Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (12/17/21)
The Tribal Chief returns!
Paul Heyman, you got some ‘splaining to do!
If Roman Reigns watched SmackDown last week, he knows his Special Counsel fired up Brock Lesnar like back in the day! Will Heyman be in hot water for it?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Sasha Banks & Toni Storm VS Shotzi Blackheart & Charlotte Flair; Banks & Storm win.
- The Viking Raiders VS Jinder Mahal & Shanky; The Viking Raiders win.
- Ridge Holland w/ Sheamus VS Cesaro; Holland wins.
- Naomi VS Shayna Baszler w/ Sonya Deville; Naomi wins.
- The New Day VS The Usos; The New Day wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Paul Heyman waits with the Universal Championship belt.
The Special Counsel is waiting at the driveway into the arena for the Head of the Table to arrive in Chicago’s All State Arena.
Sasha Banks & Toni Storm VS Shotzi Blackheart & Charlotte Flair!
When #BossTime & #ToniTime team up, it’s a good time! But when the wild child has The Queen backing her up, will Sasha & Toni be welcomed to a royal ball pit?
The teams sort out, Toni and Shotzi start and fans rally up. They tie up, go around, and then they break. Things get heated, they tie up again, and Toni gets a headlock. Toni hits a headlock takeover, but Shotzi pushes back with forearms. Shotzi gets the headscissors, but Toni moves around, hops and pops free. Shotzi gets up and the two reset. They tie up again, Toni wrenches to a wristlock, but Shotzi spins, wrenches, and ELBOW BREAKER! Shotzi has a wristlock, Toni rolls, kips up and breaks free to kick low. Toni whips, BOOTS Shotzi down, then drags her over to tag in Sasha. Fans fire up as Toni and Sasha double whip, but Shotzi tags out to Charlotte!
Fans “WOO~!” for the Queen as Charlotte and Sasha circle. They tie up, Charlotte puts Sasha in a corner but Sasha goes up the corner. Charlotte lets off, Sasha boots Charlotte! Sasha goes up and RANAS Charlotte down! Sasha then wheelbarrows, victory rolls, TWO! Body scissors, TWO! Sasha CHOPS Charlotte, tags Toni, and Toni stomps away! Toni fires forearms, EuroUppers, but Charlotte shoves her to ROCK her! Charlotte BOOTS Sasha just because, and she soaks up the heat! Charlotte drags Toni up but Toni gets around to hit the RUBY CUTTER! Cover, Shotzi breaks it! Shotzi throws Toni out hard so that she and Charlotte control the ring as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Sasha bumps Shotzi off buckles. She tags Toni, they double suplex Shotzi down, then Toni covers, TWO! Toni rains down fists on Shotzi, then she drags Shotzi up to tag Sasha back in. They double whip Shotzi to ropes, double elbow her down, and Sasha covers, TWO! Sasha stands on Shotzi’s hand and asks, “Where have you been?” Shotzi kicks from below but Sasha stomps her. Sasha bumps Shotzi off buckles, tags Toni in, and they mug Shotzi. Toni tags Sasha back in, Sasha stomps Shotzi down. Sasha wrenches but Shotzi breaks free, only for Sasha to block the kick! “Not in my house!” Sasha KICKS Shotzi, then DECKS Charlotte! But she turns around into a DISCUS!
Shotzi stomps Sasha, drags her up and Charlotte wants in. Shotzi tags Charlotte and Charlotte puts some stank on the CHOP! Sasha flounders out of the ring, Charlotte goes out after her. Charlotte brings Sasha up to RAM her into the barriers! And then she hauls Sasha up to carry her to the ring! Cover, TWO! Charlotte keeps on Sasha with a neck wrench and she leans on the hold. Fans rally for Sasha and that upsets Charlotte. Sasha gets up, throws body shots then JAWBREAKERS free! Sasha runs, into a tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Sasha survives but Charlotte scowls. Charlotte puts Sasha on the ropes, chokes her, then Shotzi tags in.
