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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Can the Last Real Champion handle The Truth?
While the King & Queen of the Ring tournaments reach their semifinals, John Cena has his first match on SmackDown in years, against Ron Killings!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Asuka VS Alexa Bliss; Asuka wins and advances to Night of Champions.
- Aleister Black VS Kit Wilson; No Contest.
- King of the Ring Semifinals: Randy Orton VS Sami Zayn; Orton wins and advances to Night of Champions.
- Charlotte Flair VS Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice; Charlotte wins.
- Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker VS LA Knight; Knight wins, by disqualification.
- John Cena VS Ron Killings; Killings wins, by disqualification.
PLAY BY PLAY
LA Knight is here!
Grand Rapids fires up as the Mega Star marches right to the ring. Knight grabs a mic while the fans chant his name, and he says, “LEMME TALK TO YA!” The fans cheer, and Knight says, “Let’s just go ahead and rewind our mind a little bit. We go to back to Money in the Bank, Seth and his boys, they just happen to come down and screw this guy.” The fans boo that. Knight says usually, he lets things slide. But he just figured he couldn’t let it slide, so he made sure to screw on of Rollins’ boys in their title opportunity, King of the Ring. But then they came back, paid it back and screwed Knight outta KOTR, so he had to go and screw the other one over!
And it just has Knight thinking. Fans “YEAH!” and Knight says there is only one way this can go. He has gone back and forth between Raw and SmackDown, where it ends, nobody knows! Except Knight! He knows! He knows where this ends! The fans cheer that! And Knight says it ends with him and Rollins! And what better place than here? And what better time than now! Knight tells Rollins to come on out and talk to him! But “Ladies and gentlemen…” The fans boo as Paul Heyman walks out and gives his introductions. He serves as the Wise Man to Mr. Money in the Bank, Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins!
Heyman says you do not boo that name. And you screwed up your cue, so they’ll do this again. He serves as the Wise Man for Seth Freakin’ Rollins! The fans keep booing, Heyman wants to try again, but Knight says shut up and get to the point! Why is Heyman here?! Heyman walks to the ring and asks permission to step inside. The fans chant “O T C! O T C!” but Knight steps back. Heyman steps into the ring, and he says yes, there has been a lot of bad blood between Knight and Mr. MITB, Seth Freakin’ Rollins. However, Heyman happens to be, with all due respect to everyone here in Grand Rapids, Michigan…
The fans chant “C M PUNK!” at Heyman now and he frowns. Knight says Heyman has a lot of enemies. Heyman says he is the biggest LA Knight fan in all of WWE! Heyman’s been waiting a long time to say this: YEAH! Now, because of that, Seth Freakin’ Rollins (the fans boo again) has allowed Heyman to say to Knight, as a favor to Heyman… It is time for Knight to get the hell outta Grand Rapids, Michigan. Because if he does not, something really bad is going to happen to him before the end of the night. Have a nice evening. Heyman turns to go but the fans cheer Knight on. Knight says he couldn’t help but notice, but did you~ (poking fun at Heyman’s voice cracking) threaten Knight?
Because Knight wants to wrap his head around this. He’s heard Heyman say stuff like this before, because Heyman is a liar, a swindler, a grifter, a scammer and a schemer! Heyman leeches on to any talent that has a bit of hype, sucks ’em dry, then moves on to the next! Rollins just happens to be the latest in this. But where next? Who cares! But the bottom line is, Knight asked for Rollins but he got Heyman. And while he got Heyman, he got a Heyman out here talking all tough. So it has Knight thinking, he has a great idea.
Talking about wise man, wisdom, there was a point in time if Heyman had said something like that, a man like Knight would look at a “thing” like Heyman and punched his wisdom teeth down his throat! Knight won’t do that, yet. But here’s the deal: Heyman’s talking all tough, but if he can’t bring Rollins out here, then the only thing to do out here in Grand Rapids is Knight fighting Heyman here and now! The fans fire up for that! Knight asks if the fans want that, and they cheer! “HUH?” “YEAH!” “HUH?” “YEAH!” “YEAH!!” Knight promises he’ll turn around, take his vest off, and Heyman gets the first shot. He better make it good, or Knight will molly whop his ass right outta Grand Rapids!
The fans fire up as Knight does as promised. He turns around, his vest is off, but Heyman bails? The fans boo as the Wise Man doesn’t play along. Heyman says, “Remember when I told you to get the hell out of Grand Rapids or else something really bad is gonna happen to you before the end of the night? That wasn’t a prediction. That… was a spoiler!” Heyman throws down his mic, and here comes Bronson Reed & Bron Breakker! Rollins’ behemoths head to the ring, but Knight fires off on them first! The fans rally as Knight throws hands and feet, but then Bron TACKLES Knight! Bronson joins in and they mug Knight right out of the ring!
Bronson drags Knight up to TOSS him over barriers! Bron clears the desk, he wants Bronson to put Knight through it! But Knight has a chair! He JAMS Bron, JAMS Bronson, then SMACKS Bron and SMACKS Bronson! Knight gets in the ring, ready to hit whoever gets in! The fans cheer Knight but Heyman has Bron & Bronson stand down. Will Heyman have the henchmen try again before the end of tonight?
SmackDown returns and…
Heyman has Bron & Bronson calm down, they have this under control. It is all in their favor, and it always will be in their favor. That is the whole point behind this. Byron Saxton steps in and wants to talk to them, but Heyman has to hold Bron back like the dog he is! Heyman says no need to bite Byron. Byron apologizes, he has word from SmackDown GM, Nick Aldis, that Bronson Reed VS LA Knight is set for tonight. Heyman says okay, thank you, and goodbye. Byron leaves and Heyman smiles. He told them! Patience is not a virtue, it is strategy. Bronson smiles and nods. Will Auzsilla destroy LA here in Grand Rapids?
Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Asuka VS Alexa Bliss!
Two great returns to action through this tournament, and now they cross paths with each other. The Empress of Tomorrow overcame Ivy Nile, Raquel Rodriguez and Stephanie Vaquer while Lil’ Miss Bliss outsmarted Alba Fyre, Candice LeRae and Charlotte Flair. But whose comeback story overtakes the other’s here just one match away from Night of Champions?
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Alexa headlocks, but Asuka powers up and out. Alexa RAMS Asuka, Asuka roars, and the fans fire up as Asuka fires hands! Alexa blocks a kick to THROW Asuka down, then basement DROPKICK! The fans cheer as Asuka and Alexa reset. Alexa kicks, Asuka blocks and slips through to waistlock. Alexa elbows free, runs, but Asuka runs past her to then RUN her over! The fans fire up and Asuka runs in again, HIP ATTACK! Alexa falls to the floor and the fans fire up while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Asuka lets Alexa stay down while she soaks up the cheers. The ring count starts, Alexa rises, but Asuka goes out after her. Alexa slips inside and DROPKICKS Asuka’s leg! Asuka falls from the apron but she has to nod respect for that savvy move. Asuka steps back in at 6 of 10, and she resets with Alexa. They circle, feel things out, and tie up. Asuka wrenches and wristlocks, but Alexa rolls and wrenches to hammerlock. Alexa waistlocks, rolls Asuka, TWO! The two stand off again and they both nod respect. They reset, the fans rally up, and the two feel things out. Asuka trips Alexa, clamps on with a headlock, and she grinds Alexa down.
