Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (6/7/21)
Who’s going to Hell (in a Cell)?
The Raw Tag Team Champions will have new challengers!
Who will AJ Styles & Omos meet at Hell in a Cell? We find out in a five team battle royal! Plus, Shayna Baszler dares Alexa Bliss to leave the playground and get back in the ring!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Raw Tag Team Championship #1 Contenders Battle Royal: The Viking Raiders wins and will challenge AJ Styles & Omos for the titles at Hell in a Cell.
- Elias VS Jaxson Ryker; Ryker wins, by count-out.
- WWE United States Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Ricochet VS Humberto Carrillo; Double Count-Out Draw.
- Jeff Hardy VS Cedric Alexander; Hardy wins.
- Charlotte Flair & Rhea Ripley VS Nikki Cross & Asuka; Cross & Asuka win.
- Mansoor VS Drew Gulak; Mansoor wins.
- Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods VS Matt Riddle w/ Randy Orton; Kingston wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Raw Tag Team Championship #1 Contenders Battle Royal!
RKBRO makes their entrance but The New Day, The Viking Raiders, Lucha House Party and the destructive duo of T-Bar & Mace are already waiting in the ring! Only one team will be left standing, but who will be going to Hell in a Cell to take on the Phenomenal AJ Styles & towering Omos?
But speaking of, AJ Styles & Omos make their way out to watch this with their own eyes! Styles has a mic to say, “Gentlemen, before we start this battle royal, I just want to say thank you for showing up to this special State of the Tag Team Division Address.” Styles says that the WWE will be back on the road next month, and he and Omos feel obligated to the fans to defend their tag titles live and in person against the very best! And wow, what’s in the ring is unbelievable! These are the teams they want! For instance, the 11-time tag team champions, the NEW~ DAY~! Xavier Woods says don’t do the hip swivels.
But the New Day are legends! National treasures! Think about their showdowns! Just like at WrestleMania. That’s where Omos and Styles won, not that they’re keeping count or anything. Then Mace & T-Bar. TO be honest, we don’t know a lot about you guys. Nobody does. But they’re big, mean and like to fight. Styles won’t mention how Omos is bigger and meaner, that’s neither here nor there. Then Lince Dorado is here alone? Gran Metalik got hurt, that’s a shame, but Styles appreciates Lince’s heart. Not smart, but brave! And Lince does things people have only seen in video games, but Styles has done time and time again in his career. Lince was probably a big fan, right?
Then there’s the Viking Raiders! Raid and get paid! Big money is what it’s about. The champs could definitely throw down with them all over the world. But then there’s R, K, Bro…! Randy Orton is a 14-time world champion, a tag team champion, and a Legend Killer. Then there’s the rising star, sky’s the limit for Matt Riddle. And we’ve all seen it from these two. This is ridiculous and doesn’t make sense but the chemistry they have together is unbelievable. And this division is of course led by the unbelievable, unstoppable and incredible… What would Omos say they are? MAGNIFICENT! STUPENDOUS! And handsome to boot. Last but not least, phenomenal! YES!
Kofi Kingston says more like deplorable, detestable, or as we said from 2016 to 2018, BOOTY! Phenomenal & Abominable are not a registered team! Where are the forms?! The paper work!? that’s all lies! No one needs papers! They just need the titles! No interrupting Styles when he’s being nice. Nice? Styles wants to be nice? Then how about you shut your damn mouth! Riddle adds that he has a lot of experience here. Take the key, zip it, lock it, throw away the key. It’s done wonders for these two, and they’re the newest team on the scene with these new merchandise shirts. Riddle is wearing two because Orton doesn’t really wear shirts.
Riddle mentions that his uncle, Ron, helped with the design because he had a pet snake, Mr. Slithers. Mr. Slithers would go everywhere with Ron until he got out his one time- Oh, right. Zip, lock, throw away the key. But wait, here comes The Miz and John Morrison! Morrison wheels out Miz in his wheelchair, and Miz apologizes for the interruption. Morrison says Miz has nothing to apologize for. He is the most courageous superstar here to come out here in this condition! That is coooorrect. Miz can’t deny that he was “tragically” injured, but he says the Raw Tag Division is a bit dry. Which is why Morrison has the #DripStick on hand! Time to moisten things up!
COOOOORRECT! Morrison, #JohnnyDripDrip is competing on behalf of both members of the Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century *stare off into distance* and looks to mop up the competition! Hit his music! But wait! Miz’s wheelchair is going out of control down the ramp! Morrison saves Miz from further disaster, and gets Miz to safety. Morrison waits just outside the ring as all the teams stare him down. Orton hits Woods with an RKO!! And then Riddle RKO’s Kofi! Lince chest bumps Ivar, and wants to high-five T-Bar, but no dice. RKO for Dorado!! Two teams, er well, one and a half, are down, the others are circling, and this will truly get underway after the break!
Raw returns and all the teams have regrouped. The bell rings while Styles & Omos join commentary, and Miz honks his wheelchair car horn. Lince works with the New Day Power Rangers as they brawl with RKBRO! T-Bar & Mace go after the Viking Raiders, and Morrison hangs back to wait for an opening. Erik knees Mace, Ivar CLUBS T-Bar, but both hit back. Woods ROCKS Orton, Morrison goes after Lince and throws him out! Lince holds on, slides under Morrison and he pushes Morrison! Morrison KICKS back, gets in and tries a powerbomb, only for Lince to RANA! Morrison holds on, Lince stomps him, then WRECKING BALL DROPKICKS!
Morrison uses his feet to hook the ropes and survive! Miz passes him the Drip Stick and Morrison sprays Lince in the face! Morrison slides back in, and ROUNDHOUSES Lince up and out to ELIMINATE him! But then Morrison turns around to have Mace & T-Bar stare him down! Morrison tries to get them on his side, and then asks for the drip stick! Miz tosses it in, Morrison sprays ‘n’ prays, but he gets a double choke grip for his troubles! T-Bar & Mace ELIMINATE Morrison! The Viking Raiders come back for more, T-Bar DECKS Ivar, then Mace feeds Erik to T-Bar’s forearm! Mace adds a LEG LARIAT and down goes Erik!
Riddle goes after T-Bar’s arm but no Kimura for the Bro! T-Bar KNEES then TOSSES Riddle aside! Orton shoves Mace away, but he runs into DOUBL EBOOTS! Woods and Kofi go after them but Mace & T-Bar get DOUBLE CHOKE SLAMS! “This is OURS to win!” T-Bar and Mace both have Orton! They aim for ropes, but Riddle makes the save! So T-Bar & Mace give Riddle HIGH JUSTICE!! That’s a devastating move but it won’t win the battle royal! The Raiders regroup and stare down. The behemoths fire up, but RKBRO and New Day help out! They go after Mace & T-Bar equally, and they throw T-Bar to ELIMINATE him! Then the other half ELMINATES Mace, we have our last three teams as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again and Orton fires hands on Kofi while Erik brawls with Riddle and Ivar is after Woods. Woods CHOPS Ivar back, Erik RAMS Riddle into a corner, and Orton bumps Kofi off buckles. Riddle turns things around on Erik, Kofi hits Orton back, and Woods goes after Riddle. Woods back suplexes but Riddle lands on his feet to boot. Woods slides under to hit a ROLLING ELBOW! The Raiders double kick Woods and double whip, but he slides under, only to get double shoulders! Erik growls and gets Riddle up. Erik feeds Riddle to Ivar but Riddle hits first! Riddle forearms back and forth between the Raiders, then KICKS and KICKS!
