Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (9/5/22)
Is Miz really safe inside the cage?
The Miz is stuck between the All Mighty and a Tortured Artist!
The WWE is back from Cardiff, Wales, and so Raw gives Kansas City, Missouri a United States Championship match, inside a STEEL CAGE! But is Miz really safe with Lashley raging inside and Lumis lurking outside?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Fatal 4 Way: The New Day VS The Alpha Academy VS Los Lotharios VS The Street Profits; No Contest.
- Raquel Rodriguez & Aliyah VS Nikki A.S.H. & “Doudrop” Piper Nivens; Raquel & Aliyah win.
- Kevin Owens VS Austin Theory; Kevin wins.
- Rey Mysterio VS Damian Priest; Priest wins.
- WWE United States Championship Steel Cage Match: Bobby Lashley VS The Miz w/ Tommaso Ciampa; Lashley wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
EDGE is here!
Kansas City fires up for the Rated R Superstar as he heads out to the ring! And Edge would be in a better mood if not for what happened at Clash at the Castle. Edge gets a mic and he says, “Dominik Mysterio. Dom, I’ve known you since your dad came to the WEW. You were five years old. You and I used to sit in catering and piss people off with pea shooters.” Edge is jumping around in tights at this age, so you know he’s never fully grown up. When WWE would go to San Diego, Edge would stay with the Mysterios and be greeted with open arms. Edge and Rey would get tattoos together, all riding beach cruisers.
Just last year, Edge was the one who calmed Dom down before his first match in front of a live TV audience. Fans applaud that! Dom has always felt like a nephew to Edge but it seems Dom doesn’t feel the same way. so what’s going on? Is it because Edge accidentally speared Dom? Edge apologized for that. Edge’s gut told him that he should’ve taken care of it, but his heart overrode him. It said, “Don’t worry about Dom!” Edge didn’t come back to get between Dom and Rey, but to help them. Edge feels like Judgement Day is his fault, his responsibility, it’s Edge’s fault they’re making Dom’s life hell.
But after what Dom did to Edge and Rey on Saturday… Edge knows Rey raised Dom better than that. Dom, you and Rey can hash it out however you need, but Edge is a different beast. Edge isn’t looing at the kid he hung out with, he’s looking at Dom as a fellow superstar. A man’s game pays a man’s price. Dom needs to show up, not to talk, but for Edge to beat his ass! “So Dominik, get down here right now! Because if you don’t-” Wait, here comes Rey first! Rey gets a mic to tell Edge to hear him out. Rey knows Dom messed up big time, and he is asking for an apology on Dom’s behalf. Dom is still Rey’s son. Please, don’t do this, Edge.
Edge tells Rey that we all know how Edge feels about Rey. But Dom is old enough to drink, drive and set foot in the ring. So he is old enough to stand for his actions! So DOMINIK, get out here right now!! But instead, it’s Rhea Ripley! The Judgement Day’s Eradicator is laughing at Edge. Edge needs to calm down. Because at Clash, the boys got what was coming to them. Edge, you thought you could just replace Dom like he didn’t even matter. And then Rey, you thought you could protect Dom just cuz he’s your baby boy. Guess what? He’s not Rey’s baby boy anymore. Because Rhea saw Dom’s potential, and made him into a man!
Rhea looks to the stage, and out walks Dominik! His hair’s slicked back and he’s wearing all black. Rey tells Dom to snap out of it. He still has time to make amends with Edge and make this right. Dom doesn’t say anything, but Rhea says c’mon, Rey. When is Rey gonna get it through his skull that Dom doesn’t listen to dad anymore. Rey can’t keep fighting his battles for him. And Edge, you’re past your time, mate. Edge can’t stop his Judgement Day. Fans chant, “Who’s Your Papi?” but then Rhea and Dom step forward. Rey says he can’t be part of this, so he’s heading out. Rey and Dom stare each other in the eye, and Rey asks Dom not to do this.
Dom tunes Rey out again, and Rhea is laughing. Fans chant “Eddie’s Son!” Dom then stares Edge down, and Edge waits for someone to do something. But Finn runs in! Edge DECKS Finn but Damian Priest is in! Edge and Priest brawl, then Finn joins in! But Edge is fighting back 2v1! He DECKS Finn, DECKS Priest, but Dom CHOP BLOCKS him! Finn stomps the leg, grinds the knee, Priest stomps away on Edge, but Rey storms back up! Dom stands in Rey’s way and Rey says to move. But Rhea is also in the way. Rey tells Dom to come to his senses. Instead, Dom shoves Rey into Rhea’s FOREARM! And then Rhea whips Rey into steel steps!
Finn and Priest continue to mug Edge, then the SOUTH OF HEAVEN CHOKE SLAM! Rhea brings out a chair and hands it to Dom. Dom hands it to Finn and Finn JAMS the bad leg with it! Priest stands on Edge to keep him down as Finn JAMS Edge more and more! They then put the chair on the leg and Finn climbs up the corner! FULL METAL COUP DE GRACE to the leg!! Edge writhes, Rey gets in, but the Judgement Day already did the damage. Is this the end of the Rated R Superstar’s revenge? And what about the soul of young Dominik?
The Miz and Tommaso Ciampa arrive.
Sarah asks them what happened at the end of last week’s Raw when Miz drove off in his car, and it appeared that Dexter Lumis was in the backseat? Miz doesn’t want to talk about it! Last week, Miz drove to his hotel, flew home, went on a little vacation with the wife and kids, that’s it! Is that why he challenged Lashley to a Steel Cage match tonight? Because of Lumis- SHHH! You journalists are always trying to stir up drama. Mike is the victim here. Did it ever occur to anyone to ask how Miz is feeling/ Then, how is he feeling? None of your business! Miz is moving on with his life. Miz VS Lashley in a Steel Cage for the US Championship!
But wait. They see a car has been flipped over! This is his doing, isn’t it? Lumis has already made himself known, will he present his newest masterpiece sometime tonight?
Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Fatal 4 Way: The New Day VS The Alpha Academy VS Los Lotharios VS The Street Profits!
Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods are somehow still in one piece after the Viking Rules match on Friday, and they’re still in the running to face the Usos! But the odds are stacked against them as Chad Gable & Otis, Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo and Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins are all here, too! Which team will punch their golden tickets at a shot at The Bloodline?
In this Fatal 4, only two teams are legal at any time, so stepping up to start is Woods for New Day and Angel for Los Lotharios. Garza runs Woods over, things speed up, but Garza fakes out the roll to shove. Things keep moving, Garza hurdles but Woods handsprings through the hip toss! Woods swings, but Garza trips him up and covers, ONE! Woods sweeps and covers, ONE! Garza sweeps and covers, ONE! Woods seeps and covers, ONE! Woods jumps the sweep but Garza ducks the roundhouse, and fans fire up as the two stare down! OFF COME THE PANTS! Garza smiles as he then throws the tights away, and tags Kofi?
Wait, New Day VS New Day? Doesn’t this mean they can win off themselves? Woods and Kofi shake hands, circle and feel out the grapple, then Woods lies down! Kofi covers, everyone scrambles in to break it! The brawl is on and the ref tries to sort things out! The New Day clears everyone else out, then they fist bump. The New Day build speed and they DOUBLE FLY! Direct hit with the tope conjilos and Kansas City is rocking as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns and Carrillo has Ford in a headlock. Ford pries at the hold but Carrillo CLUBS him on the back! Carrillo back suplexes then kips up! Carrillo BLASTS the New Day, then he ducks Ford’s enziguri! Carrillo drags Ford away but Ford boots Carrillo away! Gable tags in, he intercepts Ford! Carrillo comes back in, Gable ducks and Ford’s ENZIGURI gets Carrillo! Hot tag to Dawkins! Fans rally as Dawkins rallies on Gable! Dawkins DECKS Otis, dodges Gable and FLYING ELBOWS Gable! Gable goes to a corner, CYCLONE SPLASH and ENZIGURI! Carrillo runs in but gets the SILENCER! Garza tries but he misses Dawkins to hit Woods!
Kofi returns, Dawkins dodges and Kofi KNEES Garza! Dawkins POUNCES Kofi out onto Los Lotharios! Gable throat chops Dawkins! Gable whips, Dawkins hurdles, Ford tags in as Dawkins FLIES! Dawkins takes out everyone else and Ford ROCKS Gable! Ford goes up, Gable gets under! CHAOS THEROY, but Ford slips out?! POUNCE GERMAN COMBO! Cover, Otis breaks it! Dawkins runs in, into the WRECKING ELBOW! Otis drags Gable over, tags in, and goes after Ford. Otis scoops Ford but Garza SUPERKICKS him down! Garza drags Ford up, but Woods returns! Garza and Ford double mule kick him!
Garza and Ford mug Woods in the corner then hoist him up top. They climb up after him but Carrillo, Dawkins and Kofi joins in! Kofi and Dawkins move Carrillo aside to another corner! We’ve got two situations of 2v1 on top of the corners! But Kofi calls an audible to SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB Dawkins! Ford and Garza stand Woods up for a DOUBLE SUPERPLEX! But Carrillo adjusts to MOONSAULT into boots! And a GERMAN SUPLEX! Otis is up top!? DOZER SPLASH on Ford!! Cover, Kofi breaks it with double stomps! All eight men are down and the fans are loving it as Raw goes picture in picture!
The ref checks on everyone but they’re all good to continue. Otis gets up, fires up, and he drags Ford up. Otis CLUBS Ford, stands on his back, and shouts, “FOR THE ACADEMY!” Gable joins in and Otis whips Ford to the corner. Gable tags in, Otis feeds Ford to the shoulder tackle! Cover, TWO! Gable drags Ford around, ROCKS him with forearm after forearm, then NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Gable is annoyed but he keeps on Ford with a top wristlock. Ford endures, reaches out, fights up, and Kansas City rallies as Ford rolls Gable up! And Raw goes to break?!
Raw returns, Otis whips Ford but Ford slips around to crucifix! Otis powers that away, but Ford JAWBREAKERS! Ford ROCKS Otis but Gable sneaks a tag! Ford scoop SLAMS Otis?!? Fans are thunderous and Ford goes up top! But Los Lotharios anchor Ford! They fire off haymakers and CHOPS, but Dawkins and the New Day go after them! Los Lotharios fights them off, they climb up together, DOUBLE ARIHARA MOONSAULTS!! Ford leaps FROM THE HEAVENS! But Gable drags Ford off with an ANKLE LOCK!! But then BRAUN STROWRMAN shows up!?! Why is the Monster Among Men back NOW!?
Braun goes to the ring and Gable is freaking out! The ref gets out of the way as Braun steps up to Gable and the fans are going nuts! Gable tells the fans to SHOOSH, but Braun CLOBBERS Gable! And DECKS Garza! Carrillo leaps in, into a CHOKE SLAM! Fans fire up with Braun as he BLASTS Otis off the apron! Braun smirks, but why is he here now? Security rushes out but Braun CLOBBERS them one after another! And scoop SLAMS some! Braun drags one guy up, reels him in, and POWERBOMBS him!! Braun looks around and says it’s time to get on the tracks! The Strowman Express CLIPS Gable, and BLASTS Otis through barriers!
Dawkins runs in, but Braun CLOBBERS him! Braun scoop SLAMS Gable! Braun clears off the announce desk! Braun drags Dawkins up to scoop him, and then MONSTER SLAMS him through the desk!!! Fans are thunderous as Braun just demolished this tag match! Braun roars, but what is he going to do now that he’s back?
Raw goes picture in picture as Braun continues to soak up the cheers from the crowd. Braun tells the ref to back off as he goes back outside. Braun looks at the damage he’s caused as he makes his way back to the ramp. Braun tells refs to back off, and he steps on Garza! Braun does a whole lap around the ring, and then he throws Gable in! Strowman drags Gable up, fans are going nuts, and he scoops Gable for a MONSTER SLAM!! Braun is shouting at the camera but we can’t hear him at home because of picture in picture. Raw goes back to single picture and now Braun decides to leave. But what does this mean for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships’ challengers?
Raquel Rodriguez & Aliyah VS Nikki A.S.H. & “Doudrop” Piper Nivens!
The NEW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions are here, ready to show that they don’t rest on their laurels. Will the Badass & the Bougie be able to disconnect the Celtic Connection? Or will Nikki & Piper go from losing to the NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions to conquering the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions?
The teams sort out and Aliyah starts against Nikki. They circle, tie up, and Aliyah headlocks. Nikki powers out, Aliyah goes up and over and then scoops to hit a BACKBREAKER! Cover, ONE! Aliyah facelocks, wrenches and armlocks but Nikki pulls hair! Tag to Piper, she throws body shots, then she taunts Raquel. Piper runs in but Aliyah goes up and over! Aliyah dropkicks al eg out, but Piper SLAPS her down! Nikki anchors Raquel’s foot, and Piper BLASTS Raquel off the apron! The ref reprimands, but Aliyah runs at Piper! But Piper blocks the Rana to swing Aliyah into buckles! And again!
Piper drops Aliyah, DMG CTRL is watching backstage as Piper CANNONBALLS Aliyah! Piper drags Aliyah to a cover, TWO! Piper is annoyed already but Nikki tells fans to shush. Piper tags Nikki in, Nikki WRECKS Raquel, and then NECKBREAKER SAMOAN DROP! Cover off the #ASHDROP, but Raquel breaks it! Nikki kicks Raquel away then drags Aliyah back. Nikki taunts Aliyah to tag Raquel and then she kicks the arms! But Aliyah avoids the elbow drop! Hot tag to Raquel! Ricky Desperado HEADBUTTS Nikki, runs her over, then POUNCES her! Piper tags in, and Nikki runs, into a scoop!
