Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (5/1/23)
The Draft wraps up!
WWE finishes up the new rosters!
The WWE Draft finishes up tonight, and Backlash is this Saturday! Plus, BROCK LESNAR is in town! Will he and Cody Rhodes cross paths tonight?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez VS Bayley & Dakota Kai; Bayley & Kai win.
- Braun Strowman & Ricochet VS The Alpha Academy w/ Maxxine Dupri; Braun & Ricochet win.
- Matt Riddle w/ Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn VS Jimmy Uso w/ Jey Uso; Riddle wins.
- Omos w/ MVP VS Anthony Alanis; Omos wins.
- Mixed Six Tag Match: The Judgment Day VS The Latino World Order; The Judgment Day wins.
- Seth Rollins VS Solo Sikoa w/ Paul Heyman; Rollins wins, by disqualification.
PLAY BY PLAY
Triple H is here!
Just as he did on Friday Night SmackDown, The Game is here to open night two of the WWE Draft! But this time, he has the NEW WWE World Heavyweight Championship belt by his side at the podium. HHH says it is sold out and LOUD in the arena! Fans cheer, and HHH welcomes us to Monday Night Raw and the last night of the 2023 WWE Draft. “Now this Friday night on SmackDown, things got a little crazy and shook the WWE right down to its foundation. Tonight, I’m sure will be no different. But before we get into the fun, let’s set some ground rules.
“All remaining undrafted WWE superstars on Raw and SmackDown are subject to the possibility of transferring to other brands. Half the roster was drafted on Friday, the remaining half will be drafted here tonight.” Fans cheer that, too. HHH says, As a result of the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, Roman Reigns, being drafted to SmackDown, we will be crowning a new World Heavyweight Champion. That title and it’s holder will be exclusive to Monday Night Raw.” Fans like the sound of that. And HHH says out of everyone eligible tonight, we could see a new champion emerge.
Tonight’s draft pool is: Akira Tozawa; The Alpha Academy; Los Lotharios, Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo; Asuka; Austin Theory; Baron Corbin; Braun Strowman & Ricochet as a dynamic duo; Bronson Reed; Cedric Alexander & Shelton Benjamin as a tag team; Charlotte Flair; Dana Brooke; Elias; Emma; Johnny Gargano; The Judgment Day as a unit; Karrion Kross & Scarlett; Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn as a unit; LA Knight; Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez as a unite; Nikki Cross; Piper Niven; Rick Boogs; Riddick Moss; Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler as a unit; Seth Rollins; Shotzi Blackheart; Tamina; Tegan Nox; The Brawling Brutes as a unit; The LWO as a unit; The New Day as a unit; The Usos as a unit; Trish Stratus; and Xia Li.
HHH continues to say that before we get started, there is one superstar that is NOT eligible to be drafted tonight in Brock Lesnar. Fans boo but HHH says earlier today, Lesnar renegotiated his status as a free agent, and can appear on any brand at any time. Superstars from NXT are also eligible tonight, and these new rosters go into affect next week, May 8th, after Backlash. But enough about the rules, let’s get to it! Are you ready? No, no, ARE! YOU! READY!? Then with the very first pick of night two, Raw selects… THE ERADICATOR, RHEA RIPLEY! The SmackDown Women’s Champion stays on Raw to counter SmackDown taking Bianca Belair.
SmackDown uses their pick to select… THE NOW, AUSTIN THEORY! The United States Champion now goes to SmackDown as a counter to Imperium and the Intercontinental Championship coming to Raw! Raw now selects… THE VISIONARY, THE REVOLUTIONARY, SETH FREAKIN’ ROLLINS! That’s right, we are still watching Monday Night Rollins! Fans sing “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” and HHH nods along. To finish up the first round, SmackDown selects… THE QUEEN, CHARLOTTE FLAIR! Charlotte stays on the Blue Brand, will SmackDown continue to bow down?
And now, HHH introduces the Wise Man, Paul Heyman. Fans boo as Heyman walks out on stage, and he shakes his head while chuckling. Heyman and HHH shake hands, and HHH walks him to the podium to show him the World Heavyweight Championship. Heyman says it is beautiful. Heyman continues on to the ring, what will he have to say about all the Bloodline’s business heading towards Backlash? Heyman gets the mic to say, “Ladies and gentlemen. My name is Paul Heyman. I serve as Special Counsel to YOUR Tribal Chief, Roman…! Reigns!
“The Tribal Chief has asked me to address a number of business items for the entire WWE Universe to just revel in my wisdom. Item number one: The Draft. Roman Reigns, Solo, and Paul Heyman have been drafted to Friday Night SmackDown. Which leaves tonight for us to determine the fate of the Usos. The Usos, who did not, NOT, NOT win back their tag team titles this past Friday from Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn.” Fans cheer that but Heyman says he will address the Usos in private later tonight. But the Usos will address their problems this Saturday at Backlash in Puerto Rico when they team with the problem solver, Solo Sikoa, against Kevin, Sami and of all people, Matt Riddle.
“Now these items will not only be addressed by your Wise Man tonight, but one week from this Friday, on SmackDown, live, and I don’t even know what city we’re in, so long as it’s not in the state of Texas.” fans boo, but Heyman says the Tribal Chief will take care of all business items. As a preview, one is that hunk of beautiful gold up on that podium right now. Guys, c’mon. Wouldn’t that title look relevant around the waist of Your Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns? Fans boo, he already has titles. But here we are, almost 1000 DAYS into a title reign!
