Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (3/6/23)
John Cena returns to Raw!
The Champ! Is! HEEEERE!
Raw is in Boston, so Boston’s own JOHN CENA returns! And Austin Theory is surely wanting to talk with him. Will The Now see Cena in the ring?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kevin Owens VS Solo Sikoa w/ Jimmy Uso; Kevin wins.
- Bianca Belair VS Carmella w/ Chelsea Green; Bianca wins.
- Omos w/ MVP VS Dolph Ziggler; Omos wins.
- Johnny Gargano w/ Dexter Lumis VS Finn Balor w/ The Judgment Day; Gargano wins.
- Nikki Cross VS Piper Niven; Piper wins.
- Baron Corbin VS Chad Gable w/ Otis; Gable wins.
- Sami Zayn VS Jimmy Uso w/ Solo Sikoa; Sami wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
The Bloodline arrives backstage.
The Wise Man, Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso are in town, they’ve got some problems to take cdare of. And Paul Heyman tells them that one more time from the top. Jimmy heard Roman Reigns last Friday. He was very explicit. Solve the Sami Zayn problem. And you know what happened? Sami Zayn escaped! Which means Sami survived, which means Sami is here live in Boston tonight. This means opportunity for the Bloodline. So Solo, he will solve the Kevin Owens problem tonight while Jimmy, whether Jey comes to his senses or not, will solve the Sami Zayn problem once and for all. Yeet. But as they head out, Heyman puts in the call to the Tribal Chief.
Kevin Owens VS Solo Sikoa!
The Prizefighter knows what’s coming, because you never face just one member of the Bloodline. The Enforcer of the Island will still have back-up, but will Kevin #JustKeepFighting until he’s beaten down The Bloodline?
The moment Solo’s through the ropes, Kevin goes after him! They spill out to the ramp and Kevin whips Solo into barriers! Kevin fires off more hands, then whips Solo, only for Solo to reverse and POST Kevin! Solo snarls, storms up on Kevin, and he throws haymakers! Solo POSTS Kevin again, Kevin gets in the ring, and Solo pursues. The bell rings, but Kevin TACKLES Solo! Kevin rains down fists, fires forearms, whips, but Solo reverses to CLOBBER Kevin! S0lo stomps Kevin, HEADBUTTS him, then stalks him to ropes. Solo CHOKES Kevin, the ref counts, and Solo lets off with a CLUBBING forearm!
Fans rally for Kevin and Kevin CHOPS! Kevin fires off hands, runs, but into a WHEEL KICK from Solo! Fans boo but Solo snarls. Solo sits Kevin up to HEADBUTT him again. Solo DECKS Kevin, then KICKS him in the back. Fans boo but Kevin throws hands! Solo DECKS Kevin again! Cover, ONE!! Kevin SLAPS Solo! Solo BOOTS Kevin down! Solo stomps away on Kevin in the corner but lets off as the ref counts. Solo drags Kevin but Kevin grabs the ropes. The ref counts, Solo stomps Kevin in the stomach! Solo snarls and fans boo, but Solo grinds his fingers into Kevin’s face in the corner. The ref counts and Solo lets off again.
Solo stomps Kevin but Kevin kicks back! And CHOPS! And ROCKS Solo with forearm after forearm! Kevin runs, but Solo kitchen sink knees him down! It gets Kevin rather low, and Solo adds a FALLING HEADBUTT! Cover, TWO! Solo looms over Kevin, drags him up by his beard and clamps on a chinlock. Fans rally as Kevin endures and reaches out. Kevin fights up, throws body shots, then ROCKS Solo! Kevin whips, Solo reverses but Kevin KCIKS him! And LARIATS! Solo stays up! Kevin LARIATS again, then stomps Solo’s foot! Kevin kicks Solo, then LARIATS! Solo drops, and Kevin drops a SENTON!
Fans fire up as Kevin goes corner to corner! But Solo bails out before the cannonball hits. Kevin goes out, to CLOBBER Solo! Boston is thunderous as Kevin looms over Solo. Kevin puts Solo back in, but here comes Jimmy! Jimmy gets on the apron to distract, and Solo UPPERCUTS Kevin! Solo ROCKET LAUNCHES Kevin off the corner! Solo runs in to HIP ATTACK!! Kevin flounders out of the ring but Solo goes out after him. Solo runs in, HIP ATTACK into the barriers! Fans boo but Solo soaks it up as Raw goes picture in picture.
Solo stares down the fans as they rally for Kevin. Solo drags Kevin up and into the ring, steps back in, and he paces around Kevin. Kevin crawls to ropes, and Solo CHOKES him again! The ref counts, Solo lets off, and now Jimmy gets a cheap shot in! Solo looms over Kevin while Jimmy talks trash with fans. Solo springboard stomps Kevin down! Solo and Jimmy taunt the fans, but the fans rally up for Kevin. Solo swings on Kevin but Kevin counter punches! Kevin fires forearms, Solo DECKS him! Jimmy applauds while Solo stomps Kevin again. Kevin grabs ropes but Solo stomps him again. Solo CHOKES Kevin on the ropes, but lets off as the ref counts.
Kevin goes to a corner, then gets up to SUPERKICK! Solo staggers after Kevin as he goes outside. Kevin trips Solo on the apron! Solo rolls into the ring, Kevin hurries to SENTON, but gets knees! Kevin crawls to a corner, Raw returns to single picture, and Solo throws down hands! The ref counts, Solo throws headbutts but lets off at 4. Solo hoists Kevin up top, climbs up after him, and fans boo as Solo brings Kevin up. But Kevin resists! Kevin throws body shots, and a HEADBUTT! Solo wobbles, Kevin ELBOWS him down! Kevin then hurries, but runs into a SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Kevin is still in this but Solo keeps his focus.
Solo goes to the opposite corner, he runs in, but Kevin avoids the splash! Then hits a DDT! Both men are down and fans fire back up! Jimmy looks around, watching for both Sami and Jey. Kevin fires off forearms on Solo! Solo UPPERCUTS back! Solo runs in at the corner, Kevin dodges and Solo POSTS himself! Kevin kicks but Solo denies the stunner! Kevin BLASTS Jimmy off the apron! Kevin blocks Solo’s boot to SUPERKICK! And SUPERKICK! Solo is in the corner, Kevin CANNONBALLS! Fans fire up as Kevin climbs up! SWANTON BOMB!! Cover, JIMMY BREAKS IT!
