Adrenaline, in my soul!

WrestleMania 40 saw the landscape change in a major way as both Bayley AND Cody Rhodes are the NEW champions of WWE and SmackDown!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• WWE Universal Championship #1 Contender’s Qualifier Triple Threat: LA Knight VS Bobby Lashley VS Santos Escobar; Knight wins and advances.
• Bron Breakker VS Cameron Grimes; Bron wins.
• WWE Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton; Naomi wins and will challenge Bayley for the title next week.
• Chelsea Green & Piper Niven VS Jade Cargill & Bianca Belair; Jade & Bianca win.
• WWE Universal Championship #1 Contender’s Qualifier Triple Threat: Rey Mysterio VS AJ Styles VS Kevin Owens; Styles wins and advances.

PLAY BY PLAY

Cody Rhodes is here!

Detroit fires up as The American Nightmare makes his way to the ring as the NEW WWE Universal Champion! They sing his theme song and get the pyro, “WHOA~ OH~!” And of course, the second round, too. The fans then chant “You Deserve It!” Cody has the mic and takes a moment as the fans all chant his name. Cody then says, “So, Detroit…! What do you guys wanna talk about? This past Monday, I was out here doing some talking, and I was interrupted by… The Rock.” The fans boo and chant “ROCKY SUCKS! ROCKY SUCKS!” Cody says as The Rock’s music hit, Cody thought of someone he knew from Detroit and what they’d say.

It went a little like this: Who the hell told you tonight was open mic night, b*tch!? AKA Brandi. Forgive Cody for cursing already, he isn’t sure what’s gotten into him. But when Rock was here, the air got colder, the mood changed, and Rock placed something in Cody’s hands, and he instantly knew what it was. A wartime overture, if you would, something Cody had gifted The Rock. It was uncomfortable, awkward, but Cody believed The Rock when he said he was going off to Hollywood, and Cody believed even more when The Rock said he one day come back, looking for Cody. Well, Rock, you do not have to look very far, Cody will be standing right here.

The fans cheer, and Cody continues by saying that is in the rearview. We must now look forward. Three weeks from now, Cody hops on a plane for the first of the WWE’s international Premium Live Events: Backlash France! And Cody will face one of the six competitors we’ll see here tonight. It could be Santos Escobar, who fans boo. It could be Rey Mysterio, who fans cheer. Could be the fastest rising star in all of WWE, L A Knight “YEAH!” Can’t talk about LA Knight without talking about AJ Styles. AJ and Cody, two of the only four men who were ever NWA World and WWE Champion. Then there’s… Bobby Lashley! Fans are a bit torn on The All Mighty.

Cody again says, “Bobby Lashley!” and the fans are again torn. Cody says we also can’t forget his friend, Kevin Owens. The fans really cheer The Prizefighter! But like all friends who are also wrestlers, Cody and Kevin each think they’re better, and there’s only ever one way to find out. So if Kevin will forgive Cody, but it is not lost on Cody that we are very sold out here in Detroit. Cody will briefly turn his back on the main camera so he can see everyone here tonight. The fans cheer as Cody goes to the other side and the fans cheer again. Cody says this is all so fresh to him. He is no longer a hunter but he is the hunted.

So his message for those six men tonight: If you come at the king, you best not miss. “For those on the blue brand, on SmackDown, who claim to be unfamiliar with me, I will make it easy for you. My name is Cody Rhodes. Once Undesirable, Become Undeniable, and NOW… Your UNDISPUTED WWE Champion!” The fans cheer that! Cody was able to #FinishTheStory with Roman Reigns, but who will start a new chapter with him on the road to Backlash?

The Bloodline is backstage!

More specifically, Paul Heyman follows behind Jimmy Uso & Solo Sikoa, only to find their suite is now Cody’s suite! Kevin Owens walks up and says sorry, but they’re not invited inside. There might be a broom closet down the hall, though. Solo says he’ll take care of Kevin, and the rest of this. Heyman says hold on. Winning and losing matter now. There are consequences to losing. Bloodline loss. That is the champion’s locker room, and Cody is champion. If they want that room back, the title has to come home to The Bloodline. That is by order of The Tribal Chief. Roman Reigns may not have the title, but he still has authority, will The Enforcer find his way to the American Nightmare?