Alexa endures, Asuka turns her over to go after the arm, then she stands on Alexa’s arm. Alexa endures, Asuka shifts arms, but Alexa wrenches out to wrangle Asuka. Alexa shifts to a cording hold, but Asuka fights up and fires body shots. Alexa whips Asuka to a corner, but Asuka elbows her away! And BOOTS! Asuka goes up, leaps, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Alexa stays in this but Asuka stays focused. Asuka drags Alexa around and gives her Kawada Kicks! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Asuka wrenches for a chicken wing! Alexa fights the Asuka Lock and JAWBREAKERS free! Alexa runs up to RUN Asuka over!
The fans rally as Alexa rallies, then hits a BLOCKBUSTER! The fans fire up as Alexa SLAPS, ROCKS, and KNEES Asuka down! Then SOMERSAULT SENTON! Cover, TWO! Asuka stays in this and Alexa grows frustrated. The fans rally while Alexa brings Asuka up. Asuka breaks free to URAKEN, SOBAT, FRONT KICK, and GERMAN SUPLEX! Alexa tumbles away, Asuka runs up, SLIDING KICK! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as Asuka stands and takes aim. But Alexa ducks the buzzsaw! Cover, TWO! Alexa clinches, TWISTED- NO, Asuka rolls Alexa up! TWO! Alexa sits up, BUZZSAW! Cover, TWO!! Alexa survives but Asuka just fires up!
The fans rally as Asuka goes to the corner. Asuka climbs from the outside, and MISSILE- NO, Alexa dodges this time! Alexa kicks and DDTS! Cover, TWO! Asuka stays in this and the fans fire up! “This is Awesome!” as Alexa drags Asuka into the drop zone. Alexa goes up, up, and the fans fire up! TWISTED- NO, Asuka moves, so Alexa stops. Alexa won’t let Asuka sneak away, but then she gets caught in an ARMBAR!! Alexa flails, rolls, but ends up in an omoplata! RINGS OF SATURN!! Alexa fights around, pops her arm free for a cover, TWO!! Asuka reels Alexa in, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up as Alexa stays in this! Asuka fires up, the fans are with her, and she runs up, only for Alexa to ROCK her with a right! Alexa puts Asuka in the Tree of Woe, and she DROPKICKS Asuka out of it! Alexa climbs back up, and TWISTED BLISSÂ onto knees!! Asuka still counters the moonsault, and hits the EMPRESS IMPACT!! Cover, Asuka wins!
Winner: Asuka, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)
The Empress says no one is ready for Asuka, and that has certainly been the case! But on Raw, we find out, will it be Jade Cargill or Roxanne Perez that meets Asuka in Saudi Arabia?
Jade Cargill, Mia Yim & B-Fab watch backstage.
And Fab says damn, Asuka just came back and she’s already making statements. Almost like she never left. Michin says maybe they need to make their own statements. They need to talk to Aldis about the tag titles. Fab agrees. Fab & Mia wish Jade luck before heading out. Byron walks in and asks if he can have a word. Jade says shoot. Byron says Asuka just advanced, but Jade has her match on Monday with Roxanne Perez. How does Jade feel about facing a talented competitor like Roxie? And how does she feel about the possibility of facing Asuka in the finals? Jade says “Rox” has potential. Roxie is quick and scrappy.
But she’s still trying to prove herself. And this isn’t a proving ground, this is a throne room, and Jade was built for royalty. As for Asuka, there’s a storm on the horizon. But news flash, Jade is that storm. This entire tournament wasn’t built for the future, but for a woman who can walk through fire, shatter glass ceilings, and take her crown on the way to the top. This Queen of the Ring, Jade isn’t just walking in to win. She’s here to reign. Will the Prodigy be washed away by the storm this Monday?
Alexa Bliss returns backstage.
And Chelsea Green finds her. Flanked by her Secret Her-vice, The Hot Mess asks, “Hey, little fu-fu, how’s your boo-boo?” Alexa asks back, “How’s yours?” Piper tells Chelsea not to get upset, Alexa is just jealous. Chelsea says this serves Alexa right. Chelsea should be Queen of the Ring, and she’d be building her parliament if not for Alexa! Oh, if she has that big of an issue, then try facing her in the ring. Chelsea says she will! But then Charlotte Flair walks in and says if anyone should’ve still been in this tournament, it’s her. But had Chelsea’s “replacement” tapped out sooner, maybe she would.
So here’s the deal: Charlotte will have a match made and tap Chelsea out instead. N-Not if Chelsea makes it a bank holiday! ROYAL DUTIES! NICHOLAS! Chelsea hurries away with the Secret Her-vice following, and Alexa tells Charlotte that she doesn’t need Charlotte’s help. Oh, that’s cute. Because Charlotte wasn’t helping Alexa. Charlotte leaves now, leaving Alexa to chew on that. Will The Queen chew up the Hot Mess and spit her out now that she has nothing better to do?
Aleister Black VS Kit Wilson!
The Dark Father is also directionless now that he is out of the King of the Ring tournament, but he never lets that bother him. Will he make himself the direction all roads lead when things #FadeToBlack? Or will Kit prove he can be Pretty Deadly all on his own?
Wait, who is attacking Kit? It’s R-TRUTH! But why’s Ron Killings going after Kit?! He POSTS Kit, drags him back out, and puts him in an STF!! The fans fire up and Kit taps, but it won’t matter when this isn’t a match! Killings lets Kit out of the hold and demands a mic. A mic is given, and Killings says, “Get John Cena out here now. I’m driving! On my terms! Cena, get out here!” The fans fire up and then Killings puts Kit back in the STF! Aleister is rather confused, but producers hurry out here to stop Truth. Truth lets Kit go, Jamie Noble asks Truth wait for the main event. Truth seethes, but he accepts the terms.
Killings leaves, walking right past Aleister. Will there be no denying The Truth when he finally gets his hands on the Last Real Champion?
Jamie Noble talks with Truth backstage.
Jamie says Truth has to calm down. Truth says he wants John Cena NOW! He’s driving! Yes, okay, but just wait. Truth promises that when he sees Cena, he is killing him tonight! Aleister steps in and asks Truth why he is getting involved in Aleister’s match. Truth says it wasn’t personal, it had nothing to do with Aleister. These two stare down, and then Damian Priest steps in. The Archer of Infamy has Aleister stand down. Truth is going through a lot, let Priest talk to him. Oh, of course. Aleister says, “Ron.” “Black.” Aleister leaves, Priest tells Truth that there’s no need for any of that. Priest gets Truth is frustrated, but he can’t just go beat up people for no reason.
