Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (6/26/23)
One final face-off!
Raw prepares for Money in the Bank!
And as such, holds a Women’s Ladder Match Summit! Zelina Vega, Bayley, Iyo Sky, Trish Stratus, Zoey Stark AND Becky Lynch, all in the ring at once! Will things stay civil before it’s every woman for herself?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Shinsuke Nakamura VS Ricochet; Ricochet wins.
- Raquel Rodriguez w/ Liv Morgan VS Ronda Rousey w/ Shayna Baszler; Ronda wins.
- Tommaso Ciampa VS The Miz; No Contest.
- Dominik Mysterio w/ Rhea Ripley VS Akira Tozawa; Dom wins.
- GUNTHER w/ Ludwig Kaiser VS Sami Zayn w/ Kevin Owens; Gunther wins.
- Carmelo Hayes VS Finn Balor; Finn wins.
- Cody Rhodes VS Damian Priest; Cody wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Rhea Ripley & Dominik Mysterio are in the ring.
Fans boo as the Judgment Day’s Mami & Dommy have the mics. Dom welcomes us to the show, but the fans boo even harder. Rhea calms Dom down and takes over. “Cody Rhodes. Oh, now you wanna boo me, huh? Well your little favorite, Cody Rhodes, is a wannabe and a loser! His momentum has been slowing down as of late. And at Money in the Bank, Dom’s gonna end-” WAIT! Here comes Cody! Fans fire up for The American Nightmare and sing along with his song, “WHOA~ OH!” The pyro goes off, and Cody high-fives fans on his way down the ramp. Cody then goes up the steel steps, gets a mic, and steps in at the “WHOA~ OH!”
Dom backs off to the far side and fans boo. They chant for “CODY! CODY!” and Cody says he thinks he knows what Dom was trying to do. It would’ve been pretty special but he’ll go ahead and do it. “Savannah, Georgia…! Welcome to Monday Night Raw!” Dom gets mad but Rhea tells Cody that he can try and bully Dom-Dom as much as he likes, but Dom is a “very dangerous man.” Dom says at MITB- And then he gets booed. He tells Rhea what he was gonna say so Rhea says that at MITB, he’s gonna show exactly how dangerous he is! Cody says, “Oh. Thank you for the education. Dom has proved tactile, and lobbed a few cheap shots.”
If anything, Dom is a smart guy. He might’ve heard this one. Be who you are, say how you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind. The Cat in the Hat said that. Yeah! A children’s book! Cody is quoting a children’s book because that is what Dom is: a scared little boy! Dom huffs and puffs and Rhea goes out to join him. They leave and fans boo more. Cody tells Dom to hold on. Damien Priest doesn’t run from Cody, why is Dom running? Show Cody something! Cody is right here, and will give Dom a free shot. Let’s just do this here and now! Fans fire up for that, and Dom turns around!
Dom rushes the ring, but then smirks and says forget it. Cody sighs and fans boo. “Okay, Dom. Okay. I see you walking, I see you leaving, here we are again.” The cheap shots have been effective, dangerous, dirty. But on Saturday, MITB, Dom is stepping into an entirely different body of water. Cody wants to find out if Dom is half the man that Rey Mysterio is. Or… If Dom’s just Mami’s little boy. Dommy and Mami leave, but will nothing stop Cody from standing tall in the UK?
Shinsuke Nakamura VS Ricochet!
The King of Strong Style collides with the King of Flight once more, all because they got in each other’s way with Bronson Reed. With MITB just days away, who will have a leg up going into the career-changing ladder match? And will Bronson Reed have something to do with the outcome again?
Raw returns and Bronson is ringside to watch! Ricochet makes his entrance, the bell rings and the two talk trash while pointing up to the briefcase. Then the forearms fly! Nakamura fires a strike fest, bumps Ricochet off buckles, and gives him GOOD VIBRATIONS! Nakamura snapmares, then drops a knee! Cover, TWO! Bronson is already unimpressed while Nakamura throws knees. Nakamura whips, Ricochet reverses but Nakamura blocks to CLUB the leg and ELBOW Ricochet! Nakamura runs but Ricochet dodges! Ricochet handsprings but the headscissors are denied with a KICK! Bronson does like that.
Nakamura kicks, Ricochet ducks to feint and kick! Then SCISSOR KICK! Fans rally up as Ricochet talks trash on Nakamura. Ricochet fireman’s carries but Nakamura fights free to a SLEEPER! Ricochet reaches out, but Nakamura brings him away. Ricochet snapmares, then dumps Nakamura up and out! Nakamura gets back up to get the SLEEPER! Nakamura is a backpack in he ropes, but he lets off as the ref counts. Nakamura brings Ricochet out, but Ricochet ENZIGURIS! But then both men BOOT the other! They both fall to the floor and Bronson gives a standing ovation, if not somewhat mockingly.
The ref warns Bronson to stay back. Ricochet throws a forearm, but Nakamura gives it back! They go back and forth, Bronson applauds, but Nakamura glares at him. Ricochet kicks, Nakamura blocks, and then hands it to Bronson! ENZIGURI from Ricochet, BOOT from Nakamura, and Bronson falls against his chair! Nakamura then kicks Ricochet, puts him in the ring, and runs in at the ropes. Ricochet ELBOWS Nakamura, comes back, and WRECKS Bronson off the apron! But Bronson gets back up, Nakamura SLIDING KNEES him down! Bronson gets up, the ref stops him, and he EJECTS Bronson!
Fans cheer and Auszilla is furious! But he has no choice but to leave, so now Nakamura and Ricochet can continue without distractions! Fans taunt Bronson and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns as Nakamura HAMMERS away on Ricochet, then throws a KNEE! Nakamura drags Ricochet up, suplexes, but Ricochet slips free. Ricochet waistlocks, Nakamura elbows and ENZIGURIS Ricochet away! Ricochet goes to a corner, Nakamura runs in, but he blocks boots. Ricochet slips out to the apron to BOOT Nakamura! Springboard, FLYING LARIAT! Fans fire up while both men are down! Ricochet feeds off the energy, gets to his feet, and he bobs ‘n’ weaves to fire off fast hands! Ricochet whips, Nakamura reverses but Ricochet handsprings to BACK ELBOW! And then SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally and Ricochet keeps his focus. Ricochet runs, springboards, LIONSAULT onto knees! Nakamura suplexes to GOURD BUSTER, and then he throws in KNEE after KNEE! Nakamura stomps Ricochet at the ropes, the ref counts, and Nakamura lets off with one more stomp. Nakamura brings Ricochet up, KNEES him low, and clinches. INVERTED EXPLODER! Fans fire up with Nakamura and he aims from the corner! “YAO~!” But Ricochet ducks the knee, to RECOIL! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet hurries to get Nakamura to a drop zone and he goes up the corner. Fans fire up, but Nakamura GAMANGIRIS first!
Ricochet is stuck, Nakamura hits a TOP SHELF KNEE! Then he aims again, “YAO~!” KIN- TIGER WALL KCIK! Ricochet ducks the roundhouse, and the heel kick, to HEEL KCIK! STANDING SLICED BREAD! Ricochet gets Nakamura in the drop zone, goes up again, and SHOOTING STAR PRESS!! Cover, Ricochet wins!!
Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall
The King of Flight trumps the King of Strong Style! He now has the hot hand going into the high stakes, high reward match that is MITB! Will Ricochet soon have the ace in the hole known as the MITB contract?
WWE shares their social media exclusive.
Byron Saxton found Matt Riddle backstage and asked him about what Imperium did to him last week. Riddle says they tried to take him out, but he’s gonna try and take something from them. Namely, the WWE Intercontinental Championship. And he challenges Gunther for that title at MITB!
Backstage interview with Matt Riddle.
Byron brings up Riddle’s challenge to Gunther, but does he think that’s really smart given what Imperium did to him last week? First off, Riddle’s ankle is cooling off. But Riddle is sick and tired of Gunther hiding behind his goons. But then Ludwig walks in and says how dare Riddle challenge Der Ring General. Last week, he got exactly what he deserved for what he did to Giovanni Vinci. What makes Riddle believe him and his amateur skills has what it takes to compete for the Intercontinental title? Uh, Riddle’s pretty sure his “amateur skills” beat Ludwig. Ludwig says that is never going to happen again.
Newsflash, FISTS! Riddle ROCKS Ludwig, and has a KIMURA! But Gunther BOOTS Riddle down! Imperium mugs Riddle again, and Gunther says, “Challenge accepted!” Then he stomps the ankle!! Riddle writhes, will he be able to make it to MITB like this?
Adam Pearce texts with someone.
But then Dom & Rhea barge in. Dom says he was just embarrassed by Cody, and he wants a match tonight so he can show Cody what’s in store for him at MITB. Pearce says that can be arranged. Then Dom has the perfect opponent, someone of his caliber. Big and strong, too. And that is…? Rhea whispers to Dom and Dom nods. They’ll get back to you on that. What is Dom up to in order to puff up his ego this close to MITB?
Raquel Rodriguez w/ Liv Morgan VS Ronda Rousey w/ Shayna Baszler!
Team #LivingLarge is going after the Baddest Women on the Planet this Saturday at MITB for the now Undisputed Women’s Tag Team Championships! As such, this is an appetizer as Big Mami Cool goes after THE Rowdy Ronda Rousey! Who will have a major advantage going into the huge title match?
Raw returns as Raquel makes her entrance, Liv by her side. The bell rings, the two tie up, and Raquel shoves Ronda down! Raquel grins and Ronda storms up. Ronda avoids a boot, mule kicks, but Raquel’s too big to sayanagi! Raquel blocks haymakers but Ronda kicks low! Ronda jumps on for a GUILLOTINE! But Raquel powers out to a suplex! Fans fire up and Ronda goes to a corner. Raquel runs in but Ronda dodges to come back, KNEE and HANGING ARMBAR! Fans boo, the ref counts, and Ronda lets go at 4. Ronda runs in to get the arm, manages to fireman’s carry, but Raquel slips off to shove! Raquel runs Ronda over!
Raquel scoops Ronda, but Ronda slips off the powerslam! Raquel comes back, Ronda body scissors to an ANKLE LCOK! Raquel reaches out, rolls, and kicks Ronda away! Ronda comes back, blocks the lariats, but Raquel stays standing! Raquel lifts Ronda to ELECTRIC CHAIR SLAM! Ronda goes to a corner, Raquel runs in to SPLASH! Raquel scoops, carries Ronda around, and FALL AWAY SLAMS! Ronda ends up in the corner again, Raquel runs over, but Shayna saves Ronda from the Vader! But Liv LEAPS and CLOBBERS Shayna! Fans fire up as Liv hammers away on Shayna! Ronda grabs Raquel, drags her to a crdle, and wins!
Winner: Ronda Rousey, by pinfall
Ronda then scrambles away before Liv rushes in. The Baddest Woman on the Planet snatched that one away, but will she and Shayna survive when Liv & Raquel get going as a duo?
Finn Balor speaks.
“You want the guy that beat you seven years ago. That guy’s gone. He’s dead. This guy is much worse. What was it you said, Seth? I got bitter while you got better? Let’s analyze that, Seth. Let’s go back in time. SummerSlam 2016. Torn labrum, torn bicep tendon, torn pec tenson, and a fractured glinide socket. And I still beat you. I could hardly raise my arm to lift the title as the first-ever Universal Champion. For 22 hours. Injury upon injury upon injury, I was forced, forced, to relinquish the championship. But that’s not where our problems lie, is it, Seth?” As Finn gave up, at his lowest point, Rollins walked out and laughed in his face.
Rollins laughed outta jealousy, spite and rubbed salt in a wound. That is something Finn will never forget! Finn got bitter? No, Rollins made him bitter. And that bitterness is all Finn has now. While Rollins has it all. Seth Freakin’ Rollins. They worship the ground Rollins walks on, love his ridiculous outfits and sing his stupid song! But guess what? None of that matter! The only things that matter are vengeance and the World Heavyweight Championship. “At MITB, after seven long years, after everything you took from me, I’m gonna take it all back. And the only song you’re gonna hear is the ringing in your ears as both my arms are raised as the new World Heavyweight Champion. And that Seth? Now that’s gonna be a bitter, bitter pill for you to swallow.”
Seth Rollins heads to the ring!
Savannah sings along, “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” as the Visionary struts his way out in a red sequin sweatsuit. Rollins soaks up the singing under the spotlight, and then he gets the mic. “Savannah, Georgia! Welcome to Monday Night Rollins! Now before ew get cooking here tonight, we got a special guest int he arena. Ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together for the one, the only NXT Champion himself, Carmeloooo, Hayes!” Fans cheer and the light shines on Melo in the front row. Fans chant for “NXT! NXT!” and Rollins tells Melo that he doesn’t do this very often, but Melo had his back last week, so Rollins thanks him.
Fans cheer again and Melo says he’s got Rollins. Rollins says they have more in common than being the two flyest dudes in the room! They’re both fighting champions! Melo has a title defense tomorrow night on NXT, and please whoop up on Bumass Corbin. Melo says you already know. As for Rollins, this Saturday live in London, Rollins goes 1v1 with Finn Balor! Fans boo Balor but Rollins says, “Couple weeks ago, I posed the question, ‘Which Finn Balor was going to show up at MITB?'” Last week, we got an answer in spades. Finn jumped Rollins not once, but he followed Rollins all the way to NXT to jump him again, trying to turn his ribs into dust!
