Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (7/14/23)
Is Bianca ready for Asuka?

The EST finally gets her rematch!
Bianca Belair still owes Asuka for those blue mist fingers to the face, so she finally gets her rematch here on SmackDown! Will the EST reign once again? Or will the Empress of Tomorrow keep her throne by any means necessary?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Sheamus & Ridge Holland w/ Pete Dunne VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins.
- Zelina Vega VS Bayley w/ Iyo Sky; Bayley wins.
- WWE United States Championship Invitational Tournament Fatal 4 Way: AJ Styles VS Santos Escobar VS Pete Dunne VS Grayson Waller; Escobar wins and advances to the finals in two weeks.
- WWE Women’s Championship: Asuka VS Bianca Belair; Bianca wins by disqualification, Asuka retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Jey Uso is backstage.
Main Event Jey is wary rolling alone without his brother, Jimmy, but he isn’t going to back down. Will he get an answer out of Roman Reigns about his challenge for the Universal Championship?
Bianca Belair heads to the ring!
The EST is going to face Asuka for the WWE Women’s Championship later tonight, but she wants to have one last word before then. Fans cheer as she gets the mic to say, “People always say things like, ‘Patience is a virtue’ and ‘good things come to those who wait.’ But man, is it hard to be patient and wait, especially when you want something so badly.” Fans cheer that. Bianca feels like she’s been waiting forever to get her rematch with Asuka. It’s been since May 27th, Night of Champions, just for her opportunity to get her title back. And hold up, let’s not even talk about all the hoops she had to go through to get at what should’ve been hers in the first place.
“So tonight is the night. No, matter of fact, tonight is MY night!” Fans like the sound of that! Bianca says she will show Asuka that patience IS a virtue, but that vengeance is sweet! Tonight, Bianca will give Asuka exactly what she deserves: A KOD, a 1-2-3, and Bianca strutting out of here as the NEW- Wait! Here comes Charlotte Flair! The Queen goes to the ring, with her pyro going off, and stands face to face with Bianca. Charlotte feels all fired up! Raleigh, North Carolina, did Bianca get you fired up? The fans cheer because she did. Charlotte says no offense to Asuka, but Bianca is the one who’s gonna win.
In fact, Charlotte’s gonna manifest this win in Flair Country! She feels Bianca will be the new WWE Women’s Champion. And when Bianca does, there won’t be any confusion on who is next in line. Bianca knows “the line starts and ends” with Charlotte. Well she wouldn’t say it that way, but respectfully, face to face, Charlotte is next. So when Bianca wins, it will be Charlotte Flair VS Bianca Belair for the WWE Women’s Championship. What does Bianca say? The fans like the sound of it, and Bianca mulls it over. Bianca won’t jinx herself right now because she is focused on Asuka. But if Bianca does win, what would be bigger than The EST VS The Queen at SummerSlam?
Fans really like the sound of that! Charlotte thinks on that. IF Bianca wins, it is on! And Bianca says Charlotte is right, Bianca IS ready for Asuka. Charlotte and Bianca shake hands, Charlotte lets out a “WOO~!” and the deal is struck. But Asuka is watching backstage, already ready with her ring gear and face paint. Will Asuka make sure these SummerSlam plans include her?
The Brawling Brutes are at gorilla.
Sheamus is fired up, tonight is the night! Butch here will get through in the United States Championship Invitational Tournament, and then Sheamus & Ridge Holland finally get payback on those “two bleedin’ dancin’ Muppets,” Pretty Deadly.” Ridge says those two keep talking about “Friday Night SnackDown,” but they get eaten alive. Dunne says iiiiit’s FIGHT NIGHT! The Brutes head out, that tag match is up first! Will Kit Wilson & Elton Prince wish they were still trying to survive in NXT?
Sheamus & Ridge Holland w/ Pete Dunne VS Pretty Deadly!
SmackDown returns and Pretty Deadly makes their entrance. The teams sort out and Sheamus starts against Elton but Elton bails out! The fans boo but Sheamus laughs at Elton, because he grabs Kit! Sheamus TOSSES Kit into the ring, fires off haymakers, but then Elton rushes in. Sheamus catches Elton for a ROLLING SENTON! And then Sheamus picks Kit up, ROLLING SENTON onto Elton! Fans fire up as Sheamus clotheslines Kit out! Elton BOOTS Sheamus, whips him to ropes, but Sheamus blocks hip toss and stares Elton down. LARIAT! Tag to Ridge and Sheamus whips Elton to a corner.
Ridge runs in to SPLASH, then he feeds Elton to a scoop SLAM! Cover, TWO! Ridge fires off on Elton, HEADBUTTS him to a corner, and then fireman’s carries. Elton fights free, and he CHOP BLOCKS a leg! Elton UPPERCUTS, tags Kit, and Pretty Deadly mug Ridge! Fans boo but Kit UPPERCUTS! Kit ROCKS Ridge, tags Elton, and holds Ridge in place for Elton to UPPERCUT! Ridge staggers, Elton tags Kit back in, and they CLUB Ridge down. The ref counts, Elton tells Sheamus to stay back, but Ridge picks up both Pretty Deadly! DOUBEL BACK DROP! Fans fire up and Ridge tags in Sheamus!
The Celtic Warrior storms in, Kit begs for mercy! Kit kicks but Sheamus blocks it to DUMP him out hard! Ridge scoops Elton and puts him on the top rope! Fans fire up as Sheamus makes Kit smile before the BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! They go past ten to get TWENTY, then TWENTY-FIVE, and then SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns and Elton stomps away on Sheamus at the ropes. The ref counts, the fans boo, but Elton tags to Kit. Kit drops the leg on the apron! And then Kit CLUBS away on Sheamus! Kit storms into the ring, drags Sheamus up, but Sheamus throws body shots! Kit UPPERCUTS Sheamus down! Tag to Elton and they both stomp away at the ropes! The ref reprimands and counts, Kit exits but Elton CHOKES Sheamus on ropes. Elton lets off at 4 to throw crossface forearms! Tag back to Kit, they CLUB and stomp Sheamus, and then Elton taunts Sheamus as Kit makes Sheamus smile!
Fans rally for Sheamus and he fights up to his feet! Sheamus ELECTRIC CHAIR DROPS Kit! Fans fire up while both men are down, but Elton goes around the outside to YANK Ridge down! Kit UPPERCUTS Sheamus and hits a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Sheamus is toughing it out, but Kit stomps him down and goes up the corner. Kit leaps, but into a KNEE! Both men crawl, hot tags to Ridge and Elton! Ridge back drops Elton away! And then OVERHEAD SUPLEXES Kit! And then another back drop for Elton! Kit runs, into a POWERSLAM! Fans fire up with Ridge and he runs in to SPLASH Elton!
Ridge SPLASHES Kit! Ridge SPLASHES Elton! And OVERHEAD SUPLEX into Kit! Kit flops out and Ridge roars! Fans fire up and Ridge brings Elton up. Ridge suplexes to a FISHERMAN DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Elton survives and bails out. But Sheamus goes up the corner?! FLYING LARIAT takes out Kit! Sheamus still puts Elton into the ring for Ridge to hit a scoop and NORTHERN GRIT! Cover, Kit breaks it! Sheamus BROGUES Kit! Elton DUMPS Sheamus out, and then he goes after a buckle pad! Ridge runs in, into the bare buckle!! Elton goes up top, SUPER LEG DROP! Cover, Pretty Deadly win!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by pinfall
They may not be deadly but they are sneaky! They take advantage of Ridge’s already damaged neck, and they snatch this win from the Brawling Brutes. But will Dunne make up for this by winning tonight’s Fatal 4 Way?
BREAKING NEWS for next week!
Next Friday, July 21st, SmackDown will be on Fox Sports, FS1! And on that night, there will be a face-to-face of Roman Reigns and Jey Uso so they can discuss the “rules of engagement” in the Bloodline Civil War’s final phase! Plus, the other United States Championship Invitational Fatal 4 Way of Rey Mysterio, Sheamus, LA Knight and the returning Cameron Grimes! Check your cable guide and your DVR so you don’t miss a thing!
Backstage interview with Grayson Waller.
Cathy Kelley is with the Aussie Icon, and asks him if he is surprised he managed getting himself a championship opportunity this early in his SmackDown career? To be honest, nope! He had his first SmackDown match against the Hall of Famer, Edge, and if he had more than 15 minutes to get ready, he would’ve won! But that’s okay, he “swam.” Now everyone is talking about Grayson Waller, including… THE ROCK! Every week, his family is imploding right in front of him, but he’s worried about Waller. If he wants that Grayson Waller rub and that clout, he knows where to find Waller.
But tonight, Waller is up against three of the best SmackDown has to offer, and he’ll have his hand in victory because that is the Grayson Waller Effect. “If you smell what I’m cookin’. HAHAHA!” The 21st Century Success Story is ready to go viral again, but will it be for all the wrong reasons?
SmackDown has a medical update on Jimmy Uso.
Ruptured rib cartilage will keep him out of action for the foreseeable future, will he at least be watching as Jey goes after the Tribal Chief?
Adam Pearce finds Charlotte on her way out.
He asks where she’s off to, and she says she knows he doesn’t like competitors getting involved in championship matches. And Charlotte has a hard time letting things go, so before he even asks, she is leaving. Really? Yes. Charlotte feels good about Bianca, and about her SummerSlam match, so she’s leaving. But as Charlotte exits, Bayley enters and says, “Charlotte’s not the only one who feels good about tonight.” Iyo Sky holds up the Money in the Bank briefcase and Bayley laughs. Damage CTRL heads out, but then Charlotte steps back in. “Well on second thought, I think I’ll be staying.” Is the Queen going to make sure the Evil Genius doesn’t ruin her plans?
Zelina Vega VS Bayley w/ Iyo Sky!
Speaking of those plans, La Muneca may not ben Miss MITB, but she could have an impact on what happens tonight. Will she remove the Role Model from the equation tonight? Or will Bayley say ding dong bye-bye to Zelina?
SmackDown returns as DMG CTRL makes their way out, Bayley waving around the green ponytail they snipped off Shotzi’s head. The bell rings and Bayley CLOBBERS Zelina! Bayley sends Zelina out of the ring, goes out after her and SMACKS her off the desk! Bayley brings up how she cut Shotzi’s hair, and she SMACKS Zelina off the desk again! Bayley goes into the ring, Zelina staggers over but Bayley drags her up tot he apron. But Zelina ROCKS Bayley back! And again, and then POSTS her! Fans rally as Zelina puts Bayley in the ring and goes up the corner. Zelina leaps, METEORA! Cover, TWO!
Bayley gets up, swings but misses, and Zelina tilt-o-whirl RANAS! Zelina then kicks low, TWIST OF FATE! Cover, TWO! Zelina rolls but Bayley blocks the kick to throw the leg down! Bayley stomps Zelina, then grabs LA CHANCLA! Bayley says this is for Michael Cole! But Zelina hits a CODE BREAKER! Zelina grabs LA CHANCLA~! Fans fire up as Zelina SPANKS Bayley all around! Bayley bails out, the ref takes the sandal away, but then Bayley HOTSHOTS Zelina! Zelina falls, Bayley hurries in, ROSE PLANT! Cover, Bayley wins!
