Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (3/7/25)
Cody kept his soul!
What is the state of the American Nightmare?
Cody Rhodes did NOT sell out to The Rock, but JOHN CENA DID! Cody is still showing up on SmackDown tonight, what will he have to say?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Tiffany Stratton VS Piper Niven; Tiffany wins.
- WWE Tag Team Championship #1 Contenders Triple Threat: Pretty Deadly VS Los Garza VS Motor City Machine Guns; Pretty Deadly wins and will challenge for the titles.
- Solo Sikoa VS Braun Strowman; Braun wins, by disqualification.
- WWE Women’s United States Championship Street Fight: Chelsea Green w/ Piper Niven VS Mia Yim; Chelsea wins and retains the title.
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; McIntyre wins.
- WWE United States Championship: Shinsuke Nakamura VS LA Knight; Knight wins and becomes the new WWE United States Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
Drew McIntyre arrives backstage.
The Scottish Terminator is still pissed about his Elimination Chamber loss even a week later, and now he’s set to face #BigJim Uso later tonight. Wait, McIntyre spots Damian Priest! McIntyre CLOBBERS Priest, and shouts, “What’d you think was gonna happen?!” He SMACKS Priest off the road case, then looms over him. The terminator gets even with the man who eliminated him, but will Drew end up facing his punishment?
Randy Orton is here!
Philadelphia fires up for The Viper as he returns to SmackDown! Orton returned last week at Elimination Chamber to stop Kevin Owens from crossing the line on Sami Zayn, and it is clear who the Apex Predator is hunting this time. Orton does his signature pose and enjoys the fans singing along with Voices before he grabs the mic. The fans cheer “RANDY! RANDY!” and he takes a moment. The cheering just keeps going so Orton waves to the crowd. It is a full house in Wells Fargo Arena, and Orton feels that energy. “Hey, so, Philly, a lot of crazy stuff has happened since I’ve been gone, right? I mean, just in like the last week or so.
“For as long as I can remember, ever since I started in this business, John Cena…” Fans boo that name now. “John Cena has always been on the top of this profession. And now, he’s just a bottom for Rock. I guess that gives a whole new meaning to the term, ‘Rock Bottom,’ now doesn’t it? Doesn’t it, John? But I digress. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Friday Night SmackDown!” The fans cheer that, and Orton continues by saying he brought Cena up because he was one of the few friends Orton has in this business. Their careers paralleled each other, they had a lot in common, and that is a short list of people.
One of the other names on that short list is Kevin Owens. Fans boo that name, too. Orton says he and Kevin have a lot in common. They’ve both done vile things just to get the job done. They’ve both crossed the line, pushed the envelope, but always in the name of business. But guys, Kevin Owens the wrestler, Orton still respects. Kevin’s story of how he got to the WWE, how he busted his ass, it is really quite admirable. You could say that Orton admires Kevin Owens the wrestler. But it’s Kevin Owens the man that Orton has a problem with. Now, there is a quote out there, Orton might butcher it, but he’ll try to do it.
“Never underestimate a jealous man’s ability to destroy another man.” If you ask Orton, that’s Kevin to a T. Kevin’s veins run with jealousy. Case in point, look at Cody Rhodes. Kevin drops Cody on his head with a package piledriver. Kevin would say he tried to end Cody because Cody chose Roman Reigns as a tag team partner. No, Kevin did that because Kevin was jealous of the gold around Cody’s waist. Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens, they fought tooth and nail long before they made it to the WWE. It’d always come full circle and they’d become friends again. But at Elimination Chamber, Kevin attempted to drop Sami on his head for a second time, on the concrete!
Kevin would have you believe that was because Sami helped Roman at the Royal Rumble. But no, Kevin tried to end Sami because Sami had slowly yet surely become a bigger star than Kevin Owens. That short list Orton talked about that Kevin was on, Kevin was Orton’s friend, but then Kevin dropped Orton on his head with a piledriver. An illegal move in the WWE for as long as Orton’s been here, simply because Orton was protecting his friend. What does Kevin have to be jealous about? He’s won every title in the WWE! Every single one! If you asked anyone in the back what their one goal, if they could only have one, here in the WWE, they’d say to main event WrestleMania!
Kevin did that not once, but twice, and one of the times was against arguably one of the biggest stars in this industry! It was Stone Cold Steve Austin! What does Kevin Owens have to be jealous about? He’s never satisfied, it’s never enough! A year and a half ago, Orton had a spinal fusion surgery and was told it was a career ender. Doctor after doctor said that was it, hang up the boots. But Orton would not take no for an answer. He busted his ass to come back, and told himself not to let things upset him in this ring. He didn’t want to take one second of performing in front of the lovely people for granted.
Orton didn’t want to get pissed off, but guess what? Kevin gone done pissed Orton off! SO last week, when Orton came out to save Sami from a career ending piledriver, Orton ran out here to RKO Kevin down! And as Orton looked down on Kevin, he thought, “What is this feeling coming over me?” Normally an RKO is all he’d need to be satisfied, case closed, see you next week. But something came over him that he hadn’t felt in over a decade and a half! A feeling that Orton liked! And you know what it was? The Voices started talking to him! Those voices told him to back up, measure his mark, and KICK Kevin in the head so hard, that even his closest family members couldn’t recognize him!
“Listen, Kevin Owens. Listen to me when I say. In fact, WWE Universe, entire world, listen to me when I say… I am going to prove in short order that Pat McAfee is only the second greatest punter in the WWE!” The fans fire up for that! The Apex Predator wants to do a lot more than just kick some ass! Will the Prizefighter stay far, far away from SmackDown from now on?
Chelsea Green & Piper Niven barge into Nick Aldis’ office.
The Women’s United States Champion interrupts the SmackDown General Manager’s meeting with THE WWE Women’s Champion, Tiffany Stratton. Chelsea says it is unconstitutional that she must defend her title tonight in a Street Fight! Tiff says they were in the middle of something. Chelsea says it better be the middle of discussing her consequences for ruining Chelsea’s Canadian homecoming! Chelsea wants Aldis to stop letting people bully her into matches! This is discrimination! She knows her rights. Then exercise the right to remain silent. Piper speaks up. Is Tiffany trying to censure them?
Yes! Just shut up! Or maybe Tiff will make Piper shut up in a match of their own. Chelsea says no, Piper has to be part of the Secret Her-vice detail. Aldis says one thing, though. Piper doesn’t work for Chelsea, she works for the WWE, and Aldis likes Tiff’s idea. Tiff is happy and says tootles! Chelsea says she’s been saying they need MORE Secret Her-vice! But will Chelsea’s only line of defense end up stuck on Tiffy Time?
