Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (5/10/21)
A brutal battle before Backlash!
Raw rocks the ThunderDome just days before WrestleMania Backlash!
Though a Triple Threat is in their future, Bobby Lashley and Drew McIntyre clash in a true WrestleMania rematch right here on Monday Night Raw!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Six Woman Tag: Asuka, Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke VS Charlotte Flair, Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler; Asuka, Mandy & Dana win.
- Jeff Hardy VS Jinder Mahal w/ Shanky & Veer; Mahal wins.
- 8 Man Tag: The New Day & RKBRO VS AJ Styles, Omos, Elias & Jaxson Ryker; The New Day & RKBRO win.
- Sheamus VS Humberto Carrillo; Sheamus wins, by referee stoppage.
- Cedric Alexander VS Shelton Benjamin; Benjamin wins.
- Asuka VS Rhea Ripley; Ripley wins.
- Damian Priest VS John Morrison w/ The Miz; Priest wins and chooses Lumberjack Match for the stipulation in his match with The Miz at #WrestleManiaBacklash.
- Bobby Lashley w/ MVP VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins, by disqualification.
PLAY BY PLAY
Six Woman Tag: Asuka, Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke VS Charlotte Flair, Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler!
The Empress of Tomorrow joins forces with the #SexyMuscleFriends to stand against common enemies! Will Asuka prove the Queen is not ready? Or will the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions help Charlotte stand strong before the Triple Threat title match at #WrestleManiaBacklash?
The teams sort out and Nia starts with Mandy. Nia makes fun of Mandy’s poses and footwork as they circle. Nia rushes Mandy, Mandy dodges and fires off forearms but Nia shoves her away. Nia runs in but Mandy dodges again, to swing on Charlotte! Nia CLOBBERS Mandy for that, tags Shayna in, and they mug Mandy. Charlotte holds Mandy down as Shayna digs her boots in, but the ref counts. They let off, Shayna gets Mandy up to wrench to a double wristlock. Mandy endures as Shayna goes after different angles. Shayna waistlocks and drags Mandy down to then float to a facelock. Mandy fights up, powers up and RAMS Shayna into the corner!
Mandy rams shoulders in, Shayna swipes at Dana but Asuka tags in. Asuka stomps Shayna down, Shayna shoves her but runs into a waistlock. Shayna wrenches out to headlock but Asuka powers out. Asuka then follows and dropkicks Shayna down! Shaya bails out, Mandy and Dana take care of Nia and Charlotte! Reggie protests but flips away as Dana swipes at him. Nia, Shayna and Charlotte get in to argue with their opponents, but… Alexa Bliss shows up on stage? She and Lily sit on their swing set and she says, “Oops. Did we interrupt things? We’re sorry~! Well, I am. Lily’s not.” Lily and Alexa wanted to keep their eyes on a certain someone. Alexa laughs and everyone is confused, as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Charlotte stomps a mudhole into Mandy. The ref counts, Alexa is still watching from her playground, and Charlotte puts Mandy in headscissors to dribble her head into the mat! Charlotte squeezes tight, Mandy endures and her team coach her up, but Charlotte reaches out. Tag to Shayna, she stomps Mandy down, then drags her up while Alexa talks to Lily. Shayna wrenches the arm for a keylock and then a SLAM! Cover, TWO! Shayna stays between Mandy and her team to get another double wristlock. Shayna drags Mandy over, tags Nia in, and feeds Mandy to Nia’s scoop and SLAM! Cover, TWO!
Nia keeps on Mandy with a seated cobra clutch. Mandy endures as Nia leans on her and the fans rally up. Mandy fights up, hits a short jawbreaker then fires off forearms! Mandy steadies herself, runs, but into a fireman’s carry! Mandy fights free, tags Dana, and Dana fires off on Nia! Nia DECKS Dana, tags Shayna, and Shayna kicks. Dana dodges to DECK Charlotte, then she LARIATS Shayna! Dana fires up, handsprings and back elbows to a BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Dana keeps her cool as she keeps on Shayna, Shayna reverses the whip to get a swinging BACKBREAKER! Shayna drags Dana over but her leg jams! Hot tag to Asuka!
Asuka DECKS Nia, SHINING WIZARD to Shayna! Cover, Asuka’s team wins!!
Winners: Asuka, Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke, by pinfall
But Charlotte BOOTS Asuka down before she can celebrate! A misstep from Shayna cost Charlotte, but Alexa laughs. Did she and Lily have something to do with this? Does the Women’s Division need an exorcism?
The New Day talk backstage.
Matt Riddle scoots in again and surprises them. He thanks them for the registration forms, because in a couple weeks, RKBRO will be official! You love to see it! Yes, it is a little known fact that superstars must register to be in the WWE Tag Division. Unlike the frauds, AJ Styles & Omos! Speaking of, what do they have planned for tonight’s match? Some #Bromatoes for Elias & Ryker? No, they ran out of those. But how about hitting them in the head with #Bronutts? Yeah, but Riddle’s out of those, too. Imagine if they could get Omos with just one big tomato! It’d be hilarious.
Almost as funny as last week when Randy Orton got hit with them. It was like a cartoon, like in SpongeBob when Squidward got hit with toma- What? What’s wrong? Is something behind him? Yes… Is it that creepy doll, Lily? No… It’s Orton! Oh hey, how are you, Randy? They were just talking about the funny thing that happened last week. Kofi apologizes that Orton ended up in the middle of things, but Kofi wasn’t that upset. If they knew Orton was going to get hit, Woods would’ve shielded him. Nah, it was priceless. Even Orton has to admit that was funny. Orton asks if Riddle really thought that was funny. A little.
Do you know what Orton finds funny? Ending careers, killing legends and kicking people in the head. Oh, and setting things on fire. See you guys out there. Wild. Let’s catch up later. Get it? HAHAHA! Okay laters! Will Riddle, Orton and the New Day be able to laugh about this down the road? Or will Styles, Omos, the Drifter and his follower ruin the fun?
