Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (5/8/23)
The new rosters are locked in!
The World Heavyweight Championship tournament begins again!
The WWE Draft’s new rosters are now in effect, and the new World Heavyweight Championship tournament begins, all here on Monday Night Raw!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE World Heavyweight Championship Tournament Triple Threat: Seth Rollins VS Damian Priest VS Shinsuke Nakamura; Rollins wins and advances to tonight’s main event.
- Otis w/ Chad Gable & Maxxine Dupri VS Mustafa Ali; Ali wins.
- WWE World Heavyweight Championship Tournament Triple Threat: Cody Rhodes VS Finn Balor VS The Miz; Finn wins and advances to tonight’s main event.
- Rhea Ripley w/ Dominik Mysterio VS Dana Brooke; Rhea wins.
- Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn VS Imperium; Kevin & Sami win.
- Zoey Stark VS Nikki Cross; Stark wins.
- Xavier Woods VS Dominik Mysterio w/ Rhea Ripley; Dom wins.
- WWE World Heavyweight Championship Tournament Raw Finals: Seth Rollins VS Finn Balor; Rollins wins and advances to Night of Champions.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes is here!
Jacksonville fires up for The American Nightmare, who found a way to conquer the Beast at Backlash. But now, he’s getting ready to #FinishTheStory using the brand new WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Fans sing the song and Cody gets the mic. Cody enjoys the cheers for a moment before he says, “So Jacksonville… DUUUVAL! Whaddya guys wanna talk about? I greatly appreciate that reception. Many of you know, this was my home during the pandemic. We made a lot of wonderful memories together. I say we make another good memory tonight. And before we talk about tonight, let’s talk about Backlash.
“The biggest, most-watched Backlash of all time, from the Island of Charm there, Puerto Rico. All the pomp, all the circumstance. I didn’t get to experience it that way because I had the daunting task against me of competing against the Beast. The most decorated combat sports athlete, I’m talking about Brock Lesnar.” Fans boo Brock but Cody says, “And here is what I discovered.” Cody found out what Brock was made off because it was literally all over Cody’s fists. Cody found that Brock CAN be defeated, because Cody beat Brock Lesnar!
Lesnar took away Cody’s focus and clarity, it was a fight for survival. But now that Brock is in the rear view mirror, it is clear what is next for Cody here on Monday Night Raw, and it is the WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP! Fans like the sound of that. “You Deserve It!” Cody walks over to the title as he brings up Night of Champions. HE has the bracket appear. The Triple Threats we’re about to see tonight are there, as well as SmackDown’s. For SmackDown, it will be AJ Styles VS Edge VS Rey Mysterio, and then Austin Theory VS Bobby Lashley VS Sheamus.
Cody says there are, “Multiple world champions, some of the biggest superstars on the planet, and just considering I got out of what I call the fight for survival, I intend to fight the same way in this very tournament. Fight tooth and nail until Samantha over there says, ‘Your winner, and NEW World Heavyweight Champion, the American Nightmare…! Cody Rhodes.” Fans again chant “You Deserve It!” but Cody has the honor of saying, “Jacksonville, let the tournament begin!” And out comes Seth Rollins! The Visionary smiles at Cody as he heads to the ring. Will these two rivals meet again in tonight’s main event? Or will the odds not be in either man’s favor here in Jacksonville?
WWE World Heavyweight Championship Tournament Triple Threat: Seth Rollins VS Damian Priest VS Shinsuke Nakamura!
Rollins enters the ring and he gets the spotlight so that the fans may sing “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” for him. Raw is going to break, will the fans serenade him the entire time?
Raw returns and the singing continues! Rollins revels in it a little more as Raw recaps Backlash’s brutal San Juan Street Fight. Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Priest, and she asks if that loss is still weighing on him. Oh, that’s what she wants to talk about? Fine. Bad Bunny did his thing. But after that match, the name that will live forever is Priest, because it took an entire island to keep him down! Now, Priest plans by himself to put down Shinsuke Nakamura, and put down Seth Freakin’ Rollins! Then, we’ll see if it’s Priest or Finn Balor who brings the title home to The Judgment Day. Priest makes his entrance, will his confidence see him through to the end?
Nakamura now makes his entrance, and the fans sing along with his song, too. Priest ROCKS Nakamura, DECKS Rollins, and then TOSSES Rollins to a corner! Priest fires off hands on Rollins, then runs corner to corner to ROCK Nakamura! Priest stomps a mudhole in but fans boo. Priest runs corner to corner to back elbow Rollins! Priest’s beat up leg bothers him, and Nakamura fires off a strike fest! Priest blocks one kick but not the ENZIGURI! Rollins KNEES Priest out of the ring! Fans fire up as Rollins and Nakamura are now alone. Fans duel as the two stare down. They circle as the songs echo out.
Nakamura and Rollins tie up, then break. They go again, then break again. Nakamura shoots in, Rollins elbows and runs, but into a knee! AX KICK! Nakamura runs to SLIDING KNEE! Rollins goes to a corner, Nakamura runs in but blocks boots! Nakamura puts Rollins in ropes, ROUNDHOUSE and SLIDING GERMAN! Nakamura shouts, ‘C’MON!” He avoids Priest’s boot to KICK the bad leg! Nakamura puts Priest on the apron to KNEE LIFT! And then GIULLOTINE KNEE DROP! Fans fire up with the King of Strong Style as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Priest brawls with Rollins, forearm for forearm! Rollins gets the edge, whips Priest to ropes but Priest reverses. Rollins KICKS Priest away! Nakamura returns, runs at Rollins, but into a BUCKLE SHOT! Rollins goes to the apron, Priest runs in but Rollins shoulders him away. Rollins goes up top, DOUBLE CROSSBODY! Fans fire up as Nakamura and Priest both go down! They both bail out, and Rollins takes aim to DIVE! Direct hit on Priest at the ramp! Rollins keeps moving, and DIVES onto Nakamura! Direct hit at the desk! Rollins gets back in and fires up even more!
Rollins DIVES into a right from Priest! Priest gets in to back elbow in the corner! Rollins flops out but Nakamura fires off a strike fest on Priest! Nakamura boots, whips, but Priest reverses. Priest runs in, but only gets buckles! ROUNDHOUSE! Fireman’s carry onto the corner, TOP SHELF KNEE! Nakamura then goes up, for the FLYING KNEE! Cover, TWO! Priest is hanging tough and Nakamura grows a little frustrated. Nakamura throws forearms, waistlocks, but Priest stops the lift. Rollins joins in, O’Conner Rolls Nakamura, TWO! Rollins kicks Priest low, underhooks, but elbows Nakamura away! Priest dumps Rollins out!
Priest DECKS Nakamura, turns around, and he catches Rollins out of the air, FLATLINER! Cover, TWO!! Priest snarls, he brings Rollins up but sees Nakamura stand. Priest rushes Nakamura, Nakamura dodges the rolling elbow, but then DOUBLE ROUNDHOUSES hit! Rollins SUPERKICKS Priest! Nakamura ducks, Rollins ducks, but Nakamura WHEEL KICKS! All three men are down and the fans fire up again! “This is Awesome!” as all three men stir. Priest crawls after Rollins and Nakamura, and he throws forearms and elbows. Rollins ROCKS Priest, Nakamura KICKS Priest, then Rollins CHOPS Nakamura!
Priest ROCKS Rollins, CHOPS Nakamura, but Rollins and Nakamura hit him back! Rollins CHOPS, Priest fires off fast forearms, then knees! Priest kicks but Nakamura blocks to kick the legs out! Rollins SUPERKICKS again! Nakamura gets Rollins in a SLEEPER! Rollins flails, reaches out, but Nakamura KNEES him low! INVERTED EXPLODER, but Rollins lands on his feet! DISCUS LARIAT! Fans fire up for Rollins as he hurries to position Nakamura. Rollins then climbs a corner, but Priest trips him up! And then drags him into the crucifix! But the leg gives out! CURB STOMP!! Rollins covers, Nakamura breaks it in time!!
Rollins snarls as Nakamura staggers to his feet. Nakamura stares Rollins down and wags his finger. Rollins won’t let Nakamura take this title from him, but Nakamura just says, “C’MON!!” And the forearms start flying! Fans fire up as they go back and forth. They start slowing down, but Nakamura hits harder! Rollins hits harder! Nakamura fires a flurry! And then winds back, but misses! ROLLING ELBOW from Rollins! Turn and DREAM- NO, Nakamura ducks the DREAM SMASHER Rollins! And then INVERTED EXPLODER! Direct hit this time and Nakamura is ready! “YAO~!” But Priest CLOBBERS Nakamura!
Priest hurries to TOSS Rollins out, and he drags Nakamura back up! But Nakamura kicks the bad leg! And again! And then rolling takedown into a KNEEBAR!! Priest flails, reaches out, and fans rally up! Rollins FROG SPLASH OUTTA NOWHERE!! And then a PEDIGREE for Nakamura!! Cover, Rollins wins!!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall (advances to later tonight)
The Visionary saw his opportunity and he took it! Rollins is one step closer to the brand new title, will he take the next step in the semifinals?
Imperium arrives backstage.
Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci announce as such as they walk the halls, and let us know that next week, Der Ring General is coming! They tell Akira Tozawa to pay attention, even though he’s on the phone. Gunther is coming next week! Oh, but if it isn’t the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions, Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens. Kevin says they were talking. Well, in case you missed it, Imperium is here, and next week- Okay, okay, that’s all well and good, but Kevin & Sami were in the middle of something. Something kinda important, actually, but just give them five minutes and they’ll talk with them about whatever they want.
Five minutes? Kevin’s pretty sure this will only take seconds. Vinci says perhaps they didn’t hear Imperium. They do not deal with disrespect. They are IMPERIUM! Oh, well, you’ll still be that in five minutes, right? So just come back and they’ll talk. Take a hint. And then Ludwig puts his finger in Kevin’s face. What’s with that? Ludwig says they surely didn’t try and disrespect them. With Gunther arriving next week, that would put Kevin & Sami in a very unfortunate situation, if you know what he is saying. Vinci says that what Ludwig is saying, is that if the champs keep disrespecting them, they are putting themselves and their titles in serious danger.
Kevin asks if these guys are Gunther’s henchmen. Like how Roman has the Usos. What’s with people having henchmen around here? Can’t anyone do anything on their own? Sami says this is different. They’ve dealt with The Usos for months and months and months. These guys are going to be dealt with in one night. And if they have a problem with that, then see you in the ring tonight! Imperium accepts the challenge and leaves. Will the Prizefighter & Great Liberator shut down Gunther’s soldiers night one? Or will the mat be sacred?
Otis w/ Chad Gable & Maxxine Dupri VS ???
The Alpha Academy’s prized pupil, Maximum Male Models’ number one prospect, the tree trunk can do both. Or can he? Will this match finally decide if it’s Otis or “Otíse?”
Raw returns and Otis’ opponent is Mustafa Ali. The bell rings and Otis circles with Ali. They tie up, Ali gets around for a SLEEPER, but Otis bucks him right off! Gable and Maxxine both cheer, and Otis whips Ali to ropes. Ali ducks ‘n’ dodges and dropkicks! Ali dropkicks again! Ali runs, but Otis runs him over! Maxxine says chef’s kiss. Gable says that’s how it’s done! Otis brings Ali up and trophy lifts! But Ali fights free! Ali fires hands, but Otis blocks the whip. Otis whips Ali up and out, but Ali skins the cat and shoulders in! Ali slingshots up and over and keeps moving, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but gets CLOBBERED!
Otis stalks Ali to a corner and SPLASHES! Ali falls and fans fire up as Otis tears off the shirt. Gable fires Otis up, but Maxxine says no! Gable says yes, Maxxine says no, but the fans are on Gable’s side! Otis agrees with Master Gable, but Maxxine keeps saying no. Otis runs in normally, but Ali moves! Otis POSTS himself! Ali goes up top and 450 SPLASHES! Cover, ALI WINS!
Winner: Mustafa Ali, by pinfall
Ali celebrates like he’s in the World Heavyweight Championship tournament or something, but that’s just part of his positive attitude. As for Maxxine and Gable, they argue over who is to blame for Otis’ loss. Will Otis have to think for himself next time?
The Miz speaks.
“You are looking at the first-ever two-time Grand Slam Champion in the history of this company! I am a history maker! The biggest celebrity, biggest star, the only true workhorse in this tournament. And when I win the World Heavyweight Championship, you will put respect on my name! Because I’m the Miz! And I’m…” The theme song says “AWESOME~!” and Miz makes his entrance. Will the Hollywood A-Lister make this tournament must-see? Or will someone else steal the spotlight to face Rollins in the main event?
WWE World Heavyweight Championship Tournament Triple Threat: Cody Rhodes VS Finn Balor VS The Miz!
Raw returns and The Prince of Judgment Day makes his entrance. Then the American Nightmare makes his entrance again, so fans get to sing his theme song again. The bell rings and Miz rushes Cody. Cody dodges to ROCK Finn, then he dodges Miz again. Miz ROCKS Finn right out of the ring! Cody rolls Miz up, TWO! Cody dropkicks Miz down and Miz bails out. Cody builds speed but Finn CLOBBERS him! Finn flexes but Miz rolls up Cody! TWO and Finn rolls up Miz! TWO and Cody CLOBBERS Finn, then CLBOBERS Miz! Cody fires forearms in the corner but Miz clubs Cody from behind.
