Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (1/30/23)
We’re on the Road to WrestleMania!
It’s the Raw after the Royal Rumble!
Two Rumble matches, two Nightmares as winners! Cody Rhodes and Rhea Ripley will both share their plans for WrestleMania tonight on Raw!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Elimination Chamber Match Qualifier: Seth Rollins VS Chad Gable w/ Otis; Rollins wins and advances to the United States title Elimination Chamber match.
- Candice LeRae w/ Mia Yim VS Iyo Sky w/ Damage CTRL; Sky wins.
- Elimination Chamber Match Qualifier: Johnny Gargano w/ Dexter Lumis VS Baron Corbin w/ JBL; Gargano wins and advances to the United States title Elimination Chamber match.
- The Miz VS Rick Boogs; Boogs wins.
- Elimination Chamber Match Qualifier: Dolph Ziggler VS Bronson Reed; Bronson wins and advances to the United States title Elimination Chamber match.
- Cody Rhodes VS Finn Balor w/ The Judgment Day; Cody wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes is here!
The American Nightmare is the 2023 Men’s Royal Rumble winner, having made his return after surgery on his torn pectoral! Cody gets the pyro but fans are already plenty fired up as he goes to the ring. Cody gets the mic as fans chant his name. The fans also chant, “You Deserve It!” as Cody looks up at the WrestleMania sign. Cody soaks up the energy and then says, “So… What do you guys wanna talk about? I think it goes without saying, but every week there’s someone new watching this show, so I’ll go ahead and say it. I am not the same person when I started this journey over 15 years ago on this very show.
“I’ve thought a lot, though, about 19-year-old me, first day on the job, pulling up to this metal barn, Ohio Valley Wrestling. There’s a sign on the door that says, ‘Tomorrow’s superstars today.’ And I’m sitting in my beat-up Volkswagen Jetta, and I remember, I vividly thought to myself, ‘I’m gonna be WWE Champion inside of two years.’ Hey, I was ambitious, albeit a little delusional, because I also thought, ‘I’m gonna be the next John Cena.'” Cody says if he could go back, maybe write a letter to young Cody, what would he say? Cody wonders if he’d tell himself, “I don’t think it’s gonna go down like that, chief.”
Would Cody reveal that one night in London, you’re gonna get slapped so hard on live TV that your knees buckle. “You’re gonna be Dashing Cody Rhodes, and you’re gonna give out grooming tips. You’re gonna win the Intercontinental Championship and restore it to its former retro glory. You’re gonna paint your paint and become less than. That triumph will become tragedy will become triumph all over again.” Would Cody tell himself that the lovely lady ring announcer becomes his wife? Would Cody tell himself that he’s gonna lose his 295 best friend but gain a 6 pound one back that has his same eyes?
Would Cody tell himself that he’s gonna be on fire at some point, bleed all over the world, and that in 2015, he does what everyone tells him not to and goes on excursion? And that one part of that excursion is fully focused on the industry’s health and neglecting his own? Or that on January 28th, 2023, at the Royal Rumble, he outlasted 29 others and punched his ticket, the very first in the family to do this, and go under the brightest lights on the biggest stage at WrestleMania?
Fans fire up again and chant Cody’s name, and Cody tells them, “Truth be told, I wouldn’t tell him a single thing. I wouldn’t tell him a single thing because every single piece on this broken road, every splinter on this upward ladder has been unequivocally, 100% worth it!” Fans cheer that! Cody says he is here tonight, he heard the fans singing his song, and that song will still be his song, but the most important words are those very first ones, because those are his own. “Wrestling has more than one royal family.” In fact, WWE has more than one royal family.
“But for that to be true, for it to be real, for it to be venerated, validated and vindicated in my heart, I have to stand across from another. I have to stand across from an entire bloodline. I have to stand across from the Tribal Chief, the Head of the Table.” Fans already boo, knowing who he’s calling out. Cody says he has to stand across from one who is essentially the LeBron James of WWE, the biggest star on the planet, a man who has held the title for over 800 DAYS. Cody must stand across… from Roman Reigns. Fans chant “ROMAN SUCKS!” but Cody says, “I’m sure you can hear it, I have a great deal of respect for Roman.”
But what’s next, Cody has the same sincerity: WrestleMania is in 62 days. That might be just 62 normal days for Roman, but that is 62 days “from the rest of my life.” At WrestleMania, undesirable has already become undeniable, but it will be uncrowned until that night when it ends. At WrestleMania, pull up a chair, sit wherever the hell you want, because on that night, someone else will be eating. After WrestleMania, Roman can be the Tribal Chief, the Head of the Table, the biggest star in the world, but what he won’t be… is the UNDISPUTED WWE UNIVERSAL CHAMPION! The American Nightmare has spoken, but wait, here comes the Judgment Day!
Damian Priest, Finn Balor and Dominik Mysterio head tot he ring, with mics of their own. Finn is confused. Is Cody returning to do something original? Or is he just gonna knock off all of Finn’s old stuff like Cody’s done before. And on top of that, Cody ruined the Judgment Day’s plans at the Rumble! Mami Rhea did what she was supposed to and she won her Rumble match. Later tonight, we all have the honor to hear her tell us who her opponent will be. But DOM was supposed to win the Men’s Rumble! Fans boo because that was not happening. Finn says speaking of the Rumble, what happened to Rey that he couldn’t make it?
Dom knows, he found Rey’s mask. And y’know what? Cody, you put your hands on Dom. Cody ruined Dom’s moment at the Rumble. But if that happened in prison, Cody wouldn’t be standing here right now. He would’ve got got! Priest says Dom should be the ONLY multigenerational superstar to main event Mania! Not some suck up who gets whatever he wants! Look at Rhea: entered #1, outlasted 29 others, and won the whole thing. She EARNED a spot! Cody is the golden boy, he got handed #30! How does that happen? Dom says it doesn’t matter. Cody owes Dom. Cody owes Dom an apology!
Cody has them stop there. Dom, Cody doesn’t wanna run the risk of pissing you of, but uh… Is Dom trying to scare Cody straight? Is that what this is? This could be very different. Cody already mentioned WWE’s royal families. The Rhodes, the Mysterios, Cody has a huge amount of respect for Dom’s dad. Yeah, Dom’s dad? Real funny, since Dom doesn’t. And Dom doesn’t have respect for anyone’s dad here, not even Cody’s! Fans boo, but Cody says fine. Cody gets this now. Fans chant “KICK HIS ASS!” Cody says between now and Mania, he could play it safe, try and stay healthy, or he could be himself, and kick Dom’s ass!
Cody is ready to take anyone on, really! And he’ll do it here, tonight! Judgment Day wants to punish Cody for “stealing” the moment, but will he end up doing that anyway here on Raw?
But wait! EDGE IS HERE! And he CLOBBERS each member of the Judgment Day! Edge rains fists on Finn but Priest drags him up. Edge brawls with Priest and Dom, security and officials rush out, and Adam Pearce will not have this break down onw! But then Cody joins in! Cody goes after Finn, and security, and Dom! Tulsa is thunderous, will The American Nightmare have the Rated R Superstar watching his back against common enemies?
Elimination Chamber Match Qualifier: Seth Rollins VS Chad Gable w/ Otis!
Austin Theory will defend his United States Championship in THE Elimination Chamber, and the first qualifier is here! The Visionary takes on “Master” Gable, will we be singing the song all the way to Montreal? Or will Gable “SHOOOSH~!” everyone here in Tulsa?
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Rollins wrenches to a wristlock, but Gable rolls, bridges, handsprings, wrenches back and headlocks to spin and toehold! Gable gets an ANKLE LOCK, but Rollins scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Fans chant, “GABLE SUCKS!” but Gable keeps focused as Rollins stands up. Fans sing, “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” as Rollins and Gable reset. They circle, Gable waistlocks, CHAOS THEORY! Bridging cover, TWO!! Rollins escapes, bails out, but Gable goes to the apron to CANNONBALL! Gable puts Rollins in, throat chops him down, then goes up the corner! DIVING HEADBUTT! Cover, TWO!!
Rollins survives, Gable is steaming, but Raw goes picture in picture. Gable says, “A THANK YEW~!” as Rollins flops back out of the ring. Rollins shakes out the stars and stands up, but Gable stalks him around the way. Gable puts Rollins back in, then drags him to a corner. Gable has a leg, and he says, “SHOOSH!” before he SLAMS the leg into the post! Rollins scrambles away, clutching the knee. Gable goes in, has Rollins in a corner, and wraps the leg around ropes. The ref counts, Gable lets off but then stomps the leg! Gable brings Rollins out to DRAGON SCREW the leg! And then Gable wraps on a standing toehold!
Rollins endures, keeps his shoulders off the mat, and fights the hold. Gable YANKS the leg, then tells everyone to “SHOOSH!” Gable drags Rollins back to the corner, “SHOOSH~!” but Rollins YANKS Gable into the post! Otis fans Gable off but Rollins builds speed! Rollins hobbles but he manages to WRECK Gable with a dropkick! Rollins puts Gable back in, hurries after him, but Gable hits another DRAGON SCREW! Gable drags Rollins by that bad leg and has another standing toehold. Gable YANKS the leg, then looms over Rollins. Gable drags Rollins around to spinning toehold! And then another spinning toehold! And another!
Gable cranks on the leg but Rollins endures. Raw returns to single picture and fans rally up. Rollins kicks and CHOPS Gable, and he gets free! Otis is upset but Rollins brings Gable up. Rollins CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS! Rollins whips, Gable reverses and runs in to get the leg! Gable puts one in the ropes, to have the other with a DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Rollins writhes and clutches his bad leg while Gable climbs up. MOONSAULT, but Rollins moves to roll Gable up! TWO and Rollins deadlifts Gable for a BUCKLE BUMP! Both men are down and Otis is freaking out. Otis coaches Gable but fans sing the song, “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!”
Gable and Rollins rise, and Rollins rallies with LARIATS! Mule kick, front kick, ROLLING- NO, Gable gets around, O’Conner to the CHAOS THEORY but Rollins lands out! SUPERKICK! FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!! Gable survives but Rollins is in too much pain to be frustrated. Rollins rises as the fans sing even louder and harder. Rollins shakes the bad leg out as he goes to a corner. Rollins runs in but Gable avoids the stomp! Rollins kicks low, hooks the arms, but Gable trips to a jackknife! TWO!! Gable runs in, into a roll-up! TWO, sunset flip! TWO and Rollins jackknifes! TWO as Gable bridges up!
Gable spins Rollins, Canadian Rack, for the CLIFFHANGER! Cover, TWO!!! Rollins survives and no one can believe it, least of all Gable! Gable snarls and fans rally up. Gable tells everyone to “SHOOOOSH~!” and he brings down the straps! Gable deadlifts but Rollins elbows the suplex away! PELE, but into an ANKLE LOCK! Gable keeps on the bad leg, then leans on the hold! Rollins kicks and rolls but Gable still holds on! Rollins rolls to a VICTORY ROLL! TWO!!! STOMP- NO! Gable grabs the leg to have the ANKLE LOCK! Rollins rolls, kicks, Gable comes back to jackknife, but Rollins rolls through! PEDIGREE!!! Cover, ROLLINS WINS!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall (advances to the Elimination Chamber)
The Visionary finds the way to win, and he’s headed to Montreal! Will he get that title back from Theory? Who else will join them in that high risk match-up?
Candice LeRae w/ Mia Yim VS Iyo Sky w/ Damage CTRL!
This grudge has been going for some time not, but the Women’s Rumble match only added fuel to the fire. The Genius of the Sky, the Captain of Team Kick, and the self-proclaimed Role Model all ganged up on the Poison Pixie, and everyone in that match really, so it’s time for payback! Will #CandiceWrestling get a big win off the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion? Or will DMG CTRL check off some contenders on the Road to WrestleMania?
The bell rings and the two tie up. Candice trips Sky, things speed up, Sky redirects but Candice follows. Sky goes Matrix, rolls Candice up but Candice slips free. Candice avoids the sweep, keeps moving, and avoids a dropkick! Jackknife bridge, TWO! STEP-UP SENTON! Cover, TWO! Sky YANKS Candice into ropes! Candice sputters, Sky hits a FLAPJACK! DMG CTRL fires up but the fans boo. Bayley wants commentary to emphasize Sky eliminating Candice in the Rumble. Sky scoops Candice to SLAM her down! Fans rally for Candice but Sky clamps on a chinlock while Raw goes picture in picture.
Sky grabs Candice’s arms and has a straitjacket stretch! Candice endures, Raw returns to single picture, and Candice fights up. Candice backs Sky into a corner, then arm-drags her away. Sky comes back but into boots! Candice runs, to dropkick Sky down! Fans rally while Sky bails out. Bayley says Candice still sucks, but Candice WRECKS Sky with a dropkick! Candice hurries to put Sky on the apron but Sky kicks Candice away! Sky builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit at the ramp and Sky eggs the fans on! Fans boo, Mia coaches Candice but DMG CTRL is loving this. Sky puts Candice back in, steps in, but into a dropkick!
Sky falls back out, Candice goes up the ropes! SPRINGBOARD CROSSBODY! Fans fire up, Mia argues with DMG CTRL, and Raw goes picture in picture again. Sky and Candice rise, but Candice drags Sky up into the ring. Kai keeps Bayley from hearing the fans taunt them, but Candice climbs up the corner. Sky trips Candice and she falls into the ring! Sky elbows Candice, RAMS into her, then RAMS her again! The ref counts, Sky lets off, and Mia coaches Candice again. But Sky digs both boots into Candice! And then SWINGING METEORAS! Sky eggs Candice on, then brings her around to a cover, TWO!
Sky is annoyed but she’s back on Candice with a chinlock. Candice endures, even as Sky digs her knee into Candice’s back. Candice fights up but Sky shifts to a dragon sleeper! Candice still fights up, throws body shots, and runs, to tilt-o-whirl and IRON OCTOPUS! Sky endures now, flails and reaches out, but Candice pulls on the arm! Sky powers out to a SIDEWALK SLAM! Both women are down and DMG CTRL is upset. Candice goes to the apron, Sky goes to the other end. Sky runs in to SUNSET FLIP, but Candice holds onto the ropes! Candice stomps but Sky dodges, to trip Candice up! Candice hits the apron, but Sky gives her an APRON BACK SUPLEX!
Candice writhes while Sky climbs back up. Candice kicks Sky away! Candice stands, runs in, APRON COMPLETE SHOT! Sky flounders, Candice hurries up a corner, and Raw returns to single picture. Fans fire up for the MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO!! Sky survives and Candice grows frustrated. Bayley talks trash but Candice puts Sky up top. Candice CHOPS, then climbs up. But Sky hops down to YANK Candice down! Candice hits buckles, and then Sky underhooks! TIGER BACKBREAKER! Bayley is fired up but fans boo. Sky goes to the corner, runs in, SHINKANSEN! Sky puts Candice in the drop zone and goes back up!
Fans boo but Candice SPANKS Sky! Candice climbs up to SUPER GERMAN SUPLEX! High stack cover, TWO!! Sky survives again and Kai breathes easy again. Candice and Sky are both down but Mia rallies the fans. Candice and Sky go forehead to forehead, then forearm for forearm! Candice forearms, CHOPS and repeat! She fires off in the corner, runs in but Sky dodges. Sky runs in but into an elbow! Candice climbs but Sky CLUBS her! Electric Chair Lift, but Candice fights it to a POISON-RANA!! Cover, TWO!?!? Sky survives yet again and DMG CTRL is beside themselves! Candice snarls as she stalks Sky to a corner.
Candice hoists Sky up top, climbs up after her, and brings her in. But Sky throws Candice away! No wild rides here! Sky adjusts, fans boo, OVER THE MOONSAULT onto BOOTS!! Candice drags Sky into a cradle but Kai distracts the ref! Mia is pissed, Candice would’ve won already! The ref finally counts, TWO!! Mia chases DMG CTRL off and Candice hits a CODE BREAKER! Bayley gets up, Candice DECKS her! But Sky rolls Candice up! SKY WINS!
Winner: Iyo Sky, by pinfall
The numbers game wins again! Michin wasn’t enough to stop Bayley and Kai, but will DMG CTRL face the consequences of their actions soon enough?
Rhea Ripley heads to the ring!
