Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (10/16/23)
It’s a Raw Season Premiere!
The champions of Raw are in action!
It’s a truly colossal Raw as “Big” Bronson Reed takes on Gunther for the WWE Intercontinental Championship! Can Der Ring General survive a Tsunami?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Falls Count Anywhere: Ricochet VS Shinsuke Nakamura; Nakamura wins.
- Piper Niven w/ Chelsea Green VS Natalya; Piper wins.
- Ludwig Kaiser w/ Giovanni Vinci VS Johnny Gargano; Ludwig wins.
- Rhea Ripley VS Shayna Baszler; Rhea wins, by disqualification.
- WWE Intercontinental Championship: GUNTHER VS Bronson Reed; Gunther wins and retains the title.
- Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships: Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso VS Finn Balor & Damian Priest; Finn & Priest win and become the new Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions.
PLAY BY PLAY
Sami Zayn is here!
Oklahoma City fires up for the Great Liberator as he makes his way out to the ring, wearing the Kevin Owens duct tape shirt, because Sami is now without Kevin after SmackDown revealed Kevin is the superstar traded over for Jey Uso. Fans rally for Sami and he welcomes us to the season premiere of Monday Night Raw! Sami has to be honest, it feels a little weird being out here by himself. As most know by now, his tag team partner and best friend, Kevin, was moved to SmackDown. To be honest, Sami has mixed emotions. He is very sad that he lost his teammate this way, but he’s also excited for Kevin because Kevin will do huge things on SmackDown!
And if Sami’s being honest, he’s excited for himself, too! Because Sami can do what he hasn’t done in a while, and that is stand on his own two feet and prove what he’s known for years! That is that Sami Zayn is a WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION LEVEL SUPERSTAR! Fans love the sound of that! Sami thanks the fans for all that, he’s feeling good. He also has to address the elephant in the room, the reason Kevin was traded away from Raw. It is because of the arrival of Jey Uso. Fans boo but Sami says no, no one was happier than Sami when Jey came here. But now Sami’s struggling right now.
Sami is also struggling with how after it took them their whole lives to reach the top, Sami & Kevin main eventing WrestleMania, after all that work to get their, their reign was tainted by the fact that week in after week in, they had to deal with the Judgment Day. And now tonight, the Judgment Day are the ones getting a tag title match. So yeah, Sami has mixed emotions, and he isn’t sure what is next. But what he does know, the last year of Sami’s career has been by far the BEST year! And the reason for that is because of each and every single fan! The reason Sami is able to- Wait, here comes the Judgment Day!
Damian Priest, Finn Balor, Rhea Ripley & Dominik Mysterio all walk out and Finn says NOBODY should be kicking off the season premiere but the Judgment Day! Fans boo but Finn says, “What have we got here? Looks to me like poor little Sami Zayn is all alone!” Priest says that it feels like they’ve had these thorns in their sides for, what? Ever? But gladly, one has been removed. The only thing that’d make them happier is removing Sami, and the Undisputed Tag Team IDIOTS, Cody & Jey! And y’know what? Priest would be happy to remove Drew McIntyre! Priest goes off in Spanish but the others calm him down.
Rhea says they talked about this. Forget Drew, focus on tonight Dom says tonight, Mami is going to tear Shayna Baszler apart! And then she’ll put the whole Woman’s Division back on notice! Fans boo, but Rhea says Dom’s right. And then Finn & Priest will bring back the tag titles to the Judgment Day. Fans boo more, but Rhea says before getting to all that, she happened to notice something. Sami’s looking lost. What’s funny, back in the day, The Judgmetn Day would recruit the lost and give them direction. Like what they tried with Jey. But when it comes to Sami, they have a different plan. They just wanna get rid of him, permanently.
Rhea has an evil laugh, and the four of them surround the ring! Fans boo but wait! Here comes Jey! And a chair! Main Event Jey has Sami’s back, and now the Judgment Day reconsiders things. They back away while the fans chant “USO! USO!” Sami and Jey keep their guard up, but will Sami have Jey’s back in tonight’s tag title match?
Shinsuke Nakamura speaks.
“Ricochet. Falls Count Anywhere match? Whose decision? Yours? Or Adam Pearce’s? You are like a fly or mosquito, so I am going to smash you like a bug on the dirty floor.” Nakamura laughs now, but who will have the last laugh in this most epic battle in their rivalry yet?
Jey finds Sami backstage.
Jey asks what’s up, is he good? Yeah, Sami just needs a minute. Are they good? C’mon, talk to him. Sami does want them to be good, to be happy for Jey, but it shouldn’t be Jey having Sami’s back. It should be Kevin, but Kevin’s not here, because of Jey. And now sure, things are going good for Jey and Sami wants to be happy for him, but it’s Jey who has everything going for him. Jey has Cody, he has a friend, and he has the tag titles, and Sami has neither. And it’s because of Jey. Jey says he didn’t know Sami felt like that. But Sami still has Jey. It is what it is, Uce. Jey heads out, and Sami shoves a ladder over.
Sami then hurries after Jey and he says forget what he just said. Sami apologizes for venting. It’s just been tough. Sami is happy for Jey because Jey deserves what he has, so Sami’s sorry, okay? Sami offers a handshake, and Jey says YEET! They hug it out, will Sami having his dawg with him help him through this?
Falls Count Anywhere: Ricochet VS Shinsuke Nakamura!
Raw returns and the King of Strong Style makes his entrance. Ricochet WRECKS Nakamura with a dropkick even before the bell! The bell rings and they brawl, and Ricochet RAMS Nakamura into barriers! Ricochet then CHOPS Nakamura, puts him back in the ring and he fires up with the fans. Ricochet runs in but blocks a boot! Ricochet spins Nakamura but Nakamura WHEEL KICKS! Nakamura puts Ricochet on the top rope, runs in, TOP SHELF KNEE! Then an INVERTED EXPLODER! Cover, TWO! Nakamura powers up and watches Ricochet sit up. But Ricochet avoids the kick to hit a RECOIL! Cover, TWO!!
Nakamura survives and bails out but Ricochet shakes out the cobwebs. Ricochet runs to triangle jump DROPKICK! Nakamura falls and Ricochet builds speed! Ricochet FOSBURY FLOPS! Direct hit, cover on the ramp, TWO! Nakamura crawls away but Ricochet pursues up the ramp to the stage! Fans fire up as Ricochet ROCKS Nakamura! Ricochet brings Nakamura up, UPPERCUTS, but Nakamura CLUBS Ricochet! Nakamura whips Ricochet into the LED tron! Then Nakamura says laters, and brings Ricochet to the backstage area. But Ricochet ROCKS Nakamura, CLUBS him, but Nakamura knees low! They brawl in gorilla position!
Ricochet ROCKS Nakamura, but Nakamura shoves ref in the way. Ricochet flips up and over the ref to ROUNDHOUSE Nakamura down! Cover, TWO! Nakamura stays in this but Ricochet drags him up. Ricochet ROCKS Nakamura, tells Gregory “Hurricane” Helms to stand back, there’s a Ricochet coming through. They go back out on stage and fans fire up as Ricochet CHOPS! Nakamura HEADBUTTS! Nakamura whips but Ricochet runs up the wall! SUPERKICK and down goes Nakamura! Ricochet runs up but Nakamura ducks the penalty kick! STANDING MOONSAULT, but onto knees! Nakamura then gets Ricochet up!
But Ricochet blocks the GTS, to DRAGON SCREW the leg! Then STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Both men writhe while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Ricochet is fighting with Nakamura up in the stands! Wait, Ricochet goes up higher! He gest on the railing and fans go wild already. Ricochet SHOOTING STARS Nakamura and the security!! Fans go wild while Nakamura tumbles away from the cluster. Ricochet pursues, they make their way back to ground level, and the brawling continues! Nakamura grabs someone’s popcorn and throws it in Ricochet’s face! The buttery, salty puffs blind Ricochet momentarily, and Nakamura puts him on the barriers! And he BOOTS Ricochet to the floor! Nakamura then brings Ricochet up to whip him into more barriers!
Nakamura goes looking under the ring, and he brings out a TABLE! The fans love that! But Nakamura isn’t done, he brings out DOUBLE NUNCHUCKS! He swings and SMACKS and SMACKS and swings and SMACKS and SMACKS Ricochet down! Then he KNEES Ricochet down, to then set up the table! Fans fire up as Nakamura even clears off the desk. Ricochet KNEES Nakamura back! Ricochet ROCKS Nakamura, puts him on the table, and then rains down fists! Ricochet sees the ring, and fans fire up as he climbs a corner! But Nakamura gets off the table and to the apron. Fans boo but Ricochet hops down. Nakamura HOTSHOTS Ricochet!
Nakamura goes to suplex but Ricochet fights! Ricochet suplexes but Nakamura slips free! Ricochet swings, misses, fireman’s carry! GO TO SLEEP! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet stays awake but Nakamura goes to a corner. KIN- TIGER WALL KICK! ENZIGURI! Ricochet fires up with the fans and he runs corner to corner at Nakamura! But Nakamura puts him on the apron! Ricochet GAMANGIRIS back! Ricochet springboards to 450 SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!!! Nakamura survives and shocks Ricochet! Ricochet hurries to go back to a corner and fans are thunderous! But Nakamura ROCKS Ricochet first!
Nakamura climbs up, but Ricochet CLUBS him and shoves him down! But Nakamura is right back up! So Ricochet dumps him over! Ricochet adjusts, KICKS Nakamura, then brings him back around. Nakamura resists, he bends fingers and KICKS Ricochet! Ricochet falls through the table!! Nakamura aims and Ricochet slowly rises. KINSHASA!!! Cover, Nakamura wins!
Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura, by pinfall
The King of Strong Style trumps the King of Flight! Will this win help Nakamura rise back up for another go at the World Heavyweight Championship?
Tegan Nox talks with Kayden Carter & Katana Chance.
They’re all very excited, and then Nikki Cross is just in the corner? Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk over and Chelsea asks what is going on here. A viewing party to watch one half of the Women’s Tag Team Champions beat Natalya? Speaking of, where is she? Shouldn’t Natty be here finding a naive rookie to manipulate? Unlike Chelsea, who made Piper a champion. Nox says Piper forced Chelsea to be a tag partner. Gasp! Gasp~! Now, go annoy someone else, okay? Um, actually, Chelsea already tried talking to Adam Pearce. But Tegan, was it? Do not cross Chelsea or she’ll do what Piper’s about to do to Natty.
Nox says she may not have won the NXT Women’s title from Becky, but if there is anything she learned is that you never let anyone disrespect you. So the question is, how quickly can Chelsea hide behind Piper before Nox smacks her across the jaw? Chelsea says Nox is lucky they have things to do! Pip, let’s go before these losers rub off on them. Nox and the group talk about how cocky the Hot Mess is, but will Piper be able to back it all up?
Gunther speaks.
“A good general knows that the ends do not justify the means. Because there are no ends, there are only means. You are not brave, you have merely forgotten the fear of suffering. There is no man like me, there is only me.” Der Ring General is in action later tonight, will he put fear into the heart of Auszilla?
Piper Niven w/ Chelsea Green VS Natalya!
Raw returns and the Queen of Harts makes her entrance. The bell rings and Natty circles with Piper. They tie up, Natty headlocks but Piper powers out to run Natty over! Piper soaks up the heat and Natty gets up. The two tie up, Piper puts Natty in the ring, and she lets off to shove Natty. Natty SLAPS Piper! Fans fire up, Chelsea protests but Natty fires off hands on Piper! Natty runs, leaps, but Piper catches her! Piper pops Natty around but Natty slips fere and runs to tilt-o-whirl and RANA Piper to a corner! Then Natty rolls Piper up, TWO! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Piper sunset flips, TWO! Natty DROPKICKS Piper down! Cover, ONE!!
Natty goes to the apron, Piper storms up but Natty shoulders in. Piper KICKS Natty, then has her up to run her to the corner! Natty blocks, and she runs Piper into buckles! Natty dribbles Piper off the buckles, goes up, but Piper HEADBUTTS back! Then she KNEES Natty down! Fans rally for Natty while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Natty throws hands, but then Piper sweeps the leg! But Natty avoids the senton! Ghost pin, TWO! Natty runs to step on Piper, then she basement drop- NO, Piper blocks! Piper runs, BASEMENT CROSSBODY FLOPS as Natty dodges! Natty KICKS, steps over, Oklahoma Roll! TWO! DISCUS! Cover, TWO! Piper survives but fans fire up with Natty! Natty gets the legs, Chelsea gets on the apron! The ref reprimands, Piper boots Natty into Chelsea, and then Piper throws Natty by her hair! BASEMENT CROSSBODY! Cover, Piper wins!
Winner: Piper Niven, by pinfall
The Hot Mess ends up Piper’s ace in the hole to trump the Queen of Harts! But Natty SLAPS Chelsea for mouthing off! Natty and Piper brawl, Chelsea joins in, but here comes Nox! The Welsh Firecracker slides in, she CLOBBERS Chelsea! Then she fires off on Piper! Natty & Piper have the advantage now, and they double whip. Piper holds ropes to bail out. Fans boo but Piper & Chelsea regroup. Will the tag team champions have to watch their backs?
The Judgment Day talks backstage.
Priest says they know that part of him really wanted JD McDonagh to get beat up last week. Finn doesn’t blame him. But then McIntyre hit Dom, so Priest felt bad. So that is why, on the season premiere, Judgment Day NEEDS to take out McIntyre! They need to show the world what happens when you mess with them! Finn agrees, but Dom says Mami said not to. Dom… But then Rhea walks in and perfect timing. Where’s she been? Had a phone call. Oh, okay. She’s had a lot of those lately. Because she’s handling Judgment Day business, okay? She handled this thing with McIntyre, and they trust her, right? Right. Then just focus on the tag titles.
Finn says they’re more than prepared to take care of Cody & Jey. Is Rhea focused on Shayna? Yeah. Does Mami need Dom in her corner? No, she’s got this. Tonight, she reminds her division why Mami is always on top, and it starts with Shayna. Then they remind the rest of Raw just who runs this. They’re all in agreement, and Rhea heads back out. Will Rhea be able to eradicate the Queen of Spades? Or will Rhea have to decide on #TapNapOrSnap?
