Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (2/19/21)
One last battle before Elimination Chamber!
SmackDown has a Six Man of their Elimination Chamber contenders!
Before stepping inside the sinister steel, Roman Reigns’ six potential challengers battle in a Six Man Tag on the SmackDown before Elimination Chamber!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Apollo Crews VS Shinsuke Nakamura; Nakamura wins.
- The Riott Squad VS Tamina & Natalya; Tamina & Natalya win.
- Six Person Mixed Tag: Sasha Banks, Bianca Belair & Reginald VS Nia Jax, Shayna Baszler & Bayley; Sasha, Bianca & Reginald win.
- Rey & Dominik Mysterio VS The Alpha Academy; The Mysterios win, by disqualification.
- Six Man Tag: Kevin Owens, Daniel Bryan & Cesaro VS Jey Uso, King Corbin & Sami Zayn; Kevin, Bryan & Cesaro win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Edge returns to SmackDown!
The Rated R Superstar and Men’s Royal Rumble Winner still has a choice to make, but as he said a couple weeks ago on Raw, he is going to wait until Elimination Chamber has sorted things out! But he’s back on the blue brand tonight, gets a mic, and says, “It is good to be back on SmackDown headed into Elimination Chamber this Sunday!” He has a lot of decisions to make. On one hand, Drew McIntyre defends his WWE World Championship in the Elimination Chamber. On the other, Roman Reigns defends his WWE Universal Championship at Elimination Chamber.
Edge isn’t one to judge, he is an opportunist, but Roman is making the smarter play. McIntyre could lose in an instant, but Roman is defending against a man who had to survive a Chamber match. Two matches, 13 possibilities, Edge will quit talking and start evaluating. This is the biggest decision of his career. But speaking of Roman Reigns, here he comes! And of course he has his Special Counsel and his cousin right behind him. After taking his time going to the ring, Paul Heyman hands the Head of the Table a microphone, and Roman says Edge doesn’t have 13 choices, because there’s only one. That one is the 4-time, could’ve been 5, might even be 6-time WrestleMania main eventer. So Edge could pick a main eventer, or THE main eventer.
First of all, Edge remembers Roman saying he saw fear in Edge’s eyes. What he really saw was a guy playing Roman like a fiddle. Edge is supposed to acknowledge Roman as a main eventer, but he just can’t. Because Edge saw a couple weeks ago, Roman do something he’s never done before: lose his cool. Roman confirmed to Edge that Roman needs Edge to be the main event. If AJ Styles walks out of the Elimination Chamber champion and Edge chooses him, that is the main event. If it’s McIntyre VS Edge, that’s main event. Edge VS Orton, Edge VS Kevin Owens, Edge VS Kofi Kingston, those are your main events.
And now that Edge looks into Roman’s eyes, he sees insecurity. Now don’t get Edge wrong. Edge does acknowledge a man in his prime, firing on every cylinder, a “generational talent” with a long road ahead. Edge respects Roman and the Anoa’i Family. But Roman has gotten too much, too soon, and he is cracking under that pressure. And Edge hasn’t even started adding his pressure yet! So Roman needs to ask himself if he really wants Edge to focus on him, to expose the dents in Roman’s armor? Check the ego and think on that long and hard. Is that what Roman wants? But before Roman answers, here comes Sami Zayn!
“This is amazing!” Sami says it’s one thing to be disrespected by management, who have a clear conspiracy! But then to be disrespected by two of the biggest stars in the industry, that’s something else. Edge acts like it is a forgone conclusion that Roman Reigns is his choice for WrestleMania! And Roman is so worried about the threat Edge poses, he’s not looking at the threat that’s right in front of him! Sami gets in the ring and says WWE Management didn’t want Sami in the Elimination Chamber, but Sami plowed his way in! That should worry them both!
Edge, once upon a time, he was the ultimate opportunist, but Sami is the master strategist, and that should worry him. And Roman, Tribal Chief, Sami has respect. But Sami is the Champion of the People and that should worry him! So what Sami wants is for the cameramen to get this moment! Sami has his crew get this iconic shot of Sami pointing at the WrestleMania sign! Pointing at his destiny! Because no doubt about it, Sami is going to- Jey Uso SUPERKICKS Sami down! Jey just shut Sami up, and Roman and Edge stare down. Roman hands the mic back to Heyman, and then hands the belt over. Roman puts his hands behind his back! Roman whispers something to Edge, and then takes his leave. What did the Tribal Chief tell the man who could go after his title?
Big E heads to commentary!
The WWE Intercontinental Champion and Powerhouse of Positivity wants to watch this coming match! Will his former friendly rival be able to take the fight to the King of Strong Style? We find out, after the break.
Apollo Crews VS Shinsuke Nakamura!
SmackDown returns as Big E is enjoying his TV dinner and automatic foot spa while sitting on his special couch. Nakamura makes his entrance first, then Kayla Braxton quickly interviews Apollo about his “hopes of reentering” the title picture. Have the aspirations he has affected the friendship he had with Big E?
Apollo says he’s always respected Big E and always got great advice, such as, “You can’t sit around and wait for opportunities. You got to make them happen yourself.” That’s what Apollo did last week but then Big E says he should go back to catering? Big E never respected Apollo and never got to know the real Apollo. Apollo’s ancestors are Nigerian royalty! If Big E spoke to them like he did to Apollo, he would’ve lost his tongue! Apollo says Big E is intimidated by the real Apollo. So when Apollo wins here, he’s coming for what he deserves! Apollo makes his entrance, will he force Big E to face him once again?
The bell rings, Nakamura and Apollo approach and Nakamura fires off strikes! Nakamura knees and runs but Apollo drops and hurdles. Nakamura gets around, Apollo elbows him away but runs into a kitchen sink knee! Nakamura drops a knee, covers, TWO! Nakamura stomps Apollo, drags him up to a headlock, but Apollo powers out to then dropkick Nakamura down! Apollo basement dropkicks Nakamura out, then runs to baseball slide Nakamura down! Nakamura almost tips over Big E’s foldable table and spill the food! Apollo goes out but Nakamura fires off! Apollo hits back and then throws Nakamura into Big E!
Big E gets mad and tells Apollo to stop messing with him. The ring count is climbing but SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Apollo snap suplexes Nakamura down! Cover, TWO! Apollo drags Nakamura, whips him to ropes, but Nakamura holds ropes to stop. Apollo runs in, blocks a boot but gets an enziguri! Nakamura runs, dodges and DYNAMIC DROPKICKS! Nakamura fires off KICKS on Apollo, knocking him down each time! Nakamura whips, Apollo boots but Nakamura blocks to put him in the ropes! SLIDING GERMAN SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Nakamura stomps Apollo, kicks him around, then runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Apollo covers, TWO! Apollo grows frustrated and Nakamura gets up as the ref starts counting.
Big E gets annoyed that commentary keeps asking about Apollo getting another chance. Apollo blocks a punch to enziguri back! Apollo trophy lifts but Nakamura slips out to hit an ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! Apollo tries to get out but Nakamura makes it a cradle, Nakamura wins!
Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura, by pinfall
But Apollo is a sore loser and he BLINDSIDES Nakamura! Big E gets up as Apollo throws Nakamura out. Apollo throws Nakamura into barriers! Big E glares at Apollo and tells him he needs to accept that he lost. Apollo takes apart the steel steps, but Big E steps in his way! Big E tells Apollo it’s done but Apollo tells him to get out of the way. Big E tells Apollo to put the steps down and walk away. Apollo drops the steps, starts to leave, but as soon as Big E checks on Nakamura, Apollo gets the steps! Apollo BLINDSIDES Big E with the steel, then he CLOBBERS Nakamura over barriers! “It ain’t over until I say it’s over!”
Apollo sees Big E wants to get after him, but he picks up the steps again! Apollo TOSSES the steps into the ring, and then he tells the ref to stay out of the way. Big E sits up, Apollo gives him toying kicks. Apollo drags Big E up and puts him in the ring. Apollo looms over Big E as Big E glares back up at him. Apollo grabs the steps, brings them up again, but the ref steps in the way! Big E bails out, Apollo still holds the steps up, and says he’ll put them down, ON TOP OF BIG E!! The ref and commentary freak out but Apollo shows no remorse. Medics hurry to check on Big E, what will the consequences be for Apollo crossing the line?
SmackDown returns as Big E is stretchered out.
With neck in brace, Big E is wheeled up the ramp. At the same time, Seth Rollins makes his entrance! The Savior of SmackDown of course has a mic and he says, “That’s a tragedy!” What happened to Big E is a tragedy, being betrayed by a friend is tragedy. Rollins would know about that because last week, all of his so-called friends turned their backs, walked away and betrayed him! Rollins understands Big E’s pain. If you don’t believe him, or you need a reminder, there is proof from last week. Show the footage. That is to say, a replay of Rollins’ return with the entire SmackDown roster ringside.
Rollins said it felt right to be back, and said a lot has changed, especially for him. He is the father of a baby girl, his life has changed, but his personality has not because he still insists he and he alone can lead SmackDown to a brighter future. And it was this selfish speech that made everyone else leave, refusing to #EmbraceTheVision. Cesaro stuck around the longest, but not because he understood or accepted. He was the one to tell Rollins he hadn’t changed. So Rollins attacked him for it! Daniel Bryan got Cesaro to stop, but there was still anger in Rollins’ eyes.
Rollins in the present says “that is emotional trauma. I’m still suffering.” It is unacceptable at the work place, and Rollins had to something. So Rollins’ lawyers drafted a “formal complaint” to WWE management and legal action is pending. Rollins is sure they’re going to win, but he will tell us why he’s done this. “As I stated in my letter, months and months and months went into planning our big moment, my return to SmackDown! And it was ruined!!” Not by his friends, but by a bunch of losers and cowards. They ruined it because they’re afraid! They want to divide us! They know that there are already millions and millions who have embraced the vision for SmackDown!
Rollins vows they will win because they are strong and powerful and the other side are a bunch of losers. The biggest loser is Cesaro. Cesaro took “our” moment! He took it and made it about him! Cesaro disrespected “us,” patronized “us,” and stayed behind just to look Rollins in the eyes and disrespect him. What happened? That’s not on Rollins’ hands. As far as Rollins is concerned, Cesaro asked for it. And that will happen to every single person who will stand in “our” way! Rollins says “WE” are strong, powerful winners! #EmbraceTheVision, thank you, good night. A powerful speech from Rollins, but again rather hypocritical. Will Rollins be made to see the truth?
Edge talks with Kevin Owens backstage.
A crazy couple of months, huh? But here’s the thing, Edge appreciates that Kevin might get knocked down but he gets back up, just like Edge. Kevin says Edge would be the one to understand. Edge spent the last year obsessed with a return and the Royal Rumble and all that. Because for Kevin, it’s been hell. He got so close to the title three times, and Roman found a way out. The only thing Kevin can think about is getting through the Elimination Chamber, getting at Roman one more time, and finally taking that title from him. That’s all Kevin can think about. Edge respects that and wishes him luck. It’d be great to face him at Mania. Kevin agrees. But will that be how things turn out on this Road to WrestleMania?
