Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (4/24/23)
Bad Bunny is back!
Will the Judgment Day face some backlash for what they’ve done?
The last time Bad Bunny was on Raw, he got put through a table! Will he have something in store for the Judgment Day now that he’s back?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Six Man Tag: Solo Sikoa & The Usos VS The Latino World Order; Solo & The Usos win.
- The Street Profits VS Cedric Alexander & Shelton Benjamin; The Profits win.
- Six Woman Tag: Damage CTRL VS Bianca Belair, Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez; Bianca, Liv & Raquel win.
- Chad Gable w/ Otis & Maxxine Dupri VS Mustafa Ali; Ali wins.
- Cody Rhodes VS Finn Balor; Cody wins.
- Rey Mysterio VS Damian Priest; Rey wins, by disqualification.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes is here!
The Windy City sings the American Nightmare’s song as he heads to the ring. Cody gets the mic and says, “So Chicago… What do you guys wanna talk about? We could talk about the WWE Draft that is mere days away, shaking up both rosters. I could end up on Friday Night SmackDown, or I could stay right here on Monday Night Raw. We could talk about the unenviable task I have ahead of me in slaying The Beast, Brock Lesnar, at Backlash. The very same Brock Lesnar that is the most decorated combat sports athlete of all time. The most decorated combat sports athlete of all time, which is why it’s so ironic for him to wait for my back to be turned to get the jump on me.
“Let’s take a look at this.” The footage replays of three weeks ago, the brutality Brock Lesnar showed in his betrayal of Cody. Cody says it was, “An incredibly craven and cowardly attack. Certainly one of, if not the most humiliating beatdowns that I have ever received, again courtesy of the Beast, Brock Lesnar. And I’ve seen that, I’ve seen that. I wanna show you something else.” Cody takes off his jacket and tie, the tie becoming a free souvenir for the fans. And then he takes off his shirt, which also becomes a souvenir, to show us the bruises and cuts on his body. “Go ahead and take a look at this scar right here.”
Cody points to his shoulder, and says it is not lost on him that this is the first time he is in All State Arena for the first time since competing in Hell in a Cell with a torn pec. Fans cheer that moment, and Cody says, “It is a match that resonated with a lot of people, it has been given a heroic spin. To be honest with you, I have never watched that match back and there is a reason why. But Brock Lesnar, if you are at home watching, and I know you are, pick a spot. Pick a spot! Put another scar on me, because it means you haven’t learned the lesson from this one! This scar right here is the same scar that I was able to defeat one of the very best to ever do it right here in this ring inside Hell in a Cell!”
Fans cheer again, and Cody says, “And the reason I don’t give it this heroic spin, that I don’t talk about it, even though it’s the number one autograph I always sign is that photo, with that bruise and me holding the hammer, is simple. I didn’t do anything that night. What I did was I had a sold out arena prop me up on their shoulders, and carry me to the finish line. Because guys, I was in the most pain of my entire life. And I know we have had many milestones, you and I, Chicago, and we have many more to come. But if I do not get the chance, if I never got another chance to say it, I wanted to tell you hear and now, from the bottom of my heart… Thank you, guys, very, very, very much.”
Chicago cheers again, but here comes Finn Balor! The Prince has a mic of his own to tell Cody, “I hate to break up the party, but I just want to let you know that we all got scars, mate.” Fans boo but Finn says that that isn’t why he’s here. Finn saw what happened to Cody at WrestleMania. Finn saw that Cody had Roman Reigns beat! And Finn saw that Cody got screwed! And trust him, he knows how it feels. “But the question is, why did you get screwed? And the answer is, because there was no one there to have your back. So… I get why you accepted Brock Lesnar’s help to be his tag team partner. But Cody, you trusted the wrong man. You need to be smarter. Like me.
“Because now, you’re facing The Beast, all beaten and bruised, and let’s face it, Cody. This is a match that you can’t win.” Fans boo again but Finn adds, “Not on your own.” Cody stops Finn there and says obviously, there is an immense amount of mutual respect here. But Finn is saying his name again and again, “Brock Lesnar, Brock Lesnar,” the only name on Cody’s mind, the only thing he’s focused on. So whatever Finn is selling, Cody ain’t buying. Fans cheer but Finn tells Cody that if Cody respects him, he’ll hear what Finn has to say. Finn knows, and Cody knows, and the fans know, that Cody in Judgment Day would be UNSTOPPABLE!
Thank about it! Rhea Ripley is now SmackDown Women’s Champion! Fans do cheer that. Damian Priest put the biggest start in the music industry straight through that table! Fans boo that. And Dominik Mysterio… Fans boo even more! Well, Dom has already proven that he is far greater than his legendary father ever was. That is something Cody should try. But hey, Cody made a mistake at Mania. Don’t make the same mistake at Backlash! Let the Judgment Day have your back. Cody says it was hard to hear that last part, because the fans were saying something. Cody is pretty sure he heard the offer to be part of Judgment Day.
What were the fans saying? “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” Oh, okay. We’re all caught up. Cody says, “Gosh. I don’t know how else to say it, I’m not looking to get into another fight here. Seriously, though, I appreciate it. Again, you’ve done a lot for me. I respectfully am not going to be joining the Judgment Day, I must decline.” Cody offers a handshake, but Finn says, “That’s a real pity.” Because Cody, you’re either with The Judgment Day, or you’re against the Judgment Day! Finn suggests Cody watches his own back, because some day, Finn will slap that bleach out of his hair! Finn turns to go, but Cody has Finn hold on.
Cody says Finn needs to know why he’s smiling. He’s smiling because Finn is under the impression that because of the humiliating beatdown at Lesnar’s hands, that Cody is not medically cleared to compete tonight. But what Finn doesn’t know is that a few hours ago, Cody WAS cleared to compete here tonight!! And he can’t think of a better message to send to Lesnar, than Cody VS Finn 1v1 here tonight! Fans cheer for that! Finn looks worried, will the Prince be living a nightmare?
Six Man Tag: Solo Sikoa & The Usos VS The Latino World Order!
The Bloodline is in the Windy City, ready to settle things from last week. Will the brothers bring down the LWO? Or will Santos Escobar, Cruz Del Toro & Joaquin Wilde prove they’re the ones?
Raw returns and the LWO makes their entrance. The trios sort out and Wilde starts against Jey. Fans rally up as the two circle. They tie up, Jey gets an arm and wrenches, but Wilde rolls, headscissors and swings to rana! And then he DROPKICKS! And kips up! Fans fire up as Wilde keeps on Jey. Jey pulls tights to put Wilde in the corner! Tag to Jimmy and he ROCKS Wilde! And UPPERCUTS! And CHOPS! Tag to Jey, Jimmy RAMS Wilde so Jey can forearm SMASH! Tag to Solo and Jey feeds Wilde to the ELBOW! Solo storms up on Wilde, HEADBUTTS him, then runs, only for Wilde to dump him out!
Wilde hurries but the Usos get in to keep him back! Double back suplex, but Wilde lands on his feet! Wilde slides, Cruz and Escobar DOUBLE DROPKICK the Usos! Fans fire up as the LWO coordinates and builds speed! Cruz and Wilde DOUBLE TOPE to take out The Usos! Escobar DIVES to take out Solo! Fans fire up with the LWO as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Solo toys with Wilde. Solo whips Wilde to ropes, ELBOWS Wilde down, then clamps on a claw! Wilde endures, fights up, and JAWBREAKERS! Wilde runs in, springboards, and TORNADO DDTS! Fans fire up while both men are down! Wilde and Solo crawl, hot tags to Jimmy and Escobar! The Emperor of Lucha rallies on the Usos! Escobar ducks ‘n’ dodges Jimmy to FLYING FOREARM! And again! Escobar GAMANGIRIS Solo, but Jimmy mule kicks! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, then runs, but Escobar JUMP KNEES! Jimmy goes to a corner, Escobar runs in, but is put on the apron.
Jimmy runs in but into a GAMANGIRI! Escobar goes up top, leaps, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy stays in this but Escobar keeps his cool. Escobar drags Jimmy up, but Jimmy kicks. Escobar blocks, spins Jimmy, but the DRAGON WHIP hits! Cruz tags in and springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK! Direct hit and Cruz goes back up! PHOENIX SPLASH!! Cover, Jey breaks it!! Fans fire up as Escobar fires off hands! Escobar throws Jey out, keeps after him, but Jey POSTS Escobar! Jey hurries to the apron, but Wilde YANKS him down! But Solo gives Wilde an APRON URENAGE!
Fans fire up as Cruz runs in at Jimmy, but into an ELBOW! Cruz GAMANGIRIS in return! Cruz goes to the adjacent side, lines up his shot, but Solo distracts the ref! Jey runs in, too! The ref stops Jey, Cruz jumps, into a SAMOAN SPIKE!! Tag to Jey! Whip to the ropes, ONE AND DONE!! Cover, the Bloodline wins!
Winners: Solo Sikoa & The Usos, by pinfall
Surely wherever The Tribal Chief is watching from, he is proud of his cousins. But will they make him even prouder by taking back the Undisputed Tag Team Championships?
Jimmy and Jey get mics and Jey says, “The longest reigning tag champs had one bad night. One bad night! WrestleMania 39, we lost the tag titles. One bad night. We let down The Bloodline, we let down the Tribal Chief. But guess what?” Jimmy says, “This week on Friday, it’s not gonna be a bad day for the Bloodline, nah nah. This week on Friday, we become nine-time tag team champions. This week on Friday, we dedicate this win, we dedicate this W, we dedicate this victory, to YOUR Tribal Chief, Roman! Reigns!” The Usos drop the mics and raise the fingers, will they once again be the ones?
Backstage interview with Bianca Belair.
Cathy Kelly says it was announced today that with Iyo Sky being her next challenger for the Raw Women’s Championship, they will have a match at Backlash. What are Bianca’s comments? Bianca’s excited. “Iyo has proven that she is a worthy competitor. But like I always say, I stay ready-” Bayley laughs her as Damage CTRL walks into the room and mockingly applauds. Bianca better “stay ready” to countdown her last days because the title will be theirs! Bianca says she hasn’t held this title for 386 days by being scared of a little competition. Bayley isn’t saying that Bianca is scared, but she’s never been in a championship match with Iyo Sky!
Iyo Sky has traveled the world and honed her craft, and- Iyo speaks up in Japanese to tell Bianca that there is nothing she can to stop her! And Dakota Kai translates that Iyo even wants to face Bianca tonight! Oh, tonight? Well say less, then. Bayley says in that case, the three of them are gonna beat Bianca and whatever two idiots feel like getting beat up along with her. Bayley laughs but Iyo seems confused. Bianca says she wasn’t talking to Bayley, she was talking to Iyo. But if that’s what the three of them want, then see them tonight. Great! Awesome! Bianca’s a champion of honor. DMG CTRL heads out, who will team with the RawEST for a Six Woman Tag?
Jey is on the phone backstage.
Yeah, they got the W, they handled business like always. Yeah, mahi mahi, for real. But then Jey sees Sami Zayn. Jey hangs up, and steps up to ask what he wants. Sami says he’s not here for a fight. They have all the time in the world for that on Friday. But Sami heard what Jey said tonight, and on Friday. Dedicating this title rematch to Roman Reigns? Man, Sami & Kevin took the Usos’ titles in the main event of WrestleMania, and Jey has a chance to get them back, and he’s not even doing it for himself? He’s doing it for Roman? Isn’t that a little weird?
Sami has news for Jey: Sami & Kevin aren’t losing the belts. But what’s gonna happen after that? What’s gonna happen if the Usos come up short after putting Roman’s name on this match? What’s gonna happen to the Usos then? Whatever it is, it won’t be good. And Jey doesn’t deserve that! He doesn’t! Why does Sami care? Huh? Because… Because Sami feels bad, alright? Don’t feel bad for Jey. On Friday, the Usos take back their titles, bruh! Okay? Don’t worry about what’s going on with The Bloodline anymore, okay? You made your choice, Sami. And like it or not, so has Jey. Jey leaves, but is the fate of The Bloodline already sealed?
Backstage interview with Trish Stratus.
Cathy Kelly is with the WWE Hall of Famer, and notes that Becky Lynch has been absent the last couple of weeks. Does Trish have any insight as to why Becky’s not here? Oh, does Cathy not know? Trish has a secret. Becky isn’t doing so good. She confided in Trish, opened up, and said she’s having a hard time with the pressures of being at the top of the WWE Women’s Division, being The Man and a mom. It’s too much, and Trish understands, she’s a mom, too. And she has a plethora of other things in life. But Trish is thriving. Becky, not so much.
Trish watched Becky cracking under the pressure, so Trish put her out of her misery. So Becky should be home saying, “Thank you, Trish.” Cathy thanks Trish for her time, and Trish says Cathy gets it. But is Trish just making assumptions about The Man? Will Big Time Becks be back when Trish least expects it?
The Street Profits VS Cedric Alexander & Shelton Benjamin!
Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins are just as hungry for a shot at the tag titles as the former Hurt Business are, but the Draft could break up one or both of these teams! Will this be a last hurrah for two accomplished tandems? Or will it be a chance to prove their worth?
