Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (5/9/22)
Fallout from Backlash!
What’s next for RKBRO?
WrestleMania Backlash has come and gone, but RKBRO was on the losing end. How will the Raw Tag Team Champions handle the rebound?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Raw Tag Team Championships: RKBRO VS The Street Profits; RKBRO wins and retains the titles.
- Liv Morgan VS Rhea Ripley w/ Judgement Day; Ripley wins.
- Finn Balor w/ AJ Styles VS Damian Priest w/ Judgement Day; Balor wins, by disqualification.
- Sonya Deville VS Alexa Bliss; Bliss wins.
- Ezekiel VS Ken Owens; No Contest.
- Veer Mahaan VS Frank Lowman; Veer wins.
- WWE United States Championship: (Austin) Theory VS Cody Rhodes; Cody wins by disqualification, Theory retains the title.
- Sasha Banks & Naomi VS “Doudrop” Piper Niven & Nikki A.S.H; Sasha & Naomi win.
- Mustafa Ali VS Tommaso Ciampa, The Miz as special guest referee; Ciampa wins.
- Raw Women’s Championship Contender’s Match: Bianca Belair VS Asuka; Belair wins by disqualification, Asuka is denied a title match.
PLAY BY PLAY
RKBRO heads to the ring!
Randy Orton & Matt Riddle are still only Raw Tag Team Champions, even after losing to The Bloodline alongside Drew McIntyre. But will they still be Raw Tag Team Champions after tonight? Or will Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins get that gold back?
Before the match, Orton & Riddle get the mics and fans chant for “Randy! Randy!” Randy starts with welcoming the fans to the show. And unfortunately, at Backlash, he and Riddle gave it everything they got but lost the battle to the Bloodline. But before it’s all said and done, they will win the war. It was the Usos’ idea in the first place to go for tag title unification, but it didn’t happen, did it? Nothing was on the line last night because during the contract signing, the Big Dog, Roman Reigns, tore up the contract because he knows the Usos can’t hold a candle to RKBRO.
So here’s what happens, Usos! RKBRO want those SmackDown Tag Team Championships and unify the titles to become UNDISPUTED WWE Tag Team Champions of the World! Riddle adds that since the Usos can’t figure things out on their own and the Tribal Chief decides things for them, RKBRO will be going to SmackDown this Friday to go right up to the chief and demand that tag title unification match! Fans like the sound of that. And if Roman says no, then just goes to show that Roman has no confidence in his cousins. But that doesn’t matter, because the bros are still gonna show up with the scooter and… Randy being Randy cuz that’s all he needs as the Viper!
But here come their challengers! Ford & Dawkins have mics, and Ford sighs. “RKBRO. First and foremost, we must say… Ahhh… Tough loss last night.” Dawkins says the Bloodline is tough, but like the Profits showed, those ain’t the ones you need to worry about, the Profits are. And RKBRO wants to settle unfinished business with the Bloodline. But remember here tonight in Connecticut, the three most important words: #WeGotNext! It is Ford & Dawkins, the Profits, who will unify those tag team championships! RKBRO talking smack but didn’t mention the Profits once. Well maybe those 4/20 shirts got them all fogged up. But in a couple minutes, RKBRO VS Profits for the Raw tag titles.
And when the smoke clears, just like Genesis, not only do the Profits want the Raw Tag titles, but #WeWantTheSmoke! So they want the smoke? Yes, that’s what Ford said. Well Riddle says RKBRO 4/20 says “We just smoked your asses!” And they’ll do it with the three most dangerous letters in sports entertainment: R K BRO! This is going to get all fired up, after the break!
Raw Tag Team Championships: RKBRO VS The Street Profits!
Raw returns and the introductions are made. The belts are raised and we see who is meeting the Usos for a date with destiny!
Ford starts with Riddle and fans rally as they circle. They tie up, Ford goes for a roll-up, TWO! Ford facelocks, cradles, TWO! Ford gets around for another roll-up, TWO! Ford pats Riddle on the head, then mocks Orton’s pose. Riddle gets up and circles with Ford again. They tie up, and Riddle gets a FLYING ARMBAR! Ford stacks, TWO, and Riddle shoots in to jump on for a SLEEPER HOLD! Ford fights free, but Riddle rolls him up. TWO, but Riddle pats Ford on the head in return. Riddle does the Orton pose and fans fire up. Fans chant “BRO! BRO! BRO!” and Ford gets heated. Ford and Riddle tie up again, Riddle headlocks but Ford powers out.
Ford bypasses Riddle to dropkick him down! Ford dusts himself off and taunts Orton, then he brings Riddle up. Dawkins tags in, they whip and run Riddle over, then cover. TWO, but Dawkins keeps close. Dawkins brings Riddle up but Riddle shoots around to gut wrench! Dawkins blocks, powers out, runs to hurdle and FLYING ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Dawkins watches Riddle go to a corner, runs in, but the cyclone gets buckles! Riddle KICKS and KICKS and KICKS and has Dawkins in the corner. Tag to Orton and fans fire up! Orton throws EuroUppers, brings Dawkins up and bumps him off buckles.
Orton goes corner to corner to bump Dawkins off more buckles, then he climbs up to rain down fists! The fans count along, and Orton stops at 9 to put some stank on 10! Orton snapmares, then gives Riddle the ASSISTED FLOATING BRO! Cover, TWO! Riddle whips but Ford tags in, Dawkins reverses but Riddle holds ropes. Riddle headscissors Dawkins out, but Dawkins blocks Penalty Kick to trip Riddle up! Then Ford FLIES and takes Riddle out at the ramp! Fans fire up and Orton is worried for Riddle as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Riddle throws body shots and forearms on Ford! Fans rally, Riddle reaches but Ford keeps him from Orton! Riddle throws more forearms but Ford holds on! Ford then reels Riddle in for a LARIAT! Ford drags Riddle up, suplexes, but Riddle slips out and ripcords, FINAL FLASH! Both men fall back, tag to Dawkins and Orton! The Viper rallies with lariats, then ducks to POWERSLAM! Then POWERSLAM for Ford! Dawkins is in the ropes, Orton gives him the DRAPING DDT! Fans are fired up as Orton hears the voices in his head! RK_ NO! Dawkins powers out but Riddle tags in!
Dawkins DECKS Orton, Riddle FINAL FLASH KNEES! Ford runs in but Riddle TOSSES him! Riddle goes up and out and checks on Orton. Then he PENALTY KICKS Ford! Orton sets Ford up, SPRINGBOARD FLOATING BRO, but Ford moves! Only Orton takes the hit! Feed to the ANOINTING! Ford tags and climbs, FROM THE HEAVENS!! Cover, Orton breaks it in time!! Ford cannot believe Orton came back! Dawkins brings Orton up but Orton throws him out. Orton smacks Dawkins off barriers, Ford ducks a roundhouse to ENZIGURI! Ford goes back up, he wants it again! FROM THE- RKO!?!? Cover, RKBRO wins!!
Winners: RKBRO, by pinfall (still Raw Tag Team Champions)
Even Orton was amazed by that one! And after that RKO from the heavens, is it a done deal that the Raw and SmackDown Tag Team Champions are going to Hell… in a Cell?
Kevin Patrick interviews (Austin) Theory on stage.
The WWE United States Champion is representing A-Town here in Connecticut, and Kevin asks him how he feels about his match with Cody Rhodes, who has been in sensational form beating Seth Rollins twice. Theory doesn’t need to prepare. He can do this all day. he is the youngest WWE United States Champion for a reason! He’s already great and barely scratching the surface of his potential. But do you hear that? Before Cody’s return at WrestleMania, Theory was practically in diapers when Cody was in the WWE. Theory doesn’t give a damn about Cody or the past, or respecting history! He is about the future, because the future is the WWE United States Champion, THEORY! But will Theory be taking a victory selfie? Or deleting this from his social media timeline?
Judgement Day heads to the ring.
Damian Priest and Edge are joined by their newest member, Rhea Ripley, as they descend upon the arena. They used their numbers to cast down AJ Styles at Backlash, but what will they do next? We find out, after the break.
Raw returns and fans boo as Edge has the mic. Edge says they formed Judgement Day because they were tired of being sheep like all the fans. What did that get them? Edge got a Hall of Fame ring, sure, but he’s bigger than the Hall of Fame! And it also got him surgeries on just about any part of his body. Did fans care that he fought his way back? No! They just sit there with their supposed morals but hide their resentment, go home to their keyboards and make asinine comments! Fans hate what he says because it’s true! Judgement Day holds a mirror up to each and every one of them! They hate what they see because for one, they’re ugly.
When they look in a mirror, Judgement Day loves what they see. And for all the morons here in Hartford–because if you live in Hartford, you are a moron–but what all they don’t understand is that nothing and no one can touch Judgement Day! Fans chant “You Suck!” but Edge eggs them on. Priest says that the truth hurts. Individually, Edge and Priest could destroy each and every one of the fans’ favorites. But together, they’ve become even more! Together, they’re something else. And if you thought what they did to Styles was bad, just imagine adding an instrument of brutality like Rhea Ripley!
With that said, all rise! Priest said ALL RISE! This is the newest member of Judgement Day, Rhea Ripley! Rhea smiles then scowls as she says, “Joining Judgement Day was the easiest decision of my life. Edge, Damian, I saw the two of you change for the better, and I wanted that for myself.” Rhea is done signing autographs at the airport for all the little kids who want to be just like her when they grow up. Those autographs then get sold on eBay! Rhea is done being used. And that is why she joined Judgement Day. Speaking of being used, she has unfinished business she has to attend to: Liv Morgan! Liv will no longer ride Rhea’s coattails. Tonight, Rhea gives Liv a reason to cry when she absolutely destroys her!
Edge says unrealized potential is what this is about! Priest the punishment, Rhea the eradicator! They were ships without rudders, but Edge has given them direction! They have taken their fate into their own hands as his Saints of Fate! Listen up! A few weeks ago, Edge pulled Rhea aside and told her in his humble opinion that Liv was holding her down, like an albatross in the shape of a human sized LOL Doll. Poor lil’ Liv. Edge is the reason the fans’ favorite little tag team split up! Edge saw Rhea being wasted away. She was a juggernaut living in the slow lane instead of running everything over like she can!
Edge’s message… No, it’s even more than that! This MOVEMENT is not done. Judgement Day isn’t stopping, they’re just looking for more. But here comes Liv! Will Liv make sure Rhea is the one living a nightmare tonight? Or will Judgement Day sentence her to a Riptide?
Liv Morgan VS Rhea Ripley w/ Judgement Day!
Raw returns again and the bell rings. Liv and Rhea go right after each other with fast hands, but then Rhea shoves and HEADBUTTS Liv down! Edge and Priest are amused as Rhea TOSSES Liv to a corner, then RAMS into her! Rhea drags Liv up to TOSS her across the way, then runs in, into a BOOT! Liv runs into body shots and haymakers from Rhea, then Rhea RAMS into Liv again! Rhea digs her shoulder in, lets off at the ref’s count, and then Rhea hoists Liv up top. Rhea ROCKS Liv, adjusts, ROCKS her again, then climbs up after her. Liv throws body shots and trips Rhea up! Then Liv goes Old School to RANA!
Rhea staggers up into a SHOTGUN dropkick! Rhea is on the ropes, but she BOOTS Liv down! Edge loves it as Rhea covers, TWO! Rhea is annoyed but she drags Liv into some ground ‘n’ pound. Rhea says Liv did this to herself because she’s such a failure. Rhea rains down more shots, then lets off to pace around. Rhea drags Liv up to dribble her off the mat! Fans rally for Liv but Rhea CLUBS Liv down. Rhea scuffs Liv, stalks her, and she chokes Liv on the ropes! Edge mocks Liv’s pain while Rhea KICKS Liv down. Rhea scowls as fans rally for Liv. Rhea dribbles Liv off the mat again and again!
Liv flounders to a corner but Rhea drags her back up. Rhea CLUBS Liv down, then wraps on a body scissor squeeze. Liv endures, even as Rhea pulls on an ear. Liv and Rhea shout at each other, and Liv powers back to a cover, TWO! Rhea CLOBBERS Liv again! Cocky cover, TWO! Rhea stomps Liv down, then stands on her to grind her boot like she’s crushing a bug. Rhea tells Liv to stay down but Liv refuses. So Rhea hooks her up, RIP- NO! Liv slips out, shoves, dodges and fires forearms! Rhea swings, misses, and Liv fires off fast hands! Fans fire up as Liv kicks, kicks and ENZIGURIS! Rhea wobbles, into the FLOATING DDT!
Rhea flounders back up, Liv runs to springboard and FLYING CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO! Rhea is still in this and Judgement Day looks worried for their new member. But then Rhea EDDY GORDO KICKS from below! Rhea runs but into an elbow! Liv goes up and up and missile flops as Rhea dodges! Rhea mule kicks then ties up the legs, PRISM TRAP! Liv endures, reaches out, but Rhea bends the legs! Liv taps, Rhea wins!
Winner: Rhea Ripley, by submission
Edge smiles, proven right about the brutality he has reinvigorated within Rhea. But to that point, he nods, and Rhea gets Liv back in the PRISM TRAP! Liv endures as Rhea thrashes her around with no remorse! Edge won’t let the ref get in, even as Liv taps again! But wait, here comes FINN BALOR! Priest stares the Prince down, but then Finn throws up the Too Sweet. Because here comes AJ STYLES! The Phenomenal One and Finn throw it up, and Finn is about to throw down with the Archer of Infamy! Will Judgement Day be on the receiving end of their own punishment?
Finn Balor w/ AJ Styles VS Damian Priest w/ Judgement Day!
