Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (5/30/22)
Raw’s on the highway to hell!
Raw gives us just a taste of what’s to come!
Before Hell in a Cell on Sunday, Raw Women’s Champion, Bianca Belair, takes on Asuka in the 1v1 we would’ve seen before Big Time Becks butted in!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Bianca Belair VS Asuka; Belair wins.
- Six Man Tag: Ezekiel & The Mysterios VS Kevin Owens & The Alpha Academy; Ezekiel & The Mysterios win.
- Alexa Bliss VS “Doudrop” Piper Niven w/ Nikki A.S.H; Bliss wins.
- WWE 24/7 Championship Must-See Moment: Tamina wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
- WWE 24/7 Championship Must-See Moment II: Akira Tozawa wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
- WWE United States Championship Contenders Match: Mustafa Ali VS Tommaso Ciampa w/ (Austin) Theory; Ali wins by disqualification and earns a title opportunity.
- WWE United States Championship: (Austin) Theory VS Mustafa Ali; Theory wins and retains the title.
- Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships Contenders Match: The Usos VS Shinsuke Nakamura & Matt Riddle; Nakamura & Riddle win by disqualification and earn a title opportunity.
- Liv Morgan VS Rhea Ripley; Liv wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Becky Lynch is here!
The Man is in Des Moines, getting ready for this Sunday’s Raw Women’s Championship Triple Threat! She gets the mic to welcome everyone to The Big Time, as well as Monday Night Raw. She feels so good saying that again, because it’s been awhile. Truth be told, she hasn’t felt up to it without the title. She didn’t feel like coming out here, pretending it’s all okay, when she knows that so many fans pray for her downfall! Yeah, you didn’t didn’t you? So many of you hope Becky will never get the title again. But lucky for her, she doesn’t live for us! She lives for herself! She does what she wants and is fueled by spite and coffee! And right now, Becky’s all fueled up!
Becky says some people, they collect stamps or friends. Becky collects enemies! She will keep collecting enemies as she rises to the top because it lets her know she’s on track. And she knows she’s on track because she is just days away from regaining the title at Hell in a Cell! Becky knows the odds are stacked against her, but haven’t they always. Those odds never stopped her before. She defies the odds! She defies convention! But first, let’s look back to Money in the Bank, 2020. Asuka won the Ms. MITB contract, and credit where it is due, she earned it. That is why when Becky went off to create life like the god she is, she generously gave Asuka the greatest gift of her career: the title.
The title was inside the briefcase, and Asuka was elated. But even then! Becky had a plan. Becky knew Asuka was the best but that Becky could still beat her. The plan would be Asuka would reign until Becky returned to beat her, and then no one could touch her! But what Becky realized is that she created a selfish, entitled little monster by just handing the title over! Asuka became accustomed to being handed things! But speaking of, here comes Asuka! And Becky isn’t happy about it. Asuka gets a mic to say, “Becky, Becky, Becky. You’re still a Big Time Baby!” Asuka fakes crying and Becky says SHE is the baby? Asuka’s the one-
Asuka tells Becky to shut it! No one is ready for Asuka! Not Bianca, not Becky, because at Hell in a Cell, Asuka is ready to be the NEW Raw Women’s Champion~! Fans like the sound of that, but Becky says no, because Bianca- Oh, here comes Bianca! The RawEST Women’s Champion has her own mic already, and she says, “Uh-uh. Both of y’all need to stop because both of y’all are doing way too much.” She isn’t complaining about a Triple Threat, thanks to Becky, where Bianca doesn’t even have to get pinned to lose the belt. But it is what it is. So unlike the two of y’all, Bianca likes to do her talking in the ring.
So Asuka, while Bianca respects you, you kicked Bianca last week. And in their match tonight, Bianca will have a lot to say. And Becky, girl. Bianca can’t wait to give Becky a piece of her mind on Sunday. Because Bianca doesn’t care what her odds are, the only percentage she is sure about, is that the belt is 100% not going anywhere. And if Bianca has to, she will 100% drop Becky like she did at WrestleMania. Becky DECKS Bianca! Asuka fires off on Becky! Bianca goes after them both! Asuka pushes Bianca aside to get at Becky but so Bianca returns the favor. They stare down, but Becky DECKS Asuka! But Bianca gets Becky in a torture rack!
Bianca throws Becky to the apron! Asuka HIP ATTACKS Becky down! Fans fire up and Becky is furious, but The Man will have to stand aside while the EST and the Empress have it out! Who wins the match that would’ve been if not for Becky?
Bianca Belair VS Asuka!
Raw returns and the bell rings! Asuka and Bianca tie up, go around, and Bianca arm-drags Asuka but the tie-up stays on. Asuka throws Bianca in return, Bianca waistlocks and SLAMS Asuka down. Becky is on commentary to watch this while Asuka waistlocks. Bianca headlocks, hits the takeover, but Asuka keeps her shoulders up. Asuka headscissors, Bianca kicks and kips free, but Asuka rams a shoulder. Bianca rebounds to run Asuka over! Bianca dusts off her hands, runs, but handsprings over Asuka. Asuka hurdles, Bianca leaps, and Bianca tells Asuka to kiss this. Things speed up again, Bianca hurdles but Asuka KICKS Bianca down!
Asuka says she’s smarter than that, and she brings Bianca up to toss. But Bianca handsprings through! And again, kiss this! Bianca then flips up and over Asuka to dropkick her down! Fans fire up and Bianca brings Asuka up. Bianca puts Asuka in a corner, fans rally and Bianca TOSSES Asuka! Asuka goes to the opposite corner, Bianca drags Asuka up to TOSS again! Fans fire up and Asuka goes to another corner. Bianca runs in, Asuka drop toeholds her into buckles! Asuka then TOSSES Bianca again! Becky reminds us she’s won Triple Threats before but Asuka digs her boots into Bianca.
The ref counts, Asuka lets off to bring Bianca up. Bianca fights the waistlock, then wrenches and suplexes! Roll through, deadlift, but Asuka fights free! Asuka rolls Bianca to get the leg, ANKLE LOCK! Bianca endures, rolls, but Asuka holds on! Bianca still endures as Asuka twists the foot! Fans rally, Bianca fights up, but Asuka GRAPEVINES! Bianca fights back and pries Asuka off the leg! Asuka fires elbows and Bianca lets go, Asuka jumps on for a GUILLOTINE! Bianca fades, fights back up and fans rally as she suplexes Asuka! Becky is annoyed seeing the resiliency, Bianca HANDSPRING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO!
Becky says she can get outta that, she’s a wizard. Asuka wrenches Bianca’s arm to drag her down! Bianca rolls, but Asuka makes it an ARMLOCK! Bianca moves around, but into a TRIANGLE HOLD! Bianca deadlifts Asuka, but Asuka gets the ropes! Asuka’s headscissor sends them both tumbling! Becky stands up to look at them. Becky mockingly says that looked painful, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Bianca elbows Asuka away, kicks her low, then scoops for a FALL AWAY SLAM! Bianca kips up, fans fire up, Becky looks stressed. Asuka elbows and BOOTS Bianca, then LARIATS! Bianca stays up and wags her fingers but Asuka SOBATS, KICKS and BACK HANDS Bianca, into a GERMAN SUPLEX! BASEMENT HIP ATTACK! Cover, TWO! Becky says she’s actually liking this, they’ll beat each other up and she can pick at the scraps! Asuka goes to the apron and talks trash on Becky before climbing up. Becky tells her to worry about Bianca! Bianca ROCKS Asuka, and Becky says she’s proven right!
Bianca CLUBS Asuka, drags her up, but Asuka fights the superplex! Asuka throws body shots, but Bianca backflips away from the haymaker! Only for Asuka to missile dropkick! Asuka hurries to get the cover, TWO! Asuka keeps cool, runs in at the corner, but Bianca slips out! Asuka hits buckles, Bianca bumps her off buckles! And again, and again! Bianca slingshots in to torture rack! But Asuka throws elbows and Bianca tosses her away! Asuka clutches a leg and Becky is loving this. Asuka bails out, Becky mocks her pain, “Who’s the crybaby now?” Bianca goes out after Asuka, puts her in the ring, then she tells Becky that she’s still champ.
Becky says the champ’s days are numbered. Bianca gets in, POP-UP KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Asuka almost had Bianca! Bianca and Asuka slowly get up, Bianca ducks the roundhouse and blocks the backhand, but Asuka gets the FLYING ARMBAR! Bianca moves, into an ASUKA LOCK!! Bianca flails, kicks around, tries to keep the hold from sinking in! Asuka almost has it, fans rally up, and Bianca gets to her feet! Bianca RAMS Asuka into a corner! Bianca keeps hitting Asuka into buckles, but Asuka clamps back on! Bianca switches, chicken wings, GlamEST Slam! HANDSPRING MOONSAULT FLOPS as Asuka moves!
Asuka gets the arm, LA MAGISTROL, but Bianca blocks it to a cover! Bianca wins!!
Winner: Bianca Belair, by pinfall
But Becky ruins the moment by throwing Bianca out! BECKSPLODER to Asuka! Bianca returns, into the MANHANDLE SLAM! Big Time Becks leaves both Bianca and Asuka down, but will she be able to do this again when they’ll see her coming? Or do the numbers spell disaster for Becky this Sunday?
Six Man Tag: Ezekiel & The Mysterios VS Kevin Owens & The Alpha Academy!
Elias’ younger brother teams with the father-son duo of Rey & Dominik to take on the outright obsessed Prizefighter, Chad Gable & Otis! Will Ezekiel & The Mysterios teach them what happens to bullies? Or will Kevin expose the truth even before Hell in a Cell?
Raw returns as Ezekiel makes his entrance. The Alpha Academy then make their entrance, followed by Kevin. The trios sort out and Kevin wants the Academy to be fired up like he is about this. Gable starts with Rey and they tie up. Gable headlocks, spins around and drop toeholds to float to another headlock. Rey fights up to waistlock, but Gable switches and goes back tot he headlock. Rey throws body shots, powers out, but Gable runs him over. Rey monkey flip counters to a wheelbarrow and arm-drag! Things speed up, Rey tilt-o-whirl headscissors Gable down! Tag to Dom, the Mysterios mug Gable, and Dom ROCKS Gable with rights.
Dom clubs but Gable kicks low. Gable throws big forearms, whips Dom to ropes, and then hits a BIG Belly2Belly! Roll through, another Belly2Belly! Cover, TWO! Gable wrenches Dom, Dom ROCKS Gable with forearms! Dom knuckle locks, goes up and up and FLYING ARM-DRAGS! Gable bails out, Kevin rushes in! Dom dumps Kevin out, Rey dodges Otis to dropkick him! Zeke gets in to boost Dom and Dom dropkicks Otis! TRIPLE DROPKICK sends the tree trunk out! Fans fire up with Ezekiel & The Mysterios, but then Gable CLOBBERS Dom off the corner! Fans boo but Gable says “SHOOSH!”
Gable goes out to fetch Dom and whip him into barriers! Dom is down, Gable shooshes everyone, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Kevin stomps Dom down, then steps through for the SHARPSHOOTER! The Mysterios are wearing Hart colors but Kevin is the one using the move! Dom endures, Rey gets in to SHOTGUN Kevin down! Fans rally, Dom and Kevin crawl, tag to Otis! Otis runs to DECK Rey! Otis whips Dom to a corner, runs in and clotheslines! Dom is down and Otis goes up! VADER BOMB FLOPS as Dom moves! Fans rally up as Dom and Otis crawl, hot tags to Gable and Ezekiel! Fans fire up as Zeke rallies! Ezekiel whips, Gable reverses but Ezekiel goes up to mule kick! Kevin runs in, JUMP KNEE!
Zeke runs to SPLASH Gable, then SPLASHES Kevin! SPLASH for Gable again, then a fireman’s carry! Electric Chair, spin and POWERBOMB! Cover, Otis breaks it! Dom is up top, he CROSSBODIES but into Otis’ arms! But Rey SEATED SENTONS! The Mysterios take Otis out, but Kevin tosses Dom! Rey runs in, RANA to put Kevin on ropes! Rey dials it up, 6 1-NO! Kevin dodges, but then Rey ducks, SUPERKICK hits Gable!! Kevin realizes what happened, and Zeke throws him out. Gable is on ropes now, Dom and Rey dial it up, DOUBLE 619!! Ezekiel gives Gable the TWISTING BRAINBUSTER! Cover, Zeke & Mysterios win!
Winners: Ezekiel & The Mysterios, by pinfall
Kevin is furious! He tears up the announce desk! Will Kevin absolutely lose his mind on Sunday if Ezekiel wins again?
Cody Rhodes is here!
The American Nightmare goes to the ring with all his pyro and the fans all fired up. But with Hell in a Cell and his third match with Seth Rollins on Sunday, Cody isn’t here to fight. He wants to address the underhanded attack and horrible behavior of The Visionary before they have it out one last time. What will he say to Rollins? We hear it all, after the break.
