Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (4/18/22)
The Prince tests a Theory!
Will Finn Balor deny Vince’s golden boy some gold?
Theory has had his run of Raw with Vince McMahon backing him, but will he soon reign over it, too? Or will Finn Balor keep the WWE United States Championship from the spoiled protégé?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Sasha Banks & Naomi VS Liv Morgan & Rhea Ripley; Sasha & Naomi win and retain the titles.
- Veer Mahaan VS ???; Veer wins.
- Ezekiel VS Chad Gable; Ezekiel wins, by disqualification.
- RKBRO VS The Street Profits; The Street Profits win.
- WWE United States Championship: Finn Balor VS (Austin) Theory; Theory wins and becomes the new WWE United States Champion.
- WWE 24/7 Championship Fear of Commitment: Reggie wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
- WWE 24/7 Championship Fear of Commitment 2: Tamina wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
- WWE 24/7 Championship Fear of Commitment 3: Akira Tozawa wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
- WWE 24/7 Championship Fear of Commitment 4: Dana Brooke wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
- Cody Rhodes VS Kevin Owens; Cody wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Seth Rollins heads to the ring!
The Visionary is in an even better mood than usual because he has a rematch with Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania Backlash! And Rollins goes to the ring to get a mic. “Ooooh, welcome to Monday Night Rollins! It is a party out here tonight, and nobody wants to party alone! So I’ve got an invitation to make. An invitation to my WrestleMania Backlash opponent himself, The American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes! C’mon down, let’s have a chat, baby! HAHA!” And to oblige, Cody makes his entrance. Buffalo is fired up as Cody joins Rollins in the ring. Rollins says they don’t need to stop cheering, give Cody more! Rollins even starts a “Cody! Cody!” chant.
Rollins asks Cody how it feels to be on top of the world. C’mon, give it up for the Nightmare! Cody says he’ll stand on ceremony just a moment. This all feels so… familiar. As in, Rollins and Cody in the ring, in this city, and for those who don’t know the story, Buffalo is Rhodes Country. But familiarity and admiration are strangers. Rollins has invited Cody, so please, what does Rollins want to talk about? Rollins says, “Ohhh, Cody.” There has been so much on Rollins’ mind. And as memory serves, Buffalo might be Rhodes Country, but this is about respect. Rollins wants to share how much he respects Cody.
Cody soaks up the adulation and Rollins gets mad. Rollins tells Cody to never do that again. But then he does, and Rollins gets further annoyed. This was going to go one way, but now it’s going another. Rollins was going to say how much he respected the Rhodes, from Cody to his brother to his daddy, Dusty! Rollins was going to say how much respect he had for Cody’s long journey going away, working hard, and coming back as the American Nightmare. But instead, Rollins must remind Cody that all his hard work is nothing because Seth Freakin’ Rollins made Cody a star in one NIGHT at WrestleMania!
Fans boo but Rollins says that’s the truth. Cody says there’s a lot of pretense. Let’s dispense with pleasantries and get to the point. The point Rollins is getting to is that at WrestleMania, Cody had an “unfair advantage.” Cody came in as the surprise opponent! Mr. Rhodes, back after all this time! Rollins didn’t have time to prepare, and that is why he lost. A tough pill to swallow, but what’s tougher is that people think Cody is better than Rollins. That is something Rollins cannot live with because it’s not true! Rollins is better than Cody, in every single possible way! Cody may be the flavor of the month, but he is not the future of the industry.
Rollins talks the talk better than Cody. Rollins walks the walk better than Cody. And he most certainly dresses the dress and drips the drop better than Cody. But most importantly, Cody came back to fulfill a legacy and win the WWE World Championship, an admirable goal. Rollins has been to that mountaintop, and THAT makes him better than Cody! Cody says, “Forgive me, I’m gonna correct you.” Rollins has been to the mountaintop four times. Four times, and Cody none. But all of that, the diatribe and tantrum, does not change WrestleMania. And in his six years away, Cody had a management job and learned a little something called mediation.
Rollins can go on and on about how great he is, and Cody could do the same, they go back and forth and back and forth, so why don’t they involve a neutral third party? They can ask the good folks of Buffalo! Fans are already cheering for Cody, so Cody asks them, “Do you think that I am better than Seth Rollins?” “YES! YES! YES!” Rollins encourages them to get louder and the fans oblige. Then he gets annoyed and tells them to shut up. Cody and the fans think it is so easy, standing here and someone else walks out and you can just win! But here’s an idea. Rollins wants to put the shoe on the other foot!
Tonight’s main event, Cody takes on a mystery opponent of Rollins’ choosing! What does he say to that?! Fans again chant, “YES! YES! YES!” Cody says, “Look at me. I think you already know the answer. I think they already know the answer. I didn’t come back to WWE to run from challenges. So absolutely YES.” Rollins smiles, and gives a thumbs up. Has he just suckered Cody into a trap?
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Sasha Banks & Naomi VS Liv Morgan & Rhea Ripley!
It’s BOSS GLOW TIME! But will Team Bad still be feeling good after tonight? Or will #Liv4Brutality leave with the gold?
Raw returns and the challengers make their entrance. The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if Sasha & Naomi live a nightmare!
Rhea starts against Sasha, they circle, and Rhea deflects a dropkick to give a dropkick! She puts Sasha in a corner, RAMS into her then RAMS her shoulder in more. Liv tags in, Rhea whips her in for a back body block! Liv snapmares and then wheelbarrows with Rhea, for a SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Liv brings Sasha up but Sasha JAWBREAKERS! Liv comes back but the springboard is denied! Sasha blocks a kick to KNEE Liv down, then tags to Naomi. They double wrench, for DOUBLE SOLE FOOD! Then a DOUBLE KICK takes Liv down! Cover, TWO! Liv survives that onslaught but Naomi tags Sasha.
