Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (9/14/20)
Raw is IN YOUR FACE!
It’s a packed and powerful Monday Night Raw!
Raw gets In Your Face as Clash of Champions draws closer! Will Mickie James be ready for Asuka in their women’s title match showdown?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Champions VS Champions: The Street Profits VS Cesaro & Shinsuke Nakamura; The Street Profits win.
- Ricochet w/ Apollo Crews VS Cedric Alexander w/ The Hurt Business; Alexander wins.
- Raw Women’s Championship: Asuka VS Mickie James; Asuka wins and retains the Raw Women’s Championship.
- Erik VS Bobby Lashley w/ MVP; Lashley wins.
- Steel Cage Match: Seth Rollins VS Dominik Mysterio; Rollins wins.
- Raw Underground – Ziggler goes 1-1; Braun Strowman wins.
- Raw Underground – Braun Strowman goes 5-0.
- Aleister Black VS Kevin Owens; Kevin wins.
- The Riott Squad VS Natalya & Lana; The Riott Squad wins.
- Raw Underground – 2v1: Riddick Moss & Dolph Ziggler VS Braun Strowman; Strowman wins.
- Drew McIntyre VS Keith Lee; No Contest.
PLAY BY PLAY
Dolph Ziggler is on commentary!
Taking over for Samoa Joe, the Show-Off looks to show that he can do it all!
Drew McIntyre heads to the ring!
The WWE World Champion is back, and clearly cleared to compete since he has a match with Keith Lee, a man who is both training partner and friend. But for now, McIntyre is dressed in his suit shirt and slacks to address the back and forth between him and Randy Orton. “Now Randy Orton broke my jaw. But I’m back. And it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out he intended to do so much more.” McIntyre is lucky all he got was a fractured jaw. But Orton should be so lucky to still have his head on his body after the three Claymores he got. Everyone wants to know how McIntyre is doing, so he’ll say this once and only.
WWE medical personnel told him to take time off because of the fracture. But that would mean forfeiting the title, so McIntyre said no. “one bad strike to the jaw could displace that fracture, then my mouth would be wired shut.” McIntyre would rather leave in an ambulance than ever give up this championship! Maybe Orton can ask his nurse to turn up the volume for this part. Both men have taken ambulance rides all because of the WWE World Championship. So the most appropriate match to have is to ride in an ambulance for the WWE World Championship. McIntyre wants him and Orton in an AMBULANCE MATCH! Because clearly mate, the rules don’t apply to us anymore.”
But what if Orton doesn’t make it? McIntyre kicked him as hard as he possibly could with those Claymores, “the most deadly weapon in all of sports entertainment.” Technically that move was made by mistake. His leather pants were a little tight, and as he was running to boot an opponent in the head, he didn’t want to rip the crotch open. ANd being Scottish, but they’re allergic to underwear, and it’d be an international incident. So McIntyre jumped, hit the opponent and almost knocked himself out. But he knew that if he could develop that move, it’d be something. Here’s a picture show of the victims. Seth Rollins, Bobby Lashley, The Big Show, Brock Lesnar, Dolph Ziggler, and of course, Randy Orton. McIntyre tries not t to smile because it hurts.
But Adam Pearce interrupts! He wants to get this down to what it’s really about. The severity of Orton’s injuries are unknown, but he won’t be here tonight. He might not even be here at Clash. Oh, poor Orton. Pearce says that this changes the gravity of tonight. Tonight’s match with Keith Lee is for far more than bragging rights. If Keith Lee wins tonight, and Orton can’t make it to Clash, Keith faces McIntyre for the WWE World Championship. Well who put Pearce in charge? But speaking of, here comes the Limitless One! Ziggler likes the situation McIntyre has gotten himself into, but also wants Keith to prove himself worthy.
Keith stands face to face with his friend and the two circle. Keith eyes the title, McIntyre move sit away. They shake hands to show there’s still good sportsmanship, but Keith holds on! McIntyre gets he wants to show he’s serious, so McIntyre doesn’t let go of Keith. Will these two still be friends now that there’s a golden opportunity on the table?
Champions VS Champions: The Street Profits VS Cesaro & Shinsuke Nakamura!
Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins accepted this challenge of Raw and SmackDown Tag Team Champions when the Swiss Cyborg and King of Strong Style visited via the Brand to Brand Invitation. They also returned the favor by partying in the Champions’ Lounge. But will the Profits still be up for a party after going toe to toe with their blue brand contemporaries?
The teams sort out, Cesaro and Dawkins start, and the bell unleashes a BIG European Uppercut from Cesaro to Dawkins! Cesaro drags Dawkins up, fireman’s carries and dumps Dawkins onto the top rope. Nakamura tags in to get that Top Shelf Knee! And then Cesaro gut wrenches, Nakamura KNEES into the suplex! Cover, TWO! Nakamura taunts Ford and has Dawkins in a corner. Nakamura throws knees, whips Dawkins corner to corner, and runs in, but Dawkins boots back! Dawkins runs Nakamura over with a clothesline! Dawkins tags Ford and whips Nakamura. Ford dropkicks Nakamura down, Dawkins gives him the back suplex splash! Cover, Cesaro stomps it apart!
