Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (9/21/20)
Keith Lee gets another chance!
Will Drew McIntyre #BaskInHisGlory this time?
Retribution tried to ruin Raw last week, but only got wrecked in the process! Will they try to ruin Keith Lee’s chances at the WWE Championship again?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Raw Tag Team Championship #1 Contenders Triple Threat: Seth Rollins & Buddy Murphy VS Angel Garza & Andrade Almas VS Humberto Carrillo & Dominik Mysterio; Garza & Almas win and will challenge The Street Profits for the titles at Clash of Champions.
- Drew McIntyre VS Keith Lee; McIntyre wins by disqualification, will face Randy Orton at Clash of Champions.
- Raw Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Mickie James VS Zelina Vega; Vega wins and will challenge Asuka for the title at Clash of Champions.
- WWE 24/7 Championship Sharknado 7-and-a-half: R-Truth w/ Lil Jimmy VS Akira Tozawa VS A shark; Truth retains the WWE 24/7 Championship.
- Apollo Crews w/ Ricochet VS Cedric Alexander w/ MVP; Crews wins.
- Raw Underground – Dolph Ziggler VS Arturo Ruas; Ziggler wins.
- Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler VS Lana & Natalya; Jax & Baszler win.
- Raw Underground – Riddick Moss VS Erik; Moss wins.
- Asuka VS Peyton Royce; Asuka wins, by disqualification.
- Raw Underground – Braun Strowman VS Dabba-Kato; Strowman wins.
- Six Man Tag: The Hurt Business VS Retribution; Hurt Business wins, by disqualification.
PLAY BY PLAY
Retribution raids Raw already!
And they reveal themselves!! They’ve been Mia Yim, Mercedes Martinez, Dominik Dijakovic, Shane Thorne and even Dio Maddin! Mia speaks “to WWE Management. You think your company is safe because you gave us contracts? Think again!” This will continue because only the true deserving individuals are motivated by money. They are done by getting stepped on for the imaginary brass ring. “We are here to destroy the WWE and rebuild it in the image of Retribution!” And they will do it at the expense of the other superstars! “Each and every single one of you are the sickness that’s responsible for the infestation of this hell hole! You do this to collect your money. For the fame, for the fortune, so that you can all collect your paydays like WHORES!” Retribution will be judge, jury and executioner!
But here comes the Hurt Business! MVP, Bobby Lashley, Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander stand in the way of the renegades! But Retribution retreats! MVP asks what’s poppin’! When realness shows up, Retribution ain’t got no heart. They ain’t so tough without their toes! To think these hoes would be running their mouths even after having contracts. They have an opportunity to be on the business end of some hurt! The Hurt Business aren’t children hiding behind masks. They will beat you all down and look good while doing it. But the Retribution henchmen return! This means the Hurt Business is outnumbered 4 to 1! But they still fight them all!
Alexander spills out with some but gets mugged! Lashley, MVP and Benjamin are also being cornered and beaten down! Dijakovic BOOTS MVP, then Maddin works together with him for a DOUBLE CHOKE SLAM on Lashley! Retribution has taken over and Raw goes to break!
Raw returns with the Mysterio Family backstage.
What is it like for Rey, Angie and Aalyah to watch Dominik go for his first championship in tonight’s Triple Threat Tag? Familia is todo, family is everything. This has special meaning to Rey as a father because his first WWE title was in the tag division. Dominik is following in Rey’s footsteps and they are so blessed! Will Dominik continue to follow his father’s footsteps by winning?
The Street Profits head to the ring!
Speaking of the champions, here are the Raw Tag Team Champions to get the mood back up! Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins will know their Clash of Champions opponents by the end of the night, and are here to see it for themselves!
Raw Tag Team Championship #1 Contenders Triple Threat: Seth Rollins & Buddy Murphy VS Angel Garza & Andrade Almas VS Humberto Carrillo & Dominik Mysterio!
The Monday Night Messiah is not pleased with his disciple, and La Muneca isn’t with her team! Will this make it easier for the returning Ultimo Ninja to win alongside El Hijo del Mysterio?
Raw returns and in this Triple Threat, one man is in for each team! Carrillo, Murphy and Garza approach with the bell, but off comes the pants! Garza throws them at Murphy and tags out to Almas. Almas shoves Murphy, Murphy steps to Almas but Alms bails out. Murphy ties up with Carrillo, wrenches his arm, and grinds him down. Carrillo fights up, rolls, handsprings and wrenches back! Murphy rolls, handsprings and spins through to reverse onto Carrillo. Murphy yanks the arm, grinds Carrillo down again, but Carrillo gets up to step through and get the wristlock. Murphy breaks free, headlocks, Carrillo powers out but Murphy has the wristlock. Carrillo uses the ropes to flip through and arm-drag Murphy out!
But Almas strikes! Almas puts Carrillo in the corner, tags Garza, and Garza stomps away on his own cousin before a mule kick! Tag to Almas, they mug Carrillo but Carrillo reverses the whip. Almas goes Tranquilo and taunts, but Murphy slips in to kick Carrillo. Almas kicks Carrillo, and there’s an understanding. Almas swings on Dominik but he dodges, Murphy and Almas mug Carrillo. They double whip but Carrillo kicks Almas and uses Murphy to go up and flying arm-drag Almas out! Murphy runs in but is put on the apron. Murphy ducks the roundhouse but not the enziguri! Profits like that as Garza come sin but gets hit by Dominik! Dom goes up, Carrillo runs, DOUBLE FLY!! They take out their competition, minus Rollins who can’t believe Murphy let that happen.
Dom puts Almas in, covers, TWO! Dominik throws hands on Almas but Almas hits back. Almas CHOPS Dominik on the ropes, but Dominik reverses the whip, Almas kicks back, throws more forearms but Dom does the same! Dominik hops on, for a CODE RED! Cover, Garza basement dropkicks! Garza drags Dom into a facelock, then up for an uppercut! Garza whips Dom but he tiger feints through to hit Garza in the ropes! Murphy hits Garza and shoves him into Dominik, both men go down! Carrillo runs in but gets a BOOT! Almas runs into the strike fest! Murphy stomps but Almas dodges to BOOT and CHOP Murphy! Almas runs, Murphy reels him in but gets an elbow! Almas runs to get a KNEE TRIGGER! Rollins likes that and the Profits are fired up, too!
Rollins looks around, realizes he’s the only one left, so he decides to leave the corner?! “I’ve got more important things going on right now. Lot on my mind.” Rollins is abandoning Murphy AGAIN! Almas rolls Murph up, TWO! Murphy powers Almas to a corner, rams him over and over, but Almas boot feints to ELBOW him down! Tag to Garza, underhooks and WING CLIPPER!! Cover, Garza and Almas win!!
Winners: Andrade Almas & Angel Garza, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contenders to the Raw Tag Team Championships)
The Profits like this! “No excuses! We’ll hand y’all the L again!” Both teams tread familiar roads, but will things be very, very different this time?
Shane McMahon and Jordan Omogbehin meet up early.
Raw Underground is going to be colossal as Braun Strowman and Dabba-Kato have it out! Ready for that? Shane is going to promote this on the KO Show. Just watch out for him. No, he’s okay, he and Kevin are cool now. You sure? Yeah, just watch the door. Shane always has some surprises up his sleeve. Then let Jordan know. But then it wouldn’t be a surprise! Will Shane and Kevin keep things civil tonight?
Raw returns with a message from Retribution!
“Hurt Business! You could’ve been art of the solution. But once again, you bend the knee to the WWE’s demands, and you’re part of our problem.” While others wait outside, in the cold, Hurt Business lines their pockets with WWE money to pay for their thousand dollar suits! They didn’t ask for this opportunity out of hate or anger, but out of greed. Their payment will not come in money, but in a match with them! They will pay Hurt Business with retribution!
Raw presents The KO Show!
Kevin welcomes us back to his show, things didn’t work out for him. He was attacked for no real reason by “Captain Hot Topic.” But Kevin took care of Aleister Black and is moving on. Tonight is an extra special episode, because tonight’s guest is someone he thought he’d never have back. “But hey, 2020’s been pretty weird so far, let’s keep going!” Ladies and gentlemen, SHANE MCMAHON! Shane O’Mac goes to the ring and joins Kevin “on set.” Kevin “can’t get enough” of Shane’s dancing, but let’s have a seat. Kevin can’t believe Shane is here. Shane can’t, either. Thanks for having him! There’s always an agenda with Kevin but that’ll be a business another time.
Oh yeah, the two years against each other, with Hell in a Cell, Shane got fired and somehow he’s back. Kevin’s fine with that, because it’s all in the past. The thing is, this isn’t about them. No, tonight is about what Shane does best: promoting! A McMahon is a promoter at hand, and there’s a huge fight to promote! Take the floor, because Kevin can’t wait. Shane says Raw Underground will have the Battle of the Behemoths! Dabba-Kato is new, but he’s 7′ tall, near 400 pounds, and we know Braun’s pedigree and massive wake of destruction. These two, wow. Shane appreciates being out here to promote this. And he remembers Kevin “met” Dabba-Kato. Let’s sample the goods a bit, right? Shane invites Dabba-Kato out!
Kevin is certainly surprised Shane has a guest for Kevin’s show. Dabba walks to the ring, and Shane says it’s impressive to see him go over the top rope. Shane stands to make sure we understand how tall Dabba is. Now this is why Kevin wanted Shane here. Kevin wanted Shane because he knew Dabba wouldn’t be far behind. Kevin doesn’t really care about tonight’s Raw Underground, but two week’s ago. Kevin remembers what Dabba did to him. So Dabba is the new kid, probably not sure how things go around here, and is focused on Braun. Kevin just wants Dabba to know this is going to happen at some point. Until then, chew on this. SLAP!! Shane tells Dabba to stay calm, but Kevin reveals a SECOND guest! It’s BRAUN STROWMAN!!
The Monster is here already! Kevin is ruining Shane’s promotion by having the behemoths meet early! Shane panics but Dabba is ready, and so is Braun! Shane wants things to stay calm, this has to happen in Raw Underground and only in Raw Underground! That goes for Dabba, too! Braun tells Dabba that it won’t matter what he does! Dabba threatens Braun, but Aleister attacks Kevin! He trips Kevin and drags him into the post! Kevin gets split between the uprights and Aleister looms over his victim. It seems Kevin is not through with Aleister, but what will it take to stop this?
Backstage interview with Drew McIntyre!
Charly Caruso asks that before he heads out, are there any concerns about competing with the fractured jaw? Yeah, no. Okay then, what about his fractured friendship with Keith Lee? Well things got heated, but McIntyre gets it. It’s all business. McIntyre is WWE World Champion, Keith wants to be WWE World Champion. If you’re in the WWE yet you don’t want to be the top guy, then why are you here? Keith and McIntyre will surely laugh about this looking back, but tonight they will beat the hell out of each other. And those drinks will be on McIntyre, when he wins. That second time around happens after the break!
Raw returns to a brawl!
Retribution is beating down Titus O’Neil and Humberto Carrillo!! Dijakovic says the WWE superstars are the sickness while they are the judge, jury and executioners!
Drew McIntyre VS Keith Lee!
Speaking of Retribution, the first attempt at this was ruined by them. But now, the Scottish Stud and Limitless One will finish what they started! Will Keith earn another golden opportunity in his already gilded WWE career? Or will McIntyre do whatever he must to deny him that? And what of Randy Orton’s return in time for Clash of Champions on top of all this?
The bell rings and Keith dodges a boot to headlock McIntyre. McIntyre powers up but can’t power out as Keith holds on tight. McIntyre pries at the hold, gets free and gets the headlock in return. Keith endures, pries at the hold, but McIntyre cranks harder. Keith powers up to lift McIntyre but McIntyre stops that with more wrenching of Keith’s head. The fans build to a rally, Keith powers out but McIntyre goes up and over to run and doge. Keith dodges and POUNCES McIntyre out of the ring! Keith grins as McIntyre tumbles down! A ring count begins but Keith goes out to fetch McIntyre. Keith stalks McIntyre around the announce desk but McIntyre throws body shots. The ring count reaches 5 but McIntyre punches Keith into the ring. McIntyre returns at 7, but Keith bails out.