WWE Universal Championship #1 Contender’s Qualifier Triple Threat: LA Knight VS Bobby Lashley VS Santos Escobar!

Across WrestleMania Weekend, The Mega Star won and so did The All Mighty. The Emperor of Lucha, however, did not, so he is ready to redeem all of Legado Del Fantasma through this match! Who takes one step closer to the Universal Championship right here on the SmackDown After Mania?

SmackDown returns and Lashley makes his entrance, seen off by The Pride. Then Santos makes his entrance, surprisingly not seen out by Legado. But as a WWE YouTube exclusive revealed, Santos has a plan for tonight, and Legado did not take out Dragon Lee before WrestleMania. But if not them, then who?

The bell rings, Santos ROCKS Knight, but Knight and Lashley go after Santos! They double whip, Santos grabs ropes and bails out, so Knight rolls Lashley up! TWO, Knight gets around but Lashley switches. Knight escapes before the Hurt Lock is on, and Knight whips. Lashley reverses to send Knight out, Santos laughs at Knight, but Lashley DRAGS Santos into the ring! Knight trips Lashley to drag him out, and they throw hands! The fans fire up, Santos DIVES to take out Lashley and Knight! The fans boo but Santos grins as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Lashley has Santos down now! Lashley drags Santos back into the ring, brings him up and bump shim off buckles. Lashley hoists Santos up top, throws hands, then climbs up to join him. The fans fire up but Santos resists the superplex! Santos throws hands on Lashley, Lashley gives those back, but Santos knocks Lashley away! Knight springs right up after Santos instead! Then Lashley adds on! TOWER OF DOOM! Lashley covers Santos, TWO! Lashley hauls Santos right up, Canadian Rack, but Knight dropkicks legs out! Knight then runs up on Lashley, CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Cover, Santos KICKS it apart!

Santos DECKS Knight then HAMMERS away! Santos GAMANGIRIS Knight to a corner, runs corner to corner at Lashley and DOUBLE KNEES! Santos fires up, reloads, and he runs at Knight, DOUBLE KNEES! Knight staggers, Santos fireman’s carries, but Knight slips free! Knight shoves, scoops and POWERSLAMS! Then Knight drops the JUMP ELBOW! The fans fire up with Knight and he aims at Santos. But then LEGADO attacks! Angel y Humberto are Santos’ insurance policy, they double whip to TRIPLE POWERBOMB!! The fans boo but then Lashley CLOBBERS Santos, ROCKS Angel, but gets mugged!

The fans boo, but then here come The Profits! Montez & Dawkins fire off on Angel & Humberto! UPPERCUT for Angel, ENZIGIRI for Humberto! The fans are thunderous as Dawkins runs, but Elektra Lopez stands in his way! But then B-Fab BOOTS Lopez down! The fans fire up as Dawkins then runs up, but into a POP-UP KICK! Ford FLIES out onto them instead! The fans are thunderous but Santos sneaks up to roll Lashley! TWO!! Lashley escapes that, and he clinches Santos for the FLATLINER! Lashley fires up, he storms around, and he takes aim! But Santos dodges, Lashley POSTS himself! So Knight hits the B F T!! Cover, Knight wins!

Winner: LA Knight, by pinfall (advances to the #1 contender’s match)

All of Motor City says “YEAH!” as now Knight moves forward! Will the Mega Star soon get himself a ticket to Lyons, France?

Backstage interview with the LWO.

Kayla Braxton is with Rey Mysterio, Dragon Lee, Carlito, Zelina Vega, Cruz Del Toro y Joaquin Wilde and notes Santos falling short in that Triple Threat. With all the history between LWO and Legado, any comments? Rey says plain and simple, that was karma. Whether it was Ridge Holland’s attack on Cruz last Tuesday, or Legado’s attack on Dragon last Friday, it all inevitably comes back to bite you. Kayla says Santos denied Legado attacked Dragon, but of course he would. Carlito says that, as the kids might say, Santos is all cap. But to keep it real, Santos should realize the truth will eventually surface, no matter how you twist it.

But tonight, Rey’s focus is on AJ Styles and Kevin Owens. Rey has done many things over the past couple years: His Hall of Fame induction; forming the LWO. But deep down, Rey truly believes that he has one more run at the top as WWE Champion! Mark his words! The LWO heads out, but will the King of Lucha Libre be able to add to his already top tier career?