Tiffany Stratton VS Piper Niven!
SmackDown returns and Piper makes her entrance. The bell rings and the two circle. The fans rally, the two tie up, and Piper powers Tiff to a corner. The ref counts, Piper lets off, but she shoves Tiff. Tiff shoves back, they tie up, and Piper THROWS Tiff down by her hair! The ref reprimands, but Piper drags Tiff up to whip. Tiff goes up and over, handsprings away, then headlocks. Piper powers up but can’t power out as Tiff holds tight! Piper gets free on the second try, then she CLOBBERS Tiff! The fans boo but Piper runs. Tiff avoids the senton, and she hits a basement DROPKICK! Tiff then goes to the apron, KNEE-BOARD SENTON! Cover, TWO!
Tiff stays focused and handsprings corner to corner. But Piper catches her! Piper TOSSES Tiff up and out, and Tiff tumbles to the Hydration Station! Piper steps out to the apron, and CANNONBALLS tiff to the floor! Piper rises and stands over Tiff, but SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Piper scoops Tiff, but Tiff RANAS free! Tiff LARIATS but Piper stays up! Tiff LARIATS but Piper still stays up! Piper swings, Tiff dodges and CLOBBERS Piper with a shoulder! The fans fire up as Tiff handsprings again, and the BACK ELBOW hits this time! Tiff snapmares Piper, then runs to basement DROPKICK again! Cover, TWO! Piper stays in this and Tiff grows frustrated. Tiff drags Piper up, but Piper RAMS her into a corner! And again, and again! The ref counts, Piper ROCKS Tiff, then soaks up the heat. Piper goes back in, but Tiff dodges! Tiff THROWS Piper down, then goes up!
The fans fire up as Tiff reaches the top! SWANTON BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Piper survives and Tiff is shocked! Tiff drags Piper up, fireman’s carries, but Piper’s too much to lift! Piper shoves and scoops, SCRAPBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Tiff survives and now Piper’s shocked! Piper drags Tiff to a drop zone and she goes up the corner! The fans freak out already, but Tiff moves! Piper FLOPS off the mat! PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Now that was a big win for- WAIT! Charlotte Flair slithers in and CHOP BLOCKS Tiff! The fans boo Charlotte and her orange boots, but she steps through to have a FIGURE FOUR! Tiff flails, but Charlotte puts on the FIGURE EIGHT!! Tiff is stuck, refs rush out here to tell Charlotte to stop! Charlotte lets go of Tiff, then tells refs to get out of her face. Charlotte taunts Tiffy, as well as the fans. But will the Queen take back her throne when WrestleMania rolls around?
Nick Aldis speaks.
“It’s officially March, so allow me to illustrate the madness that is the current state of the tag team division. Let’s start here: The Motor City Machine Guns. They faced DIY four months ago, and in a historic night, after defeating DIY, they went on to win the tag team championships. The Street Profits were next in line. But before they could make that happen, it was disrupted by Tommaso Ciampa. When the Profits were ready for another bite of the apple, they were attacked mysteriously. Which meant DIY took their place, and in a shocking turn of events, Johnny Gargano betrayed his friends and mentors of 20 years, and DIY reclaimed the tag team gold.
“When the Profits returned, they were informed by Pretty Deadly, ‘It was Gar-‘ ‘-za. It was Garza,’ that attacked them. This was untrue, and the Profits returned the favor, chaos ensured. We then came to find out that it was DIY who put Pretty Deadly up to it. And that’s where we have all this chaos. Now we go to The Royal Rumble, 2 Out of 3 Falls match between the Machine Guns and DIY, which was disrupted by the returning Street Profits. And since then, it has been nonstop fighting and chaos. So, here’s my solution: Next week, the Street Profits get their long awaited, long overdue title shot against DIY.
“Which leaves us with tonight: Pretty Deadly will face Los Garza and the Motor City Machine Guns in a Triple Threat match to determine who’s next in line as #1 contenders. As you can see, it’s really very simple.” Aldis drops the pen, but who will drop the ball and let this opportunity slip through their fingers?
WWE Tag Team Championship #1 Contenders Triple Threat: Pretty Deadly VS Los Garza VS Motor City Machine Guns!
SmackDown returns, the teams are all in the ring now, and in this Triple Threat, only two teams are legal. Chris Sabin starts against Kit Wilson, only for Angel to tag himself in! Angel tells Sabin to get out, but then Kit DROPKCISK Angel! Sabin says that’s not his fault. Angel gets back in, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and he DROPKICKS Kit out of the hurdle! And OFF COME THE PANTS! Angel taunts Kit, but Alex Shelley tags in off Angel. But then Berto tags in off Kit! Elton gets mad, he and Sabin storm in, and now it’s just a brawl! The fans fire up for the chaos, but the ref reprimands all the teams.
Shelley fires hands on Elton Prince, Sabin does the same to Kit. They both run, but into DOUBLE BOOTS! Pretty Deadly runs up, MCMG puts Pretty Deadly on the apron, Los Garza run up! MCMG dodges, the BOOTS hit Pretty Deadly! MCMG run up, but into mule kicks! Berto gives Angel the boost to DOUBLE DROPKICK MCMG out! Then Los Garza go up a corner, they DOUBLE ARIHARA MOONSAULT onto all their opponents! The fans fire up while all six men are down, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Shelley and Angel stand up, but Berto attacks Shelley. Los Garza puts Shelley in, and Berto stalks Shelley. Berto snapmares Shelley, KICKS him in the back, then soaks up the heat. Berto then drags Shelley up, scoops him, and SLAMS him! Berto rolls back and STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Shelley stays in this but Berto tags Angel. Berto shoves Shelley down, then has him on the apron. Angel runs, Los Garza gives Shelley a PENALTY KICK ENZIGIRI COMBO! Shelley staggers right up to the cameraman, then falls against the barriers. Angel taunts Pretty Deadly before he fetches Shelley.
Angel CHOPS Shelley, taunts fans, then puts Shelley in the ring. But Elton tags in off Angel! Pretty Deadly do Scott Hall fingers at Angel, then Elton rains down forearms on Shelley. Elton drags Shelley up, fires body shots, then he tags Kit. Shelley fights back against Pretty Deadly! He DECKS Kit, ROCKS Elton again and again, but Elton UPPERCUTS! Elton brings Shelley around, half nelon, and Kit is up top! BULLDOG FACEBUSTER COMBO! Cover, Los Garza and Sabin break it! Pretty Deadly is annoyed, but Kit UPPERCUTS Shelley to the corner. Kit whips Shelley back in, and SHelley hits buckles hard.
