Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (8/3/20)
Who is the TRUE WWE United States Champion?
Raw has so much going on in one night!
Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton come face to face, the TRUE United States Championship will be decided, and Shane McMahon returns to Raw!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE United States Championship: Apollo Crews VS MVP w/ The Hurt Business; Crews wins and is the undisputed WWE United States Champion.
- The IIconics VS The Riott Squad; The Riott Squad wins.
- WWE 24/7 Championship Triple Threat: Shelton Benjamin w/ The Hurt Business VS R-Truth VS Akira Tozawa; Tozawa wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
- Shayna Baszler VS Sasha Banks w/ Bayley; No Contest.
- Raw Underground – Daba Cato goes 2-0.
- Angelo Dawkins w/ Montez Ford VS Angel Garza w/ Zelina Vega; Garza wins.
- Montez Ford w/ Angelo Dawkins VS Andrade Almas w/ Zelina Vega; No Contest.
- Raw Underground – Erik wins.
- Raw Underground – The Hurt Business goes 3-0.
PLAY BY PLAY
WWE United States Championship: Apollo Crews VS MVP w/ The Hurt Business!
Apollo is back and he’s going to finally face Montel Vontavius Porter as intended at Extreme Rules! Assuming the lights stay on in the Performance Center… But technical difficulties aside, will MVP prove he is the real US Champion? Or will the real US Champion win?
The introductions are made, the two different belts are both raised, and MVP grabs the mic. MVP “drops some truth gems” that he is the REAL United States Champion because Apollo didn’t show up. Bobby Lashley put the full nelson on, Apollo made excuses and MVP made history. MVP vows he will continue to rep the Hurt Business while Apollo can hang out with Ricochet and Cedric Alexander back in catering. Apollo lets MVP run his mouth, and we settle this once and for all to start Raw!
MVP and Apollo stare down but the flickering lights worry them. They tie up, go around, MVP monkey flips but Apollo holds on. They get up again, MVP spins Apollo around, then drops down to body scissors. Apollo fights off the sleeper to throw elbows! Apollo goes after MVP but MVP avoids the cover. Apollo rolls, jackknife cover, TWO! MVP gets up but Apollo handsprings up! Apollo and MVP go again, and MVP stomps Apollo’s foot! MVP throws hands then bumps Apollo off buckles. MVP throws European Uppercuts and rocks Apollo! Apollo gets up but MVP throws haymakers. MVP whips, Apollo reverses and elbows MVP down! Apollo starts to rally! Apollo snap suplexes, covers, TWO! Another try, ONE! Another, ONE! Apollo rains down right hands to keep MVP down.
Apollo goes after the arm and wrenches on the shoulder. MVP endures, fights but Apollo digs his forearm into MVP’s face. Apollo keeps on the shoulder, MVP gets up but Apollo wrenches. MVP wrenches back and ROCKS Apollo again! And BOOTS him down! The Hurt Business likes what they see as MVP looms over Apollo. MVP brings Apollo up but Apollo hits back! Apollo fires off forearm after forearm, whips but MVP is saved by Lashley and Shelton Benjamin. But Apollo FLIES out onto all three! The real United States Champion stands tall as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns as MVP Has Apollo in a cravat. MVP cranks but Apollo endures. Replay shows us Lashley interfered during commercial behind the ref’s back! Apollo tries fighting out but MVP knees low. Apollo fights up again and throws body shots. Apollo gets free, runs, but into a LARIAT! Cover, TWO! MVP tries again, TWO! MVP brings Apollo up to elbow him down. Apollo gets to ropes but MVP brings him around to throw EuroUppers. Cover, TWO! MVP brings Apollo up to club and whip and drop toehold him down! MVP has Apollo in the ropes for a camel clutch! The bad neck is being attacked! The ref counts but MVP lets up at 4. MVP drags Apollo back up, throws big forearms, but Apollo hits back. MVP snap suplexes him, cover, TWO! Apollo barely gets out!
MVP drags Apollo up, throws forearms, then has Apollo in a corner for elbow after elbow from all sides! MVP whips corner to corner, powers up and runs in, but his boot misses! Apollo enziguris back! Apollo hops up, leaps, crossbody! But he rolls off, to tackle MVP into buckles! Apollo rams his shoulder in over and over as the crowd fires up. Apollo runs to hit a huge splash! And a SPINE BUSTER! Cover, TWO! The crowd rallies up for Apollo as he drags MVP up and around. MVP fights off the bomb to waistlock, GERMAN SUPLEX! But Apollo rises! Apollo gives MVP the CREWS MISSILE! Cover, Apollo wins!
Winner: Apollo Crews, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)
But Lashley goes after him! Apollo escapes the full nelson and gets away with both United States Championship belts! Which one will he choose to keep as the rightful title?
Backstage interview with Apollo.
Congratulations are in order! How does it feel to return to be the rightful champion? Apollo likes the sound of “rightful US Champion.” But in all seriousness, Bobby Lashley’s strength is unlike anyone else’s. Because of that full nelson, Apollo literally couldn’t turn his head away from the TV as he watched MVP walk around acting like the champ. But what hurt worse was Apollo’s kids saying, “Daddy, I thought you were the United States Champion.” But it’s okay, because now he IS champion! And he will take the classic belt and hang it in his kids’ room as a reminder of their dad’s first title in the WWE ever. As for MVP’s belt, how good does it look on Apollo? It looks so good! So thanks, P, Apollo appreciates this.
MVP grabs a mic at ringside.
“Hello? Hey! You tell me what kind of operation you three clowns are running here!!” What is with the unsafe working environment of the lights? Be ashamed of yourself! Is that how Apollo wants to win!? MVP was distracted! But he’s gonna explain something. Apollo didn’t show up because Lashley made him stay at home. But then Apollo shows up and steals MVP’s US Championship! “I don’t care about your wife! I don’t care about your kids! What I care about is my rematch!” MVP wants his rematch, but Shelton gives him an idea. The rematch will be… at SUMMERSLAM!
There’s something going on in a private dressing room.
There’s a guard, or perhaps a bouncer, at the door as dance music plays loudly. The “brainchild” of Shane McMahon is said to be behind that door. Is there something Shane O’Mac has planned for his return tonight?
Backstage interview with Bayley and Sasha Banks.
The Golden Role Models are Raw Women’s, SmackDown Women’s, and WWE Tag Team Champions because to put it simply, they have #AllTheGold! #BayleyDosStraps and #TwoBeltsBanks! But will either belt be defended at SummerSlam? Not to demean Sarah, but she is so boring! Ding dong, hello! This does no justice to what these two have accomplished! They are going to spice things up and have something special! ROLL THE FOOTAGE!
Movie trailer voice says, “In a world… full of mediocrity… two women are setting the standard, creating the blueprint, of what it means to be a champion.” We relive last week’s Raw Women’s Championship main event. Kairi chased Bayley away, but the narrator explains, “What on the surface… looked like cowardice… was actually a plan… of sheer brilliance.” Bayley turning things around on Kairi and that was a distraction to Asuka. Asuka chose to save Kairi over defending her title, and that is how Sasha “won” her second belt. “Now… they own all the gold…” They are your Golden Role Models.
But Asuka interrupts! “OI OI OI OI!” Do you think you’re going to get away with what you did to Kairi?! “Revenge will be very, very sweet!” That part scares Bayley and Sasha. What the hell is this?! They’re trying to be professional and you- Shayna Baszler interrupts the “garbage.” These two must be having fun. Shayna has a complaint. Sasha “snaked” her way to this title. But Shayna has waited long enough to finally have her own fun. And she DECKS Sasha!! Bayley is in shock as Sasha checks her chin. Shayna leaves, but when and where will she strike again?
Kevin Owens is backstage.
He picks up something to drink at catering, but the IIconics come over. They heard a little rumor that he is hosting another edition of the KO Show, and thought that they would make great guests. They would! He loves Australia. But maybe not this week. What? He already has guests for tonight. He does plan these things. Sorry, but have a water. Kevin heads off to do just as the IIconics said, but who are his guests? We find out, after the break!
Raw presents The KO Show!
The Prizefighter welcomes us back from break to his show. There are a lot of things happening tonight, one of them being the return of Shane McMahon. Kevin has plenty of thoughts on that, but he doesn’t want to talk about that. Wait, why is this mic freaking out? But Kevin wants to first talk about an issue that’s been going on. This is a very talented woman and a great friend of Kevin’s, it’s Ruby Riott! Ruby heads to the ring, definitely having gotten over a challenge in dealing with the IIconics. They sit in the chairs and Kevin thanks her for being here. He brings up the IIconics and how emotional Ruby was after finally winning. Ruby says it is no secret that she’s had bad luck since coming back. She hasn’t gotten a singles win since February and the IIconics grind salt into that wound.
Ruby has dealt with women like that her entire life. “Toxic, sad broads that gotta bring people down just to build themselves up.” Ruby brought Peyton Royce down to earth and hopefully put an end to the iconic BS. Strong words, but she should be proud. The only thing that would’ve been better is if Liv Morgan was here to celebrate. Well speaking of… Kevin got her to be on the show! Ruby is actually unsure if this is a good idea, but Liv does make her way out. Liv gets a mic and stands in the ring with Ruby and Kevin. Kevin thanks her for going through with this. Liv says Ruby wanted her to hear her out, and Kevin convinced her to try. So let’s hear it.
Kevin wants to say something first. He asked them both here, because he saw them both here when they started in the WWE. Stupid mic. It was Liv, Ruby and Sarah. Sarah is moving on to a new part of her life and that’s great. But these two can’t just throw everything away. He’s traveled with them, saw them together as friends, they’re great individuals but they also bring the best out of each other. Kevin has done a lot of really crappy things to people, said crappy things, and lost friendships because he thought it was better for his career. But he feels now it might not have been worth it. They don’t have to be friends, but it is worth hearing each other out. The crowd chants, “Hear Her Out!”
Ruby starts by saying that coming back, she thought it’d be the same. BUt she was wrong. The place was different, and Liv was different. Liv was thriving, coming into her own, and Ruby felt like she wasn’t needed anymore. Then Liv beat Ruby twice. Ruby realized Liv didn’t need Ruby. This world Ruby returned to without anyone, she wasn’t ready for it and she lashed out at Liv. She is sorry for that! That was wrong to do! But every time Ruby looks at her tattoo, the one that matches Liv’s, dedicated to their debut date, she remembers the day their lives changed. Ruby is just asking for a second chance. A second chance at the Riott Squad to be stronger than ever before! But then the IIconics crash the show!
Billie and Peyton of course have mics. Kevin washes his hands of this, but Peyton says everyone is SICK of hearing them babble on about whatever, because no one cares. Liv should’ve stayed in the tub. Ruby, the IIconics are just tired of the social media posts about her one “emotional” win over Peyton! After what? 400 losses?! Maybe some facts over emotion. Fact: The IIconics have dominated- The mic is freaking out. They DOMINATED the Women’s Tag Division. They conquered WrestleMania! And they have been, and always will be, better than Ruby and Liv. Actually, look BFF up and you’ll find a picture of them.
Liv speaks up and says maybe they’re right. Liv and Ruby aren’t friends like the IIconics. But there is one thing they will always agree on: NO ONE starts a riot better than us! The Riott Squad is reunited! Kevin says the message is clear. So unless the IIconics have something better to say, maybe they can just leave. Ruby and Liv think they’re a team now? They have nothing on the IIconics. Let’s go, right now! Any place, any time! Because right now… Actually, Peyton wants Billie to say it. No, Billie says Peyton can say it. They go back and forth and Kevin asks for more technical difficulties right now. Peyton SLAPS Kevin! And Billie laughs. Was that necessary? Billie SLAPS Kevin now! “Ladies, a little help, please?” The Riott Squad pounces!! The brawl spills out of the ring as Raw goes to break!
The IIconics VS The Riott Squad!
Peyton and Billie got the fight that they want, but will they regret it? Or can they ruin the Riott Squad’s reunion?
Billie starts with Ruby and circle. They tie up, Billie powers Ruby to a corner but Ruby turns it around. Billie shouts for the ropebreak, Ruby lets up to shove her back. Kevin has joined commentary as Ruby wrenches Billie’s arm. Billie throws hands, Ruby ducks but the throat chop hits! Billie wrenches Ruby to a straitjacket neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! The IIconics are furious already but Billie brings Ruby over to tag in Peyton. The IIconics double whip to double forearm! Peyton covers, TWO! Peyton drags Ruby around to jam her knees into Ruby’s back then she clamps on a chinlock. Ruby endures, the crowd builds to a rally, Ruby fights her way up to fight back. PEyton throws Ruby down by her green-yellow hair!
Tag to Billie the IIconics double wrench and double kick Ruby down! Billie talks trash before she kicks Ruby while she’s down! Billie drags Ruby up to club her back, then talks more trash. Ruby pushes her away to SUPERKICK her! Hot tags to Peyton and Liv! Liv rallies with flying forearms and a hair takedown! Liv whips, Peyton reverses, but Liv elbows back. Liv goes up, up and leaps for a missile dropkick! Cover, Billie breaks it! Billie drags Peyton to the corner and tags in. Billie storms up to Liv, brings her up, but Liv rolls Billie up! RIOTT SQUAD WINS!
Winners: The Riott Squad, by pinfall
But Peyton is right on Liv with hammering fists! The IIconics get up, coordinate, but Ruby saves Liv! Ruby shoves Peyton to a corner and enziguris Billie down! Ruby and Liv coordinate now, double STO! The squad heads out, will they continue to rise together? Or are there still cracks in the foundation they must be wary of?
Raw checks on the status of a near accident.
