Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (7/6/20)
It’s Champion VS Champion!
It’s Raw VS SmackDown, Champion VS Champion, Asuka VS Bayley!
The Empress of Tomorrow kept the Golden Role Models from cheating on NXT, but will she be able to defend HER show, Monday Night Raw?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Heath Slater; McIntyre wins.
- Sasha Banks w/ Bayley VS Kairi Sane w/ Asuka; Sane wins, by disqualification.
- Aleister Black & Rey Mysterio w/ Dominik VS Seth Rollins & Buddy Murphy; changed to…
- Extreme Rules Stipulation Decision: Kevin Owens & Rey Mysterio w/ Dominik VS Seth Rollins & Buddy Murphy; Kevin and Mysterio win, and choose an “Eye For An Eye” match.
- Ricochet & Cedric Alexander VS MVP & Bobby Lashley; MVP & Lashley win.
- Six Man Tag: Big Show & The Viking Raiders VS Randy Orton, Angel Garza & Andrade Almas w/ Zelina Vega; Orton, Garza & Almas win.
- Ruby Riott VS Billie Kay w/ Peyton Royce; Kay wins.
- Champion VS Champion: Asuka w/ Kairi Sane VS Bayley w/ Sasha Banks; Asuka wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Drew McIntyre opens Raw!
The WWE World Champion heads to the ring, not all that bothered by the loss last week. He welcomes us to the show and the crowd is loud as he gets down to business. In two weeks, Extreme Rules has McIntyre VS Dolph Ziggler for the world title. And last week, the contract signing got crazy, and McIntyre leveled the playing field. McIntyre allowed Ziggler to choose the stipulation. Ziggler could choose a Cage Match where there’s no escape. Or a No Holds Barred, but McIntyre’s fists are already weapons. They could even have a match on a cliff, over a volcano, with sharks armed with laser beams on their heads swimming around, and McIntyre would first wonder where that is. But then he’d still be WWE World Champion at the end!
Ziggler has promised to tell us the stipulation, so get on out here and tell us what it is! Ziggler appears and has McIntyre hold on. This is the Dolph Decision, featuring McIntyre. The world is here to see the stipulation for Extreme Rules. Ziggler isn’t taking his talent down to South Beach, and we’re all going to find out the stipulation is a secret. Wow! Ziggler says McIntyre made a mistake letting him choose, and Ziggler isn’t going to give McIntyre time to prepare. It’s because he’s the same old McIntyre! The backstabber! No, McIntyre is WWE Champion and don’t you forget it! Oh you want to compare resumes? Ziggler’s is bigger! 2014 to 2017, there was a blank page for McIntyre! Why? Yes, he was fired. But McIntyre embraces his comeback story because it inspires others to follow their dreams!
But here’s a reminder, Ziggler. The man you’re talking to is the man who beat Brock Lesnar in five minutes, THEN beat The Big Show! So watch your tone! Oh McIntyre did that all by himself, huh? It’s not always about Ziggler! There are those McIntyre left behind, stabbed in the back and completely forgotten about. Ziggler brought someone else McIntyre did that to. It’s HEATH SLATER!? Slater was released a few months ago, and knows McIntyre from their days in the Three Man Band. Slater says this is an opportunity. Slater’s known McIntyre for over a decade. There’s history between them. Slater remembers McIntyre’s arrival in the States, before he had that “peach fuzz.” McIntyre was “The Chosen One.” But what’s funny is, back then, McIntyre wasn’t that.
But now? This guy? THIS is the Chosen One. Slater sees it, the company sees it, we all see it. But Slater wants McIntyre to remember back to April. Slater was home, with his kids, watching McIntyre VS Lesnar. Talk Less, Claymore, baby. Slater jumped up and even cried for McIntyre’s win. That’s how much Slater loves McIntyre. McIntyre knows Slater has love for him because when McIntyre got released, Slater called him up every day. When Slater came to Florida, he’d hang with McIntyre, his brother. But where has McIntyre been for Slater? Where, McIntyre? Think about this. They haven’t spoken in how long? Exactly, McIntyre doesn’t remember. It was The Bump, the one show Slater got to be on and speak his mind.
McIntyre knows Slater’s family, his kids. And not the 22 kids we pretend Slater has, but the two little girls he does have and that he is here today for, fighting for them. They believe in Daddy. Slater wants McIntyre to know that he was there for him, but McIntyre wasn’t there for Slater. McIntyre promised on The Bump to petition for a match with Slater, and what happened? Still unemployed! #IGotKids isn’t a gimmick! It’s real! This is Slater’s last chance, so he hopes to God that their friendship means something. Slater is here for this opportunity. The crowd cheers for that. Slater wants to have what he deserves, from McIntyre. What McIntyre, as a FRIEND, promised Slater.
McIntyre doesn’t want to fight Slater, but Slater starts shoving. Slater SLAPS McIntyre! “What about now?” McIntyre glares at Ziggler as he tells Slater, “You’re on.” Will Slater prove he deserves a place here?
Drew McIntyre VS Heath Slater!
Raw returns and “the unthinkable” has happened! The bell rings and McIntyre circles with Slater. ZIggler distracts McIntyre and Slater fires off! The ref backs Slater off, Slater throws off the shirt, but he turns around into a CLAYMORE! Cover, McIntyre glares at Ziggler, McIntyre wins!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
The Show-Off’s twisted plan backfires because McIntyre is ready to kick Ziggler’s head off even more than before! Ziggler gets in the ring and gets upset with Slater. Slater gets upset with Ziggler and shoves him over! Slater dares Ziggler to fight, so Ziggler tackles him! Ziggler rains forearms down but McIntyre returns to run him off! Ziggler says he calls the shots, McIntyre claims he’ll rip Ziggler’s head off! What will Ziggler choose as the championship stipulation? Will it even matter?
As for Slater, McIntyre helps him up, and the two friends hug it out. Once 3MB, always 3MB.
Backstage interview with Bayley and Sasha Banks.
The WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions are all over all three brands, and there has definitely been a strength in numbers strategy. Bayley interrupts Sarah to ask why they’re talking to her when they can just talk to the world. The Golden Role Models walk off, laughing all the way. Asuka walks in, furious already. How will she handle those two all on her own? Who says she’s alone? Asuka laughs and dances her way off. What kind of back up does the Empress of Tomorrow have?
Raw returns to Bayley and Sasha in the ring.
As they just said, #BayleyDosStraps and #TwoBeltsBanks prefer to talk to the people directly. They’re still feeling great and now the show can truly begin. Money never sleeps, but when you’re the Blueprint #Sasha3Shows alongside her friend, #Bayley3Brands, they are changing the game one day at a time, because they never sleep. When you are as good as these two, once in a generation talents that make it look so easy, all you “sheep” follow after them. Like tonight, Bayley and Asuka, Champion VS Champion. Then at Extreme Rules, it’s Bayley and the “runt,” Nikki Cross, who thinks she can take the title. DING DONG, hello? YOU CAN’T! And you know what else won’t happen? Asuka walking out Raw Women’s Champion. Green mist or not, Sasha will tap her out and have two belts, too! They’re taking over, getting all the gold, and-
Asuka interrupts! Asuka laughs her way down the ramp while also talking back in Japanese. “Two Belts Banks? Sasha…! Sasha…! You are NOT good at math.” And Bayley, Bayley, Bayley. You are NOT ready for Asuka! Asuka’s one to talk! Asuka’s not ready for Sasha humiliating you like she has the last couple of weeks. Asuka says Sasha is not ready tonight, so maybe she- No no no! Bayley sees what’s up. If Asuka has some bright idea, Sasha is ready for anything and anyone! What she got? Well in that case… KAIRI SANE IS BACK! The Kabuki Warriors are reunited, and the Role Models feel like they got duped. Will the Pirate Princess’ return be a victorious one?
Sasha Banks w/ Bayley VS Kairi Sane w/ Asuka!
The Boss has to again cash a check Bayley’s mouth wrote, but will the Empress of Tomorrow keep things even like on NXT?
The bell rings, the two tie up, and Sasha puts Kairi in a corner for furious fists! The ref counts, Sasha backs off and the crowd boos. Sasha goes back to Kairi but Kairi hits back! Sasha rocks Kairi with a forearm then brings her up. Sasha CHOPS Kairi then wristlocks for an acrobatic arm-drag! Kairi rolls right to her feet to CHOP Sasha back! Kairi dodges Sasha, CHOPS again, and again, and again! Kairi fires off on Sasha with both hands! The crowd is thunderous as Kairi whips Sasha. Sasha reveres, Kairi goes up and around to headscissor and dropkick Sasha down! Cover, TWO! Kairi grabs Sasha’s arms brings her around and has a straitjacket camel clutch! Sasha endures as Kairi pulls back and leans on the hold.
Sasha stands up, powers out and puts the hold on Kairi! The crowd rallies for Kairi as she endures. Kairi powers up, knees Sasha, then tilt-o-whirls into the Iron Octopus! Sasha endures, manages to stay standing, and powers up to elbow free. Kairi rolls her up, TWO! Sasha ducks Kairi to throw her down by her hair! Cover, ONE! Sasha keeps her cool as Kairi crawls. The crowd rallies up, Asuka cheers for Kairi but Sasha puts Kairi on the ropes to choke! Sasha throws Kairi down and mocks Asuka, which of course only upsets Asuka. They jaw jack at each other, Bayley runs over to shout, “Your partner sucks!” Asuka shoves Bayley down! Kairi throws Sasha out! Kairi builds speed and wrecks both Golden Role Models! The crowd is fired up as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Sasha chokes Kairi on ropes. Asuka protests and the ref counts, Sasha lets up at 4. Sasha drags Kairi up but Kairi forearms back! And again! And again! Kairi fires up and whips but Sasha reverses again. Kairi comes back but into a backbraker and sidewalk slam! Cover, TWO! Sasha grows frustrated as Kairi keeps in this. Bayley says it’s fine, and Sasha drags Kairi up. Sasha scoops Kairi, sets her in the corner and chops away! The ref counts, Sasha lets up, for the STOCK DROP! High stack cover, TWO! Kairi toughs it out and Asuka cheers. Sasha digs her knee into Kairi’s back and cranks on an arm. Kairi endures, but Sasha shifts to make it a modified Bow ‘n’ Arrow stretch. The crowd rallies, Kairi endures, but Sasha pulls hair! The ref reprimands but Sasha kicks Kairi away.
Asuka is furious but Kairi kicks back. Sasha stomps her for it, then brings Kairi up to put her between ropes. Sasha knees Kairi from the apron, then grinds her boot in. Sasha lets up to go back in the ring. She brings Kairi around, whips her to a corner, but runs into boots. Sasha turns Kairi sideways again, but the Stock Drop misses! Kiair ax kicks and CHOPS back! Kairi climbs up top, leaps, Flying Kabuki Elbow! Cover, TWO! Sasha survives but Kairi keeps focus. Asuka coaches Kairi, Kairi runs, BLOCKBUSTER! Kairi keeps going, ANOTHER Blockbuster! Kairi brings Sasha up a third time, whips her, Sasha reverses, INTERCEPTOR SPEAR! Sasha rolls to a corner and Kairi is fired up with the crowd!
Kairi marches to the corner, runs at Sasha, Sliding D! Cover, TWO! Bayley is relieved and Kairi is frustrated. Kairi drags Sasha up, Alabama lifts, but Sasha sunset flips! TOW, Kairi sits on it, TWO! Sasha has it, TWO! Sasha BASEMENT METEORA! Cover, TWO!! Bayley is furious and Sasha is beside herself as Kairi survives again. Sasha runs corner to corner at Kairi, Meteora to the back! The crowd boos as Sasha mocks Asuka. Sasha climbs, leaps at Kairi, but Kairi gets under, comes back, trips Sasha to the cross-legged Boston Crab! The Anchor Lock! Bayley attacks with a KNEE!
Winner: Kairi Sane, by disqualification
Asuka attacks Bayley for that one! Asuka clubs away but Sasha drags Asuka out of the ring! They’re 2v1 on Asuka, but Kairi is climbing. Asuka fights back, then sets the Golden Role Models up, SUPER InSANE Elbow! The Kabuki Warriors are fired up as they topple the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions! What shape will Bayley be in before she and Asuka go Grand Slam Champion VS Grand Slam Champion?
Raw finds a commotion backstage!
Buddy Murphy has attacked Aleister Black! And he stuck the confiscated Mysterio mask on him, just like Seth Rollins did to Humberto Carrillo last week! Speaking of, Rollins steps in and has Murphy stand down. “A damn shame.” With Aleister down, who is there to team with Mysterio later tonight?
The Viking Raiders meet up with The Big Show.
Friend, Biggest of Shows! Welcome! Ivar is going to slide down the bowling lane to show everyone how he defeated the Street Profits. Show says that while he likes to have fun, that’s not tonight. Tonight is the Six Man Tag against Randy Orton, The Legend Killer! Yes, we all know what Orton is capable of. And it was devastating to see what Orton did to Edge and Christian. Those two were friends to Show, but were heroes to the Vikings! Edge is even a fellow Viking brother. Speaking of Edge & Christian, the Vikings have been working on their own Five Second Pose.
Show SLAPS Erik on the chest in disapproval. Ivar thinks that’s funny, but then Show slaps him, too! Now the Vikings are serious. “Our Viking ways might be strange to you, but tonight, when we get in the ring… The Raid is on!” GOOD. Will these war machines and the angry giant stomp the Viper, El Idolo and the Lethal Lothario under their feet?
Raw presents The Kevin Owens Show!
