Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (5/13/24)
Raw enters the second round!
Can Kofi Kingston avenge Xavier Woods?
Der Ring General put Xavier Woods on the shelf, then took out The Fella in the first round! But will Kofi Kingston show him why New Day Rocks?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Queen of the Ring Quarterfinals: Shayna Baszler VS Iyo Sky; Iyo wins and advances.
- King of the Ring Quarterfinals: GUNTHER VS Kofi Kingston; Gunther wins and advances.
- Akira Tozawa VS Bronson Reed; Bronson wins.
- Queen of the Ring Quarterfinals: Lyra Valkyria VS Zoey Stark; Lyra wins and advances.
- Otis VS Sami Zayn; Sami wins.
- Becky Lynch VS Dakota Kai w/ Damage CTRL; Becky wins, by disqualification.
- WWE World Tag Team Championship #1 Contenders Fatal 4 Way: New Catch Republic VS Authors of Pain VS The Creed Brothers VS Finn Balor & JD McDonagh; Finn & JD win and will challenge The Awesome Truth for the titles.
- King of the Ring Quarterfinals: Jey Uso VS Ilja Dragunov; Jey wins and advances.
PLAY BY PLAY
Drew McIntyre storms right to gorilla.
The Scottish Terminator’s music hits and he goes right out on stage! The fans in Greenville, South Carolina fire up as he gets his pyro, then he goes to the ring. He passes by commentary and Pat McAfee sells out Michael Cole about calling McIntyre a hypocrite! McIntyre then steps into the ring, gets more pyro, but then the fans chant “C M PUNK! C M PUNK!” McIntyre says maybe if we were in Atlanta or Charlotte, sure, but Punk’s not coming to Greenville. He only works the big cities, brother! The fans boo but McIntyre brings up Punk’s favorite line, “The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he doesn’t exist.”
McIntyre says the greatest trick Punk ever pulled was looking like a drug without ever taking any drugs. No, in seriousness, the greatest trick of Punk’s is making the fans believe in him, no matter how many times he breaks their trust! Management takes Punk back like an abusive relationship and McIntyre doesn’t understand it. Another thing he doesn’t understand is the fans buy all the crap he spews! McIntyre doesn’t like talking down to people like they’re stupid, but if you’re a fan of CM Punk, you’re stupid! Just look at the facts! Punk was here, calling McIntyre a coward, challenging him to a fight, after literally watching McIntyre take his leave!
Punk arrived a second later, talked trash, and it’s like he’s got a stooge on the inside, Adam Pearce. And then before that, McIntyre’s on stage, Punk’s in a skybox. McIntyre goes to the skybox, Punk’s down in the ring! Punk is running from McIntyre, but eventually, McIntyre will get his hands on Punk, torture him, and Punk will be begging for McIntyre to tear his triceps again. But until then, McIntyre won’t waste time on a guy who might not be cleared for the next 20 YEARS. And speaking of things that’ll never happen, Jey Uso lost another title match. The fans boo but McIntyre says that should’ve been his title match. Jey’s reward? McIntyre’s spot in King of the Ring!
McIntyre will deal with that BS later because number one on his list is the World Heavyweight Championship and that paper champion, Damian Priest! McIntyre’s been watching Priest, walking around like the big man with his limp Bloodline- Wait! Here comes Damian Priest! The fans fire up for El Campeon as he raises the world title up and heads to the ring. McIntyre smirks as Priest steps into the ring with him, then Priest gets himself a mic. Priest tells McIntyre that he’s got some serious issues. Since McIntyre can’t shut that hole in his face, maybe he should do something different tonight? McIntyre should say what he says, to that person’s face.
McIntyre says he’d love to, but if Priest was listening, Punk keeps running away from McIntyre every week. But at least Priest is stepping up to him. McIntyre will say something positive. Priest has a very inspirational story, worked his arse off, put his shift in, paid his dues. He deserves all the success in the world, but just not the World Heavyweight Championship. McIntyre’s next door neighbor, Dave, has a pretty inspirational story, but that doesn’t mean he should be world champion. But this is a case of the title making the title. This title is in its infant stage still, and it needs the man to make the title! It needs Drew McIntyre!
The fans boo but McIntyre says Priest knew he couldn’t beat McIntyre 1v1, so he had to use the briefcase- Priest stops McIntyre there. McIntyre is delusional! McIntyre is out here blaming everyone else for his own failures! Priest asks a question: did McIntyre not choose this life? He chose to be a WWE superstar, right? Yes, since he was 21 years old! And say “What” if you think Priest is a BS champion. “WHAT?” Gottee! Priest says that means he’s still champion. But check it, here’s what McIntyre should do. McIntyre should choose to find a mirror, take a look at the reflection, and then blame “that a-hole.”
Priest will break it down for McIntyre more. Priest wanted to cash in on Rollins, he really did. Then he and McIntyre could’ve gone to war at WrestleMania. But McIntyre had to go and stop Priest multiple times. That is McIntyre’s fault. Wait, oh, and then, McIntyre explained to the world that if Priest was smart, he’d wait for McIntyre to beat Rollins, and then he’d cash in on McIntyre! And so what happened? That’s on McIntyre. But let’s go back to WrestleMania. McIntyre finally achieved his goal, and all he had to do was take his wife and leave, enjoy the moment. But what happened? Priest says he acted like an idiot.
McIntyre saw Punk, made Punk more important than himself, this title, and his wife. Oh, wait, let’s also not forget that McIntyre got whooped by a one-armed man. So yeah Priest cashed in! McIntyre’s elbow will heal, he’ll get cleared. He wants his shot at the world title? Fine, he’s got it! But check this out, McIntyre. Call Priest a paper champion all you want, but when Priest is done, McIntyre will eat his words. #ALLRISE to that. Priest drops the mic and leaves McIntyre seething. That seems to happen a lot to McIntyre these days. Will McIntyre make good on this shot now that he has it?
WWE share footage from just before the show.
Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark arrived at the same time as Damage CTRL. Iyo Sky gets Shayna’s attention, tells her off in Japanese, but Shayna shoves Iyo! Producers stepped in to keep this from getting physical, and DMG CTRL moved on. The Evil Genius and the Queen of Spades will have it out tonight, who takes one step closer to the throne?
Queen of the Ring Quarterfinals: Shayna Baszler VS Iyo Sky!
The moment Iyo’s in the ring, Shayna rushes up from outta nowhere and TOSSES her back out! The fans fire up as Iyo is learning not to give Shayna fuel for the fire! Shayna ROCKS Iyo, refs rush out here, and they keep Shayna from adding on! The Evil Genius needs to rethink her strategy fast while Raw goes to break!
