Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (5/15/23)
Adrenaline! In Raw’s soul!
The American Nightmare responds to The Beast’s challenge!
Last week on Raw, Brock Lesnar screwed Cody Rhodes out of the World Heavyweight Championship! Lesnar wants to fight, will Cody accept?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Shinsuke Nakamura VS The Miz; Nakamura wins.
- WWE Intercontinental Championship #1 Contender’s Battle Royal: Mustafa Ali wins and will challenge Gunther for the title at Night of Champions.
- Xavier Woods VS Dominik Mysterio w/ Rhea Ripley; Dom wins.
- Indus Sher w/ Jinder Mahal VS ???; Indus Sher wins.
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez VS Chelsea Green & Sonya Deville; postponed because of injury.
- Raquel Rodriguez VS Chelsea Green w/ Sonya Deville; Raquel wins.
- Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn VS Finn Balor & Damian Priest; Finn & Priest win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn are here!
Greensboro, North Carolina fires up for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions as they head to the ring. The Bloodline isn’t letting go of the past, and now Roman Reigns & Solo Sikoa are coming for the tag titles! Sami gets the mic to say, “Oh, Greensboro! Oh my gosh. Not gonna lie, guys, I’m excited. I am on one tonight, because we found out, just like each and everyone one of you, we found out on Friday… Trust me, we were as surprised as anyone, that at Night of Champions, we will be defending our Undisputed Tag Team Championships against a team of Solo Sikoa & Roman Reigns.”
Fans boo, but Sami says yeah, he gets it. On paper, that’s as big of a threat to these titles as there is. But Sami & Kevin don’t see it as that. It is a GIFT! It is a gift because they are getting something they never thought they’d get: a chance at revenge on Roman Reigns! But to be honest for a second, Kevin Owens should’ve beat Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship. Sami knows that at Elimination Chamber, he should’ve beaten Roman for that championship! Fans agree there. But Roman has cheated his way through an entire title reign, unchecked for far too long, and now THEY are going to check Roman!
Sami says this is the problem with Roman. He’s gone unchecked, and he doesn’t know where to stop. They thought the only chance was to make the Bloodline crumble. But these days, Roman is doing that all by himself. Roman is pushing too far and too hard, and he’s pushing the Usos too hard! Now he’s pushing this championship thing too hard. It is never enough for Roman. It is not enough to have the WWE Championship, it is not enough to have the Universal Championship for 1000 days! Now Roman wants the Undisputed Tag Team Championships, too?! “Well, Roman, you psycho, you manipulator, you want these championships? YOU CAN’T HAVE THEM!!”
Fans cheer, but then here comes the Judgment Day! Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Dominik Mysterio & Rhea Ripley all make their way out to the ring, mics in hand. But Kevin has them stop right there! Kevin is glad someone came out here, because he’s so sick talking about the Bloodline, he doesn’t care about the Bloodline. Kevin doesn’t care what Judgment Day is out here to say, but it’s probably not to hang out later. If they wanna fight, then let’s fight! Let’s go right now! Sami has Kevin hold on, and says yes, this might be his fault starting at a 10. But Kevin’s getting to an 11. They have problems with the Bloodline, not with Judgment Day.
Why are they out here? Maybe it’s not to fight! Let’s hear them out first. Sami tells the gentlemen, and Dom, that the floor is theirs. Damian says Kevin is right, he’d love to fight! But then Finn has everyone tranquilo! They do just wanna talk. Finn says they’re wishing Sami & Kevin the best of luck against Roman & Solo. But it’s just a bit confusing. Last week, Kevin & Sami said they were done, but they’re right back where they started. Damian says they’re right back to getting beat up by Roman! Yeah, maybe, huh? But if by some miracle, Sami & Kevin do win, then when they get back, there will be a whole line of stars waiting for them.
“And guess what? The line starts here.” Rhea says in case no one remembers, the Judgment Day runs Monday Night Raw! Kevin tells Sami they heard the Judgment Day out. Sami says those were all great points. Fans cheer for “MAMI! MAMI!” and Rhea smiles. Sami says it was all well said. But for him personally, what does Dom have to say? The people just love to hear Dom talk. Fans boo because they don’t! Dom says if they want his opinion, but then gets drowned out by boos. Kevin face palms and says he can’t hear anything! It is pointless! Can he just punch someone in the face? Yeah, sure!
But then Rhea defends Dom! Kevin can’t punch her. But Priest DECKS Sami! And Rhea DECKS Kevin! The Judgment Day stomps away on Kevin, but Sami gets a chair! Sami runs the Judgment Day off! The Prizefighter wants to fight, Judgment Day wants to fight, will we see a preview of post Night of Champions tonight?
Shinsuke Nakamura VS The Miz!
The King of Strong Style may not be going to Night of Champions for the World Heavyweight Championship, but right now, he wants to settle things with the Hollywood A-Lister! Will Miz be too soft for Strong Style? Or will Nakamura regret the offer to form #Mizuke?
Raw returns and The Miz makes his entrance. The bell rings and fans taunt Miz with “TINY BALLS!” Miz keeps trying to reason with Nakamura that they could be a super team, and he offers a handshake. Nakamura thinks about it, but he kicks the hand away. Miz frowns but Nakamura says, “C’MON!” Miz runs in but into a knee! Nakamura fires forearms and knees, whips Miz to ropes, and LEG LARIATS Miz down! Nakamura then drops a knee! And then throws knees into Miz’s side and back! Miz crawls, Nakamura stomps him to a corner, then gives him some GOOD VIBRATIONS~! The fans cheer but the ref counts.
Nakamura lets off, goes corner to corner, but Miz BOOTS him! Miz BOOTS again, then puts Nakamura int he ropes. Miz CHOKES Nakamura, the ref counts, and Miz lets off to run and STRADDLE ATTACK! Nakamura falls back and fans boo but Miz scowls. Miz stalks Nakamura, brings Nakamura up, and whips. Nakamura reverses and sends Miz tumbling out! Nakamura then runs to WRECK Miz with a sliding dropkick! Nakamura puts Miz in the ring, on the apron, and then KNEE LIFTS Miz! Then goes up to GUILLOTINE KNEE! Miz flops down and Nakamura brings him up again. Nakamura puts Miz back in the ring and fans rally up.
