Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (1/2/23)
2023 is Raw!
The first Raw of the year is golden!
After reviewing the Absolute Best of 2022, Raw starts with what could be the absolute best of 2023! TWO huge title matches kick off the New Year with gold!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Raw Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair VS Alexa Bliss; Bianca wins by disqualification and retains the title.
- Music City Street Fight: Elias VS Solo Sikoa; Solo wins.
- Six Man Tag: Sami Zayn & The Usos VS Kevin Owens & The Street Profits; Sami & The Usos win.
- Dexter Lumis VS Chad Gable w/ Otis; Lumis wins.
- Becky Lynch & Mia Yim VS Dakota Kai & Iyo Sky w/ Bayley; Kai & Sky win.
- WWE United States Championship: Austin Theory VS Seth Rollins; Theory wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
The Bloodline is disrupting Raw!
Solo Sikoa TOSSES security aside while Sami Zayn & The Usos tear apart commentary! Solo then TOSSES the security guard into the crowd! Jimmy wants us to check it out! The Bloodline is in the building and they’re taking over Monday Night Raw! Last year, this year, it’s all the same! Then they tip the commentary desk over! Sami says this is a message to everyone in the back! The Bloodline runs the show! UNDERSTAND?! But here comes KEVIN OWENS! Fans fire up as The Prizefighter shows up, with a mic in hand. Sami shouts at him first, “Hey! Hey! I see you got your little microphone there, Kev. Don’t open your mouth, and don’t say a word. Listen very carefully.
“Because in case you can’t tell, we’re not in a very good mood tonight. In case you can’t tell, tonight is a hostile takeover of Monday Night Raw by the Bloodline!” Kevin says, “Is that right?” Sami says they’re taking over by any means necessary. People are going to get hurt, and it is all because of Kevin! Kevin says, “Because of me?” Fans chant “UCEY! UCEY!” but Kevin says, “I could swear I Had something to say when I came out here, that’s why I’ve got the microphone. But just now, after hearing you, all I really wanna do is come punch you in the face, so…” Kevin heads to the ring!
But Adam Pearce is shouting no! He stops Kevin and says The Bloodline is NOT the authority here, PEARCE is! And he’s let them get away with stuff for far too long, and that goes for Roman, too! They’re not doing this tonight or at all in the New Year! The Bloodline are going to leave and they will do it peacefully. Security, please escort The Bloodline from the ring and from the building. The guards rush in but Solo CLOBBERS each and every one of them! The Enforcer and his brothers dare them to try again, so KEVIN rushes in! He fights 4v1, Pearce shouts for reinforcements! And out comes the Raw roster!!
Shelton Benjamin, the Good Brothers, the Profits, you name it, they’re here, turning the tide back on the Bloodline! The Bloodline bails out and retreats! But Pearce says now they’re not getting out of this that easy! In fact, they’re not getting out at all! Bloodline wants to come to work? Then they’ll be put to work! Get your gear, because each and every one of you are in a match tonight! And that is official! Fans are fired up, Sami says what happens now is on Pearce’s hands! But just what happens now that Sami, the Usos and Solo must face the wrath of the Raw roster?
Backstage interview with Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the RawEST Women’s Champion, and says that after falling victim to Alexa Bliss two weeks ago, how has this shift in Alexa’s behavior changed their relationship? Bianca says, “With all due respect, Byron, I am no victim.” And she’s done talking to or about Alexa. Their friendship is far beyond repair. Alexa can blame Bray Wyatt all she wants, but we all know Alexa is her own person. She can do what she wants when she wants and no one else can convince her otherwise. So, Alexa wanted the match, and Bianca wants to prove why the title belongs with the EST. Bianca heads out, but will she be ready for whatever twisted thing is lurking in Alexa’s mind?
The Raw roster is riled up!
Adam Pearce tells everyone to calm down! Montez Ford says if Pearce is booking matches, that better include The Profits! Kevin Owens says the Bloodline wants him, so he wants in, too. Pearce understands that everyone wants a piece, but there are only four of them so not everyone gets a shot. Elias says he doesn’t care about any of that. Not Sami, the Usos, just SOLO! That animal smashed Elias with a guitar and tried to end his career! He wants a match with Solo 1v1! He demands it! No, not a match! A FIGHT! Then if no one objects, Pearce will give Elias that. They’re in Nashville, so Elias VS Solo is a Music City Street Fight!
And as for the rest, he thinks Six Man Tag: Sami & Usos VS The Profits & KO! Ford & Dawkins say that’s easy money. Pearce says for everyone else, this is a new year. It is time that we start acting like it. Thank you very much, gentlemen. The roster relaxes, and they hope the Bloodline gets what they deserve. Will the Bloodline face the consequences of their actions here tonight?
Raw Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair VS Alexa Bliss!
They were united against Damage CTRL, but ambition and success always divides. Will the EST keep on the road to WrestleMania this year? Or will we see Lil’ Miss Bliss become the newest Raw Women’s Champion?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see just how twisted the new year can be!
The bell rings and the two stare down. They approach and Bianca DECKS Alexa! Bianca eggs Alexa on, Alexa rushes in, but Bianca holds her back with one hand! Bianca then DECKS Alexa again! Alexa kicks back, into a kick and a HEADBUTT! Alexa staggers, Bianca has her dukes up. Alexa glares at Bianca, they tie up and Alexa swings! Bianca narrowly avoids it, Alexa avoids the kick, and she SHOTGUNS Bianca out of the ring! Alexa runs, but Bianca catches the wrecking ball dropkick! Bianca brings Alexa up, Alexa fights, but the rana is blocked! Bianca SWINGS Alexa into the barriers! Nashville fires up with Tennessee’s own, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Alexa fires forearms on Bianca! Alexa ROCKS Bianca, runs, but gets run over! Fans fire up while Bianca snarls. Bianca looms over Alexa, brings her up, but Alexa shoves her away. Alexa then slides under, but Bianca handsprings over! Bianca wags her finger, then dares Alexa to bring it. Alexa laughs that off, but tries to run away. Bianca gets her by her hair, but Alexa breaks free to crucifix. Bianca fights and swings Alexa around, but Alexa arm-drags! But Bianca handsprings through that, then goes to the corner to say kiss this! Fans fire up while Alexa sighs. Alexa runs in but Bianca goes up and over to dropkick her down!
Bianca kips up, fans fire up, and Bianca waits on Alexa. Alexa stands, Bianca runs in, but Alexa sends her into the POST! Alexa smiles and there are Bliss fans here. They cheer as she bows and says she’s smarter than Bianca. Alexa stomps away on Bianca in the corner, lets off at 4, and then gives Bianca space. Bianca crawls along the ropes but Alexa steps on Bianca. Alexa stomps Bianca down, then gives her skateboard stomps! The ref counts, Alexa lets off at 4 to cover, TWO! The toughEST isn’t going to be stopped by that, but Alexa brings Bianca up. But Bianca blocks the suplex to suplex Alexa! Alexa throws knees, but Bianca keeps her up!
Bianca gets Alexa back up, but Alexa slips out to use the hair to bring Bianca into a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Alexa is frustrated, but she storms up on Bianca to bring her up. Fans rally, Alexa bumps Bianca off buckles then digs her boot in. The ref counts, Bianca pushes the foot away at 4, but Alexa stalks Bianca at the ropes. Alexa brings Bianca up but Bianca throws body shots. Alexa SLAPS, ROCKS and KNEES Bianca, then SHOTGUNS her down! Cover, TWO! Fans rally while Bianca checks her cheek. Alexa brings Bianca up, but Bianca blocks the DDT! Bianca pops Alexa up into a suplex! And then SLAM!
Fans fire up while both women are down! Bianca grits her teeth and drags Alexa up. Alexa SLAPS Bianca again! Bianca fires off furious fists! She’s the angriEST she’s been, and she bumps Alexa off buckles! And off more buckles! And more buckles! Bianca hits all four corners! Alexa wobbles, Bianca scoops her, and SLAMS her! Bianca scoops and SLAMS again! And then again! Alexa flounders so Bianca stomps Alexa down, then handsprings to MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Alexa survives and Bianca is annoyed. Bianca drags Alexa up, scoops her again, but Alexa slips off! Bianca rushes in but Alexa dumps Bianca out to the apron!
Alexa kicks Bianca off the apron, goes to the apron, and she CANNONBALLS! Direct hit, both women are down, and Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again and Bianca RAMS Alexa into a corner! Bianca RAMS into Alexa more and more, lets off to snapmare, but Alexa gets around to a waistlock. Bianca swings, Alexa ducks to shove and SHOTGUN! Bianca hits buckles and falls, Alexa covers, ONE!! Alexa clamps on with a chinlock! Alexa squeezes tight but Bianca endures. Fans rally up, Bianca fights up and throws body shots, but Alexa throws Bianca by her hair! The ref reprimands, but Alexa drops knees! Insult2- NO, Bianca avoids Injury for the ghost pin! TWO, and Alexa has a cover, TWO! Alexa hooks an arm, but Bianca uses that to lift Alexa!
Bianca has the torture rack, but Alexa fires off elbows! Alexa is free, tilt-o-whirls around, IRON- NO, Bianca powers out of the octopus for a BACKBREAKER! That’s the power of the strongEST! Alexa goes to a corner, Bianca is right on her! Bianca rains down fists! Fans count all the way to TEN! Bianca hits 12, but Alexa slips free! Alexa YANKS Bianca down by her braid!! Bianca tumbles to the floor, fans are torn, but Alexa stalks Bianca to the barriers. Someone’s wearing an Uncle Howdy Mask?! Alexa locks eyes with that man and seems scared of it. Alexa hurries after Bianca, puts her in the ring, and hurries up the corner.
Alexa reaches the top, but then there’s ANOTHER man in an Uncle Howdy Mask?! She’s scared again, but then the White Rabbit symbol flashes on the tron! Alexa tries to resist the power it has over her but she seems to be losing control! SHE CLOBBERS THE REF!!
Winner: Bianca Belair, by disqualification (still Raw Women’s Champion)
Fans are losing their minds as Alexa rains down fists on the ref! Then Alexa CLOBBERS Bianca! She rains down fists, throws Bianca out of the ring, POSTS her, then RAMS her into the barriers! And then into another POST! Alexa RAMS Bianca into the apron, RAMS her into the steel steps, then drags Bianca onto them. DDT to the steel steps!! Bianca flops off the steel with a bloody mouth! Alexa is no longer concerned about the title, she drags Bianca up for ANOTHER DDT to the steel steps!! Fans boo while Alexa leaves Bianca down on the ground. Medics rush out to check Bianca, has Alexa taken the title from her one way or another?
Backstage interview with Austin Theory.
Cathy Kelley asks how confident he feels going into the huge title defense against Seth Rollins. Theory says it is at an all time high! This is the new year, so new year, new him. NOT. Theory made 2022 his year, and he’ll do the same with 2023. Theory brings up how he got under Rollins’ skin at the end, and then when Rollins wanted a fight with The Bloodline, Theory waited until Rollins least expected it, and he dropped Rollins! Guess that clarifies that Seth Freakin’ Rollins is the past, and Theory is the Now.
But not only does Theory hold the title, and all the cards. Theory is outplaying Rollins every turn! That means the forever reign is just beginning! Not too bad for a kid. But will Theory still have the upper hand? Or will he bust when taking on The Visionary?
Ladies and gentlemen: Elias.
The Drifter is in the ring and introduces himself before strumming the guitar. Nashville appreciates his country stylings and Elias shouts out Music City. “Tonight, I’ve got a Music City Street Fight, and I plan on smashing this guitar over Solo Sikoa’s face. But tonight, he is gonna find out what Hardy knows, what you know and what Nashville knows. And that is that WWE stands for…” “WALK WITH ELIAS!” Elias says you better believe he’s come prepared with a song to get us in the mood. But then Solo’s theme song interrupts! Elias is frustrated, but the Street Champion of the Island is never in a good mood! Who will be singing the blues after being beat black ‘n’ blue?
Music City Street Fight: Elias VS Solo Sikoa!
The bell rings and Elias storms up to Solo. They tie up, Solo shoves Elias away, but Elias comes back. Elias headlocks, Solo powers out, but Elias RAMS shoulders with him. Neither man falls, so Elias grabs the headlock again. Solo powers Elias to a corner, digs his shoulder in then RAMS Elias! Solo ROCKS Elias with that uppercut! Solo throws body shots and headbutts! Solo CHOKES Elias because he can now! Fans are torn but Solo soaks up the cheers and jeers. Elias CHOPS back! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Elias whips, Solo reverses but Elias turns hip toss into- NO, Solo CLOBBERS Elias out of the hip toss!
Solo has Elias on the ropes, throws hands, then paces around. Elias stands up, Solo runs in but Elias dumps him out! Elias runs, but Solo avoids the dropkick to ROCK Elias again! Fans rally up but Solo brings Elias around. Solo bumps Elias off the apron, then ROCKS him with a haymaker. Solo says this needs more cowbell! But Elias throws a body shot! Elias CLUBS Solo, then he CLONKS Solo with the cowbell! Elias POSTS Solo, ROCKS him with a forearm, then CHOPS again! Solo snarls, Elias grabs the guitar! Solo ducks, the Smash Hit hits the post! Solo ROCKS Elias back, then shouts, “What the hell is wrong with you!?”
Solo whips but Elias reverses, Solo goes through the DRUMSET! Elias grabs the cymbal, and CRASHES Solo into the timekeeper’s area! Fans fire up with Elias as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and they’re fighting up the ramp. Elias SMACKS Solo with a guitar case! Solo stumbles to the stage, and Elias whips him, but Solo reverses! Elias hits the amp! Solo gets the mic, mic check on Elias’ forehead! And again! SUPERKICK! Elias flops over and Solo fires up! Solo drags Elias up to throw him through a DRUMSET! Solo moves things aside, grabs a drum stand, and he JAMS Elias in the ribs! Elias staggers back down the ramp but Solo JAMS him again! Solo admires the stand as he stalks Elias. Solo JAMS Elias again, HEADBUTTS him back to the ring, and they get inside. Solo stalks Elias while fans cheer and jeer.
Elias grabs a keyboard and JAMS Solo! Elias whips, Solo reverses, and Elias hits the buckles hard! Elias staggers into a SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Elias is still in this but Solo picks up the keyboard. Solo plays chopsticks then drops the board. Solo tosses Elias out of the ring, goes out after him, and they go around the way. Elias grabs a tambourine to SMACK Solo! Elias puts Solo back in the ring, ROCKS him with haymakers, and Solo is a bit busted open. Elias SMACKS Solo with the keyboard! And then again!! Solo writhes and Elias pushes him to a cover, TWO!! Elias has a bloody scratch on his arm but he doesn’t let that stop him form clamping on a chinlock.
Solo endures, fans rally up, and Solo fights up to throw body shots. Solo clinches to BELLY2BELLY! Fans fire up as Solo watches Elias crawl to a corner. Solo fires off haymakers, then gets some space. Solo runs in, but Elias dodges! The splash hits buckles and corner! TAMBOURINE SMASH! And again! Elias CHOPS, ROCKS, CHOPS, repeat! Fans fire up, Elias whips corner to corner then runs in to STINGER SPLASH! Elias keeps moving, STINGER SPLASH again! Elias runs, dodges the lariat to SPINEBUSTER! Fans fire up with the Drifter and he has the tambourine again! SMASH! SMACK! SMASH! The tambourine breaks!
