Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (7/7/23)
Roman Reigns is on trial!
What will be the fate of the Tribal Chief?
After suffering his first loss in three YEARS, Roman Reigns returns to SmackDown to be put on trial in the Bloodline’s court! What will be the verdict?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE United States Championship: Austin Theory w/ Pretty Deadly VS Sheamus w/ The Brawling Brutes; Theory wins and retains the title.
- AJ Styles w/ Mia Yim VS Karrion Kross w/ Scarlett Bordeaux; Styles wins.
- Edge VS Grayson Waller; Edge wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
The Usos are here!
Madison Square Garden fires up as Jimmy & Jey make their way to the ring, and they sing along with the song! #TheRealOnes were triumphant at Money in the Bank, with Jey getting the first pin on Roman Reigns in three YEARS! The fans chant for the Usos as they get the mics, and Jey says, “Hey hey! The Usos are now in your city!” The fans cheer that and raise up the fingers. Jimmy says it feels good! “They said that he couldn’t be beat.” “Nope.” “They said he’s unbeatable.” “They did.” And guess what happened at MITB? HE. GOT. BEAT! One-two-three! Jey & Jimmy are having a real good July, but “Ladies and gentlemen…”
Fans boo as Paul Heyman walks out with Solo Sikoa, the old WWE World and Universal Championships on his shoulders. “Ladies and gentlemen, those who still subside in New York City, my name is Paul Heyman. I serve as Special Counsel and The Wise Man to Your Tribal Chief, the Undisputed WWE Universal Heavyweight Champion, Roman…! Reigns…!” Fans boo more while Heyman and Solo get in the ring with the Usos. Heyman says tonight, he serves as the Defense Counsel in the Tribal Court, to wit, he offers item number one. Jimmy and Jey use their twin powers to tell Heyman, “Please,” “Shut,” “Your,” “Mouth.”
Heyman laughs that off and wants to spell this out so that even the Usos can understand. Neither of the Usos are the ones to tell Heyman when to stop. There is only one man in the WWE that will ever tell Paul Heyman to stop talking. But then Solo makes Heyman stop!? Fans chant for Solo as he takes the mic from Heyman and tosses it out of the ring. The Usos aren’t sure what to make of that, but he doesn’t make a move on them, either. And then here comes Roman Reigns himself! Roman wears the new Universal Championship belt as he passes 1,041 DAYS as a champion. And he raises that belt to cue the pyro.
The tension is palpable as Heyman, Solo and the Usos wait for Roman to enter the ring. What will be the fate of the Tribal Chief? We find out, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Roman is in the ring.
Heyman stands beside The Tribal Chief while fans are torn. Roman glares at the Usos over his shoulders, especially as the fans chant “USOS! USOS!” Heyman passes the mic to Roman as the fans chant “YOU GOT PINNED!” Roman says, “Madison Square Garden! ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” Fans are torn again, but Roman says yeah, they’re right. He got pinned. Fans cheer that! But last time he checked, he is STILL Tribal Chief. Fans chant “Not Our Chief!” But Roman wants to get this right. Do the Usos hear it? The fans aren’t talking to them. Lord knows Jimmy ain’t Tribal Chief. And whether Jey believes it or not, he ain’t Tribal Chief either. Yet.
Roman is having trouble understanding why we’re here tonight. If the Tribal Chief didn’t call for Tribal Court, then this ain’t official! This ain’t legitimate! Why are they wasting his time?! Who has the authority to call Roman out and put him on trial? Is it Jey? Is it Jimmy? The fans chant for the Usos, and Jimmy says no, Roman, not this time. Jey agrees. What Roman ain’t gonna do is manipulate them like always. You can check this video package out and try to spin it. Exhibit A! Roman telling the Usos off when they dedicated a win to him and then loss. And then he pie faced Jimmy. “I whooped you then, I’ll whoop you now.”
