Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (2/8/21)
Time to settle some scores!
Monday Night Raw brings on the grudge matches!
Though he will address Sheamus’ actions from last week’s Raw, Drew McIntyre will take on Randy Orton in one last grudge match!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Jeff Hardy VS AJ Styles w/ Omos; Styles wins.
- The New Day VS Retribution; The New Day wins.
- Charlotte Flair VS Lacey Evans w/ Ric Flair; Evans wins, by disqualification.
- Damian Priest w/ Bad Bunny VS Angel Garza w/ The Miz & John Morrison; Priest wins.
- Matt Riddle VS Keith Lee; Lee wins.
- Tables Match: Lana VS Nia Jax w/ Shayna Baszler; Lana wins.
- Naomi w/ Lana VS Shayna Baszler w/ Nia Jax; Naomi wins.
- Drew McIntyre VS Randy Orton; Orton wins, by disqualification.
PLAY BY PLAY
WWE and Raw mourn the loss of “The Natural,” Butch Reed.
Adam Pearce opens Raw in the ring.
Scrap Daddy welcomes us back to the show, and welcomes back SHANE MCMAHON!! What a shock to see Shane O’Mac back on Raw and in the ThunderDome! Shane goes to the ring, fist bumps Pearce and says it is great to be back during the Road to WrestleMania. They’re crossing the double yellow line into the Elimination Chamber! Shane and Pearce have a “blockbuster” announcement for the PPV’s main event: Drew McIntyre will defend the WWE World Championship IN the Chamber match! Six superstars enter, only one will remain, and that one will be THE WWE Champion!
Shane knows McIntyre is in by default but who are the other five? Even bigger news! All the opponents will be FORMER world champions, starting with Randy Orton! Then, Jeff Hardy, AJ Styles, The Miz and lastly, Sheamus, complete the field! Shane says it is a pleasure being out here with Pearce and says this blockbuster card is amazing. Shane thanks Pearce for the hard work and then takes his leave. But on his way out is AJ Styles! The Phenomenal One and Omos say hey to Shane before continuing on to the ring. Styles wants to talk with Pearce. Pearce IS doing an amazing job! The Chamber match, if it’s Pearce’s idea, is great!
But hold on. Styles wants to make sure he has this right: McIntyre has to defend the WWE Championship inside the Chamber? That’s genius! The chances of McIntyre losing that title are, pun intended, phenomenal! And at a perfect time, too, because we’re on the Road to WrestleMania! Perfect time for Styles to come out a THREE-TIME world champion! And not to let this out to the world, but uh, Styles always thought Pearce was a dumbass. But that’s neither here nor there. Omos and the “future” champion are giving Pearce just a snippet tonight. So please, get out of the ring.
With that said, Jeff Hardy is headed out! The Charismatic Enigma and Styles are going to give us that Chamber appetizer to open Raw! Who takes a big first step towards the six man mayhem coming down the Road to WrestleMania?
Drew McIntyre talks with Shane backstage.
The champ couldn’t help but overhear that announcement. They go a way’s back so he thought Shane had it as just be McIntyre and Sheamus 1v1. Well yes but then they thought it’d be even bigger by putting them in the Chamber. If McIntyre wants to test his mettle, there is no better way to do it. Shane wishes McIntyre good luck then heads out.
Jeff Hardy VS AJ Styles w/ Omos!
Raw returns and the bell rings. Hardy and Styles circle, tie up and Hardy wrenches to club away on Styles’ arm. Styles gets the ropes, Hardy lets off, and the two reset. They tie up, Styles gets around to waistlock but Hardy switches. Hardy headlocks, Styles tries to power out but Hardy holds on tight. Hardy grinds Styles down, Styles gets up and powers out. Hardy runs Styles over! Hardy rallies the fans and circles with Styles again. They approach but Styles kicks low! Styles throws haymakers to put Hardy in a corner, then he runs in to ROCK Hardy with more fists! The ref has Styles back off, he runs back in but Hardy dodges!
Hardy kicks Styles, puts him in a corner and rams his shoulder in! Hardy snapmares, basement dropkicks, then covers, ONE! Hardy drags Styles up to wrench the arm. Styles pulls Hardy’s hair and puts him in a corner. Styles rams into Hardy, whips him corner to corner, then runs in to RAM him again! Styles brings Hardy back up, whips him again, but Hardy reverses and back drops Styles hard! Hardy drops ax handles, covers, TWO! Hardy drags Styles up, bumps him off buckles, then bumps him off more buckles! Then a third corner, and then the fourth for a complete set! Hardy drops a leg then covers, TWO!
Hardy keeps on Styles at the ropes, whips him, but Styles kicks back! Hardy blocks the kick and throws Styles down! Hardy goes after Styles in a corner and throws haymakers! The ref counts, Hardy lets off and whips but Styles reverses. Hardy goes up but his leg jams! Hardy hobbles out of the ring, Styles steadies himself and waits as the ring count climbs. Styles goes out and CHOP BLOCKS the bad leg! Styles refreshes the count, brings Hardy up, and gives him a SHIN BREAKER, then SWINGS him legs first into the post! The ref reprimands Styles while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Styles goes after Hardy’s bad leg. Hardy clubs Styles but Styles drops knees on the knee! Styles stomps the leg, stalks Hardy as he crawls to ropes, then KICKS the leg! Hardy falls back over, Styles drags him by that leg and hits a leg DDT! Omos likes what he sees as Styles stalks a hobbling Hardy. Styles has the leg again, Hardy clubs then enziguris him away! Hardy hobbles over but into a roll, CALF CRUSHER! Styles pulls back on the leg, Hardy endures, Hardy fights up to throw elbows but Styles pulls the leg harder! Hardy reaches and gets a ropebreak! Styles keeps his cool as he stalks Hardy more.
Styles brings Hardy up, Hardy throws haymakers, but Styles whips. Hardy falls over because of the bad leg! The ref checks on Hardy but Hardy refuses to let this end the match. Hardy gets to a corner, drags himself to his feet, and Styles runs in only to be put on the apron. Hardy hobbles into position, though, but he trips up Styles’ springboard! Styles flops to the apron and Hardy has time to rest. Hardy holds his leg as he rolls away but Styles gets back in. Fans rally on their ThunderDome screens, Styles hurries over to Hardy but gets a jawbreaker! Hardy manages an atomic drop, leg splitting leg drop, and the basement dropkick! Splash down, cover, TWO!
Hardy and Styles are both down but Hardy forces himself to stand again. Styles stands, Hardy kicks but Styles blocks, only to get the spinning back kick! Hardy kicks again, but no Twist, he uses a GOURD BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Hardy grows frustrated and works to get his bad leg moving. Hardy gets up, drags Styles up but Styles KICKS the bad leg! Styles drags Hardy around, reels him in, but no Clash! Hardy slips out to hit TWIST OF FATE! Hardy crawls to a corner, drags himself up the corner, but the Swanton FLOPS as Styles moves! Styles gets the leg, for the CALF CRUSHER!! Hardy endures, scrambles around, elbows Styles but Styles thrashes harder! Hardy taps, Styles wins!
Winner: AJ Styles, by submission
The Phenomenal One beat the Charismatic Enigma all by himself this time! And he’ll have to do that four more times in the Chamber since Omos can’t be inside with him! Will Styles make a phenomenal return to glory thanks to the Elimination Chamber?
Matt Riddle finds Keith Lee backstage.
The Bro is still sporting the black eye from his battle with Bobby Lashley. But laughter is the best medicine, and Riddle got cozy to binge watch the Air Bud franchise. Keith wonders if Lashley knocked a “screw loose” in Riddle. Does Riddle really want to still go after the Hurt Business after what they’ve done to him? Well people though tit was ridiculous for a dog to play basketball, but it didn’t matter, Air Bud kept playing. And Riddle will keep going after the US Championship until he takes it!
Keith thinks maybe someone new should try. Keith has what it takes to beat Lashley, and what it takes to beat Riddle tonight. Is that so? Well, may the better man win, bro! But will it be the Bro or the Limitless One that heads for the Rocky Mountain Machine’s gold next?
Sheamus finds Pearce backstage.
Didn’t McIntyre promise a 1v1 title match? But now Pearce and Shane are throwing in four others?! Pearce understands- HOW COULD HE?! Is Sheamus not a draw? No, they’re just trying to make the biggest match for the Chamber. Oh “they,” huh? Didn’t Shane say this was all Pearce’s idea? WWE officials like Pearce come and go, with their empty suits and yes men mentalities, full of broken promises just like McIntyre. They’re refusing to give Sheamus the respect he deserves! But Sheamus gets it. McIntyre is the shiny new toy, but he would be NOTHING without Sheamus!
You want to put them in the Chamber, stack the odds? Fine. But remember, tis is Pearce’s idea. And when Sheamus unleashes brutality on every WWE superstar in there, remember that this is on Pearce’s hands.
The New Day VS Retribution!
Kofi Kingston is back in the ring, and now he’s helping Xavier Woods against Retribution! But which to members of Mustafa Ali’s faction are they taking on? We’ll see after the break!
Raw returns and Retribution makes their entrance. The two members stepping up against the ten-time tag team champions are T-Bar and Slapjack! Mustafa Ali and Mace join commentary as Slapjack starts with Woods. They circle, tie up and Slapjack drags Woods down. Slapjack waistlocks, Woods fights up and pries free to hit a headlock takeover. Woods grinds Slapjack down, Slapjack fights his way up, and Slapjack powers out. Woods runs Slapjack over, covers, ONE! Woods hits another headlock takeover and he grinds Slapjack down. Slapjack fights up, slips out and gets the arm to wrench.
Slapjack yanks the arm, Woods wrenches free to CHOP! Slapjack CHOPS! Woods dodges, tags Kofi, and tilt-o-whirls Slapjack for Kofi’s dropkick! Cover, TWO! Woods says that dropkick and leg sweep is new. Kofi CHOPS, whips, but Slapjack reverses to elbow Kofi down! Tag to T-bar and T-Bar CLOBBERS Kofi! T-Bar swings on Woods, but catches Kofi’s flip! T-Bar choke grips Kofi, Kofi breaks free and throws hands, but T-Bar doesn’t flinch. Kofi runs, leaps but into T-Bar’s arms! T-Bar pops Kofi up to a fireman’s carry, but Kofi slips out to shove T-Bar away! T-Bar goes up and over, keeps moving, Kofi hurdles but then leaps into a torture rack!
Kofi scrambles to sunset flip but T-Bar drags him back up, to SLAM him down! Ali wants T-Bar to show the world what Retribution is about! They need to hurt the New Day the way the WWE hurts them! T-Bar runs in but Kofi dumps him out! Slapjack runs over, is also put on the apron, and Woods BOOTS Slapjack! Kofi runs and FLIES to take Retribution down! The New Day is fired up as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again and T-Bar throws hands on Woods. Woods hits back, CHOPS, but T-Bar smothers him into the corner! T-Bar throws elbow after elbow but lets off as the ref counts 4. T-Bar stomps Woods, stands on him, then walks over to tag Slapjack. T-Bar scoop slams Woods, Slapjack stomps him down! Slapjack kicks away on Woods but Woods throws hands back! Slapjack DECKS Woods, and wraps on a chinlock! Woods endures, fights up, Slapjack shifts and clamps on with a neck wrench. Woods fights up to jawbreaker free! T-Bar tags in, Slapjack anchors Woods and T-Bar BOOTS Kofi! Slapjack whips Woods and T-Bar LARIATS! Cover, TWO!
Woods gasps and sputters but Ali tells T-Bar to keep on him. T-Bar choke grips and drags Woods up, to tag in Slapjack. They combine for a CHOKE SLAM BACK SUPLEX! Cover, TWO!! Woods still lives and Retribution is furious! Ali says tonight is Retribution’s night to eat! They’re hungry, so they’re going to eat! Slapjack suplexes but Woods slips out to roll him up! TWO, Woods tags in Kofi! Kofi climbs up and hits a flying ax handle! Kofi knocks T-Bar off the apron, fires off CHOPS and a dropkick on Slapjack, then hits T-Bar again! Ali is furious as Kofi dodges Slapjack to ax handle him down! Kofi fires up, and hits the NEW~ DAY~ Boom Drop!
Kofi claps and laughs at Ali as he aims from a corner. T-Bar runs in but gets the TROUBLE IN PARADISE! But Slapjack gets Kofi for a back suplex! Kofi lands on his feet, elbows Slapjack away then tag sin Woods! Woods enziguris Slapjack, tags in Kofi, and together they hit DAYBREAK! Cover, The New Day wins!
Winners: The New Day, by pinfall
Ali throws a fit and Mace rushes the ring. Woods and Kofi get away, and Woods shouts, “GIVE ME RECKONING!” Ali is furious with his team’s failure. Will Ali crush the Power of Positivity with his rage?
Bad Bunny and Damian Priest talk backstage.
They’re enjoying the reactions to last week, when Bad Bunny clowned John Morrison while Priest beat Miz. Bunny’s in Priest’s corner this week, and they go back to rewatching the footage of the “mic drop.” Will they do the same again to Angel Garza?
Lacey Evans and Ric Flair go to the ring!
The Queen is upset with the Sassy Southern Belle for creeping on her father, and is upset with her father for taking Lacey’s side! Will Charlotte make Lacey #BowDown and finally leave the Nature Boy alone?
Raw returns and Ric has a mic. “Seems to be there are some people out there who want an explanation at why Ric Flair wants to be back main-lining.” The reason why is that he doesn’t take orders from any woman, not even his daughter! He’s not staying at home! And Ric is really tired about hearing how great Charlotte is! Yes, she’s the Queen! Yes, she’s got 13 title reigns! Yes, she doesn’t need Ric! But Ric needs Ric! And Ric says he has found someone with the looks, the skills and the drive to be a star! She just needs motivation, knowledge and wisdom!