Talk about Undisputed! Not one, not two, but three! You create a championship, and Roman Reigns will dominate that title to the main event of WrestleMania! But Roman can’t compete for it, because Roman is not here on Raw anymore. Fans cheer that. But the worst thing about that is that all the “children” in the locker room who think that they’re men are running around, flapping their gums, about the Tribal Chief. Those are people who should know better. Men who need to start acting like men! Men who are freakin’ jokers! Men who are freakin’ jokes. Men who are freakin’ clowns! Who are-
“BURN IT DOWN!” Rollins interrupts Heyman! Fans sing “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” as Rollins makes his way to the ring. Rollins joins Heyman, and Rollins smiles as he motions to the chorus. Heyman shakes his head and Rollins laughs. Rollins says, “Pauly! Good to see you! Why the long face? C’mon, man.” Today is Christmas for Heyman! Roman Reigns is drafted away to SmackDown, and Rollins is still on HIS show! Which means Roman doesn’t have to run away from Rollins anymore. And Heyman doesn’t have to waste all that energy pulling strings backstage to make sure Rollins never gets a title match again.
Heyman can use all that extra energy to make sure The Bloodline doesn’t go POOF, right in his face. Heyman’s a “spoiler” guy, right? Loves a good spoiler, right? Here’s a spoiler for Heyman: At Night of Champions, ROLLINS wins the WWE World Heavyweight Championship! Fans love the sound of that! And the entire world will see what a real champion looks like. Heyman gets his phone out to call Roman. Fans boo and Rollins says it’s gonna be hard for Heyman to have a phone conversation with all this singing. “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Heyman shouts, “I can’t hear My Tribal Chief!!” That just makes fans sing more.
Heyman finishes up talking with Roman, and tells Rollins, “You’re pissing off your Tribal Chief.” GASP! Aww… Well, if Roman’s upset now, he’s really not gonna like this one. Texas, Rollins has ha question! How long do you think it’d take for Rollins to get Heyman down on the mat so he can stop that big bald head into it? Would it take five seconds? No! Four? NO! Three? NO! Two? NO! But wait, here comes Solo Sikoa! The Enforcer of the Island is storming out to ringside to defend the Wise Man, but Rollins just smiles. Heyman still has Solo stand down. Here’s a spoiler: All the strings are being pulled at this moment!
And after the break, the match will be made for Fort Worth! Seth Rollins VS Solo Sikoa!! Rollins says they don’t need to wait! Solo wants to fight tonight? “YOU’RE ON! HAHAHAHAHA!” The Visionary is not afraid, will he put Solo down as we prepare for Backlash?
Adam Pearce talks with Cody Rhodes backstage.
Pearce wants Cody to know, this is a huge night, and it’d be nice if it didn’t spiral into chaos. Cody sighs and heads out. We know Lesnar is going to be here tonight, will the American Nightmare be able to wait for Backlash?
The NXT roster is having another watch party!
Indi Hartwell, Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn were drafted on Friday, who will be the lucky ones to be chosen tonight?
Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez VS Bayley & Dakota Kai!
The WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions can go on any brands, so they don’t sweat the Draft. But DMG CTRL is all on SmackDown now. Will the Role Model & #CobraKai earn themselves a title opportunity to match the Evil Genius’ shot at Bianca Belair’s belt?
The teams sort out, Kai starts with Liv and the two circle. They tie up, Kai headlocks, but Liv powers out. Liv dodges Kai, gest around her, O’Conner Rolls, TWO! Kai rolls Liv up, ONE! Liv ducks a kick, Kai ducks the enziguri, and Kai waistlocks! Liv booty bumps and victory rolls, TWO! Liv SHOTGUNS Kai down! Fans fire up, but Kai HOTSHOTS Liv! Tag to Bayley, and she drags Liv up to scoop and SLAM! Liv avoids the elbow drop, tag to Raquel! Raquel scoops, Bayley slips out, and Bayley SLAPS Raquel! Big Mami Cool is mad now! She RAMS Bayley into the corner, RAMS her more, then tags Liv.
Liv taunts Kai, Raquel whips her in to back body block Bayley! Then Liv RANAS Raquel into Bayley! SHINING WIZARD added on! Cover, TWO! Liv keeps Bayley from Kai, Kai tags a foot but she was away from the corner! The ref stops Kai but that allows Bayley to rake Liv’s eyes! Bayley throws Liv out, tags Kai, and Kai BOOTS Liv down! DMG CTRL takes control as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Bayley BOOTS Liv in the corner! Tag to Kai, she goes side to side to BOOT WASH! Cover, TWO! Kai grows frustrated, she drags Liv to the corner, and she stomps away on Liv! The ref counts, Kai lets off at 4, but Bayley pulls hair! Liv still BOOTS Kai and ELBOWS Bayley! Liv then goes up and over, Kai hits buckles! Fans fire up as Liv crawls, but Kai CLOBBERS her first! Liv fights Kai off but Kai gets the arm! Kai keeps Liv away then DECKS her! Kai laughs but Liv blocks a kick! Liv rolls Kai, then hot tags Raquel! Fans fire up as Raquel rallies on Kai! Kai ducks the lariat but not the SOUTHPAW!
Raquel scoops Kai to FALL AWAY SLAM! Bayley gets Kai out of the way to take the SPLASH! But Raquel just FALL AWAY SLAMS Kai again! TWISTING VADER! Cover, TWO!! Kai survives but Raquel drags her back. Tag to Liv and Liv climbs up onto Raquel! But Bayley trips Raquel! That throws off the senton, and Kai gets her KNEES up! Bayley drags Raquel out and RAMS her into the apron! Kai mule kicks Liv, hops on, KAI-ROPRACTOR!! Cover, Raquel breaks it in time! Bayley gets in but Raquel TOSSES her out! Bayley holds Raquel in place, kai BOOTS Raquel! But Kai turns around into a CODE BREAKER!
