Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Night of Champions Results & Report! (5/27/23)
So much GOLD!
Will the landscape of the WWE completely change in one day?
WWE returns to Saudi Arabia for a Night of Champions! And a NEW World Heavyweight Champion will be crowned after Seth Rollins takes on AJ Styles!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE World Heavyweight Championship Tournament Finals: Seth Rollins VS AJ Styles; Rollins wins and is the inaugural WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
- Becky Lynch VS Trish Stratus; Trish wins.
- WWE Intercontinental Championship: GUNTHER w/ Imperium VS Mustafa Ali; Gunther wins and retains the title.
- Raw Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair VS Asuka; Asuka wins and becomes the new Raw Women’s Championship.
- SmackDown Women’s Championship: Rhea Ripley VS Natalya; Rhea wins and retains the title.
- Cody Rhodes VS Brock Lesnar; Lesnar wins.
- Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships: Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn VS Roman Reigns & Solo Sikoa; Kevin & Sami win and retain the titles.
PLAY BY PLAY
It’s the Night of Champions Kickoff Show!
Join Kayla Braxton, Matt Camp and Peter Rosenberg in discussing, analyzing and predicting all the action here tonight/today!
Backstage interview with Cody Rhodes.
Byron Saxton catches The American Nightmare as he arrives, and he asks about the condition of his arm, and about any last thoughts before the match with Brock Lesnar. Cody says cat’s out of the bag via the press conference the other day. There is a stress fracture, but that doesn’t change his spirits. Cody beat Brock Lesnar in under ten minutes last time. So this doesn’t change his spirits, this only changes the game plan. Cody is still going to have a broken arm tomorrow, but Lesnar is gonna wake up tomorrow being 0-2. Cody can live with this broken arm. Can Lesnar live with another loss? Cody puts it concisely himself, but will his spirit be what suffers next?
On this global stage…
“In a triple main event… Who will be victorious? Who will leave as a champion?” HHH says, “A champion is always on. It is a 24/7, 365 state of mind. Being a champion is more than a way of life. It is your life. And man, can it change your life. With the eyes of the world watching, history calls. And the answer will be deafening. In this kingdom, this is what it’s all about. Are you ready? I said, ARE, YOU, READY!? This… is a Night of Champions!”
WWE World Heavyweight Championship Tournament Finals: Seth Rollins VS AJ Styles!
The 60 diamonds represent the 60 years of this company. The eagle harkens back to the days of eagles on the top title. The crown harkens back to the days of THE Bruno Sammartino. Only one man can be the first to hold a title that means so much about the then, now and forever of the WWE. Will that man be a Visionary? Or will he be Phenomenal?
The introductions are made, the belt is on display, and one way or another, a new champion will be crowned!
The bell rings and the fans are thunderous already! They rally and duel, “AJ STYLES!” “SETH ROLLINS!” The two circle, Rollins avoids Styles, and fans sing for him. “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” The two reset and feel things out. They knuckle lock, then Rollins shoots past Styles and the fans sing again. But Styles DROPKICKS Rollins! And clotheslines him up and out of the ring! Then he slingshots, but Rollins avoids Styles! Styles lands on the apron and Rollins grins. Styles steps back in and fans rally up again. They tie up, Rollins headlocks, but Styles powers up and out. Styles hurdles, Rollins rolls, and the two stand off again.
Fans fire up, Styles swings but misses. Rollins comes back to SLINGBLADE! Styles bails out, Rollins goes to the apron and FLYING KNEES Styles down! Rollins puts Styles in, takes aim from the corner, but Styles ducks the Shining Wizard, only for Rollins to BOOMERANG! Cover, TWO! Rollins keeps cool and he brings Styles up. Rollins goes to suplex but Styles blocks. Rollins CLUBS away but Styles RAMS him into the corner! And again, and again! The ref counts, Styles lets off, and Styles snapmares Rollins to then run and KNEE DROP! Rollins clutches his face but Styles brings him around to KICK in the back!
Rollins grits his teeth, but Styles snapmares him into a chinlock. Fans rally, Rollins endures, and Rollins fights up to throw body shots. Rollins whips, Styles goes up and over and Rollins hits buckles! Styles CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Rollins goes to another corner, Styles whips him corner to corner but Rollins reverses. Styles goes up and over but gets caught, BUCKLE SHOT! Rollins keeps going, he RAMS Styles into the opposite corner! Fans sing for Rollins again while he catches his breath. Styles sits up in the corner, Rollins puts him on the top rope. Rollins CHOPS Styles and Styles flops to the apron.
Rollins climbs the corner, drags Styles up to join him, and fans rally as the two fight for control. Styles slips under, trips Rollins up and Rollins hits buckles! Styles ROCKS Rollins with a right, but Rollins hits back! They go back and forth, fans fire up with each haymaker, and then Styles snap suplexes Rollins into the corner! Rollins is folded up and fans chant “This is Awesome!” Styles drags Rollins up to CHOP! Rollins ROCKS and CHOPS in return, and on repeat! Rollins then fires hands from all sides, but Styles comes back with the Phenomenal Blitz! SLIDING FOREARM! Fans fire up as Rollins goes to a corner.
Styles runs in to clothesline! Styles fireman’s carries, Rollins slips off but Styles ducks the rolling elbow to wheelbarrow FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! That was so close and Styles can’t believe it! Styles brings Rollins up, but Rollins RAMS him into a corner! Rollins gets space, but runs into an ELBOW! Styles goes up, QUEBRADA DDT! Cover, TWO! Rollins survives again and Styles is again surprised! Styles puts Rollins in a corner then up on the top rope. But Rollins throws hands! Styles comes back, but into a BOOT! FLYING SUNSET, TWO, but Rollins deadlifts Styles, for a BUCKLE BOMB!
Styles staggers, Rollins hurries to another corner and climbs up! FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Now Styles survives and surprises Rollins! Both men rise, Rollins ROLLING ELBOWS! Then he turns styles, but Styles ducks the Dream Smasher to fireman’s carry! USHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO!! Rollins survives and fans fire up while both men are down. Both men rise and the fans duel. Styles reels Rollins in, brings him up, but Rollins slips free to reel Styles in! Styles fights out to CHOP and PELE! Rollins falls and flounders to a corner while Styles stands up again. Fans rally, Styles storms over and then goes to the apron.
Styles climbs the corner and he brings Rollins up! Fans fire up as Styles has Rollins hooked, but Rollins RANAS free! Rollins then gets Styles up onto the top rope, climbs up behind him, and CLUBS away on Styles’ neck! Fans count and Rollins goes all the way to eight. Rollins dragon sleepers but Styles fights free! Rollins falls back, Styles works to adjust his position, but Rollins is right back up there! INVERTED SUPERPLEX!! Roll through, into SAVING GRACE! Cover, TWO!! Rollins is beside himself as Styles survives! Fans are thunderous as Rollins stands. Rollins stomps Styles, then goes back to the corner.