Erik stops the kicks but Riddle dodges, no RKO! Pop-up and LARIAT GERMAN SUPLEX! Riddle staggers up into Woods’ KNEE! Woods ELIMINATES Riddle!! RKBRO is down to one! The New Day rally on Ivar, kick after kick and forearm after forearm! They hammer away then run, but into Erik’s CLOTHESLINE! Erik ELIMINATES Woods! New Day is down to one and Kofi whips Erik! Erik goes up and over?! Ivar SPLASHES, then feeds Kofi to Erik’s SHOTGUN KNEES! Erik uses Ivar as his weapon, HIP ATTACK SENTON in the corner! Orton throws Ivar into a POST! Orton CLOBBERS Erik and fires up! Orton rallies, dodges and POWERSLAMS Erik!
Ivar gets up and brawls with Orton! Ivar scoops, Orton slips off and shoves. Ivar cartwheels to knee and whip Orton into Erik’s KNEE! The Raiders get Orton up and SLAM him into a drop zone! Erik scoops Ivar but Kofi dropkicks the Raiders over! Ivar SPLASHES Erik and Kofi claps it up! “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” Kofi aims at Orton but Riddle returns to take the TROUBLE IN PARADISE! Orton ELIMINATES Kofi, no more New Day!! But then the Raiders TOSS and ELIMINATE Orton!! The Raiders win!!
Winners: The Viking Raiders (NEW #1 Contenders to the Raw Tag Team Champions)
Styles & Omos like what’s coming down the line! They’re here to entertain, and Styles promises the title match will still go their way. Are the champions getting ahead of themselves against such a battle tested team?
Bobby Lashley and MVP are still partying.
They’re popping bottles while the ladies relax with them, but there is business to attend to later tonight. Lashley and Drew McIntyre sign on the dotted line for their WWE World Championship match at Hell in a Cell!
Sonya Deville and Adam Pearce talk backstage.
As the return to touring continues, they’re both very excited to see all the familiar places again. But Charlotte Flair walks in and “apologizes” to interrupt. She knows they saw her be “pressured” into that match with Nikki Cross, so could the loss be stricken from the record? As much as they would “love” to do that, Charlotte still accepted the challenge and then lost that challenge. So no, there’s nothing they can do. That much these two agree on. Charlotte was asking nicely but she sees they’re both jealous. They’ve never had the career she’s had, because there’s only ONE Charlotte. So maybe agree on her getting a rematch with Nikki.
Rhea Ripley chuckles as she enters now. As much as she’d actually love to see Charlotte get flustered, at least Rhea respects Nikki. She won’t stand here and pretend she took her eyes off the clock and didn’t take Nikki seriously. So if anyone deserves a rematch with Nikki, it’s Rhea. Pearce says there might be a compromise that could see each of them respecting each other. Sonya suggests these two team up against Nikki and… Wait, both of them against Nikki? No, Nikki and a partner of her choosing. Sound good to them? Well unlike Rhea, Charlotte can be professional. So is that a yes? And who is there for Nikki to team with to take on both Nightmare and Queen?
The Viking Raiders are fired up!
The tag titles are in their future! And that means RAID! RAID! RAID! Ivar is so hungry right now. Let’s go feast on turkey legs! Ivar’s paying! Omos and Styles come by, and ask if they meant these turkey legs. Omos has one in hand. Hopefully the Raiders weren’t hoping to have some to celebrate. Styles doesn’t know a lot about Vikings. They can teach him. Well look, guys, to Styles & Omos, you’re just wannabe Vikings. You use electricity, mirrors, but apparently not deodorant. Erik says the way he lives honors the Vikings that came before. If Styles has a problem with that, then Erik has a problem with him,
This is why Vikings aren’t around anymore, Omos. And where did he get that turkey leg? Styles is kinda hungry, too. Will Styles poke the bears a little too much and get his head bitten off?
Ladies and gentlemen: Elias.
The Drifter is in the ring alone as he gives his introduction. There will be no other introductions tonight, because you could be walking with the NEW Raw Tag Team Champions, but you’re not. And whose fault is that? Jaxson Ryker’s! If Ryker would’ve just done what Elias said, we’d be celebrating this week! But instead, Ryker has become “completely unhinged.” For the sake of Elias’ career and sanity, he had to get away. Elias shows footage of last week when Elias abandoned Ryker as Omos tags in. Elias says he had no choice but to do that!
The first time Elias met Ryker, he didn’t just see this unbridled potential and massive arms. He looked into Ryker’s cold eyes and saw the ghosts of war. Elias saw a man who has been in battle and who would go to battle, just not for Elias. Elias walked out on Ryker, but that doesn’t change the fact that there is an “unwavering” truth that WWE stands for Walk With Elias! Now before Elias walks all over “that maniac,” RYKER ATTACKS FROM BEHIND! Ryker, hair cut short but beard still thick, CHUCKS Elias’ guitar out of the ring, then rains down fists on Elias’ head! And stomps him against ropes! Ryker rips Elias’ shirt off but referees separate them! This fight becomes a match, after the break!
Elias VS Jaxson Ryker!
Raw returns and Elias manages to get to his feet. He still wants this match, but the bell rings and Ryker CLOBBERS him! Ryker rams Elias into a corner, fires off forearms, then whips him corner to corner for a SPLASH! Elias flops out of the ring but Ryker pursues. Ryker follows Elias around the way and back into the ring, to CLOBBER him again! Ryker CLUBS Elias, whips him to ropes, but Elias reverses. Ryker KICKS back, then runs to CLOTHESLINE Elias out of the ring! Elias staggers to the desk, Ryker goes out and stalks up behind Elias, to throw haymakers! The ring count is climbing as Ryker throws more hands. Elias hits low and bumps Ryker off steps!
Elias gets in the ring, Ryker follows, but Elias fires off on him! Elias stomps Ryker down, gets him up and whips him to ropes to CLOBBER him in return! Elias catches his breath, stalks Ryker to ropes, but Ryker hits low! Ryker runs but Elias hits a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Elias grits his teeth and drags Ryker up to DECK him! And again! Elias taunts Ryker, gets him up and DECKS him again! Ryker hits back! And CLUBS Elias, only to run into a MANHATTAN DROP! Elias fireman’s carries, but Ryker pulls beard! Ryker whips and gives Elias a SPINESBUSTER of his own! Ryker is fired up but Elias bails out! Elias is running away!
Ryker shouts for Elias to return but he doesn’t, Ryker wins!
Winner: Jaxson Ryker, by count-out
Ryker wanted to finish this in the ring but the Drifter wasn’t for that! Will Ryker have his retribution soon enough?
Drew McIntyre heads to the ring!
It’s time to put pen to paper! The Scottish Warrior has his claymore sword, but will he need his Claymore kick tonight? We’ll wait and see, after the break.