Sasha goes up to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Naomi DECKS Rhea for good measure, then Sasha tags Naomi back in. They go out after Liv to POST her together! Then they CROSSBODY Rhea, but Rhea catches Sasha to CLOBBER Naomi with her! Liv gets Naomi, WING CLIPPER into the POST! Rhea gives Sasha RIPTIDE to the barrier! Rhea and Liv have taken control as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns and Rhea has Naomi in body scissors. Naomi endures the squeezes, fights and pushes back to a cover, TWO! Rhea CLOBBERS Naomi! Rhea tags Liv, then Rhea Electric Chair Lifts Naomi while Liv climbs. ELECTRIC CHAIR BULLDOG! Wasn’t the cleanest, but Liv covers, TWO! Liv tries again, TWO! Liv is frustrated but then Naomi gets her for a ghost pin, TWO! Liv kicks and KICKS and ENZIGURIS! Naomi ends up on the ropes, Liv runs in but no Oblivion! Rhea tags in before the backslide, so the cover doesn’t count! Naomi springboards but Rhea catches her, so Liv can POWERBOMB her!
Rhea hurries to haul Naomi up, pump handle! Sasha gets in but Liv intercepts! RIPTIDE as Sasha gives Liv a BACKSTABBER! Cover, Sasha breaks it in time!! Buffalo is fired up as all four women are down! Rhea gets up to toss Sasha out! Naomi dodges Rhea, springboards, FLYING CHUCK! Sasha tags in, the champs coordinate, CODE BREAKER to BUBBA BOMB! Jackknife, the champs win!!
Winners: Sasha Banks & Naomi, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)
Team BAD stays on top and head out with belts in hand! Does any team on either brand stand a chance against them? As for Rhea and Liv, they regroup and Liv tries to explain she was out of commission. She wants Rhea to understand, and Rhea does her best to stay calm. But she says Liv failed the team! Liv says Rhea just needs to cool off, but then Rhea ATTACKS! She knocks Liv down, fires off hands from all sides, then laughs before she hauls Liv up! RIPTIDE!! Buffalo boos but Rhea storms off. Is Rhea done with tag teams once and for all?
Backstage interview with Rhea Ripley.
Sarah asks why Rhea did that to Liv. But Rhea asks Sarah, “What entitles you, or anyone else, to an explanation?” Rhea storms off, and that’s that.
Sonya Deville heads to the ring!
She’s in her suit so she’s all business, but she’s also the next challenger to the Raw Women’s Championship. How will she abuse her power now? We’ll find out, after the break.
Raw returns and Sonya has the mic to say, “As of late, I have heard chatter throughout WWE-” Fans booing distracts Sonya, and she again says she has heard the chatter that she is misusing her power to become Bianca Belair’s challenger. First and foremost, she is a competitor. She didn’t just wake up one day and decide to become a WWE Official out of some quarter-life crisis. No, no. She was forced into this! She was forced into this until she could find her way back to being a WWE Superstar. Did she make the most of it? Use her natural gift and ability to lead those around her? Yes, she did!
But when she found a window of opportunity, she took it. When Bianca won the Raw Women’s Championship at WrestleMania, Sonya knew that is who she’d want to be in the ring with. Bianca isn’t just the EST but the B E S T in the WWE. And that is who Sonya wants to beat and take the title off of! “The best and nothing less.” So fans can scrutinize her all we want, but the bottom line is that Bianca wanted a challenger and Sonya gave her one! “It’s nothing personal, it’s just business.” So if anyone has issue- Well, here comes Bianca! She storms her way right to the ring, and Sonya cuts off her music.
Sonya knows Bianca is all excited about the match, but standing here and now, Sonya is an official. So if Bianca lays even one finger on her, there will be consequences. Fans still want Bianca to do something, but Bianca just grabs the mic. “Y’know what, Sonya? I’m ready to put my hands on you once you’re not acting like a WWE official, so how ’bout we have this title match right here tonight? Let’s go!” Sonya says no, she didn’t wait three years to have her opportunity to have it in some rusted out suburb of New York! So it won’t happen here in Buffalo. It’ll happen somewhere where Bianca will really hate losing.
Sonya says it’ll be next week in Bianca’s hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee! And this is helping Bianca out! Because when she loses, her family will be there as shoulders to cry on. At this point, they’re so used to her losing titles quickly anyway, right? Oh, what is it? Does Bianca wanna say something? Bianca spins Sonya around to scoop her! Sonya shouts for Bianca to put her down, or she will suspend her and strip the title away! So Bianca flings Sonya away! Sonya is flustered and furious, what consequences will she make Bianca face? Or will she just let it slide in order to get that title match next week?
Veer Mahaan VS ???
The Lion with the million dollar arm dominated and demolished Dominik Mysterio, and showed absolutely no remorse. Will he do the same thing all over again to whoever is in the ring with him tonight?
Raw returns and Buffalo’s own Jeff Brooks is Veer’s vict- er, opponent! The bell rings, Brooks rushes in but Veer TOSSES him to a corner! Then fires off body shots then TOSSES Brooks across the way! Veer roars and looms over Buffalo Brooks. Brooks throws body shots, runs, but into a POUNCE! Then Veer scoops him for a SIDEWALK SLAM! But this isn’t the end, Veer just drags Brooks up for the MILLION DOLLAR LARIAT! And then, a BIG hip drop into the CERVICAL CLUTCH! Brooks taps, Veer wins!
Winner: Veer Mahaan, by submission
But just like with Dom, he’s not done with Brooks! Veer clamps the clutch back on, referees and officials rush out, and Veer lets off, only to go back for more! Veer wants to break Brooks!! The officials drag Veer off Brooks and Veer storms off into the night!
Sonya Deville finds Adam Pearce backstage.
Pearce finishes up a phone call and Sonya complains about Bianca putting her hands on her! Yes, Pearce saw that. So then what are the consequences? They better be severe! Pearce says those are being handled, but Sonya needs to worry about herself. What’s that supposed to mean? That the higher ups are officially investigating her conduct. Uh, she has been by the book since day one, and yet she’s being investigated? Not the champion who just assaulted her? Pearce assures Sonya that Bianca is being fined. How much? 50K? 100? A million? Sonya would give her the biggEST fine ever, but probably not, huh?
Bianca walks in and Sonya says no, this is official business, so she can see herself out. Okay, okay, Sonya. Bianca is here to pay the fine. Of one dollar. Here you are, Pearce. And she’s learned her lesson. Sonya is furious! Just $1!? And yet Sonya is abusing her power? Hey, he did it by the book. Sonya tastes some of her own medicine, but will she get a whole lot more of it next week?