Rollins says the thing is, Finn, “I’m still standing. I’m still standing, MITB’s this Saturday, I’m tired of talking, so why don’t you come on out here and finish the job right now?!” Rollins waits, fans sing, but no Finn. Rollins says he wishes that singing would draw Finn out, but Finn isn’t coming out now. But he has to hand it to Finn. Finn is the smartest he’s ever been, the most dangerous he’s ever been, and has surrounded himself with people. He’ll hide in the back, in the shadows, and tricked himself into thinking it his fate to take everything Rollins took from Finn seven plus years ago. Is Rollins 100% right now? No, he’s not. Will he be by Saturday? No, he won’t.
But as good as Finn is, there is one thing he has not accounted for, and that is Rollins. Rollins promises that when it’s just them in this ring, when the bell rings, the best version of Finn Balor is not as good as the best version of Seth Freakin’ Rollins! Fans cheer that. In fact, Rollins says that is the bitter pill Finn will have to swallow. He IS a visionary! He IS a revolutionary! He IS- HERE COMES FINN! WITH A CHAIR! Rollins hits him first and TACKLES Finn! They brawl, fans fire up, and Finn gest up to kick those bad ribs! Finn aims, but Rollins ducks the chair to RAM Finn to a corner, and TOSS him out!
Rollins goes after Finn against the desk, then picks him up, but Finn turns things around to RAM Rollins into the steel steps! And then the desk! Finn stomps Rollins, digs his boot in, and KICKS him in the side! Finn then grabs a new chair, but Melo stops him! And then Rollins CLOBBERS Finn over the barriers! They fight into the crowd, but Finn slips away! Rollins is furious but hurting, too. Will he be able to humble whichever Finn this is at MITB?
Backstage interview with Tommaso Ciampa.
Byron says Ciampa made his return last week, and Ciampa already knows the question is “Why?” Why did Ciampa go after The Miz? Ciampa spent the last nine MONTHS of his life recovering from hip surgery, and how many times did Miz reach out with calls and texts? Zero. The last nine MONTHS, Ciampa hasn’t heard one peep from Mr. Tiny Balls. Oh, is that funny? Well, people warned Ciampa about Miz being a manipulator, and that’s true. But the injury was a blessing in disguise. Because being left alone with his thoughts for that long, it gave Ciampa clarity. What is your “Why?” Who are your real friends?
Most important of all, why in the hell is Ciampa wearing neon green, following Miz around and playing second fiddle? This time around, Ciampa creates his own opportunities. He and The Miz are having a rematch up next, will the Blackheart make it 2-0 against the Hollywood A-Lister?
Tommaso Ciampa VS The Miz!
Raw returns as Ciampa makes his entrance, but then Miz blindsides him! Miz fires hands, RAMS Ciampa into barriers, and then RAMS him into more barriers! Fans boo but Miz RAMS Ciampa into the apron! Miz SLAMS the leg into the apron again and again! Fans taunt Miz’s “TINY BALLS!” but Miz drags Ciampa up again. Miz suplexes Ciampa into barriers! And then he mocks Ciampa’s clapping and pats on the back! Miz rains down fists on Ciampa, the ref backs him off, and Ciampa clutches his leg. Miz stalks Ciampa, gets him up to full nelson, SKULL CRUSHING FINALE to the floor!
Miz glares at Ciampa says he gave him opportunity after opportunity, and this is how he disrespects him? Miz tells Ciampa he’s a chump and a joke! But will this only make the Psycho Killer go after Miz more?
Imperium talks backstage.
The match is made official for MITB, Gunther VS Riddle for the Intercontinental Championship. But then Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn walk over. Ludwig tells them to keep on walking. Wow, what does he mean? Doe she not like it when people just interrupt you? They don’t have time for this! Oh, and you think they have time for this when Imperium does it every week? AT least they have a reason to be here! And what reason is that? The reason? W-What is the reason? Oh, what they did to Riddle. Kevin doesn’t care. Sami says they do care, Riddle is a friend. Oh, well, in that case, HOW DARE they do that to Riddle?!
Sami says guess what? They’re doing something about it. Oh, well, Ludwig knows discipline isn’t really Kevin’s or Sami’s expertise, so they should be careful with their words. Or otherwise, Der Ring General will have to teach them the very same lesson. Like when he absolutely annihilated Kevin? Oh, you think you taught Kevin something? He didn’t! Kevin learned absolutely NOTHING! Sami calms Kevin down, and says he’ll handle this. Okay, fine, handle it. Sami says fair enough, Gunther did beat Kevin. But it took all three of them! With Imperium, it seems every time it is a numbers game.
So let’s keep the numbers real simple: Sami VS Gunther 1v1 tonight! Gunther says he is fully aware that just like Kevin and Riddle, Sami also wants to ride on his coattails. So be his guest. Yeah, good idea. Sami will be Gunther’s guest. BELT CLAP! BELT CLAP! The Undisputed Tag Team Champions head out, but will they finally get one over on Der Ring General?
Dominik Mysterio w/ Rhea Ripley VS ???
As far as the Prodigal Son is concerned, his opponent here tonight is far more worth his time than Cody Rhodes. But just who did Dom choose to be his “victim?” We find out, after the break.
Raw returns and Dom’s opponent is revealed to be… Akira Tozawa! The Stamina Monster did offer to help Cody out last time, so maybe this is his way of coming through for the American Nightmare. The bell rings and Dom fires off on Tozawa! Dom stomps away in the corner, fans boo but the ref counts. Dom lets off, Rhea cheers but the fans boo. Dom soaks it up, brings Tozawa up and fires off knees and forearms. Tozawa counter punches! Fans fire up as Tozawa fires off again and again! Dom knees low, throws Tozawa down, and brings him up to whip. Tozawa reverses, dodges, and RANAS Dom away!
Fans fire up, Tozawa runs to SHINING WIZARD! Tozawa goes up a corner, leaps, FLYING SENTON! Rhea freaks out and hurries as Dom bails out. Tozawa builds speed and he DIVES! Direct hit at the ramp and TOZAWA IS RED HOT! But then Rhea stares him down. Tozawa hurries to put Dom in, but he is wary of Rhea. Tozawa climbs up, but Dom trips him up! Dom drags Tozawa off the top, goes up top, and FROG SPLASHES! Cover, Dom wins!
Winner: Dominik Mysterio, by pinfall
Rhea says that’s how you do it! Yes, she distracts and Dom wins is how they do it. But if this is how Dom beats Tozawa, will Cody Rhodes mop the floor with “Dirty Dom?”
The Viking Raiders speak.
Sarah Logan says, “The gods have not spoken to me in weeks. And to hear them again, we must do terrible things.” Erik & Ivar say together, “Soon, we will hurt the Alpha Academy.” And when all three are in the ring, blinded by pain, Sarah will hear Them again. “And it will be beautiful…!” Chad Gable, Otis & Maxxine Dupri have been warned, but what will they have planned as the counter offensive?
Trish Stratus & Zoey Stark head to the ring.
The Hall of Famer and her new protégé are making their way out first ahead of this Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Summit. They’ll soon be joined by the other four competitors in that match, and Corey Graves will mediate, but will things keep from getting physical before Saturday?
Raw returns and Big Time Becky Lynch makes her entrance. Damage CTRL’s Bayley & Iyo Sky are already in the ring, as well as Zelina Vega. Corey welcomes everyone to the summit, and says in five days, these six will have their chance to climb ladders to reach- Bayley stops Corey because we all know how this works. They’re not idiots. Well, the fans are! HA! Actually, Bayley has won one of these before, and is the only one in this match who has. So uh, Corey can let Bayley run this right now since she has the best chances anyway. Er, uh, oh Iyo, she has a great chance. Iyo says in Japanese and English, “May the best woman win.”
Zelina interrupts in Japanese, and then in English says she is so sick of DMG CTRL completely dismissing everyone else. We have Becky Lynch! “Someone who I respect.” Becky’s done it all! Except win MITB. Then there’s Zoey the groupie, and Trish Stratus, a living legend. But one who has never even been IN a ladder match and has no idea what it takes. And like it or not, we have Zelina, the FUTURE Miss MITB! Bayley laughs and has everyone calm down, cuz “pipsqueak” ain’t got a chance. Zelina tells Bayley callate and brings out LA CHANCLA! If she wanted to hear more from DMG CTRL, she’d throw coins in their begging bowls.
Zelina tells Bayley you’re messing with the wrong one. She will prove everyone wrong when she and Santos Escobar each climb the ladders and bring those briefcases back to the LWO! Oh that’s what Zelina thinks? She’s a bigger idiot than she looks! The squabbling continues in three languages, and Stark tells everyone to calm down on the playground. What Trish sees is a bunch of little girls. Fans chant for “BECKY! BECKY!” Trish says it is very clear to her why each of them needed Trish to save this division. She is not a girl, she is a woman. In fact, she’s the best to ever do this.
And Zelina, you’re right. This is Trish’s first. But winning is what she does. When Trish makes history on Saturday, then guess what? Everyone can all say “Thank you, Trish, for letting me be part of such a historic moment.” Fans boo but Zoey nods. And Trish tells “Lynch,” that Trish can’t call her a girl or a woman, since she’s “The Man.” But Trish asks Becky this: When it is all said and done, will Becky be “man enough” to say thanks? Becky just DECKS Trish! The brawl is on, stark & Trish beating up on Becky, DMG CTRL beating up on Zelina! But Becky and Zelina both fight back! Trish is sent outta the ring, and then so is Stark!
DMG CTRL go after Becky, but Zelina gets LA CHANCLA!! BOP for Bayley! BOP for Iyo! DMG CTRL mugs Zelina but Zelina sends Bayley into ropes, and then a ladder! And then KNEES her outta the ring! Iyo DROPKCIKS Zelina out! Becky and Iyo brawl, Becky scoops but Iyo goes to apron to HOTSHOT! Then Iyo goes up to ASAI MOONSAULT everyone else, even Bayley! Becky is alone, she grabs a ladder, and she climbs! Fans fire up as The Man touches the Women’s MITB briefcase, kisses it, and brings it off the hook! Will Becky finally check this accomplishment off her list? Or will another take that golden ticket to a title match?
Backstage interview with Carmelo Hayes.
Cathy Kelley is with the NXT Champion and brings up his very first match on Raw. He is facing Finn Balor, how is he feeling? We know who invited Melo here: Rollins. The World Heavyweight Champion! And do you knew what an honor it is to be here? Rollins isn’t just a wrestler Melo aspires to be like, but a champion Melo aspires to be like. So Melo will go ahead and take care of Rollins’ problem in Finn Balor. Maybe Melo is making a mistake, but if he goes out in a blaze of glory then still has to handle his business with Corbin tomorrow night, that’s what he’ll do. Sometimes, guys like Melo and Seth, they gotta take shots to make shots. And tonight, Melo don’t miss.
Becky finds Rhea backstage.
The two stare down and smile. Rhea says Becky better hope she doesn’t win. Because if she even thinks of cashing in on Rhea, it’ll be the last thing she ever does. Becky says that’s interesting. Because when Becky was champion, her title was defended in every town in every main event. But Rhea, she’s become a main event side piece. Becky doesn’t need that title, that title needs her. But Becky wants to win the briefcase, just to watch Rhea squirm. Becky says bye, but will The Man come back around for the Women’s World Championship?
GUNTHER w/ Ludwig Kaiser VS Sami Zayn w/ Kevin Owens!
Der Ring General accepted the Original Bro’s challenge, and now he looks to use an Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champion as a tune-up! But will he be the one getting used so that Sami is sharp and ready for the tag title match on SmackDown?
Raw returns and Sami makes his entrance, Kevin by his side. The bell rings and Kevin joins commentary. Sami and Gunther tie up, Gunther headlocks to the takeover, and pushes to a cover. ONE, and Sami fights up. Kevin says Sami just has to worry about Ludwig and “baldie.” Gunther hits a headlock takeover again, but Sami keeps his shoulders up. Sami fights up and fans rally behind him. Sami powers out, Gunther runs him over, and then he drags Sami up to hit a headlock takeover. Fans sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~!” for Sami and he fights up again. Sami powers up and out, then drops to bypass. Gunther stops himself, but turns around into an arm-drag!
Sami keeps on the armlock but Gunther fights up and knees free. Gunther UPPERCUTS in the corner, stalks Sami to a corner, and then swings, but Sami avoids the chop to COHP! And forearm! Sami fires off shots, whips, but Gunther reverses. Gunther runs in but Sami elbows him away! Sami bumps Gunther off buckles, then climbs up to rain down fists! Fans count along, but then Sami spots Vinci limping out with crutches! Gunther throws Sami away, Sami kicks low! Sami whips, Gunther reverses but Sami springboards, into a waistlock! GERMAN SUPLEX! Kevin says Sami will bounce back, surely, but Imperium is reunited as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Sami CHOPS away on Gunther! But then Gunther CHOPS Sami off his feet! Kevin says shake it off, Sami! Sami goes to a corner, fans rally up but Imperium cheers their leader. Gunther drags Sami up, reels him in, and UPPERCUTS! Sami falls back into the corner, and Gunther runs corner to corner. Sami clinches but Gunther fights the exploder! Sami still tries! Gunther throws more elbows, then turns Sami to CHOP him down! Kevin coaches Sami from commentary and Sami stands up again. Gunther CHOPS him again! Sami leans against Gunther, Kevin says to hit the legs.
