Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (1/17/22)
Is Becky Lynch sweatin’ Doudrop?
The Man prepares for the Royal Rumble!
“Doudrop” Piper Niven is coming for the Raw Women’s Championship, and she won’t be Manhandled so easily! How will Becky Lynch counter Piper’s power?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Bianca Belair & Liv Morgan VS “Doudrop” Piper Niven & Becky Lynch; Piper & Becky win.
- Damian Priest VS Kevin Owens; Kevin wins.
- Finn Balor VS Austin Theory; Theory wins.
- Nikki A.S.H. VS Rhea Ripley; No Contest.
- Reggie w/ Dana Brooke VS Omos; Omos wins.
- 8 Man Tag: The Street Profits & The Mysterios VS Apollo Crews, Commander Azeez & The Dirty Dawgs; The Street Profits & Mysterios win.
- Bobby Lashley w/ MVP VS Seth Rollins; Lashley wins, by disqualification.
PLAY BY PLAY
Becky Lynch heads to the ring!
Tulsa, Oklahoma, The Man has come ’round! Fans chant her name as she gets the mic, and she welcomes them to the Big Time! “Now we are less than two weeks away from the Royal Rumble, and the Raw Women’s Division has never been hotter. And whether you like to admit it or not, there’s only one person responsible for that, and that’s me.” Becky says it is so hot that there are stars from generations past, like Lita, Mickie James and the Bella Twins, all hoping that they can win the Rumble and challenge the #VanGOAT at WrestleMania. Face it, they need Becky because she makes stars.
Look no further than Doudrop. Becky has kindly given her the biggest opportunity of her life, a taste of the Big Time at one of the biggest events of the year. The people didn’t get her that! Piper Niven didn’t get it for herself. Becky did that! That is what Becky does! She makes people better, than she beats ’em! But Becky will admit that she admires Piper’s tenacity. She came from the rolling hills of Scotland and made a name for herself. Well no, someone else had to make up a name for her. So Becky will shoot it straight for “Doudou.” A doudrop will never be champion so long as The Man is still here.
But speaking of, here she comes! Piper storms right up to the ring, gets herself a mic and says she’s gonna tell Becky something. “You didn’t get me anything. I got myself this title match at Royal Rumble. But if it was really your plan to face me instead of Bianca, than it’s the biggest mistake you’ve ever made. Just make sure you stay well out of my way tonight.” Becky says she did get Piper that win last week, and if Piper just follows her lead, they’ll get a win here tonight. But here comes Bianca Belair! “Oh, Becky. You really out here spittin’ all this nonsense about being the GOAT, the greatEST of all time, but let me remind y’all that you can’t spell greatest without E S T.”
Bianca joins Piper and Becky in the ring as fans chant for “EST! EST!” Bianca reminds us SHE is the EST of WWE. And Doudrop, uh, okay. The only reason Piper is facing Becky is because Ms. Big Time was so scared of Bianca, she interfered in last week’s match. But girl, uh-uh. That’s just buyin’ time. Because Bianca is officially entering the Royal Rumble match! And it’s gonna be every woman for themselves, so if Bianca’s gotta throw out every 29 other women like she did last year, she’ll do it. Then she’ll go main event WrestleMania… again. And Bianca can go after whichever champion she wants, which could be Becky or Piper.
But now, Bianca’s tag partner, Liv Morgan, arrives! “Well, well, well, Bianca. We may be tag teaming tonight, but I am also officially entering myself in the Royal Rumble match. And that’s not all, that’s not all. Because in two weeks, I’m also the one winning it.” But that means Bianca will be one of the 29 she outlasts on the way to WrestleMania. But since we’re on the same page- Piper pretends to snore and then says this is boring. Everyone, shut up and ref, get in here! Piper wants to fight, but it’s Becky who riles up Liv and Bianca, and then uses Piper as a shield! Piper welcomes someone to bring it, but this starts after the break.
Chad Gable prepares a speech.
“Greetings and salutations…” Otis walks over, the valedictorian of The Alpha Academy. Will this graduation ceremony go off without a hitch?
Bianca Belair & Liv Morgan VS “Doudrop” Piper Niven & Becky Lynch!
Raw returns and the bell rings, and Bianca dropkicks Piper! Piper stays up but Bianca whips. Piper blocks, reverses, but Bianca goes up tot ell Piper to kiss this. Then Bianca leaps over Piper, spins her around and reels her in, but Piper blocks the suplex. Piper suplexes, Bianca slips out and then dodges in the corner! Piper hits buckles, Bianca ROCKS Piper with a forearm, then runs in to ram Piper. Piper rebounds to run Bianca over! Piper runs, Becky tags in! Piper is annoyed with Becky but Becky says she’s got this. They argue, Becky turns around into a dropkick! Bianca kips up, tags Liv, Liv dodges Becky to DECK Piper and SHOTGUN Becky!
Becky is in a corner, Liv back body blocks, then SHINING WIZARDS! Liv whips, Becky reverses but Liv stops to back elbow. Liv goes up to leap and missile dropkick Becky down! Liv then brings Becky around, springboard CODE BREAKER! Cover, Piper breaks it! Bianca gets in to ROCK Piper, but she can’t lift Piper for the torture rack. Piper shoves Bianca into a corner and SPLASHES! Piper runs at Liv but Liv sends her out! Becky rolls Liv up, has feet on the ropes, TWO! Liv kicks low, KICKS again, then runs in, but Becky dodges! Liv elbows Becky again, but runs into a MANHANDLE SLAM! Cover, Piper breaks it?! But that was her own teammate!
Piper drags Becky out of the way, wants to cover, but she’s not legal! So Piper hurries back to her corner, tags herself in, and then runs to SPLASH Liv! Cover, Piper and Becky win!
Winners: “Doudrop” Piper Niven & Becky Lynch, by pinfall
Then Piper celebrates by giving Becky a VADER SEATED SENTON! Piper laughs as she looms over Becky, but will she have the last laugh at the Rumble?
Reggie and Dana Brooke talk with someone.
