Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (1/6/23)
Who will be the ones?
SmackDown gives us the match that was meant to be!
Drew McIntyre is back in action on SmackDown, ready to fight alongside Sheamus against The Usos for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships! Will the Celtic Connection be the ones to end the reign?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods VS Santos Escobar w/ Legado Del Fantasma; Escobar wins.
- Mixed Tag: Karrion Kross & Scarlet Bordeaux VS Madcap Moss & Emma; Kross & Bordeaux win.
- SmackDown Women’s Championship: Charlotte Flair VS Sonya Deville; Charlotte wins and retains the title.
- Men’s Royal Rumble Qualifier: Ricochet VS Top Dolla w/ Hit Row; Ricochet wins and enters the Men’s Royal Rumble match.
- Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships: The Usos VS Drew McIntyre & Sheamus; The Usos win and retain the titles.
PLAY BY PLAY
The Bloodline is wreaking havoc to open SmackDown!
It’s a lot like this past Monday Night Raw, with the Usos & Solo Sikoa throwing stuff around and Sami Zayn ranting and raving on the announce desk! But here comes THE TRIBAL CHIEF! Roman Reigns and the Wise Man, Paul Heyman, are here in Memphis, and of course Roman raises the belts for the pyro. The Bloodline holds up the fingers and the introductions are made as Roman and Heyman continue to the ring to join the others. They raise the fingers and the belts for the second round of pyro. Heyman holds onto the belts for Roman and hands over the mic. Fans chant “UCEY! UCEY!” and Roman says, “Memphis, Tennessee! ACKNOWLEDGE ME!”
Fans cheer, and Roman tells The Wise Man, “We’re gonna start things off a little differently tonight. I’ma give y’all what you want. Cuz I’d like to hear from the Honorary Uce, Sami Zayn, now.” Fans cheer and Sami is honored. Sami takes the mic to tell his Tribal Chief and the fans, “You all saw how we kicked off the show. Just like we kicked off Raw, the same we are kicking off all of 2023, we are putting everybody on notice that this year belongs to The Bloodline!
“And we are starting 2023 right. Monday Night Raw, we showed up to send a message. And that’s exactly what we did. Solo went out there, won his match. The Usos & Sami Zayn went out there, won our match. We are sending a message this year!” Fans cheer that, and Roman says, “Yeah! But I don’t really care to talk about this year. I wanna talk about what happened last year. I don’t know if you tuned in last week, but me and Sami, we had the biggest SmackDown match of the year against John Cena & Kevin Owens. And what do you think happened?” Fans point out that they lost. Roman says some say they lost, and then he laughs at that.
“And that’s just something I don’t understand, because the Tribal Chief don’t lose. It’s not in my make-up, it’s not in my DNA, so I had to think about that, I had to sit on that, I had to chew on that.” And Roman realized he didn’t lose, Sami lost! Sami’s shoulders were on the mat. Roman didn’t lose, so he doesn’t really care. Let’s move forward from that. But what’s confusing for Roman, the thing he can’t figure out… is why did Sami call his shot? Why did he guarantee the win? Why’d he do that? Roman does that, Roman calls his shots, and the Tribal Chief always delivers and there’s never a problem.
It’s embarrassing when you call your shot like Babe Ruth, and then you fail to deliver. That’s why Roman had to keep asking himself. Does Sami wanna be Tribal Chief? Why is Sami doing things like Roman? Is he trying to be Roman? Does he want to do what Roman does? Does he think he can do this better than Roman? Think about it, from Roman’s position at the very top. You always have to be concerned, with eyes in the back of your head. Why does Sami think he can do that? Does Sami want to be Roman? Sami shakes his head and says no.
Roman suddenly gets mad at Sami! “Do you wanna be me? Do you wanna be the Tribal Chief? Do you wanna run the Bloodline? Do you think you’re fit to take on the burden?!” But wait! Here comes Kevin Owens! The Prizefighter followed them over from Raw, and he looks at the Bloodline as he says, “Before things go too far here, Roman, I think you need to calm down, take a deep breath or two.” What’s happening is some misdirected anger. Roman is always so calm, cool and collected, Kevin can’t remember the last time he saw Roman like this. Actually, no, the last time we saw Roman like this, Kevin was the cause.
And here tonight, Kevin is also the cause of it. Roman’s problem isn’t with Sami. The problem is with Kevin. Roman’s been saying for weeks that he has a KO problem and it’s starting to drive him crazy. So Roman needs to show everyone what The Tribal Chief does, and he needs to take care of that problem! Kevin doesn’t wanna tell Roman what to do, but a good way to take care of the problem is in a match at the Royal Rumble, for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship! Fans like the sound of that! Roman says, “Yeah, sure, whatever, I don’t care! I don’t care about you! All I want from you is to disappear, to go away, leave, FOREVER!”
Kevin says, “Y’know what, Roman, after what we did to you last Friday, after I beat you, I’m in a great mood. So I’ll give it to you. I’ll leave, but not forever. Roman, I’ll see you at the Royal Rumble. And Sami, I’ll see you whenever you manage to dig your balls out of Roman’s pocket.” The Prizefighter has his prizefight! Will he also get his revenge on the Tribal Chief once and for all?
Charlotte Flair arrives backstage.
The FOURTEEN-TIME WWE Women’s Champion is in Memphis, what will The Queen have to say about her newest reign?
Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods VS Santos Escobar w/ Legado Del Fantasma!
The NXT Tag Team Champions return to SmackDown, and replay footage shows us that a New Day interview was interrupted by Legado Del Fantasma. Santos Escobar pointed out that year after year, we’ve gotten highlight after highlight of Kofi in the Royal Rumble. He is nothing short of legendary. But as entertaining it is to see Kofi in the Rumble, Escobar says he’s gonna have even more fun eliminating Kofi from it. Kofi took that as a challenge, will he prove to Escobar that the sun has NOT set on the New Day?
The bell rings and the two rush in. Escobar and Kofi tie up, go around, and Escobar puts Kofi in a corner. The ref counts, Escobar lets off cleanly, but then he kicks low! Fans rally for Kofi but Escobar scowls. Escobar throws hands, whips Kofi to ropes, but Kofi ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! Escobar ends up in a corner, Kofi runs in but Escobar puts him on the apron. Escobar DECKS Kofi, then he baseball dropkicks him! But Kofi shows that Rumble survivability by hitting a handstand! But Escobar pushes the feet! Kofi gets those feet on the steel steps! Just like the Rumble! Kofi then hurries back in, and he GAMANGIRIS Escobar!
Kofi climbs and CROSSBODIES, then he whips Escobar up and out to “eliminate” him! Escobar is furious but the New Day and Memphis are all fired up as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Escobar runs corner to corner to DOUBLE KNEE Kofi in the corner! Cover, TWO! Kofi hangs tough, but Escobar grins as he stalks Kofi to ropes. Escobar talks trash, then KICKS Kofi in the side! Kofi throws a haymaker, Escobar gives it back! Escobar fires off, CHOPS Kofi, and Kofi staggers away. Escobar whips Kofi into the corner, but Kofi goes up to MISSILE DROPKICK! Fans fire up for Kofi while both men are down! Fans rally with “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” but Escobar throws forearms and haymakers. Escobar whips corner to corner, runs in but is put on the apron! Kofi ROCKS Escobar, but he hops to the steps!
Fans boo, but Woods spooks Escobar with a trombone toot! Escobar hops off the steps and he’s “eliminated” again! Kofi drags Escobar up to the apron but Escobar HOTSHOTS him away! Escobar runs in to DROPKICK Kofi down! Cover, TWO! Escobar kicks Kofi around, Vega wants this to finish, but Escobar talks trash. “I will win the Royal Rumble, not you!” Escobar whips, Kofi wheelbarrows to victory roll! TWO!! Escobar escapes, both men go to corners. Escobar runs in at Kofi, but is sent into buckles! Escobar swings on Kofi, Kofi dodges to DOUBLE CHOP! And DOUBLE CHOP! And DROPKICK! Fans fire up but LDF panics!
Kofi runs, Escobar dodges and body shots! Escobar fireman’s carries but Kofi slips off to shove. Kofi catches Escobar for SOS!! Cover, TWO!! Escobar escapes again and Woods says that was so good! Vega is freaking out as Kofi drags Escobar up. Escobar shoves Kofi away, runs in but into a SWING KICK! Kofi climbs up, but Escobar springs up after him! Escobar ROCKS Kofi with fists, then whistles as he stands Kofi up. But Kofi fights back with body shots, and a HEADBUTT! Escobar falls, Kofi stands up! AX HAND- KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! Fans fire up while LDF is furious! Kofi and Escobar crawl to opposite corners again.
Fans clap, “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” Kofi runs in, but Escobar catches his double stomps! Escobar tosses Kofi up, but Kofi comes down with a DOUBLE STOMP! Cover, TWO!! Escobar survives and Woods can’t believe it! Kofi staggers up, he PENALTY KICKS Escobar, and then he fires up! Fans fire up for the NEW~ DAY~ BOOM DROP! Kofi goes to a corner and he claps it up with the fans! “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” But Cruz Del Toro distracts! The ref reprimands him but Joaquin Wilde anchors Kofi’s feet! Woods rushes over but Vega stands in the way! Kofi kicks Wilde, but Escobar CALF KICKS Kofi! Fireman’s carry, PHANTOM DRIVER!! Cover, Escobar wins!
Winner: Santos Escobar, by pinfall
LDF steals one from KofiMania! But if he needed his whole team to win this, will Escobar stand a chance in the 30 man free-for-all that is the Rumble?
Sami Zayn knocks on the Bloodline’s door.
Heyman answers it and Sami says he has to talk to Roman! Sami has to explain that he doesn’t wanna be the Tribal Chief! He has to! Heyman tells Sami that now is not the time. But can’t Heyman- The Usos walk over, they shake Heyman’s hand but feel bad for Sami. The Usos go into the room, and Heyman reminds Sami that life on the Island of Relevancy is about staying three steps ahead at all times. Even three steps down the road is bad timing. But think about this: Heyman still loves Sami. Heyman walks into the room, leaving Sami out in the cold. What can the Honorary Uce do to get back in the Tribal Chief’s good graces?
Liv Morgan speaks.
“The Royal Rumble. I mean, 30 women fighting for the same spot sounds like complete chaos. But luckily for me, I live for chaos. Entering the Royal Rumble last, that would be the easy thing to do, right? But if I had it my way, I’d enter the ring first and beat the crap out of every single superstar that came down there after me. So if anyone else in the locker room still thinks they can come out on top and move on to WrestleMania, haha! Watch me.” Liv is ready to push herself to the limit, will she get her wish?
