Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (2/20/23)
Raw is about respect!
Will The Now really be forever?
Austin Theory is STILL United States Champion after Elimination Chamber, but now things get Rated R as EDGE comes after the title!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Sami Zayn VS Baron Corbin; Sami wins.
- Mustafa Ali VS Dolph Ziggler; Ali wins.
- Asuka VS Nikki Cross; Asuka wins.
- Seth Rollins VS The Miz; Rollins wins.
- Bronson Reed VS Chad Gable w/ Otis; Bronson wins.
- WWE United States Champion: Austin Theory VS Edge; Theory wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Sami Zayn is here!
Fans fire up as the Honourary Hab, the Great Liberator, and the man who would have beaten Roman Reigns if not for The Bloodline as he heads to the ring. Sami grabs a mic and fans chant his name as the spotlight is on him. Fans then sing, “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~! OLE~, OLE~!” for him, too. Sami says, “Wow. I’m feeling a lot of feelings here, guys. After these past couple of days, the one feeling that comes to the front more than anything is gratitude. The ovation I’ve been given these past couple of days, and the ovation you guys just gave me just now, you have no idea what means to me. Thank you. Seriously, thank you so much.”
Fans chant, “You Deserve It!” and Sami is touched. Sami says that for him just as much as everyone, another thing he’s feeling is, after coming so close to putting a bow on a storybook ending in front of his hometown, he feels a lot of guilt. He feels like he let people down. Fans say “NO! NO! NO!” because he hasn’t let anyone down. Fans even chant “We Still Love You!” Sami says people told him to “finish the story,” but he didn’t, and after the last few days, he realized now more than ever, “around here, the story is NEVER over! However, we are entering the final chapter. And the final chapter is not just about me. So there’s one person that I do need to talk to more than anybody else.
“So Kevin Owens…! I would love it if you came out here right now.” Fans cheer that, and here comes KO! The Prizefighter joins his best frenemy in the ring, fans cheer him on now, and Kevin gets a mic. Sami says, “There was so much I wanted to say to you, and now that you’re standing here, I don’t know what I want to say. I wanna say… I wanna say thank you, I guess. I wanna say I’m sorry. But I know we’re kinda passed the point of words at this point, right? Let’s be honest, things got a little messy, right? There’s a lot that you said, that I said, that was done here that I don’t know if there’s any coming back from. I know, I know.
“But here’s the thing, Kevin. For months and months, you said there is only one thing that you care about, and that is taking down The Bloodline. And I know you better than anything, when you get something in your head, nothing stops you from doing it. But here’s the thing, Kevin. Now I have a mission. I will make sure, if it’s the last thing I do, I will not rest ’til I see with my own eyes that Roman Reigns and the Bloodline come crumbling down! But here’s the thing. You couldn’t do it alone. And I couldn’t really do it alone. But I do think that there’s only way to get it done. And that is if we do it… together!” Fans love the sound of that!
Kevin seems a bit surprised, and he says he doesn’t need an apology or gratitude. Saturday, what he did, it had nothing to do with Sami. Kevin didn’t do it for Sami, he did it for HIS family. Saturday, they were in the front row. But at the Royal Rumble, they were at home. And Sami stood there and watched it happen. Kevin needed the Bloodline to hurt. Kevin did it for Sami’s family so that his wife, children, father wouldn’t have to watch Sami get beat down! That’s why! Kevin has been fighting The Bloodline for months, on his own. As far as he’s concerned, that’s fine, and that’s the way he will keep fighting them.
Because Kevin still means what he said in November after Survivor Series about being done with Sami. But guess what? If Sami needs help taking them down, then just ask Jey. Kevin drops the mic and leaves while fans boo. Sami watches Kevin go but isn’t upset. Will Sami have to do things on his own, too?
But wait! BARON CORBIN ATTACKS! Corbin throws Sami around as Raw goes picture in picture! Corbin fires off hands, throws Sami into railing, then CLUBS away against barriers! Fans boo and give thumbs down but Corbin throws more hands. Corbin throws Sami back into railing, then tot he floor. Referees hurry on stage to stop Corbin but he goes back for more! Corbin rains down fists, refs back him off, but Sami gets up to go after Corbin! Sami returns fire with furious fists! Corbin trips and falls but gest right back up to CLOBBER Sami! Corbin hobbles but he drags Sami up. Security and officials rush out but Corbin still wants more!
Corbin whips Sami into the LEDs! Sami falls over, Corbin stands over him, but refs tell him to leave. Corbin storms down the ramp to ringside. Corbin soaks up the heat as he walks around the ring, then he gest in the ring. Raw returns to single picture as Corbin has the mic to ask, “How’d that feel?” Corbin says Sami interrupted him to cry about his insecurities, thinking he didn’t deserve to be in the same ring as Roman Reigns. Corbin says Sami didn’t, and Corbin should know, because Corbin is the last person to beat Roman Reigns! Roman embarrassed Sami in front of his family and friends, and tonight was pathetic.
Sami begged his “so-called best friend,” Kevin Owens. Sami wants to get at Corbin but Adam Pearce holds him back. Corbin says Sami’s story is done! Sami embarrassed himself, his hometown, and ALL of Canada! Because Sami is a complete and utter failure! Sami talks with Pearce, Pearce gives Sami the green light! Sami gets in the ring and TACKLES Corbin! Sami rains down fists, Corbin pushes him away, but Sami clotheslines Corbin out of the ring! A ref gets in the ring, this is a match!
Sami Zayn VS Baron Corbin!
The bell rings, Corbin gets up and Sami BLASTS him! Sami goes out to SMACK Corbin off the desk! Fans fire up with Sami and he POSTS Corbin! Sami puts Corbin back in the ring, runs corner to corner, but Corbin bails out! Fans boo but Corbin shoulders in then CLOBBERS Sami! Corbin rains down fists, then rips Sami’s shirt off him. Corbin drags Sami back up and he makes the world look at the bruises and scrapes from Eliminating Chamber’s title match. Corbin CLUBS Sami, shoves him to ropes and CLUBS him again! Corbin stands Sami up, ROCKS him, then shoves him, only for Sami to DECK Corbin!
Sami fires off hands now and whips Corbin to a corner. Corbin reverses, runs in, Sami dodges and Corbin hits buckles! Sami goes up top, for a FLYING- NO, choke grip to CHOKE SLAM BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Sami is still in this as Raw goes back to picture in picture.
Sami bails out of the ring but clutches his back. Corbin goes out after Sami, drags him up, and RAMS him into barriers! The front row cheers Sami on but Corbin puts him in the ring. Corbin stalks Sami, stands over him, then drags him up by his beard! Corbin puts Sami in the corner, whips him corner to corner hard, and Sami bounces off buckles to fall to the mat. Corbin looms over Sami, drags Sami back up, and CLUBS him back down! Corbin CLUBS Sami again, and again, and again, driving his elbow into the bruised back! Sami crawls to a corner, Corbin is on him again and puts him up top.
Corbin throws hands, climbs up after Sami, and he throws hands. Sami hits back with haymakers! Sami CLUBS Corbin, Corbin falls off the corner! Sami adjusts, leaps, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Corbin is still in this, but Sami grits his teeth as he stands. Sami hobbles, but Corbin RAMS him into a corner! Corbin drags Sami around, stomps him, then tells the ref to back off. Corbin runs to SPLASH! And then Corbin hauls Sami up to a Canadian Rack! Raw returns to single picture as Sami endures the backbreaker stretch! Fans rally, Sami fights free, and he elbows Corbin from the corner! Corbin comes back, but into a BOOT!
