Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE WrestleMania 39 Results & Report! (4/2/23)
That’s a wrap!
WrestleMania’s in the endgame now.
WrestleMania finishes its epic two part Hollywood adventure! But will Cody Rhodes finish his story? Or will he ACKNOWLEDGE the reigning, defending, undisputed, WWE Universal Heavyweight Champion…! Roman Reigns?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Brock Lesnar VS Omos w/ MVP; Lesnar wins.
- Women’s WrestleMania Tag Team Showcase Fatal 4 Way: Shotzi Blackheart & Natalya VS Raquel Rodriguez & Liv Morgan VS Chelsea Green & Sonya Deville VS Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler; Ronda & Shayna win.
- WWE Intercontinental Championship Triple Threat: GUNTHER VS Drew McIntyre VS Sheamus; Gunther wins and retains the title.
- Raw Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair VS Asuka; Bianca wins and retains the title.
- The Miz VS
Shane McMahonSnoop Dogg; Snoop wins. - Hell in a Cell: Edge VS Demon Finn Balor; Edge wins.
- Undisputed WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns w/ Paul Heyman & Solo Sikoa VS Cody Rhodes; Roman wins and retains the titles.
PLAY BY PLAY
It’s the WrestleMania Kickoff Show, part 2!
Join Kayla Braxton, Kevin Patrick, Wade Barrett and Booker T as they discuss, analyze and predict all the action tonight, and react to everything that happened last night!
Peter Rosenberg is backstage.
And he finds the golf cart bringing Liv Morgan by. He flags them down and asks how Liv is doing. She’s so excited that she and Raquel Rodriguez “finessed” their way onto the card and that the Women’s Tag Division has been growing so strong. Peter knows Liv is an all-time great finesser. But if he has to make a pick on the match, should he choose her and Raquel? Of course, 1000%! She has had a great year, and have you seen Raquel? The biggest girl in the match, the strong-backed Raquel Rodriguez! Then pinkie swear that this happens. Liv says sure, and she also has all her good luck bracelets. Peter lets Liv go and wishes her luck.
Now, to “gorilla position!” But the thing about SoFi, it is so big that you have to take an elevator to get there. Oh, hey, Stacy Keibler! Peter and the cameraman get in the elevator and they head up. Now, here’s the trip you take to get to your big moment. Don’t stop tog et tacos, but it is an option. Oh, Bronson Reed, so sorry! Bronson tells Pete to watch out backstage. Right, sorry. Bronson is very big. Colossal. Oh, right. Thank you. That could’ve gone worse, luckily it didn’t. We pass by the make-up station for last minute touch-ups, and then down these steps, and whoa! The Street Profits! They won night one, you already know.
But tonight, they are here for the E S T! E S T! E S T! Dawkins, has Braun Strowman landed yet? Nope, he’s still flying from that pounce. Congrats on the win, and there’s the mirror. This is the last chance to touch up before going onto the stage. Pete warms himself up with push-ups, then goes through the gorilla curtain. And here it is! The incredible spot everyone dreams of entering, named for THE Gorilla Monsoon. And now, the curtain that leads to the stage. What a stage this is! Look at this walk the WWE Superstars took yesterday and will take tonight. The lights, the people, and roughly 80 YARDS of ramp to the ring!
Fans cheer seeing Peter, and Peter says he’s glad he doesn’t have to make this walk. Booker T’s done this, Wade’s done this, but not Pete. This will be the path that Cody Rhodes takes to try and take the Universal title from Roman Reigns. Peter is glad to have shared this with everyone, and he’s on his way to the panel. Want any tacos? Yeah, and a Red Bull! Maybe a pint for Wade.
Backstage interview with Paul Heyman.
Cathy Kelly is with the Special Counsel, and asks him about last night, “arguably one of the best tag team matches in WrestleMania history,” when Sami & Kevin defeated the Usos to take the Undisputed Tag Team titles. Does the fall of the Usos mean the fall of Roman Reigns? Heyman says, “That’s… Wow, that’s just direct. It’s a direct question which merits a direct answer. And I’m glad that you asked me about our Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns. Because tonight is his night. And it reminds me, it takes me back, I’m very retrospective, I’m almost nostalgic when I walk into the largest grossing WrestleMania of all time.
“And it reminds me of a conversation I had when I was just a little kid in this industry. Just breaking in, just starting. And the big event when I was starting was Starrcade. Nothing close to WrestleMania, but as big as I could get in that moment. And I was tasked with talking into the camera about the enormity of the Starrcade event, and when I came back, there he stood. Majestic as always. As close to a father figure as I’ve had other than my own father, The American Dream, Dusty Rhodes. And he said to me, (Heyman doing his best Dusty), ‘Paul E. Dangerously, that was a great promo. But where’s the money?’
“And ever since that moment in my life, every time I articulate, every time I become an orator, every time I hype you on the main event, which is where my clients always are… I think back to, ‘Where’s the money?’ And after all these years, Cathy, I finally have an answer. That question is, ‘Where’s the money?’ Roman Reigns. See how easy that was? And I can prove it to you. This is the largest grossing WrestleMania of all time. Who’s on top? Roman Reigns. This is the hottest the WWE, and therefore sports entertainment, has ever been. Who’s on top? Roman Reigns. It ain’t Cody Rhodes. Nice try.
“He didn’t crumble under the lights., He didn’t crack under the pressure that we put him under. He’s not wilting under the stress. He’s ready for the amin event of WrestleMania! He’s ready to lose to the Tribal Chief. Ready to lose to the Head of the Table. Ready to lose to the reigning, defending, undisputed WWE Universal Heavyweight Champion, ‘The Money,’ Roman… Reigns.” The Wise Man has said his piece, now it all comes down to the match. Will Roman force Cody and the world to ACKNOWLEDGE him?
Here to sing America the Beautiful: Jimmie Allen!
Tonight, the champ returns.
The coldest cold-opener in the history of cold opens. He is Cold as Balls- Oh, wait, which one is Kevin doing? He’ll smash both. But Kevin Hart says that a rule of Hollywood is that if the first does big numbers, believe they’ll want a sequel. And this time, they’ll want more. “Of everything. More star power. More action. More romance. And of course, more Kevin. It ain’t Hollywood without Hart. Trademark that.” When you’re this big, you don’t need CGI. Everyone lives this. Grab a snack and a cold one, and don’t forget the ice, because WrestleMania Sunday is here. WrestleMania Goes Hollywood, The Sequel. Places, people, the show’s about to start.
Cut! Print! How does Kevin do it? Anyone seen his robe?
The Miz and Snoop Dogg are back!
The host of WrestleMania and the Dogg Father are in the ring again, and Miz welcomes us back to WrestleMania! Snoop and Miz are back to kick off another stacked show on night two. Top to bottom, last night was full of surprises! We have a NEW SmackDown Women’s Champion in Rhea Ripley! We have NEW Undisputed Tag Team Champions in Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn! But tonight, THREE titles are on the line! Yes, we’re out here making legends. You heard the Dogg Father. Get out of your seats, we’re getting ready to fire! It! Up!