Priest used to do that, and Truth was the guy there to make him smile. Truth made the world smile! All that anger and negativity, focus that on the match tonight. Focus that on John Cena. Go out there and handle business with Cena, then Priest and Truth can go downtown to celebrate. How’s that sound? Truth says sounds good, DP. They shake hands, and Priest heads out. Truth is still seething, but will he make sure it all explodes on Cena?
Cody Rhodes is here!
Grand Rapids sings along as The American Nightmare makes his way out, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, he high-fives fans in the front row, then looks closely at the King of the Ring’s crown. Cody goes to the ring and grabs the mic. He hears the fans cheer him on, but then Jey Uso is here! The fans fire up as Main Event Jey makes his way down through the crowd! A young fan joins in bouncing along, but so does all of Grand Rapids! Jey continues down the stands, finds another young fan, and they bounce along again. Jey then reaches ringside, high-fives the front row, and he joins Cody in the ring as we get the next wave of YEET!
Grand Rapids might want to YEET all night, but Jey hugs it out with Cody before he gets his own mic. The music dies down, the fans chant, “One More Time! One More Time!” and Cody says sure, one more is fine. Jey says okay, and yes, the fans get to YEET again! Jey says hey, Cody doesn’t even have to say nothing. They been in the trenches! “YEET!” Still in the trenches! “YEET!” From fighting The Bloodline… “YEET!” To winning tag titles… “YEET!” To finishing their stories at WrestleMania! “YEET!” They’ve both been to the mountaintop. “YEET!” But Cody, on Monday, there is only room for one of them.
The fans are intrigued, and Cody nods. Jey says there’s only one that can go. Cody VS Jey, Jey VS Cody, and Jey knows Cody will bring it. Jey has to get his, Uce. He has to, just like Cody has to get his. But that said, Uce, it ain’t personal. This all business. But that all said, too, Uce, on Monday, after they go to war, please believe that it will be four letters, one word, uh uh… YEET! Cody smiles and the fans cheer. They shake hands again, and wait! Here comes Sami Zayn! The fans cheer as the Great Liberator makes his way to the ring. Sami grabs a mic to say, “This is nice, isn’t it? I get to share the ring with two great friends.”
The fans applaud, and Sami says he is in the ring with two of the very best that this business has to offer! The fans cheer that, too! Sami says he’d be lying if he denied there was a part of him that sees the three of them in this ring, and notices how only one of them has never been world champion. Jey, Sami wants him to know, man to man, this year, Sami missed Mania. Sami had no reason to be in Las Vegas, but he got his ass on a plane to Vegas for one reason: To congratulate Jey the moment he won the World Heavyweight Championship! Sami loves Jey, and he is proud of him. And Cody, for years, everyone watched as Cody finished his story.
And when Cody did, he did the unthinkable and pinned Roman Reigns in the middle of this ring, Sami was the first one out here to congratulate Cody. Sami is so proud that Cody finished his story. So he hopes both men understand that now, it is time for Sami to finish HIS story! The fans cheer, but then here comes Randy Orton! The Viper looks at the crown, then goes to the ring. The fans sing along with Voices and Orton grabs himself a mic. “So Cody, same deal as last week but I’m gonna say it again. There is no line I will not cross, even if it means going through you, so that I can get to John Cena at SummerSlam, beat him, and get my FIFTEENTH world championship!”
The fans cheer, and Orton tells Jey, “Man, I respect the… Hell outta you, dude. Our families go way, way, way back. Nothing but love, dude. But if you’re standing across the ring from me at SummerSlam, it’s not gonna be four letters, one word. It’s gonna be three letters, one move.” The fans say it, “R K O!” And Orton says he not only speaks for himself but for everyone here in this arena when he says, and from the bottom of his heart, one day and one day soon, Sami Zayn will be world champion. But not at SummerSlam. Because tonight, Sami is on the receiving end of the three most dangerous letters in sports entertainment: R K O.
Orton drops the mic, and it is time to put those words into action. Will it be the Legend Killer or the Underdog from the Underground that heads for Saudi Arabia?
King of the Ring Semifinals: Randy Orton VS Sami Zayn!
SmackDown returns, the bell rings, and these two circle. They tie up, Sami wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, then wristlocks. Orton endures, fights up, and the fans duel. Orton wrenches Sami in return to then headlock. Sami endures, powers up to wrench again, and he grinds the arm. Sami wrenches and CHOPS, and Orton goes to the corner. Sami CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! The fans “WOO~” but the ref counts. Orton pushes past Sami, bails out of the ring, and he is pretty red already. Sami builds speed but he fakes Orton out with the Arabian Press! The fans fire up and Orton has to admit that was good.
Orton goes up the steps and steps back into the ring. The fans rally, Orton and Sami tie up, and Orton puts Sami in the corner. Orton lets off slowly, but he pokes Sami in the eyes! The fans boo but Orton UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! But Sami pokes Orton in the eyes! The ref caught that one and reprimands Sami. Sami TOSSES Orton out, goes to the apron, but Orton YANKS Sami down! Sami hits off the apron, and Orton reels him in, DESK BACK SUPLEX! Sami writhes and Orton rolls into the ring, just to refresh the count. Fans want that “One More Time!” and Orton agrees! DESK BACK SUPLEXÂ again!
Sami writhes more and whatever monitor wasn’t busted, they’re busted now! Orton leaves Sami behind for a moment while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Orton goes out to fetch Sami, but Sami fights off a third back suplex! Orton kicks low, brings Sami over, but Sami blocks the smack off the steel steps! Orton sputters, Sami stalks him, and Sami decides to give him some payback! But Orton ROCKS Sami first! Orton SMACKS Sami off the desk, puts him in the ring, and covers, TWO! Sami stays in this but Orton looms over him. Sami rises, Orton puts him in a corner, and Orton fires body shots. Orton climbs up and rains down fists! Orton gets to eight before Sami fires back! Sami has Orton in another corner, climbs up, and Sami rains down a fast TEN!
Sami huffs ‘n’ puffs and CHOPS! Orton is stinging but Sami CHOPS him again! Sami wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, and whips! Orton reverses, Sami hits buckles hard, and Sami falls in a heap. Orton dusts himself off and looms over Sami again. Orton stomps Sami’s hand! Sami writhes and clutches his finger. Orton stomps Sami’s foot, ten the other foot! And then the other hand! Sami sits up, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Orton CLUBS away on Sami’s chest! Orton DECKS Sami, the fans cheer, and Orton brings Sami up. Orton whips, Sami goes up and over, and Sami LARIATS Orton down! The fans fire up again as Sami rises!
Sami goes to the corner, Orton runs up, but Sami ELBOWS him! Sami goes up, AX HANDLES, and the fans fire up more! Orton takes a swing, but Sami slips around! Orton fights the Blue Thunder, then LARIATS! And LARIATS! Orton dodges Sami to SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up while Sami goes to the apron. Orton drags Sami in through the ropes, and DRAPING DDTS! The fans fire up as Orton hears those voices! Orton watches Sami rise, but then Sami bails out! The fans are torn but Sami is smart to avoid what was coming. Orton goes out to fetch Sami, SMACKS him off the desk, and then back suplexes, only for Sami to lands out!
