Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (8/24/20)
Raw is ThunderDome!
The Raw After SummerSlam must prepare for Payback!
Asuka is once again Raw Women’s Champion, but will Shayna Baszler come after her already? Will the Hurt Business recover from MVP’s loss? And who will challenge Bayley and Sasha Banks for the WWE Women’s Tag Team titles?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Bayley w/ Sasha Banks VS Shayna Baszler; Baszler wins, by disqualification.
- WWE 24/7 Championship Fatal 4 Way: Shelton Benjamin VS Cedric Alexander VS Akira Tozawa w/ Ninjas VS R-Truth; Tozawa wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Championship.
- Angel Garza w/ Andrade Almas VS Montez Ford w/ Angelo Dawkins; Ford wins.
- Six Woman Tag: Bianca Belair & The Riott Squad VS Zelina Vega & The IIconics; Belair & The Riott Squad win.
- Arm Wrestling: Bobby Lashley VS Apollo Crews, special guest referee Mark Henry; Crews wins.
- Raw Underground – Bobby Lashley wins 3-0.
- Keith Lee VS Randy Orton; Orton wins, by disqualification.
- Raw Women’s Championship Lumberjack Match: Asuka VS Sasha Banks; Asuka wins and retains the Raw Women’s Championship.
- Raw Underground – Bobby Lashley VS Cedric Alexander; Lashley wins.
- Raw Underground – The Hurt Business VS The Viking Raiders; The Hurt Business wins.
- Seth Rollins & Buddy Murphy VS Rey & Dominik Mysterio; No Contest.
PLAY BY PLAY
Drew McIntyre opens Raw!
The leader of Claymore Country is STILL WWE World Champion after a literally bloody battle with The Viper, Randy Orton, and the spotlight is on him in the ring. Not to mention a lot of pyro. McIntyre welcomes us to the first Raw inside the THUNDERDOME! He’s going to try something different. Can he get a thumbs up from everyone in the ThunderDome? The fans all give a thumbs up in their screens. McIntyre says that last night, his match with Randy Orton, “the biggest challenge I’ve had to date with one of the greatest superstars of all time, one of the most evil men on the planet,” and McIntyre is still champion.
But does Orton want to know the secret to how McIntyre pulled it off? It’s simple. He’s hungrier than Orton, works harder than Orton, and when the chips are down, McIntyre steps up, rolls up his sleeves, and pushes forward because he is “so damn proud to be WWE Champion!” And also, McIntyre is that way because of his journey. He knows what it is to struggle, to feel desperate, and to wonder where his next paycheck is coming from. Many fans know what that’s about, but Orton doesn’t. “Always so protected. Always so coddled!” IT doesn’t matter how many mistakes Orton made, his inner circle made sure he got to the top. And as much as McIntyre can’t stand it, Orton is the absolute best. And yet, McIntyre was just that much better!
Think back to Backlash! Didn’t Orton win a match called “The Greatest Wrestling Match Ever,” and start bragging how he’s the greatest wrestler ever? Because McIntyre beat Orton with a wrestling move! What’s that make McIntyre, then? The fans have McIntyre fired up as he looks forward to his next challenge, but he also knows Orton won’t let this go. So if Orton wants to get in the ring again, McIntyre will accept a rematch and do what he didn’t get to do last time: kick Orton’s head off and send him to Claymore Country. McIntyre is ready if Orton wants Payback! Will the Apex Predator accept that offer? McIntyre gets to the stage, and Orton attacks!! This is Orton’s way of saying “Yes!”
Orton throws McIntyre into the screen wall then throws hands. But McIntyre throws them back! They brawl into gorilla but Orton clubs McIntyre. McIntyre hits back with big forearms, but Orton rake McIntyre’s eyes! And rams him into a wall! Referees back Orton off, but then Orton PUNTS McIntyre!! Fans boo as Orton looks at the floundering WWE World Champion. And then Orton lines McIntyre up for a SECOND PUNT!! Orton looks McIntyre in the face as McIntyre’s eyes glaze over. Will McIntyre recover in time to give Orton some Payback of his own?
Raw returns as McIntyre tries to stand.
But after getting kicked full force in the head twice, that’s easier said than done. But even so, McIntyre insists he’s fine and refuses to be helped. Is McIntyre even human?!
Backstage interview with Nia Jax.
But what is she doing here? Is that any way to talk to her? Manners. But she was suspended! The keyword is, “was.” But yeah, Nia hasn’t been reinstated. All she had to do was go to Pat Buck and… APOLOGIZE! Get your mind out of the gutter. Shayna Baszler comes over and says we all just figured she said something that would get suspended again. But everyone is counting down the moments that Nia does or says something that’ll get her kicked out of here.
Why is Shayna walking around here? Doesn’t she have a match with Bayley or something? But if she needs help, give Nia a call. Or text. Yeah, sure, Shayna will call Nia, “Haystacks Calhoun.” Oh, sorry. At least he was good looking. Rude! And rich coming from the Addams Family reject. Shayna “welcomes” Nia back and leaves, but will they see each other again very soon?
Bayley w/ Sasha Banks VS Shayna Baszler!
Speaking of Shayna’s match with Bayley, here it is! #BayleyDosStraps still looks upset that she let her best friend down and that they’re down a belt. Of course, they could get the Raw Women’s Championship back tonight! Will the Queen of Spades make sure Bayley is a non-factor for the Lumberjack match later on?
But wait! Nia Jax decides to walk out to ringside despite talking all that trash on Shayna! Will the Irresistible Force be a factor in her own right?
Raw returns as the bell rings and Shayna circles with Bayley. They tie up, Shayna gets around to get an arm and twist the wrist. Shayna yanks on the arm but Bayley gets away to a corner. Bayley comes back out, and Nia has moved further down the ramp. Shayna and Bayley go again, Bayley gets a waistlock but Shayna cranks an arm into a double wristlock! Bayley drops but the drop toehold fails. Shayna drags Bayley around, stands on Bayley’s head and twists the wrist even more! Shayna stands Bayley up for an arm jammer Sole Food! Bayley bails out and Ssaha regroups with her. Shayna tells Sasha she doesn’t deserve tonight’s Raw Women’s Championship match! The ring count climbs past 5 and Bayley returns at 7.