Shotzi runs side to side, but Sasha dodges the rope attack! Charlotte is annoyed, Sasha crawls away, hot tag to Toni! Toni rallies on Shotzi with forearms, then hits a BIG atomic drop! Then another atomic drop! Toni ROCKS Shotzi, whips, but Shotzi reverses, only for Toni to CLOBBER her! Toni runs in, stomps Shotzi down, the ref counts and Toni lets off. Toni drags Shotzi up, brings her around, scoops but Shotzi slips out to waistlock! Toni switches, Charlotte tags in and Shotzi bucks free! Feed to Charlotte’s EXPLODER! Charlotte kips up and soaks up the heat as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Charlotte goes for the figure four, only for Toni to boot her into buckles! Toni crawls over, fans fire up, but Charlotte grabs at legs! Toni kicks Charlotte away again, hot tag to Sasha! Sasha KNEES Charlotte, then knuckle locks to go up and FLYING ARM-DRAG! Sasha dodges Charlotte, DECKS Shotzi, but Charlotte fights off the backstabber to tilt-o-whirl- Sasha CROSSBODIES out of it! Cover, TWO! Charlotte goes to a corner, Sasha runs in to METEORA! Then side to side for a KNEE! Sasha drags Charlotte to a cover, TWO! Sasha grows frustrated but fans rally up. Sasha slaps Charlotte around, throws forearms, but Charlotte hits back!
Fans fire up as the forearms go back and forth, Sasha gets the edge but Charlotte shoves and kicks back! Charlotte brings Sasha around to back suplex, but Sasha lands out of it to an O’Conner Roll! TWO, Sasha runs to wheelbarrow and BULLDOG! Charlotte is in a drop zone, Sasha goes up top! Toni tags in, Charlotte stands up, Charlotte avoids Meteora! Shotzi gets in, Sasha gives her a BACKSTABBER! Charlotte throws Sasha out but Toni’s up top! CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO!! Charlotte escapes but Toni gets her right back up to bring her around! Charlotte pulls hair to then BUCKLE SHOT Toni down! Charlotte digs her boots in but lets off as the ref counts.
Charlotte drags Toni to a drop zone, steps on Toni on the way to the corner, and Charlotte goes up top. MOONSAULT, but Toni moves! Toni gets KNEES up for the standing moonsault! O’Conner Roll, with a BRIDGE! Toni & Sasha win!!
Winners: Toni Storm & Sasha Banks, by pinfall
Last week, Charlotte got herself disqualified! But this week, you can’t deny that Toni’s time is coming! Will she get an even bigger win when it’s for the title?
HAIL! KING WOODS!
Xavier sits on his throne as Kofi, Rick Boogs, Shinsuke Nakamura and more rock out. He says their admiration is appreciated. He bestows upon them the honor of kissing the royal fingers. Boogs kisses the hand. But “Hear ye, hear ye.” The Usos come in. Is this your king?! Where’d Woods get that crown? He looks like a cosplayer, pretending a lot. oh the ogres are here! Was it not last week that they got a royal beating upon their buttocks? Then New Day will gladly beat them again before Day 1 where they become the W! W! E! World! Tag! Team! Champions~! Then the Usos accept. They’ll beat New Day tonight, then beat them at Day One.
Oh, clever play off the catchphrase. Begone! The New Day laugh the Usos out, but who will be having the last laugh here in Chicago?
Natalya watches a highlight reel of last week.
Namely, of Xia Li coming to help Naomi fight off her, Shayna Baszler & Sonya Deville. Megan walks in to ask Natty about it, but Natty wants Megan to understand who she is talking to. She is talking to a Guinness Book of World Records record holder! She has had the most matches and PPV matches of any woman in WWE history. And yet Megan’s asking about Xia Li? “The Protector?” Xia had the audacity to viciously attack Natty and call that protecting Naomi. No no no. Not here. Xia is a nobody and Natty is the Best Of All Time! If Xia ever steps to Natty again, Xia will need a protector! Is the Queen of Harts betting too much on herself?
The Viking Raiders VS Jinder Mahal & Shanky!
While we know Day 1 has New Day VS Usos, these two teams plan on being ready for the day after! Will Erik & Ivar or the Modern Day Maharaja and sidekick be one step closer to the titles?
SmackDown returns and Jinder & Shanky make their entrance. But a Raw recap took up a lot of time, so SmackDown goes back to break.