Miz whips, Cody reverses and RUSSIAN LEG SWEEPS! Cody then kicks Finn, suplexes, and GOURD BUSTERS Finn onto Miz! Cover on Miz, TWO! Cody takes a moment to watch where the others go. They both go outside, so Cody DIVES to take them both out! Cody is all fired up as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns as Finn stands and Cody is up top! Cody DOUBLE MISSILE DROPKICKS Finn and Miz! Fans fire up as all three men are down! Cody shakes out the bad arm, he stands and counter punches Finn! And counter punches Miz! And repeat! Cody kicks Miz, he kicks Finn, DOUBLE RHODES UPPERCUTS! Cody whips but Miz reverses, only for Cody to forearm smash! Cody goes up and over Miz to POWERSLAM Finn! And then POWERSLAM for Miz! Finn brings Miz up but Cody springboards, DOUBLE CODY CUTTER! Cody roars and Jacksonville is with him! The bad arm slows Cody down but he stalks Finn.
Cody dragon sleepers, but Finn spins it around! But Cody drops to KICK Finn! Finn swings, misses, Cody springboards to DISASTER KICK! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up and Cody reels Finn in. Finn fights free of the bomb, trips Cody, but Cody avoids the stomps! Miz gets in, kicks both men, and DOUBLE BASEMENT DDTS! Cover on Cody, TWO! Miz keeps focus, even as fans taunt his “TINY BALLS!” Miz shouts “MASSIVE BALLS!” But Cody arm-drags the full nelson! Finn SLINGBLADES Miz! Cody clotheslines Miz out! Finn rolls Cody, TWO! Finn gets around, dragon sleeper, ELBOW DROP DDT! Cover, TWO!
Finn goes to a corner, runs in, and SHOTGUNS Cody into another corner! Cody falls into the drop zone and Finn heads up top! COUP DE- NO, Cody moves! Miz RAMS Finn into Cody! Then Miz hits Finn with a SKULL CRUSHIGN FINALE!! Cover, Cody breaks it!! Cody saves this for himself, and he brings Miz up to TOSS him out! Cody goes back to Finn, and he waits on Finn to rise. Fans fire up as Cody dragon sleepers, but Finn cradle counters! TWO, and Finn swings, into the dragon sleeper! CROSS RHODES! Miz TOSSES Cody! Cover, but Cody drags Miz right off! CROSS RHODES!!
Cody holds on, he brings Miz up again, CROSS RHODES!! But Cody still holds on! A THIRD CROSS RHODES!! Cody crawls to the cover, but BROCK LESNAR drags him off?! Lesnar is here!? And he F5s Cody to the floor!! The Beast, black eye and stitched up forehead, looms over Cody. Finn goes up, to COUP DE GRACE on Miz! Cover, Finn wins!!
Winner: Finn Balor, by pinfall (advances to later tonight)
The Prince gets the win because the Beast screwed Cody! And Lesnar isn’t done, either! Lesnar hauls Cody up to F5 him through the announce desk!! Fans boo but Lesnar gets a mic. Lesnar tells Cody, “So, Cody, whaddya wanna talk about? Look at this face. LOOK AT THIS FACE!! What do you wanna talk about, Cody? Huh? What do you wanna talk about? I wanna talk about me. Me, Cody. I wanna talk about me. ME! ME! ME, ME, ME!! Cody Rhodes! Look at my face! You wanna take credit for this, Cody? You lucked into this face. You lucked into the victory Saturday night. I wanna talk about a fight. A FIGHT! I WANNA FIGHT!!
“You. Me. Night of Champions. A fight. What do you gotta say about that? Who is the coward now?” Lesnar drops the mic and now refs and producers approach. Lesnar takes his leave, Adam Pearce checks on Cody. Lesnar wants to end Cody’s story, will that happen in less than three weeks at Night of Champions?
A medic walks with Cody backstage.
They make it to the medical room, what will Cody’s physical status be after this newest round of brutality by the Beast?
Rhea Ripley w/ Dominik Mysterio VS Dana Brooke!
The SmackDown Women’s Champion defeated Zelina Vega in front of Zelina’s family, friends and devoted fans in Puerto Rico, and she looks to still run Monday Nights. But can the #FlexAppeal make a triumphant return to action? Or will she simply be eradicated?
The bell rings and Dana SHOTGUNS Rhea! Dana fires off fast forearms but Rhea shoves her away and HEADBUTTS Dana down! Dommy cheers on Mami as she rains down forearms! Rhea then brings Dana up to SMACK her off the mat! Rhea talks trash and HIP DROPS Dana. Fans are torn but that might just be Dom’s presence. Rhea drags Dana up but Dana avoids the hip drop to CHOP BLOCK! Rhea hobbles after Dana but Dana JAWBREAKERS! Dana ducks ‘n’ dodges to wheelbarrow and BULLDOG! Rhea flounders, Dana goes up a corner, and Dana leaps, only for Rhea to catch her! Rhea grins and hits a BACKBREAKER!
Rhea deadlifts into the RIPTIDE!! But Rhea doesn’t cover, she wants to make Dana suffer. PRISM TRAP!! Dana taps, Rhea wins!
Winner: Rhea Ripley, by submission
Dom helps Rhea celebrate and she holds up the SmackDown Women’s Championship. But then she has Dom hold onto it so she can drag Dana back up! RIPTIDE!! And then the PRISM TRAP!! Fans boo as Rhea tortures Dana! Dana taps but it does no good now! But wait, here comes NATALYA! The Queen of Harts is back on Raw thanks to the Draft, and she steps up to Rhea Bloody Ripley! Fans fire up as Natty stares Rhea down, and then Rhea steps to Natty. Dom has Rhea hold on, whispers something to her, and then they leave. Fans boo but surely, Natty will come after Rhea’s throne soon enough.
Backstage interview with Zoey Stark.
Byron Saxton is with The Hunter, drafted from NXT to now be part of Monday Night Raw, and he says she is one of the most impressive superstars to come out of NXT. Now that she’s here, how does she handle the added expectations? That’s easy! She’s amazing! She has nothing but confidence in her abilities. And these other women… Wait, hold on. Come here. Nikki Cross is just off camera and Stark asks what she’s up to. This is why Zoey will succeed: there’s nothing but weirdos here! But hey! How about Stark and Nikki go 1v1 in Stark’s Raw debut? Nikki says if Stark wants to play, okay. Stark says they’ll see what Nikki’s got.
Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn VS Imperium!
The Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions felt disrespected by Imperium, and that made Imperium feel disrespected back! Will Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci learn about real respect? Or will they pave the way for Der Ring General, GUNTHER?
Raw returns as Imperium makes their entrance. The teams sort out and Sami starts against the Impeccable German. They circle, tie up, and Ludwig pulls hair to put Sami in a corner. The ref counts, Ludwig lets off, to then throw a body shot! Ludwig headlocks, grinds Sami down, but Sami fights up. Sami powers out but things speed up. Sami hurdles, arm-drags, and he has the armlock! Fans cheer and Sami brings Ludwig up. Ludwig chinbars Sami to ropes, whips free but Sami reverses. Vinci sneaks a tag as Ludwig whips, but Sami throws Ludwig out! Vinci CLOBBERS Sami from behind! Vinci stomps Sami, then brings him up.
Vinci UPPERCUTS Sami, whips him to ropes, but Sami goes up and over then LARIATS! Fans fire up as Sami bumps Vinci off buckles! Sami goes up, but Ludwig shoves him down into Vinci’s LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Vinci drags Sami over, tags Ludwig, and Imperium mugs Sami. Ludwig stomps away on Sami at the ropes, but lets off to taunt Kevin. Vinci CHOKES Sami! Fans boo but Vinci gets away with that, and Ludwig SLAPS Kevin! The ref keeps Kevin back but Imperium set Sami in the ropes! They DOUBLE DROPKICK Sami on the apron! Fans boo more but Imperium just soaks it up as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Sami throws hands on Ludwig! Sami reaches for Kevin but Ludwig RAMS him into the Imperium corner! And again, and again! Ludwig lets off as the ref counts, and then he taunts Sami as he crawls. Ludwig stomps Sami, whips him away, but Sami holds ropes. Ludwig runs in but Sami TOSSES him! Fans fire up as Vinci shouts at Ludwig. Vinci hurries in, gets Sami’s feet, but Sami BOOTS him away! Hot tag to Kevin! Kevin rallies on Ludwig with haymakers! Jacksonville is thunderous but the rf counts. Kevin stops at 4 and he roars! Kevin fires off haymakers in the corner, then whips Ludwig to ropes for a BIG back drop!
Ludwig stands into the atomic drop and LARIAT! Fans fire up again as Kevin huffs and puffs and stomps, CHOPS and SLAPS! Kevin goes corner to corner, but he has to CLOBBER Vinci first! Ludwig runs up, into a kick and pump handle, FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Ludwig survives but Kevin goes up top! SWANTON BOMB!! Cover, Vinci breaks it! Kevin DECKS Vinci, then stomps him out of the ring! Kevin drags Ludwig up but Ludwig UPPERCUTS! Vinci tags in, Imperium hits Kevin with a HIGH LOW! Cover, TWO!! Vinci argues the count but the count was fair. Vinci coordinates with Ludwig and fetches Kevin.
Ludwig tags in, Imperium mugs Kevin, and Ludwig whips Kevin to a corner. Ludwig runs in to UPPERCUT! And GAMANGIRI! Ludwig keeps going but Kevin LARIATS him inside-out! Fans fire up as both men are down, and Sami stands back up to the corner! Kevin and Ludwig crawl, hot tag to Vinci and he BLASTS Sami! Vinci fires off on Kevin, fans boo as Ludwig goes up. Vinci hauls Kevin up but Kevin back drops! Ludwig hops down, into a STUNNER! Vinci rolls Kevin, with tights! TWO!! Kevin dodges the lariat to SUPERKICK! Hot tag to Sami! Kevin runs in at Vinci, is put on the apron, but a HELLUVA KICK outta nowhere!! Cover, Sami & Kevin win!
Winners: Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn, by pinfall
The tag team champions stand tall! Will Imperium get an ear full from Gunther next week?
Sonya Deville & Chelsea Green are backstage.
They want people to sign their petition to save the ocean, and they come across Xia Li. Reduce, reuse, recycle. What? What? Never mind, just sign. Xia obliges, and then Sonya & Chelsea find three more people. It’s The Way! Johnny Gargano, Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell! Surely, they wanna sign this, as it stands against “the injustices of the world.” Uh, sure, yes. All those injustices. What it really is is a petition for Sonya & Chelsea to get a rematch for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships after they were unjustly cheated! Uh, Indi isn’t sure. She asks Dexter his opinion. Dexter walks into frame, and gives a thumbs down!
Well, there you have it. Fine! Just know, you’ll all regret this when Sonya & Chelsea become champions. And Lumis should smile! This IS him smiling. But Gargano is happy to have the family back together again. And like he was saying, he’s coming back soon. Candice isn’t sure. No, it is! Candice can tell, Lumis is saying it’s not great with his eyes. Will The Way find their way to the top of Raw now that they’re all together?
Zoey Stark VS Nikki Cross!
The challenge was made, and the challenge was accepted, and this could get downright crazy! Will Stark begin a new hunt here on Raw? Or will she learn that being a weirdo isn’t a weakness?
Raw returns and Stark makes her entrance. The bell rings and Stark SLAPS Nikki! Nikki fires off in return! They end up in a corner, the ref counts, and Nikki lets off. But Stark kicks low to throw Nikki into the corner! Stark stomps away, CLUBS Nikki, then stomps more! The ref backs Stark off, and she runs back in. Nikki puts Stark on the apron, but Stark bumps Nikki off the buckles! Nikki falls, Stark slingshots for an outside-in SENTON! Fans boo but Stark CLOBBERS Nikki! Cover, TWO! Stark clamps onto Nikki with a chinlock and thrashes her around. Nikki endures, even as Stark leans on her.
Nikki fights up, throws body shots, and JAWBREAKERS! Stark runs in but Nikki sends her into buckles! Nikki ROCKS Stark with forearm after forearm! Fans rally up but Stark shoves Nikki away, only for Nikki to ROCK her again! Nikki whips, Stark reverses, but Niki goes up and over. Things speed up. Nikki ducks ‘n’ dodges to dropkick the legs out! Nikki keeps going to DROPKICK! Nikki roars, fans fire up with her, and she runs in to SPLASH in the corner! Nikki then goes up, reels Stark in, and TORNADO- NO! Stark throws Nikki away, SUPERKICKS, and Z 360!! Cover, Stark wins!
Winner: Zoey Stark, by pinfall
The Hunter takes down her prey, and she looks hungry for more! Will she soon hunt down the title, whoever has it?
Backstage interview with Rhea & Dom.