Raw returns and Cody has the mic while fans chant his name. “I’m gonna say something that might surprise you. I have always been a fan of Seth Rollins. From the very first time I saw Seth Rollins, you could see the potential to do great things.” Someone else who saw that potential was a teacher of his down in NXT. But you don’t have to say that name, it was the man who raised Cody. Fans chant for “DUSTY! DUSTY!” and Cody heard about the special ingredients Rollins had that would make him a generational talent. And we all know Rollins lives up to the hype. So imagine you’re Cody and you get the call that he was going to get his second chance, and against Rollins, at WrestleMania.
It might surprise you but Cody was nervous. He was very nervous! Because everything he had done, everywhere he had gone to, he could not return here with a loss. But he didn’t. He was at the top of his game, he won, and they ran it back at Backlash and Cody won again. Both times, Cody was the better man, and it has driven Rollins mad. “Envy is the act of counting other people’s blessings but ignoring your own. Jealousy leads men to desperate measures. Seth Rollins is an egomaniac, and he wants everything for himself, but that’s one of the things that makes Seth Rollins so dangerous.”
Cody says Sunday, Hell in a Cell, he walks into the biggest challenge in his entire career. Cody needs Rollins to know, to feel this, to hear what Cody is going to say next: All the respect for Rollins, the reverence over their previous matches, and every ounce of self control will be locked outside of that cell! Rollins will be in there with a man that wants to hurt him! But here comes Rollins himself! Des Moines is thunderous for one of their own, but Rollins just laughs. Rollins isn’t walking out there from the stage, he’s up in the crowd! Fans fire up as Rollins swaggers his way down and laughs at “Cody, Cody, Cody.”
Cody can wax poetic all night long about Rollins’ motivation, but he’ll make it very, very easy to understand. “I. Don’t. Like you!” And he doesn’t want Cody here! Rollins tried after WrestleMania to accept this new version of Cody. But every week, the pandering got worse and worse and worse, and the Cody chants got louder and louder and louder! Now all Rollins hears is the chanting and he can’t stand it any longer! Fans chant for Cody even now but Rollins smirks. Rollins says Cody left WWE six years ago because he wasn’t good enough. And then every single day Cody was gone, Cody and his “little friends” tried to tear down what Rollins was building here!
And when that didn’t work out so well, Cody came running back as the prodigal son to fulfill his family legacy! “NOT ON MY WATCH, PAL!” Cody doesn’t get to be a conquering hero in Rollins’ kingdom! You don’t get to take a sledgehammer to the throne and then take that throne from Rollins! Rollins will say it again: “I. Don’t. Like you. I don’t want you here! And in six days, inside Hell in a Cell, I’m gonna prey on your insecurities. And I’m not just going to change you, Cody, I’m going to end you.” Then we can all finally wake up from the American Nightmare.
Rollins laughs as he dances around the steps, but Cody tells Rollins, “Just curious. What right now is stopping me from? Three little ropes? This barricade? What is stopping us? Why are we waiting? It seems, as polite as I’ve been, the time for talk is over.” Oh, he wants to go now? Cody dares Rollins to come to the ring to talk with some actions! Fans fire up for that as Cody throws off his jacket! Oh, Cody wants to do this now? Rollins storms down the steps, starts undoing his own suit jacket, but then stops at the barrier. “Aww… HAHAHAHAH! I’ll see you Sunday!” Rollins goes back to the stairs and blows a kiss to Cody.
CODY RUSHES ROLLINS! They brawl in front of the fans and the fans are loving it! Cody pinballs Rollins off barriers and haymakers, and even trash cans! Rollins hits back, fans are thunderous, and Cody RAMS Rollins into barriers! Rollins and Cody keep throwing hands, they end up going to the ringside area. Rollins rakes eyes! Fireman’s carry, but Cody slips off to shove Rollins, and then CLOBBERS him through barriers! Cody isn’t done, he rains down fists on Rollins right by commentary! Security and officials rush out to stop this but fans boo! “Let Them Fight!” Cody storms off and Rollins tries to egg him on.
But then Rollins gets in the ring and DIVES onto Cody! The brawl is back on by the ramp! The refs have to help now, and the two are forcibly separated! Fans still want to “Let Them Fight!” and Cody returns outta nowhere! He CLOBBERS Rollins! The officials have to drag them away by hands and legs and fans chant, “This is Awesome!” Rollins shouts at Cody, “YOU’RE GOING TO HELL!” and laughs, but will Rollins end up going there right with him on Sunday?
Alexa Bliss VS “Doudrop” Piper Nivens w/ Nikki A.S.H!
The Five Foot Fury is 3-0 in her return, but she’s looking to get back to the gold and glory she had not too long ago. Money in the Bank is on the horizon, but will Alexa even make it past this week? Or will Doudrop pop that comeback bubble?
The bell rings and Alexa rushes Piper with forearms! Piper shoves Alexa way then CLOBBERS her. Piper fires up but fans boo as she drags Alexa up. Piper whips Alexa into a corner, then runs in to SPLASH! Piper snapmares Alexa then wraps on the cobra clutch! Alexa endures but Piper thrashes her around. Alexa throws elbow but Piper ripcords and LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Piper is annoyed but she looms over Alexa. Piper drags Alexa up, SLAPS Alexa, and Alexa staggers to a corner. Piper storms up but Alexa throws body shots! Piper HEADBUTTS Alexa down! Piper hauls Alexa up, and wraps on another cobra clutch
Alexa endures, Piper thrashes her around, and then Piper shoves Alexa back into buckles. Alexa dodges the splash, dodges the haymaker and tilt-o-whirls to throw Piper into buckles! Alexa kicks a leg out, KNEES Piper then dropkicks her! Piper stays up so Alexa dropkicks a gain! Fans fire up and Alexa throws KICK after KICK! Alexa runs, but Piper scoops her! SLAM, and SENTON FLOPS as Alexa moves! Fans fire up as Alexa gets up, but Piper runs her over! Piper drags Alexa to a drop zone and she goes up the corner. VADER BOMB FLOPS as Alexa moves! Nikki is freaking out as Alexa goes up top!
Nikki gets on the apron and goes after Alexa! Alexa kicks Nikki away, TWISTED BLISS! Cover, Alexa wins!
Winner: Alexa Bliss, by pinfall
And that’s a fourth win! Alexa toughed it out, will she continue until she’s once again on top of the world?
MVP talks with Omos backstage.
The mics aren’t picking up what he’s saying, but it is surely about how they will handle Bobby Lashley both at Hell in a Cell on Sunday, and tonight in the contract signing. Will Montel Vontavius Porter and the Nigerian Giant try to get any advantage they can before their 2v1 Handicap match with the All Mighty?
The Miz heads to the ring!
The Hollywood A-Lister is ready to host another edition of MizTV, with special guests, The Street Profits! What will Miz ask Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins? We find out, after the break.
Raw returns and Miz has a mic to welcome us to the Most Must-See WWE Talk Show. And speaking of, the most must-see event of the Summer is next week! Next Monday, after Raw, on the USA Network, it is SEASON THREE OF MIZ & MRS! And not just one episode! NO! It is a double episode premiere! And to help him celebrate, he will have his vivacious and talented wife, Maryse, with him next week! And they’ll celebrate like only The It Couple knows how- Wait, here come the Profits! It rains Solo cups in Des Moines and fans fire up! And Miz doesn’t even get to introduce them. Ford welcomes us to the show, and says it’s the Street Profits~!
Dawkins tells Miz he shouldn’t be talking his show, he should be talking about Hell in a Cell on Sunday! What’re they looking forward to? Cody VS Rollins III, of course! Did you see ’em throwing hands? Good thing they’ll be in HELL IN A CELL! Yo, Miz knows Cody, right? Didn’t he beat Miz last week? Sportsmanship is key, Miz. Yes, but y’know what Ford is ready~ ready~ for? The Triple Threat for the Raw Women’s Championship, in which the beautiful Bianca Belair brings home the gold once again! And Ford is excited! But oh, where are their manners? Their mothers taught them better.
They came out, addressed the fans, so beautiful, and said hello to the babies. But they were rude by asking questions and didn’t wait for an answer. Miz is a leader, a legend, and inspiration! Let’s ask Miz about HIAC. Let’s ask Miz on MizTV, what does Miz think about the show? Well, thanks, here’s what he thinks. IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT YOU THINK! Bruh, you been here this long and you still fallin’ for that? C’mon, you better than that! Miz gets mad and puts up his hand, but Dawkins gives him a high-five! The Profits shoulder bump but Miz does it again. What, he got a question?
“Do you know what this means?” Dawkins copies Miz. Ford copies Miz! Dana Brooke runs out here? She’s being chased for her 24/7 Championship! Miz notices and says no! None of that! This is HIS show! Dana gets in the ring, Tozawa gets in, and he snatches the belt! Tozawa, that doesn’t count. Dana ROCKS Tozawa, then waistlocks. Tozawa switches, O’Conner Roll, TWO as T-BAR has a choke grip on Tozawa! CHOKE SLAM!! Tamina stomps away in Dana! But Ford SUPERKICKS T-Bar away! Dana turns things around on Tamina, Apollo Crews whips Truth but Truth stops and does his dance. Truth then does the splits and ‘WHAT’S UP?!” SCISSOR-
NO! Crews dodges to ENZIGURI! But Dawkins DECKS Crews! Dana and Tamina brawl, Tamina gets Dana but Dana fights the bomb to ROUNDHOUSE! Dana handsprings but misses in the corner! Tamina fireman’s carries, but Dana fights free! Dana ROCKS Tamina, but runs into the SAMOAN DROP! Cover, Tamina wins!!
Winner: Tamina, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)
Tozawa applauds and Tamina helps him up. He prepares his body, and she kisses him! There IS still romance between them! But then he backslides her!! TOZAWA WINS!
Winner: Akira Tozawa, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)
That’s what she gets for walking all over his heart before! Will the Stamina Monster be able to keep this belt all to himself? But he also hopes Tamina will forgive him later.
(Austin) Theory is here!
The youngest WWE United States Champion ever is willing to give Mustafa Ali another chance, but only if Ali gets through another mercenary Theory enlisted via Vince McMahon. Will The Beacon still shine through when going up against The Blackhearted Ciampa?
WWE United States Championship Contenders Match: Mustafa Ali VS Tommaso Ciampa w/ (Austin) Theory!
Raw returns and Ali makes his entrance. The bell rings, they tie up, Ciampa knees low! Ciampa CLUBS Ali, Theory says he appreciates himself for being so generous to Ali. Ali dodges a chop to CHOP back, but Ciampa headlocks, Ali powers out, Ciampa runs him over! Ciampa flexes, things speed up, and Ali hurdles while Ciampa slides. Ciampa back suplexes, Ali lands on his feet to waistlock, but Ciampa elbows free. Ciampa runs in but Ali slips out to ROUNDHOUSE! Ali slingshot somersaults, into a KNEE! Cover, TWO! Ciampa rains down elbows on Ali, clamps onto him with a chinlock, and Theory says Ali doesn’t deserve a title shot anyway.
Ali endures the almost Bully Choke, but he fights up and throws body shots. Ciampa knees low, whips, but Ali reverse. Ciampa stops himself and comes back to CLOBBER Ali! Ciampa goes up the corner, just to applaud for himself and pat himself on the back. then FALLING AX HANDLE! Cover, TWO! Ciampa is annoyed but he stomps Ali’s head! Theory doesn’t see how Ali is championship material as Ciampa stomps Ali more. Ciampa drags Ali up, put shim in the corner and throws more body shots. Ciampa snapmares, wraps on the chinlock, and he grinds Ali down again. Theory says everyone is just jealous that Vince McMahon sees Theory as the greatest thing ever.
Ali fights up as fans rally, and Ali throws body shots. Ciampa HEADBUTTS Ali! Ciampa wrenches, whips corner to corner hard, then runs in. But Ali goes up and over and keeps moving, to duck and dodge and LARIAT Ciampa down! Ciampa bails out, hurries up again, but Ali dropkicks him down Ali builds speed to DIVE! Direc hit and both men hit the desk! Ali puts Ciampa in, climbs up, but Theory goes after Ali! The re sees that, and that’s a disqualification!
Winner: Mustafa Ali, by disqualification (earns a title opportunity)
Theory doesn’t care, he rains down fists and stomps Ali against the steel ring steps! Theory won’t let Ali make it to his title match! Theory says Ali is not championship material, then he POSTS Ali! Theory gets the mic to tell Ali, “A win by disqualification, some might call it a coward’s way out. But a win’s a win, right? And me? I’m just on another level. And that United States Championship match ‘for the future?’ I say why wait and we just do it right NOW!” Theory uses semantics to his advantage, will he take Ali’s hopes away all in one go?
WWE United States Championship: (Austin) Theory VS Mustafa Ali!
Raw returns and Theory stomps away on Ali in the corner, but the match hasn’t officially begun! The ref backs Theory off and asks Ali if he still wants this. Ali wants this match, and he stands up. The introductions are made, the bell rings, and Theory rushes in to fire off on Ali again! Theory CLUBS Ali, whips him to ropes, and back drops Ali! Ali writhes, Theory covers, TWO! Theory grins because he’s still got Ali at his mercy. Theory bumps Ali off buckles, he talks trash on Ali and the fans, and then Theory drags Ali up. Theory RAMS Ali into buckles face first! Theory taunts Ali to get up, and Ali SUPERKICKS him! FLYING TORNADO DDT!