Brock Lesnar VS Omos w/ MVP!
WrestleMania Goes Hollywood Night 2 opens with a real-life kaiju movie! The Beast has been on the defensive the entire time against the Nigerian Giant, but will he finally bring Omos to Suplex City? Or will it all come crumbling down around Lesnar?
The bell rings and fans fire up for Lesnar. Lesnar rushes in! Omos stops the takedown and TOSSES Lesnar away! Lesnar just grins, RAMS Omos, then runs to RAM him again! Omos stays up, Lesnar keeps moving, gets around, but Omos elbows the waistlock away. Omos HEADBUTTS Lesnar, MVP fires up, and Omos scoops to SLAM Lesnar! Fans boo but Omos talks smack on Lesnar. Lesnar staggers up, but he rushes back in! Omos CLUBS Lesnar down, then scoops to SLAM him again! Omos talks more trash, MVP says Omos owns Lesnar, and Lesnar manages to stand again. Omos ROCKS Lesnar in the back! And again!
Omos taunts Lesnar, picks him up, and has a BEARHUG! Lesnar endures the squeeze while fans rally up. MVP says this is done, and Lesnar is turning red! Lesnar fights but Omos RAMS him into a corner! Omos CLUBS Lesnar, ROCKS him in the back again, and soaks up the heat. Lesnar hobbles along the ropes, but Omos scoops him to SLAM him again! Fans boo but Omos soaks up the heat. Lesnar sputters, MVP wants Omos to finish this, and Omos lifts Lesnar for another BEARHUG! Lesnar endures again and again fans rally up. Lesnar fights, throwing elbow after elbow! Lesnar is free to throw hands!
Lesnar runs, but into a CHOKE SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Lesnar survives but MVP shouts that Omos has him! Just keep on him! Omos watches Lesnar stand, then whips him hard to a corner. Omos roars, runs in, but Lesnar dodges! Omos gets buckles and staggers, into a GERMAN SUPLEX!! Fans fire up because it has begun! Lesnar GERMAN SUPLEXES again! Omos staggers up, Lesnar hobbles after him, for a third GERMAN SUPLEX! Lesnar reels Omos in, fireman’s carries, but his back gives out! Omos is too big for how beat up Lesnar is! Omos grabs Lesnar, but Lesnar slips free! To fireman’s carry again! F5!!! Cover, LESNAR WINS!!
Winner: Brock Lesnar, by pinfall
MVP is in shock! The Beast manages to take down the Giant! Will Omos leave it at this? Or will he come back for Lesnar with a vengeance?
Women’s WrestleMania Tag Team Showcase Fatal 4 Way: Shotzi Blackheart & Natalya VS Raquel Rodriguez & Liv Morgan VS Chelsea Green & Sonya Deville VS Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler!
The Wild Child and Queen of Hart. Big Mami Cool and the LIVing End. The Hot Mess and the Pride Fighter. And the Baddest Women on the Planet. One of these teams is not like the other, one of these teams got in on bad reputation alone. But will Rowdy Ronda Rousey & The Submission Magician prove they’re the baddest tag team in the WWE Women’s Division? Or will the odds not be in their favor?
In parallel to the men’s Fatal 4 Way Tag last night, only two teams are legal at one time. The teams sort out, Sonya rushes Liv! Liv dodges, to BACKSTABBER! Liv has Sonya in the corner to back body block, then she rolls, only for Sonya to KNEE her down! Sonya runs in, Liv goes up and over, but Sonya goes up! Sonya leaps, into a CODE BREAKER! Sonya gets away and Natty tags in. Natty catches Liv to rebound and sit her down! Natty steps on Liv, runs and basement dropkicks! Natty drags Liv up but Liv shoves her away. Liv dodges Natty, runs, and RANAS! Natty staggers, tag to Raquel.
Fans rally up as Raquel whips Liv in to back body block! Then Liv whips Raquel in to SPLASH! Raquel brings Natty up, but Natty RANAS! Raquel storms back up, BOOTS the discus, then stares Natty down. Natty says hold on, and she tags Chelsea! Chelsea is not happy about that, but Raquel grabs at her! Chelsea HOTSHOTS Raquel away, goes up, MISSILE- Raquel just deflects it!? Raquel scoops Chelsea, Sonya runs in, but Raquel just catches her. Chelsea throws Raquel down by her hair! Shotzi tags in, BOOTS Chelsea, then springboards to wheelbarrow VICTORY FACEBUSTER! Shotzi runs to SENTON against the ropes! Cover, Shayna breaks it!
Shayna drags Shotzi up to TOSS her out, and Ronda is there to toy with her. But Shayna turns around to see everyone else! TRIPLE KICK! Raquel gets Shayna up, Liv and Natty help SHIELD BOMB her!! Ronda glares at the other three, storms up, but then Sonya & Chelsea attack from behind! They throw the others out, then soak up the heat. But Shotzi’s up top! DOUBLE CROSSBODY! Fans fire up and Shotzi DECKS Shayna! Sonya runs in, Shotzi sends her out onto Shayna! Shotzi gets help from Natty with the ropes, and she DIVES onto them both! Chelsea ROCKS Natty, then tells everyone to get the cameras out.
Fans boo but Chelsea sees she’s alone with Raquel! Chelsea SUPER CROSSBODIES just so she doesn’t have to face Raquel! Chelsea wipes the others out, but Liv gets in to get a boost! Raquel THROWS Liv onto everyone!! Fans fire up and Raquel goes out to drag Chelsea into the ring. She also puts Shotzi in, then tags off Chelsea. Raquel catches Shotzi, and blocks the tilt-o-whirl to FALL AWAY SLAM! Then Raquel runs to the corner, TWISTING VADER! Raquel drags Shotzi up, hooks her up, but Sonya tags in off Raquel! Chelsea CHOP BLOCKS Raquel, she and Sonya bring her up. Raquel fights back but Sonya sweeps the legs into Chelsea’s DDT!
Sonya runs, SHINING WIZARD! Chelsea runs to BOOT Raquel out! Fans boo but Shotzi sneaks back in. Shotzi and Natty creep up behind, DOUBLE SLICED BREAD! Natty then drags Sonya up, Shotzi runs, HART ATTACK! Cover, Chelsea breaks it! Shotzi whips but Chelsea reverses to send Shotzi out. But Natty scoops Chelsea to SLAM her onto Sonya! Natty then gets both pairs of legs! Natty steps through, for a DOUBLE SHARPSHOOTER!! Sonya and Chelsea both endure, but Liv SUPER CODE BREAKERS NATTY!! All four women are down, Chelsea and Sonya crawl away. Liv also writhes from that high risk attack.
