Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (12/28/20)
The LAST Raw of 2020!
Raw could be starting something as 2020 is ending!
2020 has been no less than awful, but it’s almost over! Will Raw bring the fireworks a few days early as Keith Lee will want answers out of Sheamus?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE World Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Keith Lee VS Sheamus; wins and will challenge Drew McIntyre for the title next week on Raw.
- The Miz w/ John Morrison VS Gran Metalik w/ Lince Dorado; Metalik wins.
- Dana Brooke w/ Mandy Rose VS Shayna Baszler; Baszler wins.
- AJ Styles w/ Omos VS Elias w/ Jaxson Ryker; Styles wins.
- Ricochet VS Mustafa Ali w/ Retribution; Ali wins.
- Charlotte Flair w/ Asuka VS Nia Jax w/ Shayna Baszler; Charlotte wins, by disqualification.
- 8 Man Tag: The Hurt Business VS The New Day, Jeff Hardy & Matt Riddle; The Hurt Business wins.
- Randy Orton VS Alexa Bliss?
PLAY BY PLAY
WWE and Raw mourn the loss of Jun Huber, aka Luke Harper.
Drew McIntyre heads to the ring!
The Scottish Warrior is feeling good, even though he knows his two friends, Keith Lee and Sheamus, are going to be battling tonight! McIntyre opens by saying, “It’s Monday, you know what that means. Yeah, yeah, yeah, it’s time for Monday Night Raw! The last Raw of 2020!” A crazy year for McIntyre. He started by winning the Royal Rumble, then beat Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania, only to lose the title and regain it from Randy Orton. And McIntyre just wants to say thanks to all the fans for rallying behind him and motivating him. “There was a time in my career where I was the Chosen One of the powers at be.” But the fans were the ones who chose him and so he means it when he says thank you.
But now to the future! And it turns out, McIntyre will defend the World Championship on “Legend’s Raw” to start 2021. Legends like Hulk Hogan and Shawn Michaels are going to be here to watch McIntyre face either Sheamus or Keith Lee. And wouldn’t you know, here comes the Celtic Warrior! Sheamus joins McIntyre and apologizes for interrupting. McIntyre says it’s fine, people always interrupt. But he knows where Sheamus is going with this. Last week, McIntyre told Sheamus not to pull BS during the match. And he didn’t! He kept his word and didn’t do anything to Keith. 1-2-3, they won, and then it was fair game. McIntyre should’ve known better. Yes, he should have!
These two came up together, and are living the dreams together! Sheamus is a former world champion, McIntyre is the current. But we’re one week away from making a dream a reality! They’ve got goosebumps at the possible dream match between them. The highest of highs, the lowest of lows, and they’ll make the rest of the roster uncomfortable watching the physicality. After Sheamus mows through Keith with another Brogue kick, they’ll be kicking off the new year the right way! But speaking of, here comes Keith Lee! Keith says “this is real cute. Two best friends, one a former WWE Champion, one current,” and McIntyre looks proud of his old friend.
Yes, Sheamus is a clever boy. He waited until after the match, and kicked Keith in the face. McIntyre vouched for Sheamus, “You can trust him!” But there is ZERO trust now. McIntyre’s word is no better than Sheamus’. McIntyre tries to reason with Keith but Keith tells Sheamus that “every fiber” in his being wants to beat Sheamus’ face in right now. But they have to wait until the bell rings, and then Keith will FORCE an apology out of the Fella. And McIntyre, as a friend, you should consider your friends better, because Sheamus might do the same to him. Oh is Keith wondering why Sheamus kicked his head off? It’s because of Keith’s mouth! Keith keeps thinking Sheamus is going to betray McIntyre!
McIntyre shouts over the shouting, and says Raw should start right. McIntyre understands both men, so why wait and just have the match now? But a message to them both: it doesn’t matter who it is, next week will be the same as always, with McIntyre STILL WWE Champion! Keith gets riled up but Sheamus gets another BROGUE in! McIntyre can’t believe The Fella would do that, but it’s too late to reprimand him! This heated contender’s match begins after the break!
WWE World Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Keith Lee VS Sheamus!
Raw returns and McIntyre has joined commentary for this match. Saying that was all tense is an understatement. The bell rings and Sheamus fires off but Keith pushes him away! Sheamus comes back with more but Keith shoves him down again. Keith clinches and throws big knees and a BIG clubbing forearm! Keith throws big body shots and forearms in the corner, then brings Sheamus up. Keith reels Sheamus in, Sheamus fights back with knees and forearms of his own! Sheamus clamps onto an arm, CLUBS Keith on the back, then goes after the arm. Sheamus also fish hooks Keith’s face, but stops as the ref reprimands.
Keith fights up and throws Sheamus off! Keith kicks Sheamus to a corner, throws more body shots, and Sheamus staggers away to another corner. Sheamus kicks back, CLUBS away more, then straddles the arm to pull on it. Keith endures as Sheamus goes after the fingers, and he throws Sheamus off again! Sheamus kicks from the mat and gets Keith in the face! Sheamus stomps Keith, stands on the arm he’s been after, and even digs his heel into Keith’s face! The ref reprimands, Sheamus steps off to get the arm for a keylock. Keith endures as Sheamus grinds the arm and leans on the shoulder. McIntyre says Sheamus hits hard, but not harder than McIntyre.
Keith fights up, powers off the keylock and throws body shots as fans clap on their screens. Keith reels Sheamus in but Sheamus fights back with forearms! Keith staggers but he catches Sheamus to TOSS him up and out of the ring! Sheamus tumbles, gets up, but Keith pursues. Keith throws Sheamus into the LED apron! And then POSTS him! Keith stalks Sheamus near the announce desk, puts Sheamus in the ring at the count of 6, and gets in at 8. Sheamus kicks Keith between the ropes! Then bicycle KNEES Keith down! The ref reprimands as Keith tumbles down but Sheamus goes up! Sheamus LEAPS for a SUPER FLYING CLOTHESLINE! Keith is sent into the desk as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again and Sheamus cranks on Keith’s arm with a keylock! Sheamus throws knees to keep Keith down but Keith still fights up! Keith throws body shots, then knees of his own, and he lifts Sheamus with a gorilla press! But Sheamus slips off and ROCKS Keith back! Keith DECKS Sheamus! Sheamus goes to the apron, Keith stalks up behind him, and Keith drags Sheamus up by his head! Sheamus hotshots free, and gets Keith for the Bodhrain! Sheamus gives Keith about five beats then hotshots him again! Keith flounders, Sheamus climbs up and leaps again, into a POUNCE!! Keith clobbers Sheamus out of the air and McIntyre is enjoying this! “This is what Monday Night Raw is all about!”
