Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (3/5/21)
Will Bryan get back in the Fastlane?
SmackDown grants a rematch but ups the ante!
Daniel Bryan either wins in a rematch with Jey Uso IN A STEEL CAGE and goes to Fastlane, or he will ACKNOWLEDGE the Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- The Street Profits VS Sami Zayn & King Corbin; changed to…
- Montez Ford w/ Angelo Dawkins VS King Corbin; Corbin wins.
- Angelo Dawkins w/ Montez Ford VS Sami Zayn; Dawkins wins.
- Dominik Mysterio w/ Rey Mysterio VS Chad Gable w/ Otis; Dominik wins.
- Bianca Belair w/ Sasha Banks VS Shayna Baszler w/ Nia Jax; Belair wins.
- Buddy Murphy VS Cesaro; Cesaro wins.
- Steel Cage Match: Daniel Bryan VS Jey Uso; Bryan wins and will challenge Roman Reigns for the WWE Universal Championship at Fastlane.
PLAY BY PLAY
Michael Cole opens SmackDown in the ring!
As it stands, the WrestleMania main event for the Universal Championship will be Roman Reigns VS Edge. But that could change if the man who started the Yes Movement gets his way! Daniel Bryan heads to the ring! Fans cheer with the Yes Fingers on their ThunderDome screens as Bryan gets a mic and Cole reminds us Bryan will face Roman’s “unhinged cousin” inside the Steel Cage. And if Bryan wins, he gets another chance at the Universal Championship at Fastlane! That would throw a wrench in the plans WWE had in the works of a tag team match, Bryan & Edge VS Roman & Jey. So then why is Bryan forgoing that tag match? Why has he turned his focus on Roman and the title?
Bryan says Cole is making a lot of assumptions, the biggest being that Bryan was even asked to be in a tag match. Not a single person told Bryan about this “great” idea to fight Roman & Jey at Fastlane. No one ran anything by him because they know Bryan “rolls with the punches,” does whatever is asked of him, shows up and works his ass off. So Bryan understands why no one asked him. Edge is the ultimate opportunist, and Roman doesn’t want to defend his title at Fastlane. But the thing is, Bryan is making a change to not be the old Bryan. Bryan sees there’s the dream match, Roman VS Edge. And Bryan gets it, Attitude Era VS The ThunderDome, everyone wants to see that, except for Bryan. And Bryan will do his damnedest to stop it from happening!
So Bryan takes this from here, and throws a video package for himself. It was the SmackDown Elimination Chamber, where Daniel Bryan ran the marathon and made it from start to finish to earn his opportunity at Roman’s title, only for Roman to pounce right then and there. Bryan came close but couldn’t defeat a fresh Roman, and then Edge pounced on Roman. In the present, Bryan says he has lost a lot in his career, and has gotten beaten up a lot in his career. So you think after winning his third Elimination Chamber match, and fighting valiantly against Roman, that loss wouldn’t be a big deal.
But rolling out of the ring, and Edge rolling in to Spear Roman and point at the WrestleMania sign, “never in my life have I ever felt like such a failure.” Bryan knows not everyone knows this, but he doesn’t have a lot of ambition. WWE did personality tests and they found that Bryan had the lowest ambition score they’d ever seen. How is it possible that Bryan is still successful? He isn’t sure, other than that he LOVES pro-wrestling. And if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life, and he’s never had to “work” a day for the last 21 years!
But for the last year, Bryan’s had in the back of his head that he’ll go from wrestler to dad, and put others ahead of him. He let those he saw as the future get opportunities and not him. But Edge hitting Roman and Bryan feeling like an absolute failure is because Bryan failed himself. In that moment, Bryan had a lot more ambition in him than any test could ever show! He looked at the WrestleMania sign and decided HE should be there! Not Roman, not Edge, but BRYAN! Roman and Edge are in the main event because BRYAN loves this! In the last three WEEKS, he’s wrestled more than Edge and Roman in the last three MONTHS!
Bryan wrestles every chance he can because he loves this! And so putting himself on the back burner was a disservice to himself! Bryan knows he can be the absolute BEST! Bryan steps into a steel cage with Jey Uso, and if he wins, eh goes on to Fastlane to face Roman for the Universal Championship! And beating Roman is the only way to main event WrestleMania, and this could be his last chance! But before Bryan can continue his passionate speech, Roman interrupts! Jey and Paul Heyman follow Roman, of course, but the confrontation will be face to face after the break.
SmackDown returns and Roman is now in the ring.
Roman has a mic to say, “I’m looking at the same guy. But you don’t sound like the same guy.” The way Bryan is talking is confusing. And if it’s confusing Roman, than it’s confusing the fans. Bryan is ambitious now? Driven now? No. Bryan is the underdog, the “little guy,” the lottery winner. The one who waits on the opportunity and sometimes it works out. Bryan isn’t ambitious. Men like Roman, and they’re rare, they’re ambitious. Roman has been driven since he was a child. If he wanted it, he takes it. Roman loves the business, too. Bryan doesn’t love this, he NEEDS this. Bryan has nothing else, and that’s not love. Love isn’t based off need but off service and what you’ll do for others.
Roman, for example, loves the WWE. Roman doesn’t need it, it’s everyone who needs him! SmackDown needs Roman! The crew and the cameramen need Roman! Heyman needs Roman, Jey needs Roman, Bryan needs Roman. And after Jey whoops Bryan, Bryan will understand that and know it in his heart. And then, Bryan will acknowledge Roman. If Bryan- Jey snatches Bryan’s mic to tell him not to worry about the title. This is as close as Bryan gets to it! Bryan has to get through Jey and that won’t happen! Bryan wanted the cage, but it isn’t locking Roman out, it’s locking Jey in! And tonight, Jey’s gonna get you! Jey tries to sucker punch Bryan but Bryan throws him out!
Bryan stares Roman down, and Roman sighs. Will Bryan be unstoppable as he goes back down the road to WrestleMania?
The Street Profits VS Sami Zayn & King Corbin!
Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins are up and they want the smoke! But will this rematch with the Great Liberator and Wolf King be a speedbump on the road to WrestleMania and the SmackDown Tag Team Championships?
SmackDown returns and the Profits have mics as Sami makes his entrance. Sami admits, the Profits pulled off a “fluke” over him and Corbin. But tonight, Sami and Corbin will prove it was just luck. Corbin tells Sami that it’s enough. They’re not tag team partners! They’re not friends! Corbin doesn’t even like Sami! Corbin is a SINGLES competitor, so he’ll take on just one of the Profits. Oh, well, their schedules are free. Roode & Ziggler are dodging them so there is a lot of time. So if that’s what Corbin wants, how about he get in the ring to do that thing? Ford wants Corbin, so Dawkins gets Sami? Yep! Sweet, Dawkins gets to be in Sami’s movie!
Dawkins gives a quick shout-out to his boy, JZH, but Sami tries to sort things out. Is this a set up? Is Corbin in on this or something? Sami agreed to a TAG match, you can’t do this to him at the last second! So then it’s one? Tell ’em, fam! The Profits are up, and they want the smoke! Sami is upset, but the first of the now two singles matches begins!
Montez Ford w/ Angelo Dawkins VS King Corbin!
Ford and Corbin circle, tie up, and Corbin knees low! Corbin whips Ford to a corner, Ford goes up and over and handsprings to then dropkick Corbin! And dropkick again! Corbin staggers to ropes., Ford runs in but Corbin gets a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Corbin is upset with the ref but the count is the count. Corbin wants Sami to watch this as he drags Ford up. Corbin puts Ford in the corner, traps his arms and fires off body shots! The ref backs Corbin off, he drags Ford back up to whip corner to corner hard! Ford bounces off buckles, Corbin drags him back up and taunts Dawkins as he ripcord back suplexes for a yoyo SLAM!
Corbin taunts Ford, drags him up, but Ford gets around to hop on and be a sleeper hold backpack! Corbin RAMS Ford into buckles, but Ford holds on tight! Corbin pries free, snapmares but Ford handsprings through to mule kick, front kick and dropkick! Ford has Corbin in a corner, hits a splash, then runs, into a pop-up! But Ford turns that into a DDT! Ford kips up to STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Ford keeps his cool as he heads for a corner. Ford hops up, Sami shouts at Dawkins but Ford shouts at Sami. Corbin rolls Ford, Ford rolls through to ENZIGURI! But Corbin still gets Ford for the END OF DAYS!! Cover, Corbin wins!!
Winner: King Corbin, by pinfall
Sami tells Corbin he just helped him so now Corbin has to help Sami! Dawkins wants after Sami, Sami gets on the apron, Dawkins BLASTS Sami off and Sami hits Corbin! Corbin gets mad at Sami but Sami explains that was because of Dawkins! Corbin doesn’t care, he’s leaving Sami behind! Will the Champion of the People be able to do this by himself? We’ll find out, after the break!
Angelo Dawkins w/ Montez Ford VS Sami Zayn!
SmackDown returns and the match is underway as Dawkins clubs and bumps Sami off buckles and in corners. Sami grabs ropes, Dawkins has a leg but the ref calls for the break. Sami clubs Dawkins, headlocks, but Dawkins powers out to run him over! Dawkins keeps moving, Sami hurdles but Dawkins hurdles back. Dawkins ducks to dropkick Sami down! Cover, TWO! Dawkins grabs a leg but Sami still holds ropes. The ref counts, Dawkins lets go and Sami goes out. Dawkins pursues, Sami kicks and elbows Dawkins then bumps him off barriers, then bumps him off the apron. Sami puts Dawkins in, gets in and CLOBBERS Dawkins from behind! Cover, TWO!
Sami keeps his cool as he looms over Dawkins. Sami stomps Dawkins, drags him up and throws haymakers. Sami puts Dawkins on the ropes and chokes him! The ref counts, Sami taunts Ford, but Sami lets off at 4. “This is what you get!” Sami drags Dawkins up, whips him and CLOBBERS him again! Cover, TWO! Another cover, TWO! Another, TWO! Sami argues the count but the ref says it was the same as the other times. Sami drags Dawkins up, throws more haymakers, then whips Dawkins to ropes again. Dawkins CLOBBERS Sami this time! Ford fires up as Dawkins rallies and hits the LEAPING ELBOW!
Sami ends up in a corner, Dawkins hits the CYCLONE SPLASH! BIG BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Ford coaches Dawkins and he drags Sami up. Dawkins has the hooks but Sami fights the exploder off. Sami swings but into Dawkins’ SILENCER! Cover, TWO! The butterfly corkscrew suplex didn’t work, and Sami gets to the apron. Dawkins pursues but Sami hotshots him! Sami reels Dawkins in, but he can’t get Dawkins up. Dawkins throws elbows, runs in but the cyclone gest buckles! Sami reels Dawkins in for a CORNER EXPLODER!
Dawkins staggers as Sami goes corner to corner, but Ford gets up close on Sami’s camera crew! Sami shouts at Ford to stop that, but Dawkins rolls him up! Dawkins wins!!
