Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (9/25/20)
An interview with Roman Reigns!
One more Friday Night SmackDown before the Clash of Champions!
Before defending the WWE Universal Championship against his own cousin, Jey Uso, Roman Reigns will be in the ring for an interview!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Sami Zayn VS Jeff Hardy VS AJ Styles; Styles wins.
- Gran Metalik w/ Lucha House Party VS Shinsuke Nakamura w/ Cesaro; Nakamura wins.
- Matt Riddle VS Baron Corbin; Corbin wins.
- Alexa Bliss VS Lacey Evans; Evans wins, by disqualification.
PLAY BY PLAY
WWE and SmackDown mourn the loss of Road Warrior Animal, Joe Laurinaitis
AJ Styles heads to the ring!
The Phenomenal One is here for this “ascension ceremony” to commemorate the coming Triple Threat Ladder match to crown the UNDISPUTED WWE Intercontinental Championship! But he’s also joined by “the real” Intercontinental Champion, Sami Zayn. Sami is a bit grumpier since he’d have to give up his copy of the title. And of course, that means the real Intercontinental Champion, Jeff Hardy, joins them in the ring, as well! Corey Graves presides over this ceremony and reminds us that Clash of Champions will be “winner take all,” no other superstar will have claim to being champion. The two belts will be raised in this first-ever ceremony. And as a Triple Threat, this match has no champion’s advantage.
Styles asks Hardy how the belt feels right now. Savor that feeling, because this is the last time Hardy will hold the belt that he cheated to win in the first place. And why is Sami even here? Oh, right, because Sami thinks he’s still champion when he took the summer off growing out his neckbeard! Sami is nobody! Styles has broken his back to make the title mean something! And didn’t Styles beat Sami last week anyway? Sami says this entire match should be happening. This is only happening because Styles partook in a tournament to crown a fraud! And that was Styles for a minute. But then Hardy won the fraudulent “shampionship,” but should have denounced it and recognized Sami as the rightful champion! Now Sami has to defend his title in a LADDER match!? Does anyone know how dangerous that is?
Hardy tells Sami to shut up. And he oddly agrees with Styles. Yes, because Styles is the smartest guy here! Hardy says Sami should be grateful. Because Styles and Hardy have at least defended the title. Sami can make things legit at Clash. Let’s raise these belts high to tear the house down this Sunday! The belt hanger lowers as Styles talks trash on Hardy and Sami. Sami says the guys holding belts are going to hang up the belts now, if that’s okay. The belts are strapped to the hanger and the hook rises high above. And then Sami shoves a ladder down onto both Hardy and Styles! Sami rains down rights on Hardy, while shouting “FRAUD!” every time! Styles chases Sami off and says Sami won’t have that belt ever again.
But Adam Pearce is here, and he says Sami should’ve just left enough alone. The match of Sami VS Hardy is going to change, it’ll be a TRIPLE THREAT! And it’ll be next! Sami is freaking out, Hardy gives Styles a TWIST OF FATE! Who wins this sampler of Sunday after the break?
Sami Zayn VS Jeff Hardy VS AJ Styles!
SmackDown returns and the bell rings! Styles throws hands on Sami then on Hardy. Hardy counter punches while Sami bails out. Styles and Hardy brawl, Hardy gets Styles for an atomic drop! Hardy full nelsons but Styles spins out, so Hardy cravats and snapmares to neck snap! Sami returns but Hardy kicks him first. Hardy bumps Sami off buckles, then more buckles. Sami scrambles away to then kick low and throw hands. Sami facelocks, Hardy atomic drops and trips him up! Leg splitting leg drop and basement dropkick! Styles stomps Hardy while Sami rolls out again. Styles bumps Hardy off buckles now, stomps him in the corner, then scoops for the backbreaker!
Styles runs and slides to wreck Sami with a dropkick! Sami bumps into the announce desk while Styles goes back to Hardy. Styles drags Hardy up, Hardy hits back and throws haymakers. Hardy whips, Styles reverses but Hardy holds ropes and boots. Styles catches those to toss Hardy out! Hardy hits the floor, Styles goes out to bring him back up. Styles bumps Hardy off the desk, Sami clobbers Styles! Sami bumps Styles off barriers then throws him into the ring. Sami brings Styles up for haymakers and Styles gets to a corner. Sami stomps Styles, drags him up and whip him to ropes. Sami LARIATS Styles and covers, ONE! Sami sees Hardy on the apron and DECKS him!
Sami looms over Styles but keeps looking up at the two belts. Styles powers Sami to a corner and rams his shoulder in. Styles catches his breath, snapmares Sami and wraps on a chinlock. Sami endures, Hardy crawls into the ring and fans clap on their screens. Styles throws Sami into Hardy to send Hardy back down! Styles chokes Sami on the ropes, which he can do because there are no disqualifications in a Triple Threat. Styles snapmares Sami back to a chinlock and grinds Sami down. Sami endures again, fights up but Styles clubs him. Hardy is up, Styles throws Sami at him but Hardy dodges! Sami tumbles out, Hardy fires off on Styles! Hardy rams Styles in the corner, reels him in for a clothesline, then clotheslines Sami as he gets in.
Hardy throws kicks and haymakers on both opponents but Sami hits Hardy back. Sami kicks and runs but Hardy dodges, to dropkick both Sami and Styles down! Fans cheer as Hardy gets up first. Hardy whips Sami to one corner, then back drops him down! Hardy uses Sami for POETRY IN MOTION on Styles! Styles and Sami are both down, Hardy goes up top! Sami shoves him off! Hardy hotshots off ropes and hits the ground! Sami goes around to drag Hardy up for haymakers. Styles kicks Sami and slingshots for a FOREARM! All three men are down as SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns and Sami has Styles up top. Hardy comes in and grabs at Sami, but Sami fights him off the Tower of Doom. Sami brings Styles up, Styles slips under and trips Sami up! Sami hits buckles, Styles runs at Hardy but Hardy elbows him away. Sami runs in but Hardy boots him! Hardy goes up, a WHISPER IN THE WIND gets both Styles and Sami! All three men are down again but stirring as fans clap. Hardy and Sami sit up first but Styles follows. Styles hits Sami and Hardy, Hardy hits Styles and Sami, Sami hits Hardy and Styles, repeat. Styles fires off on both opponents but Hardy kicks. Styles blocks but Hardy hits the spin back kick! HELLUVA KICK for Hardy, HELLUVA KICK for Styles! PELE!! All three men are down again and fans are showing their energy on screen!
Styles rises first this time, but Hardy follows. Styles hotshots Hardy from the apron then aims at Sami. Sami runs in but Styles forearms him away! Styles pulls the elbow pad and springboards, PHENOMENAL FORERAM on Hardy! Sami throws Styles out to cover Hardy, Sami wins!!
Winner: Sami Zayn, by pinfall
Sami wins this standard Triple Threat because he was able to use that opportunistic skill! But it won’t be so easy with ladders being part of the match! Speaking of which, Styles runs in and RAMS Sami with one! Styles aims and SMASHES Hardy with it now! Fans look torn between clapping and thumbs down as Styles takes an even taller ladder and puts it in the ring. Styles stands the ladder up, climbs it, and undoes both belts from the hanger. Will Styles not just be the Phenomenal but the UNDISPUTED Intercontinental Champion?
Otis and Tucker talk backstage.
Heavy Machinery knows Miz and Morrison want the Money in the Bank briefcase and Tucker heatedly explains the details of the lawsuit. Will they have an answer for this situation after the break?
SmackDown returns with a backstage interview with Heavy Machinery!
Otis was given a week to either fight the lawsuit or forfeit his MITB contract. What is his decision? Otis says that Mama Dozovic always told him not to trust three things: carnival clowns, 1% milk, and lawyers. The Miz and his “fancy pants” lawyers want to take this briefcase from him? Ain’t gonna happen! But Miz and Morrison walk over, and while Miz’s lawyers have tailored trousers, no one is stealing anything. They just want to give the WWE Universe a Mr. MITB they deserve. Tucker defends that Otis won the contract fair and square. Morrison says “You say potato, I say give us the MITB contract.”
Miz makes this even simpler: the firm of Guerrerey, Casielo, Fazzio & Oppenheim bill $2000 an hour and do not sleep! They will bury Otis in motions, drown him in depositions and put a lean on everything he owns! Otis will have nothing but a mountain of bills he can’t pay, and Miz will have everything! From the briefcase to the lunchbox to Otis’ house and his mom’s pretty little double wide! Don’t threaten mama! Morrison shields Miz and has a phone to record this all. If Otis doubts Miz can do all that and more, just go ask sweet little Mandy Rose! Now Otis is mad! Morrison keeps the phone up and Otis’ hands are tied. But where Otis comes from, they don’t settle things in the court. Come to the ring and try and take this briefcase!
Tucker points out something, though. Why did Miz’s fancy team of lawyers only put Miz’s name on the suit? Morrison asks what that’s about. Otis goes after Morrison!! Morrison isn’t protected by the suit so he gets wrecked! The referees hurry to drag Otis off Morrison and Miz gets Morrison away. This is far from settled, but just how will Miz and Otis put this to rest?
Bayley is here!
The SmackDown Women’s Champion has both mic and chair with her as she walks out. She shows off the chair again, because it has been the very thing she’s used on former friend, Sasha Banks. Bayley takes a seat on stage and says, “Can you say Role Model?” She could watch the replayed footage of her hurting Sasha over and over again. But she won’t, because a champion’s time is precious. To be honest, she has not more time to waste on the useless Sasha. And unlike Sasha, Bayley has work to do. And unlike that poor little baby Sasha, Bayley has a match to prepare for. “So Nikki Cross,” Bayley admires your heart and fighting spirit. But last week, she overheard Nikki saying this will be different? That Nikki has a chance now because Sasha isn’t in Bayley’s corner?
“Nikki, I want you to think about that statement.” And think really hard as to why Sasha isn’t here. If you watched to what she did to her best friend, be worried about what she’ll do to you! She’ll start by slapping the smile off Nikki’s stupid face! And you can only imagine what’ll happen next. “Right, Sasha?” Bayley already went to the dark side, but is she going even further down that path?
Gran Metalik w/ Lucha House Party VS Shinsuke Nakamura w/ Cesaro!
The King of the Ropes couldn’t quite overcome the Swiss Cyborg, but that may or may not have had something to do with Lince Dorado and Kalisto arguing the whole time. But now Metalik faces the King of Strong Style to see if things fair any better. Can the Golden Lynx and self-proclaimed leader of Lucha House Party at least get along this time?
The bell rings and Metalik circles with Nakamura. They approach, Nakamura fires off kicks then knees. Nakamura grinds Metalik against ropes then lets off, but Metalik ducks the sucker punch to kick back! Metalik whips, Nakamura reverses but Metalik handsprings! Nakamura gets clear but Metalik dodges him, to handspring arm-drag! Nakamura bails out, Metalik builds speed and slides, but Nakamura ducks! Metalik ducks the roundhouse but not the windmill kick! Nakamura RAMS Metalik into barriers! LHP protests but Nakamura puts Metalik on the apron. Nakamura runs to KNEE Metalik back into the ring!