Fans fire up and Ali drags himself over to the ropes. Ali gets up, climbs the corner, but Theory hits ropes to trip Ali up! Theory fireman’s carries, A TOWN DOWN!! Cover, Theory wins!
Winner: (Austin) Theory, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)
Theory gets the belt and his smartphone to take victory selfies because he took full advantage of the authority given to him by Vince McMahon to screw Ali over. But then Adam Pearce walks out to say to check his texts instead. While Vince was impressed with the tactics, he’s decided he’d rather see them in a fair fight. And it’ll be this Sunday at Hell in a Cell! Theory doesn’t seem worried at all. Will he just beat Ali down again? Or will Ali win when it’s fair and square for once?
Matt Riddle speaks.
“On behalf of Randy, I just want to take everyone for the kind words and support. I love that guy. But as for the Uce-bros, you guys messed with the wrong dude, and I’m gonna get my vengeance.” Randy might not be here, but that doesn’t mean The Bro is alone. Isn’t that right, King? Shinsuke Nakamura says a ronin is a samurai without a kingdom to defend, without a master. Right now, Nakamura and Riddle are two wandering ronin with a common purpose: Toe bleed the Bloodline dry. So the #Bronin are gonna take those titles, and there’s nothing the Usos or the Tribal Trash can do about it, bro!
Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships Contenders Match: The Usos VS Shinsuke Nakamura & Matt Riddle!
Jimmy & Jey got the win in the unification match thanks to the Big Uce, but he’s not here right now. Will they be able to get it done when Roman can’t interfere with the ronin? Or will they be owing the King of Strong Style and his new Stallion a shot at these unified titles?
Raw returns and the newly formed #Bronin make their entrances. Nakamura and Riddle have already integrated their poses together. The teams sort out, Riddle starts with Jimmy. Jimmy kicks low, ROCKS Riddle with an uppercut, then another! Jimmy whips corner to corner, Riddle goes up and over and KICKS Jimmy down! Riddle gut wrenches and brings Jimmy over, tag to Nakamura. Gut wrench suplex, PENALTY KICK, and ASSISTED FLOATING BRO! Cover, ONE! Jimmy powers Nakamura to the corner, Jey tags in, and Jey hits a big forearm smash. Jey brings Nakamura around, runs, but into a knee!
Nakamura KNEES Jey in the side and shoulders, over and over! Nakamura runs for a SLIDING BOOT! Nakamura gets Jey up, puts him in the corner, tag to Riddle. The Bronin fire off kick after kick, then Nakamura feeds Jay to the FISHERMAN BUSTER! Bridging cover, TWO! Riddle clamps onto Jey with a chinlock. Jey fights up, fights free, but Riddle dodges the haymaker to jump on, GUILLOTINE! But Jey gets to ropes, Jimmy tags in, HOTSHOT to the SAMOAN DROP! Jimmy covers, TWO! Jimmy drags Riddle to the ropes to choke him! The ref counts, Jimmy lets off at 4, and Jey cheap shots Riddle! Nakamura protests but it doesn’t matter now.
Jimmy stomps Riddle, tags Jey, and the Usos get Riddle up. Fans rally for Riddle but the Usos double whip Riddle hard into the buckles! Riddle writhes but Jey stomps Riddle down. Riddle goes to ropes, and now Jey chokes Riddle! Fans boo, the ref counts, Jey lets off but Jimmy gets a cheap shot of his own! The Usos raise their fingers to the sky, #WeTheOnes. Riddle gets up but Jey facelocks then whips him to a corner hard! Riddle bounces off buckles again, and Jey tags Jimmy. Jimmy taunts the fans, dares Riddle to reach for Nakamura, then ROCKS him with an uppercut! Jimmy CHOPS, then stares Nakamura down.
Jimmy runs in, but Riddle dodges! The splash hits POST! Riddle crawls, but Jey runs in! Riddle dumps Jey, keeps going for his corner, hot tag! The King of Strong Style dodges Jimmy to DYNAMIC DROPKICK! KNEE and AX KICK for Jey! Strike fest for Jimmy! Then KICK after KICK! Nakamura gives Jimmy GOOD VIBRATIONS! Then a whip corner to corner, but he blocks Jimmy’s boots! Nakamura puts Jimmy in the ropes, KICK and SLIDING GERMAN! Nakamura goes up, waits on Jimmy, FLYING KNEE! Cover, TWO! Nakamura is furious but he aims from a corner. Jimmy gets up, but Jey rushes in! Nakamura DECKS Jey, Jimmy SUPERKICKS Nakamura!
Tag to Jey, he goes up, USO SPLASH! Cover, Riddle breaks it!! The Bronin are still in this battle and Raw goes to break!
Raw returns and Jimmy keeps Nakamura jus fingertips away from Riddle! Jimmy reels Nakamura in to scoop but Nakamura slips off! Jimmy ducks the roundhouse but not the WHEEL KICK! Fans fire up while both men are down! Nakamura and Jimmy crawl, hot tags to Jey and Riddle! Riddle spins Jey to PELE, then he kips up and runs in to forearm smash! Riddle goes side to side, another forearm! Jey fights the exploder, but runs into the BROSPLODER! BROTON! Fans fire up and Riddle has Jey on the apron! Riddle brings Jey through ropes, this one’s for Randy! No, Jey slips out! Nakamura tags in as Jey dumps Riddle out!
Jey builds speed, into a KINSHASA!!! Cover, JIMMY BREAKS IT!! Fans are thunderous and Nakamura ROUNDHOUSES Jimmy! Nakamura gets Jey, but Jey SUPERKICKS him! Riddle tags back in, dodges Jey and hits the POWERSLAM! Randy’s spirit is here as Riddle hits another POWERSLAM! Jey is on the apron, Riddle brings him in through ropes, DRAPING DDT, bro! Fans are thunderous again as Riddle hears those voices! Riddle wants Jey to get up, RK- NO! SUPERKICK! Jey has Riddle on ropes, CHOKES him again, but the ref counts! Jey lets off at 4, Jimmy has Riddle’s scooter! Riddle blocks the scooter attack!!
The ref sees Jimmy up to no good, Jimmy CLOBBERS Riddle anyway!!
Winners: Matt Riddle & Shinsuke Nakamura, by pinfall (earn a title opportunity)
The same thing Theory did to Ali, but now the Usos owe a title match! But the battle isn’t over here, Nakamura goes after Jimmy and Jey goes after Riddle! Fans fire up as Nakamura fires off on Jimmy against barriers! But Jimmy throws Nakamura over the barrier! The Usos regroup and have Riddle in the drop zone! They go up the corners, but Nakamura gets in to ROUNDHOUSE Jimmy down! Riddle springs up after Jey, for a SUPER RKO!!! Fans are thunderous and the Bronin stand tall! They have their golden tickets, will Riddle & Nakamura cash in and strike first blood on the Bloodline?
Backstage interview with Mustafa Ali.
Kevin Patrick asks him what it means that he finally has a fair match with Theory for the US Championship? Ali is hurting right now, but this pain will be worth it. Ali has been through ell and back just to EARN an opportunity. Ali doesn’t care what tricks Theory plays to knock Ali down, Ali still gets up. This Sunday, at Hell in a Cell, the odds my be against Ali, but he will not stay down! Ali walks out of his hometown of Chicago the NEW US- Theory CLOBBERS Ali! What was that? No, highly doubtful. Another selfie, please! New champ, Theory’s ass! Will this sucker punch only motivate Ali to kick Theory’s ass?
Raw celebrates Memorial Day, and thanks those who gave their all for all of us.
“They didn’t volunteer to die. They volunteered to defend values which make up what we call civilization.” – Ronald Regan
“What does it mean to be selfless? To have the courage to put all else first for a greater cause? In every generation, there are those who put everything before themselves. And this weekend, we honor them.” The men and women who fought for our freedom, from World War I to Desert Storm, Normandy to Afghanistan. Look back at the moments, the events, that defined America’s history. The struggles, the battles. Remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Ronald Regan said that we honor their memory so that their pledges and sacrifices will be remembered.
We show our gratitude to those who shaped us, who guided us, and who ensured our values and freedom would live forever. We show reverence and respect. On this weekend, we say, “Thank you.”
Liv Morgan VS Rhea Ripley!
Finn Balor and AJ Styles aren’t with Liv this time, but they will be at Hell in a Cell as they and the Judgement Day go 3v3 in Six Person Tag Team Match! Will the Prince and Phenomenal One be needed tonight? Or will Edge and Damian Priest allow the Eradicator to handle Liv all on her own?
Raw returns and Rhea makes her entrance. And it would seem yes, Edge is allowing her to take on her former friend and tag partner alone. Will Liv be able to get a semblance of payback now that this is truly 1v1? We find out, after another break.
Raw returns again and the bell rings. Liv SHOTGUNS Rhea, then fires off forearms! Rhea shoves Liv away, Liv dodges but Rhea elbows her down! Rhea brings Liv up, swings but Liv goes Matrix to avoid the haymaker! Liv tries to roll Rhea but she stays up. Liv avoids the stomp but not the HEADBUTT! Rhea scowls, drags Liv up and CLUBS her. Rhea TOSSES Liv across the ring and Liv goes to the corner. Rhea runs in but into a BOOT! Rhea runs back in but Liv goes up and over then runs to the other corner. Liv goes up but Rhea catches her! Liv slips around to a SLEEPER! Liv thrashes around but Rhea RAMS her into buckles!
Rhea RMAS Liv into more buckles, then more buckles! Liv is still holding on tight! Rhea grabs at Liv, Liv thrashes more, but Rhea BACKPACK SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Rhea is annoyed but she drags Liv up and CLUBS her again. Rhea slams Liv down, then storms over. Liv drop toeholds Rhea into ropes! And then SHOTGUNS her in the back! Rhea staggers to a corner, Liv runs in but into BOOTS! Rhea storms up to stomp Liv down, then kicks Liv around. Rhea KICKS Liv to ropes, gets mad, and she CHOKES Liv on the ropes! The ref counts, Rhea lets off, and Liv throws Rhea out! Fans fire up as Liv builds speed, but Rhea blocks the dropkick!
Rhea brings Liv out in an Electric Chair, but Liv gets back to the apron! Liv mule kicks Rhea, then FLYING RAN- NO! Rhea blocks the rana to SLAM Liv into the barriers! Liv is down and Rhea calls her pathetic as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again, and we see Priest and Styles have shown up after all! Rhea hoists Liv up but Liv victory rolls! TWO, and Rhea gets Liv back up for an atomic FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Rhea argues the count but the ref says it was fair. Styles coaches Liv up but Rhea wraps Liv up in a seated cobra twist! Liv endures, even as Rhea digs claws into the ribs! Fans rally, Liv fights up, and Liv throws haymakers! Rhea throws Liv by her hair! The ref reprimands but Rhea doesn’t care. Rhea smirks as she drags Liv up to KICK her in the back. Rhea wraps on a body scissor squeeze and even throws forearms and palm strikes!
Rhea tells Liv she is pathetic so she should just give up! Fans rally, Liv grits her teeth and pushes back to a cover, TOW! Liv is free but Rhea CLOBBERS her! Rhea mocks Styles’ clapping for Liv, and then she stalks Liv. “You’ve always been pathetic, Liv! You made me weak! You brought me down to your level!” Rhea pie faces, Liv SLAPS Rhea! Liv blocks the headbutt and kicks, KICKS and ENZIGURIS! Fans fire up with Liv and Liv runs in to SHINING WIZARD! Liv runs in again but misses the back body block. Rhea runs in, but only gets POST! Styles fires up for Liv as she goes up top! SUPER CROSSBODY! Direct hit and fans fire up!
Liv roars and she gets Rhea back up and in. Rhea hurries to ropes, Liv runs in, but Priest saves Rhea from ObLIVion! Cover, TWO!! Priest can’t believe it, and Styles DECKS him for it! Rhea sees that but she gets Liv up, RIP- NO, Liv slips free to BACKSTABBER! Roll up, high stack a la Rhea, LIV WINS!
Winner: Liv Morgan, by pinfall
Styles raises Liv’s hand in victory, they’re rolling into Hell in a Cell! But Priest drags Styles out and RAMS him into barriers! Priest drags Styles up, Liv shouts at him, so Priest lets Styles go. Priest storms up on Liv! But here comes FINN!! Finn tackles Priest and rains down fists! Priest shoves Finn away but gets a SLINGBLADE! Finn and Rhea stare down, but Liv goes up top. Finn and Styles tell Rhea to turn around. MISSILE DROPKICK! And Styles aims at Priest, PHENOMENAL FOREARM! But that’s still not all! Finn is up top, COUP DE GRACE!! The Judgement Day is down without their leader! Will Edge furiously return this Sunday for the Six Person Tag?
Bobby Lashley heads to the ring!