The Prizefighter returns and he welcomes us back. But before he starts, knowing who his guest his, he already empties the ring of the armchairs. Oh one broke. Oh well. Oh make that two. But now this is someone you wouldn’t expect for KO to invite to his show, given their history, but there is a very good reason for this. So to get right to it, Kevin welcomes “a pretty giant piece of trash,” the Monday Night Messiah, Seth Rollins. Rollins does head to the ring, with Murphy in tow. They join Kevin in the ring, Murphy fetches a mic for Rollins, and Rollins asks what’s going on. He didn’t need to get rid of the chairs. Rollins wants to thank Kevin for having him on his critically acclaimed show. How is that ankle doing, by the way?
Oh the ankle Kevin fractured at WrestleMania? Fine, actually. Better than Rollins’ ego. After all, things haven’t been going that well for Rollins lately. The point Kevin wants to make here is that these two faced each other at WrestleMania 36, and the history between them isn’t that good. But competing against each other at Mania creates a unique bond. Even if it is an enemy, there is a bond between them. So here is a gift to commemorate that moment they created together. Rollins takes a folded up T-shirt, and reveals the KO-Mania shirt! You’re welcome, Rollins. Yes, thanks so much. Rollins throws the shirt away and says he sees what Kevin is doing. Rollins doesn’t care about Kevin, his shirt, or his show.
The reason Rollins is here is to use Kevin’s show as a platform to address the now medically cleared Mysterio. Mysterio is here to compete, so Rollins is formally challenging him to a match at Extreme Rules! They have unfinished business, and it is time to permanently sacrifice Mysterio to the greater good of Raw. Now that that’s out of the way, let’s go ahead and bring up the past. Let’s talk about Mania and the sacrifices Kevin made. Kevin sacrificed his body to get the win. And things haven’t been going well for Rollins? How about things for Kevin and his ankle? Kevin’s been on the shelf while Rollins has risen to prominence! Kevin needs Rollins more than he thinks he does, the same as Raw needs Rollins! Maybe Kevin should consider he’d be getting more out of fighting with Rollins then against him.
The shirts say #FightOwenFights, #JustKeepFighting, but Kevin’s been fighting so long and so hard, perhaps he needs a purpose in his fight. Maybe Kevin should fight for the greater good. But before Kevin can answer, the Mysterios appear! Rey tells Rollins, “You truly believe that Kevin is gonna fall for your BS?” No way. As for that challenge, Rey accepts. Rey assures Rollins that at Extreme Rules, Rollins’ destiny will be in Rey’s hands. Rollins loves this! The business will be finished, but he has to ask Rey, what about tonight’s tag team match? Aleister is… MIA, so to speak. What’s Rey going to do? Face Murphy and Rollins 2v1? Maybe they’ll take his good eye. Or maybe Rey’s son Dominik will lose one instead.
Kevin speaks up. Kevin has a decision on that offer. He will never fight by Rollins’ side, but he’ll fight by Rey’s! If Rey will have him. Well this gets better and better! Then how about this? Extreme Rules, Rey VS Rollins, the stipulation is chosen by tonight’s winners! Well that’s even better! One-Leg Kevin and One-Eyed Rey VS Rollins and Murphy, winner picks the stipulation? You’re on. And then Murphy attacks! Rey jumps in and it’s a brawl! Rey throws Murphy out, Rollins realizes he’s alone and bails out! The show set is thrown out at him but Rollins avoids getting hit. Things sort out as Raw goes to break!
Kevin Owens & Rey Mysterio w/ Dominik VS Seth Rollins & Buddy Murphy!
Raw returns and Rey is already raining down rights in the corner on Murphy! The crowd is fired up as Mysterio whips but Murphy reverses. Mysterio ducks, springboards and crossbodies Murphy down! Mysterio kicks away on Murphy but Murphy kicks back. Murphy runs, sunset flips but Mysterio slips out to buzzsaw! Murphy bails out but Mysterio wrecks him with a dropkick! Mysterio goes to the apron to leap and huricanrana Murphy into barriers! The crowd fires up as Mysterio glares at Rollins. Mysterio fetches Murphy into the ring then aims from a corner. Mysterio climbs up and leaps, big crossbody! But Murphy rolls through to cover, TOW! Mysterio enziguris back!
Tag to Kevin, he CHOPS Murphy then fires off haymakers! The ref counts, Kevin backs off but taunts Rollins. Kevin CHOPS Murphy again then bumps him off buckles. Kevin fires off body shots, whips Murphy corner to corner, and Murphy hits buckles hard! Kevin stomps Murphy, brings him up and atomic drops to then run and LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Kevin waistlocks and drags Murphy up but Murphy elbows free. Tag to Rollins and Rollins clubs away on Kevin. Rollins chops and haymakers, whips, but Kevin reverses. Rollins kicks, Kevin clotheslines and drops the senton! The crowd cheers as Kevin follows Rollins out of the ring. Kevin bumps Rollins off the apron, and then again, before putting him in the ring.
Kevin stalks Rollins, drags him up, and Mysterio tags in. Rollins runs away and tags Murphy! Murphy kicks, Mysterio blocks and spins him. Mysterio waistlocks, Murphy standing switches and back suplexes, but Mysterio lands on his feet. Mysterio speeds things up, and headscissors Murphy to ropes! Murphy gets out before the 619 and Rollins talks trash to Mysterio. Rollins backs down and Mysterio goes back to Murphy, but Murphy enziguris back! Murphy climbs, but then he spots Dominik. Kevin stands in Murphy’s way but Rollins hits Kevin! Murphy and Rollins crowd Dominik, but he can’t hit or he’d disqualify Rey. Rollins knows that and he rakes Dominik’s eyes! Mysterio goes to his son’s side as Rollins runs away again, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Rollins jams Kevin’s knee! The crowd boos as Rollins grinds his forearms into Kevin’s face. Rollins eggs Kevin on as he kicks the bad leg. Kevin falls to ropes but Rollins drags him away to wrench the leg! Kevin endures as Rollins has a Half Crab but the crowd rallies up. Kevin fights to the ropebreak! Rollins lets go at 4, Kevin hits Murphy! Rollins hits Kevin over and over in the corner then scrapes him to the bottom rope. Rollins drags Kevin up and bumps him off buckles. Rollins runs corner to corner to forearm Kevin. Kevin flounders but Rollins gets away, to run corner to corner again. Kevin puts Rollins on the apron but Rollins rocks Kevin back! Rollins springboards, Kevin gets under, SUPERKICK! But the bad ankle brings Kevin down!
The crowd rallies as both men crawl for their corners. Hot tags to Rey and Murphy! Mysterio kicks Murphy away, springboard seated senton! He keeps moving, tilt-o-whirl facebuster! Then a basement dropkick! Mysterio swings on Rollins but Rollins gets away. Mysterio fires off on Murphy but Murphy shoves him away. Murphy goes up and over but Mysterio mule kicks back. Mysterio hops up, Murphy catches him for an Electric Chair, but Mysterio spins to headscissor and POST Murphy! Murphy wobbles into a dropkick that puts him on the ropes. Rollins runs in but he gets put on ropes, too! Mysterio dials it up but Rollins gets out to grab Dominik! Dominik is a hostage but here comes Aleister!
Aleister staggers down the ramp but Rollins gives himself up. Again, if Mysterio’s team is disqualified, Rollins gets to choose a stipulation. Murphy attacks Mysterio from behind! Murphy puts Mysterio in, the ref checks on him, and Dominik goes after Murphy’s eyes!! Dominik gets away with retribution! Murphy staggers into the ring, into a dropkick, and Mysterio dials it up! 619!! Mysterio climbs up, Kevin rams Rollins into barriers! FROG SPLASH! Cover, Mysterio and Kevin win!!
Winners: Rey Mysterio & Kevin Owens, by pinfall
The King of Lucha’s return to the ring is victorious, but that’s only the beginning! Mysterio gets a mic to tell Rollins he has the perfect stipulation for Extreme Rules. It’s very simple: Ojo por Ojo, Eye For An Eye! Rollins damaged Mysterio’s eye and wanted after Dominik’s! So now, Mysterio vows to pull Rollins’ eye out, WITH HIS BARE HANDS!! “Now that’s what I call a sacrifice!” The subtitle, “Horror Show,” might be even more fitting after what Rollins must face. Will either man be able to do what must be done to finally end this?
Backstage interview with MVP and Bobby Lashley.
With Apollo Crews out of action again, there is a big question as to what happens to the WWE United States Championship. Lashley takes credit for clamping on his full nelson, breaking Apollo both physically, mental and spiritually. It is only a matter of time before that title reign comes to an end. As for that title, a title MVP made famous, they’re going to do that in style. The future can only be described as “straight up BALLIN’!” That’s what it would’ve been anyway, if Apollo hadn’t disrespected MVP and Lashley showed him the “hurt business.” What is in store for this iconic title?
Raw returns as MVP and Bobby Lashley head to the ring.
Despite Apollo being banged up, he will be back for Extreme Rules to defend the WWE United States Championship against MVP. But speaking of championships, a very familiar shape is under the cloth on the pedestal as MVP and Lashley soak up the heat from the crowd. Montel Vontavius Porter says that when Apollo first came to Raw a few months ago, “baby boy was lit.” He was shining bright like a supernova! But he burned out just as badly. Because Apollo came through the stellar orbit of these two superstars. Apollo may have youthful exuberance, but that made him think he was invincible. Ain’t no body invincible when it comes to Bobby Lashley’s full nelson.
MVP wishes he could say he feels guilty, but he doesn’t. He tried to help Apollo, showing him Lashley as an example. Yet Apollo still had “the unmitigated gall” to turn down the mentorship of the GREATEST United States Champion ever. When you disrespect MVP, you disrespect Lashley. That’s a bad move. Now Apollo, when MVP beats you at Extreme Rules, Apollo will no longer be champion. But he will always have the memories. So excuse MVP for just a moment as he unveils the NEW United States Championship belt. MVP already beat Apollo so in a way, he already IS the new champion. MVP promises us all that this third US Championship reign will be as awesome as his first two. So ladies and gentlemen, drum roll please. And the new title is revealed!
A golden eagle and huge lettering! This is a championship befitting a legend like MVP. And MVP can’t wait to beat Apollo so that he can officially be champion. Lashley wants MVP to get his head right. Rolling with Lashley means it’s official when Lashley says it is. They should just crown MVP right now! Lashley picks up the brand new belt and helps MVP put it on. But here comes Ricochet and Cedric Alexander! They aren’t sure what they’re seeing. But you do have to admit, that title looks pristine! But MVP knows the struggle of a champion. He should know better than anyone that he has to earn championships. And he’s talking like he’s a business man? Sorry, he’s losing stacks because Apollo will be back real soon and make sure this fantasy ends.
But in the meantime in between time, Lashley and MVP hurt their friend. So Ricochet and Alexander are going to make sure the #HurtBusiness goes Chapter 11. And it’s a brawl! Lashley and Ricochet settle things from last week, Alexander sends MVP out, and Lashley runs into Ricochet’s dropkick-flip! Double dropkicks from the fast and furious team send Lashley out! Lashley is furious as Raw goes to break.
Ricochet & Cedric Alexander VS MVP & Bobby Lashley!
Holla holla, the fast and furious friends of Apollo are taking on the uncrowned United States Champion and the Rocky Mountain Machine! MVP is even in a suit as he starts against Alexander! Will Apollo’s allies get even on his behalf?
MVP puts his necklace and jacket aside but then tags out to Lashley. Lashley circles with Alexander, they tie up, and Lashley waistlocks to SLAM Alexander down! Lashley kicks Alexander then brings him up to put him in a corner. Lashley throws forearms and elbows over and over as the crowd boos. He trips Alexander to grind his boot in, but he lets up at the ref’s count. Lashley drags Alexander up to club him down, then he whips Alexander to ropes. Alexander holds those ropes, boots back and tags out to Ricochet. Alexander enziguris, then mule kicks Lashley for Ricochet’s front kick. Enziguri sandwich staggers Lashley! Ricochet runs corner to corner but is put on the apron. He enziguris again, then springboards only for Lashley to clobber him!
Lashley checks his face, tags out to MVP, and MVP storms over to Ricochet. MVP drags Ricochet up to bump him off the steel steps, and throw into the barriers! The ref counts but MVP puts Ricochet in at 5. MVP stomps Ricochet, tags Lashley in, and Lashley keeps Ricochet from Alexander. Lashley stands Ricochet up in the corner to run and RAM into him! Lashley drags Ricochet up for a neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! MVP says they’re going to show what happens when you disrespect him and Lashley. Lashley tags MVP in and they mug Ricochet in the corner. MVP throws body shots on all sides but lets up at the ref’s count. MVP comes back, brings Ricochet back up and snapmares him down for a KICK to the back! MVP wraps Ricochet up with a chinbar and armlock as the crowd rallies up.
Ricochet endures, pries at the holds, and fights back with body shots. Ricochet runs but into MVP’s BOOT! MVP drags Ricochet to a cover, TWO! MVP brings Ricochet over, tags in Lashley, and they mug Ricochet more. Lashley punches Ricochet down and stalks him on the ropes. Lashley chokes Ricochet and grinds his forearm into Ricochet’s face over and over. Lashley lets up only to suplex Ricochet and hold him there! MVP taunts Ricochet as the blood rushes to his head, and at the count of 10, Lashley SLAMS Ricochet down! Cover, TWO! Lashley clamps onto Ricochet but the crowd rallies up. Ricochet fights up, fights back but Lashley shoves and follows, to LIFTING Complete Shot! Tag to MVP, and MVP goes to finish with the cover. TWO and MVP can’t believe it!