Dawkins goes after Cesaro with haymakers, he and Ford double whip and double dropkick! The Profits are fired up as the Artists regroup. Ford FLIES but into the arms of Cesaro and Nakamura, for a DOUBLE BARRIER BOMB!! Ford is down and Raw’s champs are in trouble as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns and Cesaro grinds Ford down with a chinlock. Ford endures as fans clap. Ford fights up, fights out, but Cesaro uppercuts and shoves Ford to a corner. Cesaro runs in but only gets post! Ford crawls, Cesaro stomps him, then tags in Nakamura. Ford still tags Dawkins! Dawkins unleashes the Curse of Greatness as he rallies and hits a flying elbow! Dawkins flapjacks Cesaro, then EXPLODERS Nakamura! Cover, TWO! Dawkins keeps his cool and stalks Nakamura to a corner. Dawkins whips Nakamura to another corner, but misses the cyclone! Nakamura enziguris then sets Dawkins in the ropes. SLIDING GERMAN!
Nakamura gets in and aims from a corner! But Dawkins hits the CASH OUT! Tag to Ford and he goes up top, FROM THE HEAVENS onto knees!! Cesaro dumps Dawkins out, Nakamura covers Ford, TWO!! Tag to Cesaro and Ford goes for a Swiss Swing into a knee! Cover, Dawkins breaks it! Cesaro stomps Dawkins for getting back in but lets up at the ref’s count. Cesaro puts Dawkins on the ropes for Nakmaura’s DYNAMIC DROPKICK! Ford tries to roll Cesaro up, gets him on the second chance, TWO! Cesaro pups Ford up for a BIG EuroUpper!! Cover, TWO!?! No one can believe it! Meanwhile, Nakamura rushes at Dawkins on the outside but is sent into steps!
Cesaro sees he has Ford all alone as Ford struggles to rise. Cesaro drags Ford up the rest of the way to bump off buckles and fire off EuroUppers from all sides! The ref counts, Cesaro stops at 4 to BLAST Ford again! Ford flops to the apron, Cesaro argues with the ref, but Cesaro then drags Ford up the corner. Dawkins tags in before the DEAD LIFT SUPERPLEX! Dawkins is up top now, for the FROG SPLASH! Cover, The Profits win!!
Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall
The Raw Tag Team Champions defend home turf! Ziggler tells the veterans they should’ve known better. Will there be a rematch to see if the SmackDown Tag Team Champions can redeem themselves?
Angel Garza is talking with Lana backstage.
The Ravishing Russian doesn’t want to make this all about her, but why is it that Mickie James has a title shot when all she’s done is show up again? The obvious choice was Natalya, #BOAT, the winningest woman in WWE of all time! Did he know that? Of course he did! He agrees this is unfair. And Lana’s passion for justice is intoxicating. But then Zelina Vega and Andrade show up. Vega asks Lana give them privacy. Lana obliges and then Vega reprimands Garza. This is what she was getting at last time! Garza abandons Andrade two weeks in a row, their chances at the Raw tag titles are completely gone, and now Garza is flirting with Lana?
Enough! Garza is tired of being blamed for ever setback only because her “golden boy” lost! Andrade got pinned, not Garza. So yell at him. Who is Garza to talk to her like that? Andrade asks what Garza has ever done, and they argue, but Vega tells them to SHUT UP! Vega can’t do this anymore! She storms off, and now the two start shoving!! El Idolo and the Lethal Lothario knock trunks over as Raw goes to break! Is this the end of the business partnership?
Ricochet w/ Apollo Crews VS Cedric Alexander w/ The Hurt Business!
The One and Only was the most hurt by the Age of Alexander’s betrayal, and now he’ll be the one to confront Cedric 1v1! But will they be the ones to regret fighting against such bad odds?
Before the match, each member of the Hurt Business gets a mic. MVP starts by saying, “Attention, WWE Universe. This is an official announcement from the Hurt Business. Business is booming! The CEO, Bobby Lashley, is firmly in possession of the United States Championship. Shelton Benjamin has upgraded from the Gold Standard to Platinum Status. And as I understand it, Cedric Alexander has spoken to his tax attorney. His W9 is completed, and he is officially a member of the Hurt Business. Life is good.”
Alexander says life is good, but last week blew up! Everyone was salty on social media. “Why’d you turn your back on your friends? They were your brothers!” NO. This is his job! Alexander has to do what he must to succeed. No one knows what it is like to be beat down by three of the baddest. But then he wakes up Tuesday, unable to play with his kids because he’s all broken. What fans don’t understand is that being with Ricochet and Apollo left Alexander broken and broke. But now- Ricochet and Apollo interrupt with their entrance! Apollo wants to call it how it is. They treated him as a brother and he sold out! Alexander is too weak minded and he was manipulated! But now he has to live with the consequences! They always had his back-
WRONG!! How many times was Alexander beat up while Apollo was champion? Answer that! Benjamin says Alexander doesn’t owe them anything. Just look at that jealousy. Ricochet tells Benjamin to do us a favor and mind his own business. And Alexander, this wasn’t for an explanation. It is what it is: he joined the Hurt Business for money. But stabbing Ricochet in the back hurt worse than anything! Ricochet and Apollo aren’t begging anyone to come back or #WhyCedricWhy. If you thought it was bad to have the Hurt Business after you, he’ll see how bad it is with them coming for him. The Hurt Business mocks how “scary” that sounds, and things sort out for the grudge match.
The bell rings and Alexander rushes but Ricochet tackles him! Ricochet rains down rights but Alexander gets up to kick low and whip. Ricochet holds ropes to then back elbow Alexander away. Ricochet throws Alexander out then slingshots. Alexander moves but Ricochet BOOTS him down! Ricochet then goes up to MOONSAULT and take Alexander down! Apollo intercepts Benjamin but Lashley LARIATS Apollo! Lashley fireman’s carries Apollo but Erik attacks! Erik stands alone after Ivar took that bad spill last week, but he wants after the Rocky Mountain Machine all the same! These two fight up the ramp as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns and Alexander has Ricochet down with a bearhug. Ricochet endures, Apollo coaches him up and fans rally up. Ricochet reaches but Cedric drags him away from ropes. Ricochet punches Alexander away, gets up but Alexander DECKS Ricochet! Alexander drags Ricochet up but Ricochet throws forearms back. Ricochet rocks Alexander and runs, but into a stiff knee! Alexander basement dropkicks and covers, TWO! Alexander goes back to the rear mount and rains crossface forearms down. Ricochet covers up, fights back but Alexander stomps him down. Alexander has Ricochet in a corner, fish hooks his face and throws body shots. Alexander brings Ricochet out, throws forearms, and ROCKS Ricochet!