Gunther taunts Sami, toys with him, and he brings Sami up to CHOP again! Kevin says Sami has more heart than anyone, but then Gunther stares him down. Kevin tells Gunther good job, he can chop hard. Wait ’til Sami gets you back. And then Sami BOOTS Gunther! Sami goes up, BOOTS him again, and again, and again! Kevin cheers with the fans, and Sami facelocks, but Gunther blocks the DDT to wrench and CHOP! Kevin says it’s okay, Sami’s still up top. But then Gunther climbs up top! Sami fights and throws body shots! Sami then CLUBS away on Gunther and fans fire up! Kevin cheers Sami on, and Sami SUPER SUNSET POWERBOMBS! Cover, TWO!!
Savannah and Kevin can’t believe it, but Gunther survives. Sami keeps his focus, shakes out the arms, and fans rally up. Sami storms up to fire forearms on Gunther, but Gunther UPPERCUTS! Sami forearms again, but Gunther UPPERCUTS! Sami LARIATS! Gunther stays up so Sami LARIATS again! And again! Sami whips, Gunther reverses but Sami goes up and over to LARIAT! Gunther falls and fans fire up again! Sami hurries to get Gunther up but Gunther slips outta the Blue Thunder to SLEEPER!! Fans rally as Sami endures, but Gunther has the body scissors, too! Kevin says Sami’s not done, and Sami fights up!
Sami stands, reaches out, and then hits a BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Again, no one can believe it! Imperium looks worried, and Sami isn’t sure what he has to do. Kevin says Sami still has this, and Sami sits up. Gunther also sits up, and then Sami goes to ropes. Sami goes out and up the corner, fans rally behind him, and Sami leaps, into a CHOP!! Cover, TWO!?! Sami survives and Gunther is shocked! Gunther drops a knee, goes up a corner, and GENERAL SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!?!? Sami survives again and Kevin is loving it! But then Ludwig gest on the apron, so Kevin DECKS him!
Kevin fires off on Ludwig, the fans love it, but Gunther goes out to BOOT Kevin down! Sami FLIES to take out Gunther! Sami fires up and so does Savannah! Sami puts Gunther back in the ring, clinches him, CORNER EXPLODER! Fans are thunderous as Sami goes to the far corner. But Ludwig gets up and distracts the ref again! Vinci JAMS Sami with his crutch!! Gunther gets Sami up, GENERAL BOMB!! Cover, Gunther wins!
Winner: Gunther, by pinfall
The numbers game still won out for Imperium because of Vinci’s surprise return! But then Kevin attacks! But he’s 2v1 against Gunther & Ludwig! But “Bro…” Riddle rushes out here! Riddle hobbles on his bad ankle and he still KNEES Vinci down! Then he uses the crutch to CRACK Vinci! And then he hits Ludwig, and Gunther, and more for Gunther! The crutch has bent! Kevin gives Ludwig a STUNNER!! Imperium regroups outside the ring, will their numbers game only raise Riddle’s intensity? As for Kevin & Sami, will they be ready for Pretty Deadly in their tag title defense?
The Alpha Academy works out backstage.
Maxxine Dupri does free weight squats while Otis is on the bike. Coach Chad Gable blows his whistle and then tells the Viking Raiders, “Do you think we’re amateurs over here? You don’t think I have Maxxine over here getting stronger? You think I don’t have Otis over here getting faster? You doubt my coaching abilities? Savages! Idiots! SAVAGES! IDIOTS!!” Maxxine has Gable calm down. She may not have had a match yet, but every single time that little witch has come at her, Maxxine has destroyed her! All thanks to Gable’s wonderful coaching. And she is so ready for whatever Logan has in store for her next.
Gable loves the confidence he’s instilled in her. They’re here every week. Even next week! Go ask your Viking gods to say some of those things to their faces. And then, Gable will have Otis show them the plan. Otis, what’s the plan? The plan, coach, is pure carnage! Gable blows his whistle, will the Academy SHOOOOSH Valhalla?
Backstage interview with Natalya.
Cathy asks Natty where her emotions are at after another brutal attack by Rhea Ripley. Natty says she signed up for this life, and Rhea is part of that because Rhea is at the top of the mountain right now. But Natty says the biggest battle hasn’t been in the ring. It has been in her mind. The fear of Natty losing isn’t as great as the fear of giving up, and that is the battle of a lifetime. Natty has been broken, down, shaken, but she is still here! She would like Rhea to bring that title next week and face her woman to woman. There is not a single person here who can erase what Natty has done in the WWE! Will The Eradicator fail to break the Queen of Harts?
Carmelo Hayes VS Finn Balor!
The NXT Champion had Rollins’ back again, but now he is on The Prince’s bad side! Will Finn prove this new form is even more dangerous than the man from seven years ago? Or will he not be ready for… HIM?
Raw returns and Melo makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally for Melo and he ties up with Finn, but then Finn trips him up! Finn rains down fists, stomps Melo into the corner, but the ref counts. Finn digs his boots in but the ref backs him off. Finn CHOPS Melo, then has him in a corner. Finn RAMS his shoulder in again and again, lets off as the ref counts, and he throws body shots. Finn snapmares then CLUBS Melo, then ELBOWS him in the head! Finn clamps on a chinlock and he grinds Melo down. Fans rally up, Melo fights up and he moves around. Finn headlocks but Melo throws body shots!
Melo throws more body shots, whips out, and then hurdles, ducks and DROPKICKS! Finn staggers to a corner, Melo runs in and blocks a kick, then puts Finn int he ropes to ENZIGURI! Finn is stuck, and FADE AWAY! Direct hit and Finn bails out. So Melo PLANCHAS! Direct hit and fans fire up again as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Finn RAMS Melo in the corner again and again! Finn whips corner to corner, then runs in to CHOP! Finn snarls while fans “WOO~!” and then Finn whips back the other way for another CHOP! Finn whips again, but Melo ELBOWS back! Melo goes up the corner to jump, but Finn gets under! Melo crashes down on the mat and Finn storms up to kick him in the side. Fans rally, Finn brings Melo up, but Melo ROCKS Finn! Finn swings but Melo counter punches! Melo spins Finn, KNEE SMASH and LARIAT! Finn staggers up, Melo whips but Finn reverses. Melo ducks ‘n’ springboards, FLYING LARIAT! Cover, TWO!
Finn flounders to a corner and Melo pounds the mat. Fans rally up again and Melo runs in, BIG forearm smash! Melo keeps moving, but Finn LARIATS him down! Fans boo but Finn kicks and stomps Melo at the ropes! And again and again! The ref counts, Finn lets off, and Finn flexes. Melo stands, into a SLINGBLADE! Melo flounders again while Finn soaks up the heat. Finn takes aim, runs in, but into a SUPERKICK! Melo springboards, FADE AWAY DDT! Cover, TWO! Melo keeps focus, he goes up the corner, and he takes aim. But Finn runs in so Melo jumps over. Finn hurries to fireman’s carry but Melo slips off to roll Finn up! TWO!!
Melo kicks, Finn blocks and spins Melo to fireman’s carry, GUT BUSTER DROP! Melo sputters and Finn takes aim again. SHOTGUN! Melo hits buckles then falls into the drop zone! Finn goes up and fans boo the COUP DE GRACE!! Cover, Finn wins!
Winner: Finn Balor, by pinfall
Melo may not miss, but neither does Finn! The Prince dunks on the NXT Champion, but will he do even worse to Rollins on Saturday? As for Melo, will he be able to regroup and beat Baron Corbin to wrap up NXT Gold Rush?
Backstage interview with Cody Rhodes.
Cathy is with Cody, and his dog, Pharaoh, and asks for a moment of his time. Cody is up against Damian Priest, what are Cody’s thoughts on Priest and Dominik? Cody loves these chats, but gosh, he looks forward to the day when we’re not talking about Dom, Rhea, Priest or Finn, i.e. the Judgment Day. Priest is walking into MITB with bruises on both body and ego. And as for Dom, Cody wishes he could be in crowd with the WWE Universe to boo Dom himself. Dom has gotten under Cody’s skin, these cheap shots are effective. Dom is skilled in that, he truly is.
But think about this: At MITB, Dom is not going to have Finn, Priest or even Rhea. And Cody hasn’t even laid a finger on “Dirty Dom.” We’ll find out what Dom does have soon enough. Cody and Pharaoh head out, will the American Nightmare make it through the Punisher here tonight?
Cody Rhodes VS Damian Priest!
The American Nightmare already said his piece tonight, but now he will back it up with actions! Will Georgia’s own make the Peach State proud? Or will the Punisher squeeze every last ounce of adrenaline out of Cody’s soul so “Dirty Dom “can pick the bones?
Raw returns as Priest makes his entrance, and making his way out alone. That has been his MO as of late, wanting to prove he can get things done on his own. The bell rings, the two circle, and they tie up. Priest powers Cody back to ropes but Cody turns it around. The two go around the ring, fans rally behind Cody but Priest headlocks. Cody powers up and out, but Priest runs him over! Cody gets up as Priest soaks up the heat. Priest and Cody reset, circle again, and then Cody gets around to waistlock then headlock. Priest powers up and out, Cody RAMS him, but Priest rebounds to run Cody over!
Priest dusts himself off, things speed up, but Priest blocks Cody’s hip toss. Cody blocks Priest’s hip toss back, then slips around, but Priest fights the backslide! Priest throws Cody up and over but Cody kicks low to drop and RHODES UPPERCUT! Priest wobbles, Cody runs, but Priest ELBOWS him! Priest runs but Cody DROPKICKS him! Cody drags Priest up, wrenches, and ROCKS him! Cody wrenches again to an ELBOW BREAKER! Cody CLUBS the arm, throws hands in the corner, then climbs up. Fans fire up but Priest carries Cody out! Priest DECKS Cody, then shakes out the cobwebs.
Priest puts Cody in a corner, fires off and stomps away! The ref counts, Priest lets off, and he brings Cody up. Priest whips corner to corner hard, then adds the “Stage Dive” back elbow! Fans boo but Priest soaks it up. Priest brings Cody up and reels him in, but Cody suplexes first! And holds Priest up for a count of TEN before the GOURD BUSTER! But wait, here come Rhea & Dom after all. Mami and her baby boy storm down the ramp, but Cody rushes Priest. Priest dodges to ROUNDHOUSE from the corner! Priest then drags Cody to the corner, grins, but Cody YANKS Priest into the post!
Cody build speed and he DIVES onto Priest! Dom stares Cody down but Cody puts Priest int he ring. Cody dares Dom to do something but he just hides behind Rhea. Cody runs into the ring, but into a FLATLINER! Priest now has control as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Priest cravats but Cody throws body shots! Cody is free, he throws more hands, but Priest ROCKS him! And then BROKEN ARROW! Cover, TWO! Rhea is upset but the fans rally up. Priest clamps onto the arms and has a motorcycle stretch. Cody fights up and he throws more body shots. Cody HEADBUTTS, runs, but Priest FLAPJACKS him! Priest scuffs Cody, kicks him around, then brings him up. Priest runs to LARIAT! Dom & Rhea cheer as Priest covers, TWO! Priest is annoyed, Rhea argues the count again, but the fans rally up. Priest goes to a corner and climbs up.
Cody goes up after Priest! SUPER ARM-DRAG! Fans fire up as Cody rises up. Rhea tells the fans to shut up and Priest throws forearms. Cody throws shots, Priest KICKS! Cody ROCKS Priest, Priest KICKS a leg! Cody ROCKS Priest again, then JABS! JABS! JABS! Flip, flop and fly, but Priest kicks low! Priest runs but Cody dodges to CLOBBER him! Cody baits Priest to a corner, goes up and over and POWERSLAMS! Fans fire up again and Cody runs the ropes. Springboard, BEAUTIFUL DISASTER! Priest wobbles and Dom gets worried. Cody JABS! JABS! JABS! Flip, flop, fly! BIONIC ELBOW! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally for Cody while both men catch their breath. Cody stomps Priest, has the legs, and he steps through, but Priest boots him to the corner! Cody runs back in but is sent into buckles! DIRTY DEEDS!! Cover, TWO!! The headlock driver still doesn’t finish this, but Priest choke grips Cody. Cody slips outta the slam to spin Priest and dragon sleeper, but Priest clubs away! Priest is free, he runs back in but into a kick! Cody underhooks, to PEDIGREE!! Both men are down but Cody crawls after Priest. Priest rolls to the outside and is safe! Fans boo but Rhea & Dom coach Priest up.