Elias clotheslines Solo out of the ring! He brings the keyboard with him, to SMASH it on Solo’s back! Elias looks at what he has left, and Hardy offers his guitar! Elias thanks the country megastar, then goes back to Solo in the ring. SMASH- SUPERKICK!! Solo interrupts the guitar solo to rain down fists on Elias! Hardy says it ain’t going down like that! He gets in the ring, he has the guitar, and Nashville fires up! Solo turns around, into a SMASH HIT from Hardy!! But he doesn’t fall!?! Hardy done messed up! Hardy runs for it, but then Solo turns around into a SYMPHO-KNEE!! Elias grabs the scraps of that guitar and climbs up top!
FLYING SMASH- SAMOAN SPIKE!!! Elias sputters while Solo roars! Solo drags Elias to the piano! SPINNING SOLO through the piano!!! Cover, Solo wins!
Winner: Solo Sikoa, by pinfall
The Street Champion of the Island stands tall, and he scares Hardy off. Will someone be playing Taps for Elias after this one?
Six Man Tag: Sami Zayn & The Usos VS Kevin Owens & The Street Profits!
The Honorary Uce lost alongside The Tribal Chief to end 2022, but now he and the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions look to start 2023 on the right foot. Will the Bloodline sweep the night even after incurring the wrath of Raw? Or will KO, Ford & Dawkins be the ones that send the Bloodline packing back to SmackDown?
The teams sort out and nevermind, it’s a brawl! The ref tries to get this to calm down, but the Profits toss the Usos and Kevin tosses out Sami! The brawl continues outside, Kevin CHOPS Sami and shouts, “You don’t think I know your tricks?!” Dawkins puts Jimmy back in and now the match begins! Dawkins fires off fast hands in the corner, lets off as the ref counts, and Dawkins whips Jimmy to ropes. Jimmy runs Dawkins over, things keep moving, and Dawkins hurdles! Dawkins hurdles, again, then FLYING ELBOWS Jimmy down! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Dawkins throws off his jersey to CYCLONE SPLASH and ENZIGURI! Jimmy falls, Dawkins covers, TWO!
Dawkins drags Jimmy up, tags Ford, and fans fire up as the Profits whip and dropkick Jimmy down! Ford stares Sami down, mocks the Bloodline’s “we the ones” finger, and he kicks Jimmy back tot he corner. Tag to Dawkins, the Profits mug Jimmy and whip him to ropes. Jimmy reverses, Dawkins holds ropes to BOOT back !Jimmy distracts the ref so Jey can ENZIGURI Dawkins down! Jimmy tags Jey, Jey drags Dawkins up and ROCKS him with haymakers! Jey stomps Dawkins to the corner, lets off as the ref counts, and Jey eggs everyone on, even the fans. Jey drags Dawkins over, tags Sami, and they mug Dawkins.
Sami stomps Dawkins around, brings him up for haymakers, then he brings Dawkins back. Tag to Jimmy as fans chant “SAMI USO!” Jimmy & Sami mug Dawkins, then Jimmy tags Jey. The Usos drag Dawkins around, then they split the wishbone! Sami mocks Dawkins’ pain, Jey covers, TWO! Jey snarls, he drags Dawkins up and talks trash, but Dawkins ROCKS Jey with a right! Both men are down, Dawkins hot tags Kevin! Kevin rallies on Jey with clotheslines and haymakers! Kevin whips Jey to ropes then CLOBBERS him! SENTON! Kevin BLASTS Jimmy, then tells Sami to “SUCK IT!” Kevin goes back to Jey and says Sami Uso is more like Sami Bitch!
Kevin brings Jimmy over but Ford is checking on Dawkins. Jey uses that opening to RAM Kevin into an open corner! Jey ROCKS Kevin with an uppercut, then he tags Jimmy. They mug Kevin in the Bloodline corner, then Sami tags in. Sami and Jimmy stomp away on Kevin now, then raise the fingers. Ford is still distracted as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Kevin fires haymakers on Jimmy! Jimmy ROCKS Kevin with an uppercut! Jimmy drags Kevin over, tags in Jey, and Jey stomps Kevin down. Sami says that’s what Kevin gets. Jey taunts Kevin as he rises, and Kevin ROCKS Jey with rights! Jey ROCKS Kevin back! Kevin sits back in a daze as Jey raises the finger. Kevin crawls to ropes, but Jey SUPERKICKS Dawkins! Ford loses focus again but Kevin SUPERKICKS Jey down! Fans rally up, Kevin and Jey crawl, hot tags to Sami and Ford! Sami rushes in, Ford ROCKS him! Jimmy runs in, into a GAMANGIRI! Ford goes up, CROSSBODY on both of them!
Fans fire up with Ford and he clotheslines Sami in the corner! Ford ducks ‘n’ dodges Sami to hit a BIG back suplex! Kip up and STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Sami escapes but Ford stomps him back down. Ford goes to the corner, climbs up top, but Sami ROCKS him first! Sami climbs up after Ford, but Ford holds off the superplex! Ford pries free to ROCK Sami! And again! Sami falls down, Ford resets! FROM THE HEAVENS!! Cover, Jey breaks it in time!! Dawkins slides in to ROCK Jey, then toss him out! Dawkins goes out after Jey, runs in, and he POUNCES Jey into the barriers! Jimmy rushes Ford but is sent back out!
Ford mule kicks Sami, throws him out next to Jimmy, and he builds speed! FORD FLIES! Direct hit at the ramp! But Solo’s back?! The Enforcer SAMOAN SPIKES Dawkins! But Kevin attacks Solo! Fans fire up but Jey SUPERKICKS Kevin!! Kevin flops against barriers, Ford drags Sami up and in, but Jimmy distracts! Ford DECKS Jimmy, but Sami hits a HELLUVA KICK!! Cover, The Bloodline wins!!
Winners: Sami Zayn & The Usos, by pinfall
The Enforcer was an insurance policy, and he helps his brothers win! And now the Usos & Sami mug Kevin! Fans boo as they throw down fists and stomp away. Solo fetches a chair! Solo gives the chair to Sami, but here come the BRAWLING BRUTES! Drew McIntyre 7 Sheamus are here, having followed the Bloodline from SmackDown! They mug Solo then RAM him into barriers! Then they brawl with The Usos! The Undisputed Tag Title match is happening this Friday, Sheamus KNEES Jey! McIntyre HEADBUTTS Jimmy! McIntyre clotheslines Jimmy out to join Jey, and fans fire up for the Celtic Connection!
McIntyre & Sheamus help Kevin up while Sami has the Usos & Solo retreat. Will there be any stopping McIntyre & Sheamus from taking those titles from Jimmy & Jey? Or will the Usos still be the ones in the new year?
AJ Styles has a tweet update.
After a nasty spill at a house show, Styles lets everyone know that he just has a broken ankle. It won’t need surgery, just recovery time, but this will be the longest he’s been away from the ring. He also thanks fans for the prayers and well wishes. We all certainly hope Styles gets well soon, will he make it back in time for the Royal Rumble? Or will he just have to wait for WrestleMania?
Dexter Lumis VS Chad Gable w/ Otis!
The Tortured Artist was screwed out of two big bags of cash by The Miz and big bad Bronson Reed. Will Lumis learn how to deal with a big mouth and a big sidekick by taking on “Master” Gable? Or will even Lumis be told to “SHOOSH~” tonight?
The bell rings and Lumis rushes Gable! Gable runs away, they go around the ring, Gable gets around and waistlocks. But Lumis runs to throw Gable out, then he slithers out! Gable can’t even right now, so Otis stands in Lumis’ way. Gable slides into the ring but Lumis slithers in after Gable! They stare down, Gable swings on Lumis but Lumis dodges! THESZ PRESS! Lumsi fires off fast hands, then runs to drop an ax handle! And another! And another! Otis is furious but Lumis slithers up to him! The tree trunk is scared of Lumis, too! Lumis whips, Gable reverses and FLAPJACK HOTSHOTS Lumis!
Gable CLOBBERS Lumis, Otis says he’s not that scary. Gable CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Gable whips Lumis to the ropes, kitchen sink knees, and says “A THANK YEW~!” Lumis sits up but Gable hooks an arm to hit an elbow breaker! And another! Gable SLAMS the arm down, then clamps on a top wristlock. Lumis endures and Otis talks some trash. Lumis fights up, Gable tells the fans to “SHOOSH!” but they rally. Gable wrenches, whips Lumis to a corner, but Lumis BOOTS Gable away! Lumis swings but Gable spins him around, NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Otis tells Gable not to worry, he has this.
Gable tells fans to “SHOOSH~!” and he drags Lumis up, But Lumis whips Gable into the ropes! Gable tumbles out but skins the cat. Lumis CLOBBERS Gable! And again! Pop-up UPPERCUT! Lumis runs in to clothesline at the corner and hit a BULLDOG! Gable swings, but into a BIG back suplex! Lumis kips up to a LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Otis can’t even but Lumis clinches Gable. Gable elbows free, waistlocks, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Lumis flounders out of the ring, Gable rushes out to KNEE him into the POST! Gable and Otis coordinate, and Gable goes into the ring to distract the ref. Otis rushes Lumis, but Lumis sends him into the POST!
Lumis runs in at Gable, Gable turns the clinch into an arm-drag! La Magistrol, TWO! Lumis has the cover, LUMIS WINS!
Winner: Dexter Lumis, by pinfall
The Alpha Academy is shocked! Their new year is off to a bad start! But will 2023 be Lumis’ year to win more than just Miz’s money?
WWE looks at Cody Rhodes’ journey back.
It was April 2, 2022, when the American Nightmare returned home to the WWE at WrestleMania. Cody never thought he would, but you can never say never. And coming out of WrestleMania, Cody felt everyone understood that he has another shot at living the dream. Cody wants to make his father proud. He can’t bestow the WWE Universal Championship to his father, but he can certainly hold onto it for his father. But just as Cody was finally ready, a pectoral injury has slowed him down. The story continues.
Damage CTRL is here!
Bayley, Iyo Sky & Dakota Kai still have the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships, and are still in a good mood from screwing over The Man, Becky Lynch, to end their 2022. Bayley gets a mic to say, “DING DONG, Happy New Year’s, TRASHVILLE!” Fans boo but Bayley says they should be proud to be from the city where DMG CTRL was born. Or don’t they remember that little show called SummerSlam? Yeah, finally something good came from this town. But don’t ruin Bayley’s night. She can’t think of a better way to kick off 2023 than alongside Bayley’s heroes, Kai & Sky!
But before celebrating, we should all address the “Irish elephant” in the room. Bayley did beat Becky Lynch. And she isn’t saying it was easy, Becky is one of the best ever. But it sure was fun! And best of all, Bayley did it all by herself! It is almost unfair, Bayley is so good! She beat everyone, including- Wait! Here comes Becky! 2023 just entered the Big Time as Becky has a mic of her own! “Shut up, Bayley, ya dope. You’re out here talking like you invented the wheel, but you’ve just been on a hamster wheel ever since coming back. It’s been the same thing week in and week out. You’re a coward and you’re a fraud, unable to do anything by yourself!”
That is the thing, Bayley feels most comfortable in someone else’s shadow. It took Bayley years and years to get out of those shadows, but only took her one year to put herself back there. Becky recalls calling Kai & Sky the lackeys, but perhaps it’s the other way around. They do all the work, they have the gold, but Bayley takes all the glory. And well, hmm… It’s only a matter of time before someone turns on someone. Bayley tells Becky to shut up. Becky’s just upset from losing! No, no, when Becky loses, she doesn’t get mad, she gets better. But Bayley did bring up a good point. This did all start back in Nashville at SummerSlam. So then how about Becky and Bayley end it in Nashville?!
Bayley laughs that off. That’s a ding dong, NO~! Bayley’s already won! Fans boo but Bayley says they can’t be serious! Bayley won fair and square! But since Becky has an obsession with Kai & Sky, how about they have a match with Becky. Becky can even find a partner! Oh, wow, gee, Becky doesn’t have her phone on her to call anyone. But Becky doesn’t mind a 2v1! The Man storms down to the ring, but is this too big for even Big Time Becks to handle?
Becky Lynch & ??? VS Dakota Kai & Iyo Sky w/ Bayley!
Raw returns and the bell rings as Becky starts against the Evil Genius. It seems Adam Pearce still wants this to be a tag match, but Becky just doesn’t have a partner right now. Becky circles with Sky, ROCKS her, then she DECKS Dakota! Becky fires off forearms and uppercuts and a SOBAT on Sky, then whips. Sky reverses, Becky reverses back to then BOOT Sky! Bayley is annoyed as Becky runs to WRECK Dakota! Becky is on the apron, Sky rushes in but into a KICK! Becky HOTSHOTS Sky away a la Bayley! Bayley is even more annoyed but fans cheer. Becky runs in at Sky but Sky waistlocks. Becky bucks the O’Conner, and ENZIGURIS Sky down! Cover, TWO!
Becky keeps cool and she keeps Sky from Kai. Becky steps over but Sky rolls Becky up! TWO, and Sky drop toeholds Becky into buckles! Tag to Kai and she runs, but Becky dodges the boot! Becky elbows Sky, JUMP KICKS Kai, then hip toss SLAMS Sky onto Kai! Becky covers Kai, TWO! Fans rally up for Becky but Bayley tells them to shut up. Becky drops a leg, brother, then an elbow! Then another leg! Fans fire up and Becky taunts Bayley. Becky runs into forearm Kai, then whips her corner to corner. Kai dodges, Becky elbows Kai, but then Sky catches Becky’s kick. Becky still shoves Sky down but Kai hits a BOOT! Cover, TWO!
Kai drags Becky over while Bayley tells Becky she’s down. Kai tosses Becky out, then whips Sky in to CLOBBER her! Bayley taunts Becky, but Becky ROCKS Sky! Bayley hurries away but Sky SHOTGUNS Becky down! Sky pushes Becky in, covers, TWO! Sky is annoyed but she tags Kai. Kai hooks Becky up into a camel clutch, but she also fishhooks Becky’s mouth! The ref reprimands but Kai SLAMS Becky down! Cover, TWO! Tag to Sky, Kai tosses Becky out and Sky goes out after her. Sky whips Becky hard into barriers, then drags her back up. Sky whips Becky into the POST! Bayley smirks and Sky tells Becky she has no friends!
Sky DECKS Becky, then drags her up with a facelock. Sky puts Becky in the ring, covers, TWO! Bayley mocks the “Let’s Go, Becky!” chants and Kai covers, TWO! Wait, here comes MIA YIM! Michin won’t let DMG CTRL do what they want! Becky JAWBREAKERS Kai, and Mia is on the corner! Kai and Becky crawl, hot tags to Sky and Mia! Fans fire up as Mia dodges Sky, CLOBBERS her, then BOOTS her down! Mia ROUNDHOUSES Sky, drop toeholds Kai, then whips Sky to FLAPJACK her onto Kai! Fans fire up, Mia runs to dropkick Sky down! Cover, TWO! Mia drags Sky up, Bayley has no idea what’s going on!
DMG CTRL bails out, but Becky CLOBBERS Kai, and Mia DIVES onto Sky! Fans fire up as we get a big time assist, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Kai whips Mia into the DMG CTRL corner. Mia BOOTS Kai, elbows Sky, but Kai SCORPION KICKS back! Mia staggers to the corner, Kai tags Sky, and DMG CTRL double whip Mia. They BOOT, sweep and AX KICK, to then SHOTGUN Mia down! Cover, TWO! But into a CROSSFACE! Mia clasps hands to fight off the stretch. Fans rally, Mia throws elbows and she fights free. Mia whips but Sky reverses to tilt-o-whirl FACEBUSTER! Into the CROSSFACE! Mia endures, reaches out, and powers her way to a cover, TWO! Sky lets Mia go, runs in but Mia tosses her out! Sky hurries back in to drag Mia from Becky!