Alexander puts Ricochet on the ropes to throw heavy shots into the ribs. Ricochet reverses the whip and dropkicks Alexander down! Both men fall, MVP tells Alexander to get up and whoop Ricochet! Fans rally as both men slowly stir. Alexander leans on ropes, Ricochet wobbles to his feet, and Ricochet throws body shots back! Ricochet throws uppercuts and fires up through the pain! Ricochet CHOPS Alexander on the ropes, MVP shouts at Alexander but Ricochet whips. Alexander reverses, Ricochet dodges but Alexander arm-drags but Ricochet SUPERKICKS! Alexander goes down but Ricochet drags him back up for a waistlock. Alexander grabs for ropes but Ricochet DRAGON SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO!!
The Hurt Business is worried for Alexander as Ricochet has him in a drop zone. Ricochet fights through the pain but Benjamin distracts. Apollo runs around to run Benjamin off, but Ricochet is still slow to getting up. Shooting Star but Ricochet lands on his feet as Alexander moves! Alexander scoops Ricochet for a MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet survives but Alexander just gives him a LUMBAR CHECK! Cover, Alexander wins!
Winner: Cedric Alexander, by pinfall
The newest member of the Hurt Business is victorious, but there’s no time for celebrations as RETRIBUTION takes over the screens and lights again! “Listen up, you and all the other so-called superstars. We are the product of empty promises. The results of lies, greed and betrayal. We once trusted, but now we walk with eyes wide open.” “We see what you are: waste! Scrap! Byproduct!” When you show loyalty to an entity that treats you like garbage, YOU are garbage! When you sell your souls, YOU are corrupt. They once believed their time at the Performance Center would lead to fame and fortune. But they refuse to suck up to an entitled machine! While everyone else enjoys their last days, they will show you exactly who you are! “We are Retribution!” And there’s many more than once realized.
The Hurt Business is on high alert, but Retribution does not come. Will Retribution come for everyone soon enough?
Backstage interview with Mickie James.
Sarah welcomes the six-time women’s champion as she prepares for her match with Asuka tonight. What emotions fuel her? Mickie loves this business, with every bit of her heart and soul. She has given every ounce of her soul. It drives hr to be the best her every single day. Especially for the high stakes competition like Asuka brings out in her. Now, what drives her? Different stages of her career have had very different answers. But with experience comes wisdom,and with wisdom comes clarity. It is clear now more than ever that she has always had what it takes to be champion! But if you ask her what motivates her tonight, is that this could be her very last chance to win a championship. Will this motivation be enough for Mickie to dethrone the Empress of Tomorrow?
Raw returns to Adam Pearce grilling his security staff.
“Somebody tell me what it is we can’t do our job!” The Hurt Business walks over to speak with him. Pearce being a high level official comes with very high pressure. But it’s also clear that if he doesn’t get to the bottom of this Retribution problem, Pearce will have the added pressure of having to find a new job. Pearce says that is not their concern. It is if they say it is. Pearce should listen to the Hurt Business. Up the security from boys to men. The Hurt Business doesn’t run from anyone. They don’t fear Retribution because MVP has Lashley, Benjamin and Alexander. Now let them help Pearce keep his job. Pearce thanks them for volunteering. Volunteering? Pfft. They’re the Hurt Business. They’ll send him their bill.
Raw Women’s Championship: Asuka VS Mickie James!
The moment of truth has come for Mickie! These two met in NXT before Asuka was ever a champion, but she’s only sharpened her skills since that day! Will Mickie be ready for THIS Asuka?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and lucky number seven could be on its way!
Asuka and Mickie circle, tie up, and go around. Asuka puts Mickie on the ropes, but Mickie powers back and arm-drags Asuka to the mat. Cover, ONE, and the collar and elbow stays on. Asuka gets Mickie down for a cover, ONE! They’re in a deadlock but Mickie pushes Asuka away. They go again, Mickie rolls Asuka, ONE! Mickie stays low to trip up and jackknife, TWO! Mickie gets in Asuka’s face with how close that just was, but Asuka grabs that arm! Mickie gets to ropes, Asuka lets off fast, and Mickie comes back fast with a headlock. Asuka turns it into her own headlock, Mickie throws body shots and powers out. Asuka runs Mickie over with a shoulder and runs, but Mickie trips her!
Mickie and Asuka get up, Mickie spins Asuka to a neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Mickie keeps her cool and clamps onto Asuka with a cobra clutch. Asuka endures, fights up and powers out. Mickie hesitates but her hip toss is blocked to Asuka’s knee! Asuka grits her teeth as she throws forearms, but Mickie knees and forearms back. Mickie whips, Asuka reverses and gets a cleaner pop-up knee! Cover, TWO! Asuka keeps her cool while catching her breath. Mickie flounders and fires herself up, but both women are slow to standing. Asuka aims, runs but her hip attack misses! MICK KICK!! But Asuka flops out of the ring!! Asuka lucks out as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns, Mickie has Asuka back in the ring but both women flounder about again. Mickie throws forearms, Asuka throws forearms back! They brawl and fight to their feet. Mickie ducks to get a hammerlock and chinbar! Is Mickie trying to steel the Asuka lock? Asuka backs Mickie into a corner to throw elbows, but then she runs into a boot! Asuka comes back, runs into an elbow but keeps trying. Mickie goes up for a RANA! Asuka gets up, Mickie back kicks then boots! Mickie runs but Asuka dodges and comes back to HIP ATTACK! Asuka fires up, tells Mickie she is the champion, but runs into a FLAPJACK! Mickie kips up! And she’s feeling all fired up!