Nakamura climbs back in at the ref’s ring count of 7, covers, TWO! Nakamura is annoyed already as he kicks Metalik. Nakamura kicks Metalik more, clamps onto an arm but LHP rally. Fans follow that but Nakamura knees low. Nakamura whips, Metalik reverses but runs into another knee! Nakamura rams Metalik into buckles! And he starts scraping his boot off Metalik’s head! The ref reprimands and Nakamura lets up, to bring Metalik up and around. Metalik CHOPS back, Nakamura kicks and knees away then drags Metalik to the mat. Nakamura cranks on the facelock, Metalik endures, but Nakamura spins him around. Metalik fights off the inverted exploder, Nakamura shoves him but Metalik ducks and huricanranas!
Nakamura is on the apron, Metalik blocks the boot to enziguri! Nakamura goes down, Metalik builds speed and FLIES! Direct hit at the ramp! LPH is united in cheering Metalik on! Metalik drags Nakamura up and into the ring, Kalisto and Lince cheer Metalik on. Metalik springboards to SWANTON! Cover, TWO! Nakamura survives but Metalik keeps focused. Metalik drags Nakamura to a drop zone, climbs up top again, and MOONSAULTS! But Nakamura moves, Metalik lands on his feet to roll back and runs at Nakamura. Nakamura sends him up, Metalik lands safe on the ropes but Nakamura trips him up! Metalik hits buckles, then Nakamura runs in to KNEE him in the back! INVERTED EXPLODER!
Nakamura aims from the corner, and KINSHASAS!! Cover, Nakamura wins!
Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura, by pinfall
With conflicted coaching, Metalik couldn’t beat Cesaro. With united coaching, Metalik couldn’t beat Nakamura. What is he supposed to do? Lince gets in to check on Metalik, but Cesaro gets in to GUT WRENCH SUPLEX him! Nakamura and Cesaro stomp Lince and Metlaik and Kalisto stays out!? Kalisto waits until the champions leave, but Lince shoves him down! Lince is upset with Kalisto, and doesn’t listen to Kalisto’s claims that he was trying to help. Will LHP not only lose out on the titles, but start to lose their bond as friends?
Jey Uso heads for Roman Reigns’ private locker room.
Knock knock, Cuz! They’ve got business! Open the door, bruh! Jey drums a beat, but will Roman want to talk with him? We find out after the break.
WWE superstars pay tribute to Road Warrior Animal.
From The Rock to Triple H to Hulk Hogan and more, superstars and legends took to social media to share their condolences to the Laurinaitis family as well as celebrate and honor the late, great Hall of Famer.
SmackDown takes a closer look at this coming Battle of the Bloodline.
Jey Uso and Roman Reigns are set to battle 1v1 for the first time ever, and over the WWE Universal Championship. Uncle Afa remembers how the two grew up together, did everything together and were very competitive. Rikishi, father of Jey & Jimmy, remembers family gatherings. Roman would sit close to the chiefs. Afa says it was amazing sitting there watching them all grow up. Roman’s father, Sika, says his son is strong and tough. Jimmy knows a lot of the attitude going on right now comes from the three of them growing up, “literally fighting each other.” They wanted to one-up the others and be the better man. Even at a young age, Roman felt he was the big dog of the pack. Sika is proud of his son, and wants him to be big and tough and mean, just like he and Afa were.
Afa says that everything Roman does, he’s a winner. Rikishi says this is almost destiny for Roman. But then his sons had to step-by-step, day-by-day pay their dues and understand the culture of pro-wrestling. Jimmy knows the Clash will leave it all on the line. Bloodline, Jey VS Roman. Roman has said this is his island and his WWE. But Jey knows he has this once in a lifetime opportunity against his own family. Roman vowed to whoop ass, and the family each believes their own will win. Who will be THE top dog in the Anoa’i Dynasty?
Jey Uso heads to the ring!
“Man, I’m hyped!” The video package with his family fired Uso up! This Sunday is Clash of Champions: Gold Rush, Uce VS Uce, Cuz VS Cuz, Family VS Family. Uso VS Reigns for the Universal Championship! Roman and Heyman watch from backstage as Jey says hey to Corey. Corey is supposed to be the one to interview Roman, but Jey says he can take a break, Jey will handle it. Keeping it in the family because Jey has questions that need answers! But here it is from last week: the Samoan Street Fight belonged to Roman and Jey as they combined Spear and Uso Splash onto Corbin. Jey played around with the belt just a moment, and Roman seemed fine with it. But as Jey walked away, Roman’s smile became a scowl.
Jey says people were asking about that look. But how could he see it with his back turned? Jey asks Roman, “What’s up with the look?” Roman clearly isn’t at gorilla, so there’s no answer. Jey paces and keeps asking, but Roman doesn’t show up. “I thought we were better than this, Uce.” Which is it, Roman? Smile to his face but frown behind his back? Heyman speaks to us by titantron. The WWE Universe does deserve to hear what Roman has to say to Jey face to face and in the ring. But here is where we have it wrong: “It’s not going to happen when Jey Uso wants it to happen. It will happen at the accommodation of the schedule of the Universal Champion, your Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns.” And Heyman absolutely, positively guarantees that discussion will happen tonight. Heyman excuses himself and returns to Roman’s locker room,
Jey knew something was up. Roman done changed his number, Heyman is screening his mail apparently. But it’s all good and all love! Either way, they man up at Clash of Champions! Jey will even show Roman tonight! Welcome to the Uso Penitentiary! Will Uso put this all on lock before the night is done?
Baron Corbin speaks backstage.
“When you’re a king, everyone looks at what you do and how you carry yourself.” So last week, when Corbin was preparing to elevate the main event, you can imagine his disgust hearing and seeing Matt Riddle’s bro montage. Tonight, Corbin looks forward to make Riddle say “Bro” in unbearable pain. Or “Bro” in intolerable misery and excruciating agony. But will Riddle instead be saying “Bro” in victorious vindication?
Matt Riddle VS Baron Corbin!
We all know the Wolf King holds a grudge and is a sore loser, and now he wants payback from Payback! But will he stop being a sore loser and just be a loser who feels sore all over?
SmackDown returns as Corbin makes his entrance minus the palanquin. Corbin puts his cape and crown down but Riddle rushes him with a barrage! Riddle won’t let Corbin get away with cheap shots this time, the bell rings and Riddle dodges Corbin to fire off more! Riddle kicks and clotheslines Corbin out of the ring! Riddle is fired up and fans clap as he goes after Corbin. Riddle throws forearms and Corbin gets into the ring. Corbin kicks Riddle at the ropes and fires off furious forearms in return! Corbin dumps Riddle down then stalks after him. Riddle goes after the leg! Corbin rains down rights to fight Riddle off. But Riddle is after the arm! Riddle wants the Kimura but Corbin stays on his feet! Corbin powers up and scoop slams Riddle down!
Corbin shakes out his arm but Riddle gets up. Riddle goes for another leg but Corbin knees him away. Corbin throws haymakers, has Riddle in a corner and throws body shots. The ref warns Corbin but Corbin keeps on Riddle with those body shots. Riddle drops down but Corbin brings him up for more. Riddle hits back with forearms and palm strikes! Corbin shoves Riddle and elbows him down! Cover, TWO! Corbin is upset with the ref already but he still smirks as he corners Riddle. Corbin whips Riddled but Riddle holds ropes to block. Corbin gets him on the second try and Riddle hits buckles hard! Corbin runs in, slides out then back in, Riddle catches the clothesline for the PELE!
Both men are down but Corbin bails out. Riddle hurries after Corbin and throws him over the announce desk! Riddle gets on the desk and goes wild as SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns and Riddle has an Ankle Lock! Corbin turns, kicks Riddle away but walks into a leg grab! Riddle has the Triangle Hold but Corbin stays up! Corbin dead lifts, Riddle bops him and drags him back down. Corbin dead lifts again for the POWERBOMB! Corbin covers, TWO!! Riddle still has fight in him but Corbin grimaces. Corbin rains down rights on Riddle but Riddle gets away. Fans give thumbs down as Corbin stalks Riddle to ropes. Corbin chokes Riddle on the ropes but CLLUBS Riddle as the ref counts. Corbin brings Riddle up, puts him on other ropes and chokes him more. The ref counts, Corbin CLUBS Riddle down again.
Corbin paces, taunts Riddle and runs, to ROCK Riddle with a right! Corbin soaks up the heat, runs again and DECKS Riddle with another right! Corbin tells Riddle to stay down, but Riddle refuses. Riddle sits up, Corbin runs, but Riddle flops back down. Corbin drags Riddle up but Riddle waistlocks, wristlocks, ripcords and KNEES! Corbin staggers to a corner, Riddle grits his teeth and runs in for a forearm smash! Riddle goes side to side for another! Then the BROSPLODER! Riddle runs to kick but Corbin ducks. Corbin also avoids the moonsault but not the BROTON! PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO!!
Riddle is fired up as Corbin slowly rises. Riddle elbows away and hooks Corbin’s legs and arm, a modified cobra twist! Corbin pops free but Riddle gets the sleeper! Corbin fights up, gest the ropes, but Riddle holds until 3 to KICK the arms! Riddle ripcords Corbin again, but Corbin uses DEEP SIX! Cover, TWO!! Corbin is beside himself, but he drags Riddle around and reels him in. Riddle boots Corbin away, throws knees, and springboards, into a HAYMAKER! Corbin drags Riddle up, reels him in, END- NO! Riddle slips out, FINAL FLASH! Riddle hurries to a corner while Corbin is down, for the FLOATING BRO!! ONTO KNEES!! END OF DAYS!! Cover, COrbin wins!!
Winner: Baron Corbin, by pinfall
The Wolf King has repaid Riddle for Payback! Will Corbin finally leave it at this? Or will it be Riddle’s turn to retaliate?
Kayla Braxton appears for an in-ring interview with Riddle. He must be disappointed in this loss. “I’m not gonna lie, Kayla. Losing sucks!” But Riddle won’t let the setbacks stop the Stallion. Riddle is here to push himself, and he will continue the grind until SmackDown is The Bro Show.
SmackDown’s mystery woman is almost ready.
She has her hair, her dress, her shoes, now it’s time for makeup. She writes on the mirror, “Untouchable.” Just who is this glamorously anonymous woman?
Alexa Bliss VS Lacey Evans!
The Goddess has been acting odd lately, but it’s really only when you bring up Bray Wyatt and/or The Fiend. Will the Sassy Southern Belle bite her tongue this time and settle things with Alexa directly? Or will she slip up and be reintroduced to Sister Abigail?
SmackDown returns as Lacey makes her entrance. The bell rings and the two tie up. Lacey powers Alexa to a corner and digs her forearms in. The ref counts, Lacey lets up and Alexa rolls her up! TWO, but Lacey kicks low. Lacey whips, Alexa rolls Lacey again for another cover, TWO! Lacey blocks Alexa’s kick, trips her up and rains down rights! Lacey brings Alexa up, throws her into a corner, then takes out her handkerchief to dab herself off. She throws the tissue at the “nasty” and then thrashes Alexa in the corner! The ref counts, Lacey lets up, and comes back for the swinging bronco buster! Lacey snapmares Alexa to a cover, TWO!