Raw returns and Alexander & Benjamin make their entrance. The teams sort out and Ford starts against Benjamin. They circle, but Benjamin KNEES Dawkins down! Ford fires off haymakers, knees low, then CLUBS Benjamin! Ford whips, Benjamin reverses but Ford rolls. Benjamin brings Ford up, Alexander tags in, POWERBOMB and feed to the MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Ford survives but #PRIMED Alexander rains down fists! Alexander drags Ford up, tags Benjamin, and they mug Ford. Benjamin kicks, Ford blocks and ducks the Dragon Whip to ENZIGURI! Both men are down and fans rally up!
Ford and Benjamin crawl, hot tags to Dawkins and Alexander! Dawkins rallies with big clotheslines, but Alexander mule kicks! Alexander whips, Dawkins hurdles and FLYING ELBOWS! Fans fire up with Dawkins and the CYCLONE SPLASH! And ENZIGURI! Alexander staggers into the SILENCER! Cover, Benjamin breaks it! Ford returns but Benjamin throws him out. Ford lands on the apron and GAMANGIRIS! Dawkins DECKS Benjamin! Alexander rolls Dawkins up, TWO! Dawkins picks Alexander up, ANOINTING! Tag to Ford and Chicago fires up for their own! FROM THE HEAVENS! Cover, The Profits win!
Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall
A fast ‘n’ furious victory for Ford & Dawkins! But will this be their last win together? Or will this mark a new beginning for their story?
Triple H is here!
Chicago fires up as the WWE Hall of Famer, the Chief Creator Officer, The Game heads to the ring with what is to be an announcement that will “rock the WWE to its foundation.” HHH gets the mic and fans chant his name. HHH says, “As a WWE superstar, I had the incredible privilege of competing at the highest level for all of you. I had the incredible privilege of standing in this ring, in this very arena, at WrestleMania 22, defending the WWE Championship against one of the greatest of all time, John Cena. And now I have the incredible privilege of ensuring that WWE is all that it can be for generations going forward.
“And that is why I’m out here tonight to talk about Roman Reigns.” Fans boo but HHH adds, “The Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, who is coming up on 1000 DAYS as champion. 1000 days as champion, it is incredible, it is unheard of in the modern era. He has defended that championship against everybody, a who’s who of superstars. And I can say, after seeing them all for 30 years, I can’t name too many that would be able to hang in this ring with Roman Reigns. He is that damn good.
“And along the way in that 1000 days, Roman Reigns did something very smart, something I would’ve done, something any intelligent superstar would’ve done. He negotiated himself into a position where he didn’t have to defend that championship as frequently.” Fans boo that, but HHH says he can’t blame Roman for it, and while that is great for Roman, it is not great for the WWE. The WWE deserves more. The fans deserve more! Fans cheer that because we do! “You need more than that. That is why, a few weeks ago, when I talked about the WWE Draft, I said that the Draft would change WWE at its very core.
“Because when Roman Reigns gets drafted to whatever brand he gets drafted to, he will take the WWE Undisputed Universal Championship with him, and he will stay there. The other brand will determine a new champion.” Fans like where this is going. “On Saturday, May 27th, at Night of Champions, we will crown a new World Heavyweight Champion.” HHH presents a remix of the Big Gold Belt! Fans love it already! “This will be a champion you can be proud of! This will be a champion you can respect! That you can admire! This will be a champion that will defend this championship anywhere, any place, any time, all over the world!
“This champion will not have to demand your acknowledgment. This champion will earn your acknowledgment, and will earn the title of World Heavyweight Champion! Thank you.” HHH leaves having changed the game! Who will have the incredible honor of competing for this new WWE World Heavyweight Champion?
Backstage interview with The Judgment Day.
Cathy walks up to ask Priest a question, but Finn asks if he’s invisible. Priest calms Finn down and says everyone has to get ready for their matches anyway. Finn heads out, and Priest has Cathy ask her question. After choke slamming Bad Bunny through the desk a couple weeks ago, what is his reaction to Bunny being here tonight? Priest says it’s awesome, actually. Bunny is going to promote Backlash in Puerto Rico, which he is hosting, so that’s great. Bunny’s a mega star, a Grammy award winner, the top streamed artist on Spotify. Bunny even has success here in the WWE. When Priest had his back.
But if Bunny is looking to get involved in Judgment Day business again, then he’ll go through the table again. Priest isn’t shy about it. He’s a bad guy. But he doesn’t go to Coachella and interfere with Bunny’s business. So Bunny better not be coming here to play games. Dom says yeah, Bad Bunny can watch Priest take out Dom’s deadbeat dad. Well, to be fair, the entire world is going to see Priest exterminate Rey Mysterio. Viva Damian Priest. Will the King of Lucha be made an example of to Bunny and all who would oppose Judgment Day?
Bronson Reed speaks.
“I look around WWE, and I don’t think anyone can compete with me. They don’t have my strength, speed, or power. And even if they did, they all wanna be ‘popular.’ I’m here to win victory after victory after victory. Until there’s no one left to beat. So pose for the selfies, sign all the photographs, and kiss all the babies that you want. Cuz no one can measure up to Bronson Reed.” The Colossal Aussie is aiming for Austin Theory’s United States Championship, will there be a Tsunami at Backlash?
The Bloodline talks in their private suite.
Jimmy says he’s gonna superkick Sami in the face, and Jey’s gonna superkick Kevin, and then it’ll be a Superkick Party. Jimmy is Main Event Jim Uso! Right Hand Man Jim Uso. Is Jey hearing him? Is he okay? Jey asks what Jimmy said. Jimmy asks what’s wrong. He can see it. What’s wrong? Has Jimmy ever thought about if they don’t win the titles back? What’s gonna happen after that. Where is Jey getting this? Just that Sami was in the hall- SAMI!? Jey’s been talking to Sami!? Leave that fool alone, Uce! He’s playing mind games! Solo calms Jimmy down, and Jimmy says Jey can’t talk to Sami. He has to stay focused.
Jey is just saying, what if they lose? Jimmy tells Jey to listen: they’re gonna go out there and do what they always do! Friday, they win back the titles, win for the Bloodline, and win for the Tribal Chief! C’mon! Jimmy storms off, but is he right about mind games? Or is Sami right about Roman being the one in their heads?
Six Woman Tag: Damage CTRL VS Bianca Belair & ???
While the Evil Genius is the one challenging for the Raw Women’s Championship, the Role Model couldn’t help but make a challenge of her own. Will Bayley be right that she, Sky & Kai are going to beat down some “idiots” tonight? Or will she end up with her foot in her mouth at the hands of the RawEST and her mystery partners?
Raw returns as Bianca makes her entrance. And teaming with her are the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions! Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez are here to create the goldEST team yet! Will even Bianca be #LivingLarge with this kind of back-up?
The trios sort out and Sky starts against Bianca for a preview of Backlash. Fans rally as the two tie up. Bianca pushes Sky back but Sky gets around, but Bianca backflips out of the roll-up! Bianca eggs Sky on, but Sky gets around, only for Bianca to block the crucifix! Bianca swings Sky and whips her to ropes, but Sky ducks ‘n’ dodges then handsprings! Fans fire up and Sky eggs Bianca on. Things keep moving, Bianca handsprings then DROPKICKS! Fans fire up and Kai tags in. Bianca spins Kai around, suplexes, and even trots before the SLAM! Tag to Raquel, and she brings Kai up to whip her to the corner.
Raquel ROCKS Kai, tags Liv, and then whips Liv in to back body block Kai! Bayley runs in, but she’s sent into Kai! Liv hops up to RANA Raquel into Bayley and Kai! Raquel RAMS in again and again, but lets off as the ref counts. Raquel snapmares Bayley and Kai, then tags Liv. Liv climbs up onto Raquel for a SUPER SENTON! Cover, TWO! Liv stays on Kai, but Kai SCORPION KICKS! Liv comes back to CODE BREAKER! Kai flops and flounders, Bayley distracts, and Sky DRIVE-BY DROPKICKS Liv! DMG CTRL takes control as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Kai stomps Liv down. Kai SWITCH KICKS Liv, then brings her around. Liv throws body shots but Kai clubs her on the back! They scrap, Kai shoves Liv down, and Kai puts Liv in the corner. Kai taunts Raquel, goes Around the World and BOOTS Liv! Bayley tags in, then tags Sky. Bayley KNEES Liv down, then Sky runs in to SHINKANSEN! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up but Sky clamps onto Liv with a CROSSFACE! Liv endures, DMG CTRL taunt her, but Raquel and Bianca coach Liv. Liv moves around, fights up, and pries the hold open! Liv throws body shots, reaches out, but Sky throws her by her hair!
Sky SHOTEIS Raquel! The ref keeps Bianca back and Kai tags in. Kai & Sky whip Liv to ropes, Liv holds those ropes to then KICK back! Liv TOSSES Sky, CLOBBERS Kai, and fans fire up again! Both women are down, they crawl for their corners, and Bianca is ready to go! But Kai anchors Liv, and Sky YANKS Bianca down! Sky RAMS Bianca into steel steps! Kai storms up behind Liv, whips but Liv gets around to BACKSTABBER! Bayley calls to Kai and she crawls, as does Liv. Raquel returns! Hot tags to Raquel and Bayley! Big Mami Cool rallies on DMG CTRL, big clotheslines for Bayley!
Bayley dodges one but not the SOUTHPAW! And then Raquel scoops for a FALL AWAY SLAM! Bayley is in a drop zone, Raquel runs in to TWISTING VADER! Cover, Kai breaks it! Raquel storms up and whips Kai right out of the ring! Bayley bails out but Raquel tags Liv. Liv then tags Bianca, and Raquel gives Liv a boost! Raquel BOMBS Liv onto Bayley & Kai! Sky SHOTGUNS Raquel down! But Bianca torture racks! Sky flips to the apron but Bianca POSTS her! Bayley trips Bianca! Bayley gets in, Bianca spins her around to the torture rack! KISS OF DEATH for Bayley! Cover, Bianca’s team wins!
Winners: Bianca Belair, Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez, by pinfall
DMG CTRL loses big, and Sky is fuming! Will things be very different when it’s 1v1? Or will nothing stop Bianca from having the greatEST reign in Raw Women’s Championship history?
Austin Theory is here!
Chicago boos as we now see #AustinTheoryLive. The Now knows he’s facing big bad Bronson Reed and the All Mighty Bobby Lashley, what will he have to say about it? We see after the break.
Raw returns and Theory has the mic to say, “Welcome to Austin Theory Live! Hey, this is the experience that everybody wants to be a part of. Alright, hey, maybe you guys don’t want to, btu there are two people who really want this experience, and that’s Bronson Reed and Bobby Lashley. I am the greatest United States Champion of all time. But where’s my respect? Because last time I checked, I did not choose my opponents for this match. But when I look over there, I see a new championship. A championship that HHH just introduced, and you see, that title shouldn’t be on that pedestal. It should be around my waist!
“Boo all you want, but it should, because HHH said it: that title should be earned. And if there’s any man that has earned it, it is me!” Fans boo more, but Theory says, “But instead of somebody putting that title around my waist because I deserve it, I’m in a Triple Threat where I don’t have to be pinned or submitted to lose my titles.” Fans chant “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” and he says, oh does he? Except he’s the guy who pinned John Cena! He did that! Fans chant “You Tapped Out!” but Theory says no he didn’t, because he’s living his dreams. All you losers “tapped out” sitting in those seats, watching the Greatest Of All Time!
But wait! Here comes Lashley! Fans fire up as the Rocky Mountain Machine heads down to the ring, gets himself a mic, and he says, “Hear that? Listen, kid. Yes, I called you ‘kid.’ The only problem I have with you is that you’re holding my title right there. You’re over here, running your mouth about being the greatest United States Champion ever. When are you gonna start stepping up? When are you gonna start accepting every challenge that comes your way? You keep running away from every obstacle that you should be running towards. Let me tell you something, I’ve been int he ring with you, so I know how tough you are. I don’t think you do.
“You’re young, you’re hungry, and you’re tough. So what is it, Theory? Are you lazy and you don’t wanna work? Or are you scared?” Theory says he’s not scared. Was the Triple Threat Lashley’s idea? Lashley says Theory should be welcoming every opportunity to fight for that title! Because Lashley would. So Theory wants to know who made that Triple Threat match? Yeah, Lashley did. Oh, it was that easy? Well if he’s so good at requesting matches, where was his match at WrestleMania? Lashley laughs that off, and tells Theory he should knock his teeth down his throat just for saying that.
Theory says yeah, he should. But before he does, sucker punch! But Lashley dodged it! And then he TACKLES Theory! Theory scrambles, drags Lashley out, they brawl, and Lashley RAMS Theory into barriers! Lashley storms after Theory, fires off hands, and fans fire up! Lashley fireman’s carries Theory, but here comes Bronson Reed! Lashley lets Theory go to fire hands with Auszilla! They brawl, Lashley gets the edge, but Theory CLOBBERS Lashley from behind! A lot like last week! Theory and Reed mug Lashley while fans boo. Theory drags Lashley up, puts him against the post, and holds him there for Reed to SPLASH!!
Lashley falls over, having been sandwiched! Theory and Reed put Lashley in the ring, and Theory says it’s time! Fireman’s carry, A-TOWN DOWN! But then Reed CLOBBERS Theory! And SENTON! The Triple Threat is every man for himself, so Reed is staking his claim! TSUNAMI!! Theory just got squashed, and Reed holds the title up over both men! Will this be exactly how Backlash goes? Will the “Nice Guy” finish first in this battle?
Elias drills Rick Boogs on lines.
