Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (8/28/23)
Where will this one end?
A Big Time Raw before Payback!
Raw prepares for Payback’s Steel Cage Match this Saturday by having Becky Lynch face Trish Stratus’ protégé, Zoey Stark, in FALLS COUNT ANYWHERE!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Sami Zayn VS Damian Priest; Sami wins.
- The New Day VS The Viking Raiders w/ Sarah Logan; The Viking Raiders win.
- Chad Gable w/ The Alpha Academy VS Ludwig Kaiser w/ Imperium; Gable wins, by disqualification.
- Tommaso Ciampa VS Bronson Reed; Ciampa wins.
- Falls Count Anywhere: Becky Lynch VS Zoey Stark w/ Trish Stratus; Becky wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
WWE mourns the losses of Terry Funk and Bray Wyatt.
Sami Zayn VS Damian Priest!
The Great Liberator “owes” Mr. Money in the Bank for the back and forth between them and the Judgment Day at large. Will Sami add on to the loss from last week? Or will Sami suffer the Punishment?
The bell rings and the two circle. They feel things out, tie up, and Priest powers Sami to ropes. The ref counts as the two keep hand fighting, and Priest lets off slowly. But then Priest knees low! Fans boo but Priest headlocks. Sami powers up and out, but Priest runs him over! Priest looms over Sami, then KICKS him in the chest! And again! Priest ROCKS Sami, headlocks, but Sami fights the hold again. Priest grinds the headlock but Sami powers out, ducks down and hurdles over, to then arm-drag into an armlock! Fans fire up but Priest fights up and pushes Sami to a corner. The ref counts again, Priest lets off, but Sami avoids the cheap shot!
Sami CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS and fans rally up! Priest TOSSES Sami to the corner, UPPERCUTS him and stomps a mudhole! The ref counts, Priest lets off and he whips Sami corner to corner. Priest runs in, but Sami ELBOWS him away! Sami goes up, to FLYING ELBOW! Fans fire up, Sami covers, ONE!! Priest bails out but Sami WRECKS him with a dropkick! Sami kicks from the apron, then ARABIAN PRESS SAULTS! Fans fire up with Sami and he put Priest in the ring. Sami storms up in the corner, climbs up and throws down fists! Fans count along but Priest carries Sami out at 5!
Priest throws Sami away, but Sami ducks the rolling elbow! Knuckle lock and CHOP, then Sami goes up and up and jumps, but Priest dodges to LARIAT Sami down! Fans boo but Priest stomps away on him! Priest drags Sami up, ROCKS him with a right, then has him in a corner. Priest ROCKS Sami again! Priest stands on Sami’s head but fans boo. Priest steps away, runs corner to corner and STAGE DIVE ELBOWS! Then he hits a BROKEN ARROW! Cover, TWO! Priest clamps onto Sami’s arms and pulls him back in a motorcycle stretch! Sami endures, fans rally, and Sami fights up to his feet.
Sami flips, KANGAROO KICKS, then sends Priest out! Fans fire up as Sami builds speed, but Priest catches Sami first! Sami throws hands to get free of the choke grip, and then he POSTS Priest! Sami resets to PLANCHA, but Priest catches him again! COMPLETE SHOT to the desk! Fans boo while Sami flops to the floor and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Priest has Sami up top! Sami resists and fans fire up! Sami throws body shots, then CLUBS away on Priest’s back! Fans fire up more, and Sami goes up to SUPER SUNSET POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives but Sami is too tired to be shocked. Priest and Sami rise, and Priest goes to ropes. Sami staggers over but Priest swings! Sami blocks to counter punch! And again! And again! Sami whips, Priest reverses but Sami goes up and over to then clothesline Priest up and out! Fans fire up again as Sami builds speed! Sami FLIES and takes Priest out at the ramp! Fans are all fired up with Sami!
Sami drags Priest up and into the ring, then he goes up a corner. Fans rally, Sami leaps, but Priest caches him! SOUTH OF- NO, Sami slips free! Sami dodges and Priest hits buckles! BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Sami grows a bit frustrated. Priest goes to the apron, fans rally up, and Sami hurries over. Sami drags Priest up but Priest HOTSHOTS Sami! Priest hurries back up and avoids a shoulder to KICK Sami away! Priest hurries in, he mule kicks a leg out, then reels Sami in! Fans boo as Priest gets Sami up, RAZOR’S- NO, Sami kicks free! Sami baits Priest into a CORNER EXPLODER!
Fans fire up again as Sami goes to the far side! Sami aims, but JD McDonagh trips him up!! Fans boo as the Irish Ace tells Sami to turn around. SOUTH OF HEAVEN SLAM!! Cover, Priest wins!!
Winner: Damian Priest, by pinfall
The Necessary Evil that is JD McDonagh helps Priest win this one! JD wants to celebrate with Priest, but Priest says no way! He SHOVES McDonagh down! Priest says to stay out of Judgment Day business. McDonagh asks what Priest’s problem is, but then he turns around and Kevin Owens is there! Kevin & Sami beat up on McDonagh! STUNNER! Priest just smirks as Sami runs in on McDonagh for a HELLUVA KICK! The Undisputed Tag Team Championships are on the line at Payback, will Priest & Finn look to win that without McDonagh? How will Finn respond to what one friend did to another?
Drew McIntyre is backstage.
He’s looking at a picture of himself. Akira Tozawa is there, and with a nervous smile, he tells McIntyre that McIntyre looks great. Tozawa then slips away and Matt Riddle walks over. What does McIntyre think? The picture is of McIntyre in green tights to match Riddle’s! Every great team has matching gear, bro! But McIntyre says they should wait and see if this all works out before making any big changes. Oh, right, okay. Matching kilts! McIntyre chuckles and turns to go but Riddle wants to talk to him about some ringside seats for New Day VS Vikings Raiders tonight.
Why? Why? Because every great tag team scouts the opposition! Maybe even get some hot dogs and haggis so that next time they’re in the ring with the Vikings and New Day, McIntyre & Riddle will have the upper hand! McIntyre says Riddle’s on to something. McIntyre wants a front row seat to see those idiots get beat. Riddle says yeah, that darn New Day. What? No! The Viking Raiders! Oh right, right! McIntyre says he’ll see Riddle out there, and Riddle says he knew McIntyre would dig the haggis idea. Well, the Bro might be a little off target, but will he and McIntyre be more than ready for another shot at Erik & Ivar?
Raquel Rodriguez speaks.
“Rhea Ripley thinks she runs Monday Night Raw. Rhea is the strongest and most dominant female in all the WWE. Except for me.” Raquel says if Rhea wants her to stay out of Rhea’s business, then Rhea needs to stop taking advantage of her strength and size. Raquel is not going to let Rhea run through the division. Not after what she’s done to Raquel. And especially not after what she did to Liv! Raquel has been waiting for weeks to show Rhea what it is like to be at the mercy of someone bigger and stronger.
“Every bully has a weakness, an insecurity. And Rhea? She’s just not going to be able to measure up to me. So now, I’m going to take her title. At Payback, I am going to cut her down to size!” Will Mami Rhea be in trouble going up against Big Mami Cool?
LA Knight is here!
