Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (5/16/22)
It’s a truly COLOSSAL Raw!
Will the All Mighty and Nigerian Giant tear down the house?
Monday Night Raw looks to settle the score between Bobby Lashley and MVP’s new client, Omos, and it’ll be inside a 15 FOOT TALL STEEL CAGE!!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Steel Cage: Bobby Lashley VS Omos w/ MVP; Lashley wins.
- (Austin) Theory VS Mustafa Ali; changed to…
- Mustafa Ali VS Veer Mahaan, Special Guest Referee: The Miz; Veer wins.
- Matt Riddle VS Jimmy Uso w/ Jey Uso; Riddle wins.
- AJ Styles & Finn Balor w/ Liv Morgan VS Los Lotharios; Styles & Balor win.
- Alexa Bliss VS Sonya Deville; Bliss wins.
- Chad Gable w/ Otis VS Ezekiel; Ezekiel wins.
- Raw Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Six Pack Challenge: Sasha Banks VS Naomi VS Asuka VS Becky Lynch VS Nikki A.S.H. VS “Doudrop” Piper Nivens; changed to…
- Raw Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Becky Lynch VS Asuka; Asuka wins and will challenge Bianca Belair for the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Steel Cage: Bobby Lashley VS Omos w/ MVP!
The Rocky Mountain Machine won at WrestleMania 38, but then lost at WrestleMania Backlash because of the betrayal by Montel Vontavius Porter! But now the score will be settled inside the steel! Will Lashley topple the Nigerian Giant once again? Or will Omos leave Lashley for dead inside this 15 foot high structure?
Before the match, MVP gets the mic to welcome the fans to the show. “Tonight, you will witness a spectacle of destruction. One of the competitors stepping into this 15 foot high steel cage is a man who got a little too big for his boots. A man who wanted to claim the spotlight of WrestleMania all to himself without me. You know that I’m talking about the former WWE Champion, the so-called All Mighty, Bobby Lashley. The other competitor is the future of the WWE! A man bigger, stronger, meaner than Bobby Lashley could ever be! I present to you the 7-foot-3-ince, 403 pound Nigerian Giant, Omos!”
MVP expects Lashley to put up a hell of a fight because that’s the man he is, but let’s be real. This match is a foregone conclusion. Omos can win inside the cage by pinning Lashley, 1-2-3, or he could crush Lashley until he screams out in painful submission. Or Omos could just leave Lashley’s broken body behind and leave the cage. But considering this is a steel cage match with no disqualifications, Omos will brutalize Lashley even worse than he did at Backlash! “Let’s be clear, The All Mighty Era ends tonight. You all are blessed and fortunate to be living in the Age of the Nigerian Giant, Omos!”
But now Lashley makes his entrance! He has the fireworks go off and makes his way down the ramp, but Cedric Alexander attacks from behind! Lashley and Cedric brawl, Omos goes out after Lashley to throw hands! Lashley gets mugged but keeps on fighting! Referees rush out but fans are fired up for Lashley! Adam Pearce shouts at them both to stop, and Lashley goes right into the cage! Lashley wants this fight now, so Omos will give it to him! We see who makes it back out of the cage, after the break!
Raw returns and the bell rings! Omos rushes in but Lashley dodges to then try for a tackle. Omos stays up, CLUBS Lashley and KNEES him down! Omos runs to KICK Lashley down, and MVP shouts for Omos to hurt Lashley. Fans rally for Lashley and he gets to ropes but Omos just stands on Lashley’s back! Omos lets off but MVP JABS Lashley with his cane! Omos clamps on both hands but Lashley fights free! Lashley CLUBS and jumps on for a SLEEPER! Omos stays up and pries free, only for Lashley to RAM him into a corner! Lashley fires off hands, then runs corner to corner, into Omos’ choke grip! Omos CLUBS Lashley down!
Omos roars and he stalks Lashley to a corner. Lashley stands up but Omos back body blocks! Fans rally but Omos hits another back body block! Lashley flounders, MVP aims the cane and JABS Lashley in the neck! Lashley writhes, but Omos drags him up to scoop him and SNAKE EYES! Lashley staggers while Omos runs and Omos BOOTS Lashley down! Fans boo but MVP says for Omos to keep on Lashley. Omos bumps Lashley, runs corner to corner and SPLASHES! Omos then CLUBS away on Lashley while MVP gets on the apron to taunt Lashley. MVP even reaches through the gap to SLAP Lashley!
But Lashley grabs that arm and YANKS MVP into the corner! Lashley then dodges Omos to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Omos survives and no one can believe it! Lashley gets up, he grabs Omos’ arms and CLUBS away with hammer ‘n’ anvil elbows! Lashley runs to BLINDSIDE LARIAT! Omos falls over but Lashley isn’t done! Fans fire up as Lashley waits on Omos. Omos gets up, half nelson! Lashley wants the full, HURT LOCK IS ON!! But Omos powers back! Lashley throws Omos into the corner! Omos comes back but Lashley BOOTS him! Lashley hurries up the corner, but not to escape the cage. Omos grabs Lashley, but Lashley has a STANDING ARMBAR!
Lashley stomps Omos over and over, Omos staggers! But Cedric returns! Cedric climbs the cage to stop Lashley from escaping! Fans boo but Cedric gets inside with Lashley to kick at him! Lashley grabs Cedric to SLAM him down! Lashley LEAPS, but into Omos’ arms! Omos brings Lashley around to a fireman’s carry, to TOSS him into the steel! Lashley tumbles down against the side of the cage, and Omos drags him to center. Omos roars, MVP tells Omos to finish this! Omos drags Lashley up, palms his head, but Lashley fires off haymakers! Lashley roars and keeps on Omos, then runs, into another BOOT!
Omos clamps onto Lashley again, IRON CLAW! Omos then fireman’s carries, to RAM Lashley into the side! The cage wall gives way! Lashley is on the outside, and just stands up!! Lashley wins!
Winner: Bobby Lashley, by escape
MVP can’t believe it! Lashley wins because Omos was too strong for his own good! Will Lashley move on from Omos to even bigger and better? Or will this only make Omos and MVP want another fight with the All Mighty?
(Austin) Theory VS Mustafa Ali!