Mickie goes to a corner, heads up top, but Asuka rises. Asuka stops Mickie with an uppercut! Asuka climbs to join Mickie, Mickie fights her off and shoves her down, then adjusts. Mickie leaps for a SUPER THESZ PRESS! Cover, TWO to a sunset flip, TWO! Mickie throws forearms, Asuka gives back palm strikes! Asuka fires off from all ends but Mickie ducks the back hand! Mickie spins but Asuka ducks the kick! Asuka’s back hand lands! Mickie flounders, Asuka sits her up, for KICKS! And more kicks! Mickie eggs Asuka on as she sits up again and again but Asuka just keeps kicking her down! Asuka runs, Mickie ducks the buzzsaw to get the leg! HALF CRAB! Mickie sits deep, Asuka crawls and reaches! Mickie drags Asuka from ropes, gets both legs, but Asuka twists for a victory roll, TWO!
Asuka stands up, MICK KICK! That might not have been enough but she still covers, ROPEBREAK!! Asuka survives and Mickie can’t believe it! Mickie wants Asuka to get back up, but she drags Asuka up. Asuka drags Mickie down for an ARMBAR! They move around, Mickie reaches for ropes, it’s also a cover, TWO! Mickie moves around to get a cover back, ONE! Mickie is free, kicks low but Asuka spins out of the DDT to get the arm! Mickie drops down out of the hammerlock to victory roll, TWO! FLYING ARMBAR TAKEDOWN!! Into the ASUKA LOCK!! Mickie pops free, moves around to cover, but the ref says she tapped out?!
Winner: Asuka, by submission? (still Raw Women’s Champion)
Mickie was ruled unable to continue?! What was it that happened that she could no longer wrestle? But that’s besides the point for now, as Vega storms out to the ring! La Muneca gets right in Asuka’s face as she gets a mic. “I’ve been thinking. Thinking about the future. Thinking about MY future! And then it donned on me.” She wasted the best years of HER career managing selfish little ingrates! “Just like you.” Asuka? Yes! Asuka is an ingrate because she was handed the title, and has only been reckless with it. She’s been fighting everyone and her mother. But the Empress of Tomorrow is so focused on the stars of yesterday, she’s forgotten one of the best in the business today: VEGA!
But don’t even bother to ask if she’s ready for Asuka. Because Vega says she is ready for the title. Asuka laughs as she takes the mic from Vega, and talks trash in Japanese that Vega thinks she’s ready. Vega SLAPS Asuka! And then runs away before Asuka could go after her! Asuka is again laughing but Vega is grinning. What happens when there’s no running from the Empress and her wrath?
Backstage interview with Keith Lee.
Charly Caruso quickly adds that Vega stepping to Asuka, not a good idea. But first, a competitor whose title aspirations are a bit more realistic. The Limitless One has a chance to face McIntyre for the world title. Many work entire careers for this opportunity. Keith and McIntyre were honest in knowing there would come a day when they’d face each other. Just as Keith has been honest about not appreciating McIntyre interfering in his matches. Keith gets it: “The goal is to be WWE Champion, and that’s a goal that drives all of us.” That said, Keith knows McIntyre will do whatever it takes to stay champion, and Keith will do whatever it takes to become champion.
Then Keith’s job may be easier. McIntyre has a fractured jaw. Will Keith take advantage of that? Keith doesn’t want to take advantage of a friend. But to come this far and to become champion, he will do what he must. Will the Scottish Stud force the hand of the Limitless One?
Erik VS Bobby Lashley w/ MVP!
So far, business has been booming, as Alexander got the win over his former friend. Now will the CEO of the Hurt Business throw the last viking standing to the wayside to make a statement?
The bell rings and Erik rushes a distracted Lashley with double knees! Lashley moves, fires off hands and knees in the corner but lets up as the ref counts 4. Lashley digs forearms into Erik’s face, then runs to RAM into Erik! Lashley nods to MVP on commentary, then digs his forearms into Erik. Erik pushes back, fires forearms back as well as haymakers and knees! Erik lets up, whips Lashley but Lashley reverses. Erik elbows Lashley back then shotgun knees him down! Erik growls as he stalks Lashley, for Ace Ten Mao! Cover, TWO! Lashley survives but Erik stays close. Erik drags Lashley up, kicks and knees and forearms then runs, into a SPINE BUSTER!
Lashley hauls Erik up to the Canadian rack, DOMINATOR! Cover, TWO!?! Erik survives, MVP respects that, but Lashley stalks Erik. Lashley clamps on the full nelson! Body scissors added on, the Hurt Lock is complete! Erik taps, Lashley wins!
Winner: Bobby Lashley, by submission
Lashley holds on until Erik fades out! The United States Champion is rolling, but who will it be to stand in his way at Clash of Champions?
Backstage interview with Kevin Owens.
Does he have any idea as to why Aleister Black has this vendetta against him? No, he doesn’t. Because there could be many reasons. Did he say something that set him off? Or maybe Hot Topic wouldn’t honor those 40% off coupons he had for the shirts of the band that he likes so much. Maybe it was the frustration that even though Aleister sat in a dark room for a year and a half, wanting someone to knock on his door and fight him, no one cared enough to do it.