Bayley sneaks a tag! ObLIVion for Kai! Sunset flip from Bayley! DMG CTRL WINS!
Winners: Damage CTRL, by pinfall
Bayley snuck that one from the tag team champions! Will DMG CTRL take control with all the gold once again?
The guest speakers are here tonight!
Booker T is here for Raw, but his Queen, Sharmell, is here for SmackDown! The Royal Couple of WWE heads to the stage, who will Raw and SmackDown choose next?
Adam Pearce finds Brock Lesnar backstage now.
Pearce knows Lesnar knows Cody is here, and as big as tonight is, Pearce would love if they kept the peace. Lesnar laughs. “Good luck with that.” The Beast isn’t promising anything, will tonight end up like that night almost a month ago?
Booker T & Sharmell make their entrance!
They go to the podium, and he asks, “What up, D Town?” With the first pick of the second round, Raw selects, the UNDISPUTED TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS, Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn! The Prizefighter & Great Liberator stick together one way or another! Sharmell says SmackDown selects… THE USOS! Jimmy & Jey stay with The Bloodline on SmackDown, but will they still be on the Island of Relevancy? Raw selects… JUDGMENT DAY! Finn Balor, Damian Priest & Dominik Mysterio stick close to Mami! SmackDown finishes the round by selecting… LATINO WORLD ORDER! They get Santos Escobar, Cruz Del Toro, Joaquin Wilde, Zelina Vega AND Rey Mysterio!
Braun Strowman & Ricochet VS The Alpha Academy w/ Maxxine Dupri!
The dynamic duo didn’t win on SmackDown in that massive Triple Threat Tag, but perhaps they’ll make an impression on Raw here tonight. Or will Chad Gable & Otis (Otise?) make them SHOOOOSH?
Raw returns and The Alpha Academy make their entrance. The teams sort out and Gable starts against Ricochet. They tie up, Gable waistlocks, wrenches and wristlocks. Ricochet rolls, kips up and flips to slip through to wristlock! Gable rolls, bridges, handsprings and wrenches to break and trip Ricochet to a cover! ONE, Ricochet trips Gable to a cover, ONE! Gable CHOPS! Fans “WOO~!” but Gable “SHOOSH!” Gable whips, Ricochet rolls off his back, rolls under then handsprings back to headscissor and DROPKICK! Fans fire up with Ricochet and he runs in again. Gable blocks a kick, waistlocks, but Ricochet switches.
Gable switches, Ricochet elbows free but Gable GERMAN SUPLEXES! Ricochet lands on his feet! Gable rushes in, Ricochet goes up and out to GAMANGIRI! Ricochet springboards, Gable gets under, and he wiastlocks to O’Conner Roll and CHAOS THEORY! Fans fire up while both men are down, and they crawl, hot tags to Otis and Braun! Fans fire up as these titans shove each other! Otis dodges, fires off hands, and he puts Braun in a corner! Otis runs side to side to SPLASH! Maxxine loves it! But then Braun CLOBBERS Otis! And keeps moving, breaks through the lariat, and CROSSBODIES?!
Fans fire up as Braun’s shirt comes off but Maxxine is upset. Braun scoops and SLAMS Otis! Fans fire up more as Braun tags Ricochet! Ricochet climbs up onto Braun, MONSTER SWANTON!! Cover, Braun & Ricochet win!
Winners: Braun Strowman & Ricochet, by pinfall
The dynamic duo does it again! Speed and strength combined, but will they stay together? And on what brand?
The next guest speakers are headed to gorilla.
Shawn Michaels is back to select for Raw, and Adam Pearce is going to select for SmackDown! The third round of the night goes down after the break.
Shawn Michaels makes his entrance!
NXT goes nuts for their General Manager, and then Adam Pearce makes his entrance. HBK gets right to it by saying Raw’s- OH SNAP, BROCK LESNAR?! That’s not the pick because HHH said earlier that he’s a free agent. But because Brock’s a free agent, he’s doing what HE wants! Pearce tries to tell him not to do this, but Lesnar just stares at him and Pearce backs off. Lesnar goes to the ring, he gets the mic, and while fans boo, Lesnar says, “Fort Worth, Texas. How does it feel to be looking at the only real cowboy in the state?” Fans boo but Pearce brings security out now. Lesnar was asked politely, the Draft trumps everything, so please, leave peacefully.
With all due respect- Oh, with all due respect, it’s gonna take more men than these. So Pearce calls on even more security. Lesnar has about twenty guards telling him to leave, but then CODY RHODES makes his entrance! But from BEHIND! Cody CLOBBERS Lesnar! The brawl is on and fans go nuts! Security rushes in to stop this, Lesnar slips away and taunts Cody. Cody fights his way free, but gets caught again at the ropes! Cody still hammers guards away, but the other half tells Lesnar to stand down. Lesnar smirks and takes his leave. Perhaps Lesnar got what he wants, but Cody didn’t. Cody shouts, “MAKE ME EARN IT!” Will that happen at Backlash?
Raw returns and HBK is back at the podium.
“Alrighty. I think we’re gonna try this again, shall we?” With the first pick of the third round, Raw selects… THE WWE WOMEN’S TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS, Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez! And without Pearce here, HBK reads the SmackDown choice! SmackDown selects… THE EMPRESS OF TOMORROW, ASUKA! Will Fridays not be ready for Asuka? Raw selects… THE NEW~ DAY~! Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods and even Big E get to bring the Power of Positivity to Mondays! And SmackDown closes out the round with… THE BRAWLING BRUTES! Sheamus, Ridge Holland & Pete Dunne stick together on Friday Fight Night!
Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn talk at gorilla.
Kevin looks at the blue SmackDown Tag Team Championship belt. Kevin & Sami are both on Raw, but obviously as tag team champions, they should be able to go to SmackDown, too, right? Matt Riddle finds them and says this is the best week ever! Kevin & Sami beat the Usos and retained the titles, and they’re all on Raw! they can hang out together all the time! Plus, Backlash and the Six Man Tag means they’re gonna put the hurt on the Bloodline! And Riddle gets to do that tonight against Jimmy Uso! Riddle pats them both on the back, Sami is excited but Kevin isn’t so sure about this.
Matt Riddle w/ Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn VS Jimmy Uso w/ Jey Uso!
The Original Bro has the Prizefighter & Great Liberator watching his back here tonight, will they be rolling into San Juan, Puerto Rico? Or will the Riddle be solved one way or another tonight?
The bell rings and the two fire off fists! Riddle gets the edge, whips, but Jimmy reverses. Riddle holds ropes, BOOTS Jimmy, but Jimmy distracts and Jey ENZIGURIS Riddle down! Fans boo but Jimmy CHOKES Riddle at the ropes! KO & Sami get at Jey but Jimmy sees that. Jimmy focuses on Riddle with haymakers, but then Kevin falls over? And Sami SMACKS a chair against the desk! To then toss it to Jey! They’re playing some Latino Heat on Jey! The ref sees what he thinks he sees, and Jey is stunned! Jey is mad, he didn’t do nothing! But the ref EJECTS him anyway! Fans fire up and Jimmy protests, but the decision is final!
Riddle joins Kevin and Sami in having a laugh as Jey has no choice but to leave. Now things are in their favor as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Riddle fires off forearms on Jimmy! Riddle runs, but into a SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Riddle is still in this but Jimmy puts him in the corner. Kevin tells Corey Graves not to spread disinformation on commentary, Jey really did hit him. Jimmy throws hands in the corner but Riddle counter punches! And again! And again! Riddle fires off palm strikes, a BOOT, and then spins Jimmy for a PELE! Jimmy staggers, Riddle kips up and he forearm smashes in the corner! Then he runs side to side to SMASH! And BROSPLODER! And BROTON onto knees! Jimmy saves himself and Riddle goes to a corner.
Jimmy runs in but into an ELBOW! Riddle goes up, but Jimmy SHOVES him off the top! Riddle hits barriers on the way down! Kevin checks on Riddle, coaches him up, but Jimmy goes out to SUPERKICK Kevin! That really did happen! Jimmy puts Riddle in, but Riddle gets around to ripcord. Jimmy breaks free, Riddle blocks the kick but not the DRAGON WHIP! Jimmy SUPERKICKS Riddle down! Cover, TWO!! Riddle survives and Jimmy grows frustrated. So he SUPERKICKS Riddle again! Cover, TWO!! Riddle survives and Jimmy might be getting flashbacks to Friday and how Kevin kept surviving.
Jimmy puts Riddle on the ropes, the ref checks on him, but Jimmy pulls at a buckle pad! Sami protests to the ref but the ref just argues with him, so Kevin SMACKS Jimmy off the buckles! Jimmy staggers into a FINAL FLASH! Riddle goes up for the FLOATING BRO!! Cover, Riddle wins!
Winner: Matt Riddle, by pinfall
Turnabout IS fair play! Riddle, Kevin & Sami use numbers against Jimmy to get even, but will this work out the same way at Backlash? Or will facing the full Bloodline be a different story?
The next guest speakers are…
ERIC BISCHOFF for Raw!! And Rob Van Dam for SmackDown! Elias & Boogs are there to geek out over him being here, they all do the “R! V! D!” thumbs. Will Elias & Boogs be picked in the fourth round? And if so, by which side?
Heyman talks with Solo Sikoa backstage.
The Wise Man says The Tribal Chief has so much faith in The Enforcer to take out “this clown,” Seth Rollins, with his big nose and floppy feet. The Tribal Chief wants Solo to take Rollins out! Heyman tops it off with some Samoan, but then Jey walks in. He has a quick question. Why wasn’t Solo ringside tonight? The brothers stare down but Heyman says Solo is “pent up.” Roman has assigned him the extermination of one clown here on Raw, so he had to stay focused on that. Jey accepts that. Is there something else? Oh, Jey wants the room! Introspection after last Friday. Heyman understands.
Heyman says he and Solo can leave the room to Jey. The Tribal Chief loves you, by the way! Loves! #WeTheOnes! Jey is a bit confused now. Just what games are being played by the Tribal Chief now?
Eric Bischoff makes his entrance!
The WWE Hall of Famer and former General Manager of Raw is back! But then so is the One of a Kind! Fans join in on “R! V! D!” and Eric asks if the fans are ready. He’s been ready for this! RVD hears the fans chanting for him and says he loves them, too. Okay, the first pick of the fourth round, Raw selects… THE WWE HALL OF FAMER, TRISH STRATUS! Stratusfaction comes to Raw! And SmackDown selects… MR. & MRS. DOOMSDAY, KARRION KROSS & SCARLETT! Will the clock continue to count down on Fridays? Raw selects… THE BADDEST WOMEN ON THE PLANET, SHAYNA BASZLER & RONDA ROUSEY!
SmackDown finishes up with… THE MEGA STAR, L! A! KNIGHT, YEAH!! And that’s not an insult, that’s just a fact of life, dummy!