Raw returns and the match is officially underway as Shayna whips Iyo to ropes. Iyo ducks ‘n’ waistlocks then redirects. Iyo ducks the boot, handsprings over Shayna’s back, then trips Shayna up! Iyo won’t stop, she basement dropkicks! The fans fire up as Iyo kips up! Iyo says she’ll wear the crown, then she runs up, but Shayna moves! Iyo slips out to the outside safe, but Shayna is on the apron! Iyo blocks the Penalty Kick, TRIPS Shayna up, and we get a QR Code before Iyo hurries back to the apron. Shayna stands, catches Iyo from the springboard, and HOTSHOTS her down! Shayna then goes up a corner, and she drags Iyo up by her arm!
The fans fire up for the HANGING WRISTLOCK! The ref counts, Shayna drops Iyo, and Iyo flops to the floor! Shayna goes out to get Iyo and whip her into barriers! Then into the apron! Then the barriers! The ring count climbs so Shayna SMACKS Iyo off the apron and puts her in the ring. Shayna slides in, Iyo scrambles back out, and Shayna is annoyed. Shayna goes out after Iyo to KICK her in the back! Shayna then opens the apron skirt and gets Iyo’s arm through the frame! Shayna BOOTS the arm, and she grins as Iyo writhes! The count climbs to 5 of 10, fans want tables, but that’s not this kind of match, Greenville.
Shayna puts Iyo in the ring, covers, TWO! Shayna clamps onto the bad arm and grinds it to a top wristlock. Shayna isolates that arm, lets her hair down, and the fans know what that means! But Iyo trips Shayna first! Shayna gets up, goes after the arm, but Iyo fires forearms! Iyo is free but Shayna shoves her. Things speed up and Iyo RANAS! Shayna tumbles, Iyo BUZZSAWS! The fans rally and duel while Iyo shakes out the bad arm. Iyo gets Shayna up, reels her in, underhooks, but Shayna wrenches out! Shayna headlocks but Iyo slips out the back to hammerlock. Shayna wrenches the arm again to hit SOLE FOOD!
Iyo staggers to a corner, Shayna runs up to KNEE! Shayna puts Iyo up top, climbs up after her, and the fans fire up! Shayna brings Iyo into a gut wrench, but Iyo fights with body shots! Shayna still tries but Iyo still fights the suplex! Iyo manages to SUSNET FLIP free! Iyo then SHOVES Shayna down! Shayna’s stuck in a Tree of Woe, the ref checks and helps her get free. Shayna goes to the floor but Iyo goes to the apron! ASAI MOONSAULT! Direct hit and down goes Shayna! The fans are fired up and Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again and Shayna goes for an ARMBAR! Iyo stacks, TWO! SHOTEI!! Iyo fires forearms, puts Shayna in a corner, then fires off fast hands! The ref counts, Iyo lets off and she goes corner to corner, but is put on the apron! Shayna kicks, Iyo blocks, to HOTSHOT the leg! Shayna scrambles away, and Iyo takes aim again. Iyo springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK! Shayna tumbles to ropes, Iyo runs up to DOUBLE KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Shayna survives but Iyo stays focused. Iyo steps on Shayna, goes up the corner, and OVER THE MOONSAULT! Iyo blocks Shayna’s boots! Iyo sits Shayna up, BUZZSAW!
Shayna wobbles, Iyo steps over, LA MAGISTROL, and bridge! TWO!! KIRAFUDA KLUTCH!!! Iyo flails, reaches out, but Shayna shifts grips! Iyo rolls it back, pops free, and has a CROSSFACE!! Now Iyo makes Shayna suffer! Shayna fights up, pries free, dragon sleeper, BACKBREAKER! KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! Iyo survives and Shayna is beside herself! “This is Awesome!” as Shayna aims from a corner., Shayna runs up, but Iyo blocks the kick! DRAGON SCREW! Shayna hobbles to a corner, Iyo runs in, SHINKANSEN! Then she puts Shayna in the drop zone, goes up top, OVER THE MOONSAULT!! Cover, Iyo wins!
Winner: Iyo Sky, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
And with that, The Evil Genius moves on to the semifinals! Jackie Redmond interviews Iyo in the ring, congratulating her on advancing. She faces either Zoey Stark or Lyra Valkyria, what can we expect? Iyo takes the mic, and in Japanese, she promises to be the Queen of the Ring, and then the WWE Women’s World Champion! The fans fire up for that! Will the Evil Genius soon become an evil queen?
The Judgment Day are in the clubhouse.
They finish playing darts, and JD McDonagh says should get bonus points for his grouping rather than his accuracy. Finn says to worry more about Braun Strowman than about a game. And wait, Carlito is in here? Priest steps in and asks what’s up. Dom says he knows Carlito and Priest have history, but now is a good time to work together. They all agree on a lot of things, right? They agree that Rey Mysterio is a selfish bastard, right? Right! They know that from when Rey gave away Carlito’s WrestleMania moment to Dragon Lee. But no one knows more than Dom.
But hey, Rhea Ripley is out, Dom is hurt. Carlito can be the crew’s extra muscle. Well, all he’s saying is, they can all benefit mutually from this arrangement. Priest says what Carlito is saying does sound good. If the boys want to work with him, fine. But as far as Priest is concerned, Carlito’s not welcomed. Carlito gets it. Priest doesn’t trust him. But he trusts the boys, right? Then Carlito will say this: the most stubborn minds can be changed, and maybe one day, they can all be amigos. Carlito leaves, will The Punisher come around to accepting Caribbean Cool?
The Alpha Academy meets backstage.
Chad Gable says, “Well here we are. On the cusp of my big Intercontinental Championship match in Saudi, and uh… Maxxine. What a weekend you had, huh? Out there, galivanting around, blowing opportunities in Queen of the Ring, embarrassing the Alpha Academy, it’s pathetic! You’ve learned nothing! fortunately, I’ve got a chance at redemption. Talked with Pearce, got a couple matches for you two.” Otis will face Bronson Reed while Tozawa will face… Wait, no. It should be Otis VS Sami Zayn! That’s what Gable needs! He needs his number one guy to soften up Sami for Saudi, but no funny business! No hips shaking, no Worm stuff. Be serious, Otis. You know what that means, right?
Otis says yes, sir. No matter what. But Gable wants him to say it louder. No matter what. Otis heads out, and Gable tells Tozawa he has a big opportunity tonight so don’t blow it. He’s taking on Bronson Reed, and Gable swears, if he sees that dance…! Let’s go. Gable leads Tozawa away and Maxxine stays behind. Ivy Nile finds Maxxine and asks why she didn’t mention that QOTR match. Ivy could’ve helped her prepare. Maxxine says she’s sorry, but Coach Gable doesn’t want her training outside The Academy anymore. What? Maxxine, you don’t have to put up with this. But then Gable comes back and asks what is going on. Go do something! Anything!
Maxxine hurries away and Gable says Ivy has talent. She even has potential. But a piece of advice: stop wasting time with “Taylor Not So Swift,” okay? That one’s free. Gable heads out and Ivy can’t even! But is The Academy only going to fail when put under so much pressure?