But either way, Kevin doesn’t really care why. He cares about how. As in, how will he inflict enough pain on Aleister to feel like they’re even? How will he make sure Aleister doesn’t walk but run back to his hiding spot? And more importantly, how can Kevin make sure the beating he gives Aleister tonight reminds Aleister here on out of what happens when you pick a fight with Kevin Owens? Kevin isn’t actually worried about any of that, because why? Because he’s Kevin Owens. Will the Prizefighter give Aleister the fight of his life?
Shane McMahon and Jordan Omogbehin talk at the Raw Underground door.
Last week’s brawling of Aleister and Kevin was fantastic stuff. Wait until tonight! Wait, Braun Strowman is here?! Seems Raw Underground is open to all, even if they’re not from Raw. The Monster is here to vent his anger, and he knows on the other side of that door is “some poor son of a b*tch that I can cave his head in.” So get out of his way or be in the wake of his destruction! Open the door or he’ll use Shane to do it! And tell the best fighters you’ve got to come see the Monster and #GetTheseHands, so Strowman can send them all home to their mamas with pockets full of teeth! This week is even better already!
Seth Rollins meets with Buddy Murphy backstage.
Where has he been? Rollins was waiting for Murphy to come see him. Murphy says the Mysterios, what they did- Please, please. Rollins understands, they ganged up on him and used kendo sticks. Atonement, forgiveness, that is part of the process. But it’s also the past. Now we look to the future! Tonight is an opportunity! Rollins and Dominik will be inside a steel cage, and no one can go in or out. “This is the perfect opportunity to teach the young man, and the world, a lesson.” Murphy nods, but Rollins asks if Murphy is prepared for his role tonight. Because Rollins has something very important for him to do and he needs to be ready. Is he ready? Yes. Rollins is glad to hear him say that.
Rollins SLAPS Murphy and then tells him to stay back here so Rollins doesn’t have to deal with any “stupid mistakes.” Does Murphy understand? Yes, sir… Rollins SLAPS him again and makes sure Murphy means it! Rollins then calms down, pats Murphy on the shoulder, and heads for gorilla.
Mandy Rose has been traded to Raw!
Apparently this is the favor The Miz called in on Friday Night! The show is about to become #MandyNightRaw, but will Otis stand for Miz messing with his love life?
Steel Cage Match: Seth Rollins VS Dominik Mysterio!
The Monday Night Messiah’s one last disciple took a beating from the entire Mysterio Family, but it was not enough! This still has to be settled between Rollins and El Hijo del Rey! Will the sinister steel be what is needed to finally put an end to all this?
Raw returns as Rollins makes his entrance, and Charly interviews the Mysterio family. Rey and Dominik have weighed the risks and rewards. If Dominik wants to follow his dreams of following his dad’s footsteps, he can’t back down from anything. Rey and Angie are more concerned than Dominik, and Rey knows how difficult a cage match is. The family will be out there to support Dominik. But once that cage door shuts, Dominik is on his own. But so is Rollins. Dominik has fire when it comes to getting even with Rollins, so maybe Rollins should be the one worried about this match. The Mysterio family head out, and this grudge looks to finally be settled!
The bell rings, Rollins soaks up the moment as he and Dominik circle. They tie up, Rollins kicks low and clubs Dominik over and over and over! He stomps Dominik down, laughs as Dominik gets to ropes, then whips him to the other side. DOminik ducks and tilt-o-whirls to a Russian leg sweep! Rey says that’s good, and Dominik climbs! Rollins trips Dominik up, brings him back with a fireman’s carry, but Dominik hits a tilt-o-whirl DDT! Cover, TWO! Dominik hurries to climb again! Rollins gets up, but Murphy appears to give Rollins a kendo stick?! What happened to those orders!? Rollins SMACKS away on Dominik, then throws him into steel! Rey is furious but he keeps Angie and Aalyah calm as Dominik writhes. Rollins looms over Dominik as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Rollins is grinding Domink’s face against steel! And then runs to SMASH Dominik in harder! Rey coaches Dominik while Angie wants Rey to stop this. Rollins drags Dominik up and tells him, “When are you gonna learn?!” Rollins tells Papa Rey to watch as he whips Dominik, but Dominik reverses to send Rollins into steel! Dominik flounders, gets to a side and climbs, but Rollins hurries after! Rollins grabs Dominik, drags him off the steel but Dominik fights back and RANAS Rollins into steel! Rollins writhes but Murphy is there to coach him. Dominik gets the kendo stick and SMACKS Rollins! Rollins kicks back but Dominik keeps swinging on him!
Dominik keeps Rollins from climbing, then whips him into more steel! And more steel! And more steel! Then a SPINE BUSTER! Cover, TWO!! The family has confidence again as Dominik gets back up. Dominik aims at Rollins again but Rollins wants mercy. Rollins trips Dominik up and catapults him, but Dominik climbs! Rollins hurries after, they’re both on the top rope and throwing hands! Rollins rocks Dopminik but Dominik bounces Rollins off steel! And again! Rollins trips Dominik and Dominik crotches on the ropes! But Dominik trips Rollins up to return the favor! Both men flop off the rope to the ring floor and MVP respects the savvy.
The fans and the family rally for Dominik as he crawls to the door. The door is open, but Murphy grabs Rey to SLAM him into the barriers! Rollins drags Dominik away and goes through the doorway, but Murphy slams the door closed!! Murphy didn’t realize Rollins had switched places! Murphy freaks out as Dominik climbs the far side! Murphy climbs the outside but Dominik fights him off! Murphy falls and hits hard! Dominik hits a FROG SPLASH on Rollins! Cover, TWO!! Rollins survives and MVP has respect for Dominik’s heart. Dominik goes back to climbing, but Rollins crawls after. Dominik is up top, Rollins hurries after, and Rollins catches up to grab a foot!
