Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (1/1/21)
Happy New Year from SmackDown!
The Tribal Chief has a special request for the first SmackDown of 2021!
After defeating Kevin Owens twice in Universal Championship matches, Roman Reigns makes a request of WWE management! Will they honor it?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Big E VS King Corbin w/ The Knights of the Lone Wolf; Big E wins, by disqualification.
- Big E & Apollo Crews VS Sami Zayn & Baron Corbin w/ the Knights of the Lone Wolf; Big E & Crews win.
- The Riott Squad VS
Billie Kay & ???Natalya & Tamina w/ Billie Kay; The Riott Squad wins. - Sasha Banks & Bianca Belair VS BayMella w/ Reginald the sommelier; BayMella wins.
- Daniel Bryan & Otis Dozovic w/ Chad Gable VS Cesaro & Shinsuke Nakamura; Bryan & Otis win.
- Kevin Owens VS Jey Uso; Kevin wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
WWE and SmackDown mourn the loss of Jon Huber, aka Luke Harper.
Roman Reigns heads to the ring!
The Tribal Chief, his Special Counsel, Paul Heyman, and cousin Jey Uso are all here, and still holding onto the Universal Championship. Jey made sure Kevin Owens didn’t bring that title home as a Christmas present, and as advertised, the Head of the Table is here to make a special request in regards to the title and Kevin Owens. Heyman fetches the microphone for Roman, and Roman says “as the face of the WWE, let me start by saying Happy New Year. And as I thought about it, 2020 was rough. It’s been a tough year. But when you’re the Head of the Table, when you’re the Tribal Chief, you make it work.”
Roman asks Jey, “Why do you think I wear the gold glove? Because everything I touch turns into greatness.” Look at who he has around him. Special Counsel, Paul Heyman, who was discarded and thrown out, but Roman saved him. Roman doesn’t understand it. Heyman is “the most genuine, honest man” that Roman has done business with. And then there’s Jey Uso. “He’s a prime example of what I can do. What did I say? All you got to do is listen to me. All you got to do is understand how my brain works, and why I do what I do, and what’s happened? It’s been the best year of your career, has it not?” Main event Jey, barn burner after barn burner, Jey can’t miss because he ACKNOWLEDGE Roman as Head of the Table.
Roman did all of this because he knows who Jey is. Roman understood “since day one.” To everyone else, it was like, ‘Which one are you?” To Roman, he’s always been Main Event Uso. Roman wouldn’t put the pressure on Jey if he didn’t think he could handle it. And what happened? Jey knocked it all out of the park, just like he knew he could. But then KEVIN OWENS appears!! Roman has the music shut off and tells Kevin not to say anything because they don’t want to hear it. Why is Kevin here? No one wants to see him anymore! He’s like a roach that won’t die and keeps begging for crumbs.
Kevin had his time, was on the Island of Relevancy, was a social media sweetheart for a few weeks, and now he needs to leave. Roman helped Kevin get that big payday, so he better use it well. Hopefully Kevin gave his family a good Christmas, but that’s it. They’re done, Roman doesn’t want anything to do with Kevin because he’s just an embarrassment. “It ain’t about you!” Tonight is about Jey Uso and the family! “Get it through your thick head!” No one cares anymore, Kevin, stop being selfish.
Kevin doesn’t go, and instead responds with, “You’re right, me standing out here is embarrassing to you, and it should be.” Why? Because Kevin standing here right now, despite Roman still being champion, means he and his family failed. What has Roman tried to do at TLC and then in a steel cage? He has tried to end Kevin’s career, yet here he is. Roman should be embarrassed that Jey had to physically drag Kevin off ladder after ladder, and then handcuff him in the cage. Roman should be embarrassed because Kevin here now makes it 100% clear is that the Big Dog is gone and he’s just been replaced by a Big BITCH!
But it’s good to see Roman celebrating. Kevin and Roman don’t want anything to do with each other, because Kevin wants to make it about cousin Jey! Kevin is here to fight Jey Uso! But for everything they’ve done to Kevin, Kevin will make Jey pay. Kevin is going backstage and isn’t asking but demanding that he fights Jey Uso, and when he’s done with Jey, Roman’s family will have nothing to celebrate. Mic drop! Will Kevin #JustKeepFighting until he’s gotten even with the entire Bloodline?
Big E VS King Corbin w/ The Knights of the Lone Wolf!
The NEW WWE Intercontinental Champion is ready to blaze a trail in 2021! Will he make the Lone Wolf King #ThinkBig on the first SmackDown of the new year?
SmackDown returns as Corbin makes his entrance, with Steve Cutler and Wesley Blake behind him. Sami Zayn is on commentary with his two Sami Awards as Big E throws his jacket at him. Sami says there is a conspiracy as the bell rings. Big E and Corbin circle, tie up, and go around. Big E puts Corbin in a corner but Corbin turns it around. Big E powers out but Corbin headlocks, only for Big E to power out again. Corbin rams Big E with a shoulder but Big E stays up, and swivels the hips. Things speed up, Big E drops to hurdle then elbows Corbin down! Cover, ONE! Big E keeps on Corbin with a facelock and gator roll, yeah yeah yeah yeah, cover, ONE!
Big E whips, Corbin kicks and CLOBBERS him! Sami cheers Corbin as he covers, ONE! Big E checks his jaw, Corbin drives elbows into the shoulders over and over! Corbin drags Big E up but Big E throws haymakers! Corbin blocks to throat chop Big E, then POST him! Corbin rains down rights in the corner but the ref counts and Corbin lets off. Sami admits he holds a grudge while Corbin brings Big E out to whip and elbow him down! Cover, TWO! Corbin runs to ROCK Big E with a haymaker! Corbin runs again, Big E throws him out and runs, but into a KNEE! Sami is loving this as Corbin runs in, only for Big E to dodge. Corbin slides out, slide sin, but into a scoop and BIG ENDING! Cover, but Sami attacks!!
Winner: Big E, by disqualification
Well Big E looked to be winning anyway, but the sore loser former champion just handed it to him! And then the Knights of the Lone Wolf attack Big E on Corbin’s behalf! They drag Big E up but Big E fights them off, only for Sami to sucker punch Big E! They stomp Big E 3v1 but here comes APOLLO CREWS! Apollo gets in, dumps Blake out HARD, then clotheslines Cutler out! Sami runs in but misses, for Apollo to trophy lift and TOSS Sami out onto the Knights! Apollo and Big E are fired up, is this going to turn into a tag match after the break, playa?
Big E & Apollo Crews VS Sami Zayn & Baron Corbin w/ the Knights of the Lone Wolf!
It has! And SmackDown returns as Apollo whips Sami corner to corner, only for Sami to reverse. Apollo goes up and over and dropkicks Sami down! Cover, TWO! Apollo stalks Sami to ropes, drags him up but Sami elbows him away. Tag to Corbin, and Corbin circles with Apollo. They tie up, Corbin kicks low then throws Apollo out. Apollo lands on the apron, shoulder sin then slingshots, but Corbin DECKS him with that right hand! Sami tags himself in because he’s going to pick the bones with haymakers. Apollo hits back, Sami knees low and throws more hands. Sami pushes Apollo into the corner and tags Corbin back in to mug Apollo.
Corbin whips Apollo corner to corner, runs in, but Apollo boots back! Corbin comes back to clothesline and down goes Apollo! Corbin throws Apollo out and takes a cheap shot at Big E, all to distract the ref as the Knights attack Apollo! The Knights get away with it, Corbin goes out to fetch Apollo into the ring, and Sami tags himself in again. Sami is getting on Corbin’s nerves but Sami drags Apollo up to throw him out again. Sami distracts the ref, but the Knights don’t do Sami’s dirty work, they do Corbin’s. Sami has to fetch Apollo and bumps him off the apron. Sami argues with the Knights, hurries back in to keep Apollo from Big E, and throws forearms.
Sami whips, Apollo reverses and scoops to POWERSLAM! Both men are down, fans fire up on their screens, hot tags to Big E and Corbin! Big E gets Corbin for an OVERHEAD! And then another OVERHEAD! And then a side Belly2Belly! Big E fires up, he runs and hits the BIG SPLASH! Big E claps it up, “New! Day Rocks!” Corbin is up, Big E scoops but Corbin slips out to shove. Big E dodges but runs into DEEP SIX! Cover, TWO! The Knights and Sami argue again, Corbin shouts at all of them to quit it, but Big E tags in! Apollo ROCKS Corbin and LARIATS! Apollo fires up, whips but Corbin DECKS him!
Tag to Sami, Corbin waistlocks but Apollo fires off elbows! Sami comes in, but Apollo dodges and the Helluva Kick almost gets Corbin! Sami stomps away but then Corbin argues with Sami. The Knights are with Corbin and Sami wants them all to calm down because they’re on the same team. But Corbin says nope, they’re leaving! Sami is all alone because of his ego, and Apollo gets Sami with an enziguri! And then the CREWS MISSILE!! Cover, Apollo wins!
Winners: Apollo Crews & Big E, by pinfall
A big win for Apollo and Big E, will this year be bigger than ever for the two of them?
Kevin Owens finds Adam Pearce.
Pearce ends his phone call to hear Kevin out. Kevin knows Pearce heard him earlier and Kevin will fight Jey somehow. But Pearce has been making matches so make a match for him. Pearce knows but what is he supposed to do? Pearce takes orders- From Heyman and Roman!? This is NOT the Adam Pearce Kevin’s known for over 15 years. This isn’t the one he fought with at the Philly Armory and all that. Is he serious? Kevin needs this! But Pearce can’t and Kevin knows why! But how about this? Anyone else but Jey! Fine, fine. Make it Roman.
Why is Kevin doing this to him!? Well Pearce used to be Kevin’s boss, and the ones he said that matter aren’t the ones back here, but out there watching! So Kevin guarantees the fans watching want to see Kevin beat Jey’s ass! And Pearce knows if roles were reversed, Pearce would want the same thing! Fine. But if Kevin wants Jey, he has his match. Happy? Yes. Thanks, boss. Kevin heads out, but will the consequences come down on Pearce for this?
Big E and Apollo talk backstage.
Big E appreciates Apollo helping out there, but then Kayla Braxton catches up to congratulate them on their victory tonight. But what can we expect from the Intercontinental Champion in 2021? Big E says fans all around the world, from Rome to Rochester, from Amandas to Nolans coming up to him, at a safe distance, showing him so much love! That is why much like the 1967 Toronto Maple Leaves, Big E will be a fighting champion! So next week, Big E issues an open challenge-
And Apollo already accepts! But it will be an honor to face Big E for the title that he technically helped Big E win. And think about this: Big E might not be so lucky without Apollo there to watch his back. The tension is strong but only for a second before the two laugh this off. But does Apollo have a point? And will he make it when he gives Big E his first defense of the new year?
The Riott Squad VS Billie Kay & ???