Charlotte may be the greatest today, but Ric is going to train Lacey. This is completely casual! If Lacey falls for his charm, that’s just how it is. But this is a warning to Asuka! Lacey will be the next Raw Woman’s Champion! And all you nasties who think you know, you don’t. Lacey respects Ric and gives him the respect he deserves as “the living legend he is,” unlike the ungrateful daughter he has. Charlotte is a fool to turn away the best of all time, “bless her heart.” The way Charlotte speaks to Ric is not how Lacey would ever speak to her father! Yet Lacey’s the villain? But here comes Charlotte! Lacey won’t even let Ric hold the ropes open for Charlotte!
Charlotte has a mic to respond. “First of all, Lacey, if you really wanted to learn, you’d take yourself to Orlando and work your ass off in the Performance Center.” But Lacey is just using Ric, using Charlotte, and waring their robes to ride their coattails. And then for Ric, what does Charlotte need to do? Validate her? Charlotte never said Ric wasn’t proud of her or that she never wanted his help. But what Charlotte has been doing the last seven years is protect and add on to the legacy! Ric has yes people but Charlotte is honest! Charlotte doesn’t care who he manages, just don’t bring him down with her!
Lacey tells “Char-Char” she is just here to listen and learn. Why are they enemies? Why can’t they be a team? Lacey would’ve been a way better tag partner than that “feral animal,” Asuka. Charlotte didn’t come this far just to come this far. Charlotte’s been trying to prove to Ric, to the fans and to everyone in the locker room that she can do this on her own. And Asuka IS Charlotte’s tag partner, okay? Well Lacey doesn’t feel the same way. Lacey’s sights are on the Raw Women’s title. Well hopefully Ric takes Lacey right to that title. Well Ric has heard from management that if Lacey beats Charlotte tonight, she’s next in line to face Asuka.
Oh is that so? Ric thinks Charlotte hasn’t been listening but she has. Let’s go now! Lacey hides behind Ric to then sucker punch Charlotte! And then she goes out to whip Charlotte hard into steel steps! Lacey accepts the match, which was happening anyway, but now it’s moved up to after the break!
The Miz and John Morrison talk with Angel Garza.
They know Bad Bunny has Damian Priest’s back, so they promise to have Garza’s. Morrison and Garza start doing some Spanish rapping, and Miz joins in. Is the duo going to become a trio of sorts?
Charlotte Flair VS Lacey Evans w/ Ric Flair!
Raw returns and the bell rings, and Charlotte RAMS Lacey right to a corner! Charlotte RAMS into Lacey more, lets off as the ref counts, and then ROCKS Lacey with a right! Lacey is in the ropes but Charlotte is after her. Lacey hotshots the arm, wrenches and kicks it, then wrenches to an elbow drop! Lacey knuckle locks, Charlotte, handsprings through and wrenches to drag Lacey down. Charlotte is after Lacey’s shoulder but Lacey fights to the ropebreak. The ref counts, Charlotte lets go, and Lacey kicks low! Lacey wrenches the bad arm again, whips Charlotte, but Charlotte goes up and out to ram into Lacey! Charlotte slingshots and rolls Lacey and BOOTS her down!
Charlotte runs at a corner, Lacey dodges and wrings Charlotte out, but Charlotte dropkicks Lacey down! Ric helps Lacey on the outside, Charlotte storms over but Lacey hotshots Charlotte again! Lacey sweeps the legs, slingshots up and over, to drop the elbow! Lacey rains down furious fists but lets off as the ref reprimands. Lacey kicks Charlotte, goes after the arm again, and wrenches to an elbow breaker. Lacey kicks the arm, reels Charlotte in, but Charlotte slips out to CLOBBER Lacey! Charlotte gets the leg but Lacey scrambles away! Lacey gets the ropebreak, Charlotte holds on until the ref counts, and Lacey kicks the legs!
Charlotte hobbles, wrenches Lacey again, but Lacey slips through to yank the arm! Lacey wrenches, wristlocks, and throws Charlotte down hard! But Charlotte kips right up to egg Lacey on! Lacey throws her down, Charlotte kips back up, but Lacey wrenches and whips. Charlotte reverses, Lacey holds ropes, and Lacey styles and profiles just to anger Charlotte. Charlotte ROCKS Lacey, scoops her and hits an EXPLODER! Lacey bails out, Ric is there, but Charlotte shows Lacey how it’s done! Ric is flustered, Charlotte slingshots, but Lacey uses Ric as a shield! Lacey trips Charlotte up hard! Charlotte clutches her bad arm as Raw goes back to break!
Raw returns again and Lacey has Charlotte’s arm wrapped on ropes. Lacey uses a leg to hook Charlotte’s head as she pulls on the arm! The ref counts, Lacey lets off, Charlotte CLUBS Lacey back! Lacey drop toeholds Charlotte but Charlotte stays up to throw more hands! Charlotte drags Lacey up but Lacey jawbreakers! Lacey throws Charlotte down by her hair and pulls on the arm! Lacey uses legs to keep Charlotte down but Charlotte fights up! Charlotte moves around, Lacey drags her down by hair, but the ref reprimands again. Charlotte fights up, stomps Lacey, but Lacey drags Charlotte down with a hammerlock! Charlotte rolls but Lacey drops knees on the arm!
Lacey whips Charlotte to a corner, Charlotte stops herself and elbows Lacey away! But Lacey comes back to CLOBBER Charlotte! Cover, TWO! Lacey is on the bad arm, and uses it to turn Charlotte for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Lacey scowls as she stalks Charlotte. Lacey pushes Charlotte down into a drop zone, then climbs up, for the SASSIEST MOONSAULT onto boots!! Charlotte waits for Lacey to stand and she CHOPS away! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Lacey falls over, Ric is upset. Charlotte runs at Lacey but Lacey SLAPS her away! Lacey runs but into a BOOT! Charlotte covers, TWO!
Lacey bails out, Ric is there, but Charlotte dares dad to do something. Ric says he won’t do anything, but Lacey is sneaking up again! Lacey WRINGS the arm! The ring count is climbing, Lacey puts Charlotte in at 8! Lacey covers, TWO! Ric says for Lacey to use the Figure Four but she doesn’t know how that works! Charlotte BOOTS Lacey then SPEARS her! Charlotte stares down at Ric and says, “You want to humiliate me, do it on your own time! Watch this!” Charlotte fires off furious forearms on Lacey! The ref backs her off but she shoves him away! Charlotte fires off on Lacey more but the ref rings the bell!!
Winner: Lacey Evans, by disqualification
Ric gets in and Charlotte dares him to do something! But he doesn’t, and Charlotte says this ring is hers now. Will the Queen be a gatekeeper of the Raw Women’s Championship on the Road to WrestleMania?
WWE celebrates Black History Month.
“Memories of our deeds and our lives will live on in others.” – Rosa Parks
Edge is back again!
The Rated R Superstar has made it through one week as the Men’s Royal Rumble Winner, now he starts week two! Edge says it was one hell of a week, but an amazing one, because it started with winning the Rumble. He still has the massive decision to make. It seems simple on the surface, but Edge digs deeper. That’s why Edge was on Raw last week. He wanted a lay of the land, but he also settled things with Randy Orton. Edge went to NXT, went to SmackDown, met their champions, and was so close to making a decision. But now things have changed because of the Elimination Chamber having a match of all former champions!
Edge knows Roman is Universal Champion. He knows Finn Balor is NXT Champion. He also knows the Chamber is one of the most brutal matches in WWE. But what he doesn’t know is who will walk out of the Chamber as champion. Edge likes his odds against every single one of them! To be realistic, though, he doesn’t like McIntyre’s odds. Edge likes and respects McIntyre but he knows how hard it is to get out of the Chamber. Edge will wait for the dust to settle, and then he’ll- Wait, here comes The Miz and John Morrison, and even Garza, first. Miz says, “Wow, what a great speech! Epic speech! Dare I say, it reeked of awesomeness!” Edge has such a big decision to make!
But we all know Edge is the ultimate opportunist. And Miz knows Edge is waiting for the perfect chance to strike. Miz is more of a strategist, so let’s strategize! Even if Edge’s comeback leads to winning a WWE World or Universal Championship, Miz will be there with his Money in the Bank contract! Miz will cash in on Edge and leave WrestleMania as a champion! Oh and welcome back. Edge asks if Miz knows who he’ stalking to. Edge put that MITB briefcase on the map! He knows at Mania, as soon as Edge raises a title, he’ll need eyes on the back of his head. But thanks for reminding him.
Edge is the master manipulator keeping three champions on alert but Miz just gave his plan away? Miz needs to worry about the Chamber, about Priest, and hell, even Bad Bunny! Edge is playing poker, Miz is playing Old Maid. There are fundamental differences in how they think. Miz is okay being awesome, Edge did that 20 years ago! edge NEEDS to see his story through, and he NEEDS to be champion. Notice a difference? Think about it! Edge leaves, Miz keeps Morrison and Garza back, but will these two battle things out soon enough?
Damian Priest w/ Bad Bunny VS Angel Garza w/ The Miz & John Morrison!
The Archer of Infamy became fast friends with the chart-topping Reggaeton star because of their distaste for the Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century *look off into distance*. Now they might have to add the Lethal Lothario to that mix since he’s hanging with MC M I Z and Johnny Drip Drip. Will Priest #LiveForever at Garza’s expense?
The bell rings and Garza talks some trash, but Priest BOOTS him down! Priest is after Garza in the corner with hand sand kicks, then he ROCKS Garza with an uppercut! Garza checks his chin, Priest whips Garza tor opes but Graza kicks back! Garza runs into the windmill kick! Cover, ONE, but Priest stalks Garza to ropes. Miz and Morrison are there to protest and distract, Garza throat chops Priest! Garza runs, shoulders and clotheslines then dropkciks Priest down! Cover, ONE, but Garza basement dropkicks Priest for good measure. Priest flounders, Garza chokes Priest on ropes but lets off as the ref counts. Miz gets a cheap shot in!
Bunny protests, Garza throws off the pants and throws them at Bunny! Garza hooks up Priest’s legs for an inverted deathlock! Garza slaps Priest around but Priest just gets pissed! Priest throws big hands to get free, but Garza comes around, only for Priest to block a punch with a punch! Priest fires off forearms, then aims to kick, kick and KICK! Priest drags Garza up to ROCK him, then DECK him with a lariat! Bunny cheers with the fans as Priest aims from a corner. Priest tunes up with stomps, takes aim with the bow, and runs corner to corner for a LEAPING back elbow! Morrison and Miz get on the apron but Priest runs them off! Garza runs in to clothesline Priest out!
Morrison and Miz mug Priest while the ref backs Garza off. Bunny snatches the MITB briefcase! Bunny slides that in, Morrison goes after it, and the ref sees that! The ref EJECTS Miz and Morrison! Bunny gets the better of them, just as Edge figured he would. Bunny then shrugs to Garza, and Garza turns around into Priest’s BELL CLAP! And the RECKONING! Cover, Priest wins!
Winner: Damian Priest, by pinfall
Bunny has Priest’s back and together, they’re rolling on the Road to WrestleMania! Will Priest find himself heading for a big target come the Showcase of the Immortals?
Backstage interview with Drew McIntyre!
An interesting night already with the announcement about the Elimination Chamber world title match. His reaction? Simple: It’s WrestleMania season, expect the unexpected. Much like what Sheamus did. McIntyre heard what Sheamus has to say but it boils down to this: why end a 20 year friendship if you just wanted a title shot? But while Sheamus has his reasons and McIntyre has his theories, McIntyre has to focus on Orton. The Viper will break bones or tear muscles if it means keeping McIntyre from the Chamber. But Mania Season makes the target on a champion’s back even bigger.
But let’s take a lay of the land: The Chamber, Orton tonight, Miz’s MITB shot, Edge still hasn’t chosen, Sheamus, Styles, Hardy, things are crazy! McIntyre is cornered! Will he crack under the pressure? No. Backed in a corner, McIntyre is a wild animal! McIntyre dares you to come at him so he can rip your damn face off! Will the Claymores be flying come time for the Elimination Chamber?
BREAKING NEWS!
Because Lacey technically did win, she DOES have a match against Asuka for the Raw Women’s Championship! Will the Sassy Southern Belle make the best of Charlotte’s rage costing her?
Backstage interview with Bianca Belair!
The Women’s Royal Rumble winner is here on Raw to react to the news of Asuka VS Lacey. It’s been a wild week but the honeymoon is over. Bianca proved she is the EST of WWE, this is her time! And yes, people are wondering what she’ll do. But as the smartEST woman in the WWE, it could be Sasha Banks, but it could also be Asuka. Asuka isn’t just the Empress of Tomorrow, but the Empress of All Day. Lacey could be champion, but only a fool underestimates Asuka. Bianca wants to beat the best, and Asuka comes over to say congratulations! Bianca won, she did it! But that does not mean Bianca is ready for Asuka!
Girl, uh-uh! Bianca IS ready. But y’know who isn’t? LACEY~! These two are in agreement now, but Bianca says if Asuka hands business, they might be seeing each other more often. What will the women’s title scene look like after the Elimination Chamber PPV in two weeks?
Matt Riddle VS Keith Lee!
The Limitless Bros are facing off against each other 1v1 for the first time in WWE! They both want a shot at the WWE United States Champion, but Riddle’s had his turns. Will Keith win here to prove it’s his turn against Bobby Lashley?