They’ve been over it already, Boogs just has to say it faster. Boogs is trying, but there’s a lot going on. HHH’s announcement, the Draft, it’s a lot! Yeah, and Elias doesn’t want Boogs to get overwhelmed, but it’s very basic. Elias has Gable help here. Chad Gable tells Boogs one more time. Elias has Boogs pump up to focus. Gets blood flowing into the brain. Gable says that there are some superstars who are eligible only night one. And everyone else can be drafted on night two. And if you’re a tag team, make sure to be drafted alongside your partner or your team is kaput, done, out!
But rest assured, Gable has made sure he will be drafted alongside his number one guy, his prized pupil, OTIS! The Alpha Academy will remain intact, a thank yew! But Maxxine Dupri says that that is very interesting. Because she has made sure that wherever “Otíse” goes, she follows. But… Otis is Gable’s number one guy? No, he’s Maxxine’s. No, he’s Gable’s! Mustafa Ali walks in to say that with the WWE Draft, we all need to have a more positive mentality. He knows Gable is worried about losing his best friend, his number one guy. But think about it: Gable could finally reach his full potential! Gable, GABLE, could be the NEW WWE World Heavyweight Champion!
Of course, that would mean the end of Alpha Academy and Gable’s life was we know it because everyone will think he’s a big loser without Otis. Just like he’ll be the big loser in his match with Ali tonight. SHOOOOSH! Otis has Gable cool down and says Chad Gable is gonna show Ali a shake down. Well Mustafa is positive-Ali sure that Gable just made a big mistake. Ali heads out and Gable returns to squabbling with Maxxine. Will Gable teach Ali a thing or two?
Chad Gable w/ Otis & Maxxine Dupri VS Mustafa Ali!
Raw returns and Ali makes his entrance. The bell rings and Ali says to smile to help your mindset. Gable just trips Ali to a cover! ONE, and Gable arm-drags Ali! Ali arm-drags Gable, then he avoids Gable’s arm-drag. Ali says that’s the power of the positive mindset. Gable rushes Ali, whips him to ropes, things speed up and Gable OVERHEAD Belly2Belly suplexes! “A THANK YEW~!” Otis says it’s all in the hips! Gable drags Ali up, CHOPS him off his feet, then stands him up to CHOP him down again! And again! Gable whips Ali to a corner, runs in, but Ali slips out to the apron to ROUNDHOUSE!
Gable staggers away, Ali slingshots in, but into a waistlock! Full nelson, DRAGON SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Ali escapes and Maxxine says Gable is embarrassing Otis! Gable snarls, runs in, but Ali goes up and over! Ali keeps moving, tilt-o-whirl DDT! Ali drags Gable to a drop zone, climbs up the corner, and 450- NO, Ali has to bail out as Gable moves! Gable waistlocks, O’Conner Roll, but Ali blocks Chaos Theory to victory roll! ALI WINS!!
Winner: Mustafa Ali, by pinfall
Chicago cheers as another hometown hero wins! Will Ali be a top choice in the Draft? Will Gable’s world start crumbling down around him?
Jimmy finds Sami backstage.
Jimmy says he knows what Sami is doing, playing these mind games with Jey. Mind games? Sami isn’t playing games, he’s telling the truth! The truth? “Sami, the truth is, this Friday, we take back what’s ours, Uce! You keep talking about ‘What if we lose? What if we lose?’ What if you lose, huh? You think Kevin’s gonna sit right there and be behind you and have your back? Huh? You think he actually forgot all the times you kicked him right in the face? I didn’t. I was standing right there with you every time you did it, Uce. Yeah. So he didn’t forgive you, he never forgave you, Uce. He just used you to get that.
“And this Friday, Sami, when you lose that, Kevin is gonna turn on you. And you’re gonna deserve every bit of it. So don’t worry about my brother, Uce. Worry about yours.” Jimmy leaves Sami with something to think about. Will things return to how they were for the best frenemies after Friday?
Cody Rhodes VS Finn Balor!
For a minute, the American Nightmare was part of that club The Prince created. But now, Cody is choosing to do things his way and on his own. Will Finn show Cody that is going to fail him sooner rather than later? Or will this be anything but too sweet?
Raw returns as Cody makes his entrance and the fans again sing his song. The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally up for Cody already as Cody and Finn tie up. They go around, Finn goes after an arm, and he wrenches to a wristlock. Cody powers through to wrench and wristlock back. Cody then gets a leg and Finn hops to a corner. The ref counts, Cody lets off and the two stare down. Finn smirks but fans rally for Cody as the two circle again. They knuckle lock, but Finn kicks low! Finn headlocks, Cody powers out but Finn turns hip toss into hip toss! But then Cody Kangaroo Kicks! Cody headlocks and hits the takeover!
Finn fights to a headscissor but Cody shrugs that off. Finn rolls Cody to a cover, ONE! Cody holds onto the hold but Finn fights up. Fans rally behind Cody but Finn powers him to ropes and powers out of the headlock. Things speed up, Finn hurdles but into a fireman’s carry! GUTBUSTER DROP! Cover, ONE!! Finn goes to a corner, Cody storms up, but Finn CHOPS! Cody JABS! And JABS! And JABS! Cody powers up but Finn scrambles away! Fans boo but Cody has him on the apron! Cody suplexes, and he carries Finn in for a GOURD BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Cody keeps Finn down with a bearhug.
Finn endures, moves around, pries at the hold, and they stand up. Fans rally, Finn wrenches and then headlocks. Cody slips out to headlock right back! Finn powers out, Cody ducks ‘n’ dodges, and Cody leaps, but Finn ducks! Cody hits nothing but ropes! Cody sputters and flounders out while Finn grins. Cody clutches his ribs, Finn goes out the side, and Finn stalks behind Cody. Finn RAMS Cody into the desk! The edge gets Cody right in the gut! Finn eyes the brand new title belt and raises his fists. Fans boo but Finn soaks it up as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Cody throws counter punches on Finn! Finn staggers, but he kicks low. Finn runs, Cody follows and CLOBBERS him! Cody kicks low, drops for the RHODES UPPERCUT, then baits Finn to a corner. Cody goes up and over, then POWERSLAMS Finn down! Fans fire up with Cody and he runs to ropes. Springboard, BEAUTIFUL DISASTER! Cover, TWO! Finn survives but Cody keeps cool. Fans rally up and Cody pounds the mat. Finn rises slowly, and Cody reels him in! Finn spins the dragon sleeper around, but then Cody drops to KICK! Cody runs, springboards again, but into Finn’s grip! ELBOW DROP DDT! Cover, TWO!
Finn checks his neck and snarls as he stalks Cody to ropes. Finn kicks Cody and stomps away! The ref counts, Finn lets off at 4, and Cody gets up in a huff! But Finn SLINGBLADES Cody right back down! Finn aims, runs in, but into a SUPERKICK! Cody springboards again, CODY CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Finn survives and Chicago can’t believe it! Cody sighs and frowns as he looms over Finn. Cody drags Finn up, reels him in, and brings Finn up, but Finn fights free! Finn trips Cody to DOUBLE STOMP! Cody sputters, Finn runs in, SHOTGUN! Cody bounces off buckles and fans boo as Finn heads up top!
COUP DE- NO, Cody dodges! Finn stumbles, Cody drags him into the dragon sleeper! But Finn spins to cradle! Cody shifts it, TWO!! Both men stand, Cody kicks low and underhooks! PEDIGREE!! Shoutout to the Game and fans are thunderous! Cody waits on Finn, brings him into the dragon sleeper, CROSS RHODES!! Cover, Cody wins!
Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall
The Windy City cheers the victory as adrenaline is definitely in Cody’s soul! Will the American Nightmare bring down Suplex City no matter what it takes?
Seth Rollins is here!
Chicago fires back up as The Visionary struts to the ring in a zebra print jumpsuit tuxedo! And to not be outdone by anyone, he’s getting ready for a match at Backlash against the Nigerian Giant, Omos! We hear what Rollins has to say about that, after the break.
Raw returns and Rollins hears the fans sing “OH~ OHH~ OHHHH~” for him. Rollins has the mic to say, “Now, I didn’t mean to keep you guys waiting all night, but Chicago, welcome to Monday! Night! Rollins! I am the Visionary, I am the Revolutionary, I am Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins! And Chicago, tonight, I was gonna come out here tonight and see how you guys were feeling about my big match coming up at Backlash against the Nigerian Giant, Omos…” Fans boo, but Rollins says if they can believe it… “Something bigger has caught my eye.” Rollins looks to that brand new belt. Fans chant, “You Deserve It!”
Rollins moves closer, and even goes to the apron so he can walk down the steps. “Chicago, are you just saying that because I’m a Bears fan?” Fans cheer again, and Rollins says no, no, no, truth be told, HHH came out here, said some very nice things about Roman Reigns, and the list of superstars Roman has defeated during his title reign. But do you know who is not on that list? Roman Reigns would like us to believe that everyone wants what he has, that everyone wants to be here. “But the truth is… Some of us still want to fight!
“And THIS is an opportunity to fight! This is an opportunity for us to push the industry forward! This is an opportunity for us to have a World Heavyweight Championship that’s about more than politics and part-timers!” Fans fire up with Rollins on that. “And if we are going to crown a new World Heavyweight Champion at Night of Champions… Well, Chicago, I give you one guess who I’d put my money on.” But here comes Omos! The giant has Montel Vontavius Porter behind him as he goes to the ring, and MVP says, “Seth Freakin’ Rollins, please forgive the interruption. I mean no disrespect.
“And I mean that sincerely. To the contrary, I respect you immensely. As a matter of fact, in my humble estimation, you are without question, one of the most impressive superstars to ever grace a WWE ring. Seth, you have accomplished virtually everything there is to accomplish. You’re absolutely brilliant, with the exception of your fashion choices. But I have to say, it is because of those accolades that you’ve been chosen.” MVP says it is his responsibility to get The Giant giant matches. “And a win over Seth Freakin’ Rollins would be absolutely huge.” Again, all due respect, but MVP cautions Rollins making predictions about his future.
“Because when the Nigerian Giant is finished with you, you might not have much of a future after Backlash.” Rollins looks MVP and Omos in the eye, and then Omos steps up. Rollins says, “Well, thank you.” The fans sing “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” and Rollins smirks. Rollins continues with, “No, Chicago, we should thank Mr. MVP for the kind words. But I gotta be honest, you kinda undersold your Giant here. He’s not just huge, he’s the tallest man I’ve ever seen in my entire life. Strongest, most powerful force in WWE. Omos, you are once in a generation. Because you were born that way. Seth Freakin’ Rollins is once in a generation because I made myself that way!”
Rollins should be afraid, but he’s NOT! And at Backlash, y’know what he’s gonna do? What he does best! He’s gonna make Omos’ ass famous! Omos is gonna have the match of his life, then Rollins is gonna bounce that big head off this mat! And when Omos wakes up from the three second nap, an arena filled with people are gonna be singing Rollins’ song. “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Rollins drops the mic and heads out, will he be able to #BurnItDown even against this mountain of a man?
Matt Riddle talks with Kevin Owens backstage.
There’s this movie, Little Giants, and they ran this play called the Annexation of Puerto Rico, and so if they tweak it just a little, they could use it to beat The Bloodline at Backlash! What’s Kevin think? Sami walks in and Kevin jumps at the chance to talk to someone else. Where has Sami been? All night, by the way. Sami says it hasn’t been a great night. Oh, really? Sami’s had a rough night? All night! Where was he? Sami wasn’t gonna say anything, but he was talking to Jey and then Jimmy. Why!? Why is he still talking to them? What could he possibly have to say? No, wait, this can’t be about what Roman will do. Why does Sami care?
Sami says it’s not that simple but Kevin says it doesn’t matter. Sami does care! Kevin says he used to like the Usos, too, before they became Roman’s little cronies. But it’s too late for them now. And if the Usos haven’t figured out that Roman’s just using them to stay where he is, then too bad! But Kevin & Sami have to beat The Usos this Friday. Kevin is worried about the titles, and Sami should be worried about that, too. Riddle wants to say something but Kevin cuts him off. Kevin storms off, but Riddle says he knows what Sami’s going through. Really? How?
Well, do you remember a team called RKBRO where Riddle teamed with Randy Orton, aka The Legend Killer, aka the Viper, aka The Apex Predator. Every week, everyone told Riddle that Randy was gonna turn on him, but he didn’t. And do you know why? Because they’re bros. And Sami and Kevin are bros! Win, lose or draw, it’ll all be cool, bro. Sami is surprised at how helpful that was. Sami thanks Riddle, and Riddle says no problem. But will it be a problem when push comes to shove on SmackDown?
Rey Mysterio VS Damian Priest!
The King of Lucha has been going back and forth with The Judgment Day for a long time already, and it doesn’t look to be slowing down any time soon! Will Rey at least be able to turn the tides here tonight? Or will the Punisher put him down once and for all, all for the Prodigal Son’s sake?
Raw returns and Priest makes his entrance, Dom conspicuous by his absence. The bell rings and Rey fires off fists on Priest! The fans fire up but Priest grabs Rey by the mask! Rey KICKS and fires off fists again! The ref backs Rey off, and Priest throat chops! The ref reprimands but Priest BOOTS Rey down! Priest stomps Rey at the ropes, the ref counts and Priest lets off. Fans boo as Priest stalks Rey to a corner. Priest ROCKS Rey with a right, then stands him up to whip to ropes. Rey holds ropes, elbows Priest back, then slides under to KICK Priest from below! Priest staggers, Rey KICKS the leg and fires off hands!
