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