The fans go nuts as The Mega Star is back on- Wait. That’s THE MIZ! He’s just mocking LA Knight ahead of their first-ever 1v1 showdown at Payback. Miz gets a mic and says, “Lemme talk to ya. YEAH! I got my wannabe tough guy big bass voice up, so you know I mean business! YEAH! Cuz Papa don’t play that! YEAH! NAH NAH! YEAH! I’m a dangerous man! YEAH! So dangerous, YEAH. That when I walk into the ring with The Miz, I start flubbin’ my words. YEAH! I mean what! I mean YEAH! I mean what! I mean YEAH! I mean YEAH! I mean YEAH!
“Now lemme talk to ya straight. YEAH. YEAH? Lemme talk to ya straight. I know it takes more than a catchphrase to gain your support. YEAH. You are not sheep, Y EAH. You are smart. You are sophisticated. You’re discerning fans. And you need to earn your cheers. That is why I brought this bag out here.” Miz grabs a bag, brings it into the ring, and says this bag is full of free LA Knight shirts. Fans cheer that! Miz says if they want a free shirt, gimme a HELL YEA- Well, just say YEAH. Fans chant “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” and Miz teases throwing the shirt, to then throw it on the ground! And he PUNTS the bag out of the ring!
Miz takes off the glasses, vest, chain necklace and merch shirt he was wearing to then tell the fans they are all so pathetic! They will cheer for anything, meaning their support means nothing! This was easy! Anyone can be LA Knight, it is generic and vanilla and pander and come up with a phony name that you can find on late night Cinemax in 1997! Miz doesn’t do catchphrases. When he says he’s awesome, it’s not cuz he wants applause. It’s the truth! It’s reality! And the reality is, when Miz beats Knight and exposes him and leaves him battered, party’s over! Everything is done!
Because the fans will cheer free shirts and catchphrases, but they don’t cheer losers. And that is what Knight will be at Payback! So when the dust settles, and everyone not only saying but immortalizing whose game this really is: M I Z! YEAH! Shots fired by the A-Lister, how will LA Knight respond?
Seth Rollins sits backstage.
Ricochet passes by, nods to him, and heads out. What will the Visionary do tonight in response to what Shinsuke Nakamura has said and done?
The New Day VS The Viking Raiders w/ Sarah Logan!
Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods have their own beef with Erik & Ivar dating back to when they were all on SmackDown. The chase for the Undisputed Tag Team Championships is never ending, so who gets a leg up in the next part of the race?
Raw returns as Riddle makes his entrance, ready to watch ringside in his Patrick Star shorts. McIntyre makes his entrance, he fist bumps the Bro, and they go to ringside together. Then the Viking Raiders make their entrance, “Valhalla” by their side. The teams sort out, Riddle takes notes as Erik and Woods start. They circle, tie up, and Erik powers Woods to a corner. Woods turns things around, fires off hands, but Erik TOSSES Woods! Woods dodges and CHOPS! And CHOPS! Woods headlocks, Erik powers up but Woods holds on tight. Erik powers out the second time but Woods runs him over!
Woods stands Erik up to fire CHOPS and haymakers, then he wrenches an arm. Woods CLUBS the arm, wrenches again, but Erik ROCKS Woods! Woods ROCKS Erik back! Erik whips Woods to a corner, Woods goes up and over and keeps moving, to tilt-o-whirl, but Erik blocks the rest! SIDEWALK SLAM! Erik looms over Woods, tags Ivar, and they drag Woods up to mug him! The ref counts, Sarah roars triumphantly and Ivar drags Woods up. Woods throws body shots but Ivar CLUBS him and ROCKS him and DECKS him! Tag to Erik and he feeds Woods to Ivar’s KNEE! Ivar feeds Woods to Erik’s KNEE!
Erik looms over Woods, Riddle takes more notes. Erik covers, TWO! Erik drags Woods up, puts him in the corner, and Ivar tags in. The Vikings mug Woods again, fans rally, and Woods fights back! Woods throws forearms again and again and again, but Ivar knees low! Woods falls over and fans boo. Ivar drags Woods up but Woods fires more shots! Woods ELBOWS Erik,. ELBOWS Ivar, repeat! Woods reaches out but Ivar keeps him from Kofi! Ivar scoops, Woods slips free and hot tags Kofi! Kofi FLYING AX HANDLES Ivar, DECKS Erik, and fires off CHOPS on Ivar! SUPERKICK! Ivar goes to a corner, dodges the splash, but Kofi dodges Ivar!
Kofi GAMANGIRIS then goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Kofi keeps his focus on Ivar and PENALTY KICKS! Then the “NEW~ DAY~” BOOM DROP! Fans fire up with Kofi and he goes to a corner. Kofi claps, fans join in, “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” But Erik gets Ivar out of the ring, so Woods WERCKS them both with a dropkick! And Kofi FLIES to take them down! Fans fire up with The New Day as they’re all over the desk! McIntyre smiles and applauds, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns, Ivar covers Kofi, TWO! Kofi survives whatever happened during break, and Ivar stalks him to the corner. Ivar snapmares, clamps onto Kofi and thrashes him with a chinbar! Kofi endures, fans rally, and Kofi throws body shots! But Ivar throws Kofi down! Ivar drags Kofi up and throws elbows in the corner! The ref counts, Ivar stops at 4 to argue with the ref, but then he goes back to Kofi. Ivar whips Kofi corner to corner, Kofi goes up and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Both men are down, but Sarah is creeping up on Woods! Woods tells her to stop that, but Ivar BLASTS him! And then he RAMS Kofi into the corner!
Fans boo but Erik tags in, and Erik whips Ivar in to SPLASH! Feed to a BIG forearm! Cover, TWO! Erik pulls Kofi back with a chinlock stretch but Kofi endures. Fans rally, Kofi fights up, and he throws body shots. Kofi slips under Erik but Erik gets a leg! Erik drags Kofi back, Ivar tags in and CLUBS Kofi down! Then Ivar grinds his forearm into Kofi’s face! Kofi goes to ropes, Ivar pulls him back against the ropes, and then CLUBS him down! Tag to Erik and he BOOTS Kofi down! Erik looms over Kofi as fans rally up. Erik then sucker punches Woods! The ref keeps Woods back, and that allows the Vikings to mug Kofi!
Riddle protests but Ivar tags in. Ivar pounds his chest, he taunts #McRiddle, but Kofi CHOPS Ivar! And CHOPS him again! And then he ROCKS Erik! Ivar BOOTS Kofi down! Cover, TWO! Kofi survives but Ivar clamps on with another chinbar. Fans rally up as Kofi endures, Kofi fights up, and Kofi throws body shots! Kofi reaches around, Ivar whips him away, and Ivar runs in to clothesline! Ivar drags Kofi up just to CLUB him down! And CLUB him again! But Kofi throws body shots in return! And hits a JAWBREAKER !Kofi leaps but Ivar catches him! Kofi sunset flips, but Ivar stays up! Kofi avoids the hip drop!