Jeff Brooks is also being stretchered out.
Just as Dom was last week, one of Veer’s victims needs to go to the hospital.
Kevin Owens heads to the ring!
The Prizefighter is here to host a very special KO Show! He’s going to get to the bottom of things, as he plans on giving “Ezekiel” a lie detector test! Is Ezekiel who he says he is? Or will we learn the truth? We find out, after the break.
Raw returns and Chad Gable joins Kevin on his show. Kevin wants to make it very clear that he despises liars! Who doesn’t, right? But we have a “new” superstar calling himself Ezekiel and fraudulently claiming to be Elias’ younger brother. Kevin happens to know that is a lie, that IS Elias. So tonight, Kevin will expose him as the fraud he is, and that he is the only one sane enough to know it. Hence, the lie detector test. Kevin would do this himself, but to show this isn’t biased or rigged, Kevin got the smartest man in the WWE Universe to administer the test. Not only will Gable expose Elias, he’ll beat him in a match right after!
Ladies and gentlemen, the man with a 2.0 GP- No, no, 4. Oh, FOUR point 0 GPA, “Master” Chad Gable! Gable says A THANK YEW for having him back on the KO Show. And tonight, in line with the scientific method, Gable will stay unbiased and discover the truth if “Ezekiel” is who he says he is. And if he lies, Gable will beat the truth out of him after! Money well spent! Kevin loves everything about this. So then, please welcome ELIAS. The man in question makes his way out to the ring, and takes his seat. Kevin welcomes Elias to the show, and Ezekiel says he appreciates all this, but again he has it all wrong. He IS Ezekiel.
NO! No you’re not! You are Elias. Let’s just get past this. Elias had the guitar, the beard, asked people if they wanted to walk with him, that’s this guy. Ezekiel says he wants to take the test, but before he does, he has one question for everyone here in Buffalo. Who wants to here Zeke speak? DON’T! It’s just the same! Nevermind, just hook him up, we’ll get to the bottom of this. This is a computer, the best money can buy. We ready? Get it good. Is it crooked? Well, that’s good enough. Gable starts with some control questions to get a baseline. Buffalo, all your babbling is interfering, so please just SHOOSH!
First question, answer correctly: Is the sky blue? Yes. Okay, that’s the truth. Second question, answer incorrectly: Is tonight Monday? No. SEE? LIAR! No, Kevin, Gable made sure he’d lie on purpose here. Oh. Carry on. Okay, third question: Is Olympic Gold Medalist Gable Steveson a spoiled brat who messed with the wrong guy!? Chad, Chad, focus! This isn’t about you! Kevin is paying 180 Canadian dollars for this. Right, sorry, that’s good money. So yes or no, is your real name Ezekiel? Kevin stares Ezekiel down and tells him to answer. Fans cheer, “YES! YES! YES!” and Ezekiel says “yes.” Wow, it’s the truth…
What?! NO! Kevin won’t accept this! Ask him why he lying! No, it doesn’t work that way. It has to be yes or no. Okay, so… Yes or no: Is Elias his older brother? Again, fans chant, “YES! YES! YES!” Ezekiel says yes, and the machine can’t find the lie! Kevin is angry! Ask better! YOU ask! What is Kevin even after? Kevin asks, “Is your real name Elias?” “No!” And that’s true, too! Is he paying Gable more? Chad says he is a man of integrity. Sorry, but all signs point to the fact that this IS Ezekiel! Kevin says Gable is being made into a fool! No more of this! Kevin’s not paying!
But now Ezekiel says he has had enough. No more Law & Order here, being called a liar by the biggest liar in the WWE! This is a big night! Ezekiel’s in-ring debut is here in Buffalo! No, Kevin doesn’t care about this test! It doesn’t matter how Elias/Ezekiel figured a way around it! Or that he’s having his “first match” here in “Canada’s landfill,” Buffalo, New York! Oh no, he said mean things~! But what matter sis the truth! Kevin is getting the truth right now! Ezekiel admits he is Elias, or else! Or else what? Ezekiel stares Kevin down, and Kevin leaves! But then Gable CLOBBERS Ezekiel from behind! So much for integrity!
Ezekiel VS Chad Gable!
Raw returns and the bell rings. Ezekiel CLOBBERS Gable and fires off in a corner! Gable tries to hit back, but Ezekiel TOSSES him across the way! Then runs in to BOOT Gable out of the ring! Ezekiel goes out to CHOP Gable, and brings him up to GOURD BUSTER Gable on the steps! Gable flounders, Ezekiel puts him in the ring, and Ezekiel sits him up to kiss him on the head. Ezekiel then runs to SLIDING FOREARM! Cover, TWO! Gable gets to a corner but Ezekiel CHOPS him again! And CHOPS again! Ezekiel whips, Gable reverses and blocks a boot to put that leg in the ropes, DRAPING DRAGON SCRWE to the other leg!
Gable gets the bad leg, KNEE JAMMER! And then another DRAGON SCREW! And then another KNEE JAMMER! And then he YANKS the leg! Ezekiel clutches the knee, but Gable brings him up to NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Gable is annoyed and tells fans to SHOOSH! Gable drags Ezekiel to a spinning toehold, and Ezekiel’s shoulders are down. The ref counts, ONE as Ezekiel sits up. Ezekiel kicks with his free leg but Gable redoes the spinning toehold. But Ezekiel boots Gable up and out! Gable skins the cat, but runs into a kick! And a CHOP! Ezekiel whips, then CLOBBERS Gable!
Ezekiel DECKS Gable, whips him but Gable blocks! Ezekiel reverses back, goes up but Gable catches him! Ezekiel still mule kicks Gable away, looking a lot like his brother there! But then Gable catches Ezekiel for an EXPLODER! Gable goes up the corner, for a MOONSAULT into a boot! Ezekiel gets up, and hits a SPINEBUSTER! “Who wants to speak with Zeke?!” HALF CRAB! Gable endures, but Otis appears and CLOBBERS Ezekiel!
