Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (5/3/21)
Raw is ALL MIGHTY!
Raw is chocked full of champions!
The Raw Tag Team Champions AND the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions defend their titles, and Bobby Lashley faces one of his contenders! But will it be the Scottish Warrior or Monster Among Men that steps up?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Raw Tag Team Championships: AJ Styles & Omos VS The New Day; Styles & Omos win and retain the titles.
- Charlotte Flair VS Dana Brooke w/ Mandy Rose; Charlotte wins.
- John Morrison w/ The Miz VS Damian Priest; Priest wins.
- Lucha House Party VS Cedric Alexander & Shelton Benjamin; LHP wins.
- Drew Gulak VS Angel Garza; Garza wins.
- Elias & Jaxson Ryker VS Randy Orton & Matt Riddle; Orton & Riddle win.
- Open Challenge: Sheamus VS Mansoor; Sheamus wins, by disqualification.
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler w/ Reginald VS Naomi & Lana; Jax & Baszler win and retain the titles.
- Bobby Lashley w/ MVP VS Braun Strowman; Lashley wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Raw shares footage from earlier today.
MVP met with Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville in their officer, and Pearce knows he doesn’t have to remind MVP of what Bobby Lashley said last week. MVP insists Pearce put some respect on the name, “The All Mighty Bobby Lashley.” MVP reminds Pearce that the All Mighty said he could beat Drew McIntyre or Braun Strowman in 1v1 competition. Yes, and so Pearce has a coin that they will flip, Lashley faces whoever it says. MVP checks the coin, and sees that it feels right. But McIntyre walks in and can’t believe this is a thing. MVP said Lashley isn’t worried so why even worry about the coin toss? And it doesn’t matter whether it’s tonight, next week or at Backlash, McIntyre beats Lashley to take back HIS title.
But Braun walks in to say McIntyre is “so wrong.” Lashley will eat his words when BRAUN beats him, just like Braun beat McIntyre last week. Oh, yes, surely Braun convinced himself he won all by himself, no Mace or T-Bar. Braun and McIntyre argue, Pearce tells them to save this for the Triple Threat. Braun, call the toss. Braun chooses tails, and tails never fails! Braun gets Lashley, and promises a preview of the Pay-Per-View. MVP says Braun shouldn’t plan on getting anywhere near Lashley’s championship. What’s that supposed to mean? McIntyre says that after Braun and Lashley beat each other up, they’re both getting one-way tickets to Claymore Country.
MVP says that was poetic but not what he meant. It’s that once Lashley puts Braun in the Hurt Lock tonight, Braun won’t even make it to Backlash. Oh is that so? But now we know which two titans battle in tonight’s main event! Who will be left standing to go strong into #WrestleManiaBacklash?
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome the NEW Raw Tag Team Champions, AJ Styles & Omos!
Finally, the PHENOMENAL duo return! Styles and Omos have the belts and bring them to the ring, and they get mics to finally speak as champions. “For those of you who were foolish enough NOT to tune in for WrestleMania Saturday, you would’ve seen AJ Styles and Omos defeat the New Day and become the NEW Raw Tag Team Champions!” And by the way, it was Omos’ first match ever, and he WRECKED the New Day! Omos is likely to wreck them again tonight, here on Raw! But before tossing Kofi & Woods around like rag dolls in a WrestleMania rematch, Styles has a question for the WWE Universe: “Did you miss us?”
Of course you did! They’re the Raw Tag Team Champions, of course the fans missed them! And Styles is sure we have questions for them, like where they went after their victory. They went to party, that’s where! Off the coast in Florida, in the Caribbean, having Pina Coladas and getting sun tans, it was awesome! They have better things to do than throw tomatoes like the New Day. Ridiculous. And officially, Styles is a GRAND SLAM CHAMPION~! He could go on and on about all that, and how he did it in just five years. The New Day has been through a lot, Styles doesn’t want to make them jealous and stuff, but they’re here for one reason and one reason only.
But the New Day enters to interrupt! Styles smiles as he likes the gear. They’re like AJ Styles! Woods says Styles & Omos made a hell of an impact, and that was incredible. Kofi wasn’t even sure these two still worked here but they’re back, congrats on the time off. Bravo. You love to see it. Because this is the work ethic that allowed the New Day to become 11-time champions! Yeah, came and went, had a lack of respect, all that, right? That’s what champs are made of, right? Are they? But look, all jokes aside, they’ve had fun, but New Day will tell you something about them. There IS a reason why they’re ELEVEN TIME champions: Every time they get knocked down, they pick themselves up and dust themselves off, to get those titles back like clockwork!
And as for Styles, he can take shots and jabs if he wants, but here’s the fact: on the greatest night of Kofi’s career, #KofiMania, with family and friends there to celebrate with him, it was a very physically draining match, emotionally draining, and somehow, some way, Kofi was back the very next night on Raw, not even part of the roster then, because that’s the kind of champion Kofi is, that the New Day made him! Brag, boast, and talk about you won ONE time and somehow had a month off! That’s not the way that New Day rolls, bruh. Omos says this is ENOUGH from the morons talking and joking. Omos didn’t knock enough sense into them at Mania! But after tonight, neither of them will be able to laugh! Or even walk! OH~! Come get this work, New Day!
Well then, hopefully the champs enjoyed the victory lap. Because we’re back to reality. And the reality is, the New Day aren’t just going to be the one, two, three four five so on and so on time, but the TWELVE TIME W! W! E! WORLD! TAG! TEAM! CHAMPIONS~!! It’ll be WrestleMania revisited, after the break!
Raw Tag Team Championships: AJ Styles & Omos VS The New Day!
Raw returns and Styles starts with Woods. They circle, approach, and Styles acts like he forgot something. Styles tags to Omos! The 7’4″, just-under 400 pound tower stands before Woods for the first time on a Monday night! Woods gives kicks but Omos isn’t bothered. Omos grabs Woods by his head to TOSS him! Woods flounders back up, Omos CLUBS him down! Styles loves what he sees as Omos gets Woods up to TOSS him into the New Day’s corner! Omos dares Kofi to step up, so Kofi tags in. Kofi circles around Omos, kicks him in the leg, but Omos still isn’t bothered by it. Kofi tries again, but it still doesn’t do anything. Omos blocks a kick, spins Kofi, and just shoves him down!
