Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (7/15/22)
Liv for SummerSlam!
The Queen of Harts puts Liv Morgan to the test!
Liv Morgan will defend her SmackDown Women’s Championship at SummerSlam against Ronda Rousey, but will she get past Natalya here tonight?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- SmackDown Women’s Championship Contenders Match: Liv Morgan VS Natalya; Liv wins and denies Natalya a title match.
- Aliyah VS Lacey Evans; No Contest.
- Undisputed WWE Universal Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Drew McIntyre VS Sheamus w/ The Brawling Brutes; changed to…
- Drew McIntyre VS Ridge Holland w/ The Brawling Brutes; McIntyre wins.
- (Austin) Theory VS Mad Cap Moss; Moss wins, by disqualification.
- Angelo Dawkins w/ Montez Ford VS Jimmy Uso w/ Jey Uso; Dawkins wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Michael Cole is in the ring.
He welcomes us to the show tonight and introduces us to the man who signed a multi-year extension to remain in the WWE and remain Cole’s commentary partner. It’s PAT MCAFEE! Orlando fires up as McAfee makes his way to the ring. Cole hands the mic over to McAfee and they fist bump before Cole returns to commentary. McAfee says, “Orlando, it is an honor to be inside of you tonight!” Fans cheer and chant his name so McAfee gets on the corner. “I would like to take this moment to apologize to the entire WWE Universe, because my absence last week forced all of you to have to listen to Corey Graves for two hours. And that BUM ASS~ CORBIN~! For 17 minutes.”
McAfee gives us a look back at why he even missed a week. Corbin attacked McAfee as Money in the Bank went off the air! And then last Friday, Corbin claimed he was going to be better on commentary than McAfee, and parodied McAfee rocking out for Nakamura. McAfee says the best thing Bum Ass Corbin has ever done in the WWE is celebrate Nakamura the way he deserves. But now, it turned out McAfee’s neck was merely bruised, so he is back for the next few years. And McAfee knew Corbin long before the WWE did. Bum Ass Corbin and McAfee were roommates as rookies for the Indianapolis Colts.
McAfee knew Corbin back when he had hair, a bad body, only one bad tattoo, and was humble, hardworking and willing to grind. But as soon as “his ugly dumbass” stepped into the WWE, he became an “insufferable douchebag who would do anything for a dollar.” We ain’t TV-14 yet, but McAfee knows that “Douchebag Corbin” is a fitting title. And McAfee feels it is his job that at SummerSlam in Nashville to smack Corbin in the mouth, beat the hell out of him, and humble him into being a good member of society! McAfee has been on an island, clangin’ and bangin’ and watching film, getting ready to smack those trash tattoos off of Bum Ass Corbin’s body!
But speaking of Corbin, he gets McAfee’s attention via the titantron. Corbin wants McAfee to stop and look at him. Corbin is glad McAfee is back, but it is a shame that McAfee is too stupid to stay in his own lane. McAfee needs to take a seat at the commentary table where he belongs. Did you see how easy it was for Corbin to drop him in Vegas? That’s because Corbin is a fighter and McAfee is someone who runs his mouth and used to punt footballs. Corbin would finish the job tonight, but he’s contracted something nasty from sitting in McAfee’s chair, and/or being near the WWE Universe. Look at these spots on his arm! What is this?
Corbin says this must be monkeypox! But anyway, Corbin is staying far, far away. For now. Corbin will see McAfee at SummerSlam. Fans boo and McAfee says, “That’s not monkeypox. That’s the fact that Bum Ass Corbin is allergic to being great. Bum Ass Corbin is allergic to being in front of the electrifying WWE Universe right here in the Sunshine State! And since that coward faked monkeypox so he couldn’t come out here, I think the time is now to move this show along. And is there a better person, a better star to introduce than the woman that went into Las Vegas and changed the entire trajectory of her career and her family. Miss MITB, the NEW SmackDown Women’s Champion…! LIV MORGAN!
Fans fire up as Liv makes her way out and is ready to prove she’s champion for a reason! Will we see Liv trump the Queen of Harts on the road to SummerSlam?
SmackDown Women’s Championship Contenders Match: Liv Morgan VS Natalya!
SmackDown returns and Natalya makes her entrance. The bell rings and the two tie up. Natty kicks low, throws hands, fires off on Liv in the corner, but lets off as the ref counts. Liv comes back with haymakers of her own! Natty knees low, hits a headlock takeover, but Liv headscissors. Natty moves around, kips free, but Liv headlocks for the takeover. Natty moves around, headscissors back, but Liv kips free. Fans fire up and Liv eggs Natty on. Natty tells Liv not to get ahead of herself, then SLAPS her! Natty headlocks. Liv powers out, but Natty goes up and over. Things speed up, Natty bypasses Liv a couple times but Liv SHOTGUNS Natty down!
Liv drags Natty to a cover, TWO! Liv wheelbarrows and victory rolls, TWO! Natty gets up but Liv gets around to O’Conner Roll, TWO! Another SHOTGUN! Liv drags Natty up, whips her to a corner, then run sin, but Natty dodges to pick Liv up. Rebound and sit down, then Natty steps on Liv, only for Liv to dodge the basement dropkick! Jackknife bridge, TWO into a sunset flip! TWO, and Liv gets to a corner. Natty runs in but Liv slips out. Liv KICKS Natty through the ropes, brings Natty to the apron, but Natty trips Liv! Natty has the legs but Liv kicks her into the POST! CODE- NO, Natty blocks that to CATAPULT Liv into the post!
Liv crashes and burns and Natty grins while the ring count starts. Fans rally up but SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Natty has Liv in a Canadian Rack for a stretch! Liv powers out, sunset flips, TWO! Natty kicks low and whips Liv into the corner. Natty runs in but Liv BOOTS her back! Liv goes up and leaps, to missile dropkick! Fans fire up while both women are down and a standing count starts! The count is 5 of 10 but only now does Liv stir. Natty also gets up about 8, but Liv kips up! Liv fires up to fire off on Natty! Liv kicks, kicks and ENZIGURIS! Natty flounders and Liv roars, and Orlando fires up with the SHOTGUN! Liv scoops Natty to a cradle, TWO! Natty escapes but Liv keeps on her, FLYING-
NO, no arm-drag, but Liv ducks the discus! BROKEN WINGS and she boots Natty away! Liv runs in to back body block! And then another, but Natty catches her! GERMAN SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Natty is frustrated but fans rally up for Liv. Natty drags Liv up, reels her in and RAMS her into the corner! Natty puts Liv up top, SLAPS her then climbs up after her, but Liv fights the suplex to slip out and trip Natty up! Fans fire up and Liv runs in again, but Natty pops her up to a POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Liv survives but Natty has the ANKLE LOCK! As much of a message to Ronda Rousey as it is to hurt Liv!
Liv reaches for ropes, Natty drags her away, but Liv rolls to send Natty into buckles! Natty checks her face, but turns around into a CODE BREAKER! And then ObLIVion!! Cover, Liv wins!
Winner: Liv Morgan, by pinfall (DENIES Natalya a title match)
Liv still lives, having given Natty one hell of a match! Kayla Braxton congratulates Liv on the win, and points out this win over Natty wasn’t as dominant as Ronda’s win. Well, okay, Liv fully understands the insinuations. And she is fully aware that she is waling into her own title defense as the underdog. But she has been the underdog her whole life. So call her what you want, but at SummerSlam, we will still call Liv the SmackDown Women’s Champion! Liv is ready in her heart, but will she be ready in mind and body for the Baddest Woman on the Planet?
Backstage interview with (Austin) Theory.
Megan introduces him but he wants her to “get it right.” He is the Youngest Mr. MITB in WWE history, including the Youngest United States Champion in WWE history. And yes, it is so hard to be him, but with great power comes great responsibility. He has enemies on Raw and SmackDown, from Bobby Lashley waiting at SummerSlam to Dolph Ziggler lurking around the corner. And tonight- Paul Heyman walks in? Heyman says Megan is doing a great job, much better than Kayla. But could he have a moment with Mr. Theory? Megan leaves and Heyman shakes Theory’s hand. Theory asks how Heyman is doing, and Heyman says he’s doing all the better just standing here.
But Heyman knows that Theory knows that Heyman is the one responsible for the big break in Theory’s career. And that they both know that deep down, this theory of cashing in against Roman Reigns at SummerSlam makes no sense at all! Where is the box office? And that 15% failure rate! Theory doesn’t want to expose himself to that! What Theory wants to do is work with Heyman so that Heyman can talk to the Tribal Chief, and they can arrange a scheduled title match on a major event! Think of it! Theory VS Reigns for the Undisputed Title! Think of the prestige, the spotlight, the box office! All Theory has to do is not cash in at SummerSlam and let Heyman handle this for him.
Heyman asks what Theory says, and Theory says thanks, Heyman always has great advice. But Theory is going to cash in on Roman or Brock and become the NEWÂ and youngest Undisputed WWE Champion ever! And then, Theory will need advice while he’s champion. Maybe a Special Counsel? Theory leaves Heyman speechless, but will things go Theory’s way with Heyman in his way?
The Viking Raiders are- Wait.
That’s not Erik & Ivar, that’s The New Day! Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods are cosplaying as the Viking Raiders! “The New Raid” is here, but will they regret poking fun at the vicious Viking Raiders?
SmackDown returns and “The New Raid” get the mics. Woods is growling, and he says, “It is I, Erik the Gross!” Kofi says he is “Ivar the Ugly!” Just kidding, of course. It’s ya bois the NEW~ DAY~! But it feels like a millennia since they sailed their ships across the seas! Kofi has Woods hold on. They were supposed to be Vikings, why does Woods sound like a pirate? Man, every time… Woods isn’t good at accents! Okay, oaky, fair. Viking up, though. Woods tries that line again, and Kofi says “Ve ver not very good.” Instead of reverting to tactics like honor and respect, they played a lot of Assassins Creed: Valhalla on PS5.
AND! They watched ALL the Thor movies! Even the new one! And they resorted to underhanded tactics, like shoddy face paint to scare people! HA! HAH! And guess what? IT WORKED! Just like their Viking family before them- Uh oh. That’s the REAL Viking Raiders making their entrance now! Woods call them IMPOSTERS! BOO THEM! Erik says they are new and vicious. Ivar says once they’re in the ring, the only words left to describe The New Day are “mangled” and “broken.” Woods says to be rude, are the only words those guys know? Woods went to college, he’s smart. How about “disgusting?” “Detestable?” “Deplorable!”
