Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (4/19/21)
MVP, you got some ‘splaining to do!
Is the Hurt Business dealing in Retribution?
How is it that MVP got T-Bar and Mace to attack Drew McIntyre for him? The Scottish Warrior wants to know that himself, tonight on Raw!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Cedric Alexander & Shelton Benjamin VS The Viking Raiders; The Viking Raiders win.
- Randy Orton VS Matt Riddle; Riddle wins.
- Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler VS Naomi & Lana; Naomi & Lana win.
- Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods VS Elias w/ Jaxson Ryker; Elias wins.
- 2v1 Handicap: T-Bar & Mace VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins, by disqualification.
- T-Bar & Mace VS Drew McIntyre & Braun Strowman; T-Bar & Mace win, by disqualification.
- Damian Priest VS The Miz w/ Maryse; Priest wins.
- Open Challenge: Sheamus VS ???; No Contest.
- Asuka VS Charlotte Flair; Asuka wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Drew McIntyre heads to the ring!
The Scottish Warrior isn’t waiting for anything, he wants to know what’s going on with last week’s sneak attack! “Opportunity is a hell of a thing. You can make your own opportunities, you can work hard, you can never give up and make things happen. Sometimes, opportunity just falls right into your lap.” As such, McIntyre mentioned that he would eventually get his championship rematch, and that triggered some superstars in the back. Before McIntyre knew it, Braun stormed out, “Me want title shot first!” and then Randy Orton slithered his way out and wanted his opportunity. McIntyre let it unfold, Adam Pearce made a Triple Threat #1 Contender’s match for WrestleMania Backlash. It was McIntyre’s chance to earn his rematch and he did that, here before you the contender!
Also, with opportunity can have you dive into the deep end. Let’s talkin about Mace & T-Bar! They want to make their name at the expense of McIntyre. They’re not the masterminds, though. McIntyre knows it’s MVP! No idea why those monsters would align with MVP. Are they going to dress up in suits, take off those stupid masks? Or maybe MVP will put a mask on to cover his ugly mug! McIntyre doesn’t know the answers but he doesn’t know when he gets his hands on those “big bastards,” McIntyre will get retribution! But McIntyre is feeling fired up now. He wants a fight! And just on time, it’s MVP!
MVP says McIntyre should’ve expected him to come out here to address these allegations. At WrestleMania 37, he wasn’t expecting Lashley to put him to sleep with the Hurt Lock! Last week’s Raw, he wasn’t expecting T-Bar & Mace to attack! McIntyre groans and says, “Let me guess: you knew nothing about it!” MVP says that this is a tired and worn-out cliché, but McIntyre should expect the unexpected. But where are MVP’s manners? On behalf of Lashley, MVP gives McIntyre a warm and well-deserved congratulations! Lashley feels McIntyre will make a worthy adversary for Lashley to beat again at Backlash, when he puts on the Hurt Lock and puts McIntyre to sleep again.
McIntyre asks MVP if he’s going to stand here and claim he had nothing to do with that attack. MVP says Lashley, the All Mighty WWE Champion, is the Chief Hurt Officer of the Hurt Business, he makes the decisions, and he decided to downsize the Hurt Business. So think for a moment: why would they recruit those guys when Lashley has proven he can win by himself? Yes, but McIntyre remembers Lashley was sending the entire locker room after him. MVP will say this one last time: Mace & T-Bar have ZERO affiliation with the Hurt Business. Look in the mirror, McIntyre. You were arrogantly daring everyone to a fight, so maybe the chickens are coming home to roost.
McIntyre says maybe MVP is telling the truth. Maybe, just maybe, it was all coincidence that MVP walked out after the Triple Threat, and then McIntyre was attacked. Maybe, just maybe, they can talk this out- But Mace & T-Bar return! They HIGH-LOW McIntyre, then drag McIntyre into the ring! They choke grip and dead lift, for HIGH JUSTICE!! MVP is at least impressed by Mace & T-Bar as they leave McIntyre down in the ring. Is this all just coincidence?
Kevin Patrick is at gorilla to interview T-Bar & Mace about what we just saw, and if there is a deal with the Hurt Business. T-Bar says, “Cats, dogs, birds.” And Mace adds, “Porcupines, hedgehogs, snakes, sabre-tooth tigers.” That last one is extinct, gone forever. That is what they’ll do to McIntyre! These two titans are out to destroy, but for who’s benefit?
McIntyre finds Adam Pearce backstage.
“You know what I’m about to say. I want Mace and T-Bar, and I want them tonight.” But he can’t take them on by himself! Yes he can! He doesn’t care if he gets his ass kicked! His first reaction was to get a baseball bat, but he’s doing this the right way, so make the match. He needs a tag partner! No, he doesn’t need anything. Make the match happen or regret it.
Cedric Alexander & Shelton Benjamin VS The Viking Raiders!
It seems once around isn’t enough! PRIME Alexander and the Gold Standard want another shot now that they’re ready for Erik & Ivar! Will they get even with the Vikings, or be run through all over again?
The teams sort out, Benjamin and Erik start, and they approach. They feel out the grapple, Benjamin gets a leg but Erik denies the takedown. They end up in a corner, they throw forearms and Erik gets the edge. Erik runs but Benjamin dodges to get the waistlock. Benjamin manages to get Erik up to throw him down, then Alexander tags in. Benjamin slams Erik down, Alexander basement dropkicks! Alexander talks trash to Ivar, covers Erik, ONE! Another cover, ONE! Alexander fires off hands on Erik in the corner then stomps him down. The ref has Alexander back off, and Alexander digs his knees into Erik.
