Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (1/27/23)
Will Kevin Owens #JustKeepFighting?
The Prizefighter has a big fight before THE big fight!
On the SmackDown before the Royal Rumble, Kevin Owens must face Solo Sikoa! Will Kevin survive Roman Reigns’ Enforcer 24 hours before their Undisputed Universal Championship match?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Rey Mysterio VS Karrion Kross w/ Scarlett Bordeaux; Rey wins.
- Lacey Evans VS Jazmin Allure; Evans wins.
- SmackDown Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Tournament, Semifinal:
Drew McIntyre & SheamusBraun Strowman & Ricochet VS Hit Row; Braun & Ricochet win and advances to the finals. - SmackDown Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Tournament, Semifinal: Imperium VS Legado Del Fantasma; Imperium wins and advances to the finals.
- Kevin Owens VS Solo Sikoa; Kevin wins, by disqualification.
PLAY BY PLAY
The Bloodline arrives backstage.
Jimmy & Jey Usos tell Solo Sikoa that tonight is all about him. But then Sami Zayn sneaks over! Jey says Sami shouldn’t be here, this is against direct orders from The Tribal Chief! Sami knows but that’s why he isn’t going inside. He won’t step on any toes, but he needed to catch Jey. Sami needs to tell Jey face to face, that what jey did for Sami on Monday, he won’t forget that. Jey says he’s got Sami and Sami says he’s got Jey. If Jey needs anything, Sami will have his back. They shake and Sami heads out. Will Jey be able to keep Roman Reigns from learning about this? Or has Sami already failed his final test before it’s even begun?
Rey Mysterio VS Karrion Kross w/ Scarlett Bordeaux!
On the eve of the Royal Rumble, the King of Lucha may be on the eve of his destruction! Mr. & Mrs. Doomsday have been after Rey, claiming he is past his prime and needs to be put out of his misery. Will time run out for one of the greatest ever? Or will Rey prove he’s still one of the greatest ever and be rolling into the Rumble?
The bell rings and Kross circles with Rey. They tie up, Kross THROWS Rey aside, then he grins as he watches Rey get up. Fans boo while Kross and Rey approach. Rey waistlocks, Kross elbows free, but Rey runs to dropkick a leg out! Rey runs, tilt-o-whirls and RANAS Kross! But Kross gets up to CLOBBER Rey! Fans boo but Kross TOSSES Rey up and out, a la Rumble elimination! Kross then goes out, scoops Rey, but Rey slips off to POST Kross! Rey gets in the ring, slides and SUNSET BOMBS Kross into barriers! Scarlett is upset but fans fire up as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Kross whips Rey hard into a corner! Kross reels Rey in for a pump handle scoop and BACKBREAKER! Fans boo while Rey writhes and Kross snarls. Kross pushes Rey to a cover, TWO! Rey is showing that legendary toughness, but Kross stalks him to a corner. Kross hoists Rey up top backwards, climbs up behind him, and wants after the mask! Rey throws elbows and Kross stumbles down! Rey adjusts, but Kross trips him up! Rey is in a Tree of Woe and Kross goes corner to corner! Rey sits up and Kross POSTS himself! Kross staggers away, Rey gets free, but Kross blocks a boot! But the ENZIGURI hits!
Kross ends up on ropes, Rey dials it up but Scarlett swipes at him! Fans boo, Scarlett is mad, but Kross runs in. Rey dropkicks Kross’ legs out and Kross ends up on ropes! Rey redials, for the 619! Fans fire up and Rey climbs the corner! FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Kross survives Rey’s best and shouts, “NO!” Fans rally for Rey but Scarlett coaches Kross up. Kross stands, he drags Rey up and reels him in. NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridge to a float, but Rey hits a crucifix takedown! REY WINS!!
Winner: Rey Mysterio, by pinfall
Kross is shocked! He didn’t get out in time and he just lost! Rey survives the apocalypse here, but what about the Men’s Royal Rumble tomorrow night? Will Rey be the one to turn back time and find a way to WrestleMania? Or has he only bought himself 24 hours of reprieve?
Damage CTRL speaks.
It’s a WWE Digital Exclusive as Bayley says, “Ding dong, hello! Ahahaha! After what happened on Monday night, I gotta say that Damage Control is feeling really confident joining the Royal Rumble tomorrow night.” Dakota Kai says she feels “so sorry for all the other competitors,” because once these three get in the ring and work together, it’s going to be near impossible for anyone else to win! Iyo Sky says that tomorrow, “everyone finds out who runs WWE!” Kai says it’s them. DMG CTRL is getting in on the Rumble, will they make sure one of them is headed to WrestleMania?
Austin Theory is here!
The WWE United States Champion is still The Now, but only because Brock Lesnar cost Bobby Lashley again. Theory doesn’t care, though, the Raw superstar smiles and heads to the ring while fans boo. What will Theory have to say on the SmackDown before the Royal Rumble? We find out, after the break.
SmackDown returns and fans continue to boo Theory. Theory has a mic to say, “The champ! Is! HERE~!” Fans boo his Cena knockoff but Theory says not only did he retain his US Championship on Raw 30, but now, NOW, because we are in The Now, Theory is going straight to the Royal Rumble, and “Mr. All Day” will WIN the Royal Rumble! But then the NEW DAY shows up! Fans fire up as Xavier Woods & Kofi Kingston strut out with mics of their own. Kofi says, “Now, now, now, now, hold up. Austin Theory. Now there’s only three Austins that I respect. That’s Austin Creed, Stone Cold Steve, and the city where I live, right here in the great state of Texas, BABYYY~!”
Fans cheer and Woods tells Austin the guy that he’s a Raw superstar. Raw is the three hour show, but that’s where there’s more time to fill so Theory can spend it flapping his gums and wasting time. But here on SmackDown, the two-hour and efficient show, they have to get to business! IMMEDIATELY! IMMEDIAMENTE! IMMEDIATE, BOY! The New Day get in the ring and say now hold on. Did Mr. All Day just talk about how he thinks he’s gonna win the Rumble? Yes, that’s exactly what he said. The New Day has a good laugh there. But if not Austin Theory, then who? Who who who who? That’d be Woods & Kofi, AKA YA BOIS THE NEW~ DAY~!
That is because when one of them wins the Rumble, we ALL~ win the Royal Rumble! Fans cheer that, but Theory says, “That’s what you two think?” To get something straight, the New Day interrupts him but do they know who he is? Theory is the biggest star that there is! He is the biggest star in the WWE! But then THE MIZ shows up? Another Raw superstar appears, and the New Day is upset again. Miz says, “Biggest star in WWE? Let me explain something to you, Theory. I’ve been competing in Royal Rumble matches before you hit puberty.” BURN! Theory says that just means Miz is old. “Older, wiser, smarter, better than you will ever be.”
New Day is enjoying Miz tearing into Theory as Miz explains that tomorrow, Miz throws Theory and 28 others over the top rope to win the one thing in this business Miz has yet to win, and that is the Royal Rumble match! Fans are torn but the New Day laughs. Miz says that’s fine, but he says that there is NOTHING more dangerous than Miz with, uh, something on his shoulder. A chip? Yes, well, here’s an education on what’s going to happen tomorrow. But then Miz and Theory go after New Day! Was this a fake out?! But then here comes BOBBY LASHLEY! The All Mighty is a Raw star but he CLOBBERS the Raw stars!
Woods says that’s awesome! He high-fives Lashley, but then Lashley ELBOWS Woods! And SPINEBUSTERS Kofi! And COMPLETE SHOT for The Miz! Lashley aims at Theory, SPEAR!! The wrath of the Rocky Mountain Machine has struck and Laredo is all for it! Lashley says since Lesnar interrupted his US Championship match on Raw 30, Lashley will terrorize every one of the guys in the Royal Rumble until he gets what he deserves! But then LESANR jumps in from the crowd!! He fireman’s carries Lashley to hit an F5!! The Beast is sneakier than anyone knew, and Lesnar says he’ll see Lashley at the Rumble! Wait, Lesnar is getting in the Rumble?! Is he going to WIN the Royal Rumble again to go back to WrestleMania?!
Rhea Ripley speaks.
“Mami is here. And I am ready for the Royal Rumble tomorrow. I’ve had my fair share of Royal Rumble matches, and I’ve come extremely close. But 2023 is the Year of Mami. It’s the Year of Rhea Ripley, ’cause I am Rhea bloody Ripley and I am gonna win the 2023 Royal Rumble and punch my golden ticket to WrestleMania.” Will the Judgment Day’s leading lady eradicate all competition to head to Hollywood?
Lacey Evans VS Jazmin Allure!
The Model Soldier has finished retraining her mind and body, and now she’s back in action! Will she get back on track just in time for the road to WrestleMania?