Raw returns and Keith makes his entrance. MVP is on commentary to represent the Hurt Business’ interests in this match. MVP says Keith may be a kaiju, but Lashley is the king of kaiju. The bell rings and Riddle circles with Keith. They fist bump out of respect, then circle more. Riddle goes for an armbar takedown but Keith uses size and strength to stay up, then dead lift Riddle! Riddle tries to bring Keith down but Keith wags his finger! Keith brings Riddle up, Riddle lets go and gets away. The two nod and circle again. MVP says Lashley would’ve done much better, but Keith holds off Riddle’s leg takedown to then toss Riddle aside!
Riddle and Keith reset, circle again, and feel out a grapple. Riddle shoots in again, gets around and gets a sleeper! Keith stays up, reaches for ropes, but Riddle adds body scissors and squeezes tight! Keith scowls as he pries free and throws Riddle off! Riddle gets out of the ring to cool off and sort himself out, then he gets back in. Keith and Riddle circle again, tie up with knuckle locks, but Riddle shifts, only for Keith to block the throw. Riddle avoids Keith’s clothesline to fire off strikes, then he ROCKS Keith into a corner! Riddle goes side to side but gets caught! Keith holds tight but Riddle breaks free to fire off KICKS!
The ref counts, Riddle lets off at 4 and goes corner to corner. Keith POUNCES Riddle across the ring! Even MVP has to admit that was good. Cover, TWO! Keith keeps his cool and watches Riddle gets to a corner. Keith throws body shots now, but Riddle throws forearms back! Riddle CHOPS, Keith Lee GRIZZLY MAGNUMS! Keith hauls Riddle up, wrenches and whips corner to corner hard, and Riddle bounces off buckles! Keith stands and watches Riddle, but Riddle gets up to throw body shots. Riddle fires off haymakers and CHOPS, but Keith grabs Riddle by the head to DECK him with a left! Riddle grits his teeth as he gets back up to throw more hands on KEith!
Riddle CHOPS, forearms, but Keith blocks a kick to elbow and ROCK Riddle with a forearm! GERMAN SUPLEX, but Riddle land son his feet! Riddle spins Keith for the PELE! Keith wobbles but stays up in a corner., Riddle runs in to throw a forearm, runs side to side for another forearm! Riddle brings Keith up but Keith fights off the Brosploder. Keith shoves and GRIZZLY MAGNUMS again! Keith brings Riddle up, pops him up, but Riddle fights the Spirit Bomb off! Riddle goes up, FLYING KNEE! Keith falls over, Riddle covers, ONE?!? Riddle keeps moving and PENALTY KICKS! Riddle hurries to a corner, climbs up and leaps, FLOATING BRO!! Cover, TWO!?!?
MVP admits he is impressed by Keith Lee, and even Riddle’s resilience, but they’re still not Lashley. BROTON and then another BROTON, and then a third BROTON! Riddle is firing up and demands Keith get up! MVP doesn’t understand that logic. Keith blocks Final Flash to pop Riddle up again! Riddle still fights and gets the TRIANGLE HOLD! Keith stays standing, lifts Riddle but Riddle drags Keith down all the same! Keith powers up to short-bomb, but Riddle holds on! Riddle pulls harder, Keith powers up and MVP likes what he sees as Keith BUCKLE BOMBS Riddle! Riddle runs back in to FINAL FLASH again! Riddle runs again, but into the SPIRIT BOMB!! Cover, Keith wins!!
Winner: Keith Lee, by pinfall
MVP says he was entertained, and he looks forward to the fight that’s coming, but he knows Lashley will still win. Keith helps Riddle up, proving they’re still pals. But here comes Lashley to CLOBBER them both!! Riddle goes down but Keith stays up! And Keith is just as mad as Lashley is now. But Keith runs into the MILE HIGH SPINEBUSTER!! MVP says THAT is power! The Chief Hurt Officer gets Riddle in another HURT LOCK!! Riddle is a rag doll all over again! Lashley throws Riddle away but Keith gets back up. Lashley RAMS Keith off the apron, then runs around the way to CLOBBER him! Lashley keeps on Keith and POSTS him!
Lashley tears steel steps apart and aims at Keith! BATTERING RAM!! Keith falls over the announce desk! MVP grins as Lashley stands on the desk. Lashley holds up the US Championship, but will he only come to regret what he just did?
Randy Orton speaks.
“Unfinished business. That’s what stands between you and I, Drew.” It is a fact McIntyre took the title from Orton, but it is a fact that at Elimination Chamber, Orton will take it back. Orton has done what he has to in order to get what he wants. The title means everything to him. Whether it is kicking legend sin the skull or RKO’ing anyone in his way, or even setting someone on fire, Orton alone lives with those actions! But those actions always end the unfinished business. Tonight, McIntyre will be reintroduced to the Legend Killer, and destiny will come calling again as Orton walks into WrestleMania THE WWE World Champion.
Tables Match: Lana w/ Naomi VS Nia Jax w/ Shayna Baszler!
Speaking of settling unfinished business by any means necessary, the Ravishing Russian looks to finally get payback against the Irresistible Force in the most poetic way possible! Will Lana finally be the one putting Nia through a table tonight?
Raw returns as Lana makes her entrance, Naomi by her side. The bell rings, Lana rushes at Nia but Nia shoves her away! Nia drags Lana up just to elbow her back down! Nia kicks Lana around and says Lana doesn’t understand the repercussions of her decisions. Nia brings Lana up for a LAST RIDE POWERBOMB! Nia grins at Naomi and taunts that this is going to be her tag partner for their eventual tag title match. Nia drags Lana up for another BOMB! Nia kicks Lana around for being an “idiot,” and then taunts Naomi for coming back just to team with Lana. Nia grabs Lana’s leg and drags her up for a STRETCH MUFFLER!
Lana can only endure as Nia thrashes her around, then SWINGS her into buckles!! Lana is dazed, Naomi tries to coach her up, but Nia grins as she watches Lana slowly sit up. Nia kicks Lana at the ropes, pushes her into the ropes, then drags her up and scoops her. Lana fights the lawn dart off, but Nia just gives her snake eyes instead! Nia drags Lana into position, runs, but Lana avoids the elbow drop! Lana BOOTS Nia back, ROUNDHOUSES her, then dodges in the corner! Nia hits buckles, and walks into the SWITCH KICK! Lana fires up with anger and she runs at Nia, only for Nia to run her over.
Nia talks more trash and she drags Lana up. “King Kong ain’t got s*** on me!” Nia drags Lana up, but Lana fights the bomb off with elbows! She uses the LANA RANA to throw Nia onto the apron! Naomi cheers Lana as she ROUNDHOUSES Nia again! And again! And again! Nia wobbles, Lana pries at the fingers! Lana gets one hand free but Nia uses the other to grab Lana for a HEADBUTT! Nia drags Lana to the apron and stands on her head! “This is what you wanted! Nia backs up, takes aim, but Lana avoids the apron leg drop! Nia clutches her tailbone, but she shoves the table over in anger. Lana runs out and RAMS Nia through a table!! LANA WINS!!
Winner: Lana
Naomi celebrates with Lana! Justice has been served! But then Shayna attacks Lana! So Naomi kicks and FLYING KICKS Shayna in return! The Glow has the Ravishing Russian’s back and now the bullies can’t get away with things! Will Naomi and Lana make the Queen of Spades #FeelTheGlow?
Naomi w/ Lana VS Shayna Baszler!
The Glow and the Queen of Spades throw down now on behalf of what happened to their tag partners! The bell rings, Naomi slides under the roundhouse, and then comes back to elbow Shayna! Naomi throws forearms, Shayna shoves Naomi but Naomi wrenches to get both arms for a double Sole Food! Shayna runs back in but Naomi hurdles, only for Shayna to get a leg. Shayna trips Naomi, and she PENALTY KICKS an arm out! Shayna hammerlocks that arm on the mat, but Naomi kips up to avoid the stomp! Shayna sweeps the legs, gets the arm, and STOMPS it after all! Lana looks on at Shayna twists Naomi’s wrist and drags her to the mat.
Shayna bends the arm around, but Naomi endures, so Shayna uses a foot to YANKS on the arm! Shayna keylocks the arm, Naomi endures again, and she kicks Shayna away! Naomi gets up, Shayna runs back over but the kick misses! Naomi dodges Shayna again to send her into buckles, then she rallies with dropkicks! Naomi dodges a clothesline to run and RANA! Shayna staggers into a corner, but she kicks Naomi away. Naomi SLAPS Shayna, then hits a RUNNIGN JAWBREAKER! Shayna is rocked, Lana cheers but Shayna reverse the whip. Naomi boots Shayna away, wheelbarrows, but into the KIRAFUDA! Naomi is caught, but she’s rolling around! ROPEBREAK!
The ref counts, Shayna glares at Lana but she lets go at 4. Naomi gasps, Lana coaches her up, but Shayna goes out to KICK Lana’s leg and KNEE her down! “Mind your own business and learn your place!” Shayna whips Lana into barriers! The ref counts but Shayna is back in at 7 of 10. But Naomi cradles her, to win!!
Winner: Naomi, by pinfall
Shayna got distracted by the wrong challenger and now the tag team champions have lost in a sweep! Will this be how it goes when it’s 2v2 for the Women’s Tag Team titles?
MORE BREAKING NEWS!
The United States Championship will be on the line at the Elimination Chamber PPV, but in a TRIPLE THREAT! Riddle and Keith both get their shots, but will either of them be able to stop the Rocky Mountain Machine?
Drew McIntyre VS Randy Orton!
The Scottish Warrior has four other foes to worry about in the Chamber, but right now he’s going to focus 100% of his body and mind on The Viper. The Viper has won Chambers, and has won titles, and looks to do both at the same time this year! Is tonight’s “unfinished business” only going to be the beginning of Orton’s return to glory? Or will one more Claymore derail those plans?
Raw returns once again, and McIntyre makes his entrance. The bell rings and these two circle. They tie up, go around on the ropes, in corners, and out of corners, but then back into a corner. McIntyre has control but Orton pushes him back and then tries for an RKO! McIntyre fights that off, but Orton bails out of the ring to avoid the Claymore! McIntyre tells Orton it was that close, but Orton takes his time returning. Orton gets in but McIntyre kicks him in the ropes! McIntyre drags Orton out along the ropes, but Orton avoids the draping DDT being stolen! Orton whips McIntyre to a corner but McIntyre bounces off buckles to CLOBBER Orton!
But here comes Sheamus! He runs right up to the ring, but stays out so that Orton can CLOBBER McIntyre! Orton has McIntyre on the apron and he POSTS him! And then POSTS him the other way! McIntyre falls to the floor and is furious that he let the Fella get the drop on him like that. Orton grins and Sheamus watches closely as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns once more as Orton clinches McIntyre but McIntyre fights free. McIntyre CHOPS Orton but Orton pokes McIntyre in the eye! Orton throws McIntyre out of the ring hard, and Orton bounces him off the announce desk. Orton then gives McIntyre the BACK SUPLEX to the desk! The ref counts, Orton puts McIntyre in and covers, TWO! Orton keeps on McIntyre with a chinlock and he grinds McIntyre down. McIntyre endures and fans rally on their ThunderDome screens. McIntyre fights his way up, pries the hold open, but Orton knees low! McIntyre kicks back, Orton throws haymakers but McIntyre returns them. They brawl, Orton goes to a corner and kicks again.
Orton throws EuroUppers, haymakers, but McIntyre turns them. Orton kicks, whips, but McIntyre reverses, only for Orton to kick him away. McIntyre dodges the clothesline to OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! McIntyre puts Orton in a corner to OVERHEAD Belly2Belly him again! Sheamus watches intensely as McIntyre stalks Orton for a leaping neckbreaker! McIntyre kips up and fires up! McIntyre kicks Orton, reels him in, but no Future Shock! Orton trips and jackknife bridges, TWO! Orton runs into a SPINEBUSTER! McIntyre jackknifes, TWO! McIntyre grows frustrated as he couldn’t get the right footing there. But McIntyre decides to go to a corner and go up top!
Orton throws hands to stop McIntyre, then he throws another EuroUpper! Orton throws more hands, climbs up to join McIntyre now, and hits a SUPERPLEX! Both men are down, Orton crawls to a cover, TWO! Orton grows frustrated now and he staggers up. Orton brings McIntyre up but McIntyre HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss rocks Orton but he throws McIntyre into ropes again. Orton kicks McIntyre, drags him out, DRAPING DDT! Both men are down again, but Orton rises first. Orton paces about, and he hears the voices in his head! McIntyre rises, but he shoves the RKO away to spin Orton around, FUTURE SHOCK!
Orton hurries to get away but McIntyre keeps his eyes locked on The Viper! Orton slowly rises, McIntyre grits his teeth, but in comes Sheamus! McIntyre senses it, the BROGUE hits Orton!!
Winner: Randy Orton, by disqualification
And McIntyre CLAYMORES Sheamus!! The Celtic Warrior may have handed the win to the Viper with that boot, but the Scottish Warrior gets even for last week! Will McIntyre stand tall above not only Orton and Sheamus, but Hardy, Styles and The Miz?
My Thoughts:
A very good episode of Raw, though not on the same level as last week’s. Raw opening with the Elimination Chamber announcement is a very subtle way of tying in what Paul Heyman told Adam Pearce on Talking Smack. I’m not entirely sure this is what Heyman wanted, though, but the possibility of facing five other opponents has only made Edge want to take more time to consider his options. I’m sure Heyman will give Pearce an earful about it on SmackDown. Pearce is being used to tie the stories together very well, and I wonder if Pearce will choose to stay only on Raw and let Sonya Deville handle Heyman on SmackDown because of all the pressure Heyman keeps putting on him.