Shelley staggers, Kit UPPERCUTS him in the corner again! Kit puts Shelley back in, runs again, and UPPERCUTS! Tag to Elton, they get Shelley up, but Shelley fights free! SmackDown returns to single picture as Shelley wrenches Kit, catches Elton, and hits a DDT COMPLETE SHOT COMBO! The fans fire up and Shelley crawls, hot tag to Sabin! The fans fire up as Sabin goes up top, and he MISSILE DROPKICKS Elton! Berto tags in off Elton, but Sabin dodges him, BOOTS Angel, and then BOOTS Berto! Sabin goes up to FLYING RANA! The fans fire up while Berto goes to another corner. Sabin runs up, ELBOWS and snapmares, and the fans fire up again!
Sabin goes up and FLYING TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Berto is tougher than that, but Sabin brings him up. Sabin back suplexes, Berto lands out, and Elton tags back in. Berto BOOTS Sabin, Elton THROWS Berto down! Elton CLOBBERS Sabin, but Angel POP-UP KICKS Elton! Kit kicks Garza for a TWIST OF TASTE! Berto FLYING CHUCKS Kit! Sabin ducks ‘n ‘dodges Berto to tilt-o-whirl RANA! Shelley opens the way, Sabin DIVES onto Elton & Los Garza! Sabin puts Elton back in, Shelley goes up, but Kit SHOVES Shelley down! Elton backslides Sabin, PRETTY DEADLY WINS!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contenders to the WWE Tag Team Championships)
What a shocker! Sabin gets caught by a pretty standard move, but will that be all it takes for Elton & Kit to say #YESBOY to NEW WWE Tag Team Champions?
Bianca Belair is here!
The EST has had perhaps the wildEST week anyone’s had in a long time. Jade Cargill returns to attack Naomi, but Bianca still finds the strength to win the Elimination Chamber. And after watching, and perhaps influencing, Rhea Ripley VS Iyo Sky, we now know Bianca faces Iyo Sky for the Women’s World Championship. Bianca grabs the mic as she steps into the ring, and she is very stern and serious right now. She says, “I should feel like I’m on top of the world right now after winning Elimination Chamber. And I really should be focused on going to WrestleMania, but… It’s really hard to do that when two of your friends are fighting.
“I formed a bond with both of these women. Jade and I, we elevated the tag team division together. And Naomi, she stepped in so all that hard work wouldn’t go to waste. And Naomi… We were close before, but once we formed that tag team, I can honestly say she became my best friend. So no, no, no, I do not believe that Naomi would do something like that. But then again, I’m so confused, I literally feel like I’m going crazy. And now I’m being, so I need some answers. Naomi’s not texting me back, Jade’s not talking to me, I feel like I’m losing both of my friends. So Naomi, I know you’re back there, and I need you to come out here and give me some answers right now.”
Fans cheer for that, and we all wait. Naomi’s music hits, Bianca is relieved, and Naomi makes her way out here, still wearing a neck brace after last week’s brutal attack by Jade. Naomi steps into the ring, grabs herself a mic, and Bianca asks Naomi, “What in the hell is going on?” Naomi tells “BB” that this is not what it looks like, and she needs Bianca to lock in with her. Understand what she’s about to say. Naomi must ask Bianca: When Jade couldn’t compete, who stepped up? Who had Bianca’s back? And who made sure Bianca didn’t have to relinquish the titles? Bianca says stop, Naomi. Did she or did she not attack Jade?
Naomi says all that noise is a distraction from what she and Bianca should be doing, which is getting the tag titles back from Liv & Raquel. Then Bianca can focus on WrestleMania. Bianca says no, stop. Naomi is talking about everything else than what we’re supposed to talk about. They need to figure out what happened with Jade. This is about Jade right now. Oh, Jade, Jade, Jade! Bianca really wants to know how Naomi feels about Jade? Then she’ll tell you. She never said this before cuz she didn’t wanna be messy and hurt Jade’s little feelings. But the way Naomi sees it, Jade’s been piggybacking off Bianca this whole time!
That is Naomi’s truth, and she has been forced to watch someone like Jade succeed off of Bianca’s excellence, experience and hard work, while Naomi was forced to fight for herself every match. Naomi didn’t say a word. She let them get their flowers. She let them be great. And she was so proud, never saying a word. But deep down, that is how she feels! And no, she doesn’t give a damn about Jade, cuz Jade didn’t give a damn about Bianca! Bianca says stop! But Bianca wanted the truth! No, not this! Don’t gaslight her! Naomi and Bianca argue over what they’re even talking about, and Bianca shouts, “STOP! STOP!!”
Bianca and Naomi take a few breaths. Bianca simply wants a yes or a no, and Bianca needs to answer now or else Naomi will never hear from Bianca again. Naomi needs to tell us all right now. Naomi starts tearing up, then takes a breath. Naomi looks Bianca dead in her eyes, lip quivering, and works up the courage to speak “I DID IT.” Bianca can’t believe it! But Naomi says there you go! She did it! She attacked Jade, for Bianca! For them! It was always supposed to be about Bianca and Naomi! Bianca can’t believe it! This whole time!? DON’T TOUCH HER!! Bianca says the reason this hurts so bad is because of how much she loved Naomi!
Naomi says she does love Bianca, too, but Bianca says no, she’s said enough! Bianca can’t even look at Naomi now. So this? This team up? They’re DONE. Why?! Because of Jade?! Naomi cries as Bianca leaves, and Naomi apologizes, but Bianca tunes her out. Naomi still insists she did this for Bianca, she just doesn’t see it yet. Don’t walk out on her! Fine, here’s the truth! Naomi should’ve pushed Jade harder! She should’ve done it sooner! Bianca cries as Naomi shouts that every time Naomi clocks in and stands up for herself, everyone turns on her! That’s what Bianca is doing! “You ungrateful b*tch!!” Now Naomi’s gone too far.
Bianca turns around, stares in disbelief, but wait, who is this arriving backstage? IT’S JADE!! The Storm storms her way out to ringside, and she might just finish what she started last week! Jade looks to Bianca, Bianca says go ahead. Jade goes right to the ring, Naomi says bring it! Then she runs away! Jade chases Naomi, grabs her from the barriers, and SMACKS her off the desk! Jade HAMMERS away on Naomi, shoves her down, and then POSTS Naomi! Jade tells Naomi to get up! Jade drags Naomi up, THROWS her into the ring, and the fans fire up as she chicken wings Naomi! Naomi gets JADED!!
Jade stands over Naomi, her white jumpsuit covered in red paint like bloodstains, and she has avenged herself. But now, what will the future look like for the former Big 3?
