Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (7/9/21)
The last spots must be filled!

Will Money in the Bank have a king or a Baron?
SmackDown has two more spots open in the Men’s Money in the Bank match, and they will be filled! But will it be Nakamura or Corbin? Rollins or Cesaro?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifier Match: Shinsuke Nakamura w/ Rick Boogs VS Baron Corbin; Nakamura wins and advances to the Men’s MITB Ladder Match.
- Natalya & Tamina VS ???; Shotzi Blackheart & Tegan Nox win.
- Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifier Match: Seth Rollins VS Cesaro; Rollins wins and advances to the Men’s MITB Ladder Match.
PLAY BY PLAY
Paul Heyman is outside Roman Reigns’ room.
Jimmy Uso walks up and says hey, but Heyman won’t let him in the room? Heyman wants Jimmy to understand that the Tribal Chief has so much on his plate, and Roman’s about to go handle something, but that’s not as important to him as Jimmy. Jimmy deserves Roman’s full attention, and Heyman promises Jimmy will get it tonight. Really? Yes, Heyman assures him. Jimmy nods and heads back to his room, but what exactly will Roman have for Jimmy later tonight?
Roman Reigns heads to the ring!
Just as Heyman said, the Head of the Table, with Heyman by his side of course, holds up the Universal Championship to cue the pyro. Then they go to the ring, Roman again holds up the belt, and again pyro goes off. Heyman then holds onto the title for Roman as he takes a moment to think. The ThunderDome chants “Roman Sucks!” but Heyman hands Roman the mic so he may speak. “I know a lot of you at home didn’t like the fact that I wasn’t present last week. There’s a lot about last week I didn’t like, either.” But one thing that stuck out, one thing that Roman will not stand for is a liar like Edge coming out here and saying that Roman fears him. That Edge is in Roman’s head.
Roman is an honest man so he will tell the truth. “In our main event WrestleMania match, maybe for like one moment, and you ask any fighter, ask Brock, they’ll all tell you, fear can sometimes happen.” So maybe 10, maybe 20 seconds, in that crossface with the bar in his mouth, there was a little fear. But what did that fear do? It propelled Roman! Like every bit of adversity, Roman fought through it and what happened? Smashed ’em, stacked ’em and pinned ’em, then made a sure about it! So don’t come out and say you’re in Roman’s head, that’s not true. Edge only got to Roman not because of fear, but because of Roman’s split focus!
Roman has so much to deal with, from Jey to Jimmy, that he wasn’t even thinking about Edge! Edge wasn’t a worry in Roman’s mind! But if we’re talking family, this might be a good point to handle some business. Heyman agrees there. Roman waits, and here comes Jimmy. Jimmy goes to the ring and stands with Roman, the moment Heyman mentioned happening now. “Yo, Uce, why do you think I got in Edge’s face last week? It wasn’t for me. It was for us, just like you said, Uce.” Jimmy doesn’t remember seeing Roman. Roman must’ve been on vacation. Jimmy showed up. First off, when did Roman say anything about doing this for them? To make decisions for them?
And secondly, vacation? Roman laughs at that idea. If anyone earned a vacation, it’s Roman, but he doesn’t take vacations! Roman was busy doing what Jimmy couldn’t! And by that, he means here’s JEY! Both Usos are back on the show again, and Jey joins his family. “Yes, sir. Uce, I’m back. But not for you, not for anyone of us, but for all of us.” Jey the Right Hand Man is back! As for Jimmy, Jey always has his back. They going through these hard times now, but just keep your head up, and they can get back to work doing what they do. And that means becoming seven time WWE tag team champions, Uce! The Usos hug it out and Roman smiles.
Roman’s been saying this all along. This is al he’s ever wanted. They choose what they want to hear but Roman’s been saying it. Seven time tag team champions! Universal Champion for however long he wants to be! And the way they do it is together. On the same page, all of them working together. No one can touch them, if they do it Roman’s way. Roman has the Usos come in for a big family hug. Has Roman finally united the tribe under his banner? Is there any stopping the Bloodline now?
Backstage interview with Baron Corbin.
Kayla Braxton knows it’s been a long road, and considering the history he has with King Nakamura, what can he tell us about that match? Corbin says he needs this. His life is a mess right now! He’s trapped in a box, he’s lost his money, his crown, his car, and even some payments on his house, and the bank is starting to call. Corbin has to win, needs to win, wants to win. Corbin’s won the Money in the Bank ladder match before, he can do it again, and he must do it again. That championship opportunity is the only opportunity he has to turn his life back around. Things are dire for the former Wolf King, but will this hunger propel him back to the top?
Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifier Match: Shinsuke Nakamura w/ Rick Boogs VS Baron Corbin!
Corbin comes out and doesn’t even have music? Can he not afford to change it to something that doesn’t remind him of his days as king? Will Corbin go for broke and redeem himself? Or will he just end up broken?
SmackDown returns and Big E makes his entrance? The Powerhouse of Positivity is already in the Men’s MITB match, but he seems like he wants to watch this grudge match for the golden ticket in person. Big E invites Pat McAfee to join him in the lounge of positivity, too, so it seems like Big E is rubbing this in. Wait, video footage plays of earlier today, Boogs and Nakamura arriving in a Mercedes Benz! The same make and model as Baron Corbin’s, too! Wait, they won this at auction? IT IS Corbin’s Mercedes!! What of Corbin’s isn’t going to go to the King of Strong Style? And then, the rockin’ bard plays his electric guitar and gives Nakamura his introduction!
Corbin goes after Nakamura at the ramp! Corbin stomps Nakamura, Boogs throws Corbin into barriers! Boogs helps Nakamura up and to the ring as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Corbin mugs Nakamura in a corner. Corbin whips Nakamura corner to corner, runs in but Nakamura dodges to KICK back! Nakamura goes up, leaps, but into a choke grip, to a half nelson GUTBUSTER! Corbin snarls as he paces, CLUBS Nakamura down, then paces more. Big E says he enjoys frivolity and nonsense as much as anyone, but this is a big moment for everyone involved. MITB can change your career and your life. Corbin stands on Nakamura’s head, lets off as the ref counts, then gets mad at the ref. Corbin drags Nakamura up, suplexes and hangs him out to dry! Nakamura falls to the mat, Corbin covers, ONE!!
Corbin keeps on Nakamura with clubbing forearms, puts him on ropes and throws heavy forearms into ribs! The ref counts, Corbin lets off and whips Nakamura to ropes. Nakamura ducks and dodges and DYNAMIC DROPKICKS! Both men are down but fight up. Big E knows how devastating that foot can be. Nakamura fires off strikes, Corbin blocks but Nakamura ENZIGURIS! Nakamura hits a forearm in the corner, puts Corbin on the rope, and runs to TOP SHELF KNEE! Nakamura gets Corbin for a BACKSTABBER, then a SLIDING KNEE! Cover, TWO! Corbin survives but Nakamura keeps his focus.
Corbin gets up as Nakamura runs in, but Corbin turns Kinshasa into takedown and HALF CRAB! Nakamura endures, reaches, and gets the ropebreak! Corbin lets go and drags Nakamura up for a GERMAN SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Nakamura is tough and Corbin’s frustration grows. Big E says he wouldn’t mind seeing Corbin spiral a bit. Corbin waistlocks, Nakamura elbows free and ENZIGURIS him out of the ring! Boogs fires up for Nakamura but Corbin DECKS him! Nakamura leaps in but is caught! Nakamura fights free but Corbin gets him for a suplex to the announce desk! Corbin hurries away and the ring count climbs as SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns again and Corbin throws hands on Nakamura in a corner. Corbin whips corner to corner hard, then runs in, but Nakamura moves! Corbin POSTS himself and Big E laughs as he says, “Hate to see it!” Nakamura gets Corbin in a sleeper but Corbin throw shim off! Corbin ducks one kick but not the LEFT! Nakamura fires up, runs, but into a DEEP SIX! And very deep at that! Cover, TWO!! Corbin grows frustrated, storms over after Nakamura, and gets him up on the apron for a suplex back into the ring! Cover, TWO! Corbin seethes, he gets Nakamura back up, and he hoists Nakamura up top.
Corbin climbs but Nakamura throws forearms! Nakamura grabs Corbin for an ARMBAR TAKEDOWN, into the TRIANGLE! Corbin endures, powers up, and POWERBOMBS Nakamura down! But Nakamura holds on!? Nakamura squeezes tighter, Corbin fades, but Corbin gets a second wind! Corbin fights up but Nakamura drags him back down! Corbin uses his leg to get a ropebreak! Nakamura lets go but makes it a cover, TWO!! Big E thought this was over but Nakamura aims form the corner! “YAO~!” Nakamura runs in, but into a LARIAT!! Both men are down again and McAfee is stunned by that one! Corbin looks to the briefcase as inspiration, but Nakamura kicks back!
Nakamura kicks and knees Corbin, then aims from a corner. “YAO~!” KINSHASA!! Cover, Nakamura wins!!
Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura, by pinfall (advances to the Men’s MITB Ladder match)
Boogs celebrates with his guitar, because the King is in! Will Nakamura leave Houston as the King in the Bank? And just how much lower will Corbin fall after this?
The Usos talk backstage.
Jey and Jimmy are happy to be back together. Jimmy apologizes for what he said but Jey says it’s alright. They fight and make up, ever since they were kids. A common enemy like Edge will bring a family together. But Jey asks Jimmy if he wants to handle some business so Roman doesn’t have to. Really? For the family. Just think about it, Uce. What does Jey mean? Does it mean something bad for the Rated R Superstar?
Natalya & Tamina VS ???
The WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions have been called out by a brand new team making their debut! Will the Queen of Harts & Daughter of Superfly be ready for whoever is coming?
SmackDown returns and Natty has a mic to say, “So we were told before we even got out here that we have a tag team match. But not for the titles. But with two women that nobody’s ever seen before on SmackDown, Tamina.” Big surprise, they want after the tag team champions! Tamina says she knows, this is a lot of ish and gall. Whoever they are, they better get out here so this can be done already. Wait, it’s NXT’s Shotzi Blackheart and Tegan Nox?! Normally, Shotzi teams with Ember Moon, but either way, these two look ready to run wild on SmackDown! Will they #TCB, Take Care o’ Business, against the second generation superstars?
The teams sort out and Nox starts with Natty. They tie up, Natty wrenches but Nox wrenches, bridges, handsprings and wristlocks. Natty waistlocks to slam Nox, but Nox kips up to arm-drag! Nox wrenches, Shotzi tags in, they double whip and trip Natty for a camel clutch and basement dropkick! Shotzi then body scissors to a clutch, TWO! Shotzi facelocks, brings Natty over, and Nox tags back in. Shotzi whips Nox out then in to uppercut Natty down! Shotzi tags back in, Nox gives her a boost into the CANNONBALL! Cover, Tamina breaks it! Tamina is fuming but Natty gets a waistlock. Shotzi switches, Natty bucks her off and Tamina tags in!
Natty throws Shotzi into the ropes, then Tamina BOOTS her down! Cover, ONE!! Tamina keeps on Shotzi, whips her into a corner and clotheslines her! Tamina reels Shotzi in for a BIG clothesline! And then she drops an elbow! Cover, TWO! Tamina gets mad but she brings Shotzi back up to choke on ropes. The ref counts, Tamina lets off and CLUBS away on Shotzi’s back. Tamina throws Shotzi down, sucker punches Nox, then tags in Natty. Natty catapults Shotzi into the SUPERKICK! Cover, Tamina intercepts Nox, but Nox slips off to break up the pin! Nox BOOTS Tamina and CANNONBALLS! Natty runs in to DISCUS Nox, but Shotzi CLOBBERS Natty!
