Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (4/7/25)
Ladies and gentlemen…
A Second City Saint, a Wise Man and a Visionary walk into an arena…
After revealing “The Favor,” CM Punk and Paul Heyman will both be here tonight on Monday Night Raw in Minneapolis, but so will Seth Rollins!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Lyra Valkyria VS Bayley; Lyra wins and retains the title.
- Six Man Tag: El Grande Americano & The Creed Brothers VS The LWO; Americano & The Creeds win.
- WWE World Tag Team Championships: The War Raiders VS The New Day; New Day wins by disqualifications, the War Raiders retain the titles.
- PENTA VS Dominik Mysterio w/ Carlito; Penta wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Adam Pearce is in the ring.
The Raw General Manager welcomes Minneapolis to the show, and he knows we all saw what happened last week revolving around the WWE Women’s World Championship. The situation needs to be address, so please welcome out THE champion, Iyo Sky! The fans cheer as the Evil Genius makes her way out, her title already sitting on the pedestal in the ring. She shakes Pearce’s hand and then takes up a mic. The fans cheer, Iyo bows in thanks, and Pearce now welcomes out Iyo’s opponent, Bianca Belair! The fans are a bit more torn about The EST, but she still makes her way out here to join Iyo and Pearce in the ring.
Bianca points to the WrestleMania sign, but then Pearce welcomes out the wild card, “representing Judgment Day,” Rhea Ripley! Mami makes her way out, and Pearce must be out of sorts if he thinks she’s still part of that group. Rhea and Bianca each have mics now as Pearce welcomes them all here, and says he takes responsibility for last week. He was wrong. Wrong to put Bianca in that position as referee, wrong to assume any of the three could handle this like professionals. The fans boo Pearce there, but he says there is one way to right this wrong: Iyo Sky will defend the WWE Women’s World Championship IN A TRIPLE THREAT!
The fans love that idea! Iyo and Bianca aren’t so happy, but Pearce wants everyone to sign the new contract. Bianca says a couple weeks ago, this would’ve pissed her off because she earned her way to WrestleMania. Win Elimination Chamber? Did that. Be special guest ref? Did that. But she didn’t do all that just so Rhea could just waltz into the match with them! But she doesn’t care anymore, because she is not afraid of Rhea. She went through Elimination Chamber, watched two of her closest friends tear each other apart, and she still won! If she can overcome all that, of course she can overcome a Triple Threat!
The fans rally for Rhea but Bianca says no, Bianca WILL be Women’s World Champion, and she will go through Rhea to get it! Bianca signs her part, and Rhea says, “You really think I’m scared of you?” Bianca tells Rhea to shut up and just sign her part. She whined enough to get here, so here is what she wants! Rhea signs, and then throws the contract back at Bianca! Bianca catches it, but Iyo has them both hold on. Only for Rhea to push her side! Iyo says screw it! She storms out of the ring but Pearce brings her the contract. Iyo says yeah, okay. But then she springboard MISSILE DROPKICKS Rhea AND Bianca!
Iyo smiles as she signs her part of the contract, and then holds up the belt! The fans like that! Will Iyo not be some underdog afterthought champion? Will she have the formula for defeating The Brutality AND EST?
Judgment Day is in the clubhouse.
Carlito is upset that he’s only a 77 on 2K25, but that cracks everyone else up. Finn Balor walks in and says he can’t believe the announcement! A Fatal 4 Way for the Intercontinental Championship: Bron Breakker VS Penta VS Finn VS Dom! That’s incredible! Finn didn’t realize Dom wanted the shot, too. But hey, the more the merrier, right? Liv says that’s what she was thinking when she suggested Pearce put Dom in the match. Because what’s better than one member of The Judgment Day fighting for the title on the Grandest Stage of Them All? Finn says, “Two.” Yes! Now that doubles the odds of them bringing that title back.
Because it doesn’t matter who wins, so long as it’s one of them, right? Of course not! And Finn knows the people are saying Dom doesn’t have what it takes. That Dom isn’t tough enough. That Dom doesn’t have the killer instincts. That he’s just a loser! But tonight, Dom gets to prove them wrong when he beats Penta all by himself, because Finn beloves in him. Finn pats Dom on the shoulder, then heads out, but Dom asks the others what he’s supposed to do. Carlito says don’t worry, he’s got Dom’s back. Oh! And Mall of America! Biggest mall in America! Carlito’s gonna check it out. Will Judgment Day (not) be fine at WrestleMania?
WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Lyra Valkyria VS Bayley!
The Morrigan promised the Role Model to give her a fair shot after making it through Raquel Rodriguez, and since she did that, here’s that match! Will Lyra regret giving #GrandSlamBayley this shot at her gold? Or will she still hold on to the #ShinyShiny?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who brings this belt down the Road to WrestleMania!
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. They feel things out, clinch, and Bayley goes for a leg. Lyra rolls Bayley, ONE, Lyra facelocks but Bayley trips her up! Bayley goes to stack but Lyra moves around. Bayley facelocks, Lyra wrenches out to wristlock, but Bayley headlocks. They fight for control, and Lyra wrangles Bayley to then chinbar. The fans duel as Bayley fights up, but Lyra snapmares. Bayley stands to wrench, Lyra waistlocks but Bayley facelocks. Bayley headlocks, but Lyra powers up and out. Lyra drops down, hurdles, but Bayley avoids the monkey flip! Lyra kips up but Bayley rolls her up, TWO!
The fans cheer as the two stand off. They circle and feel things out again. Lyra waistlocks, Bayley switches, repeat, then Lyra shoves to drop toehold. Lyra headlocks but Bayley slips out and has the arm! LA MAGISTROL, but Lyra rolls through to return the LA MAGIST- NO, Bayley stuffs it to a cover, TWO! Bayley says it was that close. Lyra storms up, kicks, but Bayley blocks to KNEE Lyra! Lyra staggers to the corner, Bayley runs up, SUNSET- NO, Lyra stops that and reels Bayley into her own sunset, TWO! They clinch, Lyra UPPERCUTS, but Bayley forearms! They go back and forth, Lyra kicks and kicks and sweeps the legs!
Lyra basement DROPKICKS, then she NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Bayley stays in this and the fans rally up. Lyra stands Bayley up to then whip her to the corner. Bayley reverses, Lyra goes up and over and cartwheels! Lyra comes back, leg scissor takedown, then Lyra steps through! Lyra holds onto Bayley’s legs to turn her over! Bayley fights but Lyra has the arms, MEXICAN SURFBOARD! Bayley endures, and Lyra swings her around! Lyra drops Bayley, flips her into a ghost pin, TWO! Lyra looms over Bayley, then brings her up again. Lyra UPPERCUTS Bayley to a corner, but Bayley ELBOWS in return.
Bayley storms up, puts Lyra on ropes and grinds forearms into her face. The ref counts, Bayley stops to whip, but Lyra reverses. Bayley ducks ‘n’ dodges, and avoids the leg lariat! Lyra gets stuck, but she manages to dodge Bayley! Bayley tumbles out, Lyra WRECKS her with a dropkick! The fans fire up as Lyra puts Bayley in the ring, then climbs for a CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Bayley stays in this and Lyra is a bit frustrated, but Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Bayley has Lyra down with a HALF CRAB! Lyra powers up, turns over, and BOOTS Bayley away! The fans rally up, Bayley rises, but Lyra fires a forearm! Bayley fires back! Lyra ROCKS Bayley, but Bayley ROCKS Lyra! Lyra fires a flurry, then runs up, but Bayley puts her in the ropes! HOTSHOT! Lyra flops to the floor, Bayley goes out the side! DAREDEVIL DROPKICK through the corner! The fans fire up and Bayley goes back inside. Bayley builds speed and DIVES but Lyra moves! Bayley crashes ‘n’ burns, Lyra builds speed, but Bayley stops the dropkick! BAYLEY2BELLY on the floor!
The fans fire up and a ring count starts! Both women are down at 5 of 10, but Lyra sits up at 7. Both women rise up, and they spring in at 9! The fans fire up as this continues! Bayley crawls over to Lyra, brings her up and fireman’s carries, but Lyra fights around to swing and arm-drag! Lyra then ENZIGIRIS and Bayley staggers! Lyra gut wrenches for a DOCTOR BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Bayley survives and Lyra is frustrated, but she hurries to to fireman’s carry. Bayley fights free, but Lyra KNEES low! Lyra fireman’s carries, but Bayley flails free! Bayley runs to KNEE Lyra down! Cover, TWO!! Lyra survives and Bayley can’t believe it!
The fans rally up as both Bayley and Lyra rise. Bayley has Lyra in a corner and puts her up top. Bayley climbs up, the fans duel, and Lyra resists the suplex! Lyra fires body shots and CLUBS Bayley, to then slip down and bring her off the corner! Bayley fights free, runs back in, SUNSET FLIP BUCKLE BOMB! Lyra flops down, Bayley drags herself to the apron, and the fans rally up again. Lyra grabs at Bayley’s foot to anchor her but Bayley kicks free. Bayley rises up, but Lyra has Bayley in the ropes! Lyra then drags Bayley in, uses the corner, TORNADO DDT! Lyra then rolls through, FISHERMAN SUPLEX! The fans fire up as Lyra covers, TWO!!
Bayley survives and Lyra frowns, but “This is Awesome!” Lyra goes to the corner, climbs to the top, and she watches Bayley rise. TURN OF- NO, Bayley SLAMS Lyra down, turns her over, BOSTON CRAB! Lyra endures while the fans fire up! Lyra claws her way over, reaches out, but Bayley drags her away from the ropes! Bayley sits deep on the hold, but Lyra pries at the legs! Bayley shifts, ROSE- NO, Lyra rolls through, trips Bayley, jackknife bridge! LYRA WINS!!
Winner: Lyra Valkyria, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion)
Bayley is stunned, but Minneapolis gives a standing ovation! Lyra found a way to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, and she shows Bayley respect. Bayley nods and slaps Lyra’s hand away!? But then Bayley knows that’s not right, and she HUGS Lyra! These two are still going on to Friday Night SmackDown to be part of that big Women’s Tag Team gauntlet, could they both be going to Mania together?
Backstage interview with Bert Kreischer.
Cathy Kelley welcomes the actor-comedian, and brings up his new Netflix special. But before Bert can go on about it, Team American Made interrupts! Chad Gable says it’s great to see Bert! He’s a big fan of Bert’s, and surely Bert is a big fan of Gable’s, because it’s the only reason Bert would be here. Gable’s the only real star to come outta Minnesota. Too bad for everyone that Gable isn’t competing tonight. But what he does have is his guys, the Creed Brothers, taking down the LWO in tag team action, as well as seeing the greatest luchador of all time, El Grande Americano! Bert says this is awkward, but he isn’t here for them.