Nakamura sees Miz go to the apron, Nakamura hurries over but Miz knees him low! Miz brings Nakamura out, DRAPING NECKBREAKER! Nakamura flops to the floor and Miz scowls again. Miz sits Nakamura up, for a BASEMENT BOOT! Fans boo but Miz is in control as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and both men rise up. Fans rally behind Nakamura, and he counters Miz to fire off a strike fest! AX KICK! Nakamura roars, fans fire up, and Nakamura KICKS Miz in the chest! And again! And again, but Miz blocks! But Nakamura ENZIGURIS! Miz staggers to a corner, Nakamura storms up and whips him corner to corner. Miz reverses, runs in, but Nakamura dodges to ENZIGURI again! Nakamura puts Miz on the top rope, then runs for the TOP SHELF KNEE! Cover, TWO! Nakamura keeps cool as Miz stays in this. But Miz throat chops! And full nelson! Nakamura breaks free but Miz O’Conner Rolls! TWO, and into an ARMBAR!!
Miz clasps hands, hurries, but Nakamura beats the fingers apart! Miz stacks Nakamura, TWO!! Miz kicks low, BASEMENT DDT! Cover, TWO!! Miz can’t believe it but Nakamura survives! Miz shakes out his arm, waits on Nakamura, and Miz gives him IT KICKS! Then Miz runs in, but Nakamura ducks to roll him! Miz ducks the buzzsaw but not the WHEEL KICK! Cover, TWO! Miz survives but Nakamura doesn’t let up! Nakamura clinches, INVERTED EXPLODER, but Miz lands on his feet! Miz full nelsons but Nakamura arm-drags free! Miz dodges in the corner, runs back in, but Nakamura dodges the A-List Lariat! SLIDING GERMAN!!
Fans fire up and Nakamura takes aim! “YAO~!” Miz rises, but then he runs away to the apron! Fans boo and Miz grabs the skirt. Nakamura drags Miz back in, the ref is busy with the skirt, and Miz pokes Nakamura in the eyes! SKULL CRUSHING FINALE!! ROPEBREAK!!! Nakamura survives by a literal foot and Miz is shocked! Fans fire up and Miz drags Nakamura to center, but Nakamura cradles him! TWO!! Miz rushes in, into a KINSHASA!! Cover, Nakamura wins!
Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura, by pinfall
The King of Strong Style overcomes Miz in a must-see battle! Will Nakamura still find his way to the throne in the near future?
Adam Pearce meets with Raquel Rodriguez, Sonya Deville & Chelsea Green.
The Complaint Department is giving him quite the headache as the argument is that the title match is not happening now that Liv Morgan is hurt from Friday’s title defense against Damage CTRL. As much as Liv wants to defend the titles, she’s not medically cleared. No one wants to hear this, least of all him, but the title match is postponed. Oh, right, Liv is “injured.” How convenient. Yes, Chelsea, she is injured. Right, okay, wink wink. Funny how they keep moving the goal posts. Sonya says it’s funny, because as a former member of management, in a situation like this, the titles would be forfeited!
And as a former member of management, Sonya should know that would not fly! Then Chelsea wants to speak to PEARCE’s manager! Raquel is not going to hear them cry on and on an don. It isn’t happening tonight, but Raquel will gladly defend Liv’s honor against Chelsea! Pearce can make that official right now. And Sonya would love to see it. Right, Chelsea? Uh… Yeah! And Raquel will regret it! She’ll wish she never ever asked for this! You will all regret it! Whatever, Karen. But one way or another, Big Mami Cool and the Hot Mess are facing off, who will be the one to regret it?
Corey Graves interviews Seth Rollins.
We have footage from 2012 as Rollins said he was WWE’s next breakout star. Following highlights of his career so far, Graves says many consider Rollins a generation defining superstar, and he has a chance to add more history to his already impressive resumé at Night of Champions in the World Heavyweight Championship tournament finals. Graves thanks Rollins for his time, Rollins thanks Graves for having him. They go back a long way, but don’t go digging too deep. Graves will do his best.
Going back to 2012, Rollins was in a tournament to crown the very first NXT Champion. What did that moment mean to him? Rollins says at that time, there was a need for change. There was a fire for someone to take the reins of this industry, and Rollins had that vision. Rollins defeated Jinder Mahal in the finals to win the title. Becoming the first NXT Champion, he found a way to push the industry forward. And Graves says Rollins didn’t wait too long before moving up to Raw & SmackDown as part of The Shield. The Shield became one of the most dominant factions in WWE history, they wanted success and change and they wanted it now, and wouldn’t take no for an answer.
But as the Shield continued to dominate, Rollins saw a need to change himself. That’s what led to the “Chairshot Heard Around the World.” Rollins betrayed Roman and Ambrose, and Rollins says that to this day, people ask him why he did that. Fans said Rollins sold out. But Rollins says they’d beaten everyone there was to beat. And to reach ultimate success, you gotta take risks. If Rollins hadn’t hit Roman with the chair, what would the now look like?
Then why is this the right time for a new world champion? And why is it the right time for that new world champion to be Rollins? We’ll hear the rest of this interview later tonight.
Imperium heads to the ring!
Der Ring General arrives on Raw, and he is ready to make Monday nights sacred! He even stands on top of the announce desk so everyone can see him while Ludwig Kaiser says, “Ladies and gentlemen… I demand all your gratitude for your Intercontinental Champion…! Der Ring General…! GUUUNTHEEER!” Fans do cheer for the imposing figure of Gunther, and he takes the mic now. “Perhaps an introduction is due. For almost a year, I dominated Friday Night SmackDown as the undefeated and longest reigning Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion of the modern era.”
Fans cheer that, because it is impressive. Gunther says from this day forward, he will continue his mission here on Monday Night Raw. But he wants us to understand: No man here on Raw has yet been identified as the next challenger for his great prize, nor has earned his respect. “But in just a few moments, one man can achieve both. Tonight, this battle royal will determine my next challenger for MY championship, against THIS champion, at the Night of Champions!”
WWE Intercontinental Championship #1 Contender’s Battle Royal!
Ricochet, Baron Corbin, Matt Riddle, Riddick Moss, JD McDonagh, Elias, Akira Tozawa, Apollo Crews, Mustafa Ali, Dolph Ziggler, Bronson Reed, Cedric Alexander, Shelton Benjamin, Johnny Gargano, Dexter Lumis, Xyon Quinn, Von Wagner, The Viking Raiders, Los Lotharios, and The Alpha Academy are all in this to win this, but who will be the one and only #1 contender to Gunther’s title?
Raw returns and Apollo makes his entrance, now back on Raw after refreshing himself in NXT. Matt Riddle follows, and flicks his sandals at Gunther! Imperium has to hold Gunther back and The Bro gets in the ring. The bell rings and the chaos ensues! Fans fire up as the brawling goes on all around the ring. Tozawa fires hands on Corbin, the Vikings mug Bronson, but then Corbin TOSSES Tozawa to ELIMINATE him! Corbin says he’s back, baby! But then Lumis clotheslines and ELIMINATES Corbin! Corbin throws a fit, but then MMM dump and ELIMINATE Lumis! Mace & Mansoor brag, but fans boo.
