Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (6/27/22)
Happy Cenaversary!
The one and only JOHN CENA returns to celebrate 20 YEARS!
Money in the Bank is this weekend, but the return of John Cena is tonight! Just how big will Monday Night Raw celebrate the return of the Cenation?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier Last Chance Battle Royal: Riddle wins and advances to MITB.
- Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Kevin Owens VS Elias/Ezekiel/Elrod; rescheduled.
- Jey Uso w/ Jimmy Uso VS Montez Ford w/ Angelo Dawkins; Ford wins and names the stipulation for the WWE Undisputed Tag Team Championship match.
- The Miz VS AJ Styles; Styles wins.
- Liv Morgan VS Alexa Bliss; Liv wins.
- 2v1 Handicap Match, (Austin) Theory as Special Enforcer: The Alpha Academy VS Bobby Lashley; Lashley wins.
- Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Last Chance Elimination Match: Becky Lynch VS Nikki A.S.H. VS “Doudrop” Piper Niven VS Shayna Baszler VS Xia Li VS Tamina; Becky wins and advances to MITB.
PLAY BY PLAY
Raw shares footage as John Cena arrived backstage.
The Raw roster is happy to see him, too! They shake his hand, take pictures, and even Cena takes pictures of them. Of course R-Truth gets to say hi to his childhood hero! Cena even shakes hands with old rivals like Dolph Ziggler. Cena even gets to shake hands with Michael Cole and The Miz before reaching gorilla.
Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier Last Chance Battle Royal!
Superstars from both Raw and SmackDown fill the ring as there’s one more spot to fill! Who rises above the field to then go to Las Vegas?
But hold on! Not everyone is here yet! The Mysterios, Rey and Dominik, make their entrance! Then, the King of Strong Style, Shinsuke Nakamura! And the Stallion, Matt Riddle! The bell rings and the brawls bust off! Akira Tozawa goes after Reggie, Jinder Mahal is after Dolph Ziggler, Veer is after Nakamura! Shanky is after Dom, Mustafa fights off T-Bar, then goes after Ciampa. Veer thrashes Riddle in a bearhug then puts him in a corner. Styles goes after The Miz, Tozawa goes after Veer but that’s a mistake! Veer grabs him and TOSSES him to ELIMINATE him! Riddle is after Shanky, Shelton Benjamin goes after Veer, but then Veer LARIATS and ELIMINATES Benjamin!
Mustafa, Dom and Rey go after Veer, but he EXPLODES out! Veer has the Mysterios, but Mustafa DROPKICSK Veer into ropes! The Mysterios dial it up, DOUBLE 619! And then they all throw Veer up and out to ELIMINATE him! Veer is furious but he’ll have to wait to avenge himself another night. Ricochet is after Jinder, Truth and Shanky start dancing! Jinder is upset and he attacks Truth! NO dancing! Shanky and Jinder mug Truth, and they throw him out to ELIMINATE truth! But then Jinder throws Shanky! Shanky holds on because he’s so big, but he still falls and Jinder ELIMINATES him! NO DANCING!
But then Styles LARIATS and ELIMINATES Jinder! Ziggler hangs on, T-Bar has Reggie up in a trophy lift! T-Bar TOSSES Reggie onto Jinder and Shanky to ELIMINATE him! The tyrant roars as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns and the Mysterios are tipping Riddle out! Riddle holds on, lands safe on the apron, and Nakamura brawls with Ziggler! Raw shares footage from the break, Mustafa fell out to the apron and Ciampa BLASTED him with a knee, Ali is ELIMINATED! Nakamura fires off KICKS on Ziggler, Miz digs his boots into Styles, T-Bar is after Ricochet, and Ciampa gives Riddle a STUNNER! T-Bar CLUBS Ricochet, Nakamura KICKS T-Bar’s leg. Rey CHOPS Ciampa, Ricochet uppercuts Miz, Dom ROCKS Ziggler! Dom ROCKS Ziggler, Ziggler ROCKS Dom, but Dom fires off forearms! Styles holds on, Dom whips Ziggler out!
Ciampa misses Styles, Styles GAMANGIRIS back! styles drags Ciampa out to join him, POSTS him, and Ciampa falls! Styles ELIMINATES Ciampa! But Miz is right after Styles! Mia runs, into a drop toehold! Rey goes for it, but Miz dodges 619 to kick and BASEMENT DDT! T-Bar stomps Nakamura, Rey holds on as Miz throws him! Dom helps his dad stay safe but Ziggler shoves Dom. Dom comes back, and clotheslines Ziggler, only to ELIMINATE himself as he tumbles up and out! Riddle CHOPS T-Bar, Miz and Ziggler shake hands as the Cleveland Connection. Miz stomps Styles, Ziggler brings Rey up and in to POWER- NO, Rey fights and RANAS Ziggler up and out!
Ziggler and Rey are on the apron but Miz kicks Rey! Miz scrapes his boot in but Rey shoulders into Miz. Rey slingshots to RANA Miz up and out! Now all three are on the apron! Miz KICKS Rey, Ziggler SUPERKICKS! They both TOSS and ELIMINATE Rey! Miz and Ziggler fist bump then get back in. Miz tosses Riddle! Riddle holds on, Nakamura KICKS Styles, Miz and Ziggler work on Riddle together! Fans rally for the Bro and Riddle brings his feet up. Rey makes himself a step so Riddle doesn’t touch the floor! Styles throws Nakamura out but Nakamura holds onto the ropes. T-Bar shoves Ricochet, but Ricochet dumps the ropes!
Ricochet TRIANGLE JUMPS, into a choke grip! And CHOKE- NO! Ricochet fights free, T-Bar TOSSES Ricochet, but he lands on a ladder! Ricochet is safe on the rungs, but he has to figure out how to get back. Ricochet leaps, into T-Bar’s grip! Ricochet fights free, tilt-o-whirls and RANAS T-Bar to the floor to ELIMINATE him! The One and Only pulls off an incredible comeback and Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again and we have our final six! Riddle fires off KICKS on Miz while Nakamura throws KNEES into Styles, and Ricochet has Ziggler in a clinch. Riddle whips corner to corner, Miz BOOTS back! Miz hops up, leaps, and AX HANDLES Riddle down! Miz’s leg buckles a bit and he hobbles back to a corner. Ziggler knocks Ricochet down but Nakamura is after Ziggler! Miz drags himself up the corner, but decides to roll out under the bottom rope. Ziggler knocks Nakamura away, but Nakamura dodges in the corner. Ziggler uppercuts back, but Nakamura GAMANGIRIS and Ziggler falls to the floor! Nakamura ELIMINATES Ziggler!
Riddle and Nakamura, the #BROnin, stare down and nod, then fire off fast hands! Riddle fires forearms, each man ducks a kick but the WHEEL KICK takes Riddle out! Nakamura fire sup, runs in, but Riddle tosses him up and out! Nakamura holds on, but Riddle’s PELE knocks him down! Riddle ELIMINATES Nakamura! Miz has the medics looking at him but he insists he’s fine. He doesn’t want this taking away an opportunity! Ricochet SUPERKICKS Riddle then fireman’s carries! DETONATION- NO, Riddle blocks the kick and has the legs! Riddle catapults but Ricochet lands on the corner to mule kick!