SmackDown returns again, and the Viking Raiders mug Jinder in their corner. Ivar Mongolian Chops Jinder, then tags in Erik. Ivar KNEES Jinder, Erik KNEES Jinder! Erik and Shanky stare down, but then Erik dodges Jinder, only to run into a KNEE! Tag to Shanky, Jinder feeds Erik to Shanky’s BOOT! Shanky scoops Erik for a SIDEWALK SLAM! Cover, TWO! Shanky drags Erik back up, bumps him off buckles, then elbows Erik down. Shanky elbows and KNEES Erik down! Shanky stays between the Vikings, fans rally up, and Erik throws body shots! Shanky shoves, CHOPS Erik, then CLOBBERS him! Cover, TWO!
Shanky drags Erik up and over, tag to Jinder, then Shanky throws another elbow. Jinder throws body shots then CLUBS Erik down. Jinder CLUBS Erik, Erik hits back with forearms! Jinder fires off, then stomps Erik down! Jinder digs his knee in, then drags Erik up to CLOBBER him! Jinder clamps on a chinbar and armlock but Erik endures. Fans fire up, Erik throws hands but Jinder ROCKS him! Jinder whips, Erik goes up and over and rolls, hot tag to Ivr! Ivar ROCKS Jinder, then CLOBBERS him! Scoop and SIDEWALK SLAM! Ivar keeps moving, BASEMENT CROSSBODY! Fans fire up, Ivar hits Shanky, but Shanky just scowls!
Jinder hits Ivar from behind, then whips, but Ivar cartwheels to LARIAT! Tag to Erik, Ivar scoop SLAMS Jinder! Erik scoop SLAMS Ivar onto Jinder! Cover, TWO! Erik drags Jinder up, Jinder JAWBREAKERS! Tag to Shanky and he runs in at Erik, only to miss in the corner! Tag to Ivar, Ivar runs in to clothesline Shanky! Erik DOUBLE KNEES Shanky down! Erik hoists Ivar up, ASSISTED HIP ATTACK Jinder gets in, Erik hits an EXPLODER! Ivar is up top, aiming at Shanky, VIKING SPLASH! Cover, the Viking Raiders win!
Winners: The Viking Raiders, by pinfall
Erik & Ivar win, they’re ready to RAID! Will it be the Usos or the New Day who are in the way of this warpath?
Happy Corbin & Mad Cap Moss still have Adam Pearce’s desk.
And with it, they still have Drew McIntyre’s claymore sword! They’re heading for gorilla, what will they do to the sword in the wood?
Heyman greets the car that pulls into the arena.
But it isn’t Roman Reigns. It’s BROCK LESNAR! Good ol’ Advocate! Heyman says he was expecting someone else. Oh, that’s alright. Maybe Roman, huh? Good luck with that. Lesnar pats Heyman on the shoulder and Heyman says thanks. But is this only going to turn up the heat on the Special Counsel?
SmackDown presents an all new Happy Talk!
Corbin & Moss make their entrance, then go to the ring. The desk is already there waiting, and Corbin welcomes the fans back to his show. If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands. If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands! This week, Corbin is extremely happy because of the new addition to the set. To Drew McIntyre, this sword is just a sword. But to Corbin, it is a multi-functional and highly expensive piece of furniture. It’s a hat rack, a cigar cutter, maybe even a nail file. Be careful, though! But the fact of the matter is, Corbin couldn’t be happier. Though, they could bring this to another level with one of Moss’ jokes!
“What do you call Drew McIntyre when he leaves his sword behind in a desk? The Glasgow Ditz.” Fans boo but Moss has another one. “Where can you find a discount kilt? I don’t know. Ask bargain basement Braveheart!” Here’s another one. “Why did Drew McIntyre’s girl decide to wear a suit? He thought someone should wear the pants in the relationship!” Corbin says Moss is amazing. He was going to leave the sword in the desk, but Moss should have it to go with his razor wit. Moss is honored, and he goes to pull the sword out of the desk, but it’s stuck! Corbin thinks Moss is joking around but Moss says he really can’t get it out.