Raw returns and now the table has been set. Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville preside over this contract signing, and Sonya introduces the WWE World Champion, Bobby Lashley! The music plays, but the All Mighty and MVP do not make their entrance. McIntyre says we’re not waiting on them. He’ll predict how this goes: Lashley will have his suit, the ladies, and so on, so that everyone will have to hop aboard The Lashley Train. Then Lashley will talk about McIntyre has had opportunity after opportunity. That’s a good point but Lashley is also missing the point. McIntyre has a story he loved growing up and fans might enjoy this one.
There was a Scottish king called Robert the Bruce. When he was king, Scotland was still enslaved. They lost big battles, the king went into hiding and would’ve been killed on sight. Robert the Bruce stayed in a cave for the better part of three years, and one day he just looked up at the ceiling. He saw a spider. The spider was making a web but it was damp in the cave so the web wouldn’t stick. The spider kept failing, falling, and getting back up. It did this over and over. The king sympathized with the spider, but he also wanted to tell the spider to give up because it won’t work out. But then it did. Finally, the web stuck, the spider had a home, and The Bruce was encouraged.
The king assembled an army, but was outnumbered 10 to 1. But The Bruce won Scotland’s freedom! And a famous quote he said to the army was, “If at first you don’t succeed,” well to modernize it, “Beat Lashley’s ass at Hell in a Cell and win back your championship!” McIntyre still makes this official by signing his part! MVP then responds via titantron, telling McIntyre to “downshift” a bit. Before Lashley puts pen to paper, there is business to discuss. So on behalf of Lashley, MVP apologizes for Lashley being “fashionably late.” Now they’re here, with the ladies following behind. McIntyre patiently waits as Lashley struts his way to the ring and helps the ladies into the ring first.
Lashley finally takes his seat at the table but MVP speaks directly to McIntyre. “Allow me to congratulate you on manipulating your way into once again facing the All Mighty WWE Champion at Hell in a Cell.” It is okay for MVP and Lashley to be out here, right? They won’t be given a 90 day suspension with no pay? Because Lashley and MVP held up their end of the deal. From bell to bell, they were in the lounge, enjoying some company. So here’s a question: How will they reward Lashley for his compliance/ What was it Lashley wanted? Once McIntyre loses at HIAC, he will NOT get another chance at the title while Lashley holds it, ever again!
MVP adds that Lashley plans on holding the WWE World Championship a long, long time. Lashley can’t wait to bring this title back on the road, out to the ALL MIGHTY Universe! McIntyre accepts the stipulation, mostly to shut MVP up. Well MVP appreciates the decisiveness. McIntyre says he will never fight Lashley for the title again if he loses. But he’ll need something in return. The match needs to keep outside interference away. The match needs to be so no one else will lose on his behalf. The match needs to be INSIDE HELL IN A CELL!! MVP advises Lashley quickly, and Lashley accepts those terms. Pearce and Sonya add these amendments, and it’s official!
MVP hopes that’ll be notarized. Lashley smiles and says that story about the spider and all that was admirable. Nice to see McIntyre to get back to his roots. But you forget to tell the whole story. If at first you don’t succeed, you just don’t win against the All Mighty, accept defeat, tuck your kilt between your legs, and walk away in shame. THAT is the ending of their story! McIntyre has some last words, some advice that he won’t listen to anyway. But McIntyre’s been in the Cell, Lashley hasn’t. He was told that he was never going to be the same after that match, and he hasn’t been. McIntyre flew 15 feet off the side, through a table, and felt physicality like he’s never felt.
So McIntyre wants Lashley to know he is willing to go through it all again, and inflict just as much pain and punishment on Lashley like he’s never felt before. McIntyre will tear flesh from skin with the steel, use whatever is under the ring. Whatever Lashley believes in, he should start praying, even though they won’t be answered. But just know that McIntyre will grant Lashley some mercy as he plants a Claymore right between his eyes and take back the title! “Enjoy the next couple of weeks, and I’ll see you in Hell!” Lashley vows to beat McIntyre there, too!
The Chief Hurt Officer is relaxed, but then McIntyre uses the sword to SLASH the table in half!! McIntyre is deadly serious, will he change Lashley’s life forever?
Backstage interview with Nikki Cross.
What has gotten into her? She’s gotten everyone’s attention with her back-to-back wins. Nikki says this has been something inside of her this whole time. It doesn’t matter if you’re not the prettiest, the strongest or the most experienced. It is her tenacity and spirit that makes her a winner. Believing in herself has helped Nikki realize is she’ll only regret not taking chances. She just has to try! Then who has she found as her tag partner? She has someone who she has admired for so long, with the coolest outfit that’s like a superhero cape and mask. Who doesn’t wish to be a superhero?
So Nikki couldn’t wait to ask, and she is so thrilled that… ASUKA said yes! Nobody is ready for Nikki & Asuka!! Will the Empress of Tomorrow help Nikki get another win over the Queen and the champion?
Sheamus heads to the ring!
The Fella has a face mask to keep his busted nose in place! The man that busted it is Humberto Carrillo, and Carrillo is battling Ricochet for a shot at Sheamus’ title! Who will become the sole focus of the Celtic Warrior’s wrath?
WWE United States Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Ricochet VS Humberto Carrillo!
Raw returns as the One and Only makes his entrance, followed by Dale Gas. Ricochet can’t help but grin and laugh at the damage done to Sheamus. Carrillo just shrugs, but Sheamus gets a mic. Is no one going to talk about the injustice here? How are these two “gobshites” getting the title opportunity after breaking his face?! How, Corey Graves? Graves doesn’t make those decisions. Sheamus says if he wasn’t under strict doctor’s orders, he’d- Carrillo scares Sheamus with a springboard! Ricochet does the same! Sheamus is pissed that they’re poking fun at him, but then Ricochet basically sucker punches Carrillo!
Ricochet builds speed to WRECK Carrillo with a dropkick while Sheamus gets way far away! The Fella shouts at Ricochet and Ricochet dares him to do something! This match is still happening, but things will cool off and sort out as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Ricochet fires off hands in a corner. The ref counts, Ricochet lets off and eggs Carrillo on, Carrillo hits back, Ricochet CLUBS him and whip shim. Ricochet runs in and clotheslines then brings Carrillo out to scoop and SLAM, right to a JUMPING LEG DROP! Ricochet covers, TWO! Sheamus vents on commentary as they ruined the best looking face in the world! Ricochet tries to suplex, Carrillo blocks so Ricochet throws hands! Ricochet CLUBS Carrillo, tells Sheamus to watch as he suplexes, but Carrillo slips out. Carrillo waistlocks, Ricochet standing switches, but Carrillo bucks him away to springboard CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO!
Carrillo keeps cool and is after Ricochet with CHOPS! Carrillo CLUBS Ricochet, whips corner to corner, but Ricochet reverses. Carrillo goes up and over, rolls Ricochet up, TWO into a dead lift POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet survives and Carrillo grows frustrated. Carrillo whips Ricochet to a corner, runs in to clothesline, then fires off forearms and stomps! The ref backs Carrillo off, checks on Ricochet, and Ricochet is still okay to continue. Carrillo runs in but Ricochet dumps him out to the apron. Carrillo counter punches Ricochet, gets him up, and suplexes! Ricochet lands safe on the apron, throws body shots, and suplexes Carrillo!
