We’re LIVing in a new era for SmackDown!

In one fell swoop, Liv Morgan went from 2022 Miss Money in the Bank to our NEW SmackDown Women’s Champion! What is next? #WatchHer and find out!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• The Viking Raiders VS Jinder Mahal & Shanky; The Viking Raiders win.
• WWE Intercontinental Championship Open Challenge: GUNTHER w/ Ludwig Kaiser VS ???; changed to…
• Ludwig Kaiser w/ GUNTHER VS Shinsuke Nakamura; Nakamura wins.
• Natalya VS Ronda Rousey; Rousey wins.
• Lacey Evans & Aliyah VS Shayna Baszler & Shotzi Blackheart; No Contest.
• Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships Contenders Match: The Usos VS Los Lotharios; The Usos win and deny Los Lotharios a title match.
• Undisputed WWE Universal Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Drew McIntyre VS Sheamus; changed to…
• Drew McIntyre VS Pete Dunne w/ The Brawling Brutes; McIntyre wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Roman Reigns is here!

The Tribal Chief, the Head of the Table, the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, leads the Bloodline out, and of course Paul Heyman hands Roman the blue belt to raise to the sky for the pyro. Roman, Heyman and the Usos continue to the ring, where they raise all their belts again for more pyro. But wait! Mr. Money in the Bank, (Austin) Theory is on the stage! Is Theory thinking of cashing in tonight rather than at SummerSlam? We find out, after the break!

SmackDown returns and The Bloodline is standing in the ring but Theory is staying away. Heyman hands Roman a mic while fans are torn between cheers and jeers. Roman hears that, but still says, “Fort Worth, Texas… ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” Fans are still torn but Roman smiles. He can tell there’s the “You Suck” chants, there are “Roman” chants, but in the end, when the Tribal Chief is in the house, business picks up! And that means life is good. Life is so damn good! And he said this before: as long as God wakes Roman up, Roman can handle anything. Roman woke up in the compound, went to his private gym, then got on his private jet to come here.

Roman is breathing, healthy, happy to be at work and on HIS show, SmackDown! “It’s an absolute privilege and an honor to see my family, my Bloodline. And then I see my Wise Man, my Special Counsel, and he looks like this!” Heyman is frowning, is what he means. What happened? Why does Heyman look concerned? Roman asks Heyman why. The Tribal Chief is here, Heyman shouldn’t be concerned. Roman is the GOAT, he’s smashed ’em all! Feel confident that he’s here. What’s the problem here? Haven’t we been through this? We ain’t going back there. But how about this? Heyman, put your hand out.

Heyman gets nervous but Roman says it’s okay, just put the hand out. Heyman does just that, and Roman hands the mic back so he can tell us what’s wrong. “I love you, My Tribal Chief. And I love the Usos. But we have a problem, and that problem’s name… is BRRROCK! LESNARRR!” Fans cheer for The Beast as Heyman says that Roman is the GOAT, the Greatest Of All Time. In an era where NO ONE can hold onto a title, Roman holds onto BOTH heavyweight  championships! He is the UNDISPUTED Champion, and has been for over 600, headed into 700, headed into 800 days, maybe even 1000! The longest reigning champion of the past 35 YEARS!

But the problem is, Brock Lesnar doesn’t respect that! Lesnar has one last chance against Roman, and has one last match against Roman, and when Lesnar is cornered, “that’s when the Beast is at his most dangerous.” Heyman knows because he’s known Lesnar for 20 years. Who was only 24 years old and wasn’t supposed to beat The Rock for the title? Brock Lesnar. Who went up against the 21-0 Undertaker at WrestleMania and wasn’t supposed to conquer the Streak? Brock Lesnar. And who has his back against the wall right now, My Tribal Chief? Who is in a do or die situation? Who becomes an obscure reference in history in the annals, in the chronicles, of the Tribal Chief or who ends this all? Brock. Lesnar.

Heyman is scared! What happens now is that we see Roman Reigns go savage! We see Roman be violent! We see Roman SMASH Lesnar! Because pinning Lesnar down for three second sis one thing, but putting him down for TEN, in his final title match, in a Last Man Standing Match, is a whole different story! Roman is gonna have to show up on July 30th in Nashville, Tennessee, and be a Roman like never before! Put on the best performance in the history of Roman Reign’s career! The most violent, the most diabolical, the most dangerous, the Beastslayer, the Conqueror of Conquerors, the GOAT of GOATS, until at the end they say, “Your winner, the Ultimate Needle Mover, the Tribal Chief, IN GOD MODE HIMSELF… ROMAN…! REIGNS!!”

