Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (7/16/21)
SmackDown returns to the world!
SmackDown welcomes the WWE Universe back in a big way!
Money in the Bank Weekend kicks off with a stacked SmackDown, finally back in front of live fans! But will Bianca Belair still reign after facing Carmella?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Six Man Tag: Roman Reigns & The Usos VS Edge & The Mysterios; Roman & The Usos win.
- Shotzi Blackheart & Tegan Nox VS Natalya & Tamina; Shotzi & Tegan win and become the new #1 contenders to the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships.
- SmackDown Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair VS Carmella; Bianca wins and retains the title.
- Cesaro VS Otis w/ Chad Gable; Cesaro wins, by disqualification.
- Fatal 4 Way: Big E VS Kevin Owens VS Seth Rollins VS Shinsuke Nakamura w/ Rick Boogs; Rollins wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
For a year and a half, something’s been missing.
Superstars look at an empty arena, and highlights from the last 40 years of WWE play, and even of WrestleMania 37. What did all those classic moments, the good and the bad, the ups and the downs, have in common? THE FANS! So, WWELCOME BACK to the show!
Vince McMahon is here!!
The Chairman of WWE is opens the first SmackDown back in front of the WWE Universe, and a sold-out Toyota Center in Houston, Texas! And he asks, “Where the hell have you been?” Good night! Aw c’mon, really? Well, Mr. McMahon doesn’t want to overstay his welcome, because the Tribal Chief is here! Fans again get to give their mixed reactions to the Reigns-ing, Defending, Undisputed, Uncontroverted, Universal Heavyweight Champion on his 320th day as champion, Roman…! Reigns! Paul Heyman gives him the belt to hold up, and the pyro goes off from the new super titantron LED stage! Roman then hands the belt back to make his way down the ramp.
The Usos already wait for Roman in the ring, and Roman again raises the belt for even more pyro! Heyman and the Usos shake hands, and we’re about to open with a HUGE 3v3!!
Six Man Tag: Roman Reigns & The Usos VS Edge & The Mysterios!
While the Head of the Table defends his Universal Championship against the Rated R Superstar, Jimmy & Jey are once again going after the SmackDown Tag Team Championships! Will the Bloodline be strong going into Money in the Bank this Sunday? Or will Edge, Rey and Dominik make sure Roman does NOT get his way?
Houston comes alive for Edge’s entrance, and HIS pyro! Roman isn’t intimidated, despite Edge having put both him, Jimmy and Jey in a full metal crossface at one time or another since his return. The energy is already electric, but this opening match begins after the break!
SmackDown returns and the Bloodline takes their time plotting. They’ve flanked the ring, and Jey gets in to blindside Edge! The bell rings, fans boo as Jey stomps Edge, and Jey whips Edge to ropes. Edge reverses and FLAPJACKS Jey! Fans fire up as Edge glares at Roman. Edge gets Jey up, wrenches an arm, and tags Dom in! Dom is finally in front of fans, and he wrenches Jey, kicks low, then tags Rey. Rey drops ax handles on the arm! Rey wrenches but Jey DECKS Rey to tag Jimmy! Jimmy runs in but into an arm-drag! Edge tags in, Rey gets Jimmy up for Edge to kick the arm. Edge wrenches, hits an elbow breaker, then another, then wrenches again.
Edge wrenches, wristlocks, tags back to Rey, and Edge whips to get Jimmy up, for Rey’s springboard seated senton! Fans fire up again as Rey covers, TWO! Rey tags in Dom, Rey holds Jimmy for Dom to LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO, but Dom arm-drags Jimmy right back down! Dom has the armlock and grinds the shoulder, but Jimmy fights up. Jimmy throws forearms, Dom throws them back! Dom fires off but Jey tags in. Jimmy whips Dom, Dom dodges but Jey GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy DECKS Dom with an uppercut, and Jey runs in to SPLASH Dom at the corner. Roman holds out a hand and Jey tags him in! Roman drags Dom out of the ring and THROWS him down!
Roman gets Dom up and into the ring now, facelocks and snap suplexes! Cover as Heyman holds up the belt, TWO! Roman shoves Dom out of the ring, goes out after him, and fans boo as the Usos fire up. Roman gets Dom up to bounce him off the desk! Roman refreshes the count to then fetch Dom, reel him in, and POWERBOMB him onto the desk! Rey rushes over in a fury but the ref has him stay back! Roman shouts at the crowd, “ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” as we go to break!
SmackDown returns again and Dom climbs up. Dom boots Jimmy away, leaps and TORNADO DDT’s Jimmy down! Fans fire up as both men crawl for their corners, hot tags to Jey and Edge! Edge rallies on the Usos, swings on Roman, but has to FLAPJACK Jey again! Edge BOOTS him down, then WRECKS Jimmy and CLOBBERS Roman! Edge gets in, Jey fireman’s carries but Edge slips out! Rey tags in, Jey SUPERKICKS Edge, but Rey seated sentons Jey! Rey runs, tilt-o-whirls and DDT’s Jey! Cover, but Jimmy breaks it in time! Dom gets in, wheelbarrow tosses Jimmy out, then SPRINGBOARD CROSSBODIES him down! But Roman POSTS Dom!
Rey focuses on Jey but Jey ROCKS him with an uppercut! Rey RANAS Jey onto ropes! Rey dials it up and fans go nuts, but Roman intercepts the call to RAM Rey into apron! And then tosses him into the ring! Roman talks trash, but Edge SPEARS Roman down!! Fans are thunderous as Jey gets Rey up, but Rey switches, O’Conner Rolls, TWO! Rey gets a SUCKER PUNCH from Jimmy! Jey rolls Rey up with tights, and the Bloodline wins!!
Winners: Roman Reigns & The Usos, by pinfall
Jey attacks Rey to add on, and he POSTS Rey! Dom fires off on Jey but Jimmy CLUBS Dom down! The Usos mug Dom, but Edge gets in with a chair! Edge JAMS and SMACKS Jimmy, then JAMS and SMACKS Jey! Roman returns with a SUPERMAN PUNCH! Fans boo but Roman soaks up all the heat. Roman gets the belt to hold it up, and he walks all around Edge. Edge is still moving, and Roman sees the chair. Roman wants to cash in a receipt as he breaks off a crossbar! Roman picks it up, but turns around into a SPEAR!! Twice, Edge has gotten Roman with their shared signature move, and Edge gets the crossbar! Fans go nuts as Edge puts Roman in the CROSSBAR CROSSFACE!!!
Roman has the same look on his face as from WrestleMania 37!! Roman is TAPPING!! Edge lets Roman go, having made his point! But as Edge picks up the Universal Championship and holds it over head, will Edge give the world a repeat performance at Money in the Bank?
Edge, Rey and Dom regroup backstage.
They’re obviously still upset over the loss. First, Rey gets hit with a cheap shot, then the roll up with tights! Edge says it’s fine, they’ll get payback at MITB. Kayla Braxton comes by to interview Edge and the Mysterios say they’ll meet up again later. Kayla says that though his team lost, Edge is still one step closer to defeating Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship. Well Edge wishes he could say that after “making Roman Reigns tap out like a bitch,” but this will not be easy. Edge has to go to a place he’s never gone before. He has to go to a part of his soul he hasn’t gone to before, and he isn’t sure if he wants to do that.
But in order to beat Roman, Edge has to become “the most selfish, manipulative son of a bitch,” and he will do that! Winning the Universal Championship is the one last thing he has to do in this industry- But then laughing as he enters is Seth Rollins in a literally star-studded suit. Rollins says Edge can’t beat Roman! Roman may be the most self-absorbed, megalomaniacal person he’s ever met, but Rollins says Roman has Edge’s number. But look, at Sunday, MITB, Rollins will be Edge’s biggest fan. Edge will be there with a “GO EDGE GO” sign. Rollins hopes Edge wins the title, because Rollins will do his job: go into the MITB match, climb the ladder, get the briefcase, and then finish what he started seven years ago when he had his boot on Edge’s neck.
Rollins sincerely hopes Edge becomes the new Universal Champion, because then Rollins will get to cash in on the man who made the match famous. “Good luck. HAHAHAHA!” Rollins is laughing now, but will someone else in the Men’s MITB match have the last laugh?
Sami Zayn is here!
The Great Liberator heads to the ring, but he tells all of the fans to stop! See that? Everyone is talking about the MITB match, but no one has the courage to talk about how Sami is PURPOSEFULLY being excluded! Fans boo but Sami says this is because “they” want us to focus on the happy things~! Oh~! Look! The fans are back! Look! Giant new titantron! All a distraction from the fact that for over a YEAR, there has been a conspiracy targeting Sami Zayn!! But that’s fine! Sami says tonight, for the first time in forever, he has something in his corner that he hasn’t had: the fans! Yes, the people! They’ve seen it all! They’ve seen the victimization and persecution!
So now, please stand up and make your voices heard to let “them” know that this will not stand! “Justice for Sami! Justice for Sami!” Fans do get into it. Well, not that many. But Sami says that’s not surprising. The Heehaws of Texas aren’t on Sami’s side. That’s fine, he doesn’t need you! He just needs JUSTICE! nd if there was anything like that in this world, Sami would be in the MITB match! No, better! The briefcase would be lowered to him right now and he’d be handed the contract on a silver platter! That would be justice. Sami will not let this show go on until- FINN BALOR is here?! The Prince is back on SmackDown and Sami is in shock!
Fans fire up as Balor stands in the ring with Sami, and Sami gives him an introduction for the very few who don’t know him. Sami welcomes Finn back, then swings on him! Finn gets Sami for an elbow drop DDT! And then a SHOTGUN DROPKICK! Sami flounders about and Finn goes up top! COUP DE GRACE! Fans are thunderous now that the Balor Club returns to the blue brand, but will Sami make him the new target for his tirades?
Shotzi Blackheart & Tegan Nox VS Natalya & Tamina!
They defeated the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions last week, but the upstarts from NXT are back to TCB again! And this time, if Shotzi ‘n’ Nox win again, they’ll get a tag title match! Will the Queen of Harts and Daughter of Superfly make sure this time is the last time they have to worry about the new kids on the block?
SmackDown returns and the champions make their entrances. Breaking news on the Women’s MITB, too: Tamina has been named the final entrant for SmackDown! That said, Liv Morgan and Zelina Vega have appeared on commentary to watch this very closely. Liv is very confident she’ll win the contract this Sunday, but Zelina laughs at her. Meanwhile, the teams sort out and Tamina starts with Shotzi for this all or nothing rematch!