Winner: Bayley, by pinfall
The Role Model pulls off the victory and then taunts Zelina with Shotzi’s hair. Will Bayley & Iyo continue to give the SmackDown Women’s Division a “makeover?” Wait, Shotzi is on the tron! And she tells Bayley that if she thought cutting her hair would intimidate or scare her, like she has some kind of control over her… Does Shotzi look scared to you? Shotzi brings up an electric razor as she says, “Do I look like someone you can control? DO I!?” Shotzi says she may be a little weird, but she is also in control. And she will show Bayley just how chaotic she really is! She buzzes her hair off right before our eyes! And laughs as she does it!
Shotzi says she’s not scared, BAYLEY is scared! Shotzi’s in control. So what if she’s a little weird? DMG CTRL are definitely creeped out. Is Bayley going to regret bullying to wrong person?
The OC talk backstage.
They are all fired up for Styles’ opportunity, and he says he’s waited long enough. Styles is gonna win in the Fatal 4, and then they can all party tonight! But will tonight be phenomenal?
Jey Uso heads to the ring!
The fans fire up for the one left standing. What will Jey say about what is coming next? We find out, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Jey has the mic. Fans chant “USO! USO!” as Jey takes a moment to compose himself. “Y’know what? Growing up, me and Jimmy: inseparable. I’m talkin’ glued at the hip. If I’m there, he’s there. And if he’s there, I’m there.” Fans cheer that, and Jey says having brothers is a great thing. But there’s something about being twins that makes them special. Twins know. If he’s sad, Jey’s sad. If Jimmy’s happy, Jey’s happy. And if Jimmy’s mad, Jey’s mad. But if Jimmy’s hurt, Jey’s hurt, too! Just never in a million years would Jey think Jimmy gets hurt by his own family members!
Jey says he respects the hierarchy, the culture, their grandparents, mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, but Roman! Please believe that when it comes to you, Jey disrespects all of you! Fans cheer that! Jey tells Solo, yeah, he gonna spank little brother like he did last week! And Wise Man, you been puppeteering this family for 40 YEARS! But guess what? All that stops right here! Fans really liek the sound of that! Jey says he is the REAL Head of the Table, the REAL Chief, and he is MAIN EVENT JEY USO! Fans fire up with Jey but then “ladies and gentlemen,” here comes Paul Heyman.
Fans boo as Heyman and Solo make their way out, and Heyman keeps his introduction going. And he introduces the Enforcer of the Bloodline, Solo. But Solo is not here to enforce Heyman’s will, nor to enforce victory for the Bloodline. Solo is here to enforcer the peace. Solo storms up to the ring and Heyman tells Jey that they’re just stepping into the ring. Nothing is going to happen but a conversation because Jey knows how this works. It has worked this way long before any of them were even born. This was handed down from Afa & Sika and their father and his father, etc.
Next week, here on SmackDown, Roman and Jey will be face to face, and they will discuss the rules of engagement. Jey is annoyed but Heyman says here tonight, this is just a chat. Heyman understands Jey is angry, hostile, filled with vengeance and wants to manifest revenge for Jimmy. And that anger and hostility, that righteous indignation on behalf of his family, that makes him sound more and more like a Tribal Chief every single day. Fans boo and Jey scowls at Heyman for what he’s implying. But Heyman looks to Slo and says Solo is right. Jey has no self-awareness. He doesn’t understand!
Jey doesn’t have the conscience needed to be the Right Hand Man. Doesn’t Jey understand? What happened to Jimmy is all Jey’s fault. Fans boo but Heyman says Jey rose up against the Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, and wanted to become the head of the family, the protector of everyone’s children, and the conscience and good will. Jey wanted to take this family, but Heyman should just talk to “Jim!” This is your favorite “jew-so” to ask you if you understand why you’re in the hospital. It is all because of your twin brother, Jey! Fans boo again and Jey shakes his head.
Heyman says in Samoan and English, he doesn’t know how Jey can ever forgive himself. How can Jimmy ever forgive Jey? Their father, Rikishi, will never forgive him! Their MOTHER will never forgive him! Heyman loves the Usos! And yet he’ll never forgive them! Their Tribal Chief, Roman…! Reigns…! Will never forgive Jey! Wait, Solo wants to talk?! Heyman hands the mic over, and Solo says, “What happened to Jimmy… that’s all on you. But me? I’ll never forgive you, either.” Fans boo as Solo drops the mic. And the brawl is on! Jey dodges to SUPERKICK Solo out of the ring! Fans fire up and Heyman freaks out!
Jey looks at Heyman and Heyman REALLY freaks out now! Fans want him to do it, and Jey grins. Jey creeps up on Heyman but Heyman says he still loves Jey! But Solo gets back in to CLOBBER Jey! Heyman runs away, Solo stomps away, and then Solo prepares the thumb! SAMOAN- TACKLE from Jey! Jey rains down forearms and fans fire up! Heyman crawls in with a chair, but Jey SUPERKICKS Heyman first!! And then Jey DIVES onto Solo! Fans are thunderous as Jey stands tall again! Heyman sits up in a daze, and he sees Jey eyeing the chair. Fans still want him to do more, and Heyman panics!
Heyman says he wants Jey to be Tribal Chief! Jey says not good enough! But Solo returns, so Jey JAMS him! And SMACKS him out of the ring! Solo & Heyman retreat but the message is clear! Jey is not backing down, no matter what anyone says! Will Jey free the family from the tyranny of Heyman and the Tribal Chief?
Adam Pearce talks with Bianca and a referee.
He is preparing them both for how Charlotte and DMG CTRL are both still in the building. In fact, Bayley & Iyo can be seen lurking in the back, just waiting for this. Will the EST be ready for Asuka and everyone else? Or will tonight become even more chaotic?
Austin Theory heads to the ring.
The WWE United States Champion is the one who put this “Invitational” together, so he wants to see it with his own eyes. Will the Now be at all worried about who comes out of this first Fatal 4 Way?
WWE United States Championship Invitational Tournament Fatal 4 Way: AJ Styles VS Santos Escobar VS Pete Dunne VS Grayson Waller!
SmackDown returns as Waller makes his entrance, followed by Styles. Theory is on commentary, he likes Michael Cole’s explanation of the tournament. The bell rings, Waller talks trash on Styles but DECKS Dunne with a sucker punch! Then Waller bails out, and he talks trash with Theory. But Dunne storms up to FLYING FOREARM Waller into Theory! Escobar rolls Styles up, TWO! Victory roll, TWO! Escobar CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS, then runs, but into a DROPKICK! Escobar falls out of the ring, Dunne is there to CLOBBER him! Dunne hurries in and stares down Styles. But Waller returns, so Styles DECKS him!
Styles and Dunne circle, they fire off forearms and haymakers, then Dunne runs. Styles blocks a kick, ducks the enziguri, and waistlocks. Dunne fights free, trips Styles, and jackknife bridges! TWO as Styles bridges up! Styles spins Dunne but Dunne fights the backslide. Waller joins in to trip and double roll-up, TWO! Styles and Dunne glare at Waller. Waller swings, Dunne blocks, and Styles DECKS Waller again! Dunne and Styles reset and fans rally up. Styles and Dunne fire off haymakers again! Escobar CROSSBODIES in to wipe them both out! Waller CLUBS Escobar, then he does drop steps.
Waller brings Escobar to a fireman’s carry but Escobar slips free, shoves and DROPKICKS! Waller sits down, but Escobar brings him up. Escobar CHOPS Waller in the corner, then spells out “L W O!” Escobar whips, Waller reverses, but Escobar goes up to headscissor! Waller blocks, kicks Styles as he storms up, and then hands Escobar off to Styles so he can LEAP FROG ATTACK Escobar! Dunne returns, Waller rushes in but runs into a SNAP GERMAN! Dunne STOMPS the hands, then BUZZSAWS Waller down! Styles ENZIGURIS Dunne! Escobar KNEES Styles! Styles PELES Escobar! Fans fire up as all four men are down, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns again and Waller has a headlock on Dunne. Dunne throws body shots but Waller throws knees. Escobar returns but Waller hits him with a LEG LARIAT! Waller talks trash on Dunne, but Dunne bends Waller’s fingers! Fans fire up as Dunne SNAPS those digits! Dunne runs in but Waller TOSSES him out! Styles storms up to fire off the Phenomenal Blitz! Waller falls over even before the lariat, so Styles runs to SLIDING FOREARM! Waller staggers to a corner, Styles runs in to clothesline! Styles fireman’s carries to USHIGOROSHI! Cover, Dunne breaks it with boots! Theory tells Michael to watch out, insulting him.
Escobar ROCKS Dunne, puts him in a corner and CHOPS him! Escobar brings Dunne around, stomps Styles and then KICKS Dunne in the corner. Escobar puts Dunne up top, to GAMANGIRI! Escobar then climbs, whistles and SUPER STEINERS Dunne at Styles! Styles catches Dunne for a POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Escobar KICKS and stomps Styles, then goes up a corner. But Waller throws body shots! Waller climbs up after Escobar, throws some elbows, then cravats. But Dunne joins in to GAMANGIRI Waller! Fans fire up as Dunne climbs up. Waller ROCKS Dunne, Styles ROCKS Waller!
Styles and Dunne look to each other, shrug and climb up together! The fans fire up as Escobar goes up even higher! SUPER SUNSET FLIP SUPERPLEX POWERBOMB COMBO!!! Now Theory is worried because “This is Awesome!” All four men take a corner, and Escobar says “L W O!” DOUBLE KNEES to Styles! DOUBLE KNEES to Dunne! And DOUBLE KNEES to Waller! Fireman’s carry, PHANTOM DRIVER!! Cover, Styles AND Dunne break it! Fans rally, Waller flops out of the ring but Dunne, Styles and Escobar stare down. They all stand, and they fire off hands! Escobar CHOPS Dunne, Dunne CHOPS Escobar!
Dunne ROCKS Styles, Styles fires off on Escobar! Escobar blocks the back hand, Dunne ENZIGURIS Escobar! Styles kicks Dunne and reels him in, but Dunne slips outta the Clash to ENZIGURI! Dunne clotheslines Styles out, Escobar leaps in, into a HAYMAKER! Cover, Waller breaks it!! Waller drags Dunne up, Electric Chair Lifts, but Dunne gives him knuckles to the forehead! Waller sits down, into a BUZZSAW! Dunne roars, runs in, but Waller TOSSES him! Waller slides and- NO, Dunne dodges and ASAI MOONSAULTS! But Escobar builds speed, ARROW FROM HELL!! Escobar puts Dunne in and fans fire up!
Escobar gets Dunne up, PHANTOM- PHENOMENAL FOREARM!! Styles hits outta nowhere, then hauls Dunne up! But WAIT! There’s a fight going on backstage, the OC is fighting off KARRION KROSS!!! Kross has Karl Anderson in the KROSSJACKET!! Kross lets Karl go, and shouts at Styles, “We’re not done yet.” Styles hurries out but Waller CLOBBERS him! Then SLINGSHOT STUNNER on Dunne! But Escobar is up top! FROG SPLASH onto Waller!! Cover, Escobar wins!!
Winner: Santos Escobar, by pinfall (advances to the finals)
The Emperor of Lucha says he will be campeon, but Theory says Escobar has no chance because Theory is the greatest. However, there is still next week’s Fatal 4 Way, who will be meeting Escobar in the finals in two weeks?