Roman’s music hits and Heyman bows before his Tribal Chief. But then THEORY officially makes his entrance. He grins and makes a lap around the ring, holding his briefcase, before leaving. The Youngest Mr. MITB in WWE History is just keeping Roman aware of what’s coming even after the Last Man Standing match. Will Theory make Vince McMahon’s investment worth every penny?

The Viking Raiders VS Jinder Mahal & Shanky!

Erik & Ivar have shown they’re no longer having fun, they’re here to raid and rage and take over SmackDown’s Tag Division! Will the Modern Day Maharaja and Skyscraping Dance Machine feel the fury first hand? Or can Jinder make Shanky get serious and turn the tide?

SmackDown returns and the teams sort out. Shanky starts against Ivar, and Shanky starts wanting to groove! Jinder tags in and tells Shanky to stop it. Ivar and Jinder circle, tie up, and Ivar puts Jinder in the corner to fire off haymakers! Tag to Erik, the Vikings mug Jinder against ropes and then Erik grinds the shoulder. Fans rally as Jinder endures and fights back up. Jinder fights free and THRUST KICKS! But Shanky is too busy rallying the fans to tag! Erik tags Ivar, CLOBBERS Jinder, then DECKS Shanky! The Vikings get Jinder up for the DOUBLE POWERBOMB! Cover, the Viking Raiders win!

Winners: The Viking Raiders, by pinfall

But they’re not done! They stomp away Jinder, then Shanky gets in, only to get mugged! But here comes the NEW DAY! Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods tell the Vikings to hold on! Kofi will be honest, last week, the Vikings kicked their butts. And then the week before that. What are you guys? Seymour- BUT! See these right here? The New Day’s butts are still here! THICC AF, so the Vikings didn’t do the job. Furthermore, those were not sanctioned beatings. That means those don’t count! But ya bois found a relic from a kingdom long since passed. But since the Vikings are illiterate- Wait, they don’t know what that means… Uh, it means you can’t read.

So these are officially sanctioned ASS BEATING TICKETS! That means that tonight, right here in Fort Worth, it is time for the New Day to give the Vikings the whooping they deserve! BECAAAUSE! And the brawl is on!! Ivar puts Woods in a corner but Woods turns it around! Erik SLAMS Kofi, then KNEES Woods! Erik feeds Woods to Ivar’s SEATED SENTON! Fans boo as Ivar goes up and Erik drags Kofi up! Erik hands Kofi off for the SUPER POWERSLAM!! The Vikings stand tall over the former ELEVEN-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions once again, will they be the new rulers of tag team wrestling?

Pat McAfee is not here, Corey Graves is on commentary.

That’s because Baron Corbin attacked him after MITB went off the air last weekend! Corbin mugged McAfee then hit an END OF DAYS to the floor, all as his way of saying he accepts the challenge for SummerSlam! But wait, now Corbin is joining commentary to say he can do this 100 times better! Corey kisses up to Corbin and says McAfee doesn’t want none of Corbin.

WWE Intercontinental Championship Open Challenge: GUNTHER w/ Ludwig Kaiser VS ???

Der Ring General dispatched of former champion, Ricochet, and is ready to move on to someone, anyone, new. Though, given what he and the Impeccable German have been saying, no one will ever take this title from him, no matter who they are. So then, who steps up to challenge Gunther for this title? We’ll see, after the break.

SmackDown returns and Ludwig says, “Ladies and gentlemen… There is no competitor worthy of standing in the ring, much less competing with YOUR NEW Intercontinental Champion. It is our personal opinion that none of you in attendance are worthy of watching Der Ring General, Gunther, compete tonight. However, I know it’s customary for Intercontinental Champions of a lesser ilk to defend this championship against anyone in an Open Challenge.” Gunther says anyone who defends a title against a foe he does not know is a FOOL. Those who think he is taking on such a challenge is foolish! Someone has to be deserving of an opportunity to compete with him for the Intercontinental Championship!

