Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (1/15/24)
Will Rollins hinder Jinder?
The World Heavyweight Championship is Raw!
They’ve battled for the NXT and Intercontinental Championships before, but now Seth Rollins and Jinder Mahal battle for THE World Heavyweight title! Who wins the epic third part of the trilogy?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- #DIY VS Dominik Mysterio & JD McDonagh; DIY wins.
- Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell VS Chelsea Green & Piper Niven; Candice & Indi win.
- Xavier Woods VS Ludwig Kaiser; Ludwig wins, by disqualification.
- Akira Tozawa w/ Maxxine Dupri VS Ivar w/ Sarah Logan; Tozawa wins.
- Finn Balor & Damian Priest w/ Judgment Day VS The Miz & R-Truth; Finn & Priest win.
- Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark VS Tegan Nox & Natalya; Shayna & Stark win.
- WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Seth Rollins VS Jinder Mahal w/ Indus Sher; Rollins wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
WWE celebrates the life and honors the memory of Martin Luther King Jr.
His dream for America and the world lives on today, so long as we choose to live that dream.
Seth Rollins shows his daughter around backstage.
The Visionary may be preparing for his World Heavyweight Championship defense, he’s still a good father showing Roux the sights and sounds of the WWE.
Cody Rhodes is here!
Little Rock, Arkansas is covered in snow tonight, but they are heating up for the American Nightmare! The fans chant for Cody while he gets the mic, and he says, “So, Little Rock… What do you guys wanna talk about?” There’s a song about Little Rock, and his wife Brandi loves it. They could talk about that song, or about Cody fighting and defeating Shinsuke Nakamura last week. Or we could talk about the reason he is standing here. The reason Cody came back to the WWE, the thing Cody came back to the WWE for. The Royal Rumble is right around the corner, and he- is interrupted by Drew McIntyre!
The Scottish Terminator makes his way out to the ring, and though he brings the fire, he sure gets a chilly reception from Little Rock. McIntyre storms into the ring and grabs a mic of his own. Fans boo but McIntyre says, “So, Cody… What do you wanna talk about?” McIntyre says he and Cody haven’t had a chance to catch up. They go way back. They grew up in the WWE together. Same age, similar career paths, so McIntyre wants to say this to Cody’s face, he’s proud of Cody. Proud of the man Cody’s become, the performer he’s become, and looking back at how far they’ve both come, they were practically kids, 23 to 24 years old.
McIntyre and Cody were even WWE Tag Team Champions together! Google that to find it. Remember the name? Cody says, “The Dashing Ones.” Yes! TO think they didn’t go to the top with that name. But the reason they didn’t go to the top is that at the time, they didn’t have the perspectives they have now. They both saw themselves as top singles guys. They both had to leave the WWE to get their heads screwed on right and get that perspective. And they weren’t any ordinary wrestlers outside the WWE, were they? No, they redefined what it meant to be outside the WWE, they laid out a blueprint!
They became verbs! To pull a Drew, to pull a Cody! To become become so undeniable that the WWE called them back! But remember the last match McIntyre had before he returned to the WWE? It was with Cody. And he remembers what Cody said after that match. Cody told Drew he was gonna be a future world champion. McIntyre’s done it twice. So McIntyre will say it here in front of the world. We’ve seen what people have said. The gifs, the jokes, but screw it. Put your head down, keep doing what you’re doing, and you will be the first member of the Rhodes family to hold up the world championship. Fans cheer that!
Cody seems touched by those words as McIntyre says Cody will finish his story. But not before McIntyre finishes his. Cody says, “Is that so?” McIntyre has declared for the Rumble, Cody’s declared for the Rumble. So yeah, McIntyre could win. Jey Uso could win. A man who is very hungry and who wants to solidify his legacy in one CM Punk could win. Fans fire up for those names, but Cody says he doesn’t plan on letting that happen, but here’s the thing. They’ve both stood and won the Rumble, so you can’t count anyone out. McIntyre says this isn’t about anyone else, this is about him and Cody.
And since Cody’s following in McIntyre’s footsteps, McIntyre has some advice for Cody. “Just be yourself, man. You don’t have to wear the suits all the time. You’re not running for office. You don’t have to use all the big words like a thesaurus or a word-of-the-day toilet paper. And the biggest of one all, just don’t smile all the time. You’ve got that big dumb smile, and I can say that because I did it, too! I felt like even when I was angry, frustrated, sad, I had to be that beacon of light for the roster, I had to be that leader, I had to put that big dumb smile on my face. Wipe it off, mate. Be the real Cody.
“And if anybody has an issue with the real Cody, they can step up to you and you can drop them on their arse.” Cody says if we’re talking about stepping up… Cody steps up to McIntyre and assures him, this is not an act. Cody smiles when he comes out here because this is what he loves. HE appreciates the opportunities that he’s got because he made them for himself. They are similar, yes, but the major difference right now is Cody is thankful, grateful, and he cherishes his second chance while McIntyre just stands here complaining about his. Oh, so this is the real Cody, huh? Is he a wolf in politician’s clothing?
If not, then why they hell would Cody bring Jey to Raw, knowing the trouble it’d cause? Is that some “friends close and enemies closer” stuff? Or what about endorsing Punk? Cody knows what Punk’s like! Cody was there back in the day, and he was alongside Punk a bit more recently, so Cody should know! Is this to make Cody happy? Or to make everyone else happy? McIntyre doesn’t like Cody being a kiss-arse, but McIntyre still does like Cody, and he wishes this conversation wasn’t happening. But if not for Damian Priest being an idiot cashing in when he did, McIntyre would be World Champion so he and Cody wouldn’t be talking like this, but they are.
So then, Cody is just standing in McIntyre’s way. And like Punk learned, you will get eaten alive. McIntyre is on a different level. When he feels like this, when he is 100% himself, he’s not what is best for business, he IS this business! And at WrestleMania, the story belongs to Drew McIntyre! Cody says “IF IF IF!” If not for Priest, if not for Jey, that’s all it is with McIntyre! IF IF IF! They’re not the same, McIntyre is brimming with grievances and he wants that for Cody. But the difference is, when Cody thinks about it, when he speculates on finishing the story, he doesn’t look at McIntyre. He looks right here, in his heart, and out there to the crowd.