They say the third time is the charm, and that is what the Femme Fatale is hoping for this week. Her newest mystery partner is… Wait it’s just Tamina again. They tried this before, but can Billie and Tamina make it work out? Wait, here’s Natalya? Oh, Billie Kay is being ditched, and the second generation superstars are teaming up! Will the Queen of Harts and Daughter of Superfly be too much to handle with Billie in their corner?
The Riott Squad VS Natalya & Tamina w/ Billie Kay!
The teams sort out and Natty starts with Liv. They tie up, Natty headlocks but Liv powers out, only for Natty to run her over. Things speed up, Liv drops then hurdles but the hip toss is blocked. Liv blocks back, body shots and springboards to a wheelbarrow, to then victory roll and cover, TWO! Billie keeps shouting orders that might not even make sense, and Natty tells her to shut up while she shoves Liv down. Liv hurries away and tags Ruby! Tamina tells Billie to stop, but the Squad double dropkicks Natty! Tamina tags in and she circles with Ruby. Ruby throws forearms but Tamina barely flinches. Ruby dodges Tamina’s shots to hit back! Ruby runs, into an UPPERCUT!
Billie cheers Tamina but Tamina ignores her to put her in the corner. Tamina stomps, Ruby fights out! Ruby elbows Natty then rocks Tamina, and hops up to leap over Tamina! Roll and tag to Liv! Liv dodges Tamina, DECKS Natty but Tamina grabs Liv, only to get forearms! Liv fires off forearms and kicks, Tamina shoves but Ruby tags in. The Squad gets Tamina for a DOUBLE STO! Cover, TWO! Billie has… changed corners?! Is she on the Squad’s side now? Ruby tells her to stop and brings Tamina up. Tag to Liv, but Tamina pushes LIv away and SUPERKICKS Ruby! Ruby bails out, Billie talks trash and Tamina fireman’s carries Liv. Billie keeps coaching, Liv rolls Tamina up, the Squad wins!
Winners: The Riott Squad, by pinfall
Well, Billie ended up helping them after all. Billie cheers like she’s part of their team, but the Squad says thanks, but no thanks. Will Billie ever find where she fits in on SmackDown?
Sasha Banks & Bianca Belair VS BayMella w/ Reginald the sommelier!
Both teams were part of the big Christmas Triple Threat for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships, but The Boss and the EST were somewhat distracted by the Role Model and the Untouchable fluttering around ringside. Will the #LegitEST team get even with their respective rivals?
SmackDown returns as Bianca joins Sasha in the ring, followed by Bayley and her other best friend making their entrances. The teams sort out and Mella starts against Bianca. They circle but Mella dodges to adjust her ring gear. They approach again, Mella waistlocks but Bianca throws her down hard! Bianca brings Mella up, blocks the slap and makes it a knuckle lock. Bianca says uh-uh, and she lifts Mella right up! Mella scrambles away and tags out to Bayley, but Bayley gets a dropkick! Bianca eggs Bayley on, Bayley rushes in but Bianca throws her out! Mella runs in, she’s put on the apron and Bianca handspring kicks her down!
Tag to Sasha, and Sasha leaps, but Bayley avoids the meteora! Bianca gives Sasha a boost to hit a crossbody on Bayley! Sasha puts Bayley in, covers, TWO! The SmackDown Women’s Champion says that’s okay, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns as Bayley grinds Bianca down but Bianca gets away to a corner. Bayley runs in but Bianca boots her! Bianca hops up and leaps over Bayley to roll, but Bayley CLOBBERS her first! Bayley covers again, ONE! Bayley pushes Bianca and gets in Sasha’s face. Bayley stomps Bianca to the ropes, wraps her arm around to a hammerlock and pulls! The ref counts, Bayley lets off and Mella mocks Bianca. Bayley kicks Bianca then drags her to the corner. Tag to Mella and she stomps away on Bianca! The ref counts, Mella lets off to cover, TWO! Mella stalks Bianca to a corner as she taunts Sasha, and Mella goes after the arm. The ref counts, Mella stops, but then pulls the arm again!
Mella lets off as the ref counts, then brings Bianca around to tag in Bayley. They mug Bianca, Bayley rolls her up, TWO! Bayley keeps Bianca down, drags her away, and chicken wings the arms. Fans rally on their screens, Bianca fights up but Bayley clubs her. Bayley goes to suplex but it’s Bianca who gets Bayley up and over! Bayley hurries and tags Mella in, and Mella clubs Bianca down! Mella talks trash, then sucker punches Sasha! Mella drags Bianca up, but Bianca cradles, TWO! Mella mule kicks low, then talks trash, “I’m the best, Bianca! Not you!” Bianca hits back but Mella clubs her. Mella gets a double wristlock but Bianca fights up to scoop! Mella slips out but Sasha tags in!
Sasha dares Mella to get cocky now, and the two tie up. Mella puts Sasha on the apron but Sasha shoulder sin then knees back! Sasha bumps Mella off buckles, then stands on Mella in the corner! The ref counts, Sasha lets off to swing in for a METEORA! Sasha runs side to side to BOOT WASH Mella! Mella flounders away but Sasha runs in, SHINING WIZARD! Cover, but Bayley KNEES Sasha down! Bianca throws Bayley out and hurries back to her corner. Sasha crawls over, Bianca wants to use her hair as a life line, but Bayley grabs it first! Only for Bianca to whip and POST her instead!
Bianca is after Sasha, and she suplexes Bayley to the floor! But this leaves Sasha alone and Mella rolls her up! TWO, mule kick and FABULOUS KICK! Mella smiles as she runs in the corner, but her bronco buster gets buckles! Sasha rolls Mella to the BANK STATEMENT!! The crossface is on but Reginald grabs out and drags Mella to safety! The ref reprimands but Reginald gets in the ring to stare Sasha down. Then he rolls away, and moonsaults off the apron, for Mella to slide in! But Sasha blocks the kick to KNEE Mella back! Jackknife cover, TWO! Sasha sees Reginald coming and SLAPS him! But Mella tilt-o-whirls and hits a FACEBUSTER! Cover, BayMella wins!
Winners: Bayley & Carmella, by pinfall
Carmella gets a pin off the SmackDown Women’s Champion, thanks to her surprisingly agile assistant! Does this mean Mella will get a second chance at becoming champion in the new year?
Roman Reigns hears the news about Kevin VS Jey.
And he’s not happy about it. “Everything I’ve done for this company, everything that I do, somebody still actually made that match. And that somebody, they don’t appreciate me.” Roman has Heyman give him the belt, and then Roman tells Heyman to go find that someone. Heyman heads out, and the cousins turn their attention back to the television screen. Will Jey teach Kevin and the rest of the WWE a lesson about appreciating the Tribal Chief?
Sonya Deville is backstage!
She lost to Mandy Rose and had to leave the WWE, but now she’s back? Is this the sign of something
The Street Profits are here!
Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford head to the ring, dressed for a party! Will 2021 bring the swag like nobody can after the break?
SmackDown returns and the Profits are ready~, ready~ for their New Year’s Day Smoketacular! It even has music and a graphic! They have a table with bottle service and something under a curtain. Before getting to the new year, real talk to 2020. It doesn’t have to go home but it has to get out of here! Hey, 2020 wasn’t all bad. What other tag team pulled off the trifecta by becoming Raw and SmackDown Team Championships? And they even beat the Tag Team GOAT in the NEW~ DAY~! And then TWO Slammy’s, one for Breakout and Tag Team Superstars of the year! And 2021 will be even bigger! Because here’s the big reveal! A big reveal? You ready~?
REVEAL! A drum set?! Dawkins gonna get his lunch table grind on. Dawkins can play! And now, it’s time for the Street Profits’ 2021 predictions! Now we all know that not everyone has the skills to become high class fashion designers. But in 2021, they predict their sophisticated “IÂ Was Intercontinental Champion-shirt” will go on sale at WWE Shop and become the number one selling shirt of the year! Talk to ’em! Footage replays of when they revealed said shirt to Sami on the same night that he lost the title to Big E.
You get a prediction! You get a prediction! Et cetera. Prediction number two! The Simpsons ain’t even got predictions like the Profits! And Ford says that “for years,” Dolph Ziggler has been entertaining the masses and stealing the show, and even stealing HBK’s style, so in 2021, Ziggler will get a nickname he truly deserves: The Heart ACHE Kid. AKA, HAK. TALK TO ‘EM! But speaking of Ziggler, he and Robert Roode attack! SUPERKICK for Ford! Dawkins is sent through his drum set, and then into a SUPERKICK! The Dirty Dawgs mug Ford, push him and Dawkins around, and Roode grabs chairs from the timekeeper’s area.
Roode dares Dawkins to make a joke as he SMACKS him on the back! Then he throws Dawkins over the barriers! Ziggler puts Ford in a corner, and Roode SLAMS a leg into the post! And then they hold the leg against the steel steps, for a CHAIR SHOT!! “Now we’re having fun!” Roode SMACKS Ford’s leg again! Dawkins drags himself back over and goes to Ford, but Roode and Ziggler leave, sarcastically wishing them a Happy New Year. Will Roode and Ziggler make sure the Profits can’t even defend those SmackDown Tag Team Championships in 2021?
SmackDown returns as Kayla interviews Roode & Ziggler.
“What was the reason for that vicious and unprovoked attack?” Vicious? Sure. But unprovoked? C’mon. The “Cheap” Profits have been provoking them for months, and went so far as to say the “washed up” HBK to Ziggler! HBK is not on Ziggler’s level, but Roode is. It’s always fun and games with the Profits, but did they have fun out there tonight? That is on the Profits’ hands. They have something Ziggler & Roode want and deserve. The Profits strut around waving titles and trophies around, but do you want to know what champions look like? You’re looking at two pros, two aces, who do what they want and when they want. And what they want, and what they demand, is a rematch for their SmackDown Tag Team Championships. And they will not stop until they get what they want.
Daniel Bryan & Otis Dozovic w/ Chad Gable VS Cesaro & Shinsuke Nakamura!
The YES Movement is teaming up with the Alpha Academy to see what he can learn before jumping into the Royal Rumble! Will Bryan and the Blue Collar Brawler both be ready for the Swiss Cyborg and King of Strong Style?
The teams sort out and Cesaro starts with Bryan. They tie up, Cesaro headlocks and hits a takeover, but Bryan fights his way up. Bryan powers out, Cesaro runs him over and covers, ONE as Bryan bridges. Cesaro jumps on but Bryan monkey flips him away! Bryan wrenches an arm but Cesaro powers Bryan to a corner. Nakamura tags in, they mug Bryan and Nakamura snapmares to wrap on a chinlock. Bryan fights up to standing switch, and he uses that hip training to hit a mat slam! And another! Nakamura fights up, gets to ropes, and elbows free to tag Cesaro.