The Alpha Academy steps in and Bert hugs it out with Otis! Then they both rip off their shirts! Gable shouts, “Idiots!” American Made storms off, and Otis tells, “Minneapolis, we’re coming, man~!” Bert is all fired up, but will we still see everything Gable just said? Or will the LWO get some payback on Julius & Brutus?
Backstage interview with AJ Styles.
Jackie Redmond is with the Phenomenal One, and says Logan Paul had quite the audacity to do and say what he did last week. But where is Styles’ head at going into that match? Styles says he’s in a good place. He gets to embarrass Logan Paul on the Grandest Stage of Them All, because you can’t beat experience. But then Karrion Kross interrupts with, “Experience? How did that experience work for you last week? And who exactly got embarrassed? Explain this whole situation to me, please.” Styles asks what Kross wants from him, and Kross says Styles knows what he wants: to help Styles. WWE needs the Styles that can get the job done.
What Styles is that? What is this obsession Kross has with that Styles? Kross says it’s because Styles needs to win at WrestleMania! If Styles loses, they ALL lose! WWE NEEDS Styles! Oh, if that’s what Kross wants, fine! Styles will talk with Pearce, and then next Monday Night Raw, Styles will give Kross a taste. Styles heads out, and Scarlett has Kross stand down. “That worked.” Kross says he agrees. Is Kross pushing Styles’ buttons actually for a good reason?
Six Man Tag: El Grande Americano & The Creed Brothers VS The LWO!
While it’s “hard to imagine,” Chad Gable managed to bridge the gap between the so-called greatest luchador of all time with Team American Made. Will Gable be celebrating here in his hometown, despite “not” competing here tonight? Or will Dragon Lee, Cruz Del Toro & Joaquin Wilde throw them all into the Gulf of America?
The trios sort out, and Brutus starts, but Dragon Lee calls out Americano for what he did last week. Brutus says they don’t have to listen to Dragon, so Cruz starts instead. Brutus TACKLES Cruz, goes for a top mount, then a rear mount. Cruz fights up, Brutus hammerlocks, but Cruz reaches back to FLYING-MARE! Cruz then bypasses, but Brutus CLOBBERS him! The fans boo but Brutus tags Julius. Julius runs up, but Cruz arm-drags him down! Tag to Wilde, they double whip, then DOUBLE ELBOW! Wilde runs, Cruz helps out, HIP TOSS SPLASH COMBO! Cover, TWO! Wilde keeps Julius down, but Julius throws Wilde by his hair!
Wilde reaches up to headscissor and swing! The fans cheer as Wilde RANAS Julius, then runs up, goes up, crucifix takedown! Julius fights off the armbar, Brutus and El Grande storm in and stomp Wilde! Dragon Lee & Cruz get in there, it’s a wild brawl, and the fans fire up! LWO triple whip everyone to corners, then they crisscross! LARIATS! LARIATS! And then DROPKICKS! LWO stands tall while Americano Made regroups. “L! W! O!” then TRIPLE TOPE CONJILO! The fans fire up as LWO stands tall! They put Americano Made in the ring, Lee tags in, and everyone goes up to the top rope! But Americano Made trips them all up! TRIPLE SUPERPLEX!!
The fans fire up as all six men are down in the ring, and Raw goes to break!
Raw returns and Lee fires body shots on Julius. Julius DECKS Lee, then he BLASTS the LWO corner! The fans boo but Julius whips Lee to a corner. Julius runs up, but into a BOOT! Lee DECKS Brutus, then goes up the corner. Julius is up after Lee and fires hands! Julius goes to the very top, but Lee trips him into the Tree of Woe! WOE STOMPS! The fans fire up, Lee and Julius crawl, hot tags to Brutus and Cruz! Cruz springboards to CROSSBODY! Then he LARIATS! He BLASTS Americano! Then he runs to RANA Brutus to a corner! Julius runs up, Cruz dodges, POP-UP RANA! Cruz runs at Brutus, GAMANGIRI!
Cruz brings Brutus in, ANARCHY! Cruz throws off his shirt and then throws it to the fans! Free souvenir! Cruz goes up, up, and SWANTON BOMBS! Then he DIVES onto Julius!! The fans fire up with Cruz, but Americano gets in! Cruz GAMANGIRIS him away, springboards, but Americano ducks under! Americano waistlocks. Cruz switches, repeat, and Americano O’Conner Rolls! TWO, and Cruz BOOTS Americano! Tag to Lee and Lee brings Americano in! Cruz goes up, LWO hits a BLOCKBUSTER- SPANISH FLY!?! Americano turned that around! But now Lee has him all alone. Lee is furious over the disrespect, and he BOOTS Americano!
Lee reels Americano in, hoists him up, SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Julius SHOOTING STARS that apart!! The fans fire up while everyone is down at ringside! “This is Awesome!” and Rey coaches his guys. Wilde uses Cruz as a boost to SUPER TOPE onto Brutus! Cruz LARIATS Julius out, then he has the ref move aside! Cruz goes up, up, TRIANGLE TORNILLO onto Julius!! The fans are thunderous, but wait! Ivy slips a metal panel to Americano! He puts that in his mask! Rey saw that, he tells Americano to get off the corner! Americano HEADBUTTS Rey with the loaded mask!! But Lee trips Americano up! Lee goes up, and says he’s gonna reveal the truth!
But Americano HEADBUTTS Lee!! Lee falls, Americano DIVING HEADBUTTS!! Cover, Americano Made wins!
Winners: El Grande Americano & The Creed Brothers, by pinfall
Rey tries to explain what happened, but he’s so dazed from the loaded headbutt. Will nothing stop El Grande Americano from taking over the WWE?
GUNTHER is here!
Minneapolis boos Der Ring General as he struts out here, wearing the World Heavyweight Championship around his waist, as well as a very politician style suit ‘n’ tie. Gunther stands on the desk, even as fans chant, “We Want Jey!” Gunther steps down, grabs a mic, and then goes into the ring. He holds up the title and has a big smile on his face as the fans boo. But then Jey Uso appears! Gunther is even more amused as Minneapolis now bounces with Main Event Jey, but Jey is not really in the mood to YEET right now. Jey, dressed all in black, glares at Gunther as he makes his way down the steps to ringside.
The fans still YEET and bounce for Jey as he walks up the steel steps into the ring. Gunther grins and lets Jey step inside. The fans still “YEET! YEET! YEET!” but then Jey snatches the mic out of Gunther’s hand! Gunther is rather surprised, but still smiling as Jey seethes behind his sunglasses. Jey takes those off, the fans “YEET!” even harder, and Gunther starts to chuckle. The fans rally with “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” as Jey gathers his thoughts. Jey tells Gunther, “You have a mother. You got a mom. You talk to your mom? What do y’all talk about? Family stuff? She ask you like, ‘How’s the wife? How’s the grandson doing?'”
You walk your dog, cook food, regular family stuff, right? Fans “YEET!” for that. Jey says he’s got a mom, too. Wanna know what they talked about this week? You wanna know what he had to tell her? Her oldest son, laid up in a hospital bed. Her oldest son, 15 stitches across the forehead. Wanna know what she asked Jey? She said, “Why didn’t you protect him, Joshua?” As a grown man, Jey ain’t eve lied to her, and he won’t do that now. He said he was afraid! Afraid of Gunther! Gunther had Jey! Gunther had the drop on Jey, three steps ahead of him, playing chess while Jey’s playing checkers! But that wasn’t enough for Gunther, was it?
Gunther had to get family involved. We all know how Jey feels about his family, especially Jimmy. The fans rally behind Jey while he paces. Gunther violated Jimmy, left him a bloody pulp, while Jey was zip tied to the ropes! Jey watched as Gunther painted Jimmy’s blood all over his body. Jimmy’s blood is on Jey’s hands, too! Jey ain’t never felt so hopeless, helpless, disrespected, pissed off, mad, angry, and damn near scared! Gunther made the whole world stop! He violated Jey’s twin brother in front of him! That made Jey’s heart stop. You know what the crazy thing is, Uce? In Jey’s darkest moment, right here in front of the world, a lightbulb went off. Ain’t that something?
You wanna know what Jey realized? You wanna know what Jey knows now, Uce? Gunther, look at Jey: Jey ain’t afraid no more. The fans fire up for that! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Gunther is a bit rattled himself right now, but Jey tells him no. Before WrestleMania, Gunther needs to hug and kiss his family. Before WrestleMania, Jey will lay his head down and say a prayer. He will pray about Gunther, but more so for himself. Jey will ask the Lord to forgive him for the man he is about to become. Because at WrestleMania, Jey will get Gunther! Jey will get Gunther for Jey, for Jimmy, for the whole damn family, and Jey will take that World Heavyweight Championship!!
The fans are thunderous for Jey as he throws down the mic and truly throws down the gauntlet! Will nothing stop what is coming for Gunther in just 12 days time?
Natalya & Maxxine Dupri talk with Adam Pearce backstage.
The Queen of Harts says, “It’s one thing to team with Maxxine, it’s another to team with her in a gauntlet match.” Pearce understands, but this is WrestleMania season! Go into the deep end! Natty says fine, and Pearce wishes this duo good luck. Rey walks in, and Pearce already knows what he’s going to ask. We all saw what happened out there, so Pearce will let Rey have Gable wherever and whenever he wants. Oh, no, Rey doesn’t want a match with Gable. He wants “the idiot” who has been disrespecting everything Rey stands for! The guy who’s been making a mockery out of everything Rey has worked his entire life for, the art and tradition of lucha libre!
And that means Rey wants El Grande Americano! Rey will expose him for the fraud that he is! Rey will pick the place, though, on where he’ll face that guy. Pearce says yes, out of respect for Rey, he’ll do it. Then it’ll be Rey Mysterio VS El Grande Americano… at WrestleMania! Pearce says then it is official! Muchos gracias. Rey heads out, but is this really a case of two birds with one stone?
WWE World Tag Team Championships: The War Raiders VS The New Day!
This is quite the storied rivalry that Raw reignites tonight. Erik & Ivar have gone to Ragnarök and back with Xavier Woods & Kofi Kingston, but that was a very different New Day back then. Will the Raiders stay golden this close to WrestleMania? Or will Woods & Kofi once again be W, W, E, World, Tag, Team, Champions~?
Raw returns and the War Raiders have made their entrance. The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who is truly the best team in WWE today!