The youngest WWE United States Champion in history has strung The Beacon along for long enough, now he’s finally facing him 1v1! But will Vince McMahon’s golden boy have another way to stack the deck? Or will this actually be a fair fight for once?
Raw returns as Ali makes his entrance. But then Theory gets a mic to tell Ali, “I’m sorry, I almost forgot. I can’t from a good faith place figure out with you what makes you think this is gonna happen. I mean, seriously. This match, I can’t go through with it unless somebody that I can trust that’s going to call this straight down the middle, somebody that I can trust 100%. I guess we’re gonna have to have a special guest referee for this match: THE MIZ!” And as Ali frowns, The Miz makes his entrance! The Most Must-See Referee struts his way out and replaces the ref we already had, and Miz asks if they’re both ready.
Theory says he isn’t sure. He’s Mr. McMahon’s protégé, the youngest US Champion ever, but it just doesn’t seem fair that Ali fails his way into a match with the champ. Y’know what? Theory will help Ali out, to take us back tot he first lesson Vince taught Theory: expect the unexpected. Theory has arranged a match for Ali to prove he is championship material. His opponent isn’t Theory, it’s VEER MAHAAN! And just as Theory said, here comes the Ravenous Lion! Does Ali stand a chance of winning, let alone surviving?
Mustafa Ali VS Veer Mahaan!
The bell rings and Ali dropkicks Veer! Veer stays up but Ali dropkicks him again! Ali runs but Veer runs to THESZ PRESS! Theory likes the look of that! Ali staggers up, Veer TOSSES him to a corner, then runs in. Ali goes up and over, Veer hits buckles and Ali CHOPS and fires off hands! Miz calls the ropebreka and backs Ali down. Ali jukes Miz to fire off on Veer again! Veer shoves Ali away to BOOT him down! Theory applauds but he’s the only one. Veer glares at Ali, drags him up and whips him to ropes. FLAPJACK! Veer stomps Ali then drops a BIG elbow! Theory likes that, too, and Veer looms over Ali.
Veer hauls Ali up to trophy lift him! Ali slips off to SUOPERKICK! Veer wobbles but stays up, so Ali SUPERKICKS again! Ali runs but Theory trips him! And Miz acts like he didn’t see it. Veer runs in, but Ali dumps Veer out! Veer gets up but Ali WRECKS him with a dropkick! Ali keeps moving and he dropkicks Veer gain! Veer stays on his feet somehow, but Ali builds speed, only for Miz to stand in his way! Miz starts the ring count and pretends like he had no idea what happened. Ali and Miz argue, then Miz pie faces Ali! Veer gets in, MILLION DOLLAR LARIAT!! Veer snarls, Theory is loving this, and Veer HIP DROPS Ali down! CERVICAL CLUTCH!! Ali taps, Veer wins!
Winner: Veer Mahaan, by submission
Veer’s undefeated streak continues, but he had a lot of help from Theory and Miz. Theory then convinces Veer to put on the Cervical Clutch again! They get a selfie! Miz complains, where is his part of this? Theory says Miz can get in on it, and they all get to be part of this. Veer lets Ali go, but then looks to the table. Fans boo but Miz and Theory support this idea. Veer makes his way over, commentary backs off, but here comes Rey and Dominik Mysterio! They get in and CLOBBER Veer! Then dropkick him down! Then Dom PLANCHAS! Veer catches him, but Rey SEATED SENTONS!
The Mysterios get back in the ring, and Veer is furious but he can’t fight those numbers! Will the Mysterios and Ali get their payback on Theory, Miz and Veer together?
Becky Lynch finds Adam Pearce backstage.
Big Time Becks is out of breath, she apologizes but says she’s been talking to a lot of people. That Six Pack Challenge can’t happen! She knows they advertised it but it’s not fair! Will Becky convince Pearce to change his mind? We find out, after the break.
Raw returns and Becky keeps saying it can’t happen. is he listening? Becky saw Sasha and Naomi leave! They left the building! It’s a gross injustice that now it’s just a Fatal 4, and so it shouldn’t happen at all. But Becky hasn’t had her rematch after being the greatest Raw Women’s Champion to ever live. She should just be the #1 contender, so let’s do that so she can have the night off. Pearce says he’s aware of what’s going on, but no, it will happen because we need a main event. So breaking news, Becky goes 1v1 with Asuka, the winner takes on Bianca Belair. It’s official. Pearce leaves Becky speechless, will she also end up on the losing end tonight?
Matt Riddle VS Jimmy Uso w/ Jey Uso!
The Raw Tag Team Champions got The Bloodline to accept the challenge, and this Friday, we will get the WWE Tag Team Championship Unification match! But with the Viper away, will the Stallion stay on the right track? Or will Jimmy put Riddle in the Uso Penitentiary on behalf of SmackDown?
Raw returns and the Usos make their entrance. The bell rings, Jimmy and Riddle circle but Jey slides in. Riddle is distracted and Jimmy CLOBBERS Riddle! Jimmy stomps a mudhole on Riddle in the corner, then he stands Riddle up to ROCK him with an uppercut. Jimmy whips corner to corner, Riddle goes up and over and ROUNDHOUSES Jimmy down! Riddle gut wrenches for the suplex! Cover, ONE! Riddle keeps cool, he brings Jimmy up but Jimmy DECKS Riddle with an uppercut! Jey applauds and Jimmy CHOKES Riddle on the ropes! The ref backs Jimmy down but Jey sucker punches Riddle!
Fans boo but the Usos raise the fingers, #WeTheOnes. Jimmy brings Riddle up, bumps Riddle off buckles, then uppercuts, but into a HANGING TRIANGLE HOLD! Riddle drags Jimmy up and out and to the floor! Then Riddle aims, but Jey pushes Jimmy aside, APRON PENALTY KICK! Riddle goes up but Jimmy DECKS Riddle out of the springboard! Jimmy then builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit and Riddle goes down at the ramp! Jimmy then gets Riddle up to whip him hard into the steel steps! Jey snatches up Riddle’s Raw Tag Team title and holds it up as foreshadowing for Friday! The fans boo but the Usos soak it up as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Riddle fires off hands on Jimmy! Jimmy shoves him back, kicks, but Riddle blocks. Riddle spins Jimmy, but gets the DRAGON WHIP for it! Riddle goes to a corner, Jimmy hushes the fans so they can hear the “UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs in to HIP ATTACK! Cover, TWO! Riddle survives and the Usos can’t believe it. Jimmy clamps onto Riddle with a chinlock and thrashes him about. Riddle endures and fights up as the fans rally, and Riddle throws body shots. Riddle fires off palm strikes, a BOOT, then spins Jimmy for the PELE! Jimmy wobbles around and Riddle handsprings, to forearm smash!