Bayley and Shayna go again, Bayley kicks low to club Shayna. Bayley headlocks, hits a takeover, turns Shayna over and floats all over her. Shayna gets up, Bayley hits another headlock takeover! “I can wrestle, too!” Shayna powers up, powers out and DECKS Bayley with a forearm! And another! Shayna runs in and KNEES Bayley in the corner! Bayley staggers, Shayna wrenches but Bayley rolls her up! TWO, and Shayna drags Bayley into a triangle! Sasha slides in but out just to distract Shayna, and Bayley CLOBBERS Shayna! Bayley clubs away on Shayna in the corner with furious fists while Sasha talks trash. The ref counts but Bayley lets up to stomp a mudhole.
Bayley brings Shayna out for a snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Bayley stomps Shayna down then talks trash. Bayley tells Shayna she doesn’t deserve anything, and she throws forearms. Bayley brings Shayna up just to throw her down, and hit a sliding elbow! Then another! Cover, TWO! Bayley drags Shayna up, talks trash but Shayna throws forearms and fists! Shayna KICKS the leg, but Bayley dumps her out hard! Nia creeps even closer while Shayna writhes. Bayley lets Shayna worry about the ring count, and Shayna gets up at 6, only for Nia to go after her!
Winner: Shayna Baszler, by disqualification
Nia throws haymaker, drags Shayna up, but Shayna throws Nia away! They brawl more, Nia RAMS Shayna into the LED! The Golden Role Models laugh at Shayna but things spill into the ring. Shayna glares at them, the Role Models run away but Nia CLOBBERS Shayna again! The Role Models cheer Nia on, but that only gets her attention. Nia and Shayna stop fighting to stare those two down. Shayna and Nia are going after the Role Models together?! We’ll have to wait and see!
Kevin Owens walks the halls.
Does anyone know where Aleister Black’s room is? Just go around the corner. Okay, thanks. Oh, here it is. Kevin knocks on the door, opens it up, and sees Aleister is inside. Kevin wasn’t sure since Aleister didn’t answer. If Aleister’s still going to be a guest on the KO Show, it’s up next. See you out there…?
Raw returns to the Kevin Owens Show!
“Look at everybody clapping! This is wonderful!” Kevin welcomes us to the very first THUNDERDOME edition of the KO Show! It’s always special when he hosts his show, but this is extra special. Especially with his guest, someone you wouldn’t expect on a talk show. But they’ve had common enemies, and we haven’t seen this superstar in a few weeks. Returning to Monday Night Raw, it’s Aleister Black! The Embodiment of the End has a headband for an eye patch, because he suffered a similar fate as Rey Mysterio, but at the hands of Buddy Murphy. Aleister avoids the steel steps and slides into the ring instead.
Kevin welcomes Aleister and they each have a seat. First of all, Kevin thanks Aleister for being his guest tonight. We haven’t seen Aleister in some time, and Kevin speaks for everyone that we’re all concerned given what happened. Kevin must ask how Aleister is doing. Aleister says we might as well just show footage. Kevin isn’t so sure but Aleister says he’s watched it a million times already. In that case, can the gentlemen in the truck show us that? This was about a month ago, before Extreme Rules held the Eye for an Eye match. The point of the stairs gouged Aleister’s eye, just as it did Rey Mysterio’s.
Kevin is pretty sure he knows what Aleister is feeling. Seth Rollins and his “disciples” get under your skin and in your head. They made Kevin question why he’s even in the WWE. Just ask the Mysterios, they went through the same. Kevin knows he’s done a lot of terrible things, but he’s taking a different path. Rollins is not. The reason Kevin didn’t want to show that footage- Aleister suddenly feels pain in his eye, but he uses it to sucker Kevin in! Back elbow to BLACK MASS!! Why did Aleister attack Kevin!? Aleister leaves without a word, just what is going through his already anomalous mind?
The Golden Role Models are both upset backstage!
They don’t get it! Why did Shayna and Nia decide to stare them down instead of keep fighting? Charly Caruso walks over to ask them about narrowly escaping. Pfft, as if! They were merely avoiding the drama between Shayna and Nia. Plus, Sasha has her rematch tonight to worry about! Sasha shouldn’t even need to be in this position to begin with. She will win that belt back and once again be #TwoBeltzBanks! Then, Bayley and Sasha will both go after Nia and Shayna! The WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions might be getting ahead of themselves, but are we going to get that match-up?
WWE 24/7 Championship Fatal 4 Way: Shelton Benjamin VS Cedric Alexander VS Akira Tozawa w/ Ninjas VS R-Truth!
The Gold Standard is in a position no 24/7 Champion has been put in to date, and that is a straightforward Fatal 4 Way! Will he be able to thwart the Age of Alexander, the Stamina Monster AND the former 38 time 24/7, 7/11, 487, I-95 South, European Television Champion?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and this Fatal 4 Way is #WhatsUp!
Benjamin clobbers Tozawa at the bell then scoops him up to SLAM him! Truth covers Tozawa, but Benjamin breaks it to stomp Truth. Alexander rolls Benjamin, ONE! Alexander basement dropkicks Benjamin then fires off fast hands! Alexander whips, Benjamin reveres but Alexander goes up and over and rolls to handspring back! Headscissors sends Benjamin into buckles! Benjamin puts Alexander on the apron but Alexander forearms back! Alexander springboards but into a KNEE! Alexander falls to the outside, Truth throws haymakers on Benjamin! Truth kicks then runs, but Benjamin dodges the scissors to kick low!
Benjamin drags Truth in, Tozawa uses Truth to get up and headscissor. But Benjamin stays up to POWERBOMB Tozawa to the outside! But the ninjas are there to catch their leader and put him back in! “NINJA POWER!” Truth throws Benjamin out, the ninjas capture Benjamin! Tozawa sunset flips Truth, Tozawa wins!!
Winner: Akira Tozawa, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)
Victory for the ninja clan leader, but Benjamin whoops the ninjas! Tozawa doesn’t mind, that means he gets away clean! Will Benjamin and the Hurt Business track down Tozawa and take that title back?