It was good to see Edge and Bianca Belair on the show, but already something feels repetitive about it. Bianca said a lot of what she’s already been saying since winning the Women’s Rumble, but her bit with Asuka was really fun. Edge’s promo started off as a recap of the week and that was a bit boring, but I like that Miz came out and Edge tore into him about constantly overplaying his hand and giving things away. Titles or no titles, I almost want to see if a program of Edge VS Miz could help bring Miz back up from this comedy act he and Morrison have become. Speaking of, Morrison and Miz backing Angel Garza up was logical, but of course Priest wins again because he’s still building momentum. I wonder if Garza will stick with Miz and Morrison, though, since his ladies man gimmick is getting old.
Hardy VS Styles was a really good match, and Styles wins to build his momentum. I almost wonder if Hardy’s leg is played up and someone replaces him, but perhaps not. It’d be almost hilarious if Kofi Kingston gets to replace Hardy again and Ali just goes nuts over it. The tag match of New Day VS T-Bar & Slapjack was pretty good, and of course New Day wins. I like that Woods is continuing what he said on Raw Talk about wanting a co-ed match with “Reckoning” Mia Yim, but chances are, we’ll only get New Day VS Ali & Mace next, winners go after Raw Tag Team Championships. Either way it’d be a rematch as Hurt Business beat Retribution and then beat New Day.
Charlotte VS Lacey wasn’t a great match but there was a lot of good story progression. Ric is upset with Charlotte, Charlotte is upset with Ric, and Lacey is still the one benefitting, despite Charlotte not wanting that to happen. Asuka VS Lacey with Ric ringside will be better than without him ringside, but I would think Asuka still wins. I’m glad to see we saw the Tables match we should’ve seen at TLC with Lana and Nia, and Lana shoving Nia into a propped up table was a great way to end it. Naomi VS Shayna was a good match, even with Shayna going after Lana only to get caught as the ending. The tag title match will be pretty fun, but I am also pretty sure Shayna and Nia win.
Keith VS Riddle was a great match, definitely worthy of being seen as a contender’s match. Keith wins, but the irony is, what Lashley did to him and Riddle only puts him in a Triple Threat situation. Having Riddle or Keith get the win off the other and not Lashley would help Lashley stay strong in a loss, and then Fastlane or WrestleMania is the 1v1 rematch. In fact, I feel like that has to be how it goes or Lashley comes off almost too strong. McIntyre VS Orton was a very good match, and the context of the Chamber news makes it work out as more than just throwing them back together by default. It was also clever to use Sheamus to dirty up the finish and keep things even in the math.
Similarly to how the US Championship scene can go, I bet there is a way where McIntyre and Sheamus still have their 1v1 match at Fastlane, winner goes on to WrestleMania. Of course, Edge will have surely made a decision by then, so maybe by then we’ll know if it’ll be Edge VS McIntyre or Edge VS Roman, and something else will have been arranged for the champion Edge doesn’t choose.
My Score: 8.4/10
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Tables, Ladders, and Chairs for the championships!
To finally settle things between The Street Profits, Motor City Machine Guns and DIY, they battle for the WWE Tag Team Championships in TLC!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Los Garza VS Fraxiom; Fraxiom wins.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Jade Cargill; Jade wins, by disqualification.
- WWE Women’s United States Championship: Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice VS Zelina Vega; Zelina wins and becomes the new WWE Women’s United States Champion.
- WWE United States Championship #1 Contender’s Match: LA Knight VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins, by disqualification, no word on contender status.
- WWE Tag Team Championships TLC Triple Threat: The Street Profits VS Motor City Machine Guns VS DIY; The Profits win and retain the titles.
PLAY BY PLAY
The final hour of SmackDown will be commercial free!
That’s right, we won’t have to miss a thing when it comes to tonight’s main event, that Triple Threat Tables, Ladders & Chairs match!
JOHN CENA is here!
Fort Worth, Texas erupts with, “JOHN CENA SUCKS~! JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” as the NEW and historic SEVENTEEN-TIME WWE Champion makes his way out to the ring! But just like on Monday, Cena wants Mark Nash to join him in the ring. The fans boo while Mark reluctantly steps into the ring with Cena. The fans now chant, “LET’S GO, CENA!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cena shakes his head in disappointment, but he gives Mark the same script as on Monday. Mark again apologizes that his announcement was still disrespectful.
Mark again redoes it, because this is the GREATEST of All Time! The Never-Seen Seventeen, gracing Fort Worth with his presence for the final time… THE LAST REAL CHAMPION, JOHN CENA! Mark exits the ring, the fans still chant, but Cena stares down a father and child in the front row. The booing returns, but then RANDY ORTON makes his entrance! Cena is stopped in his tracks while the fans cheer The Viper. Orton steps into the ring, has his time to pose, and then grabs a mic. The fans cheer on Orton, but Cena holds up the title. The fans boo and Orton smirks. Orton tells Cena, “Do you know what I found out just a couple days ago?”
In a couple months, it’ll be 25 years to the day that Orton and Cena first shook hands. 25 years. They have known each other for 25 YEARS. And this is a compliment: up until a couple months ago, Cena had not changed. He was always about hustle, loyalty and respect. It wasn’t just a catchphrase for merchandise, it was a way of life. It was Cena’s mantra for every day of his life. So Orton realized he needs to think what’s going on here. There must be a void in Cena’s life that needs fulfillment.
So Orton wracked his brain, thought about all the fans over the years. The millions and millions of kids who have looked up to Cena since day one! All the kids that Cena has motivated, that he has been a role model for. Kids accomplished goals and set more goals. Track & field, basketball, the classroom, generations upon generations looked up to Cena. Surely, that meant something to Cena. Cena has granted more wishes than anyone in the history of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. You cannot tell Orton that each and every one of those sick children didn’t leave with a piece of Cena’s heart. They can’t just be a number to him.
So… Orton figured out how to fill the void. Take it from Orton, but Cena needs to have some damn kids of his own. Imagine a bunch of square-jawed, thick-armed little Cenas running around? The world would be a better place, and Cena would be back to who he is, and who Orton knows he is. Cena needs to grow up and be a father, it’ll make him a better human being. Cena thinks on that, then smirks. Cena says, “How dare you.” The fans boo, but Cena says how dare Orton prance out here with a smile on his face under the guise of making Cena feel better, than “parent shame” him in front of the whole world!
“Congratulations, Randy Orton. You have children and you love them. Good for you.” Does Orton want to know the real reason Cena doesn’t have kids? Because he’s spent the last 25 YEARS raising yours, fans! And by the sound of it from this group tonight, Cena has done an impeccable job! Here is the REAL truth! For the last 25 years, Cena has been a better parent to the fans’ children then they could ever be! That’s right, kids! Your dad’s a loser! Oh, wow, a six year old just gave him the middle finger. How classy. THAT is why Cena doesn’t have kids. He’s been policing brats like that for a quarter of a century!
The fans boo but Cena tells that one kid, “Never bring a knife to a gun fight. Bet your loser dad didn’t teach you that one! And don’t look at me like you’re gonna do something, either.” Cena asks Orton if we’re done here, and Orton says no, they’re not. Has the Hollywood rot set so deep inside Cena’s brain that he can’t hear Orton? It doesn’t have to be one or the other. The fans are why Cena is here before us in the ring now. They’re why Cena’s in Hollywood. WWE is why Cena is in Hollywood and he is crushing it. Cena cut his teeth in the WWE, developed his work ethic in WWE, and that’s why he’s crushing it.
Without the WWE, there is no Cena in Hollywood. And without the fans, there is no WWE. No matter how you add it up, no matter what math you apply to it, these fans are the biggest reason why Cena is in this ring with Orton today. Orton says he has made a lot of mistakes throughout his life and his career, and he’s learned from them on this long journey. But Orton can go into the locker room, head held high, and he can get disrespect from his peers. Orton is furniture here, he is here to stay. Cena is now just a guest. Cena says, “We all have our perspectives. I used to believe yours. That without them, there is no WWE.”
Cena used to think that they all won together. Cena was wrong. “We” didn’t win anything, CENA did! Cena has never needed a single one of these people! They will chant in the same breath, “Let’s Go, Cena!” “Cena Sucks!” The fans chant that very thing. Cena says he called out a rando and that guy turned pale white. Imagine having that chanted at you for 25 YEARS! The fans mean NOTHING to him! Orton is just like them! They’re all hypocrites! Because once you get tired of Cena, you can put your energy into any superstar you want. But if the roles are reversed, and Cena puts his energies into anything other than this, he’s an outcast? A guest?
That is why this is dysfunctional! That’s why this doesn’t work anymore! This is NOT a functional relationship, this is manipulation! The fans manipulate the truth to make themselves feel good about how they’ve done nothing with their lives! Cena points to a fan and says, “The only thing that man has done right there is dress up to look like Jack Black! He’s 100 years old and that’s all he has to say for his life!” Cena feels criticized and labeled as an outcast and guest for simply trying to do something different.
Orton says he was so… SO stupid for thinking that for one second, in this weird bizarro world where Orton’s now a good guy and Cena’s now a bad guy, that Cena would somehow listen. But the words coming out of Orton’s mouth are not penetrating that thick ass skull of Cena’s, are they? Cody Rhodes, before his badass entrance, it says wrestling has more than one royal family. And he’s not just talking about the Rhodes, right? He’s also talking about the Orton’s! Cena wants to ruin wrestling? Wrestling gave Orton everything! Ever since he came out of his mother’s womb, wrestling has provided for Orton!
Wrestling will provide for Orton, his family, his loved ones, until Orton is six feet in the ground. Ruin wrestling? No, not over Orton’s dead body. Cena shouts, “SHUT YOUR MOUTH! You just don’t understand, do you!? I’ll explain it to you. I’ve already won 17, okay? You’ve won 14. But after I take this home with me, you are forever frozen at 14! Yes, there will be another show. You will have other matches, they will create some tinfoil title and decide a champion. And if you are lucky to ever get your hands on it, your counter starts over at one, you babbling moron!”
The fans boo but Cena says what he’s trying to do is that when he leaves here, three generations of Orton’s family is ERASED! Cena paces around Orton but the fans chant for “R K O! R K O!” Orton looks at Cena and says Cena thinks he’s the Last Real Champion, but then prove it! Put the title on the line and fight Orton here and now! The fans like the sound of that! Orton says how dare Cena say what he said to Orton after everything Orton’s been through! Cena raises his title, and says, “No. No. And just like so many times over the past 25 years, I’m doing it to save your ass.
“There should be a match. Randy Orton VS John Cena, for the Undisputed Championship! But it shouldn’t happen here. I’ve already given you (Fort Worth) a hard enough time, it’s not your fault. It’s for Randy. It should happen at Backlash, Randy. Because Backlash is in St. Louis. I know that’s hard for you to hear, but for Randy, it’s great. Because Randy is from St. Louis. It’s so you can spend the whole day with your family, Randy. Make sure you show up well-rested. Randy Orton at his best. Because I need Randy Orton at his best. Because after Backlash, when you fail, you will have no excuses.
“Take a good look, Randy. This is what the Last Real Champion looks like.” The fans boo, but Cena says, “And this is as close to this championship as you’re ever going to get. Then Cena throws it to Orton, so he can DECK Orton! The fans boo as Cena stomps away on Orton! Cena snarls as he picks the belt back up, and then he takes aim! Orton slowly stands back up, Cena runs up, but Orton ducks! R K O!! The fans fire up as Orton gets Cena again! Orton throws his jacket to the fans, then he paces around Cena. The fans cheer Orton on as he picks up the title, and he stands on the corner! The fans cheer, could this be how it looks at the end of Backlash?
Los Garza VS Fraxiom!
While Angel y Berto are still hoping to be in line for a title shot after tonight’s massive TLC main event, a new team has already joined the roster! Nathan Frazer & Axiom may have only just lost the NXT Tag Team Championships, but will they be right back on track for more gold?
SmackDown returns as Fraxiom makes their entrance. The teams sort out and Axiom starts against Berto. They circle, tie up, and Berto pulls Axiom’s mask! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Berto stops at 4. Berto whips, Axiom RANAS in return! Axiom DROPKICKS Berto, tags Frazer, then they whip. Berto reverses but Axiom reverses back, and he has the IRON OCTOPUS! Frazer builds speed, and he DROPKICKS Berto! Berto bails out, Angel runs in, but he runs into the Fraxiom speed combo! Kick after kick, then an assisted DROPKICK! Angel regroups with Berto outside, but Frazer DIVES! Direct hit on Berto!
Axiom DIVES and direct hit on Angel! They keep going, Frazer FLIES to take out both Garzas! The fans fire up and Axiom goes up, up, and GOLDEN TRIANGLE MOONSAULTS! Los Garza is down again and the fans fire up again! Fraxiom puts Berto in, Frazer covers, ONE! Tag to Axiom and he brings Berto around for a headlock. Berto endures, pulls the mask, and Angel tags in. Berto powers out, Axiom dodges, but Angel opens the ropes! Axiom tumbles to apron then floor, and Los Garza soaks up the heat while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Axiom checks his neck, and Angel TAKES OFF THE PANTS! Angel soaks up the heat, then goes out to CHOP Axiom! Axiom falls over, Angel talks trash, but Axiom CHOPS back! Angel SMACKS Axiom off the apron, pushes him in the ring, then lines up a shot. Angel KICKS Axiom in the side! Then Angel sucker punches Frazer! Axiom CHOPS Angel, but Angel headlocks to snapmare and KICK Axiom! Tag to Berto, Los Garza stomp away on Axiom, but they stop as the ref counts. Berto drags Axiom up to CLUB him down, then brings him up for a clinch. Axiom headlocks, Berto powers out, and Berto scoops to BACKBREAKER!