Backstage interview with The New Day.
Cathy Kelley is with Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods. Kofi did the unthinkable time and again in his career. He is preparing for Gunther tonight, how will he do the unthinkable again and win against Der Ring General? Kofi says not to toot his own horn, but he is quite familiar with the unthinkable. But tonight isn’t about that. Tonight is about payback! Tonight is giving Gunther what he deserves for what he did to Woods! Over the weekend, Kofi went toe to toe with the greatest luchador of all time in Rey Mysterio. And it reminded Kofi of a few things: there is no room for fear in that ring. There is no room for self doubt! And most of all, there’s no room for failure!
Kofi knows how much this all means to Woods. Woods says this is something Gunther will never understand. Everyone knows how dangerous Gunther is, but Gunther… King of the Ring is something that brings honor! Earning that title brings honor! Because of what Gunther did to him, Woods can’t go out there to defend that honor. But luckily, Woods knows someone who is an incredible candidate to go out there and beat the hell outta Gunther, and that is one of the greatest champions of all time in Kofi Kingston. Tonight, Kofi goes out there and shows Gunther exactly why… NEW! DAY ROCKS!
Samantha Irvin introduces Lilian Garcia!
The iconic ring announcer is back and the fans cheer! Samantha wants Lilian to help her do the honor of introducing this next match. Lilian says she would absolutely love to! It’d be amazing, the fans are amazing, Samantha is amazing! The fans cheer, Lilian says she is so proud of Samantha, and they hug it out. Lilian then says the following is a King of the Ring Quarterfinals Match scheduled for one fall! Kofi makes his entrance first, looks at the crown on display, but will he get to wear it at the end of all this? Or will Der Ring General make himself Der Konig des Ring?
Adam Pearce talks with R-Truth.
Does the Raw General Manager see what he’s saying? He does. Truth thinks they’ve got a great plan for these titles. Tonight’s gonna be hot as hell! Miz steps in and again says please talk to him before putting their titles on the line. Truth says their titles aren’t on the line. Pearce confirms, it wasn’t about that. But they do need #1 contenders, so tonight, the Raw Tag Division will be having a hell of an opportunity. Truth says tell ’em! Miz double checks, The Awesome Truth is not defending the belts? Then why’re they here? In steps Kiana James!
The newest member of the division says that while they spoke on the phone last week, she wants to reiterate that she is so looking forward to working with Adam Pearce. And she looks forward to leveraging this opportunity to prove she is The One Percent. Pearce appreciates that, and says if she needs anything at all, don’t hesitate to call. She never hesitates. She adjudicates. She does what in the workplace? Truth doesn’t even know if that’s PG. Pearce sighs, but what is cooking for the Raw Tag Division here?
King of the Ring Quarterfinals: GUNTHER VS Kofi Kingston!
Raw returns and Der Ring General makes his entrance. And then Kofi DROPKICKS him off the apron! The fans fire up, Kofi goes out after Gunther to fire off hands, then he gets in the ring to build speed! Kofi DIVES and takes Gunther down! Kofi fires more hands, Gunther gets loose, but Kofi DROPKICKS him into the apron! Kofi SLAMS Gunther’s leg against the apron! Kofi stomps that leg, all payback for Woods! But Gunther CHOPS back! The ref wants this in the ring, it isn’t even a match yet! Gunther whips, but Kofi goes up and up and SUPER CROSSBODIES! The fans fire up with Kofi and he keeps Gunther from getting away!
Kofi SLAMS the leg on the apron! Then he drags Gunther to a corner, to SLAM it into the post! Kofi storms into the ring, puts the leg around ropes and pulls! The ref reprimands, Kofi lets off, just to run and DROPKICK the leg! The fans are all fired up for KofiMania, and the bell rings! Gunther hobbles up, but he avoids Trouble in Paradise! GERMAN SUPLEX, but Kofi lands out! Kofi runs up to dropkick the legs! Gunther falls, Kofi goes to a corner! Kofi climbs, aims, and SUPER BOOM DROPS!! Cover, TWO!! Gunther survives and Kofi scowls while the fans fire up! Gunther bails out, leans on the desk, but Kofi builds speed! Kofi DIVES, but into a clinch!
Gunther RAMS Kofi into the apron! Gunther seethes, drags Kofi up, and CHOPS him! Gunther then hits a BARRIER BACK SUPLEX! Kofi writhes, the ring count starts, but Gunther gets Kofi up. Gunther copies Randy Orton with a DESK BACK SUPLEX! Kofi writhes, Gunther refreshes the count, and he goes back for Kofi. Gunther gets Kofi’s legs as he stands on the desk, for a BOSTON CRAB! The ref reprimands and counts, Gunther lets off at 4 and the fans boo. Gunther goes to a HALF CRAB!! Kofi endures, the ref reprimands, but Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again and Gunther has Kofi in the ring. Gunther shoves but Kofi ROCKS Gunther! Kofi kicks at the bad leg, has Gunther in a corner, but Gunther turns things around to CHOP! The fans “WOO~!” for that one, but Gunther goes out to the apron to stomp Kofi back into the ring! Gunther taunts Kofi, kicks him around, and he brings Kofi up. Gunther whips Kofi to the corner hard, and Kofi falls to the mat! The fans rally with “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” but Gunther brings Kofi up. Kofi CHOPS! And CHOPS! And fires forearms! Kofi KICKS the bad leg, but Gunther scoops to SLAM him!
Gunther scowls, Kofi writhes, and Gunther knees on Kofi’s back. Gunther ties up the legs, even as the fans rally, but Gunther pulls Kofi into a BOW ‘N’ ARROW! Kofi endures, pops free to a cover, TWO! Gunther BOOTS Kofi down! Gunther hobbles while Kofi flops on the ropes. Gunther looms over Kofi, drags him back around, and he eggs Kofi on. Kofi slowly rises, and he KICKS the bad leg! Kofi stands to KICK again! But Gunther CHOPS! Kofi storms up to JAWBREAKER! Kofi runs, but into a scoop and BACKBREAKER! Kofi writhes, Gunther shakes out the bad leg since he had to use it in the move, and the fans continue to rally.
Gunther drags Kofi around, and drops an ELBOW on the back! Gunther goes up a corner, to FALLING ELBOW DROP but misses as Kofi moves! The fans fire up with “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” as Kofi stands. Kofi KICKS the bad leg! And KICKS! And KICKS! And KICKS, but Gunther blocks! Gunther CLUBS Kofi on the back, ripcords, but Kofi slips under! But Gunther turns SOS into gut wrench! Kofi slips free, Gunther hobbles, and Gunther runs into a PENDULUM KICK! Kofi goes up top, and CROSSBODIES! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Kofi stands, but Gunther trips him! BOSTON CRAB!!