Keith seethes as he runs Sheamus over! And again! Sheamus staggers, Keith splashes him in the corner! And then TOSSES him across the way! Sheamus staggers up into a ONE HAND SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Keith glares down at Sheamus as he drags him up by his beard. Keith reels Sheamus in, Sheamus fights out and shoves Keith. Sheamus throws big forearms and puts Keith in a corner. Sheamus whips, Keith reverses, and then Keith hits another corner splash! Keith runs and takes Sheamus down with an STO! Cover, TWO! Keith keeps his cool as he keeps on Sheamus. Keith reels Sheamus in, but Sheamus drops! Sheamus dropkicks the leg!
Sheamus runs to dropkick the legs out from behind! Keith falls, but he kicks Sheamus off the Cloverleaf! Sheamus comes back but Keith avoids the Brogue! CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO!! Sheamus survives the “Cross Buick” but Keith is just seething again. Keith drags Sheamus back up, puts him in a corner and runs in, but Sheamus sends the splash into buckles! Sheamus manages to lift and hit WHITE NOISE! Cover, TWO!! Keith survives and Sheamus is losing his cool! Sheamus slaps Keith around, “Who do you think you are?!” Sheamus clamps Keith’s face but Keith powers out!
Keith brings Sheamus up but Sheamus throws headbutts! Keith just glares, headbutts and GRIZZLY MAGNUMS! POP-UP SPIRIT BOMB!! Cover, Keith wins!!
Winner: Keith Lee, by pinfall (NEW #1 contender to the WWE World Championship)
McIntyre has it right, that was one hell of a fight! Keith goes out to look his “friend” in the eye as he says he’s coming for the belt. McIntyre welcomes the challenge, but will he #BaskInHisGlory in the new year?
Elias warms up backstage.
Jaxson Ryker is there with him as there’s noise by the door. Elias says Ryker can just ignore that. Elias keeps playing, and Ryker chills out. Will the Drifter and his bodyguard be uninterrupted tonight?
The Miz w/ John Morrison VS Gran Metalik w/ Lince Dorado!
The Hollywood A-Lister still wants his Money in the Bank contract back, but perhaps he can earn a new opportunity in the meantime! Will Miz be ready for a Lucha House Party against the King of the Ropes?
Raw returns and LHP make their entrance. The bell rings and Metalik dodges Miz to roll him up! TWO, and Metalik tries an Oklahoma Roll! TWO, Victory Roll, TWO! Miz scrambles to the corner and Metalik says it was that close! Miz cools off, gives Metalik some applause, but then kicks low and throws haymakers! Miz brings Metalik up, whips him to ropes, but Metalik ranas in return! Miz flounders out of the ring, Metalik dropkicks him off the apron! Lince taunts Miz as Metalik goes up, and Metalik ASAI MOONSAULTS! Direct hit and down goes Miz! Metalik puts Miz in but Morrison lurks. Metalik is distracted, he springboards into a BOOT!
Miz seethes as he goes after Metalik with a rain of forearms! Miz drags Metalik up, puts him on the ropes and chokes him! The ref reprimands, Miz lets off at 3 to run and straddle attack! Miz still seethes as he argues with the ref. He shouts that he wants the MITB contract because he’s still Mr. MITB! Miz runs, and BOOTS Metalik down again! Miz keeps shouting “I AM Money in the Bank!” Miz goes after the mask, then wraps on a chinlock! Metalik endures, but Miz drags him into a deeper sleeper. Metalik fights out but Miz knees low! Miz back suplexes, Metalik lands on his feet and then boots back! SLING-DOG!
Lince fires up as Metalik runs up the corner and hits a missile dropkick! Metalik keeps moving, roll into the sunset flip! Cover, Metalik wins!!
Winner: Gran Metalik, by pinfall
The King of the Ropes pins Miz, a Grand Slam Champion! Does this mean Metalik is destined for something awesome in the new year?
Elias keeps jamming out.
Someone is pounding on the door! Ryker answer sit, and it’s Jordan Omogbehin! AJ Styles says they’re trying to listen to Mozart while Styles rights the wrong from TLC! They can’t hear nothing because Elias is playing whatever. Elias isn’t Johnny Cash, he’s Johnny TRASH! Omos laughs but Ryker gets riled up. And what’s Ryker gonna do about it? Elias keeps things from turning into a fight, and says they need to bring it down a bit. Ryker, thanks for standing up for Elias. But Styles is upset for good reason. He couldn’t get the job done at TLC. And at this point in Styles’ career, he doesn’t have many chances left.
Oh really? How about Elias fight Styles and Styles can end Elias’ career prematurely by breaking his fingers? Then no one will hear Elias’ stupid music ever again! BOOM! Styles and Omos head out, but will The Drifter accept that phenomenal challenge?
Dana Brooke w/ Mandy Rose VS Shayna Baszler!
The #SexyMuscleFriends are getting back on track, but they could end up derailed all over again! Will Dana keep the Queen of Spades from making her #TapNapOrSnap?
Raw returns as Shayna makes her entrance. The bell rings and Dana circles with Shayna. Shayna gives testing kicks but Dana doesn’t shy away. Dana blocks the kick to SLAP Shayna on the face! Then Dana dodges, and runs Shayna over! Mandy taunts Shayna while Dana rams her into the corner! Dana rams in more, the ref counts, but Dana lets off at 4. Dana snapmares Shayna, runs and handspring splashes onto knees! Shayna storms over to Dana and has the arm! Mandy protests, Shayna stomps but misses! Dana tries to roll Shayna up but Shayna holds ropes to block! Shayna brings the arm to the apron and twists it from wrist to elbow, to then SLAM on the edge!
The ref reprimands, starts a ring count, but Shayna gets in. Shayna grabs Dana’s arm, hooks it with a leg to drop down, then covers, TWO! Dana shakes out the arm, but Shayna is after it again! Shayna has it in a torturous keylock, then shifts around to bend the wrist way back! Dana endures as Shayna shifts back to a keylock and leans on the hold. Shayna stares Mandy down to get in her head, but Mandy rallies for Dana. Dana endures, fights up, and jawbreakers free! Shayna runs into an elbow, then a boot! Dana runs and rallies on Shayna with the good arm! Then a scoop slam!
