Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (11/14/22)
A Must-See Apology!
Will the Hollywood A-Lister really apologize?
Johnny Gargano revealed the truth, and now on Raw, MizTV is truly must-see as The Miz himself promises a full apology to Dexter Lumis!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Bobby Lashley VS Mustafa Ali; Lashley wins.
- Mia Yim VS Tamina; Mia wins.
- Matt Riddle VS Chad Gable w/ Otis; Gable wins.
- Dominik Mysterio w/ The Judgment Day VS Shelton Benjamin; Dominik wins.
- Iyo Sky w/ Damage CTRL VS Dana Brooke; wins.
- Austin Theory VS Dolph Ziggler; Ziggler wins, by disqualification.
- Akira Tozawa VS Baron Corbin w/ JBL; Corbin wins.
- WWE United States Championship: Seth Rollins VS Finn Balor w/ The Judgment Day; Rollins wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Seth Rollins heads to the ring.
Louisville sings “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” for the Visionary as he swaggers out, holding onto the United States Championship that he’ll defend later tonight. He doesn’t seem fazed by how he almost lost it last week, either. The Open Challenge was answered by Mustafa Ali, only for Bobby Lashley to sidetrack that. Then Lashley mauled Rollins and let Austin Theory cash his Money in the Bank contract, only to screw Theory over! The confusing motives and actions of the All Mighty aside, Rollins still has the title and now gets the mic. “Kentucky…! Welcome to Monday! Night! Rollins! HAHAHAHA! Allow me to introduce myself.
“I am a Visionary. I am a Revolutionary. I am Seth!” “FREAKIN! ROLLINS!” Fans cheer and Rollins says that by the hairs of his chinny chin chin, he is still our WWE United States Champion~! HAHAHA! “Yes, thank you, Bobby. Last week was crazy. Last week was wild. I put one little Open Challenge out into the universe and I’ve got contenders coming outta the woodwork.” People like Finn Balor, Mustafa Ali, and the All Mighty himself, Bobby Lashley! “And for the first time ever, Austin Theory tried to cash in his MITB contract on my United States Championship. Now, that didn’t work out too well for him. But the point is…”
Louisville says, “That was Stupid!” Rollins shrugs and says, “Look, I’m sure he’ll be out here later, you guys can tell him how stupid he is then. HAHAHAHA!” But the point is, something seems different about the US title lately. Rollins can’t put his finger on it. What’s the one thing that’s different? OH RIGHT! ROLLINS! Because now that he is the US Champion, this title is “without question THE top prize on Monday Nights! And right here in the main event tonight, we are going to add to my legacy as United States Champion when I go one on one with a former friend, a former foe, Finn Balor.” But wait! Here comes LASHLEY!
The Rocky Mountain Machine makes his way down to the ring with a mic of his own. “The Visionary! Last week, I turned little Selfie Boy into a punchline. And as for you, Seth, that beating that I gave you last week is going to continue to happen until I get my United States Championship back!” Rollins chuckles and tells “Big Bob” that he had his chance. But instead of a match, he decided it’d be better to take Rollins’ soul from his body. Now, Lashley’s temper got the better of him. It might have to do with that little lose at Crown Jewel. The one to, ahem, BRRROCK! LESNARRR! Oh, and now Mustafa Ali is here!
Ali has a referee with him, what is the Beacon up to? He’s calling out Lashley about the opportunity Lashley cost him! Lashley warns Ali back about the beat down last week paling in comparison to this week. Use your head and make a smart decision. Walk out before Lashley hurts you. Fans boo and then Lashley turns to Rollins. Rollins is sure that’s a good point. But Ali gets in the ring! Lashley ELBOWS Ali, TOSSES him out, and then says that will serve as message to anyone who stands between him and the title Rollins stole from him! But Ali jumps on! Ali fires off hands but Lashley dumps him back out!
Rollins gets to the back since he has the main event to worry about. Lashley says Ali is either stupid or gutsy, but he’s pissing Lashley off. If Ali wants a whooping, Lashley welcomes him to it, but it won’t be pretty. Come get some! Will Ali once again feel the wrath of the All Mighty?
Bobby Lashley VS Mustafa Ali!
Raw returns as the bell rings, and Ali DROPKICKS Lashley in the corner! Ali fires off hands but Lashley blocks the whip. Lashley whips Ali hard into the corner and Ali tumbles out of the ring! Lashley goes out after Ali, scoops him and runs, but Ali slips off to POST Lashley! Lashley staggers, Ali runs in, but is thrown intro the timekeeper’s area! Ali gets on the barriers and LEAPS on Lashley! Lashley shifts Ali around to POST him in return! Lashley refreshes the ring count, drags Ali up, and TOSSES him over the announce desk! Lashley leaves Ali behind now, and the ring count climbs. The count passes 5 of 10 but Ali manages to get up!
Ali flounders his way over at 8 of 10, and slides in at 9.5! Ali is still in this but Lashley hauls him up, into the CLIFFHANGER! Ali crawls to the corner and drags himself up. Lashley is annoyed but he fires off hands and stomps away! Lashley runs in, but into an elbow! Ali goes up, leaps, but Lashley catches him! MILE HIGH SPINEBUSTER! Lashley tells Ali to stay down, the ref asks if Ali wants to stop, but Ali refuses to quit! Ali crawls to the ropes and drags himself up again. Lashley sighs as Ali flounders over to him. Lashley hauls Ali up again, for another MILE HIGH SPINEBUSTER! “Is he done?!”
The ref asks Ali if he wants to stop, but fans want that “ONE MORE TIME!” Lashley watches Ali drag himself up with the ropes again. Ali is in the corner, and he dares Lashley to bring it! Lashley runs in, but Ali goes up and over! Lashley POSTS himself, and Ali is up on top! FLYING DDT!! Lashley flounders now and fans fire up! Ali gets back to the corner, runs corner to corner, into a SPEAR!! Lashley roars and calls for it! HURT LOCK!! Al is a ragdoll, Lashley wins!
Winner: Bobby Lashley, by referee stoppage
Ali again showed heart, but again it was not enough to topple the mountain of a man that is the All Mighty Lashley. Will Lashley steamroll his way back to the US Championship?
Backstage interview with The OC & Mia Yim.
Cathy Kelley asks if they’re at all worried about retaliation from The Judgment Day after last week. AJ Styles says, “Retaliation? Now that we’ve evened the odds? Now that we’ve solved our Rhea problem? Bring it, kiddos.” Gallows says that’s right! But the boys owe the Big LG, he’s why Mia teamed with them. Gallows has a way with the ladies, after all. Uh… Styles changes the subject by saying this whole thing between the OC and Judgment Day needs to come to an end. They’ve been a thorn in Styles’ side since WrestleMania just because he wouldn’t join them! So Styles officially challenges Finn Balor to a match 1v1 at Survivor Series to put this to an end!
Karl Anderson says no doubt Styles will handle business. Just like the toughest woman in the building, “Michan,” will tonight in her return match. Michan? It’s Korean for “Crazy.” But boys, Mia is going to go so the OC can chill in the dojo and have the beers on ice. But first, throw it up! Too SWEET~! Will Mia go michan in her first match back in the WWE?
