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
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Who gets lucky on Friday the 13th?
With Elimination Chamber on the horizon, Cody Rhodes, Jacob Fatu, and Sami Zayn fight for a spot in tonight’s Triple Threat Qualifier!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky VS Nia Jax & Lash Legend; No Contest.
- 10 Man Tag: MFT VS Carmelo Hayes, Ilja Dragunov, Apollo Crews, Matt Cardona & Shinsuke Nakamura; MFT wins.
- Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier Triple Threat: Alexa Bliss VS Giulia VS Zelina Vega; Alexa wins and advances.
- Rey Fenix VS Trick Williams; Trick wins.
- WWE Women’s Championship: Jade Cargill VS Jordynne Grace; Jade wins and retains the title.
- Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier Triple Threat: Cody Rhodes VS Jacob Fatu VS Sami Zayn; Cody wins and advances.
PLAY BY PLAY
Tiffany Stratton is here!
Dallas, Texas cheers as SmackDown is now on #TiffyTime! Tiff goes to the ring, grabs a mic, and asks Dallas, “What time is it?” “TIFFY TIME!” Tiffy says three months ago, she lost the WWE Women’s Championship after having the rookie year most women dream of having. That’s why Tiff decided to qualify for the Elimination Chamber. Not because she asked, not because she got lucky, but because when she says she’s gonna do something, she does it! Five women walking into the chamber hoping to get the match at WrestleMania. But Tiff doesn’t walk in just hoping. She walks in expecting to win! The fans cheer that.
Tiff says based on what she’s seen the last few months, the WWE Women’s Championship misses Tiff! But wait! Nia Jax & Lash Legend walk out here to interrupt! They’re dressed in Valentine’s Day red and pink as they have the mics in hand. The fans boo but Nia says, “Tiffy, i would love to say it’s so good to see your face again, but you know I’m not a liar.” Lash says they keep it real around here. And uh, the truth is, Tiffy DID get lucky last week. Oh, okay, Lash, Nia, but why are you so obsessed with Tiff? Didn’t they already learn their lesson? And seems Nia simply got herself a replacement for Tiff. Lash says haha, calm down that, Bitter Betty, before Lash lashes out.
And the reality is, Lash is an upgrade! Now, after tonight, when Lash & Nia win the Women’s Tag Team Championships, then Nia will win her qualifier next week, and then, y’all will be locked up in the Chamber, and Nia will pin her fast than she can say, “It’s Tiffy Time~!” The fans chant “Tiffy Time!” but Nia says maybe they can just take care of this tonight. Nia & Lash step up to the ring as Nia says Tiff knows what she’s capable of. Tiff says yeah, losing a title match. But wait! Here comes Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky! The fans cheer as Mami & The Genius make their way to the ring, and Tiff says she’ll let Nia & Lash handle their business.
Rhea has a mic to say, “Don’t get ahead of yourselves, ladies. Because neither of you are going to be walking out of the Elimination Chamber, let alone walking out with the golden opportunity to go to WrestleMania. You wanna know why? Because I’m in there. And soon, Iyo’s gonna be in there, too. And we’re gonna do what we do best, and that’s work together until we are the last two standing.” The fans like the sound of that! Rhea says don’t let herself get ahead of herself, either. Because first, #RheYo needs o beat the crap outta Lash & Nia thinking they’re walking out of Dallas with THEIR Women’s Tag Team Championships!
The fans fire up as we get a star-studded match to open the night! But will Mami & The Genius still be on top? Or will the Irresistible Force & Bougie Bully bully their way to being champions?
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky VS Nia Jax & Lash Legend!
The teams sort out, Iyo starts against Nia, and Iyo SHOTGUNS Nia at the bell! The fans fire up as Iyo fires forearms. Iyo runs, but Nia POP-UP HEADBUTTS! And ELBOW DROP! Nia drags Iyo up, HEADBUTTS her to a corner, then storms up to CHOP! Iyo is stinging already but Nia whips her into the corner again. Nia stands Iyo up to SLAP instead! Nia scoops but Iyo slips free! Iyo BOOTS Nia, then dodges her! Iyo keeps moving, redirects, and handsprings! Iyo then ducks a boot to KICK the leg out! Iyo keeps moving and she SHOTGUNS Nia down! The fans fire up with Iyo, and she tags Rhea!
The fans fire up even more while Iyo wheelbarrows, Rhea CLUBS Nia into the STOMP 182! Rhea runs and she basement DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Rhea drags Nia up but Nia shoves her away. Rhea DROPKICKS Nia outta the ring! Lash runs up but Rhea TOSSES her out! Rhea then tags Iyo and Iyo takes aim! ASAI MOONSAULT! Down go Lash & Nia and the fans fire up with Iyo! Iyo gets Nia up, CLUBS her against the apron, then pushes her in. The fans rally behind Iyo as she climbs the corner. But Lash runs up! Iyo BOOTS Lash away, but Nia ROCKS Iyo! Nia fireman’s carries for the SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally while Nia seethes, and she drags Iyo over. Lash tags in, CLUBS Iyo, then DRIBBLES her in the ropes! Lash taunts Rhea, then she swings Iyo for a BACKBREAKER! Cocky cover, ROPEBREAK! Iyo survives but Lash drags her into a chinlock. Iyo endures as Lash squeezes tight, and Iyo fights up for elbows. Lash CLUBS Iyo, puts her in the corner, then tags Nia. Lash sits Iyo down fir Nia to HIP ATTACK! And rubs it in, literally! The fans boo but Nia tells Rhea to kiss this! Nia then has the ref check her eyes while Lash gets a cheap shot in! Nia covers Iyo, TWO! Iyo toughs it out, but Nia drags her up to scoop.
Nia tags Lash, then has Iyo in the ropes for Lash to CLUB again and again! Then SIDEWALK SLAM, and Lash adds a SPALSH DOWN! SmackDown goes picture in picture with the cover, TWO! Lash steps on Iyo, drags her over, and tags Nia back in. Lash whips Iyo to lift, and she throws Iyo into Nia’s fireman’s carry! But Iyo makes that a CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Cover, TWO! That almost backfired on the challengers! Lash runs up, but Iyo DUMPS her out! Iyo crawls for her corner, but Lash YANKS Rhea down! Nia stomps Iyo down, then soaks up heat. SmackDown returns to single picture as Nia tags Lash.
Nia & Lash double whip Iyo to the corner while fans chant, “You Suck!” But Iyo goes up and over Nia, and leaps off her to MISSILE DROPKICK Lash! The fans fire up as Iyo crawls, hot tag to Rhea! The fans fire up as Mami dodges Lash to DROPKICK Nia! Then she LARIATS Lash! And LARIATS! But Lash guzels! But Rhea turns the lift into a wheelbarrow! Lash back suplexes outta that, only for Rhea to land out! Rhea then CHOPS Lash, knuckle locks, and goes up the ropes to FLYING RA- NO! Lash stops that, but Rhea fires fists! Nia tags in before the RANA! Rhea dodges Nia, tilt-o-whirls, and DDT! Cover, TWO!
Nia survives but the fans rally behind Rhea. Rhea tags Iyo, Iyo goes up, but Nia fights the Riptide! Nia CLUBS Iyo, then goes up, but Iyo fires elbows! Rhea CLUBS Nia, and POWERBOMBS her down! Then Iyo goes OVER THE MOONSAULT! Cover, BUT LASH USES RHEA TO BREAK IT! Lash TOSSES Iyo out, then SMACKS Iyo off the apron! “This is Awesome!” even as Lash POSTS Iyo! Lash SMACKS Iyo off the desk, then dribbles her off it! Lash snarls as she pushes Iyo down, but Rhea WRECKS Lash with a dropkick! The ref says this is too much, and he has them ring the bell!!
No Contest; Rhea & Iyo retain the titles
The fans boo but Rhea keeps hitting Lash off the desk! Lash hits back, Iyo jumps on Lash, but Nia CLOBBERS Rhea! Lash POSTS Iyo again! Nia brings Rhea up but Rhea hits back! Rhea fires forearms, then a HEADBUTT! Lash BOOTS Rhea down! Lash pumps the brakes on Mami, and she brings out a TABLE! Dallas is torn, they love tables but aren’t as big on this match being a wash. Nia & Lash set their table up nearby, then Nia climbs into the ring. Lash puts Rhea on the table, and Nia goes up the corner?! The fans are already scared for what’s coming! But Rhea BOOTS Lash away! Iyo GAMANGIRIS Nia!
Iyo fires up, builds speed, and DIVES into Nia to go down through the table!! But then Lash TACKLES Rhea through barriers!! Dallas is going nuts as all four women are down in wreckage! Refs and security hurry out here, but clearly nothing is settled between these teams. Will #RheYo and the Irresistible Forces look to run it back?
Backstage interview with Cody Rhodes.
Cathy Kelley is with the American Nightmare and knows Cody’s already spoken with conviction that Drew McIntyre wouldn’t even make it to WrestleMania. But for Cody to make it to Mania, he has to win tonight’s qualifier, and then win what will certainly be a stacked Elimination Chamber match. How can Cody be so confident he will make it to Mania? Cody says he could speak with conviction, he could be angry, fuming, spitting, or he could do the “Golden Boy” thing and, per SmackDown General Manager, Nick Aldis, “control his emotions.” Everyone knows the pressures of this gig. As they’re talking, there are people posting along live with the show.
There are streamers broadcasting reactions to every word they say. There are 300+ employees at WWE HQ who are hoping and waiting that Cody, Jacob Fatu, and Sami Zayn all rip each other apart to have an all-timer of a main event tonight. And when that noise fills the ears and that pressure adds up, Cody asks himself one thing: Where is he? Cody is two matches away from the dream of main eventing WrestleMania. And in addition to that, he’s down the road from Reunion Tower, around the corner from the Cotton Bowl, and currently in the American Airline Center! This is Von Erich Country, and he is in Dallas, Texas.
Cody says don’t bet against him, so definitely don’t do that here. Cody heads out, but will he win that one-third odds tonight? Or will the numbers spell disaster for Cody in Dallas?
Carmelo Hayes encounters Apollo Crews and Matt Cardona.