Large boxes fell over, things fell out, but no one was nearby so there were no injuries. There are rumors that perhaps, the boxes falling were not accidental. MVP is upset that they’re not talking about his loss because of these glitches and power surges! Charly Caruso understands he’s upset. She informs him that Apollo has accepted the rematch challenge. Well alright then! He feels a bit better now, but of course Apollo accepted it. What would his kids think if Daddy Apollo didn’t? But then Shelton comes by and says his 24/7 Championship belt has been stolen! What?! Well, they’ll track that down. Time to teach everyone what happens when you steal from the Hurt Business.
Drew McIntyre heads to the ring!
The WWE World Champion is not in a good mood after last week’s RKO outta nowhere! McIntyre had just settled things with Dolph Ziggler when Randy Orton made good on his threats. As such, the WWE world title is on the line at SummerSlam between the leader of Claymore Country and the Apex Predator! McIntyre picks up a mic to address this. “Randy Orton has spent 20 years preying on vulnerability.” He’s not the kind of guy who would show you how he felt with a finger gesture like Stone Cold. Or the kind of guy to take off and throw an elbow pad like The Rock. According to Orton, he’s better than those two. Orton is the kind who waits until you end an Extreme Rules match to hit you with an RKO outta nowhere.
But y’know what? That is on McIntyre. McIntyre was warned and it still happened. Lesson learned, it will never happen again. But McIntyre wants Orton to understand he knows how motivated The Viper is. He’s just as motivated to take the WWE title as McIntyre is to keep it. The similarities don’t end there. “Once upon a time, at one time or another, Vince McMahon himself looked at us, right in the eye and told us we were The Chosen One. We were the future of this industry.” McIntyre paces as he chooses his words. Things didn’t go as planned for McIntyre. But Orton admitted this wasn’t plan A, B, C or D. He didn’t lie awake as a kid in Scotland, a country of 5 million people, thinking about how he was going to make it to the WWE as one of the first ever.
Orton didn’t grow up being called crazy for dreaming so big, giving everything he could and finally pulling it off! This was handed to him! McIntyre doesn’t resent Orton for that. But he finds it interesting when Orton brags about the early accolades. The ones sped on a silver spoon because his father is Cowboy Bob. McIntyre never rode in a limo with Evolution, not that he wanted to. But the biggest part, McIntyre never had anyone cleaning up after him like Evolution did. No one had the influence like that for McIntyre. Making mistakes meant being punished, and in his case, FIRED for them. McIntyre has said it already, he did deserve that. But McIntyre has spoken to so many people over those years, those who cleaned up the literal crap Orton has left behind! Orton should’ve been fired WAY MORE times than McIntyre!
Orton appears, with Ric Flair by his side! Orton has a mic and tells McIntyre he’s gonna stop him right there and ask, “Is my respect not enough?” Orton said McIntyre had his respect, but McIntyre is repaying Orton by telling the fans all this? If Orton didn’t want to be here, then why is he still here? Orton is here because he enjoys coming down the ramp, hitting RKO’s and punt kicking heads. Orton appreciates McIntyre’s fighting spirit, which will make it that much sweeter when Orton hits the RKO, the punt kick, and takes the title away. Now Orton should’ve been fired for all that? Well he’s right. Orton should’ve been fired multiple times! But McIntyre was because Orton is more valuable than McIntyre ever was or will be. Orton has been given third, fourth, fifth chances because he IS The Chosen One #ThenNowandForever.
Now it’s “real cute” that McIntyre is quoting legends like Edge. But Orton challenges McIntyre right now to come up with one opinion about Orton that’s his own. The key word, “original.” McIntyre puts his belt down and says if Orton wants McIntyre to “shoot,” then fine. McIntyre thinks Orton represents everything that is wrong with the WWE! Just like the others, we all watched The Last Ride. The most interesting part was Orton. Orton talked about how The Undertaker reached down, pulled Orton up to his level when he didn’t have to. HE didn’t, but why did he? Because Taker loves this industry and wants to preserve it. How many times can Orton honestly say over the last 20 years that he’s done the same? Never.
Has Orton ever sat down with a Kevin Owens, an Apollo Crews or a Mustafa Ali type, anyone at all, and passed on the knowledge that Shawn Michaels, Taker, HHH, or Ric Flair ever passed on? How about this? Ten years ago, there was a time when Orton went home and Edge reached out. McIntyre remembers being in catering, his world crumbling around him both professionally and personally. Orton could tell. McIntyre was far from home, his mother was sick, and he was self-destructing. Maybe something from Orton could’ve changed his life, but Orton didn’t even bother. McIntyre does not see a locker room leader. He does not see someone “the boys in the back” respect. McIntyre just sees “a selfish prick!”
So here is what happens at SummerSlam. McIntyre has receipts to cash in, not just from him. For guys on the current roster, from years ago, and every legend he has ever KICKED IN THE HEAD! McIntyre will RIP Orton’s head off, and Orton will sure as hell see it coming! The RKO or the Claymore, what move will decide the fate of not only the WWE World Championship, but both of these superstars?
Nia Jax talks with WWE official, Pat Buck.
She was fined for roughing him up last week, but it’s hard to be sure if she’s apologizing or expecting an apology. Either way, the Irresistible Force heads to the ring after the break!
Kevin Owens talks with Ruby and Liv backstage.
Are they good? Is the Riott Squad back full time? Before that can really be discussed, Ric Flair walks over! Ric says the Riott Squad was great, but needs to talk with Kevin. Ric has been following Kevin’s career, there’s history. Kevin is held in high esteem at the WWE. Everyone here loves Kevin. But Ric thinks Kevin is becoming the guy too worried about this and that, helping the others, when he should be helping himself! Kevin appreciates that, and all the advice Ric has ever given. Kevin isn’t being a guidance counselor, he was helping friends. He’s sacrificed friendships and done a lot of awful things just to get to the top. But now, Kevin is taking a new path. He wants to be the kind of person he’d look up to. What Orton could be if he wanted to but chooses not to. Does Ric get what he means?
Ric will let that slide as one of Orton’s friends. Instead of giving advice, Ric is warning Kevin to listen to him. “Mind your own business, take care of Kevin Owens, and maybe you’ll get a title match at SummerSlam.” Well, Ric,if you’re so worried about Kevin’s career, watch what kind of fight Kevin has. Just tell Orton to meet him in the ring next week. Really? Really, really. See you then. Will Kevin regret wanting Orton’s attention?
Nia Jax is in the ring.
Pat is right there with her as she has a mic. “I came out here tonight to own up to what I’ve done. And in the event you’re not sure what I’m referring to,” footage replays of Nia and Shayna brawling out of control. Nia used Pat to hit Shayna, then attacked him! Nia continues by saying she really takes to heart what the millions of fans who idolize her say. So when “a scrawny, undeserving little runt from WWE management who couldn’t cut the mustard in his own career steps to me, it’s my responsibility to step back.” Oh, hey, Pat, didn’t see you there still. She knows he wants an apology, but she’s giving him an opportunity to prove he’s wrong. Have a match against her, right now. Whoa, what? Pat tells her to hold on. He is in this ring for the apology.
Oh, Pat. You’ll get the apology after the match. IT can be settled right here! This is his big opportunity! All thanks to Nia! But she’ll do him a favor. She’ll start off real slow so his little legs can keep up. He wants the apology, nothing more. Is he scared? Even for a “little guy,” she hoped he’d have more fire. He is a ginger, after all. They don’t need to speak in private, say what you have to say. She pushes the mic into him, and he tells her, “After your unsanctioned actions against a WWE official, you are indefinitely suspended… Without pay!” Nia gets angry again, he has no authority to do that! She rips his jacket off and HEADBUTTS him! Pat can barely sit up! But Nia kicks him while he’s down! Pat flops out of the ring while Nia is fuming! How long will Nia sit and think about what she’s done?
R-Truth runs to the ring!
Akira Tozawa is chasing him and the 24/7 Championship belt! The ninjas are here, too! And Shelton Benjamin! They run all around ringside, but their match for that title will happen after the break!
WWE 24/7 Championship Triple Threat: Shelton Benjamin w/ The Hurt Business VS R-Truth VS Akira Tozawa!
Truth stole the belt but it isn’t his just yet! The Gold Standard of the Hurt Business is the one defending the belt, but can he hold onto it with two opponents after him?
The introductions are skipped since we saw them all come in. The belt is raised, and this wild situation finally becomes an official match!
Tozawa bails out but Truth throws hands on Shelton! Truth whips, Shelton reverses and hits a KNEE in the corner! Shelton snapmares Truth and rains down right hands at the ropes. Shelton stomps away but Tozawa rolls him up! TWO, and Tozawa focuses his power. Tozawa dodges, kicks, spins, slides under and fires off body shots! That do nothing… Shelton kicks low, lifts and POWERBOMBS Tozawa with authority!! Truth runs up, bobs ‘n’ weaves and throws hands back! The crowd fires up as Truth hits a leaping calf kick! Truth kicks low, runs again, but misses the scissor kick to get PAY DIRT! Shelton doesn’t cover, and a ninja handsprings in! He shows off his moves but his clothesline bounces off Shelton. Shelton BOOTS the ninja down!
Tozawa stays away as his ninja henchman is thrown out. But the other ninjas run in, only for MVP and Lashley to go after them! MVP throws one into barriers and the third endures the Almighty Full Nelson! But Tozawa hits his SUPER SENTON! Cover, Tozawa wins!!
Winner: Akira Tozawa, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)
The Hurt Business is losing their gold like a bad investment! Tozawa runs away with the title, who will give chase?
There’s some kind of match happening backstage?!
No ropes, a bunch of other men pounding the apron? Shane McMahon cheers them on as he talks to the cameras. He’s bringing something new to Raw, called the Raw Underground! Right here, 10 PM, more of whatever this is. See you there!
Backstage interview with Dominik Mysterio!
The son of Rey returns again, and answers why he continues to take these risks against Seth Rollins. He knows it might be crazy, but it’s easy to know why he’s doing this. He witnessed his father be blinded. It is understandable that Dominik’s mind isn’t in the right place. If anyone thinks he’s been crazy now, they’ll really think he’s crazy to challenge Rollins to a match at SummerSlam. That is pretty crazy, but also incredible! Will Dominik’s first match be a massive upset? Or just the only match he ever has?
Shayna Baszler VS Sasha Banks w/ Bayley!
The Queen of Spades called The Boss out and then knocked her down! Will #TwoBeltsBanks make her pay for that? Or will Shayna make her choose between #TapNapOrSnap?
The bell rings, Shayna and Sasha circle. Sasha pie faces Shayna, then SLAPS her! Shayna ducks the punch to hit a waistlock and slam, then another! Shayna drags Sasha around, shifts to a snapmare and fakes Sasha out with the kick, to pie face her back. Bayley is upset on Sasha’s behalf, but then Sasha gets up and throws a punch. Shayna blocks it to sweep her legs. Sasha swipes but her hand gets stomped! Shayna rolls Sasha to a cover, TWO! Sasha kicks low, says Shayna messed up, and reels her in. Shayna blocks the suplex, spins Sasha around, butterfly suplex to ARMBAR! Sasha rolls to the ropebreak and Shayna lets go. Bayley gets up on the apron but Shayna makes her back away. Shayna grabs Bayley’s hair but Sasha hits the arm with a code breaker! Sasha POSTS Shayna then rolls her up, TWO!
Sasha keeps on Shayna with a kick the the arm. Shayna backs off to shake out the arm but Sasha is on it! Sasha wraps the arm around ropes and pulls! The ref counts, Sasha lets go to kick Shayna in the corner. Sasha goes after the arm with a high keylock and Bayley talks trash. Shayna endures, fights up and throws hands. Shayna rams Sasha into buckles then rams her shoulder in. Shayna fires off, backs off at the ref’s count, and walks into Nightshade! Bayley is the only one cheering for Sasha as she kicks Shayna down. Sasha leaps, crossbody! Shayna rolls through, scoops Sasha, BACKBREAKER! The crowd rallies up as Sasha blocks a kick but Shayna blocks the knee. Kirafuda! Sasha drops, Shayna rolls her and kicks! Shayna has Sasha’s arm caught but Sasha rolls through, BANK STATEMENT!
Shayna endures the submission, pries the hold apart and fights her way up. Shayna scoops again, Sasha headscissors back! Sasha laughs, blocks a kick to KNEE, but Shayna ROUNDHOUSES back! Both women are down, and Asuka jumps Bayley! Asuka thrashes Bayley into barriers and the ref wants her to stop! Asuka runs into the ring, the match is thrown out as the Golden Role Models regroup!
No Contest
Asuka won’t let the Golden Role Models get away from what’s coming to them! What happens to them after the break?
Raw returns to an in-ring interview with Asuka.
The Empress of Tomorrow relives what happened last week as footage of the main event plays again. What is the update on Kairi Sane’s condition? “Kairi will be okay. But now, she’s not here. Sasha and Bayley are here, I am here!” So what Asuka wants is a rematch against Sasha Banks for the Raw Women’s Championship at SummerSlam! The crowd wants it, but Shayna speaks up. She’s not gonna fight Asuka right now. Shayna is cheering Asuka, really. She wants Asuka to win back that Raw Women’s Championship. Shayna will root, cheer and clap the entire time, because she is so excited to dismember Asuka and take that title from her. But the Golden Role Models have composed themselves to return to ringside.
Sasha laughs as she has a message for both Asuka and Shayna. “This is MY Raw Women’s Championship! Look at it! It’s mine!” But Asuka gets her rematch, only if she can beat a former NXT Women’s Champion, a member of the Four Horsewomen, and Sasha’s bestie, BAYLEY! Yes! Beating Bayley means Asuka gets her chance! Bayley sure seems surprised by that, but Asuka is raring to go! Will Bayley be ready for Asuka?