But then Mace & Mansoor see Lumis glaring at them. They bump into the Alpha Academy, swing on them, but get ROCKED! The Alpha Academy DUMPS and ELIMINATES Mace! And yet, Maxxine loves it? Mace feels betrayed, and Mansoor stands up on the apron. Gargano SUPERKICKS Mansoor, but Mace catches! Only for Lumis to spool him into dropping Mansoor! Uh, someone ELIMINATES Mansoor! Mace runs away, Mansoor follows, it’s like Shaggy & Scooby running from a monster! Meanwhile, JD drags Carrillo out to the apron with him. Carrillo swings, JD ducks and HEADBUTTS! Carrillo follows, the Irish Ace ELIMINATES him!
Ziggler swings on JD, JD ducks and slingshots, but into a SUPERKICK! Ziggler ELIMINATES JD! But then Von grabs Ziggler with both hands and TOSSES him out to ELIMINATE him! The NXT call-ups are making some big impacts! But then JD RAMS Ziggler into steel steps! He’s a sore loser, we know that from NXT, and he just keeps RAMMING Ziggler into the steps! The refs reprimands but JD pulls the steps apart! The refs get him to stop, but will the Necessary Evil take out The Showoff? The battle royal rages on as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Erik stomps away on Cedrick. Ricochet throws hands on Reed, but then Erik turns him around to ROCK him! Erik then KNEES Reed and Ivar CLOBBERS Xyon! Ivar SPLASHES Crews, ROCKS Elias, and then the Vikings mug Alexander. Moss slips away from Benjamin, the VIkings TOSS and ELIMINATE Alexander! Then they mug Xyon! Gargano fights Moss’ scoop while The Vikings TOSS and ELIMINATE Xyon! Benjamin throws hands on the Vikings! Fans fire up as Benjamin ROCKS Erik! But Ivar BOOTS Benjamin, he and Erik mug Benjamin, and fans boo. The Vikings TOSS Benjamin and ELIMINATE him!
Fans boo more as the Vikings soak it up. but then they turn around and see the Alpha Academy. Fans rally up, and Otis RAMS Ivar! Gable and Erik throw hands! Gable throat chops, whips, and Erik goes to the apron! Gable runs in but into a shoulder! Erik brings Gable up in a suplex! But Gable fights and gets around! Erik fights off the German Suplex as Sarah Logan shouts. Erik ELBOWS Gable, Ace Ten Maou! But Otis BLASTS and ELIMINATES Erik!! Fans fire up and Gable hugs his number one guy! But then Ivar BLASTS and ELIMINATES Gable! Otis and Ivar fire fists and fans fire up!
But Bronson Reed DUMPS and ELIMINATES both Gable and Ivar! The Colossal is truly a force of nature! Sarah is furious, but Maxxine just comforts “Otise.” But now we have a final eight: Bronson Reed, Mustafa Ali, Ricochet, Matt Riddle, Apollo Crews, Johnny Gargano, Riddick Moss and Elias. Fans rally up as the other seven look at Reed, and attack! Fans fire up as the seven get Reed in a corner. Reed shoves people aside, and they all start brawling with each other., Gargano whips Ali, Ali goes up and over and keeps moving, but Gargano dodges to RANA! Ali ends up in a corner, fans fire up with Gargano!
Gargano runs in, Ali slips out and ROUNDHOUSES! Slingshot, somersault, NECKBREAKER! Ali tosses Gargano out but Gargano holds on! Ricochet runs over, Ali DECKS him! But Gargano SLINGSHOT SPEARS! Ricochet SHOOTING STARS Gargano! Fans fire up, Moss swings on Ricochet but misses! Ricochet springboards, into Moss’s arms! FALL AWAY SLAM! But Reed SAMOAN DROPS Moss! Apollo BOOTS Reed, goes up, FLYING BLOCKBUSTER! Fans fire up but Elias SYMPHO-KNEES Apollo! And SPLASHES Reed! And then he Electric Chair Lifts Apollo, but Apollo RANAS Elias out!
Elias swings on Apollo but Apollo PELES Elias out to ELIMINATE him! But Reed clotheslines Apollo up and out and ELIMINATES him! Ali jumps on Reed’s back, but Reed TOSSES him away! Ricochet runs in, Reed spins him around to a dragon sleeper. Gargano runs in, but Reed catches him, URENAGE REVERSE DDT COMBO! Riddle runs in to fire palm strikes! Reed shoves back, Riddle BOOTS him! But Reed SWATS the roundhouse! Reed shoves Riddle again, runs in, but into an elbow! Reed goes up, WHISP-BRO in the Wind! But Moss CLOBBERS Riddle! Moss keeps moving, but Riddle TOSSES Moss to ELIMINATE him!
Riddle taunts Moss but Gargano rolls Riddle for the SCHOOLBOY KICK! Riddle stands, but he catches Gargano to a headscissors and ELIMINATES him! Now there’s just four! The Bro, The Colossal, #PositiveAli and The King of Flight. But seeing Riddle on the outside, Imperium rushes in! The refs reprimand but Riddle KICKS Vinci! Ludwig trips Riddle! Fans boo, but Reed BLASTS Riddle and ELIMINATES him! Ricochet rushes Reed but Reed shoves him away. Riddle V-TRIGGERS! And DROPKICKS! Reed leans on the ropes, Ricochet lifts him! Ali helps out! They dump Reed to the apron but he holds onto ropes!
Ali and Ricochet mug Reed, but Reed HEADBUTTS Ali. Ricochet DROPKICKS Reed! Reed wobbles, Ricochet triangle jump DROPKICKS!! Reed is still holding on!? Ricochet triangle jumps again, but Reed gets him! Fireman’s carry, but now Ali is up top! Ali SPRINGBOARD MISSILE DROPKICKS them both, and WINS!!
Winner: Mustafa Ali, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the WWE Intercontinental Championship)
The Beacon is all fired up! Ali is heading to Night of Champions, but will he be able to take Gunther’s gold?
Becky Lynch is here!
Greensboro fires up for The Man as she heads to the ring. Fans cheer for Becky as she gets the mic. “The Man has come around to Greensboro! Look, uh, part of being The Man is admitting you’ve been going through some stuff. And lately, I’ve been going through some stuff. We all have our struggles. We have our struggles behind closed doors, we have small struggles, big struggles, medium struggles. And we put on the face that we need to put on so that we can do what we need to do to become the people that we want to be.” Fans cheer that!