Or maybe “U G L Y, you ain’t got no alibi! You ugly! YEAH YEAH, you ugly!” Ivar and Erik drop the mics then storm to the ring! But Woods blows his war horn? What good is that? But then JINDER AND SHANKY attack! They disarm Erik & Ivar, then Woods & Kofi FLY! Direct hit and down go the Vikings! Woods, Kofi, Shanky and Jinder stand tall together, and then everyone but Jinder dances to celebrate. Erik & Ivar are scowling as they retreat, will the New Day and company still regret this?
Backstage interview with Imperium.
Kayla points out that after declaring there would be NO Open Challenge for Gunther’s Intercontinental Championship, Ludwig Kaiser faced Shinsuke Nakamura in a match and lost. Ludwig also got chopped over and over for losing, but why? “Because there is no room for failure. We will never lose. Losing is unacceptable! Losing has consequences!” Gunther says that all in Ludwig’s face, but Kayla says there will be a rematch between Ludwig and Nakamura next week. Gunther stares at Ludwig and Ludwig apologizes. He tries to explain himself but Gunther says no excuses! Undo the jacket! NOW!
Ludwig unzips slowly but Gunther opens his jacket by force to CHOP Ludwig down! Kayla is stunned, but will it be even more painful should the Impeccable German lose to the King of Strong Style again?
Aliyah VS Lacey Evans!
These two were supposed to be a team last week, but the Model Soldier was fed up with the fans not absolutely adoring her. Lacey took her frustration out on Aliyah, and now we have this match. Will #Aliyah316 show Lacey that she’s not a punching bag? Or will another Woman’s Right be headed her way?
SmackDown returns and Lacey makes her entrance. Again, Lacey’s not satisfied with the reaction so she has the music cut so they can go again. Lacey gets a mic and says she may not be better than anyone here, but no one here is better than her. She served her country and put her life on the line, and overcame obstacles that would completely crush the average American, and she admitted she is disgusted at the lack of appreciation they should give her! That is all 100% true. And she could add a few other accolades because she is an American hero! She is a prime example of what you nasties should be yet can’t be, and you hate it!
Lacey says she may have offended a few of them, yes, and the vocal minority thinks this is all too hard to handle. So she will just take a minute, and from the bottom of her heart, she will apologize to those she offended. Fans boo as Lacey waits quietly, so she rescinds her apology. And just like she said last week, “GO. TO. HELL.” Lacey drops the mic and fans boo more as she turns to leave. She doesn’t want to have a match with Aliyah or against Aliyah, or in front of the fans. Will she ever get the respect she thinks she deserves acting like this?
Undisputed WWE Universal Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Drew McIntyre VS Sheamus w/ The Brawling Brutes!
This match was supposed to happen last week, but The Fella faked coming down with something and sent Butch after the Scottish Warrior. McIntyre won that easily, and now gets his fight with the Celtic Warrior! Will Sheamus have another excuse ready to go? Or will he man up and fight McIntyre for the golden ticket to Clash at the Castle?
SmackDown returns and The Brawling Brutes make their entrance. Wait, did the ring announcer say Ridge Holland is taking on McIntyre? Is Sheamus tagging out again? McIntyre glares at Sheamus and Dunne gets the bell and hammer?! Sheamus tells Dunne to hold on! Sheamus puts those on the desk, but Dunne rings the bell! So supposedly, Ridge is taking Sheamus’ place by pure coincidence? Hmm…
Drew McIntyre VS Ridge Holland w/ The Brawling Brutes!
McIntyre CLOBBERS Ridge, bumps him off buckles, fires off hands and a CHOP! McIntyre whips corner to corner but Ridge elbows back, Only to walk right into an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! McIntyre stands Ridge up for BEATS OF TEH BODHRAIN! Sheamus is furious as McIntyre goes all the way to nine! Sheamus saves Ridge from whatever the tenth would be, and fans boo. McIntyre goes out to get at Sheamus, but he ducks Dunne flying in! Ridge POSTS McIntyre! The Brutes’ plan is working out as Ridge CLOBBERS McIntyre! And then clotheslines in the corner! Ridge scoops McIntyre, POWERSLAM! Cover, ONE?!?
Ridge hurries to CLUB away on McIntyre and throws down elbows! Cover, ONE!! Ridge clamps onto McIntyre with a chinlock but fans rally as McIntyre endures. McIntyre fights up, throws body shots and then ROCKS Ridge, CHOPS Ridge, but Ridge HEADBUTTS low! Ridge whips corner to corner but McIntyre comes back to CLOBBER him! And again! McIntyre hits a NECKBREAKER and kips up! Fans fire up with McIntyre and he goes to a corner, Dunne gets on the apron but McIntyre DECKS him! Ridge HEADBUTTS and scoops, but McIntyre slips off to HEADBUTT back! WHITE NOISE! McIntyre keeps copying Sheamus!
McIntyre counts it down, and CLAYMORE! Cover, McIntyre wins!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
Sheamus is seething, because once again, McIntyre clobbers one of Sheamus’ sidekicks. Dunne runs at the ring but Sheamus stops him from facing McIntyre and his sword! Will the Fella have no choice but to fight McIntyre for that #1 contender’s spot?
Maximum Male Models will return next week.
And they will not only be bringing us the swimsuit collection for 2022, but Max Dupri’s sister, Maxxine Dupri, will join them! Will your guilty pleasures be titillated?
(Austin) Theory VS Mad Cap Moss!
Vince McMahon’s newest golden boy knows how to run his mouth, but he also did find a way to win the Money in the Bank briefcase. Will Moss use that briefcase to shut Theory’s gigantic mouth? Or will Theory find a way to win this one, too, and continue smoothly towards SummerSlam?
SmackDown returns and Megan interviews Moss at gorilla position. What is Moss’ strategy for tonight? Well, Theory has a really big head, so Moss is going to flatten it like a pancake. Heyman walks in again and again asks for a moment with the guest. Megan walks off again and Heyman introduces himself to Moss. And Heyman knows that Moss knows that Heyman knows he is responsible for Moss’ big break. And we know that what Theory has in mind, cashing in at SummerSlam, doesn’t make sense. Now, Moss gave Corbin a beating so severe that Corbin wasn’t seen for weeks. And if that happened to Theory… Well, Heyman could go to Roman Reigns.
Imagine it now: Roman Reigns VS Mad Cap Moss, the main event of a huge WWE event! The spotlight, the box office and the prestige! Think what it will do for your career, Moss, to main event a scheduled match against Roman… Reigns…! Moss tells Heyman, “It sounds, to me, like you are really worried about Theory cashing in at SummerSlam.” Moss’ music hits and he heads out, also leaving Heyman speechless. Will Moss’ actions speak loud enough for the both of them?
SmackDown returns again, and the bell rings. Theory and Moss tie up, Moss powers Theory to a corner, and the ref counts. Moss lets off, Theory complains, but Moss gives him space. They reset and circle again, and fans are dueling, but with more in Moss’ favor than Theory’s. They tie up again, Theory works to power Moss back but Moss then powers Theory to a corner. Theory turns things around, lets off and talks trash while flexing, but Moss rushes in to get around! Waistlock and SLAM, and then Moss looms over Theory to waistlock and SLAM again! Moss gives the trash talk back to the “pretty boy” before picking him up again.
Theory elbows out hard, headlocks, but Moss endures and powers out. Theory runs Moss over then flexes again. Fans boo as Theory says he’ll do this all day! But Moss fireman’s carries him! Theory slips off, waistlocks but Moss bucks him to run him over! Moss flexes and fans fire up! Things speed up, Theory leaps but Moss catches him in a fireman’s carry! Theory almost falls off but Moss steadies himself and pops Theory back up to then FALL AWAY SLAM! Fans fire up with Moss as Theory flounders to a corner. Moss storms up to throw big haymakers, and he follows Theory around the ring. Theory hits back and CLUBS Moss to then snapmare and chinlock.
Fans rally while Moss endures. Moss fights up, throws body shots, Theory knees low and bumps Moss off buckles. Theory bumps Moss off more buckles, then talks trash while he puts the headlock on. Theory goes for another buckle bump but Moss blocks and turns it around on Theory! Moss bumps Theory off more buckles and fans rally. Theory gets to ropes, Moss clotheslines him out of the ring! Moss then pursues, counter punches Theory, smacks him off the apron, and scoops him. Theory slips off, hurdles over and Moss runs into steel steps! Moss is down and Theory is grinning while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Moss throws haymakers! Moss whips Theory to a corner then runs in, only for Theory to drop toehold Moss into buckles! Theory then goes outside and slingshots back in, for the SOMERSAULT SHOTGUN! Cover, TWO! Theory is furious but he wraps on a chinlock. Theory leans on Moss and fans rally up as Moss endures. Moss fights up but Theory knees Moss and CLUBS him down! Theory throws haymakers, talks trash, slaps Moss around then throws more haymakers! Fans boo but Theory soaks up the heat, only to run into a POUNCE from Moss! Fans fire up while both men are down!
A standing count starts, Moss and Theory get up, and Moss throws forearms! Theory throws haymakers, Moss throws them back! Moss counter punches again and again, then fires off! Moss whips, Theory reverses but Moss CLOBBERS Theory! Theory staggers up into a corner and Moss RAMS into him! Moss whips corner to corner and RAMS into him again! Moss brings Theory out but Theory wrenches free. Theory ROCKS Moss, but runs into a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up and Moss drags Theory back up. Moss reels Theory in, but Theory holds off the lift! Moss throws hands then gets Theory up, but Theory stomps a foot!
Theory reels Moss in, BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Moss is still in this and Theory is beside himself. Theory says it’s time, but fans chant “Theory Sucks!” Theory fireman’s carries but Moss fights free! Moss dodges Theory to put him on the apron, Theory HOTSHOTS! Theory slingshots in but Moss builds speed to RUN Theory over! And BLAST him off the apron! Moss goes out after Theory as Theory crawls away. Theory gets to the timekeeper’s area, SMACK with the briefcase!
Winner: Mad Cap Moss, by disqualification
Theory doesn’t care, he SMACKS away on Moss more! Fans boo but Theory takes his leave, that briefcase still in one piece. The ring announcer makes it official that Moss won by disqualification, but Theory even has a mic to say, “No one cares! And still Mr. MITB, and soon to be the NEW Undisputed WWE Universal Champion… THEORY! HAHAHA!” But Sami Zayn walks out now? He has an arm in the sling and asks if he heard that right. Theory thinks he’s going to be the next Universal Champion? Well when you say that, you are disrespecting the Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns! And when you disrespect The Bloodline, there are consequences.