Ludwig says they’re just being honest. But wait! Here comes SHINSUKE NAKAMURA! And Corbin on commentary pretends to be McAfee and gets pumped for the King of Strong Style as he makes his way out here. Gunther and Ludwig scowl while Nakamura gets the mic. Nakamura gets close to Gunther, looks him up and done, and says, “He doesn’t want to accept me? You keep your title for now. But Kaiser… I challenge YOU to a match, right now!!” If Nakamura has to earn his shot, he’ll earn his shot! Will Gunther’s lieutenant be used as a tune-up? Or can he deny Nakamura his golden opportunity?

Ludwig Kaiser w/ GUNTHER VS Shinsuke Nakamura!

The bell rings and Nakamura circles with Kaiser. They tie up, Nakamura fires off knees, then bumps Kaiser off buckles. Kaiser goes to boot but Nakamura blocks and puts Kaiser in the ropes to ROUNDHOUSE and SLIDING GERMAN! Nakamura stares down Gunther, then gets back in the ring. Kaiser CLOBBERS Nakamura, runs and DROPKICKS Nakamura out! Gunther mocks Nakamura, “What’s this?” while looming over him, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Kaiser has Nakamura’s arm in an armlock. Nakamura fights up but Kaiser knees low. Kaiser scoops but Nakamura slips off and runs to DYNAMIC DROPKICK! Fans fire up while both men are down! Nakamura gets up, blocks a punch to fire off a strike fest and AX KICK! Nakamura waits on Kaiser to sit up and he KICKS him in the chest again and again! Kaiser blocks a kick but not the ENZIGURI! Nakamura puts Kaiser in the corner for GOOD VIBRATIONS! Nakamura puts Kaiser up top on the corner and runs in, TOP SHELF KNEE! Cover, TWO! Corbin talks trash on McAfee, both how he is now and how he was in the NFL.

Nakamura drags Kaiser up to a SLEEPER, but Kaiser backs him into a corner! Kaiser blocks a boot, says “NEIN!” and GAMANGIRIS! Then BUTTERFLY SUPLEXES! Kaiser looms over Nakamura, drags him up, and runs, but Nakamura ducks the Penalty Kick! Kaiser ducks a roundhouse but not the WHEEL KICK! Nakamura aims, to KINSHASA! Cover, Nakamura wins!

Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura, by pinfall

Opportunity earned! Gunther is furious with Kaiser for failing him, and then demands he stand back up. Kaiser gets to his feet while fans cheer for “USA! USA!” Gunther CHOPS Kaiser as his punishment for losing! But Gunther says it isn’t over, he wants Kaiser to get up again. Kaiser does, and Gunther CHOPS him again! Gunther tells Kaiser to get up to take this like a man, and then he CHOPS Kaiser off his feet! Imperium does not tolerate failure or weakness, but will Gunther have to accept what’s coming from the King of Strong Style?

Liv Morgan is here!

Fort Worth fires up for the NEW SmackDown Women’s Champion as she heads to the ring. She cashed in on Ronda Rousey and took the gold, but who will her first defense as champion be against? We’ll find out, after the break.

SmackDown returns and Michael Cole interviews Liv in the ring. He congratulates her and she says thanks. Fans chant, “You Deserve It!” and Cole agrees she does. Last Saturday, Liv etched her name in history by climbing the ladder, grabbing the MITB contract, and just two hours later, she cashed in on the Baddest Woman on the Planet! Now let’s keep in mind that Ronda had suffered a knee injury against Natalya, so she’ll surely want a rematch. It could be SummerSlam. Liv says bring it! She can’t wait either way, because this title is the culmination of a lifetime of hard work, sweat and tears.

Liv knows exactly what it took for her to get where she is today, and she’ll work 10 times harder to stay. She promises us that NO ONE wants this title more than her! Cole talks about how 10 years ago, she was a waitress, saving up to train as a sports entertainer. And over the last decade, she scratched, clawed, learned, tried, and almost got there, only to have it pulled away from her. She wears her heart on her sleeve, suffered setbacks, but for the first time, she gets to experience the jubilation. What does it mean for her to finally be champion in the WWE? Liv has a big smile and fans cheer as she says, “This means everything to me. Absolutely everything to me.”