Adam Pearce now talks with Asuka.
He is surely telling her to be aware of the same things he told Bianca about. And again, Iyo & Bayley are lurking in the background. Will the Empress of Tomorrow defy the odds and make it out of Raleigh still champion?
The OC regroups.
Gallows checks his jaw and Anderson catches his breath. Seems Scarlett even got Mia as she clutches a shoulder. Styles helps Karl up and checks him. Kross is right, though. This is NOT over. Styles vows to get payback, but when and where will he battle with the apocalypse?
The Street Profits wait outside.
Angelo Dawkins checks his phone. “He” said he’d be here by now. But Montez Ford points out a stretch limousine pulling in, that has to be him. He said he’d be here so here he is! Dawkins says okay, he got it. They wait, the driver opens the door, and out steps… BOBBY LASHLEY! The All Mighty says hey to the Profits, and makes sure they’re ready to talk. Oh they sure are! The three step into the limousine and it pulls away. What business could these three be working on?
Rey Mysterio speaks.
“It has been almost one year since my career was full of uncertainty. But after joining SmackDown, well, I gained a new family in the LWO. A Hall of Fame ring, and now, I’m looking for championship gold. And after next week’s Fatal 4 Way match, one step closer to the United States title. BOOYAKA!”
Cameron Grimes speaks.
“I was ecstatic when I got the call that I was in the United States Championship Invitational. What better way to show that I belong than by winning that Fatal 4 Way next week? I’m confident that I’m going TOOOOO THEEE MOOON~!”
Sheamus speaks.
“I’m so over this, yeah? Twice now, I’ve had Theory beat, and twice now, his new friends have come and interfered and cost me the United States Championship. That little Cena wannabe has weaseled out so many times, I’ve lost count. And now, I gotta mow through three other men just to get another crack at him? Well bring it on, fella! And as for those three other lads are standing across from me, get outta me bleedin’ way, and know that Theory is mine.”
LA Knight heads to the ring!
The fourth man in the second Fatal 4 Way is here in Raleigh, with a mic, and the fans are all fired up! Knight takes a second to hear them all out before he says, “Lemme talk to ya!” Knight says that all of a sudden, he’s everywhere, huh? “YEAH!” Everybody wants to use HIS name, everyone on the internet wants to use HIS name to get views and clicks! “YEAH!” Well call it what it is: He is the best decision this company’s ever made. He stands head and shoulders above, NOBODY back there can touch him! “YEAH!” So let’s just go ahead and talk about the worst decision ever made: United States Title Invitational? NAH-NAH!
Theory’s title is in trouble! Not because five guys are vying for it, but because KNIGHT is coming for it! “YEAH!” Theory has to understand something. You can call Knight the Mega Star, or even The GOAT. “But sooner or later, one way or another, you will be calling me champ! YEAH! Cuz who’s game is it? With everybody saying…” “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!!” Knight says three men are getting dropped on FS1, but will he really make it past the King of Lucha, the Celtic Warrior and the Carolina Caveman?
WWE Women’s Championship: Asuka VS Bianca Belair!
The Empress used some truly dirty tactics to take the then Raw Women’s Championship from The EST at Night of Champions. And with a lot of hoopla and rigmarole, Bianca had to bide her time until this very moment. Will Bianca unleash all of her pent up frustration to take this title back again? Or will she still not be ready for Asuka?
SmackDown returns as Asuka makes her entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who heads to SummerSlam!
But wait, Bayley & Iyo are in the crowd as fans with tickets, copying what Bianca did weeks ago. The bell rings and the two rush in, but then Asuka gets around to pull the braid! Asuka throws Bianca down, KICKS her, then runs, but Bianca ducks the sliding kick! Bianca kips up, eggs Asuka on, and things speed up, Bianca runs Asuka over! Asuka scrambles to a corner, Bianca whips but Asuka reverses only for Bianca to reverse and hip toss! Asuka goes to a corner, Bianca RAMS into her! Bianca then climbs up and rains down fists! The fans count along and Bianca goes all the way to TEN, but then Asuka slips out!
Asuka yanks Bianca around by the hair, but Bianca whips Asuka away. Bianca runs in but Asuka drop toeholds her into buckles! And KICKS her in the back! Asuka goes corner to corner, Bayley mockingly cheers, but Bianca catches Asuka into chicken wings! GlamEST Slam off the buckles! Torture rack, but Asuka arm-drags free! And then hits a CODE BREAKER! But Bianca comes back to CLOBBER Asuka! Fans fire up while both women are down and DMG CTRL “cheers” them on. A standing count starts, but then here comes Charlotte! She’s also “a fan” at ringside as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns once again and Asuka runs in, to get run over! Bianca DROPKICKS Asuka, then spins her around to a suplex! Bianca kips up again and fans fire up. Bianca handsprings to MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Charlotte pretends to be a bit surprised by that. Bianca runs in to RAM Asuka in the corner, then she hoists Asuka up top. Bianca climbs, brings Asuka up, but Asuka resists the superplex! Asuka swings but Bianca backflips away! Asuka MISSILE DROPKICKS Bianca down! Cover, TWO! Charlotte really did seem tense there but Asuka keeps her focus. Asuka drags Bianca up to a waistlock.
Bianca resists, bucks the O’Conner, and then slips out to the apron. Bianca ROCKS Asuka, jumps in but Asuka dodges to POP-UP KNEE! Bianca rebounds, but into a takedown! FUJIWARA! Bianca powers up and around to gut wrench Asuka, for a POWER- NO, Asuka fights free! Bianca still catches Asuka for a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Bianca handsprings again, into an ASUKA LOCK!! But Bianca fights out of the body scissors to a cover, TWO! Asuka kicks, Bianca ducks, chicken wings and- VICTORY ROLL! Bianca goes tumbling out of the ring, and Asuka CODE BREAKERS in the ropes!
Fans fire up as Asuka howls, and Asuka goes to the apron. SLIDING- NO, Bianca dodges the kick to torture rack! KISS OF DEATH onto the desk!! Fans are thunderous while Asuka sputters, but here comes DMG CTRL! But also Charlotte! And Charlotte intercepts Bayley with a BOOT! Bianca is shocked, and Charlotte says she just saved her! But Iyo POSTS Charlotte! Iyo reminds Bianca who has the briefcase, but then Charlotte runs in! Iyo dodges, the SPEAR hits Bianca!!
Winner: Bianca Belair, by disqualification (Asuka retains the title)
Iyo then CLOBBERS Charlotte with the briefcase! DMG CTRL still has control of the situation, and they decide to go for it! They drag Asuka into the ring, Bayley has the briefcase and tells the ref to do it! Iyo is already up top, but Asuka springs to life! BLUE MIST to Bayley!! Asuka snatches the belt and runs! Iyo is furious as another opportunity slips through her fingers! But between Charlotte clashing with Bianca and Miss MITB still a threat, will Asuka have to watch her back all the way through the summer?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, with another great Bloodline segment. The FS1 commercial did spoil some of what Heyman was going to say, but a “rules of engagement” meeting is certainly to determine what exact stipulations the match between Roman and Jey will have, as perhaps even an agreement that there will be no more brawling as we approach SummerSlam. As such, great brawl here tonight where Jey takes care of Solo and Heyman. Also, I’m really intrigued to see where things are going between Lashley & the Profits. It would seem WWE doesn’t want to split the Profits up, even amicably, so a Face take on the Hurt Business might not be so bad.
Really good tag match from Brutes VS Pretty Deadly, but of course Kit & Elton cheat. That blowoff should happen at the SummerSlam go-home, and then they move on to new feuds as I don’t see Pretty Deadly circling back around to the tag titles so soon after losing to Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn on the MITB go-home. Great little surprise in this US Championship contenders tournament, but also a lot of great promos and story tie-ins with it. Good promo from Waller where of course he thought he was winning, and clever use of the OC group segment to give Kross a target so he could distract Styles. Escobar winning is a great move, he and the LWO need something to keep going.
With that, good promos from the next four competitors. But with Escobar in, you can be sure Rey won’t be. Sheamus also has this Pretty Deadly feud going, I don’t think he makes it. Fans love LA Knight so much, I would think he has to win or the fans would be really disappointed. And then either Escobar or Knight could win in the finals, but again fans really want it to be Knight, so maybe Knight VS Theory is our SummerSlam match. And either way, Theory just needs to lose already. He’s a decent Heel but he could use some freshening up as a Face. Theory knows how to be funny and all that, so maybe, like John Cena, going Face could help him. (Yes, Cena used to be Heel when he first started his Thuganomics character, and then turned Face.)
And then, while it went how I expected, I still like what we got out of the Women’s Championship story tonight. Zelina is fed to Bayley, but then Shotzi sends a great message to Bayley by shaving maniacally her head. Also, Shotzi did this for a real-life reason, her sister has been diagnosed with cancer so this is a show of solidarity. I certainly hope and pray Shotzi’s sister is okay, and I would hope that Shotzi wins her rematch with Bayley. Meanwhile, great stuff where Charlotte and DMG CTRL were ready ringside during the great main event match. As such, logical move that they end up “ruining” that match, and logical move that Asuka avoids the cash-in. Pretty sure I said this last week, but SummerSlam should be no less than a Triple Threat, and of course Iyo will still camp out.
My Score: 8.7/10
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London calling to the champion crowns!
SmackDown brings gold to London as LA Knight defends his WWE US Championship and The Street Profits defend their tag team titles! Will the landscape change this close to WrestleMania?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly; The Profits win and retain the titles.
- Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice w/ Chelsea Green; The Secret Her-vice wins.
- WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman; Braun wins, by disqualification, and Knight retains the title.
- Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab; Charlotte wins.
- Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins.
- Jimmy Uso VS The Miz; Jimmy wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes is here!
We follow The American Nightmare as walks to gorilla, then through the curtain, and London sings along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, says hello to fans along the ramp, and then we get the second “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro. Cody goes to the ring, grabs a mic, then kneels down to kiss the WWE logo on the mat. The fans continue to sing along all the way to the end, “I AM MY KINGDOM!” The fans then cheer, and Cody holds up the belt to fire them up even more! The fans now sing for “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and he soaks it in. The fans cheer again as Cody smiles, and he finally says, “So, London~! Whaddya wanna talk about?”
The fans chant “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cody hears that dueling, and he smiles again. The song of “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” returns, then they cheer. Cody says, “At WrestleMania 41, I will be facing John Cena…” The fans boo, but Cody says, “I will be facing John Cena as he goes to break the record and win 17. But that is WrestleMania 41. In just a few nights, I will be standing face to face with John Cena in this very same city, in this very same arena.” The fans cheer that, but then here comes Randy Orton! Now the fans sing along with Voices as The Viper heads to the ring. Orton also high-fives fans before he joins Cody.
Orton grabs a mic, paces while the fans keep singing on their own, and then the fans cheer. Orton says he’s not really the sentimental type, but for Cody and for London, screw it. The fans chant “R K O! R K O!” and Orton tells Cody, “Look at you. Look at who you are now, the man you are now. Look at where he came from.” The fans cheer and sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and Orton says he remembers a Cody in his early 20s, just breaking into the business. Cody was busting his ass harder than anyone else. He wasn’t exactly happy, and in fact, he was frustrated. But Cody was man enough, smart enough, to know he needed to grow, and that he couldn’t grow in the WWE.