Lacey keeps on Alexa with a cobra clutch and taunts Alexa right to her face. Alexa endures, fans clap for her but Lacey throws her down! Lacey toys with Alexa and chokes her on the ropes! Alexa hits back but Lacey throws her down again. Cover, TWO! Alexa sits up but Lacey pushes her around. Lacey bumps Alexa off buckles then climbs up to wrap Alexa’s arm around a rope and use a leg to pull on Alexa’s head! The ref counts, Lacey stops at 4, and then smiles for the cameras. Lacey CHOPS Alexa but Alexa hits back. Lacey hits Alexa more then goes to buckle bump. Alexa blocks, wrenches Lacey and yanks on the arm! Alexa STO’s Lacey down! But Bray’s laughter echoes from the shadows?! Alexa feels haunted as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDOwn returns and Lacey thrashes Alexa around on the mat. The ref reprimands and Lacey lets off to compose herself, and hit a standing moonsault! Cover, TWO! Lacey drags Alexa around and goes after the leg. Lacey has the leg trapped as she dribbles Alexa’s head! The ref reprimands, Lacey stops, but digs her forearm in Alexa’s face. Lacey stops to blow a kiss, then pulls back on Alexa’s chin. Lacey shifts to grab the arm and squishes Alexa’s mouth in an effort to make her say, “I give up.” Alexa refuses to actually say that and elbows Lacey back but Lacey dribbles her off the mat again.
Fans clap on their screens to rally up for Alexa. Alexa fights up but Lacey bumps her off buckles. Lacey whips but Alexa reverses and runs in, Lacey slips out, counter punches and bumps Alexa again. Lacey scrapes Alexa’s face on the ropes! Then she knees away on Alexa, sweeps the leg and slingshots, to WRECK Alexa with a dropkick! Lacey then lounges while Alexa is down on the outside. The ref counts, Alexa gets in at 5, but Lacey covers, TWO! Lacey tries again, TWO! Lacey tries again, TWO! Lacey grows frustrated but Alexa dropkicks a leg out! Alexa gets to a corner, Lacey runs in but only gets buckles! Alexa staggers away but comes back to rally with clotheslines! Alexa SLAPS and dropkicks Lacey down!
Alexa grits her teeth as she brings Lacey up, but Lacey wrings the arm out! Lacey goes to a corner, climbs up, and SASSIEST MOONSAULT EVER FLOPS! But now the lights turn red!! The Fiend has taken over the ThunderDome screens! Alexa’s dark side has been triggered! She attacks Lacey with knees and hammering fists! Alexa pulls Lacey’s hair to put her on the roes and she still fires off! Alexa stomps a mudhole into Lacey in the corner, dumps her down and then skateboard stomps away! The fans actually like this but the ref calls the match off!!
Winner: Lacey Evans, by disqualification
But Alexa isn’t done, she throws Lacey out of the ring! Alexa drags Lacey up, and gives her a goodnight kiss, for SISTER ABIGAIL!! Alexa’s hair is a mess and perhaps so is her mind. “LET ME IN!” The Fiend is watching and Alexa smiles. Alexa heads out, will she find her way to the Firefly Fun House?
It’s at this time that Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman walk out. Alexa glares at Roman, perhaps on behalf of Bray. The Universal Champion and his “special counsel” head to the ring, because now is the time for Roman to explain things to Jey. What will the Tribal Chief have to say after the break?
SmackDown returns to Roman and Heyman in the ring.
Heyman, of course, speaks first as he says, “Now is the time-” But Jey interrupts! Jey joins them in the ring and Heyman hands over his mic. Roman speaks, and says he knows Jey wants his side of the story. “To be honest, Uce. I would give you this title if I could. But the truth is, you wouldn’t even know what to do with it.” Jey doesn’t understand the accountability or responsibility of being on top. He doesn’t understand the weight and pressure from being the face of the WWE. How could he? It’s not Jey’s fault. He’s a twin. Jey’s entire life has been dependent on Jimmy. It’s not that Jey is half the man Roman is, he’s not. “You are one half of the greatest tag team of our generation, and because of that, our family and I are so, so proud of you.”
But the family depends on Roman. The family relies on Roman being the chief. That is Roman’s role in life, not Jey’s. And it will never be Jey’s, because it will always be Roman. Roman drops his mic and moves to leave, but Jey speaks up. “What if you’re wrong?” What if Roman is wrong about all of that? Why can’t Jey be the one to provide for the family? Why can’t Jey provide for his wife and kids, Roman’s own nephews! Jey has been battling this his whole life! Roman has been number one, on top. “There goes the Big Dog! There goes Roman Reigns! There goes Mr. Main Event, Mr. WrestleMania!” Do you know what people say when they see Jey?! “Which one are you?”
After Sunday, when they ask Jey, they’ll know who he is! He’s the one who beat Roman at Clash of Champions for the Universal Title! THAT will be who Jey is!! This isn’t just a match for a title, but a fight for pride and respect! Will Jey win so much more a match this Sunday? But as Jey goes up the ramp, Roman returns to SUPERMAN PUNCH him!! Roman gets down on his knees and in Jey’s face to shout, “I don’t just feed my kids with this title! I don’t just feed your kids with this title! I feed a WHOLE FAMILY with this title!!” The family needs ROMAN to be champion, and Jey wants to take that from him!? Jey just needs to take the payday, take the ass whooping that comes with it, and NEVER take the title. Jey will NEVER take Roman’s place at the head of the title! Roman looms over Jey as fans boo and give thumbs down. What lengths is Roman willing to go to just to maintain his position in the family?
My Thoughts:
This go-home edition of SmackDown definitely felt like it for the most part, with quite a lot of recap going towards both what happened tonight and will happen at Clash of Champions. But then that ending turned everything up! Jey trying to get Roman to talk to him, “intercepting” the interview segment and then “interrupting” the final segment was all great, as was the video package they put together. The Usos have always been great on the mic so of course Jey had great energy and delivery. I figured this was going to be motivated by Roman being convinced that the only way the Anoa’i Family prospers is by Roman having a top title, and it is working very well. And that basically last second attack was a great touch, too, to show how passionate he feels about that, and that it is also part of his Heel turn.
The “ascension ceremony” was an interesting way to get Styles, Sami and Hardy all in the ring together, and it was also an interesting move to give us a normal Triple Threat ahead of the Ladder Triple Threat. It was still a really good Triple Threat, but if traditional booking math is to be believed, Sami winning tonight and Styles standing tall and touching the titles means Hardy is now a shoe-in to win at Clash of Champions. Corbin and Riddle had a good rematch from Payback, and Corbin wins to tie the series, so maybe we get a tiebreaker that counts as a contender’s match to the Intercontinental Championship. I feel like Corbin VS Hardy is going to be next, which seems like a shame really, but it’s not like the matches will be bad.
I liked the backstage segment with Heavy Machinery, Miz and Morrison. This clearly will turn into a match, winner is Mr. MITB, but I liked the detail Tucker found that only Miz was protected by the suit. I wonder if Morrison is the one fighting Otis for the briefcase. The way the story is going, it’d make sense if it was Miz, but Miz has been Mr. MITB before so it’d be cool of Morrison got a turn. Metalik had a good match with Nakamura, and while it sucks for him to lose again, it makes for good progress in the LHP dysfunction story. I feel like this all means Lince and Kalisto are going to be the ones facing Nakamura & Cesaro, and that is what causes the turn, and I would hope it’s Kalisto that leaves LHP. He came back, he’s been having the ego, he should go Heel and possibly even have a new partner by his side at some point.
Bayley had a fairly good promo tonight but it was more of a formality to keep the SmackDown Women’s Championship match in our minds. I’m about as confident Bayley wins against Nikki Cross as I am Asuka beats Zelina Vega in the Clash of Champions Kickoff match. Though, with how Alexa’s been acting, I bet she’s the reason why this time. Alexa and Lacey as the main event match was great, with a lot of aggression and the progression of Alexa’s story with Bray Wyatt. Alexa snapping and attacking Lacey like she did was great stuff, and I am definitely excited to see where it goes next.
I don’t know the chances of this, but could there be a Mixed Tag of Alexa and Fiend VS Nikki and, perhaps, Killian Dain, her real-life husband? Dain is doing an odd couple thing with Maverick, but does he really need to? And how big would it be for Dain to feud with The Fiend? Bray could even bring up their days in SAnitY to mess with them. Or turn them…? New Wyatt Family and also new SAnitY at the same time?!
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!
London calling to the champion crowns!
SmackDown brings gold to London as LA Knight defends his WWE US Championship and The Street Profits defend their tag team titles! Will the landscape change this close to WrestleMania?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly; The Profits win and retain the titles.
- Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice w/ Chelsea Green; The Secret Her-vice wins.
- WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman; Braun wins, by disqualification, and Knight retains the title.
- Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab; Charlotte wins.
- Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins.
- Jimmy Uso VS The Miz; Jimmy wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes is here!
We follow The American Nightmare as walks to gorilla, then through the curtain, and London sings along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, says hello to fans along the ramp, and then we get the second “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro. Cody goes to the ring, grabs a mic, then kneels down to kiss the WWE logo on the mat. The fans continue to sing along all the way to the end, “I AM MY KINGDOM!” The fans then cheer, and Cody holds up the belt to fire them up even more! The fans now sing for “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and he soaks it in. The fans cheer again as Cody smiles, and he finally says, “So, London~! Whaddya wanna talk about?”
The fans chant “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cody hears that dueling, and he smiles again. The song of “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” returns, then they cheer. Cody says, “At WrestleMania 41, I will be facing John Cena…” The fans boo, but Cody says, “I will be facing John Cena as he goes to break the record and win 17. But that is WrestleMania 41. In just a few nights, I will be standing face to face with John Cena in this very same city, in this very same arena.” The fans cheer that, but then here comes Randy Orton! Now the fans sing along with Voices as The Viper heads to the ring. Orton also high-fives fans before he joins Cody.
Orton grabs a mic, paces while the fans keep singing on their own, and then the fans cheer. Orton says he’s not really the sentimental type, but for Cody and for London, screw it. The fans chant “R K O! R K O!” and Orton tells Cody, “Look at you. Look at who you are now, the man you are now. Look at where he came from.” The fans cheer and sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and Orton says he remembers a Cody in his early 20s, just breaking into the business. Cody was busting his ass harder than anyone else. He wasn’t exactly happy, and in fact, he was frustrated. But Cody was man enough, smart enough, to know he needed to grow, and that he couldn’t grow in the WWE.
Cody wasn’t exactly treated fairly in the WWE, so Cody left the WWE! That took some big ass balls to do what he did! Cody changed the business singlehandedly, and everyone in the back knows it. And Orton appreciates Cody for it. But then Cody came back, as they all knew one day he would. And the industry has been changed forever since the day Cody came back to the WWE. Cody is a bit teary eyed as Orton says Cody’s still the same guy, he just did what he set out to do, and he grew. Orton teases he would sing along with the fans, but the fans might leave. The fans again sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!”
Orton asks if they remember when Cody Rhodes faced Seth Rollins in Hell in a Cell. The fans cheer because they do. Orton says that was impressive, and even impossible, as he started with a partially torn pec and then ended with a fully torn pec! His body changed all kinds of shades of purple that Orton’s never seen on a human body. The pain he must have been in. Cody persevered not just for himself. Maybe not even at all for Cody. It was not even for his family legacy; it was for each and every single fan out there! Then Cody went on to WrestleMania, beat Roman Reigns and finished the story!
But there’s always another story, isn’t there? And Cody’s right in the middle of one. Cody is in charge of his legacy, and it is a privilege for Orton to watch Cody take control of it. Ticket sales have been up, there’s more intrigue around the world, and listen to the people! It is 99.9% all because of Cody! The fans cheer that, and of course they sing. Orton says what he’s trying to say is a long-winded version of he respects Cody, loves him, and is very, very proud of him. The fans cheer that! Orton then says, “But… But now it is time for WrestleMania.” They both look to the sign, and Orton says he can guarantee Cody that Orton will kick Kevin Owens so hard in the head…!