Fans rally, Liv drags Sonya to a drop zone and tags in off her. Shotzi also tags in, they speed up and Liv kicks, KICKS and- NO, Shotzi ducks the enziguri! TIGER PLEX! Liv flounders, into a KNEE! ROLLING ELBOW! And ROUND- NO, Liv ducks, CODE BREAKER! Then ObLIVion on the ropes! But Shayna snuck a tag! Tag to Ronda, KNEE for Liv! The Baddest Women loom over Shotzi and fans boo. Ronda gets Shotzi’s arm, talks some trash, then laughs before she puts on the ARMBAR!! Shotzi taps, Ronda & Shayna win!
Winners: Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler, by submission
The Baddest Women were also the most opportunistic. They waited for the right moment and took down whoever was there. Will they soon be going after the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships?
Bobby Lashley is here!
The winner of the 2023 Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal is ALL MIGHTY! The ninth winner of the trophy that honors the eighth wonder of the world carries that trophy with pride, then heads down to ringside to watch what could be the hardest hitting match of the night!
Xavier Woods and the UpUpDownDown team is back.
He has Nikki Cross, Madcap Moss, Tegan Nox, the Street Profits, Hit Row, and even Greg Miller as they’re about to simulate the Intercontinental Championship. Great entrance graphics, great physicality, great near falls! But with a Claymore, it will be Drew McIntyre 42% of the time, leaving the other 58% to be divided by Sheamus and Gunther. But will WWE 2K23 get it right like it did with Seth Rollins yesterday? NIKKI, NO BITING!!
WWE Intercontinental Championship Triple Threat: GUNTHER VS Drew McIntyre VS Sheamus!
Der Ring General wanted just one challenger, but his own actions put him in this match against two! Will he be able to keep the mat sacred when the odds aren’t in his favor? Or will the tension between the Scottish and Celtic Warriors help Gunther survive Hollywood?
Ludwig Kaiser appears on stage to say, “Ladies and gentlemen… I demand all your gratitude and appreciation for YOUR reigning Intercontinental Champion…! Der Ring General…! GUUUNTERRR!!” The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if the numbers spell disaster for Gunther at WrestleMania!
The bell rings and fans fire up already as Gunther stares down both challengers. He dares someone to try something, then says they can have it out. McIntyre BOOTS Gunther out of the ring!! McIntyre says if Sheamus wants this, then let’s go! They fire off haymakers and fans fire up! McIntyre gets the edge, whips, but Sheamus reverses. McIntyre KICKS but Sheamus CLOBBERS McIntyre! Sheamus UPPERCUTS McIntyre to a corner, then throws more uppercuts! Sheamus bumps McIntyre off buckles, but McIntyre CHOPS in return! And ROCKS! And whips corner to corner. Sheamus reverses but McIntyre comes back to CLOBBER him!
McIntyre CHOPS Sheamus at the ropes, whips, but Sheamus reverses to reel McIntyre in, IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Sheamus throws McIntyre out to the apron, but Gunther returns to CLUB Sheamus! Gunther CHOPS Sheamus! And CHOPS McIntyre! Gunther stalks Sheamus but Sheamus CHOPS back! Sheamus fires haymakers, but Gunther gets around to a SLEEPER! Sheamus fireman’s carries! Gunther slips off, has the facelock and turns Sheamus, to CHOP him down! Gunther KICKS Sheamus aside, but McIntyre throws hands on the champ! Gunther whips McIntyre into the POST!
Gunther stalks Sheamus to ropes, then BOOTS him down! Gunther stands Sheamus up to CHOP him! Gunther gets in Sheamus’ face to talk trash, and CHOP again! And again! And BOOT him! Gunther says the mat is sacred!! Fans fire up and Sheamus throws hands in return! And forearms! And elbows! Sheamus headlocks, but Gunther lifts for a BACKBREAKER of his own! Then he has the legs, and turns Sheamus over for a BOSTON CRAB! McIntyre BOOTS Gunther, but Gunther holds onto Sheamus! McIntyre SLAPS Gunther, so Gunther lets Sheamus go. The two start throwing hands, McIntyre gets the edge, but Gunther CHOPS!
McIntyre CHOPS in return! Gunther CHOPS again! McIntyre CHOPS again! Gunther snarls and CHOPS! McIntyre snarls and CHOPS! It is a CHOP WAR! Gunther gets the edge but McIntyre gives those all back! Fans are thunderous as the CHOPS keep going! Gunther kicks low, fans boo, but Gunther has to catch his breath. Sheamus CLOBBERS McIntyre, UPPERCUTS Gunther, repeat! Sheamus keeps on Gunther with EuroUpper after EuroUpper! McIntyre ROCKS Sheamus, CHOPS Gunther, repeat! The punches go all around, McIntyre CHOPS Gunther again! Sheamus and McIntyre brawl again, Gunther throat chops both of them!
Gunther CHOPS McIntyre and BOOTS Sheamus! The fans are thunderous again as all three men take a moment to breathe. Gunther has Sheamus at the apron, but Sheamus HOTSHOTS him! Sheamus and McIntyre alternate on the BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! They go past TEN, and the CHOP on the twelfth knows Gunther down! Then McIntyre DECKS Sheamus! McIntyre gets Sheamus back in the ring, but Sheamus KNEES him in the ropes! Sheamus puts McIntyre on the apron now, and he hooks McIntyre up for BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN!! Sheamus goes past TEN, all the way to TWENTY-EIGHT, only because McIntyre falls!!
Fans are electric! It is a standing ovation all over SoFi! Sheamus drags McIntyre back in, reels him in, Canadian Rack to a- NO, Gunther BOOTS Sheamus! Then GERMAN SUPLEXES him! Gunther runs in and LARIATS! Cover, TWO!! The Fella survives and Gunther is furious! Gunther pie faces Sheamus, then eggs him on. Fans rally, Gunther watches Sheamus rise, and Gunther runs in to LARIAT again!! Cover, TWO!?!? Sheamus survives a clothesline from hell JBL would be proud of! And then McIntyre FLYING LARIATS! McIntyre runs, into a BOOT! Gunther swings, into a NECKBREAKER!
Fans fire up, McIntyre sees Sheamus stand, OVERHEAD Belly2Belly onto Gunther in the corner! McIntyre then drags Gunther up, FUTURE SHOCK! And a kip up! McIntyre has Hollywood on his side, no countdown for the CLAY- NO! Gunther dodges to SHOTGUN! Gunther drags McIntyre up, GENERAL BOMB!! Cover, TWO!?!? McIntyre survives and Gunther cannot believe it! Gunther hurries to a corner and he climbs! But Sheamus ROCKS him first! And CHOPS! And CHOPS again! Sheamus goes up, fireman’s carries Gunther, and hits a SUPER WHITE NOISE!! And then the Canadian Rack! CELTIC CROSS!!! Cover, TWO!?!?!?