Shayna flounders out of the ring, Dana runs and slides, but the kick is caught! Shayna spins Dana for a Kirafuda Klutch! The ref counts as they’re in the ropes, Shayna drags Dana out and drops her at the ring count of 6! Dana sputters, Shayna refreshes the count to then throw Mandy aside! The count starts again, Shayna has Mandy’s arm! Shayna has it on the steps but Mandy gets away! Dana Electric Chair SLAMS Shayna on the apron! They get in at 8 of 10, fireman’s carry, but Shayna slips out! Dana turns the Kirafuda into a roll-up, TWO! RUNNING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Shayna shocks Dana!
Dana hurries up to the top rope, aims and leaps, but Shayna avoids the splash! Step-up KNEE! KIRAFUDA! Dana taps, Shayna wins!
Winner: Shayna Baszler, by submission
The Queen of Spades could not be stopped! The Flex Appeal suffered, but now it’s Mandy’s turn! Shayna puts Mandy in the Kirafuda, Mandy taps but it doesn’t matter! Shayna lets go when she is satisfied! Is this a sign that it’s only a matter of time before Shayna and Nia Jax take the Women’s Tag Team Championships back?
Raw returns with Alexa’s Playground.
“Do you like my playground?” Alexa says “he” built this for her, and she can’t wait to show it to him when he gets back. But we haven’t seen him since the Inferno match, where things got a little heated. Maybe he’s waiting for Legend’s Night! He’d love to meet his hero, Hulk Hogan! Alexa says he’s been taking his vitamins and saying his prayers. But not even Alexa wants to know who or what he prays to. Or maybe he’s waiting for Orton to return to the playground! Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, that’s it! So Orton, come on down~! And the Viper makes his way to the ring.
Wait, why did the music cut out? Did Alexa do that wrong? Maybe Randy doesn’t want us to find “him.” That can’t be it! Alexa tries again! Randy Orton, come on down~! The music plays again, but still no Viper. Maybe Orton doesn’t want to play anymore. “I swear, you light someone on fire one time, and it goes straight to their head.” How rude of Randy. Wait, is that the Firefly Fun House? The door opens, and Randy’s there?! Orton “appreciates” the invite but he wanted to take advantage of how the Fun House would be empty, since Alexa’s in the ring and the Fiend was burnt to a crisp. So Orton wanted to see what was going on.
Oh hey, Huskis! BOOT! He’s a little heavier than he thought. Huskis needs to work on that diet. So on his way here, Orton thought about what Alexa said. She thinks The Fiend is coming back. Does she really think that? After what happened, does she really think? Orton doesn’t, but let’s say he does. Also Orton throws Mercy into Abby and they both fall down. Orton says IF The Fiend comes back, there will be nothing left but Alexa! So Orton will show us all how sick and demented he truly is, by making sure The Fiend has NOTHING to come back to.
Alexa is afraid as Orton takes Ramblin’ Rabbit and says before dealing with him, he did notice the fine piece of artwork on the wall. Orton makes sure the picture is nice and straight, before he rips Ramblin’s head off! Alexa begs Orton to stop! Orton laughs but Alexa challenges Orton to a match! Oh? Well okay. Is this where he is supposed to return, is that it? Challenge accepted! Does the Twisted Bliss know what she’s getting herself into?
Backstage interview with Charlotte Flair!
The Queen knows well how dangerous Nia Jax is, so is she ready for this 1v1? Six months ago, Nia injured Charlotte. But Charlotte returned, beat Nia and Shayna alongside Asuka. Is she ready? Absolutely. Is Nia to be feared? Absolutely. Is Nia a great competitor? Absolutely! But there is one person Charlotte always bets on, and it’s herself. Charlotte is ending 2020 as a champion, how is she going to start 2021? Any resolutions? The same one as every year: climb to the top, and stay there. Asuka joins in and says Nia is NOT ready for Charlotte! Happy new year! At least, will it be for the #QueensofTomorrow?
AJ Styles w/ Omos VS Elias w/ Jaxson Ryker!
The Phenomenal One and his enormous associate don’t want to #WalkWithElias, nor do they want to hear from Elias! Styles is still angry after The Miz cashed in and screwed him out of the world title, will he take it all out on Elias’ ten friends on his hands?
Raw returns and Elias makes his entrance. The bell rings and Styles circles with Elias. They tie up, Elias powers Styles to ropes then headlocks. Elias hits a takeover, Styles headscissors back but Elias pops out. Styles victory rolls fast, TWO! Elias keeps his cool as he and Styles go again. They tie up, Styles headlocks and hits the takeover but Elias headscissors. Styles pops out but Elias knees low! Elias throws haymakers and body shots in the corner, the ref counts but Elias lets off at 4. Elias stomps Styles, drags him up and CHOPS him off his feet! Elias brings Styles up, whips and back drops Styles high and hard! Cover, ONE! Elias looms over Styles and kicks him in the back.
Elias drags Styles around, then hooks the arm to drop knees! Elias brings Styles up, wrenches, and rams shoulder to shoulder! Elias lifts Styles by that arm, then drops him down to dig a knee into the shoulder. Styles endures, fights up, but Elias pulls hair. The ref counts, Elias lifts Styles again but Styles sunset flips! TWO, and Styles drop toeholds Elias onto ropes! Elias goes to a corner, Styles fires off fast hands! The ref counts, Styles backs off but he bumps Elias off buckles. Styles whips, Elias reverses but Styles slips up and over to dropkick Elias away!
Elias bails out, Styles slingshots but Elias moves! Styles lands on the apron, Elias drags him into a fireman’s carry, and he gives Styles SNAKE EYES the apron! Elias POSTS Styles shoulder first! Styles writhes as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again and Styles fires off on Elias in a corner. Styles whips, Elias reverses but Styles goes up and over and rolls, but Elias KNEES him down! Cover, TWO! Styles survives being blindsided but Elias drags him back up. Elias bumps Styles off buckles, wrenches the arm and goes up the corner. Elias starts his cover of Old School, then hits the METEORA! Cover, TWO! Styles survives his Walk With Elias, but Elias just talks trash to him and Omos. Elias clamps on a chinlock and then shifts to a cobra clutch. Styles endures, fights his way up, throws elbows low and puts Elias on ropes. Elias ROCKS Styles with a right then throws Styles out!