Angel Garza flirts with a young lady backstage.
He gets her number, she gets a rose. For those who don’t know, this is Demi Burnett from The Bachelor, so she knows all about getting roses. Andrade Almas walks over to say hello. Zelina Vega is right behind her. Demi doesn’t belong here. Oh yes she does! She’s a friend of Garza’s! Then they need to talk. Garza apologizes to Demi for that, promises to get her a seat and to be right back. El Idolo y El Latino both go up against the Street Profits in two singles matches! Will it be a sweep or a tie between the Raw Tag Team Champions and their challengers?
We check back in with “Raw Underground.”
One man counters the triangle hold into a dead lift POWERBOMB! The match is called, he is the winner! Shane says this is fun! But it looks like Isaiah “Swerve” Scott is disappointed in the other guy. Was there money on this match? And wow, there are… dancers here… Check out what more there is to come! And check on that guy, make sure he’s okay.
Raw returns to The Underground!
Shane is in his ring as a new wrestler steps up. He welcomes us to the hour with “very little rules, lots of excitement, carnage, chaos and quite frankly, lots of things I personally would like to see.” One thing he likes is a fight, like our next contest. “Where is Daba Cato?” Bring him in! Daba is a BIG man! At 7′ tall, at least 360 pounds, it is DABA CATO! And in the other corner, sorry, bro. The bell rings, Daba dodges a flying knee, and then grabs his opponent. His opponent throws hands but he throws knees! And hammers away with furious fists! That’s a TKO, Daba wins!
Winner: Daba Cato
Whose got next, boys? In comes some rando, but Daba is ready. The bell rings, Dbaa waits for his opponent ot kick to then catch for an ARM TRIANGLE SUPLEX! And a rain of forearms! Daba wins again!
Winner: Daba Cato, 2-0 win streak
An incredible showing, but he isn’t done until his opponent is dumped out of the ring! Shane tells Daba he’s good, but he’s on to the third round. Anyone wanna try? No? Well alright. Will Daba pile up bodies to give Shane more of what he likes?
Angelo Dawkins w/ Montez Ford VS Angel Garza w/ Zelina Vega!
The Raw Tag Team Champions party their way through the crowd as always, but will have to be ready for the fight against La Muneca’s alliance. First up is the #CurseOfGreatness and the Lethal Lothario! Will Garza make a good impression on his special guest?
Before the match, the Profits get the mics and welcome us to the show! But speaking of Raw, the longest episodic show in history, does Dawks remember last week when they got jumped at commentary? Yessir! But if things go right, Dawkins might holla at Garza’s friend. Demi from the Bachelor, you don’t need a rose from Garza. Come get a rose from Dawks! Focus, bro. Sorry! Ford likes how Garza walks around in his velvet track suit~! Jeda, it’s August and velvet does not breathe! Better step your game up to at least a polo. But tonight, they are put to the test against two of the best of the best. Vega is the secret sauce, muy caliente. But SummerSlam will be about the Raw Tag Team Champions and a bond like James! Vega put those two together. Dawks may say “fam” a lot, but Tez IS family.
Things get serious now as Ford takes off the sunglasses. You attack him and his brother twice, the games are done. Why? Because the Profits are up, and #WeWantTheSmoke! With things getting fired up, Garza and company make their entrance. Will things explode with these two heated 1v1 match-ups?
The bell rings, Dawkins powers Garza to a corner and fires off hands! Garza shoves back, but gets POST! Garza flops out, Dawkins runs out to POUNCE him into Plexiglas! Garza is down in a heap as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns and Dawkins has Garza down with an armlock. Garza endures, fights up and fights back, knees low and clubs away. Garza runs, into Dawkin’s FLAPJACK! Cover, ONE, but Dawkins keeps on Garza with a facelock. Garza reverses the whip, hurdles over but so does Dawkins. Dawkins shoves and dropkicks Garza down! Cover, TWO! Dawkins stays on Garza while Demi watches backstage. Garza fights back and she cheers, Dawkins hits back and she frowns. Dawkins lifts but Garza fights out of the bomb. Garza gets to the corner, off come the pants! Garza leaps to missile dropkick Dawkins down! Garza is furious and dares Dawkins to get the smoke! But Dawkins powers out of the underhooks to ROCK Garza with that right!
Dawkins hits the cyclone splash then the bulldog! Ford fires up with Dawkins and makes himself dizzy. Is he okay? What happened? Dawkins checks on Ford as he leans against the announce desk. Ford says he’s okay, but Garza SUPERKICKS Dawkins down! Garza hits a basement dropkick! Cover, Garza wins!!
Winner: Angel Garza, by pinfall
Demi is happy, but what happened with Ford? Ford has to have his match next, but can he?
Montez Ford w/ Angelo Dawkins VS Andrade Almas w/ Zelina Vega!
Raw returns with this match already underway. Ford standing switches the waistlock, but Almas pries free to hit a shoulder breaker. Almas waistlocks Ford but Ford resists the lift. Ford pries out of the hold, wrenches through, then waistlocks back. Almas reaches back, wrenches through and hits another shoulder breaker. Almas has a wirstlock, Ford rolls, rolls and handsprings to wrench and waistlock again. Ford CLUBS Almas, headlocks, but Almas endures. Almas powers up to back suplex Ford high and hard! Almas stomps Ford down then CHOPS him to a corner! Almas chokes Ford on the ropes, the ref counts and Almas lets up at 4.
Almas drags Ford up, throws knees then shoves and kicks him down. Ford is back on ropes, Almas pulls him back against them! Ford wobbles to his feet but Almas knees low again! Almas stomps Ford, throws him out of the ring, and leaves him to the ring count for a moment. Almas and Garza both go to Ford but Dawkins keeps Garza back. Almas kicks Ford, whips him but Ford reverses to send Almas into barriers! Vega coaches Almas while Garza checks. Almas and Ford are up at the count of 4, and in the ring at the count of 5. Ford stomps away on Almas now, then rains down rights! Almas slips out, staggers away but Ford pursues. Almas uses the ropes as defense to then sucker punch Ford down!
The crowd boos as Ford shakes the cobwebs out, only for Almas to BOOT him down! Almas clubs Ford, brings him up and suplexes! Cover, TWO! Almas keeps on Ford with a chinlock and grinds him down. The crowd rallies, Ford fights up, fights back, but Almas ROCKS him with another right. Ford comes back to LARIAT! Ford rallies, whips but Almas reverses. Ford goes up and over and hits a leaping clothesline! The crowd fires up with Ford as he glares at Almas with wild eyes. Ford goes corner to corner, but Almas BOOTS him right down! Almas hops up, Ford dropkicks him down first! Vega coaches Almas but Ford FLIES! Direct hit at the ramp! Ford gets back in to use the power of the ropes! But that again wears him out!! The ref calls it, something is definitely wrong!
No Contest
The ref tells Vega’s team to back off, they need medics. Medics check on Ford, but it isn’t clear what is going on. Will Ford be able to stand or even speak?
Buddy Murphy watches what he did to Aleister Black.
Just like his Monday Night Messiah, the Disciple dug the steel steps into Aleister’s eyes. Seth Rollins is there, and says Murphy made the right decision. Rollins is proud of Murphy, and Murphy should be proud of himself. The past is the past. Tonight is about the future. Speaking of that, has Rollins thought about Dominik’s SummerSlam challenge? Personally, it’s ridiculous. Dominik hasn’t wrestled a match, is not even a WWE superstar, and literally saw his father be sacrificed in front of the world. It is ridiculous, right? Rollins does not answer. Will he have an answer soon?
We return to Raw Underground!
Shane keeps the dancers from fighting each other, that is not why they’re here. Unless they want to get in the ring next week. But now, the Viking Raiders have joined the fun! Erik steps up, it’s time to fight! His opponent is Mike Reed, and the bell rings. Erik keeps his guard up, tackles Reed to the mat and rains down rights! Reed gets up but gets a SLAM and more fists! Then a dead lift GERMAN! Erik dumps his opponent out of the ring but that doesn’t end the fight! Ivar puts Reed back in and Erik hits big knees! Then Ace Ten Mao! Shane calls it, Erik wins!
Winner: Erik
Wow, Reed is OUT! Shane applauds Erik and raises his hand in victory! Who else will step up in Raw Underground?
Raw gives a medical update on Montez Ford.
Ford fainted as he did his rope shaking move, but why? Charly is at the trainer’s room as Garza walks over. Garza tells Charly not to be afraid. People like them, with full hearts, have a tendency to feel things strongly. He gives her a rose, but then Vega and Almas come over. We are all concerned about Ford. Ford is an amazing competitor, and an even better champion. But on that topic, she can’t help but wonder what this means for the titles. Come SummerSlam- Wait! Dawkins comes out. The update on Ford isn’t 100%, but the doctors are saying Ford was poisoned?! And Bianca Belair is here!
Belair was looking for Vega. She has one chance to even say what happened before she hurts Vega. Vega didn’t do anything! Uh, Belair’s husband was poisoned, so she knows one of them did something! SummerSlam is coming, and we all know Vega is the brains. Well yes she’s the brains, but she would not do something like this! Belair takes off the earrings, and SLUGS Vega! Dawkins holds Belair back, Almas and Garza both hold Vega back! Things are going down a dark path, but what is the truth behind all this?!
Raw has security footage!
A group of hooded figures are causing trouble?! They threw a fireball at a power generator! But then they run off before security comes! Who are these people? What are they doing!?
Backstage interview with The Hurt Business.
They’re dressed to leave but Charly asks them about their rough day. MVP failed to capture the United States Championship and Shelton lost the WWE 24/7 Championship. The pattern is going a certain way and- Wait, this is supposed to count as journalism? Mysterious accidents backstage, power glitches, people throwing Molotov cocktails, but she asks about their matches? Lashley mentions that Raw Underground “stunt.” She asks them not getting it done, but she should be talking about the sabotage! Shelton says this is quite coincidental with how “Raw Underground” showed up. Charly didn’t say anything about it, she just knows that’s where Raw Underground is. Then the Hurt Business has a plan.
Seth Rollins heads to the ring!
The Monday Night Messiah, with Disciple by his side, looks to address the WWE Universe directly. Murphy hands him a mic, and Rollins says, “Before I issue a statement regarding Dominik Mysterio and his challenge,” he and Murphy have some… “housekeeping” to do. Rollins calls out Tom Philips on commentary. “If you don’t mind, I would like to ask you a few questions.” Does Tom consider himself a professional? Does he consider himself an unbiased journalist? Rollins walks to commentary as he asks if Tom takes pride in his “body of work.” Rollins wants to ask Tom, “What were you doing last week when Rey Mysterio’s stupid kid was assaulting me with a kendo stick?”
To JOG HIS MEMORY, Tom was cheering Dominik on! Tom was inciting Dominik’s rage! Does Tom understand what that means?! Tom’s voice matters! What Tom says matters as the voice of Raw! Tom is part of the greater good, whether he likes it or not! What Tom say sis important because the fans hear it, it goes into their brains, and that is what they think. It is Tom’s JOB to call things down the middle! Not to skew things, slant things, or create bias! He is then doing a poor job. And if he is doing a poor job, then he becomes a liability. So Rollins feels the time has come to find a new voice of Raw. Murphy, take him. Samoa Joe steps up! “That ain’t gonna happen, gentlemen.”
Does Rollins think he can just bully them? Joe tells them to go back to the ring, finish speaking, or Joe can slap Rollins and beat down his disciple in front of him. If Rollins is worried about Tom, Joe will make this clear: he was laughing hardest of all! Rollins tells Joe he doesn’t want to do this. No, Seth, he does. Joe takes off the headset, Rollins and Murphy back off but dare Joe to get in the ring! Then it’s out of Rollins’ hands! The tension builds but Raw goes to break! Will Joe be able to finally humble the ego of The Architect?
Raw returns and Joe is still in a standoff with Rollins and Murphy!
They have chairs, he doesn’t. But while Rollins eggs Joe on, he doesn’t see Dominik return with ANOTHER kendo stick! And he SMACKS away on Rollins and Murphy! Rollins gets the stick from Dominik while Joe hops back on commentary to hype this up! Rollins swings, Dominik dodges and Murphy gets hit! Dominik TACKLES Rollins! Dominik throws fast hands on Rollins! Dominik wrecks Murphy with a swinging dropkick, then chop blocks Rollins onto the ropes! Dominik does his dad proud by dialing it up, to 6 1 9!! Rollins bails out and Dominik climbs up!? HUGE CROSSBODY! Dominik takes down Rollins and Murphy, then takes the ring back!
Dominik swings a chair but Rollins shouts! “I’ve had enough! You’ve jumped in way over your head!!” Dominik wants Rollins at SummerSlam? CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!! Will Dominik finally avenge his father and everyone else Rollins has “sacrificed”?
We return to Raw Underground!
Dolph Ziggler is in the ring?! And he’s schooling his opponent on mat wrestling. Is that Jake Atlas? Atlas pushes Ziggler to a jackknife but Ziggler slips off to rain down rights! Ziggler turns Atlas over, has the body scissor mount and clubs away. He gets Atlas in a sleeper, Atlas taps!
Winner: Dolph Ziggler
That is what they’re looking for! The Hurt Business waltzes in and Shane welcomes them. Does MVP have something to say? Shane hands him the mic. MVP has a LOT to say. “Ladies and gentlemen, this is Raw Underground, but however, I have an announcement to make.” On behalf of the CEO of the Hurt Business, this place is under new management! Lashley is in the ring as the Hurt Business has a hostile takeover in motion! They like to fight? Hurt Business came to fight! Who wants to step up to the Rocky Mountain Machine? Chase Parker does! He gets in, gets a GUT WRENCH POWERBOMB, and then gets a BIG right hand! Lashley knocked that man OUT!