Benjamin tags in, he drags Erik up, then reels him in for a clothesline! Benjamin drags Erik back up to bump off buckles! Tag to Alexander and Alexander throws forearms. Alexander clubs Erik, talks trash, but Erik ROCKS him with a right! Erik hot tags Ivar! The Warbeard scoops Alexander for a sidewalk slam! Benjamin gets away from the swipe, and Alexander avoids the splash! Alexander mule kicks, tags Benjamin and then dropkicks a leg out, Benjamin KNEES Ivar down! Cover, TWO! Benjamin drags Ivar up, throws haymakers, has Ivar in a corner, but Ivar hits back. Benjamin puts Ivar in a corner, Alexander tags in, and they mug Ivar in the corner.
Ivar hits back, Alexander chokes Ivar in the headlock! The ref counts, Alexander protests but tags in Benjamin. They mug Ivar more but Ivar fires off haymakers and elbows in return! Ivar goes up to SEATED SENTON! Benjamin gasps, but he leaps tog et a leg! Benjamin drags Ivar back, gets an ANKLE LOCK, but Ivar rolls him! Benjamin avoids running into Erik, but Ivar dodges him to hot tag! Erik fires off and roars, but Benjamin reverses the whip to overhead suplex! Cover, ONE! Tag to Alexander, he runs in to forearm smash Erik! And then tornado DDT! Cover, Ivar breaks it! Benjamin fires off on Ivar and throws him out!
Benjamin goes after Ivar but Ivar whips him into railing! Then SPLASHES him against them! Alexander runs, handsprings but Erik catches him! Alexander elbows free, but runs into Ace Ten Mao! Tag to Ivar! Ivar feeds Alexander to the pop up, THOR’S HAMMER!! Cover, the Viking Raiders win!
Winners: The Viking Raiders, by pinfall
Two weeks, two wins, two Viking Experiences that Alexander won’t forget! Is it inevitable that the raid will take the Raw Tag Team Championships back?
Backstage interview with Randy Orton.
The Viper lit The Fiend on fire, and surprised many by beating The Fiend at WrestleMania. Is that really the end of it? Orton promises that the Fiend will no longer be seen nor heard from again as long as Orton is still around. No one could’ve done what Orton did to The Fiend! Not even Lashley or McIntyre. McIntyre got lucky enough to win last week’s Triple Threat and now he’s in a title match. But all Orton has to do now is wait for #WrestleManiaBacklash and see who wins. That man will have a target on their back and Orton will be coming for what he truly cares about, and that is the WWE World Championship.
But here comes Riddle on his scooter! Riddle congratulates Orton on the win, because he is the Legend Killer, the Viper and the Apex Predator. But what does “apex predator” even mean? Riddle couldn’t believe Orton beat The Fiend. Riddle lost his title, but he was just thinking that since neither of them have a title, they should be a team! #RKBRO! They can get matching scooters, even! Snake skins and fangs and- Orton walks away. No fangs, then? Get it, like “no thanks?” Well, Riddle strikes out on another business proposition. Will The Bro have to take the long road back to gold?
Raw returns as Orton meets with Pearce.
Orton is “sick and tired” of the lack of respect. Who is that kid with no shoes again? Y’know what, it doesn’t matter. A lesson needs to be learned. Orton wants what’s his name in the ring for a match. Pearce will see what he can do. Is the Viper going to strike down the Bro as an example to the rest of the roster?
Charlotte Flair heads to the ring!
Though the Queen will take on the Empress in a continuation of what happened last week, the THIRTEEN TIME WWE Women’s Champion is going to speak! We hear what she has to say, after the break!
Raw returns and Charlotte has the mic as she soaks up the heat and stands in her special hologram spotlight. “So here’s the thing. I came back to Monday Night Raw last week, simply demanding respect from the women’s locker room and the WWE Universe.” After everything she’s given to the business, she didn’t mean to hurt feelings. She was just expressing how she felt. She came back unapologetically Charlotte, “the biggest star in this division. And if any of those rats in the locker room don’t want to believe that, who do you think they were still talking about at WrestleMania, and I didn’t even have a match?” Charlotte was on every single headline!
And the ladies say they don’t like her but they don’t like each other, either! “Aw~ hey, girl~!” So lame, so fake. And Charlotte doesn’t even know why they’re mad at her. They had their match without her, she was the one with a match taken from her! That’s what everyone works towards and it was taken from her! Oh and Rhea beat Asuka, big whoop! Charlotte can beat Rhea and beat Asuka, and even in the same night! That’s why they call her “The Opportunity!” And Charlotte will give Asuka that opportunity while showing Rhea who is the face of this division! And Charlotte respects Asuka as one of the best. Doesn’t means he has to like her. And Charlotte will remind Asuka how much she doesn’t’ like her, and prove why she’s- Being interrupted by Asuka!
The Empress goes right to the ring, gets a mic, but then Rhea shows up! The Raw Women’s Champion has her own mic, and a big smile on her face. Charlotte asks what’s going on. Are they going to gang up on Charlotte? That’s not nice. But after Charlotte beats Asuka, she wants Rhea to take notes on her future and on how great Charlotte is. Rhea tells Charlotte she’ll take her up on that. But knowing Asuka, Rhea already knows she’ll beat Charlotte. Wait, wait, wait. Did you hear that? Rhea thinks Asuka will beat Charlotte? Does no one remember? Charlotte ended Asuka’s streak at WrestleMania! And she talks over Asuka because Charlotte says SHE will be going for the title.
Asuka keeps trying to talk and then shouts, “Tonight, I will beat you, BIIITCH!!” Rhea laughs at Charlotte getting told. Will Asuka make sure Charlotte eats all her words and then some?
Riddle finds Orton again.
“Gonna beat you to the ring~!” The Bro is ready, the Viper is seething, but who hits the other hard enough for the win?