Tamina kicks Shotzi, fires off hands, then scoops her to slam her! Shotzi gets to a corner but Tamina drags her back up to throw her to the champs’ corner. Tamina shoulders Tegan off the apron, runs in and fires off on Shotzi, then tags in Natty. The champs double whip Shotzi hard into the buckles, and Natty stomps a mudhole into her! The ref backs Natty off, Natty gets Shotzi up to scoop but Shotzi slips out to roll her up! ONE, and Shotzi ENZIGURIS Natty right down! Shotzi keeps moving, she trips Natty and drags her around to welcome her to the ball pit! Leg splitting leg drop a la Jeff Hardy! Jackknife cover, TWO!
Shotzi gets Natty up, whips her to a corner, but Natty reverses. Natty runs in but into an elbow! Shotzi hurries up top but Tamina distracts her! Shotzi drops down but Natty clobbers her! Natty tags Tamina, the champs stomp away on Shotzi while Vega and Liv argue. Tag back to Natty, Natty gets Shotzi up for forearms. Fans rally for Shotzi as the ref backs Natty off. Shotzi kicks back, elbows Tamina then kicks Natty again. Shotzi goes under Natty, Natty CLOBBERS Shotzi! Natty grabs at Shotzi but she kicks Natty away! Hot tag to Tegan! Tegan fires off CHOPS and EuroUppers! Then she dropkicks Tamina, to then CANNONBALL her down!
Tegan dodges Natty, runs in to uppercut, and fans fire up as she goes corner to corner to CANNONBALL again! Tegan puts Natty in center, SHINIEST WIZARD!! Cover but Tamina breaks it! Tamina attacks Shotzi, the ref reprimands, but the arguing on commentary stops and it’s just a scrap! Liv and Vega are brawling and fans go nuts! Things end up in the ring? The ref is distracted, so is Natty, and Liv LEAPS to clobber Vega! Tegan rolls Natty, she and Shotzi win again!!
Winners: Tegan Nox & Shotzi Blackheart, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contenders to the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships)
The new kids have done it again! Tegan & Shotzi now have a title match in their future! Will they continue to Take Care o’ Business and take over the tag division?
Meanwhile, Tamina CLOBBERS Liv for costing her and Natty! Natty stalks Vega and drags her up! Natty feeds her to Tamina’s SUPERKICK! Tamina then runs at Liv but Liv dodges to send her into the steps! Liv bounces Natty off the desk, puts her in the ring, and fans fire up with her as she goes after Natty. Natty kicks back but runs into a CODE BREAKER! Liv points to the briefcase and fans are fired up, will we be living in Morgan’s world?
Bianca Belair is headed to gorilla position!
She’s ready to defend her SmackDown Women’s Championship, but the Dirty Dawgs see her passing by. Dolph Ziggler wants her to tell Mella they said hi. Yeah, no. Then can she at least ask if Mella has a sister? Bianca shrugs those two off and is ready for her match, will the EST prove there’s so much more to this than meets the eye?
SmackDown Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair VS Carmella!
The strongEST, the fastEST, the roughEST and the toughEST champion is going to take on the (self-proclaimed) Most Beautiful Woman in the WWE Today, in a match that came about after Bayley unfortunately injured herself while training. Will Mella be money even without the MITB contract? Or will she learn to never doubt Bianca’s bonafides?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and the first title match back in front of fans since WrestleMania 37 looks to make this the hottEST SmackDown in a long time!
Mella and Biacna circle, but then Mella shoves Bianca. Bianca shoves Mella down! Mella gets up in a huff and SLAPS Bianca! Bianca chases Mella out of the ring, around the way, and back inside the ring. Mella runs and wheelbarrows, to arm-drag Bianca, only for Bianca to run her over! Bianca says kiss this, and she dropkicks Mella back down! Bianca kips up as Mella gets to a corner, but Mella boots back! Bianca comes back in but Mella dodges and digs Bianca into buckles. Mella fires off back elbows, lets off as the ref counts, but then adds one last elbow! Fans boo, Mella soaks up the heat, and hits a FABULOUS Bronco Buster! Cover, ONE!!
Mella keeps her cool, gets Bianca up, and whips her to a corner. Bianca goes up, over and handsprings to RAM back in! Bianca digs her shoulder in, rolls back, then returns, only for Mella to put her on the apron. Bianca DECKS Mella, gets her on the other side of the corner and brings her through. But Mella YANKS Bianca into the POST! Bianca falls to the ring, clutching her arm. Mella goes out to get Bianca and RAM her into barriers! Mella gets Bianca up and into the ring, covers, TWO! Mella is annoyed but she drags Bianca out to RAM her back into barriers! Mella throws Bianca around again, then soaks up the heat as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Bianca CLOBBERS Mella! Bianca fires up, and fires off CLUBBING forearms! Fans fire up as Bianca bumps Mella off buckle after buckle, then scoops her for a SLAM! Mella grabs at Bianca’s feet but Bianca kicks her away to handspring and moonsault! Mella even moved but couldn’t get away! Cover, TWO! Bianca drags Mella to a drop zone, goes up the corner, but Mella trips her up! Mella climbs up, throws elbows, then goes corner to corner to be denied her steiner! Bianca boots Mella, drags her up to reel her in, but Mella fights back. Mella clubs Bianca, gets up even higher, SUPER STEINER! Mella scrambles to get the cover, TWO!
Mella is beside herself but Bianca isn’t the toughEST for nothing. Bianca tries to get away but Mella gets her up. Fans rally for “E S T! E S T!” Mella swings but into Bianca’s chicken wings! Mella victory rolls through, TWO! Bianca has the cover, TWO and she’s sent into buckles! Mella runs in, guillotine! Bianca endures, stays up on her feet, reaches around, but she is fading! Fans rally as Mella drags Bianca down! But Bianca gets a second wind! Bianca powers up to stand, and pops Mella to a stalling suplex! She IS the strongEST for a reason, too! Cover, TWO!! Mella survives, still tough in her own right! Bianca keeps her cool but Mella gets to the apron.
Bianca swings but Mella grabs the ponytail! Bianca uses that to reel Mella in and DECK her! Bianca goes out, Mella dodges the hair whip! FABULOUS KICK! Mella puts Bianca in, covers, TWO! Mella is losing her cool but she drags Bianca around by the ponytail. She uses that to reel Bianca in for kicks! Bianca gets free, dodges Mella, and HAIR WHIPS!! Torture rack, KISS OF DEATH!! Cover, Bianca wins!
Winner: Bianca Belair, by pinfall (still SmackDown Women’s Champion)
The KOD seals the deal, and the EST is still the top woman on the blue brand! But with MITB on the horizon, will Bianca have the biggEST target on her back?
The Alpha Academy speaks.
Chad Gable says he teaches “the importance of all five senses.” When Otis and Gable walk through the locker room, they take it all in. They see grown men ducking in fear. They feel the tension and hear the whispers in awe, “Otis…” And Gable can already taste Otis’ win over Cesaro tonight! And Otis, what is that smell that they smell? “We smell fear.” But Cesaro walks in to say he smells a bunch of bull. Just like last week when Otis had a list of people he’d destroy. At least Gable didn’t make the bonehead mistake of having Cesaro on the list. Well, that’s because they weren’t thinking of him. But congrats, you have earned Otis’ full attention.
Otis sucker punches Cesaro! Then RAMS him into road cases!! The Dozer knocked the Swiss Superman over, but will Cesaro get up and uppercut Otis back with interest?
Toni Storm is on her way!
The Lightning From Down Under has been NXT UK Women’s Champion, but she’s ready to strike SmackDown! She’ll be here next Friday!
Cesaro VS Otis w/ Chad Gable!
We just saw the Alpha Academy’s number one (and only) student try to punk out Cesaro backstage, but now it’s time to put up or shut up in the ring! Will an unstoppable force crash into an immovable object right here in Houston?
The bell rings and the two tie up right away. Otis powers Cesaro to a corner, rams into him, but lets off as the ref counts. Otis CLUBS Cesaro, CLUBS him again, and Cesaro is dazed! Otis has Cesaro against ropes and CLUBS him in the chest. Otis whips Cesaro, Cesaro ducks and dodges to EuroUpper! And again! And again! Gable freaks out, gets on the apron, but Cesaro swipes at him! Otis throws hard hands in the distraction! Then he scoops and hits a POWERSLAM! Fans boo as Otis snarls at Cesaro and runs in, Cesaro dodges to POST Otis! Cesaro then dropkicks Otis into the post! Otis falls out, but Gable gets in!? Gable GERMAN SUPLEXES Cesaro!!
Winner: Cesaro, by disqualification
Gable still shouts, “FOR THE ACADEMY!” despite him ruining this for Otis! But Gable says this is what happens, only for Cesaro to shove, pop-up and UPPERCUT Gable down! Fans fire up and want the swing! Cesaro obliges, and gets Gable for the SWING! They go around and around and around but Otis get sin, to CLOBBER Cesaro! Otis then RAMS Cesaro in the corner! “No swingin’ tonight!” Otis stomps Cesaro, goes up the corner, “FOR THE ACADEMY!” VADER BOMB!! Gable and Otis celebrate what they did to Cesaro, will they keep mowing down the SmackDown roster like a runaway bus?
Kayla goes to Roman Reigns’ private suite.
She knocks on the door but Paul Heyman answers. He says she’s overdoing the knock a little. Kayla asks about the situation with Edge, but Heyman cuts her off. “The situation with EdGe~, who sinned tonight against your Tribal Chief. Who will confess and atone for those sins, or this Sunday at Money in the Bank, eDgE~ will have those sins beaten out of him by the defending Universal Heavyweight Champion, Roman… Reigns…!? That Edge? Don’t ask me about that Edge. Because what I just offered you is not a prediction.” AWWWW HEYMAAAN~! Big E is here, and says don’t you DAAARE be sour! CLAP, for the man who will WIN the Money in the Bank Contraaact… and FEEL~ the POWAAAH~! YES!
Oh, sorry, but there was something Big E wanted to talk with Heyman about. It appears that Edge has a hold of Roman Reigns. Get it!? He got hold with the hold! He put Roman in the deal! Big E would be SHOOK if he were Heyman! Big E heads for gorilla position, will he be gaining big momentum going into MITB?
BREAKING NEWS!
Next week’s SmackDown will be it’s own historic event! For the first time in the brand’s history, action will emanate from TWO cities on ONE night! SmackDown will be live both in Cleveland, Ohio AND the Rolling Loud music festival in Miami, Florida!! What a way to heat up the summer!
Baron Corbin walks out on stage.
He is even more disheveled then he was last week, and the fans booing isn’t helping. He apparently has a request, and we’ll hear what he wants to ask, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Corbin has made it to the ring. He is forced to relive his failures with a quick recap package, and then he gets a mic. “Look, it’s no secret. Just look at me. These last few weeks have been the most difficult time of my life.” He’s lost his crown, his car, his investments and his savings. Now the bank is calling and threatening to foreclose on his house! Fans “WHAT?!” him, but Corbin says his two-year-old little girl is sick from eating spaghetti from a can and not with Wagyu beef meatballs. They had to fire the maids, the house is a mess, and if this continues the way it’s going… Corbin and the family might have to move in with the in-laws. Can you imagine that?
