Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (6/21/21)
Raw returns from Hell!
The champions of Raw made it through Hell, but now what?
Rhea Ripley and Bobby Lashley both reign over Raw, but surviving Hell was just the beginning! Who will look to step up and cash-in a golden ticket?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: AJ Styles w/ Omos VS Ricochet; Ricochet wins and advances to the Men’s MITB Ladder match.
- Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Naomi & Asuka VS Eva Marie & “Doudrop” Piper Niven; Naomi & Asuka win and qualify for the Women’s MITB Ladder match.
- Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Randy Orton VS John Morrison w/ The Miz; Morrison wins and advances to the Men’s MITB Ladder match.
- Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross VS Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax; Bliss & Cross win and qualify for the Women’s MITB Ladder match.
- Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Drew McIntyre VS Matt Riddle; Riddle wins and advances to the Men’s MITB Ladder match.
- Hell in a Cell Match: Bobby Lashley VS Xavier Woods; Lashley wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
The Money in the Bank briefcases hang above the ring!
Tonight’s FIVE qualifying matches will bring us that much closer to the golden opportunity on the horizon! But first…
Raw presents the VIP Lounge!
Bobby Lashley leads the way as MVP and the ladies head to the ring. They’re all celebrating the All Mighty Era surviving Drew McIntyre and the HIAC match they had just last night. MVP says once again he and the champion are here, so big things poppin’, little things stoppin’. Sit back and enjoy the view, because this VIP Lounge is for the All Mighty, MVP, and the lovely ladies, not people like you. MVP lets Lashley speak on last night. Lashley says he and McIntyre went through hell, and McIntyre almost took him to his limits. But even McIntyre at his best is not enough to best the All Mighty!
MVP says Lashley beat McIntyre to within an inch of his life and he’ll never be the same again. But the important thing is that McIntyre can never challenge Lashley for this title ever again! MVP rubs it in by having a screenshot of Lashley raising his hand and McIntyre hanging his head in defeat. Right now in the ring are two alpha males, five lovely ladies and a full bottle of champagne. That makes for one hell of a party. Let’s raise a glass and toast Lashley’s victory. Here’s to the- New Day interrupting?! Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods wheel out a cart of toast! Well, MVP did say toast, just not literal toasted bread.
Kofi says no disrespect, they don’t want a problem. They wanted to be part of the toast. SO the circus is in town? Kofi and Woods throw the toast at the ring! MVP shields Lashley but the ladies have to cower behind the couch. Woods says they always come prepared. MVP says they just keep proving his point! This clown nonsense is why they were watching HIAC, not main eventing it like Lashley. They’re clowns who belong in the circus. Once there are live crowds again, these two will do stupid cosplay and play stupid video games while Lashley & MVP will enjoy the finer things in life. Now if the New Day doesn’t mind-
Actually, they do mind. The New Day ain’t going nowhere, bruh! It is well documented that Kofi surrounds himself with friends and family, those he trusts, as opposed to users. Those who chew you up, spit you out and leave you when the well goes dry. Let’s talk, Bob! Bob, you think MVP and your ladies will be around when Kofi beats him for the title? First off, no one is beating him for the title! And certainly not to Kofi! Kofi is too busy dancing and making pancakes to realize that he lost this! What Kofi has to realize is that there is a hierarchy, and in it, Lashley is at the top while the New Day is at the bottom.
Oh is that so? So much talk of this, Lashley’s forgotten that Kofi beat Daniel Bryan to win at WrestleMania! MVP remembers, cuz he was crying at the bar! And in this very ring right here, Kofi beat Lashley! Lashley wants to act like he doesn’t remember, so here is the footage. Last month, even with MVP and Woods ringside, Kofi rolled Lashley up to win! Now Lashley remembers, right? So to get to the point, Bob does not have an opponent set for MITB. Kofi is here to challenge him for the WWE Championship! MVP asks Kofi if he’s joking, but Lashley accepts!! If this is what Kofi wants, leaving out how McIntyre hit Lashley with a cane, this will happen in a way where nothing like that happens again.
MVP says not MITB, do it tonight! Lashley will take on Kofi’s “partner in clowning,” Woods! Woods says Lashley isn’t the first to talk down to him. They’re just the last in a long line of toxic, testosterone flaunting meatheads that don’t have the mental acuity to perceive a Renaissance man like Woods. Preach, bruh! Woods knows MVP and Lashley don’t see him or Kofi on the level of Big E- MVP says it’s cuz they’re not. Shut up, MVP! Woods is talking! Big E has become WWE Intercontinental Champion. Woods got to see Kofi win THE WWE World Championship.
Now, Woods may be set on a possible King of the Ring tournament crown, he gives some of his accolades: over 2 MILLION subscribers on YouTube’s UpUpDownDown, a host on the returning G4 network, and most importantly, an ELEVEN TIME WWE World Tag Team Champion! So please, and be quiet about it, underestimate him. That’ll make the whooping that much sweet. Woods accepts! But one more thing, the match tonight- MVP SHUT UP! The match needs to be… inside Hell in a Cell! The Cell is still in the rafters, so why not?! BECAAAAAAAUSE~! NEW! DAY ROCKS! Lashley ACCEPTS the challenge, too!! Will Woods shock the world inside the devil’s playground?!
Raw shares footage from earlier today.
As AJ Styles and Omos were arriving, they ran across the Viking Raiders. Styles says, “Look at these guys! Riding high over the last weeks!” After that big win, of course. But compared to the champs, they’re zeros. No, less than zeroes! They’re NOTHING. Well Erik & Ivar set out to raid and had a phenomenal victory. It was sloppy luck. If they want to see a real raid, just watch Styles beat Ricochet to a pulp to then become Mr. Money in the Bank! And after that, Styles will win the WWE Championship again! Then and only then will these two defend their titles against the “stinky barbarians.”
Well, Mr. Styles, these two stinky barbarians beat you once, and they can beat him again. Styles slaps Ivar’s turkey leg down! Erik has Ivar stay calm as Styles and Omos headed out.
Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: AJ Styles w/ Omos VS Ricochet!
One half of the phenomenal Raw Tag Team Champions is looking for his way to reach the top of the WWE again, and he’ll climb up a ladder to do it! But will the One and Only uses Styles as a springboard to the MITB match instead?
The bell rings and Styles kicks low to CHOP Ricochet and put him in a corner. Styles whips corner to corner, but Ricochet puts Styles on the apron. Ricochet ROCKS Styles then triangle jump dropkicks him down! Styles staggers up for Ricochet to slingshot. Styles moves, Ricochet aborts the plancha, but Styles also avoids the corner moonsault! Styles scoops Ricochet to POST him! Ricochet writhes and Styles gets back in the ring as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Styles bumps Ricochet off buckles. Styles keeps on Ricochet in the corner with a wristlock, then brings Ricochet around. Ricochet elbows and CHOPS Styles back, then whips. Styles reverses and CLOBBERS Ricochet with an elbow! Omos likes what he sees as Styles looms over Ricochet. Ricochet slowly sits up, Styles brings him around but Ricochet throws hands! Ricochet has Styles on the defensive, then runs, to KNEE SMASH! Styles staggers, Ricochet keeps moving and hits a FLYING FOREARM! Ricochet back suplexes, Styles lands on his feet and CLUBS Ricochet on the back! Styles whips but Ricochet springboards to CROSSBODY!
Ricochet fires up, runs corner to corner at Styles and corner clotheslines! Ricochet whips Styles corner to corner hard, then runs in for another clothesline! Ricochet reels Styles in for a NORTHERN LIGHTS! Roll through and BRAIN BUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Styles survives but Ricochet keeps his cool. Ricochet gets Styles up, fireman’s carries, but Styles fights free and clubs Ricochet. Ricochet kicks, Styles blocks, and Styles ducks the enziguri to give an enziguri! Styles gets Ricochet up to a torture rack for a LANDSLIDE! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet survives but Styles keeps his cool. Styles brings Ricochet up, reels him in and wants the Clash, only for Ricochet to slip out!
Ricochet fires off forearms, but Styles ducks the rolling elbow for the Phenomenal Blitz! Ricochet dodges the back hand to enziguri, and he dodges the Pele to DEAD LIFT GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Omos gets worried and coaches Styles on. Styles gets to a corner, Ricochet runs in and clotheslines again! Ricochet hesitates after and Styles rolls him, CALF CRUSHER! Ricochet reaches and gets the ROPEBREAK! Styles lets go, Omos is stern again as Styles gets back up. Styles drags Ricochet back up, fireman’s carries, USHIGOROSHI! Ricochet is in a daze and Styles goes to the apron. Styles prepares that elbow, but the Viking Raiders run out to go after Omos!!
Omos throws Erik, tosses Ivar, and Styles tells him to take those two out! Omos roars and runs in but the Raiders send Omos CRASHING into the timekeeper’s area! Styles ROCKS Ricochet, springboards, but into a RECOIL!!! Cover, Ricochet wins!!
Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall (advances to the Men’s MITB Ladder Match)
A massive win for the King of Flight, and a defiant showing from the Viking Raiders! Is Ricochet about to rebound his entire career to the top of Raw? Will Styles & Omos look to make Erik & Ivar regret ever showing their faces tonight?
Matt Riddle finds Randy Orton.
Check it out, bro! More merch! And how great is it that they both have a chance to get into the Men’s MITB this year? If Riddle wins, he’s totally taking the briefcase everywhere they go so he can hide his stash in there. His what? His stash! Y’know, his Whoppers! He might get hungry. Plus he has an irrational fear of the Burger King King. He doesn’t trust that smile. Orton shouts at Riddle but calms down. “What do you want?” Riddle knows Orton has won and cashed in before, does he have any pointers? Y’know, bro to bro? Orton sighs and says, “Stay out of my way.”
Oh, well, that’ll be hard if they’re both going to win tonight. Imagine, two brothers fighting for the guaranteed WWE Championship title shot! Wouldn’t that be awesome?! Orton looks at Riddle’s goofy smile and says, “Not for you.” Riddle doesn’t smile as much anymore. Well, good luck, Randy! Will the MITB get in the way of RKBRO’s brolationship?
Backstage interview with Eva Marie and “her mysterious friend.”
Kevin Patrick asks if Eva could shed some light as to what happened last week. Eva is so glad Kyle asked. “You see, it’s been five years since I have stepped in the WWE ring, so everything had to be perfect.” Last week, Eva got a mani-peti and her nails look amazing. But then she caught a bit of a cold. Eva coughs to keep up the charade. She just knew the fans were “dying” to see her return, so instead of throwing in the towel, she arranged for her protégé to take her place. Introducing… What’s her name again? Pip- No no wait. Eva remembers now. It’s Doudrop! Yes! Now, the #EvaLution must be moving on. Doudrop, help her with her robe. “Doudrop” does as asked, but will this affect their teamwork?
Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Naomi & Asuka VS Eva Marie & “Doudrop” Piper Niven!
This could be two birds with one stone here for The Glow. She wants to get back at Eva for her bait ‘n’ switch, and she’s got back-up to do it! Will Naomi and Asuka both get one step closer to getting that golden ticket? Or will Eva and Pi- er, “Doudrop” keep their momentum going towards MITB?
Raw returns and Asuka starts against Eva with the bell, and they circle. But of course Eva tags out to Piper. Piper gets in, circles with Asuka now, and they tie up. Asuka wrenches but Piper shoves her away. Asuka catches Piper’s punch but Piper shoves her away. Asuka fires off fast hands, KICK, but Piper catches one to HEADBUTT! Piper whips, Asuka holds ropes, and elbows Piper away. Asuka BOOTS Piper, runs and clotheslines but Piper stays up to run her over! Eva applauds, and she’s not even on the corner! Piper runs in, Asuka dodges and fires off kicks! Piper shoves her away, Asuka hits a CODE BREAKER! Hot tag to Naomi, and Naomi wrenches to ROUNDHOUSE Piper!
Piper stays up, ducks a clothesline and waistlocks, but Naomi fights free with elbows. Naomi SCORTPION KICKS, but Piper blocks the whip! Piper whips Naomi to a corner and runs in to corner SPLASH! Piper runs in to CANNONBALL! Piper drags Naomi to a cover, Asuka breaks it! Asuka coaches Naomi and Piper scowls as she drags Naomi over. Piper stomps Naomi then climbs up. Now Eva tags in, and Piper has to get out. Eva covers, TWO! Naomi shocks Eva but this is what Eva gets. Piper isn’t so sure if she should tag back in. She DITCHES Eva?! Naomi rolls Eva up, Naomi & Asuka win!!
Winners: Asuka & Naomi, by pinfall (qualify for the Women’s MITB Ladder Match)
Eva is in shock! But she’s the only one. Naomi and Asuka are bringing the glow and the fight to MITB, will one of them get that money money money?
Sonya Deville and Adam Pearce talk backstage.
It’s hard to hear what they’re saying, but it seems they’re actually in agreement. They both head for gorilla, what will they have to say when we return?
Bobby Lashley is getting ready for tonight’s match.
MVP talks him up as he warms up, will he be ready for another HIAC match just 24 hours after the truly brutal battle he had with Drew McIntyre?
Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville are in the ring.