Kofi endures, the fans freak out! Gunther puts pressure on the hold but Kofi slips under and kicks from below! Kick kicks the bad leg! Gunther hobbles away, swings, but into SOS!! Cover, TWO!! Gunther survives and the fans rally again! “This is Awesome!” as Kofi goes to a corner. Kofi climbs up, and CROSS- NO, Gunther moves! Kofi staggers up, into a BLINDSIDE SHOTGUN! Gunther then ripcords Kofi to LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Kofi survives and Gunther is a bit surprised, but the fans continue to rally. Gunther taunts Kofi, eggs him on, then drags him to a corner. Gunther pulls Kofi against the post!
The ref reprimands and counts, Gunther lets go at 4, and the fans boo. Gunther gets Kofi up, to GENERAL- RANA!! Kofi posts Gunther with that, and then runs up to TROUBLE IN PARADISE!! Both men are down on the outside and the ring count is climbing! Kofi crawls, drags himself up with the apron skirt, and slides in at 7! Gunther stands at 8 and hobbles around! Gunther is in at 9.5!! The fans can’t believe it, but the match continues! Kofi aims from a corner, Gunther stands, into TROUBLE IN- NO, Gunther avoids it again, to GENERAL BOMB!! High stack, TWO!! BOSTON CRAB!!! Gunther sits deep on the hold! Kofi TAPS, Gunther wins!!
Winner: Gunther, by submission (advances to the next round)
A fiery start but a miscalculation at the end, Kofi fails to avenge Woods’ injury! Gunther already claims the crown, but who will meet him in the semifinals?
Backstage interview with Lyra Valkyria.
Jackie Redmond is now with The Morrigan and asks how she’s feeling after last week’s big Raw debut. Not only did Lyra beat Dakota Kai, she came to the rescue for The Man, Becky Lynch. Lyra says what a perfect way to kickstart her rise to the top! And, to also send a message at the same time. DMG CTRL better get used to seeing Lyra, because she’s here to stay. And any time Becky needs a little Irish back-up, Lyra will be there. Speaking of, Becky steps in to thank Lyra for it! Great to have her on Raw! Becky wants Lyra to go crush it later tonight! Fighting Irish, ‘ey? Jackie says Becky’s the best, huh?
But to the match, Lyra faces Zoey Stark, how has she been preparing? Well, Zoey and Lyra have never gone 1v1 but- In steps Liv Morgan. Liv “doesn’t mean” to interrupt, but she just wanted to say hi and to congratulate Lyra, and says she’ll have so much fun here. Oh, uh, thanks, Liv. That’s really nice of you. Liv does want to say one thing, though. Has Becky always been such a b*tch? Lyra tells Liv to ask her directly. Becky circled back around to get behind Liv! Liv turns around, they both smile, and then Becky BOPS Liv right in the mouth! Becky says she’s not the one scared of a face-to-face fight, b*tch!
Becky heads out for real this time, but Liv seems to smirk. Will this revenge tour hit the Big Time as hard as the Big Time hit her?
Kofi returns backstage.
He’s definitely hurting, but then Karrion Kross finds him! Kross tells Kofi that was a “tough loss.” But don’t worry, there’s always time to turn things around. Kross leaves, Woods finds Koi and gives him an icepack. What did Kross want? Kofi isn’t sure. But will Mr. Doomsday make his intentions clear sooner rather than later?
Akira Tozawa w/ Chad Gable VS Bronson Reed!
The Alpha Academy is having to deal with major tests, all because Master Gable wants his opponents worn out before the Intercontinental Championship Triple Threat. Will the Stamina Monster find a way to bring down the Colossal Aussie? Or will it just be disappointment after disappointment for Gable?
The bell rings, Bronson runs in but Tozawa dodge! Tozawa fires off fists, but Bronson TOSSES Tozawa to a corner! Tozawa BOOTS Bronson, runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then slides under to SUPERKICK! Gable keeps on shouting how this is what happens when you listen to him! Tozawa spins, but Bronson ducks the kick, only for the SPIN KICK to hit on the second try! Tozawa hurries up top, MISSILE DROPKICKS, and Bronson actually falls! The fans fire up and Tozawa rips the shirt open! Gable gets mad, no fan pandering! That’s not what he taught Tozawa! Tozawa goes up, leaps, but Bronson catches him!
Bronson pops Tozawa up into a fireman’s carry, and a DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Tozawa is dazed, Bronson puts him in the drop zone! Gable says Tozawa’s an idiot, this is not on him! TSUNAMI!! Cover, Bronson wins!
Winner: Bronson Reed, by pinfall
Well, whether or not Tozawa’s failure is on Gable’s hands, he has a big fight on his hands in two weeks. Will Gable fail his own greatest test in that Triple Threat?
Imperium regroups backstage.
Ludwig Kaiser says that was impressive out there, but then Cathy Kelley walks over. She excuses the intrusion but Gunther says sorry, no interview today. Kaiser scolds Cathy. The first thing when he comes out of there, she bothers him? After winning, he has to answer questions? What’re we doing here? Cathy says there’s no denying the momentum, but she did want to address his history with the remaining competitors in this tournament. The last time Gunther faced Ilja Dragunov, Ilja won. And Gunther’s win over Jey Uso was partially because of Jimmy Uso interfering. And then last week, Kaiser had to help Gunther against Sheamus.
Kaiser asks Cathy, “Who’re we talking about here? We are talking about Der Ring General, we are talking about the most successful, the longest reigning Intercontinental Heavyweight Campion in history! 666 DAYS! Gunther does not have to prove anything to anyone around here. Is that clear?” And she brought up Sheamus. If anyone out there actually believes, if Sheamus himself thinks he lost because of Kaiser, then they must be delusional! But Sheamus has had a legendary career, no problem admitting that. But one thing he’s never achieved is beating Gunther 1v1. Never happened, never will.
In fact, Sheamus should be standing here next to Kaiser thanking him, because Kaiser saved Sheamus last week! If Sheamus has a problem with that, then Kaiser will be the guy to put Sheamus out of his misery! Kaiser will expose and embarrass Sheamus in front of the whole wide world! We’re done here. Kaiser follows after Gunther, but is the Impeccable German perhaps getting ahead of himself when it comes to the Celtic Warrior?
Backstage interview with Adam Pearce.
Jackie Redmond is now with the Raw GM, and wants to talk this big announcement he has for the tag division. But first in steps New Catch Republic! Tyler Bate has to usher Pete Dunne along, and then he apologizes to everyone for the interruption. He just wants to thank Pearce for this great opportunity here on Raw to show some unbelievable tekkers. Well, Pearce appreciates that and wishes them luck. They head out, and Pearce says the Draft is behind us, the roster has a new look, and it is a new era. That means new opportunities. Tonight, he put together a Fatal 4 Way to determine new #1 contenders to the World Tag Team Championships.