Fans are laughing at Corbin! And they chant, “You Deserve It!” for all the bullying he’s done. But Corbin says there is good news. All the fans here and those watching at home can help him out of his dark financial times. He’s started a GoFundMe website, the Corbin Fund. His target goal of $100,000 is just enough to pay a few bills and get back on his feet. So please, everyone, go to CorbinFund.com and donate today. Every little bit helps. Please, please, please, don’t tell him that everyone here in Texas is as cheap as everyone else in the world. Fans boo but Corbin pleads with the fans on bended knee! Corbin begs with us, please help him!
But instead, here comes Kevin Owens! The Prizefighter is so fired up to have fans in front of him again! Kevin sees Corbin still in the ring, and fans want to see him throw Corbin out! Corbin hopes Kevin is out here for the right reasons. Kevin must be here to help Corbin. Kevin has influence in the locker room, so maybe if Kevin and a few others throw their support behind Corbin, the fans will “fall in line.” Corbin and Kevin are the same. They have a heart, and Kevin sympathizes with the less fortunate. Kevin, Corbin knows Kevin has money. Just look at him! Do not take this the wrong way, but we know that Kevin isn’t spending that money on his clothing.
No, no, please! Find it in your- STUNNER! That’s what fans wanted! And now, Big E makes his entrance! The big Fatal 4 main event is about to begin!
Fatal 4 Way: Big E VS Kevin Owens VS Seth Rollins VS Shinsuke Nakamura w/ Rick Boogs!
The four men representing the blue brand at MITB are about to throw down! But will it be the Powerhouse of Positivity, the Prizefighter, the Architect, or the One True KING of Strong Style that leads the way into Sunday?
SmackDown returns and the rockin’ bard is here to shred the guitar and introduce Shinsuke… NakamurAAAAAA~! The King makes his entrance, fans sing along, and then Seth Freakin’ Rollins makes his entrance. The bell rings and the four stare down. Rollins says the other three can fight it out, he’s going to leave and come back Sunday. But Big E SPEARS Rollins off the apron! Then Kevin FLIES to take out Big E! Nakamura FLYING KNEES Kevin down! Everyone is down on the outside, but Nakamura gets Kevin up and into the ring! The fans are fired up as SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns again and Big E throws body shots. Big E whips and CLOBBERS Kevin, but Nakamura gets in to go after Big E. Big E whips Nakamura out, he throws hands on Kevin but Kevin ROCKS him back! Kevin climbs but Big E throws big hands! Big E and Kevin brawl, fans rally with “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” and Big E climbs up. But Kevin resists the superplex, and Nakamura gets up! Nakamura helps Big E to DOUBLE SUPERPLEX Kevin! But Rollins FROG SPLASHES, and FLOPS as everyone gets away! Nakamura fires a strike fest on Big E, then an ax kick! Rollins kicks and whips Nakamura to knee him in the corner.
Nakamura knees back, puts Rollins up top, and comes back with a TOP SHELF KNEE! Kevin kicks Nakamura, whips but Nakamura reverses. Kevin ducks one kick but not the WHEEL KICK! Nakamura gives Kevin an INVERTED EXPLODER! Nakamura fire sup, but he runs into Big E’s scoop for a BIG ENDING! Cover, Rollins breaks it! Rollins gets Big E up, throws him out, then soaks up the cheers and jeers as he goes for a ladder! No Disqualifications in Fatal 4 Ways, and this is becoming a true sampler of MITB! Rollins has the ladder and he RAMS Nakamura out of the ring! Rollins throws the ladder down, goes out after Nakamura, and then decides to clear off the desk!
Fans fire up as Rollins puts Nakamura on the table with haymakers! Rollins climbs a nearby ladder, but Kevin drag shim down! Kevin SMACKS Rollins off the ladder, then he climbs up! Kevin aims at Nakamura, for a SUPER MACHO ELBOW through the table!! The cameraman gets taken out by debris!! Fans are losing their minds but Rollins is after Big E in the corner! Big E CLOBBERS Rollins, scoops him, but Rollins rakes eyes! Rollins kicks a leg out, then CURB STOMPS Big E onto the ladder!! Cover, Rollins wins!!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall
The Architect took advantage of all the openings and has a massive win in Houston! Then he sets the ladder up under the briefcase, to climb up in a teaser for MITB. Rollins grabs the briefcase and takes it off the hook, claiming it’s already his! But will this only be a curse upon his chances when it’s a field of eight?
My Thoughts:
What a great way for SmackDown to return to having fans in the live audience! And there was no tricks of the camera this time, the arena was legitimately sold out tonight. We fans may not like 100% of the product right now, but obviously, no one wanted to miss this one. And for the most part, it worked out for the best. I both like and am disappointed Vince didn’t stick around a little longer. On one hand, he leaves it to the show to speak for itself. But on the other, I feel like he could’ve done a good job of giving us an opening speech. Then the new set looks great, that titantron upgraded to like, a Galvatron. I hope Transformers fans at least appreciate that one.
Opening with the Six Man was quite the surprise, but at the same time, it was just the thing for fans to get fired right up. The Six Man was a great match, and while the cheating roll-up win might’ve bummed the crowd out, this and Edge attacking Roman works for the math on both matches. Rey takes the pin but that’s because he and Dom are surely winning in the MITB kickoff. Jimmy Uso’s punishment for his newest DUI is surely the loss on PPV, so the Bloodline gets the win here. Conversely, Edge gets to stand tall because he’s not winning at MITB. Rollins interacting with Edge could imply Rollins screwing Edge over one way or another, and they could have a match for SummerSlam.
Speaking of which, Rollins winning in that awesome but fast Fatal 4, then taking the contract down, all that means he’s not winning. I already pegged Raw as not winning the Men’s MITB because of who is on SmackDown’s side, and my frontrunners are Big E and Kevin Owens. They have so much going for them, especially towards a story with Roman Reigns. Kevin’s had his past matches with Roman where he’s been screwed out over and over, but that’s because Roman can prepare his contingency plans. Kevin with MITB will be unpredictable, so Roman either always has the Usos with him or he tries to get the briefcase off Kevin. Big E has been saying on Talking Smack that he’ll get to Roman one way or another by WrestleMania 38, but maybe Big E uses that as a fake-out to get a championship before then.
Honestly, everything they’re doing with Baron Corbin right now is hilarious and brilliant. His arrogant, selfish way of asking for help from fans and fellow superstars was exactly the right next step, though I wouldn’t have had those moments where Boogs was rubbing it in before. And turns out, that crowdfund site is REAL! I don’t think it lets you actually give money to anyone, but the dedication to kayfabe to get the URL is great. I hope they rub in that it gets nothing week to week, and then it can make Corbin even more desperate and depressed in this “ultimate first world problems” gimmick.
Finn Balor, back on RawDown? Aw hell. I’m 51-49 in favor of being very concerned. Why couldn’t Finn stay in NXT to go after the other titles he’s never had? Two-time NXT Champion, inaugural Universal Champion, and Intercontinental Champion, why not add the North American or Cruiserweight Championship for a unique resume all his own? At the same time, Finn VS Sami is going to be a great match, and since he seems to be keeping his Prince gimmick, seeing that Finn take on some old foes like Roman Reigns would be too sweet. Also, Otis was great tonight, but I wish we got a bit more out of that match. Cesaro VS Otis is lowkey a barnburner if they get to really let loose.
The Women’s MITB sure has had a sadder road to putting people in. Natty and Tamina get named to the match on social media, and it was barely a mystery since who else is even on SmackDown now? And to that point, Shotzi & Tegan had to win their right to a title match off the champions. They should’ve already had that from last week’s win, but at least now it’s official. And while Zelina Vega is great in the ring, her arguing with Liv Morgan on commentary just came off as awkward. Liv standing tall among the SmackDown four, I feel like that takes her out of the running now. If SmackDown wins the men’s, I’m pretty sure that means Raw wins the women’s again.
The SmackDown Women’s Championship match not being the main event was a bit of a surprise, but it was a great match. I figured Bianca would win, both here and even when it was the I Quit match at MITB with Bayley. If the plan is for the Raw Women’s Championship to have a same night cash-in, it’s fine that the SmackDown title wasn’t involved. Plus, it gave the fans live something great to see in person. Even without the MITB contract, I want to see Vega get a feud with Bianca. They can reference their history from being on Raw together and really give fans a look at what Vega can really do.
Also, I do need to say, trying a two city/site broadcast for SmackDown next week sounds great, but I really hope it doesn’t end up going as poorly as Raw’s 25th anniversary episode went. They were at both the Hammerstein Ballroom aka Manhattan Center and the Barclays Center. Though, being at a musical festival, the fans won’t be bored when there aren’t matches happening, but I just feel like they might not care about the matches happening between musical performances. And what about the fans in Cleveland when the matches in Miami are happening? Will they at least get good reception on the Galvatron?
My Score: 8.6/10
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Can the Last Real Champion handle The Truth?
While the King & Queen of the Ring tournaments reach their semifinals, John Cena has his first match on SmackDown in years, against Ron Killings!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Asuka VS Alexa Bliss; Asuka wins and advances to Night of Champions.
- Aleister Black VS Kit Wilson; No Contest.
- King of the Ring Semifinals: Randy Orton VS Sami Zayn; Orton wins and advances to Night of Champions.
- Charlotte Flair VS Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice; Charlotte wins.
- Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker VS LA Knight; Knight wins, by disqualification.
- John Cena VS Ron Killings; Killings wins, by disqualification.
PLAY BY PLAY
LA Knight is here!
Grand Rapids fires up as the Mega Star marches right to the ring. Knight grabs a mic while the fans chant his name, and he says, “LEMME TALK TO YA!” The fans cheer, and Knight says, “Let’s just go ahead and rewind our mind a little bit. We go to back to Money in the Bank, Seth and his boys, they just happen to come down and screw this guy.” The fans boo that. Knight says usually, he lets things slide. But he just figured he couldn’t let it slide, so he made sure to screw on of Rollins’ boys in their title opportunity, King of the Ring. But then they came back, paid it back and screwed Knight outta KOTR, so he had to go and screw the other one over!
And it just has Knight thinking. Fans “YEAH!” and Knight says there is only one way this can go. He has gone back and forth between Raw and SmackDown, where it ends, nobody knows! Except Knight! He knows! He knows where this ends! The fans cheer that! And Knight says it ends with him and Rollins! And what better place than here? And what better time than now! Knight tells Rollins to come on out and talk to him! But “Ladies and gentlemen…” The fans boo as Paul Heyman walks out and gives his introductions. He serves as the Wise Man to Mr. Money in the Bank, Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins!