Backstage interview with LA Knight.
Kayla Braxton asks The Megastar, “After last week’s bizarre encounter with Uncle Howdy, how’re you feeling about your Pitch Black Match with Bray Wyatt at the Royal Rumble?” Knight says, “Lemme talk to ya! I found myself earlier today walking through Memphis, and I thought to myself, ‘Do I really feel the way I feel?’ YEAH! I feel damn good!” But not because he’s in Memphis, no one feels good here. But he feels good cuz Bray’s plans blew up in his face last week cuz he couldn’t keep his thugs in line! He got a Sister Abigail for his troubles, and now all Knight has to do is walk into the Royal Rumble, kick what’s left, and ain’t nobody talking about Bray’s return after that, NAH NAH!
Everyone will be talking about one thing: L A KNIGHT, YEAH! Cuz when the lights go down, Bray’s lights go out, and that’s not an insult, that’s just a fact of life! YEAH! But will Knight fail to see what’s about to happen to him in three weeks in San Antonio?
Mixed Tag: Karrion Kross & Scarlet Bordeaux VS Madcap Moss & Emma!
For the first time ever, Mr. & Mrs. Doomsday team together in order to bring about the apocalypse! Will Riddick and the Aussie with Attitude be able to survive? Or will they have no choice but to #FallAndPray?
SmackDown returns and the match is already underway. Kross has Moss in a chinlock but Moss fights up. Moss throws body shots but Kross knees low. Moss kicks back to DDT! Both men are down and fans rally up. Kross and Moss crawl, hot tags to Scarlett and Emma! Emma hits a THESZ PRESS and rains down fists! Emma drags Scarlett up to bump her off buckles! And then off more buckles! Emma then whips Scarlett to ropes but Scarlett reverses, only for Emma to CLOBBER her! Fans fire up with Emma and she run sin to forearm smash! Emma runs and hits the EMMAMITE SANDWICH! Cover, TWO!
Emma drags Scarlett and underhooks, but Scarlett wrenches out to ROCK Emma! Emma ROCKS Scarlett back, runs, but the boot is deflected! Scarlett clinches for a T-BONE SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Emma escapes but Scarlett snarls. She drags Emma up, scoops but Emma slips off! Emma shoves and then spins Scarlett around to a BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! Emma runs to BASEMENT DROPKICK! Cover but Kross drags Emma off it! Fans boo and the ref reprimands, men aren’t to touch the women and vice-versa! Emma SLAPS Kross, though! Fans fire up but Kross grins. Kross storms up on Emma, but Moss tags in! Moss ROCKS Kross!
Moss runs in to CLOBBER Kross! Moss whips, Kross reverses and Scarlett trips Moss up! Kross CLOBBERS Moss! But then Emma rushes Scarlett! Scarlett POSTS Emma! Scarlett grins, and she TOSSES Emma over the announce desk! Kross scoops, Moss slips out, and Moss runs in but Kross send shim into buckles! KROSSHAMMER!! KROSSJACKET!! Moss is OUT, Kross & Scarlett win!
Winners: Karrion Kross & Scarlett Bordeaux, by submission
Kross says that’s three times he’s defeated Moss! And then, Scarlett puts a Rey Mysterio styled mask on Moss! Kross ends one chapter while sending a message about the next! Will Kross get his hands on the legend of lucha libre and change the timeline?
Sheamus & Drew McIntyre visited Jerry Lawler’s Hall of Fame Bar.
The Celtic Warrior told the Scottish Warrior, “Standing in the same right with ya these last couple of months… has made me want to smash your face in just a little bit less, yeah?” McIntyre says talk like that got them in that mess in the first place. That, and Sheamus kept kicking McIntyre in the head. Sheamus says that’s a good point. But all that aside, Sheamus is proud to call McIntyre an honorary brute. Well, Fella, McIntyre appreciates that. Sheamus thinks back to their feud, when they beat the crap outta each other in the ThunderDome, and tore the place down at Fastlane. Does McIntyre remember that? Okay, the “friendly” smacks on the shoulder are getting a bit hard…
McIntyre says he does remember! And who could forget their Donnybrook match? They used every weapon in the building, beat each other to pieces with them, and McIntyre’s surprised they’re still standing! The smacks are almost chops now… Sheamus and McIntyre laugh, and they say if they can do that to each other, just imagine what they’ll do to the Usos tonight on SmackDown? Yeah, they’re the ones to take down the ones, tear them apart, and then tear it up in Memphis! They’re gonna have the party of a lifetime! And why’s that? Because when the lads are in town, it’s banger, after banger, after banger! The bar gets in on that one! AFTER BANGER!!
Will the Celtic Connection take this fire and use it to burn down the reign of Jimmy & Jey Uso? Or will the Bloodline still have gold running through their veins?
Charlotte Flair heads to the ring!
The Queen wears her robe and the SmackDown Women’s Championship as she struts down the ramp and has her pyro go off. Charlotte enters the ring, gets the mic, and fans “WOO~!” Charlotte shouts out Memphis, and asks them, “Did you miss your queen? That’s what I thought. I missed you guys, too. And I’d been thinking, what’s that catchphrase? Payback’s a…?” Fans say, “B*tch!” but Charlotte says nevermind, you can just ask Ronda. She knows. Fans chant, “Thank You, Charlotte!” Charlotte says she never thought she’d hear that, so she thanks them.
Charlotte notes that she was away for eight months. And love her or hate her, she genuinely was overwhelmed by the fans’ reaction when she won the title last week in Tampa, Florida. And whether you like to cheer her or boo her, or maybe, “WOO~” her, she has always been about three things: passion; consistency; and dedication for what she does in the ring. Now Charlotte might be a lot of things to a lot of people, but what she isn’t is complacent. She will always do more, ask for more, and demand more. She will not rest, will not coast, and will knock down any obstacle or any person who stands in her way! That is what a champion does!
“A champion expects the unexpected and rises to every occasion! And ladies and gentlemen, that is what I have done fourteen times!” But wait, here comes Sonya Deville! Definitely unexpected. Sonya wants everyone to hold on. She gives Charlotte her due, but says the hillbillies in the building might not be bright enough to see through the lies, but Sonya is and does. Charlotte is here bragging about being a champion, but the thing is… There should be an asterisk next to this fourteenth. Charlotte beat up a half-dead Ronda Rousey? CoNgRaTs~! Fans chant “WHOOP THAT TRICK!” and Charlotte double checks if they mean Sonya.
Sonya shouts that she has a question for Charlotte! How will Charlotte fare against a fresh fighter? Oh, Sonya’s a fighter! Okay! Sonya says damn right! She is THE fighter! And if Charlotte wants to prove she’s a real champ, she’ll put the title on the line right now! What does Memphis think? Should Charlotte do that? Fans chant, “WHOOP THAT TRICK!” Charlotte says challenge accepted, “trick.” A ref hurries out, the belt is raised, and we have a match!
SmackDown Women’s Championship: Charlotte Flair VS Sonya Deville!
The bell rings, Charlotte puts her robe aside, and Sonya attacks Charlotte from behind! Sonya mocks the fans, and fires off forearms on Charlotte as she shouts, “Whoop that trick!” Sonya runs, but Charlotte BOOTS her down! Fans fire up and Sonya flops out of the ring while SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns and Sonya drags Charlotte up to bring her to the corner, but Charlotte turns things around to bump Sonya off the buckles! Charlotte ROCKS Sonya, puts her leg on the ropes, then drops a knee on the- NO, Sonya dodges to CHOP BLOCK Charlotte’s leg! Sonya runs to KNEE Charlotte down! Cover, TWO! Sonya is frustrated, but she drags Charlotte up and CLUBS her with crossface forearms! Sonya clamps on a chinlock and she grinds Charlotte into the mat. Charlotte endures, fans rally up, and Charlotte fights up. Sonya thrashes Charlotte, grinds her down again, but Charlotte fights up to her feet.
Fans continue to chant “WHOOP THAT TRICK!” and Charlotte RAMS Sonya into the corner! Charlotte arm-drags free, but Sonya runs back in. Sonya is sent into buckles, and Charlotte GAMANGIRIS Sonya down! Sonya flounders, and Charlotte rallies on her with big clotheslines! Charlotte CHOPS, and CHOPS, and fans “WOO~” with each one! Sonya swings, but into a BIG back suplex! Charlotte kips up and fans fire up! Sonya is in a corner, Charlotte runs in but into a BOOT! Sonya goes up the corner, leaps, but Charlotte dodges the knee! Charlotte handsprings to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Charlotte smirks as Sonya survives and flops to the ring.
Charlotte storms over and brings Sonya up. Sonya HOTSHOTS Charlotte back! Sonya slides in, but Charlotte SPEARS! Charlotte then gets the legs, for the FIGURE FOUR, into the FIGURE EIGHT! Sonya taps, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission (still SmackDown Women’s Champion)
The first defense wasn’t planned but it is in the books as Charlotte’s win! Will the Queen’s fourteenth reign be her best yet?
WWE looks at Cody Rhodes’ journey back.
It was April 2, 2022, when the American Nightmare returned home to the WWE at WrestleMania. Cody never thought he would, but you can never say never. And coming out of WrestleMania, Cody felt everyone understood that he has another shot at living the dream. Cody wants to make his father proud. He can’t bestow the WWE Universal Championship to his father, but he can certainly hold onto it for his father. But just as Cody was finally ready, a pectoral injury has slowed him down. The story continues.
Lacey Evans continues her training.
The narrator says, “Your Marine Corps. martial arts training has led you here, ready for all, but yielding to none.” Lacey is at the WEW Performance Center, sparring against four prospects at once! Close quarters, counter attacks, and identifying weaknesses to strike with precision, Lacey is the weapon, and her new method of destruction: the Cobra Clutch! Lacey makes all the trainees tap out. What will be Lacey’s next mission?
Men’s Royal Rumble Qualifier: Ricochet VS Top Dolla w/ Hit Row!
It seems that as everyone was teasing Top Dolla’s Botchamania worthy flop, The One and Only was apparently one joker too many. But will Ricochet prove why he’s the King of Flight? Or will the Dolla be king by winning his way to the Royal Rumble?
