Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (9/18/23)
Grudge matches are Raw!
Will Main Event Jey Uso survive the Scottish Warrior?
The Raw roster is mostly Anti-Jey Uso, with Drew McIntyre stepping up as number one on the list! Will McIntyre’s Claymore blast Jey into pieces?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Cody Rhodes VS Dominik Mysterio w/ The Judgment Day; Cody wins.
- Best 2 Out of 3 Falls: The New Day VS The Viking Raiders w/ “Valhalla” Sarah Logan; changed to…
- Kofi Kingston VS Ivar w/ “Valhalla” Sarah Logan; Kofi wins.
- Shinsuke Nakamura VS Ricochet; Nakamura wins, by disqualification.
- Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark VS Chelsea Green & Piper Niven; Chelsea & Piper win, by disqualification.
- Chad Gable w/ The Alpha Academy VS Bronson Reed; Bronson wins.
- NXT Women’s Championship Open Challenge: Becky Lynch VS Natalya; Becky wins and retains the title.
- Tommaso Ciampa VS Giovanni Vinci w/ Ludwig Kaiser; Ciampa wins.
- Drew McIntyre VS Jey Uso; McIntyre wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes heads to the ring!
Salt Lake City fires up for the American Nightmare as he prepares to humble Dirty Dom once and for all, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets the pyro and high-fives fans at the ramp. Cody stands on the corner, gets another round of “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro, then picks up the mic. Fans chant Cody’s name, and he asks them, “Whaddya wanna talk about?” He was interrupted last week so he really wants to talk about Main Event Jey Uso. Wait, Cody gets interrupted again, and it’s once again Dominik Mysterio! Fans boo Dom as he has the mic already, and he tells Cody, “The only thing that they need to know about Jey Uso… CALLETE!”
Fans keep booing but Dom keeps talking. “Once Main Event Jey Uso joins The Judgment Day, we will continue to be the most dominant faction in all of WWE!” Dom storms into the ring and says, “Speaking of dominating… Mami isn’t here because she was injured last week by Nia Jax. But she will be back better, and soon. But tonight, after I beat you, Cody… I will be dedicating my victory to Mami.” Cody asks if the fans heard Dom. “NO!” Well, then go ahead, Dom, say that again. Fans start booing again and Dom shakes his head. Cody says this is a big night for Dom, huh? Cody lets everyone know Dom is dedicating this “victory” to Mami.
But maybe that will be what does it. This will be the thing that impresses Rhea enough that she finally defines their relationship. Maybe a little bit before Dom’s time, but this is a very Urkel & Laura vibe. Dom is way more into Rhea than Rhea is in to Dom. And all this dedication to her, what’s the deal? It also seems that Mami has eyes for Jey Uso. No no no! It’s NOT like that! They’re a family! And once Jey joins, he’ll know what it is like to have a family! Because family always has each other’s back! And Dom smiles as the rest of the Judgment Day walks out! Finn Balor & Damian Priest swagger to the ring, will they be a factor as always? Or can Cody defy the odds stacked against him?
Cody Rhodes VS Dominik Mysterio w/ The Judgment Day!
Raw returns and we Dragon Lee is in the crowd watching, because he gets his shot at the North American Championship next week on Raw, just days before NXT No Mercy on the 30th! The bell rings, the two circle, fans boo Dom but Dom shoves Cody. Cody kick slow then drops for the RHODES UPPERCUT! Then Cody suplexes Dom and holds him up, for a count of TEN before the GROUD BUSTER! Then Cody ties up the legs! FIGURE FOUR! Dom flails, reaches out, scrambles over, ROPEBREAK! Cody lets go quickly and glares at Finn & Priest. Cody bumps Dom off buckles, CHOPS him, then ROCKS him!
Cody whips corner to corner, Dom reverses but Cody tumbles up and out to ROCK Dom! But Dom distracts the ref so Finn can YANK Cody down! Dom goes out while fans boo and Dom puts Cody in the ring. The Judgment Day fist bumps while Dom stomps away on Cody in the corner. The ref counts, Dom lets off and soaks up the heat. Dom then suplexes, Uno Amigo! Fans boo as Dom hits Dos Amigos! Dom looses his grip for a moment, tries one more, but Cody slips free to springboard, CODY CUTTER! Fans fire up with Cody as Dom staggers up! Dragon sleeper, CROSS RHODES!! Cover, Cody wins!!
Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall
The Judgment Day is furious that Dom is now 0-2 against the American Nightmare! Will this really bring Dom down as he faces Carmelo Hayes tomorrow night on NXT?
But wait, Finn & Priest get on the apron, and Cody sees he’s 3v1. But wait! Here comes Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn! The former tag team champions back Cody up again, and they dare Judgment Day to do something! Judgment Day says yeah, okay! Just not now. Dom, Finn & Priest fall back while fans boo, but will all these enemies soon close in around them?
But wait, as Cody starts to leave, Kevin has them cut the music. Kevin says before Cody leaves, he wants to talk about something. Cody says okay, but what about? Cody goes back towards the ring, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Kevin sits on the corner with a mic. He says now that we’re back and everyone can hear this, from what Kevin understands, and correct him if he’s wrong… But Jey is back on Raw because of Cody. Cody says that is correct. Then Kevin doesn’t need to go into detail about what Jey did ot a lot of people on Raw when he was Bloodline and all that. Kevin just wants Cody to tell him why Cody thought it was a good idea to bring Jey over to Raw. That’s all he wants. And not just for Kevin, but for everyone else in the locker room. Cody says there are surely a lot of people in the back who need to know.
But Cody’s pretty sure there’s a lot of people out in the crowd who already know why. Cody’s had a lot of roles, a lot of tasks, a lot of duties, but his job is to make the people happy. The fans cheer that, and Cody says he’ll get to the answer. But the fans like Jey, right? The fans fire up for that, and then Cody says Cody himself is someone who has received a large amount of second chances. Jey is one of the very best, he deserves a second chance, and they should be the ones to give him the time to show he has changed. Not to mention, the Bloodline, who we are all very familiar with, are now down a member! What’s bad about that?