Sami goes up again, leaps, FLYING ELBOW! Sami goes up another corner, leaps again, another FLYING ELBOW! Ottawa fires up, but Corbin throws body shots! Sami blocks the bomb, wrenches out to kick low, and he goes up and up and FLYING DDT!! Cover, TWO!! Corbin survives but Sami keeps his focus. The fans rally behind him, but Corbin throat chops! Corbin whips, but Sami holds ropes! Sami dumps Corbin out, then builds speed! Sami FLIES! Direct hit and Ottawa is thunderous! Sami fires up, he puts Corbin back in, and Corbin flounders to the corner. Sami aims, runs in, but into a LARIAT!
Sami flounders, but Corbin rains down elbows and forearms on his bruised back! Corbin whips, and DEEP SIX! Cover, TWO!! Sami is still in this and Corbin is shocked! Fans fire up as Sami goes to the corner again. Corbin runs in, and hits a big clothesline! Corbin runs in again, another clothesline! Corbin goes corner to corner, Sami follows, HELLUVA KICK!! Cover, Sami wins!!
Winner: Sami Zayn, by pinfall
Ottawa sings along with Sami’s song as Sami gets redemption! Will Sami’s wish come true come WrestleMania? Will The Bloodline soon fall?
Byron Saxton has a sit-down interview with Rhea Ripley & Dominik Mysterio.
He appreciates them joining him. He wants to ask about Elimination Chamber. What about it? Well, she and Finn Balor faced The Grit Couple and ultimately came up short. Rhea says the last thing she will say about Beth Phoenix is that after going toe to toe, Beth admitted Rhea is the real deal. But for her, she and Beth have unfinished business. But that’s the past, and Rhea is fully focused on WrestleMania. Then does Rhea think that loss- Dom interrupts, saying Mami just said she’s done talking about Edge & Beth. “Those has-beens are just like my deadbeat dad, they’re not worth talking about.
“And Byron, if you keep asking stupid questions, you’re gonna find out what I did to people who talked too much when I was locked up.” In that case, Byron moves to WrestleMania and the SmackDown Women’s Champion, Charlotte Flair. How does Rhea respond to Charlotte saying that three years ago, Charlotte taught Rhea a lesson, but this year, she puts Rhea in her place. “Look, Charlotte can keep living in 2020. The only reason that she wants to keep talking about what happened three years ago is because she refuses to believe what everyone else can see, and that’s that right now, in the present, I am the best bloody woman here in the WWE.
“And as for lessons being learned, the only lesson is that Rhea Ripley doesn’t make the same mistakes twice. So if Charlotte wants to ‘put me in my place’ at WrestleMania, then good. Because my place is standing on top of her crumbled queendom when I walk out of WrestleMania the new SmackDown Women’s Champion.” Byron says looking ahead, what can we expect on Friday when Rhea goes face to face with Charlotte on SmackDown? Watch and find out. Dom says Rey has a match that day. Dom will “tag along” to watch. Rhea likes that idea. Byron, we’re done here. Rhea & Dom leave, but will they leave their mark on SmackDown this weekend?
WWE shares Austin Theory’s comments from the Elimination Chamber Press Conference.
The Now retained his title inside the Chamber, though it was because Logan Paul screwed over Seth Rollins. But Theory said, “If I have a United States Championship Open Challenge this Monday on Raw, who’s gonna step up.” Well, moments later, when Edge hand his turn to speak, he accepted! Theory’s work ethic will be tested, and Edge might even kick Theory’s teeth in!
Backstage interview with Austin Theory.
Cathy Kelley brings up tonight’s title match knowing Theory retained his title in the grueling Chamber match just 48 hours ago. Theory admits he’s banged up, but he’s here like he always is. And why’s that? Because he’s the champ! He stepped inside the Chamber with five of the best in the WWE. Included in those five was Seth Freakin’ Rollins. Rollins was someone everyone said had it in the bag, and what happened? Theory put him down like he said he would. Everything Theory says happens! But what he doesn’t understand is the headline. It isn’t that Theory is the Now, Then and Forever, but that John Cena is coming back to Raw in two weeks!
Theory is upset by that. What the headline should say is, “WHO CARES?” Where’s the respect for Theory for the work he puts in every week? But he has a US Championship Open Challenge tonight that was accepted by the Rated R Superstar. And Theory loves that, because he gets to beat a WWE Hall of Famer in his home country of “crappy Canada.” After that, Theory will continue his Forever Reign right on to WrestleMania, and his legacy will stand over everyone. Theory will never lose this title! How’s that for a headline?
Mustafa Ali VS Dolph Ziggler!
The Beacon seems to be pulling a page out of the Show-Off’s playbook by constantly complaining “It should’ve been me!” But will it be Ali with a win here tonight? Or will it be Ali having to eat his words when Ziggler humbles him?
Raw returns and Ali makes his entrance. The bell rings, Ali offers a handshake and Ziggler accepts it. But then Ziggler uses it to hit a fireman’s carry takeover! Cover, TWO! Fisherman cradle, TWO! Ali gets up, swings, but misses! Ziggler DECKS Ali, DECKS him again, then whips. Ali reverses, but Ziggler ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Ali! Ali goes to a corner, but Ziggler STINGER SPLASHES! And then NECKBREAKER! Ziggler fires up and fans fire up with him as Ali goes to ropes. Ali bails out before the superkick! But Ziggler drags him up by his hair! Ali HOTSHOTS Ziggler away!
Ali hurries inside, and he CLOBBERS Ziggler in return! Ali mockingly tells Ziggler to smile and be thankful that he’s here. Ali fishhooks Ziggler’s mouth! The ref reprimands, so Ali brings Ziggler up to suplex. Ziggler slips off, shoves Ali away, but Ali goes back out to the apron! ROUNDHOUSE! Down goes Ziggler and Ali smiles. Ali aims, somersaults, and- SATELLITE DDT! Cover, TWO!! Ali survives and Ziggler grows frustrated. Ziggler kicks Ali’s leg out, runs, FAMOUS- NO, Ali handstands free! Ghost pin, ALI WINS!
Winner: Mustafa Ali, by pinfall
Even Ali seems shocked he won! Ali celebrates big time, and he seems to mock Ziggler with it. But will Ali really get back on track after this?
Backstage interview with The Miz & Maryse.
Cathy Kelley lets them finish kissing and then Maryse hurries to get an envelope. Happy anniversary! Miz thanks Maryse, and brags that her gift was too big and expensive to bring across the border. She knows, she picked it. Anyway, Miz opens the envelope and… Is this real? What does it say? Maryse says to read the room, Cathy. Miz says this is bigger than his game winning half court shot in the NBA Celebrity Game. Cathy points out it didn’t count officially. Miz says this news is not for Cathy! This is to be broken by a world-renowned journalist: MIZ. But he’ll wait for next week, because tonight is about them.