Mia Yim VS Tamina!
The Head Baddie in Charge is back and ready to take over! Will Raw be seeing blue? Or will the Daughter of Superfly ruin the homecoming?
Wait, speaking of Judgment Day, Rhea Ripley & Dominik Mysterio head to ringside to watch this one closely. The bell rings, Tamina CLOBBERS Mia, and then CLUBS away in the corner! The ref counts, Tamina lets off at 4, and runs back in to HIP ATTACK! Tamina drags Mia up, scoops her, and SLAMS her! Rhea is amused but fans taunt Dom, “Whose Your Papi?” Tamina is up top, SUPERFLY FLOPS as Mia moves! Mia aims from the corner, she runs in at Tamina and fires off forearms! Tamina punches but Mia CHOPS, CHOPS, KICKS, KICKS! Tamina shoves, Mia dodges the lariat and RANAS!
Tamina ends up in a corner and Mia runs in to BOOT her! Mia roars, wrenches Tamina, whips her corner to corner and forearms! Mia snapmares, KICKS Tamina, KICKS her again, then runs. Tamina ROCKS Mia with an uppercut! Damage Control is watching backstage as Tamina fireman’s carries. Mia slips off, EAT DA FEET! Cover, Mia wins!
Winner: Mia Yim, by pinfall
Rhea is no longer amused as Mia comes out on top. Mia dares Rhea to do something about it, and Rhea creeps up to the apron. Fans rally as Rhea steps inside, but then she steps back outside. The Eradicator says Mia’s not worth her time. But Rhea says Mia better keep her in mind. When and where will these two throw down as part of the OC VS Judgment Day war?
Matt Riddle is hitting the bong…os again.
The Bro spots Cathy Kelley and says what up! Cathy says he’s preparing for a match, but she has to ask, where is Elias/ Elias is doing big rockstar things. He’s booking some gigs now that he and Riddle are a band! Riddle is focused on Gable while Elias is focused on tickets, merchandise, y’know, rockstar stuff. But “SHOOOOSH~!” Gable finds Riddle! Bro… Shoosh. Bro! Shoosh! Bro! Shoosh! Bro! Shoosh! Bro! Shoosh! Repeat. SHOOSH!! Enough! Look! The only thing more ridiculous than Riddle & Elias as a band, is the idea of them as a tag team! So tonight, Gable will do to Riddle what Otis did to Elias last week: Put you down, bro. Into the ground! A thank yew~!
Riddle says those guys are lame. But will “Master” Gable be game when he and the Stallion throw down in the ring?
Damage Control finds Mia Yim backstage.
Bayley, Iyo Sky & Dakota Kai welcome Mia back to the WWE. That was impressive. No one’s been able to hang with Rhea until now. Thanks. But that makes them wonder how someone as talented as Mia could be forgotten about. They have a lot in common. They also know what it is to be cast aside, forgotten about, and they did something about it and remind people who they are! Mia needs to remind people who Mia is! They can do that as a team at WarGames! Mia appreciates that, but she has no problems with Bianca or her side. Well, maybe Mia should think about it. Just don’t think too long.
But The OC come around and ask “Michan” if things are alright. Yeah, just talking. DMG CTRL heads out. The OC congratulate Mia on the win and they have the beers! Will Mia find herself dragged into the war for the Raw Women’s Division? Or will she stay focused on Rhea and Judgment Day?
Matt Riddle VS Chad Gable w/ Otis!
The Drifter did get flattened by the Dozer, but Master Gable did have a part to play. Will the Bro be alright all on his own? Or will he wish he was walking with Elias tonight?
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Gable blocks Riddle’s leg pick with a facelock, then he shifts to get the waistlock. Gable then spins Riddle around for a leg pick, roll, and facelock! Gable gator rolls Riddle then waistlocks again. Riddle breaks that to get an arm, but Gable powers Riddle to a corner to stop the double wristlock! The ref counts, Riddle lets off, but Gable throat chops! The ref reprimands and fans boo but Gable says, “A Thank Yew~!” Gable then lifts Riddle for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Gable drags Riddle up, CHOPS him to the corner, then ROCKS him with forearms.
Gable CHOPS again, then gets a leg! DRAGON SCREW! Otis taunts Riddle, “How’s that feel?” Riddle gets up to throw forearms and palm strikes! Riddle kicks but into a DRAGON SCREW! Riddle crawls to a corner, Gable whips him corner to corner, but Riddle goes up and over to KICK Gable down! And then he deadlifts for the gut wrench suplex! Fans fire up and Riddle runs to BROTON, but onto knees! Gable has Riddle in a corner but runs into an elbow! Riddle climbs but Otis pushes the steel steps over! The ref reprimands Otis but Riddle is distracted! Gab le goes up top for a SUPER GERMAN SUPLEX!
Fans are fired up while both men are down! The ref checks Riddle while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Gable has a standing toehold. Riddle endures and fans rally up. Riddle gets a leg free to kick Gable away, but Gable kicks the bad leg out! Gable tells the fans to “SHOOOOSH~!” before he drags Riddle up. Riddle FISHERMAN BUSTERS in return! Both men are down again but fans rally up for Riddle. Riddle and Gable sit up, and Gable shouts, “SHOOSH!” Riddle shouts back, “BRO!” SHOOSH! BRO! SHOOSH! BRO! SHOOSH! The forearms start flying, “SHOOSH!” “BRO!” They stand, fans are with Riddle as he gets the edge and fires off a flurry! BOOT, then a spin and ripcord, FINAL FLASH!
Gable wobbles, Riddle kips up! Riddle runs in to forearm smash! Then side to side for another smash! BROSPLODER! And a BROTON! Riddle runs, Gable ducks the Penalty Kick to roll up! But Riddle rolls through to POWERBOMB! Flip over and FINAL FLASH! Cover, TWO!! Gable survives so it wasn’t that final. But fans rally for “R K O! R K O!” Riddle gut wrenches Gable and tucks, but Gable drops to victory roll and then drag Riddle around! ANKLE LOCK!! Riddle endures again, even as Gable leans on the foot! Riddle rolls to throw Gable, then he JUMPS for a TRIANGLE!! Gable flails, clubs at Riddle, but Riddle holds on!
Gable deadlifts, then slips free to Gut wrench! CLIFFHANGER DDT!! Cover, TWO!?! Riddle survives and Gable is beside himself! He tells Louisville to “SHOOOOSH~!” and then he climbs up the corner. MOONSAULT, but Riddle moves! Riddle sidesteps Gable to put him in the ropes and fans fire up! DRAPING DDT! Riddle hears those voices, bro! Riddle aims but Otis gets on the apron! Riddle DECKS Otis, goes to the apron and PENALTY KICKS him! But Gable drags Riddle in with a waistlock! CHAOS- NO, Riddle slips out! But he runs into a backslide! Gable has his feet on the ropes, Otis hold his feet in place! Gable wins!!!
Winner: Chad Gable, by pinfall
The Academy steals another one! Fans boo but the record will say the Academy is 2-0 in the series. Will Elias return to help Riddle win 2v2?
Baron Corbin and JBL play cards backstage.