Ricochet CROSSBODIES, into a DROPKICK from Styles! The Skipper saves the Bro and then TOSSES Ricochet to ELIMINATE him! Miz is still questionable, are Styles and Riddle the final two?! Fans rally as Styles and Riddle circle. They fire off haymakers and fans fire up! Riddle fires forearm after forearm but Styles ducks a kick to ENZIGURI! Styles runs in but Riddle tosses him out! Styles lands on the apron, DECKS Riddle, and prepares his arm! But Miz YANKS Styles down to ELIMINATE him! Miz laughs and his leg is just fine! Miz played the long con and waves bye to Styles. Fans boo and Miz gets Riddle up to whip, but Riddle holds on!
Miz rushes in, into a ROUNDHOUSE! Riddle hurries but into a full nelson! Riddle arm-drags free, puts Miz through ropes, for the DRAPING DDT! Riddle fires up and hears those voices, bro! RK- NO, Miz full nelsons into the FINALE!! Miz is seething and fans are booing but Riddle flounders up. Miz rushes in, into a HEADSCISSORS! Riddle drags Miz out to join him, and it’s a TRIANGLE HOLD! Both men hold onto the ropes and fans rally! Miz throws elbows and is free! Riddle slowly stands up, Miz runs in, but into an APRON RKO!! Miz falls, RIDDLE WINS!
Winner: Matt Riddle (advances to MITB)
Riddle did it, bro! He’s in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match! Will Riddle win that contract in his hometown, and have a bull’s eye right on the Undisputed Universal Championship?
BREAKING NEWS!
The last spot was supposed to be filled by the winner of Kevin Owens VS Ezekiel/Elias/”Elrod,” but that has to be rescheduled for the moment. Will they be able to have that match before MITB this Saturday? Or will there be another last chance for someone on the roster?
The Street Profits are fired up!
Montez Ford says the Profits are always hanging out with the finest. But tonight, there’s none other than the man himself, JOHN CENA! The camera looks over to the right, but we don’t see Cena. Uh, he’s over on the other side. The camera turns to the left, and there he is! Cena and the Profits are fired up and Ford says tonight is busy and Cena is going around the world making peace, but could he give them some advice? Under the bright lights of Las Vegas, the Bloodline’s Usos put their Undisputed Tag Team Championships on the line. And although Profits won all the qualifying match, it was all by count-out.
Ford says sure, the Profits have held all three WWE Tag Team Championships, from NXT to Raw to SmackDown, but when it comes to the Bloodline, there’s no answer. The Profits get serious and asks Cena want to do. Uh, guys? They were NXT, Raw and SmackDown champions! They are the Profits! More energy than a bolt of lightning! That’s 1.21 gigawatts! Never forget who you really are, and never forget how good you are. And never- Wait, what he’s saying is… NEVER. GIVE. UP! It’s on the shirt for a reason. Now go get the smoke. Never give up, because we want the smoke! The Profits are even more fired up, but will they be able to do Cena proud?
Superstars speak about John Cena.
Shawn Michaels says Cena has and continues to be the hardest working guy in show business. HBK sincerely congratulates Cena on 20 years. Paul “The Big Show” Wight says that there is no one in wrestling that has Cena’s work ethic or character. Wight is honored to have worked with Cena. Booker T says they had great times with Cena, and Cena is more than a wrestler. He is a student of the game! Daniel Bryan says Cena is an excellent locker room leader, and thanks him for being so giving both in and out of the ring.
Trish Stratus says Cena has inspired everyone through his dedication to his craft and to his fans. Triple H says Cena is “arguably the greatest superstar in the history of the WWE. But no only that, through those 20 years, becoming the greatest ambassador and truly representing what it means to be a WWE Superstar.”
Backstage interview with Matt Riddle.
The Bro is pumped up and Kevin Patrick congratulates him on tonight’s win. Riddle is heading to Vegas, what’s he feeling? Riddle says that tonight was for Randy Orton, his “brochacho,” and that to be honest, Riddle’s been having some bad luck. He’s been losing here and there, had his back against the wall, but then his bro, John Cena, came up to him and said the same thing to Riddle as he did the Profits: Never Give Up! And now Riddle’s going to Vegas, baby!
Jey Uso w/ Jimmy Uso VS Montez Ford w/ Angelo Dawkins!
Speaking of, The Bloodline’s here ahead of that very Undisputed Tag Team Championship title match, ready to have one last tune up! And biggest of all, the winner chooses what stipulation we see on Saturday! Who wins here to name the game in Vegas?
Raw returns as the Profits make their entrance. The bell rings and Jey circles with Ford. They tie up, go around, Jey puts Ford in the corner, but lets off. Ford avoids the haymaker to headlock and holds on tight as Jey powers up. Jey keeps trying, powers out the second time, but Ford runs him over! Ford mocks #WeTheOnes, then tells Jimmy to SUCK IT! Things speed up, Jey CLOBBERS Ford! Jey snarls and looms over Ford at the ropes. Jey brings Ford up to ROCK him with a right hand, and fans rally up. Jey whips corner to corner, Ford goes up and over then arm-drags! Ford has the armlock and fans rally as he cranks the shoulder.
Ford whips, Jey reverses but Ford reverses back. Ford hurdles, hurdles and arm-drags again! Fans fire up as Ford has Jey in another armlock. Jey fights up, Jimmy coaches him up, and Jey arm-drags. Ford holds on to drag Jey back down! Ford taunts Jimmy to help his brother but Jimmy stays on the outside. Ford barks at Jimmy, drags Jey up, but Jey arm-drags free. Ford DROPKICKS Jey out of the ring! Fans fire up as Ford goes to the corner and then the apron, to PENALTY- NO, Jey blocks the kick to trip Ford! Jey then whips Ford into the steel steps! The Usos high-five and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Jey has Ford in a corner. Jey fires off, stomps a mudhole in, but lets off at the ref’s count. Jey snarls, throws down more hands, then lets off at 4 again. Dawkins coaches Ford but Jey says, “You want that smoke, Tez?! You don’t want no smoke!” Jey whips corner to corner hard, then runs in, but Ford CLOBBERS Jey! Fans fire up as both men rise. Jey runs in but Ford dodges and follows to LARIAT! Ford brings Jey up, Jey ducks the haymaker to back suplex, but Ford lands on his feet! Ford mule kicks, front kicks, then ENZIGURIS! Jey staggers, but SUPERKICKS! And UPPERCUTS!
Ford staggers, ducks the haymaker, and LEAPING LARIATS! Ford handsprings up to MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Jimmy is relieved but Ford glares at Jey. Ford brings Jey up, back suplexes, but Jey lands on his feet and shoves. Ford bounces off buckles, into a POP-UP NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Jey is frustrated but Jimmy coaches him up. Dawkins coaches Ford, fans rally up, and Jey throws off the armbands. Ford is in the corner, Jey raises the finger, then starts “UCE! SO! UCE! SO!” Jey runs corner to corner, but into a SUPERKICK! Ford runs, to BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO!!