Fans fire up as Kofi crawls and Ivar clutches his tailbone! Hot tag to Woods! Woods ducks ‘n’ dodges and slides to ROLLING ELBOW! Woods dodges Erik to mule kick, front kick and tilt-o-whirl to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Woods kips up, runs in at Ivar, and forearm smashes! Woods whips, Ivar reverses but Woods BOOTS back! HONOR ROLL! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up and Riddle is getting into this. McIntyre is stoic and Woods brings Ivar up. Fans chant “Whoop Dat Trick!” but Ivar ELBOWS Woods! Erik tags in before Woods ENZIGURIS Ivar down! Erik storms up to FULL NELSON KNEE SMASH! Cover, TWO!!
Fans fire up as Woods survives! Tag back to Ivar and the Vikings get Woods up. They double back suplex but Woods slips free! Kofi tags in, Woods dumps Erik out and drop toeholds Ivar onto ropes! Kofi BOOTS Ivar, Woods hits a SLIDING COMPLETE SHOT! BACK SPLASH from Kofi! Cover, Erik breaks it! Woods throws Erik back out, then PLANCHAS Erik down! Kofi and Ivar rise, Kofi spins but Ivar ducks! Ivar picks Kofi up to put him on ropes! But Kofi drags Ivar out with him to the floor! Kofi hurries after Ivar, whips, but Ivar reverses! Kofi leaps over the steps, leaps back in, but Ivar catches him!
Ivar gives Kofi SNAKE EYES off the steel steps! Kofi wobbles, Ivar brings him up again, and RAMS him into McIntyre & Riddle!! Fans boo as Ivar leaves them all behind, but McIntyre CHUCKS his armchair! And then he takes Riddle’s chair to CHUCK it, into Erik & Woods!! McIntyre then goes after Erik, but Ivar CANNONBALLS McIntyre! Ivar puts Kofi in the ring, he tags Erik, but Kofi CHOPS! Ivar LEG LARIATS Kofi! RAGNAROK!!! Cover, Viking Raiders win!
Winners: The Viking Raiders, by pinfall
McIntyre is furious as he storms into the ring, but the Vikings get away! The Scottish Warrior inadvertently costs Kofi & Woods, but he checks on Woods. McIntyre apologizes, and then chucks the other chair! Will McIntyre’s rage get the better of him at this rate?
Finn Balor talks with Priest backstage.
The Prince says that week after week, it’s the same stuff! They’re arguing all the time! They gotta get on the same page, cuz on Saturday, they have a tag title match! They need to get it together! Priest agrees, they need to focus on Judgment Day business, not people who don’t matter, like JD McDonagh. Oh, yeah? Well McDonagh is why Priest won and then Priest just left him! Yeah, he left him hanging! Cuz he doesn’t care about Finn’s friend, he cares about this family! Right here is what matters! And since Finn is so worried about McDonagh, go walk- Rhea tells them both to shut up already!
Every single week, we talk about being the most dominant faction, and yet every single week, they fall apart without fail cuz these two can’t get along! The only ones handling business right now are her and Dirty Dom. Apart from that, nothing! But they can’t keep doing this, cuz now Rhea’s getting targeted! People are thinking she’s weak and distracted and can’t beat Raquel! So, Finn, Priest, make it right at Payback. Remind everyone that Judgment Day is a force to be reckoned with, and they win when it matters! Cuz if they don’t, then there will be some changes around here. Rhea has Dom grab their titles and they head out.
Priest and Finn glare at each other, and Priest holds up his MITB briefcase as he says he has no problems winning gold. Will the Punisher and the Prince be able to be champions together? Or is someone getting left behind?
WWE remembers the life of Bray Wyatt.
Much like on SmackDown, the rocking chair sits on stage under the spotlight, fans bringing out the fireflies. #ThankYouBray.
Matt Riddle checks with Kofi backstage.
Riddle asks how Woods is doing, and Kofi says not well. He’ll be alright, though, don’t worry. McIntyre apologizes for the accident but Kofi says it’s all good. He wouldn’t take cheap shots like that. Woods gets that, too. They all fist bump, and McIntyre tells Riddle that next week, they take care of the Vikings. And McIntyre will even tell Pearce that he doesn’t even wanna tag in to get his hands on their arses. Kofi wonders what that means and Riddle has no idea. But McIntyre said “we” so that means they’re a team! Riddle hurries after McIntyre, are they going to bring a tornado to the raid?
Chad Gable w/ The Alpha Academy VS Ludwig Kaiser w/ Imperium!
Gunther’s first loss on the main roster happened just last week as Master Gable was able to pull off a count out win! Now, Gable wishes he had a win in the ring because it would’ve meant winning the title, but clearly things aren’t over between them. Will Gable SHOOOOSH the Impeccable German to head for another title opportunity?
But as Imperium reaches ringside, Gunther gets on the desk with a mic. Fans boo but Gunther says, “Last week, Chad Gable made history. Last week, Chad Gable became the first man to beat Der Ring General in more than 500 days.” Fans cheer that. But Gunther says it was by count-out, in a championship match! So technically, Gable gained victory, but he has won NOTHING! Because Gunther is still your Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion! Fans boo and chant “YOU SUCK!” but Gunther says Gable has achieved one thing: HE PISSED GUNTHER OFF!
Gunther rants in German and then says in English, NOW Gable has his attention! NOW Gable has Gunther’s focus! And if Gable is the last thing between Gunther and his rightful legacy, then so be it! Because next week, Chad Gable will challenge Der Ring General for the Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship on Monday Night Raw! Fans like the sound of that! But Gunther says that just like Gable will not beat him next week, Gable is definitely not- “SHOOOOSH!” The Alpha Academy makes their entrance and Gable has a mic to say, “Um, Gunther. Now, I’m sitting back there listening, and normally I’d come out here and give ya a nice big SHOOOOOSH~!
“But I’m not gonna do that tonight, because you were actually making some pretty good points, my friend. Not least of which that you’ve been on the main roster almost two years, and nobody has managed to defeat you. That is, until last week, my friend! Because last week, Chad Gable handed you your first loss, and I found a way to do it in only ten seconds, baby! But next week, Gunther, title’s on the line, and it ain’t gonna take me ten seconds to take your Intercontinental title! I’m gonna take it away in 1-2-3, baby~!”
Fans cheer and Gable says that is all next week. As for tonight, Captain Kaiser, Lieutenant Ludwig, he can get his carcass in the ring to get cooked Memphis style! A THANK YEW~! Ludwig storms into the ring, will he be able to slow down the roll?
The fans chant “WHOOP DAT TRICK!” as the bell rings. Gable and Ludwig circle, Gable gets a leg and trips Ludwig, floats around, has a waistlock, and he rolls to a bridge. TWO, Gable facelocks but Ludwig wrenches out to have an armlock. Gable powers up but Ludwig whips him away. Gable and Ludwig each counter a hip toss, go around and around, and then Gable TOSSES Ludwig up and out! Gable goes to the apron, runs in and CANNONBALLS! Direct hit and Gable fires up! “A THANK YEW~!” Gable throws his shirt at Gunther and Raw goes to break!
Raw returns and Ludwig rushes into the ring again. Gable gets around him to waistlock but Ludwig switches, They go to ropes and Gable throws Ludwig out again! OH, rough landing on his head! Ludwig staggers up, Gable waits, and Ludwig rushes in yet again! Gable arm-drags Ludwig around, has the armlock, and fans cheer. Gunther has disappeared from ringside, he must be too frustrated to watch this in person. Gable wristlocks but Ludwig puts him in a corner. The ref counts, Ludwig throws a hand but Gable gets around! Ludwig clings to ropes, then he ELBOWS Gable away! Ludwig storms up on Gable and wrenches again.
