Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (3/1/21)
Will the world champion still be awesome?
Raw puts gold on the Road to WrestleMania!
The Miz made a deal and Bobby Lashley is here to collect! Will Lashley take the WWE World Championship from Miz and keep him from WrestleMania?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Sheamus; McIntyre wins.
- Naomi w/ Lana VS Nia Jax w/ Shayna Baszler; Jax wins.
- WWE World Championship: The Miz w/ John Morrison VS Bobby Lashley w/ MVP; postponed until later tonight.
- Braun Strowman & ??? VS The Hurt Business; changed to…
- Raw Tag Team Championships: The Hurt Business VS Braun Strowman & Adam Pearce; The Hurt Business wins and retains the titles.
- Damian Priest w/ Bad Bunny VS Elias w/ Jaxson Ryker; Priest wins.
- WWE World Championship (Take 2): The Miz w/ John Morrison VS Bobby Lashley w/ MVP; Lashley wins by count-out, Miz retains the title.
- Charlotte Flair VS Shayna Baszler w/ Nia Jax; Charlotte wins.
- Six Man Tag: Matt Riddle & Lucha House Party VS Retribution; Riddle & LHP win.
- Matt Riddle w/ Lucha House Party VS Mustafa Ali w/ Retribution; Ali wins.
- WWE World Championship Lumberjack Match: The Miz w/ John Morrison VS Bobby Lashley w/ MVP; Lashley wins and is the new WWE World Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
Drew McIntyre goes to the ring!
Not only is the Scottish Warrior back, he and the Celtic Warrior are finally having it out 1v1! It would’ve been for the world title if WWE management didn’t throw in the Elimination Chamber, but it can still be decisive! But first, McIntyre gets a mic and says, “It’s been a real bitch of a month for ol’ Drew McIntyre.” Where to begin? How about Sheamus, his former friend? 20 YEARS of friendship, severed by Sheamus stabbing McIntyre in the back. McIntyre still doesn’t get why, but stay tuned as they beat each other in an absolute war!
Then, Elimination Chamber. McIntyre went in WWE Champion, odds stacked against him, but he outlasted 5 former champions and won! But he didn’t see what came next coming: Lashley struck and kicked McIntyre’s ass. Then the resident roach, The Miz, cashed in his Money in the Bank contract. “The frickin’ Miz is WWE Champion…” WrestleMania is 40 days and 40 nights away. Something about that is appropriate.
But McIntyre’s mission is simple: get back to the WWE Championship and main event WrestleMania! McIntyre didn’t win the title in the PC, charge into the ThunderDome, defend the title again and again and make it THE championship in the WWE again to get screwed a the finish line! Whoever wins tonight has the biggest target on their back, trust McIntyre on that. As for “buddy Sheamus,” let’s get to it! What else is left to say? But here comes The Miz first! McIntyre admits he could use some last minute motivation.
John Morrison and Miz are here, and Miz wants the introduction to remember! He needs official introduction as… “The current WWE Champion~! THEEEE MIIIZ~!” And pyro, too! A lot of it! Now that’s more like it! Miz overheard McIntyre just now and he admires how McIntyre’s dignity and class. Just like a true former champion! Everything that happened was out of McIntyre’s control. Once “the greatest superstar of his generation,” the Miz became Mr. MITB, it was only a matter of time before he cashed in and became champion! McIntyre “congratulates” Miz and wants a “big hug.” Miz says no thanks, he knows he isn’t McIntyre’s favorite person.
But thinking about it, why is McIntyre upset with Miz? Would you be upset with an eagle flying in the sky? Or a dolphin swimming in the sea? No! Then why be upset with Mr. MITB cashing in at the right time? That’s just what they’re going to do! Blame the one and only person that is at fault: Bobby Lashley! Miz may be a master manipulator but it won’t work on McIntyre. Miz can handle Lashley alone. And if Miz survives somehow, then he’s McIntyre’s problem.
How dare you, Drew? Miz claims he didn’t want help from Lashley. He’s the real victim! Miz is a husband and father with two little baby girls. Lashley threatened Miz’s well-being! He had to make a deal! And because of that, Lashley now has his title match! Think about this: Why would someone like Lashley get the first opportunity at the title, and not someone more deserving like former champion, McIntyre? Because of Lashley! So let’s all work together! Miz, Morrison & McIntyre, the 3 M-migos! They have endless potential and- Here comes MVP.
Is this the beginning of a new, beautiful business relationship? Or the pathetically ramblings of a desperate man? Is McIntyre taking this seriously? MVP knows McIntyre well enough that just like how McIntyre rejected MVP’s help, he doesn’t want nor need anyone’s help. McIntyre says that now, but nothing changes the fact that Miz and Lashley step in the ring, and Lashley becomes WWE World Champion. Oh, and MVP almost forgot the real reason he’s out here: Miz VS Lashley for the title will begin promptly at 9 PM Eastern time. In less than one hour, Lashley will absolutely destroy the Miz. Miz says Lashley is a menace! McIntyre needs to help them put an end to this!
But here comes Sheamus! Miz is wasting his breath because McIntyre only cares about himself! And that’s okay, because after Sheamus is through with him, McIntyre can’t help anyone else! Well the time for talk is over, let’s fight! McIntyre and Sheamus rush each other at the ramp! They brawl back to ringside, the refs hurry out to stop this! This has to be a match, not a brawl! This is not so easy to stop, though! McIntyre CLOBBERS Sheamus over barriers then goes back to the ring! Sheamus doesn’t stay down long but refs keep him back so he can cool off! This match will begin, after the break!
Drew McIntyre VS Sheamus!
Raw returns and the bell rings, with these two scrapping again! The ref backs McIntyre off but Sheamus goes after him in the other corner! The ref has to back Sheamus off, but McIntyre puts Sheamus in the corner to CHOP! McIntyre throws haymakers and CHOPS, then whips him to ropes. McIntyre elbows Sheamus down, covers, ONE, but McIntyre stomps Sheamus in a corner. Sheamus kicks and clubs McIntyre back, reels him in and LARIATS! Sheamus hops up the corner and leaps for a BIG knee drop! Cover, ONE! Sheamus clamps onto McIntyre’s arm and grinds an elbow into McIntyre’s neck.