As promised, the Judgment Day’s Eradicator is here, and she is ready to make that WrestleMania decision. Rhea has the mic to say, “It’s been awhile since I’ve been out here without my Latino Heat, my Dom-Dom, and the Judgment Day crew. But I really just wanted all the attention on me. Two nights ago, I disrupted the status quo. I did the unthinkable, I went the distance, I came in here at number one, and overcame and outlasted 29 other women to win the Royal Rumble match. And now… I get to choose whichever champion I wanna face at WrestleMania.”
Fans “WOO~!” but also chant, “EST! EST!” Rhea says three years ago, she had just turned 24 and her career just got started. She was NXT Women’s Champion. She came here to Raw, stood in this ring, and challenged the winner of the Women’s Rumble, Charlotte Flair. She wanted the match at WrestleMania, and Charlotte put her in her place. The funny thing about Charlotte is she’s somehow always in the title picture. Charlotte is always at the top of her game, and Rhea hates to give her credit, “but she seems to get better each and every year. The normal flow here in the WWE is that Charlotte Flair is at the top.
“But I’m the disrupter. I don’t like the natural flow, I don’t like the normal formula, and I don’t like things being overplayed. So, Charlotte. I advise you to enjoy everyone rising and bowing down to the Queen. Because they’re about to rise to Rhea Ripley!” Fans fire up for that! At WrestleMania, Rhea plans to put Charlotte in her place! “Charlotte Flair, I choose you.” Rhea isn’t worried about the title, she’s focused on revenge! Will the SmackDown Women’s Champion soon face her Judgment Day?
Backstage interview with Seth Rollins.
Cathy Kelley is with the Visionary, and he is fired up! Before we talk Elimination Chamber, let’s talk tonight! Tulsa, Oklahoma~! “What a crowd! What a fight against Chad Gable, and what a win! And now, I’m going on to Elimination Chamber. I’m gonna beat five other dudes inside that Chamber. I’m gonna take the United States title back from Austin Theory, and when it’s time, WRESTLEMANIA! LOS ANGELES! LET’S GOOO~! HAHAHAHA!” Then Cathy has to ask, at the Rumble, there was a lot of chatter after seeing surprise entrant, Logan Paul, eliminating Rollins. Can we get a comment?
Rollins takes a breath, and smiles, before walking away. Is the Visionary going to ignore Logan Paul to focus on The Now? Will the ImPAULsive Influencer do something to change that?
Elimination Chamber Match Qualifier: Johnny Gargano w/ Dexter Lumis VS Baron Corbin w/ JBL!
Johnny Wrestling has run into the Modern Day Wrestling God before, both in the ring and at the poker table. But the stakes are even higher than those encounters combined! Who will win their way into the Elimination Chamber in Montreal? And who will be left out in the cold?
The bell rings and Gargano rushes in! Corbin catches Gargano, RAMS him into a corner, but Gargano dodges the lariat to fire off haymakers! Corbin CLOBBERS Gargano, drags him up and whips him to ropes, but Gargano ducks ‘n’ dodges and RANAS! Corbin staggers up, into a DROPKICK! But Corbin comes back to BOOT Gargano down! Corbin puts Gargano in a corner, throws hands, but fans taunt “BUM ASS CORBIN!” Corbin gets annoyed by that, but he whips Gargano corner to corner hard! Gargano tumbles up and out to the apron, but Corbin drags him back in. Corbin choke grips, to CHOKE SLAM BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!
Corbin is annoyed but Gargano survives. Fans rally for Johnny Wrestling but Corbin scoops him. Gargano slips off, elbows Corbin away, then sidesteps to schoolboy KICK! Corbin staggers, Gargano throws him out of the ring, and then builds speed to WRECK Corbin with a dropkick! Gargano slingshots, Corbin slides in, but Gargano shoulders into him! Slingshot, but into a HAYMAKER! Down goes Gargano and Corbin goes out after him. Corbin choke grips, stares down Lumis, and CHOKE SLAMS Gargano on the barriers! Gargano falls and fans boo as Raw goes picture in picture.
Corbin looms over Gargano, drags him back up, and brings him around. Corbin SMACKS Gargano off the announce desk, the ref wants him to get this i the ring, but Corbin tells him to hold on. Corbin drags Gargano around to then RAM into barriers! Gargano falls, Corbin refreshes the ring count, and Corbin stalks Gargano. JBL argues with the ref but Corbin drags Gargano into the ring. Cover, TWO! Corbin looms over Gargano, drags him up, and ROCKS him with a right! Corbin has Gargano in the corner with more haymakers, then he puts Gargano up top. Corbin ROCKS Gargano again, climbs up after him, and throws down fists!
Corbin then stands Gargano up, but Gargano throws body shots! Gargano HEADBUTTS Corbin off the corner! Gargano reels Corbin in, for a TORNADO DDT! JBL is stunned but the fans rally up! Gargano drags himself to ropes, staggers over, and he throws haymakers on Corbin! The ref counts as they’re in the corner, but Gargano whips corner to corner. Corbin reverses, runs in, but Gargano dodges. Corbin slides out, slides in, and CLOBBERS Gargano! Cover, TWO! Corbin is furious, so he clamps on a half nelson chinbar! Gargano endures as Corbin leans on the hold. Raw returns to single picture as fans rally up for Gargano.
Gargano fights up, throws elbows, then elbows free! Gargano runs, but Corbin CLOBBERS him! Corbin rains down elbows then covers, TWO! Gargano goes to the apron and Corbin scowls. Corbin storms over, drags Gargano up, and ROCKS Gargano. Corbin runs side to side, but into a SLINGSHOT SPEAR! Cover, TWO! Corbin survives but JBL still looks a bit worried. Gargano drags Corbin up, Lumis is stoic, but Corbin choke grips! Corbin TOSSES Gargano to a corner, runs in, but Gargano BOOTS him away! Gargano goes up, leaps over Corbin, but Corbin slides out and in, into a SUPERKICK! Another SUPERKICK knocks Corbin down! Cover, TWO!!
JBL is worried again while Gargano grits his teeth. Corbin sits up, fans rally for Johnny Wrestling, and Gargano storms up on Corbin. Corbin throws body shots but Gargano throws forearms. Corbin shoves Gargano, Gargano gets around, redirects, dodges, but Corbin ELBOWS him! Gargano rebounds to DISCUS! Corbin rebounds, into an ENZIGURI! Gargano keeps moving, but runs into DEEP SIX! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives and Corbin is furious! Corbin rains down fists but the ref warns him. Corbin lets off, throws off his shirt, but fans boo, they do NOT want that free souvenir.
Corbin drags Gargano up, reels him in, but Gargano ROCKS him! Gargano goes to a corner, Corbin runs in, but Gargano POSTS him! JBL is furious, but Gargano DIVES to send Corbin into the desk! Gargano puts Corbin in the ring but JBL tears the desk apart! But then Lumis steps over, with a HATCHET! JBL wants his hat but Lumis CHOPS it with the hatchet! JBL shouts for 911, but Lumis gives Gargano a thumbs up. Gargano GAMANGIRIS, but Corbin BOOTS Gargano out of the spear! END OF- NO, ROLL-UP!! GARGANO WINS!!
Winner: Johnny Gargano, by pinfall (advances to the Elimination Chamber)
Corey Graves questions why Lumis was out here at all, but we just saw why! Lumis made sure JBL didn’t pull something. Gargano is going to Montreal, will Johnny Wrestling become Johnny America with the United States title?
MVP is in the VIP Lounge!
Montel Vontavius Porter welcomes us, and says that means big things are still popping, little things are still stopping, so sit back, relax and enjoy the view, because the VIP Lounge is still for people better than all of you. But tonight’s guest is a man “courageous enough to defend the United States Championship inside the Elimination Chamber.” It’s Atlanta’s own, Austin Theory! Fans boo as The Now struts his way out to the ring. Of course, Theory is only champion because Brock Lesnar screwed out Bobby Lashley again, but he’s still gonna count that.
Anyway, Theory steps past the velvet rope and through the ring ropes to relax on the couch. MVP says to make himself comfortable, and Theory says, “Just wow!” Fans boo, but MVP wants them to hear the man out. Theory says first of all, beyond all this disrespect, thank you, MVP, for inviting him! MVP says you’re welcome, happy to have you. When Theory was a “little kid,” he used to watch the VIP Lounge. In fact, that was a long time ago. But that’s why Theory’s here! He’s here to reinvent the VIP Lounge and make it relevant again, just like he will for MVP. Oh, how considerate.
Think about this: The VIP Lounge presents ATL – Austin Theory Live! Even better, get rid of the VIP Lounge and just make it Austin Theory Live! MVP says there is a ring to that, but to remind Theory, hot trends come and go, but classics never go out of style. Well, Theory is a classic. Uh, no, you’re not old enough yet. But they’ll figure this out. The VIP Lounge presents Austin Theory Live! Fans boo and Theory tells them to shut up. MVP does like the sound of that title, but maybe after the Elimination Chamber, Theory won’t have one. MVP wants to talk with Theory about that. Fans chant “YOU SUCK!” at Theory but he grins.
“Oh, I suck? You shut up because I am the CHAMP! And speaking of champ, did MVP just call me champ?” MVP confirms, he did. The same man that called Bobby Lashley the champ? And last week, MVP said Lashley was gonna beat MVP. MVP admits to that. So MVP thinks Lashley can beat Theory? MVP knows Lashley can. Oh, he knows? Well… Theory says he’s just messing around. But let’s talk the Chamber. It’s grueling, it’s hard to survive, but Theory survived it before. Theory was in the most grueling spot! Brock Lesnar F5’d him off the top of a chamber! But here he is, still standing!
And why is that? Because Theory IS the ruthlessness that this new generation needs! And NO amount of aggression can stop him! MVP says he likes this! MVP likes the confidence! He gets it, he understands where Theory is psychological. MVP was once a young, brash United States Champion, and was also once in an Elimination Chamber match. And Undertaker threw MVP off the top of a pod! So that means Theory is terrified, scared out of his mind, but doing a good job hiding it, just like MVP did. “But you never know who’s gonna be in that Chamber.” Theory asks MVP if that’s a threat. No, it’s a warning.
MVP is putting Theory up on game. Oh, is he? Trying to compare Lashley to the Undertaker? Lashley is MORE dangerous than Taker, to Theory. Oh, well that’s great Lashley is more dangerous, because Theory’s already beaten him twice. And this US Championship will be defended in the Chamber, but Lashley won’t be in it! So let’s talk about something that’s not the past. No problem, MVP can do that. He and Lashley aren’t business partners, so MVP is not at liberty to speak on Lashley’s back. But MVP knows Lashley, so for Theory’s health, should he survive- HIS HEALTH?! MVP cares about Theory’s health? Just a little bit.
Well, MVP should be more worried about his own health! More importantly, MVP should be worried about Lashley’s health. Everyone here knows that Lashley is MVP’s meal ticket, and that meal ticket is gonna get chewed up by Brock Lesnar! But wait! Here comes Bobby Lashley! Fans fire up as the All Mighty makes his way to the ring, and MVP defends he has nothing to do with this. Lashley pushes over the velvet rope, gets in the ring, and Theory says he shouldn’t even be here! What’s Lashley doing? But then MVP has Lashley stay back, and Theory says, “That’s right, Bobby. Listen to your daddy.”
Hearing that, MVP shrugs and says whatever. MVP stands aside and Lashley ROCKS Theory! And clotheslines him in the corner! Lashley throws the furniture around, Theory runs in, but into a COMPLETE SHOT! Fans fire up as Lashley continues to move things aside! MVP stands Theory up, Lashley runs in, but Theory uses MVP as a shield! The SPEAR hits MVP!! Theory runs away, and Lashley is even more furious! Theory says Lashley is the past and he’s done with the past! But will Lashley force The Now to deal with him in the near future?
Backstage interview with the Judgment Day.
Byron Saxton walks over to ask Finn about tonight’s main event, the first-time-ever of Finn VS Cody. But also, Byron brings up their altercation with Edge. Finn thought Edge would’ve had enough by now, but clearly not. Byron knows Finn isn’t hard to find, so tell Edge that Finn works Mondays. As for Cody, the Too Sweet is Finn’s. The finger guns, that’s Finn’s. The number 30 spot in the Rumble, that SHOULD’VE been Finn’s! Cody’s been stealing from Finn for years! “So tonight, he’s getting taxed! Because Finn Balor is coming to collect.” The Prince is ready, but will he be able to get even with the American Nightmare?
The Miz is in the ring!
The Hollywood A-Lister says he has something on his shoulder, and it’s a hell of a lot more than a chip! First, last week on Raw’s 30th Anniversary show, Miz was not given time, he was assaulted by Kevin Owens! “Who, as far as I’m concerned, got exactly what he deserved at the Royal Rumble.” And speaking of, Miz got a terrible number in the Rumble! And then everyone teamed up on him because he was a threat, and he got eliminated FIRST! Then Miz goes to the airport and fans chanted “FIRST MAN OUT!” at him. The fans chant that here now! IF they wanna act like children, he’ll treat them like children! He raises his hand! “When my hand goes up, your mouths go shut!”
And tonight, instead of Miz having a chance to qualify for the Elimination Chamber, he has NOTHING! He wants to be treated with RESPECT! And until he is given matches that deserve his star power- Adam Pearce interrupts. We get it, Miz is upset, but Miz is always upset. Miz wants opportunities, but he always wants opportunities. But Pearce has a guy beating down his down wanting that same opportunity. So please welcome to the Raw roster… RICK BOOGS! Fans fire up as Boogs is back! Boogs air guitars and air drums to the ring, and Miz is confused. Boogs rocks in the ring, and Miz has him hold on. “Boogs? You want me to have a match with Boogs?!”
Miz says he is in a $10 THOUSAND suit that Maryse bought him! He can’t have a match! Pearce says fine, but Miz is always talking about how awesome he is, so here’s the way to prove it. A ref heads to the ring, this is happening!
The Miz VS Rick Boogs!
The bell rings, Miz protests, but he backs up into Boogs! Boogs TOSSES Miz into a corner! Boogs runs in but Miz has him stop! Miz doesn’t want him damaging the suit! Boogs fires up and stars air-drumming again. Miz ROCKS Boogs with a sucker punch! Fans boo, Miz says he’s in a suit! Boogs still gut wrenches Miz, throws him around, and Miz’s shoes fly off! Boogs then hits a GUT WRENCH SUPLEX! Miz staggers up, into a trophy lift! And a POWERSLAM! Cover, Boogs wins!
Winner: Rick Boogs, by pinfall
Now that was awesome! Boogs is ready to rock on Raw, will we see him turn it up to 11 on the way to WrestleMania?
The Alpha Academy regroups backstage.
Otis says that when the going gets tough, the tough get rough. Is that the saying? Otis and Gable go to the locker room, and Maximum Male Models is here? Maçé and Mansöôr don’t even understand what they’re looking at in Otis. “It’s disgusting.” “It’s grotesque!” But Maxxine Dupri says Otis is PERFECT! Huh? Is Maxxine looking at the same Otis we all are?
Bayley heads to the ring!
The Role Model walks back out, not only feeling good over helping Iyo Sky win against Candice LeRae, but also feeling good from making sure Becky Lynch didn’t win the Women’s Rumble, and beating down Becky to avoid the steel cage match with her. Bayley laughs and gets the mic as fans boo. “Did you guys really think I’d leave the building without talking about that?” Fans chant “BAYLEY SUCKS!” but she says she doesn’t. She knows we all saw what happened on Raw 30. Everyone is talking about how DMG CTRL took out Becky and made history. “It felt so good. We had so much confidence going into the Royal Rumble, if you couldn’t tell.”
They were dominant! Elimination after elimination after elimination, etc! But Bayley’s favorite was when she single-handedly eliminated The Man, Becky Lynch! HA! “Now finally, thank goodness, I’m done with Becky. The story is down, we’ve ended things, this obsession she has with Damage Control is done-” WAIT! Here comes Big Time Becks! Becky is the birthday girl tonight, and she tells Bayley, “Shut up, Bayley, ya stupid fool.” They’re not done until The Man says they’re done. Becky had already won the Rumble, she was just making sure Bayley and her team didn’t. Right, sounds like an excuse to Bayley.
Oh, excuses like robbing the fans of their Steel Cage match. Excuses like attacking Becky before the bell because Bayley was too scared. Excuses like doing whatever you can to avoid going 1v1 because Bayley doesn’t want to admit Becky’s better than her. Bayley laughs at that, and tells the fans to pipe down. Excuses, huh? Bayley is making excuses? No, Bayley is smart! Read a book or something! But Becky says Tulsa gets it. Bayley says she’s here to celebrate but Becky has to come out here and make it all about her. Well, it is Becky’s birthday. Bayley doesn’t give a damn! Becky doesn’t tell Bayley where and when to be or what to do! She’s not the suck-ups in the crowd!