So as a representative of The Bloodline, The Honorary Uce Sami Zayn is strongly recommending that Theory apologize. Theory asks, “What is this?” Is Sami some kind of Bloodline suck-up? What’s he going to do with one good arm? The USOS are here! Jimmy & Jey Uso each have two good arms, holding up the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships! Theory backs off from the Usos, but Moss scoops Theory to POST him! Moss then takes the briefcase, puts it in Theory’s face, and TOSSES them both over the barriers! Moss got his payback, but will Theory ever be humbled?
As for the Usos, they’re here for the main event, the match meant for Raw! Will Jimmy pile on from the win against the Street Profits and R-Truth? Or will Angelo Dawkins get even before the tag title rematch?
Angelo Dawkins w/ Montez Ford VS Jimmy Uso w/ Jey Uso!
SmackDown returns once again as Sami joins commentary for this match. The Profits make their entrance and the bell rings. Jimmy and Dawkins circle, tie up, go around, and Dawkins puts Jimmy in a corner. Jimmy turns it around, but then Dawkins powers out to put Jimmy in another corner. The ref counts, Dawkins lets off, but dodges Jimmy’s cheap shot to hit a SPINEBUSTER! Dawkins waistlocks, Sami protests the legality of that exchange, but Dawkins pushes Jimmy to a cover. ONE, but Dawkins is back on the waistlock. Dawkins drags Jimmy up, Jimmy pries at the hold, but he elbows out hard!
Jimmy waistlocks, Dawkins rolls free, and then runs, but into a SAMOAN DROP! Jimmy snarls and he drags Dawkins up. Jimmy tosses Dawkins out but Dawkins lands on the apron! Dawkins ROCKS Jimmy, blocks the kick but not the DRAGON WHIP! Dawkins drops down and Jimmy builds speed, into a HAYMAKER! Dawkins then clotheslines Jimmy out, goes out after Jimmy, and POUNCES him over barriers and into the timekeeper’s area! Sami again protests if that was a legal move, but Orlando is fired up as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns once more, and Jimmy is raining down hands on Dawkins in the corner! Jimmy lets off to go to the far corner. “UCE! SO! UCE! SO!” Jimmy runs corner into corner to HIP ATTACK! But Dawkins is right back up?! And he ROCKS Jimmy with an uppercut! Both men wobble but Dawkins works on a waistlock. Jimmy fights out but Dawkins rallies! Jimmy mule kicks Dawkins, whips him to ropes but Dawkins hurdles and FLYING ELBOWS! Fans fire up and Dawkins brings Jimmy up to hit the SILENCER! Cover, TWO!! Jimmy survives but Dawkins hurries to aim again. Dawkins runs in at the corner, CYCLONE SPLASH!
Dawkins ENZIGURIS, then he DECKS Jey from the apron! Dawkins whips Jimmy and things speed up, Jimmy ends up running into the ref! The ref goes down, Sami says this is bad officiating! Dawkins rolls Jimmy up, he’d have this won if not for the ref bump! Dawkins checks on the ref, Jimmy SUPERKICKS Dawkins! Cover, but again, no ref! Jimmy drags the ref into the ring, but turns around into the SKY HIGH! Cover, Dawkins wins!!
Winner: Angelo Dawkins, by pinfall
But wait, Sami is shouting about it, and he might be right! Jimmy’s shoulder was up, just like Montez Ford’s at MITB! Will this controversy be exactly why we need a special guest referee? Sami says he wants to be the special guest ref? Adam Pearce walks out to say before any of this gets out of hand, he knows the Profits were upset over MITB, and the Usos are upset over tonight. So that is why there will be a special guest referee, and Pearce has officially found the perfect man for the job. It’ll be DOUBLE J! JEFF JARRETT! The WWE Hall of Famer and Tennessee’s own will call this one down the line! Ain’t he great?
The Usos and Profits like that news, but aren’t satisfied about tonight, so they BRAWL! Jimmy is after Dawkins, Jey is after Ford, the Profits turn it around on the Usos, and refs rush out there! Sami says Jeff Jarrett is not as good a choice as himself. The brawling continues, Dawkins RAMS Jimmy into a corner but Jimmy shoves him away! Jimmy helps Jey get away from Ford as SmackDown goes off the air! Will there even be a need for a ref at this rate?
My Thoughts:
A good SmackDown, but it had just more of the same as last week. I knew that Sheamus switching out with Pete Dunne was going to happen again with Ridge Holland. And I get that the way they got to it was supposed to be awkward, but this was the awkwardness caused by bad execution. But there’s a good chance this will “force” them to put the contender’s match on SummerSlam. I just hope they also think the put a ringside ban on the Brutes, and then actually have more than Ridge Holland watch “Butch” so he doesn’t run out to the ring again. And of course McIntyre wins out in the end, he’s been the one talking about Clash at the Castle since it was announced.
I am never not going to ram my head into the wall (metaphorically) over them going through with “Lacey’s a Heel despite her sharing her life story.” One of, if not THE stupidest thing they’ve done. But Lacey is at least delivering the promos smoothly, no real mistakes. I really expected Aliyah to get at Lacey about storming off and then anticipate the right hand coming, but no. Maybe that’s next time. On a slightly more positive note, the New Day mocking the Viking Raiders was pretty fun. I forgot about Assassins Creed: Valhalla existing, but was very happy they mentioned Thor. And of course the Viking Raiders attacked, but it was a great surprise that Shanky and Jinder attacked back. I don’t know how that alters things, but I would still just really like a great match out of New Day VS Viking Raiders.
The Imperium interview promo was good, with Gunther doubling down on being domineering towards Ludwig. Nakamura VS Ludwig next week will be another good match, but I feel like Gunther will attack should Ludwig be about to lose. And from there, WWE Intercontinental Championship, Gunther VS Nakamura. That’ll probably be on the go-home on the 29th but I would hope they decide to put it on SummerSlam. McAfee had a great opening promo segment with Corbin to plug their SummerSlam match, and talk trash on Corbin while also plugging the TV-14 rating change news. But also wow, Corbin’s arm, maybe that was mosquitos or something, cuz damn.
WWE didn’t really advertise this Liv VS Natty match well on their own site. I believe last week they said, “This is a contenders match,” but their preview online said nothing about it. I almost thought Natty was going to win to make SummerSlam a Triple Threat, but Liv winning is the right move. Liv got to get a solid win over Natty, and she had a good promo to establish that she won’t let Ronda’s reputation intimidate her. I don’t know who, but I would think/hope Liv retains against Ronda, because fans will go right back to crapping all over Ronda’s WWE career if Liv is a one month champion.
We got good stuff out of the MITB cash-in story and how it ties into the Bloodline story. It was very clever that Heyman gave almost identical offers to Theory and Moss, and that both men turned him down. Theory VS Moss was really good stuff, and it was a good move for Moss to win by disqualification. Theory stands tall in the match but then Sami gets up in his face. The Usos intimidated Theory and Moss got his payback, so in a way Theory doesn’t stand tall. Sami was good on commentary, and I did think it was clever for them to have Jimmy’s shoulder up in the loss. Now, clearly, Jeff Jarrett is guest ref because of Nashville, Tennessee, but I would love if Sami uses the next couple of weeks to get in Pearce’s face and say he should be the ref, and then Sami and Jarrett have a confrontation.
My Score: 8.1/10
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Can the Last Real Champion handle The Truth?
While the King & Queen of the Ring tournaments reach their semifinals, John Cena has his first match on SmackDown in years, against Ron Killings!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Asuka VS Alexa Bliss; Asuka wins and advances to Night of Champions.
- Aleister Black VS Kit Wilson; No Contest.
- King of the Ring Semifinals: Randy Orton VS Sami Zayn; Orton wins and advances to Night of Champions.
- Charlotte Flair VS Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice; Charlotte wins.
- Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker VS LA Knight; Knight wins, by disqualification.
- John Cena VS Ron Killings; Killings wins, by disqualification.
PLAY BY PLAY
LA Knight is here!
Grand Rapids fires up as the Mega Star marches right to the ring. Knight grabs a mic while the fans chant his name, and he says, “LEMME TALK TO YA!” The fans cheer, and Knight says, “Let’s just go ahead and rewind our mind a little bit. We go to back to Money in the Bank, Seth and his boys, they just happen to come down and screw this guy.” The fans boo that. Knight says usually, he lets things slide. But he just figured he couldn’t let it slide, so he made sure to screw on of Rollins’ boys in their title opportunity, King of the Ring. But then they came back, paid it back and screwed Knight outta KOTR, so he had to go and screw the other one over!
And it just has Knight thinking. Fans “YEAH!” and Knight says there is only one way this can go. He has gone back and forth between Raw and SmackDown, where it ends, nobody knows! Except Knight! He knows! He knows where this ends! The fans cheer that! And Knight says it ends with him and Rollins! And what better place than here? And what better time than now! Knight tells Rollins to come on out and talk to him! But “Ladies and gentlemen…” The fans boo as Paul Heyman walks out and gives his introductions. He serves as the Wise Man to Mr. Money in the Bank, Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins!
Heyman says you do not boo that name. And you screwed up your cue, so they’ll do this again. He serves as the Wise Man for Seth Freakin’ Rollins! The fans keep booing, Heyman wants to try again, but Knight says shut up and get to the point! Why is Heyman here?! Heyman walks to the ring and asks permission to step inside. The fans chant “O T C! O T C!” but Knight steps back. Heyman steps into the ring, and he says yes, there has been a lot of bad blood between Knight and Mr. MITB, Seth Freakin’ Rollins. However, Heyman happens to be, with all due respect to everyone here in Grand Rapids, Michigan…
The fans chant “C M PUNK!” at Heyman now and he frowns. Knight says Heyman has a lot of enemies. Heyman says he is the biggest LA Knight fan in all of WWE! Heyman’s been waiting a long time to say this: YEAH! Now, because of that, Seth Freakin’ Rollins (the fans boo again) has allowed Heyman to say to Knight, as a favor to Heyman… It is time for Knight to get the hell outta Grand Rapids, Michigan. Because if he does not, something really bad is going to happen to him before the end of the night. Have a nice evening. Heyman turns to go but the fans cheer Knight on. Knight says he couldn’t help but notice, but did you~ (poking fun at Heyman’s voice cracking) threaten Knight?