Riddle runs side to side, another forearm smash! Jimmy fights the Brosploder, swings, but into the clinch! BROSPLODER! Riddle runs, BROTON onto knees! Both men are down but fans rally up. Jimmy and Riddle crawl over to each other, and Jimmy headbutts! Riddle CHOPS, Jimmy headbutts again! They start throwing forearms, Riddle gets the edge and he whips. Jimmy reverses and pops Riddle up into the SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO!! Riddle survives and Jey is losing his cool! Fans rally and chant, “BRO! BRO! BRO!” Jimmy and Riddle slowly stir, and Jimmy drags himself to a corner.
Jimmy goes outside, climbs up the corner, and Jey nods as he raises the finger. But Riddle springs up to get Jimmy, fans fire up, but Jimmy fights the RKO! Jimmy HEADBUTTS Riddle down! USO SPLASH onto knees! Jimmy and Riddle are down again and Jey is freaking out! Riddle gets up, gets to a corner, and Jimmy runs in, into a back elbow! Riddle goes up but Jey trips him up while the ref is checking Jimmy! Jimmy rolls him, Jey gives the assist! The ref sees that one, though! Fans fire up as the ref EJECTS Jey!! Jey has no choice but to leave, even as Jimmy protests. Riddle gets a cradle, Riddle wins!!
Winner: Matt Riddle, by pinfall
The Bro snatches victory from the jaws of the Usos! Riddle & Orton have the bromentum going the title unification match, but will they be able to capitalize? Or will Jimmy & Jey still be the ones with all the gold?
Backstage interview with Liv Morgan.
Kevin Patrick asks how she feels about Rhea Ripley beating her down for The Judgement Day. Well, whether Rhea joined a motorcycle gang, a women’s rugby club or The Judgement Day, Rhea will never get away with this. No matter the odds, Liv never gives up. So Rhea can say and do whatever she wants, Liv- But in come Los Lotharios, and they shoo Kevin Patrick away. Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo say they saw what happened, so they’re here to comfort her. They’re gentlemen, and they know what cheers a young woman up. A kiss. Uh, no thanks. What? Why not?
But in walk AJ Styles & Finn Balor! They tell the “creepy McGees” to beat feet. Hasta luego, muchachos. They’ll see them in a tag match later tonight. Styles then tells Liv that they won’t offer a kiss cam or anything like that, but they do have an opportunity. They all have problems with Judgement Day, so why not team up? They can work together. Otherwise, Judgement Day will just pick them apart one at a time. So how about it, sis? Wanna be ringside with them? She isn’t so sure. She’ll think about it. Well alright. Finn & Styles head out, and Liv has quite a few offers on the table. Will she look to join the club against their common enemies?
Judgement Day speaks.
Damian Priest asks if we’ve been listening. Do we get it yet? Seems we haven’t been. Because otherwise we should all rise and show respect! Judgment Day does not take orders. they do what they want to whoever they want. And if any of our heroes step to them, they will face nothing but punishment. Rhea Ripley says she has embraced the movement and enjoyed every single second of it. They are done being everything the fans wanted them to be. Rhea will not be the figure of her mistakes. There is nothing holding her back. And now, it’s time for complete and utter eradication.
Edge says he’d listen to his Saints of Fate. They don’t take names, they don’t speak lies. The Judgement Day is at the forefront of evolution, far above the low hanging fruit that is the rest of us. But there are some among us that are tired of pretending. Edge travels the world and sees it in our faces. We’re angry, and who can blame us? So stop being sheep and join Judgement Day. Grab this bolt of lightning and throw some meaning into your life. Judgement Day is power, so accept their gift, or continue to live in purgatory. We’ve seen what Judgement Day has done to the favorites like Finn, Styles & Liv.
And Edge has seen how this all plays out. More will join them for his arms are outstretched to any superstar who wants to join and take their career to the next level. It could even be you, Styles. Think about it: after everything Styles has been through, he should know this feeling better than anyone. And Judgement Day could use someone of his athleticism, leadership and tenacity. Styles’ problem is, he tries to please everyone and Edge did that, too. Edge would leap off 20 foot ladders thinking the adulation of the fans would fulfill him. It didn’t. It left him with a body full of broken bones and a career that ended before it should have.
And where were the fans? Gone. Edge wants Styles to join the movement. They can put the past behind them and Styles can climb onward and upward. It is beautiful atop their mountain of omnipotence. The choice is Styles’, Finn’s and Liv’s. They can stand beside Judgement Day, or down at their feet again and again and again. Edge tips the scales, but will Judgement Day turn their enemies into allies?
Liv Morgan heads to the ring!
She wasn’t sure earlier, but perhaps after hearing Judgement Day speak, she made up her mind! She leads the way for The Prince and the Phenomenal One, will things be #JustTooSweet?
AJ Styles & Finn Balor w/ Liv Morgan VS Los Lotharios!
Raw returns and the Lethal Lovers make their entrance. And of course, Angel & Humberto prepare the kiss cam. As usually, they find a lovely lady in the front row and give her a kiss on each cheek. The teams sort out and Humberto starts against Styles. They circle, tie up, and Carrillo puts Styles in a corner. The ref counts, Carrillo lets off, but Styles dodges the sucker punch to CHOP and CHOP and CHOP! Styles CLUBS Carrillo, tags Finn, and they double whip. Styles dropkicks the legs out, Finn basement dropkicks! Cover, ONE! Finn clamps onto the arm and wrenches, then he tags Styles back in.
Styles kicks the arm, then bumps Carrillo off buckles. Styles grabs at Carrillo but Carrillo YANKS him into buckles! Fans boo as Carrillo stomps a mudhole into Styles. The ref counts, Carrillo lets off and then drags Styles up. Tag to Garza, they mug and CLUB Styles, then bring Styles up for a cobra twist. Garza CLUBS Styles in the ribs, tags Carrillo and they mug Styles more. Carrillo taunts Finn but the ref keeps Finn back. Carrillo CHOPS Styles, tags Garza back in, and the mugging continues. Then they double back suplex, but Styles lands on his feet! Styles BOOTS Gaza, TOSSES Carrillo, then tags Finn! Finn & Styles clothesline Garza out!
