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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Will the Mad King regret this gamble?
Before putting both belts on the line against Katsuyori Shibata at AEW WrestleDream, Eddie Kingston defends his NJPW Strong title against Rocky Romero! Will plans have to change all thanks to Azucar?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- AEW World Trios Championships: The Acclaimed & Billy Gunn VS The Hardy Party; The Acclaimed & Billy win and retain the titles.
- NJPW Strong Openweight Championship: Eddie Kingston VS Rocky Romero; Eddie wins and retains the title.
- The Righteous VS Caleb Crush & Gunnar; The Righteous win.
- AEW Women’s World Championship #1 Contender’s match: Ruby Soho VS Hikaru Shida; Shida wins and will challenge Saraya for the title on Title Tuesday, October 10th.
PLAY BY PLAY
AEW World Trios Championships: The Acclaimed & Billy Gunn VS The Hardy Party!
The open challenge was put forth, and it was answered very quickly! Will Matt, Jeff & Brother Zay DELETE the Scissor World Tour? Or will Max Caster, Anthony Bowens & Daddy Ass keep the party going?
But of course, Platinum Max has a diss track! “Acclaimed on the mic, ’bout to leave these dudes up in smoke! Y’know we comin’ like the Colorado Buffalos! Matt, I don’t want any heat! I don’t need your crazy ass wife sendin’ me tweets! It’s the one guy in Private Party! Nowadays, he gets tag teamed by the Hardys! Jeff, I’m a leave you black in both eyes! You gonna need these sunglasses like Coach Prime.” Bowens takes the mic to say “COLORADOOOO~! The Acclaimed have arrived! Scissor Me, Daddy Ass~!” And he does! The belts are raised, and we see who survives WrestleDream weekend!
The trios sort out and Bowens starts against Kassidy. They shake hands, tie up, and Bowens waistlocks. Kassidy drop toeholds, facelocks but Bowens slips free to wrench. Kassidy rolls, handsprings, wrenches and hammerlocks to a headlock. Bowens powers out to headlock but Kassidy powers out, only for Bowens to run him over! Bowens self-scissors, then things speed up. Kassidy hurdles, Bowens shoves then follows but Kassidy arm-drags! Bowens arm-drags! Bowens blocks Kassidy’s arm-drag to whip, but Kassidy wheelbarrows and arm-drags! Bowens stands, into a RANA! Kassidy then pounds the mat and fans fire up.
Bowens kicks but Kassidy blocks to spin him. Kassidy kicks but Bowens blocks to flip him! Bowens then kicks, kicks and KOTARO KRUSHER! Fans fire up, “EVERYONE Loves The Acclaimed!” Bowens drags Kassidy up, tags in Caster, and they double whip. Kassidy holds ropes, TOSSES Bowens then BOOTS Caster! Tag to Matt and Matt BOOTS Caster! Kassidy hits a NECKBREAKER, Jeff tags in to go up, for the SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Jeff snapmares Caster to then NECK SNAPPER! Fans fire up with Jeff and he waits on Caster to stand. Kick but no Twist as Caster slips free! Jeff ducks the backhand to SPIN KICK!
Jeff CLUBS Caster, Caster scrambles away, tags to Billy and Matt! Fans fire up as Matt says “DELETE! DELETE!” Billy says “SUCK IT!” “DELETE!” “SUCK IT!” “DELETE!” “SUCK IT!” And repeat! Then Billy headlocks! Matt throws body shots, powers out, but Billy runs Matt over! Billy flexes and does a dance, and then he runs in. Matt ELBOWS Billy, BOOTS him, then bumps him off buckles! “DELETE! DELETE! DELETE!” Billy gets all three layers, and Matt tags Jeff. Jeff tags Kassidy, and the Hardys set up fort he classic POETRY IN MOTION! Then Kassidy adds PARTY IN MOTION! But The Acclaimed CLOBBER Kassidy & The Hardys!
Fans fire up as Caster has Kassidy up to scoop and SLAM! Billy helps get the legs, and Bowens goes up to SCISSOR ME TIMBERS! Kassidy squeals before impact! Cover, TWO! Kassidy survives but The Acclaimed have control as Rampage goes picture in picture.
Billy brings Kassidy up, bumps him off buckles, and he hears the fans singing. Billy ROCKS Kassidy with a right, apologizes to the ref, then tags to Bowens. Bowens drags Kassidy up to ROCK him with haymaker after haymaker! Bowens then brings Kassidy up to tag in Caster. They double suplex Kassidy, Caster covers, TWO! Another cover, TWO! Caster keeps Kassidy down with a chinlock while fans rally up. Kassidy fights to his feet, throws body shots, and he fires forearms as Rampage returns to single picture. Kassidy runs but Caster CLOBBERS him! Tag to Billy and they mug Kassidy.
Billy brings Kassidy to an open corner, stomps and ROCKS him on repeat, then lets off to smirk at the Hardys. He dares them to do something, but Matt tells Billy to suck it! So Billy DECKS Matt! Billy runs corner to corner but Kassidy dodges! The splash hits buckles and Billy falls back! Fans rally up as both men crawl, but Billy gets Kassidy’s leg! Kassidy stands up to ENZIGURI! Hot tag to Jeff! Jeff rallies on Billy, on Bowens, and on Caster! Fans fire up and Jeff clotheslines Billy up and out! Jeff CLOBBS Bowens, then catches him for a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Leg hook cradle! Cover, Caster breaks it!
Caster helps Bowens up, then runs in, but Jeff ELBOWS caster and ROCKS Bowens! Jeff goes up, WHISPER IN THE WIND! Jeff gets both Caster and Bowens but everyone is down! Billy returns, kicks low, says ‘SUCK IT!” and runs, but Jeff dodges! Matt kicks Billy for a TWIST OF FATE! Jeff hurries up top, fans fire up, SWANTON BOMB! Cover, Bowens breaks it in time! Matt CLUBS Bowens, Bowens hits back, and Bowens calls to Caster. They whip Matt to a corner, forearm then ELBOW then forearm again! And a feed to the POWERSLAM! ROLLING ELBOW for Jeff! The Acclaimed regroup, and Billy crawls to the corner.
Fans fire up as Billy drags Jeff over. Jeff gets loose, hot tags to Kassidy and Bowens! Kassidy dodges Bowens to DROPKICK Caster! “This is Awesome!” as Kassidy BOOTS Bowens! Kassidy goes up, leaps, FLYING FLATLINER! Billy stands, runs in, but Kassidy dumps him out! Kassidy slingshots out then QUEBRADAS to take Billy down! Kassidy mocks the scissoring, then tells Bowens to get up. Kassidy springboards in, but Bowens dodges and Caster BACKHANDS Kassidy! Then Bowens BACKHANDS Kassidy! Bowens fires off the Five Tool Strike Fest! Caster hoists Kassidy up and Bowens helps, to give Kassidy the PLATINUM BOMB! Cover, The Acclaimed win!