Winner: Angelo Dawkins, by pinfall
Did the cameras get that? Sami still cries conspiracy and shouts, “Who’s behind this?!” Sami doesn’t recognize the second guy and asks if he’s a WWE spy! The guy doesn’t know how to answer and Sami throws knees into him! Is the documentary going to start being about Sami’s spiral into madness?
Reginald Thompson, the Fabulous sommelier, finds Carmella backstage.
She says he likes playing games, right? Of course he does. This new game is called, “Who’s the Snake?” What? Mella says one of them took a chance on a lowly sommelier and made him a star, while the other betrayed that someone and is siding with Sasha Banks. Reggie says all of that has been for Mella! Well it’s game over. Reggie’s the snake! She slaps the tray out of his hand and FIRES him! What is Reggie going to do now that he’s without a boss?
Dominik Mysterio w/ Rey Mysterio VS Chad Gable w/ Otis!
To get payback on behalf of his father, Dominik is going to take on the Alpha Academy headmaster! But with the Dozer ringside, will Dom have to worry more about Rey than Gable?
SmackDown returns and the Alpha Academy make their entrance. The bell rings and Dom ties up with Gable. They go around, Gable waistlocks and throws Dom down. Dom gets up but Gable throws him back down, then floats to a facelock. Otis says Dom is alone and that’s why he’ll lose. But Dom runs around to throw Gable out! Gable gets back in but Dom arm-drags him! Dom cranks the arm, Gable gets up but Dom wrenches to a wristlock. Gable rolls, bridges, handsprings and spins to break free and headlock to then spin and spin and drop toehold! Gable has the leg, and SMASHES it into the mat! Dom gets up, Gable gets the leg again and hits a DRAGON SCREW!
Gable jams the knee, does it again, then covers, TWO! Gable keeps on Dom with a standing toehold and he pushes down hard on the leg. Dom endures, Rey coaches him through it and Dom kicks at Gable with the free leg. Fans rally, Gable gets the foot and Dom enziguris! Gable staggers to a corner,. Dom runs in but the monkey flip is turned around. Dom boots from up top, then leaps to huricanrana! Gable is in the other corner, Dom runs in to wheelbarrow throw him into buckles! Dom goes back up, leaps, but no tornado DDT! Gable gets Dom’s arms, TIGER SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Dom escapes and Gable can’t believe it!
Gable gets the legs, drags Dom to a drop zone and goes up top. Gable talks trash to Rey, and MOONSAULTS, but has to land on his feet as Dom moves! Gable waistlocks, Dom wheelbarrows to a victory roll but Gable sit son the cover, TWO! Dom reels Gable into a La Magistrol, DOM WINS!
Winner: Dominik Mysterio, by pinfall
Otis storms onto the apron but Rey WRECKS him with a dropkick! Otis hits announce desk, Rey LEAPS and SEATED SENTONS him onto the desk! The Mysterios regroup and retreat! The Alpha Academy is raging, but are they going to learn a lesson from the King and Prince of Lucha?
Backstage interview with Seth Rollins!
Kayla Braxton brings up Cesaro’s swing that seemed to last forever, and Rollins says it sure felt that way. And do you want to know why? Because it was forever! But the question is, why? Has Cesaro done that much to anyone else? No, that was rhetorical. But then why did he do it? Because he is afraid of “us.” Cesaro doesn’t want to #EmbraceTheVision because he knows “we” are strong! Cesaro wanted to embarrass Rollins and humiliate him! Rollins promises us that he won’t forget that. And Buddy Murphy is BACK?!
Murphy says he could help Rollins with this problem. Rollins doesn’t want to see Murphy. Murphy needs to leave, now. Is Murphy really trying to be Rollins’ disciple again? Will Rollins do just fine against Cesaro without him?
Bianca Belair w/ Sasha Banks VS Shayna Baszler w/ Nia Jax!
A partial rematch from the impromptu Elimination Chamber WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match, the EST and the Queen of Spades match up again 1v1! But will Bianca earn herself and The Boss momentum towards those titles? Or will Shayna do damage to the Women’s Rumble winner before she reaches WrESTleMania?
SmackDown returns as Bianca makes her entrance, followed by Sasha’s. That seems like a surprise to Bianca’s, despite the coming Fastlane match. But another surprise, or perhaps not, is that Reggie follows Sasha out like a stray puppy. The bell rings, Bianca and Shayna tie up, and Shayna gets an arm to wrench it. Bianca scoops Shayna, Shayna slips off and headlocks. Bianca slips through to headlock back, but Shayna powers out. Bianca goes up and over in the corner, handsprings and eggs Shayna on to then run her over! Bianca is fired up and she claps at Shayna to then say kiss this. Things speed up,. Bianca handsprings but Shayna blocks the dropkick to get he foot!
Bianca boots her away, dodges the knee, rolls Shayna up, ONE! Bianca yanks Shayna’s arm, steps over and hooks it to La Magistrol, ONE! Shayna has an arm, wrenches, twists the wrist, but Bianca endures. Bianca powers through to fireman’s carry, but Shayna slips out again to whip. Bianca goes up again but gets caught for a KICK to the arm! Nia cheers Shayna on while Bianca writhes. Sasha checks on her partner and coaches her up, and Bianca gets up in a corner. Shayna runs in to KNEE Bianca down! Shayna drags Bianca to a cover, ONE!! Shayna grows annoyed, she drags Bianca and wrenches the arm to a grounded wristlock. Bianca resists but Shayna twists it all the same.
Shayna stands on Bianca’s head, pulls the arm around, and TWEAKS it! Sasha grows worried but she coaches Bianca up. Shayna runs back in. Bianca dodges! Shayna knees buckles. but hurries after Bianca! Shayna gets the arm, Bianca scoops with the good one to SLAM her down! Shayna gets up but Bianca ROCKS her! Bianca runs in to RAM Shayna into the corner! Bianca rams and rams and fires off with the good arm and even some stomps! Bianca drags Shayna up to a suplex! And a kip up! Bianca shakes out the bad arm, claps at Shayna, then whips her to back drop her! Nia is the one getting upset now as Bianca chicken wings for the Glam-
NO! Shayna victory rolls Bianca out of the ring! Reggie is there and he says no hard feelings, but Bianca shoves him down! Bianca gets in, Shayna KNEES her down! Both women are down and Reggie flounders up near Nia. Nia shoves Reggie at Sasha, and runs over! Reggie moves ,Sasha gets bulldozed! Bianca is distracted, Shayna gets the KIRAFUDA! But Bianca powers to the Torture Rack, KISS OF DEATH!! Cover, Bianca wins!!
Winner: Bianca Belair, by pinfall
The EST pulled it off and KOD sealed the deal! But Bianca tells Sasha to handle things with Reggie. Tag titles or not, Bianca and Sasha need to have a fair match at Mania. Reggie helps Sasha up, and she smiles, but then SLAPS Reggie! Sasha told Reggie to stay out of her business! When it rains, it pours. Will Reggie be pouring himself a drink to drown his sorrows?
Roman talks with Jey in their suite.
Roman wants Jey to understand that if Jey wins, the Universal Championship is safe until Mania. But if Jey loses, Roman will have to defend it at Fastlane. That part is fine, but Jey losing is an embarrassment to him and the family. Jey cannot embarrass the family. Jey says he’s got this, but will he prove that when caged up with a determined Daniel Bryan?
Buddy Murphy VS Cesaro!
The former disciple might be trying to show Rollins what he can do by taking the Swiss Cyborg head-on! Will Cesaro prove that if he can defeat Rollins’ former protégé, he really doesn’t need Rollins’ vision?
But of course Rollins makes his presence known! Rollins goes ringside to watch Cesaro in person, and the bell rings. Cesaro runs at Murphy, waistlocks and SLAMS him, then dead lift gut wrenches Murphy for a suplex! Rollins joins commentary, Cesaro covers Murphy, ONE! Murphy elbows Cesaro away, runs but Cesaro follows. Murphy leaps but into a tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Cesaro is after Murphy’s legs but he gets to the apron. Murphy then yanks Cesaro out and stomps Cesaro’s hand away! Murphy WRECKS Cesaro with a dropkick, then builds speed to FLY! Direct hit and Murphy tumbles to the ramp. Murphy puts Cesaro in, climbs up top, and leaps for a METEORA! Cover, TWO!
Murphy grits his teeth and he digs his knee into Cesaro then KICKS him in the back! Cesaro shoves Murphy away but runs into a boot! Murphy hops up again, leaps, but into a EuroUpper! Murphy staggers back, Cesaro catches his breath, and Cesaro grits his teeth. Cesaro runs in to EuroUpper again! Cesaro whips, EuroUppers, and repeat! And repeat! Cesaro runs to BOOT Murphy down! Cesaro drags Murphy back up as Rollins vents about the swing, and Cesaro puts Murphy IN THE SWING! Cesaro swings Murphy around and around and around and around and Rollins complains and Cesaro keeps going! Cesaro stops after 20, and puts on the SHARPSHOOTER! Murphy taps, Cesaro wins!
Winner: Cesaro, by submission
Rollins applauds Cesaro despite all he was just saying. But Cesaro smiles back just as mockingly. Will Cesaro do more than just embarrass and humiliate Rollins when they get in the ring together?
Reggie sulks as he packs up his things and heads out.
But he spots Sasha’s private room and decides to knock on the door. Sasha answers, and Reggie tries to apologize, but she says NO! Well, guess that’s that. But then Reggie sees the tag champions and Shayna says, “Smell that?” Reggie reeks of failure! But where’s wine boy going? Thirsty for a fight? Nia says Shayna should chill. Doesn’t she see what Nia sees? Reggie’s kinda cute. Huh? Is the sommelier about to go from bully bosses to boss bullies?
Apollo Crews is here!
And he is further representing his Nigerian royal heritage by having bodyguards by his side, and a spear in his hand! Apollo has his guards lead the way into the ring first, then he follows. Apollo fetches a mic and he says everyone is telling him how they don’t like the new Apollo. But the good news is, this isn’t the “new” Apollo, this is the REAL Apollo! This is who he is, how he talks, and he is a descendant of Nigerian royalty! He is a REAL African American! This is his Nigerian Elite Guard, the protector of his family for many generations. Apollo remembers being a young boy hearing stories about these men, about his heritage.
At the time, he was too ashamed to accept his heritage because he would be made fun of. He wanted to fit in, and be just like “you.” But “you” never accepted him! Even his own “friends” just wanted to mock him. “Did you live in a jungle? Did you ride lions to school?” Apollo was ashamed, but the truth is, these stories about his ancestors, some of the most feared and respected men in all of Nigeria, who would dominate and conquer anyone. The more Apollo went into his roots, the more he realized things were repeating themselves. Big E was disrespecting him, and Apollo would hear his ancestors telling him to stand up and claim his birthright. So Apollo did what he had to do.