Sonya Deville and Adam Pearce clear a path for Big E.
The stretcher comes through and is loaded into the ambulance. Has the Powerhouse of Positivity been sidelined by the apathetic Apollo?
The Riott Squad VS Tamina & Natalya!
Ruby and Liv want to be WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship contenders just as much as this duo of second generation superstars! But with the line getting longer, will a win here convince WWE management to add them to the list?
Ruby and Tamina start and tie up. Tamina throws Ruby down hard and Ruby wobbles up to her feet. Ruby manages to hit Tamina with a forearm then a chop, but Tamina doesn’t flinch. Tamina HEADBUTTS Ruby and Liv tags in. Liv fires off kicks, Tamina grabs the leg to elbow it! Tamina drags Liv up, fireman’s carries but Liv sunset flips. Tamina stays up, brings Liv back up, but Liv goes matrix! Only for Tamina to gut wrench her up! Liv slips out, shoves and dodges to springboard, into an UPPERCUT! Tamina tags Natty in and then brings Liv up. The second gen stars mug Liv, and Natty RAMS Liv to a corner!
Natty fires off fierce fists, then gets Liv around for a rebound atomic drop, only for Liv to make it a victory roll! TWO, and Natty grabs Liv’s hair! Liv elbows free, tags Ruby, and the Squad double shotgun dropkicks Natty! Ruby fires off on Natty, rolls and runs in to forearm smash! Ruby snapmares Natty to then run and tilt-o-whirl, to forearm smashes! Natty whips Ruby away, Liv tags in, the Squad coordinates, LIV BREAKER STO COMBO! Cover, TWO!! But wait, here comes Billie Kay? She’s bandwagon-ing Natty and Tamina now! Ruby tags in and Billie gets catty, so that Natty can roll Ruby up! TWO, and Natty goes after legs! Ruby kicks Natty away, Tamina tags in!
Tamina runs through Ruby to DECK Liv! Ruby ENZIGURIS Tamina, runs, but into Tamina’s scoop, and SWINGING SLAM! Cover, Tamina and Natty win!
Winners: Tamina & Natalya, by pinfall
Billie celebrates with her new friends, who she ironically tried to team with before. But Natty shoves Billie into Tamina’s SUPERKICK! The only two these two need are each other, but will they be going after the Women’s Tag Champions before Naomi & Lana on Raw?
SmackDown shares Sasha Banks’ Daytona 500 experience!
The Boss got to wave the green flag and get things started! Her adrenaline was pumping, and she hasn’t felt that way in a long time. It was an amazing day to partner with Fox and NASCAR, it is such an honor for her.
King Corbin finds Edge backstage.
“You feel this, right?” This feels like the main event of WrestleMania. Corbin also knows Edge made his name on SmackDown. Things have changed, this is Corbin’s kingdom now. Corbin says that the next time Edge sees someone wearing a $10,000 suit and a $39,000 watch, “you bow down.” Wanna see Edge’s timepiece? It’s a phone! It takes pictures, too! He should really try it.
SmackDown presents an all new DING DONG, HELLO~!
Bayley is here, and she welcomes to the second, that is DOS, the second episode of her talk show! And she has two, DOS, huge guests, the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax! Ding dong, Bayley will get it! She opens the door and there the champs are! But these two can’t agree on who goes through first so Nia pushes Shayna aside to walk in. But there’s only one seat for guests…? But hey, as the first and former Women’s Tag Champion, Bayley gets how taxing it is to be on all three brands, so she thanks them for being part of her show tonight.
Nia says she’s glad Bayley is having them, and hopes Bayley isn’t still upset that Nia and Shayna took these titles from her. What? No! Bayley is thankful! Them winning those titles helped Bayley get rid of Sasha and find herself. Look at this! She has her own talk show! If you haven’t heard, Bayley might even be taking Ellen’s place. Well the best thing she did is get rid of Sasha. Sasha is so fake and phony. Almost as bad as Bianca “ThE EsT~ oF wWe~!” Is she really stronger than Nia? Or tougher than Shayna? Whoever raised Bianca, they led her wrong. Bianca is bad, but Sasha is worse! She’s acting like she’s the sexiest thing on TV but uh, Nia’s here so…
Sasha thinks she’s the Boss, but Nia and Shayna aren’t going to take any orders from her. They’ll squash her like the little bug she is! Please, please, excuse Reginald as he defends Sasha’s good name. Sasha is like a ’96 Château Lafite, bold and timeless! Nia and Shayna are more like boxed wine. Bayley says if Reggie is going to interrupt, please the door. But he does set the plant back up so that’s nice. Nia asks the “little man” if that is a challenge. Reggie apologizes, but he is just saying Sasha is the greatest in the world. If she were to team with her “sidekick,” Belair, then these two would be former champions.
But speak of the Boss and here she comes! The SmackDown Women’s Champion doesn’t use the door, either. And she tells Reggie to NOT EVER speak for her. As for the champions, whether they like it or not, Sasha IS the Boss, and the title means she makes the rules. So yes, Bianca will choose to challenge her, because the Women’s Division revolves around Sasha! But speaking of, here comes Bianca! Bianca will get to “Shay-Nia” soon enough, but to Reggie, she ain’t so sidekick, side chick or whatever. Sasha, you first. “Girl, uh-uh.” Bianca winning the Women’s Rumble says the EST is the star of the division. No one revolves around her, they just get beat by her.
Reggie steps in first, to say they are all on the same team here. They shouldn’t fight each other. They should fight the others. How about a Six Person Tag? Wait, Bayley doesn’t want to be dragged into this! Nia shouts this should happen NOW! Get a ref!! Bayley’s second episode is going off the rails, but is there going to be such a match after the break?
Six Person Mixed Tag: Sasha Banks, Bianca Belair & Reginald VS Nia Jax, Shayna Baszler & Bayley!
There is, playa! Will the Boss, the EST and Carmella’s sommelier be able to best the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and the Role Model?
Bianca and Shayna start, they tie up, and Shayna wrenches to a hammerlock then headlock. Bianca powers up to throw Shayna off, and then they go again. Bianca waistlocks and SLAMS Shayna down, but Shayna gets up. Shayna elbows free, but Bianca runs her over! Bianca drags Shayna back up, Sasha tags in, and they work together to GlamEST KNEE Shayna down! They point to the WrestleMania sign together and Reggie wants to be part of that, and shows off by handspringing into the ring. They tell him to go back and wait for them to tag him in, but then Nia tags in and RAMS Sasha down!
Nia puts Sasha in the corner, Bayley tags in and she stomps Sasha. Bayley isn’t even dressed to compete, she’s stomping Sasha without shoes on! Bayley clubs Sasha and talks trash as she chokes Sasha on the ropes. The ref counts, Bayley drags Sasha over to tag in Shayna. Shayna drops elbows on Sasha’s leg and then pulls on the foot. Sasha endures, Reggie feels her pain but Sasha kicks back. Shayna SMASHES Sasha’s knee into the mat! Shayna drags Sasha up, Nia tags in, and they mug Sasha, to then feed to a scoop and SLAM! Nia covers, TWO! Nia drags Sasha back up, whips her to a corner, but Sasha gets out and Nia hits buckles!
Sasha kicks back, Bayley runs over but Sasha dumps her out! So Bayley trips Bianca up! Sasha KICKS Bayley away, Nia drags her up but Sasha jawbreakers! Tag to Reggie! But then Reggie gets face to face with Nia and steps back. Reggie wants her to take it easy, but she says he started this. They tie up and Nia doesn’t budge! Nia shoves Reggie down hard, and says she is not some cheap boxed wine! She runs Reggie right over! She throws him around, Reggie tries to drop toehold but Nia stays up. Nia tosses Reggie to a corner, but Reggie dodges and runs, only to get run over again! Nia drags Reggie around, stomps him, and then drops a leg, to miss! Oh no, not her hole!
Reggie and Nia crawl, but Sasha and Bianca trip Shayna up! They hammer Shayna down and Nia is alone. She turns around but catches Reggie’s fancy flip! Nia brags that not tonight, but Bianca and Sasha double dropkick them over! Reggie has a cover, they win!!
Winners: Sasha Banks, Bianca Belair & Reginald, by pinfall
What a turnaround for the smooth-talking sommelier! Will the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions be in trouble going into their gauntlet of challengers?
Backstage interview with Cesaro!
The Swiss Superman is ready for the Six Man Tag match with his Elimination Chamber opponents. But what are his thoughts on Rollins’ comments? Well, Cesaro heard all of that. Cesaro wasn’t patronizing Rollins, he was just trying to show respect. Cesaro hoped to see a new Rollins, because he’s known him for years. He hoped we’d actually get the old Rollins! That moment could’ve been that return, but instead it was just the smug, condescending SOB Rollins was when he left. And Cesaro will keep that attack in mind. But for now, Cesaro looks to the future! Tonight’s Six Man, then the Elimination Chamber, and then taking the Universal Championship from Roman Reigns.
Edge comes by to say hey. Edge doesn’t know what’s gotten into Cesaro but he likes it. That grit, that dirt on the fingernails, Cesaro has that. Cesaro appreciates that. And Cesaro already knows what’s next after Elimination Chamber. Cesaro hopes to see Edge at WrestleMania. Will the Swiss Superman’s confidence carry him through this weekend?
Rey & Dominik Mysterio VS The Alpha Academy!
Father and son team up again, moving past falling short and hoping to rise up together! But will Chad Gable and his star pupil, Otis, be a huge obstacle in their path?
SmackDown returns and The Dirty Dawgs, Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler, have joined commentary while drinking from red Solo cups. Seems they’re here to send a message to all the teams in the SmackDown Tag Division. Otis & Gable make their entrance, the teams sort out, and Dom starts with Gable. Gable gets a waistlock, drags Dom down and rolls him around. Dom gets up but Gable slams him back down! Dom gets up, Gable German Suplexes but Dom lands on his feet to Japanese Arm-Drag then dropkick! Dom kips up and dares Gable to bring it! Gable tags to Otis and Otis runs Dom over! Otis fires up, Rey tags in and shoulders into Otis! Rey springboards to seated senton!
Things speed up, Rey springboards but Otis catches him for a POWERSLAM! Otis drops a SPLASH, but Gable sees Dom coming and warns Otis. Otis CLOBBERS Dom and Dolph starts to feel bad for him. Gable tells Otis to do the ropes, but the ref is counting Gable! Otis SPLASHES, but the ref rings the bell!
Winners: Rey & Dominik Mysterio, by disqualification
Gable doesn’t even realize what happened, he’s just proud of his “greatest student.” The Dirty Dawgs can’t believe how dim Gable and Otis are, but Gable starts saying “this is once in a lifetime” with Rey. Otis is going up top?! The match is over but Otis SPLASHES Rey!! Gable is so proud of Otis, but what has he been teaching the Blue Collar Brawler?!
Edge comes across Daniel Bryan warming up.
Edge has been meaning to, well, thank Bryan. Bryan fighting to get his career back inspired Edge to get moving. Bryan is glad Edge is back. And if Edge wants to thank Bryan, well he knows Edge has a decision coming up. Bryan will make it easier: If Bryan wins the Chamber, and then wins the title, how about Edge chooses him for WrestleMania? Well that’s a dream match right there. One that’s long overdue. These two are in agreement, but will the Road to WrestleMania lead us to the GOAT VS the Rated R Superstar?
