Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (5/23/22)
Becky Lynch shares her thoughts!
The Man wants to be heard!
After losing her chance at the Raw Women’s Championship, Becky Lynch decides to speak on this newest setback. Is this the end of Big Time Becks?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Six Man Tag: Matt Riddle & The Street Profits VS Sami Zayn & The Usos; Riddle & The Profits win.
- Mixed Tag: AJ Styles & Liv Morgan VS Damian Priest & Rhea Ripley w/ Edge; Priest & Ripley win.
- Alexa Bliss VS Nikki A.S.H. w/ “Doudrop” Piper Niven; Bliss wins.
- Cody Rhodes VS The Miz; Cody wins, by disqualification.
- Ezekiel VS Chad Gable w/ Otis; Ezekiel wins.
- Bobby Lashley’s All Mighty Challenge: Bobby Lashley VS MVP w/ Omos; MVP wins and chooses the stipulation for Hell in a Cell.
- Becky Lynch VS Asuka; Becky wins and makes the Raw Women’s Championship match a Triple Threat.
PLAY BY PLAY
Matt Riddle heads to the ring!
The Bro is somehow scooting into the Ford Center despite taking an Uso Splash through the announce table last Friday. RKBRO no longer have the Raw Tag Team Champions, and Randy Orton isn’t here after taking his own brutal beatdown from the Bloodline, but Riddle still gets the mic. “I’m, uh, this is hard. I’m here with a heavy heart, man. Randy, he’s my best friend, he’s my mentor, he’s my dude, y’know? He’s my bro.” Fans chant for “R K BRO! R K BRO!” and Riddle gets a touch emotional. Riddle says that to be honest, the last couple of years have been hard for Randy.
The last couple months, even though RKBRO have had the time of their lives, Randy’s been having a hard time. Randy’s back has been bothering him. Last Friday, before the title match, Randy could barely walk. Riddle knew they had the match and that Randy wouldn’t let Riddle down because of how much that match meant to Riddle, and how much that match meant to the fans! RKBRO lost to the Usos, yes, but don’t get them wrong. The Usos are one hell of a team, tough as hell and they’ve done it all. Hats off to them. But for the Usos to win that way, with Roman, that backstabbing piece of garbage that calls himself a mountain, he’s a Tribal Piece of Trash!
Riddle assures us, he swears vengeance on Roman, on Jimmy, on Jey and anyone who is part of The Bloodline! By the end of Riddle’s career, he will have his revenge! Now, Riddle knows Randy has done more for him than he has for anyone else, and Riddle loves him and appreciates him for that. Randy is watching at home, Riddle wants him to know he loves Randy. Fans chant for Randy but Riddle says that honestly, who knows what the future holds for RKBRO. Who knows if RKBRO will ever be a thing again. But Riddle knows Randy is home watching, and the WWE Universe, you guys can help him with this. Get on your feet and make some noise to say with him, “R K BRO.”
Fans chant for “R K BRO!” again and Riddle says that’s for Randy! And after the break, The Stallion teams up with Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins to start on that quest for revenge! Will Riddle & the Profits take down the Bloodline and “Rusty” Sami Zayn?
Six Man Tag: Matt Riddle & The Street Profits VS Sami Zayn & The Usos!
Raw returns and the Profits make their entrance. They’ve had their issues with RKBRO over the tag titles, but now they can all go after common enemies! First out, though, is the “elder statesman” of SmackDown, wearing his Bloodline merch shirt proudly. Then on the tron, Jimmy Usos asks, “Hey, Uce! How you think they gon’ feel when they introduce ya boys as the NEW WWE Undisputed Tag Team Champions?” Jey says, “I dunno, Uce, they might be cheerin’. They might be booin’. Little kids might be cryin’. We got grown men out there cryin’! They still might be hatin’ on the Usos!”
Why? Cuz they did like they said they were gonna? Might be the end of RKBRO! Or because they became the best damn tag team in the world! Because you the twos, and #WeTheOnes! And just as they said, the introduction is made and the fans are torn as Sami welcomes the Usos and jams out to their theme. But then Riddle rushes Jimmy at the ramp! Jey and Sami go after Riddle but the Profits back Riddle up! The ref hurries to tell these guys to get in the ring but the brawling is all over the place! More refs rush out to separate these six but that’s easier said than done! Raw goes to break, will there still be chaos when we return?
Raw returns again and order has been restored. The teams sort out, and Sami starts with Dawkins. They feel things out, but Sami stays in a corner for defense. Sami holds up a finger because he supports “the ones.” Dawkins and Sami tie up, Sami gets around and headlocks. Dawkins endures, powers out and Sami rams him. Dawkins rebounds to run Sami over! Things speed up, Dawkins hurdles then whips Sami to dropkick him down! Dawkins runs at the corner to CYCLONE SPLASH! Tag to Ford, the Profits whip Sami to dropkick him down again! Ford kips up and he holds up a finger, then covers Sami. TWO, but Ford clamps onto an arm.
Ford wrenches, wristlocks, but Sami endures. Riddle wants in and fans rally up, so Ford obliges. Riddle tags in, to BLOAST the Bloodline! But Sami goes after Riddle and those bad ribs! Sami stomps away, hops on Riddle even, but lets off as the ref counts. Fans boo but Sami stomps Riddle more. Riddle goes to ropes, Sami stands on the bad ribs! The ref counts, Sami hops off, but fans rally up. Sami brings Riddle up to DECK him, then JAM a knee into the back. Sami wraps on a body scissors to squeeze those ribs! Riddle endures, Sami digs a forearm into Riddle’s head, and then thrashes to beat up those ribs.
Riddle elbows free but Sami stomps him down again! Tag to Jey and Riddle snarls as Jey holds up the finger. Riddle gets up to lift Jey! Riddle RAMS Jey into a corner and fires off KICK after KICK then stomp after stomp! The ref counts, Riddle lets off and drags Jey back up, FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Riddle has Jey’s arm, he tags Ford in, and they mug Jey. Ford whips Jey, LARIATS him then mule kicks, haymakers and whips. Jimmy tags, Jey reverses, and Jimmy dumps Ford out! Jimmy RAMS Ford into steel steps, then SUPERKICKS him down! The Usos stand over Ford and fans boo while Raw goes to another break.
Raw returns and Sami rains down elbows into Ford’s shoulders. Sami clamps on a chinlock but fans rally up for Ford. Ford fights up, throws body shots, but Sami keeps him from the corner. Ford keeps fighting, but Sami throws him down by his head! Sami looms over Ford, brings him up and back suplexes, but Ford lands on his feet to hit a back suplex in return! Fans fire up and rally as the two men crawl for their corners. But Sami gets up to DECK Dawkins, then Jey trips Riddle from the outside! Fans boo and the ref reprimands but Jey gives Riddle a BARRIER BACK SUPLEX! Sami gets Ford up but Ford cradles, TWO!!
Sami CLOBBERS Ford! Tag to Jey, Jey brings Ford around and rains down fists. Jey raises the finger but fans boo. Jey brings Ford up, whips him at the corner, but Ford CLOBBERS Sami and Jimmy! Jey back suplexes, Ford lands on his feet and ENZIGURIS! Both men are down and fans fire up, especially with Riddle back on the corner! Sami calls to Jey, hot tags to Sami and Riddle! Riddle spins Sami around to PELE! Jimmy back suplexes, Riddle lands on his feet, ripcord and FINAL FLASH! Forearm smash for Sami, one for Jimmy, then back to Sami! Another for Jimmy, then a BROSPLODER!
Sami boots but Riddle blocks, to BROSPLODER! DOUBLE BROTON! Then another BROTON for Sami! Sami flops out, Jey gets in but Dawkins DECKS him! Jimmy gets in, Dawkins dodges to FLYING ELBOW! Ford gets in, builds speed, Dawkins gives him the boost, and Ford FLIES to take out the Usos! Riddle sees Sami, brings him in through ropes, and fans are thunderous! This one’s for Randy! DRAPING DDT! Riddle has the fans fired up as he hears those voices, bro! The Usos distract, Riddle runs them off, and the Usos really do leave! They’re leaving Sami high and dry! RKO for Sami!! Cover, Riddle & the Profits win!
Winners: The Street Profits & Matt Riddle, by pinfall
The Street BRO-fits just took down the rusty weasel that is Sami Zayn, but this isn’t enough to complete Riddle’s mission. Will Riddle, Ford & Dawkins look to turn things all around on the Bloodline in the near future?
Bobby Lashley heads to the ring!
After winning the Steel Cage match with Omos in a rather serendipitous way, Lashley is back to issue a challenge of his own! What will the All Mighty dare the Nigerian Giant and MVP to do? We find out, after the break.
Raw returns and Lashley has the mic. “Last week, I survived a Steel Cage match against a giant. And when the referee came down and raised my hand in victory, I turned and looked at that giant, and I saw the anger and I saw the defeat on his face, and I knew that we were far from over. Me and that giant have so much more to fight about. So I wasn’t surprised at all to learn that me and that Nigerian Giant will be doing it one more time… At Hell in a Cell!” However, tonight, Lashley has an All Mighty Challenge. And surely, MVP & Omos want to know what this is. So without further ado, let’s bring these two whatever you wanna call them out so they can hear about this challenge.
Omos & MVP make their way out, and MVP doesn’t know why Lashley thinks these two are a couple of dogs who come when he calls. Oh, it’s because Lashley thinks he’s the top gun. But MVP is the Maverick, and the whole world saw the Nigerian Giant beat Lashley’s ass all over that cage. And if not for some faulty equipment when Omos threw Lashley through the cage, we’d be having a completely different conversation. MVP has filed a formal protest, but Lashley tells him to shut his mouth! No one here wants to hear MVP! And why not they listen to his stipulation, since this is clearly not over.
MVP knows that just a regular match, regular stipulations, will not be enough to finish what this is. So Lashley’s challenge is he wants a match tonight. Tonight, the winner picks the stipulation for Lashley VS Omos at HIAC. MVP says Lashley must be on one. Lashley barely survived the last time Omos got his hands on him. There MVP goes running his mouth. HUSH, until they’re finished. Lashley has Omos at HIAC. But tonight is about the unfinished business with MVP. So Lashley’s challenge is easy: The All Mighty VS MVP tonight, and the winner picks the stipulations for Lashley VS Omos at HIAC!
Oh, MVP is standing there all confused, huh? Or is he afraid? MVP isn’t afraid! You think he can’t whoop Lashley!? He’s responsible for Lashley’s rise, so he’ll be responsible for the downfall! And after he beats Lashley’s ass, he’ll pick something not even the All Mighty can overcome! Oh, MVP made Lashley? When was the lsat time MVP won a match? If anyone made anyone, Lashley made MVP! And at HIAC, Lashley will tear Omos apart! But tonight, he’ll put MVP in the Hurt Lock in front of all these people! Well, it seems MVP has accepted the challenge as he and Omos head closer to the ring.
Lashley watches Omos, but MVP creeps up on the apron. But Lashley sees that coming and DECKS MVP! Omos and MVP regroup, and fans rally for “Bobby! Bobby!” MVP says that was stupid! MVP says will bring about Lashley’s downfall, but will it be the other way around?
Dana Brooke talks with Adam Pearce backstage.
She’s just saying, if Carmella is cleared to fight, Dana wants after her. He will take that into consideration. Dana goes to exit but Becky Lynch bumps into her. Uh, excuse you, Becky. Excuse you, Dana. Anyway, Becky wants to talk about what Asuka did. She couldn’t see for three days and there’s still some green in her hair after 11 washes! But the point is, if Pearce took his job seriously, he’d strike that loss from the record books. He’s not doing that. No, he can and should. And he should give her the title match. Um, seems after what they both did in that match- What did Becky do? She knows what she did.
And given that, the fair thing would be a rematch with Asuka. Well okay, that’s taking this job seriously. And if Becky wins, then she can have the title match at Hell in Cell. By being added to it in a Triple Threat. Oh… Becky still accepts that, because it’s better than nothing. But will the odds drastic go down for Bianca Belair should Becky get her revenge?
Mixed Tag: AJ Styles & Liv Morgan VS Damian Priest & Rhea Ripley w/ Edge!
The saying goes, “the enemy of my enemy is my friend.” That much is being proven true as the Phenomenal One and the LIVing End team up against the Judgement Day’s “Saints of Fate!” Will Styles & Liv make things Too Sweet tonight? Or will the Punisher and the Eradicator do exactly that to these resisters?
Raw returns and Judgement Day have the mics. Priest addresses the WWE Universe, “All rise.” Some fans stand but most don’t. “I said… All rise! RISE! RIIISE! And show the proper respect to the Judgement Day.” Fans stand but they boo, too. Priest says last week, Edge offered an opportunity to anyone intelligent enough to follow their mission and join up. One aspect of that mission is modesty. Rhea and Priest are very different from everyone else. You don’t see it, but Edge does. He showed them the way and set them free. If not, they’d be sheep like all of you fans. Sheep just stuck in the mud and trying to figure out what the “right thing” to do is.