Miz & Maryse kiss again but Cathy brings up Seth Rollins. Miz says, “What do you not understand about ‘us’?” GO! BYE! THANK YOU! But Miz has a match with Rollins after back-to-back losses to Boogs- Uh, those were both very controversial wins by Boogs! But if we’re to talk about Rollins, then maybe Rollins got a little too big for his stupid red boots last week. Miz is glad Rollins was brought down to earth by Miz’s former protégé, Logan Paul. Miz molded Logan into the superstar he is today. And in a way, Miz cost Rollins his US Championship. Miz’s outstanding tutelage ruined Rollin’s WrestleMania dreams, while this (the envelope) just made his dreams come true.
Miz and Maryse kiss again and head out. Will tonight be more awesome for The Miz? Or will Rollins #BurnItDown?
Cody Rhodes is here!
Ottawa cheers as The American Nightmare has his smoke and pyro then heads to the ring. Cody gets another round of pyro, then gets the mic. Fans cheer, and Cody asks, “So…” “Ladies and gentlemen…!” Paul Heyman is via the titantron, with a neck brace on, as he introduces himself. Cody asks, “Mr. Heyman… Where are you?” Uh, right here backstage. Oh, okay. So then, Heyman should just come out here in person. Everyone wants to hear what he has to say! Fans cheer, but Heyman sputters. He isn’t sure if Cody is aware of this, but Heyman was “mauled” on Saturday by a “KO-diac, and subject to the miserable Canadian healthcare system.”
Fans boo but Heyman says what should’ve been a celebratory weekend for The Tribal Chief ended up a tragedy for the Wise Man. But Heyman assures us, “the true tragedy of this story that you want to finish will befall, sir, onto you.” Heyman has Cody stay calm and wants us to hear him out. “Cody, man to man, face as close as to willing I am to be to face, you can’t beat Roman Reigns! Oh, they can boo all they want, but let’s go on the hypothetical. Let’s play to everybody’s fantasy. Let’s say that the stars align, the gods smile upon you, the devil collects my debt. Let’s say at WrestleMania, Cody Rhodes beats the Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, for these championships.
“Then, sir, what will your life be like? Have you ever heard the phrase, ‘indentured servitude?'” Heyman knows that we’re thinking Roman doesn’t live that life. But that’s because Roman has a Special Counsel. Roman has The Wise Man. Roman has Paul Heyman. If Cody defeats Roman for the titles, which he won’t, but if he does… Cody won’t have Paul Heyman. “So let’s do the math, playing to this notion that Cody Rhodes defeats Roman Reigns. What will your life be like? First of all, 200 days a year on the road, defending these championships. 40 to 50, let’s mark it up, 50 days a year doing charity appearances and red carpets. Now we’re at 250.
“Thirty days a year overseas promoting the general brand of World Wrestling Entertainment. Now we’re at 280. Another 20 days promoting WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Survivor Series, Royal Rumble, Money in the Bank, Backlash, I don’t know, Peoria! Oh, let’s not forget to promote your title defenses in Peoria. Now that’s 300, 305 days a year, that means 60 days at home. And what happens to those 60 days? 20 of them, Spike calls? Skype calls? What do you call ’em? Zoom calls, promoting the product, meetings.
“What did your brother Dustin so famously say? The American Dream, Dusty Rhodes, was one the road, he was never home. And even when he was home, he was never home. Is that the life you want for your wife and child? Is that what you want for your family, Cody? Is that the sacrifice that you’re willing to make for these titles?! I know what you’re thinking. I’m about to say something really vile and vulgar and contemptible, like, ‘Hey, don’t worry, Cody. On a cold winter night, Roman Reigns will keep your wife warm.’ I would never say something like that. Roman Reigns is a happily married man. But I’m not!”
Fans boo Heyman going there, but Heyman assures Cody that that is when he finds out his WrestleMania dreams are going to become his own personal nightmares. Heyman “drops the mic” by taking off the lapel mic, and Cody paces as he tries to contain his feelings. Fans cheer Cody on, and Cody says, “Damn! Roman Reigns is great. You’re great, Roman. But I have seen this play before. Do not send this man again. We haven’t come face to face yet, we probably will and it’ll probably be very soon. And I will say the same thing to you now that I’m going to say then.
“You are without a doubt the greatest WWE Undisputed Universal Champion in the history of the company. You are the current bets champion in all of sports. But it doesn’t change a damn thing! I HAVE to finish the story! I beat you at WrestleMania!” Fans fire up as Cody does a REAL mic drop! Will the American Nightmare only be a nightmare for the Head of the Table?
Asuka VS Nikki Cross!
The Empress of Tomorrow is poised for WrestleMania and the Raw Women’s Championship after winning the Elimination Chamber match, but she isn’t just going to rest on her laurels! Will the Loony Lass not be ready for Asuka?
Raw returns and Nikki makes her entrance. The bell rings and the two circle, but here comes Bianca Belair! Both Asuka and Nikki watch The EST struts out with the title to join commentary. Nikki and Asuka rush each other, Nikki dodges a kick to throw Asuka by her hair! Nikki rains down fists then sits Asuka up to smile. Asuka shoves Nikki away but Nikki CHOPS! Asuka snarls, things speed up, Asuka avoids the crossbody to SLIDING KICK! Asuka then stands Nikki up for knee after knee! Nikki blocks the suplex to put Asuka up on the ropes. Asuka slips off, avoids Nikki’s shoulder, and KICKS away on her in the ropes!
Asuka grins as she brings Nikki out, but Nikki pushes her away. But Asuka hits a POP-UP KNEE! Nikki staggers back, Asuka kicks, but Nikki ducks! Asuka hits only post! Nikki dragon sleepers, for a REVERSE DDT to the apron! Nikki grins and Asuka writhes while Raw goes picture in picture.
Nikki drags Asuka off the apron to THROW her into the barriers! Nikki tells everyone to stay down, then she refreshes the ring count. Nikki drags Asuka up, POSTS her, then fires up as she goes to commentary. Nikki messes with Kevin Patrick, then puts Asuka back in the ring. Cover, TWO! Nikki is upset but Asuka kicks her from below. Nikki CLUBS Asuka down, brings her up, and whips, only for Asuka to reverse. Asuka runs in to back elbow! Asuka CLUBS away on Nikki, bumps her off buckles, then brings her around to bump off more buckles! The ref counts, Asuka lets off, but then just brings Nikki to another corner.
Nikki hits back and she bumps Asuka off buckles! Nikki brings Asuka in and turns her for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Nikki still grins and she drags Asuka back up. Nikki RAMS into Asuka at the ropes, but Asuka hits back. Nikki CLUBS her down, but Asuka kicks her. Nikki grinds her forearms into Asuka’s face, covers, TWO! Nikki keeps on Asuka with an armlock, wraps it up a into a top wristlock, but Asuka endures. Nikki thrashes around, Bianca even rallies for Asuka, and Asuka throws body shots. Asuka is free but Nikki throat chops! Nikki stomps a mudhole, then tells the ref to back off. Nikki whips Asuka corner to corner but Asuka goes up and MISSILE DROPKICKS!
Both women are down, Raw returns to single picture, and fans rally up. Asuka and Nikki both stand up, and they both run in! Asuka dodges to KICK, KICK and URAKEN! URAKEN! SOBAT! URAKEN! BOOT! ROUNDHOUSE! HEEL KICK! Fans fire up and Asuka GERMAN SUPLEXES! Asuka holds on, she brings Nikki back up, another GERMAN SUPLEX! Asuka drags Nikki up again, GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Nikki escapes but Asuka grins. Nikki goes to the apron, flops to the floor, but Asuka runs in to slide, only to fall for the apron skirt trap! Nikki fires off on Asuka, then lets off as the ref counts.