Bryan DECKS Cesaro but Nakamura whips him. Bryan DIVES, but Cesaro catches him for a pop-up UPPERCUT! Cesaro and Nakamura mug Bryan with stomps, but Otis runs over! Otis runs them over and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns and Nakamura stomps away on Bryan, and fires off KICKS! Nakamura drags Bryan up, whips him out, and then tags to Cesaro. Cesaro bumps Bryan off the desk, puts him in the ring, and then dropping an elbow! Cover, TWO! Cesaro clamps onto Bryan with a chinlock and fans rally on their screens. Bryan fights up, fights free and runs, into a SCRAPBUSTER! For Brodie! Cover, TWO! Cesaro throws Bryan out and tags in Nakamura. Nakamura stomps Bryan, then puts him on the apron, to give him a KNEE! Nakamura goes in, covers, TWO!
Nakamura drags Bryan up, puts him in a corner and hoists him up top. Nakamura ROUNDHOUSES Bryan down, then whips him again, only for Bryan to reverse and send Nakamura out! How very Royal Rumble like! Bryan hurries to his corner but Cesaro gets Nakamura in. Cesaro tags, but Bryan tags in Otis! Otis rallies and runs Cesaro over! EXPLODER! The Dozer keeps moving, RUNNING DISCUS! Gable is fired up for his student, and Otis runs in to corner splash! Cesaro wobbles and falls, and Gable says it’s time! CATERPILLAR ELBOW! Cover, but Nakamura breaks it!
Nakamura eggs Otis on then slides out, and Otis goes back to Cesaro. Otis climbs, but Cesaro avoids the Vader Bomb! Cesaro tags Nakamura in, Nakamura aims, but Otis pop-up FLAPJACKS Nakamura! Both men are down, Otis crawls, hot tag to Bryan! Bryan climbs, leaps, flying sunset! TWO!! Bryan keeps close to throw uppercuts and a whip. Nakamura reverses Bryan goes up and over and keeps moving, to duck and dodge, into a DYNAMIC DROPKICK! Nakamura drags Bryan up, scoops but Bryan slips out, into Nakamura’s tilt-o-whirl takedown! Nakamura wants an armbar but Otis falling headbutts!
Cesaro EuroUppers Otis but Otis pushes him! SUPERKICK AND BOOT from Cesaro and Nakamura! Otis tumbles out, but Bryan runs over, KNEE PLUS into Cesaro! Nakamura grabs Bryan for a roll up, TWO, into the YES LOCK! Nakamura taps, Bryan and Otis win!
Winners: Daniel Bryan & Otis Dozovic, by submission
Gable celebrates with his students, and they all cheer “YES! YES!” with the fans. And they do the Three Amigos, arm, arm, hips, THRUST!
Roman Reigns sits in his room.
Heyman tells Roman it was Adam Pearce who made Kevin VS Jey. “He just doesn’t get it, does he?” Roman looks to Jey, and Roman says “they” are trying to take everything the family has worked for. Don’t let them. “Go out and show them why you’re the Main Event Uso.” Jey nods and fist bumps Roman and heads out. Will the Samoan godfather be pleased with what Jey does to the Prizefighter?
Kevin Owens VS Jey Uso!
Once again in the main event, and once again battling Roman’s pawn. Will Kevin #JustKeepFighting until he’s gotten even with the Head of the Table?
SmackDown returns and Jey makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two tie up right away, for Kevin to tackle Jey and rain down rights! Kevin elbows away but Jey gets up to throw hands back! They scrap on the mat, Kevin gets the advantage and he stomps away on Jey! Kevin bumps Jey off buckles, brings him around and stomps a mudhole in! The ref counts, Kevin lets off and then pursues Jey to the outside. Kevin CLOBBERS Jey then drops a back senton! The ring count is already 5 of 10 but Kevin puts Jey in. Kevin drops another senton! Cover, TWO! Kevin keeps his cool and he stalks Jey to the ropes for more stomps!
Jey clutches his leg, Kevin drags him by it and kicks the leg. “Remember my ankle?! Huh!?” Kevin puts Jey’s leg on the ropes to KICK it! Jey falls over, Kevin looms over him to kick the leg again. Jey gets up to throw forearms but Kevin DECKS him! Kevin puts the leg on the ropes to springboard and sit down on it! The ref reprimands Kevin but Kevin just stalks Jey again. Kevin grabs the leg to kick it, then goes out to bring Jey to the apron. Kevin SLAMS the leg on the apron edge! And again! The ref counts but Kevin is in and shouts, “I told you you were gonna pay! And the worst part, it’s not even your goddamn fault.”
Kevin stomps Jey more, drags him up in a corner, and he makes Jey look at him. “Blame Roman!” Kevin punches and kicks Jey down. Jey crawls, Kevin stalks and says Roman is the one doing this to Jey. Jey ROCKS Kevin with uppercut after uppercut, but he walks into a kick to the bad leg! Kevin kicks again but Jey denies the stunner to SUPERKICK! Kevin goes down and Jey walks off the pain. Jey follows Kevin out, comes around the way and leaps into a SUPERKICK from Kevin! Kevin TOSSES Jey over the announce desk and dares Roman to show himself as SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns once more and Jey is fighting off Kevin’s superplex! Jey shoves Kevin down and leaps but has to bail out of the splash as Kevin moves! Jey hobbles into a STUNNER! Cover, Kevin wins!!
Winner: Kevin Owens, by pinfall
Well that commercial break sure cut things short! But Kevin still dares Roman to show himself. Kevin stomps Jey’s leg more and hits another STUNNER! Kevin is making the point he warned everyone he’d make, but still no Roman. Jey writhes while Kevin goes out to get Corey Graves’ headset. “Roman, come take care of your family, bitch.” Kevin then goes to the ring, and brings out handcuffs!! Kevin returns the sour Christmas sentiments and he cuffs Jey to the rope! Jey thrashes at the cuffs but Kevin SUPERKICKS him down! Kevin makes sure the cuffs are on nice and tight before he stomps away on Jey’s bad leg! Roman still doesn’t show himself!
Kevin shouts, “Have some goddamn pride!!” Kevin wants Roman to show himself, and he stomps Jey more! Kevin puts Jey against ropes to hammer away with haymakers! The ref tells Kevin to stop and Kevin unlocks the cuffs from the ropes, to put on Jey’s other wrist! Kevin drags Jey with a headlock and says if Roman won’t come here, they’ll go to Roman. Jey pushes Kevin away but Kevin pushes, and throws him into a ThunderDome screen! Kevin SUPERKICKS Jey onto a spare table, and then rips away coverings so he can climb. Kevin says this is on Roman! Kevin gets some space, but Roman attacks from behind the ThunderDome screens!
Roman throws Kevin into screens, into more screens, then throws haymakers! Roman shouts to Jey to hurry up, but Kevin fights back! Jey clobbers Kevin with cuffed hands, and the cousins drag Kevin up to the top level of the ThunderDome! They dump him over, stomp him down, and Jey finds chairs! Jey hands one to Roman, and the Bloodline JAMS Kevin with the chairs together! And again, and again! Roman SMACKS Kevin on the back, then digs the chair into Kevin’s head! “You should’ve just left!” Jey uses the cuffs to CHOKE Kevin, and Roman RAMS the chair into ribs over and over! And then he SMACKS Kevin down again!
Kevin staggers away to the edge, and he still kicks back! Jey SUPERKICKS Kevin, Roman ROCKS Kevin with a haymaker then throws him into more screens! Roman dribbles Kevin’s head off LEDs, then rains down furious fists! Roman gives Kevin one last whip into the screens! “This is MY company! Now you know!” Roman TOSSES Kevin off the edge, down through the tables!! The referees hurry to check on Kevin in the wreckage while Roman and Jey look down over them. Has the Head of the Table finally ended Kevin Owens’ fight? Will the Bloodline dominate the WWE then, now and forever?
My Thoughts:
What a great episode for SmackDown to follow up last week’s, and for the new year. Firstly, though nothing was said directly, there were great tributes to Jon Huber/Brodie Lee/Luke Harper throughout the night, such as many superstars wearing the black Brodie armband. And Big E cleverly put in all the references he could in his post match promo because he had one of the closest friendships with Huber. Big E had a good match with Corbin but it turned out to be a vehicle to get Sami Zayn and Apollo Crews involved. The tag match was really good, and I like that we’re getting Big E VS Apollo for the first Intercontinental Championship defense of both Big E’s reign and the new year. That is going to be a great match but I expect Big E to win. And perhaps Sami gets involved, too, but mostly Big E wins.
We got some good Women’s Tag matches tonight to strengthen SmackDown’s end of things. Billie Kay was pretty funny going back and forth between the teams after getting dumped by Tamina and Natty. Tamina and Natty should stick together as a team, mostly to fill out the Tag Division, but also because that is a great combination in itself. But Riott Squad of course takes the win as they are still the longest tenured team and were already poised for a tag title shot as it was. Banks & Bianca VS BayMella was a really good match, but Reginald was doing a lot of acrobatics just to distract Sasha, so I feel like Mella was slow to getting to her spot. BayMella gets a win to put the Faces against the ropes, so to speak, but that surely means Bianca and Sasha each get the better of Bayley and Carmella.
Sonya Deville making a return was oddly understated, but I think it worked. Everyone was confused because of the Loser Leaves WWE stipulation of Sonya’s grudge match with Mandy Rose, so it’ll be interesting to see how they kayfabe this. The Profits’ section was able to keep itself from being too much and too awkward, and the attack from Roode & Ziggler helped in that. That tag title match is going to be really good given the animosity now. The set-up to Bryan & Otis VS Cesaro & Shinsuke was an interesting one, but it was a very good match, and the Faces win to build momentum for Bryan towards the Rumble. I can’t be sure Bryan wins the Rumble if we’re going to focus on how he’s never won a battle royal type, but it’d be great story if he made it to the final two only to fall short, and then feuds with the other finalist.
We again got great stuff out of Roman, Jey and Kevin. Roman continues to do great on the mic as this new character of his, and it seems like he’s growing even more cold and sadistic. I’m not sure how Pearce will start being used in this, but it sure seems like WWE wants to use him as more than just the authority representative backstage. Kevin and Jey had a really good match, but it was rather surprising that the commercial break happened, we come back and Kevin finishes the match. But then we get that last bit of Kevin egging Roman on, beating up Jey, and then the Bloodline ganging up on Kevin to take him down. It might be a bit much for Kevin to recover from being thrown down onto tables like that, so maybe he’s being written off for a moment. Maybe the build to the Rumble brings Pearce into the story more, and then at the go-home, Kevin shows up and we get one more title match.
My Score: 8.6/10
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Can the Last Real Champion handle The Truth?
While the King & Queen of the Ring tournaments reach their semifinals, John Cena has his first match on SmackDown in years, against Ron Killings!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Asuka VS Alexa Bliss; Asuka wins and advances to Night of Champions.
- Aleister Black VS Kit Wilson; No Contest.
- King of the Ring Semifinals: Randy Orton VS Sami Zayn; Orton wins and advances to Night of Champions.
- Charlotte Flair VS Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice; Charlotte wins.
- Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker VS LA Knight; Knight wins, by disqualification.
- John Cena VS Ron Killings; Killings wins, by disqualification.
PLAY BY PLAY
LA Knight is here!