Just like the rest of the roster! They wait for instructions and are told what to do. It’s what the fans do! And again, the truth hurts. But the one aspect, the one attribute, everyone is missing is courage. The courage to be who you are, accept it, and be proud of who you are! No one here has that courage. But they can help you! First, you must help yourselves. Rhea then tells Liv, “I know that you use your heart more than your head. But for the first time in your life, stop listening to the peasants on Twitter and the simpletons here in attendance. I might even forgive you for failing me in the past, if you just start thinking for yourself.”
Rhea tells Liv to save herself like Rhea did herself. Join the Judgement Day. Edge now says, “The Judgement Day is truth. A Truth that is right in front of most of your faces, but you’re just afraid to see it. The truth wills et you free. The Judgement Day is power! Clearly it is physical power, but more importantly, it is mental power.” And it is an opportunity to recreate yourself and rewrite your career, while sitting under Edge’s learning tree. Watch every ounce of sweat he puts in to be the best! Imagine Tom Brady or Wayne Gretzky or Michael Jordan offering this olive branch. Because Edge wasn’t handpicked to sit atop the mountain like John Cena!
Edge sits atop this mountain because he is a miracle of hard work and the success that followed. But that’s just the thing about all of you: you’re afraid. You’re just content to go to work, watch you boss sit in the corner office and make ten times your salary but with a sliver of your brain power, only because you sit on your lazy asses in a cubicle eating Cheetos! You’re all sheeple, afraid to grab life by the throat and wring it for all it’s worth! Judgement Day is not afraid to do that. They offer a mentality that will help you wake up and headbutt glass ceilings to bits! The same ceiling Edge annihilated decades ago!
Fans chant, “You Suck!” but Edge says no no, look in the mirror when you say that. So who will be their next member? Someone will be smart and savvy enough to understand the hand of the humble deity that is being extended. Will it be Tommaso Ciampa? Corey Graves? Alexa Bliss? Drew McIntyre? Oh, didn’t see that name coming, huh? Maybe Liv Morgan, Finn Balor, or AJ Styles. Surely by now, Styles has to understand being shoulder to shoulder with them is better than eye to eye. Make the right choice, Styles, and join them. By the end of all this, maybe Styles kids can call him, “Uncle Edge.” Edge says the choice is Styles’, so he should choose wisely.
Liv finally makes her entrance, and she doesn’t look like she’s joining Judgement Day. Styles follows, and they’re going to take the fight to Judgement Day, after the break!
Raw returns and Styles starts with Priest. They circle, tie up, and Priest knees low, CLUBS Styles, and wrenches an arm to a wristlock. Styles rolls, but Priest keep shim down with a knee. Priest drops a knee on Styles’ arm, wrenches it again, then headlocks. Styles throws body shots, powers out, but Priest runs him over! Cover, ONE, but Priest clamps onto the arm again. Fans rally for Styles as he endures again. Styles fights up, rolls, wrenches Priest back, but Priest swings. Styles gets under, waistlocks, but then ducks the back elbow. Styles headlocks, Priest powers out, but Styles holds ropes. Priest runs in but gets an elbow!
Styles storms up but Priest grabs him with both hands! Styles fights out, fires off his Phenomenal Blitz but Priest stops it at the lariat! Priest KICKS Styles, whips him to ropes, but Styles ducks and dropkicks! Rhea tags in, and she gets in Styles’ face! But Liv runs in, Styles gives her a boost to RANA Rhea! Rhea staggers up into a dropkick! Liv runs corner to corner to back body block! Liv keeps moving, she dodges Rhea to tilt-o-whirl and sunset flip! Rhea stays up, drags Liv up, then HEADBUTTS Liv down! Rhea then drags Liv up and TOSSES her to a corner! Rhea grins, then fires off hands in the corner!
Rhea TOSSES Liv corner to corner, then runs in, but into a BOOT! Liv goes up, leaps, but Rhea catches the crossbody! Rhea grins, pops Liv around for the stalling suplex, but Liv tries to cradle! Rhea blocks, powers Liv back up, but Liv slaps out to a BACKSTABBER! Rhea scrambles away and Priest helps her out of the ring. Liv just builds speed and DIVES! Priest ducks and Liv hits Rhea down! Priest sees what happened, then turns around into a SLIDING KNEE from Styles! Fans fire up with Styles and Liv as they Too Sweet in the ring! Edge tries to get his “saints” up but Liv goes out to fetch Rhea.
Liv gets Rhea up and in, stomps her down, then rains down fists! Rhea shoves Liv away, and EDDY GORDO KICKS Liv down! Rhea CLUBS Liv, hammers away on her, then hauls her up for another suplex. Rhea SLAMS Liv down, covers, TWO! Rhea is annoyed but she looms over Liv. Liv throws elbows but Rhea throws body shots. Liv kicks back from the corner, goes up, but Rhea ROCKS her with rights! Liv stays up to jump and FLYING RANA! Cover, TWO! Rhea kicks Liv from the mat but Liv KICKS Rhea! Tag to Styles, Priest rushes in and the hands start flying! Priest fires off haymakers and kicks, then whips Styles corner to corner
Priest runs in but Styles dodges! Styles runs in, BIG clotheslines in the corner! Priest flounders, bails out, but Styles keeps his eyes on Priest. Rhea barks at Styles but that distracts him so Priest can CLOBBER Styles! Styles falls out of the ring, Edge stays clear, and Priest hauls Styles up to SNAKE EYES him off the apron! Edge talks some trash while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and both men are down! Fans rally up as they crawl, and Priest stops Styles from getting to Liv. Styles kicks but Priest ducks the enziguri, only for Styles to slide under! Styles leaps but Priest catches him, pushes him away and UPPERCKTS, but Styles KNEES Priest back! Priest rushes in but Styles dumps him out! Priest hurries up, grabs Styles by his hair, but Styles PELES! Hot tag to Liv! She dodges Rhea to fire off haymakers! Fans fire up and Liv kicks, KICKS and ENZIGURIS! Rhea staggers to a corner and Liv runs in, SHINING WIZARD! Liv rolls and runs back in, but Rhea dodges.
Rhea runs in but Liv elbows her away. Liv goes up to missile dropkick! Then she kips up, roars and runs to springboard CODE BREAKER! Cover, Edge helps Rhea get the ROPEBREAK! The ref didn’t see that but everyone else knows it, and Styles ATTACKS Edge! Priest goes after Styles but Styles fight shim off, too! The ref tries to get them to stop, Styles gets in and he clotheslines Priest back out! Liv aims at Rhea, runs in, but Edge helps Rhea again! Liv hits the mat, Rhea folds her up, Judgement Day wins!!
Winners: Damian Priest & Rhea Ripley, by pinfall
Edge gets in to taunt Liv after he screwed her out of winning, but Styles comes back with fists! Priest gets in to fire off hands but Styles hits back! Rhea anchors Styles and Edge DECKS him! Edge rains down fists, then snarls as he has Priest stand Styles up. Edge aims, runs in, SPEAR LEG SWEEP COMBO! Liv crawls to Styles, but Rhea BOOTS her down! And as Edge makes Styles watch, Rhea hits RIPTIDE! “Watch me, Liv! Watch me!” The Judgement Day stands tall over their enemies, but will this break Styles and Liv into joining them? Or will it only motivate them to try harder?
The Miz finishes warming up backstage.
Kevin Patrick asks him about his match with Cody Rhodes and the role the American Nightmare has been on. How does Miz plan on halting that progress? Miz says that much like Seth Freakin’ Rollins, Miz is sick and tired of Cody. In life, there is one thing Miz knows: never trust someone with a neck tattoo. And before Cody left WWE and came back at WrestleMania 38, Cody could never beat The Miz, could never steal his spotlight. But then how about now? Miz takes off his sunglasses to look at Kevin Patrick. Miz says Cody’s ego is out of control, and has more pyro than the Fourth of July. You don’t see Miz bragging about season three of Miz & Mrs., do you? NO!
Miz says he is the Kim Kardashian of the WWE! People want to know what he is doing, when he’s doing it and what he’s wearing while doing it. He doesn’t need a countdown, fans will wait all night just to see him! Miz will take Cody down a peg or two, and then no one can ignore him. Except Kevin Patrick. Go away. Kevin Patrick leaves, but will Miz leave having lost to the American Nightmare?
Jerry “The King” Lawler is here!
The WWE Hall of Famer is back on Raw, and for a very special edition of The King’s Court! But will it be Jerry’s last when his guest is Veer Mahaan? We find out, after the break.
Raw returns and Jerry welcomes us to the show. Tonight’s guest has had one of the most anticipated debuts in recent memory, and since that time, he has left his opponents literally shaking in their boots. So without further ado, it is a lion of a man, Veer Mahaan! Veer makes his entrance while a recap video shows us how Veer brutalized the Mysterios, then the Mysterios returned to get even! In the present, Jerry thanks Veer for joining him tonight. Some in the WWE say Veer is a man of few words, so Jerry wants to give Veer a chance to share with us the secret to his success. Veer looks Jerry in the eye, but chooses not to speak.
Well, Jerry won’t say “cat got your tongue,” but maybe that was a dumb question. But Jerry wants to understand why Veer has targeted the Mysterios. Veer snarls, but still says nothing. Well, maybe Jerry can salvage this. Could it be because what Dominik and Rey have said? Veer is so hairy, when he walks his dog, people pet Veer! Or maybe that he’s so hairy, Big Foot took a picture of Veer! Veer grabs the mic to say he is not here to joke around. Rey Mysterio is a legend. But he is too busy worrying about his little boy, Dominik! And that makes Rey weak. Veer took them both out! Jerry drops the mic but Veer helps pick it up. Is this fear Veer smells on Jerry?
Jerry sniffs himself. That’s just his cheap cologne. Veer snatches the mic away and says no more jokes! Instead of Veer explaining himself, how about he just shows us who he is?! Veer throws off his sash and corners Jerry! But here come the Mysterios! Rey & Dom storm the ring and brawl with Veer! Veer shoves Dom away, then hoists Rey up! Dom runs in but Veer BOOTS him! Veer throws Rey into the ring, then he puts Dom in with him. Veer snarls, but Rey RWECKS Veer with a dropkick! And then Dom adds on! Veer is still up, still mad, but Dom TRIANGLE JUMP DROPKICKS! Veer is back up again, so Rey WRECKS him with another dropkick!
Rey and Dom wait for Veer to try again, and even dare him to get in. Veer warns them both that he’ll get them, in time. Veer leaves, but
Backstage interview with Alexa Bliss.
Sarah asks how it feels to be back. Oh it’s great having fun and staying out of trouble. Speaking of that, how does Alexa feel about Sonya Deville’s recent actions? Rough couple of weeks, huh? Sonya gets fired as an official, Alexa beats her in her return match, then beats her again in the rematch. Then Sonya gets fined for hitting that ref. Maybe Sonya should look into therapy. Worked wonders for Alexa. But now Alexa now faces her former tag partner, Nikki A.S.H. They were once best friends, but parted ways. It was for the best, because Alexa is best friends with a doll, and Nikki dresses like a superhero.
Okay, that sounds weird when you say it out loud, but it is still great to be back. Alexa smiles and makes her entrance, but will she still be feeling great after her reunion in the ring with Nikki?
Alexa Bliss VS Nikki A.S.H. w/ “Doudrop” Piper Niven!
Raw returns and the Almost Super Hero makes her entrance. The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally for Alexa as she and Nikki tie up. Nikki arm-drags, then strikes a pose. Piper tells her to stay focused, but then Nikki turns around into Alexa’s arm-drag! Alexa offers a handshake to her old friend, but fans aren’t sure> Nikki takes it, and she ROCKS Alexa with a sucker punch! Alexa dodges the haymaker to fire off shots of her own! Nikki bails out, Piper coaches her up and Alexa soaks up the cheers. Alexa grabs Nikki and drags her in, but Nikki trips Alexa! Nikki gives ground ‘n’ pound and Piper likes that!
Alexa kicks Nikki away but Nikki whips Alexa hard into a corner! Alexa bounces off buckles, Nikki covers, TWO! Nikki clamps onto Alexa with a cobra clutch and thrashes her around! Alexa endures, fights up, and fans rally. Alexa throws body shots, runs, but Nikki clamps on with another sleeper! But Alexa JAWBREAKERS free, then SHOTGUNS Nikki down, for a BLOCKBUSTER! Alexa drags Nikki up, but Nikki RAMS her into buckles! Nikki RAMS into Alexa more, then hoists her up top. Nikki ROCKS Alexa, climbs up after h, and strikes her pose. But Alexa throws body shots in return!
Alexa DECKS Nikki back to the mat! Alexa adjusts, but Nikki returns, into BOOTS! Nikki is down, Alexa stands up, TWISTED BLISS! Cover, Alexa wins!
Winner: Alexa Bliss, by pinfall
Now she gets her handshake. Alexa gets another win and leaves with Lily, will Alexa make her way back up towards the title?
Backstage interview with Seth Rollins.