No one can believe it! This is a trio of superhumans! But Sheamus gets the legs, for the CLOVERLEAF!! Gunther gets the ropes but the ref tells hi,, there are no ropebreaks in a Triple Threat! Sheamus drags Gunther away to sit deep! But McIntyre puts a SLEEPER on Sheamus! Sheamus lets Gunther go, and he elbows McIntyre away. McIntyre kicks, underhooks, but Sheamus wrenches out! Sheamus dodges the lariat to KNEE McIntyre! And KNEE Gunther! Fans fire up with Sheamus! Sheamus aims from the corner, beats his chest, and BROGUE!!! Cover, MCINTYRE DRAGS SHEAMUS AWAY!!!
Sheamus is stunned! He had it and McIntyre takes it from him! Much like he accused McIntyre of when it came to starting this journey! The two brawl, Sheamus ROCKS McIntyre, and “This is Awesome!’ as McIntyre is put in the ring. McIntyre BLASTS Sheamus off the apron, and then builds speed to FLY!! Direct hit at the ramp! Fans lose their minds, McIntyre puts Sheamus in and takes aim! Countdown and- BROGUE!!!! Cover, TWO!??!?!? WHAT?!?! Sheamus can’t even react, he’s that stunned! Fans are electric as both men slowly stir. Sheamus brings McIntyre around, but gets a GLASGOW KISS!
Sheamus KNEES back! McIntyre runs, dodges, CLAYMORE!!! Cover, TWO!?!?!? HOW!?!? Both men slowly sit up, and McIntyre throws a haymaker. Sheamus gives it back, they go back and forth, and then they stand to throw even more hands! The shots are fast and furious, simultaneous, and then they start throwing LARIATS point-blank! McIntyre, then Sheamus, and back again! McIntyre gets the edge! Sheamus staggers, but he BROGUES!!! Sheamus crawls to reach out and cover! GUNTHER SPLASHES IN!!!! Gunther drags Sheamus up, to GERNERAL BOMB him onto McIntyre!!
And then Gunther just GENERAL BOMBS MCINTYRE!! Cover, GUNTHER WINS!!!
Winner: Gunther, by pinfall (still WWE Intercontinental Champion)
Even commentary has to give this a standing ovation! The most incredible match, the most incredible FIGHT, and in the end, Der Ring General comes out on top! After surviving this, will anyone ever be able to stop Gunther?
Raw Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair VS Asuka!
The strongEST, the fastEST, the roughEST, the toughEST, the RawEST better hope she is the readiEST she’s ever been, because this is the Empress of Tomorrow she is up against. Though, at the same time, this is a side of Asuka no one has seen in the WWE. Will no one ever be ready for Asuka? Or will Bianca show Asuka’s not ready for her?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if this is still Wr-EST-leMania!
The bell rings and Bianca DROPKICKS Asuka! And DROPKICKS her again! Bianca RAMS Asuka into the corner, again and again, then throws hands. The ref counts, Bianca whips but Asuka reverses. Bianca goes up and over and DROPKICKS again! Bianca kips up and fans fire up as she goes after Asuka in the corner. Bianca rains down fists, and goes all the way to TEN! Bianca then brings Asuka out to suplex high and hard! Then she rolls through, to suplex again! Asuka slips free, goes to a corner, and she ROUNDHOUSES back! Bianca flounders away but she glares at Asuka. Asuka rushes in, gets around, but Bianca fights the lift.
Asuka URAKENS! URAKENS! SOBATS! KICKS! Bianca ducks the backhand but the HEEL KICK hits! Then the BULLDOG! And then the SLIDING KICK! Cover, TWO! Asuka grins while Bianca checks her face. Asuka storms up to KICK Bianca! Fans duel as Asuka KICKS, but then Bianca ducks to shove Asuka way. Asuka kicks low, goes up, but Bianca ROCKS Asuka first! Bianca climbs up to join Asuka, brings her up, but Asuka fights the superplex. Asuka slips under but Bianca holds onto the ropes! Bianca kicks Asuka away, but Asuka goes back to GERMAN SUPLEX! Bianca lands on her feet, to SPINEBUSTER! High stack, TWO!
Bianca keeps cool, she lines up a shot, and runs to handspring MOONSAULT into a TRIANGLE HOLD!! Asuka has Bianca caught but Bianca throws down hands! Asuka uses Bianca’s hair to keep her down! Bianca rolls and rolls Asuka up, TWO! ASUKA LOCK!! Bianca flails, moves around, reaches out, and gets away to the outside. Asuka grins as fans fire up even more. Asuka brings Bianca up to shove her, but Bianca stops from hitting the desk. Bianca elbows Asuka, runs in, but Asuka pops her up! Bianca handsprings off the apron, suplexes, but Asuka turns it to a TAKEDOWN! FUJIWARA!
Bianca fights up, gut wrenches, and lifts Asuka up to POWERBOMB her to the floor!! The ring count is climbing, Bianca drags Asuka up and into the ring at 8! Cover, TWO!! Asuka survives and Bianca is surprised. Asuka grins and shakes her head as she goes to a corner. Bianca runs in, but Asuka dodges, and Bianca POSTS herself! Asuka rolls Bianca up, TWO! Fans continue to duel, “Let’s Go, Asuka!” “E S T!” Asuka brings Bianca up, but Bianca shoves her away. Asuka returns, but swings into the chicken wings! But Asuka victory rolls to a takedown! KNEEBAR!! HEEL HOOK, TOO! Bianca fights back, and she pries Asuka off!
Asuka fights but Bianca still hits the BIG back suplex! Bianca goes to ropes, drags herself back up, and runs to HANDSPRING- INTO A KNEEBAR!! And then an ANKLE LOCK! Bianca rolls, but Asuka holds on! Bianca rolls and throws Asuka at the corner, but Asuka goes up to MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Bianca is still in this as the toughEST, but Asuka keeps on her. Asuka drags Bianca around, grins as she KICKS and KICKS and KICKS her! Bianca blocks a kick to spin Asuka but Asuka SOBATS! Asuka runs in but Bianca dumps her to the apron. Bianca runs in, but into a KICK!
Bianca is on the apron now, and Asuka grins again. Asuka KICKS Bianca against the ropes! And again! And again! But Bianca blocks another kick! Bianca shakes her head, ROCKS Asuka with a forearm, but Asuka comes back to SHOTGUN Bianca into the post! Bianca flops into the ring and fans fire up again. Asuka watches Bianca sit up, brings her up, and looks to the floor…? Asuka brings Bianca up, she wants to suplex Bianca out of the ring! Bianca blocks, wrenches, and ROCKS Asuka! To then POST her! Asuka slumps down now, but Bianca goes to the corner. Bianca climbs up, and she drags Asuka up to join her! Fans fire up for the deadlift SUPERPLEX!
Both women are down and the fans are thunderous again! Bianca crawls, covers, TWO!! Asuka is still in this, maybe she is the toughest? Fans rally as the two sit up and stare down. Bianca shakes her head and throws a forearm, but Asuka gives it back! They go forearm for forearm, Asuka gets the edge then runs. But Bianca follows to CLOBBER her! Bianca brings Asuka up, runs, but Asuka follows, to spin Bianca around, but Bianca victory rolls! TWO and Asuka has the cover, TWO! Asuka catches Bianca to a backslide, TWO!! Bianca escapes but Asuka BOOTS then BUZZSAWS! Cover, TWO!! Fans are thunderous again!