Mia BOOTS Sky away, and the tag knocks Kai down! Mia hurries up, but Sky brings her away! Mia throws body shots, ROCKS Sky then hits a NECKBREAKER! Both women are down, Kai grabs at Becky’s feet! Becky stays standing, and Mia tags her in! Becky mule kicks Kai away, then brings her into the apron for a LEG DROP! Becky ROCKS Kai, then hits a FLYING FACEBUSTER! Becky POSTS Kai, RAMS her into the barriers, then SMACKS her off them! Sky runs in but is sent into Kai! Fans rally up and Becky drags Kai up. Becky tosses Kai back into the ring, goes up the corner, and fans fire up!
Kai stands, Becky MISSILE DROPKICKS her down! Cover, TWO! Bayley is worried for her team but Becky drags Kai up. Becky RAMS Kai into the corner! Becky puts Kai up top, she tags in Mia, and both of them go up after Kai. Fans fire up for the DOUBLE SUPERPLEX! All three women are down but Mia crawls to a cover, Sky breaks it! Bayley is relieved and Sky goes after Becky. They throw forearms back and forth, Becky clinches but Sky slips free! SHOTEI! But Mia SHOTGUNS Sky! Kai HOTSHOTS Mia! But then Mia SPIKE-RANAS Kai!! Cover, But Bayley gives Kai the ROPEBREAK! Fans boo and Mia grabs at Bayley!
But Kai tags Sky! Becky CLOBBERS Bayley and fires off hands! Mia makes Kai EAT DA FEET, but Sky hits the OVER THE MOONSAULT!! Cover, Sky & Kai win!
Winners: Iyo Sky & Dakota Kai, by pinfall
Becky got back-up, but it wasn’t enough when DMG CTRL rolls three deep! The Man is left on the losing end again, what will it take to stop DMG CTRL from taking control?
Backstage interview with Seth Rollins.
Rollins says, “Nashville! Who’s ready to sing tonight?” 2023 already looks like 2022: Bloodline is trying to take over Rollins’ show, Theory is trying to take Rollins’ spot. Cathy Kelley, as long as Rollins is bleeding, breathing and doing it all, Monday nights will still belong to him. HAHAHA! And in just a few minutes, so will the WWE United States Championship. Theory will do everything in his power to hold on to the title, and Rollins digs that. That is how much that title means! But as good as Theory is, and as good as he will be, there is one thing that he ain’t, and that’s Seth Rollins. He is a Visionary, he is a Revolutionary, he is Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins!
Rollins promises a party on Broadway tonight, but will things go his way? Or will it be more of a pity party after the main event?
Backstage interview with Alexa Bliss.
Byron wants to get insight as to what happened earlier tonight, and says she seemed to have lost control. Lost control? No. She gained control over Bianca’s headspace. Now she knows the only threat is really Alexa, and that the title actually belongs with her. Can we trust what Alexa was saying just now? Or is someone still pulling her strings?
The Mysterio Familia Telenovela continues!
As if crashing Thanksgiving wasn’t bad enough, Rhea Ripley & Dominik Mysterio crash Christmas at Grandpa’s house! Rey told Dom & Rhea this wasn’t going to happen again. Dom says he’s just here with open arms to celebrate with the family and Mami Rhea. Rey says they should take this outside. They go outside, Dom shoves Rey! Mama Mysterio goes to slap but Rhea blocks her! So Mama SLAPS Mami! Rhea is pissed, but cops are here! The police arrest Dominik for intruding! Rhea protests, she got hit! Dom told Rhea to get Finn and Priest! He won’t make it in jail! Rhea is furious, this is ruining Christmas! Dom did make bail, but will the Judgment Day learn not to be Grinches from now on?
Dominik speaks.
“Sadness. It’s not a bad thing to feel. But it’s that cold absence of feeling, that’s what prison was like. You think I’m playing a game? You think this is a game to me? I served hard time! And I survived! Prison changes a man. And you guys might think that it’s over for me. But no. I’m just getting started. And Mami, I’ll see you soon. Because you know you’re my mamacita.” Is Dominik only more dangerous after living live behind bars?
Bronson Reed is back.
The Colossal Aussie, the Top Dog, and Miz’s mighty new friend is ready to steamroll Raw. Will he crush all those who oppose him and the Hollywood A-Lister?
WWE United States Championship: Austin Theory VS Seth Rollins!
The youngest TWO-TIME US Champion says he’s no longer the next big this or the future that, but he is the NOW of the WWE! Will he still be the Now? Or will he end up the Former when facing the Visionary, the Revolutionary, THE Seth Freakin’ Rollins?
Raw returns and Rollins makes his entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if the new year will have a new champion!
The bell rings and the fans sing, “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Theory rushes Rollins but Rollins evades, and the fans keep singing. Theory frowns but Rollins is having fun. Rollins and Theory circle, feel out a grapple, knuckle lock, and Theory kicks low! Theory headlocks, thrashes around, but Rollins fights up. Rollins powers out, things speed up, and Rollins hurdles to then go the other way and SLINGBLADE! Theory staggers up, Rollins clotheslines him up and out of the ring! Fans sing more and Rollins conducts the choir. Rollins runs to WRECK Theory with a dropkick! Theory hits barriers then falls, but Rollins puts him back in the ring.
Theory bails out the side and fans boo. Rollins goes to the apron, avoids the sweep, and hits a FLYING KNEE! Theory goes down and fans fire up again as Rollins picks Theory up. Rollins SLAMS Theory down onto the barrier, leaving him there as he goes up the announce desk! FLYING KNEE GUILLOTINE! Nashville fires up again as Rollins stands tall, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Rollins CHOPS away on Theory against the barriers! Fans fire up for the MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Rollins lets off, Theory flounders away while clutching his stinging chest, but Rollins puts him in the ring. Theory rushes up but Rollins ROKCS him! SPRINGBOARD FLYING KNEE! Theory flops down under the ropes but Rollins tells the “kid” to get up. Rollins drags Theory up from the apron, but Theory HOTSHOTS him! Then slingshots and somersaults to SHOTGUN Rollins down! Cover, TWO! Theory rains down fists while fans boo. Theory lets off and drags Rollins up to snapmare.
Theory jumps and stomps Rollins down! “You are the past, you hear me? You are the past!” Theory bumps Rollins off buckles then says he’s the one on top. Theory grinds Rollins into buckles with his knee into Rollins’ head! The ref counts, Theory lets off, and he brings Rollins up to whip corner to corner hard! Rollins bounces back off buckles, then Theory drags him around. Theory throws down hands, kicks Rollins around, but fans rally up. Rollins fires off haymakers on Theory, whips him, but Theory reverses. Rollins stops himself in the corner, comes back, but into a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! But Theory clamps on a chinlock!
Rollins fights up, moves around, but Theory wrangles him down. Fans rally up as Rollins endures. Rollins fights up, throws body shots, then hits a BIG back suplex! Fans rally again as Theory goes to the corner. Rollins runs in but Theory dodges the splash! Rollins flounders, Theory covers, ONE!! But it’s back to the chinlock! Theory grinds Rollins down, talks trash, but fans continue to rally behind Rollins. Rollins fights up, throws body shots, but Theory snapmares and jumps, only to miss the stomp! Rollins hits a JAWBREAKER! Then a BOOT! Theory tosses Rollins out of the ring! Theory hurries out after Rollins, brings him up, and smacks him off the desk! And again!
Theory RAMS Rollins into the apron, then TOSSES him over the desk! Rollins hits an armchair, then the barriers! Theory makes Rollins look at the title belt and says, “I am the champ! You will not, NOT, disrespect me!” Theory rains down fists, then he storms off while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns once again and Theory pie faces Rollins around. Rollins gets angry, he eggs Theory on so Theory pie faces him again. Rollins ROCKS Theory, ROCKS him again, and again! And CHOPS, ROCKS, CHOPS, repeat! Rollins fires off over and over, whips Theory to ropes, but Theory reverses, only for Rollins to reverse back! LARIAT! LARIAT! Mule kick, front kick, ROLLING ELBOW! Nashville fires up with Rollins but Theory bails out. Rollins conducts the choir and the singing returns. “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Rollins builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit on Theory, and he puts Theory back in the ring!
Rollins kick slow, underhooks the arms, but Theory back drops! Rollins sunset flips, TWO! Theory kicks low, whips Rollins but Rollins reverses again to knee low! Rollins hooks a leg for a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Rollins is annoyed, but he hurries to the corner. Fans rally up as Rollins climbs, but Theory ROCKS Rollins first! Theory climbs up after Rollins, fans boo but he grins. Rollins slips under to bring Theory off the corner! Theory fights free of the bomb to hook a leg, but Rollins knees free! Rollins suplexes, Theory slips off, Rollins ducks the haymaker but the ELBOW rocks him! Theory fisherman’s, but Rollins cradles! TWO!!
Theory kicks, Rollins blocks it and slips under, but Rollins’ own leg won’t let him keep Theory up. Theory reels Rollins in but Rollins fights! Rollins slips out to ROLLING ELBOW! Rollins tries again, the leg holds this time, but Theory grabs the corner! Rollins lets Theory go, hobbles, and Theory DECKS Rollins from above! Theory adjusts his position, but Rollins springs right up after him! SUPERPLEX! And roll through, but Theory suplexes! AOI SHOUDO!! Cover, TWO!?! Rollins survives and fans are thunderous! Both Theory and Rollins are down, and fans rally up behind the Visionary.
Theory stands, he calls his shot! Fireman’s carry, A-TOWN- NO! Rollins slips free, but Theory blocks the superkick! Theory KICKS Rollins in return, but Rollins SUPERKICKS Theory! Theory ROLLING ELBOWS, Rollins PELES!! Both men are down and fans are fired up again! Rollins and Theory stir, fans build back up and sing “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Theory ROCKS Rollins, Rollins ROCKS Theory! Theory ROCKS Rollins, Rollins ROCKS Theory! The haymakers go back and forth, fans cheering Rollins on! But Theory kicks low! Theory underhooks the arms, but Rollins slips out to ROLLING ELBOW!
Rollins reels Theory in, turns him, DREAM SMASHER ELBOW! Theory falls down, but Rollins takes aim from the corner! Fans fire up, Rollins runs in, CURB- NO, Theory dodges! Rollins’ leg jams again and he leans against the ropes. Theory says he’s done with this, and he grabs his belt. Fans boo that Theory wants to use Champion’s Advantage. But Rollins pursues! Rollins grabs Theory by his face to TOSS him back to ringside! Theory runs away into the ring, Rollins follows! SUPERKICK!! Theory flounders, Rollins goes up top! Rollins FROG SPLASHES!! Cover, TWO!?!? Theory survives by nanoseconds!
Rollins is furious but he goes to a corner again. Rollins aims as Theory flounders about, Nashville is thunderous as Rollins runs in, but into a fireman’s carry! Rollins slips off, Theory switches, and Theory shoves Rollins into the ref! Theory back suplexes, Rollins lands out of it but the leg buckles! Theory storms over, but into a kick! PEDIGREE!!! But between the bad knee and no ref, there’s no count! Wait, a spare ref rushes out! Cover, TWO?!!?! The delay saves Theory!! Rollins is angry with the new ref but he refocuses. Theory stirs, Rollins aims again. CURB- NO, Theory dodges again! Theory shoves Rollins at the new ref, but Rollins stops himself!
LOW BLOW!!! Theory gets away with one, then he CHOP BLOCKS the leg! Fireman’s carry, A-TOWN DOWN!!! Cover, Theory wins!!
Winner: Austin Theory, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)
The “kid” steals one, proving he knows all the tricks of the trade! Will Theory continue to be The Now by any means necessary?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw to open the year, even with the status quo being kept. As I’ve said before, status quo with the titles is fine, so long as they book it in an interesting way. And in the case of the Raw Women’s Championship, that was a great match with a really wild ending. If Alexa is to be believed, she was apparently just pretending to be triggered by the White Rabbit, and she got randos to be fake Uncle Howdy cultists or whatever. Now, I have a feeling some of that is exaggeration, because if Alexa was really in charge of herself, she would’ve won the belt, not cost herself the match. But depending on Bianca’s kayfabe injury, she’ll definitely want a rematch with Alexa at the Royal Rumble to settle this. And then we can see if Bianca retains the title or loses it to Twisted Bliss.
In the case of the US Championship, we got good promos from Theory and Rollins to hype up the main event match, and that match was definitely worthy of the main event. But as things went on, I had the sneaking suspicion that Theory was going to retain. It was a fitting move for Theory to win with cheating, as he is the Heel. This ramps up his heat, and who knows who is next for him. Maybe MVP negotiates Lashley’s return from suspension and Lashley will go after the title for the Rumble. But at the same time, it’d make sense if Rollins wants another shot after being cheated here and he has to fight his way to earn it.
The Bloodline showing up again and “hijacking” the start of Raw was great stuff, and it was smart to have those they attacked a couple weeks ago come back for revenge. I wish we could’ve gotten Good Brothers VS Usos but Karl Anderson is in Japan so he can defend (and most likely lose) the NEVER Openweight Championship at NJPW WrestleKingdom 17 on Wednesday. But Elias VS Solo was a great match with the “Music City Street Fight” (basically just Symphony of Destruction). And of course a piano is in the finish, that was a great urenage that just busted the legs off that thing.
And we got a great Six Man Tag, with Ford taking a sort of zoned out approach to how Bianca’s injury was affecting him in that match. He could’ve been a bit more animated seeing Dawkins go down, but him coming alive to rally on the Bloodline was great stuff. But as usual, The Bloodline always has each other as distractions and that helps them win. I suppose it makes sense, as the Profits had their title opportunity in 2022 and will have to fight their way up rather than jump the line with a win on the champs. But McIntyre & Sheamus showing up was also great, it helps hype up the tag title match on Friday. Though, I see the Usos using Bloodline assists again.
I like the little promo bit from Dominik to add on from the “arrested for Christmas” promo we got last week. It’s a bit comical that Dom says he’s all hard now, as I’m pretty sure he only spent the Christmas weekend in what was probably a nice neighborhood’s jail. But Dom will surely play it up when he returns, and we’ll get some good promos off of that. And I think Lumis VS Gable was mostly because Styles got hurt and The OC couldn’t continue their feud with the Alpha Academy. But that’s alright, we got a really good, really fun match from Lumis and Gable. I just wish we’d get more matches from Gargano. Maybe we can get Lumis & Gargano VS Gable & Otis next week?
And good stuff from Damage CTRL, Becky and apparently now Mia. Good promos for Becky and Bayley, but I’m a bit surprised that if they were going to throw Mia out there partway, why not just kayfabe a way for Mia to have contacted Becky about taking on DMG CTRL together? And even if they played it out this way, it seems a shame that Becky & Mia lose. But at the same time, three still beats two, and they didn’t want Kai & Sky owing a title match to Mia & Becky. Maybe Mia brings in a friend from somewhere and that team takes on Kai & Sky while Becky goes after Bayley 1v1, all blowing off at the Rumble. Or maybe even in the Rumble, so that someone can win a WrestleMania title shot in the process.
My Score: 8.5/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Is Collision Undisputed?
March Madness is in full effect, and Collision is ready to Slam Dunk Saturday! But will Daniel Garcia still be AEW TNT Champion? Or will the Face of TNT be Adam Cole BAYBAY?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- AEW TNT Championship: Daniel Garcia VS Adam Cole; Time Limit Draw, Garcia retains the title.
- Best Wrestler Alive Open Challenge: Max Caster VS Hook; Hook wins.
- Julia Hart VS Queen Aminata; Hart wins.
- Six Man Tag: “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs, Mark Briscoe & Rocky Romero VS The Don Callis Family; The Callis Family wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
AEW TNT Championship: Daniel Garcia VS Adam Cole!