They all say hey, and Apollo says he’s been watching H1M. Apollo admires the US Championship Open Challenge. As a former champion himself, Apollo would love to be back in the conversation himself. Melo says yeah, it’s the hottest ticket in town. Cardona says he’s also a former US Champion. And as he’s said, he’s not just back to be back, he’s back for gold. Well, the Open Challenge is open every Friday, but tonight, it’s already closed. Melo heads out, but then The Miz is right around the corner. Miz says Melo is just handing opportunities to anyone now? Yeah, anyone but Miz. Miz says he is a locker room leader, filling the void left by John Cena!
And right now, Melo is violating Miz’s three core values! Oh, and what’re those? Master, Inspire, Zone-in! And right now, he’s zoned in on Melo and teaching H1M a lesson in respect! Oh? Well, hopefully Miz teaches better than he wrestles. Melo heads out, and Cardona points out that “Zone-in” might be two words. Miz says it’s a hyphen! It’s M I Z! Who even asked you!? Miz storms off, but if the open challenge is closed, who filled the card?
Aleister & Zelina speak.
The Dark Father gives credit where credit is due: Randy Orton is undoubtedly still one of the greats. That match was shades of 2009 Orton. But Aleister can’t help but wonder… What if Cody Rhodes qualifies tonight. What roads will Orton take? Maybe we’ll see it really soon. La Muneca calls out Alexa Bliss and Giulia, saying one of them holds her title, while the other holds onto a fragile friendship. Zelina can’t help but wonder how much she can poke and play until all those porcelain egos finally break. Zelina says Alexa got in her head a long time ago, but that time will come. Tonight, Zelina makes sure that she goes to Elimination Chamber. “Tonight, change will come.”
Carmelo Hayes heads to the ring.
Dallas is fired up to see H1M out here, and he even gives some autographs to the front row. The US Champ grabs himself a mic to say, “Let’s go, Dallas, c’mon!” The fans cheer and Melo says he just wants to talk real quick. Melo says for the last 48 DAYS that he has been champion, he has chosen to bring prestige and honor to this title the same way as the guys before him did. Now listen, it’s one of those things that they say, “Banger after banger,” Match of the Night,” most defenses on main roster. Melo says Raw or SmackDown, he said what he said. And so as your U S A Champion, we’re on the Road to WrestleMania!
And Melo has earned his opportunity at WrestleMania! And since he’s gonna shoot his shot, might as well shoot for the main event. Next week, Melo will be qualifying for the Elimination Chamber! He knows everyone in Dallas knows, when he shoots, #MeloDon’tMiss. But to business tonight, he made a promise and he’s gotta keep it. There’s a man who’s been chasing H1M, Melo owes him one, so Ilja Dragunov, come on down! The fans cheer as the Mad Russian Dragon makes his entrance! It is time to right a wrong, but will Melo regret giving The Czar this match? Or- WAIT! Solo Sikoa & MFT are interrupting?!
Solo tells Melo, “You talk about having a United States Championship match. Well it for damn sure doesn’t start with Ilja! How many times did you lose, huh? Twice? Hey, ya shot, and ya missed. So get your ass to the back of the line, cuz the line starts with ME!” Ilja tells Solo that Solo is calling his shots. But didn’t his family abandon him during his qualifier? Solo says shut up! Don’t ever talk about his family like that again! The same thing that happened to the Wyatts is what’s gonna happen to Melo & Ilja! Oh, well, seems someone wants a fight! That means Melo & Ilja are ready for one! Melo says he was gonna leave here with one title, but why not try for two? What does MFT say?
Solo mocks Melo, then says shut the hell up! Solo says Melo & Ilja can keep running their mouths, but just know that it did not have to be like this. MFT swarms the ring and it is a 5v2 beating! The fans boo but Solo soaks up the heat! JC Mateo sends Melo into a corner while the Guerrillas stomp away on Ilja! But then Cardona & Crews rush out here! The fans cheer as the numbers are more even now! It is still 5v4, though! The fans boo as Cardona and Crews also get beat up, but SHINSUKE NAKAMURA is here! The King of Strong Style fires off on Tonga Loa, then THRWOS him aside! Then he GAMANGIRIS JC!
Nakamura DUMPS Talla out, Ilja and Cardona TOSS the rest! The fans fire up as we now have 5v5! And Nick Aldis walks out here to say this night started with chaos, so why not keep that going? He likes the intensity, it’s good for business. So clearly, we’re taking a rain check on the US title, and it is time for a Texas-sized TEN MAN TAG! Ring the bell! The fans fire up as the teams sort out, but the fight starts after the break.
10 Man Tag: MFT VS Carmelo Hayes, Ilja Dragunov, Apollo Crews, Matt Cardona & Shinsuke Nakamura!
SmackDown returns as Crew CHOPS JC! Then tag to Cardona! They handoff the wrench and Cardona HEADBUTTS the arm! Cardona CLUBS away on JC’s arm, but JC DECKS Cardona! Tag to Loa and Cardona FLATLINERS! Cardona runs up to ROCK him in the corner! Cardona whips, Loa reverses, but Cardona KNEES Loa away. Cardona goes up to MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Cardona drags Loa up, but Loa almost pantses Cardona! Loa RAMS Cardona into the corner, Cardona ELBOWS him away, but Loa distracts the ref so Solo can ENZIGIRI Cardona! The fans boo but Loa LARIATS Cardona down!
Loa snarls and he drags Cardona up. Loa scoops and SLAMS Cardona into the drop zone, then tags Tama for the SLINGSHOT SENTON! Tama taunts Melo’s team, then CHOKES Cardona on the ropes! The ref counts, Tama tops, but Solo KNEES Cardona down! Solo soaks up heat while Tama tags Talla. Talla looms over Cardona while the fans chant, “SOLO SUCKS!” Talla CLUBS away on Cardona, then drags him up to whip to the corner. Talla runs in and LARIATS! Talla then fireman’s carries Cardona for a SAMOAN DROP! Talla soaks up heat, then he stomps Cardona down. Talla tags Loa, Loa HEADBUTTS Cardona, then Loa whips but Cardona SMASHES him on the mat!
The fans fire up as Cardona hot tags Ilja! Ilja CHOPS away on Loa! Loa kicks low, HEADBUTTS, then whips Ilja to a corner, Loa runs up but into a BOOT! Ilja BOOTS Loa again, then runs up to KNEE Loa! Ilja goes side to side and he BOOT WASHES Loa down! Ilja goes up the corner, but he has to ROCK JC first! Loa ROCKS Ilja, and Ilja falls hard to the apron! Loa tags Talla, and Talal LARIATS Ilja! The fans boo but MFT soaks up the heat while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and JC squeezes Ilja with a chinlock. Ilja fights up as the fans rally, and Ilja fires elbows. Ilja CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS, but JC ROCKS Ilja! Ilja springs up but JC ducks the enzigiri! Hot tag to Solo! Solo BLASTS Cardona and Crews, then taunts Melo. But Ilja ENZIGIRIS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Ilja and Solo stagger, hot tag to Melo! The fans fire up as Melo fires off on Solo with forearms and CHOSP! Melo runs, RAMS Solo, then LARIATS! And LARIATS! Solo staggers around, takes a swing, but misses! M elo hits the springboard FLYING CLOTHESLINE!
Tama runs in, Melo puts him in a corner, and he blocks a boot! Melo puts Tama in the ropes, ENZIGIRIS, then hits the FADE AWAY JUMPER! The fans fire up but Solo ROCKS Melo! Melo rebounds for LA MYSTICA! Cover, Loa breaks it! Nakamura is in, Loa ducks one kick but not the WHEEL KICK! But Tama gets Nakamura for a TONGAN TWIST! Crews GERMAN SUPLEXES Tama! JC GERMAN SUPLEXES Crews! Cardona hits RADIO SILENCE! Cardona dodges Solo to ROUGH RYDER! But Talla LARIATS Cardona! The fans boo but Talla soaks up heat. But then Ilja & Melo stand together, and they fire off on Talla!
The fans fire up as they back Talla down! Talla SHOVES Melo, UPPERCUDTS Ilja, but Melo comes back, springboard- But into the guzel! Talla gets Ilja, too! DOUBLE CHOKE SLAMS!! But Crews ENZIGIRIS! Cardona ROCKS Talla, Crews dropkicks a leg out, and Cardona KNEES Talla! Talla just shakes it all off! Double guzels for- KNEE from Nakamura! Then Crews & Cardona DOUBLE LARIAT Talla up and out! Cardona WRECKS Talla with a dropkick, then Crews FLIES! Down goes Talla!! Nakamura fires a strike fest on JC, but JC reels him in for an ATHLETIC PLEX! But Ilja is up to GERMAN- NO, JC fights it!
JC switches, Ilja fights free! Ilja SWATS the lariat, then TORPEDO MOSCOW!! H-BOMB FOREARM!! But then Solo POSTS Ilja! The fans boo, but Melo SUPERKICKS Solo! But Melo runs into a fireman’s carry! Melo slips free, dodges Solo, but Tama tags in! FIRST 48 on Solo!! Melo goes up, but Tama SHOVES him into the SAMOAN SPIKE!! TORPEDO MOSCOW on Solo!! But Tama has Melo in his crosshairs, for the CUTTHROAT ELBOW!! Cover, MFT wins!!
Winners: MFT, by pinfall
MFT used the numbers and the chaos in their favor! And bigger than that, Tama just pinned the US Champion! Will nothing stop The Good Bad Guy from taking that title from H1M? WAIT! The lights go out! And the fireflies come out! MFT looks up to the skybox, and there are the Wyatts! Uncle Howdy has warned them, this is far from over. When and where will the Wyatts take back the WWE Tag Team Championships and the lantern?
Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair talk backstage.
They tentatively say hi, and Charlotte apologizes about the Royal Rumble. Alexa says it’s okay, Charlotte didn’t really eliminate her, Nia did. Charlotte says yeah, Nia ruins everything. But what Nia won’t ruin is tonight. Because tonight is #Galentine’sDay. Will Alexa be Charlotte’s Galentine? She got Alexa’s favorite flowers, black roses, and a picture. It’s an autographed picture of Charlotte. This is supposed to be a gift to Alexa? Alexa says it’s fine, Royal Rumble has the rule of every woman for herself. Yeah, and Chamber is the same. But now back to the presents. The best present is that Charlotte will be in Alexa’s corner. As her Galentine?
