Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (11/20/23)
Who truly runs Raw?
Which side are you on?
Survivor Series: WarGames is this Saturday, so tonight on Raw, The Judgment Day battles Cody Rhodes’ super team for advantage!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Nia Jax VS Raquel Rodriguez; Nia wins.
- Becky Lynch VS Xia Li; Becky wins.
- Ludwig Kaiser VS Johnny Gargano w/ Tommaso Ciampa; Gargano wins.
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Fatal 4 Way: Tegan Nox & Natalya VS Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell VS Maxxine Dupri & Ivy Nile; Nox & Natty win and will challenge Chelsea Green & Piper Niven for the titles.
- Shinsuke Nakamura VS Chad Gable w/ The Alpha Academy; Nakamura wins.
- Men’s WarGames Advantage: Drew McIntyre VS Jey Uso; McIntyre wins the advantage for his team.
PLAY BY PLAY
Drew McIntyre is already in the ring.
Fans boo the Scottish Warrior for what he did last week, but he has the mic to say he is NOT Dominik Mysterio. he has earned the right to talk so they will listen. Everyone is feeling a certain way, they’re a little upset about it. But y’know who is most upset? HIM! McIntyre has been called a coward, a backstabber, #WhyDrewWhy, but he has been the same person this entire time! He hasn’t lied, not to Rollins, not to the fans. If you’ve been paying attention then he doesn’t have to explain himself. And if you turned on him, that’s on you and you were never really a fan so he doesn’t give a damn what you think!
McIntyre gave Jey what he never gave McIntyre when he attacked from behind: he looked Jey in the eye before dropping his arse. And Jey is probably looking for an apology for costing him the tag titles and his big moment. But McIntyre doesn’t remember one single apology to him or anyone else that Jey screwed over with The Bloodline. Fans boo and chant “YOU SUCK!” McIntyre says there must be collateral damage. Cody was part of the match, but it was on him for bringing Jey to Raw. And then on SmackDown, Cody goes after Jimmy & Solo and no one gets on him about ‘Get over!” NO! Why should they, huh!?
Y’know what Jey cost McIntyre? Clash at the Castle, the Bloodline, cost McIntyre the biggest moment of his life in front of HIS family! His family, 16 years he’s been away, sacrificing everything! Birthdays, they understand. Christmases, they understand. His nephews growing up, they understand. But that night, when McIntyre was going to beat Roman, was going to be their moment. But Jey’s family took that from McIntyre’s family! And now you start to understand. Has he lied? Does he make sense? But everyone wants to talk about the million dollar question: Has McIntyre joined Judgment Day?
We’ve watched Drew since he was 22, you should know him by now, he’s been the same person all along. Grand Rapids, yes or no, has McIntyre joined the Judgment Day? It’s hard to say with that chorus of boos, but McIntyre says they don’t know him very well. NO, he is not in the Judgment Day. But he will be on their team for WarGames, though! And why? Because Rhea Ripley gave McIntyre what no one else has given him: Jey Uso stuck in a cage! Now Jey, this is your final warning. It is on sight! He doesn’t know what Jey believes, what God he might worship, where his soul is going, but Saturday, your ass belongs to McIntyre!!
BUT HERE COMES JEY! Fans fire up as Jey stands on stage, mic in his hand. The fans chant ‘YEET! YEET!” and Jey tells McIntyre he needs to let it go. Yeah, he cost Jey the tag titles. So no more talk. How about McIntyre catches this beat down. Or rather, YEET DOWN! And if you wanna see McIntyre catch one, lemme hear ya say YEET! “YEET!!” But as if on cue, the Judgment Day appears from the crowd side. McIntyre smirks as Mami and her boys have his back, but then so does Jey’s team! Seth Rollins makes his way out, followed by Sami Zayn, and of course followed by Cody Rhodes! The fans fire up as #TeamYEET steps to the ring!
But then Adam Pearce rushes out there and says NO! They are not doing this tonight! WarGames is Saturday! And the advantage match tonight, NO ONE is fighting before! If they do, whoever throws that first punch, automatically costs their team the advantage. Is he understood? Fans boo but the teams stay put. Then two pieces of business. Firstly, as McIntyre said, he IS on the Judgment Day’s team for WarGames, that means Cody’s side needs a fifth. And they need to find them by the end of tonight. Secondly, by 9 PM Eastern, and he means that, the teams must decide who is in the advantage match for a 1v1. Understood? 1v1! No outside interference! Fair and square!
So they have an hour, the clock is ticking. Pick a member or Pearce picks for you. McIntyre steps up, sounds like he’s already decided! Fans chant “YEET!” as he stares Jey down, will McIntyre get what he wants out of all this? Judgment Day stands down per Pearce’s orders, but the clock is also ticking on Cody’s team finding that fifth man. Will Cody, Rollins, Sami and Jey be able to think of someone that they can all work with?
Judgment Day regroups backstage.
Finn says Cody’s side is lucky Pearce showed up when he did. Because if not, those fellas wouldn’t even be making it to WarGames! McDonagh agrees, no shot at all. But Priest tells Rhea that while he doesn’t really care for the guy, adding McIntyre to this team is good business. But as the leader of the team, Rhea should’ve really brought it up to him first so they could have discussed it. Rhea says McIntyre is unpredictable, she wasn’t even sure what his decision was going to be, but it all worked out. Did it, though? Well, Rhea thinks so. But she does understand. As the WarGames leader, she really should’ve talked it over with Priest.
That’s all he’s saying. They all just need to be on the same page. Now speaking of McIntyre, where is he? He’ll be here soon, don’t worry. Right, sure. Then while they wait, Priest wants everyone to know that he feels he should be in the advantage match. Rhea says actually, like Priest just said, the team needs to discuss this all together. They will wait on McIntyre, and then talk. Yeah, okay, whatever. Finn reminds Priest it’s like he always: just take it easy.
Nia Jax VS Raquel Rodriguez!
The Irresistible Force brags on and on about how she’s squashed everyone else in the locker room, even though she isn’t the Women’s World Champion. Will she continue to reestablish her dominance? Or will Big Mami Cool show her what real strength is all about?
Raw returns and Raquel makes her entrance. The bell rings and the two rush in! Raquel BOOTS Nia to a corner, RAMS into her, then RAMS again and again! Raquel lets off to just RAM again! Raquel whips to send Nia back to the same corner, and runs in again. But into an URENAGE! Nia huffs and puffs and then KICKS Raquel in the side! Nia stomps Raquel, stands over her, then dribbles her off the mat! Nia mocks Raquel’s back flex pose, then pie faces Raquel around. Nia talks trash, but Raquel throws body shots and haymakers! Fans fire up but Nia throws shots back! They go back and forth, Nia shoves, but Raquel ROCKS Nia!
Nia wobbles, Raquel POUNCES her out of the ring! Fans fire up and Raquel aims from the apron, to CROSSBODY! Down goes Nia, Grand Rapids fires up with Raquel, and she drags Nia up. But Nia shoves Raquel into the barriers! Nia fireman’s carries, to POST Raquel back first! Fans boo while Nia looms over Raquel, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Nia bends Raquel against the post! The ref counts, fans boo, but Nia lets off at 4. Raquel sputters and writhes while Nia storms back into the ring. Nia paces, then drags Raquel up. Raquel still throws body shots! Fans rally but Nia HEADBUTTS Raquel down. Fans chant “YOU SUCK!” and Nia mocks them, “I suck?” Nia clamps onto Raquel with a half nelson, but Raquel fights up! Nia uses her full weight to keep Raquel down, then she thrashes Raquel in a cobra clutch! Fans rally and Raquel fights up again, and she has Nia as a backpack! Raquel roars for the BACKPACK SENTON!