Cody wasn’t exactly treated fairly in the WWE, so Cody left the WWE! That took some big ass balls to do what he did! Cody changed the business singlehandedly, and everyone in the back knows it. And Orton appreciates Cody for it. But then Cody came back, as they all knew one day he would. And the industry has been changed forever since the day Cody came back to the WWE. Cody is a bit teary eyed as Orton says Cody’s still the same guy, he just did what he set out to do, and he grew. Orton teases he would sing along with the fans, but the fans might leave. The fans again sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!”
Orton asks if they remember when Cody Rhodes faced Seth Rollins in Hell in a Cell. The fans cheer because they do. Orton says that was impressive, and even impossible, as he started with a partially torn pec and then ended with a fully torn pec! His body changed all kinds of shades of purple that Orton’s never seen on a human body. The pain he must have been in. Cody persevered not just for himself. Maybe not even at all for Cody. It was not even for his family legacy; it was for each and every single fan out there! Then Cody went on to WrestleMania, beat Roman Reigns and finished the story!
But there’s always another story, isn’t there? And Cody’s right in the middle of one. Cody is in charge of his legacy, and it is a privilege for Orton to watch Cody take control of it. Ticket sales have been up, there’s more intrigue around the world, and listen to the people! It is 99.9% all because of Cody! The fans cheer that, and of course they sing. Orton says what he’s trying to say is a long-winded version of he respects Cody, loves him, and is very, very proud of him. The fans cheer that! Orton then says, “But… But now it is time for WrestleMania.” They both look to the sign, and Orton says he can guarantee Cody that Orton will kick Kevin Owens so hard in the head…!
Orton can just feel it already! He forgets how many days are left, but he can’t wait to remove Kevin’s head from his shoulders. And Orton knows Cody will enter champion, exit champion, but not before he beats the holy hell outta Cena all up and down the Vegas strip! But after all the smoke clears and the dust settles, just like Orton wants Number 17, there will come a time when Orton will want Number 15. But Orton won’t kick Cody in the balls like a coward. Orton will look Cody in the eye because he respects Cody, is proud of Cody, and sees him as an equal. Orton will look Cody in the eye and tell him that he’s coming for the title.
The fans cheer but wait! Drew McIntyre is here! The fans cheer the Scottish Terminator as he steps out on stage, mic in hand, and has a wry smile on his face as he looks at the ring. Drew waves as the fans now sing, “OH~ Drew McIntyre~!” Drew says, “Isn’t this wonderful? A couple of nepo babies having a love fest in the middle of the ring> It makes me absolutely sick. What’d you just say, Randy? if Cody gets through Cena at WrestleMania, you’re coming for that title? What exactly have you done since that big comeback to justify that title match? Aside be Randy Orton. The only big moment I can remember is you being on the shelf for months and months and months.
“People like to make jokes about it, but more people talk about my five-minute-45-second title reign than your entire comeback so far! So get to the back of the line, sunshine! As for you, Cody, you should’ve listened to me. But you shunned me. You attacked me. Everybody should’ve listened to me about John Cena, but they didn’t. And the next night, he kicked you right in the twig ‘n’ berries, proving me right as usual. And the main event of WrestleMania should be Cody Rhodes VS The UK’s only ever world champion, Drew McIntyre!” Fans do like that idea. But sadly, it’s not, because of that guyliner wearing Temu Undertaker, Damian Priest!
Drew wants to talk about what is happening. And what’s gonna happen! Drew steps up to the ring while fans sing for him again. Drew says it will not be Randy that takes the title from Cody, should he get through Cena; it’ll be McIntyre. The fans cheer, but Orton says they were trying to have a moment. Can Drew just cut the crap already? Drew says okay, sure. He’ll tell the truth, because that’s all he ever does. The truth is, Kevin might have a point! If those Voices are talking to Orton again, then they know Drew very, very well. And he’s thinking, “My God, Randy looks great! Absolutely jacked! On the outside.”
On the inside, that back is hanging by a thread. And if Orton provokes McIntyre, McIntyre will break him. And as for Cody- Cody kicks Drew and UPPERCUTS him! The fans fire up, and Orton R- NO, Drew gets away! The fans boo, but the battlelines are drawn! Even if Cody makes it out of the frying pan that is Las Vegas, it’ll be into the fire that is these contenders waiting in line! Will the American Nightmare be ready for whoever comes for the crown?
WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly!
Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins are finally golden again, but it’s time to put the titles on the line already! And while they’re ready for the grind, they’re up against the hometown heroes! Will the Profits still be up in the O2? Or will Kit Wilson & Elton Prince say #YESBOY to a new reign of their own?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really wants the smoke!
The teams sort out and Kit starts with Dawkins. They tie up, Dawkins headlocks, but Kit powers up and out. Dawkins runs Kit over, the fans fire up, and Dawkins fires hands on Kit in the corner! The fans rally for Pretty Deadly, Dawkins whips Kit to a corner, but Elton takes that bump! Kit CLOBBERS Dawkins, then tags Elton! Atomic drop into DROPKICK! Ford runs up, but into a DOUBLE HIP TOSS! Dawkins whips, Elton reverses, and then Elton hurdles so Kit can DDT! The fans fire up with Pretty Deadly while the Profits bail out. Pretty Deadly has control while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Elton is right on Dawkins as he gets in, and UPPERCUTS him to the corner. Elton clinches Dawkins for another UPPERCUT! Tag to Kit, and Elton RAMS into Dawkins so Kit can UPPERCUT! Dawkins flops over, Kit drags him up to wrench the arm. Kit whips, Dawkins reverses, but Kit grabs ropes. Kit ELBOWS Dawkins, DECKS Ford, but Dawkins CLOBBERS Kit! The ref reprimands but Dawkins RAMS Kit into the corner again and again! The ref counts, Dawkins fires fast hands, then he tags in Ford. Ford says, “SUCK IT!” then he KICKS Kit! Ford scuffs Kit, then drags him to a cover, TWO!
Ford keeps Kit down with a facelock, but Kit endures the grind. Kit fights up, fires body shots, but Ford whips him away. Kit sunset flips! Ford rolls through, and PENALTY KICKS! Ford mocks Elton with the Scott Hall fingers, and the ref has to keep Elton back. Ford drags Kit up, tags Dawkins, and the Profits mug Kit. Dawkins CLUBS Kit down, then stalks him. Dawkins stays between Kit and Elton, then whips Kit into the Profits’ corner. CYCLONE- NO, Kit dodges! Ford tags in, he keeps Kit from Elton now, but Kit slips out of the suplex! Kit fakes high to go low, hot tag to Elton! Elton rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT!
Elton kicks and whips Ford to a corner, then UPPERCUTS! Elton whips the other way, UPPERCUTS again, and then does it again! Elton adds to the hattrick with a lift, Ford says a quick prayer before the SUPLEX! Ford flounders, gets to his feet, but Elton dodges to springboard and FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Ford stays in this, but Elton stays on him. SmackDown returns to single picture and fans rally for Pretty Deadly as Elton gives Ford a back suplex. Ford lands out, waistlocks, but Elton switches and shoves Ford. Ford CLOBBERS Elton in return! Ford is also dazed but he covers, ONE!
Kit reaches out, Elton and Ford both crawl, hot tags to Kit and Dawkins! The fans fire up as Dawkins wrenches Kit, underhooks and SILENCER! Dawkins Electric Chair Lifts Kit, Ford climbs, but Kit slips free! Kit shoves Dawkins into Ford! Ford falls to the floor, but Dawkins ENZIGIRIS Kit! Elton tags in, and Kit LARIATS Dawkins! Pretty Deadly combine for DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Dawkins survives and the Profits are a bit unsure of what to do next. Dawkins crawls to a corner, Elton runs up, but Dawkins dodges! Elton hits buckles and Dawkins TOSSES Kit, then Dawkins hits a SKY HIGH on Elton!
Dawkins hurries to tag Ford and Ford climbs up! But Kit pushes Elton out of the way! Kit takes FROM THE HEAVESN, and Elton ghost pins Ford! TWO!! Ford escapes, and he ROCKS Elton! Elton UPPERCUTS Ford! Dawkins sneaks a tag, Ford SUPERKICKS! POUNCE SAIDO COMBO!! Cover, KIT BREAKS IT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! The teams go to opposite ends, then they all stand up in the corners. They all roar, all run in, and Kit SPEARS Ford while Elton FLYING UPPERCUTS Dawkins!! London is thunderous, and Kit hurries to tag in! Pretty Deadly gets Dawkins up, for SPILT MILK!! Cover, FORD BREAKS IT!
The fans are shocked, as is Elton, but Ford saves this for his team! “This is Awesome!” as Ford runs up and Elton TOSSES him out! Now DRY MARTI- NO! Dawkins doesn’t accept the second serving, and he DUMPS Kit out! Kit skins the cat while Dawkins DECKS Elton! Dawkins catches Kit to an Electric Chair! Ford rises, DOOMSDAY BLOCKBUSTER!! Cover, Profits win!
Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall (still WWE Tag Team Champions)
Pretty Deadly put up a heroic fight, but the hometown heroes could not capture the gold. Dawkins & Ford hold onto the gold, will this be the strongest the Profits have ever been?
Kayden & Katana talk with Zelina Vega.
Carter & Chance know La Muneca got screwed over by The Green Administration. Chelsea thinks she’s untouchable, but someone’s gonna stop them eventually. Well, speaking of, Alba Fyre leads the way in as she & Piper Niven “scope the perimeter.” There’s one small threat. They frisk the “miniscule” threat, but nothing they haven’t dealt with before. Chelsea struts in and says, “The Eagle has landed~!” Zelina says she is so glad the “Bootleg Men in Black” have crashed the party. Now, yeah, they all know she’s small. But clearly this small “threat” is a big threat to Chelsea’s title reign. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have taken all three of them to beat her.
KC Squared agree with that. How about tonight, we see what happens when the odds are even? Chelsea says that’s fine, because Agents P & A are ready. The Secret Her-vice has been given their next mission, but will they be able to crash the party? Or will the party crash them?
Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice!
SmackDown returns and The Green Administration makes their entrance. The teams sort out, Alba starts against Katana, and the two tie up. Alba KNEES low, CLUBS Katana down, then fireman’s carries. Katana fights free, tags Kayden, and they KICK, double whip, and then trip Alba up for the basement DROPKICK! Katana adds a slingshot SENTON, Kayden covers, TWO! Kayden tags Katana, they double whip Alba to a corner, then Kayden runs in. Alba DUMPS Kayden out, ROCKS Katana, and she tags Piper! Katana arm-drags Alba out, then goes out to run up. Kayden gives her a boost, Katana CROSSBODIES Alba down!
The fans fire up, but Piper goes up and out?! CANNONBALL and down goes KC Squared! Piper salutes Chelsea and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Kayden rallies on Alba while the fans rally up. Kayden fires up, runs in and whips, but Alba reverses. Kayden wheelbarrows, victory rolls, then SUPERKICKS! Kayden fires up again but the fans are torn. Kayden runs in at Alba to BOOT WASH her against the ropes! Chelsea protests, Kayden kicks at her, then Kayden springboards for a LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Alba survives, Kayden whips, but Alba KICKS back! Tag to Piper, but Kayden jackknife bridges Alba! The ref explains bout the tag, Piper runs up, but Kayden moves! The SENTON hits Alba! Piper panics, Kayden tags Katana!