“Big E, I know you’re at home, nursing your injury. And I know you fear walking in the sight of me.” But Big E is coming back next week, and that makes Apollo happy! Apollo is no longer the man Big E once knew and dismissed. Apollo won’t fit in, he’ll proudly stand out! He will DEMAND a rematch for the Intercontinental Championship!! Big E will fall before Apollo’s feet, and Apollo will leave Big E a broken man for life! And Big E will be hunted for Apollo’s complete and total victory! The Nigerian Prince has issued his ultimatum, but will Big E be coming back only bigger and stronger?
Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville try to reason with Natalya and Tamina.
They’re clearly upset that Sasha & Bianca are getting a title match over them! Have Pearce & Sonya not seen how dominant Natty & Tamina have been? Of course they have! But that’s not the match that was made. Pearce apologizes and dismisses himself. Sonya says Pearce simply made a different decision. Will the Queen of Harts and the Daughter of Superfly force Pearce to reconsider?
Backstage interview with Jey Uso.
Does he perhaps feel any extra pressure- There’s no pressure! Jey thrives off of this! “DB shouldn’t have popped off on Big Uce!” Now they’re in the Uso Penitentiary! But then Bryan CLOBBERS Jey from behind! Bryan doesn’t say anything, but that was clearly a taste of Jey’s own medicine. Will Jey start to crack under the pressure of defending the family? Will Bryan force Roman to defend his title?
SmackDown has a special bonus DING DONG, HELLO~!
Bayley walks in through the door to say that tonight is a special rehearsal for a new segment. Other shows do “Mean Tweets,” but Bayley is loved by everyone so she has something she’s calling Sweet Tweets! RoleModel1452 says “Bayley can truly do it all! They’d never give a talk show to someone like Sasha banks!” Then EllenDegeneres1 says “Forget about Edge and Roman Reigns, the Ding Dong Hello Show should be the main event of WrestleMania!” And lastly, WWESuperfan says “Ding Dong Hello is…” Wait, wait, wait. How did this one get in here? Bayley doesn’t even finish it and throws the card away. She SLAMS the door, but will she have something to say to that supposed superfan?
Steel Cage Match: Daniel Bryan VS Jey Uso!
Last week’s count-out was neither win or loss, so a deal was struck on Talking Smack: Bryan and Jey have a rematch, and if Bryan wins, he gets his Fastlane title match; if Bryan loses, he must ACKNOWLEDGE Roman! But it was Bryan who raised the stakes even higher by wanting the steel cage to be the stipulation! Will the Goat’s gamble pay off and get him his golden ticket? Or will Jey leave Bryan in WrestleMania lockdown?
Jey steps inside the cage, but Roman and Heyman make their entrance! The Tribal Chief already put pressure on Jey, but he’s really digging in the screws now. Heyman makes sure to get Roman a chair so that he can have a seat at the ramp. Will Roman be here to personally congratulate his cousin? Or personally accept Bryan’s challenge? We’ll find that out, after the break!
SmackDown returns, the bell rings and Bryan rushes Jey with forearms! Jey hits back and it is a brawl! Bryan ROCKS Jey with a EuroUpper, then KICKS a leg to whip. Jey reverses and RAMS Bryan into the steel! Jey drags Bryan up, clubs him and RAMS Him into the steel again! And again! Jey tells Bryan to acknowledge Roman! He digs Bryan’s face into the steel and Roman is there to stare at Bryan. Bryan refuses to say anything so Jey clubs him down. Roman tells Jey to do more and Jey hauls Roman up to fireman’s carry and LAWN DART Bryan into steel! Jey calls for the door and walks over but Bryan catches him in the ropes!
Jey fires off on Bryan but he goes back in to ROCK Bryan with an uppercut! Jey climbs the side but Bryan pursues! Bryan gets a foot, drags Jey back down and then smashes him off the steel! Jey smashes Bryan again, then hops down to trip Bryan! Bryan is stuck on the top, Jey DECKS him off it! Jey drags Bryan up, RAMS him into the corner, then tells Roman he’s got this as he goes side to side. Bryan blocks to SMASH Jey off the steel, off the buckles, then YANKS him into the wall! Heyman watches Roman closely as Bryan climbs up. Bryan leaps to missile dropkick Jey down! Jey writhes and crawls, he sees the door! Jey heads that way but Bryan PENALTY KICKS an arm!
Bryan wrenches Jey to elbow breakers! And then RAMS Jey into more steel! And then brings Jey around for another elbow breaker, and another RAM into steel! Jey flops down but Bryan drags him up to wrench and whip,. Jey reverses, Bryan goes up and over and dodges to go up again! Bryan heads for the top but Jey hurries to bring him down! Bryan lands on his billy goat again, and Jey stomps away on the knees! Jey winces for a moment before he stomps more. Jey climbs, but Bryan sits up! Bryan anchors Jey, climbs up to join him, and then headbutts him! Bryan headbutts Jey to send him back to the top rope, but Jey fireman’s carries Bryan for a SUPER SAMOAN DROP!! Both men are down as SmackDown goes to another break!
SmackDown returns one more time, and both men are up on top of the cage! They’re brawling with haymakers and headbutts! Bryan rocks Jey, tries to slip to the outside, but Jey holds on with a facelock! Jey drags Bryan back inside and they’re on the top rope. Bryan smashes Jey off steel, and gives him YES KICKS up there! Jey wobbles but he manages to SUPERKICK Bryan down! Jey adjusts to USO SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Bryan survives and Jey is too sore to be frustrated! Jey crawls to the door and it opens for him. Bryan crawls after Jey and anchors a foot. Jey grabs at the frame, gets up, but Bryan spins him around, only to get the DRAGON WHIP KICK!
But Bryan ROUNDHOUSES Jey! Jey SUPERKICKS again! Cover, TWO!! Jey is beside himself, but Roman is like stone as usual. Jey sits up and wants the door to open again, but Bryan GHOST PINS! TWO, and he has Jey caught for endless elbows! And then, a turn to the omoplata, but Jey moves around to ground ‘n’ pound wildly! Jey wants to hurt Bryan more than anything! Jey lets off to catch his breath, and he looks to Roman. Jey grabs Bryan’s legs, and catapults him into steel! Bryan flops down, but Jey again looks to Roman. Jey says he’ll end this, and he goes up the side of the steel. But Bryan pursues again! Bryan catches up to Jey and anchors him as he climbs up again!
Bryan throws headbutts, Jey goes back to the ropes, and Bryan adjusts on top. Bryan is going to the outside, but Jey grabs his head with a cravat! Jey drags Bryan back in but Bryan headbutts Jey again! Bryan has Jey and RAMS him into the steel again and again! Bryan underhooks for a SUPER BUTTERFLY SUPLEX!! Roll through, to the YES LOCK!! Jey endures, flails, crawls, and gets the ropebreak, BUT IT DOESN’T MATTER! No ropebreaks or disqualifications in a cage match! Bryan pulls back even harder!! Jey taps, BRYAN WINS!!
Winner: Daniel Bryan, by submission (faces Roman Reigns for the title at Fastlane)
The Universal Championship is taking a detour! Bryan is taking a stand against the establishment again, can he repeat what he did for WrestleMania 30 and make it into YEStleMania?
My Thoughts:
A pretty great episode for SmackDown, but there is a lot I do not like for the build to Fastlane and other stories from this. Firstly, Buddy Murphy trying to reconnect with Rollins. Obviously, the stuff with Aaliyah Mysterio wasn’t working, wasn’t going to work, and was a bit dumb to do in the first place. But you can’t just reset Murphy to before all of that. Don’t have Murphy reach out to Rollins at all, just have him return by surprise here against Cesaro. That match was still okay, because Rollins was on commentary and Cesaro did the swing to get at Rollins and all of that. But I am annoyed that WWE (Vince) is throwing Murphy back in just because they don’t know what else to do with Murphy. Rollins VS Cesaro is just fine on its own, have someone else #EmbraceTheVision instead of Murphy relapsing back to being the disciple.
Then the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship developments are very odd. It’s fine that the champions are defending the belts at all, but announcing that it’s just going to be the Elimination Chamber match-up again is odd. I did appreciate that another team was upset by this, so there might be more story to it than what we got. Pearce sure seems really close to these titles given what we saw on NXT. If this all turns out to be a huge story between all three brands, then I’ll be all for it, but it is hard to see that from where we are. And while Reggie being fired by Mella and rejected by Sasha is following what I expected, I’m not sure how I feel about Nia suddenly taking interest in him. Whenever it is that Shayna and Nia split, I don’t think Nia needs a sidekick, so it’s just odd she’d care about Reggie at all.
The Profits having singles matches was a good way to both fill time but also have more story with Corbin and Sami. Corbin puts a stop to the tag team with Sami, the Profits get to go 1-1 on the night, keeping things a bit even for them as we head for Mania. The SmackDown Tag Team Championships story will certainly have something for Mania, so the slow burn isn’t so bad. Gable VS Dom was good, and it works that Dom gets a quick victory. Another tag match is coming, and though the Profits will protest, I bet Sonya sets up the winner of that against the Dirty Dawgs. That can be for Fastlane, then Profits getting their rematch can be for Mania to make it even bigger.
Apollo’s promo was very good, though I’m surprised he’s got bodyguards now. The spear is cool, though. Big E’s return is in time for Fastlane, so that could be the match for the Intercontinental Championship. And with how this Apollo is, it could go either way. Then the main story, once again the Universal Championship with Roman, is going great. Bryan’s promo to start the night is a bit recycled from Talking Smack but still just as strong and passionate, and then his thwarting Jey’s sneak attack to then come back with one of his own is great stuff. Bryan is taking the fight to the establishment again, and Fastlane is going to be great with Roman VS Bryan fair and square, both guys at 100%. I still feel like Roman wins in the end, because WWE can’t resist Spear VS Spear, but Bryan’s going to make it one hell of a match.
My Score: 8.3/10
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Can the Last Real Champion handle The Truth?
While the King & Queen of the Ring tournaments reach their semifinals, John Cena has his first match on SmackDown in years, against Ron Killings!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Asuka VS Alexa Bliss; Asuka wins and advances to Night of Champions.
- Aleister Black VS Kit Wilson; No Contest.
- King of the Ring Semifinals: Randy Orton VS Sami Zayn; Orton wins and advances to Night of Champions.
- Charlotte Flair VS Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice; Charlotte wins.
- Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker VS LA Knight; Knight wins, by disqualification.
- John Cena VS Ron Killings; Killings wins, by disqualification.
PLAY BY PLAY
LA Knight is here!
Grand Rapids fires up as the Mega Star marches right to the ring. Knight grabs a mic while the fans chant his name, and he says, “LEMME TALK TO YA!” The fans cheer, and Knight says, “Let’s just go ahead and rewind our mind a little bit. We go to back to Money in the Bank, Seth and his boys, they just happen to come down and screw this guy.” The fans boo that. Knight says usually, he lets things slide. But he just figured he couldn’t let it slide, so he made sure to screw on of Rollins’ boys in their title opportunity, King of the Ring. But then they came back, paid it back and screwed Knight outta KOTR, so he had to go and screw the other one over!