SmackDown returns as Hit Row makes their entrance. The bell rings and Dolla rushes in! Ricochet slips out to the apron, bobs ‘n’ weaves, then GAMANGIRIS Dolla away! Ricochet springboards but Dolla catches him! To then TOSS him across the way! Dolla dares Ricochet to make jokes now! Ricochet stands up, into a BOOT! Dolla covers, TWO! Dolla scowls as he drags Ricochet to the ropes. Dolla CHOKES Ricochet, the ref counts, and Dolla lets off at 4. Fans rally for Ricochet but all of Hit Row is talking trash on Ricochet. Ricochet staggers up, Dolla puts him on the ropes again and CHOKES him more!
The ref counts, reprimands, and Dolla lets off to YANK Ricochet back. Fans boo but Dolla says, “Who hotta than Top Dolla?” Dolla runs, does his shimmy, but Ricochet KICKS him! Then gets a cradle! TWO!! Dolla escapes, Ricochet dodges and comes back, tilt-o-whirl SLICED BREAD! Ricochet then goes up top and fans fire up! SHOOTING STAR PRESS!! Cover, Ricochet wins!
Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall (advances to the Royal Rumble match)
The One and Only just made Dolla drop! But Dolla cools off and shows respect by offering a handshake. Fans aren’t so sure, but Ricochet accepts it. They hug it out, it’s water under the bridge now. But then Adonis hits the LONG KISS GOOD NIGHT! Dolla says this is what Ricochet wanted! Ricochet thinks he’s better? Thinks he can joke?! B-Fab SLAPS Ricochet down! Adonis then rains down fists on Ricochet! Fans boo, but Dolla wants Ricochet to get up. Adonis drags Ricochet up, hands him off to Dolla, and they hit an assisted FACEBUSTER! Hit Row says they’re the ones worth that money money money, but they ain’t done!
Wait! Here comes BRAUN!! The Monster of All Monsters runs in and runs Hit Row off! Braun returns the favor for Ricochet saving him from Imperium, but will all these enemies they’re taking on get the better of them?
The Usos fire up backstage.
Jey says they know what time it is, and Jimmy says it’s time to defend them again. The Usos say they’ll get this done, and they bring Solo along. Roman then tells the Wise Man to bring in Sami. Heyman makes the call, but what does Roman want to talk to Sami about?
Gunther speaks.
“Braun Strowman is the strongest competitor in this company. But there is a means to exposing him for what he really is: an overgrown meat with no skills to justify to square off with Der Ring General! No matter who I face, man or monster, I will remain the Intercontinental Champion!” Imperium’s leader has spoken, but will he still be the champion after facing down the Monster of All Monsters?
Sami enters Roman’s locker room.
Roman has Sami sit, and Sami says he acknowledges Roman as the Tribal Chief. Everyone does! Roman is the Tribal Chief, there is no question there, and no one is questioning it. Sami is not trying to be the Tribal Chief or take power, none of that. But if there is anything Sami did that gave Roman that impression, then he is sorry. Roman sits up to say, “I don’t accept your apology. As your Tribal Chief, I hold myself to a very high standard. And at the end of the day, I’ve got to control my anger. Nobody deserves to be spoken to like that. Nobody deserves that in front of the whole world. So no, I don’t accept your apology, because… I should be the one apologizing.”
Roman apologizes to Sami. Sami is stunned but relieved. Sami says it’s fine, though, Roman is under a lot of pressure. Sami gets that. Roman appreciates that, but there is no excuse. Roman is embarrassed, but Kevin was right. Roman isn’t mad at Sami, he’s mad at Kevin and taking it out on Sami. And that’s not right. But they will fix that. Right, Wise Man? Heyman steps in to sit with Sami and brush him off. The Tribal Chief is giving you the opportunity to redeem yourself. Because next week, live on SmackDown, one on one, Sami! Zayn! The Honorary Uce! Versus Kevin! Owens!” Sami nods, and accepts that.
Sami says we- NO! HE will take care of Kevin, for the Tribal Chief. The Usos’ music hits so Sami wants to go out there. But Roman says he should stay to watch this with him. Sami accepts and sits back down. Will the Honorary Uce be able to finish off his former friend once and for all? Or will he end up a sacrificial pawn to the Prizefighter?
Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships: The Usos w/ Solo Sikoa VS Drew McIntyre & Sheamus!
While things are stressful for the Head of the Table, Jimmy & Jey have one simple mission: retain these titles! Will they accomplish that to keep Roman’s stress levels down? Or will the first Fight Night of the New Year end with NEW champions?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if blood brothers can survive brothers in arms, after the break!
SmackDown returns and the teams sort out. Sheamus starts against Jimmy and the bell rings. Fans rally up as the two tie up and Sheamus hits a headlock takeover! Jimmy headscissors, Sheamus kips free and headlocks again. Jimmy powers out, drops down, but Sheamus blocks the hip toss to CLOBBER Jimmy! Sheamus drags Jimmy up, tags McIntyre in, and the “Banger Bros” mug Jimmy with a CHOP! McIntyre stands Jimmy up but Jimmy UPPERCUTS! But McIntyre clinches to OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Jimmy ends up in the corner, and McIntyre tells him to tag Jey! Jimmy does tag Jey, and McIntyre dodges Jey to kick and ROCK him!
McIntyre waits for Jey to stand back up, and he ROCKS him again. McIntyre whips, Jey kicks him back, but McIntyre CLOBBERS Jey! Fans fire up as McIntyre stalks Jey to ropes. McIntyre whips, Jey reverses but McIntyre holds ropes. McIntyre ELBOWS Jey, DECKS Jimmy, but Jey SAMOAN DROPS McIntyre! Cover, ONE!! Jey snarls as he storms up on McIntyre at the ropes. McIntyre goes to the apron, Jey ROCKS him with a haymaker! And another! But McIntyre punches back! Jey ROCKS McIntyre again, then brings him up, to suplex McIntyre into the ring! Tag to Jimmy, Roman & Sami like what they see with the wishbone split!
McIntyre crawls to ropes, Jimmy CHOKES him! The ref counts, Jimmy lets of, and Jey gets a sucker punch in! Sheamus protests but Jimmy just clamps on a chinlock to grind McIntyre down. Fans rally, McIntyre fights up, and he throws body shots on Jimmy! McIntyre CHOPS but Jimmy throws McIntyre down by his hair! McIntyre goes to the apron, Jimmy tags Jey. The Usos bring McIntyre up to DOUBLE HEADBUTT! McIntyre holds onto ropes but Jey talks some trash. Jey stands McIntyre up but McIntyre ROCKS Jey! And Jimmy! McIntyre fights both Usos but Jey ROCKS McIntyre! But McIntyre CLOBBERS Jimmy!
Jey builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit and McIntyre almost knocks the barriers over! Memphis is all fired up as SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns again and Sheamus clotheslines Jey up and out! Jey lands on the apron, and fans fire up for Sheamus’ plan! Sheamus stands Jey up, rips off the #WeTheOnes shirt, and he CLUBS away for the BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! Sheamus goes past ten, all the way to TWENTY! Sami has popcorn and offers some to Roman as Sheamus scoops to POWERSLAM Jey! Cover, TWO! Heyman has some popcorn and Sheamus stalks Jey to ropes. Jey elbows Sheamus away, Jimmy tags in and GAMANGIRIS! Jey SUPERKICKS! Jimmy is up top, USO SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Sheamus survives and Jimmy is shocked!
Fans rally up as Jimmy calls to Jey. Jimmy drags Sheamus to center, he tags Jey, and the Usos take opposite corners! But McIntyre rushes in to ROCK Jimmy! Sheamus ROCKS Jey! The Celtic Connection throws hands, then they both climb up after the Usos! Fireman’s carries for DOUBLE SUPER WHITE NOISE!!! Cover, TWO!!! Jey survives and fans are thunderous! Solo is still stoic, but Sheamus grins. Sheamus drags Jey up, “This is Awesome!” but Jey kicks! Sheamus blocks and spins Jey, but the DRAGON WHIP hits! McIntyre tags in as Sheamus flops out! McIntyre dodges Jey to NECKBREAKER! Jimmy runs in, into a NECKBREAKER!
McIntyre kips up and fans fire up! The Usos are both outside, so McIntyre FLIES!! Direct hit and Memphis is losing their minds! McIntyre puts Jey in and he goes to a corner! “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAYMORE!!! Cover, JIMMY BREAKS IT! McIntyre is beside himself as Jimmy saves his brother and this match! Heyman and Roman now have their own buckets of popcorn so you know this is getting good! McIntyre aims from the corner again, Jey stands up, and McIntyre runs in, but Jey POSTS him! But Sheamus tags in! Sheamus reels Jey in, lifts him up, but Jimmy tags in off the crucifix! And then he saves Jey!
The Usos DOUBLE SUPERKICK! And then ONE AND DONE!!!! Cover, MCINTYRE BREAKS IT!!! So it’s NOT done!! Memphis is electric as this is truly a banger! Jey staggers over, he shoves McIntyre out, but McIntyre HEADBUTTS back! But then Solo SAMOAN SPIKES, and URENAGES McIntyre down!!! The ref misses it all!! But PETE DUNEN runs out to CLOBBER Solo! Ridge Holland adds on, too! The Brutes take out the Enforcer and DUMP him over the barriers! Sheamus KNEES Jimmy, but Jimmy SUPERKICKS Sheamus! Sheamus BROGUES Jimmy!! Cover, but Jey drags Jimmy outta the ring!
Fans are losing their minds as Sheamus goes up top! Sheamus aims at the Usos, for a FLYING DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE!!! Sheamus shoves Jimmy back in, reels him in, but Jey is on the apron! Sheamus BOOTS Jey, but Jimmy rolls Sheamus up! Jey helps out, THE USOS WIN!!
Winners: The Usos, by pinfall (still Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions)
Sami dances and spills popcorn everywhere! Solo, wherever he is right now, was once again the insurance policy! The Usos continue their historic reign, will they always be the ones?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown to kick off 2023 while continuing everything from 2022, and especially with the ongoing saga of Sami and the Bloodline. Great opening promo with Roman losing his cool on Sami. That was a great way to hearken back to the more paranoid and emotional Tribal Chief at the start of this story years ago, which Kevin Owens is familiar with. And that was what made Kevin challenging Roman now also pretty clever. Roman also had a good promo with Sami where Roman “realized” his mistake and apologized to Sami, so as to set up a great match for next week. Kevin VS Sami really could go either way, depending on exactly how they wanna play this.