Ludwig clamps onto the arm and grinds the shoulder. Fans rally for Gable, Otis & Maxxine coach him, but Ludwig throws Gable down! Ludwig keeps on the arm, knee digging into Gable’s head. Gable endures, fights up, and he powers Ludwig back to roll, bridge, handspring, and spin to headlock, spin and drop toehold! Fans fire up for the technical ability as Gable steps over on the armlock. Ludwig fights up, powers Gable to ropes but Gable keeps on the arm with a cording hold! Ludwig tries a facelock, Gable cranks the arm! Ludwig pushes Gable to ropes, but Gable arm-drags again! Gable grins as he keeps on the arm.
Ludwig fights up, but Gable wrenches and wristlocks. Ludwig kicks low and CLUBS Gable down! And again! Ludwig ROCKS Gable, but Gable whips him away. Ludwig runs Gable over, smirks, then runs, but Gable gets a leg! Gable stands to CHOP! Gable then dodges Ludwig, rolls Ludwig and has the ANKLE LOCK! Ludwig gets the ROPEBREAK, then he KICKS Gable back! DISCUS LARIAT! Both men are down but Ludwig spins up to his feet. Ludwig dusts himself off, and he puts Gable in a corner. Ludwig whips corner to corner, Gable goes up and over and runs in, to MONKEY FLIP! Fans fire up as Ludwig goes flying!
Gable runs in now, but Ludwig puts Gable up top! GAMANG- NO, Gable blocks! And then he gets Ludwig’s arm for a HANGING ARMBAR! The ref counts, Gable lets go and sits up, but Ludwig DECKS him to the floor! Gable stands, Ludwig goes out to UPPERCUT him down! Fans boo and the Academy looks worried as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and fans boo as Ludwig looms over Gable. Ludwig runs, but Gable ducks the kick to roll him up! TWO, and Gable wrenches and clinches to the BELLY2BELLY! Gable holds on to BELLY2BELLY again! And then Gable stands back up, but Ludwig HEADBUTTS! Ludwig ROCKS Gable, ROCKS him again, and has Gable on ropes. Ludwig POSTS Gable! Ludwig runs side to side to DROPKICK Gable to the floor! Ludwig goes out, taunts Otis and storms over to Gable. The ring count climbs, Ludwig puts Gable into the ring. Ludwig storms up on Gable and CHOPS him! And GAMANGIRIS!
Fans rally for Gable but Ludwig snapmares him down. Ludwig smirks as he kicks Gable around. Gable stands to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Gable runs, dodges, tilt-o-whirl SLAM from Ludwig! Cover, TWO! Gable is still in this and Maxxine is relieved. Ludwig snarls, he stalks Gable to a corner and he throws haymakers! Ludwig throws stomps and punches, Gable hits back, and fans rally as they brawl! Haymakers and CHOPS back and forth, and then Gable just fires off shot after shot! Throat chop and ROLLING ELBOW! Gable snatches a leg for a DRAGON SCREW! Gable waistlocks, deadlift GERMAN- NO, Ludwig fights it!
Ludwig fireman’s carries, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY and PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO!! Gable survives and Ludwig cannot believe it! Ludwig glare at Gable as he stands up, and Ludwig TOSSES Gable out! But Gable holds on, skins the cat, and he headscissors Ludwig out of the ring! Fans fire up again, Ludwig hurries in but Gable fires off forearms, knees and another throat chop! Ludwig swings, misses, and Gable mule kicks! Gable runs, ROLLING NECKBREAKER! “A THANK YEW~!” Gable goes up a corner, MOONSAULT but has to land out as Ludwig moves! Ludwig runs, but Gable catches him toa Gory Especial! DOMINATOR!! Cover, TWO!?!
Gable cannot believe Ludwig survives, but Gable getting that move off was wild in itself! Ludwig sputters on the ropes, Maxxine & Otis back up as Gable storms up. Ludwig bucks the O’Conner, swings, but Gable catches him for an EXPLODER! Gable runs to CROSSBODY Ludwig and himself out of the ring! Vinci checks Ludwig as Gable goes up the corner! SUPER MOONSAULT takes Imperium out! Gable gets up and puts Ludwig in the ring! Gable climbs the corner again, takes aim, DIVING- NO, Gable sees those boots come up, so he catches those! ANKLE LOCK!! Ludwig flails, reaches out, but Gable drags him back!
Ludwig rolls over but Gable stays with him! Ludwig rolls again, and he BOOTS Gable away! Gable comes back but into an UPPERCUT! Ludwig runs up to UPPERCUT in the corner! Scoop to a fireman’s carry, but Gable slips off! O’Conner Roll, CHAOS THEORY!! Bridging cover, VINCI BREAKS IT!!
Winner: Chad Gable, by disqualification
Fans boo but Otis gets in to fight with Vinci! Otis TOSSES Vinci, and he rips off the shirt! Memphis is thunderous as Otis SPLASHES then HAMMERS Vinci! Ludwig attacks Otis now! Imperium mugs Otis, and the POST him! Otis tumbles out but Gable fires off on Vinci and Ludwig! That’s 2v1, though! And now Gunther is back! Der Ring General storms in and has his men stand down. Gunther looms over Gable now, drags him up, and reels him in! Fans boo but Gunther still hits- NO, Gable slips free! ANKLE LOCK!!!! Imperium goes after Gable again! They stomp away on Gable, but then Gunther pushes them aside!
Gunther hauls Gable up and hits a GENERAL BOMB!! Fans boo as Gunther holds up his title over Gable, will this be what we see next week on Raw? Or will Gable snatch this title just days before Gunther crosses the historic goal line?
WWE mourns the loss of beloved celebrity and former guest host, Bob Barker.
His “The Price is Raw” episode was certainly one to remember. #ThankYouBob, may you rest in peace.
Seth Rollins heads to the ring!
No longer brooding backstage, the WWE World Heavyweight Champion now makes his way out so Memphis can sing his song! “WHOA~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Rollins revels in it under the spotlight in the ring, belt around the waist of his teal satin suit. Rollins takes a bow and fans cheer. Rollins then takes the mic to say, “MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE! YOWIE WOWIE! Welcome to Monday Night Rollins!” He is your host for the evening! He happens to be a Visionary, he happens to be a Revolutionary, he is SETH! FREAKIN’! ROLLINS! Fans sing again, “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!”
Rollins says that he’s gonna level with us, it has been a long week. Let’s keep this short and sweet. “Shinsuke Nakamura! This Saturday at Payback, I give you what you want: a crack at my World Heavyweight Championship! So how about right here, right now, you give me what I want. You got more mind games to play, you got more mean things to say, why don’t you Shinsuke your way down this aisle and say them to my face!” The fans cheer and Rollins waits. No Shinsuke? Rollins says he doesn’t wanna deprive the people, the fans wanna sing Nakamura’s song. Oh wait, the fans don’t sing his song no more, do they? HAHAHAHAHA!
