Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (2/17/25)
Visionary VS Prince!
A rivalry renewed on the Road to WrestleMania!
The final spots in the Elimination Chamber must be filled! Roxanne Perez or Raquel Rodriguez, Seth Rollins or Finn Balor, who heads to Toronto?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- AJ Styles VS Dominik Mysterio w/ Carlito; Styles wins.
- WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Ivy Nile VS Dakota Kai; Dakota wins and will challenge Lyra Valkyria for the title.
- PENTA VS Pete Dunne; Penta wins.
- Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier: Raquel Rodriguez VS Roxanne Perez; Roxanne wins and advances to Elimination Chamber.
- Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier: Seth Rollins VS Finn Balor; Rollins wins and advances to Elimination Chamber.
PLAY BY PLAY
William Byron pulls into the parking lot!
He was giving AJ styles a ride into the show, and Styles gives the NASCAR champion a custom WWE Championship! Will Styles make Raw phenomenal?
Sami Zayn is here!
Charlotte, North Carolina is fired up to see the Underdog from the Underground after he was brutalized by Kevin Owens just last week. We heard from both men last Friday Night SmackDown, and Sami says he won’t be cleared for who knows how long. Sami goes to the ring, grabs a mic, and he takes a second to check his neck. The fans cheer Sami on, and Sami says, “Gotta tell you, it’s been a rough couple of weeks, but damn, that feels good to hear. Thank you so much for that.” The fans cheer, and Sami says he has a lot of time these past couple of weeks just sitting, rehabbing, and thinking back on his history with Kevin Owens.
The fans boo Kevin’s name, but Sami says it is crazy. In the entire history of this business, there are no other two men whose names that have been tied to each other for their entire careers like them. Think about it: Pool halls in Montreal, to independents, to NXT, to WWE, all the way to the main event of WrestleMania. Sami and Kevin did all that together. Now, a story that long, there will obviously be betrayals, and also forgiving and forgetting. But unfortunately, Kevin, there is no more forgiving and forgetting this time! But as Sami said before, this wasn’t Kevin trying to get ahead! This was Kevin trying to END Sami Zayn!
The fans boo that, too, and Sami says the problem for Kevin is that he didn’t get the job done! The fans cheer that! Sami is still standing, and he wont’ pretend he’s 100%, he’s not. But he knows what he has in the tank, and it’s enough for a fight! So Kevin, you want to be in Toronto for Elimination Chamber? Guess what? So will Sami! Sami WANTS this fight, and he is pretty sure everyone here wants to see that fight! But wait, here comes Adam Pearce. He asks Sami, “What’re we doing? We have talked about this more than once.” Sami’s talked to Pearce, to Aldis, and sure, Sami wants the match, Kevin wants the match, and the fans want the match.
And Sami, you know there is a big part of Pearce that wants the match. But Sami has been given an answer more than once. Pearce said no, Aldis said no, the Board said no, and the medical team said no! Boo if you want, it’s the truth. That’s the kicker: Sami is NOT medically cleared to compete. He shouldn’t even be in the ring! So as much as Pearce would love nothing more than to make this official, the answer is still no. Pearce is sorry. Pearce leaves, the fans boo, but Sami says hold on. How long have they known each other? Pearce was with them long before their names were on a WWE contract.
Pearce knows the history here, he knows how this time is different, and he knows Sami isn’t taking “no” for an answer! Sami is not leaving the ring until he gets the match. The fans rally, Pearce says yeah, he’s known Sami and Kevin for 20 years. He saw it from the beginning and until now. But Pearce knows Sami knows that Pearce can’t sanction this match. He can’t! So what does that mean? If Kevin wants to wrap a chair around Sami’s face, Pearce can’t stop him. If Kevin wants to drag Sami up into the concourse and beat him senseless, Pearce can’t stop him! And Sami, understand: If Kevin wants to hoist Sami up to piledrive him again, and again, and again… Pearce can’t stop him.
There will be no refs to enforce rules, which means the WWE has to wash their hands of this legally. Sami assumes all the risk for very little reward. Because even if Sami wins, he still loses something. So what’s Pearce to do, Sami? What it means is, in Toronto, Elimination Chamber could be the very last match of Sami Zayn. Does Sami understand that? Charlotte, NC chants, “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” Sami steps out of the ring, up the ramp, and right to Pearce’s face. Does Sami understand? Of course he does! It means if SAMI wants to wrap a chair around Kevin’s face, Pearce can’t stop him!
If Sami beats Kevin up in the concourse, Pearce can’t stop him! And if Sami decides to dump Kevin on his head to end Kevin’s career, Pearce can’t stop him. So Sami gets exactly what this is. Give him the damn match!! The fans fire up for Sami, and Pearce sighs. Then in Toronto, Elimination Chamber, it will be Kevin Owens VS Sami Zayn, but…! It’s not official, it’s UNSANCTIONED!! The fans fire up, and this is going to be the most violent match Sami and Kevin have ever had in the WWE, and maybe ever! Who survives the final fallout of this friendship?
Judgment Day meets in the clubhouse.
Carlito goes on about buying DLC for WWE 2K25, but Liv Morgan and Dominik talk about Naomi & Bianca Belair being here for tonight’s Raw. Dom is just worried they’ll get revenge on Liv & Raquel for the Jade Cargill attack. Liv says whatever, the real revenge is Liv & Raquel winning the tag titles. But let’s talk about Dom. Liv appreciates Dom stepping up for the team, and she is sure Dom will beat Styles like the strong, sexy man he really is. Dom thanks Liv for that, but he just wishes Finn would see things the same way. Well, not so much the sexy part, but the other stuff. Dom wishes Finn would come around on the new members thing.
Liv agrees, and Dom says Finn just jumps on him for everything. Finn walks in and asks if someone mentioned his name. Yeah! Liv says they were just talking about Finn’s match with Seth Rollins, they can’t wait to watch him win. Aw shucks, thanks! Speaking of that, Finn is confident that after tonight, there will be three members of The Judgment Day going into the Elimination Chamber! Liv beat Iyo Sky, Finn will beat Rollins, and Raquel… Well, it’d be so embarrassing if she lost to lil’ Roxanne Perez. Raquel takes the sunglasses off, has Carlito sit down, and says she’ll handle her business like Finn will his.
Yes, Finn will handle business, just like Raquel. And then Judgment Day will be back in business! Finn turns to go, but then he turns back to tell Dom, “And no new members!” Well, that answers that question… Finn heads out, Dom follows, and Carlito nods. Liv tells Carlito to go, stand by Dom. Oh, right! Carlito heads out, will Judgment Day (not) be fine?
AJ Styles VS Dominik Mysterio w/ Carlito!
Raw returns and The Phenomenal One makes his entrance, Dirty Dom already waiting. William Byron is now ringside, showing off both his NASCAR championship rings and that all gold WWE Championship given to him by Styles. The bell rings and the fans rally for Styles. Styles and Dom circle, tie up, and Styles waistlocks to headlock. Dom pulls hair then power sup, but can’t power out as Styles holds tight! Dom powers up to his feet, pulls hair again, and then he powers out, only for Styles to pull hair! Dom takes a swing, Styles gets around to waistlock, and Dom flails. Styles keeps Dom from ropes to hit a BIG back suplex!
Dom backs off t a coroner, asks for mercy, but Styles bumps him off a buckle! Then CHOPS him in the corner! Styles stalks Dom to another corner, CHOPS him again, then brings him out for a BACKBREAKER! Dom writhes, the fans cheer, and Styles stalks Dom. Styles brings Dom up to whip him hard into a corner! Dom falls, Styles storms up on him again, and then Styles fires forearms. Styles brings Dom around to suplex, but Dom slips free! Dom fires a forearm, a kick, a front KICK, then runs, into a DROPKICK from Styles! Dom bails out, but Styles goes up and out to SLIDING KNEE! Dom falls and the fans fire up!
Styles brings Dom up, puts him in the ring, but Dom goes to a corner. Styles runs up, but Dom puts Styles on the apron! Styles ROCKS Dom first! Dom grabs at the ref, Carlito YANKS Styles down! The fans boo and Carlito plays innocent. Dom builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit into Styles and they fall at the desk! Dom high-fives Carlito, the fans boo, but Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Dom has the chinlock. Styles endures, fights up, and fires body shots. Styles ROCKS Dom, Dom goes to a corner, then Styles runs in, but Dom ELBOWS Styles away! Dom goes out to the apron, THROWS Styles down by his hair, and then he soaks up the heat. Dom slingshots to SENTON, then he covers, ROPEBREAK! Dom is annoyed but then he throws his Judgment Day shirt at Styles. Dom taunts Styles, brings him up, then reels him in. Dom snap suplexes for Uno Amigo! The fans boo but Dom hits Dos Amigos! Dom drags Styles up for some Latino Heat, but he dodges Styles lariat! Dom drop toeholds Styles onto ropes!
Dom dials it up, 619! Not the strongest hit but Dom hurries up top all the same! Dom gives more Latino Heat, for the FROG- FLOP! Styles avoids disaster and Carlito is worried! Carlito coaches Dom, tries to rally the fans but gets booed instead. Styles rises, but Dom swings on him! Styles blocks to fire the PHENOMENAL BLITZ! The LARIAT turns Dom inside-out, then the SLIDING FOREARM adds on! Dom ends up in a corner, Styles runs up to LARIAT! Fireman’s carry, USHIGOROSHI! The fans fire up with Styles and he brings Dom around. Styles reels Dom in, but Carlito gets on the apron! Styles KICKS ropes, Carlito gets hit in the grapes!
Styles runs to BLAST Carlito off the apron! Dom rolls Styles up with tights! TWO!! Styles pops Dom up, stops the rana, and has him for STYLES CLASH!! Cover, Styles wins!
Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall
But wait! Slithering into the ring is Bron Breakker! But Styles dodges, Bron Breakker SPEARS Dom!! The fans fire up as Styles GAMANGIRIS Bron, then TOSSES him out! Bron gets right back up, the fans bark, and Bron rips his own shirt off! Bron throws it at Styles, but Styles catches it with ease! Bron may be badass, but Styles is phenomenal! Will Styles make sure Bron understands that in a match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship?
Team American Made talks backstage.
They enjoy going over what they did to the War Raiders last week. Julius using the title belt, WHAM for Erik! Brutus using the title belt, WHAM for Ivar! Ivy Nile says yes, that was cool. But they didn’t win. Yet. Yes, but they promised Master Gable that by the time he got back, they’d all have gold. That’s why tonight, Ivy will take care of Dakota Kai. Speaking of, Dakota turns the corner. Ivy walks over and tells Dakota that she knows people want to see Dakota get her second shot at the title, but the Cinderella story ends tonight. Ivy’s taking that title home to American Made.
Dakota laughs that off and says, “Look here, ya little whippersnapper.” Many women have tried to take Dakota down before, but they all failed, and they were all far tougher than Ivy. Dakota earns that rematch, so see you in the ring. #CobraKai heads out, will she strike the Diamond Pitbull down?
WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Ivy Nile VS Dakota Kai!
Raw returns as Dakota makes her entrance, Ivy already waiting. The bell rings and the two tie up. They go around, Ivy pushes Dakota back but Dakota turns things around. Ivy goes up the corner, the two break, and Ivy scuffs Dakota! Dakota whips Ivy, then arm-drags her away! And arm-drags her again! Ivy stumbles, Dakota trips her up and drags her out to BOOT her on the apron! Dakota pushes Ivy back in, then hurries to run up, and FLYING- NO, Ivy DUMPS Dakota out at the feet of Lyra Valkyria! Ivy tells the champ to watch this, and she KICKS Dakota’s bad leg out! Ivy puts Dakota back in, then has the leg on the apron!
Ivy SLAMS the leg on the apron edge! Dakota writhes, Ivy mocks Dakota’s posing, then she goes into the ring to drag Dakota around. Ivy stomps the leg, YANKS the leg, then soaks up the heat. Dakota goes to the corner but Ivy hoists her up top! Ivy puts Dakota in the Tree of Woe, then stomps a mudhole in! Ivy pushes up and does dips just to show off. Then Ivy runs to CALF KICK the bad leg! Dakota falls out of the Tree, Ivy covers, TWO! Ivy grabs the leg for an ANKLE LOCK, but Dakota kicks free! Dakota UP KICKS, then she fires forearms! Dakota fires a flurry, the fans fi reup, and then DISCUS HAYMAKER!
Dakota rallies with a LARIAT then a DROPKCIK! Ivy flounders, the fans fire up, and Dakota goes side to side, BOOT WASH! Dakota is all fired up, and she goes Around the World! BOOT! Ivy falls, flounders, and Dakota runs up! KAI-ROPRACTOR! Cover, TWO! Ivy survives but Dakota slaps her legs into working. Dakota puts Ivy in the ropes, but Ivy avoids the stomp! Ivy ROCKS Dakota, goes up, up, but Dakota GAMANGIRIS! Dakota climbs up after Ivy, but Ivy resists the superplex! Ivy fires body shots, then slips inside to YANK Dakota into the buckles! Ivy brings Dakota off the corner, POWERBOMB! And then a scoop, but Dakota slips free!
Dakota rolls Ivy up, high stack, TWO! Ivy has the leg! ANKLE LOCK!! Dakota flails, reaches out, but Ivy GRAPEVINES the leg! Dakota still endures, still fights forward, and the fans rally up harder for her! Dakota reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Ivy holds until 4 and lets go in frustration. Ivy drags Dakota again but Dakota kicks at her! And kicks, and kicks, and kicks! Ivy lets go, Dakota stands up, SCORPION- NO, Ivy blocks to then SUPERWOMAN PUNCH! Dakota ROCKS Ivy, Ivy KICKS, KICKS, and ROUNDHOUSES! Dakota rebounds to BOOT! And then she runs, only for Ivy to scoop! SWINGING POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!