Jey survives and Jimmy is relieved again. Ford hurries to a corner and up top! But Jimmy distracts! Ford swipes at him, Jimmy gets away, but Dawkins POUNCES! Jey runs, but Ford swings, Jey dodges to DIVE onto Dawkins! Ford DIVES onto Jey!! Ford fires up and puts Jey back in! Ford hurries up top, FROM THE HEAVENS!! Cover, Ford wins!!
Winner: Montez Ford, by pinfall (Street Profits name the stipulation)
Ford wins and that means the Profits are dealing the cards! What will they choose as the rules for their Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship match? We’ll have to wait and see because right now, it’s time to celebrate!
The Mysterios regroup backstage.
But the Judgement Day’s Finn Balor & Damian Priest find them first. Finn tells Rey & Dom this is huge! Cena’s 20th Anniversary! Is it Finn or has everyone forgotten Rey has his 30th coming up soon? And what an incredible career. Royal Rumble winner, multiple time world champion, and he is loved and respected by everyone in the business! But it’s a bit confusing. What is it that Rey isn’t teaching his son? Priest says that clearly, Judgement Day is about to take over. Their doors are always open, especially those tired of hearing the same things over and over by their so-called leaders, who simply lead them down the right path. Does Dom understand?
Rey gets upset but Finn says tranquilo, we’re all friends here. They’re just saying, maybe it isn’t bad luck Dom has. It’s just a bad father. Dom keeps Rey back as Finn & Priest leave, and Rey tells Judgement Day they better run. Maybe Rey teaches them a thing or two next week in San Diego! The Mysterios VS The Prince and Punisher? Will that match become reality?
It all started with two words: “RUTHLESS! AGGRESSION!”
John Cena took the fight to Kurt Angle, won The Undertaker’s respect, and then became a Doctor of Thuganomics! From there, Cena became WWE United States Champion, defeating John “Bradshaw” Layfield, then eventually amassed SIXTEEN world titles! From giants to superheavyweights to the baddest men on the planet, Cena’s faced them all, and even beaten a few. He walked into hostile territory with ECW, he defeated The Rock at WrestleMania, won Money in the Bank and make shocking returns at the Royal Rumble, and whether fans loved or hated him, everyone knew his name.
And on top of all that, he has granted the most wishes in Make-A-Wish history while participating in Tribute to the Troops and thanking the real heroes in the American military. Of course, he’s also jumped right into Hollywood, from movies to television shows to talk shows and awards shows. Comedy, action, Kids Choice Awards, Wipeout on TBS, and Hustle, Loyalty and Respect. #ThankYouCena for 20 YEARS!
Kevin Patrick is in the ring!
After that highlight reel retrospective, Kevin Patrick welcomes out to the ring the Most Must-See Superstar, The Miz! Miz returns to the ring after being part of the battle royal and faking a bad knee. Miz gets a mic and Kevin Patrick welcomes him out. Miz is an avid social media user, so he must know that Logan Paul is plotting a return to the ring. Logan Paul posted pictures of his wrestling training, and Miz asks everyone, “Who do you think set that up? ME, I did it!” Miz gives us an exclusive: The Most Must-See WWE Tag Team will reunite at SummerSlam! And they will continue their winning ways like they did with the Mysterios back at WrestleMania!
But funny Miz brings that up. Their relationship is what? What is what? Well, after that win, Miz betrayed Logan by hitting a Finale on him! Miz asks, “Is this you being a journalist? That’s cute.” Miz says he’ll explain something to us: Miz is the biggest full-time superstar in the WWE! This Friday, Miz will be on The Today Show! Did they ask anyone to do that? NO! Miz is the multi-talented star in and out of the ring! Miz has his hit reality show, Miz & Mrs., which will be on right after Raw! So when a celebrity like Logan Paul wants to get into the WWE, they use Miz’s notoriety and knowledge to become even bigger stars. They demand to be associated with Miz!
And just so we all know, after that moment where Miz hit the Skull Crushing Finale, Miz went to Logan later and asked, “Do you know what that was? That was a teaching lesson for you.” Logan understood, he and Miz are on the same page, and they WILL become Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions! Kevin brings up that Logan was surely watching the battle royal. Does Miz think Logan was disappointed with that? “The only disappointment is AJ Styles. His career has been on a downward spiral! That’s why he came out and mocked me on MizTV and said what he said.” Does he mean Miz’s tiny-
WHOA! Don’t you say it. But Kevin didn’t say it, he was just referencing Styles bringing up Miz’s tiny balls. NO!! That is not becoming a thing. Fans start chanting, “BALLS! BALLS! BALLS!” Miz says he has MASSIVE, GIGANTIC, STUPENDOUS- Here comes AJ Styles! Miz smirks and Styles gets right in the ring, to DECK him! Styles looms over Miz and Miz scurries to the apron! Will Styles look to settle the score with Miz and his possibly tiny balls?
The Miz VS AJ Styles!
Raw returns and the bell rings on this match! Miz rushes in but Styles tackles him down! Styles fires off hands, Miz kicks Styles away but Styles comes back to kick and ROCK Miz! Styles CHOPS Miz, CHOPS him again, then CHOPS him in a corner. Miz staggers away, Styles ROCKS him with right hands, then bumps him off buckles. Styles KICKS a leg out, whips Miz to ropes, and hurdles to drop and dropkick! Fans fire up and Styles drags Miz up. Styles scoops Miz to hit a BACKBREAKER! Fans rally, Miz wants mercy but Styles stomps him instead. Styles brings Miz up, whips him to ropes but Miz reverses to KITCHEN SINK KNEE!
Miz runs to BASEMENT BOOT! Fans boo Miz while he snarls and storms up on Styles. Miz has Styles on the ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Miz lets off to run and STRADDLE ATTACK! Miz motions the size of his walnuts, and Miz KICKS away on Styles in the corner. Miz lets off as the ref counts, and Styles fires haymakers back! Styles whips Miz corner to corner but Miz reverses. Miz runs in, A-LIST LARIAT! Miz dumps Styles down, goes up the corner, and he AX HANDLES! No faking a bad knee now! Cover, TWO! Miz clamps on a chinlock and he grinds Styles down, but Styles fights up as fans rally.
Styles throws body shots, powers out and CHOPS, then whips. Miz KICKS back, then runs, but Styles tosses Miz out! Styles then slingshots but Miz moves! Miz is after the legs but Styles kicks him away. MOONSAULT, but Miz dodges to FLAPJACK Styles on the apron, and then RAM him into barriers! Fans boo as Miz stands tall and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Miz has the chinlock again. Styles endures and fans rally up, but Miz leans on the hold. Styles fights up, throws elbows, and Styles is free. But Miz kicks a leg out and hits a BASEMENT DDT! Cover, TWO! Miz is annoyed but fans rally for Styles. Styles slowly rises but Miz gives him “IT” KICKS! Miz KICKS and KICKS and KICKS! Miz powers up and aims, but Styles blocks the buzzsaw! Styles shifts around and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Fans fire up while both men are down! Miz and Styles rise, Styles fires off the Phenomenal Blitz and LARIAT! Then SLIDING FOREARM! Fans fire up with Styles while Miz flounders away.