Omos drags Kofi up, whips him to ropes, but Kofi ducks then boots back! Omos felt that one! Woods tags in, New Day double dropkick! Omos rebounds to DOUBLE LARIAT! Styles is fired up! Omos dares the New Day to try again, Omos drags Woods up and SMASHES him with a knee! Styles and Omos high-five, but the ref says that’s a tag! Styles argues the difference with the ref, but Woods rolls Styles up, TWO!! Woods ENZIGURIS, Styles falls out of the ring, tag to Kofi! Woods WRECKS Styles with a dropkick, Kofi builds sped but Omos stands in his way. Kofi decides to TRIANGLE TRUST FALL instead! Direct hit and things are in New Day’s favor now as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again and Woods grinds Styles down with a chinbar and armlock. Styles fights up, throws forearms, and is free. Styles runs but into a mule kick! BASEMENT COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, TWO! Woods drags Styles up and into the corner, “Time to turn up!” The Unicorn Stomp-ede starts up, tag to Kofi then tag to Woods and repeat! The cycle ends on Kofi for Woods to whip him in, BASEMENT DROPKICK! Omos is frustrated as Kofi covers, TWO! Styles survives and Omos is relieved, but Kofi drags Styles around. Kofi has the armlock, shifts to a top wristlock, but Styles endures. Styles fights up, throws haymakers, and is free again, only for Kofi to KNEE him down! Kofi covers, TWO!
Kofi drags Styles up, but Styles hits a jawbreaker! Styles reaches but Kofi keeps him from Omos. Styles elbows then PELES! Woods tags in and gets Styles by the waistband! Woods reels Styles in, Styles slips out of the back suplex, tag to Omos! Woods rushes Omos but into an iron claw! Omos CLOBBERS Kofi then SLAMS Woods! Omos dead lifts Kofi for a BACKBREAKER! Woods staggers into a scoop, for a BACKBREAKER! Omos has a New Day member in each corner, and he runs to back body block Kofi, then corner to corner to back body block Woods! Kofi staggers in, into the TWO HAND SLAM! Woods mule kicks but Omos stays on his feet! Omos BOOTS Woods down!
Omos roars as he looms over both New Day members! Styles tags in and climbs up Omos! SUPER PHENOMENAL FOREARM to Woods! Cover, Styles & Omos win!
Winners: AJ Styles & Omos, by pinfall (still Raw Tag Team Champions)
Talk about phenomenal! Will it take a team even greater than the New Day to dethrone a team this powerful?
Sonya Deville talks with someone backstage.
She understands how they feel, and will take their request into consideration. it’s Charlotte Flair! She smiles as she struts out of the office and Pearce asks what that was about. Nothing he needs to worry about. Pearce tells Sonya that while he appreciates her input and feedback, she is overstepping her bound. There’s a stare down between the two governing officials, are we just one wrong move away from a power struggle?
A classic never goes out of style.
Eva Marie asks, “Do I have your attention?” She’s been thinking about where she’s been and where she’s going. Does she have your attention? Good. There are twists and turns in the road of life, but she’s always tried to control her destiny. “But part of that is giving back.” She has your attention, and wants to inspire you. She’s come full circle, “this is Eva-lution.”
Backstage interview with MVP & Bobby Lashley.
Luck was on Braun’s side to face Lashley in tonight’s main event, but MVP says Braun’s luck actually ran out. Braun could have a salad of just four-leaf clovers, then eat a rabbit’s foot stew, and still wouldn’t have enough luck to change tonight’s outcome with the All Mighty WWE Champion. Braun is just lucky being in the ring with Lashley, or unlucky depending on your perspective. But whether it’s Braun or McIntyre, neither can compare to Lashley. MVP won’t discount how great and ferocious those two are, they’re “forces of nature” no normal man could handle.
But Lashley himself says he is no normal man. He is even more ferocious, and even more of a FREAK of nature. And neither of his opponents can take this title. You’ll have to pry it out of his cold, dead hands, and even then, Lashley doesn’t like your odds. But he could lose the title without being in the decision, and he won’t let that happen. MVP says the Strowman Express will be derailed, so all aboard the All Mighty Era!
The New Day are recovering backstage.
But while they have icepacks, Elias and Jaxson Ryker are lurking with a basket of tomatoes! Getting hit with these was the single most humiliating moment in Elias’ career. But they have a clear shot at them, so it’s time for payback. The trainer leaves, and the tomatoes fly! Wait, they accidentally hit RANDY ORTON!! The Viper had unfortunate timing, for Elias. But then Matt Riddle scoots by and says hey. Will RKBRO have something to say to the Drifter and his follower?
Charlotte Flair VS Dana Brooke w/ Mandy Rose!
The Queen dispatched with one #SexyMuscleFriend, but now she must face the other! Can Dana get payback for Mandy? Or will it be a clean sweep as Charlotte pursues the throne?
Raw returns as Dana & Mandy make their entrance. The bell rings and the Flex Appeal stares down Charlotte. They approach, tie up, and Charlotte wrenches to push Dana around. Charlotte still says Dana hasn’t gone anywhere from being the protégé she was. Dana fires off furious forearms! Charlotte shoves her away, swings but Dana dodges to handspring! Dana goes around and around and headscissors Charlotte, to then dropkick her down! Charlotte gets up, gets Dana for a backbreaker then a Complete Shot to ropes! Charlotte stomps Dana, drags her to a cover, TWO! Charlotte is annoyed that Dana is still in this, but she tells Mandy to back up.