Katana goes up onto Kayden’s shoulders, VICTORY ROLL LAUNCHER, but Piper catches Katana! Katana fires hands, BOOTS, and then hurries to go up again. Kayden ROCKS Piper, and fireman’s carries?! SAMOAN DROP! Kayden then gives Katana the boost, for the KEG STAND SPLASH!! Cover, ALBA BREAKS IT! Kayden runs up on Alba to BOOT her out! Katana gives Kayden the boost now, SUPER CROSSBODY onto Alba! Kayden hurries to tag back in, and she brings Piper up. Piper swings, Kayden dodges and SUPERKICKS! Katana goes up, Piper staggers over that way, but Chelsea distracts the ref!
The fans are torn as Alba grabs Katana. Katana kicks Alba down, chases Chelsea off, but Piper sends Kayden into her! Piper scoops to PIPER DRIVER!! Cover, Secret Her-vice wins!
Winner: The Secret Her-vice, by pinfall
The Women’s US Champion helps her team, and now they all mug Kayden & Katana! But here comes Zelina! Vega runs down the ramp, CLOBBERS Alba, and then she gets in the ring! Zelina tilt-o-whirl DDTS Piper! And she KNEES Alba off the apron! But Chelsea CLOBBERS Zelina! Chelsea fires up, the UK is oddly with her, and she chicken wings Zeina. But Zelina fights free to fire forearms and body shots! And a BACK ELBOW! Zelina reels Chelsea in, CODE- SUPERKICK from Alba! SENTON from Piper! The Green Administration is just too much for Zelina to fight against alone! But can she, Kayden & Katana find a way to turn things around?
WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman!
Did the Mega Star just get this title back from Shinsuke Nakamura? YEAH! Did he help the Monster of All Monsters fight off Solo Sikoa’s rouge bloodline? YEAH! And now, does he have to defend this title against the monster he just helped? YEAH!! But will Knight still reign this close to WrestleMania? Or will Braun #GetTheseHands back on a championship?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it’s time for Knight’s biggest challenge, YEAH!
The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two circle. The two tie up, and Braun SHOVES Knight away. Knight comes back, Braun SHOVES him down again! Knight gets up, gets around, and he headlocks. Braun powers up to back suplex, but Knight lands out! Knight tries but Braun’s too big to suplex! Braun ELBOWS Knight, storms up on him, but Knight fires haymakers! Knight whips, Braun reverses, but Knight KICKS back! Knight runs, but Braun HIP TOSSES! Cover, TWO! Knight stays in this, but Braun brings him up. Braun puts Knight in a corner, CHOPS, then runs, for a SPLASH! Knight sputters along ropes, Braun keeps moving, but Knight DUMPS him out!
The fans fire up as Knight then WRECKS Braun with a dropkick! Knight keeps moving, and he WRECKS Braun again! The fans fire up with Knight, but then Braun BOOTS Knight down! The fans are torn but Braun stands tall as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Braun puts Knight back in the ring. The fans cheer as Knight KICKS Braun! Knight tries again, but Braun’s still too big to back suplex! Braun CLUBS Knight, then runs in at the corner. Knight BOOTS Braun, goes up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Knight and Braun rise back up, and Knight dodges a shot to JAB! Then he dodges to JAB! JAB! JAB! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” But Braun KNEES low! Braun scoops, Knight slips free, and Knight RAMS Braun into buckles! Then the BACK SUPLEX! The fans fire up and Knight rises again! Knight spells it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!
Braun has plenty left in the tank but the fans rally for Knight. Knight stands Braun up to kick low, but Braun THROWS Knight away! Knight rises, and Braun LARIATS Knight up and out! The fans fire up as Braun rips the shirt! Braun gets on the track, and he runs in, STROWMAN EXPRESS MEETS JACOB FATU!! The Samoan Werewolf strikes Braun down!
Winner: Braun Strowman, by disqualification; LA Knight retains the title
The fans boo as Jacob now goes after Knight! He just ruined what was becoming a great match, but Jacob fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT on Braun! SAMOAN DROP onto the desk!! The desk doesn’t budge, but Braun might’ve been broken in half! The UK fires up for Fatu as he puts Braun in the ring! Jacob fires more HEADBUTTS, then HEADBUTTS away on Braun in the corner! The fans sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE, FATU~, FATU~!” Jacob runs corner to corner, but Knight kicks him first! Knight fires haymakers, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Jacob denies the BFT to POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! And then HIP ATTACK for Braun anyway!
Jacob keeps going, HIP ATTACK for Braun again! Jacob throws off his jacket, glares at Braun, and he runs in for a third HIP ATTACK! Braun flounders into the drop zone, so Jacob goes up, up, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! Direct hit on Braun, but the fans want that “ONE MORE TIME!” Jacob obliges, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! The Samoan Werewolf just tore up #OneBigSOB and LA Knight, will there be no stopping him from taking the United States Championship?
Backstage interview with Jimmy Uso.
Jackie Redmond is with #BigJim, and she says that while she knew WWE was going global this month, she did not know they’d get the slap heard ’round the world! Jimmy says he’d do it again, and he’ll slap Gunther as many times as he needs! Jimmy knows Jey is up in his own head, doubt is creeping on him. But just because Jey’s 0-3 against Gunther doesn’t mean Gunther’s unbeatable! The Ring General CAN be got! Jimmy’s going to Raw this Monday, he will bust Gunther’s ass, Jey will go to Mania and bust Gunther’s ass to become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. And then they leave Las Vegas just like this: YEET!
Jimmy heads out, but then The Miz & Carmelo Hayes walk by. Miz is mocking Jimmy’s words, and he asks excuse me. Miz says it’s just funny that suddenly, Jimmy is a tough guy, even though for most of his career, he’s been “The Other Uso.” Doesn’t Jimmy get it? Jimmy and Jey are career sidekicks while Gunther is a main character. Gunther is the lead, neither Jimmy nor Jey can beat him. And here’s another thing: The Usos are just blips on the trailer that was Roman Reigns’ Bloodline. Melo says Jimmy & Jey are stuck outside the club, they can’t even get in.
Miz says as a former WWE Champion, a former WrestleMania main eventer, Jimmy will never know what it is to carry this industry. And after this year’s WrestleMania, neither will Jey. Oh, and by the way, if Jimmy ever slapped Miz like that, Jimmy would still be on the ground. Jimmy feints the slap and Miz freaks out. Jimmy says it may be him and Gunther on Monday, but he’ll holler at Aldis real quick so it can be Jimmy VS Miz here tonight. Yeah, YEET! Jimmy heads out, Melo says he thought Miz was gonna do something about the slap. Will Miz have to do something about running his mouth before he gets his teeth kicked in?
Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga find Jacob Fatu backstage.
Solo asks Jacob what the Hell he was doing out there. Jacob goes out there alone without saying a thing to them? Jacob says he ain’t gotta say nothing to nobody! Matter fact, didn’t Solo not tap in with him last week? Tama says, “But Jacob,” only for Jacob to say, “But nothing, Tama!” Solo wants Jacob to lower his tone, but Jacob says okay. Let him be very clear with them. When it comes to Braun Strowman, Jacob WILL be the last man standing. Y’all better get in where you fit in, cuz that US title? Oh, Jacob’s bringing it home to the family. And he will do it with them, or without them! Yadada mean? Fatu heads out, is the Samoan Werewolf no longer following Solo?
Naomi speaks.
“I mean… How did we even get here? I don’t know. One thing that I do know is that I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. So Bianca, what makes you think that my attack on Jade was anything different from me doing the right thing? When I sit here and I think about all that I’ve sacrificed, all that I’ve given, and that’s what really breaks my heart. Because through all of that, I’m made to be the bad one in this situation. I just don’t understand, how does Jade come in outta nowhere and take my place with you? I want you to ask yourself this, Bianca. Who inspired you? Hmm?
“Who’s inspired women over the last decade? Who’s always had your back from day one of you being here? Me. Not Jade. Hmm. But you know what? What I’ve learned through all of this: You teach people how to treat you. And I’m done with being treated as a third wheel. I’m done being pushed to the side, I’m done with being too nice, I’m done with being undervalued, underutilized, underappreciated! So moving forward, hmm… Moving forward, here’s my message to you, Jade. If you continue to be in my way, I strongly advise you to proceed with caution.” The Glow shows her dark side, but will the storm be moved?
Nick Aldis meets with Jade Cargill.
Speaking of, the SmackDown General Manager understands things have been rather difficult for her as of late. Jade says she’s been trying to get her hands on Naomi for the past few weeks, now where is she? No one has seen her all day, so as far as anyone knows, Naomi’s not here. Well, when Jade catches Naomi, it’s on sight. Jade leaves, B-Fab & Michin are there. They let her know that what Naomi did to her was straight trash, totally uncalled for behavior. And after Jade gets her hands on Naomi, she’ll handle that business. Jade agrees. Mia says they’ve all got business to handle. Jade’s got Naomi, and Mia’s gonna get Charlotte for messing with her girl, B.
B-Fab says Naomi’s got what’s coming to her: no sympathy, no regrets. Jade, just do what you gotta do. Oh, she will. Jade also wishes Mia luck tonight. Mia & B-Fab head out, will the Head Baddie in Charge make the Queen bow down in London?
The darkness approaches.
“You are as I was. As I am, you will be.” The shadows are starting to take shape, but is SmackDown about to fade to black?
Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab!
The Queen looks down on everyone, so it’s no surprise that everyone else wants to take her down. Charlotte may have checked off B-Fab, but will the HBIC be a much different story? Or will Charlotte only sharpen her edge before facing Tiffany Stratton at WrestleMania?
WAIT! NAOMI ATTACKS B-FAB & MICHIN! Naomi drags Mia up for a FACEBUSTER! Naomi rains down fists, the ref reprimands and the fans boo, but Naomi tells the ref to back off. Naomi then BOOTS B-Fab off the apron! Naomi goes out after B-Fab to THRWO her into barriers! Naomi SLAPS B-Fab, tells her to stay down, but B-Fab gets up. Naomi fires hands, then she SMACKS B-Fab off the desk! Naomi rains down fists, but here comes Jade! Jade hurries down the ramp, she runs around the way, but Naomi runs away! Jade makes sure B-Fab is okay, but refs have to help her to the back. And what of Mia? Will she even be able to compete?
Charlotte makes her entrance, not really caring about what Naomi just did to Mia. But that means she also crosses paths with Jade. The fans like the look of this stare down, but Jade and Charlotte both let the other slide. Charlotte gets her pyro, and it seems she’ll still get her match. Will Mia be little more than an appetizer now?
The bell rings, and Charlotte BOOTS Mia down! Cover, TWO! Mia stays in this and the fans rally up. Charlotte just struts around while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Charlotte has Mia down with a chinlock, but the fans rally up. Mia fights up, fires body shots, and she then blocks a shot to ROCK Charlotte! Mia ROCKS Charlotte again and again, then reels her in for a TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up as Mia hurries to cover, TWO! Mia drags Charlotte up, wrenches, but Charlotte says no to Da Feet! BIG back suplex! Mia stagger sup, Charlotte whips her, but Mia reverses! Charlotte goes up and out, BOOTS her away, then slingshots in and rolls Mia! Mia rolls through and BUZZSAWS! Mia runs corner to corner, but Charlotte avoids the cannonball!