Byron is with the champion and asks her about her roll as of late. From winning to Backlash to tonight, but she had an interesting interaction with Natalya. As the SmackDown Women’s Champion, but Raw’s #1 overall draft pick, is she feeling any extra pressure? Rhea says she welcomes the pressure. It comes with running the division. Wait, who is laughing their way over here? It’s Akira Tozawa and Xavier Woods. Dom tells them to shut up and show respect when Mami is talking! Oh, Dominik Mysterio, looking like he got his outfit from a lost ‘n’ found. Relax, man!
Oh, Woods thinks he’s a comedian, huh? He thinks he’s funny? He won’t be so funny when Dom punches him right in the face! Oh, well, Woods just got to Raw and he’s been looking for a fight. How about tonight? Rhea steps up, Tozawa steps away. Rhea says Dom-Dom accepts. Dumb-Dumb accepts? Cool. Bye, Dumb-Dumb. Bye, Mami. Tozawa, where’d you go? Woods is ready to play, but will it be game over against #ExConDom?
Trish Stratus puts up missing posters.
She’s looking for Becky Lynch! Trish is making her way towards gorilla as she hands them out, but will she explain exactly why she’s doing this?
Trish Stratus heads to the ring.
And fans boo the entire time. Trish gets the mic and says, “Have you guys seen her? Hey, Kevin (Patrick), I know as a fellow countryman, you’re very concerned, you’re very worried, but don’t worry, honey, we’re gonna find her, okay? So cheer up, buttercup. Go Ireland!” Trish knows the fans are worried, so is she. Becky Lynch is missing! But the work they’re gonna do here today, her using all her platforms and tools, and she even has Corey Graves tweet for her real quick. She feels that Becky will be found. And when they do find her, the fans can all say, “Thank You, Trish.” Fans boo instead right now.
Trish says Becky will be found in some dark, dank corner of Iowa, sitting in the corner with her dumb little daughter. What? No, she IS dumb. She doesn’t even know her colors, she’s only two. But Becky will be found, will come back, but not to Raw because this is Trish’s show. This is Trish’s spotlight, and to be clear, no one is going to steal her spotlight. She doesn’t care if you’re Becky Freakin’ Lynch, no one steals her spotlight. WAIT! BECKY’S HERE NOW!? Nope, Trish got us with the oldest trick in the book! She says we’re all so dumb and gullible, like when Becky thought Trish was her friend.
Trish mocks the fans that Becky was gonna get Trish, but she never will because she’s never coming back. Trish wants to tell us a little story. One time, Trish’s daughter wanted this cute little doll, and so Trish bought it for her, and they brought it home, and- Fans chant ‘BECKY! BECKY!” Trish says they’re all idiots, Becky’s NOT here. But that name is fitting, because that’s what Trish’s daughter wanted to name the doll! She wanted to name it after Becky Lynch! Trish said, “Why would you want to call her Becky?” Because Becky’s pretty and- Wait, the theme song is hitting again? Trish says no, they did the joke already.
But that’s because Becky REALLY IS BACK!! Trish senses it, turns around slowly, and Becky smiles. Before she DECKS Trish! And again! And then UPPERCUTS! Becky scoops Trish, for the BECKSPLODER!N Trish flounders away and Becky dares her to come back for more! Becky gets the mic while fans fire up, and Becky tells Trish, “You want me, Trish, I’m right here! The Man has come around to kick yer ass!” Seems Trish’s work did pay off, because Becky’s back! Will Becky “thank” Trish by bringing her into the Big Time?
Kevin, Sami and Adam Pearce check in with Cody.
He has ice on his ribs, and luckily it is only bruised, not broken. So what’s gonna happen now? Pearce says nothing right now. But will Cody choose to take Brock up on that challenge?
Xavier Woods VS Dominik Mysterio w/ Rhea Ripley!
No Big E, no Kofi Kingston, but no stopping the Power of Positivity! Will Woods hold it down for the New Day? Or will “the most dangerous man” on Monday Night Raw ruin Woods’ good time?
Raw returns and Dom makes his entrance, Mami by his side. Fans boo Dom, the bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Woods headlocks and he hits a takeover. Dom keeps his shoulders up, Rhea coaches him, and Dom reaches for a headscissor. Woods moves around, turns Dom over, and then ties up the legs to float and get the deathlock! Dom gets the ROPEBREAK, and Woods lets off fast. The fans chant “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” Rhea distracts Woods by shouting he’s nothing but the third man in his team! Dom runs in but Woods sees him. Dom stops, offers a handshake, but Woods knows better than that.
Woods blocks the cheap shot, spins Dom, but Dom whips him away to then kick low and throw Woods down by his hair! Dom soaks up the heat, speed up, but runs into a DROPKICK! Fans fire up with Woods, he brings Dom up and CHOPS him to a corner. Woods throws body shots in the corner, Rhea protests but Woods CHOPS again! Woods throws more body shots, but Dom YANKS Woods into buckles! Dom stomps away on Woods, then blows a kiss to Mami. Fans boo but Dom goes after Woods. Woods throws hands! Dom dodges, and dropkicks Woods onto ropes! Dom dials it up but Woods drop toeholds back!
Woods dials it up! Woods hits the SLIDING ATTACK! Dom flounders, Woods goes up, CROSSBODY! Woods brings Dom up, puts him in a corner and fires off shots! Rhea protests, the ref counts, and Woods stops at 4. Woods backs up, runs in, but Dom throws him up and out! Woods SMACKS off steel steps and Rhea laughs at him! Fans boo but Woods is dazed as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and WOods fights out of a chinlock! Woods mule kicks, then reels Dom in, but Dom wrenches out to ROCK Woods! Dom reels Woods in, snap suplex! He holds on because that’s Uno Amigo! Fans boo as Dom suplexes, DOS AMIGOS! Dom brings Woods up again, for THREE AMIGOS! Cover, TWO! Dom and Rhea argue the count but the ref says it was fair. Dom clamps onto Woods with a chinlock and squeezes tight. Rhea coaches Dom on, but then tells fans to shut up as they rally for Woods. Woods fights up, throws body shots, and he ROCKS Dom with a forearm! And CHOPS! And ROCKS him again!
Woods forearms and CHOPS over and over at the rope! Woods whips, Dom reverses but Woods ducks ‘n’ dodges ‘n’ slides, to then ROLLING ELBOW! Fans fire up as Dom goes to a corner. Woods runs in to forearm smash! And whip corner to corner, to clotheslines! Snapmare and HONOR ROLL! Woods fires up and he brings Dom up. Dom throws Woods out, but Woods shoulders back in! Woods steps in, TORNADO DDT! Fans fire up, Woods covers, TWO! Rhea is relieved and tells Dom that was too close. Woods has the fans behind him, “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” Woods stands Dom up, scoops, but Dom slips free!
Dom shoves, Woods elbows him back! Dom comes back, to UPPERCUT Woods! Cover, TWO! Woods is still in this and Dom is frustrated. Dom drags Woods to the ropes, stomps him, then goes out to the apron. Dom gives some Latino Heat and the fans boo. Dom slingshots, but Woods trips him up! Dom falls to the floor, Woods brings him up to the apron, and CLUBS away as he has Dom on the ropes! The ref counts, Woods lets off to go to the corner. GUILLOTINE MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Rhea is relieved again, but Woods drags Dom around now. Woods puts Dom in a drop zone and then goes to the apron.
Woods climbs, tightrope walks, LIMITBREAKER misses as Rhea drags Dom out! Dom gets in, Oklahoma Roll with tights! DOM WINS!
Winner: Dominik Mysterio, by pinfall
Fans boo as Dom-Dom only wins thanks to Mami! But with tactics like these, will the Judgment Day soon take over all of Raw?
Indus Sher speaks.
Jinder Mahal (re)introduces us to Veer & Sanga, “two international juggernauts united as one force of destruction. These two men have conquered continents and obliterated competition all over the world. And now, we’re ready to bring unprecedented levels of pain. We have waited patiently for our moment to strike. From the shadows, we emerge to shake the very foundation of Monday Night Raw.” The Modern Day Maharaja is bringing two massive allies with him, will they soon take over Raw?
Shinsuke Nakamura scowls backstage.
The Miz walks over and shakes his head. Nakamura has nothing to say? Nothing? Miz told Nakamura that Raw is different from SmackDown and they should have each other’s backs! If Nakamura and Miz were united, they’d both still be in this tournament! But instead, Nakamura lost! Yeah, well so did Miz! Not the point! Look! Miz is willing to forgive the disrespect if Nakamura will just give their team a chance. It’s a win-win! Think of the audience, the chants! #MIZUKENAKAMURA!! What does he say? Nakamura says Miz is right, Nakamura has nothing and this could be his opportunity.
So next week, The Miz, Shinsuke Nakamura… 1v1! Wait, what? Yeah, mano-a-mano! It’s gonna be AWESOME~! Miz says that’s the opposite of what he wanted. Will Miz sticking his foot in his mouth soon get him a knee upside the head?
Sonya & Chelsea continue petitioning.
They need a few more signatures to meet the quota. Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez walk over, saying they’ll sign it. Because ladies, they heard about the campaign, and honestly, if they wanted a rematch, Sonya & Chelsea simply had to #WomanUp and ask. It would’ve been so much easier. Liv takes the clipboard and pen, writes her name and even kisses the paper. Raquel adds her own signature, and Liv says after she and Raquel get through Damage CTRL, they’ll see Sonya & Chelsea next week. Sonya & Chelsea laugh. Not that they don’t love having the champs’ support, but this wasn’t specifically to challenge Liv & Raquel.
Sonya says they imagined DMG CTRL winning, and then Sonya & Chelsea would face Bayley & Dakota. HAHA! They leave, Liv & Raquel mock the laughter, and it’s a good thing the champs don’t lean on a plan. Will Morgan & Rodriguez still be #LivingLarge after SmackDown this Friday?
Backstage interview with Cody Rhodes.
Cathy asks him about the brutal attack by Lesnar, and how disappointed he is to no longer be in the World Heavyweight Championship tournament. Cody chuckles, and says, “I know you’re obligated to ask that question. Obviously, I don’t know. Obviously, I don’t feel good. Obviously now, I don’t get to be the first World Heavyweight Champion on Monday Night Raw in a tournament that, respectfully, was mine to win. So I really… I’m sorry. What else is there to say?” Cody turns to go but then turns back to say, “Actually, here’s what I do know. This is the second time, the second time, that Brock Lesnar has attacked me for no reason. And from behind, again, for no reason.
“The only reason I can think of is that Brock Lesnar’s long-reigning grip on the main event scene, his monopoly over the main event scene, that grip has been released. Because by every measurable metric there is, I have been the man around here. And at Backlash, I proved it. I pinned Brock Lesnar, and I don’t think Brock Lesnar can handle that. And here he is tonight, grabbing me by the throat, asking me to fight.” Cody turns to the camera to say, “Wanna fight, Brock Lesnar? You wanna fight me? Against all my better judgment, here’s what I have to say. Let’s fight! At Night of Champions, I accept.” Is the American Nightmare’s story not done yet?
WWE World Heavyweight Championship Tournament Raw Finals: Seth Rollins VS Finn Balor!
The more things change, the more they stay the same. Or rather, the more history there is to make, the more history seems to repeat itself. The Visionary and The Prince once battled to be the inaugural Universal Championship. Now they battle to see who moves on to Night of Champions! Will history repeat itself with Finn standing tall? Or will Rollins #BurnItDown once again?
Raw returns and Rollins once again makes his entrance. The fans once again sing “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” for him, and the bell rings. Rollins and Finn stare down, both men remembering that day at SummerSlam. They tie up, Finn waistlocks then headlocks to hit a takeover, but Rollins headscissors. Finn kips free, and Rollins uses Scott Hall fingers to taunt him. Fans cheer and the two reset. They feel things out, tie up, and Finn wrenches to a wristlock. Rollins rolls, kips and wrenches back! Finn gets the ropes, and the ref counts. Rollins lets off, Finn shakes out the arm, and the two reset again.
They knuckle lock, Finn shoots around to snapmare, but Rollins turns hammerlock around onto Finn. Finn goes back to ropes, the ref counts, and Rollins lets off, but Finn cheap shots Rollins! Rollins JABS, throws haymakers, but Finn knees low. Finn throws Rollins to the apron, Rollins shoulder sin and slingshots over! But Finn rolls through to basement dropkick! And Finn clotheslines Rollins out of the ring! Finn goes out the side, runs around the way, but Rollins SLINGBLADES first! Fans fire up and sing for Rollins again. Rollins CHOPS Finn against barriers, puts Finn in the ring, and then aims from the apron.
Finn storms over, he anticipates the shoulder and kicks away on Rollins! Rollins is stuck in the ropes, and Finn goes out to bring Rollins off! BARRIER BOMB!! Payback for 2016! Rollins writhes and the ref checks on him as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again and Finn wrenches an arm to a hammerlock. Finn wrenches again but Rollins SLAPS him! Finn YANKS, wrenches, but Rollins SLAPS! Finn wrenches again, Rollins SLAPS and CHOPS and SLAPS! Finn kicks the bad arm! Finn whips, Rollins reverses and CLOBBERS Finn! And again! Fans rally as Rollins mule kicks, front kicks and DISCUS LARIATS Finn down! Finn goes to a corner, Rollins runs in to SPLASH! And then BACKBREAKER! Rollins shakes out the bad arm and he goes up the corner. Fans sing again, FROG SPLASH onto knees! Finn cradles, TWO! But he has the FUJIWARA ARMBAR!