Cody goes up the corner, aims, but Priest gets in the ring. Cody adjusts, jumps over Priest, and comes back into a JUMP KICK! Cover, TWO! Priest grows frustrated, but he keeps his eyes on Cody. Priest brings Cody up, UPPERCUTS him and Cody ends up in a corner. Priest runs in but Cody avoids the splash! Priest goes up, leaps, but into a SUPERKICK! Rhea distracts the ref, Dom trips Cody up at the ropes!! Fans boo but Priest choke grips! SOUTH OF HEAVEN SLAM!! Cover, TWO!?!? Cody survives and no one can believe it! The Judgment Day is furious, they planned that perfectly!
Priest drags Cody up, reels him in, and Dom argues with the ref. Priest lifts Cody, crucifix, but Cody escapes! Cody then sends Priest into Dom! Down goes Dom, CODY CUTTER!! And fans fire up with Cody as he dragon sleepers! CROSS RHODES!! Cover, Cody wins!
Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall
Dom tried to get too dirty and it cost Priest this match! But then Dom CLOBBERS Cody from behind and runs away! Fans chant “DOM, YOU SUCK!” but Dom says he’ll see Cody on Saturday. Will all this only make things worse for Dom once he and Cody finally face off in London?
My Thoughts:
A really good Raw here, especially as a go-home. But luckily, they avoided Go Home Syndrome, and used new segments to help push things forward. Really good stuff out of Judgment Day the whole night, especially with them sandwiching the show. Good promos from Rhea, Dom & Cody to open the night, and good link back to the main event of Cody VS Priest. Great match out of Cody VS Priest, even with Dom & Rhea doing their best to help Priest. It works that Dom’s interference costs Priest. The go-home math says Dom will find a way to (cheat) win against Cody, maybe even a win thanks to Lesnar showing up to go after Cody and set up their third match. For Priest, he feels like a strong choice in the Men’s MITB, hence him losing here.
Also good stuff with Finn, Rollins and surprisingly, Melo. Great vignette promo from Finn to frame the story in his perspective, good live promo from Rollins to respond, and great brawl that Melo helps Rollins in. Melo VS Finn was a great match, but of course Finn wins. Finn needs momentum going into MITB, and this go-home math would say Rollins retains, to where he has to worry about Mr. MITB. As for Melo, his loss doesn’t really hurt him, it just makes sense since NXT is still more developmental than equal with RawDown. And plus, he’s still gonna beat Corbin, because it’s Corbin.
Good stuff out of Imperium and their various enemies. It was a bit redundant to have both Riddle’s social media promo and live promo, but the point is, we’re adding the Intercontinental Championship to MITB to make it an even bigger night. And great match out of Sami VS Gunther tonight, even with the overbooking of Imperium. Go-home math does bring into question if Gunther retains, but I would think he does also because of Imperium interfering. As for Sami & Kevin, they’ll surely retain against Pretty Deadly, but that will be a great match for the SmackDown go-home.
Ciampa VS Miz the rematch ending up No Contest was fine. Miz is angry out of his usual selfishness even though Ciampa is the one with the legitimate gripe. Maybe they try again next week, it actually happens, and Miz finds a way to win with cheating or something. Either way, we need more out of The Way, i.e. Johnny Gargano, Candice LeRae, Indi Hartwell & Dexter Lumis. Yes, Indi is hurt and Gargano is banged up, but where are the twisted sitcom vignette promos like we saw in NXT? They can communicate despite not being live, it’d be a nice way to keep them relevant in our minds and in story.
Really good match from Raquel VS Ronda to lead into a tag title match at MITB. I did not think they’d put that together so quickly, but I suppose there’s also no point stretching things out for an entire month to go into SummerSlam. I would think that means Ronda & Shayna retain at MITB, even though Ronda did sneak the win here on Raquel. Austin Theory set the precedent that MITB can cash in on any title now, so are they hoping to swerve us and give the Women’s MITB briefcase to like DMG CTRL so that they try and go after Ronda & Shayna? I would hope not, that ruins the DMG CTRL story of Iyo breaking away and turning Face.
Speaking of MITB, though, great “summit” promo. I like that Zelina not only kept up with Iyo in Japanese but also had La Chancla ready to go. And the go-home math seems pretty clear: Iyo Sky has the big spot but then Becky jinxes herself by touching the briefcase. I think it works better if Iyo wins out somehow, she could use it to get a feud with Asuka or whoever is champion after this week, as part of her breaking away from Bayley and going Face. And Becky has a good backstage promo with Rhea. Win or lose at MITB, Becky and Rhea should definitely feud going into SummerSlam. Natty has a good promo, too, but I have a feeling she’s going to go 0-3 in this crisis of confidence story.
I wish we got a bit more out of the Men’s MITB here, but I’m sure most of that go-home math happens on SmackDown. Ricochet VS Nakamura was great stuff, including the interactions with Bronson Reed. I kinda wish Bronson was finally added to MITB but he can still continue his feud with whichever guy he wants. Ricochet winning was a bit of a surprise but I feel like that keeps him from winning MITB now. Again, Priest feels like a strong choice given all the possibilities inside Judgment Day (for example: Finn is champ, Priest is Mr. MITB, will Finn trust Priest?) but maybe there could be some kind of Triple Threat, Ricochet VS Nakamura VS Bronson to determine a contender for the WHC at SummerSlam.
My Score: 8.7/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
London calling to the champion crowns!
SmackDown brings gold to London as LA Knight defends his WWE US Championship and The Street Profits defend their tag team titles! Will the landscape change this close to WrestleMania?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly; The Profits win and retain the titles.
- Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice w/ Chelsea Green; The Secret Her-vice wins.
- WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman; Braun wins, by disqualification, and Knight retains the title.
- Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab; Charlotte wins.
- Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins.
- Jimmy Uso VS The Miz; Jimmy wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes is here!
We follow The American Nightmare as walks to gorilla, then through the curtain, and London sings along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, says hello to fans along the ramp, and then we get the second “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro. Cody goes to the ring, grabs a mic, then kneels down to kiss the WWE logo on the mat. The fans continue to sing along all the way to the end, “I AM MY KINGDOM!” The fans then cheer, and Cody holds up the belt to fire them up even more! The fans now sing for “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and he soaks it in. The fans cheer again as Cody smiles, and he finally says, “So, London~! Whaddya wanna talk about?”
The fans chant “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cody hears that dueling, and he smiles again. The song of “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” returns, then they cheer. Cody says, “At WrestleMania 41, I will be facing John Cena…” The fans boo, but Cody says, “I will be facing John Cena as he goes to break the record and win 17. But that is WrestleMania 41. In just a few nights, I will be standing face to face with John Cena in this very same city, in this very same arena.” The fans cheer that, but then here comes Randy Orton! Now the fans sing along with Voices as The Viper heads to the ring. Orton also high-fives fans before he joins Cody.
Orton grabs a mic, paces while the fans keep singing on their own, and then the fans cheer. Orton says he’s not really the sentimental type, but for Cody and for London, screw it. The fans chant “R K O! R K O!” and Orton tells Cody, “Look at you. Look at who you are now, the man you are now. Look at where he came from.” The fans cheer and sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and Orton says he remembers a Cody in his early 20s, just breaking into the business. Cody was busting his ass harder than anyone else. He wasn’t exactly happy, and in fact, he was frustrated. But Cody was man enough, smart enough, to know he needed to grow, and that he couldn’t grow in the WWE.
Cody wasn’t exactly treated fairly in the WWE, so Cody left the WWE! That took some big ass balls to do what he did! Cody changed the business singlehandedly, and everyone in the back knows it. And Orton appreciates Cody for it. But then Cody came back, as they all knew one day he would. And the industry has been changed forever since the day Cody came back to the WWE. Cody is a bit teary eyed as Orton says Cody’s still the same guy, he just did what he set out to do, and he grew. Orton teases he would sing along with the fans, but the fans might leave. The fans again sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!”
Orton asks if they remember when Cody Rhodes faced Seth Rollins in Hell in a Cell. The fans cheer because they do. Orton says that was impressive, and even impossible, as he started with a partially torn pec and then ended with a fully torn pec! His body changed all kinds of shades of purple that Orton’s never seen on a human body. The pain he must have been in. Cody persevered not just for himself. Maybe not even at all for Cody. It was not even for his family legacy; it was for each and every single fan out there! Then Cody went on to WrestleMania, beat Roman Reigns and finished the story!
But there’s always another story, isn’t there? And Cody’s right in the middle of one. Cody is in charge of his legacy, and it is a privilege for Orton to watch Cody take control of it. Ticket sales have been up, there’s more intrigue around the world, and listen to the people! It is 99.9% all because of Cody! The fans cheer that, and of course they sing. Orton says what he’s trying to say is a long-winded version of he respects Cody, loves him, and is very, very proud of him. The fans cheer that! Orton then says, “But… But now it is time for WrestleMania.” They both look to the sign, and Orton says he can guarantee Cody that Orton will kick Kevin Owens so hard in the head…!
Orton can just feel it already! He forgets how many days are left, but he can’t wait to remove Kevin’s head from his shoulders. And Orton knows Cody will enter champion, exit champion, but not before he beats the holy hell outta Cena all up and down the Vegas strip! But after all the smoke clears and the dust settles, just like Orton wants Number 17, there will come a time when Orton will want Number 15. But Orton won’t kick Cody in the balls like a coward. Orton will look Cody in the eye because he respects Cody, is proud of Cody, and sees him as an equal. Orton will look Cody in the eye and tell him that he’s coming for the title.
The fans cheer but wait! Drew McIntyre is here! The fans cheer the Scottish Terminator as he steps out on stage, mic in hand, and has a wry smile on his face as he looks at the ring. Drew waves as the fans now sing, “OH~ Drew McIntyre~!” Drew says, “Isn’t this wonderful? A couple of nepo babies having a love fest in the middle of the ring> It makes me absolutely sick. What’d you just say, Randy? if Cody gets through Cena at WrestleMania, you’re coming for that title? What exactly have you done since that big comeback to justify that title match? Aside be Randy Orton. The only big moment I can remember is you being on the shelf for months and months and months.
“People like to make jokes about it, but more people talk about my five-minute-45-second title reign than your entire comeback so far! So get to the back of the line, sunshine! As for you, Cody, you should’ve listened to me. But you shunned me. You attacked me. Everybody should’ve listened to me about John Cena, but they didn’t. And the next night, he kicked you right in the twig ‘n’ berries, proving me right as usual. And the main event of WrestleMania should be Cody Rhodes VS The UK’s only ever world champion, Drew McIntyre!” Fans do like that idea. But sadly, it’s not, because of that guyliner wearing Temu Undertaker, Damian Priest!
Drew wants to talk about what is happening. And what’s gonna happen! Drew steps up to the ring while fans sing for him again. Drew says it will not be Randy that takes the title from Cody, should he get through Cena; it’ll be McIntyre. The fans cheer, but Orton says they were trying to have a moment. Can Drew just cut the crap already? Drew says okay, sure. He’ll tell the truth, because that’s all he ever does. The truth is, Kevin might have a point! If those Voices are talking to Orton again, then they know Drew very, very well. And he’s thinking, “My God, Randy looks great! Absolutely jacked! On the outside.”
On the inside, that back is hanging by a thread. And if Orton provokes McIntyre, McIntyre will break him. And as for Cody- Cody kicks Drew and UPPERCUTS him! The fans fire up, and Orton R- NO, Drew gets away! The fans boo, but the battlelines are drawn! Even if Cody makes it out of the frying pan that is Las Vegas, it’ll be into the fire that is these contenders waiting in line! Will the American Nightmare be ready for whoever comes for the crown?
WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly!
Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins are finally golden again, but it’s time to put the titles on the line already! And while they’re ready for the grind, they’re up against the hometown heroes! Will the Profits still be up in the O2? Or will Kit Wilson & Elton Prince say #YESBOY to a new reign of their own?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really wants the smoke!
The teams sort out and Kit starts with Dawkins. They tie up, Dawkins headlocks, but Kit powers up and out. Dawkins runs Kit over, the fans fire up, and Dawkins fires hands on Kit in the corner! The fans rally for Pretty Deadly, Dawkins whips Kit to a corner, but Elton takes that bump! Kit CLOBBERS Dawkins, then tags Elton! Atomic drop into DROPKICK! Ford runs up, but into a DOUBLE HIP TOSS! Dawkins whips, Elton reverses, and then Elton hurdles so Kit can DDT! The fans fire up with Pretty Deadly while the Profits bail out. Pretty Deadly has control while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Elton is right on Dawkins as he gets in, and UPPERCUTS him to the corner. Elton clinches Dawkins for another UPPERCUT! Tag to Kit, and Elton RAMS into Dawkins so Kit can UPPERCUT! Dawkins flops over, Kit drags him up to wrench the arm. Kit whips, Dawkins reverses, but Kit grabs ropes. Kit ELBOWS Dawkins, DECKS Ford, but Dawkins CLOBBERS Kit! The ref reprimands but Dawkins RAMS Kit into the corner again and again! The ref counts, Dawkins fires fast hands, then he tags in Ford. Ford says, “SUCK IT!” then he KICKS Kit! Ford scuffs Kit, then drags him to a cover, TWO!
