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 (NEW #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 DROP 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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Could this be the biggEST and strongEST SmackDown of the year?
SmackDown in Knoxville sees the returns of Bianca Belair, Cody Rhodes and John Cena, along with some final Money in the Bank qualifiers!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier Triple Threat: Jade Cargill VS Naomi VS Nia Jax; Naomi wins and advances to Money in the Bank.
- R-Truth VS JC Mateo w/ Solo Sikoa; Mateo wins.
- Rey Fenix & Je’Von Evans VS Los Garza w/ Santos Escobar; Los Garza win.
- Zelina Vega VS Alba Fyre w/ The Green Administration; Zelina wins.
- Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier Triple Threat: Carmelo Hayes VS Andrade VS Jacob Fatu; Andrade wins and advances to Money in the Bank.
PLAY BY PLAY
Bianca Belair is here!
Knoxville fires up for their strongEST, fastEST, quickEST, toughEST, roughEST, and greatEST hometown hero as she struts out to the ring. Bianca high-fives and hugs fans along the ramp, as well as mom and dad at ringside. Bianca then grabs a mic to say, “Man, it feels good to be in Knoxville!” The fans cheer and chant for “EST! EST!” Bianca says she loves them so much. And she couldn’t come out here without singing Rocky Top! Y’all ready? The fans cheer, and the music plays! Bianca conducts the fans as they sing for the University of Tennessee. In fact, the Lady Vols softball team is playing in the Super Regionals right now!
Bianca smiles and says this city is so special to her. Not just because it is her hometown, but because it is her safe space. She has her love and support from mom ‘n’ dad, and has all the fans who show up and show out for her. With everything Bianca’s been going through, losing at Mania, getting injured, losing tag titles and friends along the way, she just wanted to come back home to her safe space. The fans cheer, and Bianca says she came home to heal. While she’s not 100%, she is doing everything she can to get back to the ring and continue to show us why she is the EST of Tennessee and of WWE! The fans cheer that!
Bianca says with all that said, Knoxville, welcome to Friday Night SmackDown! But wait, she’s interrupted by Naomi! The fans boo but Naomi says, “Oh my gosh~! Finally! B, I am so glad you finally here on SmackDown!” Bianca says now is not the time, Naomi. Naomi asks Bianca to please hear her out. It has been way too long. Not a day has gone by when Naomi doesn’t think about what happened to them. What is there to talk about? What could Naomi say? What could she want from Bianca? The fans chant “YOU SUCK!” at Naomi, and Naomi says she just wants forgiveness. She is begging for it!
Naomi knows things go toff the rails, but she is here because she wants to fix it, she is trying to fix it, but she alone can’t fix it. Months have gone by, and Naomi has tried to communicate, to say the past can be the past and that they can move forward. Bianca has not responded back to Naomi once. Naomi even visited Bianca’s parent’s house! But no one would answer! WHAT?! Mom ‘n’ Dad don’t know about that, but Naomi says no one was home, so she let herself in! Naomi looked through the photo albums, the one right on the front coffee table. And in those photos, Bianca looked so happy. It reminded Naomi of how they were as tag team champions.
Bianca stops Naomi there. Naomi, Bianca will make this perfectly clear. They were best friends, but Naomi betrayed Bianca’s trust. Naomi took their friend, Jade, and threw her onto a car, then lied about it for months! Bianca said she was done with Naomi, she meant that, and if Naomi ever comes near her family again, what Naomi did to Jade will be nothing compared to what Bianca does to Naomi. The fans fire up for that! Naomi gets emotional, but then she gets mad. “Y’know, Bianca, it wouldn’t be good for you and your mama to be in a wheelchair.” The fans boo as Naomi laughs maniacally. Naomi says she’d hate if something happened to Bianca here and now!
Naomi storms up on Bianca, but then JADE makes her way out here! Naomi is even angrier now, but this Storm starts throwing hands! The fans fire up as Jade BOOTS Naomi down! Bianca and Jade look to each other, neither really saying or doing anything. Naomi runs up but Jade TOSSES her out! Jade and Bianca look to each other again, but then here comes NIA! The Irresistible Force won’t be left out of this, especially when this is the Women’s Triple Threat Qualifier for the night! This match now opens the night, who earns SmackDown’s final golden ticket to the Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match?
Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier Triple Threat: Jade Cargill VS Naomi VS Nia Jax!
SmackDown returns, this match is already going, and Naomi POSTS Nia! Naomi stalks Jade, rains down forearms, and the fans boo. Naomi stomps to BITE Jade’s hand! Jade still fights back, so Naomi has the arms to STOMP Jade down! Naomi flexes, the fans boo, and Naomi puts Jade in a corer. Naomi runs to DROPKICK Jade in the corner! Naomi SLAPS Jade, drags her into the drop zone, then goes up, up, and twerks! HIP DROP! Naomi covers, ROPEBREAK! Naomi is annoyed but she sits Jade up to stomp a mudhole in. But Nia runs up! Naomi dodges, the HIP ATTACK hits Jade! Naomi goes to the apron to ROUNDHOUES Nia!
Naomi reels Nia in for a HEATSEEKER! Nia flops to the floor, the fans rally for Jade, but Naomi kicks her around. Naomi goes up the corner, leaps, but Jade catches her! Jade FALL AWAY SLAMS Naomi, then kips up! Knoxville fires up with Jade and she runs up to LARIAT! And ELBOW! And SCRAPBUSTER! Cover, Nia breaks it! The fans boo but Nai huffs ‘n’ puffs and drags Naomi up. Nia whips Naomi, pops her up and HEADBUTTS her down! Then she SAMOAN DROPS Naomi! Nia soaks up heat, then lines the two up. Naomi grabs at Nia’s leg but Nia CLUBS her down! Nia stomps Jade for good measure, then drops a leg, brother!
Nia TOSSES Jade out, then goes up the corner. Nia SUPER LEG DROPS on Naomi!! Cover, TWO!!! Naomi survives and Nia is shocked! The fans rally while Nia stalks Naomi. Naomi clings to ropes as Nia pulls at her arm. Nia CLUBS Naomi, whips her to ropes, then SAMOAN DROP- NO, Naomi makes it a CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Ghost pin, TWO!! Nia survives the sudden turnaround, Naomi sees Jade crawling in, and Naomi goes after her as SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Naomi KICKS Nia while she’s down, then kicks her more. Naomi puts Nia in a corner, CHOKES her on the ropes, then clamps on with a SLEEPER! Nia THROWS Naomi away, then TOSSES her out. Nia soaks up heat, but Jade runs in and rolls Nia up! TWO! Nia stands, and she HEADBUTTS Jade down! Nia looms over Jade, drags her up, but Jade fires forearms! Jade backs Nia down, then runs, and she CLOBBERS Nia outta the ring! Jade fires up and has the fans with her. Jade drags Naomi up from the apron but Naomi fires hands. Nia is back to HIP ATTACK Jade against the POST! Nia soaks up more heat, then taunts Naomi.
Naomi stands on the apron, argues with Nia, but they apparently agree to mug Jade for both their benefit. They put Jade in the corner, Naomi digs her boot in, and then Nia sends Naomi in for a SPALSH! Nia adds a SPLASH of her own! Naomi snapmares Jade, runs, and SLIDING LARIATS! Jade sputters and Nia taunts her. Nia and Naomi soak up the heat together, but Jade fights back! Nia HEADBUTTS Jade down! Nia drags Jade up, and Naomi KICKS Jade low! They soak up more heat, talk trash on Jade, and SmackDown returns to single picture. Nia scoops and SIDEWALK SLAMS! Naomi runs to SPLIT LEG DROP! Cover, but Nia drags Naomi away!
Nia and Naomi argue again, and then Naomi rolls Nia up! ONE, and Nia grabs Naomi to shove her to a corner! Nia SPLASHES, then pushes Naomi down. Nia runs to SENTON! Nia grins while Naomi sputters and the fans rally up. Jade rises to fire forearms on Nia! Then she ELBOWS Naomi in a corner! She ELBOWS Nia, but then Nia follows Jade! Jade dodges so Nia SPLASHES Naomi! Jade then SUPERKICKS! Nia wobbles, Jade SUPERKICKS again! And SPINEBUSTERS! But Naomi METEORAS! Cover, TWO! Jade survives and the fans rally up. Naomi goes up, SPLIT- LEG MOONSAULT on Nia! But Jade has Naomi in the chicken wings!