Winner: Kevin Owens, by disqualification
The fans boo as Jimmy stomps away, but this isn’t about wins or losses! Just like on Friday, the Bloodline wants to put Kevin away for good! They RAM Kevin into steel steps, then Solo clears the announce desk! Jimmy drags Kevin over, SMACKS him off the desk, then pushes him onto it. The Bloodline mugs Kevin, and Solo sets up on the barriers. But SAMI ZAYN flies in! He CLOBBERS Jimmy, then fires off hands on Solo! Sami POSTS Solo! And CLOBBERS Jimmy! Sami fires off on Jimmy, SMACKS him off the desk, then gets a chair! Fans are thunderous as Sami swings at Solo! Solo dodges and runs through the crowd!
Sami aims at Jimmy, but Jimmy also bails out! Boston is thunderous for The Great Liberator, but he locks eyes with Kevin. Sami puts the chair aside, and walks up to his best frenemy. Fans cheer as Sami offers a hand. Kevin slides out, refusing to take it. These two may have the same goal, but Kevin is not willing to forgive Sami. Will these two #JustKeepFighting the same fight until the end?
Bobby Lashley speaks.
“I’m tired of playing these kid games, Bray Wyatt. I came to SmackDown to confront you man to man. But you’re not a man, are you? I thought coming to your home would provoke you enough to do something and face me. But instead, you sent a guy wearing a mask to do your dirty work. Bray Wyatt, what is it going to take to face me like a man?” The screens glitch, that might be a sign… But will the All Mighty get his meeting with the Eater of Worlds?
Backstage interview with Carmella.
Byron Saxton is with The Princess of Staten Island, and tonight, she faces the Raw Women’s Champion, Bianca Belair,. what would a win mean to her? To be real, the only reason Mella got this match was to get her out of Adam Pearce’s non-existent hair. But what he’s done is set up his precious little champion to be humiliated before WrestleMania. If Pearce was any good at his job, he’d make this match a #1 Contender’s Match, and a win would give Mella a part in the Raw Women’s Championship match. But again, Pearce ruins everything. Chelsea Green walks in and says amen! Someone else finally sees Pearce is a Grade A Dumpster Fire.
Pearce can be seen walking up, and when he spots these two, he turns the other direction! Chelsea says that tonight, after Mella wipes the floor with Bianca, they go above Pearce’s shiny head and talk to his manager to get that Mania moment. Mella loves that! Where has Chelsea been all Mella’s life? In fact, Chelsea should be out there in Mella’s corner! That’d be great! Oh, sorry, Byron is still here? Is he really listening to this private conversation? Where is his journalistic integrity? Get outta here, you mouth breather! Go! Byron leaves, but Chelsea and Mella are excited. Will this be the most FABULOUS Raw?
Bianca Belair VS Carmella w/ Chelsea Green!
Raw returns and Mella makes her entrance, the Hot Mess with her after all. The bell rings and Bianca eggs Mella on. They circle, tie up, and Bianca headlocks for a takeover. Mella fights up, but Bianca throws her for another takeover. Mella headscissors but Bianca kips free. Chelsea says Mella’s still got this, and the two tie up. Mella headlocks, Bianca wrenches out and headlocks back. Mella powers out but Bianca runs her over! Bianca dusts herself off, runs, then handsprings over Mella’s dropdown. Bianca eggs Mella on., things speed up, Bianca hurdles but Mella stops herslf. Bianca runs in but Mella dumps her out!
Bianca grabs Mella’s legs but Mella boots her into the desk! Bianca comes back, chases Mella into the ring, but Mella goes back to the apron. Mella HOTSHOTS Bianca, hurries in and throws her down by her hair! Chelsea applauds but fans boo. Mella soaks it all up, brings Bianca up but Bianca blocks the whip! Bianca whips, Mella reverses but Bianca goes up and over and handsprings, then says kiss hits! Mella runs in, Bianca goes up and over and dropkicks Mella down! Bianca kips up, fans fire up, and Bianca runs at Mella in the corner. Mella gets around, Bianca switches, O’Conner Roll, TWO! Bianca goes up again, but Mella BOOTS her!
Mella YANKS Bianca off the ropes! Mella says SHE is the EST, and Raw goes picture in picture.
Mella soaks up the heat while Bianca checks her face. Mella bows and Chelsea cheers, but Bianca goes to a corner. Mella says for Bianca to kiss this and runs in, but Bianca slips out to the apron. Bianca bumps Mella off buckles, and again and again and again! Bianca slingshots, but Mella moves and Bianca only gets buckles! Mella throws back elbows over and over, then lets off to taunt the fans. Mella drags Bianca up, bumps her off her boot, and then moonwalks away. “Mella! Is! Money!” Mella runs in, FABULOUS BRONCO BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Chelsea complains on Mella’s behalf but Mella wraps on a chinlock.
Bianca endures as Mella leans on the hold. Bianca fights up, has Mella as a backpack, and she RAMS Mella into buckles! And again! And then she throws Mella away! Bianca runs in, Mella tilt-o-whirls, but Bianca swings Mella to whip her to the corner. Mella BOOTS back! Mella pushes Bianca to a cover, TWO! Chelsea says Mella still has this, she’s smarter. Mella hip drops Bianca and mocks her braid! Mella pushes Bianca but Bianca rolls Mella up! TWO, and Mella CLOBBERS Bianca! Chelsea applauds while Mella stalks Bianca. Mella mocks the fans but Bianca throws body shots. Mella CLUBS Bianca down!
Mella snapmares Bianca back into the chinlock as Raw returns to single picture. Bianca endures, Mella mocks the “E S T!” chants, then says SHE is the best. Fans rally, Bianca fights up, and Bianca scoops Mella! Mella slips free and throws Bianca down by her hair! Mella goes to the apron, climbs up the corner, and leaps! CROSSBODY, but Bianca rolls through! Fans fire up as Bianca scoops Mella but Mella pulls the braid! They tug-o-war, Bianca whips Mella, Mella ducks ‘n’ dodges. Mella tilt-o-whirls, but Bianca blocks again! Bianca has Mella for a BACKBREAKER! Mella writhes, Bianca handsprings, to MOONSAULT! Chelsea distracts! Bianca would’ve won by now!
Bianca grabs at Chelsea, but Mella FABULOUS KICKS!! Cover, TWO!! Chelsea and the ref argue, but Mella talks more trash. Bianca RAMS Mella into the corner! The ref counts, Bianca lets off to SLAP Mella! Bianca climbs up, and she rains down fists! Fans count along, and Bianca goes all the way to TEN! Bianca then backflips, but Chelsea runs in! Bianca TOSSES Chelsea, then goes out after her! Bianca TOSSES Mella up and out! Fans cheer, Bianca tells her to mind her business, but Mella rolls Bianca up! FEET ON ROPES! TWO!! Bianca torture racks, to KISS OF DEATH!! Cover, Bianca wins!