Carrillo lands safe in the ring, Ricochet ducks one kick but not the ENZIGURI! Carrillo builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit at the ramp and down goes Ricochet! Carrillo gets Ricochet up as Sheamus calls them both “juvenile delinquents” for what they’ve done. Carrillo climbs up, leaps, missile dropkick hits! Cover, TWO! Carrillo grows frustrated but he gets Ricochet back up to scoop and SLAM! Carrillo hurries back to a corner and back up top. MOONSAULT, but Ricochet moves! Carrillo rolls through, Ricochet dodges him and CLOBBERS him with that clothesline! Ricochet dead lift GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO!!
Ricochet grows frustrated but Sheamus says Ricochet couldn’t do that to him. Ricochet gets Carrillo back up, fireman’s carries, but Carrillo fights. Ricochet still tries but Carrillo gets to the apron. Ricochet shoulders into a KICK! Carrillo drags Ricochet to the apron but Ricochet CHOPS! Carrillo CHOPS! Ricochet throws a haymaker! Carrillo forearms back! Ricochet mule kicks, gets space and runs at Carrillo, but into a SPANISH FLY to the floor!! Sheamus chuckles as both men are down and a ring count climbs. We’re at 5 of 10 a Ricochet flounders up. Ricochet gets to his feet at 7, and hobbles, but falls over! THE COUNT HITS TEN!
Double Count-Out Draw
Sheamus laughs at how “shameful” that all was. “Look at the state of these two bleeding Muppets!” Sheamus leaves, no one having won a shot at his title. Will the Celtic Warrior get to rest easy and let his nose recover before having to worry about a contender stepping up?
The New Day talk backstage.
Woods says there’s a 95% that if there’s a wall, a certain someone will run into it, knock himself out, and give them an easy night. Kofi likes how Woods thinks, and they go to their locker room. But MVP walks over to ask Kofi if they can talk. Kofi says sure. Did Lashley let him off the leash? Haha, always quick with the jokes. But MVP wants to say he was genuinely impressed with Kofi last week. And earlier tonight, too. But MVP isn’t surprised Kofi lost, either. What is MVP’s point? Kofi has stuff to do. MVP says that he might now represent Bobby Lashley, the All Mighty Chief Hurt Officer, but prior to that, he was a Kofi fan.
Just like everyone, MVP watched #KofiMania take over the world. Kofi did the unobtainable: he won the WWE World Championship at WrestleMania! These two go back a long ways, all the way to Deep South Wrestling. Kofi is like a little brother to MVP. So watching Kofi celebrate with his family, that gives MVP goosebumps. Kofi celebrating with his sons is the moment that made MVP want to return to the WWE. Because finally, the WWE had a champion that MVP could relate to and be proud of! So just hear him out. KofiMania was everything, but then it was over. Kofi doesn’t want to talk about that stuff, MVP gets that.
But did Kofi ever wonder why that happened? Kofi asks “P” to enlighten him. It’s because Kofi isn’t Lashley. MVP thought he saw a glimpse of the Kofi who could again be WWE World Champion. But then at the end of Kofi VS McIntyre, MVP saw Kofi shake McIntyre’s hand. That made Kofi look okay with being a loser. Is that how he wants this? KofiMania ended because Kofi let it end. There’s no friends in this! This is show business. But MVP knows Kofi wants to laugh and joke, shuck and jive with his friends- Watch your mouth, MVP! Kofi doesn’t want MVP’s advice.
Kofi doesn’t know how many times he has to keep saying this, but family and friends are the ones who give him motivation. That’s why Kofi does this. Somewhere in this world are little kids watching this show and watching Kofi and believing in himself because of him! That is why he does this. What does Lashley do it for? Money? No, Lashley fights for the WWE World Championship, and all the honor, prestige and accoutrements it comes with. MVP leaves it at that, but will what he said still get in Kofi’s head?
Eva Marie speaks.
“Over the last few weeks, you’ve heard my story. But that was only the beginning. It’s not easy running towards the peak of success, as glamorous as it appears.” Eva has had to put in tremendous amounts of determination and passion to be where she is today. And now, she’ll show us that she practices what she preaches. “The ability to inspire others comes from having the courage to show up and be seen.” Eva will show us a side of her no one has ever seen before. Eva will pull back the curtain and show us exactly what it takes to make it look this easy. We’ve waited long enough, #EvaLution will be here next week!
Mustafa Ali finds Mansoor backstage.
Apparently, Mansoor has a match with Drew Gulak tonight. Is he ready? Yeah, he is. No, Mansoor think he’s ready, but he’s not. Mansoor says he IS ready. Mustafa wants Mansoor to calm down, and he explains it to him like this. “What you ARE ready for is a fair and square fight against Drew Gulak. What you’re not ready for is when Drew Gulak decides when he’s not ready to fight fair.” What will Mansoor do against a poke in the eye? Or a hook of the tights? What will he do when he realizes he’s against someone willing to cut every corner just to win?
Mustafa knows Gulak and how dangerous he is. You can’t assume everyone plays by the rules. That’s not how this world works. Is Mansoor going to listen to what Mustafa is telling him?
Jeff Hardy VS Cedric Alexander!
The Charismatic Enigma doesn’t appreciate the disrespect that #PRIME shows to anyone and everyone in the locker room. Will Alexander learn lessons in humility and honor from the extremely talented veteran?
Raw returns and Alexander makes his entrance. The bell rings and Hardy circles with Alexander while he rallies fans up. They tie up, Alexander knees low and CLUBS Hardy on the back. Hardy blocks buckle bumps to give buckle bumps! Hardy gets three corners, but Alexander tries to turn things around, only for Hardy to send him hard into the fourth! Hardy dropkicks Alexander down, goes up top and leaps to ax handle Alexander’s back! Alexander drops to his knees, Hardy kicks but Alexander blocks and spins Hardy to dropkick back! Cover, TWO! Alexander digs his forearms into Hardy’s neck and pulls on arms. The ref counts, Alexander lets off but stomps Hardy down.
Alexander chokes Hardy on ropes in the corner and talks trash right in his ear! “SHOW ME SOMETHING!” The ref counts, Alexander lets off and gets Hardy back up. Hardy throws body shots but Alexander CLUBS and CHOPS him back! Alexander snapmares then basement dropkicks Hardy down! Cover, TWO! Alexander wraps on a chinlock and squeezes tight. Hardy endures, fights up, and throws body shots. Alexander throws Hardy down by his hair! The ref reprimands but Alexander asks what’s wrong. Alexander stands on Hardy’s face, then has him on ropes to choke him again! “I can do this all day, Jeff! I can do this all day!” The ref counts, Alexander lets off, and Hardy hits back!
Hardy kicks, Alexander blocks but Hardy hits the spinning back kick! Alexander bails out, Hardy builds speed but Alexander gets in to CLOBBER him first! Cover, TWO! Hardy still lives but Alexander is having fun now. Alexander gets Hardy up, kicks him over and over, and taunting him all the way. Hardy hits back, Alexander CLUBS him down then wraps on a chinlock. Alexander smothers Hardy into the mat but Hardy endures. Hardy fights up, throws body shots, and runs, but Alexander pulls hair! Hardy throws haymakers, but Alexander kicks back! Alexander seethes, whips Hardy to a corner, but Hardy goes up and up. Hardy mule kicks, then gets Alexander with a headscissor!