Winners: The Acclaimed & Billy Gunn, by pinfall (still AEW World Trios Championships)
A huge win for the champions, and the Scissor World Tour continues! In fact, it is heading to Seattle for WrestleDream’s Zero Hour! TMDK’s Shane Haste, Mikey Nicholls & Bad Dude Tito are waiting, will they show The Acclaimed that The Mighty Don’t Kneel?
Eddie Kingston speaks.
“Well folks, tonight, it’s me and Big Rock, Rocky Romero, for the NJPW Strong Openweight Championship. Rock, I got nothing but respect for you, dawg, so it’s gonna be an honor and a pleasure to defend this against you. You’re the man that got me into the G1. You’re the man that got me-” Wait, Team Triple J is interrupting. Jay Lethal says that if we’re talking honor and respect, Eddie is standing here with two titles on his shoulders, and that is worth respecting. But Lethal can’t get behind how Eddie is the ROH World Champion. Lethal dedicated his life to that title! His blood, sweat, tears, all to honor a tradition that meant that every person to hold that title would be a pure athlete!
And Eddie, you are no pure athlete! Now as for this NJPW Strong Openweight title, Lethal doesn’t care if Eddie wins it or loses it here tonight. He really doesn’t. But he just cares that Eddie is unfit to be ROH World Champion! Eddie says okay, he’s got Lethal. But excuse his back, he’s gotta go beat up Romero. The Mad King leaves, but will he still have both crowns going into WrestleDream?
AEW shares an interview from after last week’s Collision.
Lexi Nair was with Andrade El Idolo after he was bandaged up from the beating Bullet Club Gold gave him. He almost won, but Juice Robinson interfered. What was that about? Andrade says everyone saw that Andrade had White beat. But the question for Juice is… “Do you have a problem with me? With Andrade El Idolo? Lemme tell you something. See you Saturday in Seattle!” Andrade wants his revenge on Rock Hard, will he get it on WrestleDream Eve?
NJPW Strong Openweight Championship: Eddie Kingston VS Rocky Romero!
The Mad King beat Kenta at NJPW Independence Day back in July to have his first singles title under the NJPW banner. And now he defends it against Azucar as a favor for getting him in the door. Will Rocky repay this favor by taking this title from Eddie? Or will Eddie still head to Seattle as a double champion?
The introductions are made, the NJPW belt is raised, and we see who is truly NJPW Strong!
The bell rings and fans rally up for “EDDIE! EDDIE!” The two circle, Rocky tests things with a kick but Eddie stays back. They feel things out, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Eddie waistlocks, Rocky wrenches, wristlocks, but Eddie clinches. Fans rally, Rocky keeps on the wristlock but Eddie powers through to wrench and wristlock back. Rocky rolls, breaks free and DROPKICKS! Fans are torn as Rocky swaggers, but he and Eddie reset. They feel things out, knuckle lock, and Rocky knees low. Rocky headlocks, grinds the hold, but Eddie powers up and out. They RAM shoulders, but Eddie stays up with a smirk.
Fans fire up as Rocky smirks back, but then pie faces Eddie! Rocky runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and RANAS! Eddie bails out, Rocky builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit but Eddie stays up, so Rocky goes again! DIVE and Eddie drops to his knees! Rocky keeps going, and he DIVES for the hattrick, only for Eddie to catch him! Stalling suplex, to the floor! Fans rally behind Eddie while Rampage goes picture in picture.
Eddie stands, stretches out his back, and then he gets Rocky up and into the ring. Cover, TWO! Eddie keeps cool, and also chooses not to rain down fists, instead clamping on a chinlock. Rocky endures as Eddie grinds him down, and fans rally up. Eddie cranks the headlock but Rocky refuses to give up. Rocky fights up, throws elbows, but Eddie knees him low! Eddie whips to knee low again, then whips for another knee! Eddie whips but Rocky rolls him up, TWO! Rocky BUZZSAWS Eddie, then TORNADO DDTS! Both men are down and a standing count begins. Rocky stirs at 3, crawls over, and he brings Eddie up.
Eddie pushes Rocky, runs, but into an IRON OCTOPUS! Eddie endures, pries at the hold, and pops free, only for Rocky to wrangle him with a ghost pin! TWO, and Eddie goes to ropes. Rocky storms up, KICKS Eddie in the back, but Eddie just grimaces. Eddie eggs Rocky on so Rocky KICKS him again! Eddie growls and eggs Rocky on more as Rampage goes picture in picture.
Rampage returns and Eddie suplexes, but Rocky knees free! Rocky knees low, Eddie rebounds, but into a JUMP KNEE! Eddie goes to ropes, Rocky storms over and brings him up through the ropes, to KICK! Eddie eggs Rocky on even though he’s stuck, so Rocky SLAPS Eddie! Eddie SLAPS Rocky! Rocky SOBATS! Then Rocky goes up a corner to MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Eddie is still in this and Rocky argues the count but the ref says it was fair. Rocky drags Eddie up, cravats, but no Sliced Bread! Eddie runs in to clothesline in the corner! And MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Fans fire up and Eddie hoists Rocky up top!
Eddie climbs up behind Rocky, stands him up, but Rocky throws hands! Rocky CLUBS Eddie, cravats, and hits SUPER SLICED BREAD! Cover, TWO!! Fans fire up as Eddie survives, and Rocky grits his teeth. Rocky pumps up and fans rally. Rocky runs in to clothesline! That’s one-ever! Two-ever! But URAKEN stops that! URAKEN again!! Eddie drags Rocky into the STRETCH PLUM!! Rocky taps, Eddie wins!!
Winner: Eddie Kingston, by submission (still NJPW Strong Openweight Champion)
Azucar could not dethrone The Mad King, but he still shows Eddie respect with a handshake and hug. Eddie is still NJWP Strong, but will he have to fight even harder to survive The Wrestler, Katsuyori Shibata?
Wait! That’s Shibata’s music! Shibata is HERE! He goes into the ring and shakes hands with Eddie. These two respect each other, and that means they will give it everything they’ve got! Will Eddie still be a two belt king? Or will Shibata become a TRIPLE CROWN Champion?
Aussie Open speaks.
Mark Davis says he is so tired. So tired of hearing the “top blokes” walk around here the last year, hubris unchecked, lying to the people that they are the best in the world. Kyle Fletcher says that for the last 365 days, everything Aussie Open has done has been to get back to FTR. When FTR beat them a year ago, it broke Fletcher. Fletcher felt like a failure and felt lost. So what he wants more than anything is to make FTR feel that pain. This Sunday, Aussie Open takes the AEW World Tag Team Championships, burns down the legacy of #7StarFTR, and from the ashes, rebuild a new empire that they will stand atop of to proclaim that THEY are the best tag team in the world!
The Aussie Arrow and Dunkzilla are ready to bring down Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler, will they fulfill that WrestleDream?
The Righteous VS Caleb Crush & Gunnar!
Speaking of tag titles, Dutch & Vincent are aimed at the ROH World Tag Team Championships! However, Adam Cole will be out with injury so it’ll just be Maxwell Jacob Friedman meeting them in Seattle. Will this tune-up prove to be more than enough going into that tag title handicap match?