Orton can just feel it already! He forgets how many days are left, but he can’t wait to remove Kevin’s head from his shoulders. And Orton knows Cody will enter champion, exit champion, but not before he beats the holy hell outta Cena all up and down the Vegas strip! But after all the smoke clears and the dust settles, just like Orton wants Number 17, there will come a time when Orton will want Number 15. But Orton won’t kick Cody in the balls like a coward. Orton will look Cody in the eye because he respects Cody, is proud of Cody, and sees him as an equal. Orton will look Cody in the eye and tell him that he’s coming for the title.
The fans cheer but wait! Drew McIntyre is here! The fans cheer the Scottish Terminator as he steps out on stage, mic in hand, and has a wry smile on his face as he looks at the ring. Drew waves as the fans now sing, “OH~ Drew McIntyre~!” Drew says, “Isn’t this wonderful? A couple of nepo babies having a love fest in the middle of the ring> It makes me absolutely sick. What’d you just say, Randy? if Cody gets through Cena at WrestleMania, you’re coming for that title? What exactly have you done since that big comeback to justify that title match? Aside be Randy Orton. The only big moment I can remember is you being on the shelf for months and months and months.
“People like to make jokes about it, but more people talk about my five-minute-45-second title reign than your entire comeback so far! So get to the back of the line, sunshine! As for you, Cody, you should’ve listened to me. But you shunned me. You attacked me. Everybody should’ve listened to me about John Cena, but they didn’t. And the next night, he kicked you right in the twig ‘n’ berries, proving me right as usual. And the main event of WrestleMania should be Cody Rhodes VS The UK’s only ever world champion, Drew McIntyre!” Fans do like that idea. But sadly, it’s not, because of that guyliner wearing Temu Undertaker, Damian Priest!
Drew wants to talk about what is happening. And what’s gonna happen! Drew steps up to the ring while fans sing for him again. Drew says it will not be Randy that takes the title from Cody, should he get through Cena; it’ll be McIntyre. The fans cheer, but Orton says they were trying to have a moment. Can Drew just cut the crap already? Drew says okay, sure. He’ll tell the truth, because that’s all he ever does. The truth is, Kevin might have a point! If those Voices are talking to Orton again, then they know Drew very, very well. And he’s thinking, “My God, Randy looks great! Absolutely jacked! On the outside.”
On the inside, that back is hanging by a thread. And if Orton provokes McIntyre, McIntyre will break him. And as for Cody- Cody kicks Drew and UPPERCUTS him! The fans fire up, and Orton R- NO, Drew gets away! The fans boo, but the battlelines are drawn! Even if Cody makes it out of the frying pan that is Las Vegas, it’ll be into the fire that is these contenders waiting in line! Will the American Nightmare be ready for whoever comes for the crown?
WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly!
Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins are finally golden again, but it’s time to put the titles on the line already! And while they’re ready for the grind, they’re up against the hometown heroes! Will the Profits still be up in the O2? Or will Kit Wilson & Elton Prince say #YESBOY to a new reign of their own?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really wants the smoke!
The teams sort out and Kit starts with Dawkins. They tie up, Dawkins headlocks, but Kit powers up and out. Dawkins runs Kit over, the fans fire up, and Dawkins fires hands on Kit in the corner! The fans rally for Pretty Deadly, Dawkins whips Kit to a corner, but Elton takes that bump! Kit CLOBBERS Dawkins, then tags Elton! Atomic drop into DROPKICK! Ford runs up, but into a DOUBLE HIP TOSS! Dawkins whips, Elton reverses, and then Elton hurdles so Kit can DDT! The fans fire up with Pretty Deadly while the Profits bail out. Pretty Deadly has control while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Elton is right on Dawkins as he gets in, and UPPERCUTS him to the corner. Elton clinches Dawkins for another UPPERCUT! Tag to Kit, and Elton RAMS into Dawkins so Kit can UPPERCUT! Dawkins flops over, Kit drags him up to wrench the arm. Kit whips, Dawkins reverses, but Kit grabs ropes. Kit ELBOWS Dawkins, DECKS Ford, but Dawkins CLOBBERS Kit! The ref reprimands but Dawkins RAMS Kit into the corner again and again! The ref counts, Dawkins fires fast hands, then he tags in Ford. Ford says, “SUCK IT!” then he KICKS Kit! Ford scuffs Kit, then drags him to a cover, TWO!
Ford keeps Kit down with a facelock, but Kit endures the grind. Kit fights up, fires body shots, but Ford whips him away. Kit sunset flips! Ford rolls through, and PENALTY KICKS! Ford mocks Elton with the Scott Hall fingers, and the ref has to keep Elton back. Ford drags Kit up, tags Dawkins, and the Profits mug Kit. Dawkins CLUBS Kit down, then stalks him. Dawkins stays between Kit and Elton, then whips Kit into the Profits’ corner. CYCLONE- NO, Kit dodges! Ford tags in, he keeps Kit from Elton now, but Kit slips out of the suplex! Kit fakes high to go low, hot tag to Elton! Elton rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT!
Elton kicks and whips Ford to a corner, then UPPERCUTS! Elton whips the other way, UPPERCUTS again, and then does it again! Elton adds to the hattrick with a lift, Ford says a quick prayer before the SUPLEX! Ford flounders, gets to his feet, but Elton dodges to springboard and FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Ford stays in this, but Elton stays on him. SmackDown returns to single picture and fans rally for Pretty Deadly as Elton gives Ford a back suplex. Ford lands out, waistlocks, but Elton switches and shoves Ford. Ford CLOBBERS Elton in return! Ford is also dazed but he covers, ONE!
Kit reaches out, Elton and Ford both crawl, hot tags to Kit and Dawkins! The fans fire up as Dawkins wrenches Kit, underhooks and SILENCER! Dawkins Electric Chair Lifts Kit, Ford climbs, but Kit slips free! Kit shoves Dawkins into Ford! Ford falls to the floor, but Dawkins ENZIGIRIS Kit! Elton tags in, and Kit LARIATS Dawkins! Pretty Deadly combine for DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Dawkins survives and the Profits are a bit unsure of what to do next. Dawkins crawls to a corner, Elton runs up, but Dawkins dodges! Elton hits buckles and Dawkins TOSSES Kit, then Dawkins hits a SKY HIGH on Elton!
Dawkins hurries to tag Ford and Ford climbs up! But Kit pushes Elton out of the way! Kit takes FROM THE HEAVESN, and Elton ghost pins Ford! TWO!! Ford escapes, and he ROCKS Elton! Elton UPPERCUTS Ford! Dawkins sneaks a tag, Ford SUPERKICKS! POUNCE SAIDO COMBO!! Cover, KIT BREAKS IT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! The teams go to opposite ends, then they all stand up in the corners. They all roar, all run in, and Kit SPEARS Ford while Elton FLYING UPPERCUTS Dawkins!! London is thunderous, and Kit hurries to tag in! Pretty Deadly gets Dawkins up, for SPILT MILK!! Cover, FORD BREAKS IT!
The fans are shocked, as is Elton, but Ford saves this for his team! “This is Awesome!” as Ford runs up and Elton TOSSES him out! Now DRY MARTI- NO! Dawkins doesn’t accept the second serving, and he DUMPS Kit out! Kit skins the cat while Dawkins DECKS Elton! Dawkins catches Kit to an Electric Chair! Ford rises, DOOMSDAY BLOCKBUSTER!! Cover, Profits win!
Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall (still WWE Tag Team Champions)
Pretty Deadly put up a heroic fight, but the hometown heroes could not capture the gold. Dawkins & Ford hold onto the gold, will this be the strongest the Profits have ever been?
Kayden & Katana talk with Zelina Vega.
Carter & Chance know La Muneca got screwed over by The Green Administration. Chelsea thinks she’s untouchable, but someone’s gonna stop them eventually. Well, speaking of, Alba Fyre leads the way in as she & Piper Niven “scope the perimeter.” There’s one small threat. They frisk the “miniscule” threat, but nothing they haven’t dealt with before. Chelsea struts in and says, “The Eagle has landed~!” Zelina says she is so glad the “Bootleg Men in Black” have crashed the party. Now, yeah, they all know she’s small. But clearly this small “threat” is a big threat to Chelsea’s title reign. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have taken all three of them to beat her.
KC Squared agree with that. How about tonight, we see what happens when the odds are even? Chelsea says that’s fine, because Agents P & A are ready. The Secret Her-vice has been given their next mission, but will they be able to crash the party? Or will the party crash them?
Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice!
SmackDown returns and The Green Administration makes their entrance. The teams sort out, Alba starts against Katana, and the two tie up. Alba KNEES low, CLUBS Katana down, then fireman’s carries. Katana fights free, tags Kayden, and they KICK, double whip, and then trip Alba up for the basement DROPKICK! Katana adds a slingshot SENTON, Kayden covers, TWO! Kayden tags Katana, they double whip Alba to a corner, then Kayden runs in. Alba DUMPS Kayden out, ROCKS Katana, and she tags Piper! Katana arm-drags Alba out, then goes out to run up. Kayden gives her a boost, Katana CROSSBODIES Alba down!
The fans fire up, but Piper goes up and out?! CANNONBALL and down goes KC Squared! Piper salutes Chelsea and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Kayden rallies on Alba while the fans rally up. Kayden fires up, runs in and whips, but Alba reverses. Kayden wheelbarrows, victory rolls, then SUPERKICKS! Kayden fires up again but the fans are torn. Kayden runs in at Alba to BOOT WASH her against the ropes! Chelsea protests, Kayden kicks at her, then Kayden springboards for a LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Alba survives, Kayden whips, but Alba KICKS back! Tag to Piper, but Kayden jackknife bridges Alba! The ref explains bout the tag, Piper runs up, but Kayden moves! The SENTON hits Alba! Piper panics, Kayden tags Katana!
Katana goes up onto Kayden’s shoulders, VICTORY ROLL LAUNCHER, but Piper catches Katana! Katana fires hands, BOOTS, and then hurries to go up again. Kayden ROCKS Piper, and fireman’s carries?! SAMOAN DROP! Kayden then gives Katana the boost, for the KEG STAND SPLASH!! Cover, ALBA BREAKS IT! Kayden runs up on Alba to BOOT her out! Katana gives Kayden the boost now, SUPER CROSSBODY onto Alba! Kayden hurries to tag back in, and she brings Piper up. Piper swings, Kayden dodges and SUPERKICKS! Katana goes up, Piper staggers over that way, but Chelsea distracts the ref!
The fans are torn as Alba grabs Katana. Katana kicks Alba down, chases Chelsea off, but Piper sends Kayden into her! Piper scoops to PIPER DRIVER!! Cover, Secret Her-vice wins!
Winner: The Secret Her-vice, by pinfall
The Women’s US Champion helps her team, and now they all mug Kayden & Katana! But here comes Zelina! Vega runs down the ramp, CLOBBERS Alba, and then she gets in the ring! Zelina tilt-o-whirl DDTS Piper! And she KNEES Alba off the apron! But Chelsea CLOBBERS Zelina! Chelsea fires up, the UK is oddly with her, and she chicken wings Zeina. But Zelina fights free to fire forearms and body shots! And a BACK ELBOW! Zelina reels Chelsea in, CODE- SUPERKICK from Alba! SENTON from Piper! The Green Administration is just too much for Zelina to fight against alone! But can she, Kayden & Katana find a way to turn things around?
WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman!