Corbin grins and asks the third guy what he’s got. A pair o’ twos… Oh~, big hand! But Corbin has two Queens and three Kings, and JBL says, “BALL GAME!” Corbin just took this guy for everything! Kentucky bourbon is brought to the table, but JBL says he doesn’t want anything from “a bunch of banjo picking Kentucky hillbillies.” The bourbon is taken away, and Corbin tells the loser to leave. That guy does leave, and JBL says he got them the finest Ugandan preserve prime whiskey. Cheers! Wait, someone new sits at the table. AKIRA TOZAWA!? JBL tells him they’re busy. Akira says he plays poker. Can he even afford to sit at the table?
Akira puts on sunglasses. Has he ever played before? Nope. Does he know any of the rules? Nope. Then his money’s good here! Akira slams down a $20 and we’ll see how it goes!
The Miz heads to the ring.
This week’s MizTV is promised to be a genuine, from-the-heart episode as Miz, in his best Mr. Rogers cosplay, will apologize to Dexter Lumis. Will it really be genuine? Or will it be genuine Miz attitude?
Raw returns and Byron Saxton is in the ring with The Miz. Miz welcomes us to the Most Must-See WWE Talk Show and says this will be unlike any before, as he is relinquishing his role as host to Byron. But stay seated, Byron. Instead, Miz is the guest. This is when Byron thanks Miz for joining him. In that case, thank you for joining him. Byron says this is a special edition, but in light of the recent evidence- OH, the hidden camera footage that Johnny Gargano aired last week? Yes. Is Miz sorry that he paid Lumis to attack him? Miz has a prepared statement for that, actually. If he could have absolute silence, he’d appreciate it. Fans boo instead.
Miz puts on his reading glasses while fans boo and jeer. “Ladies and gentlemen, please. This means the world if you could just be quiet for just a little bit so I could finish my statement, and we can move on from all of this. I regret paying Dexter.” So he did pay? Can he please continue!? Miz does regret paying Lumis. But all Miz ever wanted was empathy? Is that too much to ask? He has been here for 18 YEARS, never called a day off, never injured, and even when he was, somehow, someway, he’d still be here and he never got so much as a cheer! Not even a pat on the back! Even when he tried to help Lumis get back on his feet when he was jobless, people were still not on Miz’s side.
Miz has asked for every little. But Lumis… Lumis kept taking and taking until Miz couldn’t see end in sight. That’s why Miz stood up for himself and put a stop to Lumis’ greed! If that’s true, then why did he give a different story to the Hollywood producer who turned out to be a private investigator? Miz was telling her what she wanted to hear! He was putting on a performance so she’d buy his intellectual property! “We know Hollywood. They (the fans) don’t know Hollywood. But in a real city, a big city like Hollywood, they don’t want real, so I had to spin the truth to make it more interesting.
“In reality, ladies and gentlemen, I am just a devoted father, a loving husband, and a man who was cooped up in his bedroom all weekend long because he was depressed and sick about everything that has happened!” Gargano makes his way out here! Fans cheer for Johnny Wrestling and says, “Miz… You weren’t depressed, you were actually vacationing with your family in Cabo.” Oh did Gargano have photographers spy on Miz and take pictures? No, Maryse put it online with pictures on Instagram! Miz wasn’t in them but Gargano is sure he was there, so thanks for confirming another lie. Doing good, Miz.
Miz says he was depressed in his hotel room! Oh stop deflecting! Does Miz wanna know why no one here cares about him? Because he always takes the easy way out! Why would he take the hard way?! Miz never takes the right way. Instead, just hire Lumis into tricking people into liking him! Byron asks Miz if he’d like to respond, but Gargano says Miz would just lie about it anyway. It’s how he got caught up in this mess! He got caught in a lie and stopped paying Lumis. That’s easier than saying the truth. Miz, can you- OH SHUT UP, BYRON! Ask the questions Miz gave you! Oh, is Miz paying Byron now?
Miz says if Gargano wants to talk about the truth, then Gargano should tell everyone why HE’S so involved in all this! Gargano is just doing what Miz was doing, using Miz’s story to get fans to chant, “Johnny Wrestling!” Fans actually do chant, “Johnny Wrestling!” Gargano does love that. But the truth is, Mike, everyone here knows Miz is a compulsive liar. Always have been, always will be, and about literally everything. Starting with that sweater. IT’S A CARDIGAN! Either way, Miz is lying to himself if he thinks he’s pulling that off, Mr. Rogers. To be fair, Mr. Rogers is a good guy. Miz IS a good guy! Miz IS a good guy! No, he’s not.
Y’know what? SORRY! Miz is SORRY! “I’m! SOR! RY!!” Now can we just move on so Miz can be the cornerstone of the WWE and a role model for his children?! He can do that by paying Lumis what he owes! Miz is ready to move on, and Gargano says that’s true. That’s why Gargano talked to the WWE officials. They felt that the hidden camera footage was pretty convincing. So this all comes to an end in two weeks, in this very ring, when The Miz takes on Dexter Lumis! Fans cheer that! And if Lumis wins, Miz has to pay him everything he’s owed, AND he finally gets a WWE contract. Fans like the sound of that, too!
Miz tells Gargano to tell “that deranged psychopath” that this will be the biggest mistake of his life. The next time Miz sees Lumis, there will be no money, no contracts, just lights out and it’ll be AWESOME! Hmm… Well, how about telling him that yourself? Miz turns around, and the cameraman was Lumis all along!! Miz tries to run, he has to ditch his cardigan, and then he makes it to the back! The clock is ticking, will Miz have no choice but to literally put his money where his mouth is?
Backstage interview with Shelton Benjamin.
Cathy says he had a confrontation with Austin Theory last week, so what is his reaction to Theory’s failed MITB cash-in? Shelton chuckles but Damian Priest & Dominik Mysterio creep over. Dom says Shelton knows all about being a failure. He’s been one since Dom’s “deadbeat dad,” Rey Mysterio was in his prime. And uh, Dom is better than Rey, so that makes Dom way better than Shelton. Shelton tells the “little boy” that he doesn’t have time for this, so just skip down back the hall before Shelton gives him the whooping his dad should’ve. Dom says, “Try me.”
Priest keeps Shelton from hitting Dom now, and tells Shelton to come down. Yeah, calm down! Dom sure is brave hiding behind Priest. But Priest says Shelton should get how the Judgment Day works by now. If you have a problem with Dom, you have a big problem with Priest. Yeah! A serious problem! Shelton says that’s fine, because he wouldn’t mind working on those problems tonight. Alright, then tonight, we settle this in the ring. Yeah, in the ring! Shelton says it’s about time someone taught them a lesson. Shelton accepts DOM’s challenge! “See you in the ring, Junior.” Dom is confused, but he did step in it. Will Dom prove he’s so great going up against the Gold Standard?
Dominik Mysterio w/ The Judgment Day VS Shelton Benjamin!