Bayley knows Becky. And Bayley doesn’t like “Rebecca.” Becky is overrated. Becky isn’t good enough for all of this. To be champion again. Or to be in the ring with Bayley 1v1. Becky isn’t even good enough for her husband, Seth Freakin’ Rollins! HAH! Don’t act like you don’t know. The only reason Rollins married Becky is cuz he knocked her up! Becky stares daggers at Bayley’s smug smile. Becky says after all this time, she thought they were only fighting over wrestling. But whatever this is, this once-friendship, this animosity, this bitterness Bayley has, it all started 10 years ago in NXT in Orlando.
So since Raw will be in Orlando next week, that is where they should end this! Becky and Bayley will get that Steel Cage match once and for all! Bayley says, “What’re you, stupid, Becky? No! No chance!” Becky had a feeling Bayley would say that, so she’ll be right back. Oh, is she gonna go find another excuse? Another reason why she’s better than Bayley? Bayley has no time for this! She has to leave this crappy city. But then Becky returns, dragging Dakota Kai! Bayley is freaking out as Becky has Dakota’s leg inside a chair! What is it gonna be, Bayley? Kai, shush, The Man is talking. Bayley has to choose: the steel cage, or Kai getting the steel chair?
Bayley says wait WAIT WAIT! Bayley accepts the match! Oh, good. Thanks. Becky lets Kai go, and says Bayley can bring her friends along. But uh, maybe go check on Iyo in the back. Becky leaves and Bayley hurries to Kai’s side. Will Bayley regret pushing Big Time Becks to this point?
Backstage interview with Adam Pearce.
Cathy Kelley is with the WWE official, and says he has something big to announce. Yes, two big announcements. First, he is ecstatic that yes, next week, Becky VS Bayley in the Steel Cage is happening! And as if that’s not big enough, Rhea Ripley called out Charlotte Flair for her WrestleMania title match, so who will face Bianca Belair for her title? We figure that out at Elimination Chamber! There will be a Raw Women’s Championship #1 contenders Elimination Chamber match! The winner goes on to WrestleMania to face the EST!
Pearce says that the first four entrants are already decided, as they will be the final four superstars in the Women’s Rumble: Raquel Rodriguez, Liv Morgan, Nikki Cross and Asuka! “But wait, there’s more!” Also next week on Raw, they will hold a qualifying match for the fifth entrant in a Fatal 4 Way! Mia Yim VS Candice LeRae VS Piper Niven VS Carmella! All this, next week on Raw in Orlando! But wait, in walks CHELSEA GREEN! She asks if Pearce is the manager. He introduces himself but she already knows his name. She just wants to be sure he’s the man to talk to about the “unacceptable accommodations” she’s been given. Um, sorry?
Chelsea feels embarrassed for him, but someone must not have told Pearce. Chelsea is not just any returning superstar. She is THE Chelsea Green. Where is her private room? Where is her fresh spring water? Where is her Swiss chocolate? Uh… Chelsea expects this to be resolved IMMEDIATELY! Okay, then he’ll get her the chocolates… The Hot Mess is back, but will she focus less on her accommodations and more on her WrestleMania plans?
Elimination Chamber Match Qualifier: Dolph Ziggler VS Bronson Reed!
The Show-Off has had his issues with Austin Theory, he’s had the US title around his waist, and now he gets to go after both! Well, if he gets through the Colossal Aussie! Will Ziggler ride a wave of momentum into Montreal? Or will he be washed away by the Tsunami?
The bell rings and the two circle. Ziggler stays low with his amateur wrestling, but Bronson grabs him and THROWS him to a corner! Bronson rushes in but Ziggler dodges and then DROPKICKS back! Bronson stays up so Ziggler SPLASHES in the corner! ZIG- NO, Bronson bucks that, and then BODY CHECKS Ziggler! Bronson storms around, drags Ziggler up, and he HEADBUTTS Ziggler back down. Bronson drags Ziggler up, scoops him and SLAMS him, then runs to STEAMROLL him! Cover, TWO! Bronson is annoyed but he drags Ziggler into a chinlock. Ziggler endures as Bronson leans on the hold.
Fans rally, Ziggler fights up, and Ziggler JAWBREAKERS free! But Bronson clamps right back on! Ziggler fights up again, to JAWBREAKER again! Bronson staggers, but he runs in, into an elbow! Ziggler BOOTS Bronson, then dodges! Bronson hits buckles, and turns around into the SATELLITE DDT! Cover, TWO! Bronson is hanging tough, but Ziggler SUPER- NO, Bronson blocks the kick to ROLLING ELBOW! Ziggler wobbles, Bronson reels him in to suplex. Ziggler slips off, ZIGZAG!! Cover, TWO!?! Bronson survives Ziggler’s best shot, but he is also dazed. Ziggler and Bronson rise, and Ziggler throws hands.
Ziggler throws knees into Bronson’s head and fans rally for Ziggler. Ziggler HEADBUTTS, kicks low, and runs, but Bronson turns Famouser into POWERBOMB! Bronson puts Ziggler in the drop zone, then climbs up top! TSUNAMI!! Cover, Bronson wins!
Winner: Bronson Reed, by pinfall (advances to the Elimination Chamber)
And that’s all Bronson needed to crush Ziggler’s hopes and dreams! Will Bronson prove he is the top dog in the Elimination Chamber?
Backstage interview with Carmella.
Cathy starts but Mella needs more excitement first. She’s Carmella! The Moonwalking, Trash Talking Princess of Staten Island, and she’s back! And she’ll be back on top where she belongs when she wins the Fatal 4 Way to get into the Elimination Chamber. Because #MellaIsMoney. And there is not a single woman- Oh, wait! Asuka walks over! Is she welcoming Mella back? Or maybe she’ll say, “Mella is not ready for Asuka!” No, Asuka. You are not ready for Mella! Paint your face up, Mella still isn’t afraid. But then Asuka has blue teeth as she grins. Mella is more grossed out than afraid, but does this mean no one is ready for THIS Asuka?
The Street Profits talk with Elias and Boogs.
They’re all excited, but then Byron walks over to ask Boogs how it feels to come back after injury. “It feels like I’m climbing a mountain, in a loin cloth, and I just wanna scream at the top of my lungs! EEEEEEEEEYAH!” But for real, being back in front of the fans is electric. It feels like he’s riding the lightning! It has been a long road of recovery, but it is official! Rick… BOOOOOGS~ is BACK! Ford fires up for that! Boogs is a maniac but Ford loves it! Dawkins says he’s also shredded, and he can shred a guitar, too! YEAH! Elias says anyone can shred, but it takes true skill to be an artist. And Boogs has that potential.
Ford wants Elias to cool it with the hating. Boogs got the dub, now he has to get dressed so they can have a night out on the town! Boogs is BOOGING OUT! New thing, booging out! Byron then asks the others that all three of them have a shot at the Elimination Chamber match for the US title. Dawkins takes on Damian Priest, Ford takes on… Elias! Whoa, Byron sure knows how to stir the pot. But Ford and Elias go back like fins on a Cadillac, but Ford promises that HE will be the one moving on. Elias says hold on, hold on. Just like Cadillacs, Elvis and Johnny Cash, Elias is an American classic. And next week, things turn around for Elias, at Ford’s expense.
Elias has GOT to be the next US Champion! Whoa, don’t sleep on ya boi. Next week, when Dawkins beats Damian, he’ll be walking into SoFi as the US Champion. WHAT?! These friends all argue, but will it be like the Rumble: every man for himself?
Cody Rhodes VS Finn Balor w/ The Judgment Day!
The American Nightmare opened the night but was interrupted, and we now have a first-time-anywhere showdown! Will Finn exterminate the so-called Bullet Club parasite? Or will the Prince learn why Cody is uncrowned wrestling royalty?
The bell rings and Cody circles with Finn. Fans rally for Cody as they feel out the grapple. They tie up, go around, end up on ropes and then in a corner. Finn and Cody end up in another corner, and then Finn shoves Cody away. The two stare down, Finn jabs Cody in the chest with a finger, but Cody kicks low and drops for the RHODES UPPERCUT! Cody then wrenches an arm, suplexes Finn up and holds him up for TEN before the GOURD BUSTER! Finn scrambles out and fans fire up with Cody. Judgment Day coaches Finn up while Raw goes picture in picture.
Finn cools off, Rhea and Priest talk trash to Cody, and then Finn goes up the steel steps. Cody patiently waits, and Finn steps back in. Cody and Finn circle, feel things out, and then tie up. Finn headlocks, Cody powers up but Finn holds on tight. Cody fights up but Finn fights the suplex. Cody powers up again but Finn again holds tight. Finn hits a takeover, Cody headscissors, but Finn shrugs that off. Finn grinds the headlock, but Cody fights up again. Cody powers out this time, things speed up, but Finn KICKS Cody away! Cody clutches the repaired pec and Finn grins, knowing he hit the mark.
Finn and Cody reset, tie up again, and Finn waistlocks to drag Cody down. Finn keeps on an arm then floats to a facelock. Cody fights up, slips around and hammerlocks Finn. Finn fights up to get the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Cody lets off, but then Cody ROCKS Finn with a right. Cody CHOPS Finn, and Finn staggers away. Cody ROCKS Finn again, whips him to ropes, but Finn reverses. Cody sunset flips, Finn rolls through but Cody blocks the boot! Cody stands up, backs Finn into a corner, and puts the leg in the ropes to KICK it! Finn hobbles and Cody CLUBS him! Cody stalks Finn to the apron and DECKS him!
Cody springboard stomps, something he really is taking from Finn! Cody whips Finn corner to corner as Raw returns to single picture. Finn goes up but Cody catches him into an Alabama! Finn CLUBS Cody, Cody sets him down, and Finn trips Cody! Cody avoids the stomp to ELBOW, then he drops. But Finn blocks the uppercut to STOMP away on the bad pec! Finn SLAMS Cody’s arm, too, and Rhea mocks Cody, “How’s that feel, Nightmare?” Fans boo but Finn soaks up the heat. Finn drags Cody up, bumps him off buckles, then CHOPS him! Finn pulls the bad arm around the ropes, but lets off as the ref counts.
Finn CHOPS Cody again, snapmares him, then runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Rhea argues the count but Finn keeps cool. Finn stomps Cody to ropes, then drags him over to stomp him more. Finn springboard stomps to show Cody how it’s done! And again, and again, and again! The ref counts, Finn lets off, and fans boo. Finn tells Tulsa off, then he brings Cody through the ropes. Finn kicks Cody, kicks again, but Cody blocks to DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Then BEAUTIFUL DISASTER! Finn falls to the floor and Cody builds speed! Cody DIVES and Finn hits the desk! Cody puts Finn in, but he has to dodge Priest!
Priest tumbles into the timekeeper’s area! Dom runs in, but Cody TOSSES him over the desk! Cody gets in the ring, he dodges Finn, and then hits a SPINNING POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Mami Rhea helps Dom-Dom up, and fans fire up, “This is Awesome!” Cody CLUBS Finn, springboards, but into a waistlock! Dragon sleeper, ELBOW DROP DDT! Cover, TWO! Finn is frustrated but Raw goes picture and picture again.
Cody sits up and grits his teeth but Judgment Day soaks up the heat. Rhea even says to “SUCK IT!” Finn clamps onto Cody, and he throws down elbows! Cody wants the bad arm but Cody resists! Finn still clamps on a chicken wing, but Cody fights up to his feet! Cody arm-drags Finn away! Cody runs in, but into a do-si-do that gives Finn to COBRA TWIST! Cody endures the stretch, pries at Finn’s legs, but Finn CLUBS Cody in the side again and again! Cody still endures as Finn puts more pressure on! Cody powers out to HIP TOSS Finn away! Cody then runs to drop an elbow! Cover, TWO! Finn gets to the corner and Judgment Day is relieved.
Cody storms up to whip Finn corner to corner, then he runs in, only for the splash to hit buckles! Finn stomps Cody back down, then stomps him more. Finn goes to the corner and he climbs up while Rhea mocks Cody. Finn reaches the top, but Cody ROCKS him first! Cody climbs up to join Finn, throws forearms, but Finn hits back! They brawl up top, Cody gets the edge, and Raw returns to single picture as Cody SLAPS Finn on the back! Cody SUPERPLEXES Finn!! Both men are down and Tulsa is thunderous! Judgment Day is worried, they coach Finn up but “This is Awesome!” as both men stir.
Finn and Cody rise, and Cody ROCKS Finn! Finn ROCKS Cody! Cody ROCKS Finn! Finn ROCKS Cody! The hands go back and forth, faster and faster, and Finn kicks low! Finn soaks up the heat, runs, but Cody follows to springboard, CODY CUTTER!! Cover, TWO!! Finn survives but Cody keeps focus. Cody stands and the fans rally up! Cody dragon sleepers, but Finn slips through! But Cody drops down to KICK Finn away! But Finn SLINGBLADES on return! Finn aims from the corner, runs in, but into a SUPERKICK! Cody covers, TWO!! Judgment Day continues to worry, but fans rally up behind Cody.
Cody has Finn’s legs, “WOO~!” and FIGURE- NO, cradle! TWO!! Finn runs in, Cody trips him and steps in again, but Finn BOOTS Cody out of the ring! Cody is surrounded by Judgment Day, but then Priest spots EDGE in the crowd! Priest intercepts, Priest and Edge brawl in the crowd! Edge THROWS Priest into walls! Edge DECKS Dom on his way to ringside, and then he keeps ON Dom! Dom flounders with every haymaker and Rhea is freaking out! Edge SPEARS Dom down! But then Rhea CLOBBERS Edge!! BUT HERE COMES BETH!! The Glamazon SPEARS Rhea like she did on Saturday!!
Fans are losing their minds, and Cody brings Finn up. Finn trips Cody, to DOUBLE STOMP! Finn takes aim, SHOTGUN sends Cody into the corner! Cody is in the drop zone, Finn climbs up! Fans boo, but Edge distracts Finn! Edge hops down, Finn leaps, but Cody avoids the Coup de Grace! CROSS RHODES!! But Cody holds on, for another CROSS RHODES! AND ANOTHER CROSS RHODES!!! Cover, Cody wins!
Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall
The Rated R Superstar and the Glamazon made sure Judgment Day faced some of their own medicine! Will Edge & Beth finally finish what Edge started? And now, the American Nightmare is rolling along this Road to WrestleMania! Will Cody be ready to take down the Tribal Chief?
My Thoughts:
This was really a great Raw, especially in following up the Royal Rumble. For one, they built off of just about everything from the Rumble event, and we got great stuff out of Cody Rhodes, Judgment Day and of course, Edge and Beth. Great opening promo from Cody to establish that he is going after the Undisputed Universal title, aka both belts, not just the black ‘n’ gold world title belt. Good stuff from Judgment Day, acting like Dom was even close to winning the Rumble. And we got a great main event, including Edge and Beth again getting the best of Judgment Day. We most definitely need Edge & Beth VS Rhea & Dom at the Elimination Chamber event, since we know Rhea’s plans.
I was rather surprised Rhea chose Charlotte Flair, but her logic is also 100% spot on as to why she wants Charlotte. As such, it makes sense that Adam Pearce brings in a couple (currently) SmackDown superstars to fill out the Raw Women’s Championship Elimination Chamber match. Raquel and Liv have been building momentum on SmackDown, they’re great choices, and Nikki Cross has always been solid so good to see her get the nod. Carmella and Asuka are back, and they had a good promo together. Mella has reset back to her original gimmick, which is fitting since Asuka is being more like “Kana,” her persona in Japan. That Fatal 4 Way is going to be hard to call, but if Mella is back and she’s already had interaction with Asuka, it’d make sense if Mella got in.
Chelsea Green also had a good bit with Pearce, acting entitled given how strong she was going in Impact Wrestling. Great match out of Candice VS Sky, even with the ever constant overbooking of DMG CTRL getting involved. And then a great promo segment from Bayley and Becky. Becky taking out Kai & Sky offscreen some time before this was a nice touch, and Becky scaring Bayley into accepting the cage match was good stuff. It does seem pretty fitting to have this supposed blow-off in Orlando, maybe that cage match should be the main event. And while Sky beat Candice, she lost to Mia, so maybe we’ll get a tag title match come Elimination Chamber.