Did the Mega Star just get this title back from Shinsuke Nakamura? YEAH! Did he help the Monster of All Monsters fight off Solo Sikoa’s rouge bloodline? YEAH! And now, does he have to defend this title against the monster he just helped? YEAH!! But will Knight still reign this close to WrestleMania? Or will Braun #GetTheseHands back on a championship?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it’s time for Knight’s biggest challenge, YEAH!
The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two circle. The two tie up, and Braun SHOVES Knight away. Knight comes back, Braun SHOVES him down again! Knight gets up, gets around, and he headlocks. Braun powers up to back suplex, but Knight lands out! Knight tries but Braun’s too big to suplex! Braun ELBOWS Knight, storms up on him, but Knight fires haymakers! Knight whips, Braun reverses, but Knight KICKS back! Knight runs, but Braun HIP TOSSES! Cover, TWO! Knight stays in this, but Braun brings him up. Braun puts Knight in a corner, CHOPS, then runs, for a SPLASH! Knight sputters along ropes, Braun keeps moving, but Knight DUMPS him out!
The fans fire up as Knight then WRECKS Braun with a dropkick! Knight keeps moving, and he WRECKS Braun again! The fans fire up with Knight, but then Braun BOOTS Knight down! The fans are torn but Braun stands tall as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Braun puts Knight back in the ring. The fans cheer as Knight KICKS Braun! Knight tries again, but Braun’s still too big to back suplex! Braun CLUBS Knight, then runs in at the corner. Knight BOOTS Braun, goes up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Knight and Braun rise back up, and Knight dodges a shot to JAB! Then he dodges to JAB! JAB! JAB! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” But Braun KNEES low! Braun scoops, Knight slips free, and Knight RAMS Braun into buckles! Then the BACK SUPLEX! The fans fire up and Knight rises again! Knight spells it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!
Braun has plenty left in the tank but the fans rally for Knight. Knight stands Braun up to kick low, but Braun THROWS Knight away! Knight rises, and Braun LARIATS Knight up and out! The fans fire up as Braun rips the shirt! Braun gets on the track, and he runs in, STROWMAN EXPRESS MEETS JACOB FATU!! The Samoan Werewolf strikes Braun down!
Winner: Braun Strowman, by disqualification; LA Knight retains the title
The fans boo as Jacob now goes after Knight! He just ruined what was becoming a great match, but Jacob fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT on Braun! SAMOAN DROP onto the desk!! The desk doesn’t budge, but Braun might’ve been broken in half! The UK fires up for Fatu as he puts Braun in the ring! Jacob fires more HEADBUTTS, then HEADBUTTS away on Braun in the corner! The fans sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE, FATU~, FATU~!” Jacob runs corner to corner, but Knight kicks him first! Knight fires haymakers, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Jacob denies the BFT to POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! And then HIP ATTACK for Braun anyway!
Jacob keeps going, HIP ATTACK for Braun again! Jacob throws off his jacket, glares at Braun, and he runs in for a third HIP ATTACK! Braun flounders into the drop zone, so Jacob goes up, up, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! Direct hit on Braun, but the fans want that “ONE MORE TIME!” Jacob obliges, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! The Samoan Werewolf just tore up #OneBigSOB and LA Knight, will there be no stopping him from taking the United States Championship?
Backstage interview with Jimmy Uso.
Jackie Redmond is with #BigJim, and she says that while she knew WWE was going global this month, she did not know they’d get the slap heard ’round the world! Jimmy says he’d do it again, and he’ll slap Gunther as many times as he needs! Jimmy knows Jey is up in his own head, doubt is creeping on him. But just because Jey’s 0-3 against Gunther doesn’t mean Gunther’s unbeatable! The Ring General CAN be got! Jimmy’s going to Raw this Monday, he will bust Gunther’s ass, Jey will go to Mania and bust Gunther’s ass to become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. And then they leave Las Vegas just like this: YEET!
Jimmy heads out, but then The Miz & Carmelo Hayes walk by. Miz is mocking Jimmy’s words, and he asks excuse me. Miz says it’s just funny that suddenly, Jimmy is a tough guy, even though for most of his career, he’s been “The Other Uso.” Doesn’t Jimmy get it? Jimmy and Jey are career sidekicks while Gunther is a main character. Gunther is the lead, neither Jimmy nor Jey can beat him. And here’s another thing: The Usos are just blips on the trailer that was Roman Reigns’ Bloodline. Melo says Jimmy & Jey are stuck outside the club, they can’t even get in.
Miz says as a former WWE Champion, a former WrestleMania main eventer, Jimmy will never know what it is to carry this industry. And after this year’s WrestleMania, neither will Jey. Oh, and by the way, if Jimmy ever slapped Miz like that, Jimmy would still be on the ground. Jimmy feints the slap and Miz freaks out. Jimmy says it may be him and Gunther on Monday, but he’ll holler at Aldis real quick so it can be Jimmy VS Miz here tonight. Yeah, YEET! Jimmy heads out, Melo says he thought Miz was gonna do something about the slap. Will Miz have to do something about running his mouth before he gets his teeth kicked in?
Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga find Jacob Fatu backstage.
Solo asks Jacob what the Hell he was doing out there. Jacob goes out there alone without saying a thing to them? Jacob says he ain’t gotta say nothing to nobody! Matter fact, didn’t Solo not tap in with him last week? Tama says, “But Jacob,” only for Jacob to say, “But nothing, Tama!” Solo wants Jacob to lower his tone, but Jacob says okay. Let him be very clear with them. When it comes to Braun Strowman, Jacob WILL be the last man standing. Y’all better get in where you fit in, cuz that US title? Oh, Jacob’s bringing it home to the family. And he will do it with them, or without them! Yadada mean? Fatu heads out, is the Samoan Werewolf no longer following Solo?
Naomi speaks.
“I mean… How did we even get here? I don’t know. One thing that I do know is that I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. So Bianca, what makes you think that my attack on Jade was anything different from me doing the right thing? When I sit here and I think about all that I’ve sacrificed, all that I’ve given, and that’s what really breaks my heart. Because through all of that, I’m made to be the bad one in this situation. I just don’t understand, how does Jade come in outta nowhere and take my place with you? I want you to ask yourself this, Bianca. Who inspired you? Hmm?
“Who’s inspired women over the last decade? Who’s always had your back from day one of you being here? Me. Not Jade. Hmm. But you know what? What I’ve learned through all of this: You teach people how to treat you. And I’m done with being treated as a third wheel. I’m done being pushed to the side, I’m done with being too nice, I’m done with being undervalued, underutilized, underappreciated! So moving forward, hmm… Moving forward, here’s my message to you, Jade. If you continue to be in my way, I strongly advise you to proceed with caution.” The Glow shows her dark side, but will the storm be moved?
Nick Aldis meets with Jade Cargill.
Speaking of, the SmackDown General Manager understands things have been rather difficult for her as of late. Jade says she’s been trying to get her hands on Naomi for the past few weeks, now where is she? No one has seen her all day, so as far as anyone knows, Naomi’s not here. Well, when Jade catches Naomi, it’s on sight. Jade leaves, B-Fab & Michin are there. They let her know that what Naomi did to her was straight trash, totally uncalled for behavior. And after Jade gets her hands on Naomi, she’ll handle that business. Jade agrees. Mia says they’ve all got business to handle. Jade’s got Naomi, and Mia’s gonna get Charlotte for messing with her girl, B.
B-Fab says Naomi’s got what’s coming to her: no sympathy, no regrets. Jade, just do what you gotta do. Oh, she will. Jade also wishes Mia luck tonight. Mia & B-Fab head out, will the Head Baddie in Charge make the Queen bow down in London?
The darkness approaches.
“You are as I was. As I am, you will be.” The shadows are starting to take shape, but is SmackDown about to fade to black?
Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab!
The Queen looks down on everyone, so it’s no surprise that everyone else wants to take her down. Charlotte may have checked off B-Fab, but will the HBIC be a much different story? Or will Charlotte only sharpen her edge before facing Tiffany Stratton at WrestleMania?
WAIT! NAOMI ATTACKS B-FAB & MICHIN! Naomi drags Mia up for a FACEBUSTER! Naomi rains down fists, the ref reprimands and the fans boo, but Naomi tells the ref to back off. Naomi then BOOTS B-Fab off the apron! Naomi goes out after B-Fab to THRWO her into barriers! Naomi SLAPS B-Fab, tells her to stay down, but B-Fab gets up. Naomi fires hands, then she SMACKS B-Fab off the desk! Naomi rains down fists, but here comes Jade! Jade hurries down the ramp, she runs around the way, but Naomi runs away! Jade makes sure B-Fab is okay, but refs have to help her to the back. And what of Mia? Will she even be able to compete?
Charlotte makes her entrance, not really caring about what Naomi just did to Mia. But that means she also crosses paths with Jade. The fans like the look of this stare down, but Jade and Charlotte both let the other slide. Charlotte gets her pyro, and it seems she’ll still get her match. Will Mia be little more than an appetizer now?
The bell rings, and Charlotte BOOTS Mia down! Cover, TWO! Mia stays in this and the fans rally up. Charlotte just struts around while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Charlotte has Mia down with a chinlock, but the fans rally up. Mia fights up, fires body shots, and she then blocks a shot to ROCK Charlotte! Mia ROCKS Charlotte again and again, then reels her in for a TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up as Mia hurries to cover, TWO! Mia drags Charlotte up, wrenches, but Charlotte says no to Da Feet! BIG back suplex! Mia stagger sup, Charlotte whips her, but Mia reverses! Charlotte goes up and out, BOOTS her away, then slingshots in and rolls Mia! Mia rolls through and BUZZSAWS! Mia runs corner to corner, but Charlotte avoids the cannonball!
Charlotte YAKUZA KICKS Mia down, then fires herself up! The fans “WOO~!” as Charlotte has Mia in the drop zone,. Charlotte steps on her, goes up the corner, but Mia gets underneath her! SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Charlotte survives and Mia is shocked! Mia nods as the fans rally back up, and she brings Charlotte up. But Charlotte ROCKS Mia! Mia SOBATS, PELES, and then runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Charlotte stays in this, Mia grows frustrated, but the fans continue to rally. Mia uses that energy to stay focused, and she stalks Charlotte to waistlock. But Charlotte ELBOWS her away!
Charlotte CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOSP! Charlotte winds up, and she CHOPS again! Mia sputters, but then she dodges the boot! Charlotte is caught, and Mia hits a SAIDO! Charlotte flounders to a corner, the fans rally behind Mia, and Mia runs up, CANNONBALL! Mia hurries to wrench and EAT- NO, Charlotte shoves Mia away! Charlotte gets under, back suplexes, but Mia lands out! EAT DA FEET!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Charlotte’s long legs help her survive by a literal foot! Mia is beside herself while Charlotte bails out. Mia storms after Charlotte, runs up, but Charlotte dodges! Mia’s kick hits steel steps!
Mia hobbles away, goes to the apron, but Charlotte CHOP BLOCKS the bad leg out! Charlotte grabs Mia’s leg, drops a KNEE on the knee, but fans chant, “We Want Tiffy!” Charlotte just steps through, FIGURE FOUR, into FIGURE EIGHT!! Mia taps, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
Charlotte got more of a fight out of Mia than expected, but she still won. Will The Queen be more than ready to reign again after WrestleMania?
Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.