Kevin Patrick asks Rollins about last week’s challenge to a Hell in a Cell match. How have the issues between him and Cody reached such a boiling point? Rollins says, “They used to sing my song. Every night, in every city, and now all I hear is ‘Cody! Cody! Cody!'” Rollins gets angrier with each time he says it, and says it makes him physically ill to hear that name. Cody this, Cody that, Cody here, Cody there. Did you know there is even a countdown clock for Cody? WHERE DOES IT STOP!? Where’s the countdown for Seth Freakin’ Rollins? He’ll tell you where: in Rollins’ head. And it’s ticking away second by second.
“But the question is, what happens when the clock strikes zero?” Rollins laughs at his own devious threat, but will the countdown be over when the cell door closes on him and Cody?
Backstage interview with Asuka.
Sarah asks her what it meant to beat Becky last week to get her title opportunity. Becky Lynch was not ready for Asuka, she was too busy crying~! Wah wah, Becky wants her title~! Not fair~! Asuka fakes crying, then laughs about how Becky cried to get another match tonight., Asuka says she’ll just beat Becky again and turn Becky into a Big Time BABY! Because on one is ready for Asuka!! Will the Empress of Tomorrow keep The Man down and out of Hell in a Cell?
Cody Rhodes VS The Miz!
Speaking of, the countdown for tonight is up! The American Nightmare is ready, his pyro goes off, and he even gives a young fan his weight belt. But will the Hollywood A-Lister make sure this is a sad scene for Cody? Or will it be another triumph as Cody heads for Hell in a Cell?
Raw returns and The Miz makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally up behind Cody and that annoys Miz. They tie up, Cody gets a leg but Miz stays up to facelock. Cody wrenches out, facelocks, but Miz puts Cody in the corner. The ref counts, Miz lets off but Cody dodges to COHP! Miz shoves back but Cody dodges to CHOP again. Miz headlocks, hits the takeover, and he taunts Cody as he grinds him down. Cody keeps his shoulders up, headscissors, but Miz kips free. Cody headlocks, hits the takeover, but Miz fights up. Miz powers out, things speed up, Cody hurdles and kicks low to drop for the Rhodes Uppercut!
Cody runs, but Miz CLOBBERS him! Miz uses a knuckle lock cover, ONE as Cody gets an arm up. Miz puts it down, TWO as Cody gets the other arm up. Miz moves around but Cody tuck shim for a sunset flip, TWO! Miz swings, misses, Cody dropkicks him down! Cody runs and DIVES into a forearm! Miz hurries up to the top rope and leaps, but into a body shot! Cody gets Miz with a facelock, then suplexes! Fans rally as Cody holds Miz up! GOURD BUSTER, and fans fire up more. Cody digs his knees into Miz’s back, ties up the legs, and then gets the BOW ‘N’ ARROW! Miz endures, slips free and covers, TWO!
Miz goes to a corner, mule kicks Cody, then goes up to jump and sunset flip! TWO, but Miz steps through! Cody kicks Miz away, then knees him low! Cody whips, knees again, then whips for another knee! Fans rally, Cody whips and hits a kitchen sink knee! RUNNING KNEE! Cover, TWO! Cody and Miz go to opposite corners, and Cody runs in, only to be stuck up top! Miz has Cody stuck on his flagpole, BOOTS him, then runs to BOOT him off the ropes! Cody tumbles to the floor and fans boo Miz as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Miz runs corner to corner, but Cody moves! Miz crashes into buckles, fans rally up, but Miz hurries to whip Cody. Cody CLOBBERS Miz! Cody goes up and over in the corner, then hits the POWERSLAM! A kick and a Rhodes KICK, then the CODY CUTTER! Fans fire up, Cody gets Miz’s legs, “WOO~!” FIGURE FOUR LEGLOCK! Miz endures, Cody pushes up to put on the pressure, but Miz moves around to reach out for ropes! Miz can’t reach at first, but he gives a second effort and ROPEBREAK! Cody lets Miz go quickly, Miz bails out, but Cody goes up the corner?! But SETH ROLLINS shoves him down!!
Winner: Cody Rhodes, by disqualification
Deja vu, and Rollins CLOBBERS Cody on the floor! Rollins rains down fists, then stomps Cody before throwing off his jacket. Cody gets up to fire off the haymakers, but Miz CLOBBERS Cody! Cody throws hands on Miz! Rollins CHOP LBOCKS a leg, Miz stomps Cody down! Rollins joins in, they’re stomping away at the barriers! Rollins hauls Cody up, he and Miz both RAM Cody into steel steps! Cody goes tumbling over the other side! Cody clutches his leg, fans boo, and Rollins storms off. He snatches the weight belt from the kid Cody gave it to! Rollins brings it over to Cody, to LASH Cody on the back!
The ref tells Rollins to leave, and Rollins drops the belt to then storm back up the ramp. Cody manages to stand back up, and the fans rally as he gets the weight belt. Cody hobbles over and gives the belt back to the kid in the front row. Will Cody be able to show this same heroism when he and Rollins enter the cell? Or will the Visionary have far worse waiting for Cody in Hell?
Ezekiel VS Chad Gable w/ Otis!
Speaking of deja vu, didn’t we just see this? Well, “Master” Chad thinks he can beat Elias’ younger brother this time, but will the third time be the charm? Or will it be three strikes, you’re out for the “smartest man in the world?”
The bell rings, Kevin Owens sits at ringside, and Ezekiel ties up with Gable. Ezekiel TOSSES Gable to a corner, but Kevin shouts at ELIAS! Stop spreading lies! Gable asks Kevin to SHOOSH, and he ties up with Ezekiel. Ezekiel wrenches but Gable rolls, bridges, and handsprings to spin and headlock and spin to a drop toehold! “A THANK YEW!” Gable has the armlock, then a facelock, but Ezekiel RAMS Gable into a corner. The ref counts, Ezekiel lets off but CHOPS! Ezekiel copes “A Thank Yew!” then CHOPS again. Ezekiel whips, scoops, but Gable slips out to go after the arm. Ezekiel whips Gable away, Gable goes up and over, ducks and dodges, then goes up on Ezekiel!
Ezekiel tries to make this his Electric Chair attack but Gable slips off and shoves. Gable drops, but Ezekiel KICKS him away! Ezekiel runs, Otis trips him up! Fans boo but Gable CHOP BLOCKS Ezekiel down! Kevin applauds and Gable hits a DRAGON SCREW! Then another DRAGON SCREW! Gable YANKS the leg, then says, “A THANK YEW!” Kevin says “You’re welcome!” Gable gets the leg again, KNEE JAMMER! KNEE JAMMER! And then a spinning toehold! Ezekiel endures all this but Gable YANKS the leg again. “SHOOOSH!” Gable drags Ezekiel up, NORTHERN LIGHTS, and bridging cover, TWO!
Kevin says this is the truth being beat out of Elias! Gable goes up, MOONSAULT into boots! SPINEBUSTER! Fans rally, Ezekiel CHOPS Gable, throws body shots and another CHOP! Ezekiel whips, Gable reverses, Ezekiel goes up and mule kicks! Ezekiel gets his leg moving, runs and SPLASHES! But Gable distracts the ref so Otis can CLOBBER Ezekiel! But then the ref turns around and sees Otis is on the apron! Otis is EJECTED!! Fans fire up while the Alpha Academy freaks out! Otis leaves, now it’s all on Gable to win #ForTheAcademy! But Kevin slides in?! The ref sees him before he can do anything to Ezekiel! The ref EJECTS Kevin, too!!
Kevin freaks out but he also goes to the ramp! Ezekiel gets Gable in a victory roll, and WINS!
Winner: Ezekiel, by pinfall
Ezekiel runs away to the crowd as Kevin and Otis come rushing in! Ezekiel celebrates with the Ford Center, but Kevin demands the music stop! He’s had enough of this! Who cares if he’s Elias, Ezekiel, or Giuseppe! Kevin just wants to beat the hell out of him! Kevin VS Ezekiel, in Chicago, at Hell in a Cell! Ezekiel accepts that challenge, but will the Prizefighter finally get to the bottom of this?
Cody exits the doctor’s room.
Kevin Patrick asks him an update on his health after Rollins’ attack. An update, huh? Well his knee is banged up, but he can still put his weight on it. That’s fortunate for Cody, not so much for Rollins. Cody’s still breathing, still has his heart and lungs. He wasn’t just waxing poetic talking about second chances, that is for everyone! Everyone who was undesirable, has made themselves undeniable, and in Cody’s case, uncrowned. It is dawning on Rollins that he could go 0-3 against the American Nightmare. If Rollins wants to finish the job, Cody will be waiting.
Bobby Lashley’s All Mighty Challenge: Bobby Lashley VS MVP w/ Omos!
The Rocky Mountain Machine looks to finally get even with Montel Vontavius Porter directly over the betrayal, and use this win to decide how he finishes things with the Nigerian Giant! But will Omos be a big help to MVP and get the right to decide his own fate? Or will everyone see who really made Lashley the All Mighty?
Raw returns and MVP makes his entrance. MVP whispers something to Omos, perhaps already planning a strategy. MVP wants room to get in and Lashley gives him that room. The bell rings, MVP and Lashley circle, but then MVP bails out. MVP does stretches against the barriers, then gets back in the ring. Lashley and MVP circle again, but MVP uses ropes as defense. The ref has to keep Lashley back, and MVP slowly returns. MVP and Lashley square up, but then MVP bails right out. Fans boo MVP stalling, but Lashley goes out after MVP! MVP hurries in the ring, Lashley gets in but avoids the stomp!
MVP claims his leg hurts, and Omos CLOBBERS Lashley! Omos then dusts himself off and MVP is right back up! MVP gets Lashley up to put in the ring, and he runs in at the corner, HELLUVA KICK! MVP taunts Lashley, “I told you I can whoop you!” MVP slaps Lashley around while saying he made Lashley who he is! Lashley grabs MVP by the neck! MVP breaks free, fires haymakers, then runs, but Lashley follows, gets MVP in a clinch, COMPLETE SHOT! Fans fire up with Lashley and he waits on MVP to get up. Lashley runs in to clothesline MVP out! Lashley then goes out after MVP, hauls him up, and fireman’s carries! Lashley POSTS MVP!
Fans fire up and Lashley looms over MVP. The ring count climbs, but Lashley gets MVP up and in at 8 of 10. But Omos rushes in! Lashley dodges, and he fires off hands on Omos! The count finishes at 10 as Lashley clotheslines Oms into the timekeeper’s area! But then Lashley realizes what happened!
Winner: MVP, by count-out (can choose the stipulation for Lashley VS Omos at HIAC)
Lashley scowls at MVP, and says if it’s like that, then HURT LOCK!! MVP still ends up a ragdoll and Lashley throws him down! But now, Omos and MVP can name their game! Will Lashley end up suffering at the hands of the Nigerian Giant?
Bianca Belair heads to the ring!
The RawEST Women’s Champion is back again, because once again, she wants to watch what happens between Big Time Becks and the Empress of Tomorrow. Will history repeat itself from last week? Or will Becky get her comeback back on track?
Becky Lynch VS Asuka!
Raw returns and Asuka makes her entrance. Then Becky makes her entrance, and the match begins. They circle, Becky gets around and slaps Asuka in the head. Asuka gets mad but Becky shoves her. Asuka rushes in, Becky gest around but Asuka throws elbows, and a SLAP of her own! Things speed up, Asuka follows Becky and runs her over! Fans fire up, Asuka grabs at Becky but Becky KICKS Asuka away! Asuka rushes back in, Becky rolls Asuka but struggles to get the shoulders down. TWO, Becky blocks a kick to SLAP Asuka! And again! Becky talks trash, but Asuka tackles Becky to a corner!
Asuka RAMS into Becky over and over, then fires off body shots! The ref backs Asuka off, but Becky BOOTS back! Becky mule kicks but Asuka blocks to trip Becky up! Asuka stomps Becky to then get the DISARM-HER! Becky endures her own hold, crawls her away back, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Asuka lets off to BUZZSAW Becky out of the ring! Asuka then goes out to the apron, but Becky dodges the sliding kick! Becky gets up to shove and POST Asuka! Asuka tumbles down and Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again and Asuka is down on the outside again. Becky wants the ring out win, and the count is climbing. Asuka is still down at 5 of 10, but gets up at7! She’s in at 9, but Becky dropkicks her back out! Then Becky runs to WRECK Asuka with another dropkick! Becky goes out to TOSS Asuka into barriers, then gets back in the ring. The ring count starts again, Asuka is still down past 5 of 10 again. Asuka is back in at 9, but Becky rains down fists! Becky tosses Asuka out, then is on the apron, FLYING FOREARM! Becky RAMS Asuka into steel steps, drags Asuka up and into the ring, then goes up the corner!
Fans boo and Becky drops THE MAN’S LEG! Cover, TWO!! Becky rains down fists and is furious! Bianca is amused as Becky gets Asuka up. Becky whips but Asuka reverses and sends Becky out! Becky rushes back in, DOUBLE LARIATS take both women down! Fans rally up and even Bianca is getting into this as fans duel. Becky and Asuka are in opposite corners, Becky runs in but into an elbow! And then a BOOT! Asuka runs to LARIAT but Becky stays up! Becky kicks, Asuka blocks and slips around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Then HIP ATTACK in the corner! Becky denies the bulldog, but she walks into the SOBAT!