The bell rings, Allure rallies the fans and ties up with Lacey. Lacey puts Allure in the corner, TOSSES her across the way, then soaks up the heat. Allure runs in but into a drop toehold! Lacey SLAMS Allure off the mat, then talks trash while doing push-ups. Allure storms up, they tie up, and Lacey wrenches to wristlock. Allure rolls, throws a hand but Lacey blocks to wrench, roll and wrench, to BOOT Allure down! Lacey soaks up the heat and flexes as she storms up to Allure. Lacey dribbles Allure off the buckles, then lets off. Lacey’s boot fell apart so she grabs the sole. She wants to smack Allure but the ref stops her.
Lacey whips Allure corner to corner, Allure goes up and over and handsprings, but Lacey blocks the kick! Trip and haymaker! Lacey SLAMS Allure’s leg, then scoops her to a fireman’s carry. But Allure rolls Lacey up! TWO, and A WOMAN’S RIGHT! Then the COBRA CLUTCH!! Lacey thrashes Allure, Allure taps, Lacey wins!
Winner: Lacey Evans, by submission
Lacey shows no mercy and no remorse, but also no weakness. “Little Miss Loser Laredo just learned that the Cobra Clutch is unbreakable! Aw, y’all sound so mad. Y’all’re really gonna be mad when I take this bicep, this forearm, lock it around 29 other women, throw ’em over the top at my feet, where they belong! In fact, all you losers here in Laredo can get on your feet and salute your soon-to-be Royal Rumble winner.” Fans boo but Lacey soaks it up. Then Lacey drags Allure up to haul her up and TOSS her out! Allure was just the first, will Lacey complete her mission and eliminate all others?
Backstage interview with Sheamus & Drew McIntyre.
Kayla Braxton is with The Celtic Connection and McIntyre says that tonight is a huge night, but so is tomorrow night with the Royal Rumble. He was thinking, it’s Sheamus’ birthday, he’s on a huge run, the Rumble winner is going to be Sheamus! Sheamus says he appreciates that, but McIntyre’s been on quite the run, too. If Sheamus were a betting man, his money would be on McIntyre. Those shoulder smacks get a little hard, but McIntyre says that Sheamus may not have many WrestleManias left in him. Plus, he’s been putting on banger after banger, it should be Sheamus. Sheamus has more Manias in the bag than McIntyre, so he votes for McIntyre.
Again, these two are hitting each other a bit hard as they go back and forth saying the other is going to win, they’re almost chopping each other! Kayla has them stop and says they’re up against Hit Row tonight. Right, right. The plan is that Hit Row gets sent back to Skid Row. When the lads are in town, they put on banger! After banger! After banger! Sheamus & McIntyre head out, but will tonight’s banger hit the top of the charts? Or will Top Dolla & Ashante THEE Adonis be the ones dropping the beat down?
The story of Cody Rhodes’ return continues.
Five months ago, Cody started on his rehab. He wants to not only make his comeback at the Royal Rumble, he wants to win the Royal Rumble. It feels like it has taken 16 years to get to this point. Not only recovering from injury, but carrying the history of everywhere Cody has been. His first run in WWE, him leaving, and him returning. All the doubt, all the struggle, all the sacrifice, all the heartache. When you’re in the ring and in the moment, you know exactly why it’s working. He was born for this.
Cody is in the prime of his career, only to hit rock bottom. “No human being could’ve kept me from getting in that ring. I looked up at the lights enough, whether that be in the ring or on a table, ready to have surgery.” As his Nightmare Factory mantra says: Put in the work. The doctors know he has the determination to get back, but Cody has to respect nature of the human body. Cody wants us to picture that moment where you’re that close to success, to vindication. And for it to get broken, that was a legitimate knife to the heart.
But at the Royal Rumble, a torn pec, two torn pecs, torn quads, nothing short of his heart failing will stop him. Being in the ring is like oxygen, and Cody wants to breathe again. Cody is putting in the work, envisioning his return. He wants everyone to get off the mountain, because he has made it clear what he wants and why he is going to do it. The American Nightmare is just 24 HOURS AWAY, will he make this the biggest comeback in WWE history?
SmackDown Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Tournament, Semifinal: Drew McIntyre & Sheamus VS Hit Row!
The Celtic Connection conquered the Viking Raiders in the first round while Dolla & Adonis dealt with Los Lotharios. The finals are on the horizon, will McIntyre & Sheamus be able to focus on this tournament with the Rumble up next? Or will they end up being checked off the Hit Row hit list next?
Speaking of the Viking Raiders, Erik & Ivar attack Sheamus & McIntyre during their entrance! Fans boo as the sore losers beat down the winners! Ivar sends Sheamus into the apron, then he and Erik mug McIntyre. They RAM McIntyre into barriers, then they mug Sheamus! And the RAM him into more barriers! Erik KNEES Sheamus, then he KNEES McIntyre! Ivar then adds a SPLASH on Sheamus! And a SPLASH on McIntyre! Fans boo, security and referees, and even Adam Pearce, rush out! The Viking Raiders leave, having done the damage. Will this semifinal match still happen? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Hit Row make their entrance. We see footage from the commercial that McIntyre & Sheamus stormed off to find the Vikings! Pearce tried talking sense to them, but he’s back to talk to Hit Row. Yes, we all saw what happened but he is explained that Sheamus & McIntyre will not be competing tonight. They voluntarily gave up their positions, but no one is getting a free pass. Hit Row is upset, but they must compete against the replacement team of… BRAUN STROWMAN & RICOCHET!! Dolla is pissed, but karma has come back to bite them! Will the Monster of All Monsters and the King of Flight change Hit Row’s plans?
SmackDown Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Tournament, Semifinal: Braun Strowman & Ricochet VS Hit Row!
The teams sort out and Adonis starts against Ricochet. Fans fire up as the two circle, and Adonis swings. Ricochet dodges, fires hands on Adonis, then CHOPS him! Ricochet brings Adonis around to UPPERCUT! Ricochet whips, Adonis reverses but Ricochet CLOBBERS Adonis! Ricochet rains down fists, then talks trash on Dolla. Ricochet drags Adonis up, scoops and SLAMS, then runs to elbow drop! Cover, ONE!! Ricochet stays on Adonis, brings him around as he talks trash to Dolla, and whips again. Adonis reverses but Ricochet rolls over his back, rolls under the lariat and rolls back to RANA! And DROPKICK!
Adonis bails out, fans fire up and Ricochet builds speed, but Dolla stands on his way. Ricochet asks Michael Cole what this is about but Dolla says Cole won’t do anything. So Ricochet ENZIGURIS! Dolla falls, B-Fab is upset, but Dolla is furious! Dolla runs in but the ref tells him to stand down. But then B-Fab anchors Ricochet’s foot! Adonis runs in to AIR-DROP! Cover, TWO! Adonis rains down fists then throws knees! Adonis CLUBS away on Ricochet, the fans boo, but Adonis talks trash. Adonis drags Ricochet up to UPPERCUT, then he tags Dolla. Hit Row coordinate, whip and RAM! Then feed to a BOOT! Dolla covers, TWO!
Dolla keeps on Ricochet, talks trash to Braun, and then drags Ricochet. Dolla CHOKES Ricochet on the ropes, tags Adonis, and Adonis runs to STRADDLE ATTACK! Adonis soaks up the heat while he stays on Ricochet. The ref counts, Adonis lets off, but B-Fab gets a cheap shot in! Adonis covers, TWO! Fans rally for Ricochet as Adonis clamps on a chinlock. Ricochet endures, fights up, but Adonis throws him down by his beard! Tag to Dolla, Adonis drags Ricochet up by his ear. Hit Row mug Ricochet, then Adonis tags in again. They mug Ricochet more, then Adonis scoops to SLAM Ricochet! Braun coaches Ricochet as Adonis drops an elbow.
Adonis taunts, but Ricochet rolls him up! TWO, Ricochet whips Adonis but Adonis reverses! Ricochet BOOTS back, reaches out, but Adonis corners him! Ricochet dodges the haymaker but Adonis grabs an arm! Ricochet fires haymakers, but swings into a back suplex! Ricochet lands on his feet, ducks the haymaker, hot tag to Braun! Braun TOSSES Adonis, BLASTS Dolla, then BOOTS Adonis! Braun runs corner to corner to SPLASH Adonis! Dolla gets in, Braun dodges to then clothesline Dolla up and out! Fans fire up as Braun throws off his shirt! Braun whips to BACK DROP Adonis! Laredo is thunderous as Braun drags Adonis back up!
Ricochet returns, he builds speed and FLIES to take out Dolla! Braun gives Adonis a MONSTER BOMB!! Cover, Braun & Ricochet win!