Rollins climbs up top, fans fire up, and Rollins PHOENIX- NO, he rolls through as Styles moves! Styles BOOTS Rollins, reels him back in at the corner, TORNADO HOT- NO, Rollins blocks that to HEADBUTT! Both men wobble, but Rollins brings Styles up again. But Styles fights the suplex! Styles tries to suplex but Rollins blocks now. They fight for control, Styles drags Rollins out to join him, and then APRON BRAINBUSTERS!! Fans go nuts as Rollins flops to the floor! Styles drags Rollins into the ring, then goes to the apron. Styles springboards, but Rollins trips him up! Styles now hits the floor!
Rollins builds speed, to DIVE! Direct hit at the ramp! Rollins clutches his leg, he may have done more harm than good. Fans sing “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~” for him and Rollins rises. Rollins goes to the steel steps, he and Styles get in the ring at 9 of 10! Rollins goes after Styles but Styles goes after the leg! CALF CRUSHER!! Rollins endures, reaches out, crawls around, but Styles rolls him from the ropes! CALF CRUSHER!! Styles pulls back on the leg while Rollins endures! Rollins reaches, and grabs Styles in a SLEEPER! Styles lets Rollins go and Rollins lets Styles go. Styles KICKS the leg, but Rollins LARIATS Styles!
Both men are down and fans fire up again! “This is Awesome!” as both men crawl to each other. Rollins and Styles stand, and they start throwing hands! Fans fire up with each haymaker, but Rollins gets the edge with forearms! But then Styles fires off palm strikes from all sides! And he KICKS the bad leg! But Rollins mule kicks! And Kawada Kicks! Fans fire up and Rollins swings big, but misses! Styles CHOPS, ROCKS and HEADBUTTS Rollins! Styles runs, Rollins ducks and PELES! Styles wobbles, but Rollins avoids his Pele! SUPERKICK! Styles falls over, Rollins runs in, and Rollins stomps the hand!
Rollins underhooks the arms, but Styles trips him! Styles hooks Rollins up but Rollins kicks free! Styles dodges a haymaker now and PELES! Styles steals the PEDIGREE!!! Cover, TWO!?!? Styles and Saudi Arabia are all shocked that Rollins survives! Styles crawls back to a corner as he thinks of what he has to do to finish this. Fans fire up again and Styles goes back to the apron. Styles aims but Rollins crawls over to that side. Rollins stands and glares at Styles. But Styles ROCKS Rollins first! Springboard, PHENOMENAL- SUPERKICK!! Rollins gets his bad leg working as he aims from the corner, Rollins runs in, but the leg gives up!
Rollins drags Styles up, Styles rolls him! Rollins rolls through, to get the PEDIGREE!! But the bad leg hurts from hitting it! Rollins grits his teeth, aims again, runs in, CURB STOMP!!! Cover, ROLLINS WINS!!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall (INAUGURAL WWE World Heavyweight Champion)
The Visionary has done it! He has made history once again! And Triple H is here in person to present the title directly to him! Will Rollins follow through on his promises to push the industry forward and to do it “the right way?”
Becky Lynch VS Trish Stratus!
The Man wanted The Chick to help her against Damage CTRL, and that she did do. But Trish could not handle being second, could not handle sharing the spotlight, and could not handle being the past and not the present. But will Trish tear down the current generation all in the pursuit of praise and gratitude? Or will she regret ever entering The Big Time?
The bell rings and fans sing Becky’s song now. Trish says okay, Becky, let’s go. And Becky DECKS Trish! Becky fires hands on Trish, Trish gest to ropes but Becky bumps her off buckles! Becky stomps a mudhole in, lets off as the ref counts, and then she brings Trish around to bump her off buckles again! And again! And then Becky gives her more stomps! The fans fire up but the ref counts, and Becky lets off again. Trish bails out but Becky slides! Trish dodges the dropkick to RAM Becky into steel steps! And then brings her around to RAM her face first into the steps! Fans cheer and jeer but Trish soaks it all up.
Trish SMACKS Becky off the Arabian announce table, then the American announce table! Trish puts Becky back in the ring, lines up the shot and PUNTS Becky in the side! Trish looks for the kick, it’s good! Then Trish CHOKES Becky on ropes! The ref counts, Trish lets off and she goes up top. But Becky ROCKS her first! Trish ROCKS Becky back, and Becky staggers away. Trish goes after Becky and gives her a mudhole stomp. Trish then goes up the corner and brings Becky up, HANGING SLEEPER! The ref counts, Trish lets Becky go and “apologizes.” Trish then brings Becky back in, for another HANGING SLEEPER!
Trish lets go, soaks up the cheers and jeers and then takes a bow. But Becky ROCKS her for it! Trish kicks back, reels Becky in, TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Another cover, TWO! Trish is frustrated and she storms up on Becky. Trish stomps Becky in the corner, digs her boot in, but lets off as the ref counts. Becky sputters and crawls but Trish is on her. Trish SMACKS Becky off the apron! There are fans who chant “Thank You, Trish!” and she enjoys that. Becky hits back but Trish CLUBS her down! And again! And again! Trish digs Becky’s face into the mat! The ref reprimands, Trish lets off and soaks up more cheers and jeers.
Trish shows off “Thank You Trish” on the back of her suit, and then she brings Becky into a CAMEL CLUTCH! Becky endures as fans rally up. Trish makes Becky smile with fishhooks in her mouth! The ref reprimands, Trish throws Becky down and wipes her hands off. Trish then YANKS Becky around by her hair! Trish picks the strands out of her hair, then grabs at Becky again. Becky KICKS from below! Becky fires off on Trish and fans fire up. Becky whips, Trish reverses and hits a THESZ PRESS! Fast hands but Becky gets free! Trish gets around Becky to hit a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally up but Trish swaggers around. Trish stalks Becky to ropes, then CHOPS her! Becky goes to a corner, Trish riles up the fans, and Trish CHOPS Becky again. Becky goes to another corner, Trish CHOPS her again! Becky goes to the fourth corner, then past that to the ropes. Trish CHOPS but Becky blocks! Becky ROCKS Trish with forearm after forearm! Trish hits back, the fans fire up with every haymaker! Becky gets the edge, whips to ropes, but Trish reverses. Becky comes back with FLYING FOREARMS! Fans fire up and Becky runs at the corner to FIRE-ARM! And ROCKET KICK! And then BECKSPLODER!
Trish scrambles away but Becky is after her! Becky has Trish in the ropes to fire off forearms and UPPERCUTS! Becky windmills hands on Trish and fans are thunderous! Becky goes up, GUILLOTINE LEG DROP! Cover, TWO!! Trish scrambles away again while Becky cools off. Becky runs and WRECKS Trish with a dropkick! Becky goes to the apron, and she FLYING FOREARMS Trish down! The fans are all fired up and Becky drags Trish up. Becky puts Trish in, but Trish skins the cat to RANA Becky into the POST! Trish soaks up the cheers and jeers, showing she can still do her old tricks.
Trish puts Becky in the, and hits a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and duel, but Becky hits back! Trish rains down fists in frustration, then runs corner to corner. Trish SPLASHES Becky, puts her up top, then climbs up after her. Trish throws hands but Becky throws them back! Trish CLUBS Becky, but Becky throws body shots! Becky sends Trish back, but Trish returns! STRATUSPHERE! Cover, TWO! Trish throws a fit but fans rally up again. Trish drags Becky up, reels her in, and she points to the sky! STRATUS- NO, Becky powers out! Becky ELBOWS Trish, reels her in at the corner, and hits DIAMOND DUST!