Reggie knows they’ve faced giants in their career, so can they give Reggie any advice when facing Omos tonight? The person he’s talking to is Edge! Edge thinks, and he tells Reggie that he can do things Edge can’t even comprehend. So he has a chance? Hell no! Beth Phoenix scolds Edge with a smack, and Edge says he still wishes Reggie luck. And Beth talks with Dana real quick. She’s seen Dana bust her butt for years here, so it’s so great Dana has a title. Dana thanks Beth for that, and hurries away to keep up with Reggie. Edge and Beth then see Damian Priest. They shake hands and hug and Priest is happy to see the Grit Couple.
Edge says he likes what he sees with Priest’s other side. Yeah, Priest’s other side is a bit edgy, but being serious here, Priest wants some ideas on the Rumble match. Edge has experience, having won two, one of which he won from starting first. There’s no better man to ask for pointers than Edge. Well cardio is one thing, but the main thing is to keep doing you. Priest’s style is working. Someone brings over a note for Beth, and it’s from Maryse. She wants to meet Beth 1v1, woman to woman. Edge says that’s suspicious. Beth is of course going to go but Edge is going to go with her. Beth agrees, and Edge says he and Priest can talk more later. What will the It Couple have planned for the Grit Couple?
Kevin Owens then walks over to ask Priest something. Kevin is looking forward to their match tonight. Really? Yeah, no lie! He’s looking- Oh, right, because Kevin’s so honest. Yes, especially having a good, clean match. Good competition, show off some technical prowess. But also that side, that nutso, vicious side. That side shouldn’t come out. Kevin is just hoping for them having a good, clean match. Kevin also has an announcement to make, so see you then. Good talk. Kevin and his tie hurries off, but will Priest keep Damian from tearing into the Prizefighter?
Kevin heads to the ring!
The KO Show is back, and tonight’s guest is Seth Freakin’ Rollins! What will Kevin ask his new best buddy? We find out, after the break.
Raw returns and Kevin welcomes us to his show. He wishes he could say it’s good to be here in Tulsa, but that would be a vile lie because this place is brutal. Don’t get mad at him telling the truth! And another truth is that Kevin has a very special guest. He is a man Kevin is proud to call his best friend, and after this man beats Roman Reigns at the Royal Rumble like he has in a plethora of matches before, he will be called the Universal Champion. Please welcome Seth! FRRRRREAKIN’! ROLLINS~! Rollins makes his way out to the ring, fired up as always, but especially now after having evaded a Bloodline beatdown on SmackDown last Friday.
Rollins takes up a mic and Kevin lets Rollins decide if they sit or stand. Rollins wants to stand, so he and Kevin kick the chairs aside. Kevin thanks Rollins for accepting his invitation to be a guest. Kevin wants to tell Rollins that he admires Rollins so much. There is so much Kevin admires about Rollins. From the great suits, like this striped one. He looks like a million bucks! MAHVELOUS! And even more so, Kevin admires Rollins’ courage. Do people realize how much guts it took for Rollins to show up on SmackDown, into the lion’s den, get face to face with Roman, and berate him into realizing that “The Head of the Table” is only possible because Rollins set the table.
“Yes, yes, yes! Kev, you hit the nail on the head right there!” Friday got a little testy, but the truth is, Roman’s rattled. Roman’s nervous, and dare Rollins say, Roman is scared. He’s scared! You heard it here first! Roman took the low road taking shots at Rollins’ family, sending the Usos after him. But everyone saw that the Usos couldn’t get the job done. Rollins says Roman is playing checkers while Rollins is playing chess! If Roman keeps this up, winning at the Rumble will be like taking candy from a baby. A little baby Roman! And Rollins will turn the title from blue to red and bring the Universal Championship back to their show, Monday Night Raw!
That’s huge! When Rollins wins, he’s staying on Raw with Kevin! Yes, 100%! Incredible! Then that means Raw has the best champion! Raw wouldn’t need Lesnar or Lashley, they’d have Rollins! Kevin again hits the nail on the head. Get rid of Lesnar. Rollins has a match with Lashley tonight, they can get rid of Lashley tonight! Who knows? Kevin likes the sound of that. But he has something of his own to announce and it is “earth shattering.” It will change the face of the industry! Right here and now, Kevin is officially declaring for the Royal Rumble! Rollins says that IS earth shattering!
Kevin will win the Rumble, Rollins will beat Roman, and the WWE Universe will get the match they… well, not deserve. But they’ll get the biggest Mania main-event ever! SETH FREAKIN’ ROLLINS VS KEVIN FREAKIN’ OWENS! Rollins likes where Kevin’s head is at. But here comes Damian Priest! Rollins says this is his time and Kevin’s show! If Priest steps any closer, Kevin will kick his ass! Kevin wants Rollins to stop but Priest tells Rollins to shut up! They’re both delusional idiots! There is not one person on this planet that believes Rollins will win at the Rumble. And Kevin is just a liar, so he isn’t winning, either.
And if Kevin doesn’t want to see Damian, then don’t wake him up. Oh and by the way, Priest talked with Pearce and Sonya. Their match tonight? That starts NOW! Kevin is freaking out, but Rollins tries to encourage him. Will it not matter when the Archer of Infamy takes aim?
Veer Mahaan.
In the animal kingdom, the lion bides its time as it hunts its prey. Step by step, until it finally strikes, leaving only scraps for the hyenas. When will the Million Dollar Arm finally strike?
Damian Priest VS Kevin Owens!
Raw returns and the bell rings. They tie up, Kevin waistlocks, but Priest pries free to wrench to a wristlock. Kevin rolls, headlocks, but Priest uses a chinbar to push Kevin back and power out. Kevin rams Priest, but then Kevin apologizes, Things speed up, Priest runs Kevin over with a shoulder! Priest runs in at the corner, but Kevin puts him on the apron! Kevin elbows Priest away, but Priest ROUNDHOUSES back! Priest steps in but into a SHOTGUN! Kevin stomps Priest at the ropes, lets off as the ref counts, then drags Priest to center for a SENTON! Kevin wraps on a chinlock and leans on Priest but fans rally up.