Corbin gives it a try, and even Corbin can’t remove the sword! They both try, but it’s really in there. So here comes McIntyre! McIntyre smirks at the futile efforts of Corbin and Moss. McIntyre goes to the ring, and he says, “What’s the matter, lads? Are we having some performance issues?” Moss swings on McIntyre but gets DECKED! McIntyre throws Moss out then HEADBUTTS Corbin! There’s the Glasgow Kiss! McIntyre takes hold of the sword, and he removes it in one go! So does McIntyre rule all of England or something? McIntyre aims at Corbin but Moss gets him out of there before we end up with two halves of Corbin! Will Corbin & Moss learn to stop joking around for once?
Sonya Deville & Adam Pearce are visited by Sami Zayn.
They’re surprised Sami’s alive. And that he’s also not wearing the neck brace or leg cast… Sami’s lawyer said he no longer needed it. Wait, lawyer? Not doctor? Uh, doctor, right! Anyway, not the point. Sami just came by to wish them a happy holiday. Oh, really? Yes, really! Sami may not like the commercialization of the holiday, but he cares about the spirit. Such as the spirit of giving. So he wants something? No! He earned a Universal Championship match but was robbed of it when Lesnar decimated him and left him for Roman to pick the bones. So how long will it take for Sami to get his real opportunity? Because he remembers being robbed of the Intercontinental Championship a YEAR ago!
Sonya & Pearce know Sami loves the Intercontinental Championship, so they can give him something. Next week, Sami will be in a 12 Days of Christmas 12 Man Gauntlet. Winner faces Shinsuke Nakamura for the Intercontinental Championship. Not much of a gift, though. But it’s the gift that keeps on giving! Okay, okay, fine. Happy holidays, Sami! Sonya & Pearce are excited, but will the Great Liberator even survive to the end of such a match?
Ridge Holland w/ Sheamus VS Cesaro!
The Northern Grit has been learning from the Celtic Warrior, a truly great and accomplished superstar. But is Ridge about to learn something from the Swiss Superman that not even Sheamus can teach him?
Sheamus being in the ring makes Cesaro wary, but it’s to distract Cesaro! Ridge CLOBBERS Cesaro with his Billy club! Sheamus laughs at Cesaro’s pain, and then he and Ridge soak up the heat. Cesaro bails out to catch his breath, will he be okay to compete after the break?
SmackDown returns and Cesaro’s ribs are all taped up now. He says he’s still good to go, and he gets in the ring while the ref has Sheamus and Ridge keep their distance. The bell rings, Ridge RAMS Cesaro right to a corner! Ridge throws knees and then he throws body shots! Cesaro drops to a knee, Ridge grins and brings Cesaro up to KNEE him low. Sheamus loves what he sees, and Ridge scoops Cesaro to hit a BACKBREAKER! “Look at the power, lads!” Ridge grins as he has a chinbar and leg for a modified Bow ‘n’ Arrow! Cesaro endures a knee in his ribs but fans rally up. Ridge then lets go to drop a knee into Cesaro’s back!
Ridge drags Cesaro up, headbutts the bad ribs, then reels Cesaro in for a cobra twist! Cesaro endures the stretch, and even the elbow in his side! Ridge CLUBS Cesaro, but Cesaro powers up. Ridge blocks the hip toss to throw another body shot! Cesaro EuroUppers, then hits a BIG back suplex! Fans fire up and Sheamus looks worried as Ridge goes to a corner. Cesaro runs in to EuroUpper, then back elbow, then fire off body shots. Ridge hits a body shot of his own! But Cesaro comes back to clothesline Ridge out! Cesaro goes out and EuroUppers Ridge against barriers! Cesaro says this is on Sheamus, and he puts Ridge into the ring.
Cesaro drags himself up but Sheamus distracts him again! Ridge hits the ribs, then scoops Cesaro for NORTHERN GRIT!! Cover, Ridge wins!
Winner: Ridge Holland, by pinfall
Sheamus celebrates with his protégé, but the Fella was definitely why Ridge won at all. Ridge literally KICKS Cesaro out of the ring, will Ridge and Sheamus look to run roughshod over SmackDown?
McIntyre looks for Corbin & Moss.
“Come out, come out, wherever you are~!” He wants to hear one of their hilarious jokes! Is the punchline going to be that McIntyre gets the last laugh?
Naomi heads to the ring!
She didn’t get her fair match with Sonya Deville, will she get any match at all tonight? Or will Sonya have another abuse of power up her sleeve?