All the other examples of Roman emotionally abusing the Usos and physically embarrassing them. His gaslighting of Heyman, that time he Superman Punched him, and then claiming he is head and shoulders above everyone. He even told Solo that while the Elders sent him, he belongs to Roman. And more recently, Roman saying he is the ONLY one that matters. Fans boo Roman in the present as he tries to smile and shrug that off. Fans are chanting “YOU EFFED UP! YOU EFFED UP!” and Roman shakes his head. “No, I didn’t.” Roman defends he did not mess up. “YES, YOU DID! YES, YOU DID!”
Roman says that video is not who he is! It’s not! That’s who he was forced to be. The fans don’t buy that as Roman says, “You think I wanted to lower myself? You think I wanted to do all that? I did it for you (Jey). And I did it for you (Jimmy). And for you (Solo).” Fans boo and call BS while Jey paces. Roman insists that he didn’t need them. He was a WrestleMania main event player LONG before the Bloodline! He didn’t need them, they needed him! He bent his moral compass for the family! He put himself in situations he shouldn’t have been in for Jimmy, for Jey, for Solo, for the Elders, for their representation of the family!
And this is what he gets? They compile footage of his worst moments to embarrass him?! As his children are watching?! His daughter doesn’t understand who he is because of the Usos! Roman takes on the weight of the world, everyone’s families, and lifts them all up. You think he needs more responsibility? He has five kids. You think he needed to take on theirs, too? When they showed him the vision, when they showed him what needed to be done, they never told Roman this would happen. He doesn’t need this in his life. He doesn’t need money, power or any of it. Right about now, umbrella service sounds real nice.
But this is what they want. right? This is what this is about? Roman doesn’t want it. He doesn’t need it. Fans boo again but Roman says he’s done. Heyman is confused as Roman says it again. Roman is done with all of this. He no longer wants it. If Jey wants it, fine. Roman’s done. Roman drops the mic, fans aren’t sure what to make of this, but then Roman steps closer to Jey. Fans sing “Nana na na” as Roman reluctantly lifts the red lei, and offers it to Jey. Roman says this is what Jey was going to be groomed for in the first place, but they could’ve done this together. Roman puts the lei on Jey! And Heyman is just as distraught as Roman!
Roman even takes off the Undisputed title!? He drops that, too!? And then he drops to his knees?!? Fans still don’t trust this, but Jey consoles Roman. But Roman LOW BLOWS Jey!!! Fans knew it and Jimmy is furious for not seeing it! Jimmy fires off on Roman! Fans fire up as Jimmy stomps Roman, but what is Solo to do? Solo goes after Jimmy! Solo stands between them, but then sees the lei! Is Solo gonna do what fans think he’s gonna do?! The Usos did put their names behind him before MITB, what about now? Jimmy still wants after Roman, but he gets a SAMOAN SPIKE!! Fans boo but then Solo picks up the lei!
Fans are torn again, and Roman is confused. Fans start chanting “PUT IT ON! PUT IT ON!” but then Roman steps to Solo. The two stare down, glance at the lei, and Roman expects it back. Solo considers that option, but then Jey CLOBBERS them both! Jey fires off on Roman, but Solo gives him a SPINNING SOLO URENAGE! Fans boo as Solo again defends Roman. Jimmy staggers up, Roman SUPERMAN PUNCHES Jimmy down! They kick Jimmy out of the ring, and then stalk him to the desk. They mug Jimmy, clear the desk, and fans go nuts! Roman SMACKS Jimmy off steps but Jey goes after Roman!
Solo stops Jey with a BIG forearm! And a HEADBUTT! Roman steadies himself while Solo puts Jey on the apron. Jey then traps Jey’s arms between ropes! Roman says Jey will NEVER be chief while Roman is still alive! Roman then looks at Jimmy, grabs the Undisputed Universal Championship, and though fans chant for the Usos, Roman runs in to CLOBBER Jimmy!! Roman rains down BELT SHOTS on Jimmy while Jey can only watch! Roman then SMACKS Jimmy off the steel steps! Roman pulls the steps apart, and he RAMS Jimmy down with them! Jimmy sputters but Roman isn’t done yet.