Asuka KICKS and BACK HANDS Becky, then SLIDING KICKS! Cover, TWO!! Becky survives and Bianca can’t help but smile. Becky wasn’t unbeaten for three years for no reason. Fans rally up more and Asuka runs at Becky in the corner, only to be sent into buckles! Roll up, with feet on the ropes! TWO!! Asuka survives but Becky goes up, but leaps into a CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO!! But into the ARMBAR!! Becky endures, rolls, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Asuka hurries to get Becky up but Becky HOTSHOTS her! Becky goes up top, but Asuka ROCKS her first! Asuka then climbs up to go after Becky, SUPERPLEX! Asuka crawls to the cover, TWO!!
Becky survives and Bianca is smiling but also a bit surprised. Fans rally, Asuka gets back up, and she runs in at Becky, but the hip attack misses! Becky gest a DISARMER IN THE ROPES! The ref counts, Becky stops at 4 to have Asuka in the ropes. But Asuka ROCKS Becky, and hits a DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Then the HIP ATTACK! Becky is sent tumbling to commentary! Asuka goes to the apron, SLIDING KICK! Asuka gets Becky up, chicken wings, but Becky slips out! Into a POP-UP KNEE! Becky ends up sitting on Bianca, Asuka ROUNDHOUSES but hits Bianca!! Becky throws Asuka down, the ring count is 7 of 10!
Asuka slides in at 9.99, but into a body scissors clutch! BECKY WINS!!!
Winner: Becky Lynch, by pinfall (joins the HIAC Raw Women’s Championship match)
Bianca is out cold! That’s the only reason she isn’t as shocked as Asuka or the fans! The Man is almost in tears as she says justice has been served, and now she’ll get her title back! Will Big Time Becks use the Triple Threat to beat Empress and EST and once again be the champion?
My Thoughts:
A very good Raw, but it sure felt like it was heavily recycled. The main event was really just the other way last week’s match could’ve gone, and now we have the Triple Threat that was obviously coming three weeks back. It was still a really good match, and a really clever way to get to Becky winning, and now that Triple Threat for the title is going to be great stuff. I can’t really be sure who gets the win but it’ll easily allow for further feuding between Bianca and Becky, Bianca and Asuka, or Becky and Asuka. Another recycled match was Ezekiel VS Gable, and with no warning. Ezekiel was of course winning, and now Kevin VS Ezekiel is set, probably as a kickoff match or something.
The opening was great stuff. Riddle was definitely emotional over Randy having to take this time off, that bad back has to be legit or else it might’ve been Orton stepping up to call Roman out. Street BRO-fits getting the win over Sami & Usos was the logical move, as now the Profits can move up to challenge the Usos for the undisputed tag titles. Riddle can go after Roman at some point, and assuming he fails, it can be Orton or McIntyre next. Still kinda hoping it was to be Nakamura but there’s still the Intercontinental Championship where he, Sami and even Gunther can feud over it for the summer.
I really thought Lashley’s All Mighty Challenge was going to be about having a Hell in a Cell match at Hell in a Cell, but they kinda gave away the rematch with graphics. Instead, it seems they’ll be doing something No Disqualification related that isn’t the cell. Because otherwise, they should’ve just made Lashley say it was a HIAC match. Maybe it’ll be a Last Man Standing match so that they’ll both have to go the extra mile to keep the other down. Alexa VS Nikki was good, but could’ve been so much more if they didn’t book it right before it was time for Cody. Maybe they’ll try again later, there is so much more to that story right there that deserves to be used.
And speaking of Cody and his countdown, I do like that superstars are starting to bring it up and be confused and upset by it. Miz used it in his promo, Rollins used it in his promo, this could be one of the ways WWE plays the “Is Cody really a Face?” story the way AEW was with him and the TNT Championship. Cody VS Miz was a very good match but of course Rollins attacks. Rollins taking the weight belt from the kid was great Heel stuff, and of course Cody gives the belt back. Good Face points both in kayfabe and in reality, and that Hell in a Cell match is going to be really good stuff.
Jerry Lawler returning for a King’s Court was a nice surprise, but it was a rather awkward segment. Though, that might be on purpose. Jerry made juvenile jokes, Veer got mad, Mysterios return and the Mysterios stand tall. We’re surely getting the Veer VS Rey match we should’ve gotten at Backlash, they just have to announce it officially. A little surprised we didn’t get Theory in any capacity, but I suppose that’s fine. There was a lot going on even without him, but I just hope he and Mustafa Ali set up for the US Championship at some point, it’s just obvious.
Judgement Day had a rather long promo segment but at least they were saying things that fit the group better. Edge name dropped quite a few good names for their faction, such as Ciampa, Corey and Alexa. The Mixed Tag was a good match, though I thought they were going to save that for the Six Person Tag. At the same time, no Finn showing up, not sure if something happened where Finn couldn’t be here and they had to change course or if this is supposed to be teasing Finn turning to join Judgement Day. I hope we still get the Six Person Tag first, and then it really should be Ciampa joining Judgement Day since Ciampa has been floating around stories since his call-up.
My Score: 8.3/10
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Will Nia Jax finally #FeelTheGlow?
2025 has big things in store for WWE, and it starts with SmackDown going to THREE HOURS! Plus, Naomi gets one more shot at the WWE Women’s Championship!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Andrade VS Shinsuke Nakamura; Nakamura wins.
- Mia Yim VS Piper Niven w/ Chelsea Green; Mia wins.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Motor City Machine Guns; DIY wins by disqualification and retains the titles.
- WWE Women’s Championship: Nia Jax VS Naomi; Nia wins and retains the title.
- WWE Women’s Championship Money in the Bank Cash-In: Nia Jax VS Tiffany Stratton; Tiffany wins and becomes the new WWE Women’s Champion.
- Six Man Tag: The Bloodline VS Sami Zayn & The Usos; The Bloodline wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes is here!
Phoenix, Arizona cheers on The American Nightmare as he brings his Undisputed WWE Championship with him to the ring, and they of course sing along, “WHOA~ OH~!” The pyro goes off and Cody continues down the ramp. Cody high-fives fans, autographs a Funko Pop, then gets more pyro before stepping into the ring. The fans cheer while Cody grabs a mic, and the fans cheer more while he holds up the belt. Cody then hears the fans chant his name before he says he’d normally ask what we want to talk about. But he’s pretty sure we all want to talk about the same thing. “Timing is a funny thing in life, just as it is in this industry.
“We’re on the cusp of changing everything, not just about WWE, not just about sports entertainment, but about pro-wrestling itself. It starts tonight, SmackDown going three hours here in Phoenix.” The fans cheer that! And of course on Monday, Raw goes to Netflix. And Cody’s excitement… It is tempered ever so slightly, because as much as Cody wants to be involved, he can only be involved so much because he is not cleared to wrestle. The fans boo that news, but Cody says he is not cleared to wrestle because of Kevin Owens. The fans boo more, but Cody says Nick Aldis and management are concerned Cody’s here at all.
But at the Royal Rumble, just a month away, we hang the championship up high, Cody and Kevin will compete in a ladder match! But wait! DREW MCINTYRE is here! The fans are torn as the Scottish Terminator slowly makes his way out, eyes locked on Cody. McIntyre steps into the ring, Cody’s eyes locked on him. McIntyre looks Cody over, and then HUGS him!? The fans are confused and Cody is perplexed. McIntyre then backs up to grab himself a mic, and he says, “I’m not here to hurt you, Cody. I’m here to help you. You’re not on my list. We go way back. And since no one else is gonna look you in the eye and tell you this…
“You’re about to screw up your entire life’s work. Everything you’ve done, all the dues you’ve paid to finally make it to the top of WWE, be the centerpiece, you talked about us moving into the future. This is the greatest generation in the history of the company! Not the 80s, the New Generation, the Attitude Era, brother. Right now is the best wrestlers we have ever had in ring, and if you look at the numbers, the best of all time by all fire, and you’re the freakin’ quarterback of it all!” The fans do cheer that. But McIntyre says again that Cody’s gonna screw it up. Aldis is breathing down Cody’s neck and refuses to clear him.
McIntyre knows that feeling, where you want to fight but management screws you over and holds you back. There’s a guy running around with a replica title, acting like one of these idiot fans in the crowd, pretending to be a world champion! The fans are a bit torn but McIntyre says they’re promoting Kevin like he’s world champion at these live events! And Cody’s neck is hanging by a thread. McIntyre wanted to come out here to tell Cody that this gimmick, this portal, whatever it is, McIntyre sees Cody needs a friend. And maybe- Cody has McIntyre stop there. Cody knows McIntyre is using the Transfer Window and all, saying he wants to help Cody.
Exactly! McIntyre always tells the truth. Oh, always? Okay, well, resident truthteller, Cody will tell the truth back to you. Cody would like to say that years ago, Cody watched McIntyre from afar as he carried WWE through its darkest time, that they are kindred spirits for having to leave WWE, scrape themselves up off the mat, put themselves back together, make something of themselves, come back and #FinishTheStory. Cody would like to say that the past few years, McIntyre has not only become a beast in this ring but on the microphone. Cody would like to say that, but… Cody doesn’t believe McIntyre.
The fans are torn again but Cody says he does not believe McIntyre, and he can feel the tension. It is certainly going to devolve, so let’s just cut to it! McIntyre wants to throw hands on Cody? He wants a shot at the title? They might as well do it here and now! McIntyre, come and get it! McIntyre says as similar as they are, Cody will see the truth one day. As soon as they’re gone, the fans will forget them. It doesn’t matter what the fans think, though! McIntyre is telling the truth: he is NOT here to hurt Cody, he is here to help him! The two circle but McIntyre goes to leave. McIntyre says one more thing: Watch your back.
AND KEVIN RUSHES IN!! The fans boo, McIntyre set Cody up for The Prizefighter! Kevin stomps away on Cody while McIntyre walks away! Cody gets up to fire back! The fans fire up as Cody turns things around, and he stomps away on Kevin! Kevin hits back, producers and security rush out here, but Phoenix wants to “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” Cody gets free and he LEAPS onto Kevin! The fans fire up but the producers and refs pull Cody back! Kevin is dragged from the ring but he wants more of Cody, too! Will these two even make it to the Royal Rumble? Or will this all fall apart on the Road to WrestleMania?
Andrade VS Shinsuke Nakamura!
El Idolo was cheated by the King of Strong Style and is looking for revenge. Will Andrade start off his New Year with a win over the United States Champion? Or will Nakamura have yet another trick up his sleeve?
The bell rings and Nakamura runs up to kick and fire off knees! Nakamura whips, Andrade KICKS back, and then runs up to RANA! Nakamura tumbles out to the apron but Andrade DROPKICKS him to the floor! Andrade goes to the corner and climbs up, to then ASAI MOONSAULT! Direct hit on Nakamura and the fans fire up! Andrade stands tall while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Andrade puts Nakamura in the ring, storms up to the corner and climbs again, for a CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Andrade keeps cool and he paces around Nakamura. Andrade puts Nakamura in the corner, CHOPS, then whips corner to corner. Nakamura reverses, Andrade goes up and out, but Nakamura GAMANGIRIS him down! Andrade falls to the floor and Nakamura goes out the side. Nakamura storms up on Andrade, SMACKS him off the desk, and then puts him on the apron. Nakamura refreshes the count, then runs to KNEE LIFT! Andrade sputters into the ring, and Nakamura rolls in after him.
Nakamura drops a KNEE on Andrade’s head! Cover, TWO! Nakamura paces more, stomps Andrade around, then drags Andrade up. Nakamura suplexes and hangs Andrade out to dry! Then he AX KICKS Andrade down! Andrade writhes but Nakamura covers, TWO! Another cover, TWO! Nakamura paces around Andrade, stomps him again, but Andrade rises to CHOP! And CHOP! Nakamura KICKS Andrade down! Nakamura paces, then he clamps on a chinlock. Nakamura also traps an arm but Andrade endures. Andrade fights up, fires body shots, and SmackDown returns to single picture as Andrade fires more shots!
The fans rally as Andrade ROCKS Nakamura, ELBOWS him down, then blocks a kick! DRAGON SCREW! Nakamura hurries to his feet, but Andrade ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Nakamura! The fans fire up and Andrade kips up! Andrade flexes, then he fires the fans up with “SI! SI! SI!” Andrade runs corner to corner, but into a KNEE! Nakamura kicks, Andrade ducks, but not the HEEL KICK! Both men are down, the fans rally up, and both men rise. Nakamura goes after Andrade with a forearm shot! Andrade gives it back! The forearms go back and forth, the fans behind Andrade. Andrade dodges the strike fest to CHOP!
Nakamura goes to a corner. Andrade whips corner to corner. Nakamura reverses, runs up, and he blocks boots! He puts Andrade int he ropes, KICK and SLIDING GERMAN! Nakamura then climbs up while Andrade flounders. Nakamura aims and FLYING KNEES! Cover, TWO! Andrade survives and Nakamura seethes. Nakamura goes back to the corner, and he rips away a buckle pad! Just like their previous showdown! But Andrade DROPKICKS Nakamura into the buckles! And then CIEN SHADOWS! Cover, TWO!! Nakamura survives and Andrade is shocked! The fans rally up while Andrade looks back at the buckle.