The All Mighty’s challenge last week was used against him, and now he’ll have a huge 2v1 Handicap Match for Hell in a Cell! But for right now, he’s here to sign on the dotted line. Will Lashley, MVP and Omos refrain from letting loose here? Or will they brawl it out like we saw with Cody and Rollins earlier tonight? We’ll just have to see, after the break.
Raw returns once more, and Omos makes his entrance with MVP. Adam Pearce is already in the ring and there are security guards all around to make sure this stays civil. Pearce welcomes us to the contract signing, and he says their signatures will make it official. Just take a seat and we can begin. Lashley and Omos stare each other down, neither moving. But then MVP takes his seat, so Omos sits with him. Lashley sits last, and they pull up to the table. Omos signs, and MVP gets a mic to say, “It should’ve never come to this, Bobby. We shouldn’t be here right now, man. I did everything for you. Money, celebrity, championships, I got you everything. I got you things you didn’t even know you wanted, man.
“But now here we are. At this Sunday in Hell in a Cell, there won’t be any ordinary matches with rules to protect you, no raggedy cages for you to crash through and accidentally win. The only thing that waits for you Sunday is the brutal beating that I’m gonna put on you with the Nigerian Giant, Omos. The All Mighty Era exists because of me. And it’s nothing without me, so it’s fitting that this Sunday, a Hell in a Cell, it comes to an end once and for all.” MVP signs, and Lashley says that’s a wonderful little story MVP spun. But he got it all wrong. Lashley never needed MVP. MVP is that leech that latches on just to keep himself relevant.
MVP says Lashley’s talking too much so just sign the contract. Lashley says it’s like that, huh? The sad part is, Lashley thought of MVP as a friend. MVP says he considered Lashley a brother! But Lashley turned his back on MVP, so sign the contract. Well even though this contract says “Handicap Match,” and MVP and Omos think Lashley’s at a disadvantage, the truth is, this is just Lashley’s chance to send both their asses to hell! Signed and delivered! But MVP says this isn’t done yet! Lashley is surely full of anxious energy. And no one wants to wait until Hell in a Cell, least of all Omos! Pearce wants them to keep calm as all three stand up.
Lashley and Omos stare down, but Lashley tosses the table first! The security swarms in but Omos BLASTS free! Omos TOSSES man after man, as does Lashley! They take out about 20 all on their own, and then Omos tosses armchairs around! MVP wants Omos to go after Lashley, but then Cedric Alexander CHOP BLOCKS Lashley outta nowhere! Cedric handsprings, but Lashley dodges the Neuralizer, and he also dodges Omos to RAM Omos in the corner! Cedric runs in, into a MILE HIGH SPINEBUSTER! But Omos BOOTS Lashley down! And MVP rains down fists, a vulture picking the bones!
MVP tells Omos to get a table, and Omos does as told! Fans fire up as Omos puts the table in, sets it up in a corner, then brings Lashley up! Omos ROCKS Lashley, scoops him, but Lsahley slips free! Lashley SPEARS Omos through the table!! MVP is freaking out as the Rocky Mountain Machine is rolling towards Sunday! Will Hell in a Cell be where Lashley finally ends things with MVP and Omos?
My Thoughts:
A decent Raw, but pretty typical for go-home episodes. It didn’t have Go-Home Syndrome, at the very least, but that’s because of all the new faults Raw has given itself. The recaps of what we saw this very episode were shoved in right as Liv VS Rhea was about to get started, so several minutes were wasted on what could’ve been a very good “main event” match. And while Liv and Rhea didn’t walk out with Styles, Finn, Priest or Edge, I knew we’d see some of them at some point before the match was over. And while Finn was here this week, Edge was the no-show. And them just announcing the Six Person Tag in a graphic really took out the drama of this story. It’ll still be a very fun match, but who knows what happens.
Oddly, I’m hoping Ciampa joins The Judgement Day and turns things back to their side. He seems to have lost his first name again so if he joined up, maybe he’d be used better in kayfabe. Ciampa and Ali did have a good match but I should’ve known Theory would use it to screw Ali over. Rather surprising that Vince (in kayfabe) is the one saying Theory can’t get away with the screw job, but I do like that at least one of the midcard titles is on a PPV again. Ali in Chicago, I would hope WWE does the right thing and gives him the win, especially with Theory standing tall twice on Ali, both in the ring and with the backstage attack. But this is WWE, Vince tends to make hometown heroes lose, so that might still happen here.
Good opening segments from the Raw Women’s Championship scene. Good promos from Becky, Asuka and Bianca, very good match between Bianca and Asuka, and of course Becky gets the better of them at the end. Given that, Becky might not even be in the decision and her comeback will have to go through Money in the Bank. Honestly, that’d be a great “full circle” moment, where Asuka wins the title at HIAC, Becky wins MITB, and then Becky cashes in on Asuka the Raw after MITB. Bliss VS Piper should’ve been more than it was, but we’ve seen this kind of booking for the women’s midcard a lot lately. There’s a good chance they and Nikki will be in MITB with Becky to spice things up.
Great Six Man from Ezekiel & Mysterios VS Kevin & Alpha Academy. Kevin basically costing his team and having a freak out over it is great stuff, and I can’t wait to see how things go with Kevin VS Ezekiel at HIAC. MizTV was a very good segment, mostly because the Profits hijacked things from Miz and the 24/7 Championship chase also spilled in. Tozawa getting the belt to end the segment was a nice change of pace, and it basically frees Dana up for that impending feud with Carmella. Rough for T-Bar and Apollo Crews to end up in this but guess the 24/7 Division needs bodies to fill it out. Maybe if they hadn’t cut people…
Great segment from Cody and Rollins. Cody’s promo was solid, Rollins’ response was solid, especially with his allusion to AEW, and of course that brawl was the moment of the night. Those guys are going to have an awesome Hell in a Cell match, but it’s hard to say if Rollins will really lose 0-3. MITB can still be redemption for Rollins, he and Becky could parallel each other, and of course Rollins has been Mr. MITB before and could try to chase that Heist of the Century high. He could even wait to screw Cody over during an Undisputed Universal Championship match, taking the title(s) from him and Roman, like a two birds, one stone situation.
Great stuff from the Undisputed Tag Team Championship story. I like #BROnin as the team name for Riddle & Nakamura, it is actually rather creative. Fusing names would sound like shipping, and combining nicknames to make them “Bros of Strong Style” or “Kings of Bro Style” would be too much like RKBRO. Plus, ronin samurai are cool. A bit of copy ‘n’ paste with Usos disqualifying BROnin like Theory did Ali, but this tag title match should happen anyway. Usos probably still win the title match, and maybe with Roman’s help again, but maybe Riddle and/or Nakamura get after Roman and his titles for the summer.
And lastly, the contract signing for Lashley, Omos and MVP went about how 90% of contract signings go. MVP did the talking, Omos and Lashley did the brawling, but Lashley stands tall with a great table spear spot. With that, Lashley probably ends up losing, and maybe Omos goes to MITB. I don’t want him to crash into ladders, but he could at least take a few jams from the ladders, or have someone else climb up him to go for the briefcase.
My Score: 8.3/10
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London calling to the champion crowns!
SmackDown brings gold to London as LA Knight defends his WWE US Championship and The Street Profits defend their tag team titles! Will the landscape change this close to WrestleMania?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly; The Profits win and retain the titles.
- Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice w/ Chelsea Green; The Secret Her-vice wins.
- WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman; Braun wins, by disqualification, and Knight retains the title.
- Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab; Charlotte wins.
- Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins.
- Jimmy Uso VS The Miz; Jimmy wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes is here!
We follow The American Nightmare as walks to gorilla, then through the curtain, and London sings along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, says hello to fans along the ramp, and then we get the second “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro. Cody goes to the ring, grabs a mic, then kneels down to kiss the WWE logo on the mat. The fans continue to sing along all the way to the end, “I AM MY KINGDOM!” The fans then cheer, and Cody holds up the belt to fire them up even more! The fans now sing for “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and he soaks it in. The fans cheer again as Cody smiles, and he finally says, “So, London~! Whaddya wanna talk about?”
The fans chant “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cody hears that dueling, and he smiles again. The song of “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” returns, then they cheer. Cody says, “At WrestleMania 41, I will be facing John Cena…” The fans boo, but Cody says, “I will be facing John Cena as he goes to break the record and win 17. But that is WrestleMania 41. In just a few nights, I will be standing face to face with John Cena in this very same city, in this very same arena.” The fans cheer that, but then here comes Randy Orton! Now the fans sing along with Voices as The Viper heads to the ring. Orton also high-fives fans before he joins Cody.
Orton grabs a mic, paces while the fans keep singing on their own, and then the fans cheer. Orton says he’s not really the sentimental type, but for Cody and for London, screw it. The fans chant “R K O! R K O!” and Orton tells Cody, “Look at you. Look at who you are now, the man you are now. Look at where he came from.” The fans cheer and sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and Orton says he remembers a Cody in his early 20s, just breaking into the business. Cody was busting his ass harder than anyone else. He wasn’t exactly happy, and in fact, he was frustrated. But Cody was man enough, smart enough, to know he needed to grow, and that he couldn’t grow in the WWE.
Cody wasn’t exactly treated fairly in the WWE, so Cody left the WWE! That took some big ass balls to do what he did! Cody changed the business singlehandedly, and everyone in the back knows it. And Orton appreciates Cody for it. But then Cody came back, as they all knew one day he would. And the industry has been changed forever since the day Cody came back to the WWE. Cody is a bit teary eyed as Orton says Cody’s still the same guy, he just did what he set out to do, and he grew. Orton teases he would sing along with the fans, but the fans might leave. The fans again sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!”
Orton asks if they remember when Cody Rhodes faced Seth Rollins in Hell in a Cell. The fans cheer because they do. Orton says that was impressive, and even impossible, as he started with a partially torn pec and then ended with a fully torn pec! His body changed all kinds of shades of purple that Orton’s never seen on a human body. The pain he must have been in. Cody persevered not just for himself. Maybe not even at all for Cody. It was not even for his family legacy; it was for each and every single fan out there! Then Cody went on to WrestleMania, beat Roman Reigns and finished the story!
But there’s always another story, isn’t there? And Cody’s right in the middle of one. Cody is in charge of his legacy, and it is a privilege for Orton to watch Cody take control of it. Ticket sales have been up, there’s more intrigue around the world, and listen to the people! It is 99.9% all because of Cody! The fans cheer that, and of course they sing. Orton says what he’s trying to say is a long-winded version of he respects Cody, loves him, and is very, very proud of him. The fans cheer that! Orton then says, “But… But now it is time for WrestleMania.” They both look to the sign, and Orton says he can guarantee Cody that Orton will kick Kevin Owens so hard in the head…!
Orton can just feel it already! He forgets how many days are left, but he can’t wait to remove Kevin’s head from his shoulders. And Orton knows Cody will enter champion, exit champion, but not before he beats the holy hell outta Cena all up and down the Vegas strip! But after all the smoke clears and the dust settles, just like Orton wants Number 17, there will come a time when Orton will want Number 15. But Orton won’t kick Cody in the balls like a coward. Orton will look Cody in the eye because he respects Cody, is proud of Cody, and sees him as an equal. Orton will look Cody in the eye and tell him that he’s coming for the title.
The fans cheer but wait! Drew McIntyre is here! The fans cheer the Scottish Terminator as he steps out on stage, mic in hand, and has a wry smile on his face as he looks at the ring. Drew waves as the fans now sing, “OH~ Drew McIntyre~!” Drew says, “Isn’t this wonderful? A couple of nepo babies having a love fest in the middle of the ring> It makes me absolutely sick. What’d you just say, Randy? if Cody gets through Cena at WrestleMania, you’re coming for that title? What exactly have you done since that big comeback to justify that title match? Aside be Randy Orton. The only big moment I can remember is you being on the shelf for months and months and months.
“People like to make jokes about it, but more people talk about my five-minute-45-second title reign than your entire comeback so far! So get to the back of the line, sunshine! As for you, Cody, you should’ve listened to me. But you shunned me. You attacked me. Everybody should’ve listened to me about John Cena, but they didn’t. And the next night, he kicked you right in the twig ‘n’ berries, proving me right as usual. And the main event of WrestleMania should be Cody Rhodes VS The UK’s only ever world champion, Drew McIntyre!” Fans do like that idea. But sadly, it’s not, because of that guyliner wearing Temu Undertaker, Damian Priest!
Drew wants to talk about what is happening. And what’s gonna happen! Drew steps up to the ring while fans sing for him again. Drew says it will not be Randy that takes the title from Cody, should he get through Cena; it’ll be McIntyre. The fans cheer, but Orton says they were trying to have a moment. Can Drew just cut the crap already? Drew says okay, sure. He’ll tell the truth, because that’s all he ever does. The truth is, Kevin might have a point! If those Voices are talking to Orton again, then they know Drew very, very well. And he’s thinking, “My God, Randy looks great! Absolutely jacked! On the outside.”
On the inside, that back is hanging by a thread. And if Orton provokes McIntyre, McIntyre will break him. And as for Cody- Cody kicks Drew and UPPERCUTS him! The fans fire up, and Orton R- NO, Drew gets away! The fans boo, but the battlelines are drawn! Even if Cody makes it out of the frying pan that is Las Vegas, it’ll be into the fire that is these contenders waiting in line! Will the American Nightmare be ready for whoever comes for the crown?
WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly!
Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins are finally golden again, but it’s time to put the titles on the line already! And while they’re ready for the grind, they’re up against the hometown heroes! Will the Profits still be up in the O2? Or will Kit Wilson & Elton Prince say #YESBOY to a new reign of their own?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really wants the smoke!
The teams sort out and Kit starts with Dawkins. They tie up, Dawkins headlocks, but Kit powers up and out. Dawkins runs Kit over, the fans fire up, and Dawkins fires hands on Kit in the corner! The fans rally for Pretty Deadly, Dawkins whips Kit to a corner, but Elton takes that bump! Kit CLOBBERS Dawkins, then tags Elton! Atomic drop into DROPKICK! Ford runs up, but into a DOUBLE HIP TOSS! Dawkins whips, Elton reverses, and then Elton hurdles so Kit can DDT! The fans fire up with Pretty Deadly while the Profits bail out. Pretty Deadly has control while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Elton is right on Dawkins as he gets in, and UPPERCUTS him to the corner. Elton clinches Dawkins for another UPPERCUT! Tag to Kit, and Elton RAMS into Dawkins so Kit can UPPERCUT! Dawkins flops over, Kit drags him up to wrench the arm. Kit whips, Dawkins reverses, but Kit grabs ropes. Kit ELBOWS Dawkins, DECKS Ford, but Dawkins CLOBBERS Kit! The ref reprimands but Dawkins RAMS Kit into the corner again and again! The ref counts, Dawkins fires fast hands, then he tags in Ford. Ford says, “SUCK IT!” then he KICKS Kit! Ford scuffs Kit, then drags him to a cover, TWO!
Ford keeps Kit down with a facelock, but Kit endures the grind. Kit fights up, fires body shots, but Ford whips him away. Kit sunset flips! Ford rolls through, and PENALTY KICKS! Ford mocks Elton with the Scott Hall fingers, and the ref has to keep Elton back. Ford drags Kit up, tags Dawkins, and the Profits mug Kit. Dawkins CLUBS Kit down, then stalks him. Dawkins stays between Kit and Elton, then whips Kit into the Profits’ corner. CYCLONE- NO, Kit dodges! Ford tags in, he keeps Kit from Elton now, but Kit slips out of the suplex! Kit fakes high to go low, hot tag to Elton! Elton rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT!
Elton kicks and whips Ford to a corner, then UPPERCUTS! Elton whips the other way, UPPERCUTS again, and then does it again! Elton adds to the hattrick with a lift, Ford says a quick prayer before the SUPLEX! Ford flounders, gets to his feet, but Elton dodges to springboard and FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Ford stays in this, but Elton stays on him. SmackDown returns to single picture and fans rally for Pretty Deadly as Elton gives Ford a back suplex. Ford lands out, waistlocks, but Elton switches and shoves Ford. Ford CLOBBERS Elton in return! Ford is also dazed but he covers, ONE!
Kit reaches out, Elton and Ford both crawl, hot tags to Kit and Dawkins! The fans fire up as Dawkins wrenches Kit, underhooks and SILENCER! Dawkins Electric Chair Lifts Kit, Ford climbs, but Kit slips free! Kit shoves Dawkins into Ford! Ford falls to the floor, but Dawkins ENZIGIRIS Kit! Elton tags in, and Kit LARIATS Dawkins! Pretty Deadly combine for DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Dawkins survives and the Profits are a bit unsure of what to do next. Dawkins crawls to a corner, Elton runs up, but Dawkins dodges! Elton hits buckles and Dawkins TOSSES Kit, then Dawkins hits a SKY HIGH on Elton!
Dawkins hurries to tag Ford and Ford climbs up! But Kit pushes Elton out of the way! Kit takes FROM THE HEAVESN, and Elton ghost pins Ford! TWO!! Ford escapes, and he ROCKS Elton! Elton UPPERCUTS Ford! Dawkins sneaks a tag, Ford SUPERKICKS! POUNCE SAIDO COMBO!! Cover, KIT BREAKS IT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! The teams go to opposite ends, then they all stand up in the corners. They all roar, all run in, and Kit SPEARS Ford while Elton FLYING UPPERCUTS Dawkins!! London is thunderous, and Kit hurries to tag in! Pretty Deadly gets Dawkins up, for SPILT MILK!! Cover, FORD BREAKS IT!
The fans are shocked, as is Elton, but Ford saves this for his team! “This is Awesome!” as Ford runs up and Elton TOSSES him out! Now DRY MARTI- NO! Dawkins doesn’t accept the second serving, and he DUMPS Kit out! Kit skins the cat while Dawkins DECKS Elton! Dawkins catches Kit to an Electric Chair! Ford rises, DOOMSDAY BLOCKBUSTER!! Cover, Profits win!
Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall (still WWE Tag Team Champions)
Pretty Deadly put up a heroic fight, but the hometown heroes could not capture the gold. Dawkins & Ford hold onto the gold, will this be the strongest the Profits have ever been?
Kayden & Katana talk with Zelina Vega.
Carter & Chance know La Muneca got screwed over by The Green Administration. Chelsea thinks she’s untouchable, but someone’s gonna stop them eventually. Well, speaking of, Alba Fyre leads the way in as she & Piper Niven “scope the perimeter.” There’s one small threat. They frisk the “miniscule” threat, but nothing they haven’t dealt with before. Chelsea struts in and says, “The Eagle has landed~!” Zelina says she is so glad the “Bootleg Men in Black” have crashed the party. Now, yeah, they all know she’s small. But clearly this small “threat” is a big threat to Chelsea’s title reign. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have taken all three of them to beat her.
KC Squared agree with that. How about tonight, we see what happens when the odds are even? Chelsea says that’s fine, because Agents P & A are ready. The Secret Her-vice has been given their next mission, but will they be able to crash the party? Or will the party crash them?
Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice!
SmackDown returns and The Green Administration makes their entrance. The teams sort out, Alba starts against Katana, and the two tie up. Alba KNEES low, CLUBS Katana down, then fireman’s carries. Katana fights free, tags Kayden, and they KICK, double whip, and then trip Alba up for the basement DROPKICK! Katana adds a slingshot SENTON, Kayden covers, TWO! Kayden tags Katana, they double whip Alba to a corner, then Kayden runs in. Alba DUMPS Kayden out, ROCKS Katana, and she tags Piper! Katana arm-drags Alba out, then goes out to run up. Kayden gives her a boost, Katana CROSSBODIES Alba down!
The fans fire up, but Piper goes up and out?! CANNONBALL and down goes KC Squared! Piper salutes Chelsea and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Kayden rallies on Alba while the fans rally up. Kayden fires up, runs in and whips, but Alba reverses. Kayden wheelbarrows, victory rolls, then SUPERKICKS! Kayden fires up again but the fans are torn. Kayden runs in at Alba to BOOT WASH her against the ropes! Chelsea protests, Kayden kicks at her, then Kayden springboards for a LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Alba survives, Kayden whips, but Alba KICKS back! Tag to Piper, but Kayden jackknife bridges Alba! The ref explains bout the tag, Piper runs up, but Kayden moves! The SENTON hits Alba! Piper panics, Kayden tags Katana!
Katana goes up onto Kayden’s shoulders, VICTORY ROLL LAUNCHER, but Piper catches Katana! Katana fires hands, BOOTS, and then hurries to go up again. Kayden ROCKS Piper, and fireman’s carries?! SAMOAN DROP! Kayden then gives Katana the boost, for the KEG STAND SPLASH!! Cover, ALBA BREAKS IT! Kayden runs up on Alba to BOOT her out! Katana gives Kayden the boost now, SUPER CROSSBODY onto Alba! Kayden hurries to tag back in, and she brings Piper up. Piper swings, Kayden dodges and SUPERKICKS! Katana goes up, Piper staggers over that way, but Chelsea distracts the ref!
The fans are torn as Alba grabs Katana. Katana kicks Alba down, chases Chelsea off, but Piper sends Kayden into her! Piper scoops to PIPER DRIVER!! Cover, Secret Her-vice wins!
Winner: The Secret Her-vice, by pinfall
The Women’s US Champion helps her team, and now they all mug Kayden & Katana! But here comes Zelina! Vega runs down the ramp, CLOBBERS Alba, and then she gets in the ring! Zelina tilt-o-whirl DDTS Piper! And she KNEES Alba off the apron! But Chelsea CLOBBERS Zelina! Chelsea fires up, the UK is oddly with her, and she chicken wings Zeina. But Zelina fights free to fire forearms and body shots! And a BACK ELBOW! Zelina reels Chelsea in, CODE- SUPERKICK from Alba! SENTON from Piper! The Green Administration is just too much for Zelina to fight against alone! But can she, Kayden & Katana find a way to turn things around?
WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman!
Did the Mega Star just get this title back from Shinsuke Nakamura? YEAH! Did he help the Monster of All Monsters fight off Solo Sikoa’s rouge bloodline? YEAH! And now, does he have to defend this title against the monster he just helped? YEAH!! But will Knight still reign this close to WrestleMania? Or will Braun #GetTheseHands back on a championship?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it’s time for Knight’s biggest challenge, YEAH!
The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two circle. The two tie up, and Braun SHOVES Knight away. Knight comes back, Braun SHOVES him down again! Knight gets up, gets around, and he headlocks. Braun powers up to back suplex, but Knight lands out! Knight tries but Braun’s too big to suplex! Braun ELBOWS Knight, storms up on him, but Knight fires haymakers! Knight whips, Braun reverses, but Knight KICKS back! Knight runs, but Braun HIP TOSSES! Cover, TWO! Knight stays in this, but Braun brings him up. Braun puts Knight in a corner, CHOPS, then runs, for a SPLASH! Knight sputters along ropes, Braun keeps moving, but Knight DUMPS him out!
The fans fire up as Knight then WRECKS Braun with a dropkick! Knight keeps moving, and he WRECKS Braun again! The fans fire up with Knight, but then Braun BOOTS Knight down! The fans are torn but Braun stands tall as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Braun puts Knight back in the ring. The fans cheer as Knight KICKS Braun! Knight tries again, but Braun’s still too big to back suplex! Braun CLUBS Knight, then runs in at the corner. Knight BOOTS Braun, goes up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Knight and Braun rise back up, and Knight dodges a shot to JAB! Then he dodges to JAB! JAB! JAB! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” But Braun KNEES low! Braun scoops, Knight slips free, and Knight RAMS Braun into buckles! Then the BACK SUPLEX! The fans fire up and Knight rises again! Knight spells it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!
Braun has plenty left in the tank but the fans rally for Knight. Knight stands Braun up to kick low, but Braun THROWS Knight away! Knight rises, and Braun LARIATS Knight up and out! The fans fire up as Braun rips the shirt! Braun gets on the track, and he runs in, STROWMAN EXPRESS MEETS JACOB FATU!! The Samoan Werewolf strikes Braun down!
Winner: Braun Strowman, by disqualification; LA Knight retains the title
The fans boo as Jacob now goes after Knight! He just ruined what was becoming a great match, but Jacob fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT on Braun! SAMOAN DROP onto the desk!! The desk doesn’t budge, but Braun might’ve been broken in half! The UK fires up for Fatu as he puts Braun in the ring! Jacob fires more HEADBUTTS, then HEADBUTTS away on Braun in the corner! The fans sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE, FATU~, FATU~!” Jacob runs corner to corner, but Knight kicks him first! Knight fires haymakers, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Jacob denies the BFT to POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! And then HIP ATTACK for Braun anyway!
Jacob keeps going, HIP ATTACK for Braun again! Jacob throws off his jacket, glares at Braun, and he runs in for a third HIP ATTACK! Braun flounders into the drop zone, so Jacob goes up, up, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! Direct hit on Braun, but the fans want that “ONE MORE TIME!” Jacob obliges, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! The Samoan Werewolf just tore up #OneBigSOB and LA Knight, will there be no stopping him from taking the United States Championship?
Backstage interview with Jimmy Uso.
Jackie Redmond is with #BigJim, and she says that while she knew WWE was going global this month, she did not know they’d get the slap heard ’round the world! Jimmy says he’d do it again, and he’ll slap Gunther as many times as he needs! Jimmy knows Jey is up in his own head, doubt is creeping on him. But just because Jey’s 0-3 against Gunther doesn’t mean Gunther’s unbeatable! The Ring General CAN be got! Jimmy’s going to Raw this Monday, he will bust Gunther’s ass, Jey will go to Mania and bust Gunther’s ass to become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. And then they leave Las Vegas just like this: YEET!
Jimmy heads out, but then The Miz & Carmelo Hayes walk by. Miz is mocking Jimmy’s words, and he asks excuse me. Miz says it’s just funny that suddenly, Jimmy is a tough guy, even though for most of his career, he’s been “The Other Uso.” Doesn’t Jimmy get it? Jimmy and Jey are career sidekicks while Gunther is a main character. Gunther is the lead, neither Jimmy nor Jey can beat him. And here’s another thing: The Usos are just blips on the trailer that was Roman Reigns’ Bloodline. Melo says Jimmy & Jey are stuck outside the club, they can’t even get in.