Priest fights up, priest the hold open but Kevin CLUBS him on the back. Kevin CHOPS, whips, but Priest reverses. Kevin KCISK back, CHOPS again, and CHOPS! Priest snarls, but Kevin apologizes again. This is just good, clean wrestling! Priest cools off, but then he fires off fast hands! WHEEL KICK! Kevin goes to a corner, Priest runs in but Kevin bails out. Fans boo, Priest keeps cool, but then Priest goes out the side. Priest runs in around the way, leaps off the steps, into a SUPERKICK! Kevin gets back in the ring to refresh the count, then FROG SPLASHES off the apron! Kevin roars while Priest sputters! Kevin drags Priest up and in as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Priest CLOBBERS Kevin! Fans fire up as Priest aims from a corner, and Priest throws haymakers! Priest fires off KICK after KICK, then a ROLLING ELBOW! Kevin rebounds, into a FLAPJACK! Priest runs at Kevin in the corner, for a big back elbow! Priest reels Kevin in, but Kevin wrenches out to ROCK Priest! Kevin whips, Priest rebounds to LARIAT! Priest gets Kevin up for the BROKEN ARROW! Cover, TWO! Priest is annoyed but he drags Kevin up. Priest ROCKS Kevin with a right, hoists him up top in the corner and ROCKS him again! Priest climbs up, but Kevin hits back!
Priest and Kevin brawl, Priest gets the edge. Priest brings Kevin up, but Kevin blocks the superplex! Kevin throws body shots, and even a headbutt! Kevin headbutts again, Priest falls down! Kevin adjusts, SWANTON BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Kevin thinks of what he has to do now. Kevin aims, kicks but no stunner! Kevin ducks the heel kick, tries gain, but Priest dragon sleepers! But Kevin slips free to pop Priest up, SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives again and Kevin is shocked! Fans rally up, Kevin aims, kicks, but Priest blocks to spin and ROUNDHOUSE! Kevin wobbles into a choke grip, SOUTH OF HEAVEN CHOKE SLAM! Cover, TWO!!
Priest is shocked that Kevin survives! Kevin rolls away to a corner but Priest follows. Priest throws hands, whips Kevin corner to corner, but Kevin falls, clutching his leg. The ref checks on Kevin, Kevin flounders up saying it’s cramping up. The ref wants a medic to check this, fans boo but Priest isn’t sure what to make of this. But then Kevin suckers him in for a STUNNER!! Cover, Kevin wins!
Winner: Kevin Owens, by pinfall
Priest was right about Kevin being a liar! But now, Kevin could also be a contender! Will Kevin add the US Championship to his Road to WrestleMania?
Backstage interview with Nikki A.S.H.
What is her plan heading into tonight’s match with former tag partner, Rhea Ripley? Nikki tells Sarah that this is no different than any other match. It is clear to Nikki now that she stands on her own, and she couldn’t feel any better. Rhea should be down and out, completely mortified after being proven the friend Nikki didn’t think she was. But Nikki, you were the one who attacked Rhea- Sarah, you need to get your facts straight! Rhea is the one who broke up the team. Rhea is the one who decided to take their friendship and flush it! She is the villain, not Nikki! And Nikki is the closest thing that the people of Tulsa will ever have to a real hero. She will be the People’s Hero.
And sometimes, heroes have to do things that regular people don’t understand. After tonight, Rhea will realize that she needs a superhero, whether she likes it or not. Nikki strikes her superhero pose and walks away, but will Rhea’s brutality smack some sense into her?
The Alpha Academy heads to the ring.
Pomp & Circumstance plays because today is Otis’ graduation! Will the NEW Raw Tag Team Champions be celebrating on top of their big title victory from last week?
Raw returns and Gable is at the podium. “Greetings and salutations my fellow colleagues and… Oh who am I kidding? I don’t have any colleagues here, considering I’m an Olympian with a Master’s Degree that did it with an immaculate 4.0 GPA! Thank you! Don’t do that. Don’t boo education. That’s gross, everybody.” But it makes sense, since the odds of anyone in Oklahoma having a Master’s, let alone graduating high school, are slim to none! Now shoosh! Tonight is about celebrating. Not just an institution but an individual. Gable could go on and on about himself, because his list is long.
But tonight is about a man who overcame the odds. An absolute tree trunk in the ring and a great student in the classroom. Gable’s prized pupil, his protégé, his number one guy, OTIS! Gable’s so proud. Last week, Otis applied the lessons and passed his final exam by decimating the moronic RKBRO and claimed the Academy’s rightful spot as tag team champions! So tonight, it is Gable’s honor and pleasure- Fans chant with “RKBRO! RKBRO!” They’re trying to have a ceremony for Otis! Gable presents to Otis, who has no last name anymore, the highest graduating honors from the Alpha Academy! The music plays again as they hug it out.
Gable says Otis has the floor. Look at that face! Otis thanks Chad, and says Gable has helped him reach his full potential. But now he has a warning: expect pure carnage for anyone who messes with the titles! They ain’t stopping, and they ain’t ever gonna stop! But here comes Matt Riddle! The Bro is in his own graduation gown, but it has mismatched sleeves… Riddle asks, “What’s up, bros? Big O, you’re looking pretty, pretty tight. And you guys don’t even wanna know what I had to get this graduation gown on time.” But when he got invited to this ceremony, he knew he had to make a very special speech.
Riddle brings out his speech, written on a napkin from this morning’s breakfast buffet. “Fellow graduates and Tulsinians. IT felt like just last week, Randy and I were the WWE Raw Tag Team Champions. We were livin’ on the edge, drivin’ with the top down, lettin’ the wind blow through our hair. We were just a couple o’ young, wild stallions runnin’ free. But today is graduation day. And our lives will change forever. Randy would always say, ‘Life comes at ya pretty fast.'” Gable stops him there, he has no idea what he’s going on about. Riddle was NOT invited to this. And Oklahoma can’t afford to lose another braincell, so just be on your way.
Riddle has “Gablestiltskin” take it easy. Riddle wants to say how proud he is of them. Them and their astronomical necks. See? He can use big words, too, Chad! Gable says Riddle is an idiot. He already ruined Otis’ night, so get to the point. RKBRO wants a rematch? Problem is, Riddle probably can’t even define the word rematch. Riddle so can! A rematch is… uh… when you have to light something up twice! Like a candle! But hey, a rematch sounds like a pretty sick idea. Fans wanna see it! Gable knew it. No wonder Orton left Riddle high and dry. Where even is he? Riddle unzips his gown to show off his “Hey Raaaandy” shirt.