SmackDown returns as the Mysterios make their exit.
Dom is helping Rey up because of the devastating damage done to his ribs from Otis. Rey can be heard gasping for air, will he be okay?
Cesaro and Bryan talk backstage.
Kevin walks over and asks if they’re going to talk strategy. Well, they were talking strategy: what to do if they get a Stunner in the middle of the match. But they don’t have to worry about that, Kevin never turns on his friends. Oh, of course! But no, wait. What about that time with the New Day where Kevin was “Big O?” And then Sami Zayn once, twice… Well it is Sami but like, it was a lot of times. And there’s a big name in there somewhere, Bryan can’t remember it. Maybe he should’ve made a list?
Ha ha, Kevin gets it. Especially after last week. But last week was a big fight, Kevin was sure they were going after him first. But tonight, they are a team, and quite frankly, they all want to win this match. So don’t worry about a Stunner tonight. But definitely worry Sunday. Cesaro says at least Kevin’s being honest. But is he?
Reginald serves Carmella wine.
But she is not happy with earlier. Where was he? What took him so long to get her this fine glass of wine? Well Reggie had to make sure it was the perfect temperature and had time to breathe. So that’s what we’re doing? Playing games? No, there’s no games. Do you think she didn’t watch SmackDown!? That’s not how it looks! He was just- Shhhhhhh! SHH! Relax, she’s not mad. She totally understands that he is doing the right thing for Mella’s sake. Because if he doesn’t… Well, let’s just hope it doesn’t get there.
She drinks the wine, and hates it! Is this what he’s serving her? It’s disgusting! She throws the drink in Reggie’s face! Is Mella going to keep Reggie loyal to her? Or simply push him into the proverbial arms of The Boss?
BREAKING NEWS!
After the huge win with help from Reggie, The Boss & The EST have a shot at the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships! And it’s happening at ELIMINATION CHAMBER!! Will Nia & Shayna be able to make it through the LegitEST team in order to then face the rest of their growing contender’s list?
WWE celebrates Black History Month.
“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background or his religion. People must learn to hate. And if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love. For love comes more naturally to the human heart than it’s opposite.” – Nelson Mandela
Six Man Tag: Kevin Owens, Daniel Bryan & Cesaro VS Jey Uso, King Corbin & Sami Zayn!
The Prizefighter, the GOAT, the Swiss Cyborg, the Wolf King, the Great Liberator, and even Roman’s own cousin are all fighting for a title shot in the Elimination Chamber! But with Kevin having hit everyone with a Stunner, and with #MainEventJey having hit Sami with a Superkick earlier tonight, will either of these trios make it through the night? And to raise the stakes just a little more, Edge joins commentary! Will there be a man who stands above the rest before going into such a grueling match this Sunday?
SmackDown returns as Daniel Bryan makes his entrance, followed by Cesaro, and then followed by Kevin. The trios sort out, and Bryan starts with Jey. They tie up, go around, and Jey puts Bryan in a corner to fire off hands! The ref counts, Jey lets off but Bryan turns it around to give kicks and forearms! Bryan tags Cesaro, they double scoop slam Jey, then Cesaro goes after Jey, but Jey gets away to tag Corbin. Corbin and Cesaro circle, tie up, but then Corbin backs off to tag in Sami. Sami and Cesaro circle, approach, and Cesaro gets around. Tag to Bryan, they mug Sami, and Bryan ROCKS Sami with that EuroUpper! And then another one!
Sami gets to a corner, Bryan brings him out to whip, but Sami reverses. Bryan tries to get under but Sami just rams into him! Sami throws more knees into Bryan, then tags Corbin. Corbin drags Bryan up to DECK him with a right hand, then chokes him on the ropes! The ref counts, Corbin lets off, and then drags Bryan up to knee him low. Corbin throws hands, tags in Sami, and Sami argues with Corbin about it. They don’t se Bryan get away to tag Cesaro! Cesaro ROCKS Corbin, BOOTS him, then fires off EuroUppers on Sami! Cesaro whips Sami to a corner, EuroUppers, then goes corner to corner for another EuroUpper! And then the other way, and back again!
Sami flops down, Cesaro dares someone to get in, and now Jey argues with Sami. Sami says Jey and Corbin don’t have his back, and he’s right because they put him back in! Cesaro gets Sami for a SWISS SWING! They go around and around and around, for almost 20 counts! Cesaro then catapults Sami into the corner! Corbin tags in, but Cesaro trips him up! Corbin goes for a swing, but it’s not so easy. Cesaro stomps Corbin to get him going again! Cesaro gets a bit dizzy and they crasy into ropes! Fans are fired up on their screens as SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns once more, and Cesaro has Corbin back in the swing! They’ve gone for at least 15! Cesaro then steps through, but Corbin scrambles! Jey tags in, Cesaro DECKS him, then Cesaro EuroUppers Corbin! Jey drags Cesaro out to whip him over commentary!! Oh, and it turns out Paul Heyman has joined commentary since the last commercial. Jey puts Cesaro back in, then basement dropkicks him in the corner! Tag to Sami and they mug Cesaro. Sami digs his knees into Cesaro while choking him on ropes. Sami lets off to taunt Bryan and Kevin, then he throws hands on Cesaro. Sami throws more hands, then tags Corbin.
Corbin brings Cesaro around to back suplex high and hard! Corbin grinds Cesaro’s arm then rams in a knee! Corbin whips Cesaro corner to corner hard, and Cesaro falls to his knees from hitting buckles. Corbin stomps Cesaro down, throws hands, but the ref backs him off. Corbin argues with the ref, Sami gets a cheap shot in, then Jey tags in. Corbin drags Cesaro around, Jey stomps Cesaro, then Jey throws hands. Cesaro counter punches but Jey keeps him from the corner with more haymakers! Jey whips Cesaro corner to corner hard, chest first! Heyman again refuses to answer a question about “What if Jey wins the Elimination Chamber?”
Jey reels Cesaro in to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Jey clamps on with a chinlock and thrashes around. Cesaro endures, fights up, but Jey knees low. Jey sucker punches Kevin, and the ref is busy with Kevin so that Jey and his team can mug Cesaro! Tag to Corbin, he throws hands on Cesaro, then whips him corner to corner. Corbin runs in but Cesaro dodges to SPRINGBOARD UPPERCUT! Both men are down and crawl for their corners, hot tags to Sami and Bryan! Bryan dodges Sami to dropkick Jey and then throw hands on Sami! Bryan whips but Sami reverses, only for Bryan to go up and over. Bryan dodges Sami to hit a leaping lariat!
Bryan fires up in a corner, runs corner to corner and dropkicks Sami! Then fires off YES Kicks! The ref counts, Bryan stops at 4, then hoists Sami up top. Bryan climbs up to SUPER STEINER! Cover, but Jey breaks it! Jey superkicks at Kevin but Kevin blocks to SUPERKICK him first! Kevin aims from the apron, CANNONBALL! Bryan YES Kicks away on Sami then- No, Sami ducks the buzzsaw to roll him up! TWO, into a HUGE BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, but Cesaro breaks it! Corbin drags Cesaro up, throws him out, then storms out after him. Kevin comes around, Sami and Bryan stand up and Sami goes to the corner. Kevin SUPERKICKS Corbin off Cesaro while Sami climbs up.
Bryan intercepts Sami at the top, climbs up to join him, and SUPER BUTTERFLY SUPLEXES him! To an omoplata, to the YES LOCK!! Sami is caught, eh taps, Bryan’s team wins!!
Winners: Daniel Bryan, Cesaro & Kevin Owens, by submission
Edge is very impressed by all these superstars, but especially that right there. Corbin slides in behind Bryan, waits for him to turn around, and hits him with END OF DAYS! Kevin gives Corbin a STUNNER! Sami gives Kevin a HALF ‘N’ HALF! Cesaro POP-UP EUROUPPERS Sami! Jey SUPERKICKS Cesaro! But Edge SPEARS Jey!! The Ultimate Opportunist turns around, into a SPEAR from Roman!! Just when Edge thought he was sending a message to Roman, Roman responds in kind! Roman holds up his Universal Championship, has his stacked deck ensured he will still have it for WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A great go-home for SmackDown, and just great overall. I knew Apollo’s Heel turn would be through snapping, but wow, I didn’t see it going this way, and I mean that in a good way. That was very strong intensity from him, and having him try and injure Big E was next level. Bringing up his ancestry might even be a way to add to his character, borderline a gimmick, but an Apollo that is high on himself is definitely the way to go for his Heel run. I’m sure kayfabe Big E will come back in time for Fastlane for what will be called “one last match” with Apollo, but for that reason, Apollo might win and act like he’s never going to give Big E his rematch, only for Big E to force him into it.
Rollins’ promo being right as Big E exits was a good use of time and a good segue, given Rollins’ focus of supposed betrayal. He is definitely foreshadowing his feud with Cesaro, and that is all the more reason I want to see Cesaro make it to the match with Roman: Rollins can screw Cesaro over, feud takes us through to Fastlane. Another Heel turn I didn’t see coming was Otis’. At least, that has to be what it was, right? The Mysterios aren’t ever going Heel, but even the solidly Heel Ziggler & Roode were confused by what we saw. I do feel that since there isn’t some kind of break-up with Gable & Otis, having them be Heels could work out for them. Otis has size and strength, and we’ve seen him angry against Ziggler & Roode in the past, maybe that is all used while he’s Heel to rack up some wins.
We got a pretty good tag match out of Riott Squad VS Natalya & Tamina, but it ended up also only being Billie trying to stick it to the Squad. She kinda does, and that’s why Natty & Tamina win, but then Billie feels instant karma because Tamina & Natty don’t care about her. The developments through Ding Dong, Hello were all very interesting. Reggie stepping in on Sasha’s behalf, and how Mella gets mad at him later, are all signs that he is definitely ditching her. The Six Person Tag win also helps give us a kayfabe reason for adding the Women’s Tag Championships to the PPV to replace the Raw Women’s Championship match since Lacey Evans is actually pregnant.
They still could’ve had Asuka call for an Open Challenge, aka default to Charlotte, but I suppose this just gets something from the SmackDown side out of the way. I’m pretty sure Nia & Shayna win because they have matches with Naomi & Lana and now Dakota Kai & Raquel Gonzalez on their schedule, and as the strongest Heel team right now, Nia & Shayna are definitely facing the Face teams. And again, the best stuff was from the Universal title story. Edge turned the conversation on Roman, he got interactions with all the Elimination Chamber contenders, and even got to give a Spear and take a Spear.
The Six Man Tag was a great match, the interaction of those six was great, and with Roman standing tall even over Edge, it keeps the math muddied so it’s anyone’s game as far as the Chamber goes. Again, I’m really hoping it’s Cesaro that makes it to the end. His story with Rollins might screw him over, but winning a Chamber match and having a Universal Championship match would mean so much to his career and power rankings. And as I said before, even if Cesaro doesn’t make it to WrestleMania, he can definitely build up to be the star he’s always deserved to be by SummerSlam.