Raquel BOOTS Piper, FALL AWAY SLAMS Nikki, and fans fire up! Raquel fires off hands on Piper, then elbows her down! Raquel drags Piper up and in, lifts, but Piper’s too big for that! Piper wrenches out and HEADBUTTS! Piper blocks a haymaker, trips Raquel and SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Piper drags Raquel to a drop zone and she goes up the corner! But Aliyah THESZ PRESSES Nikki and that shocks Piper! Raquel CLUBS Piper, uses the corner to have her up, TEXANA BOMB!! Cover, Raquel & Aliyah win!
Winners: Raquel Rodriguez & Aliyah, by pinfall
Bayley, Iyo Sky & Dakota Kai take note of that. Will they make sure nothing stops them from taking control the next time they face The Bougie & The Badass?
Backstage interview with Rey Mysterio.
Megan says this is a very emotional situation, but where do things stand between him and Dom? There isn’t much to say other than Rey loves his son, and he needs to have a word in private. As far as Judgement Day goes, they’re trying to tear Rey’s life apart by separating him from his son by poisoning Dom’s mind. They just took out Edge, who is like family to Rey! There is one thing for sure, though. Rey will never, NUNCA, put hands on his son. But no one deserves their ass handed to them more than The Judgement Day. So whoever it is, whether it’s Priest or Finn, Rey wants a match with them 1v1 tonight! Take your pick, he’ll face whoever!
Raw shares footage from Clash at the Castle.
Sheamus dragged himself to ropes as the fans gave him a standing ovation. They cheered the Celtic Warrior’s valiant efforts against the Ring General, and he showed his appreciation to them. Will Sheamus fight his way to another shot at the WWE Intercontinental Championship?
Austin Theory is here!
The Youngest Mr. Money in the Bank Ever is still sore from that Tyson Fury fist to his face that ruined his cash-in attempt. Theory gets a mic to say, “Look. I know things didn’t go as planned on Saturday. But I have to say that Crown Jewel was an absolute success. Just kidding! Clash at the Castle was!” Theory smirks at his own punch drunk joke, but then he gets annoyed at the fans boo. Theory tells them to shut up! He’s sure they all wanted to see him fail at his cash-in, but here he is, still Mr. MITB! And that just guarantees Theory as the future Undisputed Champion! Theory keeps working on his sore jaw, but he says the difference between him and us, when he gets knocked down, he gets back up! Even if it’s a sucker punch from a world championship boxer like Tyson Fury!
But that’s not even the point. Roman Reigns is still champion. Theory hates to admit this, he’s glad Roman won. Because for one, Drew McIntyre completely embarrassed himself in front of his friends and family. And two, Theory and Roman still have unfinished business. Theory says he’ll soon cash in his Money in the Contract bank- SHUT UP, YOU’RE MAKING HIS JAW HURT! Theory vows he will end Roman’s two-year reign as champion and Theory will be the NEW Undisputed WWE Universal Champion! But here comes Kevin Owens!
The Prizefighter has a mic, and he asks Theory, “What’s wrong with your jaw? Oh, wait, I remember! You got knocked the hell out!” Fans chant, “You Got Knocked Out!” Kevin says to listen to this: Theory got KO’d! See what he did there? That’s good stuff! Fans chant now, “You Got KO’D!” Kevin says it just came to him, sorry. Oh, and Theory found his first name again! So hey, Austin! Kevin despises more than anything is arrogant and delusional people. We’ve had some really arrogant people and some really delusional people, but Theory is at the very top of both lists. A great example is that Theory is complaining about what Fury did, but what Fury did was a favor!
Because if Theory had been able to cash-in, either McIntyre or Roman would’ve put him on the ground and he would’ve lost his opportunity forever. Theory says Kevin has no idea what he’s talking about! But that’s because Kevin’s jealous! Kevin is the guy always running around talking about titles when he hasn’t won one in years! But Theory is climbing the ladder of success and doing things Kevin never could do, and that’s become Mr. MITB! And Theory feels bad for Kevin. So how about this? Kevin can be first in line when Theory does cash-in and beats Kevin as the NEW Undisputed WWE Universal Champion!
Kevin says he knows Theory would’ve been destroyed by Roman and McIntyre, because he’s been in the ring with both guys. In fact, Kevin faced McIntyre just a couple week sago. McIntyre couldn’t beat Kevin, the Usos interfered. And as far as Roman is concerned, well… 18 months ago, Kevin had Roman beaten and Kevin should’ve been Universal Champion. And everyone knows it! Even Roman knows it! If not for Jey Uso and Paul Heyman, Kevin would’ve ended Roman’s historic two-year reign six months in! But you know what else Kevin knows? Kevin knows the only reason Theory has the contract is because Kevin wasn’t in the MITB match!
Because if Kevin was, he would’ve destroyed Theory, put him through a ladder, and climbed up to grab the case and be the one to take Roman Reigns down! That all sounds great, Kevin! He would’ve climbed the ladder, grabbed the briefcase and beaten Roman. Sounds like fairytales to Theory! But y’know what this is? This is reality! And the reality is, Theory is the handpicked future while Kevin is just trying to stay relevant. Kevin will give Theory that. Kevin does everything he can to stay relevant, which is why he’s so good! Which is why he’s Kevin Owens! Which is why he’s here today! And Theory was the handpicked future! Not anymore!
But is Kevin the only one who sees where this is going? Can anyone else see what’s next? Is Kevin the only one who pays attention? Kevin bets a ref will run out here and slide into the ring! Oh, here comes one! So here we go! And the next thing is, someone says enough talk, let’s fight! Oh, Kevin says that! So enough talking, let’s fight!! Fans fire up and it’s happening! Will the Prizefighter destroy Theory worse than that Tyson Fury fist?
Kevin Owens VS Austin Theory!
The bell rings, and Theory bails out! Theory says he needs a minute, but Kevin goes out after him! Kevin CLOBBERS Theory! Fans fire up and Kevin whips Theory into the barriers! Kevin CHOPS Theory, follows him along the way, and CHOPS again! Kevin puts Theory in the ring but Theory hammers away on Kevin in return! Fans boo but Theory drags Kevin up to throw hands. Theory stomps Kevin, whips him corner to corner, but Kevin reverses. Kevin clotheslines in the corner, goes corner to corner, and he CANNONBALLS! Theory flops out of the ring and fans fire up! Kevin goes to the apron, for a FROG SPLASH to the floor! Kansas City is fired up as Raw goes picture in picture!
Theory writhes and Kevin soaks up the cheers. Kevin drags Theory up as the ring count climbs, and he brings Theory to the barriers to CHOP! Theory staggers away and fans fire up, but Theory kicks back. Kevin avoids the chop to CHOP again! Theory stagger away, Kevin puts him in the ring, but Theory fires off on Kevin again! Theory drags Kevin up, scoops and hits a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Kevin pie faces Theory so Theory DECKS him! Theory rains down fists, then talks trash. Theory paces around, drags Kevin up and bumps him off buckles. Theory talks more trash, then swings, only for Kevin to dodge and CHOP again!
Kevin keeps Theory cornered, CHOPS him, then follows him to another corner. Theory kicks but Kevin blocks to KICK the leg! Theory sits down and crawls along ropes. Kevin puts him back in the corner to whip corner to corner, but Theory reverses and Kevin hits buckles hard! Kevin tumbles up and down, then Theory pushes him down to stomp away! Theory shakes his head and flexes, then goes back to Kevin. Theory drags Kevin into the center and clamps on a chinlock. Kevin endures as Theory leans on the hold. Raw returns to single picture and fans rally up. Kevin fights to his feet and throws body shots, but Theory KNEES low!
Theory throws Kevin out hard, then goes out to bring Kevin around. Theory whips, Kevin reverses and Theory hits barriers! Kevin drags Theory up, and smacks him off the announce desk! And again! Then CHOPS him! Kevin puts Theory in the ring, storms up on him, and short arm LARIATS! And SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Theory is showing toughness but Kevin keeps his cool. Kevin drags Theory up, scoops him, but Theory slips off! Theory drop toeholds Kevin into buckles! Theory then slingshots and SHOTGUNS Kevin down! Cover, TWO! Theory clamps back onto the chinlock and he grinds Kevin down again.
Fans rally, Kevin fights up again, but Theory ROCKS Kevin! Theory runs in to clothesline at the corner, then he scoops to FALL AWAY SLAM! Cover, TWO! Theory clamps onto the armlock and grinds a forearm in Kevin’s face. Kevin endures, fans rally again, and Kevin fights up to pry the hold open! Kevin ROCKS Theory with forearm after forearm, but Theory kicks low! Theory whips, Kevin reverses but Theory kicks back Kevin LARIATS! And LARIATS again! And then a whip to ropes, but Theory reverses and ROCKS Kevin! Kevin rebounds to LARIAT! Theory flops all the way out of the ring while Kansas City fires up!
Kevin goes to the apron, SWANTON BOMB but onto knees! Kevin writhes as Theory saves himself, and Raw goes back to picture in picture.
The ref checks on Kevin while Theory drags himself back up. Theory drags Kevin up, smacks him off the desk, then smacks him again! Theory talks trash and he puts Kevin back in the ring. Cover, ONE!! Kevin is showing the toughness of a former Universal Champion but Theory looms over him. Theory talks trash, rains down fists at the ropes, but lets off as the ref counts. Theory flexes but Kevin CHOPS him! Theory shrugs that one off to ROCK Kevin! Theory eggs Kevin on, then throws another haymaker! Kevin is getting mad as Theory keeps hitting him! Kevin stands, Theory throws another hand but Kevin ROCKS Theory back!
Kevin fires off on Theory, CHOPS him, then kicks low and hits a DDT! Cover, TWO! Theory is showing the toughness of a former United States Champion! Kevin keeps his focus, and he hears the fans rallying up. Kevin goes up the corner! But Theory ROCKS him first! Kevin ROCKS Theory but Theory ROCKS Kevin! They throw hands back and forth as Theory climbs. Theory drags Kevin up but Kevin resists! They throw body shots back and forth now, and Kevin ROCKS Theory with a haymaker! And another! Theory throws more hands, they continue to brawl, and Theory drags Kevin back up! Raw returns to single picture as Kevin continues to resist!
Kevin throws hands then HEADBUTTS again and again and again! Theory goes down, Kevin stands up, SWANTON BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Theory survives and Kevin can’t believe it! Kevin kicks Theory, but no Stunner! Theory runs but into an elbow! Kevin goes up but Theory CLUBS him! Theory torture racks Kevin for a TOWER HACKER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Theory can’t believe it, but he calls for A-Town Down! Theory drags Kevin up to a fireman’s carry, but Kevin fights free! Kevin waistlocks, Theory throws elbows to get free and runs, into a SUPERKICK! Kevin gets Theory on the rebound to whip, and POP-UP- NO, Theory slips out!
Theory BOOTS from the corner, then dodges Kevin to POST him! Theory goes out after Kevin, to SLAM him on the steel steps!! Kevin clutches his head while Theory leaves him behind! The ring count climbs and Kevin is still down at 5 of 10. Fans are thunderous as they rally behind Kevin, but the count is 8 of 10! Kevin springs up and in at 9!! BUZZSAW from Theory, then AOI SHODOU! Cover, TWO!! Kevin survives and Theory is confused and angry! Theory stalks Kevin to a corner, drags him up and puts him on the top, then fires off forearms and CHOPS! Theory climbs up but Kevin again resists the superplex!
Theory fights to get Kevin up but Kevin fights to stay down! Kevin throws body shots, ROCKS Theory with a forearm, but Theory holds onto ropes. Kevin DECKS Theory this time, and Kevin’s going to try again. But Theory springs up to fire more fists! Only for Kevin to hook a leg! SUPER FISHERMAN BUSTER!! Fans are thunderous as Kevin stands back up! Theory staggers, into a whip and the POP-UP POWERBOMB!! But Kevin doesn’t cover Theory, he brings him up for a STUNNER! Cover, Kevin wins!!
Winner: Kevin Owens, by pinfall
The Prizefighter just beat Mr. MITB, proving his point! Will Kevin also be proven right when he’s the one who finally gets after the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion?
Ciampa helps The Miz prepare backstage.
Ciampa has Miz focus on the idea of NEW WWE United States Champion, but then Sarah walks in and spooks him! Miz says hi, but then asks Sarah if she knows the definition of insanity. It’s asking the same things over and over again, expecting different answers. He’s already said, he does NOT want to talk about… The man who they shall not mention. She knows that, but she wasn’t going to ask about Lumis. She was going to ask about the steel cage match. Ciampa says last week, Lashley got lucky! If not for distractions from you-know-who, Miz would’ve won. That is why we have this match tonight!
The cage isn’t there because Miz is scared or that Miz is trying to keep you-know-who out. NO! It is because Mike knows that 1v1, he is BETTER than Bobby Lashley! Miz says all his career, he has endured constant persecution, only to overcome it. Miz is the ONLY TWO-TIME GRAND SLAM CHAMPION in the WWE, and tonight, 1v1 in the steel cage, no one lurking in the shadows, no distraction and no escape, nothing will stop Miz climbing over Lashley’s limp body and walking out the NEW United States Champion! Miz feels confident, Ciampa is confident, but will they really make a dream come true in dethroning the All Mighty?
Damage Control heads to gorilla.
Bayley leads Iyo Sky & Dakota Kai, but we can see Piper and Nikki arguing in the background again. Nikki throws off her mask and scarf, is she done being Piper’s partner? Or done being Almost a Super Hero?
WWE honors Sgt. Major Patrick Payne.
Awarded the Medal of Honor by then president Donald Trump, this was to recognize his heroic actions on October 22nd, 2015. The mission was a hostage rescue, but there was an intense firefight. Payne and team rescued 75 captives, but receiving this award was really so Payne and his team could tell the story of fallen Master Sergeant Joshua Wheeler. Wheeler led the way into the firefight selflessly, and that is what the Medal of Honor, and the United States military, is all about.
Damage Control heads to the ring!