Charlotte is on the apron and she BOOTS Dana back in! Charlotte covers, TWO! The count is not to Charlotte’s liking but she drags Dana up to throw her out hard! “I thought I taught you better than this.” Mandy gets Dana up and in but Charlotte KNEES Dana down! Dana hotshots back! Charlotte staggers, Dana turns her around to ENZIGURI! Charlotte staggers but she comes back to CLOBBER Dana! Dana rolls to a corner, Charlotte checks her neck, and then runs in, but into a BOOT! Dana elbows Charlotte, goes up and headscissors, but Charlotte powers her up,. Dana sunset flips, Charlotte STOMPS her down!
Charlotte is getting frustrated as she stalks Dana. She runs in but Dana dodges the boot! Dana fires off haymakers as Charlotte is stuck on the ropes! Dana runs corner to corner to handspring back in, for a back elbow! Charlotte staggers, Dana whips her to the other corner and handsprings in again, for another back elbow! Dana pushes Charlotte down, climbs up top, and SWANTON BOMBS! Cover, TWO!! Charlotte survives and Dana can’t believe it! Dana grits her teeth, Mandy coaches her up, and Dana runs corner to corner again for another handspring! Charlotte CHOP BLOCKS Dana down! Figure Four, to Figure EIGHT!! Dana taps, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
A valiant effort, but now Charlotte is making her pay for it! But Mandy dropkicks Charlotte out of the bridge! And then runs to KNEE FROM A ROSE! Mandy scrapes Charlotte out of the ring, but here comes Sonya! Charlotte has a big grin on her face as Sonya heads to ringside. What will this WWE official in the Queen’s back pocket have to say after the break?
Raw returns and Sonya stands with Charlotte in the ring.
“As WWE official, equal to that of Adam Pearce,” Sonya Deville allows Charlotte to “make a proposal.” Charlotte has to be honest. She was a bit taken aback to hear Asuka has another opportunity against Rhea Ripley for the Raw Women’s Championship, and Charlotte was again left out of the conversation. Does Charlotte have to again remind us all that SHE beat Asuka’s undefeated streak? Does she again have to remind us that SHE put Rhea on the map when she won the NXT Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 36? Does Charlotte have to remind us again that RHEA stole CHARLOTTE’S chance when she took the spot at WrestleMania 37?
Yes, Charlotte has made mistakes, she understands that. She has learned the error of her ways, and is happy to be back. But Sonya can’t look Charlotte in the eye that if Charlotte is added to Backlash, that the PPV wouldn’t be a bigger deal. She’s not done talking, Sonya. Asuka and Rhea can only take the division so far. But you add Charlotte, she makes it that much more important. Charlotte is the influencer of the WWE, the original influencer of the WWE, the most FAMOUS influencer in the WWE Women’s Division! She influences, others follow. it’s more than being a locker room leader. She says something, they do it.
We all know Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian, right? And how some of their friends the coattails to become famous? Charlotte relates to that. She gave Sonya the opportunity to be the authority, and she made a courageous and correct decision by undoing the unjustice of suspension! “But here’s the thing, love me or hate me, the division NEEDS me! The WWE Universe NEEDS me!” Charlotte is happy to oblige, but she needs a match worthy of her! Sonya made the right decision once, so do it again and ADD her to Backlash! Sonya, Sonya, Sonya, make that courageous decision. Sonya, be fair to Flair. You got it?
Sonya finally gets to speak and says that is a compelling argument. The men have a Triple Threat match, so then the women will, too. Charlotte has been added to the title match at #WrestleManiaBacklash. But here comes the champion! Rhea Ripley says no no no, hold on. Rhea’s put up with a lot, but this is CRAP. There’s a reason why Charlotte wasn’t in the match at WrestleMania, and it’s the same reason why NOBODY wants to see her in the coming match! “Nobody likes you,” Charlotte! NOBODY! Rhea is confident that she can beat Asuka 1v1 because she already has. And she became champion because of it. But a Triple Threat? Everyone knows how unfair that is!
But Rhea should’ve known that bringing Charlotte back was just a part of the plan. And now, the Empress of Tomorrow walks out! Asuka also says this is CRAP! Sonya tells them to watch their mouths, but Asuka mocks Charlotte as a “whining, crying little baby!” WAH WAH~! But it doesn’t matter to her! She can beat Charlotte, she can beat Rhea, and why? Because she is ready to become Raw Women’s Champion again! Charlotte says this is why no one compares to Charlotte! They get thrown one curveball, and look at them! They’re losing their minds! Rhea is walking into Backlash with a title, but Charlotte will be walking out with it!
Rhea gets in Sonya’s face about this, Sonya tries to defend her position, but Charlotte CLOBBERS Rhea! So Asuka hits Charlotte! Asuka pushes Charlotte out and is all fired up! Fair or not, will the Nightmare be in for a nightmare of her own? Is the Queen going to slip in and take her throne back? Or will the Empress destroy them all and EARN the throne back?
Backstage interview with Humberto Carrillo.
Dale Gas! But when it comes to him challenging the “fighting champion,” The Fella and Carrillo have gone back and forth. Carrillo says Sheamus is a “tough guy” bully, just because he thinks he can do it. Carrillo knows what it feels like to be bullied, and he won’t let anyone do it! He’ll keep challenging Sheamus over and over until he- GETS BLINDSIDED! Sheamus mugs Carrillo, bumps him off road cases and tables! He even throws him into a bigger case! Sheamus then tells Carrillo, “Looks like you’ll be in no condition to accept my open challenge tonight. But chin up, there’s always next week.” Has the Celtic Warrior cleared out one contender? Or only lit a new fire inside him?
Pearce confronts Sonya backstage!
What the hell? Making the Raw Women’s Championship match into a Triple Threat?! This is beyond abuse of power! Last week, they agreed to make decisions together. Sonya sent a text. They share an office! Well the service must be terrible, but this was an urgent decision that had to be made. But yes, they should make decisions together. Pearce agrees, but are they really going to be on the same page?
John Morrison w/ The Miz VS Damian Priest!
The Hollywood A-Lister has tried to stop the Archer of Infamy but has only ended up looking a fool. Will the Guru of Greatness be the one to take Priest to Slam Town? Or will Priest just #HitTheLights?