No time to waste, we’re jumping right to the action! Red Death and the Panama City Playboy had their previous match rudely interrupted, but now there is a ringside ban on EVERYBODY! Will Garcia prove he’s still the Face of TNT? Or will the title become Undisputed?
No introductions, the belt is raised, and it’s time to see who gets dunked on!
The bell rings and the fans rally up. Garcia and Cole hear the dueling from Omaha, and they step up. Cole offers a handshake, Garcia takes it, and the fans cheer. The two circle, tie up, and Cole wrenches to a wristlock. Garcia wrenches to wristlock in return, but Cole turns that back onto Garcia. Garcia reaches out, rolls, rolls, and rolls! Cole lets him free and Garcia wags a finger. The fans rally up as Garcia puts up the dukes, and does his dance! Cole smirks and circles with Garcia again. They feel things out, knuckle lock, then Cole wrenches and hammerlocks. Garcia reaches back to headlock, then shifts around to grind the hold.
The fans rally, Cole powers up but can’t power out as Garcia holds tight! Cole fights up and powers out the second try, but Garcia runs him over! Things keep moving, Garcia rolls over the dropdown but Cole arm-drags. Then Cole avoids Garcia’s arm-drag, to say, “ADAM COLE, BAYBAY!” The fans fire up, and Garcia smirks. Garcia and Cole reset, circle, and the fans fire up more. The two tie up, Garcia waistlocks, but Cole switches. Garcia headlocks again, then wrenches right away. Garcia waistlocks again, Cole pries at the hold, then switches. Garcia slips through to have an arm, for an ELBOW BREAKER!
The fans rally, Garcia keeps hold of Cole’s arm to then hammerlock. Cole switches that onto Garcia, then headlocks. Garcia powers up and out, but Cole runs him over! Cole brushes himself off, but Garcia grabs a leg! Cole hops around as he and Garcia stare down. Garcia throws the leg down but Cole headlocks. Cole hits a takeover, but Garcia headscissors. Cole kips free, the two tie up, and they fight for control. Garcia headlocks for a takeover, Cole headscissors, but Garcia kips free. Garcia stands tall and he stares Cole down. The fans cheer, Cole gets to his feet, and the two reset. They feel things out, knuckle lock, and Garcia waistlocks.
Cole switches, Garcia switches back, but Cole grabs the ROPEBREAK! Garcia and Cole clinch as the ref counts. Garcia gives as scuff, but Cole pie faces him back! They tie up, go along the ropes now, in and out of a corner, then end up in another clinch. The ref counts, Garcia and Cole slowly let off, but then Garcia avoids a cheap shot to CHOP! The fans fire up and “WOO~!” then Garcia whips. Cole reverses, Garcia SHOTGUNS him down! The fans fire up with Garcia and he runs in at the corner. Garcia LARIATS, then he climbs up. Garcia rains down fists, the fans count along, but Cole pops out at 7 to SHOVE Garcia to the floor!
The fans rally up while Garcia flounders. Cole waits a moment while the ring count starts. Garcia hobbles, Cole storms out after him, and Cole sends Garcia into the steel steps! Garcia falls in a heap and clutches his knee. Cole hurries to get Garcia up, to send him back into the steps! Garcia crashes and burns and takes a tumble! Cole refreshes the count, fetches Garcia, and he puts Garcia in the ring. Cole grabs the bad leg to stomp the hamstring, then stomps it again. Garcia scrambles away to ropes, but Cole stands on the bad leg against those ropes! The ref counts, the fans are torn, but Cole steps off at 4.
Cole drags Garcia to center for a STANDING KNEEBAR! Garcia endures, even as Cole tells him to just give up. Garcia reaches out, and he has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, the ref counts, and Cole lets go. Cole backs off for Garcia to stand, and Cole kicks the leg out! SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO! Not quite The Boom so Garcia survives, but Cole is right back on him. Cole has the leg, DDTS the foot, and Garcia scrambles away to more ropes. Cole stalks Garcia, drags him up, and bumps him off buckles. Cole stomps Garcia, then stand shim up. Garcia fires haymakers! Cole kicks the leg out!
Cole bumps Garcia off buckles again, puts the leg around the ropes, and pulls! The ref counts, Cole stops at 4, and Garcia slumps down. Cole runs to DROPKICK the bad leg! Garcia flounders away, clutches that leg, but he refuses to give up. Cole grabs the leg, steps through, but Garcia cradle counters! TWO, and both men stand! Cole blocks a kick, CLUBS the leg, then hits a BACKSTABBER! Garcia writhes, Cole covers him, TWO! Garcia toughs it out, and Collision goes picture in picture.
Cole is frustrated but he stays calm as he stands back up. Cole goes to a corner, waits on Garcia, then he goes up the ropes. Garcia hobbles but then falls, that bad leg a little too beat up for what Cole wants. Cole hops down to ROCK Garcia, then he goes back up the ropes. Garcia rises, and he UPPERCUTS Cole! Garcia ROCKS Cole, climbs up to get him, but Cole slips under! Cole SUPERKICKS the legs out! Garcia falls to the mat, Cole goes outside the ring, and Cole drags Garcia into the corner. Cole SLAMS the bad leg into the post! And then SLAMS it again! Garcia writhes in pain as Slam Dunk Saturday returns to single picture.
Speaking of, Cole SLAMS the leg into the post again! Cole ROCKS Garcia, then storms back into the ring. The fans rally up, Garcia crawls, and Cole talks some smack. The fans rally for “D G! WOOP WOOP!” Cole fires forearms, but Garcia refuses to back down. Garcia ROCKS Cole, Cole ROCKS Garcia! Garcia stands to ROCK Cole again! Cole fires a flurry, then eggs Garcia on. Garcia fires a flurry in return! The fans fire up but then Cole rains down fists! Garcia clamps onto Cole’s neck! Cole breaks free but Garcia CHOPS! Cole BOOTS! Cole then dodges a lariat to ENZIGIRI! Cole reels Garcia in, suplexes, but Garcia fights that to TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT!
The fans fire up while both men are down! Garcia drags himself up with the ropes, the fans rally, and Garcia dodges Cole to TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT again! Garcia drags Cole up again, but Cole suplexes! Garcia slips free, TOSSES Cole out, then he has Cole in the ropes! DRAPING TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Cover, TWO!! Cole survives but the fans rally and duel again. Garcia drags Cole up, but the bad leg won’t let him lift! Cole fireman’s carries, USHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO! Garcia stays in this and Cole grows frustrated again. Cole grabs the bad leg, drags Garcia around, and then steps through. Garcia BOOTS Cole right out of the ring!
Cole gets back on the apron, but Garcia runs up to GAMANGIRI! Both men tumble up and out to the floor! The fans rally up, Garcia drags himself up, and the fans help him stand! Garcia smacks his leg into working, and he SHOTGUNS Cole into the barriers! The fans fire up and Garcia drags Cole back up. Garcia puts Cole in the ring, reels him in, but Cole suplexes for a GHOSTBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Garcia survives again and Cole is further frustrated. The fans rally up, Cole goes to the corner, and he waits on Garcia. Garcia rises, Cole aims, but Garcia UPPERCUTS again! Garcia then twists Cole’s foot as he positions Cole just right.
We hit the five minute warning as Garcia climbs. Garcia tries to go to the very top, but the bad leg gives up! He falls back, and Cole jumps in for the PANAMA SUNRISE!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!!! Garcia survives and the fans fire up again! Cole brushes that off to go back up the corner. Omaha duels even harder now as Garcia rises. Cole reloads, but Garcia tumbles out of the ring! Whether he meant to or not, Garcia avoided the game ender. Wait! Cole just goes to the apron now! PANAMA- NO, Garcia dodges, and then KNEES low! Garcia reels Cole in, but the bad leg still prevents the lift! Cole runs in, but Garcia gets around! GERMAN SUPLEX to the floor!
Garcia puts Cole in, beats his leg into working, and he powers up! The fans fire up, but Cole resists the lift! Garcia powers through the pain to PILEDRIVER!! Cover, TWO!?! Cole survives and Garcia is beside himself! Garcia falls back, “This is Awesome!” and Cole goes back to a corner. Garcia hobbles, runs back in, but he can’t even make it! Cole hurries back up, PANAMA SUNRISE!! Cover, TWO!?!? Garcia survives, but Cole just goes to the FIGURE FOUR!! The fans are thunderous as Garcia endures, shouts in pain, and flails around! Garcia claws at the hold, but then he backstrokes towards ropes!
Cole puts on the pressure, Garcia bites his finger to ignore his leg pain, and he gets the ROPEBREAK!! Cole lets go in frustration while the fans fire up again. Cole drags Garcia back to center, but Garcia drags Cole down for a cradle! TWO, but Garcia has Cole’s legs! DRAGON TAMER!! Cole endures as Garcia sits deep, but Cole fights around! The fans fire up as Cole finds the ROPEBREAK! Garcia lets go, more because he couldn’t last much longer himself. Fans hope these two “FIGHT FOREVER!” but we know the time is running out. Garcia stalks Cole to the apron, brings him up to throw hands! Cole fires forearms in return!
The fans rally as these two go back and forth, forearm for forearm! We have ONE MINUTE LEFT! Garcia reels Cole in, but Cole fights the lift! Cole CLUBS away on the legs, then SUPERKICKS the legs out! Cole reels Garcia in, APRON DESTROYER!!! But Garcia flops to the floor! Cole hurries to get Garcia up and back in! Cole hurries to bring the kneepad down, but Garcia grabs that leg! Cole CLUBS away on Garcia! Cole runs, BUT TIME’S UP!!
Time Limit Draw; Garcia retains the title
Omaha can’t believe it! The 20 minutes are up, and Garcia survives to keep the title! But was Garcia saved by the bell? Or is Cole just not TNT Championship material?
BREAKING NEWS for May!
AEW returns to New Jersey by hitting up Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall! ROH Supercard of Honor on Friday, May 2nd, and AEW Collision live on Saturday, May 3rd! Ticket presale begins next Thursday, March 27th, then open to everyone on Monday, March 31st! Don’t miss out on all the elite action!
Best Wrestler Alive Open Challenge: Max Caster VS ???
Slam Dunk Saturday returns and Platinum Max is already in the ring. He has the mic to tell Omaha, “You are looking live at the Best Wrestler Alive!” The fans boo that claim given Caster is 0-5 at his own challenge. But Caster still says everyone knows that Caster is a very busy man. He has a packed schedule, unlike his former tag team partner… The fans chant, “We Want Bowens!” but Caster says he has some news for us: Bowens ain’t here, and he ain’t coming back, cuz Caster ran his ass outta AEW! The fans boo more, but Caster says surely there are a lot of Maximaniacs here today, so time to give them what they want, and that is to chant his name!
Okay, here goes! “Let’s Go, Max! You’re the Best Wrestler Alive! Let’s Go, Max! You’re the Best Wrestler Alive!” The fans boo that stupid chant, so Caster says it’s four on the floor. But anyway, let’s get to business! Who can survive the Best Wrestler Alive? The man to answer is… HOOK! Will the Cold-Hearted Handsome Devil make sure Caster finally learns his lesson?
The bell rings and the fans sing, “Hook is gonna kill~ you!” Caster says before they start, he knows Hook has a lot to say, so he should get it off his chest. Then Caster throws the mic at Hook! Caster attacks in that distraction, then CLUBS away on Hook! The fans boo, Caster whips but Hook reverses! Caster goes up and over, keeps moving, then ducks ‘n’ dodges. Caster cartwheels, cheers himself on, but then Hook trips Caster up! The fans cheer, and Hook clamps on REDRUM!! Caster TAPS, Hook wins!
Winner: Hook, by submission
Well, now it’s 0-6. Will Caster ever realize he’s not the Best Wrestler Alive?
Backstage interview with Queen Aminata.
Lexy Nair is with the One True African Queen, and notes that we are moments away from the tiebreaker with Julia Hart. They are 1-1, but Aminata won the previous match, so how does that momentum have her feeling? Aminata says she is- interrupted by Serena Deeb. Deeb says that was a fantastic win against Julia. What has she been telling Aminata? Listen to Deeb and you win! And tonight, it’s the rematch, and lucky for Aminata, Deeb came prepared. She has another playbook. This is 1000 holds, something Deeb has worked on for 20 years. It is everything Aminata needs to know to beat Julia, or anyone for that matter.
Deeb says it is all in this book. She hasn’t lied to Aminata yet, has she? Aminata tells The Professor thanks, but no thanks. Aminata is confident she can win this third match on her own. Aminata heads out and Deeb says well, we’ll see about that. What is Deeb about to do to test Aminata? Or will having one more match with the Princess of the Black Throne more than enough?
Julia Hart VS Queen Aminata!
The bell rings and Aminata circles with Hart. They tie up, Aminata waistlocks, then lifts, but Hart goes for a victory roll. Aminata stuffs that into a cover of her own, TWO!! Hart gets free, gets up, and gets around Aminata to crucifix takedown, TWO! Hart rolls Aminata, TWO! The two get up, run up, and Hart gets around to backslide! TWO, but Hart reels Aminata in for a cradle, TWO! The fans cheer this ongoing exchange, and then Hart waistlocks. Aminata bucks the O’Conner to then kick low! Aminata wags her finger, then reels Hart in. The fans duel, Aminata snap suplexes, and Hart tumbles to the corner.
Aminata storms over, drags Hart up, and brings her to the apron. Aminata clinches, and APRON SIDE EFFECTS! The fans fire up and Aminata grins. Aminata tosses her hair while Collision goes picture in picture.
Aminata CHOPS Hart on the chest, then taunts the Hart fans. Aminata brings Hart around to run and THROW her into the barriers! Hart falls in a heap, but Aminata makes her take a seat. Aminata refreshes the ring count, then runs at Hart, HIP ATTACK against railing! Aminata puts Hart in, then covers, TWO! Aminata doesn’t sweat it as she brings Hart around and clamps on with a chinlock. Hart endures, even as Aminata squeezes tight. Hart fights up, but Aminata wrangles her right back down. Aminata then shifts into a CROSSFACE! Hart endures, Aminata twists Hart’s nose, but the ref reprimands so Aminata stops.
Aminata fishhooks the nose! The ref counts, Aminata stops, but Hart powers her way through to a cover! TWO, Aminata lets Hart go, and then runs up to DROPKICK Hart down! Hart sputters, Aminata crawls over to have a cocky cover, TWO! Hart stays in this, but Collision goes to break.
Slam Dunk Saturday returns and Hart wrenches Aminata for an STO! The fans fire up as Hart STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Aminata survives, Hart frowns, and Hart rises up. Hart waits on Aminata, then runs Around the World to LARIAT! Hart then goes side to side to ELBOW! Hart brings Aminata out to snapmare, but Aminata stands up. Hart runs in, Aminata lifts Hart up, tucks her, and runs for the AIR RAID CRASH! Cover, TWO!! Hart survives and Aminata is shocked! Hart has a bloody nose again, but Aminata KICKS her in the side! Aminata puts Hart in the drop zone, then climbs up.
Aminata reaches the top, but Hart trips her up! Hart ROCKS Aminata, climbs again, but Aminata fires body shots! Hart and Aminata brawl up top, and then Hart grabs Aminata for a SPIDER SUPERPLEX! The fans fire up as Hart hangs there like a bat, then sits up to adjust position! MOONSAULT- NO, Aminata dodges! Hart rolls through to stand back up, but into the QUEEN’S CROWN HEADBUTT!! Cover, TWO?!?! Hart survives losing her head and Aminata’s about to lose her mind! Aminata drags Hart up and around as the fans rally. Aminata fires Kawada Kicks, then whips. Hart grabs ropes to stop, and she KICKS Aminata!