Winner: Bobby Lashley
MVP wants in on this action. He takes off his jacket and “tags in.” He dares someone to take MVP, but he first picks someone out of the crowd. Shelton shoves the man. Lashley drags him up for MVP and MVP gets him with a judo takedown! And a rain of right hands! Point-blank forearms! The ref calls it, MVP wins!
Winner: MVP
Lashley dumps the rando out, but who wants Shelton? This guy just insulted Mama Benjamin! Get him, Shelton! Wait is that Brennan Williams?! Is this what he does now that he’s not on commentary? The Shogun steps up, but gets TACKLED DOWN! Shelton rains down forearms and then rams in knees! Swerve and his friends coach Brennan but he’s already beaten!
Winner: Shelton Benjamin
Anyone else?! Wait, there’s someone! Uh, no, he was just… Too late! It’s a brawl! Swerve and his buddies get hurt by the Hurt Business! Anyone who can runs away before they get hit! Who else wants some!? Shane likes this! He wants the Hurt Business to stick around! That’s what it is to be in Raw Underground! But will anyone want to fight after this change in management? “Ladies and gentlemen, we are the Hurt Business. And Business is booming.”
My Thoughts:
This was perhaps the wildest Raw in a good, long time, and for the better! The ongoing thread through the night was this apparent rise in chaos backstage, with what appear to be a group of anarchists running amok. I have no idea if this is the “new faction” WWE hyped for their show, or there are wires crossed about what is happening when. But there was also the return of Shane McMahon, and the creation of Raw Underground. It had pseudo-shoot fighting, gave us the call-up of Babatunde as Daba Cato, dragged 205 Live wrestlers in to be both jobbers and fans, had ladies dancing around, and tied into the Hurt Business story. It was like part of what WWE tried to make their ECW but also a bunch of other stuff, and somehow it worked out to be really good.
Speaking of the Hurt Business, them losing their titles might have been a big part of getting involved with Raw Underground to make this a bigger story, and I for one look forward to where they’re going with this. Tozawa has the title, so he and Truth can continue their rivalry while perhaps also bringing in some new people. Of course, that implies Raw can throw anyone else in. A lot of people have stories, but this could also be the moment for someone underutilized between Raw, 205 Live and the Performance Center to shine. Apollo did what I figured in keeping MVP’s belt for THE belt, but I really liked how he framed retiring the old belt. In fact, that might be a shoot. His kids are probably holding up that belt as we speak as a great gift from dad.
Kevin Owens takes his Face turn in a new direction with how he helped reunite Liv and Ruby. Ruby and Liv had a good match with the IIconics but it ended quick, so definitely expect many rematches as a way to build up contenders for the WWE Women’s Tag titles on the side. Then Kevin tying into the Randy Orton story is great, Kevin and Orton will have a great match next week. McIntyre’s promo was INCREDIBLE! Those shots taken at Orton were strong. Their title match at SummerSlam is going to be great stuff, especially given the glimpses we got before the lockdowns. That match could go either way and I don’t think it’d hurt anyone or be a letdown.
The Raw Tag Team Championship story and Women’s Championships story both took wild but really fun turns tonight. I never thought I’d see a story that goes into someone being POISONED. It might mostly be for the sake of bringing Bianca back into this, but she needed to be a part of this anyhow. Nia getting suspended might be a way of preserving her different feuds. Shayna is going after the titles while Charlotte is resting up. Charlotte and Nia will probably return at relatively close times, probably in time for a Big Four like Survivor Series or Royal Rumble.
Meanwhile, Shayna sucker punching Sasha was amazing! A “No Contest” finish was to preserve things there, since Shayna is more than happy to wait. It speaks to her love of fighting that she wants Asuka, who is definitely considered the more dangerous all on her own. Asuka VS Bayley next week will be great, Asuka VS Sasha for SummerSlam will be great, and Asuka VS Shayna will be great. I hope they do it up big since it also boils down to proving who is the most dominant (former) NXT Woman’s Champion ever. Speaking of, how could Bayley NOT see Sasha was going to sell her out to Asuka? Sasha said she was going to choose an NXT Four Horsewoman. Sasha isn’t going to do it because she’s trying to avoid Asuka. Charlotte is out recovering and Becky is pregnant. Bayley was it by default! But hey, guess this is a way to circle back to the dysfunction between them.
My Score: 8.8/10
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Could this be the biggEST and strongEST SmackDown of the year?
SmackDown in Knoxville sees the returns of Bianca Belair, Cody Rhodes and John Cena, along with some final Money in the Bank qualifiers!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier Triple Threat: Jade Cargill VS Naomi VS Nia Jax; Naomi wins and advances to Money in the Bank.
- R-Truth VS JC Mateo w/ Solo Sikoa; Mateo wins.
- Rey Fenix & Je’Von Evans VS Los Garza w/ Santos Escobar; Los Garza win.
- Zelina Vega VS Alba Fyre w/ The Green Administration; Zelina wins.
- Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier Triple Threat: Carmelo Hayes VS Andrade VS Jacob Fatu; Andrade wins and advances to Money in the Bank.
PLAY BY PLAY
Bianca Belair is here!
Knoxville fires up for their strongEST, fastEST, quickEST, toughEST, roughEST, and greatEST hometown hero as she struts out to the ring. Bianca high-fives and hugs fans along the ramp, as well as mom and dad at ringside. Bianca then grabs a mic to say, “Man, it feels good to be in Knoxville!” The fans cheer and chant for “EST! EST!” Bianca says she loves them so much. And she couldn’t come out here without singing Rocky Top! Y’all ready? The fans cheer, and the music plays! Bianca conducts the fans as they sing for the University of Tennessee. In fact, the Lady Vols softball team is playing in the Super Regionals right now!
Bianca smiles and says this city is so special to her. Not just because it is her hometown, but because it is her safe space. She has her love and support from mom ‘n’ dad, and has all the fans who show up and show out for her. With everything Bianca’s been going through, losing at Mania, getting injured, losing tag titles and friends along the way, she just wanted to come back home to her safe space. The fans cheer, and Bianca says she came home to heal. While she’s not 100%, she is doing everything she can to get back to the ring and continue to show us why she is the EST of Tennessee and of WWE! The fans cheer that!
Bianca says with all that said, Knoxville, welcome to Friday Night SmackDown! But wait, she’s interrupted by Naomi! The fans boo but Naomi says, “Oh my gosh~! Finally! B, I am so glad you finally here on SmackDown!” Bianca says now is not the time, Naomi. Naomi asks Bianca to please hear her out. It has been way too long. Not a day has gone by when Naomi doesn’t think about what happened to them. What is there to talk about? What could Naomi say? What could she want from Bianca? The fans chant “YOU SUCK!” at Naomi, and Naomi says she just wants forgiveness. She is begging for it!
Naomi knows things go toff the rails, but she is here because she wants to fix it, she is trying to fix it, but she alone can’t fix it. Months have gone by, and Naomi has tried to communicate, to say the past can be the past and that they can move forward. Bianca has not responded back to Naomi once. Naomi even visited Bianca’s parent’s house! But no one would answer! WHAT?! Mom ‘n’ Dad don’t know about that, but Naomi says no one was home, so she let herself in! Naomi looked through the photo albums, the one right on the front coffee table. And in those photos, Bianca looked so happy. It reminded Naomi of how they were as tag team champions.
Bianca stops Naomi there. Naomi, Bianca will make this perfectly clear. They were best friends, but Naomi betrayed Bianca’s trust. Naomi took their friend, Jade, and threw her onto a car, then lied about it for months! Bianca said she was done with Naomi, she meant that, and if Naomi ever comes near her family again, what Naomi did to Jade will be nothing compared to what Bianca does to Naomi. The fans fire up for that! Naomi gets emotional, but then she gets mad. “Y’know, Bianca, it wouldn’t be good for you and your mama to be in a wheelchair.” The fans boo as Naomi laughs maniacally. Naomi says she’d hate if something happened to Bianca here and now!
Naomi storms up on Bianca, but then JADE makes her way out here! Naomi is even angrier now, but this Storm starts throwing hands! The fans fire up as Jade BOOTS Naomi down! Bianca and Jade look to each other, neither really saying or doing anything. Naomi runs up but Jade TOSSES her out! Jade and Bianca look to each other again, but then here comes NIA! The Irresistible Force won’t be left out of this, especially when this is the Women’s Triple Threat Qualifier for the night! This match now opens the night, who earns SmackDown’s final golden ticket to the Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match?
Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier Triple Threat: Jade Cargill VS Naomi VS Nia Jax!
SmackDown returns, this match is already going, and Naomi POSTS Nia! Naomi stalks Jade, rains down forearms, and the fans boo. Naomi stomps to BITE Jade’s hand! Jade still fights back, so Naomi has the arms to STOMP Jade down! Naomi flexes, the fans boo, and Naomi puts Jade in a corer. Naomi runs to DROPKICK Jade in the corner! Naomi SLAPS Jade, drags her into the drop zone, then goes up, up, and twerks! HIP DROP! Naomi covers, ROPEBREAK! Naomi is annoyed but she sits Jade up to stomp a mudhole in. But Nia runs up! Naomi dodges, the HIP ATTACK hits Jade! Naomi goes to the apron to ROUNDHOUES Nia!
Naomi reels Nia in for a HEATSEEKER! Nia flops to the floor, the fans rally for Jade, but Naomi kicks her around. Naomi goes up the corner, leaps, but Jade catches her! Jade FALL AWAY SLAMS Naomi, then kips up! Knoxville fires up with Jade and she runs up to LARIAT! And ELBOW! And SCRAPBUSTER! Cover, Nia breaks it! The fans boo but Nai huffs ‘n’ puffs and drags Naomi up. Nia whips Naomi, pops her up and HEADBUTTS her down! Then she SAMOAN DROPS Naomi! Nia soaks up heat, then lines the two up. Naomi grabs at Nia’s leg but Nia CLUBS her down! Nia stomps Jade for good measure, then drops a leg, brother!
Nia TOSSES Jade out, then goes up the corner. Nia SUPER LEG DROPS on Naomi!! Cover, TWO!!! Naomi survives and Nia is shocked! The fans rally while Nia stalks Naomi. Naomi clings to ropes as Nia pulls at her arm. Nia CLUBS Naomi, whips her to ropes, then SAMOAN DROP- NO, Naomi makes it a CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Ghost pin, TWO!! Nia survives the sudden turnaround, Naomi sees Jade crawling in, and Naomi goes after her as SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Naomi KICKS Nia while she’s down, then kicks her more. Naomi puts Nia in a corner, CHOKES her on the ropes, then clamps on with a SLEEPER! Nia THROWS Naomi away, then TOSSES her out. Nia soaks up heat, but Jade runs in and rolls Nia up! TWO! Nia stands, and she HEADBUTTS Jade down! Nia looms over Jade, drags her up, but Jade fires forearms! Jade backs Nia down, then runs, and she CLOBBERS Nia outta the ring! Jade fires up and has the fans with her. Jade drags Naomi up from the apron but Naomi fires hands. Nia is back to HIP ATTACK Jade against the POST! Nia soaks up more heat, then taunts Naomi.
Naomi stands on the apron, argues with Nia, but they apparently agree to mug Jade for both their benefit. They put Jade in the corner, Naomi digs her boot in, and then Nia sends Naomi in for a SPALSH! Nia adds a SPLASH of her own! Naomi snapmares Jade, runs, and SLIDING LARIATS! Jade sputters and Nia taunts her. Nia and Naomi soak up the heat together, but Jade fights back! Nia HEADBUTTS Jade down! Nia drags Jade up, and Naomi KICKS Jade low! They soak up more heat, talk trash on Jade, and SmackDown returns to single picture. Nia scoops and SIDEWALK SLAMS! Naomi runs to SPLIT LEG DROP! Cover, but Nia drags Naomi away!
Nia and Naomi argue again, and then Naomi rolls Nia up! ONE, and Nia grabs Naomi to shove her to a corner! Nia SPLASHES, then pushes Naomi down. Nia runs to SENTON! Nia grins while Naomi sputters and the fans rally up. Jade rises to fire forearms on Nia! Then she ELBOWS Naomi in a corner! She ELBOWS Nia, but then Nia follows Jade! Jade dodges so Nia SPLASHES Naomi! Jade then SUPERKICKS! Nia wobbles, Jade SUPERKICKS again! And SPINEBUSTERS! But Naomi METEORAS! Cover, TWO! Jade survives and the fans rally up. Naomi goes up, SPLIT- LEG MOONSAULT on Nia! But Jade has Naomi in the chicken wings!
Jade brings Naomi around, JADED!! Cover, Nia CLOBBERS them both! The fans rally while all three women are down! Nia climbs a corner, Jade is after her with forearms! Naomi joins in, drags Jade back, but now they trade shots! Nia DOUBLE CROSSBODIES! Cover on Jade, TWO! Cover on Naomi, TWO! Nia grows frustrated but the fans rally up again. Nia drag Naomi up, fireman’s carries, and she climbs the corner! The fans already anticipate what’s coming, SUPER SAMOAN DROP!! Cover, JADE FROG SPLASHES IN!! Cover, TWO!!! The fans fire up while all three women are down again! “This is Awesome!”