Rey whips but Priest blocks! Priest whips Rey to a corner but Rey goes up, only to get caught! Rey fights but Priest hits a GUTBUSTER DROP! Priest grins and soaks up the heat, but we see who’s pulling into the parking lot. It’s BAD BUNNY! Priest has Rey on the apron, but he sees his “old friend” is storming his way to gorilla! Priest hurries to fireman’s carry Rey on the top rope, but Rey fights free with elbows! Rey then adjusts, throws down more hands, then spins to SUPER RANA! Cover, TWO!! Rey runs to KICK Priest, runs again, but Priest DECKS Rey! Priest snarls, stands Rey up, and DECKS him again!
Priest talks trash on Rey, drags him back up, and Priest slides Rey out to the floor! Rey crashes at the ramp and Priest soaks up the heat while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns once again and Priest has Rey in a motorcycle stretch. Rey fights up and the fans rally as he turns around. Rey throws elbows and body shots, but Priest BELL CLAPS! Priest whips Rey hard to a corner, then runs in to back elbow! Rey flops down and fans boo, but Priest mocks the “hero.” Priest drags Rey up, wrenches and whips corner to corner hard again! Priest runs in, but Rey dodges, so Priest POSTS himself! Rey hurries to the apron as Priest bails out, and Rey ASAI MOONSAULTS! Direct hit and down goes Priest! Rey hurries to put Priest back in the ring and go up the corner.
Rey leaps, SEATED SENTON! Rey keeps moving, he ducks ‘n’ dodges to springboard CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Priest is still in this, and he puts Rey on the apron. Rey GAMANGIRIS, then shoulders in! Rey slingshots, RANAS and Priest is on ropes! Rey dials it up, but Priest SUPERKICKS first! Cover, TWO!! Rey survives and Priest can’t believe it! Priest snarls again and looms over Rey. Priest drags Rey up, fans boo, but Priest smirks. Rey falls, but Priest drags him back up and Canadian racks. But Rey fights free to CHOP BLOCK a leg! Rey runs to QUEBRADA, but Priest catches him!!
Priest spins Rey, clinches, FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Rey is still in this and Priest pulls his hair in frustration. Priest rains down forearms but fans rally up behind Rey. Priest goes out of the ring, and he grabs a chair from the timekeeper’s area! Fans boo but Priest no longer cares about winning, he just wants to HURT Rey! But Rey WRECKS Priest with a dropkick! Rey then looks at the chair, and he grabs it! But Priest grabs Rey by the throat! SOUTH OF- RANA!! Rey has Priest on the ropes, redials, 619!! Priest is down, Rey goes up, but Priest CHUCKS the chair at Rey’s head! DIRECT HIT!!
Winner: Rey Mysterio, by disqualification
Fans boo but Priest drags Rey back up! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Priest then goes out to clear off the announce desk, because he wants to do what he did to- BAD BUNNY IS HERE! And he’s got himself a kendo stick! Fans fire up but Priest shakes his head. Priest warned Bunny that he doesn’t want any of this, but Bunny says he does. Bunny gets up on the apron, steps through the ropes, and that kendo stick has Priest’s name on it! Bunny SMACKS Priest, SMACKS him out of the ring, and then SMACKS him over the desk! Fans fire up as Bunny pursues, but Priest choke grips hm! But Bunny gets loose to SMACK the legs out from under Priest!
Priest lands hard on the desk, then Bunny SMACKS him again! Bunny runs Priest off into the crowd! Fans boo but Bunny gets a mic. Bunny gets on the desk to say, “Hey, Damian. I don’t know if you know, but… I’m not hosting Backlash anymore. Now, I’m going to Puerto Rico to kick your ass! May 6th, Backlash, at mi casa, Puerto Rico, Damian Priest VS Bad Bunny, in a Street Fight, cabron!” Bad Bunny has just dropped big news on a night of big news! Priest vows to end Bunny’s career for this, but will he be the one facing his judgment day at Backlash?
My Thoughts:
A really good Raw, especially as the go-home to the WWE Draft and everything else. Great stuff out of the Bloodline story and it didn’t even get physical this week, it was all mental and emotional. Sami’s talk to Jey got him thinking, and then Jimmy had a great sudden and explosive reaction to that. Jimmy did start to get in Sami’s head, but Riddle was surprisingly a voice of logic and reason. It wasn’t quite the serious Riddle we got before, but it is nice they had him use his time in RKBRO as an example. Continuity wins again! But with Night of Champions being the Saudi Arabia show, I fear as everyone does that Sami & Kevin lose since they don’t support the Saudi shows.
Speaking of Night of Champions, what great but also kind of expected news from HHH. While I’m still proven right that WWE is in a time loop as far as unifying and de-unifying the top title/top spot, that belt’s design is a great homage to the Big Gold Belt HHH adored during his time. And HHH’s promo was great, with some maybe kayfabe, maybe worked shoot shots at Roman Reigns and how he’s been protected, both in kayfabe and shoot. This world champion is going to be much more of a fighting champion than Roman has, mostly because they have to be. Rollins had a great promo to also stake his claim and add to those sentiments, he is at least going to be in the match to crown the new WHC.
Great interaction between Rollins, MVP and Omos, too, to hype up their match that was made outta thin air. Rollins will definitely do just what he said to Omos and then move on towards the new world title. I said it before and I’ll say it again, Omos is perhaps stuck. Now, Great Khali has been a giant who made an impact when he first showed up, won a top title, but then eventually drifted down to not just the midcard, but the comedy midcard. I don’t think that latter part happens to Omos, but I’m still not sure where he goes from being the world’s largest jobber to the stars. The Draft will play a big part in what happens with Omos next.
Good Draft centric stuff, too, with a good promo from Gable, Elias and Boogs that then bled into Gable, Otis and Maxxine with Mustafa Ali getting involved. Good match from Gable and Ali, and smart move having Ali win. Not only is it a hometown hero win for Ali, it adds to Gable’s story of him and Otis having an uncertain future. Great match from Profits VS still not Hurt Business 2.0, and another great hometown hero win as Ford scores for the Profits. Maybe the Draft really does break the Profits up, forcing Ford and Dawkins to explore their singles careers, and maybe we see one of them (definitely Ford) get a midcard title.
Really good promo segment from Theory and Lashley, and even a vignette from Bronson before all three brawled. Bronson stands tall here, but there’s still time before Backlash to do go-home math. I still personally want to see Bronson get that belt, because why else come back to the WWE when he was doing so well in NJPW? Great promo from Trish to heap onto Becky, and surely Becky will show up and get back at Trish. Great promo from Bianca and DMG CTRL backstage, and it was a logical move to have the tag champs, Liv & Raquel, back Bianca up. Great Six Woman Tag, and it fits that Bayley takes the pin since she stuck her foot in her mouth.
And great stuff with the Judgment Day. Cody had a great opening promo with Finn, and they had a great match to give Cody momentum after getting beat up by Brock and not getting payback on Brock. And of course, great promo from Priest, great main event match with Rey, and great moment for Bad Bunny making the save. As I’ve said, I thought we were getting a Six Man Tag, Bunny joining Rey and Escobar against Judgment Day, but a Street Fight of Bunny VS Priest could easily turn into faction warfare. Finn and Dom will certainly help Priest, cuing Rey & the LWO to go after them and tip the scales so Bunny can get a big win.
My Score: 8.7/10
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London calling to the champion crowns!
SmackDown brings gold to London as LA Knight defends his WWE US Championship and The Street Profits defend their tag team titles! Will the landscape change this close to WrestleMania?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly; The Profits win and retain the titles.
- Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice w/ Chelsea Green; The Secret Her-vice wins.
- WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman; Braun wins, by disqualification, and Knight retains the title.
- Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab; Charlotte wins.
- Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins.
- Jimmy Uso VS The Miz; Jimmy wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes is here!
We follow The American Nightmare as walks to gorilla, then through the curtain, and London sings along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, says hello to fans along the ramp, and then we get the second “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro. Cody goes to the ring, grabs a mic, then kneels down to kiss the WWE logo on the mat. The fans continue to sing along all the way to the end, “I AM MY KINGDOM!” The fans then cheer, and Cody holds up the belt to fire them up even more! The fans now sing for “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and he soaks it in. The fans cheer again as Cody smiles, and he finally says, “So, London~! Whaddya wanna talk about?”
The fans chant “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cody hears that dueling, and he smiles again. The song of “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” returns, then they cheer. Cody says, “At WrestleMania 41, I will be facing John Cena…” The fans boo, but Cody says, “I will be facing John Cena as he goes to break the record and win 17. But that is WrestleMania 41. In just a few nights, I will be standing face to face with John Cena in this very same city, in this very same arena.” The fans cheer that, but then here comes Randy Orton! Now the fans sing along with Voices as The Viper heads to the ring. Orton also high-fives fans before he joins Cody.
Orton grabs a mic, paces while the fans keep singing on their own, and then the fans cheer. Orton says he’s not really the sentimental type, but for Cody and for London, screw it. The fans chant “R K O! R K O!” and Orton tells Cody, “Look at you. Look at who you are now, the man you are now. Look at where he came from.” The fans cheer and sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and Orton says he remembers a Cody in his early 20s, just breaking into the business. Cody was busting his ass harder than anyone else. He wasn’t exactly happy, and in fact, he was frustrated. But Cody was man enough, smart enough, to know he needed to grow, and that he couldn’t grow in the WWE.
Cody wasn’t exactly treated fairly in the WWE, so Cody left the WWE! That took some big ass balls to do what he did! Cody changed the business singlehandedly, and everyone in the back knows it. And Orton appreciates Cody for it. But then Cody came back, as they all knew one day he would. And the industry has been changed forever since the day Cody came back to the WWE. Cody is a bit teary eyed as Orton says Cody’s still the same guy, he just did what he set out to do, and he grew. Orton teases he would sing along with the fans, but the fans might leave. The fans again sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!”
Orton asks if they remember when Cody Rhodes faced Seth Rollins in Hell in a Cell. The fans cheer because they do. Orton says that was impressive, and even impossible, as he started with a partially torn pec and then ended with a fully torn pec! His body changed all kinds of shades of purple that Orton’s never seen on a human body. The pain he must have been in. Cody persevered not just for himself. Maybe not even at all for Cody. It was not even for his family legacy; it was for each and every single fan out there! Then Cody went on to WrestleMania, beat Roman Reigns and finished the story!
But there’s always another story, isn’t there? And Cody’s right in the middle of one. Cody is in charge of his legacy, and it is a privilege for Orton to watch Cody take control of it. Ticket sales have been up, there’s more intrigue around the world, and listen to the people! It is 99.9% all because of Cody! The fans cheer that, and of course they sing. Orton says what he’s trying to say is a long-winded version of he respects Cody, loves him, and is very, very proud of him. The fans cheer that! Orton then says, “But… But now it is time for WrestleMania.” They both look to the sign, and Orton says he can guarantee Cody that Orton will kick Kevin Owens so hard in the head…!
Orton can just feel it already! He forgets how many days are left, but he can’t wait to remove Kevin’s head from his shoulders. And Orton knows Cody will enter champion, exit champion, but not before he beats the holy hell outta Cena all up and down the Vegas strip! But after all the smoke clears and the dust settles, just like Orton wants Number 17, there will come a time when Orton will want Number 15. But Orton won’t kick Cody in the balls like a coward. Orton will look Cody in the eye because he respects Cody, is proud of Cody, and sees him as an equal. Orton will look Cody in the eye and tell him that he’s coming for the title.
The fans cheer but wait! Drew McIntyre is here! The fans cheer the Scottish Terminator as he steps out on stage, mic in hand, and has a wry smile on his face as he looks at the ring. Drew waves as the fans now sing, “OH~ Drew McIntyre~!” Drew says, “Isn’t this wonderful? A couple of nepo babies having a love fest in the middle of the ring> It makes me absolutely sick. What’d you just say, Randy? if Cody gets through Cena at WrestleMania, you’re coming for that title? What exactly have you done since that big comeback to justify that title match? Aside be Randy Orton. The only big moment I can remember is you being on the shelf for months and months and months.
“People like to make jokes about it, but more people talk about my five-minute-45-second title reign than your entire comeback so far! So get to the back of the line, sunshine! As for you, Cody, you should’ve listened to me. But you shunned me. You attacked me. Everybody should’ve listened to me about John Cena, but they didn’t. And the next night, he kicked you right in the twig ‘n’ berries, proving me right as usual. And the main event of WrestleMania should be Cody Rhodes VS The UK’s only ever world champion, Drew McIntyre!” Fans do like that idea. But sadly, it’s not, because of that guyliner wearing Temu Undertaker, Damian Priest!
Drew wants to talk about what is happening. And what’s gonna happen! Drew steps up to the ring while fans sing for him again. Drew says it will not be Randy that takes the title from Cody, should he get through Cena; it’ll be McIntyre. The fans cheer, but Orton says they were trying to have a moment. Can Drew just cut the crap already? Drew says okay, sure. He’ll tell the truth, because that’s all he ever does. The truth is, Kevin might have a point! If those Voices are talking to Orton again, then they know Drew very, very well. And he’s thinking, “My God, Randy looks great! Absolutely jacked! On the outside.”
