him off the desk, and then back suplexes, only for Sami to lands out!
Sami CLUBS Orton, and hits a DESK BACK SUPLEX on Orton! Sami puts Orton in the ring, goes to a corner, and the fans fire up as Orton rises. Orton runs in, Sami dodges, and Orton POSTS himself! Sami runs corner to corner, HELLUVA- SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Sami survives and Orton seethes. “This is Awesome!” as Sami goes back to a corner. Orton runs back in and he LARIATS! Orton runs but Sami follows! But Orton dodges the Helluva Kick! Sami gets stuck on the to rope, frees himself, and hobbles into an RK- NO! BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Orton survives and the fans fire up again!
“This is Awesome!” as Sami drags Orton to the drop zone. Sami goes up the corner, Orton stands and he gets under the leap! R K- NO, Sami SLAMS Orton down! And then HELLUVA- RKO!!! Orton crawls to the cover, Orton wins!!
Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)
Sami fought his heart out, but the Viper still strikes! Orton is going back to back in KOTR finals, but will he win the crown this time?
Nia Jax is here!
Grand Rapids boos as The Irresistible Force goes to the ring. She grabs the mic dot say, “You know what’s crazy? Tiffany Stratton approached me to be under my wing, because she knew exactly what I could do for her. And look, she’s thriving! And what kind of thanks did I get for it? She betrayed me. She has MY title!” But wait, here comes Tiffy! Grand Rapids cheers as the WWE Women’s Champion has the mic to tell Nia, “You’re like that toxic ex I just can’t get away from. News flash: get over it! You make excuse after excuse, but when are you just gonna admit that maybe I’m just better than you?”
The fans cheer and Tiff heads to the ring. Nia says yeah, okay, if Tiff is so much better, then give Nia a rematch without kicking a chair into her face. Tiff says if Nia’s so desperate for a match, it is her lucky day! She made it official for next week: Tiff VS Nia! And Tiff will have more fun adding more scars to that “five head” of Nia’s. Because it won’t just be a regular match. It will be Last Woman Standing! Nia takes a swing but Tiff dodge! Tiff fires off, kicks low, and runs up, but into a POP-UP HEADBUTT! And then Nia drops a leg, brother! Nia holds up the belt and soaks up the heat. Nia thinks about leaving, but decides to add on! ANOTHER leg drop, brother!
The fans boo but Nia says that’s not enough! Nia tells Wade & Joe that she’s taking the title! But wait! NAOMI is here, with a ref! Is she doing it!? Is she doing it?! But Nia YANKS Naomi out! Naomi tells her back off! Nia doesn’t, Naomi shoves her, but Nia still grabs at her! Tiff DROPKICKS Naomi onto Nia! Tiff avoids a cash-in because Nia was in the way, but is she setting herself up for failure with that extreme title match?
Charlotte Flair VS Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice!
The Queen was denied her crown, but she’s not even angry at Alexa Bliss, the one who took that opportunity from her. She instead looks to humble the Hot Mess that claims she would be queen if her demands were met. Who vents their frustrations and comes away with the win?
SmackDown returns and Charlotte makes her entrance. The bell rings and the fans actually cheer on Chelsea. Alba distracts Charlotte and Chelsea sucker punches her! The ref reprimands but Chelsea SMACKS Charlotte off the mat again and again! Chelsea salutes, but Charlotte CHOPS! Chelsea KNEES low, whips, but Charlotte goes up and out at the corner. Charlotte BOOTS Chelsea away, avoids Alba and KICKS her! Chelsea runs up, Charlotte RAMS her, and then Charlotte climbs up. CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Chelsea scrambles away and Charlotte runs up, but into an ELBOW! Charlotte GAMANGIRIS!
Charlotte snapmares, Chelsea distracts the ref, and Alba grabs Charlotte by the hair! Alba HOTSHOTS Charlotte and Chelsea hits a BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Chelsea is furious but Charlotte stays in this, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Chelsea hops onto Charlotte for a SLEEPER! The fans rally, but Charlotte hits a BACKPACK SENTON! Charlotte is free, Chelsea runs back up, but Charlotte gives her a BACKBREAKER and BUCKLE SHOT! Chelsea falls back, Charlotte huffs ‘n’ puffs and runs up to fire hands! The fans fire up as Charlotte CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Charlotte CHOPS again, then clinches for an EXPLODER! And a kip up! The fans fire up and Charlotte salutes to poke fun at Chelsea. Charlotte runs, dodges, and handsprings to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Chelsea survives but Charlotte stays on her by going for a leg.