Trish flops and Becky hurries back up! Becky drops the MAN’S LEG! Cover, TWO! Trish survives, both women are down, and the fans rally up again. Becky nods, she’s feeling the energy. Trish rises, Becky brings her in, but Trish wheelbarrows and victory rolls to get the legs! But Becky kicks her away! Trish goes to a corner, Becky runs in, but is put on the apron. Becky ROCKS Trish first, climbs up the corner, but Trish trips her up! Trish then goes back, STRATUS- NO, Becky catches those legs, and steps over into the BOSTON CRAB! Trish endures as Becky bends her back! Trish crawls, reaches out, and gets the ROPEBREAK!
Becky lets Trish go and then goes out the side. Fans rally as Becky runs in and leaps off the steps, into a KICK! Fans boo but Trish grits her teeth and gets in the ring. Trish lets the ring count climb, because a win is a win, after all! Becky stirs at 7, and springs in at 9! CHICK KICK!! Cover, TWO!?! Becky survives and Trish can’t believe it! “This is Awesome!” as Trish drags Becky around. Trish sits Becky up to tell her she should be thanking her! Trish throws Becky down, sits her up, and throws her down again! Trish says Becky is not better than her! Trish SLAPS Becky, Becky drags Trish into the DISARM-HER!!
Trish endures, flails, reaches, and pulls Becky’s hair! Becky lets the hold go to pull Trish’s hair! The ref reprimands, the two throw hands! The ref counts, tries to separate them, Becky ducks a Chick Kick! Roll up, TWO!! MANHANDLE SLAM!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!!! Trish survives by a literal foot and Becky can’t believe it! Trish flops out of the ring, Becky storms out after her. Trish goes under the ring, Becky drags her back out. Becky puts Trish in, but ZOEY STARK is here?!? Zoey Stark appears from under the ring to hit a Z 360!!! Zoey puts Becky in for Trish to hit STRATUSFACTION!!! Cover, TRISH WINS!!!
Winner: Trish Stratus, by pinfall
What in the world!? Zoey Stark is on Team Trish!? Trish says Becky lost because Trish is smarter than her. Becky has a bloody nose and anger in her eyes, will The Man have to turn Trish & The Hunter into the hunted?
WWE Intercontinental Championship: GUNTHER w/ Imperium VS Mustafa Ali!
Der Ring General has been absolutely dominant as champion, setting the longest reign of the last 23 YEARS! And while The Beacon has shed his “Positive Ali” façade, he still has the confidence to stand up to this challenge. Will Ali win his first title ever in WWE? Or will nothing stop Gunther from becoming the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time?
Ludwig Kaiser has the mic to demand all our gratitude for our “WWE Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion, Derrrrrr RIIING GENERAL…! GUUUUNTHERRR!” The formal introductions are made, the belt is raised, and on an already historic night, we see which path history takes!
The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally up for Ali but Gunther doesn’t react. The two tie up, Gunther headlocks, and he TOSSES Ali away! Fans boo but Gunther eggs Ali on. Ali gets up, the two circle again, and they tie up again. Gunther powers Ali to a corner, smothers him, but lets off, only for Ali to dodge the chop! Ali CHOPS, but Gunther just storms up on him. They circle, Ali gets around to KICK the leg! And again! And again! Gunther blocks a kick, and reels Ali into a SLEEPER! Ali arm-drags free, then goes up and over in the corner! Ali keeps moving to DROPKICK! Fans fire up as Gunther wobbles!
Ali runs to DORPKICK again! Ali runs, but into a scoop and SLAM! Ali writhes and fans boo but Gunther stomps him down! Gunther paces while fans rally for Ali. Gunther drags Ali up but Ali throws body shots. Gunther CHOPS Ali down! Ali sputters, but Gunther brings him up, to CHOP him down again! Gunther talks trash and fans boo, but Gunther goes back to Ali. Gunther drags Ali up, but Ali throws haymakers! Fans fire up but Gunther shoves Ali to a corner. Ali BOOTS back! Ali swings, but into a scoop and SLAM! Gunther gets the legs, BOSTON CRAB! Fans rally, Ali crawls and reaches out, but Gunther drags him away!
Gunther shifts into an STF! Fans rally as Ali endures, and Ali fights up to throw body shots. Gunther knees low! Gunther TOSSES Ali out but Ali holds onto ropes. Ali gets up to shoulder into Gunther! Ali slingshots, into a BOOT! Ali falls to the floor, and Gunther drags him up to POST him! Ali goes flying then lands hard, and Gunther goes into the ring to simply let the count handle this. Ali drags himself up at 7 of 10 but falls over! The count is 9, Ali springs in at 9.99!! Gunther is annoyed but fans fire up! Gunther drags Ali up, wrenches the arm, and CHOPS Ali down! Gunther drags Ali up again, just to CHOP him back down!
Fans boo but Gunther soaks it all up. Gunther stands Ali up again but Ali breaks free, CHOPS and ROCKS and then dodges to ROCK Gunther again! Ali CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS, then fires off windmill haymakers! Fans fire up, but Gunther shoves Ali away. Gunther runs in at the corner, Ali slips out to ROUNDHOUSE! Ali slingshots, somersaults, and NECKBREAKER! Fans fire up and Ali hurries back to the corner! Ali climbs, but Gunther CHOPS! Gunther ROCKS Ali, climbs up after him, and double underhooks. Ali fights those off and he HEADBUTTS Gunther! And again! And then SMACKS Gunther off the buckles!
Ali gets up, SUPER SUNSET- Wait, Gunther holds onto the ropes! Ali gets him loose and POWERBOMBS Gunther down! Ali skins the cat to the top rope, so that he can 450 SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!!! “This is Awesome!” as Ali is getting closer and closer! Ali goes up another corner, leaps, but Gunther blocks the tornado! Gunther throws Ali away to then LARIAT!! Gunther shouts at the fans, he drags Ali up, and LARIATS again!! Cover, TWO!?!? Ali survives and Gunther is furious! Fans are thunderous for Ali but Gunther eggs him on. Ali crawls over to Gunther, Gunther kicks him around and taunts him.
Ali rises up and the fans are with him. Gunther tells Ali to listen. “You don’t belong-” Ali SLAPS! Gunther SLAPS! Gunther POWER- NO, Ali slips out of the bomb to SUPERKICK!! And Ali goes up, FLYING TORNADO DDT!! Ali hurries up top again! 450- NO, Gunther moves and Ali rolls through! Gunther SHOTGUNS Ali! More like a cannon! Gunther GENERAL BOMBS Ali, high stacks, and Gunther wins!
Winner: Gunther, by pinfall (still WWE Intercontinental Champion)
Fans boo but Ali still put up one hell of a fight. But will Gunther continue to dominate the world, no matter who is put in front of him?
Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn talk backstage.