The ring count climbs but Nikki puts Asuka in at 6 of 10. Nikki climbs, but Asuka ROCKS her first! Asuka climbs up, bumps Nikki off buckles, and then brings Nikki around to SUPER DDT!! Cover, TWO!!? Nikki survives and even Bianca’s surprised. Asuka and Nikki go forehead to forehead and they throw forearms! Fans fire up, Asuka gets the edge, and she KICKS Nikki in the chest! And KICKS again! And again! Nikki slaps herself and fires up, but Asuka KICKS her down! Nikki sits up, ducks the buzzsaw, and fireman’s carries! But Asuka slips off, shoves Nikki away, ROUNDHOUSE! Chicken wing!
Nikki flails, fireman’s carries, and MICHINOKU DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!!! Asuka survives and Nikki is furious! Nikki drags Asuka up, but Asuka wrenches out, TAKEDOWN into the RINGS OF SATURN!! Nikki grins but she verbally quits, Asuka wins!
Winner: Asuka, by submission
Even Bianca applauds that win, and then she joins Asuka in the ring. Fans fire up seeing champion and challenger stare down, and Bianca holds up the title. Fans cheer as they both point to the WrestleMania sign, but then Asuka spits up the blue liquid! Only Asuka is smiling now. Is Bianca not going to be ready for Asuka when they meet on the Grandest Stage of Them All?
Backstage interview with Carmella.
Cathy brings up how Asuka is the one going to challenge Bianca, has the Fabulous Princess given any thought to her own Road to WrestleMania? Mella says Elimination Chamber was just two days ago, okay? So no, she hasn’t thought up a whole new game plan in just 48 hours. But what she has thought of is Asuka. “That little freak thinks she can mess with the Moonwalking, Trash-talking Princess of Staten Island? I don’t think so. So I’m about to make Bianca’s Road to WrestleMania super easy when I return one hell of a receipt to Asuka. Because Mella, is, money!” Mella heads out, and then Cathy spots Seth Rollins.
Rollins seems in a good mood considering everything that happened with Logan Paul. Does he care to comment? “Two times now, Logan Paul has ruined my WrestleMania plans. And he thinks this is a game, he wants to hit me with my own move, he wants to get on social media and call me a clown! HAHAHAHAHA! Well, Logan! Joke’s on you. See, Logan may not be very familiar with a certain side of me, but anyone who has gotten in my way knows that side all too well. I’m going to find Logan Paul, and I’m going to hurt Logan Paul.” But since Logan isn’t here, the man who wants to take credit for Logan’s success, The Miz, seems like the perfect surrogate for the suffering.
Rollins laughs his way to gorilla, will he be the only one laughing after he burns it down?
MVP speaks.
“Brock Lesnar. You, sir, are a coward. You realized that you couldn’t escape Bobby Lashley’s Hurt Lock, so you got yourself disqualified at the Elimination Chamber.” Omos is there with MVP, and MVP says the Nigerian Giant is issuing a challenge to face Lesnar at WrestleMania! Lesnar can show up next week to officially accept, “if you have the intestinal fortitude.” Will the Beast have more than enough courage to come back and conquer Omos?
Seth Rollins VS The Miz!
The Visionary was perhaps goaded into insulting Logan Paul by the Hollywood A-Lister, but will he add insult to injury when he takes out the man who brought the ImPAULsive Influencer to the WWE? Or will The Miz hit his shot like he technically did at the NBA Celebrity Game?
The bell rings while fans sing “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Rollins then CLOBBERS Miz! And fires off in the corner! The ref counts, Rollins lets off with stomps, and Miz bails out. Fans fire up as Rollins goes out the side and storms up, but Miz kicks low! Rollins blocks the desk bump to SMACK Miz off the desk! And then Rollins THROWS Miz into barriers! Fans fire up while the ring count climbs. Rollins puts Miz in at 5 of 10 and he slides in. Fans sing more as Rollins stands on Miz’s back. Rollins fishhooks Miz and then hits crossface forearms! Miz crawls away, Rollins runs in and clotheslines Miz up and out!
Fans fire up more as Rollins builds speed! Rollins WRECKS Miz and Miz goes flying over the desk! Fans fire up as Miz crawls out from the armchairs. Rollins storms up, Miz hurries into the ring and uses the ref as a shield! Kick to the legs, BASEMENT DDT! Cover, TWO! Miz is in control now as Raw goes picture in picture.
Rollins bails out, Miz catches his breath, and then Miz runs to WRECK Rollins! Rollins hits barriers, Miz mocks the fans singing, and Miz drags Rollins back up. Miz puts Rollins in, climbs a corner, and Miz leaps to AX HANDLE! Cover, TWO! Miz keeps cool but the fans keep singing. Rollins stands up while Miz tells fans to shut up. Rollins ROCKS Miz with haymakers! And CHOPS! Rollins whips, Miz reverses and kitchen sink knees! Then Miz runs to BASEMENT BOOT! Cover, TWO! Miz JAMS his knee into Rollins’ back and pulls on the arms. Rollins endures the stretch and fights up to his feet to turn things around on Miz!
Rollins stretches Miz but Miz turns things around onto Rollins. Miz even digs his boot into Rollins’ back to add onto the stretch. Rollins still fights back up, throws elbows, then swings, into the BACKBREAKER and NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Miz’s A-List Combination wasn’t enough, but he CHOKES Rollins on the ropes! The ref counts, Miz runs side to side to STRADDLE ATTACK! Miz paces around Rollins with a smirk, and Raw returns to single picture. Miz points to Rollins, fans cheer. Miz holds up his hands for himself, the fans boo. Miz verifies that by doing it all again, and yes, fans cheer Rollins and boo Miz.
Rollins stands, he throws body shots, and then he throws haymakers! Rollins CHOPS, runs, but Miz kitchen sink- ROLL-UP! TWO!! Rollins CHOPS again, and again, then whips! Miz reverses and Rollins hits buckles hard! Miz KICKS Rollins but fans taunt him with “TINY BALLS!” Miz KICKS more, then goes to the far corner. Fans boo, Miz runs in, but into a LARIAT! Fans fire up while both men are down! Fans sing again, Miz crawls to ropes and stands up. Miz swings, but Rollins counter punches him! And again! Rollins ROCKS, CHOPS and repeat on Miz! The ref counts as they end up on ropes, Rollins whips but Miz reverses, only for Rollins to CLOBBER Miz!
Rollins rallies on Miz, mule kicks and front kicks to then ROLLING ELBOW! Fans fire up with Rollins and he drags Miz up. Suplex, but Miz slips free to roll Rollins. Rollins rolls through to SUPERKICK! Fans fire up again and Rollins aims from the corner. Miz avoids the stomp but Rollins kicks low! Underhooks, but Miz trips Rollins! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Sunset flip, TWO! Miz pushes Rollins to a corner, runs in, but into a BOOT! Rollins goes up but Miz trips him, for a DRAPING CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Rollins survive but Miz snarls. Fans taunt Miz more but Miz powers up. Rollins sits up, Miz full nelsons!