The Bloodline heads to the ring.

Solo Sikoa leads the way as he, Jimmy Uso and Paul Heyman walk down the ramp. What will they do when they have orders from The Tribal Chief?

SmackDown returns and Heyman has the mic to give his introduction. And tonight, by order of The Tribal Chief, The Bloodline offers no excuses about what happened at WrestleMania. They don’t blame John Cena, they don’t blame The Undertaker, they don’t even blame Jey Uso. “Ladies and gentlemen, accountability is a very big word on the Island of Relevancy, and Your Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns has ordered that we accept accountability. At WrestleMania 39, what happened? Roman Reigns entered the ring focused, Roman Reigns entered the ring strategic, Roman Reigns entered the ring unemotional.

“Cody Rhodes took his eye off the ball for just one second. He was distracted by Solo. Admittedly, that’s Cody Rhodes’ fault for not preparing for Solo to distract him. And what happened? Just like that, Your Tribal Chief took advantage and defended the title. At WrestleMania 40, Cody Rhodes flipped the script on Roman Reigns. What did Seth Rollins say? Seth Rollins is a Visionary. Seth Rollins told the truth. Seth Rollins said to Cody Rhodes, ‘I will be your Shield.’ The one piece of unfinished business in Roman Reigns’ life! So when Roman Reigns had a chair in his hand at WRestleMania 40, and he could’ve SMASHED Cody Rhodes with it… Legal, Bloodline Rules… He didn’t.

“Why? Because after ten YEARS of waiting for revenge on Seth Rollins, for waiting on revenge of that betrayal in and of The Shield, Roman Reigns gave in to temptation. Roman Reigns was distracted by his lust for revenge on Seth Rollins, he took his eye off the ball. Cody Rhodes was prepared. Cody Rhodes was strategic. Cody Rhodes was focused. Cody Rhodes was ready. And like that, it was over. Ladies and gentlemen, your new Undisputed Champion… is Cody Rhodes.” The fans cheer that! Heyman says like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Your Tribal Chief, Ro- Solo stops Heyman there?!

Solo repeats Heyman’s words: “Losing and winning matters, right? So there’s consequences to losing, right? Right?” Heyman says yes, that’s right. Then those consequences should be change. Solo pushes Heyman aside, and then he looks at Jimmy. Jimmy says Solo meant him!? He’s big bro, man! Back down! Solo holds his arms wide, and hugs Jimmy? Solo says he is Jimmy’s brother. Okay, then. So someone else attacks Jimmy!! TAMA TONGA?!? Tama stomps away on Jimmy, rains down fists, and then drags Jimmy up for headbutts! The fans are losing their minds as the Good Bad Guy throws off his hoodie, but then Solo has him stand down.

Solo tells Tama to get Jimmy up so Tama stands Jimmy up. Heyman is freaking out, as Solo SAMOAN SPIKES Jimmy!! And SAMOAN SPIKES again!! AND AGAIN!! Heyman is almost in tears as Solo SAMOAN SPIKES AGAIN!! Solo roars, and Tama raises his finger to the sky. Heyman fears for his own life but Solo has him step forward to join them. Heyman raises his finger, then gets on his phone to call Roman Reigns. Wait, Solo snatches the phone?! Solo STOMPS the phone!! That’s as much of an assault on Roman as it is anything! Solo signals Tama, and Tama gets a chair! They put Jimmy in the corner, and they wedge the chair into his face!

The fans are again freaking out as Solo tells Jimmy, “I love you.” Solo goes to the far corner while Heyman begs for mercy. Fans chant for “YEET! YEET! YEET!” but this is NO YEET! FULL METAL HIP ATTACK!!! The fans boo as hard as they can but Solo and Tama take their leave, Heyman reluctantly following. Is The Tribal Chief no longer the Head of the Table?

Bron Breakker VS Cameron Grimes!

He may no longer be an NXT Tag Team Champion, but this is still the Big Bad Booty Nephew, and he is looking to go full-on SmackDown! Will he make the Carolina Caveman wish Bron won last Tuesday night?