My Score: 8.7/10
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Can the Last Real Champion handle The Truth?
While the King & Queen of the Ring tournaments reach their semifinals, John Cena has his first match on SmackDown in years, against Ron Killings!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Asuka VS Alexa Bliss; Asuka wins and advances to Night of Champions.
- Aleister Black VS Kit Wilson; No Contest.
- King of the Ring Semifinals: Randy Orton VS Sami Zayn; Orton wins and advances to Night of Champions.
- Charlotte Flair VS Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice; Charlotte wins.
- Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker VS LA Knight; Knight wins, by disqualification.
- John Cena VS Ron Killings; Killings wins, by disqualification.
PLAY BY PLAY
LA Knight is here!
Grand Rapids fires up as the Mega Star marches right to the ring. Knight grabs a mic while the fans chant his name, and he says, “LEMME TALK TO YA!” The fans cheer, and Knight says, “Let’s just go ahead and rewind our mind a little bit. We go to back to Money in the Bank, Seth and his boys, they just happen to come down and screw this guy.” The fans boo that. Knight says usually, he lets things slide. But he just figured he couldn’t let it slide, so he made sure to screw on of Rollins’ boys in their title opportunity, King of the Ring. But then they came back, paid it back and screwed Knight outta KOTR, so he had to go and screw the other one over!
And it just has Knight thinking. Fans “YEAH!” and Knight says there is only one way this can go. He has gone back and forth between Raw and SmackDown, where it ends, nobody knows! Except Knight! He knows! He knows where this ends! The fans cheer that! And Knight says it ends with him and Rollins! And what better place than here? And what better time than now! Knight tells Rollins to come on out and talk to him! But “Ladies and gentlemen…” The fans boo as Paul Heyman walks out and gives his introductions. He serves as the Wise Man to Mr. Money in the Bank, Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins!
Heyman says you do not boo that name. And you screwed up your cue, so they’ll do this again. He serves as the Wise Man for Seth Freakin’ Rollins! The fans keep booing, Heyman wants to try again, but Knight says shut up and get to the point! Why is Heyman here?! Heyman walks to the ring and asks permission to step inside. The fans chant “O T C! O T C!” but Knight steps back. Heyman steps into the ring, and he says yes, there has been a lot of bad blood between Knight and Mr. MITB, Seth Freakin’ Rollins. However, Heyman happens to be, with all due respect to everyone here in Grand Rapids, Michigan…
The fans chant “C M PUNK!” at Heyman now and he frowns. Knight says Heyman has a lot of enemies. Heyman says he is the biggest LA Knight fan in all of WWE! Heyman’s been waiting a long time to say this: YEAH! Now, because of that, Seth Freakin’ Rollins (the fans boo again) has allowed Heyman to say to Knight, as a favor to Heyman… It is time for Knight to get the hell outta Grand Rapids, Michigan. Because if he does not, something really bad is going to happen to him before the end of the night. Have a nice evening. Heyman turns to go but the fans cheer Knight on. Knight says he couldn’t help but notice, but did you~ (poking fun at Heyman’s voice cracking) threaten Knight?
Because Knight wants to wrap his head around this. He’s heard Heyman say stuff like this before, because Heyman is a liar, a swindler, a grifter, a scammer and a schemer! Heyman leeches on to any talent that has a bit of hype, sucks ’em dry, then moves on to the next! Rollins just happens to be the latest in this. But where next? Who cares! But the bottom line is, Knight asked for Rollins but he got Heyman. And while he got Heyman, he got a Heyman out here talking all tough. So it has Knight thinking, he has a great idea.
Talking about wise man, wisdom, there was a point in time if Heyman had said something like that, a man like Knight would look at a “thing” like Heyman and punched his wisdom teeth down his throat! Knight won’t do that, yet. But here’s the deal: Heyman’s talking all tough, but if he can’t bring Rollins out here, then the only thing to do out here in Grand Rapids is Knight fighting Heyman here and now! The fans fire up for that! Knight asks if the fans want that, and they cheer! “HUH?” “YEAH!” “HUH?” “YEAH!” “YEAH!!” Knight promises he’ll turn around, take his vest off, and Heyman gets the first shot. He better make it good, or Knight will molly whop his ass right outta Grand Rapids!
The fans fire up as Knight does as promised. He turns around, his vest is off, but Heyman bails? The fans boo as the Wise Man doesn’t play along. Heyman says, “Remember when I told you to get the hell out of Grand Rapids or else something really bad is gonna happen to you before the end of the night? That wasn’t a prediction. That… was a spoiler!” Heyman throws down his mic, and here comes Bronson Reed & Bron Breakker! Rollins’ behemoths head to the ring, but Knight fires off on them first! The fans rally as Knight throws hands and feet, but then Bron TACKLES Knight! Bronson joins in and they mug Knight right out of the ring!
Bronson drags Knight up to TOSS him over barriers! Bron clears the desk, he wants Bronson to put Knight through it! But Knight has a chair! He JAMS Bron, JAMS Bronson, then SMACKS Bron and SMACKS Bronson! Knight gets in the ring, ready to hit whoever gets in! The fans cheer Knight but Heyman has Bron & Bronson stand down. Will Heyman have the henchmen try again before the end of tonight?
SmackDown returns and…
Heyman has Bron & Bronson calm down, they have this under control. It is all in their favor, and it always will be in their favor. That is the whole point behind this. Byron Saxton steps in and wants to talk to them, but Heyman has to hold Bron back like the dog he is! Heyman says no need to bite Byron. Byron apologizes, he has word from SmackDown GM, Nick Aldis, that Bronson Reed VS LA Knight is set for tonight. Heyman says okay, thank you, and goodbye. Byron leaves and Heyman smiles. He told them! Patience is not a virtue, it is strategy. Bronson smiles and nods. Will Auzsilla destroy LA here in Grand Rapids?
Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Asuka VS Alexa Bliss!
Two great returns to action through this tournament, and now they cross paths with each other. The Empress of Tomorrow overcame Ivy Nile, Raquel Rodriguez and Stephanie Vaquer while Lil’ Miss Bliss outsmarted Alba Fyre, Candice LeRae and Charlotte Flair. But whose comeback story overtakes the other’s here just one match away from Night of Champions?
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Alexa headlocks, but Asuka powers up and out. Alexa RAMS Asuka, Asuka roars, and the fans fire up as Asuka fires hands! Alexa blocks a kick to THROW Asuka down, then basement DROPKICK! The fans cheer as Asuka and Alexa reset. Alexa kicks, Asuka blocks and slips through to waistlock. Alexa elbows free, runs, but Asuka runs past her to then RUN her over! The fans fire up and Asuka runs in again, HIP ATTACK! Alexa falls to the floor and the fans fire up while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Asuka lets Alexa stay down while she soaks up the cheers. The ring count starts, Alexa rises, but Asuka goes out after her. Alexa slips inside and DROPKICKS Asuka’s leg! Asuka falls from the apron but she has to nod respect for that savvy move. Asuka steps back in at 6 of 10, and she resets with Alexa. They circle, feel things out, and tie up. Asuka wrenches and wristlocks, but Alexa rolls and wrenches to hammerlock. Alexa waistlocks, rolls Asuka, TWO! The two stand off again and they both nod respect. They reset, the fans rally up, and the two feel things out. Asuka trips Alexa, clamps on with a headlock, and she grinds Alexa down.
Alexa endures, Asuka turns her over to go after the arm, then she stands on Alexa’s arm. Alexa endures, Asuka shifts arms, but Alexa wrenches out to wrangle Asuka. Alexa shifts to a cording hold, but Asuka fights up and fires body shots. Alexa whips Asuka to a corner, but Asuka elbows her away! And BOOTS! Asuka goes up, leaps, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Alexa stays in this but Asuka stays focused. Asuka drags Alexa around and gives her Kawada Kicks! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Asuka wrenches for a chicken wing! Alexa fights the Asuka Lock and JAWBREAKERS free! Alexa runs up to RUN Asuka over!
The fans rally as Alexa rallies, then hits a BLOCKBUSTER! The fans fire up as Alexa SLAPS, ROCKS, and KNEES Asuka down! Then SOMERSAULT SENTON! Cover, TWO! Asuka stays in this and Alexa grows frustrated. The fans rally while Alexa brings Asuka up. Asuka breaks free to URAKEN, SOBAT, FRONT KICK, and GERMAN SUPLEX! Alexa tumbles away, Asuka runs up, SLIDING KICK! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as Asuka stands and takes aim. But Alexa ducks the buzzsaw! Cover, TWO! Alexa clinches, TWISTED- NO, Asuka rolls Alexa up! TWO! Alexa sits up, BUZZSAW! Cover, TWO!! Alexa survives but Asuka just fires up!
The fans rally as Asuka goes to the corner. Asuka climbs from the outside, and MISSILE- NO, Alexa dodges this time! Alexa kicks and DDTS! Cover, TWO! Asuka stays in this and the fans fire up! “This is Awesome!” as Alexa drags Asuka into the drop zone. Alexa goes up, up, and the fans fire up! TWISTED- NO, Asuka moves, so Alexa stops. Alexa won’t let Asuka sneak away, but then she gets caught in an ARMBAR!! Alexa flails, rolls, but ends up in an omoplata! RINGS OF SATURN!! Alexa fights around, pops her arm free for a cover, TWO!! Asuka reels Alexa in, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up as Alexa stays in this! Asuka fires up, the fans are with her, and she runs up, only for Alexa to ROCK her with a right! Alexa puts Asuka in the Tree of Woe, and she DROPKICKS Asuka out of it! Alexa climbs back up, and TWISTED BLISSÂ onto knees!! Asuka still counters the moonsault, and hits the EMPRESS IMPACT!! Cover, Asuka wins!
Winner: Asuka, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)
The Empress says no one is ready for Asuka, and that has certainly been the case! But on Raw, we find out, will it be Jade Cargill or Roxanne Perez that meets Asuka in Saudi Arabia?
Jade Cargill, Mia Yim & B-Fab watch backstage.
And Fab says damn, Asuka just came back and she’s already making statements. Almost like she never left. Michin says maybe they need to make their own statements. They need to talk to Aldis about the tag titles. Fab agrees. Fab & Mia wish Jade luck before heading out. Byron walks in and asks if he can have a word. Jade says shoot. Byron says Asuka just advanced, but Jade has her match on Monday with Roxanne Perez. How does Jade feel about facing a talented competitor like Roxie? And how does she feel about the possibility of facing Asuka in the finals? Jade says “Rox” has potential. Roxie is quick and scrappy.
But she’s still trying to prove herself. And this isn’t a proving ground, this is a throne room, and Jade was built for royalty. As for Asuka, there’s a storm on the horizon. But news flash, Jade is that storm. This entire tournament wasn’t built for the future, but for a woman who can walk through fire, shatter glass ceilings, and take her crown on the way to the top. This Queen of the Ring, Jade isn’t just walking in to win. She’s here to reign. Will the Prodigy be washed away by the storm this Monday?
Alexa Bliss returns backstage.