Backstage interview with Randy Orton.
Any comments on what McIntyre said about Orton? Or what Orton did to McIntyre, for that matter? “Yes, I do.” But Orton doesn’t say them here. Is he headed back to ringside to address SummerSlam and Payback?
Raw returns to Randy Orton heading to the ring.
The Viper isn’t done tonight, and fans boo as he picks up a mic. “For the longest time, I have done what I wanted to, when I want to do it, to whomever I want to do it to. But at SummerSlam last night, that wasn’t the case.” Orton promised to RKO McIntyre, “kick him in the skull and take his title! But… I didn’t.” Now Orton can be called a lot of things, and that list is a long one. But one thing he is and forever will be is a man of his word! He promised to kill the legends of Edge, Christian, Big Show, Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels, and that is what he did! “Because I am the Legend Killer.”
Now, McIntyre comes out and an opportunity presented itself. Orton took advantage of that opportunity, and not only kicked McIntyre once but twice, and he enjoyed it oh so much! And he did it twice because McIntyre stood in the ring and offered a pity rematch! “Who the hell do you think you are?!” Orton will remind us all that he IS Randy Orton, THE Legend Killer, THE Greatest Wrestler- KEITH LEE makes his way out here?! The Limitless One, who only just lost his NXT Championship at TakeOver: XXX is making his debut on Raw, by confronting the most dangerous man on the roster!! Orton isn’t sure what to make of this as Keith grabs a mic of his own.
“You seem a little perplexed, Randy. But I guess that would make sense. We haven’t been properly introduced, so allow me. Greetings and salutations, Mr. Orton. My name is Keith Lee, and I have come here to offer you this spectacular opportunity. This luxury, this privilege, to stop what you’re doing for just one moment, and bask in my glory.” Orton has been called many things: The Viper; Apex Predator; Legend Killer. Keith has been called many things: Game Changer, Anomaly. But one thing he is for certain is, Keith Lee is Limitless. And since the Limitless One is now Raw, and Orton, “My not so good sir,” is looking for “a fight the likes of which no one has ever felt,” with respect to Keith’s friend, McIntyre, he will step up to take Orton on right here, and right now!!
Orton circles and can’t believe Keith wants a fight. It is Keith Lee, isn’t it? Keith is Limitless and wants to fight Orton here and now?! Maybe later. Orton bails out and fans are disappointed, but Keith says it’s only a matter of time. Will this collision of Legend Killer and legend in the making be inevitable?
Backstage interview with Zelina Vega, Angel Garza, and Demi Burnett.
This wasn’t exactly planned, but Charly couldn’t help but overhear La Muneca getting on El Lethal Lothario’s case about flirting with Demi when he should be preparing for a match. Charly is curious about the evidence laid out in front of us. Will Vega admit she poisoned Montez Ford? Depends. Will Charly admit that she is wrong? Vega doesn’t know how many times she has to say this! The footage doesn’t prove anything! Garza tells Charly she is upsetting Zelina. But she got caught. Who hasn’t been caught at all? That doesn’t help, Garza! Vega has her match to focus on, so she’s going to get ready.
Garza goes back to Demi, and Demi mentions Ivar. Garza has his own match next, and invites Demi and Charly both to come watch. Charly doesn’t like this situation but Demi just shrugs and follows Garza. What is true and what is false in this Monday night telenovela?
Angel Garza w/ Andrade Almas & Demi Burnett VS Montez Ford w/ Angelo Dawkins!
Though they didn’t win the Raw Tag Team Championships, Garza and Almas don’t seem to be sweating it. Will they earn their way back to another shot as they take the Profits on in part?
The bell rings and Garza headlocks Ford right away! Ford tries to power out but Garza hods tight. Ford gets out on the second try, hurdles, hurdles and dropkicks! Ford fires up, has Garza in a corner, but Garza puts Ford on the apron. Ford enziguris, keeps his eyes on Almas, then climbs up. Crossbody into a dropkick! OFF COME THE PANTS! Garza throws them at Ford, smothers him for a cover, TWO! Garza wraps on a chinlock, drags Ford over to the corner and puts him up top. Garza gets up to club away on Ford and taunts Dawkins, “You want the smoke?!” Tree of Woe for a Penalty Kick! Demi likes what she sees as Garza covers, ONE! Garza chinlocks again and shifts to a wristlock. Ford fights up but Garza wrenches to throw body shots.
Ford pushes Garza away, spins him around but misses the enziguri! Garza sees Ivar walking out but still dropkicks Ford out of the ring! Ivar has something behind his back, and he strolls over to Demi to present her with… more turkey! Does Demi wanna get outta here? She does. The Warbeard is the Lovebeard as he gets the girl! Garza gets pissed, but Ford gets in the ring to dodge the dropkick and KICK Garza back! Garza staggers and kicks Ford on the top rope, then Garza climbs up. Garza brings Ford up, Ford fights back and throws body shots! Ford ROCKS Garza, Garza holds on with ropes but Ford ROCKS him again! Then FROM THE HEAVENS!! Cover, Ford wins!!
Winner: Montez Ford, by pinfall
Garza busts as Ford keeps the Profits up! Will the Profits move on to some fresh match-ups now? Will Garza want Payback on Ivar for stealing the girl?
Nia finds Shayna backstage.
No fists are thrown as Nia starts to apologize. She wasn’t thrilled about working with Shayna, but the more she thinks about it, the more it works. They could actually win the tag titles. And Nia certainly wants those titles. Shayna says that if they work together on that, Nia stops attacking her. As long as Shayna follows Nia’s lead, deal. Shayna SLAPS Nia before leaving, as the last shot at each other, for now.
Ruby Riott and Liv Morgan walk in as Nia leaves. Bianca Belair finds them and brings up Vega trying to get at The EST again. Gurl, uh-uh. The IIconics are just as bad. So then let’s all go out and whoop, these, three. The RiottEST Squad is going to take on La Muneca y Las IIconicas, after the break!
Six Woman Tag: Bianca Belair & The Riott Squad VS Zelina Vega & The IIconics!