Randy Orton VS Matt Riddle!
The Viper caught The Fiend off guard at Mania and is focused on reminding everyone who he is. Will Orton make sure Riddle remembers the three most dangerous letters in sports entertainment?
The bell rings and Orton circles with Riddle. They approach, tie up, and Riddle waistlocks. Orton gets the ropes, Riddle lets off fast, and the two go again. Orton headlocks to a takeover, and he grinds Riddle down. Riddle fights up, Orton thrashes but Riddle puts him on ropes. Riddle turns things around but Orton throws body shots. Orton reels Riddle into a suplex, but Riddle slips out to hop on with a sleeper! Riddle is a backpack with the body scissors, but Orton reaches out. Riddle gets the arm, and Orton is wrapped up! Orton grabs for hair then throws Riddle off! Riddle gets up and the two go again. Riddle gets around, waistlock to the sleeper and body scissors!
Orton RAMS Riddle into buckles! Riddle hops back on! Riddle has Orton caught again, and Orton starts turning red! Orton gets a second wind for a BACKPACK SENTON! But Riddle sits back up! SLEEPER! Orton rolls to ropes and the ref counts. Riddle lets Orton go but Orton gets outside. Riddle goes to the apron but Orton catches the kick to trip Riddle up! Riddle sputters but Orton comes back to bring him up, BACK SUPLEX TO THE DESK! Riddle tumbles and hits the barriers as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns and Orton stomps away on Riddle, especially the bare feet! Riddle writhes and scrambles as he clutches his toes. Orton smiles as he drags Riddle up to scrape his face with boot laces! Orton chokes Riddle on the ropes, the ref counts and Orton lets off at 4. Riddle gets up to CHOP and CHOP and fire off forearms! Riddle whips, Orton reverses and SPINNING POWERSLAMS! Cover, TWO! Orton keeps his cool as he stalks Riddle, and he brings Riddle up by his hair. Orton facelocks, suplexes high and hard, then lets Riddle writhe again. Oroton ROCKS Riddle with a EuroUpper, bumps him off buckles and throws hands. Riddle CHOPS and SLAPS, but Orton pokes eyes!
The ref reprimands but the damage is done and Orton smirks as he stalks Riddle again. Orton has Riddle in a corner and he CHOPS the ribs! And then CHOPS the chest! Riddle CHOPS and forearms back! He fires off over and over, has Orton in a corner then whips him corner to corner. Orton reverses hard and Riddle hits buckles chest first! Riddle falls back while Orton catches his breath. Orton drags Riddle by an arm, covers, TWO! Orton sits Riddle up by his hair, to then dig forearms into the face and wrap on a chinlock. Riddle sputters as Orton grinds the hold. Orton tells Riddle that respect is very important! “You hear me?!” “I hear you!!”
Riddle gets up, fires off body shots but Orton knees low! Orton EuroUppers, runs corner to corner, but Riddle moves and Orton POSTS himself! Riddle comes back with body shots! Orton shoves, Riddle boots! Riddle spins Orton around for a PELE! Orton is down but Riddle kips up! Fans fire up with Riddle as Orton flounders up. Riddle runs corner to corner for a forearm smash! Then side to side for another! Orton fights the exploder off then DECKS Riddle with a right! Riddle is right up to sweep the legs! BROTON! Cover, TWO! Riddle goes to a corner, climbs up, but Orton clubs him down! Orton turns Riddle around but Riddle fights back as Orton climbs.
Orton and Riddle brawl up top, Riddle CHOPS and slaps and throws forearms. But Orton claws Riddle’s eyes! Orton gets Riddle to the very top for a SUPERPLEX! Both men are down but Orton crawls to the cover, TWO! Riddle survives and Orton seethes again. Orton stalks Riddle, runs in but into the HANGING TRIANGLE! Riddle lets go at 4, Orton gasps and sputters now, but he still kicks Riddle in the ropes! DRAPING DDT! Orton has control again, and he paces about as he listens to the voices in his head! Riddle slowly gets up, and he turns RKO into a crucifix takedown! Cover, RIDDLE WINS!!
Winner: Matt Riddle, by pinfall
Now that was outta nowhere! Orton isn’t sure what to make of this, but Riddle just put another feather in his cap! Will this huge win be what brings Riddle back towards a title?
Pearce finishes a phone call.
“You know how it is. Must be Monday.” But then he welcomes Sheamus to his office. Sheamus says they’ve been looking for him. Yes, Pearce wants to congratulate Sheamus on winning the US Championship. That’s right! Look at this beaut! But this isn’t just about his ego, right/ What odes Pearce want? Well Sheamus will be a great champion, no doubt, but think about the legacy! The Open Challenge was a major part of this title’s legacy, and one guy in particular made it every week, and that was John Cena. Now, Sheamus isn’t John Cena, and Sheamus makes sure we don’t forget it.
Does Sheamus look like he cares about the past? This is obviously Pearce just trying to butter him up to do an Open Challenge of his own, and… Sheamus will do it. But it won’t be for the title. Pearce still looks forward to it. Will someone use that Open Challenge opportunity to punch their golden ticket?
Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler VS Naomi & Lana!
The Irresistible Force & Queen of Spades have been able to dominate their opponents, but not deter them from trying again. Will the #RavishingGlow finally take the fight to #ShayNia and earn a title opportunity?
Raw returns as Naomi & Lana make their entrance. Naomi starts with Nia and Naomi dodges Nia to kick. Nia chase Naomi to a corner but Naomi hits back. Naomi kicks, Nia blocks but Naomi boots! Tag to Lana, the Ravishing Glow throw knees and double whip, but Nia double reverses! Lana tilt-o-whirls, but Nia fights the Russian Leg Sweep off! Naomi tags in, Lana chop blocks and Naomi LARIATS! Tag back to Lana, she sliding KICKS! Tag to Naomi, she drops the leg! Cover, TWO! Nia shakes out the cobwebs while Naomi is a bit surprised herself. Tag back to Lana, the Ravishing Glow throws more kicks, but they can’t double suplex. Nia DOUBLE SUPLEXES instead!