Dominik has to go back inside and Rollins falls. Dominik keeps trying, but Rollins springs up to grab his head! SUPERPLEX!! Float through, FALCON ARROW! Rollins crawls to the cover, TWO!! Dominik survives and shocks Rollins! Angie coaches her son on and Rey does, too. Rollins stares at Rey and Rey glares back. Rollins laughs and grins as he mocks the applause. Rollins gets cocky, Dominik rolls him up, TWO! CURB STOMP!! But Rollins won’t cover, he wants the entire family to suffer! ANOTHER CURB STOMP! Cover, Rollins wins!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall
The Architect had a plan, and though there were missteps, it still worked out in his favor. Rollins grabs the kendo stick before exiting the cage, with Murphy holding the door for him. Rollins glares at Murphy, but he spares the kendo stick to thank his disciple. Rey gets in to check on Dominik, but then Rollins throws Murphy around ringside! “When are you gonna learn?! Do what I tell you to do!!” Rollins lets off, to then SMASH the door into Murphy! “How does it feel!? It sucks! I know because you did it to me!” Murphy begs for mercy, and Rollins tells Angie that hopefully Aalyah turns out better than her brother. The Mysterios check on Murphy before regrouping around Dominik. Will there never be vindication against Rollins?
Raw Underground begins again!
Shane welcomes us back as Dolph Ziggler is back in the ring and out wrestling another opponent. Ziggler gets around to a rear mount, shoots for an arm and drives in elbows at the same time. The ref calls it, Ziggler wins! Ziggler gets serious as he takes off his shirt, but here comes Riddick Moss! The Riddick Regimen wants some and they circle. Ziggler gets a leg, Moss pries him off and backs off. They go again, Ziggler gets the leg again but Moss throws haymakers to get free! Ziggler uppercuts! But Moss SPINE BUSTERS back! Moss rains down hands but Ziggler gets a leg to get back around to a sleeper hold!
Ziggler grinds Moss, Moss throws body shots and pries free. Moss elbows HARD, but the two start throwing hands! Moss tries to lift, but here comes STROWMAN!! Braun brawls with Moss and pushes him to the edge of the ring! Then CHOKE SLAMS him down! Ziggler returns, but Strowman scoops him for a DOMINATOR! Braun dares anyone to get in and #GetTheseHands! Raw Underground and Raw go to break while The Monster stands tall!
Raw returns with a backstage interview with Drew McIntyre.
Now dressed to compete, McIntyre responds to Keith’s comments. McIntyre hopes Keith will do whatever it takes to win the championship. But what McIntyre can’t get his head around is that while he could have struck any time he wanted, he waited until Orton hit Keith with an RKO. McIntyre doesn’t want ot make it sound like Keith couldn’t have kicked out of an RKO. After all, Orton has only won 13 world championships with that move and could’ve won his 14th at SummerSlam if he hit one. Keith comes in and asks for alone time.
Keith doesn’t want McIntyre dragging his name through the mud. What does he mean? He means that McIntyre acts like he’s doing Keith a favor. Keith and McIntyre are friends, Keith is new to Raw, but don’t twist McIntyre’s words. Twisting his words means what McIntyre is saying is not what it sounds like. But it sounds like McIntyre thinks Orton beat Keith. But the only match McIntyre didn’t interfere with was Payback, when Keith won. Furthermore, McIntyre needs to be more concerned with Keith beating him tonight, and again at Clash of Champions. “Hi, I’m Drew McIntyre. Nice to meet you for the first time ever.” McIntyre does not get concerned, and is not afraid of anyone. Keith says he should be.
These two have known each other longer than anyone, so Keith knows McIntyre very well. Such as that weak spot right around- Don’t put your hand up. Oh, is McIntyre concerned about his jaw? Keith keeps putting his hand up and McIntyre keeps swatting it away. Well if McIntyre thinks he can warn the Limitless One… McIntyre JABS Keith, Keith TACKLES McIntyre! They brawl in the spare ring and it spills out! McIntyre throws Kieth into the bathroom! Then drags him out to POST him! McIntyre whips Keith but Keith reverses to send McIntyre into trunks! Security and referees rush over but the brawl just fires off again! McIntyre wants this fight now, but will have to wait for the main event! Has the friendship suddenly crumbled?
We return to Raw Underground!
Omogbehin sees Titus roll up and stops him at the door. Titus wants in on “this fun!” Alright, then! The Real Deal gets in while Braun is mangling some schmo. Strowman wins again, but here comes Moss! Moss wants revenge! Strowman shoves and BOOTS Moss into the crowd! But her comes TITUS! Titus tackles Strowman and rains down rights! Strowman gets up, facelocks and grinds Titus, Titus fades out! Strowman drops him to fall on him! Shane and the ref have Strowman stop! Shane says Braun is still up for more, but we’ll see if anyone takes him up on that later!
Aleister Black VS Kevin Owens!
The Embodiment of the End knows the Prizefighter wants to hurt him, and the feeling is mutual. And Aleister makes sure to hit first and attacks Kevin during his entrance! Aleister stomps Kevin in the ring, the ref backs him off and Raw goes to break! Will Kevin be able to compete after that ambush?