Alba gets on the apron, so Charlotte BOOTS her down! The fans cheer, but Charlotte turns around into a ROUGH RYDER! Cover, TWO!! Charlotte survives and Chelsea is furious! Chelsea takes off her face protector and drags Charlotte up. Chelsea has the arms, turns Charlotte, but Charlotte shoves her away! Charlotte dodges and SPEARS! Cover, TWO!! Chelsea survives but Charlotte has the leg! FIGURE- CRADLE!! TWO!! Charlotte has the leg again, FIGURE FOUR! And the bridge for the FIGURE EIGHT!! Chelsea TAPS, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
But then Piper Niven SENTONS onto Charlotte!! Alba storms in, she and Piper mug Charlotte, but here comes Alexa! She RAMS into Piper, she ROCKS Alba, then she catches Chelsea! Charlotte LARIATS Alba out while Alexa hits a TWISTED SISTER ABIGAIL! And then Charlotte BOOTS Piper down! Charlotte and Alexa look at each other, and despite what either one thinks, maybe they both need the other after all. Alexa offers the handshake, but Charlotte walks right past Alexa. Alexa lets that slide, but will Charlotte come around soon enough?
Solo Sikoa talks with JC Mateo.
Why is JC taping up? Uh, duh, he’ll take out Jacob. No, Solo is going out there alone to talk with Jacob. Solo was the only one that Jacob would listen to. Jacob needs Solo. Solo will smooth things over. JC accepts that, but Solo does say that JC should stay ready. Solo is covering his bases, but will he need the Imperial Unit to put down the Samoan Werewolf? Or will it all be alright between them all?
Solo Sikoa heads to the ring.
SmackDown returns as the former Tribal Chief makes his way out, and Grand Rapids boos. Solo grabs the mic, takes a moment, and says, “Alright, Jacob. I’m out here in the middle of the ring, all alone, with open arms, willing to talk to you face to face. I feel terrible about what happened. So if you’re back there, come on out so we can clear the air.” Jacob Fatu makes his entrance and Grand Rapids cheers! Fatu holds up the United States Championship before he steps into the ring, and he has a mic of his own. The fans cheer on “FATU! FATU!” and Solo says he didn’t come out here to fight him, okay? He’s not here for that.
Solo wants to make it clear to Fatu that he loves him, always has loved him, no matter what. One thing Solo learned from being Tribal Chief is how to love family and how to take care of them. That’s all he’s trying to do. Families fight all the time. They fight, they argue, they forgive, and then they move forward. So they should move forward together, Jacob. Move forward as one. The fans boo that, but Solo says nobody saw the potential in Jacob except Solo. Nobody wanted Jacob here in the WWE, except Solo. That is why Solo brought Fatu here and gave him the chance to change his life and put food on his family’s table.
And why did Solo do that? Because Solo loves Jacob. He does. And to be honest, Solo doesn’t have anybody else. Fatu isn’t sure about that, but Solo says all he has is Fatu. And he’s all Solo needs. So come back to the family, and even if Jacob doesn’t say those four words, Solo will. Solo will say it for him, to him, loud enough so everybody can hear it! Solo tells Jacob, “I love you, Jacob.” The fans boo, they don’t trust this. Fatu paces as he thinks on that. “So you love me, huh?” Solo nods yes. So this is what it comes down to, huh? Solo loves Fatu? The way Fatu sees things, Solo has been using Fatu! Solo has been using Fatu to gain power, to fight his battles, and to stay Tribal Chief.
Hell, Solo brought Fatu in so Fatu could bring Solo fame! Solo brought Fatu in because he thought Fatu would bring him gold! Is that all this is about? Fame? Gold? Power? SOLO, LOOK AT HIM! Solo looks up from the floor while the fans cheer Fatu on. Fatu tells Solo that ever since he won the US Championship, Solo is the one that’s been acting different. And maybe Fatu isn’t the problem. Fatu just figured it out! The problem… is this. The problem is the US Championship. Fatu sets it down between him and Solo, and he says if this is what he thinks it is, then just fight him for it! Fight Fatu for the title! The fans fire up for that!