Raw returns yet again and the bell rings. They tie up, Finn waistlocks then goes after an arm. Priest stays up, powers up, and he scoops Finn, but Finn slips off. Finn headlocks, Priest powers out and runs Finn over. Edge nods but fans rally for Finn. Finn CHOPS, kicks and wrenches, but Priest ROCKS Finn to KICK him. Priest ROCKS Finn again, then whips him corner to corner hard. Priest runs in to back elbow! Priest runs more but Finn dropkicks the leg out! Finn KICKS that leg, then has it in the ropes to pull on it! The ref counts, Finn lets off, but Priest grabs Finn’s ears! The ref counts but Priest BELL CLAPS!
Priest CLOBBERS Finn and Edge likes what he sees. Priest fires haymakers, kicks, stomps, but the ref counts. Priest lets off at 4, then snarls as he drags Finn up. BROKEN ARROW! Cover, TWO! Priest clamps onto an arm but Finn endures. Finn fights up and JAWBREAKERS! Fans fire up, Finn gets to a corner, and he BOOTS Priest from the corner. Finn runs, but into a FLAPJACK! Cover, TWO! Priest clamps on with a chinlock and he digs a knee into Finn’s back. Finn endures again and Styles coaches him. Priest pushes Finn to a cover, TWO! Priest then clamps onto the chinlock again as he grinds Finn down.
Fans rally, Finn fights up, and he throws body shots. Priest knees low, whips Finn to ropes and tilt-o-whirls, but Finn slips into a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Both men are down and fans rally up! Finn stands to KICK and CHOP and KICK! Finn whips, Priest reverses but Finn dropkicks the leg! Finn then trips Priest for some ground ‘n’ pound! Priest shoves Finn away but Finn trips Priest to DOUBLE STOMP! Fans fire up and Finn has Priest in a corner for a CHOP! Finn rams his shoulder in again and again, then whips. Priest reverses but Finn reverses back, only for Priest to choke grip! But Finn wheelbarrows to a victory roll, TWO!
Priest runs but into a SLINGBLADE! Fans fire up and Finn clotheslines Priest out of the ring! Priest falls at Edge’s feet and Finn builds speed! But then Rhea stands in the way! Fans boo, Edge SPEARS Finn outta nowhere!
Winner: Finn Balor, by disqualification
Styles goes after Edge! Fans are thunderous but Priest drags Styles up! Styles counter punches, so Rhea gets in! Styles hesitates to hit Rhea, but Edge POSTS Styles! Judgement Day isn’t done there, Priest sets Styles up, LEG SWEEP SPEAR COMBO!! Judgement Day stands tall as the boos rain down, but will the mountain of omnipotence not be moved?
Kevin Owens talks with The Alpha Academy.
Chad Gable explains that the technicians will pinpoint chromosomes, do some comparative analysis, see how it all aligns and- Kevin doesn’t understand, these words mean nothing to him. What is Chad getting at? Well, remember the red Solo cup they confiscated from Ezekiel? Er, Elias? Right, right, yeah. Chad had it sent to his friends in the DNA lab. Wow, he’s got friends in THE DNA Lab? Wow. Chad says that by next week, we’ll have irrefutable evidence that Ezekiel has been lying and that he IS Elias. No way! That’s amazing! No more lies, no more faulty devices. And perfect timing. Because tonight, Kevin has a very special guest.
Every year, Nova Scotia has a Grand Prix tournament. His brother “Ken” has won it three times. He’s a legend! Ken was supposed to be here closer to SummerSlam, but Ken was able to be here tonight! He is! And he’ll compete against Ezekiel! No, wait, ELIAS. Anyway, tonight, the lies are done. Kevin’s “older brother” beats the truth out of Elias. It’ll be great. Wait, is this what it sounds like?
Omos and MVP head to the ring!
The Nigerian Giant, the Colossus, was victorious over the Rocky Mountain Machine, Bobby Lashley, at Backlash, but with a huge assist from Montel Vontavius Porter. What happens as they celebrate in the VIP Lounge? We’ll see, after the break.
Raw returns as Omos and MVP stand in the ring, with security at the ramp. MVP says this can only mean one thing: big, big, BIG things poppin’, little things stoppin’, so sit back and enjoy the view, because the VIP Lounge is for people better than you. So everyone needs to stand up and show respect to the man that dominated and defeated the so-called All Mighty at Backlash! This is the 7’3″ 403 pound Nigerian Giant, OMOS! Fans boo instead. MVP says respect the man who proved that MVP has been speaking the truth. Lashley became All Mighty because MVP did that. And then Lashley’s ego got so big that he didn’t want to share the spotlight.
Lashley went to WrestleMania 38 and hogged all the glory, leaving the man that made him WWE World Champion at home on the sidelines! That ungrateful so-called- Oh, wait, here comes Cedric Alexander. He wants to bust it wide open! “We did it! We did it!” Alexander is so proud of the big man. Everything MVP said was facts, no filler. Alexander wants to be let in, MVP shouts at the guy to step aside, and the guard moves. Alexander says with MVP’s intellect, Omos’s size and strength, and Alexander’s technical prowess, they can SMASH anyone that steps in their way. Uh, no, what is this “we” “they” stuff?
Alexander says it’s the three of them. Omos put down Lashley! MVP stops Alexander there. MVP still likes Alexander but- Here comes LASHLEY! MVP is furious and now he wants the security to do their job. Lashley CLOBBERS the first guy, SPINEBUSTERS the second, then scoops the third to POST him! Then he back drops another! Alexander aims form the apron to leap, into Lashley’s arms! Lashley TOSSES Alexander into barriers, then gets in the ring to stare Omos down. Omos shoves, Lashley dodges to clothesline Omos out of the ring! Omos lands on his feet, but Lashley glare at MVP! Alexander jumps on but Lashley tosses him again!
MVP bails out, Lashley rips up another VIP Lounge set! Alexander springboards back in, into a HURT LOCK! Lashley thrashes Alexander and Alexander taps so Lashley throws him down. MVP and Omos bail, this is not the time nor the place. But will they have no choice but to face the wrath of All Mighty Bobby Lashley?
Adam Pearce talks with Sonya Deville.
Sonya says enough with this investigation! We all know that whether she’s in the ring or acting as a WWE Official, she does things by the book and gets the job done. Who is she facing tonight? She is in rare form. Oh, as in wants to change rules to suit her? There can’t be any of that, they have to have a conversation. Well they can have it after her match tonight. Who is she facing? Well, a quality competitor- Sonya says it doesn’t matter. It’s not personal, it’s just business. Sonya smirks and exits on her new catchphrase, but will she regret not hearing who she’s facing?
Sonya Deville VS ???
Raw returns and Pearce has things hold on a moment. He was going to tell Sonya earlier, but the formal investigation into Sonya’s conduct has concluded. Upper management has found Sonya recklessly and unprofessionally abused her power, so it his duty to inform her that her contract as an official is TERMINATED! She is still a WWE Superstar, though, and he was going to tell her the name of her opponent. It’s… ALEXA BLISS! Fans are fired up to have the Five Feet of Fury back, and Sonya is in a tailspin! Will Sonya crash and burn against Twisted Bliss?
The bell rings and fans cheer Alexa while Sonya seems to realize she’s in a match. Sonya rushes in, Alexa dodges and kicks back to hit a DDT! Sonya flounders, Alexa drags her to a drop zone and goes up top! TWISTED BLISS! Cover, Alexa wins!
Winner: Alexa Bliss, by pinfall
And just like that, she’s baaack~! Will the former Raw Women’s Champion be looking to return to the top soon enough? Will Sonya ever get over losing her authority?
Ezekiel VS Ken Owens!
So, the Drifter’s younger brother is taking on the Prizefighter’s older brother, but no one can be sure if any of that is real. Either way, will Ezekiel have another big win in the WWE? Or will the KO family have reason to celebrate?
Raw returns and “Ken” makes his entrance. It’s still to Kevin’s theme song, and clearly Kevin grayed up his beard and put on a messy wig. Ezekiel sure isn’t falling for it. “Ken” asks Ezekiel his name, and introduces himself. Ezekiel says hi to Ken, but Kevin doesn’t want him to do that. No one believes Ezekiel and Elias are different people. Okay, maybe some dumbasses do, but no one here. The ones in the back who call him “Ezekiel” are just playing along. No one buys this act, okay? Just to prove a point, Kevin asks the fans by show of hands who actually believes. Pretty much everyone raises their hands.
Did those same people finish high school? You’re either idiots or liars! And who knows what is worse! No, lying is worse! Kevin can’t stand them! Ezekiel is the worst! Ezekiel tells Ken that Ken doesn’t need to raise his voice. Kevin probably wouldn’t approve. Aha, see! Kevin would love the way Ken talks because it’s how Kevin talks because THIS IS KEVIN! You knew it all along, just like you’re Elias! So just admit it! Ezekiel is shocked. He is not Elias, and he could see that right now would be the right time for his brother to come out and sing a lullaby so Ken can calm down. Kevin DECKS Ezekiel! And then fires off more shots!
The ref wants Kevin to stop but Ezekiel hits back! And stomps away in the corner! The Alpha Academy appear, but Ezekiel BOOTS Chad! Otis gets in to CLOBBER Ezekiel, and now it’s 3v1! Kevin and Chad set Ezekiel up for Otis’ SPLASH! Otis kicks the Ken wig and then drags Ezekiel back up. Otis and Chad feed Ezekiel to Kevin’s STUNNER! “A THANK YEW~!” Kevin couldn’t get what he wanted to hear out of Ezekiel, but will Ezekiel let actions speak for him?
Adam Pearce talks with Asuka backstage.
He tells the Empress of Tomorrow that she is more than deserving of a match with Bianca Belair. Asuka thanks her, but Becky Lynch walks in and says “deserve” is a funny word. The Man is the greatest Raw Women’s Champion ever and she still hasn’t gotten a rematch. But then Asuka just reappears and Pearce is just handing her a shot. Pearce says Asuka is not being handed anything. If Asuka beats Bianca tonight, then she has a title match. Oh, beat the champion to then get a championship match. That doesn’t make any sense! Well, Asuka’s team did win last week. But Asuka didn’t get the pin, that was Liv! And they were working together.
And Liv did get a pin on Sonya. Did Pearce orchestrate something? It doesn’t matter. It doesn’t make sense! Last time Asuka was champion, Becky literally handed her the title. She had to take it off and hand it over. That was two years ago, doesn’t matter now. And Asuka gets fired up and she calls Becky out. Asuka didn’t even NEED Becky! Pearce runs away and Becky says fine, he can play his favoritism and stack the deck! Becky’ll knock it down and make her comeback! Asuka says okay then, well, Becky did give her the title to become a mommy, yet Becky’s the one acting like a baby! Crying and begging and throwing tantrums!
Becky says Asuka’s the stupid one with the green tears! Becky storms off and Asuka laughs at her, but will Asuka still be laughing after taking on the EST?
Veer Mahaan VS ???
The Lion is back, and he’s still on the hunt. Will he slaughter another opponent served on a silver platter? Or will someone finally bankrupt the Million Dollar Arm?
Raw returns and Byron Saxton interviews Veer’s opponent, Frank Lowman. Frank, we’ve seen week after week of Veer decimating and hospitalizing men. Does he have any concerns about accepting this match? Of course Frank does. He doesn’t wanna be carted out of here, but he has a wife and three beautiful little triplets that expect him to provide for them. So he has to do this for his family! Will his family be meeting Frank at a hospital in Hartford?
The bell rings, Veer and Lowman tie up. Veer waistlocks and SLAMS Lowman, stays on and SLAMS him again. Veer still has the waistlock, gets Lowman up but Lowman throws elbows. Lowman dodges the lariat to BOOT Veer! Veer wobbles, Lowman kicks again! Lowman runs, but Veer hits the THESZ PRESS! Veer drags Lowman up, reels him in, and hits a SIDEWALK SLAM! Lowman writhes, Veer looms over him, and Veer gets Lowman up again to whip into a corner. Veer then runs in to SPLASH! Then MILLION DOLLAR ARM!! Lowman flounders, fans chant, “He Has Kids!” but the CERVICAL CLUTCH is own! Lowman taps, Veer wins!
Winner: Veer Mahaan, by submission
Another week, another victory, and for once, Veer shows mercy. But given how he made such quick work of such a big man, will everyone come to #FearVeer?
Kevin Patrick interviews Cody Rhodes backstage.
This is the American Nightmare’s first WWE United States Championship match ever, but Kevin Patrick does congratulate him first on his victory at Backlash. What is next for Cody and Seth? What’s next? Hopefully nothing, for fear of going to the limit for a third time. Rollins is top tier no matter how you slice it, but Cody walked away with the moment, the money and the victory. So as far as Cody’s concerned, the chapter of Cody VS Rollins is closed. Theory, the youngest US Champion in history is brimming with potential, but just like gold, you need to dig to find it. Theory better be ready to dig down, because nothing sounds better than The American Nightmare as the NEW United States Champion. Cody heads out, but will he be leaving with the gold around Theory’s waist?
WWE United States Championship: (Austin) Theory VS Cody Rhodes!
Raw returns and Theory makes his entrance. The introductions are made, the title is raised, and we see who really represents Hotlanta!
Fans are behind Cody as he circle with Theory and feels out the grapple. Cody gets a leg, Theory gets to a corner and the ref counts the ropebreak. Cody lets off, but Theory shoves him! Theory talks trash to Cody and the fans but the fans boo. Cody and Theory reset, knuckle lock, then collar ‘n’ elbow. Cody wrenches to a hammerlock, Theory switches it onto Cody, but Cody trips Theory and has the legs! Theory scrambles to a ropebreak to avoid the figure four. Fans boo and Cody taunts Theory as Theory gets back up. They circle, tie up, and Theory headlocks. Cody powers up but Theory grinds the hold.
