Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (8/26/24)
There you are…!
Who steps closer to gold?
Bash In Berlin is days away, and while Gunther prepares for Randy Orton, the WWE Intercontinental Championship contender’s tournament begins!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- 8 Man Tag: The Judgment Day VS The LWO; Judgment Day wins.
- Iyo Sky & Kairi Sane VS Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark w/ Sonya Deville; Iyo & Kairi win.
- WWE Intercontinental Championship Contender’s Tournament Triple Threat: Kofi Kingston VS Karrion Kross VS Jey Uso; Jey wins and advances.
- Bronson Reed VS Braun Strowman; No Contest.
- WWE Intercontinental Championship Contender’s Tournament Triple Threat: The Miz VS Xavier Woods VS Pete Dunne; Dunne wins and advances.
- Chad Gable VS “Uncle Howdy” Bo Dallas; Howdy wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
WWE mourns the loss of Sid Eudy.
Known by his nicknames of Sid Vicious, Sid Justice and even “Sycho Sid,” he was bad to the bone, and made his initial impact in WCW. His 6’9″ physique and fierce demeanor made him the perfect muscle for the Four Horsemen. It also set the stage for his WWE debut in 1991. Eyes wide open, imposing size, and unmatched intensity, Sid rose to the top quickly, going toe to toe even with Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania 8, and main-eventing against The Undertaker at WM 13. Sid backed up his athleticism with mind games, won multiple world championships over nearly 30 years. But despite his menacing presence in the ring, Sid was known for his kind heart outside it.
A devoted family man, Sid will be remembered as a man of strength, kindness and love. He was a larger than life star who stood out in an era of larger than life characters, with a legacy that will live on forever.
The Judgment Day is here!
Providence, Rhode Island boos as Finn Balor leads the way for JD McDonagh, Carlito, Dominik Mysterio & Liv Morgan as they head down to the ring. They huddle up first, then break for the WWE World Tag Team Champions and Caribbean Cool to roll in first. Then Liv & Dirty Dom nuzzle noses before they hop onto the apron. The fans boo more as the group gets the mics. Liv starts by welcoming us to Monday Night Raw, and telling us to ALL RISE for The Judgment Day! Prince Finn says let’s remind everyone what Judgment Day is all about! Roll the tape!
We see replay of last week, when Dom was almost demolished, but Liv saved him. Then the rest of Judgment Day beat down “Terror Twins,” Damian Priest & Rhea Ripley, doing a lot of damage this close to Bash In Berlin. Carlito says now that was cool. JD tells Priest & Rhea that that beating was a long time coming! Finn agrees, and says let’s make one thing clear: They’re not the bad guys around here! It’s Priest & Rhea! If you ask this Judgment Day, Priest & Rhea betrayed them, and they got what they deserved!
And by the way, last week was just a preview of what happens at Bash In Berlin! Liv says she almost feels she should thank Rhea. If Rhea wasn’t so selfish, self-centered and egotistically, none of this could’ve happened. And at Bash In Berlin, when they stand over the lifeless, pathetic bodies of Priest & Rhea, hopefully they finally realize Dom & Liv are always on top. Dom starts but the fans boo even louder now. They even chant “DOM YOU SUCK! DOM YOU SUCK!” Carlito and Dom tell them all to shut up so Dom can talk!
Dom finally manages to say that Liv does things for Dom that Rhea has never done! Like help him beat his deadbeat dad, Rey Mysterio. With Liv’s full support, Dom is now entering the Intercontinental Championship Contender’s Tournament! And he will win the whole damn thing! So everyone will see why he is El Jefe! Especially Damian Priest and- WAIT! Here comes Rey! And he’s brought the Latino World Order! Dragon Lee returns, alongside Joaquin Wilde & Cruz Del Toro, and they storm right down to the ring! Rey gets a mic so he can tell his son, “Have you looked in the mirror recently? You’re a lost soul! You need help! You’re outta control, son!
“At least when you were with Rhea, one of you had a set! And it sure wasn’t you. Someone needs to put you in your place.” Dom laughs and asks if that’s gonna be Rey. Dom already beat Rey, and then he disappeared for weeks. Rey says Dom just had to go there. Dom’s always been a jackass, but now that he’s hanging out with wera Liv, he’s an even BIGGER jackass! Liv says no one talks about the Women’s World Champion like that, especially not some deadbeat. Dom, go get him! Yeah, Dom hit Rey! Rey would love to smack that stupid mustache off his face! The fans fire up for that!
Dom tells Rey he’d like to see Rey’s old ass try. JD runs up but Rey DECKS him! And the brawl is on! Liv gets back as the boys all throw hands! The LWO DUMPS out Judgment Day, and then Dragon builds speed to FLY! Direct hit on all of Judgment Day! Are Dom and his pals about to learn why you don’t mess with the LWO?
8 Man Tag: The Judgment Day VS The LWO!
Raw returns and this is already underway as Finn CHOKES Dragon. Finn whips Dragon corner to corner but Dragon BOOTS him, then RANAS him! A rough tumble but Finn is up, only for Dragon to JUMP KICK, leg sweep, and COMBINACION DRAGON! The fans fire up as Dragon then drags Finn over. Tag to Rey, they mug Finn, then Rey fires hands. Rey whips corner to corner, Finn goes up and over then comes back, but into an ELBOW! Rey wheelbarrows to BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! The fans rally as Rey storms up on Finn, but Finn kicks low. Finn bumps Rey off buckles, tags Carlito, and Carlito fires forearms on Rey.
Carlito whips Rey corner to corner, Rey stops to drop toehold Carlito into buckles! Rey then brings Carlito over to tag in Cruz. Cruz goes up to AX HANDLE the arm! Cruz fires hands, then bobs ‘n’ weaves Carlito’s shots to CHOP! Carlito still puts Cruz in a corner. Cruz BOOTS Carlito, goes up, then springboards to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Carlito stays in this but Cruz stays on him. Tag to Wilde and they double whip to DOUBLE ELBOW! Then they combine for the HIP TOSS SLINGSHOT SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Wilde facelocks Carlito, tags Cruz back in, and they mug Carlito. Cruz bumps Carlito off buckles, then CHOPS!
The fans fire up as Cruz whips. Carlito reverses, Cruz goes out and around, springboards, but Finn helps Carlito dodge! There’s a bit of chaos as Finn distracts the ref, but Cruz still kicks Carlito. Cruz runs, but JD gets a cheap shot in! Carlito LARIATS Cruz, the fans boo, but Carlito drags Cruz over. Carlito fires hands, tags Dom, and fans really boo now. Dom stomps Cruz, lets off as the ref counts, and JD gets his shots in. Fans boo, LWO protests but the ref stops them, so that just lets Carlito get shots in, too! Finn and Dom flex to soak up heat, then Dom goes back for Cruz. Dom stomps Cruz, rains down fists, then wags his fingers at fans.
Dom stomps Cruz, but Cruz hits back! Cruz fires hands, but Dom knees low! Dom brings Cruz over, tags Carlito, and they mug Cruz. Carlito fires more hands, then tags Finn. Finn tags JD, the tag champs double whip but Cruz KICKS Finn! Cruz fires hands on Finn & JD, but Finn kicks low! Then Finn & JD BLAST the LWO corner! The fans boo but Cruz DOUBLE DROPKICKS Finn & JD! Hot tag to Wilde! He slingshots, ducks ‘n’ dodges then CLOBBERS JD! Wilde mule kicks, spins and FACEBUSTERS! Wilde BLASTS Judgment Day, blocks JD’s kick and DDTS! The fans fire up and Wilde calls to his team. Dragon gets in as Dom runs up!
Dragon kicks Dom then throws him out! Cruz does the same to Carlito! The fans fire up as LWO all build speed, only for Judgment Day to run away. But then LWO set up, BOOSTER SPLASH!! Wilde bowls a strike on Judgment Day, and the fans are thunderous as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Carlito grinds Wilde down with a chinlock. Wilde endures as the fans rally up, and he fights to his feet. Carlito CLUBS Wilde down, then he drags Wilde over as fans boo. Carlito snapmares Wilde, tags Finn, and Finn slingshot STMOPS! Finn tags Dom to slingshot SENTON! Dom tags JD and he ARABIAN PRESSES! Cover, TWO! JD argues with the ref, but then he stalks Wilde. JD clamps onto Wilde’s arm and grinds. Wilde fights up, reaches out, and then fires hands! JD holds on desperately, then whips Wilde away! Wilde ELBOWS Carlito, he dodges JD, but Dom tags in! Finn runs up first, but Wilde TOSSES him!
Dom runs up but Wilde gets away, hot tag to Rey! Rey rallies on his prodigal son and whips. Dom reverses but Rey ducks ‘n’ dodges to tilt-o-whirl RANA! The fans fire up as Dom goes to a corner. Rey runs up, Dom puts him on the apron, but Rey ROCKS Dom first! Then he THROWS Dom down! Rey goes up, and SEATED SENTONS! Rey DECKS Finn, DECKS Carlito, then goes back for Dom. Dom kick slow, the fans boo, but Dom whips. Rey reverses, Dom sunset flips but Rey rolls through to BUZZSAW! Cover, TWO! Dom stays in this but LWO coaches Rey. Liv tells Dom he’s so much better, but Rey goes up top!
The fans fire up, but Dom ROCKS Rey first! Dom climbs while fans boo, and Dom goes to the very top! Rey fires body shots! Rey HEADBUTTS Dom and then goes up, SUPSER SUSNET BOMB! Cover, JD & Carlito break it! But Cruz & Wilde springboard in, Cruz MISSILE DROPKICKS JD, Wilde trips up a bit. Carlito goes after Wilde, Cruz BOOTS him first! Dragon runs in to tilt-o-whirl RANA Finn! LWO regroups as they have Dom surrounded! The fans fire up as Dom freaks out! Rey DUMPS Dom out of the ring! Rey spells it out, “L! W! O!” QUADRUPLE TOPES!! Direct hits all around the ring and the fans are thunderous!
Liv is furious with Rey, but Rey just puts Dom in. Rey slingshots to put Dom on ropes! The fans fire up as Rey dials it up, 619!! Dom flounders around, Rey climbs up, but Finn distracts the ref! FROG SPLASH FLOPS because Liv drags Dom away! Dom then hurries to La Magistrol! JUDGMENT DAY WINS!
Winners: The Judgment Day, by pinfall
Liv is again the deciding factor, and now Judgment Day beats down LWO just because! The fans boo but Dom DECKS his dad! Rey tumbles out of the ring but Judgment Day isn’t done! They TOSS Dragon and the others aside, then they clear the desk! Finn SMACKS Rey off the desk, puts him on it, and then JD rains down fists! Dom goes up to the very top, and he aims from the post! But here come Rhea & Priest!! The fans are thunderous as The Terror Twins run right down to ringside! Priest CLOBBERS JD, Carlito and Finn, Rhea catches Liv before she can get away! The fans fire up as Rhea SMACKS Liv off the desk! And POSTS her!
Dom is stuck up top like a cat that climbed a tree! Dom hurries away from Priest, but sees Mami! Liv hurries back in to jump on Rhea! Priest DECKS Dom, but now he gets swarmed! Finn gets Liv out of harm’s way, but Priest and Rhea CLOBBER JD and Carlito! Priest tells Finn, Dom & Liv that this is what’s coming for them in Berlin! SOUTH OF HEAVEN and a RIPTIDE!! Will Bash In Berlin be the day Judgment Day faces the consequences of their actions?
Backstage interview with The Miz.
Jackie Redmond is with The Hollywood A-Lister and notes his part in the Intercontinental Championship Contender’s Tournament. That title is one Miz has held an impressive EIGHT times, but this opportunity comes on the heels of a rough couple of weeks. What is Miz’s mindset going into tonight? Miz says it was good, until Jackie had to bring that up. Miz has had a bad time. Awesome Truth lost the tag titles, Miz didn’t get to complete in Cleveland for SummerSlam, and Bronson Reed crushed R-Truth. When Miz tries to avenge Truth, Bronson gives Miz a Tsunami. It feels like whenever Miz tries to do what’s right, it goes wrong.
But tonight, he can right those wrongs because tonight, he has a chance to get one step closer to the title HE made matter! The title that if he wins, he could tie for the most reigns ever! He’s talking about THE Intercontinental Championship. But in steps Bronson Reed. And he tells Miz that Miz came after him because he took out Truth. Truth came after Bronson because Bronson took out Seth Rollins. And now Miz has gone and gotten Braun Strowman involved. Bronson has lost track of all the people he has to maim. So once he maims the Monster, and he will, Bronson is coming back to finish Miz.
Bronson smiles and leaves, will Miz be able to survive these dog days of summer to make it to the Fall? Or will he just fall here tonight?
The New Day meets up backstage.
Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston know tonight is a big night! But Kofi asks, weren’t they doing matching green? Woods says he hit up Johnny and asked to put some special flare on it. Well alright, all good. But Kofi is glad they talked last week. The best thing about The New Day is that when they have an issue, they talk it out like grown men! You just don’t see that in wrestling! Emotionally mature grown men are rare, but that is why they’re going on ten years! They are the best! They communicate, just like with that tag last week. Odyssey Jones was closer, the footage shows it, they talked it out, it’s all good.
So like tonight, Kofi and Woods each have a shot at becoming #1 contender to the Intercontinental Championship. The best part is that they don’t have just one shot, they have TWO~! They can bring the title to the house of ya bois, the NEW~ DAY~! They swivel it out, “Hey~, we want some New~ Day!” Will Woods and Kofi make it through to the Fatal 4 Way finals? Or will the odds not be in their favor?
Iyo Sky & Kairi Sane VS Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark w/ Sonya Deville!
While neither Damage CTRL nor The Pure Fusion Collective came away with the tag titles last week, the chase never ends. Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn will be going to Berlin to face Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill, which team here will “welcome” the champs when they get back?