Styles runs in at the corner to clothesline! Styles reels Miz in, wheelbarrow FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Styles keeps focus and gets back up. Styles brings Miz up and reels him in, but Miz back drops the Clash! Styles sunset flips but Miz rolls through, only for Styles to dodge the kick! Fireman’s carry, USHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO! Miz is still in this but Styles brings him back up. Miz throat chops! The ref reprimands but Miz goes to a corner. Styles runs in, Miz puts him on the apron, but Styles ROCKS Miz! Springboard, PHENOMENAL- NO, Miz dodges and runs in, into a BOOT! Styles goes up but Miz sweeps the legs! DRAPING CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO!!
Miz is furious as Styles survives, and Miz drags Styles up. Miz puts Styles in the corner, puts Styles up top, then climbs after Styles. Fans rally for Styles but Miz fires hands. Miz stands Styles up, but Styles slips under to trip Miz up! Miz bumps off buckles, and Styles torture racks! Miz fights free to kick the legs out! BUZZSAW! HEEL KICK! Miz runs, to BUSAIKU KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! Styles survives and Miz is fuming! Miz soaks up the heat as he waits on Styles to get up. Full nelson, but Styles wheelbarrows to victory roll! TWO, and Miz BOOTS Styles! Styles PELES Miz back! Miz wobbles around, into Styles snap BRAINBUSTER!!
Both men are down, Styles goes to the apron instead of the cover! Fans fire up as Styles takes aim, but then Miz runs away! No Phenomenal Forearm if there’s no target! Styles is furious but the ring count is climbing. Miz doesn’t care, he’s already to the stage, and then the back. Styles wins on count-out!
Winner: AJ Styles, by count-out
Miz quit, which isn’t how someone like Styles wants to win. But a win is a win, will Styles just leave it at that?
John Cena talks with someone backstage.
He isn’t sure, but is Ezekiel really not Elias? Ezekiel gets that a lot, but it’s okay. It is an honor to meet Cena. Oh, Zeke the Freak! Cena’s #ZekedOut to meet him! Zeke is, too! Elias would always talk about Cena. Is Elias here? Yeah, but just busy going around, showing their youngest brother, Elrod, the place. Oh, that’s cool. But anyway, Zeke is freaking out. Zeke would love to Walk With Elias, and it’s fun to #TrodWithElrod, but uh, Zeke wants to make sure gets to #SpeakWithZeke. Cena says that’s easy: never forget who you really are. Right, that’s great advice! Zeke thanks Cena and heads out, and then Austin Theory walks in.
Theory wants to introduce himself, but he knows Cena knows him already. Hell, everyone knows Theory! But no, Cena always gets to talk. They’re celebrating him as it is, but they should be celebrating Theory! He’s on Raw every week, putting it down, #ATownDown! Cena doesn’t even know what that means because he’s so outta touch. Cena always talks about never giving up, but Theory can do this all day! Got you there. Just look at Theory! He’s 24 years old, the youngest WWE United States Champion ever. How many titles did Cena have at 24? NONE! Then what? He’s not even in WWE anymore.
But look at Theory! The handpicked protégé of Mr. McMahon! Look at his arms, his title! He can’t be touched! But look at Cena! It’s 2022 and Cena’s a grown ass man in JORTS! But that’s fine, selfie time! Cena disappears. Theory is upset, but will the “new face” of WWE get the last word on the previous?
MORE superstars share their thoughts on Cena.
Kurt Angle remembers facing the kid calling himself “The Prototype,” and little did he know that 20 years later, he’d be the most successful star of all time. Randy Orton says it’s been one hell of a ride, the two of them, and Orton enjoyed every second watching Cena do his thing. And being in the ring, it was an honor to be his opponent so many times, and even more so, becoming a friend. JBL says he doesn’t think anyone could’ve predicted the unparalleled 20 years Cena has had. A SIXTEEN TIME world champion and the greatest of all time. Chris Jericho wishes Cena a big congrats on 20 years of Hustle, Loyalty and Respect. Cena is one of Jericho’s all time favorite opponents.
Stephanie McMahon says Cena is one of the biggest WWE stars of all time, and indeed one of the world’s biggest icons. Congratulations on 20 years, we can’t wait to see what the next 20 have in store. Stone Cold Steve Austin says during his run, he lived by three letters: DTA, Don’t Trust Anybody! That worked for Austin, but Cena lived by his own creed with HLR: Hustle, Loyalty & Respect. Austin congratulates Cena on his 20th year in the WWE. Cheers and a swig o’ beer! If you’re down with Cena and his 20 years, gimme a HELL YEAH~!
Bianca Belair is here!
The RawEST Women’s Champion is here ahead of Money in the Bank and her title defense against the (self-proclaimed) Most Beautiful Woman in the WWE. What will champion and challenger have to say to each other? We’ll see, after the break.
Raw returns and has the mic, and Kevin Patrick gives her a formal introduction. Kevin asks her what’s going through her mind knowing she defends her title at MITB against Mella. Well, she wishes Mella was here, because unlike her, everything she has to say she’ll say to Mella’s face! Bianca was starting to think there was hope for Mella. You would think that after beating four of the best women on Raw, Mella would have the confidence to step to Bianca and say her part. But no, she had to cheap shot Bianca. But Bianca should’ve known some things never change. She should’ve known Mella will always resort to her tricks and cheats cuz that’s what she thinks she has to do.
Meanwhile, no one respects Mella. Not because she’s not good, but because Mella doesn’t respect herself. Bianca’s stepped in the ring with Mella and knows Mella can be great. But Mella is so focused and insecure about her looks that she can’t see her own potential and talent. Mella has “IT!” But… If Mella is gonna step up to Bianca at MITB, then Mella better bring it. Bianca craves competition, so Mella better bring it or she’s just wasting our time. And speaking of time, if Mella thinks she has what it take, why wait until Vegas? Mella, how about you come out in the biggEST state of Texas, and we show everyone that she can step to Bianca face-to-face.
Bianca waits for Mella’s response, and Mella makes her way out on stage! Mella struts and Corey Graves defends his wife. Mella says Bianca is so wrong about her. Mella isn’t insecure, she’s smart. Mella has it all, from beauty to brains. But the WWE Universe doesn’t respect Mella because of her looks. Mella is the total package, and that is for damn sure! Mella gets in the ring, and says her resume speaks for itself: Two-time Ms. MITB, a former WWE Women’s Tag Team and former SmackDown Women’s Champion! So if Mella isn’t given respect, she’ll just take it. Just like she’ll take that title this Saturday at MITB! Because… Mella IS Money!
Bianca holds the belt up, Mella drops the mic and leaves. Kevin asks Bianca quickly that if the WWE Universe doesn’t respect Mella, does Bianca respect Mella? Mella sneaks in but Bianca blocks the kick! Bianca DECKS Mella, and holds up the belt again. Will Bianca be the readiEST she’s ever been, knowing Mella’s got tricks and cheats to spare?
Backstage interview with Liv Morgan and Alexa Bliss.