Shotzi gets Natty in the drop zone, goes up top, and SUPER SENTONS!! Cover, Shotzi & Nox win!!
Winners: Shotzi Blackheart & Tegan Nox, by pinfall
Welcome to the Ball Pit, SmackDown! These upstarts from NXT just won against the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions! Will they use this to get a second round and take the gold?
Backstage interview with Edge.
The Rated R Superstar is here and Megan asks if he has anything to say about Roman and the Usos reuniting. He does, actually. But he will save it for when goes out to the ring and once again calls Roman out. Edge is interested to see if Roman has a “big enough set of jewels to come out by himself, or if he needs Dumb & Dumber with him.” Either way, the family reunion won’t be a happy one. And that’s not a prediction, that’s a spoiler. Edge is ready to turn the tables on the Head of the Table once again, but will giving that much away only come back to bite him?
Sonya Deville heads to the ring.
Sadly, Bayley got injured during training and will be out at least nine MONTHS! Sonya must now figure out who challenges Bianca Belair for the SmackDown Women’s Championship at Money in the Bank! We’ll hear who she chooses, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Sonya says this is the kind of announcement she hoped she’d never have to give. It is true, Bayley has sustained an injury and be out for nine months at least. She will not be competing at Money in the Bank, but she did have words for the WWE Universe. Footage plays of Bayley sitting in her Hall of Bayley, and she knows some out there feel this sucks. They wanted to see her, the longest reigning SmackDown Women’s Champion in history, regain what was rightfully hers when she beat Bianca Belair once and for all. But she’s hurt. And now that she thinks about it, that’s NOT what fans are thinking! Because fans don’t care!
The fans don’t care that Bayley did this while trying to get better for MITB, to be the best she can be, and be there for us. This is OUR fault! She doesn’t care who is put in her place, they’re not as good as her! Sonya says the WWE wishes Bayley a speedy recovery, and with that all said, there has to be something done about this situation. Obviously, the stipulation will be changing, and after careful consideration, Sonya has chosen that Bianca will NOT be defending her title at MITB. Instead, Bianca will be defending it next Friday on the first-ever SmackDown back in front of a live audience! And her opponent for that match is a former champion, a two-time MITB winner, it will be… Carmella!
Carmella makes her entrance and gets a mic to say fans are just mad that she’s hot and we’re not. But she thanks Sonya for this overdue and much deserved honor. Once again, Sonya forgot to add something to the introduction. On top of being a two-time MITB winner and the next SmackDown Women’s Champion, she is the most beautiful woman in ALL the WWE! Wait, here comes Liv Morgan! “Are you kidding me?!” Liv just doesn’t understand! Sonya just appoints people? First Mella is appointed to the MITB match, and then Mella is appointed as Bayley’s replacement? Mella hasn’t earned anything! Talk about favoritism! You can’t just do this!
Mella thinks Liv is obsessed, but Liv tells her if she keeps talking, Liv’s gonna slap the smile right off her pretty little face. Again. Liv gets in the ring now and asks Sonya how many times Liv has to beat Mella to get her opportunity!? This is blatant favoritism, it is absurd, and she’s sick of it! Sonya tells Liv that next time, she should wait and listen to everything Sonya has to say. Because while she was giving Mella next week’s title opportunity, Sonya was going to appoint Mella’s replacement in the Women’s MITB! And it’s Liv. Mella is out, Liv is in, now she has 30 seconds to get out of here before Sonya changes her mind and makes it so Liv never gets another opportunity in the WWE! Understood? Yes.
Before she goes, Liv tells Mella, “I hope you win the title next week. Because when I win Money in the Bank, I’m cashing in on you!” An ultimatum has been issued, but here comes Bianca Belair to respond to it all! Bianca sees Liv on the ramp, and Liv points to the briefcase. Bianca likes that and lets her move on. Bianca then tells Mella that she’ll gladly accept this change. But Bayley, is this injury real? If it isn’t, shame on her for stooping this low. But if it is, then Bianca respects the competitive skills. She doesn’t like Bayley, but she respects her, and looks forward to finishing this when Bayley’s back. Bianca then holds up the belt and tells Mella, “I’ll see you next week.”
The first SmackDown back in front of fans might be the greatEST in a long, long time! Will Bianca make it the BEST SmackDown when she retains? Or will Mella be a three-time SmackDown Women’s Champion for the summer?
Roman Reigns sits in his room.
Heyman walks in and says they may have a problem. It’s Edge. “Edge intends on going out to the ring tonight and pulling your punk card, calling your bluff, and… calling you out to the ring tonight.” What else did Edge say? Heyman sighs as he apologizes. Edge also questioned Roman’s manhood… Roman starts to scowl, but how will he respond to the Rated R Superstar’s disrespect?
SmackDown, there’s a storm on the horizon!
It’s NXT’s Toni Storm that’s coming soon! Will the Lightning From Down Under look to shock SmackDown this summer?
Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifier Match: Seth Rollins VS Cesaro!
The Architect is another former Mr. MITB winner and perpetrated the #HeistoftheCentury with the contract. However, the Swiss Superman is hungrier than ever before, especially after the nail-bitingly close loss at Hell in a Cell. Will Cesaro be back on the upswing with one more win in the ThunderDome? Or will Seth Freakin’ Rollins look to #BurnItDown one more time?
SmackDown returns and Cesaro makes his entrance. Kevin Owens has joined commentary much like Big E did earlier, he says these two here are two of the best. Even if Rollins is a jerk. But Kevin has beaten Rollins, too, and at WrestleMania. Cesaro and Rollins tie up at the bell, Cesaro waistlocks and slams Rollins then rolls to a cover. ONE, Cesaro tries again, ONE! Rollins gets up, fights the waistlock, gets a headlock, but Cesaro powers up to back suplex. Rollins lands on his feet, rolls Cesaro, ONE! Rollins tries an Oklahoma Roll, ONE! Cesaro headlocks, Rollins powers out but Cesaro runs him over! Cover, ONE!
Cesaro headlocks again but Rollins endures the grind. Rollins fights to a cover, ONE, but Cesaro holds on. Rollins fights up, powers out, things speed up and Cesaro catches Rollins for a tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Cesaro runs in at the corner but Rollins puts him on the apron. Cesaro ROCKS Rollins with a right, then climbs up the corner. Rollins runs over, springs up top but Cesaro knocks him back down! Cesaro CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Cesaro reels Rollins in, Rollins slips under and out of the ring! Rollins throws a fit, Kevin says be careful with the desk. “What an attitude problem. Yeah, stomp the thing, that’ll help.” Rollins is furious but SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Cesaro fires EuroUppers in a corner! Cesaro whips, Rollins kicks back, but Cesaro clotheslines Rollins out of the ring! Cesaro fires up while Rollins gets up. Cesaro goes out after him but Rollins gives him a Complete Shot to the desk! Rollins RAMS Cesaro into steel steps, then drags him up into the ring at 6 of 10. Rollins pushes Cesaro to a cover, TWO! Rollins grows annoyed with Cesaro but he cravats for a neck wrench. Rollins snapmares, KICKS and then drops a knee! Cover, TWO! Cesaro gets to a corner but Rollins storms in to whip him to ropes. Rollins KNEES Cesaro low, then whips to KNEE him again. Then he WRINGS Cesaro’s arm out! Cover, TWO!
Rollins keeps on Cesaro with a fish hook to the face and a chinlock to grind him down. Cesaro endures, fights up, and Kevin lists the gripes he has with both current champions, Roman Reigns and Bobby Lashley. Kevin also does take possible champions into consideration, such as Edge and Kofi Kingston. Cesaro throws EuroUppers but Rollins tries a backslide! Cesaro blocks, turns things around, and he backslides, but Rollins flips through! Rollins kicks low, runs, BOOMERANGE HEEL KICK! Cover, TWO! Cesaro goes back to a corner, Rollins keeps his cool, but Rollins digs his boots into Cesaro! The ref counts, Rollins stomps as he lets off, and Rollins “apologizes” to the ref.
Rollins tells the ref, “Do you know how much this contract means to me?” Rollins goes back to Cesaro but Cesaro fires EuroUppers! Rollins throws forearms, Cesaro EuroUppers, repeat! Cesaro throws uppercuts from all sides, then whips to a corner for another uppercut! And then back the other way! Cesaro runs the ropes but Rollins ducks the discus to turn, but no elbow! Torture rack, POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!! Cesaro goes to the apron and climbs up the corner. Rollins stands, gets up top in a flash, and hits a SUPERPLEX! Roll through to Cesaro’s suplex, and the FALL OUT OF THE RING!! Both men crash and burn as SmackDown goes to another break!
SmackDown returns yet again, and Cesaro has Rollins in the swing! A dozen rotations, then the SHARPSHOOTER! Rollins scrambles to the ropebreak! Cesaro turns it around, but Rollins gets a cradle! TWO, and Cesaro pops Rollins up for an uppercut! Cover, TWO!! Rollins survives and Kevin says this IS for the last spot, so that explains how hard they’re fighting. Cesaro gets Rollins up, reels him in and has the Gotch hold, but Rollins back drops! Cesaro sunset flips, ONE! Cesaro wants the legs, Rollins drags himself up the corner, but Cesaro YANKS him into a POWEBOMB! The ref is distracted by how a buckle pad came flying off! He finally counts the cover, TWO!!
Cesaro is annoyed, kicks the pad out of the ring, then drags Rollins’ dead weight back up. Cesaro wants the Neutralizer but Rollins back drops free! Cesaro dodges, springboards, but into a BIG forearm! Both men are down and Cesaro is in a daze! Rollins gets to a corner, takes aim, and runs in, but into another pop-up, but Rollins huricanranas and sends Cesaro into the bare buckle!! Cover, TWO!! Rollins tries another cover, and even has ropes! TWO!!! Cesaro isn’t giving up, but he is busted open! And then Rollins hits the DREAM SMASHER ELBOW!! Cover, TOW?!?! Cesaro flops out of the ring, but how is he still in this?!
Rollins is furious, and he storms out after Cesaro. Rollins whips Cesaro hard into barriers! And then bounces him off the desk! Rollins leaves Cesaro behind this time, the ring count climbs, but somehow Cesaro crawls over! Cesaro gets up and in at 7! Rollins is after him again, another DREAM SMASHER ELBOW!! Cesaro flops out of the ring and Rollins wants the count to be faster! It isn’t good enough for him, he goes out to get Cesaro to the ramp, for a DDT!! Bloody head to steel panel, and Rollins leaves Cesaro behind! The ring count restarts, Cesaro still moves?! Cesaro is at ringside at 8, and in at 9.99!! Rollins is beside himself, runs in, but Cesaro rolls him up! TWO!!
SHARP- NO, Rollins BOOTS free! But Cesaro ROCKS him with a EuroUpper! CURB STOMP!!! Cover, Rollins wins!!!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall (advances to the Men’s MITB Ladder Match)
The Savior of SmackDown shouts, “I TOLD YOU!” He is back in the MITB match, but look at how much it took just to stop the Swiss Superman! Will Rollins be able to do enough to overcome seven opponents at once?