Charlotte YAKUZA KICKS Mia down, then fires herself up! The fans “WOO~!” as Charlotte has Mia in the drop zone,. Charlotte steps on her, goes up the corner, but Mia gets underneath her! SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Charlotte survives and Mia is shocked! Mia nods as the fans rally back up, and she brings Charlotte up. But Charlotte ROCKS Mia! Mia SOBATS, PELES, and then runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Charlotte stays in this, Mia grows frustrated, but the fans continue to rally. Mia uses that energy to stay focused, and she stalks Charlotte to waistlock. But Charlotte ELBOWS her away!
Charlotte CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOSP! Charlotte winds up, and she CHOPS again! Mia sputters, but then she dodges the boot! Charlotte is caught, and Mia hits a SAIDO! Charlotte flounders to a corner, the fans rally behind Mia, and Mia runs up, CANNONBALL! Mia hurries to wrench and EAT- NO, Charlotte shoves Mia away! Charlotte gets under, back suplexes, but Mia lands out! EAT DA FEET!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Charlotte’s long legs help her survive by a literal foot! Mia is beside herself while Charlotte bails out. Mia storms after Charlotte, runs up, but Charlotte dodges! Mia’s kick hits steel steps!
Mia hobbles away, goes to the apron, but Charlotte CHOP BLOCKS the bad leg out! Charlotte grabs Mia’s leg, drops a KNEE on the knee, but fans chant, “We Want Tiffy!” Charlotte just steps through, FIGURE FOUR, into FIGURE EIGHT!! Mia taps, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
Charlotte got more of a fight out of Mia than expected, but she still won. Will The Queen be more than ready to reign again after WrestleMania?
Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.
Jackie Redmond is with the WWE Women’s Champion and says Charlotte certainly looks confident. Let’s be real, Charlotte came at Tiff pretty hard. It got a lot of people talking. Tiff says yes, people talk. And Charlotte sure loves to hear herself talk. Ten years into the business and Charlotte is still so insecure that she can’t let a “rookie” get a word out. But last week, Tiff did learn something: She learned that walking into WrestleMania, she isn’t the one with something to lose. Truth is, if Tiff loses, then she lost to the great Charlotte Flair, as just a 25-year-old rookie with one year into SmackDown.
But if Charlotte loses… Well, then she lost to an “undeserving, delusional, unoriginal, backflip doing, blonde-hair-having, little girl.” Did she get it all? And Tiff can’t wait to hear the look on Charlotte’s face when they hear the words, “And STILL!” Then maybe Charlotte will finally shut up for the sake of literally everyone! They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, and Tiff will make damn sure what stays is Charlotte’s massive ego. Tiff is walking into and out of Mania as the WWE Women’s Champion. Tootles! Tiff heads out, will it still be #TiffyTime after WrestleMania?
Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre!
The Viper told Cody how proud he was, but also how he wants the next shot after John Cena. The Scottish Terminator took offense to that, and basically said he is taking that shot instead. Will this match be an unofficial #1 contender’s match between these two former world champions?
SmackDown returns and McIntyre makes his entrance. The bell rings and the fans sing, “OH~, Drew McIntyre~!” and chant “R K O! R K O!” Drew and Orton circle, tie up, and they go around in a deadlock. Drew powers Orton to a corner, but Orton headlocks back. Drew powers up and out, then he runs Orton over! Orton hurries to ropes and Drew mockingly asks, “How’s the back feel, Randy?” Orton stands, he and Drew reset, and the fans duel some more. Drew calls for a knuckle lock, Orton accepts, but then Drew kicks low! Drew bumps Orton off buckles, then climbs up, but he panders for too long and Orton YANKS him down!
The fans fire up as Orton climbs now! Orton rains down fists, and the fans count to nine. Orton hops down, brings Drew around, and POSTS him for ten! Drew tumbles out of the ring, Orton goes out after him, and they’re by the desk! But Drew kicks Orton first and SMACKS him off the desk! Drew clears the desk, and he brings Orton up for the DESK- NO, Orton fights free! Orton turns things around, DESK BACK SUPLEX for Drew! The fans fire up while Orton leaves Drew behind, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew writhes on the floor, but Orton goes out to fetch him! Orton brings Drew around, UPPERCUTS him, then says one more time! DESK BACK SUPLEX! Drew writhes as that desk stays standing! Orton grins, refreshes the ring count, and then he storms up on Drew. Drew pokes Orton in the eye! Drew POSTS Orton now, then brings him around to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP into barriers! Orton slumps down, and Drew also grits his teeth from that double-edged attack, but Drew fires up as he stands tall. Drew drags Orton up, puts him in the ring, then stalks Orton. Drew looms over Orton, and HIP DROPS him!
Orton sputters, Drew says one more time, and he winds up for the HIP DROP! Drew paces around Orton, says maybe one more time, and he pretends he can’t hear the fans. Drew winds up again, but Orton flips over! Hip drop meets kneecaps! And then Orton pokes Drew in the eyes! The ref reprimands but Orton rises up. Drew sputters and flounders, Orton ROCKS him with a right! Drew ROCKS Orton back! Drew storms up, Orton kicks low, but Drew fires another haymaker! The haymakers go back and forth, Orton gets the edge, but Drew GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTTS! Cover, TWO! Drew clamps onto Orton with an armlock!
SmackDown returns to single picture and the fans rally up. Orton fights up, pries at the chinbar, and then throws right hands! Drew CHOPS Orton in return! The fans “WOO~” and Drew winds up. Drew ROCKS Orton again, eggs him on, then CHOPS again! Drew shoves Orton to a corner, CHOPS again, then dares Orton to fight! Drew whips corner to corner, but Orton comes back to LARIAT! And LARIAT! Drew swings, Orton dodges, SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up as Orton stalks Drew to the apron. Drew HOTSHOTS Orton first! Drew then runs in, but Orton puts him through the ropes!
The fans fire up as Orton has Drew for the DRAPING DDT! The fans fire up for Orton, and Orton hears those voices! Drew rises, but then Orton spots KEVIN OWENS! The Prizefighter is on the ramp, Orton glares at him, but then he turns around into a CLAYMORE!! Cover, DREW WINS!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
Kevin’s mere presence costs Orton, and now Drew has a huge win propelling him down the Road to WrestleMania! As for Orton, Kevin drags him out of the ring, SMACKS him off the desk, and then climbs up to join him! The fans boo but Kevin and his hot pink sneakers have Orton in position, but Orton slips free and TRIPS Kevin up! Kevin hits the desk then the floor! Orton staggers around, the fans rally behind him, and Orton stalks Kevin to the corner of the barriers. Orton lines up the shot! Orton runs in, but Kevin jumps over barriers! Security is there to stop Orton from pursuing, so Kevin runs away into the night!
The fans boo, but The Viper was that close! Will Orton be able to strike Kevin down and completely take him out?
Fire, thunder, smoke…
The force of nature is drawing ever closer. And he’s ready to fly! REY FENIX arrives next Friday Night SmackDown!
Jimmy Uso VS The Miz!
#BigJim gave Gunther a piece of his mind and a mark on his cheek, but it seems not everyone got the message. Will the Hollywood A-lister soon star in the Uso Penitentiary? Or will he prove Jimmy is NOT ready for a world champion level opponent?
The bell rings and the two tie up. Jimmy powers Miz to a corner, Miz turns things around, and the ref counts. Miz takes a swing, Jimmy ducks it to CHOP! And CHOP! Miz shoves Jimmy back, then runs up, but Jimmy TACKLES Miz! Jimmy rains down fists, Miz shoves him away to go to ropes, but Jimmy storms back up. Miz ELBOWS Jimmy away, then runs back up, only for Jimmy to LARIAT him down! The fans fire up while Jimmy storms up on Miz. Jimmy CHOPS Miz, has him in a corner, then whips corner to corner. Miz reverses, Jimmy goes up and over, then UPPERCUTS! Miz staggers back to ropes, but Jimmy is right on him.
Jimmy whips, Miz reverses and kitchen sink knees! Then basement BOOTS! The fans fire up, Miz scowls, and Miz KNEES Jimmy in the back again and again. Miz stalks Jimmy to the ropes now, and he CHOKES Jimmy! The ref counts, Miz runs, and Miz STRADDLE ATTACKS! The fans boo, but Miz runs again. Jimmy ducks the boot, then dodges a lariat! Jimmy runs up to LARIAT Miz up and out! The fans fire up and Jimmy builds speed, but Miz runs away! Jimmy smirks as he goes out the side, and UPPERCUTS Miz over the barriers! Jimmy makes sure Gunther knows he’s coming to get him, but SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and both men are down. Miz and Jimmy crawl, and Jimmy pounds the mat. The fans rally, Jimmy rises and runs up to LARIAT! And LARIAT! And mule kick! Jimmy then UPPERCUTS Miz, dodges a lariat, then SAMOAN DROPS! The fans fire up, Jimmy goes to the corner, “UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs in, but Miz puts him on the apron! Jimmy UPPERCUTS again! Jimmy climbs, leaps, but Miz gets under! Miz then waistlocks, ripcords, and MOVIE MAKER! Fans boo that blatant parody, but Miz full nelsons! Jimmy drops, victory rolls, TWO! Miz has the cover, TWO! Miz hurries to BASEMENT DDT! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally up as Jimmy survives! Miz stalks Jimmy, the fans rally up more, and Miz fires a KICK! And then another KICK! The fans say “YES! YES! YES!” to the It Kicks, but then Miz winds up. Jimmy ducks the buzzsaw, Miz blocks the superkick, but the DRAGON WHIP connects! Miz rebounds to B-MOVIE KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! The parodies don’t get it done, but Miz still has his original work to fall back on. The fans rally for “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Miz runs in, A-LIST LARIAT! Miz shoves Jimmy down, then springboards, but into a SUPERKICK! Jimmy hurries up top, for the USO SPLASH!! Cover, Jimmy wins!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Miz may be a movie star, but Big Jim’s the one winning this main event! Jimmy then borrows Joe Tessitore’s headset to call out Gunther! He’s coming after dat ass on Monday! Gunther won’t be the ring general, he will be “Private Gunther,” and he will salute Big Jim! Uh, uh, YEET! Will Jimmy be the one making examples out of the World Heavyweight Champion? Or will everything come crashing down when Gunther gets his turn?
Drew McIntyre returns backstage.
And he says hey to Lewis Capaldi, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, and also a big fan of Drew’s. They’re ready to have a good night in the pub, but Jackie Redmond walks over to congratulate him on the win tonight. She was hoping to get some thoughts on that victory and what happened with Orton and Kevin. Drew says it’s alright, this is what happens. He doesn’t care about anybody else’s business, but no one gets away with screwing him over. And when no one meddles in his business, he wins! Drew called out Priest, where is he? Priest doesn’t have the balls! So time to get mad in the pubs, everyone’s invited!
Drew turns the corner, but PRIEST IS THERE! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the door, then throws him into road cases! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the trunk of a car, and then again! Or since it’s London, “the boot.” The driver complains, but Priest BODY SLAMS that guy through a table! Drew comes back to KNEE Priest low, SMACK him off the trunk, and then off the side! They go to the hood, or bonnet for UK. Drew drags Priest up, but Priest CLAWS Drew’s eyes! Priest then sends Drew SOUTH OF HEAVEN through the windshield! Priest tells security that he’s done for now. Any more jokes, Drew? Didn’t think so! RIP, jackass!