Great opening match out of Kofi VS Escobar, with great Royal Rumble related antics. But of course the Heel faction helped their leader win. I don’t think Escobar wins the Rumble, but this could be a good feud of New Day VS Legado on SmackDown while New Day wraps things up with Pretty Deadly on NXT. Good promo from Liv Morgan as she declares for the Women’s Rumble, and her being the ironwoman would be an awesome feat for her. Good promo from LA Knight, though he really just puts himself over and doesn’t really address how things went down with Howdy and Bray. Pretty sure Bray still beats Knight in their Mountain Dew sponsored match.
I like that we got the Mixed Tag I expected in Kross & Scarlett VS Moss & Emma, but the home audience sure missed a lot of that match. It was over so quick after we came back from break. Granted, Kross & Scarlett were of course winning, but still. And of course Kross & Scarlett call Rey out, surely setting up something big on the road to the Rumble. Good new vignette from Lacey Evans, it sounds like she’s almost done with her “retraining.” She now has the Cobra Clutch in her arsenal, a nice nod to Sergeant Slaughter there. I suppose this helps her have more ways to win, which can certainly help her rise up in the ranks.
Good promo from Charlotte to reestablish herself as a Face, and I should’ve figured she’d end up goaded into a title match. Sonya gives Charlotte her first defense, but surely Ronda shows up next week to challenge Charlotte to a rematch. And good stuff from Ricochet VS Dolla, but I figured Ricochet would win. Hit Row did pull of a good swerve in making Ricochet think they were all over this issue, only to beat him down. And good on Braun to return the favor by saving Ricochet. Braun gets his title match with Gunther next week, and Gunther had a good promo, but there’s half a chance that, as Gunther will retain, Braun and Ricochet feud with Hit Row towards the Rumble.
And of course, an awesome main event for the tag titles. McIntyre & Sheamus had a good promo in Jerry Lawler’s bar, but of course they lose because of interference. Solo is once again the reason the Bloodline holds onto titles, and that is annoying, but it was pretty funny seeing Sami celebrate. I still see this as Sami and Kevin teaming up to take those titles at WrestleMania, but I guess we’ll have to wait and see.
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)Â
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 PodcastÂ
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!
NXT isn’t just First Class, it’s Glamorous!
While Trick Williams teams with TNA’s First Class, Mariah May officially becomes Blake Monroe as she signs her NXT contract!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- NXT Women’s Championship Evolution Eliminator: Thea Hail VS Jaida Parker; Jaida wins and advances.
- NXT Women’s Championship Evolution Eliminator: Kelani Jordan VS Lash Legend; wins and advances.
- NXT Women’s Championship Evolution Eliminator: Jordynne Grace VS Lola Vice; wins and advances.
- NXT Women’s Championship Evolution Eliminator: ZARIA VS Izzi Dame; wins and advances.
- Six Man Tag: Trick Williams & First Class VS Elijah, Josh Briggs & Yoshiki Inamura; win.
PLAY BY PLAY
NXT Women’s Championship Evolution Eliminator: Thea Hail VS Jaida Parker!
The first big match of the night is here! Chase U’s valedictorian was just trying to be a friend to Tatum Paxley, among others, and Miss Parker had to go and rain on that parade. But will Thea make it hail on Jaida’s? Or will Jaida prove being a “grown-ass woman” doesn’t compare to being the baddest b*tch in NXT?
Well hold on now, because Thea attacks during Jaida’s entrance! The fans go wild as Thea SMACKS Jaida off the apron! Jaida kicks back, CHOPS, then THROWS Thea into barriers! Jaida says this is HER ring, but Thea fires body shots! Jaida CLUBS Thea, puts her in the ring, and then storms in. The bell rings, Thea dodges and hits a THESZ PRESS! Thea rains down fists, Jaida shoves her into ropes, and then Jaida HIP ATTACKS against the ropes! Jaida rains down fists now as Thea is on the ropes, but the ref backs Jaida off. Jaida grabs Thea’s arms and pulls them against the ropes! The ref counts, Jaida steps off, and the fans duel.
Jaida runs up but Thea TOSSES her out! Thea DIVES and Jaida is sent into the desk! Thea RAMS Jaida into the apron, RAMS her again, then puts her back in the ring. Thea climbs up, up, and CROSSBODIES! The fans fire up with Thea and she clinches for an EXPLODER! Cover, TWO! Thea drags Jaida up and fires forearms! Thea whips, Jaida reverses, and Jaida scoops to SIDEWALK SLAM! Cover, TWO! Jaida stays on Thea, digs her knee into Thea’s back, and she bends Thea! The fans rally, Thea fights up, but Jaida wrangles Thea! The fans rally and duel as Thea fights up again. Thea arm-drags Jaida, but Jaida holds onto the headlock!
Jaida leans on Thea, thrashes her around, but Thea still endures. The fans duel more but Jaida throws forearms into Thea’s back! Jaida clamps on again, but Thea fights up, fires body shots, and then arm-drags! Jaida still holds on! Thea stands, but Jaida SWINGS Thea in the facelock! Cover, TWO! Thea toughs it out but Jaida clamps on with a chinlock! Thea endures but Jaida leans on her. The fans rally, Thea fights up again, and Thea RAMS Jaida into buckles! Thea RAMS Jaida again, is free of the hold, but Jaida throat chops! Jaida snap suplexes! Then she dragon sleepers for the INVERTED SUPLEX! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally as Jaida brings Thea up. Jaida suplexes but Thea wrenches free and WRINGS Jaida out! SLIDING LARIAT! Thea snarls, Jaida bails out, but Thea pursues. Jaida runs back in, but she’s sent into steel steps! The fans fire up while Jaida is down, and NXT goes picture in picture.
Jaida writhes and clutches her elbow. Thea storms over, drags her up, and puts Jaida in the ring. Thea climbs, aims, and DIVING BODYÂ FLOPS as Jaida moves! Thea flounders but Jaida brings her up. Jaida bumps Thea off buckles, fires off hands, then RAMS into Thea! Jaida bumps Thea off buckles, runs and hits a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Jaida drags Thea up, fires knees, then clamps on a COBRA TWIST! Thea endures and fights around, to switch the twist onto Jaida! Jaida powers up and out, sends Thea to a corner, but Thea ELBOWS her back! Thea bumps Jaida off buckles, then whips, only for Jaida to roll and trip Thea!
Jaida SMASHES Thea’s knee, then drops an ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Jaida drags Thea up and into the Cobra Twist! But Thea snapmares free! Jaida runs up, but into a cradle! TWO, and Jaida runs up again! Thea rolls Jaida, TWO! Thea fires body shots and forearms, then a HEADBUTT! Thea runs to LARIAT! Jaida goes to a corner, Thea runs in, but Jaida dodges! Jaida puts Thea in the ropes, CHOPS her, then runs side to side for the TEARDROP! Jaida high steps it as NXT returns to single picture. Jaida waits on Thea, runs up again, but Thea rolls Hip-notic into the KIMURA!! The fans rally as Jaida endures!
Thea has the body scissors and she cranks on the arm! Jaida crawls her way over, drags Thea along, but Thea turns her from the ropes! KIMURA!! Jaida still endures and fights to her feet! The fans fire up as Jada RAMS Thea into buckles! Jaida is free, but Thea leaps back on! KIMURA!! Jaida RAMS Thea again, Thea leaps right back on! The fans fire up, JAIDA TAPS, but out of view!! Thea tries to explain to the ref, but a HIP-NOTIC gets her!!
Winner: Jaida Parker, by pinfall (advances to the #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way)
Miss Parker may not have attended Chase U, but she used a high IQ level move there. Will Jaida not only get out the mud, but will she finally get some gold?
Josh Briggs, Yoshiki Inamura & Elijah talk backstage.
The Bullhead Brawler says he can’t wait to get his hands on Trick & First Class tonight. Briggs didn’t think it could get any more annoying than Trick, but literally no one can stand AJ & KC! Inamura says exactly! Those three are in for an ass kicking! Briggs says bingo, and Elijah says he likes how that sounds. But First Class is the worst. They are making TNA look bad teaming with Trick while Trick disrespects TNA’s title. It is sickening! Elijah’s gonna tune his guitar up, he’ll se them later. The Drifter heads on, and in step Hank ‘n’ Tank! They ask if Briggs & Inamura are ready to rock it, and Briggs says you know it.
Tank says on the other side of this match, Briggs & Inamura have themselves a tag title match waiting. Briggs & Inamura like the sound of that. Hank says any time, any where. And then in steps Oba Femi. The tag champs welcome The Ruler, and Tank commends Oba on that match last week with Jasper Troy. Hank says that was a straight up hoss fight. Oba thanks them for that and admits, Jasper Troy is the most powerful contender he has been in the ring with. But Oba is still The Ruler, and that is not going to change any time soon. But then Oba turns around, and there’s Trick Williams.
Trick grins at Oba, and Oba says, “Champ.” Trick says, “Champ.” Oba says his money is on Briggs, Inamura & Elijah. Trick says Oba’s gonna be one broke ruler then. Why y’all got all that leather on? Briggs tells Trick to shut up. Briggs tells Inamura it is time to lock in. They head out, Hank ‘n’ Tank look to each other and agree, that was weird. But will Briggs & Inamura be victorious when they #WalkWithElijah? Or will the #TrickNA Champion look to go after Oba’s throne again?
Blake Monroe prepares for tonight.
She smiles as she walks through her wardrobe and sprays on perfume. The narrator says, “When The Glamour signs on the dotted line, it’s not just a signature, it’s an event. And she needs a dress as stunning as her contract.” Blake finds what she’s looking for and says, “Perfect!” A little black dress indeed, and now The Glamour is going to seal the deal with more than just a firm handshake. She officially signs with NXT tonight. Will nothing stop Blake Monroe from stealing the spotlight?
NXT Women’s Championship Evolution Eliminator: Kelani Jordan VS Lash Legend!
Another qualifier, another bit of beef between opponents. The Standout can’t stand the Bougie Bully always standing in her way, and in some cases literally pushing her aside. But Lash isn’t the first to dislike Lani’s new ‘tude. Will Lash add to her legend by taking a step closer to Evolution? Or will even Lash see that no one does it like Lani?
The bell rings and there’s some trash talk before Lash SHOVES Lani! Kelani is mad and she fires forearms! Lash KNEES low, scoops Kelani, then SLAMS her! Lash DRIBBLES Lani off the mat, then SLAMS her! Lash runs but Kelani avoids the splash! Kelani BOOTS, BOOTS, and SUPERKICKS! The fans rally, Kelani runs and ROLLING THUNDER! Not the cleanest but Kelani still lands on Lash. Kelani hurries to headlock to keep Lash in the ring. Lash powers up and lifts, but Kelani holds onto the headlock! Lash powers up but Kelani holds on! Lash powers up and back suplexes, but Kelani lands out ot shove her!