Cody powers out but Theory runs him over, then cartwheels to mock Stardust. Cody gets up and says that’s clever. Then he kicks Theory low and drops for the Rhodes Uppercut! Roll-up, TWO! Theory swings but into a backslide, TWO! Theory rushes in but into a waistlock! They go to ropes, Theory slips in between for a defense, then he cheap shot elbows Cody away! Theory wrenches an arm but Cody ROCKS Theory! Cody goes to a corner, Theory runs in but is put outside. Theory HOTSHOTS Cody, then somersault SHOTGUN dropkicks! Cover, ONE!! Cody hurries up but Theory CLUBS him on the neck.
Theory snapmares and stomps Cody down, then covers, ONE! Theory clamps on with a chinlock but Cody moves around. Cody fights up as fans rally and he throws body shots. Cody arm-drags free, but Theory comes back to CLOBBER Cody with an elbow! Cocky cover, ONE! And Cody ROCKS Theory with haymakers and forearms! Cody whips, Theory reverses and Cody hits buckles hard! Theory snarls as he looms over Cody. Fans chant, “You Suck!” but Theory shakes his head. Cody gets a foot but Theory CLUBS Cody down. Theory ROCKS Cody but Cody ROCKS Theory back. Theory dropkicks the leg out!
Theory snap suplexes Cody to cover, TWO! Theory is annoyed but he stalks Cody as he crawls to a corner. Theory brings Cody up, fans rally for Cody and that annoys Theory. Cody throws body shots, Theory hits back, they brawl, and Theory kicks low. Theory reels Cody in but Cody blocks the suplex. Cody suplexes to GOURD BUSTER! And a dropkick sends Theory out! Fans fire up with Cody and he goes up, DISASTER KICK! Theory hits the floor and Cody goes out after him! Cody aims from the apron but Theory blocks the kick to trip Cody up! Theory snarls, and he uncovers the announce desk! Theory goes back in, scrapes Cody out, and brings him to the desk.
Cody turns things around on Theory with hands and CHOPS! And CHOP after CHOP! They get on the table but Theory scrambles away into the ring! Fans boo but Theory is on the defensive as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Theory has Cody down with a chinlock. Fans boo Theory and Cody fights his way up. The fans rally as Cody gets to his feet, and Cody pries free! But Theory CLUBS him on the back, reels him in, and back suplexes! Cody lands on his feet, ducks and dodges, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Both men slowly rise as the fans fire up. Cody counter punches Theory, throws haymakers, then whips. Theory reverses but Cody CLOBBERS Theory! Cody goes to the corner, goes up and over and POWERSLAMS! Cover, TWO! Theory survives but Cody keeps his cool. Cody stalks Theory now, and decides to go up top!
Theory stands, Cody MOONSAULTS! Direct hit, cover, TWO! Cody grows a little frustrated but he fires himself up. Fans rally as Cody brings Theory up. Theory swings, misses but he back elbows hard! Fisherman, AOI SHODOU! Cover, TWO! Cody survives and Theory seethes but the ref defends his count. Theory says A-Town Down, and he hauls Cody up. Fireman’s carry, but Cody elbows free! Cody ducks and springboards, DISASTER KCIK! Theory stays up so Cody springboards, CODY CUTTER! Fans fire up with Cody, and he gets Theory up, but ROLLINS attacks!
Winner: Cody Rhodes, by disqualification; Theory retains the title
The Visionary ruins Cody’s moment! Rollins stomps away on Cody, kicks him out of the ring, then goes out to CLOBBER him! Rollins rains down fists, fans boo, but Rollins drags Cody up to smack him off the desk! And again! Rollins tells Cody he will NOT take anything from Rollins ever again! Fans chant, “You Suck!” but Rollins dribbles Cody’s face off the desk! Rollins then clears more space, and CURB STOMPS Cody on the desk! Cody falls back and fans boo, but Rollins just glares down at Cody. Rollins then tells Cody that never again will Cody take something from him! Is Rollins writing a new chapter in this story whether Cody likes it or not?
Sasha Banks & Naomi VS “Doudrop” Piper Niven & Nikki A.S.H!
The WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions are gearing up for a title match with Shayna Baszler & Natalya, but will they overlook the newest tag team on the block? Or will this Celtic connection make management see they are worthy?
The teams sort out, Naomi starts against Piper, and they two circle. They approach, Naomi dropkicks but Piper stays up. Naomi dropkicks again, runs in, and hits a forearm smash! Naomi whips but Piper blocks to headbutt! Naomi flounders and Piper stalks her to ropes. Naomi dodges the haymaker to slide and twerk, then kangaroo kick! Naomi runs to sunset flip but Piper stays up to DROP on Naomi! Cover, TWO! Naomi survives but Piper CLUBS her to a corner. Piper chokes Naomi on ropes but the ref counts. Piper lets off at 4, then brings Naomi up to CLUB her again. Piper dribbles Naomi off the mat while fans rally up.
Naomi gets to ropes, Piper brings her up and chinlocks. Piper taunts Sasha by holding out Naomi’s hand, then she thrashes Naomi in a cobra clutch. Naomi fights up, throws body shots, then JAWBREAKERS! Naomi is free, but Piper grabs her by her hair. Piper throws Naomi away from Sasha and Naomi gets to a corner. Piper runs in to SPLASH! Naomi sits down while Piper dusts off her hands. Piper stalks Naomi, brings her away from Sasha again, but Naomi keeps reaching. Piper scoops, Naomi slips out and dropkicks! Piper wobbles, Naomi headlocks and BUCKLE BULLDOGS! Sasha tags in and fans fire up!
Sasha and Naomi DOUBLE SOLE FOOD Piper in the corner, then Sasha goes up to CROSSBODY! But Piper catches her to SLAM her down! Nikki tags herself in and she hurries to cover, TWO! Nikki rains down fists on Sasha, then drags her up to a top wristlock. Sasha endures, fights up, but Nikki throws her down for a NECK SNAPPER! Cover, TWO! Nikki drags Sasha up, brings her around, strikes the heroic pose, and Piper wants in. Nikki says she’s got this, but then Sasha slips out and gets around to waistlock! Nikki switches but Naomi tags in and ROUNDHOUSES Nikki! Sasha DECKS Piper, then RENT’S DUE! Cover, the champs win!
Winners: Sasha Banks & Naomi, by pinfall
Piper seethes as the Boss & the Glow take the win! Piper wants Nikki to take this seriously. They need to work together. This is what happens when Nikki doesn’t listen! But before Nikki can respond one way or another, The Miz arrives! And he’s a referee…? He’s the special guest referee for what’s up next! Will he be fair? Or will he be The Miz?
Mustafa Ali VS Tommaso Ciampa!
Raw returns and both The Beacon and the Blackheart are in the ring. The Miz has a mic to say he has been thinking, and Ali has a point. Ali has not been treated fairly in the WWE, so Theory went to Vince McMahon and got Ali someone impartial, honorable and respected: The Miz. Miz vows to call this down the middle, so ring the bell! The bell does ring, and Ali circles with Ciampa. They tie up, go around, Ciampa pulls hair and puts Ali in a corner. Miz calls the ropebreak, Ciampa lets off but Ali ducks the cheap shot to CHOP Ciampa! Miz reprimands Ali, but then Ciampa sucker punches Ali!
Ciampa CLUBS Ali, hauls him up and whips him to ropes. But Ali KICKS back and then trips Ciampa for a jackknife bridge. Miz is slow to checking, Ciampa is out before a count! Ali complains but Ciampa CLOBBERS him! Miz shrugs, like it’s not his fault he wasn’t fast enough. Ciampa stomps Ali, has him in a corner, and keeps stomping. Miz technically reprimands Ciampa, and he slowly counts the ropebreak. Ciampa lets off at 4, though it was more like 8 in real counts, and then he runs side to side. But Ali dodges and Ciampa knees the buckle! Ali then HOTSHOTS Ciampa, but Ciampa come back to KNEE Ali down!
Ciampa goes out after Ali to CLOBBER him! Ciampa sits o the desk to applaud and pat himself on the back. Miz slowly ushers Ciampa back into the ring with a slow ring count. Ciampa gets Ali in at 2 but it was more like 4 of 10, and then Ciampa goes to Ali. CRADLE! Miz is slow again, ONE for Miz is more like five for real refs. Ciampa CLOBBERS Ali and throws down elbows. Ciampa clamps on a chinlock and cranks back as Ali endures. Miz checks with Ali, but Ali says he’s not giving up. Miz tells the timekeeper that’s a no, and fans rally up. Ali fights up but Ciampa snapmares and stomps Ali down!
Ciampa drags Ali back up, whips corner to corner hard and Ali flops to the mat! Miz mocks Ali’s pain and asks if he wants to give up. Ciampa clamps the chinlock on again, Ali says no, and he fights up. Fans rally up, Ali throws body shots but Ciampa knees low. Ciampa whips, Ali reverses and runs in, but into a BOOT! Ciampa runs in but into a LARIAT! Ali fires up and the fans are with him, and Ali counter punches Ciampa! Ali throws haymakers, whips, but Ciampa reverse. Ali ducks and dodges to CLOBBER Ciampa! Ciampa goes to a corner, Ali CHOPS and whips corner to corner, Ali runs in to DROPKICK!
Ciampa flounders, Ali somersaults in for the NECKBREAKER! Fans fire up and Ali drags Ciampa to the drop zone. Ali goes up top, 450 but he has to roll through! Ciampa ripcord ROLLING ELBOWS, then BOOTS Ali! Ali staggers, Ciampa waistlocks but Ali bucks the O’Conner! UPERKICK, Ali springboards, FLYING DDT! Cover, Miz is slow again, TWO!! But again, that’s more like seven or eight for a real ref. Ali is furious and Miz says he is the ref here, don’t hit him or you’ll be disqualified! Ciampa hits a REVERSE DDT! Miz counts and it’s like a cheetah! Ciampa wins!!
Winner: Tommaso Ciampa, by pinfall
Miz turned three into 1.5 and Ali loses because of it! But will Ali make sure to get back at Miz one way or another?
Lacey Evans speaks.
“I was a child of abuse. My father struggled with mental health and addiction, which meant spending a majority of my childhood jumping state to state just to get away from him, or running from the things he had done. My mother tried to find us refuge in various women’s shelters and camp grounds, but ultimately my father found us. My mother broke, and we were brought back into his web of anger and addiction. Neither child protective services nor law enforcement could save me, but through my experiences, I learned how to save myself.” Lacey learned to hide, fight and when to use them.
She became a wrestling state champion by the age of 15, but she had to learn how to juggle a job, wrestling and school. She had to learn to do her own make-up because she didn’t have a mother who could teach her about beauty and confidence. IN fact, Lacey had so little support, she was kicked out of her home at 17 and was still the first in her family to graduate high school and become a US Marine. She has spent her entire life thinking that if she just proved herself worthy of her father’s love, then maybe he would choose that over addiction. She graduated as a US Military Police Officer, but he didn’t even show up for the ceremony.
One thing her father did show up for over and over again was the call to addiction and depression and anger. That led her father to overdose two months before her WWE tryout. And right before her first match in NXT, another member of her family overdosed in the parking lot. The threat of death and depression around every corner has been a constant reminder of what she lives for. She lives for her daughter’s smile, and to show the world that the weight of another’s pain doesn’t have to be carried on your back. She lives and fights to beat the cycle. Those experiences have made her into the motivated, careful and confident mother, wife, sister, daughter, US Marine and WWE superstar.
Bobby Lashley speaks.
“The only reason Omos won at WrestleMania Backlash was because of you, MVP! And then you bring him out here tonight, parading around your new Nigerian Giant, victorious to the world to share the spotlight with him. Why don’t you let him have a spotlight of his own without your interference? Next week on Monday Night Raw, I want that 7 foot 3 Nigerian Giant trapped inside a 15 foot steel cage!” The All Mighty has spoken, will not even the Colossus survive this one?
R-Truth meets with Dana Brooke and Tamina backstage.
His job is one the line. Are they both sure they want to go through with this? YES! Dana is right! Both these marriages are done. So the guys are meeting them here? Yes, and Dana tricked them into thinking it was a double date. Snakes! But Reggie and Tozawa arrive with flowers and chocolates to apologize. Well, just Reggie has chocolate. No candy from Tozawa? Well they got you these. DIVORCE PAPERS!? Yep! Truth is certified to serve, so y’all just got served. Tozawa, too?! He panics and runs away. Tamina is upset at Truth that it isn’t official until Tozawa holds the papers. Oh, right. Truth takes off after Tozawa, and Reggie pleads with Dana.
Tamina says oh no. Not now! Tamina and Dana storm off, but is this truly the end of these love stories?
Becky Lynch heads to ringside!
The Man makes tonight Big Time as she is joining commentary for this one! Will she have anything to say about the Empress of Tomorrow going after the title?
Raw Women’s Championship Contender’s Match: Bianca Belair VS Asuka!
Raw returns once more and Asuka makes her entrance. Then Bianca makes her entrance, but Becky isn’t impressed by either of them. The bell rings and Asuka stares down with Bianca as Becky says she wasn’t in game mode at WrestleMania. Bianca and Asuka tie up, go around, and Bianca wristlocks. Asuka wrenches to wristlock back, but Bianca rolls, kips up and wrenches back. Asuka reaches out, throws forearms, then uses ropes to flip through and wrench back. Asuka waistlocks, Bianca switches and SLAMS Asuka down, then floats to a headlock. Asuka fights up, throws body shots and powers out.
Bianca rams Asuka but Asuka stays up. Asuka roars, fans fire up and things speed up. Bianca handsprings then tells Asuka to kiss this. Asuka runs in, Bianca hurdles but Asuka turns hip toss into takedown and press, TWO! Bianca runs Asuka over and swaggers while Becky gets mad about losing again. Bianca drags Asuka up, whips her to a corner but Asuka reverses. Bianca goes up and over and handsprings again, but Asuka elbows her then ROUNDHOUSES! SLIDING KICK! Cover, TWO! Asuka smirks and she brings Bianca up to suplex. Bianca blocks, suplexes back, then rolls through to deadlift!