On the inside, that back is hanging by a thread. And if Orton provokes McIntyre, McIntyre will break him. And as for Cody- Cody kicks Drew and UPPERCUTS him! The fans fire up, and Orton R- NO, Drew gets away! The fans boo, but the battlelines are drawn! Even if Cody makes it out of the frying pan that is Las Vegas, it’ll be into the fire that is these contenders waiting in line! Will the American Nightmare be ready for whoever comes for the crown?
WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly!
Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins are finally golden again, but it’s time to put the titles on the line already! And while they’re ready for the grind, they’re up against the hometown heroes! Will the Profits still be up in the O2? Or will Kit Wilson & Elton Prince say #YESBOY to a new reign of their own?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really wants the smoke!
The teams sort out and Kit starts with Dawkins. They tie up, Dawkins headlocks, but Kit powers up and out. Dawkins runs Kit over, the fans fire up, and Dawkins fires hands on Kit in the corner! The fans rally for Pretty Deadly, Dawkins whips Kit to a corner, but Elton takes that bump! Kit CLOBBERS Dawkins, then tags Elton! Atomic drop into DROPKICK! Ford runs up, but into a DOUBLE HIP TOSS! Dawkins whips, Elton reverses, and then Elton hurdles so Kit can DDT! The fans fire up with Pretty Deadly while the Profits bail out. Pretty Deadly has control while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Elton is right on Dawkins as he gets in, and UPPERCUTS him to the corner. Elton clinches Dawkins for another UPPERCUT! Tag to Kit, and Elton RAMS into Dawkins so Kit can UPPERCUT! Dawkins flops over, Kit drags him up to wrench the arm. Kit whips, Dawkins reverses, but Kit grabs ropes. Kit ELBOWS Dawkins, DECKS Ford, but Dawkins CLOBBERS Kit! The ref reprimands but Dawkins RAMS Kit into the corner again and again! The ref counts, Dawkins fires fast hands, then he tags in Ford. Ford says, “SUCK IT!” then he KICKS Kit! Ford scuffs Kit, then drags him to a cover, TWO!
Ford keeps Kit down with a facelock, but Kit endures the grind. Kit fights up, fires body shots, but Ford whips him away. Kit sunset flips! Ford rolls through, and PENALTY KICKS! Ford mocks Elton with the Scott Hall fingers, and the ref has to keep Elton back. Ford drags Kit up, tags Dawkins, and the Profits mug Kit. Dawkins CLUBS Kit down, then stalks him. Dawkins stays between Kit and Elton, then whips Kit into the Profits’ corner. CYCLONE- NO, Kit dodges! Ford tags in, he keeps Kit from Elton now, but Kit slips out of the suplex! Kit fakes high to go low, hot tag to Elton! Elton rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT!
Elton kicks and whips Ford to a corner, then UPPERCUTS! Elton whips the other way, UPPERCUTS again, and then does it again! Elton adds to the hattrick with a lift, Ford says a quick prayer before the SUPLEX! Ford flounders, gets to his feet, but Elton dodges to springboard and FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Ford stays in this, but Elton stays on him. SmackDown returns to single picture and fans rally for Pretty Deadly as Elton gives Ford a back suplex. Ford lands out, waistlocks, but Elton switches and shoves Ford. Ford CLOBBERS Elton in return! Ford is also dazed but he covers, ONE!
Kit reaches out, Elton and Ford both crawl, hot tags to Kit and Dawkins! The fans fire up as Dawkins wrenches Kit, underhooks and SILENCER! Dawkins Electric Chair Lifts Kit, Ford climbs, but Kit slips free! Kit shoves Dawkins into Ford! Ford falls to the floor, but Dawkins ENZIGIRIS Kit! Elton tags in, and Kit LARIATS Dawkins! Pretty Deadly combine for DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Dawkins survives and the Profits are a bit unsure of what to do next. Dawkins crawls to a corner, Elton runs up, but Dawkins dodges! Elton hits buckles and Dawkins TOSSES Kit, then Dawkins hits a SKY HIGH on Elton!
Dawkins hurries to tag Ford and Ford climbs up! But Kit pushes Elton out of the way! Kit takes FROM THE HEAVESN, and Elton ghost pins Ford! TWO!! Ford escapes, and he ROCKS Elton! Elton UPPERCUTS Ford! Dawkins sneaks a tag, Ford SUPERKICKS! POUNCE SAIDO COMBO!! Cover, KIT BREAKS IT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! The teams go to opposite ends, then they all stand up in the corners. They all roar, all run in, and Kit SPEARS Ford while Elton FLYING UPPERCUTS Dawkins!! London is thunderous, and Kit hurries to tag in! Pretty Deadly gets Dawkins up, for SPILT MILK!! Cover, FORD BREAKS IT!
The fans are shocked, as is Elton, but Ford saves this for his team! “This is Awesome!” as Ford runs up and Elton TOSSES him out! Now DRY MARTI- NO! Dawkins doesn’t accept the second serving, and he DUMPS Kit out! Kit skins the cat while Dawkins DECKS Elton! Dawkins catches Kit to an Electric Chair! Ford rises, DOOMSDAY BLOCKBUSTER!! Cover, Profits win!
Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall (still WWE Tag Team Champions)
Pretty Deadly put up a heroic fight, but the hometown heroes could not capture the gold. Dawkins & Ford hold onto the gold, will this be the strongest the Profits have ever been?
Kayden & Katana talk with Zelina Vega.
Carter & Chance know La Muneca got screwed over by The Green Administration. Chelsea thinks she’s untouchable, but someone’s gonna stop them eventually. Well, speaking of, Alba Fyre leads the way in as she & Piper Niven “scope the perimeter.” There’s one small threat. They frisk the “miniscule” threat, but nothing they haven’t dealt with before. Chelsea struts in and says, “The Eagle has landed~!” Zelina says she is so glad the “Bootleg Men in Black” have crashed the party. Now, yeah, they all know she’s small. But clearly this small “threat” is a big threat to Chelsea’s title reign. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have taken all three of them to beat her.
KC Squared agree with that. How about tonight, we see what happens when the odds are even? Chelsea says that’s fine, because Agents P & A are ready. The Secret Her-vice has been given their next mission, but will they be able to crash the party? Or will the party crash them?
Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice!
SmackDown returns and The Green Administration makes their entrance. The teams sort out, Alba starts against Katana, and the two tie up. Alba KNEES low, CLUBS Katana down, then fireman’s carries. Katana fights free, tags Kayden, and they KICK, double whip, and then trip Alba up for the basement DROPKICK! Katana adds a slingshot SENTON, Kayden covers, TWO! Kayden tags Katana, they double whip Alba to a corner, then Kayden runs in. Alba DUMPS Kayden out, ROCKS Katana, and she tags Piper! Katana arm-drags Alba out, then goes out to run up. Kayden gives her a boost, Katana CROSSBODIES Alba down!
The fans fire up, but Piper goes up and out?! CANNONBALL and down goes KC Squared! Piper salutes Chelsea and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Kayden rallies on Alba while the fans rally up. Kayden fires up, runs in and whips, but Alba reverses. Kayden wheelbarrows, victory rolls, then SUPERKICKS! Kayden fires up again but the fans are torn. Kayden runs in at Alba to BOOT WASH her against the ropes! Chelsea protests, Kayden kicks at her, then Kayden springboards for a LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Alba survives, Kayden whips, but Alba KICKS back! Tag to Piper, but Kayden jackknife bridges Alba! The ref explains bout the tag, Piper runs up, but Kayden moves! The SENTON hits Alba! Piper panics, Kayden tags Katana!
Katana goes up onto Kayden’s shoulders, VICTORY ROLL LAUNCHER, but Piper catches Katana! Katana fires hands, BOOTS, and then hurries to go up again. Kayden ROCKS Piper, and fireman’s carries?! SAMOAN DROP! Kayden then gives Katana the boost, for the KEG STAND SPLASH!! Cover, ALBA BREAKS IT! Kayden runs up on Alba to BOOT her out! Katana gives Kayden the boost now, SUPER CROSSBODY onto Alba! Kayden hurries to tag back in, and she brings Piper up. Piper swings, Kayden dodges and SUPERKICKS! Katana goes up, Piper staggers over that way, but Chelsea distracts the ref!
The fans are torn as Alba grabs Katana. Katana kicks Alba down, chases Chelsea off, but Piper sends Kayden into her! Piper scoops to PIPER DRIVER!! Cover, Secret Her-vice wins!
Winner: The Secret Her-vice, by pinfall
The Women’s US Champion helps her team, and now they all mug Kayden & Katana! But here comes Zelina! Vega runs down the ramp, CLOBBERS Alba, and then she gets in the ring! Zelina tilt-o-whirl DDTS Piper! And she KNEES Alba off the apron! But Chelsea CLOBBERS Zelina! Chelsea fires up, the UK is oddly with her, and she chicken wings Zeina. But Zelina fights free to fire forearms and body shots! And a BACK ELBOW! Zelina reels Chelsea in, CODE- SUPERKICK from Alba! SENTON from Piper! The Green Administration is just too much for Zelina to fight against alone! But can she, Kayden & Katana find a way to turn things around?
WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman!
Did the Mega Star just get this title back from Shinsuke Nakamura? YEAH! Did he help the Monster of All Monsters fight off Solo Sikoa’s rouge bloodline? YEAH! And now, does he have to defend this title against the monster he just helped? YEAH!! But will Knight still reign this close to WrestleMania? Or will Braun #GetTheseHands back on a championship?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it’s time for Knight’s biggest challenge, YEAH!
The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two circle. The two tie up, and Braun SHOVES Knight away. Knight comes back, Braun SHOVES him down again! Knight gets up, gets around, and he headlocks. Braun powers up to back suplex, but Knight lands out! Knight tries but Braun’s too big to suplex! Braun ELBOWS Knight, storms up on him, but Knight fires haymakers! Knight whips, Braun reverses, but Knight KICKS back! Knight runs, but Braun HIP TOSSES! Cover, TWO! Knight stays in this, but Braun brings him up. Braun puts Knight in a corner, CHOPS, then runs, for a SPLASH! Knight sputters along ropes, Braun keeps moving, but Knight DUMPS him out!
The fans fire up as Knight then WRECKS Braun with a dropkick! Knight keeps moving, and he WRECKS Braun again! The fans fire up with Knight, but then Braun BOOTS Knight down! The fans are torn but Braun stands tall as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Braun puts Knight back in the ring. The fans cheer as Knight KICKS Braun! Knight tries again, but Braun’s still too big to back suplex! Braun CLUBS Knight, then runs in at the corner. Knight BOOTS Braun, goes up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Knight and Braun rise back up, and Knight dodges a shot to JAB! Then he dodges to JAB! JAB! JAB! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” But Braun KNEES low! Braun scoops, Knight slips free, and Knight RAMS Braun into buckles! Then the BACK SUPLEX! The fans fire up and Knight rises again! Knight spells it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!
Braun has plenty left in the tank but the fans rally for Knight. Knight stands Braun up to kick low, but Braun THROWS Knight away! Knight rises, and Braun LARIATS Knight up and out! The fans fire up as Braun rips the shirt! Braun gets on the track, and he runs in, STROWMAN EXPRESS MEETS JACOB FATU!! The Samoan Werewolf strikes Braun down!
Winner: Braun Strowman, by disqualification; LA Knight retains the title
The fans boo as Jacob now goes after Knight! He just ruined what was becoming a great match, but Jacob fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT on Braun! SAMOAN DROP onto the desk!! The desk doesn’t budge, but Braun might’ve been broken in half! The UK fires up for Fatu as he puts Braun in the ring! Jacob fires more HEADBUTTS, then HEADBUTTS away on Braun in the corner! The fans sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE, FATU~, FATU~!” Jacob runs corner to corner, but Knight kicks him first! Knight fires haymakers, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Jacob denies the BFT to POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! And then HIP ATTACK for Braun anyway!
Jacob keeps going, HIP ATTACK for Braun again! Jacob throws off his jacket, glares at Braun, and he runs in for a third HIP ATTACK! Braun flounders into the drop zone, so Jacob goes up, up, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! Direct hit on Braun, but the fans want that “ONE MORE TIME!” Jacob obliges, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! The Samoan Werewolf just tore up #OneBigSOB and LA Knight, will there be no stopping him from taking the United States Championship?
Backstage interview with Jimmy Uso.
Jackie Redmond is with #BigJim, and she says that while she knew WWE was going global this month, she did not know they’d get the slap heard ’round the world! Jimmy says he’d do it again, and he’ll slap Gunther as many times as he needs! Jimmy knows Jey is up in his own head, doubt is creeping on him. But just because Jey’s 0-3 against Gunther doesn’t mean Gunther’s unbeatable! The Ring General CAN be got! Jimmy’s going to Raw this Monday, he will bust Gunther’s ass, Jey will go to Mania and bust Gunther’s ass to become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. And then they leave Las Vegas just like this: YEET!
Jimmy heads out, but then The Miz & Carmelo Hayes walk by. Miz is mocking Jimmy’s words, and he asks excuse me. Miz says it’s just funny that suddenly, Jimmy is a tough guy, even though for most of his career, he’s been “The Other Uso.” Doesn’t Jimmy get it? Jimmy and Jey are career sidekicks while Gunther is a main character. Gunther is the lead, neither Jimmy nor Jey can beat him. And here’s another thing: The Usos are just blips on the trailer that was Roman Reigns’ Bloodline. Melo says Jimmy & Jey are stuck outside the club, they can’t even get in.