Seth Rollins is here!
Oklahoma City fires up for the Visionary as he makes his way to the ring! Beat up as he is, he is still all smiles, soaking up the singing. But what will he have to say as we draw closer to Crown Jewel and his match with Drew McIntyre? We see, after the break.
Raw returns and Rollins has a mic to say, “Oklahoma Citaay~! Welcome to the season premiere of Monday, Night, Rollins!” And we had a great “season finale” last week with the new #1 contender to the World Heavyweight Championship, the Scottish Warrior, Drew McIntyre! A hell of a guy that Drew. Challenges Rollins to his face, wants Rollins at 100%. Good guy, right? But then, Rollins gets jumped by Priest and McIntyre doesn’t do a damn thing! And Rollins is a little confused by that. But then Dom runs up, the MITB contract in hand, and then McIntyre is the white knight!
It was getting a little weirder, but guys! Rollins can’t answer these questions! McIntyre is the only one, so Drew! Consider this an invitation to come out and join them on the season premiere! McIntyre obliges! McIntyre joins Rollins in the ring, gets himself a mic, and Rollins takes the sunglasses off. McIntyre says that the whole “as close to 100% as possible” thing kinda implied Rollins not standing here in the middle of the ring where he could get jumped. Because buddy, McIntyre isn’t gonna babysit Rollins! Rollins appreciates that, how kind. But if there’s one thing Rollins has proven is that he can handle his bidness on his own.
The question Rollins has for McIntyre is if McIntyre is handling his business on his own, or has he enlisted a little help? Fans wonder what that means, and McIntyre says everyone knows he handles his own business. But clearly, Rollins has something on his mind, so could he elaborate? Oh, yes yes! Fine folks in the trucks, roll the footage. See, here’s Ricochet and Pearce talking, but zoom in and look! Rhea and a very large, ruggedly handsome man. Might be Scottish. Care to elaborate on that, McIntyre? First off, McIntyre ain’t some thirsty creep like Jey, Rhea found McIntyre. And what they talked about is not Rollins’ business.
So stop worrying about the Judgment Day. Worry about McIntyre taking the damn title from you! Oh, thanks for clearing that up. Let Rollins clear this up: NOBODY is taking this title off Rollins, and ESPECIALLY NOT McIntyre! But Rollins gets it. Last couple of years have messed with McIntyre’s head. Lots of big opportunities, lots of big matches, and then lost of big failures. McIntyre is so freaked out by failing that he’s gotten some side help from Judgment Day. That won’t work out how McIntyre thinks. Dealing with Judgment Day is a slippery slope McIntyre doesn’t wanna go down.
Rollins sounds rattled to McIntyre. And he should, because McIntyre remembers the last time they had a world title match, and McIntyre beat Rollins’ ass. McIntyre doesn’t need help, he doesn’t need Judgment Day. And those big matches McIntyre lost? If Rollins studied his tape, he would’ve seen there was interferences, from mist to low blow to Bloodline! OH SHUT UP about the Bloodline! Move on! The Bloodline sure has. To put it plainly and with all due respect, get over it. McIntyre stares Rollins down and says, “Get over it? Get over it?!” Rollins likes being world champion with the fans singing and all that, right?
The fans sing now, and McIntyre sighs. Y’know, McIntyre has a catchy theme song he could bring back, too, but he doesn’t need that “crutch” holding him up. That was the dream, it was McIntyre’s dream, too. And when he achieved that dream by beating Brock Lesnar in under five minutes, there was nobody there. There was a worldwide pandemic, we needed someone to step up, and McIntyre stepped up! Missed moment after missed moment, and by the time the people were back, McIntyre’s moment was gone. But he caught lightning in a bottle in the UK, 1v1 with Roman Reigns, 50K in Cardiff, and the Bloodline screwed him! So sorry if he’s not “over it” so quickly!
But maybe the third time will be the charm! Rollins needs to think long and hard how he’ll reinvent himself for the 53rd time when McIntyre beats him and takes the title at Crown Jewel! Fans are torn here but Rollins shakes his head. Rollins tells McIntyre that no one understands McIntyre better than him. Rollins knows how hard it can be to get yourself back to the top of the mountain. Rollins spent four YEARS digging and fighting and clawing to get back up! But all Rollins is hearing from McIntyre is excuses, pointing fingers, and that won’t get McIntyre where he wants to go. Rollins will win and it’ll be the best thing that ever happened to McIntyre.
Because for the first time in a long time, McIntyre won’t have anyone to blame but himself. Rollins drops his mic and makes his exit. Things are heating up as we head for November, will the Visionary burn down the Scottish Warrior?
Bronson Reed speaks.
“You wanna know how I got to where I am? Fear. Someone disrespects me, they get hurt. They challenge me, I break them. Truly, a spectacle of fearsome acts is what’s needed to keep things in order. And not to impress, but a brutal reminder of ramifications.” Auszilla is eager for this colossal showdown, but will even he fail to stop Der Ring General?
Logan Paul called out Rey Mysterio.
After beating his opponent in boxing on Saturday, the ImPAULsive Influencer challenged Rey for the US Championship. Rey’s response on the Michael Kay Show was that he doesn’t mind hearing Paul out in person, he’s always up for a challenge. As such, Logan Paul will make his return to the WWE this Friday on SmackDown in San Antonio!
Ludwig Kaiser w/ Giovanni Vinci VS Johnny Gargano!
Imperium looked to bring down DIY before DIY could get going again, but they may have only motivated them more! Will European Elegance be able to add on from last week? Or will he regret angering Johnny Wrestling?
Raw returns and Gargano makes his entrance. The bell rings and Gargano CLOBBERS Ludwig! Gargano throws down fists, Ludwig gets up but Gargano dodges to RANA! Fans fire up as Ludwig bails out and Gargano builds speed. Gargano DIVES and down goes Ludwig! Fans fire up more as Gargano stares Vinci down. Gargano throws his shirt at him, hurries in, then dodges Ludwig, only for Ludwig to sweep the legs! Ludwig KICKS Gargano in the back, then POSTS him! Ludwig keeps Gargano stuck in the ropes to run and DROPKICK him down! Fans boo but Ludwig soaks up the heat. Ludwig GAMAN, but Gargano blocks!
Gargano fires off forearms but Ludwig shoves. Ludwig run sin but Gargano goes up to ROPE OCTOPUS! The ref counts, Gargano lets off, and he RAMS into Ludwig, then slingshots, into an UPPERCUT! Ludwig CLOBBERS Gargano on the apron, then drags him back up. Ludwig says to say hi to Ciampa, and he UPPERCUTS Gargano off the apron! Gargano hits barriers and Ludwig soaks up the heat as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Ludwig has Gargano down in a cobra clutch. Fans rally as Gargano endures and fights up. Gargano reaches out, throws some short shoulders, but Ludwig ripcords. Gargano ROCKS Ludwig first, and then again, and again! Ludwig whips but Gargano reverses and Ludwig hits buckles hard! Ludwig staggers up in a daze, Gargano ELBOWS him away! Gargano then side steps, schoolboy roll and KICK! Ludwig goes to a corner, Gargano runs in to CHOP! Gargano whips corner to corner, runs in, but is put on the apron. Gargano GAMANGIRIS Ludwig away, then SLINGSHOT SPEARS!
Fans fire up with Gargano as he goes up a corner. Ludwig stands into a FLYIGN COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, TWO! Ludwig survives but he is still dazed. Gargano storms up, brings Ludwig around, but Ludwig CHOPS! Gargano CHOPS! And ROCKS and ROCKS and ROCKS! Ludwig puts Gargano in a corner, climbs up while talking trash, and he throws down fists! Gargano slips free, tucks Ludwig in, CHEEKY NANDOS! Gargano then goes up, and SUNSET FLIP BOMBS! Cover, TWO!! Ludwig escapes in time and crawls to a corner. Gargano storms up on Ludwig to stomp a mudhole in! The ref counts, Gargano lets off, then runs back in, into an UPPERCUT!
Ludwig CHOPS, fireman’s carries, and ROLLING DEATH VALLEY, to a PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Gargano hangs tough and Ludwig is frustrated. Ludwig storms up, brings Gargano around, clinches and SIDE- NO, Gargano rolls Ludwig up! TWO!! Ludwig escapes again, but Gargano dumps him out! Vinci is there to check him but that upsets Ludwig. Gargano runs up to catch Ludwig, WILLOW’S BELL! Shoutout to Ciampa before ONE FINAL BEAT!! Cover, Vinci POKES Gargano in the eyes!! Fans boo but the Pride of Italy gets away with the save. Gargano snarls and storms out after Vinci to CLOBBER him!
Fans fire up as Gargano SMACKS Vinci off the desk again and again and again! Vinci runs away, Gargano pursues, but into the RUNNING GAMANGIRI! And then the SIDEWINDER!! Cover, Ludwig wins!
Winner: Ludwig Kaiser, by pinfall
The 2v1 advantage comes in handy for Imperium, but does Ludwig even realize Vinci saved him? Will he even show Vinci any gratitude when he does? Or is it all about European Elegance and no one else?
Becky Lynch crosses paths with Indi Hartwell & Candice LeRae.
#IndiWrestling tells The Man that while she respects all the opportunities she’s giving to the Women’s Division, when is she gonna give that opportunity to the woman who never truly lost the title? Candice says that’s true. Indi knows Becky wants to be a fighting champion- Becky stops Indi there, because she’s right. Becky is a fighting champion and Indi is the champion who never lost. And Becky’s always wanted to fight Indi, so she’ll go to Pearce to make this official. Wow, she really is The Man. Damn right. Becky turns around, but runs right into Rhea. Rhea smirks as she walks away, when will Mami and The Man have it out?
McIntyre finds Sami backstage.
McIntyre says he’s been meaning to talk with Sami. McIntyre knows things got intense between him and Jey, but McIntyre respects the fact Sami stepped between them. And in fact, McIntyre has been meaning to say, after Sami stepped away from The Bloodline, McIntyre and “the boys in the back” were apprehensive about Sami. But Sami worked hard, proved himself, stepped up as a leader around here. Well, Sami appreciates all that and respects McIntyre saying so. But McIntyre wasn’t finished there. Then he saw what he saw earlier. Sami instantly forgave Jey, a man who has literally done the exact opposite!
The Right Hand Man of the Bloodline is here and is just instantly expecting forgiveness, and then Sami gave it to him! Sami says he and McIntyre obviously don’t see eye to eye on this. And Sami won’t get in the middle of things with McIntyre and Seth, but one thing that Seth is right about is putting the Bloodline stuff behind him. Look, trust Sami. Nobody knows better about how hard it is to do that than Sami, but Jey is working hard to make everyone believe him. He’s done everything he can, and right now, it seems only McIntyre doesn’t buy that. Just saying, from one man to another, putting the drama behind him is hard. Sami can relate.
Oh, seems a lot of people can relate to McIntyre tonight. But Sami can’t, because he’s never been world champion. He doesn’t know the pressure that brings. And to keep going with this happy-go-lucky attitude, trusting everyone, changing allegiances with the wind, he’ll never be world champion. Well if there’s any doubt in McIntyre’s mind about that, go to the middle of the ring with Sami next week. McIntyre doesn’t back down from a fight. So see you then. McIntyre heads out, is Sami the one in trouble?
Rhea Ripley VS Shayna Baszler!
Mami is done with the disrespect from “her” division, and looks to put them all in their place! But will Rhea’s brutality break Baszler? Or will the Queen of Spades be the one that breaks the Women’s World Champion?
Before the match, Rhea gets a mic. “Y’know, everyone wants a part of Monday Night Mami. Hell, even Nia Jax decided to come back just to try and get rid of me. But that didn’t work out so well, did it? But in my absence, the Women’s Division decided to try and prove how tough they are. I have Nia Jax, Raquel Rodriguez, and now Shayna Baszler trying to prove they’re the baddest woman here int he WWE. But the reality is is that this is MY division! And Mami will always be on top!” But here comes Shayna! The battle of bad, bad badasses is on, after the break!
Raw returns and the bell rings. The two tie up, Shayna waistlocks but Rhea switches. Rhea SLAMS Shayna down, brings her up, but Shayna hooks a leg to roll and get the ANKLE LOCK! Rhea flails, turns, and BOOTS Shayna away! Rhea RAMS Shayna in the corner, fires off fists, but the ref backs her off. Shayna ROCKS Rhea to WRING out an arm! Rhea then isolates that arm, to STOMP it! Fans are torn as Rhea clutches her arm, but then Shayna KICKS that arm! Shayna eggs Rhea on but Rhea eggs Shayna on. Shayna KICKS the arm, Rhea still eggs her on then she dodges the kick to throw Shayna down by her hair!
Rhea basement dropkicks, shakes out the arm and covers, TWO! Rhea snarls, brings Shayna up, but Shayna fires off fast hands! Shayna run sin, Rhea dodges the knee to stomp a foot and SMASH Shayna’s face! Rhea then LARIATS! Fans rally up as Rhea snarls and runs in at the corner. Rhea Electric Chair Lifts, but Shayna fights free. Rhea fights off the suplex, ELBOWS Shayna, but Shayna avoids the boot! Shayna ROCKS Rhea but Rhea spins to ELBOW Shayna! Both women fall and fans fire up! Shayna and Rhea rise, run in, and fire off fast hands from all sides! Shayna KICKS, but Rhea ROCKS!
Shayna ducks a roundhouse to GERMAN SUPLEX! And RUNNING KNEE!! Rhea falls, Shayna covers, TWO!! Rhea survives that headshot but Shayna keeps her cool. Shayna drags Rhea up and fireman’s carries, but Rhea fights free. Rhea goes to a corner, Shayna KNEES her again! Shayna hoists Rhea up top, climbs up after her, but Rhea throws body shots! Rhea HEADBUTTS Shayna down! Fans fire up as Rhea adjusts, to MISSILE DROPKICK! Direct hit, and the pump handle! RIP- ARMBAR!! Shayna has the arm!! Rhea flails, pushes up and stacks, but Shayna keeps her shoulders up! So Rhea deadlifts Shayna, to POWERBOMB!!