These two WWE officials feel the need to discuss a controversial moment during last night’s HIAC PPV. They ask Raw Women’s Champion, Rhea Ripley, to come to the ring. They wait, the music hits, and the Nightmare makes her way down. Rhea already has a mic and responds, “I was told that you were gonna summon me.” Pearce explains he and Sonya discussed this and agree that what Rhea did as champion was completely unacceptable. What are they talking about? Well, as we all saw, a title can only change hands following pinfall or submission. If someone is counted out or disqualified, someone loses but the title doesn’t change. Those rules were not mean to be abused but Rhea got herself disqualified on purpose.
Oh, so those rules apply only to Rhea and not Charlotte Flair? Rhea’s seen the Queen break those rules over and over and continue to do so. Rhea only did what Charlotte would’ve done if she was the champion. Well she isn’t, so- But speaking of, here comes Charlotte! “Not yet. Adam, you meant not yet.” And Rhea, Charlotte isn’t mad. She’s happy! Proud, even! Last night, Charlotte was kicking Rhea’s ass and finally, Rhea proved she’s smarter than Charlotte thought. Actually, she’s quite clever. That was the first time Charlotte saw Rhea is a “strategic competitor,” just like Charlotte. But Charlotte is still going to destroy her!
Sonya says if this is Charlotte asking for a rematch, then Sonya grants it. It will be Rhea VS Charlotte at MITB! Rhea is annoyed but she still smirks at Charlotte. Will this rematch from Hell (in a Cell) finally put this grudge away for good?
The WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions have their photoshoot now.
Sarah apologizes for interrupting, but she wants to ask about Natalya & Tamina challenging Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke to step up their in-ring game and- And wait, the #SexyMuscleFriends are now the ones making noise in the ring! What a weird role reversal as Natty & Tamina ask them to stop. The champs were having an interview, y’know. Oh, just like how the champs were doing this when Mandy & Dana were having their photoshoot? Didn’t Natty & Tamina get on them for not focusing on what was important? Seems this week, #SMF are the ones putting in the work.
Natty points out that as champions, this is their obligation to do interviews and press. Something Mandy & Dana know little about. Oh well then let’s settle this! They can show the champs what they know! Was Natty winning not enough last night? Tamina says if they want a second serving, they can have it! The champs get in the ring but get kicked right back out! “How’s that for working smart?” Mandy and Dana head out, but will they learn why there’s no one meana than Tamina?
Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Randy Orton VS John Morrison w/ The Miz!
The Viper already warned The Bro not to think it’ll be a good time at MITB, but this match might make it more apparent. Will Johnny Drip Drip dry up and be but an appetizer before the feast that is the 8 Man Ladder Match?
Raw returns and Morrison makes his entrance, wheeling Miz along with him. Can’t Miz wheel himself? His arms are still fine. Anyway, the bell rings, Miz joins commentary as Morrison circles with Orton. They tie up, Orton headlocks and grinds Morrison into a corner. Morrison turns things around, the ref counts, and Morrison lets off at 4. Miz brags about himself while putting Morrison over. Orton headlocks to hit a takeover on Morrison, Morrison rolls it to a cover, TWO! Morrison shifts to facelock and cranks back on the hold but Orton fights up. Morrison CLUBS him back down then floats around to shoot the half on Orton and throw in knees.
Morrison gets Orton up to throw more knees into the ribs, then ROUNDHOUSES! Miz is fired up way more than Morrison as he covers, TWO! Miz still likes what he sees as Morrison keeps Orton down with a top wristlock. Orton endures, even as Morrison digs a knee in. Orton fights up, Morrison wrenches and drags Orton back down. Morrison YANKS on the arm, wrenches again, but Orton pokes Morrison in the eyes! Orton throws Morrison down by his hair! The ref reprimands but Orton gets Morrison back up to whip to ropes. Morrison holds ropes but Orton clotheslines him out! Miz coaches Morrison, Morrison kicks Orton but Orton throws body shots!
Orton bumps Morrison’s head off the desk! Miz shouts at Orton but Orton glares at him before giving Morrison a BACK SUPLEX to the desk! Miz shouts at Orton, but then also reminds Orton that he is injured and therefore off limits! Orton lets Miz scoot himself away and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Orton EuroUppers Morrison in a corner. Morrison sits down, Orton drags him by his leg and stomps away on Morrison’s limbs. Orton has both legs then stomps Morrison in the gut! Orton scrapes laces off Morrison’s face then covers, TWO! Miz coaches Morrison from ringside rather than commentary as Orton grinds Morrison with a chinlock. Morrison throws body shots, fights up, but Orton CLUBS him down! Orton whips Morrison to ropes but Morrison kicks back! Morrison springboards, FLYING CHUCK! Orton staggers up, Morrison POSTS him! Orton flops out of the ring and Miz talks trash.
Morrison goes out and SLAMS Orton’s arm on the steel steps! Orton gets around the way and back in the ring but Morrison pursues. Morrison goes for a chinlock then for the bad arm! ARMBAR, but Orton clasps hands! Orton endures as Raw goes picture in picture to plug Fast & Furious 9 with John Cena. Orton fights up and makes a cover, TWO! Raw is single picture as Orton and Morrison fight for control. Morrison CLUBS the bad arm then WRINGS It out into the mat! Cover as Miz laughs triumphantly, TWO! Morrison stays on Orton’s arm with a wristlock but Orton grabs tights for leverage. Orton fights up, pulls Morrison’s hair but Morrison cranks the arm.
Morrison wants the Kimura but Orton throws body shots! They fight back and forth like this, Orton CLUBS Morrison but Morrison ROCKS Orton! Morrison whips him to a corner, but Orton comes back to CLOBBER Morrison! Orton gets Morrison up in a corner, CHOPS him, then CHOPS him again! And CHOPS again! Orton climbs up to rain down fists and Miz protests as the ref counts. Orton gets 10 punches before the ref counts 4. Morrison boots Orton away, but runs into the SPINNING POWERSLAM! Miz is shocked as Orton gets Morrison up and in the ropes! DRAPING DDT! But Orton isn’t done there, he starts hearing those voices in his head!
Miz panics as Morrison stirs and Orton coils up. Miz uses a shot from the Drip Stick to hit Orton! The ref reprimands Miz but it isn’t so much as to disqualify Morrison. But it is enough to piss Orton off! But Morrison rolls Orton up! TWO, and Orton ROCKS Morrison with the uppercut! Morrison is back by the ropes, but here comes Riddle and his scooter! Riddle chases Miz around the ring, and Orton is not sure what to make of it. Orton goes after Morrison but Morrison HOTSHOTS him! STARSHIP PAIN!! Cover, Morrison wins?!?!
Winner: John Morrison, by pinfall (advances to the Men’s MITB Ladder Match)
Uh oh, Bro. Riddle just cost Orton and now Johnny Drip Drip is making it rain! But will Miz be of any help when Morrison has to climb up and get the briefcase?
Backstage interview with Nia Jax, Shayna Baszler & Reginald.
Kevin Patrick asks if they’re concerned that what happened last night at HIAC will happen again. Nia says Reggie knows that that won’t happen again. Nia would never purposefully hurt him. Shayna asks Reggie if he’s scared. Shayna is scared of no one, and no one is going to stop this team from qualifying. But… There is something different about Alexa. They cannot deny that, but can they deny Twisted Lil’ Bliss and Nikki Cross their golden opportunity?
Congratulations to Titus O’Neil!
The Real Deal is a 2021 Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award finalist!
Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross VS Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax w/ Reginald!
This isn’t quite the #BlissCross reunion Nikki hoped for, but perhaps these former friends can coexist long enough to cash in a win. Will Alexa have fun her way on the way to MITB? Or will the Queen of Spades and Irresistible Force get back at her for using them against each other?
Raw returns and Nikki shows off her new look. Recently, something “sparked” inside of her, and after beating Charlotte Flair and Raw Women’s Champion, Rhea Ripley, she knows she can become Ms. MITB! The last few weeks, Nikki has worked on how to physically manifest that feeling inside, and she’s so excited to finally share it with us! She won’t be alone, either. No matter how far down you fall in life, we all share that positivity, that same spark, and the same spirit to win! So tonight, Nikki represents all of us, no matter our shortcomings. Her blue ‘n’ gold superhero suit embodies that! This is the spirit of the spark! Nikki does a Wonder Woman spin and heads to the ring!
Now Nia and Shayna make their entrance and things actually start feeling normal. The teams sort out and “The Spirit” Nikki starts with Shayna. Shayna can’t believe Nikki’s get-up but Nikki is fired up. They circle, tie up, and Shayna puts Nikki in the corner. She lets off to KICK Nikki’s leg. Shayna whips Nikki corner to corner but Nikki goes up and over and arm-drags Shayna to an armlock! Shayna gets up, gets around and uses a double wristlock takedown to a cover! ONE, but Shayna clamps onto Nikki’s ears. Nikki fires forearms, Shayna shoves her away but Nikki dodges. Nikki runs back in, is put on the apron but she ROCKS and shoulders into Shayna!
Nikki slingshots to an Oklahoma Roll! ONE, and Shayna gets an arm to drag Nikki to the corner. Nia tags in and she HEADBUTTS Nikki down! Nikki flounders to a corner, Nia runs in but Nikki dodges! Nia POSTS herself and falls out of the ring! Reggie checks on Nia but Alexa is watching. Alexa hypnotizes Reggie but Shayna snaps him out of it. Nia tells Reggie to focus and be careful. But then they all look up, and Nikki SUPER CROSSBODIES them all down! Nikki is fired up and Alexa smiles as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Nikki whips Shayna to the corner! Nikki fires up and corner SPLASHES! Tag to Alexa, Nikki BULLDOGS Shayna for Alexa to add Insult2Injury senton style! Cover, TWO! Alexa clamps onto Shayna’s face, Nia gets in but the ref stops her. This distracts the ref so Shayna can rake Alexa’s eyes! Shayna tags Nia in, Nia clamps onto Alexa and bumps her off buckles again and again! Nia whips Alexa to the corner, tags Shayna back in, and Nia holds Alexa up so Shayna can KNEE her down! Shayna scrapes Alexa’s face on the ropes! The ref counts, Shayna lets off to clamp on with a chinlock.
Shayna bends Alexa back but she endures. Nikki rallies up, as do the ThunderDome fans. Alexa fights up, Shayna shifts and rakes at the eyes again! Alexa keeps fighting up, getting angrier as she claws at the hold. Alexa pries fingers back and ROCKS Shayna with that throat chop! Alexa fires off more forearms then jumps on to just hammer away! Shayna puts Alexa on a corner, Alexa kicks at her, and then Alexa hops on for a SCREAMING CODE RED!! Alexa can’t hold the cover but she heads for the corner! Shayna crawls, too, hot tags to Nia and Nikki! Nikki dodges Nia, ducks and leaps, but into Nia’s arms! Nia pops Nikki up but Nikki slips off to ROCK, headbutt and dropkick!
Nia is in a corner, Nikki powers up but runs into a boot! Nia pushes Nikki to a corner, tag to Shayna, but Nikki gets away! Nia thinks Shayna was about to hit her but Shayna explains the obvious. Nia doesn’t believe it, and Nikki hits a BIG back suplex! Alexa stares at Reggie and has him hypnotized again! Nia realizes too late as Reggie raises his hand and SLAP- NO! Reggie just snaps out of it in time! Nia and Reggie hug it out, but Nikki WRECKS them with dropkicks! Nikki tilt-o-whirls to get Shayna down, for a La Magistrol! Cover, BlissCross wins?!?
Winners: Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross, by pinfall (advance to the Women’s MITB Ladder Match)
The spirit of the spark, as well as the mind games from Twisted Lil’ Bliss, triumphs! But will things only get harder from here on out?
Pearce and Sonya talk with Drew McIntyre backstage.
Before he heads out there, they want him to know that they saw what MVP did and- No, he’s not here to make excuses or look back at the past. McIntyre is heading for the future, the MITB Ladder match. Sonya says he already went through Hell, he doesn’t have to do this. McIntyre does, actually. He went through a war last night and it didn’t feel good. But certainly they haven’t told Lashley that he shouldn’t be competing in the Cell again. This is what McIntyre does, regardless of how he feels. It is a lot worse in his head. They should know him better than this.
McIntyre lives his life, inspired by Winston Churchill’s words during World War II. “We will fight them on the land, we will fight them on the sea, we will fight them in the air. We will never surrender!” McIntyre never, ever surrenders! He’ll face and beat Riddle tonight. And McIntyre will keep going through Hell. Then if so, good luck to him. The Scottish Warrior is mad as Hell, will the battle scars simply be motivation to keep fighting?
Pearce and Sonya hurry to stop a confrontation backstage.
Cedric Alexander, Jeff Hardy, Sheamus, as well as Jinder Mahal and his proteges, Shanky and Veer, are all arguing. Pearce has them all calm down and explain what is going on. Mahal says he is most deserving so he will speak first. Mahal is a former WWE World Champion, why was he not considered for MITB? Hardy says good point, because he is also a former WWE World Champion. Alexander says this is the problem! “All these antiques talking about what they did in the past!” It is time for the WWE to invest in someone with their best years ahead of them. Hardy points out his wins over Alexander. Stop future tripping and focus more on the now.