McIntyre endures, fights up, and throws body shots. McIntyre kicks, snap suplexes, then drags Sheamus up to BOP him in the face! McIntyre stomps Sheamus, drags him up in a corner and throws more haymakers. McIntyre whips Sheamus corner to corner, hauls him up, but Sheamus gets a leg to trip McIntyre. Sheamus stomps McIntyre hard in the stomach and again! Sheamus drops a knee right on McIntyre’s ear! Sheamus clamps on with a chinbar and armlock but McIntyre endures. Sheamus grinds his forearms into McIntyre’s face, throws his elbow in over and over, and wants to re-fracture the jaw! Cover, TWO!
Sheamus looms over McIntyre and KICKS him in the chest! Sheamus headlocks, McIntyre powers Sheamus to ropes and has him stuck in the ropes to throw haymakers! McIntyre turns Sheamus around to steal the Beats of the Bodhrain! McIntyre finally lets off of Sheamus but has to clutch his jaw. Sheamus throws McIntyre out through ropes! McIntyre gets on the apron but Sheamus kicks him low! They brawl with the ropes between them but Sheamus ROCKS McIntyre, and gives him clubbing forearms to the lower back! Then Sheamus stands McIntyre up, but McIntyre elbows free of the Bodhrain!
Sheamus KICKS McIntyre low, then BROGUES him off the apron! McIntyre goes down and Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again and Sheamus elbows away on McIntyre’s head and shoulders! Sheamus digs his knee in and clamps onto the arm again. McIntyre endures, fights free, and throws body shots. McIntyre CHOPS, CHOPS, and swings, into an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Sheamus looms over McIntyre again, stomps him on the back, then pulls him back against a knee with fish hooks! The ref reprimands and counts, Sheamus lets go but smirks as he watches McIntyre crawl. Sheamus stomps McIntyre, kicks him around, and has McIntyre on ropes. Sheamus chokes McIntyre but lets off at the ref’s count, to then KICK McIntyre down!
Sheamus drops knees at the rope, and then digs the knee into the jaw! The ref counts, Sheamus lets off again, but he kicks McIntyre to the apron. Sheamus stands McIntyre for Beats of the Bodhrain! He lets off at the ref’s count and McIntyre flops back in. McIntyre sits up to SLAP Sheamus, so Sheamus SLAPS him! They SLAP each other back and forth, Sheamus kicks low and whips him corner to corner! McIntyre comes back to CLOBBER Sheamus! McIntyre starts to rally, whips Sheamus again, and OVERHEAD SUPLEXES! Sheamus staggers up into another clinch but he grabs a rope! The ref counts, McIntyre lets off to clothesline Sheamus out!
McIntyre hurries after Sheamus but Sheamus trips him on the apron! Sheamus pushes McIntyre but McIntyre POSTS Sheamus! And then OVERHEAD SUPLEXES Sheamus at the announce desk! That was not the best landing but McIntyre doesn’t care for mercy! A ring count starts, McIntyre is back in 5 of 10 but goes out to fetch Sheamus. McIntyre drags Sheamus over and gives him a FALCON ARROW to the announce desk! Technically a better landing, but McIntyre puts Sheamus in the ring. McIntyre climbs, aims, and leaps to FLYING CLOTHESLINE! Cover, TWO!! Sheamus survives all of that but McIntyre keeps his focus.
McIntyre drags Sheamus up, underhooks the arms, but Sheamus fights that off to CLOBBER McIntyre! Sheamus goes to a corner, catches his breath, and skins the cat up to the top rope. But McIntyre kips up!? And hits a FLYING GLASGOW KISS! Sheamus wobbles, McIntyre climbs up, SUPER OVERHEAD SUPLEX!! Cover, TWO!?? Sheamus survives, both men are down, and Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again and the two are brawling on their knees! They CHOP, haymaker, CHOP again, and repeat! McIntyre gets the edge with CHOPS, but Sheamus reverses the whip to fireman’s carry! McIntyre manages to sunset flip, TWO! McIntyre SPINEBUSTERS Sheamus down! Jackknife cover, TWO! Both men head for each other again, but McIntyre gets the underhooks. Sheamus RAMS McIntyre into a corner, McIntyre elbows him back, but Sheamus KNEES McIntyre down! Cover, TWO!! Sheamus fireman’s carries for WHITE NOISE! Cover, TWO!?! Sheamus doesn’t stop, he goes for legs! McIntyre cradle counters, TWO! Kick and FUTURE SHOCK!! Cover, TWO?!?
Both warriors are down, but McIntyre sits up while Sheamus goes to a corner. Both men slowly stand, fans rally on the ThunderDome screens, and McIntyre runs, but Sheamus bails out! McIntyre gets Sheamus at the apron but Sheamus hotshots and then reverse hotshots! McIntyre falls but Sheamus climbs. Sheamus drags McIntyre up, throws some hands, then clubs McIntyre on the back over and over. McIntyre throws body shots back and then another headbutt! McIntyre fireman’s carries Sheamus, shifts him around, and McIntyre hits a SUPER WHITE NOISE!! Cover, TWO!?!? McIntyre stealing and upgrading Sheamus’ move didn’t finish this!?!
McIntyre sits up first, but Sheamus follows. McIntyre shakes his head as he brings Sheamus around. He reels his old friend in, underhooks again, but Sheamus fights it! Sheamus spins through, shoves McIntyre at a corner, but McIntyre goes up! Sheamus catches him, KICKS him, and hits an ALABAMA SLAM! Sheamus covers, TWO!!! McIntyre survives Sheamus stealing one of his favorites! Sheamus goes to another corner, drags himself up, and McIntyre slowly rises. Sheamus aims, runs in, but into a CLAYMORE!?!? Cover, McIntyre wins!!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
It was a split second, but the Scottish Warrior outdraws the Celtic! Will this settle things between these now bitter rivals? Will McIntyre make his way back up the mountain on the Road to WrestleMania?
Naomi crosses paths with Nia Jax backstage.
Tonight, these two will battle before their teams have it out for the tag titles, and that is up after the break!
Naomi w/ Lana VS Nia Jax w/ Shayna Baszler!