Ivy is furious but Lyra watches with intense focus. Ivy suplexes Dakota, Dakota fights free to wrench, but Ivy ducks the lariat! GERMAN SUPLEX! Ivy holds on, but Dakota victory rolls! TWO!! Ivy escapes in time, but the SCORPION KICK hits! Dakota fireman’s carries, but Ivy sunset flips! Dakota sits on it! TWO!! Ivy has the ANKLE LOCK!!! Dakota flails, reaches out, hops and rolls, Ivy ends up on the apron! Dakota ROCKS her, puts her in the ropes, and then JUMPING STOMPS!! Dakota hurries to get Ivy up again, fireman’s carries her, and G T K!!! Cover, KAI WINS!!
Winner: Dakota Kai, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion)
Lyra is quite surprised, but pleasantly so! Lyra stands with Dakota in the ring, holding up the belt. Captain Kick punches her ticket yet again, but will this finally be her moment to shine? Or will the Morrigan continue to fly high above the rest?
Gunther is here!
But he’s openly mocking Jey Uso! He says Jey always makes his entrance from the concourse, so tonight, he wants to feel what “YEET” is all about. Gunther makes his way out into the crowd, and he mocks the bounce. C’mon, do it with him! The fans boo this blatant parody, but Gunther says he’s much smarter than everyone so he understands: a simple gesture for simple people. Jey is comfortable up here because he’s quite simple himself. Gunther doesn’t blame Charlotte, NC for not appreciating him. Gunther performing for them would be like reading Shakespeare to a dog! The fans boo while Gunther continues down towards ringside.
Gunther asks the young fans to step aside before “something happens.” The fans keep booing, but Gunther says he is beginning to understand: As the best wrestler in this company right now, he is sick and tired of stepping in the ring with people that can’t even lace his boots! He was hopeful that he could talk some sense into Jey, or even beat some sense into him to make the “right decision.” But because of all these fans yeeting and dancing along, it gave jey a false sense of confidence, and it made Jey dig his own grave. Oh, shut up, you all stink! The fans need to understand: WrestleMania won’t have the match up in the crowd, it’ll happen in the ring.
And after the bell sounds, Gunther will outclass Jey Uso in every aspect of this sport! Gunther continues to ringside now, then up the steel steps. The fans chant, “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” but Gunther just smiles. Gunther says after what all the fans did, after WrestleMania, Jey Uso’s blood will be on their hands. And now, for once, let’s all be honest with ourselves and with Jey. Do they really think Jey can beat Gunther at WrestleMania? The fans cheer and chant, “WE WANT JEY! WE WANT JEY!” Gunther says he is aware no one here has a clue anyway. So let’s get a professional opinion on this topic.
Gunther then walks to commentary, and he stands on the desk. Gunther looks down at Michael Cole & Pat McAfee quite literally, and he asks them if their supposedly unbiased and professional opinion, do they really believe Jey has a chance at WrestleMania? Pat and Maggle hesitate to answer. Gunther wants Pat to say something! Pat always runs his mouth so go ahead! Then Gunther throws the mic at Pat! Pat picks it up, and says, “Do I think Jey Uso can beat you at WrestleMania?” Cole says be careful, Pat… Pat looks to the fans, the fans say “YEET!” and Pat says on one night only, anything can happen. A yeet here, a yeet there, Pat sure hopes Jey can beat Gunther.
The fans cheer, but Gunther takes off his jacket. But as Gunther creeps closer, JEY makes his entrance from the stage! The refs try to keep Jey back but the fans are all fired up! Cole says Pat is gonna get them both killed! Gunther eggs Jey on, so Jey jukes the refs! Jey then dodges Gunther to fire off haymakers! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Security rushes out here, Jey breaks free to SUPERKICK one, then TOSS the other! But Gunther gtes a SLEEPER! Producers rush out here, they separate these two, but fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT!” Jey gets loose and he SPLASHES Gunther in the corner! Gunther bails out, producers hurry to keep him back!
The fans fire up but Gunther is oddly amused. Gunther tells Jey that in just over 8 weeks, it all ends for him! Will Main Event Jey make sure it’s the other way around?
Backstage interview with Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez.
Cathy Kelley is with Judgment Day’s leading ladies, and she brings up the video evidence that implicates them in the Jade Cargill whodunnit. Liv stops Cathy there and brings up how Cathy is even wearing glasses. Did Cathy see the video? Did she? Did it show them attacking Jade? No, so this is all reckless speculation. The only thing Liv & Raquel have done is elevate the level of competition in the Women’s Division. And it’ll happen again as Raquel beats cute lil’ Roxanne. Sure, Roxie has the new Ironwoman record in the Royal Rumble, but in just minutes, Raquel squashes her like the little bug that she is.
Then is this them denying any involvement in what happened- Liv says what it means is that they have no time for silly little theories, Cathy! But Liv wonders, if they had attacked Jade, would they feel bad about it? Raquel says not at all. Something like that could’ve happened to anybody that gets in their way. And tonight, that’s Roxanne. Liv & Raquel head out, Cathy says thanks for nothing. But are Liv & Raquel really the ones whodunnit? Or do they just want everyone to think they toppled a titan as strong as Jade?
PENTA VS Pete Dunne!
The Man with No Fear continued to show he’s exactly that by calling out The Impeccable German and The Bruiserweight. Kaiser warned Penta in return, but then decided Dunne could have his shot first. Will Dunne make sure Penta is done here on Monday Night Raw? Or will Dunne realize what it really is to have #CEROMIEDO?
The bell rings and the fans fire up while Dunne talks smack. Penta says CERO- Dunne SLAPOS him! Penta CHOPS, and then the forearms fly! Penta sobats, then headlocks, but Dunne powers up. Penta holds on tight, but Dunne powers up again. Penta still holds on, but Dunne finally gets free. Penta steps over the drop down, stands Dunne up, but Dunne shoves Penta away. Penta runs and RANAS, and the fans fire up! Dunne seethes but Penta whips him. Dunne reverses, Penta KICKS him down, and the fans cheer again! Penta storms up on Dunne, whips him, but Dunne SHOTGUNS Penta down!
Dunne drags Penta around by an arm, traps it, and Dunne pulls on Penta’s arm! Dunne even takes the glove off! Dunne bends the fingers back, then isolates the arm to STOMP it! The fans boo but Dunne drops knees on the bad arm! Dunne pulls on the legs, then he SMASHES the knee again and again, before he STOMPS the leg! Penta writhes, the fans boo, but Dunne drags him up. Dunne GAMANGIRIS Penta in the corner, then wrenches to whip corner to corner. Dunne runs up to ROCK Penta, then whips him the other way, for another forearm SMASH! Dunne CHOPS Penta, CHOPS him again, then whips.
Penta goes up, over, and BACKSTABBERS! Dunne flounders and tumbles to the apron, but Penta is right after him! Penta CHOPS again, then fireman’s carries. But Dunne pulls on the bad arm! Dunne bends Penta against the ropes, then SNAPS the fingers! Dunne hurries to slingshot APRON DDT! Penta flops down, the fans boo, but Dunne snarls as he rises up. The fans boo more as Kaiser shows himself, but Kaiser assures Dunne he won’t do anything. The ring count climbs, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Dunne is again snarling, but he has Penta on the apron now. Dunne drags Penta up to bring him to the corner, and he bends the arm against the crossbar! The ref counts, Dunne stops at 4, and Penta clutches his elbow. Dunne climbs the corner, but Penta CHOPS him first! Penta backs up, runs back in, and he jumps to RANA Dunne off the top! The fans fire up and Penta feeds off that energy! SLING-DOG! Penta gets Charlotte fired up more, for a- NO, Dunne slips free, then jumps up, but into a fireman’s carry! Penta hits the SPINNING DEATH VALLEY! Cover, TWO! Kaiser is moderately impressed as this continues.
Penta stalks Dunne to a corner, but Dunne ENZIGIRIS! Dunne goes up, but Penta CLUBS him on the back! Penta tucks Dunne in for CHEEKY NANDOS! Penta then runs up, headstands, but Dunne catches him RUNNING LIGER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Kaiser is a bit more impressed, and the fans rally as Penta rises. Dunne sits up, the two go forehead to forehead, and they even give junkyard dog headbutts. They both fire palm strikes and SLAPS, and Penta gets the edge! But Dunne slips around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Penta stands, Dunne runs up, but Penta SUPERKICKS! Penta runs, into a GAMANGIRI!
Both men stand, Dunne runs up, goes up and over, but Penta runs in! MEXICAN DESTROYER!! Penta and Dunne are both down, the ref checks Dunne, and somehow Dunne is still in this. Dunne goes to the outside, “This is Awesome!” as Penta fires up! “CERO! MIEDO!” Penta builds speed, but Kaiser is in the way! The ref reprimands, Kaiser tells everyone to calm down. Penta runs anyway, but Dunne GAMANGIRIS him first! Roll up, high stack, TWO!! Penta survives and Kaiser asks what’s wrong. Dunne tells Kaiser to stay out of his business! Kaiser says fine, fine. Dunne stands Penta up, but Penta sends Dunne into Kaiser!
Penta pump handles Dunne, PENTA DRIVER!! Cover, Penta wins!!
Winner: PENTA, by pinfall
Kaiser and Dunne just screw each other up, and Penta stays undefeated! But then Kaiser ATTACKS from behind! The fans boo but Kaiser HEADBUTTS and HAMMERs away! But Dunne drags Kaiser out to shove him! Kaiser and Dunne fire hands now! Penta builds speed and FLIES! Direct hit and down go Dunne and Kaiser! The fans cheer as Penta stands tall! Will Penta, Dunne and Kaiser all just have to fight this out to settle the score?
Backstage interview with Jey Uso.
Cathy is with Jey, and says from last week’s attack by Gunther to this week’s verbal assault, how is he feeling? Jey is feeling underestimated! Valid, given he is the Royal Rumble winner. But a lot of other superstars are doubting Jey will walk out the NEW World Heavyweight Champion. Jey paces, and says they doubting him. “Jey can’t beat him!” They keep on doubting, but who is here the Royal Rumble winner? JEY! And at Mania, Jey shocks the world again when he beats Gunther and becomes the NEW World Heavyweight Champion. So uh, uh, YEET! Jey heads out, will he pull off the biggest upset ever?
The War Raiders speak.
Erik & Ivar tell Julius & Brutus Creed that last week, they were taken to the limit. American Made is everything they’re advertised to be: Young, strong, hungry, and athletic. But make no mistake, boys, you ain’t built for war. They had their shot, and they missed. They smashed the Raiders with the titles, stood over their bodies, but let them remind you that War Raiders are STILL World Tag Team Champions. This wasn’t the first time they got knocked down, this won’t be the last time they get back up. And the Creeds made the biggest mistake of their lives. The next time they meet, it’ll be war!
Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier: Raquel Rodriguez VS Roxanne Perez!
Judgment Day claim they run things on Raw, and they want to run things in Toronto. Liv Morgan is already in the match, will she be joined by Big Mami Cool? Or will Ricky Desperado learn Roxie’s a Prodigy for a reason?
The bell rings and Raquel stares down Roxie. Raquel storms up, Roxie dodges, and Roxie smirks as she moves around. Roxie tries to dodge again but Raquel grabs her by her hair! Raquel throws Roxie down, the fans boo, but Raquel then straight arm levers Roxie up into the air! Raquel then DROPS Roxie, and she talks trash. Liv is pleased as Raquel whips Roxie, but Roxie ducks ‘n’ dodges, then cartwheels! Roxie SLAPS Raquel, but Raquel just smiles. Roxie takes a bow, dodges a lariat, but not the SOUTHPAW! Liv says that’s right! Raquel hoists Roxie up with both hands, THROWS her into a corner, then looms over her.
Raquel stands Roxie up, throws elbows in, then she TOSSES Roxie across the way! Roxie flounders to the corner, Raquel runs up, but Roxie dodges! Roxie SLAPS Raquel again, and Raquel says that’s strike two. Raquel chases Roxie, Roxie slips into the ring and DROPKCIKS Raquel down! Then Roxie DIVES, only to get caught! Raquel pops Roxie around to LAWN DART her into the post! Roxie sputters, Raquel flexes, then Raquel high-fives Liv. Raquel storms into the ring, kicks Roxie around, taunts her, then fireman’s carries. Raquel hoists Roxie up for a PRESS SLAM! Cocky cover, TWO! Liv tells Roxie to just stay down.
Raquel stalks Roxie to ropes, scoops her, and then aims, LAWN DART SNAKE EYES! Roxie flounders back, Liv cheers, but the fans boo. Raquel soaks up the heat, then she hauls Roxie up. Roxie slips free, then she fires body shots! Raquel SWINGS Roxie around in the facelock! Raquel goes around and around, then TOSSES Roxie away at TEN! The fans do cheer that, and Raquel has another cocky cover, but Roxie’s under the bottom rope. Raquel drags Roxie up, hoists her up, but Roxie RANAS Raquel into buckles! The fans fire up, Roxie runs up, but Raquel puts her on the apron. Roxie HOTSHOTS Raquel, then CHOP BLOCKS!
Raquel hobbles, Liv is worried, but Roxie runs up to UPPERCUT! Roxie rolls, returns, and UPPER- NO, Raquel catches her this time! Wheelbarrow, but Roxie VICTORY ROLLS! TWO!! Raquel escapes, but Roxie clamps on with a SLEEPER! Roxie has body scissors, Raquel fights up, and Raquel goes to the ROPEBREAK! Roxie holds on, so Raquel RAMS her into buckles! Raquel is free, but Roxie BOOTS her away! Roxie goes up the corner, leaps, but is caught again! Raquel roars and FALL AWAY SLAMS! Roxie flounders to the corner, Raquel runs up! VADER ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!?!