Heyman says you do not boo that name. And you screwed up your cue, so they’ll do this again. He serves as the Wise Man for Seth Freakin’ Rollins! The fans keep booing, Heyman wants to try again, but Knight says shut up and get to the point! Why is Heyman here?! Heyman walks to the ring and asks permission to step inside. The fans chant “O T C! O T C!” but Knight steps back. Heyman steps into the ring, and he says yes, there has been a lot of bad blood between Knight and Mr. MITB, Seth Freakin’ Rollins. However, Heyman happens to be, with all due respect to everyone here in Grand Rapids, Michigan…
The fans chant “C M PUNK!” at Heyman now and he frowns. Knight says Heyman has a lot of enemies. Heyman says he is the biggest LA Knight fan in all of WWE! Heyman’s been waiting a long time to say this: YEAH! Now, because of that, Seth Freakin’ Rollins (the fans boo again) has allowed Heyman to say to Knight, as a favor to Heyman… It is time for Knight to get the hell outta Grand Rapids, Michigan. Because if he does not, something really bad is going to happen to him before the end of the night. Have a nice evening. Heyman turns to go but the fans cheer Knight on. Knight says he couldn’t help but notice, but did you~ (poking fun at Heyman’s voice cracking) threaten Knight?
Because Knight wants to wrap his head around this. He’s heard Heyman say stuff like this before, because Heyman is a liar, a swindler, a grifter, a scammer and a schemer! Heyman leeches on to any talent that has a bit of hype, sucks ’em dry, then moves on to the next! Rollins just happens to be the latest in this. But where next? Who cares! But the bottom line is, Knight asked for Rollins but he got Heyman. And while he got Heyman, he got a Heyman out here talking all tough. So it has Knight thinking, he has a great idea.
Talking about wise man, wisdom, there was a point in time if Heyman had said something like that, a man like Knight would look at a “thing” like Heyman and punched his wisdom teeth down his throat! Knight won’t do that, yet. But here’s the deal: Heyman’s talking all tough, but if he can’t bring Rollins out here, then the only thing to do out here in Grand Rapids is Knight fighting Heyman here and now! The fans fire up for that! Knight asks if the fans want that, and they cheer! “HUH?” “YEAH!” “HUH?” “YEAH!” “YEAH!!” Knight promises he’ll turn around, take his vest off, and Heyman gets the first shot. He better make it good, or Knight will molly whop his ass right outta Grand Rapids!
The fans fire up as Knight does as promised. He turns around, his vest is off, but Heyman bails? The fans boo as the Wise Man doesn’t play along. Heyman says, “Remember when I told you to get the hell out of Grand Rapids or else something really bad is gonna happen to you before the end of the night? That wasn’t a prediction. That… was a spoiler!” Heyman throws down his mic, and here comes Bronson Reed & Bron Breakker! Rollins’ behemoths head to the ring, but Knight fires off on them first! The fans rally as Knight throws hands and feet, but then Bron TACKLES Knight! Bronson joins in and they mug Knight right out of the ring!
Bronson drags Knight up to TOSS him over barriers! Bron clears the desk, he wants Bronson to put Knight through it! But Knight has a chair! He JAMS Bron, JAMS Bronson, then SMACKS Bron and SMACKS Bronson! Knight gets in the ring, ready to hit whoever gets in! The fans cheer Knight but Heyman has Bron & Bronson stand down. Will Heyman have the henchmen try again before the end of tonight?
SmackDown returns and…
Heyman has Bron & Bronson calm down, they have this under control. It is all in their favor, and it always will be in their favor. That is the whole point behind this. Byron Saxton steps in and wants to talk to them, but Heyman has to hold Bron back like the dog he is! Heyman says no need to bite Byron. Byron apologizes, he has word from SmackDown GM, Nick Aldis, that Bronson Reed VS LA Knight is set for tonight. Heyman says okay, thank you, and goodbye. Byron leaves and Heyman smiles. He told them! Patience is not a virtue, it is strategy. Bronson smiles and nods. Will Auzsilla destroy LA here in Grand Rapids?
Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Asuka VS Alexa Bliss!
Two great returns to action through this tournament, and now they cross paths with each other. The Empress of Tomorrow overcame Ivy Nile, Raquel Rodriguez and Stephanie Vaquer while Lil’ Miss Bliss outsmarted Alba Fyre, Candice LeRae and Charlotte Flair. But whose comeback story overtakes the other’s here just one match away from Night of Champions?
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Alexa headlocks, but Asuka powers up and out. Alexa RAMS Asuka, Asuka roars, and the fans fire up as Asuka fires hands! Alexa blocks a kick to THROW Asuka down, then basement DROPKICK! The fans cheer as Asuka and Alexa reset. Alexa kicks, Asuka blocks and slips through to waistlock. Alexa elbows free, runs, but Asuka runs past her to then RUN her over! The fans fire up and Asuka runs in again, HIP ATTACK! Alexa falls to the floor and the fans fire up while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Asuka lets Alexa stay down while she soaks up the cheers. The ring count starts, Alexa rises, but Asuka goes out after her. Alexa slips inside and DROPKICKS Asuka’s leg! Asuka falls from the apron but she has to nod respect for that savvy move. Asuka steps back in at 6 of 10, and she resets with Alexa. They circle, feel things out, and tie up. Asuka wrenches and wristlocks, but Alexa rolls and wrenches to hammerlock. Alexa waistlocks, rolls Asuka, TWO! The two stand off again and they both nod respect. They reset, the fans rally up, and the two feel things out. Asuka trips Alexa, clamps on with a headlock, and she grinds Alexa down.
Alexa endures, Asuka turns her over to go after the arm, then she stands on Alexa’s arm. Alexa endures, Asuka shifts arms, but Alexa wrenches out to wrangle Asuka. Alexa shifts to a cording hold, but Asuka fights up and fires body shots. Alexa whips Asuka to a corner, but Asuka elbows her away! And BOOTS! Asuka goes up, leaps, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Alexa stays in this but Asuka stays focused. Asuka drags Alexa around and gives her Kawada Kicks! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Asuka wrenches for a chicken wing! Alexa fights the Asuka Lock and JAWBREAKERS free! Alexa runs up to RUN Asuka over!
The fans rally as Alexa rallies, then hits a BLOCKBUSTER! The fans fire up as Alexa SLAPS, ROCKS, and KNEES Asuka down! Then SOMERSAULT SENTON! Cover, TWO! Asuka stays in this and Alexa grows frustrated. The fans rally while Alexa brings Asuka up. Asuka breaks free to URAKEN, SOBAT, FRONT KICK, and GERMAN SUPLEX! Alexa tumbles away, Asuka runs up, SLIDING KICK! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as Asuka stands and takes aim. But Alexa ducks the buzzsaw! Cover, TWO! Alexa clinches, TWISTED- NO, Asuka rolls Alexa up! TWO! Alexa sits up, BUZZSAW! Cover, TWO!! Alexa survives but Asuka just fires up!
The fans rally as Asuka goes to the corner. Asuka climbs from the outside, and MISSILE- NO, Alexa dodges this time! Alexa kicks and DDTS! Cover, TWO! Asuka stays in this and the fans fire up! “This is Awesome!” as Alexa drags Asuka into the drop zone. Alexa goes up, up, and the fans fire up! TWISTED- NO, Asuka moves, so Alexa stops. Alexa won’t let Asuka sneak away, but then she gets caught in an ARMBAR!! Alexa flails, rolls, but ends up in an omoplata! RINGS OF SATURN!! Alexa fights around, pops her arm free for a cover, TWO!! Asuka reels Alexa in, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up as Alexa stays in this! Asuka fires up, the fans are with her, and she runs up, only for Alexa to ROCK her with a right! Alexa puts Asuka in the Tree of Woe, and she DROPKICKS Asuka out of it! Alexa climbs back up, and TWISTED BLISSÂ onto knees!! Asuka still counters the moonsault, and hits the EMPRESS IMPACT!! Cover, Asuka wins!
Winner: Asuka, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)
The Empress says no one is ready for Asuka, and that has certainly been the case! But on Raw, we find out, will it be Jade Cargill or Roxanne Perez that meets Asuka in Saudi Arabia?
Jade Cargill, Mia Yim & B-Fab watch backstage.
And Fab says damn, Asuka just came back and she’s already making statements. Almost like she never left. Michin says maybe they need to make their own statements. They need to talk to Aldis about the tag titles. Fab agrees. Fab & Mia wish Jade luck before heading out. Byron walks in and asks if he can have a word. Jade says shoot. Byron says Asuka just advanced, but Jade has her match on Monday with Roxanne Perez. How does Jade feel about facing a talented competitor like Roxie? And how does she feel about the possibility of facing Asuka in the finals? Jade says “Rox” has potential. Roxie is quick and scrappy.
But she’s still trying to prove herself. And this isn’t a proving ground, this is a throne room, and Jade was built for royalty. As for Asuka, there’s a storm on the horizon. But news flash, Jade is that storm. This entire tournament wasn’t built for the future, but for a woman who can walk through fire, shatter glass ceilings, and take her crown on the way to the top. This Queen of the Ring, Jade isn’t just walking in to win. She’s here to reign. Will the Prodigy be washed away by the storm this Monday?
Alexa Bliss returns backstage.
And Chelsea Green finds her. Flanked by her Secret Her-vice, The Hot Mess asks, “Hey, little fu-fu, how’s your boo-boo?” Alexa asks back, “How’s yours?” Piper tells Chelsea not to get upset, Alexa is just jealous. Chelsea says this serves Alexa right. Chelsea should be Queen of the Ring, and she’d be building her parliament if not for Alexa! Oh, if she has that big of an issue, then try facing her in the ring. Chelsea says she will! But then Charlotte Flair walks in and says if anyone should’ve still been in this tournament, it’s her. But had Chelsea’s “replacement” tapped out sooner, maybe she would.
So here’s the deal: Charlotte will have a match made and tap Chelsea out instead. N-Not if Chelsea makes it a bank holiday! ROYAL DUTIES! NICHOLAS! Chelsea hurries away with the Secret Her-vice following, and Alexa tells Charlotte that she doesn’t need Charlotte’s help. Oh, that’s cute. Because Charlotte wasn’t helping Alexa. Charlotte leaves now, leaving Alexa to chew on that. Will The Queen chew up the Hot Mess and spit her out now that she has nothing better to do?
Aleister Black VS Kit Wilson!
The Dark Father is also directionless now that he is out of the King of the Ring tournament, but he never lets that bother him. Will he make himself the direction all roads lead when things #FadeToBlack? Or will Kit prove he can be Pretty Deadly all on his own?