Jade rises, she clamps onto Nia, but Nia HEADBUTTs her! And HEADBUTTS Naomi! Jade BOOTS Nia down! Cover, TWO! Jade runs up on Naomi but Naomi BOOTS her! Naoim goes up top but Jade is right on her! They fight for control, but then Nia joins in! TOWER OF DOOM!! Nia double stacks her opponents, for a A-NIA-LATOR!! Naomi avoids it, Jade takes it all! Naomi ghost pins Nia, AND WINS!!
Winner: Naomi, by pinfall (advances to Money in the Bank)
Nia did a lot of the damage, but it is Naomi who wins out! Will everyone in the Women’s MITB Ladder Match now have to #ProceedWithCaution?
Solo Sikoa’s crew arrives.
Solo says they will win Money in the Bank together! Jacob Fatu, Solo Sikoa, whichever one wins MITB wins it fof the family! But then they hear R-Truth talking to… Lil’ Jimmy? Solo says Truth’s childhood hero beats him, and now he’s talking to ghosts. Truth taps Solo on the shoulder and asks if there’s something Solo wants to say. Solo says Truth is crazy touching him. JC Mateo steps up but Solo has him stand down. Truth says he wants to be honest. He’s never seen JC a day before in his life. Is this Solo’s son? He’s husky! Truth asks if he can teach Solo’s husky son a lesson in the ring. Solo says that sounds good to him.
Truth says he’ll go talk to Nick Aldis. “Boy, y’all big boneded!” Truth heads off, and Solo says don’t worry, they’ll take care of him. Let’s have fun. Fatu says keep it 100. They can have their fun, he’s got his own business to take care of. Yadada mean? The Imperial Unit against Truth, Samoan Werewolf in a qualifier, will everything go the family’s way?
Chelsea Green confronts Nick Aldis.
The Hot Mess hides behind a cardboard cutout of herself as she tells the SmackDown General Manager, “What happened on Saturday night was a deliberate-” Piper Niven has to direct Chelsea to point at Aldis, and Aldis says he can’t quite understand her from behind the cardboard mask. Piper holds the mask between Chelsea and camera, though we do get a glimpse of her fancy headgear. Chelsea repeats herself, but Aldis says she needs to be looking at him when they talk. Chelsea hides her face in shame, but she says it is still a deliberate hitjob put on by vicious Zelina Vega! Even her Secret Her-vice could not stop it!
Chelsea demands that Zelina be suspended, stripped of her title, and that Chelsea be reinstated as the champion! Chelsea, no need to be so ugly about this. Gasp! Aldis says what he means is, no suspensions, and we can talk a rematch down the road once Chelsea is medically cleared. Then he is doing nothing for what Zelina did to Chelsea?! Alba says if he won’t, then they will! Yeah, Zelina VS Alba! Tonight! Alba is a bit surprised, but Aldis says, “Chelsea knows best. Alba VS Zelina, I actually like the sound of that. I will make that official right now, if you do one thing for me. Please leave me alone.”
The Green Administration hurries away, but will Alba make sure Chelsea brand justice is served? Or will La Muneca just keep racking up the wins?
Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Champion, and says that MITB is around the corner. Tiff successfully cashed in her own contract to become champion, but how is she handling the pressure of knowing the same thing could happen to her? Tiff says she can’t wait to see who wins MITB. Then she can handle the pressure by being prepared. Having this title makes her the top threat to the division, but let’s be fair. She’s always been the girl everyone has been obsessed with. So whoever wins, targeting her will be a big mistake. But then in steps Naomi.
Naomi says if Tiff thought Nia was a problem, then she ain’t seen nothing yet. Naomi vows to win MITB and cash in for Tiff’s title, wherever and whenever she wants. And in case Lil’ Miss Tiffy forgot, when Naomi was fighting for a championship, Tiff stayed in Naomi’s way. Wanna know what happens when people play with Naomi? Just ask Jade. Naomi heads out, and Alexa Bliss steps in. Alexa says she wouldn’t be so worried about Naomi. Be worried about Alexa. Alexa heads out now, Tiff clutches to the title a little bit tighter, who will be trying to run the clock out on Tiffy Time?
R-Truth VS JC Mateo w/ Solo Sikoa!
To Solo’s point, #RonCena could not make John Cena see the light at Saturday Night’s Main Event, and Truth might be relapsing if he’s talking to Lil’ Jimmy again. But will Truth relapse so far that we get the R-Truth that was once United States Champion? Or will a Tour of the Islands send Truth off the deep end?
SmackDown returns and JC makes his entrance, Solo backing him up. The bell rings and Truth runs up, only for JC to RAM him into a corner! JC RAMS Truth again and again, then lets off. JC whips corner to corner hard and Truth falls in a heap! JC whips corner to corner again just as hard, and Truth falls in a heap again. Solo talks trash but the fans rally behind Truth. JC runs up but Truth dodges! Truth SHOULDER TACKLES! JC stays up, so Truth runs and SHOULDER TACKLES! “What’s Up?” Truth runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and SHOULDER TACKLES! Then he hits the SPIN OUT- CROSSBODY! JC then gets up to GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT!
JC smirks as he looms over Truth, and Solo says to finish this off now. JC runs to SENTON but Truth moves! Truth calls for it! “YOU CAN’T SEE ME!” FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Truth fireman’s carries JC, but JC is too much! Truth falls over again! Solo laughs, JC whips, TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! Cover, JC wins!
Winner: JC Mateo, by pinfall
Truth tried to be like John Cena of old, but it just wasn’t meant to be. JC beats up on Truth more, then stands him up for Solo! But here comes BIG Jim! Jimmy has a chair, he runs JC off, but Solo stands his ground. Solo says his brother wouldn’t hit him with that chair, would he? Jimmy steps to Solo so Solo steps out, but that lets JC CLOBBER Jimmy! But then Solo has JC stand down! They’re family! Solo and JC leave, leaving Jimmy wondering what this is about. Will Jimmy make it clear to Solo that Jimmy’s not the one who has to come to his senses?
The Street Profits are here!
The WWE Tag Team Champions walk through the smoke to be on stage and the fans cheer. Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford hold up the titles, walk to the ring, then step inside. The fans cheer as they hold up the belts again, then the Profits grab the mics. Ford says, “Knoxville, Tennessee, oh I love everything about you, and what I have, too. But lemme rap to y’all real fast. This tag team division that we’re a part of, the greatest tag team division on any brand, any promotion… It’s on fire right now.” Dawkins says, “Talk to ’em.” Ford says, “But just like how the gorilla fears us, make no mistake about it, let’s not forget who’s leading the charge right now: The Street Profits.”
The fans cheer, and Dawkins says hey, they got all the teams coming at ’em! DIY, Motor City Machine Guns, Fraxiom, and now… The Wyatts?! The fans cheer that, and Ford says that’s sick. But what big bro is saying, it don’t matter who it is, the Profits will defend against anybody. Well hold on, here comes Fraxiom! Nathan Frazer & Axiom go to the ring to stand with the Profits, and they have mics. Frazer says alright, since the Profits are talking about defending the titles, well, Frazer & Axiom didn’t exactly get a fair shake. Ford says, “Fraxiom, is it?” He congratulates them for being on a roll, but up until the Wyatt Sick6 got in the Profits’ business…
Yeah, the Profits had them beat. Wow, oh, okay. Sure, maybe… But maybe not. Thanks to the Wyatts, we’ll never know. And now that those shenanigans are behind us, it is fair to say that Fraxiom and the Profits need to run it back! The fans like the sound of that! But wait, here come the Machine Guns! Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin have mics, and Shelley says okay, hold on, sorry to interrupt. Fraxiom’s entire basis for a rematch is that the Profits never beat them. Well, last time Shelley checked, the Profits never beat MCMG! So if they’re handing out title matches, MCMG will take one. But naturally, here comes DIY!
Tommaso Ciampa, Johnny Gargano, and Candice LeRae have their own mics, and the Poison Pixie says no no no no. She is pretty sure “you losers” have had a million chances, and “the nerds” just got here. Whoa, hold on? Just got here? Sounds like Candice just got back, so she should do us a favor and shut up. Gargano says you shut up, idiot! The reason DIY brought in Gargano’s beautiful wife is to even the odds against all of what this is! Everyone can see there is a conspiracy in the tag team division to hold down the BTTITW! And now with the Wyatts showing up- Ciampa has Gargano ixnay on the amily-fay.
Do not talk about you know who, scratch that, let’s get to business. All these teams have all KILLED the tag division that DIY built! Matter of fact, let us hold a moment of silence for the death of the SmackDown Tag Division. Everyone, stand up, bow your heads, and give a moment of silence… now. OH NO! The lights go out! All the teams panic, because when the lights turn on, UNCLE HOWDY is on the corner! Howdy laughs, because the rest of the Wyatts flank the ring! Erick Rowan drags MCMG out to DOUBLE LARIAT! Dexter Lumis is up top to CANNONBALL onto the Profits and Gargano! Joe Gacy is in, and he handsprings to bring Fraxiom to the UPSIDE-DOWN!!
Lumis then runs, POWERBOMB SENTON COMBO on Axiom! Ciampa freaks out, turns around, and Nikki Cross is there! CROSSBODY onto Candice! The fans fire up, and Howdy has Frazer for SISTER ABIGAIL! “We’re here!!” It is just as the Profits said, and now it is clear. Will some killer combination of the Wyatts go right after the gold?
Rey Fenix & Je’Von Evans VS Los Garza w/ Santos Escobar!
Worlds Collide is just over a week away, and all four of these men will be involved. The Immortal Firebird and the Young OG are going after the NXT North American Championship in a Fatal 4 Way while Legado Del Fantasma will be taking on AAA’s Pagano, Psycho Clown y El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. Who will be heading for Los Angeles with all the momentum behind them?
Speaking of that North American Championship, the champion is here! Ethan Page joins commentary and says what a year for him, to be honest. Wade says that title has never looked better than on Ethan’s shoulder. Fenix makes his entrance now, followed by Je’Von’s. The teams sort out and Fenix starts against Angel. Angel and Fenix circle, the fans rally up, and the two tie up. Angel fires a forearm, Fenix fires back, repeat! Fenix gets the edge but Angel shoves then drops down. Fenix cartwheels over the dropdown, then comes back, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and RANAS! Angel tumbles, the fans fire up, and Fenix somersaults, but into a fireman’s carry!
Fenix slips free, ripcords to ROUNDHOUSE, but Angel HEADBUTTS! Both men stagger back, tags to Berto and Je’Von! Je’Von dodges and springboards to BOUNCY~ roll-up! TWO, and Berto mule kicks! Berto CLUBS Je’Von, whips, but Je’Von reverses and slips around. Berto bucks the O’Conner, springboards and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Berto drags Je’Von up, but Je’Von kicks! Berto blocks, but the ENZIGIRI hits! Je’Von runs up, and BOUNCY~ RANAS! The fans fire up and Je’Von DROPKICKS! Berto bails out, Angel runs in, but Je’Von goes Matrix to dodge! Je’Von kips up, and STUNNERS! Angel flops back and the fans fire up!
Los Garza regroups, Je’Von tags Fenix, and they build speed, but have to dodge Angel first. Fenix SOBATS, Je’Von KICKS, and both men ENZIGIRI! Berto is up top, he leaps, but into DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO! Fenix runs to basement CALF KICK! Cover, TWO! Berto stays in this for Los Garza while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Fenix drags Berto up to RAM him into the corner. Tag to Je’Von and they mug Berto. Berto fires hands back on Je’Von, but Je’Von headlocks. Berto powers up and out and Angel tags in. Berto drop toeholds Je’Von into Angel’s KNEE at the ropes! Angel TEARS OFF HIS PANTS! Angel drapes those over Je’Von before he KICKS Je’Von in the side! Angel stalks Je’Von to the corner, tags Berto, and they shove Je’Von for a double hip toss, TU LO SABE! Then DOUBLE SUPERKICK! Berto covers, TWO! Berto argues the count but the ref defends it. Berto shoves Je’Von to ELBOW him down! Berto then DUMPS Je’Von down to be under the ropes.
Tag to Angel and Berto sits Je’Von up on the apron. Angel runs to KNEE Je’Von down! Santos joins in with Los Garza as they soak up the heat, and Angel drags Je’Von back in. Angel stands Je’Von up, hoists him to the top rope, then climbs up behind him. Angel CLUBS away on Je’Von, mocks the clapping, and he THROWS Je’Von down. Angel KICKS Je’Von in the arm and Je’Von clutches his hand. Angel drags Je’Von to the ropes, CHOKES him, and the ref reprimands. The ref counts, Angel steps off at 4, and Berto BOOTS Je’Von down. ANgel clamps onto Je’Von with an armlock and chinbar but Je’Von reaches for Fenix.
Angel keeps hold of Je’Von but Je’Von fires hands! SmackDown returns to single picture as Je’Von dodges the lariat, leaps, but Angel catches him! Angel puts Je’Von in a corner and through ropes. Angel pulls an arm and leg against the ropes, but stops as the ref counts. Angel runs to KNEE Je’Von in the ribs! Je’Von slumps to the apron, and Angel sucker punches Fenix! Angel goes back for Je’Von but Je’Von fires body shots! Angel blocks a kick, slips around and Gory Especials! Angel walks over, tags Berto, and Berto slingshots, GARZA ESPECIAL! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up for Je’Von but Berto clamps onto him with a chinlock.
Je’Von endures, even as Berto traps an arm. Je’Von fights up, pries the hold open, and he arm-drags Berto! Je’Von leaps but Berto grabs a leg! Ethan laughs from commentary, but Je’Von kicks free to SUPERKICK! Both men are down, Je’Von and Berto crawl, hot tags to Angel and Fenix! The fans fire up as Fenix rallies on Angel with forearms! Fenix then dodges a shot to springboard and FLYING ARM-DRAG, to a DOUBLE STOMP! Fenix fires off KICKS on Berto, then fires up with Knoxville! Fenix uses Berto to jump up and RANA Angel! Fenix then goes corner to corner to JUMP SOBAT! Fenix fires hands, shoves Angel aside, then goes up.