Sonya has them stop arguing and gets their frustrations. That said, the decisions are final. Oh? Final, huh? Sheamus tells the officials not to listen to these “bleeding gobshites.” He is US Champion! He shouldn’t need to qualify, he should just be in! Well then his nose is good and he can defend the title? Uh, no, his nose is still killing him! It was smashed to bits! His beautiful looks are ruined! Sheamus goes to see the doc. But Mahal is supposed to accept that nobodies like Ricochet and Riddle, and even Johnny Drip Drip, were considered but not the Modern Day Maharaja? The fact Drew McIntyre has squandered his 9000th opportunity and gets back in is upsetting.
Oh but surely management has reasons, so “thanks” for the consideration. And in case something were to happen to someone already entered in, Mahal would appreciate being considered as an alternate. Alexander likes Mahal’s idea there. Will things get a bit out of hand as WWE prepares to head back on the road?
Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Drew McIntyre VS Matt Riddle!
The Viper is already out of the picture, and the Bro will have hell to pay later on. But can he soften Orton’s anger by at least moving on for the both of them?
Raw returns as McIntyre makes his entrance. The bell rings, Riddle and McIntyre circle, and they tie up. McIntyre powers Riddle to a corner but the ref gets them apart. McIntyre still smirks and Riddle grins as the two go again. McIntyre against puts Riddle on ropes and goes for a clinch, but Riddle climbs up the ropes. The ref counts, McIntyre lets off at 3, and the two go again. Riddle shoots for a leg, McIntyre blocks and gets Riddle down with a facelock. Riddle slips free and we have another reset. Riddle and McIntyre tie up, Riddle KICKS McIntyre on the back! McIntyre CLOBBERS Riddle for it! McIntyre stomps Riddle and CHOPS him in the corner!
McIntyre fires off, GLASGOW KISS headbutt! McIntyre stops because his back bothers him, but he gets Riddle up to TOSS Riddle across the ring! Cover, TWO! McIntyre snarls and winches but Riddle CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Riddle fires off forearms, McIntyre throws haymakers back! McIntyre has Riddle in the corner but the ref counts. McIntyre lets off, brings Riddle out and dead lift suplex TOSSES Riddle down! Cover, TWO! McIntyre winces again from the pain in his back but he pushes through. McIntyre gets up to bump Riddle off buckles, then CHOP him! Riddle is stinging now and shouts as the pain comes through.
McIntyre gets Riddle up but Riddle blocks the suplex and throws hands! Riddle fires off forearms, runs but McIntyre runs him over! Cover, TWO! Riddle is still in this and McIntyre’s back still hurts. McIntyre whips Riddle to a corner, runs in but misses. Riddle comes back but into a back elbow! McIntyre hops up, but Riddle YANKS him down! That landing does not help the back, and the BROTON only adds on! Riddle gets heated now as he pushes McIntyre and throws knees into ribs! Riddle gut wrench suplexes McIntyre, but holds on! Riddle gets McIntyre up for another gut wrench, only for McIntyre to counter, gut wrench BACKBREAKER!
Because of the bad back, McIntyre can’t go for the cover and Riddle gets to the ropes. McIntyre DECKS Riddle, goes out after him, but Riddle POSTS him! NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPLEX! The ring count is climbing, Riddle gets up and in while McIntyre grits his teeth, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and McIntyre has gotten back in the ring. Riddle has him for a chinlock, but McIntyre fights up and fights out. McIntyre CHOPS and CHOPS and scoops, but Riddle throws shots to the back! Riddle shoves McIntyre to a corner, and forearm smashes! Riddle goes side to side to forearm smash again! BROSPLODER! Riddle paces, McIntyre sits up, PENALTY KICK to the back! Riddle aims and drops a BROTON onto knees! McIntyre saves himself just in time! McIntyre and Riddle both slowly rise, Riddle runs into McIntyre’s OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! McIntyre clinches to again OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! And then he hits a NECKBREAKER!
McIntyre kips up and fires up despite the pain! McIntyre hobbles over and drags Riddle up. Riddle fights the underhooks and trips to a jackknife cover! TWO, McIntyre LARIATS Riddle down! Cover, TWO!! Riddle barely survives and McIntyre’s growing frustrated. McIntyre gets up, brings Riddle back up and bumps him off buckles. McIntyre turns Riddle around, has the legs, INVERTED ALABAMA SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Riddle isn’t done yet! McIntyre gets up and Riddle gets to a corner. McIntyre hobbles over, CHOPS Riddle on the back, then hoists him up top backwards. McIntyre CLUBS Riddle, climbs up behind him, and goes to the very top!
But Riddle fights back with headlock punches! McIntyre adjusts, Riddle throws back elbows and McIntyre falls onto the top rope! Riddle shifts around, throws more elbows and McIntyre falls back! But McIntyre sits up for the SPIDER GERMAN SUPLEX!! Riddle and McIntyre are both down, what more do these two have? Wait, here comes Orton! The Viper is watching Riddle closely now, and Riddle is encouraged to keep going! McIntyre sees that as a problem, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns yet again, McIntyre and Riddle are back on the top rope, and McIntyre fires off haymakers and headbutts on The Bro! Orton still watches, McIntyre CLUBS Riddle on the back then fireman’s carries! McIntyre gets Riddle around but Riddle fights the Air Raid off to SUPER POWERBOMB! Riddle rolls McIntyre to FINAL FLASH!! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre survives and Orton doesn’t look pleased. Riddle grits his teeth, drags McIntyre up in a waistlock and ripcords, but McIntyre breaks free to spin Riddle. McIntyre blocks the Pele to scoop and MICHINOKU DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! Riddle survives again and McIntyre is back to being frustrated.
McIntyre and Riddle slowly stir again and Riddle can’t find McIntyre. McIntyre gets to a corner, Riddle turns around to see him, and Riddle hurries over as McIntyre slowly climbs. Riddle stands and catches the ax handle to a TRIANGLE!! McIntyre fights up fast, Riddle twists and keeps his shoulders up! McIntyre dead lifts but the back is holding him back! Riddle lands on his feet, gets around, backslide! TWO, FUTURE SHOCK DDT!!! Cover, TWO!?!? Riddle barely gets that bridge, but McIntyre is too sore to show any anger. McIntyre just gets to a corner and aims at Riddle. Riddle rises but flops back down, and McIntyre is at his wits end.
McIntyre gets Riddle up but Riddle scoops him! Riddle gets McIntyre around but McIntyre slips out to gut wrench! Riddle slips off to ripcord FINAL FLASH!! McIntyre is dazed but Riddle BUZZSAWS him down! Riddle puts McIntyre in the drop zone, climbs up top, FLOATING- NO! McIntyre moves! Riddle lands on his feet out of the jump, CLAY- NO!?! Riddle turns the kick into a takedown, for the BROMISSION!!! McIntyre flails, pulls on an arm, sits up and gets to his feet! McIntyre powers out of the hold, arm-drags Riddle, FINAL FLASH!! Riddle leaps, into a GLASGOW KISS! McIntyre ducks a roundhouse to Electric Chair, but Riddle makes it a victory roll! Riddle wins!!!
Winner: Matt Riddle, by pinfall (advances to the Men’s MITB Ladder Match)
Even the Bro is shocked! Riddle scoots back up the ring in hopes Orton has forgiven him. Orton sees Riddle’s smile, and Riddle offers a fist bump. C’mon, Orton, do it for RKBRO. Riddle asks Orton what’s wrong, and says he can talk to him about it. Riddle is here for his bro. Orton takes a moment before looking at Riddle. No fist bump but at least Orton didn’t leave Riddle behind. Will Orton learn to be more supportive when Riddle is going for the briefcase?
As for McIntyre, he is just as dejected as he was when he lost last night. If he can’t get back with the MITB briefcase, how will McIntyre return to the top of the mountain?
Jaxson Ryker slaps himself with a leather strap.
Mansoor comes along and apologizes for bothering him. He was going to ask for advice but then he saw him… Uh, what exactly is this he’s doing? Ryker’s icy stare is an answer in itself. But before Mansoor goes, Ryker tells him, “Never let your enemy escape.” Huh? He wanted advice, so there it is. More often than not, those closest to you are wolves in sheep’s clothing. So when you realize who the enemy is, don’t let them escape. That’s why next week, Ryker is taking Elias on… in a STRAP MATCH! When they’re bound together, there will be nowhere for Elias to run, nowhere for Elias to hide.
Ryker says his eyes were opened by the music. But the tune heard around the world will be the sound of this strap smacking Elias’ flesh. Makes sense to Mansoor! Thanks. But then Mustafa Ali is right there, too. Ali says Mansoor is still looking for answers by asking all the wrong questions, and asking all the wrong people! The real question is, “How did all the superstars competing in the MITB qualifying matches steal that spot from you and me?!” He wants advice so Ali will give him something: If Mansoor can’t even get an opportunity to climb the ladder of success, then he has to build his own ladder.
Ryker is still slapping himself with the strap and that stops Ali’s train of thought. Will the strap be what keeps Elias from walking away?
BREAKING NEWS!
There will be a chance at redemption for three of tonight’s MITB qualifier losers! Randy Orton, AJ Styles AND Drew McIntyre will be in a #LastChanceTripleThreat! Will the Viper, the Phenomenal or the Scottish Warrior make the most of this merciful opportunity?
Hell in a Cell Match: Bobby Lashley VS Xavier Woods!
The All Mighty already survived Hell once and kept the title. This won’t be for the gold, but Woods doesn’t mind if it is about putting Lashley in his place! Will the Power of Positivity see Woods through his own return to the sinister structure? Or is Lashley becoming a Rocky Mountain juggernaut that no one can stop?
Raw returns and Lashley makes his entrance. The ladies stay in the back because this might get a bit rough. The door is locked shut, MVP talks trash with Kofi, and the bell rings on the Cell’s return to Raw! Woods SHOTGUNS Lashley to a corner! Woods KICKS away on Lashley’s leg, but Lashley throws Woods to a corner! Lashley stomps and clubs and chokes Woods! Lashley RAMS into Woods over and over, turns Woods and hits a NECKBREAKER! Cover, ONE! Lashley snarls and gets Woods up but Woods sunset flips! TWO, and Lashley CLOBBERS Woods! Woods writhes but Lashley drags him back up for a COMPLETE SHOT! Lashley gets Woods up again for another COMPLETE SHOT!
MVP says this is what Woods gets, and Lashley gets Woods up for a LIFTING COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, TWO! Woods isn’t done so easily and Kofi taunts Lashley, “Is that all you got, Bob?” Lashley throws woods out of the ring but Kofi coaches Woods up. Lashley goes out after Woods, but Woods has a chair! Lashley blocks the chair shot, throws the chair back at Woods, then punches the chair into Woods’ face! Lashley puts Woods in the ring, MVP is fired up for him and Lashley runs corner to corner, but Woods moves! Lashley POSTS himself and Kofi fires up now! Woods runs to WRECK Lashley with a dropkick! Lashley hits steel and Woods keeps moving! ANOTHER dropkick!
Kofi says that’s two, Woods has a chair to SMACK Lashley and send him flying into steel! Lashley is down, Woods goes out and SMACKS him on the back! And again! And again! Kofi is loving this but MVP is not as Woods stands on Lashley’s head and Raw goes to break!
Raw returns once more and Lashley chokes Woods in the ropes! Also, there’s a table in a corner. Woods can only endure as there are no holds barred here! Lashley fires off haymakers, Woods pushes him away but Lashley throws more hands! Lashley runs but Woods dumps him out of the ring! Woods runs, slides, but Lashley traps him in the apron skirt! Lashley mugs Woods and Woods can’t even see! Lashley smothers Woods with the skirt but Kofi says if the All Mighty is might, he doesn’t need to do it this way. MVP says whooping Woods’ behind is exactly how he has to do it. This is for the disrespect!
Lashley kick’s Woods, Woods throws body shots, and Lashley KNEES Woods low. Lashley whips Woods right into steel! Woods flounders around the way, grabs a kendo stick, but Lashley snatches it from him. Lashley puts Woods in the ring and stands on his head! Again, Woods can only endure! Lashley digs his heel in, lets off, and Kofi coaches Woods. Lashley smirks at Kofi while MVP talks more trash to Kofi. Lashley stands Woods up to fire off elbows and forearms. Woods tries a roll-up, but Lashley holds ropes to stay up! Lashley stomps Woods down, drags him up, and MVP says to treat Woods as the court jester he is. Lashley whips, Woods ducks and dodges and slides to CHOP BLOCK a leg out!
Woods dropkicks Lashley down! Lashley flounders, Woods gets that kendo stick back! Woods SMACKS Lashley on the back! Lashley bails out but Woods pursues to FALLING KENDO SLASH! Woods digs the stick into Lashley’s neck! Kofi tells Woods to keep going and Woods SMACKS Lashley down again! MVP tells Lashley that Woods is a clown, but the clown is choking Lashley with the kendo stick against the apron! Lashley gets in the ring, Woods pursues again, but Lashley blocks the strike! So he gets a ROLLING ELBOW! And a mule kick! Woods runs to wheelbarrow, and victory roll FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!