Becky continues to say, “And sometimes, when it becomes too overwhelming and we feel like we can’t do it on our own anymore, we have to man up and ask for help. And that’s what I did. I asked for help from two legends in this business, two women who have been through a lot in their own life, Lita and Trish Stratus.” Fans boo Trish but Becky says Lita was great. Fans cheer Lita, and Becky says Lita came back, she and Becky won gold, and Trish came back, hadn’t missed a beat. Becky let Trish get close to her and her family, but she couldn’t see the snake in the grass that maybe everyone else saw coming a mile away.
Trish never came back to help Becky. Trish came back to help herself, “like the backstabbing ego maniac that she is.” But despite that, Becky did wanna come out here and to say, “Thank you, Trish.” But not for the bullock reasons she gave! No, thank you, Trish, because you hitting Becky in the back turned on a light that had been off for many, many months! Becky thanks Trish, because when Trish called Becky’s daughter stupid, Becky was reminded that the only thing that matters in life is standing up for the people that depend on us. And thank you, Trish, for giving all the badness in Becky’s head a face and a name and a target!
Fans cheer, and Becky continues that at one point, Trish was number one in the business. She wants to be there again, but Becky is it! Becky’s done it, she’s been it, she doesn’t need a title to prove it, and will be it until she says it is over! So if Trish wants it, she’s got it! Becky will show Trish how “thankful” she is when she kicks her head in at Night of Champions! Fans fire up as Becky throws down the mic as well as the gauntlet! Will Trish accept this big time challenge?
Backstage interview with Rhea Ripley.
Cathy Kelley knows Rhea’s been keeping a close eye on the Women’s Division. What is her opinion on Natalya coming to Raw and intervening as Rhea was beating up Dana Brooke? Rhea says Natty needs to stay in her lane. Natty has had a pretty impressive career, but- Natty steps in to say there is no but. Yes, Natty’s career is impressive. But everyone already knows that. And this isn’t about lanes, but about beating someone up who was already beat. Rhea is the most dominant woman to ever hold the SmackDown Women’s Championship. And Rhea does deserve respect. But respect is something Rhea is not giving the women she runs through.
Rhea chuckles, and tells Natty not to act like that was for Dana last week. Natty’s had a longer career, but we all know that Natty wanted to be in the ring with Rhea so that everyone would care about her again. So you’re welcome. But if you ever interrupt Rhea again, she won’t boost Natty’s career. She will end it. Dom walks over and tells Mami it’s time to go. Rhea and Dom leave, but will the Eradicator be made to respect the Queen of Harts?
Mustafa Ali runs across Maxxine Durpi and the Alpha Academy.
Maxxine is arguing with Gable and Ali wants them to stop with all the negativity. No wonder they both lost in the battle royal. But can he give them some advice? NO! Well, Ali used to be a loser, just like them. Until he started more positive, and now he’s a winner! YAY! Ali heads out, but then comes across Imperium. Gunther congratulates Ali, he is now the rightful challenger to what is rightfully Gunther’s. But Gunther already feels bad for Ali. Ali is going to travel halfway across the world, to suffer the biggest loss of his career. And the beating that goes with it, Good luck at Night of Champions.
Gunther offers a handshake, Ali accepts it, and Ali says he feels bad for Gunther. Gunther has to go all the way there, and all the way back, just for Ali to beat him, humiliate him, and take that title. Gunther smiles and Ali says that’s the key! Be positive! Ali heads out, but is he being confident? Or foolish?
Xavier Woods VS Dominik Mysterio w/ Rhea Ripley!
The Power of Positivity keeps on going, and wants another go at the Prodigal Son. Will Woods be ready for all the tricks The Judgment Day uses? Or will Dom 2-0 sweep the former tag team champion?
Raw returns as Dom makes his entrance, Rhea right by his side. Dom has the mic to say, “Look, Mami. It’s Xavier Woods.” Fans boo but Dom asks if Woods is here to convince himself that he can beat Dom because it’s a new day? Woods stops Dom right there. Dom’s right, Woods has no one to watch is back. Right now, anyway. But unlike Dom, Woods is a grown man who can stand on his own two feet and fight his own battles! Can Dom say the same? Or does Dom have to ask Mami for permission to speak? Fans chant for “MAMI! MAMI!” but Dom and Rhea just walk to the ring.
The bell rings, Woods and Dom circle, and they tie up. Woods wrenches, wristlocks, but Dom spins and wrenches back. Woods rolls, spins, kips up and wrenches to WRING Dom out! Fans rally, Woods hammerlocks and headlocks. Woods wrenches and headlocks again, fans taunt Dom with “Who’s Your Daddy?” as Woods arm-drags Dom! And then runs him over! And again! Dom sputters to ropes, Woods runs side to side, and he dropkicks Dom in the back! Cover, TWO! Dom is still in this and Rhea is relieved, but Woods drags Dom up. Dom knees low, bumps Woods off buckles and stomps away!
Fans boo but the ref counts and Dom lets off at 4. Rhea applauds and Dom soaks up the heat. But Dom turns around and Woods dropkicks him! Woods knuckle locks but Dom CLUBS away! Dom stomps Woods down then knuckle locks him in return. Dom taunts Woods while putting on the pressure. Woods fights up, pushes Dom down, and then yanks Dom up into a suplex! Cover, TWO! Dom bails out to regroup with Mami but Woods pursues. Rhea stands in Woods’ way and fans boo. Woods says fine, but Dom slips away. Rhea taunts Woods, Dom tells the fans up theirs, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Woods JABS Dom! And JABS! And JABS! Dom shoves, and UPPERCUTS Woods down! Cover, TWO! Rhea is mad at the ref but Dom rains down fists on Woods. Dom lets off to soak up more heat, and he stalks Woods to a corner. Dom puts Woods up top, throws hands, but fans chant “YOU SUCK!” Dom climbs up after Woods, tells the fans that they suck, but Woods throws hands in return! Woods HEADBUTTS Dom off the corner! Dom flounders, Woods stands up, and Woods jumps for the MISSILE DROPKICK! Fans fire up while both men are down again!
Woods and Dom stir as fans rally up. Woods ROCKS and CHOPS and repeat on Dom! Woods whips, Dom reverses but Woods ducks ‘n’ dodges then slides, to ROLLING ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Rhea is relieved again while Dom goes to a corner. Woods runs corner to corner and back elbows! Woods whips corner to corner, runs in again and clotheslines! Snapmare and HONOR- NO, Dom gets around! Woods throws elbows, wrenches and whips, but Dom reverses. Dom runs in but into a BOOT! Woods HONOR ROLLS! Cover, TWO! Rhea almost got in the ring, but she calms back down.