Rollins endures and flails as Finn pushes back! Rollins reaches out and even bites his own thumb to ignore the pain in his arm! Fans rally, Rollins fights and rolls, but Finn gets around to SLINGBLADE! Finn aims from a corner, he runs in at Rollins, but into a SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Rollins and Finn are both down, catching their breath, and fans rally up. Rollins sits up, and he brings Finn up. But Finn throws body shots! Fans rally as Rollins throws forearms! Finn throws them back, they go shot for shot, and then Finn YANKS the bad arm! Rollins BOOTS Finn! Finn tumbles out and Rollins goes out the side!
Rollins hurries in around the way, but Finn SMACKS him off the apron! Rollins gives it back! Finn gives another! Rollins dribbles Finn more and more, and he goes all the way to TEN! Rollins puts Finn in before the ring count reaches 10, and he ROLLING ELBOWS! But Finn CHOPS! Rollins PELES! Finn wobbles, but he PELES back! Both men are down again and fans fire back up! Rollins crawls to a corner, Finn goes to the opposite end. They talk some trash, they stand back up, and they rush back in! DOUBLE FOREARMS! And again! Finn body scissors to STOMP 182! Finn hurries up the corner!
Finn aims, but Rollins leaps up after him! SUPERPLEX! Roll through, FALCON ARROW but Finn slips out! Dragon sleeper, BLOODY SUNDAY!! Cover, TWO!!! Rollins survives! Finn is too tired to be upset, and he’s tasting blood in his mouth from a busted lip. Rollins and Finn slowly stir, and Finn forces himself up. Finn storms up and he stomps away on Rollins! The ref has Finn back off but Finn pushes him away! SHOTGUN to the back! Rollins flounders around, Finn SHOTGUNS him into a corner! Rollins is in the drop zone, Finn goes back up top! COUP DE- NO, Rollins dodges! Finn staggers into a kick!
Rollins underhooks, holds on with his one good arm, PEDIGREE!! Cover, TWO!!! Finn survives! And Rollins seethes as he rises back up. Rollins gets a wild look in his eyes, and he waits on Finn. Fans sing “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” as Finn sits up. Rollins runs in, but Finn dodges! Roll-up, but Rollins rolls through! CURB STOMP to the face! And then a CURB STOMP proper!! Cover, Rollins wins!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)
He is a Visionary, he is a revolutionary, and he is still a contender! Rollins had a bad arm, but Finn should’ve gone after a leg, because now Rollins is stepping closer to the title! Will Rollins win it all in Saudi Arabia? Who will he be facing from Friday Night SmackDown?
My Thoughts:
A really good Raw here to follow up Backlash and to give us our first taste of the new rosters. Good first match on Raw for Zoey Stark, though the fans didn’t seem to care one way or another. Maybe it was because she was facing Nikki Cross and Nikki hasn’t exactly been booked the best these days. Though, I suppose neither has Dana Brooke, as she got squashed by Rhea. Natalya stepping to Rhea was a good way to establish Natty is back on Raw, and maybe this gives Rhea her title match for Night of Champions. I’m mostly surprised they didn’t do anything in regards to the title swap with Bianca. Maybe Rhea and Bianca interact on SmackDown for that?
Rhea and Dom had a good promo with Woods and Tozawa to set up a match. Rhea helping Dom win makes sense, because duh, Heels. This could be the start of a really good feud, especially if it lasts long enough for Kofi to make a return and back Woods up. Good match out of Otis VS Ali and the conflict between Gable and Maxxine was of course the reason Otis lost. This has to lead to some kind of match for the fate of Otis. Maybe Alpha Academy VS Mace & Mansoor 2v2, winning team keeps Otis. And good promo from Jinder to set up the Raw debut of Indus Sher. I know Indus Sher are Heels, but I would love to see them take on Imperium or Judgment Day, all big trios faction stuff.
Speaking of Imperium, good promo from them with Kevin and Sami, and them insisting on people fearing Gunther feels like the most personality Ludwig & Vinci have gotten to show since being called up. Great match out of Kevin & Sami VS Imperium, but it feels like a disconnect when Imperium got beat super fast by The Street Profits on SmackDown. Gunther probably faces Kevin or Sami next week, and that will be an awesome match either way. Not sure what we’re getting for Gunther at Night of Champions, and something still has to happen with the tag titles. Maybe Imperium and Indus Sher get in on a tag title opportunity and one of those teams get the titles before Night of Champion.
And speaking of tag titles, good promo stuff for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships. Sonya & Chelsea petitioning for a match is very fitting of their personas, and I like that they more or less scammed Xia Li and others into signing. Good to see 80% of The Way together here, Austin Theory being the only one on SmackDown. I think that’s the “he” Gargano referred to. But anyway, good on Liv & Raquel to step to Chelsea & Sonya. Pretty sure DMG CTRL loses because Iyo Sky passive aggressively gets back at Bayley for Backlash, so we’re definitely getting a rematch of Liv & Raquel VS Chelsea & Sonya next week.
And of course, great stuff out of the World Heavyweight Championship tournament story. Great opening promo from Cody, though I was surprised his match wasn’t the opener. Both Triple Threats were awesome, and Rollins was a natural choice as one semifinalist. Cody being screwed over by Lesnar makes sense, Lesnar is a sore loser, but it was still pretty surprising. And it had to happen this way rather than in the main event, because Triple Threats are No Disqualification, so Lesnar wouldn’t be handing Cody a win. They played up Cody taking damage well, and of course we’re getting a rematch from Backlash now. Big money for Lesnar, and he’ll probably still put Cody over, but this is all so Cody can chase the new WHC the rest of the year.
Nakamura and Miz had a good promo afterward, and of course we’re getting Nakamura VS Miz, that was basically set-up with their MizTV segment. And great main event with Finn VS Rollins. Again, Rollins was a natural choice to win, he will want to use this new WHC to prove a point to Roman who is really the top champion in WWE without actually having to face Roman. And from SmackDown, between Edge, AJ Styles, Bobby Lashley, Austin Theory and Rey Mysterio, I’m mostly crossing off Austin Theory as he’s still US Champion. Any of the other guys makes a great opponent for Rollins, but I feel like the only ones who could beat Rollins are Edge and Lashley as they’re unattached.
Rey and Styles both have factions they gotta stick with on SmackDown, but Edge and Lashley could move back to Raw through this WHC. Plus, Edge and Lashley each act as proxies to Roman given combinations of strength, speed, experience, and of course, using The Spear as a finisher. Rollins beating them is as close to beating Roman as he’ll get for the foreseeable future.
My Score: 8.7/10
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London calling to the champion crowns!
SmackDown brings gold to London as LA Knight defends his WWE US Championship and The Street Profits defend their tag team titles! Will the landscape change this close to WrestleMania?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly; The Profits win and retain the titles.
- Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice w/ Chelsea Green; The Secret Her-vice wins.
- WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman; Braun wins, by disqualification, and Knight retains the title.
- Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab; Charlotte wins.
- Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins.
- Jimmy Uso VS The Miz; Jimmy wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes is here!
We follow The American Nightmare as walks to gorilla, then through the curtain, and London sings along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, says hello to fans along the ramp, and then we get the second “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro. Cody goes to the ring, grabs a mic, then kneels down to kiss the WWE logo on the mat. The fans continue to sing along all the way to the end, “I AM MY KINGDOM!” The fans then cheer, and Cody holds up the belt to fire them up even more! The fans now sing for “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and he soaks it in. The fans cheer again as Cody smiles, and he finally says, “So, London~! Whaddya wanna talk about?”
The fans chant “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cody hears that dueling, and he smiles again. The song of “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” returns, then they cheer. Cody says, “At WrestleMania 41, I will be facing John Cena…” The fans boo, but Cody says, “I will be facing John Cena as he goes to break the record and win 17. But that is WrestleMania 41. In just a few nights, I will be standing face to face with John Cena in this very same city, in this very same arena.” The fans cheer that, but then here comes Randy Orton! Now the fans sing along with Voices as The Viper heads to the ring. Orton also high-fives fans before he joins Cody.
Orton grabs a mic, paces while the fans keep singing on their own, and then the fans cheer. Orton says he’s not really the sentimental type, but for Cody and for London, screw it. The fans chant “R K O! R K O!” and Orton tells Cody, “Look at you. Look at who you are now, the man you are now. Look at where he came from.” The fans cheer and sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and Orton says he remembers a Cody in his early 20s, just breaking into the business. Cody was busting his ass harder than anyone else. He wasn’t exactly happy, and in fact, he was frustrated. But Cody was man enough, smart enough, to know he needed to grow, and that he couldn’t grow in the WWE.
Cody wasn’t exactly treated fairly in the WWE, so Cody left the WWE! That took some big ass balls to do what he did! Cody changed the business singlehandedly, and everyone in the back knows it. And Orton appreciates Cody for it. But then Cody came back, as they all knew one day he would. And the industry has been changed forever since the day Cody came back to the WWE. Cody is a bit teary eyed as Orton says Cody’s still the same guy, he just did what he set out to do, and he grew. Orton teases he would sing along with the fans, but the fans might leave. The fans again sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!”
Orton asks if they remember when Cody Rhodes faced Seth Rollins in Hell in a Cell. The fans cheer because they do. Orton says that was impressive, and even impossible, as he started with a partially torn pec and then ended with a fully torn pec! His body changed all kinds of shades of purple that Orton’s never seen on a human body. The pain he must have been in. Cody persevered not just for himself. Maybe not even at all for Cody. It was not even for his family legacy; it was for each and every single fan out there! Then Cody went on to WrestleMania, beat Roman Reigns and finished the story!
But there’s always another story, isn’t there? And Cody’s right in the middle of one. Cody is in charge of his legacy, and it is a privilege for Orton to watch Cody take control of it. Ticket sales have been up, there’s more intrigue around the world, and listen to the people! It is 99.9% all because of Cody! The fans cheer that, and of course they sing. Orton says what he’s trying to say is a long-winded version of he respects Cody, loves him, and is very, very proud of him. The fans cheer that! Orton then says, “But… But now it is time for WrestleMania.” They both look to the sign, and Orton says he can guarantee Cody that Orton will kick Kevin Owens so hard in the head…!
Orton can just feel it already! He forgets how many days are left, but he can’t wait to remove Kevin’s head from his shoulders. And Orton knows Cody will enter champion, exit champion, but not before he beats the holy hell outta Cena all up and down the Vegas strip! But after all the smoke clears and the dust settles, just like Orton wants Number 17, there will come a time when Orton will want Number 15. But Orton won’t kick Cody in the balls like a coward. Orton will look Cody in the eye because he respects Cody, is proud of Cody, and sees him as an equal. Orton will look Cody in the eye and tell him that he’s coming for the title.
The fans cheer but wait! Drew McIntyre is here! The fans cheer the Scottish Terminator as he steps out on stage, mic in hand, and has a wry smile on his face as he looks at the ring. Drew waves as the fans now sing, “OH~ Drew McIntyre~!” Drew says, “Isn’t this wonderful? A couple of nepo babies having a love fest in the middle of the ring> It makes me absolutely sick. What’d you just say, Randy? if Cody gets through Cena at WrestleMania, you’re coming for that title? What exactly have you done since that big comeback to justify that title match? Aside be Randy Orton. The only big moment I can remember is you being on the shelf for months and months and months.
“People like to make jokes about it, but more people talk about my five-minute-45-second title reign than your entire comeback so far! So get to the back of the line, sunshine! As for you, Cody, you should’ve listened to me. But you shunned me. You attacked me. Everybody should’ve listened to me about John Cena, but they didn’t. And the next night, he kicked you right in the twig ‘n’ berries, proving me right as usual. And the main event of WrestleMania should be Cody Rhodes VS The UK’s only ever world champion, Drew McIntyre!” Fans do like that idea. But sadly, it’s not, because of that guyliner wearing Temu Undertaker, Damian Priest!
Drew wants to talk about what is happening. And what’s gonna happen! Drew steps up to the ring while fans sing for him again. Drew says it will not be Randy that takes the title from Cody, should he get through Cena; it’ll be McIntyre. The fans cheer, but Orton says they were trying to have a moment. Can Drew just cut the crap already? Drew says okay, sure. He’ll tell the truth, because that’s all he ever does. The truth is, Kevin might have a point! If those Voices are talking to Orton again, then they know Drew very, very well. And he’s thinking, “My God, Randy looks great! Absolutely jacked! On the outside.”
On the inside, that back is hanging by a thread. And if Orton provokes McIntyre, McIntyre will break him. And as for Cody- Cody kicks Drew and UPPERCUTS him! The fans fire up, and Orton R- NO, Drew gets away! The fans boo, but the battlelines are drawn! Even if Cody makes it out of the frying pan that is Las Vegas, it’ll be into the fire that is these contenders waiting in line! Will the American Nightmare be ready for whoever comes for the crown?
WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly!
Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins are finally golden again, but it’s time to put the titles on the line already! And while they’re ready for the grind, they’re up against the hometown heroes! Will the Profits still be up in the O2? Or will Kit Wilson & Elton Prince say #YESBOY to a new reign of their own?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really wants the smoke!
The teams sort out and Kit starts with Dawkins. They tie up, Dawkins headlocks, but Kit powers up and out. Dawkins runs Kit over, the fans fire up, and Dawkins fires hands on Kit in the corner! The fans rally for Pretty Deadly, Dawkins whips Kit to a corner, but Elton takes that bump! Kit CLOBBERS Dawkins, then tags Elton! Atomic drop into DROPKICK! Ford runs up, but into a DOUBLE HIP TOSS! Dawkins whips, Elton reverses, and then Elton hurdles so Kit can DDT! The fans fire up with Pretty Deadly while the Profits bail out. Pretty Deadly has control while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Elton is right on Dawkins as he gets in, and UPPERCUTS him to the corner. Elton clinches Dawkins for another UPPERCUT! Tag to Kit, and Elton RAMS into Dawkins so Kit can UPPERCUT! Dawkins flops over, Kit drags him up to wrench the arm. Kit whips, Dawkins reverses, but Kit grabs ropes. Kit ELBOWS Dawkins, DECKS Ford, but Dawkins CLOBBERS Kit! The ref reprimands but Dawkins RAMS Kit into the corner again and again! The ref counts, Dawkins fires fast hands, then he tags in Ford. Ford says, “SUCK IT!” then he KICKS Kit! Ford scuffs Kit, then drags him to a cover, TWO!
Ford keeps Kit down with a facelock, but Kit endures the grind. Kit fights up, fires body shots, but Ford whips him away. Kit sunset flips! Ford rolls through, and PENALTY KICKS! Ford mocks Elton with the Scott Hall fingers, and the ref has to keep Elton back. Ford drags Kit up, tags Dawkins, and the Profits mug Kit. Dawkins CLUBS Kit down, then stalks him. Dawkins stays between Kit and Elton, then whips Kit into the Profits’ corner. CYCLONE- NO, Kit dodges! Ford tags in, he keeps Kit from Elton now, but Kit slips out of the suplex! Kit fakes high to go low, hot tag to Elton! Elton rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT!
Elton kicks and whips Ford to a corner, then UPPERCUTS! Elton whips the other way, UPPERCUTS again, and then does it again! Elton adds to the hattrick with a lift, Ford says a quick prayer before the SUPLEX! Ford flounders, gets to his feet, but Elton dodges to springboard and FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Ford stays in this, but Elton stays on him. SmackDown returns to single picture and fans rally for Pretty Deadly as Elton gives Ford a back suplex. Ford lands out, waistlocks, but Elton switches and shoves Ford. Ford CLOBBERS Elton in return! Ford is also dazed but he covers, ONE!
Kit reaches out, Elton and Ford both crawl, hot tags to Kit and Dawkins! The fans fire up as Dawkins wrenches Kit, underhooks and SILENCER! Dawkins Electric Chair Lifts Kit, Ford climbs, but Kit slips free! Kit shoves Dawkins into Ford! Ford falls to the floor, but Dawkins ENZIGIRIS Kit! Elton tags in, and Kit LARIATS Dawkins! Pretty Deadly combine for DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Dawkins survives and the Profits are a bit unsure of what to do next. Dawkins crawls to a corner, Elton runs up, but Dawkins dodges! Elton hits buckles and Dawkins TOSSES Kit, then Dawkins hits a SKY HIGH on Elton!
Dawkins hurries to tag Ford and Ford climbs up! But Kit pushes Elton out of the way! Kit takes FROM THE HEAVESN, and Elton ghost pins Ford! TWO!! Ford escapes, and he ROCKS Elton! Elton UPPERCUTS Ford! Dawkins sneaks a tag, Ford SUPERKICKS! POUNCE SAIDO COMBO!! Cover, KIT BREAKS IT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! The teams go to opposite ends, then they all stand up in the corners. They all roar, all run in, and Kit SPEARS Ford while Elton FLYING UPPERCUTS Dawkins!! London is thunderous, and Kit hurries to tag in! Pretty Deadly gets Dawkins up, for SPILT MILK!! Cover, FORD BREAKS IT!
The fans are shocked, as is Elton, but Ford saves this for his team! “This is Awesome!” as Ford runs up and Elton TOSSES him out! Now DRY MARTI- NO! Dawkins doesn’t accept the second serving, and he DUMPS Kit out! Kit skins the cat while Dawkins DECKS Elton! Dawkins catches Kit to an Electric Chair! Ford rises, DOOMSDAY BLOCKBUSTER!! Cover, Profits win!
Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall (still WWE Tag Team Champions)
Pretty Deadly put up a heroic fight, but the hometown heroes could not capture the gold. Dawkins & Ford hold onto the gold, will this be the strongest the Profits have ever been?
Kayden & Katana talk with Zelina Vega.
Carter & Chance know La Muneca got screwed over by The Green Administration. Chelsea thinks she’s untouchable, but someone’s gonna stop them eventually. Well, speaking of, Alba Fyre leads the way in as she & Piper Niven “scope the perimeter.” There’s one small threat. They frisk the “miniscule” threat, but nothing they haven’t dealt with before. Chelsea struts in and says, “The Eagle has landed~!” Zelina says she is so glad the “Bootleg Men in Black” have crashed the party. Now, yeah, they all know she’s small. But clearly this small “threat” is a big threat to Chelsea’s title reign. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have taken all three of them to beat her.
KC Squared agree with that. How about tonight, we see what happens when the odds are even? Chelsea says that’s fine, because Agents P & A are ready. The Secret Her-vice has been given their next mission, but will they be able to crash the party? Or will the party crash them?
Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice!
SmackDown returns and The Green Administration makes their entrance. The teams sort out, Alba starts against Katana, and the two tie up. Alba KNEES low, CLUBS Katana down, then fireman’s carries. Katana fights free, tags Kayden, and they KICK, double whip, and then trip Alba up for the basement DROPKICK! Katana adds a slingshot SENTON, Kayden covers, TWO! Kayden tags Katana, they double whip Alba to a corner, then Kayden runs in. Alba DUMPS Kayden out, ROCKS Katana, and she tags Piper! Katana arm-drags Alba out, then goes out to run up. Kayden gives her a boost, Katana CROSSBODIES Alba down!
The fans fire up, but Piper goes up and out?! CANNONBALL and down goes KC Squared! Piper salutes Chelsea and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Kayden rallies on Alba while the fans rally up. Kayden fires up, runs in and whips, but Alba reverses. Kayden wheelbarrows, victory rolls, then SUPERKICKS! Kayden fires up again but the fans are torn. Kayden runs in at Alba to BOOT WASH her against the ropes! Chelsea protests, Kayden kicks at her, then Kayden springboards for a LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Alba survives, Kayden whips, but Alba KICKS back! Tag to Piper, but Kayden jackknife bridges Alba! The ref explains bout the tag, Piper runs up, but Kayden moves! The SENTON hits Alba! Piper panics, Kayden tags Katana!
Katana goes up onto Kayden’s shoulders, VICTORY ROLL LAUNCHER, but Piper catches Katana! Katana fires hands, BOOTS, and then hurries to go up again. Kayden ROCKS Piper, and fireman’s carries?! SAMOAN DROP! Kayden then gives Katana the boost, for the KEG STAND SPLASH!! Cover, ALBA BREAKS IT! Kayden runs up on Alba to BOOT her out! Katana gives Kayden the boost now, SUPER CROSSBODY onto Alba! Kayden hurries to tag back in, and she brings Piper up. Piper swings, Kayden dodges and SUPERKICKS! Katana goes up, Piper staggers over that way, but Chelsea distracts the ref!
The fans are torn as Alba grabs Katana. Katana kicks Alba down, chases Chelsea off, but Piper sends Kayden into her! Piper scoops to PIPER DRIVER!! Cover, Secret Her-vice wins!
Winner: The Secret Her-vice, by pinfall
The Women’s US Champion helps her team, and now they all mug Kayden & Katana! But here comes Zelina! Vega runs down the ramp, CLOBBERS Alba, and then she gets in the ring! Zelina tilt-o-whirl DDTS Piper! And she KNEES Alba off the apron! But Chelsea CLOBBERS Zelina! Chelsea fires up, the UK is oddly with her, and she chicken wings Zeina. But Zelina fights free to fire forearms and body shots! And a BACK ELBOW! Zelina reels Chelsea in, CODE- SUPERKICK from Alba! SENTON from Piper! The Green Administration is just too much for Zelina to fight against alone! But can she, Kayden & Katana find a way to turn things around?
WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman!
Did the Mega Star just get this title back from Shinsuke Nakamura? YEAH! Did he help the Monster of All Monsters fight off Solo Sikoa’s rouge bloodline? YEAH! And now, does he have to defend this title against the monster he just helped? YEAH!! But will Knight still reign this close to WrestleMania? Or will Braun #GetTheseHands back on a championship?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it’s time for Knight’s biggest challenge, YEAH!
The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two circle. The two tie up, and Braun SHOVES Knight away. Knight comes back, Braun SHOVES him down again! Knight gets up, gets around, and he headlocks. Braun powers up to back suplex, but Knight lands out! Knight tries but Braun’s too big to suplex! Braun ELBOWS Knight, storms up on him, but Knight fires haymakers! Knight whips, Braun reverses, but Knight KICKS back! Knight runs, but Braun HIP TOSSES! Cover, TWO! Knight stays in this, but Braun brings him up. Braun puts Knight in a corner, CHOPS, then runs, for a SPLASH! Knight sputters along ropes, Braun keeps moving, but Knight DUMPS him out!
The fans fire up as Knight then WRECKS Braun with a dropkick! Knight keeps moving, and he WRECKS Braun again! The fans fire up with Knight, but then Braun BOOTS Knight down! The fans are torn but Braun stands tall as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Braun puts Knight back in the ring. The fans cheer as Knight KICKS Braun! Knight tries again, but Braun’s still too big to back suplex! Braun CLUBS Knight, then runs in at the corner. Knight BOOTS Braun, goes up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Knight and Braun rise back up, and Knight dodges a shot to JAB! Then he dodges to JAB! JAB! JAB! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” But Braun KNEES low! Braun scoops, Knight slips free, and Knight RAMS Braun into buckles! Then the BACK SUPLEX! The fans fire up and Knight rises again! Knight spells it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!
Braun has plenty left in the tank but the fans rally for Knight. Knight stands Braun up to kick low, but Braun THROWS Knight away! Knight rises, and Braun LARIATS Knight up and out! The fans fire up as Braun rips the shirt! Braun gets on the track, and he runs in, STROWMAN EXPRESS MEETS JACOB FATU!! The Samoan Werewolf strikes Braun down!
Winner: Braun Strowman, by disqualification; LA Knight retains the title
The fans boo as Jacob now goes after Knight! He just ruined what was becoming a great match, but Jacob fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT on Braun! SAMOAN DROP onto the desk!! The desk doesn’t budge, but Braun might’ve been broken in half! The UK fires up for Fatu as he puts Braun in the ring! Jacob fires more HEADBUTTS, then HEADBUTTS away on Braun in the corner! The fans sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE, FATU~, FATU~!” Jacob runs corner to corner, but Knight kicks him first! Knight fires haymakers, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Jacob denies the BFT to POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! And then HIP ATTACK for Braun anyway!
Jacob keeps going, HIP ATTACK for Braun again! Jacob throws off his jacket, glares at Braun, and he runs in for a third HIP ATTACK! Braun flounders into the drop zone, so Jacob goes up, up, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! Direct hit on Braun, but the fans want that “ONE MORE TIME!” Jacob obliges, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! The Samoan Werewolf just tore up #OneBigSOB and LA Knight, will there be no stopping him from taking the United States Championship?
Backstage interview with Jimmy Uso.
Jackie Redmond is with #BigJim, and she says that while she knew WWE was going global this month, she did not know they’d get the slap heard ’round the world! Jimmy says he’d do it again, and he’ll slap Gunther as many times as he needs! Jimmy knows Jey is up in his own head, doubt is creeping on him. But just because Jey’s 0-3 against Gunther doesn’t mean Gunther’s unbeatable! The Ring General CAN be got! Jimmy’s going to Raw this Monday, he will bust Gunther’s ass, Jey will go to Mania and bust Gunther’s ass to become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. And then they leave Las Vegas just like this: YEET!
Jimmy heads out, but then The Miz & Carmelo Hayes walk by. Miz is mocking Jimmy’s words, and he asks excuse me. Miz says it’s just funny that suddenly, Jimmy is a tough guy, even though for most of his career, he’s been “The Other Uso.” Doesn’t Jimmy get it? Jimmy and Jey are career sidekicks while Gunther is a main character. Gunther is the lead, neither Jimmy nor Jey can beat him. And here’s another thing: The Usos are just blips on the trailer that was Roman Reigns’ Bloodline. Melo says Jimmy & Jey are stuck outside the club, they can’t even get in.