Winners: Braun Strowman & Ricochet, by pinfall (advance to the finals)
Things just got a whole lot wilder for this tournament! The strength of Braun, the speed of Ricochet, will there be any stopping these two from taking the SmackDown Tag Team Championships?
Backstage interview with Kevin Owens.
Kayla is with the Prizefighter, noting that while tomorrow night, he faces Roman Reigns, why is he risking it all to take on “one of the most vicious members of the Bloodline” in Solo Sikoa here tonight? Kevin is doing this because tomorrow night, he wants to become Universal Champion. Kevin wants to right a wrong that happened two years ago at the Royal Rumble. That night, that title was Kevin’s. But on that night, Roman, Heyman and The Bloodline did everything they could to screw Kevin over. Tomorrow will be no different. When in these last three years has Roman done anything on his own?
So if Kevin is to win, he has to take out as many members of the Bloodline as he can tonight, starting with Solo. But speaking of, the Usos storm up. Security already rushes in to stop the brawl! Pearce tells them all to stay back, they’re not screwing up another match tonight! Kevin mockingly asks where their cousin is, but his match is coming! Will Kevin be able to focus on Solo when Solo isn’t alone?
The Usos are escorted out of the building.
They say Pearce is tripping. They didn’t even start the fight. But it’s all good. The Usos return to their car, but Jey makes a quick call. “Yo, my dawg. You still in town? Alright, I need a favor. Yeet.” Did Jey just make a call to Sami?! Is Sami going to defy Roman’s orders to help Jey protect Solo?
Bray Wyatt’s old music hits!?
Fans fire up for the classic Eater of Worlds to make his way out here, but… Wait, that’s not Bray Wyatt. That’s LA KNIGHT cosplaying Bray Wyatt! And he’s even got a tiny lantern… Fans boo but Knight says he’s gonna take this stupid crap off. He throws the hat, the shirt, and the undershirt away. “Lemme talk to ya!” Laredo seems to have some LA Knight fans, but Knight says the biggest moment in Raw history happened at Raw 30 when out to the ring walked L A Knight! He heard the fans chant, “Talk To Us!” Who chanted that? But being the benevolent man that he is, he gives us what we want, even when we don’t deserve it.
“And then like the turd in the punch bowl, here comes the Undertaker to assist Bray Wyatt. Why is that? Pipe down, I’m talking.” But why? Because neither of them wanted this guy 1v1! YEAH! “YEAH!” Pipe down, Knight’s talking! Bray, you have 24 hours until the Pitch Black match. So bring every bit of advice Taker whispered into your ear. Come down as whatever version of yourself that gives you the tingle in your loins! Cuz this right here? This is your future: Torn up and laid out! “Because when the Alamo Dome goes Pitch Black, your dumpy ass ain’t coming back! And that’s not an insult, that is just a fact of life! YEAH!”
But then Bray Wyatt appears on stage! He sits in the rocking chair and laughs. He sees Knight making jokes, but they both know that Knight ain’t smiling on the inside. “But here’s the thing, man. It doesn’t even matter anymore! The time for talking has come and gone. Tomorrow night at the Royal Rumble, you will finally get to meet the man that you’ve been looking for.” Fans like the sound of that! “So take your time tonight, man. Have a great night, sweetheart. Laugh it up, joke all you want, because tomorrow night, when the lights go out, oh… You’ll see.” Bray laughs, but UNCLE HOWDY is in the upper deck!
Knight tells Bray to keep it to the two of them, but Howdy nods and waves his hand around. Is the Pitch Black match going to be more than a 1v1?
SmackDown Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Tournament, Semifinal: Imperium VS Legado Del Fantasma!
Now that we know it will be Braun Strowman & Ricochet in the finals, the winner here has their work cut out for them. But even so, will Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci make Der Ring General proud? Or will Cruz Del Toro & Joaquin Wilde win this one for the Emperor, Santos Escobar?
The teams sort out and Ludwig starts against Wilde. Vega stays ringside to coach her team as Wilde and Ludwig tie up. They go around, Ludwig puts Wilde in the corner, then lets off. Wilde avoids the haymaker and gets an arm, but Ludwig chinbars to headlock, then wrench. Ludwig hammerlocks the arm but Wilde endures. Wilde kneels, fans rally, and Wilde fights up to hammerlock in return. Ludwig switches the hold back on, then knuckle locks. Wilde CHOPS, he goes up and up, but doesn’t hit the smoothest arm-drag. Things still speed up, Wilde ducks ‘n’ dodges, then tilt-o-whirls, only for Ludwig to DECK him!
Cruz and Vega coach Wilde but Vinci tags in. Vinci headlocks and grinds Wilde’s head but Wilde endures. Wilde throws body shots but Vinci CLUBS him down! Vinci drags Wilde up, whips him to a corner, but he avoids the up ‘n’ over. Vinci back suplexes, Wilde lands on his feet! Hot tag to Cruz! Fans cheer as Cruz leaps over, then JABS, JABS, and feints to run, slide and CHOP! Vinci brushes that off, and he blocks a kick to short arm LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Cruz crawls but Vinci drags him up. Vinci chicken wings, Ludwig tags in, and Imperium mugs Cruz. Ludwig stalks Cruz to a corner, then brings him into a chinlock.
The ref counts as they’re in the corner, and Ludwig lets off. But Cruz JABS, JABS and CHOPS! Ludwig runs in but into a BOOT! Cruz goes up and leaps, but Ludwig DECKS him! Ludwig rains down fists, then rains down headbutts! Fans boo but Ludwig eggs Cruz on. Ludwig BOOTS Wilde for good measure, but Cruz ROCKS him with forearms! Cruz SOBATS, but Ludwig grabs onto the tights! Ludwig brings Cruz around, but Cruz PELES him away! Hot tag to Wilde! Vinci runs in but Wilde shoulders him away! And slingshot Arabian Press arm-drag! Cruz DROPKICKS Ludwig out! LDF builds speed, but into DOUBLE LARIATS! Imperium stands tall as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Wilde fires forearms on Ludwig! But Ludwig UPPERCUTS! Wilde ends up on ropes, Ludwig drags him up and whips him to the corner. Ludwig runs in but he blocks the boot. “NEIN!” UPPERCUT! GAMANGIRI! Ludwig snap suplexes Wilde, then takes his time pacing around him. Ludwig runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Cruz and Vega coach Wilde but Ludwig clamps on a chinlock. Ludwig shifts to a cravat but fans rally. Vinci tags in, Imperium mugs Wilde. Vega is stinging from that CHOP, and then Vinci scoop SLAMS Wilde! Cover, TWO! Vinci tags Ludwig back in and they mug Wilde more.
Ludwig toys with Wilde but Wilde CHOPS back! And uppercuts! And uppercuts again! Ludwig kicks low, then shouts “NEIN!” Fans boo as Ludwig whips, but Wilde reverses and jumps on to TORNADO DDT! Fans fire up while both men are down! Ludwig and Wilde crawl for their corners, hot tags to Vinci and Cruz! Cruz springboards to CROSSBODY Vinci! Cruz keeps moving, ducks ‘n ‘dodges, then tilt-o-whirl RANAS! Vinci ends up in a corner, Cruz runs in to GAMANGIRI! Cruz whips corner to corner, Vinci reverses, but Cruz slips out to the apron! Vinci only gets buckles, but Ludwig runs in! Cruz GAMANGIRIS!
Cruz springboards to DOUBL EMISSILE DROPKICK! Imperium flops out, LDF builds speed, DOUBLE TOPE CONJILO!! Direct hit on Imperium and Cruz puts Vinci in! Vinci staggers to a corner, Cruz runs in but into an elbow! Vinci goes up, but Cruz handsprings to GAMANGIRI! Vinci wobbles, Cruz slingshots up to SUPER STEINER Vinci down! Tag to Wilde and he goes up top to SPRINGBOARD SPLASH! Cover, Ludwig breaks it! Laredo can’t believe it and neither can Vega! Vega calms down, though, and coaches her team. Fans rally up as Imperium regroups. Ludwig grabs at Wilde but Cruz fires off CHOPS on him!
Cruz CHOPS but LUdwig shoves! Cruz comes back, RANAS Ludwig right out! Then Cruz builds speed to slide!
Ludwig gets under, scoops and SLAMS Cruz on the floor! Vinci and Wilde meet up top and Vinci CLUBS Wilde! And then SUPER MILITARY PRESS!! But Vinci clutches his leg! He crawls, tags in Ludwig, and Ludwig drags Wilde up with a chinbar. Vinci hobbles over, Ludwig grins, and they set up. Vinci gets Wilde up and Ludwig is up top, IMPERIAL BOMB!! Cover, Imperium wins!
Winners: Imperium, by pinfall
A hard fought battle in both styles and cultures, but it is the Impeccable German and Pride of Italy who won out. Will they be able to make the mat sacred, even though they’re going against the Monster and the Flyer?