Roman places the belt on the steps, then drags Jimmy up. Roman gets the top half again, and he RAMS Jimmy down again! Jimmy stays up only because he’s against the barriers, but Roman raises the finger. He says he is the one, but then Jey kicks Solo away! Jey gets free and CLOBBERS Roman!! Jey rains down fists, Solo storms up again, and he SAMOAN SPIKES Jey over the steps! Solo drags Jey up, and TOSSES him over the announce desk! Roman says to finish this! Solo drags Jimmy up, puts him on the desk, and Roman tosses the armchairs onto Jey! Roman gets refs and producers to back off as Solo goes up the barriers.
Solo aims at Jimmy, to FLYING SPLASH through the desk!! Solo roars and fans boo while Roman looks at the devastation they’ve wrought. Roman says there’s no middle ground here. It is either up or down. Heyman returns the red lei to Roman, and as far as Heyman is concerned, Roman is STILL Tribal Chief. Roman holds up the title as he stands over Jimmy & Jey. Will the Elders have something to say about this?
SmackDown returns as medics get Jimmy to the ambulance.
Jey says he’s staying by Jimmy’s side. The rest of the roster and faculty is worried for Jimmy, will there be any repercussions in Roman’s future?
WWE United States Championship: Austin Theory VS Sheamus!
The Now made it through Ridge Holland last week, but he just had to add on after the fact. The Celtic Warrior made the save, and now he is getting this title match as karma on Theory. Will Sheamus once again be United States Champion? Or will Theory survive another Fight Night Friday?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Sheamus ends Austin Theory Live!
The bell rings and the two tie up. Sheamus RAMS Theory right to a corner! And he fires off heavy hands! The ref counts, Sheamus hauls Theory up, but Theory throws elbows. Theory gets free, BOOTS from the corner, and runs, into an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Theory staggers, Sheamus clotheslines him up and out! Sheamus then climbs to SUPER FLYING SHOULDER TACKLE! Theory goes down in a heap and the fans fire up with Sheamus as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Sheamus is climbing a corner. Theory ROCKS him first! Theory then climbs up, brings Sheamus from the corner, and has Sheamus against the ropes! Fans boo as Theory gives Sheamus BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! But Sheamus blocks at three to fire elbows in return! Then Sheamus WALLOPS Theory! Theory staggers up, into a SLINGSHOT SHOULDER! Sheamus then goes back up the corner, for a KING KONG KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO!! Theory survives but Sheamus keeps his cool. Sheamus drags Theory up, clinches, but Theory throws elbows to get free.
Sheamus hits low with a hard body shot! Sheamus runs, Theory follows and CLOBBERS Sheamus! Cover, TWO! Theory stomps away on Sheamus then jump stomps him! Theory goes to the apron and tells fans to shut up. The fans boo instead, and Theory climbs up. Sheamus stands to UPPERCUT first! Theory wobbles, Sheamus goes up after him, but Theory throws haymakers. Sheamus gives those back, Theory CLUBS Sheamus so Sheamus CLUBS Theory! And again and again and again! Sheamus Alabama Lifts, tucks Theory in, but Theory slips free to CLUB Sheamus! Theory then torture racks Sheamus!
Theory spins for the TOWER HACKER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Sheamus survives and Theory is furious while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Sheamus rallies on Theory! Theory goes to a corner, Sheamus clotheslines! And clotheslines! And clotheslines again! Then Sheamus scoops to POWERSLAM! MSG fires up with The Fella, and he brings Theory back up. Sheamus reels Theory in but Theory blocks the lift. Sheamus powers through to the Canadian rack, then the crucifix, but Theory slips free! Theory goes to the apron, HOTSHOTS Sheamus away, then slingshots, into a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO, but into the TEXAS CLOVERLEAF! Fans fire up, but here comes PRETTY DEADLY! They get on the apron but Sheamus CLOBBERS Kit!