Raw returns and Cathy Kelley is at gorilla with PFC. Cathy paraphrases Sonya from a few weeks ago that the entire women’s division is on notice now that this group is together. What impact do they feel they’ve made already? Sonya says, “Oh, I dunno, Cathy. Why don’t you ask all the people sitting at home about what kind of impact we’ve made?” First there’s Dakota Kai. She might never walk again, let alone wrestle. Or ask Zelina Vega, with how Shayna owns her arm. Zoey says better yet, ask Kayden & Katana, who are now sitting at home, broken both mentally and physically. Oh wait, Cathy can’t, because they’re so pathetic that they didn’t even show up for work. How’s that for impact?
Shayna says after tonight, add Iyo & Kairi to the list. DMG CTRL, you wanna step up? Then shoot your shot! These three head to the ring, will they tear down the Sky Pirates limb by limb?
The teams sort out and Zoey starts against Iyo. They tie up, Zoey headlocks but Iyo powers out. Iyo drops, Zoey rolls, and they go again. Zoey ducks, handsprings over, but Zoey back suplexes! Iyo lands out, kicks low, and fires off forearms! Iyo whips, Zoey ducks ‘n’ dodges, Shayna tags in! Iyo runs up but Shayna DUMPS her out! Zoey taunts Iyo while Shayna taunts Kairi! The ref is distracted so Sonya KNEES Iyo down! The fans boo but PFC is in control while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Shayna drags Iyo from the corner. Iyo kicks free, then basement ENZIGIRIS Shayna down! The fans rally, Iyo and Shayna crawl, hot tag to Kairi! She runs up to step on Shayna and BLAST Zoey! Then Kairi DECKS Shayna! And DECKS her again! URAKEN! Shayna falls over, Zoey runs up! Kairi dodges, URAKEN! The fans fire up with the Pirate Princess, but Shayna kicks low! Shayna whips, Kairi goes up and then gets Zoey, RANA SNAPMARE COMBO! The fans fire up again and Kairi aims at the corner. Kairi marches to then run in, DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! Then a SLIDING D for Shayna!
The fans fire up as Kairi climbs, and she FLYING KABUKI ELBOWS Shayna! Cover, TWO! Shayna stays in this but Kairi stays on her with a headscissor squeeze! Kairi holds onto an arm but Shayna fights around. Shayna gets through the leg guard to deadlift Kairi, and SPINEBUSTER! Then AKNLE LOCK! The fans rally, Kairi endures, and Kairi turns over to BOOT Shayna! Zoey tags in, Shayna KNEES Kairi down! Zoey springboards, MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, Iyo breaks it! Shayna runs up to fire hands, then she whips. Iyo stops herself, DUMPS Shayna out again, but Zoey SUPERKICKS! SUPERKICK for Kairi, too!
Zoey puts Kairi up top, SLAPS her, then climbs. Kairi hits back with body shots, but Zoey throws some of her own. ZELINA VEGA ATTACKS SONYA! The fans cheer as La Muneca gets payback on Sonya! Kairi HEADBUTTS Zoey down, and Iyo SHOTGUNS Shayna! Kairi and Iyo coordinate, In-SANE ELBOW and an ARIHARA MOONSAULT!! Cover, DMG CTRL wins!
Winners: Iyo Sky & Kairi Sane, by pinfall
The Sky Pirates are flying high, and PFC just got a reminder that their “victims” are now just their enemies. Will PFC soon learn what it is to be bullied?
Bo Dallas speaks.
Another video from the Wyatt Sick6, and Bo says, “I stopped to marvel at all our accomplishments. Nearly stepped on a serpent. We won’t make that mistake again. The false prophet continues to reveal himself to the world. Masquerading as a loving shepherd while marching his lambs into the mouth of wolves! A bond forged in the tears of the innocent is NOT a family. It’s a blasphemy!! Chad… We have given you chance after chance, inflicting fear and suffering. And yet, you refuse to remove the scales from your eyes. Your arrogance is like a beast, risen from the sea. We must cut off the head so the blood of the damned rains down, washing away the sins of the wicked.
“I accept your challenge. Your… ‘invitation.’ This is more than a reckoning. This… is a purge! There you are…!” Will Uncle Howdy make sure Gable learns this lesson?
Drew McIntyre is here!
Providence boos The Scottish Terminator as he makes his way out to the ring, CM Punk’s stolen friendship bracelet clear on his wrist. McIntyre gets a mic to mock CM Punk with, “Boy, is it great to be alive in Providence, Rhode Island on a Monday night or what?” McIntyre smirks while fans boo, and he says he can keep going. he knows the whole routine because Punk is so predictable! Punk then talks about his favorite subject, CM Punk, for the next ten minutes or more. Then he’ll say how hot the industry is, how WWE is selling out shows around the world, as if he were part of it instead of sitting on his arse for 8 YEARS while the rest of them did the work!
And then Punk gets sentimental, where he tells a story about how “Lil’ Timmy flew 239 THOUSAND miles from the Moon to worship his Lord and Savior, CM Punk.” McIntyre then sits down cross legged like Punk to say, “Do I have your attention now?” No, this isn’t a bit, this isn’t him being cute, this is McIntyre doing what he always has, and that is telling the truth. And the truth is CM Punk is SCARED of Drew McIntyre! The fans don’t believe him? McIntyre has known since the Royal Rumble and SummerSlam! Punk keeps attacking from behind, every opportunity that he gets! And why? Because the fans keep chanting his name every single week!
The fans chant “C M PUNK!” even now, and McIntyre just smirks. Do any of them know what an enabler is? No, of course they don’t, so let him explain. “An enabler is someone that encourages someone to do something that is detrimental to their well-being! Like handing an alcoholic a drink, every time you chant Punk’s name, he gets this big ego! He gets full of himself, he makes dumb decisions like challenging me to a Strap Match!” Then when Punk sobers up, he realizes McIntyre is going to kill him! And McIntyre will. But that will be on all of you who chanted his name. Every time McIntyre lashes Punk, that’s on them.
If you chant for Punk, every scar put on Punk’s body, the fans will have to live with it. The fans continue to chant but McIntyre just sighs. They have chosen nostalgia over the warrior who has always been there for you during the dark times. But he forgives you, because you know now that you do. McIntyre says it’s funny how this “fifty cent piece of trash” causes Punk so much emotional damage. And it is ironic that the weapon Punk chose to fix to McIntyre’s wrist will now inflict so much physical damage. Because McIntyre will lash him again, and again, and- CM Punk is here! The fans fire up and McIntyre is ready, but Punk attacks from behind, with the strap!
Well, McIntyre did say it himself… Punk goes after McIntyre, he wants to either put on the strap or take off the bracelet! McIntyre ROCKS Punk first, then SMACKS him off steel steps! McIntyre SMACKS Punk off the desk, fires off hands, and then just hammers away on him! McIntyre lets his hair down, gets the strap, and he seethes as he looks it over, McIntyre runs up, btu Punk TOSSES him onto the desk! Punk LASHES away with the strap, then punches with leather bound fist! The security rushes out here, the fans boo, but McIntyre bails! Punk starts LASHING the guards! Punk TOSSES them, then LASHES the last one!
The fans are all fired up, and Punk glares at McIntyre in the crowd! Punk attacked from behind but he isn’t afraid, he’s enraged! Will nothing stop Punk from beating McIntyre down and tagging the corners? Or will his rage get the better of him like it has before?
Braun Strowman speaks.
“‘Big’ Bronson Reed. You think you’re a somebody because you put Seth Rollins on the shelf? You talk about how you’re gonna bully me? Let me remind you that I’m not a child and this isn’t the playground anymore. Because when you step foot in that ring with me tonight, you’re gonna find out why they call me The Monster of All Monsters.”
Jey Uso is in the concourse.
The fans are all fired up as Main Event Jey the new IC Champ is coming soon. So hey Uce, please, hit his music! And oh yeah, uh, YEET! The fans fire up as Jey makes his entrance through the stands, and everyone in Providence bounces with him. Will this Triple Threat be just step on in Jey finally having himself a singles title? Or will he have a hard time getting past both Kofi and Kross?
WWE Intercontinental Championship Contender’s Tournament Triple Threat: Kofi Kingston VS Karrion Kross VS Jey Uso!
Raw returns and Kross makes his entrance first, accompanied by his femme fatale, Scarlett. Then Kofi makes his entrance, the bell rings, and Kofi runs up to fire off on Kross! Jey watches Kofi fires off and stomp away, then he storms in. Jey pushes Kofi back, so that he can stomp Kross! The fans “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Kofi pushes Jey back, and the former rivals say YEET, and they stomp Kross together! The fans cheer, Kofi & Jey let off, then Jey whips Kofi in to DROPKICK! Kross bails out, so Jey rolls Kofi up! ONE!! Kofi goes to a corner, Jey whips, but Kofi reverses. Jey goes up and over, keeps moving, but Kofi drops, hurdles, then hurdles again!
Kofi ELBOWS Jey down, the fans fire up, and Kofi covers. TWO, and the fans rally. Kofi brings Jey up, mule kicks, and the fans clap, “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” Kofi wrenches, whips, but Jey ducks ‘n’ dodges. Kross trips Jey up and then LARIATS him! Kross says NO yeet, but Kofi DROPKICKS Kross! Kofi climbs the corner and the fans fire up for the SUPER TRUST FALL! Direct hit on Kross AND Jey, and the fans fire up while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Kross grinds Jey down with a chinlock. Jey fights up, fires body shots, then blocks to counter punch! The fans “YEET! YEET! YEET!” as Jey fires more hands! Jey then pops, locks ‘n’ ptus some stank on the HAYMAKER! Kofi runs up, blocks a kick and spins Jey, but Jey DRAGON WHIPS Kofi down! Jey sees Kross and Kofi in corners, “UCE! OH!” HIP ATTACK for Kofi! But Kross SUPERKICKS Jey! NO yeet! Kross runs up on Kofi but Kofi BOOTS him! Kofi goes up and up and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Kofi DOUBLE CHOPS Kross, then DOUBLE CHOSP, and DROPKICKS!
Jey is back, Kofi dodges and runs in to LEAPING LARIAT! Kofi has both men side by side, and he runs for a “NEW~ DAY~” DOUBLE BOOM DROP! The fans fire up as Kofi goes to a corner and takes aim! “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” Kross rises, TROUBLE IN- NO, Kross ducks, so Jey takes the hit! Kross whips Kofi into a corner, runs up and LARIATS! Kross ROLLING ELBOWS, and then he reels Kofi in! POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO, but into a TEXAS CLOVERLEAF! Kofi endures being bent and twisted, and he reaches for ropes! But Kross pulls him back! Kofi rolls through to SPLADLE! TWO!!
Kross runs up, but Kofi SWING KICKS him! Kofi goes out to springboard in, but Kross dodges! Kross DECKS Kofi, Jey CROSS- NO, Kross dodges the crossbody! Jey keeps moving, to SPEAR!! The fans fire up and Jey climbs up! USO SPLASH!! Cover, JEY WINS!
Winner: Jey Uso, by pinfall
YEET! Main Event Jey moves on to that huge Fatal 4 Way in two weeks! Who else joins Jey in that match? And can Jey still find his way to a title opportunity?
Gunther speaks.
Via Instagram, Der Ring General let us know he is part of the WWE Europe tour run-up to Bash In Berlin, and over there, the people recognize his greatness. But do not misunderstand, Gunther’s focus is still aimed at Saturday. As much as SummerSlam went down in history as the day that Gunther saved this great sport, Bash In Berlin will be remembered as the day where Randy Orton finally met his match. And Der Ring General will leave Berlin still World Heavyweight Champion. But what will The Viper have to say in return? We find out next, because Orton is headed to gorilla!
Randy Orton heads to the ring!
Raw returns as Providence fires up for the Apex Predator. Orton steps in the ring, does his iconic pose on the corner, then gets a mic. Orton smiles as the fans cheer him on, and he says for almost the entirety of his career, he has listened to the voices in his head. But it seems as of late, the voices he listens to now are each and every one of the fans. He thanks them, they cheer, and Orton says he wants to thank them for singing along to his music. Orton would be remised if he didn’t say that it means the world to him. Even if it took them 15 years… But still, thank you. The fans cheer again, and Orton smiles.
“Providence, listen to this. I have won a lot of titles throughout my career. But there’s one title, one world title in particular, that I loved most, and it’s the World Heavyweight Championship. Now the reason for that, is that is the first world title that I won. And I am the youngest man in history to have his name engraved on that belt.” The fans cheer that, and Orton says 10 years ago, he was given the honor, the privilege, to unify the two world titles WWE had at the time. And in that moment, Orton retired that World Heavyweight Championship, his name once again engraved upon it.
Now a year ago, this NEW World Heavyweight Championship was born, but Orton wasn’t here. He was at home, recovering from spinal fusion surgery, and he didn’t know if he’d ever make it back here. But Orton knew that if God allowed him to compete and perform again, then he would deo everything in his power to one day make sure his name was engraved on this World Heavyweight championship! This Saturday in Berlin, Orton gets his opportunity. A new World Heavyweight Championship, a new title, and a new legacy. The fans chant “You Deserve It!” Orton takes a moment to soak that in.
Orton continues by saying he does know he’ll be stepping into enemy territory in Berlin. He also knows he will be facing a living legend to Europe. Gunther is a European legend. But Orton also knows that he will be facing a man whose head is shoved so far up his own ass that Gunther has no idea that he’ll be facing the most dangerous, decorated, controversial yet successful this business has seen in almost 20 years. The fans cheer that! Orton then says that he grew up in front of each and every one of these fans. Orton signed to the WWE at 19 years old. The fans have watched him grow up, be humbled over and over again, and learn from his mistakes.