Andrade checks the buckle, and he climbs up. MOONSAULT DOUBLE! Cover, TWO!! Nakamura survives again and Andrade is beside himself! Andrade drags Nakamura up, “This is Awesome!” as he underhooks. But Nakamura slips out, SPIN ELBOW! And then INVERTED EPXLODER! Andrade lands out! Boot feint to ELBOW!! Cover, TWO?!? Nakamura barely gets his arm up and Phoenix can’t believe it! Andrade drags Nakamura up, puts him on the top rope, then CHOPS! Andrade climbs up after Nakamura, but Nakamura fights the suplex! Nakamura then slips out to the apron, DDT on the post!!
Andrade is a ragdoll as Nakamura throws him into the ring! Nakamura aims from the corner, Andrade sits up, into the KINSHASA!! Cover, Nakamura wins!
Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura, by pinfall
The sinister samurai is merciless, but here comes LA Knight! The fans erupt as the Mega Star storms the ring! Knight dodges Nakamura to then CLOBBER him! Knight rains down fists, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight stands Nakamura up, for the B F- NO, Nakamura gets free of the BFT and runs away! Knight grabs a mic to shout, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH! You steal my title and things go crazy! One way or another, I’m coming to collect on what’ sowed to me. Cuz what goes around comes around, and what going around ain’t the flu! It ain’t the cold! It’s me stomping your ass to dust every time you turn around, with EVERYBODY saying… “L! A! KNIGHT!” “YEAH!!”
The Knight calls out the King of Strong Style, but will he be able to dethrone Nakamura when they go another round?
Apollo Crews is confronted by Pretty Deadly.
Kit Wilson & Elton Prince say, “Well, well, well…” If it isn’t Apollo Stooge! And if there’s one thing Pretty Deadly learned on the mean streets of London, it’s that snitches do indeed be getting stitches. Oh, yeah? That’s so funny! Because everyone knew you two were lying! Los Garza didn’t attack The Street Profits, that was DIY! But Apollo gets it. They think they’re slick. Because in steps Legado Del Fantasma. Santos Escobar tells Pretty Deadly are “Pretty Little Liars.” If you’re gonna talk about the familia, at least do that to their face. Elton says they’d never lie! Kit says it’s ridiculous!
Escobar says what’s ridiculous is that Pretty Deadly thought their lies wouldn’t come back around and beat the crap out of them! Kit says chill, tranquilo! They’re all friends here. No need for threats. THREATS? No, no threats. And then Los Garza jumps Pretty Deadly! They have Kit & Elton up against road cases! Aldis and producers storm in to stop this. Legado leaves, Kit & Elton say they should be reprimanded! But Aldis says they should come with him to have a nice little chat. Pretty Deadly’s got some explaining to do. What will the consequences for perjury be in the WWE?
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis finishes chewing Pretty Deadly out for saying it was Los Garza while Apollo says it was DIY. And then DIY storms in to say no no no, timeout! Why’s Aldis taking the words of Apollo Stooge and not of these two fine gentlemen? Why? Because Aldis’ eyes are connected to his brain. Aldis doesn’t know what the four of them are up to, but they’re all on thin ice. Aldis leaves, and Ciampa says they know what Pretty Deadly is up to. Pretty Deadly want their title shot, and there are only two guys who can make that happen, and that’s DIY. Aldis clearly hates Pretty Deadly, but DIY loves them! They’re pretty and they’re deadly!
DIY says Pretty Deadly would be great #1 contenders. But there’s a big title match with MCMG. And so listen: It is very important DIY leaves here the tag team champions. Good talk. #YesBoy. DIY heads out and they seem to have Pretty Deadly fooled. Will Kit & Elton help themselves by helping Gargano & Ciampa out with tonight’s big title rematch?
Mia Yim VS Piper Niven w/ Chelsea Green!
Michin knows the Hot Mess only got away with the gold thanks to “Lil’ Miss P,” so now it’s time to take out the sidekick! Will Mia clear the path back to the Women’s United States Championship? Or will Piper make sure things stay #RedWhite&Green?
The bell rings and Mia fires off! Piper picks Mia up and RAMS her into the corner! Piper fires body shots and forearms, but lets off as the ref counts. Mia BOOTS Piper, then goes up to RANA! Piper tumbles, Mia runs, and then Mia RANAS again! Piper tumbles out of the ring, Chelsea panics, but Mia then FLYING RANAS! Piper tumbles on the floor and Mia is all fired up! Mia tells Chelsea to back up, then she runs up on Piper. Piper dodges, then scoops her, SCRAPBUSTER to the floor! Piper & Chelsea salute while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Mia whips but Piper reverses. Mia wheelbarrows to BULLDOG! The fans fire up and Mia hurries to cover, TWO! Chelsea is relieved, but Mia brings Piper up. Piper says no to the Sole Food and RAMS Mia into the corner! Piper runs to SPLASH and sit Mia down. Chelsea cheers Piper on and Piper says, “O Champion, My Champion!” Piper runs corner to corner, but Mia moves! CANNONBALL hits buckles! Piper is stuck so Mia CANNONBALLS Piper! Mia twerks at Chelsea and Chelsea is furious! Piper runs up, Mia dodges to kick and PELE! Cover, TWO! Mia hurries to the apron but Chelsea mouths off!
Mia kicks at Chelsea and Chelsea runs away. Mia goes up to leap, but Piper gets under! Mia comes back, wrenches, but still no feet! Piper wrenches to MICHINOKU PIPER! Cover, TWO?!? Piper is furious and she stomps away on Mia! Piper drags Mia to a drop zone then goes up. Chelsea says this is it! VADER BOMB gets boots! And now EAT DA FEET! Cover, MIA WINS!
Winner: Mia Yim, by pinfall
Chelsea is furious but Mia says she’s got next! Will Mia make sure she’s the Head Baddie In Charge once and for all?
Naomi speaks.
“My glow isn’t just a look. It’s a reminder that in all of us, there’s a light. We’re beautiful and powerful, and can change the world just by being in it. I want to be a living reminder that we don’t have to experience life the way we’ve been told. That we will not be pushed around by the fear in our minds, but led by the dreams in our hearts. I do the impossible: I change the environment around me. I am The Glow, I am Naomi.” Will everyone #FeelTheGlow when Naomi goes for gold? Or will the Irresistible Force still be on top in the New Year?
Paul Heyman is here!
“Ladies and gentlemen… My name is Paul Heyman. Tonight, way before Monday, I wanted to come out here on the record to set the record straight.” The fans cheer that! Heyman says on Monday, we find out one thing: Who is the REAL Tribal Chief? The fans already chant “O T C! O T C!” Heyman says to be transparent about it, Roman Reigns & Paul Heyman trained Solo Sikoa to be the next in line. Roman Reigns & Heyman taught Solo how to become the Tribal Chief. Roman Reigns & Heyman prepared Solo for the moment in time in the future, when Roman Reigns was ready to step down as Head of the Table, head of the family, the head of ALL the WWE!
And then, Solo would reign as Tribal Chief. Then at WrestleMania, what happens? After 10 years of lusting for revenge, Roman could not turn down that lust and finally got his revenge on Seth Rollins. But Cody Rhodes, to his credit, took advantage of that to get the 1-2-3 on Roman Reigns. And that is where Solo Sikoa seized the moment. That is where Solo stole the ula fala from Roman Reigns! That twisted SOB did not earn the ula fala, he STOLE it!! He got rid of Jimmy, he got rid of The Wise Man, and he got rid of everyone else because he knew no sane man would ACKNOWLEDGE Solo!
So what did Solo do? He went out and got himself this band of filthy animals that don’t even belong in pro-wrestling! Tama Tonga, not welcome in the US! Tonga Loa, not welcome in the US! Jacob Fatu, who is not even welcome outside of the US prison system! Solo got these renegades because none of the OGs were going to ACKNOWELDGE Solo. On Monday Night Raw, live on Netflix, Tribal Combat, no rules except that there must be a winner and a loser! The winner of the match, and Heyman absolutely promises us that Our Tribal Chief, the Only Tribal Chief, will be Roman… Reigns…! The fans fire up, but wait… Here comes Solo!
Solo Sikoa, ula fala around his neck, glares up at the ring. Solo makes his way down to the ring, and yet Heyman has not left out the side. The fans boo Solo as he steps closer to Heyman. Heyman says he just wanted Solo to know he’s about 10 seconds away from pissing in his pants. Why? Because the last time they did this, when Heyman told Solo was NOT his Tribal Chief, Solo had Heyman put through a table in front of his children and the entire world at Madison Square Garden. And if Heyman even blinks at Solo wrong, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga will come out here and the same thing will happen tonight in Phoenix.
The fans chant “YEET! YEET! YEET!” but Solo holds out his hand. Heyman rolls his eyes and says, “C’mon…!” Solo is waiting, so Heyman reluctantly hands over the mic. The fans chant, “SOLO SUCKS! SOLO SUCKS!” Solo tells Phoenix, Arizona, “ACKNOWLEGE ME.” The fans boo instead. Solo says it is finally time for Heyman to acknowledge the truth. Heyman owes CM Punk a favor, right? Yes… Then how about this? Solo will owe Heyman a favor. This Monday, Solo needs someone to hold the ula fala during Tribal Combat. Solo needs someone who is trustworthy, who loves the family. Someone who would never disrespect the family, nor disrespect the ula fala.
So this Monday, IF Roman Reigns beats Solo Sikoa, and that’s if… Heyman may put the ula fala around Roman’s neck and Solo will acknowledge him as Tribal Chief. The fans cheer that! But Solo continues that when he beats Roman, which he will, Heyman knows it, Solo knows it, and everyone else knows it. So when Solo wins, Heyman will put the ula fala around Solo’s neck, and everyone will know that Solo owns the ula fala and that he owns Heyman. Heyman will become Solo’s Wise Man forever! Then Roman will have no choice but to finally… ACKNOWLEDGE SOLO. Solo hands the mic back while the fans chant “O T C! O T C!”
Heyman drops the mic, exits the ring, but the deal has been struck. The UNDISPUTED Tribal Chief will be determined this Monday, which side of the Bloodline: Civil War will finally win out?
Motor City Machine Guns speak.
Chris Sabin says being betrayed by someone you considered a friend sucks. And what makes it worse is when it’s also someone you’ve known for years. Someone who has been up and down the same roads as you, experienced all the same things as you, just to make it here! Everything they’ve been through, thrown away, and for what? The WWE Tag Team Championships! Alex Shelley says he taught Gargano everything he knows about how to fight to the top of this business, but Gargano just taught MCMG something, too. They realized that everywhere they go, there will be wolves in sheep’s clothing. And Gargano & Ciampa sure aren’t sheep.
DIY may have forgotten who MCMG are, one of the most revolutionary tag teams in the business, and THE best tag team in WWE. It took them three matches to win the titles, and it’ll take just one to win them back. MCMG are taking aim, will they be able to shoot down the traitorous Gargano & Ciampa? We find out next!
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Motor City Machine Guns!
SmackDown returns and MCMG makes their entrance. The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who are truly the best in WWE today!
The teams sort out and Ciampa starts against Sabin. They tie up, Ciampa kicks low then stomps a hand! Ciampa wrenches Sabin to a wristlock but Sabin fights up. Sabin rolls, wrenches, rolls and kips up. Sabin steps over, then arm-drags! And arm-drags again! Sabin has Ciampa in the cording hold, but Ciampa fights up. Ciampa JAWBREAKERS free, then runs up, but Sabin dodges. Tag to Shelley and MCMG DOUBLE LARIAT! Gargano gets in. he sends Sabin into Shelley but Shelley sends Sabin back. Sabin back ELBOWS Gargano, then Shelley BOOTS Gargano! The fans fire up and Shelley brings Ciampa around.
Shelley wrenches and CLUBS an arm, then wrenches and CLUBS it again. Shelley wrenches and CLUBS Ciampa again, then tags Sabin. MCMG double wrench and DOUBLE LARIAT! They crisscross Ciampa, whip him, and DOUBLE ELBOW him down! The fans fire up and Sabin brings Ciampa around. Sabin whips, Ciampa ducks ‘n’ dodges. Ciampa grabs ropes, Gargano tags in, but Sabin dodges Ciampa. Sabin LARIATS Ciampa up and out, kicks Gargano, then TOSSES Gargano out! The fans fire up and Shelley opens the way! Sabin DIVES and takes down DIY! The fans fire up with MCMG as SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Sabin fist-bumps fans, then he puts Gargano back in. Sabin stalks Gargano but Gargano bails out. DIY regroups out there but Sabin pursues Gargano. Gargano leads Sabin on a cat ‘n’ mouse then tags in Ciampa. Sabin fights off Gargano but gets caught in WILLOW’S BELL! Ciampa applauds and pats himself on the back before he stomps Sabin. Ciampa taunts the fans, then he brings Sabin up. Ciampa CHOPS Sabin down to the corner, then SMACKS him off Gargano’s boots! Gargano CHOKES Sabin on ropes, but he lets off as the ref counts. Gargano soaks up the heat, then he brings Sabin up.