So obvious, New Catch Republic, VS Authors of Pain VS The Creed Brothers VS Finn Balor & JD McDonagh. The winners get their shot at The Awesome Truth. Jackie loves it! Opportunity is in the air, but also, while she has him, she wants to ask Pearce why Bron Breakker, a top pick in the Draft, wasn’t in the KOTR. Can he explain that decision? Well isn’t she a broadcast journalist. Pearce already talked with Bron last week. Bron has unlimited potential, anyone with eyes can see it, but the guy son this roster have earned spots at the highest levels. Pearce explained this to Bron, didn’t wanna shove him into the deep end.
But wait, here comes Bron. “The deep end,” huh? Bron will explain this to Pearce now: Bron’s opponents, when it comes to KOTR, he wouldn’t have been in the deep end with them, they would’ve been in that deep end with him. And Bron would’ve dragged them all under and watched them drown, while he smiled. Bron should’ve been in the damn thing. Bron storms out, Pearce is a bit stunned, but will the Big Bad Booty Nephew prove he’s a genetic freak and he’s not normal?
Queen of the Ring Quarterfinals: Lyra Valkyria VS Zoey Stark!
A former NXT Women’s Champion faces off with a former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion, and it is truly a glimpse at the bright future of the Raw Women’s Division. But will The Morrigan soar to new heights as she steps closer to the crown? Or will the Hunter take down her prey as she builds her legacy?
The bell rings and the two tie up. Zoey powers Lyra back but Lyra puts her in the corner. Lyra lets off, Zoey shoves her, so Lyra shoves back! Lyra dodges the lariat to headlock, but Zoey powers out. Lyra goes up and over, handsprings, then arm-drags Zoey! Lyra then dodges Zoey to go up and up and FLYING ELBOW! Another arm-drag, and Lyra has the armlock! Zoey fights up, powers Lyra to ropes and KNEES low! Zoey pie faces Lyra, whips, but Lyra ducks ‘n’ dodges. Lyra then jumps up to RANA Zoey out of the ring! The fans fire up as Lyra goes to the apron, but Zoey blocks the kick! Lyra kicks free, leaps, but Zoey dodges!
Zoey runs up to LARIAT Lyra down! The fans boo but Zoey soaks it up as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Lyra flounders. Zoey springboards in to MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Zoey mocks Lyra’s posing, flexes on her, then clamps onto Lyra with a cravat. Lyra endures the neck wrench, Zoey shouts at Pat McAfee to put her dropkick over, but Lyra fights up. The fans rally as Lyra fires body shots, but Zoey fires forearms and elbows! Zoey kicks the legs out, then pushes Lyra around. Zoey runs, but Lyra avoids the knee to ghost pin! TWO, and both women stand up! Lyra blocks a shot to ROCK Zoey! And ROCK! SOBAT! KICK! ENZIGIRI! Zoey tumbles out of the ring and the fans fire up!
Lyra builds speed and WRECKS Zoey with a dropkick! Lyra puts Zoey in fast, goes up a corner, and CROSSBODIES! Lyra pushes Zoey around, gets her up, TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Zoey stays in this but Lyra stays focused. The fans rally behind Lyra and she drags Zoey up. Lyra fireman’s carries, but Zoey slips free to waistlock. Lyra switches, Zoey elbows out! Zoey CLUBS Lyra, KICKS the legs out, then runs up, but Lyra ducks the kick! Lyra kips up but Zoey ducks the enzigiri to SUPERKICK! And then HALF ‘N’ HALF! Cover, TWO! Lyra survives and Zoey is losing her cool! Zoey storms to a corner, says she’s done!
Zoey climbs, DIVING- NO, Lyra moves and Zoey rolls through! But Lyra hits a WHEEL KICK! And then she reels Zoey in, TORNADO- NO, Zoey stops that to snap suplex into the buckles! Cover, TWO!! Lyra survives again and Zoey is furious! Zoey pie faces and pushes Lyra around, then she drags her up. Zoey SLAPS Lyra, Lyra SLAPS back! The fans fire up and Zoey SUPERKICKS again! Zoey scoops, Z 3- NO, Lyra blocks and fireman’s carries, into the NIGHTWING DRIVER!! Cover, Lyra wins!
Winner: Lyra Valkyria, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
And now Raw’s half of the semifinals are set! Jackie interviews Lyra in the ring, saying she is making quite the first impression! Congratulations on moving on in the QOTR! Anything she’d like to say to Iyo ahead of their match? Lyra asks back if they wanna know why she’s so confident. Lyra speaks in Gaelic, then says you’ll find out what that means later. But she will say that she is Lyra Valkyria, the former NXT Women’s Champion, and she travels as the crow flies: straight to the top! The fans fire up as The Morrigan and the Evil Genius are set to collide! Who will own the skies and fly right to the finals?
Jey Uso speaks.
“Uh-huh! Uh-huh! Drew McIntyre couldn’t cut it, so they put ya boi in the King of the Ring tournament! Last week, Finn Balor got the YEET down! Tonight, though, the newcomer, Ilja Dragunov, welcome to Mon-Jey Night Raw, Uce! But you gonna get this work, too! Just like next week, Da Ring General, Gunther, YEET down. And then I’m gonna get a new crown, where it’s gonna go down, where I become the NEW King of the Ring. YEET!” Main Event Jey is ready for said main event, but will he be able to slay the Mad Dragon?
Otis w/ Chad Gable VS Sami Zayn!
Tozawa failed to slow Bronson Reed down by even a step, but now the Academy’s number one guy steps up to the Intercontinental Champion himself! Will this tree trunk fall on Sami and ruin his run up to the KQOTR event? Or will the Great Liberator help show the Academy’s ways aren’t working?
Raw returns as The Academy makes their entrance. The bell rings, Sami and Otis tie up, and Otis powers Sami to a corner., Sami gets free to fire off forearms! Otis puts Sami back in the corner to CLUB away on him! The fans boo but Gable cheers. The ref counts, Otis lets off, and Otis whips Sami to ropes. WRECKER ELBOW! Otis huffs and puffs and Gable says that’s the one he’s been looking for! Sami goes to a corner, Otis runs in to SPLASH! Sami flops and Otis is tempted. The fans want it, Pat wants it, but Gable says don’t do it! Otis starts getting that motor running but Gable tells him no! Otis really wants to, though!
Gable says NO, slow that roll! Otis listens… TO HIS HEART! He rips the shirt open, does the CATERPILLAR and ELBOW DROPS! The fans fire up but Gable is furious! Otis looks at Gable shouting at him, and he goes up the corner as told. VADER BOMB FLOPS! Sami now takes aim, and runs in to HELLUVA KICK!! Cover, Sami wins!