The Miz is here!
And the Hollywood A-Lister welcomes us to the Most Must-See WWE Talk Show, MizTV! What a draft it has been, and Raw is stacked! They’ve got Cody Rhodes! The title Miz made prestigious again in the Intercontinental Championship is back on Raw with the addition of Imperium! A women’s champion in Rhea Ripley! And someone Miz can’t stand but everyone else loves, Seth Freakin’ Rollins. But the biggest acquisition was none other than yours truly, THE MIZ! Fans boo but Miz says tonight’s guest is someone who was drafted to Raw for the first time ever. It is the KING OF STRONG STYLE, SHINSUKE NAKAMURA!
Fans fire up and even Miz rocks out to Nakamura’s classic theme song as Nakamura makes his way out. Nakamura and Miz bow, and just in time for the long chord. Miz says he is the first to welcome Nakamura to Monday Night Raw! They take their seats, and Miz notes Nakamura has done a lot in the WWE: NXT Champion; United States Champion; Intercontinental Champion; Royal Rumble winner; and here on Raw, he could become the inaugural NEW WWE World Heavyweight Champion! Does Nakamura think he has a chance? Nakamura says, “Hai.” Hi? Hello, yes, we did introductions.
Maybe Nakamura doesn’t wanna answer that question. But when HHH said he wants this title to be on a workhorse champion, he clearly meant Miz. The TWO-TIME Grand Slam Champion! He main evented Mania! Always up for whatever, from press conferences to media appearances! Miz is the epitome of a workhorse! Nakamura chuckles, and Miz says he’d be a great number two. They can help each other out! Think about it! They could be a partnership, a merger! They could be #Mizuke! Fans boo that idea but Miz says things are different on Raw. You need someone to watch your back, and who better than the Face of Mondays?
Look, bottom line is Miz helps Nakamura, Nakamura helps Miz, what does he say? Nakamura says thank you, and Miz has more experience in the WWE, but Nakamura knows Miz has… “Chisai kintama.” What? Chisai kintama? Yes! That sounds positive! Is it awesome? Kinda… Miz takes pride in saying “CHISAI KINTAMA!” They say it together! Nakamura does his best not to laugh but the fans join in. Miz says it sounds amazing. What does it translate to? It means… Tiny balls. Miz is no longer happy. But now fans really love it! “TINY BALLS! TINY BALLS!” Miz takes a swing, but Nakamura dodges!
Nakamura kicks Miz’s legs out, then hits the KINSHASA!! The King of Strong Style is Raw, but will he soon be World Heavyweight Champion?
Omos w/ MVP VS Anthony Alanis!
As of this moment, The Nigerian Giant is a free agent, just like Brock Lesnar. Will he continue to make a huge impression no matter where he goes?
The bell rings and Alanis rushes in with fast hands! But Omos swats him down! Alanis gets up and throws a BIG right! He asks how that tastes, then he kicks and whips. But Omos blocks, reels Alanis in, and scoops to SNAKE EYES! Then BOOT! Fans rally up as Omos drags Alanis up again, for the MOUNTAINTOP CHOKE BOMB! Cover, Omos wins!
Winner: Omos, by pinfall
Alanis sank like Atlantis, and Omos grinds his boot in harder! Will nothing stop Omos from decimating Seth Rollins this Saturday?
BREAKING NEWS on the WWE World Heavyweight Championship!
A tournament is in the works! Superstars will compete starting next Monday on Raw, and all of this culminating at Night of Champions! Who will make the cut to head for the gold?
The next guest speakers are…
Molly Holly is here for Raw, and Road Dogg is back for SmackDown! What big moves will happen this late in the draft?
Oh you didn’t know?
You better call somebody! The Road Dogg makes his way out first, followed by Molly Holly! Molly starts us right off with Raw’s first pick of the fifth round: BRAUN STROWMAN & RICOCHET! The superpowers stick together and are here on Raw! SmackDown selects… THE BALLSY SHOTZI BLACKHEART! Will she turn Fridays into TankDown? Raw continues by choosing… THE COLOSSAL, BRONSON REED! And SmackDown finishes the round with… well, HBK won’t like this. PRETTY DEADLY, Elton Prince & Kit Wilson! #YesBoy~! And they’re at the Performance Center celebrating, especially since they survived sleeping with the fishes…
The Judgment Day is here!
Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Dominik Mysterio and of course Rhea Ripley head to the ring together, staying on Raw despite Rhea having the SmackDown Women’s Championship. They get the mics, and Priest says, “All Rise for the Judgment Day staying united right here on Monday Night Raw! And all rise for tonight’s first draft pick, your champion, our champion, RHEA RIPLEY!” Rhea says, “Was there really any doubt who the first draft pick would be, huh? Mami’s always on top. And you guys thought you could get rid of us that easily? Nuh uh! Because I said it before and I’ll say it again, The Judgment Day, we run Monday Night Raw!”
Rhea says this Saturday, Zelina Vega will regret everything she’s done to her on SmackDown when Rhea pretzels her and reminds us all why Rhea is the most dominant champion in the WWE! Finn says that’s right! Zelina gets rolled up like snot and flicked! And they have some bad news for Bad Bunny: Damian is gonna tear Bunny apart and leave fluffy little pieces all over Puerto Rico! Tell ’em, Damian. “Bad Bunny. I want you to listen to my words very carefully. Because I choose them very, very carefully.” Priest then fires off in Spanish that he is the best Puerto Rican wrestler!