Roxie just barely survives that, and Raquel is furious! Raquel hoists Roxie up, TEJAN- NO! Roxie slips free, but Raquel ELBOWS her down! Raquel runs up, Roxie moves, Raquel POSTS herself! Roxie DIVES to take Raquel down! The fans fire up as Roxie keeps moving! Another DIVE, and down goes Raquel again! Roxie hurries to put Raquel in, then runs, tilt-o-whirl, and RUSSIAN- NO, Raquel is too strong! She pops Roxie up, but Roxie DDTS!! Roxie hurries to the corner, TRIANGLE JUMP LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Raquel stays in this, Liv is worried, but Roxie waits on Raquel. Roxie runs, dodges a lariat, and then she ROCKS Raquel!
Roxie SOBATS, hops on, but no Pop Rox! Raquel BOOTS Roxie down! Cover, TWO!! Roxie survives again and even Liv is frustrated. Wait! Here come Bianca Belair & Naomi! Just as Dom worried about! The EST storms in from one side, Naomi slips in from the other! Liv finds herself surrounded, so she swings! But sh egets pinballed instead! And then THROWN into the barriers! Raquel is furious, but Roxie gets her with POP ROX!! Cover, ROXIE WINS!!
Winner: Roxanne Perez, by pinfall (advances to Elimination Chamber)
Raquel is shocked, but now she and Liv have to deal with the StrongEST Glow! They thrash Liv into the ring, torture rack, but Raquel drags Liv to safety! The fans boo, but the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions warn Liv & Raquel that revenge is coming! The Women’s Elimination Chamber has its full six: Naomi, Bianca, Liv, Roxie, Bayley and Alexa Bliss! Who will win that golden ticket to a Women’s World Championship match with Rhea Ripley?
Backstage interview with Seth Rollins.
Cathy is now with the Visionary and his fuzzy red jacket, bringing up the big match with an opponent he knows quite well. Any words before he heads out there? Seth says he of course has a few words. WrestleMania is just under 10 weeks away, but he can’t get there unless he goes through Elimination Chamber. And he can’t get through Elimination Chamber unless he wins tonight! So tonight, on Monday Night Rollins, right here in Charlotte, NC, this is as big as it gets. Finn needs this win, but Rollins needs it more. And Rollins is all outta words. That means it is time for a fight! Rollins heads out, but in steps Karrion Kross & Scarlett.
Kross tells Sami that he knows Sami will see this at some point, because they both know Sami keeps a close eye on his “good friend,” Rollins. But Kross is just trying to wrap his mind around this delirious mindset Sami and all his “friends” have. Jey Uso actually believes he’ll beat Gunther at WrestleMania? And Rollins believes he’ll qualify for the Elimination Chamber and eliminate “The Invisible Man,” John Cena? No, no, no. And Sami actually thinks he stands a chance against Kevin Owens in the state Sami is in? My God… Those other two, they lost their minds, there’s no helping them. But Sami, Kross still believes deep down that Sami knows there’s always more time to turn things around.
Kross & Scarlett now leave, but what could Mr. Doomsday mean by all that?
Iyo Sky speaks.
“How quickly everything can change. A year ago, I was champion, on top of the world. Heading onto the biggest stage of them all. Now, my path to WrestleMania isn’t so clear. There was a good chance I wouldn’t have my moment this year. But this match with Rhea is all the opportunity I need. I respect Rhea. I know her better than she knows herself. Every time we crossed paths in NXT, no matter what she threw at me, I stood victorious. In two weeks, when I pin Rhea once again, I will take my rightful spot at the top of this division, and punch my ticket to WrestleMania. That is MY championship, And I want it back!”
The Evil Genius has spoken, but will she stay undefeated against The Brutality? Or will Mami still be on top?
The New Day is in the ring.
Charlotte, NC is not happy to see Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods, especially after what they did to Rey Mysterio as Raw was going off the air. Dragon Lee tried to make the save but he got beat up and even POWERBOMBED 2v1! Then as if that wasn’t enough, Woods managed to use a chair on Rey’s leg against the post! Woods & Kofi like seeing that footage again, but then don’t get why they’re getting booed. Woods mockingly says, “Get well soon, Rey!” But they also want to talk to all the fans here, only to get booed more. Kofi says okay, just give them a second to speak. The booing continues, and New Day still doesn’t understand.
The fans now chant, “NEW! DAY SUCKS!” Woods says shut up! Shut the hell up, every single one of you!! You’re all so mad about what they said to Big E, their friend! That they told Big E the truth to keep his lazy ass at home! They’re mad about Mysterio! The Hall of Famer that has done nothing but suck the lives out of every fresh new luchador that walks into this company! That’s who they’re supposed to respect? Y’all have gone insane! Everyone puts Rey on a pedestal, but why? Because he’s a Hall of Famer? The greatest luchador of all time? Heart and soul of WWE? Well guess what?! Kofi has more title wins than Rey Mysterio!!
Kofi has been here longer than Rey Mysterio! He’s been here 19 YEARS! The difference is, Kofi never left. If anyone is a locker room leader, it’s Kofi, NOT Rey! Rey kicking New Day out is audacious! And it is that level of disrespect that has forced New Day to come out and take a steel chair to Rey’s ankle. That is why New Day made Rey cry. And Rey sat there, middle of the ring, crying, tears down his cheeks, not willing to show his face! The fans continue to chant, “NEW! DAY SUCKS!” but Kofi says the fans don’t like them. So what?! They could’ve done worse! You should be thankful that New Day showed mercy to their hero!
Woods says be thankful they didn’t take Rey out back and give him the Old Yeller treatment! This gives Rey a few extra vacation days to spend with his wife. Thank the New Day! Thank GOD even! Everyone here should be down on their knees, hands held to the sky, screaming, “THANK GOD FOR THE NEW DAY~!” But wait! The LWO is here! The fans cheer as Dragon Lee, Cruz Del Toro & Joaquin Wilde are here. Lee says what they did to Rey, that is unforgiveable! Lee says he can say it best in Espanol, which he does, and then is sure New Day has no idea what that means. But he promises, he’ll show them specifically what that means. It’s something they already know: NEW DAY SUCKS!
LWO rushes the ring, brawl with New Day, and that’s 3v2 in the LWO’s advantage! The fans cheer as New Day gets stomped, then Cruz LARIATS Kofi up and out! Lee & Wilde DOUBLE SUPERKICK Woods out! Then Cruz & Wilde hold ropes open for Lee, only for New Day to retreat! New Day is furious, but when and where will they face the consequences of their actions?
The StrongEST Glow regroups backstage.
They feel good getting even a little bit of revenge on Liv & Raquel, but Cathy hurries over. She brings up Naomi & Bianca going after Liv & Raquel. Was that the revenge they were getting for Jade? Naomi says she and Bianca were counting down the days to learn the truth about what happened. Now Liv & Raquel will count down their days. Bianca says Liv might as well see Elimination Chamber as a handicap match, cuz the only time it really goes every woman for herself is when it’s Bianca and Naomi. Liv better bring it on, because Naomi & Bianca aren’t afraid to bringing the fight to each other. So long as it is one of them facing Rhea.
Or Iyo. You can’t sleep on Iyo, because she could take that title from Rhea after Elimination Chamber. And you can bet, Naomi & Bianca will be watching that match. The tag champs head out, will they be grabbing up even more gold on the Road to WrestleMania?
Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier: Seth Rollins VS Finn Balor!
John Cena, CM Punk, Drew McIntyre, Damian Priest and Logan Paul are already in, and it is time to fill out the field! The Visionary and The Prince have battled before, but this could be them at their hungriest and most desperate. Who runs the other off the Road to WrestleMania and heads for Toronto?
Raw returns as Finn makes his entrance. But then Finn DECKS Rollins the moment he’s in the ring! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Finn pulls Rollins’ red jacket off him to stomp him! The ref backs Finn off, Rollins says ring the damn bell! The bell rings, Finn RAMS Rollins then CHOPS him down! Finn bumps Rollins off buckles, fires body shots, then whips corner to corner. Rollins reverses, kicks and underhooks, but Finn trips him to DOUBLE STOMP! Finn reels Rollins in, underhooks, and he steals the PEDIGREE! Cover, TWO! Rollins survives but Finn grins. Finn goes to the corner, runs up, SHOTGUN!
Rollins hits buckles then falls down! Finn climbs up, the fans boo, but Rollins avoids the Coup De Grace! LARIAT! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Finn rises first, and he storms up on Rollins to KICK out a leg! The fans rally but Finn CLUBS Rollins on the neck. Finn CHOPS Rollins, CLAWS his face, then rains down fists! The ref counts as Rollins is in the ropes, but Finn lets off to soak up the heat. Finn storms up on Rollins, fires body shots, then whips corner to corner. Rollins comes back and BOOTS Finn down! Rollins runs up, forearm SMASH, then he stomps away! The ref counts, pulls Rollins back, and the fans fire up!
Finn staggers up, Rollins runs back in to forearm SMASH again! And then he hits a BACKBREAKER! And a LION- NO, Finn moves, Rollins lands out! Finn bails out, Rollins DIVES! Direct hit into the barriers and Charlotte fires up! Rollins puts Finn in, goes up and springboards, FLYING KNEE! The fans rally behind Rollins while Finn flounders. Rollins lines up a shot, CURB- NO, Finn dodges and SLINGBLADES! Finn reloads, runs back in, SHOT- NO, Rollins dropkicks Finn’s leg first! Finn writhes, clutches the knee, and Rollins stalks him. Rollins KICKS the leg out and Finn flounders again! Rollins KICKS the leg again!
Finn clings to ropes, the fans rally up, and Rollins stalks Finn for another KICK to the leg! Finn goes to a corner, Rollins puts the bad leg in ropes, and Rollins pulls on the leg! The ref counts, Rollins lets go, and Rollins paces. Finn kicks low and Rollins staggers back. Rollins bails out, maybe Finn got him in the liver. Finn hurries out after Rollins, then RAMS him into the apron! Rollins sputters and gasps, but Finn goes to the apron. Finn stomps Rollins again and again, then tells the ref to back off. Charlotte chants for “C M PUNK!” but Finn stomps Rollins more. Finn steps in to refresh the ring count, then runs, but Rollins blocks the kick!
Rollins CHOP BLOCKS Finn’s other leg, and then he hoists Finn up for a SHINBREAKER on the desk! Finn writhes again but Rollins goes to the ring. Finn hobbles his way over, but Rollins goes back out. Rollins runs up, but Finn moves! Rollins just stomps steps, but then Finn POSTS him! Finn YANKS Rollins’ legs out, and Rollins lands hard on the steel steps! Rollins writhes, Finn grins, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Finn has Rollins in a COBRA TWIST! The fans rally and Rollins endures, but Finn digs his elbow in. Rollins throws elbows into Finn’s legs, then he HIP TOSSES free! The fans fire up while Finn staggers to a corner. Rollins runs up, Finn dodges to roll up and stack, TWO! Finn KNEES Rollins low! Rollins sputters against ropes but Finn stomps him down. Finn eggs Rollins on, bumps him off buckles, and he fires hands. The ref counts, Finn stops, but then Finn climbs up. Finn soaks up heat as he rains down fists! The fans boo but Finn takes his time, so Rollins brings him off the corner!
Finn fights free of the bomb, slips around to dragon sleeper, but Rollins slips through! ROLLING ELBOW! Finn CHOPS back! Rollins ENZIGIRIS! Finn staggers, but then he PELES! Both men are down and the fans rally up! Finn snarls but the fans sing for Rollins, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Finn storms up on Rollins, but Rollins fires counter punches! And more counter punches! And a CHOP! And a haymaker! And repeat! CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! Rollins just CHOPS away on Finn, but Finn kicks low! Finn soaks up heat, but Rollins CHOPSÂ the leg! Then he DDTS Finn! Finn staggers, Rollins runs up, and he KNEES Finn down! Cover, TWO!
Rollins LIONSAULTS, covers, TWO! Finn survives again but the fans rally behind Rollins. Rollins huffs ‘n’ puffs, the fans sing some more, and Rollins nods. Rollins aims from a corner, then runs back in, but Finn victory rolls him! TWO!! Rollins escapes, blocks a kick, then slips under Finn to BUCKLE BOMB! Finn falls, Rollins hurries up top! Rollins FROG SPLASHES, onto knees!! Cover, TWO!!! Rollins survives that turnaround, and Finn again clutches his knee. “This is Awesome! as both men slowly rise. Finn hobbles but he fires a body shot! Rollins goes to ropes, but he kicks Finn’s leg! Finn hobbles again, but he fires another body shot!
Rollins KICKS Finn’s leg! Finn fires a BODY BLOW! Finn stands Rollins up, but Rollins CHOPS! Finn fires a haymaker, Rollins hits back, repeat! The fans fire up as the shots are fast ‘n’ furious! Rollins has the edge, and then he BITES Finn! Rollins scoops, Finn slips free to EYE OF THE HURRICANE! And then a SLINGBLADE! Finn aims, Rollins rises, SHOT- NO! Rollins turns dropkick into a step through, and SHARPSHOOTER!! The fans are fired up as Finn endures! Rollins sits deep on the hold, but Finn powers up! Finn reaches out, but Rollins drags him away! And then drags him up into a PEDIGREE!! Cover, TWO!?!?!
The fans can’t believe it, and neither can Rollins! Finn somehow survives, the fans chant “REF, YOU SUCK!” and Rollins also argues the count. The ref says his count was fair, and Rollins looks to the WrestleMania sign. The dream is still in reach, but Rollins tells the ref “SUCK IT!” Rollins goes to a corner and the fans fire up again. Rollins runs in, but Finn KICKS him in the gut! And again! And then an ENZIGIRI! Rollins falls, Finn climbs, but Rollins hurries back up! Rollins anchors Finn’s legs, but Finn rains down fists! Rollins staggers away, but then he springs up to get Finn! SUPER- NO, Finn trips Rollins!