Ford keeps Kit down with a facelock, but Kit endures the grind. Kit fights up, fires body shots, but Ford whips him away. Kit sunset flips! Ford rolls through, and PENALTY KICKS! Ford mocks Elton with the Scott Hall fingers, and the ref has to keep Elton back. Ford drags Kit up, tags Dawkins, and the Profits mug Kit. Dawkins CLUBS Kit down, then stalks him. Dawkins stays between Kit and Elton, then whips Kit into the Profits’ corner. CYCLONE- NO, Kit dodges! Ford tags in, he keeps Kit from Elton now, but Kit slips out of the suplex! Kit fakes high to go low, hot tag to Elton! Elton rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT!
Elton kicks and whips Ford to a corner, then UPPERCUTS! Elton whips the other way, UPPERCUTS again, and then does it again! Elton adds to the hattrick with a lift, Ford says a quick prayer before the SUPLEX! Ford flounders, gets to his feet, but Elton dodges to springboard and FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Ford stays in this, but Elton stays on him. SmackDown returns to single picture and fans rally for Pretty Deadly as Elton gives Ford a back suplex. Ford lands out, waistlocks, but Elton switches and shoves Ford. Ford CLOBBERS Elton in return! Ford is also dazed but he covers, ONE!
Kit reaches out, Elton and Ford both crawl, hot tags to Kit and Dawkins! The fans fire up as Dawkins wrenches Kit, underhooks and SILENCER! Dawkins Electric Chair Lifts Kit, Ford climbs, but Kit slips free! Kit shoves Dawkins into Ford! Ford falls to the floor, but Dawkins ENZIGIRIS Kit! Elton tags in, and Kit LARIATS Dawkins! Pretty Deadly combine for DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Dawkins survives and the Profits are a bit unsure of what to do next. Dawkins crawls to a corner, Elton runs up, but Dawkins dodges! Elton hits buckles and Dawkins TOSSES Kit, then Dawkins hits a SKY HIGH on Elton!
Dawkins hurries to tag Ford and Ford climbs up! But Kit pushes Elton out of the way! Kit takes FROM THE HEAVESN, and Elton ghost pins Ford! TWO!! Ford escapes, and he ROCKS Elton! Elton UPPERCUTS Ford! Dawkins sneaks a tag, Ford SUPERKICKS! POUNCE SAIDO COMBO!! Cover, KIT BREAKS IT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! The teams go to opposite ends, then they all stand up in the corners. They all roar, all run in, and Kit SPEARS Ford while Elton FLYING UPPERCUTS Dawkins!! London is thunderous, and Kit hurries to tag in! Pretty Deadly gets Dawkins up, for SPILT MILK!! Cover, FORD BREAKS IT!
The fans are shocked, as is Elton, but Ford saves this for his team! “This is Awesome!” as Ford runs up and Elton TOSSES him out! Now DRY MARTI- NO! Dawkins doesn’t accept the second serving, and he DUMPS Kit out! Kit skins the cat while Dawkins DECKS Elton! Dawkins catches Kit to an Electric Chair! Ford rises, DOOMSDAY BLOCKBUSTER!! Cover, Profits win!
Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall (still WWE Tag Team Champions)
Pretty Deadly put up a heroic fight, but the hometown heroes could not capture the gold. Dawkins & Ford hold onto the gold, will this be the strongest the Profits have ever been?
Kayden & Katana talk with Zelina Vega.
Carter & Chance know La Muneca got screwed over by The Green Administration. Chelsea thinks she’s untouchable, but someone’s gonna stop them eventually. Well, speaking of, Alba Fyre leads the way in as she & Piper Niven “scope the perimeter.” There’s one small threat. They frisk the “miniscule” threat, but nothing they haven’t dealt with before. Chelsea struts in and says, “The Eagle has landed~!” Zelina says she is so glad the “Bootleg Men in Black” have crashed the party. Now, yeah, they all know she’s small. But clearly this small “threat” is a big threat to Chelsea’s title reign. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have taken all three of them to beat her.
KC Squared agree with that. How about tonight, we see what happens when the odds are even? Chelsea says that’s fine, because Agents P & A are ready. The Secret Her-vice has been given their next mission, but will they be able to crash the party? Or will the party crash them?
Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice!
SmackDown returns and The Green Administration makes their entrance. The teams sort out, Alba starts against Katana, and the two tie up. Alba KNEES low, CLUBS Katana down, then fireman’s carries. Katana fights free, tags Kayden, and they KICK, double whip, and then trip Alba up for the basement DROPKICK! Katana adds a slingshot SENTON, Kayden covers, TWO! Kayden tags Katana, they double whip Alba to a corner, then Kayden runs in. Alba DUMPS Kayden out, ROCKS Katana, and she tags Piper! Katana arm-drags Alba out, then goes out to run up. Kayden gives her a boost, Katana CROSSBODIES Alba down!
The fans fire up, but Piper goes up and out?! CANNONBALL and down goes KC Squared! Piper salutes Chelsea and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Kayden rallies on Alba while the fans rally up. Kayden fires up, runs in and whips, but Alba reverses. Kayden wheelbarrows, victory rolls, then SUPERKICKS! Kayden fires up again but the fans are torn. Kayden runs in at Alba to BOOT WASH her against the ropes! Chelsea protests, Kayden kicks at her, then Kayden springboards for a LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Alba survives, Kayden whips, but Alba KICKS back! Tag to Piper, but Kayden jackknife bridges Alba! The ref explains bout the tag, Piper runs up, but Kayden moves! The SENTON hits Alba! Piper panics, Kayden tags Katana!
Katana goes up onto Kayden’s shoulders, VICTORY ROLL LAUNCHER, but Piper catches Katana! Katana fires hands, BOOTS, and then hurries to go up again. Kayden ROCKS Piper, and fireman’s carries?! SAMOAN DROP! Kayden then gives Katana the boost, for the KEG STAND SPLASH!! Cover, ALBA BREAKS IT! Kayden runs up on Alba to BOOT her out! Katana gives Kayden the boost now, SUPER CROSSBODY onto Alba! Kayden hurries to tag back in, and she brings Piper up. Piper swings, Kayden dodges and SUPERKICKS! Katana goes up, Piper staggers over that way, but Chelsea distracts the ref!
The fans are torn as Alba grabs Katana. Katana kicks Alba down, chases Chelsea off, but Piper sends Kayden into her! Piper scoops to PIPER DRIVER!! Cover, Secret Her-vice wins!
Winner: The Secret Her-vice, by pinfall
The Women’s US Champion helps her team, and now they all mug Kayden & Katana! But here comes Zelina! Vega runs down the ramp, CLOBBERS Alba, and then she gets in the ring! Zelina tilt-o-whirl DDTS Piper! And she KNEES Alba off the apron! But Chelsea CLOBBERS Zelina! Chelsea fires up, the UK is oddly with her, and she chicken wings Zeina. But Zelina fights free to fire forearms and body shots! And a BACK ELBOW! Zelina reels Chelsea in, CODE- SUPERKICK from Alba! SENTON from Piper! The Green Administration is just too much for Zelina to fight against alone! But can she, Kayden & Katana find a way to turn things around?
WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman!
Did the Mega Star just get this title back from Shinsuke Nakamura? YEAH! Did he help the Monster of All Monsters fight off Solo Sikoa’s rouge bloodline? YEAH! And now, does he have to defend this title against the monster he just helped? YEAH!! But will Knight still reign this close to WrestleMania? Or will Braun #GetTheseHands back on a championship?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it’s time for Knight’s biggest challenge, YEAH!
The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two circle. The two tie up, and Braun SHOVES Knight away. Knight comes back, Braun SHOVES him down again! Knight gets up, gets around, and he headlocks. Braun powers up to back suplex, but Knight lands out! Knight tries but Braun’s too big to suplex! Braun ELBOWS Knight, storms up on him, but Knight fires haymakers! Knight whips, Braun reverses, but Knight KICKS back! Knight runs, but Braun HIP TOSSES! Cover, TWO! Knight stays in this, but Braun brings him up. Braun puts Knight in a corner, CHOPS, then runs, for a SPLASH! Knight sputters along ropes, Braun keeps moving, but Knight DUMPS him out!
The fans fire up as Knight then WRECKS Braun with a dropkick! Knight keeps moving, and he WRECKS Braun again! The fans fire up with Knight, but then Braun BOOTS Knight down! The fans are torn but Braun stands tall as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Braun puts Knight back in the ring. The fans cheer as Knight KICKS Braun! Knight tries again, but Braun’s still too big to back suplex! Braun CLUBS Knight, then runs in at the corner. Knight BOOTS Braun, goes up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Knight and Braun rise back up, and Knight dodges a shot to JAB! Then he dodges to JAB! JAB! JAB! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” But Braun KNEES low! Braun scoops, Knight slips free, and Knight RAMS Braun into buckles! Then the BACK SUPLEX! The fans fire up and Knight rises again! Knight spells it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!
Braun has plenty left in the tank but the fans rally for Knight. Knight stands Braun up to kick low, but Braun THROWS Knight away! Knight rises, and Braun LARIATS Knight up and out! The fans fire up as Braun rips the shirt! Braun gets on the track, and he runs in, STROWMAN EXPRESS MEETS JACOB FATU!! The Samoan Werewolf strikes Braun down!
Winner: Braun Strowman, by disqualification; LA Knight retains the title
The fans boo as Jacob now goes after Knight! He just ruined what was becoming a great match, but Jacob fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT on Braun! SAMOAN DROP onto the desk!! The desk doesn’t budge, but Braun might’ve been broken in half! The UK fires up for Fatu as he puts Braun in the ring! Jacob fires more HEADBUTTS, then HEADBUTTS away on Braun in the corner! The fans sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE, FATU~, FATU~!” Jacob runs corner to corner, but Knight kicks him first! Knight fires haymakers, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Jacob denies the BFT to POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! And then HIP ATTACK for Braun anyway!
Jacob keeps going, HIP ATTACK for Braun again! Jacob throws off his jacket, glares at Braun, and he runs in for a third HIP ATTACK! Braun flounders into the drop zone, so Jacob goes up, up, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! Direct hit on Braun, but the fans want that “ONE MORE TIME!” Jacob obliges, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! The Samoan Werewolf just tore up #OneBigSOB and LA Knight, will there be no stopping him from taking the United States Championship?
Backstage interview with Jimmy Uso.
Jackie Redmond is with #BigJim, and she says that while she knew WWE was going global this month, she did not know they’d get the slap heard ’round the world! Jimmy says he’d do it again, and he’ll slap Gunther as many times as he needs! Jimmy knows Jey is up in his own head, doubt is creeping on him. But just because Jey’s 0-3 against Gunther doesn’t mean Gunther’s unbeatable! The Ring General CAN be got! Jimmy’s going to Raw this Monday, he will bust Gunther’s ass, Jey will go to Mania and bust Gunther’s ass to become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. And then they leave Las Vegas just like this: YEET!
Jimmy heads out, but then The Miz & Carmelo Hayes walk by. Miz is mocking Jimmy’s words, and he asks excuse me. Miz says it’s just funny that suddenly, Jimmy is a tough guy, even though for most of his career, he’s been “The Other Uso.” Doesn’t Jimmy get it? Jimmy and Jey are career sidekicks while Gunther is a main character. Gunther is the lead, neither Jimmy nor Jey can beat him. And here’s another thing: The Usos are just blips on the trailer that was Roman Reigns’ Bloodline. Melo says Jimmy & Jey are stuck outside the club, they can’t even get in.
Miz says as a former WWE Champion, a former WrestleMania main eventer, Jimmy will never know what it is to carry this industry. And after this year’s WrestleMania, neither will Jey. Oh, and by the way, if Jimmy ever slapped Miz like that, Jimmy would still be on the ground. Jimmy feints the slap and Miz freaks out. Jimmy says it may be him and Gunther on Monday, but he’ll holler at Aldis real quick so it can be Jimmy VS Miz here tonight. Yeah, YEET! Jimmy heads out, Melo says he thought Miz was gonna do something about the slap. Will Miz have to do something about running his mouth before he gets his teeth kicked in?
Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga find Jacob Fatu backstage.
Solo asks Jacob what the Hell he was doing out there. Jacob goes out there alone without saying a thing to them? Jacob says he ain’t gotta say nothing to nobody! Matter fact, didn’t Solo not tap in with him last week? Tama says, “But Jacob,” only for Jacob to say, “But nothing, Tama!” Solo wants Jacob to lower his tone, but Jacob says okay. Let him be very clear with them. When it comes to Braun Strowman, Jacob WILL be the last man standing. Y’all better get in where you fit in, cuz that US title? Oh, Jacob’s bringing it home to the family. And he will do it with them, or without them! Yadada mean? Fatu heads out, is the Samoan Werewolf no longer following Solo?
Naomi speaks.
“I mean… How did we even get here? I don’t know. One thing that I do know is that I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. So Bianca, what makes you think that my attack on Jade was anything different from me doing the right thing? When I sit here and I think about all that I’ve sacrificed, all that I’ve given, and that’s what really breaks my heart. Because through all of that, I’m made to be the bad one in this situation. I just don’t understand, how does Jade come in outta nowhere and take my place with you? I want you to ask yourself this, Bianca. Who inspired you? Hmm?