The bell rings and the two tie up. Bron gets around to waistlock and SLAM Grimes down! Bron holds on to SLAM Grimes again! Grimes fights with elbows, then headlocks, but Bron blocks the takeover! Bron back suplexes, Grimes lands on his feet and CLUBS Bron int he back! Grimes waistlocks, Bron bucks the O’Conner, then he builds speed to STEINER-LINER! The fans fire up and bark for Bron as he hauls Grimes up. Bron RAMS Grimes into a corner, RAMS him again and again, then lets off as the ref counts. Grimes goes to another corner, Bron whips him corner to corner. Bron runs up, blocks a boot but not the ENZIGIRI! Or the SUPERKICK!

Grimes goes up and up and CROSSBODIES into a POWERSLAM! The fans fire up as the straps come down, and Bron SPEARS!! Cover, Bron wins!

Winner: Bron Breakker, by pinfall

Bron says he’s got the best spear in the business today, and this definitely supports that argument! Will nothing and no one stop Bron from breaking through to that next level?

AJ Styles speaks.

“Tonight isn’t just another match. Tonight is where I fix what went wrong at WrestleMania. Rey Mysterio, Kevin Owens, you’re collateral in my path through LA Knight and to the Undisputed WWE Championship. Y’see, I am gonna demolish everything and prove a point. This isn’t personal, it’s necessary. You’re in the way of something much bigger than you can think of. And I will step over both your dead bodies to get to what I want. So LA Knight, I hope you’re taking notes. Because the damage I cause tonight will be just a taste of what you’re gonna get next week. And I promise, it will be phenomenal.”

Bayley is here!

Detroit fires up as the Role Model makes her way to the ring as the NEW WWE Women’s Champion! Bayley feels that energy and is just as fired up! Bayley gets a mic while the fans chant “You Deserve It!” Bayley revels in that a moment before she says, “Damn that feels good! Thank you!” She wants to soak it in cuz it’s been awhile. But she feels so good and so proud to call herself your new WWE Women’s Champion! Now, we all know this isn’t her first time, she’s retained titles at Mania and lost titles at Mania. But this one feels so damn special. This one’s different. Not because she had to defeat someone she used to call a friend in Iyo Sky.

It’s because she gets to call herself a champion for this brand new and exciting era, where this title doesn’t just mean she’s the best. It means she’s the best in the most talented locker room she’s ever been part of! Even more than that, what makes this special, and it might sound cheesy but it’s because of all the fans. Bayley says that from the bottom of her heart that these 11 YEARS of her career, the fans have been here through the ups, the downs, the injuries and the setbacks. And when every time she didn’t think she had anything else to give, the fans were fighting for her! Online, in line, at PLEs and house shows, they never gave up on her and she thanks us for that.

The fans cheer for Bayley again, and she thanks them. She is so excited to start this brand new journey. So let’s start off with a brand new opportunity! Wait, here comes Tiffany Stratton. Tiffy says “Honestly, I thought it was a little rude I wasn’t given an opportunity at WrestleMania. I mean, who better than the Center of the Universe herself to shine on the Grandest Stage of Them All? And you’re clearly building to some sort of Open Challenge, and well… I accept. Because~, it is Tiffy Time.” The fans are torn on that, and Bayley says this is embarrassing. Nice to meet you, Tiffany, and sorry to burst your bubble, but no, this wasn’t an Open Challenge.

Bayley had someone in mind, it wasn’t Tiffy. This person has Bayley very excited to see again. This person is a legend in the making, made a big return at the Royal Rumble, and it’s Naomi! NAOMI!? She couldn’t even win a title if it glowed in the dark! But here comes Naomi after all! The fans fire up as Naomi storms right down to the ring! Naomi gets in the ring, she and Bayley hug it out, but Tiff says they were in the middle of something. And BTW, Tiff already beat Naomi. The fans boo and Naomi takes off the fur coat to tell Tiff she’s got her on the wrong night. Sure, Tiff beat her before, but here’s what Tiff doesn’t know.

Naomi’s earned every single thing she’s gotten int he WWE, and she doesn’t plan on stopping now! So Bay, Naomi can’t accept the offer just yet. First, Naomi has to take on Clueless Tiffany right here, right now! The fans like that! Will Naomi make sure Tiff can #FeelTheGlow and then some? Or will Tiff make sure it’s her time one way or another?

SmackDown returns with Kayla Braxton by the trainer’s room.