Kevin mulls it over and Sami speaks up. He doesn’t wanna pile on, he has had Kevin’s back since day one, but he has known Kevin since day one, this is how Kevin’s always been. He takes more time to warm up and trust people. Or maybe Sami just trusts too quickly. But hey, Sami knows Jey. They went through a lot. The situation Jey had to dig himself out of… Kevin doesn’t have to give Jey a second chance, but Sami feels he should. Because guess what? Kevin’s given Sami second chances, Sami’s given Kevin second chances, and because of that, they won the Undisputed Tag Team Championships in the main event of WrestleMania!
So Kevin doesn’t have to do it right away, just- Kevin stops him there and sees where this is going. He hears them. He has to pretend Jey isn’t a big part of why Sami didn’t win the Universal Championship at Elimination Chamber? Fine, he’ll do that. He has to pretend Jey wasn’t a huge reason why Cody didn’t walk of WrestleMania as champion? Fine, he’ll do that. He has to pretend like Jey didn’t cost Kevin FIVE title matches against Roman Reigns? Fine, he’ll do that. He’ll even pretend like Jey isn’t one shade of eyeliner away from joining The Judgment Day now. Kevin is to trust Jey? He can’t do that. But he trusts Sami and Cody, so he hopes they’re right.
Kevin leaves, but will it really just take time? Or is Kevin’s mind made up beyond a point of changing?
Kofi Kingston VS Ivar w/ “Valhalla” Sarah Logan!
When Erik was found not medically cleared to compete tonight, the tag team match was downgraded to a singles match, and Kofi won the right to face the Warbeard through… rock-paper-scissors? Well, will Kofi be able to cut through Ivar like scissors to paper? Or will Ivar crush him like rock to scissors?
Raw returns and Ivar makes his entrance, Sarah Logan by his side. The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rlaly, Kofi gets around Ivar to headlock but Ivar blocks the takeover. Kofi tries again, but Ivar still blocks. Ivar powers out, Kofi slips out of the back drop to waistlock but Ivar bucks the O’Conner away. Ivar then runs Kofi over! Fans boo but Ivar fires up as he runs, only for Kofi to move, hurdle, hurdle and UPPERCUT! Ivar goes to a corner, Kofi runs in to SPLASH! Ivar staggers but Kofi runs in, into a SEATED SENTON! Ivar snarls while the ref checks Kofi. Ivar drags Kofi up, UPPERCUTS him, then follows Kofi to a corner.
Ivar throws back elbows, but fans rally up for Kofi. Ivar whips corner to corner hard and Kofi bounces off buckles! Ivar storms up but Kofi throws elbows and backhands! Kofi fires off haymakers, he backs Ivar down to whip, but Ivar reverses. Ivar runs in but gets a SWING KICK for it! Kofi goes up top to FLYING AX HANDLE! Fans rally, Kofi fires CHOPS, then a DROPKICK! Ivar comes back, Kofi dodges to LEAPING LARIAT! Fans fire up more as Kofi runs, but Ivar gets away. Kofi storms up but into an elbow! So Kofi SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO!! Ivar survives and scrambles away. Sarah snarls but Ivar TOSSES Kofi out!
Ivar then goes to the apron, leaps, VIKING SPLASH to the floor! Sarah and Ivar roar while Kofi sputters and coughs, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Kofi throws body shots! Kofi stands to throw haymakers, but runs into a SIDEWALK SLAM! Ivar runs to BASEMENT CROSSBODY! Fans boo but Ivar goes to the corner. Ivar climbs up to the top, to VIKING FLOP as Kofi moves! Fans fire up and Sarah freaks out! Kofi drags himself to the corner, he goes up now, and he leaps to SPLASH Ivar on the back! Cover, TWO! Ivar holds in there but Sarah is still frustrated. Kofi hurries to whip but Ivar reverses. Kofi goes up and up and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Kofi grows frustrated but he and Ivar rise again. Ivar goes to a corner, Kofi runs in, but Ivar BOOTS him down!
Ivar snarls and he storms up on Kofi. Kofi stands to catch the haymaker into SOS! Cover, TWO!! Ivar escapes and Sarah is beside herself. Kofi runs to PENALTY KICK! And then “NEW~ DAY~!” BOOM DROP Kofi goes to a corner, and fans fire up! Kofi claps and the fans join in, “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” Kofi spins, but Ivar ducks Trouble! Kofi ducks the heel kick! Kofi clinches but Ivar spins him around to underhook! TIGER DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!!! Kofi survives and Sarah cannot believe it! Fans rally for Kofi even harder but Ivar scowls. Ivar runs up but into an elbow! But the HEEL KICK OF DOOM connects! Cover, TWO!??!
Kofi survives and Sarah is seething! “This is Awesome!” but Ivar takes aim from the corner. Kofi stands, Ivar runs in, BRONCO BUSTER! Kofi flops into the drop zone and Ivar goes up! Ivar takes aim, Sarah says to spin it around. Ivar nods and he goes up to the very top, facing outside! VIKING MOONSAULT!! Cover, TWO?!?! Sarah is freaking out and Salt Lake City cannot believe it! Ivar is pulling at his beard, he is that upset! Ivar drags Kofi up, hoists him to the top rope, but Kofi fights with body shots! Kofi CLUBS away on Ivar’s back, and fans fire up with him! SUPER SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB!!
Fans fire up again as Kofi stands and takes aim! TROUBLE IN PARADISE!! Cover, Kofi wins!!
Winner: Kofi Kingston, by pinfall
Sarah is enraged, but this was a throwback to #Kofimania right here! But will this help The New Day put things to bed with the Viking Raiders?
Backstage interview with Ricochet.
Jackie Redmon is with #TheHighlightoftheNight, and notes his rematch with Shinsuke Nakamura is in just a few moments. Any final comments before heading out there? Ricochet says he feels Nakamura sees this as just another mind game he’s setting out for Seth Rollins. But Ricochet will show Nakamura that he is nobody’s pawn. To be honest, Ricochet had moved on from Nakamura, passed over, but the only reason he’s getting involved again is both that Nakamura hit him with a chair, and that he chose to attack Ricochet last week. That made things personal. Nakamura can throw flames but it will only fire Ricochet up.