Asuka slips out, dodges Bianca, but Bianca ducks the roundhouse to chicken wing! But Asuka victory rolls, TWO! But into an ARMBAR! Bianca scrambles, clasps hands, powers up but Asuka makes it a TRIANGLE HOLD! Bianca flails and moves around, then deadlifts again! POWERBOMB! Becky storms off commentary to trip Bianca and throw her into steps!
Winner: Bianca Belair, by disqualification
Big Time Becks then goes into the ring to BOOT Asuka down! Becky runs to drop a leg, brother! Then an elbow for good measure! Becky says this should’ve been her contender’s match, and she drags Asuka up again. MANHANDLE SLAM! Becky raises her hand as if she won, but will she be in for big time consequences?
My Thoughts:
This was a really good follow-up to Backlash, until the last half hour or so. They started cramming a crap ton of stuff that wasn’t even really needed. I’m not sure why a supercut of Lacey Evans’ promos from SmackDown the last month was played here, unless there’s a “trade” between brands in the works. Or maybe even more concerning, just an end to the brand split. Then they shoved in Reggie and Tozawa being served papers, even though I feel like they could’ve kept Tozawa & Tamina going. In the end, the main event is not even 10 minutes, and it gets “ruined” by Becky anyway. It seems they’re blending Asuka VS Becky in with the Raw Women’s Championship, Triple Threat at Hell in a Cell, and because of that, we could get just about anyone winning.
I did like that we got the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions having a match on Raw, but I’m disappointed that they’re putting dysfunction in the team of Piper and Nikki already. The champs were of course winning, but why not just win a good match? Nikki is still being superhero even though last week Piper told her it was time to stop playing around. Hopefully the team sticks together as Nikki finally does shed the costume, the RawDown Women’s Tag Division needs to keep teams together. I will say it was great that Sonya got stripped of her management power and then was so distraught, she got squashed by a returning Alexa Bliss. Another good part of that is Alexa is a hybrid of Fun House Bliss and the Goddess. Only time will tell which side has more power.
RKBRO and Profits opening was great stuff, both promo and match. I like that RKBRO still want that tag title unification so their trip back to SmackDown will be good stuff. And as such, of course RKBRO wins the match and what a great finish. I’m all for the unification match happening at Hell in a Cell, but I don’t think they need this one in the cell. Just let it be another 2v2 classic. As for matches that will be at HIAC and in the cell, my number one is Cody VS Rollins Part 3. We got a great US Championship match from Cody and Theory, and the US title’s current design fits so well with Cody’s gear, but sadly this was just a vehicle to Cody VS Rollins, HIAC match.
Judgement Day has a decent group promo. For Edge talking about being a superior intellect, he just resorts to pedestrian “run down the fans” promos. But Priest and Rhea held up their parts of this, and we got some great matches from tonight. Judgement Day handing the win to Finn and then beating him and Styles down should’ve been expected. I am hoping for a Six Person Tag, Liv joining Styles and Finn against Judgement Day. Maybe Liv does what Rhea did and makes the male superstars conflicted about hitting her, and then Finn or Styles capitalizes to win.
Miz being special guest for Ali’s match was a dead giveaway he was screwing Ali over, but at least Miz was good at playing it up. Maybe Ali gets an ally and gets a tag match with Miz and Ciampa? Veer got another win, and while Frank Lowman had a good promo before hand, I’m disappointed that it was another week and still no Rey Mysterio. I guess they’re going to push this closer to HIAC, but Veer didn’t even destroy Lowman like he did everyone else so I’m not even sure Veer VS Rey is still happening.
The VIP Lounge stuff was decent stuff, with Alexander of course wanting back into the Hurt Business and Lashley of course going after everyone. Lashley wanting a Steel Cage is a pretty good move if they’re not going to HIAC, but there’s still a lot MVP can do to help Omos so Lashley isn’t guaranteed a win. And I again love everything going on with the Ezekiel story. Kevin was hilarious during Chad’s promo about doing testing on Ezekiel’s DNA from the Solo cup, and of course “Ken” was just Kevin copying Elias/Ezekiel. Can’t wait to see how they play the DNA test results. I would love if they said it was 100% match, but then Ezekiel claims he’s actually been Elias’s twin brother, as twins (most of the time) have matching DNA.
My Score: 8.3/10
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Could this be the biggEST and strongEST SmackDown of the year?
SmackDown in Knoxville sees the returns of Bianca Belair, Cody Rhodes and John Cena, along with some final Money in the Bank qualifiers!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier Triple Threat: Jade Cargill VS Naomi VS Nia Jax; Naomi wins and advances to Money in the Bank.
- R-Truth VS JC Mateo w/ Solo Sikoa; Mateo wins.
- Rey Fenix & Je’Von Evans VS Los Garza w/ Santos Escobar; Los Garza win.
- Zelina Vega VS Alba Fyre w/ The Green Administration; Zelina wins.
- Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier Triple Threat: Carmelo Hayes VS Andrade VS Jacob Fatu; Andrade wins and advances to Money in the Bank.
PLAY BY PLAY
Bianca Belair is here!
Knoxville fires up for their strongEST, fastEST, quickEST, toughEST, roughEST, and greatEST hometown hero as she struts out to the ring. Bianca high-fives and hugs fans along the ramp, as well as mom and dad at ringside. Bianca then grabs a mic to say, “Man, it feels good to be in Knoxville!” The fans cheer and chant for “EST! EST!” Bianca says she loves them so much. And she couldn’t come out here without singing Rocky Top! Y’all ready? The fans cheer, and the music plays! Bianca conducts the fans as they sing for the University of Tennessee. In fact, the Lady Vols softball team is playing in the Super Regionals right now!
Bianca smiles and says this city is so special to her. Not just because it is her hometown, but because it is her safe space. She has her love and support from mom ‘n’ dad, and has all the fans who show up and show out for her. With everything Bianca’s been going through, losing at Mania, getting injured, losing tag titles and friends along the way, she just wanted to come back home to her safe space. The fans cheer, and Bianca says she came home to heal. While she’s not 100%, she is doing everything she can to get back to the ring and continue to show us why she is the EST of Tennessee and of WWE! The fans cheer that!
Bianca says with all that said, Knoxville, welcome to Friday Night SmackDown! But wait, she’s interrupted by Naomi! The fans boo but Naomi says, “Oh my gosh~! Finally! B, I am so glad you finally here on SmackDown!” Bianca says now is not the time, Naomi. Naomi asks Bianca to please hear her out. It has been way too long. Not a day has gone by when Naomi doesn’t think about what happened to them. What is there to talk about? What could Naomi say? What could she want from Bianca? The fans chant “YOU SUCK!” at Naomi, and Naomi says she just wants forgiveness. She is begging for it!
Naomi knows things go toff the rails, but she is here because she wants to fix it, she is trying to fix it, but she alone can’t fix it. Months have gone by, and Naomi has tried to communicate, to say the past can be the past and that they can move forward. Bianca has not responded back to Naomi once. Naomi even visited Bianca’s parent’s house! But no one would answer! WHAT?! Mom ‘n’ Dad don’t know about that, but Naomi says no one was home, so she let herself in! Naomi looked through the photo albums, the one right on the front coffee table. And in those photos, Bianca looked so happy. It reminded Naomi of how they were as tag team champions.
Bianca stops Naomi there. Naomi, Bianca will make this perfectly clear. They were best friends, but Naomi betrayed Bianca’s trust. Naomi took their friend, Jade, and threw her onto a car, then lied about it for months! Bianca said she was done with Naomi, she meant that, and if Naomi ever comes near her family again, what Naomi did to Jade will be nothing compared to what Bianca does to Naomi. The fans fire up for that! Naomi gets emotional, but then she gets mad. “Y’know, Bianca, it wouldn’t be good for you and your mama to be in a wheelchair.” The fans boo as Naomi laughs maniacally. Naomi says she’d hate if something happened to Bianca here and now!
Naomi storms up on Bianca, but then JADE makes her way out here! Naomi is even angrier now, but this Storm starts throwing hands! The fans fire up as Jade BOOTS Naomi down! Bianca and Jade look to each other, neither really saying or doing anything. Naomi runs up but Jade TOSSES her out! Jade and Bianca look to each other again, but then here comes NIA! The Irresistible Force won’t be left out of this, especially when this is the Women’s Triple Threat Qualifier for the night! This match now opens the night, who earns SmackDown’s final golden ticket to the Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match?
Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier Triple Threat: Jade Cargill VS Naomi VS Nia Jax!
SmackDown returns, this match is already going, and Naomi POSTS Nia! Naomi stalks Jade, rains down forearms, and the fans boo. Naomi stomps to BITE Jade’s hand! Jade still fights back, so Naomi has the arms to STOMP Jade down! Naomi flexes, the fans boo, and Naomi puts Jade in a corer. Naomi runs to DROPKICK Jade in the corner! Naomi SLAPS Jade, drags her into the drop zone, then goes up, up, and twerks! HIP DROP! Naomi covers, ROPEBREAK! Naomi is annoyed but she sits Jade up to stomp a mudhole in. But Nia runs up! Naomi dodges, the HIP ATTACK hits Jade! Naomi goes to the apron to ROUNDHOUES Nia!
Naomi reels Nia in for a HEATSEEKER! Nia flops to the floor, the fans rally for Jade, but Naomi kicks her around. Naomi goes up the corner, leaps, but Jade catches her! Jade FALL AWAY SLAMS Naomi, then kips up! Knoxville fires up with Jade and she runs up to LARIAT! And ELBOW! And SCRAPBUSTER! Cover, Nia breaks it! The fans boo but Nai huffs ‘n’ puffs and drags Naomi up. Nia whips Naomi, pops her up and HEADBUTTS her down! Then she SAMOAN DROPS Naomi! Nia soaks up heat, then lines the two up. Naomi grabs at Nia’s leg but Nia CLUBS her down! Nia stomps Jade for good measure, then drops a leg, brother!
Nia TOSSES Jade out, then goes up the corner. Nia SUPER LEG DROPS on Naomi!! Cover, TWO!!! Naomi survives and Nia is shocked! The fans rally while Nia stalks Naomi. Naomi clings to ropes as Nia pulls at her arm. Nia CLUBS Naomi, whips her to ropes, then SAMOAN DROP- NO, Naomi makes it a CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Ghost pin, TWO!! Nia survives the sudden turnaround, Naomi sees Jade crawling in, and Naomi goes after her as SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Naomi KICKS Nia while she’s down, then kicks her more. Naomi puts Nia in a corner, CHOKES her on the ropes, then clamps on with a SLEEPER! Nia THROWS Naomi away, then TOSSES her out. Nia soaks up heat, but Jade runs in and rolls Nia up! TWO! Nia stands, and she HEADBUTTS Jade down! Nia looms over Jade, drags her up, but Jade fires forearms! Jade backs Nia down, then runs, and she CLOBBERS Nia outta the ring! Jade fires up and has the fans with her. Jade drags Naomi up from the apron but Naomi fires hands. Nia is back to HIP ATTACK Jade against the POST! Nia soaks up more heat, then taunts Naomi.
Naomi stands on the apron, argues with Nia, but they apparently agree to mug Jade for both their benefit. They put Jade in the corner, Naomi digs her boot in, and then Nia sends Naomi in for a SPALSH! Nia adds a SPLASH of her own! Naomi snapmares Jade, runs, and SLIDING LARIATS! Jade sputters and Nia taunts her. Nia and Naomi soak up the heat together, but Jade fights back! Nia HEADBUTTS Jade down! Nia drags Jade up, and Naomi KICKS Jade low! They soak up more heat, talk trash on Jade, and SmackDown returns to single picture. Nia scoops and SIDEWALK SLAMS! Naomi runs to SPLIT LEG DROP! Cover, but Nia drags Naomi away!
Nia and Naomi argue again, and then Naomi rolls Nia up! ONE, and Nia grabs Naomi to shove her to a corner! Nia SPLASHES, then pushes Naomi down. Nia runs to SENTON! Nia grins while Naomi sputters and the fans rally up. Jade rises to fire forearms on Nia! Then she ELBOWS Naomi in a corner! She ELBOWS Nia, but then Nia follows Jade! Jade dodges so Nia SPLASHES Naomi! Jade then SUPERKICKS! Nia wobbles, Jade SUPERKICKS again! And SPINEBUSTERS! But Naomi METEORAS! Cover, TWO! Jade survives and the fans rally up. Naomi goes up, SPLIT- LEG MOONSAULT on Nia! But Jade has Naomi in the chicken wings!
Jade brings Naomi around, JADED!! Cover, Nia CLOBBERS them both! The fans rally while all three women are down! Nia climbs a corner, Jade is after her with forearms! Naomi joins in, drags Jade back, but now they trade shots! Nia DOUBLE CROSSBODIES! Cover on Jade, TWO! Cover on Naomi, TWO! Nia grows frustrated but the fans rally up again. Nia drag Naomi up, fireman’s carries, and she climbs the corner! The fans already anticipate what’s coming, SUPER SAMOAN DROP!! Cover, JADE FROG SPLASHES IN!! Cover, TWO!!! The fans fire up while all three women are down again! “This is Awesome!”
Jade rises, she clamps onto Nia, but Nia HEADBUTTs her! And HEADBUTTS Naomi! Jade BOOTS Nia down! Cover, TWO! Jade runs up on Naomi but Naomi BOOTS her! Naoim goes up top but Jade is right on her! They fight for control, but then Nia joins in! TOWER OF DOOM!! Nia double stacks her opponents, for a A-NIA-LATOR!! Naomi avoids it, Jade takes it all! Naomi ghost pins Nia, AND WINS!!
Winner: Naomi, by pinfall (advances to Money in the Bank)
Nia did a lot of the damage, but it is Naomi who wins out! Will everyone in the Women’s MITB Ladder Match now have to #ProceedWithCaution?