Winner: Bianca Belair, by pinfall
But Chelsea CLOBBERS Bianca! Fans boo as she and Mella mug Bianca! They sit Bianca up, but HERE COMES ASUKA!! The Empress of Tomorrow scares Mella and Chelsea, and she BLUE MISTS Chelsea!! Talk about a hot mess! Mella freaks out and gets Chelsea outta there! Asuka’s wild eyes then lock onto Bianca. Bianca smiles back, and she stands up with the title. The fans fire up seeing these two, will these two soon have the wildEST match for the title at WrestleMania?
Sami finds Kevin backstage.
Sami says he isn’t sure what to say. He isn’t sure what else to do. But can Kevin see what Sami’s been trying to tell him? Does Kevin see what he is trying to say? The Bloodline is too much for him, Sami or any one person. This isn’t a ploy to make everything okay again. Sami knows it’s complicated. They don’t need to be best friends again. They don’t need to ride together, or even team together. But they have the same objective, and neither can do it alone. They need to do this together. For once, just listen to Sami on this. When it comes to The Bloodline, Sami knows, because he was in it.
Yeah, Kevin knows that part. He remembers Sami staking his claim in this very city right here. At Kevin’s expense, too. Kevin remembers it all. But yeah, Sami is right, it is too much for one man, and Kevin knows because he’s been doing it alone for eight months! EIGHT. MONTHS. But yeah, maybe together, they could take the Bloodline down. But Kevin doesn’t want to do this with Sami. Maybe Kevin was wrong, that maybe Sami can go back, apologize, stroke the ego, and Roman will probably embrace Sami the way he’s always wanted. Kevin is done with Sami. Just leave him out of this. Does Sami understand that?
Sami walks away, but surely this isn’t over between them. What will it take for them to return to the way things were?
Rhea Ripley speaks.
“It’s time for complete and utter eradication. I’ve been in the ring with every single woman who thought they could take me out, and I have brutalized every single one of them. At WrestleMania, Rhea Ripley is walking out the new SmackDown Women’s Champion.” Will the Judgment Day’s Eradicator dethrone the Queen, Charlotte Flair?
The Miz is in the ring.
The Hollywood A-Lister and the host of WrestleMania 39 is here, and he says he knows what we’re thinking. Why would he ever set foot int he same right with Seth Rollins after what he did to Miz last week? Because Miz is going to moderate the face-to-face as preparations for his WrestleMania hosting duties. And as the host, Miz knows that he can’t have any biased towards any superstar. He will set that aside and let the show go on, moderating with the utmost professionalism. If anyone has an issue with that, then that someone shouldn’t have used Miz’s phone to set this up!
“So without any further ado, ladies and gentlemen, please welcome social media sensation, Logan Paul!” Fans boo as the ImPAULsive Influencer walks out to the ring. But he leaves Miz hanging on the handshake. And then without introductions, here comes Seth Rollins! Fans sing “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” as Rollins enters the ring and gets himself a mic. Miz raises his hand. Do you know what this means? “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” “When my hand goes up, your mouths go shut!” “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Miz is the moderator, and he will keep things moving on! Miz says Boston is living up to its stereotypes!
But Rollins has Miz be quiet so we can hear the singing echo out. Logan says this segment has a time limit so shut up. Fans boo but Miz thanks Logan for saying it. The fans still sing anyway. Rollins says, “BOSTOOON~! Well, well, well, would ya look what the cat dragged in? Live in the flesh! He is gracing us with his presence! Social media superstar, Logan Paul…!” Boston chants “LOGAN SUCKS!” but Logan soaks it all up. Rollins says it sounds like Boston knows about Logan Paul. And even though they’ve had their run-ins, Rollins and Logan haven’t been formally introduced. So if you don’t know, he is a Visionary, he is a revolutionary, he is… SETH! FREAKIN! ROLLINS!
Logan says he knows who Rollins is. And fans sing again. Logan says Rollins is the clown he dumped at Royal Rumble, and the guy who’s head he stomped at Elimination Chamber. But Logan doesn’t know Rollins’ problem with him, other than that he’s embarrassed Rollins twice. And that Logan accomplished in one year what Rollins did in twenty. And that Logan is better at Rollins’ job than Rollins is. Logan is coming in, Rollins is on his way out. Logan works smarter, not harder, and he’s just naturally good at this. In fact, if Logan were Rollins, he wouldn’t like him either. Miz says not to take a side, but Logan made some good points.
Fans chant, “F YOU, LOGAN!” Logan revels in that, but Rollins says, “Here’s the thing. He does make some good points. But what you’re missing is none of that is the reason we don’t like you. So let me put this to you as simply as I can. We don’t like you because you are the SCUM OF THE EARTH! You’re a coward! You’re a troll! You’re a fraud! You’re, what do they call it? A human dumpster fire! And we don’t want you in our house!!” Fans fire up for that! Rollins knows Boston isn’t here to see them mince words. They are here to see Rollins get his pound of flesh! “So the time for talk is over! It’s time to FIGHT!”
Rollins throws off his jacket, Logan sets his feet, but Miz has them both stand down! It is his job to make sure that these two do NOT fight! Logan says Miz doesn’t speak for him. If Logan wants to fight Rollins in Boston, he’s gonna do that! Because if Logan wants something, he’s gonna do it! That’s just how he do. But guess what? He won’t. Fans boo but Logan says one thing he doesn’t do is fight for free. He is a premium act, and he isn’t fighting for free… in Boston. Get real! However, if the stage was bigger, the money was better, and they were somewhere with more star power, Logan would consider it.
Miz says he is the host of WrestleMania, and he could make Rollins VS Logan for Mania happen! He just- Wait, he can make that happen? All he has to do is go to the back and pull some strings? Yeah, absolutely! Right here and now? Yes! Then what’re we waiting for! Rollins throws Miz out of the ring! Logan kicks low! But Rollins avoids the stomp! Rollins goes after Logan, Miz pulls Rollins off him, but Rollins SUPERKICKS Miz down! ONE LUCKY PUNCH!! Logan takes Rollins out!! Logan tells Rollins, “When you wake up, let me know about WrestleMania. Oh, oh, and one more thing. Buy-bye, b*tch.”