Winner: Sami Zayn, by pinfall
Okay, that one was on Gable. If he’d just let Otis be Otis, Otis would’ve won, the whole point of this match! Gable storms into the ring to berate Otis, but the fans boo. Gable SLAPS Otis?! Sami rushes back into the ring to go after Gable! CORNER EXPLODER! The fans are thunderous as Sami then runs up, but Gable bails out! Otis helps Gable up, even though he doesn’t deserve it, and Gable shakes Otis off. Gable doesn’t want Otis’ help! Gable blames Otis for all this, and then SLAPS Otis again!! Gable storms off, just how much more abuse is Otis going to put up with?
Braun Strowman talks with The Creed Brothers.
The Monster Among Men just wants to let Julius & Brutus know, they have a hell of an opportunity. It has been a lot of fun watching them make a name for themselves here on Raw, they’ve got a hecc of a future ahead of them. And just check the pipes on Ivy, she could give Braun a run for his money. But then JD calls Strowman out. Braun asks what JD wants, and JD says Braun got in their business. And? Here on Raw, Judgment Day doesn’t appreciate people sticking their nose in their business. Braun chuckles. What’s JD gonna do about it? JD says he should consider himself warned. JD storms off and Braun chuckles. He’s been warned~!
But anyway, Braun wishes The Creeds good luck in the Fatal 4 Way. Will Julius & Brutus make it through to then reach The Awesome Truth?
Becky Lynch VS Dakota Kai w/ Damage CTRL!
The Women’s World Champion got even with Liv Morgan for leaving her high and dry, but now she’s going to settle things with #CobraKai for picking the fight in the first place. Will Dakota see what happens when The Man comes around? Or will she be ready for The Big Time?
The bell rings and the two circle. The fans rally up, the two start shoving, and then Becky dodges a shot to ROCK Dakota! Becky stomps away on Dakota in a corner, lets off as the ref counts, then runs back in. Dakota boots but Becky blocks to ELBOW Dakota! Becky bumps Dakota off buckles, brings her around, and bumps her off more buckles! And then off buckles in the third corner! Becky dribbles Dakota off the buckle, then lets off as the ref counts. Dakota bails out, Becky builds speed, and Becky WRECKS Dakota with a dropkick! Becky goes to the apron, and then hits a FLYING FOREARM! Dakota falls again, but Becky gets her up.
Becky SMACKS Dakota off the apron, brings her around, and SMACKS her off more apron. Becky puts Dakota in, storms up but Dakota shoulders in. Becky KICKS Dakota in the ropes, ROUNDHOUSES her away, but Iyo runs up! Becky BOOTS Iyo, then Becky goes up a corner. Kairi is there to distract Becky, and Dakota BOOTS Becky! Dakota THROWS Becky off the top, then storms over to stomp her! Dakota puts Becky on ropes to CHOKE! The ref counts, Dakota lets off, and she taunts Becky as she hits buckle bumps in return! Dakota counts along with her dribbling, but Becky hits back to bump Dakota off buckles!
Becky whips, Dakota reverses, but Becky reverses again! Dakota dodges, runs around the world, and BOOTS Becky down! Dakota stomps Becky, drags her up, and clamps on a chinlock! Becky endures as Dakota squeezes tight, and the fans rally up. Becky fights up, arm-drags free, but then Dakota blocks a boot! Becky ENZIGIRIS! Dakota goes to a corner, Becky runs up but only gets buckles. Dakota tries going Around the World again but Becky dodges! JUMP KICK! Both women are down and the fans fire up as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Dakota drags Becky up to a fireman’s carry. Becky slips free, waistlocks, and O’Conner Rolls, TWO! Dakota has the roll-up, TWO! Becky stands, Dakota kicks and TOSSES her to the apron! Dakota puts Becky in ropes to JUMP STOMP her down! Cover, TWO! Becky survives and Dakota is furious! Dakota rises, tells Becky to get up, and then Dakota runs in, but Becky BOOTS back! Dakota ROCKS Becky, runs again, but Becky runs! Dakota sees that and ROCKS Becky again! But Becky runs up, into an ELBOW! Dakota whips, Becky reverses, and now Dakota’s on the apron! But Dakota RAMS into Becky!
Dakota drags Becky into ropes, but Becky avoids the stomp! She gets Dakota in the ropes to ROCK, UPPERCUT and SOBAT! Becky goes up the corner, GUILLOTINE LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Dakota stays in this and DMG CTRL is relieved. The fans rally up as Becky and Dakota stir. Becky slaps herself to get that fire back, and she storms up on Dakota. Clinch and- NO, Dakota slips free, shoves and BOOTS in the corner! Becky falls, Dakota covers, TWO!! Becky survives and Dakota is losing her mind! Dakota goes back to the corner, climbs up, but Becky trips her up first! Becky now climbs and the fans rally!
Dakota CLUBS Becky, Becky hits back! They brawl up top, Becky CLUBS away and then brings Dakota up! The fans fire up for the SUPERPLEX! And then ARMBAR! Dakota flails, fights around, stacks, TWO! Becky pops Dakota into a cradle, TWO! Dakota high stacks, ONE!! DISARM-HER! DMG CTRL ATTACKS!!
Winner: Becky Lynch, by disqualification
The fans boo as Iyo & Kairi beat Becky down, but here comes Lyra! Lyra did say she’d have Becky’s back so here she is! ENZIGIRI for Dakota! ENZIGIRI for Kairi! Iyo and Lyra stare down, but Iyo swings first! Lyra ducks, Becky CLOBBERS Iyo! The fans fire up as the Irish lasses kick some asses, but then Liv runs in to POST Becky!! Liv runs away, but this blindside only proves Becky right! Will Liv do whatever she has to in order to get that Women’s World Championship? Will Becky do what she must to put Liv in her place?
Backstage interview with Ilja Dragunov.
Jackie is now with The Mad Dragon and says last week, he kicked off the tournament with a thrilling victory over Ricochet. Tonight is a quarterfinal match with Main Event Jey in the main event, what is Ilja’s mindset going in? Dragunov says some believe it is a dream, or destiny, to be here. To be in this spot, to feel a moment like this. But for Dragunov, it is not enough just to be here. He is here to make an impact night in and night out, and it starts with him becoming The Czar of the Ring! Last week, he and Ricochet pushed themselves to the absolute limits! And when it was time to strike, Dragunov took it!
Dragunov promises to bring the same fight to the Main Event, Jey Uso, tonight! And Dragunov knows Jey is ready for a battle. But what is waiting on the other side is a different kind of animal. One only a few have beaten. But Dragunov is more than a different kind of animal. He is a different kind of DRAGON! Dragunov beat Gunther! And so Dragunov and Gunther have a long history together. But one thing is for sure, it is NOT over! And wait, Gunther steps in! Gunther smirks a bit as he looks Dragunov over. Gunther leaves, will he end up with an even better look in the semifinals?