Grand Rapids fires up as the Mega Star marches right to the ring. Knight grabs a mic while the fans chant his name, and he says, “LEMME TALK TO YA!” The fans cheer, and Knight says, “Let’s just go ahead and rewind our mind a little bit. We go to back to Money in the Bank, Seth and his boys, they just happen to come down and screw this guy.” The fans boo that. Knight says usually, he lets things slide. But he just figured he couldn’t let it slide, so he made sure to screw on of Rollins’ boys in their title opportunity, King of the Ring. But then they came back, paid it back and screwed Knight outta KOTR, so he had to go and screw the other one over!
And it just has Knight thinking. Fans “YEAH!” and Knight says there is only one way this can go. He has gone back and forth between Raw and SmackDown, where it ends, nobody knows! Except Knight! He knows! He knows where this ends! The fans cheer that! And Knight says it ends with him and Rollins! And what better place than here? And what better time than now! Knight tells Rollins to come on out and talk to him! But “Ladies and gentlemen…” The fans boo as Paul Heyman walks out and gives his introductions. He serves as the Wise Man to Mr. Money in the Bank, Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins!
Heyman says you do not boo that name. And you screwed up your cue, so they’ll do this again. He serves as the Wise Man for Seth Freakin’ Rollins! The fans keep booing, Heyman wants to try again, but Knight says shut up and get to the point! Why is Heyman here?! Heyman walks to the ring and asks permission to step inside. The fans chant “O T C! O T C!” but Knight steps back. Heyman steps into the ring, and he says yes, there has been a lot of bad blood between Knight and Mr. MITB, Seth Freakin’ Rollins. However, Heyman happens to be, with all due respect to everyone here in Grand Rapids, Michigan…
The fans chant “C M PUNK!” at Heyman now and he frowns. Knight says Heyman has a lot of enemies. Heyman says he is the biggest LA Knight fan in all of WWE! Heyman’s been waiting a long time to say this: YEAH! Now, because of that, Seth Freakin’ Rollins (the fans boo again) has allowed Heyman to say to Knight, as a favor to Heyman… It is time for Knight to get the hell outta Grand Rapids, Michigan. Because if he does not, something really bad is going to happen to him before the end of the night. Have a nice evening. Heyman turns to go but the fans cheer Knight on. Knight says he couldn’t help but notice, but did you~ (poking fun at Heyman’s voice cracking) threaten Knight?
Because Knight wants to wrap his head around this. He’s heard Heyman say stuff like this before, because Heyman is a liar, a swindler, a grifter, a scammer and a schemer! Heyman leeches on to any talent that has a bit of hype, sucks ’em dry, then moves on to the next! Rollins just happens to be the latest in this. But where next? Who cares! But the bottom line is, Knight asked for Rollins but he got Heyman. And while he got Heyman, he got a Heyman out here talking all tough. So it has Knight thinking, he has a great idea.
Talking about wise man, wisdom, there was a point in time if Heyman had said something like that, a man like Knight would look at a “thing” like Heyman and punched his wisdom teeth down his throat! Knight won’t do that, yet. But here’s the deal: Heyman’s talking all tough, but if he can’t bring Rollins out here, then the only thing to do out here in Grand Rapids is Knight fighting Heyman here and now! The fans fire up for that! Knight asks if the fans want that, and they cheer! “HUH?” “YEAH!” “HUH?” “YEAH!” “YEAH!!” Knight promises he’ll turn around, take his vest off, and Heyman gets the first shot. He better make it good, or Knight will molly whop his ass right outta Grand Rapids!
The fans fire up as Knight does as promised. He turns around, his vest is off, but Heyman bails? The fans boo as the Wise Man doesn’t play along. Heyman says, “Remember when I told you to get the hell out of Grand Rapids or else something really bad is gonna happen to you before the end of the night? That wasn’t a prediction. That… was a spoiler!” Heyman throws down his mic, and here comes Bronson Reed & Bron Breakker! Rollins’ behemoths head to the ring, but Knight fires off on them first! The fans rally as Knight throws hands and feet, but then Bron TACKLES Knight! Bronson joins in and they mug Knight right out of the ring!
Bronson drags Knight up to TOSS him over barriers! Bron clears the desk, he wants Bronson to put Knight through it! But Knight has a chair! He JAMS Bron, JAMS Bronson, then SMACKS Bron and SMACKS Bronson! Knight gets in the ring, ready to hit whoever gets in! The fans cheer Knight but Heyman has Bron & Bronson stand down. Will Heyman have the henchmen try again before the end of tonight?
SmackDown returns and…
Heyman has Bron & Bronson calm down, they have this under control. It is all in their favor, and it always will be in their favor. That is the whole point behind this. Byron Saxton steps in and wants to talk to them, but Heyman has to hold Bron back like the dog he is! Heyman says no need to bite Byron. Byron apologizes, he has word from SmackDown GM, Nick Aldis, that Bronson Reed VS LA Knight is set for tonight. Heyman says okay, thank you, and goodbye. Byron leaves and Heyman smiles. He told them! Patience is not a virtue, it is strategy. Bronson smiles and nods. Will Auzsilla destroy LA here in Grand Rapids?
Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Asuka VS Alexa Bliss!
Two great returns to action through this tournament, and now they cross paths with each other. The Empress of Tomorrow overcame Ivy Nile, Raquel Rodriguez and Stephanie Vaquer while Lil’ Miss Bliss outsmarted Alba Fyre, Candice LeRae and Charlotte Flair. But whose comeback story overtakes the other’s here just one match away from Night of Champions?
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Alexa headlocks, but Asuka powers up and out. Alexa RAMS Asuka, Asuka roars, and the fans fire up as Asuka fires hands! Alexa blocks a kick to THROW Asuka down, then basement DROPKICK! The fans cheer as Asuka and Alexa reset. Alexa kicks, Asuka blocks and slips through to waistlock. Alexa elbows free, runs, but Asuka runs past her to then RUN her over! The fans fire up and Asuka runs in again, HIP ATTACK! Alexa falls to the floor and the fans fire up while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Asuka lets Alexa stay down while she soaks up the cheers. The ring count starts, Alexa rises, but Asuka goes out after her. Alexa slips inside and DROPKICKS Asuka’s leg! Asuka falls from the apron but she has to nod respect for that savvy move. Asuka steps back in at 6 of 10, and she resets with Alexa. They circle, feel things out, and tie up. Asuka wrenches and wristlocks, but Alexa rolls and wrenches to hammerlock. Alexa waistlocks, rolls Asuka, TWO! The two stand off again and they both nod respect. They reset, the fans rally up, and the two feel things out. Asuka trips Alexa, clamps on with a headlock, and she grinds Alexa down.
Alexa endures, Asuka turns her over to go after the arm, then she stands on Alexa’s arm. Alexa endures, Asuka shifts arms, but Alexa wrenches out to wrangle Asuka. Alexa shifts to a cording hold, but Asuka fights up and fires body shots. Alexa whips Asuka to a corner, but Asuka elbows her away! And BOOTS! Asuka goes up, leaps, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Alexa stays in this but Asuka stays focused. Asuka drags Alexa around and gives her Kawada Kicks! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Asuka wrenches for a chicken wing! Alexa fights the Asuka Lock and JAWBREAKERS free! Alexa runs up to RUN Asuka over!
The fans rally as Alexa rallies, then hits a BLOCKBUSTER! The fans fire up as Alexa SLAPS, ROCKS, and KNEES Asuka down! Then SOMERSAULT SENTON! Cover, TWO! Asuka stays in this and Alexa grows frustrated. The fans rally while Alexa brings Asuka up. Asuka breaks free to URAKEN, SOBAT, FRONT KICK, and GERMAN SUPLEX! Alexa tumbles away, Asuka runs up, SLIDING KICK! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as Asuka stands and takes aim. But Alexa ducks the buzzsaw! Cover, TWO! Alexa clinches, TWISTED- NO, Asuka rolls Alexa up! TWO! Alexa sits up, BUZZSAW! Cover, TWO!! Alexa survives but Asuka just fires up!
The fans rally as Asuka goes to the corner. Asuka climbs from the outside, and MISSILE- NO, Alexa dodges this time! Alexa kicks and DDTS! Cover, TWO! Asuka stays in this and the fans fire up! “This is Awesome!” as Alexa drags Asuka into the drop zone. Alexa goes up, up, and the fans fire up! TWISTED- NO, Asuka moves, so Alexa stops. Alexa won’t let Asuka sneak away, but then she gets caught in an ARMBAR!! Alexa flails, rolls, but ends up in an omoplata! RINGS OF SATURN!! Alexa fights around, pops her arm free for a cover, TWO!! Asuka reels Alexa in, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up as Alexa stays in this! Asuka fires up, the fans are with her, and she runs up, only for Alexa to ROCK her with a right! Alexa puts Asuka in the Tree of Woe, and she DROPKICKS Asuka out of it! Alexa climbs back up, and TWISTED BLISSÂ onto knees!! Asuka still counters the moonsault, and hits the EMPRESS IMPACT!! Cover, Asuka wins!
Winner: Asuka, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)
The Empress says no one is ready for Asuka, and that has certainly been the case! But on Raw, we find out, will it be Jade Cargill or Roxanne Perez that meets Asuka in Saudi Arabia?
Jade Cargill, Mia Yim & B-Fab watch backstage.
And Fab says damn, Asuka just came back and she’s already making statements. Almost like she never left. Michin says maybe they need to make their own statements. They need to talk to Aldis about the tag titles. Fab agrees. Fab & Mia wish Jade luck before heading out. Byron walks in and asks if he can have a word. Jade says shoot. Byron says Asuka just advanced, but Jade has her match on Monday with Roxanne Perez. How does Jade feel about facing a talented competitor like Roxie? And how does she feel about the possibility of facing Asuka in the finals? Jade says “Rox” has potential. Roxie is quick and scrappy.
But she’s still trying to prove herself. And this isn’t a proving ground, this is a throne room, and Jade was built for royalty. As for Asuka, there’s a storm on the horizon. But news flash, Jade is that storm. This entire tournament wasn’t built for the future, but for a woman who can walk through fire, shatter glass ceilings, and take her crown on the way to the top. This Queen of the Ring, Jade isn’t just walking in to win. She’s here to reign. Will the Prodigy be washed away by the storm this Monday?
Alexa Bliss returns backstage.
And Chelsea Green finds her. Flanked by her Secret Her-vice, The Hot Mess asks, “Hey, little fu-fu, how’s your boo-boo?” Alexa asks back, “How’s yours?” Piper tells Chelsea not to get upset, Alexa is just jealous. Chelsea says this serves Alexa right. Chelsea should be Queen of the Ring, and she’d be building her parliament if not for Alexa! Oh, if she has that big of an issue, then try facing her in the ring. Chelsea says she will! But then Charlotte Flair walks in and says if anyone should’ve still been in this tournament, it’s her. But had Chelsea’s “replacement” tapped out sooner, maybe she would.