Asuka drags Bianca up, has the hair and uses it in the chicken wing! Bianca fights off the crossface, drops and throws Asuka into a cover, TWO! Asuka runs in, gets around, fans duel but Bianca bucks the O’Conner. Asuka returns, CODE- NO, Bianca blocks it, throws Asuka and BLOCKBUSTERS! Then the HANDSPRING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!?!?! Asuka survives and Bianca is in disbelief! Fans boo as the camera is long shot. Asuka POP-UP KNEES Bianca, but Bianca CLOBBERS Asuka on the rebound! Bianca stomps Asuka and has her in the drop zone. Bianca climbs up top, but Asuka SHOTEIS!
Asuka climbs up, has Bianca, and fans fire up for the- WAIT, Bianca fireman’s carries!! Asuka fights with elbows and knees, adjusts, but Bianca keeps hammering Asuka. Asuka pulls on the hair! They hop off the corner, CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Bianca survives, still possibly the toughEST. Bianca goes to a corner, Asuka runs in, HIP- NO, Bianca blocks! Bianca chicken wings, for a GlamEST Slam off buckles! Bianca demands Asuka gets back up! Asuka slowly rises, Bianca reels her in to torture rack! But Asuka holds the ropes! Bianca lets go and almost hits the ref! Asuka BLUE MISTS but misses!
Bianca ducks the kick, Asuka ducks the braid, but Bianca blocks the kick to torture rack! But Asuka arm-drags free!! ARMBAR TAKEDOWN!!! Bianca flails, fans freak out, Asuka has that arm all to herself! Bianca moves around, rolls, but Asuka just keeps on it, and the hair! But Bianca powers up to torture rack! KISS OF DEATH!!! Cover, Bianca wins!!
Winner: Bianca Belair, by pinfall (still Raw Women’s Champion)
Asuka brought everything in her arsenal, but the EST is still THE EST. What will it take to stop her greatEST reign yet?
The Miz and Snoop Dogg are back.
Miz says it has been an incredible two nights here at SoFi for WrestleMania! And tonight’s total attendance is… 81,395! More than last night! That makes a two night total of 161,892! And y’know, Snoop, Miz has to get something off his chest. They’re supposed to be friends as the host and Dogg Father. Yet, Snoop put Miz in an impromptu match against Pat McAfee, while Miz was wearing a $10 THOUSAND suit. So, he wants to do it again? NO! NO NO NO! Fans say “YES! YES! YES!” Miz says what he wants is that Snoop caught him off guard and then George Kittle made things a handicap match. Snoop ruined Miz’s suit and tried to embarrass him!
Snoop just says, “My bad.” Oh, your bad? Is that an apology? Well, it’s not good enough! Miz doesn’t show Snoop how to rap! This is Miz’s city, his ring, his WrestleMania! No, he’s got that all wrong! This is OUR city, and OUR WrestleMania. And when Snoop says “My bad.” He meant, “My bad!” SHANE MCMAHON is back?! Fans can’t believe it, and neither can Miz! Shane O’Mac heads to the ring, shows off his classic footwork, and Snoop says, “Uh-oh. You in trouble~!” Shane has the mic and he says thanks for that ovation. They have no idea what that reception means to him, much love back to you, LA!
Snoop says from one OG to another, could Shane take care of this? Where’s a ref? Miz ain’t running from this!
The Miz VS Shane McMahon!
Miz complains that this suit is more expensive than the last one! He is sick and tired of this! Shane JABS Miz! And again! And then fires off in the corner! Shane whips, Miz hurdles but so does Shane! Miz runs, but then Shane pulled a hammy! Now Miz is all cocky because he has an advantage! A medic gets in the ring, but Snoop DECKS Miz! Snoop asks if Shane is okay. Hold on, hold on. Really? Miz knocks his homeboy down like that? That’s what he gonna do? Snoop DECKS Miz again! Then Snoop sets Miz up like the People’s Champion! Snoop takes off his glasses and tosses ’em, to run side to side, for the DOGG FATHER’S ELBOW!! Cover, SNOOP WINS!!
Winner: Snoop Dogg, by pinfall
Well, there’s no real shame in this. Miz just lost to a WWE Hall of Famer! Snoop dropped Miz like it’s hot, will the Hollywood A-Lister ever live this down?
Hell in a Cell: Edge VS Demon Finn Balor!
The Rated R Superstar created a faction in the Judgment Day that was meant to elevate and enable those he felt were being held down. The problem is, it only enabled those superstars to become obnoxious ingrates. But now, both men are willing to take the other to Hell to settle this! Will Edge become the devil himself to destroy what he created? Or will Finn’s demon being the most evil of all?
Slayer plays as we get BROOD Edge! And he rises from under the stage with fire, and a shining disco ball skull mask! Then… “You think you know me.” Are we about to see clearly on this day? But of course, with a swirling vortex and spiked mohawk, here comes DEMON BALOR! The introductions are made, the door is locked shut, and the battle to end it all begins! Edge and Finn stare down, step forward, and fans fire up. Edge ROCKS Finn, but Finn throat chops Edge! Edge ROCKS Finn again, but Finn throat chops again! Neither man backs down as they circle, and then they both go out to look under the ring!
Edge finds a chair, Finn finds a kendo stick. They get in, Edge JAMS Finn first! Then SMACKS him! But Finn doesn’t flinch!? Finn fires off with the kendo stick! Fans fire up as Finn holds it up. Edge stands up, Finn clotheslines him out of the ring! Finn goes around, and he digs Edge’s face into the steel fencing! Finn then stomps and kicks Edge against the wall, and stomps some more. Finn lets off to bring Edge up and whips him into the other wall! Finn puts Edge in the ring, storms up, but Edge trips Finn to rain down fists! Finn kicks Edge away, goes to the apron, but Edge runs to BLAST Finn off! Finn hits the wall on the way down!
Fans rally up and Edge goes out to look for more. Edge brings out another kendo stick, and then a few more, and brings them all around the way. Edge JAMS Finn, SMACKS him, then SMACKS him again! Edge follows Finn around the way to RAM him into the wall! Edge then hurries to get those kendo sticks and bring them around. Fans want tables but Edge SMACKS Finn, then traps him with the kendo sticks! Finn is stuck in the corner, and Edge goes to the apron, MISSILE DROPKICK! Finn can’t even fall over because he’s stuck! But he does scowl and grimace at Edge. Edge HEADBUTTS away on Finn!
Edge gest space while Finn snarls. Edge brings out a TABLE! Fans fire up as Edge maneuvers it around the narrow space. Edge tells the cameraman to move aside so he can put the table up against the wall. Edge then goes back for Finn, and Finn breaks one of the sticks! Edge BOOTS Finn first! Edge free Finn but Finn fires off hands on him! Palm strike after palm strike! Finn whips Edge hard into steel steps! Edge bounces off those into the wall and falls into the corner! Finn drags Edge up, brings him around and CHOPS him against the steel! And again! And again! Finn puts Edge in the ring and stalks him.