And Solo, Fatu will only warn you one time: If you ever think about coming this way, you know what Fatu is about! You know what’s poppin’ with Fatu, blood! And you know Jacob Fatu is all gas, no brakes with it! YADADADA- SOLO TAKES A SWING! Fatu blocks the spike and he HEADBUTTS! JC Mateo rushes out here! Fatu HEADBUTTS him, too! But Solo CHOP BLOCKS the legs! The fans boo but JC & Solo mug Fatu! But then here comes JIMMY USO! The fans fire up as #BigJim slides in, dodges Solo, and SUPERKICKS JC! And then he SUPERKICKS Solo! But JC LARIATS Jimmy down! JC HAMMERS Jimmy and Solo has him put Jimmy in the corner.
The fans boo but Solo tells Jimmy that he should’ve chosen Solo’s side, not Jacob’s! But speaking of, Fatu is up! The fans fire up as Fatu BODY CHECKS JC! Then he SUPERKICKS Solo! Solo is in a corner, Fatu fires off on him, HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT! SUPERKICK for JC! HIP ATTACK for Solo! The fans are fired up for the Samoan Werewolf, and he locks eyes with Jimmy. Jimmy came to Fatu’s rescue, Fatu just saved him, so Fatu goes up, up, only for Solo to bail out! No Best Moonsaults here in Grand Rapids, but will Fatu cut Solo down soon enough?
Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker VS LA Knight!
The Wise Man warned, or rather threatened, the Mega Star that he should just cut and run, but that’s not how he does things. Knight is ready to fight, but will he survive a battle with Auszilla? Or is a Tsunami about wipe out LA?
Wait, Knight doesn’t enter from the stage! He enters from the crowd! And he POSTS Bron! The fans fire up as Knight evens things out! He TOSSES Bronson out, throws his vest at him, and Bronson snarls. Bronson has Bron stand down, and says, “Tonight, I kill him.” Bronson steps into the ring, the bell sounds, and Knight fires off! The fans fire up as Knight fires hands, but Bronson puts him in the corner. Knight ELBOWS back, Knight fires more hands, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips but Bronson blocks! Bronson whips Knight to a corner, runs up, but Knight dodges! Bronson POSTS himself, and Knight stomps a mudhole in!
The fans rally, the ref counts, and Knight goes corner to corner, but into a fireman’s carry! Knight slips down to sunset flip, but Bronson stays up! Bronson jumps but Knight avoids the hip drop! Then Knight basement BOOTS! The fans fire up and Knight storms up on Bronson. Bronson TOSSES Knight to the apron, but Knight slingshots back in! Bronson catches Knight to a fireman’s carry! Knight flails free and he RAMS Bronson into a corner! But Bronson holds ropes to deny the Jump Neckbreaker! Bronson runs but Knight avoids the senton! The fans fire up as Knight goes up, up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! That’s a Steiner move!
The fans fire up and spell it out, “L! A! KNIGHT!” but Bronson bails out! Knight runs to WRECK Bronson with a dropkick! Knight goes back up, springboards, CROSSBODY to the ramp! The fans fire up with Knight and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Bronson has Knight up top. The fans rally as Knight fights back with body shots! Knight ROCKS Bronson, ROCKS him again, and ROCKS him again! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Bronson finally falls and Knight adjusts position. “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” BOX JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Bronson survives and Knight is rather stunned while Heyman is relieved. Knight aims, kicks, but Bronson denies the BFT! HEADBUTT, then a fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Knight survives the “Jagged Edge” DVD but Bronson brings him right up. Bronson reels Knight in and says thumbs down.
Bronson lifts Knight up, but Knight flips the bomb into a DDT! The fans fire up but Bron barks at the apron! Knight DECKS the dog, tells Heyman to get the same, but Bronson runs up! Knight DUMPS Bronson out, builds speed, but BRON SPEARS!!
Winner: LA Knight, by disqualification
The fans boo but Bron handed Knight the win with that one. Bronson stands Knight up so Bron can build speed and SUPER SPEAR!! Grand Rapids is torn but plenty of fans bark. And now Bronson goes up!? TSUNAMI!! Bronson goes up again, the refs hurry out here, but TSUNAMI AGAIN!! The fans want another, so Bron scares the refs off to let Bronson go back up! THIRD TSUNAMI!!! Have Rollins’ rooks just broken Knight into pieces? Is this a message to everyone that no one can stop the vision?
Jacob Fatu speaks.