Rick Boogs being back was unexpected, and having him beat Miz while Miz is in his suit was good stuff. Great qualifying matches for the US Championship Elimination Chamber match. Rollins was a natural choice, but great match with Gable. I also like that Otis has oddly caught they eye of Maxxine Dupri now that MMM has moved over to Raw. As ridiculous as the male modeling agency gimmick is, they might as well lean into it and have Maxxine make round mound Otis into her masterpiece project. Great win for Bronson over Ziggler, and great win for Gargano over Corbin. Lumis with the hatchet was hilarious, especially with Corey being horrified by it.
And great locker room promo from Boogs, the Profits, and Elias. Elias and Boogs both being musical gimmicks, I am very confident they’ll be in a program on the Road to WrestleMania. And while Priest likely beats Dawkins to get into the Chamber, I would love for Ford to get in there. It’ll be a great showing for Ford as a singles guy, and could you just imagine seeing his From the Heavens frog splash off the top of a pod? That’d be an amazing moment all by itself. But also, good VIP Lounge segment from Theory, MVP and Lashley. Lashley accidentally hitting MVP adds a bit to their story, but I think Lashley is getting in the Chamber, too.
I don’t see Lashley winning the Chamber, but he could do most of the damage for Theory to capitalize on. And as I said before, Lashley VS Lesnar at Mania isn’t going to be about a title, so therefore Lashley doesn’t need to have a title on him. Depending on how this Hurt Business 2.0 goes, maybe Lashley moves over to SmackDown to start fresh.
My Score: 8.7/10
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Who gets lucky on Friday the 13th?
With Elimination Chamber on the horizon, Cody Rhodes, Jacob Fatu, and Sami Zayn fight for a spot in tonight’s Triple Threat Qualifier!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky VS Nia Jax & Lash Legend; No Contest.
- 10 Man Tag: MFT VS Carmelo Hayes, Ilja Dragunov, Apollo Crews, Matt Cardona & Shinsuke Nakamura; MFT wins.
- Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier Triple Threat: Alexa Bliss VS Giulia VS Zelina Vega; Alexa wins and advances.
- Rey Fenix VS Trick Williams; Trick wins.
- WWE Women’s Championship: Jade Cargill VS Jordynne Grace; Jade wins and retains the title.
- Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier Triple Threat: Cody Rhodes VS Jacob Fatu VS Sami Zayn; Cody wins and advances.
PLAY BY PLAY
Tiffany Stratton is here!
Dallas, Texas cheers as SmackDown is now on #TiffyTime! Tiff goes to the ring, grabs a mic, and asks Dallas, “What time is it?” “TIFFY TIME!” Tiffy says three months ago, she lost the WWE Women’s Championship after having the rookie year most women dream of having. That’s why Tiff decided to qualify for the Elimination Chamber. Not because she asked, not because she got lucky, but because when she says she’s gonna do something, she does it! Five women walking into the chamber hoping to get the match at WrestleMania. But Tiff doesn’t walk in just hoping. She walks in expecting to win! The fans cheer that.
Tiff says based on what she’s seen the last few months, the WWE Women’s Championship misses Tiff! But wait! Nia Jax & Lash Legend walk out here to interrupt! They’re dressed in Valentine’s Day red and pink as they have the mics in hand. The fans boo but Nia says, “Tiffy, i would love to say it’s so good to see your face again, but you know I’m not a liar.” Lash says they keep it real around here. And uh, the truth is, Tiffy DID get lucky last week. Oh, okay, Lash, Nia, but why are you so obsessed with Tiff? Didn’t they already learn their lesson? And seems Nia simply got herself a replacement for Tiff. Lash says haha, calm down that, Bitter Betty, before Lash lashes out.
And the reality is, Lash is an upgrade! Now, after tonight, when Lash & Nia win the Women’s Tag Team Championships, then Nia will win her qualifier next week, and then, y’all will be locked up in the Chamber, and Nia will pin her fast than she can say, “It’s Tiffy Time~!” The fans chant “Tiffy Time!” but Nia says maybe they can just take care of this tonight. Nia & Lash step up to the ring as Nia says Tiff knows what she’s capable of. Tiff says yeah, losing a title match. But wait! Here comes Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky! The fans cheer as Mami & The Genius make their way to the ring, and Tiff says she’ll let Nia & Lash handle their business.
Rhea has a mic to say, “Don’t get ahead of yourselves, ladies. Because neither of you are going to be walking out of the Elimination Chamber, let alone walking out with the golden opportunity to go to WrestleMania. You wanna know why? Because I’m in there. And soon, Iyo’s gonna be in there, too. And we’re gonna do what we do best, and that’s work together until we are the last two standing.” The fans like the sound of that! Rhea says don’t let herself get ahead of herself, either. Because first, #RheYo needs o beat the crap outta Lash & Nia thinking they’re walking out of Dallas with THEIR Women’s Tag Team Championships!
The fans fire up as we get a star-studded match to open the night! But will Mami & The Genius still be on top? Or will the Irresistible Force & Bougie Bully bully their way to being champions?
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky VS Nia Jax & Lash Legend!
The teams sort out, Iyo starts against Nia, and Iyo SHOTGUNS Nia at the bell! The fans fire up as Iyo fires forearms. Iyo runs, but Nia POP-UP HEADBUTTS! And ELBOW DROP! Nia drags Iyo up, HEADBUTTS her to a corner, then storms up to CHOP! Iyo is stinging already but Nia whips her into the corner again. Nia stands Iyo up to SLAP instead! Nia scoops but Iyo slips free! Iyo BOOTS Nia, then dodges her! Iyo keeps moving, redirects, and handsprings! Iyo then ducks a boot to KICK the leg out! Iyo keeps moving and she SHOTGUNS Nia down! The fans fire up with Iyo, and she tags Rhea!
The fans fire up even more while Iyo wheelbarrows, Rhea CLUBS Nia into the STOMP 182! Rhea runs and she basement DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Rhea drags Nia up but Nia shoves her away. Rhea DROPKICKS Nia outta the ring! Lash runs up but Rhea TOSSES her out! Rhea then tags Iyo and Iyo takes aim! ASAI MOONSAULT! Down go Lash & Nia and the fans fire up with Iyo! Iyo gets Nia up, CLUBS her against the apron, then pushes her in. The fans rally behind Iyo as she climbs the corner. But Lash runs up! Iyo BOOTS Lash away, but Nia ROCKS Iyo! Nia fireman’s carries for the SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally while Nia seethes, and she drags Iyo over. Lash tags in, CLUBS Iyo, then DRIBBLES her in the ropes! Lash taunts Rhea, then she swings Iyo for a BACKBREAKER! Cocky cover, ROPEBREAK! Iyo survives but Lash drags her into a chinlock. Iyo endures as Lash squeezes tight, and Iyo fights up for elbows. Lash CLUBS Iyo, puts her in the corner, then tags Nia. Lash sits Iyo down fir Nia to HIP ATTACK! And rubs it in, literally! The fans boo but Nia tells Rhea to kiss this! Nia then has the ref check her eyes while Lash gets a cheap shot in! Nia covers Iyo, TWO! Iyo toughs it out, but Nia drags her up to scoop.
Nia tags Lash, then has Iyo in the ropes for Lash to CLUB again and again! Then SIDEWALK SLAM, and Lash adds a SPALSH DOWN! SmackDown goes picture in picture with the cover, TWO! Lash steps on Iyo, drags her over, and tags Nia back in. Lash whips Iyo to lift, and she throws Iyo into Nia’s fireman’s carry! But Iyo makes that a CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Cover, TWO! That almost backfired on the challengers! Lash runs up, but Iyo DUMPS her out! Iyo crawls for her corner, but Lash YANKS Rhea down! Nia stomps Iyo down, then soaks up heat. SmackDown returns to single picture as Nia tags Lash.
Nia & Lash double whip Iyo to the corner while fans chant, “You Suck!” But Iyo goes up and over Nia, and leaps off her to MISSILE DROPKICK Lash! The fans fire up as Iyo crawls, hot tag to Rhea! The fans fire up as Mami dodges Lash to DROPKICK Nia! Then she LARIATS Lash! And LARIATS! But Lash guzels! But Rhea turns the lift into a wheelbarrow! Lash back suplexes outta that, only for Rhea to land out! Rhea then CHOPS Lash, knuckle locks, and goes up the ropes to FLYING RA- NO! Lash stops that, but Rhea fires fists! Nia tags in before the RANA! Rhea dodges Nia, tilt-o-whirls, and DDT! Cover, TWO!
Nia survives but the fans rally behind Rhea. Rhea tags Iyo, Iyo goes up, but Nia fights the Riptide! Nia CLUBS Iyo, then goes up, but Iyo fires elbows! Rhea CLUBS Nia, and POWERBOMBS her down! Then Iyo goes OVER THE MOONSAULT! Cover, BUT LASH USES RHEA TO BREAK IT! Lash TOSSES Iyo out, then SMACKS Iyo off the apron! “This is Awesome!” even as Lash POSTS Iyo! Lash SMACKS Iyo off the desk, then dribbles her off it! Lash snarls as she pushes Iyo down, but Rhea WRECKS Lash with a dropkick! The ref says this is too much, and he has them ring the bell!!
No Contest; Rhea & Iyo retain the titles
The fans boo but Rhea keeps hitting Lash off the desk! Lash hits back, Iyo jumps on Lash, but Nia CLOBBERS Rhea! Lash POSTS Iyo again! Nia brings Rhea up but Rhea hits back! Rhea fires forearms, then a HEADBUTT! Lash BOOTS Rhea down! Lash pumps the brakes on Mami, and she brings out a TABLE! Dallas is torn, they love tables but aren’t as big on this match being a wash. Nia & Lash set their table up nearby, then Nia climbs into the ring. Lash puts Rhea on the table, and Nia goes up the corner?! The fans are already scared for what’s coming! But Rhea BOOTS Lash away! Iyo GAMANGIRIS Nia!
Iyo fires up, builds speed, and DIVES into Nia to go down through the table!! But then Lash TACKLES Rhea through barriers!! Dallas is going nuts as all four women are down in wreckage! Refs and security hurry out here, but clearly nothing is settled between these teams. Will #RheYo and the Irresistible Forces look to run it back?
Backstage interview with Cody Rhodes.
Cathy Kelley is with the American Nightmare and knows Cody’s already spoken with conviction that Drew McIntyre wouldn’t even make it to WrestleMania. But for Cody to make it to Mania, he has to win tonight’s qualifier, and then win what will certainly be a stacked Elimination Chamber match. How can Cody be so confident he will make it to Mania? Cody says he could speak with conviction, he could be angry, fuming, spitting, or he could do the “Golden Boy” thing and, per SmackDown General Manager, Nick Aldis, “control his emotions.” Everyone knows the pressures of this gig. As they’re talking, there are people posting along live with the show.
There are streamers broadcasting reactions to every word they say. There are 300+ employees at WWE HQ who are hoping and waiting that Cody, Jacob Fatu, and Sami Zayn all rip each other apart to have an all-timer of a main event tonight. And when that noise fills the ears and that pressure adds up, Cody asks himself one thing: Where is he? Cody is two matches away from the dream of main eventing WrestleMania. And in addition to that, he’s down the road from Reunion Tower, around the corner from the Cotton Bowl, and currently in the American Airline Center! This is Von Erich Country, and he is in Dallas, Texas.
Cody says don’t bet against him, so definitely don’t do that here. Cody heads out, but will he win that one-third odds tonight? Or will the numbers spell disaster for Cody in Dallas?
Carmelo Hayes encounters Apollo Crews and Matt Cardona.
They all say hey, and Apollo says he’s been watching H1M. Apollo admires the US Championship Open Challenge. As a former champion himself, Apollo would love to be back in the conversation himself. Melo says yeah, it’s the hottest ticket in town. Cardona says he’s also a former US Champion. And as he’s said, he’s not just back to be back, he’s back for gold. Well, the Open Challenge is open every Friday, but tonight, it’s already closed. Melo heads out, but then The Miz is right around the corner. Miz says Melo is just handing opportunities to anyone now? Yeah, anyone but Miz. Miz says he is a locker room leader, filling the void left by John Cena!
And right now, Melo is violating Miz’s three core values! Oh, and what’re those? Master, Inspire, Zone-in! And right now, he’s zoned in on Melo and teaching H1M a lesson in respect! Oh? Well, hopefully Miz teaches better than he wrestles. Melo heads out, and Cardona points out that “Zone-in” might be two words. Miz says it’s a hyphen! It’s M I Z! Who even asked you!? Miz storms off, but if the open challenge is closed, who filled the card?
Aleister & Zelina speak.
The Dark Father gives credit where credit is due: Randy Orton is undoubtedly still one of the greats. That match was shades of 2009 Orton. But Aleister can’t help but wonder… What if Cody Rhodes qualifies tonight. What roads will Orton take? Maybe we’ll see it really soon. La Muneca calls out Alexa Bliss and Giulia, saying one of them holds her title, while the other holds onto a fragile friendship. Zelina can’t help but wonder how much she can poke and play until all those porcelain egos finally break. Zelina says Alexa got in her head a long time ago, but that time will come. Tonight, Zelina makes sure that she goes to Elimination Chamber. “Tonight, change will come.”
Carmelo Hayes heads to the ring.
Dallas is fired up to see H1M out here, and he even gives some autographs to the front row. The US Champ grabs himself a mic to say, “Let’s go, Dallas, c’mon!” The fans cheer and Melo says he just wants to talk real quick. Melo says for the last 48 DAYS that he has been champion, he has chosen to bring prestige and honor to this title the same way as the guys before him did. Now listen, it’s one of those things that they say, “Banger after banger,” Match of the Night,” most defenses on main roster. Melo says Raw or SmackDown, he said what he said. And so as your U S A Champion, we’re on the Road to WrestleMania!
And Melo has earned his opportunity at WrestleMania! And since he’s gonna shoot his shot, might as well shoot for the main event. Next week, Melo will be qualifying for the Elimination Chamber! He knows everyone in Dallas knows, when he shoots, #MeloDon’tMiss. But to business tonight, he made a promise and he’s gotta keep it. There’s a man who’s been chasing H1M, Melo owes him one, so Ilja Dragunov, come on down! The fans cheer as the Mad Russian Dragon makes his entrance! It is time to right a wrong, but will Melo regret giving The Czar this match? Or- WAIT! Solo Sikoa & MFT are interrupting?!
Solo tells Melo, “You talk about having a United States Championship match. Well it for damn sure doesn’t start with Ilja! How many times did you lose, huh? Twice? Hey, ya shot, and ya missed. So get your ass to the back of the line, cuz the line starts with ME!” Ilja tells Solo that Solo is calling his shots. But didn’t his family abandon him during his qualifier? Solo says shut up! Don’t ever talk about his family like that again! The same thing that happened to the Wyatts is what’s gonna happen to Melo & Ilja! Oh, well, seems someone wants a fight! That means Melo & Ilja are ready for one! Melo says he was gonna leave here with one title, but why not try for two? What does MFT say?
Solo mocks Melo, then says shut the hell up! Solo says Melo & Ilja can keep running their mouths, but just know that it did not have to be like this. MFT swarms the ring and it is a 5v2 beating! The fans boo but Solo soaks up the heat! JC Mateo sends Melo into a corner while the Guerrillas stomp away on Ilja! But then Cardona & Crews rush out here! The fans cheer as the numbers are more even now! It is still 5v4, though! The fans boo as Cardona and Crews also get beat up, but SHINSUKE NAKAMURA is here! The King of Strong Style fires off on Tonga Loa, then THRWOS him aside! Then he GAMANGIRIS JC!
Nakamura DUMPS Talla out, Ilja and Cardona TOSS the rest! The fans fire up as we now have 5v5! And Nick Aldis walks out here to say this night started with chaos, so why not keep that going? He likes the intensity, it’s good for business. So clearly, we’re taking a rain check on the US title, and it is time for a Texas-sized TEN MAN TAG! Ring the bell! The fans fire up as the teams sort out, but the fight starts after the break.
10 Man Tag: MFT VS Carmelo Hayes, Ilja Dragunov, Apollo Crews, Matt Cardona & Shinsuke Nakamura!
SmackDown returns as Crew CHOPS JC! Then tag to Cardona! They handoff the wrench and Cardona HEADBUTTS the arm! Cardona CLUBS away on JC’s arm, but JC DECKS Cardona! Tag to Loa and Cardona FLATLINERS! Cardona runs up to ROCK him in the corner! Cardona whips, Loa reverses, but Cardona KNEES Loa away. Cardona goes up to MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Cardona drags Loa up, but Loa almost pantses Cardona! Loa RAMS Cardona into the corner, Cardona ELBOWS him away, but Loa distracts the ref so Solo can ENZIGIRI Cardona! The fans boo but Loa LARIATS Cardona down!