SmackDown returns and Naomi has the mic. “So, every year, I make myself a little Christmas list. And each year, there isn’t ever much on my list, just like this year. There’s only one thing, and that is to face Sonya Deville one-on-one.” Naomi says Santa is here early and “Cruella” is listening. Sonya’s done everything but face Naomi, so how about she get out to the ring and they do this tonight?! Where you at?! Sonya walks out and says this is very unprofessional> She’s said it before and will say it again. When the suit’s on, Naomi can’t touch her. But that’s okay.
Instead, she has an alternate. Someone who has been literally begging to get in the ring with Naomi and is superior to her in every single way. It’s Shayna Baszler. Fine, but only if Sonya will step in the ring. Sonya gets in the ring, she just needs to take off the jacket. But then Shayna attacks from behind! And she goes after Naomi’s leg with elbow drop after elbow drop, then a LEG DDT! Ref, ring the bell.
Naomi VS Shayna Baszler!
Shayna drags Naomi around by the leg, and has a HEEL HOOK! Naomi kicks, flails, fights the grip, reaches for ropes, but Shayna drags her away. Naomi sits up to make it a cover! NAOMI WINS!!
Winner: Naomi, by pinfall
Shayna got cocky and got caught! When will Sonya gear up and actually take Naomi on for real?
Corbin & Moss are hiding.
But Megan finds them and asks them if she can turn on a light. No, turn those off! But McIntyre got his sword back and they didn’t seem very happy about it. So if he found them, they wouldn’t be happy? Corbin is always happy! He’s happy cuz he’s rich, he loves his life, and he can look down on commoners and smile. Corbin is happy because he’ll be laughing all the way to New Year’s. At Day 1, McIntyre will go 1v1 and LOSE… to Moss. Isn’t that awesome? Moss tries to laugh it off but he doesn’t like being the butt of the joke. Will New Year’s be what brings Moss & Corbin down for once?
The New Day VS The Usos!
Sure, they have a match at Day 1, but neither team wants to wait to shut the other up! Will this non-title match go through? Or does the Bloodline have a plan in mind?
SmackDown returns and the Usos make their entrance. The teams sort out and “Sir Kofi” starts against “Main Event Jey.” They tie up, Jey headlocks but Kofi powers out. Jey runs Kofi over, holds up a finger for #WeTheOnes, then things speed up. Kofi drops, hurdles, hurdles and jumps again but Jey stays back. Kofi catches Jey for SOS! Cover, TWO! Kofi kicks Jey at the ropes, CHOPS him, but Jimmy tags in. Kofi whips, Jey reverses but Kofi ROCKS him! Jey shoves Kofi into Jimmy’s ENZIGURI! Jey CLOBBERS Kofi, Jimmy gets in to drag Kofi up. Jimmy bumps Kofi off buckles and fires off haymakers! The ref counts, Jimmy lets off but Jey gets a shot in.
Jimmy drags Kofi up to ROCK him with an uppercut, Jey tags back in, and the Usos mug Kofi with a mule kick to the ribs! Jey tags Jimmy back in, Jimmy drags Kofi to wrap on a chinlock. Jimmy grinds Kofi down, fans rally up, and Kofi fights up. Kofi slips out but Jimmy keeps him from Woods. Kofi throws hands, then dodges to SUPERKICK Jimmy down! Fans fire up as Kofi crawls, hot tag to King Woods, but Jey distracts the ref!! The ref doesn’t see the tag so it doesn’t count! Jimmy drags Kofi back in with a chinlock, then feeds him to Jey’s LARIAT! The Usos soak up the heat and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns again and Jey hits Kofi while he’s up top! Kofi hits back, then SPLASHES Jey while he’s standing! Fans fire up, hot tags to Jimmy and Woods! King Xavier finally rallies on Jimmy, but Jey whips him to a corner! Woods BOOTS Jey the hits the HONOR ROLL! Jimmy whips but Woods tilt-o-whirls to a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Fans fire up with Woods and he runs to clothesline Jimmy out! Woods runs to WRECK Jimmy with a dropkick! Woods gets Jimmy back in the ring, hurries to the corner and climbs up, to SUPER LEG DROP! Cover, TWO!! Woods grits his teeth, drags Jimmy up, but Jimmy kicks. Woods blocks but gets the DRAGON WHIP!