They’re feeling good. Being here is crazy. Everything since WrestleMania! Even WrestleMania was so much more than they ever expected. Winning these tag titles together, what a run. Even if it ended tonight- Wait, whoa, why would it end? It won’t, but Sami wants to “acknowledge” the fact Roman Reigns is celebrating 1000 days as Universal Champion and he wants these titles. Somehow, he finds a way. Roman’s screwed them both over before. Kevin sees that. But that’s the only thing he “acknowledges.” Here is something for Roman to “acknowledge”: Kevin & Sami won these off The Usos, a greater tag team than Roman & Solo will ever be.
But here’s another thing: Kevin is sick of hearing about Roman’s 1000 days! Roman’s had his day, he has had 1000 of them! Today is THEIR day! Kevin didn’t come all this wat just to lose! No, today is THEIR day! Today, Solo loses! Today, Roman loses! Yeah? Yeah?! YEAH! Sami & Kevin are ready, will they make sure Roman’s 1000 days with his two titles is all he gets?
Raw Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair VS Asuka!
The EST has beat the Empress of Tomorrow before, but this isn’t that Asuka. This Asuka is something more sinister, more ruthless, and more chaotic. Will Bianca not be ready for this Asuka? Or will Bianca continue the longEST women’s title reign of the last 23 years?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly the B E S T!
The bell rings and the two rush in! Asuka waistlocks, headlocks, hits the takeover, but Bianca headscissors. Asuka kips free, gets around and throws Bianca down by her hair! The ref reprimands and fans boo but Asuka is having fun,. Bianca ducks the Penalty Kick, kips up, and trips Asuka to rain down fists! Asuka turns it around, but then Bianca turns it back. They go back and forth, Bianca kicks Asuka way, and then she RAMS Asuka, rebounds, and runs her over! Bianca says if Asuka wants to mess around, then come on. Things speed up, Bianca handsprings over Asuka, then hurdles, but Asuka dropkicks the roll!
Asuka swaggers around, gets Bianca’s arms, and stands on her to give her DRAGON STOMPS! Fans fire up and Asuka lets off to swagger some more. Asuka gets an arm, she wrenches it, but Bianca ROCKS her with the other arm! Bianca RAMS Asuka into the corner, then tells her this is what she gets. Bianca TOSSES Asuka across the way, runs in and RAMS her into the other corner! Bianca brings Asuka out to whip her corner to corner, but Asuka reverses. Bianca goes up and over, and DROPKICKS Asuka down! Bianca kips up again and fans fire up. Bianca drags Asuka up, scoops her, and SLAMS her!
Fans rally, Bianca runs to handspring, but Asuka avoids the moonsault! Asuka goes to the apron, Bianca runs in to handspring kick her down! Fans rally as Bianca eggs Asuka on. Bianca then goes out after Asuka, but Asuka drags her down by the hair! Asuka whips Bianca into steel steps! Asuka grins while fans boo and the ref reprimands. Asuka puts Bianca in the ring at 5 of 10, then swaggers around more. Asuka runs in to HIP ATTACK Bianca in a corner, then GERMAN SUPLEX her away! SLIDING KNEE! Cover, TWO! Bianca is still in this but Asuka gets an ARMBAR! Bianca flails, stacks, TWO!
Asuka lets Bianca go to BUZZSAW the arm! Asuka stands on Bianca at the ropes, the ref counts, and Asuka steps off. Bianca shoves Asuka away but Asuka comes back, into a JAWBREAKER! Roll up, TWO! Both women hurry up, Bianca spins Asuka around and suplexes, but Asuka cradle counters! TWO, and Bianca runs in, into a LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Asuka is still having fun as fans start to rally for her now. Asuka wants an arm but Bianca fights her off. Asuka stomps away on that arm! Asuka grinds the shoulder, drags Bianca around, but Bianca fights up. Fans rally again but Asuka keeps Bianca down.
Bianca powers up again and she throws body shots. Bianca scoops but Asuka slips free to YANK Bianca down by her hair! The ref reprimands but Asuka just grins. Asuka kicks Bianca around, toys with her, and then smiles. Bianca blocks the boot, ROCKS Asuka, and then ROCKS her again! Fans rally up as Bianca fires off forearm after forearm! Asuka shoves Bianca away but Bianca BLOCKBUSTERS on the return! Fans fire up while both women are down! Bianca goes to ropes, drags herself up, and Asuka runs in, but into an ELBOW! Bianca BOOTS Asuka, goes up the corner, then goes up and over!
Bianca then runs in to rally with big shoulder tackles! And a DROPKICK! Fans fire up, Asuka swings but into a spin and suplex! A bit of a stall before a BIG SLAM, and Bianca kips up! Bianca runs to RAM into Asuka at the corner! Bianca climbs up and fans fire up as she rains down fists! Bianca goes all the way to TEN, but then Asuka slips under to grab the hair! The ref reprimands, Bianca yanks Asuka in to scoop and BACKBREAKER! Bianca handsprings to MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Asuka is still in this but Bianca says okay. Fans rally and duel, Bianca has Asuka in a corner, but Asuka drop toeholds her into a buckle!
Asuka BUZZSAWS Bianca, YANKS her down with the hair, and grins while the ref reprimands her. Asuka aims, KICKS Bianca in the chest again and again and again, but Bianca ducks the buzzsaw! Bianca shoves Asuka, Asuka mule kicks back! Asuka goes up but Bianca ROCKS her first! Bianca climbs, she brings Asuka up and fans rally. Asuka resists the suplex, throws body shots then shoves Bianca away. Asuka leaps, MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Bianca is still in this, as she is the tougheEST, y’know. Asuka is still amused, though, and she brings Bianca up. But Bianca resists the scoop!
Bianca suplexes, but Asuka fights that to get the arm! FUJIWARA ARMBAR!! Bianca flails, kicks around, shifts to the other side, and she gut wrenches Asuka! But Asuka fights the bomb! Asuka runs back in, but into a SPINEBUSTER! High stack cover, TWO!! Asuka is still in this and Bianca is beside herself. Bianca runs, handsprings, but into a takedown! ASUKA LOCK!!! Bianca pushes back to a cover, TWO! Asuka runs in, into chicken wings! GlamEST- NO, Victory Roll! TWO and Bianca has the cover, TWO! Asuka catches Bianca to a backslide, TWO! BUZZSAW! Cover, TWO!!!
Bianca survives again, but nothing is ruining Asuka’s mood! She still grins and fans say “This is Awesome!” as she drags Bianca by her hair. The ref reprimands, Asuka lets go, then whips Bianca, only for Bianca to reverse! Asuka tumbles out, but then drags Bianca out by her hair! Asuka whips but Bianca stops from hitting steps, and she elbows Asuka back! Bianca sends Asuka into the steps! The ref reprimands them both, the ring count starts, and Bianca slides in at 2, only for Asuka to drag her out. Bianca returns the favor, the count rises, and they start shoving. Then they start throwing forearms!
Bianca CLUBS Asuka, puts Asuka in at 7, and hurries in after her. Asuka has the hair again! Asuka CLUBS away on Bianca, but Bianca RAMS her into ropes! Bianca CLUBS away on Asuka now, fans fire up and Asuka shoves Bianca away. The ref wants them to listen to her, and Bianca nods. Bianca goes to Asuka, RAMS her in a corner, fires off again, but the ref counts. The ref gets between them, Asuka MISTS! But Bianca narrowly avoids it! That was Asuka’s one shot, and now she’s mad! They run, Bianca gets around, torture rack! But Asuka arm-drags free! And catches Bianca to an ARMBAR!!