Sheamus has Elton caught, and gives him BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! Sheamus goes all the way to nine, but Theory SHOTGUNS Sheamus down! Then A-TOWN- NO!! Sheamus slips free and KNEES Theory! Cover, TWO!! And here come the Brawling Brutes! Dunne & Ridge CLOBBER Kit & Elton! Dunne CLOBBERS Elton into the crowd! Ridge APRON SLAMS Kit, and then rains down furious fists! The ref reprimands Ridge, Kit kicks him away, but Sheamus BROGUES Kit down! Theory rolls Sheamus up! With tights! THEORY WINS!
Winner: Austin Theory, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)
Pretty Deadly help out their pal once again, Theory is still The Now. But if Theory can only win by the skin of his teeth, will he soon crash and burn?
SmackDown presents an all new Grayson Waller Effect.
The Dynamite From Down Under, the Aussie Icon, the Moment Maker is already in the ring for his introduction, and he says he is living the dream. He hasn’t even had a match on SmackDown and yet he is in the world’s most famous arena, Madison Square Garden! And he knows what they’re all thinking: they’ve never seen such a handsome bloke in their lives. But enough about him. There have been huge moments and events in the history of MSG, but none bigger than the announcement his guest tonight has. It’s the 11 time world champion, the WWE Hall of Famer, the RATED R SUPERSTAR, EDGE!!
Fans fire up as Edge makes his return to SmackDown, and they sing along with his theme. Edge joins Waller in the ring and then at the desk. Edge says, “Oooh~! Oh yeah! It is a steaming hot summer night in New York City!” Fans cheer that, and then Waller has Edge stop. We know all about MSG. Let’s get to the big news! Tell the world, Edge. Edge doesn’t know what Waller is getting at. This is the 25th anniversary of Edge’s WWE career, though. We can celebrate that here, and next month in Toronto- And? AND? And what? Waller says Edge is too embarrassed to say it.
Waller says Edge has had a historic career in the WWE. He only gave up being World Champion because of a neck injury but he saved up, made some good investments. So why is Edge back? It’s pretty simple: the fans. The fans cheer, and Edge will get back to Waller so he can talk to the fans. “We go way back, don’t we? My first PLE for this company: SummerSlam 98. I was the mystery partner for Sable against Mark Mero & Jacqueline.” He made his way out through the crowd in the back right corner. That area stands up to cheer. Edge says the aisle used to be here at center. The fans there stand up now.
Edge ran, dove, and made it over the ropes, when he still could. And from there, the fans opened up their arms to him. Edge knows that in NYC, respect is hard earned. And NYC is a city full of hard workers and big dreamers. Edge has always been a hard worker and a big dreamer and he still is! NYC, that is why you and Edge work. Waller says that is why it is so exciting that here, in MSG, Edge’s big news is that he is RETIRING! Waller wants everyone to get up on their feet for the last time we ever see Edge here. Say thanks for everything Edge has done! Waller applauds but fans boo, they can sense the BS.
Edge tells Waller, “Last week, you were standing eye to eye with John Cena in London. Less than a week later, you’re standing eye to eye with the Rated R Superstar in a sold out Madison Square Garden. So someone somewhere sees something in you. But you have been here for half a hiccup. You haven’t even had a match on the main roster yet. But… You have doggy paddled your way into some deep waters. And it is time to sink or swim. See, I’m not retiring.” Fans cheer that! In fact, Edge talked with the powers that be, and he’s gonna have a match here tonight! Fans fire up even more! Edge smiles, and says, “And it is gonna be the Rated R Superstar, one on one, against Grayson Waller.”
Waller is shocked to hear that and Edge goes to the back. Is the 21st Century Success Story about to have its own tragic end? Or can the Grayson Waller Effect bring down even one of the greats?
AJ Styles w/ Mia Yim VS Karrion Kross w/ Scarlett Bordeaux!
The OC may have lost to Mr. & Mrs. Doomsday in a Mixed Tag, but only because rules don’t seem to matter to Mr. & Mrs. Doomsday. Will The Phenomenal One teach Kross that there are consequences for bending the rules? Or will Kross & Scarlett have yet another trick up their proverbial sleeves?