Axiom writhes, Berto soaks up the heat, and Berto covers, TWO! Berto argues the count but the ref says it was fair. Berto whips Axiom hard into the Garza corner, then tags Angel. Angel drags Axiom by a leg, stands on Axiom’s face, and then pulls on the ankle. Axiom kicks free but Angel rains down fists! Angel smothers Axiom, then drags him up. Angel reels Axiom in, lifts, but Axiom slips free to fire off CHOPS! Angel slips around the kick to Gory Especial! Tag to Berto, slingshot and the GORY CUTTER! Cover, TWO! Axiom survives but Berto rains down fists! Angel snapmares to have a GROUND COBRA TWIST!
Axiom endures, SmackDown returns to single picture, and the fans rally up. Axiom fights up, fires shots, but Berto ROCKS him! Berto whips Axiom, but Axiom GAMANGIRIS Angel! Axiom goes up and over, hot tag to Frazer! AX HANDLE for Berto, then Frazer BOOTS Angel! CHOP for Berto, then a whip, but Berto reverses. Frazer ducks ‘n’ dodges and just gets faster to CLOBBER Berto! Then SLINGBLADE! The fans fire up, Frazer runs again, QUEBRADA for the DDT! Then a RUNNING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO! Berto stays in this and the fans stay fired up. Frazer thinks of his options, and he brings Berto up.
Berto kicks, Frazer ducks, but the ENZIGIRI finds him! Angel sneaks a tag, Frazer ENZIGIRIS Berto! QUEBRADA into a SUPERKICK! Angel covers, TWO!! Frazer survive but Angel rains down fists! Tag to Berto and Angel puts Frazer up top. Los Garza climb up to bring Frazer up, SUPER M T Y!! Then Berto MOONSAULTS!! Cover, AXIOM BARRELS IN AND BREAKS IT! “This is Awesome!” as the teams fall back, tag to Angel! Hot tag to Axiom, and he runs up on Angel! Angel CHOPS first! Axiom ROCKS Angel! Angel and Axiom go forearm to forearm, then just fast ‘n’ furious! Angel V-TRIGGERS! Axiom PELES!
Axiom runs up, but into a HEADBUTT! Axiom falls back, Angel goes to a corner, and Angel climbs. But Axiom GAMANGIRIS! Axiom climbs, CHOPS, then brings Angel up, only for Angel to scoop! But Frazer CLUBS Angel! Frazer tags in, Axiom hits a SUPER SPANISH FLY! Frazer adds the PHOENIX SPLASH!! Cover, Fraxiom wins!
Winners: Fraxiom, by pinfall
The team that will #NeverSlowDown just hit the ground running, and they already have a massive win! Will nothing stop these two from taking over the SmackDown Tag Division?
Tiffany Stratton is here!
Fort Worth is fired up again as it is still #TiffyTime! That’s because “Pro-Wrestling Barbie” is still the WWE Women’s Champion, and she goes right to the ring. Tiff grabs a mic, and she asks, “What time is it?” “TIFFY TIME~!” That’s right! And at WrestleMania, in front of over 60 THOUSAND people, it was Tiffy Time. Tiff went toe-to-toe with one of the greatest in Charlotte Flair. And no lies, Tiff did doubt herself and the pressure got to her. But in the end, she prevailed and walked out of WrestleMania #AndStill THE WWE Women’s Champion! The fans cheer, and Tiff continues: For the longest time, she was always being called “The Next Charlotte Flair.”
“Wrong~! There may be only one Charlotte Flair, but I guarantee you there is only one Tiffany Stratton!” The fans cheer more, but wait! JADE CARGILL makes her way out here! The fans fire up again as now The Storm has come to Fort Worth. And Jade tells Tiff, “Cut it. Now I came here to give credit where it’s due, and your match with Charlotte was very impressive. But that did nothing but create a bigger target on your back. And since my business is finished with Naomi, I have nothing but time. So I think it’s time for me to remind everybody why I came here to the WWE! I think it’s time for everyone to see why I came here to be a champion.
“And I think it’s time for you to understand, just because you beat Charlotte doesn’t make you the best. Especially when you haven’t faced me.” The fans are torn, but Tiff tells Jade, “Okay. Well, why don’t you put your money where your mouth is, and let’s get a ref out right here, right now!” Jade agrees, the fans agree, and here’s a ref! Will these two tear it down on the SmackDown After WrestleMania? We find out, after the break!
Tiffany Stratton VS Jade Cargill!
SmackDown returns and the bell rings. Tiff and Jade talk a bit of smack before they tie up. The fans cheer, and Jade powers Tiff back. Tiff slips around to waistlock, but Jade switches to SLAM Tiff! Jade waistlocks again but Tiff rolls free. Tiff headlocks, Jade powers up but Tiff fights the suplex! Jade powers up and out this time, then she runs Tiff over! Jade flexes, the fans are torn, but Jade storms up to suplex! Tiff slips free, goes to a corner, then dodges Jade to roll her up! TWO, and the two stand off. Tiff says it was that close, and the fans rally up. Tiff and Jade circle, but then Tiff offers a handshake. Jade says sure, and they shake hands.
But then Tiff reels Jade in for a headlock! Jade powers up and out, drops down to then hurdle over! And arm-drag! Tiff flounders, stands up, then dodges Jade. Tiff drops down, hurdles over, but Jade blocks the hip toss to body shot! Jade fireman’s carries, but Tiff swings free to arm-drag! Jade is up, and she catches Tiff to BACKBREAKER! Tiff goes to the ropes, the fans rally up, and Jade runs in, only for Tiff to drop toehold her into ropes! Tiff runs and HIP ATTACKS! Jade flounders, Tiff runs up to TIFFY- NO, Jade sunset flips Tiff first! ONE, both women stand, and Jade hits a SPINEBUSTER! The fans fire up while Jade covers, TWO!
Tiff stays in this, but Jade stays on her. Jade pushes Tiff, clinches, and BODY SLAMS again! Cover, TWO! Tiff is still tougher than that, so Jade lines up a shot. But Tiff dodges the boot and rolls Jade! TWO, and now Tiff SPINEBUSTERS in return! Cover, TWO! Jade is also tougher than that, and the fans rally up. Jade goes to a corner, Tiff handsprings in, BACK ELBOW! Tiff says it’s still her time, and then she goes back for Jade. Cover. TWO! Still a little too cocky but Tiff drags Jade back up. Tiff bumps Jade off buckles, stomps away, but stops as the ref counts. Tiff handsprings again for another BACK ELBOW! Another cover, TWO!
Tiff is growing annoyed, but she is still in control, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Tiff trades shots with Jade! The fans cheer, then Tiff kicks low, KNEES hard, and fireman’s carries! ROLLING SENTON! Tiff goes up, up, and PRETTIEST MOONSAULT- Hold on, Tiff almost misses the ropes. Tiff jumps again, PRETTIEST- NO, Jade dodges! Jade comes back, Tiff kicks low, then Tiff runs. Cartwheel, but no Alabama Slam! Just a POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Tiff survives that sudden turnaround and Jade is shocked! “This is Awesome!” as Jade looms over Tiff. Jade drags Tiff up, choke grips, and SLAM- NO, Tiff slips free and rolls Jade up! TWO, and Tiff goes to a corner.
Jade runs in, Tiff dodges, and Jade hits buckles! Tiff handsprings one more time, but Jade catches Tiff! But Tiff victory rolls through, runs, and TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO!! Jade survives and now Tiff is shocked! Tiff hurries to a corner, climbs up, but Jade is right up after her! Jade brings Tiff up for a SUPERPLEX! Both women are down and the fans fire up again! Jade stirs, Tiff rolls away, and Tiff is safe on the apron. The fans rally, Jade crawls, but wait! NAOMI IS HERE! NAOMI ATTACKS JADE!!
Winner: Jade Cargill, by disqualification
The fans boo as Naomi is not letting go of her grudge! She HAMMERS away on Jade, laughs maniacally, and then SLAPS Jade! Naomi drags Jade up, and POSTS her! Naomi then drags Jade out to POST her again! Naomi CLUBS away on Jade in the corner, showing no mercy! Naomi drags Jade out of the corner one more time, to POST her a third time! Jade flops to the floor, Naomi says kiss this, and she laughs like the villain she’s become! Tiff is back and she’s mad at Naomi for ruining her match. But Naomi just takes her leave, ONLY FOR NIA JAX TO ATTACK!! The fans boo the Irresistible Force as she DRIBBLES Tiff off the mat!
Nia looms over Tiff now, and drags her to center, for the LEG DROP, brother! Nia says “One More Time! One More Time!” Then she drags Tiff to a drop zone, goes up, A-NIA-LATOR!! Nia smiles as she sits on Tiff, then gets up just to grab the title. Nia holds it up, will Tiffany finally feel the backlash of her cash-in?
Jacob Fatu is here!
Fort Worth fires back up as now the NEW WWE United States Champion heads to the ring, Solo Sikoa by his side. Jacob holds up the title, the fans fire up, and Jacob swings the belt around, almost hitting Solo. Solo nods, he understands how fired up the Samoan Werewolf is about this. Solo has the mic to say, “Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome, show some love and respect, for your NEW United States Champion, Jacob Fatu!” The fans cheer that! Solo says at WrestleMania, the world saw what Solo already knew: Jacob Fatu is the future. Fatu is the future of this company, but let’s remind you of something: Nobody in Solo’s family wanted Fatu here, except Solo.
The Bloodline thought Fatu was trouble. They thought he was too much of a risk. But y’know who changed that? Y’know who made it all happen? It was Solo! Solo is the reason Fatu is champion! Solo brought Fatu here, brought him to the Promised Land, got him off the streets and made him a champion! Fatu is champion because of Solo! This is exactly what happens when you love your family! Fatu would not be- Fatu snatches the mic from Solo! The fans fire up as Fatu stares Solo down. Fatu tells Solo to not get it twisted. Fatu told Solo that Fatu would win the US Championship. Fatu told Solo that the US title was coming home to the family!
And Fatu told Solo that Fatu would do it with him, or without him! And that is exactly what Fatu did. So, Texas, look at your NEW US Champion! The fans fire up for Fatu, and Fatu says see? He knows that this title makes him America’s Most Wanted! Hell, this title makes Fatu a menace to society! But at the end of the day, you better get in where you fit in! He all gas, no breaks with it! YADADADA MEAN!? But then LA KNIGHT is here! The fans fire up as The Mega Star has a mic, and from the stage, he says, “LEMME TALK TO YA!” The fans cheer, and Knight says at WrestleMania, he guaranteed that Fatu would eat a BFT, and BAH GAWD, he ate a BFT!
Knight knocked Fatu on his big fat head, Fatu reached out for the ropes, and good for him, because from there, Fatu was able to capitalize and win. Knight gives credit where credit is due, cuz it can happen to anybody on any night. Anybody can get it. But you gotta understand something, Knight goes to the back, everybody back there’s saying, “Man, you had one hell of a match at WrestleMania.” “YEAH!” Knight says he doesn’t care about having “one hell of a match,” Knight cares about winning a match! And about taking the title back. What he’s saying is, he wants his rematch, and he wants it tonight!
But wait! Drew McIntyre shows up! The Scottish Terminator steps out on stage, mic in hand, and Drew tells “Dallas” that it isn’t always easy being Drew McIntyre. Personally, it is, because he’s tall, jacked, handsome, and much like Texas, he has big guns. But professionally, Drew has been screwed time and time again. World title match after world title match. WrestleMania, Drew had to get through one last roadblock, and he and Damian Priest had one of the most violent matches in the history of WrestleMania! So Priest, you aren’t here tonight, we won’t see you for a while, so Drew will “thank” you. It was a pleasure to embarrass him in front of his entire family.
Drew tells the next stop was to be challenge John Cena for the WWE Championship, but Randy Orton jumped the line! The same Randy Orton that Drew beat three weeks ago. Is this World Wrestling Entertainment? Or Nepotism Wrestling Entertainment? Speaking of which, hi, Bloodline! Knight “yawns” and asks if Drew is done yet. Drew says he’ll get to Knight in a second. Okay, then continue on. Drew says he’s been watching Cena these past few weeks. Cena ain’t the same guy, he’s a punk now. Drew wants to fight the baddest dog in the yard. He wants the baddest champion in the yard. Jacob, Drew wants to fight you!
Knight says, “Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. Can somebody wake me up when this mush mouth is done?” Drew says always with the jokes, huh? The only joke here was Knight’s last US title reign. Knight smirks and says, “Oh~! I would say your last title run was a joke, but I can’t remember it.” So if Drew has a problem with Orton, go talk to Orton. But right now, Drew is standing on time that belongs to Knight. Knight wants his US Championship, But if Drew wants to make claim, then why not come on in and show us? The fans cheer, Drew says okay, and he steps up! But Nick Aldis has everyone hold on a moment.
The fans boo but Aldis says we all know where this is going. Before Knight and Drew tear each other apart, here’s an alternative. They can all come backstage, put the tights and the boots on, lace ’em up, and here in Fort Worth, Texas, Aldis will give us Knight VS McIntyre 1v1, the winner is the #1 contender to the US Championship. The fans love that! Drew already heads back, and Knight warns Jacob that he’ll be coming back soon enough. But who will survive tonight to step to the Samoan Werewolf?
Backstage interview with Zelina Vega.