Both women are down, Raquel’s legs perhaps not holding Nia up as long as Raquel wanted. But Raquel fires up, runs at Nia and LARIATS! Nia stays up so Raquel runs again, to LARIAT! Nia is still up, Raquel runs in but Nia HEADBUTTS her down! Nia runs in at the corner, but into a RANA!? Fans fire up for Raquel as she runs in! Nia duck sone, but not the SOUTHPAW! And then the BOOT! Nia falls into a drop zone and fans fire up behind Raquel! She runs in to go up, up and TWISTING VADER! Raquel roars, the fans roar with her, and Raquel wants Nia to get up! Nia staggers up, into a fireman’s carry! But the legs and back give up!
Nia CLUBS Raquel down, then runs to SENTON! Nia grins an evil grin and then she drags Raquel to a corner. Nia goes up, but Raquel gets up under her! The fans are thunderous as Raquel wants this one! Nia holds onto ropes, but Raquel pries her away! But the legs give up, Nia HIP DROPS Raquel! And then A-NIA-LATOR!!! Cover, Nia wins!!
Winner: Nia Jax, by pinfall
Raquel tried to use her brawn but it wasn’t enough! Nia adds her to the list, will Nia be unstoppable in her return to the world title?
Xia Li trains for The Big Time.
The Exterminator has been sharpening her edge in the gym, beating down a punching back with Becky Lynch’s face on it. Will she tear down The Man when their grudge match comes around?
The Judgment Day is still backstage.
McDonagh says that with Priest as team leader in the cage, they’ve got this. Rhea tells him to shut it. Priest asks where her guy is then. But speak of the devil, in steps McIntyre. McIntyre hears Priest wants the advantage match. Rhea says yes, that is what Priest wants, and Priest is the leader for WarGames. Is there a problem? No, not for McIntyre. He was just thinking that instead of Priest, it should be McIntyre. To be clear, he doesn’t like any of them. But he despises Jey Uso. Then let Priest be clear, he doesn’t like McIntyre because McIntyre cost Priest the World Heavyweight Championship. So just take it easy, okay?
How about Priest takes it easy? No, Priest tells people to take it easy. Well, he sure isn’t taking it easy now, is he? Okay, McIntyre, fine, you want the match? It’s yours. Rhea asks if that is really what Priest wants. Yeah, McIntyre can show his worth. He can win them the advantage. McIntyre says now that is leadership. Priest tells Rhea that McIntyre better get them the advantage. Rhea smiles and says McIntyre will. But the question is, who from the other side will step up to face him?
WWE and Ruffles open the polls!
For the Women’s WarGames match of Damage CTRL VS Charlotte Flair, Shotzi Blackheart, Bianca Belair & Becky Lynch, it will be a fan vote across ALL WWE social media! Choose a side, grab a bag of your favorite flavor, and get ready to watch the fireworks this Saturday!
#TeamYEET talks backstage.
As we all saw, they know Drew McIntyre is in the advantage match. And Rollins says he knows McIntyre like the back of his hand, so he’s gonna get him again! Get him again! No, no, if it’s McIntyre, Jey is doing the same thing tonight. Yeah, but didn’t you hear him? McIntyre wants to hurt Jey! To maim him! To take him outta WarGames! And they need Jey, NEED him! Jey knows but he wants to tell Rollins this. McIntyre talkin’ ’bout family on family. You know how Jey gets down about his family. McIntyre is all Jey’s! McIntyre’s been on Jey since Jey got on Raw, Uce! Let Jey get him!
Rollins thinks, and then says, “He’s all yours.” YEET! The agreement is made, Jey VS McIntyre. Now to the other piece of business: a fifth member. Cody talked with Nick Aldis, and SmackDown’s roster is not off limits? Yes. So Sami has an idea? Oh he does. Rollins does, too. A couple even. Cody says he also has an old friend he can call. He is sure that guy will come through. But for now, Jey has to focus on the match. The team heads out, just who will this fifth man be?
Becky Lynch VS Xia Li!
Speaking of The Man joining WarGames, she’s looking to get spicy with The Exterminator here in Grand Rapids! Will Becky make it through a grudge match with a dangerous opponent? Or will Xia force Charlotte and team to find a new teammate?
Raw returns and Xia makes her entrance, and we see Lyra Valkyria in the crowd. Xia has a shot at Lyra and the NXT Women’s Championship tomorrow night, will Xia build momentum here? The bell rings and fans rally as Xia and Becky circle. They tie up, go around, and Becky pushes Xia, but Xia puts Becky in a corner, The ref counts, Becky shoves Xia back and the fans rally. The two approach, Xia knees low, headlocks, but Becky powers out. Xia runs Becky over and Becky checks her head. She might still be rattled from a few weeks ago. Xia runs, Becky stays low but Xia rolls over and wags her finger. Things keep moving, and Xia CHOPS Becky!
Xia runs up, Becky ducks the kick to trip and Oklahoma Roll! ONE, but Xia sweeps to cover. TWO as Becky goes Matrix to slip free! Fans cheer as things keep moving, and Becky CHOPS in return! Becky then arm-drags Xia, arm-drags again, and Xia goes to a corner. The fans fire up with Becky as she runs corner to corner, but Xia dodges! Xia runs up to step up and ELBOW! Xia then brings Becky out to clinch, but Becky fights the lift! Becky clinches, Xia slips free but then Becky TOSSES her out of the ring! Fans fire up and Becky paces. Xia stands, Becky runs and WRECKS her with a dropkick!
Fans fire up as Becky aims, FLYING FOREARM from the apron! Xia flounders, Becky drags her up and into the ring, but Xia bails out the other side. Becky storms out after Xia but avoids a boot! Becky ROCKS Xia, SMACKS her off the apron, and puts her in. Xia runs up but Becky KICKS her! Xia blocks a kick to ROUNDHOUSE Becky down! Becky falls to the floor and Xia nods as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Xia has Becky in a Camel Clutch! Becky fights up, arm-drags free, and then runs up. Xia clinches, but Becky JAWBREAKERS free! Xia runs in, Becky sends her into buckles! Becky fires forearms, Xia ROCKS Becky back! They throw shots back and forth, but Becky gets the edge with a flurry! Becky UPPERCUTS, SOBATS, and runs, dodges, and CLOBBERS Xia! Xia goes to a corner, Becky runs in, forearm smash! And BECKSPLODER! Xia flounders, Becky covers, TWO! Xia grits her teeth but so does Becky as she keeps cool. Grand Rapids fires up for Becky as she rises, and she drags Xia by an arm!