The Usos find Edge’s dressing room.
They’re ready, but Jey doesn’t want Jimmy knocking on the door. Wait for Edge to come out, then they jump him! Jimmy sees what Jey means, and they wait. Will the Rated R Superstar be on the bad end of an ambush?
SmackDown returns, the Usos still wait, but Jimmy is getting impatient. He just barges in, Jey follows, but Edge isn’t in here anyway. Well he’s lucky he ain’t in here! The Usos start a search for Edge, but will they get him before he gets Roman?
Seth Rollins celebrates backstage.
“I DID IT!” Kayla comes over and he hugs her. She congratulates him, and he thanks her for it. Congratulations are in order, but knew that that idiot, “that nincompoop, Zazaro,” didn’t stand a chance! Rollins admits Cesaro put up a hell of a fight, he is a great competitor, but he’s just not on Rollins’ level! Rollins is the present and future Mr. MITB! And the last time he did that, who did he cash in on? Oh that’s right! The Tribal Chief, the Head of the Table, the current Universal champion, Roman Reigns! And last time, Rollins waited and waited, bided his time, and waited for the perfect moment. Maybe this time, Rollins won’t wait? Maybe when Rollins wins this time, he’ll cash in AT MITB!
It is all a formality, anyway! He should just be competing against Roman at MITB for the title, because he earned it! Wait, Edge sneaks up behind him! Edge smiles as Rollins turns around. Edge heard this nasally whine and was wondering where it was coming from. Seems Rollins hasn’t changed since 2014. Or did Rollins forget? The difference between them is that Rollins bitches, moans and complains, while Edge just takes his shot. So Edge is going to go out to the ring an call Roman out. Edge leaves Rollins behind, but will Rollins get after Edge with the MITB briefcase?
The Alpha Academy talks backstage.
Chad Gable says, “There’s something beautiful about a demolition video, isn’t there? Especially when it features my prized pupil, my number one guy, the human wrecking ball, Otis.” It doesn’t matter if it’s Montez Ford, Angelo Dawkins, Big E, Edge or even Roman Reigns. You step to the Alpha Academy, the result is the same. Otis says he will destroy anyone. Will he get to do just that as the WWE returns to the road?
Edge goes to the ring!
The Rated R Superstar is doing as he promised, but will Roman respond in kind? Or will the Uso Penitentiary show up to put Edge on lockdown? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Edge has the mic. “So I guess congratulations are in order. Roman reunited his family. They came out here, they had a nice group hug. Bless your hearts. Are you guys registered anywhere? Maybe I can get you matching leis.” But the thing is, Edge doesn’t care how many minions Roman has brainwashed, because he’s “exposed the cracks in the table.” At MITB, Edge promises to take the Universal Championship. And anyone who gets in his way will end up like this: the picture of Roman AND Jimmy taking the crossbar to the mouth while in the crossface. “The eyes don’t lie, and those eyes, they scream fear.”
Roman, Heyman and the Usos are watching from the private suite as Edge says he feeds off their fear. Edge vows to take the title at MITB, and without that title, Roman’s island isn’t relevant anymore! Can Roman deal with that? Edge will roam inside Roman’s head until the job is done. So it’s real simple: Edge is throwing down the punk card! Get your ass out here, Roman!! Edge paces, and Roman stands up from his chair. He tells the Usos to stay here so he can handle this on his own. The Usos nod and Roman heads out, Heyman right behind him. Edge gets impatient and shouts, “Where you at?!” Roman arrives at gorilla, and then stops. He has Heyman hold onto the belt, and then he goes through the curtain.
Edge smiles as he sees Roman on stage. Roman takes his time, the Usos watch from the suite, and Jey says something doesn’t feel right. He and Jimmy sense a trap, so they go out there, despite what Roman told them. Roman and Edge stare down as Roman makes it to ringside. The Usos make their entrance, and that upsets Roman. Roman tells them to stay put, “What’d I say? He’s calling me out one-on-one, I’m going to handle this.” The Usos accept, Roman walks up to the ring and takes off his tracksuit jacket. Edge is ready as Roman gets on the apron, and Edge even gives Roman space to enter. Roman does enter, and the two get face to face.
Edge throws the first punch but Roman responds! They’re fast and furious with the haymakers, but Edge gets the edge! Edge has Roman in a corner, and here come the Mysterios! Rey and Dominik come in from the crowd side and have chairs! They SMACK away on Jimmy & Jey!! Jimmy SUPERKICKS Dom down, Edge bumps Roman off buckles! Edge throws hands, forearms, then more. Rey JAMS Jimmy, Roman headbutts Edge! Rey sets the chair up but Jey SUPERKICKS him down to save Jimmy! Edge escapes a powerbomb to hit an IMPALER! The Usos mug the Mysterios then look to the ring. Edge aims from a corner but they grab at him! SUPERKICK!!
Rey gets in to RANA Jimmy onto ropes! Dom trips up Jey to add him on! Rey holds the Usos for Dom to dial it up, 619! SPEAR from Edge to Jey!! The Rated R Superstar sees Roman has run away to the ramp, so Edge gets himself some chairs! Rey and Dom keep Jey down and Edge breaks off another crossbar! Edge wants to complete the trifecta! Roman stays away as Edge creeps up on Jey! “Watch, Roman!” CROSSBAR CROSSFACE!!! Roman seethes but he doesn’t rush back to help Jey! The Tribal Chief lets his pawn take the pain again, and Edge finally lets Jey go. Edge glares at Roman, and Roman talks some smack, but that isn’t doing anything to help the Usos.
Edge even puts Jey BACK in the CROSSBAR CROSSFACE! Then he switches to put Jimmy in it, just like last week!! And then back to Jey!! Roman just leaves!! Is this proof that Roman fears the Rated R Superstar?!?
My Thoughts:
A very good episode for SmackDown, especially as their own good-bye to the ThunderDome. Obviously, Raw has the final episode in the ThunderDome, and it has been confirmed that 7/12/21 has been taped. Though from what they were advertising, it all feels like go-home filler. Exciting filler, but still filler. SmackDown tonight was not filler, and it works almost like a go-home to both MITB and to next week’s return to live fans. Though Bianca threw some kayfabe shade on it, Bayley’s injury is certainly legit. Not even her Heel persona would give up a chance at the title like this. It’s a bit of a bummer that the title won’t be on PPV, but this does work to make next week’s SmackDown a great return to live fans and the road, and fans will have a lot of fun seeing Bianca retaining against Mella.
The rest of the segment with Sonya, Mella and Liv was also really good. Yes, Mella is just being named the challenger but in return, Liv is being named the MITB replacement, Sonya still gets to use her authority arbitrarily as we’ve seen, and she might even have her first authority VS superstar feud with Liv at this rate. There’s still one spot, who knows who that goes to, but with them bringing in some NXT superstars to SmackDown, maybe it’s Toni Storm? Toni did put Raquel Gonzalez, the NXT Women’s Champion, on notice, but maybe she has that match with Sarray after all, and then Toni loses to move over to SmackDown.
When Natty & Tamina were taking on surprise opponents, I knew it’d be a duo from NXT, I just didn’t see it being Shotzi Blackheart & Tegan Nox. Or as the graphic and ring announcer said, “Shotzi & Nox.” I already hate this, because 1) Shotzi usually teams with Ember Moon in NXT, 2) Vince is already doing the name shortening garbage and 3) we literally just saw Nox make her return and go after Candice LeRae. The only saving grace would be if they got Kevin Owens deals where they can do double-duty for a time. He did it, why can’t these two do it? I do like that they’re going right after the titles so that Shotzi can be the first woman history to have held both women’s tag titles for for Nox to get her first title period, but this seemed more out of desperation than a well-made plan.
We did get really good MITB qualifier matches for the men tonight, though. I said this last week but they sure love piling on Corbin. His repossessed car is now Nakamura’s, and now Nakamura is in the MITB and Corbin isn’t. Nakamura does make a great addition to the MITB match and so far, they have done a good job of writing Corbin becoming this sad, disheveled form of himself, so the next bit should be really good, too. Rollins VS Cesaro was awesome stuff, they really pulled out all the stops for it. It has been quite some time since I’ve seen “suplex falls out of ring” spot, let alone someone in WWE get busted open by a bare buckle.
Rollins winning makes sense, the MITB match needs more Heels, and with how things are developing between Rollins, Edge and Roman, Rollins might try and recreate the Heist of the Century during Roman VS Edge. I could see that backfiring, and that is how Roman retains. Especially after what happened to the Usos tonight. Great stuff from them and Roman with their reunion, but also with the Usos not really listening to Roman since they went out there at the end. At the same time, they did have a point, because the Mysterios returning to attack the Usos was the trap. I also think they realized there was time to fill, which is why Edge kept going after the Usos with the crossface.
There can definitely be a big Six Man Tag for the go-home in front of the live fans, but I guess things with Jimmy in real life haven’t really affected story too much. I still couldn’t be sure if today’s episode was live or taped as the coming Raw is going to be, because wouldn’t you think Jimmy would be kept off TV as punishment? Or was getting another crossbar to the mouth the punishment? I would think that at the very least, this means the Usos lose to the Mysterios when they fight for the titles.
My Score: 8.5/10
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London calling to the champion crowns!
SmackDown brings gold to London as LA Knight defends his WWE US Championship and The Street Profits defend their tag team titles! Will the landscape change this close to WrestleMania?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly; The Profits win and retain the titles.
- Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice w/ Chelsea Green; The Secret Her-vice wins.
- WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman; Braun wins, by disqualification, and Knight retains the title.
- Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab; Charlotte wins.
- Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins.
- Jimmy Uso VS The Miz; Jimmy wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes is here!
We follow The American Nightmare as walks to gorilla, then through the curtain, and London sings along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, says hello to fans along the ramp, and then we get the second “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro. Cody goes to the ring, grabs a mic, then kneels down to kiss the WWE logo on the mat. The fans continue to sing along all the way to the end, “I AM MY KINGDOM!” The fans then cheer, and Cody holds up the belt to fire them up even more! The fans now sing for “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and he soaks it in. The fans cheer again as Cody smiles, and he finally says, “So, London~! Whaddya wanna talk about?”
The fans chant “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cody hears that dueling, and he smiles again. The song of “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” returns, then they cheer. Cody says, “At WrestleMania 41, I will be facing John Cena…” The fans boo, but Cody says, “I will be facing John Cena as he goes to break the record and win 17. But that is WrestleMania 41. In just a few nights, I will be standing face to face with John Cena in this very same city, in this very same arena.” The fans cheer that, but then here comes Randy Orton! Now the fans sing along with Voices as The Viper heads to the ring. Orton also high-fives fans before he joins Cody.
Orton grabs a mic, paces while the fans keep singing on their own, and then the fans cheer. Orton says he’s not really the sentimental type, but for Cody and for London, screw it. The fans chant “R K O! R K O!” and Orton tells Cody, “Look at you. Look at who you are now, the man you are now. Look at where he came from.” The fans cheer and sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and Orton says he remembers a Cody in his early 20s, just breaking into the business. Cody was busting his ass harder than anyone else. He wasn’t exactly happy, and in fact, he was frustrated. But Cody was man enough, smart enough, to know he needed to grow, and that he couldn’t grow in the WWE.