Raw returns and Shelton Benjamin makes his entrance. The bell rings and Shelton circles with Dom. They tie up, Shelton powers Dom to a corner, but he lets off as the ref counts. Dom SLAPS Shelton! Shelton rushes at Dom but Dom bails out. Fans boo but Dom just soaks up the heat. Dom smirks while Rhea and Priest flank the ring. Shelton is distracted, Dom slides in and CLOBBERS Shelton from behind! Dom CLUBS and punches Shelton to a corner, but lets off as the ref counts. Dom gives some Latino Heat, but Shelton ROCKS Dom with haymakers! Dom staggers and Shelton SLAPS him down!
Rhea is upset and Dom is backing up. Shelton whips Dom to ropes but Dom kicks back! Shelton just CLOBBERS Dom! Shelton drags Dom up, whips him to ropes but Dom holds ropes and bails out again. The ref starts the ring count while Rhea and Priest back Dom up. Shelton still storms out, but Dom slips away to the other side. Dom slides into the ring, kicks Shelton low, then goes to suplex. Shelton blocks to snap suplex Dom! Dom BOOTS from the corner, but then Shelton glares at him! Dom wants mercy! Shelton drags Dom up but Dom JAWBREAKERS! Shelton staggers, Dom runs in, but Shelton puts him on the apron.
Dom HOTSHOTS Shelton away! Fans boo but Dom gives more Latino Heat. Dom slingshot sentons in! Dom stomps away on Shelton, rains down fists, and Rhea swings a rally towel of sorts. Dom lets off as the ref counts, and Dom soaks up all the heat. Fans boo, Dom continues to give Latino Heat. Dom drags Shelton up but Shelton ROCKS him! And ROCKS him! And whips him to ropes! Dom goes up to RANA! Dom wants Shelton to get up, and he hops on to wheelbarrow Shelton to ropes! Dom dials it up, but Shelton scoops Dom! POWERSLAM! Fans fire up and Dom gets to a corner. Shelton runs in to STEP-UP KNEE!
Shelton brings Dom out to EXPLODER! Dom flounders out of the ring and Priest is there to help him up. Shelton storms right out and puts Dom in the ring. Shelton says, “No problem.” Priest and Rhea glare at Shelton, but Dom rolls Shelton up! TWO!! ANKLE LOCK! Shelton leans on the hold as Dom flails around, but Rhea distracts the ref! Priest helps Dom get the ROPEBREAK! Fans boo, but Shelton drags Dom away! Shelton warns Priest, but then Dom POSTS Shelton! Dom brings Shelton around for a DDT! Shelton is in the drop zone, and Dom goes up top! One more Latino Heat before the FROG SPLASH! Cover, Dom wins!
Winner: Dominik Mysterio, by pinfall
The Judgment Day gets another huge assist as they help Dom pin another big name in the WWE! Will Judgment Day continue to do whatever they want to whoever they want? Will Finn Balor keep this momentum going as he goes for gold in the main event?
Backstage interview with Austin Theory.
Cathy introduces him as the former Mr. Money in the Bank, and Theory is a bit upset by that. Cathy was going to allow him to tell us his side of things during the failed cash-in. Aw, she’s so sweet. But Theory takes a moment before he says, “Nobody understands me. Nobody understands the pressure I’m under, and everybody just thinks that I’m made for this because of the way I look. Because of my athleticism, because of these so-called handed-out opportunities. They have no idea what the full story is.”
Theory was touted as the next big thing, and he proved that day one! He exceeded that expectation! He outgrew the ceiling of being the next big thing and became the face of a franchise. People still hate on him to this day because of that! Why? Because they can’t relate. The whole world looks at a person like him and wants to see him fail, fall short, but that’s not gonna happen. For Theory, when he thinks about last Monday, they say he failed but they’re wrong! Theory feels more alive than he ever has. Let’s talk about that briefcase, that MITB contract. It was an anchor on Theory!
Just look at Roman Reigns! No one’s been able to touch him these last two YEARS! No one. And has Roman looked vulnerable? Well, when he does, which is rarely, he has The Bloodline. Look at Theory’s previous attempts! SummerSlam: Brock Lesnar was in the way. Clash at the Castle: Tyson Fury was in the way. And if they weren’t,, the Bloodline certainly would’ve been. Roman Reigns is unstoppable, and that scenario of Theory cashing in on Roman doesn’t exist. So what did Theory do? What did he realize the best next thing? Going after one of the greatest champions of this past decade in Seth Rollins.
And where was Rollins? On his back! Theory had Rollins beat with A-Town Down, but Lashley mauled Theory like a madman. If not for Lashley, Theory would be the TWO-TIME US Champion, and the man who pulled off the greatest cash- “Worst. Cash-in. Ever.” Dolph Ziggler says Theory is coming up with all these excuses. If Ziggler ever gets a traffic ticket, he’ll know who to call. But a couple months ago, Ziggler offered his help. Tried to show Theory things no one showed Ziggler. But for some reason, Theory’s failed cash-in… Ziggler would know, because he was there for the best one. Theory’s ego is just too big, it didn’t wanna listen.
Theory tells Ziggler he’s sick of people talking down to him like he’s a kid. Theory is done being the youngest this and the youngest that, the future, the next big thing, and someone’s protégé. Theory is the NOW. And he’ll prove that in the ring to show he has no more excuses. Ziggler says, “Sure thing, kid.” Will Theory show everyone that he’s no longer waiting his turn, and that his time is now?
Iyo Sky w/ Damage CTRL VS Dana Brooke!
Nikki Cross follows Bayley and Dakota Kai as they accompany the Evil Genius to the ring! Will Sky be soaring this close to Survivor Series: WarGames? Or will the Flex Appeal avenge the WWE 24/7 Championship?
Raw returns as Dana makes her entrance. The bell rings and Dana rushes Sky with forearms! Sky shoves Dana way, Dana rolls her up, TWO! Dana gets around, waistlocks and SLAMS Sky, then she drags her back up. Sky swings elbows but Dana ducks them! Sky reaches back to headlock then throw down elbows! Sky runs and HOTSHOTS Dana, to then DRIVE-BY DROPKICK! Fans boo but Sky springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK! Sky kips up and fans fire up as she watches Dana. Dana sits up and Sky CLUBS and stomps her down! Sky drags Dana up, whips her to a corner, then runs in to back elbow!
Sky throws more elbows, then trips Dana up! Sky digs her boots into Dana, lets off at 4 and DOUBLE KNEES her! Kai & Bayley cheer but fans boo. Sky drags Dana up but Dana blocks the suplex! Sky CLUBS Dana, drags her up again, and whips, but Dana blocks! Dana ROCKS Sky, Sky ROCKS Dana, repeat! Fans fire up as the forearms fly and Dana gets the edge! Dana whips, Sky reverses and scoops, but Dana tilt-o-whirl headscissors! But Sky handsprings through! And FLAPJACKS Dana down! Sky steps on Dana, goes to the ropes, and LIONSAULTS, but Dana moves! Dana kicks low, reels Sky in, DDT! Cover, TWO!
DMG CTRL is concerned but Dana is furious. Dana handsprings in, but into a waistlock! Sky GERMAN SUPLEXES Dana down! Dana flounders to the corner, Sky roars and runs in, SHINKANSEN! Dana is down in the drop zone, Sky goes up top, and goes OVER THE MOONSAULT! Cover, Sky wins!