Gable and Otis will give them a rematch, under one condition: they have to prove their mental aptitude in an Alpha Academy Academic Challenge! Otis suddenly looks worried. TO spell it out, it’s Riddle & Randy VS the Academy to prove the smarter team! Because we already saw who the physically dominant team is! Whoa, an academic challenge? Like Billy Madison? Or more like Wheel of Fortune? Riddle loves spinning that wheel, and maybe he and Otis could run in a giant hamster wheel. Gable kinda looks like a jacked hamster, but with three times the brains. Otis is furious and throws off his gown! Riddle wants Otis to back it up and cool off.
Otis storms up the ramp, barking about this being his night! But Orton gets in the ring to RKO Gable!! And then Riddle trips up Otis on the apron! RKBRO got one over on the Academy, and now Orton wears one of the red graduation gowns! Orton gets the mic to then tell the Academy, “We accept!” Will Riddle & Orton get PhDs in kicking the Academy’s asses?
Austin Theory visits Vince McMahon.
Theory thanks Vince for the rematch with Finn Balor. But uh, what’s Vince watching on his TV? It was the previous match, where Finn won. Oh… Theory knows he lost, but then he beat the hell outta Finn and nearly ended his career. In fact, it was like a half victory. No such thing. So tonight, Theory needs to beat Finn and beat him up. If Theory doesn’t, Vince will get someone to drag Theory to this office and Vince will beat Theory up! Smash him all over, and by the time he’s finished, it’ll just be blood, snot and broken teeth. Then Vince will take a selfie with that. And send it to Mama Theory! Oh… Theory has been warned, will he make good on this rematch?
WWE honors Martin Luther King Jr.
“Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. That all men would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” That dream of MLK’s, where we judge not by the color of skin but by character, is still alive. We will all reach the Promised Land together.
Finn Balor VS Austin Theory!
Raw returns and Theory makes his entrance. The Prince is back after being out a month, will he make Theory pay for every minute he’s missed? The bell rings, they circle and tie up, and Theory puts Finn on ropes. The ref counts, Theory lets off but Finn blocks the cheap shot to kick and headlock! Finn thrashes to grind Theory down, Theory powers out but Finn ducks and dodges, only for Theory to CLOBBER him with an elbow! Theory drags Finn out of the ring to smack off the apron! And then whip him into barriers! Theory goes into the ring and the ring count climbs. Finn stands but Theory goes out after him.
Theory whips, Finn reverses, and Theory hits barriers! Finn then hits a SLINGBLADE! Theory writhes, the count is rising, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Finn rallies, trips and DOUBLE STOMPS Theory down! Theory goes to a corner, Finn runs in and CHOPS! Finn whips Theory corner to corner, Theory reverse but Finn reverses back, ELBOW DROP DDT! Cover, TWO! Finn snarls, Theory crawl to ropes and Finn KICKS him out of the ring! Finn drags Theory up but Theory HOTSHOTS! Theory somersaults in, but into a SLINGBLADE! Finn then runs, into a LARIAT from Theory! Theory hauls Finn up to FLAPJACK HOTSHOT! Fireman’s carry, A T- NO! Finn makes it a roll up, TWO! Theory and Finn get up, and Finn goes to the apron. Finn shoulders into Theory, GAMANGIRIS, then climbs up!
But Theory avoids the Coup De Grace to somersault SHOTGUN! Fireman’s carry, A T L!! Cover, Theory wins!
Winner: Austin Theory, by pinfall
Theory saves himself from Vince’s wrath, and he gets his victory selfie. But to make good on what Vince told him, Theory fires off fists! Theory then drags Finn up, fireman’s carries again, for another A T L! Theory tells Finn to expect the unexpected. But will Finn find a way to teach Theory and Mr. McMahon respect for The Prince?
Nikki A.S.H. VS Rhea Ripley!
Before the match, Rhea is interviewed backstage. How does she respond to Nikki saying it was Rhea who ruined the relationship? Rhea says she never intended for this to hurt their friendship. But Nikki made up her mind. Rhea isn’t one to forgive very easily, so what kind of hero attacks a friend? If Rhea’s the villain here, than Nikki’s more delirious than Rhea thought. It’s time to remind everyone who Rhea Ripley is. Is Nikki in for a Nightmare tonight?
Raw returns and Nikki makes her entrance, but then so do Queen Zelina Vega and Carmella. Mella says, “Hear ye, hear ye, Tulsa. The Most Beautiful Woman in All of WWE and Your Queen have arrived to tell everyone in this dusty arena that everything we predicted about Nikki A.S.H. has come true.” Zelina’s word is absolute, and therefore she is correct by default. Not only is she a beloved queen, but also a fairy godmother. Rhea would never have been rid of Nikki without their little push. Rhea should be thanking them! Because they’ve been telling Rhea for weeks that if she stuck with an Almost Superhero, she’d never be nothing more than an almost threat.
But seems things are too late. Rhea doesn’t look like anything more than a low class loser. Without Nikki as her security blanket, does Rhea have what it takes? As Zelina’s said, you’re either the most powerful women in the room, or you’re nothing. Zelina is queen, but Rhea will be standing there, covered in trash, looking for someone to leech off of. Rhea doesn’t have the guts to be champion all on her own. Rhea tells them to bring it, then, but Nikki goes after Rhea! The ref wants Nikki to let off, but Nikki keeps hammering Rhea down! Rhea hits back but Nikki throws Rhea down! Nikki is seething, and then she drags Rhea up. Rhea kicks Nikki away but Nikki throws her out!
Nikki WRECKS Rhea with a dropkick, then goes out to RAM her into steel steps! The Almost Superhero leaves Rhea down, but the match is called off. Will Rhea get right? Or will she get revenge?
Dana Brooke and Reggie regroup backstage.