Jade brings Naomi around, JADED!! Cover, Nia CLOBBERS them both! The fans rally while all three women are down! Nia climbs a corner, Jade is after her with forearms! Naomi joins in, drags Jade back, but now they trade shots! Nia DOUBLE CROSSBODIES! Cover on Jade, TWO! Cover on Naomi, TWO! Nia grows frustrated but the fans rally up again. Nia drag Naomi up, fireman’s carries, and she climbs the corner! The fans already anticipate what’s coming, SUPER SAMOAN DROP!! Cover, JADE FROG SPLASHES IN!! Cover, TWO!!! The fans fire up while all three women are down again! “This is Awesome!”
Jade rises, she clamps onto Nia, but Nia HEADBUTTs her! And HEADBUTTS Naomi! Jade BOOTS Nia down! Cover, TWO! Jade runs up on Naomi but Naomi BOOTS her! Naoim goes up top but Jade is right on her! They fight for control, but then Nia joins in! TOWER OF DOOM!! Nia double stacks her opponents, for a A-NIA-LATOR!! Naomi avoids it, Jade takes it all! Naomi ghost pins Nia, AND WINS!!
Winner: Naomi, by pinfall (advances to Money in the Bank)
Nia did a lot of the damage, but it is Naomi who wins out! Will everyone in the Women’s MITB Ladder Match now have to #ProceedWithCaution?
Solo Sikoa’s crew arrives.
Solo says they will win Money in the Bank together! Jacob Fatu, Solo Sikoa, whichever one wins MITB wins it fof the family! But then they hear R-Truth talking to… Lil’ Jimmy? Solo says Truth’s childhood hero beats him, and now he’s talking to ghosts. Truth taps Solo on the shoulder and asks if there’s something Solo wants to say. Solo says Truth is crazy touching him. JC Mateo steps up but Solo has him stand down. Truth says he wants to be honest. He’s never seen JC a day before in his life. Is this Solo’s son? He’s husky! Truth asks if he can teach Solo’s husky son a lesson in the ring. Solo says that sounds good to him.
Truth says he’ll go talk to Nick Aldis. “Boy, y’all big boneded!” Truth heads off, and Solo says don’t worry, they’ll take care of him. Let’s have fun. Fatu says keep it 100. They can have their fun, he’s got his own business to take care of. Yadada mean? The Imperial Unit against Truth, Samoan Werewolf in a qualifier, will everything go the family’s way?
Chelsea Green confronts Nick Aldis.
The Hot Mess hides behind a cardboard cutout of herself as she tells the SmackDown General Manager, “What happened on Saturday night was a deliberate-” Piper Niven has to direct Chelsea to point at Aldis, and Aldis says he can’t quite understand her from behind the cardboard mask. Piper holds the mask between Chelsea and camera, though we do get a glimpse of her fancy headgear. Chelsea repeats herself, but Aldis says she needs to be looking at him when they talk. Chelsea hides her face in shame, but she says it is still a deliberate hitjob put on by vicious Zelina Vega! Even her Secret Her-vice could not stop it!
Chelsea demands that Zelina be suspended, stripped of her title, and that Chelsea be reinstated as the champion! Chelsea, no need to be so ugly about this. Gasp! Aldis says what he means is, no suspensions, and we can talk a rematch down the road once Chelsea is medically cleared. Then he is doing nothing for what Zelina did to Chelsea?! Alba says if he won’t, then they will! Yeah, Zelina VS Alba! Tonight! Alba is a bit surprised, but Aldis says, “Chelsea knows best. Alba VS Zelina, I actually like the sound of that. I will make that official right now, if you do one thing for me. Please leave me alone.”
The Green Administration hurries away, but will Alba make sure Chelsea brand justice is served? Or will La Muneca just keep racking up the wins?
Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Champion, and says that MITB is around the corner. Tiff successfully cashed in her own contract to become champion, but how is she handling the pressure of knowing the same thing could happen to her? Tiff says she can’t wait to see who wins MITB. Then she can handle the pressure by being prepared. Having this title makes her the top threat to the division, but let’s be fair. She’s always been the girl everyone has been obsessed with. So whoever wins, targeting her will be a big mistake. But then in steps Naomi.
Naomi says if Tiff thought Nia was a problem, then she ain’t seen nothing yet. Naomi vows to win MITB and cash in for Tiff’s title, wherever and whenever she wants. And in case Lil’ Miss Tiffy forgot, when Naomi was fighting for a championship, Tiff stayed in Naomi’s way. Wanna know what happens when people play with Naomi? Just ask Jade. Naomi heads out, and Alexa Bliss steps in. Alexa says she wouldn’t be so worried about Naomi. Be worried about Alexa. Alexa heads out now, Tiff clutches to the title a little bit tighter, who will be trying to run the clock out on Tiffy Time?
R-Truth VS JC Mateo w/ Solo Sikoa!
To Solo’s point, #RonCena could not make John Cena see the light at Saturday Night’s Main Event, and Truth might be relapsing if he’s talking to Lil’ Jimmy again. But will Truth relapse so far that we get the R-Truth that was once United States Champion? Or will a Tour of the Islands send Truth off the deep end?
SmackDown returns and JC makes his entrance, Solo backing him up. The bell rings and Truth runs up, only for JC to RAM him into a corner! JC RAMS Truth again and again, then lets off. JC whips corner to corner hard and Truth falls in a heap! JC whips corner to corner again just as hard, and Truth falls in a heap again. Solo talks trash but the fans rally behind Truth. JC runs up but Truth dodges! Truth SHOULDER TACKLES! JC stays up, so Truth runs and SHOULDER TACKLES! “What’s Up?” Truth runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and SHOULDER TACKLES! Then he hits the SPIN OUT- CROSSBODY! JC then gets up to GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT!
JC smirks as he looms over Truth, and Solo says to finish this off now. JC runs to SENTON but Truth moves! Truth calls for it! “YOU CAN’T SEE ME!” FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Truth fireman’s carries JC, but JC is too much! Truth falls over again! Solo laughs, JC whips, TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! Cover, JC wins!
Winner: JC Mateo, by pinfall
Truth tried to be like John Cena of old, but it just wasn’t meant to be. JC beats up on Truth more, then stands him up for Solo! But here comes BIG Jim! Jimmy has a chair, he runs JC off, but Solo stands his ground. Solo says his brother wouldn’t hit him with that chair, would he? Jimmy steps to Solo so Solo steps out, but that lets JC CLOBBER Jimmy! But then Solo has JC stand down! They’re family! Solo and JC leave, leaving Jimmy wondering what this is about. Will Jimmy make it clear to Solo that Jimmy’s not the one who has to come to his senses?
The Street Profits are here!
The WWE Tag Team Champions walk through the smoke to be on stage and the fans cheer. Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford hold up the titles, walk to the ring, then step inside. The fans cheer as they hold up the belts again, then the Profits grab the mics. Ford says, “Knoxville, Tennessee, oh I love everything about you, and what I have, too. But lemme rap to y’all real fast. This tag team division that we’re a part of, the greatest tag team division on any brand, any promotion… It’s on fire right now.” Dawkins says, “Talk to ’em.” Ford says, “But just like how the gorilla fears us, make no mistake about it, let’s not forget who’s leading the charge right now: The Street Profits.”
The fans cheer, and Dawkins says hey, they got all the teams coming at ’em! DIY, Motor City Machine Guns, Fraxiom, and now… The Wyatts?! The fans cheer that, and Ford says that’s sick. But what big bro is saying, it don’t matter who it is, the Profits will defend against anybody. Well hold on, here comes Fraxiom! Nathan Frazer & Axiom go to the ring to stand with the Profits, and they have mics. Frazer says alright, since the Profits are talking about defending the titles, well, Frazer & Axiom didn’t exactly get a fair shake. Ford says, “Fraxiom, is it?” He congratulates them for being on a roll, but up until the Wyatt Sick6 got in the Profits’ business…
Yeah, the Profits had them beat. Wow, oh, okay. Sure, maybe… But maybe not. Thanks to the Wyatts, we’ll never know. And now that those shenanigans are behind us, it is fair to say that Fraxiom and the Profits need to run it back! The fans like the sound of that! But wait, here come the Machine Guns! Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin have mics, and Shelley says okay, hold on, sorry to interrupt. Fraxiom’s entire basis for a rematch is that the Profits never beat them. Well, last time Shelley checked, the Profits never beat MCMG! So if they’re handing out title matches, MCMG will take one. But naturally, here comes DIY!