Xia fights and moves around, then trips Becky into ropes! Xia KICKS Becky in the back, YANKS the ropes to send Becky down, and now Xia runs, LION’S BARRAGE! Cover, TWO! Xia is frustrated, the fans rally for Becky, but Xia reels Becky in. Becky fights the back suplex to shove, clinch and- NO, Xia slips free and shoves! Becky rebounds to kick low! And then BUTTERFLY SUPLEX into an ARMBAR! Becky has that arm, Xia flails and reaches out, and then clasps hands! Xia rolls Becky up, TWO! Becky blocks a kick, dragon sleeper, but Xia knees free! Torture rack and a spin, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!!
Becky survives and Xia is beside herself! Grand Rapids is thunderous for Becky as she drags herself up in a corner. Xia runs in, but Becky puts her on the apron. Xia blocks a punch to bump Becky off buckles, then she has a SLEEPER in the ropes! The ref counts, Xia lets go at 4! Becky flops forward and Xia climbs up! But Becky ROCKS her first! Becky climbs up after Xia, but Xia throws hands! They brawl, Becky CLUBS away and fans fire up again! Becky stands Xia up, to SUPERPLEX! Becky crawls to a cover, TWO!! Xia survives and Becky can’t believe it! Becky stands and gets the fans all fired up!
Becky clinches, but Xia arm-drags free! HEEL KICK!! Becky flops against ropes, Xia DUMPS her out! Xia wants a knockout or count out, something like that! The fans still rally for Becky and the ref checks. Becky is conscious but is she able to stand? Becky drags herself up with the desk, so Xia goes out after her! But Becky ducks that kick to POST Xia! Both women are down now and the ring count starts! We’re already at 5 of 10 but neither woman is up. They stir at 8, jump up and in at 9.5!! Fans fire up as Becky and Xia glare at each other. They throw forearms back and forth, faster and faster and faster! The fans are loving it!
Xia shoves, spins, but Becky ducks in time! Clinch and MANHANDLE SLAM!! Cover, Becky wins!!
Winner: Becky Lynch, by pinfall
That was one wild fight, and perhaps Xia bet too much on her own kicks. Becky used that to get the better of Xia, will Becky and her team be ready for WarGames? Will Xia be able to recover in 24 hours and take down Lyra?
Wait, speaking of WarGames, here comes Damage CTRL! Bayley, Iyo Sky, Dakota Kai, Asuka & Kairi Sane all swagger up to the front row, but wait! Bianca, Shotzi & Charlotte are here, too! And they DUMP DMG CTRL over! The fans fire up as a new brawl begins, continuing where SmackDown left off! Becky has Bayley, Pearce brings security! Fans boo and say “LET THEM FIGHT!” Becky TOSSES Bayley out of the ring, Shotzi & Charlotte mug Iyo but Kairi helps Bayley up. Charlotte and Bianca stand with Becky, and Shotzi joins them shortly after. Will this spillover prove who is worthy of the advantage via the Ruffles fan poll?
Giovanni Vinci finds Ludwig Kaiser backstage.
Vinci asks if Ludwig is ready, and Ludwig can’t believe him. Nothing is alright and Vinci knows it! Ludwig doesn’t appreciate Vinci trying to get on Gunther’s good side by interfering in that match last week! Vinci tells Ludwig that Vinci is going to do what is best for Imperium. And Gunther liked Vinci’s move last week. And whatever Gunther says is good is good for Imperium. So that’s what he will do. Ludwig gets mad now, but calms himself down. Der Ring General made Vinci Ludwig’s responsibility, so what Ludwig says goes! And Ludwig says Vinci will stay in the back while Ludwig takes care of Gargano. Understood?
Vinci nods and Ludwig heads out. But is the Impeccable German about to get himself in trouble against Johnny Wrestling?
Ludwig Kaiser VS Johnny Gargano w/ Tommaso Ciampa!
Raw returns as Gargano is in the ring, the Sicilian Psycho by his side. Ludwig now makes his entrance, a bit more swagger in his step with the spotlight all on him. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Ludwig powers Gargano to a corner, but lets off. Gargano avoids the cheap shot to throw hands. Ludwig swings again, but Gargano CHOPS! Ludwig headlocks, Gargano powers out but Ludwig whips and runs Gargano over! Ludwig dusts himself off and stalks Gargano to ropes. Ludwig puts Gargano in a corner to CHOP! Ludwig snapmares to then stomp Gargano, and he swaggers around again.
Ludwig drag Gargano up, CLUBS him, and has Gargano in the corner again. Ludwig ROCKS Gargano with a right, then whips Gargano corner to corner. Gargano goes up and over, keeps moving, and he dodges Ludwig to shove, sidestep and RANA! And DROPKICK! Gargano wrenches an arm, hits an ELBOW BREAKER, and then wrenches again. Ludwig chinbars to turn Gargano around for a throat chop! The ref reprimands but Ludwig ROCKS Gargano in a corner. And CHOPS! Ludwig goes corner to corner, blocks Gargano’s boot, and shouts “NEIN!” But Gargano ENZIGURIS! Ludwig wobbles, Gargano runs at him in the corner now, but Ludwig puts him up top!
Ludwig GAMANGIRIS Gargano and Gargano wobbles up top! Ludwig climbs but Gargano ROCKS and CHOPS him! Ludwig hops down, Gargano FLYING RANAS! Ludwig ends up on the apron, Gargano DROPKICKS him to the floor! Fans fire up with Gargano as he builds speed, to DIVE into an UPPERCUT! Ludwig still shakes out some stars, but he UPPERCUTS Gargano down! Fans boo Ludwig but Ludwig dusts himself off as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Ludwig throws down punches on Gargano on the apron. The fans rally for “JOHNNY WRESTLING!” and Gargano fights back! Gargano CHOPS, and ROCKS, and CHOPS again! Gargano fireman’s carries but Ludwig slips into the ring to chinlock! Gargano turns around to RAM into Ludwig! Gargano slingshots, “NEIN!” UPPERCUT! Gargano flops back down, Ludwig drags him up and has him against ropes to then run side to side. But into a SLINGSHOT SPEAR! The fans fire up and Ciampa pounds the apron. The fans rally, Gargano rallies on Ludwig! Gargano gets around, roll up and KICK!
Ludwig bails out, Gargano DIVES! Direct hit at the ramp! Fans fire up and Gargano puts Ludwig in the ring. Gargano slingshots, but Ludwig catches Gargano! Gargano still sunset flips, but Ludwig sits on it! TWO and Gargano completes the sunset! TWO, Ludwig sits up into a BUZZSAW! Gargano goes up a corner, takes aim, FLYING COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, TWO!! Ludwig survives but Gargano keeps cool. Gargano storms after Ludwig, has him up top, but Ludwig throws hands! Ludwig shoves Gargano away, Gargano comes back to block a kick but not the KNEE! And the LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!!
Fans fire up and Ludwig is stunned! The fans rally for “JOHNNY WRESTLING!” but Ludwig aims from the corner. Ludwig runs in, but Gargano ELBOWS him! And then baits him in for another roll up, only for Ludwig to block that kick! But Gargano avoids a kick in return, and ENZIGURIS! Gargano runs, but into the tilt-o-whirl SLAM! Cover, TWO! Ludwig grows frustrated, but he paces around. Ludwig waits on Gargano to stand, then clinches, but Gargano slips free! ROLLING ELBOW! ROLLING ELBOW! Gargano runs, ducks ‘n ‘dodges and tilt=o-whirls, LA MYSTICA! Fans fire up as Ludwig sits up in a daze!