Eventually, Orton had to step out from behind the shadows, take out each of those shadows one by one, and earn every ounce of respect that comes with his name! When Gunther first stepped in, he was already a 30-something, egotistical little pr*ck! That might be the one thing that these two have in common. But the difference is that Orton was humbled. Gunther has never been put in his place. But this Saturday, that happens! All this title match ever had to be about was the title. That’s all! But Gunther had to make it personal. He talked about Orton’s family, and all the demons in Orton’s past he had to overcome.
And yeah, Orton has faced his share of them. Each one of those demons was tougher than Gunther ever was. Orton beat those demons just like he’s gonna beat Gunther and become a FIFTEEN-TIME World Champion! And if you’re curious at all as to how Orton will do it, he’ll use the three most dangerous letters in sports entertainment: R K O! The Viper has responded to Gunther’s ultimatum with one of his own, but who will back up those words with a definitive victory?
Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn speak.
“All we’ve been told is that Jade & Bianca are an unstoppable force.” “Two mega powers, superheroes come to life, ready to demolish the tag division.” But then, why does The Unholy Union still have the belts? Everyone likes to roll out the red carpet for Jade & Bianca, from media to interviews, but what good does that do when the bell rings? They scoffed at Alba & Isla going into Clash at the Castle, saying these two didn’t have a chance. But look how it turned out! Just because everyone wants Jade & Bianca to be the best, doesn’t mean it’ll happen.
So in Berlin, Alba & Isla prove the doubters wrong, prove Jade & Bianca for the frauds that they are, and then walk out still your WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions! Will these wicked witches make their predictions a reality? Or will the StrongEST Duo prove a Triple Threat is far different from going 2v2?
Bronson Reed VS Braun Strowman!
These behemoths have said their parts, now it is time to see them fight it out! It is a kaiju monster movie come to live, will Auszilla use a Tsunami to wash away the Monster of All Monsters? Or will “Big Bronson” find he’s not as bad as this One Big SOB?
Raw returns as The Colossal Aussie makes his entrance. The bell rings, the two run up, and Braun SHOTGUN DROPKICKS! Braun fires off hands in the corner, lets off as the ref counts, then he goes after Bronson in another corner. Braun BODY BLOWS, CLUBS, and CHOPS Bronson! Braun bumps Bronson off buckles, then whips him corner to corner! But Bronson comes back to CLOBBER Braun! The fans fire up, Bronson runs in and SPLASHES Braun! Bronson shoves Braun down, then HEADBUTTS him! Bronson runs to STEAMROLL SENTON! Braun flounders to a corner but Bronson goes after him.
Bronson RAMS into Braun again and again, but lets off as the ref counts. Bronson HEADBUTTS Braun, CLUBS him, then stands him up to CHOP! Braun just puts Bronson in the corner, to CHOP! The fans fire up, Braun gets moving, and he CROSSBODIES?! Bronson falls, Braun fires up, and Providence fires up as Braun watches Bronson. Bronson stands, Braun runs in again, but into a BOOT! Bronson goes up, to CROSSBODY back!! Braun bails out, Bronson catches his breath, these big men are going hard! Bronson BOOTS Braun down, then gets a wild idea to build speed! TITAN SIZED TOPE!! The fans lose their minds while both men are down, and Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again and the hands are going back and forth! Braun gets the edge but Bronson kicks low then DDTs! The fans are torn, but Bronson heads up top! The fans know what he wants, but Braun gets Bronson first! ROCKET LAUNCHER! The fans are thunderous as Braun then LARIATS! Bronson stays up!? Braun BOOTS Bronson down! Then eh SPLASHES in the corner, scoops Bronson, and- NO, Bronson slips free! Braun hobbles, Bronson goes to the apron. Braun storms over to choke grip! But Bronson HOTSHOTS him away! Bronson wants to bail?! The fans boo, but Braun pursues! Braun gains speed to CLUB Bronson down!
The fans fire up as these two are now on the stage! Braun waits on Bronson to get up, then brings him around to whip, but Bronson reverses! Braun hits LED screen wall! Bronson then SPLASHES Braun against it! Bronson goes to gorilla, he is just quitting this fight! But then he grabs a trash can! He’s trying to trap Braun! Braun steps through the curtain, TRASH CAN CHUCK! Direct hit and Braun wobbles! Bronson brings him around to SMACK off a table! Bronson then moves on, tells security to leave him alone, but Braun says he’s not finished with Bronson! Braun TOSSES the security, and CHOKE SLAMS one through a table!
Braun TOSSES another guard, Bronson sucker punches Braun! Bronson CLUBS Braun, Braun ELBOWS Bronson! They go to the parking lot! Bronson whips Braun into spare stage girders! Bronson picks a piece up, takes aim, but Braun choke grips! And he CHOKE SLAMS Bronson onto a car hood!! Bronson writhes, but Braun decides to try what Bronson was up to! Braun deadlifts an even BIGGER piece of girder, and he CHUCKS it! Bronson moves, the steel smacks off the windshield! Braun then runs up to POUNCE Bronson over another car hood!! This is not even a match anymore, it’s just a fight! Braun TOSSES Bronson onto a road case!
Braun climbs up onto the cases to CLUB away on Bronson! But Bronson SMACKS Braun with a pipe! And CLUBS him on the back with it! Braun flounders onto the roof of a car, and Bronson climbs up onto a ledge!?! MEGA TSUNAMI onto Braun and the car!!! Windows are blown out, Adam Pearce and refs rush out, and Pearce shouts for medics to get out here! Providence is losing its mind, and someone just lost the deposit on their rental. But will either of these monsters be able to get back up?
Raw returns and…
Medics are checking Braun and Bronson. Braun can’t feel his fingers, and wait, Bronson is walking away under his own power! Just how unstoppable is the Colossal Aussie?!
WWE Intercontinental Championship Contender’s Tournament Triple Threat: The Miz VS Xavier Woods VS Pete Dunne!
The A-Lister is most certainly synonymous with the WWE Intercontinental Championship, but he has a hard road back to that title picture. At the same time, New Day still has their shot at it, and The Bruiserweight is looking to get himself some gold once again. Will Dunne be the one to #FigureItOut? Will The Miz look to make a new sequel title reign? Or will Woods finally have a chance at his own singles title story?
The bell rings and Woods ROCKS Miz, but Dunne rolls up Woods! ONE, Miz full nelsons Dunne! Dunne sends Miz at Woods, Miz sunset flips! ONE as Dunne ghost pins Miz! TWO, Miz dodges Dunne, Miz and Woods DOUBLE LARIAT Dunn up and out! The fans fire up as these two now throw hands! Then they see Dunne, so they DECK him! Miz rolls Woods, TWO! Woods ducks ‘n’ dodges to then slip around the knee and DECK Miz! But Dunne DECKS Woods! Dunne wrangles Woods’ arm, then he wrangles Miz! He stacks both men, to STOMP their hands! Dunne DECKS Miz, then he runs up on Woods.
Woods puts Dunne on the apron but Dunne ENZIGIRIS Woods! Miz grabs at Dunne, Dunne kicks him away, but then Miz avoids the moonsault! Dunne lands on his feet, only for Woods to WRECK him with a dropkick! Miz BOOTS Woods, runs up the barriers, ENZIGIRI for Woods and TORNADO KICK DDT for Dunne! The fans cheer as Miz is pulling out all the stops, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Dunne STOMPS Woods on the back! The fans rally, Dunne stalks Woods to ropes, then runs up, but into a BOOT! Woods runs, tilt-o-whirls, and RUSSIAN LEG SWEEPS! Woods kips right up and the fans fire up! Woods runs to UPPERCUT then whip! Woods UPPERCUTS again, whips again, and UPPERCUTS a third time! Another whip, another UPPERCUT! The fans fire up as Woods just keeps on going! Woods pumps up, trips Dunne, and he has the legs for a GIANT SWING~! Dunne goes around and around and around, then Woods TOSSES him at ten! Great shoutout to the Swiss Superman, but Miz kicks Woods!
Miz DDTS Woods, then hurries after Dunne. Dunne BOOTS Miz, goes up, but Miz kicks the legs out! Miz hits a DRAPING CODE BREAKER! Miz rolls through with that, but Woods is there! Miz kicks him, and he DOUBLE DDTS! Cover on Dunne, TWO! Miz covers Woods, TWO! Miz is frustrated, but the fans rally up. Miz watches Dunne and Woods slowly sit up, and he fires the KICKS! The fans cheer as Miz KICKS again and again! Shoutout to the American Dragon as Miz runs to then DOUBLE DROPKICK! The fans fire up as Miz whips Dunne at Woods, Woods puts Dunne on the apron, but Miz A-LIST LARIATS!
Dunne adds an ENZIGIRI and Woods staggers forward. Miz and Dunne grab at each other on the corner, and Miz POSTS Dunne! Dunne falls, Miz springboards in to CROSSBODY Woods! Woods rolls through with the power of positivity! Woods hits a BIG suplex! Woods drags Miz up, suplexes again, GUT BUSTER!! But Dunne is back! Woods mule kicks him first! Woods reels Dunne in, hauls him up, and BOMBS him onto Miz! Cover on Miz, TWO!! Miz survives, so Woods covers Dunne! TWO! Dunne survives, Woods grows frustrated, but Dunne scuf shim. Woods CLUBS Dunne, Dunne fires a CHOP!
The fans rally as the CHOPS go back and forth! Woods and Dunne just CHOP and CHOP and CHOP, until Miz BOOTS! Miz CHOPS Dunne, then Woods CHOPS Dunne! Miz CHOPS Woods, Dunne CHOPS Miz! Woods ROCKS Dunne, Miz catches Woods, and then catches Dunne! Two half nelsons don’t make a full, Woods and Dunne fight free! Woods DECKS Miz, Dunne ENZIGIRIS Woods! Dunne storms up, and he STOMPS hands again! Miz ducks, the BUZZSAW hits Woods! Miz BOOTS Dunne! Dunne falls out and Miz has Woods! Woods drops, victory rolls, TWO!! Miz escapes, Woods runs in, into a FINALE!! Cover, Dunne drags Miz up to TOSS him!
Dunne hurries to cover Woods, Miz drags Dunne away! So Dunne wrangles Miz into a CROSSFACE!! Miz endures, reaches out, and he covers Woods! TWO!! Dunne rolls Miz away to PULL on that hold! Miz endures again, but he’s so close! So Woods SUPERKICKS Dunne! And SUPERKICKS Miz! Woods goes out, climbs the corner, and he tightrope walks for the LIMIT BREAKER!! Cover, Dunne YANKS the ref out! Dunne storms in to BOOT Woods! Dunne hauls Mis up, for a BITTER END!! Cover, Dunne wins!!
Winner: Pete Dunne, by pinfall
The Bruiserweight did indeed #FigureItOut, and now New Day has NO shot at the gold. Will Dunne also have what it takes to win that Fatal 4 Way? Who else will join them out of this star-studded Raw roster?
Backstage interview with Bron Breakker.
Jackie Redmond is with the champion, and this tournament is officially underway. Surely he has been watching, what does he make of the field so far in Jey Uso and Pete Dunne? Bron says bravo. Great work by both guys. Jey Uso, yeet. Dunne, hard fought win for the Bruiserweight. But he also heard last week, Jey was namedropping Bron. Jey better watch his mouth. Because there has never been a member of Jey’s family that’s beat a member of Bron’s! Jey is not gonna be the one to do it. As for Dunne, beating Bron for the title? C’mon. Don’t think so.
To whoever wins this tournament, Bron promises them that he is “that dude, that dog,” THE Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion, “and the worst is yet to come.” The Big Bad Booty Nephew puts everyone on notice, but will he be the one to eat those words?
American Made gets a workout in.
Chad Gable finishes up a bench press, and he tells Uncle Howdy, “You call me a false prophet? I’m not the one that hides behind a mask. I’m not the one who sends my family to do my dirty work every week while I sit back and watch. That’s all you, Howdy: Completely false. But I know the man behind the mask. And tonight, the bell’s gonna ring, the lights are gonna go on, and everyone’s gonna find out that you’re just an ordinary guy. And you’re gonna tap out just like an ordinary guy, and you’re gonna find out that you’re dealing with someone that is anything but ordinary. I’m a genius! A master! An Olympian! And the guy that’s gonna lead The Creed Brothers and Ivy Nile to greatness! Tonight, you’re gonna find out that Chad Gable is American Made.”
Gable is ready to have it out with Bo Dallas, but will this genius find he still has much to learn about himself?
Damian Priest & Rhea Ripley speak.
The Punisher says, “So The Judgment Day gave us an explanation. They explained why they stabbed us in the back. And they think we’re the bad guys. You damn right we’re the bad guys.” The Eradicator says, “It never felt so good to be so bad! And I mean, you guys made us the villains that you can’t live without.” Priest says they wanna play victims, but they won’t have to play at Bash In Berlin. Priest & Rhea will make Dom & Liv the victims. They didn’t become the most destructive forces in the WWE by being good. And at Bash In Berlin, the Terror Twins show no mercy. They will be the devils that are coming to end Judgment Day!
With as angry and determined as Priest & Rhea are, will Dom & Liv even make it back to the States? Or will they make sure not to go in there without some back-up?
BREAKING NEWS on next week’s Raw!
Raw will be live from Denver, Colorado, and the WWE Intercontinental Championship Contender’s Tournament continues! In one Triple Threat, we see Bronson Reed take on Sheamus and Ludwig Kaiser, plenty of animosity between all those men. In the other Triple Threat, Dominik Mysterio will take on Dragon Lee and Ilja Dragunov! Can Dirty Dom survive two dragons at once? Or will he be burned and left out of the Fatal 4 Way?
Chad Gable VS “Uncle Howdy” Bo Dallas!
While Ivy Nile & The Creed Brothers see him out to the stage, they leave this in the hands of “Master Gable.” Will Gable be able to bring Bo Dallas back to reality? Or is he the one in denial and needs someone to slap some sense into him?