The teams sort out and Ivar starts with Kofi. Kofi dodges Ivar, headlocks, but Iva powers out to fireman’s carry. Kofi slips free, shoves, drops down then hurdles over, but Ivar stops himself. Ivar then CLOBBERS Kofi, and he scares Kofi with just showing haymaker! Kofi bails out, Woods calms him down, and Kofi goes back to the ring. Tag to Woods, and then Woods slowly goes around the outside. Erik tags in, he runs up, but Woods stays back. Kofi slips in, that distracts Erik, and Woods slides in so he can BLINDSIDE Erik! The fans boo but Woods stomps away on Erik! The fans boo more but Woods soaks up the heat.
Erik CHOPS Woods, Woods ROCKS Erik, and Woods rains down fits! Tag to Kofi, he stomps away, then he tags Woods! The stampede has begun, and then Kofi tags back in. Woods goes to send Kofi in, but Erik CLOBBERS them both! The fans fire up as Erik tags Ivar! Ivar scoops Kofi for a SIDEWALK SLAM! Ivar then runs to SPLASH! The fans fire up and Ivar tags Erik. Erik whips Kofi to the corner, Kofi goes up and over, then comes back, but into a scoop and SLAM! Erik tags Ivar, then he scoops Woods! Erik SLAMS Woods, Ivar scoops and SLAMS Kofi! Ivar says “UP!” and Erik scoops hm! Erik SLAMS Ivar onto Kofi!
The fans fire up as Erik brings Woods around to TOSS him! The Raiders have The New Day on the outside, but Woods ELBOWS Erik! And he grabs a chair! But Erik DECKS Woods first! Ivar whips Kofi hard into barriers, then Erik calls to him. The Raiders say “WAR! WAR! WAR!” and Ivar SPLASHES Woods against the barriers! The fans fire up again while the Raiders stand tall and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Woods has Ivar in the corner. The fans chant, “NEW! DAY SUCKS!” Ivar shoves Woods away, Woods comes back, but into a SEATED SENTON! Both men are down, the fans rally, hot tags to Kofi and Erik! Erik CLOBBERS Kofi, CLOBBERS him again, then reels Kofi in for an EXPLODER! The fans fire up, Woods is back, but Erik scoops to GUT BUSTER! Ace Ten Mao! But Kofi runs up, only for Erik to dodge and URENAGE! Tag to Ivar, they catch Woods, THOR’S HAMMER! Then the pop-up for Kofi, and the WAR MACHINE!! Cover, WOODS BREAKS IT! The fans are torn but Erik TOSSES Woods!
Woods has a chair! The ref is busy with Erik but Ivar stops Woods! They tug-o-war, and Ivar takes the chair! He SMACKS Woods down, but the ref saw that!
Winners: The New Day, by disqualification (War Raiders retain the titles)
Ivar explains to the ref what was going on, but the ref already made his decision. The only silver lining is that Champion’s Advantage comes into play. But then Kofi SMACKS Ivar with the chair! Erik fires hands on Kofi, Woods is up to CLUB Erik! They beat Erik down while the fans boo, but Kofi wedges that chair into the corner. The New Day drags Erik up to RAM him into the chair! The fans boo but New Day says THEY are the best, not anyone else! They then TOSS Ivar into the timekeeper’s area! The ref reprimands, but Woods brings out more chairs! Woods slashes the throat, he wants to end the Raiders!
Woods sits that chair up, then drags Erik up and over. Woods puts Erik’s head against the chair, and Kofi climbs up! The ref reprimands, but here come producers and other refs! They stop Woods & Kofi from injuring Erik! The New Day is furious, but will they have their day?
PENTA VS Dominik Mysterio w/ Carlito!
Adam Pearce really raised the ante on WrestleMania 41 as we will be getting an Intercontinental Championship Fatal 4 Way. But will those odds not matter to the Man with Cero Miedo? Or will “Dirty Dom” prove he can actually do things all by himself?
Raw returns Dom has already made his entrance. The bell rings, Dom and Penta circle, and the fans chant, “Dom, You Suck!” The two tie up, Penta puts Dom in the corner, but the ref counts. Penta backs off, he and Dom reset, and Dom flexes. The fans boo but the two tie up. Penta waistlocks, Dom switches, Penta switches, repeat. Penta then CHOPS, but Dom CHOPS! Dom kicks, CLUBS, and he fires off on Penta! The fans boo but Dom stomps Penta as he stands back up. Dom soaks up the heat, then drags Penta up. Dom whips Penta to a corner, then runs in and LARIATS! Dom pushes Penta down but the fans boo Dom more.
Dom tunes up the booing, but Penta fires body shots! Dom knees low, ROCKS Penta, then brings him around to put in the corner. Dom fires body s hots, then RAMS into Penta again and again. The ref backs Dom off, but then Dom goes up the corner in his fuzzy sheepskin boots to soak up the heat. Dom then whips Penta to ropes, but Penta ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! The fans fire up while Dom flounders! Penta scoops to BACKBREAKER! The fans cheer as Penta runs, SLING-DOG! Dom flounders out of the ring and the fans rally for Penta! Penta goes up, up, and SUPER CROSSBODIES! Down go Dom & Carlito, and the fans fire up while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Penta is up top. Dom climbs up after him, but Penta throws hands! Dom backs off, Penta leaps, but into a kick! Dom snap suplexes for Uno Amigo! Then he snap suplexes for Dos Amigos! The fans boo, but Dom still hits THREE AMIGOS! Cover, TWO! Dom drags Penta up, but Penta breaks free! Penta dodges a lariat, but Dom trips him onto the ropes! The fans boo as Dom dials it up, but Penta SUPERKICKS! Dom flounders to a corner, Penta runs in and GAMANGIRIS! Penta sits Dom down, then headstands for the DROPKICK! Penta drags Dom to a cover, TWO! The fans rally while Penta stands again.
Penta brings Dom around, pump handles, but Dom slips fere! Dom SUPERKICKS, but not the strongest! Dom runs, to DESTROYER! And then he DROPKICKS Penta to the ropes! Dom redials, 619! Penta falls back, Dom goes up, FROG SPLASH onto knees! Penta cradles Dom, TWO! The fans fire up while both men are down! Dom drags Penta up, fireman’s carries, but Penta fights free! Penta dodges a lariat, wrenches and WRINGS Dom’s arm! Penta traps one arm, grabs the other, but Dom resists! Penta SLAPS Dom, and shouts, “CERO! MIEDO!” SACRIFICE!! Dom clutches that arm, but Penta pump handles! PENTA DRIVER! Cover, Penta wins!
Winner: Penta, by pinfall
Cero Miedo is undefeated, and he just proved Dom can’t do it on his own! But here comes Carlito! Carlito CLOBBERS Penta, then throws more hands! Penta fires back, but Dom anchors Penta’s legs! Carlito hits the BACKSTABBER! The fans boo as Dom & Carlito mug Penta, but then HERE COMES BRON! The fans bark it up for the Badass Intercontinental Champion! Carlito runs out there to intercept, but Bron SPEARS Carlito! Bron hit Carlito so hard, Bron then flips through to stand back up! Bron goes after Dom, Dom dodges, but a SPEAR hits Dom! Bron is seething, he aims at Penta, and he SPEARS!!
The fans bark even louder as Bron just demolished three men in under a minute! But then Finn gets Bron! EYE OF THE HURRICANE! The fans boo as The Prince takes advantage. Finn tells Penta that this title is HIS, cabron! Finn doesn’t even really pay attention to Dom as he holds up the belt. But Bron is up! Finn runs away before he gets destroyed! Finn doesn’t have to beat everyone, he just has to pick his opening, same as he did tonight. Will that be enough to take this title home to the Judgment Day? Or will Bron show he can defy the odds with brawn alone?
Paul Heyman is here!
“Ladies and gentlemen,” The Wise Man gives his introductions, and he wants to state a couple of things for the record so that we can get it out of the way and move on to WrestleMania. Item Number 1: Heyman will always be loyal to his Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns. The fans are torn, but Heyman continues. Item Number 2: Heyman will always be loyal to his best friend in the world, CM Punk! The fans are again torn, but Heyman says just because he is loyal to both of them does not mean he will ever in his life be disloyal to either of them. “So when it comes to WrestleMania, let’s get one thing perfectly clear!”
Seth Rollins is here! The fans fire up and sing along, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” as Rollins struts out in denim bellbottoms and what appears to be a robe or coat made from recycled denim. Rollins grabs a mic as he revels in the singing from Minneapolis. Rollins smiles at Heyman, then tells Minneapolis, “Welcome to Monday Night Rollins!” The fans cheer, and Rollins says in case you don’t know, he will introduce himself! He is a Visionary, he is a Revolutionary, he IS Seth! FREAKIN’! Rollins! But tonight, it isn’t about him! Tonight is about… Paul… Heyman…! And Heyman’s out here talking about loyalty, which is why Rollins wants to be out here.
Rollins wants to ask Heyman a question that has been on everyone’s minds: Whose side is Heyman on? Who IS Paul Heyman? Who does he wanna be? Is he the very best friend~ to CM Punk? The fans chant for “C M PUNK! C M PUNK!” Or is Heyman the Special Counsel, the Wise Man, to Roman Reigns? “O T C! O T C!” Rollins hears Heyman out here right now, trying to convince all of us, including himself, that he can do both at the same time! And Heyman… It occurred to Rollins over the past week that Heyman is neither. Heyman smirks as Rollins takes off his sunglasses.
Rollins knows Heyman’s spiel: Roman Reigns plucked him from obscurity~! He brought Heyman to the Island of Relevancy~! Roman Reigns doesn’t give a DAMN about Heyman! Roman Reigns uses Heyman! Y’know what Roman likes Heyman for? Shining his shoes, booking his private jets, ordering his steaks, and handing him his ula fala. That is what Roman has Heyman for. Roman Reigns does not respect Heyman. Don’t play dumb! Here’s a history lesson: WrestleMania 40! Roman Reigns loses the WWE Championship in the main event thanks to… Hmm, hmm, hmm… A very well-dressed Visionary.
Roman then does what he does best, and he disappears. Does he take Heyman with him? No! He left Heyman in the “very caring” hands of Solo Sikoa, and the rest of The Bloodline. Did they treat Heyman well? Were they kind to him? No! Every single day, they treated Heyman like he was the scum of the Earth! Every single day, we all waited, we all wondered, “Is Roman Reigns gonna come save Paul Heyman?” Did Roman come to Heyman’s rescue?! No. He left Heyman to be massacred in his hometown, in front of his own children. Jacob & Azalea Heyman had to watch their father be put through a table because Roman Reigns doesn’t care about him!
And y’know who else wasn’t there? Heyman’s best friend in the world~, C… M… Punk. “Best friends love each other, Paul. They’re there for each other. They don’t use each other when it’s convenient. Ten years ago, CM Punk walked out on every single person in this arena, and you included. He walked out on you, too! Did he take you with him, Paul? No! He tried to tear down everything that you were building here! And when he came back, did he come back because you asked him to come back? Did he come back and embrace you, and take you with him on his ride? No!” Punk & Paul sure love to reminisce and romanticize about WarGames.