Xia Li speaks.
“I have more skills than any woman in this match. So looking past me is not only dangerous, but painful.” Will the Protector truly become the Eliminator in the Women’s Royal Rumble?
WWE shares footage of Charlotte Flair being on Ryan Satin’s Out of Character podcast.
But it was interrupted by guess who? Sonya Deville. Sonya applauded Ryan for asking the “big questions,” but then she was escorted away by security. Will Sonya ever stop this obsession with the SmackDown Women’s Champion?
Adam Pearce meets with Charlotte.
She knows he is having a busy day, and he says yes, because now he has to deal with Fox and how they were upset by Sonya’s stunt. Charlotte knows, Sonya is really annoying and opportunities are earned, not given. But she also has to hand it to Sonya, she’s persistent. That’s not the word Pearce would use. Well, Charlotte is just trying to be positive. But Charlotte will give Sonya a match. It’ll even be a title match. Wait, Charlotte wants to give Sonya a title match? Yes. Is she sure? Charlotte will put an exclamation point on this once and for all. Well, if she wants to do that, they’ll do it next week on SmackDown.
Charlotte thanks Pearce, high-gives him, and heads out. So now, win or lose in the Royal Rumble, Sonya gets a shot on the first SmackDown on the Road to WrestleMania! Will Sonya make the most of this opportunity? Or will she lose with Flair?
Kevin Owens VS Solo Sikoa!
The Prizefighter has been fighting against The Bloodline for years now, so he knows what they’re all about. The Usos were ejected from the building, and The Tribal Chief isn’t here tonight, so will Kevin have a truly 1v1 match with the Enforcer of the Island? Or will a certain Honorary Uce do his dawg a solid?
The bell rings and Kevin fires hands with Solo right away! Fans fire up, Kevin stomps Solo’s toes and then headlocks. Solo powers out but Kevin RAMS shoulders with him. Neither man moves, fans fire up, and Kevin runs to RAM Solo again! Solo roars, Kevin dares him to try then. Solo runs, they RAM shoulders, and no one moves. Kevin runs, RAMS Solo, Solo rebounds to RAM Kevin, repeat! They go back and forth, shoulder for shoulder, and then Kevin drops to CLOBBER Solo! And SENTON! Fans fire up with Kevin as Solo goes to a corner. Kevin runs in, but Solo slips out of the ring. Fans boo but Kevin just slides out the side!
Kevin storms up on Solo but Solo picks him up! Solo RAMS Kevin into the barrier! And then POSTS him! And then runs him into more barriers! The Street Champion stands over the Prizefighter while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Solo has Kevin in a chinlock. Kevin fights up as fans rally, and he throws body shots! Solo HEADBUTTS Kevin down! Kevin ends up in a corner, Solo goes to the opposite, and Solo runs in, to only get buckles! Kevin stands up, he ROCKS Solo with haymaker after haymaker, then whips. Solo reverses but Kevin kicks him! Solo roars, but Kevin hits an atomic drop and a LARIAT! Kevin rallies on Solo, but Solo blocks a lariat to HEADBUTT! Only for Kevin to kick low and DDT! Cover, TWO! Solo is tough but Kevin stomps him down. Kevin climbs up a corner and fans fire up. But Solo UPPERCUTS Kevin first!
Solo climbs up after Kevin, gives him more HEADBUTTS, and then brings Kevin up. Solo tells Kevin he’s not making it to the Rumble! But Kevin throws body shots! And a HEADBUTT of his own! And another! And then an ELBOW! Solo falls back, Kevin adjusts, FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Kevin keeps his focus as Solo survives. Kevin waits on Solo to stand and fans rally up. Solo staggers, into a SUPERKICK! Solo wobbles, to SUPERKICK in return! Kevin SUPERKICKS again! And then kicks low, but no Stunner! Solo SAMOAN DROPS! Cover, TWO! Kevin survives but Solo seethes. Fans rally for Kevin but Solo shakes his head.
Kevin crawls to a corner, Solo aims from the opposite end. Solo runs in, but Kevin dodges again! The splash hits post! Kevin SUPERKICKS Solo! And SUPERKICKS him again! Kevin says “SUCK IT!” and runs corner to corner, CANNONBALL! Solo is down but Kevin climbs up! SWANTON BOMB! Cover, SAMI helps Solo get out of the ring?!? Fans can’t believe it and Kevin is just as shocked! Fans chant “UCEY! UCEY!” but Kevin storms out to get in Sami’s face. Solo aims, Kevin dodges, the SUPERKICK hits Sami! Kevin ROCKS Solo and RAMS him into steel steps! Kevin sees the announce desk, and he clears it off!
Kevin goes back for Solo, drags him up, and brings him around, only for Solo to POST him! Solo has Kevin on the desk, and he grabs a chair! Solo doesn’t care about winning anymore, he CRACKS Kevin with the chair!
Winner: Kevin Owens, by disqualification
Kevin is on the desk, Solo goes onto the barrier. He’s gonna recreate the splash from last week! But Kevin fires off haymakers! Solo HEADBUTTS, leaps, but into a SUPERKICK! Kevin snarls, Solo returns, but into a POP-UP POWERBOMB onto the desk! The desk doesn’t break, but maybe Solo just did! Kevin grabs the chair! Sami sits up and sees Kevin looking at him! Sami scrambles away, Kevin SMACKS Solo! Solo falls over the barriers, then Kevin puts the chair down in front of Sami. Kevin shouts, “THIS IS MY SHOW!!” Laredo fires up and Kevin tells Roman, “Tomorrow night! Royal Rumble! I’m bringing everything I got! EVERYTHING!!!”
The Prizefighter is furious, and he will certainly bring that fury to San Antonio. Will Kevin #JustKeepFighting until he is finally the reigning, defending, Undisputed WWE Universal Heavyweight Champion?
My Thoughts:
A pretty good SmackDown, but I feel like go-home syndrome reared its ugly head again. We got quite a bit more recap packages than I expected, even though I totally expected them to replay Cody’s newest vignette from Raw, and the 2023 edition of “Royal Rumble: By The Numbers.” And we got good promos from a handful of the women entering this year’s Rumble, but I’m still thinking Rhea wins it all. Good bit from Charlotte to set up a title match with Sonya, so duh, Sonya’s not winning the Rumble, but I don’t see her winning on SmackDown next week, either. And of course Lacey wins her return match, but uh… Is Lacey just gonna have gear that shows more skin every rebrand? Wow…
Really good opener from Rey VS Kross, and I knew Rey was going to win. He and Kross are far from done with this, but Rey had to get some of his momentum back after Kross talked down to him and beat him down just a couple weeks ago. Good promo stuff from Theory, New Day, and Miz, and good brawl that then added Lashley and Lesnar to the mix. I suppose it’s fine for Lashley and Lesnar to fight things out in the Rumble match as opposed to in a separate match at the Royal Rumble. But I foresee them basically cancelling out so that neither one wins, which leads to a WrestleMania match.
Good promo from LA Knight trolling us, and then Bray and Uncle Howdy appearing in response to that. Still no explanation of what a Pitch Black match will be outside of the Anything Goes nature, but fine, whatever, because in the end, it feels like the match could go either way. Knight got beat up on Raw, so go-home math would lean his way, but Uncle Howdy is a wild card. Much like with Alexa and Bianca for the Raw Women’s Championship, Uncle Howdy has been showing up a lot, he could easily be the reason both Alexa and Bray win their matches, and things really build towards WrestleMania with a White Rabbit faction as many fans had anticipated when Bray first returned.
Good promo from Sheamus & McIntyre that keeps adding onto the weird, passive aggressive way these two support each other. But the Vikings attacking Celtic Connection, that’s a lame way to take them out of the tournament. At least, in the semifinals. If it’d happened in the finals, it’d feel a bit better. And with the way the Bloodline story is going, you could still get Face VS Heel in Usos VS Imperium, but maybe that’s not the plan. Legado Del Fantasma got the Face treatment by Laredo, and even had that in NXT, it wouldn’t be so hard to make them the Faces that face Heel Usos. But Braun & Ricochet is a good team, so I guess it’s fine for them to step in and take the tournament. Because yes, I’m pretty sure they’re in to win against Imperium like they did against Hit Row tonight.
And speaking of the Bloodline’s story, great stuff out of them tonight. Sami showing up despite Roman’s orders was a nice touch, and of course it comes into play with the main event. The Usos being barred from ringside, Jey making the call, and Sami doing his best to come through for Jey was all good stuff. Roman was away because he was scheduled for Jimmy Fallon tonight, so it can work in reality and kayfabe that Roman won’t know what happened until, well, right about now. Sami’s “final test” is still unknown, but this could be a kayfabe reason for Roman to “escalate” what he had planned. Screwing over Kevin after Kevin just spared Sami would still be an obvious way to go, but maybe there will be something out of the box in store.