The teams sort out, but then Dutch just CLOBBERS Crush & Gunnar! Fans boo as Dutch says just a few more days and those titles will be theirs! Vincent rains down fists on Crush, then drags him up to UPPERCUT! Vincent bumps Crush off buckles, tags in Dutch, and the Righteous mugs Crush before the BOSS MAN SLAM! Gunnar staggers up but Dutch feeds him to Vinnie’s KNEE! Then Vinnie feeds him to a BOSS MAN SLAM! Tag to Vinnie, fans are torn as the Righteous pace around Crush. Vinnie snaps his fingers, then cravats, AUTUMN SUNSET! Cover, Righteous win!
Winners: The Righteous, by pinfall
A swift and dominant win, these are the two men coming for the tag titles! Will The Righteous purge ROH of the “false friendship” that is the brochachos? Or are even two Righteous men combined not on the level of the Devil?
Ortiz sits alone in a room.
He looks back on his career alongside Mike Santana. They were at the top of their game coming into AEW, but then it ended up going downhill. There’s even audio from Konnan touching on how Ortiz and Santana stopped talking to each other and how Konnan was saddened by that. Ortiz has the footage stop there. What will it take for him to get Santana to talk to him?
Darby Allin speaks.
After replaying what Christian Cage said just last Wednesday on Dynamite, the Relentless One reiterates that he is NOT losing in Seattle, Washington! Will Darby defend home turf against Captain Charisma?
Nick Wayne speaks.
He knows Darby has a lot to say about Christian Cage, and all of that will be part of the Countdown special. But Nick also knows Darby’s actions will speak louder than his words at WrestleDream. And although Darby told Nick not to be there ringside, Nick doesn’t really want to anyway because of what Christian & Luchasaurus are capable of. So, while they let Christian and Darby settle their business, how about Nick and Luchasaurus settle theirs? For months and months, Luchasaurus walked around here while another man held his title. And Luchasaurus followed Christian around like he was some kind of father figure.
And Nick isn’t sure what it is about Christian where he thinks he can even be such a figure to “us Lost Boys,” but Nick had a father. And he told Nick at a young age “to never leave your debts unpaid.” Nick owes Luchasaurus. At Wembley Stadium, Luchasaurus choke slammed Nick onto a skateboard and Nick never forgot it. Nick will repay Luchasaurus this Sunday during Zero Hour. And Nick will even hand Luchasaurus a receipt. Nick brings his own skateboard, will he grind it right into the Right Hand of Destruction?
BREAKING NEWS for Collision!
AEW is going to do it big for WrestleDream Eve as, with Zack Sabre Jr. on commentary, we see an 8 Man Tag! FTR teams with Bryan Danielson & Wheeler Yuta to take on Aussie Open, Ricky Starks & “Big Bill” Morrissey! Plus, Chris Jericho & Kenny Omega test their tag team chemistry against The Gates of Agony! Will The Ocho & The Cleaner survive Toa Liona & Bishop Kaun to take on the Don Callis Family? And Julia Hart gets in action to build some last minute momentum, will she be ready for Kris Statlander and their TBS Championship match set for Sunday?
Backstage interview with Zack Sabre Jr.
Renee Paquette is with The Front Man of TMDK, and says we’re just days away from WrestleDream, where ZSJ takes on The American Dragon, Bryan Danielson. ZSJ just came off a three week tour in NJPW and just got here to the States, is he worried at all about acclimating? ZSJ asks Bryan “Dragon Bullocks” Danielson, “Where are you, darling?” As Renee just said, ZSJ got off a 16 hour flight from Tokyo and is feeling fresh as a daisy. But perhaps this company’s keeping Bryan wrapped head to toe in bubble wrap, or keeps him in a giant Zorb ball. At this point, a strong gust of wind will knock Bryan over.
And is ZSJ supposed to be honored that Bryan chose him as part of the year long retirement tour? Newsflash: Bryan barely has a weekend. This Sunday isn’t just about finding out who the best technical wrestler is, no no. Bryan has retired once in Seattle, so ZSJ will make it final. Ya like that? The final retirement~! Submissions in Seattle, see you on Sunday. The NJPW World Television Champion has put Bryan on notice, but will he be able to slay the American Dragon?
AEW Women’s World Championship #1 Contender’s match: Ruby Soho VS Hikaru Shida!
While the Outcasts stand at two members, Saraya is looking forward to a friendly showdown with the Runaway in a little under two weeks! But will Ruby make sure there is No Future for the Shining Samurai? Or will Shida take down one Outcast to go after another?
The bell rings and the two circle. Fans fire up as Ruby and Shida step up, and they’re on Shida’s side. Ruby shoves, runs, and RAMS Shida, but Shida just fires up! Ruby headlocks, Shida throws body shots, and then she powers out. Shida then runs past Ruby to run Ruby over! Fans duel, Shida has the majority, and she goes to the corner. Shida climbs up but Ruby slips away before any fists can rain down! Shida is annoyed but she waits on Ruby to return. Ruby takes her time going to the apron, steps in at 6 of 10 but wants Shida to stay back. Shida gets annoyed as the ref keeps her back, but then Ruby pulls Shida’s hair to throw her down!
Ruby throws hands, puts Shida in the corner, then RAMS into her again and again! Fans boo but Ruby runs, only to miss! Shida ROCKS Ruby, then climbs up to rain down fists! Ruby gets away before three, runs back in but into a BOOT! Shida bumps Ruby off buckles, climbs up and rains down those fists! Ruby slips out at five to YANK Shida down! Ruby whips, Shida goes up and CROSSBODIES! Shida then drags Ruby up, puts her in yet another corner, and tries one more time! Shida rains down fists, and goes all the way to TEN! Fans fire up with Shida and she kicks Ruby out, to then MISSILE DROPKICK!
Fans fire up as Shida drags Ruby up, and Rampage goes picture in picture.
Ruby CLUBS away on Shida to stop the lift, then shoves her to a corner. Ruby runs in, Shida dodges, but Ruby ELBOWS her! Ruby goes up to hit DEADLY NIGHTSHADE! Ruby digs Shida into the buckles, lets off as the ref counts, and then brings Shida up to snapmare. Ruby covers, TWO! Ruby throws down fists now, but lets off with a smug smirk. Ruby puts Shida on ropes to CHOKE! The ref counts, Ruby lets off, and then Ruby has Shida in the ropes to throw knees! A shoutout to Saraya, and Ruby lets off at 4. Ruby stalks Shida, looms over her, and pushes her around. Shida pushes back but Ruby eggs her on.
Shida ROCKS Ruby, then fires again! Ruby claws Shida’s face! And throws her down by her hair again! The ref reprimands, but Ruby clamps on a straitjacket stretch! Shida endures, but Ruby grinds her into the mat! Fans rally, Shida fights up, and she arm-drags free! Ruby returns to CLOBBER Shida! Cover, TWO! Ruby is annoyed but Shida grabs at Ruby’s hair! Ruby CLUBS Shida, drags her up, and stomps a hand! Shida scrambles to a corner while the ref reprimands but Ruby stomps a mudhole in. Ruby lets off as the ref counts, and Ruby storms around. Shida drags herself up, but Ruby CHOKES her on the ropes!