Fenix springboards to QUEBRADA! Cover, Berto breaks it! Berto whips Fenix, Fenix goes Spider-Man, and Je’Von tags in! Fenix says HASTA LA VISTA, BABY! Angel is up, he pops Fenix up to KICK him! But Je’Von springboards to FLYING LARIAT! The fans fire up, Berto springboards to FLYING CHUCK! All four men are down and the fans fire up again! “This is Awesome!” as Angel and Je’Von crawl. Angel CHOPS Je’Von, Je’Von CHOPS back, and the fans “WOO~!” Angel CHOPS again, so Je’Von CHOPS again! Angel fires a forearm, Je’Von fires back, and they go around with forearm after forearm! The fans fire up, Angel CHOPS, a
nd Je’Von SUPER PUNCHES!
Je’Von runs, BOUNCY- NO, Angel makes it a SIT OUT POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Ethan is surprised and the fans rally up. Angel hoists Je’Von up top, tags Berto in, and they hoist Je’Von up even higher! But Fenix SHORYUKENS Angel down! Je’Von fires hands on Berto and SHOVES him down! Fenix climbs up to join Je’Von now, and ADIOS AMIGO DOUBLE STOMPS for Angel! Je’Von adjusts, to SUPER DUPER SWANTON onto Los Garza! Ethan says don’t get closer, keep this in the ring! He taunts both his challengers, Fenix and Je’Von stand down to put Los Garza in the ring. The fans rally up, but then Ethan CLOBBERS Fenix & Je’Von!
Ethan TOSSES Fenix over the desk! But Je’Von SUPERKICKS Ethan down! The fans fire up, Je’Von hurries in, and he dodges Angel! But Berto rolls Je’Von up, TWO!! Je’Von dodges Berto, rebound and RED DOT!! Berto is down, Angel gets up, but Je’Von DECKS him! Je’Von goes up, up, but Santos distracts the ref! Ethan SHOVES Je’Von down! The fans boo but Berto tags Angel! Los Garza hoists Je’Von up for M T Y!! Cover, Los Garza win!
Winners: Los Garza, by pinfall
All Ego grins as he screws over two of his three challengers, and now Legado is rolling towards Worlds Collide. But will these rudos get everything they deserve in LA?
The Wyatts speak.
“We won’t stop. Not until we get what’s owed.” A simple yet ominous threat, are the tag titles only the beginning?
Zelina Vega VS Alba Fyre w/ The Green Administration!
La Muneca held onto the WWE Women’s US Championship by smacking The Hot Mess in the face with a foot, and obviously Chelsea is not happy with it. But will Alba get payback on behalf of her fearless leader? Or will things only get uglier for the Green Regime?
The bell rings and Piper distracts Zelina so Alba can CLOBBER her! Alba fires off hands, then bumps Zelina off buckles. Alba bumps Zelina off more buckles, then more buckles! And then the fourth corner! Chelsea says Zelina should’ve never messed with her! Alba fireman’s carries but Zelina fights free. Zelina KICKS Alba, KICKS again, then KICKS, but Alba CLUBS Zelina. Alba whips, scoops, and- NO, Zelina swings through to RANA! Cover, ONE! Zelina headlocks but Alba fights up and lifts Zelina. Zelina holds on but Alba powers up and out to RUN Zelina over! The fans boo but Chelsea cheers as Alba stalks Zelina.
Alba ROCKS Zelina, whips her to ropes, but Zelina wheelbarrows and arm-drags! Zelina then runs up on Alba in the corner and rains down fists! Alba shoves Zelina away at three, but Zelina comes right back to rain down more shots! Alba stops Zelina at four now, but Zelina wants another go! Alba stops Zelina at four again, and RAMS her into the corner! The fans boo but Alba grins. Zelina BOOTS Alba, goes up, and FLYING RANAS! Alba tumbles out, Piper helps her up, and Zelina goes to the apron. Alba trips Zelina up, spins and ROCKS Zelina, then gets her up. Gory Especial, but Zelina flips through to arm-drag Alba onto ropes!
The fans fire up as Zelina dials up, but Chelsea is on the apron! The ref argues with Chelsea while Zelina redials, but Piper trips her up! The fans boo but Alba SUPERKICKS Zelina! Alba salutes to Chelsea, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Alba stands on Zelina’s hair while pulling Zelina’s arms! The ref reprimands, Alba steps off, and she drags Zelina up to suplex for the GOURD BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Zelina stays in this and Chelsea argues with the ref. The ref says the count is fair, so Alba clamps onto Zelina with a COBRA CLUTCH! Zelina endures, the fans rally, and Zelina fights up. Zelina fires body shots, Alba ripcords and wrenches to SUPERKICK! Zelina rebounds to SHINING WIZARD! Both women fall and the fans fire up! Piper coaches Zelina, the fans rally up, and both women rise up. Alba is on Zelina and brings her to a corner, but Zelina buckle bumps Alba first!
The fans rally as Alba stalks Zelina, but Zelina bumps her off buckles again! Alba tries again, but Zelina ELBOWS Alba away. Then BOOTS her away! Zelina fires forearms on Alba, backs her down, then whips. Alba reverses but Zelina dodges to LARIAT! The fans fire up as Zelina LARIATS again! Zelina blocks a kick, ELBOWS Alba, but Alba blocks the saido. But Zelina keeps Alba from running, SNAP SAIDO! The fans rally for Zelina as she runs corner to corner, METEORA! Zelina pushes Alba out and goes up top! The fans cheer for some Latina Heat, and METEORA! Cover, TWO! Alba survives and Chelsea is relieved.
Zelina grows frustrated, but she goes back for Alba. Zelina reels Alba in, suplexes, but Alba blocks! Alba knees low, suplexes, but Zelina hits STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! Alba is down, Zelina goes up, MOONSAULT FLOPS! Alba goes up now, and she SWANTON BOMBS! Cover, TWO!?! Zelina survives and shocks Alba! Chelsea is upset again but Alba hurries to bring Zelina up. Alba KICKS Zelina out, and now Chelsea takes off her face mask?! She tells Piper to stand Zelina up! Piper does as told, and Chelsea takes a swing, but Zelina ducks! The face mask SMACKS Piper!! Chelsea is shocked, then furious, and then she chases after Zelina!
Zelina slips into the ring, Chelsea gets on the apron, but Zelina sends Alba at her! They almost collide, and then Zelina rolls Alba up! Zelina hops on, CODE RED!! Cover, Zelina wins!!
Winner: Zelina Vega, by pinfall
Chelsea tried so hard to screw Zelina over that she just screwed up her own team! Zelina survives again, will no one take down the Vega Administration?
The Miz pep talks Carmelo Hayes.
Melo looks good, and he just has to follow the plan. If Melo follows that plan, with no mistakes, they will win. Melo says he knows what he’s doing. Miz asks if he really does. Because Miz has taken Black Mass after Black Mass, sacrificing himself for Melo. Does Melo understand? Miz gave up this chance at MITB for Melo! Miz has already done it twice! If Melo wins this match tonight, Miz will guide Melo to make sure “we are Mr. MITB.” Wait, we? Miz says, “Who do you think got you in this position?” Melo says Melo did. Melo appreciates everything Miz has done for him, from sacrificing to taking hits for him, and helping him win the Andre the Giant Battle Royal.
But nobody told Miz to do that. Melo will run the play exactly as Miz designed it, but what brought Melo to the dance is Melo’s talent. Melo goes out there and does it better than anybody else. Melo puts up 40 points on a bad day, because he is H1M. And Miz just needs to let Melo be H1M. They good? Miz nods, and Melo says okay, let’s do the thing. They are Melo Don’t Miz and they are Awes-H1M. Miz still nods, but he doesn’t seem genuinely happy. Will Miz let Melo be Melo? Even if that means letting H1M fail?
Giulia speaks.
“Throughout my entire career, even back when I started in Japan, I had one goal… It’s not to be ‘the best.’ Everyone says that. It’s hollow and empty. My goal is to be indisputable. You can love me or hate me, admiration or disgust, it means nothing. But I’m impossible to deny. My opponent doesn’t matter, because I only view them as an opportunity to build my legacy. Evidence you cannot refute. SmackDown, you will see. I will hit harder, move faster, think sharper, and conquer everything, just like I’ve always done. The question isn’t, ‘Who’s going to let me?” It’s, ‘Who’s going to stop me?'” She adds in Japanese, “If you can stop it, stop it.”
Will SmackDown and all of the WWE soon succumb to The Beautiful Madness?
Zelina returns backstage.
She refreshes for a second, but Giulia is there! And Giulia says she sees Zelina, but she also sees that title more. Zelina scoffs and leaves. Could Giulia be aiming for everything once she becomes Ms. Money in the Bank?
Damian Priest is here!
Knoxville cheers as The Archer of Infamy heads to the ring, victorious from Saturday Night’s Main Event and that brutal Steel Cage match. Priest grabs a mic to tell Tennessee, “Ever since I beat Drew on Saturday, it’s like I’m breathing in fresh air. Y’know, there was a time when I lived on the street, if we were beefing with another street, that war could go for years. But in WWE, you have a beef with somebody, you have a match and it’s over. But with Drew and I, we went well over a year, and that’s not normal. But we took that beef into a cage. Now, I can feel it, you can se it on my face, we went to war.
“At the end of this war, at Saturday Night’s Main Event, I gave him a Con-Chair-To, I walked out the door, and I put his ass in the past.” The fans cheer that. Priest says now he knows Drew is somewhere recovering from his scrambled brains, but he knows Drew is watching, so this is for Drew. “I still can’t stand yo ass. But the Drew McIntyre that stepped in that cage wasn’t the guy that hides behind his phone on social media. That was the old Drew, the warrior, and I appreciate that.” The fans applaud, and Priest says he won’t ask what is next for himself, he’ll just tell us all. And it is the same thing he wanted when he came to SmackDown: Championships!
The fans cheer, and Priest says this war with Drew cost him an opportunity at being in MITB. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have his eyes on a certain champion. Somebody who he has unfinished business with, and a champion he considers the most badass. The fans know that means Fatu, and he knows they know! Priest calls out Jacob Fatu! Priest respects Fatu. Priest knows where Fatu came from, what Fatu had to live through, how it feels to stand in this ring as a champion. Real talk, Priest is proud of Fatu, he congratulates Fatu, that’s real. But what Priest doesn’t respect is the crew that follows him around.
Wait, check that. What Priest doesn’t respect is the crew Fatu follows around. Priest knows at some point, they will get in this ring, handle business, but that’s for them. As for Fatu’s so-called family, if they wanna get involved, they can catch a fresh one, too. Priest won’t make it just a nickname or moniker, he wants this to be fact! Priest is and forever will be EL CAMPEON! The fans cheer that! But will the Archer soon take aim at the Samoan Werewolf? Well, speaking of, Fatu makes his way out here for tonight’s other Triple Threat Qualifier! Fatu nods to Priest, but if Fatu wins his way into the ladder match, will this showdown have to wait a little longer?
Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier Triple Threat: Carmelo Hayes VS Andrade VS Jacob Fatu!
SmackDown returns and El Idolo makes his entrance, followed by H1M. The bell rings and Miz distracts Fatu and Melo attacks! Fatu ELBOWS Melo away, Andrade is on Melo with forearms, and then Fatu adds a LARIAT! Fatu looms mover Melo but then turns to stare down Andrade. The fans rally as these two step up. Andrade fires forearms but Fatu SHOVES him to a corner. Fatu runs up, Andrade dodges then whips. Fatu reverses, Andrade goes up and out to then ROCK Fatu! Andrade goes up, up, and CROSSBODIES! Cover, ONE! Melo CLUBS Andrade, TOSSES him out, and then CLUBS away on Fatu!
Miz says that’s the way! Melo HAMMERS and CHOPS, then whips, but Fatu blocks! Fatu whips Melo, Melo springboards, but into an UPPERCUT! The fans fire up and Fatu sees Melo go outside. Fatu builds speed, but Miz trips him up! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Fatu drags Miz into the ring! Melo goes to roll Fatu up but Fatu stays up! Fatu YANKS Melo up, scoops, but Melo slips free! Melo SUPERKICKS and Miz DUMPS Fatu out! The fans boo but Melo builds speed, only for Andrade to LARIAT! The fans cheer, and now Miz sees he is in trouble. Fatu snarls, but Andrade DIVES, into a HAYMAKER!
Fatu then SUPERKICKS Miz! Fatu THROWS Miz into barriers! The fans fire up and Fatu grins. Fatu runs in, HIP ATTACK against the barriers! The Samoan Werewolf has dominated three men at once and the fans fire up while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Miz sputters and Fatu leaves him behind to go around the way. Melo is there to kick Fatu, RAM Fatu, but Fatu blocks another whip! Fatu ROCKS Melo and Melo staggers away. Fatu stalks Melo, Melo checks on Miz, but Fatu ROCKS Melo! Andrade goes after Fatu now, but Fatu THROWS Andrade into barriers! The fans cheer as Fatu lets Andrade go to the ring. Fatu brings Melo up, SMACKS him off the desk, then pushes him down. Fatu clears the desk off, but Melo CLUBS Fatu against the desk! Melo storms into the ring, brings Andrade up, but Andrade RAMS Melo into the corner! Andrade RAMS Melo, CHOPS Melo, then stalks Melo.