So here’s the deal: Charlotte will have a match made and tap Chelsea out instead. N-Not if Chelsea makes it a bank holiday! ROYAL DUTIES! NICHOLAS! Chelsea hurries away with the Secret Her-vice following, and Alexa tells Charlotte that she doesn’t need Charlotte’s help. Oh, that’s cute. Because Charlotte wasn’t helping Alexa. Charlotte leaves now, leaving Alexa to chew on that. Will The Queen chew up the Hot Mess and spit her out now that she has nothing better to do?
Aleister Black VS Kit Wilson!
The Dark Father is also directionless now that he is out of the King of the Ring tournament, but he never lets that bother him. Will he make himself the direction all roads lead when things #FadeToBlack? Or will Kit prove he can be Pretty Deadly all on his own?
Wait, who is attacking Kit? It’s R-TRUTH! But why’s Ron Killings going after Kit?! He POSTS Kit, drags him back out, and puts him in an STF!! The fans fire up and Kit taps, but it won’t matter when this isn’t a match! Killings lets Kit out of the hold and demands a mic. A mic is given, and Killings says, “Get John Cena out here now. I’m driving! On my terms! Cena, get out here!” The fans fire up and then Killings puts Kit back in the STF! Aleister is rather confused, but producers hurry out here to stop Truth. Truth lets Kit go, Jamie Noble asks Truth wait for the main event. Truth seethes, but he accepts the terms.
Killings leaves, walking right past Aleister. Will there be no denying The Truth when he finally gets his hands on the Last Real Champion?
Jamie Noble talks with Truth backstage.
Jamie says Truth has to calm down. Truth says he wants John Cena NOW! He’s driving! Yes, okay, but just wait. Truth promises that when he sees Cena, he is killing him tonight! Aleister steps in and asks Truth why he is getting involved in Aleister’s match. Truth says it wasn’t personal, it had nothing to do with Aleister. These two stare down, and then Damian Priest steps in. The Archer of Infamy has Aleister stand down. Truth is going through a lot, let Priest talk to him. Oh, of course. Aleister says, “Ron.” “Black.” Aleister leaves, Priest tells Truth that there’s no need for any of that. Priest gets Truth is frustrated, but he can’t just go beat up people for no reason.
Priest used to do that, and Truth was the guy there to make him smile. Truth made the world smile! All that anger and negativity, focus that on the match tonight. Focus that on John Cena. Go out there and handle business with Cena, then Priest and Truth can go downtown to celebrate. How’s that sound? Truth says sounds good, DP. They shake hands, and Priest heads out. Truth is still seething, but will he make sure it all explodes on Cena?
Cody Rhodes is here!
Grand Rapids sings along as The American Nightmare makes his way out, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, he high-fives fans in the front row, then looks closely at the King of the Ring’s crown. Cody goes to the ring and grabs the mic. He hears the fans cheer him on, but then Jey Uso is here! The fans fire up as Main Event Jey makes his way down through the crowd! A young fan joins in bouncing along, but so does all of Grand Rapids! Jey continues down the stands, finds another young fan, and they bounce along again. Jey then reaches ringside, high-fives the front row, and he joins Cody in the ring as we get the next wave of YEET!
Grand Rapids might want to YEET all night, but Jey hugs it out with Cody before he gets his own mic. The music dies down, the fans chant, “One More Time! One More Time!” and Cody says sure, one more is fine. Jey says okay, and yes, the fans get to YEET again! Jey says hey, Cody doesn’t even have to say nothing. They been in the trenches! “YEET!” Still in the trenches! “YEET!” From fighting The Bloodline… “YEET!” To winning tag titles… “YEET!” To finishing their stories at WrestleMania! “YEET!” They’ve both been to the mountaintop. “YEET!” But Cody, on Monday, there is only room for one of them.
The fans are intrigued, and Cody nods. Jey says there’s only one that can go. Cody VS Jey, Jey VS Cody, and Jey knows Cody will bring it. Jey has to get his, Uce. He has to, just like Cody has to get his. But that said, Uce, it ain’t personal. This all business. But that all said, too, Uce, on Monday, after they go to war, please believe that it will be four letters, one word, uh uh… YEET! Cody smiles and the fans cheer. They shake hands again, and wait! Here comes Sami Zayn! The fans cheer as the Great Liberator makes his way to the ring. Sami grabs a mic to say, “This is nice, isn’t it? I get to share the ring with two great friends.”
The fans applaud, and Sami says he is in the ring with two of the very best that this business has to offer! The fans cheer that, too! Sami says he’d be lying if he denied there was a part of him that sees the three of them in this ring, and notices how only one of them has never been world champion. Jey, Sami wants him to know, man to man, this year, Sami missed Mania. Sami had no reason to be in Las Vegas, but he got his ass on a plane to Vegas for one reason: To congratulate Jey the moment he won the World Heavyweight Championship! Sami loves Jey, and he is proud of him. And Cody, for years, everyone watched as Cody finished his story.
And when Cody did, he did the unthinkable and pinned Roman Reigns in the middle of this ring, Sami was the first one out here to congratulate Cody. Sami is so proud that Cody finished his story. So he hopes both men understand that now, it is time for Sami to finish HIS story! The fans cheer, but then here comes Randy Orton! The Viper looks at the crown, then goes to the ring. The fans sing along with Voices and Orton grabs himself a mic. “So Cody, same deal as last week but I’m gonna say it again. There is no line I will not cross, even if it means going through you, so that I can get to John Cena at SummerSlam, beat him, and get my FIFTEENTH world championship!”
The fans cheer, and Orton tells Jey, “Man, I respect the… Hell outta you, dude. Our families go way, way, way back. Nothing but love, dude. But if you’re standing across the ring from me at SummerSlam, it’s not gonna be four letters, one word. It’s gonna be three letters, one move.” The fans say it, “R K O!” And Orton says he not only speaks for himself but for everyone here in this arena when he says, and from the bottom of his heart, one day and one day soon, Sami Zayn will be world champion. But not at SummerSlam. Because tonight, Sami is on the receiving end of the three most dangerous letters in sports entertainment: R K O.
Orton drops the mic, and it is time to put those words into action. Will it be the Legend Killer or the Underdog from the Underground that heads for Saudi Arabia?
King of the Ring Semifinals: Randy Orton VS Sami Zayn!
SmackDown returns, the bell rings, and these two circle. They tie up, Sami wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, then wristlocks. Orton endures, fights up, and the fans duel. Orton wrenches Sami in return to then headlock. Sami endures, powers up to wrench again, and he grinds the arm. Sami wrenches and CHOPS, and Orton goes to the corner. Sami CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! The fans “WOO~” but the ref counts. Orton pushes past Sami, bails out of the ring, and he is pretty red already. Sami builds speed but he fakes Orton out with the Arabian Press! The fans fire up and Orton has to admit that was good.
Orton goes up the steps and steps back into the ring. The fans rally, Orton and Sami tie up, and Orton puts Sami in the corner. Orton lets off slowly, but he pokes Sami in the eyes! The fans boo but Orton UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! But Sami pokes Orton in the eyes! The ref caught that one and reprimands Sami. Sami TOSSES Orton out, goes to the apron, but Orton YANKS Sami down! Sami hits off the apron, and Orton reels him in, DESK BACK SUPLEX! Sami writhes and Orton rolls into the ring, just to refresh the count. Fans want that “One More Time!” and Orton agrees! DESK BACK SUPLEXÂ again!
Sami writhes more and whatever monitor wasn’t busted, they’re busted now! Orton leaves Sami behind for a moment while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Orton goes out to fetch Sami, but Sami fights off a third back suplex! Orton kicks low, brings Sami over, but Sami blocks the smack off the steel steps! Orton sputters, Sami stalks him, and Sami decides to give him some payback! But Orton ROCKS Sami first! Orton SMACKS Sami off the desk, puts him in the ring, and covers, TWO! Sami stays in this but Orton looms over him. Sami rises, Orton puts him in a corner, and Orton fires body shots. Orton climbs up and rains down fists! Orton gets to eight before Sami fires back! Sami has Orton in another corner, climbs up, and Sami rains down a fast TEN!
Sami huffs ‘n’ puffs and CHOPS! Orton is stinging but Sami CHOPS him again! Sami wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, and whips! Orton reverses, Sami hits buckles hard, and Sami falls in a heap. Orton dusts himself off and looms over Sami again. Orton stomps Sami’s hand! Sami writhes and clutches his finger. Orton stomps Sami’s foot, ten the other foot! And then the other hand! Sami sits up, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Orton CLUBS away on Sami’s chest! Orton DECKS Sami, the fans cheer, and Orton brings Sami up. Orton whips, Sami goes up and over, and Sami LARIATS Orton down! The fans fire up again as Sami rises!
Sami goes to the corner, Orton runs up, but Sami ELBOWS him! Sami goes up, AX HANDLES, and the fans fire up more! Orton takes a swing, but Sami slips around! Orton fights the Blue Thunder, then LARIATS! And LARIATS! Orton dodges Sami to SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up while Sami goes to the apron. Orton drags Sami in through the ropes, and DRAPING DDTS! The fans fire up as Orton hears those voices! Orton watches Sami rise, but then Sami bails out! The fans are torn but Sami is smart to avoid what was coming. Orton goes out to fetch Sami, SMACKS him off the desk, and then back suplexes, only for Sami to lands out!
Sami CLUBS Orton, and hits a DESK BACK SUPLEX on Orton! Sami puts Orton in the ring, goes to a corner, and the fans fire up as Orton rises. Orton runs in, Sami dodges, and Orton POSTS himself! Sami runs corner to corner, HELLUVA- SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Sami survives and Orton seethes. “This is Awesome!” as Sami goes back to a corner. Orton runs back in and he LARIATS! Orton runs but Sami follows! But Orton dodges the Helluva Kick! Sami gets stuck on the to rope, frees himself, and hobbles into an RK- NO! BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Orton survives and the fans fire up again!
“This is Awesome!” as Sami drags Orton to the drop zone. Sami goes up the corner, Orton stands and he gets under the leap! R K- NO, Sami SLAMS Orton down! And then HELLUVA- RKO!!! Orton crawls to the cover, Orton wins!!
Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)
Sami fought his heart out, but the Viper still strikes! Orton is going back to back in KOTR finals, but will he win the crown this time?
Nia Jax is here!
Grand Rapids boos as The Irresistible Force goes to the ring. She grabs the mic dot say, “You know what’s crazy? Tiffany Stratton approached me to be under my wing, because she knew exactly what I could do for her. And look, she’s thriving! And what kind of thanks did I get for it? She betrayed me. She has MY title!” But wait, here comes Tiffy! Grand Rapids cheers as the WWE Women’s Champion has the mic to tell Nia, “You’re like that toxic ex I just can’t get away from. News flash: get over it! You make excuse after excuse, but when are you just gonna admit that maybe I’m just better than you?”