Tag to Shayna, and she KNEES Lana down! Cover, TWO! Shayna gets Lana’s arm, wants the Kimura, but Lana body shots and rolls her up! TWO, and Shayna DECKS Naomi! Shayna wrenches Lana’s arm, hammerlocks it to the mat, and lets her hair down as Lana begs for mercy. Shayna shows none as she STOMPS Lana’s arm! But here come the #SexyMuscleFriends! Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke tell Nia that though they hate to interrupt, they wanted to show her something they whipped up. Last week, when the champs were laughing at Mandy, Mandy & Dana got the drop on Nia! Nia doesn’t get what that’s about, but Dana says there’s more!
The next bit of footage was Nia slipping and tripping in the ring! Mandy & Dana had a laugh then, but still did retreat before things got worse. Nia is fuming again, and she storms up the ramp! Shayna wanted to tag in, but Nia wants after Mandy & Dana! Lana manages a tag to Naomi! Shayna swings, misses, and the Ravishing Glow hit the DOUBLE FACEBUSTER! Cover, the Ravishing Glow wins!!
Winners: Naomi & Lana, by pinfall
Nia is shocked, but what did she expect? She lost focus and that cost the team! Will the rest of the Women’s Tag Division keep making a mockery of the champions until someone takes those titles off them?
Raw shares Bad Bunny’s post match interview from WrestleMania 37.
WWE Media asked Bunny how he felt being in front of fans at WrestleMania, and Bunny said it was incredible, and he’s super happy and feeling so many other emotions. “It’s been so long since we’ve had an audience, and for this to be my debut, it was incredible and a dream come true.” The fans gave them all great energy. How did it feel working with Damian Priest? It was Bunny’s pleasure, and Priest knows this, too. It’s just been awesome working with him and learning the process and how Priest works. They talked earlier, this is a great honor to have this moment for the Latino community and Puerto Rico. It is something Bunny will remember forever.
Priest adds that anyone who saw that match can tell how hard Bunny worked and how serious he was out there. Bunny wanted to be proud of his performance, and this is a moment Bunny deserves. How was the overall experience working with the WWE for Bunny? Again, incredible. Everyone here showed him so much respect. They quickly accepted him and he respected them, from the coaches to the bosses, everyone. “It was truly a pleasure to work here. I was able to express myself and give my ideas and collaborate with Damian. Overall, it was a great experience,” and he is thankful for the moment.
Bunny also thanks the Latin community on behalf of himself and Priest. Priest says he should thank Bunny, he earned it. El Ultimo Tour Del Mundo 2022 is coming, but it’s SOLD OUT! Hopefully you got your tickets!
The Miz and Maryse head to the ring!
The It Couple is here to host an all-new Miz TV, and Miz gives us the usual intro for the Most Must-See WWE Talk Show. But this is not your typical episode, because tonight Miz is joined by the love of his life, the mother of his lovely children, and the most vivacious woman in the world! Miz says last week couldn’t have gone any better! First, the Most Must-See Mania Match, where Miz made Bunny a household name, “You’re welcome for the sold out tour, BB.” Then, he and Morrison beat Damian Priest! And to top it all off, the return of Miz And Mrs. was a smashing success!
Maryse thanks the fans for watching, and thanks the most awesome man in her life, who is the most awesome husband and father, and the greatest WWE superstar of his generation. Aw, babe~! These two get lovey-dovey but Miz says they are anything but ordinary. Tonight, they deserve a special celebration! Tonight is THEIR night! Miz and Maryse kiss, and pyro goes off! Then they pop the champagne, and Miz says last week was great, but this week will be even better! Maryse serves him a glass, and tonight they celebrate because another episode of their hit reality show will be on the USA Network after Raw! And then Sunday, Sunday, Sunday will be the world premier: WWE 24 – The Miz, the entire incredible career of him, The Miz!
So raise a glass to the man of the hour, THE Most Must-See WWE Superstar of All-Time… Damian Priest? Priest is making his entrance, at least! Priest goes right to the ring, gets himself a mic and says, “I think I speak for everyone when I saw you’re as delusional as Jake Paul thinking he’s a real fighter.” Also, Miz forgot to show the world how he actually earned that victory last week. For one, it was 2v1. And for another, Maryse was there to be a distraction! And then Miz still used ropes to get leverage! Miz won with his pants down. What type of man brags about something like that? Maybe a man who, uh, how to say… Priest says it in Spanish, then explains that Miz has no cojones. If that isn’t clear enough, Priest can translate with his fists.
Maryse uses French to talk trash Priest back. If Priest wants a match with Miz, he’s got it! Wait, what? Priest thanks Maryse because that Is what he wanted. But before Priest forgets, he gets himself a glass, and toasts Miz. Whoa, that is some trash champagne. Maryse SPLASHES Priest with it!! The Archer of Infamy already wanted payback on the Hollywood A-Lister, but will he add a little extra for what Mrs. Must-See just did?
The New Day talk backstage.
But then Riddle scoots in! Congrats on beating Orton, Kofi hates him! Thanks, bros from other mo’s. But he wants to say, “What’s in the case?” Woods is getting his Antonio Banderas on, #TheDesperado. You could put all sorts of crazy things in it! Like birds, so that you can open it up and let the birds fly out. Or maybe coins, like silver dollars. They all have a group moment and shout, “SILVER DOLLAR PANCAKES! AAAAAAAH~!” Okay, okay, Riddle’s gonna get going now. Kofi asks Woods if he understood any of that. Maybe. But those are good ideas. Will Woods show us what’s in the case when Kofi takes on The Drifter?