Bayley, Kai & Sky are here, victorious at Clash at the Castle and ready to take over. Bayley pinned the Raw Women’s Champion in that win, so we can guess what this is about. “Ding dong! Hello, idiots!” And yes, they did beat Asuka, Alexa Bliss & Bianca Belair and sent them home packing! You’re welcome. Kai says if they can do that to the best, imagine what they can do to the rest of the roster! They are taking control! Sky says in Japanese and then English, they are taking the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships! NEWS FLASH! Kai wasn’t legal in the title match, so… Raquel & Aliyah can pretend to be champions for another week until Kai & Sky take what is rightfully theirs!
Imagine what they went through in that unfair decision. But DMG CTRL still came together and overcame the obstacles, and Bayley beat Bianca! Bianca hasn’t been pinned in over 300 days, and Bayley did what none of those idiots could do in the amount of time Bayley’s been gone, but in one night! Wait, here comes Bianca! The RawEST Women’s Champion says yes, Bayley is right. Bayley got the better of her at Clash, but Bianca put her pride aside and showed right back up here tonight. If Bayley wants a challenge, then a challenge is what you get. Let’s run it right back! Bianca VS Bayley, 1v1, here tonight!
Bayley says whoa, whoa, shoosh please. NO. Bianca probably doesn’t know this, but today is Labor Day, so Bayley isn’t working tonight. All Bayley and DMG CTRL is doing is celebrating their win! WOO! Bayley? Beat Bianca? No no no, it took all three of them to stop Bianca. But if that’s what it takes to make Bayley feel like she’s in control, then okay. Because uh… Bayley may have her minions, but Bianca still has the belt. And unless it’s 1v1, and unless Bayley has this, Bayley is in control of nothing. Bayley steps to Bianca to say, “Oh, is that right?” But now DMG CTRL surrounds the EST! Bianca sighs but Bayley has Kai & Sky stand down.
DMG CTRL leaves and fans boo. Bayley tells Bianca that Bayley already beat her, so she has nothing else to prove. It’s been a long time, but Bianca is the same old Bianca playing Ms. Perfect. But Bayley knows Bianca’s fragile ego can’t handle this one loss to where Bianca is challenging Bayley to make it feel like a fluke. But guess what? It isn’t all about Bianca! DMG CTRL could’ve ended Bianca here and now, but they’ve got bigger and better to worry about. Like Kai & Sky getting theirs with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships next week! But don’t worry, because if and when Bayley wants the title, she’ll just get it one way or another.
Bayley implies all three of them are coming for Bianca, so that no matter what, DMG CTRL will reign over all of Raw. Will Bianca be ready for whenever it is the Role Model takes her shot?
Backstage interview with Johnny Gargano.
Sarah knows Johnny Gargano is excited to be back in the WWE after nine months away, but what is his opinion about Theory said about “swimming with the sharks.” Gargano’s been swimming with sharks his whole career. Gargano is proud of his NXT career, but there are many more goals to accomplish. Theory probably forgot what Gargano is capable of, but Gargano will be very excited to remind everyone. Sarah says the fans has been waiting, but Theory comes in and says no one cares! “Johnny Wrestling,” right? Since he came back, all he’s been doing is talking! So he might as well be Johnny Talking!
Wow, Theory is right. Congrats, Theory! But before he interrupted, Gargano was going to announce that next week live, after nine months, Johnny Wrestling returns to action! And Theory doesn’t look too good. Is he okay? Sharks are dangerous, Theory should be more careful. Gargano heads out, but will Gargano have any ring rust to work out after nine months?
Rey Mysterio VS Damian Priest!
The King of Lucha called out the Judgement Day to put someone up against him so they can fight it out after what we saw earlier tonight. But will Rey be ready for a fight after Dominik’s betrayal and the damage done to Edge? Or will he fall at the hands of the Punisher?
The bell rings and Rey rushes Priest! Rey fires off hands, Priest shoves him away, but Rey dodges the boot to CLUB and KICK and CLUB again! Priest choke grips but Rey slips out of the slam! Rey runs, but into a BOOT! Priest taunts Rey, stalks him to a corner, and then ROCKS him with a right! Priest stalks Rey again, brings him around and HEADBUTTS him down! Priest drags Rey up, whips him corner to corner hard, and Rey bounces off buckles chest first! Priest drags Rey back up, fans rally for Rey, but Priest CLUBS Rey back down. Priest whips Rey hard into the corner again, then RAMS into him!
Rey flops down and Priest soaks up the heat. Rey flops out of the ring but Priest pursues. Priest ROCKS Rey with a right, then pushes him into the ring. Rey staggers to a corner, Priest storms up but into a BOOT! Priest UPPERCUTS Rey, then says Rey has no fight left. Priest whips Rey to a corner, runs in but Rey dodges and Priest POSTS himself! Rey hurries outside to KICK away on Priest, then CLUB him! Priest scrambles away and Rey pursues into the ring. Rey runs, springboards and CROSSBODIES! Rey fires off fists! Priest shoves Rey away, knees low, then whips him to ropes. Rey slide sunder, KICKS the leg and fires off haymakers!
Priest knees low again, but Rey holds ropes to block the whip. So Priest KICKS Rey in the ribs! Fans rally for Rey, but Priest drags Rey back up and whips him to ropes. Rey holds ropes again, Priest runs in but into a BOOT! Rey runs and tilt-o-whirls to headscissor Priest out of the ring! Fans fire up and Rey builds speed to WRECK Priest with a dropkick! Rey then goes to the apron, only for the rest of The Judgement Day to walk out to ringside. Rey focuses, leaps, but Priest CLOBBERS him out of the air! Priest grins as Raw goes picture in picture.
Priest soaks up the heat as he stands over Rey. Finn even has the chair they dented on Edge’s leg. Priest puts Rey in the ring and Rey flounders to a corner. Priest runs in to back elbow! Rey falls down and Priest taunts him. Priest poses and soaks up the heat. Priest suplexes and BROKEN ARRWOS! Cover, TWO! Priest clamps onto Rey’s arm for a motorcycle stretch. Rey endures and Dom is stone faced as he watches. Rey fights up, but Priest DECKS him! Rey goes to a corner, Priest drags Rey out, and then scoops Rey to carry him around the way. LAWN DART to the apron! Rey goes down and Priest grins.
Priest drags Rey back up, puts him back in the ring, and Dom is again stone faced. Priest KICKS Rey, then JABS him! Rey sputters, Priest KICKS him again! Priest sits Rey up but Rey ducks the buzzsaw to roll Priest up! TWO, and Priest CLOBBERS Rey! Cover, TWO! Priest drags Rey into a chinlock, thrashes him around, but Rey endures. Fans rally but Priest says it is in vain! Rey fights up, throws elbows but Priest CLUBS Rey down! Priest brings Rey up, but Rey JAWBREAKERS! Priest BELL CLAPS then shoves Rey to a corner. Priest runs in but Rey dodges! Priest hits buckles, Rey runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, slides and KICKS from below!
Priest runs but Rey dumps him out! Rey builds speed to FLY! Direct hit at the ramp! Dom starts to frown now, but is it because Rey is winning or what? Rey KICKS Priest, puts him in the ring, then hurries to the apron. Priest runs in but Rey avoids the boot to GAMANGIRI! Rey goes up and leaps, SEATED SENTON! Then LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Priest survives and Rey stares Dom down. Dom still doesn’t react much, so Rey KICKS Priest in the side. Rey rains down fists, puts Priest on the ropes and then climbs up to rain down even more fists! But Priest powers up and TOSSES Rey to a corner! Rey staggers from that Snake Eyes!
Priest aims, runs and SUPERKICKS Rey down! Cover, TWO!! The Judgement Day is annoyed but Rey is showing the heart of a former world champion. Priest aims at Rey, runs in at the corner, but Rey BOOTS him! Rey goes up but Priest catches him! Rey fights through to DDT! Rey fires up and goes up the corner, but Priest ROCKS him first! Priest climbs up now, brings Rey onto his shoulders, but Rey fights the fireman’s carry! Rey throws knees into Priest from up there, to SUPER STEINER! Cover, TWO!! The Judgement Day is freaking out, except for Dom being stoic as ever. Rey dropkicks Priest onto the ropes, dials it up, but Priest ducks!
Priest spins to HEEL KICK Rey down! Priest steadies himself, then snarls as he drags Rey back up. Priest reels Rey in but Rey flops back down. Priest drags Rey up and gut wrenches to the crucifix! RAZOR’S- RANA!! Rey puts Priest on ropes, dials it up, but Dom stands in the way! Rey tells Dom to stop this, but Finn gets up! Rey DECKS Finn, but Rhea distracts! Rey turns around into Priest’s LARIAT! Priest gives Rey his last rites, and then SOUTH OF HEAVEN CHOKE SLAM!! Cover, Priest wins!
Winner: Damian Priest, by pinfall
Now Dom smiles, because his father falls. The Judgement Day stands over Rey, and Rhea gets the mic. “Now that Damian is done with Rey Mysterio, there’s just one more man left in the way. And Dominik? Domini’s gonna send him back into retirement. Because what Papi wants, Papi gets. And that is why Dom is gonna set out the challenge for next week on Monday Night Raw to go one-on-one with Edge.” The Judgement Day laughs, but will Dom be able to finish off whatever is left of Edge on the other side?
Backstage interview with Bobby Lashley.
Sarah asks the US Champion about how Miz said he was going to win inside the steel cage. What is Lashley’s response? Is that what Miz said? Well he’s not too smart, then. Miz wants to be in the cage because he thinks it’ll keep him safe from Lumis. But instead, he’s standing across the ring from the most dangerous man in the WWE! Lashley doesn’t know Miz’s issue with Lumis, but when the door closes, the only one Miz needs to be afraid of is the All Mighty US Champion! Will the Rocky Mountain Machine make Miz regret making this challenge?
WWE Media catches up with Braun.
Does he care to comment about why he’s back and why he went after everyone in that tag team Fatal 4? Braun says he’ll fill us all in on what we need to know: The Monster of All Monsters is back, and nobody is safe! So see you all on Friday Night SmackDown! Braun is going to the blue brand, will he bust his way onto the Island of Relevancy?
WWE shares a post show interview from Clash at the Castle.
Sarah found Matt Riddle after his loss to Seth Rollins, and surely this wasn’t how he hoped it’d go. Where’s his head out? Uh, don’t you see the big lump on his forehead? Rollins stomped Riddle’s head into the ground. But honestly, Riddle let his emotions get the better of him. Rollins took advantage and stomped Riddle’s brain into the canvas. But Riddle wants another round! And he wants it NOW! ASAP! And Riddle vows to win that rematch.
As for Rollins, Sarah brought that up to him. Rollins’ response is to laugh. He’s gotta says, Rollins admires Riddle’s guts! But the bottom line is, Rollins did what he said he would. He got 62 THSOUAND PLUS fans singing his song, “OH~ OH~ OOOH~!” Then Rollins stomped Riddle’s head not once, but twice. So while Rollins admires Riddle’s determination, the rematch is NOT in the cards. Rollins is moving on up to bigger and better! HAHAHAHA! Night night! But despite what Rollins says, will management think otherwise?
WWE United States Championship Steel Cage Match: Bobby Lashley VS The Miz!
The All Mighty beat the Psycho Killer, and then he beat the Hollywood A-Lister. Sure, maybe Miz was haunted by the specter of the Tortured Artist known as Dexter Lumis, but it was still on him to not lose. Will being inside the 15 foot steel structure somehow ease Miz’s mind? Or will it only serve to hurt his body with Lashley right there with him?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised and the cage is lowered! Will Miz make it out in one piece? Or will he have a reason to stay inside the cage?
Miz snatches the belt to CLOBBER Lashley with it! The bell hasn’t rung, this match isn’t official yet! Miz kicks Lashley through the doorway and Ciampa fires off haymakers! Fans boo as they mug Lashley at ringside! They stomp away on Lashley at the barriers then dig their boots in! Miz and Ciampa drag Lashley up to RAM him into the cage wall! Then they stomp him more! Ciampa rains down fists and Miz soaks up the heat. Then they both sit on the barriers to applaud themselves and pat themselves on the back. Miz rips up his shirt, then drags Lashley up so he and Ciampa can RAM Lashley into the age!
Miz grabs the steel steps! Ciampa traps Lashley’s arm against the post and Miz RAMS him with the steps! Lashley writhes and clutches his arm while Raw goes picture in picture.
The ref reprimands Ciampa and Miz but they both loom over Lashley. Miz stays back but Ciampa drags Lashley up. They SLAM Lashley’s arm on the desk! And again! And again! And again! Ciampa and Miz let off and soak up the heat while taunting Lashley. Ciampa gets a chair, Miz isolates the arm, and Ciampa SMACKS the arm with the chair! Ciampa gets in Lashley’s face but the refs have him back off. Miz and Ciampa soak up more heat while one ref checks on Lashley. Lashley drags himself to barriers but Ciampa rains down fists! Miz taunts the fans while on the mic, but we can’t hear it because of picture in picture.
Miz sets Lashley up for Ciampa to PSYCHO KNEE him down! Ciampa says the kick is good, and Miz drags Lashley back to the door. Miz and Ciampa get Lashley in the ring, Miz gets in with him, and now the match begins! Cover, TWO!! Lashley survives the onslaught and Raw returns to single picture. Miz snarls, runs and BOOTS Lashley down! Cover, TWO! Fans rally for Lashley while Miz paces. Miz goes up the cage! Ciampa cheers Miz on but Lashley springs up to drag Miz back down! Lashley CLOBBERS Miz, but he clutches the bad arm again. Lashley climbs but the bad arm holds him back! Miz runs in, but into an elbow!