Rollins arm-drags free, catches Miz to a back suplex but Miz lands on his feet! Miz ducks ‘n’ dodges, BUSAIKU KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Miz admits Rollins is tough, but the fans still taunt him with “TINY BALLS!” Miz KICKS Rollins in the chest, KICKS him again, then KICKS again and again and again! Fans chant “NO! NO! NO!” but Miz reminds Rollins that Miz cost him the title. Rollins blocks the kick! ROLLING ELBOW! Rollins keeps Miz from falling over, and he fires off forearm after forearm! Then the turn, for the DREAM SMASHER ELBOW! And CURB STOMP!! Fans fire up because Rollins isn’t done there!
Rollins fires up and the fans are with him! Rollins tells “Mike” to sit up, Miz does sit up, CURB STOMP!! But Rollins still isn’t done, and many fans want that “ONE MORE TIME!” Rollins agrees, and this is the viciousness he mentioned earlier. The ref tells Rollins no, Miz is done. Rollins STILL CURB STOMPS Miz!!! The ref calls it, Rollins wins!!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by referee stoppage
The Miz was knocked out cold by Rollins’ burning anger! Fans sing for the Visionary, will Rollins make sure to “introduce” Logan Paul to this side?
Carmella talks with Adam Pearce.
She appreciates him taking the time since she knows he’s super busy. He wants to thank her for the positive attitude, it is refreshing. So if Mella wants to face Asuka next week, he’ll make that match. In fact, it is official. Mella thanks “honey bunny” Pearce, then she heads out. But then someone calls Pearce. It’s Chelsea Green. She knows he knows who she is, but she wants to let him know that their “awful talent relations department” seems to have sent her to Ottawa, Illinois instead of Ottawa, Canada. How did this happen? On second thought, don’t answer that. How are they going to make this up to her?
Pearce apologizes, but next week, WWE will be in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in the US. So he will call the travel department and get this figured out. Chelsea can’t just be left here! She goes on and on but Pearce says he can’t hear her. Technical difficulties or something. Okay, see you next week. Pearce hangs up and walks on, to find The Alpha Academy posing in front of a mirror. Chad Gable wonders what “those clowns” in Maximum Male Models are missing about his look. He’s got great complexion, great physical condition. Any idiot can do modeling! But then Bronson Reed walks up. “Is this how you prepare for a match?”
Gable tells Bronson that not only is Gable a bonafide Olympian and a man with “a big, beautiful golden brain,” but Gable is also on the cusp of a very lucrative modeling career. Then get ready to model a full body cast! Otis says no one talks to Master Chad like that. Bronson chuckles and heads out. Will the Colossal Aussie crush Gable’s modeling hopes ‘n’ dreams with one Tsunami?
DING DONG, HELLO~!
Bayley returns to Raw and she’s brought her friends in Damage CTRL, Dakota Kai & Iyo Sky! Bayley says hello and welcomes us to her show. She could’ve called it, “Ding Dong, Bonjour,” but she takes that back cuz these fans are booing. But since we’re in Canada, she didn’t wanna come and could’ve stayed home to sulk over not getting into the Elimination Chamber match like she deserves. But since in Canada, today is Family Day, Bayley decided to pick herself up and spend today with her family, DMG CTRL! Bayley hugs Kai & Sky and says they know how much she loves them. “But these idiots don’t know how to love you! these idiots don’t love you the way that I do!”
Bayley says Kai & Sky are so underappreciated, so that’s why she has them on her show. So to the questions! First, Dakota. “How does it feel to be the greatest Women’s Tag Team Champions of all time?” Kai says that is an amazing question, and she says she and Sky wouldn’t be here without Bayley, their “fearless leader” and beloved Role Model. That is why Kai & Sky have completely dominated for over 100 days! They’ve been on every show, beaten the likes of Alexa Bliss, Asuka, Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, and even The Man, Becky Lynch. And they will dominate for another 100, and another 100, and-
WAIT! Here comes The Man! Ottawa just entered the Big Time, but Bayley is upset Becky is interrupting her show! Becky says “Greatest tag team champions, she calls them. It’s been nine full moons cycles since the last time you defended those titles! No, no, no, no. Those titles are getting dusty! There’s cobwebs in them titles! There’s probably some spiders living in there. You two, you’re not gonna get to just sit on those titles and coast to WrestleMania.” Becky has a plan: she wants to take those titles into WrestleMania! Fans fire up for that, but DMG CTRL laughs. Becky is a joker. With who? Her daughter? HA! Becky’s got no friends!
Becky says she’s not sure her daughter is ready for this level of awesomeness, but there is someone Becky is thinking of. LITA!! Fans fire up as the legend returns again! DMG CTRL freaks out as Becky & Lita head to the ring! Bayley refuses to let them interrupt her show, unless they use the door! Lita knocks, but then Bayley says they’re not welcome. Becky still steps through. What’s Lita even doing here? Becky must be desperate if she’s bringing her around! But fans chant for Lita nice and loud! Bayley waits for them to calm down, and asks Lita if she remembers the last time they were in the ring together. They tried to end each other! Can they even trust each other?
Becky tells Bayley not to even try that, she already apologized to Lita. Becky admits she gets a bit “Gollum-y” when titles are concerned. Lita says Gollum is kinda cute in a goofy way. But they’re both past all that. But Bayley has a good point: Lita has her eyes set on a fifth title run. But if Lita can’t get that title against Becky, she likes the idea of walking into Mania as a tag team champ. Fans like that, too! Lita tells Kai & Sky, “This is an official challenge for a tag team title match!” Bayley says those two are not even CLOSE to being worthy against two of the best.
Well, Lita is a Hall of Famer and a four-time champion while Becky won the first women’s main event at Mania. They’re two of the greatest ever, that’s enough! And maybe, if Kai & Sky are the greatest, they should want to prove it. So what’s the problem here? They are the greatest! Then they should defend the titles, right? Unless… Are they scared? Are they? Bayley says they’re not scared, Kai & Sky accept!! But then Kai & Sky ask Bayley what she’s doing! Bayley says it’ll be fine, but then Becky & Lita literally snatch the belts away! Fans fire up as Becky and Lita say they’re the future champs!
Bayley steps up, the titles are thrown at her! DMG CTRL is literally on their heels, and Bayley might’ve just bitten off more than the team can chew! Will Lita & Becky make WrestleMania in Hollywood even bigger?
Backstage interview with Candice LeRae.
Byron says coming out of Elimination Chamber, do we have an injury update on her husband, Johnny Gargano? Candice says Johnny got pretty banged up, and the Chamber is definitely one of the most brutal matches in the WWE. But she assures us that… Wait, Nikki walks over. Candice won’t let her stalk her anymore, and she wants to know why. Nikki tries to squirrel away, but Candice keeps her there. Candice says she has a match against Piper Niven to worry about, she can’t focus on that and Nikki always popping up. Just tell her why! Nikki is sheepish, mumbles something, but then she runs off.
Candice is confused, but what did Nikki say? That all her friends are gone and she’s alone. Candice gets back to Johnny. Johnny will be back, but she has to go. Was Nikki just wanting to be Candice’s friend this whole time?
Bronson Reed VS Chad Gable w/ Otis!
It took just about everyone else in the Men’s Elimination Chamber to eliminate the Colossal Aussie, will even the big brain of “Master Gable” fail to stop him? Or will Gable have a plan for avoiding the Tsunami?