“Yeah, c’mon on widdit! I just spoke to the man, and you know the man makes everything possible here on SmackDown! So next week, next week on Saturday, me ‘n’ you, Solo! Night of Champions, mano a mano, I’m about to dog walk yo’ ass for the US Championship! Solo, you better get in where you fit in. Cuz if you don’t, then baby, it’s ’bout to be all gas, no breaks with it. Yadadadada mean?” The Samoan Werewolf will get to sink his teeth into Solo, but will he stay golden through it all?
John Cena VS Ron Killings!
The Undisputed WWE Champion was the exact opposite of grateful for R-Truth saving him from Randy Orton at Backlash, and he doubled down when Ron tried to show him the truth at Saturday Night’s Main Event. So, if Cena doesn’t want the Truth, he’ll get someone who knows about ruthless aggression! Will Ron Killings bring an early end to the retirement tour? Or will Cena continue to ruin wrestling for everyone else?
SmackDown returns as Cena makes his entrance. The fans sing “JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” despite him wearing the Detroit Pistons colors. Cena makes Mark Nash give the “proper” introduction: “He is the Greatest of All Time, the Never Seen Seventeen, gracing Grand Rapids with his presence one final time… He is the Last Real Champion, JOHN CENA~!” The fans boo, the bell rings, and Truth stares at Cena while Cena smirks hearing the “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Truth TACKLES Cena! He fires off hands but Cena bails out! So Truth goes out to DECK Cena! “What’s up!?” “WHAT’S UP!” Truth has Cena at the desk and SMACKS him off it!
Truth ROCKS Cena again, and shakes his hand out from hitting so hard. Truth SMACKS Cena off the apron, storms in after him, and whips him to a corner. Cena hits buckles hard and falls to the mat! The fans continue to duel while Truth keeps his eyes on Cena. Truth storms up on Cena while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Truth stands Cena up, whips corner to corner again, and Cena hits buckles hard! Cena sputters, Truth looms over him, and Truth ROCKS Cena! Cena ROCKS Truth! They go back and forth with haymakers, and then Truth dodges to SHOULDER TACKLE! Truth still uses Cena’s own moves against him, and that includes the SPIN-OUT BOMB! Truth raises his hand and Grand Rapids joins in! “You Can’t See Me!” But then Cena bails out so Truth can’t hit him! Truth is annoyed, the fans give thumbs down, but here comes Truth. Cena ELBOWS him down! Cena drags Truth up, POSTS him, and he brings Truth back into the ring.
Cena HEADBUTTS Truth, CHOKES him on the ropes, but stops as the ref counts. Cena stomps away on Truth, then runs to KICK Truth in the back! Cena talks trash, then he runs to SHOULDER TACKLE! Cena takes his time, knowing it is what the fans want. Truth rises up, Cena runs to SHOULDER TACKLE again! Cena watches Truth rise again, gets around him, SPIN-OUT BOMB! And Cena raises his hand, reveling in the cheers and jeers. “You Can’t See Me!” SmackDown returns to single picture for the FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Then Cena fireman’s carries, but Truth slips free! THESZ PRESS! And fast hands!
The fans fire up and Truth has Cena in a corner. Truth runs to STINGER SPLASH! Truth hitting all sorts of other iconic moves! Cena tumbles out and grabs the belt! Cena doesn’t care about this match anymore, he doesn’t need to take this! Truth says hold up! Truth runs Cena down and fires hands on the ramp! The fans fire up but Cena CLOBBERS Truth with the belt!!
Winner: Ron Killings, by disqualification
Cena wants to get another shot, but wait! PUNK IS HERE! Cena runs away into the ring, and he catches Punk as Punk slides in! The fans boo Cena but he huffs ‘n’ puffs. Cena drags Punk up, but Punk fires hands in return! Punk DECKS Cena, grabs the belt, and he holds it up! The fans cheer, and Punk aims, but Cena LOW BLOWS! Cena has a sinister smile as he grabs the belt. BELT SHOT for Punk!! The fans boo even more, but Cena decides to up the ante! Cena brings out a table! The fans cheer, everyone loves tables! Cena puts the table in the ring, then watches Punk sputter around. Cena sets the table up while the fans rally behind Punk.
Punk stands but Cena has the belt again! BELT SHOT!! Cena drags Punk up, fireman’s carries, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENTÂ through the table!! Cena made Punk snap into a Slim Jim, and then he grabs a mic. Cena laughs at Punk, and then sits up on the corner. “Punk… As you lay there in your most uncomfortable…” Cena pretends the mic cut out, taps it, and then says, “Somebody’s afraid of what I’m gonna say.” Cena grins and the fans boo as Cena flips the iconic “Pipebomb” moment on it’s head. “As you lay there in your most uncomfortable, I hope you can listen. I hope you can digest.