And while he knows that Bunny is a big star in the music world, this is the world of wrestling. That means Bunny can try to be a wrestler, but he’s not better than Priest. There is nothing Bunny can do against Priest, and the fans aren’t going to help, either. Priest tells “Bonito” that in front of his fans, his friends and his family, in his home of Puerto Rico, he’s done. In Puerto Rico at Backlash, Bunny receives his punishment. Dom starts to speak but then all the fans boo. Finn says to ignore all that and speak anyway. Dom says he can’t wait. But then the fans boo more! Dom tries again, but still gets more boos.
The boos just get louder and louder, so Dom shouts that he can’t wait until Mami and Priest DOMINATE at Backlash! Fans chant “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” Dom just smirks as the fans keep booing. He repeats what he said: He can’t wait until Mami & Priest DOMINATE at Backlash! Just like they’re gonna dominate Santos, Zelina and his “deadbeat dad,” Rey! And since the LWO got drafted to SmackDown, this will be the last night Dom gets to embarrass his dad and his “loser friends.” They’ll go run away and hide on Friday nights! But then here comes Rey and the Latino World Order!
Fans fire up as Rey tells Dom, “No one’s running or hiding anywhere. We were selected by SmackDown to compete Friday nights. That’s how the Draft works. Don’t you get that, son?” But Rey is glad that they’re being separated. If Dom thought getting whooped at Mania with a belt was bad, the next time, it would’ve ben LA CHANCLA! Fans fire up for that, and Rey says he can’t wait to see Zelina leave with Rhea’s belt around her waist! And he is looking forward to watching Bad Bunny beat down Priest and anyone else from the Judgment Day who is stupid enough to get in his way! “But before all that, the Judgment Day is gonna get smacked right now by the L! W! O!”
The tension rises again as we get what could be the final fight between father and son! Who rolls into Puerto Rico? We see, after the break!
Mixed Six Tag Match: The Judgment Day VS The Latino World Order!
Raw returns and the bell rings as Rey starts against Dom. But then Rhea tags right in, and she taunts Rey. Rhea pie faces Rey, but Rey helps Zelina hit the RANA! Rhea flounders, Zelina runs up, dodges, but Rhea BOOTS her down! Rhea talks smack, drags Zelina up and pump handles, but Zelina DDT- NO, Rhea counters the counter to a suplex! Zelina knees free, but Rhea grabs her by the hair! Zelina JAWBREAKERS free, Rhea stumbles back and Priest tags in. Escobar steps up but Priest kicks him low. Priest whips, Escobar ducks ‘n’ dodges and CLOBBERS Priest! Priest goes to a corner, fans count along, “Uno! Dos! Tres!” DOUBLE KNEES!
Escobar brings Priest around, throws hands, CHOPS and ROCKS and repeat! Escobar whips, Priest reverses but Escobar kicks him back! And again! Escobar runs, but into a BIG forearm! And then Priest DECKS Rey with a sucker punch! Fans boo but Judgment Day applauds. Priest glares at Zelina but she backs away. Priest drags Escobar up, runs, but Escobar KNEES Priest first! Dom runs in, but into a BACKBREAKER! They both bail out, Rey tags in, SEATED SENTON for Priest! Rhea protects “Dom-Dom” but Rey goes into the ring to pose with Escobar and Zelina. Fans fire up and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Priest ROCKS Escobar! Escobar goes to a corner, Priest runs in to clothesline! And then another clothesline! Priest wants uno mas, but Escobar DROPKICKS him down! Fans rally up as both men crawl, hot tags to Dom and Rey! Rey dodges Dom to DECK him! And DECK him again! Rey whips, Dom reverses but Rey tilt-o-whirls to RANA Dom! Dom staggers around into the corner, and Rey goes after him with fists! Fans fire up but Dom slips out to CLUB Rey! Dom whips, Rey KICKS, and then Rey returns to springboard CROSSBODY! Cover, but Rhea breaks it!
Zelina runs in but Rhea DECKS her! The ref reprimands but Rhea stalks Rey! Rhea fireman’s carries, lifts, but Zelina 619s low!! Rhea staggers, runs back in, but Zelina dumps her out! Rey drags Dom up but Dom DROPKICKS! Hot tag to Priest! Priest runs in at Rey, but Rey dodges! Priest POSTS himself! Rey then dropkicks Priest onto ropes! Dial it up, 61- NO, Finn distracts the ref as Dom trips Rey up! Fans boo but Escobar DIVES onto Dom! Escobar then hurries up, but Rhea DROPKICKS him! Zelina FLYING METEORAS Rhea to the floor! Priest mule kicks Rey, drags him up, crucifix for the RAZOR- NO, Rey slips free!
Rey RANAS Priest onto ropes! Redial, but Finn takes the shot!! SOUTH OF HEAVEN SLAM!!! Cover, Judgment Day wins!
Winners: The Judgment Day, by pinfall
The LWO couldn’t finish this off all because The Prince was a wild card! Will all this momentum help Rhea retain her title and Priest “punish” Bad Bunny? Or will there be shocker after shocker in San Juan?
Backstage interview with Cody Rhodes.
Cathy Kelly catches Cody on his way out and asks him if Lesnar is in his head after tonight. Cody admits, Lesnar is in Cody’s head. He’s been in Cody’s head ever since the Raw after WrestleMania. And now, Lesnar has negotiated his “free agent status,” where he can come and go as he pleases, on either Raw or SmackDown. Lesnar gets what Lesnar wants. “Just not on Saturday. Not at Backlash.” The most decorated combat sports athlete, and Cody has made sure to point that out, but here is what we found out tonight: Doomsday bleeds. Lesnar is human. And Lesnar doesn’t even need to win this match. It’s Cody who HAS to win!