Solo Sikoa’s crew arrives.
Solo says they will win Money in the Bank together! Jacob Fatu, Solo Sikoa, whichever one wins MITB wins it fof the family! But then they hear R-Truth talking to… Lil’ Jimmy? Solo says Truth’s childhood hero beats him, and now he’s talking to ghosts. Truth taps Solo on the shoulder and asks if there’s something Solo wants to say. Solo says Truth is crazy touching him. JC Mateo steps up but Solo has him stand down. Truth says he wants to be honest. He’s never seen JC a day before in his life. Is this Solo’s son? He’s husky! Truth asks if he can teach Solo’s husky son a lesson in the ring. Solo says that sounds good to him.
Truth says he’ll go talk to Nick Aldis. “Boy, y’all big boneded!” Truth heads off, and Solo says don’t worry, they’ll take care of him. Let’s have fun. Fatu says keep it 100. They can have their fun, he’s got his own business to take care of. Yadada mean? The Imperial Unit against Truth, Samoan Werewolf in a qualifier, will everything go the family’s way?
Chelsea Green confronts Nick Aldis.
The Hot Mess hides behind a cardboard cutout of herself as she tells the SmackDown General Manager, “What happened on Saturday night was a deliberate-” Piper Niven has to direct Chelsea to point at Aldis, and Aldis says he can’t quite understand her from behind the cardboard mask. Piper holds the mask between Chelsea and camera, though we do get a glimpse of her fancy headgear. Chelsea repeats herself, but Aldis says she needs to be looking at him when they talk. Chelsea hides her face in shame, but she says it is still a deliberate hitjob put on by vicious Zelina Vega! Even her Secret Her-vice could not stop it!
Chelsea demands that Zelina be suspended, stripped of her title, and that Chelsea be reinstated as the champion! Chelsea, no need to be so ugly about this. Gasp! Aldis says what he means is, no suspensions, and we can talk a rematch down the road once Chelsea is medically cleared. Then he is doing nothing for what Zelina did to Chelsea?! Alba says if he won’t, then they will! Yeah, Zelina VS Alba! Tonight! Alba is a bit surprised, but Aldis says, “Chelsea knows best. Alba VS Zelina, I actually like the sound of that. I will make that official right now, if you do one thing for me. Please leave me alone.”
The Green Administration hurries away, but will Alba make sure Chelsea brand justice is served? Or will La Muneca just keep racking up the wins?
Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Champion, and says that MITB is around the corner. Tiff successfully cashed in her own contract to become champion, but how is she handling the pressure of knowing the same thing could happen to her? Tiff says she can’t wait to see who wins MITB. Then she can handle the pressure by being prepared. Having this title makes her the top threat to the division, but let’s be fair. She’s always been the girl everyone has been obsessed with. So whoever wins, targeting her will be a big mistake. But then in steps Naomi.
Naomi says if Tiff thought Nia was a problem, then she ain’t seen nothing yet. Naomi vows to win MITB and cash in for Tiff’s title, wherever and whenever she wants. And in case Lil’ Miss Tiffy forgot, when Naomi was fighting for a championship, Tiff stayed in Naomi’s way. Wanna know what happens when people play with Naomi? Just ask Jade. Naomi heads out, and Alexa Bliss steps in. Alexa says she wouldn’t be so worried about Naomi. Be worried about Alexa. Alexa heads out now, Tiff clutches to the title a little bit tighter, who will be trying to run the clock out on Tiffy Time?
R-Truth VS JC Mateo w/ Solo Sikoa!
To Solo’s point, #RonCena could not make John Cena see the light at Saturday Night’s Main Event, and Truth might be relapsing if he’s talking to Lil’ Jimmy again. But will Truth relapse so far that we get the R-Truth that was once United States Champion? Or will a Tour of the Islands send Truth off the deep end?
SmackDown returns and JC makes his entrance, Solo backing him up. The bell rings and Truth runs up, only for JC to RAM him into a corner! JC RAMS Truth again and again, then lets off. JC whips corner to corner hard and Truth falls in a heap! JC whips corner to corner again just as hard, and Truth falls in a heap again. Solo talks trash but the fans rally behind Truth. JC runs up but Truth dodges! Truth SHOULDER TACKLES! JC stays up, so Truth runs and SHOULDER TACKLES! “What’s Up?” Truth runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and SHOULDER TACKLES! Then he hits the SPIN OUT- CROSSBODY! JC then gets up to GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT!
JC smirks as he looms over Truth, and Solo says to finish this off now. JC runs to SENTON but Truth moves! Truth calls for it! “YOU CAN’T SEE ME!” FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Truth fireman’s carries JC, but JC is too much! Truth falls over again! Solo laughs, JC whips, TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! Cover, JC wins!
Winner: JC Mateo, by pinfall
Truth tried to be like John Cena of old, but it just wasn’t meant to be. JC beats up on Truth more, then stands him up for Solo! But here comes BIG Jim! Jimmy has a chair, he runs JC off, but Solo stands his ground. Solo says his brother wouldn’t hit him with that chair, would he? Jimmy steps to Solo so Solo steps out, but that lets JC CLOBBER Jimmy! But then Solo has JC stand down! They’re family! Solo and JC leave, leaving Jimmy wondering what this is about. Will Jimmy make it clear to Solo that Jimmy’s not the one who has to come to his senses?
The Street Profits are here!
The WWE Tag Team Champions walk through the smoke to be on stage and the fans cheer. Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford hold up the titles, walk to the ring, then step inside. The fans cheer as they hold up the belts again, then the Profits grab the mics. Ford says, “Knoxville, Tennessee, oh I love everything about you, and what I have, too. But lemme rap to y’all real fast. This tag team division that we’re a part of, the greatest tag team division on any brand, any promotion… It’s on fire right now.” Dawkins says, “Talk to ’em.” Ford says, “But just like how the gorilla fears us, make no mistake about it, let’s not forget who’s leading the charge right now: The Street Profits.”
The fans cheer, and Dawkins says hey, they got all the teams coming at ’em! DIY, Motor City Machine Guns, Fraxiom, and now… The Wyatts?! The fans cheer that, and Ford says that’s sick. But what big bro is saying, it don’t matter who it is, the Profits will defend against anybody. Well hold on, here comes Fraxiom! Nathan Frazer & Axiom go to the ring to stand with the Profits, and they have mics. Frazer says alright, since the Profits are talking about defending the titles, well, Frazer & Axiom didn’t exactly get a fair shake. Ford says, “Fraxiom, is it?” He congratulates them for being on a roll, but up until the Wyatt Sick6 got in the Profits’ business…
Yeah, the Profits had them beat. Wow, oh, okay. Sure, maybe… But maybe not. Thanks to the Wyatts, we’ll never know. And now that those shenanigans are behind us, it is fair to say that Fraxiom and the Profits need to run it back! The fans like the sound of that! But wait, here come the Machine Guns! Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin have mics, and Shelley says okay, hold on, sorry to interrupt. Fraxiom’s entire basis for a rematch is that the Profits never beat them. Well, last time Shelley checked, the Profits never beat MCMG! So if they’re handing out title matches, MCMG will take one. But naturally, here comes DIY!
Tommaso Ciampa, Johnny Gargano, and Candice LeRae have their own mics, and the Poison Pixie says no no no no. She is pretty sure “you losers” have had a million chances, and “the nerds” just got here. Whoa, hold on? Just got here? Sounds like Candice just got back, so she should do us a favor and shut up. Gargano says you shut up, idiot! The reason DIY brought in Gargano’s beautiful wife is to even the odds against all of what this is! Everyone can see there is a conspiracy in the tag team division to hold down the BTTITW! And now with the Wyatts showing up- Ciampa has Gargano ixnay on the amily-fay.
Do not talk about you know who, scratch that, let’s get to business. All these teams have all KILLED the tag division that DIY built! Matter of fact, let us hold a moment of silence for the death of the SmackDown Tag Division. Everyone, stand up, bow your heads, and give a moment of silence… now. OH NO! The lights go out! All the teams panic, because when the lights turn on, UNCLE HOWDY is on the corner! Howdy laughs, because the rest of the Wyatts flank the ring! Erick Rowan drags MCMG out to DOUBLE LARIAT! Dexter Lumis is up top to CANNONBALL onto the Profits and Gargano! Joe Gacy is in, and he handsprings to bring Fraxiom to the UPSIDE-DOWN!!
Lumis then runs, POWERBOMB SENTON COMBO on Axiom! Ciampa freaks out, turns around, and Nikki Cross is there! CROSSBODY onto Candice! The fans fire up, and Howdy has Frazer for SISTER ABIGAIL! “We’re here!!” It is just as the Profits said, and now it is clear. Will some killer combination of the Wyatts go right after the gold?
Rey Fenix & Je’Von Evans VS Los Garza w/ Santos Escobar!
Worlds Collide is just over a week away, and all four of these men will be involved. The Immortal Firebird and the Young OG are going after the NXT North American Championship in a Fatal 4 Way while Legado Del Fantasma will be taking on AAA’s Pagano, Psycho Clown y El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. Who will be heading for Los Angeles with all the momentum behind them?
Speaking of that North American Championship, the champion is here! Ethan Page joins commentary and says what a year for him, to be honest. Wade says that title has never looked better than on Ethan’s shoulder. Fenix makes his entrance now, followed by Je’Von’s. The teams sort out and Fenix starts against Angel. Angel and Fenix circle, the fans rally up, and the two tie up. Angel fires a forearm, Fenix fires back, repeat! Fenix gets the edge but Angel shoves then drops down. Fenix cartwheels over the dropdown, then comes back, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and RANAS! Angel tumbles, the fans fire up, and Fenix somersaults, but into a fireman’s carry!
Fenix slips free, ripcords to ROUNDHOUSE, but Angel HEADBUTTS! Both men stagger back, tags to Berto and Je’Von! Je’Von dodges and springboards to BOUNCY~ roll-up! TWO, and Berto mule kicks! Berto CLUBS Je’Von, whips, but Je’Von reverses and slips around. Berto bucks the O’Conner, springboards and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Berto drags Je’Von up, but Je’Von kicks! Berto blocks, but the ENZIGIRI hits! Je’Von runs up, and BOUNCY~ RANAS! The fans fire up and Je’Von DROPKICKS! Berto bails out, Angel runs in, but Je’Von goes Matrix to dodge! Je’Von kips up, and STUNNERS! Angel flops back and the fans fire up!
Los Garza regroups, Je’Von tags Fenix, and they build speed, but have to dodge Angel first. Fenix SOBATS, Je’Von KICKS, and both men ENZIGIRI! Berto is up top, he leaps, but into DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO! Fenix runs to basement CALF KICK! Cover, TWO! Berto stays in this for Los Garza while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Fenix drags Berto up to RAM him into the corner. Tag to Je’Von and they mug Berto. Berto fires hands back on Je’Von, but Je’Von headlocks. Berto powers up and out and Angel tags in. Berto drop toeholds Je’Von into Angel’s KNEE at the ropes! Angel TEARS OFF HIS PANTS! Angel drapes those over Je’Von before he KICKS Je’Von in the side! Angel stalks Je’Von to the corner, tags Berto, and they shove Je’Von for a double hip toss, TU LO SABE! Then DOUBLE SUPERKICK! Berto covers, TWO! Berto argues the count but the ref defends it. Berto shoves Je’Von to ELBOW him down! Berto then DUMPS Je’Von down to be under the ropes.
Tag to Angel and Berto sits Je’Von up on the apron. Angel runs to KNEE Je’Von down! Santos joins in with Los Garza as they soak up the heat, and Angel drags Je’Von back in. Angel stands Je’Von up, hoists him to the top rope, then climbs up behind him. Angel CLUBS away on Je’Von, mocks the clapping, and he THROWS Je’Von down. Angel KICKS Je’Von in the arm and Je’Von clutches his hand. Angel drags Je’Von to the ropes, CHOKES him, and the ref reprimands. The ref counts, Angel steps off at 4, and Berto BOOTS Je’Von down. ANgel clamps onto Je’Von with an armlock and chinbar but Je’Von reaches for Fenix.
Angel keeps hold of Je’Von but Je’Von fires hands! SmackDown returns to single picture as Je’Von dodges the lariat, leaps, but Angel catches him! Angel puts Je’Von in a corner and through ropes. Angel pulls an arm and leg against the ropes, but stops as the ref counts. Angel runs to KNEE Je’Von in the ribs! Je’Von slumps to the apron, and Angel sucker punches Fenix! Angel goes back for Je’Von but Je’Von fires body shots! Angel blocks a kick, slips around and Gory Especials! Angel walks over, tags Berto, and Berto slingshots, GARZA ESPECIAL! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up for Je’Von but Berto clamps onto him with a chinlock.
Je’Von endures, even as Berto traps an arm. Je’Von fights up, pries the hold open, and he arm-drags Berto! Je’Von leaps but Berto grabs a leg! Ethan laughs from commentary, but Je’Von kicks free to SUPERKICK! Both men are down, Je’Von and Berto crawl, hot tags to Angel and Fenix! The fans fire up as Fenix rallies on Angel with forearms! Fenix then dodges a shot to springboard and FLYING ARM-DRAG, to a DOUBLE STOMP! Fenix fires off KICKS on Berto, then fires up with Knoxville! Fenix uses Berto to jump up and RANA Angel! Fenix then goes corner to corner to JUMP SOBAT! Fenix fires hands, shoves Angel aside, then goes up.