WWE World Tag Team Championship #1 Contenders Fatal 4 Way: New Catch Republic VS Authors of Pain VS The Creed Brothers VS Finn Balor & JD McDonagh!
Tyler Bate & Pete Dunne, Akam & Rezar, Julius & Brutus, The Prince & The Irish Ace. This is a star-studded match to be sure, but only one team can make it through! Who defies the odds to head for The Awesome Truth?
Raw returns and speaking of The Awesome Truth, they’re ringside to watch this in person! New Catch Republic make their entrance now, followed by The Creeds, and that leaves The Final Testament to make theirs last but certainly not least. For this Fatal 4 Way, only two teams are legal at a time, so The Big Strong Boi steps to Finn. They circle, feel things out, and Finn kicks low! Finn CLUBS Bate, bumps him off buckles, then ROCKS him. Tag to JD, he stomps Bate a few times, then snapmares. Bate is up but JD trips him. JD stomps Bate in the stomach, but Bate reaches up to twist and headscissor hold JD!
Bate handstand walks his way to the corner, tag to The Bruiserweight, and Bate RANAS! NCR double whip JD, then double back drop! The fans fire up, Dunne keeps JD from Finn and bends the fingers! JD suffers, the fans fire up, and Dunne isolates that arm to STOMP it! JD writhes but Dunne brings him up to wrench. JD ROCKS Dunne, Julius tags in! Julis tags Brutus, they KNEE JD back and forth! Then they DOUBLE GUTBUSTER! The Creeds double whip JD, but JD holds ropes to BOOT them both away! Akam CLOBBERS JD, then Rezar CLOBBERS The Creeds! Akam BLASTS Finn, Rezar SPINEBUSTERS Bate! Akam scoops and SLAMS Dunne onto Bate!
The fans boo but the AOP just shout at everyone. AOP get JD up to DOUBLE HIP TOSS him out onto everyone else! The fans boo but the Authors of Pain are all fired up as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Finn fires off hands on Brutus in the corner. The fans boo but Finn soaks up the heat. Tag to JD, JD stomps Brutus down, then he tags Finn back in. The Judgment Day gets Brutus up but then they sucker punch NCR! The fans boo again but JD & Finn turn around, into DOUBLE LARIATS from Brutus! The fans rally as Brutus crawls for his corner, Finn goes to the other wat. Hot tag to Julius, Finn runs up into an OVERHEAD SUPLEX! Julius kips up to OVERHEAD SUPLEX JD! Julius kips up to DROPKICK Akam, and he DECKS Rezar! JD & Finn mug Julius, double whip, but Juilus reverse sto reel them in! DOUBLE NORTHERN LIGHTS!
Julius kips up, the fans fire up, and Awesome Truth are in awe as Julius STANDING SHOOTING STARS! JD hurries over but Juilus oves, the ax handle hits Finn! Julius TOSSES JD out, but Finn rolls Julius up! TWO, and Finn aims form a corner! SLINGBLADE! Finn aims again, to SHOTGUN Julius down! Finn hurries up top but that’s the AOP corner! NCR CLOBBER Finn first, fight off AOP, but then Dunne ASAI MOONSAULTS Akam, Bate ASAI MOONSAULTS Rezar! Julius gets Finn for a SUPER DUPER PLEX!! Cover, TWO!! The fans fire up as Julius hurries to get Finn up. Tag to Brutus, and Julius Electric Chair Lifts!
JD saves Finn and shoves Julius into Brutus! AOP get in to attack Judgment Day! “This is Awesome!” as we get a SUPER COLLIDER!! Bate & Dunne DOUBLE GAMANGIRI Akam! Then they DOUBLE FOREARM Rezar! Akam returns, grabs both of them and he SHOVES NCR up and out! Akam gets Brutus up but Brutus lifts Akam! SAIDO!! The fans fire up with Brutus and he goes up a corner. Bate tags in before the BRUTUS BALL!! Brutus takes out the AOP and Dunne, but Bate aims at Akam! REBOUNDER, and fireman’s carry!! For an AIRPLANE SPIN!! Around and around and around we go, and the fans fire up for the THROW!
But Finn gets Bate for a roll-up! TWO!! Bate says Bop up, BANG! Dunne tags in, NCR get Finn for a DOUBLE TYLER DRIVER!! Cover, JD breaks it!! The fans boo but Bate builds speed to DIVE and take out JD into the desk! Dunne hurries after JD, to rain down fists of fury! The fans are thunderous, but then CARLITO attacks Dunne! BACKSTABBER on the desk!! Caribbean Cool helps out his amigos, and JD HEADBUTTS Bate! JD puts Dunne in, Finn goes up top! COUP DE GRACE!! Cover, Judgment Day wins!!
Winners: Finn Balor & JD McDonagh, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contenders to the World Tag Team Championships)
Finn grins at Miz & Truth, because here we go again! Finn also nods to Carlito for the assist, is Carlito going to win the Judgment Day over the way JD once did? Will it be even better when Finn & JD bring the tag titles back to the Judgment Day?
Ricochet finds Ilja Dragunov backstage.
The One and Only says he just wants to show respect for the match last week. That was one hell of a fight. And the next time this happens, Ricochet promises the outcome will be different. But as far as tonight goes, he wishes Dragunov good luck, and to go get the crown. Will the Czar do just that? Or will we all hail #KingYEET?
Judgment Day regroups backstage.
Priest talks Dom’s new facial hair with him, but then gets serious. Are Dom and Rhea good? Yeah, why does he ask? But then Finn & JD step in, celebrating with Carlito! Big assist to have the #1 contendership, they’re getting those tag titles! But Priest doesn’t look happy, and Carlito says he gest it. He’s not wanted. But then Priest tells Carlito that what happened out there… was cool. He said it! Priest then tells Carlito that he brought up Rey Mysterio. The boys will have his back, but Carlito can handle his business, right? Of course! Good. Because the crew doesn’t roll with cowards. Don’t let them down, amigo.
Priest heads out, Carlito says no one’s scared of Rey. But they all celebrate winning Priest over, will Caribbean Cool bring down the King of Lucha Libre?
King of the Ring Quarterfinals: Jey Uso VS Ilja Dragunov!
Raw returns and Dragunov makes his entrance. The bell rings and the fans “YEET! YEET! YEET!” as Jey circles with Dragunov. They tie up, go around, and Jey puts Dragunov in a corner. Dragunov turns it around, but lets off slowly. The fans chant for “UCE! OH!” but Jey ducks the backhand! Dragunov blocks a haymaker to CHOP! And CHOP! Jey shoves, kicks, but Dragunov blocks! And he ducks the Dragon Whip! Jey stagger sup, into a SPINNING CHOP! The fans rally but Dragunov says he will be the CZAR of the Ring! Jey goes to a corner, Dragunov runs up to KNEE him down! Dragunov then pushes Jey down, goes up, and KING KONG KNEE DROPS!