What did they talk about? Staying low and staying mobile. That’s right! Reggie is faster, stronger and amazing! Use Omos’ size against him, tire him out, and go for the legs. Meanwhile, R-Truth, Akira Tozawa, Tamina, and a referee are watching while eating popcorn. Dana says Reggie can be vicious and ruthless while also super athletic. Reggie says, “Who am I kidding?” He ran into Omos full speed and bounced off him! Dana says Reggie is the most capable man she knows. Just stay away from him. But even Dana looks worried. Truth says Dana must really hate Reggie. She just told him to get got! Will Reggie even survive his run-in with Omos?
Reggie w/ Dana Brooke VS Omos!
Raw returns and Reggie makes his entrance. Dana is cheering him on, but she still looks very worried. Omos points out the clear height difference, and then he roars! Even that scares Reggie! But then here come the 24/7 Championship hunters! Dana runs into the ring, scoots under Omos and out the other side. Omos catches Tozawa, TOSSES him out, then CLOBBERS Truth! Tamina stares Omos down and Reggie climbs the corner. Tamina goes around Omos, the bell rings, and Reggie leaps! Into Omos’ arms! Omos uses both hands for the MOUNTAIN TOSS! Omos says it’s that easy. Cover, Omos wins.
Winner: Omos, by pinfall
Omos didn’t break a sweat with that one! Will the colossus of Raw continue to dominate until he’s on top of the world?
Maryse heads to the ring!
As her note said, she is here to talk with Beth face-to-face. But will that all this be? Or do Miz & Mrs. have a plan for the Glamazon? We find out, after the break.
Raw returns and Maryse has a mic to say, “Bonsoir (good evening), Tulsa.” She assures us The Miz couldn’t make it. He has a very big mouth and likes to agree to things without asking her first, so tonight, she is cleaning up his mess. She then asks Beth to come out alone so they can do this right. Woman to woman, wife to wife and mother to mother, Maryse wants to talk. Beth makes her entrance, but Edge still follows her out. Maryse wants Edge to wait on the ramp until they’ve had this conversation. There aren’t many ways to put this, but the match at the Rumble, it has to be canceled. Uh, okay. This oughta be good, so Beth is all ears.
Maryse says she doesn’t want it, surely Beth doesn’t want it, and the fans don’t want it! Fans boo, they DO want it. Maryse is trying to have a heartfelt moment, guys. Really? Really? Really? Maryse is sure sounding like Miz here… Maryse says she has the mic, so she can be louder than everyone here. It doesn’t matter what you think! Now she’s The Rock? But anyway, Maryse wants Beth to listen. They’re from the same generation in WWE. They fought together. Remember those two minute matches? Fans chant, “You Suck!” but Maryse asks if they’re done.
But Beth, c’mon. They fought together and made the Women’s Division what it is today! They’re great at what they do! Just look at them! Women nowadays main event WrestleMania thanks to these two! So if anything, Maryse thinks that they should be on the same team. They should be a unit! Friends! Even their daughters can be friends! They can have play dates, dinners, or even just a coffee. Beth wants Maryse to know that she speaks for everyone here when she says, “Just shut up!” Seriously? BFF’s? Playdates? Is anyone buying this? NOPE! So that means Maryse takes acting lessons from The Miz.
Beth boils it down to a simple answer: the match is NOT off. Beth is NOT missing the chance to tag team with her husband for the first time ever. And she is NOT missing the chance to Glam Slam Maryse’s ass through the canvas! In fact, why not give the fans a preview? Beth storms up to the ring but Maryse stays put. Wait, Miz attacks Edge at the ramp! But Edge DECKS Miz! Maryse really was lying about Miz being at home! But then Maryse CLOBBERS Beth with her purse! What’s in that bag?! Maryse and Miz decide to show us: it was a BRICK! A literal BRICK! Maryse tosses her hair back and celebrates with The Miz. But will Edge and Beth only look to break The It Couple for that one?
The Street Profits are fired up backstage!
Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford have a dream! The dream is that they have a plan and will execute it and win! The best part is, they do it in Tulsa, Oklahoma~! YESSIR! All the bodies in the ring, it’ll be like a mini Rumble. Which is great cuz the Profits were the first to declare for this year’s Rumble! Their first one, tossin’ bodies! But will Ford throw Dawkins? Rey Mysterio & Dom walk over to say not to worry. They’re a team tonight, and they’ll also be in the Rumble. Rey has to get this off his chest: Los Mysterios will outlast 28 other men in the Rumble. And then, not only will they throw those guys out, they’ll take the Mysterio name back to the Mania main event!
Okay, all due respect, that’s only if the Profits don’t make it there first. Because the Profits are up! And WE WANT THE SMOKE! Will these four burn it down to then light it up on the Road to WrestleMania?
8 Man Tag: The Street Profits & The Mysterios VS Apollo Crews, Commander Azeez & The Dirty Dawgs!
Raw returns and the Dawgs make their entrance. Then the Pride of Nigeria and his right hand man make their entrance. Teams sort out, Dolph Ziggler starts against Dom. They tie up, Dom waistlocks but Ziggler elbows free. Ziggler talks trash, runs, but Dom follows to RANA! Dom runs at Ziggler in the corner but Ziggler CLOBBERS Dom! Tag to Robert Roode and he stomps Dom. Roode drags Dom up, suplexes, but Dom knees free! Dom kicks low, tags Rey, and Rey gets a boost to RANA! Rey whips, Roode reverses but Rey dodges and tilt-o-whirl headscissors! Rey runs in but Roode puts him on the apron. Rey DECKS Roode, climbs, and leaps, but the rana is blocked
Roode brings Rey up, but Rey RANAS Roode out of the ring! Ziggler and Dom get in, Dom whips but Ziggler throws Dom up and out! Ford and Dawkins DROPKCIK Ziggler out! All eight men are on the outside now and shouting, but the ref keeps the peace while Raw goes to break!
Raw returns, Roode tags Ziggler and the Dawgs double whip Rey to double elbow him down. Then the Dawgs hit Rey’s corner to knock everyone down! Fans boo but Ziggler drags Rey over to tag Apollo. Apollo hits a STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Ziggler is upset on Apollo’s behalf, but Apollo decides he’ll finish it now. Apollo gets Rey up, trophy lifts, but Rey fights free to a DDT! Both men are down and fans fire up! Rey crawls, Dawks is back! Hot tag to the Curse of Greatness! And he rallies on everyone! He hurdles Apollo to hit a FLYING BACK ELBOW! Roode runs into an EXPLODER! Ziggler runs into an EXPLODER!