Both women are down again and fans fire up! But here comes Nia Jax! Fans boo as the Irresistible Force can’t resist going for revenge! But here comes Raquel Rodriguez! Big Mami Cool YANKS Nia down then fires off forearms! Nia HEADBUTTS back! Both women stagger, and ZOEY STARK CANNONBALLS FROM THE CROWD!? The Hunter wants her piece of Nia, but Raquel TOSSES her aside! And then into the ring! Fans fire up as Ricky Desperado storms up to BOOT Nia down! Raquel roars and Oklahoma is with her! Raquel runs up, but Nia moves and Raquel only gets steel steps! And then Zoey SUPERKICKS Rhea!
Winner: Rhea Ripley, by disqualification
Rhea stays up, she picks Zoey up and THROWS her into Shayna! Fans fire up for Rhea but she locks eyes with Nnia. Mami says if Nia wants some, just get cross th eline and get in the ring. Nia storms up, fans fire up and Rhea says “BRING IT!” Nia does run in, but Rhea dodges and Stark SUPERKICKS Nia! Rhea HEADBUTTS Nia into Stark’s ROUNDHOUSE! Rhea scoops Nia?! But then Stark DROPKICKS them both down! Fans fire up and Stark SUPERKICKS Nia outta the ring! Another badass joins the fight, who will be THE Alpha Female of Monday Night Raw?
Adam Pearce meets with Becky Lynch.
Seems great minds think alike, so next Monday, Becky VS Indi for the NXT Women’s Championship! Becky loves it, and Pearce says he’ll check with HBK to make sure he loves it, too. Then they can make it official. But in storms Xia Li. She tells Becky that first Tegan, no Indi. What about Xia?! Well, Becky’s got two contenders (Indi and Lyra), but if Xia wants to be the third, just say the word. Then she will. On her time. Xia heads out and Becky says everyone wants a piece of The Man. Oh, speak of the devil. Jade Cargill walks in! Jade says, “Nice title.” Becky says get in line. Becky heads out and Jade laughs that off. She’s funny. Yeah. But she can do that when she’s The Man.
Pearce then formally welcomes Jade. Is The Storm coming to Mondays rather than Tuesdays and Fridays?
Backstage interview with Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso.
Jackie Redmond is with the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions, and she says it is obvious these two are feeling pretty good right now. But before getting to their tag title match, she wanted to ask Jey about what happened between him and Sami earlier tonight. Jey says Sami just has a lot going on in his head right now. But Jey is here for Sami, he has Sami’s back always. That’s his dawg, ya feel him? She does. Cody wants to make sure, does she feel him? Yes, she’s even feeling Ucey. Then tonight being the season premiere, it is all about those who maximize opportunities.
We saw Ricochet and Nakamura tear each other to bits. We saw Zoey Stark stand up and do the right thing by going after Rhea Ripley. And we know that while Judgment Day wants to own Monday Night Raw, there is a roster full of bright futures, and one faction is not going to cast their shadow over it. But they are indeed the utmost perfect challengers for tonight. Cody wants to uphold the legacy of these belts with his man right here, Jey. Jey, say the word. YEET. Jey & Cody head out, but will the second generation stars stay on top?
WWE Intercontinental Championship: GUNTHER VS Bronson Reed!
Der Ring General has made history for his reign’s length, but now he might make history for its size! As in, how BIG the Colossal Aussie is as a challenger! Will Gunther continue on as the greatest Intercontinental Champion in WWE history? Or will the reign be washed away by the Tsunami?
Raw returns as Gunther makes his entrance, Ludwig & Vinci by his side. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Gunther makes it through his biggest challenge yet!
The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally up and they tie up. They’re in a deadlock, but then Reed powers Gunther back step by step! Gunther ends up in a corner, but he turns it around. Reed turns it around, they go around and around and end up in another corner. The ref counts, Gunther lets off to CLUB Reed! Gunther headlocks, Reed powers out and they RAM shoulders! Neither man falls so Reed runs. They RAM shoulders again, Gunther comes back to BOOT! And BOOT again! Reed goes to a corner, Gunther runs in and CHOPS! Fans “WOO~!” and Reed leans on ropes. Reed snarls but Gunther runs in to CHOP again!
Fans fire up as Gunther runs, but Reed CLOBBERS him! Fans fire up from that full body press, and then Gunther goes to a corner. Reed SPLASHES and Gunther bails out! Reed goes to the apron to FLYING SHOULDER into a CHOP! And then Gunther RAMS Reed into the apron! And CHOPS again! The ref has the ring count climbing, Gunther pushes Reed in at 5 of 10 then storms after him. Gunther reels Reed in, but Reed’s too big for a lift like that! Gunther almost has it but Reed kicks. Gunther CLUBS Reed, clamps onto an arm, but Reed fires forearm! Gunther gets around to a SLEEPER!
Reed pries at the hold and fans rally up. Reed RAMS Gunther into a corner, is free, but Gunther CHOPS him on the back! And back to the SLEEPER! Reed drops to a knee, Gunther leans on him, but Reed pries the hold open again. Reed stands up, shifts around, and he fireman’s carries Gunther! Gunther fights with elbows, and back to the SLEEPER! Reed drops to his knees again, reaches out, and fans rally up. Reed picks Gunther up as a backpack, Gunther fights, but Reed BACKPACK SENTONS! Fans fire up as Reed hurries to the corner! Reed climbs, but Gunther is up to CHOP! Reed sputters as he goes to the apron.
Gunther storms out to the apron, BOOTS Reed, and CHOPS! Gunther reels Reed in again, but Reed is still too big to lift! Reed back drops Gunther to the apron! Gunther falls to the floor, Reed runs to FLYING SHOULDER! Down goes Gunther but Reed put his all into that! Both men are down on the outside as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns and Gunther CHOPS! Reed forearms, the two trade shots, and then Reed CHOPS! Gunther snarls, he CHOPS again! Reed snarls and roars, then CHOPS again! Gunther CHOPS, Reed ROCKS Gunther with a right hand! Gunther CHOPS again! And again! Gunther powers up but Reed blocks the chop! To HEADBUTT! Gunther runs, they both LARIAT! Both men wobble, Gunther LARIATS again! Gunther runs, but Reed SUPERKICKS!? Reed ripcords and POWERSLAMS! Cover, TWO!! Gunther survives and Reed is frustrated, but the fans rally back up. Reed drags Gunther up, reels him in, and says thumbs down!
Reed hoists Gunther up, but Gunther slips free! To CHOP! And CHOP! And then he LARAITS from behind, then the front, then behind! And again! Gunther runs, into a fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Gunther survives but Reed is stinging, his colossal chest looking like raw steak! Reed goes to a corner, runs in, and SENTONSÂ onto knees! Gunther hurries to run and LARIAT Reed down! Cover, TWO!! Reed is still in this and Gunther is perhaps too tired to be upset. Gunther stands and staggers, but he makes his way to a corner. Gunther climbs, but Reed ROCKS him first!
Gunther throws hands with Reed but Reed HEADBUTTS! Reed climbs up, Gunther CHOPS him! Reed SLAPS Gunther! Reed goes to the very top!? To SUPER DUPER PLEX!! Both men are down and Oklahoma is thunderous! Reed crawls to the cover, TWO!!! Gunther is still in this! Reed doesn’t even hesitate, he just goes to the corner and climbs! TSUNAMI FLOPS!! Gunther SHOTGUNS Reed, to then LARIAT! Gunther goes up now! GENERAL SPLASH!! Cover, TWO?!?! Reed survives Gunther’s take on the Tsunami and no one can believe it! Gunther is furious, he hauls Reed up, and POWERBOMBS?!?! Cover, GUNTHER WINS!!
Winner: Gunther, by pinfall (still WWE Intercontinental Champion)
Truly the biggest and toughest challenge to date in Gunther’s historic reign, and Gunther makes it through! Will anyone ever stop Der Ring General now?
Backstage interview with The Miz.
Jackie is now with the “self-proclaimed Most Must-See WWE Superstar,” but he doesn’t look to be in a good mood. She says it’s so great to see him, but he asks, “Is it?” Is that why Pearce waited until the third hour to put Miz on? Also, Miz is not the self-proclaimed but he ISÂ the Most Must-See WWE Superstar! His rating is better than any other superstar in this company! How do you start the premiere? With nothing other than THIS face! Not some Sami Zayn pity party! “Oh~, Kevin Owens is no longer here~!” Kevin betrayed Sami a million times, “But I miss him~! He’s my best friend~!” Adam Pearce should be FIRED for this!
And maybe, just maybe, Nick Aldis should take over as manager of both Raw and SmackDown, because maybe Nick Aldis knows how to put respect on Miz’s name! But then Nia steps in. She wants to talk now. Miz speaks up but her glare shuts him up. “Do you see what’s going on here? Everybody has hit me with their best shot. But I’m still standing. And looking pretty. I haven’t hit anybody with my best shot, and if I hit them with any shot, they stay down. Because on Monday Night Raw, I do the squashing.” She then shoves the mic into Miz and storms off. Miz says unbelievable. But as he was saying-
Actually, we’re all out of time. Miz is stunned speechless. But as for what Nia said, will she truly A-Nia-late Raw with her “best shot?”
Pearce is on the phone.
He’s running Becky VS Indi by HBK and it sounds like HBK is on board. Then it is official! Pleasure doing business with you. But then Rhea storms in and says the only “business” Pearce should be doing is making sure Rhea’s matches aren’t interrupted! Pearce better get the division in order or she will! Pearce says that this is the season premiere, so we do things differently from now on. No more coming in here and telling him what she’s gonna do. She tried it and all she got was chaos. So if she wants to make a statement, we do it Pearce’s way, at Crown Jewel. Rhea defends her Women’s World Championship at Crown Jewel, against Nia!
And Shayna! And Zoey! And Raquel! FATAL 5 WAY! Rhea freaks out and says this is a joke! But then she says “fine, fine, fine, fine, fine!” She’ll eradicate them all, okay?! Rhea leaves all flustered and furious, and in step Indus Sher! Jinder Mahal wants to talk. Pearce says okay, let’s talk. Will Rhea make it through Riyadh Season still the champion? Will Jinder, Veer & Sanga reestablish themselves in the same amount of time?
Alpha Academy does Pilates.
Maxxine Dupri has the boys engaging their core and legs. Akira Tozawa is in here, too? Coach Gable blows the whistle, tells Akira that was terrible, keep it up. But as for Otis, hit him once! CHOP! Gunther, that’s for you! It’s a new season, and Gable is coming after that Intercontinental Championship! Then the Academy will go after the tag titles! But then The New Day walks in. What’s going on here? Gable says Kofi & Xavier are “late for class,” grab some dumbbells. What? Class? No, they came here to give advice. Because if you’re talking about the W, W, E, World, Tag, Team, Championships~, that means you obviously talkin’ ’bout ya bois, THE NEW~ DAY~!
Otis says he knows about them hips. It’s a swivel off! SHOOOOOSH! There’s only one way to settle this. Next week, first time ever, Alpha Academy VS New Day, to find who’s got the best hips in the biz! Tozawa then adds “ARIGATOOOO~!” AKA Japanese for, A THANK YEW~! Then he goes back to side step squats. That’s nasty good! Everyone is excited, but who will swivel hardest when Raw arrives in Dallas?
Kofi Kingston returned home to Ghana, West Africa.
He isn’t just a great superstar, he’s a great humanitarian. He and his mother raised funds to open the state-of-the-art Kofi Kingston Library & Digital Center, helping bring books and technology to junior high students who otherwise would not have access. Kofi’s dedication to his origins is uplifting and empowering the future.
Gunther regroups with Imperium.
They applaud his victory, and he smiles. He thanks them and says it was a fantastic job by Ludwig giving Gargano his first big defeat since his return. Ludwig did it. Ludwig fulfilled his responsibilities. Vinci didn’t. Vinci defends he helped Ludwig win! Gunther frowns at Ludwig who feels a bit embarrassed now. Gunther says Gargano was walking alone backstage. After Vinci’s match with Gargano next week, Gunther expects Gargano to be stretchered out! And it will be Ludwig’s responsibility! Gunther heads out and Ludwig tells Vinci no problem. But is all this pressure only going to cause the team to fall apart?
Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships: Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso VS Finn Balor & Damian Priest!
The American Nightmare & Main Event Jey took these belts from the Judgment Day just nine days ago at Fastlane. However, after some fast ‘n’ furious title defenses last week, Cody & Jey give Finn & Priest their rematch! Will it be 3-0 for the champs? Or will the Prince & Punisher make Mami proud?
Raw returns as Jey makes his entrance, followed by Cody’s, “WHOA~ OH~!” The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if Cody & Jey can shine through the Judgment Day’s shadow!
Raw returns again and Cody starts against Finn. They tie up, go around, and Finn wristlocks. Cody cartwheels, wrenches, headlocks, but Finn powers out. Things speed up, Cody catches the hurdle to a fireman’s carry, and RACK GUTBUSTER DROPS! Then Cody wrenches an arm, tags in Jey, and fans cheer as Jey goes up to AX HANDLE the arm! Jey headlocks, Finn powers out and Priest tags. Finn drops then Priest dumps Jey out! Fans boo but Priest storms on on Jey. Priest taunts the fans, brings Jey up and UPPERCUTS! Jey staggers back, Priest puts him in, and Priest kicks Jey down. Then Priest ROCKS Jey to the corner.
Priest runs in, hits the STAGE DIVE back elbow, then tags Finn. Snapmare to the slingshot STOMP! Finn scoops Jey, BACKBREAKER LEG DROP COMBO! Cover, TWO! Jey hangs in there but Priest kicks him around. Priest taunts Jey, then KICKS him in the chest! And KICKS him in the side! And again! Fans rally for Jey and Jey dodges the haymaker! Priest blocks the kick but not the DRAGON WHIP! Jey and Priest crawl, hot tag to Cody! Cody fires hands on Priest, whips, but Priest reverses. Cody slides under, kicks and drops, RHODES UPPERCUT! Another kick and drop, another RHODES UPPERCUT!