The fans cheer, and Cody says IF McIntyre wants to settle this in the Rumble match, then Cody will gladly give McIntyre something else to complain about. And McIntyre mentioned their “last match” they had, the last one between just them. Here’s something Cody wants to ask McIntyre: Who won? Cody drops the mic and heads out, leaving McIntyre stewing. There are so many stories on this road to WrestleMania, but who will be holding the pen?
Damian Priest confronts R-Truth backstage.
Priest asks Truth just what is wrong with him. He’s a funny guy and all, but now he’s selling modified Judgment Day merch in the parking lot?! At some point, it’s no longer funny. This is embarrassing! Truth says no, man, it’s wholesale, flipping it, and retail! No, stop! Enough is enough! But then Truth gives Priest a fat stack. That’s his cut! Every member gets their cut. Truth even has ones for “Tom and Nick.” Tom and Nick? Yeah, is Nick okay? Truth can’t find him on Facebook. Priest says fine, sell the merch, just don’t be too loud about it. The rest of the crew is really not happy with Truth. Got it, dawg!
And one last thing. In tonight’s match, don’t tag in. Don’t? Don’t. Ohhh…! Gotcha, wink wink. He won’t tag in. Here, take a shirt for the road. Wink wink. Priest may have just put the fix in, but will it fix the problems going on inside Judgment Day?
#DIY VS Dominik Mysterio & JD McDonagh!
Speaking of Judgment Day, Tommaso Ciampa got a win over Finn Balor last week, and now he and Johnny Gargano look to get another one together! Will they take down Dirty Dom & The Irish Ace to prove they’re worthy of an Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship match? Or will Dom & JD cross one problem off the list?
Raw returns as DIY makes their entrance. The teams sort out, and Johnny Wrestling has the fans behind him as he starts against the Necessary Evil. The two circle, feel things out, and tie up. JD wrenches, wristlocks, but Gargano rolls, wrenches and drop toeholds. JD scrambles to the ROPEBREAK, but Gargano lets off quick. The two reset, circle, and feel things out. JD shoots in to get a leg, trips Gargano, and rolls him to a facelock. Fans rally as Gargano endures, and Gargano rolls free to facelock back. Gargano rolls with JD to keep the facelock, then he gator rolls to a cover. TWO, and fans cheer as the two reset again.
Gargano and JD circle, feel things out, knuckle lock and JD wrenches to top wristlock! JD wrangles Gargano, but Gargano moves around. Gargano endures as JD leans on the hold, then JD shifts to grind the shoulder. Dom cheers but the fans rally for “Johnny Wrestling!” Gargano kips up but JD kicks low! JD whips, Gargano goes up and over and gets around to shove, dodge, and RANA! Fans fire up while JD bails out. Gargano builds speed but Dom dumps him out! Fans boo Dom but he revels in in. Only for Ciampa to DECK him! Fans fire up as Ciampa TORNILLO PLANCHAS! Direct hit, but then JD runs in!
Ciampa dodges JD, Gargano DIVES and sends JD over the desk! Fans fire up as DIY pats themselves on the back, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and JD looms over Ciampa now. JD stands Ciampa up, whips him to ropes, but Ciampa ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER JD! Both men fall over in a daze and the fans rally up. JD brings Ciampa up and they start throwing forearms back and forth! The fans rally up behind Ciampa but JD whips again. Ciampa tags Gargano, slides under JD, CHOP and CLUB and JAWBREAKER into the wrench, whip and LARIAT! Fans fire up with DIY while JD sputters! Gargano drags JD up, CHOPS him against ropes, then whips. JD reverses, Gargano holds ropes and ELBOWS back! JD distracts the ref, Dom sucker punches Gargano!
Fans boo, JD runs to FALLING AX HANDLE! Tag to Dom and fans boo even harder as Dom rains down fists on Gargano! Dom flexes on Ciampa, then he stomps Gargano. Dom taunts Ciampa, ROCKS Gargano, then puts Gargano in the corner. Fans chant “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” at Dom, but Dom throws hands. Tag to JD, and they mug Gargano. JD stomps away at the ropes, the ref reprimands, but JD lets off. Tag to Dom, he CLUBS away on Gargano with crossface forearms, then he clamps on a chinlock. The fans rally for Gargano as he endures, and Gargano fights up. Gargano throws body shots but Dom shoves him to the corner.
Gargano BOOTS back, RCOKS JD, then goes up and over Dom to schoolboy and KICK! Fans fire up as Gargano and Dom crawl, but JD hurries in! JD distracts the ref, he misses the hot tag to Ciampa! The fans boo as the ref says Ciampa has to get out! Dom stomps away on Gargano! JD gets some shots in, too! Fans boo as the Judgment Day gets away with that one, then Dom tags JD in. Dom & JD double whip but Gargano KICKS Dom away! Then Gargano DUMPS JD out! Then he SLINGSHOT SPEARS Dom down! The fans fire up as Gargano crawls over! Ciampa reaches out, but JD YANKS Ciampa down!
Fans boo as the Judgment Day isolates Gargano, and Dom DROPKICKS Gargano down! Cover, TWO! DIY is still in this as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again, things are speeding up! Ciampa rallies on Judgment Day and he clotheslines JD in a corner! Then he clotheslines Dom in another! Then back to JD! Then back to Dom! Fans fire up as Ciampa just keeps going, he ducks ‘n’ dodges Dom to DOUBLE LARIAT Dom AND JD! The fans are thunderous, Ciampa brings JD up to whip and back drop! JD flounders, Ciampa brings him back around, REVERSE DDT! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up, Ciampa drags JD up and underhooks, to FAIRY- NO, JD slips free to tag Dom! Ciampa runs in but only gets buckles! JD trips Ciampa, Dom slingshot sentons!