Logan drops the mic and heads out, but will he regret sucker punching the Visionary?
Omos w/ MVP VS Dolph Ziggler!
The Nigerian Giant will get his battle with The Beast, Brock Lesnar, but that means he’ll need to be in the best shape possible. Will he get more than a tune-up with the Show-Off? Or will Omos stand tall on the Road to WrestleMania?
Raw returns and Ziggler makes his entrance. Wait, is that Mustafa Ali in the front row being a Ziggler fan? The bell rings, Ziggler tells Ali to shut up and go away. Ziggler and Omos circle, but Omos corners Ziggler. Ziggler slips away, jumps on for a SLEEPER, but Omos stays standing. Omos throws Ziggler off, runs in, but into an ELBOW! Ziggler BOOTS Omos, then runs, but into a BOOT from Omos! Ali says it’s okay, Ziggler can shake that off. But then Omos hits the MOUNTAINTOP SLAM!! Cover, Omos wins!!
Winner: Omos, by pinfall
Ali is surprised, though he did have a hand in making this match happen… Is Ali genuine in his support? Or is this his way of trolling Ziggler and getting even for before?
As for Omos and MVP, MVP gets the mic. “Brock Lesnar! You wanted me to hype up a match? This is all the hype I need right here! You should’ve NEVER put your hands on me, Brock! Because I give you my word, the 7’3″, 416 pound Nigerian Giant, Omos, tames the Beast at WrestleMania!” Omos is all fired up and could probably fight again. Will he get far more than a fight against Lesnar?
Maximum Male Models talks backstage.
That physique is so rotund. He does have that je ne sais quoi. It’s French. But Maxxine Dupri knows, he has “IT!” Really? Baron Corbin walks over and says all that means so much to him. All those compliments, it really helps. Things haven’t been going Corbin’s way. He lost money in poker, he has been losing matches, and he lost his mentor, JBL. EW! EW EW EW! NO! Corbin, they were NOT talking about you! They were talking about him. Otis! The width! The girth! Okay, what? What does Otis have that Corbin doesn’t? Charisma, uniqueness, and the “it factor.” HAIR! Hey, Bruce Willis is bald.
But you are NOT Bruce Willis, Corbin! You are a troglodyte! Maxxine calms Mansoor down, and says she sees some potential in Corbin. That is, if he can solve a problem for them. See over there, next to the “stunningly attractive beefcake,” the short ugly one. Gable? Yes. Handle him, and Maxxine will consider adding Corbin as a client. Then consider it done. Maxxine is plotting, but is she taking out two birds with one stone?
The Bloodline talks backstage.
Jimmy is preparing for his match with Sami, and Paul Heyman says that Jimmy is the man. Jimmy is the one who will take out Sami Zayn, the one who will solve the problem, and the one who will make sure that The Tribal Chief never has to hear the name “Sami” again. And to do that, with all the pressure that Jimmy must be feeling, and not be distracted by the fact that the Tribal Chief has given Jimmy until this Friday to bring Jey back into the fold… Wow. Because if that doesn’t happen, The Tribal Chief won’t blame Solo, nor will he blame Heyman. If Jimmy doesn’t get Jey back in the Bloodline by Friday, Roman Reigns will blame Jimmy.
Heyman leaves and Jimmy is surely feeling the weight now. Will he crumble under that pressure? Or will Jey return to spare Jimmy from Roman’s wrath?
Johnny Gargano w/ Dexter Lumis VS Finn Balor w/ The Judgment Day!
Speaking of Otis, Johnny Wrestling survived fighting the human tree trunk, but the Prince promised to finish things himself. Will this be Gargano’s Judgment Day? Or will Gargano be a speedbump on Finn’s Road to WrestleMania?
Raw returns and Gargano makes his entrance, accompanied by the Tortured Artist. The bell rings and the two circle. Finn and Gargano tie up, Finn knees low then CLUBS Gargano down. Lumis stares at the rest of Judgment Day while Finn headlocks. Gargano powers out, but Finn runs him over! Finn flexes, then he snapmares Gargano to elbow him in the shoulder. Finn chinlocks but Gargano slips out to hammerlock. Finn gets the ropebreak, Judgment Day protests, but Finn elbows Gargano away. Finn grabs Gargano’s arm and grinds it with an armlock. Gargano endures and Boston rallies up.
Gargano fights up, arm-drags free, then arm-drags to an armlock! Finn tries to headscissor but Gargano digs a knee into Finn’s face. Finn fights up, Gargano wrenches, but Finn fishhooks Gargano! Finn CLUBS Gargano and has the armlock again. Gargano endures and fights his way up. Finn wrenches the arm again but Gargano flips, kips up and ENZIGURIS! Finn rebounds to CLOBBER Gargano! Gargano goes to ropes but Finn is after him. Finn bumps Gargano off buckles, RAMS into him, then whips him corner to corner. Finn runs in but into BOOTS! Gargano runs to RANA! And then he DROPKICKS Finn out!
Fans fire up, Lumis is there! Finn doesn’t want any trouble, but Gargano DIVES! Direct hit and Raw goes to picture in picture.
Judgment Day is upset but Lumis is stone faced as always. Gargano brings Finn up and over, CHOPS him against barriers, then headlocks him. Gargano storms up to Judgment Day, and CHOPS Finn right in front of them! Fans rally for Gargano while Finn goes to the ring. Gargano hurries after, rolls Finn to SCHOOLBOY KICK! Cover, TWO! Rhea taunts Lumis but Gargano focuses on Finn. Finn wants timeout, and offers a handshake. Gargano considers it, and he shakes Finn’s hand. To kick him low! Gargano CHOPS Finn, whips him to ropes, but Finn reverses. Gargano sunset flips but Finn rolls through to basement dropkick! Cover, TWO!
Judgment Day cheers while Gargano goes to ropes. Finn stalks Gargano, chinbars and puts him in a corner, then CHOPS! Gargano staggers away but Finn is on him again. Finn CHOKES Gargano on the ropes! He lets off at 4, the ref argues with him, and Rhea sucker punches Gargano! Finn covers, TWO! Rhea and Priest still high five while Finn grinds Gargano down with a headlock. Gargano endures, fights his way up, and Judgment Day freaks out. But Finn hits a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Finn is frustrated but he kicks Gargano down at the ropes. Finn taunts the fans, kicks Gargano more, and Raw returns to single picture.