But let Rollins remind you that CM Punk was not the first choice for Team Roman at WarGames, Rollins was. Stop him when he’s telling lies! Heyman admits, that is true. Rollins declined, but Punk was the last and only choice left. Did he join Team Roman out of the goodness of his heart because he loved Heyman? No, it’s because he used it to get a favor out of Heyman! Heyman tears up a bit as Rollins says Punk is NOT Heyman’s best friend. Punk loves no one but himself. And to be honest, Heyman, and with Minneapolis, Rollins feels bad for Heyman. Heyman is in a very difficult, unenviable position. He is between a rock and a hard place.
The easiest solution for everyone involved would be Heyman removing himself from the situation entirely, letting Rollins, Punk and Roman battle it out for the soul of this industry! But Heyman can’t do that? Or he won’t? He won’t betray his Tribal Chief, he won’t betray his best friend, Rollins understands that. If only there was a solution. If only there was a way they could remove Heyman from the situation… Rollins circles Heyman like a denim shark, and Rollins says, “It’s for your own good.” Rollins will take it as a privilege to remove Heyman from this situation right here, and right now. The fans boo and Heyman glares at Rollins.
Rollins says it’ll be quick and easy. Just a boot to the head, then a stomp, and it’s all over. Nobody’s here to save Heyman. Roman isn’t here. CM Punk… What’s that thing he likes to say? He’s not here to make friends, he’s here to make money. So the question then is… How much is Heyman worth? Is he worth this much? And Rollins slaps Heyman in the arm. Rollins wonders… Is it this much? And now he SLAPS Heyman in the face! C’mon, Paul… Rollins pushes Heyman around, but Heyman shouts, “Don’t put your damn hands on me again!” The fans fire up for Heyman, but Rollins smiles.
Rollins SMOTHERS Heyman into a corner, but here comes Punk! Seems Punk does care, and he slides right in! Rollins and Punk brawl, Punk TACKLES Rollins to the mat and rains down fists! They go out of the ring, the fans fire up, and Punk THROWS Rollins over the desk! The brawl continues against the barriers, into the Hydration Station, and then around the way! Rollins throws Punk, but then Punk throws Rollins into steel steps! Punk pulls those apart, and he drags Rollins over to throw hands! The fans fire up as Punk smothers Rollins with the steel! Punk then lines up a shot, runs in and- NO, Rollins gets away before a stomp!
Punk slides into the ring to pursue, but Rollins STOMPS Punk!! The fans fire up and Heyman is devastated! Heyman checks on Punk, but Rollins takes aim! CURB STMOP just short of Heyman! Heyman is scared silent, and Rollins takes the mic to say, “Now you owe me a favor.” What?! Rollins can’t be serious! But will the Visionary put Heyman in a lose-lose situation in Vegas?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw here, though it feels rather slim without John Cena or even Cody Rhodes showing up. But given they already gave us their hottest promo battle, and a really well done video package, I feel like we’ve gotten all the math we’ll get for that match. In place of Cena and Cody live, we did get that powerful promo from Jey. This fire Jey is bringing, he surely must be winning at WrestleMania. And naturally, the Women’s World Championship Triple Threat is finally official with a speed run version of a contract signing. Iyo standing tall here with just one more episode to go, I wonder if that is the go-home math signaling someone else (Bianca?) wins the title.
A great opening match with Lyra VS Bayley, and I figured Lyra would win. An intriguing detail was Bayley almost disrespecting Lyra, and now they’ll be going to SmackDown as a team. I don’t see them winning the gauntlet, but perhaps there is something to how Liv & Raquel want to be a Two Woman Power Trip. Maybe Bayley & Lyra do win, but Liv & Raquel want an Intercontinental Championship match in return, really upping things for WrestleMania weekend. Also, I don’t see Natalya & Maxxine winning with Natty being so down about having to team with Maxxine for a gauntlet, not just a one-fall match.
Very good promo from Styles and Kross, because in the end, Kross just doesn’t want Logan Paul winning at WrestleMania. Which I agree with, and not even in kayfabe. But Styles VS Kross will be really good stuff, can’t wait to see Styles bring out his aggression. Really fun promo from Gable with Bert Kreischer and Alpha Academy, and a great Six Man Tag of LWO VS Americano Made. That was probably one of LWO’s better showings because Wilde got to do that wild tope and Cruz got to do his own high-flying. But of course there was cheating for Americano Made, and now we’re getting Rey VS Americano. Duh, Rey has to snatch that mask off Gable at some point or this is for naught.
Very good tag title match, but I was a little surprised we got it here. At the same time, New Day winning by disqualification and then beating War Raiders down, surely we get a rematch of this for either the go-home into WrestleMania or even as part of WrestleMania. Two nights and I’ve lost count of how many matches, they might be able to do something with this. Good stuff in building the Men’s Intercontinental Championship Fatal 4. Judgment Day continues to have passive aggressive dysfunction, and then Penta VS Dom was a very good main event match. Good win for Penta, but of course Judgment Day beats Penta down. Bron and Finn getting involved was good stuff, too, there are all sorts of possibilities with that Fatal 4.
And a great closing segment with Rollins confronting Heyman. There has been this notion that perhaps Heyman joins Rollins, and that feeling was kinda coming and going during Rollins’ promo. Rollins and Punk had a good brawl, and Rollins standing tall to then “spare” Heyman was good stuff. Rollins wanting his own favor also feeds that notion, but I personally don’t see it happening because at this point, I’m not sure it’d make sense. Heyman staying with Roman and upsetting Punk makes sense. Heyman joining Punk and leaving Roman also makes sense. Heyman choosing Rollins after being threatened doesn’t make sense.
My Score: 8.8/10
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The Last Time is Now on SmackDown!
LA Knight is in the Last Time is Now Tournament, determined to meet John Cena at Saturday Night’s Main Event, but who is his opponent?! Time to find out, YEAH!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- The Last Time is Now Tournament Opening Round: Jey Uso VS The Miz; Jey wins and advances.
- WWE Untied States Open Challenge: Ilja Dragunov VS Axiom; Ilja wins and retains the title.
- The Last Time is Now Tournament Opening Round: LA Knight VS Zack Ryder; Knight wins and advances.
- Jade Cargill VS B-Fab; Jade wins.
- Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes VS Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman; Cody wins, by disqualifications, and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Rhea Ripley AND Iyo Sky are here!
Albany, New York fires up as Mami & The Genius are both here on SmackDown following the chaos on Raw. Because at Survivor Series, Rhea said it herself: WARGAMES! Rhea & Iyo each get a mic and the fans cheer them both on. Rhea says, “Since I’ve been out with a broken nose, the Kabuki Warriors, they’ve been causing a little bit of chaos. And now that they’ve managed to get their hands on the Tag Team Championships, they think they’re pretty much untouchable.” The fans boo, but then Rhea says throw Nia Jax & Lash Legend into the mix, which the fans boo also… “And now they think they are untouchable again because they have the ‘numbers advantage.'”
But the funny thing about numbers is you just end up with more enemies. Iyo says, “A lot of enemies. But they always catch up to you. And now, there is nowhere to hide! WARGAAAMES~!” The fans cheer as Iyo & Rhea go wild for that. Rhea says, “And y’know what? We’re not going in alone. So I would like to introduce two of our teammates: Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss!” The fans cheer as the former tag team champions make their way out to the ring, Charlotte in a modern art suit with her pyro, and then followed by Alexa in her goth preppy fusion. #Charlexa stands with Rhea & Iyo in the ring, mics also in hand.
The four hug it out and the fans “WOO~!” Alexa says if the Kabukis wanna play dirty, fine. If Nia & Lash wanna jump in, too, great! And they can get all four at once, it is so on! Those four started this fight, these four will end it! The very second Rhea said, “WarGames,” Alexa knew they were in. Right, Charlotte? The fans “WOO~!” and Charlotte says, “Lexi, I can’t do this. I can’t pretend anymore.” What? “Look, Rhea. I don’t like you.” The fans boo and Iyo is shocked. Charlotte says she doesn’t trust Rhea, and she thinks Rhea is a snake. But Rhea doesn’t like or trust Charlotte and probably thinks she’s the snake, and Charlotte doesn’t blame her.
There is too much history here, too much bad blood. Just because they have the same enemies doesn’t change that. Charlotte cannot look past it. Alexa is Charlotte’s friend, she trusts Alexa. So if Alexa wants to do this, that’s fine. But count Charlotte out. What!? The fans boo as The Queen steps away, but Alexa calls after her. Charlotte goes up the ramp, Alexa apologizes to the others and tries to figure out why Charlotte did this. Can Alexa get Charlotte to change her mind before it’s time to go to war?
Jey Uso is in the concourse!
And he asks them to please, please, play his music! UH UH, YEET!! The fans fire up and bounces along as Main Event Jey Uso makes his entrance, ready for The Last Time Is Now! But will it be Albany, New YEET? Or will the Hollywood A-Lister put all that fire from last week to good use?
The Last Time is Now Tournament Opening Round: Jey Uso VS The Miz!
SmackDown returns and the fans continue to YEET, and then they want the encore! But instead, The Miz makes his entrance. The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two circle. They tie up, are in a deadlock, but Miz KNEES low! Miz CLUBS Jey, then talks some trash. The fans rally for Jey but Miz brings Jey around. Jey blocks the buckle bump to fire off haymakers, “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Jey whips, Miz reverses, and Miz hits a kitchen sink KNEE! The fans boo but Miz soaks up the heat. Jey goes to ropes, Miz storms up on him, and Miz fires haymakers of his own! Miz soaks up more heat as he backs p, then he runs in, but Jey turns lariat into backslide! TWO!
The fans fire up as Jey stands, but Miz blocks a kick! Miz spins Jey, the DRAGON WHIP hits! Miz ends up on the apron, but he slides under Jey to sunset flip! TWO, and Miz catches Jey now! Jey fights the Finale with ama r-drag, but Miz avoids the superkick! So Jey LARIATS Miz up and out! The fans fire up and “YEET!” Jey builds speed and DIVDSE! Miz is send into the desk! Albany fires up while Jey snarls and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Miz stalks Jey. The tide has turned and Miz storms up, but Jey ELBOWS him away! Jey goes up, but Miz kicks the legs out! DRAPING CODE BREAKER! Then a DDT! Jey gets spiked! Miz covers, TWO! Jey survives and Miz is stunned! Miz snarls as Jey sits up, and then Miz KICKS! And KICKS! And KICKS! The fans say “YES! YES! YES!” to the It Kicks, and Miz winds up, only for Jey to duck the buzzsaw! POP-UP NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Miz survives and crawls to a corner while Jey shakes his head. The fans rally as Jey goes to the other corner. “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jey runs up, but Miz dodges!