Alexander flounder sup, Hardy rallies, then ATOMIC DROPS, to the RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Hardy has the legs for the leg drop clutch! TWO!! Alexander narrowly escapes but Hardy keeps his cool. Hardy waits on Alexander, kicks low, but no Twist! Alexander gets around, fakes Hardy out and dropkicks a leg! Alexander gets Hardy up, BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Alexander grows frustrated with Hardy’s resilience, but that’s how Hardy’s stayed in this business! Alexander talks trash, goes up the corner, and mocks the Hardy fingers, but leaps into a kick! TWIST OF FATE!! Hardy hurries up top, aims, and SWANTON BOMBS!! Cover, Hardy wins!!
Winner: Jeff Hardy, by pinfall
The living legend landed his best and is making Alexander eat his words! Will #PRIME learn to brag less and battle more?
Charlotte finds Rhea backstage.
Since Charlotte is the more professional and experienced one here, she suggests Rhea follow her lead. And the only advantage Nikki has IS Asuka, Rhea can handle Nikki since she “respects” her so much. The Queen can handle Asuka. Rhea will gladly follow Charlotte, in two weeks, straight to Hell! But this title makes up for the “experience,” so Charlotte will follow her lead. So clearly these two are NOT on the same page. Will the end of this story be the same as the last two weeks?
Charlotte Flair & Rhea Ripley VS Nikki Cross & Asuka!
The fired up #SUPERBEST Nikki Cross makes her entrance first, ready to prove she can beat the Queen and Nightmare at the same time! But will the fact that there’s no time limit flip the script? Or will no one be ready for the combination of the Loony Lass and the Empress?
Raw returns and Asuka makes her entrance, followed by Rhea and Charlotte. The teams sort out, Charlotte insists to take the lead, and Rhea lets her. Nikki starts against Charlotte, they tie up, and Charlotte shoves Nikki down. Charlotte says the champ should show us how to do this, and she tags Rhea in. Rhea and Nikki circle now, and Nikki says she can do this! They tie up, but Rhea SLAMS Nikki down! Rhea gloats to Charlotte, Nikki rolls her up! ONE, and Nikki dodges Rhea to tag Asuka! Asuka and Rhea circle, they tie up, and Rhea headlocks. Asuka throws body shots, powers out, and things speed up. Rhea stomps but Asuka dodges.
Asuka does a dance, Rhea rushes in but Asuka dodges and follows to ram shoulders! Asuka shoves, Rhea shoves back. Asuka kicks but Rhea blocks to HEADBUTT! Rhea back suplexes but Asuka fights free to get the IRON OCTOPUS! Rhea endures, powers out but Asuka sunset flips! Rhea STOMPS Asuka down, then drags her up to whip her. Rhea dodges, Charlotte tags in, and Charlotte runs Asuka over. Charlotte tells Rhea to get out of the way, and then she CHOPS Asuka. Asuka dodges, Nikki tags in, and Asuka BOOTS Charlotte for Nikki to tilt-o-whirl toss! Asuka adds a dropkick, Nikki covers, ONE!
Nikki hurries to get Charlotte but Charlotte scoops. Nikki escapes, tags to Asuka, and Asuka wrenches and YANKS on Charlotte’s arm! Asuka has a wristlock, Charlotte handsprings through to wrench back. Charlotte pulls hair, headlocks, but Rhea tags in! Asuka breaks free and mule kicks Charlotte into Rhea! Asuka runs in, Charlotte moves, Rhea takes the HIP ATTACK! Down goes the champion, and Asuka is fired up! Charlotte goes out and walks over to her tag partner to help her up. Rhea shoves Charlotte away and says she should just leave her alone. Charlotte throws a forearm on Rhea!
The ref asks what they’re doing, and Charlotte orders Rhea to get in the ring! Rhea just glares at Charlotte while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Nikki gets Rhea with a headlock. Rhea powers up, Nikki thrashes, and again. Charlotte is frustrated with Rhea, Rhea powers up but Nikki hits a tornado style takedown! Rhea powers out this time, but Nikki goes up and over. Nikki runs in, Rhea puts her on the apron, but Nikki ROCKS Rhea with a right! Charlotte storms over but Nikki slingshots into the Oklahoma Roll! TWO, and Rhea HEADBUTTS Nikki down! Rhea drags Nikki up, Charlotte is annoyed but Rhea stomps a mudhole into Nikki in the open corner. The ref counts, Rhea lets off, and she gets Nikki up to an Electric Chair. Nikki flails, Charlotte tags in, and Rhea SLAMS Nikki down!
Asuka rallies for Nikki, Charlotte tells Rhea to shoo, and she covers Nikki, TWO! Charlotte tries again, TWO! Nikki is proving tougher than Charlotte likes, and Charlotte jams a knee into Nikki’s back! And again! Charlotte handsprings just to BOOT Nikki down! Charlotte mocks Asuka shouting for Nikki, then she fakes Nikki out to get on a thrashing chinlock! Nikki endures, Asuka coaches her on, and Nikki fights up. Charlotte drags Nikki over and throws her into the corner. Charlotte CHOPS Rhea to be a tag! “You mad?” Rhea seethes but she drags Nikki up just to throw her back down. Rhea mocks Asuka, then gets Nikki up for a suplex.
Rhea holds Nikki up for a count of 10, then 15, then 20, before the SLAM! Cover, TWO! Rhea drags Nikki back over, tags Charlotte with a hard pat on the head, and tells “the princess” to get in. Charlotte seethes but she toys with Nikki. Charlotte runs but only gets buckles as Nikki dodges! JAWBREAKER! Nikki kicks, Charlotte blocks and ducks the enziguri, then swipes at Asuka! Nikki runs in, Charlotte catches her and carries her away! Nikki’s boots get Rhea! Sunset flip, TWO! Charlotte runs in but Nikki ends her into buckles! Rhea tags in, gets Nikki up with a waistlock, but Nikki make sit a BULLDOG! Hot tag to Asuka! SLIDING WIZARD!! Cover, TWO!!
Asuka fires up, runs to HIP ATTACK Charlotte down, then BOOTS Rhea! Asuka dodges, Rhea hits ropes, CODE BREAKER!! Charlotte gets in and grabs at Asuka! Asuka kicks free, but Rhea gets her for a NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO!! Asuka gets to a corner, Rhea runs in but into a ROUNDHOUSE! Asuka GERMAN SUPLEXES! Asuka goes from a corner to run and HIP ATTACK Rhea down! Cover, TWO!! Asuka hurries, Nikki tags in, and Nikki goes to a corner. Nikki climbs and shouts at Rhea to get up. Rhea does, CROSSBODY!! Cover, but Charlotte pulls Nikki away! And then throws Nikki out!
Charlotte shouts for Rhea to tag her so they can get this done. Rhea ROCKS Charlotte instead! The Nightmare and Queen are brawling with each other! Nikki is very amused as Rhea pump handles. Charlotte rakes eyes to get free, then chop blocks and hits NATURAL SELECTION! Nikki covers, Nikki & Asuka win!
Winners: Nikki Cross & Asuka, by pinfall
A win is a win, and Nikki just pinned the Raw Women’s Champion! She and Asuka party on the announce desk, but how will Rhea repay Charlotte for this?
Alexa Bliss talks with Lily.