Raw returns and Aleister whips Kevin. Kevin kicks back, rebounds and LARIATS! And drops a senton! Kevin rains down rights and goes back to ropes. Kevin stomps Aleister, bumps Aleister off buckles, then whips him corner to corner. Aleister goes up and over, blocks the superkick and sweeps the legs! Aleister drags Kevin back up, throws fast hands and knees the leg. Aleister keeps on that leg for a modified half crab, but Kevin endures. His shoulders are down for a cover, ONE, but Aleister holds on. Kevin kicks Aleister with his free leg and gets the other free. Fans rally, Kevin is in a corner but he kicks Aleister back. Kevin dumps Aleister over and out and Aleister hits the apron hard! Kevin runs but can’t jump with the bad leg, Aleister sweeps the legs!
Aleister drags Kevin tot he apron, fires off elbows on the bad knee and slams the leg on the apron! Aleister paces as the ring count climbs then gets back in the ring to stalk Kevin. Aleister stomps the leg, clamps on again but Kevin punches him away. Kevin sits up but Aleister brings him up. Aleister throws forearms, Kevin hits back. Aleister boots Kevin at ropes and Kevin flounders to a corner. Aleister drags Kevin back up, puts the bad leg on ropes and KICKS the leg! Kevin flops down and clutches the knee while Aleister paces. Aleister drags Kevin back up, but Kevin ROCKS him with an uppercut!
Kevin hobbles to a corner while Aleister is in a daze. Kevin comes back, drags Aleister up, but Aleister drops down for a KNEEBAR! Aleister cranks on the foot, Kevin endures, reaches, and gets the ropebreak! Aleister holds on until 4, and then stomps away at the ropes. The ref has to back Aleister up, and then Kevin SUPERKICKS him down!! Both men are down, Kevin gets up first but he can’t run! Aleister grins, but the lights start to shut off. Kevin uses the distraction to get a STUNNER!! Cover, Kevin wins!!
Winner: Kevin Owens, by pinfall
If that was Retribution, they just helped Kevin out! Will this be enough to settle things between the Prizefighter and the man who wants to fight?
McIntyre finishes preparing for his match.
But he’s not prepared for Keith to come back for more! Keith and McIntyre brawl backstage, push security aside, but Pearce gets them to stop! If they don’t stop now, he’ll cancel the match and they don’t go to Clash of Champions! That’s enough for Keith, but McIntyre is more than ready to end this. Will McIntyre do everything he has to in order to deny Keith his championship opportunity?
The Riott Squad VS Natalya & Lana!
Ruby Riott and Liv Morgan Liv2Riott and Riott2Liv, but Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler are watching very closely on commentary. Will the contenders build momentum off the #BOAT and the Ravishing Russian to head for the dysfunctional duo bound to self destruct?
The teams sort out, and Natty blindsides Liv! Natty clubs away on Liv while Shayna and Nia mock Liv’s pain. Natty stomps away on Liv in the corner, tags in Lana, and they work together to whip Natty in to RAM Liv! Lana adds a heel kick, covers, TWO! Lana stomps Liv, drags her up and whips her into a corner. Liv hits Natty but Lana kicks Liv back! Lana brings Liv up but Liv breaks free to slip under. Liv reaches for Ruby, Lanan grabs a foot but Liv rolls to send her into ropes! Ruby tags in, CODE BREAKER to RIOTT KICK!! Cover, the Riott Squad wins!
Winner: The Riott Squad, by pinfall
Well that was fast. The champs are done on commentary, too, and make sure the Squad understands who hold the gold right now. And they pick on Natty and Lana to do it! Natty gets POSTED, Nia rips up the announce desk and Shayna toys with Lana! Shayna whips Lana out of the ring for Nia to bring up. Nia fireman’s carries and SAMOAN DROPS Lana through the desk!! There’s one thing Nia and Shayna agree on: destruction! Will they bring that to Clash of Champions to destroy the Riott Squad’s dreams?
We return to Raw Underground one more time!
Braun is mauling another man and gets another win! Moss wants a third turn!? He’s crazy but Braun has faced crazier. Braun JABS Moss down, but here comes Ziggler! Braun rocks Ziggler, but the two work 2v1 now! They get Braun down, but Braun grabs Moss to push him awy! Braun throws Ziggler off and DECKS Moss! Ziggler gets up, to get a MONSTER SLAM! Braun is unstoppable, but here comes… DABBA-KATO! Dabba is someone on Braun’s size level, but Shane says they need this to happen next week! See you next Monday!
Drew McIntyre VS Keith Lee!
Whether the Scottish Stud meant to make the Limitless One seem lesser or not, it’s about how his actions looked to his friend. That might be “former friend” now after the brawling backstage now. But will Keith do everything to make sure McIntyre becomes a former champion at Clash of Champions? Or will McIntyre refuse to #BaskInHisGlory?
The bell rings and the brawl continues! Keith tackles McIntyre to a corner, rams him over and over then throws body shots. Keith whips corner to corner, McIntyre boots back! McIntyre throws haymakers and forearms, but Keith pushes him back. Keith runs in but only gets buckles. Keith boots and gets McIntyre’s jaw! Keith runs to POUNCE McIntyre out of the ring! The champion is down in a bad way as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns once more and Keith hammers away on McIntyre. McIntyre gets to a corner, Keith drags him up but McIntyre hits back! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Keith throws haymakers and the jaw hurts again! Keith whips, McIntyre kicks back and CHOPS again! McIntyre brings Keith around to whip but Keith reverses. McIntyre ducks and dodges and forearms Keith down! McIntyre gets Keith up but can’t overhead suplex, and Keith elbows him away. Keith grabs McIntyre, McIntyre body shots and HEADBUTTS back! The Glasgow Kiss rocks Keith enough for McIntyre to OVERHEAD SUPLEX!