My Score: 8.4/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
And we’re on the clock!
Tonight, we begin the qualifiers for this year’s Iron Survivor Challenge! Who looks to push their limits against the very best in NXT today?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Giulia & Stephanie Vaquer VS Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson; win.
- Adriana Rizzo VS Nikkita Lyons; wins.
- 2024 Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge Qualifier: Je’Von Evans VS Lexis King; wins and advances to WWE Deadline.
- 2024 Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge Qualifier: Cora Jade VS Sol Ruca; wins and advances to WWE Deadline.
- NXT Women’s North American Championship: Fallon Henley w/ The Fatal Influence VS Kelani Jordan; wins and
PLAY BY PLAY
[Due to the scheduling choices of KVIA2 CW (El Paso & Las Cruces), coverage of NXT will not begin until 9PM Eastern]
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
What’s old is new again!
While Liv Morgan has to watch out for Iyo Sky, she and Raquel Rodriguez want to reclaim the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships for their own! And Der Ring General prepares for another round with Damian Priest! In what way will history repeat itself?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Six Woman Tag: Damage CTRL VS Pure Fusion Collective; DMG CTRL wins.
- Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods VS Pete Dunne; Dunne wins.
- Damian Priest VS Ludwig Kaiser; Priest wins.
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill VS Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez; Bianca & Jade win and retain the titles.
PLAY BY PLAY
WWE celebrates Veterans Day.
Today, we honor the valor, courage and sacrifice of our United States Military. The sacrifices they gave to protect our freedoms and safeguard our future. We are forever grateful and humbled by their service. Today, we remember and say thanks.
Gunther is here!
Grand Rapids is a bit turn seeing Der Ring General head to the ring, World Heavyweight Championship around his waist. Gunther may not be Crown Jewel Champion, but he must still defend his world title at Survivor Series in Vancouver. The fans are torn again between cheers and jeers as Gunther grabs a mic. The fans remind him he lost to Cody, but Gunther starts by saying, “All that matters is, is that I am still the World Heavyweight Champion!” Gunther says he does not live in the past, but he looks to what is in front of him. And next is his challenger, Damian Priest.
There are a lot of things Gunther has to say about Damian Priest. But wait, here comes the man himself! The fans all fire up as The Punisher heads right to the ring, grabs himself a mic, and soaks up the cheering. Priest then tells Gunther not to look surprised. It was advertised to the world that Gunther would talk about Priest, so just say it all to his face. The fans cheer that! Gunther says honestly, look at Priest! His attitude! Priest is and always- Oh, let’s guess: Priest is street trash. He’s a thug, a bum, his parents didn’t care enough to raise him right. He had to scratch and claw and fight just to get here, but Gunther just waited on a phone call.
Priest asks if that covers all the insults. Because what Priests sees is that the first time the two went around, Priest understood the vibe, he got why we feared the unbeatable killer. And for the first time in Priest’s career, he felt doubt. He didn’t know if he could beat Gunther. It sucks to admit that, but it’s the truth. And yet, if not Priest’s so-called brother, that title wouldn’t be around Gunther’s waist. And in fact, the wildest thing about SummerSlam was, when it was over, Gunther becoming champion, his vibe started to fade. Priest sees it now. It faded because Gunther started doubting himself!
Oh, no? That’s not what it is? Gunther was just in Saudi, and the vibe faded more because he got beat by Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer for Priest and Cody while Gunther gets heated. This is what Priest means! Gunther can’t even talk now because he’s full of doubt! Let’s be real. The way Gunther feels now, let’s say why. It’s because Gunther knows he can’t beat Priest! And we know this, we know the killer is dead, is because Gunther would’ve taken a swing by now. Priest offers Gunther to take a swing now. The fans don’t wanna wait, right? The fans fire up for that! Gunther paces but Priest says he won’t take a shot.
Because if Gunther did, Priest would drop his ass right now. The fans fire up but here comes Ludwig Kaiser! He asks what is even going on here! Kaiser tells Priest, “What’re you doing here? Out of everyone in this building, it is you doubting the Ring General?” Does Kaiser have to remind Priest that Gunther beat him once already? Kaiser will give Priest some advice: Get out of this ring right now and save yourself, because the second time Priest faces Gunther, the result will be the same! Gunther will beat him again, because Priest is not even worthy- Gunther stops Kaiser from talking! Gunther tells Kaiser that HE is the problem now.
Kaiser says no! He is not going to let street trash talk to Gunther like that because- Priest DECKS Kaiser! The fans are thunderous, and then Priest LARIATS Kaiser up and out! Gunther backs down! The fans are eating this up as Priest dares Gunther to bring the fight. Gunther backs out of the ring! The fans boo but Priest smirks. Is Priest
Backstage interview with Damage CTRL.
Cathy Kelley is with Iyo Sky & Kairi Sane, and she congratulates Iyo on becoming the #1 contender to the WWE Women’s World Championship. How does she plan on taking down the self-proclaimed greatest women’s champion in WWE? Iyo says she is ready for Riv. Bianca & Jade better save a piece for her. Kairi says they also have other business tonight. Yes, a Six Woman Tag, and the third woman is… DAKOTA KAI! She’s back again! And she missed the team so much. But while she’s happy to be back, she’s pissed at Pure Fusion Collective for taking three MONTHS away from her career. But as long as DMG CTRL is there, no one gets them down!
Not Shayna, not Zoey, and not Sonya. They’re going to remind everyone what DMG CTRL is capable of. Will #CobraKai help the Evil Genius & Pirate Princess put PFC in their place?
Kofi Kingston comes across R-Truth.
They say hey, and Kofi realized he never got to thank Truth for that thing with Final Testament. Kofi also apologizes for the aftermath, because for some strange reason, Xavier Woods didn’t want to get involved. Woods walks in to ask what’s going on. Kofi says they were just talking about how- Pete Dunne barges in? Dunne tells Truth they need to talk. Dunne’s told Truth his name, but every time they cross paths, Truth calls him that name. Oh, sorry, that’s on Truth. What does he want Truth to call him today? Oh, c’mon, that- Kofi asks what’s the issue. Oh, does he want to make this his issue?
Woods says no, this is not their issue so Dunne can handle this. Wait, does Woods talk for Kofi now? Kofi says no, he doesn’t. Well, Woods is actually right, you don’t want this fight. Maybe Kofi does! Let’s settle this in the ring! Because if you have a problem with Truth, you have a problem with Kofi. Woods says he’s out, Dunne says bet, and he’ll meet Kofi in the ring. Truth says this is getting good! And hey, good luck with Pete. Just watch out for Butch. Oh, wait… Truth walks off, grumbling to himself that he messed up again. But will the Bruiserweight be getting himself a win one way or another?
Six Woman Tag: Damage CTRL VS Pure Fusion Collective!
Raw returns and PFC makes their entrance. The trios sort out and Iyo starts against Zoey Stark. They tie up, go around, and Zoey headlocks. Iyo wrenches free to hammerlock, then headlock, but Zoey fires body shots. Zoey whips, Iyo ducks ‘n’ redirects, then rolls off Zoey’s back! The fans fire up as things keep moving, and Zoey avoids the handspring kick! Iyo eggs Zoey on again, but Zoey dodges her dropkick to scuff her face! Zoey back suplexes but Iyo lands out! Zoey dodges with a handspring of her own! Zoey then grabs hair and whips Iyo for a BACKDROP! Zoey flexes, then she kicks Iyo around.
Zoey tags Sonya and then scoops Iyo, BACKBREAKER and NECKBREAKER! The fans boo while Sonya covers, TWO! Iyo is tougher than that buy Sonya taunts DMG CTRL. Sonya snap suplexes Iyo, drags her up, and fires knees. The fans rally but Sonya suplexes again. Iyo slips free, then shoves Sonya to the corner! SHOTEI! Tag to Kairi and she helps Iyo double whip. They trip Sonya, AX KICK her, then snapmare for the DOUBLE BASEMENT DROPKICK! The fans fire up for DMG CTRL, but Zoey runs in. Kairi sidesteps, then goes up and over to RANA! The fans fire up as Sonya and Zoey are in one corner, Kairi DROPKICKS them both!