And Chelsea Green finds her. Flanked by her Secret Her-vice, The Hot Mess asks, “Hey, little fu-fu, how’s your boo-boo?” Alexa asks back, “How’s yours?” Piper tells Chelsea not to get upset, Alexa is just jealous. Chelsea says this serves Alexa right. Chelsea should be Queen of the Ring, and she’d be building her parliament if not for Alexa! Oh, if she has that big of an issue, then try facing her in the ring. Chelsea says she will! But then Charlotte Flair walks in and says if anyone should’ve still been in this tournament, it’s her. But had Chelsea’s “replacement” tapped out sooner, maybe she would.
So here’s the deal: Charlotte will have a match made and tap Chelsea out instead. N-Not if Chelsea makes it a bank holiday! ROYAL DUTIES! NICHOLAS! Chelsea hurries away with the Secret Her-vice following, and Alexa tells Charlotte that she doesn’t need Charlotte’s help. Oh, that’s cute. Because Charlotte wasn’t helping Alexa. Charlotte leaves now, leaving Alexa to chew on that. Will The Queen chew up the Hot Mess and spit her out now that she has nothing better to do?
Aleister Black VS Kit Wilson!
The Dark Father is also directionless now that he is out of the King of the Ring tournament, but he never lets that bother him. Will he make himself the direction all roads lead when things #FadeToBlack? Or will Kit prove he can be Pretty Deadly all on his own?
Wait, who is attacking Kit? It’s R-TRUTH! But why’s Ron Killings going after Kit?! He POSTS Kit, drags him back out, and puts him in an STF!! The fans fire up and Kit taps, but it won’t matter when this isn’t a match! Killings lets Kit out of the hold and demands a mic. A mic is given, and Killings says, “Get John Cena out here now. I’m driving! On my terms! Cena, get out here!” The fans fire up and then Killings puts Kit back in the STF! Aleister is rather confused, but producers hurry out here to stop Truth. Truth lets Kit go, Jamie Noble asks Truth wait for the main event. Truth seethes, but he accepts the terms.
Killings leaves, walking right past Aleister. Will there be no denying The Truth when he finally gets his hands on the Last Real Champion?
Jamie Noble talks with Truth backstage.
Jamie says Truth has to calm down. Truth says he wants John Cena NOW! He’s driving! Yes, okay, but just wait. Truth promises that when he sees Cena, he is killing him tonight! Aleister steps in and asks Truth why he is getting involved in Aleister’s match. Truth says it wasn’t personal, it had nothing to do with Aleister. These two stare down, and then Damian Priest steps in. The Archer of Infamy has Aleister stand down. Truth is going through a lot, let Priest talk to him. Oh, of course. Aleister says, “Ron.” “Black.” Aleister leaves, Priest tells Truth that there’s no need for any of that. Priest gets Truth is frustrated, but he can’t just go beat up people for no reason.
Priest used to do that, and Truth was the guy there to make him smile. Truth made the world smile! All that anger and negativity, focus that on the match tonight. Focus that on John Cena. Go out there and handle business with Cena, then Priest and Truth can go downtown to celebrate. How’s that sound? Truth says sounds good, DP. They shake hands, and Priest heads out. Truth is still seething, but will he make sure it all explodes on Cena?
Cody Rhodes is here!
Grand Rapids sings along as The American Nightmare makes his way out, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, he high-fives fans in the front row, then looks closely at the King of the Ring’s crown. Cody goes to the ring and grabs the mic. He hears the fans cheer him on, but then Jey Uso is here! The fans fire up as Main Event Jey makes his way down through the crowd! A young fan joins in bouncing along, but so does all of Grand Rapids! Jey continues down the stands, finds another young fan, and they bounce along again. Jey then reaches ringside, high-fives the front row, and he joins Cody in the ring as we get the next wave of YEET!
Grand Rapids might want to YEET all night, but Jey hugs it out with Cody before he gets his own mic. The music dies down, the fans chant, “One More Time! One More Time!” and Cody says sure, one more is fine. Jey says okay, and yes, the fans get to YEET again! Jey says hey, Cody doesn’t even have to say nothing. They been in the trenches! “YEET!” Still in the trenches! “YEET!” From fighting The Bloodline… “YEET!” To winning tag titles… “YEET!” To finishing their stories at WrestleMania! “YEET!” They’ve both been to the mountaintop. “YEET!” But Cody, on Monday, there is only room for one of them.
The fans are intrigued, and Cody nods. Jey says there’s only one that can go. Cody VS Jey, Jey VS Cody, and Jey knows Cody will bring it. Jey has to get his, Uce. He has to, just like Cody has to get his. But that said, Uce, it ain’t personal. This all business. But that all said, too, Uce, on Monday, after they go to war, please believe that it will be four letters, one word, uh uh… YEET! Cody smiles and the fans cheer. They shake hands again, and wait! Here comes Sami Zayn! The fans cheer as the Great Liberator makes his way to the ring. Sami grabs a mic to say, “This is nice, isn’t it? I get to share the ring with two great friends.”
The fans applaud, and Sami says he is in the ring with two of the very best that this business has to offer! The fans cheer that, too! Sami says he’d be lying if he denied there was a part of him that sees the three of them in this ring, and notices how only one of them has never been world champion. Jey, Sami wants him to know, man to man, this year, Sami missed Mania. Sami had no reason to be in Las Vegas, but he got his ass on a plane to Vegas for one reason: To congratulate Jey the moment he won the World Heavyweight Championship! Sami loves Jey, and he is proud of him. And Cody, for years, everyone watched as Cody finished his story.
And when Cody did, he did the unthinkable and pinned Roman Reigns in the middle of this ring, Sami was the first one out here to congratulate Cody. Sami is so proud that Cody finished his story. So he hopes both men understand that now, it is time for Sami to finish HIS story! The fans cheer, but then here comes Randy Orton! The Viper looks at the crown, then goes to the ring. The fans sing along with Voices and Orton grabs himself a mic. “So Cody, same deal as last week but I’m gonna say it again. There is no line I will not cross, even if it means going through you, so that I can get to John Cena at SummerSlam, beat him, and get my FIFTEENTH world championship!”
The fans cheer, and Orton tells Jey, “Man, I respect the… Hell outta you, dude. Our families go way, way, way back. Nothing but love, dude. But if you’re standing across the ring from me at SummerSlam, it’s not gonna be four letters, one word. It’s gonna be three letters, one move.” The fans say it, “R K O!” And Orton says he not only speaks for himself but for everyone here in this arena when he says, and from the bottom of his heart, one day and one day soon, Sami Zayn will be world champion. But not at SummerSlam. Because tonight, Sami is on the receiving end of the three most dangerous letters in sports entertainment: R K O.
Orton drops the mic, and it is time to put those words into action. Will it be the Legend Killer or the Underdog from the Underground that heads for Saudi Arabia?
King of the Ring Semifinals: Randy Orton VS Sami Zayn!
SmackDown returns, the bell rings, and these two circle. They tie up, Sami wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, then wristlocks. Orton endures, fights up, and the fans duel. Orton wrenches Sami in return to then headlock. Sami endures, powers up to wrench again, and he grinds the arm. Sami wrenches and CHOPS, and Orton goes to the corner. Sami CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! The fans “WOO~” but the ref counts. Orton pushes past Sami, bails out of the ring, and he is pretty red already. Sami builds speed but he fakes Orton out with the Arabian Press! The fans fire up and Orton has to admit that was good.
Orton goes up the steps and steps back into the ring. The fans rally, Orton and Sami tie up, and Orton puts Sami in the corner. Orton lets off slowly, but he pokes Sami in the eyes! The fans boo but Orton UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! But Sami pokes Orton in the eyes! The ref caught that one and reprimands Sami. Sami TOSSES Orton out, goes to the apron, but Orton YANKS Sami down! Sami hits off the apron, and Orton reels him in, DESK BACK SUPLEX! Sami writhes and Orton rolls into the ring, just to refresh the count. Fans want that “One More Time!” and Orton agrees! DESK BACK SUPLEXÂ again!
Sami writhes more and whatever monitor wasn’t busted, they’re busted now! Orton leaves Sami behind for a moment while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Orton goes out to fetch Sami, but Sami fights off a third back suplex! Orton kicks low, brings Sami over, but Sami blocks the smack off the steel steps! Orton sputters, Sami stalks him, and Sami decides to give him some payback! But Orton ROCKS Sami first! Orton SMACKS Sami off the desk, puts him in the ring, and covers, TWO! Sami stays in this but Orton looms over him. Sami rises, Orton puts him in a corner, and Orton fires body shots. Orton climbs up and rains down fists! Orton gets to eight before Sami fires back! Sami has Orton in another corner, climbs up, and Sami rains down a fast TEN!
Sami huffs ‘n’ puffs and CHOPS! Orton is stinging but Sami CHOPS him again! Sami wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, and whips! Orton reverses, Sami hits buckles hard, and Sami falls in a heap. Orton dusts himself off and looms over Sami again. Orton stomps Sami’s hand! Sami writhes and clutches his finger. Orton stomps Sami’s foot, ten the other foot! And then the other hand! Sami sits up, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Orton CLUBS away on Sami’s chest! Orton DECKS Sami, the fans cheer, and Orton brings Sami up. Orton whips, Sami goes up and over, and Sami LARIATS Orton down! The fans fire up again as Sami rises!
Sami goes to the corner, Orton runs up, but Sami ELBOWS him! Sami goes up, AX HANDLES, and the fans fire up more! Orton takes a swing, but Sami slips around! Orton fights the Blue Thunder, then LARIATS! And LARIATS! Orton dodges Sami to SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up while Sami goes to the apron. Orton drags Sami in through the ropes, and DRAPING DDTS! The fans fire up as Orton hears those voices! Orton watches Sami rise, but then Sami bails out! The fans are torn but Sami is smart to avoid what was coming. Orton goes out to fetch Sami, SMACKS him off the desk, and then back suplexes, only for Sami to lands out!
Sami CLUBS Orton, and hits a DESK BACK SUPLEX on Orton! Sami puts Orton in the ring, goes to a corner, and the fans fire up as Orton rises. Orton runs in, Sami dodges, and Orton POSTS himself! Sami runs corner to corner, HELLUVA- SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Sami survives and Orton seethes. “This is Awesome!” as Sami goes back to a corner. Orton runs back in and he LARIATS! Orton runs but Sami follows! But Orton dodges the Helluva Kick! Sami gets stuck on the to rope, frees himself, and hobbles into an RK- NO! BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Orton survives and the fans fire up again!
“This is Awesome!” as Sami drags Orton to the drop zone. Sami goes up the corner, Orton stands and he gets under the leap! R K- NO, Sami SLAMS Orton down! And then HELLUVA- RKO!!! Orton crawls to the cover, Orton wins!!
Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)
Sami fought his heart out, but the Viper still strikes! Orton is going back to back in KOTR finals, but will he win the crown this time?
Nia Jax is here!