While Billie Kay and Peyton Royce have literally been using Liv and Ruby against each other, Bianca will not be an X factor! Will Bianca be able to help the roller coaster relationship steady? Or will the IIconics only be more devious with Vega on their side?
The trios sort out and Billie steps up to start against Liv. They tie up, Billie knees low and throws Liv to the corner. Tag to Peyton and the IIconics whip to forearm Liv in the back! Peyton drags Liv up but Liv fires off forearms! Liv drags Peyton up, whips to the corner and runs in to back body block! Tag to Ruby, the Squad works together and Ruby hits a running forearm! Ruby drags Peyton up to a wistlock, Peyton elbows free and tags in Billie. The IIconics give Ruby a BOOT! Cover, TWO! Ruby survives Shades of Kay and Billie is furious! Billie clubs Ruby, tags Peyton and they wrench, kick and kick Ruby down! Tag to Vega and she ax kicks Ruby on the back!
Vega puts Ruby in an open corner for a rocket kick! Then basement meteora! Cover, TWO! Vega is frustrated already as she drags Ruby around to a dragon sleeper! The behind the back grip looks familiar. But Ruby powers up, throws Vega off, but Vega sucker punches Liv! Bianca gets fired up, Ruby dodges Vega, hot tag to Bianca! Vega doesn’t want any part of Bianca but has no choice as Bianca drags her back! Bianca runs Vega over with shoulder after shoulder, then she hits the IIconics for good measure! Vega tilt-o-whirls and headscissors, but Bianca handsprings through! Bianca comes back to run Vega over!
Bianca claps at Vega, whips her and blocks the wheelbarrow takedown, to the GLAM SLAM! Bianca says “Kiss this” then runs, handspring moonsault! Cover but the IIconics break it! The Squad gets in to double enziguri the IIconics down! Bianca runs at Vega, Vega goes up and over to roll her! TWO, and Bianca ROCKS Vega with a right! Torture rack to KISS OF DEATH! Cover, Bianca and the Squad win!
Winners: The Riott Squad & Bianca Belair, by pinfall
The KOD seals the deal, and the EST celebrates with Ruby and Liv! Will all three finally be able to move past the thorns in their side?
Ricochet and Alexander arm wrestle backstage.
Alexander gets the win! Mark Henry comes by and says he doesn’t want to ruin the fun, but he needs the arm wrestling table. Unless Alexander wants to take him on? Oh no, Alexander is just fine having his arm still. The crew takes the table for Henry while Ricochet and Alexander talk. But MVP comes over and asks what they’re even doing. Alexander just lost the 24/7 Championship, and instead of chasing Tozawa, he’s clowning around? Are they going to play patty cake at the slumber party next? Ha ha, funny. But this is getting sad. MVP should- MVP doesn’t remember asking Ricochet a damn thing! He’s talking to the man who just beat Ricochet in the arm wrestling contest. The same man Ricochet abandoned last week. Abandoned?!
Alexander calms Ricochet down and tells MVP he already gave him an answer. Yes, but The Hurt Business is a family business. Alexander can still roll with them and be protected, get that real talk. Hurt Business will help Alexander not waste his prime years running around with the “One and Only.” If Alexander doesn’t accept the offer, MVP isn’t sure what he has to do. But he’ll let these two get back to playing games, while MVP attends to some United States Championship business. Alexander assures Ricochet the dynamic duo isn’t breaking up, but will the two be able to keep it together?
Raw returns to Mark Henry in the ring!
The World’s Strongest Man welcomes us back and says that while SummerSlam is over, we are just six short days from Payback! We have two competitors for the WWE United States Championship, and we’re going to see who is physically strongest. Take it from him, this is a deciding factor. Therefore, our first competitor, the “CEO of the Hurt Business,” the All Mighty Bobby Lashley! Lashley makes his entrance, shakes hands with Henry, then takes his spot at the arm wrestling table. Next, the man who had an impressive defense of his title. He is the future, he is Apollo Crews! Apollo makes his entrance now and shakes Henry’s hand before taking his place by the table.
Henry has already told Mustafa Ali, Ricochet and Alexander to not come out here, but he also told the rest of the Hurt Business to stay out, too. This has to be a fair competition. Fair?! Lashley says he doesn’t need MVP or Benjamin to do this. Lashley is going to slam Apollo’s hand down, then beat him up! But not too bad, because Apollo needs to make it to Payback to get beaten up even more and lose that US Championship! “Do you got that, little man?” Apollo laughs that off, and tells Lashley we all saw what happened to MVP. That also happens to Lashley. But first, Apollo will win this arm wrestling contest. Henry says no more talk, it’s time to go. Apollo has Henry hold the belt, then the two competitors tie up.
Lashley acts like he needs to prepare first. Lashley takes off the jacket and carefully hangs it up. They tie up again, Lashley wants Henry to make sure this is fair. Apollo stomps Lashley’s foot! Then he pushes Lashley’s arm down! Henry says Apollo wins!! Lashley protests but he just got outsmarted is all. Lashley still tries to hit Apollo, but Apollo gets around to waistlock! Lashley fights out of the Crews Missile but runs into a BOOT! Apollo sees MVP and Benjamin running down the ramp, so he FLIES out to take them down! Apollo again makes the Hurt Business look cheap, will he bankrupt them come this Sunday?
Backstage interview with the Mysterios.
Rey and Dominik are here, as well as Ms. Angie. Charly asks Rey about everything that the Mysterio family has gone through, and the conflicting emotions he must be feeling. Dominik had his first match but against the two men who caused them such strife in Rollins and Murphy. Rey says that whatever happens, he is proud of his son. The same goes for Angie. Dominik stepped in the ring, facing one of the most dangerous superstars in the WWE today, in his first match ever. He gave Rollins hell, and Rey couldn’t be prouder. Charly agrees, Dominik performed admirably, but must ask if he was nervous at all. He was absolutely terrified. But no matter what, he had his family in his corner, and that is what gave him the courage.