Byron Saxton catches La Muneca on her way to gorilla, and wants to review: Zelina beat Chelsea Green by count out two weeks ago, then beat her by pinfall just last week. If things go her way tonight, she will be the NEW Women’s US Champion. Where are her thoughts? Zelina says honestly, she’s known for having a big mouth, but tonight is one of those nights where she’s speechless. That’s how much this means to her. She’s wanted this for so long. Just like her mentor, Rey Mysterio, a former Men’s US Champion, and the late Eddie Guerrero, another former US Champion, it is time to bring some Latina Heat into the match.
And of course, just like how they do it here in Texas, you go big or you go home. Zelina ain’t going home until she has the title around her waist. Will Zelina finally add a bit more gold to her list of achievements? Or will there be no ending the Green Regime’s term?
WWE Women’s United States Championship: Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice VS Zelina Vega!
SmackDown returns as the challenger makes her entrance, followed by the champion’s. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is THE champion-in-chief!
The bell rings and Chelsea runs up, but Zelina sends her into the corner! Zelina fires hands, whips corner to corner, but Chelsea reverses. Zelina goes up, Chelsea stays back and chicken wings. Chelsea turns Zelina but Zelina waistlocks back. Chelsea switches, they go to ropes, and Zelina bucks the O’Conner! Zelina wheelbarrows, FACEBSUTER, and cover, TWO! Zelina runs up to reel Chelsea in. Chelsea fights free, goes to ropes, but Zelina runs up to slip around to the outside! Chelsea fights free but Zelina trips her up! Zelina sees Piper & Alba creeping up, but then Chelsea BOOTS Zelina down!
Zelina argues with the ref, and that lets Alba RAM Zelina into the apron! Then Piper adds a SENTON on the floor! The fans boo but Chelsea salutes, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Chelsea has Zelina up top. Cheslea SLAPS Zelina, climbs up, and then brings her up. Zelina fights the suplex and fires body shots! Chelsea ROCKS Zelina, then fireman’s carries! Zelina fights around, waistlocks, and pulls! Chelsea holds onto the ropes, but Zelina powers up to SUPER GERMAN SUPLEX! Both women are down, and the fans fire up! Zelina and Chelsea rise, the fans duel, and Zelina runs up. Zelina dodges Chelsea to LARIAT! And LARIAT again! Zelina blocks a boot, ELBOWS Chelsea, and Cheslea sits down! Zelina runs up to METEORA! Snapmare and Zelina goes up!
Zelina gives some Latina Heat, for another METEORA! Cover, TWO! Chelsea survives and Zelina is shocked! Alba argues from the apron, but Zelina DECKS her! Chelsea runs up to ENZIGIRI! Chicken wings, turnaround, but Zelina hits a BACKSTABBER! Chelsea ends up on ropes, the fans fire up as Zelina dials it up, but PIPER trips Zelina! The ref saw that! The fans boo Piper, but then the ref spots Alba creeping up on Zelina! The ref says no more shenanigans! He EJECTS the Secret Her-vice! The fans fire up as Piper & Alba throw a fit! Zelina waves bye, but Chelsea CLBOBERS Zelina! Chelsea whips, Zelina hops on, CODE RED!! Cover, ZELINA WINS!!!
Winner: Zelina Vega, by pinfall (NEW WWE Women’s United States Champion)
But now the Secret Her-vice rush back to the ring! Zelina dodges them, and she finally has her first singles title! The Green Administration is out, let’s pledge allegiance to the VEGA Administration!
Carmelo Hayes admires the Andre the Giant trophy.
Last week on WrestleMania SmackDown, it came down to H1M and Andrade, and in the end, Melo put his name down in history. The Miz is with H1M to say when it is all said and done, Melo will go down as the greatest Andre the Giant Battle Royal winner of all time! That is why Miz sacrificed himself for Melo! Because Miz has a vision for Carmelo Hayes. To commemorate this achievement, Miz got Melo something. Really? Really. Now c’mon, open it up. Melo pops the box open and inside is an Andre the Giant necklace! A big golden head on a big golden chain, and Melo tries it on. Perfect fit!
Miz says Melo earned it. Melo says yeah. This is bigger than just the win. This represents the chip that is on Melo’s shoulder. With this around Melo’s neck, he refuses to be overlooked. Yeah, cook! He refuses to be denied! Let’s go! And in the true spirit of Andre the Giant, with this around his neck, Melo is larger than life! He is the Tenth Wonder of the World! Because he is… HIM! Miz is inspired! He’s gonna go to the ring to get something off his chest. Miz lets Melo stay back here to enjoy his moment, cuz Miz is about to make his own. Miz heads to gorilla, but what exactly is The Hollywood A-Lister about to do?
SmackDown returns and Miz is in the ring.
Miz has a mic to say, “Since 2007, I’ve been an integral part of WrestleMania. But this year, at the highest grossing WrestleMania in history, I had no match, no mention, nowhere to be found. May I remind you, I main-evented WrestleMania, beating John Cena, retaining the WWE Championship, something that Cody Rhodes, your chosen hero, could not do last week. And yet he gets the cheers! The pyro, the spotlight, and I get it, I get it, he was champion, he deserves to be on WrestleMania. But when Rey Mysterio comes hobbling in to WrestleMania, does he come to a fellow legend to fill his boots?
“No, he goes to a guy who’s been here for two weeks. I’ve been here for 20 YEARS! What do I have to do? Wear a lucha mask and call myself ‘Rey?’ Then KO goes down! Orton needs an opponent! He needs an opponent! Do you guys want a guy who’s beaten Randy Orton for the WWE Championship? NO! You guys want a guy who’s an internet meme! A TikTok trend! A guy who does musical theater in a wrestling ring! I am sick of it! I am sick and tired of people showing up in the WWE, people I am a bigger star then! People that cannot lace my boots in this ring! I’m sick of them getting opportunity after opportunity!
“May I remind you, that I am the A-Lister! I am the Most Must-See WWE Superstar of all time! And may you never forget that I am the Miz! And I am…” The lights go out! Uh oh… Because ALEISTER BLACK is back in the WWE! The fans fire up as The Dark Father rises up from the shadows, and he goes right to the ring! The fans fire up more and even chant, “Welcome Back! Welcome Back!” as Aleister puts his vest aside. Miz is frustrated that his time in spotlight was taken away again, and then asks Aleister, “Who the hell do you think-” BLACK MASS!! Miz falls right over, and then Aleister sits cross-legged in the ring. Will SmackDown #FadeToBlack once again?
Backstage interview with Bianca Belair.
Byron is with The EST, and he notes her match at WrestleMania with Iyo Sky and Rhea Ripley was an instant classic. One of the best matches of the entire weekend, really. Unfortunately, Bianca didn’t win the title, and she didn’t leave Las Vegas unscathed. Can she tell us about her hand? Bianca says her fingers hurt, her feelings hurt, but no, she’s just kidding. She walked into WrestleMania with a broken finger, but it was worth it. They all fought ’til the end, and things didn’t go her way, but she is so proud of what the three of them did.
To her point, it was a great outing, but things didn’t go Bianca’s way. Iyo Sky is still the Women’s World Champion. Bianca says yes, Iyo found the perfect opportunity to capitalize, and Bianca can’t blame her because Bianca would’ve done the same thing. Now, Rhea… Well, Rhea found a way to slip her way into a match that Bianca earned, so that won’t be the last time Rhea and Bianca meet. But right now, Bianca is just focused on healing so she can get back to SmackDown, her home, and well, her home is divided. Bianca knows that when she returns, she’ll settle some unfinished business. Byron wishes The EST well, but when and where will Bianca make the biggEST return?
Naomi and Nia cross paths.
Nia tells Naomi that she doesn’t care about Jade. But when it comes to Tiffany and the title, just stay out of her way. Naomi says, “So long as you proceed… with… caution!” Naomi storms off, Nia isn’t quite intimidated, but will these two clash over their grudges? Or will things end up working together for what they both want?
WWE United States Championship #1 Contender’s Match: LA Knight VS Drew McIntyre!
We just saw these two argue over who gets to fight Jacob Fatu, so now they have to fight it out with each other. Will the Mega Star go right back for the belt he just lost? Or will the Scottish Terminator be one step away from completing his WWE Grand Slam?
SmackDown is picture in picture for the entrances, then returns to single picture once McIntyre has his pyro. The bell rings and the fans fire up. Knight and Drew circle, the fans rally up a bit more, and the two tie up. They’re in a deadlock, but Drew slips around to waistlock and SLAM! Knight flounders to a corner but Drew flexes. The fans cheer, Drew signals he’ll have the belt, but Knight brushes that off. The two reset and tie up again. The fans rally, Drew waistlocks, but Knight switches. Knight pushes Drew down and slaps him around! The fans cheer as Knight flexes! Drew brushes that off, and the two reset again.
Drew runs up, Knight dodges and Knight headlocks. Knight grinds but Drew power sup to back supelx! Knight lands out, pushes Drew, but Drew comes back to run Knight over! Drew slaps Knight around! Drew runs, Knight drops low, hurdle sover, and then BACK ELBOWS! The fans cheer as Knight gets around again, and he hits a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Knight scuffs Drew, but Drew throat chops Knight! The fans are torn, Drew CHOPS Knight, and fans “WOO~!” Knight CHOPS, Drew CHOPS, repeat! Drew ROCKS Knight, then whips him, but Knight grabs the ropes. Knight then TOSSES Drew out! Drew lands on his feet!
Drew trips Knight and drags him out, but Knight ROCKS Drew! Knight brings Drew to the desk, the fans fire up, but Drew gets away. Knight pursues Drew into the ring, and he ROCKS Drew! And ROCKS him again! Knight has Drew up but Drew HOTSHOTS Knight! Drew then runs, and he BLASTS Knight off the apron! Knight hits barriers then the floor, and Drew soaks up cheers and jeers. Drew clutches his side, still feeling that Sin City Street Fight, so he lets the ring count handle this. The fans rally and even sing, “OH~ Drew McIntyre~!” Knight rolls in at 7 of 10, but Drew rains down fists! Drew then deadlifts Knight for a BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!
Knight stays in this but Drew grits his teeth. Drew stands Knight up, but Knight counter punches! Knight fires hands, whips, but Drew reverses. Knight goes up, but Drew KICKS Knight outta the air! Cover, TWO! Knight survives, Drew snarls as he has to catch his breath, and he storms up on Knight again. The fans rally, Drew CHOPS, and Knight staggers away. Drew stalks Knight, Knight CHOPS, but Drew CHOPS! Drew KICKS Knight, DECKS him, then stomps away! The ref counts, Drew stops, and he has Knight on the apron. Drew drags Knight up, has him against the ropes, and ROCKS him!
Knight flops back into the ring, Drew eggs him on, and the fans duel. Drew stands Knight up, reels him in, and he suplexes, only for Knight to block! Drew CLUBS away on Knight, then suplexes, only for Knight to fight that! Drew KNEES low, CLUBS Knight down, then huffs ‘n’ puffs. Drew eggs Knight on again, and Knight rises up, only for Drew to reel him in. But Knight suplexes instead! The fans fire up while both men are down! Knight and Drew rise up slowly, and Knight fires haymakers! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Drew reverses, but Knight LEAPING LARIATS! Then RUSSIAN LEG SWEEPS!
Drew staggers, Knight whips, but Drew reverses to scoop. Knight slips free, shoves Drew into buckles, then JUMPING NECKBREAKERS! Cover, TWO! Drew survives and the fans rally! Knight drags Drew up, but Drew GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTTS! Then the underhooks, but Knight rolls through the Future Shock! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Knight goes to a corner, and he BOOTS Drew down! Knight goes up, spells it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” BOX JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew survives and the fans are torn again. Knight stalks Drew, kicks and cravat, but Drew rolls Knight away!
Drew runs up, Knight puts him on the apron! Then Knight ducks a punch to HOTSHOT Drew! Knight then runs to WRECK Drew with the dropkick! The fans fire up as Knight DRIBBLES Drew off the desk! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight winds up, and he SMACKS Drew off the desk again! The fans cheer as Knight puts Drew in the ring, but then SOLO SIKOA is here! The ref is busy with Drew, SAMOAN SPIKE for Knight!! Solo puts Knight in the ring, and Drew is confused. Drew says screw it, and he aims from the corner! “THREE! TWO! ONE!” But then DAMIAN PRIEST drags Drew out!!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by disqualification
Priest fires off on Drew and the fans fire up! Priest THROWS Drew over barriers! Then he drags Drew back to ringside to ROCK Drew! Drew slumps against the desk, Priest choke grips! SOUTH OF HEAVEN through the desk!! The fans are thunderous as The Punisher just dealt out street justice to Drew McIntyre! But what does this mean for the #1 contender’s status? Knight tells Priest that Preist might’ve just cost him! But then JACOB FATU DIVES from the ring!! The fans are thunderous again, and Jacob POSTS Priest! Knight is up, but Jacob brings him around to RAM into steel steps!
Fatu puts Knight back in the ring, then he puts Priest in the ring, and he has a target in each corner! HIP ATTACK for Knight! SPLASH for Priest! Knight is in the drop zone, Fatu goes up, up, and BEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Then a HIP ATTACK for Priest!! Fort Worth is fired up, and Priest goes up, up, BEST MOONSAULT EVER for Priest!! The Samoan Werewolf just slaughtered two men at once, will no one even be able to face him for the title?
John Cena crosses paths with R-Truth!