The lights go down, the fireflies come out, and the fog rolls in as the piano plays. Gable watches the eerie light as Uncle Howdy and the Wyatt Sick6 step out! Howdy picks up the lantern, and continues to lead the way. Then he blows the lantern out, the lights come back on, and Gable is clearly worried as he stands by the Hydration Station. Gable slowly returns to the ring, the fans rally behind Howdy, and the bell rings. They tie up, go around, and Howdy cravats for knee after knee! Then Howdy makes Gable waltz with him! Gable gets mad, he CLUBS, throat chops and KNEES low! Gable says he’s not afraid of Bo!
Gable runs, but Howdy LARIATS him down! Howdy runs up, but Gable ELBOWS him away! Gable runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but runs into a POWERSLAM! And then Howdy CLOBBERS Gable! Howdy slithers up and Gable scrambles out of the ring! The fans fire up, Howdy says, “YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH~!” Bo has the spirits of Bray and Harper with him while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Gable blocks a kick to DRAGON SCREW! Howdy writhes, Gable goes up a corner, and Gable DIVING HEADBUTT FLOPS as Howdy moves! The fans rally, both men rise, and Gable fires a hand! Howdy hits back! Gable and Howdy trade shots, the fans rally up, but Gable gets the edge. Howdy just snarls and ROCKS Gable! Howdy runs up, but Gable clinches, to OVERHEAD SUPLEX Howdy to the floor! Gable then goes up the corner, and he SUPER FLYING LARIATS! Down goes Howdy and the ring count starts. Gable rolls in at 4 of 10, but fans chant “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” Gable frowns, and he goes out to run in at Howdy! Howdy BACKDROPS Gable!
The fans fire up and Howdy runs to HIP ATTACK Gable against barriers! Howdy refreshes the ring count, then goes back to Gable. Howdy drags Gable up, TOSSES him over the desk, and Gable lands on an armchair! Howdy clears off the desk! The ring count is climbing, so Howdy refreshes it. Howdy then drags Gable up onto the desk, the fans fire up, but Gable wrenches! OLYMPIC SLAM on the desk! Both men flop down, the ref checks and Gable wants the ref to call it! Howdy is somehow still in this so Gable hurries into the ring. The count climbs, and Howdy stirs at 4 of 10. Gable wants the count go go faster, and we’re at 7!
Howdy rises at 8, and rolls in at 9! Gable stomps away at the ropes and corner! Gable lets off, then drags Howdy up to the top rope. Gable climbs up after Howdy, stares him down, then fires fists! The fans boo, but Howdy grabs Gable by the face! “There you are!” Gable ROCKS Howdy again! Gable brings Howdy up, for a SUPER BELLY2BELLY!! Gable crawls to the cover, TWO!! Howdy survives and Gable is frustrated! The fans rally, Gable stalks Howdy and drags him up. GERMAN SUPLEX! Gable holds on, he drags Howdy up again, for another GERMAN SUPLEX! And then a third GERMAN SUPLEX! The fans boo but Gable brings the straps down!
Gable waits on Howdy and Howdy rises in the corner. Gable runs up, CHAOS- NO, Howdy bucks that, and spider walks! Gable freaks out, runs up, but into an URENAGE! Cover, TWO! Gable survives, but Howdy keeps his focus on him. Howdy signals for something, and he runs up to ELBOW Gable in a corner. Howdy whips Gable corner to corner hard, and Gable falls right back! The fans fire up as Howdy stomps Gable, then bumps him off buckles. Howdy fires elbow after elbow, and he gets the fans fired up again. Howdy reels Gable in, suplexes, to put him on ropes for a MAGIC SCREW! Gable writhes and the fans fire up for Howdy!
Howdy waits on Gable, clinches, but Ivy is here! The ref is distracted, as is Howdy, and Gable spins free to trip Howdy! ANKLE LOCK!! The fans boo but Howdy fights his way to the ROPEBREAK! Gable drags Howdy back, but Howdy rolls to send Gable into the ref! Gable is stunned, but he shrugs and goes after Howdy. Howdy clamps on a MANDIBLE CLAW!! Gable is smothered, but here come The Creeds! Julius & Brutus drag Howdy out to THRWO him into barriers! The fans boo more but the Creeds mug Howdy! No ref means no law, but Howdy just laughs!? Because here comes HIS family!
The lights go down, then come back up, and surprise! LUMIS LEAPS IN! He takes out Julius, so Gacy & Rowan go after Brutus! The fans fire up as the Wyatts TOSS The Creeds and brawl into the crowd! Rowan choke grips Julius, but Ivy jumps onto Rowan’s back! Rowan still BOOTS Julius, then just keeps going, with Ivy as a backpack! Gable gets Howdy back in the ring, hurries up a corner, and MOONSAULTS, but has to land out! Gable stands, into the clinch! SISTER ABIGAIL!! Cover, Howdy wins!
Winner: Uncle Howdy, by pinfall
The Wyatts are triumphant and the fans in Providence all cheer! But is this the end of their story with Gable and American Made? Or is it just the beginning of a new chapter?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw to be both the go-home to Bash In Berlin but also to set up things for beyond that. Great stuff from Judgment Day’s story to open tonight, especially with us finally getting more of the LWO back in action. I was even just wondering where they’d been in this story, and they return to give Judgment Day a great 8 Man Tag. Though, I figured Judgment Day would win out since Dom & Liv need momentum going into the Mixed Tag Match. Priest & Rhea of course showed up to go after them, too, and they also got momentum by beating up JD and Carlito. I would think the math is still in favor of Priest & Rhea winning in Berlin, presuming Rhea is to get a title rematch with Liv.
Zelina also made a great return as she gets a shot on Sonya during the great tag match. Iyo & Kairi get a great win off that, they might be poised for a title opportunity soon. Good promo from Alba & Isla to hype up the tag title match on Saturday, but there’s also SmackDown to give Jade & Bianca something. As I’ve been saying, it just doesn’t feel like Bianca & Jade get those belts back, there are opportunities for both of them to go for the WWE Women’s Championship and even compete against each other. And there are more women’s tag teams on Raw for the moment, it just makes sense this is the show these titles would be featured on. That said, hopefully WWE balances the shows and gives the champs more of a reason to be on both shows.
Very good promo from Gunther and equally good promo from Orton, but nothing brand new to share and nothing that changes the math. Orton will look great as always, but Gunther’s going to retain because he also has a long list of opponents he can still face. Great promo from McIntyre with him copying Punk and calling him out, for Punk to then of course go after him. Punk stood tall here, but he also did lose at SummerSlam, so it’s hard to say what happens with the Strap Match. But I would think Punk finds a way to win, to then compel these two to escalate further for the tiebreaker at like Bad Blood. For one, that’d be a big match for bringing Bad Blood back, like if it were Last Man Standing or Hell in a Cell.
Good promos from Bronson and Braun before their literally huge match tonight. In the ring was really good stuff, and then for things to go all the way to the parking lot, and them crushing that car, that was awesome. And honestly, with the idea of Bronson getting up and walking away on his own, I really thought he was going to attack Miz, either during or after the Triple Threat. That did not happen, maybe that’s if Bronson doesn’t win his Intercontinental Championship Contender’s Triple Threat. Though, it’s a shame he and Sheamus can’t both be in the Fatal 4, that’d be some good stuff alongside Jey and Dunne.
Speaking of, both Triple Threats tonight were awesome. Good promo from Woods and Kofi, which also helped feed the dysfunction growing in New Day. Woods chose not to be a Green Lantern(?) with Kofi, but that passive aggressive behavior is moot when neither guy moves on. Jey was definitely moving forward given how things were feeling from when Jey said Sami was taking time off. Great for Dunne to move on, he needs a little something to do right now. The final Triple Threat of Dom VS Dragon VS Dragunov is going to be an interesting one. Depending on how Bash In Berlin goes, maybe Dom is in rough shape. Plus he might cancel out with Dragon Lee if Judgment Day and LWO start feuding again. Plus, Dragunov is great, he also needs things to do.
And great main event out of Gable and Howdy. Very good promos from both to hype up the match, and naturally things got overbooked with American Made and Wyatts showing up to brawl. Great win for Howdy, but I’m pretty sure Gable will make excuses to force a rematch, probably with a No Disqualification style stipulation, and something fitting of Bray Wyatt’s own stipulation matches. Well, maybe not, the Pitch Black match was more cool visually. Unless they do a Firefly Funhouse type thing to make Gable come face to face with his WWE career up to this point like Bray did to Cena.
My Score: 8.8/10
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London calling to the champion crowns!
SmackDown brings gold to London as LA Knight defends his WWE US Championship and The Street Profits defend their tag team titles! Will the landscape change this close to WrestleMania?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly; The Profits win and retain the titles.
- Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice w/ Chelsea Green; The Secret Her-vice wins.
- WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman; Braun wins, by disqualification, and Knight retains the title.
- Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab; Charlotte wins.
- Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins.
- Jimmy Uso VS The Miz; Jimmy wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes is here!
We follow The American Nightmare as walks to gorilla, then through the curtain, and London sings along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, says hello to fans along the ramp, and then we get the second “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro. Cody goes to the ring, grabs a mic, then kneels down to kiss the WWE logo on the mat. The fans continue to sing along all the way to the end, “I AM MY KINGDOM!” The fans then cheer, and Cody holds up the belt to fire them up even more! The fans now sing for “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and he soaks it in. The fans cheer again as Cody smiles, and he finally says, “So, London~! Whaddya wanna talk about?”
The fans chant “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cody hears that dueling, and he smiles again. The song of “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” returns, then they cheer. Cody says, “At WrestleMania 41, I will be facing John Cena…” The fans boo, but Cody says, “I will be facing John Cena as he goes to break the record and win 17. But that is WrestleMania 41. In just a few nights, I will be standing face to face with John Cena in this very same city, in this very same arena.” The fans cheer that, but then here comes Randy Orton! Now the fans sing along with Voices as The Viper heads to the ring. Orton also high-fives fans before he joins Cody.
Orton grabs a mic, paces while the fans keep singing on their own, and then the fans cheer. Orton says he’s not really the sentimental type, but for Cody and for London, screw it. The fans chant “R K O! R K O!” and Orton tells Cody, “Look at you. Look at who you are now, the man you are now. Look at where he came from.” The fans cheer and sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and Orton says he remembers a Cody in his early 20s, just breaking into the business. Cody was busting his ass harder than anyone else. He wasn’t exactly happy, and in fact, he was frustrated. But Cody was man enough, smart enough, to know he needed to grow, and that he couldn’t grow in the WWE.
Cody wasn’t exactly treated fairly in the WWE, so Cody left the WWE! That took some big ass balls to do what he did! Cody changed the business singlehandedly, and everyone in the back knows it. And Orton appreciates Cody for it. But then Cody came back, as they all knew one day he would. And the industry has been changed forever since the day Cody came back to the WWE. Cody is a bit teary eyed as Orton says Cody’s still the same guy, he just did what he set out to do, and he grew. Orton teases he would sing along with the fans, but the fans might leave. The fans again sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!”
Orton asks if they remember when Cody Rhodes faced Seth Rollins in Hell in a Cell. The fans cheer because they do. Orton says that was impressive, and even impossible, as he started with a partially torn pec and then ended with a fully torn pec! His body changed all kinds of shades of purple that Orton’s never seen on a human body. The pain he must have been in. Cody persevered not just for himself. Maybe not even at all for Cody. It was not even for his family legacy; it was for each and every single fan out there! Then Cody went on to WrestleMania, beat Roman Reigns and finished the story!
But there’s always another story, isn’t there? And Cody’s right in the middle of one. Cody is in charge of his legacy, and it is a privilege for Orton to watch Cody take control of it. Ticket sales have been up, there’s more intrigue around the world, and listen to the people! It is 99.9% all because of Cody! The fans cheer that, and of course they sing. Orton says what he’s trying to say is a long-winded version of he respects Cody, loves him, and is very, very proud of him. The fans cheer that! Orton then says, “But… But now it is time for WrestleMania.” They both look to the sign, and Orton says he can guarantee Cody that Orton will kick Kevin Owens so hard in the head…!
Orton can just feel it already! He forgets how many days are left, but he can’t wait to remove Kevin’s head from his shoulders. And Orton knows Cody will enter champion, exit champion, but not before he beats the holy hell outta Cena all up and down the Vegas strip! But after all the smoke clears and the dust settles, just like Orton wants Number 17, there will come a time when Orton will want Number 15. But Orton won’t kick Cody in the balls like a coward. Orton will look Cody in the eye because he respects Cody, is proud of Cody, and sees him as an equal. Orton will look Cody in the eye and tell him that he’s coming for the title.
The fans cheer but wait! Drew McIntyre is here! The fans cheer the Scottish Terminator as he steps out on stage, mic in hand, and has a wry smile on his face as he looks at the ring. Drew waves as the fans now sing, “OH~ Drew McIntyre~!” Drew says, “Isn’t this wonderful? A couple of nepo babies having a love fest in the middle of the ring> It makes me absolutely sick. What’d you just say, Randy? if Cody gets through Cena at WrestleMania, you’re coming for that title? What exactly have you done since that big comeback to justify that title match? Aside be Randy Orton. The only big moment I can remember is you being on the shelf for months and months and months.
“People like to make jokes about it, but more people talk about my five-minute-45-second title reign than your entire comeback so far! So get to the back of the line, sunshine! As for you, Cody, you should’ve listened to me. But you shunned me. You attacked me. Everybody should’ve listened to me about John Cena, but they didn’t. And the next night, he kicked you right in the twig ‘n’ berries, proving me right as usual. And the main event of WrestleMania should be Cody Rhodes VS The UK’s only ever world champion, Drew McIntyre!” Fans do like that idea. But sadly, it’s not, because of that guyliner wearing Temu Undertaker, Damian Priest!