Tommaso Ciampa, Johnny Gargano, and Candice LeRae have their own mics, and the Poison Pixie says no no no no. She is pretty sure “you losers” have had a million chances, and “the nerds” just got here. Whoa, hold on? Just got here? Sounds like Candice just got back, so she should do us a favor and shut up. Gargano says you shut up, idiot! The reason DIY brought in Gargano’s beautiful wife is to even the odds against all of what this is! Everyone can see there is a conspiracy in the tag team division to hold down the BTTITW! And now with the Wyatts showing up- Ciampa has Gargano ixnay on the amily-fay.
Do not talk about you know who, scratch that, let’s get to business. All these teams have all KILLED the tag division that DIY built! Matter of fact, let us hold a moment of silence for the death of the SmackDown Tag Division. Everyone, stand up, bow your heads, and give a moment of silence… now. OH NO! The lights go out! All the teams panic, because when the lights turn on, UNCLE HOWDY is on the corner! Howdy laughs, because the rest of the Wyatts flank the ring! Erick Rowan drags MCMG out to DOUBLE LARIAT! Dexter Lumis is up top to CANNONBALL onto the Profits and Gargano! Joe Gacy is in, and he handsprings to bring Fraxiom to the UPSIDE-DOWN!!
Lumis then runs, POWERBOMB SENTON COMBO on Axiom! Ciampa freaks out, turns around, and Nikki Cross is there! CROSSBODY onto Candice! The fans fire up, and Howdy has Frazer for SISTER ABIGAIL! “We’re here!!” It is just as the Profits said, and now it is clear. Will some killer combination of the Wyatts go right after the gold?
Rey Fenix & Je’Von Evans VS Los Garza w/ Santos Escobar!
Worlds Collide is just over a week away, and all four of these men will be involved. The Immortal Firebird and the Young OG are going after the NXT North American Championship in a Fatal 4 Way while Legado Del Fantasma will be taking on AAA’s Pagano, Psycho Clown y El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. Who will be heading for Los Angeles with all the momentum behind them?
Speaking of that North American Championship, the champion is here! Ethan Page joins commentary and says what a year for him, to be honest. Wade says that title has never looked better than on Ethan’s shoulder. Fenix makes his entrance now, followed by Je’Von’s. The teams sort out and Fenix starts against Angel. Angel and Fenix circle, the fans rally up, and the two tie up. Angel fires a forearm, Fenix fires back, repeat! Fenix gets the edge but Angel shoves then drops down. Fenix cartwheels over the dropdown, then comes back, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and RANAS! Angel tumbles, the fans fire up, and Fenix somersaults, but into a fireman’s carry!
Fenix slips free, ripcords to ROUNDHOUSE, but Angel HEADBUTTS! Both men stagger back, tags to Berto and Je’Von! Je’Von dodges and springboards to BOUNCY~ roll-up! TWO, and Berto mule kicks! Berto CLUBS Je’Von, whips, but Je’Von reverses and slips around. Berto bucks the O’Conner, springboards and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Berto drags Je’Von up, but Je’Von kicks! Berto blocks, but the ENZIGIRI hits! Je’Von runs up, and BOUNCY~ RANAS! The fans fire up and Je’Von DROPKICKS! Berto bails out, Angel runs in, but Je’Von goes Matrix to dodge! Je’Von kips up, and STUNNERS! Angel flops back and the fans fire up!
Los Garza regroups, Je’Von tags Fenix, and they build speed, but have to dodge Angel first. Fenix SOBATS, Je’Von KICKS, and both men ENZIGIRI! Berto is up top, he leaps, but into DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO! Fenix runs to basement CALF KICK! Cover, TWO! Berto stays in this for Los Garza while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Fenix drags Berto up to RAM him into the corner. Tag to Je’Von and they mug Berto. Berto fires hands back on Je’Von, but Je’Von headlocks. Berto powers up and out and Angel tags in. Berto drop toeholds Je’Von into Angel’s KNEE at the ropes! Angel TEARS OFF HIS PANTS! Angel drapes those over Je’Von before he KICKS Je’Von in the side! Angel stalks Je’Von to the corner, tags Berto, and they shove Je’Von for a double hip toss, TU LO SABE! Then DOUBLE SUPERKICK! Berto covers, TWO! Berto argues the count but the ref defends it. Berto shoves Je’Von to ELBOW him down! Berto then DUMPS Je’Von down to be under the ropes.
Tag to Angel and Berto sits Je’Von up on the apron. Angel runs to KNEE Je’Von down! Santos joins in with Los Garza as they soak up the heat, and Angel drags Je’Von back in. Angel stands Je’Von up, hoists him to the top rope, then climbs up behind him. Angel CLUBS away on Je’Von, mocks the clapping, and he THROWS Je’Von down. Angel KICKS Je’Von in the arm and Je’Von clutches his hand. Angel drags Je’Von to the ropes, CHOKES him, and the ref reprimands. The ref counts, Angel steps off at 4, and Berto BOOTS Je’Von down. ANgel clamps onto Je’Von with an armlock and chinbar but Je’Von reaches for Fenix.
Angel keeps hold of Je’Von but Je’Von fires hands! SmackDown returns to single picture as Je’Von dodges the lariat, leaps, but Angel catches him! Angel puts Je’Von in a corner and through ropes. Angel pulls an arm and leg against the ropes, but stops as the ref counts. Angel runs to KNEE Je’Von in the ribs! Je’Von slumps to the apron, and Angel sucker punches Fenix! Angel goes back for Je’Von but Je’Von fires body shots! Angel blocks a kick, slips around and Gory Especials! Angel walks over, tags Berto, and Berto slingshots, GARZA ESPECIAL! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up for Je’Von but Berto clamps onto him with a chinlock.
Je’Von endures, even as Berto traps an arm. Je’Von fights up, pries the hold open, and he arm-drags Berto! Je’Von leaps but Berto grabs a leg! Ethan laughs from commentary, but Je’Von kicks free to SUPERKICK! Both men are down, Je’Von and Berto crawl, hot tags to Angel and Fenix! The fans fire up as Fenix rallies on Angel with forearms! Fenix then dodges a shot to springboard and FLYING ARM-DRAG, to a DOUBLE STOMP! Fenix fires off KICKS on Berto, then fires up with Knoxville! Fenix uses Berto to jump up and RANA Angel! Fenix then goes corner to corner to JUMP SOBAT! Fenix fires hands, shoves Angel aside, then goes up.
Fenix springboards to QUEBRADA! Cover, Berto breaks it! Berto whips Fenix, Fenix goes Spider-Man, and Je’Von tags in! Fenix says HASTA LA VISTA, BABY! Angel is up, he pops Fenix up to KICK him! But Je’Von springboards to FLYING LARIAT! The fans fire up, Berto springboards to FLYING CHUCK! All four men are down and the fans fire up again! “This is Awesome!” as Angel and Je’Von crawl. Angel CHOPS Je’Von, Je’Von CHOPS back, and the fans “WOO~!” Angel CHOPS again, so Je’Von CHOPS again! Angel fires a forearm, Je’Von fires back, and they go around with forearm after forearm! The fans fire up, Angel CHOPS, a
nd Je’Von SUPER PUNCHES!
Je’Von runs, BOUNCY- NO, Angel makes it a SIT OUT POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Ethan is surprised and the fans rally up. Angel hoists Je’Von up top, tags Berto in, and they hoist Je’Von up even higher! But Fenix SHORYUKENS Angel down! Je’Von fires hands on Berto and SHOVES him down! Fenix climbs up to join Je’Von now, and ADIOS AMIGO DOUBLE STOMPS for Angel! Je’Von adjusts, to SUPER DUPER SWANTON onto Los Garza! Ethan says don’t get closer, keep this in the ring! He taunts both his challengers, Fenix and Je’Von stand down to put Los Garza in the ring. The fans rally up, but then Ethan CLOBBERS Fenix & Je’Von!