And it just has Knight thinking. Fans “YEAH!” and Knight says there is only one way this can go. He has gone back and forth between Raw and SmackDown, where it ends, nobody knows! Except Knight! He knows! He knows where this ends! The fans cheer that! And Knight says it ends with him and Rollins! And what better place than here? And what better time than now! Knight tells Rollins to come on out and talk to him! But “Ladies and gentlemen…” The fans boo as Paul Heyman walks out and gives his introductions. He serves as the Wise Man to Mr. Money in the Bank, Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins!
Heyman says you do not boo that name. And you screwed up your cue, so they’ll do this again. He serves as the Wise Man for Seth Freakin’ Rollins! The fans keep booing, Heyman wants to try again, but Knight says shut up and get to the point! Why is Heyman here?! Heyman walks to the ring and asks permission to step inside. The fans chant “O T C! O T C!” but Knight steps back. Heyman steps into the ring, and he says yes, there has been a lot of bad blood between Knight and Mr. MITB, Seth Freakin’ Rollins. However, Heyman happens to be, with all due respect to everyone here in Grand Rapids, Michigan…
The fans chant “C M PUNK!” at Heyman now and he frowns. Knight says Heyman has a lot of enemies. Heyman says he is the biggest LA Knight fan in all of WWE! Heyman’s been waiting a long time to say this: YEAH! Now, because of that, Seth Freakin’ Rollins (the fans boo again) has allowed Heyman to say to Knight, as a favor to Heyman… It is time for Knight to get the hell outta Grand Rapids, Michigan. Because if he does not, something really bad is going to happen to him before the end of the night. Have a nice evening. Heyman turns to go but the fans cheer Knight on. Knight says he couldn’t help but notice, but did you~ (poking fun at Heyman’s voice cracking) threaten Knight?
Because Knight wants to wrap his head around this. He’s heard Heyman say stuff like this before, because Heyman is a liar, a swindler, a grifter, a scammer and a schemer! Heyman leeches on to any talent that has a bit of hype, sucks ’em dry, then moves on to the next! Rollins just happens to be the latest in this. But where next? Who cares! But the bottom line is, Knight asked for Rollins but he got Heyman. And while he got Heyman, he got a Heyman out here talking all tough. So it has Knight thinking, he has a great idea.
Talking about wise man, wisdom, there was a point in time if Heyman had said something like that, a man like Knight would look at a “thing” like Heyman and punched his wisdom teeth down his throat! Knight won’t do that, yet. But here’s the deal: Heyman’s talking all tough, but if he can’t bring Rollins out here, then the only thing to do out here in Grand Rapids is Knight fighting Heyman here and now! The fans fire up for that! Knight asks if the fans want that, and they cheer! “HUH?” “YEAH!” “HUH?” “YEAH!” “YEAH!!” Knight promises he’ll turn around, take his vest off, and Heyman gets the first shot. He better make it good, or Knight will molly whop his ass right outta Grand Rapids!
The fans fire up as Knight does as promised. He turns around, his vest is off, but Heyman bails? The fans boo as the Wise Man doesn’t play along. Heyman says, “Remember when I told you to get the hell out of Grand Rapids or else something really bad is gonna happen to you before the end of the night? That wasn’t a prediction. That… was a spoiler!” Heyman throws down his mic, and here comes Bronson Reed & Bron Breakker! Rollins’ behemoths head to the ring, but Knight fires off on them first! The fans rally as Knight throws hands and feet, but then Bron TACKLES Knight! Bronson joins in and they mug Knight right out of the ring!
Bronson drags Knight up to TOSS him over barriers! Bron clears the desk, he wants Bronson to put Knight through it! But Knight has a chair! He JAMS Bron, JAMS Bronson, then SMACKS Bron and SMACKS Bronson! Knight gets in the ring, ready to hit whoever gets in! The fans cheer Knight but Heyman has Bron & Bronson stand down. Will Heyman have the henchmen try again before the end of tonight?
SmackDown returns and…
Heyman has Bron & Bronson calm down, they have this under control. It is all in their favor, and it always will be in their favor. That is the whole point behind this. Byron Saxton steps in and wants to talk to them, but Heyman has to hold Bron back like the dog he is! Heyman says no need to bite Byron. Byron apologizes, he has word from SmackDown GM, Nick Aldis, that Bronson Reed VS LA Knight is set for tonight. Heyman says okay, thank you, and goodbye. Byron leaves and Heyman smiles. He told them! Patience is not a virtue, it is strategy. Bronson smiles and nods. Will Auzsilla destroy LA here in Grand Rapids?
Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Asuka VS Alexa Bliss!
Two great returns to action through this tournament, and now they cross paths with each other. The Empress of Tomorrow overcame Ivy Nile, Raquel Rodriguez and Stephanie Vaquer while Lil’ Miss Bliss outsmarted Alba Fyre, Candice LeRae and Charlotte Flair. But whose comeback story overtakes the other’s here just one match away from Night of Champions?
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Alexa headlocks, but Asuka powers up and out. Alexa RAMS Asuka, Asuka roars, and the fans fire up as Asuka fires hands! Alexa blocks a kick to THROW Asuka down, then basement DROPKICK! The fans cheer as Asuka and Alexa reset. Alexa kicks, Asuka blocks and slips through to waistlock. Alexa elbows free, runs, but Asuka runs past her to then RUN her over! The fans fire up and Asuka runs in again, HIP ATTACK! Alexa falls to the floor and the fans fire up while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Asuka lets Alexa stay down while she soaks up the cheers. The ring count starts, Alexa rises, but Asuka goes out after her. Alexa slips inside and DROPKICKS Asuka’s leg! Asuka falls from the apron but she has to nod respect for that savvy move. Asuka steps back in at 6 of 10, and she resets with Alexa. They circle, feel things out, and tie up. Asuka wrenches and wristlocks, but Alexa rolls and wrenches to hammerlock. Alexa waistlocks, rolls Asuka, TWO! The two stand off again and they both nod respect. They reset, the fans rally up, and the two feel things out. Asuka trips Alexa, clamps on with a headlock, and she grinds Alexa down.
Alexa endures, Asuka turns her over to go after the arm, then she stands on Alexa’s arm. Alexa endures, Asuka shifts arms, but Alexa wrenches out to wrangle Asuka. Alexa shifts to a cording hold, but Asuka fights up and fires body shots. Alexa whips Asuka to a corner, but Asuka elbows her away! And BOOTS! Asuka goes up, leaps, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Alexa stays in this but Asuka stays focused. Asuka drags Alexa around and gives her Kawada Kicks! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Asuka wrenches for a chicken wing! Alexa fights the Asuka Lock and JAWBREAKERS free! Alexa runs up to RUN Asuka over!
The fans rally as Alexa rallies, then hits a BLOCKBUSTER! The fans fire up as Alexa SLAPS, ROCKS, and KNEES Asuka down! Then SOMERSAULT SENTON! Cover, TWO! Asuka stays in this and Alexa grows frustrated. The fans rally while Alexa brings Asuka up. Asuka breaks free to URAKEN, SOBAT, FRONT KICK, and GERMAN SUPLEX! Alexa tumbles away, Asuka runs up, SLIDING KICK! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as Asuka stands and takes aim. But Alexa ducks the buzzsaw! Cover, TWO! Alexa clinches, TWISTED- NO, Asuka rolls Alexa up! TWO! Alexa sits up, BUZZSAW! Cover, TWO!! Alexa survives but Asuka just fires up!
The fans rally as Asuka goes to the corner. Asuka climbs from the outside, and MISSILE- NO, Alexa dodges this time! Alexa kicks and DDTS! Cover, TWO! Asuka stays in this and the fans fire up! “This is Awesome!” as Alexa drags Asuka into the drop zone. Alexa goes up, up, and the fans fire up! TWISTED- NO, Asuka moves, so Alexa stops. Alexa won’t let Asuka sneak away, but then she gets caught in an ARMBAR!! Alexa flails, rolls, but ends up in an omoplata! RINGS OF SATURN!! Alexa fights around, pops her arm free for a cover, TWO!! Asuka reels Alexa in, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up as Alexa stays in this! Asuka fires up, the fans are with her, and she runs up, only for Alexa to ROCK her with a right! Alexa puts Asuka in the Tree of Woe, and she DROPKICKS Asuka out of it! Alexa climbs back up, and TWISTED BLISSÂ onto knees!! Asuka still counters the moonsault, and hits the EMPRESS IMPACT!! Cover, Asuka wins!
Winner: Asuka, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)
The Empress says no one is ready for Asuka, and that has certainly been the case! But on Raw, we find out, will it be Jade Cargill or Roxanne Perez that meets Asuka in Saudi Arabia?
Jade Cargill, Mia Yim & B-Fab watch backstage.
And Fab says damn, Asuka just came back and she’s already making statements. Almost like she never left. Michin says maybe they need to make their own statements. They need to talk to Aldis about the tag titles. Fab agrees. Fab & Mia wish Jade luck before heading out. Byron walks in and asks if he can have a word. Jade says shoot. Byron says Asuka just advanced, but Jade has her match on Monday with Roxanne Perez. How does Jade feel about facing a talented competitor like Roxie? And how does she feel about the possibility of facing Asuka in the finals? Jade says “Rox” has potential. Roxie is quick and scrappy.
But she’s still trying to prove herself. And this isn’t a proving ground, this is a throne room, and Jade was built for royalty. As for Asuka, there’s a storm on the horizon. But news flash, Jade is that storm. This entire tournament wasn’t built for the future, but for a woman who can walk through fire, shatter glass ceilings, and take her crown on the way to the top. This Queen of the Ring, Jade isn’t just walking in to win. She’s here to reign. Will the Prodigy be washed away by the storm this Monday?
Alexa Bliss returns backstage.
And Chelsea Green finds her. Flanked by her Secret Her-vice, The Hot Mess asks, “Hey, little fu-fu, how’s your boo-boo?” Alexa asks back, “How’s yours?” Piper tells Chelsea not to get upset, Alexa is just jealous. Chelsea says this serves Alexa right. Chelsea should be Queen of the Ring, and she’d be building her parliament if not for Alexa! Oh, if she has that big of an issue, then try facing her in the ring. Chelsea says she will! But then Charlotte Flair walks in and says if anyone should’ve still been in this tournament, it’s her. But had Chelsea’s “replacement” tapped out sooner, maybe she would.
So here’s the deal: Charlotte will have a match made and tap Chelsea out instead. N-Not if Chelsea makes it a bank holiday! ROYAL DUTIES! NICHOLAS! Chelsea hurries away with the Secret Her-vice following, and Alexa tells Charlotte that she doesn’t need Charlotte’s help. Oh, that’s cute. Because Charlotte wasn’t helping Alexa. Charlotte leaves now, leaving Alexa to chew on that. Will The Queen chew up the Hot Mess and spit her out now that she has nothing better to do?