Loa snarls and he drags Cardona up. Loa scoops and SLAMS Cardona into the drop zone, then tags Tama for the SLINGSHOT SENTON! Tama taunts Melo’s team, then CHOKES Cardona on the ropes! The ref counts, Tama tops, but Solo KNEES Cardona down! Solo soaks up heat while Tama tags Talla. Talla looms over Cardona while the fans chant, “SOLO SUCKS!” Talla CLUBS away on Cardona, then drags him up to whip to the corner. Talla runs in and LARIATS! Talla then fireman’s carries Cardona for a SAMOAN DROP! Talla soaks up heat, then he stomps Cardona down. Talla tags Loa, Loa HEADBUTTS Cardona, then Loa whips but Cardona SMASHES him on the mat!
The fans fire up as Cardona hot tags Ilja! Ilja CHOPS away on Loa! Loa kicks low, HEADBUTTS, then whips Ilja to a corner, Loa runs up but into a BOOT! Ilja BOOTS Loa again, then runs up to KNEE Loa! Ilja goes side to side and he BOOT WASHES Loa down! Ilja goes up the corner, but he has to ROCK JC first! Loa ROCKS Ilja, and Ilja falls hard to the apron! Loa tags Talla, and Talal LARIATS Ilja! The fans boo but MFT soaks up the heat while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and JC squeezes Ilja with a chinlock. Ilja fights up as the fans rally, and Ilja fires elbows. Ilja CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS, but JC ROCKS Ilja! Ilja springs up but JC ducks the enzigiri! Hot tag to Solo! Solo BLASTS Cardona and Crews, then taunts Melo. But Ilja ENZIGIRIS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Ilja and Solo stagger, hot tag to Melo! The fans fire up as Melo fires off on Solo with forearms and CHOSP! Melo runs, RAMS Solo, then LARIATS! And LARIATS! Solo staggers around, takes a swing, but misses! M elo hits the springboard FLYING CLOTHESLINE!
Tama runs in, Melo puts him in a corner, and he blocks a boot! Melo puts Tama in the ropes, ENZIGIRIS, then hits the FADE AWAY JUMPER! The fans fire up but Solo ROCKS Melo! Melo rebounds for LA MYSTICA! Cover, Loa breaks it! Nakamura is in, Loa ducks one kick but not the WHEEL KICK! But Tama gets Nakamura for a TONGAN TWIST! Crews GERMAN SUPLEXES Tama! JC GERMAN SUPLEXES Crews! Cardona hits RADIO SILENCE! Cardona dodges Solo to ROUGH RYDER! But Talla LARIATS Cardona! The fans boo but Talla soaks up heat. But then Ilja & Melo stand together, and they fire off on Talla!
The fans fire up as they back Talla down! Talla SHOVES Melo, UPPERCUDTS Ilja, but Melo comes back, springboard- But into the guzel! Talla gets Ilja, too! DOUBLE CHOKE SLAMS!! But Crews ENZIGIRIS! Cardona ROCKS Talla, Crews dropkicks a leg out, and Cardona KNEES Talla! Talla just shakes it all off! Double guzels for- KNEE from Nakamura! Then Crews & Cardona DOUBLE LARIAT Talla up and out! Cardona WRECKS Talla with a dropkick, then Crews FLIES! Down goes Talla!! Nakamura fires a strike fest on JC, but JC reels him in for an ATHLETIC PLEX! But Ilja is up to GERMAN- NO, JC fights it!
JC switches, Ilja fights free! Ilja SWATS the lariat, then TORPEDO MOSCOW!! H-BOMB FOREARM!! But then Solo POSTS Ilja! The fans boo, but Melo SUPERKICKS Solo! But Melo runs into a fireman’s carry! Melo slips free, dodges Solo, but Tama tags in! FIRST 48 on Solo!! Melo goes up, but Tama SHOVES him into the SAMOAN SPIKE!! TORPEDO MOSCOW on Solo!! But Tama has Melo in his crosshairs, for the CUTTHROAT ELBOW!! Cover, MFT wins!!
Winners: MFT, by pinfall
MFT used the numbers and the chaos in their favor! And bigger than that, Tama just pinned the US Champion! Will nothing stop The Good Bad Guy from taking that title from H1M? WAIT! The lights go out! And the fireflies come out! MFT looks up to the skybox, and there are the Wyatts! Uncle Howdy has warned them, this is far from over. When and where will the Wyatts take back the WWE Tag Team Championships and the lantern?
Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair talk backstage.
They tentatively say hi, and Charlotte apologizes about the Royal Rumble. Alexa says it’s okay, Charlotte didn’t really eliminate her, Nia did. Charlotte says yeah, Nia ruins everything. But what Nia won’t ruin is tonight. Because tonight is #Galentine’sDay. Will Alexa be Charlotte’s Galentine? She got Alexa’s favorite flowers, black roses, and a picture. It’s an autographed picture of Charlotte. This is supposed to be a gift to Alexa? Alexa says it’s fine, Royal Rumble has the rule of every woman for herself. Yeah, and Chamber is the same. But now back to the presents. The best present is that Charlotte will be in Alexa’s corner. As her Galentine?
No, cuz Charlotte will woo her. Get it? Woo. Alexa sighs and says fine, she can bring the picture. Charlotte knew Alexa loved it. #Charlexa heads out, but will Lil’ Miss Bliss be headed to Chicago? Or will Galentine’s be ruined this year?
Damian Priest and R-Truth meet with Nick Aldis.
The Archer of Infamy and the SmackDown GM talk Elimination Chamber qualifiers. Next week, it will be another Triple Threat: Priest VS Melo VS Trick Williams! Priest likes that. And then Kit Wilson steps in. Kit demands to know what that stunt was with sending Oba Femi out there. Kit says Aldis is lucky Kit chooses to use his words and not his fists. Speaking of, he wrote a poem! “Monday Night Raw is red, Friday Night SmackDown is blue, real men express feelings, unlike you!” Truth says aw. Kit continues, “You reward meatheads, your leadership is obnoxious! Wake up, Nick! You are toxic!” Truth says okay, not bad.
Kit says of course Aldis and Priest laugh! They lack emotional intelligence! They can’t enjoy a good poem from the only real man in the room! Truth calms Priest down and asks to handle this himself. Wepa! Priest says okay, sure. Truth says violets are blue, roses are red, but did y’all see when Oba slammed Kit on his head? Kit says he a real man, but he can’t even go. Uh oh, Kit might’ve lost his manhood! Truth sees a camel toe! Kit says that is vile! They’re all immature children! Kit is not finished! You’re all TOXIC! Kit storms off, but will he make another scathing entry in his diary about this?
Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier Triple Threat: Alexa Bliss VS Giulia VS Zelina Vega!
This is a battle of small yet mighty superstars who have accomplished big things in their careers, but nothing is bigger than the Grandest Stage of Them All! Who takes one small step this match, and one giant leap into the Elimination Chamber?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the three stare down. They circle, feel things out, but Alexa TACKLES Zelina to a jackknife bridge! ONE, and Giulia hits an Oklahoma Roll! ONE, and Zelina rolls Giulia up, ONE! The three stand off and the fans cheer. They reset, Giulia runs up on Alexa but is sent into Zelina! Then Alexa clinches! But Zelina CLOBBERS Alexa, hops on, but Alexa pops free! Giulia ROCKS Zelina, scoops, but Alexa CLUBS Giulia! Zelina bumps Alexa off buckles, then stares down with Giulia. They circle, tie up, and Zelina waistlocks. Giulia throws her away, then avoids the kick!
Giulia catches a shot to ROCK Zelina, then she reels Zelina in for a snap suplex! The fans cheer while Giulia then stalks Zelina. Giulia ties up Zelina’s legs, grabs the arms, and SURFBOARD STOMPS her down! Cover, TWO! Zelina is tougher than that, but Giulia runs up, only for Zelina to block and ELBOW! Then SAIDO! Zelina kips up, the fans fire up, and Alexa is back! She guzels Zelina but Giulia grabs Alexa’s hair! Alexa STOs Giulia, then SOMERSAULT SENTONS! The fans fire up for Alexa while she goes to the apron. Alexa CANNONBALLS Giulia down! But then Zelina is there to METEORA Alexa! Zelina mockingly makes sure Alexa is alright while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Zelina RAMS Alexa into a corner! Giulia THROWS Zelina back to then stomp away on Alexa! But Zelina THROWS Giulia down! Zelina fires off on Alexa, RAMS her, but Giulia wrenches Zelina by her hair! Giulia THROWS Zelina, then DOUBLE KNEES Alexa! Giulia runs but Zelina BOOTS her! Zelina goes up, soaks up cheers and jeers, but Giulia ROCKS her first! Giulia goes up after Zelina, underhooks the arms, but Zelina resists the lift! Giulia still gets Zelina up for a SUPER DUPER BUTTERFLY PLEX! The fans fire up with Giulia, but then Alexa CLOBBERS her! And CLOBBERS her!
Alexa DROPKICKS Giulia down, then wrenches Zelina to SLAP, ROCK, KNEE, and SHOTGUN her down! Giulia runs up, wrenches, but Zelina SLAPS, ROCKS, KNEES, and SHOTGUNS Giulia! The fans fire up with Alexa and she runs, DOUBLE BLOCKBUSTER! Cover on Giulia, TWO! Cover on Zelina, TWO! Both Giulia and Zelina survive but “This is Awesome!” Alexa steps on Giulia, she goes up the corner, but Giulia rises! UPPERCUT! Giulia goes up to get Alexa, but Zelina CLUBS Giulia! Zelina joins in, and she SUPER BACK SUPLEXES Giulia! Cover, TWO! Giulia survives and Zelina grows frustrated!
Zelina throws hands on Giulia, Giulia hits back, and they stand up. Giulia ROCKS Zelina, Zelina ROCKS Giulia, repeat! Giulia HEADBUTTS away on Zelina! Alexa is up to CLUB them both! Giulia ROCKS Alexa, Zelina ROCKS Giulia, then Zelina whips. Alexa dodges and ROCKS Zelina! Giulia is down from hitting buckles, and Alexa stomps her down! Alexa goes up, up, and TWISTED BLISS but onto knees! Zelina hops onto Giulia! CODE RED!! Cover, ALEXA BREAKS IT! The fans fire up while all three women are down! Zelina stands but Alexa clinches! TWISTED- NO, Zelina slips out, but Alexa still hits a DDT! But Giulia KNEES the cover apart!
Giulia drags Alexa up, scoops, NORTHERN LIGHTS BOMB!! Cover, ZELINA BREAKS IT! The fans are torn as all three women are down again! Alexa flounders out of the ring while Zelina drags Giulia up. Kiana shouts at the ref, storms into the ring, but Zelina BLASTS her! And dodges Giulia! Giulia tumbles out, Zelina fires up, and the fans cheer as Zelina builds speed! Alexa catches her to the clinch! TWISTED SISTER BLISS!! Cover, ALEXA WINS!
Winner: Alexa Bliss, by pinfall (advances to the Elimination Chamber)
Giulia is beside herself, she was fingertips away from breaking that up! But in the end, Alexa is the third woman in the match! Who else will join them in Chicago?
Tiffany Stratton encounters Jordynne Grace backstage.
The Juggernaut tells the Wrestling Barbie welcome back. Tiff thanks her and says things are a little different around here. As much as Tiff wants to beat Jade Cargill, she doesn’t mind if Grace does first. Grace says when she wins tonight, she wouldn’t mind seeing Tiff at WrestleMania. Grace heads out, but then Chelsea Green runs into Tiff with her wheelchair! Chelsea says look long and hard at what Tiff did to her! This beautiful foot is now grotesque! All because “Tacky Time” took her spot at Elimination Chamber! And y’know what?! Jealousy is a disease, and Tiff is riddled with it! Alba Fyre agrees!
And they demand an apology! Maybe even compensation! Tiff tells Chelsea that if she wants to fight Tiff, all she has to do is step up and- Oh, wait! She can’t! Tootles! Tiff walks away, Chelsea says after her! Wait, the comfy blanket gets caught up in the wheel. But will the Hot Mess make a full recovery in time to ruin Tiffy Time?
Sami Zayn talks with Rey Fenix backstage.
#BigMatchSami checks on on the Immortal Firebird and Fenix says he’s good. Sami knows Fenix has his match with Trick Williams tonight, so just do Sami a favor: Teach that guy a lesson. Trick’s talked a lot of trash on everyone, and Sami’s seen this type before. Trick has all the talent in the world, he just needs someone like Fenix to teach him a lesson in respect. Fenix says no problemo, amigo, he’s got this. See you later. Sami says he also has one more thing. Last week, Fenix was trying to talk to him but Sami admits, he wasn’t really all there. It has been a tough couple of weeks, losing out on the WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble, but that no longer matters.
Sami is focusing on tonight to punch his ticket to Elimination Chamber, which will punch his ticket to WrestleMania. What Fenix said to him about inspiring the others, giving hope to others, that if Sami can do it, anyone can… Sami just wants Fenix to know that meant a lot to him. Sami will take that hope and carry it with him to the ring. Fenix says he knows that tonight, Sami will do it. But then they hear Trick’s music, so that means Fenix has to get going. Sami wishes Fenix luck, will Fenix #WhoopDatTrick? Or will those lemon pepper steppers have momentum going into next week’s Triple Threat qualifier?
Rey Fenix VS Trick Williams!
Trick grabs a mic while the fans chant, “Whoop Dat Trick!” “Huh? Yeah! I like it!” Trick is fired up with Dallas, and he tells Sami Zayn, “Lemme do you a favor, big dawg: Nobody here in Dallas wants to hear Mr. Can’t Get the Job Done tell his sob story.” The fans are torn on that, but Trick says Sami comes out here, backstage, moping around, Sketchers on his feet, ain’t combed his hair, breath smelling like ten pounds of ass! And he’s beggin’ for another opportunity? You make Trick sick! The fans are torn again, but Trick says newsflash, Sami! You got your opportunity tonight, you got a qualifier with Jacob Fatu and Cody Rhodes! Those are some big dogs.
But if you come in here moping around, they’ll eat you alive, let’s talk about it. But on to Trick Willy! Next week, he’ll come out here, put on his mink coat, take off his lemon pepper steppers, and do whatever it takes to qualify for the Elimination Chamber. Now as for tonight, Trick has Rey Fenix. Lemme tell you something, Fenix. You come out here every single week, you do backflips, kicks, but lemme tell you. When Dallas goes to the zoo, they don’t wanna see a squirrel doing flips, they wanna see a lion get up! And if you think Trick’s gonna lie down for one second just cuz he’s new here, then you must be stupid!
But then Fenix makes his entrance and that shuts Trick up. Fenix is ready to Whoop Dat Trick, but this rematch gets started after the break.
SmackDown returns and the bell rings. Fenix and Trick tie up, Trick headlocks, but Fenix fires body shots. Fenix powers up and out but Trick RUNS him over! The fans chant “Whoop Dat Trick!” and it might be for both meanings. Fenix gets up and he resets with Trick. They tie up, Fenix waistlocks, but Trick throws Fenix away! Trick flexes and says he can do this all day. Fenix stands up but Trick pie face shim. Trick CHOPS then fires forearms! Trick knees low, whips Fenix to a corner, but Fenix BOOTS back! Fenix SOBATS, FRONT KICKS, then whips, but Trick blocks! Trick whips Fenix but Fenix handsprings to BACK ELBOW! Cover, ONE!!
Trick shakes his head but Fenix waits on him to stand, Somersault and- NO, Trick catches Fenix to TOSS him to the corner! The fans cheer for “LUCHA! LUCHA!” Trick CHOPS Fenix, then runs up, but Fenix dodges! GAMANGIRI! Fenix pushes Trick out, then goes up and up to MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! The fans rally and Fenix is feeling it. Fenix aims from a corner, “ANIMO!” ROLLING- LEG LARIAT from Trick! Trick fires up and the fans cheer while Fenix sputters. Trick drags Fenix up, whips him to the corner, then CHOPS! Trick whips corner to corner, runs up again, and CHOPS! The fans fire up while Trick snarls.