McIntyre goes out to throw hands and CHOPS, but Keith GRIZZLY MAGNUM chops! But McIntyre borrows something from Orton with the back suplex onto the announce desk!! Keith is down but McIntyre is seething as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns and McIntyre throws hands, kicks and CHOPS! McIntyre wrenches but Keith throws body shots and backs him down! Keith fires off, McIntyre pushes him away but Keith hits back! LARIAT! Keith runs and corner splashes McIntyre! Then he runs, rolls and comes back for another splash! Keith keeps moving, McIntyre dodges and manages a fireman’s carry! Keith slips off the back but McIntyre BOOTS him! Keith DECKS McIntyre with a left! Keith sees McIntyre down, but hesitates because of the fractured jaw. Keith still covers, TWO! McIntyre clutches his jaw but Keith shrugs off his concerns for a friend and drags up an opponent. Keith pops McIntyre up, but McIntyre fights out of the bomb, to HURICANRANA Keith to a corner!
McIntyre staggers, Keith runs at him, McIntyre hits a SPINE BUSTER! McIntyre covers, TWO!! McIntyre makes sure his jaw still works and gets up with fury on his face. McIntyre drags Keith up, throws forearms, then turns Keith for a leaping neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! McIntyre grows frustrated, stomps Keith then looms over him. McIntyre sits Keith up for big haymakers, then brings Keith up into the double underhooks! Keith powers McIntyre to a corner before Future Shock could hit! Keith grimaces, runs in but McIntyre elbows him away! McIntyre fires up, runs, but into a CHOKE SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Keith grits his teeth, growing further frustrated with McIntyre. He drags McIntyre up, McIntyre hits back, but Keith knees low.
Keith throws more forearms and elbows, then runs to LARIAT McIntyre down! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre still lives but still clutches his jaw, too. Fans build to another rally as Keith looms over McIntyre. Keith says, “This is my chance!” He drags McIntyre up by his hair, reels him in and lifts, but McIntyre pops out the back! McIntyre comes back with a CLAYMORE!! But RANDY ORTON attacks with a chair!!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by disqualification
The Viper digs the chair into McIntyre’s jaw!! Orton shows no mercy but lets off when he runs out of energy. McIntyre gets out of the ring, clutching his jaw, but Orton now aims at Keith! TO PUNT HIM!! The Apex Predator killed two birds with one stone, but will he come to regret making his return like this?
Raw returns and Orton is still in the ring.
The Viper paces as he says, “Shame on all of you people!” Shame on us for doubting him for even a second! For doubting he’d make it to Clash of Champions! Doesn’t his 20 year track record count for anything?! The ONE constant in the WWE this entire time has been Orton! He hasn’t walked away from a match and doesn’t plan on doing that any time soon. “But… The world title match at Clash of Champions isn’t exactly a normal world title match, now is it?” Orton walks over to the ambulance parked nearby as an example.
Orton opens the doors to show us inside. “I took a ride in this very ambulance a few short weeks ago. And I took that ride because Drew McIntyre gave me not one, not two, but three Claymore kicks.” And as he was strapped to the stretcher and flying down the highway, “the sirens were blaring.” Orton was in and out of consciousness and could barely see straight, but he realized something. This is the feeling of being taken out by the Legend Killer. This is what Edge felt, what Christian felt, what Big Show, Shawn Michaels, Ric Flair and even McIntyre felt after getting kicked in the skull! As Orton came to, he felt a smile on his face. Not because he was enjoying the pain. But because he remembered exactly what he is capable of. Orton remembered “exactly what it takes to become WWE Champion.”
An ambulance represents different things for different people. For some, it is hope and healing. For others, it is pain and agony, or even death. But this ambulance here, for Orton, this represents his FOURTEENTH world championship reign. “Now, Drew, listen up, buddy.” At Clash of Champions, Orton makes sure McIntyre takes one last ride in the ambulance, and makes sure his world title reign flatlines thanks to the three most dangerous letters in sports entertainment: R K O! Orton slams the doors shut to punctuate his point. Will Orton make this ambulance represent the death of McIntyre’s reign and the birth of his next?
Backstage interview with Asuka!
Sarah Schreiber talks with the Empress on who is the greater threat to her Raw Women’s Championship reign: Mickie James or Zelina Vega? Pff, what is she talking about? But here comes Billie Kay!? Billie mockingly advertises hot ‘n’ fresh matches with the champ! In case you couldn’t tell, Asuka, that is Billie’s spot on impersonation of Asuka herself. Because Vega was on to something about Asuka being way too willing to hand out matches against anyone who asks for one. Maybe Sarah gets a match? Or Jen from catering? Or maybe even… Peyton Royce! Right, Billie? Yeah, too. Or Billie. Are these two still friends? Are you joking?! Just because they can’t be a team anymore doesn’t mean they stopped being friends who support each other. Billie and Peyton support each other, even as things change.
Speaking of change, Asuka is champion now, but she won’t be after Clash. Actually, “No one is ready for Asuka!” But Asuka is ready for Peyton tonight! Asuka laughs as she leaves, will she also have the last laugh on the formerly iconic duo?
Raw Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Mickie James VS Zelina Vega!
Speaking of that coming challenge, the controversial ending to Asuka VS Mickie will be resolved in part! Will the former six-time women’s champion earn her second shot at the Empress? Or will Vega prove she is ready for anything?
Raw returns as Mickie makes her entrance. The bell rings, Vega kicks low and ax kicks Mickie down! Vega bumps Mciki eoff buckles, stomps away then digs her boot in. The ref counts, Mickie pushes Vega back but Vega grabs hair and talks trash. Mickie pulls hair back to throw Vega down! Mickie drags Vega up, then swings and throws her by her hair! Vega gets to a corner, the ref keeps Mickie back, and Vega rushes in to get a sleeper hold! Vega is a backpack but Mickie throws her off to run and KICK her down! Cover, TWO! Mickie keeps her cool as she drags Vega up to suplex. Vega turns it around to a cradle, TWO! Mickie gets up, Vega dodges the punches and comes back with a tilt-o-whirl to an OCTOPUS!
Mickie endures as Vega twists and stretches her! Mickie falls to a knee, but powers back up to RAM Vega into a corner! And again! Vega lets go, Mickie staggers away but comes back to only get buckles. Vega KICKS Mickie down, then says it’s her time! Vega goes to kick again, Mickie blocks and shifts Vega around for a powerbomb, into Vega’s huricarnana! Cover, ONE, Mickie has the cover, ONE! Vega throws Mickie down by her hair, but Mickie pushes her back. Mickie is on the ropes, Vega tiger feints into a crucifix stretch on the ropes! The ref counts, Vega lets go at 4, then grins as she stalks behind Mickie. Vega climbs up and reels Mickie in, for a tornado but NO DDT! Mickie LARIATS Vega down! And then back kicks, BOOTS and runs to CLOBBER Vega!
Vega staggers up, Mickie hits a flapjack! And kip up! Mickie is fired up and heads up top as she shouts, “SEVEN TIME!” Vega stands, SEATED SENTON! Cover, TWO!! Vega survives but Mickie waits for her to rise! Mickie aims, kicks, but no DDT as Vega whips Mickie into ropes! Vega gets Mickie for the BACKSTABBER! Cover, Vega wins!!
Winner: Zelina Vega, by pinfall (NEWÂ #1 Contender to the Raw Women’s Championship)
La Muneca wins over a six-time champion to head for the Empress’ throne! Will Vega prove she IS ready to hold the gold? Or is there no amount of preparation to make you ready for Asuka?
Retribution jumps The Hurt Business backstage!
It seems the renegades won’t wait for the Six Man Tag! The henchmen go after all four members, but MVP and the boys are beating them down! MVP shouts to the camera, “Is this what you want, Retribution!? We live for this! WE can play this game, too!” Benjamin BOOTS one while Lashley rains down rights on another. MVP says these two have it, he and Alexander head out for a match with Apollo Crews!
Raw hears from Bianca Belair.
She’s the strongEST and toughEST, and proves it by doing an impressive amount of chin-ups, flipping a huge tractor tire, walking longer in the handstand, and putting on more weights on that dead lift bar for the clean ‘n’ jerk. The other Performance Center prospects feel bad, because nobody can whoop the EST of WWE!
The ninjas search the beaches for R-Truth!
Akira Tozawa knows Truth and the 24/7 Championship are here. They will hide in the OCEAN! Referee Ninja doesn’t want to, but Tozawa makes him swim! Truth arrives, and the “three amigos” of himself, Lil’ Jimmy and his “baby,” the 24/7 Championship, hit the beach! That’s when the ninjas spring their trap! Truth is teaching Jimmy swimming strokes, but they spot a SHARK! RUN!! Tozawa and the ref ninja swim for their lives! Oh no, Truth dropped the title! And 20 minutes later, Truth returns to search for it! Stick close, Jimmy! No, snorkels go in your mouth! If they can find Nemo, he can find his baby!
The shark is still here!! SHARKNADO 2!! The waves wash Truth to safety, and Lil’ Jimmy found the title! “Look, this is what happens!” Tozawar got devoured! Never play with sharks, kids. Is Tozawa really shark food? Or was that his referee sidekick…?
Apollo Crews w/ Ricochet VS Cedric Alexander w/ MVP!
Even with taking on Retribution, there is other business that must be attended to! Will Apollo avenge himself and Ricochet? Or will the Age of Alexander joining the Hurt Business continue to pay off for all parties involved?
Before the match, MVP says, “This is an official announcement. Attention, Retribution: tonight, you will be in a Six Man Tag Team match and you will definitively come to know why we are the Hurt Business.” They can walk around and call themselves judges and juries all they want, but make no mistake! The Hurt Business are the executioners! Alexander says MVP is correct! Alexander learned the hard way that when you send a message to the Hurt Business, expect one back tenfold! That is what Alexander will do to his “old friend.” Apollo thinks this is him getting even with Alexander, but it’s the other way around! Apollo used Alexander to get title opportunities he never deserved in the first place! Alexander will show Apollo that he doesn’t give a damn about him OR his kids!
Apollo makes his entrance and has his own mic. He never thought he’d see this side of Alexander. What side? The side that’s tired of being a pawn?! Apollo doesn’t even care anymore! He just wants to punch Alexander in the face. And if Lashley and MVP think Apollo has forgotten about the US Championship match, you’ve got a front row seat to see exactly how it goes down at Clash of Champions! Then Apollo will become a two-time United States Champion! No more talk, it’s time to fight!
Apollo gets around Alexander for a waistlock and slam! Alexander elbows out, runs but into an enziguri! Apollo runs at Alexander in the corner but Alexander bails out! MVP gets him around the way but Apollo runs to WRECK Alexander with a baseball slide! MVP and Apollo are face to face and are talking trash as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns and Apollo is down now. Alexander covers, TWO! Alexander rains down rights, wraps on a chinlock and grinds Apollo down. Ricochet coaches Apollo, fans build to a rally but MVP talks smack. Apollo fights up, throws hands and ROCKS Alexander! Alexander shoves and knees Apollo low, then rolls him for a basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Alexander keeps on Apollo with a half nelson, and MVP coaches him up. The neck is still in bad shape after Lashley’s full nelson so a half nelson from Alexander should be good. Alexander elbows away on shoulders and ribs, then clamps on with a rear bearhug. Apollo fights up, elbows free, but Alexander reels him back in. Apollo gives more elbows but Alexander scoop MICHINOKU DRIVERS! Cover, TWO!!
MVP tells Alexander not to worry, and Alexander taunts Ricochet. MVP wants Alexander to focus, and Alexander runs into a boot and enziguri from Apollo! Apollo goes up, FROG CROSSBODY! Both men are down, MVP and Ricochet coach up their guys, and Apollo is up first. Apollo rallies with clobbering forearms, then her RAMS Alexander into a corner! Apollo rams his shoulder in over and over and fires up! Apollo runs corner to corner for a splash! FALL AWAY SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO!! Alexander lives but Apollo keeps focus. Alexander bails out, Apollo slingshots and moonsaults but Alexander dodges. Alexander runs in then back out to DIVE onto Apollo! Direct hit, but Ricochet gets in Alexander’s face. MVP dares Ricochet to do something, Alexander gets in, for an Oklahoma Roll! APOLLO WINS!
Winner: Apollo Crews, by pinfall
The distractions cost Alexander! MVP says it’s okay, because here comes Lashley and Benjamin! And then Alexander blindsides Apollo! MVP stomps Ricochet down, Lashley RAMS Ricochet into barriers! Benjamin throws Ricochet into more barriers! Alexander and MVP double flapjack Apollo down! Lashley puts Apollo in the HURT LOCK FULL NELSON!! He thrashes Apollo around, trying to sideline him all over again! MVP says this is what’s waiting for him on Sunday! Will it be the CLASHLEY of Champions this year?