Gargano runs in, but Ludwig catches him! ROLLING DEATH VALLEY, to the PENALTY KICK! Wait, Vinci is out here? Ludwig is upset because this is against direct orders! Vinci says his distracting on Gargano saved him a second ago! But then Gargano GAMANGIRIS! And slingshots, ONE FINAL BEAT!! Cover, Gargano wins!!
Winner: Johnny Gargano, by pinfall
Vinci has an “I told you so” look on his face, but now Imperium is 1-1 with DIY! Will this come down to a tag team match to settle things once and for all?
Raw shares footage from earlier tonight.
As always, Chelsea Green & Piper Niven are complaining to Adam Pearce. Chelsea says NO WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion should ever have to share a locker room with non-champions. It’s disgusting! The stench of losers is literally rubbing off on their titles, they cannot take it. But Natalya & Tegan Nox walk over to ask Pearce when they’re getting their shot at taking those said tag team titles off Chelsea & Piper. Oh, these two? First off- Kayden Carter & Katana Chance interrupt Chelsea’s complaining to point out that Natty & Nox haven’t even teamed up yet. They deserve a shot first. Pearce says that’s a good point.
Chelsea laughs at KC Squared thinking they deserve anything, either. But then Indi Hartwell & Candice LeRae step in, and Indi says they are a REAL tag team! When are they getting a shot? Chelsea gets upset again so Pearce shouts them all down. Everyone gets their opportunity to earn a shot, okay? Indi & Candice, Natty & Nox, Carter & Chance! But then Maxxine Dupri & Ivy Nile walk in, and Pearce cuts Maxxine off. Where they wondering if they’d get a chance? Then YES, they do, so now it’s a Fatal 4 Way! Ivy says they were really gonna ask about- SHOOOOSH! This is perfect, thank you, Adam. Okay, Fatal 4 Way #1 contender’s match! HAPPY MONDAY!
Chelsea starts again, “First off, I’m gonna have a talk with Nick Aldis about this.” Pearce tells her to tell him hi from Pearce. Chelsea storms up with Piper, Pearce needs a drink. But who will be toasting a big win here tonight? We’ll find out, after the break!
Rhea and Dom talk backstage.
Wait, what the hell are these two doing in Judgment Day’s room? Zoey Stark & Shayna Baszler are on the couch! Zoey says sup, Rhea? They heard so much about the clubhouse, they wanted to check it out. Shayna stares Rhea down, and says she’s seen enough. Shayna heads out, and Zoey says here we are again. Rhea’s so focused on everything else, except the one thing she should be focused on: Zoey. But to be fair, this is all really nice what they did. The decorations, the toys, the knick-knacks. The one that really sticks out is the Women’s World Championship. Zoey wants Rhea to take a long hard look at it, because come Survivor Series, the belt comes home to Zoey.
Rhea says most people wouldn’t survive pulling a stunt like this. But Rhea kinda respects it. But Zoey gets her beating at Survivor Series. Zoey smiles and says good. It’s just how she wants it. Zoey heads out, will Mami make The Hunter become The Hunted?
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Fatal 4 Way: Tegan Nox & Natalya VS Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell VS Maxxine Dupri & Ivy Nile!
The Hot Mess & Scottish Viper are watching from commentary as all four teams are gathered, fighting for their shot. Who defies the 25% odds to go for the gold?
In this Fatal 4, only two teams are legal at once, so the Queen of Harts steps against the Diamond Pitbull. They tie up, Natty headlocks but Ivy powers out. Natty rolls, Ivy by passes but Natty blocks a hip toss, only for Ivy to block back! Ivy spins Natty to a backslide, TWO! Natty kicks low, brings Ivy over, and tags in Nox. Natty snapmares, Nox runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, ONE!! Nox tags Natty back in, they bring Ivy around but Ivy wrenches to kick, KICK and whip Natty tot he corner. Ivy runs in to JUMP KICK! Tag to Maxxine, they bring Natty around to roll her up, TWO! Natty gets Maxxine for an armbar, but Maxxine rolls her up, TWO!
Natty wrenches, tells Maxxine to shoosh, but Maxxine rolls, bridges, handsprings and headlocks! Then a spin and drop toehold a la Gable! She then stands to say “A THANK YEW~!” But Natty waistlocks! Maxxine elbows free, reels Natty in, and goes to her corner to tag Ivy. Ivy waistlocks to O’Conner Roll, TWO! Ivy runs in but Natty spins her, RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Natty has the legs, steps through, but Ivy BOOTS her away! Indi tags in off Natty to scoop Ivy but Ivy slips free to shove. Ivy tilt-o-whirls and sunset flips, but Indi stays up. Indi scoops Ivy to SLAM her! Fans cheer as #IndiWrestling then puts Ivy in the ropes.
Indi UPPERCUTS, tags Candice, BOOTS Ivy, and then Candice storms up. She and Indi combine, reverse wheelbarrow for an assisted SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Ivy stays in this but Candice facelocks. Fans rally, Ivy fights up, and she fights to a waistlock. Kayden sneaks a tag, Candice snapmares Ivy and DROPKICKS her, but then Kayden storms in. Candice RAMS Kayden, Kayden BOOTS back, and Katana tags in. Katana ROCKS Candice, Kayden tabletops her, and then KC Squared wheelbarrow back suplex SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Indi is a half step late on that, but KC Squared still send her out of the ring!
Kayden tags back in, and she gives Katana a MONKEY FLIP SENTON into Candice! Fans fire up but Natty & Nox stop KC Squared from flying! KC Squared elbow free of the waistlocks, then whip Natty & Nox out! Now Katana gives Kayden a knuckle lock boost to FLY out onto the group! But Natty drags Katana out to join her! Ivy CLOBBERS Natty! Maxxine goes up!? Fans fire u as Maxxine CROSSBODIES the whole group! “A THANK YEW~!” Craziest of all, Chelsea is speechless as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns as we get hot tags from Candice to Katana and Nox to Natty! The Queen of Harts rallies on KC Squared, and she spins Katana to a POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Natty dodges Katana to springboard sitdown! But Katana fights the step-over! Natty scoops to a MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Natty hauls Katana up top, climbs up after her, but Kayden runs in. Nox UPPERCUTS Kayden, then joins Natty. They have Katana but Ivy adds on! DOUBLE POWERBOMB! Katana stayed safe somehow, and Kayden SUPERKICKS Ivy down! Kayden sets Nox & Natty up in the drop zone, then helps Katana get up higher! HANDSTAND SPLASH!! Cover, everyone else breaks it!
The fans are all fired up as all eight women are down again! Indi drags herself back up, TOSSES Maxxine, Ivy TOSSES Candice. Ivy rushes Indi, Indi avoids one kick but not the ENZIGURI! Nox HEADBUTTS Ivy! And reels her in to GOURD BUSTER Ivy onto Indi! But Kayden wheelbarrows Nox, victory rolls and SUPERKICKS! But Candice is up top to MISSILE DROPKICK Kayden! Piper is loving the carnage as Katana DROPKICKS Candice! Natty trips Katana and has the SHARPSHOOTER!! Katana endures, reaches out, but Ivy BULLDOGS Natty! Ivy drags Katana over, has Maxxine tag in off her, then Maxxine dodges Nox!