Ethan TOSSES Fenix over the desk! But Je’Von SUPERKICKS Ethan down! The fans fire up, Je’Von hurries in, and he dodges Angel! But Berto rolls Je’Von up, TWO!! Je’Von dodges Berto, rebound and RED DOT!! Berto is down, Angel gets up, but Je’Von DECKS him! Je’Von goes up, up, but Santos distracts the ref! Ethan SHOVES Je’Von down! The fans boo but Berto tags Angel! Los Garza hoists Je’Von up for M T Y!! Cover, Los Garza win!
Winners: Los Garza, by pinfall
All Ego grins as he screws over two of his three challengers, and now Legado is rolling towards Worlds Collide. But will these rudos get everything they deserve in LA?
The Wyatts speak.
“We won’t stop. Not until we get what’s owed.” A simple yet ominous threat, are the tag titles only the beginning?
Zelina Vega VS Alba Fyre w/ The Green Administration!
La Muneca held onto the WWE Women’s US Championship by smacking The Hot Mess in the face with a foot, and obviously Chelsea is not happy with it. But will Alba get payback on behalf of her fearless leader? Or will things only get uglier for the Green Regime?
The bell rings and Piper distracts Zelina so Alba can CLOBBER her! Alba fires off hands, then bumps Zelina off buckles. Alba bumps Zelina off more buckles, then more buckles! And then the fourth corner! Chelsea says Zelina should’ve never messed with her! Alba fireman’s carries but Zelina fights free. Zelina KICKS Alba, KICKS again, then KICKS, but Alba CLUBS Zelina. Alba whips, scoops, and- NO, Zelina swings through to RANA! Cover, ONE! Zelina headlocks but Alba fights up and lifts Zelina. Zelina holds on but Alba powers up and out to RUN Zelina over! The fans boo but Chelsea cheers as Alba stalks Zelina.
Alba ROCKS Zelina, whips her to ropes, but Zelina wheelbarrows and arm-drags! Zelina then runs up on Alba in the corner and rains down fists! Alba shoves Zelina away at three, but Zelina comes right back to rain down more shots! Alba stops Zelina at four now, but Zelina wants another go! Alba stops Zelina at four again, and RAMS her into the corner! The fans boo but Alba grins. Zelina BOOTS Alba, goes up, and FLYING RANAS! Alba tumbles out, Piper helps her up, and Zelina goes to the apron. Alba trips Zelina up, spins and ROCKS Zelina, then gets her up. Gory Especial, but Zelina flips through to arm-drag Alba onto ropes!
The fans fire up as Zelina dials up, but Chelsea is on the apron! The ref argues with Chelsea while Zelina redials, but Piper trips her up! The fans boo but Alba SUPERKICKS Zelina! Alba salutes to Chelsea, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Alba stands on Zelina’s hair while pulling Zelina’s arms! The ref reprimands, Alba steps off, and she drags Zelina up to suplex for the GOURD BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Zelina stays in this and Chelsea argues with the ref. The ref says the count is fair, so Alba clamps onto Zelina with a COBRA CLUTCH! Zelina endures, the fans rally, and Zelina fights up. Zelina fires body shots, Alba ripcords and wrenches to SUPERKICK! Zelina rebounds to SHINING WIZARD! Both women fall and the fans fire up! Piper coaches Zelina, the fans rally up, and both women rise up. Alba is on Zelina and brings her to a corner, but Zelina buckle bumps Alba first!
The fans rally as Alba stalks Zelina, but Zelina bumps her off buckles again! Alba tries again, but Zelina ELBOWS Alba away. Then BOOTS her away! Zelina fires forearms on Alba, backs her down, then whips. Alba reverses but Zelina dodges to LARIAT! The fans fire up as Zelina LARIATS again! Zelina blocks a kick, ELBOWS Alba, but Alba blocks the saido. But Zelina keeps Alba from running, SNAP SAIDO! The fans rally for Zelina as she runs corner to corner, METEORA! Zelina pushes Alba out and goes up top! The fans cheer for some Latina Heat, and METEORA! Cover, TWO! Alba survives and Chelsea is relieved.
Zelina grows frustrated, but she goes back for Alba. Zelina reels Alba in, suplexes, but Alba blocks! Alba knees low, suplexes, but Zelina hits STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! Alba is down, Zelina goes up, MOONSAULT FLOPS! Alba goes up now, and she SWANTON BOMBS! Cover, TWO!?! Zelina survives and shocks Alba! Chelsea is upset again but Alba hurries to bring Zelina up. Alba KICKS Zelina out, and now Chelsea takes off her face mask?! She tells Piper to stand Zelina up! Piper does as told, and Chelsea takes a swing, but Zelina ducks! The face mask SMACKS Piper!! Chelsea is shocked, then furious, and then she chases after Zelina!
Zelina slips into the ring, Chelsea gets on the apron, but Zelina sends Alba at her! They almost collide, and then Zelina rolls Alba up! Zelina hops on, CODE RED!! Cover, Zelina wins!!
Winner: Zelina Vega, by pinfall
Chelsea tried so hard to screw Zelina over that she just screwed up her own team! Zelina survives again, will no one take down the Vega Administration?
The Miz pep talks Carmelo Hayes.
Melo looks good, and he just has to follow the plan. If Melo follows that plan, with no mistakes, they will win. Melo says he knows what he’s doing. Miz asks if he really does. Because Miz has taken Black Mass after Black Mass, sacrificing himself for Melo. Does Melo understand? Miz gave up this chance at MITB for Melo! Miz has already done it twice! If Melo wins this match tonight, Miz will guide Melo to make sure “we are Mr. MITB.” Wait, we? Miz says, “Who do you think got you in this position?” Melo says Melo did. Melo appreciates everything Miz has done for him, from sacrificing to taking hits for him, and helping him win the Andre the Giant Battle Royal.
But nobody told Miz to do that. Melo will run the play exactly as Miz designed it, but what brought Melo to the dance is Melo’s talent. Melo goes out there and does it better than anybody else. Melo puts up 40 points on a bad day, because he is H1M. And Miz just needs to let Melo be H1M. They good? Miz nods, and Melo says okay, let’s do the thing. They are Melo Don’t Miz and they are Awes-H1M. Miz still nods, but he doesn’t seem genuinely happy. Will Miz let Melo be Melo? Even if that means letting H1M fail?
Giulia speaks.
“Throughout my entire career, even back when I started in Japan, I had one goal… It’s not to be ‘the best.’ Everyone says that. It’s hollow and empty. My goal is to be indisputable. You can love me or hate me, admiration or disgust, it means nothing. But I’m impossible to deny. My opponent doesn’t matter, because I only view them as an opportunity to build my legacy. Evidence you cannot refute. SmackDown, you will see. I will hit harder, move faster, think sharper, and conquer everything, just like I’ve always done. The question isn’t, ‘Who’s going to let me?” It’s, ‘Who’s going to stop me?'” She adds in Japanese, “If you can stop it, stop it.”
Will SmackDown and all of the WWE soon succumb to The Beautiful Madness?
Zelina returns backstage.
She refreshes for a second, but Giulia is there! And Giulia says she sees Zelina, but she also sees that title more. Zelina scoffs and leaves. Could Giulia be aiming for everything once she becomes Ms. Money in the Bank?
Damian Priest is here!
Knoxville cheers as The Archer of Infamy heads to the ring, victorious from Saturday Night’s Main Event and that brutal Steel Cage match. Priest grabs a mic to tell Tennessee, “Ever since I beat Drew on Saturday, it’s like I’m breathing in fresh air. Y’know, there was a time when I lived on the street, if we were beefing with another street, that war could go for years. But in WWE, you have a beef with somebody, you have a match and it’s over. But with Drew and I, we went well over a year, and that’s not normal. But we took that beef into a cage. Now, I can feel it, you can se it on my face, we went to war.