The fans cheer and Tiff heads to the ring. Nia says yeah, okay, if Tiff is so much better, then give Nia a rematch without kicking a chair into her face. Tiff says if Nia’s so desperate for a match, it is her lucky day! She made it official for next week: Tiff VS Nia! And Tiff will have more fun adding more scars to that “five head” of Nia’s. Because it won’t just be a regular match. It will be Last Woman Standing! Nia takes a swing but Tiff dodge! Tiff fires off, kicks low, and runs up, but into a POP-UP HEADBUTT! And then Nia drops a leg, brother! Nia holds up the belt and soaks up the heat. Nia thinks about leaving, but decides to add on! ANOTHER leg drop, brother!
The fans boo but Nia says that’s not enough! Nia tells Wade & Joe that she’s taking the title! But wait! NAOMI is here, with a ref! Is she doing it!? Is she doing it?! But Nia YANKS Naomi out! Naomi tells her back off! Nia doesn’t, Naomi shoves her, but Nia still grabs at her! Tiff DROPKICKS Naomi onto Nia! Tiff avoids a cash-in because Nia was in the way, but is she setting herself up for failure with that extreme title match?
Charlotte Flair VS Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice!
The Queen was denied her crown, but she’s not even angry at Alexa Bliss, the one who took that opportunity from her. She instead looks to humble the Hot Mess that claims she would be queen if her demands were met. Who vents their frustrations and comes away with the win?
SmackDown returns and Charlotte makes her entrance. The bell rings and the fans actually cheer on Chelsea. Alba distracts Charlotte and Chelsea sucker punches her! The ref reprimands but Chelsea SMACKS Charlotte off the mat again and again! Chelsea salutes, but Charlotte CHOPS! Chelsea KNEES low, whips, but Charlotte goes up and out at the corner. Charlotte BOOTS Chelsea away, avoids Alba and KICKS her! Chelsea runs up, Charlotte RAMS her, and then Charlotte climbs up. CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Chelsea scrambles away and Charlotte runs up, but into an ELBOW! Charlotte GAMANGIRIS!
Charlotte snapmares, Chelsea distracts the ref, and Alba grabs Charlotte by the hair! Alba HOTSHOTS Charlotte and Chelsea hits a BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Chelsea is furious but Charlotte stays in this, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Chelsea hops onto Charlotte for a SLEEPER! The fans rally, but Charlotte hits a BACKPACK SENTON! Charlotte is free, Chelsea runs back up, but Charlotte gives her a BACKBREAKER and BUCKLE SHOT! Chelsea falls back, Charlotte huffs ‘n’ puffs and runs up to fire hands! The fans fire up as Charlotte CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Charlotte CHOPS again, then clinches for an EXPLODER! And a kip up! The fans fire up and Charlotte salutes to poke fun at Chelsea. Charlotte runs, dodges, and handsprings to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Chelsea survives but Charlotte stays on her by going for a leg.
Alba gets on the apron, so Charlotte BOOTS her down! The fans cheer, but Charlotte turns around into a ROUGH RYDER! Cover, TWO!! Charlotte survives and Chelsea is furious! Chelsea takes off her face protector and drags Charlotte up. Chelsea has the arms, turns Charlotte, but Charlotte shoves her away! Charlotte dodges and SPEARS! Cover, TWO!! Chelsea survives but Charlotte has the leg! FIGURE- CRADLE!! TWO!! Charlotte has the leg again, FIGURE FOUR! And the bridge for the FIGURE EIGHT!! Chelsea TAPS, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
But then Piper Niven SENTONS onto Charlotte!! Alba storms in, she and Piper mug Charlotte, but here comes Alexa! She RAMS into Piper, she ROCKS Alba, then she catches Chelsea! Charlotte LARIATS Alba out while Alexa hits a TWISTED SISTER ABIGAIL! And then Charlotte BOOTS Piper down! Charlotte and Alexa look at each other, and despite what either one thinks, maybe they both need the other after all. Alexa offers the handshake, but Charlotte walks right past Alexa. Alexa lets that slide, but will Charlotte come around soon enough?
Solo Sikoa talks with JC Mateo.
Why is JC taping up? Uh, duh, he’ll take out Jacob. No, Solo is going out there alone to talk with Jacob. Solo was the only one that Jacob would listen to. Jacob needs Solo. Solo will smooth things over. JC accepts that, but Solo does say that JC should stay ready. Solo is covering his bases, but will he need the Imperial Unit to put down the Samoan Werewolf? Or will it all be alright between them all?
Solo Sikoa heads to the ring.
SmackDown returns as the former Tribal Chief makes his way out, and Grand Rapids boos. Solo grabs the mic, takes a moment, and says, “Alright, Jacob. I’m out here in the middle of the ring, all alone, with open arms, willing to talk to you face to face. I feel terrible about what happened. So if you’re back there, come on out so we can clear the air.” Jacob Fatu makes his entrance and Grand Rapids cheers! Fatu holds up the United States Championship before he steps into the ring, and he has a mic of his own. The fans cheer on “FATU! FATU!” and Solo says he didn’t come out here to fight him, okay? He’s not here for that.
Solo wants to make it clear to Fatu that he loves him, always has loved him, no matter what. One thing Solo learned from being Tribal Chief is how to love family and how to take care of them. That’s all he’s trying to do. Families fight all the time. They fight, they argue, they forgive, and then they move forward. So they should move forward together, Jacob. Move forward as one. The fans boo that, but Solo says nobody saw the potential in Jacob except Solo. Nobody wanted Jacob here in the WWE, except Solo. That is why Solo brought Fatu here and gave him the chance to change his life and put food on his family’s table.
And why did Solo do that? Because Solo loves Jacob. He does. And to be honest, Solo doesn’t have anybody else. Fatu isn’t sure about that, but Solo says all he has is Fatu. And he’s all Solo needs. So come back to the family, and even if Jacob doesn’t say those four words, Solo will. Solo will say it for him, to him, loud enough so everybody can hear it! Solo tells Jacob, “I love you, Jacob.” The fans boo, they don’t trust this. Fatu paces as he thinks on that. “So you love me, huh?” Solo nods yes. So this is what it comes down to, huh? Solo loves Fatu? The way Fatu sees things, Solo has been using Fatu! Solo has been using Fatu to gain power, to fight his battles, and to stay Tribal Chief.
Hell, Solo brought Fatu in so Fatu could bring Solo fame! Solo brought Fatu in because he thought Fatu would bring him gold! Is that all this is about? Fame? Gold? Power? SOLO, LOOK AT HIM! Solo looks up from the floor while the fans cheer Fatu on. Fatu tells Solo that ever since he won the US Championship, Solo is the one that’s been acting different. And maybe Fatu isn’t the problem. Fatu just figured it out! The problem… is this. The problem is the US Championship. Fatu sets it down between him and Solo, and he says if this is what he thinks it is, then just fight him for it! Fight Fatu for the title! The fans fire up for that!
And Solo, Fatu will only warn you one time: If you ever think about coming this way, you know what Fatu is about! You know what’s poppin’ with Fatu, blood! And you know Jacob Fatu is all gas, no brakes with it! YADADADA- SOLO TAKES A SWING! Fatu blocks the spike and he HEADBUTTS! JC Mateo rushes out here! Fatu HEADBUTTS him, too! But Solo CHOP BLOCKS the legs! The fans boo but JC & Solo mug Fatu! But then here comes JIMMY USO! The fans fire up as #BigJim slides in, dodges Solo, and SUPERKICKS JC! And then he SUPERKICKS Solo! But JC LARIATS Jimmy down! JC HAMMERS Jimmy and Solo has him put Jimmy in the corner.
The fans boo but Solo tells Jimmy that he should’ve chosen Solo’s side, not Jacob’s! But speaking of, Fatu is up! The fans fire up as Fatu BODY CHECKS JC! Then he SUPERKICKS Solo! Solo is in a corner, Fatu fires off on him, HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT! SUPERKICK for JC! HIP ATTACK for Solo! The fans are fired up for the Samoan Werewolf, and he locks eyes with Jimmy. Jimmy came to Fatu’s rescue, Fatu just saved him, so Fatu goes up, up, only for Solo to bail out! No Best Moonsaults here in Grand Rapids, but will Fatu cut Solo down soon enough?
Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker VS LA Knight!
The Wise Man warned, or rather threatened, the Mega Star that he should just cut and run, but that’s not how he does things. Knight is ready to fight, but will he survive a battle with Auszilla? Or is a Tsunami about wipe out LA?
Wait, Knight doesn’t enter from the stage! He enters from the crowd! And he POSTS Bron! The fans fire up as Knight evens things out! He TOSSES Bronson out, throws his vest at him, and Bronson snarls. Bronson has Bron stand down, and says, “Tonight, I kill him.” Bronson steps into the ring, the bell sounds, and Knight fires off! The fans fire up as Knight fires hands, but Bronson puts him in the corner. Knight ELBOWS back, Knight fires more hands, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips but Bronson blocks! Bronson whips Knight to a corner, runs up, but Knight dodges! Bronson POSTS himself, and Knight stomps a mudhole in!
The fans rally, the ref counts, and Knight goes corner to corner, but into a fireman’s carry! Knight slips down to sunset flip, but Bronson stays up! Bronson jumps but Knight avoids the hip drop! Then Knight basement BOOTS! The fans fire up and Knight storms up on Bronson. Bronson TOSSES Knight to the apron, but Knight slingshots back in! Bronson catches Knight to a fireman’s carry! Knight flails free and he RAMS Bronson into a corner! But Bronson holds ropes to deny the Jump Neckbreaker! Bronson runs but Knight avoids the senton! The fans fire up as Knight goes up, up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! That’s a Steiner move!
The fans fire up and spell it out, “L! A! KNIGHT!” but Bronson bails out! Knight runs to WRECK Bronson with a dropkick! Knight goes back up, springboards, CROSSBODY to the ramp! The fans fire up with Knight and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Bronson has Knight up top. The fans rally as Knight fights back with body shots! Knight ROCKS Bronson, ROCKS him again, and ROCKS him again! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Bronson finally falls and Knight adjusts position. “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” BOX JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Bronson survives and Knight is rather stunned while Heyman is relieved. Knight aims, kicks, but Bronson denies the BFT! HEADBUTT, then a fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Knight survives the “Jagged Edge” DVD but Bronson brings him right up. Bronson reels Knight in and says thumbs down.
Bronson lifts Knight up, but Knight flips the bomb into a DDT! The fans fire up but Bron barks at the apron! Knight DECKS the dog, tells Heyman to get the same, but Bronson runs up! Knight DUMPS Bronson out, builds speed, but BRON SPEARS!!
Winner: LA Knight, by disqualification
The fans boo but Bron handed Knight the win with that one. Bronson stands Knight up so Bron can build speed and SUPER SPEAR!! Grand Rapids is torn but plenty of fans bark. And now Bronson goes up!? TSUNAMI!! Bronson goes up again, the refs hurry out here, but TSUNAMI AGAIN!! The fans want another, so Bron scares the refs off to let Bronson go back up! THIRD TSUNAMI!!! Have Rollins’ rooks just broken Knight into pieces? Is this a message to everyone that no one can stop the vision?