Sami CLUBS Orton, and hits a DESK BACK SUPLEX on Orton! Sami puts Orton in the ring, goes to a corner, and the fans fire up as Orton rises. Orton runs in, Sami dodges, and Orton POSTS himself! Sami runs corner to corner, HELLUVA- SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Sami survives and Orton seethes. “This is Awesome!” as Sami goes back to a corner. Orton runs back in and he LARIATS! Orton runs but Sami follows! But Orton dodges the Helluva Kick! Sami gets stuck on the to rope, frees himself, and hobbles into an RK- NO! BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Orton survives and the fans fire up again!
“This is Awesome!” as Sami drags Orton to the drop zone. Sami goes up the corner, Orton stands and he gets under the leap! R K- NO, Sami SLAMS Orton down! And then HELLUVA- RKO!!! Orton crawls to the cover, Orton wins!!
Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)
Sami fought his heart out, but the Viper still strikes! Orton is going back to back in KOTR finals, but will he win the crown this time?
Nia Jax is here!
Grand Rapids boos as The Irresistible Force goes to the ring. She grabs the mic dot say, “You know what’s crazy? Tiffany Stratton approached me to be under my wing, because she knew exactly what I could do for her. And look, she’s thriving! And what kind of thanks did I get for it? She betrayed me. She has MY title!” But wait, here comes Tiffy! Grand Rapids cheers as the WWE Women’s Champion has the mic to tell Nia, “You’re like that toxic ex I just can’t get away from. News flash: get over it! You make excuse after excuse, but when are you just gonna admit that maybe I’m just better than you?”
The fans cheer and Tiff heads to the ring. Nia says yeah, okay, if Tiff is so much better, then give Nia a rematch without kicking a chair into her face. Tiff says if Nia’s so desperate for a match, it is her lucky day! She made it official for next week: Tiff VS Nia! And Tiff will have more fun adding more scars to that “five head” of Nia’s. Because it won’t just be a regular match. It will be Last Woman Standing! Nia takes a swing but Tiff dodge! Tiff fires off, kicks low, and runs up, but into a POP-UP HEADBUTT! And then Nia drops a leg, brother! Nia holds up the belt and soaks up the heat. Nia thinks about leaving, but decides to add on! ANOTHER leg drop, brother!
The fans boo but Nia says that’s not enough! Nia tells Wade & Joe that she’s taking the title! But wait! NAOMI is here, with a ref! Is she doing it!? Is she doing it?! But Nia YANKS Naomi out! Naomi tells her back off! Nia doesn’t, Naomi shoves her, but Nia still grabs at her! Tiff DROPKICKS Naomi onto Nia! Tiff avoids a cash-in because Nia was in the way, but is she setting herself up for failure with that extreme title match?
Charlotte Flair VS Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice!
The Queen was denied her crown, but she’s not even angry at Alexa Bliss, the one who took that opportunity from her. She instead looks to humble the Hot Mess that claims she would be queen if her demands were met. Who vents their frustrations and comes away with the win?
SmackDown returns and Charlotte makes her entrance. The bell rings and the fans actually cheer on Chelsea. Alba distracts Charlotte and Chelsea sucker punches her! The ref reprimands but Chelsea SMACKS Charlotte off the mat again and again! Chelsea salutes, but Charlotte CHOPS! Chelsea KNEES low, whips, but Charlotte goes up and out at the corner. Charlotte BOOTS Chelsea away, avoids Alba and KICKS her! Chelsea runs up, Charlotte RAMS her, and then Charlotte climbs up. CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Chelsea scrambles away and Charlotte runs up, but into an ELBOW! Charlotte GAMANGIRIS!
Charlotte snapmares, Chelsea distracts the ref, and Alba grabs Charlotte by the hair! Alba HOTSHOTS Charlotte and Chelsea hits a BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Chelsea is furious but Charlotte stays in this, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Chelsea hops onto Charlotte for a SLEEPER! The fans rally, but Charlotte hits a BACKPACK SENTON! Charlotte is free, Chelsea runs back up, but Charlotte gives her a BACKBREAKER and BUCKLE SHOT! Chelsea falls back, Charlotte huffs ‘n’ puffs and runs up to fire hands! The fans fire up as Charlotte CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Charlotte CHOPS again, then clinches for an EXPLODER! And a kip up! The fans fire up and Charlotte salutes to poke fun at Chelsea. Charlotte runs, dodges, and handsprings to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Chelsea survives but Charlotte stays on her by going for a leg.
Alba gets on the apron, so Charlotte BOOTS her down! The fans cheer, but Charlotte turns around into a ROUGH RYDER! Cover, TWO!! Charlotte survives and Chelsea is furious! Chelsea takes off her face protector and drags Charlotte up. Chelsea has the arms, turns Charlotte, but Charlotte shoves her away! Charlotte dodges and SPEARS! Cover, TWO!! Chelsea survives but Charlotte has the leg! FIGURE- CRADLE!! TWO!! Charlotte has the leg again, FIGURE FOUR! And the bridge for the FIGURE EIGHT!! Chelsea TAPS, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
But then Piper Niven SENTONS onto Charlotte!! Alba storms in, she and Piper mug Charlotte, but here comes Alexa! She RAMS into Piper, she ROCKS Alba, then she catches Chelsea! Charlotte LARIATS Alba out while Alexa hits a TWISTED SISTER ABIGAIL! And then Charlotte BOOTS Piper down! Charlotte and Alexa look at each other, and despite what either one thinks, maybe they both need the other after all. Alexa offers the handshake, but Charlotte walks right past Alexa. Alexa lets that slide, but will Charlotte come around soon enough?
Solo Sikoa talks with JC Mateo.
Why is JC taping up? Uh, duh, he’ll take out Jacob. No, Solo is going out there alone to talk with Jacob. Solo was the only one that Jacob would listen to. Jacob needs Solo. Solo will smooth things over. JC accepts that, but Solo does say that JC should stay ready. Solo is covering his bases, but will he need the Imperial Unit to put down the Samoan Werewolf? Or will it all be alright between them all?
Solo Sikoa heads to the ring.
SmackDown returns as the former Tribal Chief makes his way out, and Grand Rapids boos. Solo grabs the mic, takes a moment, and says, “Alright, Jacob. I’m out here in the middle of the ring, all alone, with open arms, willing to talk to you face to face. I feel terrible about what happened. So if you’re back there, come on out so we can clear the air.” Jacob Fatu makes his entrance and Grand Rapids cheers! Fatu holds up the United States Championship before he steps into the ring, and he has a mic of his own. The fans cheer on “FATU! FATU!” and Solo says he didn’t come out here to fight him, okay? He’s not here for that.
Solo wants to make it clear to Fatu that he loves him, always has loved him, no matter what. One thing Solo learned from being Tribal Chief is how to love family and how to take care of them. That’s all he’s trying to do. Families fight all the time. They fight, they argue, they forgive, and then they move forward. So they should move forward together, Jacob. Move forward as one. The fans boo that, but Solo says nobody saw the potential in Jacob except Solo. Nobody wanted Jacob here in the WWE, except Solo. That is why Solo brought Fatu here and gave him the chance to change his life and put food on his family’s table.