Bianca kicks, flails, fights around, stacks Asuka and covers, TWO! But Bianca deadlifts Asuka, for a POWERBOMB! That took all Bianca had there and she falls over! Fans fire up as Bianca shakes her arm out. Asuka goes tot he apron, Bianca storms over and grabs at her. The ref has Bianca back off, and then Asuka spits more mist, but on her own hand!? Bianca storms back over, torture racks again, but gets MIST FINGERS in the eyes!! ROUNDHOUSE!! BUZZSAW!! Cover, ASUKA WINS!!!
Winner: Asuka, by pinfall (NEW Raw Women’s Champion)
Asuka found a way around the rules, and now SHE rules over all! The EST’s great reign comes to an end, will no one be ready for this wicked Empress?
SmackDown Women’s Championship: Rhea Ripley w/ Dominik Mysterio VS Natalya!
The Eradicator may have the blue brand’s belt, but she and The Judgment Day still run Monday Night Raw. However, the Queen of Harts says Rhea doesn’t show respect to anyone. Rhea disagrees, she does respect Natalya, which is why she’s going to do Natty the honor of ending her career! Will the world see Rhea’s brutality? Or will Natty win herself the greatest birthday present ever?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if we get another new champion tonight!
The bell rings and Dom talks trash on Natty. The ref reprimands, but Rhea CLOBBERS Natty from behind! Rhea stomps Natty out of the ring, goes out after her and BOOTS her at the desk! Then Rhea drags Natty up to SMACK her off the desk! “You ain’t nothing, Natty!” Rhea SMACKS Natty off the desk again, and again! Rhea RAMS Natty into the steel steps! Fans are torn but Dom is loving this. Rhea brings Natty around, and RAMS her into the other steel steps! Rhea drags Natty up, puts her in the ring, and then storms up to HEADBUTT Natty down! Rhea drags Natty up, pump handles and lifts, RIPTIDE!! Cover, Rhea wins!!
Winner: Rhea Ripley, by pinfall (still SmackDown Women’s Champion)
Brutality and agility, because that was fast and furious! Dom celebrates with Mami, and Rhea mockingly tells Natty happy birthday. Will nothing stop Rhea from eradicating every woman put in her way?
Backstage interview with Seth Rollins.
Byron Saxton is with the NEW WWE World Heavyweight Champion, and Rollins wants Byron to do better than that. Say it with some oomph, some stank. The NEW~ World Heavyweight Champion, Seth Freakin’ Rollins. Yes, sounds so good! It has been a long, long time, nearly four YEARS, since Rollins held world championship gold. And tonight, on the night of nights, the starts are bright, and Rollins walks out our new WHC. That feels good! Feels right! Doesn’t it? Yes, right now. But what about going forward? What does the future of Raw look like with Rollins on top?
Oh, Sax Man, the more things change, the more they stay the same! Rollins will be live on Raw, and every Monday night moving forward, but the only difference will be that Rollins has world championship things on his mind! He is the Visionary, he is a revolutionary, and finally, he is world champion, Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins! HAHAHA!
Cody Rhodes VS Brock Lesnar!
The American Nightmare thought he finished this story at Backlash, but The Beast said nothing is over until he says it’s over! Lesnar has already broken Cody’s arm, but will he break Cody’s body, mind and spirit? Or can Cody pull off another miraculous victory to keep his own story going?
Fans sing Cody’s song, and we can see Cody has a titanium “Exos cast” to keep his arm together. Cody fires the fans up and has his pyro, but Lesnar grins because he sees that cast as a target. The bell rings and the two circle. Cody keeps the bad arm back but Lesnar approaches. Cody avoids being cornered and Lesnar nods. They circle again, Lesnar approaches again, but Cody again avoids being cornered. Cody bails out of the ring but Lesnar grins again. Cody says Lesnar wanted to fight, so let’s fight! Lesnar goes out after Cody, chases him around, they get back in the ring and Cody fires off hands!
But Lesnar RAMS Cody int a corner! And RAMS him again, and again! Lesnar clinches to OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Cody flounders and goes to the ropes while Lesnar grins. Fans chant “SUPLEX CITY!” and Lesnar hits another OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Cody flounders to ropes again, clutching the bad arm. Lesnar puts Cody in a corner to RAM him in again! And then OVERHEAD Belly2Belly again! Fans fire up as this makes three suplexes already. Lesnar stalks Cody, brings him up, but Cody ROCKS Lesnar with the cast hand! And again! And again! And again! Cody is going Cowboy Bob Orton on Lesnar!
Lesnar clinches Cody but Cody ROCKS him with the cast! Cody runs to RAM Lesnar out of the ring! Cody then builds speed, to DIVE! Cast first, too! Lesnar leans on the desk, Cody goes up to leap, AX HANDLE! Lesnar flounders into the ring, Cody climbs up, and he AX HANDLES again! Cover, TWO!! Lesnar survives taking titanium to the head again and again but fans fire up for Cody. Cody runs, springboards, BEAUTIFUL DISASTER KICK! Cody springboards again, CODY CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Lesnar is still hanging tough, but Cody is stalking him now. Cody roars and waits on Lesnar to rise!
Lesnar stands, Cody dragon sleepers, CROSS RHODES!! But Cody’s arm bothers him, he can’t make the cover! Lesnar rises again, those stitches popping open. Cody dragon sleepers, for another CROSS RHODES!! Fans are thunderous and Cody grits his teeth. Lesnar sits up in a daze, Cody shouts for him to get up again! Lesnar staggers up, Cody dragon sleepers again, but Lesnar spins around! KIMURA!!! Lesnar has the already busted arm, can Cody turn this around like he did at Backlash?! Cody moves around, reaches out, but Lesnar has the body scissors, too! Cody reaches out, fights up, but Lesnar drags him back down!
Fans are thunderously rallying for Cody as he keeps fighting, and he pushes forward again! TWO and Lesnar still has the arm! Lesnar shouts at Cody to give up but the fans rally! Cody pushes, Lesnar rolls it through and he is sitting up with the KIMURA!! Cody reaches out, he’s so close to the ropes! Cody claws at Lesnar’s back, fans rally behind him, but Cody is fading out! The pain is overwhelming him! The ref checks, but Cody comes back to life!! Lesnar is shocked but he keeps pulling on the bad arm! Cody scoots and crawls, he claws at Lesnar’s back more, and fans are thunderous! Cody starts to fade again, but he gets the ROPEBREAK!!
Lesnar lets go in frustration and the ref checks Cody. The cast is made of titanium but what is Cody made of!? Lesnar snarls, he storms back over to Cody and brings him up. Fireman’s carry, but Cody slips free! CROSS RHODES!!!! Cover, TWO!?!? Lesnar survives again, what is HE made of?! Both men sit up, Cody grabs Lesnar’s arm and ROCKS him with the cast! And again! And again! And again! But Lesnar fireman’s carries again!! F5!!! But Lesnar can’t make the cover, he’s too tired! Lesnar crawls over, pushes Cody to a cover, TWO!!?? Fans say “This is Awesome!”, but just what is it gonna take to end this?