Kairi keeps moving, SLIDING D for Sonya! The fans fire up again as Kairi sees Sonya go to the floor. FLYING KABUKI ELBOW! The Queen of Spades taunts the Pirate Princess, then she goes after her! Sonya distracts the ref for Shayna to CLOBBER Kairi! PFC now stands tall while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Kairi BLASTS PFC! She dodges Sonya and POSTS her! Kairi crawls, but Shayna runs in to BLOAST Iyo! But Kairi dodges Shayna to tag Dakota! The fans fire up as Dakota fires off furious fists! Shayna shoves Dakota, but Dakota kicks a leg out! Dakota runs, redirects and DROPKICKS! Then arm- NO, Shayna stops the arm-drag to whip. Dakota comes back, FLYING MARE! Dakota then runs up to SCORPION KICK, but Shayna ROCKS her back! Dakota hits Shayna, Shayna ROUNDHOUSES Dakota! Shayna fires up, runs up, but Dakota ducks the boot! Shayna is stuck in ropes, Dakota KICKS and BOOTS her!
Dakota then uses ropes to JUMP STOMP! Cover, TWO! Shayna survives but Dakota is right on her! BOOT WASH in the corner! The fans fire up and Dakota aims again. Around the World, but Sonya takes the BOOT for Shayna! Shayna hits a BIG back suplex on Dakota, to then have the leg! HALF BOST CRAB, but Dakota rolls! Shayna turns Dakota back over, and then Zoey intercepts Iyo! Iyo comes back but Zoey DECKS her! Zoey PLANCHAS, but Iyo dodges! Iyo BLASTS Shayna! Sonya KNEES Iyo! Kairi FLYING KABUKI ELBOWS Sonya! Zoey MISSILE DROPKICKS Kairi! Dakota BOOTS Zoey! And now, Around the World, but Shayna dodges!
KIRAFUDA KLUTCH!! Dakota fights her way over, Iyo tags in! Shayna ELBOWS Iyo, then has her int he KIRAFUDA! But Iyo flails, fights, and the ref reprimands! Dakota BOOTS Shayna! The fans fire up as Shayna falls, and Iyo rises! OVER THE MOONSAULT! Cover, DMG CTRL wins!
Winners: DMG CTRL, by pinfall
Dakota’s back and that made all the difference! Will Captain Kick help the team kick it up a notch and take control of the Women’s Division yet again?
Jey Uso and Sami Zayn meet backstage.
They do the handshake! But then Jimmy walks in. What’s Sami’s problem? No problem, no problem. Jimmy’s coming in with the problem. Jey says same page, get right. Sami says it is good to see Jimmy, he looks nice. Nice chain. Jimmy says Sami looks… Ok, see, this is what Sami means. Jey says move on from that, what’s the game plan tonight? Jimmy says they still need a fifth man for WarGames, that’s all. Oh, is Jimmy calling the plays? Yes, dawg. But 5v5, that’s WarGames. Jey says they don’t really have friends on Raw or SmackDown, but there’s gotta be someone. Sami says hold on, he knows someone.
Oh? Who’s he know? Don’t worry about who he knows. Sami will text. Jey says yeet. Sami heads out, Jey tells Jimmy to just be nice. Can the Honorary Uce find an Honorary Honorary Uce to join the fight?
Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods VS Pete Dunne!
Despite what “Quarterback” Woods wanted, Kofi is going to fight on behalf of his friend, R-Truth. Will Kofi make sure the Bruiserweight takes a chill pill? Or will Dunne butcher Kofi for Truth’s mistakes?
Raw returns and Dunne makes his entrance. The bell rings and the fans taunt Dunne with “BUTCH! BUTCH! BUTCH!” Dunne mocks them like he can’t hear them, then circles with Kofi. They tie up, Kofi waistlocks, but Dunne has the ropes. Kofi lets off, but Dunne DECKS him! Dunne chinbars Kofi, claws at Kofi’s face, but the ref counts. Dunne stops, Woods says this is why he didn’t want this, but Dunne whips. Kofi reveres, runs up, but Dunne puts Kofi in the apron. Kofi ROCKS Dunne, springboards and AX HANDLES! The fans fire up, Kofi whips corner to corner, but Dunne goes up and over!
Kofi goes up to DROPKICK! The fans fire up as Dunne bails out! Kofi builds speed and he FLIES! Down goes Dunne and now Woods is into it! The fans are also into it, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Dunne has Kofi caught under him. Dunne bends fingers, twists the arm, but Kofi moves around. Dunne keeps on him, and drops KNEES on the arm! Dunne then traps both arms to neck wrench Kofi! The fans rally as Kofi endures, but Dunne twists the arms, and then STOMPS Kofi on the head! Kofi pushes Dunne, throws hands, but Dunne CHOPS! Dunne stomps Kofi into a corner, lets off as the ref counts, then drags Kofi to center. Dunne HAMMERS away on Kofi with his forearm! The fans boo but Dunne lets off to shout at them. Dunne runs corner to corner, but Kofi runs up to JUMP STOMP!
The fans fire up and Woods feels the energy, too! Kofi drags himself up with the ropes, and Dunne runs in. Kofi DOUBLE CHOSP! And DOUBLE CHOPS! And DROPKICKS! Kofi keeps moving, btu Dunne catches his arm! Dunne wrangles Kofi, but Kofi UPKICKS! Kofi then slips out to the apron to SWING KCIK! Dunne staggers, Kofi climbs, and CROSSBODY SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Dunne stays in this but Woods says Kofi’s got it. Kofi stands Dunne up, but Dunne goes for an arm! Kofi fights but Dunne still wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER! The fans rally and Kofi catches Dunne! S O- NO! Dunne ENZIGIRIS!
Kofi staggers back, Dunne runs up at the corner but Kofi BOOTS him! Kofi goes up, up, and- FOREARM!! Dunne takes Kofi out of the air and the fans boo! Dunne runs up, but Kofi dodges to TROUBLE IN PARADISE! Dunne tumbles out, Kofi wants after him but the ref keeps him back. Woods CLOBBERS Dunne for Kofi! Woods then plays innocent but Kofi saw it! Woods says win the match! That’s all that matters! Kofi is reluctant but he puts Dunne in. New Day argues over who they’re doing this, but then Dunne BOOTS Kofi from the apron! Dunne hauls Kofi up, pump handle, BITTER END!! Cover, Dunne wins!
Winner: Pete Dunne, by pinfall
Woods is upset, acting like it’s Kofi’s fault in this. Sure, Woods handed Dunne to Kofi on a silver platter, but Woods isn’t respecting the way Kofi wants to do things! The arguing continues even now, how is New Day going to feel going into their ten year anniversary?
Judgment Day hangs out in the clubhouse.
Raquel Rodriguez says she can’t wait to get her hands on Jade & Bianca. Liv Morgan says tonight, they’re gonna have it all! So exciting! But then Finn Balor says the one thing they don’t have is the World Heavyweight Championship. Isn’t that right, Dom? Because after last week, Priest is one win away from being champion again. Thanks, mate. Dom says that wasn’t his fault. No one was watching his back, and Bronson Reed came out to destroy everyone. Where was Finn? Oh, he was being a team player, doing what Liv told him to do, and that was focus on the World Tag Team Championships and The War Raiders.
Besides, didn’t Dom say he could handle Damian all by himself? Yeah, well, Dom beat Priest, and he got a lot closer to the world title than Finn has lately. So Finn shouldn’t get so upset that Dom’s done something he couldn’t. Oh, wanna say that a bit closer, kid? The rest of the team calms these two down, they have to remember they’re family. Oh, Finn is calm. But yeah, Liv is right, they’re family. And family steps up for each other, even when times are tough. So next week, Dom & Carlito should step up for Finn & JD and show The War Raiders what judgment Day is all about. Can they do that for him?
Dom says he’s got Finn’s back. He’ll go make it official. Carlito isn’t so sure, but Dom’s already headed out. Carlito hurries after, and JD says they’ll be fine. Finn says look, one big happy family. But is this Judgment Day about tear itself apart like all forms have since the beginning?
Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill speak.
The Storm says, “Since winning these titles, everybody wants to step up and has been stepped on.” The EST says, “And Liv, you might have the gold and Raquel to have your back, but none of that’s gonna matter when you step into the ring because we gonna take you down just like everybody else.” So take your shot, because they return to SmackDown #AndStill the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. Will the StrongEST Duo still be this duo when they take on Judgment Day’s bad girls?
Bronson Reed is here!
Grand Rapids is torn seeing The Colossal Aussie making his way to the ring. The fans boo as Reed grabs a mic, and Reed says he’s here tonight to tell Seth Rollins, “You are a hell of a competitor.” Rollins proved so when he won over Bronson Reed at Crown Jewel. But Reed is not a competitor, he is a monster! And last week, he not only took Rollins out, but he took out Priest, Sheamus, and will take out anyone that stands in the way of Reed putting Rollins down, for good! “So Mr. Visionary, Mr. Revolutionary, Mr. Seth Freakin’ Rolins… If you want your revenge, I’m right here in the ring, right now! All you gotta do is-”
“BURN IT DOWN!” The fans fire up as Rollins makes his own entrance! The fans sing along with, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” And Rollins rushes the ring! Rollins dodges Bronson to fire off hands! Rollins runs, but Bronson CLOBBERS Rollins! Rollins bails out, but Bronson goes out to scoop him! Only for Rollins to slip free and POST Bronson! The fans fire up as Rollins clears the desk! But Bronson CLUBS Rollins onto the desk first! Bronson then goes back up onto barriers, just like last week! Fans freak out, but Rollins is up! Rollins LEAPS onto Bronson! They fight in the timekeeper’s area but here comes security!