Winner: Iyo Sky, by pinfall
DMG CTRL celebrates the victory, and Nikki even kicks Dana out of the ring. But wait, Mia Yim makes her way out? She calls out DMG CTRL and says she knows they’ve been waiting for an answer. Miz was thinking real hard about the offer for WarGames. Honestly, they’re right. WarGames is a fight where everyone has to pick a side. And Mia just picked hers. Bayley smiles, but Mia smiles, too. Because here comes BIANCA BELAIR! And Asuka, and Alexa Bliss! The HBIC is Team EST! That’s four and four now, who will each side get for their fifths?
We check back in with the poker game.
And Akira Tozawa is raking it in!! JBL and Corbin even lost their hats! What’s Akira laughing at? It’s just 12 hands in a row, that’s no big deal. Corbin goes all in right now on this hand! What’s Akira got? No, no…! THREE COWBOYS, YEEHAW~! Well, Corbin has three aces! But he doesn’t show the hand. Akira stops Corbin, and reveals JACK SQUAT! CHEATER!!! JBL says fine, but they’re not done until Corbin says they’re done. Akira says no more money. Let’s step outside. What? A duel? No! A match! In the ring! No tricks. Akira offers a handshake, Corbin reaches out, but Tozawa slaps it away! Tozawa then snatches all the money away! Will Corbin at least win back his dignity?
Austin Theory VS Dolph Ziggler!
Even more shocking than cashing in on the US title and failing, Theory has NO SMARTPHONE! He’s not taking selfies on his way to the ring, the “now” of WWE is all business! But will now truly be his time? Or is it only the future in theory?
Raw returns as Ziggler makes his entrance. The bell rings and Theory and Ziggler circle. They feel things out, fans chant, “That Was Stupid!” but Theory facelocks. Ziggler trips Theory into a corner, but lets off as Theory gets the ropes. Theory gets up, ties up with Ziggler, and headlocks. Ziggler powers out but Theory runs him over! Theory runs, Ziggler hurdles but into a fireman’s carry! Ziggler sips off but Theory blocks the superkick! Theory spins Ziggler to DECK him! Theory talks trash, that didn’t change. Theory stomps Ziggler, talks more trash, and he headlocks. Theory bumps Ziggler off buckles, then scoops to a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!
Ziggler rolls to ropes but Theory stalks him. Theory drags Ziggler up, CHOKES him on the ropes, and he talks more trash! “Show me something!” Theory lets off as the ref counts, fans boo, and Ziggler sputters. Theory drags Ziggler up but Ziggler throws body shots! Ziggler throws haymakers, runs, but Theory ELBOWS him down! Cover, TWO! Theory rains down fists, covers, ONE!! Theory is frustrated and he chinlocks. Theory grinds Ziggler down, fans rally for Ziggler, and Ziggler fights up, only for Theory to throw him down by his hair! Theory rains down more fists, and he lets off in a huff.
Theory drags Ziggler back up, but Ziggler JAWBREAKERS! Ziggler ROCKS Theory, then SPALSHES in the corner! Ziggler rains down fists, but stops at 4. Theory pushes Ziggler away, Ziggler comes back, but Theory stops the satellite DDT! Theory blocks another superkick and spins Ziggler around to back suplex! Ziggler lands on his feet but Theory LARIATS him down! Theory snarls, drags Ziggler up, and POSTS him! Fans boo but Theory is fuming as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Ziggler fires haymakers on Theory! Fans fire up as Ziggler rains down fists in the corner, at high speed! Ziggler gets TEN, then he drags Theory into a NECKBREAKER! Theory stagger sup into the SATELLITE DDT! Cover, TWO! Both men are down and fans rally up as they stir. Ziggler grabs Theory for a facelock, he brings Theory up, but Theory ROCKS Ziggler! Ziggler jumps, but Theory catches the legs to CATAPULT Ziggler! But Ziggler lands safe on the corner! Only for Theory to JUMP and CLUB him on the back! Theory then brings Ziggler back into a torture rack, for TOWER HACKER BOMB! Cover, TWO!!
Fans fire up but Theory snarls as Ziggler survives. Theory calls his shot now, and he brings Ziggler up as fans boo. Fireman’s carry, A TOWN- NO! Ziggler gets a SLEEPER!! Ziggler is a backpack and fans fire up as Theory turns red! Theory fades, drops to a knee, but Theory snarls and gets a second wind! Theory RAMS Ziggler into buckles! But Ziggler holds on! Ziggler thrashes around, but Theory rolls! Ziggler stays clamped on, but Theory keeps moving around! Theory powers his way up, pries the hold open and THROWS Ziggler off! Ziggler stagger sup, but he KNEES Theory in the head! And then hits a FAMOUSER!! Cover, TWO!!
Ziggler is beside himself as Theory survives! Fans rally up while both men are down. Ziggler crawls after Theory as Theory crawls to ropes. Theory is in the ropes, the ref counts and Ziggler lets off. Theory hits a cheap back elbow! Theory drags Ziggler up to POST Ziggler again! Theory is glaring daggers at Ziggler as he drags him back in. Fans boo but Theory sneers as he tells Ziggler, “I’m a kid, huh? I’m the kid?” He POSTS Ziggler again, and even harder! Theory shakes his head because he’s not done with Ziggler. Theory brings Ziggler around again, takes aim, but Ziggler POSTS Theory! ZIGZAG!!! Cover, TWO!?!?
Louisville can’t believe Theory survives Ziggler’s best shot! Ziggler and Theory stir, and Ziggler slowly rises. “This is Awesome!” and Ziggler pounds the mat to fire himself back up. Ziggler goes to the corner, tunes up the band, and SUPER- FOREARM from Theory!! Fireman’s carry, A TOWN DOWN! But Theory doesn’t cover? Theory is letting the rage build, and he hauls Ziggler up again! ANOTHER A TOWN DOWN!! And still no cover?! Theory rains down fists from all sides! The ref has Theory stop and Ziggler flops out of the ring. Theory has a wild look in his eyes now as he goes out after Ziggler! He RAMS Ziggler into steel steps!
Theory storms around ringside, he tears the steel steps apart, and it clips Ziggler in the head! Theory drags Ziggler back up, the ref tells Theory to stop this, but Theory SMACKS Ziggler off the announce desk! Fans boo but Theory asks Ziggler, “Who’s the kid?! Who’s the kid?!” He dribbles Ziggler off the desk! The ref calls for the bell!!
Winner: Dolph Ziggler, by disqualification
Theory doesn’t let the bell stop his rage! He TOSSES Ziggler into the timekeeper’s area! And he SLAM DUNKS chairs down on Ziggler! And he even grabs Corey Graves’ armchair to SLAM it onto Ziggler!! Theory is tearing everything apart, then he rains down more fists on Ziggler! The officials rush out to stop this! Theory is ushered away from Ziggler but he’s still fuming all around ringside. Only to go back for more!! Theory wants to tear Ziggler apart but the officials drag him away! “I’m a kid, huh?! I ain’t a damn kid!” Theory storms off as Louisville is thunderous with boos! Will Theory the man unleash this rage #AllDay?
DMG CTRL regroups backstage.