They’re backstage, and Truth is glad Cena won the title. He’s been rooting for his hero since the beginning! If Cena needs Truth at any time for anything, just call. Cena doesn’t even respond, he just walks away. And then Jimmy Uso steps in. He shakes hands with Truth, and he asks when John Cena became so whack. Truth says there’s two sides to every story, Uce. That’s a REAL world champion. When Truth grows up, he’s gonna be just like Cena. But… You’re already grown up, Truth! Will Truth learn the truth about Cena on his own?
WWE Tag Team Championships TLC Triple Threat: The Street Profits VS Motor City Machine Guns VS DIY!
After months of back and forth between these three teams, and a few others here on SmackDown, it is time to finally put this one to rest. With tables, ladders, chairs, and no holding back, who will finally prove they are THE team on SmackDown?
The introductions are made, the belts are already high overhead, so it’s time to see who rises up and claims them as their own!
The bell rings and the fans rally up as all six men look up. But then DIY goes after MCMG! The Profits go after DIY, but DIY CLAW the eyes! Ciampa stomps Ford, Gargano stomps Dawkins, then they go out to fetch themselves a ladder! The fans want tables, but MCMG DROPKICK that ladder into DIY! The fans fire up, then the Profits and MCMG brawl! Shelley has Ford, Sabin HEADBUTTS Dawkins, and MCMG climb up to rain down fists! But DIY stop MCMG, they brawl some more, but Sabin & Shelley turn things around on Ciampa & Gargano. MCMG then crisscross to ELBOW the Profits, ROCK DIY, and repeat!
Ciampa swings, but into an atomic drop! Dropkick and Last Chancery, DREAM SEQUENCE! The fans fire up and MCMG set things up. Shelley holds the ropes open and Sabin DIVES into a chair!! Gargano then SMACKS Shelley in the leg! Gargano uses offense as defense, and then Ciampa JAMS Ford up with a chair! But Dawkins POUNCES Ciampa over the desk! Gargano runs up, Dawkins picks him up, and he POSTS Gargano! Dawkins fires up, the fans fire up with him, and Dawkins fetches a ladder. Dawkins puts the ladder in, he’s all alone, and he hurries to set the ladder up. Dawkins climbs, but Sabin is in!
Sabin hops on for a SLEEPER, but Dawkins still climbs! The fans fire up, Dawkins fires elbows, but Shelley trips Dawkins up! Dawkins has a leg stuck int he rungs, and Shelley CLUBS away on it! Then DRAPING DRAGON SCRWE in the ladder rungs! Dawkins falls in a heap, and now MCMG take ownership of the ladder. Gargano is back, only for MCMG to mug him! They SMACK Gargano off rungs! Ciampa is back, MCMG mugs him now, and they stomp him down in the corner. MCMG drag Ciampa up, and they SMACK Ciampa off rungs! MCMG keeps the ladder standing and the fans rally up.
Ford is back, but now MCMG mugs him! They whip, Ford ducks the ladder, but the ladder is sent into Ford! Dawkins is back to DECK Shelley and DECK Sabin! Dawkins folds up the ladder, puts it aside, and he CYCLONE SPLASHES Shelley! CYCLONE SPLASH for Sabin! Dawkins goes up, up, but MCMG trip him up! MCMG have Dawkins in the Tree of Woe, and they stand on the groin! The Curse of Greatness is feeling really bad right now, but MCMG grab themselves a chair. The fans cheer as Sabin sets the chair in place, for Shelley’s FULL METAL DROPKICK! MCMG then see Ford coming, and Shelley JAMS him up!
But Ford blocks the chair shot! Only for Sabin to FULL METAL MISSILE DROPKICK! The fans fire up again, and MCMG fetch the ladder. They set that in front of Dawkins’ face, but Gargano drags Shelley out of the ring! Gargano SMACKS Shelley off the apron! Ciampa does the same to Sabin, and then DIY YANKS the ladder into Dawkins’ face! DIY and MCMG brawl on the outside gain, but Ford FLIES over the corner! Direct hit on DIY and MCMG, and the fans are going nuts! All six men are down and writhing, but Ford manages to rise up. Ford hobbles around, finds himself a ladder, and he puts that in the ring.
Fort Worth still wants tables, but Ford sets his ladder up because he wants the prize! Ford climbs, but Ciampa is in! Ciampa grabs at a foot, Ford kicks free, so Ciampa climbs the other side! Ciampa keeps Ford from grabbing belts, but Ford does the same. Gargano is setting up another ladder right behind them! Gargano climbs while Ciampa and Ford brawl. The belts are so close, but neither Ford nor Gargano can get a good grip! Gargano figures screw it, FLYING FLATLINER off the ladder! Ciampa grabs the belts! But Dawkins drags Ciampa down! Dawkins DECKS Ciampa! Dawkins now sets the ladders side-by-side before he climbs.
DIY returns, and Ciampa grabs at Dawkins while Gargano climbs the second ladder. Gargano CLUBS Dawkins, goes up, but then Dawkins scoops Gargano! The fans fire up for the SUPER BIG ENDING!! Shoutout to Big E, but then Ciampa tosses one of the ladders. Ciampa focuses on one, but Sabin hurries to stop him! Sabin has an arm through the rungs! Dawkins is back, and he SHOVES the ladder over! Ciampa ends up crotched on the rope! Sabin is managing to cling to the ropes, but Shelley is there to fire hands on Dawkins! Shelley TOSSES Dawkins out, then he and Sabin reset the ladder. But Ciampa is back!
Ciampa SMACKS Shelley with a chair! And he SMACKS Sabin with a chair! Gargano returns with a chair of his own! Ciampa puts a chair around Shelley’s neck! Gargano aims, and he hits a HOMERUN!! Shelley sputters and falls away, Ciampa keeps Sabin down, and Gargano shoves the ladder over. But the ladder’s so tall, it bounces off the ropes to stand back up! Gargano tries again and the ladder finally stays on the ropes. Ciampa then suplexes Sabin, FULL METAL BRAINBUSTER!! Dawkins is back, but Gargano JAMS him up! And SMACKS him down! Ciampa SMACKS Dawkins again! Gargano JAMS Dawkins again and again!
The fans boo but DIY sit their chairs side-by-side. Gargano says hold on. And he flips them around! It’s a wedge! The fans freak out as DIY DOUBLE- NO, Dawkins fights the suplexes! Ford drags Ciampa out of the ring! Gargano DECKS Dawkins, DECKS Ford, but then Dawkins ROCKS Gargano! SILENCER on the chair wedge!! Gargano writhes and the fans go nuts again! The Profits then have the ladder to themselves. But then they say, “GET THE TABLES!!” The fans fire up for the Dudley shoutout, and the Profits find a table! They put that in the ring, Ford moves the ladder aside, and Forth Worth cheers for “TABLES! TABLES!”
Ciampa YANKS Dawkins down, but Ford SUPERKICKS Ciampa! Dawkins has Ciampa in the Electric Chair, and Ford takes aim! Ford builds speed, and FLIES! BLOCKBUSTER DOOMSDAY onto everyone!! All six men are down, and the fans lose their minds all over again! “This is Awesome!” as all six men slowly rise, and Dawkins ROCKS Sabin! Ford borrows a fan’s prosthetic leg! Ford CLUBS Gargano with it! He gives it back to the fan and the crowd is loving this! Ford then sets up a ladder bridge between ring and barrier. The front row sits back a bit, but Ciampa CLUBS Ford! Ciampa SMACKS Ford off the bridge!
Shelley SMACKS Gargano off a table, Ciampa storms up to CLUB Shelley, and then DIY mugs Shelley. Sabin and Dawkins brawl on the other end, and Sabin JAMS Dawkins with a chair. Sabin puts Dawkins on a table and rains down hands! Wait, Ciampa is bringing a table of his own around the way, and he SMACKS Ford off the edge of it! Gargano and Shelley brawl, but Ciampa finally has his table set up on the ramp side. Shelley SMACKS Gargano off steel steps, then SMACKS him off there again! Ford turns things around on Ciampa to put him on a table! Sabin goes up, FROG SPLASH on Dawkins through the table!!
Ford sees that, but then he looks at Ciampa on that table. Ford says bet, and he builds speed to FLY! SWANTON BOMB on Ciampa through the table!! The fans are thunderous as now Gargano and Shelley are the only ones not in some kind of wreckage! “This is Awesome!” as Ford crawls away from Ciampa. Sabin leaves Dawkins behind, but Gargano is in with Ford. Ford is up top but Gargano fires hands! Ford GAMANGIRIS in return! Then Ford goes back up, but Ciampa rises! Ciampa drags Ford down, but Ford SUPERKICKS! Ford runs up, but into a BOOT! And then another BOOT! Ciampa reels Ford in and looks to the bridge!
Ciampa fireman’s carries, AIR RAID CRASH down through the ladder bridge!! Fort Worth loses their minds all over again as Ciampa shouts for Gargano to climb! Gargano sets the ladder up, climbs, but Shelley anchors a leg! Gargano fights Shelley, but Sabin is climbing in from the other side. Gargano ROCKS Sabin, DECKS Shelley, and repeat! Sabin wobbles, Gargano lines up his shot. ONE FINAL- NO, Sabin stops the DDT! He SHOVES Gargano into the post, then MCMG give Gargano a DOUBLE BOOT SANDWICH at the corner! Sabin drags Gargano closer to the table, then stands on it…?! Shelley goes up, SKULL & BONES through the table!!!
The fans are going nuts all over again as MCMG risks it all just for this match! “This is Awesome!” as all six men are down somewhere around ringside. But Ciampa slowly rises! He slaps himself to fire back up, and he climbs the ladder! Ciampa is within reach of those belts, gets his hands on the bracket, and- WAIT! MCMG is folding up that ladder! Ciampa is now pulling a Jeff Hardy by dangling from the belts! MCMG grab chairs, Ciampa is a pinata for the beating! Ciampa’s legs are the only real targets, though, so that’s not enough. MCMG get a table under Ciampa, but they don’t see Dawkins climbing the ladder!
MCMG pull at Ciampa’s legs, but Dawkins takes aim! Well, if Ciampa is Jeff Hardy, then Dawkins is about to go Rated R! Dawkins FLYING SPEARS Ciampa off the belts and down through a table!!!! Everyone is losing their minds, including MCMG! MCMG clears the wreckage, and fans hope they “FIGHT FOREVER!” But someone has to win these belts, and now MCMG sets the ladder back underneath them. Shelley climbs, but Gargano JAMS Sabin up! And then he CHUCKS the chair at Shelley! MCMG is down, Gargano climbs up, and the fans boo. Gargano reaches the top, paws at the belts, but Sabin hurries up after him!
Gargano and Sabin brawl up top, they touch the belts, then throw more hands! The fans cheer Sabin and boo Gargano as the shots keep going. Sabin gets the edge, he SMACKS Gargano off rungs, and Gargano falls! But Ford SPRINGBOARDS to the ladder!! Ford DECKS Sabin, grabs the belts, but Gargano drags him back down! Gargano traps Ford’s legs in the rung! SUPERKICK! Ford is stuck and Gargano literally climbs over him! Gargano reaches up, but Sabin is back again! Sabin fires hands, Gargano fires back, and Ford gets free!? Ford climbs from the side of the ladder! Ford fires hands on each of them!
Ford SMACKS Gargano, SMACKS Sabin, and they both fall! Ford is back up top, and he has the belts off the hook! PROFITS WIN!!
Winners: The Street Profits (still WWE Tag Team Champions)
Fort Worth cheers as The Profits are still up! They wanted the smoke, they got the smoke, and they walked through the fire to still be forged in gold! Will anyone ever bring them down from the heights they’ve reached?
My Thoughts:
An awesome SmackDown After Mania, with a great pivot towards the Backlash build, since they’ve gotta get on that with it only two weeks away. Very good promo from Cena and Orton to open tonight, though framing this as “Cena should settle down and become a family man” is a bit odd. Cena did do a good job roasting that kid and his dad, though. It was obviously going to be Cena VS Orton in St. Louis, so they just made it official. Orton standing tall twice in one week already indicates that Orton is not winning. There is going to be much more drama in this, with Cena trying to run out the clock, so to speak. Also, good to finally see R-Truth and John Cena interact, and I hope we get more of this as time goes on.
Awesome match from Los Garza VS Fraxiom to make Fraxiom’s call up official. Great win for Fraxiom, but I’m very curious to see if the team sticks together much longer. They love playing up the dysfunction, and the first promo segment from them likely keeps that going, but they’re still a great team so they could go for the tag titles before a break-up happens. Aleister Black’s return being knocking out Miz was a decent move, especially after Miz got done ranting about how he feels overshadowed. Also, Miz giving Melo that goofy Andre the Giant necklace is a bit much, but whatever, Melo surely will have a good run from here on out.
Good promo from Tiffany and Jade to give us their “impromptu” match, but it makes so much sense for Naomi to go after Jade and Nia to go after Tiff. We’re definitely getting a rematch of Naomi VS Jade, and obviously Tiff VS Nia is on the table, but I wonder if we get a “Can they coexist?” type tag match as part of the build. We might even end up with something bigger given Jade and Naomi also deserve something title wise. Especially when sadly, Bianca Belair can’t do anything with Jade and Naomi given that bad hand. But she did hint that no matter what, she’s staying on SmackDown, which makes sense because duh, her husband Montez is here.
Very good match but great moment for Zelina to win the Women’s US Championship. Zelina herself has been deserving something like this, it’s partly why she is the inaugural Queen of the Ring, and now she has even more validation of her hard work and ability. Great stuff in the Men’s US Championship story, with Fatu putting Solo in his place but then Knight and McIntyre stepping up. Great contender’s match, even with Solo going after Knight and Priest going after Drew. I feel like we’re getting a Fatal 4 Way here, but maybe that’s too much for Fatu’s first defense. Either way, I’m liking that Drew could be getting himself that Grand Slam with this US Championship.