The ref counts while Ruby BITES Shida’s ear! Ruby lets off at 4, drags Shida up, but Shida ROCKS her! And again! And again! And again! But Ruby knees low! Ruby talks trash, whips Shida to ropes, but Shida ducks ‘n’ dodges, and DOUBLE LARIATS knock both women down! Rampage returns to single picture as the standing count climbs. Fans rally, both women are down at 5 of 10 but Shida goes to ropes. Shida snarls, she and Ruby stand at 7, and they storm up. Shida fires a forearm, Ruby gives it back! Shida throws another, so Ruby gives it back! They go back and forth, harder and harder, faster and faster!
Ruby gets the edge, but Shida ROCKS her! And ROCKS her! And ROCKS her again! Shida whips to JUMP KNEE! Shida then suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! Shida fires up again and the fans are with her! Shida aims, KATA- NO, Ruby ducks and bails out! Fans boo but Shida goes out to pursue! Shida runs in, jumps off the steps, and DROPKICKS Ruby down! Fans fire up again and Shida stands Ruby up. Shida torture racks Ruby, then goes to the ramp!? Fans are thunderous but Ruby fights free! They throw forearms, and CHOPS! Shida CLUBS Ruby, Ruby throws body shots, but the count is climbing!
They both hear it’s 8 of 10 and start sprinting! They both slide in at 9.5!! Fans are thunderous and then Ruby swings, but Shida blocks! Ruby HEADBUTTS, blocks a kick, then KICKS back! SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Shida survives and Ruby grows frustrated. Ruby goes to a corner, and she takes Shida’s kendo stick for her own! The ref stops Ruby, takes the kendo stick, but then Ruby brings out the spray paint! Shida and the ref both block that and they’re all fighting over it! Down goes the ref!! Shida and Ruby are both stunned, but then Ruby HEADBUTTS! DESTINATION UNKNOWN! But no ref to count the cover!
Ruby is furious, she would’ve had this! But then she sees the kendo stick! Ruby grins as she wields Shida’s weapon! Fans boo, but Shida blocks the strike to kick and HEADSHOT! Then KATANA KICK!! Cover, but still no ref! Wait, here comes Aubrey! Aubrey slides in, counts the cover, TWO!! Ruby survives but Shida fires up! Shida puts Ruby in a drop zone, goes up the corner, and she METE- NO! Ruby dodges to then STO! Ruby drags herself up the corner, goes to the very top, and STAGE DIVE SENTONS onto knees! And then FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!! Ruby survives but Shida won’t stop there!
Shida hauls Ruby up but Ruby wrenches to NO FUTURE KICK! But Shida rebounds to KATANA!! Cover, Shida wins!!
Winner: Hikaru Shida, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the AEW Women’s World Champion)
The Shining Samurai takes down The Runaway, but wait! Here comes Saraya! #TitleTuesday is coming, will that be a good Knight for the champ? Or will Shida take this belt back to become a historic THREE-TIME champion?
My Thoughts:
A great Rampage, especially as the go-home to WrestleDream. I figured the title matches would end with the champions retaining, but we got really good stuff out of Acclaimed VS Hardy Party and Eddie VS Rocky. As for their title defenses on WrestleDream, I don’t see TMDK taking the trios titles as this will be their AEW debuts. And as I’ve said a few times already, Eddie isn’t losing both belts he worked so hard to have so soon. Plus, it feels like there’s some tension between NJPW the company and Shibata, or else Shibata would already be NJPW Strong Openweight Champion and not one of ROH’s champs.
Speaking of Eddie, good promo from him before his match with Rocky, and good interaction with Team Triple J. I wasn’t exactly expecting Jay Lethal to be Eddie’s first actual feud for the ROH World Championship, but I suppose it does make sense as Lethal was a major player in ROH. I hope these guys actually show up on ROH programming, but also, Tony Khan wants this feud to be seen so it’ll end up on AEW programming instead. Y’know, just like all these other ROH title stories outside of the AEW Women’s title.
Good squash from The Righteous, and I’m really curious as to how the tag title match goes on Sunday. There’s a lot of stuff MJF still has to do with Cole, Roddy and The Kingdom, and now this intrigue with Jay White, Bullet Club Gold and the backstage attack at the end of Dynamite. I still feel it should’ve been The Kingdom in the PPV match anyway, but it seems they were going to drag this story out even before Cole hurt his foot. Good promo from Nick Wayne to call out Luchasaurus, but I feel like Luchasaurus ends up winning that match just to make a point of Nick not being able to show up ringside for Darby.
Good promo from Andrade to call out Juice for this week’s Collision, and I’m still wondering if/when La Faccion Ingobernable helps Andrade against Bullet Club Gold. For that matter, why can’t MJF be paying LFI to beat up on White and the BCG? He’s had business dealings with Andrade & Rush before, let’s strike that up again for some continuity. Really good promo from Aussie Open ahead of their tag title match, and from ZSJ to call out Bryan. That 8 Man Tag tomorrow night is going to be good stuff, and perhaps rather telling about where the PPV matches go. The only reason I don’t see Aussie Open winning against FTR is because of that big Fatal 4 Way tag contenders match, but who knows, maybe Aussie Open wins to bring the AEW belts to NJPW events as they take on like Goto & Hashi.
And of course, a great main event from Shida and Ruby. Seems a little silly to set up Ruby as a contender, wouldn’t that just end up in a Finger Poke of Doom situation with Saraya? Which therefore meant Shida was winning. Saraya VS Shida for this Title Tuesday Dynamite is going to be good stuff, but something makes me feel like Ruby is just gonna help Saraya retain. And not to be mean to Shida, but if she’s already a two-time champ, I don’t see her becoming three-time so soon. Why not get Shida in on the TBS Championship story? Britt Baker wants to be the first to have held both titles in AEW, but Shida should want that distinction, too. Then that lets us have Britt VS Shida as we should’ve gotten by now given everything else we’ve been seeing lately.
My Score: 8.7/10
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Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (9/29/23)
King VS Emperor to determine a champion!
One way or another, the US title belongs to the LWO!
Rey Mysterio defends his WWE United States Championship against friend and protege, Santos Escobar! But will things stay friendly between them?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Jimmy Uso w/ The Bloodline VS Karl Anderson; Jimmy wins.
- Austin Theory w/ Grayson Waller VS Cameron Grimes; Theory wins.
- WWE United States Championship: Rey Mysterio VS Santos Escobar; Rey wins and retains the title.
- Charlotte Flair VS Bayley w/ Damage CTRL; Charlotte wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
The Bloodline is here!
Fans boo as Jimmy Uso, Solo Sikoa & Paul Heyman head to the ring. And Jimmy is definitely hyped over how he and Solo took down AJ Styles and John Cena, putting the tag team match at Fastlane into question. Heyman has the mic to introduce himself, but the fans keep on booing. His name isn’t “Boo,” he’s Paul! Heyman! And tonight, a rare opportunity that he doesn’t have to do this into the phone but live to the world here from SmackDown, in the hell hole of Sacramento, California. “We ACKNOWLEDGE our Tribal Chief!” The Bloodline throws up the ones, and Heyman says, “And so do each and every single one of you!”