The #RavishingGlow is waiting on a WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match, but they might not even be facing the Irresistible Force & Queen of Spades for them! This Wednesday, Nia & Shayna defend against the inaugural Women’s Dusty Cup winners, Dakota Kai & Raquel Gonzalez! Will Nia use Naomi to build momentum towards that match?
The bell rings and Naomi rushes Nia, Nia pops her up but Naomi throws hands! Naomi runs but gets run over! Nia toys with Naomi, then TOSSES her! Naomi gets to a corner, Nia is on her and wants her to feel Nia’s glow! Nia pulls hair, the ref reprimands, but Naomi SLAPS Nia! Nia shoves Naomi, but Naomi boots back! Naomi pushes Nia into buckles then hits a RUNNING JAWBREAKER! Naomi fires off, Nia shoves her and elbows her! Nia whips, elbows her again, then brings Naomi up for a bearhug! Naomi endures the squeeze, Lana rallies for her, and Naomi throws elbows. Naomi slips up and around to sunset but Nia drags her up for a headbutt!
Nia drags Naomi back up, fireman’s carries, and hits a SAMOAN DROP! Nia glares at Lana and taunts her about what’s happening to her tag partner. Nia drags Naomi back up, lifts, choke grips, and CHOKE BOMBS! Cover, Nia wins!
Winner: Nia Jax, by pinfall
A dominant win, and perhaps a message to #CobraKai & #BigMamiCool. But will Nia be able to slam Raquel the same way? Will Shayna be able to bully Dakota like she did in the past? Or will the Women’s Dusty Cup winners change the whole landscape?
WWE World Champion: The Miz w/ John Morrison VS Bobby Lashley w/ MVP!
This is the moment of truth! The Hollywood A-Lister needs to put up or shut up! Will 16 years of waiting finally all pay off for the Chief Hurt Officer? Or will Miz have another way out of this?
Miz does make us wait on his entrance. Is he chickening out? The music finally hits, Lashley is chomping at the bit, but Miz does not walk out onto the stage. MVP asks what’s going on. Miz is backstage and is claiming his stomach hurts! Adam Pearce asks what’s going on, but Miz says he has stomach cramps. Miz claims he can’t even walk. Morrison says something could be wrong! Pearce says Miz is champion, he has an obligation! And Lashley rushes back up the ramp! Miz claims he’s endured so much pain in the past, but he just needs more time. TOO LATE! Lashley grabs Miz! They’re going to have this match, and Lashley will beat Miz’s ass to take the title!
Lashley throws Miz down and Morrison shouts for towels. Pearce says excuses or not, Miz is having this match, even if someone has to drag him out to the ring! Miz has one more hour now, but will nothing change for Miz’s lack of intestinal fortitude?
Braun Strowman goes to the ring!
The Monster Among Men is seething, but he has a battle with the Hurt Business’ Shelton Benjamin & Cedric Alexander! But who is joining Braun in that battle? We’ll see, after the break!
Braun Strowman & ??? VS The Hurt Business!
Raw returns and Braun wants to address something that’s blatantly obvious. Pearce and Shane O’Mac have something against Braun! He gets suspended for a headbutt, then is kept out of the Elimination Chamber just for not being a world champion. But watching the PPV at home, the PPV sucked without him! Now he has to be part of a match and has no idea who his partner is! Shane is having a laugh at Braun! But they don’t understand how pissed off Braun is! If things keep going this way, things will be really, really-
Shane O’Mac is here! Pearce and Shane both go to the ring as Braun seethes, and they tell him to relax. Shane isn’t laughing at Braun. But clearly, Braun’s inability to reach his own personal goals is, well, messing him up. Braun is angry and upset, so Shane is going to help him. Shane likes helping people. Shane’s helping himself by taking an MBA course. One subject that is interesting is conflict management. According to the class, which is above Braun’s reading level- Relax, Shane is joking! But the key to conflict resolution is communication. That is what this match tonight is about. If Braun thinks it was Pearce who made this match, he’s wrong. It was Shane.
Shane knows that Braun needs to work with WWE management. And the only way to do that is to be forced to work with management. That is why Braun is teamed up in a match with WWE management. Wait, what does that mean? Is Shane his partner? Well let’s not get ridiculous here. Shane says that, as far as he is concerned, the only person Braun has a conflict with is his partner tonight, and that’s Adam Pearce. Looks like that’s news to Pearce. Braun actually HATES that idea. Oh don’t be so close-minded! Pearce is a skilled wrestler! He and Braun can do great things working together!
But part of conflict resolution is the reward. They will team up and fight for the RAW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS! Braun says that is good. But he promises Shane if Pearce screws up, he’ll #GetTheseHands! And then Braun grabs Pearce to make sure he understands! Shane says Braun needs to calm down! The advertised match now has higher stakes! Will Braun and Scrap Daddy work together long enough to win gold together?
Raw Tag Team Championships: The Hurt Business VS Braun Strowman & Adam Pearce!
Raw returns and the Hurt Business make their entrances. They don’t look happy about this sudden change at their expense, but will they get the literally biggest win in their reign yet?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and this last minute defense begins!
Braun starts and he BULLDOZES the Hurt Business! Strowman clotheslines Benjamin out then runs Alexander over! Strowman TOSSES Alexander out and he crashes into Benjamin! Braun goes out and starts down the track! The Strowman Express BLASTS the Hurt Business! Braun puts Alexander in, storms over and whips him out only to return him HARD into the corner! Braun drags Alexander out to reel him in and LARIAT! Alexander writhes but Braun stomps Alexander down! Braun stands on Alexander’s body for a cocky cover, ONE. Braun stomps Alexander more, puts him in a corner, and then TOSSES him across the way!
Braun glares at his reluctant tag team partner, and then he goes after Alexander to TOSS him back the other way! Braun takes aim, Alexander gets up, and Braun runs in, only for Benjamin to make the save! Braun POSTS himself! Benjamin tags in, Alexander runs and dropkicks the legs out! Benjamin runs to STEP-UP KNEE! The Hurt Business mugs Braun but he explodes out! Braun DECKS Alexander, and scoops Benjamin for the MONSTER SLAM!! Shane says Braun should tag Pearce!? Both Pearce and Braun are confused, but Braun tags Pearce in anyway! Pearce covers, but Benjamin cradles, the Hurt Business wins!!