Fenix springboards to QUEBRADA! Cover, Berto breaks it! Berto whips Fenix, Fenix goes Spider-Man, and Je’Von tags in! Fenix says HASTA LA VISTA, BABY! Angel is up, he pops Fenix up to KICK him! But Je’Von springboards to FLYING LARIAT! The fans fire up, Berto springboards to FLYING CHUCK! All four men are down and the fans fire up again! “This is Awesome!” as Angel and Je’Von crawl. Angel CHOPS Je’Von, Je’Von CHOPS back, and the fans “WOO~!” Angel CHOPS again, so Je’Von CHOPS again! Angel fires a forearm, Je’Von fires back, and they go around with forearm after forearm! The fans fire up, Angel CHOPS, a
nd Je’Von SUPER PUNCHES!
Je’Von runs, BOUNCY- NO, Angel makes it a SIT OUT POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Ethan is surprised and the fans rally up. Angel hoists Je’Von up top, tags Berto in, and they hoist Je’Von up even higher! But Fenix SHORYUKENS Angel down! Je’Von fires hands on Berto and SHOVES him down! Fenix climbs up to join Je’Von now, and ADIOS AMIGO DOUBLE STOMPS for Angel! Je’Von adjusts, to SUPER DUPER SWANTON onto Los Garza! Ethan says don’t get closer, keep this in the ring! He taunts both his challengers, Fenix and Je’Von stand down to put Los Garza in the ring. The fans rally up, but then Ethan CLOBBERS Fenix & Je’Von!
Ethan TOSSES Fenix over the desk! But Je’Von SUPERKICKS Ethan down! The fans fire up, Je’Von hurries in, and he dodges Angel! But Berto rolls Je’Von up, TWO!! Je’Von dodges Berto, rebound and RED DOT!! Berto is down, Angel gets up, but Je’Von DECKS him! Je’Von goes up, up, but Santos distracts the ref! Ethan SHOVES Je’Von down! The fans boo but Berto tags Angel! Los Garza hoists Je’Von up for M T Y!! Cover, Los Garza win!
Winners: Los Garza, by pinfall
All Ego grins as he screws over two of his three challengers, and now Legado is rolling towards Worlds Collide. But will these rudos get everything they deserve in LA?
The Wyatts speak.
“We won’t stop. Not until we get what’s owed.” A simple yet ominous threat, are the tag titles only the beginning?
Zelina Vega VS Alba Fyre w/ The Green Administration!
La Muneca held onto the WWE Women’s US Championship by smacking The Hot Mess in the face with a foot, and obviously Chelsea is not happy with it. But will Alba get payback on behalf of her fearless leader? Or will things only get uglier for the Green Regime?
The bell rings and Piper distracts Zelina so Alba can CLOBBER her! Alba fires off hands, then bumps Zelina off buckles. Alba bumps Zelina off more buckles, then more buckles! And then the fourth corner! Chelsea says Zelina should’ve never messed with her! Alba fireman’s carries but Zelina fights free. Zelina KICKS Alba, KICKS again, then KICKS, but Alba CLUBS Zelina. Alba whips, scoops, and- NO, Zelina swings through to RANA! Cover, ONE! Zelina headlocks but Alba fights up and lifts Zelina. Zelina holds on but Alba powers up and out to RUN Zelina over! The fans boo but Chelsea cheers as Alba stalks Zelina.
Alba ROCKS Zelina, whips her to ropes, but Zelina wheelbarrows and arm-drags! Zelina then runs up on Alba in the corner and rains down fists! Alba shoves Zelina away at three, but Zelina comes right back to rain down more shots! Alba stops Zelina at four now, but Zelina wants another go! Alba stops Zelina at four again, and RAMS her into the corner! The fans boo but Alba grins. Zelina BOOTS Alba, goes up, and FLYING RANAS! Alba tumbles out, Piper helps her up, and Zelina goes to the apron. Alba trips Zelina up, spins and ROCKS Zelina, then gets her up. Gory Especial, but Zelina flips through to arm-drag Alba onto ropes!
The fans fire up as Zelina dials up, but Chelsea is on the apron! The ref argues with Chelsea while Zelina redials, but Piper trips her up! The fans boo but Alba SUPERKICKS Zelina! Alba salutes to Chelsea, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Alba stands on Zelina’s hair while pulling Zelina’s arms! The ref reprimands, Alba steps off, and she drags Zelina up to suplex for the GOURD BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Zelina stays in this and Chelsea argues with the ref. The ref says the count is fair, so Alba clamps onto Zelina with a COBRA CLUTCH! Zelina endures, the fans rally, and Zelina fights up. Zelina fires body shots, Alba ripcords and wrenches to SUPERKICK! Zelina rebounds to SHINING WIZARD! Both women fall and the fans fire up! Piper coaches Zelina, the fans rally up, and both women rise up. Alba is on Zelina and brings her to a corner, but Zelina buckle bumps Alba first!
The fans rally as Alba stalks Zelina, but Zelina bumps her off buckles again! Alba tries again, but Zelina ELBOWS Alba away. Then BOOTS her away! Zelina fires forearms on Alba, backs her down, then whips. Alba reverses but Zelina dodges to LARIAT! The fans fire up as Zelina LARIATS again! Zelina blocks a kick, ELBOWS Alba, but Alba blocks the saido. But Zelina keeps Alba from running, SNAP SAIDO! The fans rally for Zelina as she runs corner to corner, METEORA! Zelina pushes Alba out and goes up top! The fans cheer for some Latina Heat, and METEORA! Cover, TWO! Alba survives and Chelsea is relieved.
Zelina grows frustrated, but she goes back for Alba. Zelina reels Alba in, suplexes, but Alba blocks! Alba knees low, suplexes, but Zelina hits STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! Alba is down, Zelina goes up, MOONSAULT FLOPS! Alba goes up now, and she SWANTON BOMBS! Cover, TWO!?! Zelina survives and shocks Alba! Chelsea is upset again but Alba hurries to bring Zelina up. Alba KICKS Zelina out, and now Chelsea takes off her face mask?! She tells Piper to stand Zelina up! Piper does as told, and Chelsea takes a swing, but Zelina ducks! The face mask SMACKS Piper!! Chelsea is shocked, then furious, and then she chases after Zelina!
Zelina slips into the ring, Chelsea gets on the apron, but Zelina sends Alba at her! They almost collide, and then Zelina rolls Alba up! Zelina hops on, CODE RED!! Cover, Zelina wins!!
Winner: Zelina Vega, by pinfall
Chelsea tried so hard to screw Zelina over that she just screwed up her own team! Zelina survives again, will no one take down the Vega Administration?
The Miz pep talks Carmelo Hayes.
Melo looks good, and he just has to follow the plan. If Melo follows that plan, with no mistakes, they will win. Melo says he knows what he’s doing. Miz asks if he really does. Because Miz has taken Black Mass after Black Mass, sacrificing himself for Melo. Does Melo understand? Miz gave up this chance at MITB for Melo! Miz has already done it twice! If Melo wins this match tonight, Miz will guide Melo to make sure “we are Mr. MITB.” Wait, we? Miz says, “Who do you think got you in this position?” Melo says Melo did. Melo appreciates everything Miz has done for him, from sacrificing to taking hits for him, and helping him win the Andre the Giant Battle Royal.
But nobody told Miz to do that. Melo will run the play exactly as Miz designed it, but what brought Melo to the dance is Melo’s talent. Melo goes out there and does it better than anybody else. Melo puts up 40 points on a bad day, because he is H1M. And Miz just needs to let Melo be H1M. They good? Miz nods, and Melo says okay, let’s do the thing. They are Melo Don’t Miz and they are Awes-H1M. Miz still nods, but he doesn’t seem genuinely happy. Will Miz let Melo be Melo? Even if that means letting H1M fail?
Giulia speaks.
“Throughout my entire career, even back when I started in Japan, I had one goal… It’s not to be ‘the best.’ Everyone says that. It’s hollow and empty. My goal is to be indisputable. You can love me or hate me, admiration or disgust, it means nothing. But I’m impossible to deny. My opponent doesn’t matter, because I only view them as an opportunity to build my legacy. Evidence you cannot refute. SmackDown, you will see. I will hit harder, move faster, think sharper, and conquer everything, just like I’ve always done. The question isn’t, ‘Who’s going to let me?” It’s, ‘Who’s going to stop me?'” She adds in Japanese, “If you can stop it, stop it.”
Will SmackDown and all of the WWE soon succumb to The Beautiful Madness?
Zelina returns backstage.
She refreshes for a second, but Giulia is there! And Giulia says she sees Zelina, but she also sees that title more. Zelina scoffs and leaves. Could Giulia be aiming for everything once she becomes Ms. Money in the Bank?
Damian Priest is here!
Knoxville cheers as The Archer of Infamy heads to the ring, victorious from Saturday Night’s Main Event and that brutal Steel Cage match. Priest grabs a mic to tell Tennessee, “Ever since I beat Drew on Saturday, it’s like I’m breathing in fresh air. Y’know, there was a time when I lived on the street, if we were beefing with another street, that war could go for years. But in WWE, you have a beef with somebody, you have a match and it’s over. But with Drew and I, we went well over a year, and that’s not normal. But we took that beef into a cage. Now, I can feel it, you can se it on my face, we went to war.
“At the end of this war, at Saturday Night’s Main Event, I gave him a Con-Chair-To, I walked out the door, and I put his ass in the past.” The fans cheer that. Priest says now he knows Drew is somewhere recovering from his scrambled brains, but he knows Drew is watching, so this is for Drew. “I still can’t stand yo ass. But the Drew McIntyre that stepped in that cage wasn’t the guy that hides behind his phone on social media. That was the old Drew, the warrior, and I appreciate that.” The fans applaud, and Priest says he won’t ask what is next for himself, he’ll just tell us all. And it is the same thing he wanted when he came to SmackDown: Championships!
The fans cheer, and Priest says this war with Drew cost him an opportunity at being in MITB. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have his eyes on a certain champion. Somebody who he has unfinished business with, and a champion he considers the most badass. The fans know that means Fatu, and he knows they know! Priest calls out Jacob Fatu! Priest respects Fatu. Priest knows where Fatu came from, what Fatu had to live through, how it feels to stand in this ring as a champion. Real talk, Priest is proud of Fatu, he congratulates Fatu, that’s real. But what Priest doesn’t respect is the crew that follows him around.
Wait, check that. What Priest doesn’t respect is the crew Fatu follows around. Priest knows at some point, they will get in this ring, handle business, but that’s for them. As for Fatu’s so-called family, if they wanna get involved, they can catch a fresh one, too. Priest won’t make it just a nickname or moniker, he wants this to be fact! Priest is and forever will be EL CAMPEON! The fans cheer that! But will the Archer soon take aim at the Samoan Werewolf? Well, speaking of, Fatu makes his way out here for tonight’s other Triple Threat Qualifier! Fatu nods to Priest, but if Fatu wins his way into the ladder match, will this showdown have to wait a little longer?
Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier Triple Threat: Carmelo Hayes VS Andrade VS Jacob Fatu!
SmackDown returns and El Idolo makes his entrance, followed by H1M. The bell rings and Miz distracts Fatu and Melo attacks! Fatu ELBOWS Melo away, Andrade is on Melo with forearms, and then Fatu adds a LARIAT! Fatu looms mover Melo but then turns to stare down Andrade. The fans rally as these two step up. Andrade fires forearms but Fatu SHOVES him to a corner. Fatu runs up, Andrade dodges then whips. Fatu reverses, Andrade goes up and out to then ROCK Fatu! Andrade goes up, up, and CROSSBODIES! Cover, ONE! Melo CLUBS Andrade, TOSSES him out, and then CLUBS away on Fatu!
Miz says that’s the way! Melo HAMMERS and CHOPS, then whips, but Fatu blocks! Fatu whips Melo, Melo springboards, but into an UPPERCUT! The fans fire up and Fatu sees Melo go outside. Fatu builds speed, but Miz trips him up! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Fatu drags Miz into the ring! Melo goes to roll Fatu up but Fatu stays up! Fatu YANKS Melo up, scoops, but Melo slips free! Melo SUPERKICKS and Miz DUMPS Fatu out! The fans boo but Melo builds speed, only for Andrade to LARIAT! The fans cheer, and now Miz sees he is in trouble. Fatu snarls, but Andrade DIVES, into a HAYMAKER!
Fatu then SUPERKICKS Miz! Fatu THROWS Miz into barriers! The fans fire up and Fatu grins. Fatu runs in, HIP ATTACK against the barriers! The Samoan Werewolf has dominated three men at once and the fans fire up while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Miz sputters and Fatu leaves him behind to go around the way. Melo is there to kick Fatu, RAM Fatu, but Fatu blocks another whip! Fatu ROCKS Melo and Melo staggers away. Fatu stalks Melo, Melo checks on Miz, but Fatu ROCKS Melo! Andrade goes after Fatu now, but Fatu THROWS Andrade into barriers! The fans cheer as Fatu lets Andrade go to the ring. Fatu brings Melo up, SMACKS him off the desk, then pushes him down. Fatu clears the desk off, but Melo CLUBS Fatu against the desk! Melo storms into the ring, brings Andrade up, but Andrade RAMS Melo into the corner! Andrade RAMS Melo, CHOPS Melo, then stalks Melo.
Andrade whips Melo, Melo reverses and Andrade hits buckles hard! Melo CHOPS Andrade down! Melo brings Andrade up, soaks up some heat, then makes it Latino Heat. But Andrade blocks the suplex to suplex Melo! Andrade hangs Melo out to dry, and Melo flops to the apron. Fatu is back but Andrade fires forearms first! Andrade whips, Fatu reverses, and Fatu BODY CHECKS Andrade! Fatu geeks out and the fans are with him while he stalks Andrade. Fatu drags Andrade up to HEADBUTT him into the corner. Fatu shoves Melo off the apron, then he HEADBUTTS Andrade again. Andrade sputters but Fatu is all fired up.