MVP drags Ricochet up, suplexes him, but Ricochet slips out! Ricochet kicks, MVP blocks, MVP ducks the enziguri but not the rebound mule kick! MVP flounders and Ricochet crawls, hot tag to Alexander! Alexander runs in, KNEES MVP down, then fires off a strike fest! Alexander dropkicks Lashley down for good measure, then forearms MVP in the corner! Alexander use the ropes for the TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO!! MVP survives but Alexander keeps on him. He runs into an elbow, Lashley tags in. MVP dumps Alexander out for Lashley to clobber! MVP sucker punches Ricochet for good measure! Lashley puts Alexander in, aims from a corner, and SPEARS him down! Cover, Lashley and MVP win!
Winners: Bobby Lashley & MVP, by pinfall
The All Mighty and the uncrowned United States Champion continue on a roll towards Extreme Rules! And then Lashley puts Alexander in the FULL NELSON! Lashley thrashes Alexander, but Ricochet dropkicks Lashley down! Ricochet and Alexander get away, but is the Hurt Business going to dominate Monday nights?
Andrade Almas, Zelina Vega and Angel Garza meet backstage.
La Muneca wants her team to talk. Garza promises what happened last week won’t happen again this week. Almas says it better not. Ric Flair comes by and says they were great last week! Everything they set out to do, they did. Except with the Big Show. But that’s okay. Tonight is a must-do. Otherwise, one, two, three, and even Ric will have to answer to… Oh, Randy Orton walks in. Almas is third generation. Garza, too. So then they have that in common, and for that, Orton respects them even just a little. But tonight is about Show and Orton. When the time is right, Show is all Orton’s, and if they do anything to get in the way of that, or screw anything else up, he will not hesitate to introduce them to the Legend Killer. Understood? Yes. They fist bump and head out. Will the Giant be just one target for The Viper tonight?
Backstage interview with the Kabuki Warriors!
Kairi is back and that’s even more of a reason for Asuka to smile. Sasha and Bayley feel they’re the leaders of the Women’s Division, but how does that affect things tonight? Asuka says that’s not going to matter, and Kairi says “nee-san” will always be champion. After Asuka beats Bayley tonight, the Kabuki Warriors will go after those WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships again! Kairi loves the sound of that! Kairi plays the theme on the flute, but will these two be celebrating at the end of the night?
Six Man Tag: Big Show & The Viking Raiders VS Randy Orton, Angel Garza & Andrade Almas w/ Zelina Vega!
The Giant got Erik and Ivar to take this battle serious, but the Apex Predator has put the fear of the three most dangerous letter into the hearts of Vega’s stable. Which side comes out victorious amid the war between legend and Legend Killer?
The crowd is behind Big Show as he starts. The other team sorts itself out, and Garza will start. Garza keeps his distance as he circles, then he goes after a leg. Show CLUBS Garza off the leg! Show puts Garza in a corner to CHOP, and then stand son Garza at the ropes! The ref counts as Show dribbles Garza with a foot, but Show lets up at 4. Show glares at Orton but Garza throws hands back. Show headbutts Garza down! Show stalks Garza and brings him up to CHOP again! Tag to Erik, he tags Ivar in, and the Vikings put Garza in the corner. Garza is fed to knee after KNEE! The crowd fires up with Ivar as he looms over Garza. Ivar drags Garza up, snapmares and drops a fist! Cover, ONE, but Ivar keeps close.
Ivar brings Garza up, clubs him down, and tags in Erik. Erik RAMS into Garza, tags in Show, and Show stomps Garza in the stomach. Garza crawls to a corner but Show is on him with heavy body shots! Show keeps his eyes on Orton so Orton stays back. Show drags Garza back up, taunts Orton with a tag opportunity, but puts Garza in the corner to CHOP! Tag to Ivar, Ivar brings Garza up to suplex, but Garza slips out and flounders away. Almas tags in and fires off on Ivar, but Garza flounders into Almas and distracts him. Almas turns around into Ivar’s FIST! Ivar drags Almas up, Vega is annoyed, and Show tags in. Ivar scoop slams Almas, Show tags in Erik. Erik scoops Ivar to slam him onto Almas! Show scoops Erik to slam him onto Almas! Cover, Garza breaks it!
Garza shouts at Almas, “You want to lose this match!?” Orton tells Garza to shut up and get out of the ring. Orton is seething as he paces and Garza goes out. Orton shoves him into the barrier and then chokes him. “You pull your head out of your ass!” Orton knows Garza grew up in this business, too, and he has a special place in Orton’s heart because of that. But don’t think Orton won’t drop him if he screws up. Orton lets up on Garza and everyone is speechless as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Almas has Ivar in a chinlock. Almas knees Ivar to the corner and tags in Orton. Orton and Almas stomp away on Ivar then Orton throws European Uppercuts. Orton stomps Ivar’s feet, knees him down, then tags in Garza. The mugging continues, Garza clubs and CHOPS Ivar, then digs his forearms in. Garza ROCKS Ivar with a right, but Ivar pushes back. Ivar rolls and tags in Erik! Erik rallies and EXPLODERS Garza away! Garza staggers into Ace Ten Mao! Erik hits Almas down but Orton gets away. Erik goes back to Garza but Garza kangaroo kicks from the mat! Garza clubs Erik down, drags him up, clubs away and tags in Orton. Orton kicks Erik hard in the ribs then throws more EuroUppers. Orton keeps Erik in the corner for even more, then tags in Almas.
The mugging continues as Almas stomps Erik down at the ropes with Orton holding Erik down. Orton bails out, Almas CHOPS Erik then stomps him down! Almas drags Erik up, snap suplexes, then covers. TWO, but Almas keeps his cool. Almas drags Erik to the corner, Orton tells Show to stay back, and Garza tags in. Garza and Almas mug Erik, Garza CHOPS Erik in the open corner, then turns Erik sideways. Garza KNEES Erik down! Off come the pants! But Erik CHOPS back! Garza stomps Erik down for that then stands on his head. Tag to Almas, they drag Erik in and split the wishbone! Basement mule kicks and stomps keep Erik down, and Almas pulls Erik against ropes. The ref counts, Almas lets up, but Almas brings Erik around to CHOP and knee!
Garza tags in and the mugging continues. The ref reprimands them all but Almas backs off. Garza puts Erik through ropes to bend him more. The ref reprimands, Show and Ivar protest, but they miss Almas and Orton giving Erik cheap shots! Garza drags Erik up to club him, but Erik breaks free to ROCK Garza! Erik reaches, Garza keeps him back, but Erik ROCKS him again! Tag to Show! Almas tags in but Show rallies on him with big clotheslines! Show whips Alms to a corner and hip attacks him down! Then runs him over! Orton keeps his distance as Show prepares the hand. But then he runs in, only for his RKO to be shoved away! Orton says it was that close, but Show keeps his eyes on Orton.
Show grabs Almas, but Almas pops out of the choke slam to a sleeper hold! Almas tries to squeeze Show’s neck but Show stays on his feet. Show powers Almas off, tags to Ivar! Garza tags in, Ivar cartwheels and clotheslines! The Warbeard tags in Erik but Orton tags in, too. The Vikings get Garza up but Almas saves him from Thor’s Hammer! They throw Ivar out, Orton RKO’S ERIK!! Cover, Orton, Garza and Almas win!
Winners: Randy Orton, Angel Garza & Andrade Almas, by pinfall
Out. Of. Nowhere! This trio of third generation wrestlers outsmarted the Giant and the Vikings, but what will happen when Show finally gets his hands on the Viper?
The IIconics talk backstage.
Peyton Royce cannot even explain how excited she is to see Billie Kay take on Ruby Riott. “That woman” is just a mess, like a riot. She has no sense of style, either. Such ugly tattoos. And no friends. Well, Peyton heard from the grapevine that Liv Morgan isn’t returning any of Ruby’s calls. Ouch. Well Ruby has no chance! What a loser. Like, when you think of losers, you think of… Ruby is right behind Billie! Ruby calls them “dumbasses.” The thing is, Ruby never had a problem with them before. It’s just that the sound of their voices make her twitch. Really? Ugh, yes. But while Ruby doesn’t know where Liv is, that’s for the better. Ruby’s focus is all on the IIconics, and that’s very bad. When it’s all said and done, it won’t be IIconic. It’ll be tragic. Ruby heads out to prepare, will she get even with the snobby pair?
MVP meets with Cedric Alexander backstage.
As MVP was saying, he’ll spare the condolences on the loss. But he does have some questions. Oh, really? Like what? Before that, MVP says it takes a lot of heart to stand up to MVP and Lashley. MVP has always been impressed by Alexander. Which is hwy he doesn’t get why Alexander is holding himself back? Why is someone with his abilities staying as Ricochet’s sidekick? Alexander sees what MVP is doing. MVP is trying to divide and conquer. Okay, okay, let’s just say Alexander and Ricochet are equals. Is that why Ricochet has the new WWE 365 special and Alexander doesn’t? If Alexander is fine with being a sidekick on the sidelines, fine. But MVP and Lashley have the Hurt Business, while Alexander is in catering. Bon appétit. Will Alexander chew on these words MVP is putting in his head? Or will he spit them back in MVP’s face?
Ric Flair celebrates with Randy Orton backstage.
“Just another victory!” Edge comes out of retirement, gets put back in retirement! Christian gets smart, gets put in retirement! Show comes back from Hollywood, thinking he can get after Orton. Hah! Orton says a win is a win, but he needs kick- Oh no! R-Truth bumps into them! Orton is mad, Truth tires to defuse the situation. Wow, for the Dirtiest Player in the Game, Flair cleans up nice. Maybe too nice, TOZAWA! You can’t trick Truth by disguising yourself as Flair! But then the real Akira Tozawa comes looking and Truth is on the run again. Orton tells Tozawa and his ninjas to stop. They’re looking for Truth? Yes, sir. He went that way. Thank you. Wait, Orton just helped Truth? What’s going on in that twisted mind of his?
Ruby Riott VS Billie Kay w/ Peyton Royce!
The one woman riot lost to the Venus Flytrap, but she isn’t about to give up just yet. Will she beat the other half of the IIconic duo? Or will it be 0-2 for the woman with zero friends?
The bell rings and Ruby circles with Billie. Peyton waves a hand in the ring to distracts Ruby, so Ruby stomps the hand! Billie swings but Ruby dodges and fires off. Ruby goes to run, Billie reels her in but Ruby elbows her away. Ruby runs into Billie’s BOOT! Cover, TWO! Shades of Kay is not enough and Billie is furious. Billie brings Ruby up by her hair ad puts her in a corner to stomp away. The ref counts, Billie backs off, but comes back to dig her boot into Ruby’s face. The crowd boos, Billie lets up as the ref reprimands, but Billie brings Ruby up by her hair again. Billie throws Ruby with the scoop Northern Lights! Cover, TWO! The IIconics are annoyed but Billie keeps Ruby down and says, “You are nothing!”
The crowd rallies for Ruby even as Billie laces the legs for a Bow ‘n’ Arrow stretch! Ruby endures, pries at the hold, but Billie cranks back. Ruby brings the chinbar off and pops out to cover! TWO, but Ruby blocks the kick to ROCK Billie with a forearm! Ruby gets around Billie, but Billie standing switches. Ruby bucks Billie away, elbows back, and goes up to DEADLY NIGHTSHADE! Ruby kicks Billie down, adjusts, but Peyton jumps up on the apron. Ruby swipes at Peyton so she stays back, but Billie throat chops! Billie brings Ruby down for a SUPER SOLE FOOD! Then, fisherman SIT OUT SPINE BUSTER! Cover, Billie wins!
Winner: Billie Kay, by pinfall
The IIconics work together even when in singles matches! Peyton raises Billie’s hand in victory and then demand the referee does the same. Will Ruby ever get even with these two?
Backstage interview with Bayley and Banks.
Bayley is preparing for her match with Asuka, but does she feel the stakes are higher now that the Kabuki Warriors are hoping to have a shot at their tag titles? You mean Asuka’s stupid idea that she even has a chance tonight? Asuka’s lucky Bayley doesn’t slap that green face paint off to last week, let alone worry about next week. The Kabuki Warriors need to accept they’ll never be tag team champions ever again. If the only way to do that is to accept the challenge, then challenge accepted! Bayley can’t believe Sasha but Sasha says there is no team that can touch them. People need to respect that! Right, right. So if Bayley needs to beat Asuka to show the sheep who the best is, which is Bayley, then that’s what she’ll do. Now go away so they can get ready. Charly leaves and the best friends head off. Who will prove themselves the better Grand Slam Women’s Champion?
Champion VS Champion: Asuka w/ Kairi Sane VS Bayley w/ Sasha Banks!
Both the Empress of Tomorrow and the former Hugger have held the NXT Women’s Championship, the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships, and clearly the Raw and SmackDown Women’s Championships. This is only the fourth time these two have met 1v1, and it is at a pivotal time before both titles are on the line at Extreme Rules. Will we see who the greater Grand Slam Champion is?
Raw returns, and Nikki is part of commentary! She promises to be nice so security has reason to let her stay. Nikki is excited, but then gets very upset seeing Bayley make her entrance. But she again promises to behave. Will she keep that promise for the whole main event?
Bayley and Sasha see Nikki on commentary, so of course they provoke her. Nikki has Samoa Joe “hold her back,” and then apologizes for her temper. Nikki then gets excited again as Asuka makes her entrance. The bell rings and Bayley shows off her belts. Nikki wants Asuka to beat Bayley up, Bayley and Asuka circle and tie up. Bayley waistlocks, Asuka gets to ropes but Bayley fires off! The ref backs her off, but Bayley headlocks and grinds Asuka down. Asuka fights back, powers out and follows to then run Bayley over! The crowd cheers and Asuka speeds things up. Asuka rolls, Bayley dodges and follows, but runs into a takedown! Asuka wants the arm, Bayley bails out, and Sasha keeps Kairi back. Asuka baseball slides but Bayley blocks and spins her for a knee!