Well if Shinsuke’s not gonna show his face, there’s only one thing left to do. Let’s head on down to Beale Street, pour some tall, stiff drinks, and we all sing Rollins’ song all night long! “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Wait. Video plays on the tron, and it’s Nakamura in his dojo. “I do not want to simply defeat Seth Rollins the champion. I want to dismantle Seth Rollins the man! I want his wife to know, I’m the reason she has to help him out of bed. That I’m the reason he won’t be able to walk his daughter down the aisle on her wedding day. I will break him, because he can be broken. His body has betrayed him. He knows this. So I’m going to destroy his back and put him out of his misery.
“He has no honor. He has no code. He has no future.” The King of Strong Style played his next move and fans boo. Rollins takes his sunglasses off to get serious. “That’s it, huh? That’s it from the legendary Shinsuke Nakamura. We get a video package, huh? Y’know what I wanna know? I wanna know what happened to the Shinsuke Nakamura that headline the Tokyo Dome! I wanna know what happened to the Shinsuke Nakamura that lit the world on fire when he came to NXT! A month ago, Shinsuke, I would’ve given you the shirt off my back. Yeah, that’s right, the same back that’s broken in two places.
“But my broken back didn’t stand in the way of me becoming World Heavyweight Champion! And it’s not gonna stand in the way of beating your ass this Saturday at Payback!” Fans fire up with Rollins as he says that when the bell rings, Rollins will get a hold of Shinsuke, pummel him, maul him, and not stop until someone pulls him off Shinsuke! And then in that moment, when Shinsuke is lying there defend, he will know he will never take anything from Rollins! Not his title! Not his future! And not his family! Fans fire up but Nakamura runs in outta nowhere! KINSHASA TO THE BACK!!
Nakamura sits Rollins up and tells him, “I told you, Seth, to watch your back.” Fans boo as Nakamura then KICKS Rollins in the face! Rollins is down and out, will this be how the King of Strong Style leaves him in Pittsburgh?
Sami & Kevin regroup backstage.
Sami says he is so tired of this. Of doing this week after week, month after month, with The Judgment Day. Because no matter how many times they lose, they always come back, they always play with the rules and the numbers games, and get little victories. Look what happened tonight! And last week! They get the briefcase involved! There’s disqualifications, cheap wins, and now they have a tag title match this Saturday. Guess what? You wanna do this one more time? Fine! They’ll do this one more time, and guess what? Kevin, you wanna explain to them? Sure.
Kevin says the rules won’t be in The Judgment Day’s favor anymore. Because Kevin & Sami are sick of this. So they went to Pearce and got it official. What is Pittsburgh again? The Steel City? Yes! And that is exactly what’s happening. On Saturday, Payback won’t be just any ordinary tag match. It will be a STEEL CITY STREET FIGHT! No rules! Anything goes! And guess what? A lot of crazy things have happened in the WWE while in Pittsburgh! Kevin himself was thrown off the top of a cage through a table! And as crazy as that was, it won’t be anything compared to what’s coming for Judgment Day at Payback! Because Kevin & Sami end this once and for all!
Tommaso Ciampa VS Bronson Reed!
The Psycho Killer is looking to get back on top of things, and he’s starting by settling things with Auszilla, who cost him against The Miz months ago. But will he have his violent Fairytale Ending? Or will he be washed away by a Tsunami?
Wait, Bronson is storming up behind Ciampa on the ramp! Bronson CLOBBERS Ciampa!! Fans boo but #BigBronson grins as he leaves Ciampa behind. Ciampa gets up, throws his jacket off, and he storms up on Bronson at the apron! They fire hands, fans fire up, and Ciampa ROCKS Bronson! Bronson whips Ciampa, Ciampa holds ropes to stop himself! Bronson runs in, Ciampa sidesteps and sends Bronson out! Bronson gets on the apron, Ciampa KNEES him back down! Ciampa then FLYING KNEES Bronson from the apron! Ciampa goes back into the ring and he eggs Bronson on! Bronson is furious, and Raw goes to break!
Raw returns and the match is underway as Ciampa CHOPS and CHOPS and ROCKS and CHOPS! Bronson shoves him back, but Ciampa BOOTS him! Ciampa then hits a THESZ PRESS and fast hands! Bronson shoves Ciampa away, Ciampa ducks ‘n’ dodges, but the BODY CHECK gets him! Bronson looms over Ciampa, then drops a BIG elbow! Fans rally up but Bronson looms over Ciampa. Bronson drags Ciampa up, Bronson suplexes, but Ciampa fights with knees! Ciampa slips free, and has a SLEEPER! But Bronson RAMS Ciampa in to buckles! Bronson runs in but the splash hits buckles! Ciampa dropkicks the legs out and Bronson falls into buckles!
Ciampa fires up, fans rally, and Ciampa fireman’s carries Bronson!? And tucks him for an AIR RAID CRASH!! Cover, TWO!! Bronson survives but Ciampa goes to a corner. Ciampa brings his kneepad down, runs back in, but into another BODY CHECK! Bronson drags Ciampa up, reels him in and says thumbs down. Bronson hauls Ciampa up, to BATISTA BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Ciampa survives but Bronson doesn’t lose focus. Bronson drags Ciampa to a drop zone, and he heads up the corner! Fans rally but Ciampa rises, too! Ciampa RAMS into Bronson, goes out to the apron and they brawl! Ciampa CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS!
Bronson TOSSES Ciampa at the steel steps! Ciampa staggers away, Bronson smirks as he FLYING SHOULDER TACKLES Ciampa down! Bronson then brings Ciampa up and aims for the desk! Gut wrench, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa slides into the ring, Bronson pursues, but ends up in WILLOW’S BELL!! Ciampa hurries to the corner, takes aim again, PSYCHO KNEE!! Cover, TWO!??! Bronson survives that shot to the head and Ciampa is furious! Ciampa reloads, runs in again, btu Bronson catches him! And pops him around, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa ROCKS and CHOPS Bronson, but Bronson gives those all back!
Bronson runs, into a BOOT! Ciampa ROCKS Bronson, Bronson wobbles, and Ciampa LARIATS! Bronson is still up! Ciampa tilt-o-whirls, CRUCIFIX DRIVER!! Cover, Ciampa wins!!!
Winner: Tommaso Ciampa, by pinfall
Bronson got caught and Ciampa has a colossal victory! Will Ciampa finally be the guy to get the opportunities around here?
Backstage interview with Becky Lynch.
Jackie Redmond is with The Man and brings up that this Saturday, she has a match with Trish Stratus inside a Steel Cage? Does Becky have any second thoughts about this Falls Count Anywhere match tonight just days ahead of Payback? Becky says she has had second thoughts. Third, fourth, fifth, etc. And all those thoughts have been about whooping Zoey Stark all up and down this arena! But for the last few months, Stark & Stratus have backed Becky into a corner. Is this the easy way out? No! But would she want the easy way? HELL NO! So The Man has come around to Memphis, and is bringing a lot of chaos with her! Will Becky take Stark all the way to Beale Street if she has to?
Rhea Ripley & Dominik Mysterio head to the ring.
Mami and her Latino Heat both have gold around their waists, but the enemies are lining up both here on Raw and in NXT. What will the Eradicator have to say about Ricky Desperado? We’ll see, after the break.