Winners: The Hurt Business, by pinfall (still Raw Tag Team Champions)
Shane insisting on teamwork screwed Braun over! Braun is furious with “puppet master” Shane and promises to wreck the ThunderDome! Shane keeps quiet, will he stop trying to meddle in the Monster’s life?
Damian Priest and Bad Bunny talk backstage.
But Elias and Jaxson Ryker walk over. Just the two guys they were looking for! The Drifter knows he has a match with Priest, but there is mutual respect here. Elias has a proposal for Bunny. Bunny is listening. Well only a handful of people know what it’s like to be at the top of the music charts and change the world. Not just change, but inspire! Yes, Ryker is just one of millions! Now, Elias doesn’t expect anyone to touch the dominance of Universal Truth, but Bunny is on his way to the musical pinnacle. Bunny has so much potential, and that is where Elias comes in. Picture a duet single and turn the music industry upside! If you thought people cried tears for the Beatles, just wait and see what happens for Elias & Bunny!
Well, his people will call Bunny’s people, and it’ll be great. Bunny whispers to Priest that Elias is loco. Priest tells Elias that Bunny said no. Will Elias handle this rejection well? Or will he try to make Priest #DriftAway?
Ladies and Gentlemen: Elias.
The Drifter introduces himself, and has Ryker in the ring with him as he plays his guitar. Elias introduces Ryker, and says before the match with Priest, Elias wants to enlighten the WWE Universe about the “biggest travesty in the music industry today.” Universal Truth was SNUBBED from the Grammy’s! Elias is outraged! It’s like if Tom Brady was excluded from the ESPY’s! But right now is a great time to remind everyone, especially Bad Bunny, that WWE stands for, “WALK WITH ELIAS!” But Elias is interrupted by Bad Bunny!
Damian Priest w/ Bad Bunny VS Elias w/ Jaxson Ryker!
The WWE 24/7 Champion accompanies the Archer of Infamy again and have been a hard hitting duo as of late! Will they drop another hit as Priest hits Elias? Or will Elias leave Priest and Bunny singing the blues?
The bell rings, the two circle, and Priest ties up with Elias. Priest powers Elias to ropes but Elias turns it around. They end up in a corner, Priest turns it around on Elias but the ref counts. Priest backs off at 4, Elias checks his face, and the two reset. They tie up again, Elias goes after an arm but Priest resists. Priest chinbars, Elias wrenches through, but Priest spins to wrench and wrench and wristlocks back. Elias gets the ropebreak, the ref counts, and Elias gets to the apron. Priest waits for Elias and Elias returns, to tie up with Priest again. Priest gets Elias’ arm, cranks on it, but Elias reaches for a leg. Priest cranks on the hold but Elias fights up, so Priest goes back after the arm.
Elias uses forearms to push Priest but Priest cranks the arm. Priest wrenches again, has the wristlock, but Elias throws another forearm. Priest twists the wrist again, but Elias hits low and hard. Elias is after Priest on the ropes, whips him but Priest kicks Elias away! Priest dodges and leaping elbows! And windmill kicks! Elias staggers, Priest clotheslines him out! Elias bumps into the announce desk, Bunny gives him a look, and the ring count climbs. Elias gets back up as he clutches the arm, takes his time to talk trash to Bunny, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Elias and Priest go around the ropes again. Elias headlocks, Priest endures the grind, and Priest powers up to power out. Elias runs Priest over, things speed up, and Priest hurdles to arm-drag Elias down! Priest clamps onto Elias with an armlock and digs a knee into Elias’ head. Elias endures, fights up, and Priest cranks on the arm. Elias pulls hair, CHOPS free, then kicks. Priest kicks, headbutts but Elias throws forearms. Priest knees, Elias CHOPS, kicks and whips! Priest dodges the knee to arm-drag again! Priest is back to the cording hold and he grinds Elias down! Elias endures, fights his way up, and gets the ropebreak.
Priest lets go at the ref’s count, but Elias turns things around! Elias has Priest in the ropes and YANKS him into a hotshot! Priest scrambles to a corner but Elias fires off with stomps and body shots! The ref counts, Elias lets off at 4, but comes back to BOOT Priest down! Priest sputters as Elias drags him to the apron and SLAMS him on the edge! Bunny grows worried as Elias dribbles Priest on the apron! And KNEES him into the corner! Priest staggers, Elias gets in and CLOBBERS him! Cover, TWO! Bunny is relieved and he coaches Priest, but Elias has Priest in a corner again. Elias BOOT WASHES Priest again! Ryker is there to taunt Priest as Elias digs his boot in, but the ref counts.
Elias lets off at 4, drags Priest up and throws forearms. Elias taunts Bunny and Ryker gets a cheap shot in! Cover, ONE!! Elias grows annoyed with Priest, but Ryker is confident in Elias. Elias drags Priest up but Priest grabs at Elias. Elias knees Priest in the back and wraps on a thrashing chinlock! Priest endures as Elias grinds him down, and Priest fights his way up. Elias wrangles Priest back down, covers, TWO! Elias clamps right back on with the chinlock and he grinds Priest again. Priest grits his teeth as he endures, but Elias claws at Priest’s face! The ref reprimands, Elias sticks to the chinlock, but fans and Bunny rally up for Priest!
Priest fights up, pries the hold apart, and he arm-drags Elias to a corner! UPPERCUT! Elias staggers, Priest seethes, and Priest deflects punches with forearms! Elias runs into a kick, kick and ROLLING ELBOW! Then the LARIAT! Bunny fires up and Priest stomps the mat. Priest runs corner to corner for the LEAPING BACK ELBOW! Priest brings Elias up, BROKEN ARROW! Cover, TWO!! Elias lives but Bunny tells Priest to finish this! Priest agrees, but Ryker hops up on the apron. The ref tells Ryker to get down, but Elias rolls Priest up! TWO, and Priest drags Elias into a body scissor! Cover, TWO! Priest is sent to the apron, but he aims at Elias, to ROUNDHOUSE!