Dom drags Ciampa up, JD joins in, and they double- NO, Gargano tackles JD! Ciampa cradles Dom, TWO!! Dom escapes, swings, but into a ripcord and HAYMAKER! Tag to Gargano, they coordinate for the BACK SUPLEX BOMB COMBO!! Cover, JD BREAKS IT! Fans boo but JD made it just in time! Ciampa ROCKS JD, JD ROCKS Ciampa, repeat! Ciampa gest the edge but JD kicks. Ciampa blocks to KNEE back, but JD HEADBUTTS! Gargano SUPERKICKS! Dom SUPERKICKS! Gargano DISCUS LARIATS!! All four men are down and Little Rock is thunderous with “This is Awesome!”
Ciampa and JD bail out, but Dom and Gargano crawl for the corners. Hot tags to Ciampa and JD, and JD dodges. Ciampa dodges, redirects, but JD SPANISH FLIES! JD drags Ciampa to a drop zone, goes up top, MOONSAULT! Cover, Gargano SUPERKICKS it apart!! Dom is back but Gargano fires off forearms! Dom ducks one to DROPKICK Gargano onto ropes! Dom dials it up while fans boo, but Gargano blocks the call! Ciampa KNEES Dom down to the floor!! JD is up, he shoves Ciampa into Gargano! Gargano falls out, JD rolls Ciampa with tights! TWO!! JD kicks and ripcords, but Ciampa SATELLITE DDTS!
Tag back to Gargano and DIY sets up! JD sits up while DIY MEET IN THE MIDDLE!! Cover, DIY WINS!
Winner: #DIY, by pinfall
And the momentum continues to build! Johnny Wrestling and the Sicilian Psycho are hunting down the Tag Team Champions, will The Prince & Punisher no longer be undisputed?
Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell meet with Adam Pearce.
Speaking of tag titles, they’re talking about making 2024 their year. Pearce loves the energy, and he will- be interrupted by Chelsea Green & Piper Niven. Chelsea asks if Pearce even watches Raw. Well, she feels he doesn’t, because otherwise, he would’ve seen her pinning Kayden Carter, but that bum ref was the slowest counter ever. They should be fired for that. But Chelsea will take a rematch. Pearce says that ref is Eddie Arango, so respect him or change your tone. And as far as a rematch, that was their rematch, so too bad. But if they’re looking for a fight, Candice & Indi are looking for a chance, so how about this? These two teams, tonight!
Indi & Candice accept! And Indi says that count wasn’t slow, it got to two. Does Chelsea know how to count? Chelsea says she’ll show Indi who can count! Chelsea & Piper storm out, but will they have to move out of the way after tonight?
Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell VS Chelsea Green & Piper Niven!
Raw returns as the Poison Pixie & #IndiWrestling make their entrance. The teams sort out, but Chelsea BOOTS Candice down! Piper CLUBS Indi, the ref reprimands, and hey it’s Eddie again! Piper CLUBS Indi, brings her around, and scoops to SHOULDER BUSTER! Fans boo but Chelsea & Piper soak up the heat. Piper BLASTS Candice off the apron, cobra clutches Indi, then tags in Chelsea. Ripcord and SLAP! Then LARIAT! Chelsea hurries to cover, ONE!! Chelsea pie faces Indi but Indi throws body shots. Chelsea CLUBS Indi, whips her, but Indi reverses to send Chelsea to the apron. UPPERCUT and- NO, Chelsea avoids the boot!
Chelsea drags Indi out to the apron, shoves her down, then PENALTY- NO, Indi ducks the kick to trip Chelsea! And now Indi BOOTS her! Fans cheer while Indi shoves Chelsea back in. Piper tags, and she dodges Indi to then block a kick. Piper HEADBUTTS, whips, and Indi hits buckles hard! Piper stomps Indi, goes up the corner, and she VADER BOMB FLOPS as Indi moves! Indi hurries, Kayden & Katana are watching as Indi hot tags Candice! Candice fires off on Piper, then kicks a leg out! ENZIGURI! Piper flops over, Candice step-up SENTONS! Then step-up SENTONS again! Chelsea runs in, but into a step-up CODE BREAKER SENTON COMBO!
Fans fire up as Candice then hurries to tag Indi back in. They work together, wheelbarrow SPLASH combo! Cover, Chelsea breaks it! Chelsea BOOTS Candice down, but Indi SPINEBUSTERS Chelsea! Piper wrenches Indi to scoop and MICHINOKU DRIVER! Then Piper runs, Chelsea tags in but Indi avoids Piper’s basement crossbody! Indi WRECKS Piper, tags Candice, but Chelsea gets Indi’s arms! Indi powers out, sets Chelsea in ropes, and Candice LIONSAULTS!! Cover, Candice & Indi win!
Winners: Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell, by pinfall
Big wins all around for The Way! Will we see Candice & Indi hold tag titles up alongside Gargano & Ciampa? And with Kayden & Katana defending those titles on Friday, will they still be the ones Candice & Indi face?
Gunther & Ludwig Kaiser are backstage.
Imperium’s Ring General returns, what will he have to say about his 2024 plans as the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion ever?
Nia Jax speaks.
A highlight reel of her dominance plays, and to cap it off, the Irresistible Force says, “At the Royal Rumble, no one is beating me. Period.”
The Judgment Day regroups backstage.
Dom asks Rhea who she thinks Nia is referring to. Rhea says she’s gotta go address her division. She heads out as Priest walks in, they say hey, and Finn asks where Priest’s been. Where he’s been? Well, since he’s apparently the only one with issue over McIntyre running his mouth, he went to talk with Pearce about it. Any other questions? Yeah, JD has one: why aren’t they beating Truth down tonight? Y’know what, JD? Focus less on Truth and more on what happened tonight so it doesn’t happen again! Finn has Priest slow down. Is Priest actually defending Truth? No, man! Then what does Truth bring to the crew?
This is what: He earns money! Finn sees the fat stack and asks, “What is that?” This is just Priest’s cut. If he was them, he’d go find Truth and get their cuts. What about JD? Oh, who knows. JD’s name isn’t on the shirt. But seriously, though, let’s just focus on handing business. Priest and Finn fist bump, will they be able to handle the Awesome Truth?
Ludwig Kaiser is on stage.