SmackDown returns and Kross has already made his entrance. The bell rings and Kross CLOBBERS Styles! Kross bumps Styles off buckles, fires off haymakers, but the ref has him back off. Kross says he owns Styles, fires off more shots, then DECKS him! Kross brings Styles to center, throws off his elbow pad, and winds up the arm. Styles stands, KROSS HAMMER!! “I TOLD YOU, AJ! I TOLD YOU!” Kross drags Styles up into the KROSS- NO, Styles blocks the Krossjacket hold! Styles JAWBREAKERS free, then dodges another forearm to PELE! Kross staggers, Styles runs in but is put o the apron. Styles ROCKS Kross first!
Kross distracts the ref but Scarlett grabs at Styles! Mia BOOTS Scarlett down! And TOSSES her into the barriers! Styles springboards but Kross catches him! Styles fights free, ROCKS Kross again, and then springboards in, PHENOMENAL FOREARM!! Cover, Styles wins!
Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall
Michin was the equalizer, and that allowed Styles to cross off Kross in quick fashion! Will this end things between them? Or will Kross look to still affect Styles’ future?
Asuka is here!
MSG fires up for the Empress of Tomorrow as she and her WWE Women’s Championship make their way to the ring. She is going to meet face to face to face with Charlotte Flair and Bianca Belair, will they decide the title picture themselves? We find out after the break.
SmackDown returns and Asuka laughs on the mic. “No one is ready for Asu-” But here comes Bianca! Asuka is upset, but The EST isn’t slowing down, either! Bianca fires off with Asuka, TACKLES her, but then here comes The Queen! Fans fire up as Bianca is ready! She goes out to meet Charlotte, and Charlotte RAMS her into the apron! They brawl but Asuka runs to WRECK them both with a dropkick! Asuka then climbs up, but IYO SKY smacks her with the briefcase!! The fans fire up as she and Bayley beat Asuka up! ROSE PLANT to the briefcase! OVER THE MOONSAULT!! Is it time?!?
Bayley tells the ref, but Bianca trips Bayley up! And Charlotte goes after Iyo! Bianca sends Bayley into barriers, Charlotte BOOTS briefcase into Iyo! Fans boo but Asuka’s challengers ended up saving her. Is the Empress the one not ready for everyone else?
Edge VS Grayson Waller!
A return to action for both men, but only one of them is really ready for this! Will the Rated R Superstar get back on track towards former glory here tonight? Or will the 21st Century Success Story have a brand new viral moment with his SmackDown in-ring debut?
SmackDown returns and Waller makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two circle. Fans cheer and Edge makes sure Waller hears it. The two circle more, the fans chant for “EDGE! EDGE! EDGE!” and Waller is annoyed. The two tie up, are in a deadlock, but Edge headlocks. Waller slips away and shows off with drop steps. Fans boo but Edge runs Waller over! And again! Waller staggers up into a GUT BUSTER! Waller sputters and Edge looms over him. Edge brings Waller up, another GUT BUSTER! Waller sputters, Edge runs to kick Waller in the side! Edge then gut wrench suplexes!
Fans rally as Edge stalks Waller. Edge CLUBS Waller, has him on ropes and CLUBS him again. Waller staggers to more ropes, fans chant “YOU STILL GOT IT!” for Edge. Edge ROCKS Waller, but Waller JABS Edge! Waller CLUBS Edge, and says “I got it, too!” Waller whips, Edge reveres but Waller ducks ‘n’ dodges, only for Edge to duck the leap! Waller comes back but Edge catches him to a FALL AWAY SLAM! Fans fire up and Edge aims from a corner. Edge runs in, but into a KNEE! Waller smirks and TOSSES Edge out of the ring. Fans boo as Waller does more drop steps. Waller runs, slides, and LARIATS Edge down!
Fans boo but Waller taunts Edge, “Sink or swim? I’ll swim, mate!” Fans boo Waller more but SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Waller brawls with Edge. Edge ROCKS Waller, runs in at the corner, but Waller ELBOWS him away! Waller goes up to DEEP IMPACT! Cover, TWO!! Waller is annoyed but he keeps his focus on Edge. Waller stands on Edge’s leg, Edge reaches for ropes, but Waller AX HANDLES him down! Fans rally for Edge but Waller drags him up. Waller cravats to wrench the neck but Edge fights up. Waller throws knee after knee and Edge drops to a knee. Edge endures as Waller says, “I’m Australian! I was born in the water, lad!” Fans rally and Edge fights back up! Edge throws body shots!