Aleister Black VS Kit Wilson!
The Dark Father is also directionless now that he is out of the King of the Ring tournament, but he never lets that bother him. Will he make himself the direction all roads lead when things #FadeToBlack? Or will Kit prove he can be Pretty Deadly all on his own?
Wait, who is attacking Kit? It’s R-TRUTH! But why’s Ron Killings going after Kit?! He POSTS Kit, drags him back out, and puts him in an STF!! The fans fire up and Kit taps, but it won’t matter when this isn’t a match! Killings lets Kit out of the hold and demands a mic. A mic is given, and Killings says, “Get John Cena out here now. I’m driving! On my terms! Cena, get out here!” The fans fire up and then Killings puts Kit back in the STF! Aleister is rather confused, but producers hurry out here to stop Truth. Truth lets Kit go, Jamie Noble asks Truth wait for the main event. Truth seethes, but he accepts the terms.
Killings leaves, walking right past Aleister. Will there be no denying The Truth when he finally gets his hands on the Last Real Champion?
Jamie Noble talks with Truth backstage.
Jamie says Truth has to calm down. Truth says he wants John Cena NOW! He’s driving! Yes, okay, but just wait. Truth promises that when he sees Cena, he is killing him tonight! Aleister steps in and asks Truth why he is getting involved in Aleister’s match. Truth says it wasn’t personal, it had nothing to do with Aleister. These two stare down, and then Damian Priest steps in. The Archer of Infamy has Aleister stand down. Truth is going through a lot, let Priest talk to him. Oh, of course. Aleister says, “Ron.” “Black.” Aleister leaves, Priest tells Truth that there’s no need for any of that. Priest gets Truth is frustrated, but he can’t just go beat up people for no reason.
Priest used to do that, and Truth was the guy there to make him smile. Truth made the world smile! All that anger and negativity, focus that on the match tonight. Focus that on John Cena. Go out there and handle business with Cena, then Priest and Truth can go downtown to celebrate. How’s that sound? Truth says sounds good, DP. They shake hands, and Priest heads out. Truth is still seething, but will he make sure it all explodes on Cena?
Cody Rhodes is here!
Grand Rapids sings along as The American Nightmare makes his way out, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, he high-fives fans in the front row, then looks closely at the King of the Ring’s crown. Cody goes to the ring and grabs the mic. He hears the fans cheer him on, but then Jey Uso is here! The fans fire up as Main Event Jey makes his way down through the crowd! A young fan joins in bouncing along, but so does all of Grand Rapids! Jey continues down the stands, finds another young fan, and they bounce along again. Jey then reaches ringside, high-fives the front row, and he joins Cody in the ring as we get the next wave of YEET!
Grand Rapids might want to YEET all night, but Jey hugs it out with Cody before he gets his own mic. The music dies down, the fans chant, “One More Time! One More Time!” and Cody says sure, one more is fine. Jey says okay, and yes, the fans get to YEET again! Jey says hey, Cody doesn’t even have to say nothing. They been in the trenches! “YEET!” Still in the trenches! “YEET!” From fighting The Bloodline… “YEET!” To winning tag titles… “YEET!” To finishing their stories at WrestleMania! “YEET!” They’ve both been to the mountaintop. “YEET!” But Cody, on Monday, there is only room for one of them.
The fans are intrigued, and Cody nods. Jey says there’s only one that can go. Cody VS Jey, Jey VS Cody, and Jey knows Cody will bring it. Jey has to get his, Uce. He has to, just like Cody has to get his. But that said, Uce, it ain’t personal. This all business. But that all said, too, Uce, on Monday, after they go to war, please believe that it will be four letters, one word, uh uh… YEET! Cody smiles and the fans cheer. They shake hands again, and wait! Here comes Sami Zayn! The fans cheer as the Great Liberator makes his way to the ring. Sami grabs a mic to say, “This is nice, isn’t it? I get to share the ring with two great friends.”
The fans applaud, and Sami says he is in the ring with two of the very best that this business has to offer! The fans cheer that, too! Sami says he’d be lying if he denied there was a part of him that sees the three of them in this ring, and notices how only one of them has never been world champion. Jey, Sami wants him to know, man to man, this year, Sami missed Mania. Sami had no reason to be in Las Vegas, but he got his ass on a plane to Vegas for one reason: To congratulate Jey the moment he won the World Heavyweight Championship! Sami loves Jey, and he is proud of him. And Cody, for years, everyone watched as Cody finished his story.
And when Cody did, he did the unthinkable and pinned Roman Reigns in the middle of this ring, Sami was the first one out here to congratulate Cody. Sami is so proud that Cody finished his story. So he hopes both men understand that now, it is time for Sami to finish HIS story! The fans cheer, but then here comes Randy Orton! The Viper looks at the crown, then goes to the ring. The fans sing along with Voices and Orton grabs himself a mic. “So Cody, same deal as last week but I’m gonna say it again. There is no line I will not cross, even if it means going through you, so that I can get to John Cena at SummerSlam, beat him, and get my FIFTEENTH world championship!”
The fans cheer, and Orton tells Jey, “Man, I respect the… Hell outta you, dude. Our families go way, way, way back. Nothing but love, dude. But if you’re standing across the ring from me at SummerSlam, it’s not gonna be four letters, one word. It’s gonna be three letters, one move.” The fans say it, “R K O!” And Orton says he not only speaks for himself but for everyone here in this arena when he says, and from the bottom of his heart, one day and one day soon, Sami Zayn will be world champion. But not at SummerSlam. Because tonight, Sami is on the receiving end of the three most dangerous letters in sports entertainment: R K O.
Orton drops the mic, and it is time to put those words into action. Will it be the Legend Killer or the Underdog from the Underground that heads for Saudi Arabia?
King of the Ring Semifinals: Randy Orton VS Sami Zayn!
SmackDown returns, the bell rings, and these two circle. They tie up, Sami wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, then wristlocks. Orton endures, fights up, and the fans duel. Orton wrenches Sami in return to then headlock. Sami endures, powers up to wrench again, and he grinds the arm. Sami wrenches and CHOPS, and Orton goes to the corner. Sami CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! The fans “WOO~” but the ref counts. Orton pushes past Sami, bails out of the ring, and he is pretty red already. Sami builds speed but he fakes Orton out with the Arabian Press! The fans fire up and Orton has to admit that was good.
Orton goes up the steps and steps back into the ring. The fans rally, Orton and Sami tie up, and Orton puts Sami in the corner. Orton lets off slowly, but he pokes Sami in the eyes! The fans boo but Orton UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! But Sami pokes Orton in the eyes! The ref caught that one and reprimands Sami. Sami TOSSES Orton out, goes to the apron, but Orton YANKS Sami down! Sami hits off the apron, and Orton reels him in, DESK BACK SUPLEX! Sami writhes and Orton rolls into the ring, just to refresh the count. Fans want that “One More Time!” and Orton agrees! DESK BACK SUPLEXÂ again!
Sami writhes more and whatever monitor wasn’t busted, they’re busted now! Orton leaves Sami behind for a moment while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Orton goes out to fetch Sami, but Sami fights off a third back suplex! Orton kicks low, brings Sami over, but Sami blocks the smack off the steel steps! Orton sputters, Sami stalks him, and Sami decides to give him some payback! But Orton ROCKS Sami first! Orton SMACKS Sami off the desk, puts him in the ring, and covers, TWO! Sami stays in this but Orton looms over him. Sami rises, Orton puts him in a corner, and Orton fires body shots. Orton climbs up and rains down fists! Orton gets to eight before Sami fires back! Sami has Orton in another corner, climbs up, and Sami rains down a fast TEN!
Sami huffs ‘n’ puffs and CHOPS! Orton is stinging but Sami CHOPS him again! Sami wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, and whips! Orton reverses, Sami hits buckles hard, and Sami falls in a heap. Orton dusts himself off and looms over Sami again. Orton stomps Sami’s hand! Sami writhes and clutches his finger. Orton stomps Sami’s foot, ten the other foot! And then the other hand! Sami sits up, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Orton CLUBS away on Sami’s chest! Orton DECKS Sami, the fans cheer, and Orton brings Sami up. Orton whips, Sami goes up and over, and Sami LARIATS Orton down! The fans fire up again as Sami rises!
Sami goes to the corner, Orton runs up, but Sami ELBOWS him! Sami goes up, AX HANDLES, and the fans fire up more! Orton takes a swing, but Sami slips around! Orton fights the Blue Thunder, then LARIATS! And LARIATS! Orton dodges Sami to SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up while Sami goes to the apron. Orton drags Sami in through the ropes, and DRAPING DDTS! The fans fire up as Orton hears those voices! Orton watches Sami rise, but then Sami bails out! The fans are torn but Sami is smart to avoid what was coming. Orton goes out to fetch Sami, SMACKS him off the desk, and then back suplexes, only for Sami to lands out!
Sami CLUBS Orton, and hits a DESK BACK SUPLEX on Orton! Sami puts Orton in the ring, goes to a corner, and the fans fire up as Orton rises. Orton runs in, Sami dodges, and Orton POSTS himself! Sami runs corner to corner, HELLUVA- SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Sami survives and Orton seethes. “This is Awesome!” as Sami goes back to a corner. Orton runs back in and he LARIATS! Orton runs but Sami follows! But Orton dodges the Helluva Kick! Sami gets stuck on the to rope, frees himself, and hobbles into an RK- NO! BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Orton survives and the fans fire up again!
“This is Awesome!” as Sami drags Orton to the drop zone. Sami goes up the corner, Orton stands and he gets under the leap! R K- NO, Sami SLAMS Orton down! And then HELLUVA- RKO!!! Orton crawls to the cover, Orton wins!!
Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)
Sami fought his heart out, but the Viper still strikes! Orton is going back to back in KOTR finals, but will he win the crown this time?
Nia Jax is here!
Grand Rapids boos as The Irresistible Force goes to the ring. She grabs the mic dot say, “You know what’s crazy? Tiffany Stratton approached me to be under my wing, because she knew exactly what I could do for her. And look, she’s thriving! And what kind of thanks did I get for it? She betrayed me. She has MY title!” But wait, here comes Tiffy! Grand Rapids cheers as the WWE Women’s Champion has the mic to tell Nia, “You’re like that toxic ex I just can’t get away from. News flash: get over it! You make excuse after excuse, but when are you just gonna admit that maybe I’m just better than you?”
The fans cheer and Tiff heads to the ring. Nia says yeah, okay, if Tiff is so much better, then give Nia a rematch without kicking a chair into her face. Tiff says if Nia’s so desperate for a match, it is her lucky day! She made it official for next week: Tiff VS Nia! And Tiff will have more fun adding more scars to that “five head” of Nia’s. Because it won’t just be a regular match. It will be Last Woman Standing! Nia takes a swing but Tiff dodge! Tiff fires off, kicks low, and runs up, but into a POP-UP HEADBUTT! And then Nia drops a leg, brother! Nia holds up the belt and soaks up the heat. Nia thinks about leaving, but decides to add on! ANOTHER leg drop, brother!