Woods still dodges, Kofi tags in, Woods goes out after Jey but ends up getting TOSSED into barriers! Kofi leaps, Jimmy gets under, but Kofi gets Jimmy for S- NO! Jimmy powers out, dodges Trouble in Paradise and SUPERKICKS Kofi down! Cover, TWO! Jimmy is shocked but he tags in Jey. Woods gets in, distracts back so now the ref doesn’t see that! Jey argues, Woods shoves him down! Jimmy sings on Woods, but turns around into TROUBLE IN PARADISE! Kofi covers, New Day wins!!
Winner: The New Day, by pinfall
Turnabout is fair play! Will the Usos end up the same way at Day 1?
Now Roman Reigns arrives.
Heyman should’ve known he’d be in a Mercedes rather than a GMC. But Roman goes out the other side, not even allowing Heyman to open the door for him. “Let’s go to my ring.” Heyman follows his Tribal Chief, but what will Roman have to say about everything he’s seen since last week?
SmackDown says Merry Christmas next Friday!
Christmas Eve will see Toni Storm challenge for the SmackDown Women’s Championship, is it going to be a very merry #ToniTime? And the 12 men have been chosen! Sami Zayn, Drew Gulak, Mansoor, Cesaro, Ricochet, Jinder Mahal, Shanky, both Viking Raiders, both Los Lotharios and Sheamus compete in the 12 Days of Christmas Gauntlet! But who will be the partridge in a pear tree facing Shinsuke Nakamura at Day 1?
Roman Reigns heads to the ring.
Fans are torn as the Head of the Table and Special Counsel stand on stage. Roman holds up the Universal Championship and the pyro goes off. Then Heyman carries the belt as a banner as they get in the ring. Roman again holds up the belt for the second round of pyro. The Usos appear again, they must’ve stayed ringside after losing to the New Day. Heyman hands the mic over to Roman and he says, “Chicago. Acknowledge me.” Plenty of fans seem willing to do that, but many more boo. Roman says he’s said this before and he thought he made it very clear. “I don’t like it when my cousins lose.” He puts a hand on Jey’s shoulder and asks if he knows that. Jey does.
But they’re family. They can get through anything, because they’re blood. But Heyman, on the other hand… He’s not blood. And Heyman should know better than anyone that Roman can’t have people disrespecting him. You disrespect him, you disrespect the family. So Roman will ask these questions again because he thought he knew the answers, but… “Can I trust you, Wiseman?” Roman took a week off and yet he knows what happened. Heyman seems a bit shady. So to get it straight, did Heyman know Brock would return at SummerSlam? Did Heyman know Brock would be at Madison Square Garden? Did Heyman know Brock’s suspension would be lifted?
Heyman isn’t sure how to answer any of that and that upsets Roman. Chicago says Heyman screwed up, and Roman says damn right he has. But this is the most important for Heyman: Is he a Special Counsel? Or is he an Advocate? Heyman is again unsure how to answer. Fans are voting, “Advocate! Advocate!” Heyman wants the mic to speak, but Roman isn’t giving his up. So Heyman gets a different mic, and then takes a moment to think. He seems to be getting a headache. But Roman cuts Heyman off to make sure Heyman acknowledges Roman with the truth. “Why are you protecting Brock Lesnar from me?”
Heyman chuckles a bit nervously here. Heyman takes another moment, and he says, “My Tribal Chief, I’m not protecting Brock Lesnar from you.” Heyman quickly asks God for help on this last part. “I’m protecting you from Brock Lesnar!” Jimmy & Jey says that is disrespect! Roman hugs Heyman and says, “I love you, Wiseman. And I thank you for your honesty. And I thank you for 40 years of service to my family. And you’re fired.” Just like that?! And then a SUPERMAN PUNCH!! Roman terminates Heyman, and then has Jey get a chair for him! Wait, Roman wants another chair. Roman puts Heyman’s head on the first, and then holds the second.
