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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IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLASGOW KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Candice has Tiffy down with an armlock. Tiff fights up as the fans rally, but Candice wrenches to wristlock. Tiff spins through, goes to ropes, then up the corner to flip and arm-drag! The fans fire up as Tiff rallies on Candice! DROPKICK, and Tiff snarls! Tiff goes to the corner, and Charlotte makes her entrance? The Queen chooses to be fashionably late all so everyone looks at her, including Tiffy. Tiffy handsprings, but Candice dodges! Candice runs up to UPPERCUT, then she snapmares and NECK SNAPPERS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice clamps onto Tiffy with a top wristlock.
The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte now chooses to join commentary. Tiff fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, but Candice CLUBS away on her! Candice backs off, runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her to ropes! Tiff runs, HIP ATTACKS, and Candice flops back! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays on Candice with a whip, but Candice reverses. Candice CLOBBERS Tiff, covers, TWO! Charlotte corrects Tiffy’s words earlier: Charlotte isn’t the “top girl,” she is THE woman in WWE. Candice HIP DROPS Tiff but the fans rally up. Candice scuffs Tiff, then grinds an arm to drop a knee on the elbow! And another knee drop! Tiff endures and the fans rally up.
Candice keeps on that arm, thrashes it around, but Tiff fights up. Tiff fires body shots, then shoves Candice to Alabama Lift her! Candice sunset flips, Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated and Candice bails out. Tiff goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Candice and Nia, and Tiff almost stuck the landing! The fans fire up with Tiff and she goes into the ring. Tiff points to the WrestleMania sign, and then at Charlotte, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Tiff waits on Candice, Candice slides in, and Tiff stomps her down! Candice bails out, Nia is there to coach her, but Tiff lets the ring count start. Candice gets on the apron, Tiff kicks her, but Candice RAMS Tiff! Candice CLUBS Tiff, has her in the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Candice climbs, aims, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO!
Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW!
Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back! Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring!
The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring. Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, but with some interesting moves after the sudden change in plans with The Rock showing up. Naomi and Bianca had a good promo to hype up what was meant to be a full match of Naomi VS Liv, but word had already come out before the show that things were being cut for time. But at the very least, they did the right thing of making it a brawl that adds heat to the tag title match on Monday. Also, hilarious how Chelsea & Piper thought the beatdown on Bianca & Naomi was so bad that they would need to be pulled from the Chamber. I also can’t wait to see what happens on Toronto SmackDown.
As for The Rock, I do appreciate he used his authority to kayfabe change more things, all so he could have his promo with Cody. I also appreciate Rock blending his different roles and even different sides, both Heel and Face, to A) bring the news of WM42 being in NOLA, and B) recreate the Corporate Champion/People’s Champion story from the Attitude Era. That was some wild stuff he was saying to Cody. I’m sure quite a few people will try and talk with Cody next week in the go-home. Heels will say do it because they’d love to have what Rock can give, Faces will say not because Cody’s better than that. But naturally, Cody is not going to become The Rock’s Champion, causing Rock to turn on him and really up things going into WrestleMania 41 and perhaps even beyond.
Good stuff in the Elimination Chamber related stories. Jimmy VS McIntyre was great stuff to open, and how fitting that McIntyre loses to Jimmy after talking all that trash about Jimmy and Jey being the same. Jey got McIntyre with something quick, Jimmy got McIntyre with something quick, McIntyre’s ego is obviously his weakness. And at the same time, McIntyre of course destroys Jimmy after because that’s his other personality trait. Priest had good promos with Cody and Braun, and we got great stuff from Solo’s Bloodline. Naturally, we got a miscommunication spot to help finish, we’re really close to Solo VS Jacob, I can feel it. Priest & Braun get the win, mostly because Priest isn’t winning in the Chamber when you’ve got Punk and Cena in there.
Very good stuff with Tiffy Time, from the promos leading into the match to Charlotte being ringside just to watch. Nia & Candice of course get the better of Tiff & Trish, because Tiff & Trish are definitely winning the tag match in Toronto. Charlotte just seems to enjoy trolling Tiff with her presence, so Charlotte probably shows up in Toronto to then confront Tiff after the match. I expect the seven weeks after Elimination Chamber to really heat up, as will Charlotte’s involvement, where she’ll get more active verbally and physically. Also, hell, Rock should go full Corporation and have Charlotte be his Corporate Women’s Champion because of how established she is.
Hilarious stuff from Truth tonight, as always. Truth and Melo having their “who’s on first” again was good stuff, and of course Miz gets in on this story, too. Truth & Knight VS “Melo Don’t Miz” was really fun, but yeah, should’ve figured Nakamura would get involved, too. Melo & Miz making it work could also be really fun, and while Knight VS Nakamura is a rehash, I really hope they find a way to up things. It feels like we’re getting the same with the tag titles as Profits “ruined” that great tag match from DIY and Pretty Deadly, then brawled with MCMG to still come out on top. Last year had a ladder tag title match, so why not do one for these titles this year?
Speaking of escalating, Kevin filming a promo outside Sami’s house was some really well done stuff, as expected of someone as good as Kevin and in such a story as him and Sami. Their match should main event, it needs time to breathe, as it could be just as, if not more violent, than the Chamber matches. What a powerful closing moment we could have if it’s a bloody Kevin and Sami, and one of them is standing over the other, triumphant yet mournful because it was their best friend in the world that they just brutalized.
My Score: 8.9/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
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THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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