Lashley flounders, the bandage on his arm is falling away, and he gets to a corner. Woods runs in but Lashley puts him on the apron. Woods GAMANGIRIS, then steps in, GET OVER HERE!! Tornado DDT hits and Woods covers, TWO!! Kofi says Woods is right there, he can do this! Lashley slowly gets up and Woods repositions the table. Woods has it standing up on its own, but Lashley kicks him! Lashley gets Woods up, but Woods fights free! SUPERKICK! Lashley staggers, SUPERKICK puts him on the table! Woods gets to the apron, climbs up a corner, and tightrope walks for the LIMITBREAKER ELBOW through the table!!! Cover, TWO?!?!
Lashley survives and Woods can’t believe it! Kofi keeps the energy up for both of them as Woods rises back up. Lashley flounders, Woods aims, but Lashley ducks the shining wizard! Lashley RAMS Woods into a chair! There was a chair wedged into the corner, much like last night, and Woods just ate it for dinner! Lashley aims from a corner now, Woods staggers up into the SPEAR!!! But Lashley won’t end it there, he puts on the HURT LOCK!! Woods taps, Lashley wins!!
Winner: Bobby Lashley, by submission
The All Mighty puts Woods away, and he didn’t even need help this time. But he isn’t done, either! Lashley throws Woods into steel again and again! The ref opens the Cell door, but MVP slips in and snatches the key! MVP locks the Cell up again!! Woods is alone against Lashley and MVP taunts Kofi! Kofi tries to get in but the gap is not enough! Lashley has Woods in the HURT LOCK!! Woods fades out and Lashley makes Kofi watch!! Kofi demands they let Woods go but MVP mocks Kofi for having such fire earlier. MVP says it’s all over now, but is this only going to make Kofi that much more determined to dethrone Lashley?
My Thoughts:
Wow, what a great Raw! And to think they could’ve been giving us this the entire time if they really tried. Though it wasn’t without some decisions and details that still boggled the mind. I get Rhea’s disqualification was their way of giving us Rhea VS Charlotte again at MITB, but what was that promo supposed to be? Are the new authority figures agreeing that they should kiss up to Charlotte and let her get what she wants? That’s lame. It was way more fun when Sonya and Pearce argued about stuff. The heat is dying down on this one after all the great work they did just last week and that’s a real shame. I’m almost hoping Charlotte is again the victim of a same-night cash-in from Ms. MITB.
Speaking of which, everything with the MITB qualifiers was great. Though this also brings in the other odd detail of the night. I like that Nikki wants to represent that energy and excitement she feels after her little win streak, but going superhero was an odd choice. She and Alexa had a great match with Shayna and Nia, and they made the supernatural puppetry work here. I think Nia was paranoid that Shayna almost smacking her was because of Alexa, but it was the genuine close call from Nikki dodging. Nikki getting into MITB is great, but I feel like this superhero costume is just more of an indication that she is going to become Lily’s host body.
I love what they did with Piper and Eva. The internet got word of “Doudrop” being Piper’s name here, but that’s because Eva didn’t care enough to learn Piper’s real name. I was hoping they were going to pace it out to take a little longer than this, and we’d get this euphoric moment where Piper finally told Eva off. This supports my theory that Vince’s main problem with his booking is his pacing, but at least he made the right decision to have Piper stay Piper and let Eva get what she deserves. I wonder if Asuka getting into the MITB match again is a way to give us the Ms. MITB run she would’ve had if not for Becky Lynch’s pregnancy changing plans.
The stories of the Men’s MITB matches were all very well done, too. Styles talks trash to Viking Raiders but that comes to bite him in the butt when they go after Omos, and then Ricochet wins to perhaps give himself a chance at finally getting some ground in the power rankings. Orton VS Morrison was a great match, and I was laughing so hard seeing Riddle chase Miz around the ring like that. A bit of a shame it costs Orton, but much like Ricochet, Morrison is perhaps finally getting where he should’ve been. Though I feel like there’d just be a lot of the same stuff from Miz’s run last year, but with Morrison now as the one exploiting loopholes or something.
Orton going ringside for the Riddle VS McIntyre match was great, it shows he still wants to be in the team. The match itself was an epic. So much story just on McIntyre having just done a HIAC match last night, and Riddle is always great in the ring. That was definitely on par with anything we saw the last couple of days, and Riddle getting in is great for him. A bit shocked there is a Last Chance Triple Threat rather than another original match-up. The other superstars protesting that backstage was a good detail, but I really hope Raw isn’t trying to get meta about itself again. We’ve seen the authority “apologize” and try to make it up to both fans and superstars and then not follow through, because duh, it’s happening here.
Another great detail was Sheamus being put on the spot about finally defending his title. I hope Sheamus gets to settle things with Humberto Carrillo, Raw can’t just drop that. Mahal also pointing out if an entrant goes down, someone can step up. Whether or not McIntyre wins that Triple Threat next week, I want to see Mahal go after McIntyre. That would make a great feud to keep McIntyre busy on the outside of a title scene, and who knows? Maybe McIntyre chooses his future is completing his WWE Grand Slam with the US Championship. I think live crowds would love to see McIntyre and Sheamus battle it out as hard as they did during the ThunderDome era.
Then everything with Lashley and the New Day was great. Of course Lashley wants to celebrate, but of course Kofi wants to get at him both because he has that win over him and because of MVP poking at him. That opening segment was great, and having HIAC on Raw for that main event was great. Also it was to appease the USA Network overlords but whatever, Raw made it work. Woods looked amazing, definitely worthy of being the next King of the Ring, but naturally Lashley was going to win. MVP trapping Woods with Lashley was a great detail, that is some Heel heat right there. Great visual to close, and Kofi is going to be fired up for MITB.
I don’t know the chances of Lashley losing so soon after barring McIntyre from the contender’s list, but we’re talking the first time since WrestleMania 37 weekend that live fans get to be in the audience. Fans would go nuts if KofiMania 2 happened at MITB. I know SummerSlam is coming up fast in August and it’s in Vegas and it has Cardi B for that mainstream pander- I mean, appeal. But c’mon! WWE needs to help the wrestling fans want to watch again because it is still World Wrestling Entertainment! Kofi winning “outta nowhere” would be so good for everything! The post MITB Raw, the Mondays going towards SummerSlam, and maybe even SummerSlam itself.
My Score: 8.5/10
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London calling to the champion crowns!
SmackDown brings gold to London as LA Knight defends his WWE US Championship and The Street Profits defend their tag team titles! Will the landscape change this close to WrestleMania?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly; The Profits win and retain the titles.
- Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice w/ Chelsea Green; The Secret Her-vice wins.
- WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman; Braun wins, by disqualification, and Knight retains the title.
- Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab; Charlotte wins.
- Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins.
- Jimmy Uso VS The Miz; Jimmy wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes is here!
We follow The American Nightmare as walks to gorilla, then through the curtain, and London sings along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, says hello to fans along the ramp, and then we get the second “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro. Cody goes to the ring, grabs a mic, then kneels down to kiss the WWE logo on the mat. The fans continue to sing along all the way to the end, “I AM MY KINGDOM!” The fans then cheer, and Cody holds up the belt to fire them up even more! The fans now sing for “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and he soaks it in. The fans cheer again as Cody smiles, and he finally says, “So, London~! Whaddya wanna talk about?”
The fans chant “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cody hears that dueling, and he smiles again. The song of “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” returns, then they cheer. Cody says, “At WrestleMania 41, I will be facing John Cena…” The fans boo, but Cody says, “I will be facing John Cena as he goes to break the record and win 17. But that is WrestleMania 41. In just a few nights, I will be standing face to face with John Cena in this very same city, in this very same arena.” The fans cheer that, but then here comes Randy Orton! Now the fans sing along with Voices as The Viper heads to the ring. Orton also high-fives fans before he joins Cody.
Orton grabs a mic, paces while the fans keep singing on their own, and then the fans cheer. Orton says he’s not really the sentimental type, but for Cody and for London, screw it. The fans chant “R K O! R K O!” and Orton tells Cody, “Look at you. Look at who you are now, the man you are now. Look at where he came from.” The fans cheer and sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and Orton says he remembers a Cody in his early 20s, just breaking into the business. Cody was busting his ass harder than anyone else. He wasn’t exactly happy, and in fact, he was frustrated. But Cody was man enough, smart enough, to know he needed to grow, and that he couldn’t grow in the WWE.
Cody wasn’t exactly treated fairly in the WWE, so Cody left the WWE! That took some big ass balls to do what he did! Cody changed the business singlehandedly, and everyone in the back knows it. And Orton appreciates Cody for it. But then Cody came back, as they all knew one day he would. And the industry has been changed forever since the day Cody came back to the WWE. Cody is a bit teary eyed as Orton says Cody’s still the same guy, he just did what he set out to do, and he grew. Orton teases he would sing along with the fans, but the fans might leave. The fans again sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!”
Orton asks if they remember when Cody Rhodes faced Seth Rollins in Hell in a Cell. The fans cheer because they do. Orton says that was impressive, and even impossible, as he started with a partially torn pec and then ended with a fully torn pec! His body changed all kinds of shades of purple that Orton’s never seen on a human body. The pain he must have been in. Cody persevered not just for himself. Maybe not even at all for Cody. It was not even for his family legacy; it was for each and every single fan out there! Then Cody went on to WrestleMania, beat Roman Reigns and finished the story!
But there’s always another story, isn’t there? And Cody’s right in the middle of one. Cody is in charge of his legacy, and it is a privilege for Orton to watch Cody take control of it. Ticket sales have been up, there’s more intrigue around the world, and listen to the people! It is 99.9% all because of Cody! The fans cheer that, and of course they sing. Orton says what he’s trying to say is a long-winded version of he respects Cody, loves him, and is very, very proud of him. The fans cheer that! Orton then says, “But… But now it is time for WrestleMania.” They both look to the sign, and Orton says he can guarantee Cody that Orton will kick Kevin Owens so hard in the head…!
Orton can just feel it already! He forgets how many days are left, but he can’t wait to remove Kevin’s head from his shoulders. And Orton knows Cody will enter champion, exit champion, but not before he beats the holy hell outta Cena all up and down the Vegas strip! But after all the smoke clears and the dust settles, just like Orton wants Number 17, there will come a time when Orton will want Number 15. But Orton won’t kick Cody in the balls like a coward. Orton will look Cody in the eye because he respects Cody, is proud of Cody, and sees him as an equal. Orton will look Cody in the eye and tell him that he’s coming for the title.
The fans cheer but wait! Drew McIntyre is here! The fans cheer the Scottish Terminator as he steps out on stage, mic in hand, and has a wry smile on his face as he looks at the ring. Drew waves as the fans now sing, “OH~ Drew McIntyre~!” Drew says, “Isn’t this wonderful? A couple of nepo babies having a love fest in the middle of the ring> It makes me absolutely sick. What’d you just say, Randy? if Cody gets through Cena at WrestleMania, you’re coming for that title? What exactly have you done since that big comeback to justify that title match? Aside be Randy Orton. The only big moment I can remember is you being on the shelf for months and months and months.
“People like to make jokes about it, but more people talk about my five-minute-45-second title reign than your entire comeback so far! So get to the back of the line, sunshine! As for you, Cody, you should’ve listened to me. But you shunned me. You attacked me. Everybody should’ve listened to me about John Cena, but they didn’t. And the next night, he kicked you right in the twig ‘n’ berries, proving me right as usual. And the main event of WrestleMania should be Cody Rhodes VS The UK’s only ever world champion, Drew McIntyre!” Fans do like that idea. But sadly, it’s not, because of that guyliner wearing Temu Undertaker, Damian Priest!
Drew wants to talk about what is happening. And what’s gonna happen! Drew steps up to the ring while fans sing for him again. Drew says it will not be Randy that takes the title from Cody, should he get through Cena; it’ll be McIntyre. The fans cheer, but Orton says they were trying to have a moment. Can Drew just cut the crap already? Drew says okay, sure. He’ll tell the truth, because that’s all he ever does. The truth is, Kevin might have a point! If those Voices are talking to Orton again, then they know Drew very, very well. And he’s thinking, “My God, Randy looks great! Absolutely jacked! On the outside.”
On the inside, that back is hanging by a thread. And if Orton provokes McIntyre, McIntyre will break him. And as for Cody- Cody kicks Drew and UPPERCUTS him! The fans fire up, and Orton R- NO, Drew gets away! The fans boo, but the battlelines are drawn! Even if Cody makes it out of the frying pan that is Las Vegas, it’ll be into the fire that is these contenders waiting in line! Will the American Nightmare be ready for whoever comes for the crown?
WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly!
Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins are finally golden again, but it’s time to put the titles on the line already! And while they’re ready for the grind, they’re up against the hometown heroes! Will the Profits still be up in the O2? Or will Kit Wilson & Elton Prince say #YESBOY to a new reign of their own?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really wants the smoke!