Ladies and gentlemen: Elias.
The Drifter and his follower are already in the ring as Elias introduces them both. But then there’s a weird reverb. That’s not Elias’ guitar. What’s going on? Elias looks to the stage, and Woods has an electric bass guitar plugged in! Woods is jamming out, Kofi is dancing, and Elias asks if Woods is trying to copy him. Kofi and Woods head to the ring, and Kofi says Woods is the real musician! But will Kofi get Elias to change genres to the blues after tonight?
Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods VS Elias w/ Jaxson Ryker!
The bell rings and Kofi rushes Elias but Elias KNEES him down! Cover, TWO! Elias drags Kofi up, suplex for the ANARCHY! Cover, TWO!! Elias drags Kofi up again and DECKS him! And then stomps him around! Woods plays more on his base guitar. Is that Stone Cold’s theme? Kofi hits a DOUBLE STOMP! Kofi throws hands, stomps Elias down, and it’s STONE COLD KOFI!! AW HELL~ YEAH! Kofi whips Elias, Elias reverses but Kofi kicks low. Kofi comes back but Elias manages a trophy lift for a hotshot! Elias catches his breath, drags Kofi up, and he suplexes Kofi to hold him up for a count of 10! Kofi crashes down, gets to a corner, and Ryker cheers Elias on.
Elias stomps a mudhole into Kofi now! The ref backs Elias off but he comes back to BOOT Kofi! Elias drags Kofi to the apron to SLAM him on the edge! Elias goes back in, drags Kofi up, knuckle locks and SUPLEXES him! Cover, TWO! Elias clamps onto Kofi’s arm for a top wristlock and thrashes the arm. Kofi endures, fans rally up, and Kofi fights back with haymakers. Elias knees low, whips Kofi to a corner, then runs in but gets the swing kick! Kofi climbs up, leaps and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Kofi mule kicks, fires off more kicks, but Elias shoves. Kofi leaps but into Elias’ arms!
Kofi sunset flips through, Elias rolls through, but Kofi swings around but no SOS as Elias stays up! But not for long, SOS on the second try! Cover, TWO!! Elias gets to a corner, Kofi runs in to forearm smash! Kofi whips corner to corner, Elias goes up but gets caught, so he mule kicks Kofi away! Elias climbs, Kofi stops him with a forearm! Kofi climbs up but Elias throws body shots. Kofi hops down, but springs back up, but Elias denies the Super Steiner! Elias adjusts, leaps, MACHO ELBOW!! Cover, Elias wins!!
Winner: Elias, by pinfall
The Drifter beat an 11-time tag team champion and former world champion! Does this prove Elias belongs after all?
Raw returns to Alexa’s Playground.
Alexa and “Lily” sit on the swings. “Let me tell you a little something about Lily. She didn’t just come into my life around WrestleMania. We’ve actually been best friends for a very, very long time.” One time, they were on a playground just like this. And another girl was being mean to Alexa. She wouldn’t share her ice cream. Alexa doesn’t really like strawberry anyway, but guess what Alexa did? “I shoved that little bitch right off the swing! She fell on her ass and broke her arm!” Alexa got to eat up all the ice cream after that. “That was fun.” And when the teachers asked why, Alexa simply told the truth: “Lily made me do it.” The teachers thought she was bonkers, but if Lily doesn’t like something, she has no problem letting you know.
Lily “tells” Alexa to get to the point. All the little girls on the Raw roster, there’s something you should know: Lily didn’t like him, and she doesn’t like any of you. Alexa laughs and swings. Will she and “Lily” make sure everyone on Raw have a new nightmare haunting them?
Backstage interview with Mandy & Dana.
They managed to embarrass Nia, costing her and Shayna their match. But is this appropriate behavior? Mandy says they’ll stop right there. They are not the bullies, Nia & Shayna are. Mandy slipped at Mania, but Shayna & Nia laughed at it over and over again. And all the other times- Uh oh, here comes Nia! They hurry off, but then Shayna tells Nia to get focused. The only reason they lost was because of Nia! Nia is so distracted lately, so she better start paying attention, “or else.” Or else what? Angel Garza then walks over and asks what Nia sees in that clown, Reginald. Nia has a lot of things going on, will she be able to focus on the titles at all?
2v1 Handicap: T-Bar & Mace VS Drew McIntyre!
Though they may no longer be Retribution, the towering titans might just face retribution! Will the Scottish Warrior slay two problems at once on his road back to redemption?
Raw returns as T-Bar & Mace make their entrance, still using the Retribution theme song but with all new titantron graphics. T-Bar starts but McIntyre rushes him! McIntyre bumps T-Bar off buckles, stomps and CHOPS, then ROCKS him with a right! McIntyre throws more haymakers, but T-Bar hits back! T-Bar throws hands, throws elbows at the ropes, then whips. McIntyre kicks back, CHOPS back, then reels T-Bar into a suplex. T-Bar resists, throws body shots and suplexes, only for McIntyre to resist. McIntyre throws knees, and then suplexes T-Bar up and over! Cover, ONE! That’s normally McIntyre’s thing!
McIntyre stomps T-Bar, headbutts him in a corner, but T-Bar knees back. T-Bar throws elbows, MVP watches backstage and Mace tags in. Mace fires off body shots, throws knees in the corner, but McIntyre hits back! McIntyre CHOPS, whips, but Mace reverses! Mace gets around McIntyre to CLOBBER him! Cover, TWO! Mace clamps onto McIntyre, he CLUBS McIntyre on the back, then tags T-Bar. T-Bar and Mace storm over, mug McIntyre, then double suplex McIntyre! Cover, TWO! McIntyre survives but T-Bar stomps him down! Tag to Mace, they stomp McIntyre then Mace boots him down! Mace gets McIntyre up to ROCK him with an uppercut!