Jackie Redmond is with the WWE Women’s Champion and says Charlotte certainly looks confident. Let’s be real, Charlotte came at Tiff pretty hard. It got a lot of people talking. Tiff says yes, people talk. And Charlotte sure loves to hear herself talk. Ten years into the business and Charlotte is still so insecure that she can’t let a “rookie” get a word out. But last week, Tiff did learn something: She learned that walking into WrestleMania, she isn’t the one with something to lose. Truth is, if Tiff loses, then she lost to the great Charlotte Flair, as just a 25-year-old rookie with one year into SmackDown.
But if Charlotte loses… Well, then she lost to an “undeserving, delusional, unoriginal, backflip doing, blonde-hair-having, little girl.” Did she get it all? And Tiff can’t wait to hear the look on Charlotte’s face when they hear the words, “And STILL!” Then maybe Charlotte will finally shut up for the sake of literally everyone! They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, and Tiff will make damn sure what stays is Charlotte’s massive ego. Tiff is walking into and out of Mania as the WWE Women’s Champion. Tootles! Tiff heads out, will it still be #TiffyTime after WrestleMania?
Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre!
The Viper told Cody how proud he was, but also how he wants the next shot after John Cena. The Scottish Terminator took offense to that, and basically said he is taking that shot instead. Will this match be an unofficial #1 contender’s match between these two former world champions?
SmackDown returns and McIntyre makes his entrance. The bell rings and the fans sing, “OH~, Drew McIntyre~!” and chant “R K O! R K O!” Drew and Orton circle, tie up, and they go around in a deadlock. Drew powers Orton to a corner, but Orton headlocks back. Drew powers up and out, then he runs Orton over! Orton hurries to ropes and Drew mockingly asks, “How’s the back feel, Randy?” Orton stands, he and Drew reset, and the fans duel some more. Drew calls for a knuckle lock, Orton accepts, but then Drew kicks low! Drew bumps Orton off buckles, then climbs up, but he panders for too long and Orton YANKS him down!
The fans fire up as Orton climbs now! Orton rains down fists, and the fans count to nine. Orton hops down, brings Drew around, and POSTS him for ten! Drew tumbles out of the ring, Orton goes out after him, and they’re by the desk! But Drew kicks Orton first and SMACKS him off the desk! Drew clears the desk, and he brings Orton up for the DESK- NO, Orton fights free! Orton turns things around, DESK BACK SUPLEX for Drew! The fans fire up while Orton leaves Drew behind, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew writhes on the floor, but Orton goes out to fetch him! Orton brings Drew around, UPPERCUTS him, then says one more time! DESK BACK SUPLEX! Drew writhes as that desk stays standing! Orton grins, refreshes the ring count, and then he storms up on Drew. Drew pokes Orton in the eye! Drew POSTS Orton now, then brings him around to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP into barriers! Orton slumps down, and Drew also grits his teeth from that double-edged attack, but Drew fires up as he stands tall. Drew drags Orton up, puts him in the ring, then stalks Orton. Drew looms over Orton, and HIP DROPS him!
Orton sputters, Drew says one more time, and he winds up for the HIP DROP! Drew paces around Orton, says maybe one more time, and he pretends he can’t hear the fans. Drew winds up again, but Orton flips over! Hip drop meets kneecaps! And then Orton pokes Drew in the eyes! The ref reprimands but Orton rises up. Drew sputters and flounders, Orton ROCKS him with a right! Drew ROCKS Orton back! Drew storms up, Orton kicks low, but Drew fires another haymaker! The haymakers go back and forth, Orton gets the edge, but Drew GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTTS! Cover, TWO! Drew clamps onto Orton with an armlock!
SmackDown returns to single picture and the fans rally up. Orton fights up, pries at the chinbar, and then throws right hands! Drew CHOPS Orton in return! The fans “WOO~” and Drew winds up. Drew ROCKS Orton again, eggs him on, then CHOPS again! Drew shoves Orton to a corner, CHOPS again, then dares Orton to fight! Drew whips corner to corner, but Orton comes back to LARIAT! And LARIAT! Drew swings, Orton dodges, SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up as Orton stalks Drew to the apron. Drew HOTSHOTS Orton first! Drew then runs in, but Orton puts him through the ropes!
The fans fire up as Orton has Drew for the DRAPING DDT! The fans fire up for Orton, and Orton hears those voices! Drew rises, but then Orton spots KEVIN OWENS! The Prizefighter is on the ramp, Orton glares at him, but then he turns around into a CLAYMORE!! Cover, DREW WINS!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
Kevin’s mere presence costs Orton, and now Drew has a huge win propelling him down the Road to WrestleMania! As for Orton, Kevin drags him out of the ring, SMACKS him off the desk, and then climbs up to join him! The fans boo but Kevin and his hot pink sneakers have Orton in position, but Orton slips free and TRIPS Kevin up! Kevin hits the desk then the floor! Orton staggers around, the fans rally behind him, and Orton stalks Kevin to the corner of the barriers. Orton lines up the shot! Orton runs in, but Kevin jumps over barriers! Security is there to stop Orton from pursuing, so Kevin runs away into the night!
The fans boo, but The Viper was that close! Will Orton be able to strike Kevin down and completely take him out?
Fire, thunder, smoke…
The force of nature is drawing ever closer. And he’s ready to fly! REY FENIX arrives next Friday Night SmackDown!
Jimmy Uso VS The Miz!
#BigJim gave Gunther a piece of his mind and a mark on his cheek, but it seems not everyone got the message. Will the Hollywood A-lister soon star in the Uso Penitentiary? Or will he prove Jimmy is NOT ready for a world champion level opponent?
The bell rings and the two tie up. Jimmy powers Miz to a corner, Miz turns things around, and the ref counts. Miz takes a swing, Jimmy ducks it to CHOP! And CHOP! Miz shoves Jimmy back, then runs up, but Jimmy TACKLES Miz! Jimmy rains down fists, Miz shoves him away to go to ropes, but Jimmy storms back up. Miz ELBOWS Jimmy away, then runs back up, only for Jimmy to LARIAT him down! The fans fire up while Jimmy storms up on Miz. Jimmy CHOPS Miz, has him in a corner, then whips corner to corner. Miz reverses, Jimmy goes up and over, then UPPERCUTS! Miz staggers back to ropes, but Jimmy is right on him.
Jimmy whips, Miz reverses and kitchen sink knees! Then basement BOOTS! The fans fire up, Miz scowls, and Miz KNEES Jimmy in the back again and again. Miz stalks Jimmy to the ropes now, and he CHOKES Jimmy! The ref counts, Miz runs, and Miz STRADDLE ATTACKS! The fans boo, but Miz runs again. Jimmy ducks the boot, then dodges a lariat! Jimmy runs up to LARIAT Miz up and out! The fans fire up and Jimmy builds speed, but Miz runs away! Jimmy smirks as he goes out the side, and UPPERCUTS Miz over the barriers! Jimmy makes sure Gunther knows he’s coming to get him, but SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and both men are down. Miz and Jimmy crawl, and Jimmy pounds the mat. The fans rally, Jimmy rises and runs up to LARIAT! And LARIAT! And mule kick! Jimmy then UPPERCUTS Miz, dodges a lariat, then SAMOAN DROPS! The fans fire up, Jimmy goes to the corner, “UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs in, but Miz puts him on the apron! Jimmy UPPERCUTS again! Jimmy climbs, leaps, but Miz gets under! Miz then waistlocks, ripcords, and MOVIE MAKER! Fans boo that blatant parody, but Miz full nelsons! Jimmy drops, victory rolls, TWO! Miz has the cover, TWO! Miz hurries to BASEMENT DDT! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally up as Jimmy survives! Miz stalks Jimmy, the fans rally up more, and Miz fires a KICK! And then another KICK! The fans say “YES! YES! YES!” to the It Kicks, but then Miz winds up. Jimmy ducks the buzzsaw, Miz blocks the superkick, but the DRAGON WHIP connects! Miz rebounds to B-MOVIE KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! The parodies don’t get it done, but Miz still has his original work to fall back on. The fans rally for “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Miz runs in, A-LIST LARIAT! Miz shoves Jimmy down, then springboards, but into a SUPERKICK! Jimmy hurries up top, for the USO SPLASH!! Cover, Jimmy wins!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Miz may be a movie star, but Big Jim’s the one winning this main event! Jimmy then borrows Joe Tessitore’s headset to call out Gunther! He’s coming after dat ass on Monday! Gunther won’t be the ring general, he will be “Private Gunther,” and he will salute Big Jim! Uh, uh, YEET! Will Jimmy be the one making examples out of the World Heavyweight Champion? Or will everything come crashing down when Gunther gets his turn?
Drew McIntyre returns backstage.
And he says hey to Lewis Capaldi, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, and also a big fan of Drew’s. They’re ready to have a good night in the pub, but Jackie Redmond walks over to congratulate him on the win tonight. She was hoping to get some thoughts on that victory and what happened with Orton and Kevin. Drew says it’s alright, this is what happens. He doesn’t care about anybody else’s business, but no one gets away with screwing him over. And when no one meddles in his business, he wins! Drew called out Priest, where is he? Priest doesn’t have the balls! So time to get mad in the pubs, everyone’s invited!
Drew turns the corner, but PRIEST IS THERE! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the door, then throws him into road cases! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the trunk of a car, and then again! Or since it’s London, “the boot.” The driver complains, but Priest BODY SLAMS that guy through a table! Drew comes back to KNEE Priest low, SMACK him off the trunk, and then off the side! They go to the hood, or bonnet for UK. Drew drags Priest up, but Priest CLAWS Drew’s eyes! Priest then sends Drew SOUTH OF HEAVEN through the windshield! Priest tells security that he’s done for now. Any more jokes, Drew? Didn’t think so! RIP, jackass!
Priest leaves, the producers hurry to help Drew, and Drew’s got glass in his eye! Will that glass help Drew see why he shouldn’t piss off the Punisher?
CM Punk heads to gorilla.
He has a security detail with him, and he passes by Drew writhing in pain. Punk chuckles, then continues on. Will his contract signing with Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins be just as brutal? We find out, after the break.
Nick Aldis is in the ring.
The SmackDown General Manager welcomes us back, and says it is his honor and privilege to be here in the O2 in London. Now, we all know why he and this table is here, and why additional security is here tonight. Tonight, we are here to sign a contract for a Triple Threat. Perhaps the biggest Triple Threat in the history of WrestleMania: Seth Rollins VS CM Punk VS Roman Reigns! The fans cheer all those names, and here comes the OTC! London puts the ones up, and Paul Heyman accompanies THE Tribal Chief out on stage. Roman raises his finger to the sky for the pyro, then security follows him to the ring.
SmackDown goes picture in picture as Roman’s entrance continues, and he raises his finger to the sky for the second round of pyro. Roman steps into the ring, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Heyman hands him a mic. The fans sing, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!” Roman nods, the fans cheer, and now they chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman tells London, “ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” The fans cheer again, and again chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman smiles, but he sees the chairs are not to his liking. Heyman makes sure to put one at the head of the table. Heyman also dusts the chair off while Roman enjoys the singing of, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!”
Roman takes a seat and says that was beautiful. The way they sing to their Tribal Chief, it’s just beautiful. The singing continues, and Heyman even joins in! Roman smiles, and he says that is what he’s talking about. That’s the OTC for you, baby! The biggest star on the planet! The OTC came here for two reasons. One: to be acknowledged; check! And two: to sign this contract. Roman does just that, and he says he’s checked both boxes. That means- “BURN IT DOWN!” Seth Rollins interrupts! The fans now sing, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Rollins struts out in his red wine paisley suit and conducts the O2 Choir all the way into the ring.