It’s time for some Raw Underground!
Braun VS Dabba isn’t happening yet, but we start with Dolph Ziggler and Arturo Ruas! The bel rings and the two circle. Ziggler shoots for a leg but Ruas stays clear. Ruas tries his capoeria but Ziggler stays clear! Ziggler and Ruas feel out the grapple, throw some hands, but Ziggler gets a leg! Rusa blocks with a cravat and knees low! Ruas FLAPJACKS Ziggler, then gest the arm! Ziggler resists the armbar, rolls, but Ruas tries to shift to a different hold. Ziggler stays up, rains down rights with the free hand but Ruas lets go. Ziggler gest the sleeper hold! Ruas tries to sip out the back but Ziggler rakes eyes! Ziggler smothers Ruas, but Ruas throws him down! Ruas rains down hands, Ziggler kicks back, but runs into a takedown!
Ruas hooks legs, laces them up, DOUBLE HEEL HOOK! Ziggler grabs beard and clubs Ruas! SLEEPER! ZIggler is back on as a backpack, Ruas fights up but fades! Ziggler has him down, Ziggler wins!!
Winner: Dolph Ziggler
The Show-Off gets a fiery first win for the night! Shane asks Braun something, but Braun shouts he doesn’t want to talk to Shane. Briana Brandy, please take over. Um, uh… Well, everyone is very excited for Braun’s match. What can we expect? What Braun said last week! Is this all you have to offer? Dabba better have good dental because Braun’s gonna send him home to mommy with pockets full of teeth! And that goes for Shane if he wants to get in the ring, too! Briana sends us back to the ThunderDome.
Seth Rollins returns!
Though he ditched his disciple, the Monday Night Messiah returns with an envelope, and already claims he has “big news” to share. Rollins grabs a mic to say, “It is no secret that I’ve had the Mysterios’ number for quite some time now.” But after he defeated Dominik inside the steel cage, he thought this was all done and he was free of the torment they are putting him through. “But there’s something that’s been bothering me about the Mysterio family for quite some time.” Rollins should’ve let it go, but he was inspired to look further into it, by the most unlikely of sources. It was WWE’s official site that posted a series of photos relating to the Mysterio family, and a lightbulb went off. “The world has to know the truth.” Rollins can’t do it justice with just words, so he will show us on the Titantron.
The image is of Rey, Angie, Aalyah and Dominik posing together. But something is amiss here, according to Rollins. Look at Rey, and look at Dominik. Rollins is pointing out the height discrepancy. “It doesn’t seem possible, right?” This is unbelievable, really. We all deserve the truth! So Rollins had some people do some digging, and in his folder are the results of such an investigation. But before he reads the results, Rollins is extending the courtesy to the Mysterios to find this out from him first. “I owe them that much.” Rollins says they can all trust him, it’s okay. The Mysterios do head to the ring, and Rey says this must be so important. But before he starts, Rollins must know we are ALL tired of his mind games. And just know that Rey and family will give him a beating like they did Murphy!
Whoa, now! Rollins understands where they’re coming from with their anger, but he just wants to say something. It might sound crazy, but speaking to Rey’s family, Rollins has started to respect them. It might sound weird, but he’s inspired by them. They stand together, fight together, support each other, overcome adversity together, and that is beautiful. That is why they deserve the truth! In this envelope are the results… of a DNA test. This has been done before, but times have change. Technology has advanced a lot since then! We need a true answer to the answer, “Who is Dominik’s father?” Oh c’mon, Rollins. Are you stupid? Rollins understands the skepticism, but we all need the truth! And the truth is… The DNA results are conclusive. Dominik’s father is NOT Rey!
Wow~ Rollins. Like, seriously. That’s what this is about? He wants to go down this road again? It didn’t work then, it won’t work now. Why can’t Rollins just stop trying to ruin the Mysterio family name? Rollins realizes Rey is on to something. He made a mistake. Rollins was asking his guys to look into the “Mysterio kid,” but maybe it isn’t that Dominik isn’t Rey’s son. Maybe it’s Aalyah who isn’t Rey’s daughter!! And if this isn’t proof of that, here is concrete evidence! Roll footage from last week! Aalyah checking on Murphy? How is that evidence of anything? But Rollins says that doesn’t seem like something a Mysterio would do! She was consoling an enemy! So, Rey, what’s going on? Aalyah, what’s going on?
Rey says Rollins talks only to him! His daughter and Rey spoke about that, and it’s nothing Rollins needs to know. But Aalyah was taught to be caring and compassionate, something Rollins doesn’t know anything about! So maybe Rollins should keep Aalyah’s name out of his mouth. She’s only 19, naïve and doesn’t know anything about this world. Aalyah is upset that her father said that and storms off! Angie goes to check on Aalyah, but both Rey and Dominik are confused. Rey hurries after his daughter, Dominik glares at Rollins and then follows after. Rollins seems shocked by this, too.
Rollins apologizes, he just wanted to inform them, not drive a wedge. But maybe that happens when the truth comes out. Even a family as strong as the Mysterios can be hurt. Surely it’s probably happened to the WWE Universe, too. Rollins apologizes again then takes his leave. Just what is going on in the seesaw psyche of the Monday Night Messiah?
Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler VS Lana & Natalya!
While the Irresistible Force and Queen of Spades have the Riott Squad to worry about Sunday, they’ll gladly settle things with the Ravishing Russian and #BOAT for that scuffle last week. Ruby and Liv are on commentary to watch very closely, dressed in their Beetlejuice best. Will they like what they see? Or just see a glimpse into their futures?
The teams sort out and Natty starts with Nia. Natty dodges Nia, throws hands but Nia shoves her. Natty comes back with a tilt-o-whirl and elbow! Natty tags Lana, Nia whips Natty away but Natty dodges! Lana whips Natty in for a shoulder attack, then Lana adds the heel kick! Lana runs and crucifix to a sunset flip, but Nia stays up. Nia drags Lana up to headbutt her down! Shayna wants in, Nia tags her in, and Shayna DECKS Natty! Shayna grabs Lana, gut wrench slams her down, then KICKS her in the face! KIRAFUDA KLUTCH!! Lana taps, Shayna and Nia win!
Winners: Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax, by submission
Liv and Ruby insist that they, as the true tag team, are going to win. They’re united but here come Nia and Shayna! Nia shoves Liv then Shayna shoves Ruby! And now they start clearing off the desk! Nia lifts Liv up but Ruby fights back! Shayna backs Nia up while the Squad stands together! So Nia grabs Lana to again give her a SAMOAN DROPÂ through the desk!! Who stays standing when Clash of Champions is through?
Drew McIntyre has an ice pack for his jaw.
Charly asks how he’s doing, and he says it doesn’t feel good. He and Orton meet at Clash of Champions in the Ambulance Match, and McIntyre vows “to beat the piss out of him.” But McIntyre isn’t done tonight, he’s going to go pick a fight! Where is the Scottish Stud heading!?
Raw returns to the Mysterio family backstage.
Rey apologizes to Aalyah, but he’s just trying to protect the family. She doesn’t need protection anymore, she’s an adult! Yes, but she doesn’t know Rollins like he does! He doesn’t want Rollins planting ideas in her head. Aalyah is here to support Dominik, but now he and Rey are hurt, and who knows what Rollins will do to her or mother Angie! Aalyah is somehow just a naïve 19 year old? She storms off again and this time, Angie has Rey stay here. Will the family tension cool down before the night ends?
We go back to Raw Underground!
This time, it’s Riddick Moss and Erik! They throw testing jabs, Moss rushes in but gets caught for a facelock! Moss throws hands, Erik gets around to a waistlock but Moss breaks free. They go again, throwing more hands. Moss gets up and under to SLAM Erik Erik gets away, clinches and THROWS Moss down! Erik rains down rights, Moss gets away and the crowd is fired up! Moss fires himself up, Erik throws hands with him fast and furious! Moss keeps going but Erik ROCKS him! Erik tackles Moss down, waistlocks to a DEAD LIFT GERMAN! Erik is right back on Moss but Moss gets away to ROCK Erik!! Down goes Erik, Moss wins!!
Winner: Riddick Moss
The Riddick Regimen scores big, but Shane says the main event is finally happening. Briana, can you ask Dabba how he’s feeling? She tells Dabba that he looks pumped, but Shane takes over to keep Dabba calm. What can expect? “Talk is cheap. Tonight, you all will see, but he will feel, what Dabba-Kato is all about.” The Raw Underground main event is coming, who will be left standing?
Asuka VS Peyton Royce!
The Empress knows Zelina Vega is coming for her title, but she isn’t the only one! Will the Venus Flytrap prove she is finally ready for Asuka?
Raw returns as Peyton makes her entrance. The bell rings and they tie up right away! Peyton pushes Asuka to a corner, grinds her forearms in but Asuka shoves her away. Asuka elbows and BOOTS Peyton, then rolls her up! TWO and Asuka pops Peyton up for a KNEE! Peyton goes to a corner, Asuka runs in to hip attack! Asuka waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX! Peyton sits up to get a SLIDING KICK! Cover, TWO!! Asuka keeps her cool as Peyton survives, and throws a kick! Peyton catches it, hooks Asuka up but Asuka pops out to hip toss to a cover, TOW! Peyton ducks the roundhouse, Asuka ducks the heel kick and mule kicks. Asuka runs, Peyton follows, and hits a WIDOW’S PEAK! Cover, TWO!!
Billie Kay is just as frustrated as Peyton. Peyton drags Asuka up, but Asuka spins out to get the chicken wing! Peyton victory rolls out of the Asuka Lock, TWO! HEEL KICK! Cover, TWO!! Asuka survives and Billie shrieks on Peyton’s behalf. Peyton decides to change it up and go up top! But Asuka uppercuts her first! Asuka climbs, throws hands but Peyton knocks her down! Asuka is back with a HEEL KICK of her own! Then the FLYING ARMBAR! Peyton gets up and out and rolls with Asuka, but here comes VEGA!
Winner: Asuka, by disqualification
Vega attacks Asuka to not only ruin Peyton’s chance, but to say this is HER time! She SLAPS Asuka, talks more trash, but Asuka back kicks and back hands! Vega gets away before getting knocked out! Asuka will finally get to hit Vega back this Sunday! Will the Empress break The Doll to keep that belt?
Murphy finds Aalyah backstage.
He isn’t here to hurt her. He just wanted to apologize. This stuff with Seth and Rey have gone way out of hand. If Murphy has done anything to hurt her, he apologizes for that. Murphy leaves, but is this genuine? Or another layer to Rollins’ plot?
Raw Underground – Braun Strowman VS Dabba-Kato!
Finally, that battle of behemoths Shane promised all of us is here! Braun and Dabba are ready, they’ve said their piece, and it begins! Braun and Dabba have their dukes up, throw some jabs to test things, but things get faster and meaner! They tie up, go around, are in a deadlock, but Dabba throws big body shots. Braun shoves Dabba, grabs him for a facelock and shifts to a sleeper?! Dabba is caught, Braun smothers him, adds an arm to this, but Dabba moves around. They end up on the edge, to the floor, and Dabba hammers away! Braun shoves Dabba away and CLUBS him! Dabba throws an onlooker at him but Braun shoves him back! Both men get back in the ring, circle again and Braun DECKS Dabba!! Braun smothers and hammers Dabba and WINS!
Winner: Braun Strowman
The undefeated streak of Dabba is ended because he #GotTheseHands! Braun stands over his fallen foe, but is he done with Raw Underground? Or just getting started?
Six Man Tag: The Hurt Business VS Retribution!
MVP and his crew signed up for the tough jobs, and that includes cleaning up the mess these Mad Max wannabes have been making! Will they make Dijakovic, Maddin and Thorne regret ever getting contracts with Raw?
“Slapjack, T-Bar and Mace” enter from the back way and take the ring. MVP leads his men out to the ring, and this finally happens after the break!
Raw returns once more and the bell rings, with Lashley starting against Thorne/Slapjack! And Lashley catches him to throw him OVERHEAD! Slapjack flounders back to his corner and Maddin/Mace tags in. Lashley puts him in a corner and throws hands all over him! The ref backs him off, Lashley runs in but only gets buckles! Mace runs, T-Bar/.Dijakovic tags in and he clobbers Lashley out of the ring! MVP calms Lashley down, gets him back in and Lashley goes after T-Bar. T-Bar elbows him away, runs and Lashley hurdles but Lashley clotheslines! Lashley bumps T-Bar off buckles, tags Alexander in, and they mug T-Bar. T-Bar elbows back and throw’s body shots. T-Bar rocks Alexander, drags him up, and CLUBS him down!