Miz says as a former WWE Champion, a former WrestleMania main eventer, Jimmy will never know what it is to carry this industry. And after this year’s WrestleMania, neither will Jey. Oh, and by the way, if Jimmy ever slapped Miz like that, Jimmy would still be on the ground. Jimmy feints the slap and Miz freaks out. Jimmy says it may be him and Gunther on Monday, but he’ll holler at Aldis real quick so it can be Jimmy VS Miz here tonight. Yeah, YEET! Jimmy heads out, Melo says he thought Miz was gonna do something about the slap. Will Miz have to do something about running his mouth before he gets his teeth kicked in?
Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga find Jacob Fatu backstage.
Solo asks Jacob what the Hell he was doing out there. Jacob goes out there alone without saying a thing to them? Jacob says he ain’t gotta say nothing to nobody! Matter fact, didn’t Solo not tap in with him last week? Tama says, “But Jacob,” only for Jacob to say, “But nothing, Tama!” Solo wants Jacob to lower his tone, but Jacob says okay. Let him be very clear with them. When it comes to Braun Strowman, Jacob WILL be the last man standing. Y’all better get in where you fit in, cuz that US title? Oh, Jacob’s bringing it home to the family. And he will do it with them, or without them! Yadada mean? Fatu heads out, is the Samoan Werewolf no longer following Solo?
Naomi speaks.
“I mean… How did we even get here? I don’t know. One thing that I do know is that I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. So Bianca, what makes you think that my attack on Jade was anything different from me doing the right thing? When I sit here and I think about all that I’ve sacrificed, all that I’ve given, and that’s what really breaks my heart. Because through all of that, I’m made to be the bad one in this situation. I just don’t understand, how does Jade come in outta nowhere and take my place with you? I want you to ask yourself this, Bianca. Who inspired you? Hmm?
“Who’s inspired women over the last decade? Who’s always had your back from day one of you being here? Me. Not Jade. Hmm. But you know what? What I’ve learned through all of this: You teach people how to treat you. And I’m done with being treated as a third wheel. I’m done being pushed to the side, I’m done with being too nice, I’m done with being undervalued, underutilized, underappreciated! So moving forward, hmm… Moving forward, here’s my message to you, Jade. If you continue to be in my way, I strongly advise you to proceed with caution.” The Glow shows her dark side, but will the storm be moved?
Nick Aldis meets with Jade Cargill.
Speaking of, the SmackDown General Manager understands things have been rather difficult for her as of late. Jade says she’s been trying to get her hands on Naomi for the past few weeks, now where is she? No one has seen her all day, so as far as anyone knows, Naomi’s not here. Well, when Jade catches Naomi, it’s on sight. Jade leaves, B-Fab & Michin are there. They let her know that what Naomi did to her was straight trash, totally uncalled for behavior. And after Jade gets her hands on Naomi, she’ll handle that business. Jade agrees. Mia says they’ve all got business to handle. Jade’s got Naomi, and Mia’s gonna get Charlotte for messing with her girl, B.
B-Fab says Naomi’s got what’s coming to her: no sympathy, no regrets. Jade, just do what you gotta do. Oh, she will. Jade also wishes Mia luck tonight. Mia & B-Fab head out, will the Head Baddie in Charge make the Queen bow down in London?
The darkness approaches.
“You are as I was. As I am, you will be.” The shadows are starting to take shape, but is SmackDown about to fade to black?
Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab!
The Queen looks down on everyone, so it’s no surprise that everyone else wants to take her down. Charlotte may have checked off B-Fab, but will the HBIC be a much different story? Or will Charlotte only sharpen her edge before facing Tiffany Stratton at WrestleMania?
WAIT! NAOMI ATTACKS B-FAB & MICHIN! Naomi drags Mia up for a FACEBUSTER! Naomi rains down fists, the ref reprimands and the fans boo, but Naomi tells the ref to back off. Naomi then BOOTS B-Fab off the apron! Naomi goes out after B-Fab to THRWO her into barriers! Naomi SLAPS B-Fab, tells her to stay down, but B-Fab gets up. Naomi fires hands, then she SMACKS B-Fab off the desk! Naomi rains down fists, but here comes Jade! Jade hurries down the ramp, she runs around the way, but Naomi runs away! Jade makes sure B-Fab is okay, but refs have to help her to the back. And what of Mia? Will she even be able to compete?
Charlotte makes her entrance, not really caring about what Naomi just did to Mia. But that means she also crosses paths with Jade. The fans like the look of this stare down, but Jade and Charlotte both let the other slide. Charlotte gets her pyro, and it seems she’ll still get her match. Will Mia be little more than an appetizer now?
The bell rings, and Charlotte BOOTS Mia down! Cover, TWO! Mia stays in this and the fans rally up. Charlotte just struts around while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Charlotte has Mia down with a chinlock, but the fans rally up. Mia fights up, fires body shots, and she then blocks a shot to ROCK Charlotte! Mia ROCKS Charlotte again and again, then reels her in for a TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up as Mia hurries to cover, TWO! Mia drags Charlotte up, wrenches, but Charlotte says no to Da Feet! BIG back suplex! Mia stagger sup, Charlotte whips her, but Mia reverses! Charlotte goes up and out, BOOTS her away, then slingshots in and rolls Mia! Mia rolls through and BUZZSAWS! Mia runs corner to corner, but Charlotte avoids the cannonball!
Charlotte YAKUZA KICKS Mia down, then fires herself up! The fans “WOO~!” as Charlotte has Mia in the drop zone,. Charlotte steps on her, goes up the corner, but Mia gets underneath her! SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Charlotte survives and Mia is shocked! Mia nods as the fans rally back up, and she brings Charlotte up. But Charlotte ROCKS Mia! Mia SOBATS, PELES, and then runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Charlotte stays in this, Mia grows frustrated, but the fans continue to rally. Mia uses that energy to stay focused, and she stalks Charlotte to waistlock. But Charlotte ELBOWS her away!
Charlotte CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOSP! Charlotte winds up, and she CHOPS again! Mia sputters, but then she dodges the boot! Charlotte is caught, and Mia hits a SAIDO! Charlotte flounders to a corner, the fans rally behind Mia, and Mia runs up, CANNONBALL! Mia hurries to wrench and EAT- NO, Charlotte shoves Mia away! Charlotte gets under, back suplexes, but Mia lands out! EAT DA FEET!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Charlotte’s long legs help her survive by a literal foot! Mia is beside herself while Charlotte bails out. Mia storms after Charlotte, runs up, but Charlotte dodges! Mia’s kick hits steel steps!
Mia hobbles away, goes to the apron, but Charlotte CHOP BLOCKS the bad leg out! Charlotte grabs Mia’s leg, drops a KNEE on the knee, but fans chant, “We Want Tiffy!” Charlotte just steps through, FIGURE FOUR, into FIGURE EIGHT!! Mia taps, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
Charlotte got more of a fight out of Mia than expected, but she still won. Will The Queen be more than ready to reign again after WrestleMania?
Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.
Jackie Redmond is with the WWE Women’s Champion and says Charlotte certainly looks confident. Let’s be real, Charlotte came at Tiff pretty hard. It got a lot of people talking. Tiff says yes, people talk. And Charlotte sure loves to hear herself talk. Ten years into the business and Charlotte is still so insecure that she can’t let a “rookie” get a word out. But last week, Tiff did learn something: She learned that walking into WrestleMania, she isn’t the one with something to lose. Truth is, if Tiff loses, then she lost to the great Charlotte Flair, as just a 25-year-old rookie with one year into SmackDown.
But if Charlotte loses… Well, then she lost to an “undeserving, delusional, unoriginal, backflip doing, blonde-hair-having, little girl.” Did she get it all? And Tiff can’t wait to hear the look on Charlotte’s face when they hear the words, “And STILL!” Then maybe Charlotte will finally shut up for the sake of literally everyone! They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, and Tiff will make damn sure what stays is Charlotte’s massive ego. Tiff is walking into and out of Mania as the WWE Women’s Champion. Tootles! Tiff heads out, will it still be #TiffyTime after WrestleMania?
Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre!
The Viper told Cody how proud he was, but also how he wants the next shot after John Cena. The Scottish Terminator took offense to that, and basically said he is taking that shot instead. Will this match be an unofficial #1 contender’s match between these two former world champions?
SmackDown returns and McIntyre makes his entrance. The bell rings and the fans sing, “OH~, Drew McIntyre~!” and chant “R K O! R K O!” Drew and Orton circle, tie up, and they go around in a deadlock. Drew powers Orton to a corner, but Orton headlocks back. Drew powers up and out, then he runs Orton over! Orton hurries to ropes and Drew mockingly asks, “How’s the back feel, Randy?” Orton stands, he and Drew reset, and the fans duel some more. Drew calls for a knuckle lock, Orton accepts, but then Drew kicks low! Drew bumps Orton off buckles, then climbs up, but he panders for too long and Orton YANKS him down!
The fans fire up as Orton climbs now! Orton rains down fists, and the fans count to nine. Orton hops down, brings Drew around, and POSTS him for ten! Drew tumbles out of the ring, Orton goes out after him, and they’re by the desk! But Drew kicks Orton first and SMACKS him off the desk! Drew clears the desk, and he brings Orton up for the DESK- NO, Orton fights free! Orton turns things around, DESK BACK SUPLEX for Drew! The fans fire up while Orton leaves Drew behind, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew writhes on the floor, but Orton goes out to fetch him! Orton brings Drew around, UPPERCUTS him, then says one more time! DESK BACK SUPLEX! Drew writhes as that desk stays standing! Orton grins, refreshes the ring count, and then he storms up on Drew. Drew pokes Orton in the eye! Drew POSTS Orton now, then brings him around to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP into barriers! Orton slumps down, and Drew also grits his teeth from that double-edged attack, but Drew fires up as he stands tall. Drew drags Orton up, puts him in the ring, then stalks Orton. Drew looms over Orton, and HIP DROPS him!
Orton sputters, Drew says one more time, and he winds up for the HIP DROP! Drew paces around Orton, says maybe one more time, and he pretends he can’t hear the fans. Drew winds up again, but Orton flips over! Hip drop meets kneecaps! And then Orton pokes Drew in the eyes! The ref reprimands but Orton rises up. Drew sputters and flounders, Orton ROCKS him with a right! Drew ROCKS Orton back! Drew storms up, Orton kicks low, but Drew fires another haymaker! The haymakers go back and forth, Orton gets the edge, but Drew GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTTS! Cover, TWO! Drew clamps onto Orton with an armlock!
SmackDown returns to single picture and the fans rally up. Orton fights up, pries at the chinbar, and then throws right hands! Drew CHOPS Orton in return! The fans “WOO~” and Drew winds up. Drew ROCKS Orton again, eggs him on, then CHOPS again! Drew shoves Orton to a corner, CHOPS again, then dares Orton to fight! Drew whips corner to corner, but Orton comes back to LARIAT! And LARIAT! Drew swings, Orton dodges, SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up as Orton stalks Drew to the apron. Drew HOTSHOTS Orton first! Drew then runs in, but Orton puts him through the ropes!
The fans fire up as Orton has Drew for the DRAPING DDT! The fans fire up for Orton, and Orton hears those voices! Drew rises, but then Orton spots KEVIN OWENS! The Prizefighter is on the ramp, Orton glares at him, but then he turns around into a CLAYMORE!! Cover, DREW WINS!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
Kevin’s mere presence costs Orton, and now Drew has a huge win propelling him down the Road to WrestleMania! As for Orton, Kevin drags him out of the ring, SMACKS him off the desk, and then climbs up to join him! The fans boo but Kevin and his hot pink sneakers have Orton in position, but Orton slips free and TRIPS Kevin up! Kevin hits the desk then the floor! Orton staggers around, the fans rally behind him, and Orton stalks Kevin to the corner of the barriers. Orton lines up the shot! Orton runs in, but Kevin jumps over barriers! Security is there to stop Orton from pursuing, so Kevin runs away into the night!
The fans boo, but The Viper was that close! Will Orton be able to strike Kevin down and completely take him out?
Fire, thunder, smoke…
The force of nature is drawing ever closer. And he’s ready to fly! REY FENIX arrives next Friday Night SmackDown!
Jimmy Uso VS The Miz!
#BigJim gave Gunther a piece of his mind and a mark on his cheek, but it seems not everyone got the message. Will the Hollywood A-lister soon star in the Uso Penitentiary? Or will he prove Jimmy is NOT ready for a world champion level opponent?
The bell rings and the two tie up. Jimmy powers Miz to a corner, Miz turns things around, and the ref counts. Miz takes a swing, Jimmy ducks it to CHOP! And CHOP! Miz shoves Jimmy back, then runs up, but Jimmy TACKLES Miz! Jimmy rains down fists, Miz shoves him away to go to ropes, but Jimmy storms back up. Miz ELBOWS Jimmy away, then runs back up, only for Jimmy to LARIAT him down! The fans fire up while Jimmy storms up on Miz. Jimmy CHOPS Miz, has him in a corner, then whips corner to corner. Miz reverses, Jimmy goes up and over, then UPPERCUTS! Miz staggers back to ropes, but Jimmy is right on him.