Lesnar drags Cody into the KIMURA!! Lesnar makes Cody suffer again, and he sits back up with the hold! Cody is fading, the ref checks, and Cody is OUT!! Lesnar wins!!
Winner: Brock Lesnar, by referee stoppage
But Lesnar isn’t letting go! The ref shouts, the bell rings more, and Lesnar finally lets go! Cody sputters back awake, will he learn later that he could not win a fight with The Beast? As for Lesnar, is he finally going to let this chapter of the story end?
Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships: Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn VS Roman Reigns & Solo Sikoa w/ Paul Heyman!
Speaking of stories, it seems one story that has yet to end is the drama of the Prizefighter, the Great Liberator and The Bloodline. Kevin & Sami have all but broken up the Tribal Chief’s table, will this be the last straw? Or will Roman celebrate 1000 years as Universal Champion by becoming THE Undisputed Champion of WWE?
As always, Roman raises the belts for the pyro. The Bloodline continues down the ramp and into the ring, for Roman to raise the belts again for more pyro. Then Kevin and Sami make their entrances, Sami in a formal white robe. The fans sing Sami’s song as he and Kevin go down to the ring, and the champs are fired up! The introductions are made, Heyman interrupting to make his introduction for himself and the “soon to be NEW tag team champions. First, from the Island of Relevancy, the Sultan of the Spike, ladies and gentlemen, this is… SOLO! Ladies and gentlemen, on his 1000th day of a historic championship reign, the reigning! Defending! Undisputed! WWE! Universal! Heavyweight! Champion! ROMAN! REIGNS!!”
Heyman gives the mic back and says that’s how it is done. But Sami takes the mic now, and he says in Arabian that we should all hold on a second. Sami says that tonight, in this ring, it is the WWE Tag Team Champions, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn! The fans are thunderous, the tag belts are raised, and we see what it truly takes to be tag team champions!
The teams sort out and as fans sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~” for Sami, Kevin starts against Roman. Fans fire up as the bell rings and the fans sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~” again. Roman gets annoyed, and Kevin realizes who should really start this match. Sami offers the hand, and Kevin tags him in! Roman smirks and nods as fans are thunderous for “SAMI! SAMI!” Roman gets annoyed as it keeps going, and he circles with Sami. Roman says no one would know who Sami is without him! Sami begs to differ, given the “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~!” returns. Roman gets annoyed and tags out to Solo, which fans boo.
Solo and Roman circle now while Roman cools off outside. Roman says he should’ve never let Sami into the Bloodline! The fans keep chanting for Sami, Roman yells at them, and the fans boo. Roman then tells Solo to take Sami out. Solo and Sami tie up, are in a deadlock, but Solo throws Sami away! Solo eggs Sami on, fans boo, and Sami comes back. They circle again, the fans are still thunderous, and the tension builds. The two tie up, Solo powers Sami to a corner, and the ref counts. Solo lets off, swings, but Sami dodges to CHOP! Sami backs away and eggs Solo on. Solo wipes it off, but Kevin fires the fans up more.
Solo and Sami tie up and Solo puts Sami in another corner. Solo CHOPS and ROCKS and rains down fists! The ref counts, Solo lets off and roars, but the fans boo. Roman soaks up the heat, Solo brings Sami up and whips him corner to corner. Solo runs in but into an elbow! Sami goes up, leaps, AX HANDLE! Fans fire up and Sami brings Solo up for more haymakers. Sami whips, Solo reverses and CLOBBERS Sami! Roman nods and tells Solo to keep going. Sami sits up, he looks to Kevin, and Kevin says sure, why not. Kevin tags in and fans fire up as Kevin fires haymakers on Solo! Kevin knees, ROCKS Solo and runs, but into an UPPERCUT!
Solo stalks Kevin to a corner, HEADBUTTS him, but Kevin COHPS! Solo SLAPS Kevin, Kevin kicks low, and the forearms go back and forth. Solo HEADBUTTS Kevin, but Kevin BOOTS back! Roman avoids the back elbow, but Kevin avoids Solo to CHOP and fire forearms. Kevin whips, Solo reverses but Sami tags in! Kevin KNEES Solo, Sami drop toeholds, and Kevin SENTONS! Fans are thunderous but Roman runs in to CLOBBER Kevin! Sami chases Roman off but Roman taunts him and the fans. And then Solo CLOBBERS Sami! Fans rally for Sami and that upsets Roman. Solo CHOKES Sami on the ropes!
The ref counts, Solo lets off, and then Roman CHOKES Sami behind the ref’s back! Fans boo but Roman gets away with it. Solo drags Sami from the ropes, scoops him and SLAMS him, then runs to FALLING HEADBUTT! Solo yells at Sami, then he drags Sami around. Solo stomps Sami in the stomach but the fans rally up. Roman is almost confused by this, but Solo keeps Sami from Kevin. Solo HEADBUTTS Sami down, and he tags Roman in. Fans boo as The Tribal Chief steps in, but he talks trash on them. Roman goes to Sami, stomps him and throws hands. Sami flounders against ropes and Roman stomps him down.
The ref reprimands, fans chant “ROMAN SUCKS!” but Roman CHOKES Sami on the ropes! The ref counts and Roman lets off at 4. Roman taunts the ref but the ref says respect his authority. Roman snap suplexes Sami and covers, TWO! Roman is upset but the ref says that count was fair. Fans boo Roman being a brat but he goes back to Sami. Sami stands to CHOP! Roman smirks, but Sami CHOPS again! Roman UPPERCUTS Sami off his feet. Roman brushes himself off, and says, “What? You think you’re the Nature Boy now?” Roman throws Sami out of the ring, distracts the ref, and Solo goes after Sami!
Solo throws hands, then he SMACKS Sami off the desk! But Kevin attacks back! The ref sees all this, Kevin points out what Solo was doing, and Sami gets to the apron. Roman goes out to put Sami in the ring, then he goes to a corner. Fans boo but Roman tells them to hush. Roman taunts Kevin, the ref keeps Kevin back, and Roman throws hands on Sami. Roman stomps Sami, but fans chant “ROMAN SUCKS!” Roman is annoyed by that, but then Sami throws body shots! And haymakers! Roman UPPERCUTS Sami back down! Roman winces, fans chant “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” but Roman frowns. Roman tags Solo and they drag Sami up.
The Bloodline mugs Sami, CLUBS him down, and the ref reprimands. Roman says okay, okay, and he exits. Sami crawls but Solo stomps him down. Solo drags Sami up, whips him, and SAMOAN DROPS him! Solo talks trash in Samoan and Roman says they’re the future tag team champions. Fans rally with “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~” but Solo drags Sami up. Solo clamps a claw into the shoulder but Sami endures. Sami fights up, fans fire up, and Sami throws body shots. Solo ROCKS Sami, TOSSES him out, and now Roman gets to go after Sami, but Sami ROCKS Roman first! Sami fires off hands and fans fire up!