Trick whips corner to corner again, but Fenix comes back to CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! But Trick scoops and SLAMS Fenix! Trick snarls as he brushes off his stinging chest, and he dares Fenix to get up. Trick scuffs Fenix, brings him up, and scoops, but Fenix slips free! Fenix rolls Trick up, TWO! Fenix ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Trick scoops to BACKBREAKER! Trick hits a JUMP NECKBREAKER! The fans cheer and Trick tells Fenix to get up. Fenix stands, Trick runs up, LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Fenix survives but Trick just cheers himself on while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again as Fenix fires body shots on Trick! Then CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! The fans “WOO~” with every CHOP, then Fenix runs to LARIAT! Trick wobbles but Fenix keeps moving, only for Trick to FLAPJACK! The fans fire up as Trick checks the hands. Trick CHOPS Fenix down! Booker T would be proud! Trick whips, Fenix ducks ‘n’ dodges, then tiger feint rewinds to HEEL KICK! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Trick and Fenix slowly rise up, “This is Awesome!” Trick stalks Fenix to a corner, brings him up, but Fenix SUPERKICKS! Fenix bobs ‘n’ weaves to SUPERKICK again!
Trick staggers, Fenix runs up, JUMP SOBAT! Then he goes up, up, and ADIOS AMIGO! Cover, TWO! Trick survives and Fenix is a bit surprised, but the fans continue to rally up. Fenix goes up the corner, waits on Trick, and CROSSBODIES! Then he hurries right back up the corner, to FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Trick survives the double impact and Fenix is beside himself! The fans are thunderous as Fenix stalks Trick to the ropes. Trick bails out of the ring to the ramp, but Fenix goes up the corner! Fenix SUPER DUPER CROSSBODIES! Down goes Trick and the fans fire up again! “This is Awesome!” as Fenix hurries to get Trick back in!
Fenix goes back to the corner, but Trick UPPERCUTS first! Trick climbs up, then he fireman’s carries Fenix! Fenix fires elbows, CLUBS away on Trick, then he goes to the post! Fenix counts it out, UNO, DOS, TRES! SUPER FIRE STOMP!! Cover, TWO?!? Trick survives and Fenix cannot believe it! Dallas is electric as Fenix goes right back up, jumps around, but Trick avoids the Quebrada! But Fenix avoids a lariat! And an elbow! But not the TRICK SHOT! Cover, TRICK WINS!
Winner: Trick Williams, by pinfall
The sequel was better than the first, but it ends all the same! Trick gets a win over the former AAA Mega Champion, and now he has momentum going into his own Triple Threat qualifier! Will Hollywood Trick be headed to Chicago?
Rhea & Iyo regroup backstage.
They’re both upset that the tag title match was a wash, but Rhea is sure they’ll get even with Nia & Lash soon enough. But for now, Iyo has to focus on Monday and her qualifier. And then Giulia storms in, just as upset missing out on qualifying for Elimination Chamber. Kiana James tries to calm her down, and Rhea mockingly asks if someone’s a little sad about losing their match. Giulia snarls but Kiana suggests they not provoke Giulia. Or what? Iyo beat Giulia last week, so maybe Iyo will do it again and take that Women’s US Championship. Giulia goes into a rage but Kiana holds her back. Giulia warns Iyo in Japanese, but Iyo taunts her back with a “Mattane. <See you later.>”
But then Jade Cargill passes by. She looks at both Iyo and Rhea, then smirks. The Storm does not seem to see them as a threat, but will she even be a champion after facing The Juggernaut?
Jacob Fatu speaks.
“My whole life, the odds been stacked against me. And to keep it 100, I never been in no Elimination Chamber. But hold on, don’t get it twisted now. I know what that cold steel feels like from being in a cell, nobody around, locked down. People even like to speak and talk about you. ‘Jacob Fatu, he’s unpredictable.’ Hell, all the way to, ‘Jacob Fatu, he’s a real-life criminal.’ Man, c’mon with it. I’ve been written off, scratched off. Hell, I ain’t even supposed to be here right now. All week, Cody and Sami, I know for a fact they been worried about what Jacob is about to do. Nah, lemme break it down for you two. Tonight, I’m winning.
“Elimination Chamber, c’mon with it. I done been locked up before. The only difference is, there ain’t no WrestleMania sign to point to on this yard. When it comes to Elimination Chamber, got that in the bag. Then I’m on my way to WrestleMania 42, leaving nobody with no doubt about what Jacob Fatu is gonna do. And you know Jacob Fatu is all gas, no brakes with it.” The Samoan Werewolf is ready to bare his fangs, but will he sink his teeth into a golden ticket to Chicago?
WWE Women’s Championship: Jade Cargill VS Jordynne Grace!
The Storm ended Tiffy Time and has blown away anyone who could even possibly challenge her, but a new force of nature has arrived on SmackDown. It’s about to be a Clash of the Titans in Texas, will anything be left standing when the smoke clears?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who makes it reign!
Wait, Liv Morgan is here? She brings Dominik Mysterio & Raquel Rodriguez with her, and also has a mic. “Excuse meee~! Sorry, excuse me.” Dom says they won’t take long, but Dom knows Liv so well that he knew she would want to watch this match in person. Liv says exactly. And they need to acknowledge that Jade’s been champion for 100 days! That’s a big deal! And Dirty Dom being the super amazing double champion that he is, he also planned a romantic date for him and Liv. Ringside staff brings in a table for two, and Liv says this is why Dom is the greatest boyfriend of ALLLLLLLL~ TIIIME~! Liv loves dinner and a show!
So don’t mind them, they’re gonna sit back, relax, and watch her potential WrestleMania opponents tear each other apart. Happy Valentine’s Day~! The bell rings, Grace and Jade tie up, and they go around in the collar ‘n’ elbow. Jade powers Grace to a corner, Jade turns it around, and the ref gets in there to back them off. Jade is upset but she and Grace reset. They tie up, Grace waistlocks, but Jade switches. Grace headlocks, Jade powers up and out, and they RAM shoulders! And RAM shoulders! And RAM shoulders! Grace ducks a lariat but Jade suplexes first! Grace goes to a corner, Jade runs up, but Grace BOOTS her!
Grace whips, Jade reverses, but Grace goes up and- NO, Jade catches her! Only for Grace to make it a SLEEPER! Jade RAMS Grace into buckles, RAMS her in again, but she’s already fading! Jade fights up, and BACKPACK SENTONS! But Grace holds on! Jade fights around, rolls and rolls, and they go to the outside! Grace is still wrapped on tight, but Jade POSTS her! Jade is free, then she winds up, but Grace ducks! Jade’s elbow hits the POST! Jade goes into the ring but Grace drags her out, ARM BREAKER DDT to the floor! Jade writhes, and Garde uses the desk for a VADER BOMB! Jade sputters while Grace refreshes the ring count.
Grace drags Jade up, and she brings her around to reel her in. But Jade fights the lift and BACKDROPS Grace on the barrier! Jade now refreshes the ring count, and she glares at Liv. Jade snatches a chicken nugget, and eats it! The Storm is not sweating Liv while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Jade has Grace in a chinlock. Grace fights up but Jade wrangles her back down. Dom shows off his own bottle of bubbly, but who knows how it tastes. Grace fights up, knees low, then wrenches to UPPERCUT the bad arm! Jade clutches the elbow, but Grace BOOTS her and goes to the apron. Grace blocks the shots, and HEADBUTTS away in the ropes! Grace pushes Jade back but Jade runs in! Grace slips around to RAM Jade into buckles again and again! Backslide, roll through, BACKHAND! Grace then suplexes Jade up for the JACKHAMMER! Cover, TWO! Jade survives and Grace is a bit surprised. Is Liv even paying attention?
Grace fireman’s carries, but Jade slips free! Jade fireman’s carries but Grace fights free! But Jade BOOTS Grace, lifts, but Grace hits a flying-mare! Jade headscissors, Grace kips free, and Grace hits a SPINEBUSTER! Grace brings Jade up, in, and lifts, but Jade lands out! SPINEBUSTER on Grace! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up while both women are down! Jade rolls to a corner, drags herself up, and takes aim! But Grace ducks the boot to roll Jade up! TWO, and Grace wheelbarrow to a victory roll! TWO, and Jade scoops Grace! Grace fights free, and gut wrenches Jade up for a POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!! Jade survives and Grace is shocked!
The fans rally up again as Jade sputters. Grace and Jade go forehead to forehead, then they SLAP and SLAP and fire forearm after forearm! The fans fire up as Grace BACKHANDS again! Grace torture racks Jade for a BURNING- NO, Jade lands out! And BOOTS Grace down! Jade then chicken wings Grace for JADED!! Cover, JADE WINS!
Winner: Jade Cargill, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Champion)
The Juggernaut pushed Jade, but Jade had grace under pressure. Jade then goes to Liv and tells her that if Liv chooses her for WrestleMania, that’ll be her ass. Jade heads out but Liv brushes that off. Will Liv be unable to play it cool once she’s facing The Storm head on?
Fraxiom and MCMG can’t even.
Nathan Frazer, Axiom, Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin chuckle as Johnny Gargano is still depressed and sulking. Candice LeRae tries to encourage him, but Johnny asks, “What’s even the point?” Candice says who cares about the stupid mask! Johnny says it’s more than just the mask and she knows it! His tag partner is gone, he has no friends, no title. He has nothing left. Wow, really? Nothing left? Johnny says nothing. Uh, his wife is right here! Fine, whatever, do whatever this is, she will fix this! She then literally wheels the road case Gargano is curled up on, and the others have another laugh. Shelley says he’s starting to feel bad for the guy. Not!
But then MFT walks in, and Solo says the Wyatts don’t want a real showdown. Then he tells the “chumps” that they should take notes. If they want a shot at the tag titles, then get in line. Solo continues on, but then he spots a picture on their locker room door. It’s a drawing by Lumis of Solo’s head as the new lantern! Solo rips it down, but it is clear this will not end until one side wins once and for all.
Oba Femi speaks.
“Man has always struggled with the concept of change. People fear change. When the tides start to shift around them, they cling to their idols and false prophets, holding onto what once was. What they don’t understand is that change is inevitable. And if you do not adapt, you perish. After a long time, I’ve been saying, ‘A change is coming, a change is coming.’ But now, change is here. So you will hear my drums, and you will see my strut, and you will look when the deed is done. Because change has sent Oba Femi.”
Nick Aldis meets with Oba Femi.
Speaking of The Ruler, the SmackDown GM hands him his potential contract, and would love if Oba signed full-time with SmackDown. But then Kit Wilson storms in again! Aldis cannot believe this. Is Kit serious? They’re in the middle of something, and what? Kit wants to read another poem? Oh, it’s even bookmarked. It’s about Oba! Let’s read it for the class. Aldis grabs the book to read: “Roses are red, but I don’t give a damn. You may be big and strong, but really, you’re an insecure little man. Your actions are toxic, it’s plain to see. You’re not match for a real man, a real man like me. You march and you stomp through every town. They’re laughing at you, you sad little clown.”
Aldis sarcastically says that’s profound stuff, Kit. Oba asks if that’s how Kit feels. Kit says yeah, that’s how he feels. In that case, they can meet in the ring next week and “discuss” their feelings. Aldis says that sounds great. Kits shouts TOXIC, then runs away. Will Oba change The Topic from “Why is WWE toxic?” to “Whatever happened to Kit Wilson?”
Backstage interview with Drew McIntyre.
Cathy Kelley is with the Scottish Terminator and says that Elimination Chamber is taking shape. Three men are about to step into the ring for their qualifier, all three men having long histories with Drew. What are Drew’s thoughts? Drew says let’s focus who’s already in there: Randy “Can’t Win The Big One Anymore” Orton, and the Catchphrase Merchant, LA Knight. The fans can be heard saying, “YEAH!” and Drew says point proven. Those two don’t want any of this. But Drew heard what Cody had to say earlier tonight. He makes Cody a promise: Cody will be nowhere near Drew, this title, or the main event of WrestleMania.
Jacob Fatu may have the best chance in the Chamber, because out of everyone in the field, he’s spent the most time behind bars. But if Fatu makes it to Mania, Drew will make Fatu wish he was back in the slammer. And then there’s Sami Zayn. Drew trails off as the man himself steps in on his way to gorilla. Sami says he’s not gonna interrupt, Drew can say what he wants to say. But Sami can guess, Drew will mock Sami with how it’s a forgone conclusion because Drew has Sami’s number, right? Drew says no, that’s not what he was going to say at all. Oh, no? No. Drew brings up the night he won this title.
In front of the world, Sami said there was a small part of him that wanted Drew to win. And Drew will tell Sami now that a BIG part of him wants Sami to win tonight. Not for the reason Sami thinks, but because he’s a good man. Sami’s paid his dues, he’s earned this opportunity. And Drew has a feeling that Sami will win the big one tonight. Good luck, Sami. Drew leaves, leaving Sami speechless. But is Drew genuine about his encouragement? Or is he trying to use some sort of reverse psychology?
Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier Triple Threat: Cody Rhodes VS Jacob Fatu VS Sami Zayn!
SmackDown returns and Fatu makes his entrance. This leaves Cody for last but certainly not least. Dallas sings along with Kingdom, “WHOA~ OH~!” and the pyro. The bell rings and the fans fire up as all three men stare down. They feel things out, and then Fatu SUPERKICKS Sami! Sami flounders out of the ring and Fatu stares down with Cody. Cody fires up, he and Fatu start throwing hands, and Fatu RAMS Cody into the corner! Fatu RAMS Cody, UPPERCUTS him, then HEADBUTTS him! Cody sputters but Fatu whips him, only for Cody to reverse, kick, and RHODES UPPERCUT! Then a springboard and CODY- NO, Fatu handstands outta the cutter!
Fatu SUPERKICKS Cody down, and the fans fire up with Fatu. Fatu runs, but Cody avoids the senton! Cody gets moving, and he LARIATS Fatu up and out! Sami is back, only for Cody to CHOP him! Sami turns things around to CHOP and CHOP, then wrench and whip. Cody reverses, Sami goes up and over, and Sami LARIATS Cody up and out! The fans are torn as Sami builds speed, and he FLIES! Down goes Cody AND Fatu! Sami stands tall and Dallas is fired up while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Sami hobbles his way back to ringside, and he follows Cody around the way. Sami puts Cody in the ring, storms up on him in the corner, then stomps a mudhole in. Sami stands Cody up to CHOP! Cody puts Sami in the corner and CHOPS in return! Cody winds up but Sami dodges to CHOP in return! Sami bumps Cody off buckles, goes up the corner, and AX HANDLES Cody down! Cover, TWO! Cody is tougher than that but Sami brings him back up. Sami reels Cody in, suplexes, but Cody fights that! Cody suplexes but Sami fights that back! They go back and forth as they fight for control, and Cody holds Sami up for TEN before the SLAM!
Fatu rushes back in and he CLOBBERS Cody! Fatu stomps away on Cody in a corner, then drags him up to rain down fists! Fatu HEADBUTTS Cody, then pushes him onto the ropes! Fatu CHOKES Cody, then stops to go after Sami. Fatu HEADBUTTS Sami down, then runs to SPLASH Cody in the corner! Fatu goes back to Sami but Sami CHOPS! And CHOPS! But Fatu HEADBUTTS Sami back down! Cody runs up but Fatu SMACKS him down! Fatu brings Sami up and whips him hard into a corner! Fatu brings Cody around and whips him hard into a corner! Fatu ROCKS Cody, but Cody hits back! SmackDown returns to single picture as Cody fires hands.
Cody whips, Fatu reverses, but Cody BOOTS Fatu away. Fatu returns, but gets another BOOT! Fatu still tries, but Cody dodges! Fatu hits buckles, then Cody dodges Sami! SNAP POWERSLAM! Fatu is back, SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans are torn as Cody stands tall again! Cody then JABS Sami again and again, then flips, flops, and- NO, Sami ducks the elbow! Cody fights the Blue Thunder, then he springboards for the BEAUTIFUL DISASTER KICK! Cover, TWO! Sami survives and Cody grows frustrated, but the fans continue to rally up. Cody sees Sami go to ropes and waits for him to stand. Cody dragon sleepers, but Sami knees free!
Cody runs back up, but Sami clinches! Cody fights the Exploder, and Fatu CLOBBERS them both! The fans cheer Fatu on and he stomps Sami. Fatu then runs to handspring and MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Sami survives, but Cody runs up! Fatu dodges, then pops Cody up! Cody fights the Samoan Drop, has the dragon sleeper, but Fatu snapmares free! Only for Sami to roll Cody up! TWO and Cody jackknife bridges Sami! Fatu SENTONS on it! The fans fire up again as Fatu stands up. “This is Awesome!” as Fatu stalks Sami to a corner. Fatu CHOKES Sami, Sami tries to fight back, but Fatu stops to throw haymakers.