Ricochet tells Nakamura that if it is games he wants to play, let’s play. Ricochet has the cheat codes, and tonight will be game over. Will the King of Flight have his revenge on the King of Strong Style? Or will nothing stop Nakamura on his mission to become WWE World Heavyweight Champion?
Shinsuke Nakamura VS Ricochet!
But wait! After Nakamura makes his entrance, Seth Rollins appears! Salt Lake fires up as The Visionary storms out, only for Adam Pearce to storm out and stop him! Security and producers are called in, they can’t let even the world champion ruin this match. Rollins says okay, he’ll leave. But then he bolts right past them all! Rollins slides in, but Nakamura slides out! Rollins chases after Nakamura but is intercepted by the security guards! Fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT!” and Rollins goes around the other side. Security is still there to stop him, and Nakamura slides back into the ring. “C’MON~!” Nakamura eggs Rollins on but he has Ricochet to worry about, after the break.
Raw returns and Ricochet makes his entrance. Rollins has since been ushered from ringside, and the bell rings. The two circle, tie up, and Ricochet powers Nakamura to a corner. The ref counts, Nakamura uses ropes, and Ricochet backs off. Ricochet eggs Nakamura on, they tie up again, and Ricochet again puts Nakamura on ropes. They go along the ropes, into a corner, the ref works to separate them, but Nakamura gets a cheap shot in! The ref reprimands but Nakamura RAMS Ricochet into another corner! Nakamura stomps away but lets off at 4. Nakamura gives a few more stomps, then kicks Ricochet around.
Nakamura paces around Ricochet, drags him up, and slaps him around. Ricochet is annoyed but Nakamura KICKS him down! Fans rally and Nakamura smirks, then he KICKS Ricochet again! Ricochet gets frustrated, and he blocks a kick! Ricochet fires haymakers and UPPERCUTS, then whips. Nakamura reverses, Ricochet dodges to roll and RANA! Then DROPKICK! Cover, ROPEBREAK! Ricochet stomps Nakamura now, has him in a corner and keeps up the stomps! Fans fire up but the ref counts, and Ricochet lets off at 4. Ricochet storms back up on Nakamura, fireman’s carries, but Nakamura slips free!
Ricochet throws elbows, runs, but Nakamura rushes up! Ricochet dodges and handsprings but Nakamura SLIDING KICKS! Ricochet flounders, Nakamura gets him up to put him on the top rope. Nakamura throws body shots, goes corner to corner, and hits the TOP SHELF KNEE! Cover, TWO! Ricochet is hanging tough but Nakamura drops a knee! Cover, TWO! Fans rally for Ricochet but Nakamura pretends he can’t hear them. Nakamura wraps on a GUILLOTINE! Ricochet endures the facelock, fights with body shots, and ROCKS Nakamura! Ricochet UPPERCUTS, runs, but into a kitchen sink knee!
Nakamura stomps Ricochet down, sits him up, and wraps him up in an abdominal stretch! Nakamura CLUBS Ricochet in the ribs! Ricochet claws at Nakamura, but Nakamura keeps on the stretch. Fans rally as Ricochet endures, and Ricochet pries at a leg. Ricochet gets up to his feet to JAWBREAKER, then snapmare! Then KICK! And STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Ricochet grows frustrated but he goes to ropes. Fans rally up, and Ricochet AX HANDLES Nakamura down! And again! Ricochet stands Nakamura up but Nakamura fires off fast hands! Nakamura CHOPS Ricochet in the corner!
Ricochet sits down in the corner, Nakamura stands him back up, and he CHOPS Ricochet again! Nakamura CHOPS again, fires a forearm, and repeat! The ref counts, Nakamura lets off, and then he gives Ricochet BAD VIBRATIONS! The ref counts, Nakamura lets off and he whips corner to corner. Nakamura runs, but blocks boots to put Ricochet in ropes! KICK and SLIDING- NO, Ricochet avoids the German Suplex to go up and up and MOONSAULT! Direct hit and fans fire up with Ricochet as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Nakamura has Ricochet in the corner, for more BAD VIBRATIONS! The ref counts, Nakamura lets off and he swaggers across the ring. Fans rally up, Nakamura runs back in, but into a JUMP KNEE from Ricochet! Both men are down and fans rally up. Ricochet sits up first, and Nakamura goes to ropes. Nakamura stands, he swings but Ricochet counter punches and fires off a strike fest! Ricochet whips, Nakamura reverses but Ricochet handsprings, BACK ELBOW! Fans fire up with Ricochet again and he runs in, SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO! Ricochet keeps his cool as Nakamura goes to a corner.
Ricochet runs corner to corner, but Nakamura KNEES him low! Nakamura puts Ricochet on the top rope again, but Ricochet avoids the knee! Buckle bump and a KICK! Ricochet springboards, FLYING CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO!! Nakamura just gets that arm up! Ricochet and the fans can’t believe it, but Ricochet pumps himself back up. Ricochet runs in at the corner, but Nakamura puts him right up! And BOOTS him right down! Ricochet falls to the apron but Nakamura goes out after him! LEG SWEEP! Ricochet hits the apron then tumbles down! Nakamura sits Ricochet up, takes aim, but runs into a Tiger Wall Kick! And ENZIGURI!
Nakamura leans against the barriers, but grabs a chair! Ricochet dodges, to SUPERKICK Nakamura! Ricochet grabs the chair, fans fire up, and he SMACKS Nakamura!!
Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura, by disqualification
Ricochet argues that he shouldn’t have been disqualified, Nakamura introduced the chair! But the ref says that doesn’t matter, a chair shot is a chair shot! But then Nakamura SLIDING KICKS Ricochet’s ankle out! Ricochet flounders and writhes, but Nakamura isn’t done there! KINSHASA!! Nakamura then hits a GROUND DRAGON SCREW! Nakamura doesn’t care about anything other than hurting Ricochet now! Nakamura brings Ricochet to the corner to SLAM the leg into the post! And then he grabs the chair! CHAIR SHOT against the post! And again! And again!!