Carrillo returns but Finn feeds him to Styles to TOSS him out! Then Styles & Finn DOUBLE PLANCHA! Direct hit on both Los Lotharios and fans are fired up as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns and Carrillo has Styles in a HALF CRAB! Styles endures, reaches out but Carrillo drags him away from Finn! Garza taunts the fans and Carrillo tags him in. Garza runs to basement dropkick Styles down! Then Los Lotharios put on a DOUBLE HALF CRAB! The ref counts, Carrillo lets off and Garza bends Styles way back with a modified take on the full Boston Crab! Fans rally, Styles fights to get one free, and he kicks Garza down! Tag to Carrillo, Styles kicks at each of them! Styles gets away, ducks a roundhouse to ENZIGURI Carrillo down! Fans fire up, hot tags to Garza and Finn!
Finn rallies, whips but Garza reverses, only for Finn to CLOBBER him! Carrillo gets in but Finn trips him to DOUBLE STMOP! CHOP to Garza in a corner! Finn whips, Garza reverses but Finn reverses back, tilt-o-whirl RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Finn KICKS Carrillo out, gets around, but Garza cradles! TWO!! Finn kicks but Garza blocks to KNEE back! SHOTGUN for Styles! Garza hauls up Finn but Finn slips out of the Wing Clipper to SLINGBLADE! Liv and the fans fire up for Finn, but he runs into a SUPERKICK! Tag to Carrillo and he hurries up top! MOONSAULT into boots!
Finn aims from a corner, runs in, dodges Garza and SHOTGUNS Carrillo! Carrillo is down, Styles gives Garza a PHENOMENAL FOREARM! Finn gives Carrillo the COUP DE GRACE!! Cover, Finn & Styles win!
Winners: AJ Styles & Finn Balor, by pinfall
Now that was Too Sweet! Liv celebrates with this phenomenal duo, and the boys throw up the Too Sweet. Liv joins in! Fans fire up, will this club shoot down Judgement Day?
Kevin Owens is anxious backstage.
Finally, Chad Gable arrives with the DNA results for Ezekiel! They got the sample from the red Solo cup and an old hair of Elias’. Inside this folder are the answers! finally they can expose that fraud! Hurry up! Kevin snatches the envelope, brings out the paper, and says the results… were contaminated by barbecue sauce. OTIS! Uh, no, Elias must’ve had pulled pork and ribs before the show! Oh really? Give Otis the lie detector test because Kevin remembers Otis eating ribs in catering like there was no tomorrow! Gable has them calm down and says there was a problem in the chain of custody.
But don’t worry! They can use ancestry! NO! No more tests! they never work! Gable’s supposed to be the smartest man in the world or something, right? He is! Well Elias has been making him look like an idiot! SHOOSH! Gable vows to expose Ezekiel by beating it out of him in the ring. No, you’ve said that before! But fine, whatever! “A Thank Yew!” “You’re welcome.” Will “Master” Chad be able to get to the bottom of this? Or must they just accept the truth?
Alexa Bliss VS Sonya Deville!
The Goddess made her return to add insult to injury on “Cruella” Deville losing her role as a WWE Official. Alexa won handedly, but Sonya of course cites being emotionally distraught as the reason why she lost. Will Sonya regain some of her composure in this rematch? Or will Alexa go 2-0 rather quickly?
Raw returns and Sonya makes her entrance. The bell rings, Sonya rushes in and the two tie up. They go around, Sonya puts Alexa in a corner but lets off at 4. Sonya pie faces Alexa around then has her against ropes. Sonya lets off to argue with the ref, but Alexa SLAPS her! Sonya swings on Alexa but Alexa dodges to run her over! Alexa SHOTGUNS Sonya down, then spins her to reel her in, STO! And then INSULT2INJURY! Sonya dodges the second knee drop to SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO! Sonya smirks and she drags Alexa up. Sonya dribbles Alexa off the mat, then again!
Sonya tells the ref to leave her alone and then she drags Alexa up. Sonya taunts the fans, brings Alexa up and boots her down! Sonya toys with Alexa, whips her to ropes, and CLOBBERS her! Cover, TWO! Alexa grits her teeth and Sonya seethes, but Sonya wraps on a chinlock. Sonya thrashes Alexa around, grinds Alexa down, but Alexa endures. Fans rally as Sonya thrashes Alexa more. Sonya taunts “Lexi,” but Alexa fights up to her feet. Alexa throws body shots, then hits a JAWBREAKER! Sonya stagers but she knees Alexa low. Sonya snapmares, runs and SHINING WIZARDS again! Cover, TWO!
Sonya is fuming, and she bumps Alexa off buckles. Sonya then bumps Alexa off another corner, then pushes her down. Sonya undoes the crossbar’s pad, and even goes to untie the buckle! The ref stops that but then Sonya rushes Alexa for a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, but the ref is busy! He gest to the count, TWO! Sonya’s own cheating bites her in the ass! Sonya brings Alexa up but Alexa ROCKS Sonya! DDT!! Cover, Alexa wins again!
Winner: Alexa Bliss, by pinfall
That’s two in a row for Alexa and Sonya literally has no one to blame but herself! Will Alexa use this momentum to get back up the ranks? Sonya argues with the ref, gets in his face, but the ref tells him it was the buckle pad. Fans chant, “You Deserve It!” but then Sonya SLAPS the ref! Sonya is not management, she is going to be in big trouble for this! What will Pearce choose as punishment for Sonya losing her cool?
Cody Rhodes is here!
The American Nightmare is in Norfolk, even after what Seth Freakin’ Rollins did to him last week. Cody has the pyro and goes to the ring, but how will he respond to the Visionary? We find out, after the break.
Raw returns and Cody gets the mic while fans fire up and chant his name. “I have been told that Seth Rollins is not here. And although I am surrounded by lovers here in Virginia, and millions watching at home, I hope at that Seth is listening. Last week, I tried to move forward. I tried to extinguish this chapter in our career. And Seth, he went ahead and dumped gasoline on the flames. He stomped my head on that desk right there, and he said the most peculiar thing. He said that I would never take away anything from him ever again. So inquiring minds, I have to know, what is it that I took away form you? What did he lose? Two matches? A winning bonus? A momentary spotlight?”