Andrade whips Melo, Melo reverses and Andrade hits buckles hard! Melo CHOPS Andrade down! Melo brings Andrade up, soaks up some heat, then makes it Latino Heat. But Andrade blocks the suplex to suplex Melo! Andrade hangs Melo out to dry, and Melo flops to the apron. Fatu is back but Andrade fires forearms first! Andrade whips, Fatu reverses, and Fatu BODY CHECKS Andrade! Fatu geeks out and the fans are with him while he stalks Andrade. Fatu drags Andrade up to HEADBUTT him into the corner. Fatu shoves Melo off the apron, then he HEADBUTTS Andrade again. Andrade sputters but Fatu is all fired up.
Fatu CHOPS Andrade, UPPERCUTS, and HEADBUTTS him again! Andrade CHOPS in return! SmackDown returns to single picture and Andrade CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Fatu UPPERCUTS and Andrade falls back! Melo stomps Andrade in the corner, then tells Fatu to come on in. Fatu runs up, but Andrade gets away! Hip attack hits buckles! Melo ENZIGIRIS Fatu, Andrade runs to dodge Melo and FLYING FOREARM! The fans fire up as Andrade kips up! Andrade has targets in the corners, and he rallies the fans with “SI! SI! SI!” CIEN KNEES for Fatu! CIEN- NO, Melo tilt-o-whirls and LA MYSTICA! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally, Melo runs to stomp away on Fatu, then he brings Andrade up. Fatu stands to CLOBBER Melo! Andrade SUPERKICKS Fatu! The fans rally, Melo brings Andrade up and springboards, but Andrade stops him at the ropes! SECOND ROPE SPANISH FLY! But Fatu SENTONS Andrade! The fans fire up as Fatu SENTONS Melo! Fatu drags Melo to a drop zone, then goes to the corner! The fans rally for Fatu as he goes up, up, but Andrade YANKS him down! Andrade goes up top, MOONSAULT DOUBLE!! Cover, Melo breaks it! The fans rally while all three are down! “This is Awesome!” as the three stir.
Melo brings Fatu and Andrade around, and he fires forearms on each of them. Andrade fires back on Melo, then Fatu UPPERCUTS! Andrade ROCKS Fatu, but Fatu UPPERCUTS Andrade! The fans rally as the three rise, and Melo springboards! DOUBLE FADE AWAY DDT!! Cover on Andrade, Fatu breaks it! Melo and Fatu stare down, and they run up! Melo dodges to hit the FIRST 48! Andrade adds a POISON-RANA! Melo slips around Andrade to KNEE and suplex, CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Andrade survives and Melo grows frustrated. The fans rally for Fatu while Melo shakes his hands out. Andrade is on the apron but Melo rises.
Melo brings Andrade up but Andrade trips Melo! They go out to brawl, and Melo SUPERKICKS Andrade down! But Fatu SUPERKICKS Melo! The fans fire up for Fatu as he lines up a shot. Fatu gets the fans even more fired up, then he geeks out! Fatu runs in the full length, but Andrade & Melo move! HIP ATTACK through barriers!! The fans go nuts as Fatu crashes into the timekeeper’s area! Fatu sputters as SmackDown goes back to picture in picture.
Fatu stirs while Andrade and Melo go to the ring. They roll in, Melo grabs at Andrade and vice-versa. Melo fires a forearm, then goes back outside. Andrade goes to the opposite end while Melo looks under the ring. Melo makes Knoxville happy by bringing out a table! But then Melo makes them mad by dropping it! Melo goes after Andrade but Andrade ROCKS him first! Andrade brings out a chair! Andrade aims, but Melo dropkicks the legs out! Andrade crawls, Melo shakes his head, and he grabs the chair now. Melo aims, but Andrade kicks Melo low! Andrade and Melo go into the ring, and Andrade puts Melo in a drop zone.
Andrade goes up the corner, but Melo trips him up! Andrade is stuck up top and Melo hits the SLINGSHOT PLEX! Melo flexes, then decides to step through on the legs! Andrade cradles that, TWO! Melo and Andrade stand, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Both men fall and the fans look for Fatu. SmackDown returns to single picture as the fans rally, Melo and Andrade sit up, and Melo CHOPS! Andrade ROCKS Melo, then rolls away. Melo hurries to clamp onto Andrade with a facelock, but Andrade RAMS him into a corner! Andrade puts Melo up top but Melo fires forearms. Andrade drops back, Melo aims, but Andrade GAMANGIRIS!
The fans still want tables but Andrade climbs up to get Melo. They’re on the very top, but Fatu is back! Fatu makes the SUPER SPANISH FLY part ROCKER LAUNCHER!! The fans are thunderous as Fatu goes up now! SWANTON BOMB onto Melo! Cover, Andrade breaks it!! The fans rally up again and still want tables. Fatu runs at Andrade to SPLASH! Then Fatu runs at Melo, but Melo BOOTS him! Melo runs up, but into a pop-up! Melo fights the Samoan Drop, and Andrade adds the SHADOW ELBOW! But Melo makes it a ghost pin! Andrade adds a stack, TWO!!! Fatu survives the double cover, but here come Solo & JC!
The fans boo as Solo is here to coach Fatu up. Melo and Andrade trade forearms, then Melo dodges to springboard, FLYING LARIAT! Cover, Fatu breaks it! Fatu snarls, drags Melo up, and he HEADBUTTS Melo! Fatu finally notices Solo & JC, but Fatu puts Melo up top. Fatu CHOPS Melo, then he fireman’s carries Andrade. Fatu adds Melo to this, but Melo slips free. SAMOAN DROP for Andrade, and then Fatu goes to the corner. Solo says Fatu’s got this now! BEST MOONSAULT EVER FLOPS and Melo hits NOTHING BUT NET!! Cover, ANDRADE BREAKS IT! Andrade underhooks Melo, THE MESS- NO, Melo RANAS through! Cover, TWO!!
Andrade has a cover, TWO! Melo has a cover, TWO! Andrade has it, TWO! Both men stand, SHADOW ELBOW! FIRST 48!! SHADOW ELBOW AGAIN!! All three men are down and the fans are thunderous! Fatu crawls, Melo rolls to a corner, and Andrade stirs. Fatu rises, he brings Andrade up, IMPALER DDT! Then Fatu has Melo to RAM him into a corner. Fatu runs and HIP ATTACKS Melo! Andrade is up, Fatu hits him with another IMPALER DDT! Fatu puts Andrade in the drop zone, and he hits the BEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Solo says yeah, do that again! The fans boo but Fatu glares at Solo. JC says do what Solo is saying, Fatu!
But wait! Jimmy YANKS JC down, and SUPERKICKS him! The fans fire up, and then Melo RAMS Fatu into Solo! Then FIRST 48! But Andrade rolls Melo into THE MESSAGE!! Cover, ANDRADE WINS!!
Winner: Andrade, by pinfall (advances to Money in the Bank)
Solo just screwed things up for Fatu! Solo does his best to keep the peace between Fatu and JC, but the point is: Andrade is headed to Los Angeles! Will he make this El Idolo in the Bank?
Backstage interview with LA Knight.
Byron Saxton segues from congratulating Andrade for qualifying to welcoming in someone who already has qualified, but The Mega Star says, “My gawd. What is it with punching tickets around here? Everybody talks about punching tickets. WWE Instagram, punched tickets. Commentary, punched tickets. You’re talking about punched tickets. I guess I punched my ticket to MITB, it’s only eight days away. A few other guys who punched tickets, who are they? You got Andrade, you got Penta, you got what’s his name, Seth Rollins. You got Solo Sikoa! They’re all in it! They all punched their tickets!
“And everybody’s gonna be climbing that ladder, trying to get up, put everything on the line that they can. Now, if this was a one-on-one match, I’d go ahead and call my shot, and I’d say I’m gonna run up there, grab the case, and cash it in. But you gotta understand, this is my third year in a row, so I understand what this is. You can call me the vet in this match. Some people say maybe that Seth is the vet in this, but they would be wrong. For three years in a row now, you’re talking about the most robust and the most recent experience, YEAH. And what that means is now it’s anybody’s game. Anybody can come out with it, and I understand that.
“But with or without the case, what you need to understand is that the WWE title, the world title, they’re all in my future. With the way I’ve been running, at this point, they should be in my past, maybe even my present. Why don’tcha go ahead and punch that ticket? While we’re talking about-” Knight stops himself when he spots someone walking in. It’s Aleister Black! And Aleister says that win was supposed to be his. But he tells Knight, “You’re welcome, though.” The Dark Father lets the Mega Star shine, if only for now. Will LA win big in LA when we finally reach MITB?
Fatu and Solo regroup backstage.
Solo wants Fatu to listen. He was just trying to help. Fatu tells Solo to listen. For the last time, Fatu does not need his help! Fatu storms off, JC steps in, but Solo has nothing else to say. Is the Samoan Werewolf going to break away from this dysfunctional “family?”
Cody Rhodes is here!
Knoxville fires up and sings along, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, high-fives fans along the ramp and the front row, and even signs autographs. Cody goes to the ring, grabs a mic, and he hears the fans chant his name. Cody fires the fans up more, then hears them sing, “Cody! Cody Rhooodes~! Cody! Cody Rhooodes~!” Cody says, “So, Knoxville! Whaddya wanna talk about?” The fans cheer, and Cody says, “I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out that we could talk about the record crowd here this evening!” The fans cheer that, too! Cody says he loves them, too, thank you very much.
Cody says they could also talk about WrestleMania 41. The fans boo, but Cody says after WrestleMania 41, he went home, he drowned his sorrows, might’ve touched the “Tennessee Cough Syrup” a little bit, and he had a moment of doubt. He reached out to a friend. A friend who helps him prepare to wonderful audiences like this one here, or speaking to everyone at home. Cody asked him, “Was I a good champion?” The fans cheer for that, but Cody says the friend told him wasn’t quite as simple as yes or no.
The friend told him, “With everything that you faced here in the ring in front of all the fans, and with everything that you faced behind the scenes, being pulled in different directions, the waters that you had to navigate that no champion has ever had to navigate, yes, I feel that you were a good champion.” Cody says he felt good hearing that, it turned into a hopeful moment, the silver lining on a dark cloud. Cody looked back on his whole year. He thought about AJ Styles faking retirement to get the drop on him. Cody thought about his friend, Kevin Owens, sucker punching him against his bus while Cody’s family slept inside.
Cody thought about his boss, Triple H, who pushed Cody to the limit, and sees something in Cody that Cody doesn’t even see in himself. Cody even thought about The Final Boss, how he asked Cody for his soul, and the entire world wondering what that meant. As preposterous as that sounded, The Rock was 100% serious. No matter how many times Cody said no, the offer still stands. And Cody also thought about John Cena. The fans initially boo, but the “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” starts up. Cody takes a moment, and then he says, “I thought about John Cena doing exactly what he said he was going to do. He forced me to make a choice, and I hesitated.
“I don’t know if John Cena is going to ‘ruin’ professional wrestling. But if he does, then I’m partially to blame. Now, I know, I’d love to say this to John Cena’s face. Not sure if he’s going to come out here right now, but if you are listening, if you are listening, Champ, I need you to know that I will never hesitate with you again!” The fans cheer that, and Cody says no matter how much Cena will tout the amount of days he has left, how much Cena will talk about what remains before he absconds with the WWE Championship and leaves all of us forever, that is NOT Cena’s expiration date! That is on the other side of Cody’s corneas, and it will burn Cena’s ass up!
The fans fire up for that, and Cody calms it down. Cody apologizes for that. This is his first night back on SmackDown, he is getting worked up. He thought so much about what he could do, what he could do for the fans. Hell, how about a surprise? The fans already “YEET! YEET! YEET!” so Cody says they’re hungry for it. Let’s yeet. Well, hold on, that’d be a very big surprise. That’d be the biggest surprise. That’d be Cody’s partner riding into battle for MITB, and hell YES he is here! Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for the World Heavyweight Champion, MAIN EVENT JEY USO! The fans go wild as Jey makes his way in from the pavilion!
The fans sing along with Day One Ish and bounce for that YEET! Jey makes his way down through the crowd to ringside, one verse at a time, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Jey joins Cody in the ring now, mic in hand. Cody and Jey hear the fans want an encore, so we get even more YEET! But then John Cena makes his entrance to ruin the fun! The fans sing “JOHN CENA SUUUCKS~!” even though he wears that University of Tennessee orange and white. Cena goes to the ring, towel draped over his head, then grabs a mic before he joins Cody and Jey in the ring. Cena hears the fans boo, and he says, “I’m upset, too. If it isn’t professional wrestling’s biggest wannabes!” Cena tells Cody he is nothing more than a Cena Wannabe, and that Jey is nothing more than a Cena Wannabe.
The fans boo but Cena says they both wanna be Cena so bad, it makes him sick! Cody wants Cena’s fame, Jey wants Cena’s money, but they will get neither because Cody is too desperate and Jey is too lazy! There is only ONE other human being in the WWE who embodies hustle, loyalty and respect, and he’s got the fortune, fame and followers to back that up! Surprise, losers! Cena’s partner is here, too! The fans boo already, because “EY YO~!” Logan Paul IS here! The Maverick swaggers his way out, and Cena gives him a proper introduction. “Oh, you mad? You’re mad because Logan Paul does WWE better than any professional wrestler?”
Cena says Logan doesn’t need to pay his dues, because he is paying Jey’s mortgage! Everybody in this building did NOT come to see Jey! They came to see John Cena and Logan Paul! Logan asks, “What the hell you crying about, Knoxville? Look! I could walk on water, and y’all would still find a way to tell me it’s because I can’t swim! John Cena speaks the language of Logan Paul, and that is the truth! The truth! It is right in front of you! You deny it all you want, but look around, you stupid, stupid, simple Tennessee people! This is a moment in history! All of you get to witness the moment that John Cena stood side-by-side in the ring with Logan Paul.