Backstage interview with Drew McIntyre.
Byron Saxton walks up to the Scottish Terminator and says he knows about McIntyre’s match with Jimmy Uso later tonight, but Byron asks about that attack on Damian Priest and how that was unprovoked. McIntyre asks Byron if he’s been watching the show this past year. Does he listen? So many people are so “shocked” by John Cena’s actions last week, as if McIntyre hadn’t told them what kind of person he is all along. McIntyre would’ve saved so many people from heartbreak after he hit that Claymore in Cena’s big, stupid head, only for Priest to slither in and steal a pin from behind, taking away McIntyre’s last chance at the title for WrestleMania.
Unprovoked? McIntyre calls that well-deserved. We’re on the Road to WrestleMania, but because of Priest, McIntyre has nothing. Nothing but violence! And it starts tonight with the black sheep of the family. McIntyre storms off, is #BigJim going to be an example to the entire roster?
Backstage interview with Charlotte Flair.
Byron Saxton is now with The Queen, and he hopes she can shed light on why she ambushed Tiffany tonight, especially after her grueling match with Piper Niven. Charlotte says, “Ambush? No. See, I warned Tiffany that after the fun and games were over, that I was gonna be everywhere she was. It was her fault that she didn’t listen. And it seems like the division has gotten a little soft for a threat like Charlotte Flair. See, here’s the thing: Every time I come back, I have to remind people that there are levels to what we do.”
But then in steps B-Fab. She hopes she’s wrong, but she knows Charlotte can’t be talking about this women’s division being soft. No, B-Fab heard her right. Clearly, the division has been lacking overall talent since Charlotte’s been gone. And no one compares to her. B-Fab says look, Charlotte’s been gone a long time, but no one wants to compare to her. They want their own legacies. Nobody is bowing down to Charlotte anymore. See, that’s where B-Fab is wrong. Everyone eventually bows down to The Queen. Oh, here’s an idea. B-Fab should meet Charlotte in the ring next week in Barcelona, and she’ll show B-Fab how to bow down. Ciao.
Charlotte leaves, and SmackDown is going to really heat up in Spain! But will B-Fab show Charlotte that she can go hard?
Solo Sikoa VS Braun Strowman!
Well, speaking of that family, the would-be Tribal Chief gave Jacob Fatu his spot in last week’s United States Championship Contenders Tournament, then helped out in making sure the Monster of All Monsters didn’t win. Will Solo regret screwing over #OneBigSOB?
SmackDown returns and Solo makes his entrance, surprisingly leaving Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga backstage. The bell rings and the fans rally behind Braun. The two tie up, Braun shoves Solo, but Solo RAMS Braun! Bruan doesn’t even budge! Solo runs, RAMS Braun again, but Braun eggs him on. Solo kicks low, then fires hands. Solo runs, RAMS Braun, but Braun rebounds to CLOBBER Solo! Solo staggers up, Braun runs up and LARIATS Solo up and out! Braun then hurries out the side, and here comes the STRWOMAN- NO, Solo sends the express into the steel steps! The fans boo but Solo runs up, HIP ATTACK against barriers!
The fans boo more but Solo soaks it all up, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Solo has Braun on his knees. Braun fires body shots in return, but Solo HEADBUTTS! Solo fireman’s carries, but Braun’s got too much brawn! Solo still tries, and he SAMOAN DROPS after all!! Solo flexes but the fans boo. Solo watches Braun crawl to a corner, and he runs up to HIP ATTACK! Braun sputters, Solo soaks up more heat, and then Solo slowly backs up to the other corner. Solo runs in again, but Braun BOOTS him first! Braun runs to CROSSBODY! Solo sputters to his feet, Braun BOOTS him back down! The fans fire up with Braun as he stands Solo up, and CLUBS him in the chest!
Braun roars, and he sees Solo go outside agian. Braun gets back on track, STROWMAN EXPRESS! Solo is knocked down, Braun puts him in the ring, and Braun runs at the corner! SPLASH! Then a scoop and- NO, Solo slips free! Solo RAMS Braun into buckles, then RAMS him in again! Solo mule kicks, then SUPERKICKS! Solo puts up the thumb, but Braun scoops Solo! MONSTER SLAM!! Cover, TAMA TONGA ATTACKS!
Winner: Braun Strowman, by disqualification
The Good Bad Guy shows up at the most opportune moment, and he beats up on Braun! But Braun SHOVES Tam away, then CLOBBERS him! Braun storms out after Solo, TOSSES Tama, but here comes JACOB FATU! The fans fire up as the Samoan Werewolf and Monster of All Monsters meet again. Braun and Jacob step back into the ring, the fans duel between “BRAUN! BRAUN!” and “FATU! FATU!” These titans step into the ring, and then they start throwing hands! Braun knees low, HEADBUTTS, then runs, but into a SUPERKICK! And another SUPERKICK! Braun tumbles out, the fans fire up, and Jacob builds speed!
Jacob DIVES! But Braun catches Jacob, to CHOKE SLAM him on the desk! Jacob tumbles now and fans go wild as Braun rips his shirt away! But Jacob is right back up!? And he FLYING ELBOWS! Down goes Braun! Jacob stalks Braun, and RAMS him into barriers! Braun slumps over into the crowd and the fans fire up again! Jacob stands on the barriers, and he AX HANDLES Braun back down! Refs rush out here and they tell Jacob to stop, but he isn’t stopping! Braun HEADBUTTS Jacob! Jacob UPPERCUTS Braun! The fans are fired up as Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun onto road cases! And now Jacob climbs up to join Braun!
Jacob drags Braun up, CLUBS him, and then fireman’s carries! But Braun fights free! Braun choke grips Jacob! CHOKE SLAMÂ down through tables!! The fans are thunderous as the Monster of All Monsters throws down the Samoan Werewolf! Wait, Jacob is standing back up!? How?! Braun dares Jacob to come get some more, but producers step in to stop this. When and where will these living kaiju finally settle the score?
Backstage interview with LA Knight.
Byron reviews the madness of Braun and Jacob just now, and the Mega Star says that’s already a mouthful, so LEMME TALK TO YA! Knight guesses it was all gas, no brakes on Jacob’s big fat keister going through the tables, huh? But what that means, the man who cost Knight last time around is out of the picture. That means no distractions. That means it is Nakamura and Knight, “ichi go, ichi en,” which he knows Nakamura knows what that means: One moment, one time! One time it takes for the BFT to smack you back to factory settings. And then, one moment is Knight and Nakamura in the birthplace of the USA, that’s Philadelphia, PA!