“Because before I leave here in six months with that WWE Championship, I gotta get a whole lotta stuff off my chest. First thing’s first, I don’t hate you. I don’t even dislike you. I like you. I like you more than anyone you ever shared a locker room with, that’s for sure. I hate this idea of you. This idea that you’re the Best int he World. You’re not. I’M the Greatest of All Time.” Grand Rapids is a bit torn on that statement, but Cena says Punk is better than Cena at one thing: You’re the best BS artist in the world. Oh no, kiddos~! John Cena just dropped a curse word! That means the show is off the rails! Hey, Stu, shoot this. Hi~! “I’m breaking the forth wall! HAHA!”
Cena then says the truth is, Punk… Cena is jealous of you. Cena is jealous that Punk has conned the fans into believing the myth that Punk is the Best in the World. Oh how they chant for Punk! Which they literally do right now. Hell, the fans even sing for Punk now. But they don’t believe a damn word you say. Because Punk changes his values as much as Cena changes his shirts! Punk is just a loud mouthed opportunist who steps on the necks of those who actually work hard if it gets him ahead. Oh, hey, look, another cameraman! “Hi, Claudio Castagnoli! Hey, Nic Nemeth! Hey, Matt Cardona! How’re you guys doing?”
The fans can’t believe Cena is going this far but Cena is loving it! “He’s heating up! He’s on fire! And there’s nobody back there that’s gonna cut my mic to save your ass, cuz I’m your only friend! Remember who gave you the stage for your pipebomb, pal! And what’ve you done with it since then, huh? You just regurgitated the same five microphone moves of doom. You’re promo potato salad, pal. Hey, you’re no longer the Voice of the Voiceless, you’re a friggin’ millionaire despite yourself. You’re not a punk, you’re a capitalist! And you’re not against TKO, dude, you are Mr. TKO. Cuz they knocked your balls technically off your body.
“Your tweets are strong, but your actions are weak. And in Saudi Arabia, you’re gonna face some loud, loud music when I finally prove to the world that each and every day, day in, day out, no days off for 25 YEARS, I have been the Greatest of All Time!” The fans cheer that a bit more now, to Cena’s surprise. “See, they know. And they know that you were the Best in the World… for seven minutes, 14 years ago. And if after Night of Champions, you’re still delusional enough to believe that you’re the Best in the World, well… I guess it’s a small world after all. You’re welcome, Grand Rapids.” The fans cheer, and Cena lets the world hear it.
Cena tells Punk to bring his A Game to Night of Champions. If Grand Rapids is any indication, the mood is starting to change. Refs finally appear to check on Punk, Cena says no, that’s fine. Punk needs to rest up for his big title match. Get a good shot of this: Best in the World VS Greatest of All Time, for THE most coveted prize in sports entertainment, THE WWE Undisputed Championship! And Cena knows the fans will sing and chant, but he also knows even the idiots are smart enough to see the truth: The Champ is Here. And USA Network, keep the extra two and half minutes. He doesn’t need a bomb to blow the “mother fudging” building.
Oh, and thanks, Punk, for letting Cena rip off your best promo just to make you look even more foolish. Cena finally drops the mic and he raises the belt up again. If the proverbial tables have turned this drastically, is there no saving WWE from losing its north star championship?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown with an awesome ending. All those years ago, when CM Punk dropped THE OG “Pipebomb” promo, no one could’ve ever in a million years guessed that here tonight, we would’ve gotten the John Cena remix. Not only was that promo of the year, but Cena blew up go-home math. I can’t see Cena losing the title to Punk now. He can lose the match since Cena loves getting disqualified, and there’s the possibility of Rollins trying a cash-in, but Cena is leaving Saudi Arabia as champion to then go to SummerSlam. It also works because Cody Rhodes still feels like the favorite for King of the Ring.
A lot of that has to do with how Sami lost to Orton tonight. Great promo from the four semifinalists, especially since it was Jey, Sami and Orton kinda keeping Cody from talking since there isn’t more Cody needs to say. Win or lose, no explanations needed at this point. Sami VS Orton was an awesome match, but I could just feel an RKO countering the Helluva Kick as the way to go and that’s what they did. Now, as awesome as it would be for Jey to beat Cody, and then for Jey to beat Orton to go for the World Heavyweight Championship again, there are a lot of moving parts right now that it would just be the easiest for Cody to win the crown and have his rematch with Cena.