Winner: Ezekiel, by disqualification
The Dozer knocks Ezekiel down again, and he helps his mentor up. Ezekiel still wins his in-ring debut, but it rings rather hollow. Will Ezekiel have beef to settle with the Alpha Academy? Will he call on his brother to help him?
RKBRO VS The Street Profits!
The Viper & The Stallion put the Usos in their place on SmackDown, but they’re back on Raw because teams are still coming for these titles. Will Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins prove they should be in the conversation of undisputed tag team champions? Or will Randy Orton & Matt Riddle make sure Backlash stays as is?
Raw returns and the Profits make their entrance. The teams sort out and Dawkins starts with Orton. They circle and tie up, then Orton headlocks. Orton grinds Dawkins down but he fights up and powers out. Orton runs Dawkins over, then strikes his signature pose. Fans fire up and Riddle applauds, but then Dawkins hurdles and hurdles and FLYING ELBOWS Orton down! Ford fires up as Dawkins stirs it up! Dawkins waits on Orton, they circle again and feel things out. Orton kicks low, EuroUppers Dawkins down, then tags Riddle. Orton snapmares, and he stomps Dawkins’ hand! Riddle stomps the other hand, then they both stomp the feet!
RKBRO then coordinates, ASSISTED FLOATING BRO! Cover, TWO! Riddle keeps on Dawkins with a headlock. Dawkins fights up, powers him to ropes, and Ford tags in. Dawkins ducks and Ford dropkicks Riddle! Ford then mocks Orton’s pose before he covers, TWO! Ford keeps on Riddle with an armlock. Riddle gets up but Ford wrenches to a back suplex! Ford then hurries to a corner and climbs up top, but Riddle gets up after him first! SUPER SPANISH FLY!! Even Orton’s shocked as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again and Ford clinches Riddle. Riddle throws body shots to get free, but Ford starts trading shots with him! Fans rally as the forearms fly, and Riddle gets the edge! Fans fire up, Riddle blocks a kick but not the ENZIGURI! But then Riddle gets up to ROUNDHOUSE! Ford falls back, Dawkins tags in! Dawkins keeps Riddle from Orton but Riddle boots him away! Hot tag to Randy! Orton rallies with big clotheslines, then he ducks to POWERSLAM! Fans fire up with Orton as he then has Dawkins on the apron! Riddle FINAL FLASH KNEES Ford, and RKBRO get the Profits for DOUBLE DRAPING DDTS!
Riddle kips up and Buffalo is thunderous! Orton tags in Riddle, and he lets Riddle hear those voices! Riddle wants Dawkins to get up, but Ford is waving to someone! The USOS?! The music hits, but no Jimmy or Jey. Ford DROPKICKS Orton off the apron, and Dawkins ROCKS Riddle with a right! Dawkins whips Riddle to a corner, but Riddle goes up! Dawkins catches him, Ford tags in and climbs, DOOMSDAY BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, Profits win!!
Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall
Ford & Dawkins used the specter of the Usos against RKBRO! Ford gets a mic to say, “What happened? I wonder who would cue the Usos music at this misfortunate time for RKBRO.” But let that be a lesson to everyone! Usos ain’t the only team to worry about! They’re the Street Profits! They are up, and they want the smoke! RKBRO realizes the trick, and are furious! Will Orton & Riddle make the Profits pay for stooping so low?
Edge and Damian Priest speak.
The Archer of Infamy says, “I’m sure you’re all asking yourselves, ‘What was that last Monday? Why are Edge and Damian Priest so set on making AJ’s life so, so miserable?’ Well apparently, you all need to be reminded as to who the hell we are.” The Iconoclast says that’s right. “Last week was mind games, and this side of me has always been there, it’s just been dormant. These seeds were planted over 20 years ago when I was in The Brood, the Ministry of Darkness. But how soon you all forget.” This version of Edge is much more dangerous, and those seeds will be watered by their opponent’s tears.
So why is this happening? You can’t get it through your Cro-Magnon skulls, AJ Styles is too stupid to figure it out, but it’s real simple. These two haven’t lived up to their true destinies. They haven’t lived up to what life’s given them. Here’s an example: Last year, WrestleMania, Damian Priest played supporting role to Bad Bunny. Priest was the glue but the bunny got the credit. Without Priest, Bunny would’ve been smeared on the mat like a Picasso painting. And yet Priest didn’t have a Mania match and the fans all have to ask why this is happening? And what does Edge have to complain about? Well where to begin?
Edge, a WWE Hall of Famer, had to ask someone to step up for a Mania match! And unlike the Bills and Sabers, Edge wins championships! And yet, in spite of all that, after nine years being begged to come back, scratched and clawed to come back, all it took was two years for the WWE Universe to be filled with lemmings and malcontents with the attention span of a TikTok video to complain that Edge was this, that, part-timer! So Edge finally decided not to care what the fans thought, and to take back the pinnacle of this industry, Edge’s mountain of omnipotence! He and Priest will past judgement on anyone in his way. And the only one with the guts to even get in their way is Styles.
Apparently, Mania didn’t get the point across to Styles. So Edge is officially challenging Styles to a rematch for Backlash, and he will drive the point home like a stake to the heart! Edge speaks directly to Styles, and Styles will surely say this isn’t fair. Not that they care. They finally decided to seize the day! And what that means for everyone, especially Styles, is that it is their JUDGEMENT DAY! Edge and Priest share a laugh, and then we fade out. Will the Phenomenal One be sentenced to exile by this judge, jury and executioner?
Backstage interview with AJ Styles.
Sarah asks his response to what we just heard from Edge and Priest. Styles says it’s “Judge Edge” and “Big Bad Bailiff” Priest. First, Edge’s challenge is accepted! And second, Edge can save his judgement for- Wait, the lights are flickering. Then they go off! And when they come back, it’s all purple-blue as Edge and Priest are there! Styles tries to fight but that’s 2v1! Edge and Priest mug Styles, then THROW him into the wall! Priest even KICKS Styles in the ribs, and Edge opens a locker to put Styles’ arm in it! Edge SLAMS the door shut again and again! Styles gets his arm free but the damage has been done! Edge and Priest laugh again, and then disappear. Will Styles be able to survive such a disadvantage?
WWE United States Championship: Finn Balor VS (Austin) Theory!