Maxxine scoops Nox to SLAM her! And scoop SLAM again! Maxxine swivels a la Otis, and then hits the CATERPILLAR ELBOW! Chelsea can’t even as Maxxine then snap suplexes and bridges! TWO!! Nox escapes in time and fans fire up! Maxxine drags Nox up, sends her in, and then SPLASHES! Ivy tags, she runs in to JUMP KICK Nox down! Maxxine tags back in, Ivy and Maxxine double suplex! And they double kip up! “A THANK YEW~!” Maxxine & Ivy then coordinate and go to corners. But Natty YANKS Ivy down! Nox catches Maxxine to roll through, NOX & NATTY WIN!
Winners: Tegan Nox & Natalya, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contenders to the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships)
Chelsea is the most upset she could be about this result! She says she never agreed to any contenders, but she’ll have no choice but to face the Welsh Firecracker & Queen of Harts. Will she rely on Piper to see them through?
Gunther hears his team arguing.
Der Ring General frowns as he storms over and the two pipe down. Explain yourselves. Ludwig says his responsibility, Vinci, was told to stay away so he could do his job. It was going great! He was beating that little chump Gargano- Gunther stops him there to say Ludwig never listens. Ludwig asks what that’s supposed to mean! He- Gunther shouts Ludwig down and explains this to him. Gunther really thought Ludwig could uphold the prestige of the group. But he is disappointing Gunther. Gunther commends Vinci on his initiative. And it gets him thinking… Maybe he put the wrong man in charge.
So now, Ludwig can watch Gunther humble Miz and learn a thing or two. For now, they both can stay in the back. Gunther continues on and Ludwig goes back to arguing (quietly) with Vinci. Will the WWE Intercontinental Champion truly lead by example in his face to face meeting with The Miz?
A ref leads Adam Pearce to another commotion.
This time, the Raw Men’s Tag Division is arguing! New Day is in the middle of everything with DIY, Indus Sher, Imperium, The Creed Brothers and Alpha Academy. Xavier Woods is glad Pearce is here now. We all saw earlier how the ladies got their shot at tag titles, so what about the gentlemen? Yeah, what about us?! But New Day are 11-time champs. Yeah, well how’re they supposed to get to 12 then? Pearce says they’re all reading his mind, but they can’t do this tonight. What? Why not?! Time constraints. But next week, they can ALL enter Tag Team Turmoil, winners getting their shot at the Undisputed Tag Team Championships.
Everyone cheers and Tozawa holds up the Detroit Lions NFL Legacy title as he shouts “LET’S GOOOOOO~!” Then he swivels the hips. Tozawa, that’s naaaasty! Pearce has an aid get this news to Aldis. The assistant nods and heads out, but Nick Aldis says no need. He’s here! Oh, good. Then let’s have a conversation. Yes, lets. The GMs are face to face, what will they discuss?
The Miz heads to the ring!
The Hollywood A-Lister knows Gunther is big, bad and brutal, but he could still take that title away and become WWE’s most decorated Intercontinental Champion ever. We see what Miz and Gunther have to say to each other after the break.
Raw returns and Miz has a mic to say that before Gunther comes out here to suck the life out of the arena, he wants to talk about one word that Miz feels embodies what this industry is all about. Something Miz strives for everything he comes out here, and that word is “respect.” Respect for the WWE superstars that step inside this ring, respect for the part the fans play, from booing to cheering. And respect for every person in the WWE locker room, and that brings Miz to Gunther’s lack of respect for what Miz has done. But then Gunther interrupts with his entrance! Gunther swaggers his way to the ring and steps inside.
Gunther smirks at Miz as he then gets himself a mic. Gunther tells “Mike” that he has to clarify something. It isn’t that there’s a lack of respect. Gunther just has zero respect for Miz. And Miz doesn’t understand that this sacred ring is for fighting and competition. Miz is just an entertainer. Miz says Gunther says that like it’s a negative. Yeah, Miz is an entertainer, he is proud of it. Miz is a WWE superstar who gets the job done inside the ring and out! Just like all the superstars that Miz grew up loving! They were larger than life, like “Macho Man” Randy Savage, oooh yeah! “Ravishing” Rick Rude, “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig, “The Heartbreak Kid,” Shawn Michaels!
Fans cheer those names, and Miz says when Bret “The Hitman” Hart would walk down the aisle and give a kid his sunglasses, Miz would wish he was that kid. Those men all held that Intercontinental Championship, so Miz strived, learned, and battled for 20 YEARS so he could even hope and pray to hold the same title as his heroes. And the reason we still talk about those men, the reason those men are remembered is because they’re not a one note robot like Gunther! Gunther chuckles, and he gives Miz that. He is very entertaining, and Gunther is amused by him. Oh well let Miz “amuse” Gunther even more!
Miz will paint a picture: Miz has been to the top of the mountain and has been knocked down time and time again, only to rebuild himself, reinvent, adapt and change. That is what makes an entertainer immortal. That is what elevates the legacy of that title! Miz will do whatever it takes to survive, whatever it takes to win, because that The Miz! Gunther? We don’t know much about you. Here, you haven’t been at the bottom. And we won’t really know who Gunther is until he hits that bottom. And then and only then will we find out if Gunther deserves Miz’s respect, if he deserves the fans’ respect.
And when Gunther hits the bottom, will he climb up? Or will he be just another cog in the machine with no personality to invest in? Understand that this Saturday at Survivor Series, if Gunther doesn’t respect Miz now, he will beat it into Gunther! And then Miz will be a NINE-TIME Intercontinental Champion! Fans fire up for that one. Gunther smirks again and says Miz wants to talk big, that’s fine. Here is Gunther’s point of view. Everyone here in this arena, and everyone watching at home, thinks on Saturday, Gunther faces The Miz: 20 year career, two-time WWE Grand Slam Champion, future Hall of Famer.
But Gunther wants to give us his perspective. He sees through Miz. Who Gunther really faces on Saturday is someone just like everyone else in this audience here. “Little Mike Mizanin, some little weirdo that got bullied in high school because he idolized all those heroes he just named.” And when Miz graduated, he pursued a career to become a WWE superstar, and finally got to meet all his heroes. And they bullied him, too, to make him understand he does not understand in this sport! Fans boo but Gunther grins. It’s the truth! And so here we are, 20 years later, and things haven’t changed. Miz still does NOT belong here!
Miz still does NOT belong in Gunther’s ring! The only place Miz belongs is behind those guardrails with all the other weirdos that are just like him! Fans boo, and some start a “USA! USA!” chant. Gunther says that’s the smallest form of self-identification. He just told us we are all weak, simple and insecure, like Little Mike. So in conclusion, Gunther thinks Miz hasn’t been bullied enough. Gunther pushes Miz. “You wannabe, do something!” Gunther pushes Miz more, eggs him on, and even pie faces him! Gunther tells Miz to stand up for himself! Fans cheer Miz on, and Miz throws hands! Fans fire up as Miz fires off, but Gunther BOOTS back!
Gunther stands over Miz, picks the belt back up, and then sits Miz up. Have a good look at this! Miz will not- MIZ LOW BLOWS! Fans fire up as Miz smooths his suit and tie out. Miz then says MASSIVE BALLS! SKULL CRUSHING FINALE! Miz holds up the belt over Gunther now! The fans cheer, will the Most Must-See Superstar make this the most must-see title match in Survivor Series history?