Miz says as a former WWE Champion, a former WrestleMania main eventer, Jimmy will never know what it is to carry this industry. And after this year’s WrestleMania, neither will Jey. Oh, and by the way, if Jimmy ever slapped Miz like that, Jimmy would still be on the ground. Jimmy feints the slap and Miz freaks out. Jimmy says it may be him and Gunther on Monday, but he’ll holler at Aldis real quick so it can be Jimmy VS Miz here tonight. Yeah, YEET! Jimmy heads out, Melo says he thought Miz was gonna do something about the slap. Will Miz have to do something about running his mouth before he gets his teeth kicked in?
Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga find Jacob Fatu backstage.
Solo asks Jacob what the Hell he was doing out there. Jacob goes out there alone without saying a thing to them? Jacob says he ain’t gotta say nothing to nobody! Matter fact, didn’t Solo not tap in with him last week? Tama says, “But Jacob,” only for Jacob to say, “But nothing, Tama!” Solo wants Jacob to lower his tone, but Jacob says okay. Let him be very clear with them. When it comes to Braun Strowman, Jacob WILL be the last man standing. Y’all better get in where you fit in, cuz that US title? Oh, Jacob’s bringing it home to the family. And he will do it with them, or without them! Yadada mean? Fatu heads out, is the Samoan Werewolf no longer following Solo?
Naomi speaks.
“I mean… How did we even get here? I don’t know. One thing that I do know is that I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. So Bianca, what makes you think that my attack on Jade was anything different from me doing the right thing? When I sit here and I think about all that I’ve sacrificed, all that I’ve given, and that’s what really breaks my heart. Because through all of that, I’m made to be the bad one in this situation. I just don’t understand, how does Jade come in outta nowhere and take my place with you? I want you to ask yourself this, Bianca. Who inspired you? Hmm?
“Who’s inspired women over the last decade? Who’s always had your back from day one of you being here? Me. Not Jade. Hmm. But you know what? What I’ve learned through all of this: You teach people how to treat you. And I’m done with being treated as a third wheel. I’m done being pushed to the side, I’m done with being too nice, I’m done with being undervalued, underutilized, underappreciated! So moving forward, hmm… Moving forward, here’s my message to you, Jade. If you continue to be in my way, I strongly advise you to proceed with caution.” The Glow shows her dark side, but will the storm be moved?
Nick Aldis meets with Jade Cargill.
Speaking of, the SmackDown General Manager understands things have been rather difficult for her as of late. Jade says she’s been trying to get her hands on Naomi for the past few weeks, now where is she? No one has seen her all day, so as far as anyone knows, Naomi’s not here. Well, when Jade catches Naomi, it’s on sight. Jade leaves, B-Fab & Michin are there. They let her know that what Naomi did to her was straight trash, totally uncalled for behavior. And after Jade gets her hands on Naomi, she’ll handle that business. Jade agrees. Mia says they’ve all got business to handle. Jade’s got Naomi, and Mia’s gonna get Charlotte for messing with her girl, B.
B-Fab says Naomi’s got what’s coming to her: no sympathy, no regrets. Jade, just do what you gotta do. Oh, she will. Jade also wishes Mia luck tonight. Mia & B-Fab head out, will the Head Baddie in Charge make the Queen bow down in London?
The darkness approaches.
“You are as I was. As I am, you will be.” The shadows are starting to take shape, but is SmackDown about to fade to black?
Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab!
The Queen looks down on everyone, so it’s no surprise that everyone else wants to take her down. Charlotte may have checked off B-Fab, but will the HBIC be a much different story? Or will Charlotte only sharpen her edge before facing Tiffany Stratton at WrestleMania?
WAIT! NAOMI ATTACKS B-FAB & MICHIN! Naomi drags Mia up for a FACEBUSTER! Naomi rains down fists, the ref reprimands and the fans boo, but Naomi tells the ref to back off. Naomi then BOOTS B-Fab off the apron! Naomi goes out after B-Fab to THRWO her into barriers! Naomi SLAPS B-Fab, tells her to stay down, but B-Fab gets up. Naomi fires hands, then she SMACKS B-Fab off the desk! Naomi rains down fists, but here comes Jade! Jade hurries down the ramp, she runs around the way, but Naomi runs away! Jade makes sure B-Fab is okay, but refs have to help her to the back. And what of Mia? Will she even be able to compete?
Charlotte makes her entrance, not really caring about what Naomi just did to Mia. But that means she also crosses paths with Jade. The fans like the look of this stare down, but Jade and Charlotte both let the other slide. Charlotte gets her pyro, and it seems she’ll still get her match. Will Mia be little more than an appetizer now?
The bell rings, and Charlotte BOOTS Mia down! Cover, TWO! Mia stays in this and the fans rally up. Charlotte just struts around while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Charlotte has Mia down with a chinlock, but the fans rally up. Mia fights up, fires body shots, and she then blocks a shot to ROCK Charlotte! Mia ROCKS Charlotte again and again, then reels her in for a TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up as Mia hurries to cover, TWO! Mia drags Charlotte up, wrenches, but Charlotte says no to Da Feet! BIG back suplex! Mia stagger sup, Charlotte whips her, but Mia reverses! Charlotte goes up and out, BOOTS her away, then slingshots in and rolls Mia! Mia rolls through and BUZZSAWS! Mia runs corner to corner, but Charlotte avoids the cannonball!
Charlotte YAKUZA KICKS Mia down, then fires herself up! The fans “WOO~!” as Charlotte has Mia in the drop zone,. Charlotte steps on her, goes up the corner, but Mia gets underneath her! SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Charlotte survives and Mia is shocked! Mia nods as the fans rally back up, and she brings Charlotte up. But Charlotte ROCKS Mia! Mia SOBATS, PELES, and then runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Charlotte stays in this, Mia grows frustrated, but the fans continue to rally. Mia uses that energy to stay focused, and she stalks Charlotte to waistlock. But Charlotte ELBOWS her away!
Charlotte CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOSP! Charlotte winds up, and she CHOPS again! Mia sputters, but then she dodges the boot! Charlotte is caught, and Mia hits a SAIDO! Charlotte flounders to a corner, the fans rally behind Mia, and Mia runs up, CANNONBALL! Mia hurries to wrench and EAT- NO, Charlotte shoves Mia away! Charlotte gets under, back suplexes, but Mia lands out! EAT DA FEET!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Charlotte’s long legs help her survive by a literal foot! Mia is beside herself while Charlotte bails out. Mia storms after Charlotte, runs up, but Charlotte dodges! Mia’s kick hits steel steps!
Mia hobbles away, goes to the apron, but Charlotte CHOP BLOCKS the bad leg out! Charlotte grabs Mia’s leg, drops a KNEE on the knee, but fans chant, “We Want Tiffy!” Charlotte just steps through, FIGURE FOUR, into FIGURE EIGHT!! Mia taps, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
Charlotte got more of a fight out of Mia than expected, but she still won. Will The Queen be more than ready to reign again after WrestleMania?
Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.
Jackie Redmond is with the WWE Women’s Champion and says Charlotte certainly looks confident. Let’s be real, Charlotte came at Tiff pretty hard. It got a lot of people talking. Tiff says yes, people talk. And Charlotte sure loves to hear herself talk. Ten years into the business and Charlotte is still so insecure that she can’t let a “rookie” get a word out. But last week, Tiff did learn something: She learned that walking into WrestleMania, she isn’t the one with something to lose. Truth is, if Tiff loses, then she lost to the great Charlotte Flair, as just a 25-year-old rookie with one year into SmackDown.
But if Charlotte loses… Well, then she lost to an “undeserving, delusional, unoriginal, backflip doing, blonde-hair-having, little girl.” Did she get it all? And Tiff can’t wait to hear the look on Charlotte’s face when they hear the words, “And STILL!” Then maybe Charlotte will finally shut up for the sake of literally everyone! They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, and Tiff will make damn sure what stays is Charlotte’s massive ego. Tiff is walking into and out of Mania as the WWE Women’s Champion. Tootles! Tiff heads out, will it still be #TiffyTime after WrestleMania?
Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre!
The Viper told Cody how proud he was, but also how he wants the next shot after John Cena. The Scottish Terminator took offense to that, and basically said he is taking that shot instead. Will this match be an unofficial #1 contender’s match between these two former world champions?
SmackDown returns and McIntyre makes his entrance. The bell rings and the fans sing, “OH~, Drew McIntyre~!” and chant “R K O! R K O!” Drew and Orton circle, tie up, and they go around in a deadlock. Drew powers Orton to a corner, but Orton headlocks back. Drew powers up and out, then he runs Orton over! Orton hurries to ropes and Drew mockingly asks, “How’s the back feel, Randy?” Orton stands, he and Drew reset, and the fans duel some more. Drew calls for a knuckle lock, Orton accepts, but then Drew kicks low! Drew bumps Orton off buckles, then climbs up, but he panders for too long and Orton YANKS him down!
The fans fire up as Orton climbs now! Orton rains down fists, and the fans count to nine. Orton hops down, brings Drew around, and POSTS him for ten! Drew tumbles out of the ring, Orton goes out after him, and they’re by the desk! But Drew kicks Orton first and SMACKS him off the desk! Drew clears the desk, and he brings Orton up for the DESK- NO, Orton fights free! Orton turns things around, DESK BACK SUPLEX for Drew! The fans fire up while Orton leaves Drew behind, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew writhes on the floor, but Orton goes out to fetch him! Orton brings Drew around, UPPERCUTS him, then says one more time! DESK BACK SUPLEX! Drew writhes as that desk stays standing! Orton grins, refreshes the ring count, and then he storms up on Drew. Drew pokes Orton in the eye! Drew POSTS Orton now, then brings him around to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP into barriers! Orton slumps down, and Drew also grits his teeth from that double-edged attack, but Drew fires up as he stands tall. Drew drags Orton up, puts him in the ring, then stalks Orton. Drew looms over Orton, and HIP DROPS him!
Orton sputters, Drew says one more time, and he winds up for the HIP DROP! Drew paces around Orton, says maybe one more time, and he pretends he can’t hear the fans. Drew winds up again, but Orton flips over! Hip drop meets kneecaps! And then Orton pokes Drew in the eyes! The ref reprimands but Orton rises up. Drew sputters and flounders, Orton ROCKS him with a right! Drew ROCKS Orton back! Drew storms up, Orton kicks low, but Drew fires another haymaker! The haymakers go back and forth, Orton gets the edge, but Drew GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTTS! Cover, TWO! Drew clamps onto Orton with an armlock!
SmackDown returns to single picture and the fans rally up. Orton fights up, pries at the chinbar, and then throws right hands! Drew CHOPS Orton in return! The fans “WOO~” and Drew winds up. Drew ROCKS Orton again, eggs him on, then CHOPS again! Drew shoves Orton to a corner, CHOPS again, then dares Orton to fight! Drew whips corner to corner, but Orton comes back to LARIAT! And LARIAT! Drew swings, Orton dodges, SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up as Orton stalks Drew to the apron. Drew HOTSHOTS Orton first! Drew then runs in, but Orton puts him through the ropes!
The fans fire up as Orton has Drew for the DRAPING DDT! The fans fire up for Orton, and Orton hears those voices! Drew rises, but then Orton spots KEVIN OWENS! The Prizefighter is on the ramp, Orton glares at him, but then he turns around into a CLAYMORE!! Cover, DREW WINS!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
Kevin’s mere presence costs Orton, and now Drew has a huge win propelling him down the Road to WrestleMania! As for Orton, Kevin drags him out of the ring, SMACKS him off the desk, and then climbs up to join him! The fans boo but Kevin and his hot pink sneakers have Orton in position, but Orton slips free and TRIPS Kevin up! Kevin hits the desk then the floor! Orton staggers around, the fans rally behind him, and Orton stalks Kevin to the corner of the barriers. Orton lines up the shot! Orton runs in, but Kevin jumps over barriers! Security is there to stop Orton from pursuing, so Kevin runs away into the night!
The fans boo, but The Viper was that close! Will Orton be able to strike Kevin down and completely take him out?
Fire, thunder, smoke…
The force of nature is drawing ever closer. And he’s ready to fly! REY FENIX arrives next Friday Night SmackDown!
Jimmy Uso VS The Miz!
#BigJim gave Gunther a piece of his mind and a mark on his cheek, but it seems not everyone got the message. Will the Hollywood A-lister soon star in the Uso Penitentiary? Or will he prove Jimmy is NOT ready for a world champion level opponent?
The bell rings and the two tie up. Jimmy powers Miz to a corner, Miz turns things around, and the ref counts. Miz takes a swing, Jimmy ducks it to CHOP! And CHOP! Miz shoves Jimmy back, then runs up, but Jimmy TACKLES Miz! Jimmy rains down fists, Miz shoves him away to go to ropes, but Jimmy storms back up. Miz ELBOWS Jimmy away, then runs back up, only for Jimmy to LARIAT him down! The fans fire up while Jimmy storms up on Miz. Jimmy CHOPS Miz, has him in a corner, then whips corner to corner. Miz reverses, Jimmy goes up and over, then UPPERCUTS! Miz staggers back to ropes, but Jimmy is right on him.