Grand Rapids boos as The Irresistible Force goes to the ring. She grabs the mic dot say, “You know what’s crazy? Tiffany Stratton approached me to be under my wing, because she knew exactly what I could do for her. And look, she’s thriving! And what kind of thanks did I get for it? She betrayed me. She has MY title!” But wait, here comes Tiffy! Grand Rapids cheers as the WWE Women’s Champion has the mic to tell Nia, “You’re like that toxic ex I just can’t get away from. News flash: get over it! You make excuse after excuse, but when are you just gonna admit that maybe I’m just better than you?”
The fans cheer and Tiff heads to the ring. Nia says yeah, okay, if Tiff is so much better, then give Nia a rematch without kicking a chair into her face. Tiff says if Nia’s so desperate for a match, it is her lucky day! She made it official for next week: Tiff VS Nia! And Tiff will have more fun adding more scars to that “five head” of Nia’s. Because it won’t just be a regular match. It will be Last Woman Standing! Nia takes a swing but Tiff dodge! Tiff fires off, kicks low, and runs up, but into a POP-UP HEADBUTT! And then Nia drops a leg, brother! Nia holds up the belt and soaks up the heat. Nia thinks about leaving, but decides to add on! ANOTHER leg drop, brother!
The fans boo but Nia says that’s not enough! Nia tells Wade & Joe that she’s taking the title! But wait! NAOMI is here, with a ref! Is she doing it!? Is she doing it?! But Nia YANKS Naomi out! Naomi tells her back off! Nia doesn’t, Naomi shoves her, but Nia still grabs at her! Tiff DROPKICKS Naomi onto Nia! Tiff avoids a cash-in because Nia was in the way, but is she setting herself up for failure with that extreme title match?
Charlotte Flair VS Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice!
The Queen was denied her crown, but she’s not even angry at Alexa Bliss, the one who took that opportunity from her. She instead looks to humble the Hot Mess that claims she would be queen if her demands were met. Who vents their frustrations and comes away with the win?
SmackDown returns and Charlotte makes her entrance. The bell rings and the fans actually cheer on Chelsea. Alba distracts Charlotte and Chelsea sucker punches her! The ref reprimands but Chelsea SMACKS Charlotte off the mat again and again! Chelsea salutes, but Charlotte CHOPS! Chelsea KNEES low, whips, but Charlotte goes up and out at the corner. Charlotte BOOTS Chelsea away, avoids Alba and KICKS her! Chelsea runs up, Charlotte RAMS her, and then Charlotte climbs up. CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Chelsea scrambles away and Charlotte runs up, but into an ELBOW! Charlotte GAMANGIRIS!
Charlotte snapmares, Chelsea distracts the ref, and Alba grabs Charlotte by the hair! Alba HOTSHOTS Charlotte and Chelsea hits a BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Chelsea is furious but Charlotte stays in this, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Chelsea hops onto Charlotte for a SLEEPER! The fans rally, but Charlotte hits a BACKPACK SENTON! Charlotte is free, Chelsea runs back up, but Charlotte gives her a BACKBREAKER and BUCKLE SHOT! Chelsea falls back, Charlotte huffs ‘n’ puffs and runs up to fire hands! The fans fire up as Charlotte CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Charlotte CHOPS again, then clinches for an EXPLODER! And a kip up! The fans fire up and Charlotte salutes to poke fun at Chelsea. Charlotte runs, dodges, and handsprings to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Chelsea survives but Charlotte stays on her by going for a leg.
Alba gets on the apron, so Charlotte BOOTS her down! The fans cheer, but Charlotte turns around into a ROUGH RYDER! Cover, TWO!! Charlotte survives and Chelsea is furious! Chelsea takes off her face protector and drags Charlotte up. Chelsea has the arms, turns Charlotte, but Charlotte shoves her away! Charlotte dodges and SPEARS! Cover, TWO!! Chelsea survives but Charlotte has the leg! FIGURE- CRADLE!! TWO!! Charlotte has the leg again, FIGURE FOUR! And the bridge for the FIGURE EIGHT!! Chelsea TAPS, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
But then Piper Niven SENTONS onto Charlotte!! Alba storms in, she and Piper mug Charlotte, but here comes Alexa! She RAMS into Piper, she ROCKS Alba, then she catches Chelsea! Charlotte LARIATS Alba out while Alexa hits a TWISTED SISTER ABIGAIL! And then Charlotte BOOTS Piper down! Charlotte and Alexa look at each other, and despite what either one thinks, maybe they both need the other after all. Alexa offers the handshake, but Charlotte walks right past Alexa. Alexa lets that slide, but will Charlotte come around soon enough?
Solo Sikoa talks with JC Mateo.
Why is JC taping up? Uh, duh, he’ll take out Jacob. No, Solo is going out there alone to talk with Jacob. Solo was the only one that Jacob would listen to. Jacob needs Solo. Solo will smooth things over. JC accepts that, but Solo does say that JC should stay ready. Solo is covering his bases, but will he need the Imperial Unit to put down the Samoan Werewolf? Or will it all be alright between them all?
Solo Sikoa heads to the ring.
SmackDown returns as the former Tribal Chief makes his way out, and Grand Rapids boos. Solo grabs the mic, takes a moment, and says, “Alright, Jacob. I’m out here in the middle of the ring, all alone, with open arms, willing to talk to you face to face. I feel terrible about what happened. So if you’re back there, come on out so we can clear the air.” Jacob Fatu makes his entrance and Grand Rapids cheers! Fatu holds up the United States Championship before he steps into the ring, and he has a mic of his own. The fans cheer on “FATU! FATU!” and Solo says he didn’t come out here to fight him, okay? He’s not here for that.
Solo wants to make it clear to Fatu that he loves him, always has loved him, no matter what. One thing Solo learned from being Tribal Chief is how to love family and how to take care of them. That’s all he’s trying to do. Families fight all the time. They fight, they argue, they forgive, and then they move forward. So they should move forward together, Jacob. Move forward as one. The fans boo that, but Solo says nobody saw the potential in Jacob except Solo. Nobody wanted Jacob here in the WWE, except Solo. That is why Solo brought Fatu here and gave him the chance to change his life and put food on his family’s table.
And why did Solo do that? Because Solo loves Jacob. He does. And to be honest, Solo doesn’t have anybody else. Fatu isn’t sure about that, but Solo says all he has is Fatu. And he’s all Solo needs. So come back to the family, and even if Jacob doesn’t say those four words, Solo will. Solo will say it for him, to him, loud enough so everybody can hear it! Solo tells Jacob, “I love you, Jacob.” The fans boo, they don’t trust this. Fatu paces as he thinks on that. “So you love me, huh?” Solo nods yes. So this is what it comes down to, huh? Solo loves Fatu? The way Fatu sees things, Solo has been using Fatu! Solo has been using Fatu to gain power, to fight his battles, and to stay Tribal Chief.
Hell, Solo brought Fatu in so Fatu could bring Solo fame! Solo brought Fatu in because he thought Fatu would bring him gold! Is that all this is about? Fame? Gold? Power? SOLO, LOOK AT HIM! Solo looks up from the floor while the fans cheer Fatu on. Fatu tells Solo that ever since he won the US Championship, Solo is the one that’s been acting different. And maybe Fatu isn’t the problem. Fatu just figured it out! The problem… is this. The problem is the US Championship. Fatu sets it down between him and Solo, and he says if this is what he thinks it is, then just fight him for it! Fight Fatu for the title! The fans fire up for that!
And Solo, Fatu will only warn you one time: If you ever think about coming this way, you know what Fatu is about! You know what’s poppin’ with Fatu, blood! And you know Jacob Fatu is all gas, no brakes with it! YADADADA- SOLO TAKES A SWING! Fatu blocks the spike and he HEADBUTTS! JC Mateo rushes out here! Fatu HEADBUTTS him, too! But Solo CHOP BLOCKS the legs! The fans boo but JC & Solo mug Fatu! But then here comes JIMMY USO! The fans fire up as #BigJim slides in, dodges Solo, and SUPERKICKS JC! And then he SUPERKICKS Solo! But JC LARIATS Jimmy down! JC HAMMERS Jimmy and Solo has him put Jimmy in the corner.
The fans boo but Solo tells Jimmy that he should’ve chosen Solo’s side, not Jacob’s! But speaking of, Fatu is up! The fans fire up as Fatu BODY CHECKS JC! Then he SUPERKICKS Solo! Solo is in a corner, Fatu fires off on him, HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT! SUPERKICK for JC! HIP ATTACK for Solo! The fans are fired up for the Samoan Werewolf, and he locks eyes with Jimmy. Jimmy came to Fatu’s rescue, Fatu just saved him, so Fatu goes up, up, only for Solo to bail out! No Best Moonsaults here in Grand Rapids, but will Fatu cut Solo down soon enough?
Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker VS LA Knight!
The Wise Man warned, or rather threatened, the Mega Star that he should just cut and run, but that’s not how he does things. Knight is ready to fight, but will he survive a battle with Auszilla? Or is a Tsunami about wipe out LA?
Wait, Knight doesn’t enter from the stage! He enters from the crowd! And he POSTS Bron! The fans fire up as Knight evens things out! He TOSSES Bronson out, throws his vest at him, and Bronson snarls. Bronson has Bron stand down, and says, “Tonight, I kill him.” Bronson steps into the ring, the bell sounds, and Knight fires off! The fans fire up as Knight fires hands, but Bronson puts him in the corner. Knight ELBOWS back, Knight fires more hands, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips but Bronson blocks! Bronson whips Knight to a corner, runs up, but Knight dodges! Bronson POSTS himself, and Knight stomps a mudhole in!
The fans rally, the ref counts, and Knight goes corner to corner, but into a fireman’s carry! Knight slips down to sunset flip, but Bronson stays up! Bronson jumps but Knight avoids the hip drop! Then Knight basement BOOTS! The fans fire up and Knight storms up on Bronson. Bronson TOSSES Knight to the apron, but Knight slingshots back in! Bronson catches Knight to a fireman’s carry! Knight flails free and he RAMS Bronson into a corner! But Bronson holds ropes to deny the Jump Neckbreaker! Bronson runs but Knight avoids the senton! The fans fire up as Knight goes up, up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! That’s a Steiner move!
The fans fire up and spell it out, “L! A! KNIGHT!” but Bronson bails out! Knight runs to WRECK Bronson with a dropkick! Knight goes back up, springboards, CROSSBODY to the ramp! The fans fire up with Knight and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Bronson has Knight up top. The fans rally as Knight fights back with body shots! Knight ROCKS Bronson, ROCKS him again, and ROCKS him again! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Bronson finally falls and Knight adjusts position. “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” BOX JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Bronson survives and Knight is rather stunned while Heyman is relieved. Knight aims, kicks, but Bronson denies the BFT! HEADBUTT, then a fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Knight survives the “Jagged Edge” DVD but Bronson brings him right up. Bronson reels Knight in and says thumbs down.
Bronson lifts Knight up, but Knight flips the bomb into a DDT! The fans fire up but Bron barks at the apron! Knight DECKS the dog, tells Heyman to get the same, but Bronson runs up! Knight DUMPS Bronson out, builds speed, but BRON SPEARS!!