T-Bar looms over Alexander before he stomps Alexander down. Slapjack mocks Alexander, T-Bar drags Alexander up and tags Slapjack in. Slapjack boots, snapmares and KICKS Alexander! Then stomps him! He rains down furious forearms and elbows then drives in knees. Tag to T-Bar and Retribution mugs Alexander. T-Bar clubs away, Alexander fights back but T-Bar DECKS him! T-Bar drags Alexander up, and TOSSES him across the way! Cover, TWO! T-Bar looms over Alexander, talks trash to him, and drags him up. T-Bar whips but Alexander handsprings to NEURALIZER! Tag to Benjamin!
Benjamin fires off on T-Bar with forearms and knees! He hits Mace and Slapjack but T-Bar throws forearms back. They brawl, T-Bar knees low and runs, into a knee! Benjamin runs but Mace swings on him! Benjamin ROCKS Mace but T-Bar BOOTS Benjamin! Mace tags in and he helps T-Bar bring Benjamin up. They double suplex Benjamin high and hard! Cover, TWO! Mace keeps on Benjamin, clubs away on Benjamin’s back, then shoves him to ropes. Benjamin gets around to back suplex Mace down! MVP is fired up as Mace and Benjamin crawl. Mace brings Benjamin up but Benjamin throws forearms. Mace throws body shots, they brawl, Mace clubs away and roars! Mace drags Benjamin back up, kicks low and tags in Slapjack.
Slapjack runs in to BOOT Benjamin, then throws forearms. Slapjack drags Benjamin out to kick away, then he sucker punches Alexander! But Benjamin back drops Slapjack! Tag to Lashley! Lashley rallies on Retribution and clobbers Slapjack! He gives Slapjack a LIFTING COMPLETE SHOT! Lashley whips Slapjack to a corner and gives him the MILE HIGH SPINE BUSTER!! Lashley stalks Slapjack, and gets him in the HURT LOCK! Slapjack manages to back Lashley into a corner and T-Bar DECKS him! The ref disqualifies Retribution immediately!
Winners: The Hurt Business, by disqualification
And now the floodgates open! The henchmen return for revenge from earlier! Another 20v4 beating! Lashley is able to hold his own but here comes MCINYTRE!! AND the Raw locker room! McIntyre, Titus, the Profits, Garza and Almas, Carrillo and more are fighting back! They finally have numbers in their favor and are throwing Retribution all around! McIntyre literally throws one henchman out of the ring! But here comes ORTON!! RKO!!! The Viper isn’t loyal to the brand, he only wants glory for himself! Chaos continues on the outside, but will the Legend Killer reign over all after the Clash of Champions?
My Thoughts:
Honestly, I forgot this was a go-home episode. I don’t really know if that is good or bad, but this wasn’t that good of an episode either way. Retribution was all over this episode, which would be good if not for the giant potholes Vince just dug into the story. I didn’t put it here, but they’re acting like the five core members aren’t the superstars we can literally tell they are! For one, giving them those TRULY STUPID names is not going to fool more dedicated fans. It is so weirdly fitting that our own Brad Abel just had an article titles, “We Are Not Idiots!” because that is exactly what is going on here. Vince, for perhaps the millionth time since NXT became a thing, is pretending like fans don’t watch NXT! Or even Raw, because guess what? Shane Thorne and Dio Maddin were on Raw just months ago! The old man needs to get out of the chair and let someone else be in charge!
Now, in a vacuum, I commend Dijak, Mia and the others committing to their new characters. While there were plenty of choices who could’ve fit the design of Retribution better (Vanessa Borne, for example, has been left out for a long time), I suppose the five they chose are proven on the mic and in the ring. Plus, Dijak and Maddin are just physically imposing, so Vince “Loves Beef” McMahon couldn’t resist. Maddin and Thorne actually could still be in Retribution based on the motivation, but the others don’t feel right anymore. They had a lot of good interaction with the Hurt Business, and closing out with a huge brawl is fitting of just about any go-home to any big event, but I just feel now is the point of no return and we’re about to eat another pizza covered in mayonnaise and jelly.
McIntyre VS Keith was good but I should’ve known Orton would attack to remove immediate complications to the title scene. He had a good ambulance themed promo to make a point of the stipulation, but I feel like things might be open to Keith getting involved at Clash. Keith is meant to be the Limitless One, so if McIntyre can somehow survive three punt kicks, I bet Keith can shrug off one. I wonder if this escalates to a Triple Threat for the next PPV. Also, even with the stupid renaming, I really hope WWE finds a way to steer things back to my theory (more like hope) that Keith is connected to Retribution. That is the only way to salvage what just happened tonight.
Meanwhile, the Triple Threat Tag was a lot of fun, especially since it was a true Triple Threat, and possibly with lucha rules of jumping in when your partner is out. I feel like WWE could do a lot if they actually used that as for more than just Lucha House Party messing with The Revival. It seemed a little anticlimactic but of course Garza and Almas won. There’s still this story with Rollins, Murphy and the Mysterios, and we get to see if Garza and Almas can do something without Vega. Rollins approaching things with the reference to the “Who’s your papi?” story without ever naming names was actually a clever way of taking that detour into it being about Aalyah. I don’t know where that is going, but I hope it isn’t using Murphy as bait to trick Aalyah. Murphy showing genuine remorse would be good for his development, but we probably can’t expect too much out of this given what we’re seeing with Retribution.
Speaking of, Vega has a good match with Mickie, though is perhaps a bit rusty since she doesn’t wrestle as much. She should’ve been doing more matches even while being a manager. Asuka had a good segment and match with Peyton and Billie, but I was hoping for more passive aggressive behavior for the former IIconic Duo. Vega “ruins” it but still gets away so that the payback can all be at Clash, since Asuka is totally winning. Riott Squad was alright on commentary, but I feel like they’re overdoing the “We’re a real team!” talk. Shayna and Nia demolished Natty and Lana, and again quite literally for Lana specifically. It would be rather miraculous if Riott Squad won, but I don’t see it happening. Even if Nia and Shayna start arguing, I feel like they’d just take the anger out on Ruby and/or Liv.
Truth and Tozawa had a great 24/7 Championship segment, and I still hope we get just a real long segment with them and other challengers for that title in the kickoff show. Really give us something to sink our teeth into, like that “shark” did with the referee ninja. And there was a lot more to Raw Underground this week, in that the fights were more like matches. I like the idea that there is becoming an established core “roster,” even if it doesn’t all make sense. Braun and Dabba was really good, but naturally Braun wins. I wonder how long he sticks around before going back to SmackDown.
My Score: 7.8/10
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Can the Last Real Champion handle The Truth?
While the King & Queen of the Ring tournaments reach their semifinals, John Cena has his first match on SmackDown in years, against Ron Killings!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Asuka VS Alexa Bliss; Asuka wins and advances to Night of Champions.
- Aleister Black VS Kit Wilson; No Contest.
- King of the Ring Semifinals: Randy Orton VS Sami Zayn; Orton wins and advances to Night of Champions.
- Charlotte Flair VS Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice; Charlotte wins.
- Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker VS LA Knight; Knight wins, by disqualification.
- John Cena VS Ron Killings; Killings wins, by disqualification.
PLAY BY PLAY
LA Knight is here!
Grand Rapids fires up as the Mega Star marches right to the ring. Knight grabs a mic while the fans chant his name, and he says, “LEMME TALK TO YA!” The fans cheer, and Knight says, “Let’s just go ahead and rewind our mind a little bit. We go to back to Money in the Bank, Seth and his boys, they just happen to come down and screw this guy.” The fans boo that. Knight says usually, he lets things slide. But he just figured he couldn’t let it slide, so he made sure to screw on of Rollins’ boys in their title opportunity, King of the Ring. But then they came back, paid it back and screwed Knight outta KOTR, so he had to go and screw the other one over!
And it just has Knight thinking. Fans “YEAH!” and Knight says there is only one way this can go. He has gone back and forth between Raw and SmackDown, where it ends, nobody knows! Except Knight! He knows! He knows where this ends! The fans cheer that! And Knight says it ends with him and Rollins! And what better place than here? And what better time than now! Knight tells Rollins to come on out and talk to him! But “Ladies and gentlemen…” The fans boo as Paul Heyman walks out and gives his introductions. He serves as the Wise Man to Mr. Money in the Bank, Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins!
Heyman says you do not boo that name. And you screwed up your cue, so they’ll do this again. He serves as the Wise Man for Seth Freakin’ Rollins! The fans keep booing, Heyman wants to try again, but Knight says shut up and get to the point! Why is Heyman here?! Heyman walks to the ring and asks permission to step inside. The fans chant “O T C! O T C!” but Knight steps back. Heyman steps into the ring, and he says yes, there has been a lot of bad blood between Knight and Mr. MITB, Seth Freakin’ Rollins. However, Heyman happens to be, with all due respect to everyone here in Grand Rapids, Michigan…
The fans chant “C M PUNK!” at Heyman now and he frowns. Knight says Heyman has a lot of enemies. Heyman says he is the biggest LA Knight fan in all of WWE! Heyman’s been waiting a long time to say this: YEAH! Now, because of that, Seth Freakin’ Rollins (the fans boo again) has allowed Heyman to say to Knight, as a favor to Heyman… It is time for Knight to get the hell outta Grand Rapids, Michigan. Because if he does not, something really bad is going to happen to him before the end of the night. Have a nice evening. Heyman turns to go but the fans cheer Knight on. Knight says he couldn’t help but notice, but did you~ (poking fun at Heyman’s voice cracking) threaten Knight?
Because Knight wants to wrap his head around this. He’s heard Heyman say stuff like this before, because Heyman is a liar, a swindler, a grifter, a scammer and a schemer! Heyman leeches on to any talent that has a bit of hype, sucks ’em dry, then moves on to the next! Rollins just happens to be the latest in this. But where next? Who cares! But the bottom line is, Knight asked for Rollins but he got Heyman. And while he got Heyman, he got a Heyman out here talking all tough. So it has Knight thinking, he has a great idea.
Talking about wise man, wisdom, there was a point in time if Heyman had said something like that, a man like Knight would look at a “thing” like Heyman and punched his wisdom teeth down his throat! Knight won’t do that, yet. But here’s the deal: Heyman’s talking all tough, but if he can’t bring Rollins out here, then the only thing to do out here in Grand Rapids is Knight fighting Heyman here and now! The fans fire up for that! Knight asks if the fans want that, and they cheer! “HUH?” “YEAH!” “HUH?” “YEAH!” “YEAH!!” Knight promises he’ll turn around, take his vest off, and Heyman gets the first shot. He better make it good, or Knight will molly whop his ass right outta Grand Rapids!
The fans fire up as Knight does as promised. He turns around, his vest is off, but Heyman bails? The fans boo as the Wise Man doesn’t play along. Heyman says, “Remember when I told you to get the hell out of Grand Rapids or else something really bad is gonna happen to you before the end of the night? That wasn’t a prediction. That… was a spoiler!” Heyman throws down his mic, and here comes Bronson Reed & Bron Breakker! Rollins’ behemoths head to the ring, but Knight fires off on them first! The fans rally as Knight throws hands and feet, but then Bron TACKLES Knight! Bronson joins in and they mug Knight right out of the ring!
Bronson drags Knight up to TOSS him over barriers! Bron clears the desk, he wants Bronson to put Knight through it! But Knight has a chair! He JAMS Bron, JAMS Bronson, then SMACKS Bron and SMACKS Bronson! Knight gets in the ring, ready to hit whoever gets in! The fans cheer Knight but Heyman has Bron & Bronson stand down. Will Heyman have the henchmen try again before the end of tonight?
SmackDown returns and…
Heyman has Bron & Bronson calm down, they have this under control. It is all in their favor, and it always will be in their favor. That is the whole point behind this. Byron Saxton steps in and wants to talk to them, but Heyman has to hold Bron back like the dog he is! Heyman says no need to bite Byron. Byron apologizes, he has word from SmackDown GM, Nick Aldis, that Bronson Reed VS LA Knight is set for tonight. Heyman says okay, thank you, and goodbye. Byron leaves and Heyman smiles. He told them! Patience is not a virtue, it is strategy. Bronson smiles and nods. Will Auzsilla destroy LA here in Grand Rapids?
Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Asuka VS Alexa Bliss!