Hart runs, but Aminata ROCKS her! Hart sits back, Aminata says “OFF WITH HER HEAD!” Aminata runs, but Hart avoids the boot! Aminata falls back, Hart hurries to high stack, HART WINS!!
Winner: Julia Hart, by pinfall
The tiebreaker goes to Julia, and Aminata is stunned! If the Hart Always Wins, will she make her way back to a championship? Will Aminata decide to take Deeb up on her teachings now?
Backstage interview with Harley Cameron.
Lexy is with the wild Aussie and brings up that tomorrow night, Slam Dunk Sunday, we see Harley get back in action! Plus, Komander & Hologram will take on Dralistico & Beast Mortos. Mortos has had some rather intriguing interactions with “Harley-gram.” Harley says, “Oh, Lexy, Lexy, Lexy. Lucha Libre is a fascinating and amazing world. And I’m sure tomorrow’s match will be fantastic. And y’know what? Tomorrow night, yes, I do have a match, but! I will also stick around and be on commentary for that match. So I don’t really see the point of us discussing the romantic capabilities of a beast, y’know?”
Lexy says yeah, but uh, isn’t “Harley-gram” just Harley? NO, FEEL THE WRATH! Harley runs off, but will Harley be able to focus on her match with Mortos around? Will Mortos be able to focus on his match with Harley around?
Six Man Tag: “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs, Mark Briscoe & Rocky Romero VS The Don Callis Family!
While the Book of Hobbs is stuck on a chapter involving the Don Callis Family, he has decided to conglomerate with the Sussex County Chicken & Azucar! Will Briscoe & Rocky help Hobbs get through the “writer’s block?” Or will Konosuke Takeshita, Brian Cage & Lance Archer make sure #EverybodyDies?
The trios sort out and Briscoe starts against Konosuke. Don Callis is on commentary and Schiavone is sure he is not in a good mood over his guy, Mark Davis, missing out on the International Championship. Callis focuses instead on the Six Man Tag, and his “three physical freaks” of the Callis Family. Briscoe and Konosuke tie up, Briscoe headlocks, and Omaha rallies for #DemBoys. Konosuke powers up and out, Briscoe RAMS him, but Konosuke comes back to run Briscoe over! Things keep moving, Konosuke bypasses Briscoe but Briscoe slides under. Briscoe springs up to hit the crane stance! Callis says that is disrespectful!
Konosuke blocks the crane kick, spins Briscoe around, and back suplexes, only for Briscoe to land out. Konosuke kicks low, whips Briscoe to a corner, but Briscoe goes up and out. Briscoe eggs Konosuke on, then counters the punch with a REDNECK KUNG-FU UPPERCUT! Briscoe climbs, aims, and leaps, but Konosuke BODY BLOWS the ax handle down! The fans boo but Konosuke stands Briscoe up. Konosuke whips Briscoe to the Callis corner, but Briscoe BOOTS Archer down! The fans fire up but Cage grabs Briscoe. Konosuke runs up, but Briscoe slips free, so Konosuke DECKS Cage! The fans fire up and Briscoe kicks low.
Briscoe whips, Konosuke reverses, Hobbs sneaks the tag. Briscoe DIVES onto Cage! Archer BOOTS Briscoe, but Rocky FLYING KNEES Archer! Hobbs runs in to CLOBBER Konosuke! And CLOBBERS him again! The fans fire up and Hobbs smirks. Hobbs stands Konosuke up to scoop him, and then he tags in Rocky. Rocky climbs, Hobbs POWERSLAMS Konosuke down for Rocky to DIVING DOUBLE STOMP! Konosuke sputters while Rocky gives some Azucar Heat. Rocky runs to DIVE, but Cage catches him! And hands him off to Konosuke! APRON POWERBOMB! Cage CLOBBERS Briscoe, Archer whips Hobbs into railing!
The fans boo, the Callis Family soaks up that heat, and Collision goes picture in picture.
The ring count starts, Archer talks smack tot he camera that we can’t hear, but Konosuke puts Rocky in the ring. Cover, TWO! Rocky survives but Konosuke drags him up. Konosuke bumps Rocky off buckles, tags Cage, and they stomp away. The ref counts, Konosuke stops but Cage digs his boots in. The ref counts more, Cage stops at 4, then Cage stands Rocky up. Cage CHOPS Rocky, tags Archer, and Archer drags Rocky up. Archer bumps Rocky off buckles, then fires forearm after forearm! Archer runs corner to corner and back again to ELBOW Rocky! Archer takes a page out of Rocky’s book, TWO-EVER ELBOW!
Archer keeps it going, THREE-EVER! Archer lets Rocky flop down, nothing lasts forever. Tag to Konosuke, and he stands between Rocky and his corner. Konosuke DECKS Rocky, then stalks him to ropes. Konosuke CHOKES Rocky, the ref counts, and Konosuke lets go of the ropes. The ref says that’s not the problem, he has to step off of Rocky! Konosuke does step off, then he brings Rocky up to whip to ropes. Konosuke ELBOWS Rocky down, covers, TWO! Rocky stays in this but Konosuke tags Cage. They mug Rocky, then Cage brings Rocky around to scoop and SLAM! Cage runs to drop a leg, brother! Cover, TWO!
Cage hauls Rocky up to TOSS him out! Cage taunts Briscoe, but this lets Archer and Callis to get their shots in! Callis grins, Briscoe & Hobbs protest, but nothing can be done now. Callis high-fives Archer and Cage puts Rocky back in. Cage tags Archer, Archer storms up on Rocky, and Archer puts him in a corner. Archer runs corner to corner, but Rocky dodges! Archer hits buckles, staggers around, and he tags to Konosuke. Konosuke drops an ELBOW on Rocky! Konosuke looms over Rocky, CLUBS him, and then brings him around. Konosuke whips Rocky hard into buckles and Rocky falls to the mat. Konosuke looms as Slam Dunk Saturday returns to single picture.
Konosuke taunts Rocky, the fans rally up, and Konosuke slaps Rocky around. Rocky rises to fire a forearm! Konosuke just shakes his head. Rocky fires another forearm, and another, but Konosuke SMACKS Rocky! Rocky roars and fires a flurry! The fans fire up but Konosuke fires boxing elbows! Then a ROLLING- UPPERCUT from Rocky! The fans fire up as both men wobble! Rocky dodges a lariat, goes up the ropes, FLYING TORNADO DDT! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Rocky and Konosuke crawl as Callis admits, that was a great sequence. Hot tag to Briscoe! The fans fire up as Briscoe rallies with forearms and CHOPS!
Cage ducks a shot to waistlock, but Briscoe BOOTS Konosuke down! Briscoe then breaks free to PELE Cage! The fans fire up with Briscoe, but Konosuke kicks low. Konosuke whips, Briscoe flips through the backdrop! The fans fire up again, and Briscoe wrenches to kick and FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, Cage breaks it! Archer BLASTS Hobbs & Rocky! The fans boo but Cage ripcords and ROCKS Briscoe! Archer ROCKS Briscoe, Cage JUMP KNEES, and Archer HEADBUTTS! Konosuke ALPHA ELBOWS and down goes Briscoe! Cover, TWO! Briscoe survives but Konosuke tags Archer. Archer & Cage storm in, they get Briscoe up.
Archer BLASTS Hobbs off the apron again while Cage lifts Briscoe. Briscoe fights free and UPPERCUTS! CHOP for Archer! Cage runs up, Briscoe ducks, the LARIAT hits Archer! Hot tag to Hobbs! The fans chant “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” as Cage dodges, but runs into a POWERSLAM! Archer runs up to RAM Hobbs! Hobbs rebounds to LARIAT Archer! The fans fire up and Hobbs LARIATS in a corner! Then LARIAT for Cage! Then back for Archer! Back to Cage! The straps come down and Omaha is really hot! But Konosuke winds up! Hobbs dodges the elbow to SPINEBUSTER! But Cage runs up, DOUBLE LARIATS hit!
The DOUBLE LARIATS continue to collide but neither man falls! “MEAT!” echoes out with every shot! Cage BOOTS the lariat away, mule kicks then KICKS! But Hobbs swings! Cage gest around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Rocky tags in and goes up, CROSSBODY, but Cage catches him! Cage pops Rocky up, Rocky slips free and ENZIGIRIS! Cage staggers, into a SPINEBUSTER! Konosuke DECKS Rocky! And he KICKS Hobbs to then ROCK Hobbs! And then BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Briscoe and Konosuke fire forearms back and forth, then Briscoe fires a flurry! Briscoe runs, into a BOOT! Konosuke runs, into an EXPLODER!
Archer runs in, Briscoe dodges the boot, but Archer breaks the clothesline to CLOBBER Briscoe! Rocky runs in, tilt-o-whirls, but into the BLACK- NO!! Rocky slips free to have the SLEEPER! Archer THROWS Rocky down! And then runs in, only for Rocky to dodge! Rocky dropkicks the legs out, then kicks. Archer blocks, ducks the enzigiri, but not the REWIND HEEL! Roll up, TWO! Archer is up, Rocky dodges to springboard, but into a HAYMAKER! Archer hauls Rocky up, Cage is there, MURDER BOMB!! DISCUS LARIAT for Briscoe! Tag to Konosuke, he hauls Rocky up, RAGING FIRE!! Cover, Don Callis Family wins!
Winners: The Don Callis family, by pinfall
Omaha was served up some meat and chicken with sugar on top, but the Don Callis Family ate it all! Will this win help Konosuke head back for a title opportunity in time for Dynasty? Will Hobbs at least be allowed to move on from the Don Callis Family?
My Thoughts:
A great Collision here for just the first half of the Slam Dunk Weekend, as recorded Wednesday night after Dynamite. I kinda like Collision being just one hour, but obviously they’ll go back to two hours on one night next week. Opening with the TNT Championship was quite the surprise, but that did help it go the full 20 minutes, which was a particularly clever move here. Garcia keeps the title but Cole was very close, so maybe we get a third match where they extend or completely do away with the time limit to get a definitive winner. And at that point, I would think Adam Cole wins to finally have a singles title in AEW.
Good stuff in Caster again losing his own Open Challenge. Good win for Hook as it’s been a minute since he’s had a singles match. With Caster harping on Bowens being absent, this really needs to culminate with Bowens answering the challenge, winning that first time, but then Caster wanting a rematch. Then that match will be awesome stuff, but still ultimately won by Bowens to get it in Caster’s head that he can’t just say he’s the Best Wrestler Alive and put it on a piece of paper. Then we can see Caster take his character in another direction, maybe do some soul searching. Or more likely, just double down and be even more insufferable.
Very good match for Hart VS Aminata 3, hard to say if it was that much better than the previous, but Hart winning makes sense with Aminata VS Deeb still needing to happen. A shame the Aminata-Deeb feud had to build in the background of the Aminata-Hart feud, but it’s not like they could do more on a week to week basis. Unless… Well, snark aside, Aminata will surely take Deeb up on at least that Pure Rules match for a first-time-ever in the Women’s Division, and I would love for a Women’s Pure Championship to be created in time for Supercard of Honor. It actually works out that Supercard had to be pushed back to avoid clashing with WrestleMania, because the pacing of the Women’s Division definitely can/will go all the way to May.
Very good promo from Harley to not just hype up Slam Dunk Sunday, but to also poke fun at how she is so obviously Harley-gram, and that there is some, uh, animal magnetism between her and Mortos. And Schiavone said that Komander & Hologram VS Mortos & Dralistico will be the main event, so you can bet there will be shenanigans involving Mortos and Harley/Harley-gram.
My Score: 8.8/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
SmackDown’s in Italy and that’s no bologna!
SmackDown’s in Italy and that’s no bologna! Well, they are in Bologna, Italy, and Seth Rollins is looking to crash CM Punk talking with Roman Reigns! Will the Visionary #BurnItDown?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Damian Priest & Jimmy Uso VS Drew McIntyre & Shinsuke Nakamura; Priest & Jimmy win.
- WWE United States Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Jacob Fatu VS Braun Strowman; Braun wins, by disqualification, and will challenge LA Knight for the title.
- Zelina Vega VS Piper Niven w/ The Green Administration; Piper wins.
- Jade Cargill VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; Liv wins.
- The Street Profits VS Los Garza w/ Santos Escobar; The Profits win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Randy Orton is here!
Bologna fires up and sing along with Voices as The Viper makes his way to the ring. The fans especially cheer when Orton does his signature pose on the corner! Orton grabs the mic as the fans keep singing. The music stops, the fans cheer, and they cheer on “RANDY! RANDY!” Orton goes to speak, but KEVIN OWENS is here! The fans boo but Kevin says he knows what Orton wants to do, but hear him out first. Kevin has something important to tell Orton, so please listen. Kevin was wrong. The fans tell Kevin off but Kevin says they heard him right: he was wrong. Kevin was wrong for attacking Orton and hitting him with a piledriver, he did not deserve that.
Cody Rhodes deserved everything Kevin did to him. Sami Zayn deserved everything Kevin did to him. But not Randy. Look, Randy, you picked Cody over Kevin and that angered Kevin. That angered Kevin to the point of doing something he regrets. And if anyone can relate to letting their anger make them do stupid things they regret, it’s Orton. Orton’s spoken on it! He talked about his anger making him do things he wished he hadn’t, and that’s the same for Kevin. They’re just human. Kevin wants Randy to understand, he means it. Kevin can forgive Orton for picking Cody if Orton can forgive Kevin for what he did. Then they can put all of this in the past where it belongs.
Speaking of leaving things in the past, does Orton wanna know why Kevin pulled Carmelo Hayes out of the ring last week? It was because Kevin was trying to save and protect Orton from himself! Because Orton surely doesn’t want to go back to the man he was, who used to kick people in the head. No one wants to see that! That’s not who Orton is anymore! Orton has grown, and he has changed for the better. But what they should do now is look to the future, and that future is WrestleMania! Kevin thinks he and Orton should become WWE Tag Team Champions! Think about it? They were so close just a few months ago! They should’ve been champions, but they let stuff get between them.
So Kevin wants them to get past that and go for the titles! The fans chant “NO! NO! NO!” but Kevin tells them to shut their stupid faces. Orton, don’t listen to these idiots. Kevin asks what Orton says to his idea. The fans tell Kevin off again, but Orton says this is what he says. What he should do is run up the aisle and beat Kevin’s ass all over the arena! But… What Kevin said is intriguing. Orton has never heard Kevin admit that he was wrong. Orton wants to think about it for a minute. Hmm… Nope, scratch that. Take that halfhearted apology and shove it! The fans cheer, and Orton says Kevin can say whatever he has to in order to sleep at night.
Kevin can say this guy deserves this, that guy deserves that, but the only thing anyone deserves is Kevin having Orton kick him so hard that Orton gets a pat on the back from Roberto Baggio! The fans cheer that! Orton says Kevin used to be #FightOwensFight, but now he’s all “B*tch Owens B*tch.” The fans cheer that, too! Orton says Kevin regrets dropping Orton on his head with that piledriver and that he was saving Orton from himself. Well it’s a good thing Kevin dropped Orton on his head! Because now, Orton hears voices in his head! They counsel him, they understand! And does Kevin wanna know what those voices are saying now?
The voices say that whatever happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. But not for Kevin, because in Vegas, at WrestleMania, Orton kicks Kevin’s head clean off his shoulders! The Viper is ready to strike, will he have far more than just an RKO in store for The Prizefighter?
Damian Priest & Jimmy Uso VS Drew McIntyre & Shinsuke Nakamura!