Wait, who is attacking Kit? It’s R-TRUTH! But why’s Ron Killings going after Kit?! He POSTS Kit, drags him back out, and puts him in an STF!! The fans fire up and Kit taps, but it won’t matter when this isn’t a match! Killings lets Kit out of the hold and demands a mic. A mic is given, and Killings says, “Get John Cena out here now. I’m driving! On my terms! Cena, get out here!” The fans fire up and then Killings puts Kit back in the STF! Aleister is rather confused, but producers hurry out here to stop Truth. Truth lets Kit go, Jamie Noble asks Truth wait for the main event. Truth seethes, but he accepts the terms.
Killings leaves, walking right past Aleister. Will there be no denying The Truth when he finally gets his hands on the Last Real Champion?
Jamie Noble talks with Truth backstage.
Jamie says Truth has to calm down. Truth says he wants John Cena NOW! He’s driving! Yes, okay, but just wait. Truth promises that when he sees Cena, he is killing him tonight! Aleister steps in and asks Truth why he is getting involved in Aleister’s match. Truth says it wasn’t personal, it had nothing to do with Aleister. These two stare down, and then Damian Priest steps in. The Archer of Infamy has Aleister stand down. Truth is going through a lot, let Priest talk to him. Oh, of course. Aleister says, “Ron.” “Black.” Aleister leaves, Priest tells Truth that there’s no need for any of that. Priest gets Truth is frustrated, but he can’t just go beat up people for no reason.
Priest used to do that, and Truth was the guy there to make him smile. Truth made the world smile! All that anger and negativity, focus that on the match tonight. Focus that on John Cena. Go out there and handle business with Cena, then Priest and Truth can go downtown to celebrate. How’s that sound? Truth says sounds good, DP. They shake hands, and Priest heads out. Truth is still seething, but will he make sure it all explodes on Cena?
Cody Rhodes is here!
Grand Rapids sings along as The American Nightmare makes his way out, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, he high-fives fans in the front row, then looks closely at the King of the Ring’s crown. Cody goes to the ring and grabs the mic. He hears the fans cheer him on, but then Jey Uso is here! The fans fire up as Main Event Jey makes his way down through the crowd! A young fan joins in bouncing along, but so does all of Grand Rapids! Jey continues down the stands, finds another young fan, and they bounce along again. Jey then reaches ringside, high-fives the front row, and he joins Cody in the ring as we get the next wave of YEET!
Grand Rapids might want to YEET all night, but Jey hugs it out with Cody before he gets his own mic. The music dies down, the fans chant, “One More Time! One More Time!” and Cody says sure, one more is fine. Jey says okay, and yes, the fans get to YEET again! Jey says hey, Cody doesn’t even have to say nothing. They been in the trenches! “YEET!” Still in the trenches! “YEET!” From fighting The Bloodline… “YEET!” To winning tag titles… “YEET!” To finishing their stories at WrestleMania! “YEET!” They’ve both been to the mountaintop. “YEET!” But Cody, on Monday, there is only room for one of them.
The fans are intrigued, and Cody nods. Jey says there’s only one that can go. Cody VS Jey, Jey VS Cody, and Jey knows Cody will bring it. Jey has to get his, Uce. He has to, just like Cody has to get his. But that said, Uce, it ain’t personal. This all business. But that all said, too, Uce, on Monday, after they go to war, please believe that it will be four letters, one word, uh uh… YEET! Cody smiles and the fans cheer. They shake hands again, and wait! Here comes Sami Zayn! The fans cheer as the Great Liberator makes his way to the ring. Sami grabs a mic to say, “This is nice, isn’t it? I get to share the ring with two great friends.”
The fans applaud, and Sami says he is in the ring with two of the very best that this business has to offer! The fans cheer that, too! Sami says he’d be lying if he denied there was a part of him that sees the three of them in this ring, and notices how only one of them has never been world champion. Jey, Sami wants him to know, man to man, this year, Sami missed Mania. Sami had no reason to be in Las Vegas, but he got his ass on a plane to Vegas for one reason: To congratulate Jey the moment he won the World Heavyweight Championship! Sami loves Jey, and he is proud of him. And Cody, for years, everyone watched as Cody finished his story.
And when Cody did, he did the unthinkable and pinned Roman Reigns in the middle of this ring, Sami was the first one out here to congratulate Cody. Sami is so proud that Cody finished his story. So he hopes both men understand that now, it is time for Sami to finish HIS story! The fans cheer, but then here comes Randy Orton! The Viper looks at the crown, then goes to the ring. The fans sing along with Voices and Orton grabs himself a mic. “So Cody, same deal as last week but I’m gonna say it again. There is no line I will not cross, even if it means going through you, so that I can get to John Cena at SummerSlam, beat him, and get my FIFTEENTH world championship!”
The fans cheer, and Orton tells Jey, “Man, I respect the… Hell outta you, dude. Our families go way, way, way back. Nothing but love, dude. But if you’re standing across the ring from me at SummerSlam, it’s not gonna be four letters, one word. It’s gonna be three letters, one move.” The fans say it, “R K O!” And Orton says he not only speaks for himself but for everyone here in this arena when he says, and from the bottom of his heart, one day and one day soon, Sami Zayn will be world champion. But not at SummerSlam. Because tonight, Sami is on the receiving end of the three most dangerous letters in sports entertainment: R K O.
Orton drops the mic, and it is time to put those words into action. Will it be the Legend Killer or the Underdog from the Underground that heads for Saudi Arabia?
King of the Ring Semifinals: Randy Orton VS Sami Zayn!
SmackDown returns, the bell rings, and these two circle. They tie up, Sami wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, then wristlocks. Orton endures, fights up, and the fans duel. Orton wrenches Sami in return to then headlock. Sami endures, powers up to wrench again, and he grinds the arm. Sami wrenches and CHOPS, and Orton goes to the corner. Sami CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! The fans “WOO~” but the ref counts. Orton pushes past Sami, bails out of the ring, and he is pretty red already. Sami builds speed but he fakes Orton out with the Arabian Press! The fans fire up and Orton has to admit that was good.
Orton goes up the steps and steps back into the ring. The fans rally, Orton and Sami tie up, and Orton puts Sami in the corner. Orton lets off slowly, but he pokes Sami in the eyes! The fans boo but Orton UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! But Sami pokes Orton in the eyes! The ref caught that one and reprimands Sami. Sami TOSSES Orton out, goes to the apron, but Orton YANKS Sami down! Sami hits off the apron, and Orton reels him in, DESK BACK SUPLEX! Sami writhes and Orton rolls into the ring, just to refresh the count. Fans want that “One More Time!” and Orton agrees! DESK BACK SUPLEXÂ again!
Sami writhes more and whatever monitor wasn’t busted, they’re busted now! Orton leaves Sami behind for a moment while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Orton goes out to fetch Sami, but Sami fights off a third back suplex! Orton kicks low, brings Sami over, but Sami blocks the smack off the steel steps! Orton sputters, Sami stalks him, and Sami decides to give him some payback! But Orton ROCKS Sami first! Orton SMACKS Sami off the desk, puts him in the ring, and covers, TWO! Sami stays in this but Orton looms over him. Sami rises, Orton puts him in a corner, and Orton fires body shots. Orton climbs up and rains down fists! Orton gets to eight before Sami fires back! Sami has Orton in another corner, climbs up, and Sami rains down a fast TEN!
Sami huffs ‘n’ puffs and CHOPS! Orton is stinging but Sami CHOPS him again! Sami wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, and whips! Orton reverses, Sami hits buckles hard, and Sami falls in a heap. Orton dusts himself off and looms over Sami again. Orton stomps Sami’s hand! Sami writhes and clutches his finger. Orton stomps Sami’s foot, ten the other foot! And then the other hand! Sami sits up, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Orton CLUBS away on Sami’s chest! Orton DECKS Sami, the fans cheer, and Orton brings Sami up. Orton whips, Sami goes up and over, and Sami LARIATS Orton down! The fans fire up again as Sami rises!
Sami goes to the corner, Orton runs up, but Sami ELBOWS him! Sami goes up, AX HANDLES, and the fans fire up more! Orton takes a swing, but Sami slips around! Orton fights the Blue Thunder, then LARIATS! And LARIATS! Orton dodges Sami to SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up while Sami goes to the apron. Orton drags Sami in through the ropes, and DRAPING DDTS! The fans fire up as Orton hears those voices! Orton watches Sami rise, but then Sami bails out! The fans are torn but Sami is smart to avoid what was coming. Orton goes out to fetch Sami, SMACKS him off the desk, and then back suplexes, only for Sami to lands out!
Sami CLUBS Orton, and hits a DESK BACK SUPLEX on Orton! Sami puts Orton in the ring, goes to a corner, and the fans fire up as Orton rises. Orton runs in, Sami dodges, and Orton POSTS himself! Sami runs corner to corner, HELLUVA- SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Sami survives and Orton seethes. “This is Awesome!” as Sami goes back to a corner. Orton runs back in and he LARIATS! Orton runs but Sami follows! But Orton dodges the Helluva Kick! Sami gets stuck on the to rope, frees himself, and hobbles into an RK- NO! BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Orton survives and the fans fire up again!
“This is Awesome!” as Sami drags Orton to the drop zone. Sami goes up the corner, Orton stands and he gets under the leap! R K- NO, Sami SLAMS Orton down! And then HELLUVA- RKO!!! Orton crawls to the cover, Orton wins!!
Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)
Sami fought his heart out, but the Viper still strikes! Orton is going back to back in KOTR finals, but will he win the crown this time?
Nia Jax is here!
Grand Rapids boos as The Irresistible Force goes to the ring. She grabs the mic dot say, “You know what’s crazy? Tiffany Stratton approached me to be under my wing, because she knew exactly what I could do for her. And look, she’s thriving! And what kind of thanks did I get for it? She betrayed me. She has MY title!” But wait, here comes Tiffy! Grand Rapids cheers as the WWE Women’s Champion has the mic to tell Nia, “You’re like that toxic ex I just can’t get away from. News flash: get over it! You make excuse after excuse, but when are you just gonna admit that maybe I’m just better than you?”
The fans cheer and Tiff heads to the ring. Nia says yeah, okay, if Tiff is so much better, then give Nia a rematch without kicking a chair into her face. Tiff says if Nia’s so desperate for a match, it is her lucky day! She made it official for next week: Tiff VS Nia! And Tiff will have more fun adding more scars to that “five head” of Nia’s. Because it won’t just be a regular match. It will be Last Woman Standing! Nia takes a swing but Tiff dodge! Tiff fires off, kicks low, and runs up, but into a POP-UP HEADBUTT! And then Nia drops a leg, brother! Nia holds up the belt and soaks up the heat. Nia thinks about leaving, but decides to add on! ANOTHER leg drop, brother!