Cody runs to a corner, baits Priest in, POWERSLAM! Finn runs in, he gets a POWERSLAM! Fans fire up and Cody springboards, BEAUTIFUL DISASTER on Priest! Cover, TWO! Fans boo as Dom runs down the ramp! Dom hops on up the apron but Cody DECKS him! Cody dodges Priest and Priest hits post! Finn runs in, Cody catches him to a dragon sleeper, but Finn turns it around! Only for Jey to SUPERKICK! Fans fire up as Cody & Jey dodge Priest, SUPERKICK to CROSS RHODES! Cody covers, Dom gives Priest the ROPEBREAK! Fans boo as Dirty Dom gets away with that one! Cody shakes his head, and then chases Dom!
Fans fire up as they go around, but Finn tags in! Dom leads Cody around and Finn CLOBBERS Cody! Fans boo as the Judgment Day uses the numbers, as always, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns once again and Cody trades shots with Priest! Cody JABS, JABS and JABS! But Priest ROUNDHOUSES! Priest brings Cody around, soaks up the heat, and back suplexes, but Cody lands on his feet! Cody kicks low, underhooks, PEDIGREE!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! Cody and Priest crawl, hot tags to Finn and Jey! Jey rallies on Finn! Mule kick and UPPERCUT! Finn swings, misses, and Jey SAMOAN DROPS! Fans fire up with Jey as Finn goes to the corner. “UCE! OH!” echoes out, but Finn puts Jey on the apron! Jey GAMANGIRIS back! Jey climbs, and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO!
Dom is relieved that Finn hangs in there, but Jey doesn’t lose his focus. “This is Awesome!” as Jey brings Finn up. Fireman’s carry, but Finn claws the eyes! EYE OF THE HURRICAN! Cover, TWO! Dom is frustrated but Finn just watches Jey as he goes to a corner. Finn aims, runs in, but Jey SUPERKICKS first! Cody returns, they coordinate, CODE D!! Cover, TWO?!?! Finn survives the combo and no one can believe it! Cody sees Priest on the outside and he builds speed, and he DIVES, but into a choke grip! APRON CHOKE SLAM! Cody flops to the floor, this is looking like Fastlane minus JD McDonagh!
Priest clears off the desk, but Jey goes up! Priest runs up, Jey BOOTS him! Dom anchors Jey and fans boo! Jey BOOTS Dom, too, then adjusts! USO SPLASH ONTO KNEES! Cover, TWO!!! Jey survives and Dom argues with the ref. The ref tells Dom to go away, but here comes SAMI! Sami YANKS Dom down to fire off hands! Fans fire up as Sami beats Dom down, then POSTS him! Then RAMS him into steel steps! But then Priest POSTS Sami! But then Cody TOSSES Priest into the crowd! Cody hurries up and reaches out to Jey! Jey crawls as fast as he can, but Finn BLASTS Cody first! Jey rolls Finn up, TWO!!
DOUBLE LARIATS wipe Jey and Finn out! And then Priest returns, to LOW BLOW Cody!! The ref was too busy watching Finn and Jey to see that! Priest brings Cody over to the desk, Canadian Rack, crucifix, RAZOR’S EDGE through the desk!!! The ref reprimands and the fans lose their minds! But then Jey DIVES onto Priest! Jey checks Cody but Cody says to finish this. Jey returns to the ring, but Finn SLINGBLADES! Finn reloads in the corner, to SHOTGUN!! Jey hits buckles and falls into the drop zone! Finn hurries up, to COUP DE- NO! Jey dodges, and SPEARS!! Jey hurries up top again, to USO- NO, he has to jump over Priest first!
Jey keeps moving, and Jey SPEARS Priest!! Fans are thunderous again, and Jey drags Finn to a drop zone. Jey hurries back up top, but while the ref is busy with Priest, JIMMY USO SUPERKICKS JEY!!! The Shot Caller just took out Jey for the pride of the Bloodline!! Finn goes up, COUP DE GRACE!!! Cover, Judgment Day wins!!!
Winners: The Judgment Day, by pinfall (NEW Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions)
Roman Reigns must be smiling watching this at home. Jimmy does what was asked of him: make sure Jey no longer “besmirches” the family legacy by having these titles. Judgment Day is back on top with all the gold, will they never stop running Raw?
My Thoughts:
A great episode of Raw, with a lot set up to follow, as well. Great interaction from Becky with Indi and Xia and even Jade, so now we’re getting Becky VS Indi next week for the NXT Women’s Championship and possibly Xia the week after as I am sure Becky retains. For that matter, it really only feels like Lyra can get the NXT belt off Becky with Halloween Havoc coming up next week. And great stuff out of Rhea VS Shayna with Raquel, Nia and now Zoey getting involved. I was just thinking it was gonna be a Fatal 4 but making it a Fatal 5 is awesome stuff for Crown Jewel. Good stuff from Rhea being upset by that news and good promo from Nia interrupting Miz, and the Fatal 5 is going to be hard to predict, which makes it fun.
I liked what we got out of the Women’s Tag title story here, with Natty backing Nox up against Chelsea & Piper, setting up that 2v2 for the titles at some point. Heck, it still feels like they want to get KC Squared in on this story with Kayden & Katana sticking around in all this. As it stands, they’re already having more women on the card than last year (they had six women, 2v2 for the tag titles and 1v1 for the Raw Women’s title) so if they can get even more women on the card, that’d be great.
Great Falls Count Anywhere, I really liked the unique way of filming things at gorilla. Nakamura winning made sense, he’s been going strong and should stay strong to stay close to the world title scene. Good stuff with the rest of Bloodline, too. Priest and Finn being united in taking out McIntyre and Dom sheepishly saying they had to listen to Rhea was a great little bit. Rollins has a great promo with McIntyre, with a great use of the Easter egg style stuff HHH is doing as Rollins points out to everyone the moment Rhea and McIntyre talking last week. McIntyre also has a great promo with Sami, who opened the show with some real fire. McIntyre VS Sami next week on the road to Crown Jewel will be some show stealing stuff, maybe even main event worthy.
Great, just hilarious promo from Alpha Academy, New Day and Tozawa. Tozawa is slowly making a resurgence here on Raw, though mostly in comedic ways. But New Day VS Alpha Academy is going to be great stuff and could get each team back into the tag title scene. Combine that with Indus Sher being back, the Raw Tag Division is looking stacked. Great stuff with Imperium tonight. Ludwig gets the cheating win off Gargano thanks to Vinci, which ironically upsets Gunther after he felt good after that epic match with Bronson Reed. I don’t know if Imperium is falling apart, but between Ludwig and Vinci, one might be leaving it behind for their own interests.
And great main event tonight, Sami helping Cody & Jey against Judgment Day, but then creative move to have Jimmy show up here to screw Jey over. Though, also a little disappointing. I was hoping they were going to let this keep going where Kevin would also back Cody & Jey up to parallel Sami, but oh well. Maybe this twists around on Bloodline where Judgment Day isn’t as grateful as they should be and that leads to a match of Finn & Priest VS Jimmy & Solo with Jey returning the favor.
My Score: 8.8/10
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SmackDown’s on the road to Riyadh!
John Cena dared CM Punk to challenge him at Night of Champions, and Miss Money in the Bank, Naomi, wants all champions to Proceed With Caution!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- King of the Ring Tournament Fatal 4 Way: Randy Orton VS LA Knight VS Aleister Black VS Carmelo Hayes; Orton wins and advances to the next round.
- Queen of the Ring Tournament Fatal 4 Way: Jade Cargill VS Nia Jax VS Piper Niven VS Mia Yim; Jade wins and advances to the next round.
- Motor City Machine Guns VS Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis w/ The Wyatt Sick6; Gacy & Lumis win.
- Queen of the Ring Tournament Fatal 4 Way: Charlotte Flair VS Alexa Bliss VS Candice LeRae VS
Chelsea GreenAlba Fyre; Alexa wins and advances to the next round. - King of the Ring Tournament Fatal 4 Way: Cody Rhodes VS Damian Priest VS Andrade VS Shinsuke Nakamura; Cody wins and advances to the next round.
PLAY BY PLAY
John Cena is here!
Lexington, Kentucky sings, “JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” as he makes his way out in the University of Kentucky white ‘n’ blue. Cena goes to the ring, and while the fans duel, “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cena signals to Mark Nash to give the proper introductions: Please welcome the Greatest of All Time, the Never Seen Seventeen, gracing Lexington with his presence one last time, he is the Last Real Champion, JOHN CENA! The fans boo as Cena holds up the belt. Cena then grabs a mic and says, “Wrestling’s Mount Rushmore… is John Cena, John Cena, John Cena, and John Cena.” The fans boo but Cena says, there have been great wrestlers and great talkers.
But no one in the past, and certainly no one in the present nor the future, is comparable to him. And the very reason Cena will always outmaneuver the fans is not because he never gives up. It is because he is smarter than us. “You Can’t See Me, but you all wanna be me.” And whether watching at home or being mesmerized in this very arena, Cena is always 1000 steps ahead because everyone is worried about here and now, when he had already “won” this title over a year ago. Cena announced his retirement early so that he could have an extra six months to scout his potential opponents.
Cena knew anyone could enter the Rumble, so he did. And he knew that if he lost in the Rumble, he could use his seniority to enter the Elimination Chamber. And he knew that in the Chamber, Rollins and Punk would melt down to give Cena an easy win. Plus, Cody Rhodes was so focused on The Final Boss, Cena just had to seize the moment, shock the world, and become unpredictable. Then all he did was use Cody’s obsession with everyone’s love to guarantee the WrestleMania win. Cena used the fanfare and love of the 25 year rivalry to get a match in Randy Orton’s hometown, all to lull Randy into a false sense of security.
Cena put R-Truth in the Saturday Night’s Main Event so that all the fans would care, and the fans took the bait! While the fans tried to save Truth, Cena made friends with Logan Paul, just to eliminate him as a threat, and all to size up his next opponent in CM Punk. The fans boo but Cena says he used Punk’s rebellious nature and sociopathic self-confidence to back him into a corner. The fans cheer for Punk, but Cena says if Punk wants to take the title, he has to admit that he is a hypocrite! And Cena doesn’t even have to worry about Mr. Money in the Bank, Rollins will never cash in on Cena while he holds this!
Cena knows Rollins wants Cena to leave with the Undisputed title, Rollins becomes your only champion! Cena is the greatest for a reason! The fans boo but Cena says while they’ve been busy using their pathetic brains to come up with fake stories like if Cena “sold his soul,” all Cena has to do is put the math in his favor. He wins before the matches even start! In 25 years, he crunched every number, solved every puzzle and cracked every code. And thank God Cena doesn’t need the fans’ appreciation, because they won’t realize how good he is until three years after he’s gone! This is the greatest moment of their lives, but to Cena, they are just a mathematical equation.
And the math says that there is no one ever worthy enough to earn the right to hold the Undisputed title ever again. But wait, here comes Cody Rhodes! Lexington sings along with Cody’s song, “WHOA~ OH~!” as the American Nightmare makes his way to the ring. Cody gets his pyro, high-fives fans in the front row, then steps up onto the corner for the second “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro. Cody throws his track jacket to the crowd as a free souvenir, then he grabs himself a mic. The fans cheer as Cody and Cena are face to face again, and then Cody gets the fans to fire up a bit more. Cody takes a moment, then asks Cena to go over what he just said.
Cena claims to be 1000 steps ahead because he’s so smart? No, no, he isn’t just smart! Cena’s a genius! It is unfortunate that everything Cena’s said has come true: Rollins and Punk melted down, Cody was distracted, and they all took their eyes off the prize. The homefield advantage was used against Randy, and the Mount Rushmore being all Cena, sure. But here we are, some sort of 25 year master plan, and there’s this variable that he didn’t account for, and it is simple. Cena laid out his whole story since his return, but why didn’t he include the simple fact that this past Saturday, he was looking up at the lights when Cody pinned him in the middle of this ring?!
The fans cheer, and Cody says he isn’t part of Cena’s plan, Cena is part of Cody’s. So “John Rushmore,” where does that leave the two of them? Well it isn’t just the two of them, because here comes Randy Orton! The fans fire up as The Viper goes right to the ring, gets right in Cena’s face, then pushes past him to grab himself a mic. Randy is back a month after Backlash, and he tells anyone and everyone that had a pulse and was watching Backlash knows Orton had Cena BEAT! Down and out, dead to rights, and about to remove Cena’s head from his shoulders! Until somebody out there decided to come and save John Cena.
Orton realizes now that he has to do whatever it takes. It doesn’t matter what or who it is he has to go through to get his fifteenth. Even being in the King of the Ring Tournament. Cody, Orton loves you like a brother, you know that… But if Orton has to put Cody’s ass down to get to Cena, he won’t hesitate to do it! But wait! Here comes LA Knight! Lexington fires up for The Mega Star as he already has a mic to say, “LEMME TALK TO YA!” “YEAH!” LA Knight says all week long, he’s heard the whole world saying #WeWantLAKnight! “YEAH!” Knight knows what they want, and he knows for damn sure what none of the other guys in the ring want, and that’s Knight walking down there.
So, why don’t we take a walk? Knight understands what this is as he defiantly walks down there. He is looking at the WEW Establishment! “YEAH!” Knight is the sore thumb sticking out here, and that’s how he likes it, YEAH! “YEAH!” But you gotta understand something. Cena, you have this great little master plan, BAH GAWD, it is genius. But Knight knows damn sure that the plans didn’t include Knight, YEAH! So let’s go ahead and throw the plan on it’s head. KOTR is around the corner, which means Knight has a shot at Cody, Orton, and Cena, all on the way to taking what is his! “YEAH!”