And why did Solo do that? Because Solo loves Jacob. He does. And to be honest, Solo doesn’t have anybody else. Fatu isn’t sure about that, but Solo says all he has is Fatu. And he’s all Solo needs. So come back to the family, and even if Jacob doesn’t say those four words, Solo will. Solo will say it for him, to him, loud enough so everybody can hear it! Solo tells Jacob, “I love you, Jacob.” The fans boo, they don’t trust this. Fatu paces as he thinks on that. “So you love me, huh?” Solo nods yes. So this is what it comes down to, huh? Solo loves Fatu? The way Fatu sees things, Solo has been using Fatu! Solo has been using Fatu to gain power, to fight his battles, and to stay Tribal Chief.
Hell, Solo brought Fatu in so Fatu could bring Solo fame! Solo brought Fatu in because he thought Fatu would bring him gold! Is that all this is about? Fame? Gold? Power? SOLO, LOOK AT HIM! Solo looks up from the floor while the fans cheer Fatu on. Fatu tells Solo that ever since he won the US Championship, Solo is the one that’s been acting different. And maybe Fatu isn’t the problem. Fatu just figured it out! The problem… is this. The problem is the US Championship. Fatu sets it down between him and Solo, and he says if this is what he thinks it is, then just fight him for it! Fight Fatu for the title! The fans fire up for that!
And Solo, Fatu will only warn you one time: If you ever think about coming this way, you know what Fatu is about! You know what’s poppin’ with Fatu, blood! And you know Jacob Fatu is all gas, no brakes with it! YADADADA- SOLO TAKES A SWING! Fatu blocks the spike and he HEADBUTTS! JC Mateo rushes out here! Fatu HEADBUTTS him, too! But Solo CHOP BLOCKS the legs! The fans boo but JC & Solo mug Fatu! But then here comes JIMMY USO! The fans fire up as #BigJim slides in, dodges Solo, and SUPERKICKS JC! And then he SUPERKICKS Solo! But JC LARIATS Jimmy down! JC HAMMERS Jimmy and Solo has him put Jimmy in the corner.
The fans boo but Solo tells Jimmy that he should’ve chosen Solo’s side, not Jacob’s! But speaking of, Fatu is up! The fans fire up as Fatu BODY CHECKS JC! Then he SUPERKICKS Solo! Solo is in a corner, Fatu fires off on him, HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT! SUPERKICK for JC! HIP ATTACK for Solo! The fans are fired up for the Samoan Werewolf, and he locks eyes with Jimmy. Jimmy came to Fatu’s rescue, Fatu just saved him, so Fatu goes up, up, only for Solo to bail out! No Best Moonsaults here in Grand Rapids, but will Fatu cut Solo down soon enough?
Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker VS LA Knight!
The Wise Man warned, or rather threatened, the Mega Star that he should just cut and run, but that’s not how he does things. Knight is ready to fight, but will he survive a battle with Auszilla? Or is a Tsunami about wipe out LA?
Wait, Knight doesn’t enter from the stage! He enters from the crowd! And he POSTS Bron! The fans fire up as Knight evens things out! He TOSSES Bronson out, throws his vest at him, and Bronson snarls. Bronson has Bron stand down, and says, “Tonight, I kill him.” Bronson steps into the ring, the bell sounds, and Knight fires off! The fans fire up as Knight fires hands, but Bronson puts him in the corner. Knight ELBOWS back, Knight fires more hands, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips but Bronson blocks! Bronson whips Knight to a corner, runs up, but Knight dodges! Bronson POSTS himself, and Knight stomps a mudhole in!
The fans rally, the ref counts, and Knight goes corner to corner, but into a fireman’s carry! Knight slips down to sunset flip, but Bronson stays up! Bronson jumps but Knight avoids the hip drop! Then Knight basement BOOTS! The fans fire up and Knight storms up on Bronson. Bronson TOSSES Knight to the apron, but Knight slingshots back in! Bronson catches Knight to a fireman’s carry! Knight flails free and he RAMS Bronson into a corner! But Bronson holds ropes to deny the Jump Neckbreaker! Bronson runs but Knight avoids the senton! The fans fire up as Knight goes up, up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! That’s a Steiner move!
The fans fire up and spell it out, “L! A! KNIGHT!” but Bronson bails out! Knight runs to WRECK Bronson with a dropkick! Knight goes back up, springboards, CROSSBODY to the ramp! The fans fire up with Knight and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Bronson has Knight up top. The fans rally as Knight fights back with body shots! Knight ROCKS Bronson, ROCKS him again, and ROCKS him again! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Bronson finally falls and Knight adjusts position. “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” BOX JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Bronson survives and Knight is rather stunned while Heyman is relieved. Knight aims, kicks, but Bronson denies the BFT! HEADBUTT, then a fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Knight survives the “Jagged Edge” DVD but Bronson brings him right up. Bronson reels Knight in and says thumbs down.
Bronson lifts Knight up, but Knight flips the bomb into a DDT! The fans fire up but Bron barks at the apron! Knight DECKS the dog, tells Heyman to get the same, but Bronson runs up! Knight DUMPS Bronson out, builds speed, but BRON SPEARS!!
Winner: LA Knight, by disqualification
The fans boo but Bron handed Knight the win with that one. Bronson stands Knight up so Bron can build speed and SUPER SPEAR!! Grand Rapids is torn but plenty of fans bark. And now Bronson goes up!? TSUNAMI!! Bronson goes up again, the refs hurry out here, but TSUNAMI AGAIN!! The fans want another, so Bron scares the refs off to let Bronson go back up! THIRD TSUNAMI!!! Have Rollins’ rooks just broken Knight into pieces? Is this a message to everyone that no one can stop the vision?
Jacob Fatu speaks.
“Yeah, c’mon on widdit! I just spoke to the man, and you know the man makes everything possible here on SmackDown! So next week, next week on Saturday, me ‘n’ you, Solo! Night of Champions, mano a mano, I’m about to dog walk yo’ ass for the US Championship! Solo, you better get in where you fit in. Cuz if you don’t, then baby, it’s ’bout to be all gas, no breaks with it. Yadadadada mean?” The Samoan Werewolf will get to sink his teeth into Solo, but will he stay golden through it all?
John Cena VS Ron Killings!
The Undisputed WWE Champion was the exact opposite of grateful for R-Truth saving him from Randy Orton at Backlash, and he doubled down when Ron tried to show him the truth at Saturday Night’s Main Event. So, if Cena doesn’t want the Truth, he’ll get someone who knows about ruthless aggression! Will Ron Killings bring an early end to the retirement tour? Or will Cena continue to ruin wrestling for everyone else?