Fatu HEADBUTTS Sami, then runs to SPLASH Cody in a corner! Fatu sits Cody down, runs back up on Sami and SPLASHES! Sami sits down now, and Fatu shouts, “YADADA MEAN!?” Fatu stomps Sami, then he rains down fists on Cody. Fatu has targets in both corners, and he runs to HIP ATTACK Cody first! Then he geeks out and the fans fire up! But Sami runs in! Fatu dodges to then POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! Cover, Cody breaks it in time! The fans are torn again while all three men are down, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Cody rises up, he throws hands on Fatu, but Fatu hits back! They go forearm for forearm, then Fatu UPPERCUTS! Cody kicks low, whips, but Fatu reverses to send Cody out! Then Fatu DIVES! Down goes Cody in front of commentary! But then Sami CLOBBERS Fatu from behind! Sami SMACKS Fatu off the desk, and again, but then Fatu hits back! Fatu whips Sami into the steel steps! Fatu then storms up and SMACKS Cody! Fatu brings out a TABLE! Dallas likes that! But then Fatu puts the table back under the ring? Wait, Cody brings the table out! But Fatu CLOBBERS Cody and puts the table back!
Cody rolls into the ring, Fatu puts Sami in, then Fatu climbs a corner. Cody ROCKS Fatu first! Cody climbs up, CLUBS away on Fatu, then goes to the very top rope! Fatu fires body shots, then HEADBUTTS Cody down! But now Sami ROCKS Fatu! Sami climbs, CLUBS away, and brings Fatu up! Fatu still resists by holding onto the ropes! Fatu UPPERCUTS and HEADBUTTS Sami right down! But now Cody is back up top! He brings Fatu up but Fatu fires more body shots! SmackDown returns to single picture as Cody falls back. Sami ROCKS Fatu, Cody joins in, and they work together to get Fatu to the very top! DOUBLE SUPERPLEX!
The fans are thunderous as all three men are down! “This is Awesome!” as Sami and Cody find each other. They start throwing hands, the fans torn with each punch. Cody ROCKS Sami, Sami ROCKS Cody, and repeat! Sami gets the edge, but Cody takes it back! They throw fast ‘n’ furious fists, then Cody kicks low! RHODES UPPERCUT! Cody runs corner to corner but Sami clinches! CORNER EXPLODER! Sami fires up as he goes to the far side! Sami lines up his shot, but Fatu SUPERKICKS first! Then he SUPERKICKS Cody! Fatu gets moving again, handspring and- BOOT from Sami! Fatu flounders, Cody reels Sami in! But Sami drops, victory rolls, TWO!
Sami gets Cody but Cody fights the lift! Cody CLUBS away on Sami’s neck, then he fires up! Cody springboards, but Sami catches him! BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Cody survives and the fans are thunderous again! The fans cheer on Fatu to get back in this, but there are still plenty of cheers for Sami and Cody. Sami looks to the WrestleMania sign, he drags Cody up in a facelock, and he CHOPS! Cody staggers, stumbles, and Sami points to the sign. Cody CHOPS in return! Sami ROCKS Cody! Cody ROCKS Sami! Both men wobble, but the shots keep going! Cody JABS, JABS, JABS, then flip, flop, and fly, BIONIC ELBOW!
Sami falls and the fans fire up! Cody stands over Sami, but Fatu CLOBBERS Cody again! Fatu TOSSES Cody out, then runs up to LARIAT Sami in the corner! Fatu shouts all gas, no brakes with it! Then he SLAPS Sami! Fatu goes corner to corner and back again to LARIAT! Fatu says get this ass whipping live and direct on Sami’s punk ass! Fatu runs, but Sami follows! Only for Fatu to dodge the Helluva Kick! Sami falls back, Fatu goes up, and FROG SPLASH into knees and a cradle! TWO!!! Fatu survives as Sami turns things around, but he brings Fatu up. B ut Cody goes up, up, SUPER CODY CUTTER!! But then Fatu TOSSES Cody back out!
Fatu goes up, up, MIGHT MOONSAULT!! Cover, DREW MCINTYRE BREAKS IT!! The fans boo because this is what the Scottish Terminator meant about wanting Sami to win! Drew POSTS Fatu, then he TOSSES Fatu over the desk! Drew almost takes out Wade Barrett in the process! Drew clears the desk, but Cody DIVES! Direct hit into the desk! Cody rains down fists on Drew, then brings him up, only for Drew to POST Cody! Drew snarls as he then sees Fatu getting up. Drew reels Fatu in, and POWERBOMBS him through the desk!! The fans are going nuts as Drew then aims at Cody! “THREE! TWO! ONE!!” CLAYMORE on Cody!!
Drew sees Sami is down, so he drags Sami over onto Cody! Drew leaves it at that, and the ref counts the cover! TWO?!!? Cody survives?!? Drew is shocked and furious! Drew goes back into the ring to HAMMER away on Cody! Drew beats Cody down in the corner, but a HELLUVA KICK on Drew!! Sami wants to win this himself! But then Cody snatches him for a CROSS RHODES!!! Cover, CODY WINS!!
Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall (advances to the Elimination Chamber)
Drew was trying to screw over his most hated rival, but he didn’t account for Sami not accepting the handout. Now Cody is headed for Chicago and the Elimination Chamber! Will the American Nightmare stop at nothing until he and the Scottish Terminator fight on the Grandest Stage of Them All?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown, maybe even awesome, with a red hot Dallas crowd. Very good opening promo from Tiffany, Nia, Lash, and then Rhea & Iyo to help segue into the tag title match. Great match, and at least for being a “No Contest,” the table spot and barrier spot were great ways to have all four wipe out. Then good promo from #Charlexa ahead of the Triple Threat qualifier, which was a really good match. I figured Alexa would win that, as Giulia has her US Championship to defend and Zelina just doesn’t feel primed for anything big right now. She and Aleister had a good promo to call out Randy Orton, it feels like that will be their WrestleMania program.
Very good promo from Rhea & Iyo with Giulia & Kiana, and we honestly do need to see Giulia VS Iyo for the Women’s US Championship. That match could probably go either way, but I think it’d be best for Giulia to win, because that’s a win over Iyo, a great accomplishment in itself. Jade VS Grace was a really good Women’s Championship match, but I feel like the entire thing would’ve been better if Judgment Day wasn’t hanging out ringside to watch the match. It literally drew attention away from the match yet added nothing. Great showing for Grace but I figured Jade would win since this was just SmackDown. And as I’ve said, Liv isn’t choosing Jade, there’s a lot more to use in Liv VS Vaquer.
Good stuff with MFT and pretty much the entire Men’s Midcard tonight. MFT “interrupting” Melo VS Ilja and then that 10 Man Tag was definitely about getting quantity and quality on the card. Tama pinning Melo was perhaps a bit surprising, but it makes for a clear story direction of Melo VS Tama for the US Championship. Good promo from Fraxiom, MCMG and Gargano for them to work in how Gargano feels without Ciampa. I wouldn’t mind Gargano & Candice trying for the AAA Mixed Tag titles now that the champions are Lola Vice & Mr. Iguana. MFT putting the tag teams on notice is good, too, can’t wait to see if WrestleMania builds up a HUGE tag match like we got at SummerSlam.
Hilarious promos involving Kit Wilson and all the “toxic masculinity” he’s challenging. Truth legit broke Priest and Aldis with his diss rap on Kit, and Kit regretting that second visit was great. It was very much Kit being immediately faced with the consequences of talking tough behind someone’s back. Oba VS Kit is obviously going to be Oba’s win, and hopefully a sign that Oba is “signing” with SmackDown over Raw. And of course, great stuff in connection to Elimination Chamber and the Undisputed Championship. Good promo from Sami thanking Fenix and Trick talking trash on Sami. Awesome rematch for Trick and Fenix, but I figured Trick would win out. Trick, Melo and Priest in a Triple Threat is an interesting mix, and with Melo still US Champ, I feel like he’s the odd one out.
Very good promo from Drew with Sami, and I could just feel Drew interfering during what was an awesome main event. Dallas definitely had Sami as their third choice, and it seems they got what they wanted with Sami losing after he rejected Drew’s help. Drew then also ends up his own worst enemy because this helped Cody win and go to Chamber. I feel like Aldis needs to tell Drew that he can’t try this stunt again during the Chamber or he’ll be stripped of the title. It’d be really redundant not just for this story build but to last year’s Elimination Chamber with how Rollins made sure to screw over CM Punk, and I think even before when Logan Paul did something to AJ Styles. At this point, though, it’s clear Cody wins Chamber to give us one more match with Drew at Mania.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Will the Blackbelt add a gold belt to her collection?
After building up momentum week after week, Karmen Petrovic now challenges Kendal Grey for the WWE Evolve Women’s Championship!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Swipe Right w/ Jackson Drake VS Eli Knight & Mike Cunningham; Swipe Right wins.
- Aaron Rourke VS It’s Gal; Rourke wins.
- WWE Evolve Women’s Championship: Kendal Grey VS Karmen Petrovic; Grey wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
The WrenQCC talks backstage.
Kendal Grey wants to confirm that the vibe in here is weird. Wren Sinclair checks the air, and says yeah, it’s a little weird. Kendal says the Women’s Division is insane right now. The woman who ran this place six months ago is now a shell of her former self. Wren feels so bad for Kali Armstrong. Surely she’ll find what she needs to get back up, she is the Difference Maker. Kendal agrees there. Then there’s Tyra Mae Steele rising up the ranks, and PJ Vasa is breathing down Kendal’s neck for another title match! Wren says tonight, Kendal has Karmen Petrovic. Why does Kendal keep doing this to herself?
Kendal says going back and forth between NXT and Evolve is the grind, but she loves it. Wren says Kendal’s crazy. That’s way too much pressure. Kendal says pressure is a privilege, it means people expect things from her. So tonight, Kendal will beat Karmen and retain the title. Wren adds to watch for the kicks. Kendal says that’s true, Karmen is sneaky good. But Kendal won this title at the first Succession, so she’s gonna walk in the champion for Succession 2. Wren has no doubt Kendal will kill it. Now, let’s get dressed so Kendal can get a warmup in. The WrenQCC is confident in Kendal, but will Karmen use the Shing-Shing to cut down The Grey Area?
Swipe Right w/ Jackson Drake VS Eli Knight & Mike Cunningham!
While they were all on the same side against Kam Hendrix & Team Performance Center, it’s back to Vanity Project VS Team ID to prove who does this better! But will Brad Baylor & Ricky Smokes be able to focus when they’ve got the #1 contenders Fatal 4 Way next week? Or will the Disrespectfully Athletic & #MainManMike show them they still need to Evolve?
Meanwhile, the Modern Day Cowboy, Tate Wilder is watching from the VIP Lounge. He might be a Performance Center guy but we know he’s more on Team ID’s side. The teams sort out and Mike starts against Smokes. They tie up, go around, and Smokes powers Mike to the ropes. The ref counts, Smokes stops at 4 but he messes Mike’s hair. Mike shoots around to waistlock but Smokes switches. Smokes SLAMS Mike, then scuffs him before shouting, ‘Swipe Right!” The fans boo, but Mike shoots around, waistlocks, but Smokes switches again. Tag to Brad and Brad takes the waistlock to SLAM Mike!
Brad wrenches Mike, wristlocks, but Mikes wrenches through to wristlock. Brad rolls, tags Smokes, and they handoff the wristlock. Smokes wrenches and RAMS Mike’s shoulder. Mike spins through, headlocks, and he gives Smokes a noogie! Smokes powers up and out but Mike RUNS him over! Mike does a dance, speeds things up, then ducks a shot to shove, hurdle, and HIP TOSS! The fans fire up while Mike DROPKICKS Smokes down! Brad runs in but Mike dodges! Mike SHOTGUNS Brad down! The fans cheer, and Mike wrenches Smokes to tag in Eli. Eli goes up to DOUBLE STOMP Smokes’ arm!
Eli wrenches the arm, tags Mike back in, and Mike goes up to HIP DROP Smokes’ arm! Even Tate likes that one. Mike wrenches Smokes then tags Eli back in. They double whip and BODY BLOW, then JUMPING DOUBLE STOMP! Then a NECK BREAKER DROP! And a BIG SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Smokes stays in this but Eli stays on him with a wrench. Smokes fires a body shot then tags Brad. Brad DECKS Eli, then whips him into the corner. The fans chant “Swipe Left!” but Brad CHOPS! Eli CHOPS! Brad CHOPS again! Tag to Smokes, Drake says those are his boys! Smokes whips Brad in, but Eli goes up and out!
Eli then goes up and over as Smokes runs in, then a somersault and hot tag to Mike! Mike ELBOWS Smokes, LARIATS Brad, and whips Smokes. Smokes reverses to CHOP! Smokes runs, but Mike FLYING UPPERCUTS! Mike goes to the corner, climbs up top, but Drake distracts the ref! Brad SHOVES Mike down! Tate protests, the fans boo, but Evolve goes to break.
Evolve returns as Smokes holds Mike back from Eli. Eli and Mike reach out, but Smokes ROCKS Mike! Smokes whips Mike to the corner, runs in, but is put on the apron! Mike staggers forward but Smokes SLINGSHOT SPEARS him down! Tag to Brad and he steps in for the SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Brad CLUBS away on Mike for it, then shouts, “V’s up!” The fans boo and Tate says V’s down! Brad drags Mike up and reels him into a COBRA TWIST! Mike endures, but Smokes and Brad link up! The fans boo, Tate points it out, and the ref reprimands Swipe Right! Drake argues with Tate for being a goody goody while Smokes tags in.
But Mike HIP TOSSES Brad away! Smokes hurries to reel Mike in, but Mike HIP TOSSES him, too! The fans fire up for Mike but Swipe Right stands in his way! Mike ducks the lariats to hot tag Eli! Eli springboards to DOUBLE MISSILE DROPKICK! Eli kips up and the fans fire up! Eli LARIATS Smokes, BOOTS Brad, then he wrenches Smokes’ arm for the facelock. Eli kicks off Brad to hit the TORNADO DDT on Smokes! The fans fire up with Eli and he gets moving! DOUBLE QUEBRADA! Cover, Smokes! Smokes survives and Drake is relieved, but Eli scoops to MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO!
Eli is shocked and the fans boo, but Smokes survives. Eli powers up and brings Smokes to the drop zone. Eli goes up, up, SUPERMAN- NO, Smokes avoids the diving body press! Eli rolls through, and he SMACKS Brad! Smokes DROPKICKS Eli! Tag to Brad and feed to the lift! DROPKICK SPINEBUSTER COMBO! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Eli survive and Drake is frustrated. Brad rains down fists on Eli, then he tags Smokes back in. Smokes rains down fists of his own, then snarls as he drags Eli up. Tag to Brad and he scoops Eli while Smokes runs. But Mike trips Smokes! Eli cradles Brad, TWO!! Brad escapes, but the JUMP KNEE hits!
Eli tags Mike, then he dodges Brad! Mike BOOTS Brad, Eli GERMAN SUPLEXES, and Mike hits the FAMOUSER! #MainObjective! Cover, TWO!! Brad survives the string of attacks but Mike tags Eli back in. The fans rally up as Mike fireman’s carries and Eli climbs. But Smokes makes the save! Eli leaps over as Smokes POSTS Mike! Eli turns around but into Brad’s JUMP KNEE! Brad tags Smokes and they get Eli up. Scoop and SUPER SWIPE!! Cover, BUT MIKE BREAKS IT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! Drake is begging Eli to just give up if he knows what’s good for him. Eli and Smokes slap each other around, then stand up to throw hands!
The fans rally as Smokes SMACKS Eli, and Eli ROCKS Smokes! Smokes winds up to ROCK Eli, but Eli ROCKS Smokes! Eli then SOBATS, UPPERCUTS, but Smokes BACKHANDS! Tate admits, that was good. Eli goes to a corner, but he BOOTS Smokes away. Eli goes up, but Smokes jumps up to KNEE him! Smokes then climbs up, but Eli fights him off! Brad tags in and he joins them up top! But Eli DECKS Brad! Mike gets under Smokes for a fireman’s carry! Eli goes up and he uses Smokes and Mike as a platform to hit the SUPERMAN BODY PRESS!! Cover, SMOKES USES MIKE TO BREAK IT!