Kelani runs and RANAS Lash! Then she DROPKICKS Lash outta the ring! The fans fire up as Kelani goes up, out, and ASAI MOONSAULTS! Down goes Lash and the fans fire up with Kelani! Kelani talks trash on Lash while NXT goes to break.
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)Â
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 PodcastÂ
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!
Will this become King of the YEET?
Though he lost the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, Jey Uso has a chance to be King of the Ring, if he can beat Sheamus, Rusev and Bronson Reed!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Queen of the Ring Tournament Fatal 4 Way: Stephanie Vaquer VS Raquel Rodriguez VS Ivy Nile VS Asuka;Â Asuka wins and advances to the next round.
- AJ Styles VS JD McDonagh w/ Dominik Mysterio; Styles wins.
- Liv Morgan VS Kairi Sane; Kairi wins, by stoppage.
- King of the Ring Tournament Fatal 4 Way: Sheamus VS Rusev VS Bronson Reed VS Jey Uso; Jey wins and advances to the next round.
PLAY BY PLAY
Liv Morgan & Dominik Mysterio are here!
Green Bay is a bit torn as the Bonnie & Clyde of WWE go to the ring together, proudly wearing their belts. And Liv seems extra proud of herself after insulting and then knocking out Nikki Bella last week. Liv grabs the mic to say, “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Monday Night Morgan~! And please make some noise for the most gorgeous man in WWE. He is the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time, Dominik Mysterio~!” The fans make noise, but it isn’t all positive. Dom has the mic and thanks Liv, but tonight is not about him. Tonight is all about Liv! The fans boo again but Liv thanks Dom for that.
Liv says respect is the thing she is out here to talk about. Everyone needs reminding that this is LIV’s division! And when you talk about her division, you talk about HER! See, Nikki Bella had to learn that the hard way, and now she’s home all beat up, watching Liv on her TV, which is where she should be! Wanna know what was worse than that? The fact that Iyo Sky claimed Nikki paved the way for them all. What a joke. No one paved the way for Liv, and especially not Nikki! Liv paved her own way, and she became the history-making, record-breaking, FOUR-TIME WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion!
The fans boo a bit more but Liv asks the fans if they know what that makes her. What it makes her is the greatest WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion of ALL~ TIME! So she is not asking for respect anymore, she’s demanding it! Just like she is demanding for a rematch she never got over the Women’s World Championship. So Iyo, they can do this the easy way or the hard way. Well, here comes Iyo! The fans cheer the Genius as she holds up the Women’s World Championship and goes to the ring. Iyo grabs herself a mic while the fans cheer her on. Iyo tells Liv, “Do everyone a favor, and shut your mouth!”
The fans cheer and Liv is upset, but Iyo says all Liv does is whine and show disrespect. Iyo rants in Japanese a second and the fans appreciate that. But Iyo says Liv disrespected Nikki Bella, and she disrespected Iyo! If Liv wants to fight, then Iyo is right here! The fans cheer that and Liv says okay, okay. She does wanna fight her, but only for the title. But if Iyo is scared because Liv has beaten her more than any other woman in the WWE, then Iyo can just hand the title over, Liv doesn’t mind. Liv smiles and Iyo sneers. Iyo is not handing Liv anything. If Liv wants it, she has to earn it. Liv can’t just steal it like she stole Dirty Dom from Rhea!
Dom says hold on, hold on! The fans boo Dom but Dom says let’s just make this easy for Liv and give her what she wants! Like Dom does every single day! Liv tells Iyo to listen to Dom, he’s smart. Just shine the belt up and hand it over, thanks. Oh, Liv wants it? Yes, she wants it. Iyo says alright, she can have it. Catch! Liv catches the belt, and then she gets a DROPKICK! And a BUZZSAW! Dom is upset but then Iyo ROUNDHOUSES him! The fans fire up as Iyo holds up her title while Dom & Liv run away! Liv still has to face Kairi Sane later tonight in a rematch of their own, will the Pirate Princess just add insult to injury?
Queen of the Ring Tournament Fatal 4 Way: Stephanie Vaquer VS Raquel Rodriguez VS Ivy Nile VS Asuka!
The final Fatal 4 Way for the Queen of the Ring is here, with Alexa Bliss awaiting the winner! But will it be La Primera making big moves in her “rookie year” on Raw? Will Big Mami Cool make up for Liv falling short? Will this tournament soon be American Made? Or will the Empress of Tomorrow have a massive return?
Raw returns and Raquel gets ready backstage. Liv finds her and tells her to win, no matter what. Raquel says got it, then she makes her entrance. Ivy is already in the ring, so that leaves Asuka to make her entrance for the first time in just over a year! The fans fire up to see her back, from classic theme to the face paint. The bell rings, Raquel rushes Asuka and Ivy is after Vaquer! They brawl, and then Ivy and Raquel whip! Vaquer reverses, Asuka CLOBBERS Ivy, and then the two work together against towering Raquel! KICK after KICK, then DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! The fans fire up and chant, “Welcome Back! Welcome Back!”
Asuka and Vaquer tie up, Vaquer ducks a kick to shove, then follow. Vaquer dodges a lariat, sweeps to cover, ONE! Asuka sweeps to cover, ONE! The two standoff and the fans cheer. But Ivy CLOBBERS Vaquer! Raquel puts Asuka in a corner, but Ivy tries to roll Raquel up! Raquel YANKS Ivy up to PUSH her away! Asuka headscissors, but Raquel uses that to POWERBOMB Asuka onto Ivy & Vaquer! Ricky Desperado stands tall while the fans boo, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Vaquer ROCKS Ivy! Vaquer fires more hands, then runs, itl-ow-rhils and rolls Ivy up, TWO! Ivyh swings, but Vaquer spins her and snap suplexes her! But Raquel is up, only for Vaquer to serv eher SOLE FOOD! Asuka is back, Vaquer dodges to mule kick! Vaquer runs and METEORAS Raquel in a corner! Vaquer runs up, blocks Asuka’s boot, and DRAPING DRAGON SCREWS her! Asuka writhes but she goes to a corner. Ivy runs up, but into a BIG back suplex! Vaquer grins as she wraps on the headscissors! The fans fire up for the DEVIL’S KISSES! AH AH AH AH, but then Raquel KICKS Vaquer in the side!
Raquel drags Vaquer up, suplexes, but Vaquer slips free! Vaquer wrenches, snapmares, and now she puts Raquel in the headscissor! DEVIL’S KISSES, but Raquel Electric Chair Lifts! The fans fire up for that feat of strength, but Asuka runs in! Raquel BOOTS Asuka, but Vaquer RANAS Raquel to the apron! And she holds on, for DEVIL’S KISSES on the apron!! AH AH AH AH AH AH AH AH AH AH, YEEEEAH~! The fans fire up and Vaquer smiles. Raquel flounders around, Vaquer climbs and springboards, CROSSBODY! Asuka is in to clinch, chicken wing, but Vaquer fights the rest of the Asuka Lock!
The two fight for control, Vaquer pulls hair but can’t get a grip. Vaquer RAMS Asuka into a corner, Ivy RIDER KICKS Vaquer down! Ivy then fires off on Asuka! Ivy whips Asuka, Asuka KICKS back! Ivy staggers, Asuka runs up, but Ivy dodge! HIP ATTACK for Raquel! Ivy cradles Asuka, TWO! Ivy waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Asuka stays in this and Ivy is surprised! Ivy says she was that close, and talks trash on Asuka while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns once again and Vaquer has Asuka up top. Ivy joins in, Asuka blocks the suplex, but then Raquel joins in! Raquel Electric Chair Lifts both Vaquer and Ivy, and Asuka MISSILE DROPKICKS them all down! The fans fire up as Asuka rises! Asuka KICKS Vaquer, KICKS Ivy, and repeat! Asuka SUPERKICKS Vaquer, then spins to BUZZSAW Ivy! Raquel runs up, Asuka bobs ‘n’ weaves, fires off palm strike after palm strike, and then a SOBAT! And a front KICK! CODE BREAKER! Raquel staggers, Asuka fires up and the fans are with her! Asuka runs up and SOBATS! ROUNDHOUSE for Ivy! Asuka waistlocks, Ivy takes a swing, but gets a POP-UP KNEE for it!
Asuka covers, but Vaquer breaks it! The fans fire up as these two meet again. Vaquer and Asuka smile as they circle. Vaquer dodges a shot to fire of fa flurry! Vaquer whips, Asuka reverses, and Vaquer RAMS Asuka! Asuka fire sup, so the shots keep going! The fans fire up with Asuka, but Vaquer fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT! Vaquer runs, Asuka UPPERCUTS her at the ropes! Asuka grins, runs, but Vaquer KNEES her low! Vaquer whips just to reel Asuka in, snap suplex! Vaquer goes to a corner, takes aim, but Asuka runs up! Vaaquer goes up and over, DROPKICKS Asuka, then shakes out her own leg.
Vaquer underhooks, lifts, and TIGER BUSTER! Cover, Ivy drags Vaquer away! Ivy TOSSES Vaquer, scoops Asuka, SWINGING POWERSLAM! Cover, Vaquer breaks it up! Vaquer underhooks Ivy now, but Ivy wrenche sout. Vaquer JAWBREAKERS and ROUNDHOUSES! But Raquel BOOTS Vaquer! Raquel drags Vaquer up, “This is Awesome!” TEXANA BOMB!! Cover, RHEA DRAGS RAQUEL OUT! The fans go nuts for Mami as she waves hi. Rhea BOOTS Raquel, then hits a RIPTIDEÂ to the floor!! Rhea then tosses Raquel back in for someone, anyone! Asuka runs up with the HIP ATTACK! Cover, Asuka wins!
Winner: Asuka, by pinfall (advances to the semifinals)
The #EmpressImpact certainly made an impact, but so did Rhea! Will Rhea and Raquel have to run back their own classic feud to put this to rest? Cathy Kelley interviews Asuka in the ring to congratulate her on this huge return win. How is Asuka feeling? Asuka smiles and the fans cheer, and Asuka says, “The fire didn’t die! It’s still alive! I will be the Queen of the Ring! No one is ready for Asuka!!” The fans cheer that! And will this big win help Asuka turn this into The Empress of the Ring? Or will Alexa Bliss “welcome” Asuka back by eliminating her from the tournament?