Dawkins gives Apollo a CYCLONE SPLASH, then the SILENCER! But Azeez gets in to break the cover! Ford returns to ENZIGURI Azeez out! The Dawgs TOSS Ford out! But the Mysterios dropkick the Dawgs onto the ropes! STEREO 619’s! Dom goes up and out to LEAP at Azeez! But Azeez catches him! Rey jumps to add on, the Mysterios take out Azeez! But Apollo rolls Dawkins up! TWO, and pop-up for SKY HIGH! Tag to Ford, he’s up top! FROM THE HEAVENS!! Cover, the Profits & Mysterios win!
Winners: The Street Profits & The Mysterios, by pinfall
Ford was five-star again with that splash, but then the Mysterios decide to dump the Profits out! Rey says that’s nothing personal, just a sample of the Rumble. And then he dumps Dom out! The son’s got a lot to learn still. But will Dom & Rey look to be in that final handful at the Rumble to put their name back on the WrestleMania marquee?
WWE looks at the parallels of Lashley and Lesnar.
“Forge: to form by heating and hammering; to beat into shape.” Great warriors are born at the forge, shaped by the heat of the fire and tried in the brutality of combat. This is the beginning of two such warriors. “The great plains often invoke idyllic dreams of an unending cascades of crops and green pastures. But in winter, these dreams are overtaken by the harsh reality of desolation and decay. It is here that the heart of a Beast was forged, and a Conqueror was born.” Brock Lesnar is a two-time NCAA All American with over 100 victories, and the NCAA Division I Heavyweight Champion. And just five months after his WWE debut, The Next Big Thing was WWE Champion.
After ravaging every challenger in the WWE, the Beast would go to the UFC, and in just three fights, he’d reign supreme as the UFC Heavyweight Champion. Then upon returning to the WWE, Lesnar’s path of devastation continued. He took 16-time WWE Champion John Cena to Suplex City, ended The Undertaker’s WrestleMania undefeated streak, and cemented his dominance as a three-time Universal and six-time World Champion. He is a Beast without limits, without remorse, and without fear.
“Discipline. Restraint. Control. It is from these fires that the All Mighty was forged. Son of a US Army drill sergeant, Bobby Lashley learned at an early age that only by rigorously harnessing his natural ability that he would the greatness that he sought.” A three-time NAIA wrestling champion, Lashley would follow his father’s footsteps into the Army, and he honed his craft onto his way to winning gold in the Armed Forces Championship. Lashley would emerge in WWE as a peak physical specimen, unleashing a torrent of physical power and ferocity. But while he won gold, Lashley couldn’t quite find that next level.
A sojourn into MMA ignited the fires and Lashley had a 15-2 record. Then he’d return to the WWE and he would unleash havoc on opponent after opponent with his arsenal of high impact moves, headlined by the Hurt Lock full nelson. He would become United States Champion, Intercontinental Champion, and ultimately, WWE World Champion. Now, Lashley is ready for the one challenge that eluded him. For 20 years, Lashley believes Lesnar was ducking him. But Lesnar is confident that if they’d met before, Lesnar would’ve already beaten him. But the Royal Rumble will see the champion Beast collide with an All Mighty challenger.
These paths have finally crossed. Two warriors, forged in flame, battle and gold, fight for the ultimate prize. Only one emerges THE WWE World Champion. Will the ring even stay standing as these wage war?
The Miz & Maryse are heading out.
Kevin Patrick stops them to ask about that vicious attack. Miz says it took ONE SHOT to take down the Glamazon! Now Beth needs medical attention! Now the Grit Couple is the SH- Maryse stops Miz there. The girls are watching at home. Oh, right. Daddy loves ya, girls! And Miz loves Mommy. He is the best husband ever, because he remembered that Maryse’s birthday is next week! So before saying bonny nut- No, no, it’s bonne nuit. The T is silent. Right, bonne nuit to the Grit Couple, Miz is going to throw the most expensive, extravagant and amazing birthday party that anyone has ever seen, because Miz loves Maryse.
Nothing, especially not Edge & Beth, is stronger than their love. These two make-out right in front of us… But will announcing the birthday party here come back to bite the It Couple?
Alexa Bliss has another therapy session.
She and her therapist sit quietly a moment before he welcomes her back. He’s happy to say that there are less breakable things here in the office. She isn’t sure about that. But these sessions will continue. He will not tolerate a repeat of last week, though. He does apologize for showing her such a sensitive subject, but he had to know where she stood psychological. He promises her that she will be on the road to recovery. Neat. Now, let’s do word association. Okay, sure. How does she feel about the word, “Trust.” “Lily.” Friend? Lily. Home? Lily. Doll… Lily. Imaginary. Alexa gets up out of her seat and glares at him. Okay, time’s up.
The doc bolts but Alexa cools off. She sits back down, looks around the room, but stays quiet. Will Alexa ever get over her twistedly tragic past?
Bobby Lashley w/ MVP VS Seth Rollins!
The Rocky Mountain Machine is ready to wreck everything, including Brock Lesnar. Meanwhile, The Visionary is preparing to repeat history and defeat Roman Reigns once again. But who will have some major momentum on their side going towards those titanic title matches? The main event of top championship challengers begins after the break!
Raw returns and Rollins makes his entrance. The bell rings and Lashley glares while Rollins smirks. The two circle, fans rally up, and the two tie up. Rollins headlocks, Lashley powers up to power out, but Rollins duck sand dodges. Lashley hurdles then runs Rollins over! Fans cheer as Lashley mocks Rollins’ pose. The two reset, circle and tie up again. Rollins waistlocks, Lashley uses ropes to buck Rollins away, but Rollins hurdles and drops to then go perpendicular, SLINGBLADE! Rollins kicks, reels Lashley in, but Lashley back drops free! Lashley stalks Rollins, but Rollins fights the full nelson! Rollins drops to KICK Lashley, then he dumps Lashley out!