Because if Cody doesn’t… The whole idea of Cody finishing his story ceases to exist. And then he moves to the back of the line. And Cody refuses to do that. He won’t be the back of the line now, not ever. Cody thanks Cathy, and heads out. Will there be no stopping the American Nightmare from making a dream come true?
The next guest speakers are…
JBL is back, ready to represent for Raw! And for SmackDown, it’s Teddy Long, player! Will the sixth round be the biggest one yet?
Backstage interview with Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the RawEST Women’s Champion, and asks her initial reaction to finding out she was drafted to SmackDown. She says it doesn’t matter what brand she’s on, so long as she’s able to represent the WWE Universe to the best of her ability. And that means retaining this title on Saturday. Even though she’ll rep blue from now on, she still has love for Monday nights. So best believe she’s sending Iyo Sky along emptyhanded. But in come DMG CTRL, Bayley and Kai chuckling. Good one, Bianca.
But Bayley has a question for Byron: Why is he here interviewing Bianca when he should be talking to the top three draft picks in the WWE? Did you see that Bayley & Kai are the future WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions? And Iyo Sky is gonna give Bianca a real reason to be blue, when she beats you for that title! Get it? Blue like sad. Bianca says what actually makes her sad is that she has always been impressed by Sky. In fact, when Sky showed up at SummerSlam last year, Bianca knew Sky would be the unique, talented and competitive athlete this division needed. Bianca was excited to see what Sky was gonna do next.
But what’d she really do? Went and got influenced by two chicks who have done nothing but hold her back. Yeah, that’s what she said. So hopefully Saturday gives Sky a taste what it feels like to finally step out on her own and shine. After Bianca beats her, that is. Sky says in Japanese that Bianca will not leave Backlash champion after Sky gets through with her! Bianca says Kai doesn’t need to translate that. They understand each other. DMG CTRL leaves, but will they be able to take control away from The EST?
Teddy Long walks on stage!
Fans cheer for the Hall of Fame SmackDown General Manager, and then here comes John Bradshaw Layfield! They tease each other, and JBL says with the first pick of the final round, Raw selects… SHOOOOSH! The Alpha Academy, Chad Gable & Otis! But will this only prolong the push and pull of Alpha Academy and Maximum Male Models on Otis? Teddy says SmackDown selects… “THE MEAT MOUNTAIN,” RICK BOOGS! Fridays are about to rock! Raw selects… NXT’s KATANA CHANCE & KAYDEN CARTER! KC Squared is about to face Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn for the NXT Women’s Tag titles, what’s gonna happen now?
As for SmackDown, the final pick of this final round of the 2023 WWE Draft, they select… CAMERON GRIMES! SmackDown is finally going TO! THE! MOON~! The rest of the picks will be part of Raw Talk tonight on Peacock, who will avoid being left in the void of undrafted and unsigned free agency?
Xavier Woods speaks.
“Ooooh~! It’s Xavier Woods here, and it looks like ya bois, the NEW~! DAY~! Just got drafted to the red brand. They said, ‘Hey, we need you to inject a little life back into Monday nights.’ So USA Network, get ready. BECAAAUSE~! NEW! DAY ROCKS!”
Seth Rollins VS Solo Sikoa w/ Paul Heyman!
The Visionary saw through Paul Heyman’s not so subtle message earlier and responded in kind, only for The Enforcer of the Island of Relevancy to respond right back. Rollins is preparing for Omos at Backlash while Solo is going to join his brothers against Kevin, Sami & Riddle. Will Rollins #BurnItDown tonight? Or will Solo “exterminate” on behalf of the Tribal Chief?
Raw returns and Rollins makes his entrance. The fans sing along again, “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” as Rollins swaggers in his fur coat. The bell rings and Rollins stares Solo down. They circle, approach, but then Rollins dodges to revel in the singing. Rollins grins at Heyman, then circles with Solo. They tie up now, and Solo powers Rollins to a corner. The ref counts, Solo lets off at 4, but then swings! Rollins avoids the sucker punch, and the singing continues. Solo works to tune out the “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Solo and Rollins tie up, Solo headlocks but Rollins powers out. Things speed up, Rollins hurdles then redirects!
Rollins slides out and he uses the singing to get on Solo’s nerves. Solo rushes out but Rollins slides in to keep the trolling. Solo slides in, but then quickly slides out to avoid the Curb Stomp! Rollins says it was that close. Solo storms into the ring, they approach but Solo kicks low! And HEADBUTTS! Solo fires off on Rollins in the corner, the ref counts, but Solo lets off with a furious roar! Fans boo but Rollins fires haymakers in return! Solo shoves Rollins away, runs in, but Rollins dumps him out! Rollins WRECKS Solo with a dropkick, then builds speed! But Solo intercepts Rollins with a WHEEL KICK! Solo solved that problem while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns once more and fans sing as Rollins throws body shots! Rollins runs, but Solo fireman’s carries! Rollins fights free, dodge the clothesline and PELES! Solo staggers to ropes and Heyman looks worried. Rollins goes to a corner, Solo runs in but only gets buckles! Solo staggers around again, and Rollins CHOPS! And ROCKS with a haymaker! And CHOPS again! And another haymaker! Rollins repeats, fires off fists from all sides, and fans fire up! Rollins whips, Solo reverses but Rollins reverses back to ROCK Solo with a forearm! And LARIAT! Solo stays up so Rollins LARIATS again!