Two great returns to action through this tournament, and now they cross paths with each other. The Empress of Tomorrow overcame Ivy Nile, Raquel Rodriguez and Stephanie Vaquer while Lil’ Miss Bliss outsmarted Alba Fyre, Candice LeRae and Charlotte Flair. But whose comeback story overtakes the other’s here just one match away from Night of Champions?
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Alexa headlocks, but Asuka powers up and out. Alexa RAMS Asuka, Asuka roars, and the fans fire up as Asuka fires hands! Alexa blocks a kick to THROW Asuka down, then basement DROPKICK! The fans cheer as Asuka and Alexa reset. Alexa kicks, Asuka blocks and slips through to waistlock. Alexa elbows free, runs, but Asuka runs past her to then RUN her over! The fans fire up and Asuka runs in again, HIP ATTACK! Alexa falls to the floor and the fans fire up while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Asuka lets Alexa stay down while she soaks up the cheers. The ring count starts, Alexa rises, but Asuka goes out after her. Alexa slips inside and DROPKICKS Asuka’s leg! Asuka falls from the apron but she has to nod respect for that savvy move. Asuka steps back in at 6 of 10, and she resets with Alexa. They circle, feel things out, and tie up. Asuka wrenches and wristlocks, but Alexa rolls and wrenches to hammerlock. Alexa waistlocks, rolls Asuka, TWO! The two stand off again and they both nod respect. They reset, the fans rally up, and the two feel things out. Asuka trips Alexa, clamps on with a headlock, and she grinds Alexa down.
Alexa endures, Asuka turns her over to go after the arm, then she stands on Alexa’s arm. Alexa endures, Asuka shifts arms, but Alexa wrenches out to wrangle Asuka. Alexa shifts to a cording hold, but Asuka fights up and fires body shots. Alexa whips Asuka to a corner, but Asuka elbows her away! And BOOTS! Asuka goes up, leaps, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Alexa stays in this but Asuka stays focused. Asuka drags Alexa around and gives her Kawada Kicks! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Asuka wrenches for a chicken wing! Alexa fights the Asuka Lock and JAWBREAKERS free! Alexa runs up to RUN Asuka over!
The fans rally as Alexa rallies, then hits a BLOCKBUSTER! The fans fire up as Alexa SLAPS, ROCKS, and KNEES Asuka down! Then SOMERSAULT SENTON! Cover, TWO! Asuka stays in this and Alexa grows frustrated. The fans rally while Alexa brings Asuka up. Asuka breaks free to URAKEN, SOBAT, FRONT KICK, and GERMAN SUPLEX! Alexa tumbles away, Asuka runs up, SLIDING KICK! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as Asuka stands and takes aim. But Alexa ducks the buzzsaw! Cover, TWO! Alexa clinches, TWISTED- NO, Asuka rolls Alexa up! TWO! Alexa sits up, BUZZSAW! Cover, TWO!! Alexa survives but Asuka just fires up!
The fans rally as Asuka goes to the corner. Asuka climbs from the outside, and MISSILE- NO, Alexa dodges this time! Alexa kicks and DDTS! Cover, TWO! Asuka stays in this and the fans fire up! “This is Awesome!” as Alexa drags Asuka into the drop zone. Alexa goes up, up, and the fans fire up! TWISTED- NO, Asuka moves, so Alexa stops. Alexa won’t let Asuka sneak away, but then she gets caught in an ARMBAR!! Alexa flails, rolls, but ends up in an omoplata! RINGS OF SATURN!! Alexa fights around, pops her arm free for a cover, TWO!! Asuka reels Alexa in, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up as Alexa stays in this! Asuka fires up, the fans are with her, and she runs up, only for Alexa to ROCK her with a right! Alexa puts Asuka in the Tree of Woe, and she DROPKICKS Asuka out of it! Alexa climbs back up, and TWISTED BLISSÂ onto knees!! Asuka still counters the moonsault, and hits the EMPRESS IMPACT!! Cover, Asuka wins!
Winner: Asuka, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)
The Empress says no one is ready for Asuka, and that has certainly been the case! But on Raw, we find out, will it be Jade Cargill or Roxanne Perez that meets Asuka in Saudi Arabia?
Jade Cargill, Mia Yim & B-Fab watch backstage.
And Fab says damn, Asuka just came back and she’s already making statements. Almost like she never left. Michin says maybe they need to make their own statements. They need to talk to Aldis about the tag titles. Fab agrees. Fab & Mia wish Jade luck before heading out. Byron walks in and asks if he can have a word. Jade says shoot. Byron says Asuka just advanced, but Jade has her match on Monday with Roxanne Perez. How does Jade feel about facing a talented competitor like Roxie? And how does she feel about the possibility of facing Asuka in the finals? Jade says “Rox” has potential. Roxie is quick and scrappy.
But she’s still trying to prove herself. And this isn’t a proving ground, this is a throne room, and Jade was built for royalty. As for Asuka, there’s a storm on the horizon. But news flash, Jade is that storm. This entire tournament wasn’t built for the future, but for a woman who can walk through fire, shatter glass ceilings, and take her crown on the way to the top. This Queen of the Ring, Jade isn’t just walking in to win. She’s here to reign. Will the Prodigy be washed away by the storm this Monday?
Alexa Bliss returns backstage.
And Chelsea Green finds her. Flanked by her Secret Her-vice, The Hot Mess asks, “Hey, little fu-fu, how’s your boo-boo?” Alexa asks back, “How’s yours?” Piper tells Chelsea not to get upset, Alexa is just jealous. Chelsea says this serves Alexa right. Chelsea should be Queen of the Ring, and she’d be building her parliament if not for Alexa! Oh, if she has that big of an issue, then try facing her in the ring. Chelsea says she will! But then Charlotte Flair walks in and says if anyone should’ve still been in this tournament, it’s her. But had Chelsea’s “replacement” tapped out sooner, maybe she would.
So here’s the deal: Charlotte will have a match made and tap Chelsea out instead. N-Not if Chelsea makes it a bank holiday! ROYAL DUTIES! NICHOLAS! Chelsea hurries away with the Secret Her-vice following, and Alexa tells Charlotte that she doesn’t need Charlotte’s help. Oh, that’s cute. Because Charlotte wasn’t helping Alexa. Charlotte leaves now, leaving Alexa to chew on that. Will The Queen chew up the Hot Mess and spit her out now that she has nothing better to do?
Aleister Black VS Kit Wilson!
The Dark Father is also directionless now that he is out of the King of the Ring tournament, but he never lets that bother him. Will he make himself the direction all roads lead when things #FadeToBlack? Or will Kit prove he can be Pretty Deadly all on his own?
Wait, who is attacking Kit? It’s R-TRUTH! But why’s Ron Killings going after Kit?! He POSTS Kit, drags him back out, and puts him in an STF!! The fans fire up and Kit taps, but it won’t matter when this isn’t a match! Killings lets Kit out of the hold and demands a mic. A mic is given, and Killings says, “Get John Cena out here now. I’m driving! On my terms! Cena, get out here!” The fans fire up and then Killings puts Kit back in the STF! Aleister is rather confused, but producers hurry out here to stop Truth. Truth lets Kit go, Jamie Noble asks Truth wait for the main event. Truth seethes, but he accepts the terms.
Killings leaves, walking right past Aleister. Will there be no denying The Truth when he finally gets his hands on the Last Real Champion?
Jamie Noble talks with Truth backstage.
Jamie says Truth has to calm down. Truth says he wants John Cena NOW! He’s driving! Yes, okay, but just wait. Truth promises that when he sees Cena, he is killing him tonight! Aleister steps in and asks Truth why he is getting involved in Aleister’s match. Truth says it wasn’t personal, it had nothing to do with Aleister. These two stare down, and then Damian Priest steps in. The Archer of Infamy has Aleister stand down. Truth is going through a lot, let Priest talk to him. Oh, of course. Aleister says, “Ron.” “Black.” Aleister leaves, Priest tells Truth that there’s no need for any of that. Priest gets Truth is frustrated, but he can’t just go beat up people for no reason.
Priest used to do that, and Truth was the guy there to make him smile. Truth made the world smile! All that anger and negativity, focus that on the match tonight. Focus that on John Cena. Go out there and handle business with Cena, then Priest and Truth can go downtown to celebrate. How’s that sound? Truth says sounds good, DP. They shake hands, and Priest heads out. Truth is still seething, but will he make sure it all explodes on Cena?
Cody Rhodes is here!
Grand Rapids sings along as The American Nightmare makes his way out, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, he high-fives fans in the front row, then looks closely at the King of the Ring’s crown. Cody goes to the ring and grabs the mic. He hears the fans cheer him on, but then Jey Uso is here! The fans fire up as Main Event Jey makes his way down through the crowd! A young fan joins in bouncing along, but so does all of Grand Rapids! Jey continues down the stands, finds another young fan, and they bounce along again. Jey then reaches ringside, high-fives the front row, and he joins Cody in the ring as we get the next wave of YEET!
Grand Rapids might want to YEET all night, but Jey hugs it out with Cody before he gets his own mic. The music dies down, the fans chant, “One More Time! One More Time!” and Cody says sure, one more is fine. Jey says okay, and yes, the fans get to YEET again! Jey says hey, Cody doesn’t even have to say nothing. They been in the trenches! “YEET!” Still in the trenches! “YEET!” From fighting The Bloodline… “YEET!” To winning tag titles… “YEET!” To finishing their stories at WrestleMania! “YEET!” They’ve both been to the mountaintop. “YEET!” But Cody, on Monday, there is only room for one of them.
The fans are intrigued, and Cody nods. Jey says there’s only one that can go. Cody VS Jey, Jey VS Cody, and Jey knows Cody will bring it. Jey has to get his, Uce. He has to, just like Cody has to get his. But that said, Uce, it ain’t personal. This all business. But that all said, too, Uce, on Monday, after they go to war, please believe that it will be four letters, one word, uh uh… YEET! Cody smiles and the fans cheer. They shake hands again, and wait! Here comes Sami Zayn! The fans cheer as the Great Liberator makes his way to the ring. Sami grabs a mic to say, “This is nice, isn’t it? I get to share the ring with two great friends.”
The fans applaud, and Sami says he is in the ring with two of the very best that this business has to offer! The fans cheer that, too! Sami says he’d be lying if he denied there was a part of him that sees the three of them in this ring, and notices how only one of them has never been world champion. Jey, Sami wants him to know, man to man, this year, Sami missed Mania. Sami had no reason to be in Las Vegas, but he got his ass on a plane to Vegas for one reason: To congratulate Jey the moment he won the World Heavyweight Championship! Sami loves Jey, and he is proud of him. And Cody, for years, everyone watched as Cody finished his story.
And when Cody did, he did the unthinkable and pinned Roman Reigns in the middle of this ring, Sami was the first one out here to congratulate Cody. Sami is so proud that Cody finished his story. So he hopes both men understand that now, it is time for Sami to finish HIS story! The fans cheer, but then here comes Randy Orton! The Viper looks at the crown, then goes to the ring. The fans sing along with Voices and Orton grabs himself a mic. “So Cody, same deal as last week but I’m gonna say it again. There is no line I will not cross, even if it means going through you, so that I can get to John Cena at SummerSlam, beat him, and get my FIFTEENTH world championship!”
The fans cheer, and Orton tells Jey, “Man, I respect the… Hell outta you, dude. Our families go way, way, way back. Nothing but love, dude. But if you’re standing across the ring from me at SummerSlam, it’s not gonna be four letters, one word. It’s gonna be three letters, one move.” The fans say it, “R K O!” And Orton says he not only speaks for himself but for everyone here in this arena when he says, and from the bottom of his heart, one day and one day soon, Sami Zayn will be world champion. But not at SummerSlam. Because tonight, Sami is on the receiving end of the three most dangerous letters in sports entertainment: R K O.
Orton drops the mic, and it is time to put those words into action. Will it be the Legend Killer or the Underdog from the Underground that heads for Saudi Arabia?
King of the Ring Semifinals: Randy Orton VS Sami Zayn!
SmackDown returns, the bell rings, and these two circle. They tie up, Sami wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, then wristlocks. Orton endures, fights up, and the fans duel. Orton wrenches Sami in return to then headlock. Sami endures, powers up to wrench again, and he grinds the arm. Sami wrenches and CHOPS, and Orton goes to the corner. Sami CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! The fans “WOO~” but the ref counts. Orton pushes past Sami, bails out of the ring, and he is pretty red already. Sami builds speed but he fakes Orton out with the Arabian Press! The fans fire up and Orton has to admit that was good.