Sabin fires body shots but Gargano CLUBS him down. Gargano brings Sabin over to CHOP in the corner. Tag to Ciampa and Ciampa stomps a mudhole in him. Ciampa drags Sabin up, brings him around, and he feeds Sabin- NO, Sabin blocks Gargano’s boots to DECK him! Sabin ELBOWS Ciampa away, BOOTS him, then runs up. Ciampa spins Sabin, but Sabin slips out of the full nelson! Victory roll, but Sabin uses it to head for the corner! But Gargano YANKS Shelley down! No tag there, and Ciampa drags Sabin into a REVERSE DDT! Cover, TWO! Ciampa is annoyed but he clamps onto Sabin with a chinlock.
Sabin endures, even as Ciampa grinds him into the mat. Ciampa pushes up, it’s almost a Bully Choke, but Sabin endures all the same. Sabin fights up, and SmackDown returns to single picture as the fans rally. Sabin fires body shots, but Ciampa knee slow! Ciampa whips Sabin but Sabin DROPKICKS Gargano! Sabin ELBOWS Ciampa again, then runs up, but Ciampa dodges to ripcord and HAYMAKER! Ciampa whips, BOOTS, and runs, but Sabin GAMANGIRIS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Sabin and Ciampa both crawl, hot tags to Gargano and Shelley! The fans fire up as Shelley fires off hands!
Shelley whips, Gargano reverses, but Shelley CLOBBERS him! Shelley DECKS Ciampa, wrenches Gargano and hits a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Gargano is still in this but Shelley looms over him. Shelley drags Gargano up but Ciampa is there! Shelley takes a swing but gets caught! Gargano runs up but Shelley BOOTS him away! Shelley DECKS Ciampa, then TOSSES Gargano out. Tag to Sabin and MCMG both run, to DOUBLE DROPKICK! DIY is sent into the desk! Then MCMG DOUBLE PLANCHA! All four men are down but Shelley clutches a leg. The fans rally up as Shelley hobbles back to the corner.
Sabin puts Gargano in, then stands on his hand. Tag to Shelley, but Gargano fires forearms and CHOPS on MCMG! Gargano CHOPS and ROCKS both men, then runs, but into a JUMP KNEE! ENZIGIRI! LOW KNEE! LEG SWEEP! DOUBLE SUPERKICK! Cover, Ciampa breaks it! Sabin and Ciampa trade shots, the fans rally for MCMG. The shots go faster and faster, back and forth but then Ciampa CHOPS! ROLLING- CHOP from Sabin! Then a SOBAT! Shelley adds a SUPERKICK! But then Gargano SUPERKICKS Shelley! Ciampa dropkicks Sabin’s legs out! Gargano SUPERKICKS Sabin for good measure!
All four men are down again and the fans fire up! “This is Awesome!” as Gargano crawls, tag to Ciampa! Ciampa CHOPS Shelley, CHOPS him again, then CHOPS again! But Shelley CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS! Ciampa headlocks, Sabin tags in as Shelley powers up and out. MCMG atomic drop, dropkick leges out, and DREAM SEQUENCE! The fans fire up while Ciampa goes to a corner. Sabin & Shelley coordinate, BOOT ENZIGIRI COMBO in the corner! Tag back to Shelley and Sabin turns Ciampa. But PRETTY DEADLY runs out here! The fans boo, but Ciampa sends Sabin into Shelley! Ciampa TOSSES Sabin, then PSYCHO KNEE for Shelley!
Tag to Gargano and DIY gets Shelley up! Underhooks, SUPERKICK FAIRYTALE ENDING!! Cover, TWO?!? Shelley survives and shocks DIY! And now Los Garza runs out here! Angel & Berto chase Kit & Elton into the crowd, they all brawl, and Shelley rolls Gargano! TWO, but into the BORDER CITY STRETCH!! Sabin intercepts Ciampa for a roll and STF!! DIY endures submissions but Pretty Deadly jumps into the ring! Los Garza jump them, they all fall onto the submissions! DISQUALIFICATION!!
Winners: DIY, by disqualification (still WWE Tag Team Champions)
The fans boo and MCMG are upset! Pretty Deadly do the dirty work for DIY! They’re not “Do It Yourself” anymore, it’s more like “Do Whatever It Takes” or something! Gargano & Ciampa gloat, will they come through on the promise to give Kit & Elton their shot?
Nia Jax talks with Candice LeRae.
The Irresistible Force is almost about to have her match and where is Tiffany? She’s nowhere to be found. Candice says Tiff might just be upset about what Nia said last week. Nia rolls her eyes, but Candice says Tiff is just sensitive. But Candice is here for her. And Tiff just overcomplicates things. Remember what happened with the tag team titles? Yes, Nia does. After Nia beats Naomi again, maybe she and Candice get another shot at the tag titles. Candice just has to make sure Bianca stays out of this. Candice says, “Anything you need.” The Poison Pixie hurries off, will she be the perfect fairy godmother for The Queen of the Ring?
Sami Zayn is backstage.
And he crosses paths with Carmelo Hayes. Melo says last week, Sami knows Melo had him beat. If Sami’s boy, Braun Strowman, hadn’t gotten involved, it would’ve been Nothing But Net. Uh, no, as Sami remembers, Melo was about two seconds away from catching a Helluva Kick and ran away. Melo says no, he was getting the game plan ready. But hey, Sami and his boy, Strowman, can get this work. They can run it back any time he wants. But then The Usos walk over and asks if there’s a problem. Melo says nah, he’s got this. This is light work here. But then Melo sees who is asking, and Jimmy again asks, “Do we got a problem?”
Sami says no, guys, it’s fine. Melo was just telling Sami that the next time they run it back, Sami was gonna “get this work.” Isn’t that right? C’mon, Melo, tell him more. Melo leaves and The Usos tell H1M not to be scared. But good timing, Uce. They got a big fight to get to. Sami just has to get in gear, they’ll run this back and get on the same page. Jey says sure, comb his hair even. Sami heads to the locker room, the Usos say this is big. So is Monday Night Raw, Netflix and Tribal Combat! They are ready for it! But then they bump into Kevin Owens… Jey tells Kevin to watch where he’s going. Kevin smirks and says Jey needs to watch his back.
The Usos look around, but they shrug that off. Will Jimmy, Jey & Sami represent for The OG Bloodline and slow Solo down? Or will they have to worry about the Scottish Terminator still being in the building?
Nick Aldis catches up with Cody Rhodes.
The SmackDown General Manager is there as The American Nightmare is about to head out. Aldis asks if Cody is okay. Cody says he is, but Aldis isn’t so sure. Because see, Cody’s the one who talked Aldis into the ladder match idea, and now Cody is just hellbent on not making it to the Rumble! Put aside the hatred for Kevin to think about the bigger picture, both Cody’s career and the WWE’s future. Because otherwise, Aldis will have to do it for him. Cody respects the fact Aldis is thinking about both the company’s future and Cody’s future. Not sure if anyone’s ever told Aldis, but Aldis is a great boss.
However, while Aldis is the boss, but Cody’s the champ. This is the most important week in WWE’s history, and as much as Aldis has the right to keep Cody on the shelf until the Rumble, as much as Aldis has the right to put Cody on every media appearance until the cows come home, Cody has the right to call his shot! If McIntyre wants to be part of SmackDown, then Aldis should go back there and tell him he is welcome! That he has Cody’s attention! And to remind of what happens to those who got Cody’s attention in the past.
Cody did say last year that when one story ends, another begins, so here’s the story now: If Cody sees Kevin, or even someone who looks like Kevin, Cody drops them on SIGHT. Cody heads out, will he make sure it’s Kevin watching his back from now until February 1st?
WWE Women’s Championship: Nia Jax w/ Candice LeRae VS Naomi w/ Bianca Belair!
It has been quite the back and forth between the Irresistible Force and The Glow, and it could all come to an end with the New Year! Will Naomi become a DOUBLE Champion? Or will Nia turn the tables and earn another shot at the Women’s Tag Team titles?
SmackDown returns as Nia makes her entrance, Candice by her side. The introductions are made, Nia’s title is raised, and we see if it stays Nia’s title!
The bell rings and Nia runs up! Naomi dodges, then DROPKICKS! Nia ends up in a corner. Naomi runs up to fire forearms, then a HOOK KICK! Naomi brings Nia out but Nia shoves her to a corner. Nia then runs up, but Naomi dodges! Nia hits buckles, Naomi KICKS Nia in the legs again and again! But Nia HEADBUTTS Naomi down! The fans boo but Nia soaks up the heat. Nia SMACKS Naomi off the mat, drags her up, then TOSSES her to the corner! Nia runs up but Naomi kicks low! Naomi whips, but Nia reverses and Naomi is back in the corner! Nia SPLASHES Naomi, then whips her corner to corner.
Nia runs up but Naomi drop toeholds! Nina hits buckles and Naomi KICKS her! And KICKS her! But Nia blocks a kick to THROW Naomi down! The fans boo but Nia dusts off the orange hair from Naomi. Nia storms up but Naomi RAMS into Nia! Naomi slingshots but into a HEADBUTT! Naomi falls to the floor, Candice and Bianca watch each other closely, and Nia soaks up more heat as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Naomi sunset flips! Nia stays up, but Naomi avoids the hip drop! Naomi KNEES Nia, then runs, but into a scoop! Nia swings Naomi for a SIDE SLAM! Cover, TWO! Naomi survives and Bianca coaches her up, but Nia kicks Naomi around. Nia shoves Naomi, talks trash, but Naomi kicks from below! Naomi throws hands, but Nia scoops and SLAMS! Then ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Naomi stays in this but Nia grins. Nia clamps on a chinlock and she squeezes tight. Fans rally for Naomi, and some even cheer for Tiffy Time, but Nia shakes her head. Naomi fights up and the fans rally up more!
But Nia POSTS Naomi! The fans boo but Nia soaks up the heat. Nia goes to the apron, and HIP ATTACKS Naomi against post! High stack, TWO!! Naomi survives and Nia grows frustrated. Bianca coaches Naomi but Nia slaps Naomi around. Nia taunts the fans, drags Naomi up, and she reels Naomi in. But Naomi fights the bomb! Naomi slips around to victory roll, TWO!! Nia escapes but Naomi runs up, only for Nia to LARIAT! Nia drags Naomi to the drop zone and climbs up! The fans boo, but Naomi gets up! She KICKS the legs out, KICKS Nia in the Tree of Woe, then WOE STOMPS her down!
The fans fire up as Naomi rises, SPLIT LEG DROP! Cover, TWO!! Nia survives but Naomi is too tired to be upset. The fans rally and Naomi brings Nia up, only for Nia to shove her to a corner. Nia runs up, Naomi dodges, and Nia POSTS herself! The fans fire up and Naomi drags Nia up. HOTSHOT! Nia flops back down, then Naomi runs to DIVE! Direct hit and Nia is sent into barriers! Naomi KICKS Nia, gets her in the ring, and then runs up gain to AX HANDLE! Nia stays up so Naomi AX HANDLES again! Nia is still up so Naomi springboards, FLYING CHUCK! Nia is still on her feet!? She swings, misses, and Naomi manages a SAMOAN DROP!! Cover, TWO!!
Nia survives Naomi’s insane feat of strength and no one can believe it! The fans rally up more and Naomi drags Nia to a drop zone. Naomi goes up, up, but Nia CLUBS her on the back! Nia wags her finger, then scoops Naomi, to put her in the Tree of Woe! Nia runs, and she HIP ATTACKS Naomi in the stomach! Nia then shoves Naomi down, goes up the corner, and she soaks up heat before the SUPER LEG DROP!! Cover, TWO!?!? Naomi survives and shocks everyone! The fans rally while Candice and Nia are furious! Nia shakes her head, storms up on Naomi, and she CLUBS away on Naomi’s back.
Nia drags Naomi to a corner, goes up, but Naomi YANKS Nia back down! Naomi stomps Nia, she climbs up again, and Naomi leaps, TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Nia survives and Naomi is beside herself! Bianca is frustrated on Naomi’s behalf, “This is Awesome!” as Naomi reaches for Nia. Nia goes to the apron but Naomi brings her in the ropes! Naomi fires knee after knee, and then tucks her in! HEAT SEEKER! Cover, TWO!!! Nia survives again and Naomi is pulling out her hair while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns once again and Nia DECKS Naomi! Nia whips Naomi to a corner, runs up, but Naomi BOOTS her! Naomi goes up to BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Nia survives and Naomi is again too tired to be upset. Naomi hurries to a corner, climbs up, but Nia runs up! Naomi leaps over, comes back, Samoan- CRUCIFIX DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!!! Nia survives that counter, but Naomi clamps on body scissors! MODIFIED BUTTERFLY CLUTCH! Candice gets on the apron but Bianca YANKS her down! Bianca TOSSES Candice, beats her down, and the fans are loving it! Nia breaks free of Naomi’s grip, and she goes out to CLOBBER Bianca!