Nikki shouts at Bayley to not come within six feet of her, but Bayley walks up and slaps the headset off her! Nikki goes nuts and security keeps her back! Nikki tries to get at Bayley by any means necessary, so security takes Nikki away! Bayley and Sasha laugh, but then Bayley jumps into Asuka’s KNEE! Sasha’s jaw drops while the Kabuki Warriors are fired up, and Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again, Asuka yanks Bayley’s arm and wrenches it for an armlock. Bayley endures, fights up and throws forearms. Asuka shoves Bayley, hip tosses her down then KICKS her in the back! Asuka runs. Bayley ducks the kick and trips Asuka up. Bayley clubs Asuka over and over, then dribbles her off the mat! Sasha gloats for Bayley but Kairi coaches Asuka. Bayley drags Asuka up, yanks on her arm now, then whips. Asuka reverses, Bayley goes up and arm-drags, then elbows Asuka down! Cover, ONE, but Bayley drops knees! Cover, ONE, but Bayley runs to basement clothesline! Cover, ONE!! The crowd rallies as Bayley bumps Asuka off barriers. Bayley stomps away then drags her back up to a snapmare. Bayley wraps on a chinlock but Asuka endures.
The crowd rallies up, Asuka fights to her feet, fights back and then rolls Bayley to a cover! TWO, Bayley CLOBBERS Asuka! Cover, TWO! Bayley grows frustrated with the ref but she drags Asuka back up. Bayley throws Asuka out then distracts the ref. Sasha creeps closer but Kairi keeps her back. Bayley gets out to tell Kairi to back off, but Kairi helps Asuka up. The ref warns Sasha to stay on her side, Bayley goes for her daredevil dropkick! The Kabuki Warriors both avoid it, and Asuka ROUNDHOUSES Bayley down! Asuka drags Bayley up and in, covers, TWO! Asuka keeps her focus and the crowd rallies up again. Asuka KICKS Bayley, and KICKS, and KICKS! Bayley flounders into more kicks and Asuka runs to SLIDING ENZIGURI! Cover, TWO!
The crowd fires up for Asuka as she keeps on Bayley. Bayley flails, elbows free of the waistlock and forearms Asuka more. Bayley whips, Asuka goes up and missile dropkicks back! Cover, TWO! Bayley bails out again and Sasha regroups with her. Asuka purses Bayley around the way and into the ring, but Bayley catches Asuka for the rope guillotine catapult! Asuka crawls to a corner but Bayley gives her another guillotine! Cover, TWO! The crowd rallies but Bayley mocks it. Bayley kicks Asuka out, takes her time following after, and she knocks Asuka down! “You like that?” Bayley high fives Sasha before bringing Asuka back up and in. Cover, TWO! Bayley drags Asuka up to throw her back out, but Asuka fights back! Bayley flapjacks Asuka off the desk!
“I’m still serving it up!” Bayley hops on commentary and Sasha joins in. You hungry for what Bayley’s serving up? “It tastes so GOOD!” The Golden Role Models are laughing it up as Raw goes to another break.
Raw returns once more and Bayley is wrenching Asuka’s neck. Asuka endures as Kairi and the crowd rally up. Bayley elbows Asuka down then clamps on a chinlock. Sasha taunts Asuka to her face and Bayley bounces Asuka’s head off the mat! Cover, TWO, and Bayley is annoyed again. Bayley drags Asuka onto the ropes to choke her! The ref counts, Bayley lets up at 4 and Sasha mocks Asuka more. Bayley chokes Asuka again and has her in a corner. Bayley stands Asuka up but Asuka fights back with elbows. Bayley shoves Asuka hard into buckles! Bayley says Asuka will think twice about using the mist. She SLAPS Asuka, drags her to a cover, TWO!
Asuka sits up in the corner, Bayley runs in and hits a back elbow! The crowd rallies, Asuka hits back, but Bayley knees low. Bayley clubs her down and grinds forearms into her face! The green face paint is definitely all but gone. Asuka pie faces back and even kicks. Bayley drops elbows on Asuka, but Kairi coaches Asuka up. Bayley pie faces Asuka but Asuka gets mad now. Bayley keeps pushing her, mocks the dance, so Asuka fires off palm strikes! Asuka back hands but Bayley forearms! Bayley runs into a back elbow! And a BOOT! Asuka hits a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down and the crowd is thunderous! Kairi rallies with them as Asuka stands up. Asuka runs at Bayley, DROPKICK! Pop-up knee!
Asuka runs corner to corner, hip attack! GERMAN SUPLEX! Basement mule kick and basement hip attack! Cover, TWO!! Bayley survives and Sasha is stressing out, but Asuka stalks Bayley to the ropes. Asuka KICKS Bayley, and again, and again! Bayley ends up on the apron, Asuka runs to hip attack, only to be caught! Asuka and Bayley throws elbows, Bayley reels Asuka in to swing. Asuka ducks, BACK HAND!! Bayley goes down in a heap and even Asuka seems in shock. Sasha checks on Bayley as she slowly sits up on the apron. Asuka runs, to hip attack Bayley down! The crowd is fired up as Asuka waits on Bayley. The ring count climbs to 5 as Bayley gets to the ring. Asuka is on the apron, but Bayley trips her up! Asuka hits apron and then the floor!
Bayley gets in the ring but Asuka hurries up. Asuka dodges the shoulder to kick and switchblade kick! Asuka climbs up and missile dropkicks! Cover, TWO!! Bayley survives the onslaught from Asuka, but Asuka won’t lose her focus. Bayley crawls to the ropes while Asuka stands up. Asuka joins Bayley on the apron and the two brawl on the edge. Asuka mule kicks, but Bayley flapjacks her into the post! Asuka tumbles down and Bayley stays up. Bayley goes after Asuka to KNEE her into the barrier!! The ring count passes 5 as Bayley puts Asuka in. Bayley talks trash to Kairi then sucker punches her! “You are the worst tag team!” Bayley runs away, Kairi is furious, but Sasha gets a cheap shot knee! Bayley hits a SAIDO!! Cover, TWO!?! Asuka survives and the Golden Role Models are furious!
Bayley drags Asuka up, brings her through the ropes, and Sasha fetches some water. “You thirsty?” Sasha brings the water to Bayley and she takes a gulp, to then splash Asuka in the face! But wait! Nikki is in the crowd!! That scares Bayley into the ring, into the ASUKA LOCK!! Bayley flails, rolls back to a cover, TWO!! Asuka rolls Bayley around, still in the hold! Bayley claws at Asuka’s arms, Sasha jumps in, but Kairi INTERCEPTORS! Bayley gets up and pops out, but Asuka sits on the victory roll! ASUKA WINS!!
Winner: Asuka, by pinfall
The Raw Women’s Champion defeats SmackDown’s! Nikki Cross grins as she has an edge on Bayley, and Asuka has the edge on Sasha. But before Extreme Rules, will #BayleyDosStraps drop down to uno when the Golden Role Models have to put up another fight against the Kabuki Warriors?
My Thoughts:
A pretty great episode for Raw, especially by the end. For one, quite the surprise to see Heath Slater back given everything that’s been happening. Slater had a great promo, but clearly in a perfect world, it would’ve been with Jinder Mahal pushing the issue. But Ziggler still gets good Heel heat being the one forcing this, but also heat for not revealing his stipulation. I honestly don’t know what it could be, but I’m confident McIntyre and Ziggler do it justice. Meanwhile, we have quite the escalation in the Rollins story. It was a great move to have a substitution in the tag match, Kevin did great with Rey, Rollins and Murphy. The “Eye for an Eye” is fitting, but clearly there’s going to be some level of cinematography used to kayfabe someone’s EYE BEING PULLED OUT! I can’t wait to be freaked out by that.
The United States Championship story including Ricochet and Cedric Alexander, two of MVP’s previous prospects, is a good move. That new championship belt sure is shiny, and I appreciate the face plate is bigger than the previous, but I feel like the lettering and the eagle take up too much space, you can barely tell the star spangled banner is there. And I feel like even if Apollo wins at Extreme Rules, he takes that belt for his own. MVP trying to turn Alexander against Ricochet is an interesting move, we will have to wait and see how it turns out. The Six Man Tag was good stuff, and Orton was pretty scary grabbing Garza by the throat to get him to focus on the match. If we end up with a new Evolution with Orton in the HHH role, I feel like Garza is already in the Orton role of being the successful one that gets dumped and becomes Face.
Orton’s interaction with R-Truth and Tozawa was an interesting one, too. I almost thought Orton was going to hurt Truth and make it easier for Tozawa, but instead Orton keeps Truth unharmed. If Orton takes Show out with Extreme Rules, will he go after Truth just for the hell of it? He does need something to do while waiting on Edge, and Truth has done quite a lot in his career. He hasn’t been a world champion in the WWE but he was a big hit in TNA/Impact, and has held many other titles. At the very least, does Orton weirdly respect Truth? And then with Ruby, she loses again to keep things going for her story. There has to come a point when Liv hears her out, they team up again and they get the better of the IIconics.
The story of the Raw and SmackDown Women’s Championships continues to take some interesting turns. There was huge speculation on Kairi Sane’s status with the company, and no one would blame her for wanting out. But it was great timing for her to return and help Asuka. The Kabuki Warriors both have great matches with the Golden Role Models, but especially Asuka and Bayley in the main event. Nikki Cross also had a great part to play during all this, and her spooking Bayley was a great cherry on top for that segment. The WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match next week for the go-home Raw is going to be incredible, but also a bit telling as to how things go on all levels, not just for Extreme Rules. I don’t see the Kabuki Warriors winning with Kairi set to return home to Japan, Stardom and her husband. She’s probably taking the pin so that the math on Asuka VS Sasha is not affected. In another timeline, the Kabuki Warriors would win, Kairi would go after Bayley’s belt, and we’d have THREE Joshi talents holding the singles titles all at once.
My Score: 8.7/10
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London calling to the champion crowns!
SmackDown brings gold to London as LA Knight defends his WWE US Championship and The Street Profits defend their tag team titles! Will the landscape change this close to WrestleMania?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly; The Profits win and retain the titles.
- Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice w/ Chelsea Green; The Secret Her-vice wins.
- WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman; Braun wins, by disqualification, and Knight retains the title.
- Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab; Charlotte wins.
- Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins.
- Jimmy Uso VS The Miz; Jimmy wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes is here!
We follow The American Nightmare as walks to gorilla, then through the curtain, and London sings along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, says hello to fans along the ramp, and then we get the second “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro. Cody goes to the ring, grabs a mic, then kneels down to kiss the WWE logo on the mat. The fans continue to sing along all the way to the end, “I AM MY KINGDOM!” The fans then cheer, and Cody holds up the belt to fire them up even more! The fans now sing for “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and he soaks it in. The fans cheer again as Cody smiles, and he finally says, “So, London~! Whaddya wanna talk about?”
The fans chant “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cody hears that dueling, and he smiles again. The song of “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” returns, then they cheer. Cody says, “At WrestleMania 41, I will be facing John Cena…” The fans boo, but Cody says, “I will be facing John Cena as he goes to break the record and win 17. But that is WrestleMania 41. In just a few nights, I will be standing face to face with John Cena in this very same city, in this very same arena.” The fans cheer that, but then here comes Randy Orton! Now the fans sing along with Voices as The Viper heads to the ring. Orton also high-fives fans before he joins Cody.
Orton grabs a mic, paces while the fans keep singing on their own, and then the fans cheer. Orton says he’s not really the sentimental type, but for Cody and for London, screw it. The fans chant “R K O! R K O!” and Orton tells Cody, “Look at you. Look at who you are now, the man you are now. Look at where he came from.” The fans cheer and sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and Orton says he remembers a Cody in his early 20s, just breaking into the business. Cody was busting his ass harder than anyone else. He wasn’t exactly happy, and in fact, he was frustrated. But Cody was man enough, smart enough, to know he needed to grow, and that he couldn’t grow in the WWE.
Cody wasn’t exactly treated fairly in the WWE, so Cody left the WWE! That took some big ass balls to do what he did! Cody changed the business singlehandedly, and everyone in the back knows it. And Orton appreciates Cody for it. But then Cody came back, as they all knew one day he would. And the industry has been changed forever since the day Cody came back to the WWE. Cody is a bit teary eyed as Orton says Cody’s still the same guy, he just did what he set out to do, and he grew. Orton teases he would sing along with the fans, but the fans might leave. The fans again sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!”
Orton asks if they remember when Cody Rhodes faced Seth Rollins in Hell in a Cell. The fans cheer because they do. Orton says that was impressive, and even impossible, as he started with a partially torn pec and then ended with a fully torn pec! His body changed all kinds of shades of purple that Orton’s never seen on a human body. The pain he must have been in. Cody persevered not just for himself. Maybe not even at all for Cody. It was not even for his family legacy; it was for each and every single fan out there! Then Cody went on to WrestleMania, beat Roman Reigns and finished the story!
But there’s always another story, isn’t there? And Cody’s right in the middle of one. Cody is in charge of his legacy, and it is a privilege for Orton to watch Cody take control of it. Ticket sales have been up, there’s more intrigue around the world, and listen to the people! It is 99.9% all because of Cody! The fans cheer that, and of course they sing. Orton says what he’s trying to say is a long-winded version of he respects Cody, loves him, and is very, very proud of him. The fans cheer that! Orton then says, “But… But now it is time for WrestleMania.” They both look to the sign, and Orton says he can guarantee Cody that Orton will kick Kevin Owens so hard in the head…!