The teams sort out and Kit starts with Dawkins. They tie up, Dawkins headlocks, but Kit powers up and out. Dawkins runs Kit over, the fans fire up, and Dawkins fires hands on Kit in the corner! The fans rally for Pretty Deadly, Dawkins whips Kit to a corner, but Elton takes that bump! Kit CLOBBERS Dawkins, then tags Elton! Atomic drop into DROPKICK! Ford runs up, but into a DOUBLE HIP TOSS! Dawkins whips, Elton reverses, and then Elton hurdles so Kit can DDT! The fans fire up with Pretty Deadly while the Profits bail out. Pretty Deadly has control while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Elton is right on Dawkins as he gets in, and UPPERCUTS him to the corner. Elton clinches Dawkins for another UPPERCUT! Tag to Kit, and Elton RAMS into Dawkins so Kit can UPPERCUT! Dawkins flops over, Kit drags him up to wrench the arm. Kit whips, Dawkins reverses, but Kit grabs ropes. Kit ELBOWS Dawkins, DECKS Ford, but Dawkins CLOBBERS Kit! The ref reprimands but Dawkins RAMS Kit into the corner again and again! The ref counts, Dawkins fires fast hands, then he tags in Ford. Ford says, “SUCK IT!” then he KICKS Kit! Ford scuffs Kit, then drags him to a cover, TWO!
Ford keeps Kit down with a facelock, but Kit endures the grind. Kit fights up, fires body shots, but Ford whips him away. Kit sunset flips! Ford rolls through, and PENALTY KICKS! Ford mocks Elton with the Scott Hall fingers, and the ref has to keep Elton back. Ford drags Kit up, tags Dawkins, and the Profits mug Kit. Dawkins CLUBS Kit down, then stalks him. Dawkins stays between Kit and Elton, then whips Kit into the Profits’ corner. CYCLONE- NO, Kit dodges! Ford tags in, he keeps Kit from Elton now, but Kit slips out of the suplex! Kit fakes high to go low, hot tag to Elton! Elton rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT!
Elton kicks and whips Ford to a corner, then UPPERCUTS! Elton whips the other way, UPPERCUTS again, and then does it again! Elton adds to the hattrick with a lift, Ford says a quick prayer before the SUPLEX! Ford flounders, gets to his feet, but Elton dodges to springboard and FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Ford stays in this, but Elton stays on him. SmackDown returns to single picture and fans rally for Pretty Deadly as Elton gives Ford a back suplex. Ford lands out, waistlocks, but Elton switches and shoves Ford. Ford CLOBBERS Elton in return! Ford is also dazed but he covers, ONE!
Kit reaches out, Elton and Ford both crawl, hot tags to Kit and Dawkins! The fans fire up as Dawkins wrenches Kit, underhooks and SILENCER! Dawkins Electric Chair Lifts Kit, Ford climbs, but Kit slips free! Kit shoves Dawkins into Ford! Ford falls to the floor, but Dawkins ENZIGIRIS Kit! Elton tags in, and Kit LARIATS Dawkins! Pretty Deadly combine for DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Dawkins survives and the Profits are a bit unsure of what to do next. Dawkins crawls to a corner, Elton runs up, but Dawkins dodges! Elton hits buckles and Dawkins TOSSES Kit, then Dawkins hits a SKY HIGH on Elton!
Dawkins hurries to tag Ford and Ford climbs up! But Kit pushes Elton out of the way! Kit takes FROM THE HEAVESN, and Elton ghost pins Ford! TWO!! Ford escapes, and he ROCKS Elton! Elton UPPERCUTS Ford! Dawkins sneaks a tag, Ford SUPERKICKS! POUNCE SAIDO COMBO!! Cover, KIT BREAKS IT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! The teams go to opposite ends, then they all stand up in the corners. They all roar, all run in, and Kit SPEARS Ford while Elton FLYING UPPERCUTS Dawkins!! London is thunderous, and Kit hurries to tag in! Pretty Deadly gets Dawkins up, for SPILT MILK!! Cover, FORD BREAKS IT!
The fans are shocked, as is Elton, but Ford saves this for his team! “This is Awesome!” as Ford runs up and Elton TOSSES him out! Now DRY MARTI- NO! Dawkins doesn’t accept the second serving, and he DUMPS Kit out! Kit skins the cat while Dawkins DECKS Elton! Dawkins catches Kit to an Electric Chair! Ford rises, DOOMSDAY BLOCKBUSTER!! Cover, Profits win!
Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall (still WWE Tag Team Champions)
Pretty Deadly put up a heroic fight, but the hometown heroes could not capture the gold. Dawkins & Ford hold onto the gold, will this be the strongest the Profits have ever been?
Kayden & Katana talk with Zelina Vega.
Carter & Chance know La Muneca got screwed over by The Green Administration. Chelsea thinks she’s untouchable, but someone’s gonna stop them eventually. Well, speaking of, Alba Fyre leads the way in as she & Piper Niven “scope the perimeter.” There’s one small threat. They frisk the “miniscule” threat, but nothing they haven’t dealt with before. Chelsea struts in and says, “The Eagle has landed~!” Zelina says she is so glad the “Bootleg Men in Black” have crashed the party. Now, yeah, they all know she’s small. But clearly this small “threat” is a big threat to Chelsea’s title reign. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have taken all three of them to beat her.
KC Squared agree with that. How about tonight, we see what happens when the odds are even? Chelsea says that’s fine, because Agents P & A are ready. The Secret Her-vice has been given their next mission, but will they be able to crash the party? Or will the party crash them?
Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice!
SmackDown returns and The Green Administration makes their entrance. The teams sort out, Alba starts against Katana, and the two tie up. Alba KNEES low, CLUBS Katana down, then fireman’s carries. Katana fights free, tags Kayden, and they KICK, double whip, and then trip Alba up for the basement DROPKICK! Katana adds a slingshot SENTON, Kayden covers, TWO! Kayden tags Katana, they double whip Alba to a corner, then Kayden runs in. Alba DUMPS Kayden out, ROCKS Katana, and she tags Piper! Katana arm-drags Alba out, then goes out to run up. Kayden gives her a boost, Katana CROSSBODIES Alba down!
The fans fire up, but Piper goes up and out?! CANNONBALL and down goes KC Squared! Piper salutes Chelsea and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Kayden rallies on Alba while the fans rally up. Kayden fires up, runs in and whips, but Alba reverses. Kayden wheelbarrows, victory rolls, then SUPERKICKS! Kayden fires up again but the fans are torn. Kayden runs in at Alba to BOOT WASH her against the ropes! Chelsea protests, Kayden kicks at her, then Kayden springboards for a LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Alba survives, Kayden whips, but Alba KICKS back! Tag to Piper, but Kayden jackknife bridges Alba! The ref explains bout the tag, Piper runs up, but Kayden moves! The SENTON hits Alba! Piper panics, Kayden tags Katana!
Katana goes up onto Kayden’s shoulders, VICTORY ROLL LAUNCHER, but Piper catches Katana! Katana fires hands, BOOTS, and then hurries to go up again. Kayden ROCKS Piper, and fireman’s carries?! SAMOAN DROP! Kayden then gives Katana the boost, for the KEG STAND SPLASH!! Cover, ALBA BREAKS IT! Kayden runs up on Alba to BOOT her out! Katana gives Kayden the boost now, SUPER CROSSBODY onto Alba! Kayden hurries to tag back in, and she brings Piper up. Piper swings, Kayden dodges and SUPERKICKS! Katana goes up, Piper staggers over that way, but Chelsea distracts the ref!
The fans are torn as Alba grabs Katana. Katana kicks Alba down, chases Chelsea off, but Piper sends Kayden into her! Piper scoops to PIPER DRIVER!! Cover, Secret Her-vice wins!
Winner: The Secret Her-vice, by pinfall
The Women’s US Champion helps her team, and now they all mug Kayden & Katana! But here comes Zelina! Vega runs down the ramp, CLOBBERS Alba, and then she gets in the ring! Zelina tilt-o-whirl DDTS Piper! And she KNEES Alba off the apron! But Chelsea CLOBBERS Zelina! Chelsea fires up, the UK is oddly with her, and she chicken wings Zeina. But Zelina fights free to fire forearms and body shots! And a BACK ELBOW! Zelina reels Chelsea in, CODE- SUPERKICK from Alba! SENTON from Piper! The Green Administration is just too much for Zelina to fight against alone! But can she, Kayden & Katana find a way to turn things around?
WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman!
Did the Mega Star just get this title back from Shinsuke Nakamura? YEAH! Did he help the Monster of All Monsters fight off Solo Sikoa’s rouge bloodline? YEAH! And now, does he have to defend this title against the monster he just helped? YEAH!! But will Knight still reign this close to WrestleMania? Or will Braun #GetTheseHands back on a championship?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it’s time for Knight’s biggest challenge, YEAH!
The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two circle. The two tie up, and Braun SHOVES Knight away. Knight comes back, Braun SHOVES him down again! Knight gets up, gets around, and he headlocks. Braun powers up to back suplex, but Knight lands out! Knight tries but Braun’s too big to suplex! Braun ELBOWS Knight, storms up on him, but Knight fires haymakers! Knight whips, Braun reverses, but Knight KICKS back! Knight runs, but Braun HIP TOSSES! Cover, TWO! Knight stays in this, but Braun brings him up. Braun puts Knight in a corner, CHOPS, then runs, for a SPLASH! Knight sputters along ropes, Braun keeps moving, but Knight DUMPS him out!
The fans fire up as Knight then WRECKS Braun with a dropkick! Knight keeps moving, and he WRECKS Braun again! The fans fire up with Knight, but then Braun BOOTS Knight down! The fans are torn but Braun stands tall as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Braun puts Knight back in the ring. The fans cheer as Knight KICKS Braun! Knight tries again, but Braun’s still too big to back suplex! Braun CLUBS Knight, then runs in at the corner. Knight BOOTS Braun, goes up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Knight and Braun rise back up, and Knight dodges a shot to JAB! Then he dodges to JAB! JAB! JAB! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” But Braun KNEES low! Braun scoops, Knight slips free, and Knight RAMS Braun into buckles! Then the BACK SUPLEX! The fans fire up and Knight rises again! Knight spells it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!
Braun has plenty left in the tank but the fans rally for Knight. Knight stands Braun up to kick low, but Braun THROWS Knight away! Knight rises, and Braun LARIATS Knight up and out! The fans fire up as Braun rips the shirt! Braun gets on the track, and he runs in, STROWMAN EXPRESS MEETS JACOB FATU!! The Samoan Werewolf strikes Braun down!
Winner: Braun Strowman, by disqualification; LA Knight retains the title
The fans boo as Jacob now goes after Knight! He just ruined what was becoming a great match, but Jacob fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT on Braun! SAMOAN DROP onto the desk!! The desk doesn’t budge, but Braun might’ve been broken in half! The UK fires up for Fatu as he puts Braun in the ring! Jacob fires more HEADBUTTS, then HEADBUTTS away on Braun in the corner! The fans sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE, FATU~, FATU~!” Jacob runs corner to corner, but Knight kicks him first! Knight fires haymakers, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Jacob denies the BFT to POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! And then HIP ATTACK for Braun anyway!
Jacob keeps going, HIP ATTACK for Braun again! Jacob throws off his jacket, glares at Braun, and he runs in for a third HIP ATTACK! Braun flounders into the drop zone, so Jacob goes up, up, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! Direct hit on Braun, but the fans want that “ONE MORE TIME!” Jacob obliges, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! The Samoan Werewolf just tore up #OneBigSOB and LA Knight, will there be no stopping him from taking the United States Championship?
Backstage interview with Jimmy Uso.
Jackie Redmond is with #BigJim, and she says that while she knew WWE was going global this month, she did not know they’d get the slap heard ’round the world! Jimmy says he’d do it again, and he’ll slap Gunther as many times as he needs! Jimmy knows Jey is up in his own head, doubt is creeping on him. But just because Jey’s 0-3 against Gunther doesn’t mean Gunther’s unbeatable! The Ring General CAN be got! Jimmy’s going to Raw this Monday, he will bust Gunther’s ass, Jey will go to Mania and bust Gunther’s ass to become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. And then they leave Las Vegas just like this: YEET!
Jimmy heads out, but then The Miz & Carmelo Hayes walk by. Miz is mocking Jimmy’s words, and he asks excuse me. Miz says it’s just funny that suddenly, Jimmy is a tough guy, even though for most of his career, he’s been “The Other Uso.” Doesn’t Jimmy get it? Jimmy and Jey are career sidekicks while Gunther is a main character. Gunther is the lead, neither Jimmy nor Jey can beat him. And here’s another thing: The Usos are just blips on the trailer that was Roman Reigns’ Bloodline. Melo says Jimmy & Jey are stuck outside the club, they can’t even get in.
Miz says as a former WWE Champion, a former WrestleMania main eventer, Jimmy will never know what it is to carry this industry. And after this year’s WrestleMania, neither will Jey. Oh, and by the way, if Jimmy ever slapped Miz like that, Jimmy would still be on the ground. Jimmy feints the slap and Miz freaks out. Jimmy says it may be him and Gunther on Monday, but he’ll holler at Aldis real quick so it can be Jimmy VS Miz here tonight. Yeah, YEET! Jimmy heads out, Melo says he thought Miz was gonna do something about the slap. Will Miz have to do something about running his mouth before he gets his teeth kicked in?
Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga find Jacob Fatu backstage.
Solo asks Jacob what the Hell he was doing out there. Jacob goes out there alone without saying a thing to them? Jacob says he ain’t gotta say nothing to nobody! Matter fact, didn’t Solo not tap in with him last week? Tama says, “But Jacob,” only for Jacob to say, “But nothing, Tama!” Solo wants Jacob to lower his tone, but Jacob says okay. Let him be very clear with them. When it comes to Braun Strowman, Jacob WILL be the last man standing. Y’all better get in where you fit in, cuz that US title? Oh, Jacob’s bringing it home to the family. And he will do it with them, or without them! Yadada mean? Fatu heads out, is the Samoan Werewolf no longer following Solo?
Naomi speaks.
“I mean… How did we even get here? I don’t know. One thing that I do know is that I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. So Bianca, what makes you think that my attack on Jade was anything different from me doing the right thing? When I sit here and I think about all that I’ve sacrificed, all that I’ve given, and that’s what really breaks my heart. Because through all of that, I’m made to be the bad one in this situation. I just don’t understand, how does Jade come in outta nowhere and take my place with you? I want you to ask yourself this, Bianca. Who inspired you? Hmm?
“Who’s inspired women over the last decade? Who’s always had your back from day one of you being here? Me. Not Jade. Hmm. But you know what? What I’ve learned through all of this: You teach people how to treat you. And I’m done with being treated as a third wheel. I’m done being pushed to the side, I’m done with being too nice, I’m done with being undervalued, underutilized, underappreciated! So moving forward, hmm… Moving forward, here’s my message to you, Jade. If you continue to be in my way, I strongly advise you to proceed with caution.” The Glow shows her dark side, but will the storm be moved?
Nick Aldis meets with Jade Cargill.
Speaking of, the SmackDown General Manager understands things have been rather difficult for her as of late. Jade says she’s been trying to get her hands on Naomi for the past few weeks, now where is she? No one has seen her all day, so as far as anyone knows, Naomi’s not here. Well, when Jade catches Naomi, it’s on sight. Jade leaves, B-Fab & Michin are there. They let her know that what Naomi did to her was straight trash, totally uncalled for behavior. And after Jade gets her hands on Naomi, she’ll handle that business. Jade agrees. Mia says they’ve all got business to handle. Jade’s got Naomi, and Mia’s gonna get Charlotte for messing with her girl, B.
B-Fab says Naomi’s got what’s coming to her: no sympathy, no regrets. Jade, just do what you gotta do. Oh, she will. Jade also wishes Mia luck tonight. Mia & B-Fab head out, will the Head Baddie in Charge make the Queen bow down in London?
The darkness approaches.
“You are as I was. As I am, you will be.” The shadows are starting to take shape, but is SmackDown about to fade to black?
Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab!
The Queen looks down on everyone, so it’s no surprise that everyone else wants to take her down. Charlotte may have checked off B-Fab, but will the HBIC be a much different story? Or will Charlotte only sharpen her edge before facing Tiffany Stratton at WrestleMania?
WAIT! NAOMI ATTACKS B-FAB & MICHIN! Naomi drags Mia up for a FACEBUSTER! Naomi rains down fists, the ref reprimands and the fans boo, but Naomi tells the ref to back off. Naomi then BOOTS B-Fab off the apron! Naomi goes out after B-Fab to THRWO her into barriers! Naomi SLAPS B-Fab, tells her to stay down, but B-Fab gets up. Naomi fires hands, then she SMACKS B-Fab off the desk! Naomi rains down fists, but here comes Jade! Jade hurries down the ramp, she runs around the way, but Naomi runs away! Jade makes sure B-Fab is okay, but refs have to help her to the back. And what of Mia? Will she even be able to compete?
Charlotte makes her entrance, not really caring about what Naomi just did to Mia. But that means she also crosses paths with Jade. The fans like the look of this stare down, but Jade and Charlotte both let the other slide. Charlotte gets her pyro, and it seems she’ll still get her match. Will Mia be little more than an appetizer now?
The bell rings, and Charlotte BOOTS Mia down! Cover, TWO! Mia stays in this and the fans rally up. Charlotte just struts around while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Charlotte has Mia down with a chinlock, but the fans rally up. Mia fights up, fires body shots, and she then blocks a shot to ROCK Charlotte! Mia ROCKS Charlotte again and again, then reels her in for a TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up as Mia hurries to cover, TWO! Mia drags Charlotte up, wrenches, but Charlotte says no to Da Feet! BIG back suplex! Mia stagger sup, Charlotte whips her, but Mia reverses! Charlotte goes up and out, BOOTS her away, then slingshots in and rolls Mia! Mia rolls through and BUZZSAWS! Mia runs corner to corner, but Charlotte avoids the cannonball!
Charlotte YAKUZA KICKS Mia down, then fires herself up! The fans “WOO~!” as Charlotte has Mia in the drop zone,. Charlotte steps on her, goes up the corner, but Mia gets underneath her! SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Charlotte survives and Mia is shocked! Mia nods as the fans rally back up, and she brings Charlotte up. But Charlotte ROCKS Mia! Mia SOBATS, PELES, and then runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Charlotte stays in this, Mia grows frustrated, but the fans continue to rally. Mia uses that energy to stay focused, and she stalks Charlotte to waistlock. But Charlotte ELBOWS her away!
Charlotte CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOSP! Charlotte winds up, and she CHOPS again! Mia sputters, but then she dodges the boot! Charlotte is caught, and Mia hits a SAIDO! Charlotte flounders to a corner, the fans rally behind Mia, and Mia runs up, CANNONBALL! Mia hurries to wrench and EAT- NO, Charlotte shoves Mia away! Charlotte gets under, back suplexes, but Mia lands out! EAT DA FEET!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Charlotte’s long legs help her survive by a literal foot! Mia is beside herself while Charlotte bails out. Mia storms after Charlotte, runs up, but Charlotte dodges! Mia’s kick hits steel steps!
Mia hobbles away, goes to the apron, but Charlotte CHOP BLOCKS the bad leg out! Charlotte grabs Mia’s leg, drops a KNEE on the knee, but fans chant, “We Want Tiffy!” Charlotte just steps through, FIGURE FOUR, into FIGURE EIGHT!! Mia taps, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
Charlotte got more of a fight out of Mia than expected, but she still won. Will The Queen be more than ready to reign again after WrestleMania?
Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.
Jackie Redmond is with the WWE Women’s Champion and says Charlotte certainly looks confident. Let’s be real, Charlotte came at Tiff pretty hard. It got a lot of people talking. Tiff says yes, people talk. And Charlotte sure loves to hear herself talk. Ten years into the business and Charlotte is still so insecure that she can’t let a “rookie” get a word out. But last week, Tiff did learn something: She learned that walking into WrestleMania, she isn’t the one with something to lose. Truth is, if Tiff loses, then she lost to the great Charlotte Flair, as just a 25-year-old rookie with one year into SmackDown.
But if Charlotte loses… Well, then she lost to an “undeserving, delusional, unoriginal, backflip doing, blonde-hair-having, little girl.” Did she get it all? And Tiff can’t wait to hear the look on Charlotte’s face when they hear the words, “And STILL!” Then maybe Charlotte will finally shut up for the sake of literally everyone! They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, and Tiff will make damn sure what stays is Charlotte’s massive ego. Tiff is walking into and out of Mania as the WWE Women’s Champion. Tootles! Tiff heads out, will it still be #TiffyTime after WrestleMania?
Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre!
The Viper told Cody how proud he was, but also how he wants the next shot after John Cena. The Scottish Terminator took offense to that, and basically said he is taking that shot instead. Will this match be an unofficial #1 contender’s match between these two former world champions?
SmackDown returns and McIntyre makes his entrance. The bell rings and the fans sing, “OH~, Drew McIntyre~!” and chant “R K O! R K O!” Drew and Orton circle, tie up, and they go around in a deadlock. Drew powers Orton to a corner, but Orton headlocks back. Drew powers up and out, then he runs Orton over! Orton hurries to ropes and Drew mockingly asks, “How’s the back feel, Randy?” Orton stands, he and Drew reset, and the fans duel some more. Drew calls for a knuckle lock, Orton accepts, but then Drew kicks low! Drew bumps Orton off buckles, then climbs up, but he panders for too long and Orton YANKS him down!
The fans fire up as Orton climbs now! Orton rains down fists, and the fans count to nine. Orton hops down, brings Drew around, and POSTS him for ten! Drew tumbles out of the ring, Orton goes out after him, and they’re by the desk! But Drew kicks Orton first and SMACKS him off the desk! Drew clears the desk, and he brings Orton up for the DESK- NO, Orton fights free! Orton turns things around, DESK BACK SUPLEX for Drew! The fans fire up while Orton leaves Drew behind, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew writhes on the floor, but Orton goes out to fetch him! Orton brings Drew around, UPPERCUTS him, then says one more time! DESK BACK SUPLEX! Drew writhes as that desk stays standing! Orton grins, refreshes the ring count, and then he storms up on Drew. Drew pokes Orton in the eye! Drew POSTS Orton now, then brings him around to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP into barriers! Orton slumps down, and Drew also grits his teeth from that double-edged attack, but Drew fires up as he stands tall. Drew drags Orton up, puts him in the ring, then stalks Orton. Drew looms over Orton, and HIP DROPS him!
Orton sputters, Drew says one more time, and he winds up for the HIP DROP! Drew paces around Orton, says maybe one more time, and he pretends he can’t hear the fans. Drew winds up again, but Orton flips over! Hip drop meets kneecaps! And then Orton pokes Drew in the eyes! The ref reprimands but Orton rises up. Drew sputters and flounders, Orton ROCKS him with a right! Drew ROCKS Orton back! Drew storms up, Orton kicks low, but Drew fires another haymaker! The haymakers go back and forth, Orton gets the edge, but Drew GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTTS! Cover, TWO! Drew clamps onto Orton with an armlock!
SmackDown returns to single picture and the fans rally up. Orton fights up, pries at the chinbar, and then throws right hands! Drew CHOPS Orton in return! The fans “WOO~” and Drew winds up. Drew ROCKS Orton again, eggs him on, then CHOPS again! Drew shoves Orton to a corner, CHOPS again, then dares Orton to fight! Drew whips corner to corner, but Orton comes back to LARIAT! And LARIAT! Drew swings, Orton dodges, SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up as Orton stalks Drew to the apron. Drew HOTSHOTS Orton first! Drew then runs in, but Orton puts him through the ropes!
The fans fire up as Orton has Drew for the DRAPING DDT! The fans fire up for Orton, and Orton hears those voices! Drew rises, but then Orton spots KEVIN OWENS! The Prizefighter is on the ramp, Orton glares at him, but then he turns around into a CLAYMORE!! Cover, DREW WINS!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
Kevin’s mere presence costs Orton, and now Drew has a huge win propelling him down the Road to WrestleMania! As for Orton, Kevin drags him out of the ring, SMACKS him off the desk, and then climbs up to join him! The fans boo but Kevin and his hot pink sneakers have Orton in position, but Orton slips free and TRIPS Kevin up! Kevin hits the desk then the floor! Orton staggers around, the fans rally behind him, and Orton stalks Kevin to the corner of the barriers. Orton lines up the shot! Orton runs in, but Kevin jumps over barriers! Security is there to stop Orton from pursuing, so Kevin runs away into the night!
The fans boo, but The Viper was that close! Will Orton be able to strike Kevin down and completely take him out?
Fire, thunder, smoke…
The force of nature is drawing ever closer. And he’s ready to fly! REY FENIX arrives next Friday Night SmackDown!
Jimmy Uso VS The Miz!
#BigJim gave Gunther a piece of his mind and a mark on his cheek, but it seems not everyone got the message. Will the Hollywood A-lister soon star in the Uso Penitentiary? Or will he prove Jimmy is NOT ready for a world champion level opponent?
The bell rings and the two tie up. Jimmy powers Miz to a corner, Miz turns things around, and the ref counts. Miz takes a swing, Jimmy ducks it to CHOP! And CHOP! Miz shoves Jimmy back, then runs up, but Jimmy TACKLES Miz! Jimmy rains down fists, Miz shoves him away to go to ropes, but Jimmy storms back up. Miz ELBOWS Jimmy away, then runs back up, only for Jimmy to LARIAT him down! The fans fire up while Jimmy storms up on Miz. Jimmy CHOPS Miz, has him in a corner, then whips corner to corner. Miz reverses, Jimmy goes up and over, then UPPERCUTS! Miz staggers back to ropes, but Jimmy is right on him.