Except for Nikki, they’re all concerned about Mia joining Bianca’s team. Who’re they gonna get as a fifth? But then in walks Rhea Ripley. “Yeah, there’s no need to keep looking. Because if Mia’s on Bianca’s side, then I’m on yours. Now does anyone have a problem with that?” Nope! Good. Let’s go to war. DMG CTRL hit the jackpot! But now, who will Bianca get as a response to the Eradicator?
Akira Tozawa VS Baron Corbin w/ JBL!
The Stamina Monster won big at the poker table, but now he’s looking to win big in the squared circle. Will Tozawa take Corbin for all he’s worth in and out of the ring? Or will he suffer the wrath of the Modern Day Wrestling God?
The bell rings and Corbin ties up with Tozawa. Corbin puts Tozawa in the corner, smothers him, but the ref counts. Corbin lets off, smirks, but Tozawa KICKS him! And KICKS, spins, slides under, and SPIN KICKS! Corbin staggers and Tozawa fires up! Tozawa fires fast hands and then whips, but Corbin reverses to run Tozawa over. Fans taunt “BUM ASS CORBIN” as he choke grips Tozawa! CHOKE- DDT!! Tozawa turns things around then hurries up top! Tozawa MISSILIE DROPKICKS Corbin down! Cover, ONE!! Corbin gets up and JBL coaches him, but Tozawa throws hands in the corner. Tozawa whips, Corbin reverses but runs into boots!
Tozawa goes up, and calls Corbin out for being a “CHEATER~!” FLYING RANA! Fans fire up and Tozawa builds speed to DIVE! The tope sends Corbin into barriers! Fans fire up and Corbin gets in the ring. Tozawa hurries back in but Corbin bails out. Tozawa and JBL argue, Tozawa DIVES, but Corbin RAMS him into the barriers! Both men are down but Corbin drags himself up as the ring count starts. Corbin RAMS Tozawa into more barriers, throws big haymakers and KNEES, then he CLUBS Tozawa right in front of fans. Corbin puts Tozawa in the ring at 6 of 10, rolls in at 7, but Tozawa dropkicks the legs out!
Tozawa runs, and he RANAS again! Tozawa runs in to SHINING WIZARD! Fans fire up as Corbin is down! Tozawa climbs up, but Corbin stands, Tozawa FLYING SENTONS! Tozawa hurries back up top but JBL glare at him. Tozawa leaps, but into Corbin’s arms! END OF DAYS! Cover, Corbin wins!
Winner: Baron Corbin, by pinfall
Or as JBL says, “BALL GAME!” Corbin may have lost a considerable amount of money, but he makes it up by getting the winner’s purse! Will Corbin continue to make JBL proud and prove he IS the Modern Day Wrestling God?
Backstage interview with Bianca, Mia, Alexa & Asuka.
Cathy is with Team EST to ask their reaction to Rhea joining Team Bayley as the fifth and final member? Bianca says, “Rhea’s definitely a problem, no doubt. But Michan ain’t nothing to play with, either.” And if their team looks this good with just four, just wait for the fifth. Well, Cathy has breaking news for next week: One member from each team will compete to determine the numbers advantage in WarGames. Do they have an idea as to who is competing for Team EST? Bianca says they’re not going to let the secret out here. But Bianca says she would love to lead the team to that advantage, but so would everyone here.
And to get that advantage is huge, so this decision is not being taken lightly. However, Bianca will tell us this: “No matter who they throw at us, we gone represent. Because we are the roughest, the toughest, the baddest team in this fight. And while all those other girls are all about games, we’re about war.” Team EST heads out, and the Alpha Academy step in. Gable says, “Esqueeze me. Have you forgotten to interview tonight’s big winner, Master Gable? The man who single-handedly put down Matt Riddle just one week after my number one guy, Otis, put down Elias?” Otis adds it was “Easy peasy.”
Gable asks, “Could you imagine the pure carnage that would result if they ever stepped to us as a team?” It’d be like another victory on a silver platter! Yes please, a thank yew~! Rollins walks by, singing his own song, “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Then he does a “SHOO~ OOO~ OOOOSH~!” remix. Clearly, Rollins is ready for the main event. Speaking of…
Finn Balor is at gorilla.
Byron walks over to ask him that, before this match tonight, any response to Styles’ challenge for a match at Survivor Series? “Byron, what sorta question is that? Of course I accept! Does AJ Styles even know who I am?! Ask Edge, he’ll tell ya. Ask Rey Mysterio, he’ll tell ya. But AJ Styles, that’s for Survivor Series. Tonight is about Seth Rollins. Me and Seth have a lot of unfinished business, and I’m about to remind Seth exactly who I am. I am Finn Balor, and I am fitting to go out there and become the NEW United States Champion.” The Prince is ready! Will he settle that golden debt with The Visionary?
WWE United States Championship: Seth Rollins VS Finn Balor!
Universal Championship, Intercontinental Championship, and now United States Championship, this is a golden trilogy a long time coming! Will Finn take this title and make it reeeeeal~? Or will the Visionary, the Revolutionary, Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins, stay atop the mountain of Monday nights?
Raw returns and Rollins makes his entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if this is still Monday Night Rollins!
The bell rings and fans sing, “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Rollins and Finn circle, feel things out, and tie up. Finn waistlocks, Rollins laughs as he wrenches free to an ELBOW BREAKER. Rollins wristlocks but Finn rolls, trips Rollins and gets a headlock. Rollins headscissors, Finn kips free, and the two stand off. Fans applaud and rally up for Rollins. Rollins smirks as he and Finn circle and feel things out again. They double knuckle lock, Finn shoots in to waistlock and SLAM Rollins down. Finn facelocks, Rollins rolls but Finn stays with him. Finn rear mounts, Rollins switches and gets an arm. Rollins says, “That’s right,” as he grinds the arm.
Finn fights up, he arm-drags free and then headlocks. Rollins endures as Finn pushes up into an almost Bully Choke. Rollins moves around, Finn holds on with a headlock, but Rollins powers up. Finn holds on tight as Rollins tries to power out. Finn hits the headlock takeover, Rollins rolls it to a cover, ONE and Finn holds on. Fans rally for Rollins as he endures, then feels around. Rollins fights up, powers out, then drops. Finn ducks but Rollins ELBOWS him down! Finn staggers around, Rollins throws Finn out, and Rollins PLANCHAS! Direct hit and down goes Finn! Fans fire up with Rollins, “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Finn is in the corner. Rollins goes corner to corner to forearm smash! Finn flounders while fans fire up, and Rollins stalks him along the ropes. But Finn wheelbarrows, victory rolls, and then stomps away on Rollins at the ropes! The ref counts, Finn stops at 4, and Rollins bails out of the ring. Finn hurries out after him to bring Rollins to the desk. But Rollins blocks the bump off the desk to SMACK Finn off it instead! Finn crawls away, Rollins stalks after him, and the ring count climbs. Rollins headlocks Finn, but Finn RAMS Rollins into the desk! The corner gets Rollins in the ribs!