So unbreakable as Knight is walking in here, he’s gotta drop a viper, a nightmare, and if he has to drop “a genius balding b*tch John Cena,” he’ll do it to be WWE Champion, with everybody saying, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!!” Cena chuckles and steps out. The fans boo as Cena goes back up the ramp, but then R-TRUTH GETS HIM! Or, well, Ron Killings gets him! And he rains down furious fists on Cena right at the ramp! Security rushes out there, as do producers, and the fans boo. Cena kicks free as it takes everybody to hold Killings back! Will Cena even make it to Night of Champions with the walls closing in?
King of the Ring Tournament Fatal 4 Way: Randy Orton VS LA Knight VS Aleister Black VS Carmelo Hayes!
SmackDown returns as Melo joins Orton and Knight out here, followed by The Dark Father. The King of the Ring has a new format this year, which one of these four survives to head into the semifinals?
The bell rings and the four watch each other. Melo locks eyes with Knight, but then he goes after Aleister! They brawl with forearms and haymakers, then Melo throat chops! Melo whips, Aleister grabs ropes and BOOTS H1M back! Aleister TOSSES Melo, Knight and Orton tie up and they end up in a corner. Aleister whips but Melo reverses to send Aleister into barriers! Orton fires hands on Knight, then a KNEE! Knight turns thing around, only for Melo to roll him up! TWO, and Orton kicks Melo! Orton UPPERCUTS Melo, Aleister UPPERCUTS Melo, then Knight DECKS him! And LARIATS him up and out!
Aleister goes up, out, and TRIANGLE MOONSAULTS! Down goes Melo and Knight has Orton! Orton denies the BFT, but then Knight denies the RKO! Aleister runs up, Knight ducks the Black Mass! The fans fire up the huge standoff, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Melo has Knight in a corner. Melo rains down fists, but Knight stops him quick! Atomic drop and a LARIAT! Knight storms up on Melo to stomp him into a corner, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight then goes to Orton in the other corner and stomps away! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight goes back to Melo, but Melo SUPERKICKS! Aleister is back, Melo ducks ‘n’ dodges, LA MYSTICA! But then Knight runs up, only to be put on the apron. Knight slingshots but into a CUTTER! Melo has Knight in the ropes, FADE AWAY LEG DROP! DROPKICK for Orton, but Aleister ROCKS Melo!
Aleister whips, Melo springboards, FLYING LARIAT! Melo shoots his free throw, then FLIES to take out Aleister! The fans fire up and Melo goes back to the ring, but Knight WRECKS him with a dropkick! “YEAH!” Knight huffs ‘n’ puffs and drags Melo up to SMACK him off the desk! Knight dribbles Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Orton has Knight for a back suplex, but Knight lands out! Orton blocks Aleister’s boot, spins him around, DESK BACK SUPLEX! Knight then RAMS Orton into the apron! The fans rally, Knight fetches Melo, and Knight puts Melo in the ring. Knight storms up, “This is Awesome!” as Knight hoists Melo up top.
Knight climbs but Melo throws hands! Knight CHOPS, they brawl some more, and Knight fires a flurry! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight steadies himself, brings Melo up, but Melo fights the lift! Melo fires body shots then he shoves Knight down! But Orton runs up to ROCK Melo! Orton gets Melo up but Melo CLWWS the eyes! Aleister STEP-UP KICKS Melo! Melo wobbles, Aleister TOSSES Orton, but Orton drags Aleister out! Orton whips, Aleister reverses and he POSTS Orton! Knight springs up to get Melo! Melo shoves Knight away, aims, FROG SPLASH!! Cover, Aleister breaks it! The fans fire up as this one continues, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns once again and Aleister KNEES Melo, then ENZIGIRIS! Knight runs u;, Aleister goe sup and over, then he spins Knight to ELBOW him! Orton stumbles up but Aleister stops the RKO! Orton avoids Black Mass, Aleister grabs Knight but Knight rolls him up! ONE, and Aleister aims, but Knight dodges so the BOOT hits Orton! Knight has Aleister but Aleister denies BFT to KNEE Knight down! Melo headlocks but Aleister handsprings out of the bulldog! Aleister fires off a strike fest and a BOOT! Cover on Melo, TWO! Aleister grows frustrated but he has all three opponents down! The fans fire up as Aleister aims, runs up, but Orton LARIATS!
Orton LARIATS again, then dodges to SNAP POWERSLAM! But Knight runs up, he gets a SNAP POWERSLAM! Melo ROCKS Orton, runs, but into a SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up for Orton as he drags Melo up. Orton puts Melo in the ropes, but then Aleister runs up. Orton kicks Aleister, has him in the ropes, but then Knight adds on! JUMPING NECKBREAKER DOUBLE DRAPING DDT COMBO!! Cover on Orton, TWO!! Orton stays in this for everyone’s sake and Knight is a bit stunned. The fans rally up, “This is Awesome!” Knight watches Melo rise, kick and B- NO, Melo powers out! Knight swings on Orton but Orton ducks!
Orton aims, but Knight denies the RKO, and he sends Orton into Melo’s FIRST 48! Aleister BOOTS Melo! Knight has Aleister, B F T!! Cover, MELO BREAKS IT!! Melo denies Knight that game winner, and now they rise up. Melo vows to end this, but Knight wrenches and kicks, to then whip and POP-UP and POWERSLAM! Knight huffs ‘n’ puffs and goes to the corner. The fans rally as Knight climbs, “L! A! KNIGHT!” BUT BRONSON REED YANKS KNIGHT DOWN! The Colossal Aussie gets revenge for Monday, but speaking of! BRON BREAKKER SPEARS KNIGHT!! They cost Knight at MITB, he cost them in KOTR, so now they get him out of KOTR!
Melo grins and takes aim, NOTHING BUT RKO!! Cover, Orton wins!!
Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall (advances to the semifinals)
Just when Melo thought he was taking advantage of an opening, he left himself open to The Viper! Will Orton be meeting Cody Rhodes at the end of this tournament? Or will Sami Zayn make sure he isn’t just someone’s stepping stone?
Jacob Fatu walks ‘n’ talks backstage.
“Lexington, Kentucky. The United States Champion is here. Hell, the United States Champion is America’s Most Wanted, and I’m coming live and direct inside The Rupp Arena! YADADADADADADA mean?!” The Samoan Werewolf is all fired up, but what more will he say on how Saturday was the night he broke free from Solo Sikoa? We find out, after the break.
SmackDown returns and…
Fatu heads to the ring! Lexington cheers the Samoan Werewolf, and he grabs the mic to say, “Lexington, Kentucky! Let’s keep it 100! Just because you’re family don’t mean that you can go behind their back and try to snake ’em. Just because we both come from the same bloodline don’t mean that they can take all the credit for your hard work! So Solo says I wouldn’t be nothing if it wasn’t for him. Solo says Jacob Fatu would be nothing if it wasn’t for him!” The fans boo that, and Fatu says this is why he had to remind Solo at MITB what happens when you don’t get in where you fit in! The fans cheer that!
So now, it is Fatu against the world! Cuz Fatu is all gas, no brakes with it! YADADA MEAN~?! But wait, Solo Sikoa is on the tron, sarcastically applauding. Solo says that’s it, Jacob, tell ’em how you feel. Solo leans in close and asks Fatu if he’s done getting it all off his chest. At MITB, Fatu could’ve made the biggest mistake of his life. And Solo can forgive him for that. One year ago, when Solo visited Fatu in Sacramento, Fatu was doing nothing. NOTHING. No one wanted Fatu around until Solo brought him here to the WWE. Solo made Fatu into a WWE Superstar, put money in his pocket, put him in the position for success, and even made him a champion!
This is all because of SOLO, you stupid…! Solo holds back, and he says next week, Solo will be in the ring with open arms, willing to take Fatu back. But there is something Solo needs from Fatu. He needs those four words from him: I Love You, Solo. And just remember… Solo brought Fatu into the WWE, and he can take him out of it. Yadada mean? Solo leaves Fatu to think on this ultimatum, but is it already obvious what Fatu will say to Solo next week?
Nick Aldis meets with The Secret Her-vice.
“Special Slaygent” Piper informs the SmackDown General Manager that Chelsea Green needs to speak with him. But Chelsea isn’t here in the room…? She’s on the phone. And Chelsea apologizes, she had an impossible time finding a flight to get her to Lexington, so can they postpone her Fatal 4 Way until next week? Aldis says no, they’re not postponing anything for little ol’ Chelsea. But if her Secret Her-vice is here… Alba is ready for competition, right? So then Alba will take Chelsea’s place! Perfect! Chelsea says no, she will filibuster and- Oh, sorry, no, Aldis authorized it, he doesn’t care what Chelsea has to say, so Alba has to go get ready now.
Alba grumbles that she has to change from her security suit to her wrestling suit. Chelsea complains and complains, but then Zelina Vega steps in. Zelina takes the phone and hangs up on Chelsea so she can talk with Aldis. She wants Giulia now! Well, she’s not here tonight. Oh, that’s convenient. Aldis says he understands that Zelina wants after Giulia after last week. Zelina says first of all, she’s been snatched unawares much harder by much better. Second, don’t worry about the girl that does the sneak attacks, worry about the girl that gets up after every beating. One sneak attack isn’t gonna scare her, she is THE Women’s US Champion!
So next week, Zelina will confront Giulia, because she doesn’t need to pretend or hide. The smallest girl with the biggest mouth is gonna make Giulia look stupid! Zelina storms off, will the Beautiful Madness learn not to get on La Muneca’s bad side?
Queen of the Ring Tournament Fatal 4 Way: Jade Cargill VS Nia Jax VS Piper Niven VS Mia Yim!
A storm has come to Lexington, and she wants to make her way to Riyadh! Will the Irresistible Force, the Special Slaygent and even the Head Baddie in Charge be unable to slow her down? Or will someone else grab that spot in the semifinals?
SmackDown returns as Michin makes her entrance, joining Jade and Piper, leaving Nia for last. Nia says she won the crown last year, she’ll just do it again. The bell rings and Piper fires off on Mia while Nia RAMS Jade! The fans boo but Jade elbows Nia and bumps her off buckles! Jade RAMS into Nia but Piper has Mia on the outside. Piper whips Mia into barriers! And then puts her up against the post. Nia and Jade have moved their brawl outside while Piper runs up on Mia. Mia dodges so Piper POSTS herself! Nia whips, Jade reverse, Nia hits steel steps! The fans fire up as Jade and Mia meet in the ring.
Mia and Jade run up, Mia slips around to waistlock, but Jade switches to SLAM Mia down! Mia fights up while Jade holds on, but Jade whips. Jade hurdles, then scoops for a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Mia stays in this but Jade stays on her. Jade suplexes, holds Mia up, but Mia slips free! Mia goes to a corner, dodges Jade, but Jade keeps moving! Mia ducks ‘n’ dodges ‘n’ redirects to RANA! Mia runs and SHOTGUNS Jade down! The fans rally, Mia covers, TWO! Jade is tougher than that but Mia stomps her. Mia runs but Piper trips her up! Piper drags Mia out and scoops to SLAM her on the floor!
Nia drops an ELBOW on Jade! Piper SENTONS Mia! Nia soaks up the heat, drags Jade up, and Nia bumps Jade off buckles. Nia CHOPS Piper, then shakes her hand. Nia whips corner to corner, Jade bounces off buckles, and Nia signals for that crown. Jade fires forearms but Nia HEADBUTTS her down! Nia fireman’s carries and SAMOAN DROPS! Piper adds a SENTON! Piper and Nia stare down, but they decide to work together on Jade. Nia & Piper mug Jade in a corner, then whip corner to corner. Jade ELBOWS Piper away, dodges Nia, and Nia POSTS herself! Jade runs to PUMP KICK Piper outta the ring!
But Nia drags Jade out of the ring! The mugging continues, but Mia goes up and up to ASAI MOOONSAULT! Direct hit and all four are down! The fans fire up while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Jade SPLASHES Piper in one corner, then SPLASHES Nia in the other! And repeat! But then Nia follows, only for Jade to dodge! Nia SPLASHES Piper, then Jade ROCKS her! But Piper CLOBBERS Jade! Nia DRIBBLES Jade off the mat, the fans boo, and Nia salutes with Piper. They drag Jade up, whip her to a corner, then Nia runs to SPLASH! Piper adds a SPLASH of her own! Jade sits down, Nia HIP ATTACKS! Piper CANNONBALLS! Cover, but Nia won’t let Piper get it! Piper says okay, okay, she was just kidding around. But Nia shoves Piper! Piper shoves Nia! Mia RANAS Nia, then JAWBREAKERS Piper!
Mia has Piper for a TORNADO BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Piper stays in this but Mia drags her up. Jade CLUBS Mia, whips her, but Mia RAN- NO, Jade blocks it! SIT OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Mia survives, and Piper SPLASHES Jade! Piper drags Mia up, reels her in, but Mia slips out of the scoop! SLICED BREAD! Mia hurries to cover, but Nia breaks it! Nia SENTONS onto Mia! Cover, TWO! Mia toughs it out and Nia grows frustrated. Nia & Piper go after Jade on the outside but Jade fights them off! SUPERKICK for Piper! HAYMAKER for Nia! Piper HEADBUTTS Jade, Nia ROCKS Jade, and then they two TOSS Jade over the desk!
Wade Barrett gets wiped out by The Storm and Nia just flips them both off! But Mia WRECKS Nia with a dropkick! Piper is up, Mia dodges and tilt-o-whirls to DDT! Cover, Nia breaks it! Mia drags Nia up to fire hands, then she fires hands on Piper! The fans rally, Mia runs, but into double guzels! DOUBLE CHOKE SLAM!! Nia applauds, the fans boo, and Wade is apparently okay, but then Nia DECKS Piper! Nia dumps Piper out, drags Mia to a drop zone, then she goes up! The fans boo the A-NIA-LATOR!! Cover, PIPER BREAKS IT! Piper and Nia go outside, and Piper POSTS Nia! Piper then runs to SPEAR Nia through the barriers!!
The fans go nuts as Piper proves she’s the more destructive powerhouse! Piper then storms over to Mia, she goes up the corner, VADER BOMB! But Jade is up!! Chicken wings on Piper, JADED for Piper!!! Cover, JADE WINS!