Liv dreamed about this her entire life, and it got hard because she felt she’d never get here. But here she is! She wants to take this as a reminder that, as John Cena would say, you should #NeverGiveUp! But then Natalya makes her way out here! The Queen of Harts says she can dream, too. Of when Liv will finally shut up! The only reason Liv is champion is because of Natty! Liv’s little Cinderella Story ends at SummerSlam, and the clock strikes midnight. There is no way in Hell Liv would’ve beaten a fresh Ronda! Liv won because Natty hurt Ronda! Natty loved watching Ronda scream in pain. so while Natty lost the match, she enjoyed what happened.

Liv and Natty talk trash, but wait! RONDA IS HERE! The Baddest Woman has just the slightest hobble but she’s not letting that get to her. Ronda joins Natty and Liv in the ring, gets herself a mic, and congratulates Liv for seizing the moment at MITB. But savor the honeymoon phase, because at SummerSlam, you’ll learn challenging for a title is a whole lot easier than defending one. But Natty, did you say you enjoyed hurting Ronda? And she took credit for Ronda losing the title? Well, consider Ronda convinced. She’s not dressed to compete right now, but Fort Worth, do you want to see Ronda beat the crap out of Natty?

Fans cheer but Natty sucker punches Ronda! Natty then goes for Liv but Liv hits her first and sends her out! Liv grabs up the belt to hold it up, ready to take on anyone! But uh, Ronda is back up on her feet. Will Liv have to worry about more than one challenger on the road to SummerSlam?

Natalya VS Ronda Rousey!

Made official during the break, it’s a rematch from MITB! There will be major title opportunity implications on the line, will the Queen of Harts hurt Ronda more? Or will the Baddest Woman on the Planet return the favor?

The bell rings and the two tie up. Ronda kicks Natty’s leg, then kick sit again! Ronda ties the leg up around ropes then throws elbows! The ref counts while Ronda pulls on the leg, but Ronda lets off at 4. Ronda KICKS the leg again and Natty bails out. Natty hobbles now but Ronda pursues. Ronda taunts Natty, Natty crawls into the ring, but Ronda gets the leg to SMASH it on the apron! Natty writhes and rolls away but Ronda tells her to get back here. Ronda pursues Natty to the ramp, and she KICKS the leg! Natty hobbles but Ronda fires off body shots! Ronda punches Natty back to ringside to then fireman’s carry, and SLAM her on the apron!

Ronda keeps after Natty’s leg, then gets on the apron for an ANKLE LOCK! The ref counts, Ronda lets go at 4, and Natty flops into the ring. Ronda says she’s going to have fun like Natty did, and puts the ANKLE LOCK back on! Natty fights up but Ronda hits an EXPLODER! Ronda turns Natty back over for one more ANKLE LOCK! Natty endures, even as Ronda puts on the GRAPEVINE!! Natty screams but TAPS, Ronda wins!

Winner: Ronda Rousey, by submission

Rowdy Ronda gets revenge on Natty for her leg, but this is just step one. Will Liv have to protect every limb she has at SummerSlam?

Backstage interview with Drew McIntyre.

Megan asks the Scottish Warrior about tonight’s #1 contenders match, with Sheamus and his Brawling Brutes being his only obstacle. How does he plan on handling them? McIntyre says he went to Europe, to Cardiff, to the castle, and Clash at the Castle is going to be huge. And McIntyre is making it clear now: Whoever is coming out of SummerSlam the champion, McIntyre’s coming after them! It could be Roman Reigns, it could be Brock Lesnar, or it could be the New Chosen One, (Austin) Theory. But that doesn’t matter now. McIntyre has his attention focused on his old nemesis, Sheamus.

McIntyre and Sheamus go way back, to when they were 19 and 47. So many ups and downs, this high stakes match is appropriately happening in Texas because everything is bigger in Texas! Especially steaks! But yes, the Brutes. He knows the first chance, they’ll go after McIntyre. But McIntyre has the deadliest three in the WWE, and it’ll be the last thing Sheamus hears before McIntyre kicks his head off his body. And what three does he mean? THREE! TWO! ONE! BOOM!! Will the Scottish Warrior slay the Celtic Warrior and be ready for the Universal Champion in Cardiff?

Max Dupri is in the ring.