No, cuz Charlotte will woo her. Get it? Woo. Alexa sighs and says fine, she can bring the picture. Charlotte knew Alexa loved it. #Charlexa heads out, but will Lil’ Miss Bliss be headed to Chicago? Or will Galentine’s be ruined this year?
Damian Priest and R-Truth meet with Nick Aldis.
The Archer of Infamy and the SmackDown GM talk Elimination Chamber qualifiers. Next week, it will be another Triple Threat: Priest VS Melo VS Trick Williams! Priest likes that. And then Kit Wilson steps in. Kit demands to know what that stunt was with sending Oba Femi out there. Kit says Aldis is lucky Kit chooses to use his words and not his fists. Speaking of, he wrote a poem! “Monday Night Raw is red, Friday Night SmackDown is blue, real men express feelings, unlike you!” Truth says aw. Kit continues, “You reward meatheads, your leadership is obnoxious! Wake up, Nick! You are toxic!” Truth says okay, not bad.
Kit says of course Aldis and Priest laugh! They lack emotional intelligence! They can’t enjoy a good poem from the only real man in the room! Truth calms Priest down and asks to handle this himself. Wepa! Priest says okay, sure. Truth says violets are blue, roses are red, but did y’all see when Oba slammed Kit on his head? Kit says he a real man, but he can’t even go. Uh oh, Kit might’ve lost his manhood! Truth sees a camel toe! Kit says that is vile! They’re all immature children! Kit is not finished! You’re all TOXIC! Kit storms off, but will he make another scathing entry in his diary about this?
Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier Triple Threat: Alexa Bliss VS Giulia VS Zelina Vega!
This is a battle of small yet mighty superstars who have accomplished big things in their careers, but nothing is bigger than the Grandest Stage of Them All! Who takes one small step this match, and one giant leap into the Elimination Chamber?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the three stare down. They circle, feel things out, but Alexa TACKLES Zelina to a jackknife bridge! ONE, and Giulia hits an Oklahoma Roll! ONE, and Zelina rolls Giulia up, ONE! The three stand off and the fans cheer. They reset, Giulia runs up on Alexa but is sent into Zelina! Then Alexa clinches! But Zelina CLOBBERS Alexa, hops on, but Alexa pops free! Giulia ROCKS Zelina, scoops, but Alexa CLUBS Giulia! Zelina bumps Alexa off buckles, then stares down with Giulia. They circle, tie up, and Zelina waistlocks. Giulia throws her away, then avoids the kick!
Giulia catches a shot to ROCK Zelina, then she reels Zelina in for a snap suplex! The fans cheer while Giulia then stalks Zelina. Giulia ties up Zelina’s legs, grabs the arms, and SURFBOARD STOMPS her down! Cover, TWO! Zelina is tougher than that, but Giulia runs up, only for Zelina to block and ELBOW! Then SAIDO! Zelina kips up, the fans fire up, and Alexa is back! She guzels Zelina but Giulia grabs Alexa’s hair! Alexa STOs Giulia, then SOMERSAULT SENTONS! The fans fire up for Alexa while she goes to the apron. Alexa CANNONBALLS Giulia down! But then Zelina is there to METEORA Alexa! Zelina mockingly makes sure Alexa is alright while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Zelina RAMS Alexa into a corner! Giulia THROWS Zelina back to then stomp away on Alexa! But Zelina THROWS Giulia down! Zelina fires off on Alexa, RAMS her, but Giulia wrenches Zelina by her hair! Giulia THROWS Zelina, then DOUBLE KNEES Alexa! Giulia runs but Zelina BOOTS her! Zelina goes up, soaks up cheers and jeers, but Giulia ROCKS her first! Giulia goes up after Zelina, underhooks the arms, but Zelina resists the lift! Giulia still gets Zelina up for a SUPER DUPER BUTTERFLY PLEX! The fans fire up with Giulia, but then Alexa CLOBBERS her! And CLOBBERS her!
Alexa DROPKICKS Giulia down, then wrenches Zelina to SLAP, ROCK, KNEE, and SHOTGUN her down! Giulia runs up, wrenches, but Zelina SLAPS, ROCKS, KNEES, and SHOTGUNS Giulia! The fans fire up with Alexa and she runs, DOUBLE BLOCKBUSTER! Cover on Giulia, TWO! Cover on Zelina, TWO! Both Giulia and Zelina survive but “This is Awesome!” Alexa steps on Giulia, she goes up the corner, but Giulia rises! UPPERCUT! Giulia goes up to get Alexa, but Zelina CLUBS Giulia! Zelina joins in, and she SUPER BACK SUPLEXES Giulia! Cover, TWO! Giulia survives and Zelina grows frustrated!
Zelina throws hands on Giulia, Giulia hits back, and they stand up. Giulia ROCKS Zelina, Zelina ROCKS Giulia, repeat! Giulia HEADBUTTS away on Zelina! Alexa is up to CLUB them both! Giulia ROCKS Alexa, Zelina ROCKS Giulia, then Zelina whips. Alexa dodges and ROCKS Zelina! Giulia is down from hitting buckles, and Alexa stomps her down! Alexa goes up, up, and TWISTED BLISS but onto knees! Zelina hops onto Giulia! CODE RED!! Cover, ALEXA BREAKS IT! The fans fire up while all three women are down! Zelina stands but Alexa clinches! TWISTED- NO, Zelina slips out, but Alexa still hits a DDT! But Giulia KNEES the cover apart!
Giulia drags Alexa up, scoops, NORTHERN LIGHTS BOMB!! Cover, ZELINA BREAKS IT! The fans are torn as all three women are down again! Alexa flounders out of the ring while Zelina drags Giulia up. Kiana shouts at the ref, storms into the ring, but Zelina BLASTS her! And dodges Giulia! Giulia tumbles out, Zelina fires up, and the fans cheer as Zelina builds speed! Alexa catches her to the clinch! TWISTED SISTER BLISS!! Cover, ALEXA WINS!
Winner: Alexa Bliss, by pinfall (advances to the Elimination Chamber)
Giulia is beside herself, she was fingertips away from breaking that up! But in the end, Alexa is the third woman in the match! Who else will join them in Chicago?
Tiffany Stratton encounters Jordynne Grace backstage.
The Juggernaut tells the Wrestling Barbie welcome back. Tiff thanks her and says things are a little different around here. As much as Tiff wants to beat Jade Cargill, she doesn’t mind if Grace does first. Grace says when she wins tonight, she wouldn’t mind seeing Tiff at WrestleMania. Grace heads out, but then Chelsea Green runs into Tiff with her wheelchair! Chelsea says look long and hard at what Tiff did to her! This beautiful foot is now grotesque! All because “Tacky Time” took her spot at Elimination Chamber! And y’know what?! Jealousy is a disease, and Tiff is riddled with it! Alba Fyre agrees!
And they demand an apology! Maybe even compensation! Tiff tells Chelsea that if she wants to fight Tiff, all she has to do is step up and- Oh, wait! She can’t! Tootles! Tiff walks away, Chelsea says after her! Wait, the comfy blanket gets caught up in the wheel. But will the Hot Mess make a full recovery in time to ruin Tiffy Time?
Sami Zayn talks with Rey Fenix backstage.
#BigMatchSami checks on on the Immortal Firebird and Fenix says he’s good. Sami knows Fenix has his match with Trick Williams tonight, so just do Sami a favor: Teach that guy a lesson. Trick’s talked a lot of trash on everyone, and Sami’s seen this type before. Trick has all the talent in the world, he just needs someone like Fenix to teach him a lesson in respect. Fenix says no problemo, amigo, he’s got this. See you later. Sami says he also has one more thing. Last week, Fenix was trying to talk to him but Sami admits, he wasn’t really all there. It has been a tough couple of weeks, losing out on the WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble, but that no longer matters.
Sami is focusing on tonight to punch his ticket to Elimination Chamber, which will punch his ticket to WrestleMania. What Fenix said to him about inspiring the others, giving hope to others, that if Sami can do it, anyone can… Sami just wants Fenix to know that meant a lot to him. Sami will take that hope and carry it with him to the ring. Fenix says he knows that tonight, Sami will do it. But then they hear Trick’s music, so that means Fenix has to get going. Sami wishes Fenix luck, will Fenix #WhoopDatTrick? Or will those lemon pepper steppers have momentum going into next week’s Triple Threat qualifier?
Rey Fenix VS Trick Williams!
Trick grabs a mic while the fans chant, “Whoop Dat Trick!” “Huh? Yeah! I like it!” Trick is fired up with Dallas, and he tells Sami Zayn, “Lemme do you a favor, big dawg: Nobody here in Dallas wants to hear Mr. Can’t Get the Job Done tell his sob story.” The fans are torn on that, but Trick says Sami comes out here, backstage, moping around, Sketchers on his feet, ain’t combed his hair, breath smelling like ten pounds of ass! And he’s beggin’ for another opportunity? You make Trick sick! The fans are torn again, but Trick says newsflash, Sami! You got your opportunity tonight, you got a qualifier with Jacob Fatu and Cody Rhodes! Those are some big dogs.
But if you come in here moping around, they’ll eat you alive, let’s talk about it. But on to Trick Willy! Next week, he’ll come out here, put on his mink coat, take off his lemon pepper steppers, and do whatever it takes to qualify for the Elimination Chamber. Now as for tonight, Trick has Rey Fenix. Lemme tell you something, Fenix. You come out here every single week, you do backflips, kicks, but lemme tell you. When Dallas goes to the zoo, they don’t wanna see a squirrel doing flips, they wanna see a lion get up! And if you think Trick’s gonna lie down for one second just cuz he’s new here, then you must be stupid!
But then Fenix makes his entrance and that shuts Trick up. Fenix is ready to Whoop Dat Trick, but this rematch gets started after the break.