BUT HERE COMES ROLLINS! From the crowd side, The Visionary jumps on Nakamura and fires off hands! Rollins puts Nakamura in to fire off more shots! And then a PEDI- NO, Nakamura back drops Rollins onto the chair! Rollins writhes, security gets him out of there, but Nakamura has done the damage! Rollins says who cares, an d he drags Nakamura out of the ring! Only for Nakamura to RAM him into the desk! And then BACK SUPLEX ONTO THE DESK!! Rollins writhes and Nakamura soaks up the heat from all the fans. Their booing is like music to his ears, and he grabs a fan’s Seth Rollins cutout to mock conducting the choir! Will Nakamura be the one composing Rollins’ final movement?
Rollins hobbles backstage.
But he angrily tells referees that he does NOT need their help, he is FINE! Except he drops to his knees! The refs offer help and Rollins takes their help to get into the trainer’s room. Rollins sits and gets checked out, is he going to fall apart before ever getting that rematch with Nakamura?
Backstage interview with Chelsea Green & Piper Niven.
Byron Saxton is with the Undisputed WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, and he asks their thoughts on this new yet formidable tag team of Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark. “Formidable? Bryan, Shayna & Zoey aren’t even a real team. They fought each other, they like each other, they respect each other, oh blah blah blah. That’s not what makes a real team, does it, Bryan? No, what makes a real team is friendship. Piper and I are friends.” Not by the look on Piper’s face… Piper stops Chelsea there. Does she really think they’re friends? Of course, bestie! Then if they’re such friends, what country is Piper from?
Um… Eng- Ire- Florida? Piper rolls her eyes and storms off. Byron says Piper is Scottish. OMG Bryan, of course she knew that! You think Chelsea doesn’t know where her own tag partner is from? Tonight, they will show Shayna & Zoey what a REAL team looks like. Chelsea hurries after Piper to apologize, but will this “team” break down real fast?
Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark VS Chelsea Green & Piper Niven!
The teams sort out, and Stark starts against Chelsea. They tie up, but Chelsea kicks low! Chelsea CLUBS Stark around but Stark counter punches right back! Stark whips then ELBOWS Chelsea, runs and UPPERCUTS, then snapmares and points to Piper. SLIDING LARIAT! Stark goes out, slingshots up, ARABIAN PRESS SENTON! Cover, TWO! Shayna reaches out and Stark says okay, she brings Chelsea over to tag. The Queen of Spades wrenches Chelsea into a BACKBREAKER! Shayna keeps Chelsea from Piper, Chelsea SLAPS Shayna, but that just upsets Shayna! Chelsea reaches out, Shayna reels her in, NECKBREAKER!
Shayna runs to SLIDING KNEE Chelsea down! Stark likes that and reaches out. Shayna tags her in and Stark stomps Chelsea. Stark whips Chelsea to a corner, runs in but into an ELBOW! Piper reaches out, saves Chelsea from thne SPLASH, and then Chelsea goes up top! Chelsea MISSILE DROPKICKS! Chelsea hurries to cover, TWO! Chelsea is frustrated already but she drags Stark over, bumps her off buckles, and tags in Piper. Piper throws elbows, then runs to SPLASH! Stark drops to her knees but Piper scoops. SHOULDER BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Stark toughs it out and Piper scowls. Piper then CLUBS away on Stark!
Piper bumps Stark off buckles, tags in Chelsea and Chelsea CHOPS! But Stark CHOPS back! Chelsea CHOPS, whips, but Stark reverses. Chelsea kicks back, ENZIGURIS, and laughs. Chelsea runs, into a SUPERKICK! Stark falls on the cover, but Piper drags her away! Shayna storms in and KNEES Piper down! Piper falls out of the ring and fans fire up! Shayna goes out but Piper HEADBUTTS! Piper scoops, to SLAM Shayna on the floor! Fans fire up, but here comes NIA!? Nia POSTS Piper!!
Winners: Chelsea Green & Piper Niven, by disqualification
Nia whips Piper into steel steps! Fans boo as The Irresistible Force then hauls Stark up to SAMOAN DROP! Nia runs to SENTON Stark! Nia grins as Chelsea stands back up. Chelsea freaks out but she can’t get away! Nia TOSSES her to a corner! And then HIP ATTACKS! Chelsea sputters, Nia runs in and SPLASHES her old tag partner, Shayna! Nia steps on Shayna to go up the corner! Nia’s gonna do Shayna like she did Rhea! BANZAI DROP!! AKA the A-NIA-LATOR! Fans boo as Nia wipes out the tag champs and the dangerous duo of Shayna & Stark. She says it is open season, consider the Women’s Division on notice.
Adam Pearce is on the phone.
He says he will talk with Nia about her behavior, and he knows Rollins has been evaluated. But he has to call back. Chad Gable walks over and asks about Rollins. He’s hurting. But Rollins is also angry. And now we have Nia doing what she wants, he has to go handle that. Gable knows Pearce is busy, he just needs one second. He beat Ludwig last week to keep his momentum up, what does he need to do to get one more chance at Gunther? To shoot straight, that title match was a career-making moment. No one discredits what Gable did. But Gunther won, so he can’t just slide back into the picture.
That’s right! Bronson Reed tells Gable back of the line. SHOOSH! Big Bronson, huh? Gable made a name for himself suplexing the big boys, so if he wants to be next, it will be Gable’s pleasure. Bronson says there’s no way he can even wrap his arms around Bronson. They argue but Pearce has them stop. Pearce has had enough madness tonight, so if they want to fight it out, head for the ring. It’s official! Bronson and Gable are ready, will Gable use the Colossal Aussie as a springboard back to Der Ring General? Or will he be washed away by the Tsunami?
Backstage interview with Jey Uso.
Jackie is now with #MainEventJey and says earlier tonight, Kevin Owens had some rather stinging comments about Jey’s return to Mondays. Drew McIntyre doesn’t seem to appreciate Jey’s presence, either. How is he handling this not-so-warm welcome? Jey says it’s all good. He knows he has a lot of eyes on him, big target on his back. As far as him and Drew go, they’re gonna go out there and get real physical. There’s history there, so Jey knows- Damian Priest walks over and asks Jackie to give them a second. She moves aside and Priest tells Jey that he doesn’t know how Jey views him, but uh, maybe Jey could do Priest a favor.