Priest climbs the ropes and leaps, into Elias’ KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Elias can’t believe it! Bunny paces as Elias drags Priest back up. Elias reels Priest in, but Priest spins out to kick! Elisa ducks, drags Priest back but Priest turns it around to waistlock! Elias switches and RAMS Priest into buckles! Elias fires off on Priest’s lower back! The ref counts, Elias Electric Chair lifts, but Priest fights free! BELL CLAP! ROUNDHOUSE! Then the dragon sleeper, HIT THE LIGHTS!! Cover, Priest wins!
Winner: Damian Priest, by pinfall
Bunny is fired up that Priest silences Elias! Ryker helps get Elias away, will Elias have inspiration for a new sad song?
Miz and Morrison head back to gorilla.
Miz takes deep breaths more from both his nerves and his “stomach problems.” But will Miz have the nerve to stand Lashley up again? Or will he have the guts to go out there and face the Rocky Mountain Machine?
Backstage interview with Randy Orton.
The Viper has been having increasingly disturbing experiences since facing The Fiend. Orton isn’t sure what that was last week, but he knows Alexa Bliss is to blame for the black ink in his mouth. Orton relives that moment by watching the replay package, and says that unless Alexa want to end up like The Fiend, he suggests she move on with her life and stay out of Orton’s. Otherwise, there won’t be any compassion. Wait, Alexa is on the screen and she has a very scary jack-n-the-box. She says Orton is being so silly. And then she plays with the jack-in-the-box, whispering, “Bring him back.”
Well, before they can, there’s something Orton should know. She laughs, and we cut to a very dark hallway… A hooded figure walks up, and it’s RANDY ORTON!? But Orton’s right here!! “Randy… This doesn’t end on your terms. Soon, you will come face to face with everything that you have ever done.” Fiend Orton laughs, and the real Orton coughs and chokes again! What is happening to The Viper?!
WWE World Championship: The Miz w/ John Morrison VS Bobby Lashley w/ MVP!
It’s time again, and this time the Miz is sent out first! Will the Most Must-See WWE Champion be able to relax as he faces a brutal beating from Lashley? Or will his stomach turn and cause him to turn tail anyway?
The introductions are made, but Miz wants a mic! Miz says Lashley is a professional, Miz is a professional, they can talk about this! MVP gets riled up but Miz says if MVP is a businessman, they can talk business! Lashley has waited almost 17 YEARS to be WWE World Champion! But this isn’t the stage! This isn’t the place for that moment! Lashley needs to do it at the Grandest Stage of Them All! Think about it! Miz VS Lashley in the main event! They weeks that fans will want this match! What do they say? MVP says Miz is getting his ass kicked now. The introductions finish, the belt is raised, and whether Miz likes it or not, this match finally begins!
And Miz bails out! Miz wants to run away with his belt! Champion’s Advantage, after all! Miz sprints up the ramp! Lashley is conflicted, but he doesn’t chase after! The count is 10, Miz loses!
Winner: Bobby Lashley, by Count-Out (Miz retains the WWE World Championship)
MVP and Lashley are furious that Miz pulled another fast one on them! The Hurt Business heads to the back, will they put a hurting on Miz for that one?
Lashley and MVP complain to Shane!
Shane says he his mad, but technically the match happened and Lashley didn’t really get a win. But there WILL be a proper match tonight. MVP says this is BULLSHIT! Is this how Shane runs things? Shane says MVP he is considering his options. If Miz backs out again, Miz will be stripped of the title, and maybe the title will be handed over to Lashley. Lashley just wants to find Miz so he can beat the piss out of him. Shane says they’re searching. Will Miz even stay in the building? Or will Shane’s considerate threat be enough to force Miz’s hand?
Charlotte Flair goes to the ring!
The #QueensOfTomorrow fell apart and didn’t get their redemption on the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. But Charlotte told her father how she felt, and has hopefully put everything behind her. Will she stand tall against the Queen of Spades tonight?
But first, Charlotte gets a mic. “I’m gonna be honest. The last few weeks have been an emotional roller coaster.” Charlotte comes back from injury to be a tag team partner. She didn’t want to be around the Raw Women’s Championship because Asuka busted her ass these last six to seven months. Charlotte just wanted to kick ass alongside someone she respects. But then she got tangled up with Ric Flair and Lacey Evans, and now Charlotte thinks, “We are six weeks away from WrestleMania!” The biggest show of the year! Bianca Belair is challenging Sasha Banks for the SmackDown Women’s Championship, which is exciting!
But Charlotte is wondering, who is facing Asuka? Who will challenge for the Raw Women’s Championship? Charlotte thought and thought, and her true colors are gold! She wants the title and Asuka at Mania! But sadly, Asuka is home with an injury. That was from getting a kick to the face and a tooth flying out because of Shayna! No one knows Asuka like Charlotte does, and Asuka will come back stronger because that’s who she is as a fighting champion! And when Asuka comes back, Charlotte will… be interrupted by Shayna.
Shayna tells Charlotte that, “All this talk about focusing on yourself, what else is new?” Charlotte may be “The Queen,” but she is fighting an uphill battle as an army of one. Shayna suggests Charlotte just remain partners with Asuka, but again Shayna is the reason Asuka no longer has teeth. And unfortunately for Charlotte, Shayna and Nia are the most dominant force in the WWE! This is now the Road to WrestleMania Charlotte is accustomed to. Charlotte could benefit from some help! Nia says it’s a shame Charlotte sent daddy home, since the locker room wishes Charlotte went home instead. No one here likes her!
And what makes Charlotte thinks she gets to walk the yellow brick road paved with poppies, titles and Asuka? Nia hates to break this to Charlotte- No, wait, she LOVES to break this to her: The power in the division has shifted. Get it in your head that it will be Shayna, or more likely Nia, that challenges Asuka when and if she returns. Charlotte has a pretty smile, does she want to have this match? Highly doubtful she’ll be back on Punky Brewster after this. Nia is probably right, the roster probably doesn’t want Charlotte around. But here she is! But Charlotte doesn’t have to talk about how she’s dominant and the best. No one calls her the greatest or the best, but simply “Charlotte Flair.”