Judgment Day regroups in the clubhouse.
Roxanne Perez talks with Dom, Finn & JD about some things, Raquel ices from her match, and Liv says they need to go talk strategy for fighting Kairi. Raquel says she’s not really cleared for anything more tonight. Liv says oh, okay, she’ll go handle it herself then. Liv storms off, Dom wants to follow her, but JD has Dom hold on. Isn’t Dom supposed to help JD & Finn get the tag titles? Oh, yeah, but AJ Styles has been breathing down Dom’s neck. So JD can handle AJ for him, then they can get the tag titles. Finn agrees, he’ll be out there to have JD’s back. Actually… Finn was supposed to handle Styles last time, but he didn’t, so…
Dom suggests Finn stays back to hold down the fort. Finn frowns, but then he says Dom is right. He will stay in the back. But then Dom should go out there to watch JD’s back and make sure things go well. Dom agrees and heads out with the Irish Ace. Will JD handle the Phenomenal One so Dirty Dom doesn’t have to? Finn meanwhile talks with Raquel about that stuff with Liv. Don’t worry about her, things are going to work out. Raquel thanks Finn for that, and Finn tells Roxie that while Liv said she wants to handle things herself, but Finn has an idea. Finn and Roxie go off to talk, what is The Prince getting up to tonight?
Gunther is here!
Green Bay is rather conflicted seeing Der Ring General as World Heavyweight Champion again, but Gunther smiles as he makes his way to the ring. Gunther shows off the belt around his waist, and even eggs the fans on with their cheers and jeers. Gunther even gives the belt a kiss before holding it up, and off goes celebratory pyro! Gunther then grabs himself a mic, and while the fans boo, he says, “At WrestleMania…” The fans boo more and Gunther chuckles. “Look, guys, I’m man enough to admit that at WrestleMania, Jey Uso was the better man. He was the better man for one night! Because on every other single night, I am UNTOUCHABLE!”
The fans boo more, but Gunther just grins. Gunther continues by saying he has heard all the rumors and the chatter about what is next for him. The fans chant, “GOLD~BERG! GOLD~BERG!” Gunther says no, no, definitely NOT that guy! Gunther punked Goldberg out in front of his family, Goldberg learned his lesson! Gunther doesn’t care about rumors, he cares about reality. Seth Rollins has that Money in the Bank contract, and Gunther has what he wants! Gunther tells Rollins that he’ll say this directly to him. “A few weeks ago, you said to me when I win your World Heavyweight Championship back, I’m a target.
“Well, since I’m a target, I wanna make it very easy for you. I am right here! So don’t waste anymore time.” WAIT! GOLDBERG IS HERE?! Green Bay fires up as the living legend steps out on stage, gets his pyro, then storms down to the ring! Goldberg thanks the fans for that, and then he tells Gunther don’t be confused, it is all good. Tonight is Gunther’s night! Tonight, Goldberg is here to celebrate Gunther winning the World Heavyweight Championship. Goldberg’s been there before, he knows how Gunther must feel. So congratulations! But y’know what? Before Goldberg leaves, a few months ago, Gunther started something with Goldberg’s family in Atlanta!
And Goldberg is gonna make sure that he ENDS it, in Atlanta! So July 12th, Saturday Night’s Main Event, “You’re MINE! Because YOU’RE NEXT!” Gunther frowns but the fans all cheer on “GOLD~BERG!” Will Goldberg get himself one more win in his storied career? Or will Gunther make sure July 12th is Goldberg’s last match, period?
AJ Styles VS JD McDonagh w/ Dominik Mysterio!
The Phenomenal One has been chasing the WWE Intercontinental Championship for the last few months, and with no spot in the King of the Ring tournament left to him, he’s come back around to try again. But will he be able to trump the Irish Ace? Or will the Judgment Day use their usually dirty tricks to deny him again?
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Styles puts JD in a corner, but JD pulls the hair to put Styles in the corner. The fans rally for Styles as JD lets off. Styles dodges a haymaker to hit a headlock takeover. Styles grinds JD down but JD fights up. JD powers up and out to then reel Styles in for a headlock. Styles powers up and out, but JD RUNS him over! Things keep moving, but Styles trips JD to then float to a headlock. JD rolls to a cover, ONE, and Styles holds on. JD powers up and out, Styles sunset flips, TWO! JD hurries to high stack, TWO! Styles pops JD into the sunset, TWO! Styles arm-drags!
The fans fire up, JD headscissors, but Styles flails. Styles moves around to headstand then jackknife, TWO as JD bridges up! JD powers through to spin Styles for a backslide! Styles rolls through but JD gets away before the Clash! The fans oddly sing for “Dirty, Dirty Dom~!” while JD and Styles tie up. JD kicks low, then stomps away in the corner! JD digs his boots in, the ref counts, and JD steps off. JD soaks up heat, then he stalks Styles to the ropes. JD CHOPS Styles, whips him corner to corner, but Styles catches JD to a COBRA TWIST! JD resists, Styles rolls JD and has the CALF CRUSHER! JD scrambles around, but Styles rolls him away!
Styles pulls on the leg, JD fights the other way, and Dom pushes the ropes forward! The ref reprimands but JD still makes the ROPEBREAK! Dom helps JD out of the ring, but Styles goes out there. Styles storms up on Dom, they go running around the outside! Dom tries to get to the crowd but Styles grabs that vest! JD FLIES in over the barriers to wipe Styles out! Dom applauds and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and JD has Styles in the chinlock. The fans rally, Styles fights up, and Styles fires body shots. JD THROWS Styles down by his hair! The fans boo but JD stands on Styles’ hair! The ref reprimands but JDÂ pulls Styles’ arms to also pull hair! The fans rally for Styles, the ref counts, and JD stops at 4. Just to do it again! The ref counts again, JD stops, and Styles KICKS JD from below! Styles rises to fire off a Phenomenal Blitz, with the LARIAT! And SLIDING FOREARM! The fans fire up while JD goes to a corner. Styles runs and LARIATS, then fireman’s carries for an USHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO!
JD stays in this and Styles frowns. The fans rally, Styles reels JD in, but JD wrenches out to HEADBUTT! JD suplexes, for a BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Styles survives and JD is furious! The fans rally up again as JD brings Styles up. JD puts Styles in a corner, ROCKS him, then hoists him to the top rope. Styles fires hands on JD, but JD CHOPS! JD climbs, Styles fires hands, and JD drops back. JD ROCKS Styles again, climbs back up, but Styles fires body shots! Styles HEADBUTTS and JD falls! Styles steadies himself on the top rope, adjusts, then aims, but Dom gets on the apron! Styles scares Dom off, but JD kicks Styles low!
JD hits a ripcord, but Styles turns that into a headlock takeover! Styles deadlifts JD into the STYLES CLASH!! Cover, Styles wins!
Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall
Dom runs up, Styles dodges! PELE! Dom staggers around, Styles runs up, but Dom puts him on the apron! Styles ROCKS Dom, but Finn rushes out here! Finn gets Dom outta there, but the belt was left behind! Styles picks the belt up and the fans cheer! Will Styles make this title phenomenal? Wait, Finn and Dom coordinate, and JD is up. Judgment Day flanks the ring, but Styles slips right past them all! Styles still has the belt in hand, but will he finally get his shot at it?
Sheamus prepares backstage.
The Fella spots The Alpha Academy walking over and asks Natalya, Maxxine & Tozawa what’s the crack. How’s Otis doing? Doing better, he’ll be back soon. But they know Sheamus has a match tonight, so how is he feeling? Natty says from one vet to another, he has to take care of Rusev. No problem there, Natty. Sheamus will bully the bully. Tozawa shouts, “Sheamus! Kick his ass!” The Celtic Warrior nods, will he get revenge for the Alpha Academy?
Bayley heads to gorilla.
The Role Model wants revenge of her own on Becky Lynch, but uh, what’s going on over here? New Day stands with Grayson Waller as Waller argues with Austin Theory. A-Town Down Under is falling apart, but will Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods be the reason it all ends?
Bayley goes to the ring!
Raw returns as The Role Model makes her entrance, and Green Bay cheers her on. Bayley grabs a mic and says, “Ding dong, Green Bay!” The fans cheer again, and Bayley says it feels so amazing to be back. She missed the fans so much! She smiles as the fans sing and chant for her, and she says we all know that classic quote: You don’t know what you have ’til it’s gone. But every time Bayley gets in this ring, she knows exactly what she has. She knows what it feels like to be here, and she doesn’t take any of it for granted. Every single time she gets an opportunity to be in front of the fans, she revels in it! This is what she was born to do!
The fans cheer, and Bayley says this is what is most important to her, what she puts her heart and soul into every single night. And two months ago, Bayley was stripped of an opportunity. She was robbed of a WrestleMania match! The fans boo, and Bayley says she was robbed of her tag title shot, a division she holds near and dear to her heart. But luckily for her, Bayley doesn’t come in here day in and day out, Raw, SmackDown, NXT, losing sleep and putting her body on the line, just for one night of the year! She doesn’t do it just for the big moments, the titles, or WrestleMania, but for nights like tonight and for people like the fans in Green Bay!
The fans cheer Bayley on more, and she says, “So Becky Lynch… If you think you taking me out for WrestleMania hurt me, if you think it broke me, I want you to know that you’re wrong. It healed me, Becky! It made me better, Becky! That it made me stronger!” The fans cheer again and Bayley paces. Bayley says, “Now, I may have said in the past, hell, right up to WrestleMania, how much it bothers me, how much you’ve been a chip on my shoulder, how you’ve always been just two steps ahead, you’ve always been just two rungs ahead of me and I could never make it there. Yeah, that at at me, Becky!
“But y’know what? I’m climbing that ladder, Becky, and I’m coming straight for you. I’m knocking you down, and I’m taking everything that you took for me! So you better get your ass out here right now!” The fans cheer that! And then here comes Becky! The fans are torn as The Man struts out in Chicago Bears merchandise, holding up her title belt. Becky joins Bayley in the ring and grabs her own mic while the fans boo. Green Bay chants, “Bears Still Suck! Bears Still Suck!” Becky says the Bears still beat Green Bay last time. And Becky has always been a chip on Bayley’s shoulder? No, Bayley, you and Becky are the same!