The fans boo, though some do raise the fingers. Heyman asks us why do they acknowledge Roman… Reigns? Because it is in Roman’s name that last week, the second greatest of all time, John Cena, took a beating at the hands of the Bloodline in a way Cena hasn’t taken in at least a decade. And to wit, Heyman calls our attention to the Bloodline version of the Zapruder Film. Heyman plays footage from just last week, where Cena was the only one who signed the contract to have a match for Fastlane. Cena hoped AJ Styles was going to be his partner, but then the Bloodline struck first and hospitalized AJ Styles.
And back to present, fans are booing but Jimmy’s almost cracking up. Heyman says not to get involved in Cena’s business, but a little birdie told Heyman that there are some transportation issues this evening. And while Cena is expected to make it here, you can’t see him because Cena is NOT here. But y’know who else ain’t here? AJ Styles! And why is that? Because he’s lying in a hospital bed, watching them on SmackDown and- Jimmy holds his hand out for the mic? Heyman says he wasn’t done but Jimmy snatches the mic. “Sacramento! The Bloodline is now in your city!” Heyman sighs while Jimmy raises the one.
Jimmy tells the Wise Man, you are too kind. The real reason Cena isn’t here tonight is because he’s scared! Scared of one JIM USO! Jimmy says if Cena is smart, he’ll stay far, far away. If not, they’ll take care of him like they did the Phenomenal One! The one who built the house, place, face- KARL ANDERSON CLOBBERS SOLO! Then he TACKLES Jimmy! Jimmy gets up but Karl clotheslines him up and out! Fans fire up for Karl as he represents for The OC! Karl says he told Styles not to get in Bloodline business and now Styles is in the hospital. So now, this is OC business! Any one of them, get in the ring with him!
Fans fire up but Heyman has Solo stand down. Heyman whispers things to The Enforcer, and then Solo tells Jimmy to handle this or he’ll do it for him. Jimmy says he’s got this. Solo doesn’t return the high-five, but will Jimmy return fire on the Machine Gun?
Jimmy Uso w/ The Bloodline VS Karl Anderson!
SmackDown returns and the match is going as Karl bumps Jimmy off buckles! Then CHOPS! And fires off haymakers! The ref counts, Karl lets off but then stomps a mudhole! Karl lets off to tell Heyman & Solo they made this personal. Karl stands Jimmy up but Jimmy swings. Karl dodges to JUMP KICK! Karl says he told Styles not to get involved but too late now. Karl whips, Jimmy BOOTS back! Jimmy runs, but Karl gives him a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Heyman is worried but Solo is stoic as Jimmy survives. Karl storms up on Jimmy, UPPERCUTS him to the corner, then UPPERCUTS again!
Karl brings Jimmy up to the top rope, ROCKS him with rights, then climbs. Solo steps forward and that distracts Karl, as well as the ref. Jimmy CLAWS Karl’s eyes! The ref misses it but fans boo as Jimmy rains down fists on Karl. Jimmy snarls, goes to a corner, and he SUPERKICKS Karl down! Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and scowls at the booing fans before the USO SPLASH! Cover, Jimmy wins!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Heyman is relieved and he whispers something more to Solo. Jimmy may be getting himself into trouble, but he’s also getting himself out, will this get Jimmy back in the Bloodline?
Wait, Karl isn’t done! He gets up to throw more hands with Jimmy! Solo storms in to hit the SAMOAN SPIKE! Solo roars as Karl is down, no back-up even possible with both Styles and Gallows hurt. Is the OC no longer a problem for The Bloodline? Wait, Michin is here! She SLAPS Jimmy right down! Fans are thunderous as she storms to the ring. Jimmy asks what the heck! Mia Yim packs a punch, will that knock some sense into Jimmy?
Backstage interview with Santos Escobar.
Cathy Kelley is with The Emperor of Lucha, and says that he faces his mentor and LWO teammate, Rey Mysterio. Where is his mind at tonight? Santos says his mind is focused, but his stomach has butterflies. But this match is about heart. And Santos has already said this is a dream match for him, and he has been working his entire life for it. Now, with the whole world watching, he has a chance to make the dream come true. He never gives up on his dreams, and he will fight for them, so Rey is in for the fight of his life. May the best man win. Will it be Emperor or King of Lucha that reigns as the United States Champion?
The Bloodline regroups backstage.
Jimmy is fuming and he yells at a production staff member just for looking at him. He asks another if they saw what happened, then just shoves the guy down! Jimmy storms off, Solo follows and Heyman has the staff relax. Then he puts in a call to Roman Reigns. What will The Tribal Chief have to say about Jimmy’s attitude?
It’s an all new Grayson Waller Effect.
The Aussie Icon, the Moment Maker, the Dynamite From Down Under is already in the ring on his set, and he says what a wild night already. Cena may be the greatest of all time, but he ain’t the greatest at being on time! Hah! But don’t worry, because Waller is here to save the show. Fans boo but Waller thanks them. Waller’s guests just keep getting bigger, and this is literal given the physical specimen. He has done everything in the WWE as a performer, but not as a talent scout. But that’s alright, he gets what he’s always been missing: the Waller rub! Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the All Mighty Bobby Lashley!
Fans cheer as Lashley makes his way out and Waller does some push-ups so he looks at least a little bigger standing next to him. They shake hands and then sit at the desk. Waller says he wasn’t lying when the guests keep getting bigger, right? How does he fit into the suit? But Waller appreciates Lashley being on the show, especially after the week he’s had. His boys, the Street Profits had a devastating loss last week. Lashley says he made a mistake. He was looking for the next big thing, he thought the Profits had what it takes to do whatever they want, but seems not. Back to the drawing board, huh?
Wow, that must be hard for the Profits to hear. But yeah, if you’re looking for a tag team, they need to be willing to do whatever it takes. A team with unbridled charisma! A team that is undefeated! Maybe a team like Austin Theory & Grayson Waller! Lashley’s stare makes Waller slow his roll. Lashley knows all about Theory, that’s a pass. Yeah, but Theory’s changed! If you get to know him, he’s a good bloke! And- Wait! Here come the Street Profits! Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins came dressed to match Lashley, and Lashley seems rather upset and confused. The Profits step into the ring, mics in their hands.
Lashley steps to them, and he stops Dawkins before he gets started. No excuses, no reasons. If they want something out of Lashley, they need to prove it. Lashley goes to leave, and then the Profits look to each other. They storm out after Lashley and get up in his face! Lashley says he told them what to do. Now go do it. He keeps on moving, and Waller says how awkward. Hey, light the beam for the 153 million hit man, Austin Theory! Theory makes his entrance, walking past Lashley on the stage, and then continues down the ramp. He smirks at the Profits and goes to the steps, with Waller being the only one cheering.
But will it be A-Town Down as Theory faces Cameron Grimes? Or will SmackDown go TO~ THE~ MOON~?