Because Knight wants to wrap his head around this. He’s heard Heyman say stuff like this before, because Heyman is a liar, a swindler, a grifter, a scammer and a schemer! Heyman leeches on to any talent that has a bit of hype, sucks ’em dry, then moves on to the next! Rollins just happens to be the latest in this. But where next? Who cares! But the bottom line is, Knight asked for Rollins but he got Heyman. And while he got Heyman, he got a Heyman out here talking all tough. So it has Knight thinking, he has a great idea.
Talking about wise man, wisdom, there was a point in time if Heyman had said something like that, a man like Knight would look at a “thing” like Heyman and punched his wisdom teeth down his throat! Knight won’t do that, yet. But here’s the deal: Heyman’s talking all tough, but if he can’t bring Rollins out here, then the only thing to do out here in Grand Rapids is Knight fighting Heyman here and now! The fans fire up for that! Knight asks if the fans want that, and they cheer! “HUH?” “YEAH!” “HUH?” “YEAH!” “YEAH!!” Knight promises he’ll turn around, take his vest off, and Heyman gets the first shot. He better make it good, or Knight will molly whop his ass right outta Grand Rapids!
The fans fire up as Knight does as promised. He turns around, his vest is off, but Heyman bails? The fans boo as the Wise Man doesn’t play along. Heyman says, “Remember when I told you to get the hell out of Grand Rapids or else something really bad is gonna happen to you before the end of the night? That wasn’t a prediction. That… was a spoiler!” Heyman throws down his mic, and here comes Bronson Reed & Bron Breakker! Rollins’ behemoths head to the ring, but Knight fires off on them first! The fans rally as Knight throws hands and feet, but then Bron TACKLES Knight! Bronson joins in and they mug Knight right out of the ring!
Bronson drags Knight up to TOSS him over barriers! Bron clears the desk, he wants Bronson to put Knight through it! But Knight has a chair! He JAMS Bron, JAMS Bronson, then SMACKS Bron and SMACKS Bronson! Knight gets in the ring, ready to hit whoever gets in! The fans cheer Knight but Heyman has Bron & Bronson stand down. Will Heyman have the henchmen try again before the end of tonight?
SmackDown returns and…
Heyman has Bron & Bronson calm down, they have this under control. It is all in their favor, and it always will be in their favor. That is the whole point behind this. Byron Saxton steps in and wants to talk to them, but Heyman has to hold Bron back like the dog he is! Heyman says no need to bite Byron. Byron apologizes, he has word from SmackDown GM, Nick Aldis, that Bronson Reed VS LA Knight is set for tonight. Heyman says okay, thank you, and goodbye. Byron leaves and Heyman smiles. He told them! Patience is not a virtue, it is strategy. Bronson smiles and nods. Will Auzsilla destroy LA here in Grand Rapids?
Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Asuka VS Alexa Bliss!
Two great returns to action through this tournament, and now they cross paths with each other. The Empress of Tomorrow overcame Ivy Nile, Raquel Rodriguez and Stephanie Vaquer while Lil’ Miss Bliss outsmarted Alba Fyre, Candice LeRae and Charlotte Flair. But whose comeback story overtakes the other’s here just one match away from Night of Champions?
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Alexa headlocks, but Asuka powers up and out. Alexa RAMS Asuka, Asuka roars, and the fans fire up as Asuka fires hands! Alexa blocks a kick to THROW Asuka down, then basement DROPKICK! The fans cheer as Asuka and Alexa reset. Alexa kicks, Asuka blocks and slips through to waistlock. Alexa elbows free, runs, but Asuka runs past her to then RUN her over! The fans fire up and Asuka runs in again, HIP ATTACK! Alexa falls to the floor and the fans fire up while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Asuka lets Alexa stay down while she soaks up the cheers. The ring count starts, Alexa rises, but Asuka goes out after her. Alexa slips inside and DROPKICKS Asuka’s leg! Asuka falls from the apron but she has to nod respect for that savvy move. Asuka steps back in at 6 of 10, and she resets with Alexa. They circle, feel things out, and tie up. Asuka wrenches and wristlocks, but Alexa rolls and wrenches to hammerlock. Alexa waistlocks, rolls Asuka, TWO! The two stand off again and they both nod respect. They reset, the fans rally up, and the two feel things out. Asuka trips Alexa, clamps on with a headlock, and she grinds Alexa down.
Alexa endures, Asuka turns her over to go after the arm, then she stands on Alexa’s arm. Alexa endures, Asuka shifts arms, but Alexa wrenches out to wrangle Asuka. Alexa shifts to a cording hold, but Asuka fights up and fires body shots. Alexa whips Asuka to a corner, but Asuka elbows her away! And BOOTS! Asuka goes up, leaps, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Alexa stays in this but Asuka stays focused. Asuka drags Alexa around and gives her Kawada Kicks! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Asuka wrenches for a chicken wing! Alexa fights the Asuka Lock and JAWBREAKERS free! Alexa runs up to RUN Asuka over!
The fans rally as Alexa rallies, then hits a BLOCKBUSTER! The fans fire up as Alexa SLAPS, ROCKS, and KNEES Asuka down! Then SOMERSAULT SENTON! Cover, TWO! Asuka stays in this and Alexa grows frustrated. The fans rally while Alexa brings Asuka up. Asuka breaks free to URAKEN, SOBAT, FRONT KICK, and GERMAN SUPLEX! Alexa tumbles away, Asuka runs up, SLIDING KICK! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as Asuka stands and takes aim. But Alexa ducks the buzzsaw! Cover, TWO! Alexa clinches, TWISTED- NO, Asuka rolls Alexa up! TWO! Alexa sits up, BUZZSAW! Cover, TWO!! Alexa survives but Asuka just fires up!
The fans rally as Asuka goes to the corner. Asuka climbs from the outside, and MISSILE- NO, Alexa dodges this time! Alexa kicks and DDTS! Cover, TWO! Asuka stays in this and the fans fire up! “This is Awesome!” as Alexa drags Asuka into the drop zone. Alexa goes up, up, and the fans fire up! TWISTED- NO, Asuka moves, so Alexa stops. Alexa won’t let Asuka sneak away, but then she gets caught in an ARMBAR!! Alexa flails, rolls, but ends up in an omoplata! RINGS OF SATURN!! Alexa fights around, pops her arm free for a cover, TWO!! Asuka reels Alexa in, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up as Alexa stays in this! Asuka fires up, the fans are with her, and she runs up, only for Alexa to ROCK her with a right! Alexa puts Asuka in the Tree of Woe, and she DROPKICKS Asuka out of it! Alexa climbs back up, and TWISTED BLISSÂ onto knees!! Asuka still counters the moonsault, and hits the EMPRESS IMPACT!! Cover, Asuka wins!
Winner: Asuka, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)
The Empress says no one is ready for Asuka, and that has certainly been the case! But on Raw, we find out, will it be Jade Cargill or Roxanne Perez that meets Asuka in Saudi Arabia?
Jade Cargill, Mia Yim & B-Fab watch backstage.
And Fab says damn, Asuka just came back and she’s already making statements. Almost like she never left. Michin says maybe they need to make their own statements. They need to talk to Aldis about the tag titles. Fab agrees. Fab & Mia wish Jade luck before heading out. Byron walks in and asks if he can have a word. Jade says shoot. Byron says Asuka just advanced, but Jade has her match on Monday with Roxanne Perez. How does Jade feel about facing a talented competitor like Roxie? And how does she feel about the possibility of facing Asuka in the finals? Jade says “Rox” has potential. Roxie is quick and scrappy.
But she’s still trying to prove herself. And this isn’t a proving ground, this is a throne room, and Jade was built for royalty. As for Asuka, there’s a storm on the horizon. But news flash, Jade is that storm. This entire tournament wasn’t built for the future, but for a woman who can walk through fire, shatter glass ceilings, and take her crown on the way to the top. This Queen of the Ring, Jade isn’t just walking in to win. She’s here to reign. Will the Prodigy be washed away by the storm this Monday?
Alexa Bliss returns backstage.
And Chelsea Green finds her. Flanked by her Secret Her-vice, The Hot Mess asks, “Hey, little fu-fu, how’s your boo-boo?” Alexa asks back, “How’s yours?” Piper tells Chelsea not to get upset, Alexa is just jealous. Chelsea says this serves Alexa right. Chelsea should be Queen of the Ring, and she’d be building her parliament if not for Alexa! Oh, if she has that big of an issue, then try facing her in the ring. Chelsea says she will! But then Charlotte Flair walks in and says if anyone should’ve still been in this tournament, it’s her. But had Chelsea’s “replacement” tapped out sooner, maybe she would.
So here’s the deal: Charlotte will have a match made and tap Chelsea out instead. N-Not if Chelsea makes it a bank holiday! ROYAL DUTIES! NICHOLAS! Chelsea hurries away with the Secret Her-vice following, and Alexa tells Charlotte that she doesn’t need Charlotte’s help. Oh, that’s cute. Because Charlotte wasn’t helping Alexa. Charlotte leaves now, leaving Alexa to chew on that. Will The Queen chew up the Hot Mess and spit her out now that she has nothing better to do?
Aleister Black VS Kit Wilson!
The Dark Father is also directionless now that he is out of the King of the Ring tournament, but he never lets that bother him. Will he make himself the direction all roads lead when things #FadeToBlack? Or will Kit prove he can be Pretty Deadly all on his own?
Wait, who is attacking Kit? It’s R-TRUTH! But why’s Ron Killings going after Kit?! He POSTS Kit, drags him back out, and puts him in an STF!! The fans fire up and Kit taps, but it won’t matter when this isn’t a match! Killings lets Kit out of the hold and demands a mic. A mic is given, and Killings says, “Get John Cena out here now. I’m driving! On my terms! Cena, get out here!” The fans fire up and then Killings puts Kit back in the STF! Aleister is rather confused, but producers hurry out here to stop Truth. Truth lets Kit go, Jamie Noble asks Truth wait for the main event. Truth seethes, but he accepts the terms.
Killings leaves, walking right past Aleister. Will there be no denying The Truth when he finally gets his hands on the Last Real Champion?
Jamie Noble talks with Truth backstage.
Jamie says Truth has to calm down. Truth says he wants John Cena NOW! He’s driving! Yes, okay, but just wait. Truth promises that when he sees Cena, he is killing him tonight! Aleister steps in and asks Truth why he is getting involved in Aleister’s match. Truth says it wasn’t personal, it had nothing to do with Aleister. These two stare down, and then Damian Priest steps in. The Archer of Infamy has Aleister stand down. Truth is going through a lot, let Priest talk to him. Oh, of course. Aleister says, “Ron.” “Black.” Aleister leaves, Priest tells Truth that there’s no need for any of that. Priest gets Truth is frustrated, but he can’t just go beat up people for no reason.