SmackDown returns as Cena makes his entrance. The fans sing “JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” despite him wearing the Detroit Pistons colors. Cena makes Mark Nash give the “proper” introduction: “He is the Greatest of All Time, the Never Seen Seventeen, gracing Grand Rapids with his presence one final time… He is the Last Real Champion, JOHN CENA~!” The fans boo, the bell rings, and Truth stares at Cena while Cena smirks hearing the “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Truth TACKLES Cena! He fires off hands but Cena bails out! So Truth goes out to DECK Cena! “What’s up!?” “WHAT’S UP!” Truth has Cena at the desk and SMACKS him off it!
Truth ROCKS Cena again, and shakes his hand out from hitting so hard. Truth SMACKS Cena off the apron, storms in after him, and whips him to a corner. Cena hits buckles hard and falls to the mat! The fans continue to duel while Truth keeps his eyes on Cena. Truth storms up on Cena while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Truth stands Cena up, whips corner to corner again, and Cena hits buckles hard! Cena sputters, Truth looms over him, and Truth ROCKS Cena! Cena ROCKS Truth! They go back and forth with haymakers, and then Truth dodges to SHOULDER TACKLE! Truth still uses Cena’s own moves against him, and that includes the SPIN-OUT BOMB! Truth raises his hand and Grand Rapids joins in! “You Can’t See Me!” But then Cena bails out so Truth can’t hit him! Truth is annoyed, the fans give thumbs down, but here comes Truth. Cena ELBOWS him down! Cena drags Truth up, POSTS him, and he brings Truth back into the ring.
Cena HEADBUTTS Truth, CHOKES him on the ropes, but stops as the ref counts. Cena stomps away on Truth, then runs to KICK Truth in the back! Cena talks trash, then he runs to SHOULDER TACKLE! Cena takes his time, knowing it is what the fans want. Truth rises up, Cena runs to SHOULDER TACKLE again! Cena watches Truth rise again, gets around him, SPIN-OUT BOMB! And Cena raises his hand, reveling in the cheers and jeers. “You Can’t See Me!” SmackDown returns to single picture for the FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Then Cena fireman’s carries, but Truth slips free! THESZ PRESS! And fast hands!
The fans fire up and Truth has Cena in a corner. Truth runs to STINGER SPLASH! Truth hitting all sorts of other iconic moves! Cena tumbles out and grabs the belt! Cena doesn’t care about this match anymore, he doesn’t need to take this! Truth says hold up! Truth runs Cena down and fires hands on the ramp! The fans fire up but Cena CLOBBERS Truth with the belt!!
Winner: Ron Killings, by disqualification
Cena wants to get another shot, but wait! PUNK IS HERE! Cena runs away into the ring, and he catches Punk as Punk slides in! The fans boo Cena but he huffs ‘n’ puffs. Cena drags Punk up, but Punk fires hands in return! Punk DECKS Cena, grabs the belt, and he holds it up! The fans cheer, and Punk aims, but Cena LOW BLOWS! Cena has a sinister smile as he grabs the belt. BELT SHOT for Punk!! The fans boo even more, but Cena decides to up the ante! Cena brings out a table! The fans cheer, everyone loves tables! Cena puts the table in the ring, then watches Punk sputter around. Cena sets the table up while the fans rally behind Punk.
Punk stands but Cena has the belt again! BELT SHOT!! Cena drags Punk up, fireman’s carries, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENTÂ through the table!! Cena made Punk snap into a Slim Jim, and then he grabs a mic. Cena laughs at Punk, and then sits up on the corner. “Punk… As you lay there in your most uncomfortable…” Cena pretends the mic cut out, taps it, and then says, “Somebody’s afraid of what I’m gonna say.” Cena grins and the fans boo as Cena flips the iconic “Pipebomb” moment on it’s head. “As you lay there in your most uncomfortable, I hope you can listen. I hope you can digest.
“Because before I leave here in six months with that WWE Championship, I gotta get a whole lotta stuff off my chest. First thing’s first, I don’t hate you. I don’t even dislike you. I like you. I like you more than anyone you ever shared a locker room with, that’s for sure. I hate this idea of you. This idea that you’re the Best int he World. You’re not. I’M the Greatest of All Time.” Grand Rapids is a bit torn on that statement, but Cena says Punk is better than Cena at one thing: You’re the best BS artist in the world. Oh no, kiddos~! John Cena just dropped a curse word! That means the show is off the rails! Hey, Stu, shoot this. Hi~! “I’m breaking the forth wall! HAHA!”
Cena then says the truth is, Punk… Cena is jealous of you. Cena is jealous that Punk has conned the fans into believing the myth that Punk is the Best in the World. Oh how they chant for Punk! Which they literally do right now. Hell, the fans even sing for Punk now. But they don’t believe a damn word you say. Because Punk changes his values as much as Cena changes his shirts! Punk is just a loud mouthed opportunist who steps on the necks of those who actually work hard if it gets him ahead. Oh, hey, look, another cameraman! “Hi, Claudio Castagnoli! Hey, Nic Nemeth! Hey, Matt Cardona! How’re you guys doing?”
The fans can’t believe Cena is going this far but Cena is loving it! “He’s heating up! He’s on fire! And there’s nobody back there that’s gonna cut my mic to save your ass, cuz I’m your only friend! Remember who gave you the stage for your pipebomb, pal! And what’ve you done with it since then, huh? You just regurgitated the same five microphone moves of doom. You’re promo potato salad, pal. Hey, you’re no longer the Voice of the Voiceless, you’re a friggin’ millionaire despite yourself. You’re not a punk, you’re a capitalist! And you’re not against TKO, dude, you are Mr. TKO. Cuz they knocked your balls technically off your body.
“Your tweets are strong, but your actions are weak. And in Saudi Arabia, you’re gonna face some loud, loud music when I finally prove to the world that each and every day, day in, day out, no days off for 25 YEARS, I have been the Greatest of All Time!” The fans cheer that a bit more now, to Cena’s surprise. “See, they know. And they know that you were the Best in the World… for seven minutes, 14 years ago. And if after Night of Champions, you’re still delusional enough to believe that you’re the Best in the World, well… I guess it’s a small world after all. You’re welcome, Grand Rapids.” The fans cheer, and Cena lets the world hear it.
Cena tells Punk to bring his A Game to Night of Champions. If Grand Rapids is any indication, the mood is starting to change. Refs finally appear to check on Punk, Cena says no, that’s fine. Punk needs to rest up for his big title match. Get a good shot of this: Best in the World VS Greatest of All Time, for THE most coveted prize in sports entertainment, THE WWE Undisputed Championship! And Cena knows the fans will sing and chant, but he also knows even the idiots are smart enough to see the truth: The Champ is Here. And USA Network, keep the extra two and half minutes. He doesn’t need a bomb to blow the “mother fudging” building.
Oh, and thanks, Punk, for letting Cena rip off your best promo just to make you look even more foolish. Cena finally drops the mic and he raises the belt up again. If the proverbial tables have turned this drastically, is there no saving WWE from losing its north star championship?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown with an awesome ending. All those years ago, when CM Punk dropped THE OG “Pipebomb” promo, no one could’ve ever in a million years guessed that here tonight, we would’ve gotten the John Cena remix. Not only was that promo of the year, but Cena blew up go-home math. I can’t see Cena losing the title to Punk now. He can lose the match since Cena loves getting disqualified, and there’s the possibility of Rollins trying a cash-in, but Cena is leaving Saudi Arabia as champion to then go to SummerSlam. It also works because Cody Rhodes still feels like the favorite for King of the Ring.