“Who’s inspired women over the last decade? Who’s always had your back from day one of you being here? Me. Not Jade. Hmm. But you know what? What I’ve learned through all of this: You teach people how to treat you. And I’m done with being treated as a third wheel. I’m done being pushed to the side, I’m done with being too nice, I’m done with being undervalued, underutilized, underappreciated! So moving forward, hmm… Moving forward, here’s my message to you, Jade. If you continue to be in my way, I strongly advise you to proceed with caution.” The Glow shows her dark side, but will the storm be moved?
Nick Aldis meets with Jade Cargill.
Speaking of, the SmackDown General Manager understands things have been rather difficult for her as of late. Jade says she’s been trying to get her hands on Naomi for the past few weeks, now where is she? No one has seen her all day, so as far as anyone knows, Naomi’s not here. Well, when Jade catches Naomi, it’s on sight. Jade leaves, B-Fab & Michin are there. They let her know that what Naomi did to her was straight trash, totally uncalled for behavior. And after Jade gets her hands on Naomi, she’ll handle that business. Jade agrees. Mia says they’ve all got business to handle. Jade’s got Naomi, and Mia’s gonna get Charlotte for messing with her girl, B.
B-Fab says Naomi’s got what’s coming to her: no sympathy, no regrets. Jade, just do what you gotta do. Oh, she will. Jade also wishes Mia luck tonight. Mia & B-Fab head out, will the Head Baddie in Charge make the Queen bow down in London?
The darkness approaches.
“You are as I was. As I am, you will be.” The shadows are starting to take shape, but is SmackDown about to fade to black?
Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab!
The Queen looks down on everyone, so it’s no surprise that everyone else wants to take her down. Charlotte may have checked off B-Fab, but will the HBIC be a much different story? Or will Charlotte only sharpen her edge before facing Tiffany Stratton at WrestleMania?
WAIT! NAOMI ATTACKS B-FAB & MICHIN! Naomi drags Mia up for a FACEBUSTER! Naomi rains down fists, the ref reprimands and the fans boo, but Naomi tells the ref to back off. Naomi then BOOTS B-Fab off the apron! Naomi goes out after B-Fab to THRWO her into barriers! Naomi SLAPS B-Fab, tells her to stay down, but B-Fab gets up. Naomi fires hands, then she SMACKS B-Fab off the desk! Naomi rains down fists, but here comes Jade! Jade hurries down the ramp, she runs around the way, but Naomi runs away! Jade makes sure B-Fab is okay, but refs have to help her to the back. And what of Mia? Will she even be able to compete?
Charlotte makes her entrance, not really caring about what Naomi just did to Mia. But that means she also crosses paths with Jade. The fans like the look of this stare down, but Jade and Charlotte both let the other slide. Charlotte gets her pyro, and it seems she’ll still get her match. Will Mia be little more than an appetizer now?
The bell rings, and Charlotte BOOTS Mia down! Cover, TWO! Mia stays in this and the fans rally up. Charlotte just struts around while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Charlotte has Mia down with a chinlock, but the fans rally up. Mia fights up, fires body shots, and she then blocks a shot to ROCK Charlotte! Mia ROCKS Charlotte again and again, then reels her in for a TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up as Mia hurries to cover, TWO! Mia drags Charlotte up, wrenches, but Charlotte says no to Da Feet! BIG back suplex! Mia stagger sup, Charlotte whips her, but Mia reverses! Charlotte goes up and out, BOOTS her away, then slingshots in and rolls Mia! Mia rolls through and BUZZSAWS! Mia runs corner to corner, but Charlotte avoids the cannonball!
Charlotte YAKUZA KICKS Mia down, then fires herself up! The fans “WOO~!” as Charlotte has Mia in the drop zone,. Charlotte steps on her, goes up the corner, but Mia gets underneath her! SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Charlotte survives and Mia is shocked! Mia nods as the fans rally back up, and she brings Charlotte up. But Charlotte ROCKS Mia! Mia SOBATS, PELES, and then runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Charlotte stays in this, Mia grows frustrated, but the fans continue to rally. Mia uses that energy to stay focused, and she stalks Charlotte to waistlock. But Charlotte ELBOWS her away!
Charlotte CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOSP! Charlotte winds up, and she CHOPS again! Mia sputters, but then she dodges the boot! Charlotte is caught, and Mia hits a SAIDO! Charlotte flounders to a corner, the fans rally behind Mia, and Mia runs up, CANNONBALL! Mia hurries to wrench and EAT- NO, Charlotte shoves Mia away! Charlotte gets under, back suplexes, but Mia lands out! EAT DA FEET!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Charlotte’s long legs help her survive by a literal foot! Mia is beside herself while Charlotte bails out. Mia storms after Charlotte, runs up, but Charlotte dodges! Mia’s kick hits steel steps!
Mia hobbles away, goes to the apron, but Charlotte CHOP BLOCKS the bad leg out! Charlotte grabs Mia’s leg, drops a KNEE on the knee, but fans chant, “We Want Tiffy!” Charlotte just steps through, FIGURE FOUR, into FIGURE EIGHT!! Mia taps, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
Charlotte got more of a fight out of Mia than expected, but she still won. Will The Queen be more than ready to reign again after WrestleMania?
Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.
Jackie Redmond is with the WWE Women’s Champion and says Charlotte certainly looks confident. Let’s be real, Charlotte came at Tiff pretty hard. It got a lot of people talking. Tiff says yes, people talk. And Charlotte sure loves to hear herself talk. Ten years into the business and Charlotte is still so insecure that she can’t let a “rookie” get a word out. But last week, Tiff did learn something: She learned that walking into WrestleMania, she isn’t the one with something to lose. Truth is, if Tiff loses, then she lost to the great Charlotte Flair, as just a 25-year-old rookie with one year into SmackDown.
But if Charlotte loses… Well, then she lost to an “undeserving, delusional, unoriginal, backflip doing, blonde-hair-having, little girl.” Did she get it all? And Tiff can’t wait to hear the look on Charlotte’s face when they hear the words, “And STILL!” Then maybe Charlotte will finally shut up for the sake of literally everyone! They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, and Tiff will make damn sure what stays is Charlotte’s massive ego. Tiff is walking into and out of Mania as the WWE Women’s Champion. Tootles! Tiff heads out, will it still be #TiffyTime after WrestleMania?
Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre!
The Viper told Cody how proud he was, but also how he wants the next shot after John Cena. The Scottish Terminator took offense to that, and basically said he is taking that shot instead. Will this match be an unofficial #1 contender’s match between these two former world champions?
SmackDown returns and McIntyre makes his entrance. The bell rings and the fans sing, “OH~, Drew McIntyre~!” and chant “R K O! R K O!” Drew and Orton circle, tie up, and they go around in a deadlock. Drew powers Orton to a corner, but Orton headlocks back. Drew powers up and out, then he runs Orton over! Orton hurries to ropes and Drew mockingly asks, “How’s the back feel, Randy?” Orton stands, he and Drew reset, and the fans duel some more. Drew calls for a knuckle lock, Orton accepts, but then Drew kicks low! Drew bumps Orton off buckles, then climbs up, but he panders for too long and Orton YANKS him down!
The fans fire up as Orton climbs now! Orton rains down fists, and the fans count to nine. Orton hops down, brings Drew around, and POSTS him for ten! Drew tumbles out of the ring, Orton goes out after him, and they’re by the desk! But Drew kicks Orton first and SMACKS him off the desk! Drew clears the desk, and he brings Orton up for the DESK- NO, Orton fights free! Orton turns things around, DESK BACK SUPLEX for Drew! The fans fire up while Orton leaves Drew behind, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew writhes on the floor, but Orton goes out to fetch him! Orton brings Drew around, UPPERCUTS him, then says one more time! DESK BACK SUPLEX! Drew writhes as that desk stays standing! Orton grins, refreshes the ring count, and then he storms up on Drew. Drew pokes Orton in the eye! Drew POSTS Orton now, then brings him around to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP into barriers! Orton slumps down, and Drew also grits his teeth from that double-edged attack, but Drew fires up as he stands tall. Drew drags Orton up, puts him in the ring, then stalks Orton. Drew looms over Orton, and HIP DROPS him!
Orton sputters, Drew says one more time, and he winds up for the HIP DROP! Drew paces around Orton, says maybe one more time, and he pretends he can’t hear the fans. Drew winds up again, but Orton flips over! Hip drop meets kneecaps! And then Orton pokes Drew in the eyes! The ref reprimands but Orton rises up. Drew sputters and flounders, Orton ROCKS him with a right! Drew ROCKS Orton back! Drew storms up, Orton kicks low, but Drew fires another haymaker! The haymakers go back and forth, Orton gets the edge, but Drew GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTTS! Cover, TWO! Drew clamps onto Orton with an armlock!
SmackDown returns to single picture and the fans rally up. Orton fights up, pries at the chinbar, and then throws right hands! Drew CHOPS Orton in return! The fans “WOO~” and Drew winds up. Drew ROCKS Orton again, eggs him on, then CHOPS again! Drew shoves Orton to a corner, CHOPS again, then dares Orton to fight! Drew whips corner to corner, but Orton comes back to LARIAT! And LARIAT! Drew swings, Orton dodges, SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up as Orton stalks Drew to the apron. Drew HOTSHOTS Orton first! Drew then runs in, but Orton puts him through the ropes!
The fans fire up as Orton has Drew for the DRAPING DDT! The fans fire up for Orton, and Orton hears those voices! Drew rises, but then Orton spots KEVIN OWENS! The Prizefighter is on the ramp, Orton glares at him, but then he turns around into a CLAYMORE!! Cover, DREW WINS!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
Kevin’s mere presence costs Orton, and now Drew has a huge win propelling him down the Road to WrestleMania! As for Orton, Kevin drags him out of the ring, SMACKS him off the desk, and then climbs up to join him! The fans boo but Kevin and his hot pink sneakers have Orton in position, but Orton slips free and TRIPS Kevin up! Kevin hits the desk then the floor! Orton staggers around, the fans rally behind him, and Orton stalks Kevin to the corner of the barriers. Orton lines up the shot! Orton runs in, but Kevin jumps over barriers! Security is there to stop Orton from pursuing, so Kevin runs away into the night!
The fans boo, but The Viper was that close! Will Orton be able to strike Kevin down and completely take him out?
Fire, thunder, smoke…
The force of nature is drawing ever closer. And he’s ready to fly! REY FENIX arrives next Friday Night SmackDown!
Jimmy Uso VS The Miz!
#BigJim gave Gunther a piece of his mind and a mark on his cheek, but it seems not everyone got the message. Will the Hollywood A-lister soon star in the Uso Penitentiary? Or will he prove Jimmy is NOT ready for a world champion level opponent?
The bell rings and the two tie up. Jimmy powers Miz to a corner, Miz turns things around, and the ref counts. Miz takes a swing, Jimmy ducks it to CHOP! And CHOP! Miz shoves Jimmy back, then runs up, but Jimmy TACKLES Miz! Jimmy rains down fists, Miz shoves him away to go to ropes, but Jimmy storms back up. Miz ELBOWS Jimmy away, then runs back up, only for Jimmy to LARIAT him down! The fans fire up while Jimmy storms up on Miz. Jimmy CHOPS Miz, has him in a corner, then whips corner to corner. Miz reverses, Jimmy goes up and over, then UPPERCUTS! Miz staggers back to ropes, but Jimmy is right on him.
Jimmy whips, Miz reverses and kitchen sink knees! Then basement BOOTS! The fans fire up, Miz scowls, and Miz KNEES Jimmy in the back again and again. Miz stalks Jimmy to the ropes now, and he CHOKES Jimmy! The ref counts, Miz runs, and Miz STRADDLE ATTACKS! The fans boo, but Miz runs again. Jimmy ducks the boot, then dodges a lariat! Jimmy runs up to LARIAT Miz up and out! The fans fire up and Jimmy builds speed, but Miz runs away! Jimmy smirks as he goes out the side, and UPPERCUTS Miz over the barriers! Jimmy makes sure Gunther knows he’s coming to get him, but SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and both men are down. Miz and Jimmy crawl, and Jimmy pounds the mat. The fans rally, Jimmy rises and runs up to LARIAT! And LARIAT! And mule kick! Jimmy then UPPERCUTS Miz, dodges a lariat, then SAMOAN DROPS! The fans fire up, Jimmy goes to the corner, “UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs in, but Miz puts him on the apron! Jimmy UPPERCUTS again! Jimmy climbs, leaps, but Miz gets under! Miz then waistlocks, ripcords, and MOVIE MAKER! Fans boo that blatant parody, but Miz full nelsons! Jimmy drops, victory rolls, TWO! Miz has the cover, TWO! Miz hurries to BASEMENT DDT! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally up as Jimmy survives! Miz stalks Jimmy, the fans rally up more, and Miz fires a KICK! And then another KICK! The fans say “YES! YES! YES!” to the It Kicks, but then Miz winds up. Jimmy ducks the buzzsaw, Miz blocks the superkick, but the DRAGON WHIP connects! Miz rebounds to B-MOVIE KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! The parodies don’t get it done, but Miz still has his original work to fall back on. The fans rally for “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Miz runs in, A-LIST LARIAT! Miz shoves Jimmy down, then springboards, but into a SUPERKICK! Jimmy hurries up top, for the USO SPLASH!! Cover, Jimmy wins!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Miz may be a movie star, but Big Jim’s the one winning this main event! Jimmy then borrows Joe Tessitore’s headset to call out Gunther! He’s coming after dat ass on Monday! Gunther won’t be the ring general, he will be “Private Gunther,” and he will salute Big Jim! Uh, uh, YEET! Will Jimmy be the one making examples out of the World Heavyweight Champion? Or will everything come crashing down when Gunther gets his turn?