Cody wasn’t exactly treated fairly in the WWE, so Cody left the WWE! That took some big ass balls to do what he did! Cody changed the business singlehandedly, and everyone in the back knows it. And Orton appreciates Cody for it. But then Cody came back, as they all knew one day he would. And the industry has been changed forever since the day Cody came back to the WWE. Cody is a bit teary eyed as Orton says Cody’s still the same guy, he just did what he set out to do, and he grew. Orton teases he would sing along with the fans, but the fans might leave. The fans again sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!”
Orton asks if they remember when Cody Rhodes faced Seth Rollins in Hell in a Cell. The fans cheer because they do. Orton says that was impressive, and even impossible, as he started with a partially torn pec and then ended with a fully torn pec! His body changed all kinds of shades of purple that Orton’s never seen on a human body. The pain he must have been in. Cody persevered not just for himself. Maybe not even at all for Cody. It was not even for his family legacy; it was for each and every single fan out there! Then Cody went on to WrestleMania, beat Roman Reigns and finished the story!
But there’s always another story, isn’t there? And Cody’s right in the middle of one. Cody is in charge of his legacy, and it is a privilege for Orton to watch Cody take control of it. Ticket sales have been up, there’s more intrigue around the world, and listen to the people! It is 99.9% all because of Cody! The fans cheer that, and of course they sing. Orton says what he’s trying to say is a long-winded version of he respects Cody, loves him, and is very, very proud of him. The fans cheer that! Orton then says, “But… But now it is time for WrestleMania.” They both look to the sign, and Orton says he can guarantee Cody that Orton will kick Kevin Owens so hard in the head…!
Orton can just feel it already! He forgets how many days are left, but he can’t wait to remove Kevin’s head from his shoulders. And Orton knows Cody will enter champion, exit champion, but not before he beats the holy hell outta Cena all up and down the Vegas strip! But after all the smoke clears and the dust settles, just like Orton wants Number 17, there will come a time when Orton will want Number 15. But Orton won’t kick Cody in the balls like a coward. Orton will look Cody in the eye because he respects Cody, is proud of Cody, and sees him as an equal. Orton will look Cody in the eye and tell him that he’s coming for the title.
The fans cheer but wait! Drew McIntyre is here! The fans cheer the Scottish Terminator as he steps out on stage, mic in hand, and has a wry smile on his face as he looks at the ring. Drew waves as the fans now sing, “OH~ Drew McIntyre~!” Drew says, “Isn’t this wonderful? A couple of nepo babies having a love fest in the middle of the ring> It makes me absolutely sick. What’d you just say, Randy? if Cody gets through Cena at WrestleMania, you’re coming for that title? What exactly have you done since that big comeback to justify that title match? Aside be Randy Orton. The only big moment I can remember is you being on the shelf for months and months and months.
“People like to make jokes about it, but more people talk about my five-minute-45-second title reign than your entire comeback so far! So get to the back of the line, sunshine! As for you, Cody, you should’ve listened to me. But you shunned me. You attacked me. Everybody should’ve listened to me about John Cena, but they didn’t. And the next night, he kicked you right in the twig ‘n’ berries, proving me right as usual. And the main event of WrestleMania should be Cody Rhodes VS The UK’s only ever world champion, Drew McIntyre!” Fans do like that idea. But sadly, it’s not, because of that guyliner wearing Temu Undertaker, Damian Priest!
Drew wants to talk about what is happening. And what’s gonna happen! Drew steps up to the ring while fans sing for him again. Drew says it will not be Randy that takes the title from Cody, should he get through Cena; it’ll be McIntyre. The fans cheer, but Orton says they were trying to have a moment. Can Drew just cut the crap already? Drew says okay, sure. He’ll tell the truth, because that’s all he ever does. The truth is, Kevin might have a point! If those Voices are talking to Orton again, then they know Drew very, very well. And he’s thinking, “My God, Randy looks great! Absolutely jacked! On the outside.”
On the inside, that back is hanging by a thread. And if Orton provokes McIntyre, McIntyre will break him. And as for Cody- Cody kicks Drew and UPPERCUTS him! The fans fire up, and Orton R- NO, Drew gets away! The fans boo, but the battlelines are drawn! Even if Cody makes it out of the frying pan that is Las Vegas, it’ll be into the fire that is these contenders waiting in line! Will the American Nightmare be ready for whoever comes for the crown?
WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly!
Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins are finally golden again, but it’s time to put the titles on the line already! And while they’re ready for the grind, they’re up against the hometown heroes! Will the Profits still be up in the O2? Or will Kit Wilson & Elton Prince say #YESBOY to a new reign of their own?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really wants the smoke!
The teams sort out and Kit starts with Dawkins. They tie up, Dawkins headlocks, but Kit powers up and out. Dawkins runs Kit over, the fans fire up, and Dawkins fires hands on Kit in the corner! The fans rally for Pretty Deadly, Dawkins whips Kit to a corner, but Elton takes that bump! Kit CLOBBERS Dawkins, then tags Elton! Atomic drop into DROPKICK! Ford runs up, but into a DOUBLE HIP TOSS! Dawkins whips, Elton reverses, and then Elton hurdles so Kit can DDT! The fans fire up with Pretty Deadly while the Profits bail out. Pretty Deadly has control while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Elton is right on Dawkins as he gets in, and UPPERCUTS him to the corner. Elton clinches Dawkins for another UPPERCUT! Tag to Kit, and Elton RAMS into Dawkins so Kit can UPPERCUT! Dawkins flops over, Kit drags him up to wrench the arm. Kit whips, Dawkins reverses, but Kit grabs ropes. Kit ELBOWS Dawkins, DECKS Ford, but Dawkins CLOBBERS Kit! The ref reprimands but Dawkins RAMS Kit into the corner again and again! The ref counts, Dawkins fires fast hands, then he tags in Ford. Ford says, “SUCK IT!” then he KICKS Kit! Ford scuffs Kit, then drags him to a cover, TWO!
Ford keeps Kit down with a facelock, but Kit endures the grind. Kit fights up, fires body shots, but Ford whips him away. Kit sunset flips! Ford rolls through, and PENALTY KICKS! Ford mocks Elton with the Scott Hall fingers, and the ref has to keep Elton back. Ford drags Kit up, tags Dawkins, and the Profits mug Kit. Dawkins CLUBS Kit down, then stalks him. Dawkins stays between Kit and Elton, then whips Kit into the Profits’ corner. CYCLONE- NO, Kit dodges! Ford tags in, he keeps Kit from Elton now, but Kit slips out of the suplex! Kit fakes high to go low, hot tag to Elton! Elton rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT!
Elton kicks and whips Ford to a corner, then UPPERCUTS! Elton whips the other way, UPPERCUTS again, and then does it again! Elton adds to the hattrick with a lift, Ford says a quick prayer before the SUPLEX! Ford flounders, gets to his feet, but Elton dodges to springboard and FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Ford stays in this, but Elton stays on him. SmackDown returns to single picture and fans rally for Pretty Deadly as Elton gives Ford a back suplex. Ford lands out, waistlocks, but Elton switches and shoves Ford. Ford CLOBBERS Elton in return! Ford is also dazed but he covers, ONE!
Kit reaches out, Elton and Ford both crawl, hot tags to Kit and Dawkins! The fans fire up as Dawkins wrenches Kit, underhooks and SILENCER! Dawkins Electric Chair Lifts Kit, Ford climbs, but Kit slips free! Kit shoves Dawkins into Ford! Ford falls to the floor, but Dawkins ENZIGIRIS Kit! Elton tags in, and Kit LARIATS Dawkins! Pretty Deadly combine for DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Dawkins survives and the Profits are a bit unsure of what to do next. Dawkins crawls to a corner, Elton runs up, but Dawkins dodges! Elton hits buckles and Dawkins TOSSES Kit, then Dawkins hits a SKY HIGH on Elton!
Dawkins hurries to tag Ford and Ford climbs up! But Kit pushes Elton out of the way! Kit takes FROM THE HEAVESN, and Elton ghost pins Ford! TWO!! Ford escapes, and he ROCKS Elton! Elton UPPERCUTS Ford! Dawkins sneaks a tag, Ford SUPERKICKS! POUNCE SAIDO COMBO!! Cover, KIT BREAKS IT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! The teams go to opposite ends, then they all stand up in the corners. They all roar, all run in, and Kit SPEARS Ford while Elton FLYING UPPERCUTS Dawkins!! London is thunderous, and Kit hurries to tag in! Pretty Deadly gets Dawkins up, for SPILT MILK!! Cover, FORD BREAKS IT!
The fans are shocked, as is Elton, but Ford saves this for his team! “This is Awesome!” as Ford runs up and Elton TOSSES him out! Now DRY MARTI- NO! Dawkins doesn’t accept the second serving, and he DUMPS Kit out! Kit skins the cat while Dawkins DECKS Elton! Dawkins catches Kit to an Electric Chair! Ford rises, DOOMSDAY BLOCKBUSTER!! Cover, Profits win!
Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall (still WWE Tag Team Champions)
Pretty Deadly put up a heroic fight, but the hometown heroes could not capture the gold. Dawkins & Ford hold onto the gold, will this be the strongest the Profits have ever been?
Kayden & Katana talk with Zelina Vega.
Carter & Chance know La Muneca got screwed over by The Green Administration. Chelsea thinks she’s untouchable, but someone’s gonna stop them eventually. Well, speaking of, Alba Fyre leads the way in as she & Piper Niven “scope the perimeter.” There’s one small threat. They frisk the “miniscule” threat, but nothing they haven’t dealt with before. Chelsea struts in and says, “The Eagle has landed~!” Zelina says she is so glad the “Bootleg Men in Black” have crashed the party. Now, yeah, they all know she’s small. But clearly this small “threat” is a big threat to Chelsea’s title reign. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have taken all three of them to beat her.
KC Squared agree with that. How about tonight, we see what happens when the odds are even? Chelsea says that’s fine, because Agents P & A are ready. The Secret Her-vice has been given their next mission, but will they be able to crash the party? Or will the party crash them?
Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice!
SmackDown returns and The Green Administration makes their entrance. The teams sort out, Alba starts against Katana, and the two tie up. Alba KNEES low, CLUBS Katana down, then fireman’s carries. Katana fights free, tags Kayden, and they KICK, double whip, and then trip Alba up for the basement DROPKICK! Katana adds a slingshot SENTON, Kayden covers, TWO! Kayden tags Katana, they double whip Alba to a corner, then Kayden runs in. Alba DUMPS Kayden out, ROCKS Katana, and she tags Piper! Katana arm-drags Alba out, then goes out to run up. Kayden gives her a boost, Katana CROSSBODIES Alba down!
The fans fire up, but Piper goes up and out?! CANNONBALL and down goes KC Squared! Piper salutes Chelsea and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Kayden rallies on Alba while the fans rally up. Kayden fires up, runs in and whips, but Alba reverses. Kayden wheelbarrows, victory rolls, then SUPERKICKS! Kayden fires up again but the fans are torn. Kayden runs in at Alba to BOOT WASH her against the ropes! Chelsea protests, Kayden kicks at her, then Kayden springboards for a LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Alba survives, Kayden whips, but Alba KICKS back! Tag to Piper, but Kayden jackknife bridges Alba! The ref explains bout the tag, Piper runs up, but Kayden moves! The SENTON hits Alba! Piper panics, Kayden tags Katana!