Rollins crashes down to the mat, and Finn rises up! COUP DE GRACE!!! Finn crawls back to the cover, TWO?!?! GHOST PIN!! TWO!!! Finn has a CROSSFACE!! Rollins flails, reaches out, but Finn pulls back on the hold! Rollins rolls it back, pops free, CURB STOMP!! Cover, ROLLINS WINS!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall (advances to Elimination Chamber)
Charlotte, NC is thunderous as Rollins snatches victory from the jaws of defeat! The Visionary can still see his Road to WrestleMania, but will he find a way to make it through five other top level superstars?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw tonight, with some pretty good surprises. For one, I didn’t think Dakota Kai was winning. Not that she didn’t deserve to win, because she absolutely did, but the story was making it seem like Ivy was going to face Lyra for the title. Great win for Dakota, and we’ll get a great title match between her and Lyra. Maybe Dakota wins, maybe Ivy gets involved, hard to say. Great match from Penta VS Dunne, but of course Kaiser also gets involved. That’s at least a Triple Threat in the making right there, and it’d be some awesome stuff.
Good promo from Gunther to mock Jey and get heat from the fans. It’s wild that he quoted Zack Sabre Jr. from just over a year ago with that “Shakespeare to your dog” line. Good brawl from him and Jey, and a decent response promo from Jey after, but I feel like he didn’t really have much else to say than other times. To be fair, Jey would probably end up rehashing things Gunther’s been told by Gable or Sami, aka “What’re you gonna do after you lose? How’re you gonna feel after failing?” Strange how a year later, Gunther’s ended up in another case where his opponent is seen as such an underdog compared to him, but I guess that shows how powerful he’s been booked.
Speaking of Sami, very good promo from him, though he recycled a bit from Friday’s video message. But then awesome news that we’re getting an Unsanctioned Match! It is all for the timing of WWE being back in Canada, or else this probably would’ve been the WrestleMania match. And I would think Sami wins this, as Kevin struck first with the package piledriver. Then it makes them “even” on the year, and then WrestleMania can be something even bigger. Though, hard to say there’s anything bigger than this Unsanctioned Match, outside of perhaps an I Quit match, because Sami and Kevin are not going to say those words easy.
But also, good promo from Kross putting Sami on notice. Maybe Kross does something during the Unsanctioned Match and then oddly, Sami VS Kross is a Mania match, but it’s hard to say. New Day has a very good promo to follow up the sneak attack that got “cut off” last week. And y’know what? Kofi’s right, Rey left WWE for a bit and toured the world, from NJPW to even Lucha Underground. But obviously the Heels are still wrong overall given they mistreated Big E and so on. LWO getting the better of New Day is good stuff, but like, the formula is a given: Cruz & Wilde lose, maybe even get cheated, and then maybe Rey makes a heroic return so he and Lee get one more match with New Day.
Iyo had a good promo to hype up the title match with Rhea, but they keep reusing the footage of her in the water. And while Iyo is getting better with her English, if they were going to subtitle the promo, why not just let her say all of it in Japanese? Well, whatever, Rhea VS Iyo will be awesome, but Iyo making a point of how she’s undefeated against Rhea 1v1 is going to come back to bite her. Rhea will win and retain the title, then be ready to face whoever wins the Women’s Elimination Chamber for a great WrestleMania match.
And great stuff with the Judgment Day as they connect many stories together. For one, I like that Liv & Raquel are denying that they attacked Jade without really denying it, more because they want to come off that dangerous. But then that only gets Bianca & Naomi coming after them, and that helps build the coming tag title match. Also great reference to the original Bring It On in the cheerleader outfits they wore. That aside, I still stand by my idea that Jade is going to reveal whodunnit, it’ll probably be Naomi after all, and that reveal costs Naomi & Bianca the tag titles. All the awkward talk of “It’s fine as long as one of us wins” has kinda been foreshadowing this, too, and Bianca will want after Naomi inside the Chamber match.
Dom of course lost to Styles, but it was good stuff to also set up Bron going after Styles. Bron VS Styles will be phenomenal, but I still feel like they should set up big midcard title matches for WrestleMania, like no less than a Triple Threat. And that should also apply to the women’s midcard titles. I know they just released people, but they should maximize using the rest of the roster. Anyway, Finn VS Rollins was an awesome main event, but I figured Rollins would win. There’s just so much heat for the Elimination Chamber with Rollins, McIntyre and Punk all in there, and even with Logan Paul given Rollins and Logan feuded going into Mania 39. Plus, if they really wanted to, Finn’s loss could be the last straw and the others kick him out to do what they want with the faction.
My Score: 8.9/10
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)Â
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 PodcastÂ
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
SmackDown’s on the road to Riyadh!
John Cena dared CM Punk to challenge him at Night of Champions, and Miss Money in the Bank, Naomi, wants all champions to Proceed With Caution!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- King of the Ring Tournament Fatal 4 Way: Randy Orton VS LA Knight VS Aleister Black VS Carmelo Hayes; Orton wins and advances to the next round.
- Queen of the Ring Tournament Fatal 4 Way: Jade Cargill VS Nia Jax VS Piper Niven VS Mia Yim; Jade wins and advances to the next round.
- Motor City Machine Guns VS Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis w/ The Wyatt Sick6; Gacy & Lumis win.
- Queen of the Ring Tournament Fatal 4 Way: Charlotte Flair VS Alexa Bliss VS Candice LeRae VS
Chelsea GreenAlba Fyre; Alexa wins and advances to the next round. - King of the Ring Tournament Fatal 4 Way: Cody Rhodes VS Damian Priest VS Andrade VS Shinsuke Nakamura; Cody wins and advances to the next round.
PLAY BY PLAY
John Cena is here!
Lexington, Kentucky sings, “JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” as he makes his way out in the University of Kentucky white ‘n’ blue. Cena goes to the ring, and while the fans duel, “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cena signals to Mark Nash to give the proper introductions: Please welcome the Greatest of All Time, the Never Seen Seventeen, gracing Lexington with his presence one last time, he is the Last Real Champion, JOHN CENA! The fans boo as Cena holds up the belt. Cena then grabs a mic and says, “Wrestling’s Mount Rushmore… is John Cena, John Cena, John Cena, and John Cena.” The fans boo but Cena says, there have been great wrestlers and great talkers.
But no one in the past, and certainly no one in the present nor the future, is comparable to him. And the very reason Cena will always outmaneuver the fans is not because he never gives up. It is because he is smarter than us. “You Can’t See Me, but you all wanna be me.” And whether watching at home or being mesmerized in this very arena, Cena is always 1000 steps ahead because everyone is worried about here and now, when he had already “won” this title over a year ago. Cena announced his retirement early so that he could have an extra six months to scout his potential opponents.
Cena knew anyone could enter the Rumble, so he did. And he knew that if he lost in the Rumble, he could use his seniority to enter the Elimination Chamber. And he knew that in the Chamber, Rollins and Punk would melt down to give Cena an easy win. Plus, Cody Rhodes was so focused on The Final Boss, Cena just had to seize the moment, shock the world, and become unpredictable. Then all he did was use Cody’s obsession with everyone’s love to guarantee the WrestleMania win. Cena used the fanfare and love of the 25 year rivalry to get a match in Randy Orton’s hometown, all to lull Randy into a false sense of security.
Cena put R-Truth in the Saturday Night’s Main Event so that all the fans would care, and the fans took the bait! While the fans tried to save Truth, Cena made friends with Logan Paul, just to eliminate him as a threat, and all to size up his next opponent in CM Punk. The fans boo but Cena says he used Punk’s rebellious nature and sociopathic self-confidence to back him into a corner. The fans cheer for Punk, but Cena says if Punk wants to take the title, he has to admit that he is a hypocrite! And Cena doesn’t even have to worry about Mr. Money in the Bank, Rollins will never cash in on Cena while he holds this!
Cena knows Rollins wants Cena to leave with the Undisputed title, Rollins becomes your only champion! Cena is the greatest for a reason! The fans boo but Cena says while they’ve been busy using their pathetic brains to come up with fake stories like if Cena “sold his soul,” all Cena has to do is put the math in his favor. He wins before the matches even start! In 25 years, he crunched every number, solved every puzzle and cracked every code. And thank God Cena doesn’t need the fans’ appreciation, because they won’t realize how good he is until three years after he’s gone! This is the greatest moment of their lives, but to Cena, they are just a mathematical equation.
And the math says that there is no one ever worthy enough to earn the right to hold the Undisputed title ever again. But wait, here comes Cody Rhodes! Lexington sings along with Cody’s song, “WHOA~ OH~!” as the American Nightmare makes his way to the ring. Cody gets his pyro, high-fives fans in the front row, then steps up onto the corner for the second “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro. Cody throws his track jacket to the crowd as a free souvenir, then he grabs himself a mic. The fans cheer as Cody and Cena are face to face again, and then Cody gets the fans to fire up a bit more. Cody takes a moment, then asks Cena to go over what he just said.
Cena claims to be 1000 steps ahead because he’s so smart? No, no, he isn’t just smart! Cena’s a genius! It is unfortunate that everything Cena’s said has come true: Rollins and Punk melted down, Cody was distracted, and they all took their eyes off the prize. The homefield advantage was used against Randy, and the Mount Rushmore being all Cena, sure. But here we are, some sort of 25 year master plan, and there’s this variable that he didn’t account for, and it is simple. Cena laid out his whole story since his return, but why didn’t he include the simple fact that this past Saturday, he was looking up at the lights when Cody pinned him in the middle of this ring?!
The fans cheer, and Cody says he isn’t part of Cena’s plan, Cena is part of Cody’s. So “John Rushmore,” where does that leave the two of them? Well it isn’t just the two of them, because here comes Randy Orton! The fans fire up as The Viper goes right to the ring, gets right in Cena’s face, then pushes past him to grab himself a mic. Randy is back a month after Backlash, and he tells anyone and everyone that had a pulse and was watching Backlash knows Orton had Cena BEAT! Down and out, dead to rights, and about to remove Cena’s head from his shoulders! Until somebody out there decided to come and save John Cena.
Orton realizes now that he has to do whatever it takes. It doesn’t matter what or who it is he has to go through to get his fifteenth. Even being in the King of the Ring Tournament. Cody, Orton loves you like a brother, you know that… But if Orton has to put Cody’s ass down to get to Cena, he won’t hesitate to do it! But wait! Here comes LA Knight! Lexington fires up for The Mega Star as he already has a mic to say, “LEMME TALK TO YA!” “YEAH!” LA Knight says all week long, he’s heard the whole world saying #WeWantLAKnight! “YEAH!” Knight knows what they want, and he knows for damn sure what none of the other guys in the ring want, and that’s Knight walking down there.
So, why don’t we take a walk? Knight understands what this is as he defiantly walks down there. He is looking at the WEW Establishment! “YEAH!” Knight is the sore thumb sticking out here, and that’s how he likes it, YEAH! “YEAH!” But you gotta understand something. Cena, you have this great little master plan, BAH GAWD, it is genius. But Knight knows damn sure that the plans didn’t include Knight, YEAH! So let’s go ahead and throw the plan on it’s head. KOTR is around the corner, which means Knight has a shot at Cody, Orton, and Cena, all on the way to taking what is his! “YEAH!”
So unbreakable as Knight is walking in here, he’s gotta drop a viper, a nightmare, and if he has to drop “a genius balding b*tch John Cena,” he’ll do it to be WWE Champion, with everybody saying, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!!” Cena chuckles and steps out. The fans boo as Cena goes back up the ramp, but then R-TRUTH GETS HIM! Or, well, Ron Killings gets him! And he rains down furious fists on Cena right at the ramp! Security rushes out there, as do producers, and the fans boo. Cena kicks free as it takes everybody to hold Killings back! Will Cena even make it to Night of Champions with the walls closing in?
King of the Ring Tournament Fatal 4 Way: Randy Orton VS LA Knight VS Aleister Black VS Carmelo Hayes!
SmackDown returns as Melo joins Orton and Knight out here, followed by The Dark Father. The King of the Ring has a new format this year, which one of these four survives to head into the semifinals?
The bell rings and the four watch each other. Melo locks eyes with Knight, but then he goes after Aleister! They brawl with forearms and haymakers, then Melo throat chops! Melo whips, Aleister grabs ropes and BOOTS H1M back! Aleister TOSSES Melo, Knight and Orton tie up and they end up in a corner. Aleister whips but Melo reverses to send Aleister into barriers! Orton fires hands on Knight, then a KNEE! Knight turns thing around, only for Melo to roll him up! TWO, and Orton kicks Melo! Orton UPPERCUTS Melo, Aleister UPPERCUTS Melo, then Knight DECKS him! And LARIATS him up and out!
Aleister goes up, out, and TRIANGLE MOONSAULTS! Down goes Melo and Knight has Orton! Orton denies the BFT, but then Knight denies the RKO! Aleister runs up, Knight ducks the Black Mass! The fans fire up the huge standoff, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Melo has Knight in a corner. Melo rains down fists, but Knight stops him quick! Atomic drop and a LARIAT! Knight storms up on Melo to stomp him into a corner, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight then goes to Orton in the other corner and stomps away! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight goes back to Melo, but Melo SUPERKICKS! Aleister is back, Melo ducks ‘n’ dodges, LA MYSTICA! But then Knight runs up, only to be put on the apron. Knight slingshots but into a CUTTER! Melo has Knight in the ropes, FADE AWAY LEG DROP! DROPKICK for Orton, but Aleister ROCKS Melo!
Aleister whips, Melo springboards, FLYING LARIAT! Melo shoots his free throw, then FLIES to take out Aleister! The fans fire up and Melo goes back to the ring, but Knight WRECKS him with a dropkick! “YEAH!” Knight huffs ‘n’ puffs and drags Melo up to SMACK him off the desk! Knight dribbles Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Orton has Knight for a back suplex, but Knight lands out! Orton blocks Aleister’s boot, spins him around, DESK BACK SUPLEX! Knight then RAMS Orton into the apron! The fans rally, Knight fetches Melo, and Knight puts Melo in the ring. Knight storms up, “This is Awesome!” as Knight hoists Melo up top.