The Prince has been on the bad end of ambushes and blindsides by Vince McMahon’s newest pet project, but now it comes to a head! Either Balor gets payback for everything the man formerly called Austin has done to him, or Theory makes Vince the proudest he can be!
Raw returns as Finn makes his entrance. The introductions are made, the title is raised, and we see if WWE has a champion in Theory.
Balor and Theory circle and tie up. They go around, Balor gets an arm to wrench to a wristlock, but Theory kicks low. Theory headlocks, Balor powers out, but Theory runs him over. Theory flexes and says he’s the man, but Balor CHOPS him! Balor throws body shots, RAMS Theory with his shoulder again and again, then lets off at 4. Balor CHOPS again, snapmares and KICKS Theory in the back, then COHPS him in another corner. Balor whips corner to corner, and CHOPS Theory down! Theory gets up to scoop for a BACKBREAKER! Theory snarls, he rains down fists on Balor, then covers, TWO!
Theory clamps on with a chinlock to grind Balor down. Balor endures, fans rally up, and Balor fights to his feet, only for Theory to throw him down by his head! Cover, TWO, but Theory is back on the chinlock. Balor endures as Theory leans on the hold, and he fights his way back up. Balor JAWBREAKERS free, then runs, but Theory follows to trip him up and drag him out to the apron! DRAPING NECKBREAKER to the floor! Theory seethes but he stands tall while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Theory has Balor in a chinlock. Balor fights up, but Theory manages to wrangle him back down. Balor endures as Theory leans on the hold, and he fights back up. Fans rally, Balor wrenches but Theory knees low to snapmare and jumping stomp! Theory talks trash but Balor BOOTS him from the corner! Balor rallies with forearms and a whip but Theory reverses, only for Balor to FLYING FOERAM! Then trip and DOUBLE STOMP! Buffalo fires up and Balor runs in to CHOP Theory again! Balor whips corner to corner, Theory reverses and scoops, SPIN OUT SIDEWALK SLAM! Cover, TWO!
Balor clutches his neck but he’s still in this. Theory drags Balor up, LARIATS Balor down, then eggs him on. Theory drags Balor up, for another LARIAT! Fans boo but Theory soaks up the heat. Theory drags Balor up, reels him in again, but Balor slips around to DDT! Both men are down and fans fire up! Balor then runs in to KICK Theory against ropes! Theory goes to the apron, Balor drags him up and suplexes. Theory blocks, throws body shots, then HOTSHOTS Balor away! Theory slingshots in, but dropkick becomes POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Theory survives his mistake, but both men are down as fans rally up.
Balor and Theory get up, Theory storms over but Balor KICKS him! And CHOPS him! And KICKS again! Theory throat chops! Theory then bumps Balor off buckles, talks trash while he stalks him, but Balor wheelbarrows to victory roll and stomp away! The ref counts as they’re at ropes, but Balor lets off to fire up the fans! Balor runs to SLINGBLADE Theory down! Then he aims again, SHOTGUN! Theory hits buckles then falls to the drop zone! Balor hurries to the corner and up top! But Theory trips Balor up! Fans boo but Theory springs right up, ARABIAN PRESS SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Balor survives and Theory is furious!
Theory says he’s the man! Fans boo, Theory calls his shot, #ATownDown. Theory gets Balor up, but Balor slips out to ELBOW DROP DDT! Balor then clotheslines Theory out of the ring! Balor runs and FLIES! Direct hit at the ramp! Balor hobbles up, fans rally and he gets Theory in the ring. Balor then goes up top again, OCUP DE- NO! Theory moves, hurries to get Balor up, A T L!! Cover, Theory wins!
Winner: (Austin) Theory, by pinfall (NEW WWE United States Champion)
Vince McMahon’s investment pays off in gold! Theory admires the prize, and out come the Hurt Business, the Alpha Academy, Commander Azeez and T-Bar to help him celebrate! And of course, here comes Vince McMahon himself! Theory goes up the ramp to take a celebration selfie with his mentor! With the Chairman’s backing, is there nothing Theory won’t do in the WWE?
Seth Rollins walks around backstage.
“Twitter is a wild place.” But Kevin Patrick walks over to ask Rollins about Cody’s match tonight against someone of Rollins’ choosing. Has he made a decision yet? Rollins laughs and says he has. Then will he share that with us? What? Is KP dim? Does no one get how this works? AT Mania, Rollins was in the middle of the ring, still no idea who he’d be facing. Cody needs to feel the exact same way tonight! Or else it doesn’t work! What doesn’t KP understand? Oh, oh, wait. Rollins checks something on his phone. Cody’s opponent has responded! Who is this that Rollins is communicating with? Guess we’ll have to wait until the main event.
R-Truth heads to the ring!
Tonight, the “certified marriaging guy” presides over the “Double Commitment Ceremony!” AKA a double wedding! The 24/7 Championship is perched on a nice little pedestal, will anyone try and ruin this night by taking that title from Dana Brooks? Or will she and Reggie, as well as Akira Tozawa and Tamina, all live happily-ever-after after tonight?
Raw returns, and the grooms and their bridal parties are present. On Tozawa’s side are Nikki A.S.H, and on Reggie’s side are Los Lotharios. Truth wants everyone to simmer down and zip it! Not just because your fly is down, Reggie. What?! GOTTEE! Okay, let’s be for real for real. Before we bring the lovely brides out, let us all remember, and that means every single one of you single, conniving snakes in the grass, that there is an R-TRUCE in effect. During this ceremony, involving Reggie and Dana, and Tamina and Tozawa, the 24/7 title is off-limits. Aight, guys, this is Truth’s first time, go easy.
“BUFFALO, NEW YORK! WHAT’S UP?!” Make some noise for Dana and Tamina! The music plays, and here come the brides~, all dressed in white~! Dana is first, and Nikki doesn’t look impressed. Tamina sorta storms out with Sasha and Naomi helping with the train. Team BAD in full affect here! Truth says these girls should be on Corn Flakes boxes, they look GRRREAT! Doesn’t he mean Frosted…? Anyway, the grooms help their brides into the ring, and Truth gets Buffalo to applaud. Truth then welcomes the dear, honored and beloved guests, and all y’all schemers, too.