Drew wants to talk about what is happening. And what’s gonna happen! Drew steps up to the ring while fans sing for him again. Drew says it will not be Randy that takes the title from Cody, should he get through Cena; it’ll be McIntyre. The fans cheer, but Orton says they were trying to have a moment. Can Drew just cut the crap already? Drew says okay, sure. He’ll tell the truth, because that’s all he ever does. The truth is, Kevin might have a point! If those Voices are talking to Orton again, then they know Drew very, very well. And he’s thinking, “My God, Randy looks great! Absolutely jacked! On the outside.”
On the inside, that back is hanging by a thread. And if Orton provokes McIntyre, McIntyre will break him. And as for Cody- Cody kicks Drew and UPPERCUTS him! The fans fire up, and Orton R- NO, Drew gets away! The fans boo, but the battlelines are drawn! Even if Cody makes it out of the frying pan that is Las Vegas, it’ll be into the fire that is these contenders waiting in line! Will the American Nightmare be ready for whoever comes for the crown?
WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly!
Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins are finally golden again, but it’s time to put the titles on the line already! And while they’re ready for the grind, they’re up against the hometown heroes! Will the Profits still be up in the O2? Or will Kit Wilson & Elton Prince say #YESBOY to a new reign of their own?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really wants the smoke!
The teams sort out and Kit starts with Dawkins. They tie up, Dawkins headlocks, but Kit powers up and out. Dawkins runs Kit over, the fans fire up, and Dawkins fires hands on Kit in the corner! The fans rally for Pretty Deadly, Dawkins whips Kit to a corner, but Elton takes that bump! Kit CLOBBERS Dawkins, then tags Elton! Atomic drop into DROPKICK! Ford runs up, but into a DOUBLE HIP TOSS! Dawkins whips, Elton reverses, and then Elton hurdles so Kit can DDT! The fans fire up with Pretty Deadly while the Profits bail out. Pretty Deadly has control while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Elton is right on Dawkins as he gets in, and UPPERCUTS him to the corner. Elton clinches Dawkins for another UPPERCUT! Tag to Kit, and Elton RAMS into Dawkins so Kit can UPPERCUT! Dawkins flops over, Kit drags him up to wrench the arm. Kit whips, Dawkins reverses, but Kit grabs ropes. Kit ELBOWS Dawkins, DECKS Ford, but Dawkins CLOBBERS Kit! The ref reprimands but Dawkins RAMS Kit into the corner again and again! The ref counts, Dawkins fires fast hands, then he tags in Ford. Ford says, “SUCK IT!” then he KICKS Kit! Ford scuffs Kit, then drags him to a cover, TWO!
Ford keeps Kit down with a facelock, but Kit endures the grind. Kit fights up, fires body shots, but Ford whips him away. Kit sunset flips! Ford rolls through, and PENALTY KICKS! Ford mocks Elton with the Scott Hall fingers, and the ref has to keep Elton back. Ford drags Kit up, tags Dawkins, and the Profits mug Kit. Dawkins CLUBS Kit down, then stalks him. Dawkins stays between Kit and Elton, then whips Kit into the Profits’ corner. CYCLONE- NO, Kit dodges! Ford tags in, he keeps Kit from Elton now, but Kit slips out of the suplex! Kit fakes high to go low, hot tag to Elton! Elton rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT!
Elton kicks and whips Ford to a corner, then UPPERCUTS! Elton whips the other way, UPPERCUTS again, and then does it again! Elton adds to the hattrick with a lift, Ford says a quick prayer before the SUPLEX! Ford flounders, gets to his feet, but Elton dodges to springboard and FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Ford stays in this, but Elton stays on him. SmackDown returns to single picture and fans rally for Pretty Deadly as Elton gives Ford a back suplex. Ford lands out, waistlocks, but Elton switches and shoves Ford. Ford CLOBBERS Elton in return! Ford is also dazed but he covers, ONE!
Kit reaches out, Elton and Ford both crawl, hot tags to Kit and Dawkins! The fans fire up as Dawkins wrenches Kit, underhooks and SILENCER! Dawkins Electric Chair Lifts Kit, Ford climbs, but Kit slips free! Kit shoves Dawkins into Ford! Ford falls to the floor, but Dawkins ENZIGIRIS Kit! Elton tags in, and Kit LARIATS Dawkins! Pretty Deadly combine for DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Dawkins survives and the Profits are a bit unsure of what to do next. Dawkins crawls to a corner, Elton runs up, but Dawkins dodges! Elton hits buckles and Dawkins TOSSES Kit, then Dawkins hits a SKY HIGH on Elton!
Dawkins hurries to tag Ford and Ford climbs up! But Kit pushes Elton out of the way! Kit takes FROM THE HEAVESN, and Elton ghost pins Ford! TWO!! Ford escapes, and he ROCKS Elton! Elton UPPERCUTS Ford! Dawkins sneaks a tag, Ford SUPERKICKS! POUNCE SAIDO COMBO!! Cover, KIT BREAKS IT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! The teams go to opposite ends, then they all stand up in the corners. They all roar, all run in, and Kit SPEARS Ford while Elton FLYING UPPERCUTS Dawkins!! London is thunderous, and Kit hurries to tag in! Pretty Deadly gets Dawkins up, for SPILT MILK!! Cover, FORD BREAKS IT!
The fans are shocked, as is Elton, but Ford saves this for his team! “This is Awesome!” as Ford runs up and Elton TOSSES him out! Now DRY MARTI- NO! Dawkins doesn’t accept the second serving, and he DUMPS Kit out! Kit skins the cat while Dawkins DECKS Elton! Dawkins catches Kit to an Electric Chair! Ford rises, DOOMSDAY BLOCKBUSTER!! Cover, Profits win!
Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall (still WWE Tag Team Champions)
Pretty Deadly put up a heroic fight, but the hometown heroes could not capture the gold. Dawkins & Ford hold onto the gold, will this be the strongest the Profits have ever been?
Kayden & Katana talk with Zelina Vega.
Carter & Chance know La Muneca got screwed over by The Green Administration. Chelsea thinks she’s untouchable, but someone’s gonna stop them eventually. Well, speaking of, Alba Fyre leads the way in as she & Piper Niven “scope the perimeter.” There’s one small threat. They frisk the “miniscule” threat, but nothing they haven’t dealt with before. Chelsea struts in and says, “The Eagle has landed~!” Zelina says she is so glad the “Bootleg Men in Black” have crashed the party. Now, yeah, they all know she’s small. But clearly this small “threat” is a big threat to Chelsea’s title reign. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have taken all three of them to beat her.
KC Squared agree with that. How about tonight, we see what happens when the odds are even? Chelsea says that’s fine, because Agents P & A are ready. The Secret Her-vice has been given their next mission, but will they be able to crash the party? Or will the party crash them?
Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice!
SmackDown returns and The Green Administration makes their entrance. The teams sort out, Alba starts against Katana, and the two tie up. Alba KNEES low, CLUBS Katana down, then fireman’s carries. Katana fights free, tags Kayden, and they KICK, double whip, and then trip Alba up for the basement DROPKICK! Katana adds a slingshot SENTON, Kayden covers, TWO! Kayden tags Katana, they double whip Alba to a corner, then Kayden runs in. Alba DUMPS Kayden out, ROCKS Katana, and she tags Piper! Katana arm-drags Alba out, then goes out to run up. Kayden gives her a boost, Katana CROSSBODIES Alba down!
The fans fire up, but Piper goes up and out?! CANNONBALL and down goes KC Squared! Piper salutes Chelsea and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Kayden rallies on Alba while the fans rally up. Kayden fires up, runs in and whips, but Alba reverses. Kayden wheelbarrows, victory rolls, then SUPERKICKS! Kayden fires up again but the fans are torn. Kayden runs in at Alba to BOOT WASH her against the ropes! Chelsea protests, Kayden kicks at her, then Kayden springboards for a LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Alba survives, Kayden whips, but Alba KICKS back! Tag to Piper, but Kayden jackknife bridges Alba! The ref explains bout the tag, Piper runs up, but Kayden moves! The SENTON hits Alba! Piper panics, Kayden tags Katana!
Katana goes up onto Kayden’s shoulders, VICTORY ROLL LAUNCHER, but Piper catches Katana! Katana fires hands, BOOTS, and then hurries to go up again. Kayden ROCKS Piper, and fireman’s carries?! SAMOAN DROP! Kayden then gives Katana the boost, for the KEG STAND SPLASH!! Cover, ALBA BREAKS IT! Kayden runs up on Alba to BOOT her out! Katana gives Kayden the boost now, SUPER CROSSBODY onto Alba! Kayden hurries to tag back in, and she brings Piper up. Piper swings, Kayden dodges and SUPERKICKS! Katana goes up, Piper staggers over that way, but Chelsea distracts the ref!
The fans are torn as Alba grabs Katana. Katana kicks Alba down, chases Chelsea off, but Piper sends Kayden into her! Piper scoops to PIPER DRIVER!! Cover, Secret Her-vice wins!
Winner: The Secret Her-vice, by pinfall
The Women’s US Champion helps her team, and now they all mug Kayden & Katana! But here comes Zelina! Vega runs down the ramp, CLOBBERS Alba, and then she gets in the ring! Zelina tilt-o-whirl DDTS Piper! And she KNEES Alba off the apron! But Chelsea CLOBBERS Zelina! Chelsea fires up, the UK is oddly with her, and she chicken wings Zeina. But Zelina fights free to fire forearms and body shots! And a BACK ELBOW! Zelina reels Chelsea in, CODE- SUPERKICK from Alba! SENTON from Piper! The Green Administration is just too much for Zelina to fight against alone! But can she, Kayden & Katana find a way to turn things around?
WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman!
Did the Mega Star just get this title back from Shinsuke Nakamura? YEAH! Did he help the Monster of All Monsters fight off Solo Sikoa’s rouge bloodline? YEAH! And now, does he have to defend this title against the monster he just helped? YEAH!! But will Knight still reign this close to WrestleMania? Or will Braun #GetTheseHands back on a championship?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it’s time for Knight’s biggest challenge, YEAH!
The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two circle. The two tie up, and Braun SHOVES Knight away. Knight comes back, Braun SHOVES him down again! Knight gets up, gets around, and he headlocks. Braun powers up to back suplex, but Knight lands out! Knight tries but Braun’s too big to suplex! Braun ELBOWS Knight, storms up on him, but Knight fires haymakers! Knight whips, Braun reverses, but Knight KICKS back! Knight runs, but Braun HIP TOSSES! Cover, TWO! Knight stays in this, but Braun brings him up. Braun puts Knight in a corner, CHOPS, then runs, for a SPLASH! Knight sputters along ropes, Braun keeps moving, but Knight DUMPS him out!
The fans fire up as Knight then WRECKS Braun with a dropkick! Knight keeps moving, and he WRECKS Braun again! The fans fire up with Knight, but then Braun BOOTS Knight down! The fans are torn but Braun stands tall as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Braun puts Knight back in the ring. The fans cheer as Knight KICKS Braun! Knight tries again, but Braun’s still too big to back suplex! Braun CLUBS Knight, then runs in at the corner. Knight BOOTS Braun, goes up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Knight and Braun rise back up, and Knight dodges a shot to JAB! Then he dodges to JAB! JAB! JAB! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” But Braun KNEES low! Braun scoops, Knight slips free, and Knight RAMS Braun into buckles! Then the BACK SUPLEX! The fans fire up and Knight rises again! Knight spells it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!
Braun has plenty left in the tank but the fans rally for Knight. Knight stands Braun up to kick low, but Braun THROWS Knight away! Knight rises, and Braun LARIATS Knight up and out! The fans fire up as Braun rips the shirt! Braun gets on the track, and he runs in, STROWMAN EXPRESS MEETS JACOB FATU!! The Samoan Werewolf strikes Braun down!
Winner: Braun Strowman, by disqualification; LA Knight retains the title
The fans boo as Jacob now goes after Knight! He just ruined what was becoming a great match, but Jacob fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT on Braun! SAMOAN DROP onto the desk!! The desk doesn’t budge, but Braun might’ve been broken in half! The UK fires up for Fatu as he puts Braun in the ring! Jacob fires more HEADBUTTS, then HEADBUTTS away on Braun in the corner! The fans sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE, FATU~, FATU~!” Jacob runs corner to corner, but Knight kicks him first! Knight fires haymakers, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Jacob denies the BFT to POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! And then HIP ATTACK for Braun anyway!
Jacob keeps going, HIP ATTACK for Braun again! Jacob throws off his jacket, glares at Braun, and he runs in for a third HIP ATTACK! Braun flounders into the drop zone, so Jacob goes up, up, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! Direct hit on Braun, but the fans want that “ONE MORE TIME!” Jacob obliges, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! The Samoan Werewolf just tore up #OneBigSOB and LA Knight, will there be no stopping him from taking the United States Championship?
Backstage interview with Jimmy Uso.
Jackie Redmond is with #BigJim, and she says that while she knew WWE was going global this month, she did not know they’d get the slap heard ’round the world! Jimmy says he’d do it again, and he’ll slap Gunther as many times as he needs! Jimmy knows Jey is up in his own head, doubt is creeping on him. But just because Jey’s 0-3 against Gunther doesn’t mean Gunther’s unbeatable! The Ring General CAN be got! Jimmy’s going to Raw this Monday, he will bust Gunther’s ass, Jey will go to Mania and bust Gunther’s ass to become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. And then they leave Las Vegas just like this: YEET!
Jimmy heads out, but then The Miz & Carmelo Hayes walk by. Miz is mocking Jimmy’s words, and he asks excuse me. Miz says it’s just funny that suddenly, Jimmy is a tough guy, even though for most of his career, he’s been “The Other Uso.” Doesn’t Jimmy get it? Jimmy and Jey are career sidekicks while Gunther is a main character. Gunther is the lead, neither Jimmy nor Jey can beat him. And here’s another thing: The Usos are just blips on the trailer that was Roman Reigns’ Bloodline. Melo says Jimmy & Jey are stuck outside the club, they can’t even get in.