Edge is free, he fires forearm after forearm! Edge runs, but into a knee! Fans boo but Waller CLUBS Edge down. Waller drops another ax handle, then says, “This your guy? This is a Hall of Famer? He’s in the Hall of Fame, huh?” Waller pulls Edge back with a chinlock, then drops another elbow! Fans boo but Waller goes to the corner. Waller soaks up the heat, but Edge throws a body shot! Fans fire up and Edge positions Waller up top. Edge throws a forearm, then CLUBS Waller on the stomach! Edge climbs up after Waller, CLUBS away on Waller’s back, and fans fire up with every shot!
Edge brings Waller up but Waller throws body shots back. GOURD BUSTER! Edge is down in the drop zone and Waller adjusts. Waller goes along the rope, to “KOBE!” But onto Edge’s knees! Edge and Waller are both down, Waller clutching his ribs. Fans rally up and Edge crawls away to ropes. Edge drags himself up, BOOTS Waller down, and then FLAPJACKS! Waller flops to the apron but Edge storms over. Waller goes to hotshot but Edge blocks it! Edge ROCKS Waller, slides out to POWERBOMB Waller to the floor!! Fans fire up and Edge has a sadistic grin on his face. Edge looms over Waller and brings him up.
Edge puts Waller in, fans again chant “YOU STILL GOT IT!” Edge climbs up a corner, and he CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Waller survives and fans boo but Edge looks rather surprised. Edge drags Waller up and reels him in, but Waller fights the lift! Waller wrenches out, ROCKS Edge, and fireman’s carries! Edge slips free, shoves Waller to a corner, but Waller BOOTS back! ROLLING UNPRETTIER!! Cover, TWO!! Edge survives Waller’s twist on Captain Charisma, but Waller rains down furious forearms! Waller pushes Edge to a cover, TWO! Waller grows further frustrated but he stomps Edge!
Waller shouts, “Sink or swim, mate?! You don’t know who I am! I run this!” Edge ROCKS Waller back! Edge runs, Waller dodges and ROLLING ELBOWS! Cover, TWO!! Edge survives and Waller huffs and puffs. Fans rally as Waller drags Edge up. Waller fireman’s carries, pops Edge up, but Edge turns that to an IMPALER!! Both men are down and fans fire up again! Edge crawls to the cover, TWO! Waller is still swimming but he flounders to a corner. Edge gets up and goes to the other corner. Fans fire up as Edge takes aim, runs in, but Waller ducks! Edge hits buckles and Waller goes to the ramp.
Waller runs, somersaults, but into a SPEAR!!! Cover, Edge wins!
Winner: Edge, by pinfall
Waller tried for his somersault stunner but got caught! But Edge does get the mic to say, “Hey, Waller. You swam.” Waller may have lost the match, but he just won Edge’s respect. Will this be a sign of great things in Waller’s future? And as for Edge, is he going to aim right for the top of the WWE?
Roman Reigns is in his private suite.
He holds onto the lei with all three world title belts beside him. Heyman tentatively walks in and tells the Tribal Chief that Jey… is back in Madison Square Garden. And he’s looking for Roman. Roman says Jey won’t have to look for long. The Tribal Chief will be in the ring waiting for him. Will what started SmackDown tonight be finished to close it?
BREAKING NEWS for next week’s SmackDown!
After the confrontation(s) we saw between Asuka and her challengers, it is BIANCA who gets her shot next week. This is the one Adam Pearce owed her, will The EST once again be champion?
The Bloodline is back in the ring.