Knight climbs but Melo throws hands! Knight CHOPS, they brawl some more, and Knight fires a flurry! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight steadies himself, brings Melo up, but Melo fights the lift! Melo fires body shots then he shoves Knight down! But Orton runs up to ROCK Melo! Orton gets Melo up but Melo CLWWS the eyes! Aleister STEP-UP KICKS Melo! Melo wobbles, Aleister TOSSES Orton, but Orton drags Aleister out! Orton whips, Aleister reverses and he POSTS Orton! Knight springs up to get Melo! Melo shoves Knight away, aims, FROG SPLASH!! Cover, Aleister breaks it! The fans fire up as this one continues, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns once again and Aleister KNEES Melo, then ENZIGIRIS! Knight runs u;, Aleister goe sup and over, then he spins Knight to ELBOW him! Orton stumbles up but Aleister stops the RKO! Orton avoids Black Mass, Aleister grabs Knight but Knight rolls him up! ONE, and Aleister aims, but Knight dodges so the BOOT hits Orton! Knight has Aleister but Aleister denies BFT to KNEE Knight down! Melo headlocks but Aleister handsprings out of the bulldog! Aleister fires off a strike fest and a BOOT! Cover on Melo, TWO! Aleister grows frustrated but he has all three opponents down! The fans fire up as Aleister aims, runs up, but Orton LARIATS!
Orton LARIATS again, then dodges to SNAP POWERSLAM! But Knight runs up, he gets a SNAP POWERSLAM! Melo ROCKS Orton, runs, but into a SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up for Orton as he drags Melo up. Orton puts Melo in the ropes, but then Aleister runs up. Orton kicks Aleister, has him in the ropes, but then Knight adds on! JUMPING NECKBREAKER DOUBLE DRAPING DDT COMBO!! Cover on Orton, TWO!! Orton stays in this for everyone’s sake and Knight is a bit stunned. The fans rally up, “This is Awesome!” Knight watches Melo rise, kick and B- NO, Melo powers out! Knight swings on Orton but Orton ducks!
Orton aims, but Knight denies the RKO, and he sends Orton into Melo’s FIRST 48! Aleister BOOTS Melo! Knight has Aleister, B F T!! Cover, MELO BREAKS IT!! Melo denies Knight that game winner, and now they rise up. Melo vows to end this, but Knight wrenches and kicks, to then whip and POP-UP and POWERSLAM! Knight huffs ‘n’ puffs and goes to the corner. The fans rally as Knight climbs, “L! A! KNIGHT!” BUT BRONSON REED YANKS KNIGHT DOWN! The Colossal Aussie gets revenge for Monday, but speaking of! BRON BREAKKER SPEARS KNIGHT!! They cost Knight at MITB, he cost them in KOTR, so now they get him out of KOTR!
Melo grins and takes aim, NOTHING BUT RKO!! Cover, Orton wins!!
Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall (advances to the semifinals)
Just when Melo thought he was taking advantage of an opening, he left himself open to The Viper! Will Orton be meeting Cody Rhodes at the end of this tournament? Or will Sami Zayn make sure he isn’t just someone’s stepping stone?
Jacob Fatu walks ‘n’ talks backstage.
“Lexington, Kentucky. The United States Champion is here. Hell, the United States Champion is America’s Most Wanted, and I’m coming live and direct inside The Rupp Arena! YADADADADADADA mean?!” The Samoan Werewolf is all fired up, but what more will he say on how Saturday was the night he broke free from Solo Sikoa? We find out, after the break.
SmackDown returns and…
Fatu heads to the ring! Lexington cheers the Samoan Werewolf, and he grabs the mic to say, “Lexington, Kentucky! Let’s keep it 100! Just because you’re family don’t mean that you can go behind their back and try to snake ’em. Just because we both come from the same bloodline don’t mean that they can take all the credit for your hard work! So Solo says I wouldn’t be nothing if it wasn’t for him. Solo says Jacob Fatu would be nothing if it wasn’t for him!” The fans boo that, and Fatu says this is why he had to remind Solo at MITB what happens when you don’t get in where you fit in! The fans cheer that!
So now, it is Fatu against the world! Cuz Fatu is all gas, no brakes with it! YADADA MEAN~?! But wait, Solo Sikoa is on the tron, sarcastically applauding. Solo says that’s it, Jacob, tell ’em how you feel. Solo leans in close and asks Fatu if he’s done getting it all off his chest. At MITB, Fatu could’ve made the biggest mistake of his life. And Solo can forgive him for that. One year ago, when Solo visited Fatu in Sacramento, Fatu was doing nothing. NOTHING. No one wanted Fatu around until Solo brought him here to the WWE. Solo made Fatu into a WWE Superstar, put money in his pocket, put him in the position for success, and even made him a champion!
This is all because of SOLO, you stupid…! Solo holds back, and he says next week, Solo will be in the ring with open arms, willing to take Fatu back. But there is something Solo needs from Fatu. He needs those four words from him: I Love You, Solo. And just remember… Solo brought Fatu into the WWE, and he can take him out of it. Yadada mean? Solo leaves Fatu to think on this ultimatum, but is it already obvious what Fatu will say to Solo next week?
Nick Aldis meets with The Secret Her-vice.
“Special Slaygent” Piper informs the SmackDown General Manager that Chelsea Green needs to speak with him. But Chelsea isn’t here in the room…? She’s on the phone. And Chelsea apologizes, she had an impossible time finding a flight to get her to Lexington, so can they postpone her Fatal 4 Way until next week? Aldis says no, they’re not postponing anything for little ol’ Chelsea. But if her Secret Her-vice is here… Alba is ready for competition, right? So then Alba will take Chelsea’s place! Perfect! Chelsea says no, she will filibuster and- Oh, sorry, no, Aldis authorized it, he doesn’t care what Chelsea has to say, so Alba has to go get ready now.
Alba grumbles that she has to change from her security suit to her wrestling suit. Chelsea complains and complains, but then Zelina Vega steps in. Zelina takes the phone and hangs up on Chelsea so she can talk with Aldis. She wants Giulia now! Well, she’s not here tonight. Oh, that’s convenient. Aldis says he understands that Zelina wants after Giulia after last week. Zelina says first of all, she’s been snatched unawares much harder by much better. Second, don’t worry about the girl that does the sneak attacks, worry about the girl that gets up after every beating. One sneak attack isn’t gonna scare her, she is THE Women’s US Champion!
So next week, Zelina will confront Giulia, because she doesn’t need to pretend or hide. The smallest girl with the biggest mouth is gonna make Giulia look stupid! Zelina storms off, will the Beautiful Madness learn not to get on La Muneca’s bad side?
Queen of the Ring Tournament Fatal 4 Way: Jade Cargill VS Nia Jax VS Piper Niven VS Mia Yim!
A storm has come to Lexington, and she wants to make her way to Riyadh! Will the Irresistible Force, the Special Slaygent and even the Head Baddie in Charge be unable to slow her down? Or will someone else grab that spot in the semifinals?
SmackDown returns as Michin makes her entrance, joining Jade and Piper, leaving Nia for last. Nia says she won the crown last year, she’ll just do it again. The bell rings and Piper fires off on Mia while Nia RAMS Jade! The fans boo but Jade elbows Nia and bumps her off buckles! Jade RAMS into Nia but Piper has Mia on the outside. Piper whips Mia into barriers! And then puts her up against the post. Nia and Jade have moved their brawl outside while Piper runs up on Mia. Mia dodges so Piper POSTS herself! Nia whips, Jade reverse, Nia hits steel steps! The fans fire up as Jade and Mia meet in the ring.
Mia and Jade run up, Mia slips around to waistlock, but Jade switches to SLAM Mia down! Mia fights up while Jade holds on, but Jade whips. Jade hurdles, then scoops for a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Mia stays in this but Jade stays on her. Jade suplexes, holds Mia up, but Mia slips free! Mia goes to a corner, dodges Jade, but Jade keeps moving! Mia ducks ‘n’ dodges ‘n’ redirects to RANA! Mia runs and SHOTGUNS Jade down! The fans rally, Mia covers, TWO! Jade is tougher than that but Mia stomps her. Mia runs but Piper trips her up! Piper drags Mia out and scoops to SLAM her on the floor!
Nia drops an ELBOW on Jade! Piper SENTONS Mia! Nia soaks up the heat, drags Jade up, and Nia bumps Jade off buckles. Nia CHOPS Piper, then shakes her hand. Nia whips corner to corner, Jade bounces off buckles, and Nia signals for that crown. Jade fires forearms but Nia HEADBUTTS her down! Nia fireman’s carries and SAMOAN DROPS! Piper adds a SENTON! Piper and Nia stare down, but they decide to work together on Jade. Nia & Piper mug Jade in a corner, then whip corner to corner. Jade ELBOWS Piper away, dodges Nia, and Nia POSTS herself! Jade runs to PUMP KICK Piper outta the ring!
But Nia drags Jade out of the ring! The mugging continues, but Mia goes up and up to ASAI MOOONSAULT! Direct hit and all four are down! The fans fire up while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Jade SPLASHES Piper in one corner, then SPLASHES Nia in the other! And repeat! But then Nia follows, only for Jade to dodge! Nia SPLASHES Piper, then Jade ROCKS her! But Piper CLOBBERS Jade! Nia DRIBBLES Jade off the mat, the fans boo, and Nia salutes with Piper. They drag Jade up, whip her to a corner, then Nia runs to SPLASH! Piper adds a SPLASH of her own! Jade sits down, Nia HIP ATTACKS! Piper CANNONBALLS! Cover, but Nia won’t let Piper get it! Piper says okay, okay, she was just kidding around. But Nia shoves Piper! Piper shoves Nia! Mia RANAS Nia, then JAWBREAKERS Piper!
Mia has Piper for a TORNADO BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Piper stays in this but Mia drags her up. Jade CLUBS Mia, whips her, but Mia RAN- NO, Jade blocks it! SIT OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Mia survives, and Piper SPLASHES Jade! Piper drags Mia up, reels her in, but Mia slips out of the scoop! SLICED BREAD! Mia hurries to cover, but Nia breaks it! Nia SENTONS onto Mia! Cover, TWO! Mia toughs it out and Nia grows frustrated. Nia & Piper go after Jade on the outside but Jade fights them off! SUPERKICK for Piper! HAYMAKER for Nia! Piper HEADBUTTS Jade, Nia ROCKS Jade, and then they two TOSS Jade over the desk!
Wade Barrett gets wiped out by The Storm and Nia just flips them both off! But Mia WRECKS Nia with a dropkick! Piper is up, Mia dodges and tilt-o-whirls to DDT! Cover, Nia breaks it! Mia drags Nia up to fire hands, then she fires hands on Piper! The fans rally, Mia runs, but into double guzels! DOUBLE CHOKE SLAM!! Nia applauds, the fans boo, and Wade is apparently okay, but then Nia DECKS Piper! Nia dumps Piper out, drags Mia to a drop zone, then she goes up! The fans boo the A-NIA-LATOR!! Cover, PIPER BREAKS IT! Piper and Nia go outside, and Piper POSTS Nia! Piper then runs to SPEAR Nia through the barriers!!
The fans go nuts as Piper proves she’s the more destructive powerhouse! Piper then storms over to Mia, she goes up the corner, VADER BOMB! But Jade is up!! Chicken wings on Piper, JADED for Piper!!! Cover, JADE WINS!
Winner: Jade Cargill, by pinfall (advances to the semifinals)
Just as it looked like she was done for, Jade snatches this win away for her own! The Storm is in the semifinals, will she make quick work of The Prodigy, Roxanne Perez?
Naomi watches this backstage.
She’s not exactly pleased that Jade is advancing, but she’s also the one holding the Money in the Bank briefcase. Naomi heads for gorilla, what will she have to say about her huge victory? We find out, after the break.
SmackDown returns and…
Lexington fires up as Naomi heads to the ring! “Yes, I see some o’ y’all looking real surprised! Real shocked! Real stupid! I dunno why, because I told y’all I was done accepting scraps. I took what I deserve, and look at me now. Miss Money in the Bank! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!” The fans are torn, but Naomi says what’s really funny is the entire time, when she was trying to beat Nia Jax for the WWE Women’s Championship, y’know who was there with a briefcase to stop it? Y’know who distracted her? Who bashed her in the head?! It was Tiffany Stratton. “Too Nice Naomi” just let it happen. But the Naomi now aini’t lettin’ nothing sliding! She’s here for payback!
And when Naomi CLOCKS Tiffy Time in the head with this briefcase, it’ll feel so good when Naomi becomes the NEW WWE- Well, here comes Tiffany herself! The fans cheer as Tiff goes to the ring, and she grabs a mic to say, “You talk a big game, Naomi. So why don’t you just do it? Just cash in and take my title… right now.” The fans chant “DO IT! DO IT!” Tiffy says see, she’s still the same ol’ Naomi: all talk and no action. That is why Naomi never beat Nia. But please, prove us all wrong! The fans cheer, Naomi snarls, and she says, “Do I look stupid to you?! Do I look like Booboo the Fool? I ain’t gonna cash in on you now. I’ma cash in when you least expect it.”
Fans go, “What?” and Naomi shouts, “B*tch, you heard me!” Naoim says in the meantime, she will enjoy making Tiffy’s life HELL! Naomi says tick-tock, Tiffy, time is almost up! So Naomi strongly advises to #ProceedWithCaution. The fans are torn, but while Naomi holds up the briefcase, Tiffy holds up the belt. When and where will we see- WAIT! NIA is here! Nia and Tiff brawl, the fans fire up, and Nia shoves Tiff. Tiff DROPKICKS Nia’s legs, then DROPKICKS Nia in the face! Naomi runs up, Tiff DECKS her, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff! Nia may not be going to Riyadh, but she wants to get hers now! A-NIA-LATOR on Tiff!!
Naomi hurries back up, but Nia steps in the way! Nia tells Naomi to back off, so Naomi backs off. Will Nia get payback on the Wrestling Barbie before Naomi can? Or will Tiffy still have time on the clock?
Nick Aldis meets with the SmackDown Tag Division.