That is something Rollins doesn’t get. Family gives them strength. One day, Rollins will have a family of his own, and will finally understand what he put the Mysterios through. For now, the family is here, together, and Rollins will have to do deal with the consequences. Dominik became a man, and proved himself last night. Tonight isn’t even about winning or losing. Rey is just proud of the young man by his side. He knows how much pain Dominik is in, but Rey loves his son. Tonight is a night they’ve been dreaming of! They’re sharing the ring together as father and son. And Rey will be damned if Rollins wins. Rollins talks about the bright future of Raw, but he’s looking at it right here. Will Dominik rebound from his first loss at SummerSlam to his first win on Raw?
Raw returns to Natalya and Lana in the ring.
The Ravishing Russian says she and the Queen of Harts are happy to be here. Today, they are inducting a special woman into the Hall of Fame. Natty is one of the best, no she IS the best in-ring performer. A workhorse, a peacemaker, and truth sayer! Natty says Lana doesn’t have to go on, because it’s guaranteed Natty is going into the Hall of Fame one day as the Best of All Time, #BOAT. Tonight is paying tribute to the six-time women’s champion, Mickie James, a true trailblazer in the WWE. Like every great trail, Mickie’s trail ends. Lana admits that they tried their best to help Mickie stay relevant through social media, but it didn’t work. That is why tonight, they are retiring “The Chick with the Kick.” Please join them in looking back in this highlight reel Natty worked so hard on.
The video plays NOTHING! Because there’s nothing they can think that makes Mickie’s career great. But Mickie rushes right out and pushes Natty down! Lana gets in Mickie’s face but gets the MICK KICK! Mickie just sank the #BOAT, but will she and Natty settle things in a more substantial showdown?
Shane McMahon walks up to the Raw Underground door.
Jordan Omogbehin is there to greet him as always, but the Hurt Business storms up! Lashley wants a fight, and he doesn’t give a damn who it is! He wants to beat the hell outta someone! Go right ahead! Shane lets the Hurt Business through first, fist bumps Jordan, and heads in himself. Who will end up a victim of the #FullLashley tonight?
It’s time for Raw Underground!
Lashley has that fight he wants, and he BOOTS his opponent back. The man comes back but Lashley catches him to a facelock, and cranks until the man passes out! Lashley wins!
Winner: Bobby Lashley
Shane is impressed, but does anyone else want a go at Lashley? Lashley dumps his opponent out and Dolph Ziggler steps up! Ziggler is supposed to face Ivar but it seems Ziggler is after bigger fish. These two tie up, Ziggler gets a leg but Lashley pries him off. Ziggler comes back for more, hammers away on Lashley and gets a facelock. Lashley powers up to SLAM Ziggler down and throw hands back! Lashley kicks Ziggler while he’s down with those business shoes, but Ziggler kicks back! Ziggler hops on for a sleeper hold, but Lashley rolls. Ziggler keeps hold of Lashley, Lashley throws Ziggler off then BLASTS him all the way to the wall!! Guess Ivar doesn’t need to fight Ziggler after all.
Winner: Bobby Lashley, 2-0
MVP drags a rando from the crowd and throws him up to the ring! Lashley sees the man and BOOTS him down! That man is OUT, Lashley keeps winning!
Winner: Bobby Lashley, 3-0
Shane says Raw Underground will take a break while we figure out if anyone wants more of Lashley, and if Ziggler really is down for the count.
Keith Lee VS Randy Orton!
The Limitless One’s debut on Monday Night Raw is going to be one for the ages! Will he survive an already angry Apex Predator in their first-ever match?
The bell rings, Keith and Orton circle and tie up. Keith powers Orton to a corner but Orton shifts to a headlock to get out. Keith lifts Orton but Orton cranks on the headlock to stay on the ground. Keith powers out and HURDLES Orton, to then drop down and run Orton over! Orton gets to a corner as he is surprised by what just happened! Keith waits for Orton to come back, and the two circle. Keith calls for a test of strength, Orton approaches and kicks low. Orton throws European Uppercuts but Keith stays up. Orton winds back but the punch is blocked! Keith crushes Orton’s hand and brings Orton to a knee! Orton gets up but Keith reels him in for a STANDING OVERHEAD SUPLEX!
Orton bails out, Keith follows and has Orton at the announce desk. Keith scoops Orton but Orton slips off to POST Keith! Keith gets in the ring fast, Orton stomps away on Keith’s legs! Orton digs his knee into Keith’s face and scrapes the face! Cover, ONE!! Orton is back on his feet from that kickout but Orton goes after Keith with a chinlock. Orton grinds Keith’s head but Keith fights his way up. The fans rally as Orton is a backpack on Keith, and Keith roars to ram Orton into buckles! Keith is free, he bumps Orton again then goes corner to corner for a corner splash! Keith keeps moving, ducks Orton and CROSSBODIES!
Orton writhes but Keith seethes as the fans cheer. Keith watches Orton stand, then he runs to POUNCE Orton out of the ring! Keith pursues again and has Orton back at the announce desk. Keith puts Orton in fast, but Orton kicks him in the ropes! Orton drags Keith out, DRAPING DDT! Keith writhes but Orton circles him. Orton hears the voices in his head and wants Keith to stand. Keith stirs, but McIntyre drags Orton out to go after him!!
Winner: Randy Orton, by disqualification
McIntyre isn’t just standing and walking after two punt kicks, he’s beating Orton up! He whips Orton into barriers, brings him around and rams him into more barriers! Orton jumps over and out to run away backstage! McIntyre staggers and seethes, frustrated that the Viper slithered away. Is Claymore Country coming to crush the head of the Viper once and for all?
Raw returns with a backstage interview with Drew McIntyre.
McIntyre says he is really happy for his friend, Keith, but he doesn’t need Keith fighting his battles. Keith was impressive, but so is McIntyre just standing and talking here. What is McIntyre experiencing? Well he doesn’t feel good, that’s sure. Orton tried to end McIntyre’s career! To Orton, McIntyre says that- ORTON BLINDSIDES MCINTYRE! AND PUNTS HIM AGAIN!! Security and referees rush the scene to get Orton to go away but Orton vows the title is his! Orton vows to still do whatever he wants! Orton leaves for now, but was that kick the nail in the coffin?
Raw returns with Charly waiting by the Trainer’s Room.