SmackDown returns and the bell rings. Fenix and Trick tie up, Trick headlocks, but Fenix fires body shots. Fenix powers up and out but Trick RUNS him over! The fans chant “Whoop Dat Trick!” and it might be for both meanings. Fenix gets up and he resets with Trick. They tie up, Fenix waistlocks, but Trick throws Fenix away! Trick flexes and says he can do this all day. Fenix stands up but Trick pie face shim. Trick CHOPS then fires forearms! Trick knees low, whips Fenix to a corner, but Fenix BOOTS back! Fenix SOBATS, FRONT KICKS, then whips, but Trick blocks! Trick whips Fenix but Fenix handsprings to BACK ELBOW! Cover, ONE!!
Trick shakes his head but Fenix waits on him to stand, Somersault and- NO, Trick catches Fenix to TOSS him to the corner! The fans cheer for “LUCHA! LUCHA!” Trick CHOPS Fenix, then runs up, but Fenix dodges! GAMANGIRI! Fenix pushes Trick out, then goes up and up to MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! The fans rally and Fenix is feeling it. Fenix aims from a corner, “ANIMO!” ROLLING- LEG LARIAT from Trick! Trick fires up and the fans cheer while Fenix sputters. Trick drags Fenix up, whips him to the corner, then CHOPS! Trick whips corner to corner, runs up again, and CHOPS! The fans fire up while Trick snarls.
Trick whips corner to corner again, but Fenix comes back to CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! But Trick scoops and SLAMS Fenix! Trick snarls as he brushes off his stinging chest, and he dares Fenix to get up. Trick scuffs Fenix, brings him up, and scoops, but Fenix slips free! Fenix rolls Trick up, TWO! Fenix ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Trick scoops to BACKBREAKER! Trick hits a JUMP NECKBREAKER! The fans cheer and Trick tells Fenix to get up. Fenix stands, Trick runs up, LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Fenix survives but Trick just cheers himself on while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again as Fenix fires body shots on Trick! Then CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! The fans “WOO~” with every CHOP, then Fenix runs to LARIAT! Trick wobbles but Fenix keeps moving, only for Trick to FLAPJACK! The fans fire up as Trick checks the hands. Trick CHOPS Fenix down! Booker T would be proud! Trick whips, Fenix ducks ‘n’ dodges, then tiger feint rewinds to HEEL KICK! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Trick and Fenix slowly rise up, “This is Awesome!” Trick stalks Fenix to a corner, brings him up, but Fenix SUPERKICKS! Fenix bobs ‘n’ weaves to SUPERKICK again!
Trick staggers, Fenix runs up, JUMP SOBAT! Then he goes up, up, and ADIOS AMIGO! Cover, TWO! Trick survives and Fenix is a bit surprised, but the fans continue to rally up. Fenix goes up the corner, waits on Trick, and CROSSBODIES! Then he hurries right back up the corner, to FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Trick survives the double impact and Fenix is beside himself! The fans are thunderous as Fenix stalks Trick to the ropes. Trick bails out of the ring to the ramp, but Fenix goes up the corner! Fenix SUPER DUPER CROSSBODIES! Down goes Trick and the fans fire up again! “This is Awesome!” as Fenix hurries to get Trick back in!
Fenix goes back to the corner, but Trick UPPERCUTS first! Trick climbs up, then he fireman’s carries Fenix! Fenix fires elbows, CLUBS away on Trick, then he goes to the post! Fenix counts it out, UNO, DOS, TRES! SUPER FIRE STOMP!! Cover, TWO?!? Trick survives and Fenix cannot believe it! Dallas is electric as Fenix goes right back up, jumps around, but Trick avoids the Quebrada! But Fenix avoids a lariat! And an elbow! But not the TRICK SHOT! Cover, TRICK WINS!
Winner: Trick Williams, by pinfall
The sequel was better than the first, but it ends all the same! Trick gets a win over the former AAA Mega Champion, and now he has momentum going into his own Triple Threat qualifier! Will Hollywood Trick be headed to Chicago?
Rhea & Iyo regroup backstage.
They’re both upset that the tag title match was a wash, but Rhea is sure they’ll get even with Nia & Lash soon enough. But for now, Iyo has to focus on Monday and her qualifier. And then Giulia storms in, just as upset missing out on qualifying for Elimination Chamber. Kiana James tries to calm her down, and Rhea mockingly asks if someone’s a little sad about losing their match. Giulia snarls but Kiana suggests they not provoke Giulia. Or what? Iyo beat Giulia last week, so maybe Iyo will do it again and take that Women’s US Championship. Giulia goes into a rage but Kiana holds her back. Giulia warns Iyo in Japanese, but Iyo taunts her back with a “Mattane. <See you later.>”
But then Jade Cargill passes by. She looks at both Iyo and Rhea, then smirks. The Storm does not seem to see them as a threat, but will she even be a champion after facing The Juggernaut?
Jacob Fatu speaks.
“My whole life, the odds been stacked against me. And to keep it 100, I never been in no Elimination Chamber. But hold on, don’t get it twisted now. I know what that cold steel feels like from being in a cell, nobody around, locked down. People even like to speak and talk about you. ‘Jacob Fatu, he’s unpredictable.’ Hell, all the way to, ‘Jacob Fatu, he’s a real-life criminal.’ Man, c’mon with it. I’ve been written off, scratched off. Hell, I ain’t even supposed to be here right now. All week, Cody and Sami, I know for a fact they been worried about what Jacob is about to do. Nah, lemme break it down for you two. Tonight, I’m winning.
“Elimination Chamber, c’mon with it. I done been locked up before. The only difference is, there ain’t no WrestleMania sign to point to on this yard. When it comes to Elimination Chamber, got that in the bag. Then I’m on my way to WrestleMania 42, leaving nobody with no doubt about what Jacob Fatu is gonna do. And you know Jacob Fatu is all gas, no brakes with it.” The Samoan Werewolf is ready to bare his fangs, but will he sink his teeth into a golden ticket to Chicago?
WWE Women’s Championship: Jade Cargill VS Jordynne Grace!
The Storm ended Tiffy Time and has blown away anyone who could even possibly challenge her, but a new force of nature has arrived on SmackDown. It’s about to be a Clash of the Titans in Texas, will anything be left standing when the smoke clears?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who makes it reign!
Wait, Liv Morgan is here? She brings Dominik Mysterio & Raquel Rodriguez with her, and also has a mic. “Excuse meee~! Sorry, excuse me.” Dom says they won’t take long, but Dom knows Liv so well that he knew she would want to watch this match in person. Liv says exactly. And they need to acknowledge that Jade’s been champion for 100 days! That’s a big deal! And Dirty Dom being the super amazing double champion that he is, he also planned a romantic date for him and Liv. Ringside staff brings in a table for two, and Liv says this is why Dom is the greatest boyfriend of ALLLLLLLL~ TIIIME~! Liv loves dinner and a show!
So don’t mind them, they’re gonna sit back, relax, and watch her potential WrestleMania opponents tear each other apart. Happy Valentine’s Day~! The bell rings, Grace and Jade tie up, and they go around in the collar ‘n’ elbow. Jade powers Grace to a corner, Jade turns it around, and the ref gets in there to back them off. Jade is upset but she and Grace reset. They tie up, Grace waistlocks, but Jade switches. Grace headlocks, Jade powers up and out, and they RAM shoulders! And RAM shoulders! And RAM shoulders! Grace ducks a lariat but Jade suplexes first! Grace goes to a corner, Jade runs up, but Grace BOOTS her!
Grace whips, Jade reverses, but Grace goes up and- NO, Jade catches her! Only for Grace to make it a SLEEPER! Jade RAMS Grace into buckles, RAMS her in again, but she’s already fading! Jade fights up, and BACKPACK SENTONS! But Grace holds on! Jade fights around, rolls and rolls, and they go to the outside! Grace is still wrapped on tight, but Jade POSTS her! Jade is free, then she winds up, but Grace ducks! Jade’s elbow hits the POST! Jade goes into the ring but Grace drags her out, ARM BREAKER DDT to the floor! Jade writhes, and Garde uses the desk for a VADER BOMB! Jade sputters while Grace refreshes the ring count.
Grace drags Jade up, and she brings her around to reel her in. But Jade fights the lift and BACKDROPS Grace on the barrier! Jade now refreshes the ring count, and she glares at Liv. Jade snatches a chicken nugget, and eats it! The Storm is not sweating Liv while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Jade has Grace in a chinlock. Grace fights up but Jade wrangles her back down. Dom shows off his own bottle of bubbly, but who knows how it tastes. Grace fights up, knees low, then wrenches to UPPERCUT the bad arm! Jade clutches the elbow, but Grace BOOTS her and goes to the apron. Grace blocks the shots, and HEADBUTTS away in the ropes! Grace pushes Jade back but Jade runs in! Grace slips around to RAM Jade into buckles again and again! Backslide, roll through, BACKHAND! Grace then suplexes Jade up for the JACKHAMMER! Cover, TWO! Jade survives and Grace is a bit surprised. Is Liv even paying attention?
Grace fireman’s carries, but Jade slips free! Jade fireman’s carries but Grace fights free! But Jade BOOTS Grace, lifts, but Grace hits a flying-mare! Jade headscissors, Grace kips free, and Grace hits a SPINEBUSTER! Grace brings Jade up, in, and lifts, but Jade lands out! SPINEBUSTER on Grace! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up while both women are down! Jade rolls to a corner, drags herself up, and takes aim! But Grace ducks the boot to roll Jade up! TWO, and Grace wheelbarrow to a victory roll! TWO, and Jade scoops Grace! Grace fights free, and gut wrenches Jade up for a POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!! Jade survives and Grace is shocked!
The fans rally up again as Jade sputters. Grace and Jade go forehead to forehead, then they SLAP and SLAP and fire forearm after forearm! The fans fire up as Grace BACKHANDS again! Grace torture racks Jade for a BURNING- NO, Jade lands out! And BOOTS Grace down! Jade then chicken wings Grace for JADED!! Cover, JADE WINS!
Winner: Jade Cargill, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Champion)
The Juggernaut pushed Jade, but Jade had grace under pressure. Jade then goes to Liv and tells her that if Liv chooses her for WrestleMania, that’ll be her ass. Jade heads out but Liv brushes that off. Will Liv be unable to play it cool once she’s facing The Storm head on?
Fraxiom and MCMG can’t even.