Priest leaves, the producers hurry to help Drew, and Drew’s got glass in his eye! Will that glass help Drew see why he shouldn’t piss off the Punisher?
CM Punk heads to gorilla.
He has a security detail with him, and he passes by Drew writhing in pain. Punk chuckles, then continues on. Will his contract signing with Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins be just as brutal? We find out, after the break.
Nick Aldis is in the ring.
The SmackDown General Manager welcomes us back, and says it is his honor and privilege to be here in the O2 in London. Now, we all know why he and this table is here, and why additional security is here tonight. Tonight, we are here to sign a contract for a Triple Threat. Perhaps the biggest Triple Threat in the history of WrestleMania: Seth Rollins VS CM Punk VS Roman Reigns! The fans cheer all those names, and here comes the OTC! London puts the ones up, and Paul Heyman accompanies THE Tribal Chief out on stage. Roman raises his finger to the sky for the pyro, then security follows him to the ring.
SmackDown goes picture in picture as Roman’s entrance continues, and he raises his finger to the sky for the second round of pyro. Roman steps into the ring, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Heyman hands him a mic. The fans sing, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!” Roman nods, the fans cheer, and now they chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman tells London, “ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” The fans cheer again, and again chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman smiles, but he sees the chairs are not to his liking. Heyman makes sure to put one at the head of the table. Heyman also dusts the chair off while Roman enjoys the singing of, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!”
Roman takes a seat and says that was beautiful. The way they sing to their Tribal Chief, it’s just beautiful. The singing continues, and Heyman even joins in! Roman smiles, and he says that is what he’s talking about. That’s the OTC for you, baby! The biggest star on the planet! The OTC came here for two reasons. One: to be acknowledged; check! And two: to sign this contract. Roman does just that, and he says he’s checked both boxes. That means- “BURN IT DOWN!” Seth Rollins interrupts! The fans now sing, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Rollins struts out in his red wine paisley suit and conducts the O2 Choir all the way into the ring.
The fans cheer while Roman frowns, but Rollins takes the seat to Roman’s left. Rollins offers Heyman a chance to sing to this song, but Heyman frowns. Rollins chuckles, and he says the fans do have beautiful singing voices. He doesn’t know why Roman is in such a hurry to leave, though! This is their building! There’s a lot of history here! 12 years ago, they landed on the roof of this place in a helicopter! They came down those stairs over there, “ready to burn down the old guard!” They put the Undertaker down through the desk, and they were going to remake this company in their image!
Now don’t get him wrong, Rollins knows a lot has happened since then. They fought against each other, with each other, a little bit of love and a whole lot of hate. But Rollins dare says, as the fans continue to sing “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~,” that Rollins and Roman accomplished their mission. The fans start to chant for CM Punk, but Rollins tunes them out. Roman says, “We? We? You keep saying we. Our mission? We died a long time ago. It’s only been ME. You been here, but I done all the work! I’ve made this place what it is today! I took us to the level that we are here today! I made this place better than we found it!
“I’m the one that made us desirable to Netflix! I’m the one that took us into billion-dollar deals! Tell me, what have you done?” Rollins shouts, “I’ll tell you what I’ve done! YOU, YOU, YOU, it’s that mindset that keeps me having to screw you! You understand that? And your biggest mistake is not understanding the danger that’s right in front of us! The danger that’s right in front of you! You let the biggest snake in the world, CM Punk, into the garden! And you could’ve cut his head off at WarGames! But instead, you shook his hand. You could’ve let me finish him inside the cage at The Garden, but you didn’t. And now, I am left to do what I always do: Clean up your mess, again.”
Rollins drops his mic, picks up the pen, and signs his part. And now, here comes CM PUNK! The fans fire up and sing along with Cult of Personality, then join in on saying, “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME~!” Punk goes to the ring, but as he grabs a mic, he goes up a corner, just like he did last Friday. “I have come here to chew bubblegum and sign a contract. And I’m all outta bubblegum.” The fans cheer the Rowdy Roddy Piper reference, and Punk hops down to take his seat on Roman’s right. Punk looks over said contract, but Roman asks if Punk needs a highlighter or something. What’s he doing? Just go to page four, clause five.
Punk does as Roman says, but Roman says Punk needs to hurry, this is precious TV time. Punk reads the segment, Roman tells Heyman to just smarten Punk up. Heyman tells Punk he knows what Punk is looking for. It is in there. They’re closing the show at WrestleMania. The fans go wild hearing that! Heyman tells Punk that he gets to live his dream of dreams. CM Punk will be a WrestleMania main eventer! The fans cheer and while Roman smiles, Rollins is furious. Roman says, “One man’s dream is another man’s favor! CHECK!” Wait, this was the favor? Rollins says no! This is not something to laugh at, and Punk does not get to tear up!
Punk is NOT deserving! He does NOT deserve this! The fans boo but Rollins continues to throw a fit! Main eventing WrestleMania is SACRED, the most important thing in the world to Rollins! More than anything! Except the fact that Punk NEVER gets to main event! This is all Roman’s fault! This is all Heyman’s fault! Rollins THROWS his mic down, paces angrily, but Punk picks up the mic. The fans cheer Punk on again, and Punk stands to thank London, to thank Chicago, to thank Louisville, Kentucky, and to thank ALL the fans. As corny as it sounds, he thanks the WWE Universe who stood by him and chanted his name for TEN LONG YEARS!
Roman says hold on, hold on. Punk shouldn’t be thanking the fans! He should be thanking the Tribal Chief! It is because of Roman that Punk gets this honor! So please, take this moment, close the show with that acknowledgement! Do this the right way. The credits are already rolling as Punk kneels before Roman!? Punk smiles, and he thanks “My Tribal Chief, the holder of the ula fala, the Head of the Table, the… Big Dog? Thank you for allowing a kid from Chicago to be graced by your presence. Thank you, My Tribal Chief, for allowing me to stand in your ring. And thank you so much. Thank you, Roman Reigns, so very much.
“But because of you, I will see you in the main event of WrestleMania.” And again, Rollins is agonizing over this. Punk finishes putting his signature on the contract, and London tells him, “You Deserve It!” Punk thanks Roman again, and then says, “But that’s not the favor that I’m owed.” WHAT?! Roman looks at Heyman and Heyman can’t look him in the eye! If getting this Triple Threat made into the main event isn’t the gift of the Wise Man, then what is?!
My Thoughts:
A good SmackDown, but they pulled off quite the paradox. They made it feel like they were struggling to fill three hours, yet they also filled the show to the point where that contract signing segment was almost bleeding over the three hour mark. Ironically, part of the problem was just how excited the London crowd was for this. The superstars still wanted to enjoy the chants and songs, but that’s time SmackDown doesn’t have to spare. It made the opening promo from Cody, Orton and Drew take longer, and it kinda did the same to the contract signing at the end. Even so, we still got a very good promo, and good stuff to set up Orton VS McIntyre.
Orton VS McIntyre was a great match, but of course Kevin costs Orton. McIntyre gets his win, Kevin and Orton have a bit of a brawl, but of course Kevin ends up on the losing end and runs off. McIntyre’s trash talk also comes back to bite him as Priest gets the better of him in their brawl. Here’s hoping Drew didn’t actually get glass in his eye, but that being the thing in kayfabe can be some good stuff. I can imagine McIntyre with an eyepatch, and he takes it off at the opportune time to get the better of Priest in their match. Also what a fitting choice for Punk to be passing by Drew suffering because of real glass.
Very good title matches tonight, but of course the status quo was kept. Pretty Deadly gets to look great here in London, but the Profits only just got the belts, they’re not going to be transitional champions like that. And Knight VS Braun was really good stuff, but honestly, Jacob Fatu going after them both should’ve been a given. Jacob also had a great promo with Solo & Tama to start adding to that divide between Jacob and Solo. I would hope Solo doesn’t screw Jacob out of the US Championship, but it feels like he will as Solo won’t stand for Jacob defying his authority, even though Solo’s been trying to make Jacob the champion all along.
Very good stuff from Jimmy Uso tonight, from his promo with #MeloDon’tMiz and then a great match with Miz. Their match ended up the de facto main event match, so that’s also great for both guys. Great win for Jimmy, but that’s likely because Jimmy is losing big time to Gunther on Monday. And it might just be me, but it feels like only now is the Jey VS Gunther build really moving, largely in part because Jimmy got involved. Jimmy’s promo after his match is something along the lines of what Jey should be saying. But I suppose as brothers, Jimmy is the one who knows Jey best and knows what Jey needs to be motivated again. And seeing Jimmy get beat up by Gunther will definitely motivate Jey…
Good final vignettes for Rey Fenix and Aleister Black. I’m a little surprised they confirmed Rey Fenix is showing up next week, and that they confirmed who Rey Fenix even is. I believe commentary confirmed Rey Fenix is Penta’s real brother, even namedropped “Lucha Brothers,” but all that is still surprising considering Fenix is going to start on SmackDown. Aleister’s vignette (at least I am fairly confident it’s his) was giving us glimpses of his silhouette, but I think there was usage of AI in the snake imagery. It was fine they did it for El Grande Americano because that is all trolling, but they really should try and do things the old fashioned way of photoshop and stock imagery.
Very good stuff in the Women’s Division tonight, though the WWE Women’s Championship portion was the weaker. Naomi’s got a great Heel persona going, her promo was great, and her going after B-Fab & Michin over them supporting Jade was a great detail. Jade runs Naomi off, helps B-Fab, but there was no helping Michin in being fed to Charlotte. Tiffany had a decent promo, and it does fit how Charlotte kept her from speaking so she finally gets things out here. It didn’t really add that much, though, but they already gave us a great brawl so not sure what more they can give.
KC Squared VS The Secret Her-vice was a very good match, but of course Chelsea made sure her team won. A Six Woman Tag of Zelina & KC Squared VS The Green Administration is certainly coming, to help give us Zelina VS Chelsea for the Women’s US Championship.
My Score: 8.7/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 3.27.2025
Bad news out of the TNA management side, but this is a taped episode from El Paso! So we won’t see any of the fallout just yet!

Now we all heard the news about the TNA change in hierarchy, and I…have no positive outlook on that. Delirious sucked at booking and creative in the dying days of ROH before it got bought as a B show. Dreamer having even more control is concerning because his ideas the last two years haven’t been much better.
Gail leaving makes more sense to me. Be it firing or a “you can’t quit, you’re fired” kind of situation, the Knockouts division is the worst it’s been in a long time and Gail was close with Scott D’Amore. So I don’t think Gail parting ways is as big of a problem since TNA has slowly been bleeding out with the Scott faithful.
Granted, I think the next few shows were already taped before the firing so things shouldn’t be completely unwatchable for at least a week or two. So let’s see where we’re going.
.@WeAreRosemary sends @XiaBrookside a CHILLING message!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/srciTTbel0
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Ratings:
- Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge: Ash wins via Rarefied Air – ** 1/4
- Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr: Chavo wins via Gory Bomb into Frog Splash – *** 1/4
- Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich: Masha wins via Russian Death Device – ***
- Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin: Eric wins via Piledriver – ** 1/2
- Seto & Mokuba – I mean – Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater: Nic wins via Danger Zone – *** 1/4
Results:
Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge
Ash and Gigi start off, Gigi with a little Rascalz after her first takedown. So both her and Wentz are making it obvious something’s going on between them, and I’m not mad at it. Good for my man Wentz.