Jacob Fatu speaks.
“Yeah, c’mon on widdit! I just spoke to the man, and you know the man makes everything possible here on SmackDown! So next week, next week on Saturday, me ‘n’ you, Solo! Night of Champions, mano a mano, I’m about to dog walk yo’ ass for the US Championship! Solo, you better get in where you fit in. Cuz if you don’t, then baby, it’s ’bout to be all gas, no breaks with it. Yadadadada mean?” The Samoan Werewolf will get to sink his teeth into Solo, but will he stay golden through it all?
John Cena VS Ron Killings!
The Undisputed WWE Champion was the exact opposite of grateful for R-Truth saving him from Randy Orton at Backlash, and he doubled down when Ron tried to show him the truth at Saturday Night’s Main Event. So, if Cena doesn’t want the Truth, he’ll get someone who knows about ruthless aggression! Will Ron Killings bring an early end to the retirement tour? Or will Cena continue to ruin wrestling for everyone else?
SmackDown returns as Cena makes his entrance. The fans sing “JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” despite him wearing the Detroit Pistons colors. Cena makes Mark Nash give the “proper” introduction: “He is the Greatest of All Time, the Never Seen Seventeen, gracing Grand Rapids with his presence one final time… He is the Last Real Champion, JOHN CENA~!” The fans boo, the bell rings, and Truth stares at Cena while Cena smirks hearing the “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Truth TACKLES Cena! He fires off hands but Cena bails out! So Truth goes out to DECK Cena! “What’s up!?” “WHAT’S UP!” Truth has Cena at the desk and SMACKS him off it!
Truth ROCKS Cena again, and shakes his hand out from hitting so hard. Truth SMACKS Cena off the apron, storms in after him, and whips him to a corner. Cena hits buckles hard and falls to the mat! The fans continue to duel while Truth keeps his eyes on Cena. Truth storms up on Cena while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Truth stands Cena up, whips corner to corner again, and Cena hits buckles hard! Cena sputters, Truth looms over him, and Truth ROCKS Cena! Cena ROCKS Truth! They go back and forth with haymakers, and then Truth dodges to SHOULDER TACKLE! Truth still uses Cena’s own moves against him, and that includes the SPIN-OUT BOMB! Truth raises his hand and Grand Rapids joins in! “You Can’t See Me!” But then Cena bails out so Truth can’t hit him! Truth is annoyed, the fans give thumbs down, but here comes Truth. Cena ELBOWS him down! Cena drags Truth up, POSTS him, and he brings Truth back into the ring.
Cena HEADBUTTS Truth, CHOKES him on the ropes, but stops as the ref counts. Cena stomps away on Truth, then runs to KICK Truth in the back! Cena talks trash, then he runs to SHOULDER TACKLE! Cena takes his time, knowing it is what the fans want. Truth rises up, Cena runs to SHOULDER TACKLE again! Cena watches Truth rise again, gets around him, SPIN-OUT BOMB! And Cena raises his hand, reveling in the cheers and jeers. “You Can’t See Me!” SmackDown returns to single picture for the FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Then Cena fireman’s carries, but Truth slips free! THESZ PRESS! And fast hands!
The fans fire up and Truth has Cena in a corner. Truth runs to STINGER SPLASH! Truth hitting all sorts of other iconic moves! Cena tumbles out and grabs the belt! Cena doesn’t care about this match anymore, he doesn’t need to take this! Truth says hold up! Truth runs Cena down and fires hands on the ramp! The fans fire up but Cena CLOBBERS Truth with the belt!!
Winner: Ron Killings, by disqualification
Cena wants to get another shot, but wait! PUNK IS HERE! Cena runs away into the ring, and he catches Punk as Punk slides in! The fans boo Cena but he huffs ‘n’ puffs. Cena drags Punk up, but Punk fires hands in return! Punk DECKS Cena, grabs the belt, and he holds it up! The fans cheer, and Punk aims, but Cena LOW BLOWS! Cena has a sinister smile as he grabs the belt. BELT SHOT for Punk!! The fans boo even more, but Cena decides to up the ante! Cena brings out a table! The fans cheer, everyone loves tables! Cena puts the table in the ring, then watches Punk sputter around. Cena sets the table up while the fans rally behind Punk.
Punk stands but Cena has the belt again! BELT SHOT!! Cena drags Punk up, fireman’s carries, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENTÂ through the table!! Cena made Punk snap into a Slim Jim, and then he grabs a mic. Cena laughs at Punk, and then sits up on the corner. “Punk… As you lay there in your most uncomfortable…” Cena pretends the mic cut out, taps it, and then says, “Somebody’s afraid of what I’m gonna say.” Cena grins and the fans boo as Cena flips the iconic “Pipebomb” moment on it’s head. “As you lay there in your most uncomfortable, I hope you can listen. I hope you can digest.
“Because before I leave here in six months with that WWE Championship, I gotta get a whole lotta stuff off my chest. First thing’s first, I don’t hate you. I don’t even dislike you. I like you. I like you more than anyone you ever shared a locker room with, that’s for sure. I hate this idea of you. This idea that you’re the Best int he World. You’re not. I’M the Greatest of All Time.” Grand Rapids is a bit torn on that statement, but Cena says Punk is better than Cena at one thing: You’re the best BS artist in the world. Oh no, kiddos~! John Cena just dropped a curse word! That means the show is off the rails! Hey, Stu, shoot this. Hi~! “I’m breaking the forth wall! HAHA!”
Cena then says the truth is, Punk… Cena is jealous of you. Cena is jealous that Punk has conned the fans into believing the myth that Punk is the Best in the World. Oh how they chant for Punk! Which they literally do right now. Hell, the fans even sing for Punk now. But they don’t believe a damn word you say. Because Punk changes his values as much as Cena changes his shirts! Punk is just a loud mouthed opportunist who steps on the necks of those who actually work hard if it gets him ahead. Oh, hey, look, another cameraman! “Hi, Claudio Castagnoli! Hey, Nic Nemeth! Hey, Matt Cardona! How’re you guys doing?”
The fans can’t believe Cena is going this far but Cena is loving it! “He’s heating up! He’s on fire! And there’s nobody back there that’s gonna cut my mic to save your ass, cuz I’m your only friend! Remember who gave you the stage for your pipebomb, pal! And what’ve you done with it since then, huh? You just regurgitated the same five microphone moves of doom. You’re promo potato salad, pal. Hey, you’re no longer the Voice of the Voiceless, you’re a friggin’ millionaire despite yourself. You’re not a punk, you’re a capitalist! And you’re not against TKO, dude, you are Mr. TKO. Cuz they knocked your balls technically off your body.
“Your tweets are strong, but your actions are weak. And in Saudi Arabia, you’re gonna face some loud, loud music when I finally prove to the world that each and every day, day in, day out, no days off for 25 YEARS, I have been the Greatest of All Time!” The fans cheer that a bit more now, to Cena’s surprise. “See, they know. And they know that you were the Best in the World… for seven minutes, 14 years ago. And if after Night of Champions, you’re still delusional enough to believe that you’re the Best in the World, well… I guess it’s a small world after all. You’re welcome, Grand Rapids.” The fans cheer, and Cena lets the world hear it.
Cena tells Punk to bring his A Game to Night of Champions. If Grand Rapids is any indication, the mood is starting to change. Refs finally appear to check on Punk, Cena says no, that’s fine. Punk needs to rest up for his big title match. Get a good shot of this: Best in the World VS Greatest of All Time, for THE most coveted prize in sports entertainment, THE WWE Undisputed Championship! And Cena knows the fans will sing and chant, but he also knows even the idiots are smart enough to see the truth: The Champ is Here. And USA Network, keep the extra two and half minutes. He doesn’t need a bomb to blow the “mother fudging” building.
Oh, and thanks, Punk, for letting Cena rip off your best promo just to make you look even more foolish. Cena finally drops the mic and he raises the belt up again. If the proverbial tables have turned this drastically, is there no saving WWE from losing its north star championship?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown with an awesome ending. All those years ago, when CM Punk dropped THE OG “Pipebomb” promo, no one could’ve ever in a million years guessed that here tonight, we would’ve gotten the John Cena remix. Not only was that promo of the year, but Cena blew up go-home math. I can’t see Cena losing the title to Punk now. He can lose the match since Cena loves getting disqualified, and there’s the possibility of Rollins trying a cash-in, but Cena is leaving Saudi Arabia as champion to then go to SummerSlam. It also works because Cody Rhodes still feels like the favorite for King of the Ring.
A lot of that has to do with how Sami lost to Orton tonight. Great promo from the four semifinalists, especially since it was Jey, Sami and Orton kinda keeping Cody from talking since there isn’t more Cody needs to say. Win or lose, no explanations needed at this point. Sami VS Orton was an awesome match, but I could just feel an RKO countering the Helluva Kick as the way to go and that’s what they did. Now, as awesome as it would be for Jey to beat Cody, and then for Jey to beat Orton to go for the World Heavyweight Championship again, there are a lot of moving parts right now that it would just be the easiest for Cody to win the crown and have his rematch with Cena.
And while talking the WHC, Gunther VS Goldberg IS confirmed for the title, but has also been confirmed as Goldberg’s last match. This is a huge indicator that despite Rollins teasing a cash-in on the Undisputed title, he will likely be thwarted and then falls back to the title he feels is rightfully his. That is to say, Rollins cashes in on the winner of Gunther VS Goldberg, which I half expected even before all this talk of Goldberg’s last match. Rollins can take this title from Gunther and Goldberg, and then we can throw Jey and even LA Knight into the mix as things are getting heated between Knight and the henchmen.
Great promo from Knight with Heyman, great match with Knight VS Bronson, and a really powerful beating Knight takes from Bron & Bronson. If nothing else, Knight costs Rollins his cash-in. Truth going after Kit Wilson was an interesting move. Also a shame Elton Prince is hurt, Pretty Deadly gets going and then something happens to slow them down. But Kit was going to lose to Aleister so this really messes Aleister up more than anything. Priest keeping the peace between Aleister and Truth was good stuff. Priest and Truth being allies on SmackDown can be some real fun stuff, and I feel like they’re already set up for a feud with Aleister.
Very good stuff with Fatu, Solo and this US Championship story. Fatu VS Solo was the natural move, and I like that Jimmy Uso ends up an ally for Fatu. The title match is set, I wonder if we get a tag match first. In fact, next week is title night in Riyadh with Tiffany Stratton giving Nia the Last Woman Standing match, and basically setting the stage for Naomi to cash in. She almost did tonight but Nia was again able to stop her, so I would think Naomi waits until the very end of the Last Woman Standing match to take full advantage. Then, if Jade wins Queen of the Ring, we get Jade VS Naomi at SummerSlam.