The founder of Maximum Male Models is given a formal introduction with a drum roll, and he thanks us. “The highly anticipated debut of Maximum Male Models was not only a smashing success, but a viral sensation. And this week, we offer a captivating treat to the WWE Universe as we present the 2022 Tennis Collection!” Fans boo already, but first up is “a man whose looks will serve your inner needs and desires. Here is… Maçè!” The man formerly called Mace struts out in white shorts and blue Polo while holding an old style wooden racket.

Dupri says MMM embodies athletic excellence and elegance. The sleeves are accentuated by Maçè’s 80 inch wingspan and 20 inch biceps while allowing efficient breathing room for the perfect backhand. The lightweight bottoms hug the thighs and hamstrings, further accentuating the spectacle required to grace the court. Maçè struts back up the ramp and that of course means up next is “a man who oozes appeal and evinces the essence of game, set, match. Ladies and gentlemen… Mansôör!” Mansoor struts out, in his own white shorts, a white Polo with blue sleeves, and a headband.

Mansôör strikes a pose as Dupri says he takes proportions to another level. Notice Mansôör’s broad shoulders, and that dazzling chest-to-torso ratio. Those strapping biceps are accentuated by the finest cloth so that he can provide a strong stroke over the net. Mansôör struts back up the ramp, and Dupri says only the most “penetrating” look can be represented by MMM. “If you feel you have what it takes to strut down that aisle the way they do, please, submit your full body photos to our official website, MaximumMaleModels.com. But if you do not have the qualities, the natural qualities of a Maçè and Mansôör, don’t bother.” Dupri’s clients walk back out for one more pose and Dupri wants another round of applause for the men that embody the mantra, “Titillate the juices of your guilty pleasures.”

Backstage interview with (Austin) Theory.

Kayla Braxton asks what was the message Theory was trying to send Roman Reigns earlier tonight. Theory was letting the Tribal Chief that the Youngest Mr. MITB is always watching. And y’know what? Between them, Theory would love to cash in on Lesnar after how he treated Theory, but he might just cash in on Roman. Theory got to see just how arrogant Roman is up close! Kayla says Theory does know something about arrogance. Oh ha ha. People don’t like him, but he loves that! Everyone is just looking for someone to knock Roman off his pedestal, and it could be Theory! Theory WILL become a two-time United States Champion after he defeats Bobby Lashley.

And that Last Man Standing match, whoever survives better be ready. Lesnar and Roman are going to beat the hell out of each other all over the arena. They could go into the rafters, the stands, the parking lot, or even on the roof! But that’s besides the point. Roman Reigns is screwed! Either Lesnar beats him or Theory does, and the same way for Lesnar if he does win. Theory leaves, but Mad Cap Moss walks in! Moss says that is a big briefcase, but he bets he can shove all of that down Theory’s throat. Moss would love to try, Will Moss get his chance at shutting Theory up before SummerSlam?

Lacey Evans & Aliyah VS Shayna Baszler & Shotzi Blackheart!

The Model Soldier and #Aliyah316 team up to take on the Queen of Spades and Wild Child, but which duo proves to be the stronger?

SmackDown returns as Lacey makes her entrance. Or at least, we think? Okay, there’s Lacey! Wait, she says she wants a bigger response? She goes backstage again and redoes her entrance. Fans cheer and Lacey still seems dissatisfied. She gets a mic and gets in the ring to say, “Before my opponents come out, I just wanted to take a minute.” Fans are booing as she says she is just disgusted from them. This is the response she gets? That reaction right there? Do they not know who she is? Don’t they know what she’s been through? She knows they do because she poured her heart and soul out on live TV! She did that to help the fans!

And for what? For that reaction? Lacey says it must bother them that they look at a woman like her and they realize how weak they are. They know her struggles and deep down, they know they can’t be half the person she is. The truth hurts, but when Lacey Evans comes out and gets in the ring, she gets a standing ovation! Standing, meaning up on your feet. Fans boo more and Lacey isn’t sure what it is. Are they too weighed down by the pulled pork? That’s what she sees, at least. It makes her sick! The fans are disgusting! Fans chant “YOU SUCK!” and she says no, she is an American Hero! She put her life on the line for the likes of you! But for what?!

Until Lacey gets the respect she deserves, everyone else can go to Hell! Lacey drops the mic, then goes to leave. Aliyah tells her to hold on, they have a match! But then Lacey uses her WOMAN’S RIGHT to knock Aliyah off her feet! Lacey leaves, and there’s no match now. Will Lacey get any respect from anyone acting like this?

Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships Contenders Match: The Usos VS Los Lotharios!

Jimmy & Jey are ready to represent for The Bloodline, but will Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo earn themselves an opportunity to represent for their familia? We find out, after the break.

SmackDown returns and the match is already underway as Jimmy CHOPS Carrillo! And CHOPS again! Carrillo wernches an arm to a wristlock, but Jimmy fights up to whip Carrillo away. Jimmy back drops but Carrillo lands on his feet! Garza tags in while Jimmy puts up the finger to the sky, but Carrillo feeds Jimmy to a GAMANGIRI! Jey runs in but is also sent out! Garza trips Jey, tags Carrillo, and they DOUBLE PENALTY KICK at the ropes! The Usos regroup but Los Lotharios build speed, to fake them out! The Usos rush in but Los Lotharios slide out! Garza & Carrillo egg Jimmy & Jey on, and then slide back in as the Usos slide out!

The Usos hurry to the apron but the Lethal Lovers BOOT both of them down! And then OFF COME GARZA’S PANTS! Garza throws the tearaways at the fans, Jimmy rushes in but into an arm-drag! Carrillo KICKS and ROCKS and CHOPS, but Jey tags in before the whip. Jimmy reverses, pop-up SAMOAN DROP! Jimmy SUPERKICKS Garza, Jey covers Carrillo, but Garza breaks it in time! Garza then SUPERKICKS Jimmy down! And then PLANCHAS into a SUPERKICK! Jey is up top but Carrillo goes after him! Jey shoves Carrillo away but Carrillo flips back to land on his feet! Jey SUPERKICKS Carrillo, too!

Tag to Jimmy and Jey drags Carrillo up. ONE AND DONE!! Cover, the Usos win!

Winners: The Usos, by pinfall (DENIES Los Lotharios a title match)

Garza & Carrillo fought hard, as multi-generational wrestlers do, but the Usos are the winners again! Kayla interviews them to congratulate them on tonight’s win, as well as the win at MITB, if they can really say that was a win. What? Well, Kayla says they got away with one. Got away with what?! Well, the footage shows that Montez Ford did get his shoulder up. The ref missed it, so the Street Profits lost on a technicality. So then, the Usos got away with one. What?! Do the Undisputed Champs look like they need to cheat?! Well…

Jimmy says that if that is cheating, if pinning the Profits in the middle of the ring 1-2-3 is cheating, then yeah, they cheated! But check it! That ain’t on the Usos, that’s on the ref. Well, there are rumors that there will be a special guest referee in the tag title rematch for SummerSlam. Oh? That’s cool. Well, if they’re taking volunteers, Jimmy has one in mind. Jimmy does the Superman reload motion to imply Roman. But anyone can count to three. And the Profits will get popped with the One ‘n ‘Done again. That makes them the twos, and #WeTheOnes! Jimmy & Jey are fired up, but will they get lucky again like they did in Vegas?

Undisputed WWE Universal Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Drew McIntyre VS Sheamus w/ The Brawling Brutes!

The Celtic Connection clashes again, but only one can claim that golden ticket to Clash at the Castle! Will McIntyre’s Claymore clobber The Fella once and for all? Or will Sheamus’ Brogue step all over the Scottish Warrior’s hopes of returning to the title?

SmackDown returns and Sheamus makes his entrance, with Ridge Holland and “Butch” Pete Dunne by his side. Ridge has to hold Dunne back and Sheamus gets the mic. “Hold your horses there, fellas. Whoa, bitty!” Sheamus says it is him and McIntyre for the big one. The winner tonight goes on to the Clash at the Castle for a championship match! And Sheamus has McIntyre’s number. The truth of the matter is… Sheamus gets a rasp in his throat? Sheamus needs a drink maybe? He hopes he doesn’t have COVID or something. Sheamus says he has to get tested and can’t compete otherwise. But he says no worries! He has a backup plan!

Tonight, it won’t be THE match, because his buddy, Butch, is foaming at the mouth to get at McIntyre! So McIntyre, no worries, him and Ridge will be ringside if you miss him. “Go get ’em, Butchy!”

Drew McIntyre VS Pete Dunne w/ The Brawling Brutes!