Orton can just feel it already! He forgets how many days are left, but he can’t wait to remove Kevin’s head from his shoulders. And Orton knows Cody will enter champion, exit champion, but not before he beats the holy hell outta Cena all up and down the Vegas strip! But after all the smoke clears and the dust settles, just like Orton wants Number 17, there will come a time when Orton will want Number 15. But Orton won’t kick Cody in the balls like a coward. Orton will look Cody in the eye because he respects Cody, is proud of Cody, and sees him as an equal. Orton will look Cody in the eye and tell him that he’s coming for the title.
The fans cheer but wait! Drew McIntyre is here! The fans cheer the Scottish Terminator as he steps out on stage, mic in hand, and has a wry smile on his face as he looks at the ring. Drew waves as the fans now sing, “OH~ Drew McIntyre~!” Drew says, “Isn’t this wonderful? A couple of nepo babies having a love fest in the middle of the ring> It makes me absolutely sick. What’d you just say, Randy? if Cody gets through Cena at WrestleMania, you’re coming for that title? What exactly have you done since that big comeback to justify that title match? Aside be Randy Orton. The only big moment I can remember is you being on the shelf for months and months and months.
“People like to make jokes about it, but more people talk about my five-minute-45-second title reign than your entire comeback so far! So get to the back of the line, sunshine! As for you, Cody, you should’ve listened to me. But you shunned me. You attacked me. Everybody should’ve listened to me about John Cena, but they didn’t. And the next night, he kicked you right in the twig ‘n’ berries, proving me right as usual. And the main event of WrestleMania should be Cody Rhodes VS The UK’s only ever world champion, Drew McIntyre!” Fans do like that idea. But sadly, it’s not, because of that guyliner wearing Temu Undertaker, Damian Priest!
Drew wants to talk about what is happening. And what’s gonna happen! Drew steps up to the ring while fans sing for him again. Drew says it will not be Randy that takes the title from Cody, should he get through Cena; it’ll be McIntyre. The fans cheer, but Orton says they were trying to have a moment. Can Drew just cut the crap already? Drew says okay, sure. He’ll tell the truth, because that’s all he ever does. The truth is, Kevin might have a point! If those Voices are talking to Orton again, then they know Drew very, very well. And he’s thinking, “My God, Randy looks great! Absolutely jacked! On the outside.”
On the inside, that back is hanging by a thread. And if Orton provokes McIntyre, McIntyre will break him. And as for Cody- Cody kicks Drew and UPPERCUTS him! The fans fire up, and Orton R- NO, Drew gets away! The fans boo, but the battlelines are drawn! Even if Cody makes it out of the frying pan that is Las Vegas, it’ll be into the fire that is these contenders waiting in line! Will the American Nightmare be ready for whoever comes for the crown?
WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly!
Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins are finally golden again, but it’s time to put the titles on the line already! And while they’re ready for the grind, they’re up against the hometown heroes! Will the Profits still be up in the O2? Or will Kit Wilson & Elton Prince say #YESBOY to a new reign of their own?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really wants the smoke!
The teams sort out and Kit starts with Dawkins. They tie up, Dawkins headlocks, but Kit powers up and out. Dawkins runs Kit over, the fans fire up, and Dawkins fires hands on Kit in the corner! The fans rally for Pretty Deadly, Dawkins whips Kit to a corner, but Elton takes that bump! Kit CLOBBERS Dawkins, then tags Elton! Atomic drop into DROPKICK! Ford runs up, but into a DOUBLE HIP TOSS! Dawkins whips, Elton reverses, and then Elton hurdles so Kit can DDT! The fans fire up with Pretty Deadly while the Profits bail out. Pretty Deadly has control while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Elton is right on Dawkins as he gets in, and UPPERCUTS him to the corner. Elton clinches Dawkins for another UPPERCUT! Tag to Kit, and Elton RAMS into Dawkins so Kit can UPPERCUT! Dawkins flops over, Kit drags him up to wrench the arm. Kit whips, Dawkins reverses, but Kit grabs ropes. Kit ELBOWS Dawkins, DECKS Ford, but Dawkins CLOBBERS Kit! The ref reprimands but Dawkins RAMS Kit into the corner again and again! The ref counts, Dawkins fires fast hands, then he tags in Ford. Ford says, “SUCK IT!” then he KICKS Kit! Ford scuffs Kit, then drags him to a cover, TWO!
Ford keeps Kit down with a facelock, but Kit endures the grind. Kit fights up, fires body shots, but Ford whips him away. Kit sunset flips! Ford rolls through, and PENALTY KICKS! Ford mocks Elton with the Scott Hall fingers, and the ref has to keep Elton back. Ford drags Kit up, tags Dawkins, and the Profits mug Kit. Dawkins CLUBS Kit down, then stalks him. Dawkins stays between Kit and Elton, then whips Kit into the Profits’ corner. CYCLONE- NO, Kit dodges! Ford tags in, he keeps Kit from Elton now, but Kit slips out of the suplex! Kit fakes high to go low, hot tag to Elton! Elton rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT!
Elton kicks and whips Ford to a corner, then UPPERCUTS! Elton whips the other way, UPPERCUTS again, and then does it again! Elton adds to the hattrick with a lift, Ford says a quick prayer before the SUPLEX! Ford flounders, gets to his feet, but Elton dodges to springboard and FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Ford stays in this, but Elton stays on him. SmackDown returns to single picture and fans rally for Pretty Deadly as Elton gives Ford a back suplex. Ford lands out, waistlocks, but Elton switches and shoves Ford. Ford CLOBBERS Elton in return! Ford is also dazed but he covers, ONE!
Kit reaches out, Elton and Ford both crawl, hot tags to Kit and Dawkins! The fans fire up as Dawkins wrenches Kit, underhooks and SILENCER! Dawkins Electric Chair Lifts Kit, Ford climbs, but Kit slips free! Kit shoves Dawkins into Ford! Ford falls to the floor, but Dawkins ENZIGIRIS Kit! Elton tags in, and Kit LARIATS Dawkins! Pretty Deadly combine for DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Dawkins survives and the Profits are a bit unsure of what to do next. Dawkins crawls to a corner, Elton runs up, but Dawkins dodges! Elton hits buckles and Dawkins TOSSES Kit, then Dawkins hits a SKY HIGH on Elton!
Dawkins hurries to tag Ford and Ford climbs up! But Kit pushes Elton out of the way! Kit takes FROM THE HEAVESN, and Elton ghost pins Ford! TWO!! Ford escapes, and he ROCKS Elton! Elton UPPERCUTS Ford! Dawkins sneaks a tag, Ford SUPERKICKS! POUNCE SAIDO COMBO!! Cover, KIT BREAKS IT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! The teams go to opposite ends, then they all stand up in the corners. They all roar, all run in, and Kit SPEARS Ford while Elton FLYING UPPERCUTS Dawkins!! London is thunderous, and Kit hurries to tag in! Pretty Deadly gets Dawkins up, for SPILT MILK!! Cover, FORD BREAKS IT!
The fans are shocked, as is Elton, but Ford saves this for his team! “This is Awesome!” as Ford runs up and Elton TOSSES him out! Now DRY MARTI- NO! Dawkins doesn’t accept the second serving, and he DUMPS Kit out! Kit skins the cat while Dawkins DECKS Elton! Dawkins catches Kit to an Electric Chair! Ford rises, DOOMSDAY BLOCKBUSTER!! Cover, Profits win!
Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall (still WWE Tag Team Champions)
Pretty Deadly put up a heroic fight, but the hometown heroes could not capture the gold. Dawkins & Ford hold onto the gold, will this be the strongest the Profits have ever been?
Kayden & Katana talk with Zelina Vega.
Carter & Chance know La Muneca got screwed over by The Green Administration. Chelsea thinks she’s untouchable, but someone’s gonna stop them eventually. Well, speaking of, Alba Fyre leads the way in as she & Piper Niven “scope the perimeter.” There’s one small threat. They frisk the “miniscule” threat, but nothing they haven’t dealt with before. Chelsea struts in and says, “The Eagle has landed~!” Zelina says she is so glad the “Bootleg Men in Black” have crashed the party. Now, yeah, they all know she’s small. But clearly this small “threat” is a big threat to Chelsea’s title reign. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have taken all three of them to beat her.
KC Squared agree with that. How about tonight, we see what happens when the odds are even? Chelsea says that’s fine, because Agents P & A are ready. The Secret Her-vice has been given their next mission, but will they be able to crash the party? Or will the party crash them?
Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice!
SmackDown returns and The Green Administration makes their entrance. The teams sort out, Alba starts against Katana, and the two tie up. Alba KNEES low, CLUBS Katana down, then fireman’s carries. Katana fights free, tags Kayden, and they KICK, double whip, and then trip Alba up for the basement DROPKICK! Katana adds a slingshot SENTON, Kayden covers, TWO! Kayden tags Katana, they double whip Alba to a corner, then Kayden runs in. Alba DUMPS Kayden out, ROCKS Katana, and she tags Piper! Katana arm-drags Alba out, then goes out to run up. Kayden gives her a boost, Katana CROSSBODIES Alba down!
The fans fire up, but Piper goes up and out?! CANNONBALL and down goes KC Squared! Piper salutes Chelsea and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Kayden rallies on Alba while the fans rally up. Kayden fires up, runs in and whips, but Alba reverses. Kayden wheelbarrows, victory rolls, then SUPERKICKS! Kayden fires up again but the fans are torn. Kayden runs in at Alba to BOOT WASH her against the ropes! Chelsea protests, Kayden kicks at her, then Kayden springboards for a LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Alba survives, Kayden whips, but Alba KICKS back! Tag to Piper, but Kayden jackknife bridges Alba! The ref explains bout the tag, Piper runs up, but Kayden moves! The SENTON hits Alba! Piper panics, Kayden tags Katana!
Katana goes up onto Kayden’s shoulders, VICTORY ROLL LAUNCHER, but Piper catches Katana! Katana fires hands, BOOTS, and then hurries to go up again. Kayden ROCKS Piper, and fireman’s carries?! SAMOAN DROP! Kayden then gives Katana the boost, for the KEG STAND SPLASH!! Cover, ALBA BREAKS IT! Kayden runs up on Alba to BOOT her out! Katana gives Kayden the boost now, SUPER CROSSBODY onto Alba! Kayden hurries to tag back in, and she brings Piper up. Piper swings, Kayden dodges and SUPERKICKS! Katana goes up, Piper staggers over that way, but Chelsea distracts the ref!
The fans are torn as Alba grabs Katana. Katana kicks Alba down, chases Chelsea off, but Piper sends Kayden into her! Piper scoops to PIPER DRIVER!! Cover, Secret Her-vice wins!
Winner: The Secret Her-vice, by pinfall
The Women’s US Champion helps her team, and now they all mug Kayden & Katana! But here comes Zelina! Vega runs down the ramp, CLOBBERS Alba, and then she gets in the ring! Zelina tilt-o-whirl DDTS Piper! And she KNEES Alba off the apron! But Chelsea CLOBBERS Zelina! Chelsea fires up, the UK is oddly with her, and she chicken wings Zeina. But Zelina fights free to fire forearms and body shots! And a BACK ELBOW! Zelina reels Chelsea in, CODE- SUPERKICK from Alba! SENTON from Piper! The Green Administration is just too much for Zelina to fight against alone! But can she, Kayden & Katana find a way to turn things around?
WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman!
Did the Mega Star just get this title back from Shinsuke Nakamura? YEAH! Did he help the Monster of All Monsters fight off Solo Sikoa’s rouge bloodline? YEAH! And now, does he have to defend this title against the monster he just helped? YEAH!! But will Knight still reign this close to WrestleMania? Or will Braun #GetTheseHands back on a championship?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it’s time for Knight’s biggest challenge, YEAH!
The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two circle. The two tie up, and Braun SHOVES Knight away. Knight comes back, Braun SHOVES him down again! Knight gets up, gets around, and he headlocks. Braun powers up to back suplex, but Knight lands out! Knight tries but Braun’s too big to suplex! Braun ELBOWS Knight, storms up on him, but Knight fires haymakers! Knight whips, Braun reverses, but Knight KICKS back! Knight runs, but Braun HIP TOSSES! Cover, TWO! Knight stays in this, but Braun brings him up. Braun puts Knight in a corner, CHOPS, then runs, for a SPLASH! Knight sputters along ropes, Braun keeps moving, but Knight DUMPS him out!
The fans fire up as Knight then WRECKS Braun with a dropkick! Knight keeps moving, and he WRECKS Braun again! The fans fire up with Knight, but then Braun BOOTS Knight down! The fans are torn but Braun stands tall as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Braun puts Knight back in the ring. The fans cheer as Knight KICKS Braun! Knight tries again, but Braun’s still too big to back suplex! Braun CLUBS Knight, then runs in at the corner. Knight BOOTS Braun, goes up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Knight and Braun rise back up, and Knight dodges a shot to JAB! Then he dodges to JAB! JAB! JAB! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” But Braun KNEES low! Braun scoops, Knight slips free, and Knight RAMS Braun into buckles! Then the BACK SUPLEX! The fans fire up and Knight rises again! Knight spells it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!
Braun has plenty left in the tank but the fans rally for Knight. Knight stands Braun up to kick low, but Braun THROWS Knight away! Knight rises, and Braun LARIATS Knight up and out! The fans fire up as Braun rips the shirt! Braun gets on the track, and he runs in, STROWMAN EXPRESS MEETS JACOB FATU!! The Samoan Werewolf strikes Braun down!