Finn runs in, but into a FLAPJACK! Edge and Finn stand, Edge kicks low, IMPALER! But Edge doesn’t cover, and he goes to a corner. Edge takes aim, runs in, but Finn hits a SLINGBLADE! Fans fire up as Finn aims at Edge. Edge is on the apron, Finn SHOTGUNS him off the apron! This time Edge hits the wall and falls to the floor. Finn goes out, grabs the broken kendo stick, but throws it aside. Finn runs in, to SHOTGUN Edge through the table!! Edge is down in the wreckage while fans lose their minds. Fans boo Finn but he grabs a chair. Finn TOSSES the chair at the wreckage! Then another one! Edge takes that in the head!
Finn throws another, but Edge deflects it to BOOT Finn down! Edge puts Finn in the ring, stalks him, and brings him up into an UNPRETTIER! Shoutout to Captain Charisma! Edge snarls, aims from the corner, and Finn rises. Edge runs in, but into a KICK! Cradle, TWO! Finn swings, into an EDGE-O-MATIC! Cover, ONE!! Edge doesn’t bother being frustrated, and he goes looking under the ring. Edge brings out a LADDER! Edge says hello to his old friend and puts that in the ring. Edge CHUCKS it at Finn!! Finn goes down in a heap, and then Edge picks the ladder back up. Edge puts that up against the corner while Finn flounders.
The ref wants Edge to hold on to check Finn because Finn is busted open! Finn doesn’t want the medics to touch him, he wants to fight Edge! He grabs at the ref, he grabs at Edge, and Edge decides to give Finn what he wants! Edge goes out and grabs up as many kendo sticks as there are, and he brings out another ladder! And then, the toolbox! Edge moves things aside, such as the steel steps, and he gets back in the ring. Edge takes the first ladder, stands it up near the corner, and the demon rises! Finn grins through blood, but Edge kicks low! But Finn fights the bomb to trip and DOUBLE STOMP!
But Edge staggers up! Into Finn’s ELBOW DROP DDT! Finn snarls and goes up, and smacks himself in the head to show he’s crazy! COUP DE- NO, Edge moves! Edge runs in, SPEAR into the ladder! Roll-up, TWO!! Edge hurries up, DOUBLE LARIATS take both men down! Fans are thunderous while the ref checks both men. Edge flounders his way to ropes, drags himself up in a daze, but Finn rises again! SLINGBLADE! And then a SHOTGUN into the corner! Edge falls, Finn goes up, COUP DE GRACE!! Cover, TWO?!?! Edge survives and shocks the demon! Finn drags Edge closer to the ladder, and then climbs it!
Fans fire up as Finn raises the stakes! But Edge SMACKS him with a kendo stick first! Edge climbs up after Finn, SMACKS him off the top, then brings Finn around, SUPER IMPALER!! Cover, TWO!??! Finn might really not be human after that! Edge goes back outside and he looks at the things he collected. Edge brings out more chairs, and then a TABLE! Finn crawls around while Edge puts that table in the ring. Edge sets this table up, but Finn SMACKS him with a kendo stick! And another! And another! Finn drags Edge up, puts him on the table and CLUBS away! Then SMACKS him with the chair! And again, and again, and again!
Finn then climbs up, and then decides the corner isn’t tall enough. Finn goes to the cage wall and climbs up! COUP DE GRACE but only through the table!! Edge avoids disaster and fans lose their minds! Finn crawls out of the wreckage, Edge aims from the corner, “This is Awesome!” SPEAR!!! Cover, TWO!?!?! No one can believe it! Edge snarls, pulls at his hair, and he grabs the kendo stick. Edge SMACKS away on Finn until the stick breaks! Edge then gets the chair and SMACKS away on Fin! Fans fire up and Edge gets a sinister idea in his mind. Edge puts Finn’s head on the chair, and fetches a second one!
Edge is bringing back his classic, but also what happened at Extreme Rules! “We could’ve done this together!” CON-CHAIR-TO!!! Cover, EDGE WINS!!
Winner: Edge, by pinfall
The Rated R Superstar slays a demon in the City of Angels! But will this victory truly exorcise Edge of the Judgment Day? Will he be able to use the time he has left to finally achieve the things he wanted all along?
Backstage interview with Bianca Belair.
Kayla Braxton is with the RawEST Women’s Champion, and congratulates her on winning. How’d it feel going out there in front of over 80 THOUSAND to defend that title? She can’t put it into words. But this title has meant everything to her this past year. She’s gone up against amazing women, Asuka took her to the limit, and mist aside, Asuka is an incredible fighter. Many times, Bianca felt like she couldn’t get back up, but she had to keep going. She has done it once, twice, and now it’s a threepeat. Kayla says there are many fans happy about that, including the dance troupe that saw her out to the ring! They all cheer the EST, will Bianca keep winning for them?
The WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2023 is on stage!
Stacy Keibler, the family of the late, great Andy Kaufman, The Great Muta, the brothers of Warrior Award recipient Tim White, and of course, the headliner, Rey Mysterio!
Undisputed WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns w/ Paul Heyman & Solo Sikoa VS Cody Rhodes!
And it all comes down to this. The Tribal Chief, the Head of the Table, the reigning, defending Universal Champion of 945 DAYS wants the world to ACKNOWLEDGE him. But the American Nightmare says Roman is going to acknowledge HIM! Will Cody Rhodes #FinishTheStory? Or will there still be some gold on the Island of Relevancy?
Cody has a new jacket for the occasion, and he hugs his wife and daughter ringside. He also gives his weight belt to Brodie Lee Jr, sone of the late, great Brodie Lee/Luke Harper. As for Roman, he has six live pianists playing the opening to his song! Roman has the Wise Man and the Enforcer with him, as he raises the belts for the pyro. The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who is truly ready to be The Guy!
Roman hears the fans chanting for Cody but he has them all quiet down. Heyman hands over the mic, and Roman grins as he says, “WrestleMania! ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” Heyman and Solo finally step out of the ring, the bell rings, and fans fire up even more. Roman and Cody step to each other and stare down. Fans are going nuts, and then Roman smirks. Roman and Cody circle, Roman mocks Cody a bit, then they tie up. They go around, Cody headlocks, then spins and hammerlocks. Roman gets the ropebreak, and he grins as he wags his finger. Cody lets off quickly and cleanly while fans boo Roman.
Roman and Cody reset, but Roman is almost swaggering as they circle. They tie up, go around, and Cody headlocks again. Roman powers up and carries Cody, but Cody uses that to hit a takeover! Fans fire up while Cody squeezes tight. Roman fights to his feet, fans rally for Cody, but Roman powers out of the hold. Cody slides under, kicks low, RHODES UPPERCUT! Roman staggers, is furious, and he bails out! Fans boo while Heyman talks with Roman. Heyman says Cody is here because of Roman. Who is the relevant one? The fans paid for Roman to face anyone, it just happens to be Cody, so SMASH him!