Yes, she knows, she’s going to tell everyone that. Not only did Shayna Baszler rudely interrupt their playdate with Reginald, Shayna also said the unthinkable. Alexa just repeats Shayna’s words so Lily can’t get mad. “She said Lily is just a stupid doll…!” Shayna is wrong! Don’t believe her? See what happens later when Shayna “plays” with them. Alexa promises it’ll be a real scream. Will the Queen of Spades wish she’d stayed away from Alexa’s Playground?
Mansoor VS Drew Gulak!
The Star of Saudi Arabia was undefeated for about 50 matches, including some of his biggest wins at Crown Jewel. But that’s just the level of competition on Monday Night Raw. Will Mansoor build up a new winning streak at the expense of the Philly Stretcher? Or will everything Mustafa Ali said about his old rival be proven true?
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, and Mansoor arm-drags Gulak right away! Gulak gets up and is a bit surprised, but he and Mansoor circle again. They tie up, Mansoor wrenches to a wristlock but Gulak throws a haymaker to get a headlock. Mansoor powers out but Gulak runs him over. Gulak drops an elbow but misses, and Mansoor hits another arm-drag! Mansoor has the armlock but Gulak gets up. Mustafa is watching backstage as Mansoor puts Gulak in a corner. The ref counts the break, Mansoor lets off but Gulak SLAPS him, then CLOBBERS him! Well, there’s one point Mustafa brought up.
Gulak scoops and slams Mansoor into ropes! Mansoor clutches his legs, Gulak covers, TWO! Gulak gets Mansoor around, has the legs and pulls on them as he stands on Mansoor’s back! Mansoor endures, even as Gulak stands on his head. Mansoor fights up, throws forearms, and shoves Gulak away. Gulak comes back but into a CHOP and forearm! Mansoor whips Gulak to a corner but Gulak BOOTS back! High stack, TWO! Gulak hurries to Oklahoma Roll, TWO! Mansoor escapes again and Gulak seethes. Gulak scoops Manoosr, Mansoor slips off the back, but Gulak waistlocks to a school boy, and pulls tights! TWO, and Mansoor sits on Gulak for a cover, and WINS!
Winner: Mansoor, by pinfall
Gulak did do everything Mustafa said he would, and perhaps that is why Mansoor was able to win. Will Mansoor give credit where credit is due?
Randy Orton finds Matt Riddle backstage.
Orton lets Riddle “have the key,” and Riddle unlocks his mouth. Riddle thanks Randy for that, and says he’s been looking all over for him. Riddle has a match with Kofi after he was just trying to invite the New Day to his favorite burger place, Burger King. Riddle is famished and just wants to plop down in front of a delicious Whopper, fries and soda to chillax. Speaking of, WWE is going on the road, so these two could be road buddies! They could listen to chill tunes, and get Burger King in every state! Where’s Orton’s favorite place to go? Riddle loves Las Vegas-
Oh. Time to zip the lip again. Wait! Is Orton going to be with Riddle for the match? Not sure yet. Well, sweet hoodie. It has a viper with the stallion mane on it. Orton takes “the key” back, and puts it in the trash. Riddle pouts and scoots away, but will his actions speak for him?
Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods VS Matt Riddle!
This match isn’t happening because of the Bro taking the hit for the Viper, this is more about those RKO’s before the match. But will MVP’s words weigh heavy on Kofi’s mind? Or will he be able to focus and solve the Riddle?
Raw returns and Riddle makes his entrance, and it looks like Orton still doesn’t feel the need to be ringside. But Riddle shrugs that off and gets in the ring. The bell rings, Kofi rushes Riddle but Riddle tackles him down! Kofi kicks him away, kicks and headbutts Riddle to a corner, then fires off fast hands. Kofi whips Riddle corner to corner, runs in and SPLASHES! Kofi snapmares, sits Riddle up and PENALTY KICKS him down! Cover, ONE! Kofi drops a splash, covers again, TWO! Riddle gets to his feet, Kofi fires off on him again. Kofi mule kicks, but Riddle gut wrench suplexes! Riddle holds on, gut wrench suplexes again, covers, TWO!
Riddle pushes Kofi down to drop the BROTON! Woods plays his trombone but Riddle covers, TWO! Riddle gets a little annoyed by Woods, but Woods mockingly asks, “What’s wrong, bruh?” Riddle turns around into Kofi’s JAWBREAKER! Kofi has Riddle in a corner again and CHOPS him! And CHOPS him! Kofi traps Riddle’s arms in the ropes to CHOP him! Woods likes that sound! Kofi covers, ONE! Riddle is getting mad, and here comes Randy! Riddle puts Kofi in a corner, whips him corner to corner, but Kofi goes up and up and missile dropkicks! Orton glares at Woods, but Kofi WRECKS the Viper with a dropkick! Woods says that’s what he gets!
Riddle gets up but Kofi dropkicks him out of the ring! Woods plays trombone right in Riddle’s face, but Orton gets Woods for an ANNOUNCE DESK BACK SUPLEX! Orton helps Riddle up but Kofi SUPER TRUST FALLS onto them both!! The New Day regroup and fire back up as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again and Riddle fires off body shots and a BOOT on Kofi! Kofi ends up in a corner, Riddle forearm smashes, goes side to side to forearm smash again, then hits the BROSPLODER! And a PENALTY KICK! Riddle fires up, gets Kofi up and suplexes, but Kofi slips out! Kofi is back in a corner and he BOOTS Riddle away. Kofi runs, goes up and up and FLYING RANAS! Riddle gets up into Kofi’s JUMPING STOMP! Cover, TWO! Orton coaches Riddle up but Woods coaches Kofi. Kofi kicks, CHOPS and REBOUND SPLASHES Riddle! Cover, TWO! Riddle is hanging tough but Kofi gets him up. Riddle shoves Kofi away, Kofi swing kicks in the corner!
Kofi takes a moment on the apron, but Riddle is right back! Dead lift, but Kofi elbows free! Riddle tumbles to the mat, Kofi climbs up the corner, but Riddle CHOPS him first! And another CHOP! Riddle climbs up, gets Kofi up, but Kofi hits back! Riddle steps down but CHOPS again! And again! Riddle climbs, gets Kofi back up, but Kofi holds off the superplex to SUPER GOURD BUSTER! And SPLASH Riddle off his feet! Cover, TWO!! Riddle survives and Orton applauds while Kofi seethes. Kofi stalks up behind Riddle, runs in but Riddle uses body scissors to throw Kofi up and out! Riddle gets in the ring, Kofi staggers back up, and Kofi goes to the apron, but avoids a knee!
Kofi shoulders into Riddle, but Riddle ROCKS him with a right! Kofi stumbles off the apron, Riddle goes out after him, and Riddle ROCKS Kofi with that drive-by forearm! Riddle fires off on Kofi at the desk, KICKS him, and says, Gimme some!” Jimmy Smith fist bumps Riddle but Kofi puts Riddle in the ring. Riddle KNEES Kofi, and looks to Orton as he brings Kofi out along the ropes! Orton smiles as Riddle hits a DRAPING DDT! Orton says to finish this, and Riddle says not yet! Riddle has one more thing to do first. Riddle hears the voices in his head!! Orton says that’s not really how he should do this. Kofi staggers up, and denies Riddle’s RKO!
Kofi spins, Riddle ducks Trouble in Paradise and gets the gut wrench! Kofi powers out and spins Riddle for TROUBLE IN PARADISE!! Cover, Kofi wins!!