And while talking the WHC, Gunther VS Goldberg IS confirmed for the title, but has also been confirmed as Goldberg’s last match. This is a huge indicator that despite Rollins teasing a cash-in on the Undisputed title, he will likely be thwarted and then falls back to the title he feels is rightfully his. That is to say, Rollins cashes in on the winner of Gunther VS Goldberg, which I half expected even before all this talk of Goldberg’s last match. Rollins can take this title from Gunther and Goldberg, and then we can throw Jey and even LA Knight into the mix as things are getting heated between Knight and the henchmen.
Great promo from Knight with Heyman, great match with Knight VS Bronson, and a really powerful beating Knight takes from Bron & Bronson. If nothing else, Knight costs Rollins his cash-in. Truth going after Kit Wilson was an interesting move. Also a shame Elton Prince is hurt, Pretty Deadly gets going and then something happens to slow them down. But Kit was going to lose to Aleister so this really messes Aleister up more than anything. Priest keeping the peace between Aleister and Truth was good stuff. Priest and Truth being allies on SmackDown can be some real fun stuff, and I feel like they’re already set up for a feud with Aleister.
Very good stuff with Fatu, Solo and this US Championship story. Fatu VS Solo was the natural move, and I like that Jimmy Uso ends up an ally for Fatu. The title match is set, I wonder if we get a tag match first. In fact, next week is title night in Riyadh with Tiffany Stratton giving Nia the Last Woman Standing match, and basically setting the stage for Naomi to cash in. She almost did tonight but Nia was again able to stop her, so I would think Naomi waits until the very end of the Last Woman Standing match to take full advantage. Then, if Jade wins Queen of the Ring, we get Jade VS Naomi at SummerSlam.
Good promo from Jade, B-Fab & Michin watching Asuka VS Alexa. Asuka winning made the most sense, Alexa clearly has story with Charlotte and Asuka is just that good. Jade VS Roxie will be a good match but Roxie’s story in Judgment Day might keep her from winning. But then the fallback there is Roxie might actually sub in for the tag titles like I was thinking. Charlotte VS Chelsea was very good, and of course the Secret Her-vice does what they can to help. The beatdown they put on Charlotte and then Alexa making the save, that’s going to be one of those “can they coexist?” tag matches for sure.
Honestly, a little surprised we didn’t get any tag team promos tonight, unless I completely missed something. I believe title night is going to have Profits VS Gacy & Lumis for the tag titles, too, so that’s going to be something wild. And while DIY is scared of the Wyatts, I feel like they’re going to interfere because they don’t want the Wyatts to take the titles. But at the same time, the Wyatts need something substantial this time around, so maybe they win the titles at SummerSlam.
My Score: 9/10
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)Â
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 PodcastÂ
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: 6.19.25
Are we going to start trending upwards with Slammiversary to build toward?
Last week’s episode was lacking in ring work but had decent story moments and segments. Starting the build to Slammiversary we can either launch nicely or things can always get worse. Jason Hotch and KC Navarro are the real shining stars of the last few months, so lets hope once they get over this Leon Slater idiot ship, they can push X Division wrestlers with actual talent for pro wrestling and not just flippy charisma vacuums.
Oh and let’s not forget, it is the episode they celebrate the 23rd anniversary of TNA! TWENTY – THREE!! Somewhere PCO hates this.
.@Kelly_WP is back in TNA Wrestling and has a message for TNA Knockouts World Champion @mashaslamovich!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/cF0F1ZKKuL pic.twitter.com/tnm4TIuPUz
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 20, 2025
Ratings:
- Sami Callihan vs Eric Young w/Losers: EY wins via Piledriver – ** 3/4
- Lei Ying Lee & Masha Slamovich vs The Elegance Clique w/M & Personal Concierge: Elegantos win via Rarefied Air – ***
- Eddie Edwards & JDC w/Alisha & Brian Myers vs Matt Cardona & Home Town Man: HTM wins via Cradle – *
- Champion’s Challenge: The Rascalz, Joe Hendry, Leon Slater & Elijah vs The Kaiba Boys, Moose, Steve Maclin & Trick Williams: Elijah wins via Highwayman’s Farewell – ***
Results:
Sami Callihan vs Eric Young w/Losers
Sami knocks them all off the apron before the bell rings, he levels the loser children, finds a chair, attacks EY but EY counters and this is the excuse to use weapons since the bell didn’t ring yet. EY tries to break Sami’s hand on the steps with the chair, but Sami moves, throws EY back in the ring, bell rings and EY hits a Belly to Belly suplex for two. They slug it out, Sami goes for Headbutts, then Sami wants to run the ropes but a loser trips him, distracts long enough for EY to knock him out of the ring and loser children swarm as loser children do. EY does the classic, throw back out for losers to attack while EY grabs and distracts the ref. Sami is selling a few lame attacks from the losers like he got shot. It’s an excessive sell, so it’s honestly a dumb transitional moment.