A lot of that has to do with how Sami lost to Orton tonight. Great promo from the four semifinalists, especially since it was Jey, Sami and Orton kinda keeping Cody from talking since there isn’t more Cody needs to say. Win or lose, no explanations needed at this point. Sami VS Orton was an awesome match, but I could just feel an RKO countering the Helluva Kick as the way to go and that’s what they did. Now, as awesome as it would be for Jey to beat Cody, and then for Jey to beat Orton to go for the World Heavyweight Championship again, there are a lot of moving parts right now that it would just be the easiest for Cody to win the crown and have his rematch with Cena.
And while talking the WHC, Gunther VS Goldberg IS confirmed for the title, but has also been confirmed as Goldberg’s last match. This is a huge indicator that despite Rollins teasing a cash-in on the Undisputed title, he will likely be thwarted and then falls back to the title he feels is rightfully his. That is to say, Rollins cashes in on the winner of Gunther VS Goldberg, which I half expected even before all this talk of Goldberg’s last match. Rollins can take this title from Gunther and Goldberg, and then we can throw Jey and even LA Knight into the mix as things are getting heated between Knight and the henchmen.
Great promo from Knight with Heyman, great match with Knight VS Bronson, and a really powerful beating Knight takes from Bron & Bronson. If nothing else, Knight costs Rollins his cash-in. Truth going after Kit Wilson was an interesting move. Also a shame Elton Prince is hurt, Pretty Deadly gets going and then something happens to slow them down. But Kit was going to lose to Aleister so this really messes Aleister up more than anything. Priest keeping the peace between Aleister and Truth was good stuff. Priest and Truth being allies on SmackDown can be some real fun stuff, and I feel like they’re already set up for a feud with Aleister.
Very good stuff with Fatu, Solo and this US Championship story. Fatu VS Solo was the natural move, and I like that Jimmy Uso ends up an ally for Fatu. The title match is set, I wonder if we get a tag match first. In fact, next week is title night in Riyadh with Tiffany Stratton giving Nia the Last Woman Standing match, and basically setting the stage for Naomi to cash in. She almost did tonight but Nia was again able to stop her, so I would think Naomi waits until the very end of the Last Woman Standing match to take full advantage. Then, if Jade wins Queen of the Ring, we get Jade VS Naomi at SummerSlam.
Good promo from Jade, B-Fab & Michin watching Asuka VS Alexa. Asuka winning made the most sense, Alexa clearly has story with Charlotte and Asuka is just that good. Jade VS Roxie will be a good match but Roxie’s story in Judgment Day might keep her from winning. But then the fallback there is Roxie might actually sub in for the tag titles like I was thinking. Charlotte VS Chelsea was very good, and of course the Secret Her-vice does what they can to help. The beatdown they put on Charlotte and then Alexa making the save, that’s going to be one of those “can they coexist?” tag matches for sure.
Honestly, a little surprised we didn’t get any tag team promos tonight, unless I completely missed something. I believe title night is going to have Profits VS Gacy & Lumis for the tag titles, too, so that’s going to be something wild. And while DIY is scared of the Wyatts, I feel like they’re going to interfere because they don’t want the Wyatts to take the titles. But at the same time, the Wyatts need something substantial this time around, so maybe they win the titles at SummerSlam.
My Score: 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)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)Â
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 PodcastÂ
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!
Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 6.19.25
Are we going to start trending upwards with Slammiversary to build toward?
Last week’s episode was lacking in ring work but had decent story moments and segments. Starting the build to Slammiversary we can either launch nicely or things can always get worse. Jason Hotch and KC Navarro are the real shining stars of the last few months, so lets hope once they get over this Leon Slater idiot ship, they can push X Division wrestlers with actual talent for pro wrestling and not just flippy charisma vacuums.
Oh and let’s not forget, it is the episode they celebrate the 23rd anniversary of TNA! TWENTY – THREE!! Somewhere PCO hates this.
.@Kelly_WP is back in TNA Wrestling and has a message for TNA Knockouts World Champion @mashaslamovich!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/cF0F1ZKKuL pic.twitter.com/tnm4TIuPUz
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 20, 2025
Ratings:
- Sami Callihan vs Eric Young w/Losers: EY wins via Piledriver – ** 3/4
- Lei Ying Lee & Masha Slamovich vs The Elegance Clique w/M & Personal Concierge: Elegantos win via Rarefied Air – ***
- Eddie Edwards & JDC w/Alisha & Brian Myers vs Matt Cardona & Home Town Man: HTM wins via Cradle – *
- Champion’s Challenge: The Rascalz, Joe Hendry, Leon Slater & Elijah vs The Kaiba Boys, Moose, Steve Maclin & Trick Williams: Elijah wins via Highwayman’s Farewell – ***
Results:
Sami Callihan vs Eric Young w/Losers
Sami knocks them all off the apron before the bell rings, he levels the loser children, finds a chair, attacks EY but EY counters and this is the excuse to use weapons since the bell didn’t ring yet. EY tries to break Sami’s hand on the steps with the chair, but Sami moves, throws EY back in the ring, bell rings and EY hits a Belly to Belly suplex for two. They slug it out, Sami goes for Headbutts, then Sami wants to run the ropes but a loser trips him, distracts long enough for EY to knock him out of the ring and loser children swarm as loser children do. EY does the classic, throw back out for losers to attack while EY grabs and distracts the ref. Sami is selling a few lame attacks from the losers like he got shot. It’s an excessive sell, so it’s honestly a dumb transitional moment.
EY levels Sami, Lariat into Scoop Slam, looks for the Macho Elbow but Sami hits the ropes to crotch EY. Sami Superplex time, but EY bites the face to make Sami drop, EY jumps at him but eats a straight right hand. Cactus Driver, but no, EY tries his Piledriver…they both gouge eyes at the same time, Sami catches an EY charge into a Flatliner as they’re both down…for…reasons? The selling in this match seems…poorly timed and kinda stupid. Hard Irish Whip, EY Flair Flips the corner, levels Sami, Macho Elbow for 2.9! EY threatens to hit the ref, but then goes to mad dog commentary. EY then wants to attack fans…he’s more unhinged than World Elite EY. Sami gives him the old Dick Twist into a Stunner but only for two! Losers try to distract, first one gets taken out, second one uses a chair, EY hits the Piledriver on Sami, EY wins.