Winner: LA Knight, by disqualification
The fans boo but Bron handed Knight the win with that one. Bronson stands Knight up so Bron can build speed and SUPER SPEAR!! Grand Rapids is torn but plenty of fans bark. And now Bronson goes up!? TSUNAMI!! Bronson goes up again, the refs hurry out here, but TSUNAMI AGAIN!! The fans want another, so Bron scares the refs off to let Bronson go back up! THIRD TSUNAMI!!! Have Rollins’ rooks just broken Knight into pieces? Is this a message to everyone that no one can stop the vision?
Jacob Fatu speaks.
“Yeah, c’mon on widdit! I just spoke to the man, and you know the man makes everything possible here on SmackDown! So next week, next week on Saturday, me ‘n’ you, Solo! Night of Champions, mano a mano, I’m about to dog walk yo’ ass for the US Championship! Solo, you better get in where you fit in. Cuz if you don’t, then baby, it’s ’bout to be all gas, no breaks with it. Yadadadada mean?” The Samoan Werewolf will get to sink his teeth into Solo, but will he stay golden through it all?
John Cena VS Ron Killings!
The Undisputed WWE Champion was the exact opposite of grateful for R-Truth saving him from Randy Orton at Backlash, and he doubled down when Ron tried to show him the truth at Saturday Night’s Main Event. So, if Cena doesn’t want the Truth, he’ll get someone who knows about ruthless aggression! Will Ron Killings bring an early end to the retirement tour? Or will Cena continue to ruin wrestling for everyone else?
SmackDown returns as Cena makes his entrance. The fans sing “JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” despite him wearing the Detroit Pistons colors. Cena makes Mark Nash give the “proper” introduction: “He is the Greatest of All Time, the Never Seen Seventeen, gracing Grand Rapids with his presence one final time… He is the Last Real Champion, JOHN CENA~!” The fans boo, the bell rings, and Truth stares at Cena while Cena smirks hearing the “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Truth TACKLES Cena! He fires off hands but Cena bails out! So Truth goes out to DECK Cena! “What’s up!?” “WHAT’S UP!” Truth has Cena at the desk and SMACKS him off it!
Truth ROCKS Cena again, and shakes his hand out from hitting so hard. Truth SMACKS Cena off the apron, storms in after him, and whips him to a corner. Cena hits buckles hard and falls to the mat! The fans continue to duel while Truth keeps his eyes on Cena. Truth storms up on Cena while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Truth stands Cena up, whips corner to corner again, and Cena hits buckles hard! Cena sputters, Truth looms over him, and Truth ROCKS Cena! Cena ROCKS Truth! They go back and forth with haymakers, and then Truth dodges to SHOULDER TACKLE! Truth still uses Cena’s own moves against him, and that includes the SPIN-OUT BOMB! Truth raises his hand and Grand Rapids joins in! “You Can’t See Me!” But then Cena bails out so Truth can’t hit him! Truth is annoyed, the fans give thumbs down, but here comes Truth. Cena ELBOWS him down! Cena drags Truth up, POSTS him, and he brings Truth back into the ring.
Cena HEADBUTTS Truth, CHOKES him on the ropes, but stops as the ref counts. Cena stomps away on Truth, then runs to KICK Truth in the back! Cena talks trash, then he runs to SHOULDER TACKLE! Cena takes his time, knowing it is what the fans want. Truth rises up, Cena runs to SHOULDER TACKLE again! Cena watches Truth rise again, gets around him, SPIN-OUT BOMB! And Cena raises his hand, reveling in the cheers and jeers. “You Can’t See Me!” SmackDown returns to single picture for the FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Then Cena fireman’s carries, but Truth slips free! THESZ PRESS! And fast hands!
The fans fire up and Truth has Cena in a corner. Truth runs to STINGER SPLASH! Truth hitting all sorts of other iconic moves! Cena tumbles out and grabs the belt! Cena doesn’t care about this match anymore, he doesn’t need to take this! Truth says hold up! Truth runs Cena down and fires hands on the ramp! The fans fire up but Cena CLOBBERS Truth with the belt!!
Winner: Ron Killings, by disqualification
Cena wants to get another shot, but wait! PUNK IS HERE! Cena runs away into the ring, and he catches Punk as Punk slides in! The fans boo Cena but he huffs ‘n’ puffs. Cena drags Punk up, but Punk fires hands in return! Punk DECKS Cena, grabs the belt, and he holds it up! The fans cheer, and Punk aims, but Cena LOW BLOWS! Cena has a sinister smile as he grabs the belt. BELT SHOT for Punk!! The fans boo even more, but Cena decides to up the ante! Cena brings out a table! The fans cheer, everyone loves tables! Cena puts the table in the ring, then watches Punk sputter around. Cena sets the table up while the fans rally behind Punk.
Punk stands but Cena has the belt again! BELT SHOT!! Cena drags Punk up, fireman’s carries, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENTÂ through the table!! Cena made Punk snap into a Slim Jim, and then he grabs a mic. Cena laughs at Punk, and then sits up on the corner. “Punk… As you lay there in your most uncomfortable…” Cena pretends the mic cut out, taps it, and then says, “Somebody’s afraid of what I’m gonna say.” Cena grins and the fans boo as Cena flips the iconic “Pipebomb” moment on it’s head. “As you lay there in your most uncomfortable, I hope you can listen. I hope you can digest.
“Because before I leave here in six months with that WWE Championship, I gotta get a whole lotta stuff off my chest. First thing’s first, I don’t hate you. I don’t even dislike you. I like you. I like you more than anyone you ever shared a locker room with, that’s for sure. I hate this idea of you. This idea that you’re the Best int he World. You’re not. I’M the Greatest of All Time.” Grand Rapids is a bit torn on that statement, but Cena says Punk is better than Cena at one thing: You’re the best BS artist in the world. Oh no, kiddos~! John Cena just dropped a curse word! That means the show is off the rails! Hey, Stu, shoot this. Hi~! “I’m breaking the forth wall! HAHA!”
Cena then says the truth is, Punk… Cena is jealous of you. Cena is jealous that Punk has conned the fans into believing the myth that Punk is the Best in the World. Oh how they chant for Punk! Which they literally do right now. Hell, the fans even sing for Punk now. But they don’t believe a damn word you say. Because Punk changes his values as much as Cena changes his shirts! Punk is just a loud mouthed opportunist who steps on the necks of those who actually work hard if it gets him ahead. Oh, hey, look, another cameraman! “Hi, Claudio Castagnoli! Hey, Nic Nemeth! Hey, Matt Cardona! How’re you guys doing?”
The fans can’t believe Cena is going this far but Cena is loving it! “He’s heating up! He’s on fire! And there’s nobody back there that’s gonna cut my mic to save your ass, cuz I’m your only friend! Remember who gave you the stage for your pipebomb, pal! And what’ve you done with it since then, huh? You just regurgitated the same five microphone moves of doom. You’re promo potato salad, pal. Hey, you’re no longer the Voice of the Voiceless, you’re a friggin’ millionaire despite yourself. You’re not a punk, you’re a capitalist! And you’re not against TKO, dude, you are Mr. TKO. Cuz they knocked your balls technically off your body.
“Your tweets are strong, but your actions are weak. And in Saudi Arabia, you’re gonna face some loud, loud music when I finally prove to the world that each and every day, day in, day out, no days off for 25 YEARS, I have been the Greatest of All Time!” The fans cheer that a bit more now, to Cena’s surprise. “See, they know. And they know that you were the Best in the World… for seven minutes, 14 years ago. And if after Night of Champions, you’re still delusional enough to believe that you’re the Best in the World, well… I guess it’s a small world after all. You’re welcome, Grand Rapids.” The fans cheer, and Cena lets the world hear it.
Cena tells Punk to bring his A Game to Night of Champions. If Grand Rapids is any indication, the mood is starting to change. Refs finally appear to check on Punk, Cena says no, that’s fine. Punk needs to rest up for his big title match. Get a good shot of this: Best in the World VS Greatest of All Time, for THE most coveted prize in sports entertainment, THE WWE Undisputed Championship! And Cena knows the fans will sing and chant, but he also knows even the idiots are smart enough to see the truth: The Champ is Here. And USA Network, keep the extra two and half minutes. He doesn’t need a bomb to blow the “mother fudging” building.
Oh, and thanks, Punk, for letting Cena rip off your best promo just to make you look even more foolish. Cena finally drops the mic and he raises the belt up again. If the proverbial tables have turned this drastically, is there no saving WWE from losing its north star championship?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown with an awesome ending. All those years ago, when CM Punk dropped THE OG “Pipebomb” promo, no one could’ve ever in a million years guessed that here tonight, we would’ve gotten the John Cena remix. Not only was that promo of the year, but Cena blew up go-home math. I can’t see Cena losing the title to Punk now. He can lose the match since Cena loves getting disqualified, and there’s the possibility of Rollins trying a cash-in, but Cena is leaving Saudi Arabia as champion to then go to SummerSlam. It also works because Cody Rhodes still feels like the favorite for King of the Ring.
A lot of that has to do with how Sami lost to Orton tonight. Great promo from the four semifinalists, especially since it was Jey, Sami and Orton kinda keeping Cody from talking since there isn’t more Cody needs to say. Win or lose, no explanations needed at this point. Sami VS Orton was an awesome match, but I could just feel an RKO countering the Helluva Kick as the way to go and that’s what they did. Now, as awesome as it would be for Jey to beat Cody, and then for Jey to beat Orton to go for the World Heavyweight Championship again, there are a lot of moving parts right now that it would just be the easiest for Cody to win the crown and have his rematch with Cena.
And while talking the WHC, Gunther VS Goldberg IS confirmed for the title, but has also been confirmed as Goldberg’s last match. This is a huge indicator that despite Rollins teasing a cash-in on the Undisputed title, he will likely be thwarted and then falls back to the title he feels is rightfully his. That is to say, Rollins cashes in on the winner of Gunther VS Goldberg, which I half expected even before all this talk of Goldberg’s last match. Rollins can take this title from Gunther and Goldberg, and then we can throw Jey and even LA Knight into the mix as things are getting heated between Knight and the henchmen.
Great promo from Knight with Heyman, great match with Knight VS Bronson, and a really powerful beating Knight takes from Bron & Bronson. If nothing else, Knight costs Rollins his cash-in. Truth going after Kit Wilson was an interesting move. Also a shame Elton Prince is hurt, Pretty Deadly gets going and then something happens to slow them down. But Kit was going to lose to Aleister so this really messes Aleister up more than anything. Priest keeping the peace between Aleister and Truth was good stuff. Priest and Truth being allies on SmackDown can be some real fun stuff, and I feel like they’re already set up for a feud with Aleister.
Very good stuff with Fatu, Solo and this US Championship story. Fatu VS Solo was the natural move, and I like that Jimmy Uso ends up an ally for Fatu. The title match is set, I wonder if we get a tag match first. In fact, next week is title night in Riyadh with Tiffany Stratton giving Nia the Last Woman Standing match, and basically setting the stage for Naomi to cash in. She almost did tonight but Nia was again able to stop her, so I would think Naomi waits until the very end of the Last Woman Standing match to take full advantage. Then, if Jade wins Queen of the Ring, we get Jade VS Naomi at SummerSlam.