He thanks the Street Profits, Motor City Machine Guns, Fraxiom & DIY for coming to discuss the Wyatt situation. Johnny Gargano interrupts, saying this is a big decision. DIY feels this is a huge opportunity… for Fraxiom. Everyone else says they knew DIY would pull that. Fraxiom says they’re not afraid, but Tommaso Ciampa says if nothing else, the Street Profits should step up as the champions. Angelo Dawkins says bet, they’re already ready. Aldis suggests they all let him finish his explanation. Taking all this into account, MCMG are the veterans, so they will set the tone. They get the Wyatts tonight.
The others applaud and Dawkins says yes, set that tone. Will Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin be able to have an impact on the Wyatt Sick6? Or will the Motor City Machine Guns have no effect on what goes bump in the night?
Motor City Machine Guns VS Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis!
SmackDown returns as the lights go down and the fireflies come out. The chair and the lantern wait on stage as the Wyatts make their entrance. Uncle Howdy sits in the chair, Nikki Cross & Erik Rowan stay close, and Gacy & Lumis rush the ring! The fans cheer as the brawl is on! The bell rings, Gacy has Shelley while Lumis has Sabin! The ref reprimands, Gacy whips Shelley to a corner then CLOBBERS him! Lumis & Gacy whip Sabin, DOUBLE ELBOW, then Lumis drops an AX HANDLE! Gacy drops a SENTON! Cover, ONE!! Gacy drags Sabin up, bumps him off buckles, and tags in Lumis.
Lumis brings Sabin around but Sabin swings. Lumis duck sot hit a BIG back suplex! Lumis kips up and LEG DROPS! Cover, TWO! Sabin is tougher than that, but Lumis drags him up. Gacy tags in, they mug Sabin, and then Gacy whips. Scoop and BACKBREAKER! Gacy goes up the ropes to LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Gacy BLASTS Shelley off the apron and he tags Lumis in. They get Sabin up, UPPERCUT and then a kick down low. Lumis wrenches Sabin, tags Gacy back in, and the mugging continues. They double whip, but Sabin breaks the double lariat! Gacy runs up but Sabin DUMPS him out! And then he TOSSES Lumis!
Tag to Shelley and MCMG set up! The fans fire up as the Machine Guns DOUBLE DORPKICK! Then they DOUBLE PLANCHA! Down go Lumis & Gacy and the fans fire up! MCMG stare down with Rowan while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and both Shelley and Gacy are down. The fans rally, Shelley crawls, hot tag to Sabin! Sabin goes up to MSSILE DROPKICK! Gacy flounders, Lumis tags in, but Sabin dodges to CHOP, CHOP, and CHOP! Sabin whips, Lumis reverses but Sabin BULLDOGS! The fans fire up and Lumis staggers up. Sabin runs and GAMANGIRIS! Sabin drags Lumis to a cover, TWO! Howdy is antsy as Sabin tags Shelley. Shlley goes to the apron, Sabin follows, and MCMG DOUBLE SUPERKICK Lumis! Lumis sputters, MCMG drags him inside, and Shelley whips Lumis to the corner. LARIAT, then he tags Sabin!
Shelley clinches but Lumis ELBOWS free! Lumis trips Sabin up, then hurries to tag Gacy! Gacy runs in to handspring, and DOUBLE UPSIDE-DOWN!! Tag back to Lumis and they have Sabin! Whip and POP-UP POWERBOMB onto Sabin! The fans fire up as Lumis covers, TWO!! Sabin survives but Lumis snarls. Lumis watches Sabin stir, drags him up and wrenches to then whip him to the corner. But Sabin DROPKICKS Gacy! Lumis runs in, Sabin BOOTS him away, then Sabin runs up, DDT! Hot tag to Shelley! Lumis staggers up, Shelley whips, BIG atomic drop! Then the DREAM SEQUENCE!
The fans fire up with MCMG and Howdy doesn’t like that. Sabin tags back in, he drags Lumis up while Shelley climbs. Sabin turns Lumis but Gacy trips Shelley! Gacy HEADBUTTS Sabin, he and Lumis aim, HIGH LOW!! Cover off the superkick and leg sweep combo, but they ask Howdy for permission. “YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH~!” Lumis goes up, Gacy CLOBBERS Shelley, and Lumis hits a SUPER LEG DROP!! Cover, The Wyatts win!
Winners: Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis, by pinfall
The chaos is back and it is on top as Lumis & Gacy break the Machine Guns. Will they tear through the rest of the division until they’re the champions?
John Cena encounters Jimmy Uso backstage.
Cena and #BigJim stare down, and Cena asks if Jimmy has seen R-Truth. No, he hasn’t. Then has he seen Ron Killings? Listen, man… Jimmy ain’t seen either one of ’em. Cena says he knows Jimmy and Truth are close. So let Killings know that Cena’s going back to the ring, and he wants Killings to meet him there. Cena heads out, will Ron get the message? Will Cena get the Truth, the whole Truth, and nothing but the Truth?
SmackDown returns and…
“JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” as he goes right back to the ring, just as he promised. And he tells everyone to shut up! Cena paces and says, “There is a level of disrespect that I can tolerate. R-Truth, you just crossed the line!” The fans chant, “We Want Truth!” and Cena frowns. Cena says for once, he agrees. There is a time to talk and there is a time to fight, so Truth, get out here so they can fight! BUT WAIT! CM PUNK is here instead! Cena is stunned and maybe even a little scared to see Punk here on SmackDown. Punk goes right to the ring as the fans cheer, and he grabs himself a mic before sitting on the top rope.
The fans cheer Punk on even more and Punk asks, “Is it great to be alive on a Friday night in Lexington, Kentucky or what?” The fans cheer that! And Punk asks Cena if he said something about disrespect. Cena is tired of being disrespected? “John, these people are tired of being disrespected! But now, CM Punk has a microphone, and I think you can trust when I say that we have yet to begin the reach the levels of disrespect that we are capable of.” Punk says for old time’s sake, he’ll give Cena a chance, the benefit of a doubt. Maybe Punk’s empathy is too much, too Obi-Wan talking to Darth Vader, hoping to see Anakin still in there.
So Punk will give Cena a chance in front of this legendary wrestling town. “Stop what you’re doing, let these people celebrate who and what you are, let them put you on a pedestal on your way out. Let them celebrate the sacrifices you have made for them and this business. Give them a happy ending!” Punk steps back and Cena steps up. Cena asks, “Why? Why would I waste my time?” The fans boo, but Cena says the people don’t matter, this place doesn’t matter, basketball doesn’t matter, horse racing doesn’t matter! THIS Undisputed Championship is the only thing that matters! So Cena is to eat crow to the same idiots wearing his shirt but singing Punk’s song? Fat chance!
Punk says okay, okay, let the record show that Punk and Lexington gave Cena an out. But now, let’s do it Cena’s way. Let the disrespect being. Ironically that is the Punk way! When the static hits and Cult of Personality plays through sold-out arenas, everyone knows it is about to get real. And ladies and gentlemen, watching and working at USA Network, it’s about to get real. Here’s the truth Cena wants so badly. The saying goes, “You tell a strong man a lie to offend him.” That’s why it pisses Punk off when Cena calls him the hypocrite. Conversely, you tell a weak man the truth and that offends him.
Fans chant, “We Want Truth!” Punk says the truth here is… Cena can’t beat Punk. When Punk is at his best, Cena never could. And now Cena wants to ruin wrestling? Well, Punk is going to take it upon himself to save it. Bare with Punk, because as always, he has a lot to get off his chest. That other thing about sociopathic confidence? Punk takes that as a compliment. Because it is that confidence that brought Punk to the mountaintop time and time again. Especially when people like Cena say they wanna see it but claim Punk didn’t have it. But Punk is not as confident as Cena, because Punk would never dress like a toddler who looks like he struck out at T-Ball.
The fans laugh, Punk says he wants that stricken from the record, because y’know who that sounds like? That sounds like the PG John Cena. Which is ironic, because right now, y’know who Cena sounds like, saying he’s gonna ruin wrestling, take the strap and go home… That sounds like C M PUNK! And yes, that is ironic. Cena is stealing Punk’s best material. Punk won that title, he left with the title, and Cena is trying to follow in those footsteps. Punk did it! He said he would and he did, and Cena couldn’t stop him. Cena thinks challenging Punk at Night of Champions is going to stop him? “John Boy, just like old times, here’s CM Punk to make your title run interesting.”
Here comes CM Punk to make John Cena’s retirement tour interesting! Watchable! Get the rocket fuel to fuel that private jet! Punk would go to MARS to beat Cena’s ass! Punk will follow Cena to Hell to prove he is better than Cena! But here’s more truth, it isn’t all bad. Cena IS a GOAT, but so is Punk. Punk beat Cena in Chicago, he beat Cena in Boston, and he will beat Cena at Night of Champions. Cena is the “Goat” that Punk will spit-roast and sacrifice to the gods of wrestling! Legends who actually belong on the Mount Rushmore! Terry Funk, Harley Race, Bret Hart, Eddie Guerrero! The AUDACITY of Cena to put himself on that mountain once, let alone all four times. What a joke.
The fans cheer but Cena smirks. Punk says here’s more truth: You can’t see me? No, Punk sees through him, and always has, and that’s the truth. Punk leaves Cena with that, and then KILLINGS STRIKES AGAIN!! And he puts Cena in the STF!! Punk mockingly says, “I’m sorry~! But the Truth hurts!” Cena suffers his own signature submission but security rushes out here! The fans boo as they drag Killings off Cena and Cena scrambles away! Cena hops and hobbles on one good leg, are the bridges he burned going to take them down with him?
Backstage interview with Alexa Bliss.
Byron Saxton is with Lil’ Miss Bliss at gorilla, and notes that she took a tough loss at MITB. What is the mindset going into the future? Alexa says she’s won MITB, cashed in, made history, so she isn’t rattled. Tonight, she reminds everyone of who she is, and will be one step closer to becoming Queen of the Ring. But then in steps Charlotte Flair. And she says, “Sweetie, did you say, ‘Queen?’ There’s only room for one queen in this division. WOO~!” Charlotte makes her entrance first, but both she and Alexa will have to fight their way into the next round. Will it be either of them that moves forward? Or are they overlooking the Poison Pixie and the Firestarter?
Nick Aldis finds R-Truth/Ron Killings backstage.
Aldis asks Truth what the hell he’s doing, he can’t just keep jumping Cena like that! What’s Aldis supposed to do? Truth says he wants a match with Cena next week. Next week? Yeah. Done. Killings says he’s driving now! Will he run Cena right off the road?
Queen of the Ring Tournament Fatal 4 Way: Charlotte Flair VS Alexa Bliss VS Candice LeRae VS Alba Fyre!
SmackDown returns and Candice makes her entrance to join Charlotte, Alexa, and Alba. The bell rings and the fans rally up. The four watch each other, but Alexa and Charlotte stare down as they step up. Alba and Candice jump on them! Candice is after Alexa, Alba is after Charlotte, and they put the two in corners. Alba RAMS into Charlotte again and again while Candice stomps a mudhole into Alexa. Alba digs her boots in, Candice SPLASHES Alexa, and then Candice fires elbows. Charlotte CHOPS Alba, storms up to RAM Alexa into Candice, then Charlotte POSTS Alexa! Alexa tumbles out and the fans are torn for Charlotte.
Charlotte dusts herself off, then THROWS Candice into Alba! Charlotte drags Alba to a cover, ONE!! Cover on Candice, ONE!! Charlotte CHOPS Alba, CHOPS Candice, and repeat! The fans “WOO~” with every CHOP! But then Candice grabs a leg, Alba BOOTS Charlotte down, and they mug Charlotte! Alba smothers Charlotte using her tie! Alba CLUBS Charlotte down, then she and Candice mug her, returning the CHOPS! Alba kicks Charlotte, she and Candice have Charlotte on the ropes, and they CHOP again! They double whip Charlotte, but Charlotte grabs ropes. Charlotte KICKS Candice, ROCKS Alba, then LARIATS Candice!
Alexa is back and she CROSSBODIES onto Charlotte! Cover, ONE! Alexa clinches, but Candice & Alba mug Alexa! Charlotte gets away while Candice bumps Alexa off buckles. Alba stomps Alexa, Charlotte DECKS Candice, and she DECKS Alba! Cover on Alba, TWO! Charlotte scowls as she stands back up. The fans rally while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Charlotte storms up on Candice, reels her in, but Candice fights the suplex. Alba joins in, they DOUBLE SUPLEX Charlotte! Cover, but Alba stops Candice. A parallel to Piper and Nia, we know how that turned out… But Alba & Candice still mug Charlotte together for now. Charlotte JAWBREAKERS Alba, dodges Candice, but Candice tilt-o-whirls to RANA! And then ENZIGIRI! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is tougher than that and that annoys Candice. Alba BLASTS Alexa off the apron, Charlotte RAMS Candice into a corner, but Alba CLUBS Charlotte down. Candice climbs the corner while Alba stands Charlotte up, but Charlotte ELBOWS free!
Charlotte BOOTS Candice off the corner, but Alba rolls Charlotte to BOOT her down! Cover, WTO! Alba seethes and throws her suit jacket at Charlotte. Alba stomps a mudhole into Charlotte, then stands on her hair! Alba salutes while Candice SMACKS Alexa off the apron. Alba pulls Charlotte’s arms and Candice SMACKS Alexa off the desk! Alba & Candice work together to DOUBLE SUPLEX Charlotte, but Alba has Candice stay back. They drag Charlotte up again, but she ROCKS Alba and ROCKS Candice! Then repeat! Alba kicks low, Candice comes back, and they double whip Charlotte to a corner.
SmackDown returns to single picture as Charlotte goes up and out! She BOOTS Alba, RAMS Candice, then goes up the corner! The fans fire up but Candice SMACKS Charlotte first! And SMACKS her again! Alba climbs up to join them, but Alexa sneaks in underneath! TOWER OF DOOM! The fans fire up and Alexa crawls to cover Charlotte, TWO! Alexa is frustrated but the fans fire up. Alexa and Candice stand, Alexa RUNS her over! She even RUNS Alba over! Alexa SLAPS Candice, DECKS her, then blocks Alba’s kick to DRAGON SCREW! Charlotte runs up, Alexa clinches to S T O! And then INSULT2- NO, Candice makes it a CODE BREAKER SENTON!