Kayla knows we’re all trying to process what we saw in Jimmy being taken out by Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga. Heyman exits the room and Kayla asks for an update. Is Jimmy okay? But then Tama walks over and Heyman shuts up. Tama tells Heyman that “By orders of The Tribal Chief.” What?! Roman wanted this to happen!? Solo walks up and shows off the taped thumb. Solo smirks and leaves, and Heyman asks what the hell that means! Is this Roman lashing out at the family’s failures ahead of his own?

WWE Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton!

We return to the ring as this match is already underway. Tiff whips Naomi but Naomi slides under then comes back to SHOTGUN! Naomi kips up, the fans fire up, and Naomi runs in, uses the ropes and hits a BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Tiff is still in this but Naomi keeps her cool. Bayley is still ringside to coach Naomi. Naomi drags Tiff up, wrenches and snapmares, then KICKS her down! Naomi then drops a leg, brother! Cover, TWO! Tiff is tough but Naomi stays on her by dropping a knee on the elbow! Naomi drags Tiff around again, for an ARM WRINGER! Tiff writhes, the fans rally up and Bayley applauds.

Naomi clamps onto Tiff with a top wristlock and grinds her down. Tiff endures, fights up, and RAMS Naomi into the corner! Tiff runs up to clothesline, then she RAMS into Naomi! And again! And again! The ref counts, Tiff shoves Naomi down, and then Tiff clamps on a chinlock. Tiff thrashes Naomi, stomps her, then taunts her. But Naomi throws body shots! And a KNEE! Tiff falls, Naomi covers, TWO! Naomi whips Tiff to a corner, Tiff reverses, but Naomi goes up and gets Tiff for the TWERK ATTACK! The fans fire up as Naomi kicks Tiff away, then runs back up. Tiff YANKS Naomi into the ropes!

The ref reprimands but Tiff runs to HIP ATTACK! Naomi sputters, Tiff is upset over Naomi getting cheeky, and she stomps away! Tiff CLUBS Naomi, CLUBS her again, then pushes Naomi to a cover, ONE! Naomi stays in this but Tiff stays on her. Tiff whips but Naomi DROPKICKS back! Tiff goes to a corner, Naomi runs up but Tiff puts her on the apron. Naoi blocks a punch to ROUNDHOUSE! Tiff wobbles, Naomi brings her in, but Tiff RAMS into Naomi! Then Tiff POSTS Naomi and Naomi slumps from steps to floor! The fans boo, Tiff checks her chin, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again as Naomi fights up out of a chinlock. Naomi JAWBREAKERS free, Tiff staggers away, and Naomi goes to a corner. Tiff runs up but into an ELBOW! Naomi then goes up, Tiff blocks the boot but not the REBOUND ENZIGIRI! Bayley cheers Naomi on as she CROSSBODIES Tiff! And CROSSBODIES again! Detroit fires up as Naomi ducks ‘n’ dodges and goes up, up and FLYING CHUCK! Tiff flounders, the fans fire up with Naomi and she runs corner to corner for a HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! And then a BOOT! And another BOOT! Naomi drags Tiff into the drop zone, the fans fire up, Naomi hits a SPLIT LEG DROP! Cover, TWO!!

The fans are torn as Tiff survives, but she’s not a former NXT Women’s Champion for nothing. Tiff checks her nose, Naomi full nelsons her! Tiff fires elbows, then she bucks the O’Conner. Naomi rolls through but sits up into TIFFY STOMPS!! Cover, TWO!! Tiff is shocked, but Naomi shows why she’s a former SmackDown Women’s Champion! Tiff drags Naomi, fireman’s carries, but Naomi fights with furious elbows! Naomi whips, Tiff reverses, but Naomi goes up! No twerk this time as Tiff makes it an Alabama Lift! ALABAMA SLAMA! The fans fire up while Tiff tells Bayley that she’s coming for the title!

Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER misses as Naomi moves! Tiff comes back, into a jackknife bridge! NAOMI WINS!!

Winner: Naomi, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the WWE Women’s Championship)

Tiffy talked trash at the wrong Tiffy Time, and now Bayley will give Naomi that opportunity she promised! Will all of WWE soon #FeelTheGlow?

A-Town Down Under celebrates their win!