The Judgment Day is looking for an Uso. The crew is pushing for Jimmy, but Priest is here, looking at Jey, and wants Main Event Jey in the group. But Priest can’t just make the decision. This isn’t a dictatorship, this is a family. Jey chuckles and tells Priest that he knows all about family, Uce. With all due respect, Jey knows about his Bloodline. But blood only makes you relatives. They have something special. If Jey is willing, if he wants, The Judgment Day can be the family Jey’s always been looking for. The only thing Priest is asking is Jey can’t make him look bad in front of the family. So one way or another, give them an answer by the end of tonight.
Chad Gable w/ The Alpha Academy VS Bronson Reed!
Raw returns and Big Bronson makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, and Bronson shoves Gable down. Gable comes back, ties up with Bronson again but Bronson throws Gable down! Fans rally and Gable gets around but Bronson throws him off the waistlock. Gable goes for a leg, but Bronson hauls him up! Gable slips free, whips, but Bronson blocks! Bronson whips, Gable goes up and over, keeps moving, ducks ‘n’ dodges and FOREARMS! Bronson stays up so Gable runs to FOREARM again! Gable runs in at the corner but is put on the apron. Gable ROCKS Bronson and goes up!
Gable MISSILE DROPKICKS and Bronson staggers around! Gable waistlocks! Fans fire up but Bronson elbows free! Gable goes to a corner, Bronson SPLASHES, then OVERHEAD SUPLEXES! Bronson dusts his hands off while fans boo, and Bronson stands Gable up. Bronson HEADBUTTS Gable down, then drags him back up. Bronson ELBOWS Gable to a corner, Otis & Maxxine coach Gable up, but Bronson CHOPS! Bronson whips corner to corner hard and Gable bounces off the buckles! Fans boo but Bronson says he is just too big. Bronson eggs Gable on, CLUBS him down, and then CLUBS him again!
Bronson drags Gable up but Gable throws body shots! Fans rally, but Bronson ROCKS Gable! Bronson back suplexes, Gable lands out of it! Gable throats chops, kicks, UPPERCUTS and CHOPS! But Bronson TOSSES Gable to a corner! Gable BOOTS back, goes up, but Bronson choke grips! Trophy lift, to MAT SLAM him on the corner! And then BLASTS him down! Gable is down and fans boo as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Bronson grinds Gable into the mat with a chilnocki. Fans rally, Gable fights, and Otis pounds the mat to coach Gable up. Gable fires body shots, CHOPS, then runs to CHOP BLOCK! Bronson hobbles, but he still LARIATS Gable! Bronson drags Gable up to bump him off buckles, then he hoists Gable up top. Bronson ROCKS Gable with haymaker after haymaker, but Gable catches Bronson to a HANGING ARMBAR! Gable lets off at 4, then dodges to send Bronson into buckles! Bronson drops to a knee, Gable fires off forearms! Gable ROLLING KICKS and Bronson is down! Gable goes up, for the DIVING HEADBUTT! Cover, TWO!!
Gable keeps his focus on Bronson as he stands up! Waistlock, then the corner, but Bronson bucks free to CLOBBER Gable! And then SENTON onto knees! Otis & Maxxine fire up, Gable waistlocks, but the legs are sore! Bronson picks Gable up for a BACKPACK SENTON! Bronson drags Gable to the drop zone, goes up the corner, TSUNAMI!!! Cover, Bronson wins!
Winner: Bronson Reed, by pinfall
Gable tried and he tried, but maybe there is a limit to how much The Little Engine That Could can do. Bronson says he is next in line, will he prove to even GUNTHER that #BiggerISBetter!
Tommaso Ciampa speaks.
“I like to think that I’m a patient man. An observer at times. So when I came to Monday Night Raw, I made an internal agreement with myself. Play the long game, be patient. Eventually, my number will be called. So I waited. And I waited. And I waited. And y’know what I found out? That in this universe, patience is not a virtue, it is a crutch! In this universe, if you want something down, you gotta make your own opportunities. So if you didn’t learn last week, then tonight, Giovanni taps again. And then, you think, ‘And then what?’ Imperium, you did not choose me, I chose you, and we don’t gotta play the long game of mystery to find out why.
“Gunther! You have what I want.” Ciampa storms off, will the Psycho Killer make sure like the song says, no one will survive?
Becky Lynch is headed to gorilla.
She crosses paths with Akira Tozawa, and he nervously smiles and offers a fist bump. Becky gives him the fist bump, and then continues on. The Grand Slam Man, the N-BEX-T Women’s Champion, is coming around for a title match! Who will step up to her Open Challenge? We find out, after the break.
Kevin & Sami talk backstage.
Sami wants Kevin to know, he isn’t saying Kevin is wrong. Sami just thinks Kevin needs to give Jey the benefit of the doubt. Kevin says he did do that, and it got him a superkick to the face! But Sami says Kevin saw it for himself, it was an accident. But now Jey is talking with Damian! Sami says it’s the other way around, but here comes Jey. Jey says if KO has something to say, say it to his face! Kevin says okay, sure! He thinks Jey’s gonna be with Judgment Day! And if not, then he will eventually. Jey says it was an accident, Uce! Well alright, but what about all that time with Bloodline? Months of not doing anything on his own, it’ll just happen again here!
Sami wants them to calm things down, take a breath, and bring the energy down. Kevin says fine, he’ll take a breath. But he just doesn’t care what Jey does, Judgment Day or no Judgment Day, because Kevin still won’t trust him. Do whatever you gotta do. Kevin & Sami don’t have a match so he’s getting outta here. Sami says Kevin can go on ahead, he’ll be there in a minute. Sami wants Jey to understand, Kevin just needs time. Just keep it cool. And this stuff with Judgment Day, Sami doesn’t know what’s going on. But Jey does have a decision to make, and a big one. Good luck, okay? Jey thanks Sami for that. But will Jey prove he can be trusted?
NXT Women’s Championship Open Challenge: Becky Lynch VS ???