Jimmy whips, Miz reverses and kitchen sink knees! Then basement BOOTS! The fans fire up, Miz scowls, and Miz KNEES Jimmy in the back again and again. Miz stalks Jimmy to the ropes now, and he CHOKES Jimmy! The ref counts, Miz runs, and Miz STRADDLE ATTACKS! The fans boo, but Miz runs again. Jimmy ducks the boot, then dodges a lariat! Jimmy runs up to LARIAT Miz up and out! The fans fire up and Jimmy builds speed, but Miz runs away! Jimmy smirks as he goes out the side, and UPPERCUTS Miz over the barriers! Jimmy makes sure Gunther knows he’s coming to get him, but SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and both men are down. Miz and Jimmy crawl, and Jimmy pounds the mat. The fans rally, Jimmy rises and runs up to LARIAT! And LARIAT! And mule kick! Jimmy then UPPERCUTS Miz, dodges a lariat, then SAMOAN DROPS! The fans fire up, Jimmy goes to the corner, “UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs in, but Miz puts him on the apron! Jimmy UPPERCUTS again! Jimmy climbs, leaps, but Miz gets under! Miz then waistlocks, ripcords, and MOVIE MAKER! Fans boo that blatant parody, but Miz full nelsons! Jimmy drops, victory rolls, TWO! Miz has the cover, TWO! Miz hurries to BASEMENT DDT! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally up as Jimmy survives! Miz stalks Jimmy, the fans rally up more, and Miz fires a KICK! And then another KICK! The fans say “YES! YES! YES!” to the It Kicks, but then Miz winds up. Jimmy ducks the buzzsaw, Miz blocks the superkick, but the DRAGON WHIP connects! Miz rebounds to B-MOVIE KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! The parodies don’t get it done, but Miz still has his original work to fall back on. The fans rally for “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Miz runs in, A-LIST LARIAT! Miz shoves Jimmy down, then springboards, but into a SUPERKICK! Jimmy hurries up top, for the USO SPLASH!! Cover, Jimmy wins!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Miz may be a movie star, but Big Jim’s the one winning this main event! Jimmy then borrows Joe Tessitore’s headset to call out Gunther! He’s coming after dat ass on Monday! Gunther won’t be the ring general, he will be “Private Gunther,” and he will salute Big Jim! Uh, uh, YEET! Will Jimmy be the one making examples out of the World Heavyweight Champion? Or will everything come crashing down when Gunther gets his turn?
Drew McIntyre returns backstage.
And he says hey to Lewis Capaldi, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, and also a big fan of Drew’s. They’re ready to have a good night in the pub, but Jackie Redmond walks over to congratulate him on the win tonight. She was hoping to get some thoughts on that victory and what happened with Orton and Kevin. Drew says it’s alright, this is what happens. He doesn’t care about anybody else’s business, but no one gets away with screwing him over. And when no one meddles in his business, he wins! Drew called out Priest, where is he? Priest doesn’t have the balls! So time to get mad in the pubs, everyone’s invited!
Drew turns the corner, but PRIEST IS THERE! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the door, then throws him into road cases! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the trunk of a car, and then again! Or since it’s London, “the boot.” The driver complains, but Priest BODY SLAMS that guy through a table! Drew comes back to KNEE Priest low, SMACK him off the trunk, and then off the side! They go to the hood, or bonnet for UK. Drew drags Priest up, but Priest CLAWS Drew’s eyes! Priest then sends Drew SOUTH OF HEAVEN through the windshield! Priest tells security that he’s done for now. Any more jokes, Drew? Didn’t think so! RIP, jackass!
Priest leaves, the producers hurry to help Drew, and Drew’s got glass in his eye! Will that glass help Drew see why he shouldn’t piss off the Punisher?
CM Punk heads to gorilla.
He has a security detail with him, and he passes by Drew writhing in pain. Punk chuckles, then continues on. Will his contract signing with Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins be just as brutal? We find out, after the break.
Nick Aldis is in the ring.
The SmackDown General Manager welcomes us back, and says it is his honor and privilege to be here in the O2 in London. Now, we all know why he and this table is here, and why additional security is here tonight. Tonight, we are here to sign a contract for a Triple Threat. Perhaps the biggest Triple Threat in the history of WrestleMania: Seth Rollins VS CM Punk VS Roman Reigns! The fans cheer all those names, and here comes the OTC! London puts the ones up, and Paul Heyman accompanies THE Tribal Chief out on stage. Roman raises his finger to the sky for the pyro, then security follows him to the ring.
SmackDown goes picture in picture as Roman’s entrance continues, and he raises his finger to the sky for the second round of pyro. Roman steps into the ring, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Heyman hands him a mic. The fans sing, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!” Roman nods, the fans cheer, and now they chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman tells London, “ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” The fans cheer again, and again chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman smiles, but he sees the chairs are not to his liking. Heyman makes sure to put one at the head of the table. Heyman also dusts the chair off while Roman enjoys the singing of, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!”
Roman takes a seat and says that was beautiful. The way they sing to their Tribal Chief, it’s just beautiful. The singing continues, and Heyman even joins in! Roman smiles, and he says that is what he’s talking about. That’s the OTC for you, baby! The biggest star on the planet! The OTC came here for two reasons. One: to be acknowledged; check! And two: to sign this contract. Roman does just that, and he says he’s checked both boxes. That means- “BURN IT DOWN!” Seth Rollins interrupts! The fans now sing, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Rollins struts out in his red wine paisley suit and conducts the O2 Choir all the way into the ring.
The fans cheer while Roman frowns, but Rollins takes the seat to Roman’s left. Rollins offers Heyman a chance to sing to this song, but Heyman frowns. Rollins chuckles, and he says the fans do have beautiful singing voices. He doesn’t know why Roman is in such a hurry to leave, though! This is their building! There’s a lot of history here! 12 years ago, they landed on the roof of this place in a helicopter! They came down those stairs over there, “ready to burn down the old guard!” They put the Undertaker down through the desk, and they were going to remake this company in their image!
Now don’t get him wrong, Rollins knows a lot has happened since then. They fought against each other, with each other, a little bit of love and a whole lot of hate. But Rollins dare says, as the fans continue to sing “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~,” that Rollins and Roman accomplished their mission. The fans start to chant for CM Punk, but Rollins tunes them out. Roman says, “We? We? You keep saying we. Our mission? We died a long time ago. It’s only been ME. You been here, but I done all the work! I’ve made this place what it is today! I took us to the level that we are here today! I made this place better than we found it!
“I’m the one that made us desirable to Netflix! I’m the one that took us into billion-dollar deals! Tell me, what have you done?” Rollins shouts, “I’ll tell you what I’ve done! YOU, YOU, YOU, it’s that mindset that keeps me having to screw you! You understand that? And your biggest mistake is not understanding the danger that’s right in front of us! The danger that’s right in front of you! You let the biggest snake in the world, CM Punk, into the garden! And you could’ve cut his head off at WarGames! But instead, you shook his hand. You could’ve let me finish him inside the cage at The Garden, but you didn’t. And now, I am left to do what I always do: Clean up your mess, again.”
Rollins drops his mic, picks up the pen, and signs his part. And now, here comes CM PUNK! The fans fire up and sing along with Cult of Personality, then join in on saying, “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME~!” Punk goes to the ring, but as he grabs a mic, he goes up a corner, just like he did last Friday. “I have come here to chew bubblegum and sign a contract. And I’m all outta bubblegum.” The fans cheer the Rowdy Roddy Piper reference, and Punk hops down to take his seat on Roman’s right. Punk looks over said contract, but Roman asks if Punk needs a highlighter or something. What’s he doing? Just go to page four, clause five.
Punk does as Roman says, but Roman says Punk needs to hurry, this is precious TV time. Punk reads the segment, Roman tells Heyman to just smarten Punk up. Heyman tells Punk he knows what Punk is looking for. It is in there. They’re closing the show at WrestleMania. The fans go wild hearing that! Heyman tells Punk that he gets to live his dream of dreams. CM Punk will be a WrestleMania main eventer! The fans cheer and while Roman smiles, Rollins is furious. Roman says, “One man’s dream is another man’s favor! CHECK!” Wait, this was the favor? Rollins says no! This is not something to laugh at, and Punk does not get to tear up!
Punk is NOT deserving! He does NOT deserve this! The fans boo but Rollins continues to throw a fit! Main eventing WrestleMania is SACRED, the most important thing in the world to Rollins! More than anything! Except the fact that Punk NEVER gets to main event! This is all Roman’s fault! This is all Heyman’s fault! Rollins THROWS his mic down, paces angrily, but Punk picks up the mic. The fans cheer Punk on again, and Punk stands to thank London, to thank Chicago, to thank Louisville, Kentucky, and to thank ALL the fans. As corny as it sounds, he thanks the WWE Universe who stood by him and chanted his name for TEN LONG YEARS!
Roman says hold on, hold on. Punk shouldn’t be thanking the fans! He should be thanking the Tribal Chief! It is because of Roman that Punk gets this honor! So please, take this moment, close the show with that acknowledgement! Do this the right way. The credits are already rolling as Punk kneels before Roman!? Punk smiles, and he thanks “My Tribal Chief, the holder of the ula fala, the Head of the Table, the… Big Dog? Thank you for allowing a kid from Chicago to be graced by your presence. Thank you, My Tribal Chief, for allowing me to stand in your ring. And thank you so much. Thank you, Roman Reigns, so very much.
“But because of you, I will see you in the main event of WrestleMania.” And again, Rollins is agonizing over this. Punk finishes putting his signature on the contract, and London tells him, “You Deserve It!” Punk thanks Roman again, and then says, “But that’s not the favor that I’m owed.” WHAT?! Roman looks at Heyman and Heyman can’t look him in the eye! If getting this Triple Threat made into the main event isn’t the gift of the Wise Man, then what is?!
My Thoughts:
A good SmackDown, but they pulled off quite the paradox. They made it feel like they were struggling to fill three hours, yet they also filled the show to the point where that contract signing segment was almost bleeding over the three hour mark. Ironically, part of the problem was just how excited the London crowd was for this. The superstars still wanted to enjoy the chants and songs, but that’s time SmackDown doesn’t have to spare. It made the opening promo from Cody, Orton and Drew take longer, and it kinda did the same to the contract signing at the end. Even so, we still got a very good promo, and good stuff to set up Orton VS McIntyre.
Orton VS McIntyre was a great match, but of course Kevin costs Orton. McIntyre gets his win, Kevin and Orton have a bit of a brawl, but of course Kevin ends up on the losing end and runs off. McIntyre’s trash talk also comes back to bite him as Priest gets the better of him in their brawl. Here’s hoping Drew didn’t actually get glass in his eye, but that being the thing in kayfabe can be some good stuff. I can imagine McIntyre with an eyepatch, and he takes it off at the opportune time to get the better of Priest in their match. Also what a fitting choice for Punk to be passing by Drew suffering because of real glass.
Very good title matches tonight, but of course the status quo was kept. Pretty Deadly gets to look great here in London, but the Profits only just got the belts, they’re not going to be transitional champions like that. And Knight VS Braun was really good stuff, but honestly, Jacob Fatu going after them both should’ve been a given. Jacob also had a great promo with Solo & Tama to start adding to that divide between Jacob and Solo. I would hope Solo doesn’t screw Jacob out of the US Championship, but it feels like he will as Solo won’t stand for Jacob defying his authority, even though Solo’s been trying to make Jacob the champion all along.
Very good stuff from Jimmy Uso tonight, from his promo with #MeloDon’tMiz and then a great match with Miz. Their match ended up the de facto main event match, so that’s also great for both guys. Great win for Jimmy, but that’s likely because Jimmy is losing big time to Gunther on Monday. And it might just be me, but it feels like only now is the Jey VS Gunther build really moving, largely in part because Jimmy got involved. Jimmy’s promo after his match is something along the lines of what Jey should be saying. But I suppose as brothers, Jimmy is the one who knows Jey best and knows what Jey needs to be motivated again. And seeing Jimmy get beat up by Gunther will definitely motivate Jey…
Good final vignettes for Rey Fenix and Aleister Black. I’m a little surprised they confirmed Rey Fenix is showing up next week, and that they confirmed who Rey Fenix even is. I believe commentary confirmed Rey Fenix is Penta’s real brother, even namedropped “Lucha Brothers,” but all that is still surprising considering Fenix is going to start on SmackDown. Aleister’s vignette (at least I am fairly confident it’s his) was giving us glimpses of his silhouette, but I think there was usage of AI in the snake imagery. It was fine they did it for El Grande Americano because that is all trolling, but they really should try and do things the old fashioned way of photoshop and stock imagery.
Very good stuff in the Women’s Division tonight, though the WWE Women’s Championship portion was the weaker. Naomi’s got a great Heel persona going, her promo was great, and her going after B-Fab & Michin over them supporting Jade was a great detail. Jade runs Naomi off, helps B-Fab, but there was no helping Michin in being fed to Charlotte. Tiffany had a decent promo, and it does fit how Charlotte kept her from speaking so she finally gets things out here. It didn’t really add that much, though, but they already gave us a great brawl so not sure what more they can give.
KC Squared VS The Secret Her-vice was a very good match, but of course Chelsea made sure her team won. A Six Woman Tag of Zelina & KC Squared VS The Green Administration is certainly coming, to help give us Zelina VS Chelsea for the Women’s US Championship.
My Score: 8.7/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 3.27.2025
Bad news out of the TNA management side, but this is a taped episode from El Paso! So we won’t see any of the fallout just yet!