“And look, all of you will live long, pathetic, miserable lives. But at least you will get to say that you saw that.” The fans tell Logan to STFU, and Cena tells Logan to ignore it. Logan says yeah, yeah, they’re so ungrateful. They don’t know what’s good for them. There is one problem, though. This does seem too perfect. The problem is… Logan should be standing next to THE WWE Champion as THE World Heavyweight Champion! Logan should’ve been the one to leave Saturday Night’s Main Event with that title around his waist. But look at him, Jey. Jey got lucky. Jey got lucky! He knows it, Logan knows, it, the fans know it, CODY knows it!
Jey needed Cody to save him! When Cody interfered with the match cuz these two cheaters can’t do a single thing in this business without it being handed to them! “These two nepo babies were born on third, thinking they hit a triple.” Logan points to himself and says, “Self-made man!” He points to Cena and says, “Self-made man!” Five years ago, nobody every would’ve believed Logan Paul would be a WWE superstar. And they certainly never ever would’ve believed that he’d be teaming with the Greatest Of All Time! But look at Logan now. He’s not just a superstar, he is THE superstar! His time is now! Cena told us that his time is almost up!
Cena is the Last Real Champion, Logan is the inevitable face of the WWE! So Jey, Cody, at MITB, if you want some, come get some. Jey tells Logan they don’t gotta wait! They can handle this right now! UH UH, YEET!! The mics drop, Cena and Logan talk this out, and Logan wants to throw hands while Cena wants to leave. Cody asks what they’re arguing about. They gonna go to the back so Logan can polish Cena’s Peacemaker? Now it’s a fight! The fans fire up as the hands are flying! Logan TOSSES Jey, Cena picks Cody up! Cody slips free, Jey is back to SUPERKICK! Cody hits the DISASTER KICK! Cena bails out, Jey PLANCHAS out onto him!
Logan goes to the apron, slingshot and- NO, Cody dodges the “Snapshot” Lariat and Jey SUPERKICKS Logan! Then Jey sets Logan up for the CODE D!! The fans fire up as Cody picks up the WWE Championship! Will Cody and Jey make it through Logan and Cena to then clear a path for the American Nightmare’s redemption? Or will Cena & Logan ruin wrestling together?
My Thoughts:
A very good SmackDown, but maybe with some wheel-spinning. As fun as Chelsea Green continues to be, can’t we move on from her and Zelina? Or are we about to do that with tonight’s win over Alba and then Giulia confronting her? Ironically, that seems to give away Giulia isn’t winning MITB. Giulia had a good promo video right before but they undercut it by giving us that confrontation. That said, Giulia deserves to be all the champions, but I suppose starting with the Women’s US Championship would be a good route. Very good promo from Bianca and Naomi to not just have Bianca’s homecoming, but to keep the feud between them alive.
The Women’s Triple Threat had a slow start but it turned out to be a very good match. Great win for Naomi, and good promo from her, Tiffany and Alexa to tease potential MITB winners. Great stuff in the tag match to build Worlds Collide just a touch. We only got one moment of Berto being passive aggressive towards Santos, and then Ethan Page screwing the Faces over, but that was still enough for the North American Championship. Of course, it depends on how many fans watch not just Raw and SmackDown but also NXT so that the fans already understand the story. But as someone who does, I do appreciate they’re bringing NXT story onto SmackDown.
Good promo from Priest to give some shoot respect to Drew and Fatu, but Priest wanting after the US title kinda gave away what was happening with the Men’s Triple Threat. It was a great Triple Threat, but of course Solo & JC cost Fatu. That team is just one moment away from breaking up, and it might be at MITB when Solo just expects Fatu to help him win the briefcase and Fatu refuses. And Fatu VS Priest will still be awesome whenever it happens. Good promo from Knight, and a good bit from Aleister with him, which I suppose means that’s the next feud for them. Was kinda hoping for Aleister VS Nakamura but that really depends if Nakamura is sticking with WWE or going home to Japan via Pro-Wrestling NOAH as rumored.
R-Truth relapsing to talking to Lil’ Jimmy is certainly a choice. I kinda wish he’d keep up the “Ron Cena” stuff, or they’d let Jeff Cobb do his own John Cena bit from NJPW, but I guess some things in WWE still won’t change. And closing with a big promo segment was also certainly a choice. Cody still did a good job, and nice surprise to have Jey show up. Not sure they needed to take a commercial break for Jey’s entrance, especially when they were obviously going to let Jey do his YEET encore. And Cena really must be brainwashed to put Logan over as if Logan’s on par with peak Cena. But naturally a brawl happened and the Faces stood tall.
Don’t count this as go-home math yet, they could easily revisit this on Raw and even next week on SmackDown. Even then, I still feel like Jey and Cody should win at MITB to properly set up Cody VS Cena 2 at SummerSlam. Raw on June 9th is still the move for the World Heavyweight Championship, but there’s also Saturday Night’s Main Event in July, who knows if Jey makes it to SummerSlam as champion.
My Score: 8.7/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
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THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 5.29.25
Stuff happens, maybe it doesn’t, Dreamer and Delirious can’t book.
Well Trick Willie is the new TNA champ and this is the first iMPACT since his win…so let’s just hear him talk about it.
"TNA turned into TRICK-NA. Lets talk about it"@_trickwilliams #WWENXT
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/GrBQpdX5g5 pic.twitter.com/StU4pmi3oy
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 30, 2025
Ratings:
- The Rascalz vs Fir$t Cla$$ vs Laredo vs The System: Rascalz win via Meteora – ***
- Raj Singh vs Mustafa Ali: Ali wins via…No Shit – Squash Garbage
- ASH by Elegance vs Lei Ying Lee: Lei wins via Spinning TKO – ** 3/4
- Mance Warner w/SDL vs Jobber: Mance wins via Hit the Pay Winda – Squash
- Santino Marella & Arianna Grace vs Robert Stone & Victoria Crawford w/Tessa: Team Robbie wins via shenanigans – **
- International Championship: Steve Maclin (c) vs Matt Cardona: Maclin retains via KIA – ***
Results:
The Rascalz vs Fir$t Cla$$ vs Laredo vs The System
Octagon got jumped by The System earlier so Laredo is fighting alone. Another backstage jumping is getting a little dumb.
Laredo and Trey start. Typical Indie start with Simultaneous awful Dropkick spot and bad counters, AJ blind tag runs the smaller guys over, tags out to KC and the Rascalz instantly get the moment. KC is rocked, tags in Laredo and Laredo takes out the System before Lish gets on the apron and grabs Laredo. The referee kicks out Lish and Rehwoldt on commentary points out it’s a No DQ match so that’s dumb.
KC gets tossed at AJ, he catches him, Rascalz Dive and do their taunt as we go to commercial. We come back, Tennessee Whiskey into a KC tag in for the near fall on Laredo. Corner combo, Snapmare into Flip Forward Neck Breaker, KC is on a roll. AJ tags Laredo and starts talking crap to KC, they swerve and go Finger Poke of Doom, but it’s not a legal pin. Suddenly tornado attacks, System and Rascalz go for broke, AJ hits the Senton to break the eventual pin, Laredo counters AJ’s Chokeslam attempt. Trey clears out The System, Wentz sends himself and KC over and out, Laredo with a Corkscrew Moonsault, which looked cool but it’s the pile of morons waiting to get hit spot.
AJ hits the Down Payment on Laredo, but Trey blind tagged AJ. Meteora on AJ, Trey pins Laredo and Rascalz win.
Raj Singh vs Mustafa Ali
Raj looks like shit in the gear he came down in…and he wrestles equivalently. I would rather anyone else comeback…give me Anarquia.
Ali murders Raj, Instant Dropkick, Rolling Neckbreaker, Corkscrew Standing Moonsault, it’s not close. Raj tries to counter things but Ali Bellclap, a little Duck the left, connect the right. Raj even does a terrible looking Punch Combo, he’s in bad shape, a bad looking Ushigoroshi, Raj with a sloppy looking something, 450 ends it.
Fire Raj as quickly as you brought him back. You don’t need a comedically pathetic job guy when the roster is like 4 guys getting pushed and everyone else sucks. Stop being stupid. Ali still hates women too.
This Injury Report is the dumbest segment in the history of wrestling. Stop treating fake shit as “serious business”.
ASH by Elegance vs Lei Ying Lee
ASH mocks karate stuff, Lei throws a few Rising Crane kicks as ASH bails and then things slow down a little. But a Pump Kick, Sliding Kick and Low Dropkick cause ASH to cower and claim her tooth broke. It’s a bait to pull Lei into the turnbuckles and them get in a few stomps. Ash keeps Lei in the corner, Suplexes her ankles into the buckles and then Ash throws a few Booty Shots/Hit Attacks then starts a grounded stretch, Lei Headscissors her down, still sells the hips and ankles, but dodges and fires, combination strikes into the 10 Count Down Strikes. T-bone Suplex, into the pinfall, for only two.
Cheapshot into Running Meteora from ASH for two. Ash goes for the Miz Yes Kicks and Lei No Sells and asks for more. Gorgeous Capture Suplex into Thunder Struck and TKO with flair. My baby has a better finish now! Yay!
Mance Warner w/SDL vs Jobber
Hannifan cursing and being pissed at Trick for not even showing but is more entertaining than a squash match. Not that Mance’s offense is bad, but 2 out of 3 job matches is stupid.
.@milanmiracle and @AriannaGraceWWE make history as the first father/daughter tag team in TNA!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/GrBQpdX5g5 pic.twitter.com/3s8OhtYFPv
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 30, 2025
Santino Marella & Arianna Grace vs Robert Stone & Victoria Crawford w/Tessa
Marella tries to tie up with Robbie, but he bails and tags out to Victoria so Arianna comes in and aside from Alicia Fox’s silliness, the tie up was decent with Arianna and Victoria. Tessa interferes and the Referee throws her out. Victoria comes back in and aside from a slight miscommunication with how Arianna does her punches, Alicia Fox is making her look…pretty good. Transition moves, okay brawling and Arianna looks amazing in her outfit.
Rob and Santino distract the referee and Victoria hits a Figure Four into her Northern Lights Suplex, only for 2. Arianna finally Back Body Drop to find the tag, Santino and Rob, Santino does his split dodge into the Standing Headbutt, Arianna Cross Body onto Victoria. Rob pulls out the ref, then shoves the ref into Santino, Santino into the steps and Arianna attack but Alicia and Lish, the fix is in, Arianna eats the pin.
International Championship: Steve Maclin (c) vs Matt Cardona
A few quick brawl moves, Shoulder Tackles, Strikes, Back Breakers, Cardona does get dumped out and eats a SCUD. Maclin bounces Cardona’s face off the apron and hits an Elbow off the apron to keep Cardona reeling, but a dodged tackle sends Maclin into the steps. Cardona tries to Piledriver Maclin on the ramp, but Back Drop counter, into commercial.
Formulaic commercial etiquette of Cardona still in control, throws Maclin into the ropes, Diving Shoulder Tackle lays both dudes out and they get up by 8. Fighting Spirit spot, Cardona hits ropes and gets hit by Maclin twice, Thesz Press, Ground and Pound, Back Elbow and Olympic Slam has Maclin rolling. Splash into Lariat for two. Maclin has been all gas no brakes. Cardona tries to take a few shortcuts that turns into a Straight Jacket Takedown. Cardona to the top, Maclin cuts him off, Superplex spot. 1-2-kick out!
Maclin goes topside for a Jar Headbutt, Cardona hits the ropes so Maclin crashes into the corner, 2 Reboots connect, the third gets caught, counter into Busaiku Knee, Jar Headbutt. In and out, Cardona uses the middle rope for the Low Blow, Killswitch from Cardona but Maclin kicks out. Cardona dodges and shoves Maclin towards the ref, he puts the brakes on, Radio Silence! 1-2-Kick out! Maclin catches a top rope move, Power Bomb, Corner Splash, Tree of Woe, Caught in the Crosshairs, KIA and Maclin retains!
Overall Score: 4.5/10
Boring paint by numbers show, no Trick, System has one move, Robert Stone is a scumbag, too long to introduce new girls, lots of throw away segments and Rosemary sets up YET ANOTHER Monster’s Ball match. These aren’t interesting when there’s one every 3 months. So we can have terrible Monster’s Ball matches quarterly, Barbed Wire Massacre and Clockwork Orange House of Fun…BUT NO LOCKDOWN!?
Go home TNA, you’re drunk.
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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Mindless Wrestling Podcast: Weekend Wrasslin Wrap-up!
Join DJ, Rob and Jason every week as they give their "Mindless" takes on Pro Wrestling and much, much more!
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (5/30/25)
The greatEST SmackDown!
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 5.29.25
Stuff happens, maybe it doesn't, Dreamer and Delirious can't book.
Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/29/25)
B Block, FINAL ROUND!
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (5/29/25)
Is ROH ready for the GORE?
Mitchell’s WWE Evolve Results & Report! (5/28/25)
THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE!
Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (5/28/25)
Dynamite in the desert!
Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/27/25)
A Block, FINAL ROUND!
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (5/27/25)
Will NXT still be Absolute?
Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/25/25)
Round 8, all together!
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Coverage6 days agoMitchell’s WWE Battleground Results & Report! (5/25/25)
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AEW Coverage6 days agoMitchell’s AEW Double or Nothing Results & Report! (5/25/25)
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Coverage7 days agoMitchell’s WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event Results & Report! (5/24/25)
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Coverage5 days agoMitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (5/26/25)