Solo sees this, hurries out, but Sami sends Solo into the desk! Sami hurries into the ring and crawls, but Solo runs in to stomp him down! Solo brings Sami up, bumps him off buckles, then SUPERKICKS Kevin! Fans boo but Solo goes to Sami. Solo puts Sami up, SLAPS him, and talks trash. Fans rally, Sami gets mad, and he ROCKS Solo in return! And again, and then fires off rapid kicks! And then TORNADO DDTS! Both men are down, but fans rally as Kevin rises! Sami and Solo crawl, hot tags to Roman and Kevin! The Prizefighter dodges Roman to CHOP, and fire off haymakers! Fans fire up as Kevin stomps away!
The ref counts, Roman bails out, but Kevin goes out after him! Kevin LARIATS Roman down, then SENTONS on the floor! Fans fire up and Kevin puts Roman in the ring. Roman staggers up, swings, but misses! Kevin SUPERKICKS Roman down! Kevin goes to a corner, “SUCK IT!” but Solo is back! Kevin DECKS Solo, but Roman CLOBBERS Kevin! Fans boo and that annoys Roman again. Roman raises the finger, #HeTheOne. Roman locks ‘n’ loads, runs in, but Kevin avoids the Superman Punch! Roman avoids the lariat, returns, but into a POP-UP POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! But Kevin just goes right up the corner!
Kevin aims to FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Roman survives but Heyman looks very worried! “This is Awesome!” while both men are down. Kevin rises first, he goes to another corner, and he waits on Roman to rise. Roman sits up, Kevin runs in and kicks! But Roman shoves Kevin away, Solo HOTSHOTS! Kevin staggers into the SUPERMAN PUNCH! Cover, TWO! Kevin survives and Roman is in disbelief. Roman says, “I’M the champion! I’m gonna be the tag team champions now, you understand? I’m gonna have all the championships!” Fans boo Roman, which again upsets him. But Roman just goes to a corner and reloads.
Roman lets out the battle cry, he runs in, but into a KNEE! And a kick! And a STUNNER!! Roman rebounds to SPEAR!!! Both men are down and fans are thunderous! Heyman holds up the lei and tells the Tribal Chief to rise up. Roman raises his finger, crawls to the corner, but Sami is back! Kevin also crawls, hot tags to Solo and Sami! Sami rallies on the Enforcer of the island with haymakers from all sides! Sami whips, Solo reverses, but Sami goes up and over to then clothesline Solo out of the ring! Sami then builds speed to FLY! Direct hit at the ramp! Fans fire up as Sami powers back up!
Sami pushes Solo into the ring, fans sing again, and Sami gets around to a BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Solo is still in this and Heyman is still a bit worried. Fans rally up for Sami as he sits back up. Sami goes to a corner, he waits on Solo in the other. Fans are thunderous again, Solo stands up, and Sami runs in! HELLUVA- SUPERKICK!! Solo hits first, then roars and grabs Sami by the hair! SAMOAN- BOOT from Sami! And then a CORNER EXPLODER! Fans fire up as Sami reloads fast! HELLUVA KICK!!! Cover, Roman breaks it in time!! Fans can’t believe it but this isn’t over yet!
Roman scowls and talks trash on Sami. Roman tells the ref to get back and he rains down fists! The ref reprimands, fans boo, and Roman lets off to glare at the ref. Roman drags Sami up, fireman’s carries, but Sami fights free! Sami fires hands on Roman now! Roman shoves Sami back, Sami dodges but almost runs into the ref! Roan runs in, but Sami sends the SPEAR into the ref!!! Roman is furious, but then he realizes this is an opening. But Sami is locked ‘n’ loaded! He mocks Roman, and SUPERMAN PUNCHES him!! Fans fire up as Sami gets Roman with his own move! Sami then goes to the corner and mocks the “OOAH~!”
Sami runs in, but into a SUPERMAN PUNCH! Roman brings that outta nowhere, and he says Sami can’t be him. But then Kevin SPEARS Roman!! Kevin rains down fists on Roman, he and Roman bail out, and Kevin SMACKS Roman off the desk! Again and again, dribbling him like a basketball! Then Kevin RAMS Roman into steel steps! Fans fire up as Kevin clears off the Arabian announce desk! And then he clears off the American desk, too! Kevin drags Roman up and over, puts him on the American desk, but the USOS are here!?! They attack Kevin! And DOUBLE SUPERKICK him down!
The Usos get Roman out of the way, they beat down Kevin and then tip the desk onto him! The Usos then aim at Sami, SUPERKICK from Jey! SUPERKICK from Jimmy! Solo stands, but Sami ducks, DOUBLE SUPERKICKS hit Solo!!! Roman sees that and is furious! The Usos realize they messed up hitting their own brother, but Roman misunderstands! Roman asks them what the hell they’re even doing here anyway! They were told to stay home! The Usos try to explain, but Roman pie faces Jimmy! Jey says they’re just trying to help! Roman says they’re not helping! They’re disobeying him! He pie faces Jey now!
Roman tells Jey there ain’t no more Day One, but then JIMMY SUPERKICKS ROMAN!!! Even JIMMY is in disbelief!! Jey asks what the heck, Jimmy?! This is ROMAN! Why’d he do that?! Fans want that “ONE MORE TIME!” and then Jimmy tells Jey to listen for once! This is what they shoulda done years ago! SUPERKICK for Roman again!!! Jimmy is all fired up, Heyman is in disbelief! Jimmy says this is THEIR time now! Jimmy would never treat Jey like Roman’s treated them! They are BROTHERS! Jey goes to Roman’s side but Jimmy says no, the Usos are for the Usos, not for Roman!
The Usos leave, and fans fire up! Jey is still reluctant, but he still goes. Solo stands, he’s furious, but Kevin gives him a STUNNER!! Sami is back, he gives Solo a HELLUVA KICK!!!! Cover, but there’s no ref! Wait, a new one slides in! Cover, SAMI & KEVIN WINS!!
Winners: Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn, by pinfall (still Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions)
Jey can’t believe what Jimmy’s done, but Jimmy says that’s what Roman gets! Roman himself is in disbelief over what just happened. Is this the last day The Bloodline is a faction? As for Kevin & Sami, could this be just the beginning of their own historic reign?
My Thoughts:
What an awesome Night of Champions! I can only nitpick using the phrasing of “triple main event” when, for one, only a match that closes the show is the main event. And even then, they didn’t have all three matches at the end to try and say they all closed the show. But WWE is gonna use phrasing however they want because they can. But given that, the World Heavyweight Championship opening was a surprise. I already said in the build to this that it was a given Rollins was going to win since it was Styles going against him and Styles is anchored to SmackDown with the OC. But I also said it was going to be an awesome match, which it was. Rollins has any number of possibilities for a first challenger, even with MITB coming and grabbing up a few people into the ladder match.
And great move to have Becky VS Trish follow, too, that was great stuff. Zoey Stark getting involved was a surprise I could not have called, but what a great spot for her to get in on. The feud with Candice LeRae and Nikki Cross just wasn’t working right, so Stark moving up into a big time story like this is great. I already sense a tag match of Trish & Zoey VS Becky and a returning Lita for an even bigger battle of generations. It also is a way to keep Becky out of the MITB picture, she’s above titles now.