Orton goes up the steps and steps back into the ring. The fans rally, Orton and Sami tie up, and Orton puts Sami in the corner. Orton lets off slowly, but he pokes Sami in the eyes! The fans boo but Orton UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! But Sami pokes Orton in the eyes! The ref caught that one and reprimands Sami. Sami TOSSES Orton out, goes to the apron, but Orton YANKS Sami down! Sami hits off the apron, and Orton reels him in, DESK BACK SUPLEX! Sami writhes and Orton rolls into the ring, just to refresh the count. Fans want that “One More Time!” and Orton agrees! DESK BACK SUPLEXÂ again!
Sami writhes more and whatever monitor wasn’t busted, they’re busted now! Orton leaves Sami behind for a moment while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Orton goes out to fetch Sami, but Sami fights off a third back suplex! Orton kicks low, brings Sami over, but Sami blocks the smack off the steel steps! Orton sputters, Sami stalks him, and Sami decides to give him some payback! But Orton ROCKS Sami first! Orton SMACKS Sami off the desk, puts him in the ring, and covers, TWO! Sami stays in this but Orton looms over him. Sami rises, Orton puts him in a corner, and Orton fires body shots. Orton climbs up and rains down fists! Orton gets to eight before Sami fires back! Sami has Orton in another corner, climbs up, and Sami rains down a fast TEN!
Sami huffs ‘n’ puffs and CHOPS! Orton is stinging but Sami CHOPS him again! Sami wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, and whips! Orton reverses, Sami hits buckles hard, and Sami falls in a heap. Orton dusts himself off and looms over Sami again. Orton stomps Sami’s hand! Sami writhes and clutches his finger. Orton stomps Sami’s foot, ten the other foot! And then the other hand! Sami sits up, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Orton CLUBS away on Sami’s chest! Orton DECKS Sami, the fans cheer, and Orton brings Sami up. Orton whips, Sami goes up and over, and Sami LARIATS Orton down! The fans fire up again as Sami rises!
Sami goes to the corner, Orton runs up, but Sami ELBOWS him! Sami goes up, AX HANDLES, and the fans fire up more! Orton takes a swing, but Sami slips around! Orton fights the Blue Thunder, then LARIATS! And LARIATS! Orton dodges Sami to SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up while Sami goes to the apron. Orton drags Sami in through the ropes, and DRAPING DDTS! The fans fire up as Orton hears those voices! Orton watches Sami rise, but then Sami bails out! The fans are torn but Sami is smart to avoid what was coming. Orton goes out to fetch Sami, SMACKS him off the desk, and then back suplexes, only for Sami to lands out!
Sami CLUBS Orton, and hits a DESK BACK SUPLEX on Orton! Sami puts Orton in the ring, goes to a corner, and the fans fire up as Orton rises. Orton runs in, Sami dodges, and Orton POSTS himself! Sami runs corner to corner, HELLUVA- SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Sami survives and Orton seethes. “This is Awesome!” as Sami goes back to a corner. Orton runs back in and he LARIATS! Orton runs but Sami follows! But Orton dodges the Helluva Kick! Sami gets stuck on the to rope, frees himself, and hobbles into an RK- NO! BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Orton survives and the fans fire up again!
“This is Awesome!” as Sami drags Orton to the drop zone. Sami goes up the corner, Orton stands and he gets under the leap! R K- NO, Sami SLAMS Orton down! And then HELLUVA- RKO!!! Orton crawls to the cover, Orton wins!!
Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)
Sami fought his heart out, but the Viper still strikes! Orton is going back to back in KOTR finals, but will he win the crown this time?
Nia Jax is here!
Grand Rapids boos as The Irresistible Force goes to the ring. She grabs the mic dot say, “You know what’s crazy? Tiffany Stratton approached me to be under my wing, because she knew exactly what I could do for her. And look, she’s thriving! And what kind of thanks did I get for it? She betrayed me. She has MY title!” But wait, here comes Tiffy! Grand Rapids cheers as the WWE Women’s Champion has the mic to tell Nia, “You’re like that toxic ex I just can’t get away from. News flash: get over it! You make excuse after excuse, but when are you just gonna admit that maybe I’m just better than you?”
The fans cheer and Tiff heads to the ring. Nia says yeah, okay, if Tiff is so much better, then give Nia a rematch without kicking a chair into her face. Tiff says if Nia’s so desperate for a match, it is her lucky day! She made it official for next week: Tiff VS Nia! And Tiff will have more fun adding more scars to that “five head” of Nia’s. Because it won’t just be a regular match. It will be Last Woman Standing! Nia takes a swing but Tiff dodge! Tiff fires off, kicks low, and runs up, but into a POP-UP HEADBUTT! And then Nia drops a leg, brother! Nia holds up the belt and soaks up the heat. Nia thinks about leaving, but decides to add on! ANOTHER leg drop, brother!
The fans boo but Nia says that’s not enough! Nia tells Wade & Joe that she’s taking the title! But wait! NAOMI is here, with a ref! Is she doing it!? Is she doing it?! But Nia YANKS Naomi out! Naomi tells her back off! Nia doesn’t, Naomi shoves her, but Nia still grabs at her! Tiff DROPKICKS Naomi onto Nia! Tiff avoids a cash-in because Nia was in the way, but is she setting herself up for failure with that extreme title match?
Charlotte Flair VS Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice!
The Queen was denied her crown, but she’s not even angry at Alexa Bliss, the one who took that opportunity from her. She instead looks to humble the Hot Mess that claims she would be queen if her demands were met. Who vents their frustrations and comes away with the win?
SmackDown returns and Charlotte makes her entrance. The bell rings and the fans actually cheer on Chelsea. Alba distracts Charlotte and Chelsea sucker punches her! The ref reprimands but Chelsea SMACKS Charlotte off the mat again and again! Chelsea salutes, but Charlotte CHOPS! Chelsea KNEES low, whips, but Charlotte goes up and out at the corner. Charlotte BOOTS Chelsea away, avoids Alba and KICKS her! Chelsea runs up, Charlotte RAMS her, and then Charlotte climbs up. CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Chelsea scrambles away and Charlotte runs up, but into an ELBOW! Charlotte GAMANGIRIS!
Charlotte snapmares, Chelsea distracts the ref, and Alba grabs Charlotte by the hair! Alba HOTSHOTS Charlotte and Chelsea hits a BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Chelsea is furious but Charlotte stays in this, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Chelsea hops onto Charlotte for a SLEEPER! The fans rally, but Charlotte hits a BACKPACK SENTON! Charlotte is free, Chelsea runs back up, but Charlotte gives her a BACKBREAKER and BUCKLE SHOT! Chelsea falls back, Charlotte huffs ‘n’ puffs and runs up to fire hands! The fans fire up as Charlotte CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Charlotte CHOPS again, then clinches for an EXPLODER! And a kip up! The fans fire up and Charlotte salutes to poke fun at Chelsea. Charlotte runs, dodges, and handsprings to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Chelsea survives but Charlotte stays on her by going for a leg.
Alba gets on the apron, so Charlotte BOOTS her down! The fans cheer, but Charlotte turns around into a ROUGH RYDER! Cover, TWO!! Charlotte survives and Chelsea is furious! Chelsea takes off her face protector and drags Charlotte up. Chelsea has the arms, turns Charlotte, but Charlotte shoves her away! Charlotte dodges and SPEARS! Cover, TWO!! Chelsea survives but Charlotte has the leg! FIGURE- CRADLE!! TWO!! Charlotte has the leg again, FIGURE FOUR! And the bridge for the FIGURE EIGHT!! Chelsea TAPS, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
But then Piper Niven SENTONS onto Charlotte!! Alba storms in, she and Piper mug Charlotte, but here comes Alexa! She RAMS into Piper, she ROCKS Alba, then she catches Chelsea! Charlotte LARIATS Alba out while Alexa hits a TWISTED SISTER ABIGAIL! And then Charlotte BOOTS Piper down! Charlotte and Alexa look at each other, and despite what either one thinks, maybe they both need the other after all. Alexa offers the handshake, but Charlotte walks right past Alexa. Alexa lets that slide, but will Charlotte come around soon enough?
Solo Sikoa talks with JC Mateo.
Why is JC taping up? Uh, duh, he’ll take out Jacob. No, Solo is going out there alone to talk with Jacob. Solo was the only one that Jacob would listen to. Jacob needs Solo. Solo will smooth things over. JC accepts that, but Solo does say that JC should stay ready. Solo is covering his bases, but will he need the Imperial Unit to put down the Samoan Werewolf? Or will it all be alright between them all?
Solo Sikoa heads to the ring.
SmackDown returns as the former Tribal Chief makes his way out, and Grand Rapids boos. Solo grabs the mic, takes a moment, and says, “Alright, Jacob. I’m out here in the middle of the ring, all alone, with open arms, willing to talk to you face to face. I feel terrible about what happened. So if you’re back there, come on out so we can clear the air.” Jacob Fatu makes his entrance and Grand Rapids cheers! Fatu holds up the United States Championship before he steps into the ring, and he has a mic of his own. The fans cheer on “FATU! FATU!” and Solo says he didn’t come out here to fight him, okay? He’s not here for that.
Solo wants to make it clear to Fatu that he loves him, always has loved him, no matter what. One thing Solo learned from being Tribal Chief is how to love family and how to take care of them. That’s all he’s trying to do. Families fight all the time. They fight, they argue, they forgive, and then they move forward. So they should move forward together, Jacob. Move forward as one. The fans boo that, but Solo says nobody saw the potential in Jacob except Solo. Nobody wanted Jacob here in the WWE, except Solo. That is why Solo brought Fatu here and gave him the chance to change his life and put food on his family’s table.
And why did Solo do that? Because Solo loves Jacob. He does. And to be honest, Solo doesn’t have anybody else. Fatu isn’t sure about that, but Solo says all he has is Fatu. And he’s all Solo needs. So come back to the family, and even if Jacob doesn’t say those four words, Solo will. Solo will say it for him, to him, loud enough so everybody can hear it! Solo tells Jacob, “I love you, Jacob.” The fans boo, they don’t trust this. Fatu paces as he thinks on that. “So you love me, huh?” Solo nods yes. So this is what it comes down to, huh? Solo loves Fatu? The way Fatu sees things, Solo has been using Fatu! Solo has been using Fatu to gain power, to fight his battles, and to stay Tribal Chief.
Hell, Solo brought Fatu in so Fatu could bring Solo fame! Solo brought Fatu in because he thought Fatu would bring him gold! Is that all this is about? Fame? Gold? Power? SOLO, LOOK AT HIM! Solo looks up from the floor while the fans cheer Fatu on. Fatu tells Solo that ever since he won the US Championship, Solo is the one that’s been acting different. And maybe Fatu isn’t the problem. Fatu just figured it out! The problem… is this. The problem is the US Championship. Fatu sets it down between him and Solo, and he says if this is what he thinks it is, then just fight him for it! Fight Fatu for the title! The fans fire up for that!
And Solo, Fatu will only warn you one time: If you ever think about coming this way, you know what Fatu is about! You know what’s poppin’ with Fatu, blood! And you know Jacob Fatu is all gas, no brakes with it! YADADADA- SOLO TAKES A SWING! Fatu blocks the spike and he HEADBUTTS! JC Mateo rushes out here! Fatu HEADBUTTS him, too! But Solo CHOP BLOCKS the legs! The fans boo but JC & Solo mug Fatu! But then here comes JIMMY USO! The fans fire up as #BigJim slides in, dodges Solo, and SUPERKICKS JC! And then he SUPERKICKS Solo! But JC LARIATS Jimmy down! JC HAMMERS Jimmy and Solo has him put Jimmy in the corner.
The fans boo but Solo tells Jimmy that he should’ve chosen Solo’s side, not Jacob’s! But speaking of, Fatu is up! The fans fire up as Fatu BODY CHECKS JC! Then he SUPERKICKS Solo! Solo is in a corner, Fatu fires off on him, HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT! SUPERKICK for JC! HIP ATTACK for Solo! The fans are fired up for the Samoan Werewolf, and he locks eyes with Jimmy. Jimmy came to Fatu’s rescue, Fatu just saved him, so Fatu goes up, up, only for Solo to bail out! No Best Moonsaults here in Grand Rapids, but will Fatu cut Solo down soon enough?
Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker VS LA Knight!