“Ladies and gentlemen…! I demand all your gratitude, for the return of the longest reigning Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion in history… Derrrr RING GENERAL…! GUUUUUUNTHER~!” Gunther steps out onto stage and leads the way to the ring, his reign now standing at 584 days. Gunther & Ludwig step into the ring, and Gunther gets the mic. Fans are torn having Gunther back, but Gunther is amused either way. Gunther eggs them on, Ludwig tells them to respect the champ, and Gunther says, “We are two weeks away from the Royal Rumble, and I can literally feel the desperation around this place.
“Well, I can literally smell the desperation around here. And since we’re in Arkansas, I think I can smell excrement, too.” Fans boo, but Gunther grins. Gunther says when he was away and observing what has unfolded, all he saw was his fellow superstars coming out here, arguing desperately about who will win the Royal Rumble and who will win at WrestleMania. So he had to come back and remind everyone about one thing: last year he entered the Rumble at number one, made it all the way to the end, and was one enemy away from winning! But the fans chant “CODY! CODY!” and Gunther says he lasted longer than any man in history before!
So this year, Gunther vows that the longest reigning Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion of all time will WIN the Rumble and main event WrestleMania! Fans boo but Gunther says enough about that. Now, he wishes to focus… on Ludwig. Oh? Gunther says let us take a moment to review what happened while Gunther was away. Last week was Kofi taking the fight to Ludwig, the match ending in a count-out draw, but Ludwig standing tall as he crushes Kofi against steel steps! Gunther tells Ludwig in the present, “What I saw there, I love to see that. You showed a side of you I always wanted to show you!
“You showed grit, you showed confidence, you showed courage! My friend, well done.” Gunther has Ludwig bring it in for a hug! Fans boo, but then the New Day’s music hits! Xavier Woods makes his way out here, and he has a mic to say, “No, no no no. Ludwig, you and I have a problem. Because last week, you took it ten steps too far when you dropkicked Kofi’s head into those steel stairs.” Woods talked with Kofi, and Ludwig is the reason Kofi is not here tonight. But unfortunately for Ludwig, Woods IS here. Woods is here to extract his pound of flesh, so tonight, this is what happens: Ludwig VS Woods.
Ludwig can step up, or maybe he has to ask Daddy Gunther for permission. Gunther smirks but fans chant, “Who’s Your Daddy?” Gunther offers the mic to Ludwig, and Ludwig accepts it. Ludwig then tells Woods, “So after you’ve seen what I did to Kofi last week, you’re really standing here right now and dare to challenge me? Woods, what I did to your friend last week was NOTHING compared to what I’m gonna do to you tonight! I will take your head, as well! I accept.” The Impeccable German then tries to take a cheap shot! Woods is ready as he RAMS into Ludwig, then dumps Ludwig out! Woods then FLYING LARIATS Ludwig from the apron!
Woods fires off on Ludwig, the fans fire up, but the ref backs Woods down! Woods goes into the ring, Little Rock cheers him on, and this match is going to happen, after Raw goes to break!
Xavier Woods VS Ludwig Kaiser!
Raw returns as the match is underway, and Woods has Ludwig in a corner. Woods CHOPS, then CHOPS, then CLUBS Ludwig to another corner. Woods fires off body shots and haymakers, the ref counts, but Woods lets off. Ludwig kicks low, then he LARIATS Woods down! Fans boo but Ludwig rains down fists! Ludwig lets off and storms around while fans boo again. Woods throws hands again but Ludwig bumps him off buckles. Ludwig CHOPS, then UPPERCUTS, then stomps! Woods fires hands, they scrap, Woods RAMS into the corner again and again! The ref counts, but Woods CHOPS again!
Ludwig comes back to CHOP! Woods CHOPS again! Ludwig UPPERCUTS, then stomps Woods down. The ref counts, Ludwig lets off, but Woods kicks him low! Ludwig smothers Woods in the corner, rains down fists, but lets off as the ref counts. The fans boo but Ludwig soaks it up. Ludwig brings Woods up but Woods throws hands. Ludwig shoves but Woods CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Ludwig sputters and goes to a corner, but comes right back to UPPERCUT Woods down! Cover, TWO! Ludwig smothers Woods into the mat, CLUBS away on him, then drags Woods around to rain down more fists.
Ludwig KICKS Woods in the back, pushes Woods around and talks trash. Woods SLAPS Ludwig back! Woods stands, runs up, and he SPLASHES! Woods climbs up to rain down fists! Ludwig slips out at five to CHOP BLOCK Woods down! Woods is stuck in the corner but Ludwig CHOKES him again! The ref counts, Ludwig lets off, and Woods sputters. Ludwig storms up on Woods, drags him up and claws at his face! The ref counts, Ludwig KICKS Woods back down! Ludwig eggs Woods on, pie faces him around, then digs his boots in! The ref counts, Ludwig lets off again, then runs up to PENALTY KICK!
Woods sputters and writhes, Ludwig covers, ONE!! The fans rally with “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” but Ludwig glares at them. Woods throws body shots and CHOPS in return! Ludwig kicks low, whips, but Woods CLOBBERS him! Fans fire up and Woods stands. Woods CHPOS, CHOPS and whips, but Ludwig puts Woods on the apron. Woods GAMANGIRIS! Woods steps in, into an UPPERCUT! And a LARIAT! Ludwig snarls as he storms up and brings Woods around. Ludwig POSTS Woods, then has him stuck in the ropes! Ludwig runs side to side to DROPKICK Woods to the floor! Fans boo but Ludwig stands tall as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Woods sputters on the apron. Ludwig taunts him as Woods drags himself up. Ludwig grabs at woods but Woods HOTSHOTS him back! And GAMANGIRIS! Woods steps in, TORNADO DDT! Fans fire up and Woods is feeling it! Woods has blood in his mouth but that might just be fueling him! Ludwig CHPOS, Woods CHOPS, repeat! Ludwig CHOPS and CHOPS but Woods CHOPS and forearms and repeat! The fans fire up as Woods fires off again and again and again! Woods hammers away in the corner! The fans are thunderous as Woods roars! Ludwig goes to ropes, Woods runs up to clothesline Ludwig up and out!