Priest used to do that, and Truth was the guy there to make him smile. Truth made the world smile! All that anger and negativity, focus that on the match tonight. Focus that on John Cena. Go out there and handle business with Cena, then Priest and Truth can go downtown to celebrate. How’s that sound? Truth says sounds good, DP. They shake hands, and Priest heads out. Truth is still seething, but will he make sure it all explodes on Cena?
Cody Rhodes is here!
Grand Rapids sings along as The American Nightmare makes his way out, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, he high-fives fans in the front row, then looks closely at the King of the Ring’s crown. Cody goes to the ring and grabs the mic. He hears the fans cheer him on, but then Jey Uso is here! The fans fire up as Main Event Jey makes his way down through the crowd! A young fan joins in bouncing along, but so does all of Grand Rapids! Jey continues down the stands, finds another young fan, and they bounce along again. Jey then reaches ringside, high-fives the front row, and he joins Cody in the ring as we get the next wave of YEET!
Grand Rapids might want to YEET all night, but Jey hugs it out with Cody before he gets his own mic. The music dies down, the fans chant, “One More Time! One More Time!” and Cody says sure, one more is fine. Jey says okay, and yes, the fans get to YEET again! Jey says hey, Cody doesn’t even have to say nothing. They been in the trenches! “YEET!” Still in the trenches! “YEET!” From fighting The Bloodline… “YEET!” To winning tag titles… “YEET!” To finishing their stories at WrestleMania! “YEET!” They’ve both been to the mountaintop. “YEET!” But Cody, on Monday, there is only room for one of them.
The fans are intrigued, and Cody nods. Jey says there’s only one that can go. Cody VS Jey, Jey VS Cody, and Jey knows Cody will bring it. Jey has to get his, Uce. He has to, just like Cody has to get his. But that said, Uce, it ain’t personal. This all business. But that all said, too, Uce, on Monday, after they go to war, please believe that it will be four letters, one word, uh uh… YEET! Cody smiles and the fans cheer. They shake hands again, and wait! Here comes Sami Zayn! The fans cheer as the Great Liberator makes his way to the ring. Sami grabs a mic to say, “This is nice, isn’t it? I get to share the ring with two great friends.”
The fans applaud, and Sami says he is in the ring with two of the very best that this business has to offer! The fans cheer that, too! Sami says he’d be lying if he denied there was a part of him that sees the three of them in this ring, and notices how only one of them has never been world champion. Jey, Sami wants him to know, man to man, this year, Sami missed Mania. Sami had no reason to be in Las Vegas, but he got his ass on a plane to Vegas for one reason: To congratulate Jey the moment he won the World Heavyweight Championship! Sami loves Jey, and he is proud of him. And Cody, for years, everyone watched as Cody finished his story.
And when Cody did, he did the unthinkable and pinned Roman Reigns in the middle of this ring, Sami was the first one out here to congratulate Cody. Sami is so proud that Cody finished his story. So he hopes both men understand that now, it is time for Sami to finish HIS story! The fans cheer, but then here comes Randy Orton! The Viper looks at the crown, then goes to the ring. The fans sing along with Voices and Orton grabs himself a mic. “So Cody, same deal as last week but I’m gonna say it again. There is no line I will not cross, even if it means going through you, so that I can get to John Cena at SummerSlam, beat him, and get my FIFTEENTH world championship!”
The fans cheer, and Orton tells Jey, “Man, I respect the… Hell outta you, dude. Our families go way, way, way back. Nothing but love, dude. But if you’re standing across the ring from me at SummerSlam, it’s not gonna be four letters, one word. It’s gonna be three letters, one move.” The fans say it, “R K O!” And Orton says he not only speaks for himself but for everyone here in this arena when he says, and from the bottom of his heart, one day and one day soon, Sami Zayn will be world champion. But not at SummerSlam. Because tonight, Sami is on the receiving end of the three most dangerous letters in sports entertainment: R K O.
Orton drops the mic, and it is time to put those words into action. Will it be the Legend Killer or the Underdog from the Underground that heads for Saudi Arabia?
King of the Ring Semifinals: Randy Orton VS Sami Zayn!
SmackDown returns, the bell rings, and these two circle. They tie up, Sami wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, then wristlocks. Orton endures, fights up, and the fans duel. Orton wrenches Sami in return to then headlock. Sami endures, powers up to wrench again, and he grinds the arm. Sami wrenches and CHOPS, and Orton goes to the corner. Sami CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! The fans “WOO~” but the ref counts. Orton pushes past Sami, bails out of the ring, and he is pretty red already. Sami builds speed but he fakes Orton out with the Arabian Press! The fans fire up and Orton has to admit that was good.
Orton goes up the steps and steps back into the ring. The fans rally, Orton and Sami tie up, and Orton puts Sami in the corner. Orton lets off slowly, but he pokes Sami in the eyes! The fans boo but Orton UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! But Sami pokes Orton in the eyes! The ref caught that one and reprimands Sami. Sami TOSSES Orton out, goes to the apron, but Orton YANKS Sami down! Sami hits off the apron, and Orton reels him in, DESK BACK SUPLEX! Sami writhes and Orton rolls into the ring, just to refresh the count. Fans want that “One More Time!” and Orton agrees! DESK BACK SUPLEXÂ again!
Sami writhes more and whatever monitor wasn’t busted, they’re busted now! Orton leaves Sami behind for a moment while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Orton goes out to fetch Sami, but Sami fights off a third back suplex! Orton kicks low, brings Sami over, but Sami blocks the smack off the steel steps! Orton sputters, Sami stalks him, and Sami decides to give him some payback! But Orton ROCKS Sami first! Orton SMACKS Sami off the desk, puts him in the ring, and covers, TWO! Sami stays in this but Orton looms over him. Sami rises, Orton puts him in a corner, and Orton fires body shots. Orton climbs up and rains down fists! Orton gets to eight before Sami fires back! Sami has Orton in another corner, climbs up, and Sami rains down a fast TEN!
Sami huffs ‘n’ puffs and CHOPS! Orton is stinging but Sami CHOPS him again! Sami wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, and whips! Orton reverses, Sami hits buckles hard, and Sami falls in a heap. Orton dusts himself off and looms over Sami again. Orton stomps Sami’s hand! Sami writhes and clutches his finger. Orton stomps Sami’s foot, ten the other foot! And then the other hand! Sami sits up, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Orton CLUBS away on Sami’s chest! Orton DECKS Sami, the fans cheer, and Orton brings Sami up. Orton whips, Sami goes up and over, and Sami LARIATS Orton down! The fans fire up again as Sami rises!
Sami goes to the corner, Orton runs up, but Sami ELBOWS him! Sami goes up, AX HANDLES, and the fans fire up more! Orton takes a swing, but Sami slips around! Orton fights the Blue Thunder, then LARIATS! And LARIATS! Orton dodges Sami to SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up while Sami goes to the apron. Orton drags Sami in through the ropes, and DRAPING DDTS! The fans fire up as Orton hears those voices! Orton watches Sami rise, but then Sami bails out! The fans are torn but Sami is smart to avoid what was coming. Orton goes out to fetch Sami, SMACKS him off the desk, and then back suplexes, only for Sami to lands out!
Sami CLUBS Orton, and hits a DESK BACK SUPLEX on Orton! Sami puts Orton in the ring, goes to a corner, and the fans fire up as Orton rises. Orton runs in, Sami dodges, and Orton POSTS himself! Sami runs corner to corner, HELLUVA- SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Sami survives and Orton seethes. “This is Awesome!” as Sami goes back to a corner. Orton runs back in and he LARIATS! Orton runs but Sami follows! But Orton dodges the Helluva Kick! Sami gets stuck on the to rope, frees himself, and hobbles into an RK- NO! BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Orton survives and the fans fire up again!
“This is Awesome!” as Sami drags Orton to the drop zone. Sami goes up the corner, Orton stands and he gets under the leap! R K- NO, Sami SLAMS Orton down! And then HELLUVA- RKO!!! Orton crawls to the cover, Orton wins!!
Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)
Sami fought his heart out, but the Viper still strikes! Orton is going back to back in KOTR finals, but will he win the crown this time?
Nia Jax is here!
Grand Rapids boos as The Irresistible Force goes to the ring. She grabs the mic dot say, “You know what’s crazy? Tiffany Stratton approached me to be under my wing, because she knew exactly what I could do for her. And look, she’s thriving! And what kind of thanks did I get for it? She betrayed me. She has MY title!” But wait, here comes Tiffy! Grand Rapids cheers as the WWE Women’s Champion has the mic to tell Nia, “You’re like that toxic ex I just can’t get away from. News flash: get over it! You make excuse after excuse, but when are you just gonna admit that maybe I’m just better than you?”
The fans cheer and Tiff heads to the ring. Nia says yeah, okay, if Tiff is so much better, then give Nia a rematch without kicking a chair into her face. Tiff says if Nia’s so desperate for a match, it is her lucky day! She made it official for next week: Tiff VS Nia! And Tiff will have more fun adding more scars to that “five head” of Nia’s. Because it won’t just be a regular match. It will be Last Woman Standing! Nia takes a swing but Tiff dodge! Tiff fires off, kicks low, and runs up, but into a POP-UP HEADBUTT! And then Nia drops a leg, brother! Nia holds up the belt and soaks up the heat. Nia thinks about leaving, but decides to add on! ANOTHER leg drop, brother!
The fans boo but Nia says that’s not enough! Nia tells Wade & Joe that she’s taking the title! But wait! NAOMI is here, with a ref! Is she doing it!? Is she doing it?! But Nia YANKS Naomi out! Naomi tells her back off! Nia doesn’t, Naomi shoves her, but Nia still grabs at her! Tiff DROPKICKS Naomi onto Nia! Tiff avoids a cash-in because Nia was in the way, but is she setting herself up for failure with that extreme title match?
Charlotte Flair VS Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice!
The Queen was denied her crown, but she’s not even angry at Alexa Bliss, the one who took that opportunity from her. She instead looks to humble the Hot Mess that claims she would be queen if her demands were met. Who vents their frustrations and comes away with the win?