The Punisher teams up with #BigJim team up in a rather crisscrossed grudge match. Will Priest & Jimmy make McIntyre pay for his cheap shots and cheap tricks? Or will The Scottish Warrior & The King of Strong Style stand side by side as sinister manslayers?
SmackDown returns as Nakamura makes his entrance, followed by McIntyre’s. Priest doesn’t even wait, he just runs back up the ram to go after McIntyre! The fans fire up as these two brawl, #OnSight! Priest ROCKS Drew, Drew hits back, and Nakamura joins in! They mug Priest, but Jimmy FLIES! Direct hit on Drew and Nakamura! T he fans fire up and Priest helps Jimmy stand. They drag Drew up and into the ring, the bell sounds, and the fans fire up. Jimmy is the legal man but Drew still swipes at Priest. The ref keeps these two apart, Drew says up Priest’s, but turns around into haymakers from Jimmy! The fans fire up as Jimmy then mule kicks Drew!
Jimmy pops, locks ‘n’ UPPERCUTS! Jimmy gets the fans to shout, “UCE! OH!” but Drew takes a swing! Jimmy dodges and CHOPS in return! And CHOPS! And then whips corner to corner, runs in, and SPLASHES into Drew’s arms! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! The fans fire up as Drew finally puts his kilt aside. Drew taunts Priest, then stalks Jimmy. Drew has Jimmy on the ropes and CHOKES him! Drew stops as the ref counts, only to get the legs. ROPE GUILLOTINE! Jimmy sputters, Drew taunts Priest, and then Drew drags Jimmy up. Jimmy JAWBREAKERS free, Drew staggers back and Nakamura tags in.
Jimmy dodges Drew, ROCKS Nakamura, then UPPERCUTS Drew! Jimmy runs but Nakamura trips him! Nakamura drags Jimmy out, SMACKS him off the desk, then runs up to DYNAMIC DROPKICK! Jimmy flops onto the desk! T he fans fire up as Nakamura CHOKES Jimmy, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Nakamura puts Jimmy in the ring, but drags him out along the apron. Nakamura runs up to KNEE LIFT! Jimmy sputters, Nakamura storms in, and Nakamura stalks Jimmy to the corner. Nakamura CLUBS Jimmy, puts him up top, and then backs up to run in, TOP SHELF KNEE! Jimmy flops back down, Nakamura pushes him to a cover, TWO! Nakamura stays focused as he drags Jimmy up with a facelock. Nakamura puts Jimmy in the corner, tags Drew, and then Nakamura gives Jimmy BAD VIBRATIONS! Drew adds a stomp, then he CHOPS Jimmy down! Jimmy sputters, Drew drags him around, and Drew stomps Jimmy’s hand!
Drew clamps on with a chicken wing and chinbar! Jimmy endures, reaches out, and fights to his feet. Drew throws him down by his hair! Drew then sucker punches Priest! Drew deadlift suplexes Jimmy! Jimmy writhes while Drew seethes, and Drew mockingly tells Jimmy to go tag out. Drew stands Jimmy up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! CHOPS! CHOPS! Jimmy runs, but Drew CLOBBERS him! Cover, TWO! Jimmy shakes his head, he’s tougher than that. Drew drags Jimmy into a top wristlock and he leans on the hold. Jimmy endures, fights up, and reaches out. Drew keeps him from Priest, KNEES low, then he sucker punches Priest again!
Drew taunts Priest, but turns around into a SAMOAN DROP! SmackDown returns to single picture while both men are down! The fans rally up while Drew crawls, tag to Nakamura! Nakamura drags Jimmy up, but Jimmy kicks! Nakamura blocks, but Jimmy hits the DRAGON WHIP! Jimmy rises up, hot tag to Priest! Priest BLASTS Drew, then dodges Nakamura to ELBOW! And FLAPJACK! Priest runs corner to corner to ELBOW Nakamura, then runs to CLOBBER him! The fans fire up and Priest brings Nakamura up for a knuckle lock> The fans rally for Priest as he goes up the corner, and gives us some OLD SCHOOL CROSSBODY!
The fans fire up and Priest powers up his arm! Priest runs, but Nakamura BOOTS the lariat, then WHEEL KICKS! Nakamura aims from a corner, “YAO~!” But Priest LARIATS Nakamura down first! Cover, Drew breaks it! Drew drags Priest up to POST him! Jimmy steps in and SUPERKICKS Drew! Drew bails out, Jimmy WRECKS him with a dropkick! But Nakamura KINSHASAS Jimmy off the apron! But Priest then grabs Nakamura, SOUTH OF HEAVEN! Cover, Priest & Jimmy win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
It was a fast ‘n’ furious finish, but Drew doesn’t let it end here! He CLOBBERS Priest! Drew rains down fists, and reminds Priest that every time he sees Priest, he’ll- Priest grabs Drew by the neck! Drew breaks free to HEADBUTT Priest, then he DRIBBLES Priest off the mat! Drew rains down furious fists while the fans boo, but then Drew stomps Priest as he lets off. Priest slowly rises, Drew gives us the countdown! “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAYMORE against the ropes!! Priest flops down in a daze and Drew tells him that he still blames Priest for having nothing. Every time Priest gets up, Drew will put him down until Priest stays down.
Drew slithers away, his rage never ending. Will nothing stop the Scottish Terminator from terrorizing Priest?
LA Knight finds Braun Strowman backstage.
The Monster of All Monsters is warming up for his match, and The Mega Star says #OneBigSOB is getting one big pump on. And Knight thinks about Braun VS Fatu, Braun better smack Fatu back to factory settings. And here’s the thing, these guys work with numbers, so Knight will be keeping his eyes on that match. Knight turns to go but Braun has him hold on. Braun will say, if there’s one thing he can’t wait for, it’s to #GetTheseHands on Fatu tonight. But you know why? Because Nick Aldis told him a bit ago, that the winner will get their shot at the US Championship. And as Braun sees it, winning that title punches his ticket to WrestleMania.
Knight says oh yeah? Braun says yeah. Knight says YEAH, and heads out. Will Knight have to fight Braun or the Samoan Werewolf on this Road to WrestleMania 41?
Charlotte Flair and Tiffany Stratton have video interview.
Joe Tessitore welcomes the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble winner and the WWE Women’s Champion and thanks them both for taking this time. To start with Tiffany, we saw last week that there is a fire in her we haven’t seen before. What is the mindset just four weeks away from WrestleMania? Tiffany starts to speak, but Charlotte speaks up to say The Queen should speak first. And she couldn’t agree more, Tiffany finally looks like a star. Charlotte had a hard time trying to buy into the hype, but Charlotte always brings out the best in others. Tiffany speaks up now, saying Charlotte couldn’t see it?
Charlotte condescendingly says, “There she is!” Tiff is just like day one: Pick me! Pick me! Charlotte says she chose Tiff because Charlotte pities her. Tiff came out with a sob story about the comparisons to Charlotte, but Tiff’s the only one delusional enough to make those comparisons. Newsflash: Everyone is compared to Charlotte. Tiff is not special. Tiff feels special, being the one with the title on her shoulder. Charlotte points out Tiff got it via a cash-in. Oh, well, Tiff still earned it, and has proven worthy of it week after week. Oh, really? Earned because of a cash-in? Delusional, just as Charlotte said.
Here’s the thing: WrestleMania 41 will be the pinnacle of Tiff, while Charlotte gets to shine her light on some undeserving girl who, just because she’s blonde and can do flips, thinks she compares to Charlotte. No, Tiff has not earned that. Wow, delusional? Does Charlotte forget how at the start of Tiff’s career, Charlotte was actually one of her biggest supporters? Charlotte told Tiff she’d be a star, and Tiff looked up to Charlotte. But then they were in the ring together, and Tiff saw the real Charlotte. Charlotte couldn’t even look Tiff in the face because Charlotte knows Tiff is the woman to take her throne.
Charlotte mockingly says she’s tearing up. Yes, Tiff, Charlotte said Tiff was a star in the making. But what? Did Tiff expect Charlotte to come to the ring, give her a high-five, a big hug, and say, “Yes! We can do this, girl!” No, Charlotte is the only woman in the locker room that tells the truth. She is not here for friends, she is here for competition. Tiff says this is what Charlotte does! She finds the hottest ticket and throws water on it. It worked in the past but it won’t work on Tiff. Charlotte says Tiff’s not even the hottest ticket on SmackDown! Let alone this entire company. But tell Charlotte, what does she do?
Tiff says she just said, Charlotte finds the hottest new thing, pours water on it. The thing is, Tiff, you have never been across from Charlotte, only underneath her, struggling to catch your breath. Tiff says the only one struggling is Charlotte keeping up with the fans that don’t even want her back. Charlotte says the fans are either wooing or booing, take your pick. Tiff has her entire career to beat Charlotte’s accolades and- And Tiff will lucky to even have a job at Charlotte’s age. Tiff says this year, WrestleMania, she cements what she already knows: The WWE Universe does not bow to Charlotte, they run on #TiffyTime. See you at Mania.
The Princess has stepped to the Queen, but who will be on the throne atop the WWE Women’s Division?
WWE United States Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Jacob Fatu VS Braun Strowman!
As if this match wasn’t one to watch before, now there are championship stakes on the line! Will the Samoan Werewolf #GetTheseHands? Or will he bring down #OneBigSOB to go after LA Knight?
SmackDown returns as Braun makes his entrance. The bell rings and the fans rally. Braun and Jacob circle, and then Braun RAMS Jacob into a corner! Braun fires hands, then HEADBUTTS! Braun runs corner to corner, Jacob dodges and Jacob ROCKS Braun! Jacob RAMS into Braun again and again, stops as the ref counts, and the fans fire up. Jacob runs corner to corner, but Braun CLOBBERS him! The fans fire up again as Jacob flounders to a corner. Braun runs up, but Jacob BOOTS him back! Jacob runs up, but Braun BACKDROPS him away! The fans fire up while Jacob tumbles. Braun runs up to LARIAT Jacob up and out!
The fans cheer as Braun paces, and then Braun goes out after Jacob. Braun puts Jacob back in, storms back into the ring, and he stomps Jacob. The fans rally and sing, Braun whips corner to corner hard, and Jacob falls in a heap! Braun enjoys the singing, and he runs in at the corner to SPLASH! Jacob falls in a heap again, then bails out. Braun says it’s time and the fans cheer! Braun is on the tracks, STROWMAN EXPRESS is sent over the desk! Braun tumbles, Jacob goes to the apron, and Jacob aims, to FLYING LARIAT! Down goes Braun at the Hydration Station! The fans fire up and Jacob grins while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob looms over Braun, drags him up, and SMACKS him off the desk! Jacob refreshes the ring count, then stalks Braun. Jacob HEADBUTTS Braun, brings him around, and SMACKS him off the steel steps! Braun staggers away, Jacob storms over, and Braun UPPERCUTS! Braun brings Jacob around to send into the other steel steps! Jacob tumbles to the floor and the fans rally up. Braun stalks Jacob, stomps him against the barrier, then refreshes the ring count. Braun conducts the Bologna choir here, then goes back out after Jacob. Braun shoves Jacob into the ring, but Jacob KICKS Braun in the ropes!
Jacob fireman’s carries!? Braun fights free, runs, but Jacob dropkicks the legs out! Jacob keeps moving, and he LARIATS Braun down! The fans rally more while Braun writhes. Jacob soaks up the cheers, then he stalks Braun. Jacob CLUBS Braun, eggs him on, then twists Braun with the neck wrench. Braun endures, fights around, but Jacob puts on the pressure. Braun powers up, rises to his feet, and he pries Jacob’s hands away! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Jacob fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT on Braun! Jacob storms up on Braun but Braun CHOPS! Braun runs, into a SUPERKICK!
Jacob fireman’s carries to SAMOAN DROP! The fans fire up as Jacob adds a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and the fans rally up again. Jacob stalks Braun, goes to the corner, and he runs corner to corner, HIP ATTACK! Braun sputters, Jacob geeks out and the fans fire up! Braun rises up!? Jacob runs in and SPLASHES, then he tells Braun he’s done! Jacob goes corner to corner again, but Braun runs to LARIAT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Braun rises, but so does Jacob! Braun ROCKS Jacob, ROCKS him again, then LARIATS! And LARIATS! The fans fire up and Braun stands Jacob up, for a CLUB to the chest!
The fans fire up more as Braun rips his shirt away! Jacob falls out of the ring while the shirt is a free souvenir to a fan! Braun then gets on track, STROWMAN EXPRESS sends Jacob onto the desk! The fans fire up while Braun catches his breath. Braun storms around to bring Jacob up and into the ring. Braun slides in, but Jacob runs up! Braun dodges and SPINEBUSTERS! The fans fire up with Braun, but then TAMA TONGA is here! Braun TOSSES Tama! Braun scoops Tama, but SOLO SIKOA ATTACKS!
Winner: Braun Strowman, by disqualification (NEW #1 Contender to the WWE US Championship)
The fans boo and even Jacob is upset. Solo & Tama hand Braun the win! That means Braun is going to face Knight! But Solo and Tama keep beating up on Braun, and Jacob joins in. But Braun gets up to CLOBBER Solo, TOSS Tama, only for Jacob to BODY CHECK Braun! But here comes LA KNIGHT! The Mega Star runs out here, he DECKS Tama, then he jumps into the ring! Knight dodges Solo to fire off JABS on Jacob and Solo! Tama CLOBBERS Knight, then he fires hands! The fans boo while Jacob runs in, but Knight dodges! Jacob POSTS himself! Knight HOTSHOTS Tama, and Braun CLOBBERS Solo!
Braun ROCKS Jacob, then Knight LARIATS Jacob up and out! The official announcement is now made, it will be Knight VS Braun for the US Championship in the UK! It’s London calling next Friday, will the Knight still be the champion?
Backstage interview with Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez.
Cathy Kelley is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, and last week, these two interrupted the interview with Jade Cargill, and got themselves into this match tonight. But now that we know it was Naomi who attacked Jade, why do Liv & Raquel keep bothering Jade? Because, Cathy, if you were paying attention, you’d know Jade allowed everyone to still think it was Liv & Raquel who attacked her. Meanwhile, Jade had all the time in the world to update her Instagram, yet not enough to clear Liv’s name. So this is personal now.
Probably like how it was personal when Liv & Raquel beat Jade’s former friends, Bianca Belair & Naomi, to become the first-ever, history-making, record-breaking and GREATEST Women’s Tag Team Champions of all time! But she will say, she is impressed with what Naomi did. Too bad she didn’t finish the job. Tonight, Liv will do that for her. #WatchMe. Liv & Raquel leave, but will they survive the storm that’s headed their way?
Jacob is furious backstage!
He kicks and throws random stuff, but Solo tells him to calm down. Calm down?! Jacob CHUCKS a trash can and asks calm down about what?! Is this better?! He CHUCKS boxes, but Solo wants Jacob to listen. From what he and Tama saw, it looked like- LIKE WHAT?! What’d Solo “see?” Solo says they were just trying to help! Help who? Help yourself, Solo?! That match wasn’t nobody’s business, and it damn sure wasn’t Solo’s business! When Jacob is taking care of his, Solo better watch himself. Jacob storms off, Solo looks to Tama, and Tama stays silent. Is Solo only tearing down his own Bloodline?
Zelina Vega VS Piper Niven w/ The Green Administration!
La Muneca, the inaugural Queen of the Ring, wants to reign once again, and that starts with going after the Women’s United States Championship. But to get to Chelsea Green, Zelina has to make it through the Head of Security! Will Piper shut down the opposition? Or will we be seeing Vega heading for Vegas?