Jimmy whips, Miz reverses and kitchen sink knees! Then basement BOOTS! The fans fire up, Miz scowls, and Miz KNEES Jimmy in the back again and again. Miz stalks Jimmy to the ropes now, and he CHOKES Jimmy! The ref counts, Miz runs, and Miz STRADDLE ATTACKS! The fans boo, but Miz runs again. Jimmy ducks the boot, then dodges a lariat! Jimmy runs up to LARIAT Miz up and out! The fans fire up and Jimmy builds speed, but Miz runs away! Jimmy smirks as he goes out the side, and UPPERCUTS Miz over the barriers! Jimmy makes sure Gunther knows he’s coming to get him, but SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and both men are down. Miz and Jimmy crawl, and Jimmy pounds the mat. The fans rally, Jimmy rises and runs up to LARIAT! And LARIAT! And mule kick! Jimmy then UPPERCUTS Miz, dodges a lariat, then SAMOAN DROPS! The fans fire up, Jimmy goes to the corner, “UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs in, but Miz puts him on the apron! Jimmy UPPERCUTS again! Jimmy climbs, leaps, but Miz gets under! Miz then waistlocks, ripcords, and MOVIE MAKER! Fans boo that blatant parody, but Miz full nelsons! Jimmy drops, victory rolls, TWO! Miz has the cover, TWO! Miz hurries to BASEMENT DDT! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally up as Jimmy survives! Miz stalks Jimmy, the fans rally up more, and Miz fires a KICK! And then another KICK! The fans say “YES! YES! YES!” to the It Kicks, but then Miz winds up. Jimmy ducks the buzzsaw, Miz blocks the superkick, but the DRAGON WHIP connects! Miz rebounds to B-MOVIE KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! The parodies don’t get it done, but Miz still has his original work to fall back on. The fans rally for “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Miz runs in, A-LIST LARIAT! Miz shoves Jimmy down, then springboards, but into a SUPERKICK! Jimmy hurries up top, for the USO SPLASH!! Cover, Jimmy wins!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Miz may be a movie star, but Big Jim’s the one winning this main event! Jimmy then borrows Joe Tessitore’s headset to call out Gunther! He’s coming after dat ass on Monday! Gunther won’t be the ring general, he will be “Private Gunther,” and he will salute Big Jim! Uh, uh, YEET! Will Jimmy be the one making examples out of the World Heavyweight Champion? Or will everything come crashing down when Gunther gets his turn?
Drew McIntyre returns backstage.
And he says hey to Lewis Capaldi, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, and also a big fan of Drew’s. They’re ready to have a good night in the pub, but Jackie Redmond walks over to congratulate him on the win tonight. She was hoping to get some thoughts on that victory and what happened with Orton and Kevin. Drew says it’s alright, this is what happens. He doesn’t care about anybody else’s business, but no one gets away with screwing him over. And when no one meddles in his business, he wins! Drew called out Priest, where is he? Priest doesn’t have the balls! So time to get mad in the pubs, everyone’s invited!
Drew turns the corner, but PRIEST IS THERE! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the door, then throws him into road cases! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the trunk of a car, and then again! Or since it’s London, “the boot.” The driver complains, but Priest BODY SLAMS that guy through a table! Drew comes back to KNEE Priest low, SMACK him off the trunk, and then off the side! They go to the hood, or bonnet for UK. Drew drags Priest up, but Priest CLAWS Drew’s eyes! Priest then sends Drew SOUTH OF HEAVEN through the windshield! Priest tells security that he’s done for now. Any more jokes, Drew? Didn’t think so! RIP, jackass!
Priest leaves, the producers hurry to help Drew, and Drew’s got glass in his eye! Will that glass help Drew see why he shouldn’t piss off the Punisher?
CM Punk heads to gorilla.
He has a security detail with him, and he passes by Drew writhing in pain. Punk chuckles, then continues on. Will his contract signing with Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins be just as brutal? We find out, after the break.
Nick Aldis is in the ring.
The SmackDown General Manager welcomes us back, and says it is his honor and privilege to be here in the O2 in London. Now, we all know why he and this table is here, and why additional security is here tonight. Tonight, we are here to sign a contract for a Triple Threat. Perhaps the biggest Triple Threat in the history of WrestleMania: Seth Rollins VS CM Punk VS Roman Reigns! The fans cheer all those names, and here comes the OTC! London puts the ones up, and Paul Heyman accompanies THE Tribal Chief out on stage. Roman raises his finger to the sky for the pyro, then security follows him to the ring.
SmackDown goes picture in picture as Roman’s entrance continues, and he raises his finger to the sky for the second round of pyro. Roman steps into the ring, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Heyman hands him a mic. The fans sing, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!” Roman nods, the fans cheer, and now they chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman tells London, “ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” The fans cheer again, and again chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman smiles, but he sees the chairs are not to his liking. Heyman makes sure to put one at the head of the table. Heyman also dusts the chair off while Roman enjoys the singing of, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!”
Roman takes a seat and says that was beautiful. The way they sing to their Tribal Chief, it’s just beautiful. The singing continues, and Heyman even joins in! Roman smiles, and he says that is what he’s talking about. That’s the OTC for you, baby! The biggest star on the planet! The OTC came here for two reasons. One: to be acknowledged; check! And two: to sign this contract. Roman does just that, and he says he’s checked both boxes. That means- “BURN IT DOWN!” Seth Rollins interrupts! The fans now sing, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Rollins struts out in his red wine paisley suit and conducts the O2 Choir all the way into the ring.
The fans cheer while Roman frowns, but Rollins takes the seat to Roman’s left. Rollins offers Heyman a chance to sing to this song, but Heyman frowns. Rollins chuckles, and he says the fans do have beautiful singing voices. He doesn’t know why Roman is in such a hurry to leave, though! This is their building! There’s a lot of history here! 12 years ago, they landed on the roof of this place in a helicopter! They came down those stairs over there, “ready to burn down the old guard!” They put the Undertaker down through the desk, and they were going to remake this company in their image!
Now don’t get him wrong, Rollins knows a lot has happened since then. They fought against each other, with each other, a little bit of love and a whole lot of hate. But Rollins dare says, as the fans continue to sing “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~,” that Rollins and Roman accomplished their mission. The fans start to chant for CM Punk, but Rollins tunes them out. Roman says, “We? We? You keep saying we. Our mission? We died a long time ago. It’s only been ME. You been here, but I done all the work! I’ve made this place what it is today! I took us to the level that we are here today! I made this place better than we found it!
“I’m the one that made us desirable to Netflix! I’m the one that took us into billion-dollar deals! Tell me, what have you done?” Rollins shouts, “I’ll tell you what I’ve done! YOU, YOU, YOU, it’s that mindset that keeps me having to screw you! You understand that? And your biggest mistake is not understanding the danger that’s right in front of us! The danger that’s right in front of you! You let the biggest snake in the world, CM Punk, into the garden! And you could’ve cut his head off at WarGames! But instead, you shook his hand. You could’ve let me finish him inside the cage at The Garden, but you didn’t. And now, I am left to do what I always do: Clean up your mess, again.”
Rollins drops his mic, picks up the pen, and signs his part. And now, here comes CM PUNK! The fans fire up and sing along with Cult of Personality, then join in on saying, “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME~!” Punk goes to the ring, but as he grabs a mic, he goes up a corner, just like he did last Friday. “I have come here to chew bubblegum and sign a contract. And I’m all outta bubblegum.” The fans cheer the Rowdy Roddy Piper reference, and Punk hops down to take his seat on Roman’s right. Punk looks over said contract, but Roman asks if Punk needs a highlighter or something. What’s he doing? Just go to page four, clause five.
Punk does as Roman says, but Roman says Punk needs to hurry, this is precious TV time. Punk reads the segment, Roman tells Heyman to just smarten Punk up. Heyman tells Punk he knows what Punk is looking for. It is in there. They’re closing the show at WrestleMania. The fans go wild hearing that! Heyman tells Punk that he gets to live his dream of dreams. CM Punk will be a WrestleMania main eventer! The fans cheer and while Roman smiles, Rollins is furious. Roman says, “One man’s dream is another man’s favor! CHECK!” Wait, this was the favor? Rollins says no! This is not something to laugh at, and Punk does not get to tear up!
Punk is NOT deserving! He does NOT deserve this! The fans boo but Rollins continues to throw a fit! Main eventing WrestleMania is SACRED, the most important thing in the world to Rollins! More than anything! Except the fact that Punk NEVER gets to main event! This is all Roman’s fault! This is all Heyman’s fault! Rollins THROWS his mic down, paces angrily, but Punk picks up the mic. The fans cheer Punk on again, and Punk stands to thank London, to thank Chicago, to thank Louisville, Kentucky, and to thank ALL the fans. As corny as it sounds, he thanks the WWE Universe who stood by him and chanted his name for TEN LONG YEARS!
Roman says hold on, hold on. Punk shouldn’t be thanking the fans! He should be thanking the Tribal Chief! It is because of Roman that Punk gets this honor! So please, take this moment, close the show with that acknowledgement! Do this the right way. The credits are already rolling as Punk kneels before Roman!? Punk smiles, and he thanks “My Tribal Chief, the holder of the ula fala, the Head of the Table, the… Big Dog? Thank you for allowing a kid from Chicago to be graced by your presence. Thank you, My Tribal Chief, for allowing me to stand in your ring. And thank you so much. Thank you, Roman Reigns, so very much.
“But because of you, I will see you in the main event of WrestleMania.” And again, Rollins is agonizing over this. Punk finishes putting his signature on the contract, and London tells him, “You Deserve It!” Punk thanks Roman again, and then says, “But that’s not the favor that I’m owed.” WHAT?! Roman looks at Heyman and Heyman can’t look him in the eye! If getting this Triple Threat made into the main event isn’t the gift of the Wise Man, then what is?!
My Thoughts:
A good SmackDown, but they pulled off quite the paradox. They made it feel like they were struggling to fill three hours, yet they also filled the show to the point where that contract signing segment was almost bleeding over the three hour mark. Ironically, part of the problem was just how excited the London crowd was for this. The superstars still wanted to enjoy the chants and songs, but that’s time SmackDown doesn’t have to spare. It made the opening promo from Cody, Orton and Drew take longer, and it kinda did the same to the contract signing at the end. Even so, we still got a very good promo, and good stuff to set up Orton VS McIntyre.
Orton VS McIntyre was a great match, but of course Kevin costs Orton. McIntyre gets his win, Kevin and Orton have a bit of a brawl, but of course Kevin ends up on the losing end and runs off. McIntyre’s trash talk also comes back to bite him as Priest gets the better of him in their brawl. Here’s hoping Drew didn’t actually get glass in his eye, but that being the thing in kayfabe can be some good stuff. I can imagine McIntyre with an eyepatch, and he takes it off at the opportune time to get the better of Priest in their match. Also what a fitting choice for Punk to be passing by Drew suffering because of real glass.
Very good title matches tonight, but of course the status quo was kept. Pretty Deadly gets to look great here in London, but the Profits only just got the belts, they’re not going to be transitional champions like that. And Knight VS Braun was really good stuff, but honestly, Jacob Fatu going after them both should’ve been a given. Jacob also had a great promo with Solo & Tama to start adding to that divide between Jacob and Solo. I would hope Solo doesn’t screw Jacob out of the US Championship, but it feels like he will as Solo won’t stand for Jacob defying his authority, even though Solo’s been trying to make Jacob the champion all along.
Very good stuff from Jimmy Uso tonight, from his promo with #MeloDon’tMiz and then a great match with Miz. Their match ended up the de facto main event match, so that’s also great for both guys. Great win for Jimmy, but that’s likely because Jimmy is losing big time to Gunther on Monday. And it might just be me, but it feels like only now is the Jey VS Gunther build really moving, largely in part because Jimmy got involved. Jimmy’s promo after his match is something along the lines of what Jey should be saying. But I suppose as brothers, Jimmy is the one who knows Jey best and knows what Jey needs to be motivated again. And seeing Jimmy get beat up by Gunther will definitely motivate Jey…
Good final vignettes for Rey Fenix and Aleister Black. I’m a little surprised they confirmed Rey Fenix is showing up next week, and that they confirmed who Rey Fenix even is. I believe commentary confirmed Rey Fenix is Penta’s real brother, even namedropped “Lucha Brothers,” but all that is still surprising considering Fenix is going to start on SmackDown. Aleister’s vignette (at least I am fairly confident it’s his) was giving us glimpses of his silhouette, but I think there was usage of AI in the snake imagery. It was fine they did it for El Grande Americano because that is all trolling, but they really should try and do things the old fashioned way of photoshop and stock imagery.
Very good stuff in the Women’s Division tonight, though the WWE Women’s Championship portion was the weaker. Naomi’s got a great Heel persona going, her promo was great, and her going after B-Fab & Michin over them supporting Jade was a great detail. Jade runs Naomi off, helps B-Fab, but there was no helping Michin in being fed to Charlotte. Tiffany had a decent promo, and it does fit how Charlotte kept her from speaking so she finally gets things out here. It didn’t really add that much, though, but they already gave us a great brawl so not sure what more they can give.
KC Squared VS The Secret Her-vice was a very good match, but of course Chelsea made sure her team won. A Six Woman Tag of Zelina & KC Squared VS The Green Administration is certainly coming, to help give us Zelina VS Chelsea for the Women’s US Championship.
My Score: 8.7/10
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)
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!
Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 3.27.2025
Bad news out of the TNA management side, but this is a taped episode from El Paso! So we won’t see any of the fallout just yet!
Now we all heard the news about the TNA change in hierarchy, and I…have no positive outlook on that. Delirious sucked at booking and creative in the dying days of ROH before it got bought as a B show. Dreamer having even more control is concerning because his ideas the last two years haven’t been much better.