The fans boo but Nia says that’s not enough! Nia tells Wade & Joe that she’s taking the title! But wait! NAOMI is here, with a ref! Is she doing it!? Is she doing it?! But Nia YANKS Naomi out! Naomi tells her back off! Nia doesn’t, Naomi shoves her, but Nia still grabs at her! Tiff DROPKICKS Naomi onto Nia! Tiff avoids a cash-in because Nia was in the way, but is she setting herself up for failure with that extreme title match?
Charlotte Flair VS Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice!
The Queen was denied her crown, but she’s not even angry at Alexa Bliss, the one who took that opportunity from her. She instead looks to humble the Hot Mess that claims she would be queen if her demands were met. Who vents their frustrations and comes away with the win?
SmackDown returns and Charlotte makes her entrance. The bell rings and the fans actually cheer on Chelsea. Alba distracts Charlotte and Chelsea sucker punches her! The ref reprimands but Chelsea SMACKS Charlotte off the mat again and again! Chelsea salutes, but Charlotte CHOPS! Chelsea KNEES low, whips, but Charlotte goes up and out at the corner. Charlotte BOOTS Chelsea away, avoids Alba and KICKS her! Chelsea runs up, Charlotte RAMS her, and then Charlotte climbs up. CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Chelsea scrambles away and Charlotte runs up, but into an ELBOW! Charlotte GAMANGIRIS!
Charlotte snapmares, Chelsea distracts the ref, and Alba grabs Charlotte by the hair! Alba HOTSHOTS Charlotte and Chelsea hits a BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Chelsea is furious but Charlotte stays in this, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Chelsea hops onto Charlotte for a SLEEPER! The fans rally, but Charlotte hits a BACKPACK SENTON! Charlotte is free, Chelsea runs back up, but Charlotte gives her a BACKBREAKER and BUCKLE SHOT! Chelsea falls back, Charlotte huffs ‘n’ puffs and runs up to fire hands! The fans fire up as Charlotte CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Charlotte CHOPS again, then clinches for an EXPLODER! And a kip up! The fans fire up and Charlotte salutes to poke fun at Chelsea. Charlotte runs, dodges, and handsprings to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Chelsea survives but Charlotte stays on her by going for a leg.
Alba gets on the apron, so Charlotte BOOTS her down! The fans cheer, but Charlotte turns around into a ROUGH RYDER! Cover, TWO!! Charlotte survives and Chelsea is furious! Chelsea takes off her face protector and drags Charlotte up. Chelsea has the arms, turns Charlotte, but Charlotte shoves her away! Charlotte dodges and SPEARS! Cover, TWO!! Chelsea survives but Charlotte has the leg! FIGURE- CRADLE!! TWO!! Charlotte has the leg again, FIGURE FOUR! And the bridge for the FIGURE EIGHT!! Chelsea TAPS, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
But then Piper Niven SENTONS onto Charlotte!! Alba storms in, she and Piper mug Charlotte, but here comes Alexa! She RAMS into Piper, she ROCKS Alba, then she catches Chelsea! Charlotte LARIATS Alba out while Alexa hits a TWISTED SISTER ABIGAIL! And then Charlotte BOOTS Piper down! Charlotte and Alexa look at each other, and despite what either one thinks, maybe they both need the other after all. Alexa offers the handshake, but Charlotte walks right past Alexa. Alexa lets that slide, but will Charlotte come around soon enough?
Solo Sikoa talks with JC Mateo.
Why is JC taping up? Uh, duh, he’ll take out Jacob. No, Solo is going out there alone to talk with Jacob. Solo was the only one that Jacob would listen to. Jacob needs Solo. Solo will smooth things over. JC accepts that, but Solo does say that JC should stay ready. Solo is covering his bases, but will he need the Imperial Unit to put down the Samoan Werewolf? Or will it all be alright between them all?
Solo Sikoa heads to the ring.
SmackDown returns as the former Tribal Chief makes his way out, and Grand Rapids boos. Solo grabs the mic, takes a moment, and says, “Alright, Jacob. I’m out here in the middle of the ring, all alone, with open arms, willing to talk to you face to face. I feel terrible about what happened. So if you’re back there, come on out so we can clear the air.” Jacob Fatu makes his entrance and Grand Rapids cheers! Fatu holds up the United States Championship before he steps into the ring, and he has a mic of his own. The fans cheer on “FATU! FATU!” and Solo says he didn’t come out here to fight him, okay? He’s not here for that.
Solo wants to make it clear to Fatu that he loves him, always has loved him, no matter what. One thing Solo learned from being Tribal Chief is how to love family and how to take care of them. That’s all he’s trying to do. Families fight all the time. They fight, they argue, they forgive, and then they move forward. So they should move forward together, Jacob. Move forward as one. The fans boo that, but Solo says nobody saw the potential in Jacob except Solo. Nobody wanted Jacob here in the WWE, except Solo. That is why Solo brought Fatu here and gave him the chance to change his life and put food on his family’s table.
And why did Solo do that? Because Solo loves Jacob. He does. And to be honest, Solo doesn’t have anybody else. Fatu isn’t sure about that, but Solo says all he has is Fatu. And he’s all Solo needs. So come back to the family, and even if Jacob doesn’t say those four words, Solo will. Solo will say it for him, to him, loud enough so everybody can hear it! Solo tells Jacob, “I love you, Jacob.” The fans boo, they don’t trust this. Fatu paces as he thinks on that. “So you love me, huh?” Solo nods yes. So this is what it comes down to, huh? Solo loves Fatu? The way Fatu sees things, Solo has been using Fatu! Solo has been using Fatu to gain power, to fight his battles, and to stay Tribal Chief.
Hell, Solo brought Fatu in so Fatu could bring Solo fame! Solo brought Fatu in because he thought Fatu would bring him gold! Is that all this is about? Fame? Gold? Power? SOLO, LOOK AT HIM! Solo looks up from the floor while the fans cheer Fatu on. Fatu tells Solo that ever since he won the US Championship, Solo is the one that’s been acting different. And maybe Fatu isn’t the problem. Fatu just figured it out! The problem… is this. The problem is the US Championship. Fatu sets it down between him and Solo, and he says if this is what he thinks it is, then just fight him for it! Fight Fatu for the title! The fans fire up for that!
And Solo, Fatu will only warn you one time: If you ever think about coming this way, you know what Fatu is about! You know what’s poppin’ with Fatu, blood! And you know Jacob Fatu is all gas, no brakes with it! YADADADA- SOLO TAKES A SWING! Fatu blocks the spike and he HEADBUTTS! JC Mateo rushes out here! Fatu HEADBUTTS him, too! But Solo CHOP BLOCKS the legs! The fans boo but JC & Solo mug Fatu! But then here comes JIMMY USO! The fans fire up as #BigJim slides in, dodges Solo, and SUPERKICKS JC! And then he SUPERKICKS Solo! But JC LARIATS Jimmy down! JC HAMMERS Jimmy and Solo has him put Jimmy in the corner.
The fans boo but Solo tells Jimmy that he should’ve chosen Solo’s side, not Jacob’s! But speaking of, Fatu is up! The fans fire up as Fatu BODY CHECKS JC! Then he SUPERKICKS Solo! Solo is in a corner, Fatu fires off on him, HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT! SUPERKICK for JC! HIP ATTACK for Solo! The fans are fired up for the Samoan Werewolf, and he locks eyes with Jimmy. Jimmy came to Fatu’s rescue, Fatu just saved him, so Fatu goes up, up, only for Solo to bail out! No Best Moonsaults here in Grand Rapids, but will Fatu cut Solo down soon enough?
Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker VS LA Knight!
The Wise Man warned, or rather threatened, the Mega Star that he should just cut and run, but that’s not how he does things. Knight is ready to fight, but will he survive a battle with Auszilla? Or is a Tsunami about wipe out LA?
Wait, Knight doesn’t enter from the stage! He enters from the crowd! And he POSTS Bron! The fans fire up as Knight evens things out! He TOSSES Bronson out, throws his vest at him, and Bronson snarls. Bronson has Bron stand down, and says, “Tonight, I kill him.” Bronson steps into the ring, the bell sounds, and Knight fires off! The fans fire up as Knight fires hands, but Bronson puts him in the corner. Knight ELBOWS back, Knight fires more hands, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips but Bronson blocks! Bronson whips Knight to a corner, runs up, but Knight dodges! Bronson POSTS himself, and Knight stomps a mudhole in!
The fans rally, the ref counts, and Knight goes corner to corner, but into a fireman’s carry! Knight slips down to sunset flip, but Bronson stays up! Bronson jumps but Knight avoids the hip drop! Then Knight basement BOOTS! The fans fire up and Knight storms up on Bronson. Bronson TOSSES Knight to the apron, but Knight slingshots back in! Bronson catches Knight to a fireman’s carry! Knight flails free and he RAMS Bronson into a corner! But Bronson holds ropes to deny the Jump Neckbreaker! Bronson runs but Knight avoids the senton! The fans fire up as Knight goes up, up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! That’s a Steiner move!
The fans fire up and spell it out, “L! A! KNIGHT!” but Bronson bails out! Knight runs to WRECK Bronson with a dropkick! Knight goes back up, springboards, CROSSBODY to the ramp! The fans fire up with Knight and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Bronson has Knight up top. The fans rally as Knight fights back with body shots! Knight ROCKS Bronson, ROCKS him again, and ROCKS him again! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Bronson finally falls and Knight adjusts position. “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” BOX JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Bronson survives and Knight is rather stunned while Heyman is relieved. Knight aims, kicks, but Bronson denies the BFT! HEADBUTT, then a fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Knight survives the “Jagged Edge” DVD but Bronson brings him right up. Bronson reels Knight in and says thumbs down.
Bronson lifts Knight up, but Knight flips the bomb into a DDT! The fans fire up but Bron barks at the apron! Knight DECKS the dog, tells Heyman to get the same, but Bronson runs up! Knight DUMPS Bronson out, builds speed, but BRON SPEARS!!
Winner: LA Knight, by disqualification
The fans boo but Bron handed Knight the win with that one. Bronson stands Knight up so Bron can build speed and SUPER SPEAR!! Grand Rapids is torn but plenty of fans bark. And now Bronson goes up!? TSUNAMI!! Bronson goes up again, the refs hurry out here, but TSUNAMI AGAIN!! The fans want another, so Bron scares the refs off to let Bronson go back up! THIRD TSUNAMI!!! Have Rollins’ rooks just broken Knight into pieces? Is this a message to everyone that no one can stop the vision?
Jacob Fatu speaks.
“Yeah, c’mon on widdit! I just spoke to the man, and you know the man makes everything possible here on SmackDown! So next week, next week on Saturday, me ‘n’ you, Solo! Night of Champions, mano a mano, I’m about to dog walk yo’ ass for the US Championship! Solo, you better get in where you fit in. Cuz if you don’t, then baby, it’s ’bout to be all gas, no breaks with it. Yadadadada mean?” The Samoan Werewolf will get to sink his teeth into Solo, but will he stay golden through it all?