Miz says as a former WWE Champion, a former WrestleMania main eventer, Jimmy will never know what it is to carry this industry. And after this year’s WrestleMania, neither will Jey. Oh, and by the way, if Jimmy ever slapped Miz like that, Jimmy would still be on the ground. Jimmy feints the slap and Miz freaks out. Jimmy says it may be him and Gunther on Monday, but he’ll holler at Aldis real quick so it can be Jimmy VS Miz here tonight. Yeah, YEET! Jimmy heads out, Melo says he thought Miz was gonna do something about the slap. Will Miz have to do something about running his mouth before he gets his teeth kicked in?
Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga find Jacob Fatu backstage.
Solo asks Jacob what the Hell he was doing out there. Jacob goes out there alone without saying a thing to them? Jacob says he ain’t gotta say nothing to nobody! Matter fact, didn’t Solo not tap in with him last week? Tama says, “But Jacob,” only for Jacob to say, “But nothing, Tama!” Solo wants Jacob to lower his tone, but Jacob says okay. Let him be very clear with them. When it comes to Braun Strowman, Jacob WILL be the last man standing. Y’all better get in where you fit in, cuz that US title? Oh, Jacob’s bringing it home to the family. And he will do it with them, or without them! Yadada mean? Fatu heads out, is the Samoan Werewolf no longer following Solo?
Naomi speaks.
“I mean… How did we even get here? I don’t know. One thing that I do know is that I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. So Bianca, what makes you think that my attack on Jade was anything different from me doing the right thing? When I sit here and I think about all that I’ve sacrificed, all that I’ve given, and that’s what really breaks my heart. Because through all of that, I’m made to be the bad one in this situation. I just don’t understand, how does Jade come in outta nowhere and take my place with you? I want you to ask yourself this, Bianca. Who inspired you? Hmm?
“Who’s inspired women over the last decade? Who’s always had your back from day one of you being here? Me. Not Jade. Hmm. But you know what? What I’ve learned through all of this: You teach people how to treat you. And I’m done with being treated as a third wheel. I’m done being pushed to the side, I’m done with being too nice, I’m done with being undervalued, underutilized, underappreciated! So moving forward, hmm… Moving forward, here’s my message to you, Jade. If you continue to be in my way, I strongly advise you to proceed with caution.” The Glow shows her dark side, but will the storm be moved?
Nick Aldis meets with Jade Cargill.
Speaking of, the SmackDown General Manager understands things have been rather difficult for her as of late. Jade says she’s been trying to get her hands on Naomi for the past few weeks, now where is she? No one has seen her all day, so as far as anyone knows, Naomi’s not here. Well, when Jade catches Naomi, it’s on sight. Jade leaves, B-Fab & Michin are there. They let her know that what Naomi did to her was straight trash, totally uncalled for behavior. And after Jade gets her hands on Naomi, she’ll handle that business. Jade agrees. Mia says they’ve all got business to handle. Jade’s got Naomi, and Mia’s gonna get Charlotte for messing with her girl, B.
B-Fab says Naomi’s got what’s coming to her: no sympathy, no regrets. Jade, just do what you gotta do. Oh, she will. Jade also wishes Mia luck tonight. Mia & B-Fab head out, will the Head Baddie in Charge make the Queen bow down in London?
The darkness approaches.
“You are as I was. As I am, you will be.” The shadows are starting to take shape, but is SmackDown about to fade to black?
Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab!
The Queen looks down on everyone, so it’s no surprise that everyone else wants to take her down. Charlotte may have checked off B-Fab, but will the HBIC be a much different story? Or will Charlotte only sharpen her edge before facing Tiffany Stratton at WrestleMania?
WAIT! NAOMI ATTACKS B-FAB & MICHIN! Naomi drags Mia up for a FACEBUSTER! Naomi rains down fists, the ref reprimands and the fans boo, but Naomi tells the ref to back off. Naomi then BOOTS B-Fab off the apron! Naomi goes out after B-Fab to THRWO her into barriers! Naomi SLAPS B-Fab, tells her to stay down, but B-Fab gets up. Naomi fires hands, then she SMACKS B-Fab off the desk! Naomi rains down fists, but here comes Jade! Jade hurries down the ramp, she runs around the way, but Naomi runs away! Jade makes sure B-Fab is okay, but refs have to help her to the back. And what of Mia? Will she even be able to compete?
Charlotte makes her entrance, not really caring about what Naomi just did to Mia. But that means she also crosses paths with Jade. The fans like the look of this stare down, but Jade and Charlotte both let the other slide. Charlotte gets her pyro, and it seems she’ll still get her match. Will Mia be little more than an appetizer now?
The bell rings, and Charlotte BOOTS Mia down! Cover, TWO! Mia stays in this and the fans rally up. Charlotte just struts around while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Charlotte has Mia down with a chinlock, but the fans rally up. Mia fights up, fires body shots, and she then blocks a shot to ROCK Charlotte! Mia ROCKS Charlotte again and again, then reels her in for a TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up as Mia hurries to cover, TWO! Mia drags Charlotte up, wrenches, but Charlotte says no to Da Feet! BIG back suplex! Mia stagger sup, Charlotte whips her, but Mia reverses! Charlotte goes up and out, BOOTS her away, then slingshots in and rolls Mia! Mia rolls through and BUZZSAWS! Mia runs corner to corner, but Charlotte avoids the cannonball!
Charlotte YAKUZA KICKS Mia down, then fires herself up! The fans “WOO~!” as Charlotte has Mia in the drop zone,. Charlotte steps on her, goes up the corner, but Mia gets underneath her! SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Charlotte survives and Mia is shocked! Mia nods as the fans rally back up, and she brings Charlotte up. But Charlotte ROCKS Mia! Mia SOBATS, PELES, and then runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Charlotte stays in this, Mia grows frustrated, but the fans continue to rally. Mia uses that energy to stay focused, and she stalks Charlotte to waistlock. But Charlotte ELBOWS her away!
Charlotte CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOSP! Charlotte winds up, and she CHOPS again! Mia sputters, but then she dodges the boot! Charlotte is caught, and Mia hits a SAIDO! Charlotte flounders to a corner, the fans rally behind Mia, and Mia runs up, CANNONBALL! Mia hurries to wrench and EAT- NO, Charlotte shoves Mia away! Charlotte gets under, back suplexes, but Mia lands out! EAT DA FEET!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Charlotte’s long legs help her survive by a literal foot! Mia is beside herself while Charlotte bails out. Mia storms after Charlotte, runs up, but Charlotte dodges! Mia’s kick hits steel steps!
Mia hobbles away, goes to the apron, but Charlotte CHOP BLOCKS the bad leg out! Charlotte grabs Mia’s leg, drops a KNEE on the knee, but fans chant, “We Want Tiffy!” Charlotte just steps through, FIGURE FOUR, into FIGURE EIGHT!! Mia taps, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
Charlotte got more of a fight out of Mia than expected, but she still won. Will The Queen be more than ready to reign again after WrestleMania?
Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.
Jackie Redmond is with the WWE Women’s Champion and says Charlotte certainly looks confident. Let’s be real, Charlotte came at Tiff pretty hard. It got a lot of people talking. Tiff says yes, people talk. And Charlotte sure loves to hear herself talk. Ten years into the business and Charlotte is still so insecure that she can’t let a “rookie” get a word out. But last week, Tiff did learn something: She learned that walking into WrestleMania, she isn’t the one with something to lose. Truth is, if Tiff loses, then she lost to the great Charlotte Flair, as just a 25-year-old rookie with one year into SmackDown.
But if Charlotte loses… Well, then she lost to an “undeserving, delusional, unoriginal, backflip doing, blonde-hair-having, little girl.” Did she get it all? And Tiff can’t wait to hear the look on Charlotte’s face when they hear the words, “And STILL!” Then maybe Charlotte will finally shut up for the sake of literally everyone! They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, and Tiff will make damn sure what stays is Charlotte’s massive ego. Tiff is walking into and out of Mania as the WWE Women’s Champion. Tootles! Tiff heads out, will it still be #TiffyTime after WrestleMania?
Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre!
The Viper told Cody how proud he was, but also how he wants the next shot after John Cena. The Scottish Terminator took offense to that, and basically said he is taking that shot instead. Will this match be an unofficial #1 contender’s match between these two former world champions?
SmackDown returns and McIntyre makes his entrance. The bell rings and the fans sing, “OH~, Drew McIntyre~!” and chant “R K O! R K O!” Drew and Orton circle, tie up, and they go around in a deadlock. Drew powers Orton to a corner, but Orton headlocks back. Drew powers up and out, then he runs Orton over! Orton hurries to ropes and Drew mockingly asks, “How’s the back feel, Randy?” Orton stands, he and Drew reset, and the fans duel some more. Drew calls for a knuckle lock, Orton accepts, but then Drew kicks low! Drew bumps Orton off buckles, then climbs up, but he panders for too long and Orton YANKS him down!
The fans fire up as Orton climbs now! Orton rains down fists, and the fans count to nine. Orton hops down, brings Drew around, and POSTS him for ten! Drew tumbles out of the ring, Orton goes out after him, and they’re by the desk! But Drew kicks Orton first and SMACKS him off the desk! Drew clears the desk, and he brings Orton up for the DESK- NO, Orton fights free! Orton turns things around, DESK BACK SUPLEX for Drew! The fans fire up while Orton leaves Drew behind, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew writhes on the floor, but Orton goes out to fetch him! Orton brings Drew around, UPPERCUTS him, then says one more time! DESK BACK SUPLEX! Drew writhes as that desk stays standing! Orton grins, refreshes the ring count, and then he storms up on Drew. Drew pokes Orton in the eye! Drew POSTS Orton now, then brings him around to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP into barriers! Orton slumps down, and Drew also grits his teeth from that double-edged attack, but Drew fires up as he stands tall. Drew drags Orton up, puts him in the ring, then stalks Orton. Drew looms over Orton, and HIP DROPS him!
Orton sputters, Drew says one more time, and he winds up for the HIP DROP! Drew paces around Orton, says maybe one more time, and he pretends he can’t hear the fans. Drew winds up again, but Orton flips over! Hip drop meets kneecaps! And then Orton pokes Drew in the eyes! The ref reprimands but Orton rises up. Drew sputters and flounders, Orton ROCKS him with a right! Drew ROCKS Orton back! Drew storms up, Orton kicks low, but Drew fires another haymaker! The haymakers go back and forth, Orton gets the edge, but Drew GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTTS! Cover, TWO! Drew clamps onto Orton with an armlock!
SmackDown returns to single picture and the fans rally up. Orton fights up, pries at the chinbar, and then throws right hands! Drew CHOPS Orton in return! The fans “WOO~” and Drew winds up. Drew ROCKS Orton again, eggs him on, then CHOPS again! Drew shoves Orton to a corner, CHOPS again, then dares Orton to fight! Drew whips corner to corner, but Orton comes back to LARIAT! And LARIAT! Drew swings, Orton dodges, SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up as Orton stalks Drew to the apron. Drew HOTSHOTS Orton first! Drew then runs in, but Orton puts him through the ropes!
The fans fire up as Orton has Drew for the DRAPING DDT! The fans fire up for Orton, and Orton hears those voices! Drew rises, but then Orton spots KEVIN OWENS! The Prizefighter is on the ramp, Orton glares at him, but then he turns around into a CLAYMORE!! Cover, DREW WINS!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
Kevin’s mere presence costs Orton, and now Drew has a huge win propelling him down the Road to WrestleMania! As for Orton, Kevin drags him out of the ring, SMACKS him off the desk, and then climbs up to join him! The fans boo but Kevin and his hot pink sneakers have Orton in position, but Orton slips free and TRIPS Kevin up! Kevin hits the desk then the floor! Orton staggers around, the fans rally behind him, and Orton stalks Kevin to the corner of the barriers. Orton lines up the shot! Orton runs in, but Kevin jumps over barriers! Security is there to stop Orton from pursuing, so Kevin runs away into the night!
The fans boo, but The Viper was that close! Will Orton be able to strike Kevin down and completely take him out?
Fire, thunder, smoke…
The force of nature is drawing ever closer. And he’s ready to fly! REY FENIX arrives next Friday Night SmackDown!
Jimmy Uso VS The Miz!
#BigJim gave Gunther a piece of his mind and a mark on his cheek, but it seems not everyone got the message. Will the Hollywood A-lister soon star in the Uso Penitentiary? Or will he prove Jimmy is NOT ready for a world champion level opponent?
The bell rings and the two tie up. Jimmy powers Miz to a corner, Miz turns things around, and the ref counts. Miz takes a swing, Jimmy ducks it to CHOP! And CHOP! Miz shoves Jimmy back, then runs up, but Jimmy TACKLES Miz! Jimmy rains down fists, Miz shoves him away to go to ropes, but Jimmy storms back up. Miz ELBOWS Jimmy away, then runs back up, only for Jimmy to LARIAT him down! The fans fire up while Jimmy storms up on Miz. Jimmy CHOPS Miz, has him in a corner, then whips corner to corner. Miz reverses, Jimmy goes up and over, then UPPERCUTS! Miz staggers back to ropes, but Jimmy is right on him.
