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 SLAM 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 MIST 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 T 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