Tag to T-Bar, he and Mace both run in to KNEE McIntyre in the chest! McIntyre drops to his knees and T-Bar clamps on a chinlock! T-Bar thrashes McIntyre around but fans rally on their ThunderDome screens. McIntyre fights up, throws hands but T-Bar knees low. They brawl, McIntyre throws body shots and haymakers! T-Bar throws McIntyre down by his hair! Tag to Mace, and Mace drags McIntyre up for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Mace drags McIntyre up by his hair, throws haymakers, but McIntyre throws body shots! T-Bar tags in, McIntyre gets mugged! T-Bar digs his knee into McIntyre at the ropes but lets off as the ref counts.
McIntyre sputters as T-Bar drags him up again. McIntyre throws body shots, then haymakers, then a CHOP! McIntyre keeps on T-Bar, and hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife cover, TWO! McIntyre aims and runs corner to corner, but into a BOOT! T-Bar hops up, leaps, but into a GLASGOW KISS! Mace shouts to T-Bar but McIntyre backs up to take aim again. Mace rushes over but McIntyre CLOBBERS him! T-Bar RAMS McIntyre to the corner! McIntyre clubs him, Mace mugs McIntyre! The ref calls the disqualification!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by disqualification
But now here comes BRAAAUN~! The Monster Among Men runs T-Bar and Mace off! “Stuff doesn’t go down like that in here!” Is Braun going to help McIntyre even the odds against his attackers?
T-Bar & Mace VS Drew McIntyre & Braun Strowman!
Raw returns and holla holla, this is now a tag match! Braun and Mace start, tie up and Braun shoves Mace down! “Welcome to the big leagues!” T-Bar says Braun ain’t so bad, but Braun powers Mace back again. Mace turns this around, lets off as the ref counts, and returns the trash talk. Mace shoves Braun but Braun swings on him, Mace gets a headlock but Bran slips out to get one back. Mace turns it back around, but Braun powers up. Mace thrashes, Braun powers out, and the two collide! Mace’s mask comes loose and that slows him down, and Braun runs him over! McIntyre smirks as Braun drags Mace up to headbutt him back down!
Braun has Mace in a corner, throws body shots then bumps Mace off buckles! Braun CLUBS Mace on the back, then glares. There’s a bit of blood from where Braun hit Mace’s mask, but he doesn’t care. Braun gets Mace up, grinds Mace with a headlock, and then knees him hard! Braun ROCKS Mace with an uppercut, tags in McIntyre, and McIntyre stomps Mace. McIntyre fires off furious fists, but the ref backs him off. Mace throat chops McIntyre in the opening! Mace tags T-Bar, and T-Bar runs in, only for McIntyre to spin him around and CLOBBER him! Braun tags in, and he BOOTS T-Bar down! Braun gets T-Bar up and gets in his face as he throws heavy hands!
Braun gets T-Bar up, tosses him across the way, then stalks over. T-Bar kicks but Braun uppercuts! Braun whips corner to corner hard and T-Bar falls to his knees! Mace talks trash to distract, then dodges the swing, and T-Bar chop blocks Braun! Mace tags in, and with T-Bar, the LEG LARIAT CLOHTESLINE COMBO! Cover, TWO! Braun survives, Mace clubs away on him, and drags him into a neck wrench! Mace rakes eyes but the ref counts. Mace lets off to CLUB Braun with the crossface forearm! Tag to T-Bar, they set Braun up and T-Bar runs to BOOT Braun back down! Cover, TWO! Braun is still in this but T-Bar keeps on him with a knee in the back!
T-Bar grinds Braun with the chinlock but fans rally up. Braun fights to his feet, throws body shots but T-Bar CLUBS away on him! T-Bar runs, but into a back drop! Both men are down, they crawl, hot tags to Mace and McIntyre! McIntyre rallies with clotheslines, Mace reverses the whip but gets another clothesline! McIntyre gets Mace in a corner for the OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Mace flounders up, McIntyre gets around him for the NECKBREAKER! McIntyre kips up and fans fire up! McIntyre gets Mace up, and tears the mask away! It’s DIO MADDIN! Oh wait we knew that. Mace SLAPS McIntyre, so McIntyre SMACKS Mace with the mask!!
Winners: Mace & T-Bar, by disqualification
T-Bar gets McIntyre for a back suplex! Braun runs T-Bar over! And he takes T-Bar’s mask away! It’s DOMINIK DIJAKOVIC! Wait, we knew that, too. Braun CLOCKS T-Bar with the mask, too! No more Retribution, no more secrets, but it was still a win for “T-Bar” and “Mace!” But McIntyre says this isn’t the end, they’re just getting started! Braun says hopefully fans remember these two, because he and McIntyre are going to make them disappear!
Damian Priest VS The Miz w/ Maryse!
The Archer of Infamy wants the Hollywood A-Lister to face reality, but Maryse is the one who dared him to face The Miz in a match. Will Priest once again shoot down the Most Must-See WWE Superstar on behalf of Bad Bunny?
The bell rings, he and Miz circle, but then Miz bails out. Maryse is there to give Miz a good luck kiss, and then Miz gets another. But Priest drags Miz into the ring! Miz swings but Priest hits a ROUNDHOUSE! And a BROKEN ARROW! Priest throws haymakers and body shots in a corner, then ROCKS Miz with an uppercut! Miz sputters, Priest gets him up and KICKS him in the ribs! Priest wrenches and whips Miz to ropes, then hits a leaping back elbow! Maryse is worried for Miz, but Priest stomps and takes aim. Maryse grabs at Priest’s leg! Miz BOOTS Priest down, then runs to WRECK him off the apron! Maryse plays innocent as Miz gets Priest up to throw into barriers!