McIntyre gets to a corner, goes up top, and he watches Keith rise. McIntyre leaps, for the ax handle! And the kip up! McIntyre fires up and powers through the pain in his jaw as he glares at Keith. McIntyre drags Keith up, underhooks, but Keith powers out to push and run, into a SPINE BUSTER! Jackknife cover, TWO!! Keith and McIntyre both slowly rise but McIntyre has Keith up first. McIntyre goes to suplex but Keith is too big and too strong for that! Keith pries free, but McIntyre body shots and JABS! GRIZZLY MAGNUM! Keith forearms, elbows, runs and LARIATS McIntyre down! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre survives but Keith keeps his focus.
Keith and McIntyre rise again, McIntyre jawbreakers Keith away! McIntyre goes back to a corner, climbs back up but Keith leaps to headbutt back! Keith has McIntyre stunned on the apron as Keith climbs up. Keith brings McIntyre up, but McIntyre fights back! McIntyre and Keith brawl up top, Keith powers up and SUPERPLEXES! Keith crawls to the cover, TWO!! McIntyre survives and Keith is too tired to be frustrated. Keith crawls to ropes and uses those to stand up. McIntyre stands, too, and kicks low! McIntyre CHOPS and runs, but Keith dodges the boot to pop McIntyre up! McIntyre slips out of the Spirit Bomb, both men run, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES take them out!
Both men crawl as fans build to a rally. But here comes RETRIBUTION!! They’re rushing the ring again! Commentary gets away but Keith and McIntyre fight back! They both get mugged, 6v1 at the very least!! It’s hard to tell just how many there are, but it’s no less than a dozen! They mock McIntyre and Keith, and keep on beating them down! The fans give thumbs down and boo but no one is coming to help McIntyre or Keith! Wait! The Hurt Business finally arrives! MVP brings back Benjamin, Lashley and Alexander to do the job they signed up for. The suit jackets come off, the four rush the ramp and it’s a HUGE brawl with Retribution! The four take on all 12 or 15 in a chaotic mess at ringside!
But then Keith AND McIntyre FLY!! They wipe out Retribution and the Hurt Business all at once! But it looks like nothing is settled between the Limitless One and Scottish Stud. What comes of the Clash of Champions situation? Will Retribution reconsider running in on a Raw main event?
My Thoughts:
This was a bit of a wild Raw, and maybe not always the good kind of wild. The most confusing thing about tonight was how the Raw Women’s Championship match ended. The referee said Mickie James couldn’t continue, but that definitely did not seem the case. Perhaps there was an injury that will be addressed later, but it could also have been because they realized they were going to run out of time for other things. Because the WWE doesn’t operate with time limits on their standard matches, there was probably no easy way to say they need to make time for Vega calling Asuka out so they just kayfabed a reason. Vega ditching Almas and Garza is actually a great part for her and them, and that brawl Garza and Almas had was a great touch.
Everything else was still fairly smooth and great progress towards Clash of Champions. I really thought Murphy was going to turn on Rollins but it seems Rollins is the one turning on Murphy. Rollins and Dominik have a great cage match, but I probably should’ve seen Rollins was going to win. Dominik is left in bad shape, in kayfabe at least, but maybe Murphy redeems himself by helping the Mysterios get back at Rollins. The Riott Squad beats Lana and Natalya because, well, Lana was on the team. I was surprised Nia and Shayna did anything to Natty and Lana, but it does help add some kind of heat. I don’t see Ruby and Liv winning without Shayna and Nia falling apart, but I would like for Shayna and Nia to at least get one defense under their belts before losing.
Kevin and Aleister have a good match, but obviously Retribution was a factor there. The timing is probably just a case of the writing unable to keep Aleister strong but still losing to Kevin. I feel like things are out of order on this story. These two should’ve had a regular match last week, then this week was about using Raw Underground to settle things without rules holding them back. Instead, Strowman got to bust some heads without using the Brand to Brand, and setting up a fight with Dabba-Kato is a bittersweet way to end Raw Underground for the night. The Champions VS Champions match was great, and I’m actually surprised the Profits won. I get home field advantage, but maybe this means the rematch is this Friday, where Nakamura and Cesaro tie the series up and Clash of Champions is a tiebreaker that could be for both tag titles.
Retribution, The Hurt Business and the world championship story were all major parts of tonight, and I think this is the first week Retribution didn’t feel like a goofy nuisance. It is reassuring to see the major players in Retribution are staying the major players. Dijakovic, Dio Maddin, and Mia Yim seem to be the core, but it’s hard to tell if they’re suddenly using Mercedes Martinez even though she’s been doing great in NXT and really only just got to WWE. Retribution attacking Keith looks to kill my theory that he’s their leader, but it could be a red herring. The Hurt Business get good wins over Ricochet and Erik, and them stepping up to fight Retribution was great, as it keeps the Heel/Face dynamics of things uncertain to a degree.
McIntyre and Keith coming to blows even before the main event was great, and just felt logical after everything. Them closing out by wiping out everyone was great, but I bet things just start up again next week to settle things. McIntyre VS Orton in an ambulance match would be great, but I feel like there might be a Triple Threat in the works here. That way, just about anything can happen, and no one would really come out too weak or too strong if, say, Keith got the title because Orton and McIntyre took each other out. Or the other way around, should Orton go after Keith after McIntyre was Pounced.
My Score: 8.3/10
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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)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
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Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 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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What's with all the glowing?
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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.
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B Block, FINAL ROUND!
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Is ROH ready for the GORE?
Mitchell’s WWE Evolve Results & Report! (5/28/25)
THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE!
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Dynamite in the desert!
Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/27/25)
A Block, FINAL ROUND!
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Will NXT still be Absolute?
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Round 8, all together!
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