Finn stomps Gargano at the ropes, stomps him again, then springboard- BOOTS from Gargano! Finn staggers, swings but into counter punches! Gargano whips, Finn reverses, but Gargano ducks ‘n’ dodges to LEAPING LARIAT! Gargano rallies, Finn dodges and CHOPS! Gargano rebounds to DISCUS LARIAT! Fans fire up but Lumis is still stoic. Gargano ENZIGURIS Finn out of the ring. Finn avoids the plancha, but he sees Gargano on the apron, SLINGSHOT SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Finn is still in this and Judgment Day calms down. Gargano runs corner to corner to DOUBLE KNEE, then he snapmares Finn.
Fans fire up as Gargano aims, but Finn SLINGBLADES first! Finn aims now, runs in, but into a SUPERKICK! Gargano resets, to SUPERKICK again! Cover, TWO!! Finn survives but Gargano runs to tilt-o-whirl, but Finn blocks! ELBOW DROP DDT! Cover, TWO! Finn snarls but Gargano is still down. Finn rains down fists, but Gargano turns that to a sunset! TWO!! Finn staggers up, into a GAMANGIRI! Gargano aims but Rhea distracts! Gargano jumps Priest’s swipe, and then CANNONBALLS onto Dom! Fans fire up but Gargano has to hurry away from Priest. Gargano gets in the ring, Finn trips and DOUBLE STOMPS him!
Finn aims from the corner, runs in, SHOTGUN! Gargano hits buckles and he ends up in the drop zone! Finn goes up, but EDGE IS HERE! The Judgment Day go tot he ramp, but the Rated R Superstar sneaks in from the crowd! He SHOVES Finn down! Finn hotshots off ropes! Gargano goes to the apron, for ONE FINAL BEAT!! Cover, Gargano wins!
Winner: Johnny Gargano, by pinfall
And then Lumis CLOBBERS Priest! Edge has Finn all alone now, and Boston is thunderous! Finn staggers up, into a SPEAR!! Edge says this isn’t over! Finn wanted a final fight with Edge, and he’s getting it! Will Judgment Day regret ever turning on their founder?
Backstage interview with Edge.
Byron catches up with the Rated R Superstar and wants to know, what does he have to say about costing Finn his match against Gargano tonight? Edge says that Finn cost Edge a match he never should’ve lost, so with no disrespect to Gargano, Edge just returned the favor and cost Finn a match he never should’ve lost. They’re affecting each other’s careers and neither man has time for that. They both wanna settle this, so Edge tells Finn that next week, Edge will be in the ring by himself to settle this. Let’s see if Finn has the same stones. Will the Prince do things 1v1 with Edge to finally end this?
Nikki Cross VS Piper Niven!
Anarchy incarnate is ready to take on a former teammate in the defense of Candice LeRae, her “new friend.” One way or another, we’re gonna see some serious lass kicking, but who comes out on top?
Raw returns and Piper makes her entrance. While Piper stands on the apron, Nikki JUMPS on her! Nikki thrashes Piper around with fingers in her face! The ref reprimands but this isn’t a match yet. Nikki drags Piper in, HAMMERS away, then jumps on for more thrashing! Piper’s own hair is being used to smother her! Nikki lets Piper go, climbs up the corner, the bell rings! Piper turns around, into a CROSSBODY! Nikki chases after but Piper bails out. Nikki swings her jacket around, Piper fumes and storms up to the apron. Nikki rushes in, but Piper HEADBUTTS her down! Piper gets in but Nikki DRPOPKICKS back!
Nikki throat chops, RAMS into Piper, then reels her in. But Piper wrenches out to whip and SCRAPBUSTER! Cover, Piper wins!
Winner: Piper Niven, by pinfall
Nikki came out of the gate fast, but she ran right into a wall named Piper! Will no one stop Piper from pulverizing everyone on her path towards the title?
Rick Boogs tries to deadlift a truck.
But he just can’t! He swears he can but Elias walks over. Boogs says what’s up, but Elias asks about his notes. Boogs realizes he doesn’t have them! Elias says it isn’t about the notes, though. What does Boogs remember? Uh, Bobby Lashley putting Elias in the Hurt Lock, and… Those massive pecs. Boogs, you’re missing the point of everything! Elias took the fight to Lashley! Everyone wants to Walk With Elias! Elias’ star power has raised. But the only way Boogs can learn is if he gets out there and does it himself. Look, there’s Bronson Reed. Boogs, go over there and challenge him. Is Elias sure? Elias tells Boogs to tell Bronson, “I want to fight you.”
Boogs goes over to Bronson, talks to him, and then Bronson walks up to Elias. Elias wants to fight Bronson, huh? Then it’s your funeral. See you next week. Wait, what? Boogs is proud he did it, but what did he say? That Elias wanted to fight him. That’s what Elias said, right? NO! He meant… Well, Boogs has a lot to learn. But, lips! Will the Drifter survive running into the Colossal Aussie?
John Cena heads to the ring!
The SIXTEEN TIME world champion and Boston’s own is back on Raw, and clearly the reaction he just heard got him a bit. Cena slides into the ring and fans fire up even more! Cena gets the mic, but then Austin Theory makes his way out. Theory goes to the ring, gets himself a mic, but the fans chant for Cena. Theory encourages them to keep going, so they do. “And just like them, John, I’ve got all the respect in the world for you. Hey, hey, all of you might not know this, but I only became a WWE superstar because of you. I remember watching you on TV with my mom, you inspired me, John. You did! The hustle, the loyalty, the respect, I thank you for that.
“Hey, no need to disrespect me, because I came out here with a gift for you, John. Yeah, a gift. A gift that is from the bottom of my heart. A gift that is bigger than any movie role that you’re gonna do. It’s a gift! Of me and you, one-on-one…” Fans chant for Cena even harder, and Theory likes it! “Cena it up,” because that gift is them on the Grandest Stage of Them All for the United States Championship! Theory VS Cena! Fans like the sound of that! Cena says, “No.” The fans and Theory are surprised. Cena says he thought about it, and the answer is no. He is not interested in Theory’s “gift,” because he hasn’t earned the right to give it.
Cena says he has been watching, and listening, and he doesn’t care. Just like every single person in here, they don’t care about Theory! Why? We don’t care about Theory because we don’t believe Theory. We don’t believe because Theory doesn’t believe. Theory is a generic kid in fancy sneakers and sunglasses indoors, but there’s nothing inside. And Cena isn’t talking from a high place. Cena’s walked in Theory’s shoes. There’s a sign right out in the crowd that says “Theory is a John Cena wannabe.” Fans cheer that they’re getting the shoutout.