Austin Theory w/ Grayson Waller VS Cameron Grimes!
SmackDown returns, Theory is busy looking at NXT’s Dragon Lee watching from the front row, and the bell rings. Theory turns around into a BOOT from Grimes! Grimes fires off KICKS, UPPERCUTS, and then CHOPS! Grimes whips, Theory reverses but Grimes CLOBBERS Theory! Grimes keeps moving and he CLOBBERS Theory again! Atomic drop, then KICK! Then a KICK, run, and SHOTGUN dropkick! Cover, ONE! Another cover, ONE! Theory scrambles, Grimes has the leg, and Grimes drags Theory back. Theory kicks free, Waller coaches Theory up and Theory ELBOWS Grimes! And throat chops!
Theory throws down clubbing hands while fans boo, but Theory shouts at everyone. Theory brings Grimes up, talks trash, but Grimes eggs him on! Grimes fires off fists, body shots, then backs Theory to a corner. Grimes whips, Theory reverses, then Theory runs in. Theory blocks a boot but Grimes ENZIGURIS! Grimes goes up, leaps, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Theory hangs tough and Waller relaxes. Grimes aims, and he BUZZ- NO, Theory ducks! So Grimes backflips to deadlift GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Theory survives but Grimes storms up on him in the corner. Grimes KICKS Theory against ropes!
Grimes runs, then he clotheslines Theory out of the ring! Grimes goes to the apron, and he PENALTY KICKS Theory down! Fans fire up with the Carolina Caveman as he takes it to Mr. ATL. Waller talks trash, though, and Grimes stares him down. Theory POSTS Grimes in the distraction! Waller laughs, Theory drags Grimes up and in, and then Theory slingshots. Somersault SHOTGUN! Grimes staggers into the fireman’s carry, A-TOWN DOWN! Cover, Theory wins!
Winner: Austin Theory, by pinfall
Waller’s a baller with that assist to his boy, and The Now comes out on top! Will these two look to take over SmackDown one win at a time? Theory also talks some trash on Dragon, then pie faces him! So Dragon hits back! Fans fire up but the ref keeps Theory back. Dragon is here as a guest, but Waller says Dragon can’t do nothing anyway. Will this duo hope Boy Wonder stays away from this brand?
Backstage interview with Rey Mysterio.
Kayla Braxton is with the US Champion and says earlier tonight, Santos said this wasn’t just a dream match, but the fight of their lives. What is Rey’s response? Rey says LWO is familia and will always be that. But he knows how hard Santos has worked to get here. Heck, Rey grew up watching Santos’ father, El Fantasma. So Rey has nothing but love and respect for Santos. But be careful what you wish for. Every time Rey steps in the ring, he expects the best of his opponent and brings the best in return. So Santos, like they say, this IS the fight of their lives! May the best man win. Rey seems to feel the same way as Santos, but will either man still feel good after taking a loss?
The Bloodline is beating up Ashante THEE Adonis?!
B-Fab shouts for Jimmy to stop but Jimmy stops when he says he’s stopping! Refs and producers rush in and Jimmy says okay, his bad, he’s done now. Adonis crawls away, but Solo is there! Jimmy says finish this, Solo! UREANGE through the table!! Hit Row suffers the wrath of The Bloodline, but when and where will it stop?
WWE United States Championship: Rey Mysterio VS Santos Escobar!
SmackDown returns as Zelina is ringside for both men, and Santos makes his entrance. Santos says hola to Dragon before getting in the ring. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who holds gold for the L W O!
The bell rings and fans fire up as the two tie up. They go around, Santos waistlocks but Rey works on an escape. Santos holds tight, they sit down, and Rey moves around. Rey fights up, jumps, but Santos holds on during the flying mare! Santos shifts to go for an abdominal stretch but Rey fights it to have a toehold. Fans rally and duel, Santos chinlocks but Rey pulls on the leg. Santos uses that to body scissor, and he rolls Rey to a cover, ONE! Rey is still stuck in the scissors but he moves around. Rey claws at the hold, Santos shifts and has the back mount to then roll Rey again. Rey slips free and the two stand off.
Fans cheer as Rey and Santos reset. Santos trips Rey, blocks the headscissor, but Rey gets up. Santos wrenches, wristlocks, but Rey flips through! Santos whips, Rey reverses but Santos reverses again. Rey is on the apron but he RAMS into Santos! Rey slingshots but Santos stops the rana to GAMANGIRI! Rey falls, Santos PLANCHAS! Down goes Rey at the ramp and Zelina is worried for both men as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Santos has Rey in a modified stretch. Rey endures, Santos shifts his grip, but Rey fights free. Santos has a hammerlock to keep Rey close, and Santos wrangles Rey down. Rey fights up, fans rally, and Rey jumps to hit that flying-mare! Fans fire up as Santos speeds things up and runs Rey over! Things keep moving, Rey dodges but Santos DROPKICKS him down! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Rey hangs tough, and Zelina is again torn. She rallies the fans more for the LWO than for either man. Santos waistlocks, Rey switches, but Santos switches back. They go to ropes and Rey bucks the O’Conner.
Rey ducks ‘n’ dodges and tilt-o-whirls to RANA Santos outta the ring! Fans fire up and Rey builds speed, goes up the corner to PLANCHA! Down goes Santos! Fans fire up with Rey and he hears the ring count. Rey drags Santos up, puts him in at 6 of 10, and then climbs the corner. Santos stands, Rey SEATED SENTONS! Rey keeps moving, and he CLOBBERS Santos! Both men are down and fans rally up more. But wait, Jimmy and Solo are still wreaking havoc backstage? SAMOAN SPIKE for security! Jimmy says that guy won’t be Cena’s partner, either! Back to the ring, fans rally for “619! 619!” as Rey goes to ropes.
Santos stands, he rushes in to sunset flip, but Rey rolls through to BUZZSAW! Santos is dazed, Rey calls his shot and he drop toeholds Santos onto ropes! Rey dials it up as fans go wild, but Santos SUPERKICKS Rey outta the ring! Santos takes aim, builds speed, ARROW FROM HELL!! Direct hit at the ramp and down goes Rey! Santos catches his breath while he stands back up, and then he goes up the barriers? To MOONSAULT Rey on the ramp! Zelina is worried again but Santos puts Rey back in the ring. Rey staggers and goes to the far side but Santos takes aim. “This is Awesome!” as Santos spells it out, “L! W! O!”
Santos goes corner to corner, DOUBLE KNEES! Rey wobbles, but Santos puts him back in the corner. Santos goes again, DOUBLE KNEES! Santos hoists Rey up top, climbs up after him, but Rey HEADBUTTS! Rey fires forearms and he knocks Santos down! Santos stands up while Rey steadies himself, but Santos GAMANGIRIS first! Santos climbs up again, goes to the very top, and he whistles for the SUPER STEINER! Zelina couldn’t even watch that, worried for both men. Santos goes to the apron, to SLINGSHOT SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Rey survives and Santos is a bit surprised as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns yet again and Santos has Rey against ropes. Santos CHOPS, and fans “WOO~!” as Rey staggers. Santos whips, BOOTS, and then brings Rey around. Santos picks Rey up into a GORY ESPECIAL! Rey endures being bent back, and Santos even pulls on the arms! Fans rally, Rey fights against the hold, and pops free to arm-drag! Fans fire up as REy goes to a corner, and Santos runs in, only to be put on the apron! Santos GAMANGIRIS, Rey staggers, and then Santos fires up! Santos climbs, leaps, but Rey dodges and the crossbody flops! Rey lines up a shot, runs and springboards but then Santos dodges!