The fans boo but Nia sends Bianca into steel steps! Nia storms back into the ring and she drags Naomi to a drop zone. Nia goes up, but Naomi hurries to ROUNDHOUSE! Naomi climbs to get Nia and she fires hands! The fans fire up but Nia scoops Naomi! SUPER POWER- JUDO THROW!! That same counter from months ago, and wait! “IT’s TIFFY TIME~!” Tiffany brings her own ref, as well as the briefcase, right to ringside! Candice argues with the main ref, but Tiff says yes, it’s time! But then she SHOVES the ref!? Because then she takes aim to CLOBBER Naomi!! Tiff was part of the plan all along!? A-NIA-LATOR!! Cover, Nia wins!!
Winner: Nia Jax, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Champion)
Talk about a false alarm! Tiffy Time was just about her part to play in this screw job! Naomi loses, but now Nia goes after Bianca! Nia HEADBUTTS Bianca, then she climbs up the corner. But now Tiff CLOBBERS Nia?!? Candice is shocked, but Tiff kicks and POSTS Candice!! The fans are losing it as Tiff goes out to get a ref! Bianca sees her chance, and she gives Nia a KISS OF DEATH!!! Tiff then YANKS Bianca out of the ring to TOSS her over the desk!! Tiff has Phoenix erupting as she says NOW she’s cashing in!! The ref takes the briefcase, and Tiff hurries into the ring!
WWE Women’s Championship Money in the Bank Cash-In: Nia Jax VS Tiffany Stratton!
The announcement is made, the fans are going wild, and bell rings! PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!!! Cover, TIFFY WINS!!!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall (NEW WWE Women’s Champion)
She waited, waited, and even endured being treated like a lackey, but now Miss Money in the Bank becomes THE Women’s Champion! Will all of WWE have to get on Tiffy Time?
Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline heads to gorilla.
Jacob Fatu already shouts, “I LOVE you, Solo! First thing on my mind, when I open up my eyes, and realize, is I LOVE YOU, SOLO! Just in a couple seconds, I’m about to show the world what happens when you don’t acknowledge the one and only Tribal Chief. So Monday, when Solo beats Roman’s ass, 1-2-3, the whole world will ACKNOWLEDGE SOLO!” The Bloodline makes their entrance, but will they tear down The OGs and leave Roman without a tribe to lead?
Backstage interview with LA Knight.
The Mega Star finishes talking with Aldis about something as Byron Saxton walks over. Byron brings up Knight going after Nakamura but Knight says he ain’t got time for that. The man called The Mega Star is here in Phoenix, and that means Nakamura has Hell to pay, and pay Hell he will. Now, surely you want to know what Aldis was talking with Knight about, so he’ll tell ya. Aldis asked Knight the same thing: Why did Knight attack Nakamura? Knight said it’s because Nakamura saw fit to blindside Knight every chance he could, take advantage while Knight’s back was turned, and then he slid right in and got a US Championship match.
Knight says monkey see, monkey do, so now when Knight sees Nakamura, Nakamura gets his head stomped in until Knight gets what he wants. Guess what? Knight just got what he wants! Because next week, SmackDown, US Championship, Nakamura VS Knight, it’s going down! And then Knight will set his sights on the Royal Rumble and taking his rightful place in the main event of WrestleMania. It’s 2025, the Knight Train is gonna roll, and anyone in the way gets smacked back to factory settings. And that’s not an insult, that’s just a fact of life, YEAH! Knight heads out, but will he take back the title? Or will he just be another victim for the King of Strong Style?
Six Man Tag: The Bloodline VS Sami Zayn & The Usos!
SmackDown returns and fans fire up as Jey leads Jimmy & Sami through the concourse! Jey asks production to please hit his music! YEET! The OGs make their way down through the bleachers, the entire crowd bouncing as they “YEET! YEET!” Phoenix doesn’t wanna stop, they continue to “YEET! YEET! YEET!” with The Usos! The teams finally sort out, and #BigJim steps up for his big in-ring return. But wait, Jacob & Tama won’t back down, so now all six men just stare down. And then it pops off! Phoenix fires up as the fists fly! The ref reprimands but this isn’t a match yet! The OGs THROW Solo and his Bloodline out!
The fans fire up as Solo’s side regroups, and Solo is furious! The OG dare someone to bring it but SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Jimmy wrenches Jacob. Tag to Jey and he climbs up to AX HANDLE the arm! Jacob backs away to ropes, then resets with Jey. Solo says stand down, and Jacob obeys. Jacob tags in Tama, and the fans all copy the “Yeyeyeyeyeyeyeh” that Tama does. Tama and Jey circle, tie up, and Tama knees low! Tama CLUBS Jey down, HEADBUTTS him to a corner, and then throws down hands. The fans boo, the ref counts, and Tama backs off at 4. Tama mocks the “YEET,” then goes back to Jey. Tama whips, Jey reverses and Tama hits buckles hard! Tama crawls, Jey drags him over, tag to Sami.
Sami drops an elbow and the fans fire up! Sami drags Tama up to bump him off buckles. Sami goes up, takes aim, and AX HANDLES! The fans cheer on “SAMI USO!” while he brings Tama up. Sami wrenches, tags Jimmy, and they mug Tama. Jimmy whips Tama to ropes, but Tama reverses. Jimmy grabs ropes, BOOTS Tama, but Solo HOTSHOTS Jimmy down! The fans boo and Jey protests, but “lil’ brother” gets away with one. The fans chant, “Solo Sucks!” but Tama tags Solo in. Solo sits Jimmy up to rain down fists, then talks trash. Solo even calls out Roman, saying this will happen to him on Monday!
Solo HEADBUTTS Jimmy again and again, then lets off to soak up heat. Solo drags Jimmy up, HEADBUTTS him again, then talks more trash. Solo kicks Jimmy to ropes, then CHOKES him! The ref counts, Solo lets off at 4, but Tama gets a cheap shot in! The fans boo, but Solo eggs Jimmy on. Jimmy sits up, but Solo clamps on the shoulder claws! Jimmy endures, the fans boo, but Solo digs his fingers into the trapezius. Jimmy still fights up and he reaches out. The fans rally, Jimmy reaches up and he JAWBREAKERS free! Hot tag to Sami! The fans fire up as Sami fires hands on Solo, then whips.
Solo reverses but Sami ducks ‘n’ dodges to LARIAT! Solo stays up so Sami keeps moving, and he LARIATS again! Solo SMACKS Sami, then whips him. Sami goes up and over, then LARIATS! Solo goes down and the fans fire up again! Sami has Solo in a corner and he climbs up. Sami rains down fists, and he goes to TEN! Tama runs up, Sami ELBOWS him down! Sami ELBOWS Solo, goes up and leaps, but into the URENAGE! Solo snarls but he has control again as SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Solo slowly stands, and he tags in Jacob. Jacob stomps Sami, then pushes Sami down for a FALLING HEADBUTT! And another FALLING HEADBUTT! Then a jump and FALLING HEADBUTT! Solo stalks Sami to ropes, CHOKES him against the ropes, but the ref counts. Jacob lets off to stare down The Usos. Sami drags himself up but Jacob whips him to the corner! Sami hits buckles hard, and Jacob stalks Sami. Sami reaches out but Jacob BITES Sami’s hand! Jacob brings Sami up, tag to Sama, snap suplex to a slingshot SENTON! Tama taunts The Usos with “YEYEYEYEYEYEH!” then he goes back to Sami.
Tama ROCKS Sami, fires off body shots, and a DROPKICK! Sami tumbles out of the ring and to the floor, only for Tama to FOLEY ELBOW DROP! Tama drags Sami up, brings him to the desk, but Sami blocks the bump to SMACK Tama off the desk! Sami hurries into the ring, but Tama hurries to stop him! Tag to Solo and Solo stomps Sami! Solo taunts Sami, then clamps on those claws! Sami endures the hand digging into his shoulder, fights up slowly, and SmackDown returns to single picture. The fans rally, Sami fires body shots, but Solo shoves Sami, SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! The Usos coach Sami but Solo stays between them.
Solo pushes Sami around, but Sami stands to CHOP! Sami leans on Solo, CHOPS again, but Solo DECKS Sami! Solo drags Sami over, tags Tama, and Tama rains down fists! The fans boo, but Tama doesn’t stop, he just eggs Sami on! Sami throws hands, Tama keeps raining down shots, and then Tama HAMMERS Sami down! Tag to Jacob and he looms over Sami. Sami slowly sits up, Jacob eggs him on. Jacob runs corner to corner and back again for a HIP ATTACK! Jacob is all geeked up but Sami sits up. Jacob UPPERCUTS Sami down! Jacob clamps onto Sami to tag Solo, and they mug Sami with HEADBUTTS!
Solo taunts Sami, HEADBUTTS him again, and Sami wobbles. Solo whips, Sami KICKS back! The fans fire up and Sami gets around to BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Sami and Solo crawl, hot tags to Tama and Jey! The fans fire up as Main Event Jey rallies on The Bloodline! Big haymakers for Tama! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Jey pops, locks, takes off the shirt, and he DECKS Tama! Then mule kick, UPPERCUT, and SAMOAN- NO, Tama slips free! Tama shoves Jey away, Jimmy tags in! Jey UPPERCUTS Tama, then baits him back in. Tama hits buckles, The Usos DOUBLE GIRI!
Jimmy tags Jey back in, then he RAMS Tama! Jey runs up to forearm SMASH! Then they DOUBLE ELBOW, and DOUBLE ELBOW DROP! The fans fire up but here comes Jacob! The Usos dodge, and they DOUBLE LARIAT Jacob up and out! Jimmy ends up going with Jacob, Tama runs up to roll Jey! TWO! Jey dodges Tama to POP-UP NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Tama survives and Jey is frustrated, but then Jacob sends Jimmy into steel steps! And barriers! Sami CLOBBERS Jacob! The fans fire up but then Solo POSTS Sami! Solo goes to the apron but Jey UPPERCUTS him down! Tama whips Jey into a corner, then jumps up! VENOM DDT! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up and Tama is frustrated. Tama crawls, hot tag to Jacob! The Samoan Werewolf storms up on Jey, and he mocks the fans for cheering Jey. Jacob says Jey should’ve joined their side! He should’ve ACKNOWLEDGED SOLO! Jacob stands Jey up, but Jey SUPERKICKS Jacob! Jacob ends up in a corner, Jey hurries to hot tag Sami! Sami then tags Jimmy, and The Usos coordinate. “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jey runs up to HIP ATTACK! Jimmy HIP ATTACKS! Sami HIP ATTACKS! He really is an Honorary Uce! Jey & Sami BLAST Solo & Tama, then do their secret handshake. They then DOUBLE DIVE! Down go Tama & Solo!
Jimmy climbs, the fans fire up, USO SPLASH on Jacob!! Cover, TWO?!? Jacob survives and Jimmy is stunned! Jimmy drags Jacob up, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Jimmy! Now Jacob goes up, and he SAMOAN SPLASHES!! But then the BEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, SAMI BREAKS IT! The fans are thunderous as Sami saves the day! Jacob storms back up and he TOSSES Sami out! Jacob goes back for Jimmy, reels him in, but Jimmy RAMS Jacob to the corner! Tag to Jey and the Usos mug Jacob! The Usos snapmare Jacob, then DOUBLE SUPERKICK! Jacob is down, Jey covers, TWO!! Jacob survives again!
And wait, here comes Drew McIntyre! The Scottish Terminator wants after Jey, but Jacob has him first! Jey dodges Jacob, then DIVES onto Drew! Jey hurries back to the ring, climbs up a corner, and he leaps, but Jacob gets under! Jey keeps moving, but into a POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO!! Jey survives and the fans fire up again! Jacob snarls, drags Jey over to the corner, and he sits Jey up. Solo wants the tag so Jacob obliges. “I LOVE YOU, SOLO~!” Jacob runs so he can HIP- NO, Jey got away! Solo hurries in but Jey SUPERKICKS him back out! Jey dodges Jacob to then SPEAR! Jey hurries to a corner, but he doesn’t know Solo’s legal!
USO SPLASH on Jacob, but SAMOAN SPIKE!! Solo covers Jey, Solo’s Bloodline wins!
Winners: The Bloodline, by pinfall
The misdirection works out, and Solo is again adorned with the ula fala. Monday Night Raw awaits, who will the world ACKNOWLEDGE as the one and only Tribal Chief?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown to kick off 2025, but also to move us into three hours as the runtime. It maybe dragged right at the middle, the 90 minute mark or so, but I feel like they hadn’t scheduled a lot for the sake of everything having room to breathe. Especially when the tag title match apparently needed a change, a shame for Profits, but a good adjustment. Pretty Deadly and Los Garza are getting in on things, too, with Legado as a whole perhaps making a slow turn to Face given they got framed by the bigger Heels, Kit & Elton. That’s still a Fatal 4 Way or even bigger tag match in the making, maybe something for Saturday Night’s Main Event on January 25th.