Drake is freaking out, but the fans know “This is Awesome!” Mike and Brad crawl outside, but then Mike goes up?! “MAIN MAN ENERGY!” FLYING UPPERCUT on Smokes! Brad is back in, and he suplexes for a GHOST BUSTER! Brad has Eli but Eli turns the suplex into a STUN-DOG MILLIONAIRE, and then a SLICE O’ KNIGHT! Eli builds speed and FLIES, but onto Mike!! Swipe Right avoided disaster, and now they swarm Eli! Eli DECKS Smokes, but Brad LARIATS Eli! Brad puts Eli in and he tags Smokes. Brad has the dragon sleeper, Smokes goes up, DOUBLE STOMP DDT COMBO!! Cover, Swipe Right wins!
Winners: Swipe Right, by pinfall
Eli and Mike brought the energy, but the momentum is all behind Swipe Right! Even Tate has to admit, they earned that one. Drake gets a mic to say, “Yep! Yep! Those’re my boys! Swipe Right with the W! Now listen, I don’t know if you guys have noticed or anything like that, but um, since last week, we’ve kinda been on a little bit of a roll. I mean, I’m still the champion. Those PC thugs are down bad crying somewhere. And most importantly, we carried the entire WWE ID Program on our shoulders last week!” The fans cheer, and Drake says they know he doesn’t mean to kill the vibe or anything like that… Smokes says they call him Heartbreak Drake for a reason.
Well, anyways, time to get down to brass tacks. As painful as this is for Drake to say, Drake does owe Cappuccino Jones a favor. So at Succession 2 in three weeks, Jones gets his shot at THE Evolve Championship! Brad & Smokes laugh, but that’s because Jones is light work. But wait, HARLEM LEWIS is here! And he says no, no, no. Drake, that’s not how this works. Lewis EARNED a title shot a couple weeks ago, so he DEMANDS his shot at Succession! Drake says hold on, that was Kam Hendrix’s deal, and you saw how that ended up last week, right? Lewis says well, he’ll just have to kick all three VP’s asses then.
Lewis storms to the ring, but BROOKS JENSEN attacks! The fans boo as the Lost Cause hammers away on Lewis! Jensen won’t let anyone cut in front of him! The fans boo but Jensen stomps and KICKS Lewis around! The Bad Man from Ala-Bam-Bam-Bama clearly thinks he’s higher in the pecking order, but will he regret getting in the way of the bad man from the Big Apple?
Arianna Grace & Nikkita Lyons are backstage.
The Pageant Queen isn’t sure, but she thinks she’s hallucinating. Big Kat Kita has a headache. She doesn’t know how much longer she can just be… nice! Arianna had to gouache her face for hours last night to get the fake smile out, and she might be stuck. She moves her jaw and it creaks. Lyons points out her acne returning from the stress, but then Masyn Holliday & Layla Diggs walk in. They’re very excited about how things have been going. They never thought they’d see the day where Grace & Lyons were nice to them. Lyons says it is their pleasure. Anything they need, just ask. Anything? Well, there’s one thing.
Do they mind switching lockers with them? Grace & Lyons have the bigger lockers, and they’re in a great location. Lyons shouts, “ENOUGH! Enough! Enough~!” Grace reminds Lyons about the omen but Lyons says no! They did that HEINOUS TikTok with Masyn & Layla, they posted it, and by the way, it did NOTHING for Lyons’ brand! But she is not giving up her Big Kat locker! Layla knew these two couldn’t be saved. Not even the psychic- Wait, what? They know about the psychic? Masyn says yeah, these two have no redeeming qualities, even when you scare the mess out of them.
Wait, wait, wait. That psychic… wasn’t real? Layla admits that no, that was just her chiropractor, Doris, she’s from Daytona. Grace is relieved, but Lyons says this is perfect. Because you’re gonna need chiropractors after Lyons breaks you in half! Well, fine! Masyn & Layla have tried it nice, they’ve tried it with a very, very elaborate plan, but have it your way. They’ll do this in the ring! See you next Wednesday. Masyn & Layla leave, Grace asks if they can just sue. But now that we know what’s really in store for the future, can Masyn & Layla humble Grace & Lyons directly? Or will the mean girls unleash the worst in themselves?
Team Performance Center are… in the Performance Center.
They’re quite literally working out their frustrations as Keanu Carver pushes the weight sled and Kam Hendrix does bicep curls. Kam grumbles about Tate Wilder and that crooked ref! Harley Riggins tells him that Kam was robbed last week! Keanu says the ID clowns always do something funny! Jax Presley says time to nuke Team ID! Braxton Cole says they need a new game plan. No more divided and conquer, no more 1v1. They just work as one and steamroll everyone in their way! Kam says that’s a great idea! Ten man tag, 5v5! Look at Team ID, look at Team PC! These five are fired up, but will it really be as easy as overwhelming with size and strength?
Aaron Rourke VS It’s Gal!
While Team ID was helping Sean Legacy with his burden, The Dime Piece confronted Mr. Mint Condition for not helping. Rourke isn’t about that kind of pride, so will he humble this big red meathead once and for all? Or will It’s Gal be the one standing tall?
Now Trill London has joined Tate in the VIP to watch this one. The bell rings, Rourke and Gal rush right up, and Gal goes for a leg! Rourke CLUBS away on Gal but Gal RAMS him into a corner! Rourke dodges a shot to fire hands, but Gal puts Rourke in the corner. Gal returns fire, then whips Rourke back into the corner. Rourke goes up and over, handsprings and DROPKICKS! Then Rourke RAMS into Gal again and again! Rourke rolls back, runs up, and RAMS Gal again! Rourke CLUBS Gal while the fans fire up. Rourke fires a body blow, then stomps a mudhole in! The ref counts, Rourke stops at 4, but Rourke comes back to CHOP! And CHOP! And CLUB!
Rourke stomps away on Gal again but the ref backs him off. Rourke storms up on Gal, but Gal ROCKS Rourke! Gal huffs ‘n’ puffs and knees low! Gal CLUBS Rourke, whips, but Rourke ducks ‘n’ dodges to tilt-o-whirl RANA! Gal tumbles out but Rourke builds speed! Rourke DIVES and down goes Gal! The fans fire up and Rourke gives Gal some SPANKS! The fans cheer, but Gal swings back! Rourke dodges and DECKS Gal! The ring count climbs but Gal ELBOWS Rourke! Gal SPANKS Rourke, SMACKS him off the apron, then whips him at the apron, only for Rourke to tiger feint and ROLLING ELBOW!
The fans fire up while Gal sputters and Rourke “kicks dirt” at him. Rourke puts Gal in the ring but Gal uses ropes as a defense. The ref keeps Rourke back, but then Rourke blocks the cheap shot! Gal swipes at Rourke but Rourke spins him and ROCKS him in the back! Rourke whips, Gal reverses, but Rourke tilt-o-whirls again, only for Gal to block it! Gal swings Rourke up to HOTSHOT him off the ropes! Then Gal runs, DISCUS LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Rourke survives the “Flexline,” but Gal says he is tanned and jacked, ready to attack! Gal sits Rourke up to BOOT him down! The fans boo but Gal flexes and grins.
Gal drags Rourke up, UPPERCUTS him, then talks more trash. Gal CHOPS Rourke, soaks up heat, and he drags Rourke up by his beard. But Rourke fires body shots and forearms! The fans rally as Rourke ROCKS Gal, but Gal SHOVES Rourke away! Rourke comes back, but Gal pops him up to THROW him away! And then BOOT him down! Cover, TWO! Rourke survives but Gal grows frustrated. Gal drags Rourke up, talks trash, but Rourke pulls Gal’s beard to tell him shut up! But Gal BACKDROPS Rourke! Rourke sunset flips, Gal flexes, but Rourke avoids the fist drop! And then UP KICKS! Rourke kips up to LARIAT!
Rourke ELBOWS Gal, SUPERKICKS him down, then takes aim from a corner. Rourke runs corner to corner, but Gal gets up for a DOUBLE LARIAT! Rourke staggers back, Gal hops up the corner, but Rourke runs up for a STRATUSPHERE! The fans fire up as Gal flounders to the far corner. Rourke says kiss this! Rourke runs in, HIP ATTACK! Cover, TWO! Gal survives and the fans can’t believe it! Rourke waits on Gal to get up, then fireman’s carries! But Gal pulls the beard to get free! Gal shoves Rourke, Rourke ELBOWS Gal, then Rourke goes up! CROSSBODY, but into Gal’s arms! Gal fireman’s carries for a GUT BUSTER DROP! Cover, TWO!
The fans fire up as Rourke survives, and both Tate and Trill cheer Rourke on. Gal is frustrated as he tells the fans to shut up. Gal fireman’s carries, then he drops Rourke on the top rope! Gal climbs up, brings Rourke to the top, and fireman’s carries, only for Rourke to SUPER SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB! Rourke then skins the cat and takes aim, OVER THE RAINBOW SEATED SENTON! Cover, Rourke wins!
Winner: Aaron Rourke, by pinfall
It was put up or shot up, and “Big Daddy Red” is pretty quiet now. Will this win help The Dime Piece head for some gold?
Chuey Martinez meanwhile goes to the VIP Lounge to talk with Tate and Trill. They gonna be hanging out for the whole show? Tate says he just wanted to check on the ID talent, and he talks with Trill as he admits, ID’s got something going on. Trill says facts. Chuey brings up how Tate helped the ref last week, but Tate says he wasn’t gonna stand by and watch that injustice. Team PC breaks all the rules and does whatever they want! It’s time someone stands up and ends the chaos! Trill says yeah, a lot of bad stuff going on. Trill & Tate head out, will they show everyone how to do things the right way?
Tyra Mae Steele speaks.
The Olympic Gold Medalist says, “I dipped my toe in the Evolve water, and now it’s time to make it my own! In 2020, I captured gold in the Tokyo Olympics. And with that same grit, drive, and determination, I’m gonna make it to the top of Evolve. In 2026, I’m going to be the Evolve Women’s Champion!” Who will be next to test Steele’s iron will on her road to the top?
Wendy Choo talks with Kali Armstrong.
Wendy is careful as she says hi. She knows they don’t really know each other, but Wendy heard Kali talking down on herself, so Wendy just thought there was something- Kali says get to the point. Wendy says she knows that therapy was a great start for her to figure herself out, so maybe it could help Kali? Kali nods as she thinks on that, then she gives Wendy a BODY BLOW! Kali says this is all the therapy she needs. Kali storms off while Wendy frowns. Not everyone wants help, but will Wendy have to show Kali what she needs to get out of her slump?
WWE Evolve Women’s Championship: Kendal Grey VS Karmen Petrovic!
Just as the WrenQCC said, the Women’s Division is stacked, and that means there is a line of contenders out the door. The Ice Woman enjoys the grind, but will she end up Petrofied tonight? Or can she prove no one survives the Grey Area?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who heads for Succession as the champion!
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, go around, and Kendal waistlocks. Karmen bucks the O’Conner and the fans applaud. The two reset, Kendal waistlocks, but Karmen throws her away. Kendal comes back but Karmen sweeps the leg to cover, ONE! Kendal sweeps to cover, ONE! Karmen sweeps the legs with a kick to cover, ONE! The fans cheer the standoff! Kendal and Karmen reset again, and Karmen tests the waters by showing kick. They tie up again, Kendal grabs an arm and wrenches to wristlock. Karmen high kicks to step over, then she whips Kendal to a corner. Karmen ELBOWS Kendal, snapmares, and runs up to BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO!
The fans cheer as Kendal stays in this, but Karmen clamps onto the arm. The fans rally and duel while Karmen wrenches the arm. Kendal rolls and handsprings up to wrench and fireman’s carry takeover! The fans cheer while Kendal has Karmen in an armlock. Karmen fights around, fights up, but Kendal whips her to a corner. Kendal runs up, Karmen dodges, but Kendal ROCKS her! Kendal goes up, over, and out to then slide under and get moving! Kendal redirects Karmen, trips her up, and basement DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Karmen toughs it out but Kendal facelocks. Kendal whips Karmen to a corner, but Karmen goes up to JUMP SOBAT!
Karmen runs and BULLDOGS Kendal down! The fans cheer while Kendal bails out, and Evolve goes to break.
Evolve returns again as Kendal rolls Karmen up, TWO! Karmen leg scissor cradles, TWO! Karmen ducks a shot but Kendal ducks a kick! Both women run, and DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! The fans fire up while both women are down! Karmen and Kendal crawl to opposite ends, then drag themselves up with ropes. The fans rally again as Kendal runs up and UPPERCUTS at the ropes! Kendal runs again, but Karmen follows to ROCK her! Karmen runs, but Kendal follows to UPPERCUT! The fans cheer as they go again and Karmen KNEES low! Karmen runs, but Kendal UPPERCUTS one more time!
Kendal gets moving, but Karmen KNEES her again! Then Karmen fakes Kendal out to trip her and have the legs! Karmen uses what Nattie taught her in the SHARPSHOOTER! Kendal endures while the fans fire up! Kendal reaches out but Karmen sits deep! Wren coaches Kendal and Kendal fights her way forward. Kendal struggles, but she pushes up so she can reach out, but Karmen drags her back to center! The fans rally harder as Kendal pushes up again! Kendal digs in and reaches out, ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Karmen lets go in frustration. Wren coaches Kendal up while Karmen storms back after her.
Karmen drags Kendal up, but Kendal hits the ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! The fans fire up again as Karmen endures and fights around! Kendal pries at the grip but Karmen stacks her, TWO! Both women run up, and Kendal POP-UP POWERBOMBS! High stack, TWO!! Karmen survives and Kendal is shocked! Kendal drags Karmen up, fireman’s carries, but Karmen fights free. Karmen waistlocks but Kendal fires elbows. Kendal goes up, up, and leaps, but into a SUPERKICK! Karmen then reels Kendal in for the TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Karmen is shocked now as Kendal survives! The fans fire up for “Women’s Wrestling!”
Karmen huffs ‘n’ puffs and gets the legs. Kendal stops the step through this time, and she BOOTS Karmen outta the ring! Karmen hurries back up as Kendal runs in, and Karmen ROUNDHOUSES Kendal down! Karmen goes up, but Kendal leaps up to get her! SUPER BELLY2BELLY! Karmen staggers around, into the SHADES OF GREY! Cover, Kendal wins!
Winner: Kendal Grey, by pinfall (still WWE Evolve Women’s Champion)
Karmen got caught and Grey stays golden! Wren celebrates with her friend and teammate, but PJ VASA is here! And she has a mic to tell Kendal, “Hey, hey, hey, Kendal Grey! Come getcho issue! At Succession 2!!” The fans like the sound of that! Kendal says bring it! March 4th marks the next chapter for Evolve, but will that include a new champion? Or will Kendal stay undefeated as Evolve Women’s Champion?
My Thoughts:
A very good episode for Evolve, especially as we build towards the “season one finale” and then Succession 2 as the “season two premiere.” Swipe Right VS Mike & Eli was an awesome tag match, on the level of what you’d get for NXT or even main roster, but I figured Swipe Right would find a way to win. Mike’s new “Main Man” gimmick is clearly because there can’t be two cowboys and Tate Wilder has dibs on that gimmick. Harlem Lewis rightfully points out he won a title opportunity, but then Jensen seems to have already become Mr. Succession doing the major side story match. Jensen VS Lewis will be great, and will help Lewis be strong going into his own title match.
Drake VS Jones is going to be great, too, especially as a showdown between Evolve Champion and WWE ID Champion (and Jones is certainly still WWE ID Champion or they would’ve told us otherwise). It’d be kinda wild if Jones also becomes the first-ever Evolve & ID Champion, but something needs to happen where Drake is no longer Evolve Champion now that he’s on NXT. Rourke VS Gal was good stuff, and Rourke gets a great win for it. Good promo from Tate & Trill to put themselves forward as Faces against Team PC. Good promo from Team PC to set up a 5v5, that could probably be put on the season finale or even Succession.
Very good promo from Lyons, Grace, Masyn & Layla, and I knew they were gonna break the Heels. They’ll have a very good tag match, and I would think the Faces win since Layla & Masyn both lost before this point. Kali and Wendy had a good promo for it being so quick. I figured Kali would react that way when talking about therapy, and she’ll have a great match with Wendy. And great main event from Kendal and Karmen. Kendal of course won out, it’s a much bigger deal for her to lose that title at Succession. I feel like PJ should win at Succession to carry the title as the new Heel champion, with faces like Tyra Mae Steele chasing her.
My Score: 8.7/10
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