Sarah knows they’re both friends, but MITB is everyone for themselves. Alexa says she and Liv are friendly, but Alexa has no friends right now. #DTA. But Alexa likes Liv. She’s super athletic, resilient, and that’ll make Liv a champion one day. But that day isn’t Saturday. Alexa won MITB before and will do it again. Plus, Alexa can get Lily a matching mini briefcase. Liv says wow, gotta say, Alexa is right about two things. One: Liv will be champion one day. Two: They’re not friends, because friends lift each other up. And Saturday, Liv knocks Alexa down, climbs the ladder and takes the contract that changes her life forever.
But y’know, if there’s one thing Liv has learned from Cena these last 20 years, sometimes you gotta step to someone that’s in your way and let them know their time is up. Alexa, Liv’s time is NOW. Okay, then bring it! Liv will! Liv will win tonight, too. Yeah… Not gonna happen. Alexa has Lily boop Liv’s nose. Well then, #WatchMe. Liv boops Lily back and makes her entrance. Who gets some last minute momentum before heading to Las Vegas?
Liv Morgan VS Alexa Bliss!
Raw returns and Alexa makes her entrance now. Asuka has also joined commentary, wanting to watch her competition with her own eyes. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Liv headlocks and hits a takeover. Alexa headscissors, Liv kips free, and Alexa headlocks for the takeover. Liv headscissors now, Alexa kips free, and Asuka talks with Corey in Japanese. There might be miscommunication, Corey keeps thinking she’s insulting Byron. Liv and Alexa go again, Liv gets around to waistlock, but Alexa resists the lift. Alexa switches, Liv resists, reaches down and switches back. Alexa swings an elbow but Liv ducks it!
Alexa pries at the hold, switches again, Asuka comments on SmackDown’s entrants such as Raquel Rodriguez, saying no one is ready for Asuka! Liv goes to a corner, she bucks Alexa, and Alexa runs back in but sent into buckles! Liv back body blocks Alexa, rolls out, then runs back in, but into KNEES! Alexa drops Insulty2Injury, but Liv dodges! Alexa hobbles, but she runs, DOUBLE LARIATS take both ladies down! Asuka seems conflicted on who in this match is more of a threat, but she says Liv is the one to watch. Alexa dodges Liv in the corner but Liv elbows her away. Liv goes up but Alexa avoids the missile dropkick! To then basement dropkick! Cover, TWO!
Alexa is annoyed but she drags Liv into a chinlock. Liv endures and fans rally up. Liv fights up, throws elbows, and arm-drags free! Alexa rolls through, Liv runs in but into a kick! Alexa choke grips but Liv slips free to put on a SLEEPER! Alexa turns to JAWBREAKER! Liv ENZIGURIS Alexa, runs in, but no ObLIVion as Alexa dodges! DRAPING BACKBREAKER! Alexa brings Liv up, points to the briefcase, but Liv rolls Alexa to a cradle! Liv wins!!
Winner: Liv Morgan, by pinfall
Even Asuka is shocked! Liv pins a former Women’s Champion and Ms. MITB! Is this a sign that it is Liv’s time? Or will the odds not be in her favor?
Vince McMahon is here!
The mastermind behind the WWE is back again, and is ready to help honor John Cena, after the break.
Raw returns and the superstars line the ramp while Vince gets the mic. “There have been so many accolades said about the man I’m about to introduce, so I’ll just say it’s my honor and privilege to introduce to you, JOHN! CENA!” The music hits and it’s been a minute since we’ve heard My Time is Now! Cena shows off the newest Never Give Up towel design and he goes to the ring. The fans are giving Cena a standing ovation as Cena runs the ropes. Cena gets the mic and soaks in the cheers.
“They’re a raucous group here tonight, what can I do? Today is my WWE Birthday. And as I look around, people as far as the eye can see, you can feel the energy and you can certainly hear the noise!” Cena couldn’t think of a better place to celebrate his birthday. And he likes that sign: 20 years of Jorts. Well, no one is perfect. And how old is this kid here? Six? Then apparently, Cena has been out of touch 14 years long than he’s been alive. Cena says he’s never been one on celebrating milestones because he always looks forward to what’s next. But… tonight is different.
Tonight has nothing to do with anything Cena’s ever done. Not any moment, not any match. Tonight has everything to do with the fans. The 20th anniversary is important because it means the fans have allowed him to do this for two decades. It has never been lost on him that every time he is in the ring, it is because the fans allow it. Over the years, the fans have created an environment for him to be his true self, and been brave enough to say when he sucks, and kind enough to tell him when he doesn’t. Fans chant for Cena and Cena says he’s always wanted to say, “Thank you.” He just has been waiting for the right moment, and this here feels like that moment.
Fans now chant “Thank You, Cena!” and Cena can’t help but be touched. Cena says his heart is beating out of his chest, and he is filled with energy and excitement. He thanks the fans for moments like that, and for making Cena who Cena is today. Cena always says to anyone that the WWE prepared him for anything. He needs us to know that he doesn’t mean The Fast & The Furious or Peacemaker. He means WWE prepared him for anything because of the fans and their reactions and investment in him, they made him a better human being. He is a better professional, a better husband, a better person for being in the WWE.
And spending moments with families like those he met just today has taught him empathy, caring, kindness, and the fans have all taught him humility and perseverance. They’ve drilled into him that every time you get in the ring, you give nothing less than your all because every time, the fans shower the superstars with everything they’ve got. Fans cheer and Cena says, “That’s what I’m talking about!” Cena says this isn’t about his name, but about people coming together. It has been 20 years, he’s 45 now, shh. He only says that because who knows when we’ll see him in the ring again. He isn’t saying we won’t, he just doesn’t know when.
So Cena needs to say this to us now. Fans chant for “One More Match!” but Cena says, “It ain’t just gonna be one, don’t worry about that.” But Cena doesn’t know when it starts so he has to say this now: anything Cena does outside of the WWE is never just Cena. Just like when they chant his name, it’s more than just his name. It is about all of us coming together as one. Cena asks us tonight, that them being those who made him who he is, if something is good, say so. If something sucks, say so. This has never been about Cena, it has always been about us. So for those watching at home or in the arena with Cena in Laredo…
Cena has been coming here for 20 years, we can get more, can’t we? The fans fire up and cheer louder, but Cena says they gotta show the world what they’re made of! Fans cheer even louder and that is the sound of us. We never give up, and we’re just getting started. If you want some, come get some! Cena drops the mic, goes out to fist bump the fans, and even throws his armbands and wristbands out to the crowd. And even his hat! And his shirt! Cena heads out, but when and where will we see him again?
2v1 Handicap Match, (Austin) Theory as Special Enforcer: The Alpha Academy VS Bobby Lashley!
Of course the youngest WWE United States Champion used his authority as granted by Mr. McMahon to set this one up. Theory boasted a lot in Cena’s face, and claims the All Mighty’s got nothing on him, but will Chad Gable & Otis win this one for him? Or will Lashley use the Academy as a preview for what’s coming this Saturday?