Winner: Braun Strowman, by disqualification; LA Knight retains the title
The fans boo as Jacob now goes after Knight! He just ruined what was becoming a great match, but Jacob fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT on Braun! SAMOAN DROP onto the desk!! The desk doesn’t budge, but Braun might’ve been broken in half! The UK fires up for Fatu as he puts Braun in the ring! Jacob fires more HEADBUTTS, then HEADBUTTS away on Braun in the corner! The fans sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE, FATU~, FATU~!” Jacob runs corner to corner, but Knight kicks him first! Knight fires haymakers, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Jacob denies the BFT to POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! And then HIP ATTACK for Braun anyway!
Jacob keeps going, HIP ATTACK for Braun again! Jacob throws off his jacket, glares at Braun, and he runs in for a third HIP ATTACK! Braun flounders into the drop zone, so Jacob goes up, up, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! Direct hit on Braun, but the fans want that “ONE MORE TIME!” Jacob obliges, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! The Samoan Werewolf just tore up #OneBigSOB and LA Knight, will there be no stopping him from taking the United States Championship?
Backstage interview with Jimmy Uso.
Jackie Redmond is with #BigJim, and she says that while she knew WWE was going global this month, she did not know they’d get the slap heard ’round the world! Jimmy says he’d do it again, and he’ll slap Gunther as many times as he needs! Jimmy knows Jey is up in his own head, doubt is creeping on him. But just because Jey’s 0-3 against Gunther doesn’t mean Gunther’s unbeatable! The Ring General CAN be got! Jimmy’s going to Raw this Monday, he will bust Gunther’s ass, Jey will go to Mania and bust Gunther’s ass to become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. And then they leave Las Vegas just like this: YEET!
Jimmy heads out, but then The Miz & Carmelo Hayes walk by. Miz is mocking Jimmy’s words, and he asks excuse me. Miz says it’s just funny that suddenly, Jimmy is a tough guy, even though for most of his career, he’s been “The Other Uso.” Doesn’t Jimmy get it? Jimmy and Jey are career sidekicks while Gunther is a main character. Gunther is the lead, neither Jimmy nor Jey can beat him. And here’s another thing: The Usos are just blips on the trailer that was Roman Reigns’ Bloodline. Melo says Jimmy & Jey are stuck outside the club, they can’t even get in.
Miz says as a former WWE Champion, a former WrestleMania main eventer, Jimmy will never know what it is to carry this industry. And after this year’s WrestleMania, neither will Jey. Oh, and by the way, if Jimmy ever slapped Miz like that, Jimmy would still be on the ground. Jimmy feints the slap and Miz freaks out. Jimmy says it may be him and Gunther on Monday, but he’ll holler at Aldis real quick so it can be Jimmy VS Miz here tonight. Yeah, YEET! Jimmy heads out, Melo says he thought Miz was gonna do something about the slap. Will Miz have to do something about running his mouth before he gets his teeth kicked in?
Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga find Jacob Fatu backstage.
Solo asks Jacob what the Hell he was doing out there. Jacob goes out there alone without saying a thing to them? Jacob says he ain’t gotta say nothing to nobody! Matter fact, didn’t Solo not tap in with him last week? Tama says, “But Jacob,” only for Jacob to say, “But nothing, Tama!” Solo wants Jacob to lower his tone, but Jacob says okay. Let him be very clear with them. When it comes to Braun Strowman, Jacob WILL be the last man standing. Y’all better get in where you fit in, cuz that US title? Oh, Jacob’s bringing it home to the family. And he will do it with them, or without them! Yadada mean? Fatu heads out, is the Samoan Werewolf no longer following Solo?
Naomi speaks.
“I mean… How did we even get here? I don’t know. One thing that I do know is that I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. So Bianca, what makes you think that my attack on Jade was anything different from me doing the right thing? When I sit here and I think about all that I’ve sacrificed, all that I’ve given, and that’s what really breaks my heart. Because through all of that, I’m made to be the bad one in this situation. I just don’t understand, how does Jade come in outta nowhere and take my place with you? I want you to ask yourself this, Bianca. Who inspired you? Hmm?
“Who’s inspired women over the last decade? Who’s always had your back from day one of you being here? Me. Not Jade. Hmm. But you know what? What I’ve learned through all of this: You teach people how to treat you. And I’m done with being treated as a third wheel. I’m done being pushed to the side, I’m done with being too nice, I’m done with being undervalued, underutilized, underappreciated! So moving forward, hmm… Moving forward, here’s my message to you, Jade. If you continue to be in my way, I strongly advise you to proceed with caution.” The Glow shows her dark side, but will the storm be moved?
Nick Aldis meets with Jade Cargill.
Speaking of, the SmackDown General Manager understands things have been rather difficult for her as of late. Jade says she’s been trying to get her hands on Naomi for the past few weeks, now where is she? No one has seen her all day, so as far as anyone knows, Naomi’s not here. Well, when Jade catches Naomi, it’s on sight. Jade leaves, B-Fab & Michin are there. They let her know that what Naomi did to her was straight trash, totally uncalled for behavior. And after Jade gets her hands on Naomi, she’ll handle that business. Jade agrees. Mia says they’ve all got business to handle. Jade’s got Naomi, and Mia’s gonna get Charlotte for messing with her girl, B.
B-Fab says Naomi’s got what’s coming to her: no sympathy, no regrets. Jade, just do what you gotta do. Oh, she will. Jade also wishes Mia luck tonight. Mia & B-Fab head out, will the Head Baddie in Charge make the Queen bow down in London?
The darkness approaches.
“You are as I was. As I am, you will be.” The shadows are starting to take shape, but is SmackDown about to fade to black?
Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab!
The Queen looks down on everyone, so it’s no surprise that everyone else wants to take her down. Charlotte may have checked off B-Fab, but will the HBIC be a much different story? Or will Charlotte only sharpen her edge before facing Tiffany Stratton at WrestleMania?
WAIT! NAOMI ATTACKS B-FAB & MICHIN! Naomi drags Mia up for a FACEBUSTER! Naomi rains down fists, the ref reprimands and the fans boo, but Naomi tells the ref to back off. Naomi then BOOTS B-Fab off the apron! Naomi goes out after B-Fab to THRWO her into barriers! Naomi SLAPS B-Fab, tells her to stay down, but B-Fab gets up. Naomi fires hands, then she SMACKS B-Fab off the desk! Naomi rains down fists, but here comes Jade! Jade hurries down the ramp, she runs around the way, but Naomi runs away! Jade makes sure B-Fab is okay, but refs have to help her to the back. And what of Mia? Will she even be able to compete?
Charlotte makes her entrance, not really caring about what Naomi just did to Mia. But that means she also crosses paths with Jade. The fans like the look of this stare down, but Jade and Charlotte both let the other slide. Charlotte gets her pyro, and it seems she’ll still get her match. Will Mia be little more than an appetizer now?
The bell rings, and Charlotte BOOTS Mia down! Cover, TWO! Mia stays in this and the fans rally up. Charlotte just struts around while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Charlotte has Mia down with a chinlock, but the fans rally up. Mia fights up, fires body shots, and she then blocks a shot to ROCK Charlotte! Mia ROCKS Charlotte again and again, then reels her in for a TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up as Mia hurries to cover, TWO! Mia drags Charlotte up, wrenches, but Charlotte says no to Da Feet! BIG back suplex! Mia stagger sup, Charlotte whips her, but Mia reverses! Charlotte goes up and out, BOOTS her away, then slingshots in and rolls Mia! Mia rolls through and BUZZSAWS! Mia runs corner to corner, but Charlotte avoids the cannonball!
Charlotte YAKUZA KICKS Mia down, then fires herself up! The fans “WOO~!” as Charlotte has Mia in the drop zone,. Charlotte steps on her, goes up the corner, but Mia gets underneath her! SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Charlotte survives and Mia is shocked! Mia nods as the fans rally back up, and she brings Charlotte up. But Charlotte ROCKS Mia! Mia SOBATS, PELES, and then runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Charlotte stays in this, Mia grows frustrated, but the fans continue to rally. Mia uses that energy to stay focused, and she stalks Charlotte to waistlock. But Charlotte ELBOWS her away!
Charlotte CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOSP! Charlotte winds up, and she CHOPS again! Mia sputters, but then she dodges the boot! Charlotte is caught, and Mia hits a SAIDO! Charlotte flounders to a corner, the fans rally behind Mia, and Mia runs up, CANNONBALL! Mia hurries to wrench and EAT- NO, Charlotte shoves Mia away! Charlotte gets under, back suplexes, but Mia lands out! EAT DA FEET!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Charlotte’s long legs help her survive by a literal foot! Mia is beside herself while Charlotte bails out. Mia storms after Charlotte, runs up, but Charlotte dodges! Mia’s kick hits steel steps!
Mia hobbles away, goes to the apron, but Charlotte CHOP BLOCKS the bad leg out! Charlotte grabs Mia’s leg, drops a KNEE on the knee, but fans chant, “We Want Tiffy!” Charlotte just steps through, FIGURE FOUR, into FIGURE EIGHT!! Mia taps, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
Charlotte got more of a fight out of Mia than expected, but she still won. Will The Queen be more than ready to reign again after WrestleMania?
Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.
Jackie Redmond is with the WWE Women’s Champion and says Charlotte certainly looks confident. Let’s be real, Charlotte came at Tiff pretty hard. It got a lot of people talking. Tiff says yes, people talk. And Charlotte sure loves to hear herself talk. Ten years into the business and Charlotte is still so insecure that she can’t let a “rookie” get a word out. But last week, Tiff did learn something: She learned that walking into WrestleMania, she isn’t the one with something to lose. Truth is, if Tiff loses, then she lost to the great Charlotte Flair, as just a 25-year-old rookie with one year into SmackDown.
But if Charlotte loses… Well, then she lost to an “undeserving, delusional, unoriginal, backflip doing, blonde-hair-having, little girl.” Did she get it all? And Tiff can’t wait to hear the look on Charlotte’s face when they hear the words, “And STILL!” Then maybe Charlotte will finally shut up for the sake of literally everyone! They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, and Tiff will make damn sure what stays is Charlotte’s massive ego. Tiff is walking into and out of Mania as the WWE Women’s Champion. Tootles! Tiff heads out, will it still be #TiffyTime after WrestleMania?
Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre!
The Viper told Cody how proud he was, but also how he wants the next shot after John Cena. The Scottish Terminator took offense to that, and basically said he is taking that shot instead. Will this match be an unofficial #1 contender’s match between these two former world champions?
SmackDown returns and McIntyre makes his entrance. The bell rings and the fans sing, “OH~, Drew McIntyre~!” and chant “R K O! R K O!” Drew and Orton circle, tie up, and they go around in a deadlock. Drew powers Orton to a corner, but Orton headlocks back. Drew powers up and out, then he runs Orton over! Orton hurries to ropes and Drew mockingly asks, “How’s the back feel, Randy?” Orton stands, he and Drew reset, and the fans duel some more. Drew calls for a knuckle lock, Orton accepts, but then Drew kicks low! Drew bumps Orton off buckles, then climbs up, but he panders for too long and Orton YANKS him down!
The fans fire up as Orton climbs now! Orton rains down fists, and the fans count to nine. Orton hops down, brings Drew around, and POSTS him for ten! Drew tumbles out of the ring, Orton goes out after him, and they’re by the desk! But Drew kicks Orton first and SMACKS him off the desk! Drew clears the desk, and he brings Orton up for the DESK- NO, Orton fights free! Orton turns things around, DESK BACK SUPLEX for Drew! The fans fire up while Orton leaves Drew behind, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew writhes on the floor, but Orton goes out to fetch him! Orton brings Drew around, UPPERCUTS him, then says one more time! DESK BACK SUPLEX! Drew writhes as that desk stays standing! Orton grins, refreshes the ring count, and then he storms up on Drew. Drew pokes Orton in the eye! Drew POSTS Orton now, then brings him around to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP into barriers! Orton slumps down, and Drew also grits his teeth from that double-edged attack, but Drew fires up as he stands tall. Drew drags Orton up, puts him in the ring, then stalks Orton. Drew looms over Orton, and HIP DROPS him!
Orton sputters, Drew says one more time, and he winds up for the HIP DROP! Drew paces around Orton, says maybe one more time, and he pretends he can’t hear the fans. Drew winds up again, but Orton flips over! Hip drop meets kneecaps! And then Orton pokes Drew in the eyes! The ref reprimands but Orton rises up. Drew sputters and flounders, Orton ROCKS him with a right! Drew ROCKS Orton back! Drew storms up, Orton kicks low, but Drew fires another haymaker! The haymakers go back and forth, Orton gets the edge, but Drew GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTTS! Cover, TWO! Drew clamps onto Orton with an armlock!
SmackDown returns to single picture and the fans rally up. Orton fights up, pries at the chinbar, and then throws right hands! Drew CHOPS Orton in return! The fans “WOO~” and Drew winds up. Drew ROCKS Orton again, eggs him on, then CHOPS again! Drew shoves Orton to a corner, CHOPS again, then dares Orton to fight! Drew whips corner to corner, but Orton comes back to LARIAT! And LARIAT! Drew swings, Orton dodges, SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up as Orton stalks Drew to the apron. Drew HOTSHOTS Orton first! Drew then runs in, but Orton puts him through the ropes!
The fans fire up as Orton has Drew for the DRAPING DDT! The fans fire up for Orton, and Orton hears those voices! Drew rises, but then Orton spots KEVIN OWENS! The Prizefighter is on the ramp, Orton glares at him, but then he turns around into a CLAYMORE!! Cover, DREW WINS!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
Kevin’s mere presence costs Orton, and now Drew has a huge win propelling him down the Road to WrestleMania! As for Orton, Kevin drags him out of the ring, SMACKS him off the desk, and then climbs up to join him! The fans boo but Kevin and his hot pink sneakers have Orton in position, but Orton slips free and TRIPS Kevin up! Kevin hits the desk then the floor! Orton staggers around, the fans rally behind him, and Orton stalks Kevin to the corner of the barriers. Orton lines up the shot! Orton runs in, but Kevin jumps over barriers! Security is there to stop Orton from pursuing, so Kevin runs away into the night!