Raw returns and Rhea has the mic to say, “Raquel Rodriguez claims that she’s gonna cut me down to size? That’s real cute coming from someone who had to play up an injury to pull one over on me.” Dom mocks Raquel’s crutch act. Rhea says it was smart, but that is the first and last time it’ll ever happen. But Rhea doesn’t blame her, no. Rhea’s resume speaks for itself. But Rhea wont’ come out here and tell us all about it, cuz it’d just take too damn long. This championship around her waist proves absolutely everything. But Raquel thinks she’s gonna take the title at Payback? That’s just another reason why she is an idiot.
But Rhea won’t take anything away from Raquel. She’s got her own accomplishments. Like that she’s big! And tough. And strong. But she’s not Rhea Bloody Ripley! Fans cheer, and Rhea says that Raquel can talk, talk, talk, but when it comes to Payback, Mami’s walking out champion. Raquel doesn’t learn her lessons, does she? But wait, here comes Raquel! And she storms right down to the ring! The brawl is on and fans fire up! Raquel TOSSES Rhea to a corner, stomps and punches away, then whips corner to corner! Raquel runs in to SPLASH! And then she scoops to FALL AWAY SLAM! Rhea flounders out of the ring and Raquel dares he to get back in!
Wait, Dom sneaks up on Raquel? Dom then apologizes when he gets caught. Raquel backs him down, but Rhea gets back in and HEADBUTTS Raquel! Pump handle, and RIP- NO, Raquel powers out and hip tosses Rhea away! Then she swings, Rhea ducks, but the SOUTHPAW hits! Rhea flops out of the ring again, did she just get put in her place? Or will she make Raquel pay for stepping to her?
Trish Stratus speaks.
“Let’s just be clear, Lynch, you’re the idiot who asked for this Falls Count Anywhere match, so you’re basically giving WWE’s fastest rising star, Zoey Stark, free range to do anything to you tonight. Well Lemony Snicket, you only got yourself to blame for this one. You are gonna leave something for me on Saturday, aren’t you?” Stark chuckles and says Trish doesn’t even have to worry about it. When she’s done with Becky, there will still be plenty for Trish inside that Steel Cage this Saturday. The Chick and the Hunter are confident they’ll end The Man this week, but will they be in for a big time surprise?
WWE remembers the career of Terry Funk.
Terry didn’t wanna be president or anything but one thing: a wrestler. He was born into a wrestling family, and burst onto the scene with his brother, Dory Funk Jr, as part of their father’s company in Amarillo, Texas. Stone Cold says he’s always looked up to Terry Funk, both his ability and his unpredictability. Ric Flair admired Terry’s work ethic and learned a lot from him. Terry’s no-nonsense style gripped the NWA audience and catapulted him to the top. Terry Funk won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, and proved himself the finest champion the world had ever seen.
His popularity even got him on Hollywood’s radar, appearing in classic 80s films like Over The Top and Roadhouse. Terry would captivate even around the world, and he’d make impacts in WCW, ECW and WWE. He and Mick Foley pioneered the “hardcore” style. Bret Hart says Terry was ahead of his time and thought of things no one ever had before. Funk & Foley would even be a team together, winning together at WrestleMania 14. Foley says that Funk was one of the nicest, kindest guys outside the ring, and brought out the best in Foley.
In 2009, alongside Dory Jr, Terry would be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, Dusty Rhodes being there for his friend and rival. Jerry Lawler says Terry is the greatest, and his 50 years in wrestling will never be replicated. The WWE Family will remember Terry as a family man, a fearless entertainer, and an unforgettable pioneer. We will love him… FOREVER!
Falls Count Anywhere: Becky Lynch VS Zoey Stark w/ Trish Stratus!
Memphis enters the Big Time, and this fight might go all over Memphis for all we know! Will The Man bring down The Hunter so that she can focus on The Chick inside that Steel Cage on Saturday? Or will Becky even make it to Pittsburgh after tonight?
Raw returns and Stark makes her entrance, Trish by her side and kendo stick already in hand! But Becky gets her own! The bell rings and Becky strikes first! And again! And again! Becky makes sure Trish is watching as she SMACKS Stark again! Fans chant “WHOOP DAT TRICK!” and Becky says hell yeah she’s gonna whoop Stark! Becky gets Stark up, KENDO STICK RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Cover, TWO! So Becky has a KENDO STICK CROSSFACE! Stark endures, reaches out, but the ropes won’t help her! Stark crawls out of the ring, Becky lets her go to then dropkick her! Becky storms up to CLUB Stark!
But Trish SMACKS Becky now! No disqualifications so this is now a 2v1 match! Stark gets Becky up but Becky grabs ropes! Becky kicks free then kicks Stark! Then she goes up, DECKS Trish, and adjusts course! SUPER CROSSBODY takes out Trish AND Stark! Cover on Stark, TWO! Stark is still in this but Becky keeps on her. Becky SMACKS Stark off barriers, goes looking for stuff, but Stark SMACKS her with the stick! And SMACKS her off the steps! Cover, TWO! Stark drags Becky up, puts her in the ring, but Becky gets her in the ropes! KICK, FOREARM, UPPERCUT, SOBAT! But Stark trips Becky up!
Stark springboards and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Stark grows frustrated and she calls to Trish. Trish goes looking for stuff, and throws the chair in, but hits Stark! Stark doesn’t budge, and asks what the heck. Trish apologizes, and Becky rolls Stark up! TWO! Stark LARIATS Becky, and Trish keeps sending in more chairs! Is she trying to recreate the Terry Funk “Anyone got a chair” incident? Stark sets up chairs in a pile, brings Becky around and stomps her. Then Stark makes sure the chairs are placed just right before she drags Becky up. Fans want tables but Becky and Stark throw hands.
Stark puts Becky in a corner, puts her up top, and says the fans ain’t gettin’ no table! Stark goes up after Becky but Becky throws body shots and forearms! Stark tumbles to the outside, but Trish hurries up after Becky! Trish anchors Becky, Stark ROCKS Becky, and again! Becky hits back! Stark is on the ropes, Becky adjusts, GUILLOTINE LEG DROP! Cover, TWO!! Stark survives but Becky has the arm! Stark fights, flails, reaches out, and trips Becky onto the chairs! Stark shakes out her arm and she drags Becky up. Z 3- NO, Becky blocks, clinches, MANHANDLE SLAM! Cover, TRISH breaks it!
Fans boo as Trish scurries away! Becky storms up, chases Trish around the ring, they do a full lap, and Trish gets a kendo stick! Trish laughs, swings, but Becky blocks! Becky BOOTS Trish, then has the stick! And she SMACKS Trish! And again! And again! And again! Trish goes running but Becky pursues, to SMACK her up the ramp! And then SMACKS her on the stage! And then in the butt! Becky just fires off and Trish crawls away! But Stark JAMS Becky with a chair! And SMACKS her on the back! SUPERKICK and Becky goes down! Cover, TWO!! The Man is still in the fight and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns once again and Becky brawls with Stark in the crowd! Fans high-five Becky and she TOSSES Stark back to ringside! Becky hops up onto the barriers, to then FLYING FOREARM! Fans fire up as Stark falls over! Becky drags Stark up, and BECKSPLODERS Stark into the barrier! Cover, TWO! Stark is still in this but Becky says okay. Becky puts Stark in the ring where all the chairs are, and she hears the fans. She brings out a TABLE! Fans fire up as Becky sets it up, but Stark WRECKS Becky! Stark says the fans don’t deserve a table! Stark folds the table back up, pushes it aside, and then stomps Becky.