The fans boo, and chant “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” Bronson fights off the guards to get at Rollins again! They’re in the ring, throwing hands, but then Bronson RAMS Rollins into a corner! Security swarms again and fans boo some more. Rollins still fires hands, the two are separated, but fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHG!” Rollins slips out the back goes from the outside, and he fires hands on Bronson! Security drags Rollins down but Bronson throws off some guards. To then DIVE!! Down goes the guards but Rollins avoided disaster! Rollins fires more shots on Bronson!
Producers and Adam Pearce all rush out here! The Raw General Manager tells Rollins to stop it! Rollins argues, referees anchor Bronson, and clearly, this is FAR from over. When and where will The Visionary and Auszilla settle their score?
Raw returns and…
Rollins is still arguing with Pearce, but Pearce says enough! Rollins says no, he wants this match! He needs this match! He’s explained a million times who he is in his heart, in his soul! Give him the match! Fine, one more time! It happens next week because even Pearce has had enough! Just end it one way or another! Pearce storms off, Sami steps in, and Sami asks if Rollins is good. Rollins says yeah. Sami says he’s gonna ask something, and it’ll sound kinda crazy, just hear him out. They need a fifth man for WarGames. Now look, Sami isn’t dumb, he knows the history of Rollins and Roman. No one knows more about bad blood with The Bloodline than them.
But the whole reason Sami is back, is in this match, is because no matter what, no matter how bad things got, that family bond never goes away. And Sami is sure deep down, that bond between Rollins and Roman, on some level, is still there. Sami has looked up down the roster, both Raw and SmackDown, there’s no one else. It has to be Rollins. Rollins is their fifth man. Rollins thinks on that, and says Sami is out of his damn mind. After everything Rollins went through, everything he sacrificed, to take the tyrant, Roman Reigns, out of power… And now Sami wants Rollins to team with them to build Roman back up? No.
Listen to Rollins. Rollins does know better than anyone who Roman Reigns is, and he is shocked that anyone wants to stand next to him. Especially Sami, after everything Roman put him through. Sami must be blind to how Roman is just using him again. So thanks, and Rollins appreciates Sami, but the answer is no.
Damian Priest VS Ludwig Kaiser!
The Punisher is preparing for another round with Der Ring General, so for the first time 1v1, he’ll be taking on the Impeccable German! Will Priest crush Kaiser before going after Gunther again? Or will Imperium throw away the “street trash” already?
The bell rings and Priest blocks a punch to ROCK Kaiser! Priest puts Kaiser in a corner, ROCK Shim then whips him, then runs corner to corner. Kaiser didges, Priest hits buckles, and then Kaiser POSTS Priest! Priest is stuck in ropes, Kaiser runs to DROPKICK Priest down! Priest flops onto the floor, the fans boo Kaiser, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Kaiser headlocks. Priest fires body shots and is free, only for Kaiser to fireman’s carry! ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Cover, TWO! Kaiser is annoyed with Priest and scuffs him around. Kaiser drags Priest up and reels him in, but Priest fights the suplex! Kaiser still tries, CLUBS away on Priest, then goes again. Priest suplexes first! BROKEN ARROW! The fans fire up while both men are down! Priest huffs ‘n’ puffs as he rises up again! The fans fire up as Priest ROCKS Kaiser, KOCKS him again, but Kaiser dodges the next! Kaiser runs, but into a FLAPJACK! Priest winds up, and he KCISK! KICKS! KICSK! Then ROLLING ELBOW!
Priest winds up again, and ROCKS Kaiser again! Priest whips Kaiser to a corner, runs corner to corner, and he ELBOWS Kaiser! Then FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Kaiser stays in this but Priest smirks. The fans rally up, and Priest brings Kaiser around. Priest reels Kaiser in, lift shim up to a Canadian Rack, but Kaiser slips free! Kaiser BOOTS from ropes, then CHOPS! Priest sputters a moment, but he just comes back with anger in his eyes! Priest kicks, Kaiser ducks and rolls, TWO! Kaiser runs to PENALTY KCIK! Cover, TWO! Kaiser grows frustrated but the fans boo while he paces around Priest.
Kaiser drags Priest up, clinches, SIDE- NO, Priest slips free to BELL CLAP! And SUPERKICK! The fans fire up and Priest powers up. Priest runs, to COMEBACKER LARIAT! The straps come down and the fans fire up! Kaiser stands into the choke grip, and the SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest wins!
Winner: Damian Priest, by pinfall
The lieutenant is taken out, and now Priest is rolling towards Der Ring General! Speaking of, Gunther watches from the stage. Is Priest right? Has doubt taken hold of Gunther’s mind?
Backstage interview with Bron Breakker.
Cathy Kelley is with the WWE Intercontinental Champion and brings up how he didn’t quite advance in the current WWE Speed tournament, as his match with Sheamus was a time limit draw. Bron says he’s at an interesting point in his career. He is looking to expand the trophy case. Naturally, being the fastest superstar in WWE today, the WWE Speed Championship interests him. He’d be here with two titles on his shoulders right now, if not for that ugly idiot bonehead, Sheamus, for getting in his way. Speaking of, here’s The Fella now! Sheamus says he couldn’t help but hear from Bron that Sheamus is an ugly idiot bonehead.
Well, Bron has a lot of arrogance. Bit disrespectful since Sheamus has been here 15 years and Bron’s been here 15 minutes. But Sheamus gets it. Bron is on top of the world, momentum on his side, and it’s a lot like Sheamus. Sheamus was one of the fastest to become WWE World Heavyweight Champion ever. Sheamus put his foot on John Cena’s throat. Now that was arrogance. Just like Bron. But Sheamus will say: Does Bron have a “set of tires” big enough to put up the one title that has eluded Sheamus his entire career? Bron chuckles and says he did not listen to a word Sheamus just said.
But if Sheamus wants to fight for this title, then the answer is yes, fella! Bron would love nothing more than to kick Sheamus’ old ass. Sheamus will explain: his old ass is still going, and better than ever. So do him a favor, “kid,” and shine up the belt real nice. Because Sheamus is taking it home next week. Sheamus leaves, will he finally complete WWE’s ultimate slam? Wait, Jimmy steps in? Jimmy asks if Bron has a second to talk. Okay, he’s got a second. Is #BigJim really thinking Badass Bron is going to help them fight The Bloodline?
The Final Testament find The Miz!
Karrion Kross is overly dramatic as he says, “Thank God you’re alive!” But what happened? Miz says he’s had enough. He’s going to Pearce’s office to ask for a leave of absence. Miz is done. Oh, Miz is done? He wants to go home? Well he’s not going home because he’s given Kross NOTHING on the Wyatts! No information! No locations! Where are they? He’s just randomly back? Miz says this is bigger than any of them! He has to think about himself and his family. He settled his business with The Wyatts. Miz apologized and vowed to change his ways, and they let him go. And honestly, he is a better man now.
The Wyatts moved on, Miz moved on, so Karrion… You need to move on. MOVE ON!? Is Paul Ellering supposed to move on!? Miz has the nerve to mention family, but Ellering is KROSS’s family! The Wyatts attacked Ellering and it is Miz’s fault. Hey, remember when Kross promised to break Miz’s legs? Boys, grab him. Akam & Rezar grab Miz and Kross says they need to remind everyone what happens, live on TV! They’re headed to gorilla, then on stage! The fans freak out as The Final Testament drags Miz to the ring! They put Miz in the ring, Kross says Miz is lying! Miz’s story doesn’t add up. Miz pleads with Kross, but Kross SHOVES him back down!
Kross asks where The Wyatts are! Well, they’re HERE~! The lights are coming down and Miz is terrified. The piano plays, the fireflies come out, and Grand Rapids fires up again! Miz disappears, and The Wyatts are in his place! The fans cheer as Bo Dallas/Uncle Howdy steps in, followed by Gacy, Lumis, Rowan & Nikki. Then The Miz HITS Rowan with a chair?! So much for being a better person. But Bo just laughs it all off? The brawl is on! Miz SMACKS Rowan again while Kross fires off on Bo and Lumis & Gacy brawl with the Authors of Pain! Scarlett has Nikki on the apron, then THRWOS her down! Miz SMACKS Rowan again!