Woods builds speed and he WRECKS Ludwig with a dropkick! Deja vu as Ludwig goes up and over the desk! Woods roars, but Ludwig CHUCKS the armchair! Woods dodges it!! Woods CLUBS Ludwig onto the desk and throws more hands! But Ludwig fishhooks Woods’ mouth! The ref reprimands, Woods gets free to mule kick Ludwig! Woods has the armchair, and he SLAMS it onto Ludwig!!
Winner: Ludwig Kaiser, by disqualification
Fans boo but Woods doesn’t care anymore, he gets a steel chair! Fans fire up, Woods storms over, but Ludwig GAMANGIRIS the chair into Woods’ face!! Ludwig snarls as he again stands tall! But that isn’t enough, he drags Woods over to the steel steps! The ref says no, but Ludwig wants to do what he did to Kofi just last week! Ludwig runs in around the way, but Woods gets up to DROPKICK! Fans fire up as Woods now pulls the steps apart! Woods runs at Ludwig, the steps hit POST! Ludwig freaks out and runs away! Woods is denied his vengeance, but will he not stop until he’s torn Ludwig apart?
Bronson Reed speaks.
“There is a man right now who holds a championship in WWE who doesn’t realize that soon than later, it will belong to BIG BRONSON REED!” The Colossal Aussie is aiming for gold, but who does he mean? Will it matter once they’re hit with the Tsunami?
Backstage interview with Xavier Woods.
Byron Saxton finds him and apologizes for the timing, but where is Woods emotionally? Where do you think they are? You saw what happened last week, so Woods isn’t- LUDWIG ATTACKS!! Ludwig beats Woods down in an ambush, but then Jey Uso runs up! Ludwig backs off, refs rush in to keep this from exploding into another fight. Jey checks on Woods, is Main Event Jey gonna have to get Ludwig now?
Akira Tozawa w/ Maxxine Dupri VS Ivar w/ Sarah Logan!
The Stamina Monster keeps wanting to go big in the New Year, but he just keeps getting his hopes (and himself) crushed! Will tonight be no different? Or will Tozawa find a way to stop the raid all by himself?
Raw returns and Ivar makes his entrance, “Valhalla” by his side. The bell rings and Ivar BOOTS Tozawa down! Tozawa writhes but Ivar says he already told him, “You’re a little man!” Ivar kicks Tozawa around, puts him in a corner and pie faces him over and over, The ref counts, Ivar lets off, but Tozawa SLAPS back! Fans fire up, Ivar snarls, but Tozawa dodges to SOBAT, spin, slide under and SCREW HIGH KICK! Ivar wobbles but he blocks the whip! Ivar whips, then pops Tozawa up, but Tozawa SATELLITE DDTS! The fans fire up and Tozawa rips his shirt open! Tozawa runs, but Ivar scoops to SPINNING SLAM!
Ivar runs to BASEMENT CROSSBODY! Ivar then drags Tozawa to the drop zone and he goes up the corner. Fans rally, Maxxine gets on the apron and pleads for him not to! She also distracts him a bit with that new jersey and matching shorts. Tozawa hurries to GAMANGIRI! Ivar wobbles, Tozawa goes up, SUPER SUNSET BOMB!! High stack, TOZAWA WINS!!
Winner: Akira Tozawa, by pinfall
But then Sarah CLOBBERS Maxxine for the distraction! Sarah puts Maxxine in the ring and smothers her! Tozawa runs in but Ivar HEEL KICKS him down! Sarah fishhooks Maxxine to stand her up, then POP-UP HEADBUTTS! Sarah DROPKICKS Maxxine out of the ring, and Ivar drags Tozawa back into the drop zone. Ivar climbs, and fans boo as he hits the DOOMSAULT!! Ivar crushes Tozawa after all, is this the end of Tozawa’s New Year’s Resolution?
CM Punk posts to Instagram!
“I think it’s time you asked me what I wanna talk about, American Nightmare.” The Best in the World wants to be face to face with Cody Rhodes next week in New Orleans, what will these two have to say before the Royal Rumble?
The Alpha Academy regroup backstage.
Chad Gable & Otis check on Tozawa & Maxxine, with the Creed Brothers there, too. Otis says Sarah & Ivar are cowards for doing that. Ivy Nile storms in and says enough! She talked to Pearce. Valhalla will pay for this. Ivy storms off again, Julius & Brutus following her, will the Diamond Pitbull take a bite out of Sarah Logan? As for Gable, he says he’s proud of Tozawa. Tozawa is on his way to graduating. But Ivar was a coward! Savage! Idiot! And next week, Ivar learns the difference between being a coward, and being an alpha! And Master Gable will be the one to teach him! Tozawa says arigato, will Gable be the one to finally stop the raid?
Rhea Ripley heads to the ring!
Just as she promised, the Women’s World Champion makes her way out to address her Women’s Division. Fans cheer for “Mami! Mami!” while Rhea gets the mic. Rhea then says, “I am so sick and tired of people like Nia Jax running their mouth and claiming that this is their division. This is MY division. That’s why this is MY championship.” The fans cheer that! Rhea says take this as a warning for whoever wins the Women’s Rumble. “If you decide to waste your WrestleMania, then I would advise you to choose me. But if you don’t wanna waste that opportunity of yours… Choose someone else.
“Because it’s gonna end up just like it did last year. Because Mami is always on top!” Fans cheer that, but then here comes Becky Lynch! Now fans cheer for The Man as she makes her way out here! Becky steps right into the ring to get a mic of her own. She and Rhea circle while fans cheer Becky on. Becky then says, “So here we stand. Two very different people with two very similar journeys. Two women from foreign lands who dreamt of coming here and becoming the very best to ever do it. Both spent years meandering, trying to figure it out. Both went from being afterthoughts at WrestleMania one year, to becoming the faces of the industry the next.”
Becky says there’s one major difference: One went on to win the main event of WrestleMania, the other did not. But there’s a reason for that: one of them has a natural ability and a finesse that is unmatched; they have the strength of a bear, the other has the heart of a lion, and a relentlessness and determination that is unmatched. So here we are, two of the very best to do it! But there is this thought, this voice in Becky’s head, this thing that is keeping her awake at night. It is asking and saying to Becky, “I think you might be better than me.” Rhea smirks at Becky, but Becky says she needs to prove that she’s not!