Dragunov fires up, fans are torn, and Dragunov goes up a corner. But Jey gets up to UPPERCUT first! Dragunov tumbles to the apron then the floor, and Jey builds speed! Jey DIVES and Dragunov hits the desk! Both men fall and the fans fire up! A standing count starts, but fans chant “YEET! YEET! YEET!” as Jey gets Dragunov up. Jey fireman’s carries, but Dragunov slips free and JUMP KICKS! Jey falls, Dragunov refreshes the count, and he fires up again! The fans are torn but they like him clearing off the desk! Dragunov brings Jey up to CHOP him onto the desk! Dragunov then positions Jey just right, and goes up the barriers!
The fans fire up as Dragunov aims, to H-BOMB only desk! Jey avoids disaster and Dragunov clutches his hand! Jey slides into the ring but slides right back out, to SPEAR Dragunov over the desk!! The fans are thunderous while both men are down and Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again and Dragunov has Jey caught with a COBRA TWIST! Jey endures, pries at the hold, and the fans rally up. Jey hip tosses free! Both men are down and the fans rally again. Jey rises and he aims at Dragunov. Jey runs up to ROCK him with a haymaker! Dragunov wobbles, but he comes back to ROCK Jey! Jey ROCKS Dragunov, “YEET!” Dragunov drops to a knee, but he rises to CHOP! Jey UPPERCUTS, “YEET!” Jey shoves Dragunov, Dragunov CHOPS back! Dragunov fires boxing elbows, then winds up, but Jey counter punches! And again! And again! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Jey pops, locks ‘n’ puts stank on it to DECK Dragunov!
The fans fire up, Jey kicks but Dragunov blocks! The DRAGON WHIP hits this time! Dragunov falls, Jey has the fans fire up with a “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Jey runs corner to corner, but Dragunov BOOTS him down! Dragunov stalks Jey, Jey rises, and Dragunov waistlocks! GERMAN SUPLEX! Dragunov holds on and says Jey’s not going anywhere! Dragunov hauls Jey up, to GERMAN SUPLEX again! Dragunov still holds on, but Jey fights with elbows! Jey arm-drags free, and mule kicks! Then UPERCUTS! But Dragunov springs up to PELE! Dragunov runs, CONSTANTINE SPECIAL! Cover, TWO!! Jey survives and Dragunov is stunned!
The fans rally, “This is Awesome!” as both men rise. Dragunov shakes his head, he storms up on Jey in a corner, and he CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! The fans “WOO~!” as Dragunov MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Dragunov then scrapes his boot on Jey’s face! And again! Dragunov runs side to side, to BOOT WASH! Dragunov snarls and he drags Jey back up. Dragunov waistlocks, but Jey fights the hold! Jey switches, shoves, CONSTANTINE- BOOT! Jey then SUPERKICKS! SUPERKICK again! Cover, TWO!! Dragunov survives but Jey keeps cool. Jey’s ear is bleeding from where the earring is, but he doesn’t let it bother him.
Jey aims from a corner, runs up, but into a KNEE! Dragunov runs up to KNEE Jey down! Dragunov then drags Jey up, reels him in, and POWERBOMBS! Dragunov goes to a corner, takes aim, and H-BOMBS!! Cover, TWO!! Dragunov couldn’t keep Jey down from the pain in his hand, but now he reloads! “UN! BE! SIEG! BAR!!” TORPEDO MOS- SPEAR!! Jey hurries up top to USO SPLASH!! Cover, JEY WINS!!
Winner: Jey Uso, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
Dragunov brought out the intensity, and Jey managed to match it! And that means Jey will be facing Gunther in the semifinals in Greensboro! And speaking of, Gunther makes his way out here! He gives a look to Dragunov, then steps into the ring with Jey. The fans fire up as Jey and Gunther have a stare down! Will Der Ring General catch this YEET down? Or will nothing stop Gunther from heading for the crown?
My Thoughts:
A great episode for Raw, and they really gave each of these quarterfinal matches the room to breathe and really get going. Great use of recording the superstar arrivals to add to story this time, with Iyo getting at Shayna for Shayna to then get at her right before the match. Great promo segment from Lyra, Liv and Becky, really good match from Lyra VS Zoey. Really good match from Becky VS Dakota, but it was a little sloppy in the middle. Perhaps just simple miscommunication. Those two haven’t faced off much, they just needed to get a rhythm. Good move having Becky win by DQ, and then good move of Liv getting back at Becky for the punch. Iyo VS Lyra next week is going to be awesome, Becky VS Liv is going to be wild stuff for KQOTR.
The King of the Ring matches were also great. Kofi & Woods had a really good promo going into Kofi’s match with Gunther, which was awesome. Gunther winning out made sense, though, given who was on the other side of the bracket. Great promo from Kaiser running down Sheamus, and you can bet Sheamus comes back to Brogue Kaiser in the face. Good promo from Jey to call out Gunther and Dragunov, good promo from Dragunov, and great little bit of Gunther during Dragunov’s segment. Awesome main event match, and while Gunther VS Dragunov would’ve been awesome, it’ll still be awesome later on so let’s get the awesome rematch of Gunther VS Jey now. That match could really go either way, SmackDown’s bracket will also go a long way to figuring this out.
And we still got great non-tournament content going towards KQOTR. Great promo from McIntyre to call out Punk, because I just knew he’d spin Punk calling him out around like that. Great stuff from Priest, too, as McIntyre again gets the truth thrown in his face and can’t reply in the moment. Great stuff with Judgment Day wanting to have Carlito join up and all that, and I did not think Carlito would make a move to earn his place so soon. That Fatal 4 Tag was awesome stuff, but it made a lot of sense for JD & Finn to win their shot at the tag titles. I hope Awesome Truth find a way to retain, they’ve been too fun as a team to lose these belts already.
Good little promo from Braun with The Creeds and JD. Braun being the “Monster” is sure being a nice guy right now, but he’ll definitely pulverize JD at some point. All this Wyatt 6 teasing, I wonder if Braun’s being a nice guy all to “swerve” us and reveal he’s one of the masterminds behind what’s coming. And really good stuff with the Intercontinental Championship story. Gable keeps taking his anger all out on The Academy, and that is the real reason they’ve been failing. I almost thought Gable slapping Otis was gonna be the last straw, but perhaps The Academy standing up to Gable is why he loses at KQOTR. It’ll definitely be a great moment as the fans are definitely behind Otis on this. Otis has been doing good stuff for a long time, he deserves to have something.
My Score: 8.8/10
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IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! 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!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
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THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
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SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Oblong Ball Foot Show: One For The Road
The Philadelphia Eagles are Super Bowl Champions! Tune in as we recap an excellent NFL season and touch on a...
Oblong Ball Foot Show: Super Bowl LIX Preview
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Anillo de Honor!
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G'day, mates!
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Visionary VS Prince!
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