MVP visits Braun Strowman’s dressing room.
MVP knocks on the door, listens to see if anyone is inside, and decides to walk in. Braun is talking with a staffer, but then turns around to see MVP. “Get out of my locker room.” MVP says he just wants to talk business. Well he doesn’t want to talk with MVP! Now hold on, MVP knows Braun is a smart guy so he should hear MVP out. Last week, Lashley didn’t beat Braun, McIntyre did. And the All Mighty knows that, too. Lashley says Braun is the strongest person he’s fought, and if not for McIntyre, Lashley might’ve lost. Braun doesn’t believe the BS and gets to business. MVP says if Lashley had to lose the title, not that he will, but he’d rather lose it to Braun than McIntyre.
McIntyre’s had the title, faced Lashley for it before, but Braun hasn’t. So if somehow, McIntyre got hurt and couldn’t compete at Backlash this Sunday, then it’d be a 1v1 match between the Monster Among Men and the All Mighty. Surely Braun sees how that can benefit all parties involved. Braun doesn’t like MVP. MVP gets that. But he doesn’t take it personal. This is business. MVP takes his leave, but will Braun see things his way?
BREAKING NEWS!
Just approved by WWE management, Damian Priest will look to settle things with The Miz once and for all! They will go 1v1 at #WrestleManiaBacklash! Speaking of which…
Damian Priest talks with Adam Pearce backstage.
They both know they need the opinion of The Miz, too. Hence why Miz and John Morrison walk in. They ask why Priest is still in here. Shouldn’t he be busy drying off after “getting drenched by the most moist-see superstar,” Johnny Drip Drip? What? The reason for this meeting is that Priest had an idea that would work out for everyone. Why would Miz want to listen to Priest? Because Priest has beaten him and Morrison up nonstop and he has an idea how to make this more interesting. Morrison says he would’ve won if not for… Uh, y’know. Miz can’t believe him! They can all see Morrison pointing to Miz! Really? But he was being really subtle.
Miz says what matters is that Morrison will win tonight, and Miz will win at Backlash! Then let’s raise the stakes. If Morrison wins, he chooses the stipulation for Priest VS Miz. But if Priest wins, he chooses the stipulation. Why would Miz put his fate in someone else’s ha- Challenge accepted! John, do you realize what you’re doing?! Yes, he’s guaranteeing that they get to pick the stipulation! Fine… Morrison takes out his sunglasses and tells Priest to bring a coat. Tonight’s forecast calls for a light drizzle, courtesy of Johnny Drip Drip. What is up with him and “drip?” But will Morrison drop the ball and put Miz in an unwinnable situation?
Jinder Mahal speaks.
“I am Jinder Mahal, and nothing smells better than fresh competition.” The Modern Day Maharaja is excited to be back on Monday Night Raw! But he hasn’t come alone! He has allies in Veer and Shanky, and we will all be reminded why Mahal is a former WWE World Champion! Mahal and his new followers head to the ring, because we’re also going to see the return of the Charismatic Enigma, Jeff Hardy!
Jeff Hardy VS Jinder Mahal w/ Shanky & Veer!
Raw returns as Hardy makes his entrance. The bell rings and Hardy goes right after Mahal with haymakers! The ref backs him off but Hardy SHOTGUN dropkicks Mahal to a corner! Hardy fires off, whips, but Mahal reverses. Hardy kicks the back drop away but Mahal KNEES the jawbreaker, to then BOOT him down! Cover, TWO! Mahal stomps Hardy at the ropes, lets off as the ref counts, and he drags Hardy up by his hair. Mahal CLUBS Hardy on the back, stomps him down, then runs to drop a knee! Mahal gets Hardy up, throws more hands, stomps him down again, then drags him back up. Mahal reels Hardy in to suplex high and hard!
Veer and Shanky cheer Hardy on as Mahal throws down elbows and drives in knees. Mahal puts on a half nelson chinbar but Hardy endures. Hardy fights up but Mahal wraps on a chinlock. Fans rally, Mahal wrangles Hardy down, but Hardy still endures. Mahal cranks back, brings Hardy around, but Hardy fights up to fight out. JAWBREAKER! Mahal staggers, Hardy kicks but Mahal blocks, so Hardy spin back kicks! Hardy counter punches, throws haymakers, but Mahal shoves. Hardy dodges to DECK Mahal! Hardy wants an atomic drop but Mahal CLUBS him down! Mahal pushes Hardy to a corner but runs into boots!
Hardy goes up top, leaps, and ax handles Mahal down! Hardy fires up, throws off the shirt, and kicks low. Mahal denies the Twist of Fate to KNEE Hardy in the head! Mahal drags Hardy into the cobra clutch, for the KALLAS! Cover, Mahal wins!
Winner: Jinder Mahal, by pinfall
One former world champion conquers another, and Mahal is ready to climb the mountain again! Will he and his mountainous allies soon tower over all of Raw?
Sonya Deville is on the phone.
She finishes up some business before Charlotte Flair walks in. Charlotte looks to be asking Sonya for something, is she bound to get her way again?
Elias and Jaxson Ryker meet up backstage.
And they’ve got more tomatoes! Ryker has enough to take out the New Day, Riddle AND Orton! Nice! But Styles asks what is all this. Ryker says they have a chance to get revenge for those rotten tomatoes weeks ago! Elias also has a song to honor this team-up! He plays a bit of it but Styles says no. No tomatoes, no songs, even though Elias is good. And yes, Styles shaved his beard down to more of a goatee so he’s more aerodynamic. But these are the Raw Tag Team Champions! Let’s take this seriously, alright? Right, of course. Styles tosses Omos a tomato, and Omos says this is gonna be their opponents! He squashes the tomato with just one hand! They hate tomatoes anyway.
8 Man Tag: The New Day & RKBRO VS AJ Styles, Omos, Elias & Jaxson Ryker!
No tomatoes, no songs, no fun and games! The Viper and the Phenomenal One agree that it’s time to bring the pain! But who will deal it and who will feel it after the break?