I feel like this is gonna continue for a few weeks since it wasn’t a clean win.Â
Mustafa Ali’s group comes out, and I refuse to say the name because it’s dumb and they’re already fraying at the seams. Ali wants an apology session, Tasha and Hotch apologize to him but Skyler bites back and refuses, even shoved Ali. So Ali challenges him to a “Call to Arms” match. What in the hell is a Call to Arms match?Â
Lei Ying Lee & Masha Slamovich vs The Elegance Clique w/M & Personal Concierge
ASH does her borderline racist fake karate before Lei stares her down and tags in Heather. Heather avoids Lei, Lei throws a few Tornado Kicks to make a point and Heather tags out. Heather being 4’8″ helps her here. Concierge says “There’s no Karate in wrestling”. ASH, Lei and Masha are in the ring, ASH is trying to decide who she wants to face, but the Concierge google translated it and hands it to ASH, before the face team rocks ASH. Masha lifts up Lei and Lei does the Liu Kang Bicycle Kick, steering more into her Mortal Kombat aesthetic. Senton off the apron from Lei and Masha dives into the pile, the comedy heels are getting leveled. We go to commercial and come back with Lei getting Double Teamed but she spins it into a weird Neckbreaker..but can’t tag out just yet. Lei blocks Heather, Enzuigiri, simultaneous tag, Masha is Yakuza kicks for all and the 2 for 1 Lariat/DDT special. Near fall, but Masha goes for murder, but Heather breaks it, Rocket Launcher/Code Breaker from Elegance but Lei breaks up the pin. ASH tries to intimidate Lei with her fake Karate before throwing her out of the ring. Heather hits Lei with a handful of Glitter and then bounces her face off the post. Masha tries to stop ASH, Kelly’s music distracts Masha, Rarefied Air gives ASH the win.
Santino comes out and GOD DAMMIT no one wants to see Tommy Dreamer fight Mance Warner…that’s a useless thing. Pivot away…no one wants this. Oh no, now we have to listen to Steph talk too. Okay it seems to be a pivot, thankfully. Steph and Mance talk shit, Dreamer says something about Something is gonna happen…and Jake Something comes out. So…I guess we’re gonna build him up for 2 months and then job him out for 6 before he fucks off to his home galaxy or whatever?Â
.@indi_hartwell has a run in with Tessa Blanchard!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/cF0F1ZLikj pic.twitter.com/I6UCCk2fAG
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 20, 2025
Really wish Indi just opened with the Billy Butcher classic of, “Oi Cunt!” – but this wasn’t bad.Â
Eddie Edwards & JDC w/Alisha & Brian Myers vs Matt Cardona & Home Town Man
I hate… Cardona so much more now. Heel reasons for Cardona…go away heat for Deaner.
JDC wants the Home Town Man to start…and Deaner does his stupid Flip Flop and Fly, Cardona tags in, JDC is eating some offense, Cardona wants the Reboot, JDC powders, Cardona Dives but then Lish and the general numbers catch up to Cardona. Eddie is legal, and now they isolate Cardona with some decent tandem work and isolation. This turns into kind of a schmoz, lots of silly spots, near falls and then Home Town doofus gets the cradle pinfall on Eddie.
Whenever Deaner is involved I can’t be asked to care. The System beats Cardona and Deaner down, but Eddie did eat a pin. Which is embarrassing not even for work reasons, like it’s just sad.
Champion’s Challenge: The Rascalz, Joe Hendry, Leon Slater & Elijah vs The Kaiba Boys, Moose, Steve Maclin & Trick Williams
Elijah and Nic start things off, slow push off, arm wring, top wristlock, simple chain wrestling start. Nic breaks the chain and hits a Dropkick, Elijah runs the ropes and hits a Diving Lariat and starts the Rope Walk. Nic seems far to awake and alert for that move then, I hate how people pull that off too early. Wentz gets tagged in, Nic tags in Maclin who wasn’t looking for a tag, but him and Wentz have a nice clash, Trey tags in, they try to double him, but they pause and look at each other. Maclin asks for a tag, no one tags him so he Chops Ryan to tag him in and throws him in.
The little nod to Maclin and Rascalz history and the fact the faces realize Maclin isn’t a piece of shit. A little MCMG homage tandem attacks on Ryan, Wentz punctuates with the Handspring Knee Lift, Ryan tags out to Trick. Trick and Wentz go back and forth, Rascalz have Trick eating offense, Moose tries to slow things down, both Trick and Moose powder, Rascalz Double Golden Triangle Moonsaults. Trey gets tripped by Nic, Moose hits Lights Out, but there’s no referee so it’s a little chaotic.
Out of the commercial things are controlled kinda and we see a simultaneous tag to Moose and Leon. Leon comes out hot, level Moose with a Leg Lariat, attacks Nic Nemeth, attacks Ryan, and then Moose hits Leon with the Stun Gun. Moose looks to tag in Maclin but Maclin jumps off the apron. Trick takes the tag, keeps control, Trick forcibly tags in Maclin but Ryan tags himself in and pulls Leon to the Champions’ corner, Nic tags in and isolates Leon, with the Kaibas quick tagging and keeping Leon down.
Moose tags in, tries to Suplex Leon about four times but Leon stops it then counters the Suplex. Moose tries to cut him off, but the Champions distract the ref so the ref can’t see Leon tag out. Nic and Moose doubling up and Leon is the bump guy of this last portion of the match. Big Uranage from Moose…Moose looks for Lights Out but Small Package almost ruined things, Body Scissors Cradle, GAME CHANGER! Moose looks to hit a Jacknife Powerbomb but Leon turns it into a DDT. Maclin and Ryan start fighting, Nic Superkicks Maclin, Hendry and Nic tag in, Hendry is a house of fire. Sack of Shits for everyone! Nic, Ryan, there’s a pause when Hendry is face to face with Trick and Trick gets Uppercuts first then Sack of Shit! Standing Ovation on Nic, but Ryan blocks, Kaibas try a tandem attack but Hendry Lariats them both. Elijah tags in and is the maestro of the crowd and chopping Ryan to some fun. Ryan goes for a Polish Hammer but eats the Knee Lift. Signature spam time…
Ryan tries to use the International title but Maclin grabs the title away from Ryan, clocks Nic, Standing Ovation into the Highwayman’s Farewell. Champions lose!
Overall Score: 4/10
Well this was a rough one boys and girls. Sami and EY was just an overbooked shitshow, Lei Ying Lee is unfortunately in a spot where it’s obvious TNA has no clue how to use her, the Elegantos are the New Beautiful People, and I’m not mad at that. But you need to space out your goofball crap. You can’t have Elegance Clique, Home Town Moron and Santino in 3 consecutive segments. And if anyone goes “it was 3 out of 4” that’s doesn’t lessen my point, the beauty of Pro Wrestling being a variety show is…FOR VARIETY! When the lead match feels stupid because of bad pacing, poor selling and overbooking with two losers, it feels like a useless match with idiots, then comedy, followed by more comedy…you see how that’s literally NOT VARIETY.
Figure it out seriously. This was a disappointing episode. If you’re a casual viewer than it’s just chalk for TNA doing cringe and borderline goof crap since they’ve always steered a little more into the carny than other companies. But this show was…where’s Jisoo and Jenny? I feel like I need that gif:
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)Â
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 PodcastÂ
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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Are we going to start trending upwards with Slammiversary to build toward?
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Can the BOAT Evolve?
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Viva La AEW!
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The last spots are on the line!