“At the end of this war, at Saturday Night’s Main Event, I gave him a Con-Chair-To, I walked out the door, and I put his ass in the past.” The fans cheer that. Priest says now he knows Drew is somewhere recovering from his scrambled brains, but he knows Drew is watching, so this is for Drew. “I still can’t stand yo ass. But the Drew McIntyre that stepped in that cage wasn’t the guy that hides behind his phone on social media. That was the old Drew, the warrior, and I appreciate that.” The fans applaud, and Priest says he won’t ask what is next for himself, he’ll just tell us all. And it is the same thing he wanted when he came to SmackDown: Championships!
The fans cheer, and Priest says this war with Drew cost him an opportunity at being in MITB. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have his eyes on a certain champion. Somebody who he has unfinished business with, and a champion he considers the most badass. The fans know that means Fatu, and he knows they know! Priest calls out Jacob Fatu! Priest respects Fatu. Priest knows where Fatu came from, what Fatu had to live through, how it feels to stand in this ring as a champion. Real talk, Priest is proud of Fatu, he congratulates Fatu, that’s real. But what Priest doesn’t respect is the crew that follows him around.
Wait, check that. What Priest doesn’t respect is the crew Fatu follows around. Priest knows at some point, they will get in this ring, handle business, but that’s for them. As for Fatu’s so-called family, if they wanna get involved, they can catch a fresh one, too. Priest won’t make it just a nickname or moniker, he wants this to be fact! Priest is and forever will be EL CAMPEON! The fans cheer that! But will the Archer soon take aim at the Samoan Werewolf? Well, speaking of, Fatu makes his way out here for tonight’s other Triple Threat Qualifier! Fatu nods to Priest, but if Fatu wins his way into the ladder match, will this showdown have to wait a little longer?
Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier Triple Threat: Carmelo Hayes VS Andrade VS Jacob Fatu!
SmackDown returns and El Idolo makes his entrance, followed by H1M. The bell rings and Miz distracts Fatu and Melo attacks! Fatu ELBOWS Melo away, Andrade is on Melo with forearms, and then Fatu adds a LARIAT! Fatu looms mover Melo but then turns to stare down Andrade. The fans rally as these two step up. Andrade fires forearms but Fatu SHOVES him to a corner. Fatu runs up, Andrade dodges then whips. Fatu reverses, Andrade goes up and out to then ROCK Fatu! Andrade goes up, up, and CROSSBODIES! Cover, ONE! Melo CLUBS Andrade, TOSSES him out, and then CLUBS away on Fatu!
Miz says that’s the way! Melo HAMMERS and CHOPS, then whips, but Fatu blocks! Fatu whips Melo, Melo springboards, but into an UPPERCUT! The fans fire up and Fatu sees Melo go outside. Fatu builds speed, but Miz trips him up! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Fatu drags Miz into the ring! Melo goes to roll Fatu up but Fatu stays up! Fatu YANKS Melo up, scoops, but Melo slips free! Melo SUPERKICKS and Miz DUMPS Fatu out! The fans boo but Melo builds speed, only for Andrade to LARIAT! The fans cheer, and now Miz sees he is in trouble. Fatu snarls, but Andrade DIVES, into a HAYMAKER!
Fatu then SUPERKICKS Miz! Fatu THROWS Miz into barriers! The fans fire up and Fatu grins. Fatu runs in, HIP ATTACK against the barriers! The Samoan Werewolf has dominated three men at once and the fans fire up while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Miz sputters and Fatu leaves him behind to go around the way. Melo is there to kick Fatu, RAM Fatu, but Fatu blocks another whip! Fatu ROCKS Melo and Melo staggers away. Fatu stalks Melo, Melo checks on Miz, but Fatu ROCKS Melo! Andrade goes after Fatu now, but Fatu THROWS Andrade into barriers! The fans cheer as Fatu lets Andrade go to the ring. Fatu brings Melo up, SMACKS him off the desk, then pushes him down. Fatu clears the desk off, but Melo CLUBS Fatu against the desk! Melo storms into the ring, brings Andrade up, but Andrade RAMS Melo into the corner! Andrade RAMS Melo, CHOPS Melo, then stalks Melo.
Andrade whips Melo, Melo reverses and Andrade hits buckles hard! Melo CHOPS Andrade down! Melo brings Andrade up, soaks up some heat, then makes it Latino Heat. But Andrade blocks the suplex to suplex Melo! Andrade hangs Melo out to dry, and Melo flops to the apron. Fatu is back but Andrade fires forearms first! Andrade whips, Fatu reverses, and Fatu BODY CHECKS Andrade! Fatu geeks out and the fans are with him while he stalks Andrade. Fatu drags Andrade up to HEADBUTT him into the corner. Fatu shoves Melo off the apron, then he HEADBUTTS Andrade again. Andrade sputters but Fatu is all fired up.
Fatu CHOPS Andrade, UPPERCUTS, and HEADBUTTS him again! Andrade CHOPS in return! SmackDown returns to single picture and Andrade CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Fatu UPPERCUTS and Andrade falls back! Melo stomps Andrade in the corner, then tells Fatu to come on in. Fatu runs up, but Andrade gets away! Hip attack hits buckles! Melo ENZIGIRIS Fatu, Andrade runs to dodge Melo and FLYING FOREARM! The fans fire up as Andrade kips up! Andrade has targets in the corners, and he rallies the fans with “SI! SI! SI!” CIEN KNEES for Fatu! CIEN- NO, Melo tilt-o-whirls and LA MYSTICA! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally, Melo runs to stomp away on Fatu, then he brings Andrade up. Fatu stands to CLOBBER Melo! Andrade SUPERKICKS Fatu! The fans rally, Melo brings Andrade up and springboards, but Andrade stops him at the ropes! SECOND ROPE SPANISH FLY! But Fatu SENTONS Andrade! The fans fire up as Fatu SENTONS Melo! Fatu drags Melo to a drop zone, then goes to the corner! The fans rally for Fatu as he goes up, up, but Andrade YANKS him down! Andrade goes up top, MOONSAULT DOUBLE!! Cover, Melo breaks it! The fans rally while all three are down! “This is Awesome!” as the three stir.
Melo brings Fatu and Andrade around, and he fires forearms on each of them. Andrade fires back on Melo, then Fatu UPPERCUTS! Andrade ROCKS Fatu, but Fatu UPPERCUTS Andrade! The fans rally as the three rise, and Melo springboards! DOUBLE FADE AWAY DDT!! Cover on Andrade, Fatu breaks it! Melo and Fatu stare down, and they run up! Melo dodges to hit the FIRST 48! Andrade adds a POISON-RANA! Melo slips around Andrade to KNEE and suplex, CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Andrade survives and Melo grows frustrated. The fans rally for Fatu while Melo shakes his hands out. Andrade is on the apron but Melo rises.
Melo brings Andrade up but Andrade trips Melo! They go out to brawl, and Melo SUPERKICKS Andrade down! But Fatu SUPERKICKS Melo! The fans fire up for Fatu as he lines up a shot. Fatu gets the fans even more fired up, then he geeks out! Fatu runs in the full length, but Andrade & Melo move! HIP ATTACK through barriers!! The fans go nuts as Fatu crashes into the timekeeper’s area! Fatu sputters as SmackDown goes back to picture in picture.
Fatu stirs while Andrade and Melo go to the ring. They roll in, Melo grabs at Andrade and vice-versa. Melo fires a forearm, then goes back outside. Andrade goes to the opposite end while Melo looks under the ring. Melo makes Knoxville happy by bringing out a table! But then Melo makes them mad by dropping it! Melo goes after Andrade but Andrade ROCKS him first! Andrade brings out a chair! Andrade aims, but Melo dropkicks the legs out! Andrade crawls, Melo shakes his head, and he grabs the chair now. Melo aims, but Andrade kicks Melo low! Andrade and Melo go into the ring, and Andrade puts Melo in a drop zone.
Andrade goes up the corner, but Melo trips him up! Andrade is stuck up top and Melo hits the SLINGSHOT PLEX! Melo flexes, then decides to step through on the legs! Andrade cradles that, TWO! Melo and Andrade stand, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Both men fall and the fans look for Fatu. SmackDown returns to single picture as the fans rally, Melo and Andrade sit up, and Melo CHOPS! Andrade ROCKS Melo, then rolls away. Melo hurries to clamp onto Andrade with a facelock, but Andrade RAMS him into a corner! Andrade puts Melo up top but Melo fires forearms. Andrade drops back, Melo aims, but Andrade GAMANGIRIS!