Raw returns and Orton makes his entrance, followed by the New Day. Orton and Riddle aren’t technically tag division official so them making separate entrances is still fine. Then Elias and Ryker enter, followed by the champions, Styles and Omos. The teams sort out, Riddle starts with Elias and the two tie up. Riddle goes for a leg, Elias blocks but Riddle shifts to knuckle locks and a monkey flip to ARMBAR! Elias scrambles to get a ropebreak with his legs! Riddle lets off and Ryker tags in. Riddle and Ryker tie up, Riddle hits a headlock takeover but Ryker headscissors. Riddle moves around, pops free and PENALTY KICKS! Ryker gets right up and Riddle eggs him on!
But now Omos tags in! Riddle goes after Omos with body shots but Omos just TOSSES him away! Riddle comes back but the kick is blocked and Omos FLIPS Riddle! Woods gets in, Omos BOOTS him! Kofi runs in but Omos clamps onto his head with both hands! Omos HEADBUTTS Kofi down, then drags him up to throw him to the corner! Orton tags in and Styles warns Omos to watch him! The Viper was ready, but the towering titan staring him down keeps him back. Orton regroups with his team as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Elias stomps Riddle down! Elias gets Riddle at ropes, throws forearms, but Riddle hits back. Elias throws body shots, stomps Elias to the corner but lets off as the ref counts. Tag to Ryker, he and Elias whip Riddle to elbow him down, drop ax handles and cover, TWO! Ryker gets Riddle up, tags in Styles, then hits Riddle with a BIG back suplex! Styles covers, TWO! Styles keeps Riddle from his team, Riddle fires off body shots, but Styles DECKS him with a forearm! Styles gets Riddle up, suplexes but Riddle slips out! Tag to Kofi! Kofi tags in Woods and both fire off kicks on Styles! BASEMENT COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, TWO!
Woods drags Styles up, Styles throat chops Woods! Styles whips, Woods dodges and Kofi tags in. Woods gets around Styles to shove him at Kofi and Kofi shoulders into him! Woods then rolls Styles, Kofi goes up and leaps, FROGGY CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Styles survives but Kofi keeps between him and his corner. Kofi whips Styles away, hits a splash and tags in Woods. Woods climbs, Kofi scoops, BACKBREAKER to Styles, but Elias KNEES Kofi down! The ref reprimands Elias but Styles gets away. Woods missile dropkicks Elias down! Styles gives a SPINEBUSTER to Woods! Tag to Ryker, he covers, ONE!! Woods is still in this but Ryker puts him in a corner for stomps!
Ryker lets off as the ref counts, Riddle protests, but Ryker drags Woods up to bump him off buckles. Tag to Elias, Elias whips Ryker in and Ryker CLOBBERS Woods! Feed to Elias’ SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Woods reaches but Elias stands over him. Elias drags Woods away, digs his knee into Woods’ back, then bumps Woods off buckles. Elias CHOPS Woods but Woods fires off hands and CHOPS of his own! Elias scoops Woods for a big SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Ryker tags in and stomps Woods down, then drags him into a camel clutch! Woods endures, reaches out for his corner, and fights up as fans rally. JAWBREAKER!
Ryker wobbles, Woods crawls but Ryker reels him back in! Ryker CLUBS Woods down, whips him, and hits a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Woods has survived four spinebusters but Ryker tags Elias in. They mug Woods with shots to his ribs, then Elias CLUBS away on Woods’ back! Elias hits an ANARCHY SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Elias keeps on Woods with a chinlock but the fans fire up. Woods endures the knee in his back, Riddle and even Orton clap “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” Woods fights up, Elias gets him up, but no spinebuster this time! Sunset flip, TWO! Elias boots but misses, hot tag to Riddle! The Bro gives Elias a FINAL FLASH!
Ryker gets in, he gets a BROSPLODER! Riddle DECKS Styles, forearms Elias, but Elias fights off the Brosploder with elbows! Elias whips, Riddle reverses, Elias goes up but Riddle catches him to a BRO DEREK!! Cover, Omos breaks it! Omos drags Riddle up, throws him to the corner, and Orton tags in! Riddle goes up, leaps, but Omos CLUBS him! Kofi trips up Styles, Woods dodges Omos to WRECK Styles with a dropkick! Omos is looking all around, and can only watch as the New Day play merry-go-round with Styles’ legs! Omos chases after them, Orton returns and RKO’s Elias!! Cover, RKBRO and New Day win!!
Winners: The New Day, Randy Orton & Matt Riddle, by pinfall
Veteran wisdom takes advantage of Omos’ inexperience! Riddle holds up Orton’s hand, but Orton glares at him. He isn’t one for celebrating so Riddle lets the hand down. Riddle celebrates with the New Day, but then Orton RKO’s Woods!! Kofi gets mad, storms over, into an RKO!! Riddle can’t believe what just happened! “How are we gonna have friends if you keep doing stuff like this?!” Surprisingly, Orton doesn’t RKO Riddle. Once a Viper, always a Viper, but will that be just what helps make Orton and Riddle future tag team champions?
Rhea Ripley talks to Sonya Deville.
Rhea wants to know what this meeting is about, and Sonya says she will explain once Asuka arrives. Asuka does shortly after, and Sonya keeps this from happening in the office. This will be a peaceful resolution, please and thank you. Sonya knows these two have been after each other for weeks, and she was given an idea on how to solve the problem. These two will resolve their issues so they can focus on Sunday. Tonight, they will go 1v1! And whose idea was this? Sonya won’t tell. This is Charlotte, isn’t it? She was in here earlier! She wants these two to tear each other apart so Charlotte can have an even easier time!
Asuka points out she already had a match tonight. But she will gladly do it again because she’s ready for Rhea! Rhea laughs and says fine. She’ll win tonight, just like she did at WrestleMania. Charlotte can have all the ideas she wants, it won’t stop Rhea from going after her this Sunday. Asuka says as much in Japanese, and the two head out. Is this all the Queen’s chess game making pawns out of the Empress and Raw Women’s Champion?