At WrestleMania, the Undisputed Tag Team Championships were on the line in a Six Pack Ladder Match, and the SmackDown belts came home thanks to Austin Theory & Grayson Waller. The biggest WrestleMania championship match in history, but who was all there? Snoop Dogg, Drew Barrymore, Lil’ Wayne, they’re all fans of A-Town Down Under! But let’s talk about Grayson Waller. First Mania, title match! Streak 2.0 beginning right here! And let’s talk Theory. Last year, walked in and walked out US Champion, made Cena look like he was nothing. Now they leave SmackDown Tag Team Champions, it’s like Theory is allergic to losing gold!

Waller & Theory toast themselves as the “greatest undefeated tag team champions of all time,” and you’re welcome.

Nick Aldis and other tag teams finish watching this.

New Catch Republic and The Profits all look to their General Manager. He says they’ll figure out new challengers next week. Then will Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins look to build on their Triple Crown resumés? Or will Tyler Bate & Pete Dunne finally reign together?

Logan Paul speaks.

The Maverick sends a selfie video to say, “Ey, what’s up, WWE Universe? Are you mad? I hope so. I would be mad, too, if I were you. Because the outside just walked in, beat two legends at WrestleMania. Well, one legend. Kevin Owens is kind of a dunce. But Randy Orton, hey, brother, who’s the real legend killer? I walked in the champ, I walked out the champ. Retained and remained like I said. What did you expect? It was the biggest WrestleMania ever. That was not a surprise to me. I was a part of it! Every event I’ve been a part of has been the biggest event WWE’s ever had. Is that a coincidence? No! Do the math!

“650 MILLION impressions on social media based on this WrestleMania. 200 million of those came from me! And my team, The Prime Team! IShowSpeed Prime bottle, Logan Paul. It is a new era, as we’re all saying. The #LoganPaulLevesque Era. Your United States Champion, out.” But when and where will The Maverick return to stroke his ego? Will someone deflate it the moment he steps back in the ring?

Chelsea Green & Piper Niven VS ???

The Hot Mess complained to Nick Aldis that her facing Jade Cargill on Raw was “reckless endangerment.” But Aldis would never do that to her and the Scottish Viper, right? In fact, Chelsea would love if she and “Lil’ Miss P” were drafted to SmackDown in a few weeks here. They’re ready to show what they can do as a team, hence this tag match tonight! But just who did Aldis find? The lights go down and the wind is blowing! “A storm… is coming!” Chelsea forgot that Jade Cargill is ON SmackDown! And her partner? Bianca Belair, who else? Will Chelsea & Piper wish they just stayed on Raw?

The teams sort out and Chelsea starts against Bianca. Chelsea swings, misses, and Bianca hits a SPINEBUSTER! Chelsea scrambles away to tag Piper, and the fans fire up as Piper calls out Jade! Bianca points to Jade, but then Piper grabs the braid! Piper whips, Bianca handsprings through! Bianca comes back, but into a scoop and MICHINOKU DRIVER! Piper lines up a shot, runs up and CANNONBALLS in the corner! Piper then goes up and up and mocks the braid, before she VADER FLOPS! Hot tag to Chelsea, hot tag to Jade! The fans fire up, Chelsea runs away but there’s no Piper!

Jade grabs Chelsea for a SPINEBUSTER of her own! And a SUPERKICK! Jade chicken wings Chelsea for the JADED!! Cover, Jade & Bianca win!

Winners: Jade Cargill & Bianca Belair, by pinfall

One of the most dominant wins you could imagine, this could very well be the strongEST, the fastEST, the roughEST, the toughEST and the B E S T team ever! Will they solidify that by going after the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships together?

Backstage interview with Kevin Owens.

Byron Saxton is with the Prizefighter and brings up tonight’s massive opportunity. Winning the Triple Threat tonight advances things to next week’s #1 contender’s match, a shot at the WWE Universal Championship on the line. Any final thoughts before heading to the ring? Yeah, Kevin asks Byron if he’s noticed these really cool camera shots where they just follow someone. Kevin wants to try that. Mind if he borrows the mic? Sure, here you go. Byron lets Kevin have the mic and Kevin walks and talks, the camera following him. Winning the WWE Championship of course is the most important thing to everyone here.