Elias catches his breath, those elbows were very low. Ryker creeps over but Omos scares him off! The ref reprimands both bodyguards and they both stand down. Elias goes out to fetch Styles, but he is wary of Omos. Elias puts Styles in, keeps his eyes on Omos, then goes after Styles in the ring. Elias wrenches an arm, Styles throws big haymakers! Elias cranks on the wrist more but Styles throws more haymakers! Styles is free, he ducks a haymaker from Elias to give off the Phenomenal Blitz! SLIDING FOREARM! Omos rallies and Styles fires up! Styles has Elias in a corner and he hits a leaping clothesline! Styles fireman’s carries for USHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO!
Styles keeps his cool as Elias survives. Styles drags Elias up, reels him in, but Elias slips out of the Clash. Styles rocks Elias, runs but misses in the corner, only to boot back! Styles is on the outside, springboards, but Elias fireman’s carries! Styles slips off, Elias standing switches to hit DRIFT AWAY!! Cover, TWO!?! Omos rallies for Styles but Ryker says Elias has this! Elias goes up top, but Styles trips him up first! Styles gets space, runs back but into a boot! Styles hits back with a PELE! Elias tumbles down, Omos coaches Styles and Ryker grows worried for Elias. Elias and Styles slowly rise and Elias fireman’s carries for a TKO! Cover, TWO!! Styles survives again!
Elias tries to figure out what to do, and he grits his teeth as he drags Styles back up. “You are no longer Phenomenal!” Elias brings Styles up, but Styles slips out of the fisherman to kick, kick and enziguri! Elias staggers around to a corner, Styles runs in but is put on the apron! Styles forearms Elias away, adjusts and springboards, PHENOMENAL FOREARM! Cover, Styles wins!
Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall
Omos says, “That’s what I’m talking about!” Ryker helps Elias get out of the ring, will Elias learn to be more considerate?
Ricochet VS Mustafa Ali w/ Retribution!
The One and Only finds himself between a rock and a hard place. He will not give in and join Retribution, but he doesn’t want to be beaten down and stepped over anymore. Something has to give! Will Ricochet finally break through or break down?
Raw returns as Retribution makes their entrance, and their leader steps into the ring. The bell rings and Mustafa holds his arms open. But Ricochet throws haymakers, then tackles Ali for ground ‘n’ pound! Ali gets away but Ricochet runs at him to CHOP, throw punches then CHOP again! Ricochet throws EuroUppers, whips Ali corner to corner, then runs in to CHOP again! Ricochet scoops and slams Ali, then runs to drop an elbow! Cover, ONE! Ali crawls but Ricochet drags him up. Ali elbows free, runs but Ricochet dodges and handsprings to headscissor! And a dropkick! Cover, ONE!
Ricochet keeps on Ali by pulling some hair. The ref reprimands but Ali pulls Ricochet’s ears! Ali whips, Ricochet reverses and back drops Ali! Ricochet stalks Ali to a corner and Ali wants mercy. But Ali just tricks Ricochet into getting closer and he yanks Ricochet into buckles! Ali fires off haymakers and CHOPS as Retribution taunts Ricochet. Ali whips Ricochet corner to corner, Ricochet bounces off buckles into Ali’s neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Ali keeps his cool as he watches Ricochet get to another corner. Ali runs in but is put on the apron! Ricochet elbows Ali back then slips out to grab at him. Ali ROCKS Ricochet back and climbs up the corner!
Ali drags Ricochet up, Ricochet ROCKS Ali back! Ricochet goes up top but Slapjack distracts! As does Reckoning! T-Bar and Mace TOSS Ricochet off the top and onto barriers! Ricochet crashes down, Ali adjusts, SUPER SPLASH!! Ricochet sputters and gasps as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again and Ali is after Ricochet in a corner. Ricochet throws punches back and backs Ali down! Ricochet whips, Ali reverses and blocks boots to spin him around, for a DRAPING BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Ali glares at Ricochet as he stomps him down. Ali wraps on a chinlock but Ricochet endures. Retribution tells Ricochet to give up but fans clap on their screens to rally behind him. Ricochet fights up, throws body shots but Ali knees low. Ali drags Ricochet up to scoop slam and elbow drop! Cover, TWO! Ali wraps on the chinlock again and leans on Ricochet. Ricochet still endures, even as Ali says he stands no chance!
Ricochet fights up again, throws more body shots but Ali CLUBS him down! Ali brings Ricochet up and around to suplex, but Ricochet slips out to shove Ali into buckles! Ricochet catches his breath before running in but Ali goes up and over. Ali turns around into an elbow and mule kick, then Ricochet flips up and over to GERMAN SUPLEX! Both men are down and Retribution is freaking out! Ali and Ricochet stir, slowly rise, and they start throwing hands. Ricochet gets the edge and DISCUS LARIATS Ali down! Ricochet fires himself up, drags Ali up and fireman’s carries. The back gives out and Ali gets away.
Ali comes back but Ricochet fireman’s carries again, for the KICK BACK! The falling kick hits, Ricochet covers, but Mace drags Ali out of the ring! The ref reprimands, but now Retribution flanks the ring! Ricochet doesn’t care that he’s surrounded, he goes to the corner, and triangle jumps to get T-Bar with an APRON DDT!! Slapjack comes around into a dropkick! Mace runs in, Ricochet dodges and sees Ali! Ricochet goes out to the apron to SHOTGUN DROPKICK Ali into a post! Ricochet avoids Mace again to roll back and TORNADO DDT Mace to the floor! Ricochet is the One and Only One Man Wrecking Crew!
The ring count is 8, Ricochet puts Ali in and is back up top! SHOOTING STAR onto knees!! KOJI KLUTCH!! #LightsOut! Ricochet IS out, Ali wins!!