Katana goes up onto Kayden’s shoulders, VICTORY ROLL LAUNCHER, but Piper catches Katana! Katana fires hands, BOOTS, and then hurries to go up again. Kayden ROCKS Piper, and fireman’s carries?! SAMOAN DROP! Kayden then gives Katana the boost, for the KEG STAND SPLASH!! Cover, ALBA BREAKS IT! Kayden runs up on Alba to BOOT her out! Katana gives Kayden the boost now, SUPER CROSSBODY onto Alba! Kayden hurries to tag back in, and she brings Piper up. Piper swings, Kayden dodges and SUPERKICKS! Katana goes up, Piper staggers over that way, but Chelsea distracts the ref!
The fans are torn as Alba grabs Katana. Katana kicks Alba down, chases Chelsea off, but Piper sends Kayden into her! Piper scoops to PIPER DRIVER!! Cover, Secret Her-vice wins!
Winner: The Secret Her-vice, by pinfall
The Women’s US Champion helps her team, and now they all mug Kayden & Katana! But here comes Zelina! Vega runs down the ramp, CLOBBERS Alba, and then she gets in the ring! Zelina tilt-o-whirl DDTS Piper! And she KNEES Alba off the apron! But Chelsea CLOBBERS Zelina! Chelsea fires up, the UK is oddly with her, and she chicken wings Zeina. But Zelina fights free to fire forearms and body shots! And a BACK ELBOW! Zelina reels Chelsea in, CODE- SUPERKICK from Alba! SENTON from Piper! The Green Administration is just too much for Zelina to fight against alone! But can she, Kayden & Katana find a way to turn things around?
WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman!
Did the Mega Star just get this title back from Shinsuke Nakamura? YEAH! Did he help the Monster of All Monsters fight off Solo Sikoa’s rouge bloodline? YEAH! And now, does he have to defend this title against the monster he just helped? YEAH!! But will Knight still reign this close to WrestleMania? Or will Braun #GetTheseHands back on a championship?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it’s time for Knight’s biggest challenge, YEAH!
The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two circle. The two tie up, and Braun SHOVES Knight away. Knight comes back, Braun SHOVES him down again! Knight gets up, gets around, and he headlocks. Braun powers up to back suplex, but Knight lands out! Knight tries but Braun’s too big to suplex! Braun ELBOWS Knight, storms up on him, but Knight fires haymakers! Knight whips, Braun reverses, but Knight KICKS back! Knight runs, but Braun HIP TOSSES! Cover, TWO! Knight stays in this, but Braun brings him up. Braun puts Knight in a corner, CHOPS, then runs, for a SPLASH! Knight sputters along ropes, Braun keeps moving, but Knight DUMPS him out!
The fans fire up as Knight then WRECKS Braun with a dropkick! Knight keeps moving, and he WRECKS Braun again! The fans fire up with Knight, but then Braun BOOTS Knight down! The fans are torn but Braun stands tall as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Braun puts Knight back in the ring. The fans cheer as Knight KICKS Braun! Knight tries again, but Braun’s still too big to back suplex! Braun CLUBS Knight, then runs in at the corner. Knight BOOTS Braun, goes up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Knight and Braun rise back up, and Knight dodges a shot to JAB! Then he dodges to JAB! JAB! JAB! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” But Braun KNEES low! Braun scoops, Knight slips free, and Knight RAMS Braun into buckles! Then the BACK SUPLEX! The fans fire up and Knight rises again! Knight spells it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!
Braun has plenty left in the tank but the fans rally for Knight. Knight stands Braun up to kick low, but Braun THROWS Knight away! Knight rises, and Braun LARIATS Knight up and out! The fans fire up as Braun rips the shirt! Braun gets on the track, and he runs in, STROWMAN EXPRESS MEETS JACOB FATU!! The Samoan Werewolf strikes Braun down!
Winner: Braun Strowman, by disqualification; LA Knight retains the title
The fans boo as Jacob now goes after Knight! He just ruined what was becoming a great match, but Jacob fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT on Braun! SAMOAN DROP onto the desk!! The desk doesn’t budge, but Braun might’ve been broken in half! The UK fires up for Fatu as he puts Braun in the ring! Jacob fires more HEADBUTTS, then HEADBUTTS away on Braun in the corner! The fans sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE, FATU~, FATU~!” Jacob runs corner to corner, but Knight kicks him first! Knight fires haymakers, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Jacob denies the BFT to POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! And then HIP ATTACK for Braun anyway!
Jacob keeps going, HIP ATTACK for Braun again! Jacob throws off his jacket, glares at Braun, and he runs in for a third HIP ATTACK! Braun flounders into the drop zone, so Jacob goes up, up, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! Direct hit on Braun, but the fans want that “ONE MORE TIME!” Jacob obliges, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! The Samoan Werewolf just tore up #OneBigSOB and LA Knight, will there be no stopping him from taking the United States Championship?
Backstage interview with Jimmy Uso.
Jackie Redmond is with #BigJim, and she says that while she knew WWE was going global this month, she did not know they’d get the slap heard ’round the world! Jimmy says he’d do it again, and he’ll slap Gunther as many times as he needs! Jimmy knows Jey is up in his own head, doubt is creeping on him. But just because Jey’s 0-3 against Gunther doesn’t mean Gunther’s unbeatable! The Ring General CAN be got! Jimmy’s going to Raw this Monday, he will bust Gunther’s ass, Jey will go to Mania and bust Gunther’s ass to become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. And then they leave Las Vegas just like this: YEET!
Jimmy heads out, but then The Miz & Carmelo Hayes walk by. Miz is mocking Jimmy’s words, and he asks excuse me. Miz says it’s just funny that suddenly, Jimmy is a tough guy, even though for most of his career, he’s been “The Other Uso.” Doesn’t Jimmy get it? Jimmy and Jey are career sidekicks while Gunther is a main character. Gunther is the lead, neither Jimmy nor Jey can beat him. And here’s another thing: The Usos are just blips on the trailer that was Roman Reigns’ Bloodline. Melo says Jimmy & Jey are stuck outside the club, they can’t even get in.
Miz says as a former WWE Champion, a former WrestleMania main eventer, Jimmy will never know what it is to carry this industry. And after this year’s WrestleMania, neither will Jey. Oh, and by the way, if Jimmy ever slapped Miz like that, Jimmy would still be on the ground. Jimmy feints the slap and Miz freaks out. Jimmy says it may be him and Gunther on Monday, but he’ll holler at Aldis real quick so it can be Jimmy VS Miz here tonight. Yeah, YEET! Jimmy heads out, Melo says he thought Miz was gonna do something about the slap. Will Miz have to do something about running his mouth before he gets his teeth kicked in?
Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga find Jacob Fatu backstage.
Solo asks Jacob what the Hell he was doing out there. Jacob goes out there alone without saying a thing to them? Jacob says he ain’t gotta say nothing to nobody! Matter fact, didn’t Solo not tap in with him last week? Tama says, “But Jacob,” only for Jacob to say, “But nothing, Tama!” Solo wants Jacob to lower his tone, but Jacob says okay. Let him be very clear with them. When it comes to Braun Strowman, Jacob WILL be the last man standing. Y’all better get in where you fit in, cuz that US title? Oh, Jacob’s bringing it home to the family. And he will do it with them, or without them! Yadada mean? Fatu heads out, is the Samoan Werewolf no longer following Solo?
Naomi speaks.
“I mean… How did we even get here? I don’t know. One thing that I do know is that I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. So Bianca, what makes you think that my attack on Jade was anything different from me doing the right thing? When I sit here and I think about all that I’ve sacrificed, all that I’ve given, and that’s what really breaks my heart. Because through all of that, I’m made to be the bad one in this situation. I just don’t understand, how does Jade come in outta nowhere and take my place with you? I want you to ask yourself this, Bianca. Who inspired you? Hmm?
“Who’s inspired women over the last decade? Who’s always had your back from day one of you being here? Me. Not Jade. Hmm. But you know what? What I’ve learned through all of this: You teach people how to treat you. And I’m done with being treated as a third wheel. I’m done being pushed to the side, I’m done with being too nice, I’m done with being undervalued, underutilized, underappreciated! So moving forward, hmm… Moving forward, here’s my message to you, Jade. If you continue to be in my way, I strongly advise you to proceed with caution.” The Glow shows her dark side, but will the storm be moved?
Nick Aldis meets with Jade Cargill.
Speaking of, the SmackDown General Manager understands things have been rather difficult for her as of late. Jade says she’s been trying to get her hands on Naomi for the past few weeks, now where is she? No one has seen her all day, so as far as anyone knows, Naomi’s not here. Well, when Jade catches Naomi, it’s on sight. Jade leaves, B-Fab & Michin are there. They let her know that what Naomi did to her was straight trash, totally uncalled for behavior. And after Jade gets her hands on Naomi, she’ll handle that business. Jade agrees. Mia says they’ve all got business to handle. Jade’s got Naomi, and Mia’s gonna get Charlotte for messing with her girl, B.
B-Fab says Naomi’s got what’s coming to her: no sympathy, no regrets. Jade, just do what you gotta do. Oh, she will. Jade also wishes Mia luck tonight. Mia & B-Fab head out, will the Head Baddie in Charge make the Queen bow down in London?
The darkness approaches.
“You are as I was. As I am, you will be.” The shadows are starting to take shape, but is SmackDown about to fade to black?
Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab!
The Queen looks down on everyone, so it’s no surprise that everyone else wants to take her down. Charlotte may have checked off B-Fab, but will the HBIC be a much different story? Or will Charlotte only sharpen her edge before facing Tiffany Stratton at WrestleMania?
WAIT! NAOMI ATTACKS B-FAB & MICHIN! Naomi drags Mia up for a FACEBUSTER! Naomi rains down fists, the ref reprimands and the fans boo, but Naomi tells the ref to back off. Naomi then BOOTS B-Fab off the apron! Naomi goes out after B-Fab to THRWO her into barriers! Naomi SLAPS B-Fab, tells her to stay down, but B-Fab gets up. Naomi fires hands, then she SMACKS B-Fab off the desk! Naomi rains down fists, but here comes Jade! Jade hurries down the ramp, she runs around the way, but Naomi runs away! Jade makes sure B-Fab is okay, but refs have to help her to the back. And what of Mia? Will she even be able to compete?
Charlotte makes her entrance, not really caring about what Naomi just did to Mia. But that means she also crosses paths with Jade. The fans like the look of this stare down, but Jade and Charlotte both let the other slide. Charlotte gets her pyro, and it seems she’ll still get her match. Will Mia be little more than an appetizer now?
The bell rings, and Charlotte BOOTS Mia down! Cover, TWO! Mia stays in this and the fans rally up. Charlotte just struts around while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Charlotte has Mia down with a chinlock, but the fans rally up. Mia fights up, fires body shots, and she then blocks a shot to ROCK Charlotte! Mia ROCKS Charlotte again and again, then reels her in for a TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up as Mia hurries to cover, TWO! Mia drags Charlotte up, wrenches, but Charlotte says no to Da Feet! BIG back suplex! Mia stagger sup, Charlotte whips her, but Mia reverses! Charlotte goes up and out, BOOTS her away, then slingshots in and rolls Mia! Mia rolls through and BUZZSAWS! Mia runs corner to corner, but Charlotte avoids the cannonball!