Solo still stays up so Rollins tries again, but Solo catches him into a clinch! Rollins fights with elbow after elbow, gets free, and he mule kicks! And front kicks! And DISCUS LARIATS! Fans fire up and Rollins is feeling it while Solo bails out. The fans sing, Rollins builds speed, and Rollins DIVES! Direct hit and Solo hits the desk! Rollins gets back in, he builds more speed, and he DIVES again! Another hit and Solo is on the desk! Rollins slides back in, builds more speed and he DIVES again! The hattrick sends Solo tumbling over the desk! Fans fire up and sing some more, and Rollins brings Solo back into the ring.
Rollins aims from the apron, springboards in, but Solo gets under! Rollins comes back, into a SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Solo grows frustrated, and Heyman is muttering into his phone. Another call to Roman? Solo storms up on Rollins, drags him up, and clinches, for the SPINNING- NO, Rollins slips free to roll Solo up! TWO!! SUPERKICK! Solo wobbles, into the ROLLING- SPINNING SOLO!! Cover, TWO!! Solo is shocked that Rollins survives! Solo stands Rollins up, but Rollins SLAPS him! Rollins laughs and eggs the “big boy” on! “Is that all you got? Or are you just Roman’s little b*tch?”
Solo drags Rollins right up for a SPINNING SOLO!! But Solo isn’t done, he rains down hammer fists! The ref reprimands, Solo storms up on him, but Heyman has him stand down. Solo pursues Rollins out of the ring, around the way, and SMACKS him off the desk! Rollins staggers around, Solo scoops him, but Rollins slips off! Rollins POSTS Solo! They both slide into the ring, and Rollins SUPERKICKS! Solo wobbles, into the ROLLING ELBOW! But THE USOS ATTACK!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by disqualification
But here come Riddle, Kevin & Sami! They all brawl with the Bloodline! Rollins joins in to mug Solo, and Raw is going off the air! Which side will even make it to SmackDown this Friday in Puerto Rico?
My Thoughts:
A really good Raw, but this still had a bit of that Go-Home Syndrome with a lot of video packages to hype up superstars, even those staying on Raw. As for the Draft, HHH overhyped it by quite a bit. This didn’t really shake WWE to its core. We got the same dumb change Vince pulled: move the women’s champions to force them to trade belts. That means with Rhea staying on Raw and LWO staying on SmackDown, Rhea keeps the title. And after a really good Mixed Six, the Judgment Day finds a way to beat the LWO again, so how is Zelina supposed to believably beat Rhea? I will say, Priest had a great promo (and Fort Worth was stupid to “What” him just cuz it was in Spanish), but with Priest being the one standing tall, pretty sure Bad Bunny wins that Street Fight.
On the flipside, Bianca and DMG CTRL all being on SmackDown means there’s a tiny chance Iyo Sky can get the Raw Women’s title, and then she trades belts with Rhea. And good match from Bayley & Kai VS Liv & Raquel, and good win for DMG CTRL. Now, them challenging for the belts make sense, but I don’t see Bayley & Kai winning them, because the logical move is that DMG CTRL is falling apart and Bayley will be to blame. But Ronda & Shayna are on Raw to be on the same brand as Liv & Raquel, so pretty sure they’re still going to give us that feud and that will get Ronda & Shayna the titles.
Another title outcome ruined by the Draft is the US Championship. Bronson Reed is staying here on Raw, so he’s immediately out of the running since Theory and Lashley are on SmackDown. And it’d be a shame if Theory retained because of another Triple Threat. And Sheamus no longer gets a chance at the Intercontinental Championship because the Brawling Brutes stay on SmackDown. But at least that means they can feud with LA Knight, which could actually be a lot of fun. Asuka going to SmackDown is also a little odd, if only because she already feuded with Bianca and DMG CTRL. Why not give us Asuka VS Rhea on Raw?
Also a little disappointed there wasn’t more thought put into Pretty Deadly getting called up. NXT showed them supposedly being drowned, but there could’ve been something that showed them surviving and making it back in time to be picked here tonight. And then Kayden & Katana being called up when they’re facing Alba & Isla on NXT tomorrow night, what good is that? Who are supposed to be the NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions after next Monday? But at least Cameron Grimes is going to resurface on SmackDown. He’d been off NXT TV so long, I wasn’t sure what was going on. He should’ve been called up sooner, really.
Good match from Braun & Ricochet VS Alpha Academy, good win for Braun & Ricochet, but surprising everyone ends up on Raw. Where’s the drama of Gable not getting to stick with Otis to keep him from going full Otise? Or is that going to finally play out after Backlash, where Otis has to choose? Of course Lesnar is a “free agent”, and he had a great segment with Cody with that ambush and haymaker. But Omos is a Lesnar-esque free agent? What? I suppose it’s fine, as he’ll move to whatever brand needs a big monster for some kind of build. And I actually like that Boogs got picked but Elias hasn’t been. Kinda humbles Elias a bit, doesn’t it?
Really good stuff out of Miz and Nakamura, and I knew right away where Nakamura was going with “chisai kintama.” With word of the WWE World Heavyweight Championship having a tournament (which replaces the King of the Ring tournament for the time being), I bet Nakamura beats Miz to have an easy first round win. And again, great stuff out of The Bloodline stories. Great interaction between Heyman and Rollins to set up Rollins VS Solo, and great stuff from Riddle VS Jimmy, especially the very complex Eddie Guerrero play where Kevin played hurt and Sami did the reporting. And of course Rollins wins by disqualification. This keeps Solo strong where his only clean loss was against Cody Rhodes, and we get a great brawl to close.
My Score: 8.6/10
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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
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
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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.
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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