Miz says as a former WWE Champion, a former WrestleMania main eventer, Jimmy will never know what it is to carry this industry. And after this year’s WrestleMania, neither will Jey. Oh, and by the way, if Jimmy ever slapped Miz like that, Jimmy would still be on the ground. Jimmy feints the slap and Miz freaks out. Jimmy says it may be him and Gunther on Monday, but he’ll holler at Aldis real quick so it can be Jimmy VS Miz here tonight. Yeah, YEET! Jimmy heads out, Melo says he thought Miz was gonna do something about the slap. Will Miz have to do something about running his mouth before he gets his teeth kicked in?
Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga find Jacob Fatu backstage.
Solo asks Jacob what the Hell he was doing out there. Jacob goes out there alone without saying a thing to them? Jacob says he ain’t gotta say nothing to nobody! Matter fact, didn’t Solo not tap in with him last week? Tama says, “But Jacob,” only for Jacob to say, “But nothing, Tama!” Solo wants Jacob to lower his tone, but Jacob says okay. Let him be very clear with them. When it comes to Braun Strowman, Jacob WILL be the last man standing. Y’all better get in where you fit in, cuz that US title? Oh, Jacob’s bringing it home to the family. And he will do it with them, or without them! Yadada mean? Fatu heads out, is the Samoan Werewolf no longer following Solo?
Naomi speaks.
“I mean… How did we even get here? I don’t know. One thing that I do know is that I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. So Bianca, what makes you think that my attack on Jade was anything different from me doing the right thing? When I sit here and I think about all that I’ve sacrificed, all that I’ve given, and that’s what really breaks my heart. Because through all of that, I’m made to be the bad one in this situation. I just don’t understand, how does Jade come in outta nowhere and take my place with you? I want you to ask yourself this, Bianca. Who inspired you? Hmm?
“Who’s inspired women over the last decade? Who’s always had your back from day one of you being here? Me. Not Jade. Hmm. But you know what? What I’ve learned through all of this: You teach people how to treat you. And I’m done with being treated as a third wheel. I’m done being pushed to the side, I’m done with being too nice, I’m done with being undervalued, underutilized, underappreciated! So moving forward, hmm… Moving forward, here’s my message to you, Jade. If you continue to be in my way, I strongly advise you to proceed with caution.” The Glow shows her dark side, but will the storm be moved?
Nick Aldis meets with Jade Cargill.
Speaking of, the SmackDown General Manager understands things have been rather difficult for her as of late. Jade says she’s been trying to get her hands on Naomi for the past few weeks, now where is she? No one has seen her all day, so as far as anyone knows, Naomi’s not here. Well, when Jade catches Naomi, it’s on sight. Jade leaves, B-Fab & Michin are there. They let her know that what Naomi did to her was straight trash, totally uncalled for behavior. And after Jade gets her hands on Naomi, she’ll handle that business. Jade agrees. Mia says they’ve all got business to handle. Jade’s got Naomi, and Mia’s gonna get Charlotte for messing with her girl, B.
B-Fab says Naomi’s got what’s coming to her: no sympathy, no regrets. Jade, just do what you gotta do. Oh, she will. Jade also wishes Mia luck tonight. Mia & B-Fab head out, will the Head Baddie in Charge make the Queen bow down in London?
The darkness approaches.
“You are as I was. As I am, you will be.” The shadows are starting to take shape, but is SmackDown about to fade to black?
Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab!
The Queen looks down on everyone, so it’s no surprise that everyone else wants to take her down. Charlotte may have checked off B-Fab, but will the HBIC be a much different story? Or will Charlotte only sharpen her edge before facing Tiffany Stratton at WrestleMania?
WAIT! NAOMI ATTACKS B-FAB & MICHIN! Naomi drags Mia up for a FACEBUSTER! Naomi rains down fists, the ref reprimands and the fans boo, but Naomi tells the ref to back off. Naomi then BOOTS B-Fab off the apron! Naomi goes out after B-Fab to THRWO her into barriers! Naomi SLAPS B-Fab, tells her to stay down, but B-Fab gets up. Naomi fires hands, then she SMACKS B-Fab off the desk! Naomi rains down fists, but here comes Jade! Jade hurries down the ramp, she runs around the way, but Naomi runs away! Jade makes sure B-Fab is okay, but refs have to help her to the back. And what of Mia? Will she even be able to compete?
Charlotte makes her entrance, not really caring about what Naomi just did to Mia. But that means she also crosses paths with Jade. The fans like the look of this stare down, but Jade and Charlotte both let the other slide. Charlotte gets her pyro, and it seems she’ll still get her match. Will Mia be little more than an appetizer now?
The bell rings, and Charlotte BOOTS Mia down! Cover, TWO! Mia stays in this and the fans rally up. Charlotte just struts around while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns, Charlotte has Mia down with a chinlock, but the fans rally up. Mia fights up, fires body shots, and she then blocks a shot to ROCK Charlotte! Mia ROCKS Charlotte again and again, then reels her in for a TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up as Mia hurries to cover, TWO! Mia drags Charlotte up, wrenches, but Charlotte says no to Da Feet! BIG back suplex! Mia stagger sup, Charlotte whips her, but Mia reverses! Charlotte goes up and out, BOOTS her away, then slingshots in and rolls Mia! Mia rolls through and BUZZSAWS! Mia runs corner to corner, but Charlotte avoids the cannonball!
Charlotte YAKUZA KICKS Mia down, then fires herself up! The fans “WOO~!” as Charlotte has Mia in the drop zone,. Charlotte steps on her, goes up the corner, but Mia gets underneath her! SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Charlotte survives and Mia is shocked! Mia nods as the fans rally back up, and she brings Charlotte up. But Charlotte ROCKS Mia! Mia SOBATS, PELES, and then runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Charlotte stays in this, Mia grows frustrated, but the fans continue to rally. Mia uses that energy to stay focused, and she stalks Charlotte to waistlock. But Charlotte ELBOWS her away!
Charlotte CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOSP! Charlotte winds up, and she CHOPS again! Mia sputters, but then she dodges the boot! Charlotte is caught, and Mia hits a SAIDO! Charlotte flounders to a corner, the fans rally behind Mia, and Mia runs up, CANNONBALL! Mia hurries to wrench and EAT- NO, Charlotte shoves Mia away! Charlotte gets under, back suplexes, but Mia lands out! EAT DA FEET!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Charlotte’s long legs help her survive by a literal foot! Mia is beside herself while Charlotte bails out. Mia storms after Charlotte, runs up, but Charlotte dodges! Mia’s kick hits steel steps!
Mia hobbles away, goes to the apron, but Charlotte CHOP BLOCKS the bad leg out! Charlotte grabs Mia’s leg, drops a KNEE on the knee, but fans chant, “We Want Tiffy!” Charlotte just steps through, FIGURE FOUR, into FIGURE EIGHT!! Mia taps, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
Charlotte got more of a fight out of Mia than expected, but she still won. Will The Queen be more than ready to reign again after WrestleMania?
Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.
Jackie Redmond is with the WWE Women’s Champion and says Charlotte certainly looks confident. Let’s be real, Charlotte came at Tiff pretty hard. It got a lot of people talking. Tiff says yes, people talk. And Charlotte sure loves to hear herself talk. Ten years into the business and Charlotte is still so insecure that she can’t let a “rookie” get a word out. But last week, Tiff did learn something: She learned that walking into WrestleMania, she isn’t the one with something to lose. Truth is, if Tiff loses, then she lost to the great Charlotte Flair, as just a 25-year-old rookie with one year into SmackDown.
But if Charlotte loses… Well, then she lost to an “undeserving, delusional, unoriginal, backflip doing, blonde-hair-having, little girl.” Did she get it all? And Tiff can’t wait to hear the look on Charlotte’s face when they hear the words, “And STILL!” Then maybe Charlotte will finally shut up for the sake of literally everyone! They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, and Tiff will make damn sure what stays is Charlotte’s massive ego. Tiff is walking into and out of Mania as the WWE Women’s Champion. Tootles! Tiff heads out, will it still be #TiffyTime after WrestleMania?
Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre!
The Viper told Cody how proud he was, but also how he wants the next shot after John Cena. The Scottish Terminator took offense to that, and basically said he is taking that shot instead. Will this match be an unofficial #1 contender’s match between these two former world champions?
SmackDown returns and McIntyre makes his entrance. The bell rings and the fans sing, “OH~, Drew McIntyre~!” and chant “R K O! R K O!” Drew and Orton circle, tie up, and they go around in a deadlock. Drew powers Orton to a corner, but Orton headlocks back. Drew powers up and out, then he runs Orton over! Orton hurries to ropes and Drew mockingly asks, “How’s the back feel, Randy?” Orton stands, he and Drew reset, and the fans duel some more. Drew calls for a knuckle lock, Orton accepts, but then Drew kicks low! Drew bumps Orton off buckles, then climbs up, but he panders for too long and Orton YANKS him down!
The fans fire up as Orton climbs now! Orton rains down fists, and the fans count to nine. Orton hops down, brings Drew around, and POSTS him for ten! Drew tumbles out of the ring, Orton goes out after him, and they’re by the desk! But Drew kicks Orton first and SMACKS him off the desk! Drew clears the desk, and he brings Orton up for the DESK- NO, Orton fights free! Orton turns things around, DESK BACK SUPLEX for Drew! The fans fire up while Orton leaves Drew behind, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew writhes on the floor, but Orton goes out to fetch him! Orton brings Drew around, UPPERCUTS him, then says one more time! DESK BACK SUPLEX! Drew writhes as that desk stays standing! Orton grins, refreshes the ring count, and then he storms up on Drew. Drew pokes Orton in the eye! Drew POSTS Orton now, then brings him around to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP into barriers! Orton slumps down, and Drew also grits his teeth from that double-edged attack, but Drew fires up as he stands tall. Drew drags Orton up, puts him in the ring, then stalks Orton. Drew looms over Orton, and HIP DROPS him!
Orton sputters, Drew says one more time, and he winds up for the HIP DROP! Drew paces around Orton, says maybe one more time, and he pretends he can’t hear the fans. Drew winds up again, but Orton flips over! Hip drop meets kneecaps! And then Orton pokes Drew in the eyes! The ref reprimands but Orton rises up. Drew sputters and flounders, Orton ROCKS him with a right! Drew ROCKS Orton back! Drew storms up, Orton kicks low, but Drew fires another haymaker! The haymakers go back and forth, Orton gets the edge, but Drew GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTTS! Cover, TWO! Drew clamps onto Orton with an armlock!
SmackDown returns to single picture and the fans rally up. Orton fights up, pries at the chinbar, and then throws right hands! Drew CHOPS Orton in return! The fans “WOO~” and Drew winds up. Drew ROCKS Orton again, eggs him on, then CHOPS again! Drew shoves Orton to a corner, CHOPS again, then dares Orton to fight! Drew whips corner to corner, but Orton comes back to LARIAT! And LARIAT! Drew swings, Orton dodges, SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up as Orton stalks Drew to the apron. Drew HOTSHOTS Orton first! Drew then runs in, but Orton puts him through the ropes!
The fans fire up as Orton has Drew for the DRAPING DDT! The fans fire up for Orton, and Orton hears those voices! Drew rises, but then Orton spots KEVIN OWENS! The Prizefighter is on the ramp, Orton glares at him, but then he turns around into a CLAYMORE!! Cover, DREW WINS!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
Kevin’s mere presence costs Orton, and now Drew has a huge win propelling him down the Road to WrestleMania! As for Orton, Kevin drags him out of the ring, SMACKS him off the desk, and then climbs up to join him! The fans boo but Kevin and his hot pink sneakers have Orton in position, but Orton slips free and TRIPS Kevin up! Kevin hits the desk then the floor! Orton staggers around, the fans rally behind him, and Orton stalks Kevin to the corner of the barriers. Orton lines up the shot! Orton runs in, but Kevin jumps over barriers! Security is there to stop Orton from pursuing, so Kevin runs away into the night!
The fans boo, but The Viper was that close! Will Orton be able to strike Kevin down and completely take him out?
Fire, thunder, smoke…
The force of nature is drawing ever closer. And he’s ready to fly! REY FENIX arrives next Friday Night SmackDown!
Jimmy Uso VS The Miz!
#BigJim gave Gunther a piece of his mind and a mark on his cheek, but it seems not everyone got the message. Will the Hollywood A-lister soon star in the Uso Penitentiary? Or will he prove Jimmy is NOT ready for a world champion level opponent?
The bell rings and the two tie up. Jimmy powers Miz to a corner, Miz turns things around, and the ref counts. Miz takes a swing, Jimmy ducks it to CHOP! And CHOP! Miz shoves Jimmy back, then runs up, but Jimmy TACKLES Miz! Jimmy rains down fists, Miz shoves him away to go to ropes, but Jimmy storms back up. Miz ELBOWS Jimmy away, then runs back up, only for Jimmy to LARIAT him down! The fans fire up while Jimmy storms up on Miz. Jimmy CHOPS Miz, has him in a corner, then whips corner to corner. Miz reverses, Jimmy goes up and over, then UPPERCUTS! Miz staggers back to ropes, but Jimmy is right on him.