Raw returns and Miz has a mic. “last time I checked, I am the Miz, one of the most decorated stares in WWE history.” And this is John Morrison, AKA America’s MOIST Wanted, a man so nice you have to say his nickname twice, Johnny Drip Drip! And last Monday, they suffered a sophomoric prank by being pelted by rotten tomatoes by The New Day and Damian Priest! What kind of treatment is that for someone of their pedigree? Forget your opinions for a moment and just look at the accomplishments! A WrestleMania main event; a two-time world champion; a two-time Mr. Money in the Bank; Intercontinental Champion; United States Champion; WWE Tag Team Champion; movie star, reality TV star, the list goes on and one!
And when you hear that, you think about a first-ballot Hall of Fame inductee! An all time great whose accomplishments stack up against literally anyone in history! Cena, Rock, Austin, Hogan… Miz. It is only farfetched when you ignore the facts. But would any of them be subjected to the disrespect he received? NEVER! And what about Morriso- And yet MIZ is the bad guy? He simply wanted an itsy, bitsy, teeny-weeny, bit of respect. R E S P E C T! Aretha Franklin, baby! Now about Morrison- Priest has shown them such disrespect, they have no choice but for Morrison to BEAT respect into him! Forgiveness ain’t good for dripness, and now it’s Johnny’s turn!
But Priest makes his entrance, and it’s time to either get respect or get wrecked!
The bell rings, Morrison waistlocks then headlocks, but Priest powers out to pop-up and ATOMIC DROP! Those are still tender! Priest sweeps the legs, covers, ONE! Priest clamps onto an arm, drags Morrison down, but Morrison shifts to get a toehold. Morrison floats to get a waistlock then headlock, but Priest wrenches out to a hammerlock. Priest spins Morrison for a cravat but Morrison throws body shots. Morrison wants a Moonlight Drive, but Priest shoves him to clothesline him out of the ring! Priest is fired up and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Morrison fires off on Priest against the ropes. Morrison whips, Priest comes back to knee low! Morrison trips Priest, spins to throw down forearms, then stomps him before raining down more! Priest shoves Morrison away but Morrison comes back with a SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO! Miz is fired up as Morrison clamps onto Priest. Morrison squeezes the chinlock tight, but Priest endures and fights his way up. Fans rally on their screens, Priest gets up but Morrison knees low and CLUBS him on the back. Morrison runs, into a FLAPJACK! Both men are down and Miz is worried.
Morrison and Priest slowly rise, Morrison drags Priest up but Priest ROCKS him with a right! Priest fires off shots, ROCKS Morrison again, and then KICKS away from all sides! Morrison boots the punch away, then fights through a block to ROCK Priest! Priest KICKS and KICKS again, then spins, but Morrison ducks to EDDY GORDO KICK! Priest staggers about, but he punches Morrison’s forearm away! Priest BOOTS, then runs to back elbow in the corner! Priest gets Morrison up, Morrison slips out and shoves, but Priest CLOBBERS him! Cover, TWO!! Miz is relieved again as Morrison survives, but Priest looms over the Guru of Greatness.
Priest goes to a corner, climbs up, but Miz gets on the apron! Priest scares him off, but Morrison gets up top to SUPER SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO!?! Priest survives and Miz is furious with the ref! The ref says the count was fair, but Morrison grits his teeth. Morrison drags Priest to a drop zone, goes up, but Priest drags him out of Starship Pain! Miz distracts, Morrison rolls Priest, but now the ref is missing the count! ONE, Morrison is angry with the ref but gets the BELL CLAP! HIT THE LIGHTS!! Cover, Priest wins!
Winner: Damian Priest, by pinfall
The Miz realizes he just cost his friend! Priest stares Miz down as Miz fixes his suit, but how will Miz fix his Priest problem?
Mansoor signs a Raw contract!
He is officially Monday Night Manny! Sheamus walks in and shows off his US Championship. Surely, we all know Carrillo wanted to challenge for the title, but we know that kid doesn’t have a leg to stand on. Accidents happen, though. Hey, who is this? An intern? Awesome! Mansoor introduces himself as a Raw superstar, just like Sheamus. Oh, just like Sheamus, huh? Mr. Hot Shot, huh? Is that what this is? Well then, tonight’s a big night, huh? Let’s make it even bigger! If Mansoor answered the open challenge and faced Sheamus, not for the title, there’s no better way for the fans to get to know him then taking a Brogue in the side of the head. See you out there, buddy!
Mansoor knows things change fast around here, but he didn’t expect it to be that quick. Pearce says Mansoor will get used to it. Will the still undefeated Mansoor be taking Sheamus up on his invitation?
Backstage interview with MVP.
But he won’t let Kayla even start as he says Lashley VS Braun shouldn’t even happen. He still can’t figure out how Braun weaseled his way into a situation where he made the title match a Triple Threat. Braun doesn’t belong! MVP knows that, Lashley knows that, and McIntyre knows that. In fact, McIntyre and Lashley have a lot in common. Their long road to the world title, their ferocity, tenacity and will to win like no other two in the world. In fact, it wouldn’t surprise MVP if Lashley and McIntyre teamed up to take out Braun so they could have the 1v1 match they rightfully deserve. Oh, and watch what the All Mighty Lashley does to the “so-called” Monster Among Men.
Lucha House Party VS Cedric Alexander & Shelton Benjamin!
Raw returns and this match is suddenly happening! Gran Metalik whips Alexander but Alexander runs him over. Things keep moving, Metalik hurdles but Alexander sweeps and covers, ONE! Alexander kicks low, whips Metalik to ropes, but Metalik handsprings to arm-drag! Metalik CHOPS Alexander, whips, but Alexander reverses, only for Metalik to RANA! Alexander staggers to a corner, Metalik runs in. Alexander dodges, Metalik goes up and around the ropes to missile dropkick Alexander down! Cover, TWO! Metalik gets Alexander up, runs, but into a scoop and MICHINOKU DRIVER! Both men are down, Alexander crawls to a cover, TWO!