Heyman again hands a mic to Roman and Roman says, “I didn’t even wanna come out here the first time, so we’re gonna do this one more time. Madison Square Garden… And ALL of New York… ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” Fans definitely boo more than they did before, but here comes Jey! Roman & Solo are on guard, and Roman says they’re gonna finish this. Heyman steps out of the ring just to be sure, but where is Jey? Wait! Jey is coming down through the crowd! Roman & Solo watch him closely as he reaches ringside. Jey waits, Solo goes out after him, and Jey LEAPS over barriers to CLOBBER Solo!
Jey rains down fists, then he POSTS Solo! Jey then looks at Roman and it is just the two of them. Fans fire up for Jey as he paces. Roman says Jey should just go home, but Jey gets a chair! Jey rushes in, JAMS Roman, and then SMACKS away on his back! But Solo stops Jey, only to get a SUPERKICK! Jey then JAMS Solo, and SMACKS him with the chair! And again! And again! Roman stays out of the ring as Jey wears out his own younger brother! Heyman joins Roman at the ramp, both of them in shock at the fury inside Jey. Jey glares at Roman, slams the chair down, and he picks the Undisputed Universal title up!
Fans are thunderous and Roman shakes his head. Roman tells Jey to put the belt down, but Jey gets a mic to say, “It’s like that? It’s like that now? What you did to Jimmy, you took Jimmy from me. Guess what? Trial of the Tribal Chief. You looking at the judge, the jury, and the executioner right now! Hey, hey! NOW, I gots to get you! Hey, hey! This right here? This trial by combat now. I don’t give a damn about no brothers, no Wise Man. Just me and you, one on one!” Fans like the sound of that! Jey says Roman better accept this challenge so Jey can whoop Roman’s ass one more time!
Jey throws down the mic as he has thrown down the gauntlet! Will Roman have no choice but to put everything on the line if he wants to keep everything how it is? Or will Jey not inherit but take the title of Tribal Chief from him?
My Thoughts:
A really good SmackDown tonight, but it sure suffered from the same Aftermath Show Syndrome Raw did on Monday. And in this case, it wasn’t even so much a lot of recaps, just not very strong matches. Styles VS Kross, for as much hype as they put into it, was underwhelming, especially for what these two are capable of. Maybe we’ll get one more match between them at SummerSlam or on the road to SummerSlam that actually lives up to what they’re both capable of. Then while the US Championship was a good opener, of course Pretty Deadly helps Theory survive. Sheamus has had the US title, he doesn’t need it, but it does make me wonder what is supposed to be in store for Sheamus and the Brawling Brutes while on SmackDown.
Great confrontation between the various women in the title scene. Asuka brawling with Bianca, Bianca brawling with Charlotte, Iyo and Bayley jumping in because Iyo has MITB briefcase, all great stuff in a quick segment. Asuka VS Bianca being made for next week is of course going to have another similar situation to tonight, where either Charlotte, DMG CTRL or both “mess up” the match. I’m thinking more Charlotte. Asuka VS Bianca VS Charlotte in a Triple Threat at SummerSlam with Iyo & Bayley watching from the shadows just makes sense for SummerSlam. Hell, July 30th is the one year anniversary of DMG CTRL’s debut, it’d be fitting if Iyo came close to the title around that time.
Really good Grayson Waller Effect, and I do like that Waller just assumes Edge is retiring. Great way to give us the surprise main event match, too. Waller really did “swim” against Edge, and Waller really does have promise, that was clear down in NXT. As for Edge, while he won’t be able to go for the Universal title while it’s still tied up in the Bloodline story, I would love if Edge went after Theory and the US title. Theory “beat” Cena but Edge knows all the tricks, so that could be some good promo and match work between them.
And of course, the best stuff tonight, that ended up sandwiching tonight, was the Bloodline story. Great move to open with the Tribal Court, it had time to breathe because of that. I had a feeling Roman was just suckering Jey in. I said way back three years ago when this story started that Roman was the “Samoan Sociopath” (as a parallel to McIntyre being the ‘Scottish Psychopath’ back then). Great stuff with Solo almost taking the lei for his own, too. But this setting up Roman VS Jey for essentially both the Undisputed Universal title and the title of Tribal Chief is a great move, I can’t wait to see what more they do with this.
My Score: 8.6/10
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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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