Jimmy whips, Miz reverses and kitchen sink knees! Then basement BOOTS! The fans fire up, Miz scowls, and Miz KNEES Jimmy in the back again and again. Miz stalks Jimmy to the ropes now, and he CHOKES Jimmy! The ref counts, Miz runs, and Miz STRADDLE ATTACKS! The fans boo, but Miz runs again. Jimmy ducks the boot, then dodges a lariat! Jimmy runs up to LARIAT Miz up and out! The fans fire up and Jimmy builds speed, but Miz runs away! Jimmy smirks as he goes out the side, and UPPERCUTS Miz over the barriers! Jimmy makes sure Gunther knows he’s coming to get him, but SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and both men are down. Miz and Jimmy crawl, and Jimmy pounds the mat. The fans rally, Jimmy rises and runs up to LARIAT! And LARIAT! And mule kick! Jimmy then UPPERCUTS Miz, dodges a lariat, then SAMOAN DROPS! The fans fire up, Jimmy goes to the corner, “UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs in, but Miz puts him on the apron! Jimmy UPPERCUTS again! Jimmy climbs, leaps, but Miz gets under! Miz then waistlocks, ripcords, and MOVIE MAKER! Fans boo that blatant parody, but Miz full nelsons! Jimmy drops, victory rolls, TWO! Miz has the cover, TWO! Miz hurries to BASEMENT DDT! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally up as Jimmy survives! Miz stalks Jimmy, the fans rally up more, and Miz fires a KICK! And then another KICK! The fans say “YES! YES! YES!” to the It Kicks, but then Miz winds up. Jimmy ducks the buzzsaw, Miz blocks the superkick, but the DRAGON WHIP connects! Miz rebounds to B-MOVIE KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! The parodies don’t get it done, but Miz still has his original work to fall back on. The fans rally for “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Miz runs in, A-LIST LARIAT! Miz shoves Jimmy down, then springboards, but into a SUPERKICK! Jimmy hurries up top, for the USO SPLASH!! Cover, Jimmy wins!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Miz may be a movie star, but Big Jim’s the one winning this main event! Jimmy then borrows Joe Tessitore’s headset to call out Gunther! He’s coming after dat ass on Monday! Gunther won’t be the ring general, he will be “Private Gunther,” and he will salute Big Jim! Uh, uh, YEET! Will Jimmy be the one making examples out of the World Heavyweight Champion? Or will everything come crashing down when Gunther gets his turn?
Drew McIntyre returns backstage.
And he says hey to Lewis Capaldi, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, and also a big fan of Drew’s. They’re ready to have a good night in the pub, but Jackie Redmond walks over to congratulate him on the win tonight. She was hoping to get some thoughts on that victory and what happened with Orton and Kevin. Drew says it’s alright, this is what happens. He doesn’t care about anybody else’s business, but no one gets away with screwing him over. And when no one meddles in his business, he wins! Drew called out Priest, where is he? Priest doesn’t have the balls! So time to get mad in the pubs, everyone’s invited!
Drew turns the corner, but PRIEST IS THERE! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the door, then throws him into road cases! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the trunk of a car, and then again! Or since it’s London, “the boot.” The driver complains, but Priest BODY SLAMS that guy through a table! Drew comes back to KNEE Priest low, SMACK him off the trunk, and then off the side! They go to the hood, or bonnet for UK. Drew drags Priest up, but Priest CLAWS Drew’s eyes! Priest then sends Drew SOUTH OF HEAVEN through the windshield! Priest tells security that he’s done for now. Any more jokes, Drew? Didn’t think so! RIP, jackass!
Priest leaves, the producers hurry to help Drew, and Drew’s got glass in his eye! Will that glass help Drew see why he shouldn’t piss off the Punisher?
CM Punk heads to gorilla.
He has a security detail with him, and he passes by Drew writhing in pain. Punk chuckles, then continues on. Will his contract signing with Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins be just as brutal? We find out, after the break.
Nick Aldis is in the ring.
The SmackDown General Manager welcomes us back, and says it is his honor and privilege to be here in the O2 in London. Now, we all know why he and this table is here, and why additional security is here tonight. Tonight, we are here to sign a contract for a Triple Threat. Perhaps the biggest Triple Threat in the history of WrestleMania: Seth Rollins VS CM Punk VS Roman Reigns! The fans cheer all those names, and here comes the OTC! London puts the ones up, and Paul Heyman accompanies THE Tribal Chief out on stage. Roman raises his finger to the sky for the pyro, then security follows him to the ring.
SmackDown goes picture in picture as Roman’s entrance continues, and he raises his finger to the sky for the second round of pyro. Roman steps into the ring, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Heyman hands him a mic. The fans sing, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!” Roman nods, the fans cheer, and now they chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman tells London, “ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” The fans cheer again, and again chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman smiles, but he sees the chairs are not to his liking. Heyman makes sure to put one at the head of the table. Heyman also dusts the chair off while Roman enjoys the singing of, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!”
Roman takes a seat and says that was beautiful. The way they sing to their Tribal Chief, it’s just beautiful. The singing continues, and Heyman even joins in! Roman smiles, and he says that is what he’s talking about. That’s the OTC for you, baby! The biggest star on the planet! The OTC came here for two reasons. One: to be acknowledged; check! And two: to sign this contract. Roman does just that, and he says he’s checked both boxes. That means- “BURN IT DOWN!” Seth Rollins interrupts! The fans now sing, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Rollins struts out in his red wine paisley suit and conducts the O2 Choir all the way into the ring.
The fans cheer while Roman frowns, but Rollins takes the seat to Roman’s left. Rollins offers Heyman a chance to sing to this song, but Heyman frowns. Rollins chuckles, and he says the fans do have beautiful singing voices. He doesn’t know why Roman is in such a hurry to leave, though! This is their building! There’s a lot of history here! 12 years ago, they landed on the roof of this place in a helicopter! They came down those stairs over there, “ready to burn down the old guard!” They put the Undertaker down through the desk, and they were going to remake this company in their image!
Now don’t get him wrong, Rollins knows a lot has happened since then. They fought against each other, with each other, a little bit of love and a whole lot of hate. But Rollins dare says, as the fans continue to sing “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~,” that Rollins and Roman accomplished their mission. The fans start to chant for CM Punk, but Rollins tunes them out. Roman says, “We? We? You keep saying we. Our mission? We died a long time ago. It’s only been ME. You been here, but I done all the work! I’ve made this place what it is today! I took us to the level that we are here today! I made this place better than we found it!
“I’m the one that made us desirable to Netflix! I’m the one that took us into billion-dollar deals! Tell me, what have you done?” Rollins shouts, “I’ll tell you what I’ve done! YOU, YOU, YOU, it’s that mindset that keeps me having to screw you! You understand that? And your biggest mistake is not understanding the danger that’s right in front of us! The danger that’s right in front of you! You let the biggest snake in the world, CM Punk, into the garden! And you could’ve cut his head off at WarGames! But instead, you shook his hand. You could’ve let me finish him inside the cage at The Garden, but you didn’t. And now, I am left to do what I always do: Clean up your mess, again.”
Rollins drops his mic, picks up the pen, and signs his part. And now, here comes CM PUNK! The fans fire up and sing along with Cult of Personality, then join in on saying, “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME~!” Punk goes to the ring, but as he grabs a mic, he goes up a corner, just like he did last Friday. “I have come here to chew bubblegum and sign a contract. And I’m all outta bubblegum.” The fans cheer the Rowdy Roddy Piper reference, and Punk hops down to take his seat on Roman’s right. Punk looks over said contract, but Roman asks if Punk needs a highlighter or something. What’s he doing? Just go to page four, clause five.
Punk does as Roman says, but Roman says Punk needs to hurry, this is precious TV time. Punk reads the segment, Roman tells Heyman to just smarten Punk up. Heyman tells Punk he knows what Punk is looking for. It is in there. They’re closing the show at WrestleMania. The fans go wild hearing that! Heyman tells Punk that he gets to live his dream of dreams. CM Punk will be a WrestleMania main eventer! The fans cheer and while Roman smiles, Rollins is furious. Roman says, “One man’s dream is another man’s favor! CHECK!” Wait, this was the favor? Rollins says no! This is not something to laugh at, and Punk does not get to tear up!
Punk is NOT deserving! He does NOT deserve this! The fans boo but Rollins continues to throw a fit! Main eventing WrestleMania is SACRED, the most important thing in the world to Rollins! More than anything! Except the fact that Punk NEVER gets to main event! This is all Roman’s fault! This is all Heyman’s fault! Rollins THROWS his mic down, paces angrily, but Punk picks up the mic. The fans cheer Punk on again, and Punk stands to thank London, to thank Chicago, to thank Louisville, Kentucky, and to thank ALL the fans. As corny as it sounds, he thanks the WWE Universe who stood by him and chanted his name for TEN LONG YEARS!
Roman says hold on, hold on. Punk shouldn’t be thanking the fans! He should be thanking the Tribal Chief! It is because of Roman that Punk gets this honor! So please, take this moment, close the show with that acknowledgement! Do this the right way. The credits are already rolling as Punk kneels before Roman!? Punk smiles, and he thanks “My Tribal Chief, the holder of the ula fala, the Head of the Table, the… Big Dog? Thank you for allowing a kid from Chicago to be graced by your presence. Thank you, My Tribal Chief, for allowing me to stand in your ring. And thank you so much. Thank you, Roman Reigns, so very much.
“But because of you, I will see you in the main event of WrestleMania.” And again, Rollins is agonizing over this. Punk finishes putting his signature on the contract, and London tells him, “You Deserve It!” Punk thanks Roman again, and then says, “But that’s not the favor that I’m owed.” WHAT?! Roman looks at Heyman and Heyman can’t look him in the eye! If getting this Triple Threat made into the main event isn’t the gift of the Wise Man, then what is?!
My Thoughts:
A good SmackDown, but they pulled off quite the paradox. They made it feel like they were struggling to fill three hours, yet they also filled the show to the point where that contract signing segment was almost bleeding over the three hour mark. Ironically, part of the problem was just how excited the London crowd was for this. The superstars still wanted to enjoy the chants and songs, but that’s time SmackDown doesn’t have to spare. It made the opening promo from Cody, Orton and Drew take longer, and it kinda did the same to the contract signing at the end. Even so, we still got a very good promo, and good stuff to set up Orton VS McIntyre.
Orton VS McIntyre was a great match, but of course Kevin costs Orton. McIntyre gets his win, Kevin and Orton have a bit of a brawl, but of course Kevin ends up on the losing end and runs off. McIntyre’s trash talk also comes back to bite him as Priest gets the better of him in their brawl. Here’s hoping Drew didn’t actually get glass in his eye, but that being the thing in kayfabe can be some good stuff. I can imagine McIntyre with an eyepatch, and he takes it off at the opportune time to get the better of Priest in their match. Also what a fitting choice for Punk to be passing by Drew suffering because of real glass.
Very good title matches tonight, but of course the status quo was kept. Pretty Deadly gets to look great here in London, but the Profits only just got the belts, they’re not going to be transitional champions like that. And Knight VS Braun was really good stuff, but honestly, Jacob Fatu going after them both should’ve been a given. Jacob also had a great promo with Solo & Tama to start adding to that divide between Jacob and Solo. I would hope Solo doesn’t screw Jacob out of the US Championship, but it feels like he will as Solo won’t stand for Jacob defying his authority, even though Solo’s been trying to make Jacob the champion all along.
Very good stuff from Jimmy Uso tonight, from his promo with #MeloDon’tMiz and then a great match with Miz. Their match ended up the de facto main event match, so that’s also great for both guys. Great win for Jimmy, but that’s likely because Jimmy is losing big time to Gunther on Monday. And it might just be me, but it feels like only now is the Jey VS Gunther build really moving, largely in part because Jimmy got involved. Jimmy’s promo after his match is something along the lines of what Jey should be saying. But I suppose as brothers, Jimmy is the one who knows Jey best and knows what Jey needs to be motivated again. And seeing Jimmy get beat up by Gunther will definitely motivate Jey…
Good final vignettes for Rey Fenix and Aleister Black. I’m a little surprised they confirmed Rey Fenix is showing up next week, and that they confirmed who Rey Fenix even is. I believe commentary confirmed Rey Fenix is Penta’s real brother, even namedropped “Lucha Brothers,” but all that is still surprising considering Fenix is going to start on SmackDown. Aleister’s vignette (at least I am fairly confident it’s his) was giving us glimpses of his silhouette, but I think there was usage of AI in the snake imagery. It was fine they did it for El Grande Americano because that is all trolling, but they really should try and do things the old fashioned way of photoshop and stock imagery.