The Women’s US Championship might even be on the line at the next SNME with how Mia got a great win over Piper and is headed for a rematch with Chelsea. A little surprised the Men’s US Championship match is next week but that’ll be great stuff, especially if they let it go a long time to fill the three hours. I just don’t know the chances of Knight winning when Nakamura’s newest persona is still rather fresh. Cody had a great promo with McIntyre, and while McIntyre might be moving to SmackDown, I don’t see Cody staying. It’s felt like Netflix wants all the big parts of the WWE, so wouldn’t they want THE Undisputed WWE Champion?
Great attack by Kevin, as set up by McIntyre, and Kevin also had a good interaction with The Usos. Turns out his warning was right, because McIntyre does show up during the main event. That was a great Six Man Tag, but between McIntyre’s distraction and apparently Jey not seeing that last tag, it makes sense that Solo’s team would win. Between this and that great promo from Heyman, Solo surely loses the Tribal Combat match so that Roman is back on top. Though, something about that almost feels like the boring choice because to the credit of McIntyre, Roman has not changed his ways, something needs to make him do that. I still think it should be Heyman’s favor to CM Punk being Heyman advocates for Punk over Roman.
And of course, great stuff with the WWE Women’s Championship. Great promo from Naomi to hype things up a bit more, and a really good promo from Nia and Candice to plant the seeds. It did make me think Tiffany was cashing in, but we still got a great match from Nia VS Naomi first. Then Tiffany helping Nia win just to swerve her, that was some genius stuff. It means more to Tiff personally to take that title off Nia, who was bullying her since day one, never appreciated anything Tiff genuinely did to help Nia, and then started leaving Tiff behind to have Candice as her new crony. Great stuff for Tiff, and I would hope they follow through with Tiff still showing up in LA for NXT New Year’s Evil like she promised to watch Roxanne Perez VS Giulia. It could even be a way to tease Tiff VS Roxie on main roster to continue their feud from their NXT days.
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)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 1.2.2025
New Year, New…okay who cares about new, I just want some logical stories TNA. Come on, start the year off well.
I did write 2025 in the title for this right? Worst thing about a New Year is remembering to write the correct date for like three months. But one of the best things is, a new year means…no more useless Awards shows with clips or “never before seen matches” that no one cares about!
We’ve got some Tessa Blanchard time upcoming and much like last year…Joe Hendry will say words probably to open the show. If we can get a semblance of a coherent storyline this year and Hendry wins the damn title at Genesis, maybe Tommy Dreamer is a redeemable booker. But currently, “Booking by Tommy” makes “Booking by Tunney” look like a genius Einstein equation.
Can we please start things off with some hope? Maybe? Please.
Rascalz vs. The Hardy at #TNAGenesis!? @MATTHARDYBRAND @JEFFHARDYBRAND @ZacharyWentz @TheTreyMiguel
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/SjpCtpSxQB pic.twitter.com/33UE1CdYjE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 3, 2025
Ratings:
- Ryan Nemeth vs Rhino: Ryan Nemeth wins via DQ – *
- Kushida vs Ace Austin: Ace wins via The Fold – ****
- Elegance Clique (Heather & ASH) w/Personal Concierge, Tasha Steelz & Rosemary vs Jordynne Grace, Masha Slamovich & Spitfire (Dani Luna & Jody Threat): Masha wins via Requiem – **
Results:
And the show opens with a Joe Hendry segment, where’s the surprised Pikachu meme when I need it. He doesn’t say a ton of new stuff except for the fact that he’s number one contender now. Ryan Nemeth comes out to call Hendry a mid-carder and is referring to Nic as “his big brother” so often, he’s obviously trying to get it over, and it’s not the worst. It’s so lame its almost great. Hendry turns it around of course, but Ryan deflects in a delusional dweeb kind of way and talks about he’s gonna make big moves after he beats Rhino later in the night.
Hendry decides to use the most inconsistent wrestling trope of them all and calls out Rhino to start the match now. Cause you know wrestlers don’t make matches, unless they do, and then commentary just says the authority figure texted approval or something.
Ryan Nemeth vs Rhino
They start with Arm Wringers, just very basic bare bones 90s wrestling start. Nemeth gets shot off into the ropes, grabs them to stop Rhino from getting momentum. Ryan tries to go for a hand shake, the crowd chants Gore and Rhino doesn’t fall for the hand shake. Ryan takes a few short cuts landing opportunistic kicks, spots on the outside, he gets a bit arrogant digging into old Dolph Ziggler mannerisms so that’s the cue for Rhino to start the comeback. Ryan eats fists, back to back Lariats, short Spear in the corner, and then Ryan powders. Rhino tries to grab him, Ryan rakes the eyes, grabs a chair…the referee just lets him bring in the chair. Rhino steps on the chair, levels Ryan, grabs the chair and starts lighting up Ryan.
So Ryan wins via DQ.
Awful match that only ends up giving Ryan a “win” on paper, so I guess we’re gonna get B Team level of Delusion. Which could be great…like the B Team, or it will be cringe like Axelmania.
Kushida vs Ace Austin
Starts off a little slow with both jockeying for position, very reminiscent of classic Kushida Junior matches in New Japan where he tries to shoot a little early to find something quick, but Ace is slippery. Snapmares, Headscissors and variations of those keep Ace grounded for a little until he utilizes the Wrestler’s Bridge to get out, float over but then get caught by Kushida right away before slipping out and then a rope run spot, Kushida sets up his Cartwheel Dropkick as normal but Ace Kips Up during the Cartwheel and Dropkicks Kushida himself! Kushida powders so Ace goes for the Marufuji Plancha. They toy with each other on the apron, Ace goes for his signature apron dodge but Kushida returns the favor of watching the tape and grabs Ace’s wrist he planted on and rips him off the apron. Kushida puts more focus on that arm with an Armbar, and…commercial break.
We come back, big Chop drops Ace through the ropes, Kushida hits the Baseball Slide and hypes the crowd on the apron. He collects Ace with a Wrist Lock on the bad arm, but Ace is being indignant, he’s goading Kushi to hit him, slaps Kushida a few times so Kushida hits an Enzuigiri or a snap Shining Wizard to shut up Ace. Kushida keeps up some damage on the arm, looks for the Kawada kicks but pivots to a corner spot where they drop each other with simultaneous moves. Fighting Spirit spot when they get up, Kushida kicks at the injured arm, Tanaka Punch gets countered by Ace, Russian Leg Sweep into Click Click Boom! Ace looking for a Gutwrench Sitout Powerbomb but Kushida fights it off twice before Ace grits it out and snaps off the Gutwrench Sitout Powerbomb for two. Ace looks for the Art Finesse, but Kushi grabs him, hits him quick and pulls off the Cartwheel Dropkick into the Shotei and looks for the Avalanche Hoverboard Lock but Ace counters, then Kushida counters, a little rolling, Ankle Lock from Kushi! Ace grabs for the rope with the injured arm, Kushida lets go of the Ankle to kick the arm, Shotei off the ropes and only a two count!
Ace baits Kushida into missing the corner spot, Triangle Kick from Ace into his Miz style Rope Hung Seated Lariats. He perches Kushida, tries for the Step Over Headscissors but takes to long, Kushida catches him, rocks him, Handspring Back Kick into the Avalanche Cross Armbreaker, Ace counters it twice, they slip and counter each other, Ace tries an Art of Finesse, Dropkick from Kushi says no, Back to the Future is sandbagged from Ace! Kushi can’t get him over, Ace Roundhouse Kick rocks Kushida, hits the Fold after pulling out the old playing card, and Ace wins!
Ace cuts a heartfelt promo afterwards talking about Bey and how Bey told him to go on a crazy singles run and aim for the World title. Moose walks out to play spoiler on the promo. Moose feels disrespected, Moose tries to say something about Bey and Ace immediately gets hot and they seem to have really good promo chemistry. Moose’s comments get under Ace’s skin enough to get him to focus on Moose, wants to fight him and Santino’s music hits. So the ‘splainin’ will prolly be “You haz da match in Genisys! Terminator 5 get hype”. Yup…more or less, X Division title match Moose vs Ace.
It's a wild scene backstage between The System, @TheEddieEdwards, @TheEricYoung and @TheJonGresham!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/SjpCtpSxQB pic.twitter.com/ztlSI0vkNJ
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 3, 2025
TNA+ Moment of the Week: DCC vs The Broken Hardyz vs Decay, Genesis 2017
Them going back to the Throwback match segment is kinda neat. As long as its not every week and maybe only to highlight old PPVs of the same name, this could be fun to bring back in moderation.
The Nemeth Brothers will deal with @Rhyno313 and @joehendry NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT! @NicTNemeth @ryrynemnem
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/SjpCtpS013 pic.twitter.com/vroc11UnrC
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 3, 2025
Santana comes out to cut a promo still with Josh’s head gear in his hand, so Josh’s music hits for him to walk out with his nerdy nobody jabroni squad. Hell the stable uses Josh’s theme, the other two literally don’t matter. The crowd in Atlanta is very vocal and it’s making all the wrestlers react to them. All in good ways, but it’s just nice to see. Josh pulls out facts about how Santana won nothing after he left TNA, Josh tries to mic drop and walk off so Santana just clowns him. He asks if he won the matches because he was good or be cause he was kissing up to the man with the pencil, and that gets under Josh’s skin. Santana challenges the entire Armoury next week. Not sure if it will be a gauntlet match or a 3 on 1.
Nic Nemeth comes out, cuts a decent promo putting Hendry over but as soon as he starts talking about Ryan there are audible boos, so Ryan walks out to more boos. The Atlanta crowd hates Ryan, his voice is super whiny, this is frustrating fantastic work.
Elegance Clique (Heather & ASH) w/Personal Concierge, Tasha Steelz & Rosemary vs Jordynne Grace, Masha Slamovich & Spitfire (Dani Luna & Jody Threat)
Masha and Rosemary start, Rosemary tries to start quick but Masha stifles her, tags in Jordynne, Jordynne and Masha do a tandem Electric Chair Splash but only a near fall. So then things break down to all 8 throwing hands, the babyface team gets the best of it, Quadruple Suplexes cause all of the heels to powder and then Masha and Jordynne open the ropes for Spitfire to Dive through ala Motor City Machine Guns for a big car crash bowling spot. Rosemary gets tossed back in, another near fall and then we’re off to commercial town again.
We’re back and for reasons unknown beyond “tags happened” Heather is getting tossed around by Dani. Jody with the blind tag, so rolling low Dropkicks and Crossbodies make Heather desperate. Heather slips Jody’s lift and tags in Tasha, in which Tasha is immediately snatched up, slammed and Dani is tagged back into keep the punishment going. Jawbreaker from Tasha gives her the time to tag out to ASH, but ASH is immediately countered, Jody is tagged in and Tandem Stalling Suplex. The heels just look stupid in this match so far. Concierge finally makes himself useful and allows ASH to grab Jody’s hair and swing the momentum. Referee is getting spun around with all the people so Rosemary takes a short cut choking Jody in the heel corner while ASH tags in Heather and Jody is reeling. ANOTHER COMMERCIAL
The match started with a commercial and there’s been two during…sheesh. Jody is still getting worked over but this time by ASH, but I’m definitely no longer invested in this match. I’m just waiting for Tessa to show up. Rosemary tags in after ASH hits her Back Handspring Elbow, Rosemary tries to choke out Jody, Jody starts fighting back. She fights out of the heel corner, Rosemary tries to throttle her, perches her but Jody is still fighting off 4 people even though she’s been eating moves for like 6 minutes. Jordynne tags in, starts running over everyone, rocks her, Spicolli Driver with the pop, Sliding D for two. Juggernaut Driver is countered, World’s Strongest Slam into Vader Bomb but Tasha jumps off the top with a splash to break up the pinfall. Jordynne lays out Tasha with a Lariat, Masha tags in, Sambo strikes into a Capo Kick that has to be broken up by Rosemary. Signature spam moment, so we’re either gonna get a finish or Tessa to just show up and no contest the world. Tasha Okurrr on Jordynne to force her to powder but Masha is lying in wait, Roundhouse Kick into Requiem, Masha gets the pinfall.
Tessa attacks Jordynne only from behind and then the heels go after the other three with Rosemary green misting Masha. Tessa ties Jordynne’s gym bag around her neck, drags her to the door and throws her out ala Buff Bagwell and Booker T. Tessa says she’s gonna take HER locker room back.
Overall Score: 7.25/10
Even though there wasn’t a lot of wrestling, the segments were actually pretty fantastic. Ryan’s new gimmick could get old quick, but it’s so pathetically addictive to hate and mock; I love the hell out of it. Ace and Moose have some great chemistry so that should be a great match, Kaz with Leon Slater and the Dango cameo was good stuff and I’m a big Tessa fan. So as I said for Final Resolution, if she’s really trying to become a better person and made amends, she deserves a second chance and I’ve missed her in American wrestling shows. Rascalz against The Hardyz also makes obvious sense, I can’t imagine a world where Rascalz win, but it should be a fun match and maybe build a good angle. Santana going through the Northern Armoury could be fantastic also, so it gives something to look forward to next week.
Honestly I didn’t even realize there were only three matches until we got to the main event because the show was such a fun and easy watch.
So all things considered, I’d call this a damn good start to 2025. Plus Ace vs Kushida is easily in the MOTY conversation right now (yes it’s mostly humour since its only the second).
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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