Dom wants mercy but then he YANKS Woods out of the ring! Woods hurries back up, but Dom dodges the shoulder to knee Woods! Dom has Woods for a snap suplex! Uno Amigo! Fans boo as Dom keeps going, Dos Amigos! Rhea is loving this as Dom brings Woods up for THREE AMIGOS! Dom gives us Latino Heat and Rhea applauds. Fans boo as Dom climbs the corner, blows a kiss to Rhea, and FROG SPLASHES onto knees!! Cover, TWO!! Dom survives, Rhea freaks out, but Woods trophy lifts Dom for a GUT BUSTER DROP!! Cover, TWO!! Dom survives again but Rhea is panicking!
Woods drags Dom around, goes to the apron, and he climbs the corner. Woods tightrope walks, for the LIMIT- NO, Rhea drags Dom out of the ring! The ref reprimands, but Woods PLANCHAS Dom down! Woods puts Dom in the ring, Rhea distracts him, and Dom WRECKS Woods with a dropkick! Dom gets in, he argues with the ref, and Rhea hits Woods from behind! Rhea puts Woods in for Dom to GEDO CLUTCH! Dom wins again!!
Winner: Dominik Mysterio, by pinfall
Mami helps Dommy again! It still proves Woods right, but how can Woods win without someone watching his back?
JD McDonagh speaks.
“For the longest time, I really bought into it. I believed, y’know? I believed that if you worked as hard as you could, if you trust the process and you treat the others around you with respect, you’ll get your turn. But then the years tick on, and I see other guys, guys that aren’t fit to lace my boots, get opportunities ahead of me. And I started to realize… I am performing for an audience of fools. And now what you’re left with is this. I am the paracausal force. The plane of suffering. I am the destructor, I dig the graves. The Irish Ace is here to stay.”
Backstage interview with JD McDonagh.
At least, Cathy is hoping to. She hurries after him as he leaves the building, and asks him about why he attacked Ziggler during the battle royal. JD says he came to Raw to make a statement, and who better against than Ziggler? Ziggler’s done it all. Former world champion, Intercontinental, Money in the Bank. But he found out what everyone will find out soon: Never bet against the Ace.
Indus Sher w/ Jinder Mahal VS ???
Veer & Sanga were already powerful forces on their own, but now the Modern Day Maharaja is leading them. Will they soon take over the Raw Tag Division with their size and strength?
The teams sort out and Veer starts against Jobber A, but then he just BLASTS Jobber B at the bell! And he CLOBBERS Jobber A with a big shoulder! Veer stomps Jobber A out, tags Sanga in, and Veer drags Jobber A out onto the ropes for Sanga to BOOT him down! Sanga roars, he drags Jobber A back up and throws him to the corner! Sanga wants Jobber B to tag in, so Jobber B tags in. Only for Sanga to TOSS him across the way! Sanga then runs in to SPLASH Jobber B in the corner! Tag to Veer, Sanga scoops Jobber B, and he SLAMS him down. Veer then jumps for a BIG elbow drop!
Sanga then BOOTS Jobber A off the apron! He almost wipes out a cameraman! Veer RAMS Jobber B into the corner, and shouts “NAMASTE!” before he SPLASHES Jobber B from behind! Jinder is pleased as Sanga tags back in. Sanga drags Jobber B up, Veer goes up, LEG DROP SIDEWALK SLAM COMBO! Cover, Indus Sher wins!
Winners: Indus Sher, by pinfall
Apparently, these two young men are named Lamar and Drake. Those names can be on the hospital room doors here in Greensboro, because Veer & Sanga have their names on the winners’ checks. Jinder gets the mic to say, in Hindi, that Indus Sher are going to dominate. And then he gets on commentary to say that a lot of people talk about running Monday Night Raw. Jinder says that Indus Sher now runs Raw. And their future will be written in gold! Will anyone refute the words of the Modern Day Maharaja?
Sami & Kevin talk backstage.
They’re in agreement that they’re going to beat Finn & Priest to roll into Night of Champions, but then Imperium walks over. Kevin asks what they’re doing. Why? Sami also wants to know why. Gunther says he will not tolerate the disrespect Sami & Kevin showed his men last week. Ugh. Disrespect? Really? Is that what Gunther’s saying? Well how about this? Next week, Kevin & Sami will take them all on! Not tonight, they already have a fight for tonight, but next week is wide open! It’ll be all three of them! Sami says they’ll find a partner. But is that good? Imperium accepts and heads out. Sami says Kevin is at a 10 all the time. But will Kevin & Sami #JustKeepFighting until Night of Champions?
Cody Rhodes exits his bus.
The American Nightmare is ready to speak, and he heads to gorilla. What will he say about accepting the challenge to fight Brock Lesnar at Night of Champions?
Cody Rhodes heads to the ring!
Raw returns and fans sing along with the song. Cody gets his pyro and continues into the ring, for more pyro! Cody gets the mic and fans cheer more. “So, Greensboro, North Carolina… Whaddya wanna talk about? I know these grounds, I know this arena. This is the fabled, very first home of Starrcade.” Fans cheer that fact, and Cody says, “A wonderful memory, a great amount of mutual respect, respect that is not shared by Brock Lesnar, who has elected not to be here.” Fans boo that fact, but Cody says this is a fun audience. He’s going to try something you don’t typically hear on a sports entertainment show…
“Ladies and gentlemen, have you heard the one about the scorpion and the frog?” Some fans have, so Cody says it is a simple story. There’s a scorpion on one side of the river and needs to get across to the other side. He asks a frog, who can hop and swim, if he can get a ride. The frog says, “Hell nah,” the scorpion would sting him! The scorpion says no, because if he did, they’d both drown. That logic is airtight for the frog. The frog gives the scorpion a ride, and halfway across the river, what happens? The fans also know, the scorpion still stings the frog. And as the frog is dying, he asks the scorpion, “Why?” The scorpion replies, “It’s my nature.”
So it is Brock Lesnar’s nature to hunt. Brock Lesnar must be hunting. “But make sure, Brock, if you’re the one who’s hunting, let me ask you something: how’s your face?” Cody knows Lesnar looks in the mirror and sees a lion, “the alpha male of our species,” but he should also see a black eye and some staples. When Cody looks in the mirror, he sees the man who put them there! He sees the man who broke Lesnar’s face and spirit and beat the biggest bully in WWE history! So Cody gladly accepts the challenge for Night of Champions! Fans cheer that, and Cody says he won’t go “out of bounds.”