Winner: Kofi Kingston, by pinfall
The Bro tried to be like his bro, but bro, that didn’t work. The New Day is fired up, and Orton walks away. Is this going to jeopardize the chances of RKBRO truly becoming a team?
Nia Jax finds Shayna Baszler backstage.
Nia wants Shayna to listen. Things have been tense for many reasons- It’s because Alexa Bliss keeps sticking her nose their business for whatever reason, and because Nia keeps getting distracted by Reginald. Those cost them the tag team titles. Oh, how is Reggie, by the way? At home recovering for what Shayna did to him, which was way out of line? SHE is out of line? Nia isn’t here to argue, okay? She is offering her help. Nia has known Alexa a long time, and this is the most dangerous she’s ever seen her.
You think Shayna is scared of a little girl with a doll? It’s JUST a stupid doll, so NO, Shayna doesn’t need nor want Nia’s help. If anything, Alexa could use Nia’s help because Shayna’s going to show everyone what happens when you cross the Queen of Spades! Shayna storms down the hall, but will Twisted Lil’ Bliss and that “stupid little doll” have more than just a swing waiting for her at The Playground?
Raw returns and Alexa’s Playground is in the ring.
Alexa welcomes us back, and says that normally this is a place for friends. This week might be different, but who knows? Maybe after tonight, we’ll have a new friend! Right, Lily? Lily, be a bit more openminded. New friends come in different shapes, sizes and blood types. But- Here comes Shayna! Alexa waves hi but Shayna doesn’t wave back. Shayna steps into the ring, and shoves the rocking horse over! That wasn’t nice. Shayna didn’t learn her lesson last week. She did something naughty, but Alexa still hopes things will change. Alexa and Lily want to give Shayna a chance to be their new friend. She just has to apologize to Lily.
Shayna? Apologize? To a doll? Yep. Just two little words, “I’m sorry.” Shayna laughs and says Alexa is even more delusional than she looks. Alexa is what happened to Reggie. And more importantly, Alexa is what happened to Shayna’s & Nia’s tag title reign. What? Shayna thinks that was Alexa? That’s just silly! Alexa would never do that, she wants everyone to be friends. What was that, Lily? Oh. Alexa says it is in Shayna’s best interests just to apologize to Lily. Shayna gets up, grabs Lily, and smirks as she looks at it. “Lily, I’m sorry… I’m sorry that you’re just a stupid doll!” Shayna drops Lily, then Alexa ROCKS Shayna with a right hand!
Alexa fires off on Shayna but Shayna shoves her away! Shayna then STOMPS on Lily! Alexa is frozen in place as Shayna dares something to happen, then STOMPS on Lily’s head! Wait, the screens start glitching out. Alexa smirks and Shayna bails out. Alexa picks Lily up and cradles her, then FIRE explodes from the ramp! Shayna runs up to the stage, and then MORE FIRE! Shayna runs away while Alexa laughs, and cameras cut to gorilla. Shayna shakes off the bit of fear from those jump scares, but then the lights start flickering back here, too! Shayna gets out of the way of a falling cart! And of falling girders! Shayna runs for it before the whole place comes apart!
Shayna makes it to the back and says it’s just a stupid doll. But all the doors are locked! And then the lights start flickering again! Shayna keeps telling herself Lily is just Alexa’s doll, and she finds the one door that wasn’t locked. Shayna hears big footsteps coming, so she hurries into another room and closes the door! Shayna locks it up tight and puts a couch in front of the door for good measure. Shayna says this is NOT happening. But she turns around to see a mirror. And in the mirror is LILY!! Shayna is doing her best not to freak out. See? Lily isn’t really there. But then… the mirror keeps showing her!
Shayna BOOTS the mirror and shatters it! Shayna is freaking out because Lily’s still there! Is there no running from what she’s done? Will she have no choice but to accept that Lily is not just some doll?
My Thoughts:
Well this was another mixed bag for Raw. The ending we just saw was both a good and bad closing segment. It’s good that there is progress towards Alexa’s in-ring return, where it seems Shayna Baszler is going to be her opponent. But WWE could’ve really done a lot better these last two months since WrestleMania 37. She and Bray Wyatt should’ve been feuding over the powers of The Funhouse/Playground, but we haven’t seen Bray since Alexa screwed him over against Randy Orton.
Secondly, I’m not sure getting dragged into the supernatural is really something Shayna Baszler should be doing. The level of production on the ending segment was good and all, but why would Shayna want to talk this out at all? Shayna should’ve been going for a match with Alexa, and then that match never happens because of stuff like we saw here. It’d work out to about the same but at least it’d fit under Shayna’s character: fight first, talk later. Then with Hell in a Cell coming, Alexa and Shayna could have a supernaturally influenced cinematic match would be good to open the main show with. They might still do that anyway, but it’s always the small details that help.
I do like that we’re getting more on Mustafa and Mansoor. Mustafa gave Mansoor pointers on Gulak, and I guess Gulak shifts back and forth between Face and Heel as needed. A part of me is alright that his feud with Garza is over because it had such lackluster motivation, but it shows Raw has no follow through, and that they’re extra screwed with having very little people to choose from. But the main thing is, Mansoor wins but technically does have to give credit to Mustafa. Whatever we get between those two, from a feud to a tag team, is going to be good for both of them and for Raw, given the promos and in-ring ability Mustafa can give when given the chance.
Ryker VS Elias wasn’t much, but obviously this wasn’t going to be the end of the feud by a long shot. I feel like this has the same energy as “Let’s have Roman Reigns take on Sheamus” from a few years back. The Heel Heat fans had for Sheamus was supposed to translate to the Face Heat for Roman, but I don’t recall it working. We still don’t have live fans so I can’t be sure how Ryker is being received, but something about this makes sense. Hardy VS Alexander was good, and Alexander losing isn’t a bad thing. Alexander’s ego needed to hit a speedbump, and now he’ll have to prove he can get back up.
The Raw Women’s Division is a mixed bag all in itself. Lana is gone so there goes a tag team. Shayna is busy with Alexa, so one tag team is on hold. And the build to the Raw Women’s Championship is leaning more on having them finally build Nikki Cross as a competitor than anything. Rhea and Charlotte of course don’t work as a tag team, which is at least good storytelling, but I don’t know. Something just isn’t clicking, and yet Vince and his team just don’t seem to understand that. With news of a new WWE Draft coming after SummerSlam, I can only imagine that Raw will leech off SmackDown and NXT, but what good does moving pieces around when the players are the same inept ones playing now?
Tonight’s contract signing was pretty good, though. It was different than most, where the physicality wasn’t McIntyre on Lashley but McIntyre and his sword on the table. McIntyre might’ve gone on a little too long with the story of Richard the Bruce and the spider and the famous saying, but the real results of this segment were both natural moves and great moves. One, putting this match inside Hell in a Cell, because duh, that’s the PPV. Two, putting the stipulation that this is McIntyre’s last shot against Lashley, because one way or another, it does have to be the last time. Now, that stipulation doesn’t guarantee either result, but if McIntyre does lose, I can only think that he then goes on to the US Championship to finally finish his Grand Slam.