MVP talks with Bobby Lashley backstage.
Kevin Patrick walks over for an interview. He asks that with Lashley having beaten Braun last week, what does he look to prove against McIntyre tonight? MVP says Kevin is being very rude just walking into their locker room and then asking him questions like that. Maybe Kevin missed WrestleMania 37, where Lashley proved he IS the better man. This is a sequel to a movie with a foregone conclusion. Lashley Defeats the Scottish Warrior, Part 2. But then what about Backlash? Lashley says two week sago, he said he could beat both guys 1v1. He pinned Braun, he will beat McIntyre again. So how do you think Backlash will go?
Then MVP, what about the proposition he made to Braun so that they could get rid of McIntyre and turn the Triple Threat into a singles match? MVP does not comment on business negotiations that, unlike this interview, are ongoing. So it means what you think: GO! LEAVE! Kevin does leave, but will those “negotiations” go nowhere?
Sheamus VS Humberto Carrillo!
The Fella has been a fighting champion who fights rather than defends his championship. But with Dale Gas always coming back for mas, will Carrillo finally bring the WWE United States Champion down a peg? Or will he just get another Brogue to the cabeza?
Raw returns and Sheamus gets a mic. There’s something missing in the little recap package of last week. Carrillo may have come out and attacked but Sheamus gave a Brogue Kick to him AND Mansoor, “two fellas who tried to take advantage of me,” and then showed how he is the “baddest fella on the planet!” Sheamus reminds us how Pearce invited Sheamus into his office to tell him the legacy of the US Championship, and how that, if Sheamus were to follow in the footsteps of the previous champions, he’d do an Open Challenge series for the title every Monday night on Raw. Why would he want to walk in the footsteps of all the has-beens? Sheamus can create a path and legacy of his own!
Those dopes in the past gave away title matches to anyone! Even that fella, Virk, who is out of depth on commentary, would have gotten a shot back in the day! But for Sheamus, you have to earn this! And if Carrillo and Mansoor think they can get their “grubby little hands” on Sheamus’ gold, they’ve got another thing coming. Both guys are so promising and talented, but they’re not on Sheamus’ level. Tonight, Carrillo will show up and try to earn this title opportunity, try and earn some respect. But the truth is, the only thing he’s gonna get is the Meme of the Weak, and a tasty Brogue upside the head! So “Dumbo” better be listening when Sheamus says come on out and get your comeuppance!
Carrillo makes his entrance and is fired up as he hits the ring. The bell rings, Sheamus pie faces but Carrillo shoves! They tie up, Sheamus headlocks and hits a takeover but Carrillo headscissors. Sheamus powers out, Carrillo headlocks but Sheamus powers out of that, too. Sheamus runs Carrillo over, things speed up again but Sheamus blocks the arm-drag to CLUB Carrillo down! Carrillo goes to a corner but gets EuroUppers! “Welcome to the big leagues, fella!” Sheamus ROCKS Carrillo, whips him to ropes, but Carrillo kicks back! Carrillo runs, springboards and flying arm-drags! Sheamsu staggers up into a dropkick!
Sheamus ends up outside the ring, he hurries to the apron, Carrillo triangle dropkicks! Carrillo runs, baseball slides, but Sheamus YANKS him down! Sheamus TOSSES Carrillo into the timekeeper’s area! The Celtic Warrior soaks up the heat from the ThunderDome screens as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Sheamus grinds Carrillo down with a chinbar. Carrillo fights up, fires forearms and CHOPS, then runs, but into a BIG back elbow! Sheamus is growing annoyed with Carrillo and he KICKS Carrillo while he’s down! Sheamus puts Carrillo through ropes for more forearms, then Beats of the Bodhrain! Carrillo flops down after Sheamus lets off, and then Sheamus stands over Carrillo to put on the Dublin Smile! The ref reprimands, Sheamus talks trash on Carrillo, but Carrillo fights up. Carrillo throws body shots and hits a jawbreaker! Sheamus staggers, gets mad, but walks into a BOOT! Carrillo runs, Sheamus Alabama lifts for an ALABAMA SLAM! Cover, TWO!
Sheamus drags Carrillo up by his face, throws body shots, fireman’s carries, then climbs up the corner! Carrillo fights and gets to the ropes, for a SUPER STEINER! Sheamus is in a daze but the look of shock is clear on his face! Sheamus goes to an apron, Carrillo hurries over. Sheamus throws a hard body shot, drags Carrillo back up but Carrillo throws back elbows over and over! Carrillo slingshots to SUNSET POWERBOMB Sheamus to the floor!! Carrillo drags himself up from having Sheamus land on him a bit, and the ring count is climbing. The ref pauses the count to check both men, and Carrillo’s leg is definitely bothering him. The ref calls an end to the match!!
Winner: Sheamus, by referee stoppage
The Celtic Warrior won more by lasting longer than by putting Carrillo away, but will Carrillo be able to come back and try again?
Raw takes a closer look at Lucha House Party.
You may know the names, Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik, and you may know their many, many masks. But for those who don’t, let them introduce to you who they are. They’re two men who have worked endlessly to inspire the fans and make an impression on their opponents. They’ve taken chances, made mistakes, hit some lows, but also their highs. They’ve always gotten up from getting knocked down. Life isn’t always a party, but that doesn’t stop LHP from doing what they came here to do. They’re always ready for a fight! They’re ready to show out, show off, and show you what it’s like to be #LuchaLit!
The #EvaLution is coming.
Eva Marie hopes she has your attention. She has thought about where she’s been, and where she’s going. There are twists and turns on the road of life, but she’s always worked to be the one in the driver’s seat. She has your attention, but she wants to be your inspiration.
Cedric Alexander VS Shelton Benjamin!
#PRIMED Alexander blamed the Gold Standard for their fall from grace, and now they’re fighting each other! This was a long time coming, but who comes out on top as a true survivor?