Very good stuff in the Women’s Division tonight, though the WWE Women’s Championship portion was the weaker. Naomi’s got a great Heel persona going, her promo was great, and her going after B-Fab & Michin over them supporting Jade was a great detail. Jade runs Naomi off, helps B-Fab, but there was no helping Michin in being fed to Charlotte. Tiffany had a decent promo, and it does fit how Charlotte kept her from speaking so she finally gets things out here. It didn’t really add that much, though, but they already gave us a great brawl so not sure what more they can give.
KC Squared VS The Secret Her-vice was a very good match, but of course Chelsea made sure her team won. A Six Woman Tag of Zelina & KC Squared VS The Green Administration is certainly coming, to help give us Zelina VS Chelsea for the Women’s US Championship.
My Score: 8.7/10
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: 3.27.2025
Bad news out of the TNA management side, but this is a taped episode from El Paso! So we won’t see any of the fallout just yet!
Now we all heard the news about the TNA change in hierarchy, and I…have no positive outlook on that. Delirious sucked at booking and creative in the dying days of ROH before it got bought as a B show. Dreamer having even more control is concerning because his ideas the last two years haven’t been much better.
Gail leaving makes more sense to me. Be it firing or a “you can’t quit, you’re fired” kind of situation, the Knockouts division is the worst it’s been in a long time and Gail was close with Scott D’Amore. So I don’t think Gail parting ways is as big of a problem since TNA has slowly been bleeding out with the Scott faithful.
Granted, I think the next few shows were already taped before the firing so things shouldn’t be completely unwatchable for at least a week or two. So let’s see where we’re going.
.@WeAreRosemary sends @XiaBrookside a CHILLING message!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/srciTTbel0
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Ratings:
- Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge: Ash wins via Rarefied Air – ** 1/4
- Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr: Chavo wins via Gory Bomb into Frog Splash – *** 1/4
- Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich: Masha wins via Russian Death Device – ***
- Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin: Eric wins via Piledriver – ** 1/2
- Seto & Mokuba – I mean – Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater: Nic wins via Danger Zone – *** 1/4
Results:
Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge
Ash and Gigi start off, Gigi with a little Rascalz after her first takedown. So both her and Wentz are making it obvious something’s going on between them, and I’m not mad at it. Good for my man Wentz.
Tatum and Gigi get some quick tandem offense in, Ash does manage to scurry off to a tag and Heather gets bent into a Pretzel. Some kind of Inverted Tarantula from Tatum, Gigi tags in, Bronco Buster on Heather followed by Kawada Kicks. Heather sells against the ropes, Gigi goes for a Hesitation Dropkick, but Concierge pulls her away so Gigi crashes and burns. Ref is distracted, Ash gets in some cheap shots and then the Elegant duo starts working over Gigi. A few quick tags, but once Heather comes in, Gigi fights out of the corner, gets the hot tag to Tatum. Tatum stacks up both Elegance members, Corner Stacked Crossbody, Butterfly Suplex and an Elbow Drop with some some flare. Tatum goes to the top rope, Heather pulls Gigi off the apron, Concierge shoves Tatum off the turnbuckle and Ash hits Rarefied Air for the win.
Post match the Elegance Clique wants to make their wish with the cake, they light the candles and Tatum and Gigi recover enough to do what we all expected last week, the cake in the face spot. Some…suggestive licking from both of our Hot Topic Hotties, so…no complaints here.
.@Ashamae_Sebera, @Heathereckless and @IamGeorgeIceman are having a meltdown!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/FnKwPqm2ff
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr
Chavo and Kaz start since he’s King Petty, a quick rope run turns into a Headscissor from Chavo. Kaz recovers, they lock up, Kaz hits the Knee Lift during the lock up to tag out to KC. KC pulls off some athletic dodges, gloats a bit so Chavo waits, measures and nails a gorgeous Dropkick. Laredo comes in on fire, quick high spots that send KC bouncing around like HBK against Hulk. KC powders after sells the Satellite Takedown, AJ checks on him and we go to commercial.
Back from commercial, Octagon is lighting up KC’s chest with overhand chops, he perches, Sunset Headscissor Flip from corner to corner, KC tries to Back Drop him but Octagon does a headstand, kicks KC away and lays him out with a high spot. AJ gets on the apron to stop Octagon from running the ropes, the referee has a stroke or something because he stops paying attention and AJ pulls Octagon out of the ring and chucks him. KC with the Tope con Hilo and tag (tag ropes haven’t mattered since the 80s we all know this). So AJ is getting taunted by the crowd in Spanish, but he’s manhandling Octagon since it looks like a Child fighting their parent. AJ knocks off Chavo and Laredo, Laredo pops up and tries to get involved but he’s caught on the shoulders, Octagon goes for the Crossbody but gets caught and AJ pulls off “World’s Strongest Wasteland” but Chavo breaks up the pinfall. AJ throws Octagon into the corner, Tennessee Whiskey, and tag out to KC. KC hits a few moves, but starts to lose the momentum until he connects with a Super Kick. Simultaneous rope run into the Dueling Crossbodies, so we get the timely tag outs from both sides. Kaz and Laredo come in, Laredo lands like two moves before Kaz hits a Sole Butt, Lariat and eats his lunch. KC and Kaz try to double team Laredo but he fights out and the crowd is chanting for Chavo.
Chavo tags in, and he’s rocking KC, Saito Suplex, Low Bridge to AJ, Reverse the Whip so Chavo goes to the corner and perches, KC feeds, Chavo Backflips to safety, rolls through and lays out KC. Chavo is feeling himself, 3 Amigos start on KC but only 2, Kaz comes in and Chavo switches to Kaz for the Amigos, only 2 again before AJ breaks it up. AJ goes for the disrespect, but Chavo counters and hits the 3 Amigos on the biggest Culero. Aztec Warriors dive to stop AJ and Kaz, KC tries a Dirty Victory Roll but Chavo kicks out. GORY BOMB into FROG SPLASH!
Chavo looked fantastic and he’s the one in the best shape in the ring. I wouldn’t be mad at more Chavito.
Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich
I expect very little from this match.
Collar and Elbow, gator rolling for the first 30 seconds or so, then Jacy goes to some Hair Pull takedowns and does a little taunt before Masha pops back up and hits a Lariat into a Dive. Jacy sells it like she’s really hurt, even the ref tries to hold Masha back a little before Masha gets annoyed and just grabs her, Masha throws her in, looks for a Dive and Jacy sees it and powders. Masha tries to go back to the well for the Dive again but Jacy hits the Uppercut and then an Apron Run PK to drop Masha. Forearms rain down into a Foot Choke as Jacy continues to arrogantly play to the crowd. Another Foot Choke into a Cannonball, and near fall.
Masha gets space with a Sole Butt, tries to snap off Requiem but Jacy fights off, fights through a Sunset Flip another effective PK keeps Masha on her ass. Jacy looks for a kinda half-assed Camel Clutch as Masha is fighting up, but Jacy runs her into the corner, gets distracted mouthing off to the crowd, so Masha recovers, 5 Hole Up Kick sends Jacy into the corner, Yakuza Kick into Capo Kick for two. Requiem attempt again, but Jacy pushes off, a little back and forth, Masha tries a Backslide but Jacy gets away and hits a V-Trigger but only a 2 count. Jacy looks for the Discus Punch but Masha ducks it, they strike back and forth, but some dodges from both leave the exchange more even. Jacy with the Front Kick to the face sends Masha to the outside. Jacy wants another PK, but Masha blocks, Electric Chair Apron Snake Eyes. Masha throws her in, a PK into a near all. Requiem attempt 3, and thwarted from Jacy with a Superkick into a Neckbreaker. Senton misses from Jacy, Buzzsaw Kick, into Spinning Back Kick and Russian Death Device for the win.
Better than I expected, and Tessa attacks as soon as the bell rings. Xia Brookside and Lei Ying Li make the save after Tessa grabs the belt.
Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin
Ace and Eric tie up, World of Sport start but as soon as Ace starts to get away EY punches him in the face. Eric looks at the camera and says “This is what trust looks like”, turns his back on Ace, when Ace looks to attack, the loser duo cut him off. EY takes advantage of the weird situation, but Ace with some Up and Over quick spots, into an Inside Cradle and La Magistral. EY kicks out of the quick flash attempts, but eats a Dropkick, and Ace goes all Speed Kils on him with fast strikes and then a face buster for another near fall. Strike spot very early in the match, Ace gets the best of it, goes for a Tear Drop Suplex but EY sits on it to block, Headlocks to keep him close and then a snap Lariat into beatdown bully tactics. EY takes the referee’s attention and one of the nerds punch Ace in the face.
Eric tries to lean on Ace, but Ace fires, a few strikes, Click Click Boom, the Miz Seated Lariats in the corner, Mochizuki Triangle Kick connects! Only a 2 count, but Ace seems to be in control. Ace puts EY on the ropes, a few strikes to keep him rocked, wants a Superplex, but EY blocks, bites the face and Macho Elbow gets a very close two count. EY tries the Piledriver but Ace turns it into a Jacknife Cradle,Spinning Heel Kick, calls for The Fold, but the losers hop on the apron to distract, Ace attacks them. Ace tries to time out the Triangle Kick again, but Eric dodges, throws Ace head first through the buckles. As Ace stumbles out of the corner, Piledriver, and it’s over.
Oh look it’s the “we’ll hear from Joe Hendry” segment. Again, I’ve loved this gimmick since Day 1, even didn’t hate his What Culture Pro stuff, but there is such a thing as milking a cow too much.
Elijah interrupts the whole “Who’s next” speech. When Elijah comes out he says he’s not the challenger and he believes in Joe. The crowd wants Elijah to turn on Hendry. Elijah pauses for a moment, and starts proving his friendship with stating his favorite color and a little “You Got a Friend in Me”. The crowd is into singing along and waving their cameras like Lighters to a 30 year old song. THANKFULLY Kaz breaks up the hug fest. Now he gets the “Culero” chant.
Kaz pulls out a Bass…what the hell is this Jam Session. Kaz has to warm up so he plays “La Cucaracha” on the bass. Kaz…is a national treasure. Hendry kicks Kaz out of the ring after his Heelish and playfully racially charged song choices. Kaz tries to sow dissension, but Joe and Elijah pinball Kaz between them. Kaz slips a power move and tries to shove Elijah into Joe but Elijah puts the brakes on, a small tense moment. But then Joe and Elijah play “Nah Nah Nah Nah, Hey Hey, Goodbye”…and that goes right into a commercial. Oddly…perfect.
Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater
Nic shoots the half immediately for a flash pinfall but Leon kicks out at one. Nic continues to keep things grounded with his amateur wrestling skills, and then does a little Dolph Ziggler show off. So Nic isn’t really taking this seriously, and Leon starts getting the best of things with an Arm Wringer, into drag, Shoulder Tackle and rope run as Nic tries to Leap Frog and Leon puts on the brakes and just shoves Nic on his ass. Nic gets annoyed, a few strikes, grinds his face along the ropes, but Leon keeps stringing some offense together, Back Handspring Elbow into his Corner con Hilo.
Ahh the classic formula of the commercial gives the heel the advantage, Twisting Suplex from Leon stops Nic’s offense momentum, right hand, Leon lifts Nic up for something, Nic slips it, kicks him in the gut, looks for the FameAsser, but Leon catches him into a Blue Thunder Bomb variation. Slater wants the Swanton 450, but Nic powders. Leon tries to adjust into a Dive, but Nic cuts him off, counter for counter and a FameAsser out of the counters for a two count. Nic starts the big brother tactics, bootwashes and arrogance, Slater fires, punches into a Yakuza Kick. Leon wants another Lethal Injection variant, but Nic catches him into a Rear Naked Choke. Slater tries to turn it into a pin so Nic breaks it. Leon wants a Leg Lariat but misses and gets unceremoniously dropped by Nic. Nic puts Leon up on the buckles, Superplex possibly but Slater counters, tries to collect himself for a move, but Nic falls into the ropes to crotch Leon, and finally hits the Superplex.
Twist of Slate from Leon, Swanton 450 but knees get up. Locomotion Cradles from both but they kick out, Ryan picks the ankle to trip up Leon just a touch and then Danger Zone ends the match.
Ryan starts the post match beatdown, but the Hardy’s music hits and they come down to the ring for the save. Matt challenges the Nemeths for Rebellion because they’re not medically cleared yet.
Overall Score: 6.5/10
Decent story motion, no match was offensive, and there was actually some solid match action for television standards. I don’t have a ton to complain about aside from the Knockouts Division is in a weird spot, and giving Hendry a lot of just talking and hollow payoff segments feels stupid. If we need to hear from him every week, give him a talk segment like Highlight Reel or something. Yes I know First Class just got The Penthouse, but if Hendry is going to talk more than wrestle, give him a talk segment for us to sink our teeth into.
There was the announcement that Xia, Lei Ying and Masha will face Tessa, Jacy and a mystery partner. So you gotta wonder if there’s going to be another NXT mercenary, a surprise return or if it’ll just be Rosemary since she’s got her issues with Xia. Also I just realized that Unbreakable is going to be on a Thursday, seemingly after iMPACT? I’m gonna have to see how they do it, because if there’s an Impact episode and 2-3 hour PLE…I do not want to be awake until 1am. People need to work, and I will be Unwakeable if things go that long.
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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