Nathan Frazer, Axiom, Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin chuckle as Johnny Gargano is still depressed and sulking. Candice LeRae tries to encourage him, but Johnny asks, “What’s even the point?” Candice says who cares about the stupid mask! Johnny says it’s more than just the mask and she knows it! His tag partner is gone, he has no friends, no title. He has nothing left. Wow, really? Nothing left? Johnny says nothing. Uh, his wife is right here! Fine, whatever, do whatever this is, she will fix this! She then literally wheels the road case Gargano is curled up on, and the others have another laugh. Shelley says he’s starting to feel bad for the guy. Not!
But then MFT walks in, and Solo says the Wyatts don’t want a real showdown. Then he tells the “chumps” that they should take notes. If they want a shot at the tag titles, then get in line. Solo continues on, but then he spots a picture on their locker room door. It’s a drawing by Lumis of Solo’s head as the new lantern! Solo rips it down, but it is clear this will not end until one side wins once and for all.
Oba Femi speaks.
“Man has always struggled with the concept of change. People fear change. When the tides start to shift around them, they cling to their idols and false prophets, holding onto what once was. What they don’t understand is that change is inevitable. And if you do not adapt, you perish. After a long time, I’ve been saying, ‘A change is coming, a change is coming.’ But now, change is here. So you will hear my drums, and you will see my strut, and you will look when the deed is done. Because change has sent Oba Femi.”
Nick Aldis meets with Oba Femi.
Speaking of The Ruler, the SmackDown GM hands him his potential contract, and would love if Oba signed full-time with SmackDown. But then Kit Wilson storms in again! Aldis cannot believe this. Is Kit serious? They’re in the middle of something, and what? Kit wants to read another poem? Oh, it’s even bookmarked. It’s about Oba! Let’s read it for the class. Aldis grabs the book to read: “Roses are red, but I don’t give a damn. You may be big and strong, but really, you’re an insecure little man. Your actions are toxic, it’s plain to see. You’re not match for a real man, a real man like me. You march and you stomp through every town. They’re laughing at you, you sad little clown.”
Aldis sarcastically says that’s profound stuff, Kit. Oba asks if that’s how Kit feels. Kit says yeah, that’s how he feels. In that case, they can meet in the ring next week and “discuss” their feelings. Aldis says that sounds great. Kits shouts TOXIC, then runs away. Will Oba change The Topic from “Why is WWE toxic?” to “Whatever happened to Kit Wilson?”
Backstage interview with Drew McIntyre.
Cathy Kelley is with the Scottish Terminator and says that Elimination Chamber is taking shape. Three men are about to step into the ring for their qualifier, all three men having long histories with Drew. What are Drew’s thoughts? Drew says let’s focus who’s already in there: Randy “Can’t Win The Big One Anymore” Orton, and the Catchphrase Merchant, LA Knight. The fans can be heard saying, “YEAH!” and Drew says point proven. Those two don’t want any of this. But Drew heard what Cody had to say earlier tonight. He makes Cody a promise: Cody will be nowhere near Drew, this title, or the main event of WrestleMania.
Jacob Fatu may have the best chance in the Chamber, because out of everyone in the field, he’s spent the most time behind bars. But if Fatu makes it to Mania, Drew will make Fatu wish he was back in the slammer. And then there’s Sami Zayn. Drew trails off as the man himself steps in on his way to gorilla. Sami says he’s not gonna interrupt, Drew can say what he wants to say. But Sami can guess, Drew will mock Sami with how it’s a forgone conclusion because Drew has Sami’s number, right? Drew says no, that’s not what he was going to say at all. Oh, no? No. Drew brings up the night he won this title.
In front of the world, Sami said there was a small part of him that wanted Drew to win. And Drew will tell Sami now that a BIG part of him wants Sami to win tonight. Not for the reason Sami thinks, but because he’s a good man. Sami’s paid his dues, he’s earned this opportunity. And Drew has a feeling that Sami will win the big one tonight. Good luck, Sami. Drew leaves, leaving Sami speechless. But is Drew genuine about his encouragement? Or is he trying to use some sort of reverse psychology?
Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier Triple Threat: Cody Rhodes VS Jacob Fatu VS Sami Zayn!
SmackDown returns and Fatu makes his entrance. This leaves Cody for last but certainly not least. Dallas sings along with Kingdom, “WHOA~ OH~!” and the pyro. The bell rings and the fans fire up as all three men stare down. They feel things out, and then Fatu SUPERKICKS Sami! Sami flounders out of the ring and Fatu stares down with Cody. Cody fires up, he and Fatu start throwing hands, and Fatu RAMS Cody into the corner! Fatu RAMS Cody, UPPERCUTS him, then HEADBUTTS him! Cody sputters but Fatu whips him, only for Cody to reverse, kick, and RHODES UPPERCUT! Then a springboard and CODY- NO, Fatu handstands outta the cutter!
Fatu SUPERKICKS Cody down, and the fans fire up with Fatu. Fatu runs, but Cody avoids the senton! Cody gets moving, and he LARIATS Fatu up and out! Sami is back, only for Cody to CHOP him! Sami turns things around to CHOP and CHOP, then wrench and whip. Cody reverses, Sami goes up and over, and Sami LARIATS Cody up and out! The fans are torn as Sami builds speed, and he FLIES! Down goes Cody AND Fatu! Sami stands tall and Dallas is fired up while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Sami hobbles his way back to ringside, and he follows Cody around the way. Sami puts Cody in the ring, storms up on him in the corner, then stomps a mudhole in. Sami stands Cody up to CHOP! Cody puts Sami in the corner and CHOPS in return! Cody winds up but Sami dodges to CHOP in return! Sami bumps Cody off buckles, goes up the corner, and AX HANDLES Cody down! Cover, TWO! Cody is tougher than that but Sami brings him back up. Sami reels Cody in, suplexes, but Cody fights that! Cody suplexes but Sami fights that back! They go back and forth as they fight for control, and Cody holds Sami up for TEN before the SLAM!
Fatu rushes back in and he CLOBBERS Cody! Fatu stomps away on Cody in a corner, then drags him up to rain down fists! Fatu HEADBUTTS Cody, then pushes him onto the ropes! Fatu CHOKES Cody, then stops to go after Sami. Fatu HEADBUTTS Sami down, then runs to SPLASH Cody in the corner! Fatu goes back to Sami but Sami CHOPS! And CHOPS! But Fatu HEADBUTTS Sami back down! Cody runs up but Fatu SMACKS him down! Fatu brings Sami up and whips him hard into a corner! Fatu brings Cody around and whips him hard into a corner! Fatu ROCKS Cody, but Cody hits back! SmackDown returns to single picture as Cody fires hands.
Cody whips, Fatu reverses, but Cody BOOTS Fatu away. Fatu returns, but gets another BOOT! Fatu still tries, but Cody dodges! Fatu hits buckles, then Cody dodges Sami! SNAP POWERSLAM! Fatu is back, SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans are torn as Cody stands tall again! Cody then JABS Sami again and again, then flips, flops, and- NO, Sami ducks the elbow! Cody fights the Blue Thunder, then he springboards for the BEAUTIFUL DISASTER KICK! Cover, TWO! Sami survives and Cody grows frustrated, but the fans continue to rally up. Cody sees Sami go to ropes and waits for him to stand. Cody dragon sleepers, but Sami knees free!
Cody runs back up, but Sami clinches! Cody fights the Exploder, and Fatu CLOBBERS them both! The fans cheer Fatu on and he stomps Sami. Fatu then runs to handspring and MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Sami survives, but Cody runs up! Fatu dodges, then pops Cody up! Cody fights the Samoan Drop, has the dragon sleeper, but Fatu snapmares free! Only for Sami to roll Cody up! TWO and Cody jackknife bridges Sami! Fatu SENTONS on it! The fans fire up again as Fatu stands up. “This is Awesome!” as Fatu stalks Sami to a corner. Fatu CHOKES Sami, Sami tries to fight back, but Fatu stops to throw haymakers.
Fatu HEADBUTTS Sami, then runs to SPLASH Cody in a corner! Fatu sits Cody down, runs back up on Sami and SPLASHES! Sami sits down now, and Fatu shouts, “YADADA MEAN!?” Fatu stomps Sami, then he rains down fists on Cody. Fatu has targets in both corners, and he runs to HIP ATTACK Cody first! Then he geeks out and the fans fire up! But Sami runs in! Fatu dodges to then POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! Cover, Cody breaks it in time! The fans are torn again while all three men are down, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Cody rises up, he throws hands on Fatu, but Fatu hits back! They go forearm for forearm, then Fatu UPPERCUTS! Cody kicks low, whips, but Fatu reverses to send Cody out! Then Fatu DIVES! Down goes Cody in front of commentary! But then Sami CLOBBERS Fatu from behind! Sami SMACKS Fatu off the desk, and again, but then Fatu hits back! Fatu whips Sami into the steel steps! Fatu then storms up and SMACKS Cody! Fatu brings out a TABLE! Dallas likes that! But then Fatu puts the table back under the ring? Wait, Cody brings the table out! But Fatu CLOBBERS Cody and puts the table back!
Cody rolls into the ring, Fatu puts Sami in, then Fatu climbs a corner. Cody ROCKS Fatu first! Cody climbs up, CLUBS away on Fatu, then goes to the very top rope! Fatu fires body shots, then HEADBUTTS Cody down! But now Sami ROCKS Fatu! Sami climbs, CLUBS away, and brings Fatu up! Fatu still resists by holding onto the ropes! Fatu UPPERCUTS and HEADBUTTS Sami right down! But now Cody is back up top! He brings Fatu up but Fatu fires more body shots! SmackDown returns to single picture as Cody falls back. Sami ROCKS Fatu, Cody joins in, and they work together to get Fatu to the very top! DOUBLE SUPERPLEX!
The fans are thunderous as all three men are down! “This is Awesome!” as Sami and Cody find each other. They start throwing hands, the fans torn with each punch. Cody ROCKS Sami, Sami ROCKS Cody, and repeat! Sami gets the edge, but Cody takes it back! They throw fast ‘n’ furious fists, then Cody kicks low! RHODES UPPERCUT! Cody runs corner to corner but Sami clinches! CORNER EXPLODER! Sami fires up as he goes to the far side! Sami lines up his shot, but Fatu SUPERKICKS first! Then he SUPERKICKS Cody! Fatu gets moving again, handspring and- BOOT from Sami! Fatu flounders, Cody reels Sami in! But Sami drops, victory rolls, TWO!