Alba has Candice, wrenches and reels her in, GOURD BUSTER! But Alexa hits a BLOCKBUSTER! Candice hits NATURAL SELECTION!! Charlotte drags Alexa around, steps through, FIGURE FOUR! And the push-up into the FIGURE EIGHT! But Candice LIONSAULTS it all apart!! Alba SUPERKICKS Candice! Charlotte is up, Alba spins her around, Gory Especial, GORY BOMB! Cover, ALEXA BREAKS IT! The fans fire up and Alba drags Alexa up. Alexa mule kicks, DDTS, and then hurries for a corner! Lexington cheers on Alexa, TWISTED BLISS!! Cover, CHARLOTTE BREAKS IT! The fans boo but Charlotte TOSSES Alexa!
Alexa is on the apron, Charlotte BOOTS her down! But Candice rolls Charlotte! TWO!! Charlotte escapes, Candice ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Charlotte SPEARS her down! Cover, TWO!! Candice shows that toughness and Charlotte is frustrated. Charlotte has the legs, steps through, but Alba SUPERKICKS Charlotte! Alba roars, turns her, but Charlotte powers out of the Unpretty-Her! BOOT!! FIGURE FOUR!! Then FIGURE EIGHT!!! Alba endures, but Alexa catches Candice!! TWISTED SISTER ABIGAIL!! Cover, ALEXA WINS!!
Winner: Alexa Bliss, by pinfall (advances to the semifinals)
Charlotte lets go of Alba and is in disbelief! But Alexa smiles as she snatches this win right out from under Charlotte’s nose! Charlotte may call herself the queen, but will Alexa be the one to wear the crown?
Cody heads to gorilla.
And he crosses paths with Punk. Cody says they can’t run away from each other forever. Punk says he knows. But good luck tonight. After Night of Champions, we’ll see who’s chasing who. Cody moves on, but will he move on in the tournament? Or will the American Nightmare’s nightmare of losing that Undisputed Championship only get worse?
King of the Ring Tournament Fatal 4 Way: Cody Rhodes VS Damian Priest VS Andrade VS Shinsuke Nakamura!
SmackDown returns as the King of Strong Style makes his entrance, followed by El Idolo, leaving the Archer of Infamy for last. The bell rings and the fans rally. All four men are wary of each other, but Nakamura winds up, only to not say his signature “C’mon” to just bail out. But then Cody DIVES onto him! Priest swings on Andrade, Andrade dodges to WRECK Cody! Priest KICKS, KICKS, and ROLLING ELBOWS Andrade! Priest winds up, Andrade dodges, FLYING FOREARMS! Andrade kips up, the fans fire up, and Andrade rallies the fans with ‘SI! SI! SI!” But Cody stops Cien Knees to take an elbow!
Priest mule kicks Andrade, then suplexes for the BROKEN ARROW! Cover, TWO! Cody JABS, JABS, JABS, then flip, flop- BELL CLAP from Priest! But Cody rebounds to LARIAT Priest up and out! Priest drags Cody out, they brawl, and Cody SMACKS Priest off the apron! Nakamura FLYING KNEES Priest! Nakamura kicks Cody, ROCKS Priest, they all brawl outside, but Andrade goes up! ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Direct hit and everyone is down while the fans fire up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture!
All four men stir and Andrade is first up. Andrade puts Nakamura in the ring, covers, TWO! Andrade whips Nakamura to a corner, runs in, but Nakamura dodges! Andrade’s knee hits buckles and he tumbles out! Nakamura goes after Andrade to put him on the apron, and then runs to KNEE Andrade down! Priest and Cody brawl in the ring, and Priest ROCKS Cody to a corner. Priest whips, Cody reverses to kick and RHODES UPPERCUT! Cody whips, Priest reverses, and Priest runs up, only for Cody to go up and over. Priest feints running up so Cody’s snap powerslam gets nothing! Priest then KICKS Cody down!
Cody sputters but Priest is on him. Priest ROCKS Cody again, Nakamura stomps Andrade, then Nakamura KICKS Priest! Nakamura fires off fists and kicks in the corner, so Andrade rolls Cody! TWO, and Cody powers Andrade to a corner. Cody climbs up to rain down fists, only for Andrade to slip out at nine and YANK Cody down! Nakamura brings Priest around but Priest DECKS him! Priest stomps away on Nakamura, then he goes over to Andrade, Priest stands Andrade up to DECK him! Cody SMACKS Nakamura off the desk! Priest drags Andrade up while Nakamura SMACKS Cody off the desk! Priest ROCKS Andrade, then he has Cody in another corner.
Nakamura fires off on Andrade, Priest digs his boots into Cody, and then Nakamura bumps Andrade off buckles. Cody turns things around on Priest to CHOP, but that just pisses Priest off. Priest DECKS Cody! Cody sputters, Priest puts him in the corner, but Nakamura fires off strikes on Priest! Nakamura has Andrade on the top rope, and SmackDown returns to single picture as Nakamura runs in for a TOP SHELF KNEE! Andrade falls to the floor, but then Priest runs up! Nakamura dodges, runs back in, and he blocks boots to ROUNDHOUSE Priest! Nakamura puts Priest in the ropes to SLIDING GERMAN!
Nakamura hurries back in while fans fire up. Cody swings, misses, but then Cody ducks a roundhouse, only for the WHEEL KICK to hit! The fans fire up as Nakamura gives Cody some BAD VIBRATIONS! Nakamura goes corner to corner and the fans rally. Cody dodges, Nakamura hits buckles, and Cody grabs a leg! Cody trips Nakamura, steps through, FIGURE FOUR! Nakamura endures, fights the main leg, but Andrade is up top! FROG SPLASH onto Cody! Nakamura is free, but then Priest JUMP KICKS Andrade! Priest drags Cody up, ROCKS him, and then runs to ELBOW Andrade! ELBOW for Cody! SHOULDER TACKLE for Andrade!
The fans fire up for Priest and he goes to the outside, to leap off the steel steps and AX HANDLE Nakamura! Priest puts Nakamura back in the ring, drags him up at the ropes, and he knuckle locks so he can climb! The fans cheer as Priest goes Old School, only for Cody to jump up after him! But Priest then grabs Cody in a guzel! Nakamura trips them both up! Nakamura CLOBBERS Priest, Andrade rolls Nakamura, TWO! Andrade swings, but into an ARMBAR TAKEDOWN!! The fans fire up as Cody DIVING SPLASHES! Cody TOSSES Nakamura, covers Andrade, TWO! Cover again, TWO! Cody is frustrated but he goes outside.
The fans fire up as they sense what’s coming! Cody brings out a TABLE! Cody sets “Slim Jim” up at ringside, goes back to the ring for Andrade, and he lines up the shot. But Andrade hooks the ropes to block! Andrade suplexes but Cody blocks! They fight for control, but Priest CLUBS Andrade. Priest and Cody stare down, but they decide to work together! The fans fire up as they hoist Andrade up, but Nakamura makes the save! Only to INVERTED EXPLODER Andrade! DYNAMIC DROPKICK and Cody falls through the table! Cody snaps into a Slim Jim and the fans go nuts! Nakamura goes outside while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Nakamura fetches Priest, brings him over, but Priest blocks the desk smack to ROCK Nakamura! Priest SMACKS Nakamura off the desk now! And again! Priest brings Nakamura around to DECK him, but then Andrade CLUBS Priest! Andrade SMACKS Priest off the desk, then he and Nakamura actually work together to BOOT Priest onto the desk! But they’re not done as they TOSS Priest over the desk! Wade got outta there this time! Andrade then clears off the desk! Nakamura & Andrade bring Priest around to TOSS him over barriers! Then Nakamura CLOBBERS Andrade! Nakamura applauds his trickery before putting Andrade in the ring. Nakamura covers, TWO!
Nakamura is annoyed and he KICKS Andrade in the side. Andrade sputters but Nakamura paces. Andrade rises to CHOP! Nakamura dusts himself off to KICK Andrade down! Andrade stands but into KNEES and KICKS! Andrade blocks one, but not the ENZIGIRI! Andrade ends up in a corner, Nakamura whips corner to corner, but Andrade reverses. Andrade runs up, Nakamura puts him on the apron, but Andrade ROCKS him! Andrade climbs, but Nakamura ROCKS him! Nakamura climbs now but Andrade fires back! They brawl up top, and Andrade HEADBUTTS Nakamura down! Nakamura GAMANGIRIS in return!
SmackDown returns to single picture again as Nakamura climbs back up. Priest returns to CLUB Nakamura! He has Nakamura in the crucifix, but Nakamura fights free! Priest drags Nakamura down, Nakamura fires a strike fest! Priest clinches to FLATLINER! Andrade MOONSAULT DOUBLES! Cover, TWO!! Nakamura LARIATS! Andrade BOOTS! Nakamura PELES! These three are down, and Cody rises from the wreckage! The fans fire up for Cody as he drags himself into the ring. Cody runs up to LARIAT Andrade! And LARIAT Nakamura! Cody whips Priest, Priest reverses, but Cody goes up and over, and this time, SNAP POWERSLAM!
The fans fire up and Cody blocks Andrade’s kick to then run and BEAUTIFUL DISASTER! Cody catches Nakamura, Nakamura drops down to UP KICK! Snapmare and SLIDING KNEE! Cover, ANDRADE BREAKS IT!! Priest has Andrade, Andrade schoolboys him into buckles! The fans fire up, “SI! SI! SI!” Andrade runs corner to corner, CIEN KNEES for Nakamura! Then Andrade goes again, CIEN- NO, Priest has Andrade by the neck! Andrade breaks free to CHOP, but Priest ROCKS Andrade! Andrade comes back, SHADOW ELBOW! THE MESSAGE!! Cover, NAKAMURA AX KICKS IT APART! Nakamura drags Andrade up, but Andrade ROCKS him first!
Nakamura snarls and ROCKS Andrade back! The fans rally as the forearms go back and forth! Andrade CHOSP! Nakamura KICKS! Nakamura CLUBS Andrade, KNEES him low, but Cody is back! Cody dodges Nakamura, to DOUBLE CODY CUTTER!! Not the cleanest but it didn’t need to be! Priest kicks Cody low, reels him in, Canadian Rack, but Cody slips free! Cody goes up, up, and SUPER CODY CUTTERS!! Priest tumbles out of the ring and Cody roars! He catches Andrade, CROSS RHODES!! And then he drags Andrade up again, only for Nakamura to clamp on a SLEEPER!! Cody flails, claws at the grip, but Nakamura dragon sleepers!
Nakamura vows to end this, but Cody flips that around on him! CROSS RHODES!! Cover, CODY WINS!!
Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall (advances to the semifinals)
Lexington cheers and sings with Cody’s song as he comes out on top! We know Sami Zayn and Randy Orton are one semifinal match, but Raw will determine the other! Sheamus, Rusev, Bronson Reed, or MAIN EVENT JEY USO, who survives to then meet Cody in the next round?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown with a lot of action from doing all the SmackDown Fatal 4 Ways in the King & Queen of the Ring tournaments. And each Fatal 4 Way was great, because Fatal 4 Ways always lend themselves to fast, chaotic action. Great opening promo from Cena with Cody, Orton and Knight to help segue into the first match, but also great stuff with R-Truth going after Cena. Orton winning was a bit of a surprise, and makes for a very interesting match with Sami Zayn. I suppose Sami going hard against Orton and finding a sneakier way to win could go with how Karrion Kross has been working to bring that side out of Sami.
Jade winning her match made sense, as Piper is still just Chelsea’s sidekick and Mia isn’t quite at that QOTR top title level. It also puts her in line with Naomi’s story of being Miss MITB, because Naomi can mess Jade over in a title match just as much as she can Tiffany. Very good promo from Naomi with Tiffany to tease a cash in, but also set up Tiffy VS Nia one more time. Chelsea also had a hilarious video call promo, and good on Aldis to stand up to her by putting Alba in the match instead. Alexa winning was only a little surprising, as she’s on that return push. And it makes for a fresh match-up no matter who from Raw wins the final Fatal 4.
Awesome main event Fatal 4 but I figured Cody would win, as it makes for a unique match-up of Cody VS Jey. Jey being put in was a bit of a surprise, but perhaps the wrestlers we’re waiting to return (Roman Reigns, but maybe even Ilja Dragunov) just aren’t ready yet. And given Bronson & Bron screwed Knight over, Knight will surely show up on Raw again to keep that feud going. Sheamus and Rusev have their own story, so Jey is the default choice. I almost feel like they should’ve flipped the brackets so that it would give us Orton VS Cody and Sami VS Jey in the semifinals, but those combos probably serve for stronger finals matches.
Very good stuff with the tag division, but MCMG VS Gacy & Lumis could’ve been a bit better. Part of the problem that comes with the Wyatts being gone away so long is that there might be some ring rust. Lumis & Gacy were on point, but they needed time to coordinate some things first and that slowed the overall pace down. The Wyatts won, of course, and will likely deal with Fraxiom next, what with DIY volunteering Fraxiom and Profits ahead of them. Then, Cena and Punk had a great promo, with it mostly being Punk tearing into Cena. Surprisingly, no allusions to Punk’s incendiary comments from years ago, but that’s very Punk of Punk.
And Killings going after Cena again was great stuff. Cena VS Killings will be a great match next week, and Cena probably rubs it in that he’s using one of his precious final appearances was used to beat Truth again. Though, to build Killings up, I would think they find a way for him to win that “isn’t definitive,” like a count out victory or some kind of disqualification. I was hoping for an R-Truth celebration at Saturday Night’s Main Event akin to Lex Luger over Yokozuna, but maybe that happens next week.