Jimmy whips, Miz reverses and kitchen sink knees! Then basement BOOTS! The fans fire up, Miz scowls, and Miz KNEES Jimmy in the back again and again. Miz stalks Jimmy to the ropes now, and he CHOKES Jimmy! The ref counts, Miz runs, and Miz STRADDLE ATTACKS! The fans boo, but Miz runs again. Jimmy ducks the boot, then dodges a lariat! Jimmy runs up to LARIAT Miz up and out! The fans fire up and Jimmy builds speed, but Miz runs away! Jimmy smirks as he goes out the side, and UPPERCUTS Miz over the barriers! Jimmy makes sure Gunther knows he’s coming to get him, but SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and both men are down. Miz and Jimmy crawl, and Jimmy pounds the mat. The fans rally, Jimmy rises and runs up to LARIAT! And LARIAT! And mule kick! Jimmy then UPPERCUTS Miz, dodges a lariat, then SAMOAN DROPS! The fans fire up, Jimmy goes to the corner, “UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs in, but Miz puts him on the apron! Jimmy UPPERCUTS again! Jimmy climbs, leaps, but Miz gets under! Miz then waistlocks, ripcords, and MOVIE MAKER! Fans boo that blatant parody, but Miz full nelsons! Jimmy drops, victory rolls, TWO! Miz has the cover, TWO! Miz hurries to BASEMENT DDT! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally up as Jimmy survives! Miz stalks Jimmy, the fans rally up more, and Miz fires a KICK! And then another KICK! The fans say “YES! YES! YES!” to the It Kicks, but then Miz winds up. Jimmy ducks the buzzsaw, Miz blocks the superkick, but the DRAGON WHIP connects! Miz rebounds to B-MOVIE KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! The parodies don’t get it done, but Miz still has his original work to fall back on. The fans rally for “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Miz runs in, A-LIST LARIAT! Miz shoves Jimmy down, then springboards, but into a SUPERKICK! Jimmy hurries up top, for the USO SPLASH!! Cover, Jimmy wins!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Miz may be a movie star, but Big Jim’s the one winning this main event! Jimmy then borrows Joe Tessitore’s headset to call out Gunther! He’s coming after dat ass on Monday! Gunther won’t be the ring general, he will be “Private Gunther,” and he will salute Big Jim! Uh, uh, YEET! Will Jimmy be the one making examples out of the World Heavyweight Champion? Or will everything come crashing down when Gunther gets his turn?
Drew McIntyre returns backstage.
And he says hey to Lewis Capaldi, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, and also a big fan of Drew’s. They’re ready to have a good night in the pub, but Jackie Redmond walks over to congratulate him on the win tonight. She was hoping to get some thoughts on that victory and what happened with Orton and Kevin. Drew says it’s alright, this is what happens. He doesn’t care about anybody else’s business, but no one gets away with screwing him over. And when no one meddles in his business, he wins! Drew called out Priest, where is he? Priest doesn’t have the balls! So time to get mad in the pubs, everyone’s invited!
Drew turns the corner, but PRIEST IS THERE! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the door, then throws him into road cases! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the trunk of a car, and then again! Or since it’s London, “the boot.” The driver complains, but Priest BODY SLAMS that guy through a table! Drew comes back to KNEE Priest low, SMACK him off the trunk, and then off the side! They go to the hood, or bonnet for UK. Drew drags Priest up, but Priest CLAWS Drew’s eyes! Priest then sends Drew SOUTH OF HEAVEN through the windshield! Priest tells security that he’s done for now. Any more jokes, Drew? Didn’t think so! RIP, jackass!
Priest leaves, the producers hurry to help Drew, and Drew’s got glass in his eye! Will that glass help Drew see why he shouldn’t piss off the Punisher?
CM Punk heads to gorilla.
He has a security detail with him, and he passes by Drew writhing in pain. Punk chuckles, then continues on. Will his contract signing with Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins be just as brutal? We find out, after the break.
Nick Aldis is in the ring.
The SmackDown General Manager welcomes us back, and says it is his honor and privilege to be here in the O2 in London. Now, we all know why he and this table is here, and why additional security is here tonight. Tonight, we are here to sign a contract for a Triple Threat. Perhaps the biggest Triple Threat in the history of WrestleMania: Seth Rollins VS CM Punk VS Roman Reigns! The fans cheer all those names, and here comes the OTC! London puts the ones up, and Paul Heyman accompanies THE Tribal Chief out on stage. Roman raises his finger to the sky for the pyro, then security follows him to the ring.
SmackDown goes picture in picture as Roman’s entrance continues, and he raises his finger to the sky for the second round of pyro. Roman steps into the ring, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Heyman hands him a mic. The fans sing, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!” Roman nods, the fans cheer, and now they chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman tells London, “ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” The fans cheer again, and again chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman smiles, but he sees the chairs are not to his liking. Heyman makes sure to put one at the head of the table. Heyman also dusts the chair off while Roman enjoys the singing of, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!”
Roman takes a seat and says that was beautiful. The way they sing to their Tribal Chief, it’s just beautiful. The singing continues, and Heyman even joins in! Roman smiles, and he says that is what he’s talking about. That’s the OTC for you, baby! The biggest star on the planet! The OTC came here for two reasons. One: to be acknowledged; check! And two: to sign this contract. Roman does just that, and he says he’s checked both boxes. That means- “BURN IT DOWN!” Seth Rollins interrupts! The fans now sing, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Rollins struts out in his red wine paisley suit and conducts the O2 Choir all the way into the ring.
The fans cheer while Roman frowns, but Rollins takes the seat to Roman’s left. Rollins offers Heyman a chance to sing to this song, but Heyman frowns. Rollins chuckles, and he says the fans do have beautiful singing voices. He doesn’t know why Roman is in such a hurry to leave, though! This is their building! There’s a lot of history here! 12 years ago, they landed on the roof of this place in a helicopter! They came down those stairs over there, “ready to burn down the old guard!” They put the Undertaker down through the desk, and they were going to remake this company in their image!
Now don’t get him wrong, Rollins knows a lot has happened since then. They fought against each other, with each other, a little bit of love and a whole lot of hate. But Rollins dare says, as the fans continue to sing “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~,” that Rollins and Roman accomplished their mission. The fans start to chant for CM Punk, but Rollins tunes them out. Roman says, “We? We? You keep saying we. Our mission? We died a long time ago. It’s only been ME. You been here, but I done all the work! I’ve made this place what it is today! I took us to the level that we are here today! I made this place better than we found it!
“I’m the one that made us desirable to Netflix! I’m the one that took us into billion-dollar deals! Tell me, what have you done?” Rollins shouts, “I’ll tell you what I’ve done! YOU, YOU, YOU, it’s that mindset that keeps me having to screw you! You understand that? And your biggest mistake is not understanding the danger that’s right in front of us! The danger that’s right in front of you! You let the biggest snake in the world, CM Punk, into the garden! And you could’ve cut his head off at WarGames! But instead, you shook his hand. You could’ve let me finish him inside the cage at The Garden, but you didn’t. And now, I am left to do what I always do: Clean up your mess, again.”
Rollins drops his mic, picks up the pen, and signs his part. And now, here comes CM PUNK! The fans fire up and sing along with Cult of Personality, then join in on saying, “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME~!” Punk goes to the ring, but as he grabs a mic, he goes up a corner, just like he did last Friday. “I have come here to chew bubblegum and sign a contract. And I’m all outta bubblegum.” The fans cheer the Rowdy Roddy Piper reference, and Punk hops down to take his seat on Roman’s right. Punk looks over said contract, but Roman asks if Punk needs a highlighter or something. What’s he doing? Just go to page four, clause five.
Punk does as Roman says, but Roman says Punk needs to hurry, this is precious TV time. Punk reads the segment, Roman tells Heyman to just smarten Punk up. Heyman tells Punk he knows what Punk is looking for. It is in there. They’re closing the show at WrestleMania. The fans go wild hearing that! Heyman tells Punk that he gets to live his dream of dreams. CM Punk will be a WrestleMania main eventer! The fans cheer and while Roman smiles, Rollins is furious. Roman says, “One man’s dream is another man’s favor! CHECK!” Wait, this was the favor? Rollins says no! This is not something to laugh at, and Punk does not get to tear up!
Punk is NOT deserving! He does NOT deserve this! The fans boo but Rollins continues to throw a fit! Main eventing WrestleMania is SACRED, the most important thing in the world to Rollins! More than anything! Except the fact that Punk NEVER gets to main event! This is all Roman’s fault! This is all Heyman’s fault! Rollins THROWS his mic down, paces angrily, but Punk picks up the mic. The fans cheer Punk on again, and Punk stands to thank London, to thank Chicago, to thank Louisville, Kentucky, and to thank ALL the fans. As corny as it sounds, he thanks the WWE Universe who stood by him and chanted his name for TEN LONG YEARS!
Roman says hold on, hold on. Punk shouldn’t be thanking the fans! He should be thanking the Tribal Chief! It is because of Roman that Punk gets this honor! So please, take this moment, close the show with that acknowledgement! Do this the right way. The credits are already rolling as Punk kneels before Roman!? Punk smiles, and he thanks “My Tribal Chief, the holder of the ula fala, the Head of the Table, the… Big Dog? Thank you for allowing a kid from Chicago to be graced by your presence. Thank you, My Tribal Chief, for allowing me to stand in your ring. And thank you so much. Thank you, Roman Reigns, so very much.
“But because of you, I will see you in the main event of WrestleMania.” And again, Rollins is agonizing over this. Punk finishes putting his signature on the contract, and London tells him, “You Deserve It!” Punk thanks Roman again, and then says, “But that’s not the favor that I’m owed.” WHAT?! Roman looks at Heyman and Heyman can’t look him in the eye! If getting this Triple Threat made into the main event isn’t the gift of the Wise Man, then what is?!
My Thoughts:
A good SmackDown, but they pulled off quite the paradox. They made it feel like they were struggling to fill three hours, yet they also filled the show to the point where that contract signing segment was almost bleeding over the three hour mark. Ironically, part of the problem was just how excited the London crowd was for this. The superstars still wanted to enjoy the chants and songs, but that’s time SmackDown doesn’t have to spare. It made the opening promo from Cody, Orton and Drew take longer, and it kinda did the same to the contract signing at the end. Even so, we still got a very good promo, and good stuff to set up Orton VS McIntyre.
Orton VS McIntyre was a great match, but of course Kevin costs Orton. McIntyre gets his win, Kevin and Orton have a bit of a brawl, but of course Kevin ends up on the losing end and runs off. McIntyre’s trash talk also comes back to bite him as Priest gets the better of him in their brawl. Here’s hoping Drew didn’t actually get glass in his eye, but that being the thing in kayfabe can be some good stuff. I can imagine McIntyre with an eyepatch, and he takes it off at the opportune time to get the better of Priest in their match. Also what a fitting choice for Punk to be passing by Drew suffering because of real glass.
Very good title matches tonight, but of course the status quo was kept. Pretty Deadly gets to look great here in London, but the Profits only just got the belts, they’re not going to be transitional champions like that. And Knight VS Braun was really good stuff, but honestly, Jacob Fatu going after them both should’ve been a given. Jacob also had a great promo with Solo & Tama to start adding to that divide between Jacob and Solo. I would hope Solo doesn’t screw Jacob out of the US Championship, but it feels like he will as Solo won’t stand for Jacob defying his authority, even though Solo’s been trying to make Jacob the champion all along.
Very good stuff from Jimmy Uso tonight, from his promo with #MeloDon’tMiz and then a great match with Miz. Their match ended up the de facto main event match, so that’s also great for both guys. Great win for Jimmy, but that’s likely because Jimmy is losing big time to Gunther on Monday. And it might just be me, but it feels like only now is the Jey VS Gunther build really moving, largely in part because Jimmy got involved. Jimmy’s promo after his match is something along the lines of what Jey should be saying. But I suppose as brothers, Jimmy is the one who knows Jey best and knows what Jey needs to be motivated again. And seeing Jimmy get beat up by Gunther will definitely motivate Jey…
Good final vignettes for Rey Fenix and Aleister Black. I’m a little surprised they confirmed Rey Fenix is showing up next week, and that they confirmed who Rey Fenix even is. I believe commentary confirmed Rey Fenix is Penta’s real brother, even namedropped “Lucha Brothers,” but all that is still surprising considering Fenix is going to start on SmackDown. Aleister’s vignette (at least I am fairly confident it’s his) was giving us glimpses of his silhouette, but I think there was usage of AI in the snake imagery. It was fine they did it for El Grande Americano because that is all trolling, but they really should try and do things the old fashioned way of photoshop and stock imagery.