Cody didn’t cross a line or delude a legacy. If anything, the biggest threat to Rollins isn’t Cody, it’s Rollins himself. Rollins is trapped in pandemonium and hellbent on pulling Cody in with him. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane. 2012: Rollins shows up in the WWE, all Shielded up. Cody was one of those bitter boys in the back, because within a few months, Rollins won tag title gold. Within a few years, Rollins had climbed the metaphorical yet very real ladder and won the WWE World Championship and shattered the ceiling. For skeptics like Cody, Rollins proved there even was a ceiling, and still won his way to the top.
Cody says his story is a bit different. He didn’t win that much until recently. Cody scratched, clawed, and even painted his face with a smile but felt dead inside. The thing is, Cody endured. Fans cheer that sentiment. “You learn so much from loss. You learn how to live, how to love, how to adapt, how to reinvent yourself. The difference between a revolutionary interview and actual revolutionary actions, and the number one thing that I learned… I’m never gonna be the American Dream. So why not embrace the Nightmare?” Fans also cheer that sentiment.
Cody says he did lose his way to the top, but what it all comes down to, truly, is that Rollins’ embarrassment over losing twice outweighs Cody’s quest for vindication. If that sounds like an exaggeration, here’s another way to put it: Cody’s second chance! And you don’t take those for granted. If Rollins wants to deny Cody that second chance, well you’ll just have to kill him. And Cody will give Rollins that chance. Cody says we run it back! Cody says we lock all that angst in and leave it on the mat, playing for keeps! Rhodes VS Rollins III, and this time… INSIDE HELL IN A CELL!!! Fans really like the sound of that!
Rollins’ laugh echoes out from the tron as the Visionary lurks in a bright green suit. Oh, there’s Mr. Nightmare! Countdown to Cody and there he is! So Rollins wants to get this straight: trying to steal Rollins’ spotlight at WrestleMania wasn’t enough; cheating at Backlash wasn’t enough; one little stomp on the desk and now Cody is begging with Seth Freakin’ Rollins for one more round, and inside Hell in a Cell. Cody must be dumber than he looks! That is the biggest mistake Cody’s ever made in his life! Anyone who enters the cell with Rollins is changed forever!
Rollins says Cody knows the answer. Rollins will exploit every one of Cody’s insecurities and expose Cody for the fraud that he is! Rhodes VS Rollins III, HIAC, “I accept!” Well then, there’s nothing left to say other than, “See you in Hell.” The American Nightmare, the Architect, and that sinister steel structure! Will either of them survive what’s coming?
Backstage interview with Asuka.
Sarah notes that Asuka and Becky are now going 1v1 for a chance at the Raw Women’s Championship. What are her thoughts? Asuka pretends to cry as she taunts Becky for crying to Pearce like a baby. Asuka then laughs, and says tonight, she will give Becky a reason to cry! Because! Asuka is ready for the title! And Becky is NOT ready for Asuka! Will the Empress of Tomorrow make sure The Man’s comeback plans end tonight?
Chad Gable w/ Otis VS Ezekiel!
The Alpha Academy heads out, but they’re joined by the Prizefighter. Will they all finally reveal the truth behind Ezekiel’s identity? Or will Elias’ younger brother do their family proud?
Raw returns and Kevin is on commentary to insist Ezekiel is Elias because the papers are wrong. But even the ring announcer says it’s Ezekiel, so Kevin is even more upset. There’s nothing but liars in the WWE! He also doesn’t believe that picture of Elias and Ezekiel together, that has to be doctored. Ezekiel makes his entrance, the bell rings and Ezekiel ties up with Gable. They go to a corner, Gable has the ref back Ezekiel off, and the two reset. Gable and Ezekiel feel out a grapple, Gable fakes Ezekiel out then gets around to a waistlock. Ezekiel throws a back elbow but Gable ducks it to whip.
Ezekiel ducks, dodges and FLYING SHOULDERS Gable down! Ezekiel brings Gable up to CHOP! And forearm! And whip to ropes, only for Gable to tilt-o-whirl to a takedown! Ezekiel gets up out of the armlock to headlock and hit a takeover! Gable keeps his shoulder up, moves around, and fights up. Gable powers out, things speed up and Gable arm-drags, but Ezekiel slips out to headlock! Kevin says Elias is still athletic. And he points out that such a move could only be pulled off by a veteran wrestler, Ezekiel can’t possibly have that experience and is therefore Elias. Gable powers up for a BIG back suplex!
Gable says, “A THANK YEW~!” but fans boo. Gable gets Ezekiel up, whips him to ropes then hits a kitchen sink knee! Cover, ONE! Kevin says that was three but that’s not close at all. Gable rains down fists and then tells fans to SHOOSH! Gable brings Ezekiel up, whips him to ropes, but Ezekiel blocks hip toss into a Gory Especial! Gable endures the stretch, powers up, and he sunset flips! Ezekiel rolls through to get the foot! Gable scrambles around to the ROPEBREAK! Then he pulls Ezekiel’s hair and throws him out! Ezekiel has Gable on the apron to SLAM him on the edge! Then Ezekiel HOTSHOTS Gable!
Gable sputters, the ref checks on him, a nd Otis CLOBBERS Ezekiel while the ref isn’t looking! Kevin likes that one but fans boo as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Gable has a motorcycle stretch. Ezekiel fights up, Kevin applauds for Gable, but Ezekiel turns the hold around on Gable! Kevin says to stop clapping, but Gable arm-drags to get the SNAP LOCK on the arm! And another! And then he SLAMS the arm on the mat! Gable hits a NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Kevin wants to edit the graphic to say “Gable VS Elias.” Gable clamps onto Ezekiel with a keylock and he grinds the arm down. Ezekiel endures again, fans rally, and Ezekiel fights up. Gable hammerlocks to RAM Ezekiel into the corner! And then GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!