There’s always been talk about Brock’s ego, his manipulation of the roster, his performing dates. You wanna know why Lesnar is on top and has been on top? Because Brock Lesnar is better than 99.9% of the superstars who come into this ring. But at Backlash, Brock Lesnar was NOT better than Cody Rhodes. Fans cheer that, too! Now, Lesnar called that a “cheap win.” It was a wrestling counter to a wrestling hold in a wrestling ring, so how cheap is that? Even if Cody was imbued with the powers of God and won in 20 SECONDS, Lesnar would still have hunted Cody down. This isn’t about a title, this is about something else. This is about who is the Big Thing on Monday Night Raw.
Fans chant for “CODY! CODY!” and Cody says “The Next Big Thing,” that was what they called Lesnar. The Next Big Thing, and they were right. “But eventually, Brock, what happens when they just say… next?” Lesnar has conquered the WWE, he has conquered sports entertainment, he has conquered this sport. But we are at the point where Cody wants Lesnar to take his busted face, step aside, and understand he is NOT the big thing, he is just in Cody’s way! Fans fire up as Cody drops the mic. Will the American Nightmare beat Lesnar at his own game at Night of Champions?
Zoey Stark brags backstage.
She just knew she was gonna win and succeed. Everything is going great for her! Wait, she’s saying this to Nikki Cross, who she beat? And Nikki isn’t even paying attention! Zoey calls her a freak, but then Candice LeRae storms over to tell Zoey not to talk to Nikki like that. Uh, what? Where is Candice’s “little weirdo family?” Uh, excuse you, Zoey! Do not talk about her family like that. In fact, they don’t have to do this here. They can do this in the ring. Zoey says perfect, see you next Monday. Candice coming to Nikki’s defense, is she actually becoming Nikki’s friend?
Raquel Rodriguez VS Chelsea Green w/ Sonya Deville!
The WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions are still #LivingLarge, but without Liv cleared to compete, there is no tag title defense. Will Big Mami Cool still live it up and clean up the Hot Mess? Or will Karen- Er, Chelsea make Raquel regret underestimating her?
Raw returns as The Complaint Department make their entrance. The bell rings, Sonya gives Chelsea some last minute advice, but then Raquel just BOOTS Chelsea down! Raquel tells Sonya to watch out or she’ll get it, too. Raquel bumps Chelsea off buckles, then bumps her off more buckles. Raquel scoops Chelsea, carries her around, but Sonya distracts! Chelsea slips away while Raquel glares at Sonya, and then Chelsea hits a BACKSTABBER! And a motorcycle stretch STOMP into the buckles! Fans boo but Chelsea says “Too easy!” Chelsea runs in at the corner to clothesline! And clothesline! And elbow!
Fans boo, the ref counts, and Chelsea lets off with one last forearm! Chelsea then pushes Raquel out of the corner to CHOP BLOCK her leg! Fans boo more but Chelsea runs to SLIDING COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, ONE!! Raquel still has lots of power but Sonya says to stay on her. Chelsea throws in elbows then wraps on a chinlock. Chelsea throws crossface forearms but fans rally for Raquel. Chelsea armlocks and chinbars Raquel, but Raquel fights up. Raquel scoops Chelsea and SNAKE EYES! Chelsea staggers, fans fire up, but Chelsea drop toeholds Raquel onto ropes! Chelsea then DROPKICKS Raquel down! Cover, TWO!
Chelsea is surprised but Sonya coaches her. Chelsea chicken wings Raquel, turns her, but Raquel powers up to lift Chelsea! INVERTED ALABAMA SLAM hotshot on the ropes! Chelsea sputters, staggers, Sonya is still confident, but Raquel rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! Chelsea dodges one but not the SOUTHPAW! Raquel whips, Chelsea reverses and ROCKS Raquel! Chelsea runs and leaps, into Raquel’s arms! FALL AWAY SLAM! Raquel scoops to FALL AWAY SLAM again! Fans fire up with Raquel and she scoops for a third FALL AWAY SLAM! Chelsea is in a drop zone, Raquel runs in, TWISTING VADER!
Raquel isn’t done with Chelsea, she gets her up for the TEXANA BOMB!! Cover, Raquel wins!
Winner: Raquel Rodriguez, by pinfall
Sonya is furious, but she’s the one who put Chelsea in this position. Will this be the same result when the tag titles are finally on the line?
Wait, RONDA ROUSEY AND SHAYNA BASZLER attack Raquel at the stage! Ronda mockingly announces Raquel as the tag team champion, then sits her up. “Hey, champ, got a question for ya. What’re you supposed to do with that title, huh? That was rhetorical, okay? Defend it!” Ronda tells Raquel she’ll defend the title with or without Liv, or else she’ll catch this same beating week after week! Fans boo but Ronda says, “One more thing.” She sets Raquel up for Shayna to PENALTY KICK down! The Baddest Women on the Planet are ready to be champions, when and where will they get their shot?
Imperium meets with someone.
And they shake his hand to accept his offer. It’s PAUL HEYMAN! Heyman then calls Roman Reigns, perhaps to share the good news. Is Imperium going to soften Sami & Kevin up for The Tribal Chief and Solo Sikoa?
Raw shares part two of Graves’ interview with Rollins.
Rollins said if he hadn’t put the chair to Roman’s back, where would we be now? That is a great “What if.” But in the wake of that moment, we’ve since seen many “iterations” of Rollins. The Architect under The Authority, the Monday Night Messiah during ThunderDome Era. He’s been Universal Champion, World Champion, Mr. Money in the Bank and he pulled off The Heist of the Century. Why is the current iteration the best? Yes, The Visionary! Seth Freakin’ Rollins! HAHAHA! But man, this approach, Rollins’ hands are off the wheel.
“That’s the fun part! We’re in this crazy synergistic experience with the WWE Universe, and I get to experience it for the first time in my career, in the most authentic version of myself.” The fans sing “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~” whenever Rollins is on screen, and Graves asks why he thinks that is. Why is it now? Rollins says that it could be the equity, the time, the hard work. Who knows. “But there is some organic relationship. For the first time in my career, I’m not the one forcing the change. The WWE Universe has been the catalyst for the change in me.”
Rollins has made it through the Raw bracket of the World Heavyweight Championship tournament, is going to Night of Champions, so why is now the right time for a new WHC? And why is Rollins the guy to hold it? “I hate to say it, but… We need a change again. I don’t feel like anybody at the top wants to take any risks with the titles they’re holding. I think they’re more about protecting themselves than about pushing the industry forward. And so now is the perfect time for a new World Heavyweight Championship, and we can do it the way it’s supposed to be done.”
With that in mind, Graves then asks, “What are your thoughts on Roman Reigns and his Undisputed Universal Championship reign?” Rollins smirks and knew it’d get there. Rollins takes off his sunglasses to get serious, but this part of the interview will be shared next week.
Apollo Crews speaks.