Tatum and Gigi get some quick tandem offense in, Ash does manage to scurry off to a tag and Heather gets bent into a Pretzel. Some kind of Inverted Tarantula from Tatum, Gigi tags in, Bronco Buster on Heather followed by Kawada Kicks. Heather sells against the ropes, Gigi goes for a Hesitation Dropkick, but Concierge pulls her away so Gigi crashes and burns. Ref is distracted, Ash gets in some cheap shots and then the Elegant duo starts working over Gigi. A few quick tags, but once Heather comes in, Gigi fights out of the corner, gets the hot tag to Tatum. Tatum stacks up both Elegance members, Corner Stacked Crossbody, Butterfly Suplex and an Elbow Drop with some some flare. Tatum goes to the top rope, Heather pulls Gigi off the apron, Concierge shoves Tatum off the turnbuckle and Ash hits Rarefied Air for the win.
Post match the Elegance Clique wants to make their wish with the cake, they light the candles and Tatum and Gigi recover enough to do what we all expected last week, the cake in the face spot. Some…suggestive licking from both of our Hot Topic Hotties, so…no complaints here.
.@Ashamae_Sebera, @Heathereckless and @IamGeorgeIceman are having a meltdown!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/FnKwPqm2ff
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr
Chavo and Kaz start since he’s King Petty, a quick rope run turns into a Headscissor from Chavo. Kaz recovers, they lock up, Kaz hits the Knee Lift during the lock up to tag out to KC. KC pulls off some athletic dodges, gloats a bit so Chavo waits, measures and nails a gorgeous Dropkick. Laredo comes in on fire, quick high spots that send KC bouncing around like HBK against Hulk. KC powders after sells the Satellite Takedown, AJ checks on him and we go to commercial.
Back from commercial, Octagon is lighting up KC’s chest with overhand chops, he perches, Sunset Headscissor Flip from corner to corner, KC tries to Back Drop him but Octagon does a headstand, kicks KC away and lays him out with a high spot. AJ gets on the apron to stop Octagon from running the ropes, the referee has a stroke or something because he stops paying attention and AJ pulls Octagon out of the ring and chucks him. KC with the Tope con Hilo and tag (tag ropes haven’t mattered since the 80s we all know this). So AJ is getting taunted by the crowd in Spanish, but he’s manhandling Octagon since it looks like a Child fighting their parent. AJ knocks off Chavo and Laredo, Laredo pops up and tries to get involved but he’s caught on the shoulders, Octagon goes for the Crossbody but gets caught and AJ pulls off “World’s Strongest Wasteland” but Chavo breaks up the pinfall. AJ throws Octagon into the corner, Tennessee Whiskey, and tag out to KC. KC hits a few moves, but starts to lose the momentum until he connects with a Super Kick. Simultaneous rope run into the Dueling Crossbodies, so we get the timely tag outs from both sides. Kaz and Laredo come in, Laredo lands like two moves before Kaz hits a Sole Butt, Lariat and eats his lunch. KC and Kaz try to double team Laredo but he fights out and the crowd is chanting for Chavo.
Chavo tags in, and he’s rocking KC, Saito Suplex, Low Bridge to AJ, Reverse the Whip so Chavo goes to the corner and perches, KC feeds, Chavo Backflips to safety, rolls through and lays out KC. Chavo is feeling himself, 3 Amigos start on KC but only 2, Kaz comes in and Chavo switches to Kaz for the Amigos, only 2 again before AJ breaks it up. AJ goes for the disrespect, but Chavo counters and hits the 3 Amigos on the biggest Culero. Aztec Warriors dive to stop AJ and Kaz, KC tries a Dirty Victory Roll but Chavo kicks out. GORY BOMB into FROG SPLASH!
Chavo looked fantastic and he’s the one in the best shape in the ring. I wouldn’t be mad at more Chavito.
Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich
I expect very little from this match.
Collar and Elbow, gator rolling for the first 30 seconds or so, then Jacy goes to some Hair Pull takedowns and does a little taunt before Masha pops back up and hits a Lariat into a Dive. Jacy sells it like she’s really hurt, even the ref tries to hold Masha back a little before Masha gets annoyed and just grabs her, Masha throws her in, looks for a Dive and Jacy sees it and powders. Masha tries to go back to the well for the Dive again but Jacy hits the Uppercut and then an Apron Run PK to drop Masha. Forearms rain down into a Foot Choke as Jacy continues to arrogantly play to the crowd. Another Foot Choke into a Cannonball, and near fall.
Masha gets space with a Sole Butt, tries to snap off Requiem but Jacy fights off, fights through a Sunset Flip another effective PK keeps Masha on her ass. Jacy looks for a kinda half-assed Camel Clutch as Masha is fighting up, but Jacy runs her into the corner, gets distracted mouthing off to the crowd, so Masha recovers, 5 Hole Up Kick sends Jacy into the corner, Yakuza Kick into Capo Kick for two. Requiem attempt again, but Jacy pushes off, a little back and forth, Masha tries a Backslide but Jacy gets away and hits a V-Trigger but only a 2 count. Jacy looks for the Discus Punch but Masha ducks it, they strike back and forth, but some dodges from both leave the exchange more even. Jacy with the Front Kick to the face sends Masha to the outside. Jacy wants another PK, but Masha blocks, Electric Chair Apron Snake Eyes. Masha throws her in, a PK into a near all. Requiem attempt 3, and thwarted from Jacy with a Superkick into a Neckbreaker. Senton misses from Jacy, Buzzsaw Kick, into Spinning Back Kick and Russian Death Device for the win.
Better than I expected, and Tessa attacks as soon as the bell rings. Xia Brookside and Lei Ying Li make the save after Tessa grabs the belt.
Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin
Ace and Eric tie up, World of Sport start but as soon as Ace starts to get away EY punches him in the face. Eric looks at the camera and says “This is what trust looks like”, turns his back on Ace, when Ace looks to attack, the loser duo cut him off. EY takes advantage of the weird situation, but Ace with some Up and Over quick spots, into an Inside Cradle and La Magistral. EY kicks out of the quick flash attempts, but eats a Dropkick, and Ace goes all Speed Kils on him with fast strikes and then a face buster for another near fall. Strike spot very early in the match, Ace gets the best of it, goes for a Tear Drop Suplex but EY sits on it to block, Headlocks to keep him close and then a snap Lariat into beatdown bully tactics. EY takes the referee’s attention and one of the nerds punch Ace in the face.
Eric tries to lean on Ace, but Ace fires, a few strikes, Click Click Boom, the Miz Seated Lariats in the corner, Mochizuki Triangle Kick connects! Only a 2 count, but Ace seems to be in control. Ace puts EY on the ropes, a few strikes to keep him rocked, wants a Superplex, but EY blocks, bites the face and Macho Elbow gets a very close two count. EY tries the Piledriver but Ace turns it into a Jacknife Cradle,Spinning Heel Kick, calls for The Fold, but the losers hop on the apron to distract, Ace attacks them. Ace tries to time out the Triangle Kick again, but Eric dodges, throws Ace head first through the buckles. As Ace stumbles out of the corner, Piledriver, and it’s over.
Oh look it’s the “we’ll hear from Joe Hendry” segment. Again, I’ve loved this gimmick since Day 1, even didn’t hate his What Culture Pro stuff, but there is such a thing as milking a cow too much.
Elijah interrupts the whole “Who’s next” speech. When Elijah comes out he says he’s not the challenger and he believes in Joe. The crowd wants Elijah to turn on Hendry. Elijah pauses for a moment, and starts proving his friendship with stating his favorite color and a little “You Got a Friend in Me”. The crowd is into singing along and waving their cameras like Lighters to a 30 year old song. THANKFULLY Kaz breaks up the hug fest. Now he gets the “Culero” chant.
Kaz pulls out a Bass…what the hell is this Jam Session. Kaz has to warm up so he plays “La Cucaracha” on the bass. Kaz…is a national treasure. Hendry kicks Kaz out of the ring after his Heelish and playfully racially charged song choices. Kaz tries to sow dissension, but Joe and Elijah pinball Kaz between them. Kaz slips a power move and tries to shove Elijah into Joe but Elijah puts the brakes on, a small tense moment. But then Joe and Elijah play “Nah Nah Nah Nah, Hey Hey, Goodbye”…and that goes right into a commercial. Oddly…perfect.
Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater
Nic shoots the half immediately for a flash pinfall but Leon kicks out at one. Nic continues to keep things grounded with his amateur wrestling skills, and then does a little Dolph Ziggler show off. So Nic isn’t really taking this seriously, and Leon starts getting the best of things with an Arm Wringer, into drag, Shoulder Tackle and rope run as Nic tries to Leap Frog and Leon puts on the brakes and just shoves Nic on his ass. Nic gets annoyed, a few strikes, grinds his face along the ropes, but Leon keeps stringing some offense together, Back Handspring Elbow into his Corner con Hilo.
Ahh the classic formula of the commercial gives the heel the advantage, Twisting Suplex from Leon stops Nic’s offense momentum, right hand, Leon lifts Nic up for something, Nic slips it, kicks him in the gut, looks for the FameAsser, but Leon catches him into a Blue Thunder Bomb variation. Slater wants the Swanton 450, but Nic powders. Leon tries to adjust into a Dive, but Nic cuts him off, counter for counter and a FameAsser out of the counters for a two count. Nic starts the big brother tactics, bootwashes and arrogance, Slater fires, punches into a Yakuza Kick. Leon wants another Lethal Injection variant, but Nic catches him into a Rear Naked Choke. Slater tries to turn it into a pin so Nic breaks it. Leon wants a Leg Lariat but misses and gets unceremoniously dropped by Nic. Nic puts Leon up on the buckles, Superplex possibly but Slater counters, tries to collect himself for a move, but Nic falls into the ropes to crotch Leon, and finally hits the Superplex.
Twist of Slate from Leon, Swanton 450 but knees get up. Locomotion Cradles from both but they kick out, Ryan picks the ankle to trip up Leon just a touch and then Danger Zone ends the match.
Ryan starts the post match beatdown, but the Hardy’s music hits and they come down to the ring for the save. Matt challenges the Nemeths for Rebellion because they’re not medically cleared yet.
Overall Score: 6.5/10
Decent story motion, no match was offensive, and there was actually some solid match action for television standards. I don’t have a ton to complain about aside from the Knockouts Division is in a weird spot, and giving Hendry a lot of just talking and hollow payoff segments feels stupid. If we need to hear from him every week, give him a talk segment like Highlight Reel or something. Yes I know First Class just got The Penthouse, but if Hendry is going to talk more than wrestle, give him a talk segment for us to sink our teeth into.
There was the announcement that Xia, Lei Ying and Masha will face Tessa, Jacy and a mystery partner. So you gotta wonder if there’s going to be another NXT mercenary, a surprise return or if it’ll just be Rosemary since she’s got her issues with Xia. Also I just realized that Unbreakable is going to be on a Thursday, seemingly after iMPACT? I’m gonna have to see how they do it, because if there’s an Impact episode and 2-3 hour PLE…I do not want to be awake until 1am. People need to work, and I will be Unwakeable if things go that long.
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