The bell rings and Otis starts against Lashley. They tie up, are in a deadlock, and the two break. Theory taunts Lashley but he focuses on Otis. Lashley headlocks, Otis powers out and the two RAM shoulders. Otis stays up! Lashley LARIATS, but Otis still stays up, so Lashley dropkicks the legs out! Lashley CLOBBERS Otis from behind and Theory complains, but the ref says it’s all fair. Lashley hauls Otis up, but Theory gets on the apron! Theory says Lashley can’t suplex Otis, but then Lashley POSTS Otis instead. Lashley swipes at Theory but Theory gets away. Gable tags in, Lashley chases Theory for, but Gable CANNONBALLS!
Gable has Otis come around to SPLASH Lashley on the ground! “A THANK YEW~!” The Academy and Theory gloat while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Lashley throws elbows and forearms on Otis! Lashley whips Otis to a corner and then runs in, but into a BOOT! Theory applauds but fans boo as Otis stands on Lashley’s chest. The ref counts, Otis steps off, and Otis drags Lashley up. Otis clamps on a neck wrench to grind Lashley, and Theory takes some selfies. Lashley endures, fans rally, and Theory tells fans to shut up. Lashley fights up, throws body shots, but Otis knees low. Otis whips to BACK ELBOW Lashley down! Theory likes what he sees and Otis tags Gable. Otis drags Lashley up and chicken wings, but Lashley fights free!
Lashley throws hands on Otis, throws hands on Gable, but Otis rushes in! Lashley throws Otis out! Gable CHOP BLOCKS Lashley’s leg! Theory applauds but he’s the only one. Gable runs and CLOBBERS Lashley! Cover, TWO! Gable pushes Lashley around and fans rally up for “Bobby! Bobby!” Gable goes up top, but Lashley ROCKS him first! Lashley climbs up after Gable, Theory says that’s not legal! The ref counts, Lashley brings Gable up, but Otis tags in! Otis gets in and has Lashley on his shoulders! POWERBOMB! Gable MOONSAULTS! Otis covers, TWO! Theory is upset that Lashley survives, and Gable tags back in.
Gable drags Lashley up, waistlocks, and Otis runs. But Lashley BOOTS Otis! Lashley DECKS Gable, Theory panics, but Otis CLOBBERS Lashley! Otis dumps Lashley down, climbs up, but Lashley CHOP BLOCKS the tree trunk! Lashley manages an Electric Chair Lift with Otis! ELECTRIC CHAIR SLAM!! Gable is up top, he leaps, but into Lashley’s HURT LOCK!! Gable taps, Lashley wins!!
Winner: Bobby Lashley, by submission
But Theory attacks! Fans boo as Theory rains down fists, and then the Academy joins in! Theory wants the Academy to set Lashley up, and Theory gets in Lashley’s face. Selfie! Lashley BOOTS Theory down! Lashley sends Gable into Otis, then hits Otis with a COMPLETE SHOT! SPEAR for Gable!! Lashley snarls and aims at Theory, but Theory runs away! No Spear for Mr. All Day, but will Theory end up the youngest former WWE United States Champion in history?
Cody Rhodes speaks!
After the torn pectoral before Hell in a Cell, and the underhanded attack by Seth Rollins after, the American Nightmare has been on the sidelines recovering. WWE cameras caught up to get an update straight from the source. Cody says that rehab is rehab, and it is a game of highs and lows. It all pales in comparison to where he was just three weeks ago. Cody, in the prime and peak of his career, won Hell in a Cell. Cody would’ve loved to use that momentum to go to MITB, flying high, but maybe he flew a little too close to the sun. Rollins would surely say the same. Because of the sledgehammer to the pectoral muscle, Cody is being told by doctors he has to wait nine months.
Cody respects that timeline. It’ll be bittersweet watching MITB, with one of the most talented groupings in the history of that match. There’s Drew McIntyre and Sheamus, two men who possess a Harley Race level of toughness. Omos is inexperienced but he’s 7’3″, probably doesn’t even need the ladder. Sami Zayn uses subterfuge to fool people into forgetting he is a genius in the ring. And then there’s Seth Freakin’ Rollins. The man responsible for the greatest cash-in in the history of WWE. But wouldn’t that be something, if history repeated itself? Rollins could get that MITB contract, the thing that’s eluded Cody his entire career, and then Rollins could cash-in on the Undisputed Universal Champion. Wouldn’t that be something?
Cody isn’t rooting for anyone, but if Rollins takes the win, Cody will be the first to congratulate him. Cody excuses himself to get back to rehab. Will those nine months stay at nine months? Or will the American Nightmare, motivated by his dream, make it back sooner rather than later?
Cena talks with long time staff members.
The crew member tells Cena that he’s proven he has Hustle, Loyalty & Respect earlier out there. But then in walks Seth Rollins, laughing to the rhythm of Cena’s theme song. Does Cena remember that time when Rollins put his knee into Cena’s nose and broke his face into like a million tiny pieces? HAHAHA! Good to see you, Cena! You look great, great speech, you really are the best. Rollins knows he and Cena have had their ups and downs over the years, but Rollins says they have a lot in common. They’re both international mega stars. They’re both fashion icons. And since it is the season, they’re both winners of the MITB contract.
Oh, a sore subject for Cena, though. When Cena cashed in, he failed miserably. Crashed ‘n’ burned Top Gun style. And when Rollins cashed in, well, everyone knows what happened there. Even that “chump stain,” Cody Rhodes knows Rollins pulled off the greatest cash-in of all time! And this Saturday, Rollins says history repeats itself. For Rollins, not Cena. Cena isn’t in the match. Or is he? Wait, what’s he looking at. Rollins turns around to see Omos and MVP, but mostly Omos. MVP says, “Gentlemen. John. Seth, we were passing by and I overheard your conversation. And I wanted to tell you, much like you, I, too, am a visionary.”
And what MVP sees is the Nigerian Giant in the center of the ring among a sea of broken ladders and shattered bodies, raising the MITB briefcase up to the heavens. It is a foregone conclusion. Omos is inevitable. And there is nothing Rollins or anyone else can do about that. Rollins grins and looks at Cena, who is still in awe of Omos. Cena says, “Good luck,” to Rollins and pats him on the back before leaving. Rollins looks back up at Omos. Can the Architect craft a plan to topple this mountain of a man? Or is there no stopping the Nigerian Giant?
Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Last Chance Elimination Match: Becky Lynch VS Nikki A.S.H. VS “Doudrop” Piper Niven VS Shayna Baszler VS Xia Li VS Tamina!
There is only ONE spot left in the Women’s MITB match, and it will belong to the last woman left in this match! Will the Big Time Comeback finally make progress? Or can not even The Man outlast the Almost Super Hero, Piper the Viper, the Queen of Spades, the Protector and the Daughter of Superfly?
Raw returns and with everyone else already in the ring, Xia makes her entrance. The bell rings, Becky is antsy, and everyone else goes after her! They stomp Becky down, Tamina then goes after Xia and Nikki rolls Shayna! ONE, Shayna fires off on Nikki. Becky bails out to the apron and Piper goes after Shayna to help Nikki. Xia kicks Tamina back, digs her knees in at the corner, and Nikki helps Piper hit Shayna with a SIDEWALK SLAM INVERTED DDT COMBO! Cover, TWO! Shayna survives and scurries away. Tamina SUPERKICKS Xia down and out, but that leaves her and Piper! Time to see if someone is meana than Tamina!