Tag to Benjamin and Alexander holds Metalik down for Benjamin to get him up. Benjamin scoops and SLAMS, then scoops and SLAMS! Benjamin drags Metalik back up, whips to ropes, and LAUNCHES him with a back drop! Cover, TWO! Metalik survives but Benjamin keeps on him. Benjamin scoops Metalik for a BACKBREAKER, and then the rack! Cover, TWO! Benjamin drags Metalik up, tags Alexander in, and they mug Metalik. Alexander bumps Metlaik off buckles, fires off body shots and then stomps a mudhole in! The ref counts, Alexander lets off, and #PRIMED runs back in to forearm smash! Metalik boots back, then SLING-DOGS him down!
Both men crawl, hot tags to Lince Dorado and Benjamin! Golden Lynx fires off on Gold Standard, Quebrada but Benjamin dodges to CLOBBER Lince! Cover, TWO!! Benjamin throws hands on Lince in a corner, stomps him and knees him down, but the ref counts. Benjamin brings Lince around to ROCK him with a right, then whip him to ropes. Lnice uses the pop-up to rana but Benjamin blocks it! Benjamin brings Lince up, Lince tries to DDT but is denied! Benjamin BOOTS Lince down, covers, TWO! Benjamin drags Lince up, throws more hands in a corner, then whips corner to corner. Lince comes back to tilt-o-whirl and DDT!
Both men are down, Alexander runs in but is sent right back out! Tag to Metalik, Lince springboard CROSSBODIES! Metalik is up top, tightrope ELBOW DROP! Cover, Lucha House Party wins!!
Winners: Lucha House Party, by pinfall
That was Lucha LIT! Alexander is shocked, and he gets a mic to complain to BENJAMIN!? “We went from being WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS with the Hurt Business, to this?! Look at us! No wonder MVP and Lashley decided to kick us out!” But to be honest, they didn’t get kicked out, BENJMAIN got kicked out! Alexander should’ve turned on the weak link, too! Ask yourself this question, Benjamin: How long has he been here getting opportunity after opportunity and let it all slip through his fingers? How many years does Benjamin have left?
Alexander is in the PRIME of his life, and he refuses to waste another second keeping Benjamin alive. So this team is DONE. What does this mean for either man going forward?
Angel Garza has another rose.
But Drew Gulak asks the “pretty boy” if that’s for him. Oh that’s funny, huh? Yeah. It’s funny that the supposed ladies man can’t even score. And that rose smells almost as bad as Garza’s win-loss record. Speaking of, let’s have a match right now! If Garza accepts, then Gulak will smell like roses. Gulak can smell it, because Garza will shove the rose up his ass! Gulak is confused by the insult, but will one of these men get back on track at the other’s expense?
Backstage interview with Shelton Benjamin.
Those were harsh words from Alexander, what is his response? Harsh? Benjamin has survived this long in the WWE because he can take a hit. He’s seen so many bright stars come and go, much like Alexander. The only reason Alexander was in the Hurt Business was because Benjamin saw something in him that no one else did. If Alexander doesn’t want to learn from Benjamin, team with him, take the hits with him, then fine! Alexander’s a grown man, but he will RESPECT Benjamin. Benjamin LET Alexander run his mouth. But if he keeps going, Alexander will be just another bright young star that fizzles out while Benjamin continues to survive!
Drew Gulak VS Angel Garza!
Two former Cruiserweight Champions, two former 24/7 Champions, but only one can win tonight! Who returns to former glory in the wake of WrestleMania 37?
The bell rings, Garza takes his pants off and throws them at Gulak to then fire off SHOTGUN dropkicks! Garza hammers away, then snapmares and basement dropkicks! Garza is fuming as he rains down fists on Gulak! Gulak guards but Garza taunts him now. “Is that funny?!” Garza gets Gulak up, underhooks, and lifts for a BUTTERFLY BACKBREAKER! Gulak writhes, Garza grins and stalks him to a corner, but Gulak CHOPS! And boots! Gulak headbutts low and wraps on a sleeper hold! Gulak throws Garza around in the sleeper, then squeezes tight! Garza endures, Gulak taunts him, but Garza fights up to use the corner to swing and arm-drag free!
Garza runs in to CLOBBER Gulak! And another shotgun dropkick! Garza throws more forearms and has Gulak in a corner. The ref counts as Garza chokes Gulak then ROCKS him! Garza runs side to side for the BOOT WASH! Garza pushes Gulak around, double underhooks again, for the WING CLIPPER!! Cover, Garza wins!
Winner: Angel Garza, by pinfall
The Lethal Lothario emphasized the lethal part as he got a much needed win! But he grabs the rose, and does as he threatened! He puts it down Gulak’s pants to then PUNT it deeper! Every rose has its thorn, but will Garza be smelling sweet victory?
Matt Riddle finds the Viking Raiders backstage.
Sup, Erik & Ivar! Did you guys catch the NFL Draft? That was pretty wild stuff, huh? But which team do they cheer for? The Vikings? Or the Raiders? Actually, Erik is a Browns fan. Did not see that coming. Ivar explains that they’re the Viking Raiders, as in Vikings who raid. It isn’t two things together. Oh! Then lets raid and serenade some ladies Right, Ivar. You sexy stallion! Riddle then catches up to Orton again and says sup, bro. Orton isn’t your bro. Yeah, he knows, but metaphorically, they’re becoming bros for sharing the same interests and goals. Okay, they need to get serious, but Riddle is honored to tag with him. They’re undefeated! Unde…? They literally had just ONE match.
Orton sighs, and says they should win another one. Yeah! Snake skin, here we come! He’s even working on a logo so- Orton has Riddle zip the lip and “hand over the key.” Will #RKBRO continue to smoke teams outta nowhere?
Elias & Jaxson Ryker VS Randy Orton & Matt Riddle!
The Drifter and his follower should’ve been more careful about throwing tomatoes long range. The Viper was a casualty of a food fight gone wrong, but will he and The Bro use them to solidify their tag team partnership?