Good promo from Jade, B-Fab & Michin watching Asuka VS Alexa. Asuka winning made the most sense, Alexa clearly has story with Charlotte and Asuka is just that good. Jade VS Roxie will be a good match but Roxie’s story in Judgment Day might keep her from winning. But then the fallback there is Roxie might actually sub in for the tag titles like I was thinking. Charlotte VS Chelsea was very good, and of course the Secret Her-vice does what they can to help. The beatdown they put on Charlotte and then Alexa making the save, that’s going to be one of those “can they coexist?” tag matches for sure.
Honestly, a little surprised we didn’t get any tag team promos tonight, unless I completely missed something. I believe title night is going to have Profits VS Gacy & Lumis for the tag titles, too, so that’s going to be something wild. And while DIY is scared of the Wyatts, I feel like they’re going to interfere because they don’t want the Wyatts to take the titles. But at the same time, the Wyatts need something substantial this time around, so maybe they win the titles at SummerSlam.
My Score: 9/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 6.19.25
Are we going to start trending upwards with Slammiversary to build toward?
Last week’s episode was lacking in ring work but had decent story moments and segments. Starting the build to Slammiversary we can either launch nicely or things can always get worse. Jason Hotch and KC Navarro are the real shining stars of the last few months, so lets hope once they get over this Leon Slater idiot ship, they can push X Division wrestlers with actual talent for pro wrestling and not just flippy charisma vacuums.
Oh and let’s not forget, it is the episode they celebrate the 23rd anniversary of TNA! TWENTY – THREE!! Somewhere PCO hates this.
.@Kelly_WP is back in TNA Wrestling and has a message for TNA Knockouts World Champion @mashaslamovich!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/cF0F1ZKKuL pic.twitter.com/tnm4TIuPUz
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 20, 2025
Ratings:
- Sami Callihan vs Eric Young w/Losers: EY wins via Piledriver – ** 3/4
- Lei Ying Lee & Masha Slamovich vs The Elegance Clique w/M & Personal Concierge: Elegantos win via Rarefied Air – ***
- Eddie Edwards & JDC w/Alisha & Brian Myers vs Matt Cardona & Home Town Man: HTM wins via Cradle – *
- Champion’s Challenge: The Rascalz, Joe Hendry, Leon Slater & Elijah vs The Kaiba Boys, Moose, Steve Maclin & Trick Williams: Elijah wins via Highwayman’s Farewell – ***
Results:
Sami Callihan vs Eric Young w/Losers
Sami knocks them all off the apron before the bell rings, he levels the loser children, finds a chair, attacks EY but EY counters and this is the excuse to use weapons since the bell didn’t ring yet. EY tries to break Sami’s hand on the steps with the chair, but Sami moves, throws EY back in the ring, bell rings and EY hits a Belly to Belly suplex for two. They slug it out, Sami goes for Headbutts, then Sami wants to run the ropes but a loser trips him, distracts long enough for EY to knock him out of the ring and loser children swarm as loser children do. EY does the classic, throw back out for losers to attack while EY grabs and distracts the ref. Sami is selling a few lame attacks from the losers like he got shot. It’s an excessive sell, so it’s honestly a dumb transitional moment.
EY levels Sami, Lariat into Scoop Slam, looks for the Macho Elbow but Sami hits the ropes to crotch EY. Sami Superplex time, but EY bites the face to make Sami drop, EY jumps at him but eats a straight right hand. Cactus Driver, but no, EY tries his Piledriver…they both gouge eyes at the same time, Sami catches an EY charge into a Flatliner as they’re both down…for…reasons? The selling in this match seems…poorly timed and kinda stupid. Hard Irish Whip, EY Flair Flips the corner, levels Sami, Macho Elbow for 2.9! EY threatens to hit the ref, but then goes to mad dog commentary. EY then wants to attack fans…he’s more unhinged than World Elite EY. Sami gives him the old Dick Twist into a Stunner but only for two! Losers try to distract, first one gets taken out, second one uses a chair, EY hits the Piledriver on Sami, EY wins.
I feel like this is gonna continue for a few weeks since it wasn’t a clean win.Â
Mustafa Ali’s group comes out, and I refuse to say the name because it’s dumb and they’re already fraying at the seams. Ali wants an apology session, Tasha and Hotch apologize to him but Skyler bites back and refuses, even shoved Ali. So Ali challenges him to a “Call to Arms” match. What in the hell is a Call to Arms match?Â
Lei Ying Lee & Masha Slamovich vs The Elegance Clique w/M & Personal Concierge
ASH does her borderline racist fake karate before Lei stares her down and tags in Heather. Heather avoids Lei, Lei throws a few Tornado Kicks to make a point and Heather tags out. Heather being 4’8″ helps her here. Concierge says “There’s no Karate in wrestling”. ASH, Lei and Masha are in the ring, ASH is trying to decide who she wants to face, but the Concierge google translated it and hands it to ASH, before the face team rocks ASH. Masha lifts up Lei and Lei does the Liu Kang Bicycle Kick, steering more into her Mortal Kombat aesthetic. Senton off the apron from Lei and Masha dives into the pile, the comedy heels are getting leveled. We go to commercial and come back with Lei getting Double Teamed but she spins it into a weird Neckbreaker..but can’t tag out just yet. Lei blocks Heather, Enzuigiri, simultaneous tag, Masha is Yakuza kicks for all and the 2 for 1 Lariat/DDT special. Near fall, but Masha goes for murder, but Heather breaks it, Rocket Launcher/Code Breaker from Elegance but Lei breaks up the pin. ASH tries to intimidate Lei with her fake Karate before throwing her out of the ring. Heather hits Lei with a handful of Glitter and then bounces her face off the post. Masha tries to stop ASH, Kelly’s music distracts Masha, Rarefied Air gives ASH the win.
Santino comes out and GOD DAMMIT no one wants to see Tommy Dreamer fight Mance Warner…that’s a useless thing. Pivot away…no one wants this. Oh no, now we have to listen to Steph talk too. Okay it seems to be a pivot, thankfully. Steph and Mance talk shit, Dreamer says something about Something is gonna happen…and Jake Something comes out. So…I guess we’re gonna build him up for 2 months and then job him out for 6 before he fucks off to his home galaxy or whatever?Â
.@indi_hartwell has a run in with Tessa Blanchard!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/cF0F1ZLikj pic.twitter.com/I6UCCk2fAG
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 20, 2025
Really wish Indi just opened with the Billy Butcher classic of, “Oi Cunt!” – but this wasn’t bad.Â
Eddie Edwards & JDC w/Alisha & Brian Myers vs Matt Cardona & Home Town Man
I hate… Cardona so much more now. Heel reasons for Cardona…go away heat for Deaner.
JDC wants the Home Town Man to start…and Deaner does his stupid Flip Flop and Fly, Cardona tags in, JDC is eating some offense, Cardona wants the Reboot, JDC powders, Cardona Dives but then Lish and the general numbers catch up to Cardona. Eddie is legal, and now they isolate Cardona with some decent tandem work and isolation. This turns into kind of a schmoz, lots of silly spots, near falls and then Home Town doofus gets the cradle pinfall on Eddie.
Whenever Deaner is involved I can’t be asked to care. The System beats Cardona and Deaner down, but Eddie did eat a pin. Which is embarrassing not even for work reasons, like it’s just sad.
Champion’s Challenge: The Rascalz, Joe Hendry, Leon Slater & Elijah vs The Kaiba Boys, Moose, Steve Maclin & Trick Williams
Elijah and Nic start things off, slow push off, arm wring, top wristlock, simple chain wrestling start. Nic breaks the chain and hits a Dropkick, Elijah runs the ropes and hits a Diving Lariat and starts the Rope Walk. Nic seems far to awake and alert for that move then, I hate how people pull that off too early. Wentz gets tagged in, Nic tags in Maclin who wasn’t looking for a tag, but him and Wentz have a nice clash, Trey tags in, they try to double him, but they pause and look at each other. Maclin asks for a tag, no one tags him so he Chops Ryan to tag him in and throws him in.
The little nod to Maclin and Rascalz history and the fact the faces realize Maclin isn’t a piece of shit. A little MCMG homage tandem attacks on Ryan, Wentz punctuates with the Handspring Knee Lift, Ryan tags out to Trick. Trick and Wentz go back and forth, Rascalz have Trick eating offense, Moose tries to slow things down, both Trick and Moose powder, Rascalz Double Golden Triangle Moonsaults. Trey gets tripped by Nic, Moose hits Lights Out, but there’s no referee so it’s a little chaotic.
Out of the commercial things are controlled kinda and we see a simultaneous tag to Moose and Leon. Leon comes out hot, level Moose with a Leg Lariat, attacks Nic Nemeth, attacks Ryan, and then Moose hits Leon with the Stun Gun. Moose looks to tag in Maclin but Maclin jumps off the apron. Trick takes the tag, keeps control, Trick forcibly tags in Maclin but Ryan tags himself in and pulls Leon to the Champions’ corner, Nic tags in and isolates Leon, with the Kaibas quick tagging and keeping Leon down.
Moose tags in, tries to Suplex Leon about four times but Leon stops it then counters the Suplex. Moose tries to cut him off, but the Champions distract the ref so the ref can’t see Leon tag out. Nic and Moose doubling up and Leon is the bump guy of this last portion of the match. Big Uranage from Moose…Moose looks for Lights Out but Small Package almost ruined things, Body Scissors Cradle, GAME CHANGER! Moose looks to hit a Jacknife Powerbomb but Leon turns it into a DDT. Maclin and Ryan start fighting, Nic Superkicks Maclin, Hendry and Nic tag in, Hendry is a house of fire. Sack of Shits for everyone! Nic, Ryan, there’s a pause when Hendry is face to face with Trick and Trick gets Uppercuts first then Sack of Shit! Standing Ovation on Nic, but Ryan blocks, Kaibas try a tandem attack but Hendry Lariats them both. Elijah tags in and is the maestro of the crowd and chopping Ryan to some fun. Ryan goes for a Polish Hammer but eats the Knee Lift. Signature spam time…
Ryan tries to use the International title but Maclin grabs the title away from Ryan, clocks Nic, Standing Ovation into the Highwayman’s Farewell. Champions lose!
Overall Score: 4/10
Well this was a rough one boys and girls. Sami and EY was just an overbooked shitshow, Lei Ying Lee is unfortunately in a spot where it’s obvious TNA has no clue how to use her, the Elegantos are the New Beautiful People, and I’m not mad at that. But you need to space out your goofball crap. You can’t have Elegance Clique, Home Town Moron and Santino in 3 consecutive segments. And if anyone goes “it was 3 out of 4” that’s doesn’t lessen my point, the beauty of Pro Wrestling being a variety show is…FOR VARIETY! When the lead match feels stupid because of bad pacing, poor selling and overbooking with two losers, it feels like a useless match with idiots, then comedy, followed by more comedy…you see how that’s literally NOT VARIETY.
Figure it out seriously. This was a disappointing episode. If you’re a casual viewer than it’s just chalk for TNA doing cringe and borderline goof crap since they’ve always steered a little more into the carny than other companies. But this show was…where’s Jisoo and Jenny? I feel like I need that gif:
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