My Score: 9/10
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)Â
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 PodcastÂ
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 6.12.2025
DO SOMETHING WITH JASON HOTCH AND KC NAVARRO – that is all.
So Against All Odds…was barely passable and that’s only with Xanax. The Knockouts title match was awful, the 4 Man “Home Town Man” was stupid and the only good part was remixing the old Jerry Lynn & AJ Styles “Born in the USA” theme for Home Town Man. Maclin needs to stop having brawls, they’re boring, give him a bump guy. Kaibas and Rascalz was underwhelming. Santino vs Robert Stone was funny, Elias vs Trick was too chalk and lame. IInspiration (IIconics) returning was big news at least. Hendry losing to Kaz was also obvious since Kaz hasn’t won a match in forever.
The show dragged, and as much as I usually like Masha’s wrestling ability…her last 3 title matches have sucked and its not her opponents fault. Killer Kelly returning is sexy though…I mean, good. Yes, good. Saving the best for last, Mustafa Ali vs Jason Hotch was the best match of the show, and really damn good in general. Workrate was great, Tasha and Skyler being conflicted and popping for Hotch when he was doing well was great character work. Hotch looked amazing in the loss, if they don’t capitalize on it, that would be a huge screw up from TNA.
Not really sure what kind of shows we’ll be getting, and I’m not excited.
.@MATTHARDYBRAND and @JEFFHARDYBRAND have a message for FIR$T CLA$$ ahead of TONIGHT's MAIN EVENT!
WATCH on TNA+: https://t.co/F3YYaTmexl pic.twitter.com/mTnNBEFBcb
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 13, 2025
Ratings:
- The IInspiration vs Missa Kate & Brittani Brookes: IInspiration wins via Idolizer – ** 1/2
- Jason Hotch w/Jon Skyler vs Leon Slater: Leon wins via Swanton 450 – ** 3/4
- 8-4-1 Knockouts Match: Tessa Blanchard, Xia Brookside, Dani Luna & Rosemary vs Killer Kelly, Indi Hartwell, Jody Threat & Tasha Steelz: Indi wins via Hurts Don’t It – ** 3/4
- Indi Hartwell vs Killer Kelly vs Jody Threat vs Tasha Steelz: Kelly wins via Hurts Don’t It – ***
- Fir$t Cla$$ vs The Hardy Boyz: Hardyz win via DQ – ***
Results:
Santino opens the show informing Santana of a suspension, kicking Robert Stone out and recapping his victory party before introducing the IInspiration for their first match back.Â
The IInspiration vs Missa Kate & Brittani Brookes
A bit of talking and pandering from IInspiration, they’re dominating the jobbers and there’s not much to discuss here. They do the IIconics Pose and actually keep the control. Cassie pulls off some kind of Butterfly Facebuster which looks cool, Jess comes in and the Jobbers cheat a little to take over. Jess tags in Cassie and Scorpion Kick, decent comeback, corner Hip Attacks, Neckbreaker, Jumping Kick to the Head into Fisherman’s Suplex Hold for 2. Idolizer (Magic Killer variant) is hit and IInspiration win, and didn’t look bad. Cassie (Peyton) is still the better wrestler of the two, but neither looked bad.
Jason Hotch w/Jon Skyler vs Leon Slater
I don’t hide the fact I heavily dislike Slater. He has no personality, he’s all flips, no ability to talk…he’s boring. He’s ROH Will Ospreay or Flip Gordon, does flippy crap to pop morons but he’s a worthless character. Since he wants to become the Youngest X Division champion, and they’ve talked about for like the last 7 months…sadly it’s probably going to happen.Â
Chain wrestling start and Hotch already looks like the better wrestler. Hotch is on his SANADA in LIJ arch where he looked great losing to the leader, falls back in line but then he hits a Spinning Overhead Kick for a near fall, so I’m not allowed to finish my thought because Hotch is fun to watch. Leon is such a bad wrestler…he held the rope and looked back to take a forearm shiver, the nerd had to watch it to sell it. Man’s not talent.
Hotch has Leon in an Arm Iso Cravat, Leon tries to fire and then Hotch keeps him down. Leon counters a Slingshot Suplex into his own Final Cut to get space to breathe. Double sell, Leon leap frogs, then rope runs, Lariats and Lethal Injection from Leon for 2. Hotch is so fluid, dodges the corner attack, rope assisted side kick, Outside In Neckbreaker for a near fall! Hotch will probably lose, but he looks like the better wrestler by miles. Heavy Irish Whip counter from Leon, into Blue Thunder Bomb. Leon goes to the top, Hotch cuts off, Leon dodges, hits the Knife Edge Chop and they wrestle on the apron, Front Kick from Hotch sends Leon into the post, Double Stomp onto the apron, Hotch wants a finish but counter, Cradle trades and then Hotch gets caught by a Leg Lariat, Swanton 450, selling from Leon was spotty and bad during this whole match.
Fun moments but the wrong kid died…
.@MeanGiaMiller gets Tessa Blanchard's thoughts ahead of TONIGHT's 8-4-1 Match!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/F3YYaTmexl pic.twitter.com/kurcKH2vtH
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 13, 2025
8-4-1 Knockouts Match: Tessa Blanchard, Xia Brookside, Dani Luna & Rosemary vs Killer Kelly, Indi Hartwell, Jody Threat & Tasha Steelz
Dani and Jody start, so at least there’s a measure of story telling, but I still detest Jody. Sloppy counter wrestling start, Jody stops herself from punching Dani and tags in Tasha. Tasha pauses and jaws to her team and gets Back Body Dropped by Dani, Dani tags in Xia and Tasha pokes her eyes immediately and lights up Xia. Xia fights back, Rope Assisted Headscissors, Crossbody and near fall. Xia tags in Rosemary and Rosemary looks at her like death, then Rosemary goes after Xia, but a Codebreaker from Tasha gives space to tag in Kelly. Kelly kisses Rosemary and then they brawl in full mount. I’m not sure if I clicked the orange website or TNA…oh there’s a Lariat…it’s wrestling again.
Jody doofus tags in, the crowd wants Indi, no one wants Jody and Rosemary Upkick, Drop Toe Hold, Tessa tags in, works over Jody, Jody tries to go to the top, Victoria Crawford fka Alicia Fox trips her, Tessa gets the momentum back, a bunch of distraction and Tessa tags in Dani. Then Dani tags out to Rosemary. Whip, Rosemary misses the Spear, Tessa tags herself in and they’re keeping Indi out of the ring. Tessa crashes and burns as Jody dodges and fights back. Rosemary tags in, Indi gets the tag. Bunch combo, Spinebuster, Dani breaks the pin and now signature spam spot.
Indi is the last on to hit her moves, Hurts Don’t It takes out Rosemary after Tessa just walks out.
Indi Hartwell vs Jody Threat vs Killer Kelly vs Tasha Steelz
Commercial happened and we’re back and it’s Indi vs Jody. Jody takes her down with a Shoulder Tackle, Jody hits the Exploder, and Indi finally stalls some of the offense, Indi throws Jody into the ropes and Jody takes it bad. Jody Drop Toe Hold, looking for her Knees into German spot, but Kelly pulls her out, Tasha tries to pick the bones but Kelly comes in and attacks Indi. Tasha and Kelly have a heel agreement to gang up on Indi. Kelly goes for the pin, so hells are arguing, throw forearms, Kelly with the Double Overhooks, Headbutts, Angel’s Wings gets hit from Kelly but Tasha kicks out. Jody Crossbody takes out both heels.
Jody and Indi team up and 10 Count Lariats on the Heels, pop spot for the crowd since Indi is in the driver’s seat, Simultaneous Lariats each other and everybody down. Mickie James Bulldog from Tasha but Jody pushes her off, Indi tries the Cradle for two. Indi misses the Boot, eats a German. Tasha hits the Mickie Bulldog, but Jody kicks out. Indi grabs Tasha, Hurts-nope. Tasha wanted Blackout, Indi says no, Hurts Don’t It, but Kelly takes out Indi and steals the pinfall. Kelly wins.
.@TheEricYoung will see @TheSamiCallihan NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT!
WATCH on TNA+: https://t.co/F3YYaTmMmT pic.twitter.com/NtKjpYIIRa
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 13, 2025
Fir$t Cla$$ vs The Hardy Boyz
AJ charges before the bell, Hardyz dodge and Lariat AJ to the floor and work over KC with their usual Arm Bar Extreme Elbow, Delete Arm Breakers and Back Elbow Hardyz combo. AJ tries to get back in and the Hardyz attack, Poetry in Motion, AJ is back to the outside. Commercial break time, I wonder if the heels will be winning coming back…OH no, Jeff is still isolating KC. Pleasantly surprised I suppose.
Arm Wringer, simple offense, Jeff tags in Matt, Stalling Tandem Suplex and Matt covers, only 2. Matt with Short Arm Shoulder Tackles, close quarters forearms and the Rocket Launcher into the middle rope followed by a Leg Drop onto the apron, KC keeps kicking out but he’s getting dog walked. Stomps into Splash, KC needs to tag out, but Jeff stays on him, AJ finally pulls out Jeff, KC flies into Jeff and tags out. Finally AJ gives KC a break and bends Jeff back in a Bow and Arrow Stretch. Jeff tries the comeback, AJ pulls the hair to throw him down, stomps his face and AJ is manhandling Jeff as KC is sucking wind. Little Bro deserves a big break.
Tennessee Whiskey from AJ, connects and “Money, Money, Money”. AJ gets a little distracted trying to one up Matt, Jeff hits two Twists, and tags in Matt, so Delete Face Smashes and AJ is getting rocked. AJ reverses the Irish Whip, but Back Elbow from Matt into a Middle Rope Side Effect. Trick Williams comes out to attack the Hardyz. Hardyz win via DQ, but then Hendry and Elijah come out for the save. System is out…old school TNA donnybrook.
Overall Score: 5.5/10
The ring work was mediocre at best, but nothing miserable. Cassie and Jess look like they never missed a beat, take that for what you will if you loved or hated the IIconics. Trick solidifying his alliance with First Class makes for interesting cross promotion. If Fir$t Cla$$ ends up with the NXT Tags while Trick is the TNA Champ…that’s…a pretty neat visual I ain’t mad at. Yes I’m bias because KC is awesome, but AJ has done good work in TNA, so he deserves some flowers. Tessa keeping Victoria Crawford in the Robert Stone ejection is wonderful. I’ve always loved Alicia Fox and teaming her with Tessa is very interesting for the obvious reasons I don’t need to mention again, just search Twitter, you’ll understand.
Sami looks like a doofus getting sideswiped, Jay-SANADA Hotch is the best thing TNA has right now for home grown talent. Slater is still useless but oooo he can flip…I hate no personality flip-tards. Indi getting screwed sets things up nicely to not push her too quick to the top of the card, but she’s very over. The lack of Lei Ying Lee is annoying since I really don’t think the poor match was her fault. Also, putting her in a throwaway tag match against the Elegance girls next week? TNA really doesn’t know what to do with Lei, do they? She’s been mishandled the entire time since debut.
So even with my nitpicks, there were a lot of building blocks in the show. Hell Tessa insulting Gia is also probably something brewing…but I’m glad we didn’t lose Gia when we lost Ace. Gia is the best backstage interviewer since Lauren Brooke. So very middle of the road show, either things will get slightly better going to Slammiversary, or it’s the calm before the storm. We…shall see.
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)Â
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 PodcastÂ
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
4 Corners Podcast: Serving Up A Classic
Patrick returns as he and Dave discuss the Stanley Cup Finals, the NBA Finals, Coco Gauff's epic triumph, and a...
4 Corners Podcast: The Rematch & The Rebuild
Dave and PC Tunney preview the NBA Finals and Stanley Cup Finals as the NBA and NHL reach the conclusion...
4 Corners Podcast: Blown Off Course
Dave and Tunney break down the Conference Finals in the NHL and NBA, discuss the NFL going to the Olympics,...
4 Corners Podcast: Bettor Late Than Never?
Dave, Patrick, and Tunney break down the NHL and NBA Playoffs and a pretty stunning decision from the MLB Commissioner's...
4 Corners Podcast: Never Over Until Its Over
Dave and Patrick break down the latest developments, scores, and stories from the NBA and NHL Playoffs.
Bandwagon Nerds #292: Where’s Michael’s Guitar?
The first ever Movie Year Draft highlight's this week's Episode. Plus, the Trailer Park rolls on, as does the search...
Attitude Of Aggression #310- Unidentified History: The Battle of Los Angeles
Unidentified History returns as Dave recaps his visit to Contact in the Desert and the guys do a deep dive...
Bandwagon Nerds #291: Its Pronounced Tuh-Doom
The Nerds cover all the best trailers from Tudum, discuss DC- Marvel crossovers, and get concerned for the future of...
Bandwagon Nerds #290: Norm!
The Nerds recap trailers for Jurassic Park: Rebirth and Welcome to Derry, discuss delays to Avengers movies, and pay their...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (5/23/25)
What's with all the glowing?
Mindless Wrestling Podcast: World’s Collide And That’s The Truth
Join DJ, Rob and Jason every week as they give their "Mindless" takes on Pro Wrestling and much, much more!
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (6/13/25)
It's only a matter of time...
DWI Podcast #478: The Whole Truth
Don't drink and drive, drink and podcast! Join AJ, DP and PC weekly for their thoughts on RAW, SmackDown and...
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 6.12.2025
DO SOMETHING WITH JASON HOTCH AND KC NAVARRO - that is all.
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (6/12/25)
Prove you are worthy!
Mitchell’s WWE Evolve Results & Report! (6/11/25)
Winning is just the beginning!
Classic POD is WAR: The Dollar Man (6/10/2021)
Tune in for another CLASSIC episode of POD is WAR!!!
Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (6/11/25)
Lights, Camera, Action!
RETRO Babyface Heel Podcast: WWE Money In The Bank and More! (2021)
On the heels of WWE Money In The Bank, we go retro with the OG Babyface Heels reacting to the...
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (6/10/25)
NXT LFG!