The Wise Man warned, or rather threatened, the Mega Star that he should just cut and run, but that’s not how he does things. Knight is ready to fight, but will he survive a battle with Auszilla? Or is a Tsunami about wipe out LA?
Wait, Knight doesn’t enter from the stage! He enters from the crowd! And he POSTS Bron! The fans fire up as Knight evens things out! He TOSSES Bronson out, throws his vest at him, and Bronson snarls. Bronson has Bron stand down, and says, “Tonight, I kill him.” Bronson steps into the ring, the bell sounds, and Knight fires off! The fans fire up as Knight fires hands, but Bronson puts him in the corner. Knight ELBOWS back, Knight fires more hands, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips but Bronson blocks! Bronson whips Knight to a corner, runs up, but Knight dodges! Bronson POSTS himself, and Knight stomps a mudhole in!
The fans rally, the ref counts, and Knight goes corner to corner, but into a fireman’s carry! Knight slips down to sunset flip, but Bronson stays up! Bronson jumps but Knight avoids the hip drop! Then Knight basement BOOTS! The fans fire up and Knight storms up on Bronson. Bronson TOSSES Knight to the apron, but Knight slingshots back in! Bronson catches Knight to a fireman’s carry! Knight flails free and he RAMS Bronson into a corner! But Bronson holds ropes to deny the Jump Neckbreaker! Bronson runs but Knight avoids the senton! The fans fire up as Knight goes up, up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! That’s a Steiner move!
The fans fire up and spell it out, “L! A! KNIGHT!” but Bronson bails out! Knight runs to WRECK Bronson with a dropkick! Knight goes back up, springboards, CROSSBODY to the ramp! The fans fire up with Knight and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Bronson has Knight up top. The fans rally as Knight fights back with body shots! Knight ROCKS Bronson, ROCKS him again, and ROCKS him again! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Bronson finally falls and Knight adjusts position. “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” BOX JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Bronson survives and Knight is rather stunned while Heyman is relieved. Knight aims, kicks, but Bronson denies the BFT! HEADBUTT, then a fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Knight survives the “Jagged Edge” DVD but Bronson brings him right up. Bronson reels Knight in and says thumbs down.
Bronson lifts Knight up, but Knight flips the bomb into a DDT! The fans fire up but Bron barks at the apron! Knight DECKS the dog, tells Heyman to get the same, but Bronson runs up! Knight DUMPS Bronson out, builds speed, but BRON SPEARS!!
Winner: LA Knight, by disqualification
The fans boo but Bron handed Knight the win with that one. Bronson stands Knight up so Bron can build speed and SUPER SPEAR!! Grand Rapids is torn but plenty of fans bark. And now Bronson goes up!? TSUNAMI!! Bronson goes up again, the refs hurry out here, but TSUNAMI AGAIN!! The fans want another, so Bron scares the refs off to let Bronson go back up! THIRD TSUNAMI!!! Have Rollins’ rooks just broken Knight into pieces? Is this a message to everyone that no one can stop the vision?
Jacob Fatu speaks.
“Yeah, c’mon on widdit! I just spoke to the man, and you know the man makes everything possible here on SmackDown! So next week, next week on Saturday, me ‘n’ you, Solo! Night of Champions, mano a mano, I’m about to dog walk yo’ ass for the US Championship! Solo, you better get in where you fit in. Cuz if you don’t, then baby, it’s ’bout to be all gas, no breaks with it. Yadadadada mean?” The Samoan Werewolf will get to sink his teeth into Solo, but will he stay golden through it all?
John Cena VS Ron Killings!
The Undisputed WWE Champion was the exact opposite of grateful for R-Truth saving him from Randy Orton at Backlash, and he doubled down when Ron tried to show him the truth at Saturday Night’s Main Event. So, if Cena doesn’t want the Truth, he’ll get someone who knows about ruthless aggression! Will Ron Killings bring an early end to the retirement tour? Or will Cena continue to ruin wrestling for everyone else?
SmackDown returns as Cena makes his entrance. The fans sing “JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” despite him wearing the Detroit Pistons colors. Cena makes Mark Nash give the “proper” introduction: “He is the Greatest of All Time, the Never Seen Seventeen, gracing Grand Rapids with his presence one final time… He is the Last Real Champion, JOHN CENA~!” The fans boo, the bell rings, and Truth stares at Cena while Cena smirks hearing the “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Truth TACKLES Cena! He fires off hands but Cena bails out! So Truth goes out to DECK Cena! “What’s up!?” “WHAT’S UP!” Truth has Cena at the desk and SMACKS him off it!
Truth ROCKS Cena again, and shakes his hand out from hitting so hard. Truth SMACKS Cena off the apron, storms in after him, and whips him to a corner. Cena hits buckles hard and falls to the mat! The fans continue to duel while Truth keeps his eyes on Cena. Truth storms up on Cena while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Truth stands Cena up, whips corner to corner again, and Cena hits buckles hard! Cena sputters, Truth looms over him, and Truth ROCKS Cena! Cena ROCKS Truth! They go back and forth with haymakers, and then Truth dodges to SHOULDER TACKLE! Truth still uses Cena’s own moves against him, and that includes the SPIN-OUT BOMB! Truth raises his hand and Grand Rapids joins in! “You Can’t See Me!” But then Cena bails out so Truth can’t hit him! Truth is annoyed, the fans give thumbs down, but here comes Truth. Cena ELBOWS him down! Cena drags Truth up, POSTS him, and he brings Truth back into the ring.
Cena HEADBUTTS Truth, CHOKES him on the ropes, but stops as the ref counts. Cena stomps away on Truth, then runs to KICK Truth in the back! Cena talks trash, then he runs to SHOULDER TACKLE! Cena takes his time, knowing it is what the fans want. Truth rises up, Cena runs to SHOULDER TACKLE again! Cena watches Truth rise again, gets around him, SPIN-OUT BOMB! And Cena raises his hand, reveling in the cheers and jeers. “You Can’t See Me!” SmackDown returns to single picture for the FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Then Cena fireman’s carries, but Truth slips free! THESZ PRESS! And fast hands!
The fans fire up and Truth has Cena in a corner. Truth runs to STINGER SPLASH! Truth hitting all sorts of other iconic moves! Cena tumbles out and grabs the belt! Cena doesn’t care about this match anymore, he doesn’t need to take this! Truth says hold up! Truth runs Cena down and fires hands on the ramp! The fans fire up but Cena CLOBBERS Truth with the belt!!
Winner: Ron Killings, by disqualification
Cena wants to get another shot, but wait! PUNK IS HERE! Cena runs away into the ring, and he catches Punk as Punk slides in! The fans boo Cena but he huffs ‘n’ puffs. Cena drags Punk up, but Punk fires hands in return! Punk DECKS Cena, grabs the belt, and he holds it up! The fans cheer, and Punk aims, but Cena LOW BLOWS! Cena has a sinister smile as he grabs the belt. BELT SHOT for Punk!! The fans boo even more, but Cena decides to up the ante! Cena brings out a table! The fans cheer, everyone loves tables! Cena puts the table in the ring, then watches Punk sputter around. Cena sets the table up while the fans rally behind Punk.
Punk stands but Cena has the belt again! BELT SHOT!! Cena drags Punk up, fireman’s carries, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENTÂ through the table!! Cena made Punk snap into a Slim Jim, and then he grabs a mic. Cena laughs at Punk, and then sits up on the corner. “Punk… As you lay there in your most uncomfortable…” Cena pretends the mic cut out, taps it, and then says, “Somebody’s afraid of what I’m gonna say.” Cena grins and the fans boo as Cena flips the iconic “Pipebomb” moment on it’s head. “As you lay there in your most uncomfortable, I hope you can listen. I hope you can digest.
“Because before I leave here in six months with that WWE Championship, I gotta get a whole lotta stuff off my chest. First thing’s first, I don’t hate you. I don’t even dislike you. I like you. I like you more than anyone you ever shared a locker room with, that’s for sure. I hate this idea of you. This idea that you’re the Best int he World. You’re not. I’M the Greatest of All Time.” Grand Rapids is a bit torn on that statement, but Cena says Punk is better than Cena at one thing: You’re the best BS artist in the world. Oh no, kiddos~! John Cena just dropped a curse word! That means the show is off the rails! Hey, Stu, shoot this. Hi~! “I’m breaking the forth wall! HAHA!”
Cena then says the truth is, Punk… Cena is jealous of you. Cena is jealous that Punk has conned the fans into believing the myth that Punk is the Best in the World. Oh how they chant for Punk! Which they literally do right now. Hell, the fans even sing for Punk now. But they don’t believe a damn word you say. Because Punk changes his values as much as Cena changes his shirts! Punk is just a loud mouthed opportunist who steps on the necks of those who actually work hard if it gets him ahead. Oh, hey, look, another cameraman! “Hi, Claudio Castagnoli! Hey, Nic Nemeth! Hey, Matt Cardona! How’re you guys doing?”
The fans can’t believe Cena is going this far but Cena is loving it! “He’s heating up! He’s on fire! And there’s nobody back there that’s gonna cut my mic to save your ass, cuz I’m your only friend! Remember who gave you the stage for your pipebomb, pal! And what’ve you done with it since then, huh? You just regurgitated the same five microphone moves of doom. You’re promo potato salad, pal. Hey, you’re no longer the Voice of the Voiceless, you’re a friggin’ millionaire despite yourself. You’re not a punk, you’re a capitalist! And you’re not against TKO, dude, you are Mr. TKO. Cuz they knocked your balls technically off your body.
“Your tweets are strong, but your actions are weak. And in Saudi Arabia, you’re gonna face some loud, loud music when I finally prove to the world that each and every day, day in, day out, no days off for 25 YEARS, I have been the Greatest of All Time!” The fans cheer that a bit more now, to Cena’s surprise. “See, they know. And they know that you were the Best in the World… for seven minutes, 14 years ago. And if after Night of Champions, you’re still delusional enough to believe that you’re the Best in the World, well… I guess it’s a small world after all. You’re welcome, Grand Rapids.” The fans cheer, and Cena lets the world hear it.
Cena tells Punk to bring his A Game to Night of Champions. If Grand Rapids is any indication, the mood is starting to change. Refs finally appear to check on Punk, Cena says no, that’s fine. Punk needs to rest up for his big title match. Get a good shot of this: Best in the World VS Greatest of All Time, for THE most coveted prize in sports entertainment, THE WWE Undisputed Championship! And Cena knows the fans will sing and chant, but he also knows even the idiots are smart enough to see the truth: The Champ is Here. And USA Network, keep the extra two and half minutes. He doesn’t need a bomb to blow the “mother fudging” building.
Oh, and thanks, Punk, for letting Cena rip off your best promo just to make you look even more foolish. Cena finally drops the mic and he raises the belt up again. If the proverbial tables have turned this drastically, is there no saving WWE from losing its north star championship?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown with an awesome ending. All those years ago, when CM Punk dropped THE OG “Pipebomb” promo, no one could’ve ever in a million years guessed that here tonight, we would’ve gotten the John Cena remix. Not only was that promo of the year, but Cena blew up go-home math. I can’t see Cena losing the title to Punk now. He can lose the match since Cena loves getting disqualified, and there’s the possibility of Rollins trying a cash-in, but Cena is leaving Saudi Arabia as champion to then go to SummerSlam. It also works because Cody Rhodes still feels like the favorite for King of the Ring.
A lot of that has to do with how Sami lost to Orton tonight. Great promo from the four semifinalists, especially since it was Jey, Sami and Orton kinda keeping Cody from talking since there isn’t more Cody needs to say. Win or lose, no explanations needed at this point. Sami VS Orton was an awesome match, but I could just feel an RKO countering the Helluva Kick as the way to go and that’s what they did. Now, as awesome as it would be for Jey to beat Cody, and then for Jey to beat Orton to go for the World Heavyweight Championship again, there are a lot of moving parts right now that it would just be the easiest for Cody to win the crown and have his rematch with Cena.
And while talking the WHC, Gunther VS Goldberg IS confirmed for the title, but has also been confirmed as Goldberg’s last match. This is a huge indicator that despite Rollins teasing a cash-in on the Undisputed title, he will likely be thwarted and then falls back to the title he feels is rightfully his. That is to say, Rollins cashes in on the winner of Gunther VS Goldberg, which I half expected even before all this talk of Goldberg’s last match. Rollins can take this title from Gunther and Goldberg, and then we can throw Jey and even LA Knight into the mix as things are getting heated between Knight and the henchmen.