The ring count is 7 of 10 as Rollins hobbles away. Rollins and Finn slide in at 8, and Finn stomps away at the ropes again! Finn digs his heel in each time, but he stops as the ref counts. Finn mocks Rollins’ usual swagger, then he brings Rollins up to whip. Finn KNEES Rollins against ropes, then whips him the other way for another KNEE! Finn snarls, he whips Rollins again, and he kitchen sink knees! Cover, ONE!! Rollins grits his teeth while clutching his ribs, but Finn hip drops Rollins down! Finn soaks up the heat as fans boo, and he snapmares Rollins to CLUB him on the back. Finn clamps on a chinlock and he grinds Rollins down.
Fans rally, Rollins fights up, and he JAWBREAKERS free! Rollins CHOPS, whips, but Finn reverses and slips around to have a cobra twist! Rollins endures the abdominal stretch as Finn digs his elbow into the ribs. Rollins endures, fans rally, and Rollins powers up to power out! Rollins hip tosses Finn down! Finn gets up but Rollins counter punches! And again! And again! Rollins CHOPS! ROCKS! CHOPS! Repeat! Rollins whips, Finn reverses again but Rollins kicks him away! Rollins runs to KNEE Finn out of the ring! And then Rollins DIVES! Direct hit and now Finn hits the desk! Fans fire up as Rollins nods his head!
Rollins puts Finn back in the ring as fans sing, “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Springboard FLYING KNEE! Finn flounders back up, into a LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Rollins keeps cool, he knows Finn is tough. Fans continue to sing and Rollins goes to the corner. Rollins aims, runs in, but Finn SLINGBLADES! Finn snarls, runs in, but into a SUPERKICK! Rollins hurries to a corner as Finn goes down! Rollins is up top, for a FROG SPLASH, onto knees!! Cover, TWO!!! Rollins escapes the cradle and Finn can’t believe it, but Raw goes to break!
Raw returns once again and Rollins endures as Finn CLUBS him against ropes. Finn then fires off on Rollins while he’s in the ropes, but stops as the ref counts 4. Finn runs side to side, but Rollins dodges to trip Finn up! Rollins drags Finn up, and Finn knows what this feels like! Finn flails and pops free of the powerbomb! He SHOTGUNS Rollins into the barriers! Finn puts Rollins back in, climbs up top, and he takes aim for CUOP DE- NO, Rollins move! But Finn avoids the curb stomp! Rollins kicks low, hooks the arms, but Finn back drops free! Rollins sunset flips, TWO, into a deadlift POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!!
Fans fire up as both men are still in this! “This is Awesome!” as Rollins stands and goes back up the corner. PHOENIX SPLASH, but Finn moves! SHOTGUN again, and Rollins hits buckles! Finn fires up and hurries to the corner! Finn climbs, but Rollins trips him up! The Prince is stuck on his throne, and Rollins climbs up after him. Rollins brings Finn up, for the SUPERPLEX! And roll through, to FALCON- NO, Finn slips out to 1916!! Cover, TWO!?! Rollins survives but Finn is too sore to be frustrated. Finn grits his teeth, he throws knees into Rollins’ ribs, and then CLUBS away on the lower back!
The ref has Finn stop so he can check Rollins. Rollins slowly sits up but Finn drags him up. Rollins kicks low and hooks the arms! But Finn trips Rollins! Rollins avoids the double stomps to kick and try again! Finn slips off the bomb but Rollins FALCON ARROWS! Cover, TWO!! Rollins growls and fans fire up again. “OH~ OHH~ OHHHH~!” Rollins aims from the corner again, but the Judgment Day rush out! Dom gets on the apron but Rollins DECKS him! But Finn rolls Rollins! TWO!! ROLLING ELBOW from Rollins, and then the DREAM SMASHER! Priest gets up but gets away before Rollins can hit him! Finn trips Rollins for the DOUBLE STOMP!
Finn fires up, fans boo, but The OC rush out! They take the fight to the Judgment Day! Finn is distracted, he sees Gallows, Anderson and Mia! Dom and Karl spill into the ring and Dom wants mercy! Karl clotheslines Dom out of the ring instead! But then Finn clotheslines Karl! Mia and Rhea brawl in the timekeeper’s area! Priest throws Gallows into the barriers, then he POUNCES Karl over the desk! Gallows ROCKS Priest with an uppercut, then THROWS him into the crowd! Finn focuses, and he SHOTGUNS Rollins back down! Finn hurries up top, Dom distracts the ref, but STYLES appears! Styles shoves Finn off the top!!
Fans cheer as The OC get one over on Finn! But Priest comes back for more! Priest brawls with Gallows, Styles joins in, but Dom rushes over there! They brawl into the crowd, and the fans are loving it! As for Rollins, he runs at Finn, CURB STOMP!! Cover, Rollins wins!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)
BUT THEORY ATTACKS! Theory wants payback on Rollins, and he fireman’s carries to hit A TOWN DOWN! Rollins flops out of the ring but Theory’s rage is still going! He RAMS Rollins into the steel steps! And then dribble shim off the desk! And again! And again! And RAMS him into the apron! And POSTS him! The ref tries to stop Theory but he keeps raining down fists on Rollins! Theory puts Rollins back in the ring, drags him back up, and he fireman’s carries for another A TOWN DOWN!! Fans boo but Theory holds up the US Championship. Theory aims at Rollins as he staggers to his feet, BELT SHOT!!
Fans are thunderously booing like they were earlier tonight as Theory stands over Rollins with the belt held high. Will Theory be the future United States Champion? And what of Bobby Lashley’s claim to the title? Will Rollins be able to survive this series of challengers?
My Thoughts:
A really good episode of Raw, but it sure took some time to rev up. It felt promo heavy, and that’s never good for any wrestling program. I will say that we at least got some good promos to move stories along. For one, pretty good MizTV segment. Miz was so obvious with how fake he was being, so of course Gargano called him out on that. And Lumis revealing himself as the cameraman feels familiar, but that was great stuff. I figured this was going to settle with both money and WWE contract on the line, and I would think Lumis wins. Good promo from Riddle and Gable, but an even better match. And it seems they’re setting up the tag team blow-off, that has to be the moment Elias smashes Riddle with his guitar to return to being a Heel.
Real good stuff out of the Women’s Division, though maybe a bit lopsided. Good promo from The OC as a group, Styles challenging Finn to a 1v1 for Survivor Series is part of what I expected, but it doesn’t really account for keeping the factions out of it. Priest & Dom VS Good Brothers should be a thing so we can get just Finn VS Styles at the PPV. Maybe that can happen as part of the go-home next week, so we can see Priest & Dom work as a duo. But back to Mia, of course she was going to win her return match, but I feel like Rhea walking out there and showing us DMG CTRL watching was a lot at once, kind of took away from Mia’s win.
Sky VS Dana was good stuff, and for a moment I thought Dana was going to join Team EST. Mia joining Bianca’s team instead to then motivate Rhea to join DMG CTRL’s side all made sense, even though I don’t think they needed to. I suppose it does help tie up a lot of stories together instead of having Mia VS Rhea as a separate match somewhere. But I think that leaves Team EST’s fifth spot to be the “surprise” that is Candice LeRae. She got beat up by DMG CTRL, she’ll want payback on them just as much as Bianca, Asuka & Alexa. And this saves big returns like Becky’s, or even Sasha & Naomi, for the next phase of DMG CTRL’s story to take us to Royal Rumble.