Rollins talks with Jey backstage.
Rollins wants Jey to know he meant no disrespect earlier. Jey wants McIntyre, fine, but they need the win in this. Jey knows how important the advantage is in WarGames because Jey was in WarGames. Jey knows how to win WarGames. So go out there, take down McIntyre, get that advantage, and come back in one piece. Jey says he’s got you, Uce! YEET! YEET! Rollins nods, and heads back out. Will Main Event Jey be war ready for the Scottish Warrior?
The Viking Raiders speak.
Sarah Logan calls out “Big” Bronson Reed. “If you put your hand in a wolf’s mouth, you will get bitten!” Ivar says he has weathered the storm of Bronson’s Tsunami, and here he stands! Bronson angered the Norse gods, disrespected Ivar, and now the gods demand a battle! Ivar says in one week’s time, the Earth will shake! Ivar challenges Bronson! A battle of behemoths is coming, will Bronson survive Ragnarök?
Shinsuke Nakamura VS Chad Gable w/ The Alpha Academy!
The King of Strong Style defeated The Stamina Monster, and then he chopped down the tree trunk. Now, still seeking the one that will unlock Nakamura’s true form, he takes on the coach of Alpha Academy. Will it be a perfect 3-0 sweep? Or will Gable finally SHOOOOSH Shinsuke?
Raw returns and Gable makes his entrance, the full Academy behind him. The bell rings and Gable circles with Nakamura. They feel things out, Gable waistlocks but Nakamura drops and rolls. Gable facelocks, gator rolls, and then waistlocks again. Nakamura fights up, pries the hold and reaches out, but Gable SLAMS him down! Gable rolls with Nakamura, but Nakamura fights back up. Nakamura pries free, rolls, and wants the arm! Gable stays on his feet, Nakamura avoids a Penalty Kick but Gable arm-drags! And arm-drags again! Nakamura headscissors, Gable kips free but Nakamura KNEES low!
Nakamura KICKS Gable, then storms up on Gable in a corner. Nakamura stomps and kicks Gable, throws some knees, then lets off. Nakamura stomps Gable more, then gives him BAD VIBRATIONS! The ref counts, Gable stands to have the leg! And DRAGON SCREW! Fans cheer as Gable aims, and he runs in, but Nakamura pops him up top! Nakamura CHOPS Gable, GAMANGIRIS, and then storms back up. But Gable has the HANGING ARMBAR! Gable lets off at 4, sits back up and leaps, but Nakamura gets under. Gable rolls and then copies Nakamura’s “C’MON~!” Nakamura is annoyed, he runs in, but into an EXPLODER out of the ring!
Fans fire up with “A THANK YEW~!” Gable aims from the apron, runs in, and CANNONBALLS Down goes Nakamura, “A THANK YEW~!” The Academy is all standing tall as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Nakamura rises. Gable runs, but into a kitchen sink knee! Nakamura storms up on Gable, puts him on the top rope, and mocks “A THANK YEW~!” to hit the TOP SHELF KNEE! Cover, TWO! Gable hangs in there but Nakamura clamps on with a chinlock. Nakamura grinds Gable down, but the fans rally behind Gable. Gable fights up, powers Nakamura back and throws body shots. Nakamura knees low, fires off a strike fest but Gable dodges to fire some of his own! And a throat chop! Nakamura swings but Gable mule kicks! “SHOOOOSH~!” Gable runs, to ROLLING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!
Gable grows frustrated but he waistlocks Nakamura. Nakamura fights the deadlift and he RAMS Gable into a corner! Nakamura fires off elbows, lets off as the ref counts, then runs in. Nakamura blocks Gable’s boots, puts him in the ropes, KICKS and runs, SLIDING GERMAN! Gable flounders, Nakamura aims from the corner, and he goes up for a FLYING KNEE! Cover, TWO! Gable stays in this and Nakamura gets mad now. Nakamura drags Gable up in a sleeper, then INVERTED EXPLODER! Gable lands on his feet! Gable ducks ‘n’ dodges and picks the ankle to an ANKLE LOCK! Fans fire up but Nakamura BOOTS Gable away!
Gable kicks back, has a crucifix lift, for a CLIFFHANGER DDT! Gable hurries up top, to DIVING HEADBUTT!! Direct hit and Gable covers, TWO!! The Academy is surprised but the fans fire up! Gable snarls and he paces around. Gable wants Nakamura to stand up, and Nakamura slowly rises. Gable reels Nakamura in, but Nakamura fights the O’Conner! A buckle pad goes flying! Nakamura victory rolls, TWO! Gable ducks one kick but not the WHEEL KICK! Fans rally for Gable but Nakamura aims! “YAO~!” KIN- NO, Gable gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Gable still holds on, but Nakamura fights!
Nakamura wrenches free, but Gable just full nelsons! DRAGON SUPLEX!! Gable brings down the straps and the fans are thunderous! Gable drags Nakamura to the drop zone and goes up! MOONSAULT but into BOOTS! Nakamura stands, INVERTED EXPLODER! Nakamura roars, aims from the corner, “YAO~!” KIN- NO, Gable trips Nakamura to an ANKLE LOCK! Nakamura flails, reaches out, but Gable drags him back! Nakamura moves around, reaches out more, and he rolls! Gable stumbles, and watches out for the bare buckle! Nakamura shoves him, Gable still stops himself, but Nakamura full nelsons! Gable drops, Nakamura sits on the victory roll, NAKAMURA WINS!
Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura, by pinfall
The buckle never made contact, but the fear of it was all Nakamura needed to win! The King of Strong Style has taken down the Academy from top to bottom, but will he find that key to unlock his full potential?
McIntyre heads to gorilla.
The Judgment Day is there to see him off. McIntyre tells them he doesn’t need them out there, so don’t even bother. Priest says that’s good, because they weren’t offering. Okay, they’re on the same page. But then Rhea tells McIntyre to get that advantage, and good luck. McIntyre says he won’t just get advantage, he’ll take Jey out for good. McIntyre heads out, and Priest says he better do it. Will Rhea’s deal with McIntyre pay off for everyone? That main event finally happens up next!
Bronson Reed speaks.
“Ivar, you have the audacity to challenge me. Just remember, last week, I wasn’t the one that backed away and had my witch lady fight my battles for me. You are not a true warrior. You are a cosplayer! And next week, challenge accepted! Your long boat won’t survive the crashing waves of The Tsunami, and you won’t survive Big Bronson Reed!” Will Nashville have to brace themselves for these forces of nature?
Sami and Rollins both see Jey off at gorilla.
They hype him up, saying he’s got this! Yeah, he’ll handle business! YEET! Jey heads out, then Cody steps in. Any luck in getting the fifth member? Rollins says no, not a one. Sami says his guy won’t be able to, either. Nothing for Cody, either? Oh no, his guy picked up. We’re in business. So “he” is in? Oh, he’s in. He’s in! They’re all fired up, but just who is it Cody called?!
Men’s WarGames Advantage: Drew McIntyre VS Jey Uso!