The teams sort out and Orton starts with Elias. Elias walks right into a kick, then Orton bumps Elias off buckles! Orton throws hands, stomps, and uppercuts, then even a headbutt! Orton keeps Elias cornered as he fires off more, but the ref counts. Orton lets off, Elias kicks low! Elias CLUBS Orton, tags in Ryker, and they mug Orton. Ryker throws hands, stomps Orton into a corner and fires off hands! Ryker lets off, Orton pokes him in the eye! Orton wrenches, wristlocks, and tags in Riddle. Riddle KICKS Ryker, gets a body scissor and Kimura! Ryker powers out and SLAMS Riddle down! Riddle is right back up to get a sleeper! Ryker fights the Bromission off and RAMS Riddle into buckles!
Elias tags in, Riddle leaps for Orton but Ryker catches him! SYMPHO-KNEE HART ATTACK! Cover, TWO! Elias throws hands on Riddle to keep him from Orton, then CHOPS him! Elias fires off m ore hands against the ropes, then lets off to whip and CLOBBER Riddle! Cover, TWO! Elias has Riddle’s hand and bends the fingers back! Riddle endures, fights up to fireman’s carry, but Elias elbows free! Elias ROCKS Riddle, tags Ryker, and they get Riddle up to suplex into a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Riddle survives but Ryker stomps and drops headbutts! Ryker drags Riddle up, throws body shots, and gets Riddle for the slingshot suplex! Cover, TWO!
Ryker digs his knee into Riddle’s back, then drags him into a high camel clutch! Riddle fights up, kicks free and fires off forearms! Ryker knees low, reels Riddle in and suplexes again, but Riddle slips around to ripcord and FINAL FLASH! Both men are down, Riddle crawls his way over, hot tags to Orton and Elias! The Apex Predator rallies, kicks Elias and puts him in ropes, but Elias gets free to hotshot Orton! Elias drags Orton out, but Orton blocks the bump to bump Elias off the desk! Orton gets Elias up for the DESK BACK SUPLEX! Orton drags Elias into the ring, fights off Ryker, and then slithers after Elisa! Elias swings, into the back2backbreaker!
Orton pushes Elias back out, drags Elias back up and in, and just like last week, he tags to Riddle! Riddle climbs up, DRAPING DDT! Ryker runs in, RKO for him!! FLOATING BRO!! Cover, RKBRO wins!
Winners: Randy Orton & Matt Riddle, by pinfall
That’s 2-0 for RKBRO! Somehow, someway, the Viper and the Stallion are running wild in the tag division! Orton still isn’t up for the pose, though. Will that be the moment this team is 100% bro-fficial?
Backstage interview with Drew McIntyre.
What is his perspective on tonight’s main event? Who wins? Tough question. From his perspective, it doesn’t matter, so long as they beat the hell out of each other. But to bring up the giants in the room, so to speak, what are his thoughts on Mace & T-Bar? Ah yes, Mange and T-Bag. Why do they keep going after him? Why did they screw him over so that there’d be a Triple Threat at Backlash? Whose side are they on and who are they against? Why did they ditch the masks but keep the names? McIntyre doesn’t know the answers, but there is an old Scottish saying: What’s far ye will not go be ye. AKA, what’s mean to be will be. And that said, what’s meant to be is McIntyre caving in some heads at Backlash and regaining the WWE Championship!
But in walks Braun, and says he heard MVP talking about how McIntyre and Lashley might team up against Braun. Braun gets it, they think he doesn’t. But he earned his opportunity beating McIntyre last week. There is nothing you can do about that! And at Backlash, BRAUN is walking out the new champion! Maybe. Maybe not. But for now, just get out of here. Will Braun take care of the Rocky Mountain Machine before Backlash even arrives?
Open Challenge: Sheamus VS ???
The Celtic Warrior waylaid Carrillo, and then dared the newest signee to Raw to step up. Will Mansoor make his ThunderDome debut in a fight with the fighting champion?
Raw returns as Mansoor makes his entrance! The star of Saudi Arabia is still undefeated at just under 50 wins between NXT, 205 Live and even WWE Main Event. But will his first fight on Raw be his first loss?
The bell rings, they tie up, Sheamus headlocks and throws Mansoor away. They tie up again, and Sheamus headlocks for the takeover! Mansoor kips free, headlocks back, but Sheamus powers out and runs him over! Things speed up, Mansoor leaps but into a fireman’s carry! Sheamus gets Mansoor to a corner but Mansoor grabs ropes. Sheamus lets Mansoor down to grab him by his jaw! Mansoor breaks free and shoves Sheamus, so Sheamus SLAPS him! Sheamus talks trash but Mansoor ROCKS him! Mansoor then rolls Sheamus up, ONE!! Sheamus gets up but Mansoor dropkicks him! Mansoor runs to dropkick Sheamus down! Oklahoma Roll, TWO!
Mansoor hurries to get an arm and wrenches to a wristlock. Sheamus powers up to KNEE low! Sheamus gets Mansoor up, puts him on the top rope, and then lets off to CLOBBER him to the outside! The ref starts a ring count while Mansoor is down and out. Mansoor gets up at 5 of 10, in at 6! Sheamus KICKS Mansoor while he’s down then stomp him at the ropes. Sheamus gets Mansoor up for the Dublin Smile! Sheamus then JAMS Mansoor down, drags him back up, and puts him through ropes for Beats of the Bodhrain! The ref counts, but Sheamus gets all 10 before 4, to then CLOBBER Mansoor again!
Sheamus goes out to get Mansoor up, trophy lift him, and TOSS him onto the barriers! Mansoor flops down, Sheamus leaves him behind! The ring count starts up again, Mansoor flounders up at 3. He drags himself to ringside at 5, grits his teeth and glares at 7, and gets in at 9! Sheamus is shocked! Sheamus gets Mansoor up, Mansoor elbows him again and again and again! Mansoor runs, but Sheamus reel shim in! Mansoor lands out of the back suplex, and dropkicks a leg out! Sheamus hits buckles, Mansoor ENZIGURIS him down! Mansoor keeps going, TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO!! Mansoor keeps on Sheamus with a clubbing forearm, then he goes up top!