And that one moment, which we can never relive again, is here so savor it while it lasts. That means we’re in the birthplace of the rebirth of Knight’s US Championship reign, YEAH! And when you think about it, Knight’s dealt with sneak attacks, with mist, with it all, and he stood tall, UH-HUH, YEAH! And he’ll put it to us like this: Ol’ Glory has needed a better representation as of late, and that’s what Knight will give it. Knight hopes those shadows were good to Shin, cuz Knight’s not gonna be! Out of the shadows and into the light, we can all once again pledge allegiance to the US Champion, L A KNIGHT! YEAH!!
Chelsea checks on Piper.
Chelsea hopes Piper is okay, because she really needs Piper out there for the Street Fight with Michin, because Chelsea has no idea what could happen out there. So just shake it off! But then Zelina Vega steps in and says hi. She just wanted to wish Chelsea luck. Or not. Really, it doesn’t matter, because whoever has the title, Zelina is coming after them next. Bye~! La Muneca leaves, Chelsea shakes Piper, and they both hurry out! Will the Hot Mess end up a mess despite her Cactus Jack cosplay? Or will Mia truly be the Head Baddie in Charge?
WWE Women’s United States Championship Street Fight: Chelsea Green w/ Piper Niven VS Mia Yim!
SmackDown returns and Mia makes her entrance, wearing the Philadelphia Eagles jersey and bringing a trash can full of goodies! The introductions are made, but Chelsea rushes Mia at the ramp! The brawl is on, the ref reprimands but the fans fire up! Mia ROCKS Chelsea, but Chelsea CLUBS Mia! Chelsea brings Mia up to SMACK her off the apron, but Mia THRWOS Chelsea into barriers! Mia drags Chelsea up, puts her in, and the fans fire up. Chelsea runs to BOOT Mia down! Mia staggers, but she goes to her trash can! She has a cookie sheet! SMACK for Chelsea! The fans fire up for this “E C DUB! E C DUB!” start.
Mia brings more goodies out, from a kendo stick to a chair, to a crowbar! Mia makes sure the trash can isn’t too far away, and she throws in some chains! The can is sent in, too, and Mia storms up. The bell finally rings, and Chelsea JAMS Mia up with the chair! Chelsea sits the chair up, whips Mia, but Mia reverses! Drop toehold and Chelsea SMACKS off the chair! Mia moves the chair aside while the fans cheer on “E A G L E S! EAGLES!” Mia nods, then she storms up on Chelsea. Chelsea SMACKS Mia with a trash can! Chelsea reels Mia in, but Mia fights the lift to BACKDROP! Chelsea hits chains!
Chelsea flounders out of the ring but Mia pursues. Mia drags Chelsea around, BITES Chelsea’s fingers, then says those are finger licking good. Fans chant for tables and Mia says bet! Mia brings out a TABLE! The fans fire up, but Chelsea hits a ZIGZAG on the floor! Chelsea pushes the table back under the ring, then salutes, but she clutches her stinging fingers, while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Chelsea stomps Mia, then goes around to get help from Piper. They look under the ring, bring out some more chairs, but Mia rolls into the ring. Chelsea storms in after Mia, stomps her down, then grabs a long rope. Chelsea and Mia fight over the rope, Chelsea SLAPS Mia down, then Chelsea ties Mia up using the rope. Chelsea drags Mia along, puts her in a corner, and then whips corner to corner, THROWING her with the rope! Mia tumbles, Chelsea stands her up again, and then THROWS her back the other way! Chelsea drags Mia across the ring, even over chairs and other things, to then go outside the ring and to the floor!
Chelsea stomps away on Mia, then CLUBS away on her. Mia staggers around the way, but Chelsea uses the rope to THROW her into barriers! Chelsea drags Mia back up, brings her back around, and THRWOS her into the apron! Mia flops down, Chelsea stands over her, and then she gags Mia with the rope! Chelsea CHOKES Mia! The ref reprimands but he can’t make Chelsea stop! Chelsea lets go and has a twisted smile on her face. Chelsea goes around the corner, yanks on the rope, but Mia stops herself! Then Mia YANKS Chelsea into the POST! Mia bites at the ropes and breaks free! SmackDown returns to single picture while Chelsea goes into the ring.
Chelsea staggers up, grabs at Mia, but Mia FIRE EXTINGUISHER BLASTS her!! Chelsea flails and flounders away! Mia says Philly’s gonna get what they want! She brings out the TABLE! But Piper storms up to CLOBBER Mia! The fans boo but the Secret Her-vice SMACKS Mia off the desk! Piper puts Mia in the ring and Chelsea hurries to grab the trash can! Chelsea sets that can up against Mia, Piper helping, and Chelsea goes to the corner! The ref reprimands but Chelsea is up top! Chelsea goes COAST2COAST!! Cover, TWO!! Mia survives and Chelsea is freaking out! B-Fab shows up, she snatches a kendo stick, and she SMACKS Piper!
B-Fab SMACKS Piper again and again, then chases her to the back! No more Secret Her-vice and Chelsea panics! Mia grins as she rises up. Mia has a kendo stick, and she SMACKS Chelsea again and again and again! Then she DROPKCISK Chelsea into a corner! Mia grabs the trash can and she THROWS it at Chelsea! The can is now wedged in Chelsea’s face, and Mia says get this twerk! FULL METAL CANNONBALL! High stack, TWO!! Chelsea survives and Mia is frustrated but the fans fire up. Mia takes the chairs, piles them together at center, and then she goes to get the table! Philly fires up again as Mia puts that in the ring!
Mia sets the table up in a drop zone, but Chelsea BULLDOGS Mia off it! Now Chelsea takes the table and finishes setting it up. Chelsea drags Mia up, fireman’s carries, and runs over, but Mia slips free! Wrench and EAT DA FEET! Chelsea sends up on the table, but the legs give out! Mia says whatever, she still goes up! SUPER SENTON down through the table!! Cover, SOMEONE ELSE drags Chelsea to safety!?! Mia is furious, but then this person GAMANGIRIS Mia! It’s ALBA FYRE! She’s also Secret Her-vice?! DESTROYER on the chairs!! Alba puts Chelsea in, she covers, Chelsea wins!!
Winner: Chelsea Green, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s United States Champion)
Chelsea was saved by her newest underling! The numbers game just keeps on growing, what will it take for anyone to stop this reign of terror?
Legado Del Fantasma regroups backstage.