Nia storms up to the ring, and Shayna gets in. Queen and queen stand face to face, and Charlotte throws haymakers! Nia CLOBBERS Charlotte, drags her around, and Shayna helps stomp Charlotte down! They pull Charlotte’s robe away and they mug Charlotte more! Nia DROPS THE LEG! Is this match even going to happen? We find out after the break!
Charlotte Flair VS Shayna Baszler w/ Nia Jax!
Raw returns and the match is underway! Shayna fires off on Charlotte in the corner, CLUBS her down then kicks her legs! Shayna gut wrenches and SLAMS Charlotte down! Cover, TWO! Shayna drags Charlotte up, twists the wrist and bends the arm around, but Charlotte endures. Charlotte throws forearms but Shayna twists the arm more! Lana and Naomi watch backstage as Shayna chicken wings Charlotte’s arm in the double wristlock! Charlottes fights back, and FLAPJACKS Shayna down! Charlotte and Shayna stand and start throwing forearms and kicks! Shayna fires off and then gut wrenches again, only for Charlotte to get under and back drop Shayna over!
Charlotte waits for Shayna to stand and she CHOPS away in the corner! Charlotte CHOPS, forearms, and repeats, to then scoop and EXPLODER! And kip up! Shayna stands but gets more CHOPS! Charlotte has Shayna in a corner, puts the leg up and JAMS it! Then CHOP BLOCKS it! KNEE JAMMER! Nia distracts but Charlotte DECKS her! Shayna tries to roll Charlotte but Charlotte stomps her down instead! Charlotte has the leg, but Shayna kicks her out! Shayna distracts the ref, Nia runs in, but Charlotte sends Nia into steel steps! Charlotte gets in but Shayna KICKS her! KIRAFUDA KLUTCH!!
Charlotte reaches, gets around, and slips out to STOMP the bad leg! NATURAL SELECTION! Cover, Charlotte wins!!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by pinfall
The Queen survives and perhaps hurts Shayna’s and Nia’s chances of retaining their tag titles!
Shane and Pearce talk in Shane’s office.
Shane wants him tot ell Lashley that it’s official: if Miz doesn’t show for the third try, Miz is STRIPPED of the title, and it will be awarded to Lashley. Pearce heads out, will this ultimatum be what ultimately makes Miz man up?
Six Man Tag: Matt Riddle & Lucha House Party VS Retribution!
The brochachos ride again, but they’re up against Mustafa Ali’s menacing minions! Will Slapjack, Mace and T-Bar put a stop to the fiesta once and for all?
The trios sort out and T-Bar starts against the United States Champion. They tie up and T-Bar choke grips to CHOKE BREAKER already!! Cover, TWO!! Riddle survives but that was still a shocker! Tag to Slapjack and Retribution mugs Riddle. Slapjack rams into Riddle over and over but Riddle kicks back. Riddle hops up but Slapjack uppercuts then super snapmares! Cover, TWO! Slapjack drags Riddle away with a cravat, tags in Mace, and Retribution mugs Riddle more. Mace knees Riddle, whips him and scoops him for a BIG sidewalk slam! Cover, TWO! Tag to T-Bar and they mug Riddle, then Mace feeds Riddle to T-Bar’s BACKBREAKER!
T-Bar presses Riddle against the knee but Riddle fights out with fists. T-Bar choke grips again, but Riddle KNEES free! Mace runs in but is sent out! Hot tag to Lince Dorado and he climbs up. Riddle PLANCHAS Mace, Lince CROSSBODIES Slapjack! Dropkick for Slapjack, big forearm for T-Bar! Slapjack dodges but Lince rebounds and SUPERKICKS! Tag to Gran Metalik, and Metalik gets a boost for the ELBOW DROP! Cover, LHP & Riddle win!!
Winners: Matt Riddle & Lucha House Party
Ali is FURIOUS!! Another failure and Ali demands he and Riddle have a match right now! Riddle is up for a fight any time, bro! Will Ali be the one getting shut down tonight?
Matt Riddle w/ Lucha House Party VS Mustafa Ali w/ Retribution!
Raw returns, the bell rings and these two tie up! Ali headlocks, Riddle rolls him and gets the arm! Ali scrambles around, ends up in a triangle but makes it a cover, TWO! Riddle catches Ali running in for a SNAP gut wrench! Ali bails out in anger, gets back in, but Riddle DECKS him! Ali goes to a corner but he BOOTS back! Ali then dropkicks Riddle’s arm! Riddle clutches the elbow and Ali says that’s how it’s done! Ali drops elbows over and over and Riddle’s arm, then drags him up. Ali WRINGS Riddle out into the mat, then brings him up to whip him to a corner. Riddle bounces off buckles and into Ali’s leaping neckbreaker! Cover, TWO!
Ali is after the arm, drops down on the shoulder, and he wants his henchmen to watch closely! Riddle fights up, throws body shots, but Ali clubs the arm. Ali whips Riddle to a corner again, but Riddle is ready for the leap and catches Ali to a REAR NAKED CHOKE! Ali pries the arm, gets free to a prawn hold, TWO! Riddle ROCKS Ali, fires off palm strikes and a boot! Ali comes back but Riddle spins him for the PELE! Riddle kips up, fires up, and runs in to forearm smash! Riddle goes side to side to forearm smash again! Then he hits a BROSPLODER! Ali dodges the Penalty Kick and the moonsault but not the BROTON! PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO!
Riddle keeps his focus on Ali and he stalks behind him. Riddle waistlocks, drags Ali up and ripcords to FINAL FLASH! Ali is in a drop zone, but Slapjack distracts Riddle! Reckoning is up to something, too, and she gets in the ring! Mace glares at Riddle, Ali CLUBS Riddle, then climbs up! SUPER FALLING NECKBREAKER!! Cover, Ali wins!!
Winner: Mustafa Ali, by pinfall
Retribution works together to screw over the United States Champion! Does this mean they’re finally going to take over Raw?
Pearce reports back to Shane.