Jimmy whips, Miz reverses and kitchen sink knees! Then basement BOOTS! The fans fire up, Miz scowls, and Miz KNEES Jimmy in the back again and again. Miz stalks Jimmy to the ropes now, and he CHOKES Jimmy! The ref counts, Miz runs, and Miz STRADDLE ATTACKS! The fans boo, but Miz runs again. Jimmy ducks the boot, then dodges a lariat! Jimmy runs up to LARIAT Miz up and out! The fans fire up and Jimmy builds speed, but Miz runs away! Jimmy smirks as he goes out the side, and UPPERCUTS Miz over the barriers! Jimmy makes sure Gunther knows he’s coming to get him, but SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and both men are down. Miz and Jimmy crawl, and Jimmy pounds the mat. The fans rally, Jimmy rises and runs up to LARIAT! And LARIAT! And mule kick! Jimmy then UPPERCUTS Miz, dodges a lariat, then SAMOAN DROPS! The fans fire up, Jimmy goes to the corner, “UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs in, but Miz puts him on the apron! Jimmy UPPERCUTS again! Jimmy climbs, leaps, but Miz gets under! Miz then waistlocks, ripcords, and MOVIE MAKER! Fans boo that blatant parody, but Miz full nelsons! Jimmy drops, victory rolls, TWO! Miz has the cover, TWO! Miz hurries to BASEMENT DDT! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally up as Jimmy survives! Miz stalks Jimmy, the fans rally up more, and Miz fires a KICK! And then another KICK! The fans say “YES! YES! YES!” to the It Kicks, but then Miz winds up. Jimmy ducks the buzzsaw, Miz blocks the superkick, but the DRAGON WHIP connects! Miz rebounds to B-MOVIE KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! The parodies don’t get it done, but Miz still has his original work to fall back on. The fans rally for “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Miz runs in, A-LIST LARIAT! Miz shoves Jimmy down, then springboards, but into a SUPERKICK! Jimmy hurries up top, for the USO SPLASH!! Cover, Jimmy wins!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Miz may be a movie star, but Big Jim’s the one winning this main event! Jimmy then borrows Joe Tessitore’s headset to call out Gunther! He’s coming after dat ass on Monday! Gunther won’t be the ring general, he will be “Private Gunther,” and he will salute Big Jim! Uh, uh, YEET! Will Jimmy be the one making examples out of the World Heavyweight Champion? Or will everything come crashing down when Gunther gets his turn?
Drew McIntyre returns backstage.
And he says hey to Lewis Capaldi, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, and also a big fan of Drew’s. They’re ready to have a good night in the pub, but Jackie Redmond walks over to congratulate him on the win tonight. She was hoping to get some thoughts on that victory and what happened with Orton and Kevin. Drew says it’s alright, this is what happens. He doesn’t care about anybody else’s business, but no one gets away with screwing him over. And when no one meddles in his business, he wins! Drew called out Priest, where is he? Priest doesn’t have the balls! So time to get mad in the pubs, everyone’s invited!
Drew turns the corner, but PRIEST IS THERE! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the door, then throws him into road cases! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the trunk of a car, and then again! Or since it’s London, “the boot.” The driver complains, but Priest BODY SLAMS that guy through a table! Drew comes back to KNEE Priest low, SMACK him off the trunk, and then off the side! They go to the hood, or bonnet for UK. Drew drags Priest up, but Priest CLAWS Drew’s eyes! Priest then sends Drew SOUTH OF HEAVEN through the windshield! Priest tells security that he’s done for now. Any more jokes, Drew? Didn’t think so! RIP, jackass!
Priest leaves, the producers hurry to help Drew, and Drew’s got glass in his eye! Will that glass help Drew see why he shouldn’t piss off the Punisher?
CM Punk heads to gorilla.
He has a security detail with him, and he passes by Drew writhing in pain. Punk chuckles, then continues on. Will his contract signing with Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins be just as brutal? We find out, after the break.
Nick Aldis is in the ring.
The SmackDown General Manager welcomes us back, and says it is his honor and privilege to be here in the O2 in London. Now, we all know why he and this table is here, and why additional security is here tonight. Tonight, we are here to sign a contract for a Triple Threat. Perhaps the biggest Triple Threat in the history of WrestleMania: Seth Rollins VS CM Punk VS Roman Reigns! The fans cheer all those names, and here comes the OTC! London puts the ones up, and Paul Heyman accompanies THE Tribal Chief out on stage. Roman raises his finger to the sky for the pyro, then security follows him to the ring.
SmackDown goes picture in picture as Roman’s entrance continues, and he raises his finger to the sky for the second round of pyro. Roman steps into the ring, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Heyman hands him a mic. The fans sing, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!” Roman nods, the fans cheer, and now they chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman tells London, “ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” The fans cheer again, and again chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman smiles, but he sees the chairs are not to his liking. Heyman makes sure to put one at the head of the table. Heyman also dusts the chair off while Roman enjoys the singing of, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!”
Roman takes a seat and says that was beautiful. The way they sing to their Tribal Chief, it’s just beautiful. The singing continues, and Heyman even joins in! Roman smiles, and he says that is what he’s talking about. That’s the OTC for you, baby! The biggest star on the planet! The OTC came here for two reasons. One: to be acknowledged; check! And two: to sign this contract. Roman does just that, and he says he’s checked both boxes. That means- “BURN IT DOWN!” Seth Rollins interrupts! The fans now sing, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Rollins struts out in his red wine paisley suit and conducts the O2 Choir all the way into the ring.
The fans cheer while Roman frowns, but Rollins takes the seat to Roman’s left. Rollins offers Heyman a chance to sing to this song, but Heyman frowns. Rollins chuckles, and he says the fans do have beautiful singing voices. He doesn’t know why Roman is in such a hurry to leave, though! This is their building! There’s a lot of history here! 12 years ago, they landed on the roof of this place in a helicopter! They came down those stairs over there, “ready to burn down the old guard!” They put the Undertaker down through the desk, and they were going to remake this company in their image!
Now don’t get him wrong, Rollins knows a lot has happened since then. They fought against each other, with each other, a little bit of love and a whole lot of hate. But Rollins dare says, as the fans continue to sing “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~,” that Rollins and Roman accomplished their mission. The fans start to chant for CM Punk, but Rollins tunes them out. Roman says, “We? We? You keep saying we. Our mission? We died a long time ago. It’s only been ME. You been here, but I done all the work! I’ve made this place what it is today! I took us to the level that we are here today! I made this place better than we found it!
“I’m the one that made us desirable to Netflix! I’m the one that took us into billion-dollar deals! Tell me, what have you done?” Rollins shouts, “I’ll tell you what I’ve done! YOU, YOU, YOU, it’s that mindset that keeps me having to screw you! You understand that? And your biggest mistake is not understanding the danger that’s right in front of us! The danger that’s right in front of you! You let the biggest snake in the world, CM Punk, into the garden! And you could’ve cut his head off at WarGames! But instead, you shook his hand. You could’ve let me finish him inside the cage at The Garden, but you didn’t. And now, I am left to do what I always do: Clean up your mess, again.”
Rollins drops his mic, picks up the pen, and signs his part. And now, here comes CM PUNK! The fans fire up and sing along with Cult of Personality, then join in on saying, “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME~!” Punk goes to the ring, but as he grabs a mic, he goes up a corner, just like he did last Friday. “I have come here to chew bubblegum and sign a contract. And I’m all outta bubblegum.” The fans cheer the Rowdy Roddy Piper reference, and Punk hops down to take his seat on Roman’s right. Punk looks over said contract, but Roman asks if Punk needs a highlighter or something. What’s he doing? Just go to page four, clause five.
Punk does as Roman says, but Roman says Punk needs to hurry, this is precious TV time. Punk reads the segment, Roman tells Heyman to just smarten Punk up. Heyman tells Punk he knows what Punk is looking for. It is in there. They’re closing the show at WrestleMania. The fans go wild hearing that! Heyman tells Punk that he gets to live his dream of dreams. CM Punk will be a WrestleMania main eventer! The fans cheer and while Roman smiles, Rollins is furious. Roman says, “One man’s dream is another man’s favor! CHECK!” Wait, this was the favor? Rollins says no! This is not something to laugh at, and Punk does not get to tear up!
Punk is NOT deserving! He does NOT deserve this! The fans boo but Rollins continues to throw a fit! Main eventing WrestleMania is SACRED, the most important thing in the world to Rollins! More than anything! Except the fact that Punk NEVER gets to main event! This is all Roman’s fault! This is all Heyman’s fault! Rollins THROWS his mic down, paces angrily, but Punk picks up the mic. The fans cheer Punk on again, and Punk stands to thank London, to thank Chicago, to thank Louisville, Kentucky, and to thank ALL the fans. As corny as it sounds, he thanks the WWE Universe who stood by him and chanted his name for TEN LONG YEARS!
Roman says hold on, hold on. Punk shouldn’t be thanking the fans! He should be thanking the Tribal Chief! It is because of Roman that Punk gets this honor! So please, take this moment, close the show with that acknowledgement! Do this the right way. The credits are already rolling as Punk kneels before Roman!? Punk smiles, and he thanks “My Tribal Chief, the holder of the ula fala, the Head of the Table, the… Big Dog? Thank you for allowing a kid from Chicago to be graced by your presence. Thank you, My Tribal Chief, for allowing me to stand in your ring. And thank you so much. Thank you, Roman Reigns, so very much.
“But because of you, I will see you in the main event of WrestleMania.” And again, Rollins is agonizing over this. Punk finishes putting his signature on the contract, and London tells him, “You Deserve It!” Punk thanks Roman again, and then says, “But that’s not the favor that I’m owed.” WHAT?! Roman looks at Heyman and Heyman can’t look him in the eye! If getting this Triple Threat made into the main event isn’t the gift of the Wise Man, then what is?!
My Thoughts:
A good SmackDown, but they pulled off quite the paradox. They made it feel like they were struggling to fill three hours, yet they also filled the show to the point where that contract signing segment was almost bleeding over the three hour mark. Ironically, part of the problem was just how excited the London crowd was for this. The superstars still wanted to enjoy the chants and songs, but that’s time SmackDown doesn’t have to spare. It made the opening promo from Cody, Orton and Drew take longer, and it kinda did the same to the contract signing at the end. Even so, we still got a very good promo, and good stuff to set up Orton VS McIntyre.
Orton VS McIntyre was a great match, but of course Kevin costs Orton. McIntyre gets his win, Kevin and Orton have a bit of a brawl, but of course Kevin ends up on the losing end and runs off. McIntyre’s trash talk also comes back to bite him as Priest gets the better of him in their brawl. Here’s hoping Drew didn’t actually get glass in his eye, but that being the thing in kayfabe can be some good stuff. I can imagine McIntyre with an eyepatch, and he takes it off at the opportune time to get the better of Priest in their match. Also what a fitting choice for Punk to be passing by Drew suffering because of real glass.
Very good title matches tonight, but of course the status quo was kept. Pretty Deadly gets to look great here in London, but the Profits only just got the belts, they’re not going to be transitional champions like that. And Knight VS Braun was really good stuff, but honestly, Jacob Fatu going after them both should’ve been a given. Jacob also had a great promo with Solo & Tama to start adding to that divide between Jacob and Solo. I would hope Solo doesn’t screw Jacob out of the US Championship, but it feels like he will as Solo won’t stand for Jacob defying his authority, even though Solo’s been trying to make Jacob the champion all along.
Very good stuff from Jimmy Uso tonight, from his promo with #MeloDon’tMiz and then a great match with Miz. Their match ended up the de facto main event match, so that’s also great for both guys. Great win for Jimmy, but that’s likely because Jimmy is losing big time to Gunther on Monday. And it might just be me, but it feels like only now is the Jey VS Gunther build really moving, largely in part because Jimmy got involved. Jimmy’s promo after his match is something along the lines of what Jey should be saying. But I suppose as brothers, Jimmy is the one who knows Jey best and knows what Jey needs to be motivated again. And seeing Jimmy get beat up by Gunther will definitely motivate Jey…
Good final vignettes for Rey Fenix and Aleister Black. I’m a little surprised they confirmed Rey Fenix is showing up next week, and that they confirmed who Rey Fenix even is. I believe commentary confirmed Rey Fenix is Penta’s real brother, even namedropped “Lucha Brothers,” but all that is still surprising considering Fenix is going to start on SmackDown. Aleister’s vignette (at least I am fairly confident it’s his) was giving us glimpses of his silhouette, but I think there was usage of AI in the snake imagery. It was fine they did it for El Grande Americano because that is all trolling, but they really should try and do things the old fashioned way of photoshop and stock imagery.
Very good stuff in the Women’s Division tonight, though the WWE Women’s Championship portion was the weaker. Naomi’s got a great Heel persona going, her promo was great, and her going after B-Fab & Michin over them supporting Jade was a great detail. Jade runs Naomi off, helps B-Fab, but there was no helping Michin in being fed to Charlotte. Tiffany had a decent promo, and it does fit how Charlotte kept her from speaking so she finally gets things out here. It didn’t really add that much, though, but they already gave us a great brawl so not sure what more they can give.
KC Squared VS The Secret Her-vice was a very good match, but of course Chelsea made sure her team won. A Six Woman Tag of Zelina & KC Squared VS The Green Administration is certainly coming, to help give us Zelina VS Chelsea for the Women’s US Championship.
My Score: 8.7/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 3.27.2025
Bad news out of the TNA management side, but this is a taped episode from El Paso! So we won’t see any of the fallout just yet!
Now we all heard the news about the TNA change in hierarchy, and I…have no positive outlook on that. Delirious sucked at booking and creative in the dying days of ROH before it got bought as a B show. Dreamer having even more control is concerning because his ideas the last two years haven’t been much better.
Gail leaving makes more sense to me. Be it firing or a “you can’t quit, you’re fired” kind of situation, the Knockouts division is the worst it’s been in a long time and Gail was close with Scott D’Amore. So I don’t think Gail parting ways is as big of a problem since TNA has slowly been bleeding out with the Scott faithful.
Granted, I think the next few shows were already taped before the firing so things shouldn’t be completely unwatchable for at least a week or two. So let’s see where we’re going.