Otis grows frustrated but Gable climbs up top. MOONSAULT, but Ezekiel moves! Gable lands on his feet, dodges Ezekiel, but Ezekiel comes back to rally with clotheslines! Ezekiel whips, Gable kicks, but Ezekiel hits a SPIONEBUSTER! High stack, TWO! Kevin says that was one but whatever. Ezekiel CHOPS Gable, hoists Gable up top, and fans chant for “ZEKE! ZEKE!” Ezekiel CHOPS Gable, climbs up, but Gable throws body shots! Gable headbutts Ezekiel away, then leaps, into a JUMP KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! Gable survives and Kevin says that was one of Elias’ moves! And he won’t believe this is a tribute to his brother, either.
Ezekiel suplexes, Gable slips off but Ezekiel bucks the roll-up. Gable CLOBBERS Ezekiel, goes up top, MOONSAULT! Direct hit this time and cover, TWO!! Kevin rallies behind Gable as he drags Ezekiel back up. Gable fires forearms over and over, but Ezekiel hits back! Ezekiel CHOPS, haymakers, repeat! Ezekiel whips, Gable reverses but Ezekiel goes up to mule kick! Another Elias move! Ezekiel powers up, runs corner to corner, and he SPLASHES! Fans fire up but Otis rushes to the apron! Ezekiel KNEES Otis down, Gable rolls Ezekiel! Ezekiel slips out, Gable tries a cradle, but Ezekiel rocks it back to a cover of his own! EZEKIEL WINS!
Winner: Ezekiel, by pinfall
Kevin and Otis rush the ring but Ezekiel gets away! Is there no denying it now? Is Ezekiel who he says he is? Or is there still something Kevin can do to prove he’s been right all along?
R-Truth and Tamina lurk backstage.
She asks him what they’re doing and he has the divorce papers. He still didn’t give them to Akira Tozawa!? Shh, Truth knows where Tozawa is hiding. Trust him? How? To catch Tozawa, think like Tozawa. So Truth throws the papers in the trash? Now hold on. One. Two. Three. Tozawa pops out! He’s been served! Tozawa begs Tamina to take him back but then Dana Brooke walks in. She thanks Truth for serving Reggie the papers. IT was his pleasure. And y’know, starting and ending a marriage, chef’s kiss. Now we need to talk compensation. He wants the 24/7 Championship back! He has to have it back! Give it over, Dana!
NO! Dana shoves Truth down! But then Dana bumps into Carmella! Dana apologizes and Mella says Dana almost smashed her face. She said she’s sorry! Yes, she is sorry. A sorry excuse for a competitor and a wife. Not Mella, though, she’s perfect. Because her hubby can’t get enough of her. And she is relevant. Well here’s a reality check, honey. The last time Mella was relevant,. was when that chinless guy was here. Big game from Dana. Oh, Mella should know. Graves talks a big game. But he couldn’t cut it, and neither can Mella. But then Truth rushes in and Dana takes off. OH no! Mella’s back! Where she been? Truth, no.
Oh, it’s like that, huh? Well, help him get his baby back! She will, when the time is right. She wants Dana. Alright, that’s fair. Truth takes off, will he be able to arrange a showdown between the Most Beautiful Woman in the WWE and 24/7 Champion?
Please welcome mother, wife, daughter, sister, United States Marine and WWE Superstar, Lacey Evans!
The Model Soldier makes her way out, now moved over from SmackDown to Raw. We heard her story, but what will her plans be now that she’s back? We find out, after the break.
Raw returns and Lacey has a mic to say how much she admires and respects the men and women of our US Armed Forces, and how much they keep volunteering their time and their life to protect us. She wants us all to give them a standing ovation with her. And the fans do get up to applaud! “U S A! U S A!” Lacey says, “HELL YEAH!” And she also wants to thank the fans for that warm welcome back, and how honored she is to be here in front of some service men and women. Where you all at? She knows what you’ve been through, what their families go through, so thank you for your service.
“Finding the courage to fight is hard. Finding the courage to try to change your circumstances in life to be successful is hard. But we’ve got what it takes to do so.” Lacey is thankful to be back on Raw to not only show the WWE Universe that you all have what it takes to beat the cycle, but also to show her two beautiful baby girls that anyone can do it! We all have what it takes to make it, that we all have what it takes to wake up, work and win! Lacey may not be better than the other WWE Superstars in that locker room, but they damn sure ain’t better than her! Fans cheer Lacey and she thanks them. Will Lacey #WakeUpWorkandWin her way to the Raw Women’s Championship?
Matt Riddle speaks backstage.
In a very Uso style, Riddle calls out Jimmy & Jey and says nothing is going to stop him and Orton this Friday and unifying the tag titles. Oh, and one more thing, RKBRO 4:20 says we just smoked your ass, bro.
But the Usos respond!
Jimmy says Riddle got lucky. That luck runs out on Friday. Jey says RKBRO came to the Bloodline’s house, sat at the Bloodline’s table, and disrespected The Tribal Chief! On SmackDown, it’s one ‘n’ done! The Bloodline will be dripping in gold. The Usos will be undisputed tag team champions, the Usos will be the best tag team in the WWE, because the Usos represent the Bloodline because #WeTheOnes! It finally happens, but who comes out with four belts when it’s all said and done?
Bianca Belair is here!
The RawEST Women’s Champion makes her way to the ring, because she wants to see for herself who she’s up against next!
Raw Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Becky Lynch VS Asuka!
It was meant to be a Six Pack, but for whatever reason, the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, Sasha Banks & Naomi, just up and left! That made Pearce cut out Nikki A.S.H. and “Doudrop” Piper Niven, and now it’s just between The Man and the Empress. Who meets Bianca at Hell in a Cell for the title?
Raw returns and Asuka makes her entrance, followed by Becky’s. The bell rings and Asuka circles with Becky. Fans fire up as they approach, Becky ducks a backhand but the CODE BREAKER hits! Asuka runs in at the corner but is put on the apron. Becky hits Asuka then JUMP KICKS her down! Becky then builds speed to baseball slide, but Asuka blocks, spins Becky around and HIP ATTACKS! Becky flounders, Asuka gets in, but Becky bails out. Asuka pursues, but Becky dodges and Asuka kicks steps. Asuka mule kicks Becky on the return, but then Becky blocks a clothesline and BECKSPLODERS Asuka into barriers! Asuka is down as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns once again and Becky stomps and slaps Asuka around. Becky pokes Asuka in the head, so Asuka pushes Becky! Asuka gets Becky in a backslide, TWO! Roll-up, TWO! BUZZSAW! Both women are down and even Bianca is shocked to see that! Both Becky and Asuka are down and fans rally up. Becky manages to get up first and she goes after Asuka with haymakers. Asuka gives back forearms, they brawl, Asuka ducks, fires off shots, then BACK HANDS! And again! And a sobat! Asuka runs in at the corner, HIP ATTACK! Becky fights the waistlock, but runs into a pop-up KNEE! GERMAN SUPLEX!