So to do that, Becky needs to take the title from Rhea. And to do that, Becky needs to win the Women’s Royal Rumble. To point at the sign. To declare at WrestleMania, it will be Mami VS The Man! Fans like the sound of that, but Rhea tells Becky, “There’s only one other person that wants you to win the Royal Rumble match more than yourself, and that’s me.” Rhea smiles as she says, “See you at WrestleMania.” The Eradicator wants to go Big Time, but will Becky make it through 29 other women to stay on the Road to WrestleMania?
Backstage interview with Seth Rollins.
Jackie Redmond welcomes the World Heavyweight Champion and Rollins says, “OHHH~ Little Rock~, HAHAHA! It’s freezin’ cold, but welcome to Monday Night Rollins! HAHAHAHA~!” Yes, it is cold, Jackie can almost see Rollins’ breath. But she wants to ask, Rollins wants to bring this title into WrestleMania, and yet he is the one who asked for a match against Jinder Mahal. Why take the risk? Rollins says he has been World Heavyweight Champion for over 200 DAYS. With every single defense, Rollins gets stronger! He gets better! So the way he sees it, the only way he can do what he has set out to do is to continue to be who he is: a fighting champion! A workhorse champion!
Now as for Jinder, this ain’t their first dance. But this Jinder isn’t the same Jinder that Rollins beat to become the very first NXT Champion. No no no, this Jinder is a former WWE Champion! “This is the best version of Jinder Mahal, this is a deserving Jinder Mahal! And Jackie, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Because I am a Visionary, I am a Revolutionary, I am SETH! FREAKIN’! ROLLINS!” Rollins is ready, but will he make it through the most intense and hungry Maharaja that has ever been?
Finn Balor & Damian Priest w/ Judgment Day VS The Miz & R-Truth!
The Prince & Punisher know DIY is chasing them down for the Undisputed Tag Team Championships, but this match is about handling business. Will Truth remember his deal with Priest? Or will the Awesome Truth make him free to win some golden tickets of his own?
Raw returns as the Judgment Day makes their entrance, with Truth having added himself to the graphic! He is even following behind Finn, Priest, Dom & JD! Well, since he thinks he’s in the group, and Priest is stringing him along, this actually makes sense per Truth’s logic. But Miz does his best to remind Truth that he’s still on Miz’s team for this match. Truth says right, of course! Wink wink. Truth makes sure to give Finn’s cut, though he kinda spills it… He and Finn pick up the bills and stuff them in Finn’s jacket pocket, and then Truth gives Dom his cut! Truth and Dom hug it out, and JD asks where is his money. JD, you’re not in the group!
Miz again has to remind Truth whose team he’s really on, and Truth says he was just giving the boys their cut, that’s all. The teams sort out, and even though Truth was told not to tag in, he ends up starting! Finn CLOBBERS Truth, soaks up the heat, and he drags Truth up. Finn puts Truth in a corner, Truth dodges, but then Finn puts him back in the corner. Truth dodges the kick, then dodges the splash! Finn storms up, Truth kicks but Finn blocks! Finn spins Truth, but Truth does the splits to then ROCK Finn! Truth feels bad now! He apologizes, but Miz asks what Truth is sorry about! Finn trips Truth to DOUBLE STOMP him!
Fans boo as Finn stomps Truth, but Truth bails out. Truth asks Priest what’s going on, they’re supposed to be working together, wink wink. The fans rally for Truth all the same, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Finn has Truth in a chinlock. The fans rally up, Truth fights to his feet, but Finn wrangles him back down. Finn grinds Truth down but the fans continue to rally. Truth fights up, throws body shots, but Finn knees low! Tag to Priest, and Finn tells him to handle this. Truth still isn’t Judgment Day, so it should be easy. Priest still seems hesitant, and he drags Truth up, only to get a JAWBREAKER! Truth crawls, Finn tags back in and gets Truth’s leg! Truth ENZIGURIS Finn away! Fans fire up as Truth crawls, hot tag to Miz! Fans fire up again as Miz rallies on Finn! And then he dodges Priest to clothesline Priest up and out!
Miz TOSSES Finn out, slides under him, then YANKS Finn down! Finn hits apron, Priest runs in but Miz sends him into desk! Then over the desk! Miz puts Finn in, dodges Dom & JD, and then runs up on Finn. Finn shoulders in but misses, and gets a DRAPING CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up as Miz stands up, and he says, “MASSIVE! BALLS!!” Full nelson, but Finn arm-drags free! Finn runs up on Truth, Truth gets away, and Miz hits an A-LIST LARIAT! Truth tags in, that’s not part of his deal with Priest! But Truth still hits the SCISSOR KICK! And then he realizes what he’s doing!
Dom is upset, Truth apologizes, but Miz DECKS Dom! JD gets up, Truth DECKS JD! Because again, JD “isn’t” in Judgment Day! But Priest ROUNDHOUSES Miz! Truth sees Priest, he winds up, and but then Priest says hey, what’s he doing! Is Truth joining the group or not? Finn rolls Truth up! Truth slips free to CALF KICK Finn down! Dom distracts the ref, Priest choke grips Truth! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Priest lets Finn cover, Judgment Day wins!
Winners: Finn Balor & Damian Priest, by pinfall
No golden tickets for The Awesome Truth, and other than Priest, Judgment Day is glad to be standing over Truth. Will this finally get it through to Truth that HE is the one on the outside looking in?
Jinder Mahal meditates.
Jackie walks over and apologizes for interrupting, but it is almost time for the main event. She was hoping to get his thoughts before tonight’s title match. Jinder says, “Absolute clarity for the Modern Day Maharaja. A seven year drought, but the whispers are pouring in, making me the most talked about star of 2024. Everyone is divided, but my focus is singular. 12 years in the making, narrowed down to one night. And tonight, everyone is unified when I beat Seth Freakin’ Rollins and become World Heavyweight Champion.” Jinder heads out, just as ready as Rollins. Will nothing hinder Jinder now?
Shinsuke Nakamura speaks.