Lashley runs and RAMS Miz in the corner! Lashley CLUBS Miz, brings him around and suplexes, but the bad arm holds him back! Miz wrenches the bad arm and WRINGS it out! Miz then KICKS the bad arm, and KICKS it, and KICKS it again! And again! And again! And again! Miz powers up and he BUZZSAWS Lashley down! Cover, TWO! Miz is annoyed that Lashley is still in this, but he goes to the door. The door opens, but Lashley hurries to drag Miz back in! Lashley shoves Miz down, but Miz ducks and dodges to go up the wall! Lashley drags Miz back down and holds on to crotch Miz! Miz flops against the steel and slumps to the mat.
Miz gets up, and Lashley CLOBBERS him! And again! And OVERHEAD Belly2Belly suplexes! Lashley runs in and clotheslines in the corner! Then he runs to RAM Miz into the corner! Lashley turns Miz for a NECKBREAKER! Lashley storms around and shakes the bad arm. Lashley drags Miz up to RAM him into the steel! And again! And then again! Miz wobbles and staggers about, into a COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, TWO! Lashley keeps focus and he aims from a corner. Miz gets up, Ciampa shouts to him, and Lashley runs in! Miz hurries to the door! The door opens, Ciampa and Lashley tug-o-war with Miz!
Ciampa loses grip and Lashley whips Miz into more steel! Lashley drags Miz up and dribbles him again the cage! Miz wobbles and flops back down! Lashley stalks Miz, Miz rises, HURT- NO, the bad arm can’t hook! Miz CLUBS away on the bad arm, then throws elbows! Lashley staggers, Miz hurries to climb up! Ciampa cheers Miz on but fans rally for Lashley! Lashley hurries after Miz and climbs up after him! Miz gets to the top but Lashley drags him back down! Lashley CLUBS Miz, SMACKS him off the cage, and Miz falls! But Ciampa SMACKS the cage with a chair! Lashley hops away to avoid getting hit, BUSAIKU KNEE from Miz! Cover, TWO!!
Miz is beside himself while Raw goes picture in picture. Ciampa kept Lashley from leaving but Miz has to figure out how to put Lashley away. Lashley goes to a corner and Miz storms over. Miz gives Lashley a full nelson! Lashley fights with his good arm and arm-drags free! Only to run into the A-LIST COMBINATION! Cover, TWO! Miz is frustrated again but Ciampa coaches him on. Miz and Lashley go to the ropes, and Miz climbs the cage! Lashley hurries after him, and grabs at Miz just as he reaches the top! Miz fights, Lashley climbs up to join Miz up top, and they brawl! Lashley CLUBS away on Miz to force him back in.
But now Miz turns things around on Lashley and he grabs at legs! Ciampa helps shake the cage and Miz HOTSHOTS Lashley down! And BOOTS him down, too! Ciampa talks trash on Lashley at the cage wall, and Miz runs in to BOOT Lashley again! Cover, TWO!! Lashley survives but Miz hurries to lock on a CROSSFACE! Miz traps the bad arm and pulls back on the facelock but Lashley endures! Fans rally up as Lashley fights. Ciampa shakes the cage again but fans still rally up. Lashley fights to his feet and he fireman’s carries! Lashley TOSSES Miz into the steel! Miz slumps down and Lashley aims from a corner! Lashley runs in, but into a BOOT!
Miz hits the bad arm, then he RAMS Lashley into buckles! Miz climbs over Lashley, climbs up the corner, and he’s already to the top of the cage! Lashley hurries after and gets the legs! Ciampa hurries up to meet Miz! Miz grabs Ciampa’s hand but can’t hold on! Lashley drags Miz back in, smacks Miz off the steel, and he has Miz for a SUPERPLEX!! Fans fire up while both men are down! Lashley and Miz both writhe from the fall, but Lashley rises first. Lashley aims again, Miz stands, and Lashley runs in, but the Spear is sent into steel! Miz full nelsons, SKULL CRUSHING FINALE!! Cover, TWO!?!?
Miz can’t believe that Lashley survives! Ciampa is also in shock! Miz crawls for the door and it opens! Lashley hurries to crawl after Miz, and Lashley anchors Miz’s feet! Miz reaches for the floor but that’s not enough! Lashley drags Miz back in, and muscles Miz up to whip him into more steel! Lashley heads for the door now, but Ciampa SLAMS it shut on him! Wait, Lashley caught it?! And then SLAMS it on Ciampa! But now Miz shuts the door on Lashley! And again! And again! And again! Miz lets off and Lashley flops against the ropes. Miz decides to climb the far side, and he reaches the top! Miz grins as he steps over the other side, but then DEXTER LUMIS slithers out from under the ring!!
Miz is so afraid, he doesn’t climb down! He goes back up and in!! Miz wants to avoid Lumis at all costs, but he would’ve won! Miz turns around into a SPEAR! Cover, Lashley wins!!
Winner: Bobby Lashley, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)
Lashley might owe Lumis an assist, but at the same time, if Ciampa wasn’t around, Lashley would’ve surely won before now. Wait, now Lumis is climbing into the cage! Miz is crawling away for dear life, but Lashley shuts the door on him! Lashley smiles and Miz scurries up the cage! Lumis yanks Miz down into the SILENCE!! Miz is fading out! Miz IS out! Lumis pets Miz’s head, but what is the reason for his obsession?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw to follow up the great Clash at the Castle event on Saturday. For one, we got great stuff out of Miz and Ciampa with this Lumis stuff. Miz refuses to speak on what happened with Lumis, but he still deeply fears Lumis. We got a very clever way of booking the start to a cage match, with Miz’s belt attack and then him and Ciampa just beating Lashley up all around ringside. But then once the match got going, it was pretty much the usual cage match stuff until Lumis’ honestly hilarious way of appearing. Whatever camera they used to get that shot was a brilliant choice. Lashley wins, Lumis gets after Miz, I can’t wait to see what’s next.
Very good stuff out of the Judgement Day, Edge and Rey. Edge wants after Dom, Rey wants him to show mercy but then Dom joins the enemy. I feel like Dom should’ve been given a chance to talk, but I suppose there is something to be said about Rhea talking for him and directing him. Rey VS Priest was a great match, even with the overbooking of Judgement Day showing up late, but for that reason, of course Priest wins. Dom VS Edge next week will be interesting, but it perhaps works for Dom that Edge got his leg dented so that Dom will have a chance against him. Then at some point, I feel like Rey’s not going to have a choice, he’ll have to face Dom in a match.
The Tag Team Fatal 4 Way was great stuff, but what a way for Braun Strowman to return! He demolishes the four teams so there was no winner, meaning the Usos have no challengers yet. And then Braun says he’s going to SmackDown, so you would think this is so he can tell Roman, “I’m not finished with you!” Now, I don’t see Braun, even now that he’s back, as someone who can dethrone The Tribal Chief, especially now that The Bloodline is even stronger with Solo Sikoa joining in. But no contenders to the Usos makes me really hope Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn are going to end up their challengers and are going to take those titles to weaken The Bloodline.
Speaking of Kevin, he and Austin Theory had a great promo segment and an awesome match. I like that Kevin is getting so meta with his promos. He referenced Theory has “Austin” back so no more parenthesis in the articles. And then Kevin basically puts Theory in his place with that win. Theory grumbles and gets after Gargano, and it’s great that Gargano is getting in the ring next week. Gargano will surely win, but I bet Theory will show up then, too. But I don’t expect them to take this down the route where the MITB contract is on the line. Theory may be obnoxious and at times dense, but he isn’t stupid enough to let anyone else take his guaranteed title match away.
And we got great stuff out of the women’s division tonight. The tag match was rather quick, but it had a purpose. They snuck Nikki and Piper arguing again into the back of DMG CTRL walking to gorilla, so something has got to give there. I personally hope they stick together, and they both shed the “Almost a Super Hero” and “Doudrop” to truly be Nikki CROSS and Piper Niven, two women who have been so very close to major titles and are always in the conversation because they’re that talented. Then speaking of DMG CTRL, great promo from them and Bianca to officially establish the title stories I knew they were going for.
I feel like in the tag title match, there should be a ringside ban on Bayley and anyone else that aren’t Kai, Sky, Aliyah and Raquel. That way, there’s no repeat of the original title match and the two teams can really go hard with a true 2v2. Then we’re definitely getting Bayley VS Bianca for the Raw Women’s Championship at Extreme Rules, and there’s a chance Bayley petitions for a No Disqualification type match so that she can use interference to help her. But I also did like Bayley teasing that it won’t stop with her. Sky VS Bianca and Kai VS Bianca can also happen, and those can/will also be incredible matches with HHH behind the wheel.
My Score: 8.5/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
London calling to the champion crowns!
SmackDown brings gold to London as LA Knight defends his WWE US Championship and The Street Profits defend their tag team titles! Will the landscape change this close to WrestleMania?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly; The Profits win and retain the titles.
- Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice w/ Chelsea Green; The Secret Her-vice wins.
- WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman; Braun wins, by disqualification, and Knight retains the title.
- Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab; Charlotte wins.
- Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins.
- Jimmy Uso VS The Miz; Jimmy wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes is here!
We follow The American Nightmare as walks to gorilla, then through the curtain, and London sings along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, says hello to fans along the ramp, and then we get the second “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro. Cody goes to the ring, grabs a mic, then kneels down to kiss the WWE logo on the mat. The fans continue to sing along all the way to the end, “I AM MY KINGDOM!” The fans then cheer, and Cody holds up the belt to fire them up even more! The fans now sing for “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and he soaks it in. The fans cheer again as Cody smiles, and he finally says, “So, London~! Whaddya wanna talk about?”
The fans chant “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cody hears that dueling, and he smiles again. The song of “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” returns, then they cheer. Cody says, “At WrestleMania 41, I will be facing John Cena…” The fans boo, but Cody says, “I will be facing John Cena as he goes to break the record and win 17. But that is WrestleMania 41. In just a few nights, I will be standing face to face with John Cena in this very same city, in this very same arena.” The fans cheer that, but then here comes Randy Orton! Now the fans sing along with Voices as The Viper heads to the ring. Orton also high-fives fans before he joins Cody.
Orton grabs a mic, paces while the fans keep singing on their own, and then the fans cheer. Orton says he’s not really the sentimental type, but for Cody and for London, screw it. The fans chant “R K O! R K O!” and Orton tells Cody, “Look at you. Look at who you are now, the man you are now. Look at where he came from.” The fans cheer and sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and Orton says he remembers a Cody in his early 20s, just breaking into the business. Cody was busting his ass harder than anyone else. He wasn’t exactly happy, and in fact, he was frustrated. But Cody was man enough, smart enough, to know he needed to grow, and that he couldn’t grow in the WWE.
Cody wasn’t exactly treated fairly in the WWE, so Cody left the WWE! That took some big ass balls to do what he did! Cody changed the business singlehandedly, and everyone in the back knows it. And Orton appreciates Cody for it. But then Cody came back, as they all knew one day he would. And the industry has been changed forever since the day Cody came back to the WWE. Cody is a bit teary eyed as Orton says Cody’s still the same guy, he just did what he set out to do, and he grew. Orton teases he would sing along with the fans, but the fans might leave. The fans again sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!”
Orton asks if they remember when Cody Rhodes faced Seth Rollins in Hell in a Cell. The fans cheer because they do. Orton says that was impressive, and even impossible, as he started with a partially torn pec and then ended with a fully torn pec! His body changed all kinds of shades of purple that Orton’s never seen on a human body. The pain he must have been in. Cody persevered not just for himself. Maybe not even at all for Cody. It was not even for his family legacy; it was for each and every single fan out there! Then Cody went on to WrestleMania, beat Roman Reigns and finished the story!
But there’s always another story, isn’t there? And Cody’s right in the middle of one. Cody is in charge of his legacy, and it is a privilege for Orton to watch Cody take control of it. Ticket sales have been up, there’s more intrigue around the world, and listen to the people! It is 99.9% all because of Cody! The fans cheer that, and of course they sing. Orton says what he’s trying to say is a long-winded version of he respects Cody, loves him, and is very, very proud of him. The fans cheer that! Orton then says, “But… But now it is time for WrestleMania.” They both look to the sign, and Orton says he can guarantee Cody that Orton will kick Kevin Owens so hard in the head…!
Orton can just feel it already! He forgets how many days are left, but he can’t wait to remove Kevin’s head from his shoulders. And Orton knows Cody will enter champion, exit champion, but not before he beats the holy hell outta Cena all up and down the Vegas strip! But after all the smoke clears and the dust settles, just like Orton wants Number 17, there will come a time when Orton will want Number 15. But Orton won’t kick Cody in the balls like a coward. Orton will look Cody in the eye because he respects Cody, is proud of Cody, and sees him as an equal. Orton will look Cody in the eye and tell him that he’s coming for the title.
The fans cheer but wait! Drew McIntyre is here! The fans cheer the Scottish Terminator as he steps out on stage, mic in hand, and has a wry smile on his face as he looks at the ring. Drew waves as the fans now sing, “OH~ Drew McIntyre~!” Drew says, “Isn’t this wonderful? A couple of nepo babies having a love fest in the middle of the ring> It makes me absolutely sick. What’d you just say, Randy? if Cody gets through Cena at WrestleMania, you’re coming for that title? What exactly have you done since that big comeback to justify that title match? Aside be Randy Orton. The only big moment I can remember is you being on the shelf for months and months and months.
“People like to make jokes about it, but more people talk about my five-minute-45-second title reign than your entire comeback so far! So get to the back of the line, sunshine! As for you, Cody, you should’ve listened to me. But you shunned me. You attacked me. Everybody should’ve listened to me about John Cena, but they didn’t. And the next night, he kicked you right in the twig ‘n’ berries, proving me right as usual. And the main event of WrestleMania should be Cody Rhodes VS The UK’s only ever world champion, Drew McIntyre!” Fans do like that idea. But sadly, it’s not, because of that guyliner wearing Temu Undertaker, Damian Priest!