“This is not a good situation right now.” Obviously McIntyre just got kicked in the head again, and what Charly is hearing is not good. There could be a skull fracture, internal bleeding, and McIntyre’s career could be in jeopardy. Will McIntyre make it to Payback? Will he even be able to wrestle ever again?
Raw Women’s Championship Lumberjack Match: Asuka VS Sasha Banks!
The Empress of Tomorrow didn’t get to become a double champion, but she at least stopped The Boss from being one. Will that all turn right back around right here tonight? And win or lose, will Sasha be in any shape to help Bayley fight Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax in their WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match at Payback?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised and this rematch with the entire Raw Women’s Division watching ringside begins!
Sasha and Asuka circle, Sasha rolls Asuka up fast, TWO! Sasha is furious that the ref took so long to figure it out, but Asuka kicks her down! Asuka drags Sasha up to throw out to the lumberjacks! Ruby and Liv are there, but Sasha shoves Ruby! Sasha gets back on the apron, but Asuka hip attacks her down! Bayley tells Liv, Ruby, Bianca and more to stay back, and she’s supported by Lana, Natty and the IIconics. The ref tells them all to stand down, especially with Shayna stepping up to Bayley! The tension is palpable and this situation is combustible, but Raw goes to break.
Raw returns as Sasha drags Asuka by her hair over to the apron! Sasha drags Asuka all the way out of the ring to club away on her! Sasha drags Asuka up, and Bayley as a lumberjack legally mugs Asuka! Bayley taunts Asuka as Sasha bumps her off the LED then puts her in. Sasha covers, TWO! Asuka gets to a corner, Sasha grows frustrated but the fans rally up. Sasha runs corner to corner but Asuka SUPERKICKS Sasha down! Asuka gets up top, Sasha stands, FLYING DDT! Asuka manages to cover, TWO!! Sasha survives and Asuka can’t believe it! Sasha flounders to ropes, Asuka stalks up behind her, and Asuka blocks a kick to trip Sasha to an ANKLE LOCK! Sasha scrambles and reaches but Asuka leans on the hold!
Sasha reaches, Bayley is there for her, and Sasha rolls to send Asuka out! Bayley watches but the Riott Squad is there to hep Asuka. Sasha LEAPS from the apron, Asuka gets clear and the Squad takes the hit! Sasha realizes what happened, but turns around into Asuka’s SLIDING KNEE! Asuka glares at Bayley as she gives chase. Bayley throws Natty at Asuka but Asuka decks her! Bayley throws Lana next, Asuka DECKS her! The IIconics are next, they get hit, too! But then Sasha attacks Asuka from behind! Sasha puts Asuka back in, climbs up top, and FROG SPLASHES! Cover, TWO!! Bayley and Sasha are both shocked! Sasha isn’t sure what to do next, but she has Bayley get her something. Bayley get a chair, Shayna gets Bayley’s leg!
Bayley fights Shayna but Shayna drags her down and kicks her in the chest! Asuka gets Sasha for the ASUKA LOCK!! Sasha flails, reaches, but she’s caught!! Sasha taps out, Asuka wins again!!
Winner: Asuka, by pinfall (still Raw Women’s Champion)
The Empress shuts the Blueprint out! Bayley blames Shayna for keeping this fair, but now she and Sasha must regroup to prepare! Will the Queen of Spades and Irresistible Force make for a killer combination at Payback?
Raw has an update on McIntyre’s medical status.
An ambulance is here, and it seems McIntyre has been loaded into the back. McIntyre is taken away, because of the severity of his injury. Standing by, Keith Lee comments on the situation. “There is a very large portion of me that would’ve liked to say, ‘Hey, bud, don’t interfere in my Raw debut.'” But instead, Keith has watched another friend get loaded into an ambulance, and it’s different. But fortunately, McIntyre is one of the toughest men Keith has ever met. McIntyre will be okay. But as for Orton, “I can’t say the same for him.” Will doctors be able to help McIntyre? Will anything be able to save Orton from the Limitless wrath of Keith Lee?
Raw Underground – Bobby Lashley VS Cedric Alexander!
Yes, that’s right! The Hurt Business somehow got Alexander down to the fight pit and Lashley is beating him down! Alexander fights back, waistlocks and gets a leg to trip Lashley up! Lashley counters to a facelock then waistlock then SLAM! Lashley flips over Alexander to get him in an ARMBAR! Alexander fights but Lashley elbows away on Alexander’s head! Both MVP and Shane have to call this one and pry Lashley off Alexander!
Winner: Bobby Lashley
Lashley finally lets Alexander go, but IVAR gets in! Ivar didn’t get his fight with Ziggler because of Lashley so he wants some of Lashley for himself! But the Hurt Business tackle Ivar down and beat him up! Erik gets in and now the Viking Raiders brawl with the Hurt Business! But that’s 3v2! MVP gives Erik an STO while Ivar gets beat down 2v1! Benjamin helps MVP with Erik while Lashley puts Ivar in a KIMURA! Ivar taps, Lashley wins again!
Winners: The Hurt Business
Shane gives props to MVP, Lashley and Benjamin. We’ll see more Raw Underground next week! Will Lashley return to the fight pit the NEW United States Champion?
Raw makes it Payback official!
After what Orton did to McIntyre, Keith Lee steps up again to finish the fight! Will Orton #BaskInHisGlory? Or will Keith #BurnInHisLight?
Seth Rollins & Buddy Murphy VS Rey & Dominik Mysterio!
The Monday Night Messiah and his disciple have tried to ruin the dreams of the King of Lucha Libre and his son, but have not crushed their spirits! Dominik and Rey are ready for more, will they finally get revenge on Rollins and Murphy?
But before the two teams are in the ring, Rey and Dominik go after Rollins and Murphy on the ramp! Rey throws Rollins into barriers but Rollins kicks and clubs back. Dominik and Murphy brawl on the other end while Rey fires back. Rey rams Rollins into barriers, Murphy ROCKS Dominik, but Rollins throws Rey over the announce desk! Dominik is 2v1 now and put in the ring. Rollins sicks Murphy after Dominik and this match officially begins!