And what an amazing main event. In many ways, these tag titles should’ve been on the WrestleMania card somewhere, perhaps swapping places with the World Tag Team Championships. There’s probably something about how Mania having all those sponsors, The War Raiders felt more Clash of Clans coded than the three teams in this match. And maybe there’s something about the “star power factor,” aka Logan Paul gets a spot because he’s Logan Paul, barf.
But at the same time, I think the Mania snub motivated these six guys to really go above and beyond. Them recreating THE famous spot from Dudley Boyz VS Hardy Boyz VS Edge & Christian was awesome. Kudos to Dawkins being Edge in that moment. Ford did a lot of great stuff himself, and him finishing it off was also great, I really hope we get more great stuff from the Profits and the whole SmackDown Tag Division.
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!
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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
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 4.24.25
We get another chapter of Hardy Compound shenanigans! NEMETH BROTHERS! WE KNEW YOU’D COME!
Oh boy, the best thing to come from the TNA product has been on WWE programs for the last month or so. Can we start getting some non-garbage episodes that make sense with wrestling that isn’t useless or atrocious? And Trey Miguel is the first person out…so my faith is dwindling.
I hate these early stages of the Delirious Dreamer combination. This crap makes me miss Tigre Uno, Dixie Carter, hell even the Claire Lynch angle was so disgustingly cringe it was car crash entertaining. You know, like Jersey Shore. So let’s see if something can stop sucking.
.@NicTNemeth has a strange run-in with Willow The Wisp…
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/ZTlWqchIaY pic.twitter.com/oATIF574yn
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 25, 2025
Ratings:
- Trey Miguel & Ace Austin vs Moose & JDC w/Alisha: JDC wins after interference – ** 1/4
- Jacy Jayne w/ Fatal Influence vs Rosemary: Jacy wins via Rolling Punch – **
- Cinematic Hardy Compound: Kaiba Boys vs Hardy Boyz: 15/7, 10/10, 100/100, Hardy thing ever!
- Tessa Blanchard vs Missa Kate: Tessa wins via Buzzsaw DDT – **
- Joe Hendry & Elijah vs Ethan Page & Kaz: Elijah wins via Highwayman’s Farewell – ** 3/4
Results:
Trey Miguel & Ace Austin vs Moose & JDC w/Alisha
JDC and Trey start it’s just chain wrestling, nothing worth notating. The big early spot is slow and dumb, Trey goes for a Springboard Moonsault while in the Arm Wringer to turn it into a slow Arm Drag followed by a slow Dropkick. Throws JDC into the face corner, and Moose is late to the help spot so Trey has to beckon for him to come forward for a Tandem Drop Toe Hold causing Moose to Headbutt JDC in the groin. Double Dropkick sends Moose to the floor, but he doesn’t sell it long so he plucks Trey off the apron, smashes him and JDC tags out as we go to commercial. Jesus Christ this is cornball trope start and no one is looking good in the first 5 minutes. Am I possibly a little a jaded? Well of course, the shows have sucked for weeks and you start with bog standard “make fun of the heel” team start and its slow and unengaging. Maybe Dreamer should ask Trips if TNA talent can use the PC to learn psychology or…something interesting.
We come back and the heels are still magically in control with JDC locking in a Hammerlock Suplex into a Keylock. Tag to Moose and Trey is sooo banged up apparently an Arm Wringer throws him to the mat like a bitch. Starting off the show so damn slow is not really a good luck to keep people watching the show. It’s only like 8:20 and I want to go to sleep. Moose of course gets cocky taking his time to do a Jacknife Powerbomb so of course Trey counters, Ace gets the hot tag and guess what? Ace starts laying out both guys with quick strikes, Tijeras, Kicks, Click Click Boom, his corner dodge into the Mochizuki Triangle Kick but Moose kicks out. *sigh*
Ace decides to tag Trey back in, but their version of Poetry in Motion gets caught by Moose and Moose Powerbombs Trey into Ace. System tandem offense, Dropkick from JDC, Uranage from Moose, Down and Dirty from Dango but Ace breaks up the pin. Ace assists Trey with the Knee Slide Tornado DDT to take out Moose, they look for a finish but Lish distracts the ref, Dango kicks Trey in the dick, Brian Myers interferes and JDC wins the match.
Yawn…basic bullshit is not really driving attention.
Next is a video package for Masha and Tessa with Masha talking…who can’t cut a promo in English and Dreamer of course inserts himself for a fake “do it for your trainer” add. Oh Christ, this is like Rocky IV from Wish, but the Russian is the babyface. I hate every second of this and welcome the commercial break.
While I think this promo goes on entirely too long, you can decide if it sucks or not:
.@Santana_Proud reflects ahead of #TNARebellion, where his war with @MustafaAli_X reaches its boiling point in a Falls Count Anywhere match.
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/ZTlWqchalq pic.twitter.com/zeSr7tQQVT
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 25, 2025
Jacy Jayne w/ Fatal Influence vs Rosemary
Start isn’t really a thing since Rosemary feigns the Mist so Jacy runs away, when she does get back in Rosemary clocks her, beats on her in the corner, Upside Down and then gorgeous Fallon and the pack tactics give Jacy enough of a distraction to PK kick Rosemary and take control. Rosemary gets out of a Headlock with biting, then bits Jacy on the face and follows it up with a Shotgun Dropkick. Jacy tries to Reverse the Irish Whip but Rosemary kicks off the buckle, turns and connects with a Flying Forearm. Rosemary gets a little distracted, eats a V-Trigger but zombie rises from the dead and Face Buster into a Spicolli Driver attempt, but Jazmyn gets involved, Rosemary drops Jazmyn and when she turns around Jacy connects with her Rolling Punch for the finish.
Fatal Influence attack Rosemary and Mirror Match Xias come to make the save.
.@milanmiracle is ON THE CASE! @Jazmyn_nyx_wwe, @FallonHenleyWWE and @jacyjaynewwe vs. @XiaBrookside, @TheLeiYingLee and @WeAreRosemary at #TNARebellion!?
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/ZTlWqchIaY pic.twitter.com/eTAQNOgiO8
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 25, 2025
Cinematic Hardy Compound: Kaiba Boys vs Hardy Boyz
Willow the Wisp sighting early, he drops the umbrella and starts dancing to Kendrick’s They Not Like Us, then Jeff shows up and attacks Nic, they brawl in a pickup truck. Seto Nic Ziggler hits the Superkick, but Jeff turns it around, they get on top of the cab and Jeff wants to Powerbomb Nic through conveniently placed tables, but Back Body Drop sends Jeff crashing. Nic goes into the truck and finds a tag team title. Is that the idea? First person to find the titles like an RPG quest?
Matt Pearl Harbors Mokuba near a fountain as it cuts to Nic walking through the house at the arcade, and he finds their title case and he thinks it’s booby trapped so he does the heist thing of replacing the title with an exercise weight. Matt has a PREMONITION!!! THe Kaibas have the titles! And Ryan turns things around for a moment until he eats gate and gets Speared into the pool with Reby playing piano looking like a snack. Ryan is teleported into the house for Maxel the Great with Senor Benjamin as the ticket taker and most of the Hardy kids sitting in the theater. It’s an old 1920s Silent Film with Maxel beating up Ryan and the kids keep saying he sucks. He gets showered in roses, Benjamin is crying the kids rejoice and cut back to Ryan floating in the pool. Dr Wolfie is diagnosing Ryan on the couch and they have a fantastic conversation. Wolfie blames the Matt Hardy fans for Booing Wolfie. Wolfie asks if Ryan if he ever hugged his parents and Ryan starts crying and Wolfie goes “That’ll be 500 dollars for the emotional damage”.
Gothic Baby Shadow Realms Ryan into his Emo Phase with Simple Plan playing. Then he has a roast battle with Bardie. Ryan is getting pelted with eggs while Matt is drowning him in the pool. Nic saves his Little Brother from drowning in the pool (been there). Maxel attacks, Nic Pie Faces the kid, Ryan ambushes Matt with a title shot and then BROTHER NERO! We’re just missing Itchweed to complete the essences of Jeff.
Nemeths see Jeff stalking them and they bail. So we may get a return to the Broken Brothers.
.@ryrynemnem is working some things out with Dr. Wolfie.
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/ZTlWqchIaY pic.twitter.com/ydPCkpfP6l
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 25, 2025
That was glorious and the fact it’s used as a set up for a real match instead of a replacement for a real match makes it actually better.
Tessa Blanchard vs Missa Kate
Tessa doesn’t take her serious after a quick flurry so Kate lands a Tilt-a-Whirl Gourdbuster before Tessa turns things around and lays in offense. Dropkick, Springboard Elbows, Teardrop Suplex, and Tessa calms down a little after taking complete control again. Tessa keeps Kate in the corner and lays in Forearms, Kicks, goes for a Splash but Kate finally dodges and slams Tessa face first into a Buckle. Tessa hits the Cutter, goes to the top, MAGNUM, Buzzsaw DDT just because.
Masha attacks Tessa after the match and hits the Russian Death Device and puts her in a Fujiwara Armbar until Tessa gets away and bails to the floor while Masha holds the ring.
Joe Hendry & Elijah vs Ethan Page & Kaz
This whole match is stupid. Hendry had no tape at Mania, went against “doctor’s orders” to defend the title at Rebellion this Sunday anyway…so they put him in a worthless tag match when they didn’t want him active? Delirious and Dreamer need to be shot in the head. It won’t hit anything.
Elijah and Kaz start this match, Kaz looks dumb and gets dogwalked and then Rope Walked because heels aren’t allowed to be competent against “fan favorites” until at least 3 minutes into a match. Stupid, stupid, stupid. Back from the commercial break, Hendry and Elijah Double Clothesline Kaz and he’ll prolly slip something in a minute or so. Elijah does 10 Count Punches dropping Kaz, into the ropes, Kaz hops over him but Elijah throws him towards Page. Weird…but okay. Ethan calls for Hendry, and they lock up causing Hendry to wince at the arm that isn’t Kayfabed well, but Hendry hits the ropes, Shoulder Tackle into Hip Toss with “bad” arm, now Stalling Suplex that is just dropped immediately because of “arm”. Tags out quickly to Elijah and Ethan gets Manhattan Dropped and Big Booted into Saturday. Kaz takes a cheap shot when Elijah hits the ropes, so Ethan pounces and the heels finally have some momentum. Double Team on Elijah into a Rude Awakening from Kaz for two.
Ethan tries to keep Elijah isolated, Elijah gets the boot up, but he cuts off Elijah from the tag, Ethan tags in Kaz and a Slingshot Leg Drop gets another two. Elijah fights out of the corner, knocks down Ethan, counter wrestling from Kaz and Elijah before a Jumping Knee Lift levels Kaz. Elijah looks for the tag but Ethan picks Hendry off the apron and throws him into the steps. Heels doing the dogpile thing. Ethan throws Elijah into a corner, Up and Over but Ethan catches him just to get kicked away. Joe drags himself to the corner, simultaneous tags, Lariats into Sack of Shit for both heels. Attitude Adjustment on Kaz for only two. Hendry is overselling the injury no one cares enough about to write logically. So good for him that he’s doing their job, it’s just creative that isn’t. Kaz catches Hendry in Fade to Black but Hendry gets out, Scoop Slam into the Springboard Leg Drop but Hendry kicks out. Kaz wants the Chicken Wing on the bad arm, but Ethan tags himself in causing infighting, Avalanche Tandem Superplex but Elijah shoves Ethan into the pinfall to break it. Elijah and Ethan throw hands, Crossroads from Elijah, Backstabber from Kaz, Rope Run Cutter from Hendry on Kaz, Spin and pose, Standing Ovation attempt but the arm gives, Elijah tags in, Ethan refuses to tag Kaz, Highwayman’s Farewell from Elijah.
Overall Score: 6.4/10
All of the points are for Fallon Henley existing, Lei Ying Lee and the Hardy Compound match. Without the Hardy match the show was like a 2. Bad logic, bad booking, heels are too samey with everyone being a dweeb that has to get beat on for 3-5 minutes before they can remember they can wrestle. Sean Waltman is also an interesting wrinkle in the System and Rascalz thing, but the first hour of this show was useless. If people continued to watch for the Hardy match, that was the only thing that may have entertained new eyes because of WrestleMania.
Rebellion is Sunday and next Thursday starts at 10 Eastern…ugh. If TNA doesn’t get off the west coast or work days, I won’t review any of this positively. First World problems, fully aware. But come on now, especially with the shit writing from the last month or so, this show isn’t worth staying up if they TNA personally paid people to review it. It would be totally different if the content was entertaining.
You know what, just give the Hardy’s the book. I’d rather insanity than forgetting to write in logic to a kayfabe injury and because things are pre-taped the WM appearance makes no sense and sudden over selling makes less sense. This isn’t booking into a corner this is booking into a Short Bus with a flat tire.
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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We get another chapter of Hardy Compound shenanigans! NEMETH BROTHERS! WE KNEW YOU'D COME!
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Mitchell’s WWE Evolve Results & Report! (4/23/25)
Introducing: The Vanity Project
POD is WAR: I Could Put 15 Japanese Guys In Here (WrestleMania / NFL Draft)
Andrew Balaz, Rey Cash and PC Tunney invite you to come along on a trip inside the minds of Los...
Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (4/23/25)
Let the good times roll!
Greg DeMarco Show: WWE Moonsault Mania
WrestleMania 41 was a history making event--so much more than just too many moonsaults!
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (4/22/25)
Luck be a lady tonight
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (4/21/25)
The Raw After Mania!