Raw returns and Bronson makes his entrance. The bell rings, Gable shoots around to headlock but Bronson powers out and CLOBBERS Gable! Gable flounders out of the ring, Otis coaches him, but Bronson goes to the apron. FLYING SHOULDER! Otis coaches Gable more but Bronson stares him down. Fans fire up for these mirror images staring down, but Bronson puts Gable in the ring. Bronson bumps Gable off buckles, CLOBBERS him, then looms over him. Bronson drags Gable back up, whips him to a corner hard, and Gable bounces off buckles! Bronson then goes up as Gable stands, for a FLYING- NO! ANKLE LOCK!!
Gable has Bronson’s leg, Bronson rolls and BOOTS him away! Gable fires off forearm sand uppercuts and knees! Gable CHOPS, runs, but Bronson reels him in to CLUB him! Bronson back suplexes, Gable lands on his feet to waistlock, and he manages to lift Bronson!? Bronson elbows free, Gable runs and Gable runs Bronson over! Bronson goes up top, to DIVING HEADBUTT! Cover, ONE!! Bronson is still in this, but Gable runs, into a LARIAT! Otis looks and sees Maxxine Dupri in the crowd. Maxxine waves hi, but Bronson gets Gable up! Gable slips out of the bomb to ROCK Bronson with a forearm!
Gable staggers to a corner, Bronson runs in but Gable dodges! GERMAN SUPLEX?!?! Bridging cover, TWO!!! Fans fire up as Bronson bails out,. Otis talks with Maxxine about the modeling but Gable tries to get his attention. Bronson returns to SPLASH Gable in the corner! Whip and POWERSLAM! Bronson drags Gable to the drop zone, goes up top, TSUNAMI!!! Cover, Bronson wins!
Winner: Bronson Reed, by pinfall
Otis realizes he just missed the natural disaster that demolished his coach! Will Maxxine sign “Otīs” to her stable when the Alpha Academy crumbles to the ground?
Ladies and gentlemen: Elias.
The Drifter is here and he has the mic to say, “Hello, I am Elias. Rick Boogs, I hope you’re back there taking notes right now, because this is how you do it.” Boogs is watching, and he IS taking notes! Elias says, “This is the time of the year that legends come out. This is the time of the year when stars are made. And lemme tell ya, there are no bigger stars than Elias. There’s no bigger legend than Elias. And so the question that has to be on everybody’s mind right now, and Boogs, you better be back there taking notes, is this: Who wants to Walk With Elias at WrestleMania?” Ottawa seems pretty fired up.
Elias wants someone to show up to stand center stage on the Grandest Stage with the Grandest Performer! But wait, here comes BOBBY LASHLEY! Elias didn’t expect the All Mighty but he gets ready for him! Lashley runs in to SPINEBUSTER Elias! Elias bails but Lashley pursues! Lashley hauls Elias up to RAM him into barriers! And then he fireman’s carries, to POST Elias! Ottawa fires up as Lashley drags Elias up again, puts him in the ring, and then SPEARS!! But Lashley isn’t done, he clamps on the HURT LOCK!! Elias taps but that won’t save him! Lashley TOSSES Elias away, then gets the mic.
“Everybody has a plan until I slap that Hurt Lock in. This past weekend, I put Brock Lesnar in the Hurt Lock. And Brock Lesnar panicked, and he had to resort to a low blow. Not Brock Lesnar, not Bray Wyatt, not Elias, nobody in that locker room breaks the Hurt Lock. So know I will not be disrespected by nobody in this locker room. If you disrespect me, I will put you down.” The All Mighty has spoken! Will all fall before him? Is Boogs taking notes on what not to do with an Open Challenge?
Backstage interview with Edge.
Byron congratulates the Rated R Superstar on the win he and Beth Phoenix got over Finn Balor & Rhea Ripley on Saturday. But no rest for the weary, as Edge accepted Theory’s Open Challenge. How is he feeling just moments away from this huge match? Edge is happy to put Judgment Day behind him, Beth is happy at home with their daughters, and Edge finally feels like he can get to the goals he set for himself. So when Theory issued an open challenge, Edge just had to take him up on it.
“See, Austin Theory has the physical abilities to help shape the WWE for the next two decades, just like how I helped shape the last three. But does he have the mental? That’s where our similarities end. The thing with youth is sometimes, it comes with ignorance. He talks about his Forever Reign, but nothing lasts forever. And I don’t wanna be that guy, but I’m about to be that guy. And cliches are cliches for a reason because they’re true. With age comes wisdom. More than anyone else in that locker room, I know that all of this can be taken away faster than I’m gonna smack that stupid duck face off his overly manscaped head tonight.
“Now, I haven’t held a championship here in a long time. I’ve done everything else there is to do in this business, but I haven’t held a title in a while. And we both know that window is closing more and more every day, I’m running outta time. My second match in this company was here, in 1997. I haven’t performed here in 19 years. So it’d feel pretty damn good to win it here, and walk into WrestleMania as the United States Champion. Now I know I’ve had a lot of cliches on me, Byron, but here’s one of them: Never say never.” Edge heads out, will he once again reign on this day?
WWE United States Champion: Austin Theory VS Edge!
Raw returns and Edge makes his entrance. Introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if The Now loses to the past!
The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally for Edge, he and Theory tie up, and Edge headlocks, spins, hammerlocks and trips Theory! Theory scrambles away in a huff and fans fire up for Edge again. Edge and Theory circle, tie up, and Theory headlocks. Edge powers out, hurdles, and hurdles! Fans chant “You Still Got It!” as Edge trips Theory, drags him out, and wheelbarrow SLAMS him to the floor! Edge keeps the ring count fresh as fans rally up again. Edge drags Theory up, SMACKS him off the desk, then puts him back in the ring. Theory checks his face, Edge brings him up to a headlock.
Theory powers out, hurdles, hurdles, but Edge faked him out on that one! RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Cover, TWO! Edge keeps focus as he watches Theory clutch his neck. Edge stalks Theory to ropes and Raw goes picture in picture.
Edge bumps Theory off buckles, throws haymakers, then whips corner to corner hard! Theory bounces off buckles and falls, clutching his back. Edge drags Theory back up, to DECK him with a forearm! Theory flounders to a corner, Edge brings him up, but Theory throws hands! Theory backs Edge up, throws hands, bumps him off buckles and RAMS into him again and again! Theory tells fans to shut up, then he brings Edge back up. Theory puts Edge on ropes to fire forearms into the back! The ref counts, Theory lets off, and Edge falls tot he apron. Theory kicks Edge to the floor, then goes out after him.
Theory aims but Edge blocks the barrier bump. Edge SMACKS Theory off the barriers instead! Fans fire up as Edge follows Theory, but Theory kicks back! Edge hits back to SMACK Theory off the barriers! Edge refreshes the ring count, and RAMS Theory into barriers! Edge puts Theory in the ring, stalks him, and stomps away on him. Edge drags Theory up, whips him to ropes, but Theory kicks back! Theory runs in, but Edge tosses him up and out! Theory crashes off the apron and hits the floor! Edge goes out after Theory and brings him up for haymakers. Theory staggers, Edge pushes him back into the ring and covers, TWO!
Edge clamps right onto an arm! Theory endures the armlock, Raw returns to single picture, and Theory fights up. Theory kicks low, throws hands, and stomps away in the corner! The ref counts, Theory whips Edge corner to corner, but Edge slides out! Theory rushes out but Edge slides back in. Theory slides back in but Edge slides back out. Theory grows frustrated, he chases Edge around the ring, but Edge hits a back drop to the floor! Fans fire up as Edge gets on the apron, and FLYING LARIATS! Down goes Theory and fans fire up again! Edge puts Theory in at 6 of 10, covers, TWO! Edge wraps on a chinlock and grinds Theory down.