The fans boo but Nia says that’s not enough! Nia tells Wade & Joe that she’s taking the title! But wait! NAOMI is here, with a ref! Is she doing it!? Is she doing it?! But Nia YANKS Naomi out! Naomi tells her back off! Nia doesn’t, Naomi shoves her, but Nia still grabs at her! Tiff DROPKICKS Naomi onto Nia! Tiff avoids a cash-in because Nia was in the way, but is she setting herself up for failure with that extreme title match?
Charlotte Flair VS Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice!
The Queen was denied her crown, but she’s not even angry at Alexa Bliss, the one who took that opportunity from her. She instead looks to humble the Hot Mess that claims she would be queen if her demands were met. Who vents their frustrations and comes away with the win?
SmackDown returns and Charlotte makes her entrance. The bell rings and the fans actually cheer on Chelsea. Alba distracts Charlotte and Chelsea sucker punches her! The ref reprimands but Chelsea SMACKS Charlotte off the mat again and again! Chelsea salutes, but Charlotte CHOPS! Chelsea KNEES low, whips, but Charlotte goes up and out at the corner. Charlotte BOOTS Chelsea away, avoids Alba and KICKS her! Chelsea runs up, Charlotte RAMS her, and then Charlotte climbs up. CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Chelsea scrambles away and Charlotte runs up, but into an ELBOW! Charlotte GAMANGIRIS!
Charlotte snapmares, Chelsea distracts the ref, and Alba grabs Charlotte by the hair! Alba HOTSHOTS Charlotte and Chelsea hits a BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Chelsea is furious but Charlotte stays in this, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Chelsea hops onto Charlotte for a SLEEPER! The fans rally, but Charlotte hits a BACKPACK SENTON! Charlotte is free, Chelsea runs back up, but Charlotte gives her a BACKBREAKER and BUCKLE SHOT! Chelsea falls back, Charlotte huffs ‘n’ puffs and runs up to fire hands! The fans fire up as Charlotte CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Charlotte CHOPS again, then clinches for an EXPLODER! And a kip up! The fans fire up and Charlotte salutes to poke fun at Chelsea. Charlotte runs, dodges, and handsprings to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Chelsea survives but Charlotte stays on her by going for a leg.
Alba gets on the apron, so Charlotte BOOTS her down! The fans cheer, but Charlotte turns around into a ROUGH RYDER! Cover, TWO!! Charlotte survives and Chelsea is furious! Chelsea takes off her face protector and drags Charlotte up. Chelsea has the arms, turns Charlotte, but Charlotte shoves her away! Charlotte dodges and SPEARS! Cover, TWO!! Chelsea survives but Charlotte has the leg! FIGURE- CRADLE!! TWO!! Charlotte has the leg again, FIGURE FOUR! And the bridge for the FIGURE EIGHT!! Chelsea TAPS, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
But then Piper Niven SENTONS onto Charlotte!! Alba storms in, she and Piper mug Charlotte, but here comes Alexa! She RAMS into Piper, she ROCKS Alba, then she catches Chelsea! Charlotte LARIATS Alba out while Alexa hits a TWISTED SISTER ABIGAIL! And then Charlotte BOOTS Piper down! Charlotte and Alexa look at each other, and despite what either one thinks, maybe they both need the other after all. Alexa offers the handshake, but Charlotte walks right past Alexa. Alexa lets that slide, but will Charlotte come around soon enough?
Solo Sikoa talks with JC Mateo.
Why is JC taping up? Uh, duh, he’ll take out Jacob. No, Solo is going out there alone to talk with Jacob. Solo was the only one that Jacob would listen to. Jacob needs Solo. Solo will smooth things over. JC accepts that, but Solo does say that JC should stay ready. Solo is covering his bases, but will he need the Imperial Unit to put down the Samoan Werewolf? Or will it all be alright between them all?
Solo Sikoa heads to the ring.
SmackDown returns as the former Tribal Chief makes his way out, and Grand Rapids boos. Solo grabs the mic, takes a moment, and says, “Alright, Jacob. I’m out here in the middle of the ring, all alone, with open arms, willing to talk to you face to face. I feel terrible about what happened. So if you’re back there, come on out so we can clear the air.” Jacob Fatu makes his entrance and Grand Rapids cheers! Fatu holds up the United States Championship before he steps into the ring, and he has a mic of his own. The fans cheer on “FATU! FATU!” and Solo says he didn’t come out here to fight him, okay? He’s not here for that.
Solo wants to make it clear to Fatu that he loves him, always has loved him, no matter what. One thing Solo learned from being Tribal Chief is how to love family and how to take care of them. That’s all he’s trying to do. Families fight all the time. They fight, they argue, they forgive, and then they move forward. So they should move forward together, Jacob. Move forward as one. The fans boo that, but Solo says nobody saw the potential in Jacob except Solo. Nobody wanted Jacob here in the WWE, except Solo. That is why Solo brought Fatu here and gave him the chance to change his life and put food on his family’s table.
And why did Solo do that? Because Solo loves Jacob. He does. And to be honest, Solo doesn’t have anybody else. Fatu isn’t sure about that, but Solo says all he has is Fatu. And he’s all Solo needs. So come back to the family, and even if Jacob doesn’t say those four words, Solo will. Solo will say it for him, to him, loud enough so everybody can hear it! Solo tells Jacob, “I love you, Jacob.” The fans boo, they don’t trust this. Fatu paces as he thinks on that. “So you love me, huh?” Solo nods yes. So this is what it comes down to, huh? Solo loves Fatu? The way Fatu sees things, Solo has been using Fatu! Solo has been using Fatu to gain power, to fight his battles, and to stay Tribal Chief.
Hell, Solo brought Fatu in so Fatu could bring Solo fame! Solo brought Fatu in because he thought Fatu would bring him gold! Is that all this is about? Fame? Gold? Power? SOLO, LOOK AT HIM! Solo looks up from the floor while the fans cheer Fatu on. Fatu tells Solo that ever since he won the US Championship, Solo is the one that’s been acting different. And maybe Fatu isn’t the problem. Fatu just figured it out! The problem… is this. The problem is the US Championship. Fatu sets it down between him and Solo, and he says if this is what he thinks it is, then just fight him for it! Fight Fatu for the title! The fans fire up for that!
And Solo, Fatu will only warn you one time: If you ever think about coming this way, you know what Fatu is about! You know what’s poppin’ with Fatu, blood! And you know Jacob Fatu is all gas, no brakes with it! YADADADA- SOLO TAKES A SWING! Fatu blocks the spike and he HEADBUTTS! JC Mateo rushes out here! Fatu HEADBUTTS him, too! But Solo CHOP BLOCKS the legs! The fans boo but JC & Solo mug Fatu! But then here comes JIMMY USO! The fans fire up as #BigJim slides in, dodges Solo, and SUPERKICKS JC! And then he SUPERKICKS Solo! But JC LARIATS Jimmy down! JC HAMMERS Jimmy and Solo has him put Jimmy in the corner.
The fans boo but Solo tells Jimmy that he should’ve chosen Solo’s side, not Jacob’s! But speaking of, Fatu is up! The fans fire up as Fatu BODY CHECKS JC! Then he SUPERKICKS Solo! Solo is in a corner, Fatu fires off on him, HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT! SUPERKICK for JC! HIP ATTACK for Solo! The fans are fired up for the Samoan Werewolf, and he locks eyes with Jimmy. Jimmy came to Fatu’s rescue, Fatu just saved him, so Fatu goes up, up, only for Solo to bail out! No Best Moonsaults here in Grand Rapids, but will Fatu cut Solo down soon enough?
Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker VS LA Knight!
The Wise Man warned, or rather threatened, the Mega Star that he should just cut and run, but that’s not how he does things. Knight is ready to fight, but will he survive a battle with Auszilla? Or is a Tsunami about wipe out LA?
Wait, Knight doesn’t enter from the stage! He enters from the crowd! And he POSTS Bron! The fans fire up as Knight evens things out! He TOSSES Bronson out, throws his vest at him, and Bronson snarls. Bronson has Bron stand down, and says, “Tonight, I kill him.” Bronson steps into the ring, the bell sounds, and Knight fires off! The fans fire up as Knight fires hands, but Bronson puts him in the corner. Knight ELBOWS back, Knight fires more hands, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips but Bronson blocks! Bronson whips Knight to a corner, runs up, but Knight dodges! Bronson POSTS himself, and Knight stomps a mudhole in!
The fans rally, the ref counts, and Knight goes corner to corner, but into a fireman’s carry! Knight slips down to sunset flip, but Bronson stays up! Bronson jumps but Knight avoids the hip drop! Then Knight basement BOOTS! The fans fire up and Knight storms up on Bronson. Bronson TOSSES Knight to the apron, but Knight slingshots back in! Bronson catches Knight to a fireman’s carry! Knight flails free and he RAMS Bronson into a corner! But Bronson holds ropes to deny the Jump Neckbreaker! Bronson runs but Knight avoids the senton! The fans fire up as Knight goes up, up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! That’s a Steiner move!
The fans fire up and spell it out, “L! A! KNIGHT!” but Bronson bails out! Knight runs to WRECK Bronson with a dropkick! Knight goes back up, springboards, CROSSBODY to the ramp! The fans fire up with Knight and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Bronson has Knight up top. The fans rally as Knight fights back with body shots! Knight ROCKS Bronson, ROCKS him again, and ROCKS him again! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Bronson finally falls and Knight adjusts position. “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” BOX JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Bronson survives and Knight is rather stunned while Heyman is relieved. Knight aims, kicks, but Bronson denies the BFT! HEADBUTT, then a fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Knight survives the “Jagged Edge” DVD but Bronson brings him right up. Bronson reels Knight in and says thumbs down.
Bronson lifts Knight up, but Knight flips the bomb into a DDT! The fans fire up but Bron barks at the apron! Knight DECKS the dog, tells Heyman to get the same, but Bronson runs up! Knight DUMPS Bronson out, builds speed, but BRON SPEARS!!
Winner: LA Knight, by disqualification
The fans boo but Bron handed Knight the win with that one. Bronson stands Knight up so Bron can build speed and SUPER SPEAR!! Grand Rapids is torn but plenty of fans bark. And now Bronson goes up!? TSUNAMI!! Bronson goes up again, the refs hurry out here, but TSUNAMI AGAIN!! The fans want another, so Bron scares the refs off to let Bronson go back up! THIRD TSUNAMI!!! Have Rollins’ rooks just broken Knight into pieces? Is this a message to everyone that no one can stop the vision?
Jacob Fatu speaks.