Rollins builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit but Lashley stays up! Rollins goes back in, builds speed again, DIVES, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Lashley roars and Rollins flounders while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Rollins has Lashley down now! Rollins drags Lashley to a corner to SLAM a leg against the post! Rollins SLAMS the leg again, talks trash to MVP, then gets in as the ring count reaches 5 of 10. Rollins drags Lashley up, puts the bad leg in the ropes, pulls until the ref counts, then dropkicks the leg! Lashley falls, Rollins drags him to center and steps through to drop a leg on the knee! Lashley snarls and fans rally up. MVP coaches Lashley, but Rollins drops another leg on the bad knee! And then another! Rollins has the toehold, ties up the legs, but Lashley fights, only for Rollins to still get the Indian Deathlock!
Rollins keeps Lashley’s hands away while Lashley endures the hold. Rollins SLAPS Lashley in the side, but Lashley pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Lashley lets go but he punches Rollins! Rollins lets the legs free, but then he gets the bad one for a DRAGON SCREW! And into a HALF CRAB! Lashley endures, even as Rollins sits deep! Lashley powers up, fans rally up, and Lashley turns, only for Rollins to stomp the leg! Rollins has the Half Crab again! MVP coaches Lashley more but Rollins talks trash on “Bob.” Lashley fights up, turns things over, and he boots Rollins away! Rollins falls out of the ring but he’s right back in! Lashley avoids the stomp for a COMPLETE SHOT!
MVP says that’s the All Mighty Lashley he knows! Lashley grits his teeth and pushes up, just as Rollins also sits up. Rollins turns around into an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! And then another! Lashley runs in at the corner, to RAM into Rollins! Lashley turns Rollins around, NECKBREAKER! Lashley fires up and Tulsa fires up with him! Lashley gets Rollins up, suplexes, but Rollins fights free! Lashley kicks low to gut wrench, DOMINATOR! Cover, TWO!! Rollins survives but MVP coaches Lashley to keep going. Lashley aims from a corner, Rollins rises, Lashley runs in, into a KNEE! Rollins hits a ROLLING ELBOW! Then runs, but into a scoop!
Rollins slips out, shoves Lashley into buckles, then kicks low! Rollins underhooks the arms, PEDIGREE!! Cover, TWO!?! Lashley survives but Rollins is too tired to be shocked! Fans rally behind Lashley but Rollins stands. Rollins goes to a corner, climbs up top, but Lashley gets him with a choke grip! Lashley climbs up, but Rollins fights with elbows! But Lashley clinches, for a SUPER BELLY2BELLY!! Rollins goes flying to the other side of the ring! Lashley gets back to a corner but the Hurt Business go after him!!
Winner: Bobby Lashley, by disqualification
Cedric Alexander & Shelton Benjamin mug Lashley but Lashley fights back! That’s still 2v1, and they POST him! Alexander & Benjamin shout that he’s brought this upon himself, and then the POST Lashley again! They glare at MVP but then drag Lashley back up. But Lashley DOUBLE SUPLEXES them instead! COMPLETE SHOT for Benjamin! Fireman’s carry and the POST for Alexander! Lashley SPEARS Benjamin through barriers! Rollins is shocked at seeing the carnage, but the USOS run out from the crowd! Rollins turns around, into DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Jimmy & Jey make up for missing the target on SmackDown!
Rollins lost the match and then got got! Will he stand a chance of dethroning the Head of the Table if the Usos can get him on his show? As for Lashley, will he be able to go for the gold if he has his former henchmen coming after him?
My Thoughts:
This was a decent episode, but with really glaring low points. Does Vince just hate Women’s Wrestling again? Why is it that the matches tonight were basically filler to move the story along? Nikki VS Rhea being No Contest was whatever since it at least went with story. But that opening tag match had Becky, Piper, Bianca and Liv, all of which are basically the stars of the Raw Women’s Division. Yet Vince couldn’t be bothered to give that match more than a bathroom break amount of time! I suppose because it was Piper ending it all very quickly, we’re supposed to think Piper is that great, but honestly it just hurt all four women. If Bianca was taken out by just a corner splash, how is she to win the Rumble?
Finn VS Theory 2 was also way too short. I get there was a commercial break in the middle but that just makes it worse. Theory winning was clean also a shame, and not because of Vince’s weird threat to him. I get that Theory needed to win to make a feud out of this, but why not dirty it up a little? When is Finn going to get a chance to comment on how Theory is Vince’s pet project and all that? This whole thing is just hurting my brain. And only a little less than the Veer Mahaan videos coming back. He better show up in the Rumble. And this week’s Alexa therapy session was filler. It was just her associating everything with Lily but not even in a more compelling way than last week’s “triggered Alexa” vignette.
We got a good 8 Man Tag but it was also on the short side. It was pretty standard Rumble season stuff for Rey & Dom to dump the Profits out, but Rey dumping Dom was a bit of a surprise. Maybe Dom will do the same during the Rumble on Rey? I did appreciate them weaving three backstage segments into one, going from Reggie wanting advice from Edge but basically striking out, and then Edge talking with Priest and then Priest talking with Kevin. If Dana still has the 24/7 title come the Women’s Rumble, can that title end up hot potato’d around to end up on someone from SmackDown? Or does Fox just hate that title?
Omos of course destroyed Reggie, but I almost thought he was going to somehow end up 24/7 champion. That’d probably put the end to the title, though, because who would even try to take it from him? Kevin had a very good match with Priest, and his win definitely puts him in line for the US Championship, but who knows if Kevin will even go for it with him so closely connected to Rollins in their stories. And we got a good promo segment out of Maryse and Beth. But Maryse bringing up the Diva Era short matches and yet we got a short women’s match here, the irony clearly goes over Vince’s thick head. That brick in the purse, though. And telegraphing the birthday stuff for next week, Maryse’s cake is definitely going into someone’s face.
The Alpha Academy graduation was a pretty good segment. I am sure Riddle was referencing something but I can’t place it. I can’t believe they’re kayfabing that Otis never had the last name “Dozovic.” That’s taking Vince’s love of editing names to a new, dumber level. But I loved the face Otis made when Gable said they were going to have a tag team academic challenge. He’s going to end up the weak link for his team since this graduation was based on his in-ring skills. The Lesnar Lashley vignette was well made, but a rather melodramatic theme in the narration. After the string of short matches, it just felt like WWE trying too hard to be cinematic and not enough about action.