Speaking of which, Carrillo VS Ricochet in a contender’s match was another good and natural move. These two could’ve given a bit more but it’s fine that they held back. It was a good move for Sheamus not to interfere, both for his legit broken nose, and because it’d be too much for another dirty finish after other contender’s matches were “ruined” on Raw. But I think with a go-home episode left, the draw tonight is at the very least a sign that we’re getting another Triple Threat match for a title. Anyone’s guess as to who wins then, as we’ve seen all possibilities just these past few months.
Opening with the tag battle royal was a good move, but Styles’ promo and even the response promos from the top two teams were a little paint by numbers. The Heel champions list off who is in the match, mocking them, the challengers give it back, and then match gets going. The battle royal itself was good, and I’m pleasantly surprised the Viking Raiders win. Styles did put them over a bit last week on Raw Talk so something about this makes sense. Their promo backstage was alright, with Omos eating that turkey leg being the best part. They’re going to have a great match at HIAC, that’s for sure, but Styles & Omos are going to win.
MVP approaching Kofi backstage was actually a good detail in the story. MVP is trying to motivate a few things in Kofi, from getting more aggressive to ditching New Day and perhaps joining up in a new Hurt Business formation. Riddle VS Kofi to be the main event match was great stuff, and I think we did see some of that new aggression from Kofi. Riddle also showed his aggression, perhaps stemming from teaming with Orton. It was a good detail that Riddle trying to be too much like Orton is what cost him. Riddle could’ve used Bro Derek or Floating Bro to finish Kofi but he wanted to be like Orton and do the whole spiel before hitting the RKO. I hope this means Orton has to ironically tell Riddle to be himself and win his way.
And with SummerSlam being in Las Vegas, where Riddle currently resides, I wouldn’t be surprised if SummerSlam is when and where RKBRO get their tag title match and win. Fans will be back by then, fans still like Orton and I’m sure they like Riddle, so they’d react very strongly if RKBRO wins, or if Orton turns on Riddle. I personally hope for the former, but Orton and Riddle can definitely make for a great feud going into the Fall.
My Score: 8/10
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IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLASGOW KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Candice has Tiffy down with an armlock. Tiff fights up as the fans rally, but Candice wrenches to wristlock. Tiff spins through, goes to ropes, then up the corner to flip and arm-drag! The fans fire up as Tiff rallies on Candice! DROPKICK, and Tiff snarls! Tiff goes to the corner, and Charlotte makes her entrance? The Queen chooses to be fashionably late all so everyone looks at her, including Tiffy. Tiffy handsprings, but Candice dodges! Candice runs up to UPPERCUT, then she snapmares and NECK SNAPPERS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice clamps onto Tiffy with a top wristlock.
The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte now chooses to join commentary. Tiff fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, but Candice CLUBS away on her! Candice backs off, runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her to ropes! Tiff runs, HIP ATTACKS, and Candice flops back! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays on Candice with a whip, but Candice reverses. Candice CLOBBERS Tiff, covers, TWO! Charlotte corrects Tiffy’s words earlier: Charlotte isn’t the “top girl,” she is THE woman in WWE. Candice HIP DROPS Tiff but the fans rally up. Candice scuffs Tiff, then grinds an arm to drop a knee on the elbow! And another knee drop! Tiff endures and the fans rally up.
Candice keeps on that arm, thrashes it around, but Tiff fights up. Tiff fires body shots, then shoves Candice to Alabama Lift her! Candice sunset flips, Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated and Candice bails out. Tiff goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Candice and Nia, and Tiff almost stuck the landing! The fans fire up with Tiff and she goes into the ring. Tiff points to the WrestleMania sign, and then at Charlotte, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Tiff waits on Candice, Candice slides in, and Tiff stomps her down! Candice bails out, Nia is there to coach her, but Tiff lets the ring count start. Candice gets on the apron, Tiff kicks her, but Candice RAMS Tiff! Candice CLUBS Tiff, has her in the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Candice climbs, aims, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO!
Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW!
Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back! Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring!
The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring. Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, but with some interesting moves after the sudden change in plans with The Rock showing up. Naomi and Bianca had a good promo to hype up what was meant to be a full match of Naomi VS Liv, but word had already come out before the show that things were being cut for time. But at the very least, they did the right thing of making it a brawl that adds heat to the tag title match on Monday. Also, hilarious how Chelsea & Piper thought the beatdown on Bianca & Naomi was so bad that they would need to be pulled from the Chamber. I also can’t wait to see what happens on Toronto SmackDown.
As for The Rock, I do appreciate he used his authority to kayfabe change more things, all so he could have his promo with Cody. I also appreciate Rock blending his different roles and even different sides, both Heel and Face, to A) bring the news of WM42 being in NOLA, and B) recreate the Corporate Champion/People’s Champion story from the Attitude Era. That was some wild stuff he was saying to Cody. I’m sure quite a few people will try and talk with Cody next week in the go-home. Heels will say do it because they’d love to have what Rock can give, Faces will say not because Cody’s better than that. But naturally, Cody is not going to become The Rock’s Champion, causing Rock to turn on him and really up things going into WrestleMania 41 and perhaps even beyond.
Good stuff in the Elimination Chamber related stories. Jimmy VS McIntyre was great stuff to open, and how fitting that McIntyre loses to Jimmy after talking all that trash about Jimmy and Jey being the same. Jey got McIntyre with something quick, Jimmy got McIntyre with something quick, McIntyre’s ego is obviously his weakness. And at the same time, McIntyre of course destroys Jimmy after because that’s his other personality trait. Priest had good promos with Cody and Braun, and we got great stuff from Solo’s Bloodline. Naturally, we got a miscommunication spot to help finish, we’re really close to Solo VS Jacob, I can feel it. Priest & Braun get the win, mostly because Priest isn’t winning in the Chamber when you’ve got Punk and Cena in there.
Very good stuff with Tiffy Time, from the promos leading into the match to Charlotte being ringside just to watch. Nia & Candice of course get the better of Tiff & Trish, because Tiff & Trish are definitely winning the tag match in Toronto. Charlotte just seems to enjoy trolling Tiff with her presence, so Charlotte probably shows up in Toronto to then confront Tiff after the match. I expect the seven weeks after Elimination Chamber to really heat up, as will Charlotte’s involvement, where she’ll get more active verbally and physically. Also, hell, Rock should go full Corporation and have Charlotte be his Corporate Women’s Champion because of how established she is.
Hilarious stuff from Truth tonight, as always. Truth and Melo having their “who’s on first” again was good stuff, and of course Miz gets in on this story, too. Truth & Knight VS “Melo Don’t Miz” was really fun, but yeah, should’ve figured Nakamura would get involved, too. Melo & Miz making it work could also be really fun, and while Knight VS Nakamura is a rehash, I really hope they find a way to up things. It feels like we’re getting the same with the tag titles as Profits “ruined” that great tag match from DIY and Pretty Deadly, then brawled with MCMG to still come out on top. Last year had a ladder tag title match, so why not do one for these titles this year?
Speaking of escalating, Kevin filming a promo outside Sami’s house was some really well done stuff, as expected of someone as good as Kevin and in such a story as him and Sami. Their match should main event, it needs time to breathe, as it could be just as, if not more violent, than the Chamber matches. What a powerful closing moment we could have if it’s a bloody Kevin and Sami, and one of them is standing over the other, triumphant yet mournful because it was their best friend in the world that they just brutalized.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
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