“People keep asking me, ‘Apollo, are you grateful to be back?’ A second chance at the opporutnity of a lifetime? Of course I am. But let’s be clear. This isn’t a gift. Nothing was handed to me. I’m a former United States Champion, Intercontinental Champion. I’ve fought on every corner of the planet and nobody says my name without putting some respect on it. I earned my way back. Never backed down from adversity no matter what, and I did it all by being the man that my kids can be proud of. I can be changed by what happens to me, but I refuse to be reduced by it. This is my time.”
Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn VS Finn Balor & Damian Priest!
The Undisputed Tag Team Champions sure are busy! Night of Champions against Roman & Solo. Next Monday against all of Imperium with a third man they haven’t even found yet. But tonight, they take on the Judgment Day’s Prince and Punisher! Will Kevin & Sami #JustKeepFighting to prove they truly are the best team in WWE? Or will there be speedbump after speedbump on this golden road?
Raw returns as the champions make their entrance. The teams sort out and Sami starts against Finn. Fans rally for Sami but Finn talks trash. They tie up, Finn waistlocks and SLAMS, then he slaps Sami around. Fans boo but Finn soaks up the heat. Sami and Finn reset, circle and tie up, and Finn gets an arm. Finn wrenches the arm to a wristlock, but Sami spins, wrenches, and wristlocks back. Sami brings Finn around, but Finn rolls, hooks a leg, but Sami wrangles him back down. Finn kips up, but Sami wrenches to a hammerlock. Finn puts the hammerlock on Sami but Sami puts it back on Finn.
The fans rally for Sami and sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~!” Finn reaches back, elbows free, and Sami falls over. Finn brings Sami up, headlocks, but Sami powers out. Things speed up, Sami arm-drags Finn, and arm-drags again to have an armlock! Finn fight up, puts Sami in the corner, and Priest tags in. Judgment Day mugs Sami, and Priest CLUBS Sami around. Priest HEADBUTTS Sami, scoops him, but Sami slips off to bump Priest off buckles! Sami then goes up the corner, leaps and AX HANDLES! Cover, ONE!! Kevin says that was three but not even close. Sami puts Priest in the corner and Kevin tags in.
Fans fire up as the champs mug Priest, Kevin CHOPS and ROCKS and ROCKS Priest again! Kevin whips, Priest kicks Kevin away! But Kevin ENZIGURIS! Priest staggers but stays up, and Kevin eggs him on. Priest runs in, Kevin dumps him out! Finn runs in, but Kevin sends him out! Finn wants Priest to hold on, they should think about this. Finn then calls to Dom and Rhea! The rest of the Judgment Day storms out to the ring and fans boo. Kevin and Sami stay cool, they expected this. But even so, the numbers are not in their favor, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Priest keeps Sami from Kevin. Sami fights up but Priest CLUBS him to the Judgment Day corner. Tag to Finn and Finn bumps Sami off buckles. Finn RAMS into Sami, RAMS him again, and again! The ref counts, Finn RAMS Sami until 4. Finn then runs to CHOP Sami! Rhea and Dom are both stinging from that, and Finn whips corner to corner. Finn runs in to CHOP again! Rhea and Dom cheer Finn on as he whips corner to corner again. But Sami comes back to CLOBBER Finn! Fans fire up and Dom is worried. Sami crawls, as does Finn, but Finn grabs Sami’s foot! Sami boots Finn away, hot tags to Kevin and Priest!
Kevin dodges Priest, clotheslines Finn in the corner, then turns around to fire off haymakers on Priest! They end up on the ropes, Kevin stomps away on Priest, but the ref counts. Kevin lets off with a roar and the fans fire up. Priest bails out but Kevin pursues, to CLOBBER Priest! And SENTON! Priest sputters, Kevin roars some more, and Kevin puts Priest in. Rhea rushes Kevin but he dodges! Kevin CLOBBERS Finn, CLOBBERS Dom, escapes Rhea and taunts her! Priest runs in but Kevin dodges, to then SUPERKICK! Priest sits down, Kevin keeps moving, “SUCK IT!” CANNONBALL! Cover, TWO!
Rhea is relieved that Priest survives but Kevin keeps focus. Fans chant “Fight Owens, Fight!” Kevin throws hands, BOOTS Priest, then runs, but Dom trips him up! The ref saw that, but Priest CLOBBERS Kevin from behind! The ref shouts at Dom and Rhea, and EJECTS them!! So much for Finn’s plan! The fans fire up while the Judgment Day is furious! Rhea & Dom reluctantly leave, Priest runs in at Kevin, but into a SUPERKICK! And a BOOT! Both men are down and fans rally back up. Woods goes after Dom!! Fans fire up as Woods fires off fists and chases Dom to the back! Rhea is shocked!
Back to the ring, Kevin and Priest rise, but Priest rolls Kevin up! TWO!! Wait, Heyman walks out now?! Priest CLOBBERS Kevin, and he smiles as he sees The Wise Man. Heyman is on the phone with Roman again as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns once again, and Priest brings Kevin up to ROCK him! Kevin ROCKS Priest! Priest ROCKS Kevin! Kevin SLAPOS Priest! Priest ROCKS Kevin! Kevin ROCKS Priest, DECKS Finn, but Priest KNEES low! Priest ROCKS Kevin, sucker punches Sami, and then Finn hurries to bring Sami up! Finn sends Sami into steel steps! Fans boo but Kevin BOOTS Priest! Kevin DECKS Finn again! But Priest back elbows Kevin in the corner! Tag to Finn, snapmare and slingshot STOMP! Priest tags back in, Finn sends Kevin into a ROUNDHOUSE! Finn scoops Kevin, BACKBREAKER LEG DROP COMBO! Cover, TWO!
Kevin hangs tough and fans fire up again! Priest is annoyed, but he drags Kevin up. Priest puts Kevin in a corner, hoists him up top, and ROCKS him with right hands and forearms. Kevin hits back! But Priest HEADBUTTS Kevin, then climbs up. Priest brings Kevin up, but Kevin fights with body shots! And with haymakers! But Priest gives forearms in return! Fans boo but Kevin CHOPS! And HEADBUTTS! And HEADBUTTS! And headbutts and headbutts! Kevin ELBOWS Priest down, adjusts, then SWANTON BOMBS!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! And Sami’s back up!
Fans rally as Kevin and Priest crawl. Hot tags to Finn and Sami! The Great Liberator rallies on The Prince! Then he dodges, and TACKLES Finn to rain down fists! Finn gets away but Sami kicks him. Sami whips, Finn reverses but Sami goes up and over to scoop and MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Finn survives, Heyman is worried, and Sami brings Finn to a drop zone. Sami goes up top and fans fire up again. Finn stands up and rushes over but Sami leaps up and over. Finn comes back to SLINGBLADE! Sami staggers, Finn tags aim, SHOT- BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Finn survives again!