The fans boo, but The Viper was that close! Will Orton be able to strike Kevin down and completely take him out?
Fire, thunder, smoke…
The force of nature is drawing ever closer. And he’s ready to fly! REY FENIX arrives next Friday Night SmackDown!
Jimmy Uso VS The Miz!
#BigJim gave Gunther a piece of his mind and a mark on his cheek, but it seems not everyone got the message. Will the Hollywood A-lister soon star in the Uso Penitentiary? Or will he prove Jimmy is NOT ready for a world champion level opponent?
The bell rings and the two tie up. Jimmy powers Miz to a corner, Miz turns things around, and the ref counts. Miz takes a swing, Jimmy ducks it to CHOP! And CHOP! Miz shoves Jimmy back, then runs up, but Jimmy TACKLES Miz! Jimmy rains down fists, Miz shoves him away to go to ropes, but Jimmy storms back up. Miz ELBOWS Jimmy away, then runs back up, only for Jimmy to LARIAT him down! The fans fire up while Jimmy storms up on Miz. Jimmy CHOPS Miz, has him in a corner, then whips corner to corner. Miz reverses, Jimmy goes up and over, then UPPERCUTS! Miz staggers back to ropes, but Jimmy is right on him.
Jimmy whips, Miz reverses and kitchen sink knees! Then basement BOOTS! The fans fire up, Miz scowls, and Miz KNEES Jimmy in the back again and again. Miz stalks Jimmy to the ropes now, and he CHOKES Jimmy! The ref counts, Miz runs, and Miz STRADDLE ATTACKS! The fans boo, but Miz runs again. Jimmy ducks the boot, then dodges a lariat! Jimmy runs up to LARIAT Miz up and out! The fans fire up and Jimmy builds speed, but Miz runs away! Jimmy smirks as he goes out the side, and UPPERCUTS Miz over the barriers! Jimmy makes sure Gunther knows he’s coming to get him, but SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and both men are down. Miz and Jimmy crawl, and Jimmy pounds the mat. The fans rally, Jimmy rises and runs up to LARIAT! And LARIAT! And mule kick! Jimmy then UPPERCUTS Miz, dodges a lariat, then SAMOAN DROPS! The fans fire up, Jimmy goes to the corner, “UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs in, but Miz puts him on the apron! Jimmy UPPERCUTS again! Jimmy climbs, leaps, but Miz gets under! Miz then waistlocks, ripcords, and MOVIE MAKER! Fans boo that blatant parody, but Miz full nelsons! Jimmy drops, victory rolls, TWO! Miz has the cover, TWO! Miz hurries to BASEMENT DDT! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally up as Jimmy survives! Miz stalks Jimmy, the fans rally up more, and Miz fires a KICK! And then another KICK! The fans say “YES! YES! YES!” to the It Kicks, but then Miz winds up. Jimmy ducks the buzzsaw, Miz blocks the superkick, but the DRAGON WHIP connects! Miz rebounds to B-MOVIE KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! The parodies don’t get it done, but Miz still has his original work to fall back on. The fans rally for “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Miz runs in, A-LIST LARIAT! Miz shoves Jimmy down, then springboards, but into a SUPERKICK! Jimmy hurries up top, for the USO SPLASH!! Cover, Jimmy wins!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Miz may be a movie star, but Big Jim’s the one winning this main event! Jimmy then borrows Joe Tessitore’s headset to call out Gunther! He’s coming after dat ass on Monday! Gunther won’t be the ring general, he will be “Private Gunther,” and he will salute Big Jim! Uh, uh, YEET! Will Jimmy be the one making examples out of the World Heavyweight Champion? Or will everything come crashing down when Gunther gets his turn?
Drew McIntyre returns backstage.
And he says hey to Lewis Capaldi, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, and also a big fan of Drew’s. They’re ready to have a good night in the pub, but Jackie Redmond walks over to congratulate him on the win tonight. She was hoping to get some thoughts on that victory and what happened with Orton and Kevin. Drew says it’s alright, this is what happens. He doesn’t care about anybody else’s business, but no one gets away with screwing him over. And when no one meddles in his business, he wins! Drew called out Priest, where is he? Priest doesn’t have the balls! So time to get mad in the pubs, everyone’s invited!
Drew turns the corner, but PRIEST IS THERE! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the door, then throws him into road cases! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the trunk of a car, and then again! Or since it’s London, “the boot.” The driver complains, but Priest BODY SLAMS that guy through a table! Drew comes back to KNEE Priest low, SMACK him off the trunk, and then off the side! They go to the hood, or bonnet for UK. Drew drags Priest up, but Priest CLAWS Drew’s eyes! Priest then sends Drew SOUTH OF HEAVEN through the windshield! Priest tells security that he’s done for now. Any more jokes, Drew? Didn’t think so! RIP, jackass!
Priest leaves, the producers hurry to help Drew, and Drew’s got glass in his eye! Will that glass help Drew see why he shouldn’t piss off the Punisher?
CM Punk heads to gorilla.
He has a security detail with him, and he passes by Drew writhing in pain. Punk chuckles, then continues on. Will his contract signing with Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins be just as brutal? We find out, after the break.
Nick Aldis is in the ring.
The SmackDown General Manager welcomes us back, and says it is his honor and privilege to be here in the O2 in London. Now, we all know why he and this table is here, and why additional security is here tonight. Tonight, we are here to sign a contract for a Triple Threat. Perhaps the biggest Triple Threat in the history of WrestleMania: Seth Rollins VS CM Punk VS Roman Reigns! The fans cheer all those names, and here comes the OTC! London puts the ones up, and Paul Heyman accompanies THE Tribal Chief out on stage. Roman raises his finger to the sky for the pyro, then security follows him to the ring.
SmackDown goes picture in picture as Roman’s entrance continues, and he raises his finger to the sky for the second round of pyro. Roman steps into the ring, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Heyman hands him a mic. The fans sing, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!” Roman nods, the fans cheer, and now they chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman tells London, “ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” The fans cheer again, and again chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman smiles, but he sees the chairs are not to his liking. Heyman makes sure to put one at the head of the table. Heyman also dusts the chair off while Roman enjoys the singing of, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!”
Roman takes a seat and says that was beautiful. The way they sing to their Tribal Chief, it’s just beautiful. The singing continues, and Heyman even joins in! Roman smiles, and he says that is what he’s talking about. That’s the OTC for you, baby! The biggest star on the planet! The OTC came here for two reasons. One: to be acknowledged; check! And two: to sign this contract. Roman does just that, and he says he’s checked both boxes. That means- “BURN IT DOWN!” Seth Rollins interrupts! The fans now sing, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Rollins struts out in his red wine paisley suit and conducts the O2 Choir all the way into the ring.
The fans cheer while Roman frowns, but Rollins takes the seat to Roman’s left. Rollins offers Heyman a chance to sing to this song, but Heyman frowns. Rollins chuckles, and he says the fans do have beautiful singing voices. He doesn’t know why Roman is in such a hurry to leave, though! This is their building! There’s a lot of history here! 12 years ago, they landed on the roof of this place in a helicopter! They came down those stairs over there, “ready to burn down the old guard!” They put the Undertaker down through the desk, and they were going to remake this company in their image!
Now don’t get him wrong, Rollins knows a lot has happened since then. They fought against each other, with each other, a little bit of love and a whole lot of hate. But Rollins dare says, as the fans continue to sing “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~,” that Rollins and Roman accomplished their mission. The fans start to chant for CM Punk, but Rollins tunes them out. Roman says, “We? We? You keep saying we. Our mission? We died a long time ago. It’s only been ME. You been here, but I done all the work! I’ve made this place what it is today! I took us to the level that we are here today! I made this place better than we found it!
“I’m the one that made us desirable to Netflix! I’m the one that took us into billion-dollar deals! Tell me, what have you done?” Rollins shouts, “I’ll tell you what I’ve done! YOU, YOU, YOU, it’s that mindset that keeps me having to screw you! You understand that? And your biggest mistake is not understanding the danger that’s right in front of us! The danger that’s right in front of you! You let the biggest snake in the world, CM Punk, into the garden! And you could’ve cut his head off at WarGames! But instead, you shook his hand. You could’ve let me finish him inside the cage at The Garden, but you didn’t. And now, I am left to do what I always do: Clean up your mess, again.”
Rollins drops his mic, picks up the pen, and signs his part. And now, here comes CM PUNK! The fans fire up and sing along with Cult of Personality, then join in on saying, “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME~!” Punk goes to the ring, but as he grabs a mic, he goes up a corner, just like he did last Friday. “I have come here to chew bubblegum and sign a contract. And I’m all outta bubblegum.” The fans cheer the Rowdy Roddy Piper reference, and Punk hops down to take his seat on Roman’s right. Punk looks over said contract, but Roman asks if Punk needs a highlighter or something. What’s he doing? Just go to page four, clause five.
Punk does as Roman says, but Roman says Punk needs to hurry, this is precious TV time. Punk reads the segment, Roman tells Heyman to just smarten Punk up. Heyman tells Punk he knows what Punk is looking for. It is in there. They’re closing the show at WrestleMania. The fans go wild hearing that! Heyman tells Punk that he gets to live his dream of dreams. CM Punk will be a WrestleMania main eventer! The fans cheer and while Roman smiles, Rollins is furious. Roman says, “One man’s dream is another man’s favor! CHECK!” Wait, this was the favor? Rollins says no! This is not something to laugh at, and Punk does not get to tear up!
Punk is NOT deserving! He does NOT deserve this! The fans boo but Rollins continues to throw a fit! Main eventing WrestleMania is SACRED, the most important thing in the world to Rollins! More than anything! Except the fact that Punk NEVER gets to main event! This is all Roman’s fault! This is all Heyman’s fault! Rollins THROWS his mic down, paces angrily, but Punk picks up the mic. The fans cheer Punk on again, and Punk stands to thank London, to thank Chicago, to thank Louisville, Kentucky, and to thank ALL the fans. As corny as it sounds, he thanks the WWE Universe who stood by him and chanted his name for TEN LONG YEARS!
Roman says hold on, hold on. Punk shouldn’t be thanking the fans! He should be thanking the Tribal Chief! It is because of Roman that Punk gets this honor! So please, take this moment, close the show with that acknowledgement! Do this the right way. The credits are already rolling as Punk kneels before Roman!? Punk smiles, and he thanks “My Tribal Chief, the holder of the ula fala, the Head of the Table, the… Big Dog? Thank you for allowing a kid from Chicago to be graced by your presence. Thank you, My Tribal Chief, for allowing me to stand in your ring. And thank you so much. Thank you, Roman Reigns, so very much.
“But because of you, I will see you in the main event of WrestleMania.” And again, Rollins is agonizing over this. Punk finishes putting his signature on the contract, and London tells him, “You Deserve It!” Punk thanks Roman again, and then says, “But that’s not the favor that I’m owed.” WHAT?! Roman looks at Heyman and Heyman can’t look him in the eye! If getting this Triple Threat made into the main event isn’t the gift of the Wise Man, then what is?!
My Thoughts:
A good SmackDown, but they pulled off quite the paradox. They made it feel like they were struggling to fill three hours, yet they also filled the show to the point where that contract signing segment was almost bleeding over the three hour mark. Ironically, part of the problem was just how excited the London crowd was for this. The superstars still wanted to enjoy the chants and songs, but that’s time SmackDown doesn’t have to spare. It made the opening promo from Cody, Orton and Drew take longer, and it kinda did the same to the contract signing at the end. Even so, we still got a very good promo, and good stuff to set up Orton VS McIntyre.
Orton VS McIntyre was a great match, but of course Kevin costs Orton. McIntyre gets his win, Kevin and Orton have a bit of a brawl, but of course Kevin ends up on the losing end and runs off. McIntyre’s trash talk also comes back to bite him as Priest gets the better of him in their brawl. Here’s hoping Drew didn’t actually get glass in his eye, but that being the thing in kayfabe can be some good stuff. I can imagine McIntyre with an eyepatch, and he takes it off at the opportune time to get the better of Priest in their match. Also what a fitting choice for Punk to be passing by Drew suffering because of real glass.
Very good title matches tonight, but of course the status quo was kept. Pretty Deadly gets to look great here in London, but the Profits only just got the belts, they’re not going to be transitional champions like that. And Knight VS Braun was really good stuff, but honestly, Jacob Fatu going after them both should’ve been a given. Jacob also had a great promo with Solo & Tama to start adding to that divide between Jacob and Solo. I would hope Solo doesn’t screw Jacob out of the US Championship, but it feels like he will as Solo won’t stand for Jacob defying his authority, even though Solo’s been trying to make Jacob the champion all along.
Very good stuff from Jimmy Uso tonight, from his promo with #MeloDon’tMiz and then a great match with Miz. Their match ended up the de facto main event match, so that’s also great for both guys. Great win for Jimmy, but that’s likely because Jimmy is losing big time to Gunther on Monday. And it might just be me, but it feels like only now is the Jey VS Gunther build really moving, largely in part because Jimmy got involved. Jimmy’s promo after his match is something along the lines of what Jey should be saying. But I suppose as brothers, Jimmy is the one who knows Jey best and knows what Jey needs to be motivated again. And seeing Jimmy get beat up by Gunther will definitely motivate Jey…
Good final vignettes for Rey Fenix and Aleister Black. I’m a little surprised they confirmed Rey Fenix is showing up next week, and that they confirmed who Rey Fenix even is. I believe commentary confirmed Rey Fenix is Penta’s real brother, even namedropped “Lucha Brothers,” but all that is still surprising considering Fenix is going to start on SmackDown. Aleister’s vignette (at least I am fairly confident it’s his) was giving us glimpses of his silhouette, but I think there was usage of AI in the snake imagery. It was fine they did it for El Grande Americano because that is all trolling, but they really should try and do things the old fashioned way of photoshop and stock imagery.