Rey and Santos are both down after those belly flops, and fans rally as both men rise up. Santos runs in, scoops Rey and hits a BACKBREAKER! Fans rally as Rey staggers up, but into a tilt-o-whirl torture rack! Santos runs around with Rey, then hits a RACK DROP! Cover, TWO!! Zelina is relieved again but Santos is surprised. Rey tells Santos to bring it on, there needs to be a winner. Santos storms up to CHOP! And whip, but Rey KICKS back! Rey runs to RAN- NO, Santos blocks that! Santos swings Rey up but Rey sunset flips! TWO!! Santos escapes and even Zelina is stunned! Fans fire up again, “This is Awesome!”
Rey runs in, Santos puts him on the apron but Rey ROCKS Santos first! Then Rey goes up a corner, brings Santos up to join him, and then adjusts position to fire off hands! Fans fire up as Rey calls the shot, but Santos drags Rey into a fireman’s carry! Rey fights with elbows, then pops up to SUPER RANA!! Fans are thunderous while Santos sits up in a daze! Rey DROPKICKS Santos onto ropes! Dial it up! 6 1 9 BLOCKED! Santos drags Rey into an Alabama Lift! But Rey holds the ropes for dear life! Rey then RANAS Santos back onto ropes, redials, and 619 HITS!!! Rey hurries up top, says hey to Eddie, and hit a FROG- NO!
Santos avoids the splash, CLUBS Rey, covers, TWO into the ghost pin! TWO!!! Both men escape by nanoseconds but Santos fireman’s carries! PHANTOM- TAKEDOWN! Rey has a spladle! REY WINS!!
Winner: Rey Mysterio, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)
And the greatest luchador of all time comes out the champion! Santos is stunned, but Rey offers him a handshake of respect. They are still familiar, aren’t they? WAIT! The Profits attack!! Dawkins & Ford mug Rey & Santos, this must be how they’re proving Lashley wrong! They hit Escobar with a BIG LARIAT! Fans boo but here comes Lashley! The All Mighty says that’s it! That’s what he wanted! But then here comes the rest of the LWO! Lashley CLOBBERS Wilde while Ford & Dawkins mug Cruz! But Dragon Lee wants to get in! Security keeps him back, he’s just here as a guest! So Wilde is fed to the REVELATION!
The fans boo but The All Mighty has his Profits! Will they soon run SmackDown with iron fists?
The LWO regroups.
They’ve all got icepacks in the medical trainer’s room, and Kayla walks in to congratulate Rey on the win. But before the team could celebrate the moment, they got jumped by The Profits. Santos says sorry, excuse him, but the Profits ruined the moment! Rey says they beat the Profits last week, and now Lashley and them act like they run SmackDown! LWO challenges Lashley & The Profits to a match at Fastlane! Let’s see how tough they are when it’s fair and square! What will happen when these factions go to war in Indianapolis?
WWE announces a huge signing!
Former AEW TBS Champion and rising star, JADE CARGILL, is now with WWE! She got 20 MILLION views on a video just for showing up at the Performance Center! Will a storm be coming for the WWE Women’s Division?
John Cena arrives backstage!
He pulls in rather fast and furious, and he storms right into the arena, that tag match contract in his hands! Will Cena find someone Jimmy & Solo haven’t destroyed to sign on the dotted line? Is there even anyone left?
Pretty Deadly has a video message.
“On July 14th, 2023, Elton prince suffered a devastating shoulder injury. Despite all odds, he is on the road to recovery.” It’s another rehab workout montage, but Elton is still in the wheelchair… Elton works on reaching out for hot tags, swinging chairs, ends up rolling downhill during a celebration, and can’t even poke eyes properly. But as he continues to work at it, he has the courage to stand up and tag in Kit! #YESBOY! #EltonStrong.
The Brawling Brutes are watching this.
Ridge Holland and Pete Dunne look at each other, and neither of them can even process this. Dunne feels maybe they should’ve broken Elton’s leg. The idiots. Will Elton & Kit hope they can stay far, far, far away from Northern Grit and the Bruiserweight?
Charlotte Flair VS Bayley w/ Damage CTRL!
The Queen did what she could to help The Empress of Tomorrow hold off the Evil Genius and her cohorts, but all that got them was a win for Iyo Sky and this rivalry rematch with the Role Model! Will Bayley make an example out of her fellow Horsewoman? Or will Charlotte make Bayley bow down?
SmackDown returns and Bayley makes her entrance, Iyo and Dakota right behind her. But then Charlotte has Bayley hold on so she can get a mic. Charlotte has a question for Bayley: What’s happened to you? Bayley is one of the Four Horsewomen, but now she’s just happy carrying Iyo’s bags. Bayley has become a stepping stone while Charlotte is still the measuring stick. And in the end, it doesn’t matter. Bayley is just in Charlotte’s way. She’ll beat Bayley tonight, and then challenge Iyo for the WWE Women’s Championship at Fastlane! Fans fire up for that, and the bell rings. Bayley CLOBBERS Charlotte!
Bayley fires off, all riled up after what Charlotte said. DMG CTRL cheers and high-fives Bayley. Bayley CHOPS Charlotte, bumps her off buckles, then stomps a mudhole in! Bayley ROCKS Charlotte, lets off, and brings Charlotte around to whip. But Charlotte reverses to send Bayley into the corner, and she CHOPS! Fans “WOO~!” and Charlotte CHOPS again! Charlotte whips, Bayley reverses but Charlotte goes up and out to BOOT Bayley down! Iyo swipes at Charlotte, then Bayley BLASTS Charlotte down! Bayley goes out to the apron, to then FLYING ELBOW Charlotte down! DMG CTRL is fired up as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Charlotte is up top, to CROSSBODY Bayley down! Fans fire up with Charlotte as she storms around. Bayley flounders to ropes, stands up, and Charlotte CHOPS her! And CHOPS her! And CHOPS her! And then CHOPS again! Fans fire up as Charlotte says one more, then CHOPS Bayley again! Charlotte swings, Bayley dodges but Charlotte scoops! FALL AWAY SLAM! Charlotte kips up and fans fire up again! Charlotte handsprings to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Bayley is still in this but Charlotte knows she’s tough. Bayley bails out to the apron, Charlotte storms over, but Bayley HOTSHOTS!