But then Nikki sucker punches Tamina! She and Piper mug Tamina, double whip her corner to corner hard, then Piper whips Nikki in. Tamina puts Nikki on the apron, DECKS her, then kicks Piper low! Tamina throws hands, but Piper gives them back! Fans rally as the haymakers go back and forth, and Piper gets the edge. Piper HEADBUTTS Tamina, but it backfires! Never headbutt a Samoan! Tamina HEADBUTTS Piper and Piper wobbles! Tamina rushes in but Piper puts her on the apron. Piper then DECKS Tamina, runs at Becky on the apron, but Becky ROUNDHOUSES her! Becky climbs up, leaps, MOLLY-GO-ROUND! Cover, TWO!
Xia returns to Oklahoma Roll Becky, TOW! Becky kicks but Xia blocks to spin and ROCK Becky! Xia fires off, then BOOTS! Xia goes up to ELBOW Becky, then reels her in. But Nikki rolls Xia! Xia rolls free, mule kicks Nikki, but Becky runs in to hit a MANHANDLE SLAM! Cover, Becky ELIMINATES Xia! Becky gloats and tells Xia to leave. But then Nikki CROSSBODIES her down! Nikki HAMMERS and KNEES Becky, drops an elbow, then covers, TWO! Nikki drags Becky up but fans boo the superhero pose. Nikki runs but Shayna drags her out of the ring! Shayna has Becky’s arm, isolates it, but Becky avoids the stomp!
Becky rolls Shayna, ONE! Shayna ROCKS Becky, Piper CLUBS Shayna! Piper whips Shayna but Shayna ducks the haymaker to waistlock. Becky waistlocks Shayna, but Piper is too much for them both! Piper RAMS both Becky and Shayna into buckles. Becky drops but Shayna jumps on for a SLEEPER! Piper TOSSES Shayna to a corner, then runs in to CANNONBALL! Shayna flops out, Piper goes back for Becky but only gets buckles! Tamina SPLASHES Piper, but then Becky DECKS Tamina! Nikki YANKS Becky down, goes up top, but has to leap over Tamina. Tamina scoops Nikki, Nikki slips out to shove Tamina into Becky’s missile dropkick!
Nikki rolls Becky up! TWO, and into the DISARM-HER!! Nikki TAPS, Becky ELIMINATES another one! Fans fire up as Becky has taken out two with three more to go! Becky dares someone to step up, but Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Shayna gives Piper ground ‘n’ pound, but Becky drags Shayna off to fire forearms and uppercuts on her! Shayna slips around to SLEEPER! Becky runs to ropes to toss Shayna out! Becky then runs, slides, but Shayna dodges to ROCK Becky! Shayna fires off shots, then runs, into a BECKSPLODER into barriers! Becky hurries up, Tamina runs in, but Tamina also gets caught! Tamina resists the Becksploder, and Piper runs in to CLOBBER them all! Piper drags Becky up and brings her around into the ring. Piper gets in but Becky rolls all the way to the far side. Piper goes back to the pile to get Shayna up and in.
Shayna hurries to KNEE Piper down! Is that a knockout!? Cover, TWO!! Piper survives and Shayna is a bit surprised. Tamina returns, goes up the corner, but Shayna GAMANGIRIS her first! Shayna climbs, brings Tamina up, but Becky attacks and joins in! Becky and Shayna have Tamina, but Piper adds on to them! TOWER OF DOOM!! Fans fire up for the double powerbomb superplex while all four women are down! Piper gets up, scoops Shayna, but Shayna slips off to the KIRAFUDA! But Piper slips free and Tamina SUPERKICKS Shayna! Fireman’s carry, but Shayna sunset flips and has a HEEL HOOK!
Piper SPLASHES Shayna!! Cover, Piper ELIMINATES Shayna!! But then Becky CLUBS Piper down! Becky reels Piper in but Piper fights the clinch. Piper shoves Becky at Tamina and Tamina fireman’s carries, but Becky slips off to shove Tamina into Piper! Piper goes down and flops out of the ring! Becky dodges the superkick and clinches, but Tamina resists the urenage! Tamina fireman’s carries to SAMOAN DROP! Tamina goes to a corner, climbs up top, and SUPER FLOPS as Becky moves! But Piper drags Becky out to scoop SLAM her to the floor! And SENTON! Piper gets in, SPLASHES Tamina in a corner, and then stomps her into the drop zone!
Piper goes up and fans fire up for the VADER BOMB! Piper drags Tamina to a cover, Piper ELIMINATES Tamina!! It’s just Piper and Becky now! Piper hurries back out after Becky, puts her back in the ring, and fans rally for Becky as she hurries to a corner. Piper storms over to forearm smash! Piper scoops, SLAMS and climbs again, for a VADER FLOP!! Becky avoids disaster, and reels Piper in. Piper RAMS Becky into a corner, puts Becky up top, and then climbs up after her! But Becky uses that for a SUPER MANHANDLE SLAM!! Cover, Becky wins!!
Winner: Becky Lynch, by pinfall (advances to MITB)
The comeback is alive! The Man is heading to Vegas! But will she be able to keep this going all the way to winning the contract? Or will someone else in the field of seven take that golden opportunity?
My Thoughts:
A very good go-home, because they didn’t worry about making it a typical WWE go-home with the video packages and recaps. They used the fact things weren’t filled out for the MITB fields to really make this episode feel important, and we got awesome matches out of the qualifiers. The 20 Man Battle Royal to basically open the night was great stuff, lots of great interactions between the Raw and SmackDown stars, but in the end, Riddle was the obvious and natural choice. Riddle gets back in on MITB, he’s going to his hometown, and he’ll certainly go after Rollins throughout that match.
We also got an awesome Six Woman Elimination Match for the main event tonight, and none of that “Here’s the entrances, and then a commercial break. Oh, here’s a video package! And then more entrances, and another commercial break!” The main event was treated as a main event, it made everyone in that match look great, and in the end, Becky gets the win. The story of the Big Time Comeback has been done wonderfully, and I can’t wait to see that Women’s MITB. I am definitely expecting a Power Couple Mr. & Ms. MITB going with Rollins and Becky both winning. They don’t even have to interact past one photoshoot for WWE.com and social media, and then they each do as they please with the contracts.
A bit of a shame we didn’t get the other qualifier we were supposed to get. Them not giving a reason why there was a rescheduling makes me think something was up with Kevin Owens. He wasn’t there tonight to have interactions with Cena, which he would’ve totally have done given how Cena was a big part of Kevin’s RawDown call-up. Kevin VS Elias/Ezekiel/Elrod is probably going to be put on SmackDown because this needs to happen for more than just the MITB qualifier, this needs to happen for the feud. But I will give them credit, Ezekiel and Elias apparently now have a third brother named Elrod in canon, not just Kevin saying names.
