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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IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLASGOW KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Candice has Tiffy down with an armlock. Tiff fights up as the fans rally, but Candice wrenches to wristlock. Tiff spins through, goes to ropes, then up the corner to flip and arm-drag! The fans fire up as Tiff rallies on Candice! DROPKICK, and Tiff snarls! Tiff goes to the corner, and Charlotte makes her entrance? The Queen chooses to be fashionably late all so everyone looks at her, including Tiffy. Tiffy handsprings, but Candice dodges! Candice runs up to UPPERCUT, then she snapmares and NECK SNAPPERS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice clamps onto Tiffy with a top wristlock.
The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte now chooses to join commentary. Tiff fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, but Candice CLUBS away on her! Candice backs off, runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her to ropes! Tiff runs, HIP ATTACKS, and Candice flops back! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays on Candice with a whip, but Candice reverses. Candice CLOBBERS Tiff, covers, TWO! Charlotte corrects Tiffy’s words earlier: Charlotte isn’t the “top girl,” she is THE woman in WWE. Candice HIP DROPS Tiff but the fans rally up. Candice scuffs Tiff, then grinds an arm to drop a knee on the elbow! And another knee drop! Tiff endures and the fans rally up.
Candice keeps on that arm, thrashes it around, but Tiff fights up. Tiff fires body shots, then shoves Candice to Alabama Lift her! Candice sunset flips, Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated and Candice bails out. Tiff goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Candice and Nia, and Tiff almost stuck the landing! The fans fire up with Tiff and she goes into the ring. Tiff points to the WrestleMania sign, and then at Charlotte, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Tiff waits on Candice, Candice slides in, and Tiff stomps her down! Candice bails out, Nia is there to coach her, but Tiff lets the ring count start. Candice gets on the apron, Tiff kicks her, but Candice RAMS Tiff! Candice CLUBS Tiff, has her in the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Candice climbs, aims, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO!
Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW!
Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back! Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring!
The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring. Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, but with some interesting moves after the sudden change in plans with The Rock showing up. Naomi and Bianca had a good promo to hype up what was meant to be a full match of Naomi VS Liv, but word had already come out before the show that things were being cut for time. But at the very least, they did the right thing of making it a brawl that adds heat to the tag title match on Monday. Also, hilarious how Chelsea & Piper thought the beatdown on Bianca & Naomi was so bad that they would need to be pulled from the Chamber. I also can’t wait to see what happens on Toronto SmackDown.
As for The Rock, I do appreciate he used his authority to kayfabe change more things, all so he could have his promo with Cody. I also appreciate Rock blending his different roles and even different sides, both Heel and Face, to A) bring the news of WM42 being in NOLA, and B) recreate the Corporate Champion/People’s Champion story from the Attitude Era. That was some wild stuff he was saying to Cody. I’m sure quite a few people will try and talk with Cody next week in the go-home. Heels will say do it because they’d love to have what Rock can give, Faces will say not because Cody’s better than that. But naturally, Cody is not going to become The Rock’s Champion, causing Rock to turn on him and really up things going into WrestleMania 41 and perhaps even beyond.
Good stuff in the Elimination Chamber related stories. Jimmy VS McIntyre was great stuff to open, and how fitting that McIntyre loses to Jimmy after talking all that trash about Jimmy and Jey being the same. Jey got McIntyre with something quick, Jimmy got McIntyre with something quick, McIntyre’s ego is obviously his weakness. And at the same time, McIntyre of course destroys Jimmy after because that’s his other personality trait. Priest had good promos with Cody and Braun, and we got great stuff from Solo’s Bloodline. Naturally, we got a miscommunication spot to help finish, we’re really close to Solo VS Jacob, I can feel it. Priest & Braun get the win, mostly because Priest isn’t winning in the Chamber when you’ve got Punk and Cena in there.
Very good stuff with Tiffy Time, from the promos leading into the match to Charlotte being ringside just to watch. Nia & Candice of course get the better of Tiff & Trish, because Tiff & Trish are definitely winning the tag match in Toronto. Charlotte just seems to enjoy trolling Tiff with her presence, so Charlotte probably shows up in Toronto to then confront Tiff after the match. I expect the seven weeks after Elimination Chamber to really heat up, as will Charlotte’s involvement, where she’ll get more active verbally and physically. Also, hell, Rock should go full Corporation and have Charlotte be his Corporate Women’s Champion because of how established she is.
Hilarious stuff from Truth tonight, as always. Truth and Melo having their “who’s on first” again was good stuff, and of course Miz gets in on this story, too. Truth & Knight VS “Melo Don’t Miz” was really fun, but yeah, should’ve figured Nakamura would get involved, too. Melo & Miz making it work could also be really fun, and while Knight VS Nakamura is a rehash, I really hope they find a way to up things. It feels like we’re getting the same with the tag titles as Profits “ruined” that great tag match from DIY and Pretty Deadly, then brawled with MCMG to still come out on top. Last year had a ladder tag title match, so why not do one for these titles this year?
Speaking of escalating, Kevin filming a promo outside Sami’s house was some really well done stuff, as expected of someone as good as Kevin and in such a story as him and Sami. Their match should main event, it needs time to breathe, as it could be just as, if not more violent, than the Chamber matches. What a powerful closing moment we could have if it’s a bloody Kevin and Sami, and one of them is standing over the other, triumphant yet mournful because it was their best friend in the world that they just brutalized.
My Score: 8.9/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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