Becky and Bayley were “never meant to be at the top of this division,” yet here they are! The difference is, Bayley accepts being second fiddle, Becky does not! Y’know, kinda like the Packers. Bayley would rather have her group of friends than a legacy. Becky would rather have a legacy than a group of fake friends! Legacy!? Bayley did build a legacy! She’s a future Hall of Famer! Right, Michael Cole? That’s right! She built her legacy, and is so confident in it, she doesn’t mind helping the locker room. She doesn’t mind bringing people up that need help. Oh, okay, the people, right. Bayley fights for the people~!
Becky used to fight for the people, but the people stopped fighting for her, so that’s why Becky stopped fighting for them! So hey, here’s a secret: The people stopped fighting for Bayley, too. Where’s the proof? It was when Bayley got taken out of WrestleMania and Becky stepped in, and no one gave a DAMN about Bayley! No one cared that Bayley was no longer there, they all cheered for Becky! Bayley asks if Becky can hear herself. She sounds like an idiot! The fans can see it! Becky is so insecure! Becky is so worried about what everyone thinks! She took an entire YEAR off, and she worried about whether fans would cheer or boo, and that’s why Becky took Bayley out!
Becky didn’t know if the fans would care, so she had to make it a surprise! And 24 hours later, it still didn’t sit right. Becky probably couldn’t sleep that night, and then she went and took Lyra out, too, because Becky couldn’t hack it if the fans weren’t going to cheer. Becky says they did cheer for that, too. Bayley asks Becky if she forgot how it is to fight for everything. To fight for WrestleMania, for championships. Or maybe is Becky’s too far up her own ass that she doesn’t know what it is like anymore. Becky says no, she has forgotten what the struggle is like. But has Bayley forgotten what championship gold feels like?
The fans boo but Bayley says maybe she has. Remind her. C’mon, stop hiding and get over here! Becky says no, she’s not turning her back to Bayley. Becky snakes away saying Bayley’s the sneaky one. But if Bayley wants a match, they can have a match. But not here in Green Bay! And not even for the title! See you in Columbus, Ohio! Then Becky SLAPS Bayley! So Bayley DECKS Becky!! The fans fire up as The Man scurries away! Bayley smiles, will she get to do that all over again when she and Becky throw down?
Backstage interview with Jey Uso.
Cathy Kelley is now with Main Event Jey and says it was a bit of a setback last week, losing the world title to Gunther. But how important is it he moves forward with this King of the Ring match tonight? Jey says it is very important. He won his first world title from Gunther, he has Gunther’s respect. Then Gunther won it back, so Gunther got Jey’s respect. So as far as Jey sees it, that makes them 1-1. Gunther can look past Rollins, look past Goldberg, but they’ll run it back one day. If that means winning KOTR, then say less. Four letters, one word, uh uh… YEET! But then, will Jey also make that one word, “King?”
Nick Aldis is backstage.
The SmackDown General Manager is here, and he meets with AJ Styles. Aldis thanks Styles for handing over the Intercontinental Championship, and Aldis will make sure it is returned to Dom in a timely fashion. But good news! Styles has a chance to get this title permanently. It is now official for Night of Champions! Dom VS Styles for the Intercontinental Championship! Styles thanks Aldis for that and heads out. Then Bayley steps in and Aldis says he heard all that out there. So speaking of making it official, Becky VS Bayley will happen. But Aldis is putting a little twist on it. As he sees it, WrestleMania was when Becky took Bayley’s title match.
So now, Bayley is owed a title match in return. Next week, Raw in Columbus, it will be Becky VS Bayley for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship! Bayley thanks Aldis and says this is why she always liked him. But then Lyra Valkyria walks over. The Morrigan welcomes Bayley back, and congratulates her on the title match. Bayley says she’s just trying to do what’s best for her. She is sorry that she didn’t get back to Lyra on the texts or calls, it was a rough two months. But it wasn’t personal. Lyra gets it, this is what is best for Bayley. But Lyra just wants Bayley to know, if Bayley wins the title, then Lyra will do what’s best for Lyra and come after her for it.
Lyra heads out, and things have really escalated. Will the Role Model tear down The Man, only to battle someone else who was once a friend?
Liv Morgan VS Kairi Sane!
The greatest women’s tag team champion of all time has been having a hard time against the Pirate Princess. A loss because Roxie and Raquel argued, then Raquel takes a loss because Iyo got the better of Liv, and then the losses in the Queen of the Ring tournament, no wonder Liv lashed out against Nikki. But will Liv take her frustrations out on Kairi in this rematch? Or will Kairi only add to the misery with another defeat?
Raw returns and Liv is back in the ring. The bell rings, Liv runs up, but Kairi dodges! Kairi then blocks a kick, trips Liv, and floats to a headlock. Liv scrambles to the outside and clutches her arms. Is Liv still hurting from things last week? The ref has Kairi wait while the medics check Liv. Liv’s arm is definitely the concern, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns, and unfortunately, that rough landing from the takedown did in fact jam up Liv’s arm, she cannot continue. Kairi wins by stoppage, but will Liv’s misery only continue in and out of the ring?
Backstage interview with Sami Zayn.
Cathy Kelley is with the Honorary Uce and she congratulates him on advancing in the KOTR. Friday Night SmackDown will see Sami take on Randy Orton, how is he feeling? Sami isn’t sure. He feels he’s talked about the World Heavyweight Championship so much lately, and now somehow, the opportunity is here. Sami has had the chance a few times to challenge for that title, but something about this time feels different. Karrion Kross walks in and says, “Oh, this is so disturbing! It feels… different? There’s absolutely nothing different about this! Sami, you know you’re an insane person, right?
“You know what an insane person does? They do the exact same thing every day, expecting a different result. Lemme explain to you what’s going to happen. You’re going to go to Friday Night SmackDown, and you’re going to compete against one of the most diabolical people this business has ever seen, a guy who knows how to in, The Viper, Randy Orton. And then, you’re gonna lose! And he’s gonna go on to become a FIFTEEN-TIME World Champion, and you are gonna stay at zero.” Sami smiles and says, “You think I’m crazy? You know what I think you are? I think you’re a coward. I think you hide back here, and you talk, and you hide in the shadows, and you lurk, and you talk in riddles.
“Why? You don’t go out there, because maybe all the big talk when you go out there, maybe you can’t back it up?! Maybe you don’t have the courage to talk a big game, and maybe you fall on your face, and you don’t have the courage to go back out there, cuz trust me, I’ve talked a big game, I’ve gone out there, and I’ve lost, and I have the courage to pick myself back up and go out there again. Can you say the same? I didn’t think so. So I’m done listening to you talk, you understand me? Right now, my focus is the King of the Ring, that’s my priority. But I’m telling you now, the second that’s done, the second that’s done, I am going to Adam Pearce.
“And you and me, we’re gonna have this match once and for all.” Kross says, “It’s about time.” Mr. Doomsday leaves, has Sami just sealed his doom?
Jey Uso enters through the concourse.
The fans young and old are fired up as Jey asks them to play his music! Four letters, one word, UH UH… YEET! Jey heads down the bleachers, and fans show off the new foam YEET hands! Will Jey get his hands on that ticket to the next round? Or will someone else have that semifinal match with Cody Rhodes?
King of the Ring Tournament Fatal 4 Way: Sheamus VS Rusev VS Bronson Reed VS Jey Uso!
Raw returns and Rusev makes his entrance. Following that, The Celtic Warrior enters, leaving the Colossal Aussie for last. Paul Heyman accompanies Bronson, but why is Heyman holding Rollins’ MITB briefcase…? The bell rings and Bronson goes after Sheamus while Rusev goes after Jey! They end up in the corners, Rusev stomps a mudhole into Jey but Sheamus dodges Bronson. Sheamus CHOPS and ROCKS Bronson, but Bronson hits back! Bronson HEADBUTTS Sheamus, then SHOVES Sheamus up and out of the ring! Bronson goes to the apron but Sheamus CLUBS a leg out! Sheamus sends Bronson into barriers!
Rusev keeps beating Jey down, and Bronson sends Sheamus into steel steps! Then into barriers! Rusev drags Jey up to fire body shots on those wrapped-up ribs. Rusev shoves Jey, runs up, but Jey DUMPS Rusev out! Rusev is right up to ROCK Jey, but Bronson YANKS Rusev down! Bronson and Rusev brawl now, and Bronson HEADBUTTS! Bronson whips, Rusev reverses, and Bronson is sent into steps! Jey then DIVES out onto Rusev! The fans fire up and YEET with Jey, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Bronson is beating up on Jey now. Bronson fireman’s carries Jey but Jey slips free! Jey ROCKS Bronson, counter punches, “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Jey pops, locks, and puts some stank on the HAYMAKER! The fans fire up as Jey mule kicks, then UPPERCUTS! Bronson blocks the next kick, but Jey DRAGON WHIPS! Bronson tumbles out, Sheamus slides in, btu Jey SUPERKICKS Sheamus! Rusev is back, Jey SUPERKICKS him! Rusev wobbles, Jey SUPERKICKS again! Rusev is still up, Jey runs, but Rusev LARIATS! The fans fire up, Sheamus and Bronson brawl, and Bronson whips. Sheamus reverses to POST Bronson!
Sheamus runs up on Bronson, but Bronson DUMPS Sheamus into the crowd! The fans fire up with Sheamus at their feet, and Bronson gloats. But Sheamus rises up to get Bronson’s arms! Sheamus gives Bronson BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! The fans count along, Sheamus goes TEN! The fans fire up and Sheamus adds another TEN, so that’s TWENTY! The fans fire up with Sheamus, but Jey SUPERKICKS Sheamus at the barriers! But Bronson runs up, only to be sent into barriers! Jey lines up a shot, “UCE! OH!” Jey runs in, but Rusev is there to CLOBBER him first! Rusev roars, the fans are torn, but Rusev goes to the ring.
Sheamus is there, and the fans rally up as these former friends are 1v1. The fans cheer for “RUSEV DAY!” as the forearms fly! They fire hands, haymakers, body shots, and then Sheamus fires off with forearms! Sheamus whips, Rusev ducks ‘n’ dodges to WHEEL KICK! The fans fire up and Rusev watches Sheamus flounder. Rusev runs in at the corner, but Sheamus BOOTS him! Rusev just roars! Rusev runs back in, Sheamus scoops Rusev to POWERSLAM! The fans rally as both men rise up. They throw more haymakers, and the fans duel, “Let’s Go, Sheamus!” “RUSEV DAY!” Bronson CLOBBERS both men because he’s just that big!