Drew wants to talk about what is happening. And what’s gonna happen! Drew steps up to the ring while fans sing for him again. Drew says it will not be Randy that takes the title from Cody, should he get through Cena; it’ll be McIntyre. The fans cheer, but Orton says they were trying to have a moment. Can Drew just cut the crap already? Drew says okay, sure. He’ll tell the truth, because that’s all he ever does. The truth is, Kevin might have a point! If those Voices are talking to Orton again, then they know Drew very, very well. And he’s thinking, “My God, Randy looks great! Absolutely jacked! On the outside.”
On the inside, that back is hanging by a thread. And if Orton provokes McIntyre, McIntyre will break him. And as for Cody- Cody kicks Drew and UPPERCUTS him! The fans fire up, and Orton R- NO, Drew gets away! The fans boo, but the battlelines are drawn! Even if Cody makes it out of the frying pan that is Las Vegas, it’ll be into the fire that is these contenders waiting in line! Will the American Nightmare be ready for whoever comes for the crown?
WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly!
Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins are finally golden again, but it’s time to put the titles on the line already! And while they’re ready for the grind, they’re up against the hometown heroes! Will the Profits still be up in the O2? Or will Kit Wilson & Elton Prince say #YESBOY to a new reign of their own?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really wants the smoke!
The teams sort out and Kit starts with Dawkins. They tie up, Dawkins headlocks, but Kit powers up and out. Dawkins runs Kit over, the fans fire up, and Dawkins fires hands on Kit in the corner! The fans rally for Pretty Deadly, Dawkins whips Kit to a corner, but Elton takes that bump! Kit CLOBBERS Dawkins, then tags Elton! Atomic drop into DROPKICK! Ford runs up, but into a DOUBLE HIP TOSS! Dawkins whips, Elton reverses, and then Elton hurdles so Kit can DDT! The fans fire up with Pretty Deadly while the Profits bail out. Pretty Deadly has control while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Elton is right on Dawkins as he gets in, and UPPERCUTS him to the corner. Elton clinches Dawkins for another UPPERCUT! Tag to Kit, and Elton RAMS into Dawkins so Kit can UPPERCUT! Dawkins flops over, Kit drags him up to wrench the arm. Kit whips, Dawkins reverses, but Kit grabs ropes. Kit ELBOWS Dawkins, DECKS Ford, but Dawkins CLOBBERS Kit! The ref reprimands but Dawkins RAMS Kit into the corner again and again! The ref counts, Dawkins fires fast hands, then he tags in Ford. Ford says, “SUCK IT!” then he KICKS Kit! Ford scuffs Kit, then drags him to a cover, TWO!
Ford keeps Kit down with a facelock, but Kit endures the grind. Kit fights up, fires body shots, but Ford whips him away. Kit sunset flips! Ford rolls through, and PENALTY KICKS! Ford mocks Elton with the Scott Hall fingers, and the ref has to keep Elton back. Ford drags Kit up, tags Dawkins, and the Profits mug Kit. Dawkins CLUBS Kit down, then stalks him. Dawkins stays between Kit and Elton, then whips Kit into the Profits’ corner. CYCLONE- NO, Kit dodges! Ford tags in, he keeps Kit from Elton now, but Kit slips out of the suplex! Kit fakes high to go low, hot tag to Elton! Elton rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT!
Elton kicks and whips Ford to a corner, then UPPERCUTS! Elton whips the other way, UPPERCUTS again, and then does it again! Elton adds to the hattrick with a lift, Ford says a quick prayer before the SUPLEX! Ford flounders, gets to his feet, but Elton dodges to springboard and FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Ford stays in this, but Elton stays on him. SmackDown returns to single picture and fans rally for Pretty Deadly as Elton gives Ford a back suplex. Ford lands out, waistlocks, but Elton switches and shoves Ford. Ford CLOBBERS Elton in return! Ford is also dazed but he covers, ONE!
Kit reaches out, Elton and Ford both crawl, hot tags to Kit and Dawkins! The fans fire up as Dawkins wrenches Kit, underhooks and SILENCER! Dawkins Electric Chair Lifts Kit, Ford climbs, but Kit slips free! Kit shoves Dawkins into Ford! Ford falls to the floor, but Dawkins ENZIGIRIS Kit! Elton tags in, and Kit LARIATS Dawkins! Pretty Deadly combine for DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Dawkins survives and the Profits are a bit unsure of what to do next. Dawkins crawls to a corner, Elton runs up, but Dawkins dodges! Elton hits buckles and Dawkins TOSSES Kit, then Dawkins hits a SKY HIGH on Elton!
Dawkins hurries to tag Ford and Ford climbs up! But Kit pushes Elton out of the way! Kit takes FROM THE HEAVESN, and Elton ghost pins Ford! TWO!! Ford escapes, and he ROCKS Elton! Elton UPPERCUTS Ford! Dawkins sneaks a tag, Ford SUPERKICKS! POUNCE SAIDO COMBO!! Cover, KIT BREAKS IT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! The teams go to opposite ends, then they all stand up in the corners. They all roar, all run in, and Kit SPEARS Ford while Elton FLYING UPPERCUTS Dawkins!! London is thunderous, and Kit hurries to tag in! Pretty Deadly gets Dawkins up, for SPILT MILK!! Cover, FORD BREAKS IT!
The fans are shocked, as is Elton, but Ford saves this for his team! “This is Awesome!” as Ford runs up and Elton TOSSES him out! Now DRY MARTI- NO! Dawkins doesn’t accept the second serving, and he DUMPS Kit out! Kit skins the cat while Dawkins DECKS Elton! Dawkins catches Kit to an Electric Chair! Ford rises, DOOMSDAY BLOCKBUSTER!! Cover, Profits win!
Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall (still WWE Tag Team Champions)
Pretty Deadly put up a heroic fight, but the hometown heroes could not capture the gold. Dawkins & Ford hold onto the gold, will this be the strongest the Profits have ever been?
Kayden & Katana talk with Zelina Vega.
Carter & Chance know La Muneca got screwed over by The Green Administration. Chelsea thinks she’s untouchable, but someone’s gonna stop them eventually. Well, speaking of, Alba Fyre leads the way in as she & Piper Niven “scope the perimeter.” There’s one small threat. They frisk the “miniscule” threat, but nothing they haven’t dealt with before. Chelsea struts in and says, “The Eagle has landed~!” Zelina says she is so glad the “Bootleg Men in Black” have crashed the party. Now, yeah, they all know she’s small. But clearly this small “threat” is a big threat to Chelsea’s title reign. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have taken all three of them to beat her.
KC Squared agree with that. How about tonight, we see what happens when the odds are even? Chelsea says that’s fine, because Agents P & A are ready. The Secret Her-vice has been given their next mission, but will they be able to crash the party? Or will the party crash them?
Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice!
SmackDown returns and The Green Administration makes their entrance. The teams sort out, Alba starts against Katana, and the two tie up. Alba KNEES low, CLUBS Katana down, then fireman’s carries. Katana fights free, tags Kayden, and they KICK, double whip, and then trip Alba up for the basement DROPKICK! Katana adds a slingshot SENTON, Kayden covers, TWO! Kayden tags Katana, they double whip Alba to a corner, then Kayden runs in. Alba DUMPS Kayden out, ROCKS Katana, and she tags Piper! Katana arm-drags Alba out, then goes out to run up. Kayden gives her a boost, Katana CROSSBODIES Alba down!
The fans fire up, but Piper goes up and out?! CANNONBALL and down goes KC Squared! Piper salutes Chelsea and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Kayden rallies on Alba while the fans rally up. Kayden fires up, runs in and whips, but Alba reverses. Kayden wheelbarrows, victory rolls, then SUPERKICKS! Kayden fires up again but the fans are torn. Kayden runs in at Alba to BOOT WASH her against the ropes! Chelsea protests, Kayden kicks at her, then Kayden springboards for a LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Alba survives, Kayden whips, but Alba KICKS back! Tag to Piper, but Kayden jackknife bridges Alba! The ref explains bout the tag, Piper runs up, but Kayden moves! The SENTON hits Alba! Piper panics, Kayden tags Katana!
Katana goes up onto Kayden’s shoulders, VICTORY ROLL LAUNCHER, but Piper catches Katana! Katana fires hands, BOOTS, and then hurries to go up again. Kayden ROCKS Piper, and fireman’s carries?! SAMOAN DROP! Kayden then gives Katana the boost, for the KEG STAND SPLASH!! Cover, ALBA BREAKS IT! Kayden runs up on Alba to BOOT her out! Katana gives Kayden the boost now, SUPER CROSSBODY onto Alba! Kayden hurries to tag back in, and she brings Piper up. Piper swings, Kayden dodges and SUPERKICKS! Katana goes up, Piper staggers over that way, but Chelsea distracts the ref!
The fans are torn as Alba grabs Katana. Katana kicks Alba down, chases Chelsea off, but Piper sends Kayden into her! Piper scoops to PIPER DRIVER!! Cover, Secret Her-vice wins!
Winner: The Secret Her-vice, by pinfall
The Women’s US Champion helps her team, and now they all mug Kayden & Katana! But here comes Zelina! Vega runs down the ramp, CLOBBERS Alba, and then she gets in the ring! Zelina tilt-o-whirl DDTS Piper! And she KNEES Alba off the apron! But Chelsea CLOBBERS Zelina! Chelsea fires up, the UK is oddly with her, and she chicken wings Zeina. But Zelina fights free to fire forearms and body shots! And a BACK ELBOW! Zelina reels Chelsea in, CODE- SUPERKICK from Alba! SENTON from Piper! The Green Administration is just too much for Zelina to fight against alone! But can she, Kayden & Katana find a way to turn things around?
WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman!
Did the Mega Star just get this title back from Shinsuke Nakamura? YEAH! Did he help the Monster of All Monsters fight off Solo Sikoa’s rouge bloodline? YEAH! And now, does he have to defend this title against the monster he just helped? YEAH!! But will Knight still reign this close to WrestleMania? Or will Braun #GetTheseHands back on a championship?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it’s time for Knight’s biggest challenge, YEAH!
The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two circle. The two tie up, and Braun SHOVES Knight away. Knight comes back, Braun SHOVES him down again! Knight gets up, gets around, and he headlocks. Braun powers up to back suplex, but Knight lands out! Knight tries but Braun’s too big to suplex! Braun ELBOWS Knight, storms up on him, but Knight fires haymakers! Knight whips, Braun reverses, but Knight KICKS back! Knight runs, but Braun HIP TOSSES! Cover, TWO! Knight stays in this, but Braun brings him up. Braun puts Knight in a corner, CHOPS, then runs, for a SPLASH! Knight sputters along ropes, Braun keeps moving, but Knight DUMPS him out!
The fans fire up as Knight then WRECKS Braun with a dropkick! Knight keeps moving, and he WRECKS Braun again! The fans fire up with Knight, but then Braun BOOTS Knight down! The fans are torn but Braun stands tall as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Braun puts Knight back in the ring. The fans cheer as Knight KICKS Braun! Knight tries again, but Braun’s still too big to back suplex! Braun CLUBS Knight, then runs in at the corner. Knight BOOTS Braun, goes up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Knight and Braun rise back up, and Knight dodges a shot to JAB! Then he dodges to JAB! JAB! JAB! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” But Braun KNEES low! Braun scoops, Knight slips free, and Knight RAMS Braun into buckles! Then the BACK SUPLEX! The fans fire up and Knight rises again! Knight spells it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!
Braun has plenty left in the tank but the fans rally for Knight. Knight stands Braun up to kick low, but Braun THROWS Knight away! Knight rises, and Braun LARIATS Knight up and out! The fans fire up as Braun rips the shirt! Braun gets on the track, and he runs in, STROWMAN EXPRESS MEETS JACOB FATU!! The Samoan Werewolf strikes Braun down!
Winner: Braun Strowman, by disqualification; LA Knight retains the title
The fans boo as Jacob now goes after Knight! He just ruined what was becoming a great match, but Jacob fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT on Braun! SAMOAN DROP onto the desk!! The desk doesn’t budge, but Braun might’ve been broken in half! The UK fires up for Fatu as he puts Braun in the ring! Jacob fires more HEADBUTTS, then HEADBUTTS away on Braun in the corner! The fans sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE, FATU~, FATU~!” Jacob runs corner to corner, but Knight kicks him first! Knight fires haymakers, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Jacob denies the BFT to POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! And then HIP ATTACK for Braun anyway!
Jacob keeps going, HIP ATTACK for Braun again! Jacob throws off his jacket, glares at Braun, and he runs in for a third HIP ATTACK! Braun flounders into the drop zone, so Jacob goes up, up, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! Direct hit on Braun, but the fans want that “ONE MORE TIME!” Jacob obliges, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! The Samoan Werewolf just tore up #OneBigSOB and LA Knight, will there be no stopping him from taking the United States Championship?
Backstage interview with Jimmy Uso.
Jackie Redmond is with #BigJim, and she says that while she knew WWE was going global this month, she did not know they’d get the slap heard ’round the world! Jimmy says he’d do it again, and he’ll slap Gunther as many times as he needs! Jimmy knows Jey is up in his own head, doubt is creeping on him. But just because Jey’s 0-3 against Gunther doesn’t mean Gunther’s unbeatable! The Ring General CAN be got! Jimmy’s going to Raw this Monday, he will bust Gunther’s ass, Jey will go to Mania and bust Gunther’s ass to become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. And then they leave Las Vegas just like this: YEET!
Jimmy heads out, but then The Miz & Carmelo Hayes walk by. Miz is mocking Jimmy’s words, and he asks excuse me. Miz says it’s just funny that suddenly, Jimmy is a tough guy, even though for most of his career, he’s been “The Other Uso.” Doesn’t Jimmy get it? Jimmy and Jey are career sidekicks while Gunther is a main character. Gunther is the lead, neither Jimmy nor Jey can beat him. And here’s another thing: The Usos are just blips on the trailer that was Roman Reigns’ Bloodline. Melo says Jimmy & Jey are stuck outside the club, they can’t even get in.