Raw returns as Benjamin makes his entrance. The bell rings, the trash talk continues, and Alexander shoves Benjamin. Benjamin swings on Alexander but Alexander ducks to get a waistlock. Benjamin elbows out, scoops Alexander, but Alexander slips out to throw a forearm! Alexander dodges, slides, and dropkicks Benjamin down! Alexander handsprings up and is fired up, then kicks Benjamin to ropes! Alexander whips, Benjamin reverses but Alexander sees the leap coming and bails out! Benjamin chases Alexander, it’s a little cat ‘n’ mouse, and Alexander gets a leg in the ropes for a DRAPING DRAGON SCREW!
Alexander grins as he watches Benjamin writhe. Alexander kicks the bad leg, gets a toehold and pulls on it, but Benjamin endures. Alexander chokes Benjamin, lets off, and Alexander argues that he was playing fair. Alexander kicks but Benjamin ROCKS him! Benjamin throws hands, Alexander body scissors and rolls Benjamin to a HEEL HOOK! Alexander keeps talking trash as Benjamin endures the leg lock! Benjamin powers up, stands over Alexander, and has the legs for a SHARPSHOOTER! Alexander scrambles to get the ropebreak! Benjamin lets go, hobbles a bit as he walks off the pain, and he comes back to throw more hands on Alexander!
Benjamin whips, Alexander reverses and dropkicks the legs out! Alexander smirks and wags his finger. Alexander dropkicks Benjamin out of the ring! Benjamin gets up, Alexander DIVES! Direct hit into barriers! Alexander keeps going, and he DIVES, into a KNEE!! Benjamin hurries in with one good leg, hobbles into position, and hits P- NO! Alexander rolls Benjamin up, TWO!! Alexander dropkicks Benjamin down, then says it’s time! Handspring and NEURALIZER! Alexander shouts right in Benjamin’s face that he’s better! HE tells commentary to tell us fans that Alexander is the best! Alexander digs his fingers into Benjamin’s face as he dares him to get up!
Alexander kicks Benjamin around, telling him to get up! Benjamin hits a T-BONE SUPLEX!! Cover, Benjamin wins!!
Winner: Shelton Benjamin, by pinfall
And THAT is why Benjamin is a survivor! Will Alexander learn a lesson from this? Will Benjamin prove he was never the weak link in the Hurt Business?
Drew Gulak interrupts Angel Garza’s photoshoot.
Is this a big joke to Garza? Does Garza have any respect for the profession? Or is he too busy parading around like he’s auditioning for The Bachelor? Not that anyone would accept a rose from him. What Garza did to Gulak last week has never happened in the history of the WWE, and it both embarrassed and humiliated him. What’s Gulak’s point? Gulak gets in Garza’s face and Garza asks if he wants what happened last week to happen again. It won’t happen again. Then let’s say there is a next time. Maybe next time, the rose will be shoved down Gulak’s throat instead.
Asuka VS Rhea Ripley!
The Empress and the Nightmare did question how this match came to be, and clearly the answer is Charlotte Flair. But will that matter when these two are going to tear into each other in a WrestleMania 37 rematch?
Raw returns and Rhea makes her entrance. The bell rings, Asuka and Rhea circle, tie up, and go around. Rhea puts Asuka on ropes, but Asuka turns it around, only for Rhea to turn it back around. Rhea messes up Asuka’s hair before letting off. They go again, Asuka gets around but Rhea avoids the back hand! Rhea goes to ropes for defense and Asuka stays back. Rhea grins, blocks the back and and ROCKS Asuka, then dares her to take a shot. Asuka sweeps the legs! And basement dropkicks! Rhea gets up, Asuka is after her with TOSS! Asuka tries again but Rhea blocks to throw her instead! Rhea seethes, runs corner to corner, but dodges a kick! Asuka ducks a haymaker to ROCK Rhea!
Asuka BOOTS Rhea, drop toeholds but Rhea stays on her feet! Rhea stomps Asuka’s legs, drags her up, but Asuka throws Rhea for an ARMBAR! Rhea scrambles and gets a ropebreak! Asuka lets go, but chases after Rhea on the outside. Rhea goes into the ring, Asuka avoids the stomp and drags Rhea back out. Asuka spins Rhea on the apron but Rhea avoids the hip attack to WRECK her with a dropkick! Rhea goes out, bumps Asuka off the apron, but here comes Charlotte! The Queen distracts the champ and Asuka BACK HANDS Rhea down! Charlotte continues to strut down to ringside, saying she’s just here to watch, as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Asuka endures Rhea’s body scissor squeeze. Charlotte has joined commentary while Asuka fights the hold. Charlotte confirms she came up with this match idea because she loves seeing these two in action. Asuka powers back to a cover, ONE! Rhea dropkicks Asuka right down! Rhea sneers at Charlotte, drags Asuka up and bumps her off buckles. Rhea RAMS into Asuka again and again, digs her shoulder in and lets off as the ref counts. Rhea pie faces Asuka, puts her through the ropes and chokes her! The ref counts, Rhea stops, and Charltote is ignoring Rhea as she talks to Byron Saxton about haters gonna hate.
Rhea kicks Asuka’s leg, Charlotte says this title match at Backlash is because of her in the first place. Rhea grinds Asuka down, kicks her around, but Asuka kicks back. Rhea drags Asuka up to HEADBUTT her down! Asuka grits her teeth but Rhea reels her in for a LARIAT! And another! Asuka avoids the third, but Rhea reverses the reversal, and blocks a Code Breaker to BOOT Asuka down! Rhea and Asuka go outside, Rhea bumps Asuka off the apron then Electric Chair lifts. Asuka hops off to the apron to mule kick back! SLIDING KICK! Asuka fires up, puts Rhea in at 7 of 10 and hurries in after to cover. TWO, but Asuka drags Rhea up to chicken wing an arm!