The AOP give Lumis & Gacy the SUPER COLLIDER!! But Bo has the MANDIBLE CLAW on Kross! AOP saves Kross, Miz hits a FULL METAL FINALE on Rowan!! Kross gives Bo the FINAL PRAYER!! The fans boo as The Final Testament stands over The Wyatts, and Kross hugs Miz! They mastermind this entire trap, and the fans chant “Miz You Suck!” The Final Testament & Miz leave, but Bo slowly sits up. Kross can’t believe it, but Bo is laughing again! Will Uncle Howdy make sure Kross pays for his sins?
Backstage interview with Seth Rollins.
Cathy Kelley catches up to Rollins on his way out and wants to ask about how he has his match with Bronson. How does he plan on keeping the monster down this time? Hold on one minute, Cathy. Rollins looks over, and it’s SOLO SIKOA! He and his Bloodline are here, and Solo says bring it in, Uce. Solo knows Rollins doesn’t like Roman, and Solo can’t stand Roman. So why don’t they join forces to take Roman out? Rollins laughs, Solo takes that as a good sign. Rollins says he and Solo haven’t always gotten along, but here’s a little secret, something Rollins didn’t tell Sami when he refused to join Sami’s team.
The next time Rollins is in the ring with Roman, it is to stomp his head into the ground. Never again in Rollins’ life will he team with Roman Reigns. But Rollins will never join forces with a wannabe Roman Reigns. Jacob Fatu gets heated but Solo has him stand down. Rollins leaves for the night, he’s no one’s fifth man. But will it even matter if Bronson breaks him once and for all next Monday?
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill VS Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez!
The StrongEST Duo could’ve started on their two woman power trip if not for lil’ Liv & Big Mami Cool screwing them out of the battle royal last week. Will Bianca & Jade make Judgment Day pay by denying them these titles? Or will it be Liv & Raquel looking to stack titles on top of titles?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really runs the show!
Liv runs up on Bianca at the bell, but Bianca hits a SPINEBUSTER! Bianca rains down fists, but Liv turns it around to give those back. Bianca turns it back around, Liv gets loose, but Bianca DROPKICKS her down! Bianca kips up, runs up and RAMS Liv in again and again! The ref counts, Bianca whips corner to corner, then runs in. Liv dodges and Bianca POSTS herself! Liv runs back up to SLAP Bianca down! Liv stomps away, the ref counts, and Liv stops at 4. Liv runs back in, but Bianca ALLEY-OOPS Liv onto buckles! Liv sputters, Bianca climbs up, and Bianca rains down fists! Raquel runs up but Bianca fights her off!
The fans boo but Liv YANKIS Bianca down by the braid! The ref reprimands both Liv & Raquel but then Jade runs over! YOINK and Jade DECKS Raquel! Liv WRECKS Jade with a dropkick! Liv laughs, but Bianca is out there! Liv dodges, Jade & Bianca almost hit each other! Raquel CLOBBERS Jade! Bianca ROCKS Raquel, but Liv MISSILE DROPKICKS Bianca! All four women are down on the outside, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns, Raquel and Bianca crawl, hot tags to Jade and Liv! Jade rallies on Liv with big forearms, then a SPINEBUSTER! The fans fire up with Jade, and she runs to ELBOW Liv in a corner! Raquel is back but Jade scoops her! Jade SLAMS Raquel, but Liv CHOP BLOCKS Jade! Liv runs, but into a scoop and torture rack! Jade brings Liv around for the SWINGING WHEELBARROW FACEBUSTER! Cover, Raquel breaks it! Raquel ELBOWS Bianca down from the apron, then drags Liv to safety. Raquel tags back in, and she storms up on Jade. The fans fir eup as Jade dodges, and DOUBLE BOOTS take both women down!
The fans fire up while Jade and Raquel stir, but wait! Nia Jax & Tiffany Stratton are here! Tiff distracts teh ref while Nia drags Jade out of the ring! APRON SAMOAN DROP! The WWE Women’s Champion helps out one enemy to screw another! Raquel with the VADER ELBOW DROP! Cover, Bianca breaks it! Tiff wants to distract the ref again, but now NAOMI is here! Naomi YANKS Tiff down, then RAMS her into barriers! But Nia runs uP! Naomi sends her into barriers! Liv hits a BACKSTABBER on Naomi! Liv hurries to tag in, and she climbs up a corner! FLYING CODE- SUPERKICK! Jade tags Bianca and then SUPERKICKS Raquel!
Bianca sets Liv up, torture rack and KISS OF DEATH!! Cover, StrongEST Duo wins!!
Winners: Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)
But then Nia CLOBBERS everyone! Naomi runs up, Nia CLOBBERS her, too! The Irresistible Force has trucked the Big 3, but wait! Iyo Sky is here! ROUNDHOUSE on Nia! Iyo springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK Nia away! The Evil Genius then dodges tiff to SHOTEI! And wheelbarrow, victory roll, STOMP 182! The Evil Genius roars, but so does Raquel! Iyo dodges Raquel, Jade & Bianca DOUBLE LARIAT her out! Nia fireman’s carries Iyo, but Naomi BOOTS Nia first! Iyo gives Nia a BUZZSAW! The StrongEST Duo DOUBLE SUPLEX Nia! Th efans are thunderous as Iyo and the Big 3 stand tall! Will these four soon be the champions of WWE?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw here, with them quickly shifting gears towards WarGames. Maybe a little too quickly in the Women’s WarGames given it’s coming together right here at the end in the main event spot. But at the same time, they’re quite cleverly just using what they built going into Crown Jewel and bridging it to the next event. Great tag title match, though rather quick and with a lot of overbooking to get it done before the 10 PM Eastern hard cut. Jade & Bianca of course retain, but with Naomi going after Nia’s title and Iyo going after Liv’s title, we got some very natural alliances made here. I imagine Bayley and Candice will be the fifth woman for each team, given their part in the ongoing Nia VS Naomi story.
Though, that technically means this will be a very SmackDown heavy Survivor Series in terms of the WarGames. Because duh, the Men’s WarGames is Bloodline: Civil War, and Bloodline has been a predominantly SmackDown centric story this year. It’s only until Jey left Bloodline and struck out on his own that Raw got included in the overall story. And it seems they really are sticking to 5v5 so that there’s drama for the sake of drama. Jimmy was certainly thinking outside the box asking Bron Breakker, but that’s gonna be a no, nothing is in it for Bron. Also good promo from Bron and Sheamus, with a surprising use of WWE Speed as part of story. Bron VS Sheamus is of course going to be a banger, but it just doesn’t feel like where Sheamus finally wins the Intercontinental Championship.
Sami Zayn wanting it to be Seth Rollins is a surprising option, but a logical one after what Sami said tonight. Rollins had a good promo with Sami and with Solo to turn them both down, but it feels like there’s a chance we circle back around to Rollins as the fifth man. I still feel Solo’s side should bringing in Hikuleo, but it would be a much more “shocking” moment if Rollins gave in and made amends with Roman. Making amends seems to be a theme they’re going for, at least, so going for this reconciliation of The Shield fits. That “wannabe Roman” line is really gonna stick in Solo’s mind, too, so you can bet his side goes after Rollins and compels him to join Roman.
Meanwhile, great to see Dakota back, DMG CTRL got a great win of PFC. There was nothing here tonight but should there be a Women’s Intercontinental Championship made, Dakota and Kairi each have a fair chance of winning it. At this rate, PFC do not. Great promo from Truth, Dunne and New Day, followed by great match from Dunne VS Kofi. Woods’ cheating was a very clever way for Kofi to lose while adding even more dysfunction between New Day. Very good promo to add dysfunction into The Judgment Day, too, with a lot of passive aggressiveness between Finn and Dom. Nice Easter egg that JD was simulating Finn & JD VS War Raiders in WWE2K. Pretty sure the faction falls apart when Finn & JD lose to Erik & Ivar.
Speaking of all that, Priest had a very good promo with Gunther to revisit last time and then flip it around. Also, wild to think that was only three months ago with SummerSlam. But great stuff where now even Gunther and Kaiser are at odds, and Gunther is perhaps intimidated by Priest after all. Great win for Priest over Kaiser, and who knows how the title match for Survivor Series go. I won’t say we’re booked into a corner, but it’d be kinda wild for Priest to take this title back after only those three months and for Gunther to more or less fall off from being top Intercontinental Champion of all time.
The Wyatt Sicks6 and Final Testament had a great segment, though it maybe took some time away from the women’s tag title match. Miz with the swerve on the Wyatts was really well done, and was the blood coming from the corner of his eye also planned? That was an interesting touch if so. But clearly, here’s our 8 Man Tag after all, with Miz embracing the darkest parts of his Heel persona. Plus, Bo actually creeping Kross out with how he laughed off the pain was great. I can’t wait to see where this goes.
My Score: 8.9/10
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