We also got great stuff branching off from the opening Battle Royal. Judgement Day shifting focus to the Mysterios is an interesting move, and that includes them trying to recruit Dominik. I don’t know which way this goes, but I don’t think a suit-wearing goth phase is what will help Dom get going, and I don’t think Dom will actually help Judgement Day get going. Tommaso Ciampa could help get Judgement Day going. T-Bar shedding the name T-Bar and returning to Dijak could help Judgement Day going. WWE should’ve just pulled the trigger on Mysterios being in NXT and feuding with Legado del Fantasma.
AJ Styles VS The Miz in another match was good, and Miz helping hype Logan Paul’s return for SummerSlam was an interesting move. Styles of course gets his win back on Miz, but I wonder if Styles ends up part of the build with Logan and Miz into SummerSlam. I feel like Liv VS Alexa was made to make up for not having Kevin VS Elias/Ezekiel because it was decent match with a decent promo to set it up, but could’ve/would’ve been more if they’d prepared for it. Liv getting the win makes sense, she needs to start living up to that “future champion” potential everyone acknowledges. But ironically, that day still isn’t this weekend, it’ll have to be later.
we got a great 1v1 match out of Ford VS Jey Uso, and I like that they added the stipulation of choosing a stipulation for their tag title match. I’m pretty sure I didn’t miss any segment so the Profits didn’t choose one here. They’ll surely use SmackDown to name the stipulation, and you can bet it is something where Champions Advantage and twin trickery won’t help the Usos. Theory had a very good interaction with Cena backstage, and a decent part in the Handicap Match between Lashley and the Alpha Academy. Lashley has all the momentum going into their US Championship match, so I have a bad feeling Lashley loses. Theory will keep his reign as youngest US Champion ever going, and after Cena’s great promo to celebrate his 20th year, you can bet Cena VS Theory will happen at either SummerSlam or WrestleMania.
My Score: 8.3/10
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IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLASGOW KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Candice has Tiffy down with an armlock. Tiff fights up as the fans rally, but Candice wrenches to wristlock. Tiff spins through, goes to ropes, then up the corner to flip and arm-drag! The fans fire up as Tiff rallies on Candice! DROPKICK, and Tiff snarls! Tiff goes to the corner, and Charlotte makes her entrance? The Queen chooses to be fashionably late all so everyone looks at her, including Tiffy. Tiffy handsprings, but Candice dodges! Candice runs up to UPPERCUT, then she snapmares and NECK SNAPPERS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice clamps onto Tiffy with a top wristlock.
The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte now chooses to join commentary. Tiff fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, but Candice CLUBS away on her! Candice backs off, runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her to ropes! Tiff runs, HIP ATTACKS, and Candice flops back! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays on Candice with a whip, but Candice reverses. Candice CLOBBERS Tiff, covers, TWO! Charlotte corrects Tiffy’s words earlier: Charlotte isn’t the “top girl,” she is THE woman in WWE. Candice HIP DROPS Tiff but the fans rally up. Candice scuffs Tiff, then grinds an arm to drop a knee on the elbow! And another knee drop! Tiff endures and the fans rally up.
Candice keeps on that arm, thrashes it around, but Tiff fights up. Tiff fires body shots, then shoves Candice to Alabama Lift her! Candice sunset flips, Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated and Candice bails out. Tiff goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Candice and Nia, and Tiff almost stuck the landing! The fans fire up with Tiff and she goes into the ring. Tiff points to the WrestleMania sign, and then at Charlotte, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Tiff waits on Candice, Candice slides in, and Tiff stomps her down! Candice bails out, Nia is there to coach her, but Tiff lets the ring count start. Candice gets on the apron, Tiff kicks her, but Candice RAMS Tiff! Candice CLUBS Tiff, has her in the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Candice climbs, aims, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO!
Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW!
Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back! Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring!
The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring. Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, but with some interesting moves after the sudden change in plans with The Rock showing up. Naomi and Bianca had a good promo to hype up what was meant to be a full match of Naomi VS Liv, but word had already come out before the show that things were being cut for time. But at the very least, they did the right thing of making it a brawl that adds heat to the tag title match on Monday. Also, hilarious how Chelsea & Piper thought the beatdown on Bianca & Naomi was so bad that they would need to be pulled from the Chamber. I also can’t wait to see what happens on Toronto SmackDown.
As for The Rock, I do appreciate he used his authority to kayfabe change more things, all so he could have his promo with Cody. I also appreciate Rock blending his different roles and even different sides, both Heel and Face, to A) bring the news of WM42 being in NOLA, and B) recreate the Corporate Champion/People’s Champion story from the Attitude Era. That was some wild stuff he was saying to Cody. I’m sure quite a few people will try and talk with Cody next week in the go-home. Heels will say do it because they’d love to have what Rock can give, Faces will say not because Cody’s better than that. But naturally, Cody is not going to become The Rock’s Champion, causing Rock to turn on him and really up things going into WrestleMania 41 and perhaps even beyond.
Good stuff in the Elimination Chamber related stories. Jimmy VS McIntyre was great stuff to open, and how fitting that McIntyre loses to Jimmy after talking all that trash about Jimmy and Jey being the same. Jey got McIntyre with something quick, Jimmy got McIntyre with something quick, McIntyre’s ego is obviously his weakness. And at the same time, McIntyre of course destroys Jimmy after because that’s his other personality trait. Priest had good promos with Cody and Braun, and we got great stuff from Solo’s Bloodline. Naturally, we got a miscommunication spot to help finish, we’re really close to Solo VS Jacob, I can feel it. Priest & Braun get the win, mostly because Priest isn’t winning in the Chamber when you’ve got Punk and Cena in there.
Very good stuff with Tiffy Time, from the promos leading into the match to Charlotte being ringside just to watch. Nia & Candice of course get the better of Tiff & Trish, because Tiff & Trish are definitely winning the tag match in Toronto. Charlotte just seems to enjoy trolling Tiff with her presence, so Charlotte probably shows up in Toronto to then confront Tiff after the match. I expect the seven weeks after Elimination Chamber to really heat up, as will Charlotte’s involvement, where she’ll get more active verbally and physically. Also, hell, Rock should go full Corporation and have Charlotte be his Corporate Women’s Champion because of how established she is.
Hilarious stuff from Truth tonight, as always. Truth and Melo having their “who’s on first” again was good stuff, and of course Miz gets in on this story, too. Truth & Knight VS “Melo Don’t Miz” was really fun, but yeah, should’ve figured Nakamura would get involved, too. Melo & Miz making it work could also be really fun, and while Knight VS Nakamura is a rehash, I really hope they find a way to up things. It feels like we’re getting the same with the tag titles as Profits “ruined” that great tag match from DIY and Pretty Deadly, then brawled with MCMG to still come out on top. Last year had a ladder tag title match, so why not do one for these titles this year?
Speaking of escalating, Kevin filming a promo outside Sami’s house was some really well done stuff, as expected of someone as good as Kevin and in such a story as him and Sami. Their match should main event, it needs time to breathe, as it could be just as, if not more violent, than the Chamber matches. What a powerful closing moment we could have if it’s a bloody Kevin and Sami, and one of them is standing over the other, triumphant yet mournful because it was their best friend in the world that they just brutalized.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
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