But Sheamus trips Mansoor up! Sheamus fireman’s carries, for the WHITE NOISE! Sheamus isn’t done, he puts Mansoor in a corner and goes to the other side. But wait, Carrillo attacks!!
Winner: Sheamus, by disqualification
Carrillo WRECKS Sheamus then DIVES! Direct hit and Sheamus hits the desk! Carrillo does not let up, his fury fires off forearms! Sheamus SHOVES Carrillo into the desk, but Carrillo comes back, only to get a BROGUE! BROGUE for Mansoor, too! The Fella won in the end, but he isn’t happy about it! Sheamus holds his US Championship up, but when will he finally give someone a chance at it?
Raw returns to Alexa’s Playground.
Lily is “whispering” something to Alexa and she laughs. They’ve had so much fun tonight. Lily’s a big fan, so seeing her favorites up close was a nightmare come true. Did we enjoy their game? Because they love to play hide ‘n’ seek. But Alexa finds Lily in “peculiar positions.” Lily’s gotten her hands dirty a few times, and her favorite color is red. But wherever Lily goes, trouble follows. What was that, Lily? Really? Lily just told Alexa that a certain someone caught her eyes. Can’t say who, though> That’s their dirty little secret. But like Alexa said before: don’t blame her for what happens next.
Alexa sings, “Lily~, Lily~, what did you make me do~? The world~ goes~ crazy~, just at the sight of you. We have so much fun together, and we’ll be friends forever! But what’s that scream? Is this a dream? Lily, what did you make me do…?” Alexa smiles, but what horrors does she and “Lily” have in store?
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler w/ Reginald VS Naomi & Lana!
The Irresistible Force and Queen of Spades have been struggling to keep things together, but so far still have these titles together! Will they pull through or fall apart against the Ravishing Glow?
Raw returns as the champions make their entrance. The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and it’s one more go around for the gold!
Nia and Naomi rush in, Naomi fires forearms but Nia shoves to then pop-up FLAPJACK! Tag to Shayna, Naomi avoids the leg drop but Shayna grabs a leg! Shayna drags Naomi up but Naomi enziguris! Hot tag to Lana, she climbs up and leaps for a CROSSBODY! Cover, TOW! Lana hurries to get Shayna up but Shayna shoves her away. Lana tilt-o-whirls into a Ravishing Russian Leg Sweep! Cover, TWO! Shayna staggers up, Lana runs in to HEEL KICK! Lana keeps moving, Naomi tags as Lana KNEES Shayna against ropes! Naomi runs in, wheelbarrow to a STUNNER! ROUNDHOUSE to victory roll, TWO!!
Shayna is up, Nia is on the apron, Naomi dropkicks Nia before bringing Shayna over. Tag to Lana but Shayna rams Naomi into buckles! Shayna elbows Lana away but the Ravishing Glow hit the DOUBL EFACEBUSTER! But Nia drags Naomi out to throw her! Lana WRECKS Nia with a dropkick and hurries to cover Shayna, but Reggie distracts the ref!! The ref is late to the count, TWO!! Shayna survives because the sommelier interfered! KIRAFUDA KLUTCH! Lana rolls back and escapes! Lana wheelbarrows, but back into the KIRAFUDA!! Lana taps, the champs win!
Winners: Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler, by submission (still WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)
Reggie’s presence pays off this time, and the titles stay with the champions! But will there ever come a time when this relationship sours?
MVP talks backstage.
“Braun Strowman is one of the strongest individuals I have ever seen in my life! But he is NOT the All Mighty WWE Champion, Bobby Lashley.” This is going to be a match between two bulls that will try and rip fresh from bone! A bone will break, and so will Strowman’s will. In this herd, there can only be one dominant bull, and that is Lashley! MVP and the All Mighty head to the ring, will Lashley back up MVP’s words?
Bobby Lashley w/ MVP VS Braun Strowman!
Speaking of breaking, there was a time when these two titans had a showdown that literally broke the stage! Will the Rocky Mountain Machine and Monster Among Men make that night look like a pillow fight with what could happen in the ThunderDome?
Raw returns as BRAAAUN~ makes his entrance! The ref makes sure they keep their cool staring down, and the bell rings. The two circle, tie up, and Strowman powers Lashley towards a corner. Lashley turns it around, but Braun powers him back the other way. They end up in a different corner, Lashley has Braun and he RAMS his shoulder in! Braun swings but into a waistlock. Braun backs Lashley into the buckles to fire off elbows, but Lashley gives them back! Lashley ROCKS Braun, runs, but Braun bounces him off! Lashley is shocked, Braun looks mad! Braun swings, but into a NECKBREAKER! Cover, ONE!!
Lashley gets up, MVP tells him to stay on Braun, and Lashley runs, into a STIFF ARM! Braun drags Lashley up to scoop him, but Lashley slips out! Braun clotheslines Lashley out of the ring! Lashley gets up and walks around the way with MVP. Braun keeps his eyes on them, Lashley gets on the apron and Braun BLASTS him off! Braun goes out, puts Lashley back in, and then storms up into the ring. Braun runs to the corner to SPLASH, then runs corner to corner, only to get a BOOT! Lashley runs, and CLOBBERS Braun! Cover, TWO! Lashley keeps on Braun with a chinbar then top wristlock. Braun fights up, Lashley keeps him down with a chinlock, but Braun throws body shots!
Braun gets up, gets Lashley in a chinbar, but here comes McIntyre! Braun still CLUBS Lashley down, but the Scottish Warrior is here to watch things up close and personal. Braun dares McIntyre to do something as he goes out to meet him at the ramp. Lashley LEAPS and knocks Braun down! Now Lashley stares McIntyre down, and holds out a fist? McIntyre isn’t taking sides, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns once more, and Lashley has Braun in a chinlock. McIntyre joins commentary to say that this is the first time he’s here to see this himself. He’s just getting the ultimate fan experience really. Braun powers up, powers out, and runs. Lashley hurdles but Braun catches him to a choke grip! MVP distracts and Lashley hits the COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, TWO! Lashley is shocked by that, but he drags Braun up to throw hands! Lashley stomps Braun into the corner, digs his boots in, and lets off as the ref counts. Lashley gets Braun onto the ropes to throw clubbing crossface forearms! MVP says to pay attention to the count, then Lashley POSTS Braun!