Rhea resists the Asuka Lock and throws Asuka out of the ring! Asuka staggers towards commentary and notices Charlotte. Charlotte waves at her, Asuka talks trash, but Rhea HEADBUTTS Asuka down! Charlotte applauds Rhea being an opportunist and learning from the best, aka Charlotte. Rhea puts Asuka in, drags her back up, and fires off forearms! Asuka forearms, Rhea back elbows! Asuka gets up, Rhea NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO!! Asuka survives and Rhea is frustrated. Rhea pump handles, lifts, but no Riptide, CODE BREAKER! Asuka and Rhea are both down, Asuka crawls to a cover, TWO!
Rhea crawls out of the ring but Asuka follows her back out. Charlotte praises how tough both women are, but then she stares down with Rhea. “You wanna go?” Asuka runs on the desk to HIP ATTACK Rhea! Asuka puts Rhea in, climbs up top, missile dropkick! Cover, TWO! Asuka sees Rhea get to a corner, runs in, HIP- NO! Rhea catches! Asuka elbows free but Rhea ROUNDHOUSES! RIPTIDE!! Cover, Rhea wins!
Winner: Rhea Ripley, by pinfall
The Raw Women’s Champion wins against Asuka again, and Charlotte applauds. Will this all be playing into the Queen’s hand? Or will Rhea wreck the wrestling royals to stay on top?
Backstage interview with Drew McIntyre.
Kevin asks McIntyre if he can shed some light on how he went after both Lashley and Braun at the end of last week’s Raw. Well he had no intention of getting involved last week, until Braun decided to get his putrid, disgusting hands all over him. And it wasn’t McIntyre’s fault Lashley nearly cut Braun in half with the Spear. But it was McIntyre’s fault that he put both down with Claymores. And as for MVP’s proposition, if it happens, he is toast. No one man can withstand an onslaught of both Lashley and Braun.
But McIntyre can’t worry about that now. He has to focus on Lashley. Tonight, McIntyre will do what he didn’t at WrestleMania 37 and that is connect with a Claymore to Lashley’s head. Then on Sunday, McIntyre will once again become WWE World Champion!
Damian Priest VS John Morrison w/ The Miz!
The Archer of Infamy has already beaten the Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century together, separately, alternatingly, and frequently. But if he beats the Guru of Greatness again, he gets to decide how he beats The Hollywood A-Lister at Backlash! Will Priest hit the lights on Johnny Drip Drip? Or will things finally go Morrison’s way so that The Miz can have his way?
Raw returns and Priest makes his entrance. The bell rings, the two circle, and Morrison gets through Priest’s dukes to ROCK him with a forearm! But Priest comes back to shove Morrison to a corner! Priest fires off big hands, the ref counts and Priest lets off with a stomp. Priest CLUBS Morrison down, drags him back up, and whips him corner to corner hard! Morrison staggers into a SIDEWALK SLAM! Cover, TWO! Priest clamps onto Morrison with an armlock and grinds the shoulder. Priest also has a chinbar, Miz says Priest is cheating somehow, but Morrison gets up to get the ropebreak. The ref counts, Priest lets off as Miz barks about ropes, but Morrison whips to KNEE Priest low!
Morrison wrenches Priest’s arm, spins around and drags Priest down to the ground for some ground ‘n’ pound! Priest throws Morrison away but Morrison cartwheels right back to KNEE Priest down! Cover, TWO! Morrison clamps on with a chinlock and Miz talks trash on Priest. Priest endures as Morrison grinds him down. Miz says this is Tropical Storm Johnny Drip Drip! Priest fights up, powers Morrison into the corner, but Morrison holds on! Priest RAMS the corner again, is free, and he ROCKS Morrison with an uppercut! Priest whips corner to corner, runs in, but Morrison slides out to avoid the elbow!
Priest still elbows Morrison on the apron, but Morrison cartwheels to avoid the leg sweep! Morrison KICKS Priest in the face, Priest swings back but Morrison evades. Morrison evades again as Priest kicks, and Priest is stuck on the ropes for Morrison to EDDY GORDO KICK! Morrison springboards, but into a choke grip! Morrison gets free with his parkour style side flip, but he staggers a bit on the landing. Priest pops Morrison up to ROCK him with a right! Miz panics as Priest covers, ROPEBREAK! Morrison survives and Miz gets him out of the ring for a breather. Morrison is understandably dazed, but Priest goes out to get him up and into the ring.
Miz is mad and he talks trash on Priest. The ref counts, Miz is trying to distract Priest so that he misses it, and Raw goes to break as the two stand off.
Raw returns once again and Priest throws hands on Morrison. Priest whips to hit a leaping back elbow! Cover, TWO! Miz is relieved but he keeps talking trash to Priest. Priest gets Morrison up but Morrison ROCKS him, then clotheslines him out of the ring! The ref and Morrison argue, Miz BOOTS Priest down! Miz mockingly asks if Priest is alright as Morrison goes out. Morrison KICKS Priest around, Miz claims it’s slippery at ringside. Morrison puts Priest in, cover, ONE!! Morrison keeps on Priest with a chinlock but Priest fights up to throw body shots. Priest deflects Morrison’s kick with a kick, but Morrison comes back to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Cover, TWO!
Miz keeps talking trash on Priest, “Put him in a body bag, Johnny!” Get it? Morrison flips over for a modified Chancery on Priest, and Miz mockingly asks if it hurts. Fans rally, Priest fights up, and Priest powers out of the hold to BELL CLAP! ROUNDHOUSE! WHEEL KICK! Both men are down, but Priest gets up first. Morrison gets up to get KICK after KICK after KICK! ROLLING ELBOW! Priest runs in to back elbow in a corner! Then, BROKEN ARROW! Cover, TWO! Morrison survives but Priest goes to the top rope. Miz distracts for a moment, Morrison ROCKS Priest with a forearm! Morrison climbs up, Miz claps for him, but Priest resists the Super Spanish Fly with elbows!