Cena says he’s Theory’s Ghost of Christmas Future! And right now, Theory is in that phase of “Ruthless Aggression.” That phase almost got Cena fired! What a great opportunity it was, but we all saw Cena didn’t believe in himself, and the opportunity just wasn’t enough. Theory has been given opportunity after opportunity and he doesn’t believe in himself and the fans know it. Theory has no heart or soul. The fans are here out of respect because for 20 years, we’ve been yelling back and forth at each other, but they BELIEVE in Cena. They don’t believe in Theory. Theory is a pair of trunks away from being a jabroni.
Wait, wait, wait. No. Here’s a feedback sandwich, here’s something good. Theory has the best name in WWE history. Think about it! Stone Cold Steve Austin! The Rock! The Undertaker! There is no name better than Austin Theory. Fans boo but Theory likes where Cena is going. But Cena says that is exactly what Austin is: A Theory. In theory, Theory should be great! In theory, Theory is what every WWE executive looks for. He looks great, moves great, runs fast, etc. In theory, everyone should be here to see Theory. “But no one cares. And you’re wasting our time. So on behalf of Boston, we would like to give you a gift!”
Cena tells Theory to shut up, turn around, get out of this ring, and “we” will let him walk out of here in one piece. Fans fire up for Cena while Theory considers his options. Theory turns around, but then says he’s not going anywhere! Just like that bald spot on Cena’s head! Cena takes off his hat to show the combover. He’s proud of the senior circuit! Oh, he is? Cena’s got a comeback for everything, huh? But what’s funny is, Theory looks around at all the shirts. The same one Cena has right here: Never Give Up. But, wait. Is John Cena saying no? Is he saying that he’s giving up?
And the hat! The hat says “respect” but where’s the respect for all the fans? Cena has a golden ticket against the greatest US Champion at WrestleMania, and he’s gonna give it up? Where’s the hustle? The loyalty? The respect?! Doesn’t everyone wanna see Cena at Mania? Then shut up because Cena said no! Theory says what he’s realized, Cena being Theory’s childhood hero and all that. Boston, pay close attention. Because the saying may be said a lot but it’s right. NEVER meet your heroes. Because when you do, you just get disappointed. Fans boo, and some chant, “BEAT HIS ASS!”
Cena would rather be bald then have the company pipe in fake crowd noise because nobody cares. Theory can change the subject, he still sucks. Theory really is a dumb SOB. Cena didn’t say “no” because he was giving up. He said “no” to save Theory’s ass. Theory is not ready. Theory’s putting Cena against the wall but he doesn’t understand. If Cena and Theory have a match at Mania, and Cena wins, then Theory loses everything. He’s done! And if they have a match and Theory somehow wins, he still loses everything! Sure, sure, you win the day, but then you gotta go out the Monday after, all by yourself, and explain.
Theory won’t have Cena to lean on, it’ll be all on him against “the most harsh, vocal, ruthless, critical audience in the WWE, and they will eat you alive!!” They will see what Cena sees, and that is that Theory is full of crap! But Theory has left Cena no choice since he brought the fans into it. So Cena will ask Boston what they think. “Boston… Before we get all WrestleMania rowdy, I wanna thank my family for being here because it really means a lot to me. And I’m asking for help. I need your help way up there, I need your help right here, I need your help. We’re going to make a decision right here and now. Do you Wanna see Austin Theory VS John Cena at WrestleMania?”
“YES!!!” Fans continue to chant “YES! YES! YES!” Cena says to pardon the senioritis. It isn’t just his hair, it’s his hearing. Do they wanna see Theory VS Cena at Mania? “YES!!!” Cena may not care about Theory, but he’ll never give up on the fans. Theory will remember this moment as the biggest mistake of his life. At Mania, for the US Championship, it’ll be THEORY VS CENA!! Cena wishes Theory luck. “We all know you don’t have it here,” Cena says as he points to Theory’s head. “We all know you don’t have it here,” he says as he points to Theory’s heart. “And we all know you don’t have it here.” CUP CHECK! Work on that last one.
Cena leaves and Theory is furious, but Theory literally asked for this. And Cena stops at the stage. “in no way, shape or form are you ready for the WrestleMania stage. But Boston deserves to see somebody that is. Boston, Massachusetts, I introduce to you the American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes!” Cody walks out on stage and fans cheer as he shakes hands with Cena and hugs it out. Will Theory regret asking for the legend?
Backstage interview with Sami Zayn.
Cathy Kelley tentatively walks up to Sami and says that so far, his attempts to reconcile with Kevin Owens have failed. How is he feeling going into tonight’s main event against Jimmy Uso? Sami wishes he could say Kevin is just being stubborn and angry and doesn’t know what he’s talking about, but Kevin’s right about what happened here just last November at WarGames. But everything has changed now! Everything’s different! The one guy who had Sami’s back through thick and thin in Jimmy Uso now has the responsibility of putting an end to Sami. This match is about survival, you understand?
Jimmy wants to end the Sami Zayn problem, but if he fails, it is the end of Jimmy! And Sami is not going anywhere until he sees the end of Roman Reigns and The Bloodline. So sorry, Jimmy, “my dawg,” but tonight is NOT gonna be your night. Sami heads out, but will he be able to survive a desperate and angry Jimmy Uso?
Baron Corbin VS Chad Gable w/ Otis!
The Lone Wolf is feeling down, but things could be looking up. Will he be able to clear “Master Gable” out of the way so MMM can make Otis into “Otīs? Or will this be another failing in Corbin’s career?
Raw returns as Corbin makes his entrance. The bell rings and Corbin ties up with Gable. Corbin throws Gable to a corner, SPLASHES him, then whips him corner to corner hard! Gable bounces off buckles and falls to the mat. Corbin stomps away as MMM watches backstage. Maxxine likes what she sees as Corbin drops an elbow on Gable’s back. Corbin drives elbows into Gable’s shoulders, but fans chant, “WE WANT OTIS!” Corbin Canadian Racks Gable, thrashes him around with the Canadian Backbreaker, but fans rally up. Gable fights free, and he back drops Corbin away! Fans rally as Gable goes to a corner.
Corbin runs in, misses, and Gable fires off forearms and uppercuts! Gable knees, UPPERCUTS, runs, dodges and tilt-o-whirls to waistlock. O’Conner, CHAOS THEORY! Fans fire up while Corbin writhes. Gable goes up the corner and Otis cheers him on. MOONSAULT, but Corbin dodges! CHOKE SLAM BACKBREAKER! Corbin roars, says Gable is nothing, but Gable picks an ankle! ANKLE LOCK!! Corbin flails, reaches out, but Gable GRAPEVINES! Corbin TAPS, Gable wins!