Theory fights up, throws hands to get free, and he LARIATS Edge! Fans boo but Theory rains down fists! Theory lets off to soak up the heat and Edge sits up. Theory stomps Edge, bumps him off buckles, then whips him corner to corner hard! Theory runs in to clothesline, then he scoops to FALL AWAY SLAM! Theory covers, TWO! Theory wraps on a chinlock and grinds Edge down. Fans rally as Edge endures but Theory says this is HIS time. Edge fights up and pries at the hold, but Theory throws him down by his head! Cover, TWO! Theory clamps the chinlock back on and he grinds Edge back down.
Edge still endures, Theory says he grew up watching Edge and now he’ll beat Edge! But Edge fights up again, fans fire up, and Edge throws body shots! Edge ROCKS Theory, ROCKS him again, then whips Theory to a corner. Edge runs in, but Theory drop toeholds him into buckles! Then somersault SHOTGUN! Cover, TWO! Theory grows frustrated but he rains down fists as Raw goes back to picture in picture.
Theory lets off on Edge, soaks up the heat from Ottawa as he mocks Edge’s rock ‘n’ roll hands, then TOSSES Edge out of the ring. Theory flexes while Edge is down on the floor. Theory grins, goes out after Edge, and he stands Edge up, only for Edge to avoid the chop! Edge turns things around and he CHOPS Theory! Theory is stinging but the fans fire up, only for Theory to POST Edge! Edge gets in the ring but Theory is right after him to cover, TWO! Theory sits Edge up, clamps on an armlock and grinds forearms into Edge’s face. Edge endures, fights up, and he pries the forearm away, only for Theory to knee low!
Theory snap suplexes Edge, covers, TWO! Theory smiles and taunts the fans. Theory talks trash about how HE is the champ, HE is The Now, and Edge is the past. Theory drags Edge up, ROCKS him with a haymaker, then pushes him around. Theory throws more hands, he DECKS Edge, then cocky covers, TWO! Theory stomps Edge down, then paces around. Raw returns to single picture and Theory stomps Edge more! “Show me something!” Fans boo but Theory drags Edge up. Theory tells fans to shut up, and he goes to suplex. Edge blocks, fans fire up, and Edge throws body shots! Theory ROCKS Edge again, then RAMS him into a corner!
Theory hoists Edge up top, throws more hands, then climbs up after him. Theory stands Edge up, but Edge blocks the superplex! Edge throws body shots, and SUPER GOURD BUSTERS Theory down! Edge then adjusts, to CROSSBODY from behind! Both men are down after what was almost a flying bulldog! Edge crawls to ropes, as does Theory. Fans rally up for Edge, he shakes out the cobwebs and sees Theory stand. Theory staggers up, into a LARIAT! Edge rallies and then FLAPJACKS! Theory swings, into the EDGE-O-MATIC! Cover, TWO! Theory survives but Edge drags him back up and reels him in!
Theory blocks the lift, throws body shots, then swings and ELBOWS! Theory fisherman’s a leg, but Edge fights that off! Edge suplexes Theory but Theory lands on the apron! Theory CLUBS then HOTSHOTS Edge! Slingshot somersault, but into a POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Theory survives again but Edge keeps his cool. Fans rally up again as Edge goes to a corner! Theory goes to the other side, Edge runs in, but Theory hurdles! Edge POSTS himself, then Theory comes in to MONKEY FLIP! Edge lands on his feet?! Theory swings, into a takedown! CROSSFACE!! Theory endures, flails, reaches out, ROPEBREAK!
The fans boo but Edge lets off as Theory survives by a literal foot. Edge storms back up, but Theory trips him! High stack, feet on the ropes! The ref sees that and fans cheer! Theory argues but Edge rolls him up! TWO and Edge hits buckles! Theory fireman’s carries! A-TOWN- NO!! IMPALER!!! Edge crawls to the cover, TWO!!! Theory survives one of Edge’s best and no one can believe it! Theory and Edge stir, fans rally up, “This is Awesome!” Edge grits his teeth, the fans are thunderous, and Edge goes back to the corner. Theory slowly rises but Edge takes aim! Only for FINN BALOR to show up! Edge DECKS Finn! And dodges Theory! Roll-up, TWO!!
The ref doesn’t see Finn GAMANGIRI! Theory fireman’s carries! A-TOWN DOWN!!! Cover, Theory wins!
Winner: Austin Theory, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)
Theory survives Edge thanks to Judgment Day’s front man! But Finn adds on by throwing down fists! Fans boo but The Prince stomps away on Edge! Finn then drags Edge to a drop zone and goes to a corner! Finn climbs up, for COUP DE GRACE!! Finn tells Edge this is far from over, this is just the beginning! Finn goes up again?! The refs tell him now, but Finn hits another COUP DE GRACE!!! And then a THIRD COUP DE GRACE!!! Finn said this was just the beginning, but did he just end the Rated R Superstar’s run in WWE?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw to follow up Elimination Chamber, and great follow-up for Sami Zayn’s part of the Bloodline story. I suppose Kevin Owens not forgiving Sami so easily makes sense, Kevin is good about keeping consistency as a character even as he turns Heel and Face. But somehow, someway, Sami will get Kevin on his side, because Kevin can never truly cut Sami out of his life. And great match from Sami and Corbin. I did like that Pearce was willing to let Sami go after Corbin after Corbin insulted Sami hard. Sami stays strong, and Corbin’s story takes an interesting turn. Maybe he’s going to be “Angry Corbin” like I imagined months ago.
Great promo segment from Cody and Heyman. I love how Heyman is selling that Stunner he got with that neck brace. And Heyman can’t help himself but to make this personal with Cody. Cody warning Roman not to have Heyman talk anymore is great, too, and actually out of the box for a feud with a manager involved. At least, I’ve never seen that. But of course Elias gets beat up daring someone to show up. I also did like that Boogs really was taking notes. Lashley rebounds from the lame finish to his match with Lesnar, but he name-dropped Bray so clearly that will still be the Mania plan.
MVP calling out Lesnar on behalf of Omos (and technically Lashley) was a surprise. Seems like a letdown from what could’ve been Lesnar VS Bray, but maybe we get an unofficial tournament of monsters? Night one: Bray VS Lashley, Lesnar VS Omos. Night two: the winners face off, which I’d assume are Bray and Lesnar. Ali VS Ziggler was rather quick but I think that works into the story they’re building. Ali was rather hilariously sarcastic with how happy he was to win, but I’m thinking this is just the first of many matches.
Asuka VS Nikki was great stuff, and Asuka creeping Bianca out was a nice touch. Nikki then showing up in a very different demeanor during Candice’s segment was interesting. Instead of Candice and Mia as a team, are we getting Candice and Nikki? Carmella had a good segment with Pearce that of course found a way to bring Chelsea Green into it. I suppose it was creative to have Chelsea somehow end up in the wrong Ottawa, though I don’t think she can blame the WWE’s various departments on this one. And I’m thinking Chelsea ends up in another match that should humble her but will only enhance her ego.