Drew McIntyre returns backstage.
And he says hey to Lewis Capaldi, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, and also a big fan of Drew’s. They’re ready to have a good night in the pub, but Jackie Redmond walks over to congratulate him on the win tonight. She was hoping to get some thoughts on that victory and what happened with Orton and Kevin. Drew says it’s alright, this is what happens. He doesn’t care about anybody else’s business, but no one gets away with screwing him over. And when no one meddles in his business, he wins! Drew called out Priest, where is he? Priest doesn’t have the balls! So time to get mad in the pubs, everyone’s invited!
Drew turns the corner, but PRIEST IS THERE! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the door, then throws him into road cases! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the trunk of a car, and then again! Or since it’s London, “the boot.” The driver complains, but Priest BODY SLAMS that guy through a table! Drew comes back to KNEE Priest low, SMACK him off the trunk, and then off the side! They go to the hood, or bonnet for UK. Drew drags Priest up, but Priest CLAWS Drew’s eyes! Priest then sends Drew SOUTH OF HEAVEN through the windshield! Priest tells security that he’s done for now. Any more jokes, Drew? Didn’t think so! RIP, jackass!
Priest leaves, the producers hurry to help Drew, and Drew’s got glass in his eye! Will that glass help Drew see why he shouldn’t piss off the Punisher?
CM Punk heads to gorilla.
He has a security detail with him, and he passes by Drew writhing in pain. Punk chuckles, then continues on. Will his contract signing with Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins be just as brutal? We find out, after the break.
Nick Aldis is in the ring.
The SmackDown General Manager welcomes us back, and says it is his honor and privilege to be here in the O2 in London. Now, we all know why he and this table is here, and why additional security is here tonight. Tonight, we are here to sign a contract for a Triple Threat. Perhaps the biggest Triple Threat in the history of WrestleMania: Seth Rollins VS CM Punk VS Roman Reigns! The fans cheer all those names, and here comes the OTC! London puts the ones up, and Paul Heyman accompanies THE Tribal Chief out on stage. Roman raises his finger to the sky for the pyro, then security follows him to the ring.
SmackDown goes picture in picture as Roman’s entrance continues, and he raises his finger to the sky for the second round of pyro. Roman steps into the ring, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Heyman hands him a mic. The fans sing, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!” Roman nods, the fans cheer, and now they chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman tells London, “ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” The fans cheer again, and again chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman smiles, but he sees the chairs are not to his liking. Heyman makes sure to put one at the head of the table. Heyman also dusts the chair off while Roman enjoys the singing of, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!”
Roman takes a seat and says that was beautiful. The way they sing to their Tribal Chief, it’s just beautiful. The singing continues, and Heyman even joins in! Roman smiles, and he says that is what he’s talking about. That’s the OTC for you, baby! The biggest star on the planet! The OTC came here for two reasons. One: to be acknowledged; check! And two: to sign this contract. Roman does just that, and he says he’s checked both boxes. That means- “BURN IT DOWN!” Seth Rollins interrupts! The fans now sing, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Rollins struts out in his red wine paisley suit and conducts the O2 Choir all the way into the ring.
The fans cheer while Roman frowns, but Rollins takes the seat to Roman’s left. Rollins offers Heyman a chance to sing to this song, but Heyman frowns. Rollins chuckles, and he says the fans do have beautiful singing voices. He doesn’t know why Roman is in such a hurry to leave, though! This is their building! There’s a lot of history here! 12 years ago, they landed on the roof of this place in a helicopter! They came down those stairs over there, “ready to burn down the old guard!” They put the Undertaker down through the desk, and they were going to remake this company in their image!
Now don’t get him wrong, Rollins knows a lot has happened since then. They fought against each other, with each other, a little bit of love and a whole lot of hate. But Rollins dare says, as the fans continue to sing “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~,” that Rollins and Roman accomplished their mission. The fans start to chant for CM Punk, but Rollins tunes them out. Roman says, “We? We? You keep saying we. Our mission? We died a long time ago. It’s only been ME. You been here, but I done all the work! I’ve made this place what it is today! I took us to the level that we are here today! I made this place better than we found it!
“I’m the one that made us desirable to Netflix! I’m the one that took us into billion-dollar deals! Tell me, what have you done?” Rollins shouts, “I’ll tell you what I’ve done! YOU, YOU, YOU, it’s that mindset that keeps me having to screw you! You understand that? And your biggest mistake is not understanding the danger that’s right in front of us! The danger that’s right in front of you! You let the biggest snake in the world, CM Punk, into the garden! And you could’ve cut his head off at WarGames! But instead, you shook his hand. You could’ve let me finish him inside the cage at The Garden, but you didn’t. And now, I am left to do what I always do: Clean up your mess, again.”
Rollins drops his mic, picks up the pen, and signs his part. And now, here comes CM PUNK! The fans fire up and sing along with Cult of Personality, then join in on saying, “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME~!” Punk goes to the ring, but as he grabs a mic, he goes up a corner, just like he did last Friday. “I have come here to chew bubblegum and sign a contract. And I’m all outta bubblegum.” The fans cheer the Rowdy Roddy Piper reference, and Punk hops down to take his seat on Roman’s right. Punk looks over said contract, but Roman asks if Punk needs a highlighter or something. What’s he doing? Just go to page four, clause five.
Punk does as Roman says, but Roman says Punk needs to hurry, this is precious TV time. Punk reads the segment, Roman tells Heyman to just smarten Punk up. Heyman tells Punk he knows what Punk is looking for. It is in there. They’re closing the show at WrestleMania. The fans go wild hearing that! Heyman tells Punk that he gets to live his dream of dreams. CM Punk will be a WrestleMania main eventer! The fans cheer and while Roman smiles, Rollins is furious. Roman says, “One man’s dream is another man’s favor! CHECK!” Wait, this was the favor? Rollins says no! This is not something to laugh at, and Punk does not get to tear up!
Punk is NOT deserving! He does NOT deserve this! The fans boo but Rollins continues to throw a fit! Main eventing WrestleMania is SACRED, the most important thing in the world to Rollins! More than anything! Except the fact that Punk NEVER gets to main event! This is all Roman’s fault! This is all Heyman’s fault! Rollins THROWS his mic down, paces angrily, but Punk picks up the mic. The fans cheer Punk on again, and Punk stands to thank London, to thank Chicago, to thank Louisville, Kentucky, and to thank ALL the fans. As corny as it sounds, he thanks the WWE Universe who stood by him and chanted his name for TEN LONG YEARS!
Roman says hold on, hold on. Punk shouldn’t be thanking the fans! He should be thanking the Tribal Chief! It is because of Roman that Punk gets this honor! So please, take this moment, close the show with that acknowledgement! Do this the right way. The credits are already rolling as Punk kneels before Roman!? Punk smiles, and he thanks “My Tribal Chief, the holder of the ula fala, the Head of the Table, the… Big Dog? Thank you for allowing a kid from Chicago to be graced by your presence. Thank you, My Tribal Chief, for allowing me to stand in your ring. And thank you so much. Thank you, Roman Reigns, so very much.
“But because of you, I will see you in the main event of WrestleMania.” And again, Rollins is agonizing over this. Punk finishes putting his signature on the contract, and London tells him, “You Deserve It!” Punk thanks Roman again, and then says, “But that’s not the favor that I’m owed.” WHAT?! Roman looks at Heyman and Heyman can’t look him in the eye! If getting this Triple Threat made into the main event isn’t the gift of the Wise Man, then what is?!
My Thoughts:
A good SmackDown, but they pulled off quite the paradox. They made it feel like they were struggling to fill three hours, yet they also filled the show to the point where that contract signing segment was almost bleeding over the three hour mark. Ironically, part of the problem was just how excited the London crowd was for this. The superstars still wanted to enjoy the chants and songs, but that’s time SmackDown doesn’t have to spare. It made the opening promo from Cody, Orton and Drew take longer, and it kinda did the same to the contract signing at the end. Even so, we still got a very good promo, and good stuff to set up Orton VS McIntyre.
Orton VS McIntyre was a great match, but of course Kevin costs Orton. McIntyre gets his win, Kevin and Orton have a bit of a brawl, but of course Kevin ends up on the losing end and runs off. McIntyre’s trash talk also comes back to bite him as Priest gets the better of him in their brawl. Here’s hoping Drew didn’t actually get glass in his eye, but that being the thing in kayfabe can be some good stuff. I can imagine McIntyre with an eyepatch, and he takes it off at the opportune time to get the better of Priest in their match. Also what a fitting choice for Punk to be passing by Drew suffering because of real glass.
Very good title matches tonight, but of course the status quo was kept. Pretty Deadly gets to look great here in London, but the Profits only just got the belts, they’re not going to be transitional champions like that. And Knight VS Braun was really good stuff, but honestly, Jacob Fatu going after them both should’ve been a given. Jacob also had a great promo with Solo & Tama to start adding to that divide between Jacob and Solo. I would hope Solo doesn’t screw Jacob out of the US Championship, but it feels like he will as Solo won’t stand for Jacob defying his authority, even though Solo’s been trying to make Jacob the champion all along.
Very good stuff from Jimmy Uso tonight, from his promo with #MeloDon’tMiz and then a great match with Miz. Their match ended up the de facto main event match, so that’s also great for both guys. Great win for Jimmy, but that’s likely because Jimmy is losing big time to Gunther on Monday. And it might just be me, but it feels like only now is the Jey VS Gunther build really moving, largely in part because Jimmy got involved. Jimmy’s promo after his match is something along the lines of what Jey should be saying. But I suppose as brothers, Jimmy is the one who knows Jey best and knows what Jey needs to be motivated again. And seeing Jimmy get beat up by Gunther will definitely motivate Jey…
Good final vignettes for Rey Fenix and Aleister Black. I’m a little surprised they confirmed Rey Fenix is showing up next week, and that they confirmed who Rey Fenix even is. I believe commentary confirmed Rey Fenix is Penta’s real brother, even namedropped “Lucha Brothers,” but all that is still surprising considering Fenix is going to start on SmackDown. Aleister’s vignette (at least I am fairly confident it’s his) was giving us glimpses of his silhouette, but I think there was usage of AI in the snake imagery. It was fine they did it for El Grande Americano because that is all trolling, but they really should try and do things the old fashioned way of photoshop and stock imagery.
Very good stuff in the Women’s Division tonight, though the WWE Women’s Championship portion was the weaker. Naomi’s got a great Heel persona going, her promo was great, and her going after B-Fab & Michin over them supporting Jade was a great detail. Jade runs Naomi off, helps B-Fab, but there was no helping Michin in being fed to Charlotte. Tiffany had a decent promo, and it does fit how Charlotte kept her from speaking so she finally gets things out here. It didn’t really add that much, though, but they already gave us a great brawl so not sure what more they can give.
KC Squared VS The Secret Her-vice was a very good match, but of course Chelsea made sure her team won. A Six Woman Tag of Zelina & KC Squared VS The Green Administration is certainly coming, to help give us Zelina VS Chelsea for the Women’s US Championship.
My Score: 8.7/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 3.27.2025
Bad news out of the TNA management side, but this is a taped episode from El Paso! So we won’t see any of the fallout just yet!
Now we all heard the news about the TNA change in hierarchy, and I…have no positive outlook on that. Delirious sucked at booking and creative in the dying days of ROH before it got bought as a B show. Dreamer having even more control is concerning because his ideas the last two years haven’t been much better.
Gail leaving makes more sense to me. Be it firing or a “you can’t quit, you’re fired” kind of situation, the Knockouts division is the worst it’s been in a long time and Gail was close with Scott D’Amore. So I don’t think Gail parting ways is as big of a problem since TNA has slowly been bleeding out with the Scott faithful.
Granted, I think the next few shows were already taped before the firing so things shouldn’t be completely unwatchable for at least a week or two. So let’s see where we’re going.
.@WeAreRosemary sends @XiaBrookside a CHILLING message!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/srciTTbel0
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Ratings:
- Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge: Ash wins via Rarefied Air – ** 1/4
- Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr: Chavo wins via Gory Bomb into Frog Splash – *** 1/4
- Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich: Masha wins via Russian Death Device – ***
- Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin: Eric wins via Piledriver – ** 1/2
- Seto & Mokuba – I mean – Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater: Nic wins via Danger Zone – *** 1/4
Results:
Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge
Ash and Gigi start off, Gigi with a little Rascalz after her first takedown. So both her and Wentz are making it obvious something’s going on between them, and I’m not mad at it. Good for my man Wentz.