Miz runs up and SHOULDER TAKCKLES! And SHOULDER TACKLES! Miz parodies John Cena with the SPIN-OUT BOMB! The fans fire up as Miz says when his hand goes up, your mouths go shut. “You Can’t See Me!” FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! The fans are torn as Miz now fireman’s carries Jey! But Jey fights free, shoves Miz, SUPERKICK! Then a fireman’s carry in return! Miz slips free, SKULL CRUSHING FINALE!! Cover, TWO!?! Jey survives and everyone is shocked, especially Miz! Jey flounders, stands, and goes to a corner. Albany is thunderous for Jey but Miz storms right up on him.
Miz puts Jey up top, then climbs up after him! Miz full nelsons again! But Jey fires elbows! Then he fireman’s carries Miz! The fans are thunderous as Jey hits a TOP ROPE RACK DROP! Then he gest moving, SPEAR!! Jey doesn’t stop there, he goes up the corner again! USO SPLASH!! Cover, JEY WINS!
Winner: Jey Uso, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
Albany YEETS again as Jey stays alive in the tournament! But who else will join him, Sheamus, and Rusev on the road to Washington, DC?
Ilja Dragunov talks with Nick Aldis.
The Mad Russian Dragon is glad he gets to have another Open Challenge, but then in walks Tommaso Ciampa. The Sicilian Psycho hopes Aldis is explaining to “our so-called fighting champion” how to respect the rules of an Open Challenge. Aldis says the champion has every right to dictate the rules how he sees fit, but Johnny Gargano asks if Ilja has the right to call his best friend a jackass. Candice LeRae asks if Ciampa looks like a jackass! Enough with calling him a jackass! The only jackass here is Ilja denying the one man answering the challenges! Make it make sense! Well, they were just discussing this, so listen very carefully!
When Ilja took on the legacy of the United States Open Challenge, Ilja promised to do things the right way. And the right way mean sto not give opportunities to… jackasses! But to fight warriors who are willing to fight with respect and honor. And there is nothing honorable about Ciampa. So tonight, Ilja will give this opportunity to a man who fights with honor, and someone Ilja respects. Oh no, seriously?! AXIOM steps in! Ciampa accuses Ilja of cowardice, but Axiom thanks Ilja for this opportunity. Aldis wishes them both the best of luck, then moves on, only for Paul Heyman and Bronson Reed to be waiting outside his office.
Heyman smiles, a big contract folder in hand, and he asks Aldis, “How’re you doing? We need to talk to you for a minute.” Aldis says please, step inside. These three go into the office to talk, but what exactly about?
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis calls in extra security for his office. He tells Heyman that before The Vision is escorted from the building, what can he do for them? Heyman says that’s awfully dramatic, Aldis. But this is the WarGames agreement, which allows Heyman to “take any talent that is under WWE contract across all brands. Tha tincludes SmackDown, your brand. My heads-up to you, you’re welcome.” Any talent across all brands? Yes, thank you for coming all the way to Albany to confirm what was already in the paperwork. This could’ve been an email, Heyman. So unless there’s anything else to discuss, he would like to ask them kindly to leave. Because The Vision will NOT be disrupting Aldis’ show.
And security steps in on cue. Heyman says oh goodness, look who it is! Cody Rhodes steps in, and Heyman says, “It’s the golden goose who’s being afforded all this protection.” Cody asks, “Mr. Heyman, what do you wanna talk about?” Heyman wants to talk about Cody getting involved with Vision business on Raw. Cody doesn’t know about this golden goose stuff, but he saw on Raw that they were putting his friends in the fire, which means he was next through the flames, but Heyman already knew that. But this is Friday Night SmackDown, and the business of today… is right here. “And if you’re not here to fight, then you should leave.”
Bronson says he’ll fight. Cody asks Aldis to make the match: Bronson Reed VS Cody Rhodes… TONIGHT! Aldis says that works, but Heyman asks why they’d give this away and not make it a title match? Cody says fine, book it. Aldis gets worried now, but Cody says, “BOOK IT!” Then it is official. Cody VS Bronson for the Undisputed Championship. Heyman smiles and thanks both Mr. Aldis and “Champ” Cody. Did Cody just get goaded into losing the gold? Or will the American Nightmare find a way to slay the Colossal Aussie?
WWE Untied States Open Challenge: Ilja Dragunov VS Axiom!
Speaking of titles, The Czar didn’t appreciate the Sicilian Psycho getting salty all over again, so he again passed on Ciampa to face Axiom. But will Ilja be able to deny the Undeniable Truth? Or will Axiom finally have singles gold on SmackDown?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. They feel things out, Axiom rolls to wrench and wrangle Ilja. Axiom has the armlock but Ilja fights up. Ilja wrenches in return, then cording holds for a HIP TOSS! Cover, ONE, but Ilja holds onto the arm. Axiom kips up, slips around, and spins Ilja to snapmare and headlock. Ilja slips out to armlock in return and the fans cheer the technical exchange. Ilja knuckle locks to straight arm lever and SLAM Axiom! Axiom fights up but Ilja wrenches him again. Ilja whips Axiom to a corner, but Axiom dodges the lariat! Axiom waits on Ilja and he says it was that close. Ilja and Axiom reset, knuckle lock, and Axioim headlocks.
Axiom hits the takeover but Ilja keeps his shoulders up. Ilja CLUBS at Axiom from below, then fights up. Ilja powers up and out, Axiom RAMS him, but Ilja RUNS Axiom over! Cover, ONE, and Ijoa gets moving! Axiom trips Ilja up, but Ilja blocks the hip toss! Ilja slips through but Axiom fights the backslide! The fans rally as the two fight for control, and then they spin around. Ilja ROCKS Axiom with a forearm! Axiom ROCKS Ilja! Ilja BOOTS Axiom down! The fans rally, but Axiom catches the hammer into the ARMBAR! Ilja fights to stack, and he deadlifts Axiom! Axiom lets go, but Ilja ducks the enzigiri to SLAP Axiom down!
The fans rally and Axiom dodges to then DROPKICK back! Ilja staggers, Axiom GAMANGIRIS him up and out! The fans fire up while Ilja sputters, and Axiom takes aim. Axiom runs, GOLDEN- NO! Ilja stops the triangle moonsault as he CLUBS Axiom on the back! Axiom is stuck up top, Ilja CHOPS him! Axiom kicks at Ilja, Ilja CHOPS, and repeat! The fans rally as these two brawl on the apron. Ilja HEADBUTTS Axiom right back into the ring! Then Ilja climbs, aims, and SUPER SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Axiom survives, Ilja is a bit surprised, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Ilja snarls as he rises up, and he paces around Axiom. Axiom slowly sits up, Ilja fires up, but he turns around into a CHOP from Axiom! So Ilja CHOPS Axiom right off his feet! Cover, TWO! Ilja keeps close and brings Axiom up to CHOP again! And again! And then HEADBUTT! And CHOP! HEADBUTT! CHOP! Ilja then reels Axiomi in for a BIG suplex! Cover, TWO! Ilja still keeps axiom down with a facelock. Axiom endures, fights around, and he wrenches out to headlock back. Axiom waistlocks, Ilja bucks the O’Conner, but axiom kips up, into a CHOP! Cover, TWO! Axiom survives again but Ilja stays focused.
Ilja puts Axiom in a corenr, CHOPS him, and Axiom flops against the ropes. Ilja drags Axiom back up, whips corner to corner, and Axiom hits hard! Ilja runs up to KNEE low, then he runs side to side to BOOT WASH Axiom right outta the ring! Ilja roars and the fans cheer. Ilja goes out to BOOT Axiom, then follows him around the way. They go back into the ring, Ilja brings Axiom around, and Ilja waistlocks, only for Axiom to fight the lift. Axiom switches, Ilja fights the lift, and Ilja wrenches out to HEADBUTT! And HEADBUTT! And then Gotch lift POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Axiom is toughing it out bu tIlja is not deterred.
Ilja clamps on with a rear bearhug and he squeezes tight, Axiom endures so Ilja ELBOWS him down! And ELBOWS again and again and again! Ilja just HAMMERS away on Axiom, then clamps back on with another bearhug. Axiom still endures, fights back to his feet, but Ilja GERMAN SUPLEXES! Ilja holds on, drags Axiom back up, and SmackDown returns to single picture. Fans chant for “One More Time!” and Ilja GERMAN SUPLEXES! Ilja still holds on, Albany wants another, so Ilja drags Axiom up. Axiom switches, but Ilja again bucks the O’Conner! Axiom kips up, but he ducks the chop to NORTHERN LIGHTS!
The fans cheer while both men are down! The fans rally as Ilja stands, and he swings, but Axiom CROSS COUNTERS! Ilja falls back, Axiom goes to a corner, but Ilja storms up. Axiom BOOTS Ilja down, hops up the corner, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Ilja survives and Axiom grows frustrated but the fans rally up. Axiom rises, Ilja roars to give him more, so Axiom KICKS! And KICKS! Ilja wants more so Axiom KICKS, KICKS, and KICKS! Ilja blocks to SLAP, ROCK, boxing elbows, and BOOT! Axiom falls and the fans fire up again! Ilja powers up, runs, CONSTANTINE- NO, Axiom catches him to an ARMBAR!
Ilja fights, ends up in a TRIANGLE HOLD, but he works to stack Axiom! Axiom fights that off, but Ilja deadlifts Axiom again! POWERBOMB! Axiom flounders, Ilja snarls, and Ilja aims from the corner. Ilja powers up, the fans rally, H-BOMB FOR- NO, Axiom uses that to spring up and MOONSAULT DDT!!! Cover, TWO!?! No one can believe what they saw, nor that Ilja survived! “This is Awesome!” as Axiom has Ilja in a corner. Axiom ROCKS and CHOPS and hoists Ilja up. Ilja fights back with SLAPS and Axiom staggers. But then Axiom GAMANGIRIS! Axiom goes up after Ilja, but Ilja fires RIDGE HAND CHOPS!
Ilja and Axiom go to the very top, but Axiom hits the SUPER DUPER SPANISH FLY!! And then GOLDEN RATI- NO!! TORPEDO MOSCOW!! AND H-BOMB FOREARM!! Cover, Ilja wins!!
Winner: Ilja Dragunov, by pinfall (still WWE United States Championship)
It was all in a blink of an eye, but Ilja snatches victory from the jaws of defeat! Another instant classic is under Ilja’s belt, and he shows respect to Axiom for giving him this fight. The fans cheer that, but who will be next to challenge The Mad Russian’s reign?