Winner: Chad Gable, by submission
Otis celebrates with Gable, “A THANK YEW~!” Corbin fails, will MMM never be able to add the round mound of manliness to their stable?
Becky Lynch is here!
The Man is in Boston, but she also has the legend, Lita! They’re the NEW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions after defeating Damage CTRL just last week, so they’re here to celebrate! Becky has a mic to say The Man and Lita have come around to Boston, here as the new tag team champions of the world~! “Because when a couple of legends like us step in the ring side by side, you better believe we’re not gonna miss.” Lita says when Becky gave her the opportunity to become a tag team champion, you either let that opportunity pass you by, or you make history like they did. Fans cheer that.
Lita knows Kai & Sky didn’t make it easy on them, but they made it worth it. Fans chant, “You Deserve It!” and Lita gives the belt a little kiss. Lita says that as Becky’s friend and tag partner, she sincerely wants to thank her. But there is a very, very special equalizer they have yet to thank tonight. Here she come! It’s TRISH STRATUS! Trish joins Lita and Becky in the ring, and Trish gets a mic to say, “First of all, Lita. You know I’ll always have your back. And to see you team up with The Man and capture gold, I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. And to be fair, a couple months back in Toronto, I did tell Bayley that if she didn’t shut her mouth-”
Wait, here comes Bayley! The Role Model leads DMG CTRL out and says, “Um, a ding dong! You idiots love to show up when it’s convenient for you, doncha? You love to steal someone else’s spotlight if it means you can add something else to your damn trophy case.” DMG CTRL steps right in the ring and Bayley says that while the dumdums cheer them on, Bayley sees right through them! They’re selfish. Trish, Lita, you two are legitimately the reasons why they’re in this ring now. But DMG CTRL will be the reason they never come back! Trish tells Bayley she is good at interrupting, but not at listening.
Trish warned her that she could go from “I am to retired,” to “I was retired.” And y’know what? What better place to do it and shut Bayley up than on the Grandest Stage of Them All? So how about a Six Woman Tag at Mania? Bayley asks if that’s what they want, then they accept! Kai & Sky look at Bayley with confusion, a bit like when she accepted the title match for them. Kai & Sky then swing on the legends, but Trish & Lita both dodge! And they fire off forearms! They throw Kai & Sky out, and Becky gets in Bayley’s face. Fans fire up and Bayley dares Becky to do something. Bayley smirks, but then realizes she’s surrounded.
Fans fire up as Trish and Bayley talk some trash. Bayley swings on Becky! But Becky counter punches! Lita ROCKS Bayley, Trish DECKS Bayley! And then CHICK- NO, DMG CTRL gets Bayley outta there! Fans are ready for this star-studded Six Woman Tag, will Hollywood be the perfect place for this generational showdown?
Sami Zayn VS Jimmy Uso w/ Solo Sikoa!
Just like when Kevin fought Solo, we all know that The Bloodline always has back-up. Sami is walking into what is less a match and more a trap, just like it was on Friday. But even so, will Sami survive to see the mission through? Or is this the night the Bloodline solves its Sami Zayn problem?
The bell rings, and Sami hits a THESZ PRESS! Sami rains down fast hands, but lets off to clothesline Jimmy up and out! Fans fire up, Sami goes out after Jimmy, but Jimmy UPPERCUTS! Jimmy whips Sami into barriers while fans sing “OLE~! OLE OLE OLE~!” Jimmy runs in, but Sami tosses him into the timekeeper’s area! Sami watches Solo while Raw goes picture in picture.
Sami fetches Jimmy and throws haymakers. Sami brings Jimmy around, bumps him off the desk, then climbs up onto the desk! Sami leaps to AX HANDLE Jimmy down! Solo stays back but he watches Sami. Sami puts Jimmy in the ring, goes to the corner and hops up, to leap, into an UPPERCUT! Jimmy snarls while Sami writhes, and Jimmy stomps away on Sami at the ropes. They go to the apron, Jimmy brings Sami up, to APRON SNAP SUPLEX! Sami writhes even more but Jimmy seethes. Jimmy drags Sami up, brings him around, and POSTS him! Jimmy slides in the ring and lets the ring count handle this.
Fans rally for Sami while Solo stares at Sami. The count is 5 of 10, Sami staggers up at 7 and slides in at 8! Jimmy rains down fists right away! Jimmy lets off to throw up the finger, #WeTheOnes. Sami crawls to a corner, Jimmy says, “UCE! SO! UCE! SO!” Jimmy runs in to HIP ATTACK! Jimmy makes everyone ready the shirt, #WeTheOnes. Sami crawls to another corner, Jimmy rains down fists. The ref counts, Jimmy lets off, and he watches Sami sit up. “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs to HIP ATTACK again! Sami flounders, Jimmy taunts him, and Raw returns to single picture. “I’m supposed to take you out!”
Jimmy swings, but Sami counter punches! And again! And again! And again! Sami whips, Jimmy reverses but Sami BOOTS back! Sami hops up, kicks away on Jimmy’s face, then reels him in, TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Jimmy is still in this but fans fire up for Sami as he goes to the apron. Sami goes up a corner, leaps, and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Jimmy escapes but clutches a shoulder as he sits up. Sami brings Jimmy up and reels him in, but Jimmy throws elbows to fight he lift. Jimmy whips and UPPERCUTS Sami! Sami stays up against ropes, runs back in, but Jimmy throws him out!
Jimmy distracts the ref and Solo creeps up. But the ref sees Solo! The ref EJECTS Solo! Fans fire up and Jimmy is furious! Jimmy’s back-up is gone, and Sami reels him in! BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!!! Jimmy survives and Sami is beside himself, but Raw goes back to picture in picture.
Sami thinks of what he has to do to finish this. Jimmy stirs, Sami drags him up, and suplexes. Jimmy fights it, UPPERCUTS, but Sami stays on his feet. Jimmy CHOPS! And whips, but Sami goes up and over! Jimmy dodges Sami, Sami runs, into a POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO!! Sami is still in this and Jimmy is frustrated. Jimmy glares at Sami, drags him up, but again Sami throws counter punches! They go back and forth with haymakers, Sami gets the edge, but Jimmy shoves him away! Sami blocks the kick but the DRAGON WHIP connects! Jimmy is fuming but he drags Sami back up.