And oh, look, this Detroit Tigers MLB Legacy belt. Kevin likes tigers. Kevin takes that with him now, brushes that CM Punk shift off the table, and then continues on. The real title Kevin wants is THE WWE Championship, and now AJ Styles, Rey Mysterio, they stand in his way. Kevin can only hope AJ is suffering from LA Knight PTSD while Rey… Well, Kevin and Rey have more in common than you think. They both have sons that ended up way taller than them, and Kevin’s son is awesome, not a huge disappointment. But that’s not on Rey, that’s more on Dom and that Dom just sucks.

But with as much respect as Kevin has for both guys, the bottom line is… They’re in his way of what he wants. So that means he’ll kick both their asses! Jamie, take the mic, and Bruce, hit his music. The staff does as told, and Kevin makes his entrance, the Legacy belt still on his shoulder. Will Kevin win here to get one step closer to THE belt he wants?

WWE Universal Championship #1 Contender’s Qualifier Triple Threat: Rey Mysterio VS AJ Styles VS Kevin Owens!

SmackDown returns as Styles makes his entrance, followed by Rey’s. The LWO sees Rey off, the bell rings, and the three stare down. Styles KICKS Kevin, ROCKS Rey, then brawls with Kevin. Styles KICKS and CHOPS Kevin, but Rey ROCKS Styels! Styles ROCKS Rey, whips, but Rey ducks ‘n’ dodges ‘n’ tilt-o-whirl RANAS Styles into the ropes! Kevin clotheslines Styles up and out first! Rey KICKS Kevin, runs and rolls, but Kevin denies him the rana. Kevin kicks and whips, Rey slides, but into Styles’ fireman’s carry! APRON DEATH VALLEY! Kevin goes out, dodges Styles and CHOPS! Kevin whips, Styles goes up and over barriers1

Kevin runs up, Styles ROCKS him! Styles goes up but Kevin trips him! Styles hits barriers, flops tot he floor, Kevin says “SUCK IT!” CANNONBALL against barriers! The fans fi reup, but then Rey SEATED SENTONS Kevin down! Rey stands as Detroit fires back up, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Styles CLUBS Rey. Kevin kicks and CLUBS Styles! Styles KICKS Kevin, ROCKS him, then he CHOPS Rey! ENZIGIRI for Kevin, but Rey whips Styles. Styles reverses, Rey holds ropes and BOOTS back! Kevin returns, Styles ELBOWS him away, but Rey goes up to jump back, only for Styles to catch him. Styles back suplexes Rey onto Kevin but Rey uses that to DDT Kevin! Rey then dodges Styles, QUEBRADA and DDT! Cover on Styles, TWO! Styles stays in this for him and Kevin but Rey keeps his cool. Rey runs to WRECK Kevin with a dropkick, then he goes back for Styles. Styles THROAT CHOPS!

Styles runs, Rey drop toeholds him onto ropes! Rey dials it up, but Styles blocks the 619! Styles fireman’s carries, USHIGOROSHI! Kevin runs up, into an atomic FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Kevin stays in this for him and Rey, but Styles drags him up. Styles fires hands in a corner, puts Kevin up top, but then Kevin throws hands back! Kevin HEADBUTTS Styles away, Rey DROPKICKS Styles out! Rey ROCKS Kevin, climbs up after him, and the fans fire up. But Kevin hooks Rey, SUPER FISHERMAN BUSTER! Kevin proves he is superplex-proof! Cover, Styles breaks it! Styles storms up on Kevin and brings him up, but Kevin ROCKS Styles!

Kevin runs up but Styles ELBOWS him! Styles goes up, Kevin avoids the Quebrada to SUPERKICK! Kevin whips, POP UP- NO, Styles slips free to PELE! Styles reels Kevin in, calls his shot, but Rey SPRINGBOARD CROSSBODIES! The fans fire up as Rey brings Styles back up. Styles reverses the whip, Rey ELBOWS him back! Rey wheelbarrows, Styles stops that, and Kevin waistlocks Styles! DOUBLE GERMAN SUPLEX!! The fans are thunderous as all three men are down, “This is Awesome!” All three men stir, and Kevin rises first. Kevin sees Styles and Rey at the ropes. Kevin runs at Rey to MONKEY FLIP him at Styles, Rey RANAS Styles onto the ropes!