R-Truth meets with Nick Aldis.
Truth knows last week that it was a heavy load, and Truth’s load was lost in the shuffle, but he is imploring to Aldis as employee to boss, please put Truth in the John Cena tournament. Aldis tries to tell Truth again, but Truth says don’t worry, he shined up his (lottery) balls so they’ll look real nice on TV. All he asks is Aldis handles them with care. Aldis again tries to get it through to Truth but Truth says just take his balls. FINE! Aldis takes them, and then Chelsea Green walks in. She asks if she heard John Cena’s name dropped. She did. Then speaking of legends, she has no idea why SHE didn’t get pyro when she won the Women’s US Championship.
But putting a pin in that, when is her championship celebration happening tonight? Aldis goes to say it’s not but she says that’s right, he CANCELLED it! She’d all of it prepared and ready to go! But all will be forgiven if this “injustice system” that is WWE would just give her a celebration next week, with pyro. Yes, he can make that work. Just for right now, hold onto these for him. Aldis hands Chelsea the Truth balls, and Alba says they do look nice. But will The Hot Mess really get everything she demand- er, wants?
SmackDown shares footage from the break.
As Axiom was on his way back up the ramp, Tommaso Ciampa attacked him! The Psycho Killer took out all his anger out on Axiom, only for Frazer to chase him off! Ciampa is only showing everyone Ilja is right about him, but will Ciampa not stop until he gets his opportunity?
Sami Zayn is here!
The fans cheer and sing along with the song as #BigMatchSami heads to the ring. Sami gets a mic and asks, “How we doing tonight, Albany? We good?” The fans cheer, and they chant for “Sami! Sami!” Sami takes a moment before he says, “I gotta tell ya. Since I’ve come to SmackDown, there have been some extremely high highs, and some extremely low lows. As soon as I came over to SmackDown, the first thing I said I would do is I said I would beat Solo Sikoa for the United States Championship.” The fans cheer that, and Sami says he did do that! He got to do amazing things with that title, like wrestle John Cena in his last match on SmackDown!
Sami got to go toe-to-toe with the best talent SmackDown has to offer week in and week out. The fans cheer again, and Sami says that was all great. But he won’t lie, the last four weeks have been extremely challenging. he has had to watch from the sidelines, hurt and not medically cleared, as Solo & MFT run roughshod every single week! The fans boo, and Sami says he’s had to sit and watch, unable to do anything, while MFT attacked Sami’s friends, those Sami liked and respected. And Sami gets it, Aldis told him not to get involved, don’t get hurt, and so Sami did. He sat back week after week. But he is here to tell us that that ends TONIGHT!
The fans cheer and Sami continues by calling out Solo! He knows Solo has a problem with him, and he sure has a problem with Solo, so let’s deal with it face to face! Solo & MFT make their way out here, and Solo has a mic in hand. Solo tells Sami, “You really think you knwio who you are, huh? You think you know, but you don’t. I know the real Sami, I know the real you. Yeah. He’s pathetic, a liar, desperate, and when you’re desperate, you do desperate things, which makes you so damn selfish!” The fans boo, but Solo says Sami only cares about Sami! Sami doesn’t care about the guys in the back, or even the fans here in Albany.
The fans boo, but Solo says for himself, what he cares about is his family. Solo cares about the men standing behind him and their loyalties to him. Unlike Sami! Sami knows nothing about loyalty when it comes to family. In fact, watch who you’re talkinga bout before he gets in there and kicks Sami’s ass! Don’t forget, Sami, you’re still wounded. The fans boo as MFT now flanks the ring, and Solo says this can end very badly for Sami. Solo could drop Sami right here and now, but he won’t. He will wait until Sami is 100% and medically cleared. Then once that happens, understand this: Solo is coming after you!
The fans boo, but Sami says, “Well, the good news for you, Solo, is you’re not gonna have to wait very long. Because as of tonight, I am officially 100% medically cleared! So if you wanna do something about it, go ahead and do something about it right now!” Sami calls Solo’s bluff, so Solo takes off the jacket But then Sami says before that, Solo needs to know this: Sami didn’t come here alone. And just as he says that, Rey Fenix, Shinsuke Nakamura & Motor City Machine Guns all YANK MFT off the apron! The brawl is on and the fans fire up! Solo panics, Sami shrugs, and Solo takes a swing! Sami fires counter punches!
The fans fire up as Sami fires off on Solo in a corner! Sami stomps a mudhole, then he goes to the far corner! The fans fire up, but Talla gets Solo outta the ring! The fans boo but then JC Mateo CLOBBERS Sami! JC, Tama & Loa all mug Sami, but Sami’s friends get them! They TOSS the Guerrillas and even LARIAT Loa up and out! The fans fire up as now Fenix goes up, up, and TORNILLO CROSSBODIES MFT! Fenix regroups with Sami and friends! Will Sami and his team soon cut down Solo’s “Family Tree?”
Cody Rhodes prepares backstage.
Jey Uso says hey and Cody congratulates him on the win in the tournament. Jey says he just heard about Bronson’s title shot at Cody tonight. It might get a little slimy, so Jey’s got his back. Of course! Cody and Jey shake hands on that again, and then Jimmy Uso steps in. #BigJim says hey, Uce. Any time you can get your hands on The Vision sounds like a party to Jimmy, so count him in, too. They shake on that, and Jimmy says he spoke with Punk earlier. Count him in for WarGames, too! The three shake hands, The Usos head out, but will Cody be able to fire the first shot in that war? Or will a Tsunami end the reign of the American Nightmare?
Solo Sikoa argues with Nick Aldis backstage.
Solo demands that with Sami 100% healthy, he wants a match with him tonight! Aldis says first, there’s no more time on the card, that can’t happen. And second, Solo clearly has more enemies than just Sami. So how about this? In two weeks, SmackDown before WarGames, it’ll be MFT VS Sami, Fenix, Nakamura & MCMG in a 5v5 Survivor Series style Elimination Tag! Now if you’ll excuse him. Aldis leaves, and there’s a Wyatt Sick6 glitch on screen. And in fact, Uncle Howdy is lurking in the shadows. Will the Wyatts be watching that 10 Man Tag very, very closely?
The Last Time is Now Tournament Opening Round: LA Knight VS ???
The Mega Star knows what this tournament is all about, and he knows everyone wants to be John Cena’s final opponent, but what he doesn’t know is who will be his first round opponent! We’re all about to learn that in the matter of moments, but will it not matter when this is LA Knight’s game? Or will what you don’t know actually hurt you?
Everyone waits and watches the stage. “WOO! WOO! WOO! YOU KNOW IT!” It’s Matt Car- well, no, he’s ZACK RYDER again!? Long Island Iced Z returns to the WWE, but will he prove he’s #AlwayZReady? The bell rings, the fans cheer and “WOO WOO WOO!” Knight and Ryder circle, Ryder gets the “WOO WOO WOO!” going hotter, and the two tie up. Ryder rolls Knight, TWO! Ryder says it was that close, and Knight says yeah, okay. They go again, tie up, and now Knight wrenches Ryder to YANK, YANK, YANK the arm! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight wrenches, Ryder ducks, but then Knight switches.
Ryder bucks the O’Conner, but Knight avoids the Rough Ryder! Knight returns, but Ryder tosses him out! The fans cheer as Ryder smiles, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Ryder whips corner to corner. Knight hits buckles hard, then drops to his knees. The fans cheer Ryder as he pushes Knight to the corner, then whips him again. Knight reverses and BACKDROPS! The fans fire up while Ryder flounders, then he goes to the apron. Knight storms over, Ryder ROCKS Knight first, and then Ryder goes to supelx! Knight supelxes but Ryder slips free! Knight dodges to JAB, JAB, and JAB! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Then ROLLING ELBOW! Knight clinches to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Knight whips, Ryder hits buckles hard, and Knight hits the JUMP NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!
Ryder survives but Knight nods. Knight brings Ryder up, kicks low, then fires hands. Knight bumps Ryder off buckles, then whips him to ropes. Knight scoops, Ryder slips free, and Ryder ROCKS Knight! And CHOPS! And ROCKS! And then whips, but Knight reverses. Ryder turns backdrop into FACEBUSTER! Big forearm in the corner, and Knight sits down! The fans pump their fists with Ryder, “WOO WOO WOO! YOU KNOW IT!” BROSKI BOOT! Cover, TWO! Knight survives but the fans rally up as Ryder aims from a corner. Ryder hooks Knight’s arms, turns him, but Knight RAMS Ryder into buckles! Dragon sleeper, REVERSE DDT!
The fans fire up while both men are down! Knight then rolls back to his feet and the fans cheer. Knight goes up the corner, and he spells it out, “L! A! KNGIHT! YEAH!” BOX JUMP ELBOW- NO, Ryder moves, runs up, ROUGH RYDER!! Cover, TWO!! Knight survives and the fans are shocked! Ryder is also surprised, but he hurries to watch Knight. “This is Awesome!” and Ryder reels Knight in, Knight wrenches out and kicks, B F- NO! Ryder rolls Knight up, TWO! Knight runs up, but into KNEES! Ryder goes up, up, RADIO SILENCE into a POWERBOMB!! Then Knight hauls Ryder up, B F T!! Cover, KNIGHT WINS!
Winner: LA Knight, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
YEAH! Knight didn’t care who it was gonna be, he fought and won his spot in the second round! Knight, Jey, Sheamus, Rusev, who else will advance in this historic tournament?
Alexa Bliss, Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky talk backstage.
They still can’t get their heads around why Charlotte just walked out on them. Charlotte also isn’t texting back or anything. Rhea knew they had beef, but she thought Charlotte would put it all aside like she did. Tonight just shows they gotta now find two more people for the team. Alexa says she has someone to call, Iyo says Charlotte was their best bet, though. But then Asuka, Kairi, Nia & Lash all attack! The brawl is on, Rhea HEADBUTTS Kairi down, but Lash DECKS Rhea! Then Nia sends Iyo into Lash’s KNEE! Lash then sends Iyo into a road case! And then same for Rhea! Security rushes in, Asuka says okay, okay, they’re good.
Nia says bye, losers~! The Irresistible Four just did a lot of damage. Will they even need a fifth woman to finish off what’s left of Rhea, Iyo and Alexa?
Jade Cargill VS B-Fab!
The Storm finally reigns on the mountaintop of WWE, and she is not playing nice with anyone. Will she strike down someone who was once a friend? Or will B-Fab truly be fab when she gets a win on the champ?