SmackDown returns and Charlotte makes her entrance. The bell rings and the fans actually cheer on Chelsea. Alba distracts Charlotte and Chelsea sucker punches her! The ref reprimands but Chelsea SMACKS Charlotte off the mat again and again! Chelsea salutes, but Charlotte CHOPS! Chelsea KNEES low, whips, but Charlotte goes up and out at the corner. Charlotte BOOTS Chelsea away, avoids Alba and KICKS her! Chelsea runs up, Charlotte RAMS her, and then Charlotte climbs up. CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Chelsea scrambles away and Charlotte runs up, but into an ELBOW! Charlotte GAMANGIRIS!
Charlotte snapmares, Chelsea distracts the ref, and Alba grabs Charlotte by the hair! Alba HOTSHOTS Charlotte and Chelsea hits a BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Chelsea is furious but Charlotte stays in this, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Chelsea hops onto Charlotte for a SLEEPER! The fans rally, but Charlotte hits a BACKPACK SENTON! Charlotte is free, Chelsea runs back up, but Charlotte gives her a BACKBREAKER and BUCKLE SHOT! Chelsea falls back, Charlotte huffs ‘n’ puffs and runs up to fire hands! The fans fire up as Charlotte CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Charlotte CHOPS again, then clinches for an EXPLODER! And a kip up! The fans fire up and Charlotte salutes to poke fun at Chelsea. Charlotte runs, dodges, and handsprings to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Chelsea survives but Charlotte stays on her by going for a leg.
Alba gets on the apron, so Charlotte BOOTS her down! The fans cheer, but Charlotte turns around into a ROUGH RYDER! Cover, TWO!! Charlotte survives and Chelsea is furious! Chelsea takes off her face protector and drags Charlotte up. Chelsea has the arms, turns Charlotte, but Charlotte shoves her away! Charlotte dodges and SPEARS! Cover, TWO!! Chelsea survives but Charlotte has the leg! FIGURE- CRADLE!! TWO!! Charlotte has the leg again, FIGURE FOUR! And the bridge for the FIGURE EIGHT!! Chelsea TAPS, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
But then Piper Niven SENTONS onto Charlotte!! Alba storms in, she and Piper mug Charlotte, but here comes Alexa! She RAMS into Piper, she ROCKS Alba, then she catches Chelsea! Charlotte LARIATS Alba out while Alexa hits a TWISTED SISTER ABIGAIL! And then Charlotte BOOTS Piper down! Charlotte and Alexa look at each other, and despite what either one thinks, maybe they both need the other after all. Alexa offers the handshake, but Charlotte walks right past Alexa. Alexa lets that slide, but will Charlotte come around soon enough?
Solo Sikoa talks with JC Mateo.
Why is JC taping up? Uh, duh, he’ll take out Jacob. No, Solo is going out there alone to talk with Jacob. Solo was the only one that Jacob would listen to. Jacob needs Solo. Solo will smooth things over. JC accepts that, but Solo does say that JC should stay ready. Solo is covering his bases, but will he need the Imperial Unit to put down the Samoan Werewolf? Or will it all be alright between them all?
Solo Sikoa heads to the ring.
SmackDown returns as the former Tribal Chief makes his way out, and Grand Rapids boos. Solo grabs the mic, takes a moment, and says, “Alright, Jacob. I’m out here in the middle of the ring, all alone, with open arms, willing to talk to you face to face. I feel terrible about what happened. So if you’re back there, come on out so we can clear the air.” Jacob Fatu makes his entrance and Grand Rapids cheers! Fatu holds up the United States Championship before he steps into the ring, and he has a mic of his own. The fans cheer on “FATU! FATU!” and Solo says he didn’t come out here to fight him, okay? He’s not here for that.
Solo wants to make it clear to Fatu that he loves him, always has loved him, no matter what. One thing Solo learned from being Tribal Chief is how to love family and how to take care of them. That’s all he’s trying to do. Families fight all the time. They fight, they argue, they forgive, and then they move forward. So they should move forward together, Jacob. Move forward as one. The fans boo that, but Solo says nobody saw the potential in Jacob except Solo. Nobody wanted Jacob here in the WWE, except Solo. That is why Solo brought Fatu here and gave him the chance to change his life and put food on his family’s table.
And why did Solo do that? Because Solo loves Jacob. He does. And to be honest, Solo doesn’t have anybody else. Fatu isn’t sure about that, but Solo says all he has is Fatu. And he’s all Solo needs. So come back to the family, and even if Jacob doesn’t say those four words, Solo will. Solo will say it for him, to him, loud enough so everybody can hear it! Solo tells Jacob, “I love you, Jacob.” The fans boo, they don’t trust this. Fatu paces as he thinks on that. “So you love me, huh?” Solo nods yes. So this is what it comes down to, huh? Solo loves Fatu? The way Fatu sees things, Solo has been using Fatu! Solo has been using Fatu to gain power, to fight his battles, and to stay Tribal Chief.
Hell, Solo brought Fatu in so Fatu could bring Solo fame! Solo brought Fatu in because he thought Fatu would bring him gold! Is that all this is about? Fame? Gold? Power? SOLO, LOOK AT HIM! Solo looks up from the floor while the fans cheer Fatu on. Fatu tells Solo that ever since he won the US Championship, Solo is the one that’s been acting different. And maybe Fatu isn’t the problem. Fatu just figured it out! The problem… is this. The problem is the US Championship. Fatu sets it down between him and Solo, and he says if this is what he thinks it is, then just fight him for it! Fight Fatu for the title! The fans fire up for that!
And Solo, Fatu will only warn you one time: If you ever think about coming this way, you know what Fatu is about! You know what’s poppin’ with Fatu, blood! And you know Jacob Fatu is all gas, no brakes with it! YADADADA- SOLO TAKES A SWING! Fatu blocks the spike and he HEADBUTTS! JC Mateo rushes out here! Fatu HEADBUTTS him, too! But Solo CHOP BLOCKS the legs! The fans boo but JC & Solo mug Fatu! But then here comes JIMMY USO! The fans fire up as #BigJim slides in, dodges Solo, and SUPERKICKS JC! And then he SUPERKICKS Solo! But JC LARIATS Jimmy down! JC HAMMERS Jimmy and Solo has him put Jimmy in the corner.
The fans boo but Solo tells Jimmy that he should’ve chosen Solo’s side, not Jacob’s! But speaking of, Fatu is up! The fans fire up as Fatu BODY CHECKS JC! Then he SUPERKICKS Solo! Solo is in a corner, Fatu fires off on him, HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT! SUPERKICK for JC! HIP ATTACK for Solo! The fans are fired up for the Samoan Werewolf, and he locks eyes with Jimmy. Jimmy came to Fatu’s rescue, Fatu just saved him, so Fatu goes up, up, only for Solo to bail out! No Best Moonsaults here in Grand Rapids, but will Fatu cut Solo down soon enough?
Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker VS LA Knight!
The Wise Man warned, or rather threatened, the Mega Star that he should just cut and run, but that’s not how he does things. Knight is ready to fight, but will he survive a battle with Auszilla? Or is a Tsunami about wipe out LA?
Wait, Knight doesn’t enter from the stage! He enters from the crowd! And he POSTS Bron! The fans fire up as Knight evens things out! He TOSSES Bronson out, throws his vest at him, and Bronson snarls. Bronson has Bron stand down, and says, “Tonight, I kill him.” Bronson steps into the ring, the bell sounds, and Knight fires off! The fans fire up as Knight fires hands, but Bronson puts him in the corner. Knight ELBOWS back, Knight fires more hands, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips but Bronson blocks! Bronson whips Knight to a corner, runs up, but Knight dodges! Bronson POSTS himself, and Knight stomps a mudhole in!
The fans rally, the ref counts, and Knight goes corner to corner, but into a fireman’s carry! Knight slips down to sunset flip, but Bronson stays up! Bronson jumps but Knight avoids the hip drop! Then Knight basement BOOTS! The fans fire up and Knight storms up on Bronson. Bronson TOSSES Knight to the apron, but Knight slingshots back in! Bronson catches Knight to a fireman’s carry! Knight flails free and he RAMS Bronson into a corner! But Bronson holds ropes to deny the Jump Neckbreaker! Bronson runs but Knight avoids the senton! The fans fire up as Knight goes up, up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! That’s a Steiner move!
The fans fire up and spell it out, “L! A! KNIGHT!” but Bronson bails out! Knight runs to WRECK Bronson with a dropkick! Knight goes back up, springboards, CROSSBODY to the ramp! The fans fire up with Knight and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Bronson has Knight up top. The fans rally as Knight fights back with body shots! Knight ROCKS Bronson, ROCKS him again, and ROCKS him again! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Bronson finally falls and Knight adjusts position. “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” BOX JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Bronson survives and Knight is rather stunned while Heyman is relieved. Knight aims, kicks, but Bronson denies the BFT! HEADBUTT, then a fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Knight survives the “Jagged Edge” DVD but Bronson brings him right up. Bronson reels Knight in and says thumbs down.
Bronson lifts Knight up, but Knight flips the bomb into a DDT! The fans fire up but Bron barks at the apron! Knight DECKS the dog, tells Heyman to get the same, but Bronson runs up! Knight DUMPS Bronson out, builds speed, but BRON SPEARS!!
Winner: LA Knight, by disqualification
The fans boo but Bron handed Knight the win with that one. Bronson stands Knight up so Bron can build speed and SUPER SPEAR!! Grand Rapids is torn but plenty of fans bark. And now Bronson goes up!? TSUNAMI!! Bronson goes up again, the refs hurry out here, but TSUNAMI AGAIN!! The fans want another, so Bron scares the refs off to let Bronson go back up! THIRD TSUNAMI!!! Have Rollins’ rooks just broken Knight into pieces? Is this a message to everyone that no one can stop the vision?
Jacob Fatu speaks.
“Yeah, c’mon on widdit! I just spoke to the man, and you know the man makes everything possible here on SmackDown! So next week, next week on Saturday, me ‘n’ you, Solo! Night of Champions, mano a mano, I’m about to dog walk yo’ ass for the US Championship! Solo, you better get in where you fit in. Cuz if you don’t, then baby, it’s ’bout to be all gas, no breaks with it. Yadadadada mean?” The Samoan Werewolf will get to sink his teeth into Solo, but will he stay golden through it all?
John Cena VS Ron Killings!
The Undisputed WWE Champion was the exact opposite of grateful for R-Truth saving him from Randy Orton at Backlash, and he doubled down when Ron tried to show him the truth at Saturday Night’s Main Event. So, if Cena doesn’t want the Truth, he’ll get someone who knows about ruthless aggression! Will Ron Killings bring an early end to the retirement tour? Or will Cena continue to ruin wrestling for everyone else?