Gail leaving makes more sense to me. Be it firing or a “you can’t quit, you’re fired” kind of situation, the Knockouts division is the worst it’s been in a long time and Gail was close with Scott D’Amore. So I don’t think Gail parting ways is as big of a problem since TNA has slowly been bleeding out with the Scott faithful.
Granted, I think the next few shows were already taped before the firing so things shouldn’t be completely unwatchable for at least a week or two. So let’s see where we’re going.
.@WeAreRosemary sends @XiaBrookside a CHILLING message!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/srciTTbel0
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Ratings:
- Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge: Ash wins via Rarefied Air – ** 1/4
- Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr: Chavo wins via Gory Bomb into Frog Splash – *** 1/4
- Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich: Masha wins via Russian Death Device – ***
- Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin: Eric wins via Piledriver – ** 1/2
- Seto & Mokuba – I mean – Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater: Nic wins via Danger Zone – *** 1/4
Results:
Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge
Ash and Gigi start off, Gigi with a little Rascalz after her first takedown. So both her and Wentz are making it obvious something’s going on between them, and I’m not mad at it. Good for my man Wentz.
Tatum and Gigi get some quick tandem offense in, Ash does manage to scurry off to a tag and Heather gets bent into a Pretzel. Some kind of Inverted Tarantula from Tatum, Gigi tags in, Bronco Buster on Heather followed by Kawada Kicks. Heather sells against the ropes, Gigi goes for a Hesitation Dropkick, but Concierge pulls her away so Gigi crashes and burns. Ref is distracted, Ash gets in some cheap shots and then the Elegant duo starts working over Gigi. A few quick tags, but once Heather comes in, Gigi fights out of the corner, gets the hot tag to Tatum. Tatum stacks up both Elegance members, Corner Stacked Crossbody, Butterfly Suplex and an Elbow Drop with some some flare. Tatum goes to the top rope, Heather pulls Gigi off the apron, Concierge shoves Tatum off the turnbuckle and Ash hits Rarefied Air for the win.
Post match the Elegance Clique wants to make their wish with the cake, they light the candles and Tatum and Gigi recover enough to do what we all expected last week, the cake in the face spot. Some…suggestive licking from both of our Hot Topic Hotties, so…no complaints here.
.@Ashamae_Sebera, @Heathereckless and @IamGeorgeIceman are having a meltdown!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/FnKwPqm2ff
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr
Chavo and Kaz start since he’s King Petty, a quick rope run turns into a Headscissor from Chavo. Kaz recovers, they lock up, Kaz hits the Knee Lift during the lock up to tag out to KC. KC pulls off some athletic dodges, gloats a bit so Chavo waits, measures and nails a gorgeous Dropkick. Laredo comes in on fire, quick high spots that send KC bouncing around like HBK against Hulk. KC powders after sells the Satellite Takedown, AJ checks on him and we go to commercial.
Back from commercial, Octagon is lighting up KC’s chest with overhand chops, he perches, Sunset Headscissor Flip from corner to corner, KC tries to Back Drop him but Octagon does a headstand, kicks KC away and lays him out with a high spot. AJ gets on the apron to stop Octagon from running the ropes, the referee has a stroke or something because he stops paying attention and AJ pulls Octagon out of the ring and chucks him. KC with the Tope con Hilo and tag (tag ropes haven’t mattered since the 80s we all know this). So AJ is getting taunted by the crowd in Spanish, but he’s manhandling Octagon since it looks like a Child fighting their parent. AJ knocks off Chavo and Laredo, Laredo pops up and tries to get involved but he’s caught on the shoulders, Octagon goes for the Crossbody but gets caught and AJ pulls off “World’s Strongest Wasteland” but Chavo breaks up the pinfall. AJ throws Octagon into the corner, Tennessee Whiskey, and tag out to KC. KC hits a few moves, but starts to lose the momentum until he connects with a Super Kick. Simultaneous rope run into the Dueling Crossbodies, so we get the timely tag outs from both sides. Kaz and Laredo come in, Laredo lands like two moves before Kaz hits a Sole Butt, Lariat and eats his lunch. KC and Kaz try to double team Laredo but he fights out and the crowd is chanting for Chavo.
Chavo tags in, and he’s rocking KC, Saito Suplex, Low Bridge to AJ, Reverse the Whip so Chavo goes to the corner and perches, KC feeds, Chavo Backflips to safety, rolls through and lays out KC. Chavo is feeling himself, 3 Amigos start on KC but only 2, Kaz comes in and Chavo switches to Kaz for the Amigos, only 2 again before AJ breaks it up. AJ goes for the disrespect, but Chavo counters and hits the 3 Amigos on the biggest Culero. Aztec Warriors dive to stop AJ and Kaz, KC tries a Dirty Victory Roll but Chavo kicks out. GORY BOMB into FROG SPLASH!
Chavo looked fantastic and he’s the one in the best shape in the ring. I wouldn’t be mad at more Chavito.
Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich
I expect very little from this match.
Collar and Elbow, gator rolling for the first 30 seconds or so, then Jacy goes to some Hair Pull takedowns and does a little taunt before Masha pops back up and hits a Lariat into a Dive. Jacy sells it like she’s really hurt, even the ref tries to hold Masha back a little before Masha gets annoyed and just grabs her, Masha throws her in, looks for a Dive and Jacy sees it and powders. Masha tries to go back to the well for the Dive again but Jacy hits the Uppercut and then an Apron Run PK to drop Masha. Forearms rain down into a Foot Choke as Jacy continues to arrogantly play to the crowd. Another Foot Choke into a Cannonball, and near fall.
Masha gets space with a Sole Butt, tries to snap off Requiem but Jacy fights off, fights through a Sunset Flip another effective PK keeps Masha on her ass. Jacy looks for a kinda half-assed Camel Clutch as Masha is fighting up, but Jacy runs her into the corner, gets distracted mouthing off to the crowd, so Masha recovers, 5 Hole Up Kick sends Jacy into the corner, Yakuza Kick into Capo Kick for two. Requiem attempt again, but Jacy pushes off, a little back and forth, Masha tries a Backslide but Jacy gets away and hits a V-Trigger but only a 2 count. Jacy looks for the Discus Punch but Masha ducks it, they strike back and forth, but some dodges from both leave the exchange more even. Jacy with the Front Kick to the face sends Masha to the outside. Jacy wants another PK, but Masha blocks, Electric Chair Apron Snake Eyes. Masha throws her in, a PK into a near all. Requiem attempt 3, and thwarted from Jacy with a Superkick into a Neckbreaker. Senton misses from Jacy, Buzzsaw Kick, into Spinning Back Kick and Russian Death Device for the win.
Better than I expected, and Tessa attacks as soon as the bell rings. Xia Brookside and Lei Ying Li make the save after Tessa grabs the belt.
Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin
Ace and Eric tie up, World of Sport start but as soon as Ace starts to get away EY punches him in the face. Eric looks at the camera and says “This is what trust looks like”, turns his back on Ace, when Ace looks to attack, the loser duo cut him off. EY takes advantage of the weird situation, but Ace with some Up and Over quick spots, into an Inside Cradle and La Magistral. EY kicks out of the quick flash attempts, but eats a Dropkick, and Ace goes all Speed Kils on him with fast strikes and then a face buster for another near fall. Strike spot very early in the match, Ace gets the best of it, goes for a Tear Drop Suplex but EY sits on it to block, Headlocks to keep him close and then a snap Lariat into beatdown bully tactics. EY takes the referee’s attention and one of the nerds punch Ace in the face.
Eric tries to lean on Ace, but Ace fires, a few strikes, Click Click Boom, the Miz Seated Lariats in the corner, Mochizuki Triangle Kick connects! Only a 2 count, but Ace seems to be in control. Ace puts EY on the ropes, a few strikes to keep him rocked, wants a Superplex, but EY blocks, bites the face and Macho Elbow gets a very close two count. EY tries the Piledriver but Ace turns it into a Jacknife Cradle,Spinning Heel Kick, calls for The Fold, but the losers hop on the apron to distract, Ace attacks them. Ace tries to time out the Triangle Kick again, but Eric dodges, throws Ace head first through the buckles. As Ace stumbles out of the corner, Piledriver, and it’s over.
Oh look it’s the “we’ll hear from Joe Hendry” segment. Again, I’ve loved this gimmick since Day 1, even didn’t hate his What Culture Pro stuff, but there is such a thing as milking a cow too much.
Elijah interrupts the whole “Who’s next” speech. When Elijah comes out he says he’s not the challenger and he believes in Joe. The crowd wants Elijah to turn on Hendry. Elijah pauses for a moment, and starts proving his friendship with stating his favorite color and a little “You Got a Friend in Me”. The crowd is into singing along and waving their cameras like Lighters to a 30 year old song. THANKFULLY Kaz breaks up the hug fest. Now he gets the “Culero” chant.
Kaz pulls out a Bass…what the hell is this Jam Session. Kaz has to warm up so he plays “La Cucaracha” on the bass. Kaz…is a national treasure. Hendry kicks Kaz out of the ring after his Heelish and playfully racially charged song choices. Kaz tries to sow dissension, but Joe and Elijah pinball Kaz between them. Kaz slips a power move and tries to shove Elijah into Joe but Elijah puts the brakes on, a small tense moment. But then Joe and Elijah play “Nah Nah Nah Nah, Hey Hey, Goodbye”…and that goes right into a commercial. Oddly…perfect.
Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater
Nic shoots the half immediately for a flash pinfall but Leon kicks out at one. Nic continues to keep things grounded with his amateur wrestling skills, and then does a little Dolph Ziggler show off. So Nic isn’t really taking this seriously, and Leon starts getting the best of things with an Arm Wringer, into drag, Shoulder Tackle and rope run as Nic tries to Leap Frog and Leon puts on the brakes and just shoves Nic on his ass. Nic gets annoyed, a few strikes, grinds his face along the ropes, but Leon keeps stringing some offense together, Back Handspring Elbow into his Corner con Hilo.
Ahh the classic formula of the commercial gives the heel the advantage, Twisting Suplex from Leon stops Nic’s offense momentum, right hand, Leon lifts Nic up for something, Nic slips it, kicks him in the gut, looks for the FameAsser, but Leon catches him into a Blue Thunder Bomb variation. Slater wants the Swanton 450, but Nic powders. Leon tries to adjust into a Dive, but Nic cuts him off, counter for counter and a FameAsser out of the counters for a two count. Nic starts the big brother tactics, bootwashes and arrogance, Slater fires, punches into a Yakuza Kick. Leon wants another Lethal Injection variant, but Nic catches him into a Rear Naked Choke. Slater tries to turn it into a pin so Nic breaks it. Leon wants a Leg Lariat but misses and gets unceremoniously dropped by Nic. Nic puts Leon up on the buckles, Superplex possibly but Slater counters, tries to collect himself for a move, but Nic falls into the ropes to crotch Leon, and finally hits the Superplex.
Twist of Slate from Leon, Swanton 450 but knees get up. Locomotion Cradles from both but they kick out, Ryan picks the ankle to trip up Leon just a touch and then Danger Zone ends the match.
Ryan starts the post match beatdown, but the Hardy’s music hits and they come down to the ring for the save. Matt challenges the Nemeths for Rebellion because they’re not medically cleared yet.
Overall Score: 6.5/10
Decent story motion, no match was offensive, and there was actually some solid match action for television standards. I don’t have a ton to complain about aside from the Knockouts Division is in a weird spot, and giving Hendry a lot of just talking and hollow payoff segments feels stupid. If we need to hear from him every week, give him a talk segment like Highlight Reel or something. Yes I know First Class just got The Penthouse, but if Hendry is going to talk more than wrestle, give him a talk segment for us to sink our teeth into.
There was the announcement that Xia, Lei Ying and Masha will face Tessa, Jacy and a mystery partner. So you gotta wonder if there’s going to be another NXT mercenary, a surprise return or if it’ll just be Rosemary since she’s got her issues with Xia. Also I just realized that Unbreakable is going to be on a Thursday, seemingly after iMPACT? I’m gonna have to see how they do it, because if there’s an Impact episode and 2-3 hour PLE…I do not want to be awake until 1am. People need to work, and I will be Unwakeable if things go that long.
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 SmackDown Results & Report! (3/28/25)
SmackDown in the UK!
DWI Podcast #469: Superplex Sunday
Will John Cena win the WWE Title and retire at Wrestlemania?
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 3.27.2025
Bad news out of the TNA management side, but this is a taped episode from El Paso! So we won't...
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (3/27/25)
Is there a new Minion in town?
Mitchell’s WWE Evolve Results & Report! (3/27/25)
Evolve enters the Fourth Dimension!
POD is WAR: It All Goes Back To The Spinner Belt
Andrew Balaz, Rey Cash and PC Tunney invite you to come along on a trip inside the minds of Los...
Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (3/26/25)
ThunderStorm is TIMELESS!
Greg DeMarco Show: No Stipulation Needed
CM Punk vs Seth Rollins vs Roman Reigns? Are you buying this as a WWE WrestleMania 41 match? Does it...
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (3/25/25)
La Primera Double Header!
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (3/24/25)
ADRENALINE! IN GLASGOW!