Lashley VS Rollins was great stuff, until the Hurt Business “ruined” things. It just keeps reminding us of how flippant they’ve been with that faction’s story. They work together against Goldberg but then not together against Lesnar, and now the Hurt Business is just being thrown at Lashley in an attempt to build Lashley as brutal and dominant without it being in the matches. The Usos getting the drop on Rollins was pretty good, though, since that carries over from SmackDown. If they’d let it just be the Usos trying to mess with Rollins, I think things would’ve felt a bit better.
My Score: 8/10
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IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLASGOW KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Candice has Tiffy down with an armlock. Tiff fights up as the fans rally, but Candice wrenches to wristlock. Tiff spins through, goes to ropes, then up the corner to flip and arm-drag! The fans fire up as Tiff rallies on Candice! DROPKICK, and Tiff snarls! Tiff goes to the corner, and Charlotte makes her entrance? The Queen chooses to be fashionably late all so everyone looks at her, including Tiffy. Tiffy handsprings, but Candice dodges! Candice runs up to UPPERCUT, then she snapmares and NECK SNAPPERS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice clamps onto Tiffy with a top wristlock.
The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte now chooses to join commentary. Tiff fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, but Candice CLUBS away on her! Candice backs off, runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her to ropes! Tiff runs, HIP ATTACKS, and Candice flops back! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays on Candice with a whip, but Candice reverses. Candice CLOBBERS Tiff, covers, TWO! Charlotte corrects Tiffy’s words earlier: Charlotte isn’t the “top girl,” she is THE woman in WWE. Candice HIP DROPS Tiff but the fans rally up. Candice scuffs Tiff, then grinds an arm to drop a knee on the elbow! And another knee drop! Tiff endures and the fans rally up.
Candice keeps on that arm, thrashes it around, but Tiff fights up. Tiff fires body shots, then shoves Candice to Alabama Lift her! Candice sunset flips, Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated and Candice bails out. Tiff goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Candice and Nia, and Tiff almost stuck the landing! The fans fire up with Tiff and she goes into the ring. Tiff points to the WrestleMania sign, and then at Charlotte, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Tiff waits on Candice, Candice slides in, and Tiff stomps her down! Candice bails out, Nia is there to coach her, but Tiff lets the ring count start. Candice gets on the apron, Tiff kicks her, but Candice RAMS Tiff! Candice CLUBS Tiff, has her in the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Candice climbs, aims, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO!
Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW!
Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back! Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring!
The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring. Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, but with some interesting moves after the sudden change in plans with The Rock showing up. Naomi and Bianca had a good promo to hype up what was meant to be a full match of Naomi VS Liv, but word had already come out before the show that things were being cut for time. But at the very least, they did the right thing of making it a brawl that adds heat to the tag title match on Monday. Also, hilarious how Chelsea & Piper thought the beatdown on Bianca & Naomi was so bad that they would need to be pulled from the Chamber. I also can’t wait to see what happens on Toronto SmackDown.
As for The Rock, I do appreciate he used his authority to kayfabe change more things, all so he could have his promo with Cody. I also appreciate Rock blending his different roles and even different sides, both Heel and Face, to A) bring the news of WM42 being in NOLA, and B) recreate the Corporate Champion/People’s Champion story from the Attitude Era. That was some wild stuff he was saying to Cody. I’m sure quite a few people will try and talk with Cody next week in the go-home. Heels will say do it because they’d love to have what Rock can give, Faces will say not because Cody’s better than that. But naturally, Cody is not going to become The Rock’s Champion, causing Rock to turn on him and really up things going into WrestleMania 41 and perhaps even beyond.
Good stuff in the Elimination Chamber related stories. Jimmy VS McIntyre was great stuff to open, and how fitting that McIntyre loses to Jimmy after talking all that trash about Jimmy and Jey being the same. Jey got McIntyre with something quick, Jimmy got McIntyre with something quick, McIntyre’s ego is obviously his weakness. And at the same time, McIntyre of course destroys Jimmy after because that’s his other personality trait. Priest had good promos with Cody and Braun, and we got great stuff from Solo’s Bloodline. Naturally, we got a miscommunication spot to help finish, we’re really close to Solo VS Jacob, I can feel it. Priest & Braun get the win, mostly because Priest isn’t winning in the Chamber when you’ve got Punk and Cena in there.
Very good stuff with Tiffy Time, from the promos leading into the match to Charlotte being ringside just to watch. Nia & Candice of course get the better of Tiff & Trish, because Tiff & Trish are definitely winning the tag match in Toronto. Charlotte just seems to enjoy trolling Tiff with her presence, so Charlotte probably shows up in Toronto to then confront Tiff after the match. I expect the seven weeks after Elimination Chamber to really heat up, as will Charlotte’s involvement, where she’ll get more active verbally and physically. Also, hell, Rock should go full Corporation and have Charlotte be his Corporate Women’s Champion because of how established she is.
Hilarious stuff from Truth tonight, as always. Truth and Melo having their “who’s on first” again was good stuff, and of course Miz gets in on this story, too. Truth & Knight VS “Melo Don’t Miz” was really fun, but yeah, should’ve figured Nakamura would get involved, too. Melo & Miz making it work could also be really fun, and while Knight VS Nakamura is a rehash, I really hope they find a way to up things. It feels like we’re getting the same with the tag titles as Profits “ruined” that great tag match from DIY and Pretty Deadly, then brawled with MCMG to still come out on top. Last year had a ladder tag title match, so why not do one for these titles this year?
Speaking of escalating, Kevin filming a promo outside Sami’s house was some really well done stuff, as expected of someone as good as Kevin and in such a story as him and Sami. Their match should main event, it needs time to breathe, as it could be just as, if not more violent, than the Chamber matches. What a powerful closing moment we could have if it’s a bloody Kevin and Sami, and one of them is standing over the other, triumphant yet mournful because it was their best friend in the world that they just brutalized.
My Score: 8.9/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
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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.
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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