The fans still want tables but Andrade climbs up to get Melo. They’re on the very top, but Fatu is back! Fatu makes the SUPER SPANISH FLY part ROCKER LAUNCHER!! The fans are thunderous as Fatu goes up now! SWANTON BOMB onto Melo! Cover, Andrade breaks it!! The fans rally up again and still want tables. Fatu runs at Andrade to SPLASH! Then Fatu runs at Melo, but Melo BOOTS him! Melo runs up, but into a pop-up! Melo fights the Samoan Drop, and Andrade adds the SHADOW ELBOW! But Melo makes it a ghost pin! Andrade adds a stack, TWO!!! Fatu survives the double cover, but here come Solo & JC!
The fans boo as Solo is here to coach Fatu up. Melo and Andrade trade forearms, then Melo dodges to springboard, FLYING LARIAT! Cover, Fatu breaks it! Fatu snarls, drags Melo up, and he HEADBUTTS Melo! Fatu finally notices Solo & JC, but Fatu puts Melo up top. Fatu CHOPS Melo, then he fireman’s carries Andrade. Fatu adds Melo to this, but Melo slips free. SAMOAN DROP for Andrade, and then Fatu goes to the corner. Solo says Fatu’s got this now! BEST MOONSAULT EVER FLOPS and Melo hits NOTHING BUT NET!! Cover, ANDRADE BREAKS IT! Andrade underhooks Melo, THE MESS- NO, Melo RANAS through! Cover, TWO!!
Andrade has a cover, TWO! Melo has a cover, TWO! Andrade has it, TWO! Both men stand, SHADOW ELBOW! FIRST 48!! SHADOW ELBOW AGAIN!! All three men are down and the fans are thunderous! Fatu crawls, Melo rolls to a corner, and Andrade stirs. Fatu rises, he brings Andrade up, IMPALER DDT! Then Fatu has Melo to RAM him into a corner. Fatu runs and HIP ATTACKS Melo! Andrade is up, Fatu hits him with another IMPALER DDT! Fatu puts Andrade in the drop zone, and he hits the BEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Solo says yeah, do that again! The fans boo but Fatu glares at Solo. JC says do what Solo is saying, Fatu!
But wait! Jimmy YANKS JC down, and SUPERKICKS him! The fans fire up, and then Melo RAMS Fatu into Solo! Then FIRST 48! But Andrade rolls Melo into THE MESSAGE!! Cover, ANDRADE WINS!!
Winner: Andrade, by pinfall (advances to Money in the Bank)
Solo just screwed things up for Fatu! Solo does his best to keep the peace between Fatu and JC, but the point is: Andrade is headed to Los Angeles! Will he make this El Idolo in the Bank?
Backstage interview with LA Knight.
Byron Saxton segues from congratulating Andrade for qualifying to welcoming in someone who already has qualified, but The Mega Star says, “My gawd. What is it with punching tickets around here? Everybody talks about punching tickets. WWE Instagram, punched tickets. Commentary, punched tickets. You’re talking about punched tickets. I guess I punched my ticket to MITB, it’s only eight days away. A few other guys who punched tickets, who are they? You got Andrade, you got Penta, you got what’s his name, Seth Rollins. You got Solo Sikoa! They’re all in it! They all punched their tickets!
“And everybody’s gonna be climbing that ladder, trying to get up, put everything on the line that they can. Now, if this was a one-on-one match, I’d go ahead and call my shot, and I’d say I’m gonna run up there, grab the case, and cash it in. But you gotta understand, this is my third year in a row, so I understand what this is. You can call me the vet in this match. Some people say maybe that Seth is the vet in this, but they would be wrong. For three years in a row now, you’re talking about the most robust and the most recent experience, YEAH. And what that means is now it’s anybody’s game. Anybody can come out with it, and I understand that.
“But with or without the case, what you need to understand is that the WWE title, the world title, they’re all in my future. With the way I’ve been running, at this point, they should be in my past, maybe even my present. Why don’tcha go ahead and punch that ticket? While we’re talking about-” Knight stops himself when he spots someone walking in. It’s Aleister Black! And Aleister says that win was supposed to be his. But he tells Knight, “You’re welcome, though.” The Dark Father lets the Mega Star shine, if only for now. Will LA win big in LA when we finally reach MITB?
Fatu and Solo regroup backstage.
Solo wants Fatu to listen. He was just trying to help. Fatu tells Solo to listen. For the last time, Fatu does not need his help! Fatu storms off, JC steps in, but Solo has nothing else to say. Is the Samoan Werewolf going to break away from this dysfunctional “family?”
Cody Rhodes is here!
Knoxville fires up and sings along, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, high-fives fans along the ramp and the front row, and even signs autographs. Cody goes to the ring, grabs a mic, and he hears the fans chant his name. Cody fires the fans up more, then hears them sing, “Cody! Cody Rhooodes~! Cody! Cody Rhooodes~!” Cody says, “So, Knoxville! Whaddya wanna talk about?” The fans cheer, and Cody says, “I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out that we could talk about the record crowd here this evening!” The fans cheer that, too! Cody says he loves them, too, thank you very much.
Cody says they could also talk about WrestleMania 41. The fans boo, but Cody says after WrestleMania 41, he went home, he drowned his sorrows, might’ve touched the “Tennessee Cough Syrup” a little bit, and he had a moment of doubt. He reached out to a friend. A friend who helps him prepare to wonderful audiences like this one here, or speaking to everyone at home. Cody asked him, “Was I a good champion?” The fans cheer for that, but Cody says the friend told him wasn’t quite as simple as yes or no.
The friend told him, “With everything that you faced here in the ring in front of all the fans, and with everything that you faced behind the scenes, being pulled in different directions, the waters that you had to navigate that no champion has ever had to navigate, yes, I feel that you were a good champion.” Cody says he felt good hearing that, it turned into a hopeful moment, the silver lining on a dark cloud. Cody looked back on his whole year. He thought about AJ Styles faking retirement to get the drop on him. Cody thought about his friend, Kevin Owens, sucker punching him against his bus while Cody’s family slept inside.
Cody thought about his boss, Triple H, who pushed Cody to the limit, and sees something in Cody that Cody doesn’t even see in himself. Cody even thought about The Final Boss, how he asked Cody for his soul, and the entire world wondering what that meant. As preposterous as that sounded, The Rock was 100% serious. No matter how many times Cody said no, the offer still stands. And Cody also thought about John Cena. The fans initially boo, but the “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” starts up. Cody takes a moment, and then he says, “I thought about John Cena doing exactly what he said he was going to do. He forced me to make a choice, and I hesitated.
“I don’t know if John Cena is going to ‘ruin’ professional wrestling. But if he does, then I’m partially to blame. Now, I know, I’d love to say this to John Cena’s face. Not sure if he’s going to come out here right now, but if you are listening, if you are listening, Champ, I need you to know that I will never hesitate with you again!” The fans cheer that, and Cody says no matter how much Cena will tout the amount of days he has left, how much Cena will talk about what remains before he absconds with the WWE Championship and leaves all of us forever, that is NOT Cena’s expiration date! That is on the other side of Cody’s corneas, and it will burn Cena’s ass up!
The fans fire up for that, and Cody calms it down. Cody apologizes for that. This is his first night back on SmackDown, he is getting worked up. He thought so much about what he could do, what he could do for the fans. Hell, how about a surprise? The fans already “YEET! YEET! YEET!” so Cody says they’re hungry for it. Let’s yeet. Well, hold on, that’d be a very big surprise. That’d be the biggest surprise. That’d be Cody’s partner riding into battle for MITB, and hell YES he is here! Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for the World Heavyweight Champion, MAIN EVENT JEY USO! The fans go wild as Jey makes his way in from the pavilion!