And speaking of, great women’s title matches. I did not see either finish coming, and they were both rather creative. Rhea getting the jump on Natty thanks to Dom should’ve been a given, and Rhea beating Natty was itself a given, but I didn’t think it’d end up a squash. And then Bianca VS Asuka was great stuff, and it was also clear that the mist was gonna come into play. But great creativity for Asuka to miss with the spit attack to then go with mist soaked hands. Asuka winning was a surprise in itself, so this was a great way to do it that keeps Bianca strong and adds to Asuka’s Heel power. As I theorized on last night’s SmackDown, I’m thinking the Women’s MITB will factor into putting the right titles on the right shows, and I’d love for interactions between Rhea and this new sinister Asuka.
Gunther VS Ali was great stuff, and naturally the fans were on Ali’s side. But given the teasing of Riddle VS Gunther even with Ali being the winner of the battle royal, Ali was not going to get this title off Gunther. But it was a great match from Ali, so I hope this leads to something good for him, perhaps the MITB ladder match. Great stuff out of Cody VS Lesnar, and very clever that Cody would use his cast as a legal weapon in the match. But at the same time, Cody can’t be so overpowered, so passing out to the Kimura was the logical finish. Cody VS Lesnar Round 3 could easily be at MITB, but given Cody’s “broken” arm and Lesnar preferring the biggest paychecks possible, perhaps they save this for SummerSlam in Detroit, not MITB in London.
And of course, the one true main event was the tag title match because it also has the Bloodline story involved. I loved everything about that segment, but especially The Usos’ part to play. They took things into their own hands again even though Roman didn’t want them to, and then Jimmy finally snapped, Superkick’d Roman and we all cheered! Jimmy saying this is what they should’ve done all along was also a great detail, because it calls back to almost three years ago when Roman used Jimmy against Jey to make them both fall in line. This Bloodline Civil War stuff is going to be great, SmackDown next Friday is going to be huge.
My Score: 8.9/10
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IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLASGOW KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Candice has Tiffy down with an armlock. Tiff fights up as the fans rally, but Candice wrenches to wristlock. Tiff spins through, goes to ropes, then up the corner to flip and arm-drag! The fans fire up as Tiff rallies on Candice! DROPKICK, and Tiff snarls! Tiff goes to the corner, and Charlotte makes her entrance? The Queen chooses to be fashionably late all so everyone looks at her, including Tiffy. Tiffy handsprings, but Candice dodges! Candice runs up to UPPERCUT, then she snapmares and NECK SNAPPERS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice clamps onto Tiffy with a top wristlock.
The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte now chooses to join commentary. Tiff fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, but Candice CLUBS away on her! Candice backs off, runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her to ropes! Tiff runs, HIP ATTACKS, and Candice flops back! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays on Candice with a whip, but Candice reverses. Candice CLOBBERS Tiff, covers, TWO! Charlotte corrects Tiffy’s words earlier: Charlotte isn’t the “top girl,” she is THE woman in WWE. Candice HIP DROPS Tiff but the fans rally up. Candice scuffs Tiff, then grinds an arm to drop a knee on the elbow! And another knee drop! Tiff endures and the fans rally up.
Candice keeps on that arm, thrashes it around, but Tiff fights up. Tiff fires body shots, then shoves Candice to Alabama Lift her! Candice sunset flips, Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated and Candice bails out. Tiff goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Candice and Nia, and Tiff almost stuck the landing! The fans fire up with Tiff and she goes into the ring. Tiff points to the WrestleMania sign, and then at Charlotte, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Tiff waits on Candice, Candice slides in, and Tiff stomps her down! Candice bails out, Nia is there to coach her, but Tiff lets the ring count start. Candice gets on the apron, Tiff kicks her, but Candice RAMS Tiff! Candice CLUBS Tiff, has her in the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Candice climbs, aims, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO!
Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW!
Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back! Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring!
The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring. Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, but with some interesting moves after the sudden change in plans with The Rock showing up. Naomi and Bianca had a good promo to hype up what was meant to be a full match of Naomi VS Liv, but word had already come out before the show that things were being cut for time. But at the very least, they did the right thing of making it a brawl that adds heat to the tag title match on Monday. Also, hilarious how Chelsea & Piper thought the beatdown on Bianca & Naomi was so bad that they would need to be pulled from the Chamber. I also can’t wait to see what happens on Toronto SmackDown.
As for The Rock, I do appreciate he used his authority to kayfabe change more things, all so he could have his promo with Cody. I also appreciate Rock blending his different roles and even different sides, both Heel and Face, to A) bring the news of WM42 being in NOLA, and B) recreate the Corporate Champion/People’s Champion story from the Attitude Era. That was some wild stuff he was saying to Cody. I’m sure quite a few people will try and talk with Cody next week in the go-home. Heels will say do it because they’d love to have what Rock can give, Faces will say not because Cody’s better than that. But naturally, Cody is not going to become The Rock’s Champion, causing Rock to turn on him and really up things going into WrestleMania 41 and perhaps even beyond.
Good stuff in the Elimination Chamber related stories. Jimmy VS McIntyre was great stuff to open, and how fitting that McIntyre loses to Jimmy after talking all that trash about Jimmy and Jey being the same. Jey got McIntyre with something quick, Jimmy got McIntyre with something quick, McIntyre’s ego is obviously his weakness. And at the same time, McIntyre of course destroys Jimmy after because that’s his other personality trait. Priest had good promos with Cody and Braun, and we got great stuff from Solo’s Bloodline. Naturally, we got a miscommunication spot to help finish, we’re really close to Solo VS Jacob, I can feel it. Priest & Braun get the win, mostly because Priest isn’t winning in the Chamber when you’ve got Punk and Cena in there.
Very good stuff with Tiffy Time, from the promos leading into the match to Charlotte being ringside just to watch. Nia & Candice of course get the better of Tiff & Trish, because Tiff & Trish are definitely winning the tag match in Toronto. Charlotte just seems to enjoy trolling Tiff with her presence, so Charlotte probably shows up in Toronto to then confront Tiff after the match. I expect the seven weeks after Elimination Chamber to really heat up, as will Charlotte’s involvement, where she’ll get more active verbally and physically. Also, hell, Rock should go full Corporation and have Charlotte be his Corporate Women’s Champion because of how established she is.
Hilarious stuff from Truth tonight, as always. Truth and Melo having their “who’s on first” again was good stuff, and of course Miz gets in on this story, too. Truth & Knight VS “Melo Don’t Miz” was really fun, but yeah, should’ve figured Nakamura would get involved, too. Melo & Miz making it work could also be really fun, and while Knight VS Nakamura is a rehash, I really hope they find a way to up things. It feels like we’re getting the same with the tag titles as Profits “ruined” that great tag match from DIY and Pretty Deadly, then brawled with MCMG to still come out on top. Last year had a ladder tag title match, so why not do one for these titles this year?
Speaking of escalating, Kevin filming a promo outside Sami’s house was some really well done stuff, as expected of someone as good as Kevin and in such a story as him and Sami. Their match should main event, it needs time to breathe, as it could be just as, if not more violent, than the Chamber matches. What a powerful closing moment we could have if it’s a bloody Kevin and Sami, and one of them is standing over the other, triumphant yet mournful because it was their best friend in the world that they just brutalized.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
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