Miz says as a former WWE Champion, a former WrestleMania main eventer, Jimmy will never know what it is to carry this industry. And after this year’s WrestleMania, neither will Jey. Oh, and by the way, if Jimmy ever slapped Miz like that, Jimmy would still be on the ground. Jimmy feints the slap and Miz freaks out. Jimmy says it may be him and Gunther on Monday, but he’ll holler at Aldis real quick so it can be Jimmy VS Miz here tonight. Yeah, YEET! Jimmy heads out, Melo says he thought Miz was gonna do something about the slap. Will Miz have to do something about running his mouth before he gets his teeth kicked in?
Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga find Jacob Fatu backstage.
Solo asks Jacob what the Hell he was doing out there. Jacob goes out there alone without saying a thing to them? Jacob says he ain’t gotta say nothing to nobody! Matter fact, didn’t Solo not tap in with him last week? Tama says, “But Jacob,” only for Jacob to say, “But nothing, Tama!” Solo wants Jacob to lower his tone, but Jacob says okay. Let him be very clear with them. When it comes to Braun Strowman, Jacob WILL be the last man standing. Y’all better get in where you fit in, cuz that US title? Oh, Jacob’s bringing it home to the family. And he will do it with them, or without them! Yadada mean? Fatu heads out, is the Samoan Werewolf no longer following Solo?
Naomi speaks.
“I mean… How did we even get here? I don’t know. One thing that I do know is that I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. So Bianca, what makes you think that my attack on Jade was anything different from me doing the right thing? When I sit here and I think about all that I’ve sacrificed, all that I’ve given, and that’s what really breaks my heart. Because through all of that, I’m made to be the bad one in this situation. I just don’t understand, how does Jade come in outta nowhere and take my place with you? I want you to ask yourself this, Bianca. Who inspired you? Hmm?
“Who’s inspired women over the last decade? Who’s always had your back from day one of you being here? Me. Not Jade. Hmm. But you know what? What I’ve learned through all of this: You teach people how to treat you. And I’m done with being treated as a third wheel. I’m done being pushed to the side, I’m done with being too nice, I’m done with being undervalued, underutilized, underappreciated! So moving forward, hmm… Moving forward, here’s my message to you, Jade. If you continue to be in my way, I strongly advise you to proceed with caution.” The Glow shows her dark side, but will the storm be moved?
Nick Aldis meets with Jade Cargill.
Speaking of, the SmackDown General Manager understands things have been rather difficult for her as of late. Jade says she’s been trying to get her hands on Naomi for the past few weeks, now where is she? No one has seen her all day, so as far as anyone knows, Naomi’s not here. Well, when Jade catches Naomi, it’s on sight. Jade leaves, B-Fab & Michin are there. They let her know that what Naomi did to her was straight trash, totally uncalled for behavior. And after Jade gets her hands on Naomi, she’ll handle that business. Jade agrees. Mia says they’ve all got business to handle. Jade’s got Naomi, and Mia’s gonna get Charlotte for messing with her girl, B.
B-Fab says Naomi’s got what’s coming to her: no sympathy, no regrets. Jade, just do what you gotta do. Oh, she will. Jade also wishes Mia luck tonight. Mia & B-Fab head out, will the Head Baddie in Charge make the Queen bow down in London?
The darkness approaches.
“You are as I was. As I am, you will be.” The shadows are starting to take shape, but is SmackDown about to fade to black?
Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab!
The Queen looks down on everyone, so it’s no surprise that everyone else wants to take her down. Charlotte may have checked off B-Fab, but will the HBIC be a much different story? Or will Charlotte only sharpen her edge before facing Tiffany Stratton at WrestleMania?
WAIT! NAOMI ATTACKS B-FAB & MICHIN! Naomi drags Mia up for a FACEBUSTER! Naomi rains down fists, the ref reprimands and the fans boo, but Naomi tells the ref to back off. Naomi then BOOTS B-Fab off the apron! Naomi goes out after B-Fab to THRWO her into barriers! Naomi SLAPS B-Fab, tells her to stay down, but B-Fab gets up. Naomi fires hands, then she SMACKS B-Fab off the desk! Naomi rains down fists, but here comes Jade! Jade hurries down the ramp, she runs around the way, but Naomi runs away! Jade makes sure B-Fab is okay, but refs have to help her to the back. And what of Mia? Will she even be able to compete?
Charlotte makes her entrance, not really caring about what Naomi just did to Mia. But that means she also crosses paths with Jade. The fans like the look of this stare down, but Jade and Charlotte both let the other slide. Charlotte gets her pyro, and it seems she’ll still get her match. Will Mia be little more than an appetizer now?
The bell rings, and Charlotte BOOTS Mia down! Cover, TWO! Mia stays in this and the fans rally up. Charlotte just struts around while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Charlotte has Mia down with a chinlock, but the fans rally up. Mia fights up, fires body shots, and she then blocks a shot to ROCK Charlotte! Mia ROCKS Charlotte again and again, then reels her in for a TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up as Mia hurries to cover, TWO! Mia drags Charlotte up, wrenches, but Charlotte says no to Da Feet! BIG back suplex! Mia stagger sup, Charlotte whips her, but Mia reverses! Charlotte goes up and out, BOOTS her away, then slingshots in and rolls Mia! Mia rolls through and BUZZSAWS! Mia runs corner to corner, but Charlotte avoids the cannonball!
Charlotte YAKUZA KICKS Mia down, then fires herself up! The fans “WOO~!” as Charlotte has Mia in the drop zone,. Charlotte steps on her, goes up the corner, but Mia gets underneath her! SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Charlotte survives and Mia is shocked! Mia nods as the fans rally back up, and she brings Charlotte up. But Charlotte ROCKS Mia! Mia SOBATS, PELES, and then runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Charlotte stays in this, Mia grows frustrated, but the fans continue to rally. Mia uses that energy to stay focused, and she stalks Charlotte to waistlock. But Charlotte ELBOWS her away!
Charlotte CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOSP! Charlotte winds up, and she CHOPS again! Mia sputters, but then she dodges the boot! Charlotte is caught, and Mia hits a SAIDO! Charlotte flounders to a corner, the fans rally behind Mia, and Mia runs up, CANNONBALL! Mia hurries to wrench and EAT- NO, Charlotte shoves Mia away! Charlotte gets under, back suplexes, but Mia lands out! EAT DA FEET!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Charlotte’s long legs help her survive by a literal foot! Mia is beside herself while Charlotte bails out. Mia storms after Charlotte, runs up, but Charlotte dodges! Mia’s kick hits steel steps!
Mia hobbles away, goes to the apron, but Charlotte CHOP BLOCKS the bad leg out! Charlotte grabs Mia’s leg, drops a KNEE on the knee, but fans chant, “We Want Tiffy!” Charlotte just steps through, FIGURE FOUR, into FIGURE EIGHT!! Mia taps, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
Charlotte got more of a fight out of Mia than expected, but she still won. Will The Queen be more than ready to reign again after WrestleMania?
Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.
Jackie Redmond is with the WWE Women’s Champion and says Charlotte certainly looks confident. Let’s be real, Charlotte came at Tiff pretty hard. It got a lot of people talking. Tiff says yes, people talk. And Charlotte sure loves to hear herself talk. Ten years into the business and Charlotte is still so insecure that she can’t let a “rookie” get a word out. But last week, Tiff did learn something: She learned that walking into WrestleMania, she isn’t the one with something to lose. Truth is, if Tiff loses, then she lost to the great Charlotte Flair, as just a 25-year-old rookie with one year into SmackDown.
But if Charlotte loses… Well, then she lost to an “undeserving, delusional, unoriginal, backflip doing, blonde-hair-having, little girl.” Did she get it all? And Tiff can’t wait to hear the look on Charlotte’s face when they hear the words, “And STILL!” Then maybe Charlotte will finally shut up for the sake of literally everyone! They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, and Tiff will make damn sure what stays is Charlotte’s massive ego. Tiff is walking into and out of Mania as the WWE Women’s Champion. Tootles! Tiff heads out, will it still be #TiffyTime after WrestleMania?
Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre!
The Viper told Cody how proud he was, but also how he wants the next shot after John Cena. The Scottish Terminator took offense to that, and basically said he is taking that shot instead. Will this match be an unofficial #1 contender’s match between these two former world champions?
SmackDown returns and McIntyre makes his entrance. The bell rings and the fans sing, “OH~, Drew McIntyre~!” and chant “R K O! R K O!” Drew and Orton circle, tie up, and they go around in a deadlock. Drew powers Orton to a corner, but Orton headlocks back. Drew powers up and out, then he runs Orton over! Orton hurries to ropes and Drew mockingly asks, “How’s the back feel, Randy?” Orton stands, he and Drew reset, and the fans duel some more. Drew calls for a knuckle lock, Orton accepts, but then Drew kicks low! Drew bumps Orton off buckles, then climbs up, but he panders for too long and Orton YANKS him down!
The fans fire up as Orton climbs now! Orton rains down fists, and the fans count to nine. Orton hops down, brings Drew around, and POSTS him for ten! Drew tumbles out of the ring, Orton goes out after him, and they’re by the desk! But Drew kicks Orton first and SMACKS him off the desk! Drew clears the desk, and he brings Orton up for the DESK- NO, Orton fights free! Orton turns things around, DESK BACK SUPLEX for Drew! The fans fire up while Orton leaves Drew behind, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew writhes on the floor, but Orton goes out to fetch him! Orton brings Drew around, UPPERCUTS him, then says one more time! DESK BACK SUPLEX! Drew writhes as that desk stays standing! Orton grins, refreshes the ring count, and then he storms up on Drew. Drew pokes Orton in the eye! Drew POSTS Orton now, then brings him around to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP into barriers! Orton slumps down, and Drew also grits his teeth from that double-edged attack, but Drew fires up as he stands tall. Drew drags Orton up, puts him in the ring, then stalks Orton. Drew looms over Orton, and HIP DROPS him!
Orton sputters, Drew says one more time, and he winds up for the HIP DROP! Drew paces around Orton, says maybe one more time, and he pretends he can’t hear the fans. Drew winds up again, but Orton flips over! Hip drop meets kneecaps! And then Orton pokes Drew in the eyes! The ref reprimands but Orton rises up. Drew sputters and flounders, Orton ROCKS him with a right! Drew ROCKS Orton back! Drew storms up, Orton kicks low, but Drew fires another haymaker! The haymakers go back and forth, Orton gets the edge, but Drew GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTTS! Cover, TWO! Drew clamps onto Orton with an armlock!
SmackDown returns to single picture and the fans rally up. Orton fights up, pries at the chinbar, and then throws right hands! Drew CHOPS Orton in return! The fans “WOO~” and Drew winds up. Drew ROCKS Orton again, eggs him on, then CHOPS again! Drew shoves Orton to a corner, CHOPS again, then dares Orton to fight! Drew whips corner to corner, but Orton comes back to LARIAT! And LARIAT! Drew swings, Orton dodges, SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up as Orton stalks Drew to the apron. Drew HOTSHOTS Orton first! Drew then runs in, but Orton puts him through the ropes!
The fans fire up as Orton has Drew for the DRAPING DDT! The fans fire up for Orton, and Orton hears those voices! Drew rises, but then Orton spots KEVIN OWENS! The Prizefighter is on the ramp, Orton glares at him, but then he turns around into a CLAYMORE!! Cover, DREW WINS!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
Kevin’s mere presence costs Orton, and now Drew has a huge win propelling him down the Road to WrestleMania! As for Orton, Kevin drags him out of the ring, SMACKS him off the desk, and then climbs up to join him! The fans boo but Kevin and his hot pink sneakers have Orton in position, but Orton slips free and TRIPS Kevin up! Kevin hits the desk then the floor! Orton staggers around, the fans rally behind him, and Orton stalks Kevin to the corner of the barriers. Orton lines up the shot! Orton runs in, but Kevin jumps over barriers! Security is there to stop Orton from pursuing, so Kevin runs away into the night!
The fans boo, but The Viper was that close! Will Orton be able to strike Kevin down and completely take him out?
Fire, thunder, smoke…
The force of nature is drawing ever closer. And he’s ready to fly! REY FENIX arrives next Friday Night SmackDown!
Jimmy Uso VS The Miz!
#BigJim gave Gunther a piece of his mind and a mark on his cheek, but it seems not everyone got the message. Will the Hollywood A-lister soon star in the Uso Penitentiary? Or will he prove Jimmy is NOT ready for a world champion level opponent?
The bell rings and the two tie up. Jimmy powers Miz to a corner, Miz turns things around, and the ref counts. Miz takes a swing, Jimmy ducks it to CHOP! And CHOP! Miz shoves Jimmy back, then runs up, but Jimmy TACKLES Miz! Jimmy rains down fists, Miz shoves him away to go to ropes, but Jimmy storms back up. Miz ELBOWS Jimmy away, then runs back up, only for Jimmy to LARIAT him down! The fans fire up while Jimmy storms up on Miz. Jimmy CHOPS Miz, has him in a corner, then whips corner to corner. Miz reverses, Jimmy goes up and over, then UPPERCUTS! Miz staggers back to ropes, but Jimmy is right on him.