With McIntyre waiting, Jey makes his entrance. The bell rings and fans rally up as the two stare down. Jey and McIntyre step up, and Jey says “YEET!” The hands start flying! They go back and forth, Jey throws body shots then haymakers, then he UPPERCUTS! Fans “YEET!” with every shot, then Jey whips. McIntyre reverses, Jey stops himself, and he UPPERCUTS again! Jey storms up to whip but McIntyre reverses. Jey goes up but McIntyre KICKS him outta the air! McIntyre storms up on Jey, rains down fists, then he stomps Jey down. Jey flounders, McIntyre stalks him to ropes, and McIntyre pulls Jey against ropes!
McIntyre CLUBS Jey with a crossface haymaker, then he stalks Jey to another corner. Jey throws body shots, he backs McIntyre down, and fans “YEET!” again. Jey ROCKS McIntyre, whips him, but McIntyre reverses. McIntyre then CLOBBERS Jey, covers, TWO! McIntyre seethes, he drags Jey around to then STOMP down! Jey flounders, McIntyre snarls, and fans boo as McIntyre stalks Jey to ropes. McIntyre whips but Jey ducks ‘n’ dodges, then TOSSES McIntyre out! Jey DIVES and down goes McIntyre! Fans fire up with Jey, “YEET!” and Jey fist bumps some fans. Jey drags McIntyre up, whips and POSTS him! McIntyre is writhing while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and McIntyre stomps away on Jey in a corner! The ref counts as McIntyre digs his boot in, but McIntyre lets off at 4. McIntyre storms back up on Jey, drags him up and CHOPS him in the corner! McIntyre rips the Yeet shirt away to CHOP! Jey fires off forearms in return! Fans “YEET!” but McIntyre throws Jey to a corner. McIntyre fires hands, whips again, but Jey reverses. Jey runs in, but McIntyre puts him on the corner. McIntyre runs back in but Jey GAMANGIRIS! Jey goes up to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! McIntyre is still in this but Jey keeps his cool. Jey sees McIntyre go outside so he builds speed again!
Jey DIVES, but into a HAYMAKER! McIntyre drags Jey off the apron to then haul him up and RAM him into the barriers! And then the apron! And back to the barriers! McIntyre looms over Jey, drags him back up, and puts him in the ring. McIntyre then puts Jey against the post to dig his boot in! The ref counts, McIntyre lets off at 4, and fans boo as McIntyre storms up to the apron. McIntyre glares at Jey, soaks up the heat from Grand Rapids, and then waits on Jey. Jey slowly rises and McIntyre says this is what he deserves. “Win stupid games, win stupid prizes.” The fans rally for Jey but McIntyre sits him up.
McIntyre says Jey knows what he did, so this has been a long time coming. But Jey SLAPS McIntyre! Jey kicks, McIntyre blocks but the DRAGON WHIP comes around! Both men are down, but Jey crawls to the apron. McIntyre stands and storms his way over, but Jey RAMS into him! Jey RAMS again, then RAMS again! McIntyre sputters as he falls back, Jey slingshots but McIntyre GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTTS! Jey falls to the floor and McIntyre storms out after him. McIntyre drags Jey up, scoops him, and aims for the desk! SWINGING SLAM over the desk! McIntyre says now that was a yeet! McIntyre has a sinister grin as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns once again and McIntyre staggers. He runs in at Jey but Jey goes up and over, McIntyre POSTS himself! Fans fire up and Jey catches his breath. McIntyre returns but Jey counter punches him! And again! And again! And again and again and again! Jey puts some stank on this one, and he ROCKS McIntyre! Jey whips, McIntyre reverses but Jey slips free of the scoop to mule kick! And UPPERCUT! Jey dodges McIntyre’s lariat to then SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as Jey stands back up. But McIntyre fireman’s carries! Jey slips free, dodges and McIntyre ends up on the apron. Jey runs in, but McIntyre DECKS him!
McIntyre goes up a corner, Jey stands, and Jey avoids McIntyre’s leap! Jey runs in, but McIntyre hits a NECKBREAKER! Both men are down, but McIntyre huffs and puffs and kips up! Fans fire up and McIntyre aims as Jey goes to a corner. The countdown is here! “THREE! TWO! ONE!” SUPERKICK from Jey!! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre survives and Jey is beside himself! Jey goes to the apron, climbs a corner, and the fans fire up. But McIntyre trips Jey up! McIntyre drags Jey off with underhooks, FUTURE SHOCK!! Cover, MCINTYRE WINS!!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall (Judgment Day has the WarGames advantage)
McIntyre gets the job done for Judgment Day, and look who is out here now! Rhea is here to cheer McIntyre on as he beats Jey down! McIntyre TOSSES Jey out of the ring, then clears off the desk! McIntyre hauls Jey up, reels him in, but Jey fights free! Jey fires off uppercuts, McIntyre ends up in the ring, and Jey grabs a chair! But Priest CLBOBERS Jey first! Jey gets mugged 5v1, but here comes Jey’s team! Cody has a chair, as does Rollins! They dodge McIntyre, clothesline him out, and the chairs JAM up Judgment Day! And SMACK them down! The fans are thunderous as Judgment Day is sent reeling!
Team Yeet stands tall with all their chairs, but then Cody gets a mic. “I’m so glad that you guys have got the advantage. I’m so glad you have a star the caliber of Drew McIntyre with you, because we are not alone. We found a fifth member. Somebody that I have a legacy with. Y’know who I’m talking about, right? Why’re you looking at me like that? You’re looking at me like I’m prey. We’re not prey! Did you not know with us is the Apex Predator?! Matter of fact, I think all these people know who it is, too!” The fans are thunderously chanting, and Cody says that’s right! You’re not just hearing voices inside your head!
Because these people here tonight, they’re right! McIntyre dares The Viper to show himself, but Raw goes off the air! If it really is Randall Keith Orton, then will he be sure to strike outta nowhere this Saturday?
My Thoughts:
An awesome Raw, especially for a go-home. For one, they didn’t just stuff this with recaps and promos, and they didn’t just focus on Survivor Series, they also made sure to build things for the Raw After Survivor Series. Solid promos from Ivar and Bronson Reed, though I kinda wished their match had a stipulation on it. Great promos from all the tag teams, both the women and the men, setting up tag title stuff. Great Women’s Tag Fatal 4, with a great showing from all teams but especially Maxxine & Ivy in their first outing together. But I also figured Natty & Nox would win this given how this story with Chelsea & Piper has been going.
Tag Team Turmoil is going to be wild, too, with those six teams going in it. And with Judgment Day defending the titles against The Street Profits this Friday as part of the SmackDown go-home, anything could happen. We could see Street Profits coming out on top to be the champs again, and they with Lashley could show up on Raw to take on any of these teams and it’d be an awesome feud. But I’m confident that Imperium isn’t winning, and not just because they’re Heels while the tag champs would be Heels no matter what. It’s because things are falling apart as Ludwig keeps ending up the disappointment in Imperium, as we saw after he lost to Gargano and then again got chewed out by Gunther. But at the same time, feels like DIY won’t win because they need to settle things with Imperium.
Gunther and Miz also had a great segment, though I do feel Miz came at Gunther from the wrong direction. I haven’t had a problem with anything in Gunther’s personality or promos, his personality is that he embodies the serious side of pro-wrestling rather than the flashy side like Miz and those legends he namedropped. But Miz still delivered perfectly, Gunther’s side of things was some hard hitting stuff, calling Miz a weirdo and all. But great little brawl, and Miz standing tall to end makes the go-home math favor Gunther now, which is what I figured anyway. But Miz will give him a great match both on spots and story beats.