The fans cheer while Roman frowns, but Rollins takes the seat to Roman’s left. Rollins offers Heyman a chance to sing to this song, but Heyman frowns. Rollins chuckles, and he says the fans do have beautiful singing voices. He doesn’t know why Roman is in such a hurry to leave, though! This is their building! There’s a lot of history here! 12 years ago, they landed on the roof of this place in a helicopter! They came down those stairs over there, “ready to burn down the old guard!” They put the Undertaker down through the desk, and they were going to remake this company in their image!
Now don’t get him wrong, Rollins knows a lot has happened since then. They fought against each other, with each other, a little bit of love and a whole lot of hate. But Rollins dare says, as the fans continue to sing “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~,” that Rollins and Roman accomplished their mission. The fans start to chant for CM Punk, but Rollins tunes them out. Roman says, “We? We? You keep saying we. Our mission? We died a long time ago. It’s only been ME. You been here, but I done all the work! I’ve made this place what it is today! I took us to the level that we are here today! I made this place better than we found it!
“I’m the one that made us desirable to Netflix! I’m the one that took us into billion-dollar deals! Tell me, what have you done?” Rollins shouts, “I’ll tell you what I’ve done! YOU, YOU, YOU, it’s that mindset that keeps me having to screw you! You understand that? And your biggest mistake is not understanding the danger that’s right in front of us! The danger that’s right in front of you! You let the biggest snake in the world, CM Punk, into the garden! And you could’ve cut his head off at WarGames! But instead, you shook his hand. You could’ve let me finish him inside the cage at The Garden, but you didn’t. And now, I am left to do what I always do: Clean up your mess, again.”
Rollins drops his mic, picks up the pen, and signs his part. And now, here comes CM PUNK! The fans fire up and sing along with Cult of Personality, then join in on saying, “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME~!” Punk goes to the ring, but as he grabs a mic, he goes up a corner, just like he did last Friday. “I have come here to chew bubblegum and sign a contract. And I’m all outta bubblegum.” The fans cheer the Rowdy Roddy Piper reference, and Punk hops down to take his seat on Roman’s right. Punk looks over said contract, but Roman asks if Punk needs a highlighter or something. What’s he doing? Just go to page four, clause five.
Punk does as Roman says, but Roman says Punk needs to hurry, this is precious TV time. Punk reads the segment, Roman tells Heyman to just smarten Punk up. Heyman tells Punk he knows what Punk is looking for. It is in there. They’re closing the show at WrestleMania. The fans go wild hearing that! Heyman tells Punk that he gets to live his dream of dreams. CM Punk will be a WrestleMania main eventer! The fans cheer and while Roman smiles, Rollins is furious. Roman says, “One man’s dream is another man’s favor! CHECK!” Wait, this was the favor? Rollins says no! This is not something to laugh at, and Punk does not get to tear up!
Punk is NOT deserving! He does NOT deserve this! The fans boo but Rollins continues to throw a fit! Main eventing WrestleMania is SACRED, the most important thing in the world to Rollins! More than anything! Except the fact that Punk NEVER gets to main event! This is all Roman’s fault! This is all Heyman’s fault! Rollins THROWS his mic down, paces angrily, but Punk picks up the mic. The fans cheer Punk on again, and Punk stands to thank London, to thank Chicago, to thank Louisville, Kentucky, and to thank ALL the fans. As corny as it sounds, he thanks the WWE Universe who stood by him and chanted his name for TEN LONG YEARS!
Roman says hold on, hold on. Punk shouldn’t be thanking the fans! He should be thanking the Tribal Chief! It is because of Roman that Punk gets this honor! So please, take this moment, close the show with that acknowledgement! Do this the right way. The credits are already rolling as Punk kneels before Roman!? Punk smiles, and he thanks “My Tribal Chief, the holder of the ula fala, the Head of the Table, the… Big Dog? Thank you for allowing a kid from Chicago to be graced by your presence. Thank you, My Tribal Chief, for allowing me to stand in your ring. And thank you so much. Thank you, Roman Reigns, so very much.
“But because of you, I will see you in the main event of WrestleMania.” And again, Rollins is agonizing over this. Punk finishes putting his signature on the contract, and London tells him, “You Deserve It!” Punk thanks Roman again, and then says, “But that’s not the favor that I’m owed.” WHAT?! Roman looks at Heyman and Heyman can’t look him in the eye! If getting this Triple Threat made into the main event isn’t the gift of the Wise Man, then what is?!
My Thoughts:
A good SmackDown, but they pulled off quite the paradox. They made it feel like they were struggling to fill three hours, yet they also filled the show to the point where that contract signing segment was almost bleeding over the three hour mark. Ironically, part of the problem was just how excited the London crowd was for this. The superstars still wanted to enjoy the chants and songs, but that’s time SmackDown doesn’t have to spare. It made the opening promo from Cody, Orton and Drew take longer, and it kinda did the same to the contract signing at the end. Even so, we still got a very good promo, and good stuff to set up Orton VS McIntyre.
Orton VS McIntyre was a great match, but of course Kevin costs Orton. McIntyre gets his win, Kevin and Orton have a bit of a brawl, but of course Kevin ends up on the losing end and runs off. McIntyre’s trash talk also comes back to bite him as Priest gets the better of him in their brawl. Here’s hoping Drew didn’t actually get glass in his eye, but that being the thing in kayfabe can be some good stuff. I can imagine McIntyre with an eyepatch, and he takes it off at the opportune time to get the better of Priest in their match. Also what a fitting choice for Punk to be passing by Drew suffering because of real glass.
Very good title matches tonight, but of course the status quo was kept. Pretty Deadly gets to look great here in London, but the Profits only just got the belts, they’re not going to be transitional champions like that. And Knight VS Braun was really good stuff, but honestly, Jacob Fatu going after them both should’ve been a given. Jacob also had a great promo with Solo & Tama to start adding to that divide between Jacob and Solo. I would hope Solo doesn’t screw Jacob out of the US Championship, but it feels like he will as Solo won’t stand for Jacob defying his authority, even though Solo’s been trying to make Jacob the champion all along.
Very good stuff from Jimmy Uso tonight, from his promo with #MeloDon’tMiz and then a great match with Miz. Their match ended up the de facto main event match, so that’s also great for both guys. Great win for Jimmy, but that’s likely because Jimmy is losing big time to Gunther on Monday. And it might just be me, but it feels like only now is the Jey VS Gunther build really moving, largely in part because Jimmy got involved. Jimmy’s promo after his match is something along the lines of what Jey should be saying. But I suppose as brothers, Jimmy is the one who knows Jey best and knows what Jey needs to be motivated again. And seeing Jimmy get beat up by Gunther will definitely motivate Jey…
Good final vignettes for Rey Fenix and Aleister Black. I’m a little surprised they confirmed Rey Fenix is showing up next week, and that they confirmed who Rey Fenix even is. I believe commentary confirmed Rey Fenix is Penta’s real brother, even namedropped “Lucha Brothers,” but all that is still surprising considering Fenix is going to start on SmackDown. Aleister’s vignette (at least I am fairly confident it’s his) was giving us glimpses of his silhouette, but I think there was usage of AI in the snake imagery. It was fine they did it for El Grande Americano because that is all trolling, but they really should try and do things the old fashioned way of photoshop and stock imagery.
Very good stuff in the Women’s Division tonight, though the WWE Women’s Championship portion was the weaker. Naomi’s got a great Heel persona going, her promo was great, and her going after B-Fab & Michin over them supporting Jade was a great detail. Jade runs Naomi off, helps B-Fab, but there was no helping Michin in being fed to Charlotte. Tiffany had a decent promo, and it does fit how Charlotte kept her from speaking so she finally gets things out here. It didn’t really add that much, though, but they already gave us a great brawl so not sure what more they can give.
KC Squared VS The Secret Her-vice was a very good match, but of course Chelsea made sure her team won. A Six Woman Tag of Zelina & KC Squared VS The Green Administration is certainly coming, to help give us Zelina VS Chelsea for the Women’s US Championship.
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: 3.27.2025
Bad news out of the TNA management side, but this is a taped episode from El Paso! So we won’t see any of the fallout just yet!
Now we all heard the news about the TNA change in hierarchy, and I…have no positive outlook on that. Delirious sucked at booking and creative in the dying days of ROH before it got bought as a B show. Dreamer having even more control is concerning because his ideas the last two years haven’t been much better.
Gail leaving makes more sense to me. Be it firing or a “you can’t quit, you’re fired” kind of situation, the Knockouts division is the worst it’s been in a long time and Gail was close with Scott D’Amore. So I don’t think Gail parting ways is as big of a problem since TNA has slowly been bleeding out with the Scott faithful.
Granted, I think the next few shows were already taped before the firing so things shouldn’t be completely unwatchable for at least a week or two. So let’s see where we’re going.
.@WeAreRosemary sends @XiaBrookside a CHILLING message!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/srciTTbel0
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Ratings:
- Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge: Ash wins via Rarefied Air – ** 1/4
- Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr: Chavo wins via Gory Bomb into Frog Splash – *** 1/4
- Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich: Masha wins via Russian Death Device – ***
- Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin: Eric wins via Piledriver – ** 1/2
- Seto & Mokuba – I mean – Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater: Nic wins via Danger Zone – *** 1/4
Results:
Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge
Ash and Gigi start off, Gigi with a little Rascalz after her first takedown. So both her and Wentz are making it obvious something’s going on between them, and I’m not mad at it. Good for my man Wentz.
Tatum and Gigi get some quick tandem offense in, Ash does manage to scurry off to a tag and Heather gets bent into a Pretzel. Some kind of Inverted Tarantula from Tatum, Gigi tags in, Bronco Buster on Heather followed by Kawada Kicks. Heather sells against the ropes, Gigi goes for a Hesitation Dropkick, but Concierge pulls her away so Gigi crashes and burns. Ref is distracted, Ash gets in some cheap shots and then the Elegant duo starts working over Gigi. A few quick tags, but once Heather comes in, Gigi fights out of the corner, gets the hot tag to Tatum. Tatum stacks up both Elegance members, Corner Stacked Crossbody, Butterfly Suplex and an Elbow Drop with some some flare. Tatum goes to the top rope, Heather pulls Gigi off the apron, Concierge shoves Tatum off the turnbuckle and Ash hits Rarefied Air for the win.
Post match the Elegance Clique wants to make their wish with the cake, they light the candles and Tatum and Gigi recover enough to do what we all expected last week, the cake in the face spot. Some…suggestive licking from both of our Hot Topic Hotties, so…no complaints here.
.@Ashamae_Sebera, @Heathereckless and @IamGeorgeIceman are having a meltdown!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/FnKwPqm2ff
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr
Chavo and Kaz start since he’s King Petty, a quick rope run turns into a Headscissor from Chavo. Kaz recovers, they lock up, Kaz hits the Knee Lift during the lock up to tag out to KC. KC pulls off some athletic dodges, gloats a bit so Chavo waits, measures and nails a gorgeous Dropkick. Laredo comes in on fire, quick high spots that send KC bouncing around like HBK against Hulk. KC powders after sells the Satellite Takedown, AJ checks on him and we go to commercial.