The message has been sent, and Miz shows up! Miz can’t believe Shane is really going to strip him of the title! Miz defended the title, and did what any great champion would do: retain by any means necessary! That was a legitimate match stomach ache and all! So what kind of match will it be? No Disqualifications? Miz will find that out soon, but he will have a legitimate match with Lashley. But Miz asks Shane what that would do to Raw! Sure, everyone “wants” a monster of a champion, but this brand NEEDS Miz as champion! Miz is the one you can revolve a show around! Need a host? A reality star? A commentator? Someone for 6 AM media calls? Do you think anyone else will do all that? Miz is THE WWE Champion, he deserves to go to WrestleMania and be respected!!
All day, Miz has been humiliated, when he should be protected. He IS a main-event caliber champion. What kind of champion does Shane think Lashley will be? Who knows? But we’re about to find out. Miz better get ready, because his match is on again, after the break.
WWE World Championship: The Miz w/ John Morrison VS Bobby Lashley w/ MVP!
The third time is the charm, right? Miz is here, he is backed into a corner so to speak, and he MUST defend his title against Lashley, or lose it by forfeit! But Shane makes sure to tell Miz that he does have a stipulation in mind to make sure this is a fair match. Let him introduce Miz to… LUMBERJACKS! The ring is surrounded so there is no running or hiding! Does Miz stand a chance of standing tall with the title?
The introductions are made, the bell rings, and Miz snatches his belt back!! Miz swings on Lashley but Lashley blocks and takes the belt from Miz! Lashley glares at Miz for trying to get DQ’d, but the ref takes the belt away and now Miz has to stand up to Lashley. Miz moves around, gets out of the ring, goes around the corner, but lumberjacks are nipping at his heels. Miz gets in as Lashley is distracted, and he sucker punches him! Lashley doesn’t even budge! Miz bails out, and he promises any lumberjacks who help him a free title match. But Drew Gulak just puts Miz in for Lashley to CLOBBER him!
Lashley puts Miz in a corner, he RAMS into him over and over, then fires off haymakers! Morrison coaches Miz but there’s little he can do when Lashley TOSSES him! Miz bails out and begs Retribution for help! But Benjamin and Alexander put Miz in the ring for Lashley! Lashley DECKS Miz! And hits a COMPLETE SHOT! Lashley rains down right hands and the Hurt Business cheers him on! Lashley looms over Miz, drags him back up, but Miz throws body shots! They don’t even bother Lashley! Lashley military presses Miz to TOSS him at Retribution! And the shove him back in! Miz crawls, Lashley stalks him, and then bumps him off buckles for more haymakers!
Lashley whips Miz to ropes, and hits the MILE HIGH SPINEBUSTER!! The lumberjacks are fired up, as are the fans on the ThunderDome screens! Lashley wants Miz to get up, and then he clamps on the HURT LOCK!! Miz is a rag doll!! Miz taps, Lashley wins!!
Winner: Bobby Lashley, by submission (NEW WWE World Champion)
Lashley makes Miz feel the pain before throwing him down! The journey of over 16 YEARS finally leads Lashley to the top of the mountain! Lashley holds up the world title and points to the WrestleMania sign! But he isn’t done with Miz! He drags Miz up, and puts the HURT LOCK back on! Lashley thrashes Miz around again, making him suffer for trying to deny Lashley this for almost three hours tonight! Lashley stands on Miz’s chest as he holds up the belt. Will Lashley be doing the same to whoever it is that comes for him on the Grandest Stage of Them All?
My Thoughts:
This was a great Raw here! For one, it all went rather fast, even with the literally repetitive nature of the main story. It was obvious Miz was going to have a way to delay the first time, and faking stomach problems was an interesting choice. I liked that Morrison tried to keep up the act by shouting for towels after Miz was attacked. And I should’ve figured Miz would run away the second time for the count-out. I’m a little disappointed they didn’t have Lashley chase Miz and try to drag him back, only to still have the count-out affect the end. But threatening the title being stripped, then adding lumberjacks to the mix, was all a pretty good way to “finally have” the match.
Miz still trying to use Champion’s Advantage was smart, but he gets manhandled the entire match so naturally Lashley wins tonight. Lashley winning tonight was only a little surprising, it just felt inevitable that he would at some point before Mania. Now Fastlane can be more about McIntyre earning his rematch and going on to Mania. McIntyre VS Sheamus was a great match opening the night, definitely how their 1v1 title match would’ve gone in my mind, and naturally McIntyre wins. He had a great bit of remorse to the win because he had no problem with Sheamus, but now maybe he moves on for a bit. And I feel that at this point, McIntyre VS Styles is the Fastlane match.
There is something interesting building with Braun and Shane. Shane is trying to put Braun in his place but is also being a bit of a jerk about it, so I think Braun will end up the Face against Shane. Pearce being thrown in as the tag partner was a great little twist, but of course he ends up taking the pin. It just seemed sloppy that Braun would give a damn what Shane says and he could have just won the titles on his own like he did before. And sadly, this is probably leading to Shane getting back on Mania for like Night One, just so he can take a powerslam through something from Braun.
Damian Priest and Bad Bunny had a good segment and then match with Elias and Jaxson Ryker. It’s a matter of opinion if Priest needed to struggle against Elias, but I will say I actually more expected there to be 24/7 Championship antics where maybe Ryker would try to roll up Bunny and Priest had to help Bunny out. I hope that does happen at some point, if this particular match-up is to continue. And it feels like stories are shifting around since Miz and Morrison are busy in the world title scene.
Similarly, it seems Retribution could be moving away from New Day to go after Riddle and the US Championship. The Six Man was obviously just a vehicle to Riddle VS Ali, and of course Retribution helps Ali win, but Ali is really heaping on how HE is the important one and the others are the losers. Ali’s new finisher looked a bit sloppy in execution, maybe he’ll ditch it for something a bit more possible. But I’m definitely sensing Ali challenging for the US Championship at perhaps Fastlane. Retribution might cost Ali that match, he gets mad, and then they kick him out of the group to do things their way, whatever that will be.
We got some fairly strong material from the Women’s Division. Nia VS Naomi was really just filler before the first Miz VS Lashley attempt while Charlotte VS Shayna was more substantial. Charlotte’s promo shifting gears from her cringe story to the title story was the right move, and was probably going to happen down the line if the story was going as intended. I didn’t realize Asuka legit lost a tooth until they showed us in the replay, so wow that was crazy. I hope that alone is something that gets Asuka back to her uber aggressive ways and she tears into whoever is facing her at Mania.