Now we all heard the news about the TNA change in hierarchy, and I…have no positive outlook on that. Delirious sucked at booking and creative in the dying days of ROH before it got bought as a B show. Dreamer having even more control is concerning because his ideas the last two years haven’t been much better.
Gail leaving makes more sense to me. Be it firing or a “you can’t quit, you’re fired” kind of situation, the Knockouts division is the worst it’s been in a long time and Gail was close with Scott D’Amore. So I don’t think Gail parting ways is as big of a problem since TNA has slowly been bleeding out with the Scott faithful.
Granted, I think the next few shows were already taped before the firing so things shouldn’t be completely unwatchable for at least a week or two. So let’s see where we’re going.
.@WeAreRosemary sends @XiaBrookside a CHILLING message!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/srciTTbel0
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Ratings:
- Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge: Ash wins via Rarefied Air – ** 1/4
- Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr: Chavo wins via Gory Bomb into Frog Splash – *** 1/4
- Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich: Masha wins via Russian Death Device – ***
- Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin: Eric wins via Piledriver – ** 1/2
- Seto & Mokuba – I mean – Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater: Nic wins via Danger Zone – *** 1/4
Results:
Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge
Ash and Gigi start off, Gigi with a little Rascalz after her first takedown. So both her and Wentz are making it obvious something’s going on between them, and I’m not mad at it. Good for my man Wentz.
Tatum and Gigi get some quick tandem offense in, Ash does manage to scurry off to a tag and Heather gets bent into a Pretzel. Some kind of Inverted Tarantula from Tatum, Gigi tags in, Bronco Buster on Heather followed by Kawada Kicks. Heather sells against the ropes, Gigi goes for a Hesitation Dropkick, but Concierge pulls her away so Gigi crashes and burns. Ref is distracted, Ash gets in some cheap shots and then the Elegant duo starts working over Gigi. A few quick tags, but once Heather comes in, Gigi fights out of the corner, gets the hot tag to Tatum. Tatum stacks up both Elegance members, Corner Stacked Crossbody, Butterfly Suplex and an Elbow Drop with some some flare. Tatum goes to the top rope, Heather pulls Gigi off the apron, Concierge shoves Tatum off the turnbuckle and Ash hits Rarefied Air for the win.
Post match the Elegance Clique wants to make their wish with the cake, they light the candles and Tatum and Gigi recover enough to do what we all expected last week, the cake in the face spot. Some…suggestive licking from both of our Hot Topic Hotties, so…no complaints here.
.@Ashamae_Sebera, @Heathereckless and @IamGeorgeIceman are having a meltdown!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/FnKwPqm2ff
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr
Chavo and Kaz start since he’s King Petty, a quick rope run turns into a Headscissor from Chavo. Kaz recovers, they lock up, Kaz hits the Knee Lift during the lock up to tag out to KC. KC pulls off some athletic dodges, gloats a bit so Chavo waits, measures and nails a gorgeous Dropkick. Laredo comes in on fire, quick high spots that send KC bouncing around like HBK against Hulk. KC powders after sells the Satellite Takedown, AJ checks on him and we go to commercial.
Back from commercial, Octagon is lighting up KC’s chest with overhand chops, he perches, Sunset Headscissor Flip from corner to corner, KC tries to Back Drop him but Octagon does a headstand, kicks KC away and lays him out with a high spot. AJ gets on the apron to stop Octagon from running the ropes, the referee has a stroke or something because he stops paying attention and AJ pulls Octagon out of the ring and chucks him. KC with the Tope con Hilo and tag (tag ropes haven’t mattered since the 80s we all know this). So AJ is getting taunted by the crowd in Spanish, but he’s manhandling Octagon since it looks like a Child fighting their parent. AJ knocks off Chavo and Laredo, Laredo pops up and tries to get involved but he’s caught on the shoulders, Octagon goes for the Crossbody but gets caught and AJ pulls off “World’s Strongest Wasteland” but Chavo breaks up the pinfall. AJ throws Octagon into the corner, Tennessee Whiskey, and tag out to KC. KC hits a few moves, but starts to lose the momentum until he connects with a Super Kick. Simultaneous rope run into the Dueling Crossbodies, so we get the timely tag outs from both sides. Kaz and Laredo come in, Laredo lands like two moves before Kaz hits a Sole Butt, Lariat and eats his lunch. KC and Kaz try to double team Laredo but he fights out and the crowd is chanting for Chavo.
Chavo tags in, and he’s rocking KC, Saito Suplex, Low Bridge to AJ, Reverse the Whip so Chavo goes to the corner and perches, KC feeds, Chavo Backflips to safety, rolls through and lays out KC. Chavo is feeling himself, 3 Amigos start on KC but only 2, Kaz comes in and Chavo switches to Kaz for the Amigos, only 2 again before AJ breaks it up. AJ goes for the disrespect, but Chavo counters and hits the 3 Amigos on the biggest Culero. Aztec Warriors dive to stop AJ and Kaz, KC tries a Dirty Victory Roll but Chavo kicks out. GORY BOMB into FROG SPLASH!
Chavo looked fantastic and he’s the one in the best shape in the ring. I wouldn’t be mad at more Chavito.
Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich
I expect very little from this match.
Collar and Elbow, gator rolling for the first 30 seconds or so, then Jacy goes to some Hair Pull takedowns and does a little taunt before Masha pops back up and hits a Lariat into a Dive. Jacy sells it like she’s really hurt, even the ref tries to hold Masha back a little before Masha gets annoyed and just grabs her, Masha throws her in, looks for a Dive and Jacy sees it and powders. Masha tries to go back to the well for the Dive again but Jacy hits the Uppercut and then an Apron Run PK to drop Masha. Forearms rain down into a Foot Choke as Jacy continues to arrogantly play to the crowd. Another Foot Choke into a Cannonball, and near fall.
Masha gets space with a Sole Butt, tries to snap off Requiem but Jacy fights off, fights through a Sunset Flip another effective PK keeps Masha on her ass. Jacy looks for a kinda half-assed Camel Clutch as Masha is fighting up, but Jacy runs her into the corner, gets distracted mouthing off to the crowd, so Masha recovers, 5 Hole Up Kick sends Jacy into the corner, Yakuza Kick into Capo Kick for two. Requiem attempt again, but Jacy pushes off, a little back and forth, Masha tries a Backslide but Jacy gets away and hits a V-Trigger but only a 2 count. Jacy looks for the Discus Punch but Masha ducks it, they strike back and forth, but some dodges from both leave the exchange more even. Jacy with the Front Kick to the face sends Masha to the outside. Jacy wants another PK, but Masha blocks, Electric Chair Apron Snake Eyes. Masha throws her in, a PK into a near all. Requiem attempt 3, and thwarted from Jacy with a Superkick into a Neckbreaker. Senton misses from Jacy, Buzzsaw Kick, into Spinning Back Kick and Russian Death Device for the win.
Better than I expected, and Tessa attacks as soon as the bell rings. Xia Brookside and Lei Ying Li make the save after Tessa grabs the belt.
Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin
Ace and Eric tie up, World of Sport start but as soon as Ace starts to get away EY punches him in the face. Eric looks at the camera and says “This is what trust looks like”, turns his back on Ace, when Ace looks to attack, the loser duo cut him off. EY takes advantage of the weird situation, but Ace with some Up and Over quick spots, into an Inside Cradle and La Magistral. EY kicks out of the quick flash attempts, but eats a Dropkick, and Ace goes all Speed Kils on him with fast strikes and then a face buster for another near fall. Strike spot very early in the match, Ace gets the best of it, goes for a Tear Drop Suplex but EY sits on it to block, Headlocks to keep him close and then a snap Lariat into beatdown bully tactics. EY takes the referee’s attention and one of the nerds punch Ace in the face.
Eric tries to lean on Ace, but Ace fires, a few strikes, Click Click Boom, the Miz Seated Lariats in the corner, Mochizuki Triangle Kick connects! Only a 2 count, but Ace seems to be in control. Ace puts EY on the ropes, a few strikes to keep him rocked, wants a Superplex, but EY blocks, bites the face and Macho Elbow gets a very close two count. EY tries the Piledriver but Ace turns it into a Jacknife Cradle,Spinning Heel Kick, calls for The Fold, but the losers hop on the apron to distract, Ace attacks them. Ace tries to time out the Triangle Kick again, but Eric dodges, throws Ace head first through the buckles. As Ace stumbles out of the corner, Piledriver, and it’s over.
Oh look it’s the “we’ll hear from Joe Hendry” segment. Again, I’ve loved this gimmick since Day 1, even didn’t hate his What Culture Pro stuff, but there is such a thing as milking a cow too much.
Elijah interrupts the whole “Who’s next” speech. When Elijah comes out he says he’s not the challenger and he believes in Joe. The crowd wants Elijah to turn on Hendry. Elijah pauses for a moment, and starts proving his friendship with stating his favorite color and a little “You Got a Friend in Me”. The crowd is into singing along and waving their cameras like Lighters to a 30 year old song. THANKFULLY Kaz breaks up the hug fest. Now he gets the “Culero” chant.
Kaz pulls out a Bass…what the hell is this Jam Session. Kaz has to warm up so he plays “La Cucaracha” on the bass. Kaz…is a national treasure. Hendry kicks Kaz out of the ring after his Heelish and playfully racially charged song choices. Kaz tries to sow dissension, but Joe and Elijah pinball Kaz between them. Kaz slips a power move and tries to shove Elijah into Joe but Elijah puts the brakes on, a small tense moment. But then Joe and Elijah play “Nah Nah Nah Nah, Hey Hey, Goodbye”…and that goes right into a commercial. Oddly…perfect.
Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater
Nic shoots the half immediately for a flash pinfall but Leon kicks out at one. Nic continues to keep things grounded with his amateur wrestling skills, and then does a little Dolph Ziggler show off. So Nic isn’t really taking this seriously, and Leon starts getting the best of things with an Arm Wringer, into drag, Shoulder Tackle and rope run as Nic tries to Leap Frog and Leon puts on the brakes and just shoves Nic on his ass. Nic gets annoyed, a few strikes, grinds his face along the ropes, but Leon keeps stringing some offense together, Back Handspring Elbow into his Corner con Hilo.
Ahh the classic formula of the commercial gives the heel the advantage, Twisting Suplex from Leon stops Nic’s offense momentum, right hand, Leon lifts Nic up for something, Nic slips it, kicks him in the gut, looks for the FameAsser, but Leon catches him into a Blue Thunder Bomb variation. Slater wants the Swanton 450, but Nic powders. Leon tries to adjust into a Dive, but Nic cuts him off, counter for counter and a FameAsser out of the counters for a two count. Nic starts the big brother tactics, bootwashes and arrogance, Slater fires, punches into a Yakuza Kick. Leon wants another Lethal Injection variant, but Nic catches him into a Rear Naked Choke. Slater tries to turn it into a pin so Nic breaks it. Leon wants a Leg Lariat but misses and gets unceremoniously dropped by Nic. Nic puts Leon up on the buckles, Superplex possibly but Slater counters, tries to collect himself for a move, but Nic falls into the ropes to crotch Leon, and finally hits the Superplex.
Twist of Slate from Leon, Swanton 450 but knees get up. Locomotion Cradles from both but they kick out, Ryan picks the ankle to trip up Leon just a touch and then Danger Zone ends the match.
Ryan starts the post match beatdown, but the Hardy’s music hits and they come down to the ring for the save. Matt challenges the Nemeths for Rebellion because they’re not medically cleared yet.
Overall Score: 6.5/10
Decent story motion, no match was offensive, and there was actually some solid match action for television standards. I don’t have a ton to complain about aside from the Knockouts Division is in a weird spot, and giving Hendry a lot of just talking and hollow payoff segments feels stupid. If we need to hear from him every week, give him a talk segment like Highlight Reel or something. Yes I know First Class just got The Penthouse, but if Hendry is going to talk more than wrestle, give him a talk segment for us to sink our teeth into.
There was the announcement that Xia, Lei Ying and Masha will face Tessa, Jacy and a mystery partner. So you gotta wonder if there’s going to be another NXT mercenary, a surprise return or if it’ll just be Rosemary since she’s got her issues with Xia. Also I just realized that Unbreakable is going to be on a Thursday, seemingly after iMPACT? I’m gonna have to see how they do it, because if there’s an Impact episode and 2-3 hour PLE…I do not want to be awake until 1am. People need to work, and I will be Unwakeable if things go that long.
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (3/28/25)
SmackDown in the UK!
DWI Podcast #469: Superplex Sunday
Will John Cena win the WWE Title and retire at Wrestlemania?
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 3.27.2025
Bad news out of the TNA management side, but this is a taped episode from El Paso! So we won't...
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (3/27/25)
Is there a new Minion in town?
Mitchell’s WWE Evolve Results & Report! (3/27/25)
Evolve enters the Fourth Dimension!
POD is WAR: It All Goes Back To The Spinner Belt
Andrew Balaz, Rey Cash and PC Tunney invite you to come along on a trip inside the minds of Los...
Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (3/26/25)
ThunderStorm is TIMELESS!
Greg DeMarco Show: No Stipulation Needed
CM Punk vs Seth Rollins vs Roman Reigns? Are you buying this as a WWE WrestleMania 41 match? Does it...
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (3/25/25)
La Primera Double Header!
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (3/24/25)
ADRENALINE! IN GLASGOW!