Sami gets Cody but Cody fights the lift! Cody CLUBS away on Sami’s neck, then he fires up! Cody springboards, but Sami catches him! BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Cody survives and the fans are thunderous again! The fans cheer on Fatu to get back in this, but there are still plenty of cheers for Sami and Cody. Sami looks to the WrestleMania sign, he drags Cody up in a facelock, and he CHOPS! Cody staggers, stumbles, and Sami points to the sign. Cody CHOPS in return! Sami ROCKS Cody! Cody ROCKS Sami! Both men wobble, but the shots keep going! Cody JABS, JABS, JABS, then flip, flop, and fly, BIONIC ELBOW!
Sami falls and the fans fire up! Cody stands over Sami, but Fatu CLOBBERS Cody again! Fatu TOSSES Cody out, then runs up to LARIAT Sami in the corner! Fatu shouts all gas, no brakes with it! Then he SLAPS Sami! Fatu goes corner to corner and back again to LARIAT! Fatu says get this ass whipping live and direct on Sami’s punk ass! Fatu runs, but Sami follows! Only for Fatu to dodge the Helluva Kick! Sami falls back, Fatu goes up, and FROG SPLASH into knees and a cradle! TWO!!! Fatu survives as Sami turns things around, but he brings Fatu up. B ut Cody goes up, up, SUPER CODY CUTTER!! But then Fatu TOSSES Cody back out!
Fatu goes up, up, MIGHT MOONSAULT!! Cover, DREW MCINTYRE BREAKS IT!! The fans boo because this is what the Scottish Terminator meant about wanting Sami to win! Drew POSTS Fatu, then he TOSSES Fatu over the desk! Drew almost takes out Wade Barrett in the process! Drew clears the desk, but Cody DIVES! Direct hit into the desk! Cody rains down fists on Drew, then brings him up, only for Drew to POST Cody! Drew snarls as he then sees Fatu getting up. Drew reels Fatu in, and POWERBOMBS him through the desk!! The fans are going nuts as Drew then aims at Cody! “THREE! TWO! ONE!!” CLAYMORE on Cody!!
Drew sees Sami is down, so he drags Sami over onto Cody! Drew leaves it at that, and the ref counts the cover! TWO?!!? Cody survives?!? Drew is shocked and furious! Drew goes back into the ring to HAMMER away on Cody! Drew beats Cody down in the corner, but a HELLUVA KICK on Drew!! Sami wants to win this himself! But then Cody snatches him for a CROSS RHODES!!! Cover, CODY WINS!!
Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall (advances to the Elimination Chamber)
Drew was trying to screw over his most hated rival, but he didn’t account for Sami not accepting the handout. Now Cody is headed for Chicago and the Elimination Chamber! Will the American Nightmare stop at nothing until he and the Scottish Terminator fight on the Grandest Stage of Them All?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown, maybe even awesome, with a red hot Dallas crowd. Very good opening promo from Tiffany, Nia, Lash, and then Rhea & Iyo to help segue into the tag title match. Great match, and at least for being a “No Contest,” the table spot and barrier spot were great ways to have all four wipe out. Then good promo from #Charlexa ahead of the Triple Threat qualifier, which was a really good match. I figured Alexa would win that, as Giulia has her US Championship to defend and Zelina just doesn’t feel primed for anything big right now. She and Aleister had a good promo to call out Randy Orton, it feels like that will be their WrestleMania program.
Very good promo from Rhea & Iyo with Giulia & Kiana, and we honestly do need to see Giulia VS Iyo for the Women’s US Championship. That match could probably go either way, but I think it’d be best for Giulia to win, because that’s a win over Iyo, a great accomplishment in itself. Jade VS Grace was a really good Women’s Championship match, but I feel like the entire thing would’ve been better if Judgment Day wasn’t hanging out ringside to watch the match. It literally drew attention away from the match yet added nothing. Great showing for Grace but I figured Jade would win since this was just SmackDown. And as I’ve said, Liv isn’t choosing Jade, there’s a lot more to use in Liv VS Vaquer.
Good stuff with MFT and pretty much the entire Men’s Midcard tonight. MFT “interrupting” Melo VS Ilja and then that 10 Man Tag was definitely about getting quantity and quality on the card. Tama pinning Melo was perhaps a bit surprising, but it makes for a clear story direction of Melo VS Tama for the US Championship. Good promo from Fraxiom, MCMG and Gargano for them to work in how Gargano feels without Ciampa. I wouldn’t mind Gargano & Candice trying for the AAA Mixed Tag titles now that the champions are Lola Vice & Mr. Iguana. MFT putting the tag teams on notice is good, too, can’t wait to see if WrestleMania builds up a HUGE tag match like we got at SummerSlam.
Hilarious promos involving Kit Wilson and all the “toxic masculinity” he’s challenging. Truth legit broke Priest and Aldis with his diss rap on Kit, and Kit regretting that second visit was great. It was very much Kit being immediately faced with the consequences of talking tough behind someone’s back. Oba VS Kit is obviously going to be Oba’s win, and hopefully a sign that Oba is “signing” with SmackDown over Raw. And of course, great stuff in connection to Elimination Chamber and the Undisputed Championship. Good promo from Sami thanking Fenix and Trick talking trash on Sami. Awesome rematch for Trick and Fenix, but I figured Trick would win out. Trick, Melo and Priest in a Triple Threat is an interesting mix, and with Melo still US Champ, I feel like he’s the odd one out.
Very good promo from Drew with Sami, and I could just feel Drew interfering during what was an awesome main event. Dallas definitely had Sami as their third choice, and it seems they got what they wanted with Sami losing after he rejected Drew’s help. Drew then also ends up his own worst enemy because this helped Cody win and go to Chamber. I feel like Aldis needs to tell Drew that he can’t try this stunt again during the Chamber or he’ll be stripped of the title. It’d be really redundant not just for this story build but to last year’s Elimination Chamber with how Rollins made sure to screw over CM Punk, and I think even before when Logan Paul did something to AJ Styles. At this point, though, it’s clear Cody wins Chamber to give us one more match with Drew at Mania.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Will the Blackbelt add a gold belt to her collection?
After building up momentum week after week, Karmen Petrovic now challenges Kendal Grey for the WWE Evolve Women’s Championship!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Swipe Right w/ Jackson Drake VS Eli Knight & Mike Cunningham; Swipe Right wins.
- Aaron Rourke VS It’s Gal; Rourke wins.
- WWE Evolve Women’s Championship: Kendal Grey VS Karmen Petrovic; Grey wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
The WrenQCC talks backstage.
Kendal Grey wants to confirm that the vibe in here is weird. Wren Sinclair checks the air, and says yeah, it’s a little weird. Kendal says the Women’s Division is insane right now. The woman who ran this place six months ago is now a shell of her former self. Wren feels so bad for Kali Armstrong. Surely she’ll find what she needs to get back up, she is the Difference Maker. Kendal agrees there. Then there’s Tyra Mae Steele rising up the ranks, and PJ Vasa is breathing down Kendal’s neck for another title match! Wren says tonight, Kendal has Karmen Petrovic. Why does Kendal keep doing this to herself?
Kendal says going back and forth between NXT and Evolve is the grind, but she loves it. Wren says Kendal’s crazy. That’s way too much pressure. Kendal says pressure is a privilege, it means people expect things from her. So tonight, Kendal will beat Karmen and retain the title. Wren adds to watch for the kicks. Kendal says that’s true, Karmen is sneaky good. But Kendal won this title at the first Succession, so she’s gonna walk in the champion for Succession 2. Wren has no doubt Kendal will kill it. Now, let’s get dressed so Kendal can get a warmup in. The WrenQCC is confident in Kendal, but will Karmen use the Shing-Shing to cut down The Grey Area?
Swipe Right w/ Jackson Drake VS Eli Knight & Mike Cunningham!
While they were all on the same side against Kam Hendrix & Team Performance Center, it’s back to Vanity Project VS Team ID to prove who does this better! But will Brad Baylor & Ricky Smokes be able to focus when they’ve got the #1 contenders Fatal 4 Way next week? Or will the Disrespectfully Athletic & #MainManMike show them they still need to Evolve?
Meanwhile, the Modern Day Cowboy, Tate Wilder is watching from the VIP Lounge. He might be a Performance Center guy but we know he’s more on Team ID’s side. The teams sort out and Mike starts against Smokes. They tie up, go around, and Smokes powers Mike to the ropes. The ref counts, Smokes stops at 4 but he messes Mike’s hair. Mike shoots around to waistlock but Smokes switches. Smokes SLAMS Mike, then scuffs him before shouting, ‘Swipe Right!” The fans boo, but Mike shoots around, waistlocks, but Smokes switches again. Tag to Brad and Brad takes the waistlock to SLAM Mike!
Brad wrenches Mike, wristlocks, but Mikes wrenches through to wristlock. Brad rolls, tags Smokes, and they handoff the wristlock. Smokes wrenches and RAMS Mike’s shoulder. Mike spins through, headlocks, and he gives Smokes a noogie! Smokes powers up and out but Mike RUNS him over! Mike does a dance, speeds things up, then ducks a shot to shove, hurdle, and HIP TOSS! The fans fire up while Mike DROPKICKS Smokes down! Brad runs in but Mike dodges! Mike SHOTGUNS Brad down! The fans cheer, and Mike wrenches Smokes to tag in Eli. Eli goes up to DOUBLE STOMP Smokes’ arm!
Eli wrenches the arm, tags Mike back in, and Mike goes up to HIP DROP Smokes’ arm! Even Tate likes that one. Mike wrenches Smokes then tags Eli back in. They double whip and BODY BLOW, then JUMPING DOUBLE STOMP! Then a NECK BREAKER DROP! And a BIG SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Smokes stays in this but Eli stays on him with a wrench. Smokes fires a body shot then tags Brad. Brad DECKS Eli, then whips him into the corner. The fans chant “Swipe Left!” but Brad CHOPS! Eli CHOPS! Brad CHOPS again! Tag to Smokes, Drake says those are his boys! Smokes whips Brad in, but Eli goes up and out!