For Nia and Shayna specifically, this was all so they’d be going into their NXT match with 50-50 math so that it could technically go either way. Though I’m pretty sure they retain if they as the Heels are meant to defend against Naomi & Lana, who are the Faces. As much as fans, such as myself, ask for that to stop, it is still a traditional way of operating. Plus, for sake of story, it almost HAS come down to Lana finally getting even with Nia, and then she and Naomi can both stand tall as tag team champions for Lana’s first title ever in the WWE. Otherwise, the almost endless table spots will have been for nothing but Vince McMahon’s own selfish entertainment.
My Score: 8.5/10
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IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLASGOW KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Candice has Tiffy down with an armlock. Tiff fights up as the fans rally, but Candice wrenches to wristlock. Tiff spins through, goes to ropes, then up the corner to flip and arm-drag! The fans fire up as Tiff rallies on Candice! DROPKICK, and Tiff snarls! Tiff goes to the corner, and Charlotte makes her entrance? The Queen chooses to be fashionably late all so everyone looks at her, including Tiffy. Tiffy handsprings, but Candice dodges! Candice runs up to UPPERCUT, then she snapmares and NECK SNAPPERS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice clamps onto Tiffy with a top wristlock.
The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte now chooses to join commentary. Tiff fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, but Candice CLUBS away on her! Candice backs off, runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her to ropes! Tiff runs, HIP ATTACKS, and Candice flops back! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays on Candice with a whip, but Candice reverses. Candice CLOBBERS Tiff, covers, TWO! Charlotte corrects Tiffy’s words earlier: Charlotte isn’t the “top girl,” she is THE woman in WWE. Candice HIP DROPS Tiff but the fans rally up. Candice scuffs Tiff, then grinds an arm to drop a knee on the elbow! And another knee drop! Tiff endures and the fans rally up.
Candice keeps on that arm, thrashes it around, but Tiff fights up. Tiff fires body shots, then shoves Candice to Alabama Lift her! Candice sunset flips, Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated and Candice bails out. Tiff goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Candice and Nia, and Tiff almost stuck the landing! The fans fire up with Tiff and she goes into the ring. Tiff points to the WrestleMania sign, and then at Charlotte, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Tiff waits on Candice, Candice slides in, and Tiff stomps her down! Candice bails out, Nia is there to coach her, but Tiff lets the ring count start. Candice gets on the apron, Tiff kicks her, but Candice RAMS Tiff! Candice CLUBS Tiff, has her in the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Candice climbs, aims, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO!
Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW!
Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back! Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring!
The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring. Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, but with some interesting moves after the sudden change in plans with The Rock showing up. Naomi and Bianca had a good promo to hype up what was meant to be a full match of Naomi VS Liv, but word had already come out before the show that things were being cut for time. But at the very least, they did the right thing of making it a brawl that adds heat to the tag title match on Monday. Also, hilarious how Chelsea & Piper thought the beatdown on Bianca & Naomi was so bad that they would need to be pulled from the Chamber. I also can’t wait to see what happens on Toronto SmackDown.
As for The Rock, I do appreciate he used his authority to kayfabe change more things, all so he could have his promo with Cody. I also appreciate Rock blending his different roles and even different sides, both Heel and Face, to A) bring the news of WM42 being in NOLA, and B) recreate the Corporate Champion/People’s Champion story from the Attitude Era. That was some wild stuff he was saying to Cody. I’m sure quite a few people will try and talk with Cody next week in the go-home. Heels will say do it because they’d love to have what Rock can give, Faces will say not because Cody’s better than that. But naturally, Cody is not going to become The Rock’s Champion, causing Rock to turn on him and really up things going into WrestleMania 41 and perhaps even beyond.
Good stuff in the Elimination Chamber related stories. Jimmy VS McIntyre was great stuff to open, and how fitting that McIntyre loses to Jimmy after talking all that trash about Jimmy and Jey being the same. Jey got McIntyre with something quick, Jimmy got McIntyre with something quick, McIntyre’s ego is obviously his weakness. And at the same time, McIntyre of course destroys Jimmy after because that’s his other personality trait. Priest had good promos with Cody and Braun, and we got great stuff from Solo’s Bloodline. Naturally, we got a miscommunication spot to help finish, we’re really close to Solo VS Jacob, I can feel it. Priest & Braun get the win, mostly because Priest isn’t winning in the Chamber when you’ve got Punk and Cena in there.
Very good stuff with Tiffy Time, from the promos leading into the match to Charlotte being ringside just to watch. Nia & Candice of course get the better of Tiff & Trish, because Tiff & Trish are definitely winning the tag match in Toronto. Charlotte just seems to enjoy trolling Tiff with her presence, so Charlotte probably shows up in Toronto to then confront Tiff after the match. I expect the seven weeks after Elimination Chamber to really heat up, as will Charlotte’s involvement, where she’ll get more active verbally and physically. Also, hell, Rock should go full Corporation and have Charlotte be his Corporate Women’s Champion because of how established she is.
Hilarious stuff from Truth tonight, as always. Truth and Melo having their “who’s on first” again was good stuff, and of course Miz gets in on this story, too. Truth & Knight VS “Melo Don’t Miz” was really fun, but yeah, should’ve figured Nakamura would get involved, too. Melo & Miz making it work could also be really fun, and while Knight VS Nakamura is a rehash, I really hope they find a way to up things. It feels like we’re getting the same with the tag titles as Profits “ruined” that great tag match from DIY and Pretty Deadly, then brawled with MCMG to still come out on top. Last year had a ladder tag title match, so why not do one for these titles this year?
Speaking of escalating, Kevin filming a promo outside Sami’s house was some really well done stuff, as expected of someone as good as Kevin and in such a story as him and Sami. Their match should main event, it needs time to breathe, as it could be just as, if not more violent, than the Chamber matches. What a powerful closing moment we could have if it’s a bloody Kevin and Sami, and one of them is standing over the other, triumphant yet mournful because it was their best friend in the world that they just brutalized.
My Score: 8.9/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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