Fans rally up, but now Imperium appears at ringside! Gunther, Ludwig & Vinci all distract Sami, Finn rolls Sami up! TWO!! Sami swings, into a dragon sleeper! BLOODY SUNDAY!! Cover, Kevin breaks it!! Priest returns to choke grip! But Kevin slips free to STUN- NO, Priest shoves Kevin! Priest choke grips again, but Kevin kicks free to STUNNER!! But Finn TOSSES Kevin! But Sami gets Finn for a CORNER EXPLODER! And then Sami goes corner to corner, HELLUVA KICK!! But Imperium distracts! Kevin DECKS Vinci, DECKS Ludwig, then goes out after them! Gunther is there, so Kevin shoves him! But Priest APRON CHOKE SLAMS Kevin!!
Sami FLIES out onto Priest!! Fans are thunderous again as Sami goes back in! He reloads and aims from the corner, but Imperium slides in the ring! The ref stops Vinci & Ludwig, but Gunther trips up Sami! Finn SHOTGUNS Sami! Sami ends up in the drop zone and Finn goes up top! COUP DE GRACE!! Cover, Finn & Priest win!!!
Winners: Finn Balor & Damian Priest, by pinfall
Heyman smiles, it seems this was the deal that was struck. Imperium and Judgment Day ended up working together to damage Kevin & Sami, and that only makes things easier for The Bloodline come Night of Champions. But did the Wise Man promise Der Ring General and his men something in return for this assistance? Who will Kevin & Sami find to help them get revenge next week?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw here with so much great build towards Night of Champions. Great promo from Cody as always to call out Lesnar and accept the challenge. I like that he used Pat McAfee’s nickname for Lesnar, but I’m a bit disappointed this match isn’t being made into more than another standard singles match. Lesnar shouted he wants to fight, so why is this not some kind of match that would prevent another quick pinfall win? Becky has a great promo of her own to call out Trish, and of course we’re getting a match between them at Night of Champions. And great interview stuff with Graves and Rollins, with it slightly pulling back the curtain. I like that they’re saving Rollins commenting on Roman for next week and the go-home, but this all surely leads to Rollins winning the new WHC.
Really good match from Nakamura VS Miz, and of course Nakamura wins that. But also, there’s probably a reason “Mizuke” isn’t a team. In Japanese, “mizuke” means moisture or dampness. I don’t think Nakamura wants to be associated with Miz or dampness. Meanwhile, a bit of a shame Liv is hurt (not sure if kayfabe or shoot), but good promo to shift from a tag match to a singles match, and I figured Raquel would win that. But I should’ve expected Ronda & Shayna to attack Raquel while she’s without back-up, and this is of course finally moving things back to Ronda & Shayna challenging for and taking the tag titles.
Indus Sher of course won their Raw debut, but the graphics they used being cybernetic themed does not match their presentation because, uh, they’re not cyborgs! But I do like that Jinder subtly called out Judgment Day, as Judgment Day says they run Raw, but that might change now. And speaking of, really good stuff out of Judgment Day, like Rhea’s interaction with Natty to further nod towards a title match between them, and Dom VS Woods in a rematch that Woods again cheats to win. I do like that Raw is getting full of trios, and I would love to see them all interact and have Six Man Tag matches.
Good vignette promos for JD and Apollo to establish them here on Raw, and great showings from them in the Intercontinental Championship battle royal. And of course Ziggler the gatekeeper is gonna have a feud with JD. That’s gonna be good stuff, and JD of course wins in the end. Mustafa Ali winning the battle royal is great for him, but I don’t see him overcoming Gunther. And great use of Imperium in multiple stories, such as with Ali, but also with Kevin & Sami and the Undisputed Tag Team Championships. Kevin & Sami have their choice for third man, but I feel like it should be Ali so Ali can perhaps build momentum towards Night of Champions.
Kevin & Sami VS Judgment Day was a great stuff, even with having Imperium and Heyman involved. I am thinking Heyman promised Imperium the first title opportunity, should Solo & Roman win at Night of Champions. Kinda hoping that doesn’t happen, so that Kevin & Sami can fight off Indus Sher, Imperium, Judgment Day and a SmackDown tag team that isn’t really involved in anything. I say that also because I want Roman & Solo VS The Usos as a separate feud for the fate of The Bloodline. But I suppose we’ll get more of this on SmackDown, since we’re supposed to have Kevin & Sami meeting face to face with Roman & Solo.
My Score: 8.7/10
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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!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
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THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
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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!
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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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The Front and Center Sports Podcast – NFL Conference Championships and Jimmy Butler
The Chairshot presents a new episode of The Front and Center Sports Podcast, with an NFL Conference Championship preview, and...
Oblong Ball Foot Show: NFL Conference Championships
It's Championship Sunday and the gents have you covered as we breakdown both AFC and NFC title games!
Oblong Ball Foot Show: NFL Divisional Playoffs
Rey, Andrew and Tunney catch you up on the NFL coaching carousel and breakdown the Divisional round matchups.
Bandwagon Nerds #276: Do You Style Your Moustache?
The Nerds continue their review of Season 3 of Invincible, review Captain America: Brave New World, and check out trailers...
Bandwagon Nerds #275: Master of Porpoise
The Nerds begin their review of Season 3 of Invincible and look at the latest trailers for Final Destination, Jurassic...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (2/5/25)
There’s a lot going on this time around!
Bandwagon Nerds #274: Rey Cash Caught Sleeping On The Job
Tune in for another episode of BANDWAGON NERDS for your weekly fix in the world of Comics & Pop Culture!
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu Results & Report! (1/31/25)
The Bracket of Courage!
Mindless Wrestling Podcast: Weekend Wrasslin’ Wrap-up!
DJ, Rob and Jason break down NXT Vengeance Day and AEW GrandSlam Australia. Plus, Rob's SmackDown adventure and some beer...
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (2/21/25)
The Final Boss is back!
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?
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (2/20/25)
Anillo de Honor!
DWI Podcast #464: NXT Vengeance Day & SNL 50
NBA All-Star weekend, SNL 50th anniversary and plenty of Rasslin' talk this week on the DWI podcast.
Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (2/19/25)
Phoenix is Dynamite!
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (2/18/25)
NXT is Absolute!
Mitchell’s ROH Global Wars Australia Results & Report! (2/17/25)
G'day, mates!
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (2/17/25)
Visionary VS Prince!
#TheOddity 028: One Monkey = Total Chaos
Join Dave Wortz and PC Tunney for your weekly newsletter on the ridiculous and dumb of actual headlines from around...
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