Priest shoves Morrison down hard! Priest adjusts, leaps, FLYING WHEEL KICK! Cover, TWO!! Morrison survives and Miz is starting to panic a bit more. Priest snarls as he watches Morrison stand. Choke grip to SOUTH OF HEAVEN- NO! Body scissors to a victory roll, TWO!! Priest kicks Morrison’s leg before the knee strike! Priest scoops Morrison to the dragon sleeper, but Miz distracts the ref! Morrison snapmares free, ghost pins, but the ref is late to the count! TWO!! Miz realizes he cost Morrison again! Priest CLOBBERS Morrison, drags him up, and HIT THE LIGHTS!! Cover, Priest wins!
Winner: Damian Priest, by pinfall
Miz attacks! Priest may get the prize of choosing their stipulation, but Miz won’t let Priest feel good about it! SKULL- NO! Priest breaks the full nelson to shove Miz to ropes! Miz bails out to avoid the kick and runs for the hills! Priest drags Morrison up, for another HIT THE LIGHTS!! One down, one to go, and Priest has six days to decide how he seals Miz’s fate!
Braun finds Lashley and MVP backstage.
The two titans stare down, but they don’t say a word as Raw goes to break. Is Braun here to accept or decline MVP’s offer?
The #EvaLution reaches another level.
“I’ve finally reached a point in my life where I can say I’ve made it. I have seen levels of fame and fortune I could never have imagined at the beginning of my career. Some may see me as a super model, but I like to see myself as a super role model.” She has everything she’s ever wanted, and wants to see others achieve their dreams. But you have to put in the work. It takes 99 bad ones to get the right shot. Nothing’s perfect, but anything’s possible.
Priest meets with Pearce.
Seems the gamble paid off. Damn right! And Priest knows the stipulation he wants now! A Lumberjack Match! Okay, but why that? You saw what Miz was doing out there, right? Like he does every single time! Miz runs away. Priest will give Miz nowhere to run. You can bring superstars from Raw, from SmackDown, hell you can even bring zombies, aliens and whatever else. It doesn’t matter, because this Sunday, Miz has nowhere to run, and he will be dealt with. Then consider it done. Priest and Pearce shake on it, but is this truly going to be what ends things between him and the A-Lister?
Bobby Lashley w/ MVP VS Drew McIntyre!
WrestleMania 37 went the All Mighty’s way thanks to one little misstep from the Scottish Warrior. But McIntyre vows to stay laser focused on Lashley this time. Will McIntyre make up for Mania and get momentum going into Backlash? Or is there no stopping the Rocky Mountain Machine now?
Raw returns and McIntyre makes his entrance. He and Lashley stare down but the ref has them wait for the bell. The bell rings, and Lashley avoids a boot to go for the full nelson! McIntyre holds that off, Lashley gets a leg and trips McIntyre to a cover, ONE! Lashley headlocks, McIntyre fights up but can’t power out as Lashley holds tight. McIntyre pries at the hold, Lashley cranks it back on. McIntyre suplexes Lashley tot he apron but Lashley still holds on! The ref counts because this is a ropebreak situation, but Lashley hotshots McIntyre! Lashley gets in to run and RAM McIntyre into a corner! Lashley hits a NECKBREAKER! MVP says to punish McIntyre!
Lashley chokes McIntyre on ropes, the ref counts and Lashley lets off at 4. Braun is watching backstage as Lashley throws elbows into McIntyre. Lashley digs his elbow in, the ref counts but Lashley stops at 4. Lashley chokes McIntyre, throws more elbows, even haymakers, but McIntyre turns things around to fire off a windmill of haymakers! The ref counts, McIntyre backs off but Lashley kicks low to throw more forearms! Lashley goes side to side but McIntyre BOOTS him down! McIntyre shakes out the cobwebs, goes out after Lashley, but Lashley elbows him away. Lashley runs in, but into an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! McIntyre stands and looms over Lashley as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns once more and McIntyre fires off hands and stomps in the corner! McIntyre stands Lashley up to CHOP him! McIntyre whips corner to corner, Lashley reverses and runs in, but McIntyre elbows back! McIntyre hops up but Lashley YANKS him down! McIntyre writhes but Lashley runs over to hit a COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, TWO! Lashley rains down fists and clamps on a chinlock. McIntyre endures as Lashley squeezes tight. Fans rally up, McIntyre fights up, and McIntyre throws body shots to get free. McIntyre CHOPS, runs, but Lashley follows. Lashley gets around, kicks low, reels McIntyre in, but McIntyre blocks the suplex to hit the suplex!
Both men are down, MVP shouts at Lashley to get up. Lashley crawls to a corner, stands up, and McIntyre runs in, but into BOOTS! Lashley looms over McIntyre, stomps him, then digs his forearms into McIntyre’s face. The ref counts, Lashley lets off to then dig his boots in! The ref counts again, Lashley lets off, and MVP reminds Lashley to be careful about the count. Lashley gets McIntyre up on the apron, runs, and BLASTS McIntyre off to the floor! A ring count starts now but Lashley won’t settle for that. Lashley goes out, brings McIntyre up for forearms, and bumps McIntyre off the apron. Lashley goes into the ring, McIntyre drags himself up the apron, and Lashley hotshots him again!
Lashley goes back out to bring McIntyre around to fireman’s carry. Lashley runs and POSTS McIntyre!! McIntyre is dazed, Lashley high-fives MVP, and MVP says to finish this. Lashley puts McIntyre in, aims from a corner with a grin, and McIntyre stands. Lashley runs in but McIntyre HIP TOSSES him into the corner!! Both men are down again and MVP coaches Lashley back up. McIntyre throws forearms, Lashley throws them back! They brawl from the mat to their feet! Lashley gets the edge, whips, but McIntyre reverses to OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! And another! Lashley staggers, swings, but McIntyre hits a NECKBREAKER!