Winner: Mustafa Ali, by submission
The King of Flight has been grounded! Retribution wins again with another stacked deck, but Ali gets the mic to tell Ricochet, “When are you gonna learn that you have no chance?!” Ali gives Ricochet one last chance to erase all his regrets and have a new outlook! It will be a new beginning. “Join Retribution. What is your decision?” Ali holds the mic out to Ricochet, who takes it from him. “Ali, I’ve made a decision. I will… NOT join Retribution!” RECOIL!! Ricochet bails out and leaves Retribution alone with their rage! The One and Only will be defiant until the end! But how will this end for Ricochet and Ali?
Backstage interview with Nia Jax!
With Shayna Baszler by her side, Nia says she heard what Charlotte said. Charlotte is smart to be afraid, and that fear warms Nia’s heart. Nia does have a few New Year’s Resolutions, though. One: end Charlotte’s rise to the top before even making to the first rung. Two: get the tag team titles back. And three: enter the Women’s Royal Rumble, throw everyone else out, and when Nia wins, face the Raw Women’s Champion, whoever that might be. Shayna likes that idea. Will the Irresistible Force and Queen of Spades look to win big in 2021?
Backstage interview with Drew McIntyre!
The Scottish Warrior knows he is facing Keith Lee for the title, does he have anything to say about that? McIntyre is just excited all the way. It will be Legend’s Night, and McIntyre wants to give them a match that’s legendary. Keith may not like what has happened the last few weeks, but McIntyre sees the spark Keith needs to be on top. They’re going to beat the hell out of each other, and McIntyre is happy for Keith. Keith can prove to the world he can do it. Keith can beat just about anyone in the WWE, except for McIntyre. Will that legendary battle end the way McIntyre thinks it will?
Charlotte Flair w/ Asuka VS Nia Jax w/ Shayna Baszler!
This 1v1 match has been a long time coming! The Queen owes Nia a receipt for that arm injury half a year ago! Will Charlotte ruin Nia’s new year before it’s even begun?
Raw returns and Nia makes her entrance. The bell rings and the two stare down. They slowly approach, then quickly tie up! They’re in a deadlock but Nia powers Charlotte back, only for Charlotte to put her on the ropes. The ref counts, the break is honored, and Nia taunts Charlotte, “How’s the arm?” They tie up again, Nia gets around but Charlotte is after Nia’s arm. Charlotte pulls but Nia clubs Charlotte away. Charlotte and Nia reset, go again, and Charlotte gets around to headlock. Nia tries to power out but Charlotte holds tight! Asuka cheers as Charlotte grinds the headlock, but Nia powers her to a corner. Nia rams into Charlotte but the ref counts and Nia stops at 4.
Nia reels Charlotte in to ram shoulders again and again, and Charlotte drops to a knee. Nia taunts the Queen, wrenches and wrings the arm out! Charlotte holds the shoulder but Nia drags her up again. Nia whips Charlotte to a corner, but Charlotte tumbles out to the apron to shoulder and boot back in! Charlotte BOOTS again and Nia falls to her knees! Charlotte dropkicks Nia out of the ring! Nia is on her feet again but Charlotte eggs her on. Nia takes a moment to cool off, gets back on the apron, and Charlotte lets her get in. Then Charlotte spins past the ref to fire off forearms!
Nia is on the ropes but Charlotte pushes her against them! The ref counts, Nia shoves Charlotte away. Charlotte comes back and dropkicks Nia again! And then Charlotte hits a wrecking ball dropkick to send Nia into the announce desk! The ring count starts, Shayna creeps over but Asuka is there to BACK HAND Shayna down! Nia runs at Charlotte but is sent into steel steps! Charlotte puts Nia back in, drags Nia by a leg, and spins through, but Nia throws Charlotte into buckles! Charlotte clutches her head and Nia glares as she runs in, CORNER SPLASH! Charlotte flops down, Nia covers, TWO! The Queen is still in this as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again and Nia has Charlotte down in a cobra clutch! Charlotte endures, fights her way up and elbows free! Charlotte kicks low, gets around and hits a neckbreaker! Nia staggers into CHOPS! Charlotte CHOPS Nia to a corner, CHOPS more, and blocks a boot to SLAP Nia! Charlotte puts the leg on ropes but Nia avoids the knee drop! Nia scoops, Charlotte slips out and throws Nia down! Charlotte drags Nia to a drop zone, climbs up the corner, but Nia gets up to trip Charlotte up! Fireman’s carry but Charlotte sunset flips to high stack, TWO! Charlotte runs, into a pop-up POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!!
Asuka rallies behind Charlotte but Nia drags Charlotte around. Nia runs but misses the leg drop! Charlotte gets up and staggers, but she gets the legs to trip Nia, steps through, but Nia boots her away! Shayna distracts, Asuka runs in but is sent OVER the desk! Charlotte BOOTS Shayna, avoids Nia and rolls Nia up! TWO, but Charlotte gets the legs! Figure Four! Nia fights and Shayna gets in to KIRAFUDA!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by disqualification
The Queen is caught by the Queen of Spades, and Nia stomps Charlotte’s leg! Asuka runs back in to run off Nia and Shayna, and the winner is STILL Charlotte! Nothing was settled between Nia and Charlotte, will it take the tag team championships to do that?
The Hurt Business arrives.
MVP says it was a championship Christmas for them, and they’ve got big plans for 2021. But they ask someone on his phone to move out of the way. When he looks up, he’s startled by who he’s surrounded by, and falls right over! MVP, Lashley, Alexander and Benjamin are ready to rule the new year, but will their battle with old foes ruin those plans?
Angel Garza walks around backstage.
He finds a poster with the newspaper headline, “GREAT GARZA.” This is of course in reference to Matt Garza, the MLB baseball player. But then Charly Caruso comes by to interview Garza and asks how he feels his first year on Raw was. “Just like everyone else, my year had ups, downs. I’ve loved, swiped left, right, and met you.” But this new year is almost here, and with it comes new beginnings. Who knows? Maybe Garza will introduce himself into one of the legendary female superstars next week. Yes, he surely will. But Charly is curious who this rose is for. A gentleman never tells, but R-Truth runs into Garza! The 24/7 Championship chase runs through and Garza has no idea what that was about. But sadly, the rose has been trampled. He gives it to Charly and says, “It’s the thought that counts.”
The New Day and Hardy Bros talk backstage.