Roman takes his time returning, but Cody keeps his focus. The two go again, Roman waistlocks but Cody switches. Roman elbows free, Cody staggers, and Roman whips to CLOBBER Cody! Fans are torn between cheers and jeers as Roman holds up the finger. He the one, and he throws lariats in the corner! Roman goes all the way to TEN, then runs, but Cody dodges the boot to DROPKICK! Cody hurries to cover, ONE!! Roman frowns but Cody clamps onto the armlock. Roman endures as Cody steps over to put on the pressure. Cody then wrenches Roman’s arm, YANKS it, then CLUBS the arm!
Cody YANSK the arm again, headlocks and punches! Cody runs, springboards, but Roman catches him! POWERBOMB! Cody writhes, Roman covers, TWO! Cody’s Beautiful Disaster almost became a disaster, but he and Roman stand again. Roman CLUBS Cody, ROCKS him, then KNEES him down! Roman puts Cody on the ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Roman lets off at 4, and he glares at the ref. Fans rally up, Roman brings Cody around to snap suplex! Cover, ONE!! Cody surprises Roman now, nut then he grins. Roman drags Cody back up, to snap suplex hard! Cody writhes and Roman waves at Brandi Rhodes.
Roman stalks Cody to a corner, brings him up and around, to TOSS him up and out! But Cody skins the cat! Cody TOSSES Roman out! Then Cody goes to the apron, but Roman blocks the kick! Roman trips Cody and Cody hits the apron hard! Roman brings Cody up off the floor, and TOSSES him up the ramp! Cody writhes on the hardwood, only for Roman to scoop and SLAM him onto it! Roman goes back to the ring to refresh the count, and then he has Solo follow him. The ref restarts the count as Roman toys with Cody. Roman scoops Cody, but Cody slips free to scoop Roman! Cody SLAMS Roman on the ramp!
Fans fire up as Cody stalks Roman. Solo backs off as Cody CLUBS Roman around the way. Cody ROCKS Roman, CLUBS him again, but Roman throws body shots! Roman goes to bump but Cody bumps Roman off the apron instead! Cody refreshes the count, CLUBS Roman and throws down hands! Cody drags Roman up, throws him into the ring, but Solo is lurking! Solo grabs a chair and JAMS Cody!! The ref misses it while checking Roman and the fans boo. Roman pretends to be surprised by that. Roman hurries out, to hit the DRIVE-BY DROPKICK! Cody staggers away, Roman puts Cody in the ring. Cover, TWO!
Roman is annoyed again as Cody is still in this. Roman hurries to cravat and grind Cody down. Cody endures the neck wrench and fights up. Cody throws body shots and gets free. Cody ROCKS Roman with a forearm, runs, but Solo trips him up! The ref misses it again! Roman LARIATS Cody inside-out! Cover, TWO! Roman grows further annoyed that Cody is still in this. Cody goes to ropes, drags himself up, and Roman is almost amused now. Roman stalks Cody, brings him around and whips him corner to corner hard! Cody stumbles and falls, clutching his ribs. Fans boo and give thumbs down but Roman just shrugs it off.
Roman brings Cody up, TOSSES him out, and the ref watches Solo closely this time. Roman goes out and he clears off the announce desk! Actually, desks! Both English and Spanish announce desk are cleared, and Roman SMACKS Cody off one. Roman refreshes the ring count and even tells the ref to shut up or else. Roman gets on the desk with Cody, raises the finger, and grins as the fans boo. Roman brings Cody up, but Cody fights the lift! Cody back drops Roman through the English announce desk!! Fans are thunderous while Roman writhes in the wreckage! Heyman is freaking out as Cody refreshes the ring count.
Cody hobbles over and fetches Roman from the wreckage. Cody puts Roman in, but Roman ROCKS Cody! Roman runs, Cody follows, and ROCKS Roman! Kick, RHODES UPPERCUT! Roman runs at Cody, Cody goes up and over in the corner to then POWERSLAM! The fans are thunderous again as Cody springboards, CODY CUTTER!! Cover, TWO!?! Roman survives but Cody isn’t shocked. He might be frustrated, but he isn’t shocked. Fans rally as Cody stomps Roman around, legs then arms then chest. Roman flops out of the ring, so Cody just builds speed! Cody DIVES! Direct hit into the barriers!
Roman flops down as fans fire up again! Roman crawls, sputters, but Cody brings him up and around, back into the ring. Cody goes to the apron, but Solo WHIPS Cody with his weight belt!! Solo snatched that from Brodie Lee Jr?! But the ref HEARD that, and so he EJECTS Solo!! Fans are thunderous but Solo is furious! Solo throws a fit, but he has no choice but to leave, and that worries Heyman even more! But Roman grabs the weight belt now! Fans boo, the ref tells Roman not to, and they fight over it. Roman has the belt, but Cody SUPERKICKS! And then CROSS RHODES!! Cover, TWO!?!?
Now Cody might be a bit shocked that Roman survives. Fans sure are, and are rallying up again. Cody brings Roman back up, but Roman is deadweight! Cody forces Roman up, but Roman JAWBREAKERS! And HEADBUTTS! And CLUBS Cody on the neck! And again! Heyman feels a bit better now but he still clutches the lei as he stresses. Roman TOSSES Cody, but Cody again skins the cat! Only for Roman to catch him! But Cody slips free, only for Roman to hit a ROCK BOTTOM!! Cover, TWO!!!! Cody survives Roman’s reference to his other cousin! Roman frowns but nods, understanding Cody is tougher than that.
Roman goes to a corner as the fans boo. Roman locks ‘n’ loads, runs in, SUPERMAN- NO, Cody slips around it! TO underhook and PEDIGREE!! Cover, TWO!!! Roman survives Cody’s shoutout to The Game! Cody is frustrated and he punches himself for not finishing it here. Fans rally back up and Cody is feeding off it! Cody brings Roman up, but Roman shoves him away! Cody ducks, BEAUTIFUL- SUPERMAN PUNCH!! Cover, TWO!?!?! Cody still survives and now Roman is beside himself! Heyman thought it was over, but he was wrong. Even so, he tells Roman that this is still all his! Does Roman believe that?
Fans believe “This is Awesome!” but Heyman says Cody is ready to lose now. Roman lets out the battle cry, and he runs in, into a sunset flip! TWO!! Cody tackles Roman, “WOO~!” and FIGURE FOUR!! Roman endures as Cody thrashes the leglock! Roman’s shoulders are down, TWO as he sits back up! He’s down again, ONE as he turns to his side! Roman keeps trying, Cody fights to keep it on, but Roman turns it over! Cody hurries and crawls to the ROPEBREAK! The Figure Four is undone but the damage was done. Fans are still thunderous while Roman clutches his legs and Cody goes to the apron.