Good promo from Jade, B-Fab & Michin watching Asuka VS Alexa. Asuka winning made the most sense, Alexa clearly has story with Charlotte and Asuka is just that good. Jade VS Roxie will be a good match but Roxie’s story in Judgment Day might keep her from winning. But then the fallback there is Roxie might actually sub in for the tag titles like I was thinking. Charlotte VS Chelsea was very good, and of course the Secret Her-vice does what they can to help. The beatdown they put on Charlotte and then Alexa making the save, that’s going to be one of those “can they coexist?” tag matches for sure.
Honestly, a little surprised we didn’t get any tag team promos tonight, unless I completely missed something. I believe title night is going to have Profits VS Gacy & Lumis for the tag titles, too, so that’s going to be something wild. And while DIY is scared of the Wyatts, I feel like they’re going to interfere because they don’t want the Wyatts to take the titles. But at the same time, the Wyatts need something substantial this time around, so maybe they win the titles at SummerSlam.
My Score: 9/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 6.19.25
Are we going to start trending upwards with Slammiversary to build toward?
Last week’s episode was lacking in ring work but had decent story moments and segments. Starting the build to Slammiversary we can either launch nicely or things can always get worse. Jason Hotch and KC Navarro are the real shining stars of the last few months, so lets hope once they get over this Leon Slater idiot ship, they can push X Division wrestlers with actual talent for pro wrestling and not just flippy charisma vacuums.
Oh and let’s not forget, it is the episode they celebrate the 23rd anniversary of TNA! TWENTY – THREE!! Somewhere PCO hates this.
.@Kelly_WP is back in TNA Wrestling and has a message for TNA Knockouts World Champion @mashaslamovich!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/cF0F1ZKKuL pic.twitter.com/tnm4TIuPUz
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 20, 2025
Ratings:
- Sami Callihan vs Eric Young w/Losers: EY wins via Piledriver – ** 3/4
- Lei Ying Lee & Masha Slamovich vs The Elegance Clique w/M & Personal Concierge: Elegantos win via Rarefied Air – ***
- Eddie Edwards & JDC w/Alisha & Brian Myers vs Matt Cardona & Home Town Man: HTM wins via Cradle – *
- Champion’s Challenge: The Rascalz, Joe Hendry, Leon Slater & Elijah vs The Kaiba Boys, Moose, Steve Maclin & Trick Williams: Elijah wins via Highwayman’s Farewell – ***
Results:
Sami Callihan vs Eric Young w/Losers
Sami knocks them all off the apron before the bell rings, he levels the loser children, finds a chair, attacks EY but EY counters and this is the excuse to use weapons since the bell didn’t ring yet. EY tries to break Sami’s hand on the steps with the chair, but Sami moves, throws EY back in the ring, bell rings and EY hits a Belly to Belly suplex for two. They slug it out, Sami goes for Headbutts, then Sami wants to run the ropes but a loser trips him, distracts long enough for EY to knock him out of the ring and loser children swarm as loser children do. EY does the classic, throw back out for losers to attack while EY grabs and distracts the ref. Sami is selling a few lame attacks from the losers like he got shot. It’s an excessive sell, so it’s honestly a dumb transitional moment.
EY levels Sami, Lariat into Scoop Slam, looks for the Macho Elbow but Sami hits the ropes to crotch EY. Sami Superplex time, but EY bites the face to make Sami drop, EY jumps at him but eats a straight right hand. Cactus Driver, but no, EY tries his Piledriver…they both gouge eyes at the same time, Sami catches an EY charge into a Flatliner as they’re both down…for…reasons? The selling in this match seems…poorly timed and kinda stupid. Hard Irish Whip, EY Flair Flips the corner, levels Sami, Macho Elbow for 2.9! EY threatens to hit the ref, but then goes to mad dog commentary. EY then wants to attack fans…he’s more unhinged than World Elite EY. Sami gives him the old Dick Twist into a Stunner but only for two! Losers try to distract, first one gets taken out, second one uses a chair, EY hits the Piledriver on Sami, EY wins.
I feel like this is gonna continue for a few weeks since it wasn’t a clean win.Â
Mustafa Ali’s group comes out, and I refuse to say the name because it’s dumb and they’re already fraying at the seams. Ali wants an apology session, Tasha and Hotch apologize to him but Skyler bites back and refuses, even shoved Ali. So Ali challenges him to a “Call to Arms” match. What in the hell is a Call to Arms match?Â
Lei Ying Lee & Masha Slamovich vs The Elegance Clique w/M & Personal Concierge
ASH does her borderline racist fake karate before Lei stares her down and tags in Heather. Heather avoids Lei, Lei throws a few Tornado Kicks to make a point and Heather tags out. Heather being 4’8″ helps her here. Concierge says “There’s no Karate in wrestling”. ASH, Lei and Masha are in the ring, ASH is trying to decide who she wants to face, but the Concierge google translated it and hands it to ASH, before the face team rocks ASH. Masha lifts up Lei and Lei does the Liu Kang Bicycle Kick, steering more into her Mortal Kombat aesthetic. Senton off the apron from Lei and Masha dives into the pile, the comedy heels are getting leveled. We go to commercial and come back with Lei getting Double Teamed but she spins it into a weird Neckbreaker..but can’t tag out just yet. Lei blocks Heather, Enzuigiri, simultaneous tag, Masha is Yakuza kicks for all and the 2 for 1 Lariat/DDT special. Near fall, but Masha goes for murder, but Heather breaks it, Rocket Launcher/Code Breaker from Elegance but Lei breaks up the pin. ASH tries to intimidate Lei with her fake Karate before throwing her out of the ring. Heather hits Lei with a handful of Glitter and then bounces her face off the post. Masha tries to stop ASH, Kelly’s music distracts Masha, Rarefied Air gives ASH the win.
Santino comes out and GOD DAMMIT no one wants to see Tommy Dreamer fight Mance Warner…that’s a useless thing. Pivot away…no one wants this. Oh no, now we have to listen to Steph talk too. Okay it seems to be a pivot, thankfully. Steph and Mance talk shit, Dreamer says something about Something is gonna happen…and Jake Something comes out. So…I guess we’re gonna build him up for 2 months and then job him out for 6 before he fucks off to his home galaxy or whatever?Â
.@indi_hartwell has a run in with Tessa Blanchard!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/cF0F1ZLikj pic.twitter.com/I6UCCk2fAG
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 20, 2025
Really wish Indi just opened with the Billy Butcher classic of, “Oi Cunt!” – but this wasn’t bad.Â
Eddie Edwards & JDC w/Alisha & Brian Myers vs Matt Cardona & Home Town Man
I hate… Cardona so much more now. Heel reasons for Cardona…go away heat for Deaner.
JDC wants the Home Town Man to start…and Deaner does his stupid Flip Flop and Fly, Cardona tags in, JDC is eating some offense, Cardona wants the Reboot, JDC powders, Cardona Dives but then Lish and the general numbers catch up to Cardona. Eddie is legal, and now they isolate Cardona with some decent tandem work and isolation. This turns into kind of a schmoz, lots of silly spots, near falls and then Home Town doofus gets the cradle pinfall on Eddie.
Whenever Deaner is involved I can’t be asked to care. The System beats Cardona and Deaner down, but Eddie did eat a pin. Which is embarrassing not even for work reasons, like it’s just sad.
Champion’s Challenge: The Rascalz, Joe Hendry, Leon Slater & Elijah vs The Kaiba Boys, Moose, Steve Maclin & Trick Williams
Elijah and Nic start things off, slow push off, arm wring, top wristlock, simple chain wrestling start. Nic breaks the chain and hits a Dropkick, Elijah runs the ropes and hits a Diving Lariat and starts the Rope Walk. Nic seems far to awake and alert for that move then, I hate how people pull that off too early. Wentz gets tagged in, Nic tags in Maclin who wasn’t looking for a tag, but him and Wentz have a nice clash, Trey tags in, they try to double him, but they pause and look at each other. Maclin asks for a tag, no one tags him so he Chops Ryan to tag him in and throws him in.
The little nod to Maclin and Rascalz history and the fact the faces realize Maclin isn’t a piece of shit. A little MCMG homage tandem attacks on Ryan, Wentz punctuates with the Handspring Knee Lift, Ryan tags out to Trick. Trick and Wentz go back and forth, Rascalz have Trick eating offense, Moose tries to slow things down, both Trick and Moose powder, Rascalz Double Golden Triangle Moonsaults. Trey gets tripped by Nic, Moose hits Lights Out, but there’s no referee so it’s a little chaotic.
Out of the commercial things are controlled kinda and we see a simultaneous tag to Moose and Leon. Leon comes out hot, level Moose with a Leg Lariat, attacks Nic Nemeth, attacks Ryan, and then Moose hits Leon with the Stun Gun. Moose looks to tag in Maclin but Maclin jumps off the apron. Trick takes the tag, keeps control, Trick forcibly tags in Maclin but Ryan tags himself in and pulls Leon to the Champions’ corner, Nic tags in and isolates Leon, with the Kaibas quick tagging and keeping Leon down.
Moose tags in, tries to Suplex Leon about four times but Leon stops it then counters the Suplex. Moose tries to cut him off, but the Champions distract the ref so the ref can’t see Leon tag out. Nic and Moose doubling up and Leon is the bump guy of this last portion of the match. Big Uranage from Moose…Moose looks for Lights Out but Small Package almost ruined things, Body Scissors Cradle, GAME CHANGER! Moose looks to hit a Jacknife Powerbomb but Leon turns it into a DDT. Maclin and Ryan start fighting, Nic Superkicks Maclin, Hendry and Nic tag in, Hendry is a house of fire. Sack of Shits for everyone! Nic, Ryan, there’s a pause when Hendry is face to face with Trick and Trick gets Uppercuts first then Sack of Shit! Standing Ovation on Nic, but Ryan blocks, Kaibas try a tandem attack but Hendry Lariats them both. Elijah tags in and is the maestro of the crowd and chopping Ryan to some fun. Ryan goes for a Polish Hammer but eats the Knee Lift. Signature spam time…
Ryan tries to use the International title but Maclin grabs the title away from Ryan, clocks Nic, Standing Ovation into the Highwayman’s Farewell. Champions lose!
Overall Score: 4/10
Well this was a rough one boys and girls. Sami and EY was just an overbooked shitshow, Lei Ying Lee is unfortunately in a spot where it’s obvious TNA has no clue how to use her, the Elegantos are the New Beautiful People, and I’m not mad at that. But you need to space out your goofball crap. You can’t have Elegance Clique, Home Town Moron and Santino in 3 consecutive segments. And if anyone goes “it was 3 out of 4” that’s doesn’t lessen my point, the beauty of Pro Wrestling being a variety show is…FOR VARIETY! When the lead match feels stupid because of bad pacing, poor selling and overbooking with two losers, it feels like a useless match with idiots, then comedy, followed by more comedy…you see how that’s literally NOT VARIETY.
Figure it out seriously. This was a disappointing episode. If you’re a casual viewer than it’s just chalk for TNA doing cringe and borderline goof crap since they’ve always steered a little more into the carny than other companies. But this show was…where’s Jisoo and Jenny? I feel like I need that gif:
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