SmackDown returns, B-Fab makes her entrance, Michin staying backstage to let her handle things on her own. The bell rings and Jade dares Fab to try something. They tie up, Fab goes for a leg, but Jade spins her around. CHOKE- NO, Fab slips free and DROPKICKS! And DROPKICKS! Jade is in a corner, Fab runs up, HEEL KICK! Fab fires ELBOW after ELBOW, then fires up! The fans rally, Fab runs up, but Jade blocks the boot! Jade DECKS Fab with a forearm, then drags her right back up. Jade scoops Fab to FALL AWAY SLAM! Jade kips up, fires up, and the fans are with Jade on this one.
Jade waits on Fab, brings her around with the guzel, CHOKE SLAM! Jade tells Fab to stand down, but then she brings Fab up anyway. Jade revels in the cheers, then lifts Fab to POWERBOMB! Jade paces while she tells Fab to stay down, but Fab manages to sit up. Jade says fine, and she brings Fab up again. Fab fights, Jade lifts, POWERBOMB! Jade stands over Fab as she tells her to stay down, but the fans want to see that “One More Time!” Jade drags Fab up, has the chicken wings, and then JADED! Cover, Jade wins!
Winner: Jade Cargill, by pinfall
Jade mockingly checks her imaginary watch, and she says this is who she is! Michin is here now to make sure B-Fab is okay, but then Jade tells them both to get outta here. Mia is upset Jade would be like this just because she’s champion now. Jade tells Mia to know her place, then SHOVES her down! The fans boo but Mia wants after Jade! The ref keeps them apart, Jade steps out, and she smirks as she leaves. Jade says she is #ThatB*tch then, now, and forever, so just keep ’em coming.
Nick Aldis announces the final four first-round entrants.
“Last week on SmackDown, four superstars were selected at random to compete for the most prized career-altering opportunity: To face the Greatest of All Time, John Cena, in his final match at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Tonight, fate will once again decide the superstars that will compete in The Last Time Is Now Tournament. First up, it’s a former first-round draft pick, Carmelo Hayes, taking on The Vision’s own Bronson Reed. And finally, the high-flying luchador, Penta, will go one-on-one with The Prince, Finn Balor. The only thig I have left to say, gentlemen, is good luck.” No Truth, but will the vision be clear as we approach December 13th?
Backstage interview with Carmelo Hayes.
Cathy Kelley is with H1M and brings up him going on record as to how he idolized John Cena growing up and would love this opportunity to go 1v1. What would a win in the opening round mean for him? Melo says first, he has to address this Miz situation. “Mike, you might’ve won the battle, but the war’s just begun. I will see you when I see you. And John Cena… The GOAT, the Last Time Is Now Tournament, you got a long line full of heavy hitters, killers, all wanting to be the one that’s gonna put you down, all wanting to be the one that’s gonna hang your jersey from the rafters. And respectfully, John, I’m one of ’em.
“50% of people might overlook me, 50% of people might think I can get the job done, but 100% of me knows that if I get that shot, I won’t miss.” But then in steps Bronson Reed. He tells Melo that he’s gonna end Cody Rhodes, then he will end John Cena after he ends H1M next week. Bronson heads out, Heyman nods towards Melo, and then The Oracle follows. Will Auszilla be taking it all on the road to the end?
Aleister Black speaks.
“Fear, Damian? That’s so silly that even you don’t believe that. No, no no no. You threw me on top of a table. You tried to throw me through things. And then you took the bottom part of the steel steps, and you tried to crush my head. The only person that fears anything is you. Fear of what we have made you become.” Zelina Vega says, “We said that we would force you to break your code. We said we would corrupt you. And I think we did exactly that.” But enough about him. They have their eyes set on greater things. That brings them to the entire locker room. Namely, those who hold world titles.
Aleister left fear behind the day he stepped foot back into the WWE, and he has become the one thing no one wanted him to become: everyone’s enemy! Does that mean the Dark Father is watching tonight’s main event very, very closely?
Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes VS Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman!
The American Nightmare and The Colossal Aussie are both preparing for WarGames, and while it is Cody, Punk & The Usos at four against Bronson, Bron Breakker & Logan Paul at three, this could still tip the scales back in The Vision’s favor. Will a Tsunami wash away the reign? Or can Cody escape from New York with the gold?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who can carry that weight!
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. They tie up, Bronson shoves Cody to a corner, but Cody dodges! Bronson hits buckles, Cody fires hands, then kicks to RHODES UPPERCUT! Cody runs to ROCK Bronson, but then Bronson responds with a BODY CHECK! And ELBOW DROP! The fans boo but Bronson covers, ONE! Cody shows toughness and goes to the outside, but Bronson runs in around the way! BODY CHECK! The fans boo, Bronson snarls, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Bronson drags Cody up, HEADBUTTS him, then stalks him around the way again. Bronson storms in after Cody, but Cody BODY BLOWS! Cody fires a forearm, but Bronson HEADBUTTS him down! Bronson raises the one but the fans don’t acknowledge their Tribal Thief. Bronson whips and CLOBBERS Cody! Cover, TWO! Bronson drags Cody into a chinlock and leans on the hold, but Cody fights around. Cody reaches out, fights to his feet, and fires body shots. The fans rally as Cody ROCKS Bronson, but Bronson scoops to SLAM Cody! Bronson snarls again, but Cody avoids the elbow drop! Cody rises up, goes to a corner, but Bronson SPLASHES!
Cody sputters against the ropes but Bronson CHOKES him! The ref counts, Bronson steps off at 4, and Cody sputters again. Bronson storms up and ROCKS Cody! Bronson puts Cody in another corner, BODY BLOWS, then whips corner to corner hard! Cody staggers, falls over, and Bronson drags Cody back up. Bronson has a chinbar, and he stretches Cody with the chinlock. Cody endures, fights back up, and SmackDown returns to single picture. The fans rally but Bronson CLUBS Cody, then back suplexes! Cody lands out, ducks a haymaker, and springboards! BEAUTIFUL DISASTER KICK!
The fans fire up and Cody rises, but so does Bronson. Cody JABS, JABS, JABS, then flip, flop, and fly! BIONIC- NO! Fireman’s carry, JAGGED EDGE! Cover, TWO! Cody survives but Bronson goes up! The fans freak out for the TSUNAMI, but it FLOPS as Cody moves! Cody hurries to springboards again, SUPER CODY CUTTER!! Cover, TWO! Cody fires up and the fans are with him! Bronson is outside, Cody runs and DIVES, but into a forearm! Cody stumbles and staggers o the outside, Bronson runs up, but Cody TOSSES him into the timekeeper’s area! The fans fire up again and Cody refreshes the ring count.
Cody clears off the desk! HE even topples the belt pedestal! But BRON BREAKKER FLYING SHOULDER TACKLES!!
Winner: Cody Rhodes, by disqualification (still Undisputed WWE Champion)
Logan Paul is here, too! They mug Cody, SMACK him off the desk, then put him back in the ring! Was this the real plan all along? The fans boo as Bron rains down fists, then Logan gets his turn! Bron rips his shirt away and wants Logan to set Cody up. Logan does as told, but THE USOS hurry out here! Jey & Jimmy said they’d have Cody’s back, so they get in the ring to brawl with Logan and Bron! The fans fire up, but Bron shoves Jimmy! Jimmy SUPERKICKS Bron! Jey joins in, DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Bron falls, Logan runs up, DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Then the ONE D!! That’s one and done for The Maverick!
The fans fire up as now Jimmy decides to GET THE TABLE! The fans are thunderous as Jimmy puts that in for Jey, Jey sets it up, and the fans are all fired up! Logan is put on the table, the Usos go to the corners, but DREW MCINTYRE SHOVES JIMMY! Isn’t he suspended!? Jey runs up, but he gets a GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTT!! The fans boo as Drew saves Logan’s bacon! Aldis storms out here, asks what the hell Drew is doing here, and Heyman claims this is per the WarGames contract! Heyman could recruit anybody under WWE contract, even suspended superstars! Drew sets the table up in a corner, and he drags Jey Uso!
But Jey breaks free to SUPERKICK! The fans cheer as Jey now lines up a shot, but Drew KICKS first! Bron returns to SPEAR Jey through the table!! Jimmy is back to throw hands, but Logan uses ONE LUCKY RIGHT to knock Jimmy out! The fans boo, but now Cody is back! He throws hands on Drew and Logan, but a CLAYMORE takes Cody out! Drew throws off his shirt, he stares down with Bronson, and then Drew puts Cody in the drop zone! Drew step on Cody before the TSUNAMI hits!! The fans are either booing or desperately calling for CM Punk, but it is clear The Vision was thinking ahead.
Drew takes the contract from Heyman and they shake hands on the deal. The numbers are even, but will the odds be in The Vision’s favor now that they have a Scottish Terminator on their side?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, with quite a lot of surprises and big moves as perhaps a response to the sinking ratings and sinking interest. Charlotte not automatically being onboard with the team-up was certainly surprising, but given that 4v3 ambush backstage, that will surely compel Charlotte to join up. She’ll see it’s not about her and Rhea getting along so much as as it is them getting to beat up on their enemies, as we knew going into this. Then I would think they still bring in Stephanie Vaquer and Nikki Bella as the fifth members for each side, to help build the title story on top of everything else, jus as I said on Monday.
Obviously Cody wasn’t going to lose the Undisputed Championship tonight, but that was a great move to bolster the show’s card and give an excuse for all the Men’s WarGames build tonight. Logan & Bron being here to help Bronson was a given, and Heyman using a unique WarGames contract to bring Drew McIntyre onboard was certainly a clever move. As I figured on Monday, Jimmy Uso was a natural addition to Team Cody, or maybe it’s Team Punk. And I would certainly think Roman Reigns will also be a natural addition to this match, but I’m curious as to the fifth man for The Vision. Would Lesnar really want to be in WarGames? Well, granted, he’d be the last person to enter the match and “clear house,” but he’d still have to get in there.
Great stuff with the US Championship, such as Ilja continuing to troll Ciampa. Ilja VS Axiom was awesome, through I swear I heard one drunken idiot slurring the word, “BORING~!” That person is the kind of American fan Gunther (and therefore Zack Sabre Jr.) was talking about, IYKYK. But in the end, I figured we’d get more DIY VS Fraxiom, and maybe after that, Ciampa finally gets his match with Ilja. Great promo from Sami with Solo, and great ambush from Team Sami on MFT to set up their own 5v5. I figured that if they weren’t doing the WarGames, they’d get to do the traditional Survivor Series match, and the go-home SmackDown continues to be a substitute for the kickoff show, but in the best way possible.