SmackDown returns and Zelina makes her entrance, an all new song, tron and gear to show this is her next chapter. The bell rings and Chelsea already talks trash on Zelina. The fans rally, Zelina and Piper step to each other, and Piper easily bumps Zelina back. Zelina laughs and SLAPS Piper back! Piper grabs Zelina, TOSSES her to a corner, then runs up. Zelina dodges, runs, dodges again, but Piper scoops! Zelina slips free, waistlocks, and they go to ropes. Piper bucks the O’Conner Roll, but Zelina avoids the elbow drop! BASEMENT KICK! Zelina fires up, runs and tilt-o-whirls, to then RANA Piper into the corner!
Zelina runs up, kicks low, then reels Piper in! Zelina hops on but Piper pops out of Code Red! Zelina whips but Piper blocks with ease! Piper then CLOBBERS Zelina with a shoulder tackle. Piper drags Zelina up, CLOBBERS her again, and then drags her back up. Piper CLOBBERS Zelina a third time, and she salutes her champion. Piper drags Zelina but Zelina spins to TWEAK the arm! Piper staggers, Zelina UP KICKS her! Zelina hurries to run the ropes, but Piper TOSSES her out! Zelina gets up to KICK Piper’s leg! Piper staggers, Zelina hops on, SLEEPER! Piper endures, reaches out, but Zelina squeezes tight!
Piper THROWS Zelina down into the drop zone! Piper stomps Zelina, then goes up the corner. The fans rally, and Zelina YANKS Piper down! Zelina fires hands, the fans fire up, and Zelina climbs up the corner. Zelina rains down fists and fans count all the way to sette (seven in Italian) before Piper DUMPS Zelina to the apron! But Zelina GAMANGIRIS back! Chelsea & Alba shout at Zelina, Zelina shouts back and storms into the ring, but Piper is there to URENAGE! The fans are torn while Zelina flounders, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns as Piper has Zelina in a COBRA CLUTCH! Zelina endures, even as Piper thrashes her around. The fans rally, Zelina pries at the hold, but Piper ripcords, only for Zelina to duck under and roll her up! TWO, and Piper CLOBBERS Zelina! Piper frowns as she looms over Zelina. Piper drags Zelina up, whips her into the corner, and then Zelina falls in a heap. Piper paces, then storms back up to stand Zelina up. Piper THROWS Zelina into the neighboring corner, then she storms back up. Piper drags Zelina up to TOSS her into another corner! Piper soaks up the heat, Chelsea reprimands the fans, but Piper drags Zelina to a cover, TWO!
Zelina stays in this but Piper stalks her. Piper drags Zelina right up into the COBRA CLUTCH! Zelina endures, the fans rally, and Chelsea gets annoyed. Piper ripcords and HEADBUTTS Zelina down! Piper soaks up more heat, then she stalks Zelina. Piper drags Zelina up, whips her to a corner hard and Zelina falls in a heap! Zelina crawls, Piper tells the fans to go to Naples, then she rains down fists on Zelina! Piper YANKS Zelina right up into a scoop, but Zelina fires elbows! Piper puts Zelina in a corner, but Zelina BOOTS back! Zelina goes up, but Piper SMACKS her first! Piper then military presses for the- SLEEPER! Zelina gets Piper again!
The fans fire up while Piper endures! Chelsea is upset, Piper reaches out, but Zelina holds on tight! Piper RAMS Zelina into a corner, is free of the sleeper, then she runs back in. Zelina slips around to crucifix for an IRON OCTOPUS! Chelsea panics while Piper endures! Zelina then slips into a sunset flip, TWO! Piper stays in this but Zelina SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO! The fans rally, Zelina hurries to get Piper up, but Piper grabs Zelina by the hair! Zelina ELBOWS free and Piper goes to a corner! Zelina runs in and METEORA! The fans fire up as Zelina kicks Piper out. Zelina goes up, up, and METEORA! Cover, TWO!
Piper stays in this and Zelina isn’t sure what she has to do! Zelina waits on Piper to rise up, and then she hops back on! CODE- NO, Piper slips free again! Piper runs, but Zelina drop toeholds Piper onto ropes! Zelina dials it up, but Piper gets up, so Zelina tilt-o-whirls to DDT! Cover, TWO!! Piper survives, Chelsea shouts at Zelina, but Zelina DECKS Chelsea! So much for having her Secret Her-vice out here! Zelina redials and 619 on Piper! But Alba storms up! Zelina KICKS Alba, but Piper CROSSBODIES!! Cover, Piper wins!
Winner: Piper Niven, by pinfall
Despite what the card says, Zelina was basically up against three opponents tonight. Will anyone ever get a fair fight against the Green Administration?
Backstage interview with Jade Cargill.
Cathy apologizes for last week because of Liv & Raquel, but tonight, Jade faces Liv 1v1. Is Jade feeling ready for Liv being this is Jade’s first match back? Jade says, “How do I feel? You was right there, you could see exactly how I feel. Liv tried it that night. And since she wants to try and disrespect me and run her mouth, I’ma show her. And when I’m done with her… Naomi, all eyes on you. So I know you’re watching right now, and this is just a little preview of what I’ma do to you.” Will the storm be fiercer than ever before?
The darkness is looming.
The smoke is back, and is that a glimpse of dice? The number 4 is back, but what does it mean?
Jade Cargill VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The whodunnit may have been solved, but the problem still remains that Jade left everyone wondering, pointing fingers and making accusations. But while Jade had her reasons, will she also shut Liv up about her bad reputation being further tainted? Or will it be Judgment Day’s night here in Bologna?
The bell rings and Liv runs up, into a BOOT! Jade dusts her boot off while Liv flounders of the ring. Raquel helps Liv stand, but Jade storms out after them both! Raquel tells Jade to watch herself, but Jade still storms up on Ricky Desperado. Liv runs up, but Jade SMACKS her first! Jade THROWS Liv into barriers, THROWS her into the ring, then flexes. The fans cheer, and Jade storms in after Liv. Liv kicks low, runs, OBLI- NO, Jade stops that to scoop Liv! Liv slips free, but Jade ducks the enzigiri! Liv avoids the boot, but Jade stops the Code Breaker! Jade tosses Liv, scoops her, and FALL AWAY SLAMS! Then kips up!
The fans fire up and Jade revels in it. Liv says they should just go. Raquel & Liv hurry away but Jade chases them up the ramp! The fans fire up as Jade CLOBBERS Liv! Raquel doesn’t even realize it, and Jade drags Liv back to ringside! Liv fights back, Jade SMACKS her again, then puts her in the ring. The fans cheer, Jade stalks Liv to a corner, and she runs up, only for Liv to dodge! Jade hits buckles, Liv back body blocks! Liv comes back, SHINING- NO, Jade catches Liv to POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO! Liv survives but Jade is rather amused. Jade drags Liv up and clamps onto the arms, but Raquel says to leave Liv alone!
Jade shoves Liv down to storm up on Raquel. Raquel gets away, and Liv runs up! BACKSTABBER! Jade tumbles, Liv hurries to get her up, and Liv POSTS Jade! Jade flops to the apron then the floor, the fans fire up, and Liv smiles as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Liv has Jade down with a chinlock. Jade endures, fights around, and fights up to her feet. Jade fires body shots, but Liv jumps on for the SLEEPER! Liv brings Jade down, but Jade fights around! The fans rally as Liv squeezes tight, body scissors wrapped on. Jade still fights, still rises, and she RAMS Liv into a corner! And again, and again, and again! Liv lets go, Jade runs back up, but Liv BOOTS her! Liv reels Jade into a facelock, and manages a snap suplexes! That’s Una Amiga, and Liv hits Dos Amigas! The fans are torn as Liv brings Jade up for THREE AMIGAS! Liv gives some Latina Heat and the fans fire up!
Liv runs to ENZIGIRI! Jade flounders to ropes, Liv runs in, but Jade again denies Oblivion to hit a GERMAN SUPLEX! Liv flops out of the ring and the fans rally up again. “This is Awesome!” as Jade kips up again! Jade then CLOBBERS Liv! And CLBOBERS her again! And then FLAPJACKS, to SUPERKICK! Liv ends up in a corner, Jade runs in and ELBOWS her! The fans fire up as Jade goes again, ELBOW! Jade says one more, and she catches Liv to SPINEBUSTER her! The fans fire up as Jade smiles and grabs an arm. Fans cheer “MAMMA MIA!” as Jade RIPCORDS Liv into a fireman’s carry! F5!!
Jade kips up a third time and the fans fire up again! Jade finally covers, TWO! Liv survives, Jade showing off a little too much. Jade decides to just finish this, and she chicken wings Liv. But NAOMI is here! The Glow has a caution tape based outfit, a very clever reference, and Jade runs at her! Naomi gets away, and INTO OBLIV- BACKBREAKER!! Jade still refuses to let that happen, but now Raquel distracts the ref! Naomi CLOBBERS Jade with a title belt!! Jade is down, the fans boo, but Naomi hides! Liv rises, and runs INTO OBLIVION! Cover, Liv wins!
Winner: Liv Morgan, by pinfall
A huge assist from Naomi, and now Naomi picks the bones! Naomi rains down fists on Jade, the fans boo, but nothing is stopping Naomi from beating Jade down! Naomi stops just to talk smack, and then she SLAPS Jade! Naomi grabs Jade’s wrists to sit her up, and STOMP her down! Naomi then puts Jade in the ropes for the HEATSEEKER! Jade flounders, stands up on the apron, and Naomi BLASTS her down! Jade hits the desk then flops to the floor! Naomi shows her dark side, will Jade have no choice but to #FeelTheGlow?
Backstage interview with Drew McIntyre.
Cathy catches Drew on his way out and brings up his pattern of attack on blindsiding Damian Priest. Where does this end? Drew says he didn’t start this, but he will end it. He explained things so simply last week that even a five-year-old could understand all the problems Drew has with Priest. Every time Drew got screwed over the past year, Priest was there like a vulture to pick the bones. In fact, Priest would probably brag how, “I beat Drew McIntyre in a tag team voice!” Drew mocks Priest’s voice, and says that what Drew would love for anyone, but especially Priest, though he’s probably not capable of it…
Drew would love for someone to verbally explain to him how he’s wrong. Drew tells the truth. Try to poke holes in his logic, but you can’t. But to Priest’s credit, he is as tough as he is stupid. Priest will surely pick himself up like he does every time, but Drew will put him back down. You know where to find him next week, in the land of the first and only British WWE World Champion. See you in London, mate. Arrivederci! Drew reaches the parking lot, only to cross paths with Seth Rollins. Rollins smirks, then continues on to gorilla position. The fans already sing for The Visionary, will Rollins have his face-to-face-to-face with Roman Reigns and CM Punk?
The Street Profits are here!
Bologna fires up for the NEW WWE Tag Team Champions, Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins, who have a new theme song to go with their newest reign. Ford & Dawkins get the mics as the fans chant, “You Deserve It!” Ford tells Bologna, he’s heard they’re very generous and beautiful. But he’s got some news for you: For the first time in FOUR YEARS, the Profits are the NEW WWE Tag Team Champions! The fans cheer, and Dawkins gets everyone to join in on “HEY! HEY! HEY!” Dawkins says, “I mean… It’s about damn time. SIUUU~!” The fans join in on that, too, and Dawkins smiles.
But real talk, for the past four years, a lot of doubts have been creeping in. The Profits were questioning each other. But them holding these titles right here… “You Deserve It!” Dawkins says the Profits holding the titles now made it all worth it. Ford knows they’re celebrating, but to be serious for one second… For the past four years, the fact that no matter what happens, peaks and valleys, highs and lows, he can always count on his brother. The fans cheer that and the Profits do the secret handshake. But wait! Legado Del Fantasmo comes out here. The fans boo as Santos Escobar leads Los Garza to the ring to ruin the fun.
Santos says, “Signore e signori <ladies and gentlemen,>” it is an honor to be here in Italy. And this, what a moment. The Profits finally capture gold again. Beautiful. Too bad it will end abruptly! His familia, these two handsome, chiseled Latinos are pissed! They are angry just like the fans, but they are ready to take those titles off- “YES BOY~!” Pretty Deadly joins in now! Kit Wilson & Elton Prince have the mics, fans join in on “YES BOY~!” Kit tells Santos that he can run his mouth all night long, but what he’s forgetting is that a few weeks ago, Pretty Deadly earned the right to call themselves the #1 contenders.
The fans cheer, and Elton says what Legado needs to do is step aside. Santos shouts they will NOT step aside! Pretty Deadly says so scary~! Santos says the Profits chose to believe Pretty Deadly’s pathetic gossip, that is why they’re in this mess. By the way, Profits, Santos offered them the chance to apologize and you didn’t, so now this is personal! So Pretty Deadly should STAY OUT OF IT! Ford tells Santos, “Whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa. Whoa.” The fans cheer, and he tells to listen here, “mi amore.” Pretty Deadly have their title shots. But y’know what? Legado looks feisty tonight, wanting to get in a fight, right here in Bologna!
The fans like where this is going, and Ford says how about he says something they can all understand: Tonight, let’s get it on, chicos! Because the Profits are up, and #WeWantTheSmoke! Santos & Los Garza are fired up, but will the Profits get caught in a trap game? Or will they use Angel & Berto as tune-ups for facing Pretty Deadly?
The force of nature draws closer.
Fire, thunder, and now a silhouette, as well as glimpses of this mysterious newcomer. Is WWE ready to ANIMO?
The Street Profits VS Los Garza w/ Santos Escobar!
SmackDown returns, the match already going, and Ford drags Angel down to a cover, ONE! Angel is tougher than that but Ford keeps on him. Ford runs, and ROLLING THUNDER SPLASH! Ford SMACKS Angel off the mat, covers, ONE! The fans rally while Ford paces. Ford runs, and he KICKS Angel to ropes! Ford then stands Angel up, but Angel stomps a foot! Angel CHOPS Ford, tags Berto, and they mug Ford. Berto taunts the fans, but Ford CHOPS! The fans fire up, Ford ducks a kick but not the GAMANGIRI! The fans boo but Berto drags Ford up to CHOP! Berto tags Angel, they shove and double hip toss for TU LO SABE! DOUBLE SUPERKICK!
The fans boo but OFF COME THE PANTS! Angel throws the pants at Dawkins! The fans boo, the ref stops Dawkins from storming in, and Angel KICKS Ford! Angel puts Ford on the top rope, then climbs up to CLUB away on Ford’s neck! The fans boo but Los Garza just soak up the heat. Angel puts Ford in the Tree of Woe, then tags Berto. Los Garza stomp a double mudhole into Ford! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Angel steps out. Berto tags Angel back in, they mug Ford more, but the fans rally up. Angel swaggers, mocks the clapping, so the fans boo. Angel runs back in, but Ford dodges! Berto hurries to tag and stops Ford.
Ford kicks, Berto YANKS Ford up, but Ford lands on his feet! Ford then dodges Berto, and Berto almost runs into Angel! Hot tag to Dawkins! The fans fire up as Dawkins rallies on Los Garza! Then CYCLONE SPLASH for Berto, followed by the ENZIGIRI! The fans fire up as Dawkins whips, but Berto reverses. Angel distracts the ref while Dawkins hurdles Berto, and Santos DUMPS Dawkins out! The fans boo as Legado gets away with one! Berto builds speed and he DIVES! Down goes Dawkins and Legado fires up, only for fans to boo more. The Profits are down right now while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Angel has Dawkins in a chicken wing stretch. Dawkins endures and the fans rally up. Dawkins fights up, fires body shots, then runs, but into a DROPKICK! Angel covers, TWO! Santos is annoyed but the fans taunt Legado as Angel stands Dawkins up. Tag to Berto, Berto taunts Ford, and Los Garza hit a LEAP FROG ATTACK! Berto feeds Dawkins to Angel’s HAYMAKER! Dawkins falls, Berto drags him to a cover, TWO! The fans rally for the Profits but Santos makes the pecs dance as a way to stay cool. Berto CHOPS but Dawkins ROCKS Berto! Berto kicks, CLUBS, and scoops, to then SLAM Dawkins!