Asuka roars and runs, SLIDING KICK! Cover, TWO!! Becky survives but Asuka is right on her. Asuka chicken wings an arm but Becky fights the Asuka Lock! Victory roll, TWO! Becky reels Asuka in, MANHANDLE- NO! Arm-drag! Asuka runs but misses at ropes, Becky BOOTS her! Becky has Asuka in the ropes to fire off forearms and uppercuts! Becky goes to the corner, goes up, GUILLOTINE LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Becky is losing her cool and Bianca wags her finger. Fans rally as Becky waits on Asuka to get up. Asuka grits her teeth and glares at Becky, and she fights the takedown! Becky ducks a kick, but Asuka rolls Becky up, TWO!
Becky hurries to waistlock to O’Conner Roll, TWO! INTO THE ASUKA LOCK!! Becky endures, reaches out, fights to get up and back to a cover, but Asuka keeps a shoulder up! Becky forces it back down, TWO!! Becky kicks low, whips but Asuka reverses to send Becky out. Becky KICKS and ROUNDHOUSES and climbs up! Becky leaps but Asuka gets under! Asuka runs in, FLYING ARMBAR!! Becky is caught again, reaches out, fights to get around, ROPEBREAK! Asuka lets go and even Bianca is feeling the stress. Asuka vows to get the title, and she drags Becky up the ropes! But Becky HOTSHOTS her down!
Becky hobbles around the corner, she sees Bianca sitting there and taunts her. Bianca tells Becky to just get back to the ring. Asuka comes out after Becky and CLUBS her! Bianca says that’s what happens. Asuka brings Becky over but Becky bumps her off the apron! And then Becky throws Asuka into Bianca! Becky stomps Asuka, drags her up and puts her in, then scuffs Bianca. Bianca is pissed now! Becky hurries away, Bianca is on the apron! The ref stops Bianca, Asuka gets Asuka’s umbrella! But Asuka USES THE MIST!! ROUNDHOUSE!! Cover, Asuka wins!!
Winner: Asuka, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the Raw Women’s Championship)
Bianca shrugs, and tells Becky that is also what she gets. Will Bianca soon add one of the biggest names to her list of victories? Or will not even the EST be ready for Asuka?
My Thoughts:
Pretty good stuff for Raw, but still a lot of odd stuff going on, too. We literally had a countdown to when Cody Rhodes would get his segment to start the third hour. Is that in his contract or something? Cody had a very good promo, Rollins had a good response, and of course we’re getting their third match at Hell in a Cell in Hell in a Cell. That is going to be great stuff, and could go either way. We also opened with the Steel Cage, which ended up going about how most WWE cage matches go. Even though cages are supposed to stop interference, it really just encourages it, so MVP and Cedric had parts to play.
And just as I remembered Lashley had that great cage spot where he broke off a panel with his whole body, that’s exactly how they finished it here! Lashley wins but in a way that isn’t definitive, so we’ll clearly get one more match out of Lashley and Omos, maybe also at HIAC. Lacey Evans officially shows up on Raw, doing the promo she probably would’ve done on SmackDown, and it was a great Face promo. Sadly, there’s still concern that she isn’t going to be a Face, but she’ll turn Heel by going overboard and be overbearing about patriotism and principles. She even has “The Three W’s” to parallel Kurt Angle’s Three I’s, so we’re doomed to see WWE go through with this, DESPITE USING HER LEGITIMATELY TRAGIC LIFE STORY TO START THIS OFF.
Alexa VS Sonya having a rematch made sense, but a little surprised Alexa won again. Sonya’s cheating backfiring again was a pretty good detail of the match, as was her losing her cool and slapping that ref. This could escalate to where Sonya has to fight to keep her job as a superstar since her behavior is getting worse. We got pretty good stuff out of the 24/7 Division, and it sounds like Mella is back in that now that she’s not in a team with Zelina Vega. Mella VS Dana might actually make for some good matches for this title, and they really should consider getting a bit more cinematic with this title again since it’s meant to go anywhere.
Great stuff from Kevin Owens and this Elias/Ezekiel story again. I had a feeling the DNA test wasn’t going to work out but I like that Otis was to blame. Kevin was great on commentary during Gable VS Ezekiel, and a great win for Ezekiel here. Maybe there’s a blow-off set for Hell in a Cell, maybe there’s another twist. Theory changing the plans was a fairly clever Heel move, and them tying together Veer’s undefeated streak with Ali’s story of getting screwed over was also pretty clever. The Mysterios making the save was a bit of a surprise. Again, I had expected Rey to show up sooner to get payback for what Veer did to Dom, but I suppose a Six Man of Ali & Mysterios VS Theory, Miz & Veer will be a good enough match.
The Judgement Day had a good promo, with Edge backing off of his rather generic insults to get back to being high ‘n’ mighty with his vocabulary. Edge making an appeal to Styles, but also to all their targets, was rather surprising. I hope it doesn’t set up some kind of betrayal. I mostly hope that because Finn and Styles had a great tag match with Los Lotharios. Finn & Styles could get in on the Tag Division once those titles are unified. Liv getting to join in the Too Sweet was clearly exciting for her as she had a big smile. And maybe we get a Six Person Tag instead of separate singles matches? Would save room on the card.
And speaking of unified titles, Matt Riddle VS Jimmy Uso was a great match, and Riddle had a great promo to copy the Usos’ style. Riddle winning kinda means Usos win the tag match, but WWE could surprise us and let RKBRO get the gold so that the Usos have to chase through the Summer. So, no, Usos are winning because that’s not surprising.