Salt Lake City fires up as The Man returns, finally the NXT Women’s Champion! But she isn’t just gonna rest on her laurels, Becky is going to be a fighting champion! But before the Open Challenge truly begins, Becky gets the mic to say, “And The Man is the NEW NXT Women’s Champion! And while I will admit winning the NXT Women’s title wasn’t exactly on my Bingo card this year, if I have learned anything over the last few weeks, it is that you have to take the chances and the opportunities while you can.” Fans cheer that. And so, Becky didn’t wanna just win this title and put it on the mantle, so that she can say she IS a Grand Slam Champion. Though, that’s pretty nice.
Becky wants to defend this title! To elevate this title to heights it has never seen before! Because NXT quite literally represents the future of this business. It represents hope, hunger, passion, and progress! She wants to test herself against the very best the future has to offer! Which is why Becky will also be on NXT tomorrow night! But right now, she’s in Utah! Fans cheer that, and Becky says she knows there are a whole lot of women who have worked their asses off that haven’t gotten an opportunity that want to step up to the plate! Tonight is the night for somebody new, because here comes the open challenge!
And she can’t think of a better place than now, or a better time- Oh, wait, got that wrong. But here comes NATALYA! The Queen of Harts tells Becky, “With all due respect, I’d like to tell me another woman who has worked their ass off more than me for an opportunity! After all, it was eight weeks ago that I took the Raw Women’s Champion, Rhea Ripley, to her limits. And I have been sitting backstage ever since, patiently, for my chance. So yes, Becky, yes, I do accept!” Oh, okay. Becky wants Natty to know she has nothing but respect for her, they go way back to wrestling in Japan as teenagers!
But uh, when she issued this challenge, this was more for someone new. For someone who has never had a title match. And Natty’s been here for 15 years- YES, 15 YEARS of dedicating her life to this! And Becky wants to say Natty’s taking an opportunity away from someone else? Becky went down to NXT and stepped all over every single one of those women there that was patiently waiting for their chance! Becky is nothing but a hypocritical Ginger witch! Becky says c’mon now, but then Natty shoves her! Becky says okay, okay, if Natty wants to go, then Becky accepts! Ring the bell!
The ref does as told, Becky puts the belt and her coat aside, and then Natty ROCKS her with a right! Natty fires off, then POSTS Becky! Becky flops to the floor, Natty glares at her and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Becky SOBATS! Becky runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then CLOBBERS Natty! Natty goes to a corner, fans fire up as Becky runs in to forearm! And then BECKSPLODER! Cover, TWO! Becky frowns but she keeps her cool. Becky feels the energy from the fans and she paces around. Becky drags Natty up, but N atty whips her away. Becky clinches, but Natty elbows free! Natty GERMAN SUPLEXES and Becky flounders. Natty gets the legs, steps through, but Becky fights to get a cradle! TWO, and Becky knees low! Becky whips, Natty reverses, but Becky goes to the apron. Natty rushes in but gets a KICK, and a ROUNDHOUSE!
Becky goes up but Natty ROCKS her first! Natty fires off hands, goes up after her, then throws hands! Fans rally and Natty hits a SUPERPLEX! Cover, TWO! Natty grits her teeth as Becky is still in this. Fans rally, Natty gets the legs, but Becky flounders and kicks. Becky schoolgirls Natty into buckles! Becky drags Natty up, snapmares her, then goes up the corner. Natty stands, Becky MISSILE DROPKICKS her down! Natty bails out but Becky keeps moving, she WRECKS Natty with a dropkick! Becky puts Natty in, goes up another corner, but Natty avoids the attack! DISCUS LARIAT! Cover, TWO!
Natty grows further frustrated, but she steps through the legs again! Becky fights and drags Natty down, DISARM-HER!! Natty flails, tucks, rolls Becky up, TWO! Becky stands to clinch, but Natty elbows free! Becky switches, shoves, O’Conner Roll, TWO and Natty has the O’Conner! TWO and Becky stacks Natty up, BECKY WINS!
Winner: Becky Lynch, by pinfall (still NXT Women’s Champion)
Natty is distraught, having put all her eggs in this basket. Will Natty ever return to her former glory? As for Becky, who will look to take on The Man next?
Pearce talks with Dragon Lee.
It’s going to be a big match next week. Dragon agrees, but Dom storms in and complains about his loss to Cody Rhodes. And does Pearce know why Dom lost? Because was distracted by how Mami isn’t here, at home hurt, and wasn’t by Dom’s side. And do you know why Rhea’s not by his side? Because Pearce isn’t doing his job punishing Nia Jax! Instead, he’s talking to this guy! Dom doesn’t like guys with masks. They remind him of his deadbeat dad. And next week, Dom will remain NXT North American Champion! Dragon tells Dom he has no idea what is going on with Dom and Rhea.
But whenever Rhea returns, she will see her boy without that title. Because Dragon will leave Raw the NEW North American Champion. Dragon thanks Pearce for his time, Dom grumbles that he always be champion. Will Dirty Dom be able to make it through these next seven days with such strong competition after him?
Tommaso Ciampa VS Giovanni Vinci w/ Ludwig Kaiser!
The Sicilian Psycho is looking to fire the first salvo in his fight towards the Intercontinental Championship! Will he bring down The Pride of Italy to weaken Imperium’s defenses? Or will it be #VeniVidiVinci in Salt Lake City?
Raw returns and Ciampa makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, are in a deadlock, but Vinci waistlocks. Ciampa pries at the hold, Vinci puts him on ropes, and the ref has Vinci back down. Ludwig hooks Ciampa in the distraction! Vinci CLOBBERS Ciampa, then fires off shots! Vinci RAMS Ciampa, UPPERCUTS him, then lets off as the ref counts. Ludwig grins and talks trash while Vinci kicks Ciampa around. Vinci stands Ciampa up but Ciampa fires back with forearms and CHOPS! Fans rally, Ciampa backs Vinci down but Vinci shoves. Vinci blocks the kick to short arm LARIAT Ciampa down!