Berto soaks up the heat, rolls back and MOONSAULTS! The fans fire up, that was a good move. Tag to Angel and Los Garza put Dawkins in the ropes. Angel KICKS Dawkins’ leg out! Angel taunts Dawkins, but he sucker punches Ford! The ref has to stop Ford, Angel BOOTS Dawkins down, and then Angel taunts Ford. But Dawkins ROCKS Angel! Angel blocks a kick, spins and lifts Dawkins into a Gory Especial! Angel marches to the ropes, tags Berto, and Berto slingshots, GARZA ESPECIAL! Cover, Ford breaks it! Berto protests, but then he whips Dawkins to the corner. Dawkins BOOTS Berto, ELBOWS Angel, then FLAPJACKS Berto!
The fans fire up while Dawkins crawls! Hot tag to Ford! Berto runs up, but Ford GAMANGIRIS! Ford LARIATS Berto, BLASTS Angel, then dodges Berto to LARIAT again! The fans fire up with Ford and they pump up with “HEY! HEY! HEY!” Ford runs corner t corner, Berto puts him on the apron! But Ford ROCKS Berto back! Ford climbs, Berto staggers around, and Ford leaps over! Berto comes back, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Ford covers, TWO! The fans rally, Santos is getting frustrated, but Ford puts Berto in the drop zone. Ford climbs, Angel grabs at him! Ford kicks at Angel, but Berto runs up to GAMANGIRI!
Los Garza both climb up to get Ford, and they hoist him up for the M T- NO, Ford lands out on his feet!! Everyone is shocked and Bologna is electric! Los Garza hurry down but Ford still BLASTS Berto! Angel grabs at Ford, Dawkins CLOBBERS Angel! Angel dangles in the ropes while Ford goes up after Berto! Santos panics as Ford hits a SUPER DUPER PLEX!! Both men are down, Ford reaches out to cover, TWO!! Berto survives and the fans are thunderous again! Santos coaches his team while Berto and Ford flounder. “This is Awesome!” as Angel and Dawkins tag in! Angel dodges Dawkins to DROPKICK!
Angel runs, but Dawkins SPINEBUSTERS! Berto runs up, Dawkins TOSSES him out! Los Garza regroups outside, the fans rally for Dawkins, but Santos gets on the apron. Dawkins DECKS Santos! Dawkins fires up with “SIUUU~!” and he builds speed! Ford tags in as Dawkins FLIES! Direct hit on all of Legado! Dawkins puts Angel in, Ford goes up! FROM THE HEAVENS!! Cover, Profits win!
Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall
Ford hit Angel from on high, and the Profits are rolling into their tag title defense! Will they still be golden through this tour? Or will Kit & Elton finally be crowned WWE Tag TEam Champions?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
The door opens, and Paul Heyman steps out! The Wise Man tells his Tribal Chief to wait just one moment while he goes to check things. Will everything be in order for the return of Roman Reigns?
DIY finds Pretty Deadly backstage.
Tommaso Ciampa sarcastically says, “There they are! Pretty Deadly, the #1 contenders to the WWE Tag Team titles.” Johnny Gargano says they must be excited. Actually, they are. Very excited. Because they’re getting to challenge The Profits next week, in the motherland, in London’s O2 Arena! Ciampa again sarcastically says, “Cheerio, mate! That’s great! Seriously, we’re happy for you guys.” They may have had their differences in the past, but if anything, this just made their relationship stronger. So how about some quid pro quo? Next week, DIY will make sure Pretty Deadly wins against the Profits, and they’ll be the champions!
A career defining moment in front of their home crowd. And in return, DIY take their rightful place as first in line for a match for the titles. Oh, so what DIY is saying is, a little “You scratch our backs, we scratch yours.” Exactly! Gargano had his heart broken in his hometown, and he’d hate for that to happen to Pretty Deadly. So what do they say? #YESBOY? Clever! But NO BOY~! Pretty Deadly says see you around. They leave, and Motor City Machine Guns walk in, spooking DIY. Sorry, but it just didn’t seem like that went well. But DIY, welcome to the back of the line where guess who’s waiting! A team you deceived and pissed off, just waiting for a chance to beat your asses.
And it’s MCMG, by the way, in case you weren’t sure. Sabin & Shelley head out, DIY argues about what to worry about more, but one thing at a time. Will Kit & Elton become the champions in London? Or will the Profits stay up on this Road to WrestleMania?
Roman Reigns heads to the ring!
Bologna puts the ones up for the OTC, YTC, THE Tribal Chief, as he walks out with Paul Heyman. Roman raises his finger, the pyro goes off, and Roman continues down the ramp. What will he have to say to CM Punk and Seth Rollins? We’ll find out in moments, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Roman finishes his walk into the ring, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Roman raises his finger for more pyro! The fans chant for “O T C! O T C!” and Heyman hands off the mic. Roman nods, the fans sing for him, then the fans cheer. Roman finally says, “BOLOGNA! Acknowledge Your Tribal Chief.” The fans cheer, and Roman says, “Your OTC loves you. So that’s why I’m gonna tell you what’s been on my mind. Last month at the Rumble, CM Punk screwed me.” The fans boo that, and Roman says last week in The Garden, Roman screwed CM Punk! The fans cheer that, but Roman says that’s not all.
Because also at the Rumble, Seth Rollins tried to kill Roman! But it’s okay, because in The Garden, Roman tried to kill Rollins! The fans cheer and chant “O T C! O T C!” Roman says here’s the deal: The OTC came a long way, so he’s going to take his time. He’ll be here for a good 15, 20 minutes, so if anyone wants to come confront their Tribal Chief, then PLEASE… let Roman know. Roman paces and waits, and “BURN IT DOWN!” The fans sing, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” as The Visionary struts his way down the ring in a cross between blue suit and raincoat. Rollins steps into the ring, grabs a mic, and the fans keep singing.
Rollins tells Roman, “You messed up! You don’t understand how dangerous CM Punk is. You don’t understand how dangerous he is to the future of this industry, to the future of this company. You should’ve let me finish CM Punk when I had the chance!” The fans are torn, but Rollins says he gets it. This isn’t about Punk. It’s never been about Punk. This has always been about Roman and Rollins. They came into this company together. There is no Roman without Rollins, there is no Rollins without Roman. And they cannot coexist in the same space at the same time. The fans cheer that, and Heyman has a rather sinister smile on his face.
Rollins says this story of theirs has a lot of pages written, and it is about time they added another chapter. Fans like where that is going. Rollins unbuttons his jacket, but here comes C M PUNK! The fans fire up and Heyman is upset that Punk couldn’t wait. The fans sing along with Cult of Personality as Punk walks out on stage. Punk kneels and says, “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME!” The fans cheer as Punk continues down to the ring to join Rollins and Roman. The mics drop aside already, but Punk grabs a mic for himself. Punk then climbs up onto the corner, and he holds up the mic to show the tape wrapped around that hand.
As the song fades out, Punk says, “This right hand is not taped up to hold a microphone. But before the circus kicks off, let’s talk about some facts. Big Chief, Grimace, neither of you have ever beaten me without the other one’s help. Think about that! Because you can’t! And Roman, I didn’t screw you. I know it’s been awhile since you’ve been in one, but in the Royal Rumble, it’s every man for himself. Your Wise Man should’ve clued you into that. And you wouldn’t even have made it to the Royal Rumble if I didn’t save your family’s ass in WarGames. Of which, by the way, I am owed a favor, Paul…” The fans like the sound of that.
Punk says no, before that, he wants to thank Heyman for delivering the Tribal Chief here on a silver platter for Punk. Punk appreciates that. Roman scowls as he looks at Heyman, and Heyman defends his innocence. But then Punk CLOBBERS Roman from behind, using the mic! Punk rains down fists, Heyman gets out of there, and Rollins is conflicted. He doesn’t really like either guy, so doe she let Punk just beat Roman up for him? Well, Roman turns things around, but Punk turns it back around, so Rollins goes after Punk! The fans fire up as Rollins and Punk scrap, but Roman THROWS Rollins aside! Roman fires hands on Punk!
The fans fire up as Roman fires hands and even HEADBUTTS on Punk in a corner! Rollins JUMPS onto Roman! The fans fire up, refs rush out here, Rollins stomps Punk! “This is Awesome!” as Roman puts Rollins in a SLEEPER! Roman puts Rollins in a corner, Punk storms back up, and Roman RAMS into Rollins! Rollins CLUBS Roman, Punk throws hands, and as the refs try to stop this, the fans chant “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” It is a three man scrap, Rollins KNEES Roman but then rains down fists on Punk! Producers and security step in, the fans boo, but Punk goes out to the desk! Punk is all fired up, as are the fans!
Punk tells Roman and Rollins that PUNK is Best in the World! And then he points to WrestleMania! Heyman says no! HELL NO! Rollins and Roman go after each other again, and then Punk grabs at them both! Punk drags Roman out, throws more hands, but Rollins DIVES onto everyone! Rollins bowls Punk, Roman, and the cluster into the desk! Jamie Noble tells Rollins to leave it at this! Rollins tells Punk and Roman that if they want a piece of him, they’ll do it at WRESTLEMANIA! And then he DROPKICKS Punk down! Rollins fires more hands on Punk, Punk throws them back, and Aldis says to stop this! Roman has steel steps!
Roman CLOBBERS Punk! And he CLOBBERS Rollins! The fans fire up as Aldis tells Roman to stop! Roman stands tall over Rollins and Punk, and even HE says WrestleMania is where to go! Rollins and Punk get back up, this chaotic brawl continues, but SmackDown has to call it a night! Will these two brawl all the way from here to the UK and beyond?
My Thoughts:
A very good episode for SmackDown, but something felt a bit odd about how things were arranged. While there are many times the main event is “made” thanks to some promo segment, I don’t think it should happen the way they did it tonight. The Profits’ segment should’ve started the second hour. We’d still get the good promo segment we got, and the great match from Profits VS Garza, followed by those additional promos with Pretty Deadly, DIY & MCMG. Then, Jade VS Liv could’ve been the de facto main event match before going into the triple threat promo closer.
Profits win tonight to have momentum, but does that mean Pretty Deadly wins in London? Profits being transitional champions doesn’t feel right, unless we get some tag title hot potato going into WrestleMania. And speaking of Jade, Naomi getting involved did a good job in protecting Jade in the loss, and then Naomi got to do damage to Jade. That grudge match is going to be great, and this could probably go either way. Naomi started this with the attack, Jade got her revenge at Elimination Chamber, and they’ve gone back and forth on SmackDown already, it probably depends on the go-home match going into what I would assume WrestleMania.
Very good opening promo from Orton and Kevin to set up their WrestleMania match, but hopefully this build doesn’t hit rough patches like we’re seeing some of these other ones. The main example is Jey and Gunther, but another example might be this Charlotte VS Tiffany one. Last week was very exciting because of the brawl, but then the video chat interview was clunky. I can’t be sure, but it felt like Charlotte was going out of her way to bury Tiffany by mostly just speaking over her and not really letting Tiff get her point across. Tiff did finish strong, but I can’t be sure how much more they can do with a literal month left before Mania when we’ve had the brawl and the promos.
Very good match from Priest & Jimmy VS Drew & Nakamura, and a very good win for Priest & Jimmy, only for Drew to attack. They might as well make Drew VS Priest official for Mania already, Drew even said in his promo that he doesn’t need to say anymore. Priest can surely have his retort promo, but he’d again be saying Drew is his own worst enemy. If nothing else, Priest VS Drew should also be more than just a standard match given the heat between them. Priest is Street King of New York, make it a Vegas Street Fight so these two can go all out. Very good showing from Zelina against Piper, but of course Chelsea & Alba help Piper win. I’m still thinking Six Woman Tag: Zelina, B-Fab & Mia Yim VS The Green Administration.
Very good stuff with this US Championship story. Jacob VS Braun was really good, and the interference from Solo & Tama was a great way to have Jacob lose without really losing. Knight VS Braun for the US title will be great, and there are clearly more signs that Jacob VS Solo is coming. I’m thinking Knight beats Braun somehow, and then Jacob will get his turn. The question will be when and how things fall apart for Jacob and Solo. Solo could cost Jacob another opportunity, or screw him over during the actual title match, but there’s time to build all of this for a great WrestleMania moment.
And a very good promo segment to close, but a much better brawl. I feel like part of the problem was they were getting really close to the end of the show, and SmackDown does not get to do overrun or anything like that while still being on USA Network. This of course sets up a Triple Threat of Punk VS Roman VS Rollins, though I hope that doesn’t end up the “favor.” The “favor” should be either Heyman compelling Roman to let Punk win, or having Heyman politic this into Night One’s main event so Punk can say he’s had a Mania main event, the thing Rollins vowed to make sure Punk would never get. And at this point, hard to say who wins, depends on what title plans await for Backlash.
My Score: 8.7/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
4 Corners Podcast: March Madness Bracket Breakdown
This week on 4 Corners Podcast we break down the Men's NCAA tournament bracket. Which of the top seeds will...
4 Corners Podcast- The Fantastic Four Nations Faceoff
The guys discuss Canada's big win in the Four Nations Faceoff and take a look at some early Spring Training...
Oblong Ball Foot Show: One For The Road
The Philadelphia Eagles are Super Bowl Champions! Tune in as we recap an excellent NFL season and touch on a...
Oblong Ball Foot Show: Super Bowl LIX Preview
The culmination of a season long journey is upon us. Andrew, Rey and Tunney break it all down for you...
The Front and Center Sports Podcast – NFL Conference Championships and Jimmy Butler
The Chairshot presents a new episode of The Front and Center Sports Podcast, with an NFL Conference Championship preview, and...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu Results & Report! (3/21/25)
One step away from glory!
Bandwagon Nerds #280: The Rich And Powerful
This week the NERDS discuss the Season 3 finale of Invincible, episode 3 of Daredevil Born Again and the continuation...
Bandwagon Nerds #279: Ultron In Crocodile Boots
Episode 3:7 of Invincible ups the ante, Daredevil is Born Again, and the Criminally Insane take center stage in Villain...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (3/7/25)
The time draws near…
Bandwagon Nerds #278: Shrek The 2
The Nerds continue their review of Season 3 of Invincible, plus Villain Madness continues as the Cosmic Region takes center...
Mitchell’s AEW Collision Results & Report! (3/22/25)
C'MON AND SLAM!
Mindless Wrestling Podcast: John Cena Watch Along!
We continue our journey through John Cena year 1 with a watch along of Him vs Jericho from Vengeance 2002....
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (3/21/25)
Venerdì Sera SmackDown!
DWI Podcast #468: John Cena Sucks!
On the HEELs of John Cena's latest promo, Dave Ungar and Andrew Balaz join the shoe to discuss one of...
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 3.20.2025
Coming off a Sacrifice with a few moving pieces and mixed reception we get to see how iMPACT follows it...
Mitchell’s WWE Evolve Results & Report! (3/19/25)
Evolve or FOGEDABOUTIT!
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (3/20/25)
Lucha de Honor CINCO!
Mitchell’s NJPW New Japan Cup Results & Report! (3/20/25)
The finals have come!
Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (3/19/25)
Omaha is All Elite!
Greg DeMarco Show: I Believe In John Cena
John Cena but his post-heel turn promo, and he's made believers out of Greg & Patrick. But do they believe...