SmackDown returns as Cena makes his entrance. The fans sing “JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” despite him wearing the Detroit Pistons colors. Cena makes Mark Nash give the “proper” introduction: “He is the Greatest of All Time, the Never Seen Seventeen, gracing Grand Rapids with his presence one final time… He is the Last Real Champion, JOHN CENA~!” The fans boo, the bell rings, and Truth stares at Cena while Cena smirks hearing the “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Truth TACKLES Cena! He fires off hands but Cena bails out! So Truth goes out to DECK Cena! “What’s up!?” “WHAT’S UP!” Truth has Cena at the desk and SMACKS him off it!
Truth ROCKS Cena again, and shakes his hand out from hitting so hard. Truth SMACKS Cena off the apron, storms in after him, and whips him to a corner. Cena hits buckles hard and falls to the mat! The fans continue to duel while Truth keeps his eyes on Cena. Truth storms up on Cena while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Truth stands Cena up, whips corner to corner again, and Cena hits buckles hard! Cena sputters, Truth looms over him, and Truth ROCKS Cena! Cena ROCKS Truth! They go back and forth with haymakers, and then Truth dodges to SHOULDER TACKLE! Truth still uses Cena’s own moves against him, and that includes the SPIN-OUT BOMB! Truth raises his hand and Grand Rapids joins in! “You Can’t See Me!” But then Cena bails out so Truth can’t hit him! Truth is annoyed, the fans give thumbs down, but here comes Truth. Cena ELBOWS him down! Cena drags Truth up, POSTS him, and he brings Truth back into the ring.
Cena HEADBUTTS Truth, CHOKES him on the ropes, but stops as the ref counts. Cena stomps away on Truth, then runs to KICK Truth in the back! Cena talks trash, then he runs to SHOULDER TACKLE! Cena takes his time, knowing it is what the fans want. Truth rises up, Cena runs to SHOULDER TACKLE again! Cena watches Truth rise again, gets around him, SPIN-OUT BOMB! And Cena raises his hand, reveling in the cheers and jeers. “You Can’t See Me!” SmackDown returns to single picture for the FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Then Cena fireman’s carries, but Truth slips free! THESZ PRESS! And fast hands!
The fans fire up and Truth has Cena in a corner. Truth runs to STINGER SPLASH! Truth hitting all sorts of other iconic moves! Cena tumbles out and grabs the belt! Cena doesn’t care about this match anymore, he doesn’t need to take this! Truth says hold up! Truth runs Cena down and fires hands on the ramp! The fans fire up but Cena CLOBBERS Truth with the belt!!
Winner: Ron Killings, by disqualification
Cena wants to get another shot, but wait! PUNK IS HERE! Cena runs away into the ring, and he catches Punk as Punk slides in! The fans boo Cena but he huffs ‘n’ puffs. Cena drags Punk up, but Punk fires hands in return! Punk DECKS Cena, grabs the belt, and he holds it up! The fans cheer, and Punk aims, but Cena LOW BLOWS! Cena has a sinister smile as he grabs the belt. BELT SHOT for Punk!! The fans boo even more, but Cena decides to up the ante! Cena brings out a table! The fans cheer, everyone loves tables! Cena puts the table in the ring, then watches Punk sputter around. Cena sets the table up while the fans rally behind Punk.
Punk stands but Cena has the belt again! BELT SHOT!! Cena drags Punk up, fireman’s carries, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENTÂ through the table!! Cena made Punk snap into a Slim Jim, and then he grabs a mic. Cena laughs at Punk, and then sits up on the corner. “Punk… As you lay there in your most uncomfortable…” Cena pretends the mic cut out, taps it, and then says, “Somebody’s afraid of what I’m gonna say.” Cena grins and the fans boo as Cena flips the iconic “Pipebomb” moment on it’s head. “As you lay there in your most uncomfortable, I hope you can listen. I hope you can digest.
“Because before I leave here in six months with that WWE Championship, I gotta get a whole lotta stuff off my chest. First thing’s first, I don’t hate you. I don’t even dislike you. I like you. I like you more than anyone you ever shared a locker room with, that’s for sure. I hate this idea of you. This idea that you’re the Best int he World. You’re not. I’M the Greatest of All Time.” Grand Rapids is a bit torn on that statement, but Cena says Punk is better than Cena at one thing: You’re the best BS artist in the world. Oh no, kiddos~! John Cena just dropped a curse word! That means the show is off the rails! Hey, Stu, shoot this. Hi~! “I’m breaking the forth wall! HAHA!”
Cena then says the truth is, Punk… Cena is jealous of you. Cena is jealous that Punk has conned the fans into believing the myth that Punk is the Best in the World. Oh how they chant for Punk! Which they literally do right now. Hell, the fans even sing for Punk now. But they don’t believe a damn word you say. Because Punk changes his values as much as Cena changes his shirts! Punk is just a loud mouthed opportunist who steps on the necks of those who actually work hard if it gets him ahead. Oh, hey, look, another cameraman! “Hi, Claudio Castagnoli! Hey, Nic Nemeth! Hey, Matt Cardona! How’re you guys doing?”
The fans can’t believe Cena is going this far but Cena is loving it! “He’s heating up! He’s on fire! And there’s nobody back there that’s gonna cut my mic to save your ass, cuz I’m your only friend! Remember who gave you the stage for your pipebomb, pal! And what’ve you done with it since then, huh? You just regurgitated the same five microphone moves of doom. You’re promo potato salad, pal. Hey, you’re no longer the Voice of the Voiceless, you’re a friggin’ millionaire despite yourself. You’re not a punk, you’re a capitalist! And you’re not against TKO, dude, you are Mr. TKO. Cuz they knocked your balls technically off your body.
“Your tweets are strong, but your actions are weak. And in Saudi Arabia, you’re gonna face some loud, loud music when I finally prove to the world that each and every day, day in, day out, no days off for 25 YEARS, I have been the Greatest of All Time!” The fans cheer that a bit more now, to Cena’s surprise. “See, they know. And they know that you were the Best in the World… for seven minutes, 14 years ago. And if after Night of Champions, you’re still delusional enough to believe that you’re the Best in the World, well… I guess it’s a small world after all. You’re welcome, Grand Rapids.” The fans cheer, and Cena lets the world hear it.
Cena tells Punk to bring his A Game to Night of Champions. If Grand Rapids is any indication, the mood is starting to change. Refs finally appear to check on Punk, Cena says no, that’s fine. Punk needs to rest up for his big title match. Get a good shot of this: Best in the World VS Greatest of All Time, for THE most coveted prize in sports entertainment, THE WWE Undisputed Championship! And Cena knows the fans will sing and chant, but he also knows even the idiots are smart enough to see the truth: The Champ is Here. And USA Network, keep the extra two and half minutes. He doesn’t need a bomb to blow the “mother fudging” building.
Oh, and thanks, Punk, for letting Cena rip off your best promo just to make you look even more foolish. Cena finally drops the mic and he raises the belt up again. If the proverbial tables have turned this drastically, is there no saving WWE from losing its north star championship?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown with an awesome ending. All those years ago, when CM Punk dropped THE OG “Pipebomb” promo, no one could’ve ever in a million years guessed that here tonight, we would’ve gotten the John Cena remix. Not only was that promo of the year, but Cena blew up go-home math. I can’t see Cena losing the title to Punk now. He can lose the match since Cena loves getting disqualified, and there’s the possibility of Rollins trying a cash-in, but Cena is leaving Saudi Arabia as champion to then go to SummerSlam. It also works because Cody Rhodes still feels like the favorite for King of the Ring.
A lot of that has to do with how Sami lost to Orton tonight. Great promo from the four semifinalists, especially since it was Jey, Sami and Orton kinda keeping Cody from talking since there isn’t more Cody needs to say. Win or lose, no explanations needed at this point. Sami VS Orton was an awesome match, but I could just feel an RKO countering the Helluva Kick as the way to go and that’s what they did. Now, as awesome as it would be for Jey to beat Cody, and then for Jey to beat Orton to go for the World Heavyweight Championship again, there are a lot of moving parts right now that it would just be the easiest for Cody to win the crown and have his rematch with Cena.
And while talking the WHC, Gunther VS Goldberg IS confirmed for the title, but has also been confirmed as Goldberg’s last match. This is a huge indicator that despite Rollins teasing a cash-in on the Undisputed title, he will likely be thwarted and then falls back to the title he feels is rightfully his. That is to say, Rollins cashes in on the winner of Gunther VS Goldberg, which I half expected even before all this talk of Goldberg’s last match. Rollins can take this title from Gunther and Goldberg, and then we can throw Jey and even LA Knight into the mix as things are getting heated between Knight and the henchmen.
Great promo from Knight with Heyman, great match with Knight VS Bronson, and a really powerful beating Knight takes from Bron & Bronson. If nothing else, Knight costs Rollins his cash-in. Truth going after Kit Wilson was an interesting move. Also a shame Elton Prince is hurt, Pretty Deadly gets going and then something happens to slow them down. But Kit was going to lose to Aleister so this really messes Aleister up more than anything. Priest keeping the peace between Aleister and Truth was good stuff. Priest and Truth being allies on SmackDown can be some real fun stuff, and I feel like they’re already set up for a feud with Aleister.
Very good stuff with Fatu, Solo and this US Championship story. Fatu VS Solo was the natural move, and I like that Jimmy Uso ends up an ally for Fatu. The title match is set, I wonder if we get a tag match first. In fact, next week is title night in Riyadh with Tiffany Stratton giving Nia the Last Woman Standing match, and basically setting the stage for Naomi to cash in. She almost did tonight but Nia was again able to stop her, so I would think Naomi waits until the very end of the Last Woman Standing match to take full advantage. Then, if Jade wins Queen of the Ring, we get Jade VS Naomi at SummerSlam.
Good promo from Jade, B-Fab & Michin watching Asuka VS Alexa. Asuka winning made the most sense, Alexa clearly has story with Charlotte and Asuka is just that good. Jade VS Roxie will be a good match but Roxie’s story in Judgment Day might keep her from winning. But then the fallback there is Roxie might actually sub in for the tag titles like I was thinking. Charlotte VS Chelsea was very good, and of course the Secret Her-vice does what they can to help. The beatdown they put on Charlotte and then Alexa making the save, that’s going to be one of those “can they coexist?” tag matches for sure.