Riddle and Hardy tell Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods to congratulate Big E on their behalf for becoming the NEW WWE Intercontinental Champion! It’s about damn time! And please believe that once the New Day get their titles back, they will take a triple champion picture together, and gently touch their tips together for the IG. Riddle says that is dope indeed. But they have a huge task ahead. They need a sweet new name of the quadro! And Riddle is thinking that they’re all bros and stallions, so what about The Little Bronies? No, that’s technically taken, copyright issues and all.
Okay, what about… The Positively Hard Bros? Umm… Well the match is next so we’ll talk about it later. Wait, what about the pancakes? Wait! RAIN-BROS! Yes!! But nicknames aside, will this quartet be a hit in the huge 4v4 after the break?
8 Man Tag: The Hurt Business VS The New Day, Jeff Hardy & Matt Riddle!
Raw returns as Riddle makes his entrance and joins his RainBros in the ring. Then the Hurt Business makes their entrance, and MVP has a mic. “Before we destroy what’s left of the New Day, Jeff Hardy and Riddle, the Chief Hurt Officer, the United States Champion, the All Mighty, would like to make an exclusive business forecast for our 2021 operations.” Pay close attention. Lashley declares for the Men’s Royal Rumble match, meaning he will main event this year’s WrestleMania! It’s official. Done deal. With that news, will the Rocky Mountain Machine roll into the Rumble with massive momentum?
The teams sort out, and Riddle starts with “Prime” Alexander. Alexander knees low and clubs away on Riddle but Riddle forearms back! Riddle spins Alexander but Alexander bocks the Pele to roll Riddle for a dropkick! Alexander is fired up, but Riddle gets him for a gut wrench suplex! Alexander scrambles away to Lashley! Lashley and Riddle circle, tie up, and Riddle headlocks. Lashley powers out then runs him over! Lashley runs, catches Riddle’s leap, but Riddle goes for a guillotine! Only for Lashley power out and suplex SLAM Riddle down! Lashley puts Riddle in the corner, stomps him, then tags in MVP. MVP fires off forearms and stomps of his own!
The ref backs MVP off, the Hurt Business get some shots in, and MVP stomps Riddle more. Tag to Shelton Benjamin and they mug Riddle, to then snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Benjamin keeps Riddle from the corner and rams him into an open corner. Benjamin rams his shoulder in more, lets off at the ref’s count of 4, then brings Riddle back up. Riddle hits back with body shots but Benjamin throws forearms. Benjamin ROCKS Riddle, scoops but Riddle slips out. Riddle shoves Benjamin at the corner and KICKS him down! Tag to Hardy, BROETRY in Motion! Tag to Woods and Woods stomps away on Benjamin! Tag to Kofi and the stomping stampede begins!
Tag to Riddle, he gets to be a stallion in the stampede! Tag to Hardy and he adds on! Hardy hits the HARDYAC dropkick! Riddle intercepts MVP, Kofi intercepts Alexander, and Woods mule kicks Lashley! Kofi kicks, Riddle dropkicks and Hardy clotheslines Lashley out! Lashley is furious, because he went up and over the top rope a la the Rumble! MVP cools Lashley off but that’s hard to do in itself, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Riddle is fighting MVP off, but MVP throws Riddle’s foot down on the mat! Then MVP STOMPS the foot! Alexander taunts Riddle that this is why they wear boots! MVP covers, ONE, but he throws forearms to put Riddle in the corner. MVP rams his shoulder in, Lashley tags in and Lashley runs to RAM into Riddle! Lashley drags Riddle up, clinches, and hits a COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, TWO! Riddle survives but Lashley glares at Hardy and the New Day. Tag to Benjamin, he and Lashley mug Riddle, and stomp his bare feet again! Riddle throws body shots, Benjamin throws haymakers, then Benjamin drags Riddle away.
Benjamin kicks the leg, then drags Riddle around into a Half Crab! Riddle endures but Benjamin sits deep! Riddle crawls, gets the ropebreak, and Benjamin lets go fast. Benjamin drags Riddle up, Riddle throws hands but Benjamin throws Riddle out! MVP goes out to mockingly ask how Riddle feels. The ref counts, MVP backs off and the count is to 6. Benjamin is on Riddle, Alexander tags in before Lashley can, which confuses MVP a bit. Alexander hits a back suplex, covers, TWO! Alexander keeps Riddle down with a knee in the back and a chinlock on tight. Riddle endures, fights up and the fans clap on their screens.
Riddle fights back, Alexander elbows him down and tags in Benjamin. They mug Riddle, Benjamin puts Riddle on ropes then tags in Lashley. Lashley throws crossface forearms while he has Riddle on the ropes! Tag to Alexander and Alexander brings Riddle up. Riddle throws body shots, then a ROUNDHOUSE! Alexander is dazed, hot tag to Kofi! Kofi springboards and ax handles Alexander! Kofi hits the Hurt Business, chops Alexander down then dropkicks! Kofi keeps moving, leaping lariat! Kofi runs for the NEW~ DAY~ Boom Drop! Kofi claps it up but Benjamin grabs at him! Kofi DECKS Benjamin but MVP distracts, Alexander attacks!
Alexander back suplex, Kofi slips out and Woods tags in! Kofi DIVES onto Benjamin and Lashley! Alexander runs but Woods trips him up! Woods slingshots to elbow drop! MVP runs in to throw Woods but Woods throws MVP! Alexander runs into a drop toehold onto ropes! Woods runs to slide Alexander and wreck MVP! Woods gives Alexander a rope GUILLOTINE! Hardy is up top and he LEAPS out onto MVP! Woods powers up for a DISCUS! YEAH, YEAH, YEAH, YEAH~! Tag to Hardy, he goes back up, SWANTON BOMB!! Cover, but Lashley breaks it! Lashley throws Woods into a corner, but runs in to POST himself!
Woods sees MVP and MVP CLOBBERS him! Kofi leaps but MVP dodges to BOOT Kofi down! Riddle ROUNDHOUSES MVP down, Benjamin throws Riddle. Riddle is on the apron, Benjamin KNEES him down! Hardy gives Benjamin a TWIST OF FATE! Lashley tags in, but he runs into a kick! And the spinning mule kick! Lashley still charges, but into a clinch. But the jawbreaker is turned into a HURT LOCK!! Hardy flails, but he taps! The Hurt Business wins!