A ring count climbs, Miz gets Priest up to throw into more barrier! The count is 5 of 10, Miz gets Priest up and into the ring at 7. Miz climbs the corner, leaps, and ax handles Priest down! Miz rains down more fists, then BUZZSAWS Priest! Cover, ONE!! Miz clamps onto Priest with a chinlock! He smothers and chokes Priest, lets off as the ref counts, and leans into the chinlock. Priest fights up as fans rally and he throws body shots. Priest gets free, but Miz spins Priest around for the A-LIST COMBINATION! Miz snarls as he looms over Priest. Miz gives Priest It Kicks! Miz hits front and back and front again! Priest seethes, Miz aims but Priest forearms the kick away!
Priest gets up, Miz is frozen in his tracks, and Priest fires off his own kicks! Priest ROCKS Miz, then FLAPJACKS him! Miz flounders, Priest fires up and takes aim, and makes sure Maryse stays back this time. Priest runs corner to corner to back elbow! Then suplex, but Miz avoids the Broken Arrow, only to get the springboard cannonball! Priest is fired up, but Miz flounders to avoid the choke grip. Priest grabs at Miz but Miz avoids getting pants’d again! Miz swings but Priest counter punches! Maryse is on the apron again! Miz rolls Priest up and has the ropes, TWO!! Priest BELL CLAPS then dragon sleepers, HIT THE LIGHTS!! Cover, Priest wins!
Winner: Damian Priest, by pinfall
Miz & Maryse tried a Hollywood remake from last week, but it fell flat! Priest gets even, but is he finally done with the A-Lister?
Raw returns and Sheamus is in the ring!
The Celtic Warrior and NEW WWE United States Champion has a mic to say, “There is something that the world needs to know right now. And that is that I am your NEW United States Champion~!” And trust Sheamus when he says it will be like this for a long, long time. Now you’re probably wondering, “Sheamy, how’d ya do it?” Well he’ll tell you how he didn’t do it. He wasn’t nice, or reckless. He was the opposite! So here’s the deal: he will be a fighting champion! That means he’ll issue an Open Challenge for his US Championship each and every week on Monday Night Raw! Or, just whenever he feels like it.
Because he’ll ask you! Any WWE superstar, do you want the chance to get your hands on some real gold? If you do, if you’ve got- Here comes Humberto Carrillo! Will Dale Gas get one up on the Fella?
Open Challenge: Sheamus VS Humberto Carrillo!
Sheamus attacks before the bell! This isn’t even a match yet, as Sheamus TOSSES Carrillo from the ring! Carrillo writhes on the outside as Sheamus goes out there, and Sheamus CLOBBERS him! Sheamus gets Carrillo up again to run and RAM him into barriers! And then brings him back the other way to RAM him into more barriers! Sheamus then POSTS Carrillo, and gives him Beats of the Bodhrain until he hits the floor! Sheamus wipes the sweat from his brow, drags Carrillo up and scoops him to POST him again! Sheamus then gets Carrillo in the ring, drags him to a corner, and then goes to the opposite corner.
Sheamus finally pulls down the suspender straps and waits for Carrillo to rise. Carrillo staggers over, into the BROGUE!! Sheamus gets the belt and holds it in Carrillo’s face! “You think you’re in my league?! You’re NOT in my league! And this is as close to the title as you’re gonna get!” Sheamus gives his title a kiss, and leaves Carrillo down and out in the ring. Will Sheamus only accept his own Open Challenge when a worthy opponent steps up?
Asuka VS Charlotte Flair!
The Empress of Tomorrow wants a rematch with Rhea Ripley for the Raw Women’s Championship, but the Queen demands respect. Who gets what they want on the road to #WrestleManiaBacklash?
The bell rings, but Rhea makes her way back out to watch this match closely, just as Charlotte dared her to. Charlotte and Asuka then tie up, go around, and Charlotte headlocks, Asuka powers out, rams Charlotte but neither falls! Asuka shoves Charlotte, eggs her on, and then things speed up. Charlotte cartwheels, Asuka keeps going, ducks the hurdle then KICKS the somersault down! Asuka KICKS Charlotte over and over at ropes as Rhea takes a seat at the ramp. Asuka runs, the hip attack misses and Charlotte BOOTS her down! Charlotte drags Asuka to the apron, reels her in and turns her, but Asuka fights the neckbreaker to give the APRON NECKBREAKER!
Both women fall to the floor as the ring count starts! The Raw Women’s Champion stands up and steps closer to get a better look, as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Charlotte CLUBS Asuka down while talking trash. Charlotte CHOPS Asuka off her feet and Rhea enjoys the match. Charlotte whips Asuka to a corner but Asuka elbows back! And boots back! Asuka hops up, leaps and missile dropkicks Charlotte down! Both women are down but stumbling back up, and Asuka dropkicks Charlotte again! Asuka hits the pop-up KNEE! And then a corner HIP ATTACK! Charlotte flounders, Rhea gets closer to watch as Asuka KICKS! Charlotte blocks a kick to ROCK Asuka with a forearm! Charlotte boots but into Asuka’s spin and GERMAN SUPLEX! Asuka runs to SLIDING WIZARD! Cover, TWO!!