Stark puts Becky in the ring, but Becky swings on her! Stark blocks to HOTSHOT her away! Stark storms in, gets a chair, and she SMACKS Becky on the back! And again! And again! Stark then pushes Becky around, puts her by the ropes and sets a chair on top of her. Stark goes out to FULL METAL ARABIAN SENTON! Stark clutches her back but covers Becky, TWO! Becky is still in this but Stark piles the chairs up again. Stark puts Becky among the pile, puts a chair on top of her again, and goes up a corner! Fans boo but Becky CHUCKS the chair at Stark! That one hurt this time! Becky goes up after Stark and fans fire up!
Becky brings Stark up, to SUPERPLEX onto the chairs! Cover, TWO!! Stark survives and writhes her way out of the ring. Becky hurries out after Stark, and she clears off the desk! Fans fire up as Becky drags Stark up and over, SMACKS her off the desk, then puts her on it. Becky climbs up to join Stark, clinches, but Stark fights the lift! And Trish returns to trip Becky up! Stark pushes Becky around, and BOOTS her down! Trish soaks up the heat as Stark covers, TWO! Becky is still in this and Stark tells Michael Cole & Wade Barrett that they’re worthless! Stark CLUBS Becky, stomps her, then coordinates with Trish.
Stark goes up the barrier, but Becky SHOVES her away! Becky ROCKS Trish then TOSSES her over the desk! Becky SMACKS Stark off the timekeeper’s table! She drags Stark up onto some spare material, but Trish attacks again! Trish takes Stark’s place, to BULLDOG through a table!! Trish calls to Stark and Stark finds her way over. Trish helps her get to Becky for the cover, TWO!??! Becky survives and shocks Stark & Stratus! Fans fire up as Becky fights them both now, but they SMACK her into trunks! They drag her onto those cases, and the fans right there freak out as they bring Becky up.
Becky fights back! She SHOVES Stark, ducks a Chick Kick and fires off! But Stark CLUBS Becky! Becky ducks and the haymaker DECKS Trish! Trish falls through a table! Stark freaks out and even Becky’s shocked! Becky then clinches Stark, to MANDHANDLE SLAM through another table!! Cover, Becky wins!!
Winner: Becky Lynch, by pinfall
Now that was a Big Time fight! It may have stayed indoors, but it had plenty of heat from the Summer night! But now, will Becky get to do even more to Trish inside that Steel Cage?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw, even with the same great tribute videos for Bray and Terry from Friday. Sami VS Priest was a great opening match, and McDonagh getting involved and Priest actually winning was a great story detail. The tension is rising between Finn and Priest, even with a tag title opportunity coming this Saturday, but honestly, I’m with Finn on this. Maybe McDonagh could just be part of the team since he knows Finn. Why is everyone else getting so mad at someone wanting to basically join up? The tag title match now being a Street Fight, you can bet McDonagh gets involved even more so. And that last bit from Finn and Priest where Priest points out he doesn’t even need this tag match for titles cuz he has the MITB briefcase could be the last straw before someone gets kicked out of the group.
Rhea and Dom had a good segment with Raquel, but Raquel standing tall makes me think Rhea finds a way to retain the title. As good as Raquel is, it just fits the overall Judgment Day story that, as Rhea pointed out herself, she leads the way having a top title in her division while the guys struggle to catch up. Nothing from the women’s tag division tonight outside of the highlights in Raquel’s promo, but maybe things get going again after Payback. For that matter, I’m a little disappointed that Payback won’t have the Intercontinental Championship on the card. But next week’s Raw is a little closer to the Honky Tonk Man’s record so there is technically more drama in that scenario.
Good stuff out of tonight’s segment with Alpha Academy and Imperium, great match out of Gable VS Ludwig, and a disqualification win was fine to give Gable some momentum right before getting beat down. By go-home math, you would think Gable is gonna win next week, but it’s hard to say. Gunther probably still wins so he takes the record from Honky Tonk Man, adds to the new record and losses at the Royal Rumble or WrestleMania. Who knows it’ll be by then but WWE will have plenty of time to build up that superstar. Maybe it’ll be Ciampa, because he got a great win off Bronson Reed tonight. Reed himself should get at a title in the future, but I guess we’ll have to wait a minute.
Honestly, it is hard to say who wins between Rollins and Nakamura. Great promos from both men tonight, and great ambush attack by Nakamura here. Going by go-home math, Rollins wins. But given this back problem is partially real, I would think Nakamura wins so Rollins can take time off and actually fix his back. And then Nakamura can face a lot of Faces who want title opportunities. We saw a cameo from Ricochet tonight, who had his own feud with Nakamura, so that’d be a fun title feud. Or again, Ciampa gets himself a title opportunity like he said he would, and we see more of Ciampa and Nakamura feuding.
The Miz tricking us into thinking Knight was here was very clever, and honestly, Miz was pretty funny here. He basically did a great The Rock impersonation because that’s what the haters say Knight is doing this whole time. I hope Knight returns the favor on SmackDown and cosplays as Miz. Their match will be really good and a lot of fun, but I would think Knight wins that one so that he can move on towards a championship. Like the US Championship, which IS on the line at Payback. And no Cody tonight but that’s because he was on SmackDown and he’ll have a moment on the PPV with the Grayson Waller Effect talk show segment.
Really good stuff out of this Triple Threat tag feud tonight, with great promos and a great tag match of New Day VS Viking Raiders. McIntyre chucking those armchairs around was awesome, and clever to have Woods be an inadvertent target. And good on them for not doing the usual “mistake becomes grudge” kinda stuff you always see in pro-wrestling. We’re going to get an awesome Tornado Tag next week, but I still see this turning into a Triple Threat Tag to determine #1 contenders in time for Fastlane in October. #McRiddle falling apart is still falling into the RKBRO formula, so it’s kinda stuck. If McRiddle goes on to be a team, then yes, RKBRO 2.0. If the team falls apart, that’s also predictable cuz fans kinda expect McIntyre to explode on Riddle.
And then just great stuff with Becky’s story. Good promo from Becky, good promo from Trish & Zoey, and what an awesome match. Also, kudos to Stark for being able to brush off the accidental chair to her head. Gotta be more careful with timing there. And they didn’t go as far around the arena as expected. But they saved the best stuff for the end, and Stark knocking Trish down was great. Becky winning would say Trish wins at Payback, but who knows. Becky also got emotional at the end as she held up her Bray Wyatt armband, a very touching moment to close the show on.
My Score: 8.8/10
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IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLASGOW KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Candice has Tiffy down with an armlock. Tiff fights up as the fans rally, but Candice wrenches to wristlock. Tiff spins through, goes to ropes, then up the corner to flip and arm-drag! The fans fire up as Tiff rallies on Candice! DROPKICK, and Tiff snarls! Tiff goes to the corner, and Charlotte makes her entrance? The Queen chooses to be fashionably late all so everyone looks at her, including Tiffy. Tiffy handsprings, but Candice dodges! Candice runs up to UPPERCUT, then she snapmares and NECK SNAPPERS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice clamps onto Tiffy with a top wristlock.