Also really fun Ding Dong Hello segment. Bayley gets goaded into something again like when Becky first challenged her to the Steel Cage match. Dakota is still selling bad leg, but she could surely be fine next week. Maybe Becky & Lita win, maybe Kai & Sky retain, but I’m just glad they’re getting the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships going again. Having the title match next week must mean something even bigger is planned for WrestleMania, so I’m sticking to thinking it’ll be a Fatal 4 Way, with contenders from every brand, including NXT since NXT will be in town for Stand & Deliver.
Fun promo from Gable, Otis and Bronson before Gable VS Bronson. Gable managing a German Suplex was awesome, but I figured Bronson would win. And Maxxine continues to court Otis, I’m pretty sure we’ll see Alpha Academy VS MMM happen, but I would also love to see Otis VS Bronson. Those guys are true hosses if I ever did see one. And honestly, it’d be a fitting move if losing to MMM and/or Bronson could be the reason Otis joins MMM and becomes “Otīs.” Not that Alpha Academy hasn’t been fun, but something’s gotta give as they’re just sitting in the midcard right now.
Really good interview promo from Rhea & Dominik, mostly on Rhea’s part. Them going to SmackDown makes sense, especially since there’s a chance the Judgment Day moves to SmackDown full time if Rhea wins the title. Dom will surely try to cost Rey his match against Karrion Kross, and that could be the moment of truth on whether or not Rey gonna whoop his son himself. Good promo from Miz & Maryse to tease something big for Miz’s WrestleMania, and I can’t possibly guess what that is. Great promo from Rollins, great match from Rollins and Miz, especially with Rollins immediately showing us what he means by hitting three Curb Stomps. Rollins is going to go ham on Logan and I’m here for it.
Great promo from Edge before a great main event match with Theory. But between Theory calling out Cena and Finn still wanting to settle things with Edge, of course Edge loses. Theory and Cena are going to have good stuff for WrestleMania, as will Edge and Finn. Edge did make a good point in his promo about running out of time before he has to retire once and for all, but I don’t know if he’ll get a title before then with how the Judgment Day story still isn’t done.
My Score: 8.6/10
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IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLASGOW KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Candice has Tiffy down with an armlock. Tiff fights up as the fans rally, but Candice wrenches to wristlock. Tiff spins through, goes to ropes, then up the corner to flip and arm-drag! The fans fire up as Tiff rallies on Candice! DROPKICK, and Tiff snarls! Tiff goes to the corner, and Charlotte makes her entrance? The Queen chooses to be fashionably late all so everyone looks at her, including Tiffy. Tiffy handsprings, but Candice dodges! Candice runs up to UPPERCUT, then she snapmares and NECK SNAPPERS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice clamps onto Tiffy with a top wristlock.
The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte now chooses to join commentary. Tiff fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, but Candice CLUBS away on her! Candice backs off, runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her to ropes! Tiff runs, HIP ATTACKS, and Candice flops back! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays on Candice with a whip, but Candice reverses. Candice CLOBBERS Tiff, covers, TWO! Charlotte corrects Tiffy’s words earlier: Charlotte isn’t the “top girl,” she is THE woman in WWE. Candice HIP DROPS Tiff but the fans rally up. Candice scuffs Tiff, then grinds an arm to drop a knee on the elbow! And another knee drop! Tiff endures and the fans rally up.
Candice keeps on that arm, thrashes it around, but Tiff fights up. Tiff fires body shots, then shoves Candice to Alabama Lift her! Candice sunset flips, Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated and Candice bails out. Tiff goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Candice and Nia, and Tiff almost stuck the landing! The fans fire up with Tiff and she goes into the ring. Tiff points to the WrestleMania sign, and then at Charlotte, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Tiff waits on Candice, Candice slides in, and Tiff stomps her down! Candice bails out, Nia is there to coach her, but Tiff lets the ring count start. Candice gets on the apron, Tiff kicks her, but Candice RAMS Tiff! Candice CLUBS Tiff, has her in the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Candice climbs, aims, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO!
Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW!
Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back! Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring!
The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring. Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, but with some interesting moves after the sudden change in plans with The Rock showing up. Naomi and Bianca had a good promo to hype up what was meant to be a full match of Naomi VS Liv, but word had already come out before the show that things were being cut for time. But at the very least, they did the right thing of making it a brawl that adds heat to the tag title match on Monday. Also, hilarious how Chelsea & Piper thought the beatdown on Bianca & Naomi was so bad that they would need to be pulled from the Chamber. I also can’t wait to see what happens on Toronto SmackDown.
As for The Rock, I do appreciate he used his authority to kayfabe change more things, all so he could have his promo with Cody. I also appreciate Rock blending his different roles and even different sides, both Heel and Face, to A) bring the news of WM42 being in NOLA, and B) recreate the Corporate Champion/People’s Champion story from the Attitude Era. That was some wild stuff he was saying to Cody. I’m sure quite a few people will try and talk with Cody next week in the go-home. Heels will say do it because they’d love to have what Rock can give, Faces will say not because Cody’s better than that. But naturally, Cody is not going to become The Rock’s Champion, causing Rock to turn on him and really up things going into WrestleMania 41 and perhaps even beyond.
Good stuff in the Elimination Chamber related stories. Jimmy VS McIntyre was great stuff to open, and how fitting that McIntyre loses to Jimmy after talking all that trash about Jimmy and Jey being the same. Jey got McIntyre with something quick, Jimmy got McIntyre with something quick, McIntyre’s ego is obviously his weakness. And at the same time, McIntyre of course destroys Jimmy after because that’s his other personality trait. Priest had good promos with Cody and Braun, and we got great stuff from Solo’s Bloodline. Naturally, we got a miscommunication spot to help finish, we’re really close to Solo VS Jacob, I can feel it. Priest & Braun get the win, mostly because Priest isn’t winning in the Chamber when you’ve got Punk and Cena in there.
Very good stuff with Tiffy Time, from the promos leading into the match to Charlotte being ringside just to watch. Nia & Candice of course get the better of Tiff & Trish, because Tiff & Trish are definitely winning the tag match in Toronto. Charlotte just seems to enjoy trolling Tiff with her presence, so Charlotte probably shows up in Toronto to then confront Tiff after the match. I expect the seven weeks after Elimination Chamber to really heat up, as will Charlotte’s involvement, where she’ll get more active verbally and physically. Also, hell, Rock should go full Corporation and have Charlotte be his Corporate Women’s Champion because of how established she is.
Hilarious stuff from Truth tonight, as always. Truth and Melo having their “who’s on first” again was good stuff, and of course Miz gets in on this story, too. Truth & Knight VS “Melo Don’t Miz” was really fun, but yeah, should’ve figured Nakamura would get involved, too. Melo & Miz making it work could also be really fun, and while Knight VS Nakamura is a rehash, I really hope they find a way to up things. It feels like we’re getting the same with the tag titles as Profits “ruined” that great tag match from DIY and Pretty Deadly, then brawled with MCMG to still come out on top. Last year had a ladder tag title match, so why not do one for these titles this year?
Speaking of escalating, Kevin filming a promo outside Sami’s house was some really well done stuff, as expected of someone as good as Kevin and in such a story as him and Sami. Their match should main event, it needs time to breathe, as it could be just as, if not more violent, than the Chamber matches. What a powerful closing moment we could have if it’s a bloody Kevin and Sami, and one of them is standing over the other, triumphant yet mournful because it was their best friend in the world that they just brutalized.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
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