Rhea is ringside now as she watches Charlotte get up slowly. Asuka waistlocks again but Charlotte elbows out hard! Asuka gets an ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! Charlotte shifts, throws down forearms and gets free. Charlotte lines up a shot but Asuka still dodges! Charlotte blocks a kick, cravat to KNEE SMASH, then she runs, into a CODE BREAKER!! The Queen and Empress are both down, but Asuka grabs at Charlotte firs.t Charlotte forearms, Asuka forearms, and they brawl to their feet! Asuka HEEL KICKS and Charlotte staggers! Asuka runs, into a SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!! Charlotte is furious but she drags Asuka around by a leg. Charlotte steps through but Asuka kicks her away!
Charlotte is in the ropes, Asuka kicks but is caught! HANGING KNEEBAR!! The ref counts, Charlotte lets off at 4, then tells Rhea that’s what’s coming for her. Charlotte then CHOP BL- NO! Asuka jumps the chop block to get the ASUKA LOCK!! They roll around, Charlotte gets the ropebreak! Asuka lets go, and Charlotte CHOP BLOCKS after all! Charlotte gets the leg, steps through, FIGURE FOUR! They move around, Charlotte bridges, FIGURE EIGHT! But Rhea trips her up!?! Charlotte is pissed, and she goes after Rhea! Charlotte drags Rhea onto the apron but Asuka KCIKS her down! Ghost pin, Asuka wins!!
Winner: Asuka, by pinfall
The Aussie Nightmare gets an assist, but she also gets even with Charlotte ruining last week’s title match! The Queen glares at the ref, and then TOSSES him across the way! She stomps a mudhole into the ref and this is definitely going to be a fine! Charlotte rains down elbows but other referees rush out to tell her to stop. Charlotte does, and grins, before going after the match’s ref again!! Charlotte is finally satisfied, and takes her leave. Or not… Charlotte turns back to the ring, goes back in, and she PUNTS the ref in the ribs!! Will this only make it harder for The Queen to get back to the title?
My Thoughts:
This was a somewhat better Raw than last week, but could still have been better. We got a perfectly fine rematch of Viking Raiders VS Alexander & Benjamin, but it immediately shows how small the Raw Tag Division is if we still aren’t seeing the new champions this week. I don’t know if this is because something happened at Mania we’re not being told about, such as a minor injury, but we need to see the champs again before the next PPV. Kofi VS Elias was a good singles match, and Woods with the electric guitar to play Steve Austin’s theme was a nice touch, but it was rather surprising that Elias won clean. I suppose this is so Elias & Ryker are strong in the tag division, but it is still surprising.
It turns out there was a bit of a rewrite, where Orton and Braun were advertised to have a 1v1, but clearly Orton faced Riddle. This was perhaps one of those times where a Vince McMahon rewrite works out, because Orton VS Riddle was a really good match, and Riddle getting the surprise win was great. This might escalate things, but that could be for the best with both guys since #WrestleManiaBacklash is already a bunch of rubbish anyway. They can miss the PPV, they can be on it to give us something new, either one would be fine but having an even bigger match than tonight would be great.
Alexa’s getting even creepier, but maybe not in the right way. Are we supposed to believe “Lily” has been in Alexa’s head since she was little? With those clearly photoshopped photos of little Alexa and Lily? Of course, WWE is making Babatunde/Dabba-Kato into Commander Azeez like no one can remember Raw Underground from just under a year ago. And I fear that, just as we would’ve gotten Pumpkin Demon Balor VS “Sister Abigail” Bray Wyatt, we’re about to get Alexa becoming Lily for a match. I would instead prefer Lily interacting with Bray’s Firefly Fun House puppet pals in a way to set up Alexa VS Bray in a Firefly Fun House match.
The Women’s Tag Team title story on Raw continues to get a bit complicated, confusing and disappointing. Mandy & Dana rub Nia’s forced clumsiness in her face, and not even very well because they didn’t really make that footage replay all that smooth. Shayna loses the match because Nia wasn’t there to stop Naomi & Lana, and I do appreciate that Shayna got in Nia’s face about it, I’m just not sure how they’re going about it. And just as I wondered what was going on with Reginald, Angel Garza shows up just to bring him up and take a dig at Nia over the kayfabe relationship. Is Nia going to have a meltdown and that’s why her team loses the titles and splits up?
I’m also curious where John Morrison was tonight. Miz and Maryse were the only ones for Miz TV and the match with Priest, but maybe we’re supposed to see that as why Priest won this time. It does make sense, 3v1 is better than 2v1. I have a feeling this doesn’t end until Priest VS Morrison 1v1 can happen, which would be great since that match will be great. And speaking of 2v1, we got some interesting development with McIntyre, MVP and the former Retribution members. MVP claims he wasn’t paying T-Bar & Mace to do the dirty work, and maybe that’s true, but it could still change. The handicap becoming a tag match was a pretty standard move, and things ending with a disqualification was clearly to keep things going.
The masks coming off was a nice surprise, and though I joked about it in the write-up, commentary did NOT say anything about Dijakovic & Maddin being in Retribution at all. I hope Dijakovic & Maddin get to be themselves now, whether or not they team with MVP. And if they stick together, they’d make a strong addition to the tag division, too. Sheamus giving us an open challenge that wasn’t an open challenge was a clever move, but bit of a bummer way for Carrillo to return. Maybe he’ll come back for more until Sheamus gives him a match.
And we got some decent development for the Raw Women’s Championship. Charlotte’s promo before Asuka and Rhea showed up was alright, but after they showed up, it got better because she was being so obnoxious and kept talking over Asuka. Asuka shouting Charlotte down was great, and their match was also great. Rhea interfering on the sly was pretty good, letting Asuka win without really winning, but this is building to something big. Probably a Triple Threat so no matter who wins, the other two don’t look weak. And it won’t go like with Roman Reigns because no offense to Charlotte or Asuka, WWE isn’t treating any of them like they are Roman.
My Score: 8.3/10
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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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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
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Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
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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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