Back from commercial, Octagon is lighting up KC’s chest with overhand chops, he perches, Sunset Headscissor Flip from corner to corner, KC tries to Back Drop him but Octagon does a headstand, kicks KC away and lays him out with a high spot. AJ gets on the apron to stop Octagon from running the ropes, the referee has a stroke or something because he stops paying attention and AJ pulls Octagon out of the ring and chucks him. KC with the Tope con Hilo and tag (tag ropes haven’t mattered since the 80s we all know this). So AJ is getting taunted by the crowd in Spanish, but he’s manhandling Octagon since it looks like a Child fighting their parent. AJ knocks off Chavo and Laredo, Laredo pops up and tries to get involved but he’s caught on the shoulders, Octagon goes for the Crossbody but gets caught and AJ pulls off “World’s Strongest Wasteland” but Chavo breaks up the pinfall. AJ throws Octagon into the corner, Tennessee Whiskey, and tag out to KC. KC hits a few moves, but starts to lose the momentum until he connects with a Super Kick. Simultaneous rope run into the Dueling Crossbodies, so we get the timely tag outs from both sides. Kaz and Laredo come in, Laredo lands like two moves before Kaz hits a Sole Butt, Lariat and eats his lunch. KC and Kaz try to double team Laredo but he fights out and the crowd is chanting for Chavo.
Chavo tags in, and he’s rocking KC, Saito Suplex, Low Bridge to AJ, Reverse the Whip so Chavo goes to the corner and perches, KC feeds, Chavo Backflips to safety, rolls through and lays out KC. Chavo is feeling himself, 3 Amigos start on KC but only 2, Kaz comes in and Chavo switches to Kaz for the Amigos, only 2 again before AJ breaks it up. AJ goes for the disrespect, but Chavo counters and hits the 3 Amigos on the biggest Culero. Aztec Warriors dive to stop AJ and Kaz, KC tries a Dirty Victory Roll but Chavo kicks out. GORY BOMB into FROG SPLASH!
Chavo looked fantastic and he’s the one in the best shape in the ring. I wouldn’t be mad at more Chavito.
Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich
I expect very little from this match.
Collar and Elbow, gator rolling for the first 30 seconds or so, then Jacy goes to some Hair Pull takedowns and does a little taunt before Masha pops back up and hits a Lariat into a Dive. Jacy sells it like she’s really hurt, even the ref tries to hold Masha back a little before Masha gets annoyed and just grabs her, Masha throws her in, looks for a Dive and Jacy sees it and powders. Masha tries to go back to the well for the Dive again but Jacy hits the Uppercut and then an Apron Run PK to drop Masha. Forearms rain down into a Foot Choke as Jacy continues to arrogantly play to the crowd. Another Foot Choke into a Cannonball, and near fall.
Masha gets space with a Sole Butt, tries to snap off Requiem but Jacy fights off, fights through a Sunset Flip another effective PK keeps Masha on her ass. Jacy looks for a kinda half-assed Camel Clutch as Masha is fighting up, but Jacy runs her into the corner, gets distracted mouthing off to the crowd, so Masha recovers, 5 Hole Up Kick sends Jacy into the corner, Yakuza Kick into Capo Kick for two. Requiem attempt again, but Jacy pushes off, a little back and forth, Masha tries a Backslide but Jacy gets away and hits a V-Trigger but only a 2 count. Jacy looks for the Discus Punch but Masha ducks it, they strike back and forth, but some dodges from both leave the exchange more even. Jacy with the Front Kick to the face sends Masha to the outside. Jacy wants another PK, but Masha blocks, Electric Chair Apron Snake Eyes. Masha throws her in, a PK into a near all. Requiem attempt 3, and thwarted from Jacy with a Superkick into a Neckbreaker. Senton misses from Jacy, Buzzsaw Kick, into Spinning Back Kick and Russian Death Device for the win.
Better than I expected, and Tessa attacks as soon as the bell rings. Xia Brookside and Lei Ying Li make the save after Tessa grabs the belt.
Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin
Ace and Eric tie up, World of Sport start but as soon as Ace starts to get away EY punches him in the face. Eric looks at the camera and says “This is what trust looks like”, turns his back on Ace, when Ace looks to attack, the loser duo cut him off. EY takes advantage of the weird situation, but Ace with some Up and Over quick spots, into an Inside Cradle and La Magistral. EY kicks out of the quick flash attempts, but eats a Dropkick, and Ace goes all Speed Kils on him with fast strikes and then a face buster for another near fall. Strike spot very early in the match, Ace gets the best of it, goes for a Tear Drop Suplex but EY sits on it to block, Headlocks to keep him close and then a snap Lariat into beatdown bully tactics. EY takes the referee’s attention and one of the nerds punch Ace in the face.
Eric tries to lean on Ace, but Ace fires, a few strikes, Click Click Boom, the Miz Seated Lariats in the corner, Mochizuki Triangle Kick connects! Only a 2 count, but Ace seems to be in control. Ace puts EY on the ropes, a few strikes to keep him rocked, wants a Superplex, but EY blocks, bites the face and Macho Elbow gets a very close two count. EY tries the Piledriver but Ace turns it into a Jacknife Cradle,Spinning Heel Kick, calls for The Fold, but the losers hop on the apron to distract, Ace attacks them. Ace tries to time out the Triangle Kick again, but Eric dodges, throws Ace head first through the buckles. As Ace stumbles out of the corner, Piledriver, and it’s over.
Oh look it’s the “we’ll hear from Joe Hendry” segment. Again, I’ve loved this gimmick since Day 1, even didn’t hate his What Culture Pro stuff, but there is such a thing as milking a cow too much.
Elijah interrupts the whole “Who’s next” speech. When Elijah comes out he says he’s not the challenger and he believes in Joe. The crowd wants Elijah to turn on Hendry. Elijah pauses for a moment, and starts proving his friendship with stating his favorite color and a little “You Got a Friend in Me”. The crowd is into singing along and waving their cameras like Lighters to a 30 year old song. THANKFULLY Kaz breaks up the hug fest. Now he gets the “Culero” chant.
Kaz pulls out a Bass…what the hell is this Jam Session. Kaz has to warm up so he plays “La Cucaracha” on the bass. Kaz…is a national treasure. Hendry kicks Kaz out of the ring after his Heelish and playfully racially charged song choices. Kaz tries to sow dissension, but Joe and Elijah pinball Kaz between them. Kaz slips a power move and tries to shove Elijah into Joe but Elijah puts the brakes on, a small tense moment. But then Joe and Elijah play “Nah Nah Nah Nah, Hey Hey, Goodbye”…and that goes right into a commercial. Oddly…perfect.
Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater
Nic shoots the half immediately for a flash pinfall but Leon kicks out at one. Nic continues to keep things grounded with his amateur wrestling skills, and then does a little Dolph Ziggler show off. So Nic isn’t really taking this seriously, and Leon starts getting the best of things with an Arm Wringer, into drag, Shoulder Tackle and rope run as Nic tries to Leap Frog and Leon puts on the brakes and just shoves Nic on his ass. Nic gets annoyed, a few strikes, grinds his face along the ropes, but Leon keeps stringing some offense together, Back Handspring Elbow into his Corner con Hilo.
Ahh the classic formula of the commercial gives the heel the advantage, Twisting Suplex from Leon stops Nic’s offense momentum, right hand, Leon lifts Nic up for something, Nic slips it, kicks him in the gut, looks for the FameAsser, but Leon catches him into a Blue Thunder Bomb variation. Slater wants the Swanton 450, but Nic powders. Leon tries to adjust into a Dive, but Nic cuts him off, counter for counter and a FameAsser out of the counters for a two count. Nic starts the big brother tactics, bootwashes and arrogance, Slater fires, punches into a Yakuza Kick. Leon wants another Lethal Injection variant, but Nic catches him into a Rear Naked Choke. Slater tries to turn it into a pin so Nic breaks it. Leon wants a Leg Lariat but misses and gets unceremoniously dropped by Nic. Nic puts Leon up on the buckles, Superplex possibly but Slater counters, tries to collect himself for a move, but Nic falls into the ropes to crotch Leon, and finally hits the Superplex.
Twist of Slate from Leon, Swanton 450 but knees get up. Locomotion Cradles from both but they kick out, Ryan picks the ankle to trip up Leon just a touch and then Danger Zone ends the match.
Ryan starts the post match beatdown, but the Hardy’s music hits and they come down to the ring for the save. Matt challenges the Nemeths for Rebellion because they’re not medically cleared yet.
Overall Score: 6.5/10
Decent story motion, no match was offensive, and there was actually some solid match action for television standards. I don’t have a ton to complain about aside from the Knockouts Division is in a weird spot, and giving Hendry a lot of just talking and hollow payoff segments feels stupid. If we need to hear from him every week, give him a talk segment like Highlight Reel or something. Yes I know First Class just got The Penthouse, but if Hendry is going to talk more than wrestle, give him a talk segment for us to sink our teeth into.
There was the announcement that Xia, Lei Ying and Masha will face Tessa, Jacy and a mystery partner. So you gotta wonder if there’s going to be another NXT mercenary, a surprise return or if it’ll just be Rosemary since she’s got her issues with Xia. Also I just realized that Unbreakable is going to be on a Thursday, seemingly after iMPACT? I’m gonna have to see how they do it, because if there’s an Impact episode and 2-3 hour PLE…I do not want to be awake until 1am. People need to work, and I will be Unwakeable if things go that long.
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: March Madness Bracket Breakdown
This week on 4 Corners Podcast we break down the Men's NCAA tournament bracket. Which of the top seeds will...
4 Corners Podcast- The Fantastic Four Nations Faceoff
The guys discuss Canada's big win in the Four Nations Faceoff and take a look at some early Spring Training...
Oblong Ball Foot Show: One For The Road
The Philadelphia Eagles are Super Bowl Champions! Tune in as we recap an excellent NFL season and touch on a...
Oblong Ball Foot Show: Super Bowl LIX Preview
The culmination of a season long journey is upon us. Andrew, Rey and Tunney break it all down for you...
The Front and Center Sports Podcast – NFL Conference Championships and Jimmy Butler
The Chairshot presents a new episode of The Front and Center Sports Podcast, with an NFL Conference Championship preview, and...
Bandwagon Nerds #281: Vengeful Abomination
This week the NERDS discuss Episode 4 of Daredevil Born Again and Villain Madness continues with the first round of...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (3/23/25)
Countdown to the Anniversary!
Attitude Of Aggression #304- Game Gone Wrong?- Part 1: When the Game was Great!
In Part 1, before getting to Season 8, the guys look back at the greatest moments from the first 7...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu Results & Report! (3/21/25)
One step away from glory!
Bandwagon Nerds #280: The Rich And Powerful
This week the NERDS discuss the Season 3 finale of Invincible, episode 3 of Daredevil Born Again and the continuation...
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (3/28/25)
SmackDown in the UK!
DWI Podcast #469: Superplex Sunday
Will John Cena win the WWE Title and retire at Wrestlemania?
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 3.27.2025
Bad news out of the TNA management side, but this is a taped episode from El Paso! So we won't...
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (3/27/25)
Is there a new Minion in town?
Mitchell’s WWE Evolve Results & Report! (3/27/25)
Evolve enters the Fourth Dimension!
POD is WAR: It All Goes Back To The Spinner Belt
Andrew Balaz, Rey Cash and PC Tunney invite you to come along on a trip inside the minds of Los...
Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (3/26/25)
ThunderStorm is TIMELESS!
Greg DeMarco Show: No Stipulation Needed
CM Punk vs Seth Rollins vs Roman Reigns? Are you buying this as a WWE WrestleMania 41 match? Does it...
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (3/25/25)
La Primera Double Header!
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (3/24/25)
ADRENALINE! IN GLASGOW!