We are gathered here to join the union of Dana Brooks- No, it’s just Brooke. Oh… Brook-kuh and Reggie. As well as Tamina and Tozawa. So without any further instigations, punctuations or provocations, let’s get down to bidness. And don’t “What” him! Time for the vows! And make it come from the heart. “What?” From the heart! Dana takes out her notes, and Truth has the fans simmer down. She needs a minute! Y’all gonna get married one day, too! Dana tells Reggie, “You are my knight in shining armor. And from the first time you showed your willingness to sacrifice yourself for me, I knew you were a man of honor.”
“What?” He has integrity! And though it took time to become more than friends, Dana knew they were meant to be. Through the ups and the downs, their love has only grown stronger. Truth says he’s tearing up. Reggie’s turn. Reggie says that was beautiful. Buffalo gets rowdy and Truth says they’re making him look bad. He won’t get anymore gigs after this. They should let him finish then they can go “HEY~ HEY” all the want. Fans start that but he says not now, later! “Dana, you are a dream come true. A goddess with everything I could ever want. And everything we’ve been through, the trust issues, the temptations, all of it has put us on the path that got us to this moment. And it has only made our love stronger.”
That was deep, dog. Okay, Tamina- She just shouts “Akira! What she said.” What? That’s not allowed, is it? Well, Tozawa, your turn. “Tamina… Same.” These two know how to save time. Then before finalizing the commitments, are there any objections? Speak now or forever shut your traps! Fans all boo but he says they don’t count. TAMINA objects?! To what?! She drags Reggie over and trades him with Tozawa?! Tamina likes Reggie better? That wasn’t expected. But then Tamina changers her mind. She wants… DANA?! Fans go nuts and Truth says this is getting him fired! Is this even PG?
Tamina changes her mind again, and decides to stick with the one that brought her. So then, any final objections? Just keep ’em to yourselves. With the power in Truth’s vests, he pronounces them all, COMMITTED! Get to smooching! Oh, wait, rings. Show ’em! Oh, Reggie spent some money. Tozawa not so much… Left ring fingers and… Tozawa has to loosen his again. Now, this is official! Smooch! Tozawa and Tamina kiss, and then so do Reggie and Dana. They go all the way down, and Reggie is pinning Dana?! REGGIE WINS THE TITLE!
Winner: Reggie, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)
But then Tamina CLOBBERS and SPLASHES Reggie! TAMINA WINS!!
Winner: Tamina, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)
Truth says this is messed up! But then Tozawa goes under the skirt to roll up Tamina! TOZAWA WINS!!
Winner: Akira Tozawa, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)
Truth is furious but Dana CROSSBODIES! Cover, Dana wins the title back!
Winner: Dana Brooke, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)
Dana becomes a runaway bride as Truth gives her a piggyback outta here! Does this count as an annulment?
Backstage interview with Bobby Lashley.
Sarah has Lashley watch a video message sent by MVP. “Bobby Lashley, you are about to realize exactly how… big the mistake you’ve made. Trying to hog all the glory and spotlight to yourself, riding into WrestleMania solo, without MVP. But that’s the past. I’ve moved on to bigger things, meaner things, stronger things, in the colossus, Omos. An athlete who is superior to you in every way. And now he’s sitting under my learning tree, and I’m teaching him all the things I taught you to become WWE Champion.” MVP made Lashley might, so what can he do with Omos?
While we’re figuring that out, Omos wants to challenge Lashley to a display of strength to humiliate him again. Maybe an arm-wrestling match? Omos says the All Might Era is coming to an end. Lashley says this is not surprising. MVP thinks he’s safe cuz he can hide behind Omos while talking trash. If Lashley wants after MVP, he has to go through Omos, and he will definitely do that. But MVP is right. Omos is big, strong and scary. But so is Lashley! Is he stronger? We’ll find out in that arm-wrestling match. Lashley accepts the challenge, and will show everyone why they still call Lashley the All Mighty.
Cody Rhodes VS ???
According to The Visionary, The American Nightmare must now feel what Rollins felt at WrestleMania 38. Cody makes his entrance, and will wait in the ring to learn who Rollins chose as his opponent. Will Cody be ready no matter who walks down the ramp? Or has the Architect perfectly planned his payback?
Raw returns and Rollins makes his entrance. “Ohhhhh yeaaaah~! It’s time, it’s time, it’s time for your main event! It’s time to show the world that you’re not as good as you think you are!” So without further ado, Rollins introduces Cody’s surprise opponent for the evening. It is a man of valor, a man who never backs down from a fight, and a former world champion! And that’s no lie. Rollins laughs, because here comes Kevin Owens! It seems these two made up as friends because they hug it out! Kevin then goes to the ring, will the Prizefighter be able to do Rollins’ dirty work?
The bell rings, the two circle, and Code gets a leg. Kevin gets to ropes, turns things around on Cody, and then headlocks. Cody endures, pries at the hold, but Kevin shifts to a waistlock. Cody pries the waistlock open to wrench and wristlock. Kevin kicks low, reels Cody in, but Cody lands out of the back suplex. Cody kicks low and drops, but Kevin blocks the Rhodes Uppercut! Kevin SLAMS the arm down, then mocks Goldust before he CLUBS Cody. Kevin COHPS and CLUBS Cody then stomps away at the ropes! The ref counts, Kevin lets off to bring Cody up and whip. Cody reverses and sends Kevin out, then DECKS him!
Cody builds speed to DIVE into a forearm! Kevin drags Cody out to FALL AWAY SLAM into barriers! Kevin roars as he stands over Cody, and then he soaks up the heat in the ring while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Kevin has Cody in a headlock. Cody fights up, Kevin turns it to a facelock but Cody throws body shots. Cody ROCKS Kevin but Kevin kicks low. Kevin throws Cody out, but Cody skins the cat! Cody rallies, dropkicks and Kevin goes to a corner. Cody whips corner to corner, Kevin reverses but Cody goes up and over. Kevin trips Cody to SENTON! Cover, TWO! Kevin is annoyed but he stomps Cody around. Kevin CLUBS Cody, KICKS him, then drags Cody up by an ear. Kevin mocks the fans cheering for Cody before he scoops and hits a BACKBREAKER! Kevin makes it a rack as he bends Cody against his knee.