Cody stands, but Roman ROCKS him! Cody ROCKS Roman back, but Roman ROCKS Cody again! They go back and forth, haymaker for haymaker, the fans on Cody’s side! Cody hits low, throws another haymaker, but Roman runs in! Cody HOTSHOTS Roman away! Cody hurries up top, but Roman gets under the leap! Cody runs, into a SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!?!?!? Roman is in utter disbelief as Cody survives again! Roman paces, talks to himself, talks some trash on Cody, then he starts raining down fists! Fans boo as the fists turn into forearms! Roman lets off, paces around some more, and he says he’s gonna whoop Cody’s ass.
Roman says it’s done, and he brings Cody up. Into the GUILLOTINE!! Roman squeezes the air out of Cody but fans rally even harder. Cody is still on his feet, but he’s turning red! Cody’s fading! Cody drops to a knee, and the ref checks him. CODY COMES BACK TO LIFE! Roman is shocked as Cody fights up, so Roman jumps to put on the body scissors! Roman has Cody down on the mat! But Cody still pries at the hold! Fans rally as hard as they can, and Cody keeps fighting! Cody powers out of the hold! And he rains down forearms in return!! Fans are electric with every shot, and Heyman is speechless!
Roman shoves Cody away, Cody runs in, the BOOT hits the REF! SUPERMAN PUNCH!! LARIAT!!! Both men are down!! Fans are electric as both men slowly stir. Cody sits up first, still catching his breath. Fans fire up as Cody looks to the heavens. Cody then looks at Roman and tells him to get up. Roman stands, Cody dragon sleepers, but THE USOS DOUBLE SUPERKICK!!! Of course! Jimmy & Jey may not be champions anymore, but they’re gonna help Roman stay champion! ONE AND DONE for Cody!!! But here come Kevin & Sami!! The NEW champions brawl with the Usos, and the fans are going nuts!
Sami CLOBBERS Jey out of the ring, Kevin TOSSES Jimmy! Roman sees he’s alone, he gets a STUNNER! And then, a HELLUVA KICK!! But the Usos return! The brawl is back on, it spills out of the ring and into the crowd! Cody and Roman are both down, but Cody crawls his way to a cover! The ref returns, he starts the count, TWO!?!?!?! Roman is still in this and Hollywood is about to take off into space! Fans rally up behind Cody again as he sits back up. Cody drags Roman up, and throws a haymaker! Roman gives it back! Cody throws another, so Roman HEADBUTTS! Cody ROCKS Roman, Roman ROCKS Cody!
Cody UPPERCUTS Roman! Roman ROCKS Cody! Cody kicks, Roman rebounds, and Roman kicks. Cody ROCKS Roman, Roman ROCKS Cody! They keep going back and forth, Roman UPPERCUTS! Cody ROCKS Roman! Roman UPPERCUTS! Roman reloads, SJUPER- JAB! JAB! JAB! And again and again and again! Cody flips, flops, and BIONIC ELBOWS! RHODES UPPERCUT! And then the dragon sleeper! CROSS RHODES!!! But he holds on!!! CROSS RHODES!!! But he still holds on! Heyman shouts at the ref, the ref tells him to get down, but SOLO RETURNS! Solo SAMOAN SPIKES Cody!! Roman runs to SPEAR!!!! Cover, Roman wins!!
Winner: Roman Reigns, by pinfall (still Undisputed WWE Universal Champion)
That should really be by assist, because without Solo, Roman wouldn’t have even be champion after Clash of the Castle! The Bloodline ruins the story, but they keep themselves on top. Will nothing stop the Tribal Chief from reigning as Head of the Table past 950 Days? Past 1000 days? Past however many days are left in Roman’s career until he retires?
My Thoughts:
An awesome WrestleMania, but could’ve been so much better. For one, they really forced it to get past 11 PM Eastern with some padding and product plugs. It feels like they could’ve given more time to the earlier matches, but oh well. I do appreciate that they wanted to have Miz lose again, but that ended up a partial letdown. Shane getting hurt was rough, but still pretty awesome for Snoop to sub in and win. And I’m a little surprised there were no shenanigans when Lashley appeared. No tease that Bray Wyatt is still after him, no promo from Bronson Reed or LA Knight that they should’ve won, just them showing Lashley off for those who didn’t see SmackDown.
Speaking of giving matches time, I’m surprised Lesnar VS Omos was over so quickly. I’m surprised Omos took German Suplexes, and I’m surprised it took only one F5. Give Omos two F5s before he’s done to keep him looking good in defeat. But Lesnar is Lesnar, duh, he wins. Great Fatal 4 Way from the Women’s Tag Team Showcase, and it was so clear Ronda & Shayna were winning. I thought it was gonna be Chelsea so that at least it was cathartic for the fans, but Shotzi takes the submission because she’s been doing that for the big names for quite some time already. Ronda & Shayna really should move up to the tag titles so Ronda and Becky can revisit their feud.
Actual match of the night, maybe the weekend, maybe all week before and after Mania: Gunther VS McIntyre Sheamus. All those shots, the pace, the tease that Sheamus was gonna get that title, it was just so good. The reactions from commentary were pretty much all legit, how could you NOT react like that seeing that live? But Gunther quite literally uses Sheamus and McIntyre against each other, he retains, and I have no idea who is gonna stop Gunther now. On a flipside of sorts, that’s how things feel about Bianca Belair. She and Asuka had a great match, but the fans were on Asuka’s side by the end. Fitting that Peter Rosenberg called her “Jane Cena” on the kickoff show, because she has now entered that “LOL Cena Wins” space.
Hell in a Cell was great, in part because the cell was the old silver, not the red. Great throwback to Brood Edge, which is apparently the full name of this mode Edge goes into rather than a nickname us fans give it. Demon Balor having purple smoke was cool, and I liked that there were bright purple and red chairs and kendo sticks, and I think even one table was purple. Edge winning was fine, it allows him to move on with a positive note, and the Judgement Day is gonna regroup on SmackDown anyway, surely to focus on the feud of Rey & LWO VS Dominik and Judgment Day so that Backlash or whatever can be that story’s blowoff.
And while I’m kinda trying to avoid talking about it, the main event was another one of those mixed bags only WWE can give us. It was such a great build up to that fever pitch, everyone wanted to see Cody win by the end, but of course the Bloodline is still a factor because Kevin & Sami could only stop the Usos, not Solo. I really thought this Mania was gonna be different with all the other feel good things we got, but I guess that was all just so this one thing would still happen. Roman retains, Cody feels heartbreak, and y’know what’s wild? Day 1000 for Roman’s reign (no pun intended) is Saturday, May 27, 2023. That’s the King & Queen of the Ring event in Saudi Arabia.
Unfortunately, Roman losing to anyone there would overshadow the KQOTR event, so it ain’t happening. Whoever is King of the Ring, hopefully that guy challenges Roman, and hopefully it is someone who can and will beat Roman.
My Score: 8.9/10
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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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