Eli then goes up and over as Smokes runs in, then a somersault and hot tag to Mike! Mike ELBOWS Smokes, LARIATS Brad, and whips Smokes. Smokes reverses to CHOP! Smokes runs, but Mike FLYING UPPERCUTS! Mike goes to the corner, climbs up top, but Drake distracts the ref! Brad SHOVES Mike down! Tate protests, the fans boo, but Evolve goes to break.
Evolve returns as Smokes holds Mike back from Eli. Eli and Mike reach out, but Smokes ROCKS Mike! Smokes whips Mike to the corner, runs in, but is put on the apron! Mike staggers forward but Smokes SLINGSHOT SPEARS him down! Tag to Brad and he steps in for the SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Brad CLUBS away on Mike for it, then shouts, “V’s up!” The fans boo and Tate says V’s down! Brad drags Mike up and reels him into a COBRA TWIST! Mike endures, but Smokes and Brad link up! The fans boo, Tate points it out, and the ref reprimands Swipe Right! Drake argues with Tate for being a goody goody while Smokes tags in.
But Mike HIP TOSSES Brad away! Smokes hurries to reel Mike in, but Mike HIP TOSSES him, too! The fans fire up for Mike but Swipe Right stands in his way! Mike ducks the lariats to hot tag Eli! Eli springboards to DOUBLE MISSILE DROPKICK! Eli kips up and the fans fire up! Eli LARIATS Smokes, BOOTS Brad, then he wrenches Smokes’ arm for the facelock. Eli kicks off Brad to hit the TORNADO DDT on Smokes! The fans fire up with Eli and he gets moving! DOUBLE QUEBRADA! Cover, Smokes! Smokes survives and Drake is relieved, but Eli scoops to MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO!
Eli is shocked and the fans boo, but Smokes survives. Eli powers up and brings Smokes to the drop zone. Eli goes up, up, SUPERMAN- NO, Smokes avoids the diving body press! Eli rolls through, and he SMACKS Brad! Smokes DROPKICKS Eli! Tag to Brad and feed to the lift! DROPKICK SPINEBUSTER COMBO! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Eli survive and Drake is frustrated. Brad rains down fists on Eli, then he tags Smokes back in. Smokes rains down fists of his own, then snarls as he drags Eli up. Tag to Brad and he scoops Eli while Smokes runs. But Mike trips Smokes! Eli cradles Brad, TWO!! Brad escapes, but the JUMP KNEE hits!
Eli tags Mike, then he dodges Brad! Mike BOOTS Brad, Eli GERMAN SUPLEXES, and Mike hits the FAMOUSER! #MainObjective! Cover, TWO!! Brad survives the string of attacks but Mike tags Eli back in. The fans rally up as Mike fireman’s carries and Eli climbs. But Smokes makes the save! Eli leaps over as Smokes POSTS Mike! Eli turns around but into Brad’s JUMP KNEE! Brad tags Smokes and they get Eli up. Scoop and SUPER SWIPE!! Cover, BUT MIKE BREAKS IT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! Drake is begging Eli to just give up if he knows what’s good for him. Eli and Smokes slap each other around, then stand up to throw hands!
The fans rally as Smokes SMACKS Eli, and Eli ROCKS Smokes! Smokes winds up to ROCK Eli, but Eli ROCKS Smokes! Eli then SOBATS, UPPERCUTS, but Smokes BACKHANDS! Tate admits, that was good. Eli goes to a corner, but he BOOTS Smokes away. Eli goes up, but Smokes jumps up to KNEE him! Smokes then climbs up, but Eli fights him off! Brad tags in and he joins them up top! But Eli DECKS Brad! Mike gets under Smokes for a fireman’s carry! Eli goes up and he uses Smokes and Mike as a platform to hit the SUPERMAN BODY PRESS!! Cover, SMOKES USES MIKE TO BREAK IT!
Drake is freaking out, but the fans know “This is Awesome!” Mike and Brad crawl outside, but then Mike goes up?! “MAIN MAN ENERGY!” FLYING UPPERCUT on Smokes! Brad is back in, and he suplexes for a GHOST BUSTER! Brad has Eli but Eli turns the suplex into a STUN-DOG MILLIONAIRE, and then a SLICE O’ KNIGHT! Eli builds speed and FLIES, but onto Mike!! Swipe Right avoided disaster, and now they swarm Eli! Eli DECKS Smokes, but Brad LARIATS Eli! Brad puts Eli in and he tags Smokes. Brad has the dragon sleeper, Smokes goes up, DOUBLE STOMP DDT COMBO!! Cover, Swipe Right wins!
Winners: Swipe Right, by pinfall
Eli and Mike brought the energy, but the momentum is all behind Swipe Right! Even Tate has to admit, they earned that one. Drake gets a mic to say, “Yep! Yep! Those’re my boys! Swipe Right with the W! Now listen, I don’t know if you guys have noticed or anything like that, but um, since last week, we’ve kinda been on a little bit of a roll. I mean, I’m still the champion. Those PC thugs are down bad crying somewhere. And most importantly, we carried the entire WWE ID Program on our shoulders last week!” The fans cheer, and Drake says they know he doesn’t mean to kill the vibe or anything like that… Smokes says they call him Heartbreak Drake for a reason.
Well, anyways, time to get down to brass tacks. As painful as this is for Drake to say, Drake does owe Cappuccino Jones a favor. So at Succession 2 in three weeks, Jones gets his shot at THE Evolve Championship! Brad & Smokes laugh, but that’s because Jones is light work. But wait, HARLEM LEWIS is here! And he says no, no, no. Drake, that’s not how this works. Lewis EARNED a title shot a couple weeks ago, so he DEMANDS his shot at Succession! Drake says hold on, that was Kam Hendrix’s deal, and you saw how that ended up last week, right? Lewis says well, he’ll just have to kick all three VP’s asses then.
Lewis storms to the ring, but BROOKS JENSEN attacks! The fans boo as the Lost Cause hammers away on Lewis! Jensen won’t let anyone cut in front of him! The fans boo but Jensen stomps and KICKS Lewis around! The Bad Man from Ala-Bam-Bam-Bama clearly thinks he’s higher in the pecking order, but will he regret getting in the way of the bad man from the Big Apple?
Arianna Grace & Nikkita Lyons are backstage.
The Pageant Queen isn’t sure, but she thinks she’s hallucinating. Big Kat Kita has a headache. She doesn’t know how much longer she can just be… nice! Arianna had to gouache her face for hours last night to get the fake smile out, and she might be stuck. She moves her jaw and it creaks. Lyons points out her acne returning from the stress, but then Masyn Holliday & Layla Diggs walk in. They’re very excited about how things have been going. They never thought they’d see the day where Grace & Lyons were nice to them. Lyons says it is their pleasure. Anything they need, just ask. Anything? Well, there’s one thing.
Do they mind switching lockers with them? Grace & Lyons have the bigger lockers, and they’re in a great location. Lyons shouts, “ENOUGH! Enough! Enough~!” Grace reminds Lyons about the omen but Lyons says no! They did that HEINOUS TikTok with Masyn & Layla, they posted it, and by the way, it did NOTHING for Lyons’ brand! But she is not giving up her Big Kat locker! Layla knew these two couldn’t be saved. Not even the psychic- Wait, what? They know about the psychic? Masyn says yeah, these two have no redeeming qualities, even when you scare the mess out of them.
Wait, wait, wait. That psychic… wasn’t real? Layla admits that no, that was just her chiropractor, Doris, she’s from Daytona. Grace is relieved, but Lyons says this is perfect. Because you’re gonna need chiropractors after Lyons breaks you in half! Well, fine! Masyn & Layla have tried it nice, they’ve tried it with a very, very elaborate plan, but have it your way. They’ll do this in the ring! See you next Wednesday. Masyn & Layla leave, Grace asks if they can just sue. But now that we know what’s really in store for the future, can Masyn & Layla humble Grace & Lyons directly? Or will the mean girls unleash the worst in themselves?
Team Performance Center are… in the Performance Center.
They’re quite literally working out their frustrations as Keanu Carver pushes the weight sled and Kam Hendrix does bicep curls. Kam grumbles about Tate Wilder and that crooked ref! Harley Riggins tells him that Kam was robbed last week! Keanu says the ID clowns always do something funny! Jax Presley says time to nuke Team ID! Braxton Cole says they need a new game plan. No more divided and conquer, no more 1v1. They just work as one and steamroll everyone in their way! Kam says that’s a great idea! Ten man tag, 5v5! Look at Team ID, look at Team PC! These five are fired up, but will it really be as easy as overwhelming with size and strength?
Aaron Rourke VS It’s Gal!
While Team ID was helping Sean Legacy with his burden, The Dime Piece confronted Mr. Mint Condition for not helping. Rourke isn’t about that kind of pride, so will he humble this big red meathead once and for all? Or will It’s Gal be the one standing tall?
Now Trill London has joined Tate in the VIP to watch this one. The bell rings, Rourke and Gal rush right up, and Gal goes for a leg! Rourke CLUBS away on Gal but Gal RAMS him into a corner! Rourke dodges a shot to fire hands, but Gal puts Rourke in the corner. Gal returns fire, then whips Rourke back into the corner. Rourke goes up and over, handsprings and DROPKICKS! Then Rourke RAMS into Gal again and again! Rourke rolls back, runs up, and RAMS Gal again! Rourke CLUBS Gal while the fans fire up. Rourke fires a body blow, then stomps a mudhole in! The ref counts, Rourke stops at 4, but Rourke comes back to CHOP! And CHOP! And CLUB!
Rourke stomps away on Gal again but the ref backs him off. Rourke storms up on Gal, but Gal ROCKS Rourke! Gal huffs ‘n’ puffs and knees low! Gal CLUBS Rourke, whips, but Rourke ducks ‘n’ dodges to tilt-o-whirl RANA! Gal tumbles out but Rourke builds speed! Rourke DIVES and down goes Gal! The fans fire up and Rourke gives Gal some SPANKS! The fans cheer, but Gal swings back! Rourke dodges and DECKS Gal! The ring count climbs but Gal ELBOWS Rourke! Gal SPANKS Rourke, SMACKS him off the apron, then whips him at the apron, only for Rourke to tiger feint and ROLLING ELBOW!