Kevin runs up, Rey DUMPS him out! Rey redials to 619!! Styles falls back, Rey hurries up to the apron, but Kevin STUNNERS!! Kevin goes up top, SWANTON BOMB onto knees! Styles drags Kevin into the drop zone, then goes up! But Rey anchors Styles’ foot! Rey fires hands, goes up top to join Styles, and SUPER- NO, Styles stops the Steiner to get Rey in position! SUPER STYLES CLASH onto Kevin!! Cover on Rey, STYLES WINS!

Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall

Styles came through on his promise, and now he will get a WrestleMania Rematch with LA Knight next week! And speaking of, Knight steps into the ring! The fans fire up as these two stare down and talk some trash. Will Styles redeem himself against the Mega Star to then head for the American Nightmare? Or will Knight be 2-0 against The Phenomenal One?

My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown After Mania, and great road paved towards Backlash France. Great promos from all our new champs, even A-Town Down Under talking themselves up and having drinks, both Shoeys after Mania and drinks at the bar tonight. Good little bit with Aldis telling New Catch Republic and The Profits that they’re basically up next in a contender’s match, either team will be great against Theory & Waller. If it’s like I was thinking on Mania Weekend, Lashley & Profits going after Logan and his mutuals would make for some good stuff as Lashley also goes for the US title. Because obviously, we saw the Universal Championship scene set up in the Triple Threats.

Looking at the field of six, it really felt like it was going to either be Rey VS Santos or AJ VS LA. And with this ongoing rivalry of LWO and Legado, they made it clear the title wasn’t needed to motivate another match. Legado says they didn’t attack Dragon Lee, and honestly, why would they lie and hide it and all that? They’ve done attacks on LWO members out in the open, so this definitely has to be Carlito preparing his own Heel turn out of being envious of Dragon and angry with Rey. Then Styles VS Knight round 2 will be a lot of fun, and I would think Styles wins that to face Cody for the title.

And I guess it isn’t really the “Universal” Championship anymore, almost no one was saying “Universal” anymore, it was just The Undisputed WWE Championship or just the WWE Championship. I guess them phasing “Universal” out is fine, that was always a Vince thing since he wanted to go beyond having just a World Championship, but then WWE really is just in some kinda loop. We’re back to what I remember watching when I got really into pro-wrestling and that was an Undisputed WWE Champion and a World Heavyweight Champion. New era, but like many things in entertainment these days, what’s old is new again.

As such, and no insult to Bayley, but Bayley is back on top as a Women’s Champion, and she’s the kayfabe reason Naomi is back in the title scene. Great rematch from Naomi and Tiffany with Naomi of course winning this time, Bayley and Naomi will be a great match to have next week, but that clearly means someone else is getting that Backlash match. Iyo cashing in a rematch? Another member of DMG CTRL gonna try? Tiffany coming back around to get her turn? A call-up via the WWE Draft? All good ideas, can’t wait to see which one they choose. And on the side, great to see Jade & Bianca being a team, they can definitely challenge Kabuki Warriors for those titles before or at Backlash and Jade can get another great moment should she and Bianca win those first try.

Oh, uh, thanks for coming, Grimes, pretty sure your paycheck is on its way. But Bron is right here on SmackDown after his loss and goodbye to NXT on Tuesday. He could easily be drafted to Raw but I wouldn’t mind him sticking around on SmackDown a little longer here, maybe get in on at least the US Championship scene for the Summer. Good promo from Logan to hype himself up, I feel like maybe there could be a 1v1 feud with just Randy at some point, really depends on where things go from here. Great promo from Cody to turn the corner from Raw, and I appreciate him bringing up Brandi’s catchphrase, feels like a shame she didn’t get to use that herself during this story with The Bloodline.

And speaking of The Bloodline, holy crap, I did not think this was the direction The Bloodline was going. Solo stepping up in terms of his authority within the group was great, but right as we were all hoping it meant he was usurping control from Roman, it really meant he was punishing Jimmy, maybe even exiling him. And Tama Tonga coming in as family friend and “hired gun” given Tama’s family, aka Haku’s family don’t connect by blood to the Anoa’i family but have always been close. This is definitely the shot in the arm The Bloodline needed to continue into this next phase, this is going to be wild.

My Score: 8.8/10