“Yeah, c’mon on widdit! I just spoke to the man, and you know the man makes everything possible here on SmackDown! So next week, next week on Saturday, me ‘n’ you, Solo! Night of Champions, mano a mano, I’m about to dog walk yo’ ass for the US Championship! Solo, you better get in where you fit in. Cuz if you don’t, then baby, it’s ’bout to be all gas, no breaks with it. Yadadadada mean?” The Samoan Werewolf will get to sink his teeth into Solo, but will he stay golden through it all?
John Cena VS Ron Killings!
The Undisputed WWE Champion was the exact opposite of grateful for R-Truth saving him from Randy Orton at Backlash, and he doubled down when Ron tried to show him the truth at Saturday Night’s Main Event. So, if Cena doesn’t want the Truth, he’ll get someone who knows about ruthless aggression! Will Ron Killings bring an early end to the retirement tour? Or will Cena continue to ruin wrestling for everyone else?
SmackDown returns as Cena makes his entrance. The fans sing “JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” despite him wearing the Detroit Pistons colors. Cena makes Mark Nash give the “proper” introduction: “He is the Greatest of All Time, the Never Seen Seventeen, gracing Grand Rapids with his presence one final time… He is the Last Real Champion, JOHN CENA~!” The fans boo, the bell rings, and Truth stares at Cena while Cena smirks hearing the “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Truth TACKLES Cena! He fires off hands but Cena bails out! So Truth goes out to DECK Cena! “What’s up!?” “WHAT’S UP!” Truth has Cena at the desk and SMACKS him off it!
Truth ROCKS Cena again, and shakes his hand out from hitting so hard. Truth SMACKS Cena off the apron, storms in after him, and whips him to a corner. Cena hits buckles hard and falls to the mat! The fans continue to duel while Truth keeps his eyes on Cena. Truth storms up on Cena while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Truth stands Cena up, whips corner to corner again, and Cena hits buckles hard! Cena sputters, Truth looms over him, and Truth ROCKS Cena! Cena ROCKS Truth! They go back and forth with haymakers, and then Truth dodges to SHOULDER TACKLE! Truth still uses Cena’s own moves against him, and that includes the SPIN-OUT BOMB! Truth raises his hand and Grand Rapids joins in! “You Can’t See Me!” But then Cena bails out so Truth can’t hit him! Truth is annoyed, the fans give thumbs down, but here comes Truth. Cena ELBOWS him down! Cena drags Truth up, POSTS him, and he brings Truth back into the ring.
Cena HEADBUTTS Truth, CHOKES him on the ropes, but stops as the ref counts. Cena stomps away on Truth, then runs to KICK Truth in the back! Cena talks trash, then he runs to SHOULDER TACKLE! Cena takes his time, knowing it is what the fans want. Truth rises up, Cena runs to SHOULDER TACKLE again! Cena watches Truth rise again, gets around him, SPIN-OUT BOMB! And Cena raises his hand, reveling in the cheers and jeers. “You Can’t See Me!” SmackDown returns to single picture for the FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Then Cena fireman’s carries, but Truth slips free! THESZ PRESS! And fast hands!
The fans fire up and Truth has Cena in a corner. Truth runs to STINGER SPLASH! Truth hitting all sorts of other iconic moves! Cena tumbles out and grabs the belt! Cena doesn’t care about this match anymore, he doesn’t need to take this! Truth says hold up! Truth runs Cena down and fires hands on the ramp! The fans fire up but Cena CLOBBERS Truth with the belt!!
Winner: Ron Killings, by disqualification
Cena wants to get another shot, but wait! PUNK IS HERE! Cena runs away into the ring, and he catches Punk as Punk slides in! The fans boo Cena but he huffs ‘n’ puffs. Cena drags Punk up, but Punk fires hands in return! Punk DECKS Cena, grabs the belt, and he holds it up! The fans cheer, and Punk aims, but Cena LOW BLOWS! Cena has a sinister smile as he grabs the belt. BELT SHOT for Punk!! The fans boo even more, but Cena decides to up the ante! Cena brings out a table! The fans cheer, everyone loves tables! Cena puts the table in the ring, then watches Punk sputter around. Cena sets the table up while the fans rally behind Punk.
Punk stands but Cena has the belt again! BELT SHOT!! Cena drags Punk up, fireman’s carries, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENTÂ through the table!! Cena made Punk snap into a Slim Jim, and then he grabs a mic. Cena laughs at Punk, and then sits up on the corner. “Punk… As you lay there in your most uncomfortable…” Cena pretends the mic cut out, taps it, and then says, “Somebody’s afraid of what I’m gonna say.” Cena grins and the fans boo as Cena flips the iconic “Pipebomb” moment on it’s head. “As you lay there in your most uncomfortable, I hope you can listen. I hope you can digest.
“Because before I leave here in six months with that WWE Championship, I gotta get a whole lotta stuff off my chest. First thing’s first, I don’t hate you. I don’t even dislike you. I like you. I like you more than anyone you ever shared a locker room with, that’s for sure. I hate this idea of you. This idea that you’re the Best int he World. You’re not. I’M the Greatest of All Time.” Grand Rapids is a bit torn on that statement, but Cena says Punk is better than Cena at one thing: You’re the best BS artist in the world. Oh no, kiddos~! John Cena just dropped a curse word! That means the show is off the rails! Hey, Stu, shoot this. Hi~! “I’m breaking the forth wall! HAHA!”
Cena then says the truth is, Punk… Cena is jealous of you. Cena is jealous that Punk has conned the fans into believing the myth that Punk is the Best in the World. Oh how they chant for Punk! Which they literally do right now. Hell, the fans even sing for Punk now. But they don’t believe a damn word you say. Because Punk changes his values as much as Cena changes his shirts! Punk is just a loud mouthed opportunist who steps on the necks of those who actually work hard if it gets him ahead. Oh, hey, look, another cameraman! “Hi, Claudio Castagnoli! Hey, Nic Nemeth! Hey, Matt Cardona! How’re you guys doing?”
The fans can’t believe Cena is going this far but Cena is loving it! “He’s heating up! He’s on fire! And there’s nobody back there that’s gonna cut my mic to save your ass, cuz I’m your only friend! Remember who gave you the stage for your pipebomb, pal! And what’ve you done with it since then, huh? You just regurgitated the same five microphone moves of doom. You’re promo potato salad, pal. Hey, you’re no longer the Voice of the Voiceless, you’re a friggin’ millionaire despite yourself. You’re not a punk, you’re a capitalist! And you’re not against TKO, dude, you are Mr. TKO. Cuz they knocked your balls technically off your body.
“Your tweets are strong, but your actions are weak. And in Saudi Arabia, you’re gonna face some loud, loud music when I finally prove to the world that each and every day, day in, day out, no days off for 25 YEARS, I have been the Greatest of All Time!” The fans cheer that a bit more now, to Cena’s surprise. “See, they know. And they know that you were the Best in the World… for seven minutes, 14 years ago. And if after Night of Champions, you’re still delusional enough to believe that you’re the Best in the World, well… I guess it’s a small world after all. You’re welcome, Grand Rapids.” The fans cheer, and Cena lets the world hear it.
Cena tells Punk to bring his A Game to Night of Champions. If Grand Rapids is any indication, the mood is starting to change. Refs finally appear to check on Punk, Cena says no, that’s fine. Punk needs to rest up for his big title match. Get a good shot of this: Best in the World VS Greatest of All Time, for THE most coveted prize in sports entertainment, THE WWE Undisputed Championship! And Cena knows the fans will sing and chant, but he also knows even the idiots are smart enough to see the truth: The Champ is Here. And USA Network, keep the extra two and half minutes. He doesn’t need a bomb to blow the “mother fudging” building.
Oh, and thanks, Punk, for letting Cena rip off your best promo just to make you look even more foolish. Cena finally drops the mic and he raises the belt up again. If the proverbial tables have turned this drastically, is there no saving WWE from losing its north star championship?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown with an awesome ending. All those years ago, when CM Punk dropped THE OG “Pipebomb” promo, no one could’ve ever in a million years guessed that here tonight, we would’ve gotten the John Cena remix. Not only was that promo of the year, but Cena blew up go-home math. I can’t see Cena losing the title to Punk now. He can lose the match since Cena loves getting disqualified, and there’s the possibility of Rollins trying a cash-in, but Cena is leaving Saudi Arabia as champion to then go to SummerSlam. It also works because Cody Rhodes still feels like the favorite for King of the Ring.
A lot of that has to do with how Sami lost to Orton tonight. Great promo from the four semifinalists, especially since it was Jey, Sami and Orton kinda keeping Cody from talking since there isn’t more Cody needs to say. Win or lose, no explanations needed at this point. Sami VS Orton was an awesome match, but I could just feel an RKO countering the Helluva Kick as the way to go and that’s what they did. Now, as awesome as it would be for Jey to beat Cody, and then for Jey to beat Orton to go for the World Heavyweight Championship again, there are a lot of moving parts right now that it would just be the easiest for Cody to win the crown and have his rematch with Cena.
And while talking the WHC, Gunther VS Goldberg IS confirmed for the title, but has also been confirmed as Goldberg’s last match. This is a huge indicator that despite Rollins teasing a cash-in on the Undisputed title, he will likely be thwarted and then falls back to the title he feels is rightfully his. That is to say, Rollins cashes in on the winner of Gunther VS Goldberg, which I half expected even before all this talk of Goldberg’s last match. Rollins can take this title from Gunther and Goldberg, and then we can throw Jey and even LA Knight into the mix as things are getting heated between Knight and the henchmen.
Great promo from Knight with Heyman, great match with Knight VS Bronson, and a really powerful beating Knight takes from Bron & Bronson. If nothing else, Knight costs Rollins his cash-in. Truth going after Kit Wilson was an interesting move. Also a shame Elton Prince is hurt, Pretty Deadly gets going and then something happens to slow them down. But Kit was going to lose to Aleister so this really messes Aleister up more than anything. Priest keeping the peace between Aleister and Truth was good stuff. Priest and Truth being allies on SmackDown can be some real fun stuff, and I feel like they’re already set up for a feud with Aleister.
Very good stuff with Fatu, Solo and this US Championship story. Fatu VS Solo was the natural move, and I like that Jimmy Uso ends up an ally for Fatu. The title match is set, I wonder if we get a tag match first. In fact, next week is title night in Riyadh with Tiffany Stratton giving Nia the Last Woman Standing match, and basically setting the stage for Naomi to cash in. She almost did tonight but Nia was again able to stop her, so I would think Naomi waits until the very end of the Last Woman Standing match to take full advantage. Then, if Jade wins Queen of the Ring, we get Jade VS Naomi at SummerSlam.
Good promo from Jade, B-Fab & Michin watching Asuka VS Alexa. Asuka winning made the most sense, Alexa clearly has story with Charlotte and Asuka is just that good. Jade VS Roxie will be a good match but Roxie’s story in Judgment Day might keep her from winning. But then the fallback there is Roxie might actually sub in for the tag titles like I was thinking. Charlotte VS Chelsea was very good, and of course the Secret Her-vice does what they can to help. The beatdown they put on Charlotte and then Alexa making the save, that’s going to be one of those “can they coexist?” tag matches for sure.