John Cena VS Ron Killings!
The Undisputed WWE Champion was the exact opposite of grateful for R-Truth saving him from Randy Orton at Backlash, and he doubled down when Ron tried to show him the truth at Saturday Night’s Main Event. So, if Cena doesn’t want the Truth, he’ll get someone who knows about ruthless aggression! Will Ron Killings bring an early end to the retirement tour? Or will Cena continue to ruin wrestling for everyone else?
SmackDown returns as Cena makes his entrance. The fans sing “JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” despite him wearing the Detroit Pistons colors. Cena makes Mark Nash give the “proper” introduction: “He is the Greatest of All Time, the Never Seen Seventeen, gracing Grand Rapids with his presence one final time… He is the Last Real Champion, JOHN CENA~!” The fans boo, the bell rings, and Truth stares at Cena while Cena smirks hearing the “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Truth TACKLES Cena! He fires off hands but Cena bails out! So Truth goes out to DECK Cena! “What’s up!?” “WHAT’S UP!” Truth has Cena at the desk and SMACKS him off it!
Truth ROCKS Cena again, and shakes his hand out from hitting so hard. Truth SMACKS Cena off the apron, storms in after him, and whips him to a corner. Cena hits buckles hard and falls to the mat! The fans continue to duel while Truth keeps his eyes on Cena. Truth storms up on Cena while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Truth stands Cena up, whips corner to corner again, and Cena hits buckles hard! Cena sputters, Truth looms over him, and Truth ROCKS Cena! Cena ROCKS Truth! They go back and forth with haymakers, and then Truth dodges to SHOULDER TACKLE! Truth still uses Cena’s own moves against him, and that includes the SPIN-OUT BOMB! Truth raises his hand and Grand Rapids joins in! “You Can’t See Me!” But then Cena bails out so Truth can’t hit him! Truth is annoyed, the fans give thumbs down, but here comes Truth. Cena ELBOWS him down! Cena drags Truth up, POSTS him, and he brings Truth back into the ring.
Cena HEADBUTTS Truth, CHOKES him on the ropes, but stops as the ref counts. Cena stomps away on Truth, then runs to KICK Truth in the back! Cena talks trash, then he runs to SHOULDER TACKLE! Cena takes his time, knowing it is what the fans want. Truth rises up, Cena runs to SHOULDER TACKLE again! Cena watches Truth rise again, gets around him, SPIN-OUT BOMB! And Cena raises his hand, reveling in the cheers and jeers. “You Can’t See Me!” SmackDown returns to single picture for the FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Then Cena fireman’s carries, but Truth slips free! THESZ PRESS! And fast hands!
The fans fire up and Truth has Cena in a corner. Truth runs to STINGER SPLASH! Truth hitting all sorts of other iconic moves! Cena tumbles out and grabs the belt! Cena doesn’t care about this match anymore, he doesn’t need to take this! Truth says hold up! Truth runs Cena down and fires hands on the ramp! The fans fire up but Cena CLOBBERS Truth with the belt!!
Winner: Ron Killings, by disqualification
Cena wants to get another shot, but wait! PUNK IS HERE! Cena runs away into the ring, and he catches Punk as Punk slides in! The fans boo Cena but he huffs ‘n’ puffs. Cena drags Punk up, but Punk fires hands in return! Punk DECKS Cena, grabs the belt, and he holds it up! The fans cheer, and Punk aims, but Cena LOW BLOWS! Cena has a sinister smile as he grabs the belt. BELT SHOT for Punk!! The fans boo even more, but Cena decides to up the ante! Cena brings out a table! The fans cheer, everyone loves tables! Cena puts the table in the ring, then watches Punk sputter around. Cena sets the table up while the fans rally behind Punk.
Punk stands but Cena has the belt again! BELT SHOT!! Cena drags Punk up, fireman’s carries, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENTÂ through the table!! Cena made Punk snap into a Slim Jim, and then he grabs a mic. Cena laughs at Punk, and then sits up on the corner. “Punk… As you lay there in your most uncomfortable…” Cena pretends the mic cut out, taps it, and then says, “Somebody’s afraid of what I’m gonna say.” Cena grins and the fans boo as Cena flips the iconic “Pipebomb” moment on it’s head. “As you lay there in your most uncomfortable, I hope you can listen. I hope you can digest.
“Because before I leave here in six months with that WWE Championship, I gotta get a whole lotta stuff off my chest. First thing’s first, I don’t hate you. I don’t even dislike you. I like you. I like you more than anyone you ever shared a locker room with, that’s for sure. I hate this idea of you. This idea that you’re the Best int he World. You’re not. I’M the Greatest of All Time.” Grand Rapids is a bit torn on that statement, but Cena says Punk is better than Cena at one thing: You’re the best BS artist in the world. Oh no, kiddos~! John Cena just dropped a curse word! That means the show is off the rails! Hey, Stu, shoot this. Hi~! “I’m breaking the forth wall! HAHA!”
Cena then says the truth is, Punk… Cena is jealous of you. Cena is jealous that Punk has conned the fans into believing the myth that Punk is the Best in the World. Oh how they chant for Punk! Which they literally do right now. Hell, the fans even sing for Punk now. But they don’t believe a damn word you say. Because Punk changes his values as much as Cena changes his shirts! Punk is just a loud mouthed opportunist who steps on the necks of those who actually work hard if it gets him ahead. Oh, hey, look, another cameraman! “Hi, Claudio Castagnoli! Hey, Nic Nemeth! Hey, Matt Cardona! How’re you guys doing?”
The fans can’t believe Cena is going this far but Cena is loving it! “He’s heating up! He’s on fire! And there’s nobody back there that’s gonna cut my mic to save your ass, cuz I’m your only friend! Remember who gave you the stage for your pipebomb, pal! And what’ve you done with it since then, huh? You just regurgitated the same five microphone moves of doom. You’re promo potato salad, pal. Hey, you’re no longer the Voice of the Voiceless, you’re a friggin’ millionaire despite yourself. You’re not a punk, you’re a capitalist! And you’re not against TKO, dude, you are Mr. TKO. Cuz they knocked your balls technically off your body.
“Your tweets are strong, but your actions are weak. And in Saudi Arabia, you’re gonna face some loud, loud music when I finally prove to the world that each and every day, day in, day out, no days off for 25 YEARS, I have been the Greatest of All Time!” The fans cheer that a bit more now, to Cena’s surprise. “See, they know. And they know that you were the Best in the World… for seven minutes, 14 years ago. And if after Night of Champions, you’re still delusional enough to believe that you’re the Best in the World, well… I guess it’s a small world after all. You’re welcome, Grand Rapids.” The fans cheer, and Cena lets the world hear it.
Cena tells Punk to bring his A Game to Night of Champions. If Grand Rapids is any indication, the mood is starting to change. Refs finally appear to check on Punk, Cena says no, that’s fine. Punk needs to rest up for his big title match. Get a good shot of this: Best in the World VS Greatest of All Time, for THE most coveted prize in sports entertainment, THE WWE Undisputed Championship! And Cena knows the fans will sing and chant, but he also knows even the idiots are smart enough to see the truth: The Champ is Here. And USA Network, keep the extra two and half minutes. He doesn’t need a bomb to blow the “mother fudging” building.
Oh, and thanks, Punk, for letting Cena rip off your best promo just to make you look even more foolish. Cena finally drops the mic and he raises the belt up again. If the proverbial tables have turned this drastically, is there no saving WWE from losing its north star championship?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown with an awesome ending. All those years ago, when CM Punk dropped THE OG “Pipebomb” promo, no one could’ve ever in a million years guessed that here tonight, we would’ve gotten the John Cena remix. Not only was that promo of the year, but Cena blew up go-home math. I can’t see Cena losing the title to Punk now. He can lose the match since Cena loves getting disqualified, and there’s the possibility of Rollins trying a cash-in, but Cena is leaving Saudi Arabia as champion to then go to SummerSlam. It also works because Cody Rhodes still feels like the favorite for King of the Ring.
A lot of that has to do with how Sami lost to Orton tonight. Great promo from the four semifinalists, especially since it was Jey, Sami and Orton kinda keeping Cody from talking since there isn’t more Cody needs to say. Win or lose, no explanations needed at this point. Sami VS Orton was an awesome match, but I could just feel an RKO countering the Helluva Kick as the way to go and that’s what they did. Now, as awesome as it would be for Jey to beat Cody, and then for Jey to beat Orton to go for the World Heavyweight Championship again, there are a lot of moving parts right now that it would just be the easiest for Cody to win the crown and have his rematch with Cena.
And while talking the WHC, Gunther VS Goldberg IS confirmed for the title, but has also been confirmed as Goldberg’s last match. This is a huge indicator that despite Rollins teasing a cash-in on the Undisputed title, he will likely be thwarted and then falls back to the title he feels is rightfully his. That is to say, Rollins cashes in on the winner of Gunther VS Goldberg, which I half expected even before all this talk of Goldberg’s last match. Rollins can take this title from Gunther and Goldberg, and then we can throw Jey and even LA Knight into the mix as things are getting heated between Knight and the henchmen.
Great promo from Knight with Heyman, great match with Knight VS Bronson, and a really powerful beating Knight takes from Bron & Bronson. If nothing else, Knight costs Rollins his cash-in. Truth going after Kit Wilson was an interesting move. Also a shame Elton Prince is hurt, Pretty Deadly gets going and then something happens to slow them down. But Kit was going to lose to Aleister so this really messes Aleister up more than anything. Priest keeping the peace between Aleister and Truth was good stuff. Priest and Truth being allies on SmackDown can be some real fun stuff, and I feel like they’re already set up for a feud with Aleister.
Very good stuff with Fatu, Solo and this US Championship story. Fatu VS Solo was the natural move, and I like that Jimmy Uso ends up an ally for Fatu. The title match is set, I wonder if we get a tag match first. In fact, next week is title night in Riyadh with Tiffany Stratton giving Nia the Last Woman Standing match, and basically setting the stage for Naomi to cash in. She almost did tonight but Nia was again able to stop her, so I would think Naomi waits until the very end of the Last Woman Standing match to take full advantage. Then, if Jade wins Queen of the Ring, we get Jade VS Naomi at SummerSlam.
Good promo from Jade, B-Fab & Michin watching Asuka VS Alexa. Asuka winning made the most sense, Alexa clearly has story with Charlotte and Asuka is just that good. Jade VS Roxie will be a good match but Roxie’s story in Judgment Day might keep her from winning. But then the fallback there is Roxie might actually sub in for the tag titles like I was thinking. Charlotte VS Chelsea was very good, and of course the Secret Her-vice does what they can to help. The beatdown they put on Charlotte and then Alexa making the save, that’s going to be one of those “can they coexist?” tag matches for sure.