Charlotte YAKUZA KICKS Mia down, then fires herself up! The fans “WOO~!” as Charlotte has Mia in the drop zone,. Charlotte steps on her, goes up the corner, but Mia gets underneath her! SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Charlotte survives and Mia is shocked! Mia nods as the fans rally back up, and she brings Charlotte up. But Charlotte ROCKS Mia! Mia SOBATS, PELES, and then runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Charlotte stays in this, Mia grows frustrated, but the fans continue to rally. Mia uses that energy to stay focused, and she stalks Charlotte to waistlock. But Charlotte ELBOWS her away!
Charlotte CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOSP! Charlotte winds up, and she CHOPS again! Mia sputters, but then she dodges the boot! Charlotte is caught, and Mia hits a SAIDO! Charlotte flounders to a corner, the fans rally behind Mia, and Mia runs up, CANNONBALL! Mia hurries to wrench and EAT- NO, Charlotte shoves Mia away! Charlotte gets under, back suplexes, but Mia lands out! EAT DA FEET!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Charlotte’s long legs help her survive by a literal foot! Mia is beside herself while Charlotte bails out. Mia storms after Charlotte, runs up, but Charlotte dodges! Mia’s kick hits steel steps!
Mia hobbles away, goes to the apron, but Charlotte CHOP BLOCKS the bad leg out! Charlotte grabs Mia’s leg, drops a KNEE on the knee, but fans chant, “We Want Tiffy!” Charlotte just steps through, FIGURE FOUR, into FIGURE EIGHT!! Mia taps, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
Charlotte got more of a fight out of Mia than expected, but she still won. Will The Queen be more than ready to reign again after WrestleMania?
Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.
Jackie Redmond is with the WWE Women’s Champion and says Charlotte certainly looks confident. Let’s be real, Charlotte came at Tiff pretty hard. It got a lot of people talking. Tiff says yes, people talk. And Charlotte sure loves to hear herself talk. Ten years into the business and Charlotte is still so insecure that she can’t let a “rookie” get a word out. But last week, Tiff did learn something: She learned that walking into WrestleMania, she isn’t the one with something to lose. Truth is, if Tiff loses, then she lost to the great Charlotte Flair, as just a 25-year-old rookie with one year into SmackDown.
But if Charlotte loses… Well, then she lost to an “undeserving, delusional, unoriginal, backflip doing, blonde-hair-having, little girl.” Did she get it all? And Tiff can’t wait to hear the look on Charlotte’s face when they hear the words, “And STILL!” Then maybe Charlotte will finally shut up for the sake of literally everyone! They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, and Tiff will make damn sure what stays is Charlotte’s massive ego. Tiff is walking into and out of Mania as the WWE Women’s Champion. Tootles! Tiff heads out, will it still be #TiffyTime after WrestleMania?
Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre!
The Viper told Cody how proud he was, but also how he wants the next shot after John Cena. The Scottish Terminator took offense to that, and basically said he is taking that shot instead. Will this match be an unofficial #1 contender’s match between these two former world champions?
SmackDown returns and McIntyre makes his entrance. The bell rings and the fans sing, “OH~, Drew McIntyre~!” and chant “R K O! R K O!” Drew and Orton circle, tie up, and they go around in a deadlock. Drew powers Orton to a corner, but Orton headlocks back. Drew powers up and out, then he runs Orton over! Orton hurries to ropes and Drew mockingly asks, “How’s the back feel, Randy?” Orton stands, he and Drew reset, and the fans duel some more. Drew calls for a knuckle lock, Orton accepts, but then Drew kicks low! Drew bumps Orton off buckles, then climbs up, but he panders for too long and Orton YANKS him down!
The fans fire up as Orton climbs now! Orton rains down fists, and the fans count to nine. Orton hops down, brings Drew around, and POSTS him for ten! Drew tumbles out of the ring, Orton goes out after him, and they’re by the desk! But Drew kicks Orton first and SMACKS him off the desk! Drew clears the desk, and he brings Orton up for the DESK- NO, Orton fights free! Orton turns things around, DESK BACK SUPLEX for Drew! The fans fire up while Orton leaves Drew behind, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew writhes on the floor, but Orton goes out to fetch him! Orton brings Drew around, UPPERCUTS him, then says one more time! DESK BACK SUPLEX! Drew writhes as that desk stays standing! Orton grins, refreshes the ring count, and then he storms up on Drew. Drew pokes Orton in the eye! Drew POSTS Orton now, then brings him around to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP into barriers! Orton slumps down, and Drew also grits his teeth from that double-edged attack, but Drew fires up as he stands tall. Drew drags Orton up, puts him in the ring, then stalks Orton. Drew looms over Orton, and HIP DROPS him!
Orton sputters, Drew says one more time, and he winds up for the HIP DROP! Drew paces around Orton, says maybe one more time, and he pretends he can’t hear the fans. Drew winds up again, but Orton flips over! Hip drop meets kneecaps! And then Orton pokes Drew in the eyes! The ref reprimands but Orton rises up. Drew sputters and flounders, Orton ROCKS him with a right! Drew ROCKS Orton back! Drew storms up, Orton kicks low, but Drew fires another haymaker! The haymakers go back and forth, Orton gets the edge, but Drew GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTTS! Cover, TWO! Drew clamps onto Orton with an armlock!
SmackDown returns to single picture and the fans rally up. Orton fights up, pries at the chinbar, and then throws right hands! Drew CHOPS Orton in return! The fans “WOO~” and Drew winds up. Drew ROCKS Orton again, eggs him on, then CHOPS again! Drew shoves Orton to a corner, CHOPS again, then dares Orton to fight! Drew whips corner to corner, but Orton comes back to LARIAT! And LARIAT! Drew swings, Orton dodges, SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up as Orton stalks Drew to the apron. Drew HOTSHOTS Orton first! Drew then runs in, but Orton puts him through the ropes!
The fans fire up as Orton has Drew for the DRAPING DDT! The fans fire up for Orton, and Orton hears those voices! Drew rises, but then Orton spots KEVIN OWENS! The Prizefighter is on the ramp, Orton glares at him, but then he turns around into a CLAYMORE!! Cover, DREW WINS!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
Kevin’s mere presence costs Orton, and now Drew has a huge win propelling him down the Road to WrestleMania! As for Orton, Kevin drags him out of the ring, SMACKS him off the desk, and then climbs up to join him! The fans boo but Kevin and his hot pink sneakers have Orton in position, but Orton slips free and TRIPS Kevin up! Kevin hits the desk then the floor! Orton staggers around, the fans rally behind him, and Orton stalks Kevin to the corner of the barriers. Orton lines up the shot! Orton runs in, but Kevin jumps over barriers! Security is there to stop Orton from pursuing, so Kevin runs away into the night!
The fans boo, but The Viper was that close! Will Orton be able to strike Kevin down and completely take him out?
Fire, thunder, smoke…
The force of nature is drawing ever closer. And he’s ready to fly! REY FENIX arrives next Friday Night SmackDown!
Jimmy Uso VS The Miz!
#BigJim gave Gunther a piece of his mind and a mark on his cheek, but it seems not everyone got the message. Will the Hollywood A-lister soon star in the Uso Penitentiary? Or will he prove Jimmy is NOT ready for a world champion level opponent?
The bell rings and the two tie up. Jimmy powers Miz to a corner, Miz turns things around, and the ref counts. Miz takes a swing, Jimmy ducks it to CHOP! And CHOP! Miz shoves Jimmy back, then runs up, but Jimmy TACKLES Miz! Jimmy rains down fists, Miz shoves him away to go to ropes, but Jimmy storms back up. Miz ELBOWS Jimmy away, then runs back up, only for Jimmy to LARIAT him down! The fans fire up while Jimmy storms up on Miz. Jimmy CHOPS Miz, has him in a corner, then whips corner to corner. Miz reverses, Jimmy goes up and over, then UPPERCUTS! Miz staggers back to ropes, but Jimmy is right on him.
Jimmy whips, Miz reverses and kitchen sink knees! Then basement BOOTS! The fans fire up, Miz scowls, and Miz KNEES Jimmy in the back again and again. Miz stalks Jimmy to the ropes now, and he CHOKES Jimmy! The ref counts, Miz runs, and Miz STRADDLE ATTACKS! The fans boo, but Miz runs again. Jimmy ducks the boot, then dodges a lariat! Jimmy runs up to LARIAT Miz up and out! The fans fire up and Jimmy builds speed, but Miz runs away! Jimmy smirks as he goes out the side, and UPPERCUTS Miz over the barriers! Jimmy makes sure Gunther knows he’s coming to get him, but SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and both men are down. Miz and Jimmy crawl, and Jimmy pounds the mat. The fans rally, Jimmy rises and runs up to LARIAT! And LARIAT! And mule kick! Jimmy then UPPERCUTS Miz, dodges a lariat, then SAMOAN DROPS! The fans fire up, Jimmy goes to the corner, “UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs in, but Miz puts him on the apron! Jimmy UPPERCUTS again! Jimmy climbs, leaps, but Miz gets under! Miz then waistlocks, ripcords, and MOVIE MAKER! Fans boo that blatant parody, but Miz full nelsons! Jimmy drops, victory rolls, TWO! Miz has the cover, TWO! Miz hurries to BASEMENT DDT! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally up as Jimmy survives! Miz stalks Jimmy, the fans rally up more, and Miz fires a KICK! And then another KICK! The fans say “YES! YES! YES!” to the It Kicks, but then Miz winds up. Jimmy ducks the buzzsaw, Miz blocks the superkick, but the DRAGON WHIP connects! Miz rebounds to B-MOVIE KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! The parodies don’t get it done, but Miz still has his original work to fall back on. The fans rally for “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Miz runs in, A-LIST LARIAT! Miz shoves Jimmy down, then springboards, but into a SUPERKICK! Jimmy hurries up top, for the USO SPLASH!! Cover, Jimmy wins!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Miz may be a movie star, but Big Jim’s the one winning this main event! Jimmy then borrows Joe Tessitore’s headset to call out Gunther! He’s coming after dat ass on Monday! Gunther won’t be the ring general, he will be “Private Gunther,” and he will salute Big Jim! Uh, uh, YEET! Will Jimmy be the one making examples out of the World Heavyweight Champion? Or will everything come crashing down when Gunther gets his turn?
Drew McIntyre returns backstage.
And he says hey to Lewis Capaldi, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, and also a big fan of Drew’s. They’re ready to have a good night in the pub, but Jackie Redmond walks over to congratulate him on the win tonight. She was hoping to get some thoughts on that victory and what happened with Orton and Kevin. Drew says it’s alright, this is what happens. He doesn’t care about anybody else’s business, but no one gets away with screwing him over. And when no one meddles in his business, he wins! Drew called out Priest, where is he? Priest doesn’t have the balls! So time to get mad in the pubs, everyone’s invited!
Drew turns the corner, but PRIEST IS THERE! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the door, then throws him into road cases! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the trunk of a car, and then again! Or since it’s London, “the boot.” The driver complains, but Priest BODY SLAMS that guy through a table! Drew comes back to KNEE Priest low, SMACK him off the trunk, and then off the side! They go to the hood, or bonnet for UK. Drew drags Priest up, but Priest CLAWS Drew’s eyes! Priest then sends Drew SOUTH OF HEAVEN through the windshield! Priest tells security that he’s done for now. Any more jokes, Drew? Didn’t think so! RIP, jackass!