Jimmy whips, Miz reverses and kitchen sink knees! Then basement BOOTS! The fans fire up, Miz scowls, and Miz KNEES Jimmy in the back again and again. Miz stalks Jimmy to the ropes now, and he CHOKES Jimmy! The ref counts, Miz runs, and Miz STRADDLE ATTACKS! The fans boo, but Miz runs again. Jimmy ducks the boot, then dodges a lariat! Jimmy runs up to LARIAT Miz up and out! The fans fire up and Jimmy builds speed, but Miz runs away! Jimmy smirks as he goes out the side, and UPPERCUTS Miz over the barriers! Jimmy makes sure Gunther knows he’s coming to get him, but SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and both men are down. Miz and Jimmy crawl, and Jimmy pounds the mat. The fans rally, Jimmy rises and runs up to LARIAT! And LARIAT! And mule kick! Jimmy then UPPERCUTS Miz, dodges a lariat, then SAMOAN DROPS! The fans fire up, Jimmy goes to the corner, “UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs in, but Miz puts him on the apron! Jimmy UPPERCUTS again! Jimmy climbs, leaps, but Miz gets under! Miz then waistlocks, ripcords, and MOVIE MAKER! Fans boo that blatant parody, but Miz full nelsons! Jimmy drops, victory rolls, TWO! Miz has the cover, TWO! Miz hurries to BASEMENT DDT! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally up as Jimmy survives! Miz stalks Jimmy, the fans rally up more, and Miz fires a KICK! And then another KICK! The fans say “YES! YES! YES!” to the It Kicks, but then Miz winds up. Jimmy ducks the buzzsaw, Miz blocks the superkick, but the DRAGON WHIP connects! Miz rebounds to B-MOVIE KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! The parodies don’t get it done, but Miz still has his original work to fall back on. The fans rally for “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Miz runs in, A-LIST LARIAT! Miz shoves Jimmy down, then springboards, but into a SUPERKICK! Jimmy hurries up top, for the USO SPLASH!! Cover, Jimmy wins!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Miz may be a movie star, but Big Jim’s the one winning this main event! Jimmy then borrows Joe Tessitore’s headset to call out Gunther! He’s coming after dat ass on Monday! Gunther won’t be the ring general, he will be “Private Gunther,” and he will salute Big Jim! Uh, uh, YEET! Will Jimmy be the one making examples out of the World Heavyweight Champion? Or will everything come crashing down when Gunther gets his turn?
Drew McIntyre returns backstage.
And he says hey to Lewis Capaldi, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, and also a big fan of Drew’s. They’re ready to have a good night in the pub, but Jackie Redmond walks over to congratulate him on the win tonight. She was hoping to get some thoughts on that victory and what happened with Orton and Kevin. Drew says it’s alright, this is what happens. He doesn’t care about anybody else’s business, but no one gets away with screwing him over. And when no one meddles in his business, he wins! Drew called out Priest, where is he? Priest doesn’t have the balls! So time to get mad in the pubs, everyone’s invited!
Drew turns the corner, but PRIEST IS THERE! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the door, then throws him into road cases! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the trunk of a car, and then again! Or since it’s London, “the boot.” The driver complains, but Priest BODY SLAMS that guy through a table! Drew comes back to KNEE Priest low, SMACK him off the trunk, and then off the side! They go to the hood, or bonnet for UK. Drew drags Priest up, but Priest CLAWS Drew’s eyes! Priest then sends Drew SOUTH OF HEAVEN through the windshield! Priest tells security that he’s done for now. Any more jokes, Drew? Didn’t think so! RIP, jackass!
Priest leaves, the producers hurry to help Drew, and Drew’s got glass in his eye! Will that glass help Drew see why he shouldn’t piss off the Punisher?
CM Punk heads to gorilla.
He has a security detail with him, and he passes by Drew writhing in pain. Punk chuckles, then continues on. Will his contract signing with Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins be just as brutal? We find out, after the break.
Nick Aldis is in the ring.
The SmackDown General Manager welcomes us back, and says it is his honor and privilege to be here in the O2 in London. Now, we all know why he and this table is here, and why additional security is here tonight. Tonight, we are here to sign a contract for a Triple Threat. Perhaps the biggest Triple Threat in the history of WrestleMania: Seth Rollins VS CM Punk VS Roman Reigns! The fans cheer all those names, and here comes the OTC! London puts the ones up, and Paul Heyman accompanies THE Tribal Chief out on stage. Roman raises his finger to the sky for the pyro, then security follows him to the ring.
SmackDown goes picture in picture as Roman’s entrance continues, and he raises his finger to the sky for the second round of pyro. Roman steps into the ring, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Heyman hands him a mic. The fans sing, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!” Roman nods, the fans cheer, and now they chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman tells London, “ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” The fans cheer again, and again chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman smiles, but he sees the chairs are not to his liking. Heyman makes sure to put one at the head of the table. Heyman also dusts the chair off while Roman enjoys the singing of, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!”
Roman takes a seat and says that was beautiful. The way they sing to their Tribal Chief, it’s just beautiful. The singing continues, and Heyman even joins in! Roman smiles, and he says that is what he’s talking about. That’s the OTC for you, baby! The biggest star on the planet! The OTC came here for two reasons. One: to be acknowledged; check! And two: to sign this contract. Roman does just that, and he says he’s checked both boxes. That means- “BURN IT DOWN!” Seth Rollins interrupts! The fans now sing, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Rollins struts out in his red wine paisley suit and conducts the O2 Choir all the way into the ring.
The fans cheer while Roman frowns, but Rollins takes the seat to Roman’s left. Rollins offers Heyman a chance to sing to this song, but Heyman frowns. Rollins chuckles, and he says the fans do have beautiful singing voices. He doesn’t know why Roman is in such a hurry to leave, though! This is their building! There’s a lot of history here! 12 years ago, they landed on the roof of this place in a helicopter! They came down those stairs over there, “ready to burn down the old guard!” They put the Undertaker down through the desk, and they were going to remake this company in their image!
Now don’t get him wrong, Rollins knows a lot has happened since then. They fought against each other, with each other, a little bit of love and a whole lot of hate. But Rollins dare says, as the fans continue to sing “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~,” that Rollins and Roman accomplished their mission. The fans start to chant for CM Punk, but Rollins tunes them out. Roman says, “We? We? You keep saying we. Our mission? We died a long time ago. It’s only been ME. You been here, but I done all the work! I’ve made this place what it is today! I took us to the level that we are here today! I made this place better than we found it!
“I’m the one that made us desirable to Netflix! I’m the one that took us into billion-dollar deals! Tell me, what have you done?” Rollins shouts, “I’ll tell you what I’ve done! YOU, YOU, YOU, it’s that mindset that keeps me having to screw you! You understand that? And your biggest mistake is not understanding the danger that’s right in front of us! The danger that’s right in front of you! You let the biggest snake in the world, CM Punk, into the garden! And you could’ve cut his head off at WarGames! But instead, you shook his hand. You could’ve let me finish him inside the cage at The Garden, but you didn’t. And now, I am left to do what I always do: Clean up your mess, again.”
Rollins drops his mic, picks up the pen, and signs his part. And now, here comes CM PUNK! The fans fire up and sing along with Cult of Personality, then join in on saying, “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME~!” Punk goes to the ring, but as he grabs a mic, he goes up a corner, just like he did last Friday. “I have come here to chew bubblegum and sign a contract. And I’m all outta bubblegum.” The fans cheer the Rowdy Roddy Piper reference, and Punk hops down to take his seat on Roman’s right. Punk looks over said contract, but Roman asks if Punk needs a highlighter or something. What’s he doing? Just go to page four, clause five.
Punk does as Roman says, but Roman says Punk needs to hurry, this is precious TV time. Punk reads the segment, Roman tells Heyman to just smarten Punk up. Heyman tells Punk he knows what Punk is looking for. It is in there. They’re closing the show at WrestleMania. The fans go wild hearing that! Heyman tells Punk that he gets to live his dream of dreams. CM Punk will be a WrestleMania main eventer! The fans cheer and while Roman smiles, Rollins is furious. Roman says, “One man’s dream is another man’s favor! CHECK!” Wait, this was the favor? Rollins says no! This is not something to laugh at, and Punk does not get to tear up!
Punk is NOT deserving! He does NOT deserve this! The fans boo but Rollins continues to throw a fit! Main eventing WrestleMania is SACRED, the most important thing in the world to Rollins! More than anything! Except the fact that Punk NEVER gets to main event! This is all Roman’s fault! This is all Heyman’s fault! Rollins THROWS his mic down, paces angrily, but Punk picks up the mic. The fans cheer Punk on again, and Punk stands to thank London, to thank Chicago, to thank Louisville, Kentucky, and to thank ALL the fans. As corny as it sounds, he thanks the WWE Universe who stood by him and chanted his name for TEN LONG YEARS!
Roman says hold on, hold on. Punk shouldn’t be thanking the fans! He should be thanking the Tribal Chief! It is because of Roman that Punk gets this honor! So please, take this moment, close the show with that acknowledgement! Do this the right way. The credits are already rolling as Punk kneels before Roman!? Punk smiles, and he thanks “My Tribal Chief, the holder of the ula fala, the Head of the Table, the… Big Dog? Thank you for allowing a kid from Chicago to be graced by your presence. Thank you, My Tribal Chief, for allowing me to stand in your ring. And thank you so much. Thank you, Roman Reigns, so very much.
“But because of you, I will see you in the main event of WrestleMania.” And again, Rollins is agonizing over this. Punk finishes putting his signature on the contract, and London tells him, “You Deserve It!” Punk thanks Roman again, and then says, “But that’s not the favor that I’m owed.” WHAT?! Roman looks at Heyman and Heyman can’t look him in the eye! If getting this Triple Threat made into the main event isn’t the gift of the Wise Man, then what is?!
My Thoughts:
A good SmackDown, but they pulled off quite the paradox. They made it feel like they were struggling to fill three hours, yet they also filled the show to the point where that contract signing segment was almost bleeding over the three hour mark. Ironically, part of the problem was just how excited the London crowd was for this. The superstars still wanted to enjoy the chants and songs, but that’s time SmackDown doesn’t have to spare. It made the opening promo from Cody, Orton and Drew take longer, and it kinda did the same to the contract signing at the end. Even so, we still got a very good promo, and good stuff to set up Orton VS McIntyre.
Orton VS McIntyre was a great match, but of course Kevin costs Orton. McIntyre gets his win, Kevin and Orton have a bit of a brawl, but of course Kevin ends up on the losing end and runs off. McIntyre’s trash talk also comes back to bite him as Priest gets the better of him in their brawl. Here’s hoping Drew didn’t actually get glass in his eye, but that being the thing in kayfabe can be some good stuff. I can imagine McIntyre with an eyepatch, and he takes it off at the opportune time to get the better of Priest in their match. Also what a fitting choice for Punk to be passing by Drew suffering because of real glass.
Very good title matches tonight, but of course the status quo was kept. Pretty Deadly gets to look great here in London, but the Profits only just got the belts, they’re not going to be transitional champions like that. And Knight VS Braun was really good stuff, but honestly, Jacob Fatu going after them both should’ve been a given. Jacob also had a great promo with Solo & Tama to start adding to that divide between Jacob and Solo. I would hope Solo doesn’t screw Jacob out of the US Championship, but it feels like he will as Solo won’t stand for Jacob defying his authority, even though Solo’s been trying to make Jacob the champion all along.
Very good stuff from Jimmy Uso tonight, from his promo with #MeloDon’tMiz and then a great match with Miz. Their match ended up the de facto main event match, so that’s also great for both guys. Great win for Jimmy, but that’s likely because Jimmy is losing big time to Gunther on Monday. And it might just be me, but it feels like only now is the Jey VS Gunther build really moving, largely in part because Jimmy got involved. Jimmy’s promo after his match is something along the lines of what Jey should be saying. But I suppose as brothers, Jimmy is the one who knows Jey best and knows what Jey needs to be motivated again. And seeing Jimmy get beat up by Gunther will definitely motivate Jey…
Good final vignettes for Rey Fenix and Aleister Black. I’m a little surprised they confirmed Rey Fenix is showing up next week, and that they confirmed who Rey Fenix even is. I believe commentary confirmed Rey Fenix is Penta’s real brother, even namedropped “Lucha Brothers,” but all that is still surprising considering Fenix is going to start on SmackDown. Aleister’s vignette (at least I am fairly confident it’s his) was giving us glimpses of his silhouette, but I think there was usage of AI in the snake imagery. It was fine they did it for El Grande Americano because that is all trolling, but they really should try and do things the old fashioned way of photoshop and stock imagery.
Very good stuff in the Women’s Division tonight, though the WWE Women’s Championship portion was the weaker. Naomi’s got a great Heel persona going, her promo was great, and her going after B-Fab & Michin over them supporting Jade was a great detail. Jade runs Naomi off, helps B-Fab, but there was no helping Michin in being fed to Charlotte. Tiffany had a decent promo, and it does fit how Charlotte kept her from speaking so she finally gets things out here. It didn’t really add that much, though, but they already gave us a great brawl so not sure what more they can give.
KC Squared VS The Secret Her-vice was a very good match, but of course Chelsea made sure her team won. A Six Woman Tag of Zelina & KC Squared VS The Green Administration is certainly coming, to help give us Zelina VS Chelsea for the Women’s US Championship.
My Score: 8.7/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 3.27.2025
Bad news out of the TNA management side, but this is a taped episode from El Paso! So we won’t see any of the fallout just yet!
Now we all heard the news about the TNA change in hierarchy, and I…have no positive outlook on that. Delirious sucked at booking and creative in the dying days of ROH before it got bought as a B show. Dreamer having even more control is concerning because his ideas the last two years haven’t been much better.
Gail leaving makes more sense to me. Be it firing or a “you can’t quit, you’re fired” kind of situation, the Knockouts division is the worst it’s been in a long time and Gail was close with Scott D’Amore. So I don’t think Gail parting ways is as big of a problem since TNA has slowly been bleeding out with the Scott faithful.
Granted, I think the next few shows were already taped before the firing so things shouldn’t be completely unwatchable for at least a week or two. So let’s see where we’re going.
.@WeAreRosemary sends @XiaBrookside a CHILLING message!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/srciTTbel0
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Ratings:
- Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge: Ash wins via Rarefied Air – ** 1/4
- Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr: Chavo wins via Gory Bomb into Frog Splash – *** 1/4
- Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich: Masha wins via Russian Death Device – ***
- Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin: Eric wins via Piledriver – ** 1/2
- Seto & Mokuba – I mean – Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater: Nic wins via Danger Zone – *** 1/4
Results:
Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge
Ash and Gigi start off, Gigi with a little Rascalz after her first takedown. So both her and Wentz are making it obvious something’s going on between them, and I’m not mad at it. Good for my man Wentz.