Now of course the surprising stuff is what was planned for the main event. They didn’t advertise that Six Pack Challenge for nothing, they really did want Sasha, Naomi, Piper and Nikki in it. However, what appears to be shoot events and not kayfabe happened. From what PWInsider has, there was a discussion about that match with Vince McMahon, Sasha disagreed with the decision, and then she and Naomi stormed out. The irony is that the decision was Naomi was going to win, and this could start a Two Woman Power Trip story, but with undertones of Naomi joining the Bloodline more directly.
Now, they still could’ve cut the match down to a Fatal 4 so that Piper and Nikki got to have time, but they chose to just give us who the match was going to come down to anyway in Asuka VS Becky. Probably should’ve just been Asuka VS Becky flat out, and maybe that was part of the disagreement, but we’ll probably never hear those details. In the end, the main event still only got under 10 minutes, but it was still pretty good stuff. Becky’s own cheating backfiring on her was also a good move, and now we’ll see Asuka VS Bianca play out in full and for the title. Unless of course Becky finds a way to give us a Triple Threat after all, since Asuka did use mist.
My Score: 8/10
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IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLASGOW KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Candice has Tiffy down with an armlock. Tiff fights up as the fans rally, but Candice wrenches to wristlock. Tiff spins through, goes to ropes, then up the corner to flip and arm-drag! The fans fire up as Tiff rallies on Candice! DROPKICK, and Tiff snarls! Tiff goes to the corner, and Charlotte makes her entrance? The Queen chooses to be fashionably late all so everyone looks at her, including Tiffy. Tiffy handsprings, but Candice dodges! Candice runs up to UPPERCUT, then she snapmares and NECK SNAPPERS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice clamps onto Tiffy with a top wristlock.
The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte now chooses to join commentary. Tiff fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, but Candice CLUBS away on her! Candice backs off, runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her to ropes! Tiff runs, HIP ATTACKS, and Candice flops back! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays on Candice with a whip, but Candice reverses. Candice CLOBBERS Tiff, covers, TWO! Charlotte corrects Tiffy’s words earlier: Charlotte isn’t the “top girl,” she is THE woman in WWE. Candice HIP DROPS Tiff but the fans rally up. Candice scuffs Tiff, then grinds an arm to drop a knee on the elbow! And another knee drop! Tiff endures and the fans rally up.
Candice keeps on that arm, thrashes it around, but Tiff fights up. Tiff fires body shots, then shoves Candice to Alabama Lift her! Candice sunset flips, Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated and Candice bails out. Tiff goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Candice and Nia, and Tiff almost stuck the landing! The fans fire up with Tiff and she goes into the ring. Tiff points to the WrestleMania sign, and then at Charlotte, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Tiff waits on Candice, Candice slides in, and Tiff stomps her down! Candice bails out, Nia is there to coach her, but Tiff lets the ring count start. Candice gets on the apron, Tiff kicks her, but Candice RAMS Tiff! Candice CLUBS Tiff, has her in the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Candice climbs, aims, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO!
Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW!
Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back! Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring!
The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring. Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, but with some interesting moves after the sudden change in plans with The Rock showing up. Naomi and Bianca had a good promo to hype up what was meant to be a full match of Naomi VS Liv, but word had already come out before the show that things were being cut for time. But at the very least, they did the right thing of making it a brawl that adds heat to the tag title match on Monday. Also, hilarious how Chelsea & Piper thought the beatdown on Bianca & Naomi was so bad that they would need to be pulled from the Chamber. I also can’t wait to see what happens on Toronto SmackDown.
As for The Rock, I do appreciate he used his authority to kayfabe change more things, all so he could have his promo with Cody. I also appreciate Rock blending his different roles and even different sides, both Heel and Face, to A) bring the news of WM42 being in NOLA, and B) recreate the Corporate Champion/People’s Champion story from the Attitude Era. That was some wild stuff he was saying to Cody. I’m sure quite a few people will try and talk with Cody next week in the go-home. Heels will say do it because they’d love to have what Rock can give, Faces will say not because Cody’s better than that. But naturally, Cody is not going to become The Rock’s Champion, causing Rock to turn on him and really up things going into WrestleMania 41 and perhaps even beyond.
Good stuff in the Elimination Chamber related stories. Jimmy VS McIntyre was great stuff to open, and how fitting that McIntyre loses to Jimmy after talking all that trash about Jimmy and Jey being the same. Jey got McIntyre with something quick, Jimmy got McIntyre with something quick, McIntyre’s ego is obviously his weakness. And at the same time, McIntyre of course destroys Jimmy after because that’s his other personality trait. Priest had good promos with Cody and Braun, and we got great stuff from Solo’s Bloodline. Naturally, we got a miscommunication spot to help finish, we’re really close to Solo VS Jacob, I can feel it. Priest & Braun get the win, mostly because Priest isn’t winning in the Chamber when you’ve got Punk and Cena in there.
Very good stuff with Tiffy Time, from the promos leading into the match to Charlotte being ringside just to watch. Nia & Candice of course get the better of Tiff & Trish, because Tiff & Trish are definitely winning the tag match in Toronto. Charlotte just seems to enjoy trolling Tiff with her presence, so Charlotte probably shows up in Toronto to then confront Tiff after the match. I expect the seven weeks after Elimination Chamber to really heat up, as will Charlotte’s involvement, where she’ll get more active verbally and physically. Also, hell, Rock should go full Corporation and have Charlotte be his Corporate Women’s Champion because of how established she is.
Hilarious stuff from Truth tonight, as always. Truth and Melo having their “who’s on first” again was good stuff, and of course Miz gets in on this story, too. Truth & Knight VS “Melo Don’t Miz” was really fun, but yeah, should’ve figured Nakamura would get involved, too. Melo & Miz making it work could also be really fun, and while Knight VS Nakamura is a rehash, I really hope they find a way to up things. It feels like we’re getting the same with the tag titles as Profits “ruined” that great tag match from DIY and Pretty Deadly, then brawled with MCMG to still come out on top. Last year had a ladder tag title match, so why not do one for these titles this year?
Speaking of escalating, Kevin filming a promo outside Sami’s house was some really well done stuff, as expected of someone as good as Kevin and in such a story as him and Sami. Their match should main event, it needs time to breathe, as it could be just as, if not more violent, than the Chamber matches. What a powerful closing moment we could have if it’s a bloody Kevin and Sami, and one of them is standing over the other, triumphant yet mournful because it was their best friend in the world that they just brutalized.
My Score: 8.9/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
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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
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Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
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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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