“Last week, I could not cause the damage I desired, which made me angry. And that has left me hungry. Cody, you should keep an eye open because our story doesn’t end until I say so. But now… I turn my hunger towards the Royal Rumble. A hungry Shinsuke is a dangerous Shinsuke. 29 other men, all hoping to make it to the top. 29 men, I will feast on their dreams.” The King of Strong Style is looking to completely derail everyone else’s stories, will he be the only one left on the Road to WrestleMania?
Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark VS Tegan Nox & Natalya!
The Queen of Spades and The Hunter are sticking together, and once again take on the Welsh Firecracker and Queen of Harts! With the tag title chase never ending, who moves into pole position for the next shot?
Raw returns as Nox & Natty make their entrance. The teams sort out and Stark starts against Nox. Nox rushes in at the bell but Stark dodges to SUPERKICK her down! Stark looms over Nox, scuffs her, then drags her over to put her in the ropes. ENZIGURI, then tag to Shayna. They coordinate, STOMP NECKBERAKER COMBO! Cover, TWO! The tag champs are watching again as Shayna twists Nox’s arm and bends the elbow! Nox kicks and throws hands, but Shayna still YANKS the arm! Shayna digs her knee into Nox at the ropes, the ref counts, but Shayna lets off at 4. Shayna stalks Nox while fans rally up.
Shayna brings Nox up to throw body shots, then she tags Stark. Stark stomps Nox, then Shayna tags back in. Shayna stands Nox up to throw more body shots, then she tags Stark back in. Stark CHOPS Nox and Nox flops down! Shayna loves that one, and Stark stands Nox back up. Stark CHOPS again but Nox fires forearms and haymakers in return! Fans fire up with Nox but Stark knees low. Stark bumps Nox off buckles, tags Shayna, but Nox still fights back! The fans rally as Nox fires hands on Shayna and Stark! Nox ROUNDHOUSES Stark, but Shayna KNEES Nox down! Shayna drags Nox to a cover, but Natty breaks it!
Fans cheer but Shayna TOSSES Natty out. Shayna soaks up the cheers and jeers, then drags Nox up to the top rope. Shayna SLAPS Nox, climbs up after her, and fans rally up. Nox resists the lift, then SUPER GOURD BUSTERS Shayna! Nox adjusts, to CROSSBODY! Nox rolls through, UPPERCUTS Shayna down, but now she’s far away from Natty! Nox hurries, hot tag to Natty! Stark also tags in but Natty fires off on her first! Stark staggers around, Natty reels her in, snap suplex into a corner! Natty then fires off fists, lets off to get under Stark, and she rebounds Stark to sit her down! Natty DECKS Shayna, steps on Stark and basement dropkicks!
Stark staggers up, Natty ducks a haymaker to GERMAN SUPLEX! Fans fire up with Natty and she DISCUS- NO, Stark gets under, around, and ELBOWS Natty, into Z 3- NO! Natty blocks the knee, trips Stark up, but Stark boots Natty away! Shayna tags in, Nox does, too. Stark runs up, Natty & Nox dodge to DOUBLE LARIAT! Shayna waistlocks Nox but Natty makes the save! DISCUS LARIAT! PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO!! Shayna survives but Nox tags Natty back in! They coordinate, for the HART- NO, Stark trips Nox! Stark drags Nox out to SUPERKICK! Natty DECKS Starks, but Shayna has the KIRAFUDA KLUTCH!
Natty kicks off the ropes, rolls it back, TWO!!! KIRAFUDA KLUTCH!! Natty endures but she’s fading! Natty taps, Shayna & Stark win!
Winners: Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark, by submission
Shayna & Stark are 2-0 against Natty & Nox, are they shoe-ins for facing the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions next? Will it still be Kayden & Katana with those titles after this Friday?
WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Seth Rollins VS Jinder Mahal w/ Indus Sher!
The Visionary said himself that this isn’t the same Jinder Mahal from way back when. And as Veer & Sanga walk up behind the Modern Day Maharaja, that is proof enough that this won’t be like those previous battles. Is this going to be the night Jinder returns to the top of the mountain? Or can Rollins make it through another high caliber contender?
Raw returns and Rollins makes his entrance. The fans sing his song, “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Jinder’s drought ends in reign!
The bell rings and Rollins circles with Jinder, but he’s wary of Veer & Sanga ringside. Sanga distracts and Jinder attacks! Jinder CLUBS and stomps Rollins, then scoops and SLAMS him! Rollins snarls but Jinder fireman’s carries. Rollins fights free, but Jinder switches! Jinder wants the clinch but Rollins elbows free, mule kicks, only for Jinder to avoid the Curb Stomp! Rollins kicks Jinder, underhooks, but Jinder back drops Rollins out of the ring! Rollins hits the floor, right between Veer and Sanga. Jinder storms out to BOOT Rollins down! Sanga & Veer cheer Jinder on but Rollins CHOPS and CHOPS! Jinder throat chops!
Jinder scoops Rollins, and he aims, only for Rollins to slip off and POST him! Rollins goes to the apron, fans sing the song, and Rollins FLYING KNEES Jinder down! Rollins dares Veer to do something, then he puts Jinder in the ring. Rollins dares Sanga to try something, too, but they tell him to focus on Jinder. But wait, Rollins looks up the ramp and sees Priest! Priest has his MITB briefcase, the walls are closing in on Rollins, but Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Priest is sitting ringside as Jinder stretches Rollins with the Cobra Twist! Rollins endures, fights with elbows, and then CHOPS! And ROCKS! And ROCKS again! Jinder shoves Rollins to ropes to then CLOBBER him on the rebound! Jinder springboard KNEE DROPS again and again, but then Rollins BOOTS him away! Rollins stands, but Jinder kicks him low. And it’s back to the Cobra Twist! Rollins endures, pries Jinder’s grip away, but then Jinder just shifts to have an arm! Rollins throws elbows into Jinder’s leg, gets free of the hold and LARIATS! Jinder stays up, Rollins LARIATS, but still Jinder stands!
Rollins runs, Jinder ROCK Shim, but Rollins fires back! They go back and forth, Rollins wobbles but then comes back! Jinder ROCKS Rollins, Rollins fires a flurry! ROLLING ELBOW! Jinder wobbles, into a DISCUS LARIAT! Fans fire up while Indus Sher is worried. Jinder goes to a corner, Rollins runs in, but Jinder puts him on the apron! Rollins ROCKS Jinder, climbs up, and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! SUPERKICK! Jinder falls over, Rollins hurries out, but Indus Sher dares him to climb. Rollins changes his mind, and he SPRINGBOARD SWANTONS! Then somersault to the LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO!