The fans fire up while Gal sputters and Rourke “kicks dirt” at him. Rourke puts Gal in the ring but Gal uses ropes as a defense. The ref keeps Rourke back, but then Rourke blocks the cheap shot! Gal swipes at Rourke but Rourke spins him and ROCKS him in the back! Rourke whips, Gal reverses, but Rourke tilt-o-whirls again, only for Gal to block it! Gal swings Rourke up to HOTSHOT him off the ropes! Then Gal runs, DISCUS LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Rourke survives the “Flexline,” but Gal says he is tanned and jacked, ready to attack! Gal sits Rourke up to BOOT him down! The fans boo but Gal flexes and grins.
Gal drags Rourke up, UPPERCUTS him, then talks more trash. Gal CHOPS Rourke, soaks up heat, and he drags Rourke up by his beard. But Rourke fires body shots and forearms! The fans rally as Rourke ROCKS Gal, but Gal SHOVES Rourke away! Rourke comes back, but Gal pops him up to THROW him away! And then BOOT him down! Cover, TWO! Rourke survives but Gal grows frustrated. Gal drags Rourke up, talks trash, but Rourke pulls Gal’s beard to tell him shut up! But Gal BACKDROPS Rourke! Rourke sunset flips, Gal flexes, but Rourke avoids the fist drop! And then UP KICKS! Rourke kips up to LARIAT!
Rourke ELBOWS Gal, SUPERKICKS him down, then takes aim from a corner. Rourke runs corner to corner, but Gal gets up for a DOUBLE LARIAT! Rourke staggers back, Gal hops up the corner, but Rourke runs up for a STRATUSPHERE! The fans fire up as Gal flounders to the far corner. Rourke says kiss this! Rourke runs in, HIP ATTACK! Cover, TWO! Gal survives and the fans can’t believe it! Rourke waits on Gal to get up, then fireman’s carries! But Gal pulls the beard to get free! Gal shoves Rourke, Rourke ELBOWS Gal, then Rourke goes up! CROSSBODY, but into Gal’s arms! Gal fireman’s carries for a GUT BUSTER DROP! Cover, TWO!
The fans fire up as Rourke survives, and both Tate and Trill cheer Rourke on. Gal is frustrated as he tells the fans to shut up. Gal fireman’s carries, then he drops Rourke on the top rope! Gal climbs up, brings Rourke to the top, and fireman’s carries, only for Rourke to SUPER SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB! Rourke then skins the cat and takes aim, OVER THE RAINBOW SEATED SENTON! Cover, Rourke wins!
Winner: Aaron Rourke, by pinfall
It was put up or shot up, and “Big Daddy Red” is pretty quiet now. Will this win help The Dime Piece head for some gold?
Chuey Martinez meanwhile goes to the VIP Lounge to talk with Tate and Trill. They gonna be hanging out for the whole show? Tate says he just wanted to check on the ID talent, and he talks with Trill as he admits, ID’s got something going on. Trill says facts. Chuey brings up how Tate helped the ref last week, but Tate says he wasn’t gonna stand by and watch that injustice. Team PC breaks all the rules and does whatever they want! It’s time someone stands up and ends the chaos! Trill says yeah, a lot of bad stuff going on. Trill & Tate head out, will they show everyone how to do things the right way?
Tyra Mae Steele speaks.
The Olympic Gold Medalist says, “I dipped my toe in the Evolve water, and now it’s time to make it my own! In 2020, I captured gold in the Tokyo Olympics. And with that same grit, drive, and determination, I’m gonna make it to the top of Evolve. In 2026, I’m going to be the Evolve Women’s Champion!” Who will be next to test Steele’s iron will on her road to the top?
Wendy Choo talks with Kali Armstrong.
Wendy is careful as she says hi. She knows they don’t really know each other, but Wendy heard Kali talking down on herself, so Wendy just thought there was something- Kali says get to the point. Wendy says she knows that therapy was a great start for her to figure herself out, so maybe it could help Kali? Kali nods as she thinks on that, then she gives Wendy a BODY BLOW! Kali says this is all the therapy she needs. Kali storms off while Wendy frowns. Not everyone wants help, but will Wendy have to show Kali what she needs to get out of her slump?
WWE Evolve Women’s Championship: Kendal Grey VS Karmen Petrovic!
Just as the WrenQCC said, the Women’s Division is stacked, and that means there is a line of contenders out the door. The Ice Woman enjoys the grind, but will she end up Petrofied tonight? Or can she prove no one survives the Grey Area?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who heads for Succession as the champion!
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, go around, and Kendal waistlocks. Karmen bucks the O’Conner and the fans applaud. The two reset, Kendal waistlocks, but Karmen throws her away. Kendal comes back but Karmen sweeps the leg to cover, ONE! Kendal sweeps to cover, ONE! Karmen sweeps the legs with a kick to cover, ONE! The fans cheer the standoff! Kendal and Karmen reset again, and Karmen tests the waters by showing kick. They tie up again, Kendal grabs an arm and wrenches to wristlock. Karmen high kicks to step over, then she whips Kendal to a corner. Karmen ELBOWS Kendal, snapmares, and runs up to BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO!
The fans cheer as Kendal stays in this, but Karmen clamps onto the arm. The fans rally and duel while Karmen wrenches the arm. Kendal rolls and handsprings up to wrench and fireman’s carry takeover! The fans cheer while Kendal has Karmen in an armlock. Karmen fights around, fights up, but Kendal whips her to a corner. Kendal runs up, Karmen dodges, but Kendal ROCKS her! Kendal goes up, over, and out to then slide under and get moving! Kendal redirects Karmen, trips her up, and basement DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Karmen toughs it out but Kendal facelocks. Kendal whips Karmen to a corner, but Karmen goes up to JUMP SOBAT!
Karmen runs and BULLDOGS Kendal down! The fans cheer while Kendal bails out, and Evolve goes to break.
Evolve returns again as Kendal rolls Karmen up, TWO! Karmen leg scissor cradles, TWO! Karmen ducks a shot but Kendal ducks a kick! Both women run, and DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! The fans fire up while both women are down! Karmen and Kendal crawl to opposite ends, then drag themselves up with ropes. The fans rally again as Kendal runs up and UPPERCUTS at the ropes! Kendal runs again, but Karmen follows to ROCK her! Karmen runs, but Kendal follows to UPPERCUT! The fans cheer as they go again and Karmen KNEES low! Karmen runs, but Kendal UPPERCUTS one more time!
Kendal gets moving, but Karmen KNEES her again! Then Karmen fakes Kendal out to trip her and have the legs! Karmen uses what Nattie taught her in the SHARPSHOOTER! Kendal endures while the fans fire up! Kendal reaches out but Karmen sits deep! Wren coaches Kendal and Kendal fights her way forward. Kendal struggles, but she pushes up so she can reach out, but Karmen drags her back to center! The fans rally harder as Kendal pushes up again! Kendal digs in and reaches out, ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Karmen lets go in frustration. Wren coaches Kendal up while Karmen storms back after her.
Karmen drags Kendal up, but Kendal hits the ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! The fans fire up again as Karmen endures and fights around! Kendal pries at the grip but Karmen stacks her, TWO! Both women run up, and Kendal POP-UP POWERBOMBS! High stack, TWO!! Karmen survives and Kendal is shocked! Kendal drags Karmen up, fireman’s carries, but Karmen fights free. Karmen waistlocks but Kendal fires elbows. Kendal goes up, up, and leaps, but into a SUPERKICK! Karmen then reels Kendal in for the TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Karmen is shocked now as Kendal survives! The fans fire up for “Women’s Wrestling!”
Karmen huffs ‘n’ puffs and gets the legs. Kendal stops the step through this time, and she BOOTS Karmen outta the ring! Karmen hurries back up as Kendal runs in, and Karmen ROUNDHOUSES Kendal down! Karmen goes up, but Kendal leaps up to get her! SUPER BELLY2BELLY! Karmen staggers around, into the SHADES OF GREY! Cover, Kendal wins!
Winner: Kendal Grey, by pinfall (still WWE Evolve Women’s Champion)
Karmen got caught and Grey stays golden! Wren celebrates with her friend and teammate, but PJ VASA is here! And she has a mic to tell Kendal, “Hey, hey, hey, Kendal Grey! Come getcho issue! At Succession 2!!” The fans like the sound of that! Kendal says bring it! March 4th marks the next chapter for Evolve, but will that include a new champion? Or will Kendal stay undefeated as Evolve Women’s Champion?
My Thoughts:
A very good episode for Evolve, especially as we build towards the “season one finale” and then Succession 2 as the “season two premiere.” Swipe Right VS Mike & Eli was an awesome tag match, on the level of what you’d get for NXT or even main roster, but I figured Swipe Right would find a way to win. Mike’s new “Main Man” gimmick is clearly because there can’t be two cowboys and Tate Wilder has dibs on that gimmick. Harlem Lewis rightfully points out he won a title opportunity, but then Jensen seems to have already become Mr. Succession doing the major side story match. Jensen VS Lewis will be great, and will help Lewis be strong going into his own title match.
Drake VS Jones is going to be great, too, especially as a showdown between Evolve Champion and WWE ID Champion (and Jones is certainly still WWE ID Champion or they would’ve told us otherwise). It’d be kinda wild if Jones also becomes the first-ever Evolve & ID Champion, but something needs to happen where Drake is no longer Evolve Champion now that he’s on NXT. Rourke VS Gal was good stuff, and Rourke gets a great win for it. Good promo from Tate & Trill to put themselves forward as Faces against Team PC. Good promo from Team PC to set up a 5v5, that could probably be put on the season finale or even Succession.
Very good promo from Lyons, Grace, Masyn & Layla, and I knew they were gonna break the Heels. They’ll have a very good tag match, and I would think the Faces win since Layla & Masyn both lost before this point. Kali and Wendy had a good promo for it being so quick. I figured Kali would react that way when talking about therapy, and she’ll have a great match with Wendy. And great main event from Kendal and Karmen. Kendal of course won out, it’s a much bigger deal for her to lose that title at Succession. I feel like PJ should win at Succession to carry the title as the new Heel champion, with faces like Tyra Mae Steele chasing her.
My Score: 8.7/10
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