Great match from Nia VS Raquel, good story of Raquel trying and failing to use power against Nia’s size. Awesome match from Becky VS Xia, awesome showing from Xia but Becky winning makes sense given she’s in WarGames. And great move to have DMG CTRL and Becky’s team show up for a brawl. I’m okay with the women staying at 4v4, as I’m not really sure the men needed to go to 5v5. Xia goes into the NXT Women’s Championship match with a loss, but I didn’t expect Xia to beat Lyra anyway. And good promo from Zoey and Shayna with Rhea to build to the title match. Zoey still doesn’t feel likely to win but she shows guts for getting in Rhea’s face.
Awesome match from Nakamura VS Gable, clever thinking of having the bare buckle affect the outcome without anyone running into it. Can’t wait to see who Nakamura goes after to finally mark as the opponent he feels will bring out his best. Feels like it could be Cody Rhodes, or someone that isn’t Seth Rollins on that Face WarGames team. Great stuff out of all that, too, from McIntyre’s opening promo that brings everybody out to how Pearce has them save it all for the main event and Survivor Series itself. The men going to 5v5, whatever, they wanna parallel last year as well as the traditional 5v5 Survivor Series match as much as they can.
McIntyre being on Judgment Day’s side but not in the group is a good move, though, because he doesn’t fit them, doesn’t need them, and is his own kind of Heel. Great promos from the groups to address this stuff, like the tension between McIntyre and Judgment Day, namely Priest. And good stuff from Team Yeet teasing the possibilities (Sami calling Kevin probably, not sure who Rollins pictured), and after an awesome main event with McIntyre winning, it is the perfect situation for bringing Randy Orton back. He can be the final man entering the match, preserving that back for as long as they can, and this probably means the Faces win.
My Score: 8.8/10
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IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLASGOW KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Candice has Tiffy down with an armlock. Tiff fights up as the fans rally, but Candice wrenches to wristlock. Tiff spins through, goes to ropes, then up the corner to flip and arm-drag! The fans fire up as Tiff rallies on Candice! DROPKICK, and Tiff snarls! Tiff goes to the corner, and Charlotte makes her entrance? The Queen chooses to be fashionably late all so everyone looks at her, including Tiffy. Tiffy handsprings, but Candice dodges! Candice runs up to UPPERCUT, then she snapmares and NECK SNAPPERS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice clamps onto Tiffy with a top wristlock.
The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte now chooses to join commentary. Tiff fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, but Candice CLUBS away on her! Candice backs off, runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her to ropes! Tiff runs, HIP ATTACKS, and Candice flops back! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays on Candice with a whip, but Candice reverses. Candice CLOBBERS Tiff, covers, TWO! Charlotte corrects Tiffy’s words earlier: Charlotte isn’t the “top girl,” she is THE woman in WWE. Candice HIP DROPS Tiff but the fans rally up. Candice scuffs Tiff, then grinds an arm to drop a knee on the elbow! And another knee drop! Tiff endures and the fans rally up.
Candice keeps on that arm, thrashes it around, but Tiff fights up. Tiff fires body shots, then shoves Candice to Alabama Lift her! Candice sunset flips, Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated and Candice bails out. Tiff goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Candice and Nia, and Tiff almost stuck the landing! The fans fire up with Tiff and she goes into the ring. Tiff points to the WrestleMania sign, and then at Charlotte, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Tiff waits on Candice, Candice slides in, and Tiff stomps her down! Candice bails out, Nia is there to coach her, but Tiff lets the ring count start. Candice gets on the apron, Tiff kicks her, but Candice RAMS Tiff! Candice CLUBS Tiff, has her in the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Candice climbs, aims, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO!
Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW!
Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back! Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring!
The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring. Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, but with some interesting moves after the sudden change in plans with The Rock showing up. Naomi and Bianca had a good promo to hype up what was meant to be a full match of Naomi VS Liv, but word had already come out before the show that things were being cut for time. But at the very least, they did the right thing of making it a brawl that adds heat to the tag title match on Monday. Also, hilarious how Chelsea & Piper thought the beatdown on Bianca & Naomi was so bad that they would need to be pulled from the Chamber. I also can’t wait to see what happens on Toronto SmackDown.
As for The Rock, I do appreciate he used his authority to kayfabe change more things, all so he could have his promo with Cody. I also appreciate Rock blending his different roles and even different sides, both Heel and Face, to A) bring the news of WM42 being in NOLA, and B) recreate the Corporate Champion/People’s Champion story from the Attitude Era. That was some wild stuff he was saying to Cody. I’m sure quite a few people will try and talk with Cody next week in the go-home. Heels will say do it because they’d love to have what Rock can give, Faces will say not because Cody’s better than that. But naturally, Cody is not going to become The Rock’s Champion, causing Rock to turn on him and really up things going into WrestleMania 41 and perhaps even beyond.
Good stuff in the Elimination Chamber related stories. Jimmy VS McIntyre was great stuff to open, and how fitting that McIntyre loses to Jimmy after talking all that trash about Jimmy and Jey being the same. Jey got McIntyre with something quick, Jimmy got McIntyre with something quick, McIntyre’s ego is obviously his weakness. And at the same time, McIntyre of course destroys Jimmy after because that’s his other personality trait. Priest had good promos with Cody and Braun, and we got great stuff from Solo’s Bloodline. Naturally, we got a miscommunication spot to help finish, we’re really close to Solo VS Jacob, I can feel it. Priest & Braun get the win, mostly because Priest isn’t winning in the Chamber when you’ve got Punk and Cena in there.
Very good stuff with Tiffy Time, from the promos leading into the match to Charlotte being ringside just to watch. Nia & Candice of course get the better of Tiff & Trish, because Tiff & Trish are definitely winning the tag match in Toronto. Charlotte just seems to enjoy trolling Tiff with her presence, so Charlotte probably shows up in Toronto to then confront Tiff after the match. I expect the seven weeks after Elimination Chamber to really heat up, as will Charlotte’s involvement, where she’ll get more active verbally and physically. Also, hell, Rock should go full Corporation and have Charlotte be his Corporate Women’s Champion because of how established she is.
Hilarious stuff from Truth tonight, as always. Truth and Melo having their “who’s on first” again was good stuff, and of course Miz gets in on this story, too. Truth & Knight VS “Melo Don’t Miz” was really fun, but yeah, should’ve figured Nakamura would get involved, too. Melo & Miz making it work could also be really fun, and while Knight VS Nakamura is a rehash, I really hope they find a way to up things. It feels like we’re getting the same with the tag titles as Profits “ruined” that great tag match from DIY and Pretty Deadly, then brawled with MCMG to still come out on top. Last year had a ladder tag title match, so why not do one for these titles this year?
Speaking of escalating, Kevin filming a promo outside Sami’s house was some really well done stuff, as expected of someone as good as Kevin and in such a story as him and Sami. Their match should main event, it needs time to breathe, as it could be just as, if not more violent, than the Chamber matches. What a powerful closing moment we could have if it’s a bloody Kevin and Sami, and one of them is standing over the other, triumphant yet mournful because it was their best friend in the world that they just brutalized.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
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