Bayley slides in, waistlocks, but Charlotte bucks the O’Conner, to then trip Bayley! Bayley scrambles, Charlotte steps over to drop a knee on Bayley’s knee! Bayley goes to a corner and Charlotte GAMANGIRIS! Bayley staggers, but she BOOTS back! But then Charlotte BOOTS back! Cover, TWO! Charlotte keeps her cool while the fans rally up. Charlotte steps on Bayley and goes to the corner, then goes up the corner, only for Bayley to YANK her down! Bayley puts Charlotte in the ropes, throw hands, then hits a STOCK DROP! Shoutout to another of the Horsewomen! Bayley then SUNSET BOMBS Charlotte into buckles! Bayley drags Charlotte to a cover, TWO!
Bayley tells fans to shut up, don’t cheer for her! Dakota and Iyo cheer her on, though, and Bayley fires forearms on Charlotte! Bayley mocks the “WOO~!” then CHOPS! Bayley CHOPS Charlotte again and again, runs, but Charlotte SPEARS her down! Cover, Charlotte wins!!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by pinfall
DMG CTRL can’t believe it, but their Role Model lost! The Queen is already wearing yellow ‘n’ block to match Fastlane’s logo, will she take that gold off Iyo? Bayley gets a mic to shout, “Cut the music, you idiots!” Bayley won’t let Charlotte just cut the line! Bayley vowed to end Charlotte, and that’s what DMG CTRL is gonna do! The three surround the ring, but here comes ASUKA! The Empress joins the Queen to run off their common enemies! Asuka gets a mic to shout “OI OI OI OI!” What do you idiots think you’re doing?! She won’t let them do whatever they want! Bayley says okay, they want a Triple Threat for the women’s title?! Then they’ve got it!!
Wait, what? Iyo is confused, but Bayley says this is totally what Asuka said. No, Iyo knows what Asuka said and it wasn’t that! But Bayley says this is so they can teach both Asuka and Charlotte a lesson! Bayley sticks her foot in Iyo’s mouth again, will the Evil Genius have to really work hard on a plan to survive Fastlane?
John Cena heads to the ring!
Sacramento fires up as Cena storms out, saying we’re getting serious tonight! Cena slides into the ring, contract still in hand. Cena also gets a mic, and he tells Sacramento, “I hear ya out there!” Sacramento chants for Cena and so he knows they hear him. And he knows that because last week, he said he was back to compete and that he wanted a match. The Bloodline didn’t take too kindly to that, though. They left Cena knocked out, but they also left him with the contract. This is the contract for a match with them at Fastlane. Yeah, a little lukewarm, because there’s a problem: Cena doesn’t have a partner.
Cena says tonight is very important, because now he has a choice to make. He could rip up the contract and act like this didn’t happen. Fans boo that idea. Or he could stand and fight. The fans like that! So what do you think the man who wears the words “Never Give Up” is gonna make? They cheer the second so he says that’s damn right! He will honor this contract! And if he doesn’t find a partner by Fastlane, then he will fight The Bloodline by himself in a 2v1 Handicap! But speaking of, here comes The Bloodline! Jimmy grins as he has the mic again. “Well, look who finally showed up.”
Cena’s out here talking about Fastlane? Did he not just see what The Bloodline’s been doing all night? They were sending messages! If you team with Cena, you get got by The Bloodline! Fans boo, but Jimmy goes to the apron to tell Cena, “You’re not making it to Fastlane!” But then Cena DECKS Jimmy! Solo stares Cena down, fans fire up, and Solo gets in the ring! Cena throws off the shirt because it is go time! Solo swings, misses, and Cena fireman’s carries, but Jimmy SUPERKICKS him! Flashbacks to last week, HIP ATTACK in the corner! Then Solo adds a HIP ATTACK in the corner! Then Jimmy whips Solo in for another HIP ATTACK!
Fans boo as Cena flops out of the ring. The Bloodline clears off the announce desk! They put Cena on it, and Jimmy raises the one. Jimmy goes up the steps but Solo stops him. Solo wants this one! Jimmy grins and nods and lets Solo climb. But L A KNIGHT is here!! Fans are thunderous as the Mega Star storms down, slides in, and he dodges Jimmy to BLAST Solo! And then he BLASTS Jimmy! Knight stomps a mudhole into Jimmy but Solo stops him! So Knight fires off haymakers! Solo TOSSES Knight, but misses the splash! JUMP NECKBREAKER! Jimmy is up, Knight scoops to POWERSLAM!
Fans fire up, and they spell it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” BIG elbow drop for Jimmy! Cena is back and he TOSSES Solo! Knight TOSSES Jimmy! Mega Star and Greatest of All Time look to each other, and Knight picks up the contract! Fans are electric as Knight signs his name! Cena can’t believe it, either! He has a tag partner for Fastlane? YEAH!! Will Cena and Knight show The Bloodline whose game is it? With EVERYBODY saying… L A KNIGHT, YEAH!!
My Thoughts:
An awesome episode of SmackDown, especially with how fired up the Sacramento crowd was for everything. Great stuff with Bloodline and such, taking logical yet still exciting turns. Karl Anderson going after The Bloodline was good, because as much as Karl didn’t want Styles getting involved, but he also wasn’t going to let The Bloodline get away with this. Though, Karl didn’t really accomplish much as he got cheated in that match. That slap from Mia was great, though. Then Jimmy & Solo going on a rampage backstage was a great way to show how Jimmy is drunk with power all because he thinks Roman will have his back. Roman most certainly won’t now that Jimmy’s actions have brought LA Knight into the story. Great save from Knight, and he will make a great team with Cena.
Great “main event” match from Charlotte VS Bayley, and that black ‘n’ yellow gear is pretty cool stuff from Charlotte. DMG CTRL of course tries to help Bayley but that backfires. And then I actually like that we’re going back to Bayley talking big and putting Iyo on the spot. The Triple Threat title match is going to be great, and is actually some mad genius thinking from Bayley. DMG CTRL can now legally interfere to make sure Iyo wins against Charlotte and Asuka, but I feel like this can also bring in Shotzi or even Bianca to counteract DMG CTRL. Either way, it’ll be some great stuff to really up things in the SmackDown Women’s Division.
Hilarious vignette from Pretty Deadly, and good response from Brawling Brutes. That feud will definitely start up again after Fastlane and give us a SmackDown contender for the Undisputed Tag Team Championships. Really good stuff out of the Grayson Waller Effect with Lashley putting the pressure on the Profits. Almost thought they were gonna jump Theory since Lashley doesn’t like Theory, but I guess that would make this faction Faces since Theory is Heel. It was nice to see Grimes back, though he does lose to Theory. Dragon Lee being here tonight makes me think he is called up to SmackDown after he screws Dominik Mysterio out of the North American title tomorrow night.
And after just an awesome US Championship match, the Profits instead go after the LWO, a logical move given the back and forth between the factions. LWO wants a Six Man Tag, but does that mean it’ll be Santos, Cruz & Wilde? Or is Rey going to take one of the spots? Either way it’ll be a good time but it feels like the All Mighty Profits are going to take that one to build their momentum towards their own title goals. Lashley VS Rey for the US Championship with Santos helping feels like the move. Maybe there’s tension created as Santos costs Rey, or as Rey says Santos can’t be bending rules just to win. It just feels like something’s going to/has to change in the group dynamic.
My Score: 8.9/10
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