Dominhik jawbreakers Murphy! Dominik ducks, dodges and tilt-o-whirl arm-drags Murphy away! Murphy gets up into another arm-drag! Murphy blocks the third but not the fourth! Dominik dropkicks Murphy out of the ring! The fans fire up as Dominik builds speed, but Rollins is there! Dominik dropkicks Rollins to the desk! Murphy returns but is tossed to that side! Rey returns to FLYING RANA Rollins into the barriers! Rey puts Rollins in for Dominik, and now father and son surround him! They dropkick and drop toehold Rollins onto the ropes, but Murphy saves Rollins from the 619! But not Dominik’s CROSSBODY! The Mysterios have control as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns as Rollins runs into boots from Rey! Rey fights out of the “Greater good” corner but runs into Rollins’ fireman’s carry! Rey fights but still takes the GUT BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Rollins grows frustrated as he stomps Rey’s hand! Rollins taunts Rey to reach for his son. Rey crawls, Dominik reaches out but Rollins sucker punches Dominik! Rollins grins as he drags Rey back up. Rey hits back with body shots and haymakers, but is shoved into the corner. Rey fights out again, goes up and wheelbarrows, then kicks Murphy away before giving Rollins the bulldog! Both men are down, Dominik is back up on the corner! Rey and Rollins crawl, Murphy tags in first! Murphy anchors Rey, drags him away, but Rey enziguris back! Hot tag to Dominik!
Dominik climbs up and leaps over Murphy to roll and send Murphy into buckles! Dominik rallies with clotheslines, whips to ropes but Murphy reverses. Dominik still clotheslines Murphy! Murphy knees low, throws Dominik out but Dominik lands on the apron. Dominik springboards for a crossbody! Cover, TWO! Dominik doesn’t slow down, he drags Murphy up. Murphy shoves, but runs into a boot! Dominik back elbows then hops up, flying huricanrana POSTS Murphy! Dominik runs corner to corner, goes up and up and TORNADO DDT’S! Cover, Rollins breaks it! Rollins gets out, Dominik stares him down, but Murphy bails out, too.
Rollins keeps Dominik’s attention until Dominik goes out to fetch Murphy in. Dominik still glares at Rollins but Murphy chop blocks Dominik! Tag to Rollins, Rollins drags Dominik up and lifts, but Dominik fights off the bomb! Dominik hops off to tag in Rey! Rey springboard seated sentons Rollins down but doesn’t slow down! Rey ducks and dodges, then tilt-o-whirl headscissors Rollins to ropes! Dial it up but Murphy tags in! Rollins gets clear of the 619 again, Murphy rolls Rey up! TWO, Murphy kicks and scoops but Rey slips off. Rey dropkicks the legs out, tags in Dominik, and they double it up!! 619 times two!! Dominik climbs up top, the lights start to flicker…?! Rollins shoves Dominik off the top!
Rey chases Rollins, but RETRIBUTION appears!! They chase everyone off, and surround Dominik and Rey! The Mysterios are mugged 6v2! Rollins smiles because they’re doing the dirty work for him. They drag Dominik up to throw forearms, then they put Rey in a corner for stomps. DOUBLE HIP TOSS on Dominik! Dominik flops out of the ring but Retribution drags him back up. Rey gets slid out hard to the floor! Then Dominik is sent into barriers! The fans boo as Retribution continues to stomp and pummel Dominik. The two biggest ones take Rey to LAWN DART him at the POST!! “This is OUR house!” They drag Rey over to Dominik to make Dominik see what happened to his father. Retribution claims they’ve earned this, but who even are they?!
My Thoughts:
A wild and crazy follow-up to SummerSlam and go-home to Payback in one go, this Raw was actually really good. There were quite a few disqualification/no contest finishes tonight, but each of those works well to keep stories going and the math even. I would not have expected the brawling between Nia and Shayna the last couple weeks result in a reluctant tag team a la Sheamus and Cesaro becoming The Bar. I don’t see them winning the Women’s Tag titles, but I bet the match is a great slug fest before things fall apart. The Lumberjack match rematch for the Raw Women’s title was pretty good, and it certainly makes for a clean break of Asuka and the Golden Role Models. I have a feeling that Shayna and Nia losing at Payback results in them having it out on the road to Asuka VS Shayna, probably at Hell in a Cell.
The “telenovela” as I’ve nicknamed it has taken quite the twist. Demi seems to go back and forth between Garza and Ivar, but Garza and Ivar already had a match so it seems like some of this is backwards. Maybe it escalates, they have a rematch and in a shocking twist that I was hoping would happen in Ziggler VS Otis, Demi chooses the loser, because she can’t help but console the man who got badly beat up. The story with The Hurt Business and Apollo’s crew escalates, but Apollo’s the only one not getting beat up anymore. The arm wrestling segment was funny, Apollo VS Lashley is going to be a great match, and the 24/7 Championship Fatal 4 was fun but the title goes with Tozawa to keep it out of the mix for the moment.
Speaking of Ziggler, what a surprising change of plans for him to fight Lashley in Raw Underground. The Hurt Business stands tall in the fight pit, but I wonder if we get some kind of Six Man after Payback. The Six Woman Tag was really good, and it was great for the Faces to win. This probably doesn’t settle anything, but it was a great blending of how Bianca is a new friend of Ruby’s, and Liv being an old friend, these three might form a new trio since this isn’t the true Riott Squad. Aleister on the KO Show was a great segment. He had the eye patch wrap, and he shocks us by going Heel as it were, suckering Kevin into that attack. There are a lot of ways they can take this, I’m just not sure if this should lead to Aleister joining Rollins. Aleister is either a loner or a leader, not a follower.
The story of Orton and McIntyre was great, and I did not expect them to bring Keith Lee into it. Though perhaps WWE releasing a video of McIntyre and Keith training together before TakeOver: XXX was the foreshadowing. I like Keith going right after Orton, that in itself is like a title, and their match at Payback will be great. McIntyre already started looking superhuman at taking two punt kicks and getting up, but it seems almost a given he shows up at Payback to shock Orton. Hopefully after a winner is decided this time, just so Keith doesn’t have beef with McIntyre. Though that would be an awesome match, too. At the very least, McIntyre VS Orton at Hell in a Cell IN Hell in a Cell will be amazing!