Ciampa flounders and the ref checks him. Vinci stomps Ciampa, Gunther watches backstage as Vinci CLUBS Ciampa down. Vinci stands Ciampa up and RAMS him into a corner! Then Vinci hits a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Vinci kicks Ciampa around, taunts him, then gives him more kicks. Vinci pie faces Ciampa, so Ciampa SLAPS! And CHOPS! And forearms! Vinci knees low, whips Ciampa to a corner, but Ciampa goes up. But Vinci catches Ciampa as he goes over! Ciampa slips free, shoves, and THESZ PRESS! Ciampa fires fast hands, then things speed up! Ciampa LARIATS Vinci down! The fans fire up as Vinci goes to a corner.
Ciampa runs in to clothesline, then keeps moving, but Vinci fireman’s carries! Ciampa slips free, REVERSE DDT! Fans fire up and Ciampa feels it! Ludwig panics, shouts to Vinci, but Ciampa brings the kneepad down! Ludwig slides into the ring! The ref and Ciampa both see him, Ludwig bails out, but Vinci rolls Ciampa up! With tights! TWO!! Ciampa ripcords to ROCK Vinci! Then BOOT! Then ROLLING- NO, Vinci blocks to CHOP! Vinci whips, Ciampa reverses but Vinci springboards, into a JUMP KNEE! SICILIAN STRETCH!! Vinci reaches out, but he’s caught! Vinci taps, Ciampa wins!
Winner: Tommaso Ciampa, by submission
Gunther is not happy seeing that. Ciampa takes down one pawn, will he clear the Impeccable German off the board before going after Der Ring General?
Backstage interview with Seth Rollins.
Byron walks over as Rollins hobbles down the hall. Byron says we all saw Rollins try to bring the fight to Nakamura earlier tonight, but that didn’t go how he wanted. Right now, how is Rollins feeling? Rollins says he is tired, in a lot of pain, and he’s trying to keep it together. But he is losing his mind! Rollins is sick of Nakamura’s games! Rollins will do whatever it takes to get that SOB in the ring!! Rollins cools off, and says that he doesn’t wanna go to that place but he has to. If Nakamura wants to do things on his terms, then Rollins has been going about this all wrong. Maybe Rollins just needs to take his hands off the wheel.
Rollins tells Nakamura that the ball is in his court. Name the time, name the place, and even name the stipulation. But Nakamura needs to remember… Their destinies are intertwined at this point. “So ask yourself, will you be the one to define your legacy? Or will it be me?” Rollins grins and heads out, but is this only playing into Nakamura’s hands?
BREAKING NEWS for next week’s Raw!
Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn get a rematch for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships! Will they get payback on The Prince & Punisher for what they did at Payback?
Drew McIntyre VS Jey Uso!
The Scottish Warrior told Main Event Jey eye to eye and man to man just last week that this is payback for everything The Bloodline did to keep him from becoming Universal Champion. And Jey simply said he understood. Will there be a Claymore with Jey’s name on it? Or will Jey strike first?
Raw returns and Jey has the fans bouncing to the beat. But then McIntyre makes his entrance, and the bell rings. Fans rally up as Jey and McIntyre stare down. The two step up and Jey says McIntyre’s about to get this work! They tie up, are in a deadlock, but McIntyre shoves Jey away! McIntyre says if that’s all Jey’s got, this will be quick. Jey shakes that off, they circle, and tie up. They’re in another deadlock but the fans rally for Jey. McIntyre puts Jey in a corner, lets off slowly, but Jey avoids the haymaker! Jey fires body shots, then haymakers! Jey runs up to GAMANGIRI! Then he whips corner to corner, only for McIntyre to reverse.
Jey stops himself, but comes back into a LARIAT from McIntyre! Fans fire up while McIntyre seethes and looms over Jey. McIntyre drags Cody up, bumps him off buckles, and then ROCKS him with a right! And CHOPS him! And then rips the shirt off to CHOP Jey right on the skin! McIntyre stomps and ROCKS and repeat, but the ref counts. McIntyre lets off, he storms up on Jey, and then he drags Jey up. Jey ROCKS McIntyre with an uppercut! And another! And another! McIntyre goes to a corner, Jey storms up and whips, but McIntyre reverses again. McIntyre kicks Jey low, then snap suplexes! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally while Jey crawls away. McIntyre storms up on Jey, drags him up, then CHOPS! Jey UPPERCUTS! McIntyre CHOPS and Jey falls! McIntyre stomps Jey right on the face! Jey crawls, but McIntyre drags him up, only for Jey to HEADBUTT! And again! And then Jey climbs up in the corner to rain down fists! McIntyres shoves Jey away at five, but Jey comes back to whip. McIntyre reverses again, runs in and ROCKS Jey! Then CHOPS Jey! McIntyre whips, Jey ducks ‘n’ dodges to then hold ropes. McIntyre runs in, Jey dumps him out! Jey builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit and down goes McIntyre!
Fans fire up with Jey and he hurries back into the ring. Jey builds speed again, to DIVE! Another direct hit and McIntyre falls again! But wait, here comes the Judgment Day. Priest, Finn & Dom are cheering Jey on, mostly because they want him to join up. Jey isn’t sure what to make of this, but Raw goes to break.
Raw returns once more, and McIntyre has Jey up top. McIntyre climbs up to join Jey, and he throws hands! Jey wobbles, the Judgment Day cheer him on along with the fans. Jey throws body shots! Jey ROCKS McIntyre but McIntyre hits back! Jey HEADBUTTS and McIntyre drops back, only for McIntyre to come back and ROCK Jey with a forearm! McIntyre goes up, stands on the very top, and hits a SUPER DUPER PLEX! Fans fire up and the Judgment Day cheer Jey on. Jey and McIntyre stir, McIntyre sits up, and he glares at Jey. Jey rises, grits his teeth, and McIntyre eggs him on !
McIntyre throws a haymaker, Jey throws a forearm! McIntyre and Jey go back and forth, then Jey counter punches! And again! And again! McIntyre wobbles, but he GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTTS! Both men wobble, and Jey ENZIGURIS! McIntyre swings, misses, and runs into a SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Fans rally, Judgment Day coaches Jey, and Jey sees McIntyre go outside. Jey builds speed again, and he DIVES into a forearm! Jey is down, and McIntyre hurries up the corner?! But Jey avoids the flying ax handle! Only to run into a SPINBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jey is in this and Judgment Day cheers him on!