Rollins grits his teeth, his back or perhaps even a leg bothering him. Rollins still fights to his feet and storms up on Jinder. Fans sing, but Jinder blocks the suplex! Jinder suplexes Rollins up, holds him, but Rollins turns things around to FALCON ARROW! The bad leg slows Rollins down, though, but he still goes to a corner. The fans fire up as Rollins runs in, but into a THRUST KICK! Rollins SUPERKICKS in return! Rollins reels Jinder in, underhooks, and hits the PEDIGREE!! But the bad leg holds Rollins back!! Rollins has to crawl to get the cover, ROPEBREAK thanks to Indus Sher! Fans boo but this is why Jinder has them ringside!
Rollins snarls, goes up the corner, and he CROSSBODIES Veer!! Fans fire up as Sanga checks on Veer and Rollins goes back up a corner! Rollins FROG SPLASHES but FLOPS as Jinder moves! Both men are down, and Priest stands up! Priest tried something like this last time, is he going to try again? But wait, MCINTYRE appears! The Scottish Terminator stares Priest down, they both talk trash, and they start throwing hands! The fans fire up, McIntyre RAMS Priest into barriers! Priest POSTS McIntyre! They brawl their way up the ramp, the ref tells them both to get outta here, and Sanga ROCKS Rollins!!
Jinder fireman’s carries, to GUTBUSTER DROP!! Cover, TWO!!! Rollins survives and Jinder can’t believe it! Neither can Indus Sher after they made sure Rollins was out of it! Jinder snarls, he rains down fists on Rollins, and then he calls to Indus Sher. Veer gets on the apron to distracts the ref, and Sanga sends a chair in! Rollins DECKS Jinder first! The ref sees the chair, Rollins rushes Veer, but Veer CRACKS Rollins with Priest’s MITB briefcase!! And then Jinder clinches Rollins, for the KALLAS!!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Rollins survives again and no one can believe it! Indus Sher is furious, but the ref says no, they gotta go! The ref EJECTS Indus Sher!!
Jinder drags Rollins up, but Rollins arm-drags free! CURB STOMP!!! Cover, Rollins wins!!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall (still WWE World Heavyweight Champion)
Despite the deck being stacked against him, the Visionary survives and holds onto the gold! But clearly, things are taking their toll, how much longer can the workhorse world champion keep this up?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw here, but things felt like they really dragged in the third hour. Shayna & Stark VS Nox & Natty felt like filler, and I’m not even sure why their rematch happened. It wasn’t necessarily better than the first time around, and it was still Shayna & Stark on top rather than tying things up 1-1. But we did get a good promo from and really good tag match out of Candice & Indi VS Chelsea & Piper. Good win for Candice & Indi, here’s hoping HHH can finally find a way to book them stronger and get them in the title scene.
For that matter, great tag match out of DIY VS JD & Dom that of course DIY wins. Great stuff out of Judgment Day as always, and Truth continues to add amazing humor to all of this. Great promos with Truth and Priest and then Priest explaining things to the others, and another great tag match. The Awesome Truth was of course losing, but I would love if only now, after Priest choke slammed Truth does Truth realize he isn’t actually Judgment Day. Good video for Nia, then Rhea kinda stammered through her promo, probably unsure what exactly to say to be menacing while waiting for Becky. Becky had a good promo, and they’ve all but told us this is the WrestleMania main event, so let’s just hope that stays the case.
Great promo from Gunther where he actually starts to be nice to Ludwig again, and great stuff from Ludwig and Woods in their match. I started to think Woods and Ludwig were setting up a No Disqualification match here, and that would set up Woods for going after Gunther and the Intercontinental Championship. But then Ludwig’s attack backstage and Jey making the save all makes me think it’ll be Jey VS Gunther now, though I’d still like Woods VS Ludwig in No DQ on the side to avenge Kofi. Jey wants singles gold, the Intercontinental Championship is a great choice, but I’m not sure his chances of dethroning Gunther unless it’s at WrestleMania, and even then that’s tough.
Really good stuff from this building Alpha Academy VS Viking Raiders story. Fun win for Tozawa but of course Ivar & Sarah beat Tozawa & Maxxine down. No mixed tag, we’re going to Ivy VS Sarah and that’ll be great stuff. I don’t know the injury status of Erik (Ray Rowe) but if he makes a return soon, we might get Mixed Six of the full Viking Raiders VS Diamond Mine, which would be a lot of fun given who good both the Creeds and Erik & Ivar are. But either way, it feels like Ivy should beat Sarah and Ivar will beat Gable to keep each of them strong in their respective title chases.
And speaking of, Bronson Reed calling out a champion without naming the champion is an interesting move, but I do like it. He can be going after Gunther, but he can also be going after Rollins because why wouldn’t he want the world title? Bronson VS Gunther and Bronson VS Rollins will both be great matches, so I’m cool with whatever we get. Great promo segment from Cody Rhodes with Drew McIntyre, and it was basically a parallel to McIntyre getting in Punk’s face last week, because while McIntyre does say some true stuff, he also ends up being shut up as the other guy gets the last word. Punk wanting to talk with Cody is an interesting move, that is gonna be a promo to watch.
Good promo from Nakamura to call out not just Cody but everyone in the Rumble, I hope Nakamura has a great showing in the Rumble even though I’m sure someone else wins. And then of course, really good promo from Rollins and really good promo from Jinder. The match could’ve been better, maybe just needed more time, but I appreciate that Indus Sher tried to help Jinder cheat this one. Also great brawl of Priest and McIntyre on the side. But naturally, Rollins retains so that he can continue on this story of being the fighting champion that is running himself into the ground. At this point, I don’t think he’s going to have a match at Rumble but who knows, they could easily throw one together next week on the go-home, with that really feeding into the story.
My Score: 8.7/10
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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! GLAWSGO 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 [Technical difficulties suck] 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:
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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