Winners: The Hurt Business, by submission
Despite the hard fight Hardy and friends put up, the US Champion is too mighty! And then the rest of the Hurt Business goes after New Day! But Woods shoves Alexander into the apron, Kofi slips off Benjamin’s scoop to mule kick him down! Riddle sneaks up on Lashley to spin him around, FINAL FLASH!! The Hurt Business is left behind, and are no longer in a good mood after that win! Will Lashley look to make Riddle a ragdoll in the new year?
Miz and Morrison sulk backstage.
Morrison tells Miz that they can get past this. John Cena lost that one match to Kevin Federline, right? Kevin Feder…?! MIZ IS MR. MITB!! Well, was. Adam Pearce finds them and says they look as miserable as the Cleveland Browns did. Pearce has the briefcase? Going to throw that in his face now? As much as Pearce would love to throw it in his face literally, and very hard, no. Pearce is here to return it to Miz. What? Well, the loophole was correct, and Miz is the only one who can officially cash this in. Morrison did it at TLC but he’s not Mr. MITB. So once again, this briefcase is back in Miz’s “grubby little hands.” Happy holidays.
Miz and Morrison are PUMPED! And they dance all up and down the stairs rather awkwardly… Will they use this second chance to properly cash-in and take the world title?
Alexa Bliss heads back to the ring!
But she’s not dressed to compete. She made a challenge to Randy Orton, but apparently she didn’t mean a match. Plus, WWE doesn’t usually do co-ed competition. Even so, Alexa still dares Orton to come out, and Orton walks out to join her. Orton has a mic and says, “Where is he?” Alexa says this is not about him. This is about her! Alexa walks out of the ring, goes over to the timekeeper’s area, and grabs… a present? She brings the gift box back to the ring and tears away the wrapping paper. There is a very normal cardboard box inside, and she opens that up… to bring out a gas can and matches?!
Alexa carries the gas can and matches over to Orton, and sets them down at his feet. She then takes a few steps back, kicks the box out of the ring, and challenges Orton to do to her what she did to The Fiend!?! She wants to be set on fire?!? Alexa lies down and waits, but Orton doesn’t take her seriously. Alexa gets up, walks back over to him, takes the gas can back, then pours some gas out from the center and back to Orton. Then she stands on the puddle of gas and dares him. “I just did the job for you. So go ahead. Light the match and do to me what you did to him!” Alexa lies down on the puddle, and shouts for Orton to do it!
Orton still isn’t so sure, and she gets even more upset. Alexa storms back over, takes the gas can back a second time, and brings it back over to make an even bigger puddle of gas! A ring of it, actually. Is he not going to do it? Maybe he doesn’t have the guts! Just look at him. Orton says he’s sick, twisted, demented. But he’s not. Because if he was, he’d light the match! But he’s nothing! “Nothing but a little bitch!!” Alexa DRENCHES herself with the gasoline!! She glares at Orton through her soaked hair, and Orton looks down at the matches.
Orton says, “You think that I won’t do it?” Orton bends down to pick up the matches, keeping his eyes on her just in case. “You think that I’m not capable? I want to do it. But I know that it’s what you want me to do, so right now I’m trying to process the whole thing.” Orton knows he enjoys watches pain and suffering, and that is what he wants to do here, but this is what she wants, too! Do you think Fiend went to hell and you want to join him? FINE! Maybe Orton will set her on fire! Or, maybe he won’t. But then the lights start going down. Orton may have been right all along.
But wait. Instead of the Fiend’s lights, the MATCH is lit! Orton drops the match, but then the rest of the lights go out!! What happens?! Does he set Alexa on fire or not?!? We won’t know until the new year!!!
My Thoughts:
Well that was a wild Raw to end the year on. That cliffhanger just now did not work the way they’d hoped, as far as I’m concerned. Obviously no one was really getting set on fire, but couldn’t they have hinted at it by showing the match touch gasoline and just some fire erupting before cutting away? But up until that moment, Orton and Alexa were going an amazing job tonight. Alexa recycled a bit of her lines from the previous playground promo, but Orton returning the mind games by finding and vandalizing the Fun House was a good touch. This all still has to lead to a Firefly Fun House match, but Orton should’ve either left to leave Alexa frustrated, or the Fiend should’ve returned to debut whatever new form he’ll be taking. Anything more than a cliffhanger that falls flat.
Opening with the world championship story was a good move, to give Keith VS Sheamus time to breathe. It was a great set-up to the match, a great match, and a great result. McIntyre VS Keith for “Legend’s Night” is fine, but I would think McIntyre retains. His story with Sheamus still has a lot to it, and I think this means Sheamus is the one to challenge at the Royal Rumble. Of course, and perhaps rather disappointingly, Miz gets the MITB contract back without any real struggle, and though the victory dance he and Morrison was hilarious, this just seems too soon and too dumb. And yet the detail is so specific, it is clear they were going to do this right from the moment on TLC. Metalik got a big win off Miz, but it means very little now because Miz gets what he wants anyway.
Poor #SexyMuscleFriends. They looked to have a triumphant moment where they’d finally get even with Shayna, but nope, Shayna solos them. Charlotte and Nia have a great match, even with Shayna “ruining” the end, but at least Asuka was there to save Charlotte. Clearly on the Raw end of things, Nia and Shayna are going to be in line for a rematch before the Rumble. And it has to be before because Nia, and clearly Shayna, will be in the Women’s Rumble match. Asuka VS Charlotte is going to be built simply by Charlotte again bringing up how she said she returned as a favor, and so Asuka will return the favor by giving Charlotte a match. Win or lose, the Queens of Tomorrow will surely stick together for their tag title run, but it could be used to create dysfunction.
I actually liked how Styles VS Elias was set up through Styles and Omos being upset about the noise, aka Elias’ music. Styles VS Elias was a really good match, but naturally Styles wins. It wasn’t quite full Heel VS Heel, and I’m thinking Styles and Omos turn Face through this. To be fair, it works because Styles is great no matter what, and Omos is definitely showing enough personality now to be a Face. Ricochet VS Ali was a really good match, too, especially with Ricochet fighting off the henchmen by himself. Ricochet loses to mostly set up that swerve on his decision, but I still feel like he needs to find allies of his own to finally fight back.