Good promo from Shelton, Priest and Dom, with Dom playing his part perfectly as the small fry with the big ego hiding behind the big guy. Shelton VS Dom was a good match, but of course Judgment Day cheats to win that. I’m curious as to HHH’s plans for Shelton, and even Cedric Alexander, as we’re suddenly seeing them on TV again. Maybe Hurt Business reunion? Lashley VS Ali was a great first match of the night, though it seemed like a rehash of the last time these two faced off. Ali is meant to be facing Ricochet on SmackDown, maybe they use this match here as kayfabe reason for swapping someone else into the SmackDown World Cup.
Speaking of that opening, Rollins had a great promo to kick things off, and he has a point that he’s making the US title a big deal again. And while he hasn’t changed his swagger from when he was Heel Visionary, Rollins is making the pivot into Face Visionary, and fans love it. Theory and Ziggler had a good promo to set up their match, and it was a great match. Theory showing off his rage was great stuff, even if it wasn’t the way I saw this going. Finn VS Rollins was awesome stuff, worthy of the main event and worthy of making the US title feel big.
The Judgment Day and OC brawling during this made some sense, but it also seemed to protect Finn in the loss, or perhaps made Rollins look weaker, depending on how you look at it. Lashley helped Rollins survive last week, the factions did that this week, Rollins needs to win on his own to really solidify himself. Theory attacking Rollins to close out the show does help double down on Theory’s new Heel edge and Rollins being Face. I was surprised Lashley didn’t come back for his own pound of flesh, but maybe the go-home decides who is challenging Rollins next. Though as I say that, Theory VS Lashley would be too hard to call after what we just saw out of Theory. Maybe just make it a Triple Threat?
My Score: 8.5/10
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IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLASGOW KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Candice has Tiffy down with an armlock. Tiff fights up as the fans rally, but Candice wrenches to wristlock. Tiff spins through, goes to ropes, then up the corner to flip and arm-drag! The fans fire up as Tiff rallies on Candice! DROPKICK, and Tiff snarls! Tiff goes to the corner, and Charlotte makes her entrance? The Queen chooses to be fashionably late all so everyone looks at her, including Tiffy. Tiffy handsprings, but Candice dodges! Candice runs up to UPPERCUT, then she snapmares and NECK SNAPPERS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice clamps onto Tiffy with a top wristlock.
The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte now chooses to join commentary. Tiff fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, but Candice CLUBS away on her! Candice backs off, runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her to ropes! Tiff runs, HIP ATTACKS, and Candice flops back! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays on Candice with a whip, but Candice reverses. Candice CLOBBERS Tiff, covers, TWO! Charlotte corrects Tiffy’s words earlier: Charlotte isn’t the “top girl,” she is THE woman in WWE. Candice HIP DROPS Tiff but the fans rally up. Candice scuffs Tiff, then grinds an arm to drop a knee on the elbow! And another knee drop! Tiff endures and the fans rally up.
Candice keeps on that arm, thrashes it around, but Tiff fights up. Tiff fires body shots, then shoves Candice to Alabama Lift her! Candice sunset flips, Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated and Candice bails out. Tiff goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Candice and Nia, and Tiff almost stuck the landing! The fans fire up with Tiff and she goes into the ring. Tiff points to the WrestleMania sign, and then at Charlotte, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Tiff waits on Candice, Candice slides in, and Tiff stomps her down! Candice bails out, Nia is there to coach her, but Tiff lets the ring count start. Candice gets on the apron, Tiff kicks her, but Candice RAMS Tiff! Candice CLUBS Tiff, has her in the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Candice climbs, aims, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO!
Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW!
Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back! Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring!
The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring. Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, but with some interesting moves after the sudden change in plans with The Rock showing up. Naomi and Bianca had a good promo to hype up what was meant to be a full match of Naomi VS Liv, but word had already come out before the show that things were being cut for time. But at the very least, they did the right thing of making it a brawl that adds heat to the tag title match on Monday. Also, hilarious how Chelsea & Piper thought the beatdown on Bianca & Naomi was so bad that they would need to be pulled from the Chamber. I also can’t wait to see what happens on Toronto SmackDown.
As for The Rock, I do appreciate he used his authority to kayfabe change more things, all so he could have his promo with Cody. I also appreciate Rock blending his different roles and even different sides, both Heel and Face, to A) bring the news of WM42 being in NOLA, and B) recreate the Corporate Champion/People’s Champion story from the Attitude Era. That was some wild stuff he was saying to Cody. I’m sure quite a few people will try and talk with Cody next week in the go-home. Heels will say do it because they’d love to have what Rock can give, Faces will say not because Cody’s better than that. But naturally, Cody is not going to become The Rock’s Champion, causing Rock to turn on him and really up things going into WrestleMania 41 and perhaps even beyond.
Good stuff in the Elimination Chamber related stories. Jimmy VS McIntyre was great stuff to open, and how fitting that McIntyre loses to Jimmy after talking all that trash about Jimmy and Jey being the same. Jey got McIntyre with something quick, Jimmy got McIntyre with something quick, McIntyre’s ego is obviously his weakness. And at the same time, McIntyre of course destroys Jimmy after because that’s his other personality trait. Priest had good promos with Cody and Braun, and we got great stuff from Solo’s Bloodline. Naturally, we got a miscommunication spot to help finish, we’re really close to Solo VS Jacob, I can feel it. Priest & Braun get the win, mostly because Priest isn’t winning in the Chamber when you’ve got Punk and Cena in there.
Very good stuff with Tiffy Time, from the promos leading into the match to Charlotte being ringside just to watch. Nia & Candice of course get the better of Tiff & Trish, because Tiff & Trish are definitely winning the tag match in Toronto. Charlotte just seems to enjoy trolling Tiff with her presence, so Charlotte probably shows up in Toronto to then confront Tiff after the match. I expect the seven weeks after Elimination Chamber to really heat up, as will Charlotte’s involvement, where she’ll get more active verbally and physically. Also, hell, Rock should go full Corporation and have Charlotte be his Corporate Women’s Champion because of how established she is.
Hilarious stuff from Truth tonight, as always. Truth and Melo having their “who’s on first” again was good stuff, and of course Miz gets in on this story, too. Truth & Knight VS “Melo Don’t Miz” was really fun, but yeah, should’ve figured Nakamura would get involved, too. Melo & Miz making it work could also be really fun, and while Knight VS Nakamura is a rehash, I really hope they find a way to up things. It feels like we’re getting the same with the tag titles as Profits “ruined” that great tag match from DIY and Pretty Deadly, then brawled with MCMG to still come out on top. Last year had a ladder tag title match, so why not do one for these titles this year?
Speaking of escalating, Kevin filming a promo outside Sami’s house was some really well done stuff, as expected of someone as good as Kevin and in such a story as him and Sami. Their match should main event, it needs time to breathe, as it could be just as, if not more violent, than the Chamber matches. What a powerful closing moment we could have if it’s a bloody Kevin and Sami, and one of them is standing over the other, triumphant yet mournful because it was their best friend in the world that they just brutalized.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
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