The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte now chooses to join commentary. Tiff fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, but Candice CLUBS away on her! Candice backs off, runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her to ropes! Tiff runs, HIP ATTACKS, and Candice flops back! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays on Candice with a whip, but Candice reverses. Candice CLOBBERS Tiff, covers, TWO! Charlotte corrects Tiffy’s words earlier: Charlotte isn’t the “top girl,” she is THE woman in WWE. Candice HIP DROPS Tiff but the fans rally up. Candice scuffs Tiff, then grinds an arm to drop a knee on the elbow! And another knee drop! Tiff endures and the fans rally up.
Candice keeps on that arm, thrashes it around, but Tiff fights up. Tiff fires body shots, then shoves Candice to Alabama Lift her! Candice sunset flips, Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated and Candice bails out. Tiff goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Candice and Nia, and Tiff almost stuck the landing! The fans fire up with Tiff and she goes into the ring. Tiff points to the WrestleMania sign, and then at Charlotte, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Tiff waits on Candice, Candice slides in, and Tiff stomps her down! Candice bails out, Nia is there to coach her, but Tiff lets the ring count start. Candice gets on the apron, Tiff kicks her, but Candice RAMS Tiff! Candice CLUBS Tiff, has her in the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Candice climbs, aims, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO!
Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW!
Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back! Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring!
The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring. Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, but with some interesting moves after the sudden change in plans with The Rock showing up. Naomi and Bianca had a good promo to hype up what was meant to be a full match of Naomi VS Liv, but word had already come out before the show that things were being cut for time. But at the very least, they did the right thing of making it a brawl that adds heat to the tag title match on Monday. Also, hilarious how Chelsea & Piper thought the beatdown on Bianca & Naomi was so bad that they would need to be pulled from the Chamber. I also can’t wait to see what happens on Toronto SmackDown.
As for The Rock, I do appreciate he used his authority to kayfabe change more things, all so he could have his promo with Cody. I also appreciate Rock blending his different roles and even different sides, both Heel and Face, to A) bring the news of WM42 being in NOLA, and B) recreate the Corporate Champion/People’s Champion story from the Attitude Era. That was some wild stuff he was saying to Cody. I’m sure quite a few people will try and talk with Cody next week in the go-home. Heels will say do it because they’d love to have what Rock can give, Faces will say not because Cody’s better than that. But naturally, Cody is not going to become The Rock’s Champion, causing Rock to turn on him and really up things going into WrestleMania 41 and perhaps even beyond.
Good stuff in the Elimination Chamber related stories. Jimmy VS McIntyre was great stuff to open, and how fitting that McIntyre loses to Jimmy after talking all that trash about Jimmy and Jey being the same. Jey got McIntyre with something quick, Jimmy got McIntyre with something quick, McIntyre’s ego is obviously his weakness. And at the same time, McIntyre of course destroys Jimmy after because that’s his other personality trait. Priest had good promos with Cody and Braun, and we got great stuff from Solo’s Bloodline. Naturally, we got a miscommunication spot to help finish, we’re really close to Solo VS Jacob, I can feel it. Priest & Braun get the win, mostly because Priest isn’t winning in the Chamber when you’ve got Punk and Cena in there.
Very good stuff with Tiffy Time, from the promos leading into the match to Charlotte being ringside just to watch. Nia & Candice of course get the better of Tiff & Trish, because Tiff & Trish are definitely winning the tag match in Toronto. Charlotte just seems to enjoy trolling Tiff with her presence, so Charlotte probably shows up in Toronto to then confront Tiff after the match. I expect the seven weeks after Elimination Chamber to really heat up, as will Charlotte’s involvement, where she’ll get more active verbally and physically. Also, hell, Rock should go full Corporation and have Charlotte be his Corporate Women’s Champion because of how established she is.
Hilarious stuff from Truth tonight, as always. Truth and Melo having their “who’s on first” again was good stuff, and of course Miz gets in on this story, too. Truth & Knight VS “Melo Don’t Miz” was really fun, but yeah, should’ve figured Nakamura would get involved, too. Melo & Miz making it work could also be really fun, and while Knight VS Nakamura is a rehash, I really hope they find a way to up things. It feels like we’re getting the same with the tag titles as Profits “ruined” that great tag match from DIY and Pretty Deadly, then brawled with MCMG to still come out on top. Last year had a ladder tag title match, so why not do one for these titles this year?
Speaking of escalating, Kevin filming a promo outside Sami’s house was some really well done stuff, as expected of someone as good as Kevin and in such a story as him and Sami. Their match should main event, it needs time to breathe, as it could be just as, if not more violent, than the Chamber matches. What a powerful closing moment we could have if it’s a bloody Kevin and Sami, and one of them is standing over the other, triumphant yet mournful because it was their best friend in the world that they just brutalized.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
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Oblong Ball Foot Show: One For The Road
The Philadelphia Eagles are Super Bowl Champions! Tune in as we recap an excellent NFL season and touch on a...
Oblong Ball Foot Show: Super Bowl LIX Preview
The culmination of a season long journey is upon us. Andrew, Rey and Tunney break it all down for you...
The Front and Center Sports Podcast – NFL Conference Championships and Jimmy Butler
The Chairshot presents a new episode of The Front and Center Sports Podcast, with an NFL Conference Championship preview, and...
Oblong Ball Foot Show: NFL Conference Championships
It's Championship Sunday and the gents have you covered as we breakdown both AFC and NFC title games!
Oblong Ball Foot Show: NFL Divisional Playoffs
Rey, Andrew and Tunney catch you up on the NFL coaching carousel and breakdown the Divisional round matchups.
Bandwagon Nerds #276: Do You Style Your Moustache?
The Nerds continue their review of Season 3 of Invincible, review Captain America: Brave New World, and check out trailers...
Bandwagon Nerds #275: Master of Porpoise
The Nerds begin their review of Season 3 of Invincible and look at the latest trailers for Final Destination, Jurassic...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (2/5/25)
There’s a lot going on this time around!
Bandwagon Nerds #274: Rey Cash Caught Sleeping On The Job
Tune in for another episode of BANDWAGON NERDS for your weekly fix in the world of Comics & Pop Culture!
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu Results & Report! (1/31/25)
The Bracket of Courage!
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (2/21/25)
The Final Boss is back!
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (2/20/25)
Anillo de Honor!
DWI Podcast #464: NXT Vengeance Day & SNL 50
NBA All-Star weekend, SNL 50th anniversary and plenty of Rasslin' talk this week on the DWI podcast.
Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (2/19/25)
Phoenix is Dynamite!
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (2/18/25)
NXT is Absolute!
Mitchell’s ROH Global Wars Australia Results & Report! (2/17/25)
G'day, mates!
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (2/17/25)
Visionary VS Prince!
#TheOddity 028: One Monkey = Total Chaos
Join Dave Wortz and PC Tunney for your weekly newsletter on the ridiculous and dumb of actual headlines from around...
Mitchell’s AEW Grand Slam: Australia Results & Report! (2/15/25)
AEW goes down under!
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