Fatu CHOPS Andrade, UPPERCUTS, and HEADBUTTS him again! Andrade CHOPS in return! SmackDown returns to single picture and Andrade CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Fatu UPPERCUTS and Andrade falls back! Melo stomps Andrade in the corner, then tells Fatu to come on in. Fatu runs up, but Andrade gets away! Hip attack hits buckles! Melo ENZIGIRIS Fatu, Andrade runs to dodge Melo and FLYING FOREARM! The fans fire up as Andrade kips up! Andrade has targets in the corners, and he rallies the fans with “SI! SI! SI!” CIEN KNEES for Fatu! CIEN- NO, Melo tilt-o-whirls and LA MYSTICA! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally, Melo runs to stomp away on Fatu, then he brings Andrade up. Fatu stands to CLOBBER Melo! Andrade SUPERKICKS Fatu! The fans rally, Melo brings Andrade up and springboards, but Andrade stops him at the ropes! SECOND ROPE SPANISH FLY! But Fatu SENTONS Andrade! The fans fire up as Fatu SENTONS Melo! Fatu drags Melo to a drop zone, then goes to the corner! The fans rally for Fatu as he goes up, up, but Andrade YANKS him down! Andrade goes up top, MOONSAULT DOUBLE!! Cover, Melo breaks it! The fans rally while all three are down! “This is Awesome!” as the three stir.
Melo brings Fatu and Andrade around, and he fires forearms on each of them. Andrade fires back on Melo, then Fatu UPPERCUTS! Andrade ROCKS Fatu, but Fatu UPPERCUTS Andrade! The fans rally as the three rise, and Melo springboards! DOUBLE FADE AWAY DDT!! Cover on Andrade, Fatu breaks it! Melo and Fatu stare down, and they run up! Melo dodges to hit the FIRST 48! Andrade adds a POISON-RANA! Melo slips around Andrade to KNEE and suplex, CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Andrade survives and Melo grows frustrated. The fans rally for Fatu while Melo shakes his hands out. Andrade is on the apron but Melo rises.
Melo brings Andrade up but Andrade trips Melo! They go out to brawl, and Melo SUPERKICKS Andrade down! But Fatu SUPERKICKS Melo! The fans fire up for Fatu as he lines up a shot. Fatu gets the fans even more fired up, then he geeks out! Fatu runs in the full length, but Andrade & Melo move! HIP ATTACK through barriers!! The fans go nuts as Fatu crashes into the timekeeper’s area! Fatu sputters as SmackDown goes back to picture in picture.
Fatu stirs while Andrade and Melo go to the ring. They roll in, Melo grabs at Andrade and vice-versa. Melo fires a forearm, then goes back outside. Andrade goes to the opposite end while Melo looks under the ring. Melo makes Knoxville happy by bringing out a table! But then Melo makes them mad by dropping it! Melo goes after Andrade but Andrade ROCKS him first! Andrade brings out a chair! Andrade aims, but Melo dropkicks the legs out! Andrade crawls, Melo shakes his head, and he grabs the chair now. Melo aims, but Andrade kicks Melo low! Andrade and Melo go into the ring, and Andrade puts Melo in a drop zone.
Andrade goes up the corner, but Melo trips him up! Andrade is stuck up top and Melo hits the SLINGSHOT PLEX! Melo flexes, then decides to step through on the legs! Andrade cradles that, TWO! Melo and Andrade stand, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Both men fall and the fans look for Fatu. SmackDown returns to single picture as the fans rally, Melo and Andrade sit up, and Melo CHOPS! Andrade ROCKS Melo, then rolls away. Melo hurries to clamp onto Andrade with a facelock, but Andrade RAMS him into a corner! Andrade puts Melo up top but Melo fires forearms. Andrade drops back, Melo aims, but Andrade GAMANGIRIS!
The fans still want tables but Andrade climbs up to get Melo. They’re on the very top, but Fatu is back! Fatu makes the SUPER SPANISH FLY part ROCKER LAUNCHER!! The fans are thunderous as Fatu goes up now! SWANTON BOMB onto Melo! Cover, Andrade breaks it!! The fans rally up again and still want tables. Fatu runs at Andrade to SPLASH! Then Fatu runs at Melo, but Melo BOOTS him! Melo runs up, but into a pop-up! Melo fights the Samoan Drop, and Andrade adds the SHADOW ELBOW! But Melo makes it a ghost pin! Andrade adds a stack, TWO!!! Fatu survives the double cover, but here come Solo & JC!
The fans boo as Solo is here to coach Fatu up. Melo and Andrade trade forearms, then Melo dodges to springboard, FLYING LARIAT! Cover, Fatu breaks it! Fatu snarls, drags Melo up, and he HEADBUTTS Melo! Fatu finally notices Solo & JC, but Fatu puts Melo up top. Fatu CHOPS Melo, then he fireman’s carries Andrade. Fatu adds Melo to this, but Melo slips free. SAMOAN DROP for Andrade, and then Fatu goes to the corner. Solo says Fatu’s got this now! BEST MOONSAULT EVER FLOPS and Melo hits NOTHING BUT NET!! Cover, ANDRADE BREAKS IT! Andrade underhooks Melo, THE MESS- NO, Melo RANAS through! Cover, TWO!!
Andrade has a cover, TWO! Melo has a cover, TWO! Andrade has it, TWO! Both men stand, SHADOW ELBOW! FIRST 48!! SHADOW ELBOW AGAIN!! All three men are down and the fans are thunderous! Fatu crawls, Melo rolls to a corner, and Andrade stirs. Fatu rises, he brings Andrade up, IMPALER DDT! Then Fatu has Melo to RAM him into a corner. Fatu runs and HIP ATTACKS Melo! Andrade is up, Fatu hits him with another IMPALER DDT! Fatu puts Andrade in the drop zone, and he hits the BEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Solo says yeah, do that again! The fans boo but Fatu glares at Solo. JC says do what Solo is saying, Fatu!
But wait! Jimmy YANKS JC down, and SUPERKICKS him! The fans fire up, and then Melo RAMS Fatu into Solo! Then FIRST 48! But Andrade rolls Melo into THE MESSAGE!! Cover, ANDRADE WINS!!
Winner: Andrade, by pinfall (advances to Money in the Bank)
Solo just screwed things up for Fatu! Solo does his best to keep the peace between Fatu and JC, but the point is: Andrade is headed to Los Angeles! Will he make this El Idolo in the Bank?
Backstage interview with LA Knight.
Byron Saxton segues from congratulating Andrade for qualifying to welcoming in someone who already has qualified, but The Mega Star says, “My gawd. What is it with punching tickets around here? Everybody talks about punching tickets. WWE Instagram, punched tickets. Commentary, punched tickets. You’re talking about punched tickets. I guess I punched my ticket to MITB, it’s only eight days away. A few other guys who punched tickets, who are they? You got Andrade, you got Penta, you got what’s his name, Seth Rollins. You got Solo Sikoa! They’re all in it! They all punched their tickets!
“And everybody’s gonna be climbing that ladder, trying to get up, put everything on the line that they can. Now, if this was a one-on-one match, I’d go ahead and call my shot, and I’d say I’m gonna run up there, grab the case, and cash it in. But you gotta understand, this is my third year in a row, so I understand what this is. You can call me the vet in this match. Some people say maybe that Seth is the vet in this, but they would be wrong. For three years in a row now, you’re talking about the most robust and the most recent experience, YEAH. And what that means is now it’s anybody’s game. Anybody can come out with it, and I understand that.
“But with or without the case, what you need to understand is that the WWE title, the world title, they’re all in my future. With the way I’ve been running, at this point, they should be in my past, maybe even my present. Why don’tcha go ahead and punch that ticket? While we’re talking about-” Knight stops himself when he spots someone walking in. It’s Aleister Black! And Aleister says that win was supposed to be his. But he tells Knight, “You’re welcome, though.” The Dark Father lets the Mega Star shine, if only for now. Will LA win big in LA when we finally reach MITB?
Fatu and Solo regroup backstage.
Solo wants Fatu to listen. He was just trying to help. Fatu tells Solo to listen. For the last time, Fatu does not need his help! Fatu storms off, JC steps in, but Solo has nothing else to say. Is the Samoan Werewolf going to break away from this dysfunctional “family?”
Cody Rhodes is here!
Knoxville fires up and sings along, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, high-fives fans along the ramp and the front row, and even signs autographs. Cody goes to the ring, grabs a mic, and he hears the fans chant his name. Cody fires the fans up more, then hears them sing, “Cody! Cody Rhooodes~! Cody! Cody Rhooodes~!” Cody says, “So, Knoxville! Whaddya wanna talk about?” The fans cheer, and Cody says, “I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out that we could talk about the record crowd here this evening!” The fans cheer that, too! Cody says he loves them, too, thank you very much.
Cody says they could also talk about WrestleMania 41. The fans boo, but Cody says after WrestleMania 41, he went home, he drowned his sorrows, might’ve touched the “Tennessee Cough Syrup” a little bit, and he had a moment of doubt. He reached out to a friend. A friend who helps him prepare to wonderful audiences like this one here, or speaking to everyone at home. Cody asked him, “Was I a good champion?” The fans cheer for that, but Cody says the friend told him wasn’t quite as simple as yes or no.
The friend told him, “With everything that you faced here in the ring in front of all the fans, and with everything that you faced behind the scenes, being pulled in different directions, the waters that you had to navigate that no champion has ever had to navigate, yes, I feel that you were a good champion.” Cody says he felt good hearing that, it turned into a hopeful moment, the silver lining on a dark cloud. Cody looked back on his whole year. He thought about AJ Styles faking retirement to get the drop on him. Cody thought about his friend, Kevin Owens, sucker punching him against his bus while Cody’s family slept inside.
Cody thought about his boss, Triple H, who pushed Cody to the limit, and sees something in Cody that Cody doesn’t even see in himself. Cody even thought about The Final Boss, how he asked Cody for his soul, and the entire world wondering what that meant. As preposterous as that sounded, The Rock was 100% serious. No matter how many times Cody said no, the offer still stands. And Cody also thought about John Cena. The fans initially boo, but the “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” starts up. Cody takes a moment, and then he says, “I thought about John Cena doing exactly what he said he was going to do. He forced me to make a choice, and I hesitated.
“I don’t know if John Cena is going to ‘ruin’ professional wrestling. But if he does, then I’m partially to blame. Now, I know, I’d love to say this to John Cena’s face. Not sure if he’s going to come out here right now, but if you are listening, if you are listening, Champ, I need you to know that I will never hesitate with you again!” The fans cheer that, and Cody says no matter how much Cena will tout the amount of days he has left, how much Cena will talk about what remains before he absconds with the WWE Championship and leaves all of us forever, that is NOT Cena’s expiration date! That is on the other side of Cody’s corneas, and it will burn Cena’s ass up!
The fans fire up for that, and Cody calms it down. Cody apologizes for that. This is his first night back on SmackDown, he is getting worked up. He thought so much about what he could do, what he could do for the fans. Hell, how about a surprise? The fans already “YEET! YEET! YEET!” so Cody says they’re hungry for it. Let’s yeet. Well, hold on, that’d be a very big surprise. That’d be the biggest surprise. That’d be Cody’s partner riding into battle for MITB, and hell YES he is here! Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for the World Heavyweight Champion, MAIN EVENT JEY USO! The fans go wild as Jey makes his way in from the pavilion!
The fans sing along with Day One Ish and bounce for that YEET! Jey makes his way down through the crowd to ringside, one verse at a time, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Jey joins Cody in the ring now, mic in hand. Cody and Jey hear the fans want an encore, so we get even more YEET! But then John Cena makes his entrance to ruin the fun! The fans sing “JOHN CENA SUUUCKS~!” even though he wears that University of Tennessee orange and white. Cena goes to the ring, towel draped over his head, then grabs a mic before he joins Cody and Jey in the ring. Cena hears the fans boo, and he says, “I’m upset, too. If it isn’t professional wrestling’s biggest wannabes!” Cena tells Cody he is nothing more than a Cena Wannabe, and that Jey is nothing more than a Cena Wannabe.
The fans boo but Cena says they both wanna be Cena so bad, it makes him sick! Cody wants Cena’s fame, Jey wants Cena’s money, but they will get neither because Cody is too desperate and Jey is too lazy! There is only ONE other human being in the WWE who embodies hustle, loyalty and respect, and he’s got the fortune, fame and followers to back that up! Surprise, losers! Cena’s partner is here, too! The fans boo already, because “EY YO~!” Logan Paul IS here! The Maverick swaggers his way out, and Cena gives him a proper introduction. “Oh, you mad? You’re mad because Logan Paul does WWE better than any professional wrestler?”
Cena says Logan doesn’t need to pay his dues, because he is paying Jey’s mortgage! Everybody in this building did NOT come to see Jey! They came to see John Cena and Logan Paul! Logan asks, “What the hell you crying about, Knoxville? Look! I could walk on water, and y’all would still find a way to tell me it’s because I can’t swim! John Cena speaks the language of Logan Paul, and that is the truth! The truth! It is right in front of you! You deny it all you want, but look around, you stupid, stupid, simple Tennessee people! This is a moment in history! All of you get to witness the moment that John Cena stood side-by-side in the ring with Logan Paul.
“And look, all of you will live long, pathetic, miserable lives. But at least you will get to say that you saw that.” The fans tell Logan to STFU, and Cena tells Logan to ignore it. Logan says yeah, yeah, they’re so ungrateful. They don’t know what’s good for them. There is one problem, though. This does seem too perfect. The problem is… Logan should be standing next to THE WWE Champion as THE World Heavyweight Champion! Logan should’ve been the one to leave Saturday Night’s Main Event with that title around his waist. But look at him, Jey. Jey got lucky. Jey got lucky! He knows it, Logan knows, it, the fans know it, CODY knows it!