Santos Escobar says that was a travesty! Los Garza again fail to grab an opportunity that was in their hands! All they had to do was win! Things need to start changing and soon. And this time, Santos does not expect it, he demands it! The Emperor of Lucha leaves, Angel agrees that Santos has a point. But as Angel leaves, Andrade steps in. He asks Berto why Berto takes that abuse from Santos. Andrade says he knows Berto, and that Berto deserves better. Berto leaves with a lot to think about. Will Legado change for the better? Or will it all fall apart?
Cody Rhodes is here!
Philadelphia fires up for The American Nightmare’s entrance, and they sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets the pyro, but he isn’t quite as fired up given the shiner he’s sporting on that left eye. We get the second “WHOA~ OH~!” but Cody skips the pyro to grab the mic. Cody kneels, sets the belt down at his feet, then stands up. The fans cheer Cody on, and Cody takes a moment to gather his thoughts. Fans chant “CENA SUCKS! CENA SUCKS!” but Cody says, “So, Philadelphia… City of Champions… What do we want to talk about? An obvious question with an obvious answer. It’s the most watched moment in WWE history, and pro-wrestling history.
“There I am, laying on the bottom, tasting my own blood. What do you say to a little one, not even four years old, when she looks up to you and asks, ‘Papa, what happened to your face?’ That’s not a conversation that I was prepared to have. So I told her what I can only classify as a ‘Cody lie.’ I told her that I ran into a wall. That’s not entirely untrue, I did run into a wall. A wall designed by The Final Boss, The Rock.” The fans boo that name. Cody says, “His associate, Travis Scott…” Fans also boo that name. “And by my WrestleMania 41 opponent, John Cena.” Fans definitely boo there.
Cody says he drove John around for two years, from show to show, city to city, all he was trying to do was sponge off all the knowledge he could. He saw John the many way other people did: John Cena was a hero. So one day, Cody will tell his daughter what really happened. He’ll tall her that a great man who did great things, who was Cody’s model in this sport, who was the very definition of the word “virtuous,” who would run to this ring, wearing a shirt emblazoned on it the phrase, “NEVER GIVE UP,” Cody will tell her that that man GAVE UP! Cody apologizes now for any language the fans might hear, he is maintaining his composure.
But Cody tells Cena that if he doesn’t owe it to Cody, Cena owes it to the fans. We all need to know: “Why?” And if Cody knows his old friend, then surely it will be a very smooth, well-educated, well-crafted retort. A signature amount of phrases, and when he is done, Cena will feel bulletproof, infallible and justified. But there is no justification for John Cena! Cody is well aware that he is talking to the whole world right now. However, for those in this room tonight, he doesn’t know if they know this story, maybe they heard Cody say this in interviews in the past. But this is the one place his father, Dusty Rhodes, was afraid to perform in.
Dusty even one time painted his face like the Road Warriors so he knew he was cool, so that the fans could cheer for him. Cody never shared that same fear, because for reasons unknown at one time, mustache on his face, climbing a ladder for the Money in the Bank briefcase, the fans cheered for him then, they chose him, and they rode with him! The fans cheer that, and Cody says he never forgot that moment. Then WrestleMania 40, just across the street from here, Cody went to #FinishTheStory that started in the 1970s! The fans cheered for Cody as they chose him again! The fans even cheer for Cody now.
Cody says, “Speaking of WrestleMania 40… You can watch it back, you can turn the audio up. My old friend, John Cena, in the ring celebrating with my friends and family. He looked at me, he pointed at the title, and I will never forget what he said. He said, ‘It gets heavier every day.’ Well…” Cody picks the belt back up, and he says here he is holding this title. It is not heavy enough! Here Cody is holding this title, as he done for the last 300+ days! He knows Cena is watching! He knows Cena thinks his successor had to look like him, talk like him, be like him, live like him, but the next one doesn’t look like the last one! And Cena is convinced that he is the last of his kind, but he is not!
Cody is right here, holding this title above his head as if it weighs NOTHING! And at Mania 41, Cody will do the same! Cena, clearly, you want some, so COME GET SOME!! Cody throws everything Cena has said back at him, and he certainly won’t give up! Will The American Nightmare deny Cena his 17th world title reign? Or will The Final Boss have something to say about that?
The Miz talks with Carmelo Hayes backstage.
As before, the A-Lister wants H1M to understand, main event players pitch main event ideas. As such, they’re here with Nick Aldis, and Miz says they both know there is so much more. Elimination Chamber, the world finally saw the John Cena that The Miz has been warning us all about. SmackDown doesn’t need a puff piece from Michael Cole or Joe Tessitore. It needs a hard hitting interview that redefines the main event of WrestleMania! No one will turn a head to the premiere of… Melo Don’t MizTv! Melo says hold on, he didn’t agree to that. But y’know, Melo wouldn’t mind asking Cody something.
“The Final Boss comes to you with the offer of a lifetime, the opportunity of a lifetime to change your life, and you fumble the bag at the one yard line? C’mon, what you thinking, man?” If The Rock gave Melo that offer, he would’ve done what Cena did. But then there’s guys like Randy Orton coming off the couch after four months of sitting at home, playing Fortnite. Fortnite? Orton steps in and says that game is for kids. Orton was playing Eldin Ring. Aldis says good to see you, Orton. But before he says anything, Kevin Owens is not here tonight. But it looks like Orton wants to get back in the ring, so here’s an idea.
How about next week, in Barcelona, Spain, Orton goes 1v1 with Carmelo Hayes? Orton says he loves it! And Melo, you’re on the one yard line. Don’t fumble the bag. Orton storms out, but Miz says hey, main event players do main event things. Melo does like that. But will Melo take down the Apex Predator? Or will there be an RKO that doesn’t miss?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator promised that this Road to WrestleMania will now be paved with nothing but violence and pain. He started tonight going after Damian Priest, will he end the night with taking out #BigJim? Or will #NOYEET translate to no Claymore?
SmackDown returns as Jimmy makes his entrance. The moment Jimmy’s in the ring, he fires hands right on McIntyre! The bell rings, Drew shoves Jimmy away, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! Jimmy CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Jimmy whips, Drew reverses, but Jimmy grabs ropes. Drew runs up but Jimmy TOSSES him out! Jimmy runs to DIVE into a forearm! Drew stops Jimmy there, then storms back into the ring. Drew storms up on Jimmy and CHOPS him in return! Jimmy sputters and falls, but Drew stands him up. Drew whips Jimmy corner to corner, Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him outta the air!