Very good stuff in the Women’s Division tonight, though the WWE Women’s Championship portion was the weaker. Naomi’s got a great Heel persona going, her promo was great, and her going after B-Fab & Michin over them supporting Jade was a great detail. Jade runs Naomi off, helps B-Fab, but there was no helping Michin in being fed to Charlotte. Tiffany had a decent promo, and it does fit how Charlotte kept her from speaking so she finally gets things out here. It didn’t really add that much, though, but they already gave us a great brawl so not sure what more they can give.
KC Squared VS The Secret Her-vice was a very good match, but of course Chelsea made sure her team won. A Six Woman Tag of Zelina & KC Squared VS The Green Administration is certainly coming, to help give us Zelina VS Chelsea for the Women’s US Championship.
My Score: 8.7/10
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)
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!
Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 3.27.2025
Bad news out of the TNA management side, but this is a taped episode from El Paso! So we won’t see any of the fallout just yet!
Now we all heard the news about the TNA change in hierarchy, and I…have no positive outlook on that. Delirious sucked at booking and creative in the dying days of ROH before it got bought as a B show. Dreamer having even more control is concerning because his ideas the last two years haven’t been much better.
Gail leaving makes more sense to me. Be it firing or a “you can’t quit, you’re fired” kind of situation, the Knockouts division is the worst it’s been in a long time and Gail was close with Scott D’Amore. So I don’t think Gail parting ways is as big of a problem since TNA has slowly been bleeding out with the Scott faithful.
Granted, I think the next few shows were already taped before the firing so things shouldn’t be completely unwatchable for at least a week or two. So let’s see where we’re going.
.@WeAreRosemary sends @XiaBrookside a CHILLING message!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/srciTTbel0
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Ratings:
- Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge: Ash wins via Rarefied Air – ** 1/4
- Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr: Chavo wins via Gory Bomb into Frog Splash – *** 1/4
- Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich: Masha wins via Russian Death Device – ***
- Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin: Eric wins via Piledriver – ** 1/2
- Seto & Mokuba – I mean – Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater: Nic wins via Danger Zone – *** 1/4
Results:
Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge
Ash and Gigi start off, Gigi with a little Rascalz after her first takedown. So both her and Wentz are making it obvious something’s going on between them, and I’m not mad at it. Good for my man Wentz.
Tatum and Gigi get some quick tandem offense in, Ash does manage to scurry off to a tag and Heather gets bent into a Pretzel. Some kind of Inverted Tarantula from Tatum, Gigi tags in, Bronco Buster on Heather followed by Kawada Kicks. Heather sells against the ropes, Gigi goes for a Hesitation Dropkick, but Concierge pulls her away so Gigi crashes and burns. Ref is distracted, Ash gets in some cheap shots and then the Elegant duo starts working over Gigi. A few quick tags, but once Heather comes in, Gigi fights out of the corner, gets the hot tag to Tatum. Tatum stacks up both Elegance members, Corner Stacked Crossbody, Butterfly Suplex and an Elbow Drop with some some flare. Tatum goes to the top rope, Heather pulls Gigi off the apron, Concierge shoves Tatum off the turnbuckle and Ash hits Rarefied Air for the win.
Post match the Elegance Clique wants to make their wish with the cake, they light the candles and Tatum and Gigi recover enough to do what we all expected last week, the cake in the face spot. Some…suggestive licking from both of our Hot Topic Hotties, so…no complaints here.
.@Ashamae_Sebera, @Heathereckless and @IamGeorgeIceman are having a meltdown!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/FnKwPqm2ff
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr
Chavo and Kaz start since he’s King Petty, a quick rope run turns into a Headscissor from Chavo. Kaz recovers, they lock up, Kaz hits the Knee Lift during the lock up to tag out to KC. KC pulls off some athletic dodges, gloats a bit so Chavo waits, measures and nails a gorgeous Dropkick. Laredo comes in on fire, quick high spots that send KC bouncing around like HBK against Hulk. KC powders after sells the Satellite Takedown, AJ checks on him and we go to commercial.
Back from commercial, Octagon is lighting up KC’s chest with overhand chops, he perches, Sunset Headscissor Flip from corner to corner, KC tries to Back Drop him but Octagon does a headstand, kicks KC away and lays him out with a high spot. AJ gets on the apron to stop Octagon from running the ropes, the referee has a stroke or something because he stops paying attention and AJ pulls Octagon out of the ring and chucks him. KC with the Tope con Hilo and tag (tag ropes haven’t mattered since the 80s we all know this). So AJ is getting taunted by the crowd in Spanish, but he’s manhandling Octagon since it looks like a Child fighting their parent. AJ knocks off Chavo and Laredo, Laredo pops up and tries to get involved but he’s caught on the shoulders, Octagon goes for the Crossbody but gets caught and AJ pulls off “World’s Strongest Wasteland” but Chavo breaks up the pinfall. AJ throws Octagon into the corner, Tennessee Whiskey, and tag out to KC. KC hits a few moves, but starts to lose the momentum until he connects with a Super Kick. Simultaneous rope run into the Dueling Crossbodies, so we get the timely tag outs from both sides. Kaz and Laredo come in, Laredo lands like two moves before Kaz hits a Sole Butt, Lariat and eats his lunch. KC and Kaz try to double team Laredo but he fights out and the crowd is chanting for Chavo.
Chavo tags in, and he’s rocking KC, Saito Suplex, Low Bridge to AJ, Reverse the Whip so Chavo goes to the corner and perches, KC feeds, Chavo Backflips to safety, rolls through and lays out KC. Chavo is feeling himself, 3 Amigos start on KC but only 2, Kaz comes in and Chavo switches to Kaz for the Amigos, only 2 again before AJ breaks it up. AJ goes for the disrespect, but Chavo counters and hits the 3 Amigos on the biggest Culero. Aztec Warriors dive to stop AJ and Kaz, KC tries a Dirty Victory Roll but Chavo kicks out. GORY BOMB into FROG SPLASH!
Chavo looked fantastic and he’s the one in the best shape in the ring. I wouldn’t be mad at more Chavito.
Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich
I expect very little from this match.
Collar and Elbow, gator rolling for the first 30 seconds or so, then Jacy goes to some Hair Pull takedowns and does a little taunt before Masha pops back up and hits a Lariat into a Dive. Jacy sells it like she’s really hurt, even the ref tries to hold Masha back a little before Masha gets annoyed and just grabs her, Masha throws her in, looks for a Dive and Jacy sees it and powders. Masha tries to go back to the well for the Dive again but Jacy hits the Uppercut and then an Apron Run PK to drop Masha. Forearms rain down into a Foot Choke as Jacy continues to arrogantly play to the crowd. Another Foot Choke into a Cannonball, and near fall.
Masha gets space with a Sole Butt, tries to snap off Requiem but Jacy fights off, fights through a Sunset Flip another effective PK keeps Masha on her ass. Jacy looks for a kinda half-assed Camel Clutch as Masha is fighting up, but Jacy runs her into the corner, gets distracted mouthing off to the crowd, so Masha recovers, 5 Hole Up Kick sends Jacy into the corner, Yakuza Kick into Capo Kick for two. Requiem attempt again, but Jacy pushes off, a little back and forth, Masha tries a Backslide but Jacy gets away and hits a V-Trigger but only a 2 count. Jacy looks for the Discus Punch but Masha ducks it, they strike back and forth, but some dodges from both leave the exchange more even. Jacy with the Front Kick to the face sends Masha to the outside. Jacy wants another PK, but Masha blocks, Electric Chair Apron Snake Eyes. Masha throws her in, a PK into a near all. Requiem attempt 3, and thwarted from Jacy with a Superkick into a Neckbreaker. Senton misses from Jacy, Buzzsaw Kick, into Spinning Back Kick and Russian Death Device for the win.
Better than I expected, and Tessa attacks as soon as the bell rings. Xia Brookside and Lei Ying Li make the save after Tessa grabs the belt.
Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin
Ace and Eric tie up, World of Sport start but as soon as Ace starts to get away EY punches him in the face. Eric looks at the camera and says “This is what trust looks like”, turns his back on Ace, when Ace looks to attack, the loser duo cut him off. EY takes advantage of the weird situation, but Ace with some Up and Over quick spots, into an Inside Cradle and La Magistral. EY kicks out of the quick flash attempts, but eats a Dropkick, and Ace goes all Speed Kils on him with fast strikes and then a face buster for another near fall. Strike spot very early in the match, Ace gets the best of it, goes for a Tear Drop Suplex but EY sits on it to block, Headlocks to keep him close and then a snap Lariat into beatdown bully tactics. EY takes the referee’s attention and one of the nerds punch Ace in the face.
Eric tries to lean on Ace, but Ace fires, a few strikes, Click Click Boom, the Miz Seated Lariats in the corner, Mochizuki Triangle Kick connects! Only a 2 count, but Ace seems to be in control. Ace puts EY on the ropes, a few strikes to keep him rocked, wants a Superplex, but EY blocks, bites the face and Macho Elbow gets a very close two count. EY tries the Piledriver but Ace turns it into a Jacknife Cradle,Spinning Heel Kick, calls for The Fold, but the losers hop on the apron to distract, Ace attacks them. Ace tries to time out the Triangle Kick again, but Eric dodges, throws Ace head first through the buckles. As Ace stumbles out of the corner, Piledriver, and it’s over.
Oh look it’s the “we’ll hear from Joe Hendry” segment. Again, I’ve loved this gimmick since Day 1, even didn’t hate his What Culture Pro stuff, but there is such a thing as milking a cow too much.
Elijah interrupts the whole “Who’s next” speech. When Elijah comes out he says he’s not the challenger and he believes in Joe. The crowd wants Elijah to turn on Hendry. Elijah pauses for a moment, and starts proving his friendship with stating his favorite color and a little “You Got a Friend in Me”. The crowd is into singing along and waving their cameras like Lighters to a 30 year old song. THANKFULLY Kaz breaks up the hug fest. Now he gets the “Culero” chant.
Kaz pulls out a Bass…what the hell is this Jam Session. Kaz has to warm up so he plays “La Cucaracha” on the bass. Kaz…is a national treasure. Hendry kicks Kaz out of the ring after his Heelish and playfully racially charged song choices. Kaz tries to sow dissension, but Joe and Elijah pinball Kaz between them. Kaz slips a power move and tries to shove Elijah into Joe but Elijah puts the brakes on, a small tense moment. But then Joe and Elijah play “Nah Nah Nah Nah, Hey Hey, Goodbye”…and that goes right into a commercial. Oddly…perfect.
Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater
Nic shoots the half immediately for a flash pinfall but Leon kicks out at one. Nic continues to keep things grounded with his amateur wrestling skills, and then does a little Dolph Ziggler show off. So Nic isn’t really taking this seriously, and Leon starts getting the best of things with an Arm Wringer, into drag, Shoulder Tackle and rope run as Nic tries to Leap Frog and Leon puts on the brakes and just shoves Nic on his ass. Nic gets annoyed, a few strikes, grinds his face along the ropes, but Leon keeps stringing some offense together, Back Handspring Elbow into his Corner con Hilo.
Ahh the classic formula of the commercial gives the heel the advantage, Twisting Suplex from Leon stops Nic’s offense momentum, right hand, Leon lifts Nic up for something, Nic slips it, kicks him in the gut, looks for the FameAsser, but Leon catches him into a Blue Thunder Bomb variation. Slater wants the Swanton 450, but Nic powders. Leon tries to adjust into a Dive, but Nic cuts him off, counter for counter and a FameAsser out of the counters for a two count. Nic starts the big brother tactics, bootwashes and arrogance, Slater fires, punches into a Yakuza Kick. Leon wants another Lethal Injection variant, but Nic catches him into a Rear Naked Choke. Slater tries to turn it into a pin so Nic breaks it. Leon wants a Leg Lariat but misses and gets unceremoniously dropped by Nic. Nic puts Leon up on the buckles, Superplex possibly but Slater counters, tries to collect himself for a move, but Nic falls into the ropes to crotch Leon, and finally hits the Superplex.
Twist of Slate from Leon, Swanton 450 but knees get up. Locomotion Cradles from both but they kick out, Ryan picks the ankle to trip up Leon just a touch and then Danger Zone ends the match.
Ryan starts the post match beatdown, but the Hardy’s music hits and they come down to the ring for the save. Matt challenges the Nemeths for Rebellion because they’re not medically cleared yet.
Overall Score: 6.5/10
Decent story motion, no match was offensive, and there was actually some solid match action for television standards. I don’t have a ton to complain about aside from the Knockouts Division is in a weird spot, and giving Hendry a lot of just talking and hollow payoff segments feels stupid. If we need to hear from him every week, give him a talk segment like Highlight Reel or something. Yes I know First Class just got The Penthouse, but if Hendry is going to talk more than wrestle, give him a talk segment for us to sink our teeth into.
There was the announcement that Xia, Lei Ying and Masha will face Tessa, Jacy and a mystery partner. So you gotta wonder if there’s going to be another NXT mercenary, a surprise return or if it’ll just be Rosemary since she’s got her issues with Xia. Also I just realized that Unbreakable is going to be on a Thursday, seemingly after iMPACT? I’m gonna have to see how they do it, because if there’s an Impact episode and 2-3 hour PLE…I do not want to be awake until 1am. People need to work, and I will be Unwakeable if things go that long.
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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