Great promo from Knight with Heyman, great match with Knight VS Bronson, and a really powerful beating Knight takes from Bron & Bronson. If nothing else, Knight costs Rollins his cash-in. Truth going after Kit Wilson was an interesting move. Also a shame Elton Prince is hurt, Pretty Deadly gets going and then something happens to slow them down. But Kit was going to lose to Aleister so this really messes Aleister up more than anything. Priest keeping the peace between Aleister and Truth was good stuff. Priest and Truth being allies on SmackDown can be some real fun stuff, and I feel like they’re already set up for a feud with Aleister.
Very good stuff with Fatu, Solo and this US Championship story. Fatu VS Solo was the natural move, and I like that Jimmy Uso ends up an ally for Fatu. The title match is set, I wonder if we get a tag match first. In fact, next week is title night in Riyadh with Tiffany Stratton giving Nia the Last Woman Standing match, and basically setting the stage for Naomi to cash in. She almost did tonight but Nia was again able to stop her, so I would think Naomi waits until the very end of the Last Woman Standing match to take full advantage. Then, if Jade wins Queen of the Ring, we get Jade VS Naomi at SummerSlam.
Good promo from Jade, B-Fab & Michin watching Asuka VS Alexa. Asuka winning made the most sense, Alexa clearly has story with Charlotte and Asuka is just that good. Jade VS Roxie will be a good match but Roxie’s story in Judgment Day might keep her from winning. But then the fallback there is Roxie might actually sub in for the tag titles like I was thinking. Charlotte VS Chelsea was very good, and of course the Secret Her-vice does what they can to help. The beatdown they put on Charlotte and then Alexa making the save, that’s going to be one of those “can they coexist?” tag matches for sure.
Honestly, a little surprised we didn’t get any tag team promos tonight, unless I completely missed something. I believe title night is going to have Profits VS Gacy & Lumis for the tag titles, too, so that’s going to be something wild. And while DIY is scared of the Wyatts, I feel like they’re going to interfere because they don’t want the Wyatts to take the titles. But at the same time, the Wyatts need something substantial this time around, so maybe they win the titles at SummerSlam.
My Score: 9/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)Â
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 PodcastÂ
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!
Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 6.19.25
Are we going to start trending upwards with Slammiversary to build toward?
Last week’s episode was lacking in ring work but had decent story moments and segments. Starting the build to Slammiversary we can either launch nicely or things can always get worse. Jason Hotch and KC Navarro are the real shining stars of the last few months, so lets hope once they get over this Leon Slater idiot ship, they can push X Division wrestlers with actual talent for pro wrestling and not just flippy charisma vacuums.
Oh and let’s not forget, it is the episode they celebrate the 23rd anniversary of TNA! TWENTY – THREE!! Somewhere PCO hates this.
.@Kelly_WP is back in TNA Wrestling and has a message for TNA Knockouts World Champion @mashaslamovich!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/cF0F1ZKKuL pic.twitter.com/tnm4TIuPUz
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 20, 2025
Ratings:
- Sami Callihan vs Eric Young w/Losers: EY wins via Piledriver – ** 3/4
- Lei Ying Lee & Masha Slamovich vs The Elegance Clique w/M & Personal Concierge: Elegantos win via Rarefied Air – ***
- Eddie Edwards & JDC w/Alisha & Brian Myers vs Matt Cardona & Home Town Man: HTM wins via Cradle – *
- Champion’s Challenge: The Rascalz, Joe Hendry, Leon Slater & Elijah vs The Kaiba Boys, Moose, Steve Maclin & Trick Williams: Elijah wins via Highwayman’s Farewell – ***
Results:
Sami Callihan vs Eric Young w/Losers
Sami knocks them all off the apron before the bell rings, he levels the loser children, finds a chair, attacks EY but EY counters and this is the excuse to use weapons since the bell didn’t ring yet. EY tries to break Sami’s hand on the steps with the chair, but Sami moves, throws EY back in the ring, bell rings and EY hits a Belly to Belly suplex for two. They slug it out, Sami goes for Headbutts, then Sami wants to run the ropes but a loser trips him, distracts long enough for EY to knock him out of the ring and loser children swarm as loser children do. EY does the classic, throw back out for losers to attack while EY grabs and distracts the ref. Sami is selling a few lame attacks from the losers like he got shot. It’s an excessive sell, so it’s honestly a dumb transitional moment.
EY levels Sami, Lariat into Scoop Slam, looks for the Macho Elbow but Sami hits the ropes to crotch EY. Sami Superplex time, but EY bites the face to make Sami drop, EY jumps at him but eats a straight right hand. Cactus Driver, but no, EY tries his Piledriver…they both gouge eyes at the same time, Sami catches an EY charge into a Flatliner as they’re both down…for…reasons? The selling in this match seems…poorly timed and kinda stupid. Hard Irish Whip, EY Flair Flips the corner, levels Sami, Macho Elbow for 2.9! EY threatens to hit the ref, but then goes to mad dog commentary. EY then wants to attack fans…he’s more unhinged than World Elite EY. Sami gives him the old Dick Twist into a Stunner but only for two! Losers try to distract, first one gets taken out, second one uses a chair, EY hits the Piledriver on Sami, EY wins.
I feel like this is gonna continue for a few weeks since it wasn’t a clean win.Â
Mustafa Ali’s group comes out, and I refuse to say the name because it’s dumb and they’re already fraying at the seams. Ali wants an apology session, Tasha and Hotch apologize to him but Skyler bites back and refuses, even shoved Ali. So Ali challenges him to a “Call to Arms” match. What in the hell is a Call to Arms match?Â
Lei Ying Lee & Masha Slamovich vs The Elegance Clique w/M & Personal Concierge
ASH does her borderline racist fake karate before Lei stares her down and tags in Heather. Heather avoids Lei, Lei throws a few Tornado Kicks to make a point and Heather tags out. Heather being 4’8″ helps her here. Concierge says “There’s no Karate in wrestling”. ASH, Lei and Masha are in the ring, ASH is trying to decide who she wants to face, but the Concierge google translated it and hands it to ASH, before the face team rocks ASH. Masha lifts up Lei and Lei does the Liu Kang Bicycle Kick, steering more into her Mortal Kombat aesthetic. Senton off the apron from Lei and Masha dives into the pile, the comedy heels are getting leveled. We go to commercial and come back with Lei getting Double Teamed but she spins it into a weird Neckbreaker..but can’t tag out just yet. Lei blocks Heather, Enzuigiri, simultaneous tag, Masha is Yakuza kicks for all and the 2 for 1 Lariat/DDT special. Near fall, but Masha goes for murder, but Heather breaks it, Rocket Launcher/Code Breaker from Elegance but Lei breaks up the pin. ASH tries to intimidate Lei with her fake Karate before throwing her out of the ring. Heather hits Lei with a handful of Glitter and then bounces her face off the post. Masha tries to stop ASH, Kelly’s music distracts Masha, Rarefied Air gives ASH the win.
Santino comes out and GOD DAMMIT no one wants to see Tommy Dreamer fight Mance Warner…that’s a useless thing. Pivot away…no one wants this. Oh no, now we have to listen to Steph talk too. Okay it seems to be a pivot, thankfully. Steph and Mance talk shit, Dreamer says something about Something is gonna happen…and Jake Something comes out. So…I guess we’re gonna build him up for 2 months and then job him out for 6 before he fucks off to his home galaxy or whatever?Â
.@indi_hartwell has a run in with Tessa Blanchard!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/cF0F1ZLikj pic.twitter.com/I6UCCk2fAG
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 20, 2025
Really wish Indi just opened with the Billy Butcher classic of, “Oi Cunt!” – but this wasn’t bad.Â
Eddie Edwards & JDC w/Alisha & Brian Myers vs Matt Cardona & Home Town Man
I hate… Cardona so much more now. Heel reasons for Cardona…go away heat for Deaner.
JDC wants the Home Town Man to start…and Deaner does his stupid Flip Flop and Fly, Cardona tags in, JDC is eating some offense, Cardona wants the Reboot, JDC powders, Cardona Dives but then Lish and the general numbers catch up to Cardona. Eddie is legal, and now they isolate Cardona with some decent tandem work and isolation. This turns into kind of a schmoz, lots of silly spots, near falls and then Home Town doofus gets the cradle pinfall on Eddie.
Whenever Deaner is involved I can’t be asked to care. The System beats Cardona and Deaner down, but Eddie did eat a pin. Which is embarrassing not even for work reasons, like it’s just sad.
Champion’s Challenge: The Rascalz, Joe Hendry, Leon Slater & Elijah vs The Kaiba Boys, Moose, Steve Maclin & Trick Williams
Elijah and Nic start things off, slow push off, arm wring, top wristlock, simple chain wrestling start. Nic breaks the chain and hits a Dropkick, Elijah runs the ropes and hits a Diving Lariat and starts the Rope Walk. Nic seems far to awake and alert for that move then, I hate how people pull that off too early. Wentz gets tagged in, Nic tags in Maclin who wasn’t looking for a tag, but him and Wentz have a nice clash, Trey tags in, they try to double him, but they pause and look at each other. Maclin asks for a tag, no one tags him so he Chops Ryan to tag him in and throws him in.
The little nod to Maclin and Rascalz history and the fact the faces realize Maclin isn’t a piece of shit. A little MCMG homage tandem attacks on Ryan, Wentz punctuates with the Handspring Knee Lift, Ryan tags out to Trick. Trick and Wentz go back and forth, Rascalz have Trick eating offense, Moose tries to slow things down, both Trick and Moose powder, Rascalz Double Golden Triangle Moonsaults. Trey gets tripped by Nic, Moose hits Lights Out, but there’s no referee so it’s a little chaotic.
Out of the commercial things are controlled kinda and we see a simultaneous tag to Moose and Leon. Leon comes out hot, level Moose with a Leg Lariat, attacks Nic Nemeth, attacks Ryan, and then Moose hits Leon with the Stun Gun. Moose looks to tag in Maclin but Maclin jumps off the apron. Trick takes the tag, keeps control, Trick forcibly tags in Maclin but Ryan tags himself in and pulls Leon to the Champions’ corner, Nic tags in and isolates Leon, with the Kaibas quick tagging and keeping Leon down.
Moose tags in, tries to Suplex Leon about four times but Leon stops it then counters the Suplex. Moose tries to cut him off, but the Champions distract the ref so the ref can’t see Leon tag out. Nic and Moose doubling up and Leon is the bump guy of this last portion of the match. Big Uranage from Moose…Moose looks for Lights Out but Small Package almost ruined things, Body Scissors Cradle, GAME CHANGER! Moose looks to hit a Jacknife Powerbomb but Leon turns it into a DDT. Maclin and Ryan start fighting, Nic Superkicks Maclin, Hendry and Nic tag in, Hendry is a house of fire. Sack of Shits for everyone! Nic, Ryan, there’s a pause when Hendry is face to face with Trick and Trick gets Uppercuts first then Sack of Shit! Standing Ovation on Nic, but Ryan blocks, Kaibas try a tandem attack but Hendry Lariats them both. Elijah tags in and is the maestro of the crowd and chopping Ryan to some fun. Ryan goes for a Polish Hammer but eats the Knee Lift. Signature spam time…
Ryan tries to use the International title but Maclin grabs the title away from Ryan, clocks Nic, Standing Ovation into the Highwayman’s Farewell. Champions lose!
Overall Score: 4/10
Well this was a rough one boys and girls. Sami and EY was just an overbooked shitshow, Lei Ying Lee is unfortunately in a spot where it’s obvious TNA has no clue how to use her, the Elegantos are the New Beautiful People, and I’m not mad at that. But you need to space out your goofball crap. You can’t have Elegance Clique, Home Town Moron and Santino in 3 consecutive segments. And if anyone goes “it was 3 out of 4” that’s doesn’t lessen my point, the beauty of Pro Wrestling being a variety show is…FOR VARIETY! When the lead match feels stupid because of bad pacing, poor selling and overbooking with two losers, it feels like a useless match with idiots, then comedy, followed by more comedy…you see how that’s literally NOT VARIETY.
Figure it out seriously. This was a disappointing episode. If you’re a casual viewer than it’s just chalk for TNA doing cringe and borderline goof crap since they’ve always steered a little more into the carny than other companies. But this show was…where’s Jisoo and Jenny? I feel like I need that gif:
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)Â
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 PodcastÂ
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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Are we going to start trending upwards with Slammiversary to build toward?
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Can the BOAT Evolve?
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Viva La AEW!
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The last spots are on the line!