Drew goes outside to then drag Jimmy to the apron. Drew CLUBS Jimmy in the chest, the ring count starts, and fans taunt Drew with “C M PUNK! C M PUNK!” Drew fireman’s carries Jimmy, but Jimmy fights free! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the desk! Jimmy then SUPERKICKS Drew, gets space, and he CROSSBODIES Drew onto and over the desk! Both men fall into the armchairs and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Drew throws hands, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And then mule kicks! Jimmy pops, locks and UPPERCUTS! Drew blocks a kick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew comes back, Jimmy dodges and SAMOAN DROPS! Cover, TWO! Drew is still in this and rolls to a corner. Jimmy grins and starts up, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs in, HIP ATTACK! Jimmy drags Drew to the drop zone, then he goes up top! But Drew rises up to ROCK Jimmy! And CHOP Jimmy! Drew climbs up to bring Jimmy to the very top, but Jimmy fights with body shots!
Jimmy SHOVES Drew down, Drew hobbles, and Jimmy SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO! Drew stays in this but Jimmy stays cool. The fans rally, Jimmy goes back to the corner, and he climbs back up. Jimmy aims for the USO SPLASH but has to roll through! Drew is up, he ducks ‘n’ dodges, CLAYMORE!! Cover, Drew wins!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
Jimmy got Drew last time, but Drew gets even with him in a definitive finish! But as Drew makes his exit, he decides he should go back for more! Only for Priest to CLOBBER him! The fans fire up as Priest gets his payback on Drew! Refs and producers rush out to stop this, but fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” Priest says Drew should’ve killed him! But now Priest will do this on sight! Priest even shoves past producers to SUPERKICK Drew down! Priest HAMMERS away on Drew, and it takes all the producers and refs to drag him away! The Street King is enraged, will he punish the Scottish Warrior?
Shinsuke Nakamura speaks.
“LA Knight, after tonight, you will have no choice but to accept reality. And reality is that the United States Championship has passed you by, and is firmly in my possession. I knew that you stubbornly would would make one final attempt at my championship. Therefore, there is no better location for the death of your dreams than the birthplace of the United States. After the battle is over, I will cotninue to be the champion you never could be. Tonight, you will beg for mercy. And you find none!” The King of Strong Style has spoken, will his word be law? Or will the king be dethroned by the Knight?
Backstage interview with DIY.
Byron is with Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano, and brings up all the turmoil in the tag division, and how they’re set to defend the WWE Tag Team Championships against the Street Profits. Would they say this is their toughest challenge yet? Gargano says the division is on fire, but there is only one Best Tag Team In The World, and everyone knows that the BTTITW is DIY. Ciampa says we heard earlier how all the teams want what DIY has, and they can all fight over who is 2A and who is 2B. But there is only ONE Number One, and you’re looking at them!
As for the Profits, ever since they came back, they’ve got this new attitude! They’re big, bad, dangerous, with revenge on their minds and a dream in their hearts! They hope to win, but hope can be a dangerous thing. The Profits think they have a chance, but next week in Barcelona, the cold reality is, The Profits aren’t getting into the ring with just greatness, they’re getting in there with the best! Their dream is already dead. So out of respect, let’s hold a moment of silence for the Profits and their dreams of becoming the next WWE Tag Team Champions. That moment begins now. Byron speaks and Gargano says be respectful!
DIY make Byron stop, then leave. Will DIY still be this arrogant once they and The Profits actually fight it out in Spain? Or will the Profits’ dreams go up in smoke?
WWE United States Championship: Shinsuke Nakamura VS LA Knight!
We heard from both men tonight, and we’ve seen them go back and forth for months now. And now, this will be the fight that settles the score! Will it be like Rocky Balboa overcoming his dangerous opponents? Or do underdogs get only scraps in the King of Strong Style’s kingdom?
SmackDown returns and Nakamura makes his entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and once more the Knight clashes with the samurai!
The bell rings, Nakamura runs up but Knight dodges! Knight fires hands, then whips, but Nakamura reverses to kitchen sink knee! Nakamura KICKS Knight, Knight goes to ropes, and Nakamura storms up. Knight fires haymakers in return! Knight kicks and whips, Nakamura grabs ropes and bails out! The fans boo but Knight goes out after Nakamura! Nakamura mule kicks first, then he puts Knight on the apron. Nakamura CLUBS Knight, runs and KNEE LIFTS Knight back in! Nakamura shows off by doing a cartwheel KNEE DROP! Nakamura waits on Knight, then runs back in, but he blocks boots first!
Nakamura puts Knight in the ropes, KICKS him and SLIDING GERMANS! The fans rally while Knight writhes. Nakamura runs up in the corner, but Knight BOOTS him again! And FLYING BULLDOGS! Knight then runs to LARIAT Nakamura up and out! The fans fire up as Knight keeps going, and he WRECKS Nakamura with a dropkick! Philly fires up for LA while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Knight goes up onto the barriers, the fans cheer him on, and Knight AX HANDLES Nakamura back down! Knight puts Nakamura back in, goes up a corner, but Nakamura YANKS him back down! Knight hits buckles, but Nakamura puts him back up along the top rope. KNEE LIFT! Knight sputters and flops to the apron while Nakamura paces around. Nakamura slides out the side, storms up on Knight, and he SMACKS Knight off the apron! Knight staggers away, Nakamura kicks him along, and then he KICKS Knight against barriers! Knight staggers away while Nakamura refreshes the ring count.
Nakamura brings Knight up, but Knight blocks the bump off the desk! Knight DRIBBLES Nakamura off the desk now! Then he hits SNAKE EYES! Nakamura sputters, Knight brings him around and whips, only for Nakamura to reverse! Knight hits steel steps hard! Nakamura again refreshes the ring count, then he stomps Knight. Nakamura CHOPS Knight, stalks him some more, and they go back into the ring. Nakamura stalks Knight again, KICKS him, then scuffs him. Nakamura paces while Knight rises, and Nakamura snapmares Knight down for a KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Nakamura CLUBS him down.
Nakamura fires knees into Knight, KICKS him in the leg, then ROCKS him with a forearm. Knight hits back as SmackDown returns to single picture, and the fans rally as the forearms go back and forth! “YEAH! BOO! YEAH! BOO!” Nakamura fires a strike fest, but Knight dodges the right hook to LARIAT! Knight then dodges Nakamura to send him into buckles! JUMPING NECKBREAKER! Scoop and POWERSLAM! The fans fire up and spell it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!!” Knight runs to ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Nakamura stays in this but Knight stays cool. Nakamura goes to a corner, Knight is on him with body shots.