Tatum and Gigi get some quick tandem offense in, Ash does manage to scurry off to a tag and Heather gets bent into a Pretzel. Some kind of Inverted Tarantula from Tatum, Gigi tags in, Bronco Buster on Heather followed by Kawada Kicks. Heather sells against the ropes, Gigi goes for a Hesitation Dropkick, but Concierge pulls her away so Gigi crashes and burns. Ref is distracted, Ash gets in some cheap shots and then the Elegant duo starts working over Gigi. A few quick tags, but once Heather comes in, Gigi fights out of the corner, gets the hot tag to Tatum. Tatum stacks up both Elegance members, Corner Stacked Crossbody, Butterfly Suplex and an Elbow Drop with some some flare. Tatum goes to the top rope, Heather pulls Gigi off the apron, Concierge shoves Tatum off the turnbuckle and Ash hits Rarefied Air for the win.
Post match the Elegance Clique wants to make their wish with the cake, they light the candles and Tatum and Gigi recover enough to do what we all expected last week, the cake in the face spot. Some…suggestive licking from both of our Hot Topic Hotties, so…no complaints here.
.@Ashamae_Sebera, @Heathereckless and @IamGeorgeIceman are having a meltdown!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/FnKwPqm2ff
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr
Chavo and Kaz start since he’s King Petty, a quick rope run turns into a Headscissor from Chavo. Kaz recovers, they lock up, Kaz hits the Knee Lift during the lock up to tag out to KC. KC pulls off some athletic dodges, gloats a bit so Chavo waits, measures and nails a gorgeous Dropkick. Laredo comes in on fire, quick high spots that send KC bouncing around like HBK against Hulk. KC powders after sells the Satellite Takedown, AJ checks on him and we go to commercial.
Back from commercial, Octagon is lighting up KC’s chest with overhand chops, he perches, Sunset Headscissor Flip from corner to corner, KC tries to Back Drop him but Octagon does a headstand, kicks KC away and lays him out with a high spot. AJ gets on the apron to stop Octagon from running the ropes, the referee has a stroke or something because he stops paying attention and AJ pulls Octagon out of the ring and chucks him. KC with the Tope con Hilo and tag (tag ropes haven’t mattered since the 80s we all know this). So AJ is getting taunted by the crowd in Spanish, but he’s manhandling Octagon since it looks like a Child fighting their parent. AJ knocks off Chavo and Laredo, Laredo pops up and tries to get involved but he’s caught on the shoulders, Octagon goes for the Crossbody but gets caught and AJ pulls off “World’s Strongest Wasteland” but Chavo breaks up the pinfall. AJ throws Octagon into the corner, Tennessee Whiskey, and tag out to KC. KC hits a few moves, but starts to lose the momentum until he connects with a Super Kick. Simultaneous rope run into the Dueling Crossbodies, so we get the timely tag outs from both sides. Kaz and Laredo come in, Laredo lands like two moves before Kaz hits a Sole Butt, Lariat and eats his lunch. KC and Kaz try to double team Laredo but he fights out and the crowd is chanting for Chavo.
Chavo tags in, and he’s rocking KC, Saito Suplex, Low Bridge to AJ, Reverse the Whip so Chavo goes to the corner and perches, KC feeds, Chavo Backflips to safety, rolls through and lays out KC. Chavo is feeling himself, 3 Amigos start on KC but only 2, Kaz comes in and Chavo switches to Kaz for the Amigos, only 2 again before AJ breaks it up. AJ goes for the disrespect, but Chavo counters and hits the 3 Amigos on the biggest Culero. Aztec Warriors dive to stop AJ and Kaz, KC tries a Dirty Victory Roll but Chavo kicks out. GORY BOMB into FROG SPLASH!
Chavo looked fantastic and he’s the one in the best shape in the ring. I wouldn’t be mad at more Chavito.
Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich
I expect very little from this match.
Collar and Elbow, gator rolling for the first 30 seconds or so, then Jacy goes to some Hair Pull takedowns and does a little taunt before Masha pops back up and hits a Lariat into a Dive. Jacy sells it like she’s really hurt, even the ref tries to hold Masha back a little before Masha gets annoyed and just grabs her, Masha throws her in, looks for a Dive and Jacy sees it and powders. Masha tries to go back to the well for the Dive again but Jacy hits the Uppercut and then an Apron Run PK to drop Masha. Forearms rain down into a Foot Choke as Jacy continues to arrogantly play to the crowd. Another Foot Choke into a Cannonball, and near fall.
Masha gets space with a Sole Butt, tries to snap off Requiem but Jacy fights off, fights through a Sunset Flip another effective PK keeps Masha on her ass. Jacy looks for a kinda half-assed Camel Clutch as Masha is fighting up, but Jacy runs her into the corner, gets distracted mouthing off to the crowd, so Masha recovers, 5 Hole Up Kick sends Jacy into the corner, Yakuza Kick into Capo Kick for two. Requiem attempt again, but Jacy pushes off, a little back and forth, Masha tries a Backslide but Jacy gets away and hits a V-Trigger but only a 2 count. Jacy looks for the Discus Punch but Masha ducks it, they strike back and forth, but some dodges from both leave the exchange more even. Jacy with the Front Kick to the face sends Masha to the outside. Jacy wants another PK, but Masha blocks, Electric Chair Apron Snake Eyes. Masha throws her in, a PK into a near all. Requiem attempt 3, and thwarted from Jacy with a Superkick into a Neckbreaker. Senton misses from Jacy, Buzzsaw Kick, into Spinning Back Kick and Russian Death Device for the win.
Better than I expected, and Tessa attacks as soon as the bell rings. Xia Brookside and Lei Ying Li make the save after Tessa grabs the belt.
Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin
Ace and Eric tie up, World of Sport start but as soon as Ace starts to get away EY punches him in the face. Eric looks at the camera and says “This is what trust looks like”, turns his back on Ace, when Ace looks to attack, the loser duo cut him off. EY takes advantage of the weird situation, but Ace with some Up and Over quick spots, into an Inside Cradle and La Magistral. EY kicks out of the quick flash attempts, but eats a Dropkick, and Ace goes all Speed Kils on him with fast strikes and then a face buster for another near fall. Strike spot very early in the match, Ace gets the best of it, goes for a Tear Drop Suplex but EY sits on it to block, Headlocks to keep him close and then a snap Lariat into beatdown bully tactics. EY takes the referee’s attention and one of the nerds punch Ace in the face.
Eric tries to lean on Ace, but Ace fires, a few strikes, Click Click Boom, the Miz Seated Lariats in the corner, Mochizuki Triangle Kick connects! Only a 2 count, but Ace seems to be in control. Ace puts EY on the ropes, a few strikes to keep him rocked, wants a Superplex, but EY blocks, bites the face and Macho Elbow gets a very close two count. EY tries the Piledriver but Ace turns it into a Jacknife Cradle,Spinning Heel Kick, calls for The Fold, but the losers hop on the apron to distract, Ace attacks them. Ace tries to time out the Triangle Kick again, but Eric dodges, throws Ace head first through the buckles. As Ace stumbles out of the corner, Piledriver, and it’s over.
Oh look it’s the “we’ll hear from Joe Hendry” segment. Again, I’ve loved this gimmick since Day 1, even didn’t hate his What Culture Pro stuff, but there is such a thing as milking a cow too much.
Elijah interrupts the whole “Who’s next” speech. When Elijah comes out he says he’s not the challenger and he believes in Joe. The crowd wants Elijah to turn on Hendry. Elijah pauses for a moment, and starts proving his friendship with stating his favorite color and a little “You Got a Friend in Me”. The crowd is into singing along and waving their cameras like Lighters to a 30 year old song. THANKFULLY Kaz breaks up the hug fest. Now he gets the “Culero” chant.
Kaz pulls out a Bass…what the hell is this Jam Session. Kaz has to warm up so he plays “La Cucaracha” on the bass. Kaz…is a national treasure. Hendry kicks Kaz out of the ring after his Heelish and playfully racially charged song choices. Kaz tries to sow dissension, but Joe and Elijah pinball Kaz between them. Kaz slips a power move and tries to shove Elijah into Joe but Elijah puts the brakes on, a small tense moment. But then Joe and Elijah play “Nah Nah Nah Nah, Hey Hey, Goodbye”…and that goes right into a commercial. Oddly…perfect.
Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater
Nic shoots the half immediately for a flash pinfall but Leon kicks out at one. Nic continues to keep things grounded with his amateur wrestling skills, and then does a little Dolph Ziggler show off. So Nic isn’t really taking this seriously, and Leon starts getting the best of things with an Arm Wringer, into drag, Shoulder Tackle and rope run as Nic tries to Leap Frog and Leon puts on the brakes and just shoves Nic on his ass. Nic gets annoyed, a few strikes, grinds his face along the ropes, but Leon keeps stringing some offense together, Back Handspring Elbow into his Corner con Hilo.
Ahh the classic formula of the commercial gives the heel the advantage, Twisting Suplex from Leon stops Nic’s offense momentum, right hand, Leon lifts Nic up for something, Nic slips it, kicks him in the gut, looks for the FameAsser, but Leon catches him into a Blue Thunder Bomb variation. Slater wants the Swanton 450, but Nic powders. Leon tries to adjust into a Dive, but Nic cuts him off, counter for counter and a FameAsser out of the counters for a two count. Nic starts the big brother tactics, bootwashes and arrogance, Slater fires, punches into a Yakuza Kick. Leon wants another Lethal Injection variant, but Nic catches him into a Rear Naked Choke. Slater tries to turn it into a pin so Nic breaks it. Leon wants a Leg Lariat but misses and gets unceremoniously dropped by Nic. Nic puts Leon up on the buckles, Superplex possibly but Slater counters, tries to collect himself for a move, but Nic falls into the ropes to crotch Leon, and finally hits the Superplex.
Twist of Slate from Leon, Swanton 450 but knees get up. Locomotion Cradles from both but they kick out, Ryan picks the ankle to trip up Leon just a touch and then Danger Zone ends the match.
Ryan starts the post match beatdown, but the Hardy’s music hits and they come down to the ring for the save. Matt challenges the Nemeths for Rebellion because they’re not medically cleared yet.
Overall Score: 6.5/10
Decent story motion, no match was offensive, and there was actually some solid match action for television standards. I don’t have a ton to complain about aside from the Knockouts Division is in a weird spot, and giving Hendry a lot of just talking and hollow payoff segments feels stupid. If we need to hear from him every week, give him a talk segment like Highlight Reel or something. Yes I know First Class just got The Penthouse, but if Hendry is going to talk more than wrestle, give him a talk segment for us to sink our teeth into.
There was the announcement that Xia, Lei Ying and Masha will face Tessa, Jacy and a mystery partner. So you gotta wonder if there’s going to be another NXT mercenary, a surprise return or if it’ll just be Rosemary since she’s got her issues with Xia. Also I just realized that Unbreakable is going to be on a Thursday, seemingly after iMPACT? I’m gonna have to see how they do it, because if there’s an Impact episode and 2-3 hour PLE…I do not want to be awake until 1am. People need to work, and I will be Unwakeable if things go that long.
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
4 Corners Podcast: March Madness Bracket Breakdown
This week on 4 Corners Podcast we break down the Men's NCAA tournament bracket. Which of the top seeds will...
4 Corners Podcast- The Fantastic Four Nations Faceoff
The guys discuss Canada's big win in the Four Nations Faceoff and take a look at some early Spring Training...
Oblong Ball Foot Show: One For The Road
The Philadelphia Eagles are Super Bowl Champions! Tune in as we recap an excellent NFL season and touch on a...
Oblong Ball Foot Show: Super Bowl LIX Preview
The culmination of a season long journey is upon us. Andrew, Rey and Tunney break it all down for you...
The Front and Center Sports Podcast – NFL Conference Championships and Jimmy Butler
The Chairshot presents a new episode of The Front and Center Sports Podcast, with an NFL Conference Championship preview, and...
Bandwagon Nerds #281: Vengeful Abomination
This week the NERDS discuss Episode 4 of Daredevil Born Again and Villain Madness continues with the first round of...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (3/23/25)
Countdown to the Anniversary!
Attitude Of Aggression #304- Game Gone Wrong?- Part 1: When the Game was Great!
In Part 1, before getting to Season 8, the guys look back at the greatest moments from the first 7...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu Results & Report! (3/21/25)
One step away from glory!
Bandwagon Nerds #280: The Rich And Powerful
This week the NERDS discuss the Season 3 finale of Invincible, episode 3 of Daredevil Born Again and the continuation...
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (3/28/25)
SmackDown in the UK!
DWI Podcast #469: Superplex Sunday
Will John Cena win the WWE Title and retire at Wrestlemania?
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 3.27.2025
Bad news out of the TNA management side, but this is a taped episode from El Paso! So we won't...
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (3/27/25)
Is there a new Minion in town?
Mitchell’s WWE Evolve Results & Report! (3/27/25)
Evolve enters the Fourth Dimension!
POD is WAR: It All Goes Back To The Spinner Belt
Andrew Balaz, Rey Cash and PC Tunney invite you to come along on a trip inside the minds of Los...
Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (3/26/25)
ThunderStorm is TIMELESS!
Greg DeMarco Show: No Stipulation Needed
CM Punk vs Seth Rollins vs Roman Reigns? Are you buying this as a WWE WrestleMania 41 match? Does it...
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (3/25/25)
La Primera Double Header!
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (3/24/25)
ADRENALINE! IN GLASGOW!