BUT HERE COMES LESNAR! The Beast is here to save Heyman! Jimmy & Jey rush him but get CLOBBERED at the ramp! HALF HATCH for Jey! Then Brock fireman’s carries Jey for an F5!! Lesnar is fire dup but Jimmy SUPERKICKS him! But Lesnar is back up to F5 Jimmy!! Roman dares Lesnar to do something while he has a chair. Lesnar rushes in, Roman fires off with the chair! Again and again, but Lesnar still gets up?! F5 for Roman!! Chicago is going nuts as Lesnar looms over Roman! Fans want “One More Time!” so Lensar gets Roman up to F5 AGAIN!! Is The Conqueror back?! Will we see a NEW Reigning, Defending, Undisputed Universal Heavyweight Champion at Day 1?!
My Thoughts:
This was a pretty good SmackDown, but what an awesome ending! New Day VS Usos happening here just because was a great match but a weird booking choice. Of course, this is what happens when WWE cuts so many people that could have matches against Usos and New Day as tune-ups. Hell, they could’ve even had it be The Viking Raiders VS Usos and Jinder & Shanky VS New Day. But then I guess Roman’s segue of Usos losing and being family wouldn’t have worked out. Roman confronting Heyman and everything that stemmed from it was amazing. I love how much drama Heyman put into saying he was protecting Roman, given the match history between Roman and Lesnar.
Roman wanting to con-chair-to Heyman was a pretty wild tease, too, and Lesnar made an awesome save. There’s still a couple weeks, but I feel like this means Roman retains at Day 1. New Day winning against Usos also makes me think Usos retain at Day 1. I’m also surprised the SmackDown Women’s Championship won’t be on Day 1 with them having the match next week. The women’s tag that started the night was good, though it took a moment to get going. Toni and Shotzi had a hard time with, well, timing, but I think that’s because this was their first time meeting in the ring as opponents. Toni getting the win in this match surely means Charlotte retains for Christmas.
I do like that we’re getting something big for the Intercontinental Championship. A 12 Man Gauntlet is going to be a lot of fun, and probably half the show. Out of the 12 men, I doubt the tag teams are going to win, so that’s like half the field out of the running right there. Though, maybe Jinder could, I wouldn’t mind seeing Nakamura VS Jinder, maybe even Shanky VS Boogs on the side. I would think Sami finds a way to win, though, I would love seeing him interact with Boogs, too. Plus, Sheamus has a thing building with Cesaro after he helped Ridge win. I would think Cesaro still gets a tag partner to face Ridge & Sheamus at the same time. Mansoor? Ricochet? Drew Gulak since he’s still here somehow?
Naomi confronting Sonya just to get a filler win over Shayna was whatever, I feel like this should’ve been Xia Li having a match against even just a “local enhancement talent.” Natty did have a good promo calling Xia out, that will be a great match. Sonya might wait until Day 1 or even the Royal Rumble to face Naomi fair and square, and maybe still in some kind of stipulation match just so she can bend the rules to her advantage. Same goes for how McIntyre’s story with Corbin & Moss. The Happy Talk segment had fans chanting “CM PUNK!” because it took way too long to get to the point: Corbin & Moss can’t do anything with the sword and McIntyre gets it back. Day 1 has a match but it’s against Moss, so clearly they’re saving McIntyre VS Corbin for Royal Rumble.
My Score: 8.3/10
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IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLASGOW KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Candice has Tiffy down with an armlock. Tiff fights up as the fans rally, but Candice wrenches to wristlock. Tiff spins through, goes to ropes, then up the corner to flip and arm-drag! The fans fire up as Tiff rallies on Candice! DROPKICK, and Tiff snarls! Tiff goes to the corner, and Charlotte makes her entrance? The Queen chooses to be fashionably late all so everyone looks at her, including Tiffy. Tiffy handsprings, but Candice dodges! Candice runs up to UPPERCUT, then she snapmares and NECK SNAPPERS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice clamps onto Tiffy with a top wristlock.
The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte now chooses to join commentary. Tiff fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, but Candice CLUBS away on her! Candice backs off, runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her to ropes! Tiff runs, HIP ATTACKS, and Candice flops back! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays on Candice with a whip, but Candice reverses. Candice CLOBBERS Tiff, covers, TWO! Charlotte corrects Tiffy’s words earlier: Charlotte isn’t the “top girl,” she is THE woman in WWE. Candice HIP DROPS Tiff but the fans rally up. Candice scuffs Tiff, then grinds an arm to drop a knee on the elbow! And another knee drop! Tiff endures and the fans rally up.