The fans rally as Knight puts Nakamura up top. Knight fires hands, then climbs, but Nakamura fires hands! Knight staggers back, Nakamura adjusts, but Knight runs up to jump up! Nakamura slips under and trips Knight up! Then he puts Knight back up to sit him on his kavorka! Nakamura CLUBS Knight, climbs up, and he rains down ELBOWS! Nakamura then CLAWS Knight’s face, brings him to the very top, and hits a SUPER DUPER BACK SUPLEX!! A rough landing for Knight but Nakamura covers, TWO!! Knight survives but Nakamura fires KNEES into him from the side! Nakamura goes to a corner, takes aim, and Knight rises.
Nakamura runs up, but Knight LARIATS Nakamura inside out! The fans fire up while both men are down! Knight crawls, brings Nakamura up, and torture racks! Nakamura fights free, but Knight RAMS him into a corner! Knight staggers back, runs back in, but Nakamura dodges to ENZIGIRI! Knight staggers and stumbles, Nakamura goes up and climbs! But Knight SPRINGS up after Nakamura! SUPER DUPER SUPLEX! Knight says that’s not all! He goes back to the corner, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” BOX JUMP ELBOW DROP! Knight fires up and the fans are with him! Nakamura stands, B F- NO, Nakamura gets away!
Nakamura bails out and fans boo, but Knight won’t let him get away! Knight hurries after Nakamura, and blocks a chair shot! Knight kicks Nakamura low, but the ref says don’t do it! Knight remembers this is a standard match, so he drops the chair. Only for Nakamura’s SPIN BACK ELBOW to hit! Nakamura puts Knight in, then grabs the chair! The ref tells Nakamura not to do it, but Nakamura doesn’t care! So the ref snatches the chair from Nakamura! The fans fire up for Lil’ Naitch, but Nakamura dodges Knight! Knight stops from running into the ref, and Nakamura winds up! Knight ducks and THE MISTÂ hits the ref!!
Knight rolls Nakamura up, but the ref can’t make the count! Knight would’ve won by now, and then he sees what happened! The ref flops out of the ring, and Nakamura aims! Knight ducks the roundhouse but not the WHEEL KICK! Nakamura aims, SCORPIO RISING?!? A shoutout to Meiko Satomura, and Nakamura goes to the chair! Nakamura picks that chair up, takes aim, and runs in, but Knight BOOTS the chair away! Then B F TÂ onto the chair!!! Cover, but where’s the ref?!? Here comes a spare! Cover and count, KNIGHT WINS!!!
Winner: LA Knight, by pinfall (NEW WWE United States Champion)
YEAH!! The Mega Star survives all the tricks up Nakamura’s proverbial sleeves, and he takes back the championship! But will this truly be the end of it? Can LA Knight move on to new challenges?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown to follow Elimination Chamber, and with some new WrestleMania build starting as well. For one, Drew McIntyre and Damian Priest had good stuff tonight, including McIntyre having a very good match with Jimmy Uso. They’ll have some good brawls, and they should definitely have a No Disqualifications match. They already had standard matches, and if they’re going to have this kind of heat, it should translate to the match. Randy Orton also has a good promo calling out Kevin Owens, and a good promo with Miz & Melo. Melo VS Orton will be very good, and I can see Nothing But Net turning into an RKO already.
Miz wanting a MizTV segment with Cody makes sense, he has the history with John Cena and The Rock at WrestleMania time to warrant his involvement here. Cody had a very good promo tonight, taking a slow burn approach as opposed to coming out hot to start like CM Punk did on Monday. But he’ll certainly have more of the same for next week’s MizTV in Barcelona. Great stuff from Braun’s story with Solo’s Bloodline. Of course Tama Tonga was going to attack to keep Braun from actually beating Solo, and it was a great shift to Braun and Jacob battling again. Only Jacob going through tables was pretty surprising to me, but then Jacob getting up anyway was wild. This surely turns into a Last “Monster” Standing or something like that to settle things.
Very good stuff in the SmackDown Tag Division, such as Aldis doing a very conspiracy board style chart of the teams and their feuds. That was a great Triple Threat, Pretty Deadly were certainly a surprise to win for me, but Kit & Elton have always done solid work so they deserve this. DIY VS Profits will be a very good title match next week, and honestly could go either way with Pretty Deadly as the next challengers. And I like that there was even a branch off in the story as Legado is feeling the pressure. Andrade talking to Berto was a nice touch. A shame Elektra Lopez was released, but I could see Legado being split where Berto sides with Andrade against Santos & Angel in a tag match.
We got really good story intertwining for the SmackDown Women’s Division tonight. Tiffany had a good promo with Chelsea & Piper, and then a very good match with Piper. Tiff of course wins, no sense in owing someone a title match by getting a pin on her. But Charlotte attacking should’ve been expected, that’s what a Heel would do. Charlotte had a good promo with B-Fab to set up Charlotte’s first singles match since her return, and that will be a very similar match as Tiff VS Piper: B-Fab will look good, but she will lose to build Charlotte’s momentum. Zelina had a good promo to taunt Chelsea, and clearly Zelina is facing Chelsea next.
Chelsea VS Mia was another great No DQ style match, with Chelsea’s Cactus Jack cosplay being genius stuff. But there’s some really weird irony behind the “Secret Her-vice” growing only now, after some releases were made. Blair Davenport was reportedly meant for this role, but now it’s Alba Fyre. With Blair and even Isla Dawn among the recently released, I suppose Alba might as well take this spot and grow Chelsea’s group to a trio. I foresee Chelsea, Piper & Alba VS Mia, B-Fab & Zelina in a Six Woman Tag, maybe even throw Charlotte and Tiffany in there for a big 8 Woman Tag that helps build a lot of stories at once.
The biggest moment of the night was Bianca confronting Naomi about the whodunnit. Bianca and Naomi brought such great emotion to that promo, and yeah, Naomi finally confessed and had her “I did it!” moment. Then Jade coming out to beat Naomi up again was good stuff. Hard to say if Naomi tries to get her payback, Jade was only taken out because Naomi ambushed her. This story could really be more about Jade and Bianca trying to work things out. Naomi may have attacked Jade first, but maybe what she was saying had a grain of truth. Did Jade ride Bianca’s coattails? Or is there respect between two of the strongest women in WWE today?
And we got a great main event from the Men’s US Championship. Knight and Nakamura both had very good promos, as expected from both sides, and that match was definitely the best of the feud. It’s just a shame Nakamura brings out Scorpio Rising for a loss. And kudos to Charles Robinson, he took a wicked lariat from Kevin last week, and he takes mist from Nakamura tonight. But Knight winning does make sense for a lot of reasons, both what he said about him winning the US Championship in the birthplace of the USA, and also because story wise, Nakamura needed his comeuppance. At this point, I would expect this building to many contenders, a Triple Threat or more for the title at Mania.
My Score: 8.8/10
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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
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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.
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TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
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