The fans sing along with Day One Ish and bounce for that YEET! Jey makes his way down through the crowd to ringside, one verse at a time, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Jey joins Cody in the ring now, mic in hand. Cody and Jey hear the fans want an encore, so we get even more YEET! But then John Cena makes his entrance to ruin the fun! The fans sing “JOHN CENA SUUUCKS~!” even though he wears that University of Tennessee orange and white. Cena goes to the ring, towel draped over his head, then grabs a mic before he joins Cody and Jey in the ring. Cena hears the fans boo, and he says, “I’m upset, too. If it isn’t professional wrestling’s biggest wannabes!” Cena tells Cody he is nothing more than a Cena Wannabe, and that Jey is nothing more than a Cena Wannabe.
The fans boo but Cena says they both wanna be Cena so bad, it makes him sick! Cody wants Cena’s fame, Jey wants Cena’s money, but they will get neither because Cody is too desperate and Jey is too lazy! There is only ONE other human being in the WWE who embodies hustle, loyalty and respect, and he’s got the fortune, fame and followers to back that up! Surprise, losers! Cena’s partner is here, too! The fans boo already, because “EY YO~!” Logan Paul IS here! The Maverick swaggers his way out, and Cena gives him a proper introduction. “Oh, you mad? You’re mad because Logan Paul does WWE better than any professional wrestler?”
Cena says Logan doesn’t need to pay his dues, because he is paying Jey’s mortgage! Everybody in this building did NOT come to see Jey! They came to see John Cena and Logan Paul! Logan asks, “What the hell you crying about, Knoxville? Look! I could walk on water, and y’all would still find a way to tell me it’s because I can’t swim! John Cena speaks the language of Logan Paul, and that is the truth! The truth! It is right in front of you! You deny it all you want, but look around, you stupid, stupid, simple Tennessee people! This is a moment in history! All of you get to witness the moment that John Cena stood side-by-side in the ring with Logan Paul.
“And look, all of you will live long, pathetic, miserable lives. But at least you will get to say that you saw that.” The fans tell Logan to STFU, and Cena tells Logan to ignore it. Logan says yeah, yeah, they’re so ungrateful. They don’t know what’s good for them. There is one problem, though. This does seem too perfect. The problem is… Logan should be standing next to THE WWE Champion as THE World Heavyweight Champion! Logan should’ve been the one to leave Saturday Night’s Main Event with that title around his waist. But look at him, Jey. Jey got lucky. Jey got lucky! He knows it, Logan knows, it, the fans know it, CODY knows it!
Jey needed Cody to save him! When Cody interfered with the match cuz these two cheaters can’t do a single thing in this business without it being handed to them! “These two nepo babies were born on third, thinking they hit a triple.” Logan points to himself and says, “Self-made man!” He points to Cena and says, “Self-made man!” Five years ago, nobody every would’ve believed Logan Paul would be a WWE superstar. And they certainly never ever would’ve believed that he’d be teaming with the Greatest Of All Time! But look at Logan now. He’s not just a superstar, he is THE superstar! His time is now! Cena told us that his time is almost up!
Cena is the Last Real Champion, Logan is the inevitable face of the WWE! So Jey, Cody, at MITB, if you want some, come get some. Jey tells Logan they don’t gotta wait! They can handle this right now! UH UH, YEET!! The mics drop, Cena and Logan talk this out, and Logan wants to throw hands while Cena wants to leave. Cody asks what they’re arguing about. They gonna go to the back so Logan can polish Cena’s Peacemaker? Now it’s a fight! The fans fire up as the hands are flying! Logan TOSSES Jey, Cena picks Cody up! Cody slips free, Jey is back to SUPERKICK! Cody hits the DISASTER KICK! Cena bails out, Jey PLANCHAS out onto him!
Logan goes to the apron, slingshot and- NO, Cody dodges the “Snapshot” Lariat and Jey SUPERKICKS Logan! Then Jey sets Logan up for the CODE D!! The fans fire up as Cody picks up the WWE Championship! Will Cody and Jey make it through Logan and Cena to then clear a path for the American Nightmare’s redemption? Or will Cena & Logan ruin wrestling together?
My Thoughts:
A very good SmackDown, but maybe with some wheel-spinning. As fun as Chelsea Green continues to be, can’t we move on from her and Zelina? Or are we about to do that with tonight’s win over Alba and then Giulia confronting her? Ironically, that seems to give away Giulia isn’t winning MITB. Giulia had a good promo video right before but they undercut it by giving us that confrontation. That said, Giulia deserves to be all the champions, but I suppose starting with the Women’s US Championship would be a good route. Very good promo from Bianca and Naomi to not just have Bianca’s homecoming, but to keep the feud between them alive.
The Women’s Triple Threat had a slow start but it turned out to be a very good match. Great win for Naomi, and good promo from her, Tiffany and Alexa to tease potential MITB winners. Great stuff in the tag match to build Worlds Collide just a touch. We only got one moment of Berto being passive aggressive towards Santos, and then Ethan Page screwing the Faces over, but that was still enough for the North American Championship. Of course, it depends on how many fans watch not just Raw and SmackDown but also NXT so that the fans already understand the story. But as someone who does, I do appreciate they’re bringing NXT story onto SmackDown.
Good promo from Priest to give some shoot respect to Drew and Fatu, but Priest wanting after the US title kinda gave away what was happening with the Men’s Triple Threat. It was a great Triple Threat, but of course Solo & JC cost Fatu. That team is just one moment away from breaking up, and it might be at MITB when Solo just expects Fatu to help him win the briefcase and Fatu refuses. And Fatu VS Priest will still be awesome whenever it happens. Good promo from Knight, and a good bit from Aleister with him, which I suppose means that’s the next feud for them. Was kinda hoping for Aleister VS Nakamura but that really depends if Nakamura is sticking with WWE or going home to Japan via Pro-Wrestling NOAH as rumored.
R-Truth relapsing to talking to Lil’ Jimmy is certainly a choice. I kinda wish he’d keep up the “Ron Cena” stuff, or they’d let Jeff Cobb do his own John Cena bit from NJPW, but I guess some things in WWE still won’t change. And closing with a big promo segment was also certainly a choice. Cody still did a good job, and nice surprise to have Jey show up. Not sure they needed to take a commercial break for Jey’s entrance, especially when they were obviously going to let Jey do his YEET encore. And Cena really must be brainwashed to put Logan over as if Logan’s on par with peak Cena. But naturally a brawl happened and the Faces stood tall.
Don’t count this as go-home math yet, they could easily revisit this on Raw and even next week on SmackDown. Even then, I still feel like Jey and Cody should win at MITB to properly set up Cody VS Cena 2 at SummerSlam. Raw on June 9th is still the move for the World Heavyweight Championship, but there’s also Saturday Night’s Main Event in July, who knows if Jey makes it to SummerSlam as champion.
My Score: 8.7/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
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: 5.29.25
Stuff happens, maybe it doesn’t, Dreamer and Delirious can’t book.
Well Trick Willie is the new TNA champ and this is the first iMPACT since his win…so let’s just hear him talk about it.
"TNA turned into TRICK-NA. Lets talk about it"@_trickwilliams #WWENXT
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/GrBQpdX5g5 pic.twitter.com/StU4pmi3oy
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 30, 2025
Ratings:
- The Rascalz vs Fir$t Cla$$ vs Laredo vs The System: Rascalz win via Meteora – ***
- Raj Singh vs Mustafa Ali: Ali wins via…No Shit – Squash Garbage
- ASH by Elegance vs Lei Ying Lee: Lei wins via Spinning TKO – ** 3/4
- Mance Warner w/SDL vs Jobber: Mance wins via Hit the Pay Winda – Squash
- Santino Marella & Arianna Grace vs Robert Stone & Victoria Crawford w/Tessa: Team Robbie wins via shenanigans – **
- International Championship: Steve Maclin (c) vs Matt Cardona: Maclin retains via KIA – ***
Results:
The Rascalz vs Fir$t Cla$$ vs Laredo vs The System
Octagon got jumped by The System earlier so Laredo is fighting alone. Another backstage jumping is getting a little dumb.
Laredo and Trey start. Typical Indie start with Simultaneous awful Dropkick spot and bad counters, AJ blind tag runs the smaller guys over, tags out to KC and the Rascalz instantly get the moment. KC is rocked, tags in Laredo and Laredo takes out the System before Lish gets on the apron and grabs Laredo. The referee kicks out Lish and Rehwoldt on commentary points out it’s a No DQ match so that’s dumb.