EY levels Sami, Lariat into Scoop Slam, looks for the Macho Elbow but Sami hits the ropes to crotch EY. Sami Superplex time, but EY bites the face to make Sami drop, EY jumps at him but eats a straight right hand. Cactus Driver, but no, EY tries his Piledriver…they both gouge eyes at the same time, Sami catches an EY charge into a Flatliner as they’re both down…for…reasons? The selling in this match seems…poorly timed and kinda stupid. Hard Irish Whip, EY Flair Flips the corner, levels Sami, Macho Elbow for 2.9! EY threatens to hit the ref, but then goes to mad dog commentary. EY then wants to attack fans…he’s more unhinged than World Elite EY. Sami gives him the old Dick Twist into a Stunner but only for two! Losers try to distract, first one gets taken out, second one uses a chair, EY hits the Piledriver on Sami, EY wins.
I feel like this is gonna continue for a few weeks since it wasn’t a clean win.Â
Mustafa Ali’s group comes out, and I refuse to say the name because it’s dumb and they’re already fraying at the seams. Ali wants an apology session, Tasha and Hotch apologize to him but Skyler bites back and refuses, even shoved Ali. So Ali challenges him to a “Call to Arms” match. What in the hell is a Call to Arms match?Â
Lei Ying Lee & Masha Slamovich vs The Elegance Clique w/M & Personal Concierge
ASH does her borderline racist fake karate before Lei stares her down and tags in Heather. Heather avoids Lei, Lei throws a few Tornado Kicks to make a point and Heather tags out. Heather being 4’8″ helps her here. Concierge says “There’s no Karate in wrestling”. ASH, Lei and Masha are in the ring, ASH is trying to decide who she wants to face, but the Concierge google translated it and hands it to ASH, before the face team rocks ASH. Masha lifts up Lei and Lei does the Liu Kang Bicycle Kick, steering more into her Mortal Kombat aesthetic. Senton off the apron from Lei and Masha dives into the pile, the comedy heels are getting leveled. We go to commercial and come back with Lei getting Double Teamed but she spins it into a weird Neckbreaker..but can’t tag out just yet. Lei blocks Heather, Enzuigiri, simultaneous tag, Masha is Yakuza kicks for all and the 2 for 1 Lariat/DDT special. Near fall, but Masha goes for murder, but Heather breaks it, Rocket Launcher/Code Breaker from Elegance but Lei breaks up the pin. ASH tries to intimidate Lei with her fake Karate before throwing her out of the ring. Heather hits Lei with a handful of Glitter and then bounces her face off the post. Masha tries to stop ASH, Kelly’s music distracts Masha, Rarefied Air gives ASH the win.
Santino comes out and GOD DAMMIT no one wants to see Tommy Dreamer fight Mance Warner…that’s a useless thing. Pivot away…no one wants this. Oh no, now we have to listen to Steph talk too. Okay it seems to be a pivot, thankfully. Steph and Mance talk shit, Dreamer says something about Something is gonna happen…and Jake Something comes out. So…I guess we’re gonna build him up for 2 months and then job him out for 6 before he fucks off to his home galaxy or whatever?Â
.@indi_hartwell has a run in with Tessa Blanchard!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/cF0F1ZLikj pic.twitter.com/I6UCCk2fAG
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 20, 2025
Really wish Indi just opened with the Billy Butcher classic of, “Oi Cunt!” – but this wasn’t bad.Â
Eddie Edwards & JDC w/Alisha & Brian Myers vs Matt Cardona & Home Town Man
I hate… Cardona so much more now. Heel reasons for Cardona…go away heat for Deaner.
JDC wants the Home Town Man to start…and Deaner does his stupid Flip Flop and Fly, Cardona tags in, JDC is eating some offense, Cardona wants the Reboot, JDC powders, Cardona Dives but then Lish and the general numbers catch up to Cardona. Eddie is legal, and now they isolate Cardona with some decent tandem work and isolation. This turns into kind of a schmoz, lots of silly spots, near falls and then Home Town doofus gets the cradle pinfall on Eddie.