Honestly, a little surprised we didn’t get any tag team promos tonight, unless I completely missed something. I believe title night is going to have Profits VS Gacy & Lumis for the tag titles, too, so that’s going to be something wild. And while DIY is scared of the Wyatts, I feel like they’re going to interfere because they don’t want the Wyatts to take the titles. But at the same time, the Wyatts need something substantial this time around, so maybe they win the titles at SummerSlam.
My Score: 9/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 6.19.25
Are we going to start trending upwards with Slammiversary to build toward?
Last week’s episode was lacking in ring work but had decent story moments and segments. Starting the build to Slammiversary we can either launch nicely or things can always get worse. Jason Hotch and KC Navarro are the real shining stars of the last few months, so lets hope once they get over this Leon Slater idiot ship, they can push X Division wrestlers with actual talent for pro wrestling and not just flippy charisma vacuums.
Oh and let’s not forget, it is the episode they celebrate the 23rd anniversary of TNA! TWENTY – THREE!! Somewhere PCO hates this.
.@Kelly_WP is back in TNA Wrestling and has a message for TNA Knockouts World Champion @mashaslamovich!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/cF0F1ZKKuL pic.twitter.com/tnm4TIuPUz
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 20, 2025
Ratings:
- Sami Callihan vs Eric Young w/Losers: EY wins via Piledriver – ** 3/4
- Lei Ying Lee & Masha Slamovich vs The Elegance Clique w/M & Personal Concierge: Elegantos win via Rarefied Air – ***
- Eddie Edwards & JDC w/Alisha & Brian Myers vs Matt Cardona & Home Town Man: HTM wins via Cradle – *
- Champion’s Challenge: The Rascalz, Joe Hendry, Leon Slater & Elijah vs The Kaiba Boys, Moose, Steve Maclin & Trick Williams: Elijah wins via Highwayman’s Farewell – ***
Results:
Sami Callihan vs Eric Young w/Losers
Sami knocks them all off the apron before the bell rings, he levels the loser children, finds a chair, attacks EY but EY counters and this is the excuse to use weapons since the bell didn’t ring yet. EY tries to break Sami’s hand on the steps with the chair, but Sami moves, throws EY back in the ring, bell rings and EY hits a Belly to Belly suplex for two. They slug it out, Sami goes for Headbutts, then Sami wants to run the ropes but a loser trips him, distracts long enough for EY to knock him out of the ring and loser children swarm as loser children do. EY does the classic, throw back out for losers to attack while EY grabs and distracts the ref. Sami is selling a few lame attacks from the losers like he got shot. It’s an excessive sell, so it’s honestly a dumb transitional moment.
EY levels Sami, Lariat into Scoop Slam, looks for the Macho Elbow but Sami hits the ropes to crotch EY. Sami Superplex time, but EY bites the face to make Sami drop, EY jumps at him but eats a straight right hand. Cactus Driver, but no, EY tries his Piledriver…they both gouge eyes at the same time, Sami catches an EY charge into a Flatliner as they’re both down…for…reasons? The selling in this match seems…poorly timed and kinda stupid. Hard Irish Whip, EY Flair Flips the corner, levels Sami, Macho Elbow for 2.9! EY threatens to hit the ref, but then goes to mad dog commentary. EY then wants to attack fans…he’s more unhinged than World Elite EY. Sami gives him the old Dick Twist into a Stunner but only for two! Losers try to distract, first one gets taken out, second one uses a chair, EY hits the Piledriver on Sami, EY wins.
I feel like this is gonna continue for a few weeks since it wasn’t a clean win.Â
Mustafa Ali’s group comes out, and I refuse to say the name because it’s dumb and they’re already fraying at the seams. Ali wants an apology session, Tasha and Hotch apologize to him but Skyler bites back and refuses, even shoved Ali. So Ali challenges him to a “Call to Arms” match. What in the hell is a Call to Arms match?Â
Lei Ying Lee & Masha Slamovich vs The Elegance Clique w/M & Personal Concierge
ASH does her borderline racist fake karate before Lei stares her down and tags in Heather. Heather avoids Lei, Lei throws a few Tornado Kicks to make a point and Heather tags out. Heather being 4’8″ helps her here. Concierge says “There’s no Karate in wrestling”. ASH, Lei and Masha are in the ring, ASH is trying to decide who she wants to face, but the Concierge google translated it and hands it to ASH, before the face team rocks ASH. Masha lifts up Lei and Lei does the Liu Kang Bicycle Kick, steering more into her Mortal Kombat aesthetic. Senton off the apron from Lei and Masha dives into the pile, the comedy heels are getting leveled. We go to commercial and come back with Lei getting Double Teamed but she spins it into a weird Neckbreaker..but can’t tag out just yet. Lei blocks Heather, Enzuigiri, simultaneous tag, Masha is Yakuza kicks for all and the 2 for 1 Lariat/DDT special. Near fall, but Masha goes for murder, but Heather breaks it, Rocket Launcher/Code Breaker from Elegance but Lei breaks up the pin. ASH tries to intimidate Lei with her fake Karate before throwing her out of the ring. Heather hits Lei with a handful of Glitter and then bounces her face off the post. Masha tries to stop ASH, Kelly’s music distracts Masha, Rarefied Air gives ASH the win.
Santino comes out and GOD DAMMIT no one wants to see Tommy Dreamer fight Mance Warner…that’s a useless thing. Pivot away…no one wants this. Oh no, now we have to listen to Steph talk too. Okay it seems to be a pivot, thankfully. Steph and Mance talk shit, Dreamer says something about Something is gonna happen…and Jake Something comes out. So…I guess we’re gonna build him up for 2 months and then job him out for 6 before he fucks off to his home galaxy or whatever?Â
.@indi_hartwell has a run in with Tessa Blanchard!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/cF0F1ZLikj pic.twitter.com/I6UCCk2fAG
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 20, 2025
Really wish Indi just opened with the Billy Butcher classic of, “Oi Cunt!” – but this wasn’t bad.Â
Eddie Edwards & JDC w/Alisha & Brian Myers vs Matt Cardona & Home Town Man
I hate… Cardona so much more now. Heel reasons for Cardona…go away heat for Deaner.
JDC wants the Home Town Man to start…and Deaner does his stupid Flip Flop and Fly, Cardona tags in, JDC is eating some offense, Cardona wants the Reboot, JDC powders, Cardona Dives but then Lish and the general numbers catch up to Cardona. Eddie is legal, and now they isolate Cardona with some decent tandem work and isolation. This turns into kind of a schmoz, lots of silly spots, near falls and then Home Town doofus gets the cradle pinfall on Eddie.
Whenever Deaner is involved I can’t be asked to care. The System beats Cardona and Deaner down, but Eddie did eat a pin. Which is embarrassing not even for work reasons, like it’s just sad.
Champion’s Challenge: The Rascalz, Joe Hendry, Leon Slater & Elijah vs The Kaiba Boys, Moose, Steve Maclin & Trick Williams
Elijah and Nic start things off, slow push off, arm wring, top wristlock, simple chain wrestling start. Nic breaks the chain and hits a Dropkick, Elijah runs the ropes and hits a Diving Lariat and starts the Rope Walk. Nic seems far to awake and alert for that move then, I hate how people pull that off too early. Wentz gets tagged in, Nic tags in Maclin who wasn’t looking for a tag, but him and Wentz have a nice clash, Trey tags in, they try to double him, but they pause and look at each other. Maclin asks for a tag, no one tags him so he Chops Ryan to tag him in and throws him in.
The little nod to Maclin and Rascalz history and the fact the faces realize Maclin isn’t a piece of shit. A little MCMG homage tandem attacks on Ryan, Wentz punctuates with the Handspring Knee Lift, Ryan tags out to Trick. Trick and Wentz go back and forth, Rascalz have Trick eating offense, Moose tries to slow things down, both Trick and Moose powder, Rascalz Double Golden Triangle Moonsaults. Trey gets tripped by Nic, Moose hits Lights Out, but there’s no referee so it’s a little chaotic.
Out of the commercial things are controlled kinda and we see a simultaneous tag to Moose and Leon. Leon comes out hot, level Moose with a Leg Lariat, attacks Nic Nemeth, attacks Ryan, and then Moose hits Leon with the Stun Gun. Moose looks to tag in Maclin but Maclin jumps off the apron. Trick takes the tag, keeps control, Trick forcibly tags in Maclin but Ryan tags himself in and pulls Leon to the Champions’ corner, Nic tags in and isolates Leon, with the Kaibas quick tagging and keeping Leon down.
Moose tags in, tries to Suplex Leon about four times but Leon stops it then counters the Suplex. Moose tries to cut him off, but the Champions distract the ref so the ref can’t see Leon tag out. Nic and Moose doubling up and Leon is the bump guy of this last portion of the match. Big Uranage from Moose…Moose looks for Lights Out but Small Package almost ruined things, Body Scissors Cradle, GAME CHANGER! Moose looks to hit a Jacknife Powerbomb but Leon turns it into a DDT. Maclin and Ryan start fighting, Nic Superkicks Maclin, Hendry and Nic tag in, Hendry is a house of fire. Sack of Shits for everyone! Nic, Ryan, there’s a pause when Hendry is face to face with Trick and Trick gets Uppercuts first then Sack of Shit! Standing Ovation on Nic, but Ryan blocks, Kaibas try a tandem attack but Hendry Lariats them both. Elijah tags in and is the maestro of the crowd and chopping Ryan to some fun. Ryan goes for a Polish Hammer but eats the Knee Lift. Signature spam time…
Ryan tries to use the International title but Maclin grabs the title away from Ryan, clocks Nic, Standing Ovation into the Highwayman’s Farewell. Champions lose!
Overall Score: 4/10
Well this was a rough one boys and girls. Sami and EY was just an overbooked shitshow, Lei Ying Lee is unfortunately in a spot where it’s obvious TNA has no clue how to use her, the Elegantos are the New Beautiful People, and I’m not mad at that. But you need to space out your goofball crap. You can’t have Elegance Clique, Home Town Moron and Santino in 3 consecutive segments. And if anyone goes “it was 3 out of 4” that’s doesn’t lessen my point, the beauty of Pro Wrestling being a variety show is…FOR VARIETY! When the lead match feels stupid because of bad pacing, poor selling and overbooking with two losers, it feels like a useless match with idiots, then comedy, followed by more comedy…you see how that’s literally NOT VARIETY.
Figure it out seriously. This was a disappointing episode. If you’re a casual viewer than it’s just chalk for TNA doing cringe and borderline goof crap since they’ve always steered a little more into the carny than other companies. But this show was…where’s Jisoo and Jenny? I feel like I need that gif:
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