Candice keeps on that arm, thrashes it around, but Tiff fights up. Tiff fires body shots, then shoves Candice to Alabama Lift her! Candice sunset flips, Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated and Candice bails out. Tiff goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Candice and Nia, and Tiff almost stuck the landing! The fans fire up with Tiff and she goes into the ring. Tiff points to the WrestleMania sign, and then at Charlotte, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Tiff waits on Candice, Candice slides in, and Tiff stomps her down! Candice bails out, Nia is there to coach her, but Tiff lets the ring count start. Candice gets on the apron, Tiff kicks her, but Candice RAMS Tiff! Candice CLUBS Tiff, has her in the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Candice climbs, aims, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO!
Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW!
Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back! Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring!
The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring. Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, but with some interesting moves after the sudden change in plans with The Rock showing up. Naomi and Bianca had a good promo to hype up what was meant to be a full match of Naomi VS Liv, but word had already come out before the show that things were being cut for time. But at the very least, they did the right thing of making it a brawl that adds heat to the tag title match on Monday. Also, hilarious how Chelsea & Piper thought the beatdown on Bianca & Naomi was so bad that they would need to be pulled from the Chamber. I also can’t wait to see what happens on Toronto SmackDown.
As for The Rock, I do appreciate he used his authority to kayfabe change more things, all so he could have his promo with Cody. I also appreciate Rock blending his different roles and even different sides, both Heel and Face, to A) bring the news of WM42 being in NOLA, and B) recreate the Corporate Champion/People’s Champion story from the Attitude Era. That was some wild stuff he was saying to Cody. I’m sure quite a few people will try and talk with Cody next week in the go-home. Heels will say do it because they’d love to have what Rock can give, Faces will say not because Cody’s better than that. But naturally, Cody is not going to become The Rock’s Champion, causing Rock to turn on him and really up things going into WrestleMania 41 and perhaps even beyond.
Good stuff in the Elimination Chamber related stories. Jimmy VS McIntyre was great stuff to open, and how fitting that McIntyre loses to Jimmy after talking all that trash about Jimmy and Jey being the same. Jey got McIntyre with something quick, Jimmy got McIntyre with something quick, McIntyre’s ego is obviously his weakness. And at the same time, McIntyre of course destroys Jimmy after because that’s his other personality trait. Priest had good promos with Cody and Braun, and we got great stuff from Solo’s Bloodline. Naturally, we got a miscommunication spot to help finish, we’re really close to Solo VS Jacob, I can feel it. Priest & Braun get the win, mostly because Priest isn’t winning in the Chamber when you’ve got Punk and Cena in there.
Very good stuff with Tiffy Time, from the promos leading into the match to Charlotte being ringside just to watch. Nia & Candice of course get the better of Tiff & Trish, because Tiff & Trish are definitely winning the tag match in Toronto. Charlotte just seems to enjoy trolling Tiff with her presence, so Charlotte probably shows up in Toronto to then confront Tiff after the match. I expect the seven weeks after Elimination Chamber to really heat up, as will Charlotte’s involvement, where she’ll get more active verbally and physically. Also, hell, Rock should go full Corporation and have Charlotte be his Corporate Women’s Champion because of how established she is.
Hilarious stuff from Truth tonight, as always. Truth and Melo having their “who’s on first” again was good stuff, and of course Miz gets in on this story, too. Truth & Knight VS “Melo Don’t Miz” was really fun, but yeah, should’ve figured Nakamura would get involved, too. Melo & Miz making it work could also be really fun, and while Knight VS Nakamura is a rehash, I really hope they find a way to up things. It feels like we’re getting the same with the tag titles as Profits “ruined” that great tag match from DIY and Pretty Deadly, then brawled with MCMG to still come out on top. Last year had a ladder tag title match, so why not do one for these titles this year?
Speaking of escalating, Kevin filming a promo outside Sami’s house was some really well done stuff, as expected of someone as good as Kevin and in such a story as him and Sami. Their match should main event, it needs time to breathe, as it could be just as, if not more violent, than the Chamber matches. What a powerful closing moment we could have if it’s a bloody Kevin and Sami, and one of them is standing over the other, triumphant yet mournful because it was their best friend in the world that they just brutalized.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
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