Another hilarious promo with Truth and Aldis, and Chelsea joining in so we can hype up a celebration certainly teases someone interrupting. Either Giulia is going to crash the party to demand a US Championship rematch, or they plug NXT Gold Rush by having Thea Hail & Joe Hendry get the better of them ahead of the AAA Mixed Tag Team Championship match. I’m leaning more towards the former, they’ll build the tag match plenty on NXT. And speaking of Truth, a shame he doesn’t get in on the final part of the bracket, but Melo VS Bronson and Penta VS Finn will be great matches. With Bronson busy with The Vision’s story, I would hope Melo wins, and it’d be great if they teased a Boston VS Boston showdown.
Jade of course beat B-Fab tonight but that was pretty good for what was basically a squash match. Michin probably gets a match with Jade next, and likely loses that. Jade’s first title defense could be Survivor Series to basically be a buffer between the WarGames matches but also to just get one on the books. There’s a lot on hold for right now with the WarGames matches having a lot of great contenders involved, but I would think we get some Charlotte VS Jade build on the other side of Survivor Series.
And of course, great matches for the Last Time is Now tournament. Jey VS Miz was a great match, and Miz hitting Cena’s moves was an appreciated reference. But I figured Jey would win, they wanna tease a rematch of the Royal Rumble finalists from earlier this year. Matt Cardona was a great surprise, though him being Zack Ryder was perhaps even more surprising. People have been talking about Knight being punished and that he was being set up to lose, but if commentary is talking about that concept, then you know that is not the case. Great win for Knight, great showing for Cardona/Ryder, and here’s hoping Ryder gets to do more in WWE from here on.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA Live! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 11.13.2025
With a month off, does TNA come back hot or with 87% talking and a show that should’ve been an email?
So last week was the definition of a filler episode with nothing really to speak of except for validating the Dani Luna versus Indi Hartwell match tonight. This is the first real iMPACT! episode since Bound For Glory and…it’s probably opening with Mike Santana talking. TNA needs to stop following the cookie patterns of WWE and you know…start with something interesting after nearly a month off. But let’s listen to talking…
Rascalz vs. The System at #TNATurningPoint!?@TheMooseNation @Myers_Wrestling @TheEddieEdwards @MrsAIPAlisha @DirtyDangoCurty @TheBadReed @ZacharyWentz
WATCH #TNAiMPACT LIVE on TNA+: https://t.co/OPjzyXNgY5 pic.twitter.com/cwwHo3IbwL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) November 14, 2025
Ratings:
- Dani Luna vs Indi Hartwell: Dani wins via DQ – ** 1/2
- Jason Hotch w/Order 4 vs Cedric Alexander: Cedric wins via Lumbar Check – ** 1/4
- TNA Knockouts Championship: Heather by Elegance w/ M & Personal Concierge vs Kelani Jordan (c): Kelani retains via One of a Kind – (-*) – yes that’s Negative 1
- TNA World Championship: Mike Santana (c) vs Ryan Nemeth: No Contest – NXT Attacks
- TNA World Championship: Mike Santana (c) vs Kaz: Kazarian wins via Roll-Up – * – TITLE CHANGE!!!
Results:
Oh look, it does open with Mike and the crowd gives him the “You Deserve It” and it’s a sparse few minutes and Mike starts his promo in Spanish, so that’s a good way to make people ignore the show in three minutes. I understand Spanish, but let’s be honest, the bulk of people who watch are whiter than copy paper, so the whole “Champ is here in Orlando, for Puerto Ricans, and others…blah blah” is not a smart way to open after a month with no real content. So after Santana says nothing in two languages, Ryan Nemeth comes out to Nic’s music because Nic isn’t there. Ryan tries to talk some shit and go for a cheap shot, Santana catches his hand, emasculates him and then tells Ryan he’s going to tell Santino to make a match between the two of them tonight, and he’s going to drop Ryan. So we’ve got a squash match to look forward too and maybe Nic showing up at the end for a beat down.
Kelani is going to have to go through Heather tonight and M tomorrow at Turning Point. So we get another crappy promo from heel Kelani, giving her free title defenses. Yikes…this is bad, I do kinda like the gimmick of Xia translating for Lei since Xia, Lei and Mara crash the interview. But it just makes me angry that one of those three don’t have the belt. Kelani ain’t worth a damn.
After the commercial we get Santino, Ava and Arianna to promote Gold Rush. And then they showed a video package of it, so a complete waste of 4 minutes aside from noting that Arianna got a chant from the crowd. She’s gotten herself over decently to the TNA crowd.
Dani Luna vs Indi Hartwell
It has been 30 minutes and we get the first match…sheesh.
Indi with back to back Double Legs, Dani is getting worked over, Dani tries a Sunset Flip but Indi stops it and drops an elbow. Dani eats Chops, tries to Whip Indi to the corner, Up and Over and Indi takes Dani down and goes back to the chops. Dani finally blocks a Scoop Slam, but Indi blocks the attempted German Suplex so Dani drives her into the corner and finally gets some offense in. A bit of a botchy looking rope straddle where Indi had to lift herself back up to eat the Lariat. Big Power Whip bouncing Indi out of the corner, sliding Lariat for a near fall.
Jaw Jacker by Indi but she misses the Yakuza Kick, gets hung up, Dani tries to turn it into a Powerbomb but a Frankensteiner Counter and a few strikes forces Dani to powder. Indi tries to throw her into the steps, Dani stops herself and turns back into the Spinebuster. Indi to the top as Dani crawls into the ring and eats a Diving Elbow to the back for a near fall. Dani counters Hurts Donut, Shotgun Kick levels Indi. Dani is on the outside looking for a weapon, throws out the Time Keeper, grabs the chair, Indi catches Dani in the Small Package for 2. Indi grabs the chair and lays into Dani.
Indi…has no facial expressions to make sense of this. This is stupid, poorly acted by Indi but the crowd is eating it up like morons. That was the most boring “take out your aggression” I’ve ever seen. Indi cuts some mid ahh promo in the back about an NoDQ match or something at Turning Point and now The System comes out to guess what? If you said TALK, you’d be correct! Assuming this isn’t a rib, the most interesting thing to come from this is Dango announcing he’s retiring after Genesis, but then The Rascalz music hits.
They say they should give the people what they want, and Dezmond Xavier returns to The Rascalz for a 4 on 4 match. They never mentioned Dez by name, but that is the implication. So with JDC retiring and Dez potentially returning, at least that’s interesting.
Jason Hotch w/Order 4 vs Cedric Alexander
Shoulder tackles and a quick Cruiser style start, Hotch powders mid running to pose and act smart so Cedric Dives to wipe out Jason and hits the Flatliner in the middle of the ring for a near fall. Cedric tries to continue and Hotch pulls the tights to send Cedric through the ropes, Skyler takes a cheap shot. Hotch with the Irish Whip, Cedric puts the brakes on, so Hotch hops the ropes and trips up Cedric, but Cedric comes back when Hotch continues, Dropkick to the back of the head, Lumbar Check attempt, but nope, back and forth, Hotch tries the Chaos Theory but Cedric blocks the Suplex, they throw into the corner, Hotch hops the rope, wants the Gamengiri, but Cedric blocks it and backs up, Rolling Neckbreaker from Hotch gets countered into a Lumbar Check! Cedric wins!
Order 4 attempted beat down, but Hardy Boyz make the save, Swanton on Ali is teased but they pull Ali out for foreshadowing.
TNA Knockouts Championship: Heather by Elegance w/ M & Personal Concierge vs Kelani Jordan (c)
Well talk about mental gymnastics to try and make this match make sense, and list this under “who asked for this” – because I’d rather drink bleach in traffic than watch this match.
Color by numbers powder moment, commercial break immediately and I can feel the coma sinking in. Kelani with a bad kick, Heather with a bad Hip Toss right off the commercial…Christ, end this. Lei, Xia and Mara are watching from the back and they look as bored as I do Heather with a clunky Drop Toe Hold into a Hesitation Dropkick for two. Jaw Jacker from Kelani…I wonder how the Patriots and Jets game is going. Hmm, 14-7 for the Pats, closer than expected.
Heather and Lani do a dumb strike exchange since there’s no hatred, heat or fire in this match, Kelani with a Cartwheel move, Facebuster, all near falls, locomotion Cradles into a bad Super Kick. Heather botches a Satellite DDT, this is one of the worst matches I’ve seen all year. Sloppy, slow, clunky and botchy. One of Kind is hit, no one is surprised. This was a waste of 10 minutes.
Great, now we sit through an Elijah concert for prolly about 10-15 minutes since the Ryan vs Santana match isn’t gonna be a real match. I like Elijah, he’s actually a pretty good singer and the gimmick is fine. But this episode has been complete garbage, so more non-wrestling on the wrestling variety show is too much.
Ali comes out to interrupt and challenge Cedric and Hardyz, Elijah wants to pick the fight, but Ali cracks him in the face with the mic and then guitar shot on the injured triceps. Meh.
TNA World Championship: Mike Santana (c) vs Ryan Nemeth
Ryan grabs a mic and yells at the crowd because they won’t cheer for him, and Santana lets happen because Santana isn’t taking the seriously. Ryan even tries to ask the referee to make them cheer. Eventually the bell rings and Ryan attacks immediately, punches into an Irish Whip and Dropkick. Ryan tries the Whip again, but Up and Over, Santana catches the foot, Ryan shakes his head when Santana berates him and drops him, throws him to the other corner, Cannonball! Ryan wants to Spin the Block, but Nic’s Music Hits, he’s carrying the trophy but someone attacks Nic.
Then a bunch of NXT people spill out of the crowd and attack. Charlie Dempsey, Lexis King…and others. I think Robert Stone is directing traffic for NXT. But this…this is what the show was hinging on, an Invasion/Overrun angle? Bad booking is bad, ya know?
TNA World Champuonship: Mike Santana (c) vs Kaz
Kaz’s music hits, he calls his shot, Fade to Black, but Santana Kicks out. Frankie tries the Chicken Wing, Santana slams him into the corner, wants Spin the Block, but the beatdown stops him from being able to execute the move, Roll-Up, and Santana…loses. Frankie Kazarian is the new World Champion.
Overall Score: 3/10
There was something interesting with Dango being on the retirement tour, The Rascalz bringing Dez home and Lei Ying and Xia’s gimmick is endearing. Plus like I said in the rundown, I enjoy Elijah’s musicianship, but I don’t appreciate a Wrestling Show basically no wrestling. Is it variety? Sure, but it’s a wrestling show first. So a show that has 3 squash matches and a 5 minute X Division match that could’ve been much better with time…the wrestling was forgotten tonight. A month off and they lost the plot on the rebound. Ugh…I’ve had diarrhea more enjoyable than this.
The Invasion/Attack is corny but Kaz managing to pull off the Cash In, is…okay I didn’t see it coming, but it doesn’t save the show being awful.
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