Honestly, a little surprised we didn’t get any tag team promos tonight, unless I completely missed something. I believe title night is going to have Profits VS Gacy & Lumis for the tag titles, too, so that’s going to be something wild. And while DIY is scared of the Wyatts, I feel like they’re going to interfere because they don’t want the Wyatts to take the titles. But at the same time, the Wyatts need something substantial this time around, so maybe they win the titles at SummerSlam.
My Score: 9/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 6.19.25
Are we going to start trending upwards with Slammiversary to build toward?
Last week’s episode was lacking in ring work but had decent story moments and segments. Starting the build to Slammiversary we can either launch nicely or things can always get worse. Jason Hotch and KC Navarro are the real shining stars of the last few months, so lets hope once they get over this Leon Slater idiot ship, they can push X Division wrestlers with actual talent for pro wrestling and not just flippy charisma vacuums.
Oh and let’s not forget, it is the episode they celebrate the 23rd anniversary of TNA! TWENTY – THREE!! Somewhere PCO hates this.
.@Kelly_WP is back in TNA Wrestling and has a message for TNA Knockouts World Champion @mashaslamovich!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/cF0F1ZKKuL pic.twitter.com/tnm4TIuPUz
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 20, 2025
Ratings:
- Sami Callihan vs Eric Young w/Losers: EY wins via Piledriver – ** 3/4
- Lei Ying Lee & Masha Slamovich vs The Elegance Clique w/M & Personal Concierge: Elegantos win via Rarefied Air – ***
- Eddie Edwards & JDC w/Alisha & Brian Myers vs Matt Cardona & Home Town Man: HTM wins via Cradle – *
- Champion’s Challenge: The Rascalz, Joe Hendry, Leon Slater & Elijah vs The Kaiba Boys, Moose, Steve Maclin & Trick Williams: Elijah wins via Highwayman’s Farewell – ***
Results:
Sami Callihan vs Eric Young w/Losers
Sami knocks them all off the apron before the bell rings, he levels the loser children, finds a chair, attacks EY but EY counters and this is the excuse to use weapons since the bell didn’t ring yet. EY tries to break Sami’s hand on the steps with the chair, but Sami moves, throws EY back in the ring, bell rings and EY hits a Belly to Belly suplex for two. They slug it out, Sami goes for Headbutts, then Sami wants to run the ropes but a loser trips him, distracts long enough for EY to knock him out of the ring and loser children swarm as loser children do. EY does the classic, throw back out for losers to attack while EY grabs and distracts the ref. Sami is selling a few lame attacks from the losers like he got shot. It’s an excessive sell, so it’s honestly a dumb transitional moment.
EY levels Sami, Lariat into Scoop Slam, looks for the Macho Elbow but Sami hits the ropes to crotch EY. Sami Superplex time, but EY bites the face to make Sami drop, EY jumps at him but eats a straight right hand. Cactus Driver, but no, EY tries his Piledriver…they both gouge eyes at the same time, Sami catches an EY charge into a Flatliner as they’re both down…for…reasons? The selling in this match seems…poorly timed and kinda stupid. Hard Irish Whip, EY Flair Flips the corner, levels Sami, Macho Elbow for 2.9! EY threatens to hit the ref, but then goes to mad dog commentary. EY then wants to attack fans…he’s more unhinged than World Elite EY. Sami gives him the old Dick Twist into a Stunner but only for two! Losers try to distract, first one gets taken out, second one uses a chair, EY hits the Piledriver on Sami, EY wins.
I feel like this is gonna continue for a few weeks since it wasn’t a clean win.Â
Mustafa Ali’s group comes out, and I refuse to say the name because it’s dumb and they’re already fraying at the seams. Ali wants an apology session, Tasha and Hotch apologize to him but Skyler bites back and refuses, even shoved Ali. So Ali challenges him to a “Call to Arms” match. What in the hell is a Call to Arms match?Â
Lei Ying Lee & Masha Slamovich vs The Elegance Clique w/M & Personal Concierge
ASH does her borderline racist fake karate before Lei stares her down and tags in Heather. Heather avoids Lei, Lei throws a few Tornado Kicks to make a point and Heather tags out. Heather being 4’8″ helps her here. Concierge says “There’s no Karate in wrestling”. ASH, Lei and Masha are in the ring, ASH is trying to decide who she wants to face, but the Concierge google translated it and hands it to ASH, before the face team rocks ASH. Masha lifts up Lei and Lei does the Liu Kang Bicycle Kick, steering more into her Mortal Kombat aesthetic. Senton off the apron from Lei and Masha dives into the pile, the comedy heels are getting leveled. We go to commercial and come back with Lei getting Double Teamed but she spins it into a weird Neckbreaker..but can’t tag out just yet. Lei blocks Heather, Enzuigiri, simultaneous tag, Masha is Yakuza kicks for all and the 2 for 1 Lariat/DDT special. Near fall, but Masha goes for murder, but Heather breaks it, Rocket Launcher/Code Breaker from Elegance but Lei breaks up the pin. ASH tries to intimidate Lei with her fake Karate before throwing her out of the ring. Heather hits Lei with a handful of Glitter and then bounces her face off the post. Masha tries to stop ASH, Kelly’s music distracts Masha, Rarefied Air gives ASH the win.
Santino comes out and GOD DAMMIT no one wants to see Tommy Dreamer fight Mance Warner…that’s a useless thing. Pivot away…no one wants this. Oh no, now we have to listen to Steph talk too. Okay it seems to be a pivot, thankfully. Steph and Mance talk shit, Dreamer says something about Something is gonna happen…and Jake Something comes out. So…I guess we’re gonna build him up for 2 months and then job him out for 6 before he fucks off to his home galaxy or whatever?Â
.@indi_hartwell has a run in with Tessa Blanchard!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/cF0F1ZLikj pic.twitter.com/I6UCCk2fAG
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 20, 2025
Really wish Indi just opened with the Billy Butcher classic of, “Oi Cunt!” – but this wasn’t bad.Â
Eddie Edwards & JDC w/Alisha & Brian Myers vs Matt Cardona & Home Town Man
I hate… Cardona so much more now. Heel reasons for Cardona…go away heat for Deaner.
JDC wants the Home Town Man to start…and Deaner does his stupid Flip Flop and Fly, Cardona tags in, JDC is eating some offense, Cardona wants the Reboot, JDC powders, Cardona Dives but then Lish and the general numbers catch up to Cardona. Eddie is legal, and now they isolate Cardona with some decent tandem work and isolation. This turns into kind of a schmoz, lots of silly spots, near falls and then Home Town doofus gets the cradle pinfall on Eddie.
Whenever Deaner is involved I can’t be asked to care. The System beats Cardona and Deaner down, but Eddie did eat a pin. Which is embarrassing not even for work reasons, like it’s just sad.
Champion’s Challenge: The Rascalz, Joe Hendry, Leon Slater & Elijah vs The Kaiba Boys, Moose, Steve Maclin & Trick Williams
Elijah and Nic start things off, slow push off, arm wring, top wristlock, simple chain wrestling start. Nic breaks the chain and hits a Dropkick, Elijah runs the ropes and hits a Diving Lariat and starts the Rope Walk. Nic seems far to awake and alert for that move then, I hate how people pull that off too early. Wentz gets tagged in, Nic tags in Maclin who wasn’t looking for a tag, but him and Wentz have a nice clash, Trey tags in, they try to double him, but they pause and look at each other. Maclin asks for a tag, no one tags him so he Chops Ryan to tag him in and throws him in.
The little nod to Maclin and Rascalz history and the fact the faces realize Maclin isn’t a piece of shit. A little MCMG homage tandem attacks on Ryan, Wentz punctuates with the Handspring Knee Lift, Ryan tags out to Trick. Trick and Wentz go back and forth, Rascalz have Trick eating offense, Moose tries to slow things down, both Trick and Moose powder, Rascalz Double Golden Triangle Moonsaults. Trey gets tripped by Nic, Moose hits Lights Out, but there’s no referee so it’s a little chaotic.
Out of the commercial things are controlled kinda and we see a simultaneous tag to Moose and Leon. Leon comes out hot, level Moose with a Leg Lariat, attacks Nic Nemeth, attacks Ryan, and then Moose hits Leon with the Stun Gun. Moose looks to tag in Maclin but Maclin jumps off the apron. Trick takes the tag, keeps control, Trick forcibly tags in Maclin but Ryan tags himself in and pulls Leon to the Champions’ corner, Nic tags in and isolates Leon, with the Kaibas quick tagging and keeping Leon down.
Moose tags in, tries to Suplex Leon about four times but Leon stops it then counters the Suplex. Moose tries to cut him off, but the Champions distract the ref so the ref can’t see Leon tag out. Nic and Moose doubling up and Leon is the bump guy of this last portion of the match. Big Uranage from Moose…Moose looks for Lights Out but Small Package almost ruined things, Body Scissors Cradle, GAME CHANGER! Moose looks to hit a Jacknife Powerbomb but Leon turns it into a DDT. Maclin and Ryan start fighting, Nic Superkicks Maclin, Hendry and Nic tag in, Hendry is a house of fire. Sack of Shits for everyone! Nic, Ryan, there’s a pause when Hendry is face to face with Trick and Trick gets Uppercuts first then Sack of Shit! Standing Ovation on Nic, but Ryan blocks, Kaibas try a tandem attack but Hendry Lariats them both. Elijah tags in and is the maestro of the crowd and chopping Ryan to some fun. Ryan goes for a Polish Hammer but eats the Knee Lift. Signature spam time…
Ryan tries to use the International title but Maclin grabs the title away from Ryan, clocks Nic, Standing Ovation into the Highwayman’s Farewell. Champions lose!
Overall Score: 4/10
Well this was a rough one boys and girls. Sami and EY was just an overbooked shitshow, Lei Ying Lee is unfortunately in a spot where it’s obvious TNA has no clue how to use her, the Elegantos are the New Beautiful People, and I’m not mad at that. But you need to space out your goofball crap. You can’t have Elegance Clique, Home Town Moron and Santino in 3 consecutive segments. And if anyone goes “it was 3 out of 4” that’s doesn’t lessen my point, the beauty of Pro Wrestling being a variety show is…FOR VARIETY! When the lead match feels stupid because of bad pacing, poor selling and overbooking with two losers, it feels like a useless match with idiots, then comedy, followed by more comedy…you see how that’s literally NOT VARIETY.
Figure it out seriously. This was a disappointing episode. If you’re a casual viewer than it’s just chalk for TNA doing cringe and borderline goof crap since they’ve always steered a little more into the carny than other companies. But this show was…where’s Jisoo and Jenny? I feel like I need that gif:
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Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
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Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
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