Priest leaves, the producers hurry to help Drew, and Drew’s got glass in his eye! Will that glass help Drew see why he shouldn’t piss off the Punisher?
CM Punk heads to gorilla.
He has a security detail with him, and he passes by Drew writhing in pain. Punk chuckles, then continues on. Will his contract signing with Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins be just as brutal? We find out, after the break.
Nick Aldis is in the ring.
The SmackDown General Manager welcomes us back, and says it is his honor and privilege to be here in the O2 in London. Now, we all know why he and this table is here, and why additional security is here tonight. Tonight, we are here to sign a contract for a Triple Threat. Perhaps the biggest Triple Threat in the history of WrestleMania: Seth Rollins VS CM Punk VS Roman Reigns! The fans cheer all those names, and here comes the OTC! London puts the ones up, and Paul Heyman accompanies THE Tribal Chief out on stage. Roman raises his finger to the sky for the pyro, then security follows him to the ring.
SmackDown goes picture in picture as Roman’s entrance continues, and he raises his finger to the sky for the second round of pyro. Roman steps into the ring, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Heyman hands him a mic. The fans sing, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!” Roman nods, the fans cheer, and now they chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman tells London, “ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” The fans cheer again, and again chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman smiles, but he sees the chairs are not to his liking. Heyman makes sure to put one at the head of the table. Heyman also dusts the chair off while Roman enjoys the singing of, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!”
Roman takes a seat and says that was beautiful. The way they sing to their Tribal Chief, it’s just beautiful. The singing continues, and Heyman even joins in! Roman smiles, and he says that is what he’s talking about. That’s the OTC for you, baby! The biggest star on the planet! The OTC came here for two reasons. One: to be acknowledged; check! And two: to sign this contract. Roman does just that, and he says he’s checked both boxes. That means- “BURN IT DOWN!” Seth Rollins interrupts! The fans now sing, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Rollins struts out in his red wine paisley suit and conducts the O2 Choir all the way into the ring.
The fans cheer while Roman frowns, but Rollins takes the seat to Roman’s left. Rollins offers Heyman a chance to sing to this song, but Heyman frowns. Rollins chuckles, and he says the fans do have beautiful singing voices. He doesn’t know why Roman is in such a hurry to leave, though! This is their building! There’s a lot of history here! 12 years ago, they landed on the roof of this place in a helicopter! They came down those stairs over there, “ready to burn down the old guard!” They put the Undertaker down through the desk, and they were going to remake this company in their image!
Now don’t get him wrong, Rollins knows a lot has happened since then. They fought against each other, with each other, a little bit of love and a whole lot of hate. But Rollins dare says, as the fans continue to sing “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~,” that Rollins and Roman accomplished their mission. The fans start to chant for CM Punk, but Rollins tunes them out. Roman says, “We? We? You keep saying we. Our mission? We died a long time ago. It’s only been ME. You been here, but I done all the work! I’ve made this place what it is today! I took us to the level that we are here today! I made this place better than we found it!
“I’m the one that made us desirable to Netflix! I’m the one that took us into billion-dollar deals! Tell me, what have you done?” Rollins shouts, “I’ll tell you what I’ve done! YOU, YOU, YOU, it’s that mindset that keeps me having to screw you! You understand that? And your biggest mistake is not understanding the danger that’s right in front of us! The danger that’s right in front of you! You let the biggest snake in the world, CM Punk, into the garden! And you could’ve cut his head off at WarGames! But instead, you shook his hand. You could’ve let me finish him inside the cage at The Garden, but you didn’t. And now, I am left to do what I always do: Clean up your mess, again.”
Rollins drops his mic, picks up the pen, and signs his part. And now, here comes CM PUNK! The fans fire up and sing along with Cult of Personality, then join in on saying, “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME~!” Punk goes to the ring, but as he grabs a mic, he goes up a corner, just like he did last Friday. “I have come here to chew bubblegum and sign a contract. And I’m all outta bubblegum.” The fans cheer the Rowdy Roddy Piper reference, and Punk hops down to take his seat on Roman’s right. Punk looks over said contract, but Roman asks if Punk needs a highlighter or something. What’s he doing? Just go to page four, clause five.
Punk does as Roman says, but Roman says Punk needs to hurry, this is precious TV time. Punk reads the segment, Roman tells Heyman to just smarten Punk up. Heyman tells Punk he knows what Punk is looking for. It is in there. They’re closing the show at WrestleMania. The fans go wild hearing that! Heyman tells Punk that he gets to live his dream of dreams. CM Punk will be a WrestleMania main eventer! The fans cheer and while Roman smiles, Rollins is furious. Roman says, “One man’s dream is another man’s favor! CHECK!” Wait, this was the favor? Rollins says no! This is not something to laugh at, and Punk does not get to tear up!
Punk is NOT deserving! He does NOT deserve this! The fans boo but Rollins continues to throw a fit! Main eventing WrestleMania is SACRED, the most important thing in the world to Rollins! More than anything! Except the fact that Punk NEVER gets to main event! This is all Roman’s fault! This is all Heyman’s fault! Rollins THROWS his mic down, paces angrily, but Punk picks up the mic. The fans cheer Punk on again, and Punk stands to thank London, to thank Chicago, to thank Louisville, Kentucky, and to thank ALL the fans. As corny as it sounds, he thanks the WWE Universe who stood by him and chanted his name for TEN LONG YEARS!
Roman says hold on, hold on. Punk shouldn’t be thanking the fans! He should be thanking the Tribal Chief! It is because of Roman that Punk gets this honor! So please, take this moment, close the show with that acknowledgement! Do this the right way. The credits are already rolling as Punk kneels before Roman!? Punk smiles, and he thanks “My Tribal Chief, the holder of the ula fala, the Head of the Table, the… Big Dog? Thank you for allowing a kid from Chicago to be graced by your presence. Thank you, My Tribal Chief, for allowing me to stand in your ring. And thank you so much. Thank you, Roman Reigns, so very much.
“But because of you, I will see you in the main event of WrestleMania.” And again, Rollins is agonizing over this. Punk finishes putting his signature on the contract, and London tells him, “You Deserve It!” Punk thanks Roman again, and then says, “But that’s not the favor that I’m owed.” WHAT?! Roman looks at Heyman and Heyman can’t look him in the eye! If getting this Triple Threat made into the main event isn’t the gift of the Wise Man, then what is?!
My Thoughts:
A good SmackDown, but they pulled off quite the paradox. They made it feel like they were struggling to fill three hours, yet they also filled the show to the point where that contract signing segment was almost bleeding over the three hour mark. Ironically, part of the problem was just how excited the London crowd was for this. The superstars still wanted to enjoy the chants and songs, but that’s time SmackDown doesn’t have to spare. It made the opening promo from Cody, Orton and Drew take longer, and it kinda did the same to the contract signing at the end. Even so, we still got a very good promo, and good stuff to set up Orton VS McIntyre.
Orton VS McIntyre was a great match, but of course Kevin costs Orton. McIntyre gets his win, Kevin and Orton have a bit of a brawl, but of course Kevin ends up on the losing end and runs off. McIntyre’s trash talk also comes back to bite him as Priest gets the better of him in their brawl. Here’s hoping Drew didn’t actually get glass in his eye, but that being the thing in kayfabe can be some good stuff. I can imagine McIntyre with an eyepatch, and he takes it off at the opportune time to get the better of Priest in their match. Also what a fitting choice for Punk to be passing by Drew suffering because of real glass.
Very good title matches tonight, but of course the status quo was kept. Pretty Deadly gets to look great here in London, but the Profits only just got the belts, they’re not going to be transitional champions like that. And Knight VS Braun was really good stuff, but honestly, Jacob Fatu going after them both should’ve been a given. Jacob also had a great promo with Solo & Tama to start adding to that divide between Jacob and Solo. I would hope Solo doesn’t screw Jacob out of the US Championship, but it feels like he will as Solo won’t stand for Jacob defying his authority, even though Solo’s been trying to make Jacob the champion all along.
Very good stuff from Jimmy Uso tonight, from his promo with #MeloDon’tMiz and then a great match with Miz. Their match ended up the de facto main event match, so that’s also great for both guys. Great win for Jimmy, but that’s likely because Jimmy is losing big time to Gunther on Monday. And it might just be me, but it feels like only now is the Jey VS Gunther build really moving, largely in part because Jimmy got involved. Jimmy’s promo after his match is something along the lines of what Jey should be saying. But I suppose as brothers, Jimmy is the one who knows Jey best and knows what Jey needs to be motivated again. And seeing Jimmy get beat up by Gunther will definitely motivate Jey…
Good final vignettes for Rey Fenix and Aleister Black. I’m a little surprised they confirmed Rey Fenix is showing up next week, and that they confirmed who Rey Fenix even is. I believe commentary confirmed Rey Fenix is Penta’s real brother, even namedropped “Lucha Brothers,” but all that is still surprising considering Fenix is going to start on SmackDown. Aleister’s vignette (at least I am fairly confident it’s his) was giving us glimpses of his silhouette, but I think there was usage of AI in the snake imagery. It was fine they did it for El Grande Americano because that is all trolling, but they really should try and do things the old fashioned way of photoshop and stock imagery.
Very good stuff in the Women’s Division tonight, though the WWE Women’s Championship portion was the weaker. Naomi’s got a great Heel persona going, her promo was great, and her going after B-Fab & Michin over them supporting Jade was a great detail. Jade runs Naomi off, helps B-Fab, but there was no helping Michin in being fed to Charlotte. Tiffany had a decent promo, and it does fit how Charlotte kept her from speaking so she finally gets things out here. It didn’t really add that much, though, but they already gave us a great brawl so not sure what more they can give.
KC Squared VS The Secret Her-vice was a very good match, but of course Chelsea made sure her team won. A Six Woman Tag of Zelina & KC Squared VS The Green Administration is certainly coming, to help give us Zelina VS Chelsea for the Women’s US Championship.
My Score: 8.7/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 3.27.2025
Bad news out of the TNA management side, but this is a taped episode from El Paso! So we won’t see any of the fallout just yet!

Now we all heard the news about the TNA change in hierarchy, and I…have no positive outlook on that. Delirious sucked at booking and creative in the dying days of ROH before it got bought as a B show. Dreamer having even more control is concerning because his ideas the last two years haven’t been much better.
Gail leaving makes more sense to me. Be it firing or a “you can’t quit, you’re fired” kind of situation, the Knockouts division is the worst it’s been in a long time and Gail was close with Scott D’Amore. So I don’t think Gail parting ways is as big of a problem since TNA has slowly been bleeding out with the Scott faithful.
Granted, I think the next few shows were already taped before the firing so things shouldn’t be completely unwatchable for at least a week or two. So let’s see where we’re going.
.@WeAreRosemary sends @XiaBrookside a CHILLING message!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/srciTTbel0
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Ratings:
- Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge: Ash wins via Rarefied Air – ** 1/4
- Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr: Chavo wins via Gory Bomb into Frog Splash – *** 1/4
- Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich: Masha wins via Russian Death Device – ***
- Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin: Eric wins via Piledriver – ** 1/2
- Seto & Mokuba – I mean – Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater: Nic wins via Danger Zone – *** 1/4
Results:
Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge
Ash and Gigi start off, Gigi with a little Rascalz after her first takedown. So both her and Wentz are making it obvious something’s going on between them, and I’m not mad at it. Good for my man Wentz.