.@WeAreRosemary sends @XiaBrookside a CHILLING message!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/srciTTbel0
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Ratings:
- Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge: Ash wins via Rarefied Air – ** 1/4
- Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr: Chavo wins via Gory Bomb into Frog Splash – *** 1/4
- Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich: Masha wins via Russian Death Device – ***
- Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin: Eric wins via Piledriver – ** 1/2
- Seto & Mokuba – I mean – Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater: Nic wins via Danger Zone – *** 1/4
Results:
Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge
Ash and Gigi start off, Gigi with a little Rascalz after her first takedown. So both her and Wentz are making it obvious something’s going on between them, and I’m not mad at it. Good for my man Wentz.
Tatum and Gigi get some quick tandem offense in, Ash does manage to scurry off to a tag and Heather gets bent into a Pretzel. Some kind of Inverted Tarantula from Tatum, Gigi tags in, Bronco Buster on Heather followed by Kawada Kicks. Heather sells against the ropes, Gigi goes for a Hesitation Dropkick, but Concierge pulls her away so Gigi crashes and burns. Ref is distracted, Ash gets in some cheap shots and then the Elegant duo starts working over Gigi. A few quick tags, but once Heather comes in, Gigi fights out of the corner, gets the hot tag to Tatum. Tatum stacks up both Elegance members, Corner Stacked Crossbody, Butterfly Suplex and an Elbow Drop with some some flare. Tatum goes to the top rope, Heather pulls Gigi off the apron, Concierge shoves Tatum off the turnbuckle and Ash hits Rarefied Air for the win.
Post match the Elegance Clique wants to make their wish with the cake, they light the candles and Tatum and Gigi recover enough to do what we all expected last week, the cake in the face spot. Some…suggestive licking from both of our Hot Topic Hotties, so…no complaints here.
.@Ashamae_Sebera, @Heathereckless and @IamGeorgeIceman are having a meltdown!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/FnKwPqm2ff
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025
Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr
Chavo and Kaz start since he’s King Petty, a quick rope run turns into a Headscissor from Chavo. Kaz recovers, they lock up, Kaz hits the Knee Lift during the lock up to tag out to KC. KC pulls off some athletic dodges, gloats a bit so Chavo waits, measures and nails a gorgeous Dropkick. Laredo comes in on fire, quick high spots that send KC bouncing around like HBK against Hulk. KC powders after sells the Satellite Takedown, AJ checks on him and we go to commercial.
Back from commercial, Octagon is lighting up KC’s chest with overhand chops, he perches, Sunset Headscissor Flip from corner to corner, KC tries to Back Drop him but Octagon does a headstand, kicks KC away and lays him out with a high spot. AJ gets on the apron to stop Octagon from running the ropes, the referee has a stroke or something because he stops paying attention and AJ pulls Octagon out of the ring and chucks him. KC with the Tope con Hilo and tag (tag ropes haven’t mattered since the 80s we all know this). So AJ is getting taunted by the crowd in Spanish, but he’s manhandling Octagon since it looks like a Child fighting their parent. AJ knocks off Chavo and Laredo, Laredo pops up and tries to get involved but he’s caught on the shoulders, Octagon goes for the Crossbody but gets caught and AJ pulls off “World’s Strongest Wasteland” but Chavo breaks up the pinfall. AJ throws Octagon into the corner, Tennessee Whiskey, and tag out to KC. KC hits a few moves, but starts to lose the momentum until he connects with a Super Kick. Simultaneous rope run into the Dueling Crossbodies, so we get the timely tag outs from both sides. Kaz and Laredo come in, Laredo lands like two moves before Kaz hits a Sole Butt, Lariat and eats his lunch. KC and Kaz try to double team Laredo but he fights out and the crowd is chanting for Chavo.
Chavo tags in, and he’s rocking KC, Saito Suplex, Low Bridge to AJ, Reverse the Whip so Chavo goes to the corner and perches, KC feeds, Chavo Backflips to safety, rolls through and lays out KC. Chavo is feeling himself, 3 Amigos start on KC but only 2, Kaz comes in and Chavo switches to Kaz for the Amigos, only 2 again before AJ breaks it up. AJ goes for the disrespect, but Chavo counters and hits the 3 Amigos on the biggest Culero. Aztec Warriors dive to stop AJ and Kaz, KC tries a Dirty Victory Roll but Chavo kicks out. GORY BOMB into FROG SPLASH!
Chavo looked fantastic and he’s the one in the best shape in the ring. I wouldn’t be mad at more Chavito.
Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich
I expect very little from this match.
Collar and Elbow, gator rolling for the first 30 seconds or so, then Jacy goes to some Hair Pull takedowns and does a little taunt before Masha pops back up and hits a Lariat into a Dive. Jacy sells it like she’s really hurt, even the ref tries to hold Masha back a little before Masha gets annoyed and just grabs her, Masha throws her in, looks for a Dive and Jacy sees it and powders. Masha tries to go back to the well for the Dive again but Jacy hits the Uppercut and then an Apron Run PK to drop Masha. Forearms rain down into a Foot Choke as Jacy continues to arrogantly play to the crowd. Another Foot Choke into a Cannonball, and near fall.
Masha gets space with a Sole Butt, tries to snap off Requiem but Jacy fights off, fights through a Sunset Flip another effective PK keeps Masha on her ass. Jacy looks for a kinda half-assed Camel Clutch as Masha is fighting up, but Jacy runs her into the corner, gets distracted mouthing off to the crowd, so Masha recovers, 5 Hole Up Kick sends Jacy into the corner, Yakuza Kick into Capo Kick for two. Requiem attempt again, but Jacy pushes off, a little back and forth, Masha tries a Backslide but Jacy gets away and hits a V-Trigger but only a 2 count. Jacy looks for the Discus Punch but Masha ducks it, they strike back and forth, but some dodges from both leave the exchange more even. Jacy with the Front Kick to the face sends Masha to the outside. Jacy wants another PK, but Masha blocks, Electric Chair Apron Snake Eyes. Masha throws her in, a PK into a near all. Requiem attempt 3, and thwarted from Jacy with a Superkick into a Neckbreaker. Senton misses from Jacy, Buzzsaw Kick, into Spinning Back Kick and Russian Death Device for the win.
Better than I expected, and Tessa attacks as soon as the bell rings. Xia Brookside and Lei Ying Li make the save after Tessa grabs the belt.
Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin
Ace and Eric tie up, World of Sport start but as soon as Ace starts to get away EY punches him in the face. Eric looks at the camera and says “This is what trust looks like”, turns his back on Ace, when Ace looks to attack, the loser duo cut him off. EY takes advantage of the weird situation, but Ace with some Up and Over quick spots, into an Inside Cradle and La Magistral. EY kicks out of the quick flash attempts, but eats a Dropkick, and Ace goes all Speed Kils on him with fast strikes and then a face buster for another near fall. Strike spot very early in the match, Ace gets the best of it, goes for a Tear Drop Suplex but EY sits on it to block, Headlocks to keep him close and then a snap Lariat into beatdown bully tactics. EY takes the referee’s attention and one of the nerds punch Ace in the face.
Eric tries to lean on Ace, but Ace fires, a few strikes, Click Click Boom, the Miz Seated Lariats in the corner, Mochizuki Triangle Kick connects! Only a 2 count, but Ace seems to be in control. Ace puts EY on the ropes, a few strikes to keep him rocked, wants a Superplex, but EY blocks, bites the face and Macho Elbow gets a very close two count. EY tries the Piledriver but Ace turns it into a Jacknife Cradle,Spinning Heel Kick, calls for The Fold, but the losers hop on the apron to distract, Ace attacks them. Ace tries to time out the Triangle Kick again, but Eric dodges, throws Ace head first through the buckles. As Ace stumbles out of the corner, Piledriver, and it’s over.
Oh look it’s the “we’ll hear from Joe Hendry” segment. Again, I’ve loved this gimmick since Day 1, even didn’t hate his What Culture Pro stuff, but there is such a thing as milking a cow too much.
Elijah interrupts the whole “Who’s next” speech. When Elijah comes out he says he’s not the challenger and he believes in Joe. The crowd wants Elijah to turn on Hendry. Elijah pauses for a moment, and starts proving his friendship with stating his favorite color and a little “You Got a Friend in Me”. The crowd is into singing along and waving their cameras like Lighters to a 30 year old song. THANKFULLY Kaz breaks up the hug fest. Now he gets the “Culero” chant.
Kaz pulls out a Bass…what the hell is this Jam Session. Kaz has to warm up so he plays “La Cucaracha” on the bass. Kaz…is a national treasure. Hendry kicks Kaz out of the ring after his Heelish and playfully racially charged song choices. Kaz tries to sow dissension, but Joe and Elijah pinball Kaz between them. Kaz slips a power move and tries to shove Elijah into Joe but Elijah puts the brakes on, a small tense moment. But then Joe and Elijah play “Nah Nah Nah Nah, Hey Hey, Goodbye”…and that goes right into a commercial. Oddly…perfect.
Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater
Nic shoots the half immediately for a flash pinfall but Leon kicks out at one. Nic continues to keep things grounded with his amateur wrestling skills, and then does a little Dolph Ziggler show off. So Nic isn’t really taking this seriously, and Leon starts getting the best of things with an Arm Wringer, into drag, Shoulder Tackle and rope run as Nic tries to Leap Frog and Leon puts on the brakes and just shoves Nic on his ass. Nic gets annoyed, a few strikes, grinds his face along the ropes, but Leon keeps stringing some offense together, Back Handspring Elbow into his Corner con Hilo.
Ahh the classic formula of the commercial gives the heel the advantage, Twisting Suplex from Leon stops Nic’s offense momentum, right hand, Leon lifts Nic up for something, Nic slips it, kicks him in the gut, looks for the FameAsser, but Leon catches him into a Blue Thunder Bomb variation. Slater wants the Swanton 450, but Nic powders. Leon tries to adjust into a Dive, but Nic cuts him off, counter for counter and a FameAsser out of the counters for a two count. Nic starts the big brother tactics, bootwashes and arrogance, Slater fires, punches into a Yakuza Kick. Leon wants another Lethal Injection variant, but Nic catches him into a Rear Naked Choke. Slater tries to turn it into a pin so Nic breaks it. Leon wants a Leg Lariat but misses and gets unceremoniously dropped by Nic. Nic puts Leon up on the buckles, Superplex possibly but Slater counters, tries to collect himself for a move, but Nic falls into the ropes to crotch Leon, and finally hits the Superplex.
Twist of Slate from Leon, Swanton 450 but knees get up. Locomotion Cradles from both but they kick out, Ryan picks the ankle to trip up Leon just a touch and then Danger Zone ends the match.
Ryan starts the post match beatdown, but the Hardy’s music hits and they come down to the ring for the save. Matt challenges the Nemeths for Rebellion because they’re not medically cleared yet.
Overall Score: 6.5/10
Decent story motion, no match was offensive, and there was actually some solid match action for television standards. I don’t have a ton to complain about aside from the Knockouts Division is in a weird spot, and giving Hendry a lot of just talking and hollow payoff segments feels stupid. If we need to hear from him every week, give him a talk segment like Highlight Reel or something. Yes I know First Class just got The Penthouse, but if Hendry is going to talk more than wrestle, give him a talk segment for us to sink our teeth into.
There was the announcement that Xia, Lei Ying and Masha will face Tessa, Jacy and a mystery partner. So you gotta wonder if there’s going to be another NXT mercenary, a surprise return or if it’ll just be Rosemary since she’s got her issues with Xia. Also I just realized that Unbreakable is going to be on a Thursday, seemingly after iMPACT? I’m gonna have to see how they do it, because if there’s an Impact episode and 2-3 hour PLE…I do not want to be awake until 1am. People need to work, and I will be Unwakeable if things go that long.
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!
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Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
4 Corners Podcast: March Madness Bracket Breakdown
This week on 4 Corners Podcast we break down the Men's NCAA tournament bracket. Which of the top seeds will...
4 Corners Podcast- The Fantastic Four Nations Faceoff
The guys discuss Canada's big win in the Four Nations Faceoff and take a look at some early Spring Training...
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
The culmination of a season long journey is upon us. Andrew, Rey and Tunney break it all down for you...
The Front and Center Sports Podcast – NFL Conference Championships and Jimmy Butler
The Chairshot presents a new episode of The Front and Center Sports Podcast, with an NFL Conference Championship preview, and...
Bandwagon Nerds #281: Vengeful Abomination
This week the NERDS discuss Episode 4 of Daredevil Born Again and Villain Madness continues with the first round of...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (3/23/25)
Countdown to the Anniversary!
Attitude Of Aggression #304- Game Gone Wrong?- Part 1: When the Game was Great!
In Part 1, before getting to Season 8, the guys look back at the greatest moments from the first 7...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu Results & Report! (3/21/25)
One step away from glory!
Bandwagon Nerds #280: The Rich And Powerful
This week the NERDS discuss the Season 3 finale of Invincible, episode 3 of Daredevil Born Again and the continuation...
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (3/28/25)
SmackDown in the UK!
DWI Podcast #469: Superplex Sunday
Will John Cena win the WWE Title and retire at Wrestlemania?
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 3.27.2025
Bad news out of the TNA management side, but this is a taped episode from El Paso! So we won't...
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (3/27/25)
Is there a new Minion in town?
Mitchell’s WWE Evolve Results & Report! (3/27/25)
Evolve enters the Fourth Dimension!
POD is WAR: It All Goes Back To The Spinner Belt
Andrew Balaz, Rey Cash and PC Tunney invite you to come along on a trip inside the minds of Los...
Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (3/26/25)
ThunderStorm is TIMELESS!
Greg DeMarco Show: No Stipulation Needed
CM Punk vs Seth Rollins vs Roman Reigns? Are you buying this as a WWE WrestleMania 41 match? Does it...
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (3/25/25)
La Primera Double Header!
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (3/24/25)
ADRENALINE! IN GLASGOW!