We got a really great surprise in the Mysterios taking on Rollins and Murphy, though it was more clear here that Dominik still needs to sharpen his lucha skills. He may also need to rethink a hood on that vest. Maybe they add layers to the costume so he can take off the hooded vest and just have a tight shirt like his father. But as soon as those lights flickered, it was clear Retribution was going to attack. I almost thought the six here tonight were going to reveal themselves and set up Payback matches somehow, but guess not. Maybe the reveal is at Payback, and we build towards huge HIAC matches, such as 8 Mans, 6 Mans, Women’s Tag, etc. I hope this doesn’t drag Survivor Series into it. I want a second year of the Triple Brand Warfare, 5v5v5, not Team Retribution VS Team WWE where no matter who wins, it feels like the story loses.
My Score: 8.5/10
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IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLASGOW KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Candice has Tiffy down with an armlock. Tiff fights up as the fans rally, but Candice wrenches to wristlock. Tiff spins through, goes to ropes, then up the corner to flip and arm-drag! The fans fire up as Tiff rallies on Candice! DROPKICK, and Tiff snarls! Tiff goes to the corner, and Charlotte makes her entrance? The Queen chooses to be fashionably late all so everyone looks at her, including Tiffy. Tiffy handsprings, but Candice dodges! Candice runs up to UPPERCUT, then she snapmares and NECK SNAPPERS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice clamps onto Tiffy with a top wristlock.
The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte now chooses to join commentary. Tiff fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, but Candice CLUBS away on her! Candice backs off, runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her to ropes! Tiff runs, HIP ATTACKS, and Candice flops back! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays on Candice with a whip, but Candice reverses. Candice CLOBBERS Tiff, covers, TWO! Charlotte corrects Tiffy’s words earlier: Charlotte isn’t the “top girl,” she is THE woman in WWE. Candice HIP DROPS Tiff but the fans rally up. Candice scuffs Tiff, then grinds an arm to drop a knee on the elbow! And another knee drop! Tiff endures and the fans rally up.
Candice keeps on that arm, thrashes it around, but Tiff fights up. Tiff fires body shots, then shoves Candice to Alabama Lift her! Candice sunset flips, Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated and Candice bails out. Tiff goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Candice and Nia, and Tiff almost stuck the landing! The fans fire up with Tiff and she goes into the ring. Tiff points to the WrestleMania sign, and then at Charlotte, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Tiff waits on Candice, Candice slides in, and Tiff stomps her down! Candice bails out, Nia is there to coach her, but Tiff lets the ring count start. Candice gets on the apron, Tiff kicks her, but Candice RAMS Tiff! Candice CLUBS Tiff, has her in the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Candice climbs, aims, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO!
Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW!
Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back! Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring!
The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring. Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, but with some interesting moves after the sudden change in plans with The Rock showing up. Naomi and Bianca had a good promo to hype up what was meant to be a full match of Naomi VS Liv, but word had already come out before the show that things were being cut for time. But at the very least, they did the right thing of making it a brawl that adds heat to the tag title match on Monday. Also, hilarious how Chelsea & Piper thought the beatdown on Bianca & Naomi was so bad that they would need to be pulled from the Chamber. I also can’t wait to see what happens on Toronto SmackDown.
As for The Rock, I do appreciate he used his authority to kayfabe change more things, all so he could have his promo with Cody. I also appreciate Rock blending his different roles and even different sides, both Heel and Face, to A) bring the news of WM42 being in NOLA, and B) recreate the Corporate Champion/People’s Champion story from the Attitude Era. That was some wild stuff he was saying to Cody. I’m sure quite a few people will try and talk with Cody next week in the go-home. Heels will say do it because they’d love to have what Rock can give, Faces will say not because Cody’s better than that. But naturally, Cody is not going to become The Rock’s Champion, causing Rock to turn on him and really up things going into WrestleMania 41 and perhaps even beyond.
Good stuff in the Elimination Chamber related stories. Jimmy VS McIntyre was great stuff to open, and how fitting that McIntyre loses to Jimmy after talking all that trash about Jimmy and Jey being the same. Jey got McIntyre with something quick, Jimmy got McIntyre with something quick, McIntyre’s ego is obviously his weakness. And at the same time, McIntyre of course destroys Jimmy after because that’s his other personality trait. Priest had good promos with Cody and Braun, and we got great stuff from Solo’s Bloodline. Naturally, we got a miscommunication spot to help finish, we’re really close to Solo VS Jacob, I can feel it. Priest & Braun get the win, mostly because Priest isn’t winning in the Chamber when you’ve got Punk and Cena in there.
Very good stuff with Tiffy Time, from the promos leading into the match to Charlotte being ringside just to watch. Nia & Candice of course get the better of Tiff & Trish, because Tiff & Trish are definitely winning the tag match in Toronto. Charlotte just seems to enjoy trolling Tiff with her presence, so Charlotte probably shows up in Toronto to then confront Tiff after the match. I expect the seven weeks after Elimination Chamber to really heat up, as will Charlotte’s involvement, where she’ll get more active verbally and physically. Also, hell, Rock should go full Corporation and have Charlotte be his Corporate Women’s Champion because of how established she is.
Hilarious stuff from Truth tonight, as always. Truth and Melo having their “who’s on first” again was good stuff, and of course Miz gets in on this story, too. Truth & Knight VS “Melo Don’t Miz” was really fun, but yeah, should’ve figured Nakamura would get involved, too. Melo & Miz making it work could also be really fun, and while Knight VS Nakamura is a rehash, I really hope they find a way to up things. It feels like we’re getting the same with the tag titles as Profits “ruined” that great tag match from DIY and Pretty Deadly, then brawled with MCMG to still come out on top. Last year had a ladder tag title match, so why not do one for these titles this year?
Speaking of escalating, Kevin filming a promo outside Sami’s house was some really well done stuff, as expected of someone as good as Kevin and in such a story as him and Sami. Their match should main event, it needs time to breathe, as it could be just as, if not more violent, than the Chamber matches. What a powerful closing moment we could have if it’s a bloody Kevin and Sami, and one of them is standing over the other, triumphant yet mournful because it was their best friend in the world that they just brutalized.
My Score: 8.9/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
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Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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