Honestly, a little surprised we didn’t get any tag team promos tonight, unless I completely missed something. I believe title night is going to have Profits VS Gacy & Lumis for the tag titles, too, so that’s going to be something wild. And while DIY is scared of the Wyatts, I feel like they’re going to interfere because they don’t want the Wyatts to take the titles. But at the same time, the Wyatts need something substantial this time around, so maybe they win the titles at SummerSlam.
My Score: 9/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 6.19.25
Are we going to start trending upwards with Slammiversary to build toward?
Last week’s episode was lacking in ring work but had decent story moments and segments. Starting the build to Slammiversary we can either launch nicely or things can always get worse. Jason Hotch and KC Navarro are the real shining stars of the last few months, so lets hope once they get over this Leon Slater idiot ship, they can push X Division wrestlers with actual talent for pro wrestling and not just flippy charisma vacuums.
Oh and let’s not forget, it is the episode they celebrate the 23rd anniversary of TNA! TWENTY – THREE!! Somewhere PCO hates this.
.@Kelly_WP is back in TNA Wrestling and has a message for TNA Knockouts World Champion @mashaslamovich!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/cF0F1ZKKuL pic.twitter.com/tnm4TIuPUz
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 20, 2025
Ratings:
- Sami Callihan vs Eric Young w/Losers: EY wins via Piledriver – ** 3/4
- Lei Ying Lee & Masha Slamovich vs The Elegance Clique w/M & Personal Concierge: Elegantos win via Rarefied Air – ***
- Eddie Edwards & JDC w/Alisha & Brian Myers vs Matt Cardona & Home Town Man: HTM wins via Cradle – *
- Champion’s Challenge: The Rascalz, Joe Hendry, Leon Slater & Elijah vs The Kaiba Boys, Moose, Steve Maclin & Trick Williams: Elijah wins via Highwayman’s Farewell – ***
Results:
Sami Callihan vs Eric Young w/Losers
Sami knocks them all off the apron before the bell rings, he levels the loser children, finds a chair, attacks EY but EY counters and this is the excuse to use weapons since the bell didn’t ring yet. EY tries to break Sami’s hand on the steps with the chair, but Sami moves, throws EY back in the ring, bell rings and EY hits a Belly to Belly suplex for two. They slug it out, Sami goes for Headbutts, then Sami wants to run the ropes but a loser trips him, distracts long enough for EY to knock him out of the ring and loser children swarm as loser children do. EY does the classic, throw back out for losers to attack while EY grabs and distracts the ref. Sami is selling a few lame attacks from the losers like he got shot. It’s an excessive sell, so it’s honestly a dumb transitional moment.
EY levels Sami, Lariat into Scoop Slam, looks for the Macho Elbow but Sami hits the ropes to crotch EY. Sami Superplex time, but EY bites the face to make Sami drop, EY jumps at him but eats a straight right hand. Cactus Driver, but no, EY tries his Piledriver…they both gouge eyes at the same time, Sami catches an EY charge into a Flatliner as they’re both down…for…reasons? The selling in this match seems…poorly timed and kinda stupid. Hard Irish Whip, EY Flair Flips the corner, levels Sami, Macho Elbow for 2.9! EY threatens to hit the ref, but then goes to mad dog commentary. EY then wants to attack fans…he’s more unhinged than World Elite EY. Sami gives him the old Dick Twist into a Stunner but only for two! Losers try to distract, first one gets taken out, second one uses a chair, EY hits the Piledriver on Sami, EY wins.
I feel like this is gonna continue for a few weeks since it wasn’t a clean win.Â
Mustafa Ali’s group comes out, and I refuse to say the name because it’s dumb and they’re already fraying at the seams. Ali wants an apology session, Tasha and Hotch apologize to him but Skyler bites back and refuses, even shoved Ali. So Ali challenges him to a “Call to Arms” match. What in the hell is a Call to Arms match?Â
Lei Ying Lee & Masha Slamovich vs The Elegance Clique w/M & Personal Concierge
ASH does her borderline racist fake karate before Lei stares her down and tags in Heather. Heather avoids Lei, Lei throws a few Tornado Kicks to make a point and Heather tags out. Heather being 4’8″ helps her here. Concierge says “There’s no Karate in wrestling”. ASH, Lei and Masha are in the ring, ASH is trying to decide who she wants to face, but the Concierge google translated it and hands it to ASH, before the face team rocks ASH. Masha lifts up Lei and Lei does the Liu Kang Bicycle Kick, steering more into her Mortal Kombat aesthetic. Senton off the apron from Lei and Masha dives into the pile, the comedy heels are getting leveled. We go to commercial and come back with Lei getting Double Teamed but she spins it into a weird Neckbreaker..but can’t tag out just yet. Lei blocks Heather, Enzuigiri, simultaneous tag, Masha is Yakuza kicks for all and the 2 for 1 Lariat/DDT special. Near fall, but Masha goes for murder, but Heather breaks it, Rocket Launcher/Code Breaker from Elegance but Lei breaks up the pin. ASH tries to intimidate Lei with her fake Karate before throwing her out of the ring. Heather hits Lei with a handful of Glitter and then bounces her face off the post. Masha tries to stop ASH, Kelly’s music distracts Masha, Rarefied Air gives ASH the win.
Santino comes out and GOD DAMMIT no one wants to see Tommy Dreamer fight Mance Warner…that’s a useless thing. Pivot away…no one wants this. Oh no, now we have to listen to Steph talk too. Okay it seems to be a pivot, thankfully. Steph and Mance talk shit, Dreamer says something about Something is gonna happen…and Jake Something comes out. So…I guess we’re gonna build him up for 2 months and then job him out for 6 before he fucks off to his home galaxy or whatever?Â
.@indi_hartwell has a run in with Tessa Blanchard!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/cF0F1ZLikj pic.twitter.com/I6UCCk2fAG
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 20, 2025
Really wish Indi just opened with the Billy Butcher classic of, “Oi Cunt!” – but this wasn’t bad.Â
Eddie Edwards & JDC w/Alisha & Brian Myers vs Matt Cardona & Home Town Man
I hate… Cardona so much more now. Heel reasons for Cardona…go away heat for Deaner.
JDC wants the Home Town Man to start…and Deaner does his stupid Flip Flop and Fly, Cardona tags in, JDC is eating some offense, Cardona wants the Reboot, JDC powders, Cardona Dives but then Lish and the general numbers catch up to Cardona. Eddie is legal, and now they isolate Cardona with some decent tandem work and isolation. This turns into kind of a schmoz, lots of silly spots, near falls and then Home Town doofus gets the cradle pinfall on Eddie.
Whenever Deaner is involved I can’t be asked to care. The System beats Cardona and Deaner down, but Eddie did eat a pin. Which is embarrassing not even for work reasons, like it’s just sad.
Champion’s Challenge: The Rascalz, Joe Hendry, Leon Slater & Elijah vs The Kaiba Boys, Moose, Steve Maclin & Trick Williams
Elijah and Nic start things off, slow push off, arm wring, top wristlock, simple chain wrestling start. Nic breaks the chain and hits a Dropkick, Elijah runs the ropes and hits a Diving Lariat and starts the Rope Walk. Nic seems far to awake and alert for that move then, I hate how people pull that off too early. Wentz gets tagged in, Nic tags in Maclin who wasn’t looking for a tag, but him and Wentz have a nice clash, Trey tags in, they try to double him, but they pause and look at each other. Maclin asks for a tag, no one tags him so he Chops Ryan to tag him in and throws him in.
The little nod to Maclin and Rascalz history and the fact the faces realize Maclin isn’t a piece of shit. A little MCMG homage tandem attacks on Ryan, Wentz punctuates with the Handspring Knee Lift, Ryan tags out to Trick. Trick and Wentz go back and forth, Rascalz have Trick eating offense, Moose tries to slow things down, both Trick and Moose powder, Rascalz Double Golden Triangle Moonsaults. Trey gets tripped by Nic, Moose hits Lights Out, but there’s no referee so it’s a little chaotic.
Out of the commercial things are controlled kinda and we see a simultaneous tag to Moose and Leon. Leon comes out hot, level Moose with a Leg Lariat, attacks Nic Nemeth, attacks Ryan, and then Moose hits Leon with the Stun Gun. Moose looks to tag in Maclin but Maclin jumps off the apron. Trick takes the tag, keeps control, Trick forcibly tags in Maclin but Ryan tags himself in and pulls Leon to the Champions’ corner, Nic tags in and isolates Leon, with the Kaibas quick tagging and keeping Leon down.
Moose tags in, tries to Suplex Leon about four times but Leon stops it then counters the Suplex. Moose tries to cut him off, but the Champions distract the ref so the ref can’t see Leon tag out. Nic and Moose doubling up and Leon is the bump guy of this last portion of the match. Big Uranage from Moose…Moose looks for Lights Out but Small Package almost ruined things, Body Scissors Cradle, GAME CHANGER! Moose looks to hit a Jacknife Powerbomb but Leon turns it into a DDT. Maclin and Ryan start fighting, Nic Superkicks Maclin, Hendry and Nic tag in, Hendry is a house of fire. Sack of Shits for everyone! Nic, Ryan, there’s a pause when Hendry is face to face with Trick and Trick gets Uppercuts first then Sack of Shit! Standing Ovation on Nic, but Ryan blocks, Kaibas try a tandem attack but Hendry Lariats them both. Elijah tags in and is the maestro of the crowd and chopping Ryan to some fun. Ryan goes for a Polish Hammer but eats the Knee Lift. Signature spam time…
Ryan tries to use the International title but Maclin grabs the title away from Ryan, clocks Nic, Standing Ovation into the Highwayman’s Farewell. Champions lose!
Overall Score: 4/10
Well this was a rough one boys and girls. Sami and EY was just an overbooked shitshow, Lei Ying Lee is unfortunately in a spot where it’s obvious TNA has no clue how to use her, the Elegantos are the New Beautiful People, and I’m not mad at that. But you need to space out your goofball crap. You can’t have Elegance Clique, Home Town Moron and Santino in 3 consecutive segments. And if anyone goes “it was 3 out of 4” that’s doesn’t lessen my point, the beauty of Pro Wrestling being a variety show is…FOR VARIETY! When the lead match feels stupid because of bad pacing, poor selling and overbooking with two losers, it feels like a useless match with idiots, then comedy, followed by more comedy…you see how that’s literally NOT VARIETY.
Figure it out seriously. This was a disappointing episode. If you’re a casual viewer than it’s just chalk for TNA doing cringe and borderline goof crap since they’ve always steered a little more into the carny than other companies. But this show was…where’s Jisoo and Jenny? I feel like I need that gif:
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