McIntyre scowls as he sits back up. McIntyre drags Jey up to ROCK him and whip him. Jey BOOTS McIntyre away, runs, but McIntyre dodges to NECKBREAKER! Fans fire up as McIntyre kips up! McIntyre glares at Jey as he goes to the corner, he starts the countdown, but of course Dom distracts! Priest swipes at McIntyre but McIntyre kicks at him! McIntyre runs, into a SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO!! Jey is frustrated, and he goes to a corner. The Judgment Day is there to coach him on, telling Jey this is what The Judgment Day is about. It’s your time, Uce! Jey aims at McIntyre, Priest talks to him more, and Jey says alright.
Jey fist bumps with Priest? But then he SUPERKICKS him down! And SUPERKICK for Finn! SUPERKICK for Dom! Jey just said no, but then McIntyre says CLAYMORE!! Cover, McIntyre wins!!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
Well, Jey turned the Judgment Day down, proving the doubters wrong! But then McIntyre still took advantage and takes the victory! Will the Scottish Warrior finally be able to move on? As for Jey, he’s down as the Judgment Day gets in the ring! They’re furious with Jey, so they start stomping him down! Fans boo, but Finn gets in Jey’s face that you do not do this to the Judgment Day! Finn fires off hands as Priest holds Jey up! McIntyre watches, conflicted between his grudge and his sense of justice. McIntyre turns to go, but then turns back. But here comes Cody Rhodes! Cody rushes past McIntyre to DUMP Priest out!
Cody fires off on Finn, Jey SUPERKICKS Finn! Cody dodges Dom, Jey SUPERKICKS Dom! Cody gives Dom a CROSS RHODES! Just like earlier tonight! Fans are thunderous as The Judgment Day retreats again! McIntyre almost made a decision, but will he just stay out of this battle? As for Jey, does he have an ally against the Judgment Day in the American Nightmare?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw that moved rather smoothly and quickly from start to finish. Great bookending of the show with the Jey Uso story. Cody wants to speak to why he brought Jey over, Dom gets in his way again, but then Dom gets beat surprisingly quickly. I did like that his excuse is that he needs Mami Rhea to be back, which is basically true since she’s helped him win so often. Dom VS Dragon Lee happening next week on Raw is very surprising, but with Dom facing Melo on NXT, can’t do it there. And then next week is the go-home to No Mercy so can’t really change things last minute, but changing things at the penultimate (second to last) minute. I don’t know if Dragon wins that but it’d be amazing if he did so that we get Dragon VS Mustafa Ali fair and square for No Mercy.
Kevin & Sami supporting Cody against Judgment Day was of course going to happen, it has already happened multiple times. But at least we didn’t get yet another Six Man Tag between them all. Good promo from Cody, Sami & Kevin to talk things out, and all the interactions Jey had throughout the night was good stuff. Jey VS McIntyre was great stuff, and of course The Judgment Day had to show up. Of course Jey rejected the offer, but it was also fair that he lost the match then. Judgment Day are now set to feud with Jey, and Cody is definitely on Jey’s team. Sami might join in, despite Kevin’s objections, but I liked McIntyre having that moment of conflict. He doesn’t like Jey but he really doesn’t like Judgment Day, and he’s been walking the Tweener line, good stuff.
Next week is a big night for Judgment Day with Dom defending his title and then Finn & Priest defending their tag titles. Maybe Dom really will lose his title on Raw if Finn & Priest are retaining theirs. And I’m pretty sure Finn & Priest are retaining those so they can keep going back and forth between Raw and SmackDown. Rhea is still kayfabe hurt from Nia Jax crushing her, and apparently Nia is gonna keep doing that to every woman until she gets a title match. The tag match of Shayna & Stark VS Chelsea & Piper was getting good right as Nia “ruined” it. Really good promo from Becky, and quite the surprise for Natty to be the one.
But at the same time, it’s two birds with one title match. Becky gets her first defense in and Natty’s story progresses as she continues to run into setbacks and losses. I also did appreciate Natty apparently voicing what some fans (at least, I think it’s “some,” could be more than it seems) feel about Becky taking the title off Tiffany. But Becky will also be on NXT tomorrow night, so surely she’ll celebrate her win there, maybe even be confronted by Tiffany to set up a rematch at No Mercy. And with as great as the first match was, Becky VS Tiffany Round 2 could be epic. And maybe Tiff cheats to win in order to get her belt back, given she didn’t cheat to keep it.
A shame about Erik not being able to compete tonight, a 2 outta 3 falls tag match of New Day VS Viking Raiders would’ve been great stuff. They can still bring that back around, maybe even for the Fastlane go-home episode on October 2nd. But Kofi VS Ivar was still great stuff, and great win for Kofi tonight. Great stuff from Bronson and Gable tonight, but I figured Bronson would win. If Gable’s story of returning to the Intercontinental Championship is to draw us in and stay interesting, Gable can’t win everything, so this was a good move. Plus, Bronson himself deserves to get at something, maybe he challenges for the IC title before Gable makes his return.
Speaking of that, Ciampa is clearly next, as he has a really good match and win off Vinci. Vinci is really getting the pressure and the blame heaped on him by Gunther & Ludwig, maybe he splits off from the group like he did back when he first changed from Fabian Aichner to Giovanni Vinci. As for Ciampa, he’d give Gunther one hell of a match if it’s at like Fastlane or along the way to Survivor Series. And clearly, Rollins VS Nakamura Round 2 is being set up for Fastlane. Good promo from Ricochet, great match from Ricochet VS Nakamura, and I did like commentary pointing out Nakamura wasn’t fighting to win but to hurt Ricochet and send a message. Nakamura surely did both those things, and now Rollins is letting him set the stage. I can’t wait!
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
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)
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THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
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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
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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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!
Mindless Wrestling Podcast: Weekend Wrasslin’ Wrap-up!
DJ, Rob and Jason break down NXT Vengeance Day and AEW GrandSlam Australia. Plus, Rob's SmackDown adventure and some beer...
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...
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