Jimmy brings Sami around to a corner, hoists him up top, and then GAMANGIRIS! Sami wobbles, Jimmy climbs up, but Sami blocks the superplex! Sami CLUBS away on Jimmy, hitting him again and again! Then SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!!! Jimmy survives again and Sami can’t believe it! Sami drags himself up with the ropes, then goes back to the corner. Sami climbs again, Raw returns to single picture and Jimmy UPPERCUTS! And GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes back up after Sami, but Sami throws haymakers! Sami throws elbows, then he shoves Jimmy away. Sami leaps, into a SUPERKICK!
Both men are down and fans rally up. Wait! JEY IS HERE! Jey goes to ringside, and he gets on the desk, too! Jimmy smiles seeing his brother is back, but then he dodges Sami’s kick! Jimmy mule kicks, uppercuts and SAMOAN- NO, SUNSET FLIP! SAMI WINS!!!
Winner: Sami Zayn, by pinfall
The Sami Zayn problem is NOT solved! Jimmy is completely at a loss for words! Jey returned, but what of Roman’s ultimatum? Jey goes to the ring to join his brother, the two stare down, and fans are torn. Jey steps closer, puts his hands on Jimmy’s shoulders, and Jimmy asks where Jey stands. Jey grabs at the shirt, but he looks so conflicted. Jimmy asks him what’s wrong, and Jey walks past Jimmy. Jey looks at Sami, they both look at Jimmy, then back at each other. Sami is tentative but Jey says he trusts Sami!? Jey brings Sami in for a hug!!! Fans explode with excitement! Sami says he and Jey can take the Bloodline down now!
Jimmy looks crushed as he drops to a knee. Fans chant “UCEY! UCEY!” and Jey raises his finger. Sami raises his, too, they the ones! Sami says Jimmy can join them. It’s not too late. Fans lose their minds over this development, but then Jey SUPERKICKS SAMI!!! Jimmy grins as Jey shouts in Sami’s face! “Did you really think I would choose you?!” This is FAMILY, fool! Jey drags Sami up, throws him into the ring, and the Usos mug Sami! The cheers are now boos as Solo joins in, but here comes Cody!! The American Nightmare slides in and stands between them and Sami! Will the Bloodline only be stronger now that Jey is back?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw to mark us being just a month out from WrestleMania. The Bloodline story is again the best part of the night, and it was a great move to bookend the night with it. Jimmy giving Kevin the win with the beatdown, Sami showing up to fight the Bloodline off, and then Sami trying to get Kevin to see reason, all good stuff. And Jey showing up at the end of Sami VS Jimmy, that double swerve, that was genius. Cody making the save also works, not just because Cody’s building feud with Roman, but because it wasn’t Kevin. Kevin is understandably being stubborn about forgiving Sami, and this could drag out for a couple more weeks before the moment Kevin finally forgives Sami and is his partner against the reunited Usos.
We also got great promo segments throughout the night to set up big matches. The women’s segment comes off as the weaker one, but only because it was shorter and simpler. DMG CTRL want payback, but Bayley sticks her foot in her mouth, now she, Kai & Sky will face Becky and two legends, and there’s a very good chance Becky and the legends win, really straining DMG CTRL’s partnership. At this point, Kai & Sky can stick together but ditch Bayley, as they haven’t really benefited from being her cronies. They lost their belts, they look like they can’t do anything, they can prove they’re truly capable if they strike out on their own.
The Miz, Seth Rollins and Logan Paul had a really good promo, and of course Miz inserts himself as the moderator. It’s the only way Rollins didn’t just beat Logan up right here and now and have it be done. But Miz being the host, him making the match is a good detail, and of course Logan stands tall to put things on Rollins. And of course, promo segment of the night was Cena and Theory. Theory got a good jab about the bald spot, but Cena just tore into Theory otherwise. That line about Theory’s name being perfect for him was great, and pretty much everything Cena said was so good. Their match is going to be great stuff, too, but somehow, Theory surely wins because Cena can’t be a champion while being part-time and busy in Hollywood.
I like that Elias trying to mentor Boogs is backfiring on him, like when the two-faced cartoon character tries to get the innocent one in trouble but they end up in trouble instead. Bronson Reed is gonna squash Elias like Lashley did, and it’s odd but also clever that this is how Bronson is building his momentum. He isn’t in a story of his own, but he gets to help all these other stories move along. Lashley had a good promo, and Bray didn’t fully respond, but the White Rabbit tron hacking stuff is kinda his response. Bray heard it, that was like a twitch of his eye, and surely Bray will double down on the “games” just to get on Lashley’s nerves.
And of course the matches were all good, too. Well, Omos squashes Ziggler but that was to be expected. And though MVP had a good promo to call out Lesnar, that was really more for Ali introducing this Ziggler superfan angle that is of course all ironic and for the trolling. Ziggler will challenge Ali to a rematch, maybe Ziggler wins to get even, and we see where it goes from there. A quick match from Piper and Nikki with Candice apparently hurt by a backstage attack during Raw Talk. Piper VS Nikki should’ve been a thing when their team wasn’t working out and Nikki ditched being Almost a Super Hero. There was a point commentary used the phrase “unfamiliar foe” but they were a team, Piper would of course know Nikki. But perhaps it’s because “this” Nikki is different.
Baron Corbin getting in on the MMM and Otis story was pretty good. It adds to his own story, which is either the second coming of Bum Ass Corbin, or the rise of Bummed Out Corbin. He and Gable could’ve had a bigger match than that, as we’ve seen them feud before, but it does add to Corbin’s newest downward spiral. MMM are gonna have to wrestle Gable themselves if they wanna get “Otīs” to join them. Mella and Chelsea had a really good promo together, especially Adam Pearce’s cameo of him seeing them and running the other way. Mella VS Bianca went about as expected, in that Bianca wins. Asuka showing up to defend Bianca from Mella & Chelsea was great, too, but in those high heel boots she was wearing, Asuka was rly only gonna be able to blue mist.
And great stuff with Gargano VS Finn. Of course the Judgment Day interfere, but likewise, of course Edge shows up to turn that around. Edge doesn’t make a Mania match, but he does wanna fight Finn, maybe that brawl turns into a match for Mania. As cool as a purple paint Demon Balor could look, I feel like Finn’s moved on from that (mostly because Vince killed the Demon a couple Extreme Rules ago). But whatever they do, I feel like there needs to be a stipulation where it really is only Edge and Finn. No Judgment Day allowed ringside, no one Edge knows allowed ringside, we just get Edge VS Finn for an epic, possibly show-stealing match.
My Score: 8.9/10
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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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