Tatum and Gigi get some quick tandem offense in, Ash does manage to scurry off to a tag and Heather gets bent into a Pretzel. Some kind of Inverted Tarantula from Tatum, Gigi tags in, Bronco Buster on Heather followed by Kawada Kicks. Heather sells against the ropes, Gigi goes for a Hesitation Dropkick, but Concierge pulls her away so Gigi crashes and burns. Ref is distracted, Ash gets in some cheap shots and then the Elegant duo starts working over Gigi. A few quick tags, but once Heather comes in, Gigi fights out of the corner, gets the hot tag to Tatum. Tatum stacks up both Elegance members, Corner Stacked Crossbody, Butterfly Suplex and an Elbow Drop with some some flare. Tatum goes to the top rope, Heather pulls Gigi off the apron, Concierge shoves Tatum off the turnbuckle and Ash hits Rarefied Air for the win.
Post match the Elegance Clique wants to make their wish with the cake, they light the candles and Tatum and Gigi recover enough to do what we all expected last week, the cake in the face spot. Some…suggestive licking from both of our Hot Topic Hotties, so…no complaints here.
.@Ashamae_Sebera, @Heathereckless and @IamGeorgeIceman are having a meltdown!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/FnKwPqm2ff
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr
Chavo and Kaz start since he’s King Petty, a quick rope run turns into a Headscissor from Chavo. Kaz recovers, they lock up, Kaz hits the Knee Lift during the lock up to tag out to KC. KC pulls off some athletic dodges, gloats a bit so Chavo waits, measures and nails a gorgeous Dropkick. Laredo comes in on fire, quick high spots that send KC bouncing around like HBK against Hulk. KC powders after sells the Satellite Takedown, AJ checks on him and we go to commercial.
Back from commercial, Octagon is lighting up KC’s chest with overhand chops, he perches, Sunset Headscissor Flip from corner to corner, KC tries to Back Drop him but Octagon does a headstand, kicks KC away and lays him out with a high spot. AJ gets on the apron to stop Octagon from running the ropes, the referee has a stroke or something because he stops paying attention and AJ pulls Octagon out of the ring and chucks him. KC with the Tope con Hilo and tag (tag ropes haven’t mattered since the 80s we all know this). So AJ is getting taunted by the crowd in Spanish, but he’s manhandling Octagon since it looks like a Child fighting their parent. AJ knocks off Chavo and Laredo, Laredo pops up and tries to get involved but he’s caught on the shoulders, Octagon goes for the Crossbody but gets caught and AJ pulls off “World’s Strongest Wasteland” but Chavo breaks up the pinfall. AJ throws Octagon into the corner, Tennessee Whiskey, and tag out to KC. KC hits a few moves, but starts to lose the momentum until he connects with a Super Kick. Simultaneous rope run into the Dueling Crossbodies, so we get the timely tag outs from both sides. Kaz and Laredo come in, Laredo lands like two moves before Kaz hits a Sole Butt, Lariat and eats his lunch. KC and Kaz try to double team Laredo but he fights out and the crowd is chanting for Chavo.
Chavo tags in, and he’s rocking KC, Saito Suplex, Low Bridge to AJ, Reverse the Whip so Chavo goes to the corner and perches, KC feeds, Chavo Backflips to safety, rolls through and lays out KC. Chavo is feeling himself, 3 Amigos start on KC but only 2, Kaz comes in and Chavo switches to Kaz for the Amigos, only 2 again before AJ breaks it up. AJ goes for the disrespect, but Chavo counters and hits the 3 Amigos on the biggest Culero. Aztec Warriors dive to stop AJ and Kaz, KC tries a Dirty Victory Roll but Chavo kicks out. GORY BOMB into FROG SPLASH!
Chavo looked fantastic and he’s the one in the best shape in the ring. I wouldn’t be mad at more Chavito.
Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich
I expect very little from this match.
Collar and Elbow, gator rolling for the first 30 seconds or so, then Jacy goes to some Hair Pull takedowns and does a little taunt before Masha pops back up and hits a Lariat into a Dive. Jacy sells it like she’s really hurt, even the ref tries to hold Masha back a little before Masha gets annoyed and just grabs her, Masha throws her in, looks for a Dive and Jacy sees it and powders. Masha tries to go back to the well for the Dive again but Jacy hits the Uppercut and then an Apron Run PK to drop Masha. Forearms rain down into a Foot Choke as Jacy continues to arrogantly play to the crowd. Another Foot Choke into a Cannonball, and near fall.
Masha gets space with a Sole Butt, tries to snap off Requiem but Jacy fights off, fights through a Sunset Flip another effective PK keeps Masha on her ass. Jacy looks for a kinda half-assed Camel Clutch as Masha is fighting up, but Jacy runs her into the corner, gets distracted mouthing off to the crowd, so Masha recovers, 5 Hole Up Kick sends Jacy into the corner, Yakuza Kick into Capo Kick for two. Requiem attempt again, but Jacy pushes off, a little back and forth, Masha tries a Backslide but Jacy gets away and hits a V-Trigger but only a 2 count. Jacy looks for the Discus Punch but Masha ducks it, they strike back and forth, but some dodges from both leave the exchange more even. Jacy with the Front Kick to the face sends Masha to the outside. Jacy wants another PK, but Masha blocks, Electric Chair Apron Snake Eyes. Masha throws her in, a PK into a near all. Requiem attempt 3, and thwarted from Jacy with a Superkick into a Neckbreaker. Senton misses from Jacy, Buzzsaw Kick, into Spinning Back Kick and Russian Death Device for the win.
Better than I expected, and Tessa attacks as soon as the bell rings. Xia Brookside and Lei Ying Li make the save after Tessa grabs the belt.
Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin
Ace and Eric tie up, World of Sport start but as soon as Ace starts to get away EY punches him in the face. Eric looks at the camera and says “This is what trust looks like”, turns his back on Ace, when Ace looks to attack, the loser duo cut him off. EY takes advantage of the weird situation, but Ace with some Up and Over quick spots, into an Inside Cradle and La Magistral. EY kicks out of the quick flash attempts, but eats a Dropkick, and Ace goes all Speed Kils on him with fast strikes and then a face buster for another near fall. Strike spot very early in the match, Ace gets the best of it, goes for a Tear Drop Suplex but EY sits on it to block, Headlocks to keep him close and then a snap Lariat into beatdown bully tactics. EY takes the referee’s attention and one of the nerds punch Ace in the face.
Eric tries to lean on Ace, but Ace fires, a few strikes, Click Click Boom, the Miz Seated Lariats in the corner, Mochizuki Triangle Kick connects! Only a 2 count, but Ace seems to be in control. Ace puts EY on the ropes, a few strikes to keep him rocked, wants a Superplex, but EY blocks, bites the face and Macho Elbow gets a very close two count. EY tries the Piledriver but Ace turns it into a Jacknife Cradle,Spinning Heel Kick, calls for The Fold, but the losers hop on the apron to distract, Ace attacks them. Ace tries to time out the Triangle Kick again, but Eric dodges, throws Ace head first through the buckles. As Ace stumbles out of the corner, Piledriver, and it’s over.
Oh look it’s the “we’ll hear from Joe Hendry” segment. Again, I’ve loved this gimmick since Day 1, even didn’t hate his What Culture Pro stuff, but there is such a thing as milking a cow too much.
Elijah interrupts the whole “Who’s next” speech. When Elijah comes out he says he’s not the challenger and he believes in Joe. The crowd wants Elijah to turn on Hendry. Elijah pauses for a moment, and starts proving his friendship with stating his favorite color and a little “You Got a Friend in Me”. The crowd is into singing along and waving their cameras like Lighters to a 30 year old song. THANKFULLY Kaz breaks up the hug fest. Now he gets the “Culero” chant.
Kaz pulls out a Bass…what the hell is this Jam Session. Kaz has to warm up so he plays “La Cucaracha” on the bass. Kaz…is a national treasure. Hendry kicks Kaz out of the ring after his Heelish and playfully racially charged song choices. Kaz tries to sow dissension, but Joe and Elijah pinball Kaz between them. Kaz slips a power move and tries to shove Elijah into Joe but Elijah puts the brakes on, a small tense moment. But then Joe and Elijah play “Nah Nah Nah Nah, Hey Hey, Goodbye”…and that goes right into a commercial. Oddly…perfect.
Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater
Nic shoots the half immediately for a flash pinfall but Leon kicks out at one. Nic continues to keep things grounded with his amateur wrestling skills, and then does a little Dolph Ziggler show off. So Nic isn’t really taking this seriously, and Leon starts getting the best of things with an Arm Wringer, into drag, Shoulder Tackle and rope run as Nic tries to Leap Frog and Leon puts on the brakes and just shoves Nic on his ass. Nic gets annoyed, a few strikes, grinds his face along the ropes, but Leon keeps stringing some offense together, Back Handspring Elbow into his Corner con Hilo.
Ahh the classic formula of the commercial gives the heel the advantage, Twisting Suplex from Leon stops Nic’s offense momentum, right hand, Leon lifts Nic up for something, Nic slips it, kicks him in the gut, looks for the FameAsser, but Leon catches him into a Blue Thunder Bomb variation. Slater wants the Swanton 450, but Nic powders. Leon tries to adjust into a Dive, but Nic cuts him off, counter for counter and a FameAsser out of the counters for a two count. Nic starts the big brother tactics, bootwashes and arrogance, Slater fires, punches into a Yakuza Kick. Leon wants another Lethal Injection variant, but Nic catches him into a Rear Naked Choke. Slater tries to turn it into a pin so Nic breaks it. Leon wants a Leg Lariat but misses and gets unceremoniously dropped by Nic. Nic puts Leon up on the buckles, Superplex possibly but Slater counters, tries to collect himself for a move, but Nic falls into the ropes to crotch Leon, and finally hits the Superplex.
Twist of Slate from Leon, Swanton 450 but knees get up. Locomotion Cradles from both but they kick out, Ryan picks the ankle to trip up Leon just a touch and then Danger Zone ends the match.
Ryan starts the post match beatdown, but the Hardy’s music hits and they come down to the ring for the save. Matt challenges the Nemeths for Rebellion because they’re not medically cleared yet.
Overall Score: 6.5/10
Decent story motion, no match was offensive, and there was actually some solid match action for television standards. I don’t have a ton to complain about aside from the Knockouts Division is in a weird spot, and giving Hendry a lot of just talking and hollow payoff segments feels stupid. If we need to hear from him every week, give him a talk segment like Highlight Reel or something. Yes I know First Class just got The Penthouse, but if Hendry is going to talk more than wrestle, give him a talk segment for us to sink our teeth into.
There was the announcement that Xia, Lei Ying and Masha will face Tessa, Jacy and a mystery partner. So you gotta wonder if there’s going to be another NXT mercenary, a surprise return or if it’ll just be Rosemary since she’s got her issues with Xia. Also I just realized that Unbreakable is going to be on a Thursday, seemingly after iMPACT? I’m gonna have to see how they do it, because if there’s an Impact episode and 2-3 hour PLE…I do not want to be awake until 1am. People need to work, and I will be Unwakeable if things go that long.
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
4 Corners Podcast: March Madness Bracket Breakdown
This week on 4 Corners Podcast we break down the Men's NCAA tournament bracket. Which of the top seeds will...
4 Corners Podcast- The Fantastic Four Nations Faceoff
The guys discuss Canada's big win in the Four Nations Faceoff and take a look at some early Spring Training...
Oblong Ball Foot Show: One For The Road
The Philadelphia Eagles are Super Bowl Champions! Tune in as we recap an excellent NFL season and touch on a...
Oblong Ball Foot Show: Super Bowl LIX Preview
The culmination of a season long journey is upon us. Andrew, Rey and Tunney break it all down for you...
The Front and Center Sports Podcast – NFL Conference Championships and Jimmy Butler
The Chairshot presents a new episode of The Front and Center Sports Podcast, with an NFL Conference Championship preview, and...
Bandwagon Nerds #281: Vengeful Abomination
This week the NERDS discuss Episode 4 of Daredevil Born Again and Villain Madness continues with the first round of...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (3/23/25)
Countdown to the Anniversary!
Attitude Of Aggression #304- Game Gone Wrong?- Part 1: When the Game was Great!
In Part 1, before getting to Season 8, the guys look back at the greatest moments from the first 7...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu Results & Report! (3/21/25)
One step away from glory!
Bandwagon Nerds #280: The Rich And Powerful
This week the NERDS discuss the Season 3 finale of Invincible, episode 3 of Daredevil Born Again and the continuation...
Mindless Wrestling Podcast: Mania News, Notes & Nuggets
Tune into another episode of The Mindless Wrestling podcast as the boys are firmly on the Road to WrestleMania!
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (3/28/25)
SmackDown in the UK!
DWI Podcast #469: Superplex Sunday
Will John Cena win the WWE Title and retire at Wrestlemania?
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 3.27.2025
Bad news out of the TNA management side, but this is a taped episode from El Paso! So we won't...
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (3/27/25)
Is there a new Minion in town?
Mitchell’s WWE Evolve Results & Report! (3/27/25)
Evolve enters the Fourth Dimension!
POD is WAR: It All Goes Back To The Spinner Belt
Andrew Balaz, Rey Cash and PC Tunney invite you to come along on a trip inside the minds of Los...
Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (3/26/25)
ThunderStorm is TIMELESS!
Greg DeMarco Show: No Stipulation Needed
CM Punk vs Seth Rollins vs Roman Reigns? Are you buying this as a WWE WrestleMania 41 match? Does it...
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (3/25/25)
La Primera Double Header!