Cody fights free but Kevin throws down elbows! Kevin pushes Cody against his knee again, but Cody endures. Kevin pushes Cody down, and he grins while fans rally up. Kevin knees Cody against ropes, then digs him into the ropes! The ref counts, Kevin lets off, and Cody gets to his feet. Kevin ROCKS Cody with a right, but Cody ROCKS Kevin back! Cody ROCKS Kevin, Kevin kicks low! Kevin reels Cody in to snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Kevin brings Cody back up, reels him in, but Cody blocks the suplex this time. Cody suplexes Kevin for a GOURD BUSTER! Cody clutches his back but he brings Kevin in!
Kevin snapmares free and kicks low, DDT! Cover, TWO! Cody survives being spiked and Kevin grows frustrated. Kevin gets to a corner, climbs up top, and SWANTONS onto knees! Cody saves himself and Kevin gets out of the ring. Cody slips out the opposite side, and he runs into CLOBBER Kevin onto the announce desk! But then Rollins makes his return! The Visionary decided to watch this personally, and he smirks as he swaggers down the ramp while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns once more and Cody has Kevin up top! Kevin resists and fans rally up as the two brawl up there! Cody CLUBS Kevin, ROCKS him, but Kevin HEADBUTTS Cody down! Kevin adjusts, and FROG SPLASHES! Cover, TWO!! Cody survives but Kevin is right up top again, SWANTON BOMB! Direct hit this time, cover, TWO!! Rollins is beside himself that Cody survives! Kevin fumes and he drags Cody up, but Cody cradles! TWO, Kevin knees low and whips, POP-UP- RANA from Cody! And SUPERKICK! Kevin SUPERKICKS back! Cody LARIATS! Rollins is pacing while both men are down.
Buffalo rallies for Cody as he and Kevin go to opposite corners. Cody hobbles, runs in, but into a POP-UP POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Kevin is shocked and Rollins is furious! Cody survives but Kevin gets back to his feet. Kevin drags Cody back into a drop zone and he goes up again. Rollins says Kevin has this, but then Cody ROCKS Kevin! Kevin hits back, but Cody throws body shots! Cody climbs up, CLUBS away on Kevin’s back, but has to worry about his own. Cody tries to go up but Kevin fights back! Kevin elbows Cody, so Cody ROCKS Kevin! Cody climbs up once again, but into a SUPER FISHERMAN BUSTER from Kevin!
Rollins is fired up and Kevin crawls to a cover, ROPEBREAK! Cody manages to survive again and Rollins is angry again. Cody gets away to the far side but Kevin joins him on the apron. “This is Awesome!” but Cody resists the powerbomb to back drop Kevin onto the apron! Rollins is worried, and he wants the ring count to stop. Rollins coaches Kevin up but we’re at 5 of 10! Rollins tells Kevin to get his fat ass in the ring, but that just pisses Kevin off! Kevin storms up the ramp, Cody wins!
Winner: Cody Rhodes, by count-out
Rollins insulted his friend and screwed up his own plan! But Cody himself is upset, he wanted to win in the ring. Cody goes up to celebrate either way, only for Rollins to shove him off! Cody crashes into barriers and Rollins soaks up all the heat! Will Rollins stoop to some serious lows just to get a win over Cody?
My Thoughts:
A pretty good Raw here to keep things going from last week. A really good opening segment from Rollins and Cody, and a very clever switcheroo from Rollins on to Cody. They didn’t really play up the aspect of who the mystery opponent could be, but in the end, Kevin Owens was really the only choice. Any Heel that could be a threat to Cody (Omos, Edge, Priest) is busy in their own stories anyway, so Kevin it is. That main event was great stuff, and I figured Cody would win, but it was a good cover to have Rollins insult Kevin and Kevin not care since he has his own stuff. Rollins standing tall to end the show was also a good move to really get some heat on this build.
Speaking of Kevin, his segment with Gable and Elias/Ezekiel was hilarious in all the right ways, and of course the totally kayfabe lie detector says Elias/Ezekiel is telling the truth. Gable VS Ezekiel was a very good match, and Otis attacking to give Ezekiel the win was also a smart move. I would love if Alpha Academy challenges Elias & Ezekiel to a tag match in an attempt to expose the lie. There are a few ways Elias/Ezekiel can get around that, from a fake Elias to Elias “unable to make it” and it becomes a handicap match, I can’t wait to see which one they go with.
Very good opening tag match for the women’s tag titles, but naturally Sasha & Naomi win. And likewise, Rhea turns on Liv over Liv letting her down. Maybe something circles back to where Nikki A.S.H. says she was right about Rhea. Liv will surely have a match with Rhea but I’m pretty sure Rhea wins that. There was also good continuity with Sasha & Naomi showing up for the double wedding, or “commitment ceremony.” Name it whatever you want, wrestling weddings never work out. But that doesn’t mean the segments are always bad, cuz I really liked this one. Well, I wish Buffalo wasn’t so rowdy, they were only prolonging it since Truth kept shushing them.
But of course things turn into a 24/7 Championship scramble with Dana still holding onto the title to end the night. Would’ve been more impactful if someone else kept the belt. Then Dana can chase that person down for once. It would’ve been fun if it was Tamina, because then Team BAD would all have titles. The US Championship choice was disappointing. I get that Theory is Vince’s favorite now, both kayfabe and shoot, but it cuts storytelling out at the knees for Theory to be a champion this easily. Vince should be disappointed, Theory gets more desperate, and Theory goes nuts in order to redeem himself. But no, Theory wins, he and Vince celebrate, Vince doesn’t give a damn about Finn in kayfabe or shoot.
Veer victimizes a jobber tonight, and pretty sure he’ll do so again next week to cue Rey Mysterio calling him out. Now, I’m sure Rey will put Veer over but it’ll have to be one hell of a match first. Omos VS Lashley in an arm-wrestling match before their Backlash rematch is a fine way to build this. It’ll probably turn into a brawl, too. Edge and Priest had a good promo, though I can’t really say it added much to the story. Of course we were getting a Backlash rematch, but I suppose issuing the challenge was the only way to get Styles to be here so that the beatdown would happen. Maybe the rematch will be given a stipulation to ramp it up from Mania.