McIntyre kips up and fires up! McIntyre reels Lashley in, underhooks, but Lashley fights out of Future Shock! He gets a GLASGOW KISS instead! MVP warns Lashley with banging on steps, but McIntyre turns Spear into SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife cover, TWO!! Lashley survives, gets back up, but now McIntyre is aiming from a corner! But Lashley CROSSBODIES before the Claymore can take off! Lashley has the arms, HURT LOCK! No, McIntyre is holding it off as much as he can! Lashley throws knees, then he THROWS Lashley! CLAYMORE OUTTA NOWHERE!! But here comes BRAAAAUN~!
The Monster Among Men distracts McIntyre with his music, to attack from the other side!!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by disqualification
MONSTER SLAM for McIntyre!! Is Braun taking MVP up on that offer after all?! But then Braun looks at Lashley. Braun offers Lashley a hand?! He helps Lashley to his feet, and Lashley pats him on the shoulder. They hug, but Braun scoops Lashley for a MONSTER SLAM!! MVP is freaking out, but clearly that’s a “no” to the plan! Braun gets McIntyre up for another MONSTER SLAM!! MVP gets Lashley out of the ring but that doesn’t mean he’s safe! Braun snatches MVP’s cane away and tells him he has to watch what’s gonna happen! Braun scoops Lashley, to MONSTER SLAM him through barriers!!
Braun goes back to the ring where McIntyre crawls over. Braun says he doesn’t side with anyone! HE’S THE MONSTER!! Braun scoops McIntyre up again, for ANOTHER MONSTER SLAM!! Braun roars and ThunderDome is roaring, too! Will Braun finally #GetTheseHands on THE WWE World Championship?!
My Thoughts:
What a great go-home Raw! IS WHAT I WOULD BE SAYING, if not for Go-Home Syndrome striking again. We got way too many recap videos for the history between McIntyre, Lashley and Braun throughout the night that were supposed to hype up tonight’s main event and Sunday’s Triple Threat. We also got too many commercial breaks. You can count this yourself but I typed “Raw returns and” 13 times, which feels like 5 times too many. What happened to Raw doing picture in picture? That would really help the flow of things because we’d still get to see matches during.
And can Raw not remember how to go to commercial without someone distracting someone else? Alexa Bliss showing up to mess with the six women in the Six Woman Tag completely killed the momentum of that match. We should’ve gotten Asuka trying to get Charlotte to participate, only for Charlotte to wait for when Asuka isn’t in the match. Asuka was only shown in the match twice! She started, and she finished! And do we really need Alexa to be the one who “interfered” with her powers? Alexa could’ve waited until we saw who won, she could use a promo to tease who she’s going after, the show flows better.
Then, while Rhea VS Asuka tonight was a very good match, it felt like copy and paste of the WWE World Championship build. But at the same time, Charlotte of course would want to pit them against each other. It would seem odd if she didn’t want to use the same tactics she sees from the men’s title scene, but it all just seemed forced into this episode because they didn’t pace this story properly. Asuka won and Charlotte lost the Six Woman Tag, Rhea won the 1v1, so the math comes out to be in Charlotte’s favor, but Alexa might be targeting her. I have a feeling Charlotte wins at Backlash, Alexa starts chasing her on the way to MITB.
I will say that Priest VS Morrison tonight, even with Miz being the “distraction so we can go to break” guy, was a very good match. Those two should’ve been the ones having a PPV match to have room to breathe, but I suppose a Lumberjack match is fine. Morrison can still be ringside for Miz, but I have a feeling this has to be the night Morrison and Miz break up. There are opportunities in this match for Morrison to do something that helps Miz and he chooses not to because of how Miz’s help screwed him over. Then we can get Miz VS Morrison, and I hope Morrison wins that so he can get into the US Championship scene.
Speaking of, Carrillo VS Sheamus was going so well, but I have a feeling that stoppage was real. The mistiming on the Sunset Powerbomb off the apron that resulted in Sheamus landing on Carrillo’s legs, it’s a shame. Hopefully Carrillo is alright, and I’m surprised we didn’t see Mansoor show up to flip things from last week. Maybe things build for Mansoor and Carrillo on the road to Money in the Bank, and one or both get a match with Sheamus. Mahal’s return to Raw was nice, and they established for us that Mahal has new henchmen, and getting a win off Hardy was good, but I feel like this could’ve waited until next week to get them all on the road to MITB.
The 8 Man Tag was also a lot of fun, even the backstage promos before it. I like the detail of Orton backing down from trying to RKO Omos. I wonder if Orton can even jump high enough to RKO Omos when he’s standing. It makes sense that the Faces would win, they are the ones who will get a title shot against Styles & Omos down the line, because that’s how almost everyone does wrestling. Orton hitting RKO’s on the New Day but not Riddle was also a bit telling in this story. Orton is willing to tolerate Riddle and stay a team since they’re still winning, but he doesn’t care about anyone else outside of that. This could be a point of dysfunction for RKBRO and the reason they break up, really adding some depth to the story.
Garza’s story on Raw has only just started, and I feel it’s already really weak. This started because Gulak mocked him for his failed romances, but I just feel this isn’t how something on Raw should be. From what I’m hearing about WWE Main Event on Hulu (which shouldn’t be on Hulu anymore, should be first on Peacock and WWE Network), Ricochet VS Mustafa Ali the sequel feud has been awesome. THAT should be on Raw. Ali and Ricochet can give us awesome matches worth filling three hours on Raw without even trying, except it’s WWE creative that isn’t trying! These two should be in the mix with Carrillo for the US Championship.
And then in the world title story, we got another great main event match, and Braun got to look like his old self again, but I don’t think any of it saved the show. MVP trying to make a deal with Braun so that Lashley could have an easier time is a logical move, and Braun swerving Lashley with it was also a logical move. But Braun standing tall tonight would make it seem like Lashley retains. I did wonder where T-Bar and Mace were tonight. Are they on Braun’s side after all? Will they show up during the Triple Threat to tip things in his favor? That could be something that makes Backlash a bit more memorable than just being a lazy copy-paste PPV.
My Score: 8/10
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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!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
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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