Winner: Jade Cargill, by pinfall (advances to the semifinals)
Just as it looked like she was done for, Jade snatches this win away for her own! The Storm is in the semifinals, will she make quick work of The Prodigy, Roxanne Perez?
Naomi watches this backstage.
She’s not exactly pleased that Jade is advancing, but she’s also the one holding the Money in the Bank briefcase. Naomi heads for gorilla, what will she have to say about her huge victory? We find out, after the break.
SmackDown returns and…
Lexington fires up as Naomi heads to the ring! “Yes, I see some o’ y’all looking real surprised! Real shocked! Real stupid! I dunno why, because I told y’all I was done accepting scraps. I took what I deserve, and look at me now. Miss Money in the Bank! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!” The fans are torn, but Naomi says what’s really funny is the entire time, when she was trying to beat Nia Jax for the WWE Women’s Championship, y’know who was there with a briefcase to stop it? Y’know who distracted her? Who bashed her in the head?! It was Tiffany Stratton. “Too Nice Naomi” just let it happen. But the Naomi now aini’t lettin’ nothing sliding! She’s here for payback!
And when Naomi CLOCKS Tiffy Time in the head with this briefcase, it’ll feel so good when Naomi becomes the NEW WWE- Well, here comes Tiffany herself! The fans cheer as Tiff goes to the ring, and she grabs a mic to say, “You talk a big game, Naomi. So why don’t you just do it? Just cash in and take my title… right now.” The fans chant “DO IT! DO IT!” Tiffy says see, she’s still the same ol’ Naomi: all talk and no action. That is why Naomi never beat Nia. But please, prove us all wrong! The fans cheer, Naomi snarls, and she says, “Do I look stupid to you?! Do I look like Booboo the Fool? I ain’t gonna cash in on you now. I’ma cash in when you least expect it.”
Fans go, “What?” and Naomi shouts, “B*tch, you heard me!” Naoim says in the meantime, she will enjoy making Tiffy’s life HELL! Naomi says tick-tock, Tiffy, time is almost up! So Naomi strongly advises to #ProceedWithCaution. The fans are torn, but while Naomi holds up the briefcase, Tiffy holds up the belt. When and where will we see- WAIT! NIA is here! Nia and Tiff brawl, the fans fire up, and Nia shoves Tiff. Tiff DROPKICKS Nia’s legs, then DROPKICKS Nia in the face! Naomi runs up, Tiff DECKS her, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff! Nia may not be going to Riyadh, but she wants to get hers now! A-NIA-LATOR on Tiff!!
Naomi hurries back up, but Nia steps in the way! Nia tells Naomi to back off, so Naomi backs off. Will Nia get payback on the Wrestling Barbie before Naomi can? Or will Tiffy still have time on the clock?
Nick Aldis meets with the SmackDown Tag Division.
He thanks the Street Profits, Motor City Machine Guns, Fraxiom & DIY for coming to discuss the Wyatt situation. Johnny Gargano interrupts, saying this is a big decision. DIY feels this is a huge opportunity… for Fraxiom. Everyone else says they knew DIY would pull that. Fraxiom says they’re not afraid, but Tommaso Ciampa says if nothing else, the Street Profits should step up as the champions. Angelo Dawkins says bet, they’re already ready. Aldis suggests they all let him finish his explanation. Taking all this into account, MCMG are the veterans, so they will set the tone. They get the Wyatts tonight.
The others applaud and Dawkins says yes, set that tone. Will Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin be able to have an impact on the Wyatt Sick6? Or will the Motor City Machine Guns have no effect on what goes bump in the night?
Motor City Machine Guns VS Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis!
SmackDown returns as the lights go down and the fireflies come out. The chair and the lantern wait on stage as the Wyatts make their entrance. Uncle Howdy sits in the chair, Nikki Cross & Erik Rowan stay close, and Gacy & Lumis rush the ring! The fans cheer as the brawl is on! The bell rings, Gacy has Shelley while Lumis has Sabin! The ref reprimands, Gacy whips Shelley to a corner then CLOBBERS him! Lumis & Gacy whip Sabin, DOUBLE ELBOW, then Lumis drops an AX HANDLE! Gacy drops a SENTON! Cover, ONE!! Gacy drags Sabin up, bumps him off buckles, and tags in Lumis.
Lumis brings Sabin around but Sabin swings. Lumis duck sot hit a BIG back suplex! Lumis kips up and LEG DROPS! Cover, TWO! Sabin is tougher than that, but Lumis drags him up. Gacy tags in, they mug Sabin, and then Gacy whips. Scoop and BACKBREAKER! Gacy goes up the ropes to LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Gacy BLASTS Shelley off the apron and he tags Lumis in. They get Sabin up, UPPERCUT and then a kick down low. Lumis wrenches Sabin, tags Gacy back in, and the mugging continues. They double whip, but Sabin breaks the double lariat! Gacy runs up but Sabin DUMPS him out! And then he TOSSES Lumis!
Tag to Shelley and MCMG set up! The fans fire up as the Machine Guns DOUBLE DORPKICK! Then they DOUBLE PLANCHA! Down go Lumis & Gacy and the fans fire up! MCMG stare down with Rowan while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and both Shelley and Gacy are down. The fans rally, Shelley crawls, hot tag to Sabin! Sabin goes up to MSSILE DROPKICK! Gacy flounders, Lumis tags in, but Sabin dodges to CHOP, CHOP, and CHOP! Sabin whips, Lumis reverses but Sabin BULLDOGS! The fans fire up and Lumis staggers up. Sabin runs and GAMANGIRIS! Sabin drags Lumis to a cover, TWO! Howdy is antsy as Sabin tags Shelley. Shlley goes to the apron, Sabin follows, and MCMG DOUBLE SUPERKICK Lumis! Lumis sputters, MCMG drags him inside, and Shelley whips Lumis to the corner. LARIAT, then he tags Sabin!
Shelley clinches but Lumis ELBOWS free! Lumis trips Sabin up, then hurries to tag Gacy! Gacy runs in to handspring, and DOUBLE UPSIDE-DOWN!! Tag back to Lumis and they have Sabin! Whip and POP-UP POWERBOMB onto Sabin! The fans fire up as Lumis covers, TWO!! Sabin survives but Lumis snarls. Lumis watches Sabin stir, drags him up and wrenches to then whip him to the corner. But Sabin DROPKICKS Gacy! Lumis runs in, Sabin BOOTS him away, then Sabin runs up, DDT! Hot tag to Shelley! Lumis staggers up, Shelley whips, BIG atomic drop! Then the DREAM SEQUENCE!
The fans fire up with MCMG and Howdy doesn’t like that. Sabin tags back in, he drags Lumis up while Shelley climbs. Sabin turns Lumis but Gacy trips Shelley! Gacy HEADBUTTS Sabin, he and Lumis aim, HIGH LOW!! Cover off the superkick and leg sweep combo, but they ask Howdy for permission. “YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH~!” Lumis goes up, Gacy CLOBBERS Shelley, and Lumis hits a SUPER LEG DROP!! Cover, The Wyatts win!
Winners: Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis, by pinfall
The chaos is back and it is on top as Lumis & Gacy break the Machine Guns. Will they tear through the rest of the division until they’re the champions?
John Cena encounters Jimmy Uso backstage.
Cena and #BigJim stare down, and Cena asks if Jimmy has seen R-Truth. No, he hasn’t. Then has he seen Ron Killings? Listen, man… Jimmy ain’t seen either one of ’em. Cena says he knows Jimmy and Truth are close. So let Killings know that Cena’s going back to the ring, and he wants Killings to meet him there. Cena heads out, will Ron get the message? Will Cena get the Truth, the whole Truth, and nothing but the Truth?
SmackDown returns and…
“JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” as he goes right back to the ring, just as he promised. And he tells everyone to shut up! Cena paces and says, “There is a level of disrespect that I can tolerate. R-Truth, you just crossed the line!” The fans chant, “We Want Truth!” and Cena frowns. Cena says for once, he agrees. There is a time to talk and there is a time to fight, so Truth, get out here so they can fight! BUT WAIT! CM PUNK is here instead! Cena is stunned and maybe even a little scared to see Punk here on SmackDown. Punk goes right to the ring as the fans cheer, and he grabs himself a mic before sitting on the top rope.
The fans cheer Punk on even more and Punk asks, “Is it great to be alive on a Friday night in Lexington, Kentucky or what?” The fans cheer that! And Punk asks Cena if he said something about disrespect. Cena is tired of being disrespected? “John, these people are tired of being disrespected! But now, CM Punk has a microphone, and I think you can trust when I say that we have yet to begin the reach the levels of disrespect that we are capable of.” Punk says for old time’s sake, he’ll give Cena a chance, the benefit of a doubt. Maybe Punk’s empathy is too much, too Obi-Wan talking to Darth Vader, hoping to see Anakin still in there.
So Punk will give Cena a chance in front of this legendary wrestling town. “Stop what you’re doing, let these people celebrate who and what you are, let them put you on a pedestal on your way out. Let them celebrate the sacrifices you have made for them and this business. Give them a happy ending!” Punk steps back and Cena steps up. Cena asks, “Why? Why would I waste my time?” The fans boo, but Cena says the people don’t matter, this place doesn’t matter, basketball doesn’t matter, horse racing doesn’t matter! THIS Undisputed Championship is the only thing that matters! So Cena is to eat crow to the same idiots wearing his shirt but singing Punk’s song? Fat chance!
Punk says okay, okay, let the record show that Punk and Lexington gave Cena an out. But now, let’s do it Cena’s way. Let the disrespect being. Ironically that is the Punk way! When the static hits and Cult of Personality plays through sold-out arenas, everyone knows it is about to get real. And ladies and gentlemen, watching and working at USA Network, it’s about to get real. Here’s the truth Cena wants so badly. The saying goes, “You tell a strong man a lie to offend him.” That’s why it pisses Punk off when Cena calls him the hypocrite. Conversely, you tell a weak man the truth and that offends him.
Fans chant, “We Want Truth!” Punk says the truth here is… Cena can’t beat Punk. When Punk is at his best, Cena never could. And now Cena wants to ruin wrestling? Well, Punk is going to take it upon himself to save it. Bare with Punk, because as always, he has a lot to get off his chest. That other thing about sociopathic confidence? Punk takes that as a compliment. Because it is that confidence that brought Punk to the mountaintop time and time again. Especially when people like Cena say they wanna see it but claim Punk didn’t have it. But Punk is not as confident as Cena, because Punk would never dress like a toddler who looks like he struck out at T-Ball.
The fans laugh, Punk says he wants that stricken from the record, because y’know who that sounds like? That sounds like the PG John Cena. Which is ironic, because right now, y’know who Cena sounds like, saying he’s gonna ruin wrestling, take the strap and go home… That sounds like C M PUNK! And yes, that is ironic. Cena is stealing Punk’s best material. Punk won that title, he left with the title, and Cena is trying to follow in those footsteps. Punk did it! He said he would and he did, and Cena couldn’t stop him. Cena thinks challenging Punk at Night of Champions is going to stop him? “John Boy, just like old times, here’s CM Punk to make your title run interesting.”
Here comes CM Punk to make John Cena’s retirement tour interesting! Watchable! Get the rocket fuel to fuel that private jet! Punk would go to MARS to beat Cena’s ass! Punk will follow Cena to Hell to prove he is better than Cena! But here’s more truth, it isn’t all bad. Cena IS a GOAT, but so is Punk. Punk beat Cena in Chicago, he beat Cena in Boston, and he will beat Cena at Night of Champions. Cena is the “Goat” that Punk will spit-roast and sacrifice to the gods of wrestling! Legends who actually belong on the Mount Rushmore! Terry Funk, Harley Race, Bret Hart, Eddie Guerrero! The AUDACITY of Cena to put himself on that mountain once, let alone all four times. What a joke.
The fans cheer but Cena smirks. Punk says here’s more truth: You can’t see me? No, Punk sees through him, and always has, and that’s the truth. Punk leaves Cena with that, and then KILLINGS STRIKES AGAIN!! And he puts Cena in the STF!! Punk mockingly says, “I’m sorry~! But the Truth hurts!” Cena suffers his own signature submission but security rushes out here! The fans boo as they drag Killings off Cena and Cena scrambles away! Cena hops and hobbles on one good leg, are the bridges he burned going to take them down with him?
Backstage interview with Alexa Bliss.
Byron Saxton is with Lil’ Miss Bliss at gorilla, and notes that she took a tough loss at MITB. What is the mindset going into the future? Alexa says she’s won MITB, cashed in, made history, so she isn’t rattled. Tonight, she reminds everyone of who she is, and will be one step closer to becoming Queen of the Ring. But then in steps Charlotte Flair. And she says, “Sweetie, did you say, ‘Queen?’ There’s only room for one queen in this division. WOO~!” Charlotte makes her entrance first, but both she and Alexa will have to fight their way into the next round. Will it be either of them that moves forward? Or are they overlooking the Poison Pixie and the Firestarter?
Nick Aldis finds R-Truth/Ron Killings backstage.
Aldis asks Truth what the hell he’s doing, he can’t just keep jumping Cena like that! What’s Aldis supposed to do? Truth says he wants a match with Cena next week. Next week? Yeah. Done. Killings says he’s driving now! Will he run Cena right off the road?
Queen of the Ring Tournament Fatal 4 Way: Charlotte Flair VS Alexa Bliss VS Candice LeRae VS Alba Fyre!
SmackDown returns and Candice makes her entrance to join Charlotte, Alexa, and Alba. The bell rings and the fans rally up. The four watch each other, but Alexa and Charlotte stare down as they step up. Alba and Candice jump on them! Candice is after Alexa, Alba is after Charlotte, and they put the two in corners. Alba RAMS into Charlotte again and again while Candice stomps a mudhole into Alexa. Alba digs her boots in, Candice SPLASHES Alexa, and then Candice fires elbows. Charlotte CHOPS Alba, storms up to RAM Alexa into Candice, then Charlotte POSTS Alexa! Alexa tumbles out and the fans are torn for Charlotte.