Whenever Deaner is involved I can’t be asked to care. The System beats Cardona and Deaner down, but Eddie did eat a pin. Which is embarrassing not even for work reasons, like it’s just sad.
Champion’s Challenge: The Rascalz, Joe Hendry, Leon Slater & Elijah vs The Kaiba Boys, Moose, Steve Maclin & Trick Williams
Elijah and Nic start things off, slow push off, arm wring, top wristlock, simple chain wrestling start. Nic breaks the chain and hits a Dropkick, Elijah runs the ropes and hits a Diving Lariat and starts the Rope Walk. Nic seems far to awake and alert for that move then, I hate how people pull that off too early. Wentz gets tagged in, Nic tags in Maclin who wasn’t looking for a tag, but him and Wentz have a nice clash, Trey tags in, they try to double him, but they pause and look at each other. Maclin asks for a tag, no one tags him so he Chops Ryan to tag him in and throws him in.
The little nod to Maclin and Rascalz history and the fact the faces realize Maclin isn’t a piece of shit. A little MCMG homage tandem attacks on Ryan, Wentz punctuates with the Handspring Knee Lift, Ryan tags out to Trick. Trick and Wentz go back and forth, Rascalz have Trick eating offense, Moose tries to slow things down, both Trick and Moose powder, Rascalz Double Golden Triangle Moonsaults. Trey gets tripped by Nic, Moose hits Lights Out, but there’s no referee so it’s a little chaotic.
Out of the commercial things are controlled kinda and we see a simultaneous tag to Moose and Leon. Leon comes out hot, level Moose with a Leg Lariat, attacks Nic Nemeth, attacks Ryan, and then Moose hits Leon with the Stun Gun. Moose looks to tag in Maclin but Maclin jumps off the apron. Trick takes the tag, keeps control, Trick forcibly tags in Maclin but Ryan tags himself in and pulls Leon to the Champions’ corner, Nic tags in and isolates Leon, with the Kaibas quick tagging and keeping Leon down.
Moose tags in, tries to Suplex Leon about four times but Leon stops it then counters the Suplex. Moose tries to cut him off, but the Champions distract the ref so the ref can’t see Leon tag out. Nic and Moose doubling up and Leon is the bump guy of this last portion of the match. Big Uranage from Moose…Moose looks for Lights Out but Small Package almost ruined things, Body Scissors Cradle, GAME CHANGER! Moose looks to hit a Jacknife Powerbomb but Leon turns it into a DDT. Maclin and Ryan start fighting, Nic Superkicks Maclin, Hendry and Nic tag in, Hendry is a house of fire. Sack of Shits for everyone! Nic, Ryan, there’s a pause when Hendry is face to face with Trick and Trick gets Uppercuts first then Sack of Shit! Standing Ovation on Nic, but Ryan blocks, Kaibas try a tandem attack but Hendry Lariats them both. Elijah tags in and is the maestro of the crowd and chopping Ryan to some fun. Ryan goes for a Polish Hammer but eats the Knee Lift. Signature spam time…
Ryan tries to use the International title but Maclin grabs the title away from Ryan, clocks Nic, Standing Ovation into the Highwayman’s Farewell. Champions lose!
Overall Score: 4/10
Well this was a rough one boys and girls. Sami and EY was just an overbooked shitshow, Lei Ying Lee is unfortunately in a spot where it’s obvious TNA has no clue how to use her, the Elegantos are the New Beautiful People, and I’m not mad at that. But you need to space out your goofball crap. You can’t have Elegance Clique, Home Town Moron and Santino in 3 consecutive segments. And if anyone goes “it was 3 out of 4” that’s doesn’t lessen my point, the beauty of Pro Wrestling being a variety show is…FOR VARIETY! When the lead match feels stupid because of bad pacing, poor selling and overbooking with two losers, it feels like a useless match with idiots, then comedy, followed by more comedy…you see how that’s literally NOT VARIETY.
Figure it out seriously. This was a disappointing episode. If you’re a casual viewer than it’s just chalk for TNA doing cringe and borderline goof crap since they’ve always steered a little more into the carny than other companies. But this show was…where’s Jisoo and Jenny? I feel like I need that gif:
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)Â
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 PodcastÂ
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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