Tatum and Gigi get some quick tandem offense in, Ash does manage to scurry off to a tag and Heather gets bent into a Pretzel. Some kind of Inverted Tarantula from Tatum, Gigi tags in, Bronco Buster on Heather followed by Kawada Kicks. Heather sells against the ropes, Gigi goes for a Hesitation Dropkick, but Concierge pulls her away so Gigi crashes and burns. Ref is distracted, Ash gets in some cheap shots and then the Elegant duo starts working over Gigi. A few quick tags, but once Heather comes in, Gigi fights out of the corner, gets the hot tag to Tatum. Tatum stacks up both Elegance members, Corner Stacked Crossbody, Butterfly Suplex and an Elbow Drop with some some flare. Tatum goes to the top rope, Heather pulls Gigi off the apron, Concierge shoves Tatum off the turnbuckle and Ash hits Rarefied Air for the win.
Post match the Elegance Clique wants to make their wish with the cake, they light the candles and Tatum and Gigi recover enough to do what we all expected last week, the cake in the face spot. Some…suggestive licking from both of our Hot Topic Hotties, so…no complaints here.
.@Ashamae_Sebera, @Heathereckless and @IamGeorgeIceman are having a meltdown!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/FnKwPqm2ff
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr
Chavo and Kaz start since he’s King Petty, a quick rope run turns into a Headscissor from Chavo. Kaz recovers, they lock up, Kaz hits the Knee Lift during the lock up to tag out to KC. KC pulls off some athletic dodges, gloats a bit so Chavo waits, measures and nails a gorgeous Dropkick. Laredo comes in on fire, quick high spots that send KC bouncing around like HBK against Hulk. KC powders after sells the Satellite Takedown, AJ checks on him and we go to commercial.
Back from commercial, Octagon is lighting up KC’s chest with overhand chops, he perches, Sunset Headscissor Flip from corner to corner, KC tries to Back Drop him but Octagon does a headstand, kicks KC away and lays him out with a high spot. AJ gets on the apron to stop Octagon from running the ropes, the referee has a stroke or something because he stops paying attention and AJ pulls Octagon out of the ring and chucks him. KC with the Tope con Hilo and tag (tag ropes haven’t mattered since the 80s we all know this). So AJ is getting taunted by the crowd in Spanish, but he’s manhandling Octagon since it looks like a Child fighting their parent. AJ knocks off Chavo and Laredo, Laredo pops up and tries to get involved but he’s caught on the shoulders, Octagon goes for the Crossbody but gets caught and AJ pulls off “World’s Strongest Wasteland” but Chavo breaks up the pinfall. AJ throws Octagon into the corner, Tennessee Whiskey, and tag out to KC. KC hits a few moves, but starts to lose the momentum until he connects with a Super Kick. Simultaneous rope run into the Dueling Crossbodies, so we get the timely tag outs from both sides. Kaz and Laredo come in, Laredo lands like two moves before Kaz hits a Sole Butt, Lariat and eats his lunch. KC and Kaz try to double team Laredo but he fights out and the crowd is chanting for Chavo.
Chavo tags in, and he’s rocking KC, Saito Suplex, Low Bridge to AJ, Reverse the Whip so Chavo goes to the corner and perches, KC feeds, Chavo Backflips to safety, rolls through and lays out KC. Chavo is feeling himself, 3 Amigos start on KC but only 2, Kaz comes in and Chavo switches to Kaz for the Amigos, only 2 again before AJ breaks it up. AJ goes for the disrespect, but Chavo counters and hits the 3 Amigos on the biggest Culero. Aztec Warriors dive to stop AJ and Kaz, KC tries a Dirty Victory Roll but Chavo kicks out. GORY BOMB into FROG SPLASH!
Chavo looked fantastic and he’s the one in the best shape in the ring. I wouldn’t be mad at more Chavito.
Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich
I expect very little from this match.
Collar and Elbow, gator rolling for the first 30 seconds or so, then Jacy goes to some Hair Pull takedowns and does a little taunt before Masha pops back up and hits a Lariat into a Dive. Jacy sells it like she’s really hurt, even the ref tries to hold Masha back a little before Masha gets annoyed and just grabs her, Masha throws her in, looks for a Dive and Jacy sees it and powders. Masha tries to go back to the well for the Dive again but Jacy hits the Uppercut and then an Apron Run PK to drop Masha. Forearms rain down into a Foot Choke as Jacy continues to arrogantly play to the crowd. Another Foot Choke into a Cannonball, and near fall.
Masha gets space with a Sole Butt, tries to snap off Requiem but Jacy fights off, fights through a Sunset Flip another effective PK keeps Masha on her ass. Jacy looks for a kinda half-assed Camel Clutch as Masha is fighting up, but Jacy runs her into the corner, gets distracted mouthing off to the crowd, so Masha recovers, 5 Hole Up Kick sends Jacy into the corner, Yakuza Kick into Capo Kick for two. Requiem attempt again, but Jacy pushes off, a little back and forth, Masha tries a Backslide but Jacy gets away and hits a V-Trigger but only a 2 count. Jacy looks for the Discus Punch but Masha ducks it, they strike back and forth, but some dodges from both leave the exchange more even. Jacy with the Front Kick to the face sends Masha to the outside. Jacy wants another PK, but Masha blocks, Electric Chair Apron Snake Eyes. Masha throws her in, a PK into a near all. Requiem attempt 3, and thwarted from Jacy with a Superkick into a Neckbreaker. Senton misses from Jacy, Buzzsaw Kick, into Spinning Back Kick and Russian Death Device for the win.
Better than I expected, and Tessa attacks as soon as the bell rings. Xia Brookside and Lei Ying Li make the save after Tessa grabs the belt.
Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin
Ace and Eric tie up, World of Sport start but as soon as Ace starts to get away EY punches him in the face. Eric looks at the camera and says “This is what trust looks like”, turns his back on Ace, when Ace looks to attack, the loser duo cut him off. EY takes advantage of the weird situation, but Ace with some Up and Over quick spots, into an Inside Cradle and La Magistral. EY kicks out of the quick flash attempts, but eats a Dropkick, and Ace goes all Speed Kils on him with fast strikes and then a face buster for another near fall. Strike spot very early in the match, Ace gets the best of it, goes for a Tear Drop Suplex but EY sits on it to block, Headlocks to keep him close and then a snap Lariat into beatdown bully tactics. EY takes the referee’s attention and one of the nerds punch Ace in the face.
Eric tries to lean on Ace, but Ace fires, a few strikes, Click Click Boom, the Miz Seated Lariats in the corner, Mochizuki Triangle Kick connects! Only a 2 count, but Ace seems to be in control. Ace puts EY on the ropes, a few strikes to keep him rocked, wants a Superplex, but EY blocks, bites the face and Macho Elbow gets a very close two count. EY tries the Piledriver but Ace turns it into a Jacknife Cradle,Spinning Heel Kick, calls for The Fold, but the losers hop on the apron to distract, Ace attacks them. Ace tries to time out the Triangle Kick again, but Eric dodges, throws Ace head first through the buckles. As Ace stumbles out of the corner, Piledriver, and it’s over.
Oh look it’s the “we’ll hear from Joe Hendry” segment. Again, I’ve loved this gimmick since Day 1, even didn’t hate his What Culture Pro stuff, but there is such a thing as milking a cow too much.
Elijah interrupts the whole “Who’s next” speech. When Elijah comes out he says he’s not the challenger and he believes in Joe. The crowd wants Elijah to turn on Hendry. Elijah pauses for a moment, and starts proving his friendship with stating his favorite color and a little “You Got a Friend in Me”. The crowd is into singing along and waving their cameras like Lighters to a 30 year old song. THANKFULLY Kaz breaks up the hug fest. Now he gets the “Culero” chant.
Kaz pulls out a Bass…what the hell is this Jam Session. Kaz has to warm up so he plays “La Cucaracha” on the bass. Kaz…is a national treasure. Hendry kicks Kaz out of the ring after his Heelish and playfully racially charged song choices. Kaz tries to sow dissension, but Joe and Elijah pinball Kaz between them. Kaz slips a power move and tries to shove Elijah into Joe but Elijah puts the brakes on, a small tense moment. But then Joe and Elijah play “Nah Nah Nah Nah, Hey Hey, Goodbye”…and that goes right into a commercial. Oddly…perfect.
Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater
Nic shoots the half immediately for a flash pinfall but Leon kicks out at one. Nic continues to keep things grounded with his amateur wrestling skills, and then does a little Dolph Ziggler show off. So Nic isn’t really taking this seriously, and Leon starts getting the best of things with an Arm Wringer, into drag, Shoulder Tackle and rope run as Nic tries to Leap Frog and Leon puts on the brakes and just shoves Nic on his ass. Nic gets annoyed, a few strikes, grinds his face along the ropes, but Leon keeps stringing some offense together, Back Handspring Elbow into his Corner con Hilo.
Ahh the classic formula of the commercial gives the heel the advantage, Twisting Suplex from Leon stops Nic’s offense momentum, right hand, Leon lifts Nic up for something, Nic slips it, kicks him in the gut, looks for the FameAsser, but Leon catches him into a Blue Thunder Bomb variation. Slater wants the Swanton 450, but Nic powders. Leon tries to adjust into a Dive, but Nic cuts him off, counter for counter and a FameAsser out of the counters for a two count. Nic starts the big brother tactics, bootwashes and arrogance, Slater fires, punches into a Yakuza Kick. Leon wants another Lethal Injection variant, but Nic catches him into a Rear Naked Choke. Slater tries to turn it into a pin so Nic breaks it. Leon wants a Leg Lariat but misses and gets unceremoniously dropped by Nic. Nic puts Leon up on the buckles, Superplex possibly but Slater counters, tries to collect himself for a move, but Nic falls into the ropes to crotch Leon, and finally hits the Superplex.
Twist of Slate from Leon, Swanton 450 but knees get up. Locomotion Cradles from both but they kick out, Ryan picks the ankle to trip up Leon just a touch and then Danger Zone ends the match.
Ryan starts the post match beatdown, but the Hardy’s music hits and they come down to the ring for the save. Matt challenges the Nemeths for Rebellion because they’re not medically cleared yet.
Overall Score: 6.5/10
Decent story motion, no match was offensive, and there was actually some solid match action for television standards. I don’t have a ton to complain about aside from the Knockouts Division is in a weird spot, and giving Hendry a lot of just talking and hollow payoff segments feels stupid. If we need to hear from him every week, give him a talk segment like Highlight Reel or something. Yes I know First Class just got The Penthouse, but if Hendry is going to talk more than wrestle, give him a talk segment for us to sink our teeth into.
There was the announcement that Xia, Lei Ying and Masha will face Tessa, Jacy and a mystery partner. So you gotta wonder if there’s going to be another NXT mercenary, a surprise return or if it’ll just be Rosemary since she’s got her issues with Xia. Also I just realized that Unbreakable is going to be on a Thursday, seemingly after iMPACT? I’m gonna have to see how they do it, because if there’s an Impact episode and 2-3 hour PLE…I do not want to be awake until 1am. People need to work, and I will be Unwakeable if things go that long.
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