Charlotte dusts herself off, then THROWS Candice into Alba! Charlotte drags Alba to a cover, ONE!! Cover on Candice, ONE!! Charlotte CHOPS Alba, CHOPS Candice, and repeat! The fans “WOO~” with every CHOP! But then Candice grabs a leg, Alba BOOTS Charlotte down, and they mug Charlotte! Alba smothers Charlotte using her tie! Alba CLUBS Charlotte down, then she and Candice mug her, returning the CHOPS! Alba kicks Charlotte, she and Candice have Charlotte on the ropes, and they CHOP again! They double whip Charlotte, but Charlotte grabs ropes. Charlotte KICKS Candice, ROCKS Alba, then LARIATS Candice!
Alexa is back and she CROSSBODIES onto Charlotte! Cover, ONE! Alexa clinches, but Candice & Alba mug Alexa! Charlotte gets away while Candice bumps Alexa off buckles. Alba stomps Alexa, Charlotte DECKS Candice, and she DECKS Alba! Cover on Alba, TWO! Charlotte scowls as she stands back up. The fans rally while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Charlotte storms up on Candice, reels her in, but Candice fights the suplex. Alba joins in, they DOUBLE SUPLEX Charlotte! Cover, but Alba stops Candice. A parallel to Piper and Nia, we know how that turned out… But Alba & Candice still mug Charlotte together for now. Charlotte JAWBREAKERS Alba, dodges Candice, but Candice tilt-o-whirls to RANA! And then ENZIGIRI! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is tougher than that and that annoys Candice. Alba BLASTS Alexa off the apron, Charlotte RAMS Candice into a corner, but Alba CLUBS Charlotte down. Candice climbs the corner while Alba stands Charlotte up, but Charlotte ELBOWS free!
Charlotte BOOTS Candice off the corner, but Alba rolls Charlotte to BOOT her down! Cover, WTO! Alba seethes and throws her suit jacket at Charlotte. Alba stomps a mudhole into Charlotte, then stands on her hair! Alba salutes while Candice SMACKS Alexa off the apron. Alba pulls Charlotte’s arms and Candice SMACKS Alexa off the desk! Alba & Candice work together to DOUBLE SUPLEX Charlotte, but Alba has Candice stay back. They drag Charlotte up again, but she ROCKS Alba and ROCKS Candice! Then repeat! Alba kicks low, Candice comes back, and they double whip Charlotte to a corner.
SmackDown returns to single picture as Charlotte goes up and out! She BOOTS Alba, RAMS Candice, then goes up the corner! The fans fire up but Candice SMACKS Charlotte first! And SMACKS her again! Alba climbs up to join them, but Alexa sneaks in underneath! TOWER OF DOOM! The fans fire up and Alexa crawls to cover Charlotte, TWO! Alexa is frustrated but the fans fire up. Alexa and Candice stand, Alexa RUNS her over! She even RUNS Alba over! Alexa SLAPS Candice, DECKS her, then blocks Alba’s kick to DRAGON SCREW! Charlotte runs up, Alexa clinches to S T O! And then INSULT2- NO, Candice makes it a CODE BREAKER SENTON!
Alba has Candice, wrenches and reels her in, GOURD BUSTER! But Alexa hits a BLOCKBUSTER! Candice hits NATURAL SELECTION!! Charlotte drags Alexa around, steps through, FIGURE FOUR! And the push-up into the FIGURE EIGHT! But Candice LIONSAULTS it all apart!! Alba SUPERKICKS Candice! Charlotte is up, Alba spins her around, Gory Especial, GORY BOMB! Cover, ALEXA BREAKS IT! The fans fire up and Alba drags Alexa up. Alexa mule kicks, DDTS, and then hurries for a corner! Lexington cheers on Alexa, TWISTED BLISS!! Cover, CHARLOTTE BREAKS IT! The fans boo but Charlotte TOSSES Alexa!
Alexa is on the apron, Charlotte BOOTS her down! But Candice rolls Charlotte! TWO!! Charlotte escapes, Candice ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Charlotte SPEARS her down! Cover, TWO!! Candice shows that toughness and Charlotte is frustrated. Charlotte has the legs, steps through, but Alba SUPERKICKS Charlotte! Alba roars, turns her, but Charlotte powers out of the Unpretty-Her! BOOT!! FIGURE FOUR!! Then FIGURE EIGHT!!! Alba endures, but Alexa catches Candice!! TWISTED SISTER ABIGAIL!! Cover, ALEXA WINS!!
Winner: Alexa Bliss, by pinfall (advances to the semifinals)
Charlotte lets go of Alba and is in disbelief! But Alexa smiles as she snatches this win right out from under Charlotte’s nose! Charlotte may call herself the queen, but will Alexa be the one to wear the crown?
Cody heads to gorilla.
And he crosses paths with Punk. Cody says they can’t run away from each other forever. Punk says he knows. But good luck tonight. After Night of Champions, we’ll see who’s chasing who. Cody moves on, but will he move on in the tournament? Or will the American Nightmare’s nightmare of losing that Undisputed Championship only get worse?
King of the Ring Tournament Fatal 4 Way: Cody Rhodes VS Damian Priest VS Andrade VS Shinsuke Nakamura!
SmackDown returns as the King of Strong Style makes his entrance, followed by El Idolo, leaving the Archer of Infamy for last. The bell rings and the fans rally. All four men are wary of each other, but Nakamura winds up, only to not say his signature “C’mon” to just bail out. But then Cody DIVES onto him! Priest swings on Andrade, Andrade dodges to WRECK Cody! Priest KICKS, KICKS, and ROLLING ELBOWS Andrade! Priest winds up, Andrade dodges, FLYING FOREARMS! Andrade kips up, the fans fire up, and Andrade rallies the fans with ‘SI! SI! SI!” But Cody stops Cien Knees to take an elbow!
Priest mule kicks Andrade, then suplexes for the BROKEN ARROW! Cover, TWO! Cody JABS, JABS, JABS, then flip, flop- BELL CLAP from Priest! But Cody rebounds to LARIAT Priest up and out! Priest drags Cody out, they brawl, and Cody SMACKS Priest off the apron! Nakamura FLYING KNEES Priest! Nakamura kicks Cody, ROCKS Priest, they all brawl outside, but Andrade goes up! ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Direct hit and everyone is down while the fans fire up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture!
All four men stir and Andrade is first up. Andrade puts Nakamura in the ring, covers, TWO! Andrade whips Nakamura to a corner, runs in, but Nakamura dodges! Andrade’s knee hits buckles and he tumbles out! Nakamura goes after Andrade to put him on the apron, and then runs to KNEE Andrade down! Priest and Cody brawl in the ring, and Priest ROCKS Cody to a corner. Priest whips, Cody reverses to kick and RHODES UPPERCUT! Cody whips, Priest reverses, and Priest runs up, only for Cody to go up and over. Priest feints running up so Cody’s snap powerslam gets nothing! Priest then KICKS Cody down!
Cody sputters but Priest is on him. Priest ROCKS Cody again, Nakamura stomps Andrade, then Nakamura KICKS Priest! Nakamura fires off fists and kicks in the corner, so Andrade rolls Cody! TWO, and Cody powers Andrade to a corner. Cody climbs up to rain down fists, only for Andrade to slip out at nine and YANK Cody down! Nakamura brings Priest around but Priest DECKS him! Priest stomps away on Nakamura, then he goes over to Andrade, Priest stands Andrade up to DECK him! Cody SMACKS Nakamura off the desk! Priest drags Andrade up while Nakamura SMACKS Cody off the desk! Priest ROCKS Andrade, then he has Cody in another corner.
Nakamura fires off on Andrade, Priest digs his boots into Cody, and then Nakamura bumps Andrade off buckles. Cody turns things around on Priest to CHOP, but that just pisses Priest off. Priest DECKS Cody! Cody sputters, Priest puts him in the corner, but Nakamura fires off strikes on Priest! Nakamura has Andrade on the top rope, and SmackDown returns to single picture as Nakamura runs in for a TOP SHELF KNEE! Andrade falls to the floor, but then Priest runs up! Nakamura dodges, runs back in, and he blocks boots to ROUNDHOUSE Priest! Nakamura puts Priest in the ropes to SLIDING GERMAN!
Nakamura hurries back in while fans fire up. Cody swings, misses, but then Cody ducks a roundhouse, only for the WHEEL KICK to hit! The fans fire up as Nakamura gives Cody some BAD VIBRATIONS! Nakamura goes corner to corner and the fans rally. Cody dodges, Nakamura hits buckles, and Cody grabs a leg! Cody trips Nakamura, steps through, FIGURE FOUR! Nakamura endures, fights the main leg, but Andrade is up top! FROG SPLASH onto Cody! Nakamura is free, but then Priest JUMP KICKS Andrade! Priest drags Cody up, ROCKS him, and then runs to ELBOW Andrade! ELBOW for Cody! SHOULDER TACKLE for Andrade!
The fans fire up for Priest and he goes to the outside, to leap off the steel steps and AX HANDLE Nakamura! Priest puts Nakamura back in the ring, drags him up at the ropes, and he knuckle locks so he can climb! The fans cheer as Priest goes Old School, only for Cody to jump up after him! But Priest then grabs Cody in a guzel! Nakamura trips them both up! Nakamura CLOBBERS Priest, Andrade rolls Nakamura, TWO! Andrade swings, but into an ARMBAR TAKEDOWN!! The fans fire up as Cody DIVING SPLASHES! Cody TOSSES Nakamura, covers Andrade, TWO! Cover again, TWO! Cody is frustrated but he goes outside.
The fans fire up as they sense what’s coming! Cody brings out a TABLE! Cody sets “Slim Jim” up at ringside, goes back to the ring for Andrade, and he lines up the shot. But Andrade hooks the ropes to block! Andrade suplexes but Cody blocks! They fight for control, but Priest CLUBS Andrade. Priest and Cody stare down, but they decide to work together! The fans fire up as they hoist Andrade up, but Nakamura makes the save! Only to INVERTED EXPLODER Andrade! DYNAMIC DROPKICK and Cody falls through the table! Cody snaps into a Slim Jim and the fans go nuts! Nakamura goes outside while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Nakamura fetches Priest, brings him over, but Priest blocks the desk smack to ROCK Nakamura! Priest SMACKS Nakamura off the desk now! And again! Priest brings Nakamura around to DECK him, but then Andrade CLUBS Priest! Andrade SMACKS Priest off the desk, then he and Nakamura actually work together to BOOT Priest onto the desk! But they’re not done as they TOSS Priest over the desk! Wade got outta there this time! Andrade then clears off the desk! Nakamura & Andrade bring Priest around to TOSS him over barriers! Then Nakamura CLOBBERS Andrade! Nakamura applauds his trickery before putting Andrade in the ring. Nakamura covers, TWO!
Nakamura is annoyed and he KICKS Andrade in the side. Andrade sputters but Nakamura paces. Andrade rises to CHOP! Nakamura dusts himself off to KICK Andrade down! Andrade stands but into KNEES and KICKS! Andrade blocks one, but not the ENZIGIRI! Andrade ends up in a corner, Nakamura whips corner to corner, but Andrade reverses. Andrade runs up, Nakamura puts him on the apron, but Andrade ROCKS him! Andrade climbs, but Nakamura ROCKS him! Nakamura climbs now but Andrade fires back! They brawl up top, and Andrade HEADBUTTS Nakamura down! Nakamura GAMANGIRIS in return!
SmackDown returns to single picture again as Nakamura climbs back up. Priest returns to CLUB Nakamura! He has Nakamura in the crucifix, but Nakamura fights free! Priest drags Nakamura down, Nakamura fires a strike fest! Priest clinches to FLATLINER! Andrade MOONSAULT DOUBLES! Cover, TWO!! Nakamura LARIATS! Andrade BOOTS! Nakamura PELES! These three are down, and Cody rises from the wreckage! The fans fire up for Cody as he drags himself into the ring. Cody runs up to LARIAT Andrade! And LARIAT Nakamura! Cody whips Priest, Priest reverses, but Cody goes up and over, and this time, SNAP POWERSLAM!
The fans fire up and Cody blocks Andrade’s kick to then run and BEAUTIFUL DISASTER! Cody catches Nakamura, Nakamura drops down to UP KICK! Snapmare and SLIDING KNEE! Cover, ANDRADE BREAKS IT!! Priest has Andrade, Andrade schoolboys him into buckles! The fans fire up, “SI! SI! SI!” Andrade runs corner to corner, CIEN KNEES for Nakamura! Then Andrade goes again, CIEN- NO, Priest has Andrade by the neck! Andrade breaks free to CHOP, but Priest ROCKS Andrade! Andrade comes back, SHADOW ELBOW! THE MESSAGE!! Cover, NAKAMURA AX KICKS IT APART! Nakamura drags Andrade up, but Andrade ROCKS him first!
Nakamura snarls and ROCKS Andrade back! The fans rally as the forearms go back and forth! Andrade CHOSP! Nakamura KICKS! Nakamura CLUBS Andrade, KNEES him low, but Cody is back! Cody dodges Nakamura, to DOUBLE CODY CUTTER!! Not the cleanest but it didn’t need to be! Priest kicks Cody low, reels him in, Canadian Rack, but Cody slips free! Cody goes up, up, and SUPER CODY CUTTERS!! Priest tumbles out of the ring and Cody roars! He catches Andrade, CROSS RHODES!! And then he drags Andrade up again, only for Nakamura to clamp on a SLEEPER!! Cody flails, claws at the grip, but Nakamura dragon sleepers!
Nakamura vows to end this, but Cody flips that around on him! CROSS RHODES!! Cover, CODY WINS!!
Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall (advances to the semifinals)
Lexington cheers and sings with Cody’s song as he comes out on top! We know Sami Zayn and Randy Orton are one semifinal match, but Raw will determine the other! Sheamus, Rusev, Bronson Reed, or MAIN EVENT JEY USO, who survives to then meet Cody in the next round?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown with a lot of action from doing all the SmackDown Fatal 4 Ways in the King & Queen of the Ring tournaments. And each Fatal 4 Way was great, because Fatal 4 Ways always lend themselves to fast, chaotic action. Great opening promo from Cena with Cody, Orton and Knight to help segue into the first match, but also great stuff with R-Truth going after Cena. Orton winning was a bit of a surprise, and makes for a very interesting match with Sami Zayn. I suppose Sami going hard against Orton and finding a sneakier way to win could go with how Karrion Kross has been working to bring that side out of Sami.
Jade winning her match made sense, as Piper is still just Chelsea’s sidekick and Mia isn’t quite at that QOTR top title level. It also puts her in line with Naomi’s story of being Miss MITB, because Naomi can mess Jade over in a title match just as much as she can Tiffany. Very good promo from Naomi with Tiffany to tease a cash in, but also set up Tiffy VS Nia one more time. Chelsea also had a hilarious video call promo, and good on Aldis to stand up to her by putting Alba in the match instead. Alexa winning was only a little surprising, as she’s on that return push. And it makes for a fresh match-up no matter who from Raw wins the final Fatal 4.
Awesome main event Fatal 4 but I figured Cody would win, as it makes for a unique match-up of Cody VS Jey. Jey being put in was a bit of a surprise, but perhaps the wrestlers we’re waiting to return (Roman Reigns, but maybe even Ilja Dragunov) just aren’t ready yet. And given Bronson & Bron screwed Knight over, Knight will surely show up on Raw again to keep that feud going. Sheamus and Rusev have their own story, so Jey is the default choice. I almost feel like they should’ve flipped the brackets so that it would give us Orton VS Cody and Sami VS Jey in the semifinals, but those combos probably serve for stronger finals matches.
Very good stuff with the tag division, but MCMG VS Gacy & Lumis could’ve been a bit better. Part of the problem that comes with the Wyatts being gone away so long is that there might be some ring rust. Lumis & Gacy were on point, but they needed time to coordinate some things first and that slowed the overall pace down. The Wyatts won, of course, and will likely deal with Fraxiom next, what with DIY volunteering Fraxiom and Profits ahead of them. Then, Cena and Punk had a great promo, with it mostly being Punk tearing into Cena. Surprisingly, no allusions to Punk’s incendiary comments from years ago, but that’s very Punk of Punk.
And Killings going after Cena again was great stuff. Cena VS Killings will be a great match next week, and Cena probably rubs it in that he’s using one of his precious final appearances was used to beat Truth again. Though, to build Killings up, I would think they find a way for him to win that “isn’t definitive,” like a count out victory or some kind of disqualification. I was hoping for an R-Truth celebration at Saturday Night’s Main Event akin to Lex Luger over Yokozuna, but maybe that happens next week.
My Score: 9/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 6.12.2025
DO SOMETHING WITH JASON HOTCH AND KC NAVARRO – that is all.
So Against All Odds…was barely passable and that’s only with Xanax. The Knockouts title match was awful, the 4 Man “Home Town Man” was stupid and the only good part was remixing the old Jerry Lynn & AJ Styles “Born in the USA” theme for Home Town Man. Maclin needs to stop having brawls, they’re boring, give him a bump guy. Kaibas and Rascalz was underwhelming. Santino vs Robert Stone was funny, Elias vs Trick was too chalk and lame. IInspiration (IIconics) returning was big news at least. Hendry losing to Kaz was also obvious since Kaz hasn’t won a match in forever.
The show dragged, and as much as I usually like Masha’s wrestling ability…her last 3 title matches have sucked and its not her opponents fault. Killer Kelly returning is sexy though…I mean, good. Yes, good. Saving the best for last, Mustafa Ali vs Jason Hotch was the best match of the show, and really damn good in general. Workrate was great, Tasha and Skyler being conflicted and popping for Hotch when he was doing well was great character work. Hotch looked amazing in the loss, if they don’t capitalize on it, that would be a huge screw up from TNA.
Not really sure what kind of shows we’ll be getting, and I’m not excited.
.@MATTHARDYBRAND and @JEFFHARDYBRAND have a message for FIR$T CLA$$ ahead of TONIGHT's MAIN EVENT!
WATCH on TNA+: https://t.co/F3YYaTmexl pic.twitter.com/mTnNBEFBcb
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 13, 2025
Ratings:
- The IInspiration vs Missa Kate & Brittani Brookes: IInspiration wins via Idolizer – ** 1/2
- Jason Hotch w/Jon Skyler vs Leon Slater: Leon wins via Swanton 450 – ** 3/4
- 8-4-1 Knockouts Match: Tessa Blanchard, Xia Brookside, Dani Luna & Rosemary vs Killer Kelly, Indi Hartwell, Jody Threat & Tasha Steelz: Indi wins via Hurts Don’t It – ** 3/4
- Indi Hartwell vs Killer Kelly vs Jody Threat vs Tasha Steelz: Kelly wins via Hurts Don’t It – ***
- Fir$t Cla$$ vs The Hardy Boyz: Hardyz win via DQ – ***
Results:
Santino opens the show informing Santana of a suspension, kicking Robert Stone out and recapping his victory party before introducing the IInspiration for their first match back.Â
The IInspiration vs Missa Kate & Brittani Brookes
A bit of talking and pandering from IInspiration, they’re dominating the jobbers and there’s not much to discuss here. They do the IIconics Pose and actually keep the control. Cassie pulls off some kind of Butterfly Facebuster which looks cool, Jess comes in and the Jobbers cheat a little to take over. Jess tags in Cassie and Scorpion Kick, decent comeback, corner Hip Attacks, Neckbreaker, Jumping Kick to the Head into Fisherman’s Suplex Hold for 2. Idolizer (Magic Killer variant) is hit and IInspiration win, and didn’t look bad. Cassie (Peyton) is still the better wrestler of the two, but neither looked bad.
Jason Hotch w/Jon Skyler vs Leon Slater
I don’t hide the fact I heavily dislike Slater. He has no personality, he’s all flips, no ability to talk…he’s boring. He’s ROH Will Ospreay or Flip Gordon, does flippy crap to pop morons but he’s a worthless character. Since he wants to become the Youngest X Division champion, and they’ve talked about for like the last 7 months…sadly it’s probably going to happen.Â
Chain wrestling start and Hotch already looks like the better wrestler. Hotch is on his SANADA in LIJ arch where he looked great losing to the leader, falls back in line but then he hits a Spinning Overhead Kick for a near fall, so I’m not allowed to finish my thought because Hotch is fun to watch. Leon is such a bad wrestler…he held the rope and looked back to take a forearm shiver, the nerd had to watch it to sell it. Man’s not talent.
Hotch has Leon in an Arm Iso Cravat, Leon tries to fire and then Hotch keeps him down. Leon counters a Slingshot Suplex into his own Final Cut to get space to breathe. Double sell, Leon leap frogs, then rope runs, Lariats and Lethal Injection from Leon for 2. Hotch is so fluid, dodges the corner attack, rope assisted side kick, Outside In Neckbreaker for a near fall! Hotch will probably lose, but he looks like the better wrestler by miles. Heavy Irish Whip counter from Leon, into Blue Thunder Bomb. Leon goes to the top, Hotch cuts off, Leon dodges, hits the Knife Edge Chop and they wrestle on the apron, Front Kick from Hotch sends Leon into the post, Double Stomp onto the apron, Hotch wants a finish but counter, Cradle trades and then Hotch gets caught by a Leg Lariat, Swanton 450, selling from Leon was spotty and bad during this whole match.
Fun moments but the wrong kid died…
.@MeanGiaMiller gets Tessa Blanchard's thoughts ahead of TONIGHT's 8-4-1 Match!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/F3YYaTmexl pic.twitter.com/kurcKH2vtH
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 13, 2025
8-4-1 Knockouts Match: Tessa Blanchard, Xia Brookside, Dani Luna & Rosemary vs Killer Kelly, Indi Hartwell, Jody Threat & Tasha Steelz
Dani and Jody start, so at least there’s a measure of story telling, but I still detest Jody. Sloppy counter wrestling start, Jody stops herself from punching Dani and tags in Tasha. Tasha pauses and jaws to her team and gets Back Body Dropped by Dani, Dani tags in Xia and Tasha pokes her eyes immediately and lights up Xia. Xia fights back, Rope Assisted Headscissors, Crossbody and near fall. Xia tags in Rosemary and Rosemary looks at her like death, then Rosemary goes after Xia, but a Codebreaker from Tasha gives space to tag in Kelly. Kelly kisses Rosemary and then they brawl in full mount. I’m not sure if I clicked the orange website or TNA…oh there’s a Lariat…it’s wrestling again.
Jody doofus tags in, the crowd wants Indi, no one wants Jody and Rosemary Upkick, Drop Toe Hold, Tessa tags in, works over Jody, Jody tries to go to the top, Victoria Crawford fka Alicia Fox trips her, Tessa gets the momentum back, a bunch of distraction and Tessa tags in Dani. Then Dani tags out to Rosemary. Whip, Rosemary misses the Spear, Tessa tags herself in and they’re keeping Indi out of the ring. Tessa crashes and burns as Jody dodges and fights back. Rosemary tags in, Indi gets the tag. Bunch combo, Spinebuster, Dani breaks the pin and now signature spam spot.
Indi is the last on to hit her moves, Hurts Don’t It takes out Rosemary after Tessa just walks out.
Indi Hartwell vs Jody Threat vs Killer Kelly vs Tasha Steelz
Commercial happened and we’re back and it’s Indi vs Jody. Jody takes her down with a Shoulder Tackle, Jody hits the Exploder, and Indi finally stalls some of the offense, Indi throws Jody into the ropes and Jody takes it bad. Jody Drop Toe Hold, looking for her Knees into German spot, but Kelly pulls her out, Tasha tries to pick the bones but Kelly comes in and attacks Indi. Tasha and Kelly have a heel agreement to gang up on Indi. Kelly goes for the pin, so hells are arguing, throw forearms, Kelly with the Double Overhooks, Headbutts, Angel’s Wings gets hit from Kelly but Tasha kicks out. Jody Crossbody takes out both heels.
Jody and Indi team up and 10 Count Lariats on the Heels, pop spot for the crowd since Indi is in the driver’s seat, Simultaneous Lariats each other and everybody down. Mickie James Bulldog from Tasha but Jody pushes her off, Indi tries the Cradle for two. Indi misses the Boot, eats a German. Tasha hits the Mickie Bulldog, but Jody kicks out. Indi grabs Tasha, Hurts-nope. Tasha wanted Blackout, Indi says no, Hurts Don’t It, but Kelly takes out Indi and steals the pinfall. Kelly wins.
.@TheEricYoung will see @TheSamiCallihan NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT!
WATCH on TNA+: https://t.co/F3YYaTmMmT pic.twitter.com/NtKjpYIIRa
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 13, 2025
Fir$t Cla$$ vs The Hardy Boyz
AJ charges before the bell, Hardyz dodge and Lariat AJ to the floor and work over KC with their usual Arm Bar Extreme Elbow, Delete Arm Breakers and Back Elbow Hardyz combo. AJ tries to get back in and the Hardyz attack, Poetry in Motion, AJ is back to the outside. Commercial break time, I wonder if the heels will be winning coming back…OH no, Jeff is still isolating KC. Pleasantly surprised I suppose.
Arm Wringer, simple offense, Jeff tags in Matt, Stalling Tandem Suplex and Matt covers, only 2. Matt with Short Arm Shoulder Tackles, close quarters forearms and the Rocket Launcher into the middle rope followed by a Leg Drop onto the apron, KC keeps kicking out but he’s getting dog walked. Stomps into Splash, KC needs to tag out, but Jeff stays on him, AJ finally pulls out Jeff, KC flies into Jeff and tags out. Finally AJ gives KC a break and bends Jeff back in a Bow and Arrow Stretch. Jeff tries the comeback, AJ pulls the hair to throw him down, stomps his face and AJ is manhandling Jeff as KC is sucking wind. Little Bro deserves a big break.
Tennessee Whiskey from AJ, connects and “Money, Money, Money”. AJ gets a little distracted trying to one up Matt, Jeff hits two Twists, and tags in Matt, so Delete Face Smashes and AJ is getting rocked. AJ reverses the Irish Whip, but Back Elbow from Matt into a Middle Rope Side Effect. Trick Williams comes out to attack the Hardyz. Hardyz win via DQ, but then Hendry and Elijah come out for the save. System is out…old school TNA donnybrook.
Overall Score: 5.5/10
The ring work was mediocre at best, but nothing miserable. Cassie and Jess look like they never missed a beat, take that for what you will if you loved or hated the IIconics. Trick solidifying his alliance with First Class makes for interesting cross promotion. If Fir$t Cla$$ ends up with the NXT Tags while Trick is the TNA Champ…that’s…a pretty neat visual I ain’t mad at. Yes I’m bias because KC is awesome, but AJ has done good work in TNA, so he deserves some flowers. Tessa keeping Victoria Crawford in the Robert Stone ejection is wonderful. I’ve always loved Alicia Fox and teaming her with Tessa is very interesting for the obvious reasons I don’t need to mention again, just search Twitter, you’ll understand.
Sami looks like a doofus getting sideswiped, Jay-SANADA Hotch is the best thing TNA has right now for home grown talent. Slater is still useless but oooo he can flip…I hate no personality flip-tards. Indi getting screwed sets things up nicely to not push her too quick to the top of the card, but she’s very over. The lack of Lei Ying Lee is annoying since I really don’t think the poor match was her fault. Also, putting her in a throwaway tag match against the Elegance girls next week? TNA really doesn’t know what to do with Lei, do they? She’s been mishandled the entire time since debut.
So even with my nitpicks, there were a lot of building blocks in the show. Hell Tessa insulting Gia is also probably something brewing…but I’m glad we didn’t lose Gia when we lost Ace. Gia is the best backstage interviewer since Lauren Brooke. So very middle of the road show, either things will get slightly better going to Slammiversary, or it’s the calm before the storm. We…shall see.
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)Â
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 PodcastÂ
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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