We got really good stuff out of the other titles, though. Sonya facing some karma is great stuff, it really builds off what she was doing on SmackDown. Pearce is clearly becoming the Face authority figure to counter Sonya. But I’m sure this will only motivate Sonya to try and spin this against Pearce so that “upper management,” aka Vince, will actually side with her. Then, RKBRO VS Profits was great stuff, and the Profits had an incredibly clever way of tricking Orton & Riddle. I’m sure we’ll get more Profits VS RKBRO or Usos, but I would really hope Backlash stays 2v2. You can’t really be the undisputed best tag team in WWE if you pinned some third team and not the other show’s champions.
My Score: 8.3/10
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IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLASGOW KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Candice has Tiffy down with an armlock. Tiff fights up as the fans rally, but Candice wrenches to wristlock. Tiff spins through, goes to ropes, then up the corner to flip and arm-drag! The fans fire up as Tiff rallies on Candice! DROPKICK, and Tiff snarls! Tiff goes to the corner, and Charlotte makes her entrance? The Queen chooses to be fashionably late all so everyone looks at her, including Tiffy. Tiffy handsprings, but Candice dodges! Candice runs up to UPPERCUT, then she snapmares and NECK SNAPPERS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice clamps onto Tiffy with a top wristlock.
The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte now chooses to join commentary. Tiff fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, but Candice CLUBS away on her! Candice backs off, runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her to ropes! Tiff runs, HIP ATTACKS, and Candice flops back! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays on Candice with a whip, but Candice reverses. Candice CLOBBERS Tiff, covers, TWO! Charlotte corrects Tiffy’s words earlier: Charlotte isn’t the “top girl,” she is THE woman in WWE. Candice HIP DROPS Tiff but the fans rally up. Candice scuffs Tiff, then grinds an arm to drop a knee on the elbow! And another knee drop! Tiff endures and the fans rally up.
Candice keeps on that arm, thrashes it around, but Tiff fights up. Tiff fires body shots, then shoves Candice to Alabama Lift her! Candice sunset flips, Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated and Candice bails out. Tiff goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Candice and Nia, and Tiff almost stuck the landing! The fans fire up with Tiff and she goes into the ring. Tiff points to the WrestleMania sign, and then at Charlotte, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Tiff waits on Candice, Candice slides in, and Tiff stomps her down! Candice bails out, Nia is there to coach her, but Tiff lets the ring count start. Candice gets on the apron, Tiff kicks her, but Candice RAMS Tiff! Candice CLUBS Tiff, has her in the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Candice climbs, aims, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO!
Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW!
Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back! Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring!
The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring. Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, but with some interesting moves after the sudden change in plans with The Rock showing up. Naomi and Bianca had a good promo to hype up what was meant to be a full match of Naomi VS Liv, but word had already come out before the show that things were being cut for time. But at the very least, they did the right thing of making it a brawl that adds heat to the tag title match on Monday. Also, hilarious how Chelsea & Piper thought the beatdown on Bianca & Naomi was so bad that they would need to be pulled from the Chamber. I also can’t wait to see what happens on Toronto SmackDown.
As for The Rock, I do appreciate he used his authority to kayfabe change more things, all so he could have his promo with Cody. I also appreciate Rock blending his different roles and even different sides, both Heel and Face, to A) bring the news of WM42 being in NOLA, and B) recreate the Corporate Champion/People’s Champion story from the Attitude Era. That was some wild stuff he was saying to Cody. I’m sure quite a few people will try and talk with Cody next week in the go-home. Heels will say do it because they’d love to have what Rock can give, Faces will say not because Cody’s better than that. But naturally, Cody is not going to become The Rock’s Champion, causing Rock to turn on him and really up things going into WrestleMania 41 and perhaps even beyond.
Good stuff in the Elimination Chamber related stories. Jimmy VS McIntyre was great stuff to open, and how fitting that McIntyre loses to Jimmy after talking all that trash about Jimmy and Jey being the same. Jey got McIntyre with something quick, Jimmy got McIntyre with something quick, McIntyre’s ego is obviously his weakness. And at the same time, McIntyre of course destroys Jimmy after because that’s his other personality trait. Priest had good promos with Cody and Braun, and we got great stuff from Solo’s Bloodline. Naturally, we got a miscommunication spot to help finish, we’re really close to Solo VS Jacob, I can feel it. Priest & Braun get the win, mostly because Priest isn’t winning in the Chamber when you’ve got Punk and Cena in there.
Very good stuff with Tiffy Time, from the promos leading into the match to Charlotte being ringside just to watch. Nia & Candice of course get the better of Tiff & Trish, because Tiff & Trish are definitely winning the tag match in Toronto. Charlotte just seems to enjoy trolling Tiff with her presence, so Charlotte probably shows up in Toronto to then confront Tiff after the match. I expect the seven weeks after Elimination Chamber to really heat up, as will Charlotte’s involvement, where she’ll get more active verbally and physically. Also, hell, Rock should go full Corporation and have Charlotte be his Corporate Women’s Champion because of how established she is.
Hilarious stuff from Truth tonight, as always. Truth and Melo having their “who’s on first” again was good stuff, and of course Miz gets in on this story, too. Truth & Knight VS “Melo Don’t Miz” was really fun, but yeah, should’ve figured Nakamura would get involved, too. Melo & Miz making it work could also be really fun, and while Knight VS Nakamura is a rehash, I really hope they find a way to up things. It feels like we’re getting the same with the tag titles as Profits “ruined” that great tag match from DIY and Pretty Deadly, then brawled with MCMG to still come out on top. Last year had a ladder tag title match, so why not do one for these titles this year?
Speaking of escalating, Kevin filming a promo outside Sami’s house was some really well done stuff, as expected of someone as good as Kevin and in such a story as him and Sami. Their match should main event, it needs time to breathe, as it could be just as, if not more violent, than the Chamber matches. What a powerful closing moment we could have if it’s a bloody Kevin and Sami, and one of them is standing over the other, triumphant yet mournful because it was their best friend in the world that they just brutalized.
My Score: 8.9/10
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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