Wait, Sheamus and Rusev get up, just to brawl with each other! So Bronson SPLASHES them both in the corner! Jey BOOTS Bronson from the corner! Jey CROSSBODIES, but Bronson catches him! WORLD’S STRONGEST SLAM!! Bronson roars, the fans boo, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns once again, and Rusev sputters from being thrown onto the announce desk! Sheamus leaves Rusev behind to go after Jey. The fans rally for m ore tables, but Sheamus and Jey fire haymakers! They go shot for shot, then it is fast ‘n’ furious! Sheamus blocks the kick, ducks the Dragon Whip, and fireman’s carries! Jey fights free to the apron, but now Sheamus has Jey on the ropes! Jey fires elbows to stop the Bodhrain, and he GAMANGIRIS! Jey hurries inside, but Sheamus gives him an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! But Bronson runs up to HEADBUTT Sheamus down! Bronson wobbles, but he brings Sheamus back up.
Bronson reels Sheamus in, says thumbs down, but Sheamus fights the lift! Sheamus fireman’s carries Bronson!? The fans go nuts for that alone! And then, WHITE NOISE!! Right on the Slim Jim logo! Cover, TWO!! Rusev hurries to stomp Sheamus, and he URENAGES Sheamus onto Bronson! Rusev snarls, the fans are torn, but they do agree, “This is Awesome!” Rusev sees Jey in a corner, runs up, but into a SUPERKICK! Bronson is back up, Jey SUPERKICKS him! And he SUPERKICKS Sheamus! Jey aims again, SUPER- NO, Rusev blocks to ROUNDHOUSE Jey! And then ACCOLADE!! Jey endures, the fans fire up, but Jey gets an arm free!
Rusev traps that arm again, pulls on Jey’s back, but Jey keeps fighting! Sheamus gives Rusev a KNEE CAPPER! Rusev flounders away, Bronson is up but he gets a KNEE CAPPER! MACHKA KICK for Sheamus! Sheamus BROGUES Rusev! Cover, SENTON from Bronson! Bronson hurries up a corner while Sheamus is in the drop zone! The fans are going nuts, TSUNAMI onto Sheamus!! Cover, JEY BREAKS IT!! The fans fire up and Heyman is stunned, but Jey keeps this one going! Bronson snarls, runs up, but Jey dodges! And SPEARS!! Jey topples Bronson, but he hurries to the top rope!
The fans are thunderous, but oh no, h ere comes Bron Breakker!! Bron SHOVES Jey off the corner, and he laughs at Jey! The fans bark, but wait! SAMI ZAYN is after Bron! Sami won’t let them screw Jey over! He POSTS Bron! Sami then lines up a shot, runs in, but Bron catches Sami first! And he military presses Sami to TOSS him onto and over the desk!!! But wait, PENTA FLIES ONTO BRON!! The fans are thunderous as #CeroMiedo gets payback on Bron! But Bronson gives Jey a DEATH VALLEY DRIVER!! Bronson hurries up top, takes aim, but then L A KNIGHT is here! And he SHOVES Bronson off the top, YEAH!!
The fans are going nuts as Jey hurries to SUPERKICK Bronson! And then SPEAR!! Jey hurries back up like he wanted, and he gives Bronson an USO SPLASH!! But Jey won’t stop there, he knows Bronson is tougher than that! So Jey hits another USO SPLASH!! Cover, JEY WINS!!
Winner: Jey Uso, by pinfall
The Mega Star smiles as he screws over the guys who screwed him over, and now Main Event Jey Uso is moving on! But wait! Seth Rollins storms out here now! He is furious that his plan has been foiled! Rollins throws off his Chicago Bears colored jacket and tie, rolls up his sleeves, and has Jey all to himself in that ring. Except CODY RHODES is here! The fans are thunderous as the American Nightmare makes sure Rollins can’t make a move! The fans sing along with Cody’s song while Cody stares down with Rollins. Green Bay is losing their minds as Rollins is about to explode with anger, but then that anger subsides…?
Rollins lets Cody and Jey have their moment, and Rollins’ team regroups on the ramp. The Wise Man says this is the right move, because now Cody and Jey are going to be opponents in the semifinals. Jey and Cody look to each other, knowing that in order to get back to the top, they must go through the other. They shake hands and the fans cheer. But will Cody and Jey be able to stay friends after battling it out next week in Columbus?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw with more great build for Night of Champions. Judgment Day ties stories together, with a very good promo from Liv & Dom with Iyo to hype up a possible title match. Unfortunately, Liv legitimately dislocated that shoulder in her match with Kairi. Hopefully for her sake and everything else going on, it isn’t serious and she can still be on TV. And even if not, there is a way to keep the story going in Judgment Day if they were to have Roxanne Perez step in and help defend the tag titles with Raquel in place of Liv. Maybe half the reason Judgment Day loses those titles is because Roxie and Raquel can’t get along while Iyo & Kairi can.
Great Fatal 4 Way for Queen of the Ring, and nice touch with Rhea going after Raquel. Asuka winning is a great way for her to return. Asuka VS Alexa will be really good but I can’t be sure who wins that when there’s also Jade and Roxie on the other side. But I feel like the Women’s Division has a more open title story than the Men’s, because the main thing is that Naomi is Miss Money in the Bank and can cash-in to “ruin” things for whoever is Queen of the Ring and the champion they’re challenging. Though with that, Jade Cargill is probably still the favorite, especially when she towers over Roxie and Alexa, and could overpower Asuka.
Good stuff with Styles VS JD and how he outsmarted the Judgment Day boys. Aldis being here to make matches was a bit of a surprise, but good on him to make a match for Night of Champions. Styles VS Dom could probably go either way, but it’d be a great moment if Finn screws Dom over in that match. Very good promo from Bayley and Becky, and I appreciate Lyra feeling just a touch disrespected with Bayley getting her title match first. Making the title match for next week is fine, Becky VS Bayley will definitely get ratings and be a great match, but I wonder if something involving Lyra is made for Night of Champions. I only count four matches with KOTR, QOTR, Cena VS Punk and now Styles VS Dom.
Gunther had a good promo, and while he said he doesn’t put stock in rumors, the rumors were true and Goldberg is back. That match not being for Night of Champions is a touch surprising, but I suppose having Goldberg as the hometown hero for Saturday Night’s Main Event works out better. Remember what happened the last time Goldberg had a high profile match in Saudi Arabia? And even without that, two weeks is not enough time for Goldberg to get ready, both in kayfabe and shoot. Pushing it to just under a month is better for Goldberg, and I would certainly hope Gunther retains. Remember the last time Goldberg just suddenly had a title match against a younger talent?
Great promo from Sami with Kross, but I feel like it foreshadows Sami not winning KOTR. Though how great would it be if Sami becomes KOTR, takes the title off Gunther like he did with the Intercontinental Championship, and then Sami and Kross feud over the world title. That aside, also good stuff with the promos going into tonight’s main event. And while I figured Jey would win, they did a great job with the overbooking to help it. Great stuff from Sheamus and Rusev as they’re starting a feud, and then of course LA Knight showed up to screw Bronson Reed. Bron Breakker going Knight and then Penta joining in, that was also great stuff, perhaps we get Penta & Knight VS Bron & Bronson as part of something.
Cody protecting Jey is good stuff, and Rollins standing down works so well. Rollins understands what we should all understand: Cody and Jey will battle, the winner of that is probably the favorite to be King of the Ring, but Rollins could make it to where they’re still challenging him. Cena VS Punk at Night of Champions is the first real tease of where Rollins can strike, because Rollins can’t resist screwing his most hated enemy in Punk and the guy who is retiring anyway in Cena. Then if that doesn’t work out and Rollins still has the briefcase, he could go after Gunther during his match with Goldberg at SNME. Or he just waits until SummerSlam when KOTR challenge whoever it is, and we get the next best “heist of the century.”
My Score: 8.8/10
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The NBA and Stanely Cup Finals near their respective conclusions. Dave and Pat break down the action and whether anything...
4 Corners Podcast: Serving Up A Classic
Patrick returns as he and Dave discuss the Stanley Cup Finals, the NBA Finals, Coco Gauff's epic triumph, and a...
4 Corners Podcast: The Rematch & The Rebuild
Dave and PC Tunney preview the NBA Finals and Stanley Cup Finals as the NBA and NHL reach the conclusion...
4 Corners Podcast: Blown Off Course
Dave and Tunney break down the Conference Finals in the NHL and NBA, discuss the NFL going to the Olympics,...
4 Corners Podcast: Bettor Late Than Never?
Dave, Patrick, and Tunney break down the NHL and NBA Playoffs and a pretty stunning decision from the MLB Commissioner's...
Bandwagon Nerds #293: Father Figures
The Nerds review the latest trailers for Iron Heart and Superman. A Spaceballs sequel is now official and why are...
Bandwagon Nerds #292: Where’s Michael’s Guitar?
The first ever Movie Year Draft highlight's this week's Episode. Plus, the Trailer Park rolls on, as does the search...
Attitude Of Aggression #310- Unidentified History: The Battle of Los Angeles
Unidentified History returns as Dave recaps his visit to Contact in the Desert and the guys do a deep dive...
Bandwagon Nerds #291: Its Pronounced Tuh-Doom
The Nerds cover all the best trailers from Tudum, discuss DC- Marvel crossovers, and get concerned for the future of...
Bandwagon Nerds #290: Norm!
The Nerds recap trailers for Jurassic Park: Rebirth and Welcome to Derry, discuss delays to Avengers movies, and pay their...
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (6/17/25)
Trick'N Ain't Easy
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (6/16/25)
The last spots are on the line!
Mitchell’s NJPW Dominion Results & Report! (6/15/25)
Who leads the revolution?
POD is WAR: Now Without Baby Oil
Andrew Balaz, Rey Cash and PC Tunney invite you to come along on a trip inside the minds of Los...
Mindless Wrestling Podcast: World’s Collide And That’s The Truth
Join DJ, Rob and Jason every week as they give their "Mindless" takes on Pro Wrestling and much, much more!
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (6/13/25)
It's only a matter of time...
DWI Podcast #478: The Whole Truth
Don't drink and drive, drink and podcast! Join AJ, DP and PC weekly for their thoughts on RAW, SmackDown and...
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 6.12.2025
DO SOMETHING WITH JASON HOTCH AND KC NAVARRO - that is all.
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (6/12/25)
Prove you are worthy!
Mitchell’s WWE Evolve Results & Report! (6/11/25)
Winning is just the beginning!