Lashley digs forearms into Braun’s face, lets off at the ref’s count, and goes back to dig his forearms in again. Lashley lets off, he gets Braun up to snap suplex him! Cover, TWO! Lashley CLUBS Braun down, hammers away, and claws at Braun’s face! The ref reprimands, Lashley pulls on the jaw, then lets off to loom over Braun. Lashley throws hands, McIntyre tells MVP to worry about Lashley, not him. Lashley backs off to run corner to corner and RAM into Braun again! Lashley gets Braun back up, digs his forearms into Braun’s face, but lets off again at the ref’s count. Lashley gets Braun back up, throws down more hands, then goes side to side to ROCK Braun with a right!
Braun is in a daze as he’s against buckles, but Lashley drags Braun back up. Lashley climbs up, rains down more hands, then gloats. Braun Electric Chair lifts Lashley for a SLAM!! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre likes what he sees as Lashley and Braun are both down. Lashley goes to a corner, Braun goes to the other. Braun runs corner to corner to SPLASH, then he suplex TOSSES Lashley! McIntyre tells MVP that Lashley might not make it to Backlash. Braun BOOTS Lashley down, then drags him back up. Braun scoops, Lashley slips out and wants the nelson! Braun fights it off and throws big elbows! Braun scoops for a SIDEWALK SLAM!
Both men are down again but Braun is getting up. Lashley bails out and MVP coaches him up, but Braun gets on the tracks! Here comes the Strowman Express! But Lashley sends it into McIntyre!! McIntyre is pissed, he and Braun shove, but the ref counts. Braun gets in the ring at 8, McIntyre is on the apron! Braun turns around into a SPEAR!! Cover, Lashley wins!!
Winner: Bobby Lashley, by pinfall
But now McIntyre gives Lashley a CLAYMORE! This could be just like Backlash as McIntyre aims at Braun! The count down starts, CLAYMORE!! And breaking news from the back, now McIntyre will face Lashley next week! Will the Scottish Warrior get the last laugh before Backlash?
My Thoughts:
When WWE advertised that there’d be the men’s tag titles, the women’s tag titles, and then Lashley VS someone, I thought this was going to be a big time Raw. It was not. The WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match was treated like filler trash. Naomi & Lana losing because of Reggie interfering is fine but now in that quick of a fashion. But I get it, Nia & Shayna are defending these titles against Tamina & Natty for a SmackDown related feud, and I of course hope this means Tamina & Natty win, but they really need to treat things evenly between the two sides of the RawDown Women’s Tag Division. No wonder NXT had to get their own women’s tag titles…
The Raw Tag Team title scene, on the other hand, is getting pretty good again. I do like that the New Day’s promo was criticizing the time off Styles & Omos had, because in kayfabe, it was without reason. The rematch was good, but not quite where WrestleMania’s match was. It was pretty clear Styles & Omos weren’t going to lose so soon, but it was also a bit of an obligation. I did like that Raw is working to intertwine the tag team stories, with Elias & Ryker failing to get revenge and instead getting a match with Orton & Riddle. RKBRO is continuing to be a fun combination in their promos and their matches, even with it just being a couple weeks, but I’m sure they’ll get even better.
LHP VS Alexander & Benjamin was rather out of nowhere, but it turned out to be pretty good. Even more surprising, Alexander and Benjamin broke up. Both guys had great passion in their promos, and a feud of these two is actually a long time coming really. Gulak VS Garza was a little less out of nowhere but started over trash talk over Garza not getting the ladies. A little early 2000’s but whatever. Sadly, this is the state of two very talented former Cruiserweight Champions. Shows you how Triple H and his team sees Cruiserweights compared to how Vince’s team does. Mansoor is here now, though, so that’s cool for him. Carrillo still going after Sheamus, too, so I guess Sheamus is going to maul them both with the US Championship on the line.
Morrison VS Priest was a great match, but there’s something even more interesting going on with how Miz kept cutting Morrison off in the promo. There is a break-up coming in the Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century, which has also been a long time coming, and I feel like Morrison will come out the Face regardless because Miz was the one disrespecting him and then messing him up in that match. Morrison deserves to be in the US Championship scene and Miz putting him over to get there would actually be a great element to their real-life friendship. But also, where is Keith Lee? Still wondering what’s going on there.
I have mixed feelings about Eva Marie making such a sudden return. She didn’t have the best run the first time, but you have to appreciate she wants to make up for that. Maybe it’s good timing that fans aren’t live in the audience or they might give her grief over her original run. There is good story mixing as Charlotte gets her spot in a Triple Threat thanks to Sonya and how that feeds into this Sonya VS Pearce story. Rhea and Asuka have logical reactions, and Asuka stands tall so she can stay strong in this story, but I feel like that means she’s losing the match. Alexa’s promo was just rife with clues about her first feud on her own, and I think the keyword is how Lily likes red. I don’t want to think it’s Eva, despite her former All Red Everything gimmick, so maybe it’s just about the title and whoever holds it after Backlash.
The world title story was a bit of a mess tonight. Did we really need all these extra backstage interviews and promos? I feel like if Raw can’t give us everyone’s major thoughts in one go, there’s something wrong with the creative staff here. I will say MVP gave a great promo each time because he’s that good, but Raw really needed to figure out how to fill time without being redundant. Lashley VS Braun was a great match, even with how it finished, but McIntyre standing tall here makes me think he’ll lose at Backlash, similar math to Asuka in her Triple Threat. McIntyre VS Lashley next week might end up another case of copy and paste, just proving Raw is spinning its wheels.
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)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
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THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
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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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Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (2/17/25)