Garza continues to have cringey segments, but I like that his attempts at being suave were ruined by the 24/7 Championship chase. And I almost feel like Garza should get involved with that so it can be used to comically ruin more of his attempts. The 8 Man Tag was a great main-event match, and Riddle’s promo beforehand felt a bit more like himself rather than what WWE was writing him to be like last week. The Hurt Business still wins because they deserve to be a very strong unit, and Lashley VS Riddle is still being built. That title match should certainly happen on the way to the Rumble, or even on the Rumble PPV, and it should be on the same level as what we got out of Keith VS Sheamus tonight.
One thing I also need to add is that with this being the first wrestling program since Jon Huber, aka Luke Harper, aka Brodie Lee, sadly passed away, I loved every little thing the superstars did to pay tribute to him. McIntyre opened the show with the phrase Huber loved to use on social media, “It’s [day of the week], you know what that means.” And a few times, “Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,” was said, which Huber as Harper did very often during his matches. Plus, the use of the discus lariat, especially when Woods did it with the little hand gesture Harper would do before, was such a great way of showing how much Huber meant to everyone he worked with here in WWE. Needless to say, Huber will be missed by so many.
My Score: 8.3/10
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IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLASGOW KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Candice has Tiffy down with an armlock. Tiff fights up as the fans rally, but Candice wrenches to wristlock. Tiff spins through, goes to ropes, then up the corner to flip and arm-drag! The fans fire up as Tiff rallies on Candice! DROPKICK, and Tiff snarls! Tiff goes to the corner, and Charlotte makes her entrance? The Queen chooses to be fashionably late all so everyone looks at her, including Tiffy. Tiffy handsprings, but Candice dodges! Candice runs up to UPPERCUT, then she snapmares and NECK SNAPPERS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice clamps onto Tiffy with a top wristlock.
The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte now chooses to join commentary. Tiff fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, but Candice CLUBS away on her! Candice backs off, runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her to ropes! Tiff runs, HIP ATTACKS, and Candice flops back! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays on Candice with a whip, but Candice reverses. Candice CLOBBERS Tiff, covers, TWO! Charlotte corrects Tiffy’s words earlier: Charlotte isn’t the “top girl,” she is THE woman in WWE. Candice HIP DROPS Tiff but the fans rally up. Candice scuffs Tiff, then grinds an arm to drop a knee on the elbow! And another knee drop! Tiff endures and the fans rally up.
Candice keeps on that arm, thrashes it around, but Tiff fights up. Tiff fires body shots, then shoves Candice to Alabama Lift her! Candice sunset flips, Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated and Candice bails out. Tiff goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Candice and Nia, and Tiff almost stuck the landing! The fans fire up with Tiff and she goes into the ring. Tiff points to the WrestleMania sign, and then at Charlotte, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Tiff waits on Candice, Candice slides in, and Tiff stomps her down! Candice bails out, Nia is there to coach her, but Tiff lets the ring count start. Candice gets on the apron, Tiff kicks her, but Candice RAMS Tiff! Candice CLUBS Tiff, has her in the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Candice climbs, aims, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO!
Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW!
Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back! Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring!
The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring. Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, but with some interesting moves after the sudden change in plans with The Rock showing up. Naomi and Bianca had a good promo to hype up what was meant to be a full match of Naomi VS Liv, but word had already come out before the show that things were being cut for time. But at the very least, they did the right thing of making it a brawl that adds heat to the tag title match on Monday. Also, hilarious how Chelsea & Piper thought the beatdown on Bianca & Naomi was so bad that they would need to be pulled from the Chamber. I also can’t wait to see what happens on Toronto SmackDown.
As for The Rock, I do appreciate he used his authority to kayfabe change more things, all so he could have his promo with Cody. I also appreciate Rock blending his different roles and even different sides, both Heel and Face, to A) bring the news of WM42 being in NOLA, and B) recreate the Corporate Champion/People’s Champion story from the Attitude Era. That was some wild stuff he was saying to Cody. I’m sure quite a few people will try and talk with Cody next week in the go-home. Heels will say do it because they’d love to have what Rock can give, Faces will say not because Cody’s better than that. But naturally, Cody is not going to become The Rock’s Champion, causing Rock to turn on him and really up things going into WrestleMania 41 and perhaps even beyond.
Good stuff in the Elimination Chamber related stories. Jimmy VS McIntyre was great stuff to open, and how fitting that McIntyre loses to Jimmy after talking all that trash about Jimmy and Jey being the same. Jey got McIntyre with something quick, Jimmy got McIntyre with something quick, McIntyre’s ego is obviously his weakness. And at the same time, McIntyre of course destroys Jimmy after because that’s his other personality trait. Priest had good promos with Cody and Braun, and we got great stuff from Solo’s Bloodline. Naturally, we got a miscommunication spot to help finish, we’re really close to Solo VS Jacob, I can feel it. Priest & Braun get the win, mostly because Priest isn’t winning in the Chamber when you’ve got Punk and Cena in there.
Very good stuff with Tiffy Time, from the promos leading into the match to Charlotte being ringside just to watch. Nia & Candice of course get the better of Tiff & Trish, because Tiff & Trish are definitely winning the tag match in Toronto. Charlotte just seems to enjoy trolling Tiff with her presence, so Charlotte probably shows up in Toronto to then confront Tiff after the match. I expect the seven weeks after Elimination Chamber to really heat up, as will Charlotte’s involvement, where she’ll get more active verbally and physically. Also, hell, Rock should go full Corporation and have Charlotte be his Corporate Women’s Champion because of how established she is.
Hilarious stuff from Truth tonight, as always. Truth and Melo having their “who’s on first” again was good stuff, and of course Miz gets in on this story, too. Truth & Knight VS “Melo Don’t Miz” was really fun, but yeah, should’ve figured Nakamura would get involved, too. Melo & Miz making it work could also be really fun, and while Knight VS Nakamura is a rehash, I really hope they find a way to up things. It feels like we’re getting the same with the tag titles as Profits “ruined” that great tag match from DIY and Pretty Deadly, then brawled with MCMG to still come out on top. Last year had a ladder tag title match, so why not do one for these titles this year?
Speaking of escalating, Kevin filming a promo outside Sami’s house was some really well done stuff, as expected of someone as good as Kevin and in such a story as him and Sami. Their match should main event, it needs time to breathe, as it could be just as, if not more violent, than the Chamber matches. What a powerful closing moment we could have if it’s a bloody Kevin and Sami, and one of them is standing over the other, triumphant yet mournful because it was their best friend in the world that they just brutalized.
My Score: 8.9/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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