KC gets tossed at AJ, he catches him, Rascalz Dive and do their taunt as we go to commercial. We come back, Tennessee Whiskey into a KC tag in for the near fall on Laredo. Corner combo, Snapmare into Flip Forward Neck Breaker, KC is on a roll. AJ tags Laredo and starts talking crap to KC, they swerve and go Finger Poke of Doom, but it’s not a legal pin. Suddenly tornado attacks, System and Rascalz go for broke, AJ hits the Senton to break the eventual pin, Laredo counters AJ’s Chokeslam attempt. Trey clears out The System, Wentz sends himself and KC over and out, Laredo with a Corkscrew Moonsault, which looked cool but it’s the pile of morons waiting to get hit spot.
AJ hits the Down Payment on Laredo, but Trey blind tagged AJ. Meteora on AJ, Trey pins Laredo and Rascalz win.
Raj Singh vs Mustafa Ali
Raj looks like shit in the gear he came down in…and he wrestles equivalently. I would rather anyone else comeback…give me Anarquia.
Ali murders Raj, Instant Dropkick, Rolling Neckbreaker, Corkscrew Standing Moonsault, it’s not close. Raj tries to counter things but Ali Bellclap, a little Duck the left, connect the right. Raj even does a terrible looking Punch Combo, he’s in bad shape, a bad looking Ushigoroshi, Raj with a sloppy looking something, 450 ends it.
Fire Raj as quickly as you brought him back. You don’t need a comedically pathetic job guy when the roster is like 4 guys getting pushed and everyone else sucks. Stop being stupid. Ali still hates women too.
This Injury Report is the dumbest segment in the history of wrestling. Stop treating fake shit as “serious business”.
ASH by Elegance vs Lei Ying Lee
ASH mocks karate stuff, Lei throws a few Rising Crane kicks as ASH bails and then things slow down a little. But a Pump Kick, Sliding Kick and Low Dropkick cause ASH to cower and claim her tooth broke. It’s a bait to pull Lei into the turnbuckles and them get in a few stomps. Ash keeps Lei in the corner, Suplexes her ankles into the buckles and then Ash throws a few Booty Shots/Hit Attacks then starts a grounded stretch, Lei Headscissors her down, still sells the hips and ankles, but dodges and fires, combination strikes into the 10 Count Down Strikes. T-bone Suplex, into the pinfall, for only two.
Cheapshot into Running Meteora from ASH for two. Ash goes for the Miz Yes Kicks and Lei No Sells and asks for more. Gorgeous Capture Suplex into Thunder Struck and TKO with flair. My baby has a better finish now! Yay!
Mance Warner w/SDL vs Jobber
Hannifan cursing and being pissed at Trick for not even showing but is more entertaining than a squash match. Not that Mance’s offense is bad, but 2 out of 3 job matches is stupid.
.@milanmiracle and @AriannaGraceWWE make history as the first father/daughter tag team in TNA!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/GrBQpdX5g5 pic.twitter.com/3s8OhtYFPv
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 30, 2025
Santino Marella & Arianna Grace vs Robert Stone & Victoria Crawford w/Tessa
Marella tries to tie up with Robbie, but he bails and tags out to Victoria so Arianna comes in and aside from Alicia Fox’s silliness, the tie up was decent with Arianna and Victoria. Tessa interferes and the Referee throws her out. Victoria comes back in and aside from a slight miscommunication with how Arianna does her punches, Alicia Fox is making her look…pretty good. Transition moves, okay brawling and Arianna looks amazing in her outfit.
Rob and Santino distract the referee and Victoria hits a Figure Four into her Northern Lights Suplex, only for 2. Arianna finally Back Body Drop to find the tag, Santino and Rob, Santino does his split dodge into the Standing Headbutt, Arianna Cross Body onto Victoria. Rob pulls out the ref, then shoves the ref into Santino, Santino into the steps and Arianna attack but Alicia and Lish, the fix is in, Arianna eats the pin.
International Championship: Steve Maclin (c) vs Matt Cardona
A few quick brawl moves, Shoulder Tackles, Strikes, Back Breakers, Cardona does get dumped out and eats a SCUD. Maclin bounces Cardona’s face off the apron and hits an Elbow off the apron to keep Cardona reeling, but a dodged tackle sends Maclin into the steps. Cardona tries to Piledriver Maclin on the ramp, but Back Drop counter, into commercial.
Formulaic commercial etiquette of Cardona still in control, throws Maclin into the ropes, Diving Shoulder Tackle lays both dudes out and they get up by 8. Fighting Spirit spot, Cardona hits ropes and gets hit by Maclin twice, Thesz Press, Ground and Pound, Back Elbow and Olympic Slam has Maclin rolling. Splash into Lariat for two. Maclin has been all gas no brakes. Cardona tries to take a few shortcuts that turns into a Straight Jacket Takedown. Cardona to the top, Maclin cuts him off, Superplex spot. 1-2-kick out!
Maclin goes topside for a Jar Headbutt, Cardona hits the ropes so Maclin crashes into the corner, 2 Reboots connect, the third gets caught, counter into Busaiku Knee, Jar Headbutt. In and out, Cardona uses the middle rope for the Low Blow, Killswitch from Cardona but Maclin kicks out. Cardona dodges and shoves Maclin towards the ref, he puts the brakes on, Radio Silence! 1-2-Kick out! Maclin catches a top rope move, Power Bomb, Corner Splash, Tree of Woe, Caught in the Crosshairs, KIA and Maclin retains!
Overall Score: 4.5/10
Boring paint by numbers show, no Trick, System has one move, Robert Stone is a scumbag, too long to introduce new girls, lots of throw away segments and Rosemary sets up YET ANOTHER Monster’s Ball match. These aren’t interesting when there’s one every 3 months. So we can have terrible Monster’s Ball matches quarterly, Barbed Wire Massacre and Clockwork Orange House of Fun…BUT NO LOCKDOWN!?
Go home TNA, you’re drunk.
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
4 Corners Podcast: Blown Off Course
Dave and Tunney break down the Conference Finals in the NHL and NBA, discuss the NFL going to the Olympics,...
4 Corners Podcast: Bettor Late Than Never?
Dave, Patrick, and Tunney break down the NHL and NBA Playoffs and a pretty stunning decision from the MLB Commissioner's...
4 Corners Podcast: Never Over Until Its Over
Dave and Patrick break down the latest developments, scores, and stories from the NBA and NHL Playoffs.
4 Corners Podcast: Playoffpalooza
Dave and Tunney discuss all the awesome action that has been going on in the NHL and NBA Playoffs!
4 Corners Podcast: Is It Drafty In Here?
Patrick and Dave discuss the NFL Draft, Shedeur Sanders, and the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs!
Bandwagon Nerds #290: Norm!
The Nerds recap trailers for Jurassic Park: Rebirth and Welcome to Derry, discuss delays to Avengers movies, and pay their...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (5/23/25)
What's with all the glowing?
Bandwagon Nerds #289: The Rest of Us
The Nerds discuss trailers for Ironheart and Superman, talk about the greatness that was Andor Season 2, break down casting...
Bandwagon Nerds #288: Disney In The Desert
Disney makes a controversial decision about where it is building its 7th theme park. Plus, loads of trailers, Thunderbolts* news,...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (5/9/25)
June will be electric!
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (5/30/25)
The greatEST SmackDown!
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 5.29.25
Stuff happens, maybe it doesn't, Dreamer and Delirious can't book.
Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/29/25)
B Block, FINAL ROUND!
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (5/29/25)
Is ROH ready for the GORE?
Mitchell’s WWE Evolve Results & Report! (5/28/25)
THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE!
Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (5/28/25)
Dynamite in the desert!
Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/27/25)
A Block, FINAL ROUND!
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Will NXT still be Absolute?
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Round 8, all together!
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New Day Rocks? Or New Day Sucks?
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AEW Coverage6 days agoMitchell’s AEW Double or Nothing Results & Report! (5/25/25)
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Coverage6 days agoMitchell’s WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event Results & Report! (5/24/25)
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