Very good stuff in the Women’s Division tonight, though the WWE Women’s Championship portion was the weaker. Naomi’s got a great Heel persona going, her promo was great, and her going after B-Fab & Michin over them supporting Jade was a great detail. Jade runs Naomi off, helps B-Fab, but there was no helping Michin in being fed to Charlotte. Tiffany had a decent promo, and it does fit how Charlotte kept her from speaking so she finally gets things out here. It didn’t really add that much, though, but they already gave us a great brawl so not sure what more they can give.
KC Squared VS The Secret Her-vice was a very good match, but of course Chelsea made sure her team won. A Six Woman Tag of Zelina & KC Squared VS The Green Administration is certainly coming, to help give us Zelina VS Chelsea for the Women’s US Championship.
My Score: 8.7/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 3.27.2025
Bad news out of the TNA management side, but this is a taped episode from El Paso! So we won’t see any of the fallout just yet!
Now we all heard the news about the TNA change in hierarchy, and I…have no positive outlook on that. Delirious sucked at booking and creative in the dying days of ROH before it got bought as a B show. Dreamer having even more control is concerning because his ideas the last two years haven’t been much better.
Gail leaving makes more sense to me. Be it firing or a “you can’t quit, you’re fired” kind of situation, the Knockouts division is the worst it’s been in a long time and Gail was close with Scott D’Amore. So I don’t think Gail parting ways is as big of a problem since TNA has slowly been bleeding out with the Scott faithful.
Granted, I think the next few shows were already taped before the firing so things shouldn’t be completely unwatchable for at least a week or two. So let’s see where we’re going.
.@WeAreRosemary sends @XiaBrookside a CHILLING message!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/srciTTbel0
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Ratings:
- Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge: Ash wins via Rarefied Air – ** 1/4
- Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr: Chavo wins via Gory Bomb into Frog Splash – *** 1/4
- Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich: Masha wins via Russian Death Device – ***
- Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin: Eric wins via Piledriver – ** 1/2
- Seto & Mokuba – I mean – Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater: Nic wins via Danger Zone – *** 1/4
Results:
Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge
Ash and Gigi start off, Gigi with a little Rascalz after her first takedown. So both her and Wentz are making it obvious something’s going on between them, and I’m not mad at it. Good for my man Wentz.
Tatum and Gigi get some quick tandem offense in, Ash does manage to scurry off to a tag and Heather gets bent into a Pretzel. Some kind of Inverted Tarantula from Tatum, Gigi tags in, Bronco Buster on Heather followed by Kawada Kicks. Heather sells against the ropes, Gigi goes for a Hesitation Dropkick, but Concierge pulls her away so Gigi crashes and burns. Ref is distracted, Ash gets in some cheap shots and then the Elegant duo starts working over Gigi. A few quick tags, but once Heather comes in, Gigi fights out of the corner, gets the hot tag to Tatum. Tatum stacks up both Elegance members, Corner Stacked Crossbody, Butterfly Suplex and an Elbow Drop with some some flare. Tatum goes to the top rope, Heather pulls Gigi off the apron, Concierge shoves Tatum off the turnbuckle and Ash hits Rarefied Air for the win.
Post match the Elegance Clique wants to make their wish with the cake, they light the candles and Tatum and Gigi recover enough to do what we all expected last week, the cake in the face spot. Some…suggestive licking from both of our Hot Topic Hotties, so…no complaints here.
.@Ashamae_Sebera, @Heathereckless and @IamGeorgeIceman are having a meltdown!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/FnKwPqm2ff
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr
Chavo and Kaz start since he’s King Petty, a quick rope run turns into a Headscissor from Chavo. Kaz recovers, they lock up, Kaz hits the Knee Lift during the lock up to tag out to KC. KC pulls off some athletic dodges, gloats a bit so Chavo waits, measures and nails a gorgeous Dropkick. Laredo comes in on fire, quick high spots that send KC bouncing around like HBK against Hulk. KC powders after sells the Satellite Takedown, AJ checks on him and we go to commercial.
Back from commercial, Octagon is lighting up KC’s chest with overhand chops, he perches, Sunset Headscissor Flip from corner to corner, KC tries to Back Drop him but Octagon does a headstand, kicks KC away and lays him out with a high spot. AJ gets on the apron to stop Octagon from running the ropes, the referee has a stroke or something because he stops paying attention and AJ pulls Octagon out of the ring and chucks him. KC with the Tope con Hilo and tag (tag ropes haven’t mattered since the 80s we all know this). So AJ is getting taunted by the crowd in Spanish, but he’s manhandling Octagon since it looks like a Child fighting their parent. AJ knocks off Chavo and Laredo, Laredo pops up and tries to get involved but he’s caught on the shoulders, Octagon goes for the Crossbody but gets caught and AJ pulls off “World’s Strongest Wasteland” but Chavo breaks up the pinfall. AJ throws Octagon into the corner, Tennessee Whiskey, and tag out to KC. KC hits a few moves, but starts to lose the momentum until he connects with a Super Kick. Simultaneous rope run into the Dueling Crossbodies, so we get the timely tag outs from both sides. Kaz and Laredo come in, Laredo lands like two moves before Kaz hits a Sole Butt, Lariat and eats his lunch. KC and Kaz try to double team Laredo but he fights out and the crowd is chanting for Chavo.
Chavo tags in, and he’s rocking KC, Saito Suplex, Low Bridge to AJ, Reverse the Whip so Chavo goes to the corner and perches, KC feeds, Chavo Backflips to safety, rolls through and lays out KC. Chavo is feeling himself, 3 Amigos start on KC but only 2, Kaz comes in and Chavo switches to Kaz for the Amigos, only 2 again before AJ breaks it up. AJ goes for the disrespect, but Chavo counters and hits the 3 Amigos on the biggest Culero. Aztec Warriors dive to stop AJ and Kaz, KC tries a Dirty Victory Roll but Chavo kicks out. GORY BOMB into FROG SPLASH!
Chavo looked fantastic and he’s the one in the best shape in the ring. I wouldn’t be mad at more Chavito.
Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich
I expect very little from this match.
Collar and Elbow, gator rolling for the first 30 seconds or so, then Jacy goes to some Hair Pull takedowns and does a little taunt before Masha pops back up and hits a Lariat into a Dive. Jacy sells it like she’s really hurt, even the ref tries to hold Masha back a little before Masha gets annoyed and just grabs her, Masha throws her in, looks for a Dive and Jacy sees it and powders. Masha tries to go back to the well for the Dive again but Jacy hits the Uppercut and then an Apron Run PK to drop Masha. Forearms rain down into a Foot Choke as Jacy continues to arrogantly play to the crowd. Another Foot Choke into a Cannonball, and near fall.
Masha gets space with a Sole Butt, tries to snap off Requiem but Jacy fights off, fights through a Sunset Flip another effective PK keeps Masha on her ass. Jacy looks for a kinda half-assed Camel Clutch as Masha is fighting up, but Jacy runs her into the corner, gets distracted mouthing off to the crowd, so Masha recovers, 5 Hole Up Kick sends Jacy into the corner, Yakuza Kick into Capo Kick for two. Requiem attempt again, but Jacy pushes off, a little back and forth, Masha tries a Backslide but Jacy gets away and hits a V-Trigger but only a 2 count. Jacy looks for the Discus Punch but Masha ducks it, they strike back and forth, but some dodges from both leave the exchange more even. Jacy with the Front Kick to the face sends Masha to the outside. Jacy wants another PK, but Masha blocks, Electric Chair Apron Snake Eyes. Masha throws her in, a PK into a near all. Requiem attempt 3, and thwarted from Jacy with a Superkick into a Neckbreaker. Senton misses from Jacy, Buzzsaw Kick, into Spinning Back Kick and Russian Death Device for the win.
Better than I expected, and Tessa attacks as soon as the bell rings. Xia Brookside and Lei Ying Li make the save after Tessa grabs the belt.
Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin
Ace and Eric tie up, World of Sport start but as soon as Ace starts to get away EY punches him in the face. Eric looks at the camera and says “This is what trust looks like”, turns his back on Ace, when Ace looks to attack, the loser duo cut him off. EY takes advantage of the weird situation, but Ace with some Up and Over quick spots, into an Inside Cradle and La Magistral. EY kicks out of the quick flash attempts, but eats a Dropkick, and Ace goes all Speed Kils on him with fast strikes and then a face buster for another near fall. Strike spot very early in the match, Ace gets the best of it, goes for a Tear Drop Suplex but EY sits on it to block, Headlocks to keep him close and then a snap Lariat into beatdown bully tactics. EY takes the referee’s attention and one of the nerds punch Ace in the face.
Eric tries to lean on Ace, but Ace fires, a few strikes, Click Click Boom, the Miz Seated Lariats in the corner, Mochizuki Triangle Kick connects! Only a 2 count, but Ace seems to be in control. Ace puts EY on the ropes, a few strikes to keep him rocked, wants a Superplex, but EY blocks, bites the face and Macho Elbow gets a very close two count. EY tries the Piledriver but Ace turns it into a Jacknife Cradle,Spinning Heel Kick, calls for The Fold, but the losers hop on the apron to distract, Ace attacks them. Ace tries to time out the Triangle Kick again, but Eric dodges, throws Ace head first through the buckles. As Ace stumbles out of the corner, Piledriver, and it’s over.
Oh look it’s the “we’ll hear from Joe Hendry” segment. Again, I’ve loved this gimmick since Day 1, even didn’t hate his What Culture Pro stuff, but there is such a thing as milking a cow too much.
Elijah interrupts the whole “Who’s next” speech. When Elijah comes out he says he’s not the challenger and he believes in Joe. The crowd wants Elijah to turn on Hendry. Elijah pauses for a moment, and starts proving his friendship with stating his favorite color and a little “You Got a Friend in Me”. The crowd is into singing along and waving their cameras like Lighters to a 30 year old song. THANKFULLY Kaz breaks up the hug fest. Now he gets the “Culero” chant.
Kaz pulls out a Bass…what the hell is this Jam Session. Kaz has to warm up so he plays “La Cucaracha” on the bass. Kaz…is a national treasure. Hendry kicks Kaz out of the ring after his Heelish and playfully racially charged song choices. Kaz tries to sow dissension, but Joe and Elijah pinball Kaz between them. Kaz slips a power move and tries to shove Elijah into Joe but Elijah puts the brakes on, a small tense moment. But then Joe and Elijah play “Nah Nah Nah Nah, Hey Hey, Goodbye”…and that goes right into a commercial. Oddly…perfect.
Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater
Nic shoots the half immediately for a flash pinfall but Leon kicks out at one. Nic continues to keep things grounded with his amateur wrestling skills, and then does a little Dolph Ziggler show off. So Nic isn’t really taking this seriously, and Leon starts getting the best of things with an Arm Wringer, into drag, Shoulder Tackle and rope run as Nic tries to Leap Frog and Leon puts on the brakes and just shoves Nic on his ass. Nic gets annoyed, a few strikes, grinds his face along the ropes, but Leon keeps stringing some offense together, Back Handspring Elbow into his Corner con Hilo.
Ahh the classic formula of the commercial gives the heel the advantage, Twisting Suplex from Leon stops Nic’s offense momentum, right hand, Leon lifts Nic up for something, Nic slips it, kicks him in the gut, looks for the FameAsser, but Leon catches him into a Blue Thunder Bomb variation. Slater wants the Swanton 450, but Nic powders. Leon tries to adjust into a Dive, but Nic cuts him off, counter for counter and a FameAsser out of the counters for a two count. Nic starts the big brother tactics, bootwashes and arrogance, Slater fires, punches into a Yakuza Kick. Leon wants another Lethal Injection variant, but Nic catches him into a Rear Naked Choke. Slater tries to turn it into a pin so Nic breaks it. Leon wants a Leg Lariat but misses and gets unceremoniously dropped by Nic. Nic puts Leon up on the buckles, Superplex possibly but Slater counters, tries to collect himself for a move, but Nic falls into the ropes to crotch Leon, and finally hits the Superplex.
Twist of Slate from Leon, Swanton 450 but knees get up. Locomotion Cradles from both but they kick out, Ryan picks the ankle to trip up Leon just a touch and then Danger Zone ends the match.
Ryan starts the post match beatdown, but the Hardy’s music hits and they come down to the ring for the save. Matt challenges the Nemeths for Rebellion because they’re not medically cleared yet.
Overall Score: 6.5/10
Decent story motion, no match was offensive, and there was actually some solid match action for television standards. I don’t have a ton to complain about aside from the Knockouts Division is in a weird spot, and giving Hendry a lot of just talking and hollow payoff segments feels stupid. If we need to hear from him every week, give him a talk segment like Highlight Reel or something. Yes I know First Class just got The Penthouse, but if Hendry is going to talk more than wrestle, give him a talk segment for us to sink our teeth into.
There was the announcement that Xia, Lei Ying and Masha will face Tessa, Jacy and a mystery partner. So you gotta wonder if there’s going to be another NXT mercenary, a surprise return or if it’ll just be Rosemary since she’s got her issues with Xia. Also I just realized that Unbreakable is going to be on a Thursday, seemingly after iMPACT? I’m gonna have to see how they do it, because if there’s an Impact episode and 2-3 hour PLE…I do not want to be awake until 1am. People need to work, and I will be Unwakeable if things go that long.
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Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
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