Jey needed Cody to save him! When Cody interfered with the match cuz these two cheaters can’t do a single thing in this business without it being handed to them! “These two nepo babies were born on third, thinking they hit a triple.” Logan points to himself and says, “Self-made man!” He points to Cena and says, “Self-made man!” Five years ago, nobody every would’ve believed Logan Paul would be a WWE superstar. And they certainly never ever would’ve believed that he’d be teaming with the Greatest Of All Time! But look at Logan now. He’s not just a superstar, he is THE superstar! His time is now! Cena told us that his time is almost up!
Cena is the Last Real Champion, Logan is the inevitable face of the WWE! So Jey, Cody, at MITB, if you want some, come get some. Jey tells Logan they don’t gotta wait! They can handle this right now! UH UH, YEET!! The mics drop, Cena and Logan talk this out, and Logan wants to throw hands while Cena wants to leave. Cody asks what they’re arguing about. They gonna go to the back so Logan can polish Cena’s Peacemaker? Now it’s a fight! The fans fire up as the hands are flying! Logan TOSSES Jey, Cena picks Cody up! Cody slips free, Jey is back to SUPERKICK! Cody hits the DISASTER KICK! Cena bails out, Jey PLANCHAS out onto him!
Logan goes to the apron, slingshot and- NO, Cody dodges the “Snapshot” Lariat and Jey SUPERKICKS Logan! Then Jey sets Logan up for the CODE D!! The fans fire up as Cody picks up the WWE Championship! Will Cody and Jey make it through Logan and Cena to then clear a path for the American Nightmare’s redemption? Or will Cena & Logan ruin wrestling together?
My Thoughts:
A very good SmackDown, but maybe with some wheel-spinning. As fun as Chelsea Green continues to be, can’t we move on from her and Zelina? Or are we about to do that with tonight’s win over Alba and then Giulia confronting her? Ironically, that seems to give away Giulia isn’t winning MITB. Giulia had a good promo video right before but they undercut it by giving us that confrontation. That said, Giulia deserves to be all the champions, but I suppose starting with the Women’s US Championship would be a good route. Very good promo from Bianca and Naomi to not just have Bianca’s homecoming, but to keep the feud between them alive.
The Women’s Triple Threat had a slow start but it turned out to be a very good match. Great win for Naomi, and good promo from her, Tiffany and Alexa to tease potential MITB winners. Great stuff in the tag match to build Worlds Collide just a touch. We only got one moment of Berto being passive aggressive towards Santos, and then Ethan Page screwing the Faces over, but that was still enough for the North American Championship. Of course, it depends on how many fans watch not just Raw and SmackDown but also NXT so that the fans already understand the story. But as someone who does, I do appreciate they’re bringing NXT story onto SmackDown.
Good promo from Priest to give some shoot respect to Drew and Fatu, but Priest wanting after the US title kinda gave away what was happening with the Men’s Triple Threat. It was a great Triple Threat, but of course Solo & JC cost Fatu. That team is just one moment away from breaking up, and it might be at MITB when Solo just expects Fatu to help him win the briefcase and Fatu refuses. And Fatu VS Priest will still be awesome whenever it happens. Good promo from Knight, and a good bit from Aleister with him, which I suppose means that’s the next feud for them. Was kinda hoping for Aleister VS Nakamura but that really depends if Nakamura is sticking with WWE or going home to Japan via Pro-Wrestling NOAH as rumored.
R-Truth relapsing to talking to Lil’ Jimmy is certainly a choice. I kinda wish he’d keep up the “Ron Cena” stuff, or they’d let Jeff Cobb do his own John Cena bit from NJPW, but I guess some things in WWE still won’t change. And closing with a big promo segment was also certainly a choice. Cody still did a good job, and nice surprise to have Jey show up. Not sure they needed to take a commercial break for Jey’s entrance, especially when they were obviously going to let Jey do his YEET encore. And Cena really must be brainwashed to put Logan over as if Logan’s on par with peak Cena. But naturally a brawl happened and the Faces stood tall.
Don’t count this as go-home math yet, they could easily revisit this on Raw and even next week on SmackDown. Even then, I still feel like Jey and Cody should win at MITB to properly set up Cody VS Cena 2 at SummerSlam. Raw on June 9th is still the move for the World Heavyweight Championship, but there’s also Saturday Night’s Main Event in July, who knows if Jey makes it to SummerSlam as champion.
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: 5.29.25
Stuff happens, maybe it doesn’t, Dreamer and Delirious can’t book.
Well Trick Willie is the new TNA champ and this is the first iMPACT since his win…so let’s just hear him talk about it.
"TNA turned into TRICK-NA. Lets talk about it"@_trickwilliams #WWENXT
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/GrBQpdX5g5 pic.twitter.com/StU4pmi3oy
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 30, 2025
Ratings:
- The Rascalz vs Fir$t Cla$$ vs Laredo vs The System: Rascalz win via Meteora – ***
- Raj Singh vs Mustafa Ali: Ali wins via…No Shit – Squash Garbage
- ASH by Elegance vs Lei Ying Lee: Lei wins via Spinning TKO – ** 3/4
- Mance Warner w/SDL vs Jobber: Mance wins via Hit the Pay Winda – Squash
- Santino Marella & Arianna Grace vs Robert Stone & Victoria Crawford w/Tessa: Team Robbie wins via shenanigans – **
- International Championship: Steve Maclin (c) vs Matt Cardona: Maclin retains via KIA – ***
Results:
The Rascalz vs Fir$t Cla$$ vs Laredo vs The System
Octagon got jumped by The System earlier so Laredo is fighting alone. Another backstage jumping is getting a little dumb.
Laredo and Trey start. Typical Indie start with Simultaneous awful Dropkick spot and bad counters, AJ blind tag runs the smaller guys over, tags out to KC and the Rascalz instantly get the moment. KC is rocked, tags in Laredo and Laredo takes out the System before Lish gets on the apron and grabs Laredo. The referee kicks out Lish and Rehwoldt on commentary points out it’s a No DQ match so that’s dumb.
KC gets tossed at AJ, he catches him, Rascalz Dive and do their taunt as we go to commercial. We come back, Tennessee Whiskey into a KC tag in for the near fall on Laredo. Corner combo, Snapmare into Flip Forward Neck Breaker, KC is on a roll. AJ tags Laredo and starts talking crap to KC, they swerve and go Finger Poke of Doom, but it’s not a legal pin. Suddenly tornado attacks, System and Rascalz go for broke, AJ hits the Senton to break the eventual pin, Laredo counters AJ’s Chokeslam attempt. Trey clears out The System, Wentz sends himself and KC over and out, Laredo with a Corkscrew Moonsault, which looked cool but it’s the pile of morons waiting to get hit spot.
AJ hits the Down Payment on Laredo, but Trey blind tagged AJ. Meteora on AJ, Trey pins Laredo and Rascalz win.
Raj Singh vs Mustafa Ali
Raj looks like shit in the gear he came down in…and he wrestles equivalently. I would rather anyone else comeback…give me Anarquia.
Ali murders Raj, Instant Dropkick, Rolling Neckbreaker, Corkscrew Standing Moonsault, it’s not close. Raj tries to counter things but Ali Bellclap, a little Duck the left, connect the right. Raj even does a terrible looking Punch Combo, he’s in bad shape, a bad looking Ushigoroshi, Raj with a sloppy looking something, 450 ends it.
Fire Raj as quickly as you brought him back. You don’t need a comedically pathetic job guy when the roster is like 4 guys getting pushed and everyone else sucks. Stop being stupid. Ali still hates women too.
This Injury Report is the dumbest segment in the history of wrestling. Stop treating fake shit as “serious business”.
ASH by Elegance vs Lei Ying Lee
ASH mocks karate stuff, Lei throws a few Rising Crane kicks as ASH bails and then things slow down a little. But a Pump Kick, Sliding Kick and Low Dropkick cause ASH to cower and claim her tooth broke. It’s a bait to pull Lei into the turnbuckles and them get in a few stomps. Ash keeps Lei in the corner, Suplexes her ankles into the buckles and then Ash throws a few Booty Shots/Hit Attacks then starts a grounded stretch, Lei Headscissors her down, still sells the hips and ankles, but dodges and fires, combination strikes into the 10 Count Down Strikes. T-bone Suplex, into the pinfall, for only two.
Cheapshot into Running Meteora from ASH for two. Ash goes for the Miz Yes Kicks and Lei No Sells and asks for more. Gorgeous Capture Suplex into Thunder Struck and TKO with flair. My baby has a better finish now! Yay!
Mance Warner w/SDL vs Jobber
Hannifan cursing and being pissed at Trick for not even showing but is more entertaining than a squash match. Not that Mance’s offense is bad, but 2 out of 3 job matches is stupid.
.@milanmiracle and @AriannaGraceWWE make history as the first father/daughter tag team in TNA!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/GrBQpdX5g5 pic.twitter.com/3s8OhtYFPv
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 30, 2025
Santino Marella & Arianna Grace vs Robert Stone & Victoria Crawford w/Tessa
Marella tries to tie up with Robbie, but he bails and tags out to Victoria so Arianna comes in and aside from Alicia Fox’s silliness, the tie up was decent with Arianna and Victoria. Tessa interferes and the Referee throws her out. Victoria comes back in and aside from a slight miscommunication with how Arianna does her punches, Alicia Fox is making her look…pretty good. Transition moves, okay brawling and Arianna looks amazing in her outfit.
Rob and Santino distract the referee and Victoria hits a Figure Four into her Northern Lights Suplex, only for 2. Arianna finally Back Body Drop to find the tag, Santino and Rob, Santino does his split dodge into the Standing Headbutt, Arianna Cross Body onto Victoria. Rob pulls out the ref, then shoves the ref into Santino, Santino into the steps and Arianna attack but Alicia and Lish, the fix is in, Arianna eats the pin.
International Championship: Steve Maclin (c) vs Matt Cardona
A few quick brawl moves, Shoulder Tackles, Strikes, Back Breakers, Cardona does get dumped out and eats a SCUD. Maclin bounces Cardona’s face off the apron and hits an Elbow off the apron to keep Cardona reeling, but a dodged tackle sends Maclin into the steps. Cardona tries to Piledriver Maclin on the ramp, but Back Drop counter, into commercial.
Formulaic commercial etiquette of Cardona still in control, throws Maclin into the ropes, Diving Shoulder Tackle lays both dudes out and they get up by 8. Fighting Spirit spot, Cardona hits ropes and gets hit by Maclin twice, Thesz Press, Ground and Pound, Back Elbow and Olympic Slam has Maclin rolling. Splash into Lariat for two. Maclin has been all gas no brakes. Cardona tries to take a few shortcuts that turns into a Straight Jacket Takedown. Cardona to the top, Maclin cuts him off, Superplex spot. 1-2-kick out!
Maclin goes topside for a Jar Headbutt, Cardona hits the ropes so Maclin crashes into the corner, 2 Reboots connect, the third gets caught, counter into Busaiku Knee, Jar Headbutt. In and out, Cardona uses the middle rope for the Low Blow, Killswitch from Cardona but Maclin kicks out. Cardona dodges and shoves Maclin towards the ref, he puts the brakes on, Radio Silence! 1-2-Kick out! Maclin catches a top rope move, Power Bomb, Corner Splash, Tree of Woe, Caught in the Crosshairs, KIA and Maclin retains!
Overall Score: 4.5/10
Boring paint by numbers show, no Trick, System has one move, Robert Stone is a scumbag, too long to introduce new girls, lots of throw away segments and Rosemary sets up YET ANOTHER Monster’s Ball match. These aren’t interesting when there’s one every 3 months. So we can have terrible Monster’s Ball matches quarterly, Barbed Wire Massacre and Clockwork Orange House of Fun…BUT NO LOCKDOWN!?
Go home TNA, you’re drunk.
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!
4 Corners Podcast: Blown Off Course
Dave and Tunney break down the Conference Finals in the NHL and NBA, discuss the NFL going to the Olympics,...
4 Corners Podcast: Bettor Late Than Never?
Dave, Patrick, and Tunney break down the NHL and NBA Playoffs and a pretty stunning decision from the MLB Commissioner's...
4 Corners Podcast: Never Over Until Its Over
Dave and Patrick break down the latest developments, scores, and stories from the NBA and NHL Playoffs.
4 Corners Podcast: Playoffpalooza
Dave and Tunney discuss all the awesome action that has been going on in the NHL and NBA Playoffs!
4 Corners Podcast: Is It Drafty In Here?
Patrick and Dave discuss the NFL Draft, Shedeur Sanders, and the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs!
Bandwagon Nerds #290: Norm!
The Nerds recap trailers for Jurassic Park: Rebirth and Welcome to Derry, discuss delays to Avengers movies, and pay their...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (5/23/25)
What's with all the glowing?
Bandwagon Nerds #289: The Rest of Us
The Nerds discuss trailers for Ironheart and Superman, talk about the greatness that was Andor Season 2, break down casting...
Bandwagon Nerds #288: Disney In The Desert
Disney makes a controversial decision about where it is building its 7th theme park. Plus, loads of trailers, Thunderbolts* news,...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (5/9/25)
June will be electric!
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (5/30/25)
The greatEST SmackDown!
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 5.29.25
Stuff happens, maybe it doesn't, Dreamer and Delirious can't book.
Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/29/25)
B Block, FINAL ROUND!
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (5/29/25)
Is ROH ready for the GORE?
Mitchell’s WWE Evolve Results & Report! (5/28/25)
THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE!
Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (5/28/25)
Dynamite in the desert!
Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/27/25)
A Block, FINAL ROUND!
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Will NXT still be Absolute?
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Round 8, all together!
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New Day Rocks? Or New Day Sucks?
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Coverage5 days agoMitchell’s WWE Battleground Results & Report! (5/25/25)
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AEW Coverage5 days agoMitchell’s AEW Double or Nothing Results & Report! (5/25/25)
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Coverage6 days agoMitchell’s WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event Results & Report! (5/24/25)
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Coverage4 days ago
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