The bell rings, Dunne rushes McIntyre and fires off forearms! But McIntyre clinches to OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Sheamus distracts McIntyre but backs off as McIntyre swipes at him. McIntyre runs at Dunne but Dunne BOOTS him! Dunne fires off on McIntyre, and jumps on to go after the arm! McIntyre endures the double wristlock, throws body shots, and powers up and out of the hold! GLASGOW KISS! Dunne holds on with the body scissors, but McIntyre drags him up to OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! McIntyre calls for the countdown, but Ridge gets on the apron. McIntyre DECKS Ridge, but runs into a GAMANGIRI from Dunne!

Dunne goes up, leaps, but McIntyre dodges to NECKBREAKER! And kip up! Fans fire up with McIntyre, he aims from the corner, and counts it down! “THREE! TWO! ONE!!” CLAYMORE!! Cover, McIntyre wins!

Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall

But then Ridge attacks! He and McIntyre brawl, FUTURE SHOCK for Ridge the Fridge! Fans fire up and McIntyre is staring down Sheamus! Sheamus storms in, but McIntyre has Angela the sword at the ready! Sheamus backs off and says McIntyre doesn’t have it in him to really swing. McIntyre swings and he cuts the rope!! And the pyro goes off, too! Will McIntyre shred Sheamus to make it crystal clear who gets to Clash at the Castle with the Universal Champion?

My Thoughts:

I want to say this was a good episode, but we all know this could’ve been much better. For one, the main event we just got felt more like a bunch of BS filler. Sheamus faking a COVID concern to delay the contender’s match is so blatantly a Vince McMahon type of move, and I just can’t stand it. McIntyre squashing Dunne was also BS, a match of those two deserves to be much, much better than this. They’ll probably keep doing this so that McIntyre beats Ridge Holland, and then maybe on SummerSlam, we get McIntyre VS Sheamus to name a contender. Then, the first ten minutes of the show was a MITB recap package, then the Bloodline’s entrance, and then Theory standing on stage. Can’t WWE arrange the show better than that?

Roman and Heyman still had a good promo, and if Theory had only done his buzz-by here, it would’ve been fine. Theory’s interview promo later was better, and I like that Moss wants to step to Mr. MITB. They’re going to have a great match, especially as two young stars WWE will rely on, and honestly need, going forward. As for the Usos, if WWE took Los Lotharios more seriously, we could actually have a great feud of wrestling legacies here with Usos VS Garza & Carrillo. But no, Los Lotharios were in a contenders match just to get crushed, and then we had a rather sloppy way for them to set up the Usos VS Profits rematch. And that special referee has got to be Sami Zayn for the story of Honorary Uce to continue.

Viking Raiders of course squash Jinder & Shanky, all because Shanky couldn’t stop partying when a serious threat was in front of him. A bit of a low point for Shanky’s story, as was the New Day storming up on The Viking Raiders just to get bodied all over again. There has to be something Adam Pearce does to make sure New Day VS Viking Raiders actually happens, since we saw Erik & Ivar just beat up Woods & Kofi to throw the match out. Then we can finally get a great match out of them, as we all know they can deliver. Nakamura delivered in a match with Kaiser, though they didn’t outright make this a contenders match. Gunther punishing Kaiser with chops was a great addition to his character, not even NXT/NXT UK Walter did that.

I said last week that the Maximum Male Models debut was a train wreck, and I stand by that. This week’s segment was still just as dumb, but the impact is lessened by seeing it already. They just need to have a match already so we can see what their characters wrestle like. Slightly better was Lacey’s Heel turn happening all because the fans weren’t as excited as she wanted them to be. I was hoping it would’ve been the usual “losing makes the Face snap and turn,” where she and Aliyah lose to Shotzi & Shayna, but just like with MMM, ripping the Band-Aid off is for the best. Lacey is Heel, she can feud with Aliyah or Raquel, then get after Face champion Liv Morgan.

Liv Morgan had a good promo to celebrate her win, but Natty’s promo recycled much of what she said on Raw. Ronda showing up was a bit of a surprise, but she did a good job with her promo. I was also surprised we got Natty VS Ronda, and I was disappointed that Ronda basically squashed Natty while hurt when she struggled with Natty at 100%. And yet, it isn’t just clear that Ronda’s getting the SummerSlam match. Can someone else get in on this story? Like a returning Bayley? Why can’t Bayley get involved, it’s known that she is all healed up.

My Score: 7.9/10